Hong Kong: Healthcare scheme put forward

The Government said today it has started taking forward the Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme by conducting market research with Hong Kong medical institutions participating in the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme.

The Department of Health invited those Hong Kong medical institutions to provide for the Government's reference, the information and operational details of medical institutions which are set up, being operated or supervised by them in the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

The targets of the market research are Hong Kong medical institutions which are participants of the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme and familiar with its proper practices and claim procedures.

Moreover, at least one large-scale medical institution should be set up or be operated by the relevant Hong Kong medical institutions in the GBA to provide integrated medical and primary healthcare services or dental outpatient services for the elderly.

Meanwhile, among the persons-in-charge, directors or senior management of that GBA medical institution, there should be at least one Hong Kong registered medical practitioner or registered dentist.

The criteria for selecting medical institutions for the pilot scheme include the location of the GBA medical institution, the availability of proven quality accreditation, relevant experiences in management and operation, its familiarity with the operation of Elderly Health Care Vouchers as well as its ability to provide and handle a certain amount of outpatient healthcare services.

The Government will also invite relevant Mainland authorities to recommend medical institutions suitable for inclusion in the pilot scheme.

The Policy Address put forward the pilot scheme initiative to extend the coverage of the Elderly Health Care Vouchers to suitable medical institutions in the GBA next year.

The preliminary target is to cover about five additional medical institutions as trial service points for providing primary healthcare services at GBA cities where Hong Kong elderly have closer ties with as well as to include individual designated medical institutions providing dental services in places such as Shenzhen.

This story has been published on: 2023-11-15. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
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Lufthansa Systems and Riyadh Air, a new national airline in Saudi Arabia, have signed a contract to implement an integrated operational suite from Lufthansa Systems including the solutions Lido Flight 4D, NetLine/Ops ++, NetLine/Crew and NetLine/HubControl.

The operational suite runs in Lufthansa Systems Global Aviation Cloud with the highest level of reliability. Lido Flight 4Ds advanced technology computes the most efficient routes resulting in substantial savings for the airline while the next-generation operation control system NetLine/Ops ++ helps Riyadh Air to optimise the daily utilisation of their flights.

NetLine/HubControl allows a fully digitised turnaround and an optimised passenger connection management at the hub. Furthermore, Riyadh Air will benefit from the new web-based pairing application in NetLine/Crew.

Peter Bellew, COO at Riyadh Air, said: At Riyadh Air, it is a key goal to achieve our ambitious sustainability goals and the unique capabilities of Lufthansa Systems solutions will help us to maximize fuel and carbon savings using the integrated Lido and NetLine systems. The design can simultaneously drive the most effective and least carbon intense routing with the lowest cost fuel usage. Our aim is to show the wider industry how each member of the Riyadh Air family can digitally track their own carbon footprint while reducing costs. The Lufthansa Systems cloud operations suite will be a key to unlocking digital leadership in aviation sustainability.

He added: As a digitally native airline, we require effective technological solutions that allow us to run an efficient and sustainable business. This agreement with Lufthansa Systems clearly demonstrates our continued progress towards our first flight in 2025 and is a significant building block in our operational readiness.

With Lufthansa Systems the new airline has selected a leading provider of airline IT that combines in-depth aviation know-how with IT expertise in a unique way. Lufthansa Systems has been developing standard-setting solutions for more than 25 years that have been well-proven and are constantly being optimised.

Riyadh Air is in a strong position by starting its operations with state-of-the-art cloud-based airline IT. As a new airline, Riyadh Air does not have to transition from legacy systems and can immediately start with fully digitised solutions.

We are excited to support Riyadh Air during their ambitious growth in the next years. In partnering closely with Riyadh Air, we will continue to optimize our integrated operational suite and additionally strengthen our position in the Middle East, added Thomas Wittmann, CEO at Lufthansa Systems.

Riyadh Air is one of the first clients to acquire an integrated operational suite from Lufthansa Systems running in a cloud environment.  TradeArabia News Service
The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) said Wednesday it revived plans to acquire a controlling stake in Philippine Dealing System Holdings Corp. to unify the countrys equities and fixed-income bourses.

PSE chief finance officer Roel Refran said in a virtual forum the local bourse re-initiated talks with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on the planned acquisition of PDS.

Refran expressed hope the PSE would secure regulatory clearance by early next year.

In terms of timeline, the process is something we have re-initiated with our SEC. The timelines we are looking at clearing, for the purpose of getting regulatory hurdles, hopefully by 2024 as early as we can in the first or second quarter, Refran said.

He said the acquisition of PDS would make PSE a multiple asset class. It is also more aligned with the practices in developed markets, he said.

The PSE expressed interest in acquiring more shares in PDS Holdings as early as 2013 to unify the capital markets. It signed in 2017 a new share purchase agreement for the acquisition of the PDS stake owned the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP), BAP Credit Bureau, certain member banks and other banks.

The planned acquisition did not push through as the SEC thumbed down the PSEs request for exemption from the 20-percent cap in the ownership of a single industry in an exchange.

Meanwhile, Refran said capital raising activities at the stock exchange reached P91.88 billion in the first nine months of 2023, down from a year ago as fewer companies tapped the capital market amid the challenging market conditions.

Only four companies conducted an initial public offering this year, down from eight in 2022.

One big fund-raising activity slated before the end of the year is the P50-billion preferred shares offering of conglomerate San Miguel Corp.
Embark on a journey towards the latest skincare sensation sweeping Asiathe pursuit of mochi-mochi skin, a coveted trend championed by Japanese skincare brand Hada Labo.

Widely recognized for its top-ranking face lotion in Japan, Hada Labo introduces the Premium Whitening Moisturizers, a groundbreaking line promising to amplify the quest for radiant, healthy skin.

The Hada Labo Premium Whitening Moisturizer line comprises two variants: the Premium Whitening Water Cream and the Premium Whitening Water Gel.

Both products boast a potent blend of brightening ingredients, including Niacinamide, Alpha-Arbutin, and Vitamin C, which work synergistically to reawaken dull skin, combat dark spots, and even out skin tone.

The Premium Whitening Water Gel is the ideal choice aims to give a refreshing solution for normal to oily skin with its ultra-lightweight water gel texture glides effortlessly onto the skin, providing instant absorption and a refreshing sensation.

On the other hand, the Premium Whitening Water Cream serves as a silky soft hydrator perfect for all skin types. It envelopes the skin in a silky soft embrace, delivering deep hydration. Its rich, creamy texture is suitable for all skin types, even those prone to dryness.

Jenny Arcellana, Head of Marketing at Cambert (Pilipinas) Inc., distributor of Hada Labo products in the Philippines.

Hada Labo has always been known for delivering well-hydrated mochi-mochi skin, especially with its bestselling face lotions that are innovatively infused with five types of hyaluronic acid, Arcellana started.

This is why were launching the full sizes of Hada Labo Premium Whitening Moisturizers here in the country to help Filipino users achieve that fresh and radiant glow that you can get only with a well-moisturized complexion. These moisturizers work hand-in-hand with our face lotions to boost their benefits and reveal the glowing skin you deserve, she added.

Meanwhile, board-certified dermatologist Beatrice Maxine Chan, RPh, MD, DPDS, emphasizes the importance of moisturizers in achieving skincare goals.

This extra layer of moisture enhances the skins natural barrier function against external elements like pollutants and irritants. It also minimizes the risk of water loss, keeping your skin from suffering any dryness or irritation, which is common over the holiday season when the weather is a bit cooler than usual, Dr. Chan explained.

So, the next time you think about your skincare routine, remember that true skin care involves both hydrating and moisturizing for the best results, she continued.

Dr. Chan also suggested going for multifunctional moisturizers with skin-friendly and brightening active ingredients like niacinamide, alpha-arbutin, and vitamin C.

Niacinamide enhances skin tone and barrier, alpha-arbutin brightens and reduces discoloration, and finally, vitamin C can illuminate dark spots by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for skin discoloration. Having at least one of these ingredients in your routine can help you achieve a healthy-looking complexion over time, reiterated Dr. Chan.

Embrace inner glow and unveil mochi-mochi crystal bright skin with Hada Labo Premium Whitening Moisturizers. These revitalizing moisturizers are now available at Watsons stores nationwide, the Watsons Online Store, and the official Mentholatum stores on Lazada and Shopee.
Gazas main hospital has been forced to bury dozens of dead patients in a mass grave, its director said Tuesday, while thousands of Palestinians were trapped inside by fierce combat.

As Israeli forces were at the gates of the Al-Shifa hospital, the pressure was high on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government to secure the release of hostages being held by Hamas.

The families of those taken by Hamas demanded the government sign a deal tonight for the captives to be freed, as negotiations appeared to progress behind the scenes.

At Al-Shifa, Gazas biggest hospital, doctors said patients and people taking shelter were stranded in horrific conditions in the facility, which Israel says sits atop an underground Hamas command base  a charge denied by the militant group.

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 hospitals 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 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.

Israel 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 Israels relentless assault has killed 11,320 people, also mostly civilians, including thousands of children.

Israels military says 47 of its troops have been killed in Gaza.

Israeli forces were forced to move against Hamas infrastructure in hospitals, military spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a briefing.

After US President Joe Biden on Monday called for Israel to protect the facility, the White House said it agreed with Israels claim that Hamas has buried its operational centre under the Al-Shifa hospital.

Hamas and another Palestinian militant group, 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.

They have stored weapons there and theyre prepared to respond to an Israeli military operation against that facility.

 Completely soaked 

The situation in Gazas other hospitals is also dire, with the UN saying 22 of 36 are not functional due to lack of generator fuel, damage and combat.

The 14 hospitals remaining open have barely enough supplies to sustain critical and life-saving surgeries and provide inpatient care, including intensive care, said the World Health Organization in the Palestinian Territories.

But the humanitarian crisis in the territory also includes the hundreds of thousands of people who have fled south at Israels urging to get away from the most intense fighting.

On Tuesday displaced Palestinians in the south woke up to yet another scourge: rain, soaking their meagre belongings and threatening to bring waterborne diseases to their places of shelter.

We are completely soaked, all of our clothes are soaked, our mattresses, our blankets too, even a dog could not live like this, said Ayman al-Jueidi, who has set himself up in the courtyard of a UN school in Rafah at the southern extremity of the Gaza Strip.

Even escaping the fighting is dangerous and wounded Palestinians told AFP how they were hit by a strike on their way south.

I walked around three to four kilometres (around two miles) while I was bleeding, said Hasan Baker, whose head and left hand were bandaged. There was no possibility for any ambulance to enter the area.

 Hostage talks 

Israeli leaders have so far insisted there will be no ceasefire until hostages are released, but Qatar is mediating talks on a possible deal to free captives.

Abu Obeida, a spokesman for Hamass military wing, said Monday that Israel asked for the release of 100 hostages while the militants want 200 Palestinian children and 75 women freed from 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.

Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed bin Mohammed Al-Ansari told a news conference in Doha that the deteriorating situation in Gaza was hampering efforts to find a deal.

We believe that there is no other chance for both sides other than for this mediation to take place, he said.

But Biden told reporters at the White House he thought an agreement would be agreed.

I believe its going to happen but I dont want to get into detail, he said.

With pressure building on the Israeli government, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was working relentlessly to get the hostages out.

Relatives of the hostages set out Tuesday on a five-day protest march from Tel Aviv to the prime ministers office in Jerusalem to call for the captives release, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said.

The families group later demanded the government approve a deal tonight to bring home all hostages from Gaza.

 West Bank violence 

The Israeli army said it had captured Gazas parliament, the government building, the police headquarters and other government institutions run by Hamas in Gaza City, as its forces deepened their offensive in the Palestinian territory.

The army also showed images of a discarded baby bottle, makeshift toilet and bullet-scarred motorbike as evidence Hamas held hostages in the basement of Al-Rantisi childrens hospital in Gaza City.

AFP was not able to independently confirm the allegation.

The Hamas health ministry described the Israeli video as poor staging with not a single piece of evidence backing the Israeli army claims.

The war in Gaza has also spurred violence on other fronts.

In the occupied West Bank, eight Palestinians were killed in clashes with Israeli troops, seven during an army raid on the northern city of Tulkarem and one near the southern city of Hebron, the Palestinian health ministry said on Tuesday.

At least 180 Palestinians and three Israelis have been killed across the West Bank since October 7, according to officials on both sides.
President Marcos expressed optimism that several agreements will be signed on the sidelines of his participation in the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in San Francisco, California.

In his pre-departure speech Tuesday night before flying to the United States, Mr. Marcos said he would meet with business leaders and conduct roundtable discussions on the sidelines of APEC summit to attract more foreign investments, promote trade and investment opportunities in the Philippines, and present his administrations economic agenda.

Mr. Marcos said he expects the signing of agreements on priority sectors, including energy, improved weather monitoring, and health.

On the sidelines of the APEC Summit, I expect to witness the signing of a number of government-to-government, public-private, and business agreements, which have been under negotiation over the past several months, covering priority sectors, such as nuclear energy; artificial intelligence to support weather forecasting; health sciences, particularly cancer research, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention; pharmaceutical manufacturing; and satellite connectivity, he said.

The President will be joined in the 30th APEC Leaders Meeting on Nov. 15 to 17 by his economic team and a high-profile business delegation, as the country seeks to explore new and expand existing partnerships.

Mr. Marcos said he has been invited to deliver keynote remarks on intentional equity in sustainability during the APEC CEO Summit to share the Philippines experience in ensuring inclusivity on our path to greening the economy.

The APEC CEO Summit is the annual gathering of top chief executives from across the Asia-Pacific region.

There will be several engagements with private sector representatives from the APEC Business Advisory Council to discuss how we can use public-private partnership to fulfill our agenda in innovative and sustainable development, finance, and economic and business reform, Mr. Marcos said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier said Mr. Marcos would persuade his fellow Asia-Pacific leaders to step up the regions food, energy, health and digital partnerships.

Mr. Marcos said this years APEC Summit, with a theme Creating a Sustainable and Resilient Future for All, is aligned with his administrations national and economic interest to transform the Philippines toward a sustainable future that will give Filipinos a stable, comfortable and secure lives.

Our APEC work has been focused to prioritize and secure beneficial trade and investment, quality and green jobs, and human development and poverty alleviation, he said.

We will be engaging with the leaders of economies of the Asia-Pacific region to agree on how we can achieve food and energy security, economic inclusion of our micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), women, indigenous people, and other segments whose economic potential remains to be unlocked through digitalization and innovation, and sustainable development and addressing the climate change crisis, Mr. Marcos added.

The 21 APEC member economies are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the US, and Vietnam.

The Asia-Pacific region hosts 38 percent of the worlds population, 48 percent of its trade, and 62 percent of its gross domestic product.

Eighty-five percent of the Philippines trade and top investors are from the Asia-Pacific.

With the region serving as the second home of overseas Filipino workers. Marcos expressed excitement over meeting the Filipino communities in San Francisco and Los Angeles in California and in Honolulu, Hawaii.

I look forward to meeting our Filipino communities in all three cities. California and Hawaii have the largest concentrations of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans, home to almost half of the 4.2 million Filipinos in the United States, who serve as the bedrock of our bilateral relations, Mr. Marcos said.

While Mr. Marcos is in the US, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte will serve as government caretaker, Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a separate statement.
President Ferdinand Marcos arrived at the San Francisco International Airport in California at 5:06 p.m. (9:06 a.m. Manila) with First Lady Atty. Louise Araneta-Marcos and the Philippine delegation for the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders Meeting and related activities.

Upon his arrival at San Francisco International Airport, President Marcos received a warm welcome from city government officials. This visit marks his third trip to the United States since taking office on June 30, 2022.

Before the APEC Summit began, President Marcos met with the Filipino community at the San Francisco Conference Center. During the event, he presented the governments initiatives and programs aimed at improving the lives and ensuring the welfare of Filipinos, including those working abroad.

In his statement ahead of the APEC Summit, President Marcos emphasized the governments focus on securing beneficial trade and investment opportunities, creating quality and green jobs, promoting human development, and reducing poverty.

He also stressed the importance of engaging with economic leaders of the Asia-Pacific region to explore strategies for achieving food and energy security, fostering economic inclusion of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and ensuring the welfare of women, indigenous people, and other marginalized sectors.

Furthermore, President Marcos highlighted the need to prioritize sustainable development and address climate change. He expressed his commitment to promoting digitalization and innovation to unlock the full potential of these sectors.

As part of the governments efforts to strengthen bilateral relationships, President Marcos will also hold meetings with business leaders and world leaders during his stay in San Francisco. He emphasized the importance of the APEC Summit in positioning the Philippines as an attractive investment destination and forging closer ties with its regional partners.

The Philippines is a founding member of APEC since 1989.

The APEC region is a major economic force, representing 38% of the worlds population, 48% of its trade, and 62% of its GDP. About 85% of the Philippines trade and its main investors come from the APEC region. Additionally, the United States is the second-largest employer of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
THE House of Representatives has started deliberations on a bill proposing the establishment of the Migrant Worker Relations Commission (MWRC), a quasi-judicial body that will have jurisdiction over all claims and disputes involving Filipino migrant workers.

During the hearing of the joint House committees on government reorganization, Rep. Ron Salo of the Kabayan party-list group appealed to his fellow legislators to support House Bill No. 8805 or the Migrant Worker Relations Commission Bill which he authored.

The proposed MWRC is envisioned to be attached to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

The establishment of a dedicated quasi-judicial body exclusively for OFWs to ensure a more focused and streamlined approach to address their specific needs was initially proposed in the original draft creating the DMW in the House of Representatives, said Salo, chairman of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs.

This is consistent with the national policy of having one department, including the attached agencies, catering to the concerns of our migrant workers, he added.

At present, Salo said the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), a quasi-judicial agency attached to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), resolves claims and disputes involving OFWs.

Considering that the NLRC handles more than 30,000 cases annually, the cases of OFWs are subjected to potential delays and backlogs, Salo said.

He cited the need for Congress to enact the measure.

This bill is unique and remarkable as it is one of the rare times that both employers and employees, represented by their union, are united in supporting and passing the measure.

I urge my colleagues in Congress to recognize the importance of this measure and support its passage.

The passage of the MWRC stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our modern-day heroes, Salo stressed.

The hearing was attended by representatives from different unions of migrant workers, associations of manning and recruitment agencies who expressed their full support for the passage of the measure, namely the Association of Marine Officers and Seamens Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP), Joint Manning Group (JMG), Association of Licensed Manning Agencies (ALMA), Philippine Association of Service Exporters Inc. (PASEI), Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand Association of Employment Providers of the Philippines (EC-ANZAEPP), and Philippine Employment Agencies and Associates for Corporate Employers in the Middle East (PEACEME).

Representatives from government agencies such as the DMW, the NLRC, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, (OWWA) attended the hearing to deliver their comments.

AMOSUP, the countrys largest seafarer union, has expressed its full support for the proposed measure.
Cabinet secretaries, ambassadors, and top business leaders are expected to attend the Pilipinas Conference 2023, an annual event organized by the think tank Stratbase ADR Institute.

Stratbase president Dindo Manhit said the meeting aims to spark ideas and generate discussions on the pressing issues in Philippine society.

In its eighth year, Pilipinas Conference 2023 strives to continue the push towards multi-sectoral collaboration and effective policies to address the most urgent social, political, and economic challenges that shape the Philippines and the Indo-Pacific, Manhit said in a statement.

The convention will be composed of three panels.

The first panel will discuss the economic outlook and strategies for 2024.

Expected to join the group are Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, and Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.

We gathered the countrys top economic managers to present their outlook on the Philippine economic landscape. Strategies to strengthen the countrys ties with its most beneficial trading and investment partners, improve its manufacturing sector, promote more investment-led growth, and solidify its role in the global supply chain will also be explored, Manhit said.

Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and Undersecretary Carlos Primo David are also expected to attend the conference.

The environment panel will discuss the pivotal role of harnessing the Philippines abundant natural resources in addressing not only traditional economic concerns but also non-traditional security risks stemming from climate change. By strategically tapping into these resources, the Philippines can bolster its resilience in the face of climate-related challenges, facilitate a seamless transition towards renewable energy sources, and empower local communities to build climate resilience, all while laying the foundation for enduring economic prosperity, Manhit explained.

The second panel will look into the strategic cooperation and robust economic architecture in the Philippines and in the Indo-Pacific.

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu, British Ambassador Laure Beaufils, Delegation of the European Union Ambassador Luc Veron, Canadian Ambassador David Hartman, and United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, who will be represented by the US Deputy Chief of Mission in the Philippines, will join this panel, Manhit said.

Members of the diplomatic community in the Philippines will discuss how the geopolitical shifts in the region have pushed like-minded states to shift their foreign and security policy to the Indo-Pacific.

States have also deployed strategic cooperation against aggressive actions of antagonistic and coercive states that seek to undermine the security and economic landscape of the Indo-Pacific, he added.

The third panel will feature corporate leaders who will discuss the contributions of the private sector in the countrys economic development.

Among those expected to attend the the session are Ayala Corporation chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Corporation president and CEO Cezar Consing, International Container Terminal Services, Incorporateds executive vice president and global corporate head Christian Gonzalez, Acciona S.A regional director of infrastructure in Southeast Asia Ruben Camba, Insular Life executive chairperson Nina Aguas, and Microsoft Philippines chief executive officer Peter Maquera.

This corporate leaders dialogue will feature the countrys top business leaders to share how their organizations contribute to national prosperity through job creation and higher productivity. This panel forms part of the Institutes quarterly business roundtable discussions, Manhit said.

The conference will be streamed live via Zoom and on Stratbases Facebook page on Nov. 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Southeast Asian defense ministers gathered in Indonesia Wednesday for two days of talks that will include meetings with regional counterparts and the Pentagon chief, as tensions mount in the Asia-Pacific and conflicts rage in the Middle East and Ukraine.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will meet with defense chiefs of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Wednesday before wider talks a day later over a region where Washington and Beijing are battling for influence.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro is also at the meeting.

Thursdays expanded talks will include representatives from the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and Russia.

The meetings in Jakarta are expected to be dominated by issues ranging from the Myanmar crisis to the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza to Beijings growing aggression in the South China Sea.

Muslim-majority Indonesias president Joko Widodo this week called on US President Joe Biden to do more to end atrocities in Gaza and help bring about a ceasefire.

His defense minister Prabowo Subianto opened talks on Wednesday echoing that call, saying he was deeply saddened by events in the Palestinian enclave where Israel has launched a relentless assault to destroy Hamas in response to its attacks on Israel on Oct. 7 that killed 1,200, mostly civilians.

Subianto also said current ASEAN chair Jakarta is seeking a resolution to the Myanmar crisis, which has rolled on as the blocs diplomatic efforts have faltered.

Indonesia encourages other ASEAN member states to support Myanmar to find a peaceful and durable solution to the current situation, he told delegates.

The juntas leaders have been banned from the blocs high-level meetings since failing to implement an agreed five-point peace plan following a 2021 coup.

The Jakarta talks come ahead of an eagerly awaited meeting between Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in San Francisco on Wednesday, the first encounter in a year between the leaders of the worlds two largest economies.

Trade tensions, sanctions, the question of Taiwan, and Beijings claims in the South China Sea have fueled quarrels between the rival superpowers.

The Pentagon has not confirmed if Austin will meet with Beijings representative at the Jakarta talks.

Chinas moves in the disputed waterway have angered several ASEAN members, including the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

In September, the Southeast Asian bloc held its first-ever joint exercises in Indonesia as it battles perceptions of regional irrelevance.

In the Philippines, major weapons systems such as the newly-acquired Israeli-made Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer System (ATMOS) 155mm self-propelled guns and modern attack aircraft and helicopters participated in a live-fire exercise in Burgos, Ilocos Norte as part of the ongoing Dagat-Langit-Lupa (sea, air and land) joint exercise.

Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., the chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), witnessed the event that featured the Armys newly acquired artillery working in tandem with the Philippine Air Forces AgustaWestland AW109 and A-29B Super Tucano aircraft.

The exercises demonstrate the capability of the AFP major services to conduct joint territorial defense operations and highlight the seamless integration of different military units and platforms.

More than 1,500 active and reserve personnel from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Special Operations Command and Cyber Group are taking part in this years iteration of the joint exercises.

As six newly-promoted senior officers of the AFP formally donned their next higher ranks on Tuesday, Brawner urged these officials to continue leading by example.

Leadership requires courage, conviction, and a deep sense of duty. Lead by example and instill these values in those you lead and inspire them to be the best version of themselves, he said during the donning ceremonies held in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

The newly-promoted officials are Lt. Gen. Steve Crespillo, inspector general AFP; Maj. Gen. Arvin Lagamon, AFP deputy chief-of-staff for civil-military operations; Commodore Peter Jempsun de Guzman, AFP assistant deputy chief-of-staff for operations; Brig. Gen. Benedict Balaba, deputy chief of the Intelligence Service of the AFP; Brig. Gen. Ramon Flores, commandant of cadets of the Philippine Military Academy; and Brig. Gen. Ivan Papera, chief of the AFP Systems Engineering Office.

Brawner urged these officials to continue to demonstrate the AFP core values of honor, integrity, and service in performing their roles as military leaders. With Vince Lopez
President Marcos and his economic team will highlight the countrys strong economy during a briefing for potential investors in San Francisco, California on Nov. 15 (Nov. 16 in Manila), ahead of the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Summit.

While in San Francisco, President Marcos is also expected to witness the signing of a so-called 123 Agreement that will pave the way for the Philippines to obtain nuclear material, technology, and equipment from the United States.

The Philippine Economic Briefing (BEF) in San Francisco will be the administrations fourth in the United States, following successful runs in Europe, Singapore, Japan, Canada, and the Middle East.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman will present the governments priority expenditures for next year in line with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, as well as key budget reforms.

Pangandaman will join Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr., and National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan in a panel discussion titled The Philippine Economic Development: Charting the Course to the Future, to be moderated by DBM Undersecretary Margaux V. Salcedo and Michael Paulus, managing director in Asia of Citigroup.

There will also be moderated panel discussions on the Transformation of the Philippine Landscape through the Build-Better-More Program and Advancing the Future with Industry, Technology, and Innovation.

The economic team will also engage in small group meetings with various banks, financial institutions, and other prospective investors from the US.

The PEB is co-organized by the BSP, DOF, Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in San Francisco, Bank of America, Citi, DBS/ICCP, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Standard Chartered Bank, UBS, and other partners.

Nuclear deal

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez on Wednesday confirmed that the Philippines will sign a 123 Agreement on nuclear-related investments with the United States this week.

The number refers to Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act, which requires the conclusion of a peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement for significant transfers of nuclear material or equipment from the United States. 123 Agreements also facilitate cooperation in other areas, such as technical exchanges, scientific research, and safeguards discussions.

The President has said that together with the United States and other partners, especially the private sector, the Philippines will build the necessary infrastructure to help power a growing economy, as it transitions to clean and renewable energy.

In his first State of the Nation Address, he emphasized that his plan includes adopting nuclear energy as part of the countrys power mix.

Vital contributions

President Marcos on Wednesday (Manila time) praised the Filipino community in the United States for their achievements, hard work, dedication, and vital contributions to both the Philippines and the US amid global challenges.

Speaking to Filipinos in San Francisco before the APEC summit began, President Marcos highlighted the role of Filipino nurses, doctors, first responders, and essential workers who have made a positive impact during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, what happened during COVID-19, Americans experienced first-hand the Filipino way of caring and acting on the needs of others, he said.

One in every five nurses here in the West Coast are trained in the Philippines. Our Filipino nurses, our doctors, our first responders, essential workers have all demonstrated the timeless Filipino virtues of malasakit, pakikipagkapwa, and bayanihan (compassion, solidarity, and community spirit), he added.

The President also acknowledged the contributions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the US, who sent a record of $14.89 billion in cash remittances back to the Philippines in 2022. He cited the importance of these remittances in supporting the Philippine economy and improving the lives of countless Filipino families.

We are all grateful for your selfless service to humanity, and we look up to you as role models for future generations of Filipinos and Filipino Americans, Mr. Marcos said.

There are over 4 million Filipinos and Filipino Americans in the US, with 1.3 million residing in the 10 states under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco. Of this number, about 700,000 Filipinos live and work in the Bay Area.

Stronger ties

In his speech, the President also highlighted his administrations commitment to strengthening ties between the Philippines and the US.

Investments from the United States have seen an upward trend, of $6.2 billion in 2022, or a 15.7-percent increase from 2021. In addition, California is an important trade and investment partner of

the Philippines. Our country is also important to the state as it has been the most popular destination for greenfield investment from our country, President Marcos said.

He noted that the US is a crucial partner in the countrys development efforts, and he expressed his hope that the two nations will continue to work together to promote peace, prosperity, and security in the region.

The President arrived at the San Francisco International Airport in California at 5:06 p.m. (9:06 a.m. Manila) with First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and the Philippine delegation for the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders Meeting and related activities.

This visit marks his third trip to the United States since taking office on June 30, 2022.

Government priorities

In his statement ahead of the APEC Summit, President Marcos emphasized the governments focus on securing beneficial trade and investment opportunities, creating quality and green jobs, promoting human development, and reducing poverty.

He also emphasized the importance of engaging with economic leaders of the Asia-Pacific region to explore strategies for achieving food and energy security, fostering economic inclusion of micro, small and medium enterprises, and ensuring the welfare of women, indigenous people, and other marginalized sectors.

President Marcos also highlighted the need to prioritize sustainable development and address climate change. He expressed his commitment to promoting digitalization and innovation to unlock the full potential of these sectors.

The Philippines is a founding member of APEC.

The APEC region is a major economic force, representing 38 percent of the worlds population, 48 percent of its trade, and 62 percent of its gross national product. About 85 percent of the Philippines trade and its main investors come from the APEC region. Additionally, the United States is the second-largest employer of overseas Filipino workers.

President Marcos was invited by the APEC CEO Summit to deliver keynote remarks on intentional equity in sustainability and share the Philippine experience in ensuring inclusiveness on the path towards a greener economy.

The President will also be meeting with private sector representatives from the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) to discuss how the Philippines can use public-private partnerships in fulfilling innovative and sustainable development agenda, finance, and economic and business reform.

The Presidents visit to the US will conclude with his visit to the Filipino community in Los Angeles, California, and Honolulu, Hawaii, where there is the largest concentration of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans, and home to almost half of the 4.2 million Filipinos in the US.

The Palace said Vice President Sara Duterte will serve as the governments caretaker while President Marcos is away.
A refreshing new cola has finally arrived in the Philippines and its sure to tantalize the taste buds of the Filipinos with its rich and unique flavorthe Royal Crown Cola.

Established in 1905 by Claud A. Hatcher, ARC Refreshments Corporation introduced the classic American beverage to the Philippine market, offering a premium taste and a rich flavor of cola.

Today, I am very excited to share with you, [that] the Royal Crown Cola is finally here in the Philippines thanks to the effort of ARC. As you grab your first can and take your first sip, you will embark on a sensory journey that goes beyond the ordinary. A journey marks our rich flavor and a premium taste that will help you enjoy simple joys in life, shared Francis Lamprea, Managing Director of RC Cola International.

Lets enjoy the delightful journey and cheers to the exceptional taste of Royal Crown Cola, he continued.

Royal Crown Cola comes in two variantsthe Classic and No Sugar flavors. The Classic variant features subtle hints of chocolate, coffee, and cream, offering a rich and distinct flavor. On the other hand, the No Sugar flavor is a lighter version of the same classic flavor, with zero calories.

With its refreshing and delightful flavor, Royal Crown Cola is guaranteed to uplift your day.

Royal Crown Cola is now available at Php 28 per can at Alabang Supermarket, Centro Asia (Petron/Shell), Gaisano Grand Mall, 711 branches, Robinsons Supermarket, The Marketplace, Shopwise, Easymart, UniMart, AllDay Mart, and Gaisano Mall Chains.

Get to know more about the true taste of premium cola today by visiting Royal Crown on Instagram and Facebook for more information.
QC govt, Novo Nordisk, Danish Embassy, other health partners join forces in strengthening diabetes education and knowing the risk for patients

Its that time of the year again as we commemorate World Diabetes Day this November 14. This years theme slogan is Know your Risk, Know your Response.

In support of this critical day for diabetes and to shed light on diabetes care in the country, Novo Nordisk Philippines, in collaboration with the local government of Quezon City, the Royal Danish Embassy Manila, South Star Drug, and key medical organizations, spearheads the Global Diabetes Walk in the Philippines.

Themed Walk for Change, the event emphasizes the importance of taking steps to prevent diabetes.

The Global Diabetes Walk is a worldwide initiative dedicated to raising diabetes awareness and promoting healthy lifestyles, presenting an opportunity for people worldwide to unite to support those affected by diabetes and advocate for measures to prevent and manage this disease. Communities worldwide will join walks to demonstrate solidarity with those living with diabetes.

In line with WDDs theme on diabetes education, this initiativeoffers an opportunity to enhance ones knowledge of diabetes, connect with others in the community, and show support for those affected by the condition. By taking part in these walks, individuals can contribute to the global effort to combat this growing public health issue.

Diabetes has long been a significant health concern in the Philippines. Novo Nordisk urges diabetes patients, families, caregivers, and stakeholders to understand the importance of these factors in tackling the disease.

The collaboration between the Royal Danish Embassy and Novo Nordisk Philippines is a testament to the power of shared knowledge and best practices. Our joint commitment to knowing  knowing your risk, knowing your response  serves as the foundation for our efforts to bring the best of Danish healthcare support to the Filipino people. We stand united in our mission to enhance diabetes care and promote a healthier future for all, said Ambassador Franz-Michael Dan-Dan Mellbin.

Novo Nordisk Philippines, together with its partners, emphasizes the significance of recognizing the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Understanding this risk can play a pivotal role in delaying or preventing the condition and addressing the consequences of diabetes-related complications.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1 in 10 adults worldwide has diabetes, with over 90% affected by Type 2 diabetes, and nearly half of these cases remain undiagnosed.

Our dedicated Quezon City Health Department is the frontline for public health, taking concrete steps not only in diabetes prevention but also in detection, screening, and treatment. With 66 health centers providing free medicines for indigent citizens dealing with high blood pressure, hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol, we ensure that no one is left behind in their healthcare journey, Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

For individuals living with diabetes, access to accurate information, the right medicines, and self-care tools is critical to delaying or preventing complications. Healthcare professionals also play a crucial role, requiring access to adequate training and resources to detect complications early and provide optimal care.

South Star Drug recognizes the pivotal role that pharmacies play in our communities. We are more than just places to pick up prescriptions; we are crucial points of care, dedicated to enhancing public health, and offering screening and prevention services for diabetes. As consumers trusted partners we ensure they know their risk, understand their response, and take proactive steps toward a healthier future, Mariel Crisostomo, General Manager, said.

Apart from pharmaceutical care, medical organizations also play a role in paving the way for a future where people living with diabetes have a better quality of life.

Novo Nordisk Philippines continually drives initiatives such as this event to raise awareness about diabetes. Globally, this year also marks our 100 years, and we renew our commitment to drive change for a healthy world today, and for generations to come. We strive to offer improved access to diabetes management, equipping individuals with the knowledge and resources needed to lead healthier lives. We created a website where people can find the tools and information they need to take charge of their diabetes journey. We want to empower people living with diabetes, so they can better manage their health. Our commitment to innovation and access to treatments and information drives us forward on the path toward a healthier, diabetes-resilient future, Dr. Neslie Buena-Bobis, Clinical, Medical, Regulatory & Pharmcovigilance Director said.

In the fight against diabetes, knowing is indeed half the battle won. Understanding your risk empowers you to take control of your health and make informed choices. To learn more about diabetes care and management, visit Novo Nordisks Diabetes Whats Next website.
The word moxy usually describes courage, confidence and determination. But at McDowell High School, it also describes a student-run business that is likewise full of confidence and determination.

Recently, the McDowell Chamber of Commerce, McDowell County Schools and local officials celebrated the grand opening and ribbon-cutting for Moxy, a student-run boutique store on the campus of McDowell High School. Moxy is operated by the 10th-grade students in the entrepreneurship II class at MHS. Business teacher Courtney Intres is their instructor and the leader of this unique effort.

We were blown away by the work that has gone into bringing Moxy to life, reads a statement on Facebook by the Chamber of Commerce. The students have worked hard to build dressing rooms, organize clothes and shoes, establish a point of sales system, and much more. Different classes helped with graphic design for the logo, woodworking throughout the store, and much more. It was a true team effort.

The idea for the store had been in the works for more than two years. South Rowan High School has a shop like this and instructors at MHS thought there should be one here as well. There were also two rooms at the schools Career & Technical Education section that were not being used.

The project had to be put on hold because of the COVID pandemic, but after much work, determination and moxy, these students were able to open their new boutique on Tuesday, Sept. 26.

Moxy has clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories. These items for sale come from donations by people in the local community and fellow students.

It is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30-8 a.m. and 3-3:30 p.m., basically before and after school.

Intres told The McDowell News it is her students who have made this new boutique store possible. They are Garrett Helms, Piper Beam, Leo Harris, Rafe Biddix, Rebecca Lawing, Jeremy Berry, Abby Thompson, Shelby Bradford, Thomas Rapan, Ivan Molina and Mason Riddle.

Its like a hands-on experience that kids get to see from a business aspect, Lawing said.

It helps us visualize how to run a business, said Beam.

For now, the merchandise at Moxy is being sold to the MHS students and staff but that could change. Moxy will be open to the general public on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the Appalachian Potters Market.

They hope to have their store open to the whole community soon.

In addition to operating the store, the students accept donations of merchandise from the local community. The experience of running Moxy gives them the feel of working and operating a small business and what it takes to be an entrepreneur.

Lawing said that she could see herself working in a boutique while going to college or possibly opening her own business.

Helms said this experience has helped him want to open his own business.

Harris said working with Moxy has made him feel more confident in opening a business and given him a better idea of what it takes to operate one.

Molina said that while he doesnt want to open a boutique, he does wants to open his own real estate business. His work with Moxy has made him feel better prepared to do that. Berry said this makes him more interested in running his own business.

Riddle said he isnt sure what he wants to do, but wants to open his own business, and Rapan indicated this project makes him want to consider doing the same.

McDowell CTE Director Mary Finley said she is proud of Intres and her students for their creation of Moxy. She said it is a great collaboration with other classes.

For more information, visit the McDowell County CTE Facebook page for updates at https://bit.ly/3QXP46C.
The Mozambican State expects to receive 4,268 million meticais (62.5 million euros) in tax revenue from natural gas next year, according to Government figures available on Tuesday November 14.

According to the documents supporting the proposal for the Economic and Social Plan and State Budget (PESOE) for 2024, these revenues, from Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from the Coral Sul project in the Rovuma Basin, represent only 0.3% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expected for next year.

Mozambiques natural gas exports soared by 80.9% in volume in the second quarter compared to 2022, earning 336 million dollars (318 million euros) in value, according to central bank data previously reported.

According to a report by the Bank of Mozambique on the countrys balance of payments in the second quarter, this is an inflow of 238.1 million dollars (225 million euros) higher than in the same period in 2022, essentially explained by the increase in the volume exported.

This was justified by the start of exploration and export of gas from area 4 of the Rovuma basin, given that the international price fell by 64.1%, the report reads.

Despite this increase, natural gas has not dethroned coal as Mozambiques main export product, which earned the country 583.4 million dollars in the second quarter. Area 4 is operated by Mozambique Rovuma Venture (MRV), a joint venture co-owned by ExxonMobil, Eni and CNPC (China), which has a 70% stake in the concession contract, with natural gas production starting in 2022. Galp, Kogas (South Korea) and Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos (Mozambique) each hold a 10% stake.

Eni, the concessionaire for Rovuma Area 4, is already discussing with the Mozambican government the development of a second floating platform, a copy of the first and called Coral Norte, to increase gas extraction, a source from the Italian oil company revealed at the beginning of October.

In addition, TotalEnergies, the French oil and gas giant, plans to resume operations at the Area 1 liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Mozambiques Rovuma Basin as early as January 2024, if safety conditions permit, the BNN Network news portal reported on Monday, November 13.
Ghanas President Nana Akufo-Addo on Tuesday November 14 called on his African counterparts to join forces to secure reparations for transatlantic slavery and the damage caused during the colonial era.

The entire African continent deserves an official apology from the European nations involved in the slave trade, Akufo-Addo said Tuesday November 14 at a reparations Conference bringing together African leaders in Accra. No amount of money can repair the damage caused by the transatlantic slave trade and its consequences. But it is an issue that the world can no longer ignore, he added.

However, the Ghanaian president did not specify what form financial reparations for transatlantic slavery, which organized the trade of millions of people from West and Central Africa, might take.

The Ghanaian President, whose country was the first in Sub-Sahara on the continent to gain independence in 1957, had already called for reparations before the UN General Assembly in September 2023. Calling on Africa to work with the Caribbean to advance reparations, Akufo-Addo added that this was a legitimate demand for justice.

Ghanas Cape Coast Fort, a former colonial trading post in the slave trade, has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1979. Describing slavery and colonialism as the dark phase of Africa, Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of the Comoros and Chairman of the African Union, explained during the Conference that the shadow of the colonial era still wreaks havoc on our population.
An opposition activist in Zimbabwe was found dead after being abducted while campaigning ahead of by-elections, his party announced on November 14.

This is the third incident in the space of a few weeks denounced by the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), the countrys largest opposition group, which accuses the ruling Zanu-PF party of conducting a vast campaign of intimidation against its supporters.

In late October and early November, the CCC announced that one of its members of parliament and a former member of parliament had been kidnapped in Harare, tortured and then found naked and wounded in the case of the former, and with his head shaved in the case of the latter. The CCC said on Monday that the body of Tapfumanei Masaya, kidnapped in broad daylight by armed men last Saturday in Harare, had been found on the outskirts of the capital.

We call on the police to investigate this heinous crime and bring the perpetrators to justice, the party said on X (ex-Twitter). The police confirmed that a body had been found without confirming its identity, which they said had yet to be established.

Contested elections in August returned President Emmerson Mnangagwa to power. Parliament has since declared vacant the seats of 15 elected CCC MPs, who denounced the decision as fraudulent, and by-elections are scheduled for December to fill them.

Tapfumanei Masaya was campaigning for a CCC candidate in Mabvuku, a suburb of Harare, when he was forced into a vehicle, according to his party. The illegal and fraudulent cancellation of the elections for our deputies led to (his) death, the CCC wrote on social networks.
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The annual meeting of the American Society of Nephrology (Kidney Week) was held this year from Nov. 2 to 5 in Philadelphia and attracted participants from around the world, including nephrology specialists, researchers, scientists, and other health care professionals. The conference featured presentations focusing on the latest advances in the management of patients with kidney diseases and related disorders.

In one study, Amit Garg, M.D., of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and colleagues found that the rate of completed steps toward receiving a kidney transplant does not significantly differ between a multicomponent intervention versus usual care.

A pragmatic cluster-randomized trial was conducted to determine if chronic kidney disease (CKD) program-wide use of a multicomponent intervention was superior to usual care in helping eligible patients complete four key steps toward receiving a kidney transplant. This 4.2-year trial included 20,375 patients with advanced CKD cared for by more than 3,600 health care staff in Ontario's 26 CKD programs. The trial was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic due to staffing challenges and shifting priorities.

"Despite evidence of intervention uptake, the rate of completed steps toward receiving a kidney transplant did not significantly differ between the multicomponent intervention versus usual care groups," Garg said. "Acknowledging the pandemic complicated intervention delivery, the team failed to show this intervention increased access to kidney transplantation and living kidney donation."

In another study, Michelle Rheault, M.D., of the University of Minnesota Medical School in Minneapolis, and colleagues found a clinically meaningful reduction in proteinuria in patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) treated with sparsentan.

As part of the DUPLEX phase 3 study, the authors randomly assigned 371 patients (children and adults) with FSGS to receive sparsentan, a novel endothelin and angiotensin receptor antagonist, or irbesartan, an active control, for two years.

The researchers found that patients treated with sparsentan were 55 percent more likely to achieve partial remission at 36 weeks compared with patients taking irbesartan. Treatment with sparsentan lead to a significant and durable reduction in proteinuria, with sparsentan-treated patients achieving a 50 percent reduction from baseline compared with a 32 percent reduction with irbesartan.

There were also more patients who achieved complete remission on sparsentan (18.5 percent compared with 7.5 percent with irbesartan). Partial and complete remission have been associated with better long-term kidney function. Sparsentan was well tolerated, with a safety profile similar to that of irbesartan.

"Patients with FSGS who do not respond to standard immunosuppressive therapy have few options for treatment," Rheault said. "Sparsentan provides a nonimmunosuppressive option for treatment for these patients that can reduce proteinuria and induce partial and complete remission."

In a phase 2 study, Katherine R. Tuttle, M.D., of the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, and colleagues found that the renal benefit of aldosterone synthase inhibition, in the form of BI 690517, along with the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor empagliflozin may be additive by acting through different protective mechanisms.

The authors randomly assigned adults with CKD on a renin-angiotensin system inhibitor to an eight-week run-in to background empagliflozin 10 mg or placebo and then randomly assigned a second time to BI 690517 (3, 10, or 20 mg) or placebo. The researchers found that BI 690517 demonstrated dose-dependent reductions in albuminuria by up to 40 percent versus placebo in patients with CKD.

Albuminuria reduction greater than 30 percent, indicating treatment response, occurred in 70 percent of patients who were also randomly assigned to receive empagliflozin along with BI 690517. In contrast, the response rate with BI 690517 alone was 50 percent.

"Aldosterone synthase inhibition is a promising new therapy for CKD, with or without type 2 diabetes, that will be tested in a large, international phase 3 clinical trial called EASi-KIDNEY conducted by Oxford Population Health and Boehringer Ingelheim," Tuttle said. "In 2024, the new trial will begin recruitment aiming to test definitively the efficacy and safety of 690517 versus placebo, given on top of standard of care, including empagliflozin 10 mg once daily. EASi-KIDNEY will recruit and follow about 11,000 participants with CKD."

In the phase 3 PROTECT trial, Brad Rovin, M.D., of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, and colleagues found that compared with irbesartan, sparsentan significantly reduces proteinuria, leading to better preservation of kidney function in immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy patients at risk for progression.

The authors compared the efficacy of sparsentan to irbesartan for the treatment of IgA nephropathy. They found that patients receiving sparsentan had a significantly greater decline in proteinuria than those receiving irbesartan. This led to accelerated approval of sparsentan for treatment of IgA nephropathy patients at high risk for CKD progression.

To verify that this significant decline in proteinuria translated to better preservation of kidney function, the trial was continued through week 110 to assess changes in glomerular filtration rate over time. The decline in proteinuria between sparsentan and irbesartan was maintained for the entire duration of the trial.

"The totality of the evidence suggests that the dual endothelin/angiotensin receptor blocker sparsentan, by significantly reducing proteinuria, leads to better preservation of kidney function in IgA nephropathy patients at risk of progression than treatment with an angiotensin receptor blocker alone," Rovin said.

"Sparsentan can be used as a foundational drug for initiating treatment in IgA nephropathy that is likely to allow more rapid and superior control of proteinuria than traditionally used renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system antagonists."

ASN: Multicomponent intervention does not increase steps toward kidney transplant

A multicomponent intervention does not increase the rate of completed steps toward receiving a kidney transplant, according to a study published online Nov. 3 in JAMA Internal Medicine to coincide with Kidney Week, the annual meeting of the American Society of Nephrology, held from Nov. 2 to 5 in Philadelphia.

ASN: eGFR No different with sparsentan, irbesartan in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

No significant differences are seen in the estimated glomerular filtration rate with sparsentan versus irbesartan among patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, according to a study published online Nov. 3 in the New England Journal of Medicine to coincide with Kidney Week, the annual meeting of the American Society of Nephrology, held from Nov. 2 to 5 in Philadelphia.

Copyright  2023 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
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Intravital imaging of clonal expansion and BCC formation in the ear and in the back skin. a,d, Intravital imaging of the same SmoM2-expressing clone in the ear (a) and back skin (d) at different time points after tamoxifen administration to K14CreER/Rosa-SmoM2-YFP/Rosa-mT/mG mice. Red, wild-type (WT) cells; green, SmoM2 cells; gray, second harmonic generation (SHG) signal. b,e, Orthogonal views of the same clone as in Fig. 1a,d, showing the invasion of the mutated clones over time into the dermis in the ear and the lateral expansion in the back skin. Dashed line, basement membrane. c,f, Immunofluorescence (left) and haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) (right) stainings of SmoM2-mutated cells in the ear (c) and back-skin (f) epidermis of K14CreER/Rosa-SmoM2-YFP/Rosa-mT/mG mice at 12 and 24 weeks after tamoxifen induction. For H&E, dashed line: epidermaldermal interface. g, Quantification of the vertical distance between WT and SmoM2 cells showing the depth of invasion of SmoM2-mutated clones at 2, 4 and 6 weeks after tamoxifen administration. Measurements of vertical invasion were performed from three mice for the ear and four mice for the back skin. h, Quantification of the lateral expansion of SmoM2-mutated clones in the ear and back-skin epidermis at 2, 4 and 6 weeks after tamoxifen administration (n = 3 mice for the ear and 4 mice for the back skin). i, Quantification of the number of cells per WT clone at 6 weeks after tamoxifen administration and the number of cells per SmoM2-expressing clone (total number of cells per clone) in the ear and back-skin epidermis at 2, 4 and 6 weeks after tamoxifen administration. Measurements of the clones were performed on the same image areas from two mice (SmoM2) and four mice (WT). Scale bars, 20 m (af). gi, The number of clones quantified is indicated in parentheses. Data are mean  s.e.m. KruskalWallis test. Credit: Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06740-y

To form a cancer, cells need to accumulate oncogenic mutations that confer tumor-initiating properties. However, recent evidence has shown that oncogenic mutations occur at a surprisingly high frequency in normal tissues, suggesting that mutations alone are not sufficient to drive cancer formation and that other mechanisms should promote or restrain oncogene-expressing cells from progressing into invasive tumors.

In a study published in Nature, researchers led by Prof. Cedric Blanpain, MD/Ph.D., investigator of the WEL Research Institute, Director of the Stem Cells and Cancer Laboratory and Professor at the Universite Libre de Bruxelles, discovered the mechanisms that restrain oncogene-expressing cells to give rise to invasive tumors.

Using multidisciplinary approaches combining lineage tracing, clonal analysis in living animals using intravital microscopy, single cell sequencing, and functional experiments, Nordin Bansaccal and colleagues have investigated the ability of oncogene-expressing cells in different skin locations to develop basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most frequent cancer in humans at a single cell resolution.

Analysis of oncogene-expressing cells over time in the ear and back skin reveals a very different outcome. In the ear, oncogene-expressing cells expand laterally during the first month and then grow vertically and invade the underlying dermis giving rise to the typical appearance of invasive BCC. Interestingly, and in sharp contrast with the ear, in the back skin, oncogene-expressing cells expand laterally and are not able to invade the dermis, but instead continue to expand laterally without giving rise to tumor formation.

These data demonstrate that the inability of the back skin epidermis to give rise to skin tumors is not related to the inability of the oncogene targeted cells to divide and expand, but rather is the consequence of their inability to switch from lateral expansion to vertical invasion.

As mutated clones expand over time, they must compete for space with their normal neighboring cells. In the ear epidermis but not in the back skin, there is a strong mechanical constraint at the border between oncogene-targeted cells and the normal cells that restrain lateral expansion and promote vertical growth. Several mechanisms of cell competition have been described including induction of cell death or terminal differentiation.

Bansaccal and colleagues found that oncogene-expressing cells present different abilities to compete with normal cells depending on their body locations.

"As cell competition was thought to be essential for tumor formation, it was really surprising to find that oncogene-expressing cells in the back skin are much more efficient to induce cell competition as compared to the ear epidermis and explain why oncogene-expressing cells can expand horizontally in the back skin without necessarily being associated with tumor invasion. Our findings that oncogene-induced cell competition does not necessarily lead to tumor initiation can explain why oncogene-mutated cells can be found in normal human tissues without any signs of cancer," explains Nordin Bansaccal, the first author of the paper.

Single-cell molecular analysis showed that cells in the back skin and the ear are very similar in normal conditions. However, following oncogene expression, cells of the ear but not of the back skin undergo a profound reprogramming into an embryonic-like state. As the cells were very similar before oncogene expression, the team investigated whether the mechanisms that constrain tumor development are related to the extracellular environment.

They found that the composition of the underlying extracellular matrix was very different in the susceptible and resistant parts of the skin. The part of the skin that are resistant to tumor initiation present an abundant and thicker collagen network associated with an increase in the stiffness of the underlying extracellular matrix.

By enzymatically decreasing collagen density, Bansaccal and colleagues demonstrate that the abundance of collagen was a key factor in restricting the invasion and tumor formation in the back skin. Aging and UV exposure are also associated with decrease in collagen density in the skin. Interestingly, oncogene expression in old mice or following UV exposure, leads to skin tumor formation in the back skin, demonstrating that the level of collagen expression dictates the competence for skin tumor initiation.

"Our study demonstrates that the composition of the extracellular environment regulates the regional competence to undergo tumor initiation and invasion. Our data are relevant for understanding the formation of human skin cancer, as BCC preferentially arises from certain body locations such as the ear and nose that present different collagen abundance, chronic sun exposure is one of the most important risk factors for BCC formation and BCC preferentially develops in older humans. Future studies will be important to identify in other tissues the factors that promote or restrict tumor formation, possibly leading to new prevention strategies to decrease cancer formation," says Cedric Blanpain, the director of this study.

More information: Cedric Blanpain, The extracellular matrix dictates regional competence for tumour initiation, Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06740-y. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06740-y
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Monitoring brain injury biomarkers and glucose variation in patients who have suffered an acute cranial injury during the entire first week of hospitalization can provide a more accurate picture of the pathological process. This is according to a paper published in The Lancet Neurology by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. It is hoped that their findings can eventually lead to more personalized treatment.

After samples of brain injury markers and glucose have been taken over the entire first week of intensive care, patients with traumatic brain injury can be divided into different groups with different disease trajectories and prognoses.

"This could one day be used to identify different therapies for these different groups, who currently receive effectively the same treatment," says the study's first author Cecilia Akerlund, anesthetist and intensive care specialist at Karolinska University Hospital in Solna and researcher at the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.

She shows in her study that an advanced clustering method can be used to divide patients into six groups by sample data. In the group with the best prognosis, only 4% died after six months, as opposed to a full 65% in the group with the worst prognosis after the same time41% during the first week.

Many hospitals now use a model based on different factors from the patients' day of admission to assess their prognoses.

"Our study shows that more information gathered over a longer time might be needed to assess the patients," she says.

The variation between the highest and lowest glucose variation during the day was one of the key metrics used to characterize the patients, something to which little attention is paid today. The same is true of the relevant biomarkers, which are also generally ignored during the first week of admission. Karolinska University Hospital, however, is an exception:

"We clinically monitor certain brain injury biomarkers daily," says Dr. Akerlund. "But we are one of few hospitals in the world to do so, as far as I'm aware."

"Our study supports the notion that serial brain injury biomarkers can play an important part in monitoring the disease trajectory in our brain injury patients," says the study's last author David Nelson, consultant at Karolinska University Hospital's neurocritical care unit and researcher at Karolinska Institutet.

At the same time, Dr. Akerlund acknowledges that more research is needed on both the biomarkers and the patient groupings before the method can be recommended on a broad front.

"These results need to be corroborated by larger studies and with other patient groups to show that the method is stable," she says. "If we can do this, it will be an important step towards being better able to personalize the treatment of patients with primarily moderate and severe traumatic brain injuries."

More information: Cecilia A.I. Akerlund et al, Clinical descriptors of disease trajectories in patients with traumatic brain injury in the intensive care unit (CENTER-TBI): a multicentre observational cohort study, The Lancet Neurology (2023). DOI: 10.1016/S1474-4422(23)00358-7 , www.thelancet.com/journals/lan  (23)00358-7/fulltext Journal information: Lancet Neurology
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

A rule added to Texas' budget that went into effect Sept. 1 forbids health departments and other organizations funded by the state government to advertise, recommend, or even list COVID vaccines alone. "Clinics may inform patients that COVID-19 vaccinations are available," the rule allows, "if it is not being singled out from other vaccines."

Texas isn't the only state curtailing the public conversation about COVID vaccines. Tennessee's health department homepage, for example, features the flu, vaping, and cancer screening but leaves out COVID and COVID vaccines. Florida is an extreme case, where the health department has issued guidance against COVID vaccines that runs counter to scientific studies and advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Notably, the shift in health information trails rhetoric from primarily Republican politicians who have reversed their positions on COVID vaccines. Fierce opposition to measures like masking and business closures early in the pandemic fueled a mistrust of the CDC and other scientific institutions and often falls along party lines: Last month, a KFF poll found that 84% of Democrats said they were confident in the safety of COVID vaccines, compared with 36% of Republicans. It's a dramatic drop from 2021, when two-thirds of Republicans were vaccinated.

As new vaccines roll out ahead of the expected winter surge of COVID, some health officials are treading carefully to avoid blowback from the public and policymakers. So far, vaccine uptake is low, with less than 5% of Americans receiving an updated shot, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Wells fears the consequences will be dire: "We will see a huge disparity in health outcomes because of changes in language."

A study published in July found that Republicans and Democrats in Ohio and Florida died at roughly similar rates before COVID vaccines emerged, but a disparity between parties grew once the first vaccines were widely available in 2021 and uptake diverged. By year's end, Republicans had a 43% higher rate of excess deaths than Democrats.

Public health initiatives have long been divisivewater fluoridation, needle exchanges, and universal health care, to name a few. But the pandemic turned up the volume to painful levels, public health officials say. More than 500 left their jobs under duress in 2020 and 2021, and legislators in at least 26 states passed laws to prevent public officials from setting health policies. Republican Arkansas state Sen. Trent Garner told KFF Health News in 2021, "It's time to take the power away from the so-called experts."

At first, vaccine mandates were contentious but the shots themselves were not. Scott Rivkees, Florida's former surgeon general, now at Brown University, traces the shift to the months after Joe Biden was elected president. Though Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis initially promoted COVID vaccination, his stance changed as resistance to COVID measures became central to his presidential campaign.

In late 2021, he appointed Joseph Ladapo surgeon general. By then, Ladapo had penned Wall Street Journal op-eds skeptical of mainstream medical advice, such as one asking, "Are COVID Vaccines Riskier Than Advertised?"

As bivalent boosters rolled out last year, the Florida health department's homepage removed information on COVID vaccines. In its place were rules against mandates and details on how to obtain vaccine exemptions. Then, early this year, the department advised against vaccinating children and teens.

The state's advice changed once more when the CDC recommended updated COVID vaccines in September. DeSantis incorrectly said the vaccines had "not been proven to be safe or effective." And the health department amended its guidance to say men under age 40 should not be vaccinated because the department had conducted research and deemed the risk of heart complications like myocarditis unacceptable.

It refers to a short, author-less document posted online rather than in a scientific journal where it would have been vetted for accuracy. The report uses an unusual method to analyze health records of vaccinated Floridians. Citing serious flaws, most other researchers call it misinformation.

Scientifically vetted studies, and the CDC's own review, contradict Florida's conclusion against vaccination. Cases of myocarditis following mRNA vaccines have occurred but are much less frequent than cases triggered by COVID. The risk is sevenfold higher from the disease than from mRNA vaccines, according to an analysis published in a medical journal based on a review of 22 other studies.

Since leaving his post, Rivkees has been stunned to see the state health department subsumed by political meddling.

About 28,700 children and adults from birth to age 39 have died of COVID in the United States. Florida's anti-vaccine messaging affects people of all ages, Rivkees added, not just those who are younger.

He points out that Florida performed well compared with other states in 2020 and 2021, ranking 38th in COVID deaths per capita despite a large population of older adults. Now it has the sixth-highest rate of COVID deaths in the country.

"There is no question that the rise of misinformation and the politicization of the response has taken a toll on public health," he said.

As in Florida, the Texas health department initially promoted COVID vaccines, warning that Texans who weren't vaccinated were about 20 times as likely to suffer a COVID-associated death. Such sentiments faded last year, as state leaders passed policies to block vaccine mandates and other public health measures. The latest is a prohibition against the use of government funds to promote COVID vaccines. Uptake in Texas is already low, with fewer than 4% of residents getting the bivalent booster that rolled out last year.

At Lubbock's health department, Wells managed to put out a press release saying the city offers COVID vaccines but stopped short of recommending them. "We aren't able to do as big a push as other states," she said.

Some health officials are altering their recommendations, given the current climate. Janet Hamilton, executive director at the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, said clear-cut advice to get vaccinated against COVID works when people trust the scientific establishment, but it risks driving others away from all vaccines. "It's important for public health to meet people where they are," Hamilton said.

Missouri's health department took this tack on X, formerly known as Twitter: "COVID vaccines will be available in Missouri soon, if you're in to that sort of thing. If not, just keep scrolling!"

2023 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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GHQ-12 trajectories before and after becoming a caregiver, stratified by age group (A) GHQ trajectories before and after caregiver transition by age group and caregiver status (yes or no). (B) GHQ trajectories before and after caregiver transition by age group and gender. (C) GHQ trajectories before and after caregiver transition by age group and caregiving intensity (h per week). (D) GHQ trajectories before and after caregiver transition by age group and care location (inside or outside the household). Dotted vertical lines delineate the transition to caregiving from 1 year to 0 years; higher scores represent more psychological distress. GHQ=General Health Questionnaire-12. Credit: The Lancet Public Health (2023). DOI: 10.1016/S2468-2667(23)00206-2

The mental health of people comes at a cost when they take on unpaid caring roles for friends and family. That's according to research from St George's, University of London and UCL which is published today in The Lancet Public Health.

Becoming a caregiver was linked to increased psychological distress for caregivers of every age in the study, including those aged 1649. Mental health function also declined when becoming a caregiver in those aged 3064.

The researchers say this mental health change in caregivers across the U.K. should spearhead national changes to the way they are supported to avoid a decline in their own health and well-being, not forgetting younger caregivers.

This evidence coincides with publication of a landmark APPG report on young and young adult caregivers which reveals the vast numbers of younger caregivers who are not identified early enough, with an average waiting time of three years until young caregivers get linked to any support.

As the U.K. population ages and the cost-of-living rises, unpaid care of family and friends has become an increasingly important part of care in most countries. The United Nations estimate that unpaid caregivers meet 75%90% of care needs, and although young adults are often overlooked, they make up at least 376,000 of the caregivers across the U.K.

Calling for better support

Previous research has found that the general health of unpaid caregivers is poorer than non-caregivers. But until now, there has been little research into how people's mental health changes when they start being a caregiver, and whether this varies by age, gender and the amount of care they provide.

"Younger caregivers are often overlooked as caring is seen as something that older adults do. We urge health leaders to take this evidence seriously and ensure that health practitioners quickly identify caregivers of their patients, including those who are younger adults, so their health can also be reviewed. This is going to be crucial to break the cycle of care need," says Dr. Rebecca Lacey, lead author and reader in social and lifecourse epidemiology at St George's Population Health Research Institute.

Researchers used data from more than 17,000 people in the UK Household Longitudinal Study between 2009 and 2020 to investigate mental and physical health changes around the transition to becoming a caregiver for the first time in adults as young as 16 years of age.

Data was collected on 16,906 people from the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) which measures psychological distress and on 17,909 people from the 12-item Short Form Survey (SF-12) which measures physical and mental functioning. The team looked at the mental and physical health of caregivers eight years before, during, and eight years after becoming a caregiver, comparing them with non-caregivers who were otherwise similar.

They looked at four different life stagesearly adulthood (1629 years), early mid-adulthood (3049 years), later mid-adulthood (5064 years), and later life (65+ years). There were more women than men who became caregivers in every age group, but the effect of becoming a caregiver on health did not differ for men and women.

Compared to non-caregivers, caregivers aged 1629, 3049 and 5064 years had the largest increase in psychological distress when becoming a caregiver with a 0.37, 0.39 and 0.39 point increase in GHQ score, respectively. Caregivers aged 3049 and 5064 had the largest decrease in mental health function, with a 0.54 and 0.46 point reduction in the SF-12 score, respectively.

Action is needed

Although these are modest changes, researchers say they unequivocally warrant the need for action to protect the declining mental health of people when becoming caregivers.

The team also found that people who provided a high intensity of care (20 or more hours per week) experienced increased psychological stress and decline in mental health. In caregivers 30 years of age and above, poorer mental health persisted for several years after becoming a caregiver so early identification is key to preventing long-term mental health effects.

Physical health did not change upon becoming a caregiver, but there was evidence of poorer physical health prior to caregiving compared to non-caregivers.

"It's less common for people to become a caregiver in early adulthood when there are likely to be many competing social roles such as post-secondary education and relationships, as well as establishing a career. Early and mid-adult caregivers were likely to be caring for a parent, representing a challenging role reversal. Together these factors could contribute to why psychological distress was higher in these age groups," says Professor Anne McMunn, professor of social epidemiology at UCL.

Rohati Chapman, Caregivers Trust's executive director for programs, policy & impact, said, "Caregivers Trust welcomes this much-needed research showing that unpaid caregivers are at risk of poorer mental health and well-being. Unpaid caregivers are making huge sacrifices to look after family members and friends. It is vital their health and well-being should not suffer as a result.

"They must have access to effective mental health provision in their area and to dedicated caregiver support when and where they need it. Our network of local caregiver organizations are ready to help with this but it is clear that support must be ramped up across the board."

More information: Rebecca E Lacey et al, Mental and physical health changes around transitions into unpaid caregiving in the UK: a longitudinal, propensity score analysis, The Lancet Public Health (2023). DOI: 10.1016/S2468-2667(23)00206-2
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Minor allele frequencies of rare variants across European and African cohorts. Bars show MAF of the 25 rare variants reported to be causal for IBD by Sazonovs et al. [10], grouped by risk or protective status, with colors representing the cohorts shown in the legend at bottom. The SNP ID coordinates are shown for GRch38 with corresponding rsIDs from dbSNP; rs IDs for the ultra-rare NOD2 SNPs are from left to right the same order as top to bottom in Table 1. Credit: Genome Medicine (2023). DOI: 10.1186/s13073-023-01244-w

The advent of whole genome sequencing technology has prompted an explosion in research into how genetics are associated with disease risk. But the vast majority of genetics research has been done on people of European ancestry, and genetics researchers have realized that in order to address health disparities, more needs to be done.

In a new study, Georgia Tech researchers investigated whether 25 rare gene variants known to be associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) play a role in risk for African Americans. While the rare variant associations were recently discovered in individuals of European ancestry, contributing to about 15% of cases, it was unknown if and how those same rare gene variants might affect risk for African Americans.

Led by Greg Gibson, Regents' Professor and Tom and Marie Patton Chair in the School of Biological Sciences, the study highlights the importance of considering genetic diversity and the mixing of ancestry in genetics research. The findings were published in the journal Genome Medicine.

"Because of major advancements in the last decade, we now know that most diseases are far more complex than we originally thought, in terms of genetics," said Gibson, who is also director of the Center for Integrative Genomics at Georgia Tech. "Understanding whether genetic differences contribute to health disparities is a major point of focus for current genetics research, and we had an opportunity to test one idea with this study."

Today, African Americans have a similar prevalence of various types of IBD as European Americans. But progression is often much worse: African Americans are more likely to progress to severe disease requiring colectomies and other major interventions.

Courtney Astore, a Ph.D. student in Gibson's lab and first author on the paper, wanted to assess whether those same rare variants would have a similar effect on IBD risk in African Americans. In a collaboration with Subra Kugathasan from Emory University and the NIH's IBD Genetics Consortium, Gibson's lab had analyzed the complete genome sequences of over 3,000 genomes of African Americans, half with IBD. Astore used that database to conduct her analysis.

She started by plotting the difference in frequency of the rare variants, and quickly realized that there was a significant reduction in prevalence of the variants in African Americans. Through further computations, she estimated that European ancestry variants actually only made a very small contribution to IBD in African Americans (around 44 additional cases per 100,000 people), fourfold less than Americans of European ancestry.

"Prior to our analysis, we suspected that admixture may play a role in the presence of IBD-associated rare variants in African Americans," Astore said. "When I saw the differences, that was when I realized that there was something important there that we needed to discover."

Astore then used a method known as chromosome painting, which is a tool for visualizing where each segment of the genome comes from. She showed that the rare variants found in African Americans were almost always located on segments of European ancestry genomes.

In simple terms, the location of the variants indicated that the genes resulted from admixturea scientific term for mixing of genetic backgrounds throughout ancestrywhich enabled Astore to show that the mutations had arisen outside of Africa, and only began to appear in people of African ancestry over the last dozen generations.

To conclude the study, Gibson and Astore assessed the presence of other rare variants associated with a dozen other diseases, which similarly confirmed that the presence of the variants contributes to African Americans generally through admixture.

The findings are important for several reasons. First, they highlight the value of considering genetic diversity and admixture in all genetics research, and especially when investigating rare variants and their associations with complex disease. While they showed that the European variants were rare in African Americans, there are almost certainly rare variants that contribute to IBD in African Americans that have yet to be discovered and may point to biological mechanisms.

"Doing more genetic studies on diverse populations, and especially those that have admixture, is going to be pivotal for therapeutic discovery," Astore said.

Precision medicine will eventually be tailored to a person's genome, which means that in some cases knowing the identity of rare variants will help guide therapy. If that is the case, knowing the context of ancestry will be beneficial. It also means that if more research on diverse ancestry groups isn't done, then new treatments might not be effective for all people.

The team also emphasizes that genetics is not the only factor contributing to risk for complex diseases like IBD, and their study simply highlights that it cannot be assumed that genetic discoveries are risk factors for all people.

"Our study emphasizes that in order to move in the direction of greater health equity, it is absolutely crucial to do large-scale genetic sequencing for African Americans and all ancestry groups," Gibson said. "We hope our work will encourage more research on both social determinants of health and the genetics of IBD across ancestries."

More information: Courtney Astore et al, The role of admixture in the rare variant contribution to inflammatory bowel disease, Genome Medicine (2023). DOI: 10.1186/s13073-023-01244-w
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TMEJ requires a flap-trimming exonuclease and a secondary DNA polymerase. a, TMEJ extra-chromosomal reporter system and required repair steps. TMEJ is measured by qPCR, and is initiated by annealing of MHs (red) between the head of one DNA molecule and the tail of another. Putative Pol independent steps are highlighted in blue and yellow. b, Quantification of extra-chromosomal TMEJ in RPE1 cells with a 4 bp MH (red bars), varying locations of PTs in the DNA substrate as noted (stop signs). Data are from three biological replicates analyzed with a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Dunnetts method. Data are mean  standard deviation (s.d.), ND means below limit of detection. c, Pol synthesis reporter substrate. Triplicate thymines are spaced every 8 bp along the ssDNA tract to be synthesized. d, Frequencies of mutations generated by cellular TMEJ-associated synthesis (squares) versus control synthesis (Q5 polymerase, circles) are plotted as a function of distance from the MH. Data are from three biological replicates analyzed with a two-way ANOVA and Sidaks test; data are mean  s.d. e, Schematic of the TMEJ strand displacement reporter. Substrates have ends with partly complementary 3 overhangs that are either 4 (NHEJ) or 45 nt long (TMEJ) and possess a 5 terminal nt (dN) or abasic site (Ab.). A mismatched BamHI site is 20 or 50 bp downstream of the 5 terminus, such that repair products become sensitive to BamHI if strand displacement synthesis occurs and remain BamHI resistant in the absence of strand displacement synthesis. f, The BamHI substrates were introduced into mouse embryonic fibroblasts and digested with BamHI where indicated before amplification. Credit: Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06729-7

Our DNA is not indestructible. Throughout the course of our lives, DNA can break in response to natural and environmental factors. Thankfully, our bodies have dedicated enzymes and pathways which can glue our broken DNA back together through several different mechanisms, known as DNA repair pathways.

Some cancers, however, can hijack these pathways for their own benefit. Susanna Stroik, Ph.D., and Dale Ramsden, Ph.D., both researchers in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics in the UNC School of Medicine and the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, have pieced together the lesser-known DNA repair pathway, called polymerase theta-mediated end joining (TMEJ).

The pathwaywhich has been found to be upregulated in many patients with hereditary breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and prostate cancer, specifically those involving BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutationshas been laid out step by step in an article published in Nature, and the new knowledge could lead to new therapies for cancer.

"People with these breast cancer mutations, their cancers rely on polymerase theta's repair pathway to keep the tumors alive and repair DNA damage in the cancerous tissue," said Stroik, a postdoctoral researcher in Ramsden's lab. "Now that we know more about this pathway, scientists could, in theory, produce a drug that could disrupt key pieces of the pathway in cancer cells, as opposed to using conventional chemotherapies that destroy healthy cells along with the cancer."

Polymerase theta's discovery

Out of all DNA repair pathways, TMEJ has been the most elusive. Richard Wood, Ph.D., a distinguished professor at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center played a key role in the first characterization of polymerase theta in 2003.

Over the next 15 years, multiple labs, including the Wood, Ramsden, and Gupta labs (also at Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center), were able to link polymerase theta to DNA repair (TMEJ) and cancer. Sylvie Doublie, Ph.D., an alumnus of UNC-Chapel Hill and professor of microbiology and molecular genetics at the University of Vermont, then solved the first structure of polymerase theta.

Together, and with other scientists from Penn State and New York University, these researchers were dedicated to understanding precisely what steps are involved in TMEJ, and which of those steps polymerase theta does and does not perform.

With the help of these collaborators, Stroik was able to use a wide variety of cutting-edge experimental approaches to fill in the gaps in our understanding of the TMEJ pathway. Critically, she discovered that another polymerase, called polymerase delta, uses a buddy system with polymerase theta to assist it in this repair pathway.

A unique buddy system

Stroik's research showed that polymerase theta is good at some things, but not others.

"It makes a lot of errors, and it's not capable of creating large swaths of DNA at once," said Stroik. "What was so beautiful and kind of elegant about the whole discovery is that there are two different enzymes alternating between pathway steps and helping each other out."

When a double-stranded break occurs, both strands of DNA are cut at the same spot, much like scissors severing a braid of hair. Polymerase theta acts quickly, grabbing the two single strands of DNA, matching up the closest base pairs to the break, and holding them together.

However, this often leaves some residual flaps of single-stranded DNA at the ends. Polymerase delta jumps in to cut the extraneous flaps, giving polymerase theta enough room to start synthesizing new DNA to fill in gaps in the DNA strands. Finally, polymerase delta jumps in one last time to help polymerase theta complete synthesis.

Stroik had another breakthrough finding: polymerases theta and delta are physically attached to one another. This new information could prove to be especially useful to drug developers hoping to create a new cancer treatment by drugging this interaction.

Cancer treatment potential

Since many cancers make use of the TMEJ pathway to keep tumors alive, many researchers have investigated creating drugs that can interfere with the pathway, essentially preventing cancer from repairing itself, leading to its eventual demise.

"Anytime you find new pieces of the pathway, you can 'drug' it," said Ramsden.

Stroik and Ramsden's new research will contribute to ongoing basic studies in polymerases theta and delta, while also aiding new cancer drugs called polymerase theta inhibitors, which are currently in clinical trials.

More information: Dale Ramsden, Stepwise requirements for polymerases  and  in -mediated end joining, Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06729-7. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06729-7 Journal information: Nature
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A group of international scientists say they have encountered many hurdles in accessing information for a study to examine clinical trial data used to support FDA-approved anticancer medicines even when the data was classified as eligible for access and transparent sharing.

In an article in JAMA Oncology, scholars from Flinders University in Australia, the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates and other international institutions, collaborated to vet clinical trial data on which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration leans to approve anticancer medicine. The data analysis, the scientists maintain, has helped them come up with important implications for the public and those interested in health care transparency.

Initially, the researchers requested data from 91 clinical trials approved by FDA. "We received data from 70 trials, which represents a success rate of 77%. This is a significant improvement in data sharing compared to a decade ago," says Dr. Ahmad Abuhelwa, an assistant professor from the University of Sharjah, and one of the study's senior co-authors.

The pharmaceutical industry has been sharing data from clinical trials, allowing independent researchers to access and analyze the information. The transparency has been crucial for validating results, generating new hypotheses, and improving clinical practices and patients' care.

However, not all the data from the 70 clinical trials was comprehensively, transparently, and easily accessed and shared as the scientists cite issues related to transparency, denial of access, redactions, and lack of supporting documents.

"Transparency in the pharmaceutical industry isn't just a buzzword; it's an imperative for patient safety and research quality. Our research underscores the need for comprehensive data sharing, creating a win-win for all stakeholders," confirms the study's lead author, Dr. Ashley Hopkins, of Flinders University's College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Australia.

The scientists were presented with several challenges to secure access to the clinical trials selected for analysis. "Twenty-one trials (23%) were denied access for various reasons, including ongoing regulatory activities, data co-development issues, and concerns about the proposed statistical analyses. This suggests that there are hurdles in accessing data even when trials are deemed eligible for sharing," notes Dr. Abuhelwa.

Other challenges the scientists grabbled with were related to lengthy access time and redactions. "Among the 70 trials that shared data, we faced lengthy access time (up to one year) and a significant number had redactions in key data domains. For instance, data on adverse events, survival, and assessment variables were partially or fully redacted in some cases. Redactions can complicate the analysis of data and limit its usability," Dr. Abuhelwa adds.

The scientists faced problems when searching for documentation. The researchers, says Dr. Ashley, found that a substantial number of trials did not include supporting documents like clinical study reports, data dictionaries, and anonymization guides, which are crucial for understanding and validating the data in research.

Lack of standardization is another hurdle the scientists dwell on in their study. They reveal that the clinical trial data they investigate "leads to heterogeneity" as different companies use different methods in providing their data. "This quality improvement study sheds light on the complexities and nuances of sharing individual-participant data (IPD) from pharmaceutical industry-sponsored clinical trials," Dr. Ashley adds.

The scientists commend pharmaceutical companies for making their clinical trials more transparently accessible. However, they say there is still more work to be done, and urge exerted efforts to address the issues they raise in their research. Thus, they recommend the pharmaceutical industry to furnish full access to complete and unredacted data, emphasizing the need for transparency and standardization to make it easier for future researcher to work with the data.

Of the importance of the findings, Dr. Abuhelwa says the scientists have carved a path on what big pharma need to do in order to share their clinical trial data and make it accessible for research. "Transparency in data sharing is the foundation of better patient care. Our study sheds light on the progress and challenges in sharing clinical trial data, and it's a call to action for improving data accessibility and quality.

"The road ahead involves advocating for change. We're championing data sharing that's both accessible and reliable. With standardization and increased transparency, we can elevate health care research and improve patient outcomes."

Dr. Ashley hopes the pharmaceutical industry will make note of the implications and findings he and his co-authors have arrived at because "data is the lifeblood of patient-centered care, and our study shows that there's room for improvement in ensuring this data is complete and unredacted. We're pushing for standardized data sharing practices to empower researchers and health care providers."

Dr. Abuhelwa is upbeat about what he sees as groundbreaking research in big pharma's efforts to share clinical trial data. "Patients, doctors, and researchers all stand to benefit from transparent and standardized data sharing. Our research highlights the path to a data-sharing ecosystem where data accessibility and quality are paramount."

More information: Ashley M. Hopkins et al, Heterogeneity and Utility of Pharmaceutical Company Sharing of Individual-Participant Data Packages, JAMA Oncology (2023). DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2023.3996 Journal information: JAMA Oncology
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Calendar drawn by Kiowa artist Anko (Ankopaaingyadete, In The Middle Of Many Tracks), colored ink on buckskin. Inset: Depiction of a smallpox epidemic, Credit: Ankopaaingyadete, and The Kiowa Set-tan, Public domain, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In Indian Country, it is an accepted fact that white settlers distributed items, such as blankets contaminated with smallpox and other infectious diseases, aiming to reduce the population of Native people resisting their Manifest Destiny. These accounts have left a legacy of trauma and distrust in Native communities that persist to this day. It comes as quite a surprise to Indigenous people to learn that a controversy exists regarding the veracity of these events. This article aims to answer some of the lingering questions while shedding light on the controversy.

What made smallpox so infamous?

Smallpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the variola virus in the Orthopoxvirus family. It is widely considered one of the deadliest viruses in human history. Smallpox-like rashes on Egyptian mummies suggest that it existed with humans for at least 3,000 years. In the 20th century alone, smallpox is estimated to have killed 300 million people.

Smallpox symptoms

The first symptoms of smallpox disease are fever, headache and fatigue lasting 2-4 days. After the onset of symptoms, a characteristic rash appears and develops in stages, beginning in the mouth and expanding to cover the whole body. Eventually, the bumps scab over and fall off, leaving very visible scarring. Victims remain contagious until the last scab falls off (~3-4 weeks after onset).

Types of smallpox

There are 2 recognized forms of smallpox, variola minor and variola major, which carry mortality rates of 1% and 30%, respectively. In addition, there are 4 clinical presentations of the disease: ordinary, modified, flat and hemorrhagic. Historically speaking, ordinary (variola major) and modified-type smallpox were the most frequent infections and had the lowest mortality rates. Modified-type smallpox occurred in previously vaccinated people and produced a less severe rash than ordinary smallpox.

For reasons that are not completely understood, children and pregnant people were most likely to be afflicted with the variations. Flat-type (malignant) smallpox occurred more often in children and was nearly always fatal. In this form, the bumps from the rash merged and never filled with fluid. Hemorrhagic smallpox mainly occurred during pregnancy and was almost always fatal. The rash did not harden, but the skin underneath bled, causing it to look burnt. This was accompanied by internal bleeding and organ failure.

Identification of smallpox

The unique and easily recognizable rash caused by smallpox makes it easy to identify. Approximately 65-80% of survivors are afflicted with lifelong severe pockmark scarring. Other complications include miscarriage, blindness, opportunistic infection, arthritis and encephalitis. These created lifelong physical and psychological suffering for survivors.

Smallpox eradication

The first ever vaccine was created to prevent smallpox when Edward Jenner noted that milkmaids did not develop the disease after exposure to cows infected with the related virus, cowpox. For this reason, the word vaccine derives from the Latin word for cow, vacca. After monumental international vaccination efforts over many years, smallpox was officially considered eradicated in 1980. Before eradication, smallpox was an effective physical threat and served as a terrifying psychological weapon throughout history.

People in the 18th and 19th centuries may not have known what a virus was, but it was common knowledge among Europeans that smallpox spread after contact with a sick individual, and quarantine was the best strategy to reduce the spread. When smallpox swept through Indigenous communities, the aftermath was catastrophic. Devastating mortality rates included 38.5% of Aztecs; 50% lost in the Piegan, Huron, Catawba, Cherokee and Iroquois Nations; 66% of Omaha and Blackfeet; 90% of the Mandan, and the Taino all but disappeared.

Why did smallpox have such a devastating effect on Native American populations?

One explanation for the catastrophic effect of European infectious diseases on Indigenous people originates with differences in societal evolution between the Old and New Worlds. While the relationships among humans, their environment and emerging infectious diseases are complicated, zoonotic pathogens make up 58% of human-infecting pathogens.

According to a 2022 study, many of the most devastating diseases for Indigenous people in the Americas originated with domesticated animals, and although there is no evidence of nonhuman reservoirs for smallpox, the disease is thought to have evolved from horses. Furthermore, because horses were not domesticated in North or South America prior to the arrival of the European settlers, the disease was one that Indigenous people did not have prior exposure to.

Studies have shown that host-pathogen coevolution promotes both general and specific resistance to pathogens and improves host immune responses to non-native and emerging threats. Agricultural settlements encroach on natural ecosystems, increasing interaction between species, and providing opportunities for zoonotic pathogen emergence. However, because farming and urbanization took a vastly different form in the Americas with few domesticated animal species, there were fewer immune system development opportunities.

By the time the Indigenous people were first exposed to smallpox, variola had evolved to only spread from human contact. The higher levels of susceptibility experienced by Native Americans to European diseases were evident to the colonists throughout the Americas. To King James I, the deaths demonstrated God's will that the territories "deserted as it were by their natural inhabitants, should be possessed and enjoyed by our subjects."

This opinion may not have been universal, but it does reflect a complete lack of concern for the previous inhabitants of the land.

Who writes history?

For Native American tribes, oral storytelling and pictographs were the only ways that knowledge was passed down. Until Sequoyah created the Cherokee syllabary in the early 19th century, none of the North American tribal languages had a written form. Thus, 18th- and 19th-century records are vastly biased toward European settlers. There are numerous accounts of intentional smallpox infection that come from Native voices, but extraordinarily little concrete evidence remains.

Examples of gifts from white settlers preceding outbreaks occurred throughout South America and North America. Incan history includes an account of their king receiving a box of paper scraps from the Spanish that was shortly followed by a smallpox outbreak. The Ottawa Tribe suffered an outbreak after receiving a gift from the French in Montreal with the injunction not to open the box until they arrived at home. The box contained only other boxes and "mouldy particles."

Yet, the most infamous records of intentionally spreading smallpox to Native Americans occurred in 1763 at Fort Pitt (present day downtown Pittsburgh). On June 24, 1763, William Trent, a fur trader commissioned at Fort Pitt, wrote in his journal after a failed negotiation between the British and the Delaware tribe. He stated that they had given the emissaries food, and as Trent wrote, "Out of our regard to them we gave them 2 Blankets and an (sic) Handkerchief out of the Small pox (sic) Hospital. I hope it will have the desired effect."

Later that year, the Delaware, Shawnee and Mingo Tribes laid siege to Fort Pitt. The fort's commander wrote to his superior officer, Colonel Bouquet, that he feared the disease would overwhelm the fort's inhabitants. After hearing of the outbreak, Bouquet's superior officer, Lord Jeffrey Amherst, sent a suggestion from New York: "Could it not be contrived to send the Small Pox (sic) among those Disaffected Tribes of Indians? We must, on this occasion, Use Every Stratagem in our power to Reduce them."

Bouquet responded, "I will try to inoculate [them] with some blankets that may fall in their hands and take care not to get the disease myself." It is important to understand that before Jenner's safer practice of vaccination, the term inoculation specifically meant deliberate infection. While this method was the main way of producing mass immunity, it was also known to be just as likely to start an epidemic as to end one. The timing of an outbreak of the virus that struck the Ohio Valley later that year and lasted well into 1764 coincides very closely with the distribution of infected articles from Fort Pitt.

Is it possible to spread smallpox with blankets?

In the early rash stage of smallpox disease, the variola virus is spread through exposure to droplets from coughing or sneezing. In later stages, the virus could be spread through contact with contaminated objects, like clothing and bedding. While the most contagious period is the early rash stage when mucous membranes in the mouth and throat are heavily infected with viral particles, face-to-face contact is not the only way to acquire the disease. Viable virus particles remain in urine, scabs, lesion fluid and saliva, which could linger on linens or other objects. Documented outbreaks occurred from contact with the dirty linen of smallpox patients, indicating that blanket transmission is possible.

Was the great plains outbreak of the 1830s intentional?

Seventy years after the 1764 Ohio Valley outbreak, Isaac McCoy was surveying the land in present-day Kansas and Oklahoma during a massive outbreak of smallpox on the Great Plains. The loss of life was staggering. The Pawnee population, for example, was reduced almost 50%. A reformer at heart, McCoy felt strongly that much of the suffering among Native American tribes was the direct result of the actions of white settlers.

Corresponding with President Andrew Jackson, McCoy detailed the effects of the outbreak on the Native Americans and implored Jackson and his Secretary of War, Lewis Cass, to provide aid. In a letter to President Jackson, he wrote, "In 1831, some of the white men under the influence of a disposition, which it would seem had its origin in a world worse than ours, conceived the design of communicating the small-pox (sic) to those remote tribes! I have in my possession the certificate of a young man who was employed as one of the company; that they designed to communicate [smallpox] on a present of tobaccoor if such an opportunity should not offer, an infected article of clothingNot long after this the Pawnees on the Great Platt River were most dreadfully afflicted with small-pox."

What happened to Isaac McCoy's proof?

This information was shared by Dr. Hugh Foley at Rogers State University. The previous letter is located in McCoy's book, History of Baptist Indian Missions. However, the book does not include the certificate of proof.

In search of McCoy's certificate, Foley checked the Kansas Historical Society, the Department of War, the Andrew Jackson libraries at the University of Tennessee and at Jackson's home, the Hermitage. The Library of Congress and the National Archives, as well as the Lewis Cass collections at the University of Michigan, the Detroit Public Library and the Cass collection at the National Archives were also searched. Many of these collections contained McCoy's correspondence with Jackson, but none of them contained his enclosed proof. What happened to this enclosure (and why it was removed) is likely long lost to history, and these questions may never have answers.

Where do we go from here?

Concrete proof is difficult, if not impossible, to obtain centuries after an event. This is particularly true when participants have caused the level of suffering and death commensurate with the elimination of entire villages or whole tribes of people. Native American populations are estimated to have declined more than 90% in the years since contact with Christopher Columbus, not only through disease but also through violent means.

While not every smallpox outbreak was deliberately caused by white settlers, enough evidence exists to clearly demonstrate that more than once actions were taken to intentionally facilitate its spread. In many of these cases, through their own words, people demonstrate depraved indifference, if not intentional genocide.

In December of 1775, at the siege of Boston during the American Revolutionary War, George Washington wrote in a letter to John Hancock that he must credit the rumors of the British military deliberately starting a smallpox outbreak; something he had previously believed unthinkable.

This begs the question: If one were willing to take such measures against citizens that they claimed were their own, and who had previously been friends, what was to stop them from doing the same thing to people they considered subhuman?
Railroad activity by either Montana Rail Link or BNSF caused the fast-moving and destructive River Road East fire around Paradise, Montana, plaintiffs claim in a lawsuit filed last month in federal court.

Thirty-one people, including some couples, who lost homes or other property in the blaze are suing the two railways for allegedly igniting the fire on Aug. 18. Within hours of sparking, the fire grew to thousands of acres, propelled by strong winds in hot, dry weather. The fire jumped from the south side of Paradise and the Clark Fork River to the north side. It raced up the McLaughlin Creek drainage, where much of the property losses occurred, on its way to burning 12,000 acres in less than 12 hours. Officials at the time reported that as many as 50 structures, including 16 primary residences, burned in the fire.

In the days after the incident, residents reported that the fire started near where River Road East crosses a Montana Rail Link main line and intersects with U.S. Highway 200. Dispatch records also placed the ignition point at that location. That's on the south bank of the river, near the end of parallel highway and railroad bridges where the highway and the main line cross from Paradise, on the north side, to the south side of the Clark Fork.

The plaintiffs, represented by attorney Teague Westrope of Billings-based AVA Law Group, hired an expert in wildfire origin and cause determination. The expert, according to the lawsuit, determined after interviewing a witness that railroad activities likely caused the fire. The plaintiffs seek compensation from the railroads for damages they argue were caused by the railroads' negligence in starting the fire. The lawsuit also seeks certification as a class that would encompass all property owners whose property was damaged or destroyed by the fire, not just those already named as plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

'Nobody knows'  despite disasters, toxic trains kept secret In the wake of the disastrous February 3rd train derailment and chemical fire in East Palestine, Ohio, freight trains carrying hazardous materials are under increasing scrutiny.

Westrope said in an interview Tuesday that BNSF was formally served with the lawsuit on Monday and Montana Rail Link was set to be served Wednesday. That starts a 21-day deadline by when each company must file its formal response to the lawsuit. The litigation is currently pending in U.S. District Court in Missoula.

On Tuesday, Montana Rail Link Director of Communications Andy Garland wrote in an email, "Montana Rail Link does not provide comment on cases involving active litigation." As of Wednesday, BNSF had not responded to a request for comment. Hilary Markin, a public information officer for the Lolo National Forest, which is investigating the cause of the fire, said in a phone call Tuesday that "the whole incident is under investigation," and that she couldn't provide additional details or a possible timeline for releasing more information. Westrope said the Forest Service declined to release information about the fire's cause, citing an active criminal investigation.

A Missoulian review of an amended complaint filed Nov. 10 showed that at least eight people  three couples and two individuals  lost their primary residences. Lead plaintiff Glenn DeVolder had time only "to retrieve his wife's ashes and flee for his life" as the fire bore down on his property, the suit stated. At least nine more plaintiffs, including two couples, lost other dwellings or structures. And two more couples lost personal property.

All of the plaintiffs at least lost timber in the fire, according to the lawsuit. One couple lost cut and dried logs they planned to use in their "dream retirement log home." Another plaintiff lost the iconic 1930s-era dairy barn that stood along Highway 200 roughly across from where the fire ignited. Many lost marketable timber, totaling hundreds of acres across the plaintiffs, according to the suit. Westrope said Tuesday he hadn't calculated a total value for the damages, but he hoped the plaintiffs would also be awarded restoration damages to return their properties to pre-fire conditions, in addition to compensation for what was lost.

"We dont have those numbers pinned down, we're working on it," he said, noting that "the calculus is different" between the aesthetic value of trees around a homesite versus hundreds of acres of forest used for timber or recreation. "Its easily millions and millions of dollars."

The River Road East fire lawsuit, he said, is similar to litigation against Pacific Gas & Electric in California. PG&E powerlines caused deadly wildfires in California, including the 2018 Camp fire that decimated Paradise, California, killing 85 people, and fires in 2017 that killed 19. PG&E went bankrupt in 2019 after reaching a $13.5 billion settlement with a trust for fire victims and their families. Last year, former PG&E executives reached a $117 million settlement with the trust.

"I think its really kind of the same type of case," he said, "just on a smaller scale, to be honest with you."

Montana Rail Link operates 937 miles of track, almost all in Montana, including the line through Paradise. Montana Rail Link is owned by Missoula billionaire Dennis Washington under The Washington Companies. The railroad operates on tracks leased from BNSF, and both railways run trains on the lines. BNSF is set to take over Montana Rail Link on Jan. 1, 2024. BNSF reported a third-quarter profit of $1.6 billion this year. BNSF is owned by Nebraska billionaire Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, which reported a record $157 billion cash on-hand earlier this month.

It's not uncommon for trains to spark fires along railroad tracks. Wildland dispatch records show multiple brush fires along rail lines each year. In July 2022, a malfunctioning train on the Montana Rail Link from Missoula to Evaro and Arlee sparked multiple grass fires northeast of the Wye area. The Washington Department of Natural Resources determined that faulty brakes on a BNSF locomotive caused the July 2023 Tunnel 5 fire that burned hundreds of acres and 10 structures, including homes.

Paradise, Montana, is no stranger to railroad incidents. In April, a freight train derailed from Montana Rail Link line and tumbled into the Clark Fork River about 3.8 miles south of Paradise. That incident spilled thousands of Coors Light and Blue Moon beers into the river alongside powdered, natural bentonite clay. A small amount of diesel leaked onto the riverbank from refrigerator cars. A tank car of butane, a highly flammable liquefied petroleum gas, derailed but did not spill. The derailment did not cause a fire and no injuries were reported. The line reopened a few days later.

In 1999, a Montana Rail Link train derailed just outside Paradise and also spilled thousands of Coors Light beers into the Clark Fork, along with about 20,000 gallons of scorching hot liquid asphalt that caused a 2-acre grass fire.

Witness recalls sparks

According to the River Road East fire lawsuit, the plaintiffs' expert "is a co-author of the National Wildfire Coordinating Groups Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination  the go-to guide for federal, state, and international fire investigation agencies."

On Oct. 3, according to the complaint, the expert met with a witness who stated she was driving on River Road East around 1 p.m. on Aug. 18, roughly the time the fire was first reported and thought to have been ignited. She told the expert that "the fire was burning in just one tree located within a couple dozen feet of the railway tracks," and that "a railway crew of several men employed by MRL or BNSF were standing near the fire and recording it with their cell phones. The men did not appear to have fire suppression equipment with them and were not attempting to extinguish the fire."

The expert determined that "the fire was more likely than not caused by railway activities." The amended complaint didn't specify what railway activity may have started the fire, but it suggested a host of causes including train wheels grinding and sparking on improperly maintained track, sparks from locomotive exhaust, sparks from brakes, or sparks from railroad maintenance or repair activity.

The Missoulian spoke separately with a different witness who said she saw the fire start firsthand. In an interview Tuesday, this witness said she had not spoken with the plaintiffs' expert or investigators from the U.S. Forest Service.

Betty Ann Yeckley said she was dropping her younger brother and 93-year-old mother at her mother's house in Paradise around 1 p.m. on Aug. 18. Her mother's house is located on Highway 200 on the south side of Paradise (on the north side of the river), she said, with a clear view of the railroad bridge and the south side of the river. The Missoulian reviewed photos provided by Yeckley that showed the beginning of the fire. The photos placed her at her mother's house, 2,900 feet north of the ignition point, with a clear view of the railroad tracks and bridge.

"I was watching this train go through, I was just packing up but I was still watching this train," she said, "and the end of the engine went through the black bridge, and when it got around that corner where you turn around River Road East, I saw the spark fly off the train. And I ran directly into my mom's and said, 'There's a fire started!'"

She clarified that she saw the locomotive produce sparks when it reached the far side of the bridge from where she was watching, which would place the locomotive on the south side of the river near the River Road East crossing.

"Just when it got through the black bridge, a spark flew right off the train," she recounted. "It was just like you struck a match  I was standing right there the whole time. It was going like wildfire, it was just racing."

She said she called 911 and a dispatcher told her the fire had already been reported. Within hours, she evacuated her mother and brother to her house in St. Regis. Their home in town survived, though some on the town's north end burned that night.

"I told my mom, we may lose the whole town the way its going," she said. "It was terrible."

Yeckley's account has not been previously reported and was not part of the lawsuit. But in the days after the fire, many Paradise residents also told the Missoulian they believed a train caused the fire. On Aug. 31, a resident recalled seeing the early stages of the fire from town: "It was right on the railroad tracks, train had just gone by."

Westrope said he sent a public records request to Sanders County Sheriff Shawn Fielders to obtain 911 recordings from when the fire was first reported. The sheriff had not responded as of Tuesday, he said.

In August and early September, Fielders failed to respond to multiple voicemails, emails and a social media message from the Missoulian. When a Missoulian reporter visited the sheriff's office in Thompson Falls on Aug. 31, an employee said the sheriff and Undersheriff Jerry Johnson were in meetings all day and were unavailable. Sheriff Fielders did not respond to a note left at the office that day seeking a phone call. Fielders also did not respond to multiple new requests for comments this month.

Westrope is also seeking answers from the railways  in particular, records of what activities took place around Paradise when the fire ignited.

"BNSF and (Montana) Rail Link are in exclusive control over rail activities that happened that day," he said. "Part of the reason for starting this lawsuit is pursuit of answers."

And in addition to being in control of rail activities, he argued, they're also responsible for conducting the activities safely.

"Everybody owes a duty to exercise ordinary care, whatever they do, to everyone else," he said. "The duties are proportional. When you undertake an activity  that carries the potential for loss of property and loss of life  and thank God nobody was killed here, but youve got clients that were literally fleeing for their lives  your duty is proportionally greater. Theres obviously ways to operate rail trains in a way that doesnt start wildfires. It happens every day."
Sen. Jon Tester has called for the U.S. and Canada to address water contamination flowing from British Columbia into Montana in accordance with the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty.

But if Canada remains unwilling to engage in such diplomacy, the Montana Democrat wrote in a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, then the U.S. should proceed alone.

At issue is selenium that leaches into waterways from mountains of waste rock surrounding open-pit coal mines in southern British Columbia operated by Teck Resources. In the most trace amounts, selenium is essential to animal health. But beyond that, it's toxic in even small doses. It accumulates in fish and bird ovaries, which leads to fewer eggs hatching, animals hatching with birth defects, and young that die before they can reproduce.

The selenium-laden runoff flows into the Elk River, which then flows into the Kootenai River at Lake Koocanusa, a reservoir spanning the U.S.-Canada border and held back by Libby Dam. From the Libby Dam in Montana, the Kootenai River flows through Libby and Troy, and then into Idaho. Selenium levels above what tribal, state and federal regulations allow  and high enough to harm wildlife  have been documented throughout so-called "Lake K" and the Kootenai River (Kootenay in Canada) downstream of where the Elk River flows in.

Tribal leaders  particularly the Ktunaxa Nation in Canada, and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and Kootenai Tribe of Idaho in the U.S.  have for years pushed the U.S. State Department and its Canadian counterpart, Global Affairs Canada, to refer the issue to the International Joint Commission. The commission is a bi-national entity created by the Boundary Waters Treaty, primarily to address disputes over contamination flowing between two countries that share a continental border riddled with lakes, rivers and reservoirs.

A reference would spur the IJC to convene a bi-national "watershed board" of experts and stakeholders who would analyze selenium contamination in Lake Koocanusa and advise on solutions. Such a board would likely include scientists, tribes and governments of all levels from both nations. The State Department has indicated willingness to refer the matter to the IJC.

In May 2022, the IJC urged Biden and Trudeau to issue a joint reference. But Global Affairs Canada has balked at joining the U.S. on a joint reference.

"The selenium contamination issues only continue to compound in northwest Montana, and we can no longer delay a solution," Tester wrote. "It is time to refer this case to the IJC. I urge you to work with Canada to pursue a joint reference to the IJC, but to move forward with a unilateral reference if Canada remains unwilling to meaningfully engage on the issue."

A unilateral reference would be almost unprecedented in the treaty's century-plus existence.

Technically, either nation can send a reference to the IJC by itself. But out of dozens of references, that's only happened one time, according to Robert Sisson, a U.S. IJC commissioner. That was when Canada submitted a reference for the "Windsor Hum," a subtle buzzing noise emanating from industrial areas of Detroit and affecting Windsor, Ontario.

"Under the treaty, either party can provide a reference to us," he told the Missoulian last year, adding that "the two parties have agreed on when and why to provide a reference to the IJC."

Stalled diplomacy

Tribal leaders, scientists and U.S. officials have long cited Canada as impeding action on Lake K selenium via the IJC.

In March, U.S. President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released a joint statement that mentioned selenium contamination in Lake Koocanusa: "The United States and Canada also intend to reach an agreement in principle by this summer to reduce and mitigate the impacts of water pollution in the Elk-Kootenai watershed, in partnership with Tribal Nations and Indigenous Peoples, and in order to protect the people and species that depend on this vital river system."

That never happened, the tribes said in a statement last month that called for a meeting between tribal nations, the U.S. and Canada. In response to the tribes' statement, a meeting of those governments was scheduled for Nov. 9, according to The Canadian Press. It's unclear what agreements, if any, resulted from the meeting.

In July this year, according to the tribes, the British Columbia provincial government  a long-standing opponent of an IJC reference  sent the Canadian government its own proposal for a reference.

But at an April 28 press conference in New York City, Trudeau stated, "We believe that there are processes that are being followed right now that have a better chance of getting to a resolution" than an IJC reference. The remark came one year after Global Affairs Canada turned away from a joint reference on Lake K selenium. In May 2022, the Ktunaxa Tribal First Nation announced that Global Affairs Canada notified the tribe via email the month before that it would not support an IJC reference.

Tester, who has pushed the U.S. government for years to work with Canada on the issue, wrote to Blinken that he requests that the State Department refer the issue to the IJC.

"Our clean water," he wrote, "is too important to sit by idly while Canada fails to uphold its end of the agreement."
A figurative drop in the proverbial bucket.

The notoriously toxic Berkeley Pit in Butte holds about 49 billion gallons of contaminated, acidic water.

Dumping 850,000 to 1 million cubic yards of mining and smelting wastes excavated and transported over a prolonged period from sites in Butte is likely to have little effect on the Pits water level.

Thats according to Ted Duaime, a Butte-based hydrogeologist with the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology. He has monitored the Berkeley Pit for more than 40 years.

He said slumps and landslides in 1998 and 2012 that dumped somewhere between 500,000 cubic yards and 1 million cubic yards in dramatic one-time events resulted in water level rises between 1 foot and 3 feet.

Duaime, like other scientists at this early stage of consideration of the Pit for repository duty, isnt ready to unequivocally declare its suitability as a waste dump. But he said he supports its candidacy.

I feel its a reasonable alternative that merits consideration as a repository, Duaime said. From my perspective, the impact of that material on water level would be negligible.

EPA said it will not sign off on the Pit as a repository until the agency is satisfied its an appropriate recipient of soils, sediments and other materials contaminated with heavy metals from historic mining and smelting.

Excavation of contaminated materials will occur within the Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit federal Superfund site.

EPA is aware of the idea of using the Berkeley Pit to meet part of the repository needs for the remedy at BPSOU, but does not have a position on the proposal at this time, said Christopher Wardell, a Denver-based spokesman for the agency.

EPA has also informed Butte-Silver Bow and Atlantic Richfield about the fact that any recommendation regarding a repository location will need to be protective of human health and the environment, comply with CERCLA, the BPSOU decision documents, and the Consent Decree, Wardell said.

CERCLA is an abbreviation for the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act.

The next steps of the process entail EPA reviewing any recommendation submitted by the Repository Siting Committee, and Atlantic Richfield will also have to submit a draft design of any repository for EPAs review and approval, Wardell said. EPA is encouraged that the public process so far has generated meaningful public input regarding this topic.

That it has.

Both Duaime and Josh Bryson of Atlantic Richfield have described a need to study how dumping mine tailings contaminated with heavy metals and other materials  including those polluted by diesel or gasoline fuels  could affect the Pits geochemistry. Materials polluted by fuels would likely go into a separate repository.

Atlantic Richfield confirmed EPAs role in vetting repository options.

EPA maintains the authority to review and approve the location and design of all repositories for disposal of BPSOU waste, the company said.

Under the Repository Study siting process, Atlantic Richfield and

Butte-Silver Bow will recommend repository locations to EPA, the company said. Atlantic Richfield and Butte-Silver Bow will ask EPA and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality to support the evaluation of additional disposal site locations that are compatible with and do not fundamentally change the BPSOU remedy or the Consent Decree, including areas in and near the operating mine area, including the Berkeley Pit.

Cheerleaders for consideration of the Pit as a dumping ground have so far included former legislator Jim Keane, mining company Montana Resources, which is considered jointly responsible with Atlantic Richfield for the Pit, Butte resident Don Petritz, environmental activist George Ochenski and others.

J.P. Gallagher, chief executive of Butte-Silver Bow County, mentioned the Pit in a two-page letter dated Nov. 8 to KC Becker, the EPAs regional administrator.

Lastly, I would like to express our support for the disposal of waste from proposed cleanup activities into the Berkeley Pit, provided it is deemed technically feasible and safe for the community, Gallagher wrote.

He said Butte-Silver Bow hopes EPA will expedite the study of this option.

For the time being, two potential repository sites seem to be in play, with one being the Berkeley Pit and the other being a land-based facility referred to by Atlantic Richfield as the Kelley Mine Area.

Many Centerville residents, who live to the north and west of the Kelley Mine Area repository, have expressed concerns about potential negative effects from dumping mining and smelting wastes in proximity to their neighborhood. Groundwater from the repository site would drain into the Berkeley Pit.

Atlantic Richfield has pledged to forgo dumping wastes in a polygon section closest to Centerville and to avoid dumping in the vicinity of the remnants of the historic neighborhood of Dublin Gulch.

Bryson has said that even if the Berkeley Pit is approved as a repository the companys contractors might still need a smaller land-based repository for materials deemed unfit for the Pit.

Atlantic Richfield seemed initially skeptical of dumping contaminated materials from sites within the Silver Bow Corridor in the Berkeley Pit.

But Bryson said later that the Pit option is receiving serious consideration. He said Atlantic Richfield is examining how wastes from Diggings East, the Northside Tailings, Butte Reduction Works and other sites in the corridor might be transported to a staging area for transfer to the Pit.

Heavy-duty conveyor belts routed along what are now walking trails could play a role until the excavation is complete, he said. One goal is to reduce trips by heavy haul trucks on city-county roads.

The Berkeley Pits property and mineral rights are owned by Montana Resources. Atlantic Richfield and Montana Resources share in the sites environmental liability.

The Pits toxicity to thousands of migratory waterfowl such as snow geese has garnered international attention and concentrated efforts to haze birds that approach. Paradoxically, tourists flock to visit the toxic site and pay a few bucks to do so. Some conclude the site has a strange beauty.

Excavation of the Berkeley Pit began in 1955 as the Anaconda Co. moved from underground mining to open pit mining. In the years that followed, the Pit swallowed Butte neighborhoods like Meaderville, East Butte and McQueen.

Atlantic Richfield acquired the Anaconda Co. in 1977, a purchase that carried profound environmental liabilities under the federal Superfund statute that became law in December 1980.

In 1982, Atlantic Richfield announced the suspension of Butte operations. And in April of that year, it shut down dewatering pumps. The Pit began to fill with acidic water.

Montana Resources Horseshoe Bend Water Treatment Plant and polishing plant treat water from the Berkeley Pit before it is discharged into Silver Bow Creek.

Mark Thompson, vice president of environmental affairs for Montana Resources, said the treatment system has flexibility.

Montana Resources is confident that the existing treatment facilities have ample capacity and are capable of removing any metals or metalloids (such as arsenic) that could add to the contamination of Berkeley Pit water, Thompson said.

Atlantic Richfield and EPA are studying what kinds of other contaminants could be in the Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit wastes that otherwise are not in Butte Mine Flooding Operable Unit water and what impacts those other contaminants could have on the BMFOU remedy, he said.

The Berkeley Pits dimensions are about 1.25 miles from east to west and about 1 mile north to south. The depth of Lake Berkeley is about 1,000 feet. Sometime between February 2013 and February 2016, the color of the Pits water changed from red-brown to green. The reddish color was attributed to an abundance of dissolved and suspended ferric iron.
This story has been updated with information from Fish, Wildlife & Parks and corrected to indicate the photo was taken in mid-October and removed a reference to a grizzly track near Stafford Ferry since it was not confirmed.

An adult grizzly bear was photographed in mid-October by a game camera placed on a historic ranch along the Missouri and Judith rivers, the farthest east a bear has been seen in Montana in more than 100 years.

American Prairie, which purchased the PN Ranch northeast of Winifred in 2016, announced the sighting in a recent email.

I've been dreaming about this moment since the day I started at American Prairie almost six years ago. Some of us for much longer, wrote Daniel Kinka, senior wildlife restoration manager for the nonprofit group. Other than bison roaming, I don't think there is any better symbol of prairie wildness than a grizzly bear.

The PN Ranch is more than 100 miles east of the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem where grizzlies roam mountain wilderness areas. With that habitat nearing grizzly bear capacity, more and more of the large bruins are looking elsewhere to live. Grizzlies have been trapped, seen and killed as far east as the Marias River near Fort Benton, Stanford in central Montana and at the base of the Big Snowy Mountains.

The farthest east a grizzly track has been recorded was last year near Winifred, according to Wesley Sarmento, a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks grizzly bear specialist based in Conrad.

"But this is the first good photo to come out of that area," he said. "It looks like an adult male."

Big country

The recent bear sighting is the first in an area containing thousands of acres of public land, including large blocks of Bureau of Land Management acreage such as the 375,000-acre Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services 1.1 million-acre Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge.

Sarmento said with such a large area, no competition from other grizzlies and an abundance of natural foods that the bear or bears could stay out of trouble.

That's certainly American Prairie's hope, which in addition to buying the PN Ranch has purchased more than 462,000 acres in the region. The groups goal is to restore the shortgrass prairie ecosystem. As part of that, American Prairie has reintroduced bison to some of its lands.

The big animals presence  along with American Prairies land purchases  has drawn sharp criticism from agricultural groups and some landowners. Some county, state and federal politicians have been critical of the group as well, working legislatively to stymie its progress.

Rewilding

On its website, American Prairie noted: Today wolves and grizzly bears are often associated with mountain habitats, but scientific evidence and firsthand accounts indicate that they adapted specifically for life in the open grasslands  Initial evidence of grizzly bears has been found on American Prairie property, and it is expected that both species  grizzlies and wolves  will eventually recolonize the Missouri River Breaks area through natural immigration. Mountain lions have already done so and are now found in low populations in both the Little Rocky Mountains and the Missouri River Breaks. Black bears also have recolonized the Bears Paw Mountains and Little Rocky Mountains.

Beth Saboe, senior public relations manager for the group, said, We are very excited to see the return of this grizzly bear to its native habitat. In recent years, grizzlies have been expanding onto the prairies, and just like we've seen along the Rocky Mountain Front, it is possible to co-exist with them. We are also committed to public safety and our priority is to keep people and property safe in order to minimize conflict. "

American Prairies website noted it will provide sanctuary for carnivores on its property and is working with surrounding landowners through its Wild Sky program to pay landowners for tolerating wildlife.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has also recently stepped up its educational efforts in areas not considered grizzly country in more than a generation. Such bear-aware informational sessions have been conducted around Eastern Montana to prepare residents for the grizzly bears reappearance.

"We've done them all over," Sarmento said, including Lewistown, Loma, Big Sandy and Havre. "Most folks understand the bears are expanding out."

Explorers

Typically it's young bears cast off by their mothers that wander into new territory, Sarmento explained. Often, they return to their homeland after the exploration since they know the terrain and food sources.

Longtime Montana grizzly bear advocate Doug Peacock praised the Missouri Breaks grizzlys ability to make it to the rugged region. He has most recently been working to create safe passage for grizzlies from the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to move across highways in southwestern Montana so they can reoccupy areas like the Crazy, Big Belt and Little Belt mountain ranges.

This bear family (picture) is our best example of a grizzly explorer, he wrote in an email.

Other incidents of bear exploration have not ended well for the animals.

In 2009, a yearling male was captured near Loma, where the Marias and Teton rivers meet, after killing sheep. Its travels were estimated at about 175 miles. In 2013, a 4-year-old male grizzly was captured near the lower Marias River after killing livestock and relocated.

In 2017, two sub-adult males were euthanized by FWP after killing livestock west of Stanford. The same year, two others were seen near Big Sandy, southwest of Havre. In 2021 a 5-year-old male grizzly was killed by FWP after eating livestock at the base of the Big Snowy Mountains. DNA from that grizzly indicated it had grown up around Red Lodge, roughly 150 miles south.

If the USDA DOW hadn't illegally killed that 5-year-old male in the Big Snowys, we would have a complete family unit in the same eastern area, Peacock said. This and other explorer bears wouldn't survive delisting.

Last year, a bear was documented in the North Moccasin Mountains north of Lewistown. Sarmento said it's possible the recently photographed Breaks grizzly could be the same animal.

Kinka, of American Prairie, said grizzly bears have come to symbolize the places we are not  what's just past the frontier. That strikes me as a cruel mischaracterization of prairie bruins since humans persecuted and banished them to the most inhospitable corners of the map while simultaneously venerating them as symbols of that same wilderness.

This is not the horribilis of wilderness frontier fantasy, he added, referring to the bears scientific name, Ursus arctos horribilis, but an indicator of a wilder, better prairie.

Info

BLM information officer Gina Baltrusch said FWPs information is her agencys go-to for bear safety.

We always echo FWPs message, she said, providing visitors with pamphlets and links to the states information when questions arise. Its just prudent to be aware, carry bear spray, securing your attractants.

FWP asks that bears or bear sign near residences or conflicts be reported to local bear specialists at the contact number found on FWPs website: https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/bear/contact.
Landy McRoy, a student from Asheboro, who attends North Carolina School of Science and MathematicsMorganton, has been selected for a prestigious opportunity to conduct research in microgravity on the ZERO-Gravity Corporation G-Force One Aircraft.

The research opportunity is a collaboration between the STEM Enhancement in Earth and Space Science (SEES) program, The University of Texas at Austins Center for Space Research (UTCSR), Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium (WSGC) Embedded Teacher Program and the Zero Gravity Corporation.

Students will work with scientists, teachers and their community to develop a research project and conduct authentic research in microgravity.

SEES is a collaborative effort between NASAs Science Mission Directorate and UTCSR. Students apply for SEES and are selected competitively and the internships are organized around an aerospace or space science theme drawn from NASAs diverse engineering and scientific research programs. The program combines the strengths of collaborators to enrich teaching and learning of STEM, according to the website (www.csr.utexas.edu/sees-internship/).

The Embedded Teacher Program is a partnership between the WSGC, the International Space Station National Laboratory and the Zero Gravity Corporation to provide opportunities for middle and high school teachers to develop and fly small experiments and demonstrations on a parabolic flight. Parabolic flights provide periods of sustained microgravity for testing spaceflight technologies, training astronauts and performing experiments. The program is funded by the NASA Flight Opportunities Program and by the International Space Station National Laboratory (CASIS), according to https://spaceforteachers.org.

Many applications were received for the coveted four research positions. Students work remotely with their project teachers, scientist and director of Wisconsin Space Grant prior to the flight. During the process, the students will go through the process of ZERO-G Research Payload Integration, which includes finalizing their ground research, safety mitigation efforts and flight planning.

The purpose of the research opportunity is to contribute to microgravity research and NASA spaceflight technology, develop out-of-this-world demonstration videos for their community and to experience microgravity.

Students selected will come together late November in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to conduct experiments, tour facilities, network with other students and conduct research while being mentored by NASA subject matter experts. The specially modified Boeing 727 G-FORCE ONE aircraft achieves weightlessness by flying aerobatic maneuvers called parabolas. Specially trained pilots perform these aerobatic maneuvers, which are not stimulated in any way. Zero-G passengers experience true weightlessness.

The opportunity will provide students the rare and unique opportunity to work with professional scientists and community leaders, companies and teachers at the cutting edge of space exploration.
During a traffic stop at around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, a 45-year-old man shot and killed himself in the 700 block of South Montana Street.

Butte police had stopped the vehicle to check on the mans welfare following an incident earlier that evening.

According to Butte-Silver Bow Sheriff Ed Lester, the unidentified man used a firearm to kill himself as officers were trying to talk to him. No shots were fired by the officers and no officers were injured.

He was the only one in the vehicle.

Butte law enforcement has requested that the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conduct an investigation into the incident.

This is a tragic incident, said the sheriff. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died.
A few hours before underground miner Noah Dinger was killed Monday at the Stillwater Mine, he and his wife exchanged text messages.

The couple were married just over a year ago and have two young children.

I love you with my whole heart, Noah, Kaylei Dinger texted her husband.

Noah responded, I love you with everything I have, Kaylei."

She answered back, Youre the best man in the entire universe. Im so glad youre all mine.

On Tuesday morning, Kaylei posted that last exchange on her Facebook page. She said the day since his death is the longest theyve ever gone without talking to each other.

Noah Dinger was killed when he got tangled in a bolt driller, heavy equipment used to secure the roof of mining tunnels. His father was working with him nearby when the accident happened, mine officials confirmed.

Dinger, of Kellogg, Idaho, worked for longtime Stillwater subcontractor Moran Mining. Following the accident, mine officials called a full work stand-down for 24 hours and then held safety training briefings for all underground employees.

Friends of the Dingers have organized a GoFundMe fundraiser for the family, which includes sons age 3 and age 1.

Noah Dinger was many things, a beloved husband and father, a hardworking man, a wonderful son and dear, dear friend, said fund organizer Laureeann Fee.

Noah was truly the most dedicated husband and loving father, Fee said. He was so fun, and funny. The love he had for Kaylei and his boys was beautiful. Beyond words.

In a note to her husband after his death, Kaylei Dinger said I hope you are resting so peacefully and can watch these boys of ours make you proud. Everything we do is for you Noahbear.

Dingers death is being investigated by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Stillwater is the only palladium and platinum mining company in the U.S. It operates two mines including the Stillwater Mine near Nye and has a workforce of 2,335 employees and contractors, according to its website.

We really want to thank the community for all their concern and support through this, McDowell said. One thing we realize when things like this happen is that everyone seems to know someone who works at one of our facilities. People feel connected to each other in these rural areas and really come together.

In June of 2021, two men were killed at the mine when the side-by-side vehicle they were traveling in collided with an underground train.

In 2013, a 45-year-old miner was found dead in the mine. An autopsy was inconclusive as to the cause of death.

A miner driving an open-cab hauling truck was killed in 2011 when he went into a ditch and a rock bolt struck him.

In 2001, a string of three deaths in four months prompted mine officials to issue a stand-down for several days devoted to safety training.
The last of the grand excursion boats on Iowas largest natural lake will be refurbished and updated this winter, thanks to a $1 million gift from an anonymous donor.

The boat, the Queen II, now nearing its 40th year of service on West Okoboji Lake, is one of the last physical reminders at Okoboji of how the large glacial lakes of Northwest Iowa came to be a widely known tourist attraction.

The story begins in 1882 when the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railway (BCR&N) opened the first rail line to the lakes area. The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, generally known as simply the Milwaukee, opened a rail line to the lakes the following year.

The arrival of automobiles and air-conditioning would change everything, but those innovations still were a half-century away. For now, the companies grand vision was to attract thousands of vacationers every summer to the Lakes area, people seeking refuge from the summer heat in locations to the south. It was a plan that required more than rail lines and promotion.

First, there had to be hotels. So the railroads built them. The Orleans Hotel, built by the BCR&N, opened in 1883 on the south shore of Spirit Lake, was described as the finest hotel in the region, sometimes as the finest hotel in the West. But the hotels were only one piece of the equation.

The other essential set piece of the plan was providing transportation from the rail depots to the hotels and around the lakes area. The most obvious method, horse and buggy, would be too slow and too problematic. They could transport only a few people at a time, and summer rains often made the mud pathways of the time impassable. But wait. This resort area is built along waterfronts. There is another way to provide transportation. What about boats?

The privately owned watercraft of the time  sailboats and rowboats  were too small and too slow. But there was one other possibility:

Large, motorized excursion boats. They soon became a key factor in creating a regional lakes resort region in a remote location.

The excursion boats not only got people to and from the rail stations, they also provided local transportation within the lakes area. Vacationers summoned an excursion boat as needed. To go somewhere on one of the lakes, they went down to the end of the nearest dock with a towel or white flag and waved it at the first excursion boat that passed by. It would stop for boarding, then drop them off at their location of choice.

The boats also carried mail for delivery and hauled lumber to lakeshore construction sites.

The first excursion boat on the Iowa Great Lakes was the Alpha, launched by the BCR&N in 1882. During the decades that followed, at least eight more large excursion boats served the three clustered lakes of Dickinson County  West Okoboji, East Okoboji, and Spirit Lake.

The Milwaukee responded quickly with its own, larger excursion boat in 1884, the Ben Lennox, named for one of the companys executives. Not to be outdone, the BCR&N immediately commissioned the construction of a bigger, grander ship the same year: The Queen.

The Queen, based originally on Spirit Lake, was relocated to service on East Okoboji and West Okoboji in 1900. It was able to navigate between the two lakes via a pivot swing bridge where Highway 71 crosses the two lakes today.

It was not long before other excursion boats joined the Iowa Great Lakes fleet  the Okoboji, the Sioux City, the Des Moines, the Boji Belle, the Empress.

Then, in the 1920s, led by The Des Moines Registers Get Iowa Out of the Mud campaign, paved roads quickly became a reality throughout the state. About the same time, the first motorized runabouts began to arrive on the lakes; soon, virtually every lake cottage had a speed boat. After 40 years of providing the only local transportation for the lakes area, the era of the excursion boats ended almost as quickly as it had arrived.

It was not long before only the Queen and the Empress survived, operating as casual tour boats, not destination boats.

The Queen did find one new purpose. After World War II, it became the so-called flagship of the Iowa Navy, a fictional entity designed for promotional purposes. The Queen would stop at a private dock along West Lake, summon the owner, and hand him an admirals commission. The admirals of the Iowa Navy were assigned to confound all harbingers of gloom, worry, energy and all enemies of carefree fun and relaxation.

By 1973, the Queen had been working the Okoboji lakes for almost 90 years. It needed a major renovation or replacement. The boat was sold to Adventureland near Des Moines for $33,000 and transported there, where it spent some time providing rides around a small lake, then became a land-based tourist attraction. Finally, it was returned to the water for refurbishing  and sank. Its ultimate fate is not known, but it disappeared from Adventureland.

The Empress remained as the last of the excursion boats on Okoboji until it relocated to the Lake of the Ozarks in 1984. Area residents scrambled for the next year or two to raise money to bring back the Queen, the most legendary of the excursion boat fleet. The Queen II, a diesel-powered replica of the original steam-powered Queen, arrived in 1986 and has been in service since then.

* * *

My first ride on the Queen was in the mid-1940s. I was a child, and do not remember it. But a ride on the Queen was a must-do activity for my family every summer in those years when we went to Okoboji for one or two weeks vacation.

My wifes family has roots at Okoboji going back to the late 1890s. Her grandparents, Clair and Adel Baird of Omaha, built Clairdell Cottage on Fairoaks Beach on West Lake in 1931. Our grandchildren now are the fifth generation to spend a part of their summers at Clairdell.

I have been researching and writing about Okoboji history for many years. I intend to write about Okoboji history in this column periodically. It will be one of several diverse and reappearing themes for Arnold Garson: Second Thoughts!

Stay tuned.

This column was originally published by Arnold Garson: Second Thoughts on Substack. It is republished here through the Iowa Writers Collaborative.

PHOTOS: 2022 Okoboji Winter Games Polar Pllunge Dogsled races Dogsled races Tubing Kites Quad races Tailgating Kites Golfing Shirtless
The Government is finalising modalities of releasing the enhanced coffee cherry advance revolving fund to farmers, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said.

Gachagua said the government had allocated Sh4 billion to the fund in addition to the Sh2.7 billion that was earlier allocated, promising to ensure deserving farmers benefit.

Speaking on Tuesday during an engagement with the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Simon Chelugui and key stakeholders in the subsector at his Official Residence in Karen, the DP said the plan is being refined to ensure efficiency and transparency.

The DP said the Ruto Administration remains focused on returning to glory the sub-sector, promising to continue standing firm against attempts to derail the reforms.

We dont have any problem with anyone. The only problem is the farmer should get what they deserve because they have been oppressed for a long time, said the DP.

Mr Gachagua has been tasked by President William Ruto to steer reforms in the sub-sector, also in tea and dairy, with the Government aiming to increase farm productivity and earnings for farmers.

The DP said the changes being implemented had the potential of making coffee farming a lucrative venture for small-holder farmers.

We are determined, we are not letting go of these reforms because things are going to change. We are going to bring back coffee to where it was in the 1970s and 1980s when it was the number foreign exchange earners for our country, he stated.

He said there was no room for failure as the farmers were looking up to the government for better proceeds.

We must win because it used to work then. Nothing has changed. The farmers are the same, the soils are the same, the environment is the same. It is only when we liberalized the sector that the farmers were shortchanged, the DP said.

Chelugui said they will ensure the deserving farmers benefit from the Cherry Fund.

By the DPPS
Kenya and Romania have entered into four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

These four MoUs include Environmental Protection and Climate Change, Cooperation on Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety, Agricultural Research and Cooperation, as well as Diplomatic Institute and the Foreign Service Academy of Kenya.

The signing of the MoUs took place on Tuesday at State House, Nairobi, where President William Ruto hosted Romanian President Klaus Iohannis who is on a three-day State visit to Kenya.

President William Ruto said he implementation of the MoUs would bolster trade and investment between the two nations, fostering the creation of new investment opportunities.

The implementation of these MoUs will escalate our relations into an effective partnership in the areas of focus and create conditions for Kenya and Romania to expand the scope of collaboration to cover even more sectors in the near future, said Ruto.

The two heads of state also discussed various issues of interest, including Trade and investment, environmental conservation and climate action, political and diplomatic dialogue, cooperation in ICT, agriculture, people-to-people engagement, peace and security, disaster risk management and international humanitarian support, regional and multilateral cooperation.

Kenya and Romania also agreed to collaborate with other countries to explore innovative ways for climate financing as well as carbon markets.

President Iohannis and I also resolved to continuously work together, both at the bilateral as well as multilateral spheres to promote and support the achievement of the global development agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Ruto stated.

President Iohannis lauded Kenya for being an example in its political stability and democratic transition in Eastern Africa and a development hub for the entire region hence the need for Romania to have trade ties which will be beneficial to all.

Our Consultation have reconfirmed that we have joint interests towards global current concerns and challenges like protecting the environment, and concerns on climate change and civil protection, he said
The State Prosecution filed an affidavit at the Milimani law courts seeking to detain five suspects allegedly involved in the Sh94.9 million Qickmart Heist pending investigations

Inspector Michael Kimilu told the court he was investigating a criminal offense of conspiracy to commit a felony contrary to section 393 of the penal code.

Kimilu said a report by complainant George Jaramba on behalf of Wells Fargo Limited was reported to vide Akila police station OB No 22/06/11/2023.

The investigation revealed that an amount totaling Sh94 million, belonging to Quickmart Supermarket and en route to a local bank, was stolen by known employees of Wells Fargo.

According to Kimilu, the suspects carried out the offense in coordination with unidentified accomplices shortly after the cash-in-transit vehicle had left Fargo House in South C at around 07:14 hrs.

Upon receipt of the incident report, investigation team proceeded to the crime scene along Southern bypass in South C area where a motor vehicle was found abandoned with its engine running, the affidavit reads in part.

The court was informed that the crime scene underwent processing, and it was established that the consignment of cash, stored in three blue metallic boxes, was missing.

The Wells Fargo crew commander, Daniel Mugetha, and the driver, Antony Ndiuki, were reported missing, and their mobile phone numbers were found to be switched off.

Analysis was conducted and a motor vehicle Fielder white in color was spotted trailing the said Wells Fargo van and later made away with the consignment in 3 blue boxes, the investigator said.

Inspector Kimilu mentioned that the investigation team initiated both day and night search operations, resulting in the arrest of a man, Ismael Patrick Gitonga, who was identified as the owner of the vehicle in Ongata Rongai on November 10, 2023.

Subsequent investigations traced the aforementioned motor vehicle(KBM 751W) to the Njiru Chokaa area along Kangundo Road, where it was found undergoing modifications. Two suspects who were in the process of modifying it were arrested; these are Michael Matolo Njeru and Samuel Onyango.

The officer reported that the investigation heightened following the interrogation of the two suspects, ultimately leading to the tracing and arrest of Martin Nderi Nganga on November 11, 2023.

During a search at the mans rented premises in Kasarani, authorities recovered Sh9,101,300. Following leads obtained from Patrick Gitonga, a separate operation on November 12, 2023, led to the arrest of the fifth suspect, James Mbatia Kariuki, an employee of Wells Fargo Limited.

The investigation is determined to trace, apprehend, and recover the cash of about Sh85 million still at large with the runaway suspects well known to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th respondents, the officer assured the court.

While seeking more time to detain the five suspects, Inspector Kimilu said their release on bail at this stage of the investigation would jeopardize the case.

He also noted that the suspects are a flight risk having been on the run since November 6 before their arrests.

Kimilu emphasized that the respondents had stolen a significant amount of money, a considerable portion of which remains accessible to them. He said there is concern that they might use these funds to flee the country.

The court also heard that intelligence gathered by investigators suggests that there were plans for the suspects to leave the country shortly before their arrest.

The investigator further noted that tracing the suspects presented considerable challenges, as they were actively hiding and aware of the ongoing pursuit by the investigation team.

State prosecutor Abel Omariba requested the court to grant 21 days, explaining that the mobile phones recovered from the suspects had not yet been sent to the cybercrime unit for analysis.

Owing to the short time that the investigation apprehended the respondents, their known and related residences are yet to be searched for any further recovery of the remaining amount, the State added.

The suspects, however, opposed the detention, asserting their innocence at this stage. They pleaded to be released on bail while the investigations were ongoing.

Their lawyers also mentioned that the suspects had been tortured, with Mr Mbatia unable to walk.

Milimani Principal Magistrate Zainab Abdul granted the police 10 days, stating that the application to detain the five was justified, especially considering the substantial amount of money that was stolen.

The suspects have been remanded at Capitol Hill Police Station.
Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Soipan Tuya has praised Kenyans for responding to the governments appeal to plant trees, contributing to the goal of reaching 15 billion trees by 2032.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Tuya said Kenyans demonstrated immense patriotism during the National Tree Planting Day held on Monday, resulting in the government exceeding the target of 150 million trees.

Countrywide returns we continue to receive indicate that we surpassed the 150 million target for the day, with Jaza Miti App indicating close to 7,000 new entries. We encourage those that grew trees yesterday but didnt record on the app, to do so, to enable us keep track of the activity, said Tuya.

The Cabinet Secretary urged Kenyans to persist in planting and nurturing trees throughout the current short rains season. During this period, the government aims to achieve a goal of 500 million seedlings by Christmas.

To monitor all planted trees, the government intends to use the Jaza Miti app, accessible on the Google Play Store and iPhone Operating System (IOS).

The app supports tree planting initiatives by enabling users to choose appropriate tree species for planting according to their location and monitor the documented trees growth over time.

Kenya Forest Services (KFS) officers will also utilize the app to oversee all planted trees nationwide.
A woman is facing charges in connection with the death of her boyfriend during a sexual encounter at his residence in Baba Dogo estate, Ruaraka, Nairobi, on September 22.

Winfred Mueni, a 28-year-old married woman, has been charged with the manslaughter of 30-year-old Titus Njoroge Kimani.

Mueni is accused of unlawfully causing the death of Kimani, who lost consciousness before being hurried to a hospital, where he was declared deceased.

The sequence of events began the previous night when Mueni had gone to a club to check if her husband of two years was there. She found him among a group making funeral arrangements.

After the meeting concluded around 1 am, Muenis husband left her at the bar with friends and went home. Shortly after, her boyfriend Kimani arrived at the same bar, and they continued drinking together.

The court heard that after leaving the club, Mueni reached home around 3 am, where she found her husband asleep. They later woke up and had breakfast around 6 am, after which her husband left for a funeral in Limuru, Kiambu County.

Mueni reportedly left the house at approximately 7 am to go to her boyfriends house in Baba Dogo.

According to Muenis statement to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Kimani began experiencing difficulty breathing, coughing, and weakness during their intimate encounter. She told the detectives that his condition worsened, and he collapsed on her, with his head hitting the beds frame before losing consciousness.

In a state of urgency, Mueni sought help by calling Kimanis colleagues, who arrived and found him unconscious and naked. They rushed him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Following the incident, the colleagues and relatives of the deceased accompanied Ms. Mueni to the Ruaraka police station, where they reported the matter and she was subsequently taken into custody.

The State Prosecutions Office has charged Mueni under the last seen with doctrine, asserting that she was the last known person to be with the deceased before his demise.

Ms. Mueni pleaded not guilty to the charges before Senior Principal Magistrate Hellen Okwani at the Makadar Law Courts.

Magistrate Okwani granted release on a bond of Sh500,000 with a surety of a similar amount. The case is scheduled for mention on February 22, with the hearing set to commence on May 30, 2024.

The prosecution has identified a used condom found at the bedside and the postmortem report of the deceased as the primary exhibits in the case against Mueni. Additionally, her husband is listed as a key witness in the proceedings.

Kimanis relatives, who saw Ms. Mueni entering his house, and his colleagues who responded after she called for help, are also included in the list of witnesses for the case.
Twelve years ago, Lenore Hirsch joined the Redwood Writers Club in Santa Rosa, seeking a community that shared her love for storytelling and wordsmithing. The organization was a chapter of the California Writers Club, a larger group across the state that includes over 2,000 writers across 20 chapters.

Hirsch first heard about the club from her creative writing professor at Napa Valley College. She had enrolled in the class after retiring from her career as an educator to pursue another of her passions: writing.

After completing the course, she joined the Redwood Writers. While she said the drive over to Santa Rosa wasnt exactly ideal, being in the group opened up possibilities for feedback, and kept her sharp and motivated her in her work.

Much to her surprise, those monthly drives over the hill connected her with a few talented writers who lived much closer to her. She said she wasnt the only Napa writer making the trek, and together, a small group of the Redwood Writers decided they could create their own chapter closer to home.

We realized after a few years that we knew enough writers right here in Napa Valley to start our own branch, Hirsch said.

In 2012, she and a few others founded the Napa Valley Writers (NVW) and applied to be an official branch of California Writers. Ten years ago, they became one.

Since then, the club has grown to over 60 members, with monthly guest speakers and workshops, social events, and unofficial breakout critique groups. They have also begun releasing bi-annual anthologies, which create an avenue for members to get published and gain experience on the backside of the publishing process.

On Sunday, NVWs fourth anthology, Opus IV, will launch just in time for the groups official 10th anniversary.

"Opus IV" is a compilation of poetry and prose  both fiction and non-fiction. According to Amber Starfire, another founding member of the group and current NVW president, the collection is over 200 pages and contains about equal thirds of the three genres.

While sometimes the anthologies follow themes, this years doesnt. We decided not to do that because we didnt want to limit the writing, Starfire said.

Instead, the content runs the gamut.

John Petraglia, the anthologys managing editor, said there are about 60 total pieces, written by over 30 members of the club. The poems span a few topics and are grouped into sections "sandwiching" the fiction and non-fiction.

Hirsch said the fiction section, which she contributed to, has something for everyone  from futuristic battle stories to excerpts of novels.

Hirschs piece, Faultless, is loosely based on experiences she's had.

It's a story of an educator who does not have a life insurance policy, she said. The woman in her story is divorced and has a son, and is grappling with needing to purchase a policy, accepting the uncertainty and discomfort of preparing for the future.

Hirsch said being a member of the Redwood Writers and now the Napa Valley Writers has helped her develop confidence in her voice and identity as an author.

Way back at the beginning (of NVW), I had a business card made with my name and my contact information. I wrote on it, writer and said, This makes it official,' she said.

In the 10 years since forming the club, Hirsch has published four books, ranging from memoirs to poetry and even one novel. She is currently preparing to release her fifth book, a collection of short stories.

Hirsch said she hopes the anthology might be a jumping off place for others who want to explore writing themselves.

An anthology like this is for people who enjoy reading, and maybe for people who fancy themselves as having a story to write, Hirsch said. ...Maybe if you pick up this anthology and read it, you would say to yourself, Hey, I could write a story like that.

If people do decide to give writing a shot, Starfire said the Napa Valley Writers would be happy to have them.

I highly recommend to anybody who has a story to tell  and everybody has a story to tell  that people get involved.

To learn more about the Napa Valley Writers or purchase "Opus IV", visit sites.google.com/view/napavalleywriters.

20 life-changing locations that inspired movies, books, and art 20 life-changing locations that inspired movies, books, and art London: Jimi Hendrix Lake Geneva, Switzerland: Mary Shelley Bruges, Belgium: Martin McDonagh Rishikesh, India: The Beatles Chicago: The Hairy Who Mexico City: Frida Kahlo Walden Pond, Massachusetts: Henry David Thoreau Various locations, New Mexico: Georgia O'Keefe Antebellum South: Kara Walker Mount Fuji, Japan: Katsushika Hokusai New York City: Maira Kalman Pamplona, Spain: Ernest Hemingway Paris: Meret Oppenheim Bali, Indonesia: Elizabeth Gilbert Laurel Canyon neighborhood of Los Angeles: Joni Mitchell, et al.
To mark Veterans Day, the Napa Valley Register asked readers to send in their memories of military service  either personal ones or those of a friend or relative. Distinct from Memorial Day  which remembers all those who died while serving  Veterans Day honors all those who have served, both living and dead.

A family tradition of service

Veterans Day is a time to hold men and women who have served close in our hearts with honor and respect.

Many of us who are Baby Boomers have a complex perspective on military service. Some Baby Boomers had grandparents who served in World War I. Most of us are children of World War IIs Greatest Generation. Some have relatives that served in Korea. And Baby Boomers, for example graduates of the Napa High School Class of 1967, lost classmates, brothers, husbands in Vietnam.

A recent visit to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans left me with a deep mix of gratitude and sadness. It was powerful hearing voices of men and women who served: stories of pride and honor, terror and bravery. The country was united in sacrifice. My own father, Wayne McCormick, was in the Naval Construction Battalion (Seabees) and served in the South Pacific from 1942 to 1946. He never talked about the war. And I never asked.

He died when I was a teenager. I am left with documentation to study, photos of his time in the South Pacific, a list of medals, an entire suit box full of letters my mother saved. The letters, most routine, mundane glimpses of daily life (necessary given censorship); but reading between the lines  longing, fear, life interrupted. He and my mother had a long, long engagement and did not marry until after the war.

On the other hand, it could be said that Edward Madsen, my maternal uncle, rushed into marriage because of the war. His young bride-to-be got on a bus and traveled alone from California to Texas before he shipped out  really, flew out  given his service in the Army Air Corps. On his discharge papers he was listed as an airplane inspector. There are photos of him with an airplane in India.

My paternal uncle Philip McCormick spent the war in New Guinea. I do remember him taking some ribbing because he spent the war typing, apparently a valuable skill. A Navy chief petty officer, chief yeoman, he also wrote many letters home. He and my father had a brief reunion in the South Pacific in 1944. Wayne and I mostly talked about after the war, and the life we would all lead, and it was to be in Napa 

World War II also impacted women in the family. After my maternal grandmother was suddenly widowed, her two daughters and new daughter-in-law moved in and lived together in Richmond. My mother left her job at the Napa County Library to work in the shipyard office. My grandmother worked sewing uniforms in a factory. Stories of worry about war news, saving ration coupons, riding crowded buses to work. Some fond memories of shared sacrifice.

As a teenager, World War II and Korea seemed remote. But Vietnam defined our generation.

Betty McCormick Malmgren

The reason for my service

I joined the Navy in 1973 and went to basic training in Orlando. To me basic training was the most challenging part of my service time. My brother left for the Army the day before I turned 16.

He was headed for Vietnam and I so wanted to go with him and made a vow to leave the minute I was able. I had an uncle that was killed at Iwo Jima. He was in the Marines. He just got off the boat, hit the beach, set up his bazooka and was shot.

My brother came home from the Army in late 1972. Unfortunately I was still too young to join, but I was very eager and determined to leave. I kept asking my parents to let me join the Navy but my mom wouldn't give in and sign the papers.

When I turned 20, I again requested they sign the papers, but it still was a "no go." Finally I went to a Navy recruiter, took the test and was qualified. I went home and told my parents, and my mom still refused to allow me to join. I think her apprehension was due to her brother being killed.

I finally told her I was going to join one way or another and soon I would be old enough to join on my own. Finally she agreed. I so enjoyed my time in the service, best thing I ever did for myself. My mother never talked about her brother but I wanted to keep his memory alive. Just before my brother passed, he gave me all of my uncle's military things.

I read all of his letters he wrote home, read the telegram my grandparents received informing them of his bravery. He received a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars. I have a military wall in one of my rooms in my house. I have my uncle's military picture, medals and flag prominently displayed, along with my brother's military items.

My granddaughter joined the Marines, and yes, her picture and basic training items are also on display. Last month I had the privilege of going on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. During our visit to the Women's Military Museum, much to my surprise, I was inducted in the museum on behalf of my service in the Navy.

Beth Marcus

Being a battleship sailor

I served in the U.S. Navy from 1968 to 1972. The Vietnam War was on. There was the draft and since I had no desire to continue schooling after graduating from high school, I joined the Navy mainly because I did not want to get shot at. I served on three different ships in the four years of my enlistment.

The attached picture is of me with my arm around one of the 16-inch-diameter guns of the Battleship USS New Jersey BB-62. The Battleship New Jersey was brought out of mothballs to provide naval gunfire support to our ground troops in Vietnam. She would sit off the coast of Vietnam and fire her 16-inch rounds and her 5-inch rounds in support of the ground troops. I joined her crew in Long Beach when she returned from Vietnam. I served aboard her for six months.

The Navy then decided to decommission her again because Congress did not approve enough funding for the Navy to keep her in commission. I remember that everything aboard her was huge!

After her decommissioning, I served on two other ships, a destroyer tender (a repair ship for destroyers) and a World War II destroyer that had been updated during the 1960s. But I take pride that I was a battleship sailor!

Dave Wagner

Helping veterans reach their dreams

George W. Goodin, who retired from the U.S. Army as a chief warrant officer IV, devoted 28 years to serving his country at various duty stations around the world. Born in Arkansas in 1919, he later settled in Napa Valley with his wife Gwendolyn. The couple bought a ranch home surrounded by walnut orchards near Yountville, where they lived through their retirement years. Their 64-year-long marriage concluded with their passing in Napa Valley in 2007 and 2010, respectively.

Because of Georges military service, the Goodins decided to leave a permanent legacy to help veterans and their families pursue post-secondary educational opportunities. Through their trust, they directed the Napa Valley Community Foundation to establish an endowment to provide scholarships for Napa County residents who are military veterans or dependents of military veterans who were wounded or died while in active service.

Since 2013, The George and Gwendolyn Goodin Endowment Fund has distributed 60 scholarship awards totaling more than $290,000 to students attending two- and four-year colleges and universities, as well as vocational programs. The scholarship awards are easy to access, are structured around the needs of veterans and their dependents, and have funded multiple local veterans from Napa Valley College through graduate programs in law, nursing and more.

Napa Valley Community Foundation is honored that the Goodins trusted the foundation to ensure that Georges dream of supporting veterans education would live on forever under the watchful eyes and careful care of a steadfast partner. To learn more about their legacy and this scholarship opportunity, visit napavalleycf.org/scholarships.

Rejane Brito, Napa Valley Community Foundation

Honoring my family

I am the last of my original family, veterans all, and I would like to honor this day.

My mother and father had both served nearly four years in the Army and Navy, respectively, when they met in Honolulu in 1941. Prior to this, each sensed a lifelong call to service in lieu of marriage, family and children; this was particularly true of my mother as a lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps. My father was a U.S. Naval Academy graduate serving on a destroyer based at Pearl Harbor.

The original plans of both of my parents were fortunately altered when they met. They were married in June 1941 and settled into an apartment on Waikiki Beach for what they (and many others) thought was an idyllic setting for newlyweds. My mother resigned her commission in the Army Nurse Corps.

Of course, all this changed on Dec. 7, 1941.

My father served in the Pacific theater for the next three and a half years on various ships, including the command of a destroyer. My mother returned to her family home in Georgia for the duration, and she visited my father in San Francisco and Bremerton, Washington, when he was on leave. My older brother and I were the blessings that resulted from these brief diversions from the conflict.

My father had an exemplary 30-year naval career that included the command of various ships and postwar deployments to the Mediterranean and Japan. My mother had the more arduous task of raising three boys while relocating from coast to coast, including a reunion, of sorts, on Oahu.

My older brother, named in honor of his father, was also a Naval Academy graduate and served on a destroyer off Vietnam during that war; he passed in 2018 from amyloidosis, a rare condition that is an incurable disease of the blood system. It has subsequently been determined by the Veterans Affairs department that someone serving off the coast of Vietnam was presumptively exposed to Agent Orange, which causes the disease. My younger brother piloted submarine-tracker aircraft aboard the USS Intrepid (CV-11) in the Atlantic.

And to ensure that sibling rivalries flourish based on elected preferences, I served as an officer on a submarine based in Key West, Florida; my boat had a Cold War deployment on station above the Arctic Circle as well as several assignments to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

My mother and father were significantly touched by World War II in that some close friends lost spouses or other family members in the conflict. I can recall multiple occasions when a widow would be at our house and be so warmly received by my parents.

For me, I was once called on to inform a family that their son had died in Vietnam in 1967. I had known of him briefly as we were in the same dorm at the University of Michigan in 1964. He chose to leave the university and became a corpsman in the Navy, ultimately serving with a Marine platoon. I shall never forget the day that I informed his parents and family on an otherwise beautiful Sunday afternoon in July.

Please honor all those that are serving us, wherever they are stationed. If they are somewhere where it is possible to do so, do what you can to bring them safely home.

Eric Zimny

Memories of my grandfather

My grandfather, Kenneth W. Logan Sr., was originally from Indiana and enlisted in the Air Force due to personal family reasons. He got stationed at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield. His life made a drastic change from country bumpkin to Air Force policeman.

He met his future wife and my dad, Ken Logan Jr., was born at the base. My grandfather taught me the meaning of respect and gratitude, and my grandma says he had a heart of gold and would give up his shirt off his back if someone was in need. I frequently visit where he is laid to rest at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon.

Adrian Logan

A tale of two brothers

This is a brief history of two brothers who served their country together for over 21 years. George A. Lewis was born Oct. 29, 1931 and William (Bill) Lewis was born Dec. 26, 1933.

They enlisted together in the Air Force in March 1956 in Miami Beach. After basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas they were transferred to Parks Air Force Base in Pleasanton for advanced military police training.

Following graduation, their whole squadron was shipped out to Germany because the Russian army and their tanks had just crushed the Hungarian revolution and were poised to rape and pillage the rest of Europe.

After the German operation they were transferred to Alsace, France until 1959, then to Weathersfield Royal Force Base in Essex, England due to the continuing Cold War. In 1963, after serving together for seven years, they were shipped back to the U.S. to different bases.

Bill went to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada and George went to George Air Force Base in Victorville.

In 1965, George and his squadron were shipped out to Vietnam and Bill followed him there in 1967. After the Tet Offensive, Bill rotated back to Denver and retired there with awards and a ceremony in 1977.

George rotated back to George Air Force Base and later transferred to Vandenberg Air Force Base, where he also retired in 1977 with awards and a ceremony.

George Lewis

A trip to the USS Iowa

In early 2019, I offered to take my dad to Long Beach for his birthday, to visit the USS Iowa (BB-61). Wallace V. "Wally" Santos had served on her from 1951 to 1954, when she was recommissioned for the Korean War.

I made all the necessary arrangements  flights to LAX, a hotel room nearby, tickets to tour the "Battleship of Presidents," and even Lyft rides to and from. As his 88th birthday approached in April, I could tell he was nervous about the trip, as his travel days were largely behind him. But when we arrived at the Iowa, his enthusiasm was palpable.

A young woman greeted us near the bottom of the gangplank, and he proudly reached into his coat pocket for a used envelope, in which he had stashed three photos of himself during his service. Almost immediately, tears began streaming down her cheeks, and I struggled to hold back my own.

For the next four hours, the previous 65 years melted away as we meandered the self-guided tour from deck to deck, and my hero shared memories of his time in the U.S. Navy. Sure, I had to help him navigate the ladders between levels, as there are no elevators on a World War II battleship.

But when we made our way past the mess hall toward the laundromat, his tired eyes widened. Everyone has a battle station, but my father's duty during non-combat times was in the ship's barbershop, which we found in a quiet hallway. He couldn't contain the smiles, and I talked him into sitting in one of the chairs so I could take his picture.

As we made our way back up topside and walked past turret No. 2 on our way to disembark, a woodworking volunteer asked if we had any souvenirs. I told him that we had bought a hat, but he insisted that we wait a moment, and disappeared into a workshop.

Upon returning, he presented my father with a small piece of teak from the original ship's deck, which he was slowly replacing board by board. He signed and dated it, handed it to this proud veteran, and saluted. Mission accomplished! RIP Dad, thanks for your service.

Rod Santos

The road to my service

My best friend, Chris Rubio, got drafted in April 1968. I went down to the Selective Service office with him to check in. I asked about the likelihood of me being drafted in the near future. They replied it was highly likely, so I volunteered that day in order to go with Chris. Though the Vietnam War was unpopular, I felt a patriotic duty to serve my country as my uncle and namesake Francis Cerini had done in World War II. As it turned out, about 20 guys from Napa all got drafted at the same time, so we were able to serve basic training together at Fort Lewis, Washington, which made it a more enjoyable experience.

My first year of service was stateside. After basic training I was sent to Fort Knox for Advanced Infantry Training, then Non-Commissioned Officers School. I was sent to Vietnam in May 1969 as a sergeant, assigned to the 1/5 Mechanized Infantry Battalion of the 25th Infantry Division, operating in the Cu Chi area north of Saigon.

Aside from combat missions, for which I was awarded two Purple Hearts, I tried to focus on the positive. I have fond memories of good times with fellow recruits, and the many pranks we often pulled on one another in order to enliven our situation. The natural beauty of the Vietnam countryside is something I was always amazed with. Frequent letters and boxes of baked goods, salami and crackers from my family helped me stay connected to home, and were always popular amongst my squad.

After discharge, my military service provided me with a college education, which contributed to my successes in the private sector. My training in NCO School and my experience in leading combat missions provided me with skills I was able to use in my civilian career, managing people, tasks, goals and accomplishments.

What has stuck with me for life is an Army rule of the 6 Ps: Prior Planning Prevents Piss-Poor Performance. I instilled this in my two children, and its something I try to live by. Nowadays I appreciate the recognition of service that Vietnam veterans currently receive, in contrast to how we were treated in the 1960s and '70s.

Frank Cabral

Memories of World War II

In June 1944 during World War II, our 600 Fifth Fleet troop ships were commissioned to strike, invade and recapture the Mariana Islands of Guam, Saipan and Tinian. Their harbors and airfields would allow striking range of Japan.

Our Third Scout Company was scheduled to land on Guam three days after the June 15 invasion of Saipan.

I had enlisted in the Corps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Our scout company was trained to operate on foot, out of rubber boats, and out of jeeps. These scout cars were equipped with .50- and .30-caliber machine guns. I manned the radio in the lead car. I had completed radio and scout sniper schools. After intensive courses in intelligence and demolitions, my primary classification was Combat Intelligence.

The Marines who had landed on Saipan suffered unexpectedly heavy losses. Therefore, our troop ships had new orders: we were to return to the Marshall Islands to act as a floating reserve for the Marines on Saipan.

In the middle of heavy shelling, under small arms fire from machine guns and Japanese snipers, we landed on Guam on July 21. To locate a possible future command post, our scouts were sent behind enemy lines. However, the enemy held us until morning at the Agana River; we slowly fought our way into the island the next day.

On July 25, another sergeant and I were in a foxhole ahead of the front lines, serving as a listening post. It was mostly quiet, except for the occasional artillery shells passing overhead which sounded like freight trains. After hearing a single shot, and then a few more, all hell broke loose.

Next morning, the hillside across from our position was covered with hundreds of bodies. This Japanese suicidal attack resulted in the death of 3,500 Japanese troops and at least 1,000 Marines.

Although on Aug. 11, organized Japanese resistance ended, isolated groups remained. The next day I was sent to reconnoiter cave resistance. I was shot through both of my legs, the calf of my left one. My Browning automatic rifleman was wounded in the chest.

I was transported to a medical tent, where a red death tag was fastened to my wrist. I shouted, Oh! I rate a red tag. Hearing this the Navy corpsman shouted, This one is alive! I had been placed with the dead bodies. I was then taken by landing craft to the hospital ship Solace.

Loaded with wounded and dying, we sailed for the Marshall Islands and on to Pearl Harbor. Unfortunately, on Pearl, I contracted malaria many times due to blood transfusions.

We six amputees were sent to the Army ship Sea Star, with a destination of Mare Island Hospital, an amputee center for the Navy and Marines. On Oct. 2, 1944, the crew brought me a cake and sang Happy Birthday, because I turned 21 that day.

The next day we landed in San Francisco! Much to my surprise, Mare Island was not miles out in the ocean, but it was located right outside of a town called Vallejo.

Ward 14 had 40 beds. Military patients frequently had attacks of different tropical diseases. In the operating rooms, many wounds were dressed, many surgical procedures were ongoing, and sadly some men were dying.

At the end of their shifts, Navy nurses and WAVE attendants were exhausted. Helping us cope with the many challenges we amputees were facing and helping us to keep up our spirits, they rotated shifts to visit and bring us some of their friends. Amazingly, one WAVE whose uncle who worked with my grandfather at the Pullman Co. in Chicago, had heard I was at Mare Island, and he had sent her to visit me. Navy WAVEs were clerical women who worked on Mare Island and who cleared the sailors so they could go to sea.

In 1945 (my lucky day) I met WAVE Patricia Cook, a secretary in the supply building. In September 1945 we were married in St. Peters Chapel on Mare Island. That was four children and seven grandchildren ago.

Robert Benning (as told to his granddaughter Lauren Benning Haag)

Throwback Thursday: Napa County celebrates Veterans Day AmCan Veterans Day Celebration AmCan Veterans Day Celebration AmCan Veterans Day Celebration AmCan Veterans Day Celebration AmCan Veterans Day Celebration AmCan Veterans Day Celebration Veterans Day 2021 ceremony in Napa Veterans Day 2021 ceremony in Napa Veterans Day 2021 ceremony in Napa Veterans Day 2021 ceremony in Napa Veterans Day 2021 ceremony in Napa Veterans Day 2021 ceremony in Napa Veterans Day 2021 ceremony in Napa Veterans Day 2021 ceremony in Napa Veterans Day 2021 ceremony in Napa American Canyon Veterans Day ceremony 2019 Veterans Day Calistoga Veterans Day 2019 Veterans Day 2018 in American Canyon Veterans Day ceremony Veterans Day ceremony Veterans Day ceremony Veterans Day ceremony Veterans Day ceremony Veterans Day Veterans Day at Napa Christian Veterans Day at Napa Christian American Canyon Veterans Day American Canyon Veterans Day American Canyon Veterans Day Veterans Day 2014 Veterans Day 2014 Veterans Day Veterans Day Service 16 Veterans Day Service 9 Veterans Day Ceremony Veterans Day Ceremony Veterans Day Ceremonies at Veterans Memorial Park Young and old pay tribute to veterans Young and old pay tribute to veterans
Sam Dhiman was in school to become a microbiological researcher when he stumbled into the worlds of wine and fine dining. He had gotten a job at Jean-Roberts Table, an upscale French restaurant in Cincinnati, to support himself while attending the citys university.

But what started out as a side gig has led to a total career change for Dhiman, who just finished his first harvest as an enologist at Heitz Cellar. His ability to take the leap  into the industry and into the Napa Valley  is thanks to the Roots Fund, a nonprofit co-founded by Napa wine entrepreneur Carlton McCoy that focuses on diversifying the wine industry through scholarships, education and work opportunities.

Dhiman first became infatuated with wines at Jean-Roberts Table, where the wine director took him under his wing.

He saw that I was interested in wine and really took time out of his day to educate me, give me books, do blind tastings and things like that, Dhiman said. I started taking it pretty seriously and ended up being an assistant wine director.

Before jumping into a career headfirst, Dhiman decided to come to Napa and gain some wine certifications and work a harvest at the suggestion of his mentor. While in the valley for part of his Wine and Spirit Trust exam, he fell in love with the wine production process.

It just kind of seemed like a nice interface between my love for science and my burgeoning love for wine, Dhiman recalled.

His career goals had completely shifted from working in academia to wine production. Ultimately, Dhiman hopes to be a winemaker himself.

To do so, he realized he would need to go back to school. Dhiman enrolled in UC Daviss viticulture and enology masters program, but as an out-of-state student during his first year, he wasnt sure how he was going to be able to afford the program.

It wasnt exactly cheap, he said, laughing.

Thats when he found the Roots Fund. With the organizations help, Dhiman was able to supplement his tuition payments with a Roots Fund Scholarship. He was also paired with a mentor who supported him through the masters program and job hunt, and even got opportunities to work harvests at Domaine Roulot and Domaine Jean-Louis Chave in France  two bucket-list spots  after graduation.

When he returned to Napa, he was able to find a temporary role at Heitz with the help of his Roots Fund mentor, Brittany Sherwood. He has been working at the winery full time since January of this year.

The Roots Fund made my second year at Davis economically possible, they gave me the opportunity to really expand the way I think about wine by going to France  and now I am working full time thanks to the mentorship of the Roots Fund, Dhiman said. They have been huge in so many different aspects.

Dhiman is just one of over 200 scholars the Roots Fund has supported in their pursuit of a career in the wine industry since the organizations founding three years ago, according to Ikimi Dubose-Woodson, a founder and the CEO of the organization.

In early 2020, Carlton McCoy approached her and their third co-founder, Tahiirah Habibi. They were gathered to celebrate a recent award win of McCoys when the idea for the organization took shape.

I realized that in that room, it was majority older white men. There were hardly any women; there was no one else of color, Dubose-Woodson said. I had thought the industry had evolved by now. But in beverage, it hadn't."

She, McCoy and Habibi resolved to create a scholarship to support people of color interested in an education or career in the wine industry. Quickly, through their own networks and crowdsourcing, the three were able to accumulate over $35,000 to put toward the fund. But that number began to seem small when they realized how great the need was in the larger community.

We put out a message asking, Who needs help? And the letters kept coming, she explained. ... All of a sudden, that $35,000 was like $1. The value of it went way down because there's so many people to serve.

She said they got over 250 letters during that initial push, from people all over the country. Seeing the demand, the co-founders chose to form an official nonprofit, and expand their fundraising and outreach efforts.

Three years later, the Roots Fund has not only been able to provide scholarships, but also introduce new pillars of their business, including outreach programs for high schoolers, wine education tours in partnership with historically Black colleges and universities, and mental health programming.

It's bigger than scholarships  its bigger than wine, Dubose-Woodson said.

She explained that in communities of color, spirits are more part of the culture than wine is. But understanding wine can be important in business and social settings  as Napans well know. Dubose-Woodson said this can be intimidating, and even handicapping, if one doesnt grow up learning about tasting notes or wine menus.

So the Roots Fund started a series of tours at historically Black colleges, focusing on wine education. It also shows students studying marketing, business and other fields how their expertise could relate to the wine industry.

Their mental health programs are also a resource for all scholars, many of whom are entering an industry that isnt very diverse.

When you come into an environment where you may be an Indian woman and an all white male team,  everyone's walking on eggshells, because no one knows, 'What should I say? How should I communicate?' she explained. (Scholars might be) going into environments  trying to figure out how to navigate not feeling like you're constantly educating, but actually able to be effective at work, and everyone's not so absorbed in the fact that youre a woman of color, but a (great) marketing rep.

Dubose-Woodson said that there are industry leaders, like McCoy, Naoka Dalla Valle and Heather Pyle, who are working to make Napas industry more equitable. However, she believes that the valley has a long way to go.

It's been very hard in Napa. Its changing for sure, but not fast enough. Its known for some of the finest wines in the world, Napa cab will all be top-tier.  And (in Napa), you have a work force here that is over 90% Hispanic and Latinx, but these people are not seen in the tasting rooms, in the cellars, Dubose-Woodson said.

We want to work with folks in Napa to change that narrative, she continued.  I feel that Napa has the opportunity to really shape the culture of inclusivity in wine, but it really takes them taking the necessary actions forward.
OAKLAND  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, 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 at least 450 people had been detained or arrested as of 9:30 p.m. The Federal Protective Service could not immediately be reached to confirm that number.

Protesters were escorted outside of the building by U.S. Department of Homeland Security police. Messages were sent 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 NBC affiliate KNTV Channel 11 when explaining why she was at the sit-in. How many people do we have to kill before we arrive at a cease-fire?

At 9:45 p.m., Jewish Voice for Peace posted a video of the filmmaker and activist Boots Riley being taken away by federal security. Earlier, Riley had posted on X: "The govt of Israel does not act on behalf of, nor represent, Jewish people."

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.

Earlier 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 Terminal on Oct. 27 in midtown Manhattan, 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.

Information from Bay City News Service was used in this report.
Pushing back against the surge of misinformation online, California will now require all K-12 students to learn media literacy skills  such as recognizing fake news and thinking critically about what they encounter on the internet.

Gov. Gavin Newsom last month signed Assembly Bill 873, which requires the state to add media literacy to curriculum frameworks for English language arts, science, math and history-social studies, rolling out gradually beginning next year. Instead of a standalone class, the topic will be woven into existing classes and lessons throughout the school year.

Ive seen the impact that misinformation has had in the real world  how it affects the way people vote, whether they accept the outcomes of elections, try to overthrow our democracy, said the bills sponsor, Assemblymember Marc Berman, a Democrat from Menlo Park. This is about making sure our young people have the skills they need to navigate this landscape.

The new law comes amid rising public distrust in the media, especially among young people. A 2022 Pew Research Center survey found that adults under age 30 are nearly as likely to believe information on social media as they are from national news outlets. Overall, only 7% of adults have a great deal of trust in the media, according to a Gallup poll conducted last year.

Media literacy can help change that, advocates believe, by teaching students how to recognize reliable news sources and the crucial role that media plays in a democracy.

The increase in Holocaust denial, climate change denial, conspiracy theories getting a foothold, and now (artificial intelligence)  all this shows how important media literacy is for our democracy right now, said Jennifer Ormsby, library services manager for the Los Angeles County Office of Education. The 2016 election was a real eye-opener for everyone on the potential harms and dangers of fake news.

AB 873 passed nearly unanimously in the Legislature, underscoring the nonpartisan nature of the topic. Nationwide, Texas, New Jersey and Delaware have also passed strong media literacy laws, and more than a dozen other states are moving in that direction, according to Media Literacy Now, a nonprofit research organization that advocates for media literacy in K-12 schools.

Still, Californias law falls short of Media Literacy Nows recommendations. Californias approach doesnt include funding to train teachers, an advisory committee, input from librarians, surveys or a way to monitor the laws effectiveness.

Keeping the bill simple, though, was a way to help ensure its passage, Berman said. Those features can be implemented later, and he felt it was urgent to pass the law quickly so students can start receiving media literacy education as soon as possible. The law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2024, as the state begins updating its curriculum frameworks, although teachers are encouraged to teach media literacy now.

Bermans law builds on a previous effort in California to bring media literacy to K-12 classrooms. In 2018, Senate Bill 830 required the California Department of Education to provide media literacy resources  lesson plans, project ideas, background  to the states K-12 teachers. But it didnt make media literacy mandatory.

The new law also overlaps somewhat with Californias effort to bring computer science education to all students. The state hopes to expand computer science, which can include aspects of media literacy, to all students, possibly even requiring it to graduate from high school. Newsom recently signed Assembly Bill 1251, which creates a commission to look at ways to recruit more computer science teachers to California classrooms. Berman is also sponsoring Assembly Bill 1054, which would require high schools to offer computer science classes. That bill is currently stalled in the Senate.

Understanding media, and creating it

Teachers dont need a state law to show students how to be smart media consumers, and some have been doing it for years. Merek Chang, a high school science teacher at Hacienda La Puente Unified in the City of Industry east of Los Angeles, said the pandemic was a wakeup call for him.

During remote learning, he gave students two articles on the origins of the coronavirus. One was an opinion piece from the New York Post, a tabloid, and the other was from a scientific journal. He asked students which they thought was accurate. More than 90% chose the Post piece.

It made me realize that we need to focus on the skills to understand content, as much as we focus on the content itself, Chang said.

He now incorporates media literacy in all aspects of his lesson plans. He relies on the Stanford History Education Group, which offers free media literacy resources for teachers, and took part in a KQED media literacy program for teachers.

In addition to teaching students how to evaluate online information, he shows them how to create their own media. Homework assignments include making TikTok-style videos on protein synthesis for mRNA vaccines, for example. Students then present their projects at home or at lunchtime events for families and the community.

The biggest impact, Ive noticed, is that students feel like their voice matters, Chang said. The work isnt just for a grade. They feel like theyre making a difference.

Ormsby, the Los Angeles County librarian, has also been promoting media literacy for years. Librarians generally have been on the forefront of media literacy education, and Californias new law refers to the Modern School Library Standards for media literacy guidelines.

Ormsby teaches concepts like lateral reading (comparing an online article with other sources to check for accuracy) and reverse imaging (searching online to trace a photo to its original source or checking if its been altered). She also provides lesson plans, resources and book recommendations such as True or False: A CIA analysts guide to spotting fake news and, for elementary students, Killer Underwear Invasion! How to spot fake news, disinformation & conspiracy theories.

Shes happy that the law passed, but would like to see librarians included in the rollout and the curriculum implemented immediately, not waiting until the frameworks are updated.

The gradual implementation of the law was deliberate, since schools are already grappling with so many other state mandates, said Alvin Lee, executive director of Generation Up, a student-led advocacy group that was among the bills sponsors. Hes hoping that local school boards decide to prioritize the issue on their own by funding training for teachers and moving immediately to get media literacy into classrooms.

Disinformation contributes to polarization, which were seeing happen all over the world, said Lee, a junior at Stanford who said its a top issue among his classmates. Media literacy can address that.

In San Francisco Unified, Ricardo Elizalde is a teacher on special assignment who trains elementary teachers in media literacy. His staff gave out 50 copies of Killer Underwear! for teachers to build activities around, and encourages students to make their own media, as well.

Elementary school is the perfect time to introduce the topic, he said.

We get all these media thrown at us from a young age, we have to learn to defend ourselves, Elizalde said. Media literacy is a basic part of being literate. If were just teaching kids how to read, and not think critically about what theyre reading, were doing them a disservice.
Secretary of the Security Council Armen Grigoryan commented, on the air of the Public Television, why Armenia will not attend the upcoming meeting of the CSTO Collective Security Council.

"Starting from after the 2020 war, when the CSTO was saying that Nagorno-Karabakh is not a sovereign part of Armenia, we cannot deal with these issues, Armenia does not participate in the meetings. But from May 2021, when the Azerbaijani troops invaded the sovereign territory of Armenia, we applied to the CSTO. And starting from that moment until September of last year, when Azerbaijan attacked Armenia and we asked for help [from the CSTO], we did not receive the necessary help to protect our sovereign territory. Since then we have had many questions to the CSTO, until now we don't have the answer to those questions, and this is also the reason why we are not participating in the [forthcoming] session of the CSTO Collective Security Council," he said.

To the question of whether Armenia gets the answers to the questions that concern it by not attending the CSTO meetings, Grigoryan responded that Armenia definitely does not get answers by participating in these sessions.

The Secretary of the Security Council did not consider Armenias non-participation in these meetings a demarche, but again noted that there are answers to questions that Armenia does not receive. He added, however, that a matter of Armenia leaving the CSTO was not on the agenda.

"We expect answers to questions related to the CSTO. I don't see any problem that we do not participate in any event within the framework of the CSTO," Grigoryan added.

Earlier we reported that Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan will not attend the upcoming meeting of the CSTO Collective Security Council.
Armenia wants to go to negotiations where agreements have already been reached. The Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia, Armen Grigoryan, said this on the air of Public Television of Armenia, answering the question that if Armenia is interested in continuing the peace talks with Azerbaijan, why it is not going to Moscow.

"We [Armenia] are ready to continue negotiations in this format in order to finalize the peace treaty and, if possible, sign the peace treaty before the end of the year. There also is an opportunity to continue these negotiations at other levels, for example, in Washington. Armenia is ready, and we hope that such a meeting will take place," he said.

When asked why the Armenian side does not go to Moscow anyway, Grigoryan responded: "We go where we consider important, where we see an opportunity at the moment, and where we have had clear proposals from."

When asked if there were no proposals from Moscow, Armen Grigoryan said that he was not aware of such proposals.

Referring to the fact that Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Russia will not be attending the upcoming autumn meeting of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly to be held in Yerevan, the Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia said that he is not aware of the reasons for the non-attendance of those countries.

"Maybe they have presented some explanations, I don't know what explanations they have presented, but the reason why they are not coming is surprising and incomprehensible," said Armen Grigoryan.
The General Prosecution Office of Istanbul has sent a criminal complaint to the Ministry of Justice of Turkey to open a criminal case against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reports CNN Turk.

The criminal complaint demands that Netanyahu be tried at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The criminal complaint against the prime minister of Israel was filed by Metin Kulunk, a former MP of the ruling AKP party, and lawyers Mucahit Birinci and Burak Bekiroglu.

The criminal complaint, which is intended to be sent to the ICC, demands that Netanyahu be tried for "war crimes," "crimes against humanity," and "genocide."

The criminal cases opened against Netanyahu by the General Prosecution Office of Istanbul since October 7 have been forwarded to the Ministry of Justice of Turkey, too.
A meeting-discussion was held Tuesday at the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) in London with Armenian foreign minister Ararat Mirzoyan, who is in London on an official visit.

During the meeting, a wide range of issues were discussed, both in on Armenia-United Kingdom relations and in the context of regional developments, informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia.

Mirzoyan thoroughly touched upon foreign policy priorities of Armenia, the latest regional developments, as well as a number of issues on Armenia's engagement in international platforms.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia drew the attention of the participants to the position of the Republic of Armenia regarding the establishment of stability and security in the South Caucasus, the normalization of relations with the neighbors, as well as the opportunities provided by the "Crossroads of Peace" project, developed by the Government of the Republic of Armenia.

Speaking about the normalization process of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and reaffirming Armenia's commitment to the peace agenda, the Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that the approaches of the Armenian side are largely expressed in the Quadrilateral statement adopted in Granada. The Minister highlighted the importance of Azerbaijan's unconditional commitment to continue the peace process based on those provisions, as well as of the strong support by international partners.

he situation in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from the ethnic cleansing carried out by Azerbaijan, the issues of addressing the primary needs and rights of more than 100,000 forcibly displaced Armenians, who were deprived of their homeland, were on the agenda of the meeting.

Minister Mirzoyan answered a number of questions of the attendees.

Following the meeting, Ararat Mirzoyan had a short conversation with the Director of the institute, Bronwen Maddox.
A joint statement was adopted in London, following the first meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between Armenia and the United Kingdom (UK). The statement reads as follows:

On the occasion of the official visit to London of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, H.E. Mr Ararat Mirzoyan, the inaugural Strategic Dialogue between the United Kingdom and Armenia was held on 13 November 2023.

This Strategic Dialogue was an opportunity to mark the strong cooperation and friendship between our two democracies. With the increase globally in threats to democratic values, human rights, rule of law and the freedoms we strive to protect our citizens, working together on issues of mutual concern it is more important than ever not only to build trade and stability, but also to protect our shared core values. We reaffirmed the aspiration to build our partnership over the coming years.

During the dialogue, the Ministers discussed a range of global and regional issues of mutual concern, and ways in which Armenia and the UK can work together going forward. These included:

Governance and rule of law, where through its programming in Armenia the UK is supporting the digitalisation and streamlining of public services, the improvement of gender equality in the police force, and will soon begin working to support Armenias border management capacities to tackle security and migration issues.

Armenia-UK defence cooperation, which continues to expand with increased numbers of personnel from the Armenian military and Ministry of Defence, and police (MOIA) personnel receiving English Language training instruction, as well as places on UK senior and junior command and leadership courses, and multi-national peace-keeping and mine-awareness packages. Both parties looked forward to the sixth round of Armenia-UK Staff Talks later this month.

Trade and economic ties, notably the recently held Armenia-UK Business Forum in London, where Armenias Minister for the Economy, Vahan Kerobyan and the Minister of State for Regulatory Reform, Earl of Minto welcomed an audience of Armenian and British businesses to discuss the wide range of trade and investment opportunities between our countries.

The Ministers agreed on the absolute necessity of the establishment of peace and stability in the South Caucasus based on the mutual recognition of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders on the basis of the Alma Ata 1991 Declaration, and the opening of regional connectivity links based on full respect of each countries' sovereignty and jurisdiction.

Minister for Europe emphasised the UKs commitment to supporting those affected by the long-running conflict, including through 1 million of funding to the International Committee of the Red Cross announced in September.

Finally, both parties looked forward to continuing to enhance the relationship between Armenia and the UK beyond this inaugural Strategic Dialogue, including through the upcoming visit by the Minister for Europe to Armenia, and through the agreement of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which we collectively hope to conclude in the coming months.
The target indicator of economic growth in Armenia will remain at the level of 7 percent in 2024, just as in 2023. This is noted in the draft of the country's 2024 state budget, which has been submitted to the parliament for approval during its current regular four-day session.

The amount of state budget revenues in 2024 is expected to total 2,676 trillion drams. And the expenditures are planned at the level of 1.108 trillion drams.

The national debt of the Armenian government to the GDP will increase by 1.4 percentage points to 48.4 percent next year.

A deficit of 3.2 percent of the expenditures is set in the draft. However, the inclusion of assistance programs for Armenians forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh will increase the budget expenditures by 144 billion drams, which, in turn, will lead to a 4.6 percent deficit.

Tax revenues to the state budget of Armenia in 2024 are planned in the amount of 2.566 trillion drams, which should lead to a high, 0.75-percent ratio of taxes to the GDP. And as an objective of tax administration, the government plans to improve this indicator by 0.5 percent every year.
The forced displacement of 100 thousand people from Nagorno-Karabakh was unexpected. Minister of Finance Vahe Hovhannisyan stated this while presenting the 2024 state budget draft in the National Assembly of Armenia Wednesday.

"Of course, the policy pursued by Azerbaijan made the criminal intent to carry out [Armenian] ethnic cleansing [in Nagorno-Karabakh] obvious, but the forced displacement of 100 thousand people in such a short period of time was really unexpected," said Hovhannisyan.

The finance minister added that thanks to the high rate of the collection of revenues and the formation of the necessary reserves in Armenia, it became possible to fund the proper organizing of the providing of accommodation for and the provision of primary assistance to the Armenians who were forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh.
The "Crossroads of Peace" should become a reality not only as a result of our actions, but also with the participation of the [other] countries of the region. Minister of Finance Vahe Hovhannisyan stated this while presenting the 2024 state budget draft in the National Assembly of Armenia Wednesday.

"When such an agreement is reached and this idea goes ahead in its course, in its proper phases, I already noted that there are also unallocated funds in the reserve fund for capital expenses, we will have enough funds to provide the infrastructure of that project," said the finance minister.

He added that a lot of funds are planned for infrastructure development in the aforesaid budget draft.
Armenia president attends COP 28 opening ceremony

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
Armenia president attends COP 28 opening ceremony

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

Cyprus to host 30 children forcibly displaced from Karabakh, for 12 days of entertainment

"Gyumri" branch of AMIO BANK was reopened under a new brand (PHOTOS)

Alen Simonyan: Armenia should attend EAEU summit in St. Petersburg

Armenia legislature head: Karabakh issue was resolved in 2016

PM Nikol Pashinyan receives delegation led by head of the Lithuania-Armenia interparliamentary friendship group

Some Armenia trucks sent back from Upper Lars checkpoint on Georgia-Russia border

National Assembly speaker: Nagorno-Karabakh issue does not exist for Armenia

Alen Simonyan: No agreement on new meeting between Armenia, Azerbaijan leaders

Armenia legislature speaker: Peace agreement can be signed within next 15 days if Azerbaijan shows political will

Armenia legislature head: Our political relations with Russia are bit tense

Irakli Garibashvili to Armenia PM staff chief: Georgia ready to assist peace process in region

Armenia parliament chair: We are ready to return Azerbaijanis enclaves to them

Amaryan Charitable Foundation Commits initial 122 mln AMD in Support to Syunik Region

Armenia National Assembly speaker: We have 31 villages whose territories are under Azerbaijan occupation

Embassies to be opened in Armenia, S. Korea on reciprocity basis

Armenia legislature head: I don't understand what Azerbaijan delaying time will give it or to the region

Alen Simonyan: Azerbaijan attempts to erase Armenian trace from Armenian highlands are unacceptable

How did Cyprus company that bought MTS Armenia shares gain Public Services Regulatory Commissions trust?

Armenia legislature head: We expect support of Western countries in making democracy more resistant
The Public Services Regulatory Commission (PSRC) of Armenia has approved the sale of 100 percent of the shares of MTS Armenia CJSC.

"The decision was made at today's session of the commission," Liana Azizyan, spokesperson of the PSRC, told the media Wednesday.

Earlier, it was reported that MTS Armenia CJSC will be sold to the Cypriot company Fedilco Group Limited.

On November 3, MTS Armenia CJSC applied to the PSRC informing that the Fedilco Group Limited company registered in Cyprus wants to acquire 100 percent of its shares from Aramayo Investments Limited company.

The respective draft decision stated that the Ministry of High-tech Industry and the National Security Service of Armenia have no objections to the conclusion of this transaction.

In April, however, the Competition Protection Commission of Armenia had prohibited Fedilco Group Limited from acquiring the shares of MTS Armenia CJSC.

The PSRC also had opposed this transaction, stating that it harms or may harm the state interests and national security of Armenia.
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan on Wednesday met with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, in Brussels.

As a continuation of the discussion with the Prime Minister of Armenia in October, Mirzoyan and Metsola exchanged views on the main directions of the Armenia-EU comprehensive partnership agenda and the joint efforts aimed at deepening it, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia informs Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Both sides expressed willingness to launch additional steps towards expanding the interaction between the European Parliament and the National Assembly of Armenia.

Lauding the principled position expressed by the European Parliament and its adoption of resolutions on matters of the greatest importance for Armenia, FM Mirzoyan emphasized the importance of continuous strong support for democracy in Armenia and real efforts to establish peace in the countrys region. Reflecting on Armenia's approaches in this regard, Mirzoyan stressed that it will be possible to achieve peace in the countrys region if there is active engagement by international partners and Azerbaijan's commitment to the principles reaffirmed by the statement adopted in Granada, Spain in October. Emphasis was placed on the exclusion of force or the threat of force and the implementation of projects such as the "Crossroads of Peace" presented by the Armenian government.

Also, the Armenian FM briefed the President of the European Parliament on the steps aimed at addressing the urgent needs and rights of more than 100,000 Armenian refugees who were forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh and took refuge in Armenia as a result of the ten-month-long blockade by Azerbaijan and its military attack on September 19.
The programs being implemented jointly with our international partners are, of course, important in terms of their financial component, but they are of much more central importance in terms of content, from the point of view of implementing institutional reforms of our country and introducing the best international standards. These are programs and activities that directly affect and should have a positive impact on the quality of life of our citizens. Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan said this during his special address in the parliament, and referring to the current and future programs within the framework of cooperation with Armenia's development partners, which are related to budget processes and targets.

Accordingly, within the framework of Armenias cooperation with the International Monetary Fund, a new three-year reserve program was signed in 2023 in the amount of about $171.1 million. Within the framework of this program, a number of measures will be implemented in the country next year, and aimed at reforming public finance management, improving tax administration, and promoting employment.

Armenias comprehensive cooperation with the World Bank continued this year, and the development of the 2024-2028 Partnership Framework was started. Also in 2023, a Green, Resilient and Inclusive Development Policy Operation Loan Budget Support Loan Agreement worth 92.3 million euros was signed with the World Bank, and aimed at, among other things, public investment management reforms, digitization of services provided by the state and local governments, and electronic implementation of management systems.

In October, Armenia and the OPEC Fund for International Development signed a loan agreement for the Green, Resilient and Inclusive Development Policy Program worth 50 million euros, the purpose of which is to contribute to the mitigation and adaptation of climate change, and to promote the development of human capital.

The development of the Asian Development Bank's 2024-2028 partnership strategy with Armenia was also started this year.

Mher Grigoryan informed that a project-loan agreement worth 66.1 million euros is planned to be signed in the near future with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and for the improvement of seismic safety in Armenia.

Also the Yerevan urban development investment program-loan agreement with the ADB, and worth around 60 million euros, is planned to be sign. The goal of the project is to develop urban infrastructure by building the new Isakov-Arshakunyats road section of the Armenian capital.

Emphasizing Armenia's relations with the European Union (EU), deputy PM Grigoryan said that a number of agreements were signed with the EU this year.

The work on the implementation of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has been and continues under the coordination of the CEPA interdepartmental commission.

Within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), work was carried out towards the development and promotion of Armenias trade and economic relations with the other EAEU member states, as well as with third countries.

"I consider it important to emphasize that in the [first] nine months of 2023, [Armenias] trade with [the other] EAEU member states increased by 47.5 percent, equaling more than 5 billion US dollars," said Mher Grigoryan.

The Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia expressed hope that the results of the implementation of the 2023 budget and the 2024 budget to be approved will contribute to the growth of the country's international ranking, and its standing as a stable and reliable partner will continue to be strengthened.
At Wednesdays session of the National Assembly, opposition MP Agnesa Khamoyan asked Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan whether Armenia was going to leave the CSTO.

In response, Pashinyan said: "We [Armenia] are not going to, nor do we have such a thing in mind to bring anyone to their senses; I would advise not to use such vocabulary.

"I would prefer to say that we did not refuse, but made a decision not to attend those [CSTO] events for various reasons. As for whether I am preparing the grounds for anything, I am not preparing the grounds for anything because those grounds are either there or not, regardless of our preparation.

"The most important record related to our positions is that, sadly, the CSTO, despite its de jure mandatory obligations, did not respond properly to Armenia's security challenges; it was repeated several times. With all due respect to all our [CSTO] partners, we record that it is not clear to our public either, why we go and repeat the same things every time without getting any response, leave, go back, then go again the next time, repeat the same things.

"The biggest fundamental problem is that the de jure CSTO essentially refuses to record its zone of responsibility in Armenia, which may mean that we, by silently participating in these conditions, can join the logic that would in any way question the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Armenia. We cannot afford such a thing. We make such decisions in order to give ourselves and CSTO time to think about the future courses of action."

Also, Pashinyan stated that Armenia did not refuse that the CSTO send a mission to the country.

"We have said: Where are you sending the mission? Please show the Armenia you imagine. We were not shown, we showed [it], we said that this record should be made. The CSTO has not done this, and since it has not done so, we cannot accept such a mission because it will turn out that we are legitimizing the blurred image of Armenia, [and] we are legitimizing the invasions of Azerbaijan also.

"I have said very clearly that we are diversifying our security relations because our partners, including for objective reasons, are not able to sell us weapons and ammunition. We are looking for and finding other security partners, we are trying to conclude contracts, acquire weapons, military equipment.

"Strategically, we are not going to announce a policy change unless we decide to leave the CSTO," said the Armenian PM.
The co-rapporteurs of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) for the monitoring of obligations and commitments by Armenia, Kimmo Kiljunen (Finland, SOC) and Boriana Aberg (Sweden, EPP/CD), have called on Council of Europe member states to support Armenia as it faces the enormous challenges of dealing with refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh while furthering democratic reforms, PACE informed.

Ending a visit to Yerevan from 6 to 8 November 2023, the co-rapporteurs pointed out that the 106 000 Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh who fled Azerbaijans military attack, after suffering nine months of isolation which caused severe shortages of food and basic supplies, had all found decent accommodation in Armenia and been provided with emergency relief, thanks to the actions of the Armenian authorities and the solidarity of the population. However, to ensure the sustainability of this assistance and help to all those who want to settle permanently in Armenia, the country urgently needs the solidarity of all Europeans, the co-rapporteurs said.

In spite of these extremely difficult circumstances, we have witnessed Armenias continued commitment to democratic reform. Electoral regulation has been reformed in line with Council of Europe standards and several elections, at national or local level, have been organised without their results being challenged. Many recommendations from international expert bodies have been implemented while others are under review, they pointed out.

Numerous reforms have been carried out in recent years to improve public confidence in the judiciary, in close co-operation with the Venice Commission, and integrity checks are now in place for judges, prosecutors and investigators. However, the disciplinary procedure is still causing discontent and allegations of politically-motivated decisions are undermining its legitimacy. A draft reform has been submitted to the Venice Commission to address some of these concerns, they said.

Fighting corruption is a priority for the government and it has taken several important steps in this regard. Two new bodies with strong mandates and real powers have been created over the last three years, and special anti-corruption courts have been put in place. Corruption nevertheless remains a major cause of discontent in the population and continued efforts are required, they concluded.

The co-rapporteurs also discussed claims of excessive use of force by the police and illegitimate proceedings directed at political opponents and will follow developments on these issues.

During their stay in Armenia, the co-rapporteurs visited Yeraskh village, on the border with Nakhichevan, and met the families of recently displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh relocated to Artashat city and Armenian capital Yerevan.
12:22





Documenta is one of the world's biggest exhibitions of contemporary art, which takes place every five years at Kassel in Germany. The 16th edition of Documenta will be held in 2027.





Hoskote's resignation follows an article published in Germany's daily Deutsche Zeitung on November 9, accusing him of BDS sympathies and anti-Semitism, based on his signing of a 2019 BDS petition against a far-right event on Zionism and Hindutva, co hosted by the Consulate General of Israel in Mumbai.





The BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement works to end international support for Israel's oppression of Palestinians.





In his resignation letter to Andreas Hoffmann, managing director of Documenta, Hoskote said, "These last few days have been among the most deeply distressing days of my life. The monstrous charge of anti-Semitism has been brought against my name in Germany, a country I have regarded with love and admiration, and to whose cultural institutions and intellectual life I have contributed for several decades, as a writer, curator, and cultural theorist."





Hoskote said those who have no acquaintance with my life and work have judged, denounced, and stigmatized me on the basis of a single signature on a petition, taken out of its context and not approached in the spirit of reason.





"I have been written about with harshness and condescension, and none of my detractors has thought it important to ask me for my point of view. I feel, strongly, that I have been subjected to the proceedings of a kangaroo court," Hoskote said.





He said he was being asked to accept a sweeping and untenable definition of anti-Semitism that conflates the Jewish people with the Israeli state.





"Let us now consider the so-called evidence that has been presented against me: my signature on a petition circulated by the Indian Cultural Forum and dated August 26, 2019, protesting a discussion hosted by the Consulate General of Israel in Mumbai, on Leaders' Idea of Nations: Zionism and Hindutva. The invitation for this event presented a portrait of Theodor Herzl, the founding figure of Zionism, alongside a portrait of V D Savarkar, a founding figure of Hindutva. My reason for signing this petition was because the event clearly posited an equivalence between Herzl and Savarkar, and was intended to develop intellectual respectability for an alliance between Zionism and Hindutva. I found this highly ironic, since Savarkar was known to be an admirer of Hitler and openly expressed his admiration for Nazi ideology and methods, which he proposed as a model for a Hindu-majoritarian India to follow, especially with regard to the treatment of the religious minorities," Hoskote said in his resignation letter.





"I have dedicated my life to opposing authoritarian forces and discriminatory ideologies," the poet and art critic said.





In a release, Hoffmann said, "I would like to thank Ranjit Hoskote for his willingness to stand by us in these difficult times and believe that his decision to resign is a logical and respectable one. We need to consistently distance ourselves from all forms of anti-Semitism." PTI

Mumbai-based author Ranjit Hoskote has quit the Finding Committee for the upcoming Documenta art festival in Germany, following criticism for signing a letter that compared Zionism and Hindu nationalism.
The Alumni Association at UC Santa Cruz is proud to present this years honorees of the UCSC Alumni Awards. These awards recognize and honor alumni who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievements, made distinct contributions to society, provided impactful contributions to UCSC, and who have embodied the values and spirit of the university.

For her remarkable legacy and lifelong contributions in the fields of literature and feminist studies, bell hooks posthumously received the Alumni Achievement Award on Oct. 27, 2023. Her family accepted the award on her behalf.

bell hooks fit many achievements into her 69 years of life.

The authorborn Gloria Jean Watkins but best known by her pen name, dating back to the 1970spublished dozens of novels and books of poetry, including renowned classics Aint I a Woman? (1981) and All About Love (2000). She shared her texts with her ever-rising number of fans, speaking at post-secondary institutions around the world and teaching at Yale, UC Santa Cruz, Oberlin, and the City College of New York before taking a tenured position at Berea College in her childhood state of Kentucky in 2014.

In December 2021, the author passed away in Berea, which led to an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, friends, and dignitaries, including Vice President Kamala Harris.

Prior to her successes and global recognition, hooks completed her doctorate in literature at UC Santa Cruz in 1983and, on October 27, 40 years later, her family received an Alumni Achievement Award in her place.

"bell hooks was a luminary whose profound contributions to the fields of race, feminism, and class transformed our understanding of intersectionality and systemic oppression, said UCSC Humanities Dean Jasmine Alinder. Her incisive writings and impassioned advocacy resonated far and wide, challenging us to confront and dismantle the structures of inequality that persist in our society. Her work continues to inspire and guide generations of scholars and activists. We are honored to posthumously recognize her with the UCSC Alumni Achievement Award, as her legacy will forever shape the discourse in the humanities and beyond."

Gwenda Motley attended the ceremony to receive her late sisters award, and shared a humorous anecdote regarding the universitys acknowledgement.

She received tons of awards that a lot of times she didnt even go to accept, she said through laughter, a month prior to the event. She was not the person who enjoyed ceremonies  there are awards that we didnt even know she received.

In 2021, the UCSC Humanities Division selected bell hooks to receive the Graduate Student Alumni Award. Professor Emerita Bettina Aptheker, a friend of hooks's, accepted the award in her honor.

Gloria before bell

hooks was born to a working-class African American family in 1952, one of six children living in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Her father, Veodis Watkins, worked as a janitor, while her mother, Rosa Bell Watkins, was a maid for white families.

While hooks had an early love of reading and writing that helped her reach her potential as a renowned author, her sister clarifies that she and the rest of the Watkins family grew up with Gloria. Motley was three years younger than Gloria, and she saw her older sister frequently fit into her role as the familys bookworm, only later learning how Glorias love of literature would transpire into a lifelong career.

I did not realize that she would become who she was, but she did always tell us that she was going to be famous, Motley said.

In the Watkins home, Gloria slept closest to the steps of the girls shared bedroom with sisters Valerie, Sarah, and Angela, which allowed Gloria to keep a light on later in the night for reading and writing. The siblings weekly visits to the library gave the other girls the chance to pick up one book apiece, like Nancy Drew or the Hardy Boys, but gave Gloria the chance to check out up to 10 books of Shakespeare, Dickinson, and the like.

Even as a young child, I can remember that she was very advanced, Motley said.

Years later, in high school, Gloria won a contest called I Speak for Democracy, where she wrote a piece that she then shared on the local radio station. It was the first time a Black person had won the contest, but Gwenda remembered Gloria was upset after receiving her prize.

The radio announcer told her, Well, if they had seen you, you probably would not have won, Motley said. That really put a damper on her winning, and she thought, 'Why not?' Her piece was the best of the bestshe was always shaking off the rest.

Becoming bell

Even with the hardships of growing up in integration, Gloria was always keenly aware of what she could do and what she wanted to do. As Motley said, it was clear from childhood that her sister was an intellectual genius, and that fact was made even clearer when she left Kentucky for California.

Gloria enrolled at Stanford University, where she received her bachelor of arts in English in 1973, before returning to the Midwest to receive her masters in English from the University of Madison-Wisconsin in 1976. It was during this time that she began writing her first book, Aint I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism, which was then published under the pseudonym bell hooks in 1981.

Motley visited Gloria in every place she lived, seeing her older sister come into her own as an author through each experience. She recalls visiting Gloria at Yale University during one of her reading events, where there were over 2,000 people in attendance. Two young women behind Motley whispered incessantly, ultimately tapping her on the shoulder and asking if she was bells sister.

I said no, and they looked at me so strangely, she recalled. Finally, I said, oh, you mean Gloria? And that was my introduction to her being called bell  that was truly my awakening to, wow, she is bell hooks.

The author chose her pen name based on her maternal great-grandmother, Bell Blair Hooks, whom Gloria was compared to from an early age; she put the name in lowercase letters both as a tribute and to focus on her work over herself. From the Yale reading onward, Motley knew her sister as the pen name the world called her by, but the family continued to call her Gloria.

Her sisters vision

Over the next few decades, the Watkins family saw hooks's influence continue to rise, but the relationship between sisters always remained strong.

She never put on with us, she never expected us to worship hersometimes, she even annoyed us, Motley said, laughing.

Even still, it seemed as though hooks was never able to turn off her intellect, let alone her ability to retain information about other people. Those traits helped her to become such a worldwide force.

She was able to connect and relate to anyone no matter who you were, Motley said. I think thats what made her so phenomenal and internationally famous.
BusinessWire India Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 15: Nord France Invest - the investment promotion agency for Northern France - will return to India for the second time in two years on a visit led by Artus Galiay, Hauts-de-France Representative to the United Kingdom/Ireland/India. In recent years, Nord France Invest has been working with Indian business partners to show the potential of Northern France for Indian companies to access their markets in France and Europe smoothly. A response to Indian companies' new challenges This is particularly relevant for Indian companies who used to rely on the United Kingdom. Brexit implied * Tougher and more time-consuming administrative processes * Delays at the border * New regulations * Additional costs As such, an alternative is needed. On top of that, Indian companies are rapidly expanding, due to the dynamism of the Indian economy, now is the right time to explore opportunities in Europe. Northern France, the UK's closest continental neighbour, appears to be a smart choice for companies looking to relocate on EU soil. Companies looking to develop in Europe, let's meet. To show how Northern France could help Indian companies in successfully accessing the European Market, Nord France Invest will be in India from 4th to 8th December. Here is the programme December 4-5 - NFI in Chennai The day will be dedicated to meeting local companies in the automotive industry as well as the South Indian Chamber of Commerce (who brought a delegation of 30 members in Northern France earlier this year) December 6-7 - NFI in Mumbai Nord France Invest is proud to sponsor the Business France India - Investor Day 2023, an exclusive networking event for Indian businesses looking to expand their operations in France. On top of that, companies will also be able to meet us at the event organised between Business France and the Federation of Indian Export Organisations. December 7-8 - NFI in Ahmedabad This day will be dedicated to meeting with pharma and tech companies. For Indian companies eager to connect with Artus Galiay at the specified cities and dates to explore opportunities in Hauts-de-France, kindly reach out to us at a.galiay@nfinvest.fr. It's a great chance to unlock business opportunities in Europe. Unlocking Success in Hauts-de-France: A Gateway to European Business Excellence Over the years, Indian giants such as Tata Steel, Tata consultancy services, ArcelorMittal and Samvardhana Motherson have trusted the Hauts-de-France Region to settle their operations. It benefits from A strategic location Hauts-de-France is located a stone's throw away from 5 major European capitals (Paris, London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Koln). It is also the closest continental neighbour to the United Kingdom. It is 1 hour and 20 minutes away from London, 35 minutes away from Brussels and 50 minutes away from Paris by train. Access to talent and skills Hauts-de-France provides the other advantage of broader access to French and European talents for the skills companies might need. Here are the numbers of workers immediately available in different sectors * 43K job-seekers in industry * 70K job-seekers in logistics * 53K job-seekers in services It also guarantees a wide range of schools, universities and training institutions * 7 universities * More than 40 specialized training centres. Among them, 21 engineering schools, 16 business schools and last but not least, 67 specialized schools (in art, design, communication, journalism, architecture and multimedia) Getting a site up and running quickly with the help of Nord France Invest Nord France Invest is the investment promotion agency for Hauts-de-France and provides free-of-cost and confidential services to foreign-owned companies looking to develop on European territory. Here is the type of support Nord France Invest can provide to companies * Facilitating administrative processes * Putting companies in contact with the adequate interlocutor * Help companies draft their specifications * Assist companies in finding the site that best suits their needs (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
In this scuffle, Nalgonda BJP District President K Sridhar Reddy was allegedly attacked by BRS workers.

BJP State President and Union Minister G Kishan Reddy condemned the alleged attack on Reddy.

The Telangana BJP chief in a statement said that Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao during the bye-election in Nagarjunasagar had promised to complete the Nellikal Lift irrigation project once the BRS candidate is elected.

"However, it has not been completed so far and again the elections are taking place," the statement said.

The statement added that protesting over this issue, as KCR's visit to Nagarjuna Sagar for a public meeting on Tuesday, Sridhar Reddy held a dharna at Nellikal questioning what happened to the promise made by the Chief Minister.

"Irritated over this, the BRS goondas attacked in broad daylight in the presence of hundreds of people," the statement alleged.

Sridhar Reddy was immediately shifted to RIMS at Nalgonda for treatment. Kishan Reddy also spoke with Sridhar Reddy over the phone and enquired about the attack. (ANI)
People faced difficulty in breathing and experienced burning and irritation in the eyes after the air quality dipped to the 'very poor' category in the Ghaziabad district on Wednesday. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), numerous areas of the district recorded bad air quality. It was recorded at 348 in the Sanjay Nagar area, 373 at Vasundhara, 376 in Indirapuram and 369 in the Loni area, all in the very poor zone. Speaking to ANI on the deteriorating air quality situation, a morning walker said, "We are facing problems due to the poor air quality. We can sense burning and irritation in the eyes due to the rising pollution levels. We are also facing difficulty in breathing. Senior citizens are affected the most." Meanwhile, a thick layer of smog veiled the national capital on Wednesday morning and the air quality dropped in the 'severe' category in several parts of Delhi. Suresh Kumar, a morning walker told ANI, "The situation is worse. Earlier too, there used to be stubble burning and the bursting of firecrackers. The pollution is occurring mostly because of vehicles. Odd-even should be implemented always, as it makes a difference to an extent." While, Sikander Yadav, a resident of Munirka, said, "I go to clean vehicles in the morning. There is difficulty in breathing. The pollution was there before Diwali. The situation is worse." Meanwhile, the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) has resumed using water sprinklers in all 13 hot spots to curb the pollution in the city. The hotspots include Narela, Bawana, Mundka, Wazirpur, Rohini, RK Puram, Okhla, Jahangirpuri, Anand Vihar, Punjabi Bagh, Mayapuri, Dwarka. Three cities of Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad continued to reel under "very poor" air quality even two days after Diwali on Tuesday, stated the CPCB's daily air quality index (AQI) bulletin. According to the AQI scale, readings between 0 and 50 are considered "good", 51 and 100 are "satisfactory", 101 and 200 are "moderate", 201 and 300 are "poor", 301 and 400 are "very poor", 401 and 450 are "severe" and above 450 are "severe+". The live air quality index reading, computed by the CPCB, showed that on Tuesday Ghaziabad's Indirapuram recorded the highest AQI of 391, followed by Loni at 368, Vasundhara at 343, and Sanjay Nagar at 320, with PM2.5 being the main pollutant. Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) officials said the department has resumed dust mitigation measures across the cities. Air pollution levels can be high during the winter months for a number of reasons, cold air is denser and moves slower than warm air, so it traps pollution and doesn't whisk it away. This means that air pollution in the winter remains in place for much longer than during the summer. According to doctors, for any healthy person, a recommended AQI should be less than 50, but these days the AQI has spiked beyond 400, which could prove fatal for those suffering from lung-related diseases and even pose a risk of lung cancer. (ANI)
"On 15th November 2023 at about 08:00 AM, Border Security Force troops while carrying out area domination patrol ahead of border fencing observed suspicious item laying in the farming field near Village Roranwala Khurd," an official statement issued by BSF read.

According to BSF, the recovered drone is a Quadcopter (Model-DJI Mavic 3 Classic, made in China).

During the detail search of the area, BSF troops recovered one drone along with one packet of narcotics item suspected to be Heroin (Gross wt - 500 Gms) wrapped with yellow adhesive tape from the farming field ahead of the border fence.

Vigilant troops of BSF, once again, were able to foil the nefarious design of smugglers, said BSF. (ANI)
The application process for Marylands next round of cannabis business licenses, set aside for social equity candidates, opened Monday after over 1,000 people were granted the status.

As part of the Cannabis Reform Act of 2023, the state established several distinct licensing rounds.

Existing Maryland medical cannabis sellers were allowed first to convert their existing licenses to also sell recreational cannabis when the prohibition ended July 1.

The application period for the next round, which is open only to those qualified as social equity applicants, closes Dec. 12. Those who apply will be granted licenses based on a lottery system that will begin by Jan. 1.

The 179 licenses allotted for this round of applications include 75 standard dispensary and 16 standard grower licenses. Each locality will get a set number of licenses. Baltimore City is allotted the most dispensary licenses, with 11.

This application round will more than double the number of cannabis businesses in the State, and each award will be to a verified social equity applicant, said Will Tilburg, the Maryland Cannabis Administrations acting director, said in a news release.

Maryland is the first state to have a distinct period set aside for social equity applicants to obtain licenses, said David Torres, a cannabis administration spokesperson, in an email.

Holding a round exclusively for social equity applicants seeks to directly benefit those individuals and communities that were disproportionately harmed by cannabis criminalization and the war on drugs, while greatly expanding who has the ability to own cannabis businesses and work in the cannabis industry, Torres said.

Audrey Johnson, executive director of Marylands Office of Social Equity, said the parameters for defining a social equity applicant were set by the General Assembly.

To qualify, individuals must have lived in an area thats been disproportionally impacted by the war on drugs for at least five years. An area is considered disproportionally affected if it has more than 150% of the states 10-year average for cannabis possession charges. In Baltimore, 19 ZIP codes meet the threshold.

Additionally, applicants would have been eligible if they attended a public school in a disproportionally affected area for at least five years, or attended a university within the state where at least 40% of students received Pell Grants for at least two years.

Any company seeking licenses in this round must by 65% owned by one or more qualified social equity applicants.

Keisha Reed, chief operating officer of Explore Maryland Cannabis, an organization focused on helping people enter the cannabis industry, said the state is moving in the right direction in taking to address inequities within legalized cannabis sales.

I think Maryland did a really good job with kind of shaking up the social equity conversation around the country when it comes to cannabis, she said.

While supportive of the states efforts, Reed and other activists say there still are issues that need to be addressed.

Specifically, Reed said, the state needs to do a better job of community outreach.

I live in Baltimore City, she said. I know that where I live, cannabis is not necessarily seen as the golden ticket of getting out of the current situation. They still remember the highly targeted arrests that happened in their neighborhoods and still do. So I think that Im hoping that the state is thinking about it as they gear up their resources forward next year.

Similarly, Losia Nyankale, former executive director of Maryland NORML, said the social equity efforts help address inequities when implemented the right way.

I feel like Maryland has offered people a lot of great opportunities to be educated about this application and licensing process, she said. Theyve been open and transparent. And I hope that our people are taking great advantage of this opportunity.

Alternatively, LaWann Stribling, a cannabis advocate and founder of STRIBble Treats, expressed frustration with the social equity application, which she said excludes people who are a part of marginalized communities.

Despite being a part of several marginalized communities, Stribling said she wasnt eligible to apply for the social equity application because she lives outside the qualifying areas and didnt attend public school.

I feel like Maryland has left out a lot of people that should be included, she said. Theyre only catering for people who have maybe had the chances to go to college, but they went to a [historically Black college and university] which is great for them. But everyone did not have those opportunities. I dont think that they should be left out because they didnt have some opportunities.

Even if Stribling did meet the social equity requirements, she said she couldnt afford the fees associated with obtaining a license. As part of the new regulations, a standard grower, processor or dispensary license costs $5,000. The fee is $1,000 for a micro grower, processor or dispensary license.

To get around the states licensing restraints, Stribling registered herself as a caregiver through the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission to sell her edible cannabis baked goods. Essentially, shes allowed to have up to five clients who can request edibles from her.

Its very limiting, but you know, my life has been limiting, she said. So this is something else that we have to pivot through.

Johnson said social equity applicants might be considered in the next round of applications as well.

Our primary focus remains on rectifying historical harm and economic disparities within the Maryland cannabis industry, she said in an email. Our goal is to foster an adult-use cannabis market that not only acknowledges but actively encourages the full participation of communities disproportionately affected by the criminalization of cannabis. By doing so, we aim to bring about positive impacts within these communities.

The next round of applications is set to open in the spring, Torres said. After the second round, the cannabis administration might hold a third application period depending on the results of a study of market demand.
The party had fielded Kooner from the Karanpur Assembly seat again.

He was undergoing treatment at the All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the National Capital. He was 75.

His son further told ANI that the family had taken the body to his native place Sri Ganganagar, a city in Rajasthan.

In his condolence message, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot mourned the demise of the senior Congress leader.

"I am deeply saddened by the news of the demise of Karanpur MLA and former minister Shri Gurmeet Singh Kooner. Despite being unwell for a long time, Shri Kooner was always striving for development work in his area. Kooner Saheb's demise is an irreparable loss for the Congress Party and the politics of Rajasthan. I pray to God to give peace to the departed soul and courage to the family" Gehlot said

Kooner was a member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly representing the Karanpur constituency, which he won in the 2018 election.

He was previously elected from the constituency in the 1998 and 2008 Assembly elections.

Rajasthan is set to undergo assembly polls on November 25 and counting of votes will be done on December 3.

BJP won 163 seats in the 2013 Legislative Assembly elections and formed the government in Rajasthan.

In the 2018 assembly elections, the Congress won 99 seats while the BJP won 73 seats in the 200-member House. (ANI)
The celebration of ''''Janjatiya Gaurav Divas 2023 commenced in Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, in unison with the rest of the country. The event was inaugurated with a grand ''Tribal March'', flagged off by Nagaland''s Deputy Chief Minister, TR Zeliang, and Advisor for Tribal Affairs and Election, H Tovihoto Ayemi. The march, which started at Kohima College and ended at the Nagaland Legislative Assembly gate, saw enthusiastic participation from hundreds of people representing various tribes. Talking to ANI, Deputy Chief Minister Nagaland TR Zeliang said that the Jan Jatiya Gaurav Divas is a day set apart to remember and honour the contributions of tribal freedom fighters of the country. "The Government of India has rightly chosen this date, the 15th of November, which is also the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a tribal freedom fighter revered by his people, to celebrate this Jan Jatiya Gaurav Divas," he said. "While we remember many great personalities in the struggle for Independence, some tribal leaders are rarely remembered in honour of their contribution", he added and he maintained that there may be such personalities from the Naga community who may have gone unnoticed, so we should trace back, keep a record and set aside a day to celebrate their lives. Zeliang also said that "The coming together, marching, and participation by all the tribals from Nagaland, comprising of 18 tribes, will bring more unity and in the future, the togetherness can be maintained further." The Tribal March was organised by the Tribal Research Institute (TRI), Nagaland, Department of Tribal Affairs and funded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi. The ''Janjatiya Gaurav Divas'' is celebrated every year to recognise the efforts of the tribals in the preservation of cultural heritage and promotion of Indian values of national pride, valour, and hospitality. (ANI)
Former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Kamal Nath, has taken a dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the alleged viral videos involving Union Minister and BJP candidate Narendra Singh Tomar's son, highlighting money transactions. Nath demanded an immediate probe and questioned whether the party prioritizes its interests over the country's. "I want to know from the top leadership of the BJP whether the interest of the party and family comes first for them or the interest of the country. Three videos of the son of Union Minister and BJP candidate in the upcoming assembly elections, Narendra Singh Tomar, have surfaced so far. The matter, which allegedly started with a transaction of Rs 100 crore, has now reached a transaction of up to Rs 10,000 crore," Nath wrote in a post on X. Nath claimed a connection with the drug trade and Canada in the latest video, urging an investigation. He also criticized BJP's national leadership for silence on the matter. "In the latest video, a direct connection with the drug trade and Canada is being shown. This should be investigated immediately so that we can know what is true and what is false. But it is sad to say that the entire national leadership of the BJP is currently in Madhya Pradesh and no one is saying a single word on this issue related to national security that has arisen in the state. I warn that Madhya Pradesh will not forgive those who are putting personal interests ahead of national interest," he said. Notably, the second video of Tomar's son, Devendra Singh Tomar, surfaced on social media about making deals worth crores of rupees with some businessmen on Monday, and a day after, another video of him came to light. In response, Union Minister Tomar labelled the video involving his son as fake and part of an opposition conspiracy during elections. He also demanded a Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) investigation to reveal the truth and expose the alleged conspiracy. "A fake video related to my son has gone viral on social media. This is part of a well-planned conspiracy being carried out by the opposition at the time of elections with the aim of misleading the public," Tomar said in a post on X on Tuesday. "Earlier, my son Devendra Pratap Singh Tomar had also submitted an application for police investigation in relation to such false videos. I again demand the CFSL (Central Forensic Science Laboratory) agencies to investigate this video, so that the truth can come out and the conspiracy can be exposed," he added. Tomar is contesting in the upcoming state assembly polls from the Dimani assembly seat in Morena district, scheduled for November 17. The counting of votes will take place on December 3. (ANI)
In a solemn ceremony on the Parliament premises today, President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in paying tributes to tribal leader Bhagwan Birsa Munda on his birth anniversary, celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. Joining President Murmu in honouring Bhagwan Birsa Munda were Vice President and Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Jagdeep Dhankhar, Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Meenakashi Lekhi, and other dignitaries. The ceremony marked an expression of respect for the tribal hero who dedicated his life to preserving the independence and identity of the motherland. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla took to X to extend his wishes. "Heartfelt tribute to 'Dharti Aaba' Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the symbol of tribal bravery who sacrificed everything to protect the independence of the motherland and identity of the tribal society, on the occasion of his birth anniversary, I extend hearty greetings on this occasion celebrated in honour of tribal pride", he said in a post on X. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visited the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Memorial Park and Freedom Fighter Museum in Ranchi and paid floral tributes to Birsa Munda. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda and Governor of Jharkhand CP Radhakrishnan. In his message on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda the Prime Minister said in his post on X "Respectful tribute to Lord Birsa Munda ji on his birth anniversary. Many best wishes to my family members across the country on this special occasion of Tribal Pride Day." The commemoration of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Bhagwan Birsa Munda for tribal rights and the cultural tapestry of the nation. The event brings together leaders from across the political spectrum, symbolizing a commitment to preserving the diverse heritage of India. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured all sisters that he considers himself their brother during a public meeting in Betul district on Wednesday, ahead of the upcoming state assembly polls scheduled for this week. "I assure all the sisters that I am your real brother. Before being the Chief Minister, I am your brother. I have observed many times that women get worried even for Rs 1000 and Rs 2000. There was a need for their essentials, and they did not have money. So, it pained me a lot. I was thinking for the past many days about how to alleviate this pain of women," CM Chouhan said. He said that he decided to address this issue by directly transferring money to the bank accounts of sisters, by introducing the Mukhyamantri Ladli Bahna Yojana. Chouhan further asked the women present if any government had ever deposited money into their bank accounts before. He emphasized that after the government is formed, those left out will be added to the list of beneficiaries of the Ladli Bahna Yojana through a portal. "Has any government ever deposited money into your account before? There have been so many governments, but no government transferred money into your bank accounts. After the government is formed, those whose names were left will be added by opening the portal in the list of beneficiaries of the Ladli Bahna Yojana. No sister will be left," he said. Earlier in the day, Chouhan celebrated 'Bhai Dooj' at his official residence in Bhopal. During the celebrations, the Ladli Bahans applied tilak to the Chief Minister, and he extended greetings and best wishes to all the women. CM Chouhan also joined the Ladli Bahnas as they sang prayers, shared a few dance steps with the women, and expressed his commitment to their welfare. The state is set to undergo polls on November 17. The counting of votes is scheduled for December 3. Voters will choose legislators from 230 Assembly constituencies. (ANI)
After the successful celebrations of Deepotsav 2023 in Ayodhya, the Yogi Adityanath government is all set to offer better health services to the lakhs of devotees arriving from all corners of the country for the upcoming Kartik Snan Mela, 14 Kosi Parikrama and Panchkosi Parikrama of Ayodhya, said an official statement from the government of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday. Preparations have been initiated on a grand scale. Chief Medical Officer Dr Sanjay Jain has been appointed as the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ram Mani Shukla is the in-charge of the fair and has been entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing health services and cleanliness programs during the fair, added the statement. The Health Department has reserved beds in three major hospitals in the district, with 20 beds each in the Medical College and District Hospital and 10 beds in Shri Ram Hospital, to provide health services to the devotees coming to the Kartik Mela. Additionally, temporary medical camps will be set up at 15 locations Dr Rammani Shukla, the fair in-charge, mentioned that temporary medical camps have been established at Control Room, Hanuman Garhi, Railway Station, Kanak Bhavan, Ram Janmabhoomi, Ram Ki Paidi, Nageshwar Nath, Pakka Ghat, Karsewakpuram, Hanuman Gufa, Saket Petrol Pump, Jhunki Ghat, International Bus Stand, Dashrath Mahal and Bandha Tiraha. An eight-bed temporary medical camp is also being set up at Pakka Ghat, said the statement. To deal with any accident, ambulances will be present at 10 locations in the fair area at all times. These ambulances will be stationed at Pakka Ghat, Bandha Tiraha, Control Room, Saket Petrol Pump, Nageshwar Nath, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhavan, Ram Janmabhoomi, Ayodhya Dham Railway Station, and Booth Number 4. Health services will be provided to the patients by setting up temporary medical camps at 16 places on the famous 14 Kosi Parikrama route of Ayodhya. The fair in-charge said that temporary medical treatment camps will be set up at the control room, Hanuman Gufa, Mauni Baba, Halkara Ka Purwa, Achari ka Sagra, Mirzapur, Janaura, Sahadatganj Hanuman Garhi, Guptar Ghat, Jamthara, Afeem Kothi, Amaniganj, Chakra Teerth, Nirmochan Ghat and Jhunki Ghat, as mentioned the official statement. Dr Ram Mani Shukla said that temporary medical camps will be constructed at Control Room, Hanuman Gufa, Mauni Baba, Halkara Ka Purwa, Udaya Square, Mohbara, Chakratirtha, Nirmochan Ghat and Jhunki Ghat. In the municipal corporation area, regular fogging will be conducted every day from six to eight in the morning. In addition to this, anti-larva spraying will be carried out daily. This arrangement will continue from two days before the commencement of the Parikrama, Kartik Purnima Mela until two days after its conclusion, said the statement. The Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sanjay Jain, informed us that 54 medical officers, one female medical officer, 54 pharmacists, 54 fourth-grade employees, four supervisors, and about 250 sanitation workers have been appointed for the 14 Kosi and Panch Koshi Parikrama of Ayodhya. (ANI)
In a display of promptness and coordination, the Indian Army, in collaboration with civil administration, conducted a swift rescue operation in response to a grievous accident on National Highway 244 at Assar, near Wani Mod, approximately 4 km from COB ASSAR towards Batote.

The incident involved a civil bus travelling from Kishtwar to Jammu, which tragically fell approximately 250 feet from the road. The time of the incident was reported to be around 12:30 hours.

The unfortunate incident resulted in a total of 38 casualties, with 32 passengers declared dead initially.

Additionally, 20 individuals sustained injuries, and immediate medical assistance is being provided.

"The Indian Army's quick response included the activation of a Quick Reaction Team (QRT) and medical personnel from COB Assar (1-1-28) at 1230 hrs. Army medical teams swiftly reached the accident site, evacuating the injured to Government Hospital Doda," army officials said in a statement.

It further said that present efforts are focused on evacuating the injured individuals and shifting the bodies of the deceased passengers for further medical formalities. Bodies are being sent to Assar Primary Health Centre and Doda Civil Hospital.

A total of 58 individuals were on board the ill-fated bus at the time of the incident.

The Indian Army also expressed its deepest condolences to the families affected by this tragic accident.

"The collaborative efforts with the civil administration underline the commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens in times of crisis," it added. (ANI)
Baltimores spending board voted Wednesday to approve paying a $3.3 million penalty to the state  a historic fine for pollution that flowed from the citys poorly maintained wastewater treatment plants and into the Patapsco and Back Rivers.

Along with the payment comes a big to-do list for the city, in the form of a court-monitored consent decree, which the citys Board of Estimates also approved Wednesday.

The boards unanimous vote affirms the consent decree, which already was signed by the citys Department of Public Works, and sends it to a Baltimore City Circuit Court judge for final approval.

Upon approval, the consent decree would settle two lawsuits filed against the city as a result of the pollution: one by the Maryland Department of the Environment and the other by a local nonprofit watchdog called Blue Water Baltimore. All three parties were involved in the consent decree negotiations.

Per the consent decree, the citys full penalty is $4.75 million, but the remaining $1.4 million will only be paid if the city violates its agreement in the next two years.

Under the consent decree, the city agreed to a timeline for particular repairs at each of the two problematic plants, to produce new plans for adequately staffing the facilities and to allow a third-party engineering company to supervise its progress and produce reports.

The city also will install signs and warning lights at the discharge pipes where each of the plants dump treated wastewater into the rivers. If the plants malfunction, and any part of the treatment process must be bypassed  meaning the water could contain higher-than-acceptable levels of pollution  the light will flash for 24 hours.

The city will produce quarterly updates and hold annual meetings about its progress at the two plants.

The violations covered by the consent decree technically began as early as 2017, but the bulk of the problems occurred in 2021 and 2022, when high quantities of pollutants were dumped into the rivers because of inadequate treatment. After Blue Water Baltimore expressed concerns, MDE inspected both facilities in 2021 and discovered the extent of the problems.

The Patapsco Wastewater Treatment Plant is a secondary treatment facility with enhanced nutrient removal, chlorination and de-chlorination located on the Patapsco River at Wagners Point.

The state sent the Maryland Environmental Service to take charge of the Back River plant. Following negotiations with the city, the environmental service mainly assisted with repairs and did not take over management of the facility. The services team produced a detailed report describing the problems at the facility, arguing that the lack of urgency to fix the plants went all the way to the top of the citys public works department.

With the plant in disrepair, high bacteria levels in the Back River, which separates Dundalk and Essex, prompted warnings to residents to avoid contact with the water in the spring and summer of 2022. The episode frustrated residents of the waterfront community, who were forced to avoid water recreation, sowing mistrust in the citys ability to effectively run the plants.

Nearly $2 million of the citys $3.3 million payment will go toward environmental projects in the Back River and Patapsco watersheds. The Chesapeake Bay Trust will administer competitive grants for the funding.

At Wednesdays Board of Estimates meeting, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, who is one of the boards five members, emphasized significant progress made at both wastewater plants, which were discharging water that was compliant with state standards as of the most recent reporting from the city.

This really is an important turning point for the Department of Public Works, Scott said. Were talking about much longer disinvestment at Back River and Patapsco than 2017 that got us to this point. And weve been working alongside our partners at MDE to get to this point.

The 466-acre Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant site is seen along Eastern Avenue in Dundalk.

In his comments before the board, Darnell Ingram, DPWs general counsel, highlighted improvements such as the hiring of environmental compliance and safety managers and the removal of thousands of tons of sludge that had clogged the two treatment facilities.

As part of the consent decree, the city is committing to a host of other improvements, Ingram said, including the rehabilitation of the large egg-shaped digesters at the Back River plant, which he said will cost about $88 million.

DPW recommended the city board approve the consent decree based on the numerous violations alleged and the potential risks associated if this matter were to be the subject of protracted litigation.

During the meeting, Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby spoke about the potential that Baltimores water system could transition to a regional water authority, where surrounding counties, which are served by the citys water and wastewater system, would get a say in how the assets are operated, unlike in the current system, where the city has full control and Baltimore County merely contributes a portion of the funding.

As we continue to see these really large dollar amounts go into a system that we are maybe on the cusp of losing full autonomy and control over  thats what I would like to talk about, said Mosby, who voiced his opposition to the regional authority idea.

A 13-member task force, created by an act of the state legislature, has been meeting for the past few months, and will make a recommendation on the future of Baltimores water system in January.

Baltimore Comptroller Bill Henry, who chairs the task force, has stated that the group will make no recommendation that the city lose ownership of its treatment plants and other infrastructure. But who operates the facilities could change.

This is not just about retaining the asset, Scott said Wednesday. But also, us finally getting to a point where, quite frankly, our partners around the region  theyre putting in the same weight that were putting in  that the citys not pulling all the weight consistently and being the ones that are bearing the bad news.
Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh on Wednesday listed the commitments that the party would work to fulfil for the people if elected. Addressing a press conference ahead of the second phase of the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections on Wednesday, Singh said the process of building 18 lakh houses would commence immediately if the BJP comes to power in the state. The initiative would be set in motion after the first cabinet meeting, the former CM said. "If elected, we will start the process of building and allocating 18 lakh houses after holding our first cabinet meeting. The corruption in PSC will be investigated and farmers will given a bonus of two years. The pace of building public infrastructure in the state will also go up," Singh said at the press conference here. On the Mahadev betting app scam, which has become a big political talking point in the state amid the assembly polls, the former CM said, "An investigation will be carried out into all the corruption that has happened under this government. The BJP will deliver on its promise of a clean governance." Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Wednesday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his "Murkho ke Sardar" jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying that his remark was an insult to the people. Speaking to ANI, Baghel said, "He verbally abused the public and our leader. PM Modi has become so arrogant that he has no respect for an Opposition leader. Ye ahankar Ravan ka nahi raha toh Modi ka ye ahankar kahan tikega? (If Ravan's arrogance could be defeated, so can PM Modi's)." Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday took a veiled dig at Rahul, calling him "Murkhon KeSardar" after the latter questioned his 'Make in India' claim with regard to the manufacturing and export of mobile phones in the country. Addressing a rally in the Betul district of poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, the PM took a swipe at the Congress saying that the leaders of the party have a "mental disease" of not acknowledging the country's achievements. "A wise leader of the Congress said that everyone in India has 'Made in China' mobile phones. Arre Murkhon ke Sardar, (the leader of stupid people), what world do you live in? The leaders of the Congress have this mental disease of not recognising the achievements of their own country," PM Modi said. The second phase of the Chhattisgarh assembly elections is scheduled for Friday. The first phase took place on November 7. (ANI)
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, virtually attended the launch of 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra' by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ranchi on Wednesday. The L-G joined the event virtually at Raj Bhawan in Srinagar. In Jammu and Kashmir, the Sankalp Yatra was flagged off from Budhal, Rajouri Gurez and Bandipora. People, Panchayati Raj institutions and government officials attended the launch function. The Lt Governor expressed gratitude to PM Modi for starting outreach activities in the tribal districts of Bandipora and Rajouri in line with his stated objective of achieving saturation of flagship schemes, on the birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter, Bhagwan Birsa Munda. He also lauded the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra initiative, which is aimed at reaching out to the vulnerable, who, though eligible to be enlisted under various schemes, are yet to derive the benefits of the same. "This endeavour of the central government, with the objective of reaching the unreached, to generate awareness about tribal, rural and urban schemes, to interact with beneficiaries and enrolment of potential beneficiaries, will make a significant contribution in the socio-economic empowerment of the tribal community, poor, deprived and weaker sections of the society," the L-G was quoted as saying in an official release. The Lt Governor shared the efforts of the UT Administration, under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, for the welfare of the tribal population. Since August 2019, tribal welfare was given top priority by the administration and various initiatives were launched cutting across sectors to empower tribal communities of J&K UT, he informed. Sinha said the administration has taken significant initiatives for the holistic welfare of tribal communities. He called for collective efforts from citizens, stakeholders, community leaders, social organizations and administration to address the focus areas for tribal districts under Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra including sickle cell anaemia elimination, enrolment in EKLAVYA, Scholarships, Forest Rights titles, Self Help Groups and Van Dhan Vikas Kendra. He directed all district commissioners and administrative officials to focus on the saturation of Individual Forest Rights. Beneficiaries from Rajouri and Bandipora shared their experiences with the Lt Governor through video conferencing and expressed gratitude for welfare schemes. The 'Hamara Sankalp Viksit Bharat' pledge was also administered on the occasion. In other districts, the outreach activities will start from the third week of November. A route plan for IEC Vans has been prepared and a control room has also been established at the UT and district level for overall coordination. (ANI)
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". https://x.com/SuellaBraverman/status/1724465401982070914?s=20 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. (ANI)
On the sidelines of IPEF, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal attended ministerial-level talks on 'Clean Economy and Fair Economy' on Tuesday (local time). At the top of their meeting, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) ministers posed for a family photograph. Besides discussion on the two pillars, ministers from 14 countries signed an agreement on the resilient chain under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) as they sought to forge an alliance to strengthen relations and reduce dependence on China in the post-Covid period. On Monday, other members (not including India) 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. India has so far stayed away from the trade talks while keeping its options open for the future. A decision on the trade pillar, which is being closely watched in the US, will take some time as just around half of it has been negotiated. Minister Goyal also attended a raft of bilateral meetings including with Ambassador Katherine Tai, United States Trade Representative, on the sidelines of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) in San Francisco. The two leaders held talks on the IPEF and trade pillars. Goyal, who is on a four-day visit to the US, also took part in the Investors Round Table organised in collaboration with the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum and Indiaspora. The event was attended by venture capitalists and entrepreneurs from a wide spectrum of industries in the US, including energy, manufacturing, logistics, and technology, among others. In an interactive session held in San Francisco as part of the first leg of the tour in the US, the Minister held wide-ranging discussions with the participants and highlighted the various steps taken by the government of India to improve the ease of doing business. "Highlighted how the country offers promising opportunities for investors, thanks to the unique combination of our demographic dividend, manufacturing capabilities & conducive business environment," Goyal posted on X, asserting India as an attractive investment destination for the world. During the US visit till November 16, 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). India has been invited to the 30th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting 2023 as a 'Guest Economy'. Goyal arrived in San Francisco on November 13. Kicking off the official tour, the Commerce and Industry Minister visited the Tesla Factory Unit in Fremont and interacted with the senior executives of the Tesla group. Just shortly after his arrival in the US, Goyal met with Singapore's Minister for Trade and Industry, Gan Kim Yong. The two leaders discussed ways to accelerate cooperation across sectors to further deepen the economic partnership between India and Singapore. Taking to X, Goyal stated, "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." One of the key focus of the visit will be the joint event, co-chaired with US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, on the "India-USA Innovation Handshake Initiative", with the aim to lift up and connect the two sides' dynamic startup ecosystems, address specific regulatory hurdles to cooperation, and promote further innovation and job growth, particularly in emerging technologies." Piyush Goyal is expected to interact with globally renowned technology, entrepreneurship, and academic communities in the Bay Area, particularly in Silicon Valley, to undertake focused discussions with American companies looking to invest or expand in India across sectors - Electronics (including semiconductors), Technology, FinTech etc. (ANI)
As US President Joe Biden prepares for a rare summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the ongoing wars in Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas set the stage for high-stakes discussions, CNN reported on Tuesday. The American and Chinese delegations plan to address both the Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Hamas wars in their extensive meetings in the San Francisco Bay Area, as stated by senior administration officials. During these discussions, President Biden and his national security advisers will work to persuade their Chinese counterparts that it is in Beijing's interest to utilise its influence with Russia and Iran to contain both conflicts. The heightened global unrest adds significance to Biden's face-to-face meeting with Xi, their first in a year. As Biden grapples with two conflicts that could define his presidency--Ukraine and Israel - he is keen on enhancing ties with Beijing and averting additional crises during his term. The US has sought to manage expectations for the talks, highlighting the restoration of military communication and an agreement to curb narcotics trafficking as key objectives, as reported by CNN. Biden told reporters Tuesday that his objective in meeting with Xi will be to normalise communication channels between the two powers. When asked how he defined success for Wednesday's sit-down, Biden said, "To get back on a normal course." He said that the sit-down also included "corresponding, being able to pick up the phone and talk to one another if there's a crisis, being able to make sure that our militaries still have contact with one another." The US officials have been working to restore military communications with China after Beijing severed them last year, according to CNN. Among prime concerns of the US is the risk for miscalculation or miscommunication that leads to conflict, including in the tense waters around Taiwan and the South China Sea. "As I told you, we're not trying to decouple from China," Biden said, adding, "What we're trying to do is change the relationship for the better." He also mentioned China's relative economic weakness saying that he was looking to bolster a relationship that benefits both countries. Even as he applies pressure on Xi, Biden's own ability to shape the wars in the Middle East and Europe is being tested, as Israel continues its assault on Gaza's civilian infrastructure and as Ukraine struggles to regain territory following Russia's invasion 20 months ago. His staunch support and billions of dollars in military assistance from the United States haven't necessarily led to outcomes US officials had hoped for, as reported by CNN. "The president will underscore our desire for China to make clear in its burgeoning relationship ... with Iran that it is essential that Iran not seek to escalate or spread violence in the Middle East," a senior administration official said. 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, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Monday at the White House. While applying pressure on Xi, Biden aims to shape China's role in the Middle East, urging them to leverage their alliance with Iran for de-escalation. China's growing influence in Iran, driven by shared antipathy toward the United States, presents an opportunity for diplomatic intervention. The US president is expected to emphasise the necessity for China to play a constructive role in calming tensions in the Middle East. This includes a focus on Iran refraining from provocative actions, with a clear message that the United States is prepared to respond promptly to any such actions. The summit's outcome will determine the success of Biden's efforts to enlist China's support in managing global conflicts. The challenge lies not only in urging restraint in the Middle East but also in influencing China's stance on Russia, especially concerning its economic alliance and role in the Ukraine conflict. The complex geopolitical dynamics will test the diplomatic skills of both leaders during this critical summit. To that end, in Wednesday's meetings, US officials intend to "underscore our continuing concerns around those provocations to China, who continues to be a substantial patron of North Korea," CNN reported. (ANI)
The US State Department on Tuesday (local time) labelled Akram al-Ajouri, the leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad's militant wing, as a specially designated global terrorist, CNN reported. The US Treasury Department also imposed sanctions on "key Hamas officials and the mechanisms by which Iran provides support to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ)." Tuesday's actions were the latest penal measures taken in response to the October 7 Hamas attack against Israel, and both the designation and sanctions are intended to imped individuals' and organisations' access to resources and funding, according to CNN. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that Al-Ajouri also serves as PIJ Deputy Secretary General. A separate statement by the US Treasury stated that he "coordinated the militant training and recruitment operations for PIJ in Gaza, Syria, Sudan, Lebanon, and Yemen." Meanwhile, the Treasury Department also imposed sanctions on Mahmoud Khaled Zahhar, "a senior member and co-founder of Hamas who has worked closely with Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh." "Zahhar has spoken publicly on behalf of Hamas, including in formal interviews, to threaten violence against Jewish civilians and emphasise its commitment to the destruction of Israel," the Treasury Department said in a news release, adding, "As a Hamas representative, Zahhar has also acknowledged and thanked Iran for its support of Hamas." Another individual, Mu'ad Ibrahim Muhammed Rashid al-Atili, was also sanctioned on Tuesday "for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Hamas," according to CNN. The Treasury Department also imposed sanctions on PIJ Representative to Iran Nasser Abu Sharif, the Muhjat AlQuds Foundation, "a PIJ-run, Iran-funded organisation whose primary mission is to provide financial support to the families of PIJ fighters and prisoners," and the foundation's leader, Jamil Yusuf Ahmad 'Aliyan. The Treasury Department has also sanctioned the Lebanon-based money exchange company Nabil Chouman & Co, which, according to the department, Hamas uses to transfer money from Iran to Gaza, as well as its founder, Nabil Khaled Halil Chouman, his son Khaled Chouman and another Lebanon-based money exchanger, Reda Ali Khamis. "For several years, the company has served as a conduit for transferring funds to Hamas, transferring tens of millions of dollars to the terrorist organisation," CNN reported the Treasury Department as saying. (ANI)
An accountability court (AC) in Rawalpindi has turned down the request for the physical remand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief and former Prime Minister Imran Khan in two cases, ARY News reported. During the hearing of the Toshakhana and Al-Qadir Trust cases against Imran Khan, AC Judge Muhammad Bashir announced the verdict, rejecting the plea for Imran Khan's physical remand.On October 31, another accountability court in Islamabad extended the bail of Bushra Bibi, the wife of PTI Chairman, until November 15 in the Tosha Khana and Al-Qadir Trust cases, according to ARY News. In connection with the Toshakhana case, PTI Chairman Imran Khan has moved the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking the suspension of the trial court's verdict. The petition highlighted that the IHC, in its August 28 verdict, only suspended the sentence of PTI chief Imran Khan and not the trial court order. The petition also urged the court to rectify the "omission of not recording the contention of the learned counsel for the petitioner with regard to the suspension" of the Toshakhana judgment of August 5. On August 5, the District and Sessions Court sentenced Imran Khan to a three-year jail term in the Toshakhana criminal case, imposing a Pakistan Rupee (PKR) 1,00,000 fine on the convicted PTI chief. The court also declared the former prime minister ineligible to hold public office for five years. The court stated that Imran Khan had been found guilty of corrupt practises, deliberately submitting fake details of Toshakhana gifts to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). "Imran Khan deliberately submitted fake details (of Toshakhana gifts) to the ECP and was found guilty of corrupt practises," he stated. The court also declared the former prime minister ineligible to hold public office for five years. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) initiated an investigation against Imran Khan, his wife, and others for the alleged gain of hundreds of canals of land in the name of Al Qadir University Trust, causing a reported loss of 190 million pounds to the national exchequer. As per the charges, the former prime minister and other accused allegedly adjusted PKR 50 billion--equivalent to 190 million pounds at the time--sent by Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA) to the government, ARY News reported. (ANI)
Demonstrators from across the country, with over 2,90,000 people in attendance, gathered in Washington, DC, for the "March for Israel," denouncing antisemitism and calling for the release of Israeli hostages, CNN reported. Israeli President Isaac Herzog addressed the crowd through a live video feed, emphasising unity in supporting those held by Hamas and the right of every Jew to live safely. Herzog said they are united "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." The event, considered the largest pro-Israel gathering in the US since October 7, prompted unprecedented security measures designated as a "Level 1" event by the Department of Homeland Security. Sara Blau, a University of Maryland student, expressed her support for Israel and attended the march wearing a T-shirt featuring a photo of Israeli soldier Omer Neutra, who was kidnapped by Hamas. "We were very good friends," said Blau, who attended the march wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with Neutra's photo. "Everyone loves him. He's funny. He's kind, charismatic. He's a natural-born leader and everyone's being impacted really heavily by this." Blau said she wanted to join the march "to show my support for Israel. I'm a proud Zionist, a proud Jew and I wanted to be here to support my community," according to CNN. The Homeland Security Department has deemed the march a "Level 1" security event - the highest possible level - when considering national importance, potential threats and the resources needed to ensure public safety, CNN cited law enforcement sources as saying. Donell Harvin, a former DC chief of homeland security and intelligence, said that such intense security is unprecedented for a march or protest in Washington. "There has never been a First Amendment event in DC that has been designated as a ... Level 1 event," Harvin told CNN, adding, "Those designations are reserved for high-profile events such as the Super Bowl, and World Series." The Level 1 designation allows the federal government to fill possible gaps in local security, including explosive detection, cyber risk assessments, and venue screening. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said the National Guard will be on site to assist local police. At the rally, Israel's Ambassador to the US, Michael Herzog, asked the crowd to raise its voice as Israel continues its operation in Gaza, saying that Israel must finish the war because "there is simply no other choice for a nation that values life," The Times of Israel reported. "We are witnessing mass rallies around the globe vilifying Israel, glorifying Hamas and celebrating the murder of Jews. We are witnessing Jewish students assaulted and silenced on college campuses. We are witnessing Jewish demonstrators attacked, and in some cases killed," he said, adding, "The dark demons of antisemitism have been unleashed." Herzog continued saying, "My friends and my brothers and sisters, we are a grieving nation, yet united and determined. And together with you - through our shared voices, values and strength - together we will defeat evil and we will prevail." The march, organised by the Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organisations, aimed to demonstrate American support for Israel. The rally comes in the context of escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas, with Hamas launching a coordinated attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in casualties of approximately 1,200 people and kidnappings of about 200 hostages. Israel retaliated with airstrikes on Gaza, leading to civilian casualties and drawing international attention. Over 11,000 people have been killed, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah, drawing from sources in Hamas-controlled Gaza. A UNICEF spokesperson says the organisation's figures have historically matched those of the Hamas-controlled health ministry, according to CNN. Protests, both in support of Israel and advocating for a ceasefire, have taken place in the vicinity of the Capitol. While many leaders have called for a humanitarian pause in fighting so that the Palestinian civilians can be moved to safety, Israel has firmly rejected the notion as long as Hamas keeps holding hostages. However, Israel has agreed to four-hour, daily pauses in military operations in Gaza to allow for evacuations, CNN reported. (ANI)
In a tragic incident, an Afghan man, 50, was killed in northern Turkey, Khaama Press reported on Tuesday. The Afghan man, identified as a father of four, lost his life under appalling circumstances and the incident throws light on the gruesome consequences of illegal coal mining operations. The lifeless body of the Afghan miner, Vezir Mohammad Nourtani, was found on November 11 in a forested area in the Black Sea province of Zonguldak, with marks of burns, Khaama Press reported, citing local Turkish media. However, soon a startling revelation stated that Nourtani had died on November 9, two days prior to the finding of his dead remains, as per his autopsy reports. His corpse had been hidden in the woods. Six people, including the proprietors of the mine, have been detained as a result of investigations into this horrific case. One of the defendants, Serkan Kayabas, admitted during interrogation that he immediately informed Enver Gideroglu and Hakan Kornos, the mine's proprietors, after seeing Nourtani unconscious on the ground, Khaama Press reported. The story's most upsetting aspect is that, upon arriving at the scene, Hakan Kornos chose to put the injured Afghan man in his car rather than seek medical attention for him, the report added. Sadly, Gideroglu and Kornos, the mine owners, used threats to intimidate the witnesses and keep them from telling the police about what had happened. Citing the Turkish news portal news Gazete Duvar, Khaama Press reported that throughout their testimony, the suspects admitted to their horrible deeds. They acknowledged that they killed Nourtani in order to hide the illicit mining activity from the authorities. The deceased, Vezir Mohammad Nourtani started working at the mine a month prior to his death. Meanwhile, a large number of Afghan refugees are living in appalling conditions in neighbourhood nations like Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey. They frequently don't have access to basic amenities like healthcare and education in these host countries, which puts them in difficult situations. Unfortunately, many also experience different kinds of violations, such as abuse, torture, and harassment by local officials and law enforcement, which makes it much harder for them to seek safety. (ANI)
Refugees who have returned to Afghanistan and taken up temporary housing in the Torkham Crossing region have urged the present administration to expedite the registration and assistance distribution processes so that they can return to their homes as soon as possible, according to TOLOnews. Before winter approaches, the refugees have requested the Taliban for help. "We want the government to work for the people who are here and return them to their areas and create a job for them there," a returned refugee, Abdul Waris, said, according to TOLOnews. "We want them to send us to our areas where, if we don't have land or something else, we will complain on the spot," said Merajddin, another refugee who had returned home. Meanwhile, the Afghan Red Crescent Society's representatives acknowledged that food assistance would not be able to permanently address the difficulties faced by these returnees, but they emphasised that they would now focus more on the migrants who relocate to isolated parts of the nation. "We try to bring some aid here, but our main goal is to help the refugees in remote areas," said, Matiul Haq Khalis, the president of the Afghan Red Crescent Society. Since the Pakistani government announced the deadline, more Afghan immigrants have been returning through the Torkham border; with officials estimating that 500 families use this route daily on average to return to their own country. A month and a half ago, 55,000 people have entered the nation again through the Torkham border, according to local officials in Nangarhar, TOLOnews reported. Many of these families have finished registration and biometric procedures. "55,000 refugees who entered the country through Torkham for one and a half months have returned to the country," the local official in Torkham, Qureshi Badlon said. (ANI)
Taneytown has gained one top government official, but lost another.

Mayor Christopher Miller announced this week that he fired the citys longtime attorney. Meanwhile, the City Council hired a new police chief after almost a year of trying to fill that role.

The hiring of Police Chief Adrian Baker  the mayors preferred candidate  was welcome news, but the Sunday firing of Jack A. Jay Gullo Jr., who served as city attorney for about 20 years, came under fire Monday night during a City Council meeting, with council members verbally attacking the mayors decision.

This decision was a pivotal step in fulfilling my commitment to challenge established norms and foster a culture of transparency, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the collective welfare of our community, Miller wrote in a post on his Facebook page. We appreciate Mr. Gullos years of service to our city and believe this change will greatly benefit our communitys future.

Miller said in an interview that Gullos relationship with City Council members was not impartial or professional and that Gullo put the wishes of individual council members before the needs of the city.

Miller, who was elected mayor in May, said when he approached Gullo about issues, the attorneys response was thats how weve always done it, which the mayor said he found frustrating. Gullo could not be reached for comment.

Miller said that there needs to be a change in the climate and culture of the city government.

Im looking to move in a different direction, Miller said at Mondays meeting. Im looking for somebody who is willing to be professional. Somebody who is going to respect the boundaries, their legal obligations, and somebody who is going to put the legal issues of the town first.

Council members said Monday night that they were angry about not being consulted about the attorneys firing.

You think you can just fire people because you want to, Council member Judith Fuller said. I think its very important that the public realize the kind of changes that youre making.

The council then voted unanimously to introduce an amendment to the city code that would stipulate a city attorney could only be removed from office by a vote of the City Council.

Council member and Mayor Pro Tem James McCarron said the council had asked Gullo to conduct an investigation into Millers difficult behavior, and accused Miller of firing Gullo to avoid that investigation.

You must realize how serious this looks, McCarron said. We were about to begin an investigation on impropriety and the day before that investigation was to begin, he gets fired. That looks very bad. The impropriety that youve exhibited since you first sat down in that chair. There has been nothing thats been done right that I can tell.

Part of city government involves a mayor and a City Council. Youve excluded the City Council in every turn. Weve had no role in city government since May. Not only that, each meeting since May, since I returned to council, weve had issues come before us the day before or that very night that we needed to act on without the proper background. Thats improper if nothing else.

Miller said he had been looking into the actions of the city attorney since Miller took office in May.

Council member Diane Foster also expressed frustration with Miller.

You are under the impression that everything about Taneytown is broken, youre going to fix everything, and youre going to fix it by yourself, she said. You know everything!

You think everybody works for you. You think you have executive power over every individual in this city. That is not the case.  I think it was disgusting and a travesty, and it would be disturbing if we chose to just let you get away with these things without saying something.

Miller said that he did not believe everything in Taneytown is broken. I believe the city government of Taneytown is broken, he said. Thats why I ran.

He also challenged Fuller about the amount of work she has done in the eight years she has been on the council.

If you really think that Im not doing [the] residents work of Taneytown, then censure me. Let them petition me. By all means. But I will tell you, every day Im answering phone calls. Every day Im working for the residents here. Everyday Im responding to people. I spend more time probably in the past six months than you have in your eight years, Miller said to Fuller.

McCarron said he has gotten questions from residents concerning Millers behavior.

The way you are operating is endangering the City of Taneytown, McCarron said. What youre doing is destroying this town. They ask me, How can we stop this madness? I honestly tell them, I dont know. They dont trust you.

Former Maryland Natural Resources Police superintendent hired as new police chief

On Nov. 8, the City Council voted to appoint Adrian Baker as the new chief of the Taneytown Police Department.

Maj. Robert Mitchell, deputy chief of the Taneytown Police Department, had been overseeing the department since former Chief Jason Etzler was placed on administrative leave on Oct. 24, 2022, then resigned on Nov. 2, 2022.

Baker, who has assumed his new post, was introduced during Monday nights meeting.

He began his law enforcement career in 1984, when he entered the Maryland Natural Resources Police Academy to become a conservation police officer. He worked with the MNRP for 28 years, stationed primarily on the Eastern Shore. His last post before retiring was commander of the Natural Resources Police central region, which includes Carroll County. He worked in that role for six years.

After retiring from the MNRP, in 2012, he was hired as police chief of Chestertown in Kent County, where he worked for seven years overseeing the towns 15-officer department.

Baker said Chestertown is very close in size and population to Taneytown.

In September 2019, Baker was appointed as superintendent of the Maryland Natural Resources Police by Gov. Larry Hogan. He left that role in January, he said.

Baker, who will be paid approximately $130,000 a year, said he appreciates the opportunity to lead Taneytowns police department.

Im certainly going to assess the police department and see where we stand, he said Monday. Thats going to take a little time. Upon that completion, then Im going to present probably a five-year strategic plan, and that will have measurable goals and objectives. I will certainly inform you of those goals and objectives.

Baker said he wants to address retention and recruitment within the department.

If we make the decision to support this police department, and certainly this town deserves a strong and viable police department, it will be money well spent, he said. The purpose of a police department is to provide value to a community, and I will make sure that we do that in a fiscally responsible manner, so that all our citizens are safe, and our property is protected.
Mauritius is hosting the third Ministerial Conference on Maritime Security and Safety in the Western Indian Ocean on Thursday at the Intercontinental Hotel in Balaclava. The Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Jugnauth, will preside over the official launch of the Ministerial Conference, underscoring the country's commitment to fostering cooperation and collaboration in the vital domain of maritime security and safety, according to the digital English News Channel of Mauritius, Le Matinal. Prior to the ministerial conference, senior officials and representatives from the participating nations gathered today. In 2018 and 2019, Mauritius also played host to the Ministerial Conference on Maritime and Safety in the Western Indian Ocean. Notably, the discussions of the two-day Senior Officials Meeting officially began this morning in Balaclava with a speech by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Joykar Nayeck. The Indian Ocean is a major shipping route and is of significant importance for world trade. "Since our last meeting in 2019, there has been notable progress on ocean governance, namely the adoption of the BBJN (Biological Diversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction) Treaty. However, we are still confronted with numerous challenges, such as illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU), drugs, arms and human trafficking, amongst others," Nayeck said, according to Le Matinal. In the continuous efforts to establish a safer and more secure marine environment, the Third Ministerial Conference on Marine Security and Safety in the Western Indian Ocean is expected to be a momentous occasion.Government leaders as well as representatives from regional and international institutions are present at the ministerial conference, accompanied by senior officials responsible for marine security from each organisation. IUU fishing; maritime accidents, including collisions and groundings of vessels that can result in oil spills and other environmental disasters; marine pollution, including plastic pollution; search and rescue operations at sea and disaster response; port security and safety of navigation; and other issues related to transnational organised crime will all be covered at the Ministerial Conference. According to Le Matinal, the Ministerial Conference aims to mobilise, maintain and strengthen both regional and international efforts to improve the appropriation of outcome-oriented and cost-effective solutions. The senior officials have gathered to deliberate and make recommendations to ministers on the vital issues of maritime security and safety and ocean governance. (ANI)
Earlier in 2018, a plea was moved in the IHC against the former three-time prime minister, Sharif, over his anti-judiciary remarks after being disqualified.

ARY News is a Pakistani news channel.

The contempt of court petition was filed by a local citizen, Adnan Iqbal, ARY News reported.

The petitioner pleaded that the PML-N leader had been constantly defaming the judiciary and other state institutions in the media.

Leading to this, Iqbal pleaded to initiate contempt proceedings against the former prime minister, according to ARY News.

However, no one appeared in court on behalf of the petitioner, and Chief Justice Aamer Farooq dismissed the petition for non-compliance.

In 2018, a contempt of court petition was filed in the IHC against PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif for his anti-judiciary speeches in 2018.

Moreover, the court had fixed the five-year-old petition for hearing on Wednesday and the registrar's office had issued a cause list for fixing the case, ARY News reported.

Nawaz Sharif landed at Islamabad airport last month as he returned to Pakistan after four years of exile in London.

His return has boosted the political fortunes of his party, The Geo News reported.

Earlier in the Toshakhana case, an Islamabad accountability court on Friday ordered authorities to unfreeze former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif's properties.

National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Judge Mohammad Bashir issued the said order on the application of the PML-N supremo, requesting the court to unfreeze his properties attached by the provincial government of Punjab after he was declared a proclaimed offender in the Toshakhana case. (ANI)
ARY News is a Pakistani news channel.

According to the report, after inquiry, the Public Service Commission of Peshawar banned a total of 18 candidates for a period of three years. The candidates were allegedly using electronic devices to cheat the test.

Pakistan's Public Service Commission decided to cancel the test altogether, the report informed further.

Officials from the Public Service Commission took action by establishing an inquiry committee, as per ARY News.

Upon the completion of the probe by the committee, those found guilty of cheating were banned for three years. (ANI)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday rebutted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's statement calling on Israel to end the "killing of women, of children, of babies" and said that Hamas should be held accountable, not Israel. "It is Hamas not Israel that should be held accountable for committing a double war crime - targeting civilians while hiding behind civilians. The forces of civilization must back Israel in defeating Hamas barbarism," he said. Affirming his stand that Hamas is killing civilians in the ongoing conflict, he said that Israel is doing everything to keep civilians out of harm. Taking to X, Israeli PM replied to Canadian PM and said, "It is not Israel that is deliberately targeting civilians but Hamas that beheaded, burned and massacred civilians in the worst horrors perpetrated on Jews since the Holocaust. While Israel is doing everything to keep civilians out of harm's way, Hamas is doing everything to keep them in harm's way. Israel provides civilians in Gaza humanitarian corridors and safe zones, Hamas prevents them from leaving at gunpoint." Trudeau said on Tuesday that the "killing of women, of children, of babies" in the besieged Gaza Strip must end. Netanyahu pushed back, insisting that Hamas is responsible for civilian deaths as Israeli forces continue to batter the enclave, Al Jazeera reported. "I urge the government of Israel to exercise maximum restraint," Trudeau said in his sharpest criticism of Israel since the war on Gaza broke out more than five weeks ago. "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. "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, Al Jazeera reported. Meanwhile, Israeli PM also spoke with US President Joe Biden who enquired about the latest development in the ongoing war in the middle east and also discussed the ongoing efforts to ensure the release of hostages held by Hamas. The White House informed about the conversation between two leaders saying, "President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke this afternoon with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel regarding the latest developments in Israel and Gaza. The President and the Prime Minister discussed at length ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, including many children and a number of Americans." (ANI)
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said the Israeli military operation inside the Al-Shifa Hospital is 'deeply concerning'. He also shared that the WHO has once again lost connection with the authorities at the hospital. Taking to X, Tedros said, "Reports of military incursion into Al-Shifa hospital are deeply concerning. We've lost touch again with health personnel at the hospital. We're extremely worried for their and their patients' safety." Meanwhile, Israel Defence Forces have confirmed that they are carrying out precise, and targeted operation in a specific region in Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza. The operation is being carried out based on intelligence information and an operational necessity. The IDF is conducting a ground operation in Gaza to defeat Hamas and rescue our hostages. Israel is at war with Hamas, not with the civilians in Gaza. "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 in an official statement. In recent weeks, the IDF has publicly warned time and again that Hamas' continued military use of the Shifa hospital jeopardizes its protected status under international law, and enabled ample time to stop this unlawful abuse of the hospital. "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 statement added. In addition, the IDF coordinated large-scale hospital evacuations and kept lines of communication open with hospital administration. "We call upon all Hamas terrorists present in the hospital to surrender," the IDF said. The Israel Defence Forces on Tuesday announced that it is coordinating the transfer of incubators from Israel to hospitals in the Gaza Strip, reported The Times of Israel. Shifa and other hospitals in Gaza City have complained of fewer supplies and patient deaths due to the Israel-Hamas war, which has pressured Israel to put more effort into protecting Gazan civilians caught in the crossfire, The Times of Israel reported. The IDF has been closing in on Gaza City's Shifa Hospital, which according to Jerusalem is hiding Hamas's main operations centre. It also shared a video of the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT's) spokesperson on X, stating that the war is against Hamas and not the people of Gaza. "The pediatric ward at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City needs assistance. Israel is ready to assist," she said.The spokesperson further said, "We made a formal offer to health officials in Gaza to transfer incubators into the Gaza Strip to assist the pediatric ward of Shifa Hospital. Extensive efforts are underway to ensure that these incubators can reach babies in Gaza without delay." The IDF further stated in its post that Israel is doing everything to minimize harm to civilians and facilitate the transfer of medical supplies and food. Moreover, according to the latest development, the Israeli troops of the 7th Armored Brigade and Golani Infantry Brigade have captured several Hamas governmental buildings in the Gaza City neighbourhoods of Sheikh Ijlin and Rimal. Among the sites captured by the troops are the Hamas parliament, its government complex, and the police headquarters. (ANI)
The Taliban intelligence forces raided and sealed some schools that were teaching girls foreign languages, reported Khaama Press. Officials from the Ministry of Education, the Department of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, and the Taliban intelligence forces raided these schools on Tuesday. According to sources in Herat province, the presence of girls in some educational centres has been prohibited due to the failure to comply with the directives of the local government of this province, Khaama Press reported. The director of one of the schools in Herat said that the authorities of the Taliban administration have blocked the gates of approximately ten schools. "Girls cannot attend courses, and schools that were teaching girls have had their gates sealed," he added. Meanwhile, another school administrator in Herat stressed that the presence of girls has been prohibited due to male teachers instructing them, according to Khaama Press. Nisar Ahmad Elias, the spokesman for the Herat governor, stated that he is unaware of the closure of school gates, noting that he needs more information. Furthermore, notably, girls who have experienced the closure of schools and universities continue their foreign language studies in some of the country's educational institutions. Today, it has been over 600 days since the Taliban banned girls from attending schools after sixth grade in Afghanistan, and has not taken any action to reopen the educational institutions for girls. Earlier, Firoza Amini, a women's rights activist, said, "When this restriction is imposed on girls, and schools and universities are closed, girls' depression, despair and demotivation continue to rise, and it causes further harm," TOLO News reported. Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, they have issued several decrees which impose restrictions on women. Afghanistan's women have faced numerous challenges since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Girls and women in the war-torn country have no access to education, employment and public spaces. (ANI)
Although the outpost was disguised by Hamas as a training base, numerous attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers originated from the facility. Soldiers uncovered terror tunnels, explosives and booby-trapped mines.

The IDF said soldiers directed aircraft and artillery strikes, killing dozens of terrorists and destroying launching posts for mortars and anti-tank rockets, observation posts and what the military called "significant" command and control infrastructure.

Meanwhile, on Israel's border with Lebanon, air-raid sirens sounded in Kiryat Shmona, signalling the first attack from Lebanon after some 18 hours of relative quiet. (ANI/TPS)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A 44-year-old man has died from his injuries after crashing into a tree early Wednesday morning in South Nashville.

The crash happened at approximately 6 a.m. at the intersection of Massman Drive and Glastonbury Road, just south of the Nashville International Airport.

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Source: WKRN

Source: WKRN

Source: WKRN

Investigators believe Jeremiah Bradshaw was driving a 2004 Nissan Maxima northbound on Massman Drive when he passed a northbound shuttle bus at a high rate of speed. Metro police reported video from the bus shows Bradshaw attempting to negotiate a curve in the southbound lane when he lost control of the car and traveled off the roadway, hitting a tree.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Bradshaw was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he died.

According to a release, the preliminary contributing factors to this crash are speed and failure to maintain lane.

No other information was immediately released.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Russian forces launched a missile attack overnight on Nov. 15 targeting the city of Selydove in the western part of Donetsk Oblast.

First responders have rescued five people from a multi-story building damaged in the attack, including a child. Two people were injured and were transferred to the local hospital. The body of a woman was found under the rubble. Interior Ministry reported that at least one more person might still be trapped under the rubble.

Rescue operation is ongoing as of 7:30 a.m. local time.

Selydove, home to approximately 21,000 residents, is located some 20 kilometers south of Pokrovsk.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia lost 4,000 soldiers on eastern front in 2 weeks, commander says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A 15-year-old is facing a first-degree murder charge in connection with an August shooting in West Boca that killed another teenager, the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office said Tuesday.

The 15-year-old boy is accused of shooting an 18-year-old man to death on Aug. 7 in the 6800 block of Bianchini Circle after an argument, the Sheriffs Office previously said. The two were acquaintances.

Deputies found the 18-year-old dead at the scene of the shooting, which was in the Boca Del Mar community near a country club.

Teri Barbera, a Sheriffs Office spokesperson, said in a news release Tuesday afternoon that the teen boy had been arrested and taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center for processing.

He is facing the first-degree murder charge in addition to a count of a minor in possession of a firearm.

The minors name was not released, and the victims name is being withheld under Marsys Law, a voter-approved constitutional amendment that allows crime victims to shield their identifying information from the public.

Barbera previously told the South Florida Sun Sentinel that the minor boy lived at the home where the shooting happened. The victim did not live there.

The Sheriffs Office has not released additional details about the circumstances of the shooting or its investigation.
Years ago, I wrote a column about what might happen if, at long last, Republicans were able, with the help of the Supreme Court, to remove a womans right to an abortion by overturning Roe v. Wade. I predicted if they ever won that battle, it would be like the barking dog catching the car it had been chasing for years.

My hypothesis was that Republicans could talk all they wanted about getting rid of abortion rights without suffering the consequences of actually getting rid of abortion rights. Women knew their rights were protected and the campaign verbiage by Republicans was just talk. However, I thought, if the Supreme Court was to overturn Roe v. Wade, Republicans would, at last, have to face the music.

Across the nation, the election results in 2022 and, again, last Tuesdays off-year elections, demonstrated what many people hypothesized since the court overturned Roe v. Wade a year ago.

With their reproductive healthcare no longer protected by the court and with Republicans passing more and more restrictions, including total abortion bans in 14 states, women  and many men  have begun to respond to the new reality; a reality that was no longer a theoretical threat. Republicans have been facing the music and paying the price since.

Starting in Ohio, soon after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Republicans passed a ban on abortion after six weeks when most women dont even know they are pregnant. In response, last Tuesday, almost 57% of of Ohio voters in a red state, approved a constitutional amendment that would guarantee access to abortion.

Ohio Republicans did their best to defeat the amendment, including trying to change the criteria for changing the constitution from a simple majority (50% ) to a super majority (60%). Voters rejected this measure during a special election just a few months ago.

In addition, Republicans spent tens of millions of dollars spreading false information about what the amendment included in a sad attempt to scare citizens into voting against it.

Even after their defeat last Tuesday, Ohio Republicans still plan to force their anti-abortion views on their citizens. Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephen said his fellow Republicans in the legislature have multiple paths that we will explore to overturn voters decision on the constitutional amendment.

In an extraordinary statement on the right-wing show Newsmax, former Sen. Rick Santorum complained that pure democracies are not the way to run a country as he expressed his disappointment in the Ohio outcome.

In Pennsylvania, voters elected Daniel McCaffery, a former aide to President Joe Biden and an abortion rights supporter, to the state Supreme Court. He won with 53% of the votes and will join the majority of justices on the state court who agree with him.

In Virginia, a purple state that elected Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin two years ago, the governor proposed what he called a reasonable and moderate solution to the abortion issue. He campaigned for a 15-week limit for abortions  in fact, a surrender on the abortion issue since more than 90% of abortions are done within the first 15 weeks  and asked Virginians to give him a majority Republican State Senate and House of Delegates so that he could pass his reasonable restrictions.

Last Tuesday, voters in Virginia said, overwhelmingly, No, thanks to Youngkin. Many Republican Senate and House candidates supported Youngkins abortion restrictions and, by the way, also spent $500,000 on anti-LGBTQ ads.

In response, Virginia voters not only maintained the Democratic majority in the Senate, but voted to flip the House chamber from a Republican to a Democratic majority.

In one of the notable races in Virginia, incumbent Republican state Sen. Siobhan Dunnavant, who was behind the parents rights and book-banning movement, was defeated by Democrat Schuyler VanValkenburg, a high school history and government teacher.

In Kentucky, a deep red state, citizens voted to re-elect their Democratic governor, Andy Beshear. His biggest talking point was that his opponent, Daniel Cameron, wanted a near-total ban on abortion, even in cases of rape and incest.

Cameron was endorsed by Donald Trump and spent more than $5 million on ads attacking LGBTQ rights. The anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ ads didnt work in Kentucky any better than they did in Virginia. Beshear won by more than 5 percentage points.

The Democratic candidate in Mississippi, Brandon Presley, lost to the Republican incumbent, Tate Reeves. But many folks believe that Presley would have won the seat except he, like his Republican opponent, was anti-abortion. Many Democrats refused to support Presley because of his anti-abortion stance, and he lost by just 35,297 votes.

Democrats will surely make abortion an issue in the 2024 presidential election, especially given that Trumps three appointees to the Supreme Court all voted to overturn Roe v. Wade.

And you can bet we will be seeing the video of Trump saying There must be some sort of punishment for women who get abortions. He later retracted that statement and said it was the doctors who performed abortions who should be punished.

Instead of trying to eliminate or reduce abortions by controlling womens reproductive rights, Republicans might want to listen to Patrick Brown, a fellow at the conservative Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington. He said if Republicans are serious about reducing abortions, they should start supporting programs that promote life.

For example, they should support Medicaid expansion for pregnant women, paid leave for mothers, preschool programs for infants and toddlers, and other social programs that support mothers and their babies during pregnancy and  gasp!  after birth.

Tom Zirpoli is the Laurence J. Adams Distinguished Chair in Special Education Emeritus at McDaniel College. He writes from Westminster. His columns appear on Wednesdays. Email him at tzirpoli@mcdaniel.edu.


Plutos Heart

NASA has produced thousands of images over its illustrious 65-year history, but some images have had a far greater impact than others. Among this vast portfolio, certain images stand out for having reshaped our understanding of space and our place within it, capturing moments that have both ignited the collective imagination and further driven our sciences forward.



Oftentimes, we cant know something exists until we see it, and sometimes those unexpected things that suddenly come into focus can have Earth-shattering or even existential impacts. NASA, through its great work, is responsible for many of these images, this selection being among the most consequential in expanding human knowledge and perspective, while also leaving us wanting for more.



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This image of Buzz Aldrins bootprint from the Apollo 11 mission symbolizes a significant moment in history when humans first walked on the Moon on July 20, 1969. It reflects humanitys capacity to explore space in person, kickstarting a radical new era of extraterrestrial discovery.

The OG Hubble deep field

Image: NASA

In December 1995, the Hubble Space Telescope focused on a seemingly empty patch of sky in the constellation Ursa Major to capture a groundbreaking deep field image of deep space. This project, done over 10 days, was inspired by the intriguing findings from earlier deep-space observations made by Hubble, NASA says. The idea was to circumvent light from our own Milky Way and nearby galaxies to peer as far back as possible into the universes history. At the time, media outlets commonly referred to it as Hubble seeing the Big Bang.

The deep field presented a staggering tapestry of nearly 3,000 galaxies in various developmental stages, some so ancient that they offered a glimpse into the nascent universe. This image profoundly expanded our comprehension of the universes evolution and the complex processes of galaxy formation, but it also made us feel very, very tiny.

And also Webbs deep field

Image: NASA, ESA, CSA, and STScI

For younger space enthusiasts, the Webb Space Telescopes historic first deep field conveyed a similar sense of existential awe, while showcasing the awesome power of the newly deployed observatory.



Plutos heart

Image: NASA/APL/SwRI

NASAs New Horizons mission gave us the first close-up images of Pluto, revealing a complex and varied landscape, including the now-famous heart-shaped region named Tombaugh Regio. The images from New Horizons transformed Pluto from a distant, blurry object into a world with diverse geography, from towering ice mountains to vast, smooth plains.

This intimate portrayal challenged our previous understanding of the outer solar systems dynamics, suggesting that even small, distant bodies can host complex geological processes, and arent just dead rocky worlds. Moreover, the clarity and detail of these photos galvanized public interest in deep space exploration, reigniting a sense of wonder about the mysteries that lie at the outer edges of our solar neighborhood.

Space drifter

Photo: NASA

On February 7, 1984, NASA astronaut Bruce McCandless made history during the STS-41-B mission by performing the first untethered spacewalk. Venturing 320 feet (98 meters) from the Space Shuttle Challenger, McCandless tested the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU)a nitrogen jet-propelled backpack that allowed for unprecedented freedom in space. Spacewalks were already commonplace among NASA astronautsbut this felt truly sci-fi.

Blue Marble

Photo: NASA

The Blue Marble photograph taken by Apollo 17 astronauts on December 7, 1972, stands out for its depiction of the Earth as a coherent sphere. This view showcased the planets totality from space for one of the first times, highlighting Earth as a single entity with an interconnected biosphere. The image naturally became a rallying symbol for the burgeoning environmental movement, underscoring the need to care for our lonesome home.



Beyond its environmental implications, the photograph also marked a milestone in space exploration, demonstrating the capacity to capture such images from a significant distance from Earth. Its widespread reproduction (its one of the most reproduced images in history) has bolstered its role in cultural and political dialogues, often highlighting the planets lack of visible borders from space and promoting a message of global solidarity.

The historic handshake in space

Photo: NASA

The Apollo-Soyuz Test Project marked a historic moment of detente between the United States and the Soviet Union, as it culminated in the first international handshake in space, on July 17, 1975. Astronaut Thomas Stafford and cosmonaut Alexei Leonov, representing their nations respective space agencies, extended their hands in a gesture of peace and collaboration within the cramped quarters connecting their spacecraft. It made for an improbable sight, considering the intensity of the Space Race. Accordingly, it symbolized the potential for greater diplomatic relations and shared scientific pursuits during the Cold War era.

As a result of this mission, space exploration shifted toward an era of international cooperation. The docking mechanisms developed for Apollo-Soyuz allowed future spacecraft from different nations to rendezvous and join in orbit, laying the groundwork for collaborative projects such as the International Space Station (ISS). The missions legacy is one of unity, influencing how space agencies now routinely work together in the name of scientific knowledge and the exploration of the cosmos.

Our first view of the depleting ozone layer

Image: NASA

The discovery of the ozone layer hole in 1985, rightfully described as a black swan event (an unpredictable event with widespread consequences), was made possible by the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) on the NASA/NOAA Nimbus-7 satellite.

At a pivotal meeting in Prague, Czechoslovakia, in August 1985, atmospheric scientist Pawan Bhartia unveiled this satellite-based image that, for the first time, showcased the vast scale of the Antarctic ozone hole. This upsetting revelation transformed our understanding of the Earths atmosphere and its vulnerabilities, catalyzing global action that culminated in the 1987 Montreal Protocolan international agreement to eliminate substances that deplete the ozone layer. NASA satellites continue to monitor the ozone hole, offering crucial data on this critically important atmospheric phenomenon.

Huygens visits a truly alien world

Image: ESA/NASA/JPL/University of Arizona

On January 14, 2005, the Huygens probe, part of the Cassini-Huygens missiona collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Italian Space Agencymade history with humanitys first landing on an outer solar system moon: Titan, Saturns enigmatic satellite. These images made quite an impression on me at the time, as they showed something far more alien than anything I had previously seen from Moon, Mars, or elsewhere. Whats more, this mission revolutionized our understanding of Titan, revealing a world strikingly similar to early Earth with its weather systems and surface liquids (mostly methane), thereby altering our perceptions of where life-sustaining environments might exist in the solar system.

Hubbles and Webbs Pillars of Creation

he Pillars of Creation as seen by the Hubble space telescope (left) and Webb space telescope (right).



he Pillars of Creation as seen by the Hubble space telescope (left) and Webb space telescope (right).

The Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes perspectives on the Pillars of Creation are a testament to our ability to chronicle and study some of the most gorgeous views from deep space. Hubbles visible light image, captured in 1995, revealed the silhouette and surface features of these stellar nurseries, while Webbs infrared vision, taken in 2022, penetrated the dust, showing the stars forming within. Together, they offer a more complete understanding of star formation processes, illustrating how different wavelengths can unveil various aspects of cosmic phenomena. This type of imagery advances scientific inquiry, but it also captures our interest, encouraging us to consider the complexities and wonders of the universe.

Earthrise

Photo: NASA

Captured by the Apollo 8 crew on December 24, 1968, this image of Earth rising over the lunar horizon altered the way humanity saw its place in the universe and became a symbol of the environmental movement. The photo was taken as the astronauts emerged from the Moons far side during their fourth orbit. This image is often rotated to display the Moon at the bottom, but this is the authentic orientation.

Esther: The first hurricane viewed from space

Image: NASA

Tiros 3 was the United States first attempt at developing a satellite system for space-based weather observations, and its famous for capturing the first photographed image of a hurricane from space. The hurricane of note was Hurricane Esther, a significant tropical storm during the 1961 Atlantic hurricane season. The satellites photographs of Esther were groundbreaking at the time and provided meteorologists with a unique view of the structure of hurricanes, leading to advancements in the understanding of storm development and tracking. This capability has since become a critical tool in weather prediction and monitoring, significantly aiding in disaster preparedness and response.



First image of a black hole

Image: Event Horizon Telescope

The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration, an international team of astronomers, led the effort that produced the historic first image of a black holes shadow in 2019, with NASA contributing significant research and technology to the project. This collaborative achievement captured the supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy M87, showing us something we had never seen before, but had always wanted to.



Collapse of the Larsen B Ice Shelf in Antarctica

Gif: NASA Earth Observatory

In 2022, the MODIS instrument on NASAs Terra satellite observed the dramatic collapse of the Larsen B Ice Shelf in Antarctica, an event that vividly illustrated the real-time consequences of a warming planet and the fragility of polar ice structures. This collapse, covering an area larger than New Hampshire and Vermont combined, offered sobering evidence of the rapid and dramatic changes occurring in our environment. It served as a visual wake-up call, illustrating not just the abstract concept of climate change, but its very real, immediate consequences. Since then, similar images have been pivotal in increasing public awareness and understanding of the urgent need for climate action.

Our first home in space

Photo: NASA

Skylab, launched to space on May 14, 1973, was the first U.S. space station. Accordingly, the photo above, taken on February 8, 1974, symbolizes this major milestone in space exploration. The Skylab 4 crew, consisting of Gerald Carr, Edward Gibson, and William Pogue, captured this view upon leaving the station for the last time.

Skylab played a pivotal role in popularizing space exploration, inspiring public interest, and highlighting the potential for long-duration human missions in space. It also underscored the scientific capabilities of orbital space stations, particularly in solar astronomy and studies on the effects of microgravity on humans, thereby influencing the future direction of space research.

Pale Blue Dot

Image: NASA

NASAs Voyager 1 spacecraft captured this view of Earthappearing as a speck of lighton February 14, 1980, at a distance of roughly 3.2 billion miles (6 billion km) from the Sunbeyond the orbit of Neptune. The words of Carl Sagan, as featured in his 1994 book, Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of a Human Future in Space, best describes the significance of this ultra-famous image:

... Look again at that dot. Thats here. Thats home. Thats us. On it everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives. The aggregate of our joy and suffering, thousands of confident religions, ideologies, and economic doctrines, every hunter and forager, every hero and coward, every creator and destroyer of civilization, every king and peasant, every young couple in love, every mother and father, hopeful child, inventor and explorer, every teacher of morals, every corrupt politician, every superstar, every supreme leader, every saint and sinner in the history of our species lived there - on a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam. The Earth is a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena. Think of the rivers of blood spilled by all those generals and emperors, so that, in glory and triumph, they could become the momentary masters of a fraction of a dot. Think of the endless cruelties visited by the inhabitants of one corner of this pixel on the scarcely distinguishable inhabitants of some other corner, how frequent their misunderstandings, how eager they are to kill one another, how fervent their hatreds. Our posturings, our imagined self-importance, the delusion that we have some privileged position in the Universe, are challenged by this point of pale light. Our planet is a lonely speck in the great enveloping cosmic dark. In our obscurity, in all this vastness, there is no hint that help will come from elsewhere to save us from ourselves. The Earth is the only world known so far to harbor life. There is nowhere else, at least in the near future, to which our species could migrate. Visit, yes. Settle, not yet. Like it or not, for the moment the Earth is where we make our stand. It has been said that astronomy is a humbling and character building experience. There is perhaps no better demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world. To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another, and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home weve ever known.

These goosebump-inducing words, so potent 30 years ago, resonate even more powerfully today.

More: The Most Mind-Blowing Images Ever Taken of Earth from Space

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The girl filed a notice of claim, which usually precedes the filing of a lawsuit, against Baldwin Park Unified School District. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

A 16-year-old girl has filed a claim against her local school district, saying she was brutally attacked outside a bathroom stall as other students filmed  and a security guard watched.

The girl, who was not named, was attacked as she exited a bathroom stall at Baldwin Park High School on Oct. 18, according to video and a notice of claim filed against Baldwin Park Unified School District. The claim, which usually precedes the filing of a lawsuit, was first reported by Fox LA.

"The safety of our students is the districts highest priority," a school district spokesperson said in a statement. "We cannot comment further on any potential litigation."

The second the student exits the stall, another girl begins hurling punches at her and pulling her hair as the victim tries to defend herself, video shows. The attack goes on for about a half-minute, as other students look on and record from the outside of the bathroom. She suffered a bloodied and broken nose. Attorneys for the girl claim that a security guard can be seen in the video watching the fight and smiling.

Read more: Jewish parents call for protection, sensitivity for their children in Los Angeles schools

Brian Claypool, the girl's lawyer, alleges that a security guard for the school was among those watching and egging on the violence.

"This security guard allowed both boys and girls to enter the girls bathroom and be spectators at a UFC fight," said Claypool. "The fact that this security guard aided and abetted this ambush on my client and derived pleasure from watching is deplorable, barbaric and borders on criminal."

Claypool added that it was lucky the girl did not suffer further injuries.

"She could have died in this fight. The victim could have fallen and hit her head and died," he said.

After the violence ended, the girl called her mother, who reported the incident to police. The girl was hospitalized.

"When Claimants mother arrived at the school, she went straight to the office. School administration and office personnel were not even aware that Claimant had been attacked," reads the notice of claim.

Read more: Two teachers at public charter school placed on leave over "lesson on the genocide in Palestine"

Claypool called on Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. George Gascon to bring charges against the security guard for "contributing to the delinquency of a minor."

The student attacked in the video withdrew from the school following the incident and is seeking a transfer to another school district, Claypool said.

"As a mother I am really upset and concerned. How can I keep sending my daughter to school without worrying that something is going to happen to her?" said Maria Fajardo, the mother of the girl beaten in the video.

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.
Members of the international street gang MS-13 were arrested and charged as part of a sweeping investigation into the trafficking of large quantities of methamphetamine into Los Angeles.

On Tuesday, the United States Department of Justice announced the unsealing of a federal grand jury indictment that charges 23 members and associates of the notorious and violent gang with illegal drug and gun crimes.

Alleged members of the criminal street gang MS-13 were processed by law enforcement officials in downtown Los Angeles on Nov. 14, 2023.

Seventeen suspected members of the gang were arrested during an early morning operation in undisclosed locations across the Los Angeles area. Four of the defendants are already in state custody and authorities are searching for the remaining two.

During the operation, law enforcement officers seized several pounds of suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine, nine firearms and about $94,000 in cash. As much as $50,000 was taken from one specific residence, the DOJ said.

Both the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department were involved in the operation.

27 suspected gang members arrested in California crackdown

The gang, also known as Mara Salvatrucha, was formed in the mid 1980s and has grown to include tens of thousand members across several states and Central American countries, most notably El Salvador.

Associated with the Mexican Mafia, United States Attorney Martin Estrada called MS-13 one of the largest and most violent gangs in North America, which perpetuates a cycle of violence and destruction, victimizing immigrants from Central America and Mexico in particular.

The widespread methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy we have charged reveals that drug-trafficking is the primary method MS-13 uses to finance its modus operandi of murder and mayhem, Estrada said.

The grand jury indictment reveals the scope and scale of the drug operation and how members of the gang used violence to expand their empire while enriching their imprisoned leader.

Local members of MS-13 allegedly trafficked drugs into its territory, which it protected with violence and intimidation, in order to generate money for the gang. Only gang members, associates or those with permission were allowed to sell drugs in the gangs territory.

This particular case centers around the Los Angeles area, which was apparently ruled by an unidentified Mexican Mafia member from behind bars.

3 soldiers of Mexican Mafia convicted of killing man on behalf of imprisoned leader

From July 2021 to August 2023, the incarcerated leader named two men, identified as Pavel Hurtado of Oxnard and Eli Grijalva of Los Angeles, as the main shot-callers of the drug trafficking operation in Los Angeles. The two high-ranking members communicated with the gangs leader while he was in prison and coordinated different crime efforts on behalf of the gang, the DOJ alleges.

Among the edicts given by their leader, MS-13 affiliated cliques in Los Angeles were required to buy methamphetamine from Herlyn Barrientos, 46, of Huntington Park. As part of the order, some of the profits were kicked back to the imprisoned leader.

Drug dealers associated with the gang were also required to pay various taxes to their respective shot-caller, which were collected by Agustin Aquino-Martinez, 46, of Lancaster, who acted as the gangs treasurer. Aquino-Martinez was also tasked with making sure the gangs leader received his cut of the profit.

Alleged members of the criminal street gang MS-13 were processed by law enforcement officials in downtown Los Angeles on Nov. 14, 2023.

Hurtado, Grijalva, Barrientos and Aquino-Martinez are all included in the grand jury indictment, with the two shot-callers identified as the top defendants in the case.

All 23 of the defendants face one count of conspiracy to posses and distribute methamphetamine. Of the 36 counts included in the indictment, 34 specifically charge members and associates of the gang, including Hurtado, Grijalva and Barrientos, with distribution of methamphetamine. Another count is related to the unlawful possession of a loaded ghost gun, an untraceable firearm without a serial number.

The defendants who are currently in custody were expected to be arraigned on the charges Tuesday afternoon in the United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

Video from Sky5 showed the alleged members as they were processed by law enforcement officials near the courthouse around 7:45 a.m.

If convicted, each defendant charged with conspiracy and distribution of methamphetamine could face a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.

LAPD Chief Michel Moore said the arrests made this week will have meaningful and lasting impact on crime in Los Angeles by taking the leadership and the most violent of these gang members off the street.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
A 17-year-old has been arrested and faces a murder charge in the May shooting death of a Fort Worth man at a prom after-party, according to police records.

Michael Lopez was arrested by Fort Worth police on Saturday, according to jail records. The Star-Telegram has requested a copy of the arrest warrant.

Marco Cornejo, 20, was killed around 12:30 a.m. May 1 in the 3500 block of Northwest 27th Street. Police previously said their investigation showed an argument at the party in an empty lot grew violent and someone pulled a gun and shot him.

The party left the lot  empty aside from a standalone garage, a chicken coop and a shed  strewn with liquor bottles, beer cans and cigarette butts and packs. Neighbors said theyd seen and heard parties in the lot as recently as two weeks prior to the shooting but had never known of any problems with violence or injuries. On some occasions, they said, police would drive by in response to noise complaints but hadnt to their knowledge broken up any of the gatherings.

Daniela Gomez, Cornejos wife, wrote on a GoFundMe page that she was trying to raise money for a funeral.

His whole family and I are devastated, Gomez wrote in the GoFundMe. He was loved by many, anyone that got to know him personally knows how goofy, happy and loving he really was.

The couple had one child and were expecting another at the time of Cornejos death.

Police have not released any information on what led to the arrest of Lopez.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A mother is heartbroken after her 17-year-old son was shot and killed in Frayser on Monday.

Jlymyra Kirkendoll was months away from graduating from Trezevant High School in Frayser when he was killed less than half a mile away from his school Monday afternoon.

Teen dead after a shooting in Frayser

All I know right now, wrong place at the wrong time, said his mother, Angela Kirkendoll. From my understanding he was just an innocent bystander. The shooting was for somebody else, and my baby happened to be in the midst.

Her baby, who goes by Myra, was one of four children. Kirkendoll said Myra planned to move out of state and go to culinary school to become a chef after graduating high school.

Kirkendall said her son called to tell her he was going to tutoring after leaving school on Monday.

Central High football player killed in Frayser shooting

Around 3:30 p.m., Memphis Police combed the area for evidence on Nunnelee Avenue. Myra was rushed to the hospital, but didnt make it.

I dont wish this type of pain on no other mama. Even the young man that killed him. I dont wish this pain on his mama, Kirkendoll said.

Investigators have not released any information on who did this, but says the shooter knew Myra, which is what his mom is still wrapping her mind around.

Anybody that knew him, loved him, Kirkendoll said. My kid was a good kid, very good kid, very respectful. Everybody loved my kid.

If you have any information that could help detectives, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Kansas City police are taking over a homicide investigation that officials originally believed happened in Grandview.

Now officials said their investigation led them to determine 17-year-old Amauri Hughes death actually happened miles away in Kansas City.

Around 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Kansas City police received a missing person report from Hughes family.

Then just before 7 p.m. Sunday, Grandview police were called to the area of E. 127th Street and White Avenue for a reported unresponsive person. When police arrived, they found the teen dead.

Multiple felony charges filed in Oak Park Mall shooting

Grandview police launched a homicide investigation, calling Kansas City police to assist.

Early investigations led detectives to a home near E. 75th Street and College Avenue  over 7 miles away from where Hughes was found dead.

Detectives determined Hughes killing actually happened at that home on College Avenue, police said.

Police are still working with the medical examiners office to determine how and when Hughes died.

On Tuesday, Kansas City and Grandview police met, as well as Jackson County prosecutors, where they determined KCPD will take over the investigation.

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The 17-year-olds case will also count toward Kansas Citys 2023 homicide totals.

Kansas City police said detectives are making headway in identifying a suspect in this case, but they are still investigating.

Anyone with information is asked to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477. All tips are anonymous.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Two rescue workers from Ukraine's State Emergency Service were killed by Russian shelling on Nov. 15 in Zaporizhzhia Oblast while putting out a fire caused by earlier Russian missile attacks, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said.

The two men, identified by Ukraine's State Emergency Service as 31-year-old Vitalii Nakariakov and 34-year-old Serhii Dorohokuplia, immediately arrived on the scene of earlier missile attacks on the oblast in order to put out fires.

Russian shelling struck the site, killing Nakariakov and Dorohokuplia, as well as injuring three other rescue workers and four other civilians.

The Kyiv Independent has previously reported on Russias use of so-called "double-tap" strikes, in which there is an initial strike followed by a delayed second attack so that it can potentially wound or kill first responders.

There was no information provided about where exactly in the oblast the missiles hit.

Regional Governor Yurii Malashko reported earlier that three missiles struck residential areas of Zaporizhzhia Oblast on Nov. 15, killing one man and injuring at least seven people.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia lost 4,000 soldiers on eastern front in 2 weeks, commander says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Former President Donald Trump (44%) leads President Biden (42%) in a head-to-head 2024 election matchup for the first time in months, according to a new Yahoo News/YouGov poll.

The survey of 1,584 U.S. adults, which was conducted from Nov. 9 to 13, also shows that a clear majority of them now share concerns over Bidens age and competence that were once largely limited to partisan opponents, suggesting an uphill battle ahead for the 80-year-old president as he seeks a second term.

The trend lines are stark. Today, a full 54% of Americans say that Biden, the oldest Oval Office occupant in U.S. history, no longer has the competence to carry out the job of president, up from 41% in June 2020 and 49% as recently as February of this year.

Meanwhile, less than a third of Americans (31%) still think Biden, who turns 81 next week, is competent. In August 2021  seven months into his presidency  that number was 15 points higher (46%), and just since February it has fallen an additional 4 points (from 35%).

Worries over the presidents health and mental acuity have followed a similar arc. In June 2020, most Americans (52%) said they were slightly concerned or not concerned about the issue, while fewer (48%) said they were somewhat concerned or very concerned.

But now, a mere 36% say they are slightly concerned or not concerned  and 64% say they are somewhat concerned or very concerned.

The deeper dynamics driving views of Bidens age

To counter such fears, Bidens supporters often note that his likely opponent, the 77-year-old Trump, is only three and a half years his junior, and that the Democrats busy schedule and substantive list of accomplishments contradict the Republican caricature of a hapless senior citizen.

The problem, however, is that the public isnt buying their argument  at least not yet. More Americans say Trump is fit to be president (38%) than say the same about Biden (24%, down from 27% in September).

And a full 80% now say Bidens age is at least a small problem, up from 77% in September  while 55% say its a large problem (up from 52%).

To test the deeper dynamics influencing perceptions of age and competence, Yahoo News and YouGov asked respondents how much they have heard in the media about various political stories over the last few years.

Unfortunately for Biden, less than a quarter of Americans have heard a lot about his signature legislative achievements: Congress passing a law that will enable Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices (23%); Congress passing infrastructure investments in 2021 (20%); Congress passing climate and clean-energy investments in 2022 (18%); and Congress passing a gun safety law in 2022 (14%).

In contrast, far more Americans have heard a lot about Biden physically stumbling at public events (47%); making verbal gaffes (41%) and falling asleep at public events (33%).

Its not particularly surprising, then, that just under a quarter of Americans (24%) think Biden has accomplished a lot as president.

How Trump compares

The split screen with Trump is telling here. Despite being the second-oldest president in U.S. history  and despite 40% of Americans saying theyve heard a lot about his verbal gaffes as well  the Republican has suffered almost no rise in worries about his competence or age since 2020.

Right now, 43% of Americans say Trump has the competence to carry out the job of president, and less than half (44%) say they are concerned about his health and mental acuity. In the summer of 2020, those numbers were 44% and 46%, respectively.

At the same time, 39% of Americans think Trump accomplished a lot as president  15 points higher than Bidens rating on the same question.

Pundits and historians can debate the reality of the two presidents respective resumes. But what the new Yahoo News/YouGov poll reveals is that perceptions of agency  which are inevitably tied up with impressions of age and vigor  have shaped these dueling views of the Biden and Trump White Houses.

What it means for 2024

Asked whether the two leaders have been mostly in charge or mostly passive as president, a full 58% of Americans say Trump was mostly in charge, versus just 19% who say he was mostly passive.

For Biden, those numbers are nearly reversed, with 28% saying hes been mostly in charge and 54%  again, a majority  saying hes been mostly passive.

Of all the findings in the poll, this might be the most troubling for Biden. For one thing, it hints at why voters worry about his age: because for them, its linked to his ability to exercise presidential power. It also implies that voters could prove more reluctant than in the past to reward the president for, say, improvements in the economy between now and next November (since they dont believe hes really in charge).

Making matters worse, such views may be especially entrenched among the voters most likely to decide the 2024 election  namely, independents and lower-engagement swing voters who didnt turn out for the 2022 midterms, when more tuned-in Democrats dominated the electorate.

Just 22% of independents, for instance, think Biden is competent; 69% are concerned about his health and mental acuity; and 62% think hes been mostly passive.

Among registered voters who didnt vote in 2022, those numbers are almost identical: 22%, 69% and 60%, respectively.

For those who dont closely follow politics, the image of an aging president is easy to absorb; his accomplishments, less so. Partly as a result, Biden and Trump are currently tied at 44% apiece among registered voters who did turn out in 2022  while Biden trails Trump 33% to 41% among those who didnt vote in the midterms.

____________

The Yahoo News survey was conducted by YouGov using a nationally representative sample of 1,584 U.S. adults interviewed online from Nov. 9 to 13, 2023. The sample was weighted according to gender, age, race, education, 2020 election turnout and presidential vote, baseline party identification and current voter registration status. Demographic weighting targets come from the 2019 American Community Survey. Baseline party identification is the respondents most recent answer given prior to Nov. 1, 2022, and is weighted to the estimated distribution at that time (33% Democratic, 27% Republican). Respondents were selected from YouGovs opt-in panel to be representative of all U.S. adults. The margin of error is approximately 2.8%.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are on high alert about a potential connection between three brands of recalled applesauce packets and almost two dozen reports of high blood lead levels in children across the country.

On Monday, the CDC issued an alert on its website warning about the public health concern.

Multiple states have reported potential cases to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of high blood lead levels (BLLs) in children consuming recalled cinnamon-containing applesauce products that have high levels of lead, the CDC said.

In its new health advisory, the CDC urged medical professionals to keep an eye out for cases of lead poisoning possibly linked to the applesauce and report cases to their local health authorities.

Applesauce linked to possible lead poisoning

In a Nov. 13, health alert, the CDC announced that it is investigating a possible link between reports of high blood lead levels in 22 children and three brands of recalled applesauce pouches that were tested and found to contain "extremely high levels of lead."

The affected products were sold under the brand names:

WanaBana brand apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches

Schnucks brand cinnamon applesauce pouches

Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches

Affected products were sold nationally in stores and online. For more information to help identify if you have purchased an affected product, visit the Food and Drug Administration website. Return any affected products to the place of purchase for a full refund.

If your child has consumed an affected product, seek medical care.

In October, the FDA first advised customers to avoid buying WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches after discovering that they could contain high lead levels. The brand voluntarily recalled the product.

At the time, WanaBana issued a press release about the recall and said the company was "committed to ensuring the safety of its products and the well-being of its consumers.

In addition, the brand said customers who bought the recalled pouches were urged to stop using the product immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

How many children have been affected?

In the Nov. 13 announcement, the CDC reported that 22 cases of high blood lead levels had been discovered as of Nov. 7 in the following states:

Alabama

Arkansas

Louisiana

Maryland

Missouri

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

Tennessee

Texas

Washington

The children referenced in the report range in age from 1 to 3 years old. The CDC uses the amount of 3.5 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood as a reference point to assess if a child has high blood lead levels. The 22 children in the investigation have levels ranging from 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter, per the CDC.

Their symptoms include nausea, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, anemia and change in activity level.

What are the effects of lead poisoning?

According to the CDC, there is "no safe blood lead level in children."

"Even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to negatively affect a childs intelligence, ability to pay attention, and academic achievement," the CDC noted.

The effects of lead poisoning can be permanent and may include:

Delayed growth/development

Brain and nervous system damage

Problems with learning, behavior, hearing and speech

The health effects of exposure are more harmful to children less than 6 years of age because their bodies are still developing and growing rapidly, according to the CDC.

Lead exposure in children can be hard to recognize, so the CDC advises that any parent who suspects their child may have been exposed to lead talk to their child's health care provider about being tested.

If you believe your child may have consumed an affected applesauce packet and may be at risk of lead poisoning, contact a health care provider.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
(KRON)  A San Francisco resident was arrested in connection to a computer scam that involved telling victims that their computers were compromised and asking them to send large amounts of money to safeguard their information, according to the Daly City Police Department.

On Nov. 4, a victim of the scam contacted Daly City police after they sent money to a Daly City address, authorities said. Investigators worked with the mail service to track the packages delivery to a vacant residence.

Oven, toilet stolen from Piedmont home, 2 arrested

Officers surveilling the residence witnessed a 24-year-old San Francisco resident collect two packages containing the scammed money, Daly City PD said. The suspect was arrested for fraud charges and for the possession of drugs.

$28,600 was recovered from the two packages and will be returned to the victims, police said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Harford Memorial Hospital will permanently close on Feb. 6 next year, UM Upper Chesapeake Health CEO Elizabeth Wise announced Tuesday night during a presentation at the Harford County Council meeting.

In its place, a medical center in Aberdeen will open the same day, as will a pavilion at the UM Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air that will have the same 72-bed capacity as Harford Memorial.

UM Upper Chesapeake Health has been preparing for years for the eventual closure of the hospital in Havre de Grace. Earlier this year, representatives said the hospital would be closed by spring 2024, but this is the first time an official date has been given.

Harford Memorial is one of only two hospitals in Harford County, and it serves residents in the northern part of the county as well as from neighboring Cecil County just across the Susquehanna River.

The hospital is also the designated treatment center for victims of sexual abuse and is the countys primary stroke center. Both of those capabilities will move to the Aberdeen Medical Center.

With Harford Memorials closure, UM Upper Chesapeake Medical Center will become the only full-service hospital in the county.

UM Upper Chesapeake Health at Aberdeen will include the medical center, a Behaviorial Health Pavilion that will also open on Feb. 6, and a Health and Wellness Center that is already open.

The Health and Wellness Center offers primary care, endocrinology and diabetes care, wound care, cardiology, hematology and oncology, orthopedics and rehabilitation. Imaging and lab services will open in February.

The campus also will have a helipad to transport critical care patients by helicopter to the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. Currently, the medevac has to land in a park a couple of blocks away from Harford Memorial Hospital.

The medical center will offer state-of-the-art technology that is not currently available at Harford Memorial. It will include a 130,000-square-foot emergency department and capability for short-term stays.

Residents and council members, however, have expressed concerns that there will be no intensive care unit, no inpatient surgical center and no inpatient beds at the Aberdeen campus. That level of care will only be available at the hospital in Bel Air.

The Aberdeen Medical Center will have capacity for short-term stays, but any patient that requires hospitalization beyond 48 hours will need to be transferred to a hospital, Wise said.

Also, several departments already have moved from the hospital in Havre de Grace, including obstetrics and gynecology.

While UM Upper Chesapeake Health is expanding its facilities by the addition of the Aberdeen campus, County Council members expressed their concern about emergency medical services for residents who live closer to Harford Memorial Hospital and the need for more medical facilities in a county with a growing population.

Although Wise said the health system will be providing a free shuttle bus from Havre de Grace to Aberdeen, District F council member Jacob Bennett is concerned about how residents in his district will get to the Aberdeen Medical Center, especially in an emergency. Bennett, who lives within walking distance of Harford Memorial, said residents living near the hospital often walk there for outpatient care while residents in the northern part of the county have just a short drive.

February 6, I think, is a scary day for a lot of those people in my community, Bennett said during the meeting. It is a huge loss to our community to be able to walk to services.

Bennett also asked Wise how UM Upper Chesapeake Health is communicating to the public about the hospitals impending closure and advocated for a mailing campaign to residents in his district to inform them about the closure and the services available at the Aberdeen campus.

Im just concerned that someone is going to attempt to go to Harford Memorial in an emergency and theyre going to pull up to an empty building, not knowing that the hospital has been closed, he said.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  If you enjoy a good craft beer, the Lowbrow Palace near Downtown El Paso is the place to be this weekend.

The second annual West Texas Beer Fest returns to the Lowbrow Palace, 1006 Texas Ave., from 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18.

Besides beer, it will also feature plenty of food and live music.

















Photos from last years West Texas Beer Fest Courtesy of Lowbrow Palace

Attendees will be immersed with an extensive selection of brews from renowned local and

national breweries. Master brewer at Ex Novo Brewery, Mikey Mayorga from Corrales, NM is

hosting an educational session about different beer styles and upcoming new releases at Ex

Novo Brewery. Shop from local vendors, and indulge in delicious eats from Juarez Dogs, Zombies Tacos and Gordiis Barbecue, according to a news release announcing the event.

The festival is being billed as a family-friendly event with all ages welcome but you must be at least 21 with valid ID to be able to drink alcoholic beverages.

Tickets are available by clicking here.

PARTICIPATING BREWERIES 2023:

Deschutes

Brooklyn Brewery

Ex Novo

Deadbeach

Odell

Tupps

Ace Cider

Martin House Brewing Company

Community

Left Hand

Stone

Lagunitas

New Belgium Voodoo

Santa Fe

Marble

Rogue

Austin Eastciders

55

Lakewood

Firestone

Aurellias

Bells

Spindletap

Prairie

Bosque

Shiner

6666

Sam Adams

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
A flare-up was ignited for the second time at a historic hangar in Tustin on Tuesday night, as residents are still reeling from the toxic effects of the blaze.

Tuesday nights fire was reported around 7 p.m. as crews from the Orange County Fire Authority responded to the scene.

Images from the hangar show large pieces of debris continuing to fall from the structure as large plumes of smoke billowed into the air.

Since the fire first ignited on Nov. 7., health officials have confirmed the presence of asbestos, lead, arsenic and nickel amid the debris found near the WWII-era hangar. The discovery prompted the declaration of a local state of emergency.

A second flare-up reignites at a historic WWII-era hangar in Tustin on Nov. 14, 2023. (OnScene.TV)

A second flare-up reignites at a historic WWII-era hangar in Tustin on Nov. 14, 2023. (OnScene.TV)

What residents should be looking out for when it comes to debris as a flare-up reignites at a historic WWII-era hangar in Tustin on Nov. 14, 2023. (City of Tustin)

What residents should be looking out for when it comes to debris as a flare-up reignites at a historic WWII-era hangar in Tustin on Nov. 14, 2023. (City of Tustin)

A second flare-up reignites at a historic WWII-era hangar in Tustin on Nov. 14, 2023. (OnScene.TV)

A second flare-up reignites at a historic WWII-era hangar in Tustin on Nov. 14, 2023. (OnScene.TV)

A second flare-up reignites at a historic WWII-era hangar in Tustin on Nov. 14, 2023. (KTLA)

A second flare-up reignites at a historic WWII-era hangar in Tustin on Nov. 14, 2023. (OnScene.TV)

A second flare-up reignites at a historic WWII-era hangar in Tustin on Nov. 14, 2023. (KTLA)

Despite the latest air quality report released Tuesday saying, Air monitoring in and near the Tustin hangar shows no breathable asbestos in the air, an official with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency told KTLA asbestos will be present as long as these hot spots continue burning and will be present in any found debris.

Residents living nearby are concerned about the effects the contaminated air and dangerous debris could have on their health.

We have children. They cant go outside, said Jennifer Dienhart, a local resident. We cant go outside. I have debris in my front yard, huge pieces of the hangar which matches the description of what kind of material has already tested positive for asbestos and its just sitting there. Days later, no ones come to pick it up. We try to call to get on a list for it to be picked up, but nothings happened.

The latest fire activity follows a flare-up on Saturday as smoldering hot spots continue to linger.

The fire left behind toxic air, prompting the closure of all schools in the Tustin Unified School District since last Thursday out of precaution.

On Tuesday, district officials confirmed some schools have been cleared to resume classes on Wednesday, Nov. 15.

Orange County firefighters battle a fire affecting the north hangar at the Tustin Air Base in Tustin, Calif. Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. (Paul Bersebach/The Orange County Register via AP)

The north hangar, also known as Hangar 1, was reportedly completely engulfed in flames by the time first responders arrived. (OnSceneTV)

An active flare-up of a fire seen on the doors of a historic airbase hangar in Tustin on Nov. 11 has prompted concerns from residents. (OC Hawk)

An active flare-up of a fire seen on the doors of a historic airbase hangar in Tustin on Nov. 11 has prompted concerns from residents. (OC Hawk)

An active flare-up of a fire seen on the doors of a historic airbase hangar in Tustin on Nov. 11 has prompted concerns from residents. (OC Hawk)

Firefighters work to control a blaze at the north blimp hangar at the former Marine Corps Air Station Tustin in Tustin, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP)

The hangar at the historic Marine Corps Air Station Tustin burning on Nov. 7, 2023. (Sky5)

One of two historic air base hangers goes up in flames in Tustin, California. Nov. 7, 2023. (KTLA)

Officials investigate the rubble of the historic Tustin Marine Corps Air Station blimp hangar, Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, in Tustin, Calif., the day after a fire destroyed the WWII-era structure. (Mindy Schauer/The Orange County Register via AP)

A historic blimp hangar burns in Tustin, Calif., Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. A fire destroyed a massive World War II-era wooden hangar that was built to house military blimps based in Southern California. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Orange County firefighters battle a fire affecting the north hangar at the Tustin Air Base in Tustin, Calif. Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. (Paul Bersebach/The Orange County Register via AP)

An active flare-up of a fire seen on the doors of a historic airbase hangar in Tustin on Nov. 11 has prompted concerns from residents. (OC Hawk)

An active flare-up of a fire seen on the doors of a historic airbase hangar in Tustin on Nov. 11 has prompted concerns from residents. (OC Hawk)

A historic blimp hangar burns in Tustin, Calif., Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. A fire destroyed a massive World War II-era wooden hangar that was built to house military blimps based in Southern California. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Firefighters work to control a blaze at the north blimp hangar at the former Marine Corps Air Station Tustin in Tustin, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. Fire raged Tuesday in a massive World War II-era wooden hangar that was built to house military blimps based in Southern California. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP)

The north hangar, also known as Hangar 1, was reportedly completely engulfed in flames by the time first responders arrived. (OnSceneTV)

Two spectators take pictures as a historic blimp hangar burns in Tustin, Calif., Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. A fire destroyed a massive World War II-era wooden hangar that was built to house military blimps based in Southern California. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

A historic blimp hangar, right, burns in Tustin, Calif., Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. A fire destroyed a massive World War II-era wooden hangar that was built to house military blimps based in Southern California. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Spectators watch as a historic blimp hangar burns in Tustin, Calif., Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. A fire destroyed a massive World War II-era wooden hangar that was built to house military blimps based in Southern California. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

The north hangar, also known as Hangar 1, was reportedly completely engulfed in flames by the time first responders arrived. (OnSceneTV)

Campuses cleared for students to return include:

Arroyo Elementary School

Benson Elementary School

Guin Foss Elementary School

Ladera Elementary School

Loma Vista Elementary School

Myford Elementary School

Orchard Hills K-5 School

Peters Canyon Elementary School

Red Hill Elementary School

Tustin Memorial Academy

Columbus Tustin Middle School

Foothill High School

Hewes Middle School

Orchard Hills 6-8 School

Pioneer Middle School

Campuses not cleared for reopening will continue virtual lessons on Wednesday until further notice.

On Sunday, nearly 100 hazmat removal personnel began removing debris on Valencia Avenue as streets surrounding the former Marine Corps. Air Station hangar remain closed.

Air quality units have been placed in several areas within a one-and-a-half mile circumference around the hangar where further testing will be conducted by the U.S. EPA at these locations and more, city officials said.

Health officials continue to urge residents in the area to:

Limit outdoor exposure and activities

Avoid touching ash if spotted

Run the air conditioner or air purifier. Do not use swamp coolers or whole-house fans that bring in outside air

Wear a properly fitted N95 or P100 facemask

Minimize sources of indoor air pollution including anything that burns such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves, candles or incense

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Three hunters died in separate incidents in Kentucky and Iowa in what authorities have deemed accidental shooting deaths.

The recent deaths, all separate from each other, occurred as some states open their firearm hunting seasons this month.

In the Kentucky shootings, two hunters died over the weekend in Gerrard County, a rural county around 40 miles south of Lexington.

Garrard County Sheriff Willie Skeens told local media the two men were identified as 77-year-old Russell Stillwell of Indiana, who died Saturday, and 26-year-old Benjamin Brogle, Jr. of Gerrard County, who died Sunday.

Skeens told Fox 56 both men were walking when they slipped and accidentally shot themselves, something Skeens said he had never seen in 30 years of law enforcement.

More:Missing Colorado hiker's dog found alive, waiting by owner's body after months in wilderness

Deer hunting background with hunting gear and apparel on a rustic wooden background.

An Illinois man died the same weekend after he was shot in the face by someone in his hunting party in Iowa, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources told multiple outlets.

The state agency said Saturday that Seth Egelhoff, 26, of Chesterfield, Illinois, was shot in the face while hunting waterfowl at the Bays Branch Wildlife Area in Guthrie County, around 66 miles west of Des Moines. Emergency responders rushed to the scene with a helicopter, but lifesaving measures were unsuccessful and Egelhoff was pronounced dead shortly after leaving the scene.

Conservation Officer Jeremy King said the shooting appeared to be accidental, the Associated Press reported, and the Guthrie County Sheriff's Office and Iowa State Patrol are helping assisting in the investigation.

Iowa hunter shot, dies after hunting coyotes on private land

Egelhoff's death comes after Mark Arends, 53, of Alden, Iowa died Oct. 8 while hunting coyotes on private land around 80 miles north of Des Moines.

According to investigators, he was struck by a single shot after his group of hunters separated by several hundred yards. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The incident still remains under investigation.

In separate incidents, 2 Minnesota hunters shot by children

In October, two Minnesota hunters were both shot by children in separate incidents during the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources youth deer hunting season.

A 45-year-old man was shot by his 12-year-old daughter in Becker Township in the first incident on Oct. 22. Fox 9 reported Sherburne County Sheriff Joel Brott said the girl was hunting, shot a deer and then "accidentally fired a second shot that hit her father in the leg."

First responders helped the man out of the deer stand. A family member put a makeshift tourniquet on his leg, and he was taken to a hospital for treatment. The severity of his injuries or current condition was not made public.

In the second incident on the same day in Helga Township, north of Becker Township, where a 50-year-old man had taken a 10-year-old juvenile hunting. According to the Hubbard County Sheriff's Office, the juvenile squeezed the trigger while trying to unload the rifle, striking him and going through both of his buttocks.

He was transported to a nearby hospital, then airlifted to a hospital in Fargo, North Dakota.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Accidental shootings leave 3 hunters dead in Kentucky, Iowa
Three people  two women and one man  were found stabbed to death inside a New York City home early Tuesday after the landlord handed himself over to police and appeared to confess.

The landlord, a 54-year-old man, walked into the police precinct in the St. Albans neighborhood of Queens at around 7 a.m. and said he "did something bad," NYPD Assistant Chief Kevin Williams said at a Tuesday morning press briefing.

Williams added that the man appeared calm while talking to police.

HIT-AND-RUN OUTSIDE BUFFALO BILLS STADIUM LEAVES 1 DEAD, SUSPECT ARRESTED: REPORT

Three people were found stabbed to death inside a New York City home early Tuesday in the St. Albans neighborhood of Queens.

Police then rushed to the mans house at 122-39 Milburn St. and found the three victims.

A man and woman, who are believed to be a couple, were found lying face up on a basement floor while a 51-year-old woman was knifed to death and found face down in an upstairs bedroom, the NYPD said.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

EMS responded and pronounced all three victims dead at the scene, police said.

Police cordon off the scene of a deadly triple stabbing in the St. Albans neighborhood of Queens.

FDNY BLAMES E-SCOOTER BATTERY FOR FIRE THAT KILLS 3 FAMILY MEMBERS

The victims are understood to be tenants of the house and their identities were not immediately made public.

Williams said the murder weapon had not yet been recovered.

Three people were found stabbed to death inside a New York City home early Tuesday.

The motive for the stabbings is unclear, but reports say the killings followed a dispute over rent payments and that the landlord may have also lived in the house.

Police were unable to provide any additional information to Fox News Digital prior to publication.





Original article source: 3 people stabbed to death in NYC home as landlord confesses to doing 'something bad': police
A 4-month old baby was killed in a vehicle fire in Nicholasville Wednesday, according to the Nicholasville Police Department.

The incident happened around 10:55 a.m. on Eagle Nest Drive. Officer Sam Wade with Nicholasville police said a vehicle caught on fire and officials found the baby dead inside the vehicle after it was extinguished.

The babys name is Brylee Mae Gill, according to Jessamine County Coroner Michael Hughes.

A man was reportedly working on the vehicle before the fire sparked. Wade said the man fled the scene when the incident happened and officials couldnt find him, but he was later found at a hospital receiving treatment for his injuries.

Police conducted a search for the man while he was at-large, which resulted in nearby schools being placed on a soft lockdown, according to police. The search lasted around an hour and the Lexington Police Departments aviation unit assisted with the search.

Its unknown what caused the fire or why the man initially fled, Wade said. Investigators are speaking with the man and detectives are conducting a death investigation.
PANAMA CITY  Local law enforcement officials are investigating the death of a man killed in a Wednesday morning shooting.

According to a press release from the Bay County Sheriff's Office, the incident occurred about 2 a.m. at a residence on 24th Street in Panama City. Deputies responded to find 40-year-old Jonathan King dead. He was shot twice.

"BCSO Criminal Investigations is conducting a death investigation and conferring with the State Attorney's Office," the release reads. "Investigators believe this is an isolated incident and there is no danger to the public. Everyone involved in this incident is cooperating fully with the investigation."

'Win-win': Panama City Beach accepts grant to buy police more rapid fingerprint scanners

More information will be released as it becomes available.

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Bay sheriff investigating death of man, 40, in Panama City shooting
This photo provided by Uttarakhand State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) shows rescue work inside a collapsed road tunnel where 40 workers were trapped in northern in Uttarakhand state, India, Tuesday, Nov.14, 2023. ( SDRF via AP)

LUCKNOW, India (AP)  Some of the 40 workers trapped for days in a collapsed road tunnel in northern India were falling sick Wednesday as falling debris and technical glitches delayed work to free them, officials said.

Rescuers have been trying to drill through the rubble and insert wide steel pipes to free the construction workers who have been trapped since Sunday when a portion of the tunnel they were working on collapsed in the mountainous Uttarakhand state.

Progress has been slow because of debris falling in the channel excavated so far and glitches with the rescuers' drilling machine, but a more powerful machine has been airlifted there and was being assembled for use, the National Highway Authority said.

The group of 40 construction workers, most of them migrant laborers from across India, have confirmed receiving food and water sent via narrow channels in the debris, the authority said.

However, some of them are expressing concern because they have started suffering from fever and body aches, said Abhishek Ruhela, a magistrate and the top government official in the town of Uttarkashi near where the collapse happened. Medicine also has been sent through the pipes, he said.

Essential eatables such as chickpeas and almonds are being sent through the same channels, Ruhela said.

Relatives and friends of the trapped workers have gathered outside the tunnel, and were growing frustrated and angry.

The state government has been conferring with the Indian army as well as with foreign experts for suggestions that might help in the rescue.

State officials have contacted Thai experts who helped rescue a junior association football team that was trapped in a cave system in northern Thailand in 2018, state government administrator Gaurav Singh said. They also have approached the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute for possible help, Singh said.

About 200 disaster relief personnel have been at the site using drilling equipment and excavators in the rescue operation, with the plan to push 75-centimeter-wide (2.5-foot-wide) steel pipes through an opening of excavated debris.

Falling debris lightly injured two rescue workers, and delayed operations on Tuesday and Wednesday.

These are challenges in such rescue operations, but we will overcome them, disaster management official Ranjit Sinha said.

A landslide during road construction Sunday caused a portion of the 4.5-kilometer (2.7-mile) tunnel to collapse about 200 meters (500 feet) from the entrance. It is a hilly tract of land, prone to landslide and subsidence.

Uttarakhand is a mountainous state dotted with Hindu temples that attract many pilgrims and tourists and construction of highways and buildings has been constant to accommodate the influx.

The tunnel is part of the busy Chardham all-weather road, a flagship federal project connecting various Hindu pilgrimage sites.
President Biden is set for a face-to-face, high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday as the U.S. and China  two of the worlds biggest economic powerhouses  struggle to defuse tensions.

Biden will go into the meeting in San Francisco with some key goals, including resuming direct military-to-military lines of communication as a way to lower the temperature between Washington and Beijing. The sensitive issue of Taiwan is also on the table, as are the wars in Europe and the Middle East.

The meeting, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, marks the first time Xi has come to the U.S. in six years. Biden and Xi last met one year ago in Indonesia but have not spoken since.

Here are five things to watch for in the Biden-Xi meeting.

Resuming military-to-military communications

The White House has focused on the resumption of a direct military-to-military line of communication as a deliverable goal of the summit, after the Chinese severed the line in August 2022 following a visit by former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to Taiwan.

The Chinese have been reluctant to resume the communication channels, according to senior administration officials, so Biden will go into the meeting with plans to press assertively on reestablishing them, officials said.

Biden himself said Tuesday a successful meeting with Xi would mean getting back on a normal course of corresponding, being able to pick up the phone and talk to one another when theres another crisis, being able to make sure our militaries still have contact with one another.

The president sees resuming such communications as a key way to dial back tensions, following confrontations between naval ships and airplanes from China and the U.S., along with other countries, in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. There was also the matter of a Chinese spy balloon traversing the U.S. for days earlier this year before the Air Force shot it down.

National security adviser Jake Sullivan said the spy balloon incident is an example of how the president will focus on challenges the China relationship poses in the context of how to deal with them going forward, noting how Biden ordered the takedown of the balloon, its recovery and efforts to exploit the surveillance satellite.

The United States, the president is going to focus at this point on how he stands up for and protects American interests going forward across the full range of challenges in this relationship, of which this is one, Sullivan said.

Tensions around Taiwan

Biden is expected to raise the topic of Taiwan during his meeting with Xi, broaching a thorny subject that has been a source of conflict between the two countries in recent years.

The president will set out a vision for peace and stability and the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, Sullivan told reporters.

That will come in the face of the U.S. pushing back against Chinas aggressive military posturing in the Taiwan Strait, warning that Beijing could be preparing for an invasion or blockade of the island in the coming years. The Biden administration has provided weapons to Taiwan, and Biden has said U.S. forces would defend Taiwan against an attack.

That will also make for a politically significant upcoming year, experts said.

Both countries are expecting a potentially rocky year in 2024 with the Taiwan presidential elections in January 2024 but also the U.S. presidential elections in November 2024, and both could inject more uncertainty into the bilateral relationship, said Bonny Lin, director of the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Chinas role in global conflicts

The Biden administration has carefully watched Beijings response to both the war in Ukraine and the war that has exploded between Israel and Hamas over the last month.

White House officials for months warned of the possibility that China would provide support to Russia to aid in its invasion of Ukraine. Xi met last month with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing, underscoring the relationship between the two nations.

Administration officials have also highlighted Chinas potential role in the Middle East conflict, noting Beijings ties to Iran, which has through proxies targeted American troops in Iraq and Syria since the war in Gaza began.

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  of the [Peoples Republic of China (PRC)] or of any other responsible country, Sullivan told reporters.

And the PRC, of course, has a relationship with Iran, and its capable, if it chooses to, of making those points directly to the Iranian government.

Competing while avoiding conflict

The Biden administration often describes the relationship with China as a competitive relationship. Top officials and the president have said they are focused on how to manage that relationship so it doesnt steer into conflict, which will be a large part of the stance going into Wednesdays meeting.

Officials also argue that reestablishing the military-to-military communications is a way to effectively manage competition and that the diplomacy of the Biden administration so far with China has allowed them to contain it.

Patrick Cronin, Asia-Pacific security chair at Hudson Institute, described the focus on managing competition as a very realistic, resilient framework that the White House has built. He noted that Xi sees this meeting coming at a time to strengthen his economy, which has been reportedly struggling in recent months.

There is a comprehensive approach to Xi Jinping. He has steered a long-term strategy for the Peoples Republic of China, Cronin said. Hes continuing to try to accentuate political power, both within, under his leadership, but also outside China, that is to have more influence befitting what he thinks is Chinas just position in the world.

Fentanyl at the forefront

Sullivan said that there may be progress at the meeting when it comes to the matter of containing fentanyl, which could open the door for progress on other crucial issues.

The Justice Department last month announced eight indictments against Chinese companies and nationals, charging them with crimes relating to fentanyl and methamphetamine production, the distribution of synthetic opioids and sales of the chemicals used to make them.

The issue of fentanyl  were 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 arent just managing things, but were actually delivering tangible results. Well continue to work at that as we go forward, he said.

The way Biden handles fentanyl issues in relation to China is set to follow him throughout the 2024 campaign. Republicans consistently hammer Biden on the situation at the U.S. southern border, maintaining that Biden administration policies encourage drugs to come over the border.

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley recently criticized Biden for having begged to get a meeting with Xi and questioned what the two will talk about, arguing that Biden will want to focus on climate change, something the GOP generally casts aside, while he should be discussing the problem of fentanyl in the U.S.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Reducing gun violence is possible, according to experts, even as the debate on legislative gun control measures continues at every level of government.

Those familiar with violence prevention point to proper training, red flag laws and other tools that can be used to curtail shootings in Indiana.

Voluntary training

Indiana does not have laws on the books that require training for people purchasing firearms, but voluntary training can help gun owners ensure they are educated on how to properly handle, carry, store and use firearms.

The Indiana State Rifle & Pistol Association, the state-level chapter of the National Rifle Association, has a list of training opportunities across Indiana at isrpa.org/training-opportunities.

Inside a year of Indy gun violence: A day care. A mall. A highway. Indianapolis shootings leave residents caught in the crossfire

Help victims of domestic violence

Domestic violence skyrocketed nationwide during the pandemic, and Indiana was no exception. But when stay-at-home orders were lifted, local advocates noticed domestic violence deaths did not go down anywhere close to pre-pandemic levels in the state.

If you know someone suffering in a violent relationship, pointing them to resources could save their life.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 800-799-7233. The Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence has ways to find housing, shelter and eviction help.

Red flag laws

Extreme risk laws, otherwise known as red flag laws, can help deescalate emergency situations and are a proven way to intervene before guns are used for acts such as suicides or mass shootings, according to Everytown for Gun Safety.

Red flag laws, when put into practice, allow law enforcement to ask a court to temporarily prevent someone in crisis from accessing guns.

The legislation varies on a state-by-state basis.

Indiana's Jake Laird Law, named in honor of a fallen Indianapolis officer, allows law enforcement to seize weapons from people they deem dangerous, regardless of whether they are committing a crime.

The law allows police to confiscate firearms with or without a warrant in cases where public safety is in jeopardy.

Anyone concerned a person is a danger to themselves or others should contact their local police department or call 911.

After prosecutors failed to follow through on a red flag case against the FedEx gunman before the 2021 mass shooting, police in Marion County are now required to submit cases directly to the courts.

Caught in the crossfire: 16 Indiana gun bills died in session last year. Which ones are being brought back?

Gun locks

Gun locks are an effective way to prevent unauthorized people, particularly children, from getting ahold of firearms. After a surge in Indianapolis children accidentally being shot because of unsecured guns in homes, city officials hosted a free gun lock giveaway.

For the remainder of the year, Indianapolis Public Library branches are offering gun locks during regular hours while supplies last.

Violence prevention programs

The city's Office of Public Health and Safety focuses on violence reduction with its peacemakers program and Elevation Grant Program, which provide money to community-based organizations.

There are many organizations across the city that focus on supporting youth to prevent violence, including the New B.O.Y. mentoring program, VOICES, Peace Learning Center, and Leaders of the Achieving, Elevating and Completing (ACE) Initiative.

Each organization takes a different approach. ACE, a program out of the Edna Martin Christian Center, helps at-risk students and tries to keep them from falling into the criminal justice cycle.

"What we wanted to do was look at ways to improve their behaviors, get them on the right trajectory to graduate but also to provide the tools and the resources for them so now they can truly think more positive and have more productive lives," said Immanuel Ivey, senior director of workforce development and entrepreneurship at Edna Martin Christian Center.

Contact Jake Allen at jake.allen@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jake_Allen19.

Contact reporter Sarah Nelson at 317-503-7514 or sarah.nelson@indystar.com

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: 5 ways to slow gun deaths and injuries in Indiana without banning guns
Six Clay County schools have been recognized as Purple Star Schools of Distinction for supporting the unique needs of military families.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

This designation was established by Floridas legislature and requires schools to maintain various support systems, including a military point of contact, a dedicated webpage, transition programs, staff training, open enrollment seats for military students and activities supporting military families.

The following schools were bestowed the honor:

Discovery Oaks Elementary

Doctors Inlet Elementary

Oakleaf High

Plantation Oaks Elementary

Paterson Elementary

Tynes Elementary

Read: Mother of dentist convicted in murder-for-hire case accused of arranging death

This week, six #OneClay schools were recognized as a Purple Star School of Distinction by the Florida Department of... Posted by One Clay on Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Read: Beaches Habitat Prep Club, Mission House serving Thanksgiving dinner to homeless

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The man accused of attacking former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosis husband with a hammer apologized Tuesday, echoing right-wing conspiracy theories to explain to jurors that he went to the Pelosis home as part a bigger plot to end what he viewed as government corruption.

David 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.

Testimony wrapped up later Tuesday, with closing arguments expected Wednesday. 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. His attorneys argue that he was not seeking to go after Nancy Pelosi because of her official duties as a member of Congress and so the charges do not fit.

The attack happened in the early hours of Oct. 28, 2022, just days before the midterm elections.

DePape, 43, said he went to the Pelosis home to talk to Nancy Pelosi about Russian involvement in the 2016 election, and that he planned to wear an inflatable unicorn costume and upload his interrogation of her online. Prosecutors say he had rope and zip ties with him.

DePape testified that his plan was to get Nancy Pelosi and other targets to admit to their corruption. If she lied, I would break her kneecaps, he said. The choice is on her.

He then wanted President Joe Biden to pardon the targets so we can move forward as a country, he said.

In testimony Monday, Paul Pelosi recounted the attack publicly for the first time. He recalled being awakened by a man bursting into the bedroom door and asking, Wheres Nancy? He said that when he responded that his wife was in Washington, DePape said he would tie him up while they waited for her.

Paul Pelosi said he managed to call police, but when officers arrived, DePape hit him with a hammer. He said DePape told him he was going to have to take you out.

DePape said that he felt bad for Pelosi after hearing testimony from a neurosurgeon who operated on him after the attack and testified Pelosi had two wounds on his head, including a fracture to his skull that had to be mended with plates and screws. Pelosi also needed stitches on injuries to his right arm and hand.

He was never my target and Im sorry that he got hurt, DePape said.

I reacted because my plan was basically ruined, he said when asked why he hit Pelosi.

DePape testified he first was drawn to right-wing conspiracies after learning about Gamergate, an online harassment campaign against women in the video gaming community that took place about a decade ago. He said he often played videogames for up to six hours a day while listening to political podcasts.

He said he believed news outlets repeatedly lied about Trump, and specifically mentioned CNN. In rants posted on a blog and online forum that were taken down after his arrest, DePape echoed the baseless, right-wing QAnon conspiracy theory that claims the U.S. government is run by a cabal of devil-worshipping pedophiles, but he did not mention that Tuesday.

He allegedly told authorities his other targets included a womens and queer studies professor at the University of Michigan, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, actor Tom Hanks and President Joe Bidens son Hunter. He told jurors that he heard about the professor while listening to conservative commentator James Lindsay.

The takeaway I got is that she wants to turn our schools into pedophile molestation factories, said DePape, a Canadian citizen who moved to the U.S. more than 20 years ago.

The professor testified that some of her writings have been misconstrued to fit a narrative against the gay movement. U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley ordered her name not be put in the public record because of threats against her.

Asked by DePapes defense attorney if she supported the abuse of children, the professor responded, Absolutely not.

She said that after Paul Pelosi was attacked, the FBI informed her that she was DePapes main target. She said that she told university administrators and that they have taken measures to protect her, her students, and other staff.

Other witnesses who testified Tuesday included Daniel Bernal, Nancy Pelosis San Francisco chief of staff, and DePape neighbor Elizabeth Yates, who said she allowed him to shower at her home once a week.

If convicted, DePape faces life in prison. He 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.
On Dec. 31, 1957, an unusual robbery was discovered in the building thats now home to Bike Surgeon in OFallon.

Heres what the OFallon Progress wrote about it:

Burglars broke into the Schmidt Motor Co., 201 East State Street Monday night or Tuesday morning and took $850 in cash and checks after cutting the door off the safe with an acetylene torch.

The thieves used the firms torch in the burglary after entering through a rear window.

The theft was discovered at 7 oclock Tuesday morning by William Schmidt, owner of the place. He said he last checked the establishment at 8 oclock Monday night and found everything in order.

The burglars entered by breaking the glass in a window in the east end of the building. As they came through the garage portion of the building they broke the coin box off a soft drink machine. Two peanut machines were also smashed and their contents strewn on the floor.

The safe was first attacked, apparently as it stood in its usual place in the showroom of the business. The combination was knocked off. However, the burglars were unable to open it and it was then moved into a private partitioned office in the corner of the show room.

A torch was put through a telephone opening in the wall leading into the garage and the safes hinges cut through.

Some coats belonging to Schmidt were hung over the door and other openings of the office so they could not be seen from the outside. The loot included about $300 in cash and the remainder in checks.

They also took $3 in small change from the cash register.

While working on the safe the burglars moved a small file cabinet from the office into the show room into the position occupied by the safe. This was apparently done so that a passerby would not notice the absence of the safe. The burglars even placed the cash register on top the cabinet. The register usually sat on the safe.

Nothing else was taken. A shotgun in the office was left behind by the thieves.

Police dusted the safe and other parts of the establishment for fingerprints. None were found, however. Schmidt was unable to determine immediately if the losses were covered by insurance.

That wasnt the end of the story, however. The following week, this follow-up appeared:

The habit of Chief of Police James Tiley in mentally taking inventory of all cars parked in downtown OFallon paid off in the capture of three young men who admitted the safe burglary at Schmidt Motor Co. last Monday night.

Tiley furnished the office of Sheriff Leonard O. Reinhardt with information that led to the arrest of three men, two of them brothers.

They admitted the burglary and are identified as Walter Kingsley, 17, a laborer, 416 State street, Belleville; Willis Mathes, 21, Caseyville, a salesman, and his brother Ronald, 19, of 327 West Lincoln, Belleville.

Tiley reported seeing the car with the young men in town the night of the burglary. He said he noticed where they were parked on North Vine near the burglarized showroom.

Tiley said he makes a mental catalog of all the strange cars in town and could not locate the three young men in any of the places open at night.

The chief of police said he had three or four calls during the early part of the night so could not keep the car under observation. Making a mental note of the license number Tiley recalled it when the burglary was reported the next day.

The car was not owned by any of the three but had been borrowed by one of them.

The trio said they got only $158 in cash from the burglary. However, the original reporte indicated $350 was taken.

The safe was broken open by burning the hinges off the safe door by using the garages welding torch. A number of checks and some papers were burned by the three, police reported.

75 years ago, Nov. 18, 1948

Last Thursday night the sheriffs office was contacted by telephone by Claude Heilman, 54-year-old worker on the B. & O. railroad maintenance crew asking for deputies to call for him for his safety.

Heilman made the call from Corral Inn, near the western city limits, claiming he had been chased by three fellow workers who threatened to do him bodily harm.

Deputies Herman Schade and Philip Lippert came here and took the frightened man to county jail, where he remained voluntarily for the night.

Departing the next morning, Heilman told sheriffs deputies he was leaving for Kentucky.

50 years ago, Nov. 15, 1973

Last Wednesday afternoon, Patrolman John Truax (now Corporal) pulled over John Truax.

He got out of the squad car and asked himself for his own license. Truax gave Truax a ticket.

If the whole thing sounds like a lot of double-talk, dont fret. Truax, while on patrol last Wednesday, ran the new stop sign at Oak and State Streets.

When he realized what he had done, he pulled over and wrote himself out a ticket.

I did it because I violated the law. Theres bound to be someone who saw me run the stop sign and the only fair thing to do was write myself a ticket. Truax said.

The traffic court judge was a little hesitant in leveling a fine against Truax.

A $10 fine plus $5 for court costs was brought against Truax and then waived by the judge.

The moving violation, however, still goes on Truaxs record.
Seven North Carolina counties are under state supervision and receiving support from the states health and human services department to fix issues in their child welfare systems. One county is also under full control of the state following the death of an 8-year-old child due to abuse.

When issues arise in the provision of child welfare services within DSS offices, the state Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) can jump in to help. One way to do this is through corrective action plans, which require counties to develop strategies to improve outcomes.

In turn, DHHS conducts monthly reviews, provides guidance and more. The seven counties under state supervision are under corrective action plans. In more extreme cases, DHHS can also take control temporarily of child welfare in counties.

This oversight mechanism lines up with the structure of the states social service system, which is federally mandated, state-supervised and county-administered. This means the federal government authorizes national programs and a majority of the funding, while the state provides support and oversight to the 100 local county departments of social services, which deliver the services. Its one of only nine systems nationwide that are county-administered. In most states, the state administers social services programs.

Child and family social work services administered by the local Department of Social Services (DSS) offices include protective services (abuse and neglect), foster care placement, adoption services and more. DSS offices also help deliver services to adults, such as health care services, including Medicaid and more.

The News & Observer requested public records explaining what happened in these cases. Documents show many of the same issues repeating themselves at multiple agencies: a lack of supervision and training, unsafe situations and risk factors that went unaddressed, and incorrect decisions on cases.

State control: Nash County

A takeover happened most recently in September, when DHHS assumed leadership of child welfare services at the Nash County Department of Social Services after identifying several policy violations, and after the death of an 8-year-old child under the purview of Nash County DSS, as previously reported by The News & Observer.

DHHS placed this county social services department on a corrective action plan after investigating the death but took control after deficiencies persisted.

The death that triggered the state moves appears to be the killing of 8-year-old Christal Lane, allegedly by her grandmother. This case led to the filing of a state Senate bill, which died in the House, and which initially had a section dubbed Christals Law. This section, which was cut in a committee hearing, would have granted the DHHS secretary expanded authority to review records and information related to any open or closed child welfare case.

DHHS assumed temporary operation of child welfare services, as authorized under state law, two other times: in Cherokee County in March 2018 and in Bertie County in May 2022. NCDHHS returned full control to Cherokee in October 2018 and Bertie in May 2023, Haight Connor said.

Corrective action plans: Guilford, Pitt and more

Bertie County: A statement by DHHS at the time it took control of child welfare services said that the decision was made after case and record reviews and on-site visits revealed a systemic lack of adequate training, supervision and capacity to deliver appropriate child welfare services in accordance with law, rule and policy. A corrective action plan submitted by the county once it regained control is still in place and was most recently reviewed in late October, documents shared by DHHS show.

Guilford County was required to develop a corrective action plan after DHHS became aware of the death of a child that occurred on Dec. 12, 2022. The county had an open case on this childs family, documents show. Documents do not show names, but three children died in a house fire in Greensboro on that date, according to media reports. Other county violations cited by DHHS included subpar safety assessments and lacking contact with children and family members, whether under protective services or foster care. Guilfords corrective action plan was approved in July and is still in place.

Northampton County was required to develop a corrective action plan after DHHS became aware of the death of a child that occurred on May 12, 2022. This appears to be in reference to the death of a 2-month-old baby, whose mother was charged with involuntary manslaughter and child abuse, according to news outlets. The county had an open case. In a Sept. 13, 2022, letter requiring the county develop a plan, DHHS wrote that the county didnt check on and interview key people within adequate timeframes in the child death case. Northampton is still under the corrective action plan.

Pitt County was required to develop a corrective action plan after DHHS became aware of the death of a child that occurred on March 24, 2022. Its unclear which case this is in regards to, but according to documents shared, the county did not follow policy and failed to conduct required contact with the children and family members. It also failed to contact substance abuse facilities to confirm the childs parents were complying with requirements. On June 15, 2022, DHHS also became aware of significant issues with the countys processes for using a state system, with the agency having over 200 more open cases than what was indicated in the system. A corrective action plan approved in early 2023 is still in place in this county.

Other counties under corrective action plans following the death of a child are Richmond, Sampson and Surry. Documents show much of the same issues seen in other counties were present for these cases, including lacking supervision and training, unaddressed risk and safety issues and incorrect case decisions. All remain under their respective corrective action plans.

Kids in DSS offices

According to a 2023 ranking by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, a private foundation that conducts research on child well-being, North Carolina ranks 33rd in overall child welfare. It also falls in the bottom half of states, with a ranking of 34th, in child and teen deaths.

Multiple reports have also said that children in the states strained foster care system, due to a lack of homes, have had to sleep in emergency rooms and county DSS offices, where social workers serve as caregivers.

In a statement, DHHS said more than 10,000 children are in foster care and another 6,300 are receiving in-home services in North Carolina. DHHS said more foster homes are needed, especially homes able to care and provide for children with complex or specialized needs, such as those who have been exposed to trauma or have substance abuse issues.

A DHHS report shared with legislators this year shows there are no therapeutic foster homes for children with complex needs in 10 counties and another 40 counties have fewer than 10 homes.

Also needed are more child welfare workers and more money, despite new funding in the budget passed this year, DHHS said, pointing out that North Carolina ranks last in per-child funding compared to other states with decentralized child welfare systems.

The budget included $80 million to strengthen specialized behavioral health treatment options in local communities and increase care options available to children to divert them from emergency rooms and local DSS offices, said DHHS.
Eight juveniles are facing murder charges in the senseless beating death of a 17-year-old Las Vegas high school student that was caught on video, police say.

Jonathan Lewis died after being beaten when a fight broke out over a pair of stolen wireless headphones and possibly over a stolen marijuana vape pen, according to a police spokesperson.

The beating happened November 1 in an alley near the Rancho High School campus after school let out, Las Vegas police Lt. Jason Johansson said in a news conference Tuesday.

Events in the alley were captured in a video that has been widely shared on social media. What you see in the video is approximately 10 subjects kicking, stomping and punching our victim, Jonathan, as he is on the ground not defending himself, to the point that he becomes unconscious, Johansson said.

The video is very graphic and, in my opinion, is very void of humanity.

Eight juveniles  whose names have not been released  were taken into custody and will be charged with the crime of murder, said Undersheriff Andrew Walsh.

The suspects range in age from 13 to 17 and are students at Rancho High School.

Half the teens arrested will be tried as adults, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

Those four cases were automatically transferred to adult criminal court because the defendants are 16 or 17, the newspaper reported.

The remaining defendants, between 13 and 15, will face certification hearings in family court, where a judge will determine if they also will be tried as adults, according to the Review-Journal.

In addition, police released images of two people allegedly connected to the fight and asked the public for help identifying them.

CNN has reached out to the Clark County District Attorneys Office for comment.

He was a hero

A makeshift memorial for Jonathan Lewis lines a fence Wednesday near Rancho High School in Las Vegas. - Rio Yamat/AP

Jonathan was a loving, kind, and protective young man who cared deeply about his friends and family, the teens father told CNN. (He) was a hero who was trying to help one of his smaller friends who was being bullied and had something stolen from him and he tried to intervene, Jonathan Lewis Sr. said in a statement.

Jonathan died six days after the beating, according to his father. An autopsy determined that the cause of his death was blunt force trauma, police said.

The entire school district grieves the loss of every student, Clark County School District said in a statement.

While we cannot 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.

Jonathans parents have started a foundation in honor of their son, according to the Team Jonathan website.

Jonathans mom came up with the name Team Jonathan while we talked about starting a foundation for our son in the hospital, a statement on the website reads.

After holding my sons hand in the hospital while on life support for two 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, the statement said.

Investigators say they are looking for more people who appear in the video of the beating. If you or your child or somebody you know has seen that video and recognizes anybody that may have been a participant in this senseless crime, you need to get ahold of us and our homicide section, Walsh said.

CNNs Tina Burnside and Natalie Barr contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A senior citizen who ate at a popular Mexican restaurant chain amidst a recent E. coli outbreak in Southern California has died, officials confirmed Wednesday.

John Christ Ferber, 87, died Oct. 26, the San Diego County Medical Examiners Office reported.

His death came after The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency last month announced an outbreak of Shiga-toxin-producing E. Coli linked to Miguel's Cocina in 4S Ranch in San Diego County.

Ferber's exact cause and manner of death are pending official autopsy results, but County of San Diego Director Michael Workman told USA TODAY the man had underlying health issues and "was under the care of a doctor" when he died.

Workman said the cause of the outbreak still remains under investigation and no other restaurants appear to be tied to these cases.

Ferner's death marked the first among cases linked to dining at the eatery.

A Korean War Veteran, Ferber worked for U.S. Bank as a commercial real estate banker for more than three decades, according to his obituary.

He also worked for Mortgage Bankers Association of America for 10 years, and for the University of San Diego for more than two decades.

Possible salmonella contamination: Cantaloupes sold in at least 10 states recalled

The outbreak caused 10 hospitalizations and at least 25 additional infections

The E. coli outbreak infected 36 people, Workman said, and hospitalized 10 people, including four children.

Initially, the health department reported 13 confirmed or probable cases involving people from age 6 to 87. According to a release from the department, those who became sick and their family members reported eating at the location between Oct. 6-18 and symptoms took place from Oct. 13-19.

At least one case developed a severe complication, hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can affect a person's kidneys and blood clotting functions, according to the release.

The investigation into the outbreak

After the outbreak, the restaurant reported it was working with San Diego County and voluntarily closed the business until the source of the outbreak could be identified.

As of Wednesday it was not immediately known what food contained the E. coli bacteria.

The restaurant reopened, San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency spokesperson Tim McLain told the Food Safety Network, after being disinfected and having all its food replaced.

Two pending lawsuits

As of Wednesday, at least two lawsuits had been filed against Miguels Cocina in connection to the outbreak, the San Diego Tribune Review reported.

The first suit was filed Oct. 26 on behalf of a woman who visited the business on Oct. 12, ate chips, rice, guacamole and drank iced tea, the newspaper reported.

Several days later, the complaint alleges, she began suffering from symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea, and noticed a significant amount of blood in her stool."

A second lawsuit was filed the following day, on Oct. 27, on behalf of a San Diego resident who claimed he became ill after eating mushroom, chicken and shrimp fajitas at the restaurant, the man's attorney, Ron Simon, told the outlet.

Ground beef recall: 58,000 pounds of ground beef recalled over possible E. coli contamination

What is E. Coli?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Escherichia coli are bacteria found in the environment, food, and the intestines of people and animals.

Although most bacterial strains are harmless, some strains can make people sick and cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness or pneumonia, according to the CDC.

Contributing: Emily DeLetter.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: E. coli outbreak at Miguel's Cocina tied to 87-year-old's death
A newspaper with front page headline and report on the death of Tapfumaneyi Masaya is put on display in Harare, Zimbabwe. Masaya, an activist for the Citizens Coalition for Change, was kidnapped on Saturday and his body found Monday. Masaya was campaigning for his party for the upcoming by-elections to be held on Dec. 9. Photo by Aaron Ufumeli/EPA-EFE

Nov. 15 (UPI) -- A Zimbabwe opposition party activist was found dead on a roadside after being abducted while campaigning ahead of a special election.

Tapfumaneyi Masaya's abduction was the second in as many weeks targeting members of the Citizens Coalition for Change party and the fourth homicide related to the party in a year.

In August, the incumbent party, Zanu-PF, was voted into power during a general election, but the Citizens Coalition for Change, the country's largest opposition party, said the election was stolen. A special election is scheduled for December to fill vacant Parliament seats.

Masaya and a fellow activist were forced into a vehicle while door-to-door campaigning for Citizens Coalition for Change members on Saturday. The other activist was released without serious injuries. Masaya, a pastor, was discovered Sunday on a road near the capital, Harare.

Nelson Chamisa, president of the Citizens Coalition For Change, called Masaya's death "a tragic and ugly turn of politics in Zimbabwe."

"This is a clear indication that Zimbabwe is sadly in the wrong hands and heading into a dangerous direction," he said on X. "Since the 23 August 2023 stolen election, there has been an increase in cases of arrests on trumped up charges, abductions, torture, enforced disappearances, internal displacements and crimes against humanity targeted mainly at CCC MPs, Councillors, citizens, change champions and activists."

The U.S. Embassy and Amnesty International Zimbabwe called for an investigation into Masaya's death.

"The United States is alarmed by the reported abduction & death of an opposition campaign worker in #Zimbabwe. We call for a full investigation by the local authorities, peaceful preparations for the December by-elections & an end to political violence," the embassy said on X.
Abortion-rights advocates are energized after last weeks decisive win in Ohio, and they are looking to build on that momentum by putting abortion protections on the ballot in more states next year.

Activists are eyeing ballot measures for red and purple states, including Florida, Missouri, Arizona and Nevada. The efforts have been in motion for months, if not longer, and the groups involved are hopeful they have found the winning formula following a string of successes in the past year.

The approval of Ohios Issue 1 marked the first time red state voters were asked to affirmatively vote in favor of changing the laws to protect abortion, rather than voting against the status quo.

Ohio was really a test to see if the momentum was still viable.  Turns out it was. Reproductive freedom has a 7-0 winning streak, said Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, the executive director of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, which works to advance progressive measures.

Abortion-rights groups pointed to early investments and a broad coalition of groups with an existing network of supporters they could build from. They also tailored their messaging to a more conservative electorate.

The thing that was very clear to us in conversations with Ohioans is how deeply held privacy is, the right to make decisions about family, and so we really leaned heavily on that, said Joey Teitelbaum, a pollster at Global Strategy Group who worked on the Issue 1 campaign.

Democrats have made abortion rights a central part of their message since the Supreme Court ended federal abortion protections last year, and ballot initiatives could drive voter turnout in key swing states in 2024, giving a boost to down-ballot Democrats and even President Biden.

Arizona, Ohio and Nevada also all have competitive Senate races and could be crucial for Democrats to hold their slim majority.

But motivating Democratic voters will take more than merely putting an abortion question on the ballot. Deirdre Schifeling, chief political and advocacy officer at the American Civil Liberties Union, said successful ballot measures need well-run, well-financed campaigns to communicate to voters.

If you just throw abortion on the ballot, is it going to spur turnout? Well, no, Schifeling said.

What drives voters to the polls, and generates turnout and excitement and enthusiasm  which we have seen among young voters, among voters of color among women, the constituencies that you would expect to be energized by reproductive rights  that requires a well-resourced and well-run campaign, so I think its not enough just to put [abortion questions] down there, she added.

Backers of the Ohio measure credited a broad range of voters, not just progressives or Democrats. In red states especially, abortion ballot measures wont be able to pass if theyre only supported by Democrats.

In any state, youre going to need a coalition of voters across party lines to be successful, Melody Fields Figueredo said.

But the beauty of ballot measures is, you know, these issues that often are highly partisan and highly political  when you put them before voters they see how it will impact their lives directly, and often will vote for these issues regardless of party affiliation, she added.

Since the Dobbs decision that ended Roe v. Wade in 2022, abortion-rights advocates have won ballot initiatives expanding or protecting access in Michigan, Vermont, California and now Ohio. They have also blocked attempts to restrict access in Kansas, Kentucky and Montana.

But ballot measures are becoming increasingly expensive, and only some states make the option available. Even in the states where campaigns are underway, there are some significant hurdles before the question even gets to voters.

We are witnessing a pretty concerted effort from a lot of red-state legislatures to make qualification for the ballot harder. To increase the number of signatures that need to be collected, the restrictions on who can collect signatures  I think those are sort of a death by a thousand cuts restrictions that make it harder for regular people to participate in the process, said Kelly Hall, executive director of the ballot measure group Fairness Project.

Following Ohios vote last week, the anti-abortion group American United for Life explicitly called for the remaining red states that allow a citizen-led ballot initiative process to eliminate it, and only allow measures approved by the state legislatures.

Hall said once a constitutional ballot measure passes, it is difficult to repeal it with another one, which is something Ohio GOP lawmakers have floated.

I think when folks are facing an election day loss  theres always an instinct to say this isnt over. Were coming right back at this, Hall said. We would welcome people to continue to ask Ohio voters how they feel about this issue. We know how they feel, which is that they voted 56 percent in favor of a constitutional amendment to protect abortion rights.

One of the most high-profile fights in 2024 could come in Florida, where abortion-rights advocates have been collecting signatures for months on a measure that would protect abortion to the point of viability. They face a Feb. 1 deadline to qualify for the November 2024 ballot.

The campaign has collected about 500,000 valid signatures so far; the states threshold is more than 891,000. If the measure gets on the ballot, it would need 60 percent of the votes to pass.

But Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody (R) has asked the states Republican-majority Supreme Court to reject the measure, arguing that the word viability is misleading and that backers will push for even looser abortion rules.

Laura Goodhue, the executive director of the Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates, said the Supreme Court and a hostile attorney general are an extra hurdle. But even though Florida is a reliably conservative state like Ohio, Goodhue said the group is confident the initiative transcends partisanship.

Our patients at Planned Parenthood dont come in as Democrats or Republicans, they come in as patients. And the more we talk to people, the more we find that independents and Republicans as well as Democrats do not want government interfering in their decision to be a parent or not, to continue the pregnancy, she said.

Florida currently bans abortion after 15 weeks, but the state Supreme Court is poised to rule any day on a lawsuit challenging the ban. If it is upheld, a six-week ban that Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed into law earlier this year would automatically take effect.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The man accused of attacking the husband of former United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a teary apology in court as he explained he had been motivated by Right-wing conspiracy theories.

David DePape, 43, said he had planned to dress in an inflatable unicorn costume and confront Ms Pelosi in her home as part of a bigger plot to end what he viewed as government corruption.

Mr DePape recounted 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 wanted to talk to the then Speaker about Russian involvement in the 2016 election, and that he had intended to upload his interrogation of her online.

Prosecutors alleged he had rope and zip ties with him when he entered the Pelosi property in the early hours of 28 October 2022.

Mr DePape testified that his plan was to get Ms Pelosi  and other targets  to admit to corruption.

If she lied, I would break her kneecaps, he said. The choice is on her.

Realising that Ms Pelosi was not home and his plan was basically ruined, Mr DePape allegedly attacked her husband Paul.

In earlier testimony, Mr Pelosi recalled being awakened by a man bursting into the bedroom door and asking, Wheres Nancy?

He said that when he responded that his wife was in Washington, the intruder said he would tie him up while they waited for her.

Mr Pelosi said he managed to call police, but when officers arrived, Mr DePape allegedly hit him with a hammer and told him he was going to have to take you out.

Speaking in court on Tuesday, Mr DePape said that he felt bad for Mr Pelosi after hearing testimony from a neurosurgeon who testified Mr Pelosi had suffered serious head wounds, including a fracture to his skull that had to be mended with plates and screws.

He was never my target and Im sorry that he got hurt, Mr DePape said.

I reacted because my plan was basically ruined, he said when asked why he hit the man.

Testimony wrapped up later on Tuesday, with closing arguments expected on Wednesday.

Mr 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.

His attorneys argue that he was not seeking to go after Ms Pelosi because of her official duties as a member of Congress and so the charges do not fit.

FBI alerted other targets

Mr DePape testified that he was first drawn to Right-wing conspiracy theories after learning about Gamergate, an online harassment campaign against women in the video gaming community that took place about a decade ago.

He said he often played video games for up to six hours a day while listening to political podcasts.

Specifically mentioning CNN, Mr DePape said he believed news outlets repeatedly lied about Mr Trump.

In rants posted on a blog and online forum that were taken down after his arrest, Mr DePape had echoed the baseless, right-wing QAnon conspiracy theory that claims the US government is run by a cabal of devil-worshipping pedophiles, but he did not mention that on Tuesday.

Nancy and Paul Pelosi live in the glitzy Pacific Heights area of San Francisco - AP

He allegedly told authorities his other targets included a womens and queer studies professor at the University of Michigan, California Governor Gavin Newsom, actor Tom Hanks and President Joe Bidens son Hunter. He told jurors that he heard about the professor while listening to conservative commentator James Lindsay.

The takeaway I got is that she wants to turn our schools into pedophile molestation factories, said Mr DePape.

The professor testified that some of her writings had been misconstrued to fit a narrative against the gay movement.

US District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley ordered the professors name not be put in the public record because of threats against her.

Asked by Mr DePapes defence attorney if she supported the abuse of children, the professor responded, Absolutely not.

She said that after Mr Pelosi was attacked, the FBI informed her that she was Mr DePapes main target. She said that she told university administrators and that they have taken measures to protect her, her students and other staff.

If convicted, Mr DePape faces life in prison. He has pleaded not guilty to charges in state court of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, residential burglary and other felonies.

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In a historic decision, the U.S. Army has set aside the convictions of 110 Black soldiers who were court-martialed for their role in the 1917 Houston riots, a dark chapter in U.S. history marked by racial tensions, the pervasive impact of Jim Crow, and the countrys entanglement in World War I.

Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth announced the move on Monday, saying she posthumously setting aside the convictions of members of the 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment  a segregated unit that is widely known today as the Buffalo Soldiers.

In a statement, Wormuth praised her military branchs decision to overturn the convictions while acknowledging the soldiers were mistreated and denied fair trials because of their race, according to a statement from the Army Public Affairs office.

U.S. Army overturns convictions of 110 Buffalo Soldiers In 1917 Houston Race Riot. (Photo: YouTube screenshot/History)

As a result, the convictions were ordered nullified and honorable discharges granted to the men, marking a major step forward in addressing longstanding racial injustices within the nations military.

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. By setting aside their convictions and granting honorable discharges, the Army is acknowledging past mistakes and setting the record straight.

The decision comes more than a century after the riot on Aug. 23, 1917, which left 19 dead just four months after President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress to declare war on Germany, which mobilized U.S. troops in support of the Allied nations during the endgame of the global conflict.

Violence erupted after months of provocations by local police against the Black unit, culminating in the arrest of two Black soldiers who were brutally assaulted by local police.

In response, more than a hundred Buffalo Soldiers armed themselves and marched on the city, sparking bloodshed as Black citizens already faced strain due to constant clashes with peace officers who sought to enforce Jim Crow and its segregationist aims.

On Monday, Gabe Camarillo, the Under Secretary of the Army, expressed pride in restoring honor to the soldiers and their families.

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, 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 corrective action by the Army comes after petitions from retired Army officials and advocacy groups paved the way to one of the militarys most historic reversals.

The trial of the Buffalo Soldiers was plagued by numerous legal irregularities, as noted by historians and government officials, resulting in the largest mass execution of American soldiers by the U.S. Army, with 13 Black troops hanged at once. Six more were executed later, and all were put to death without due process.

Decades later, Wormuth ordered military investigators to take a closer look at the court-martial records as part of a comprehensive internal review that uncovered substantial flaws in the trial proceedings, prompting the Army Board for Correction of Military Records to recommend setting aside all 110 convictions in the case.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army Michael Mahoney, who oversaw the review, characterized the trial as a miscarriage of justice.

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, Mahoney said, according to the Army. Were proud of the hard work we did to make things right in this case.

The Department of Veterans Affairs played an integral role as the process to correct a painful history unfolded, with the agency agreeing to assist surviving family members, who should receive notices from the government in the coming months, the Army said. Relatives might also be eligible to receive benefits as the military seeks to heal old wounds and provide a measure of recognition and closure.

Read the original story on Atlanta Black Star.
Donna Adelson was reportedly just steps away from freedom on a jetway ramp at Miami International Airport about to board an International flight with her husband, Harvey Adelson heading to Dubai, and then to Vietnam, which does not have an extradition treaty with the United States.

But, law enforcement, including FBI Special Agent Pat Sanford, intercepted their flight plans and arrested Donna on the jet runway for murder, conspiracy and solicitation for the murder of Professor Dan Markel.

Donna and Charlie have seemingly learned little since 2016 when the FBI obtained a Title 3 wiretap and intercepted their calls after the FBI bump. During those calls the two talked in suspicious coded language. It was their calls, along with other recorded conversations/evidence that led to Charlies arrest for the murder.

It is unclear from the probable cause arrest affidavit whether they spoke in coded language on the recorded jail calls. The affidavit lacks any direct quotes attributed to Donna and Charlie on the calls.

All jail calls inform the parties prior to the conversation that the conversations are recorded. There is no mistake that both Donna and Charlie knew the calls were recorded.

According to the arrest affidavit, Donna tells Charlie she is getting her things in order, including making trusts for her grandkids. She further states she has considered taking her life and or fleeing to a country without extradition. It should be noted these recorded calls took place after Charlie was convicted on all three counts for the murder of Professor Markel.

Moreover, these calls took place after Prosecutor Cappleman said the investigation is ongoing and stay tuned.

These facts are highly relevant in assessing the context of these comments from Donna to her incarcerated son. In essence, this could be considered her final goodbye to her doting son before she was fleeing the United States.

A tight timeline as law enforcement intercepts Adelsons at airport

After her arrest, State Attorney Jack Campbell indicated that the events above described said: Thats what forced our hand. He indicated that extradition from Dubai and Vietnam would be a very complicated and lengthy process.

Donna Adelson was arrested Monday, Nov. 13, 2023 and booked into a Miami-Dade detention facility.

He also stated the state had enough evidence to prosecute Donna prior to her attempted flight to avoid prosecution. Notably, Campbell stated they did not have enough evidence to arrest her husband, Harvey Adelson.

It cannot be overstated that State Attorney Campbell and law enforcement had to make a quick and calculated decision in determining their next step against Donna Adelson. Leon Circuit Judge Stephen Everett signed the arrest warrant for Donnas arrest around 5:45 p.m., Nov. 13.

Donnas flight departed from Miami at 8:15 pm. the same day. Thus, law enforcement, including FBI Agent Sanford had to hurry to intercept Donna at the terminal.

It should be noted, international passengers normally check in 3 hours before takeoff. Consequently, we can assume prosecutors and agents knew when they sought the arrest warrant for her that Donna and Harvey had already checked in for their international flight.

The first court appearance of Donna Adelson: Flight and the 'consciousness of guilt'

Donna made her initial appearance in Miami and was informed of the murder conspiracy and solicitation charges against her. She also was informed there would be no bond and she will be transferred to her not-so favorite place, Tallahassee and Leon County.

Consciousness of guilt is a powerful and highly incriminating inference that a judge or jury may draw from the statements or conduct of an accused defendant after a crime has been committed. It suggests that the defendant knows he/she is guilty of the charged offense.

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.

Read Donna Adelson arrest warrant: Talk of fleeing, suicide and 'getting things in order'

Examples of consciousness of guilt, may be evinced by a false alibi, intimidation of a witness, destruction or concealment of evidence and flight.

The law is well settled that evidence of flight is admissible as being relevant to infer consciousness of guilt where sufficient evidence exists to establish that the defendant fled to avoid prosecution of the charged defendant.

The burden is on the state, though. International flight alone does not create a presumption of guilt and is not sufficient to conclude that he/she is guilty. At most, it may provide an inference of consciousness of guilt. A jury decides.

Where there are two conflicting theories as to the meaning of evidence tending to show consciousness of guilt, the trial judge does not abuse its discretion in admitting such evidence, as the conflict in the theories goes to the weight of the evidence not its admissibility.

The gears of justice grind slowly, but they can be lethal

Donna Adelson was not facing charges at the time of her international flight. As such, the state will have to prove not only the international flight, but that such a flight was to avoid prosecution thereby inferring a consciousness of guilt on her behalf.

Even though the murder occurred nine years earlier, the state has been investigating and prosecuting her co-conspirators for the last six years. During her son's trial this month, Donna's name and conduct was an integral part of the state's case. Clearly, Donna was about to be charged in the murder case rather soon.

More importantly, the timing of the flight, location of the destination, and her statements on the recorded jail calls will establish that Donna was leaving to avoid future prosecution that she knew was imminent. She bought a one-way ticket to Vietnam (no extradition) the day after Charlie was convicted of the murder of Professor Markel.

Her words of getting things in order, possible suicide, and a flight to a destination without extradition demonstrate that she possessed a conscious of guilt for the murder of Professor Markel. As such, the court will allow such powerfully and highly incriminating evidence into her trial.

The state has strong circumstantial evidence against Donna for the murder of Professor Markel. This was proven by the highly incriminating evidence admitted in Charlie's trial. Prosecutor Campbell disclosed that they still had more evidence that has not been made public. Now, the state will introduce her flight to avoid prosecution as consciousness of guilt.

Once again, Donna and Charlie's conversations could be her undoing also.

The state has methodically proceeded with a scalpel in the prosecution of those responsible for the murder of Professor Markel. Is there more to come? Time will tell us that answer. People complain it took too long. I say: Justice is slow sometimes, but it can be lethal when given time! Just ask the Adelsons and their co-conspirators!

Tim Jansen

Tim Jansen, partner in Jansen & Davis, P.A., is a prominent criminal defense attorney in Tallahassee and former assistant U.S. attorney who worked major white collar crime cases as senior fraud prosecutor. He has represented numerous high-profile clients for years and is offering daily analysis on the Charlie Adelson trial to readers of the Tallahassee Democrat.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Adelson arrest legal analysis: A fight and 'consciousness of guilt'
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  Students, faculty and leadership with Dillard University are taking a stand against Antisemitism and hate in the wake of the recent attack on Israel.

On Tuesday, Nov. 14 President Dr. Rochelle L. Ford spoke at the Americans March for Israel, to Free Hostages, Against Antisemitism rally and march in Washington, DC. The message was to urge Americans to work together in the fight against the hate targeted toward Jewish communities.

The historically Black university is the home of the National Center for Black Jewish Relations, founded in 1989 and utilized to reduce the hostilities between Black and Jewish communities.

It was re-established back in January after the rise in racism throughout America. The goal of the center is to collaborate in creating a safe space for dialogue, learning and mutual understanding while unifying respective communities and combatting racism and antisemitism.

In a statement from Ford, she asks the public to join her, the students, Dillards chaplain, Philos Black participants and members of the Jewish Federation of New Orleans as they advocate for peace and progress.

Saints players Chris Olave, Tyrann Mathieu host Thanksgiving events in New Orleans

On behalf of Dillard University and our National Center for Black Jewish Relations, we ask that you stand together against terrorism, hate, antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, anti-arab sentiment and discrimination, said Ford.

According to Ford, the march was seen as an opportunity for all to join in solidarity with the people of Israel, commit to Americas ally in the Middle East, condemn the rise of antisemitic violence and harassment and demand the immediate and safe release of the hostages.

We are committed to helping our students find truth and understanding in this highly complex world. No one should be condemned or threatened for expressing their support or advocacy of their nationality, religion, or ethnicity. Lets move beyond sound bites and work together to promote understanding, said Ford.

Dillard University is said to be a pro-peace university that believes Israelis and Palestinians can coexist.

A student-only listening circle will be held on Friday, Nov. 17 to hear the students perspective on the issue.

To read Fords full statement, visit the Dillard University website.

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The British government said Wednesday it will still try to send some migrants on a one-way trip to Rwanda, despite the U.K. Supreme Court ruling that the contentious plan is unlawful.

In a major blow to one of Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks key policies, five justices on the countrys top court ruled unanimously that asylum-seekers sent to Rwanda would be at real risk of ill-treatment because they could be returned to the conflict-wracked home countries theyd fled.

Sunak, who has pledged to stop migrants reaching Britain in small boats across the English Channel, said the ruling was not the outcome we wanted but vowed to press on with the plan.

He said the court had confirmed that the principle of removing asylum-seekers to a safe third country is lawful, even as it ruled Rwanda unsafe.

He said the government was working on a treaty with Rwanda that would address the courts concerns, and we will finalize that in light of todays judgment. If that fails, he said he was prepared to consider changing U.K. law and leaving international human rights treaties  a move that would draw strong opposition and international criticism.

Refugee and human rights groups welcomed the courts decision and urged the government to drop the Rwanda plan. Charity ActionAid U.K. called it a vindication of British values of compassion and dignity. Amnesty International said the government should draw a line under a disgraceful chapter in the U.K.s political history.

Britain and Rwanda signed a deal in April 2022 to send some migrants who arrive in the U.K. as stowaways or in boats to the East African country, where their asylum claims would be processed and, if successful, they would stay.

Britains government argued that the policy would deter people from risking their lives crossing one of the worlds busiest shipping lanes, and would break the business model of people-smuggling gangs. Opposition politicians, refugee groups and human rights organizations said the plan was unethical and unworkable.

No one has yet been sent to the country as the plan was challenged in the courts.

Reading the decision, President of the Supreme Court Robert Reed said Rwanda had a history of misunderstanding its obligations toward refugees and couldnt be relied on to keep its promise not to mistreat asylum-seekers.

He cited the countrys poor human rights record, including enforced disappearances and torture, and said Rwanda practiced refoulement  sending migrants back to unsafe home countries.

The judges concluded there were substantial grounds for believing that there is a real risk that asylum claims will not be determined properly, and that asylum-seekers will in consequence be at risk of being returned directly or indirectly to their country of origin.

In that event, genuine refugees will face a real risk of ill-treatment in circumstances where they should not have been returned at all, they said.

The U.K. government has argued that while Rwanda was the site of a genocide that killed more than 800,000 people in 1994, the country has since built a reputation for stability and economic progress.

Critics say that stability comes at the cost of political repression. The courts judgment noted multiple rights breaches, including political killings that had led U.K. police to warn Rwandan nationals living in Britain of credible plans to kill them on the part of that state. They said Rwanda has a 100% rejection record for asylum-seekers from war-torn countries including Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan.

The Rwandan government insisted the country was a safe place for refugees.

Rwanda is committed to its international obligations, government spokesperson Yolande Makolo wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. We have been recognized by the UNHCR and other international institutions for our exemplary treatment of refugees.

Rwandan opposition leader Frank Habineza said Britain shouldnt try to offshore its migration obligations to the small African country.

The U.K. should keep the migrants or send them to another European country, not to a poor country like Rwanda. I really think its not right (for) a country like U.K. to run away from their obligations, Habineza told the AP in Kigali, the Rwandan capital.

The Rwanda plan has cost the British government at least 140 million pounds ($175 million) in payments to Rwanda before a single plane has taken off. The first deportation flight was stopped at the last minute in June 2022, when the European Court of Human Rights intervened.

The case went to the High Court and the Court of Appeal, which ruled that the plan was unlawful because Rwanda is not a safe third country. The government unsuccessfully challenged that decision at the Supreme Court.

Sunak took comfort from the courts ruling that the structural changes and capacity-building needed to make Rwanda safe may be delivered in the future.

The prime minister is under pressure from the right wing of the governing Conservative Party to take dramatic action to stop the boats. Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who was fired by Sunak on Monday, has said the U.K. should leave the European Convention on Human Rights if the Rwanda plan was blocked.

Sunak told lawmakers in the House of Commons that he was prepared to change our laws and revisit those international relationships if other routes failed.

Much of Europe and the U.S. is struggling with how best to cope with migrants seeking refuge from war, violence, oppression and a warming planet that has brought devastating drought and floods.

Though Britain receives fewer asylum applications than countries such as Italy, France or Germany, thousands of migrants from around the world travel to northern France each year in hopes of crossing the English Channel.

More than 27,300 migrants have crossed the Channel this year, with the years total on track to be fewer than the 46,000 who made the journey in 2022. The government says that shows its tough approach is working, though others cite factors including the weather.
FILE PHOTO: Former U.S. President Donald Trump to give a deposition to New York Attorney General Letitia James

By Andrew Goudsward

(Reuters) -Lawyers representing a group of Colorado voters delivered closing arguments on Wednesday in a lawsuit seeking to disqualify former President Donald Trump from the state's ballot next year over his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by his supporters.

The voters are seeking to use the U.S. Constitution's 14th Amendment, which bars officials who have engaged in "insurrection or rebellion" from holding public office, to argue that Trump is ineligible to run for president in 2024. The provision was ratified in 1868 following the U.S. Civil War.

Sean Grimsley, a lawyer representing the voters, said the riot at the Capitol was Trump's "final desperate attempt to hold onto power in violation of the Constitution."

During his closing argument, Grimsley argued that Trump intended for his supporters to resort to violence and added: "Through his actions and his actions alone, Donald Trump has disqualified himself from ever holding office again."

The case represents a test of legal efforts to use the 14th Amendment to block Trump's candidacy. It is the first such case to go to trial.

Scott Gessler, a lawyer for Trump, faulted plaintiffs in the case for relying on the findings of the Democratic-led House committee that investigated the Capitol riot, which he said was biased against Trump.

"The petitioners are asking this court to do something that has never been done in the history of the United States," Gessler said. "The evidence doesn't come close to allowing the court to do it this time."

The House panel's former top investigator, who testified during the trial, defended the probe as impartial and open-minded.

The voters, represented in the case by the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) and a group of Colorado-based lawyers, sued Colorado's secretary of state, the state's top elections official, in a bid to block Trump's inclusion on the ballot. Trump is the frontrunner for the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic President Biden in the 2024 U.S. election.

Lawyers in the case on Wednesday made their final pitch to Colorado District Court Judge Sarah Wallace, who will decide the case, following a weeklong trial that featured testimony from U.S. lawmakers, legal experts and Republican political activists.

Thousands of people stormed the Capitol in a failed attempt to prevent Congress from certifying Biden's 2020 victory over Trump. The lawyers for the voters have sought to convince the judge that Trump's actions in spreading false claims of voter fraud, summoning his supporters to Washington on the day of the riot and initially refusing pleas to quell the violence amounted to an insurrection.

Trump's lawyers have denied that he incited his supporters to violence and have argued that disqualifying him from the ballot would set a dangerous precedent.

Colorado is regarded as a safely Democratic state by nonpartisan election forecasters. Regardless of whether Trump is on the ballot, Biden would be expected to win there. But CREW and other activists are seeking to bring a series of legal challenges to Trump's eligibility based on the 14th Amendment language.

Courts in Michigan and Minnesota have ruled that Trump can remain on the ballot for the Republican primaries in those states, but declined to immediately decide on his eligibility for the November 2024 general election.

The cases raise several unsettled legal questions. Many experts view the effort as a legal longshot. The U.S. Supreme Court, whose 6-3 conservative majority includes three Trump appointees, may ultimately weigh in.

(Reporting by Andrew Goudsward in Washington; Editing by Scott Malone, David Gregorio and Shri Navaratnam)
RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  Wednesday is the opening day of firearm deer season in Michigan but the Department of Natural Resources expects fewer hunters will be participating this year.

Bobs Gun and Tackle near Hastings has seen a lot of customers stocking up on supplies before opening day.

The owners and hunters want to see the younger generation get more involved.

My dad made it exciting and fun for myself and Im trying to do the same for my nephew and children, said customer Justin Peck.

While the store has a loyal customer base, the owners have noticed the overall drop in the number of Michiganders participating in deer hunting.

Bobs Gun & Tackle Shop near Hastings advertises a deer hunters sale. (Nov. 14, 2023)

I think over the years there has been a steady decline in the hunter base and through COVID we saw those numbers pick back up for two or three years and theyre starting to edge back downward again, said owner Steve Hayes.

The DNR says in 2000 there were more than 800,000 deer hunters and expects about 550,000 to participate this year, according to Chad Stewart a deer, elk, and moose management specialist.

Within a 20-plus year period, weve lost about a quarter of a million deer hunters in Michigan and we expect that trend to continue at least for the next 10 years as hunters in their 60s and 70s start to age out, Stewart said.

The DNR has tried ways to increase participation among young people like with adding youth hunts.

Were really faced with sort of a new normal with fewer hunters on our landscape because a lot of our recruitment and retention efforts to get more hunters in is really difficult to scale up, Stewart said.

Longtime hunters like Bill Kriekaard, who has been hunting for 57 years, hopes the tradition will carry on and more young people will learn how to hunt.

There isnt any no more. Theyre all playing video games or something, you know? They dont get outside, Kriekaard said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
A view of damages inside Al Shifa hospital following Israeli raid, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, in Gaza City

By Abir Ahmar

DUBAI (Reuters) -A doctor in Gaza's Al Shifa hospital said staff, patients and displaced Palestinians sheltering there were terrified as Israeli forces moved to raid the complex to root out Hamas militants they said were hiding underneath.

Dr Ahmed El Mokhallalati, a surgeon born in Ireland who trained in Cairo and practiced in London, said explosions and gunfire which he and others in the hospital had heard for more than a month suddenly stepped up early Tuesday evening.

"The sound was really horrible," he said by telephone.

"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."

Israel said the military had launched the raid because Hamas has a command centre under the hospital and uses connected tunnels to hold hostages.

"We know this is a big lie," Mokhallalati said.

Speaking on Wednesday morning, he said he felt relief when troops finally entered the complex even though staff did not know what would happen to them, because the fear of being bombarded from outside had been immense.

"All kinds of weapons were used around the hospital. They targeted the hospital directly. We try to avoid being near the windows," he said, describing a large hole that had been blasted through the wall of a room in an outpatient building.

"Everyone got really, really terrified."

Explosive sounds rang out as he spoke.

"It's continuous shooting from the tanks," he said.

Israel has denied targeting the hospital and said its soldiers had entered one specific location within the Shifa complex, with no fighting inside the facility and no friction with staff. An unnamed senior military official said they had found weapons, but provided no immediate visual evidence.

Mokhallalati said Israel had warned the administration in advance of the raid, but staff did not know how it would be carried out.

Contacted later, he said Israeli forces were moving between the buildings of the hospital, which was completely frozen.

"No one is operating, no one is seeing anyone. We are all waiting for the end point of this one, are we going to survive this moment or not. We are unable to perform anything, we are all waiting for the attack to settle down or to come to an end."

The fate of Al Shifa, Gaza's biggest hospital, has become a focus of international alarm because of worsening conditions with fuel, medicine, food and water in ever shorter supply.

People began digging a mass grave inside the complex on Tuesday to bury around 100 bodies of patients that were decomposing. Three newborns died after they had to be moved from incubators to ordinary beds.

The surgeon said none of the 36 other newborns had died in the past 24 hours but patients in intensive care had.

"We are losing a lot, more and more of the ICU patients, almost five daily, because of the lack of oxygen which is very important for these patients," he said.

Israel's military said it had left medical supplies at the gates of the hospital and that patients could be moved out in ambulances. It was unclear if a plan had been put in place for evacuation through the battle zone outside.

(Reporting by Abir Al Ahmar; additional reporting by Nadine Awadalla; writing by Michael Georgy and Crispian Balmer; editing by Philippa Fletcher)
A young Alabama father of two, who died after allegedly being beaten and sexually assaulted by a gang in prison, wrote an eerie Facebook post just days before the attack apparently unfolded.

"How every body doing [sic] 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," Daniel Terry Williams, 22, wrote on Oct. 15, about one week before his family says he was brutally beaten by a prison gang on Oct. 19.

Williams was likely referring to his upcoming release from the Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore, Alabama, on Nov. 9  the same day he died after being taken off life support, as his father and stepmother previously told Fox News Digital.

He was serving a one-year sentence for assault and theft charges as part of a plea agreement, according to Jefferson County court records. He had only been at Staton for about two weeks following a transfer to the Elmore facility when he was allegedly beaten and sexually assaulted last month.

ALABAMA FATHER DIES AFTER ALLEGED BEATING, SEXUAL ASSAULT BY PRISON GANG: FAMILY

"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," Daniel Terry Williams, 22, wrote on Oct. 15, about one week before his family says he was brutally beaten by a prison gang on Oct. 19.

Taylor Bostic, Williams' stepmother, said the warden at Staton told her over the phone that Williams had overdosed on drugs. When she and her husband, Terry Williams  Daniel's father  went to visit him at a hospital after the alleged overdose, they could not believe what they saw.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

GEORGIA INMATE EATEN ALIVE BY BUGS IN CONDITIONS NOT FIT FOR A DECEASED ANIMAL, FAMILY ATTORNEY SAYS

"He was black and blue from head to toe," Bostic said. "He had restraint marks on his wrists. He had indents, almost, in his head from being beaten. So, my husband, Terry, called the warden and said, 'Why the helldid you tell me my son died of an overdose when it was obviously an assault?' And the warden said it's under investigation, and that's all we've heard from them since."

Daniel Terry Williams, 22, was allegedly beaten to death at Staton Correctional Facility in Alabama.

Terry Williams alleged, citing what he has heard from other inmates at the facility, that Daniel had been "tied up" and beaten on Oct. 19, three days before another inmate apparently took him to an officer for help on Oct. 22. Daniel was brain-dead and transported to a hospital, where his family ultimately decided to take him off life support.

MAN DIES IN FULTON COUNTY JAIL AFTER BEING FOUND UNRESPONSIVE, THE 6TH INMATE TO DIE SINCE JULY

He was apparently transported to Kilby Correctional Facility three days after being taken off life support, when he was pronounced dead on Nov. 9, his parents alleged.

Daniel Terry Williams, 22, was allegedly beaten to death at Staton Correctional Facility in Alabama.

The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) told Fox News Digital in a statement that "a possible inmate-on-inmate assault was reported at Staton Correctional Facility" on Oct. 22.

AFTER ALABAMA INMATE FROZE TO DEATH IN JAIL, HISTORY OF DISTURBING COMPLAINTS HAS EMERGED

"Inmate Williams was discovered unresponsive in his dorm and was transported to the Health Care Unit," ADOC said. "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."

Daniel Terry Williams, 22, was serving a one-year sentence for assault and theft charges as part of a plea agreement, and he was set to be released on Nov. 9  the same day he died, according to Jefferson County court records and his family.

Daniel was "found unresponsive in the Health Care Unit" on Nov. 9, and medical staff were "unable to resuscitate him" despite their attempts to keep him alive, according to ADOC.

ALABAMA MAN FROZE TO DEATH IN JAIL AFTER OFFICERS PUT HIM IN FREEZER AS POSSIBLE PUNISHMENT, LAWSUIT ALLEGES

The Justice Department sued Alabama over the condition of its prisons in 2020 after a federal investigation revealed that "Alabama violated and is continuing to violate the Constitution because its prisons are riddled with prisoner-on-prisoner and guard-on-prisoner violence."

Taylor Bostic described her stepson as a "busybody" who "never stopped."

Bostic described her stepson as a "busybody" who "never stopped."

"That boy moved in his sleep. He was always finding something to do, whether it was tearing something apart or fixing something," she said. "He was raising his daughter, which he loved. He was a really good dad."

Williams' daughter is 1 year old, and he also had a young son. A GoFundMe made in Daniel Terry Williams' full name aims to raise money for his funeral expenses.





Original article source: Alabama dad allegedly tortured, killed in prison left eerie final Facebook post weeks before planned release
FILE- Nancy Dahlstrom looks on as Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks to reporters on Monday, May 23, 2022, at the Alaska Division of Elections office in Anchorage, Alaska. Alaska Republican Lt. Gov. Dahlstrom announced Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, that she plans to join the race for the state's only U.S. House seat, which is currently held by Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP)  Alaska Republican Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom is joining the race for the state's only U.S. House seat, which is currently held by Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola, .

Dahlstrom, who announced her campaign Tuesday, joins Republican Nick Begich III in seeking to challenge Peltola next year.

Peltola won a special election and a regular election last year for the seat, becoming the first Alaska Native to serve in Congress. The seat had been held for 49 years by Republican Don Young, who died in March 2022. Begich unsuccessfully ran in the 2022 House races, which also featured former Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin.

Alaska has an open primary system in which the top four vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, advance to the general election. Ranked choice voting is used in the general election. Voters approved the change to the elections process in 2020, and the first elections under that system were held last year.

Dahlstrom, a former state lawmaker, plans to continue in her role as lieutenant governor, which she was elected to last year as part of a ticket with Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy. Part of the lieutenant governor's job is overseeing elections.

In a statement, Dahlstrom said Alaska needs a proven tough fighter to stop the assault on Alaska from Joe Biden and Washington D.C. liberals. Alaska political leaders have often been at odds with the administration on resource development issues.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A man accused in a deadly road rage shooting on a Columbus interstate faced a judge Wednesday morning.

According to court records, Tony Brock, 37, of Columbus, was arraigned on a charge of murder in Franklin County Municipal Court and was issued a $500,000 bond.

Tattoo leads to arrest after drive-by shooting at Beechcroft High School

Brock is accused of fatally shooting Bret Bennett, 52, after police received reports that a man driving a black pickup truck shot at a person in a maroon Subaru on Interstate 670 eastbound. Officers arrived at the scene, between North 4th Street and Cleveland Avenue, at 5:02 p.m. after Bennett was shot.

Bennett was taken to Grant Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 5:26 p.m.

Photo of the vehicle police believe to be involved in the shooting.

Surveillance cameras and license plate readers led authorities to the pickup truck at an address in the 1300 block of Loretta Avenue, in North Linden. Brock, through his attorney, admitted to detectives that he was the shooter. He told police where a gun was located and they arrested him Tuesday.

Police have not released information on what led to the shooting.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
A suspected Russian smuggling ring has been charged with sending prohibited electronics worth millions of dollars from the United States to be used in making guided missiles and tanks for the war in Ukraine, according to an indictment unsealed Tuesday.

Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn accuse two men and one woman of sending semiconductors, circuits and dual-use electronic components worth about $10 million, to Russia through front companies based in Brooklyn, New York.

They are Salimdzhon Nasriddinov, 52, a dual Russian-Tajikistan citizen, who lives in Brooklyn, Kristina Puzyreva, 32, and Nikolay Goltsev, 37, both Russian-Canadians from Montreal.

Four more Russians are also charged with involvement in the alleged scheme.

Nasriddinov was arrested in Brooklyn on Oct. 31 while the others were arrested at a Manhattan hotel prior to a planned meeting with him the same day.

They are charged with conspiracy and other charges related to what prosecutors called a "global procurement scheme on behalf of sanctioned Russian entities, including companies affiliated with the Russian military," according to a news release.

The indictment said that on Feb. 23, Nasriddinov texted Goltsev to wish him "Happy Defender of The Fatherland," referring to the holiday celebrating the armed forces in Russia and some neighboring countries.

Goltsev allegedly replied: "Happy holiday to you too my friend, we are defending it in the way that we can [smile emoji]."

The suspected are accused of shipping items to Turkey, Hong Kong, India, China, and the United Arab Emirates from where they would then be sent to Russia.

In November 2022, the suspects discussed via text messages how shipping to Russia had become "dangerous" and said a shipment of electronics had been detained at JFK Airport, the indictment said.

"I dont really understand how they figured [it] out," Goltsev said in one message.

"As alleged, the defendants evaded sanctions, shipping equipment to Russia vital for their precision-guided weapons systems, some of which has been used on the battlefield in Ukraine," said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace in the news release.

Ivan J. Arvelo, special agent in charge of Homeland Security investigations in New York, said the group was accused of sending some 300 separate shipments of restricted items destined for the battlefield, "to support the Kremlin in its ongoing attacks of Ukraine."

The U.S. has tough economic sanctions against a long list of companies and individuals linked to Russias war in Ukraine, and doing business with them is a criminal offense.

But the indictment alleges that the suspects used two U.S. companies  SH Brothers Inc and SN Electronics Inc  to send electronics to sanctioned companies in Russia.

Goltsev would make orders on behalf of Russian defense sector clients, buying items from U.S. manufacturers and distributors using names such as "Nick Stevens" or "Gio Ross," the authorities said. The goods were then sent to multiple locations in Brooklyn.

The Department of Commerce said the components were "of the highest concern due to their critical role in the production of advanced Russian precision-guided weapons systems."

The same parts shipped by these companies have been seen in seized Russian weapons and signals technology, the indictment said, including radio reconnaissance devices, a light multi-purpose guided missile, an airborne counter missile system, drones and tanks.

The grinding war in Ukraine is approaching its second anniversary in February and has claimed thousands of lives on both sides, as huge levels of U.S. funding continues to fuel disagreement in Washington. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told NBC News' "Meet the Press" earlier this month that the conflict was not a "stalemate."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Seattle detectives are investigating after a man was reportedly shot by a thief trying to steal his car in the Central District.

Police dispatch got a call saying a man was shot in the 800 block of Rainier Avenue South just before 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

When officers arrived, they found a 55-year-old man who had been shot in the arm.

According to reports, the victim had left his vehicle running when the thief got into the car. The man then tried to stop the suspect before being shot.

The suspect then drove a short distance before chasing the freshly stolen vehicle. He was then picked up in another vehicle before escaping.

The Seattle Fire Department took the victim to Harborview Medical Center who is in stable condition.

Police have recovered the stolen vehicle, however, the shooting suspect has not been caught.

If anyone has information, police ask that you contact the Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000.
New Delhi  At least 36 people were killed and 19 injured Wednesday when a passenger bus fell into a gorge in northern India's mountainous Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir state. The accident happened on a hilly road on the Batote-Kishtwar national highway, about 123 miles southeast of the region's main city of Srinagar.

The bus, carrying 55 people, was on the way to southern Jammu city from Kishtwar town when it skidded off the road and plunged more than 600 feet into a gorge.

An aerial image from video provided by police in India's Jammu and Kashmir state shows, at lower left, a bus that crashed off a road (at right) and then 600 feet down a gorge, leaving at least 36 people dead on Nov. 15, 2023. / Credit: JAMMU AND KASHMIR POLICE HANDOUT

"Unfortunately, 36 persons have died and 19 are injured, out of whom six injured are serious," Indian federal minister Dr. Jitendra Singh said.

Authorities were preparing to airlift the injured victims to a hospital in Jammu city.

Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi voiced their grief over the deadly road accident.

"I am deeply saddened by the news of the unfortunate death of several passengers in a bus accident in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. I express my condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured," President Murmu said in a post on the social media platform X.

"The bus accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir is distressing," Modi said, offering his "condolences to the families who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest."

Modi's government also announced that the families of those killed in the crash would receive compensation of 200,000 Indian rupees (about $2,400) and those of injured victims would get 50,000 rupees (about $600).

Road accidents are common in India's mountainous Himalayan region. A similar bus crash in the neighboring district of Kishtwar in 2019 left 33 people dead. That same year, 44 people died when a bus lost control on a hilly road in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh and tumbled down a hill.

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The firm was relying on large orders to supply HS2 but these have been delayed, along with the wider project

More than 1,300 jobs have been put at risk at the UK's biggest rail assembly factory.

Alstom is consulting on job losses at its Litchurch Lane factory in Derby, which has no confirmed workload beyond the first quarter of 2024.

Work on trains for HS2 is scheduled to start at the site in late 2026 but there is a gap in orders from early next year.

The BBC understands 550 permanent jobs and 780 temporary jobs are at risk.

An Alstom spokesperson said the company had been working with the government over the past six months in a bid to secure a "sustainable future" for the factory.

"No committed way forward has yet been found and therefore it is with deep regret that we must now begin to plan for a significant reduction in activity at Derby by entering a period of collective consultation on potential redundancies at Litchurch Lane," they said.

Alstom's Litchurch Lane factory in Derby has no confirmed workload beyond the first quarter of 2024

They continued: "We will fully support our dedicated colleagues during this exceptionally difficult time.

"We look forward to fulfilling our commitments on HS2 and successfully competing for rolling stock opportunities across the UK in the future.

"We remain open-minded as to the future of non-production functions located at Litchurch Lane and to potential future alternative uses for the Derby site.

"We will begin an extensive review of options, and will fully involve our stakeholders in this process."

Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk.
Not since the glory days of the B&O Railroad has Baltimore been so much in the limelight of railroading as it has recently. Last week, it was President Joe Bidens announcement of $16.4 billion in spending on Amtraks Northeast Corridor, a big chunk of which is headed to Charm City. On Monday, top Biden administration officials were back to talk with Gov. Wes Moore about a secondary benefit of all that spending including the $4.7 billion committed to create a new Frederick Douglass Tunnel through Baltimore  the chance to put a lot of young people on the right track toward high-paying transportation jobs (as a workforce hub) connected to such public investment.

But theres another, less high-profile, opportunity linked to this historic improvement of passenger rail service between Washington, D.C., and Boston: a moment to help spare the planet from the worst effects of climate change that may require nothing more than asking employers in Maryland and elsewhere along Amtraks busiest route to act in their own self-interest.

What must employers do? Tell their workers to conduct business-related travel by train and not airplane. With faster speeds (and lower emissions) from electrification and the replacement of bottlenecks like the old Baltimore and Potomac Tunnel near Penn Station, the travel times will likely be comparable  or even better on shorter hops. Thats especially true when you factor center-city stations instead of remote airports. But add to that internet connectivity so workers can keep tapping away on their laptops as they speed through Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York and onward, and you have a net gain.

But heres the best part: Experts estimate that switching from jets to trains can reduce that employees carbon footprint by a lot. Like a lot a lot.

The Travel Smart Campaign, a global outreach effort supported in the United States by the Rail Passengers Association and the environmental advocacy group Stand.earth among others, has estimated that a trip from Washington to New York by jet results in 173 kilograms (381.4 pounds) of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere per passenger, while the same journey by train results in just 4.73 kilograms (10.4 pounds), which is about 92% less. Yet the group found in a survey of 322 companies that few  just 28  had taken steps to encourage employees to travel by rail.

Addressing climate change one passenger at a time may sound like something of a slog, but it adds up fast. Business travel represents about 1 in 5 trips in the global air travel field. And the transportation sector is the single biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, ranking even higher than power plants.

Advocates at Travel Smart recommend employers set targets to switch from air to rail, then outright mandate employees use rail for shorter trips, like Baltimore to New York, for example. They might also provide an incentive like allowing first-class travel on rail but not on planes. Granting workers who choose rail some extra time off is also a recommended strategy, as is giving employees who are working on their laptops while traveling by train credit for being on the job during those hours. That last one might be enough to get workers back in the office.

We would go further and suggest that employers who make significant progress on this front, by, say, converting a certain number of miles traveled from air to rail, get some kind of independent green rating. Consumers might be inclined to support companies that are mindful of their environmental impact. Wouldnt it be nice to hire a financial adviser or estate lawyer or accountant who was smart enough to help save the planet?

Obviously, switching to trains alone wont fix global warming. People are still going to have to make some difficult decisions about how they live, work, eat and play if the U.S. and other countries are to meet long-term emission goals. But switching to trains when possible would seem like one of the easiest steps to take and, especially in Baltimore, the biggest win-win available as we encourage passenger rail growth. Baltimore is already the nations seventh busiest Amtrak rail stop with D.C. in second place and Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshalls train stop at 13. So, heres a final call for all that job creation that comes with it.

All aboard!

Baltimore Sun editorial writers offer opinions and analysis on news and issues relevant to readers. They operate separately from the newsroom.
November is National Adoption Month and one Jacksonville couple is ready to grow their family.

Its like it was always meant to be, said Robert Thompson, a new parent.

AJ and Robert aways knew they wanted to become parents.

Its always been a very organic conversation in our household, said AJ Rodriguez, a new parent.

The couple got married 9 years ago.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

We constantly have been feeling like we were missing something, and its been whats missing in our household, said AJ.

And finally, theyve found that missing piece to complete their family. AJ and Robert first met 14-year-old Jacquez this past Mothers Day weekend.

The first time we met him, we loved him immediately, said Robert. Hes been in the foster care system for almost 2 years.

The couple said back in June, Jacquez moved into their home, and now five months later, it will be his home forever.

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ReaAJ and Robert are just one of about 5 local families planning to finalize their adoptions at the Duval County Courthouse on Friday.

We are very excited to just get it on paper, said AJ.

The Family Support Services of Duval and Nassau counties is continuing the work to find children in the foster care system their forever families.

Jodi Pliska, the adoptions manager, said right now the need is for teenagers. Adding there are around 250 area teenagers in out-of-home care.

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So many of our teenagers are facing aging out of foster care and not having a place to call home and not having a place to go back home for thanksgiving, said Jodi

And that forever home just before the holidays, is so special for AJ and Robert as new parents.

Our house is complete, we have a dog, we have a kid, we have each other, said AJ. We are able to give him the support that he needs so he can grow into the person that hes meant to be.

For more information on Family Support Services click here.

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.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Authorities are investigating after an ambulance responding to a call collided with another vehicle Tuesday evening in Salt Lake City.

The Salt Lake City Police Department said the crash happened near the intersection of 2700 South and 700 East, in the Sugar House neighborhood.

2 killed, 1 hurt in plane crash near Provo

The ambulance had its lights and sirens on headed to a call when the crash happened, police said, in a social media post.

Pictures taken at the scene show the crash caused the United Fire Authority ambulance to fall onto its side. No patient was inside the vehicle, police say, only a fire crew.

The other vehicle involved in the crash, an SUV, sustained significant front-end damage, the images show.

While police did not say how many people were involved in the crash, they said that the injuries suffered were minor.

The crash remains under investigation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Just as first lady Tammy Murphy formally kicked off her Democratic U.S. Senate campaign Wednesday morning, rival Andy Kims campaign and progressives sought to dispel any potential aura of inevitability that shell be the partys nominee.

And the incumbent but indicted Democrat they are both seeking to replace, Sen. Bob Menendez, immediately attacked her and Gov. Phil Murphy while stopping short of saying he'll run again in 2024.

A little over an hour after Tammy Murphys announcement, the Kim campaign released a poll conducted on its behalf showing him with a 2-to-1 lead over Murphy in the Senate primary. And about two dozen progressive activists in an organization called the Fair Vote Alliance released a letter decrying Murphys early support in the Democratic Party as nepotism and asking Democratic leaders to discard the states county line system thats expected to give Murphy favorable ballot placement.

Lets be clear, if her name was Tammy Johnson, we would not be having this conversation. It is because Tammy Murphy is married to the Governor, read the Fair Vote Alliances letter.



Context: Tammy Murphy and Kim are the most high-profile candidates running to replace Menendez (D-N.J.), whos been indicted on federal charges of bribery, conspiracy and acting as an unregistered foreign agent for the Egyptian government. Menendez has yet to say if hell run for reelection, though hed be a long shot as most Democratic Party leaders have called for his resignation and his popularity in a recent poll plummeted to the single digits.

Tammy Murphy, 58, has been first lady since 2018 and has taken a more active role in her husbands administration than previous first spouses. In her campaign announcement, she emphasized her role in combating maternal mortality and inserting climate change lessons into school curriculum.

Kim, a 41-year-old former diplomat and Rhodes scholar who returned to his home county of Burlington in 2018 to flip a Republican House seat in an anti-Trump wave, has appealed to progressives and developed a reputation as a relatively low-key but canny politician. A photo of him helping to clean up the U.S. Capitol after the Jan. 6 riots became an iconic image.

Due to her husbands position and the contacts shes made as a Democratic fundraiser, Tammy Murphy is expected to have the support of most of the states Democratic establishment. Outgoing state Sen. Richard Codey (D-Essex) endorsed her before she formally began running, while South Jersey Democratic power broker George Norcross suggested shed have party support in most of the southern half of the state.

The poll: In the Kim campaign-commissioned survey of 560 likely Democratic primary voters, the Democratic firm Public Policy Polling found Kim with 40 percent support, Murphy with 21 percent and Menendez with 5 percent.

The poll, which was conducted in the two days leading up to Murphys announcement, found Democratic voters have similar views of Kim and Murphy, with Murphy slightly more well-known. Forty-five percent had a favorable view of Kim while 5 percent had an unfavorable one; 50 percent were not sure. Tammy Murphy was seen favorably by 50 percent, unfavorably by 9 percent and 42 percent werent sure. By contrast, just 10 percent had a positive view of Menendez. (POLITICO has requested the polls crosstabs and more details on its methodology.)

The line: Most New Jersey county Democratic and Republican parties award candidates the county line, which places chosen candidates on the primary ballot with every other party-backed candidate from president to town council. A study by a Rutgers professor Julia Sass Rubin found that the ballot structure gave substantial advantage to party-backed candidates.

We stand against anti-democratic actions that dampen voter turnout and lead to noncompetitive and unfair primary elections, the Fair Vote Alliance wrote. Above all, we ask for Democratic leaders and county clerks to provide us with a fair ballot, giving no candidate preferential position on the ballot.



Menendez's response: New Jersey's senior senator issued a statement that all but declared war on the Murphys, who had been strong backers of his until his indictment. The governor was among the chorus of Democrats calling on him to resign, and Menendez on Wednesday suggested it was for other reasons than his alleged crimes.

"When Phil Murphy rushed to judgement and called on me to resign, it was clear he had a personal, vested interest in doing so at the expense of core democratic principles  the presumption of innocence and due process. Governor Murphy has said he wont appoint his wife to the seat, but why would he since there was never a need to?" Menendez said in a statement. "They believe they have to answer to nobody, but I am confident that the people of New Jersey will push back against this blatant maneuver at disenfranchisement."

Menendez then called into question the Democratic credentials of Tammy Murphy, a longtime former Republican. He also criticized the governor's past comment on taxes and his administration's poor handling of Covid-19 in state-run veterans homes, according to the Justice Department.

"While Tammy Murphy was a card-carrying Republican for years, I was working to elect Democrats up and down the ballot and fighting in Washington to deliver for hardworking families in New Jersey. Mrs. Murphy will need to explain why she and the Governor believe that if taxes are your issue, New Jersey is not your state. Doesn't every family and small business owner deserve tax relief and the ability to afford the state they call home?" he said.

"She will need to finally address why so many veterans died in state-run nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic and why the state hasn't fully implemented a tutoring program to address learning losses with federal funding I brought back to New Jersey."

A spokesperson for Tammy Murphy did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) said he had not planned to run for Senate before Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) was indicted on bribery charges in September.

Kim told MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell in a Tuesday interview that the state is at a breaking point with Menendez in the aftermath of the indictment, which caused him to join the race.

The idea of doing a statewide campaign was not top of mind, but its because of my kids that I feel its so important right now to step up and do what we can to restore integrity into our politics, he said.

Kim cited a survey that found an overwhelming majority of New Jersey residents believe their politicians are corrupt, and polls consistently show people nationwide have declining trust in government.

We cannot survive as a democracy if were just eroding this kind of trust and having this lack of faith in our elected leaders, he said.

Kim announced his candidacy for Menendezs seat just one day after the longtime senator was indicted following allegations that he and his wife accepted more than $600,000 in bribes from a few New Jersey businessmen in exchange for favors to them. The favors allegedly included Menendez putting pressure on state officials to end or slow investigations into the businessmen or their allies.

Many Democrats, including Kim and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, called on Menendez to step down from his office. Menendez has denied the allegations and vowed to stay in office, saying hes not going anywhere.

Kim, a three-term congressman, formally launched his challenge to Menendez last week.

Kims interview with ODonnell came one day before another notable primary challenger joined the race  New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy. She said in her announcement that Washington is filled with too many people more interested in getting rich  than getting things done for you, an apparent jab at Menendez.

Murphys entrance into the race could set up a highly competitive primary for the safe blue seat. The first lady has been a regular presence at the governors events during his tenure and has taken an active role on issues like maternal health and climate change.

Kim, 41, told ODonnell he would be one of the youngest senators in the country when a hunger exists for new generational leadership who has a national security background and is earnest about wanting to serve. He noted that he won in a congressional district that former President Trump won twice.

I can build coalitions. I can build bridges, and I do feel like I can be someone that can unite the party and put forward a new face and be able to have that fresh start in New Jersey, he said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
BRADENTON, Fla. - As part of a bid to dissolve Anna Maria Island's three island cities and absorb roughly $6 billion in taxable property value, Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth says she's been informed that a possible annexation of the island into the neighboring city of Bradenton will be included in the Anna Maria Island consolidation study being conducted by the Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA).

For context, Anna Maria Island, which is only seven miles long, is made up of three separate cities: Anna Maria to the north, Bradenton Beach to the south, and Holmes Beach in the middle. Each city has its own police department, city commission and mayor, but this could change depending on the results of the consolidation study ordered by the Florida Legislature in late October.

There has been a push since the beginning of the year for state lawmakers to consider combining the island's three cities for tax purposes. Republican state representative Will Robinson of Bradenton is leading the effort.

"I think its time that the legislature just study the issue," Robinson said in January, "and I ask that this delegation make a motion to bring back a study - should we continue to have three cities? Is that economically feasible?"

File: Anna Maria Island

During this year's legislative session, lawmakers paved the way for OPPAGA to conduct the study. Prior to Titsworth's November 9 statement regarding Bradenton potentially annexing the three cities, it was assumed that consolidation would entail either combining the three island cities into a single Anna Maria Island government or annexing them into Manatee County and dissolving their existing municipalities.

READ: Anna Maria Island residents do not like state leader's idea of merging cities to make way for a parking garage

The island cities currently have some of the lowest millage rates in the county- less than half those of unincorporated Manatee County or the city of Bradenton.

"The biggest concern I have with this study is that neither the residents nor city officials asked for it," Titsworth said in her statement. "They were not consulted about the development of the scope and remain unaware of the motivations behind this emboldened act of the legislature. It is my understanding that we are the only coastal cities in Florida being threatened by consolidation, though we may not be the last as there have been more than 80 bills passed by the state legislature in recent years that have greatly diluted home rule."

File: Anna Maria Island

It is unclear what the path forward looks like if state leaders move to consolidate, especially when it is an act not supported by the cities and citizens which are directly impacted. Is a referendum by the people even necessary when the decision is made at the state level? Is the governor tasked to appoint a board to write a new charter, zoning districts, comprehensive plan, and land development codes? Is a new charter even needed, or will one city absorb the others, and if so, which city? Will the new board respect current density and height restrictions? If there is a new charter, are the grandfathered minimum length of stay restrictions for resort housing to be preserved or will they be removed, turning neighborhoods into motels?

READ: Man injured after being bitten by shark off Anna Maria Island: Officials

Anna Maria Island is known for being one of the best destinations in the world to visit and a paradise to reside in. I urge all citizens to pay attention to decisions being made at the local and state level. Do these leaders have your best interests at heart? These decisions will have a profound effect on quality-of-life issues. Our unique small-town identities and a century of history could soon be lost to consolidation and to the neighboring City of Bradenton."

The consolidation study is expected to be completed by July 2024, with researchers presenting their results to lawmakers, who would then decide whether to publish the report and make it available to the cities and to the public.
Another monument to the Russian poet Alexander Pushkin has been demolished in Kyiv, Kyiv City Councilor Dmitriy Belotserkovets has said, posting photos and videos of the removal of the statue on Facebook on Nov. 15.

"Pushkin is gone! wrote Belotserkovets.

Read also: Ukraine passes bill removing protected status of Soviet monuments

Only at the end of the second year of the war did the Cabinet of Ministers realize that Pushkin is not a part of Ukrainian culture and officials agreed to the Kyiv initiative to demolish this monument. And for that, thank you. We're demolishing it!"

After the start of the full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine, the monument to Pushkin near Kyiv Polytechnic Institute park was repeatedly doused with paint and inscriptions were left on it demanding its demolition.

Read also: Cabinet authorizes dismantling of monuments to Shchors and Pushkin in Kyiv

In May, a petition with such a call collected the required number of signatures. However, the Kyiv authorities stated that they could not demolish objects with the status of a national monument without a government decision.

Across Ukraine, as part of the decolonization process, dozens of monuments and busts of Pushkin and other Russian and Soviet figures have been demolished during the war.

Monuments to Pushkin have been prominent among those targeted because some of the works of the Russian poet glorify Russian imperialism.

Read also:

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Anthony Joshua, left, and Otto Wallin during a press conference at OVO Arena, Wembley, London, Wednesday Nov. 15, 2023. Former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will face Otto Wallin of Sweden on Dec. 23 in Saudi Arabia, promoters said on Wednesday. (Adam Davy/PA via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

LONDON (AP)  Former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will face Otto Wallin of Sweden on Dec. 23 in Saudi Arabia, promoters said Wednesday.

The date was initially set for an undisputed heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk but that bout was postponed after Fury barely beat Francis Ngannou last month.

Deontay Wilder, who lost his WBC belt to Fury in 2020, is scheduled to fight former champion Joseph Parker on the undercard next month in Riyadh.

The 34-year-old Joshua last fought in August when the Briton beat Finland's Robert Helenius in a seventh-round stoppage at the O2 Arena in London.

Joshua and Wilder  both looking for another title shot  could fight each other next if they win in Saudi Arabia. Fury and Usyk are expected to fight in early 2024.

I cant predict the future, but I know what I want to do, Joshua said at a press conference. I believe Im going to be a three-time heavyweight champion and the first step is to put a demolition job on Otto Wallin.

The 32-year-old Wallin's only loss was to Fury in a 12-round unanimous decision in 2019.

Joshua lost his WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight belts to Usyk in 2021 and was defeated in their rematch last year.

___

AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports
Hate groups and far-right internet trolls have seized on the tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas war, while leveraging advances in artificial intelligence to further stoke antisemitism in the United States.

The confluence of the conflict and the rapid development  and sheer accessibility  of AI tools have allowed antisemitic groups to weaponize the technology, creating images and audio that are used to harass the Jewish community, according to experts who track online extremism.

Weve seen a real concerning ideological convergence between far-right communities online and pro-Hamas sentiment, said Ben Decker, CEO of Memetica, a threat analysis company that monitors online hate.

The activity is on law enforcements radar as antisemitism remains on the rise nationwide: A 316% increase in antisemitic incidents has hit the US since the October 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel, compared to the same period last year, according to preliminary data released Monday by the Anti-Defamation League.

Just days after the war between Israel and Hamas began, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security warned of threats against Jewish, Muslim and Arab-American communities, noting that antisemitism and anti-Islamic sentiment permeates many violent extremist ideologies and serves as a primary driver for attacks by a diverse set of violent extremists.

The heads of both agencies are expected to address the issue of domestic extremism in a hearing on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. FBI Director Christopher Wray has already indicated that antisemitism is reaching historic levels in the US, and a police bulletin obtained by CNN indicates that DHS has compiled information on racist and hate groups in the US celebrating attacks on the Jewish community.

Members of the National Justice Party (NJP), an antisemitic group, demonstrated outside the White House last month praising Hamas. - National Justice Party

Artificial intelligence, real hate

Users of the notorious hate-filled, far-right online forum 4chan quickly began celebrating the October 7 attack, in what Memetica describes as convergence of Hamas and White supremacist ideologies.

Although paradoxical that White supremacists would be supportive of an Islamic terrorist group, Decker says the White supremacists hatred of Jewish people outranks all else.

Karen Dunn, an attorney who sued the people responsible for the violence at the deadly 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, told CNN the hate groups hate everybody, but they hate the Jews the most.

Antisemitism is a commonality that can unite multiple different and competing hate groups, which can then metastasize into hate directed at others, she said.

Thats what we saw in Charlottesville, Dunn said. The weekend started with Jews will not replace us, but ended with racially motivated violence against all groups.

Decker noted the effectiveness of Hamas strategy to publicize its terrorist attack on social media, despite most major platforms banning the terror group. Its already substantial following on Telegram, the social media messaging app, skyrocketed after the October 7 attacks.

There are all of these layers of coordination, Decker explained. You have the fighters who are sharing the footage in near real-time with the social media operators. Then, you have that content being posted to Telegram.

That content will sometimes make its way onto major platforms like Meta and YouTube before it is removed. But, Decker said, 4chan users help this terroristic content proliferate.

These 4chan communities are actually reuploading the videos and archiving them so they can continue to share them online for years to come, he said.

In recent weeks, 4chan users have shared instructions to use AI image generation tools that are freely available online to create antisemitic depictions of Jewish people, leaning into old tropes of them as evil or greedy puppet masters, according to Memetica.

The trolls are encouraged to create images on the AI generation tool of their choosing and to spread them across the internet. Specific instructions are posted on how to create the images using Microsoft Bings new AI image tool.

While Microsoft and other AI platforms have rules and some guardrails in place to try to stop their technology from being used to create such images, trolls have figured workarounds. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon recently showed CNN how AI technology can be tricked into doing things it shouldnt do.

The issue is those policies and mechanisms in place are really easy to game and circumvent, Decker said. Its exposed a real Achilles heel in the next wave of content moderation, particularly as it relates to image.

A Microsoft spokesperson told CNN in a statement, We believe the creation of reliable and inclusive AI technologies is critical and something we take very seriously. The company prohibits the creation of harmful content and is investigating reports of antisemitic content.

A fake call

Hi, Im Jon Greenblatt and Im the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, the voice on the October 25 call said. Indeed, it sounded just like Jonathan Greenblatt, head of the ADL, one of the countrys best-known organizations that fights antisemitism.

But the voice, which had called into a city council meeting in Calabasas, California, soon began promoting the work of an antisemitic hate group known as the Goyim Defense League (GDL). The group has created antisemitic fliers that have been disseminated in neighborhoods across the country.

Despite sounding like Greenblatt, the voice was, of course, not really his. It was generated using new AI software that can mimic peoples voices.

Not bad It might not sound the smoothest of AI, but its one of the first, Jon Minadeo, the leader of the GDL hate network, said during a video stream while watching a recording of the call made to the Calabasas city council. Well keep perfecting it.

After the AI call concluded, other antisemitic callers dialed into the meeting, including one with the name that, when read aloud, sounded like Jew destroyer.

The citys mayor, David Shapiro, intervened, saying, We arent going to allow that kind of communication and hate speech in this city, and especially now.

Many city councils across the country began allowing citizens to call into meetings during Covid-19 and have recently been plagued by antisemitic callers.

These calls are not limited to California; the extremists have hijacked city council meetings in states such as Iowa, Massachusetts, and Oregon. They have also disrupted online events, including Alcoholics Anonymous gatherings and police commissioner meetings, often adopting pseudonyms connected to the Third Reich. In some instances, callers claim their address is 88, a numerical code for Heil Hitler.

There is a growing trend in which extremists use AI to manipulate, distort and malign not only ADL but other Jews, an ADL spokesperson told CNN.

A CNN review of one GDL associate, for example, found at least 8 social media posts employing voice manipulation since October 7. These videos superimposed sound over various subjects, including local anchors, Jewish politicians, and famous broadcasters.

On the streets

Antisemitic fliers were found around Fairfax, Virginia, last month. - WJLA

While such groups have been quick to adopt high-tech hate strategies, theyre still employing an old-fashioned, but effective, way of spreading antisemitic messaging: fliers.

The GDLs fliers  that repeat age-old tropes about Jewish people  have shown up in neighborhoods across the country. The ADLs Center on Extremism has counted more than 284 instances of the hateful fliers like those referenced in Calabasas being distributed in 35 different states across the country this year, according to Carla Hill, the groups senior investigative research director.

Last month, the GDL also projected antisemitic messages on CNN Center in Atlanta.

Minadeo, the hate groups leader, was sentenced this month to 30 days behind bars in Florida, after distributing the antisemitic fliers. While hate speech is protected by the First Amendment, littering is not: Prosecutors in Palm Beach County successfully brought litter charges against the antisemite. He plans on appealing the conviction, according to his attorney.

Since the October 7 attack on Israel, hate groups also have attempted to latch onto the pro-Palestinian movement to push their own antisemitism-promoting agenda.

Members of the National Justice Party (NJP)  an antisemitic group that was set up by people who participated in the Unite the Right rally  demonstrated outside the White House last month praising Hamas.

In Missoula, Montana, pro-Palestine demonstrators chanted go home Nazis when a White supremacist group showed up at their demonstration.

Antisemitism isnt the only form of hate that has seen a public uptick in the US since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.

The Department of Homeland Security has noted how some US extremists see the violence committed by Muslims abroad as an excuse to target the Muslim community in the US, according to a police bulletin obtained by CNN.

That bulletin noted multiple incidents in October of anonymous calls to mosques and an Islamic school in Arizona that spewed threatening or vulgar language. The bulletin further described an increase in calls from members of the public reporting suspicious persons who they claim  based solely on race, religion or country of origin, may be involved in terrorist activities.

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Tensions flared on Capitol Hill when a sitting U.S. senator engaged in a heated exchange with a union advocate during a committee hearing on labor issues.

The confrontation escalated to the point where Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders had to step in as a referee, defusing the situation and preventing the confrontation from becoming physical.

Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin took the mic to blast Teamsters president Sean OBrien regarding personal attacks he made against him in June 2023. The labor advocate called Mullin greedy and a fraud who fakes like he is tough.

Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, upper left, Teamsters president Sean OBrien, lower left and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders (Photos: YouTube screenshot/C-Span)

OBrien was at the Tuesday, Nov. 14, hearing, at Sanderss invitation, to testify to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee about how unions are improving the lives of working families. Sanders, the committee chairman, might not have been aware of the previous contentious feelings between the union rep and the Oklahoma senator.

Mullin read one of five tweets directly targeting him, reading out loud, Greedy CEO who pretends like hes self-made. In reality, its just a clown & fraud. Always has been, always will be.

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 pic.twitter.com/JNvT7IsA6m  Sean M. O'Brien (@TeamsterSOB) June 21, 2023

Mullin explained as he read the tweet that he was far from a fraud.

I wish you was in the truck with me when I was building my plumbing company, myself, and my wife was running the office because I should remember working pretty hard and long hours, he said.

As he continued to go over the tweet, he landed on the ending: Quit the tough guy act in these senate hearings. You know where to find me. Anyplace, Anytime cowboy. #LittleManSyndrome.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

Without skipping a beat, he said, 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 if you want to run your mouth. We can be two consenting adults. We can finish it here.

OBrien continued to sit at his designated spot as a guest in the hearing and simply said, OK, thats fine, perfect.

You want to do it now? the former mixed martial arts fighter-turned-politician said.

Id love to do it now, OBrien replied, to which Mullin did not hesitate to say, Then stand your butt up then.

Instead of standing, OBrien told him, You stand your butt up, big guy.

Just as Mullin hopped on his feet, Sanders, the former presidential candidate and committee chair, intervened, reminding the two men where they were.

Hold it. No, no, no, sit down. Sit down! Youre a United States senator, Sanders said as he banged his gavel to establish order. Sit down, please.

This is a hearing. God knows the American people have enough contempt for Congress, lets not  Sanders continued but was cut off by Mullin and OBrien, who tossed potshots at each other.

The back and forth then escalated, with the 46-year-old Mullin challenging OBrien to a real cage match with the proceeds going to charity.

The elder statesman intervened again, saying, Excuse me, hold it. Sen. Mullin, I have the mic. If you have questions on any economic issues or anything that was said, go for it. Were not here to talk about physical abuse.

After the hearing, Mullin was firm on his position and did not apologize to the union leader or the public for his conduct.

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, I answered his call. Period, the GOP rising star said, according to The Hill.

Mullin was also asked if he believed he should be held to a higher standard because he is a member of the Senate.

Im still a guy, the husband and father of six said. He called me. He said it. I just answered the bell. That was all.

Mullin, the first Native American senator in almost two decades and the second Cherokee Nation citizen elected to the Senate boasts a diverse entrepreneurial portfolio with businesses like Mullin Properties, Mullin Farms, Mullin Services, and Mullin Plumbing.

His estimated net worth ranges from $31.6 million to $75.6 million. Notably, he is the sole current serving senator without a bachelors degree.
By Max A. Cherney, Matt McKnight and Carlos Barria

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) -A demonstrator draped in a Free Tibet flag climbed a flagpole in front of the hotel where Chinese President Xi Jinping was due to meet with U.S. CEOs on Wednesday evening, capping a day of demonstrations against, and for, the Chinese leader.

Protesters of the Israel-Hamas war, critics of the global response to climate change and other causes all turned out for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in San Francisco, where global leaders and CEOs offered tempting targets.

The day began with a couple of hundred protesters obstructing San Francisco streets and entrances to the convention center area for the meetings.

But the focus of demonstrators shifted more towards anti- and pro-China during the day.

Hundreds of critics of Xi marched through downtown around noon, a major protest against the leader. They moved through the city's center, chanting "free Tibet" and "free Hong Kong."

Headed by a police escort, the peaceful group - which stretched for multiple city blocks - blocked one of the main downtown thoroughfares, as it moved in a slow circle around the convention center's perimeter.

We can say beyond a reasonable doubt that this will be the largest anti-Xi protest during the bilateral talks hosted here in the United States in the history of Xi Jinpings time as a dictator of China, Pema Doma, executive director of Students for a Free Tibet, said early in the day.

Still, local television showed crowds welcoming Xi, waving huge Chinese and American flags, as well as posters of the two flags together, along a highway south of San Francisco where the presidents met. Some protesters also lined that route.

And in the evening, ahead of the meeting between Xi and U.S. CEOs, supporters and protesters initially both lined the street. That is where the flagpole climber took the message of Free Tibet up the pole.

By midevening, a couple hundred pro-China supporters dominated the block, singing and waving flags.

Demonstrators for non-Chinese causes have been active since at least Sunday, some crowds stretching for blocks. The group early on Wednesday formed a human chain that prevented some conference attendees from walking through the intersection.

"I'm actually kind of impressed by the fact that there's so few people here and they've actually kind of gummed up the works a little bit," said Gary Hughes from the advocacy group Biofuelwatch.

Protesters held signs that said "War criminals out of SF" and "From Palestine to the Philippines stop the US war machine."

Police donned protective helmets, but there were no major clashes.

San Francisco has cleaned up downtown streets for the meeting, and it had prepared for potential confrontation with demonstrators: eight-foot-high (2.4-meter-high) metal mesh barriers have been erected to keep people on sidewalks from interfering with vehicle traffic near the convention center.

The potential for disruptions around the summit site, portions of which were shut to vehicles and foot traffic, led the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to designate the meeting a national special security event, putting the U.S. Secret Service in charge of coordination of policing agencies.

(Additional reporting by Ann Saphir and Loren Elliott; Writing By Peter Henderson; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Stephen Coates)
Patricia Steckler wrote an impassioned commentary in favor of peace in Gaza (Another war, another forced relocation. Why cant we make room for peace on this vast planet? Nov. 13). She specifically wrote about the evil of forced dislocation. She compared the forced dislocation of the civilians in Gaza to the Trail of Tears. This comparison shows great disrespect for Native Americans.

The Trail of Tears was a forced dislocation of over a thousand miles on foot. The dislocation in Gaza would have been a bus or car ride of no more than a few hours for each dislocated person if Hamas, the government of the people of Gaza, had allowed it to happen.

The Israeli government could have attacked all of Gaza leaving civilians nowhere to go. They didnt do that. They gave the civilians somewhere to go and they allowed them time to get there.

All wars cause civilians to relocate outside the war zone. When it became clear that Hamas was not allowing their citizens to relocate, Israel went on to the next step in their plan.

The infrastructure of the Hamas war machine is hidden in a complex web of tunnels under civilian areas of Gaza. Israel sent warnings to civilians in Gaza before sending rockets. Did Hamas send warnings to Israel before their terrorists, rapists and child abusers attacked?

Israel has a military objective, destruction of the terrorist infrastructure under Gaza and capture of the Hamas militants and their enablers. Its difficult, and it will take a long time.

Hamas had a different kind of military objective. Invade Israel, rape, murder and kidnap enough people in Israel so that Israel would be forced to declare all out war on Hamas.

Well, they did. This is what all out war looks like when the enemy uses their own civilians as human shields.

 Henry Farkas, Pikesville

Add your voice: Respond to this piece or other Sun content by submitting your own letter.
Ukraine's Sixth Administrative Court of Appeal overturned the decision of lower courts, confirming the legality of PrivatBank's nationalization and ruling it cannot be regained by its former owners, the National Bank of Ukraine said on Nov. 15.

PrivatBank is Ukraine's largest bank in terms of assets.

"This is a victory for the state," said Oleh Lazovskyi, the head of PrivatBank's legal department. "We hope that today the victory of the state will end the seven-year court process with the ex-owner of PrivatBank."

The decision closed the case, which has dragged on since 2017. PrivatBank, which was formerly owned by oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky and Hennadii Boholiubov, was declared insolvent by Ukraine's National Bank due to its high capital losses and subsequently nationalized in 2016.

A Kyiv court ruled in April 2019 that the nationalization was illegal.

PrivatBank announced in June 2023 that an Israeli court ruled the bank has sufficient grounds for a fraud case against its former owners. The bank claims that the two businessmen misappropriated at least $600 million from its funds in the period from 2007 to 2011.

However, the court also ruled that Israel is not the proper jurisdiction for the case, adding it should be considered in Ukraine. Having been allegedly stripped of his Ukrainian citizenship, Kolomoisky is a citizen of Israel and Cyprus.

Kolomoisky, one of Ukraine's most well-known business tycoons and billionaires, was arrested on Sept. 2 for alleged fraud and money laundering related to his oil and gas holdings.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) handed Kolomoisky additional criminal charges on Sept. 7, accusing him of embezzling $250 million from PrivatBank in 2015.

Kolomoisky also faces various lawsuits and charges in the U.K., U.S., Israel, and Ukraine.

He is currently in pre-trial detention in Ukraine.

Read also: Oligarch Kolomoisky is behind bars. How did he get there and can he find a way out?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A federal appeals court panel ruled in favor of energy industry groups in an order Tuesday evening requiring the Biden administration to hold a massive offshore oil and gas lease sale without eco restrictions.

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in the decision that the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) must move forward with Lease Sale 261, a large Gulf of Mexico oil and gas lease sale mandated under the Inflation Reduction Act. The sale was originally scheduled for September, but was postponed after BOEM implemented last-minute environmental restrictions.

"Energy independence scored an important win tonight with the Fifth Circuit decision lifting unjustified restrictions on oil and natural gas vessels and restoring acreage for offshore energy development," American Petroleum Institute (API) Senior Vice President and General Counsel Ryan Meyers said in a statement.

"The U.S. Gulf of Mexico plays a critical role in maintaining affordable, reliable American energy production, and todays decision creates greater certainty for the essential energy workforce and the entire Gulf Coast economy," he continued.

DEVELOPER AXES 2 MAJOR OFFSHORE WIND PROJECTS IN BLOW TO BIDEN'S GREEN ENERGY GOALS

The Biden administration was sued by the fossil fuel industry and Louisiana after it entered into a settlement with environmental groups and restricted Lease Sale 261.

The ruling Tuesday upholds a lower court decision which struck down the federal government's late modification of Lease Sale 261. BOEM added environmental restrictions to the sale and blocked off millions of acres previously scheduled to be leased during the sale in August, one month after the government entered into a federal stipulated stay agreement with environmental advocacy organizations.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The July settlement with environmental groups came after years of litigation and specifically expands protections for the Rices whale, a species listed as endangered. However, the appeals court ultimately ruled that delaying Lease Sale 261 wouldn't protect the species which has rarely been located near the leases offered in the sale.

BIDEN ADMIN UNVEILS SWEEPING NEW ACTIONS INCREASING COSTS FOR OIL, GAS LEASING

"At least one whale would need to traverse the area in which oil-and-gas activities are occurring under Lease Sale 261 and be killed by such activities," the appeals panel decision states. "But in four separate environmental reviews over the last seven years, BOEM concluded that additional protections for the Rices whales are unnecessary outside of their core habitat in the eastern Gulf  an area unrelated to Lease Sale 261 that has long been protected from oil-and-gas leasing."

"At least one member of an Intervenor organization would need to go sight-seeing in the Rices whales habitat with intent to see the Rices whale after its population is diminished  events the dates of which remain unknown," it continues.

An offshore drilling and production platform is photographed in the Gulf of Mexico 200 miles southwest of Houston, Texas.The Biden administration moved to restrict Lease Sale 261 to 67 million acres, less than the 73.4 million acres it originally was slated to offer. Under Tuesday's ruling, the administration must move forward with the 73.4 million-acre plan.

After BOEM issued its Lease Sale 261 restrictions in August, API, which is the nation's largest fossil fuel industry group, alongside the State of Louisiana and U.S. oil company Chevron, sued BOEM after the agency issued its Lease Sale 261 notice of sale, which made six million fewer acres available to oil and gas extraction than previously scheduled, as part of a settlement with eco groups.

The agency also created multiple vessel restrictions for companies that obtain leases.

WHITE HOUSE REFUSES TO REVEAL HOW COSTLY POTENTIAL BILLION-DOLLAR CLIMATE PROGRAM COULD BE FOR TAXPAYERS

Then, on Sept. 21, Judge James Cain of the Western District of Louisiana granted a preliminary injunction to plaintiffs and ordered the Biden administration to proceed with Lease Sale 261 without restrictions. After the government appealed, the appeals court allowed BOEM to delay the sale until Nov. 8.

And late last month, the appeals panel issued a stay on the lower court's preliminary injunction. As a result, BOEM announced on Nov. 2 that it would indefinitely postpone the sale, a move criticized by bipartisan lawmakers including Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.

Under the appeals court ruling Tuesday, BOEM is required to hold the sale within 37 days.

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., said last month that the Biden administration had "made a complete mess of Lease Sale 261."

"The court's ruling is a necessary and positive response to an unwarranted decision by the Biden administration," said Erik Milito, the president of the National Ocean Industries Association. "The removal of millions of highly prospective acres, along with the imposition of excessive restrictions, resulted from a voluntary agreement with activist groups that sidestepped legal processes, disregarded scientific considerations, and neglected public input."

"The escalating geopolitical tensions and instability in various oil-producing regions emphasize the critical role of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico," he continued. "To fortify our national security stance, it is essential to champion strength and support U.S. oil and gas production."

Milito added that the ruling Tuesday stands in contrast to federal policies like easing oil sanctions on Venezuela and Iran which are actions, he argued, "that could contribute to heightened global unrest."

"Fully leveraging America's energy production capabilities, especially our offshore resources, is imperative to address some of our nation's most pressing challenges," he said.

BOEM didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.





Original article source: Appeals court forces Biden admin to hold offshore oil lease sale without eco restrictions
An Arizona man is fighting for his life after he was critically injured after an electrical box exploded at a Home Depot, authorities said.

Phoenix firefighters responded to the popular home improvement chain on Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Footage from FOX 10 showed first responders arriving at the store and begin assessing the situation.

Firefighters said the man was an employee and was working in an electrical room at the back of the store when the explosion occurred.

CLOSED DOWNTOWN LA FREEWAY TO WREAK HAVOC ON MORNING COMMUTE

A man is in critical condition after an electrical box explosion on Nov. 14 at a Home Depot in Phoenix, authorities said.

Crews said that the unidentified victim had "significant burns to his face and hands" following the unexpected explosion.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

AZ JUDGE RESIGNS FROM POSITION AFTER EXTREME DUI CHARGE

Authorities said the victim was transported to the hospital where he is in critical condition.

The store closed as firefighters worked to stop the fire from spreading throughout the busy store. Eventually, the fire was contained and the store reopened.

Phoenix firefighters said the explosion happened Tuesday around 10:07 a.m. at the store near 36th Street and Thomas Road.

Firefighters worked to stop the fire from spreading throughout the store.

Authorities said no one else was injured during the incident and that the cause of the explosion is under investigation.





Original article source: Arizona man critically injured after electric box explodes in Home Depot store
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Memphis Police are searching for two suspects who stole a Mercedes from a home in southwest Memphis and returned it the next day.

On November 9, MPD responded to a car theft in the 700 block of Parkrose Avenue. Two men stole a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 from a driveway. Police provided images of the men below:

The victim stated he approached the men, and one of them pointed a gun at him.

The next day, the men returned to the home, parked the car in the driveway and left.

Anyone with information is urged to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Yevgeny Eugene Vindman, one of the twin Army officers targeted by former President Donald Trump for their roles in his impeachment scandal, is launching a Democratic congressional bid that could put him on the same ballot as the former commander-in-chief.

In an interview with Military Times, the 48-year old retired Army colonel said hes ready for that fight.

After 25 years in the Army, there are few things that scare me, and a fight with Trump backers is not one of them, Vindman said. Being able to tackle [Republican] extremism is going to be important, and so is providing a contrast of government that works for people versus chaos.

Democrats rally behind rule to prevent return of Trumps Schedule F

Vindman, a Ukrainian immigrant, served as deputy legal advisor for the National Security Council under Trump. Both he and his brother, Alexander, were forced into the public spotlight after Alexander testified before Congress about phone calls between Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that ultimately led to the U.S. presidents first impeachment trial.

Eugene Vindman was a behind-the-scenes advisor for his brother during those proceedings, and like his brother was eventually forced out of that role by the Trump administration as retaliation. He has been active in advocacy work for U.S. support to Ukraine in recent years.

Vindman said that continued alliance with Ukraine will be a campaign talking point in his bid to replace Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., who announced Monday that she will leave Congress next year and launch her own bid to become governor of Virginia in 2025.

Trump improperly punished brother of impeachment witness, military watchdog finds

Along with local issues for the northern Virginia district, Vindman also plans to focus on improving veterans support programs and preserving the non-political nature of the military.

Alex and I have already taken the brunt of this, and weve seen things getting worse, he said.

Last time Trump ran, I was in uniform, I was not in a position to do anything political. This time, I want to juxtapose what integrity is, what Army values are versus what Trump is presenting.

Trump has attacked both Vindman brothers on social media in the past. He is currently the front-runner in national polls for the Republican presidential nomination for 2024.

Vindman, who deployed to Iraq during his time in the Army, will likely face a primary challenge for Spanbergers seat in March as well as a Republican opponent next fall. Before Spanberger won the seat in 2018, the post had been held by a Republican representative for 25 consecutive years.
JAKARTA (Reuters) - Up to 200 Rohingya landed in Indonesia's Aceh province on Wednesday, the head of the province's fishing community said, in the second batch of Rohingya arrivals by boat this week.

Acehnese fishing community chief Miftah Cut Ade told Reuters officials were still determining the exact number, but he estimated it was more than 100 and could be as high as 200.

Miftah shared photos of the scene showing scores of men, women and children huddled on the beach amid bags of their belongings.

The group landed just a day after 196 Rohingya arrived in the same region of Pidie, and is the largest contingent of Rohingya arrivals in Indonesia in recent months.

Many members of the ethnic Rohingya Muslims, a persecuted minority in Myanmar, have for years boarded rickety wooden boats to escape to Muslim-majority Bangladesh, Malaysia and Indonesia as well as Thailand.

Hundreds of Rohingya have reached Aceh since early this year, even as an untold number have perished at sea from disease, hunger and fatigue.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has said that 2022 may have been one of the deadliest years at sea in almost a decade for the Rohingya.

The arrivals come as Myanmar's generals face their biggest test since seizing power in a 2021 coup, with insurgent groups gaining ground in several parts of the country in a coordinated offensive against the junta.

(Reporting by Ananda Teresia, Writing by Kate Lamb, Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
From left, Brunei's Second Minister of Defense Halbi Mohd Yusof, Cambodia's Defense Minister Tea Seiha, Laos' Defense Minister Chansamone Chanyalath, Malaysia's Defense Minister Mohamad Hasan, Philippine's Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Indonesia's Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, Singapore's Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen, Thailand's Defense Minister Sutin Klungsang, Vietnam's Defense Minister Phan Van Giang, East Timor's Defense Minister Donaciano Do Rosario Da Costa Gomes and ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn hold hands as they pose for a family photo during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defense Ministers Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. (Mast Irham/Pool Photo via AP)

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP)  Southeast Asian defense ministers called Wednesday for an end to the Israel-Hamas war and for the world to collaborate on setting up humanitarian aid corridors in Gaza, but they struggled on how to address the prolonged civil strife in Myanmar.

Defense ministers of the Association of Southeast Asia Nations meeting in Jakarta also reiterated the significance of maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea and respecting international rules to prevent maritime clashes in the disputed waters.

The 10-nation ASEAN includes Myanmar, but its defense minister was again barred from attending this weeks meetings due to the military governments failure to comply with a five-point peace plan drafted to ease the violence.

We are saddened with a deteriorating situation in Myanmar, Indonesia's Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto said in an opening speech. Indonesia encourages other ASEAN member states to support Myanmar to find a peaceful and durable solution to the current situation.

ASEAN has been trying to enforce the plan it forged with Myanmars top general in 2021, which calls for an immediate end to the violence, the start of talks brokered by a special envoy among contending parties, and the delivery of aid to displaced people. But Myanmars military government, which seized power in 2022, has done little to enforce the plan.

A joint declaration also called on the parties in a decadeslong territorial dispute in the South China Sea involving China and rival claimants from Southeast Asia to agree to an early conclusion of negotiations for a nonaggression pact.

The defense ministers on Thursday will be meeting with ASEAN's eight dialog partners, where the territorial disputes are expected to be raised.

Subianto in his speech also touched on the Israel-Hamas war. Indonesia is deeply saddened by the deteriorating situation in Gaza, particularly the horrid humanitarian conditions, he said, adding violence against civilians must stop.

Conversely, efforts to achieve a cease-fire must continue and the safe passage of humanitarian aid must be wide and accelerated," he said.

ASEAN has not made a formal statement about the war, which is not surprising given each member of the bloc sees the conflict differently.

Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei  the three ASEAN members with Muslim-majority populations where religion is significant in domestic politics  have long been strong supporters of the Palestinians. None of them has diplomatic relations with Israel.

Malaysia's Defense Minister Mohammad Hasan condemned the bombings of civilians, homes and hospitals in Gaza and the consequential massacre of innocent lives, children, women and men.

Singapore took a firm position against Hamas and strongly condemned the attacks the militant group launched inside Israel on Oct. 7, starting the war. Singapore has close defense relations with Israel, and its strong stance against Hamas leaves it out of step with its larger Muslim-majority neighbors.

The lesson for Asia is that peace and security can be lost, said Ng Eng Hen, Singapores defense minister.

While we are now in a relative area of peace and security, we can lose it if we as leaders of our nations do not pay attention, Ng said. I dread to think what would happen if there is conflict in Asia. I am not sure that the world can stomach or tolerate a war in Europe, the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, and Asia.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu were set to join the meetings, but there is little likelihood of a talk between them.

Subianto separately hosted talks between ASEAN and the U.S. and Japan, and said that the bloc and Tokyo agreed to bolster their defense ties and cooperation in military technology.

Austin made earlier stops in Asia aimed at showing unity over Russias war in Ukraine and preventing differences on the Israel-Hamas war from deepening. He also met with South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik and others in Seoul to discuss boosting nuclear deterrence against North Korea.

China is represented at the meetings by Jing Jianfeng, the deputy chief of staff of Chinas Central Military Commission, but it is unlikely he will meet with Austin on the meeting sidelines. China's previous defense minister, Li Shangfu, was ousted last month, and Beijing has not named his successor.

Military contacts between the U.S. and China were largely severed after then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August 2022, prompting Chinas military to hold unprecedented exercises near the self-governed island.
An attorney representing one of the remaining 15 co-defendants in the Georgia election indictment admitted to leaking video of pre-trial testimony to the media while in court.

On Monday, ABC News obtained confidential proffer videos of two former defendants, Sidney Powell and Jenna Ellis, telling prosecutors what they know about the case against former President Donald Trump and others.

Brunswick Attorney Jonathan Miller admitted in court on Wednesday that hes the one who leaked the proffer videos to one media outlet. Hes the attorney for former Coffee County Elections Supervisor and co-defendant Misty Hampton.

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In court, Miller said he felt the public had a right to see the videos. No actions or sanctions were taken against him and he argued against the protective order requested by the Fulton DAs office to prevent further leaks.

Judge, I did release those videos to one outlet, and in all candor, I need the court to know that, Miller said. That allows the DAs office to set the tone for the entire trial without giving consideration to the other side of the coin.

From the bench, Judge Scott McAfee said that theyve already seen what may happen if a protective order isnt put in place, which is onerous logistialc burdens that were going to have to discuss.

McAfee said a protective order would mitigate that issue, if not solve it entirely.

Most of the defense attorneys for the other co-defendants consented to the protective order as proposed by David Shafer, a co-defendant and the former chair of the Georgia GOP.

The order, as proposed, would keep things as they are unless prosecutors deem the item sensitive, which would then prompt defense attorneys to review the evidence and if desired, oppose declaring them as such.

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The two Shelby County jailers that were indicted Tuesday for assaulting an inmate punched, kicked and hit him repeatedly with mace cans until he passed out, attorneys for the inmate told The Commercial Appeal on Tuesday evening.

Attorneys for that inmate, Damian Florez-Ramirez, also say the narrative written in an affidavit for an incident preceding the beating from those corrections officers is false and misleading.

Reginald Wilkins, a 16-year veteran of the Shelby County Jail, and Odell Underwood, a 25-year veteran of the Shelby County Jail, were booked at 201 Poplar and charged with simple assault, official oppression and official misconduct.

Shelby County District Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman said at a news conference announcing the indictment Tuesday morning that Florez-Ramirez's injuries were "non-life threatening."

But Florez-Ramirez's attorney said the injuries were still severe. She added that marks from the beating are still visible, including bruises, scars and stitches.

Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner listens to a question from a reporter after Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy announced that two Shelby County corrections officers had been indicted for assaulting an inmate in May during a press conference in the Shelby County District Attorneys Office in Memphis, Tenn., on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

Two stories of what happened between Damian Florez-Ramirez, two Shelby County jailers

According Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy and Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner said the corrections officers had taken Florez-Ramirez to a medical wing inside the jail following an altercation with officers. In that incident, according to the affidavit filed in a subsequent misdemeanor assault charge Florez-Ramirez received, the inmate threw two lunch trays at a corrections officer and then punched him.

After being punched, the affidavit said, Florez-Ramirez was then sprayed with a chemical agent. After being sprayed, he is then accused of throwing a chair at the corrections officer, who blocked the chair with his hands, before other deputies arrived to restrain Florez-Ramirez.

The corrections officer who was hit, according to the affidavit, was taken to Methodist University Hospital to have his hand treated for injuries.

The affidavit said Florez-Ramirez "became angry for unknown reasons."

But his attorney, Sara McKinney, said this narrative is not entirely accurate. McKinney also read notes from another inmate at 201 Poplar who said that the narrative the corrections officers wrote in the disciplinary report for the assault to the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, which oversees the jail, "does not match surveillance/fabrication of events."

According to McKinney, who was told a separate story by Florez-Ramirez, the altercation began during a security check and the officers "just mouthed off" to Florez-Ramirez and "he had enough of it," and slid two trays across the floor at the corrections officer.

After sliding the trays, she said the corrections officer began pepper spraying Florez-Ramirez, who then tried to punch the officer, but missed. After missing his punch, the corrections officer swung at the inmate, but also missed, according to McKinney.

After that, she said the corrections officer handcuffed Florez-Ramirez and he was taken to a medical room by corrections officers.

When they reached the medical room, McKinney said two nurses who were stationed in the room left. That's when she said Wilkins and Underwood walked in and began threatening Florez-Ramirez. McKinney said the threats were initially "general officer threats that they were going to harm him," but then the officers began hitting him.

"They started punching him and kicking him  and he's still handcuffed and he's seated," she said. "Then they start to beat him with the mace cans, and he said that it was especially his left eye. [Medical personnel] basically had to stitch his eye into the socket because the officers had beat him with this mace can so vigorously and he was not immediately seen by a nurse."

McKinney said there were no cameras in the medical room, and then the two corrections officers took Florez-Ramirez to a changing room, where there also were no cameras. According to McKinney, Underwood remained outside the changing room and "stood watch for any passersby" while Wilkins continued to hit Florez-Ramirez.

Eventually, Florez-Ramirez was uncuffed and the officers continued "beating him to the point where he passed out. He was unconscious because he was bleeding so profusely at that point. Then he woke up in the hospital," McKinney said.

"I think the injuries do reflect on those actions," McKinney said. "The fact is that he was handcuffed  with his hands behind his back  sitting in a chair and these officers continued to beat his face with cans of mace, and did so until he passed out and was unconscious from blood loss, and had to go to the hospital."

Attorney Jake Brown, who works for the Apperson Crump law firm alongside McKinney, said they plan to file a lawsuit on Florez-Ramirez's behalf, but did not have a timeline for that Tuesday.

Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy looks on as Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner speaks after Mulroy announced that two Shelby County corrections officers had been indicted for assaulting an inmate in May during a press conference at the district attorneys office in Memphis, Tenn., on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

The Gershun Freeman case

Brown and McKinney are currently part of the legal team representing the family of Gershun Freeman, a man who died at 201 Poplar in October after an altercation with corrections officers when he ran out of his cell.

Nine officers were criminally indicted in Freeman's death in September, a move that Bonner called "political" at the time. During that September news conference, he was in the midst of an unsuccessful campaign for Memphis mayor.

During Tuesday's news conference, Bonner said he still believed the charges in the Freeman case were wrong, but said he believed the charges in the Florez-Ramirez case were the correct decision. Both officers were suspended with pay following the incident in May, but were placed on suspension without pay following the indictment Tuesday morning.

"I want to start by reiterating: When I believe the officers are right, I will stand by them," Bonner said at a Tuesday news conference with Mulroy. "However, when I believe they're wrong, I will be the first to say so and try to hold them accountable to the full extent of the law. This is one of those cases.

Bonner also said the officers indicted Tuesday "do not represent the Shelby County Sheriff's Office," denying that there was a culture problem among Shelby County corrections officers. He said internal charges stemming from an internal investigation would be forthcoming.

McKinney said the difference in Bonner's response was "self-serving."

"Today, to turn around and say that, when his officers are in the wrong, he's going to be the first to say it  I think it's rather self-serving," she said. "I think Floyd Bonner is going to do whatever is best for him in whatever situation he's in, and he wants to feign some sort of accountability to make himself look better, that's clearly what he's done today."

SCSO declined to comment on the case since it is now being prosecuted by the Shelby County District Attorney's Office and redirected further comment to prosecutors. The DA's office did not respond to a request for comment as of this article's publication.

In addition to a possible lawsuit, McKinney said she wants the Department of Justice to investigate the jail and that her and Brown have been looking at some of the past federal mandates from prior DOJ investigations into the jail. When those mandates expire, she said violence rises in the jail, they said.

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: Shelby County jail indictment: Inmate lawyer outlines new details
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Fifth National Climate Assessment was released this week and found that Austin can expect 100-degree days to double by 2050, and perhaps even triple by the end of the century if global greenhouse gas emissions go unchecked.

The report is a broad scientific analysis of climate change-related impacts we are already experiencing, what we can expect in the future in our warming world as well as climate mitigation and emissions reductions strategies. The authors  a collaboration between government scientists  found that climate change-related impacts to the U.S. will continue increasing in the future. However, the report also illustrates that the amount of future warming we experience is in our hands.

Summer heat intensifies

Austin marked its second-hottest summer on record in 2023, and the hottest-ever at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Camp Mabry tallied 80 days of 100+ temperatures, and an all-time record of 42 days with temperatures 105 or hotter.

Austins long-term average triple-digit heat day count is 15 100 days per year. But as the climate has warmed, Austin now averages 29 100 days per year (between 1991-2020).

The Fifth National Climate Assessment laid out specific impacts projected for the southern Plains and Texas, including different scenarios for the future of 100 heat in Central Texas based on future greenhouse gas emission pathways.

Future 100-degree day increases in Texas based on future greenhouse gas emissions

In an intermediate emissions scenario, planet-warming gas emissions continue to decrease over the coming decades as countries transition toward clean, renewable energy and forms of transportation and electricity production that pollute less.

Because of the long residence time of planet-warming gases in Earths atmosphere, however, even in this scenario, temperatures will warm further for some time.

In 20 years from now, under an intermediate emissions scenario, the report found that Central Texas can expect an increase of 20 to 30 100 days per summer. This would mean Austin would average 54 100 days per year and the hottest summers could have over 100 days of triple-digit heat. Under this scenario, Austin could see an average of 74 100 days per year and a maximum of 130 100 days in the hottest summers by the end of the 21st century.

Heres where the outlooks get grim.

In a higher-greenhouse gas emissions scenario, where the world continues polluting without drastic cuts, Austin is expected to average 104 100 days per year at the end of the 21st century. Under this scenario, Austins hottest summers would bring 100 temperatures nearly half of the entire year.

Socioeconomic inequities in a hotter world

Summer heat does not affect people equally. The report stated that local neighborhood factors like pavement, trees and park space have a big impact on the temperatures people experience every day  and that the heat hits lower-income areas harder.

Surface temperatures in different parts of several major U.S. cities, with large differences in temperature from neighborhood-to-neighborhood

The plots above from the assessment show land surface temperatures in Atlanta, Houston and Minneapolis neighborhoods. Red highlights the hottest surface temperatures, while blue areas are cooler.

The assessment finds that wealthier neighborhoods are cooler, while lower income areas get hotter. Households in Houston with lower incomes experience land surface temperatures as hot as 112, while wealthier neighborhoods only get as hot as 107.

In Minneapolis, lower income parts of the city experience ground temperatures over 100, while wealthier neighborhoods remain under 90.

Worst impacts of climate change can still be avoided

The Fifth National Climate Assessment finds that levels of future warming in the U.S. depend highly on our trajectory of greenhouse gas emissions

How much the U.S. warms up in the future is highly dependent on how rapidly the world reduces emissions. U.S. carbon dioxide emissions peaked in 2007 and have been declining since. By further cleaning up industry, how electricity is produced, and how transport is powered, the worst effects of climate change can be reduced or even avoided.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
I recently had occasion to read through several years worth of minutes from meetings of the Maryland Stadium Authoritys board. Tedious, Ill admit. But also very enlightening.

Study them, and youll see how every contract is carefully awarded based on merit with best value for dollar and procurement policy; how contracts carefully follow Maryland rules for minority participation goals and prevailing wages; how maintenance is performed as needed, not when something breaks; and how challenges are anticipated before they occur.

Read about the safety measures that are part of everyday operations and special events, the number of external law enforcement entities and intelligence involved, and the neighborhoods who communicate with the agency when they have concerns.

Then look at all the projects, events and activities the Maryland Stadium Authority has been involved with throughout the state. Hardly a jurisdiction has not been assisted, or even transformed, by the works of the MSA.

This valuable agency should not be gutted, with its operations and projects privatized. Or with diligent oversight, provided by its board, removed. With anyone other than the state of Maryland given stewardship and profits of its historic properties (Former MSA Chair Thomas Kelso: A flock of unanswered questions in Orioles deal, Nov. 2).

Gov. Wes Moore is to be respected for his willingness to invest in the revitalization of downtown Baltimore. Orioles chairman and CEO John Angelos has some very innovative ideas that should be explored  but not without consideration of the people and businesses who will be impacted and not without the professional oversight of the Maryland Stadium Authority.

 Jan Hardesty, Stuart, Florida

The writer is a former public information officer for the Maryland Stadium Authority.

Add your voice: Respond to this piece or other Sun content by submitting your own letter.
On the fifth day of deliberations in the murder trial against Austin police officer Christopher Taylor, the jury was unable to reach a verdict, prompting the judge to declare a mistrial.

Taylor's killing of Michael Ramos sparked immediate community outcry and social justice protests when it occurred in 2020, at about the same time as other nationwide calls to reform policing after the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota. Taylor was thought to be the first in the Austin Police Departments history to be charged with murder for an on-duty shooting.

Austin leaders and police were contacted by the American-Statesman to comment on Wednesday's mistrial declaration by Judge Dayna Blazey. The story will be updated as more people provide comments.

More: Mistrial declared in murder trial of Austin officer Christopher Taylor in death of Michael Ramos

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson

This mistrial will leave just about everyone frustrated, but we cant let this outcome divide our city, Watson said in a written statement.

Watson said that the city has come "a long way" in becoming more transparent in terms of how policing is conducted. He said he will continue "pushing" to be more transparent, while adding that everyone within the Austin Police Department is "dedicated to wholesale change and a new way of policing that focuses on building trust within the community, improving communication, implementing de-escalation tactics, and understanding mental health needs."

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson

"The last few days have intensified the community conversation around public safety and policing, and I understand and support everyones right to make their feelings known and their voices heard," Watson said. "I ask that we express our views and emotions in a way that is safe and constructive to the dialogue that needs to continue."

More: Closing arguments in Austin police officer trial reiterate far-reaching impact

Watson later thanked police officers, stating that "this community supports you and wants you to be a part of our efforts to create a safer city." In addition to thanking officers, he also thanked the jury and Judge Dayna Blazey.

Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza

A statement by Garza stated some publicly known facts of Taylor's case but did not indicate a decision about retrying the case.

We are grateful for our community members who served in the jury for this case, Garza's written statement said. We respect the (jurors') decision and thank them for their service.

CLEAT, Texas law enforcement union

The Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas said in a written statement that the union respects the "outcome of jury decisions" and that critical incidents such as Ramos' killing are "difficult to process."

CLEAT said it would continue representing Taylor "as long as it takes to clear his name."

"Police officers are hired and trained by cities with elected officials at the helm," the statement reads. "Officers are regularly discredited and discarded by those same people at the first sign of politically generated outrage. Political winds and trends do not keep families and communities safe; thats done by the brave men and women of law enforcement."

Austin Justice Coalition

Chas Moore, founder of the Austin Justice Coalition, said the mistrial declaration "betrays the communitys response to the awful and unjustified killing of Mike Ramos." Moore said members of the coalition "demand" the case be retried by Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza.

In a statement, Moore referenced another murder charge leveled against Taylor in connection with the 2019 death of Mauris DeSilva, who was experiencing a mental health crisis when he was shot and killed. A trial in that case is expected in 2024.

"Taylor must be held to public account for this harmful act so that he never regains the ability patrol our community with a gun and the discretion to use force," Moore's statement reads. "We remain resolute in the face of this latest injustice and guarantee that Mikes name will never be forgotten, and our efforts to end police violence and impunity and to build transformative justice alternatives will only strengthen."

Moore also called on the city to implement Proposition A, the voter-approved city charter aimed at increasing police oversight.

Chris Harris, policy director for the Austin Justice Coalition, was at the courthouse on Wednesday with members of the Ramos family. Harris said the mistrial is a "miscarriage of justice."

"The idea that (the family) has to go through another (trial) is really troubling," Harris told the American-Statesman. "But at the end of the day, the interests of justice demands that the district attorney retry this case."

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin leaders react to mistrial of Austin police officer in 2020 shooting
AUSTIN (KXAN)  After a more than two-week trial and four full days of deliberation, a Travis County jury could not unanimously decide whether or not Austin Police Officer Christopher Taylor is guilty of murder in the 2020 shooting death of Michael Ramos.

Its the second time a mistrial has been declared in this case. Prosecutors will determine whether Taylor will be retried.

The idea that they have to go through another one of these, I think is really troubling to them and to me, but at the end of the day, the interest of justice demand that the District Attorney retry this case, Chris Harris, the policy director of the Austin Justice Coalition said outside of the courtroom.

In the event that they intend to do that, obviously we will be ready, and we will try this case as many times as it takes to get a not guilty, Ken Ervin, one of Taylors attorneys, said.

The mistrial came after Judge Dayna Blazey issued what is referred to as an Allen charge earlier in the week, asking the jurors who were holding out to consider the majoritys side. Blazey said jurors announced Monday they had not changed their minds over the weekend and could not come to a unanimous decision.

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.

The background

Roughly half a dozen Austin police officers responded to an apartment complex at the 2600 block of South Pleasant Valley Road in April 2020 after a woman called 911 and reported a couple in a gold Prius apparently doing drugs. The caller reported that the man in the vehicle, who was later identified as Michael Ramos, was holding a gun.

That 911 call was played for the jury during Taylors trial, and the woman who made that call testified that she lied to dispatch and that she never saw Ramos with a gun.

PREVIOUS: Defense takes over in APD officers murder trial

If I could take anything back, I would take that back, sir. I would take that back, sir. I never seen that man with a gun, Meko Scott said holding back tears. She apologized to Ramos family, who was sitting in the courtroom at the time.

Austin Police Officer Christopher Taylor is on trial for the murder of Mike Ramos in 2020 (KXAN Photo/Ed Zavala)

Austin Police Department officers testified that they stopped less than a mile from the apartment complex to make a plan prior to approaching Ramos. He was known to law enforcement for non-violent crimes, and a Be On The Lookout (or BOLO) was out for the stolen vehicle Ramos was driving.

Officers approached Ramos as a group, positioning their cars in a way that blocked the only paved exit out of the lot where Ramos was parked  though state prosecutors argued during the trial that Ramos could have escaped from the parking lot through a wooded area to the north of officers. The jury saw various body camera and car camera videos of that approach and the moments that followed.

At that point, officers got out of their cars and began giving commands to Ramos. Officers testified that, at points, Ramos was compliant, but at others, he was clearly distracted, not following directions and scanning for a way out. Officers testified they still believed Ramos could have a gun.

Officers had Ramos lift his shirt and turn in a circle, but while he did, he wandered back toward his car door, video showed. After back and forth between officers and Ramos  where Ramos expresses he wants the officers to lower their weapons  APD Officer Mitchell Pieper fired a bean bag round at Ramos. It hit him in the side, and officers testified he appeared to fall back into his car.

PREVIOUS: Prosecutors expect to wrap mid-week in APD officers murder trial

Ramos girlfriend, Rebeca Garcia, was in the passenger seat. When Ramos got back into his vehicle and closed the door, Garcia got out of the car and laid on the ground. She was later detained by law enforcement and would go on to file a lawsuit against the City of Austin.

Officers were parked at an angle, slightly southwest of Ramos. Videos showed Ramos driving west for roughly a second and then turning north, away from officers. Experts testified that Taylor shot Ramos three times with his department-issued rifle  in the abdomen, head and arm.

KXAN has previously reported that Taylor is on administrative leave with the department.

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.

This is the second time a jury has been selected for this case. In May of 2023, a judge granted a mistrial.

Read previous coverage:

During this trial, attorneys did not discuss or refer to another fatal shooting involving Taylor.

In July 2019, Taylor was accused of shooting and killing 46-year-old Mauris Nishanga DeSilva in downtown Austin during a check welfare call. In addition to a murder charge, he also faces a charge of deadly conduct for the discharge of a firearm related to the 2019 incident. That case is still going through the court process, according to the Travis County District Attorneys office.

This is a developing story.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Author Salman Rushdie received a first-of-its-kind award Tuesday night

Rushdie, who was stabbed onstage before a lecture in August 2022, received the new Lifetime Disturbing the Peace Award from the Vaclav Havel Center on Manhattans Upper East Side. His movements have been mostly kept away from the general public since last years attack.

I apologize for being a mystery guest, Rushdie said, according to The Associated Press. I dont feel at all mysterious. But it made life a little simpler.

The Havel Center began in 2012, starting as the Vaclav Havel Library Foundation. It is named after a Czech playwright and dissident who was the last president of Czechoslovakia in the wake of the Communist regime began to fall in the 1980s.

CBS journalist Leslie Stahl hosted Tuesdays event.

Almost a year after his stabbing, Rushdie gave an interview to the BBC in which he said he has crazy dreams about the incident. At the time, he said he was working with a very good therapist but was still indecisive on whether he would attend another public event that is not invitation-only and controllable.

Rushdie has faced backlash and threats for his work for decades, especially from those who thought his depiction of Islam in his novel The Satanic Verses, released in 1988, was blasphemous. Some of that backlash included the banning of the book in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Sudan.

The author spent a good portion of his speech praising Havel  who was a good friend of his. He said the former president was kind of a hero of mine who was able to be an artist at the same time as being an activist, according to the AP.

He was inspirational to me as for many, many writers, and to receive an award in his name is a great honor, Rushdie added.

The Associated Press contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - A woman visiting Florida from out-of-state was arrested after her baby was found "unresponsive" and "cold to the touch" at a Volusia County beach, officials said.

Shamika Mitchell, 37, of Detroit, Michigan, was arrested by deputies and taken to the Volusia County Jail on a felony charge of child neglect.

On Nov. 10, a search began for the 1-year-old boy off Halifax Avenue in Daytona Beach after Mitchell's teenage son questioned her about his baby brother's whereabouts.

Mitchell reportedly left her car  which had three other children inside  and walked off with the baby, an affidavit stated. She did not return with the child.

Shamika Mitchell (Photo via Volusia Sheriff's Office)

Mitchell stated she had given the baby to his father after meeting up with him at a nearby convenience store, but the son questioned the claim because the father of the child lived in Detroit, an arrest affidavit stated.

It was later learned Mitchell had intentionally left the baby unsupervised at the beach, an affidavit stated.

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The baby boy was later found at Main Street and Ocean Avenue in the care of four bystanders who were attempting to warm the "unresponsive" child, deputies said. They removed his wet diaper in an attempt to warm and dry him, according to an incident report.

The deputy took the child  who was "shivering" and had "an elevated pulse"  to the inside of his patrol car and worked to warm the child until medical personnel arrived.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the baby's condition is unknown.

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) took custody of the three other children for the night. They were later handed over to their grandparents who traveled from Michigan to Florida to get them.

Mitchell remains in the Volusia County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
A Milwaukee mother has been criminally charged after her 10-month-old girl died from an overdose.

Kiara Hopson, 29, was charged with four counts of child neglect, including for the death of her infant, and for illegal substances being found in the blood samples of her other children.

The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office identified the infant as Rayah Coleman.

Emergency medical personnel responded to Hopson's residence on Milwaukee's lower east side in the 1700 block of North Water Street on Oct. 25 following a report of an unresponsive child. Life-saving measures were attempted but Rayah was declared dead at the scene.

A criminal complaint states Hopson returned home from running an errand to find Rayah unresponsive.

The medical examiner's office said it is presumed that the infant died from acute drug intoxication following the discovery of fentanyl, morphine and norfentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, in the infant's blood sample.

A search of the residence recovered a white powdery substance, the complaint states. The substance was later tested and returned a positive result for the presence of fentanyl, the complaint states.

Drug testing was conducted on the surviving children as well. According to the complaint, a 3-year-old child tested positive for fentanyl, norfentanyl and benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. An 8-year-old child tested positive for benzoylecgonine.

If convicted on all counts, Hopson could be sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Rayah's death comes at a time in which much of the nation is grappling with helping reduce drug overdose deaths, which surged during the pandemic.

Two other fatal youth drug overdoses have occurred in Milwaukee County this year, according to the medical examiner's office.

According to the the county's overdose dashboard, 655 fatal overdoses occurred in 2022 in the county. The latest available for 2023 is up through Aug. 24, which shows 307 fatal overdose deaths.

Since 2018, at least 3,860 people died in overdoses in the county, while there were about 26,876 nonfatal overdoses in that same period.

In September, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, issued an advisory due to a rise of fentanyl being present in overdose deaths in the state. One of the department's recommendations for parents to prevent fentanyl overdose deaths is making your residence substance-free.

"Fentanyl is being found in all types of drugs including stimulants (cocaine and methamphetamine) and opioids," DHS said. "It is being pressed into pills and mixed into other drugs. A person may think they are using one substance, but they are instead using a substance mixed with fentanyl."

Fentanyl test strips are legal in Wisconsin and available for purchase.

More: Milwaukee County installs 11 free Narcan, Fentanyl test strips vending machines

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Mother charged after baby girl dies in fentanyl overdose in Milwaukee
WASHINGTON  Just back from his trip to see evidence of Hamas carnage against Israeli civilians for himself, 2024 presidential hopeful Chris Christie on Wednesday chastised his fellow Republican candidates for not making the same journey.

The things I saw will affect me for the rest of my life, he said after describing scenes of slaughter in peoples homes and yards. I dont know why the rest of them havent gone.

Christie praised Democratic President Joe Biden for traveling to Israel in the days after the Oct. 7 attack, saying it reminded him of then-British Prime Minister Tony Blair taking the trouble to personally attend former President George W. Bushs address to a joint session of Congress shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks against the United States.

At a moment of our greatest sense of vulnerability, thats when you need your friends more than anything else, he said.

Christie answered his own question about the other candidates not visiting Israel, at least in regards to Donald Trump, the coup-attempting former president and the polling front-runner for the GOP nomination.

Youll never see him in Jerusalem, youll never see him in Kiev, or anyplace else where he could even break his fingernail, Christie said. Because he is fundamentally not just a policy coward. Hes a personal coward who wouldnt ever take a risk with what he considers to be the single most precious life in America: his own.

Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie reacts to photos of people killed during the attack by Hamas at Kibbutz Kfar Aza near the Gaza Border on Nov. 12.

Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie reacts to photos of people killed during the attack by Hamas at Kibbutz Kfar Aza near the Gaza Border on Nov. 12.

Christie was in Israel on Sunday and met with government officials and the families of some of the 1,200 killed by Hamas. Three months earlier, in August, he had visited Ukraine to meet with its leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to learn firsthand about the war to repel Russias 2022 invasion.

While he said he supported Israels continued and destructive attacks on the Gaza Strip that have already killed many thousands of civilians, Christie also made a case that has been absent among the Republican presidential candidates to date: that all Palestinians should not be blamed for the actions of Hamas, the group that has ruled Gaza since winning an election in 2006 but then effectively carrying out a self-coup to remain in power.

This is not all the Palestinian people. This is Hamas. And I believe there are lots of peace-loving Palestinians who are revolted by this, Christie said. Hamas won one election, more than a decade ago, and they have enslaved the Palestinians in Gaza since then, who have no opportunity to choose other leadership.

Christie, alone among the dozen or so Republicans who were originally running for the 2024 nomination, has made Trumps actions leading up to and on the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol the top rationale for his campaign. He has argued that Trumps attempts to remain in office despite losing the 2020 election disqualifies him from the presidency.

That message has resonated with a segment of Republican primary voters, but has alienated a larger percentage of Republicans who support Trump despite his post-election behavior.

On Tuesday, before an audience of about 100 at the Hudson Institute foreign policy think tank, Christie said that the remaining major non-Trump candidates  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and Ohio businessman Vivek Ramaswamy  had proven themselves not to be serious by raising their hands when asked if they would support Trump as the nominee if, by the time of the election, he is a convicted felon.

The idea that the founders of this country would have ever stood for a convicted felon being president of the United States is laughable, Christie told reporters after his appearance. And their raising their hands undercuts their credibility in saying that they are the rightful heirs to what Adams and Jefferson and Franklin put together for us in this country.

Trump faces 91 felony charges in four separate indictments. Two are related to his actions involving his coup attempt, a third accuses him of illegally taking top secret documents to his Florida country club and then refusing to turn them over, while the fourth charges him with falsifying business records to hide hush money he paid to an adult film star.
The YMCA of Greater Charlotte will sell two Lincoln County branches to the YMCA of Catawba Valley, the nonprofit announced Wednesday, after strong community backlash to a potential sale to a different bidder.

The Lincoln County YMCA in Lincolnton and Sallys YMCA in Denver will become part of the Catawba Valley YMCA system in the spring of 2024, provided the agreement is approved by the Charlotte YMCA board and Lincoln County board of commissioners, the Charlotte Y said.

The news was unexpected for Lincoln County Schools Superintendent Aaron Allen, who was a vocal critic of a rumored sale of the branches to Lincoln Charter Schools. Allen met with Charlotte Y interim president and CEO Gene Johnson in September to express concern after an email he sent to Johnson circulated on social media.

Immediately after that meeting, the organizations led by both men, along with board chairs of the two Lincoln County Ys, said a community task force would be formed and meet with the intent to have an agreed-upon direction by the end of this year.

Allen said he had expected a decision to be made in early December after the Charlotte board meets, and was surprised to receive a call this week from Johnson.

I know that with that (decision) comes the sacrifice of things that could have transpired  meaning money  for the properties, Allen said. And Im glad that he (Johnson) chose this path and this opportunity, because it does impact our community.

A necessary sale

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but the sale of the two branches will help ease the financial burdens of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, which has been working to rebuild and restructure after steep financial losses in the wake of the COVID pandemic.

Since 2019, Charlotte Y membership is down about 25%. According to the YMCAs tax records, total revenue was down about 26% from 2019 to 2022. Last year, the YMCA also reported a $5.4 million overall deficit, the first time the nonprofit has reported a loss in recent years. Board chair Charles Bowman has said the Y has had an operating deficit each year since 2020.

To restructure the organization and stabilize finances, the YMCA has focused on improving profitability in four main areas: philanthropy, camping, programs and services, and footprint.

The most noticeable changes have occurred under the footprint heading, and the YMCA of Greater Charlotte announced earlier this year that it had reached an agreement to sell its Johnston branch in NoDa. That deal fell through in September, however. The YMCA is still seeking a buyer for the property.

RELATED: NoDa Y sale is symptom of bigger financial problems at Charlottes YMCAr

The YMCA of Greater Charlotte said in August that it was exploring having another YMCA association assume operation of its Lincoln County branches. The Lincolnton branch historically has not been profitable. The two properties have a combined appraised value of $12.4 million, according to Lincoln County records.

Sallys YMCA in Denver will be acquired by the Catawba Valley YMCA.

Lincoln County Charter bid

Allen, a past Lincoln County Y board chair, expressed concern when he heard Lincoln County Charter Schools might be close to a deal to acquire the branches. The YMCA of Greater Charlotte touts the two branches as the countys largest child care provider, serving more than 300 children weekly in our preschool, afterschool, homeschool and camp programs, and that more than 20,000 people use both facilities annually.

These branches are, at the core, fundamentally supposed to serve those that need (the) most equitable chances to improve self, Allen wrote in an email to Johnson and other YMCA leaders. The Lincoln Co YMCA acquisition plan is an afterthought from the charter school and with that approach, I am demonstratively disappointed that the spirit of the YMCA has been lost due to the chance to chase a dollar.

On Wednesday, Allen said he appreciated that the YMCA of Greater Charlotte has reconsidered.

I do appreciate that (Gene) recognizes that in this opportunity, hes trying to make a recommendation that is in the best interest of the local community of Lincoln County, and that these Ys have served the community in their capacity, he said. To do something different with them would disrupt community service, and community opportunity. And for that, Im grateful for him.

In a statement, the Charlotte Y said, The overwhelming feedback from task force members was that the citizens of Lincoln County want YMCA programs and services to remain in the county. Recognizing the profound impact that the Lincoln County branches have had on their communities, the YMCA of Catawba Valley formally expressed interest in assuming ownership and operational responsibilities for the branches.

This is the best outcome we could have hoped for, and a win for all parties involved, from the YMCAs to our members and the citizens of Lincoln County, Johnson said in the statement. Im happy that we arrived at a solution that Im confident is best for the future of Lincoln County, and I look forward to supporting the transition to YMCA of Catawba Valley.

A few more hurdles

Before the agreement is finalized, it must be approved by not only the YMCA of Greater Charlottes board of directors , but also the YMCA of Catawba Valleys association board of directors and the Lincoln County board of commissioners.

Im hoping that Mr. (Gene) Johnson has discussed this with the board, and theyre all in agreement and its just going to be a formality, Allen said. Ive got faith that its still going to work itself out.
The bald eagle is a symbol of America, but now investigators are asking for help to figure out how one was shot midflight near a battleground of the Revolutionary War.

Officials in Colonial Heights, Virginia, said they found a grounded and injured Bald Eagle last week. The bird was transferred to the Richmond Wildlife Center for treatment.

"Based on the injuries, the bald eagle was shot while in flight," Colonial Heights Animal Control Supervisor Amanda Richards told WTVR. "At this point in time, it was likely done on purpose."

According to the agency, the bald eagle had to be euthanized.

"Despite our best efforts, given the results of many of the diagnostics, it was in the best interest of this Eagle to peacefully end its battle." The Richmond Wildlife Center said in a post.

The symbolic bird had been battling an infection from being shot. It also caught other infections after starving, including a lung infection that caused difficulty breathing. It also had enlarged kidneys, anemia, toxic levels of zinc, and eventually began to regurgitate the food it was fed, the wildlife center said.

The pellet from the gun had gone through the bird's hip and into its wing.

Plea for justice in bald eagle's death

None of this would have occurred if individuals out there had not shot this eagle, Melissa Stanley of the Richmond Wildlife Center told WRIC.

The eagle had landed in an area that is not typically frequented by people, Stanley told WRIC.

The bird's euthanization turned the incident into a criminal matter and the agencies are now calling for the public's help to track down who shot the bird. Killing Bald Eagles, the national emblem since 1782 is a crime under the Bald Eagle Protection Act. The law enacted in 1940 makes it a criminal offense to "take" any part of a bald eagle, which includes killing one.

I get chills thinking about it, Richards told WRIC. Also, take into consideration it is our nations bird. So, its kind of what America stands on.

Anyone with tips or information can call the Anonymous Tip Line at 804-748-0660 or submit your tip online at p3tips.com/699.

'World's most dangerous bird': Video shows cassowary emerging from ocean off Australia coast

More: Nat Geo reveals breathtaking photos of wildlife, science, travel for 2023 'Pictures of the Year'

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bald eagle shot mid-flight in Virginia is euthanized
People cant decide whether Balenciagas new $925 bath towel skirt is an example of clever marketing or just a ploy to wipe wallets.

The unparalleled high fashion house, piloted by long-time creative director Demna Gvasalia, regularly releases peculiar designs, made to look beaten down and wrecked, with purposeful outlandish price tags  see its $1,850 fully destroyed sneakers or $1,800 trash bag tote. But this particular pick from the brands Spring 2024 collection sparked widespread debate online as soon it became available for pre-order on 14 November.

A $927 terry-cloth towel, fashioned to be a wrap skirt, comes after the Georgian designer faced backlash for a controversial 2022 holiday ad featuring children holding teddy bears in leather bondage. Following the extensive criticism, Demna said he planned on tapping into his roots in fashion as well as to the roots of Balenciaga, which is making quality clothes  not making image or buzz. He told Vogue his plan in February a few weeks ahead of his fall 2023 debut.

But while the designer intended to find motivation from Balenciaga founder Cristobal moving forward, this quirky bathroom garment prompted further conversation about the brands continued desire to offer absurd luxury items.

One riled up fashion enthusiast took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to make a larger generalisation. This is absurd, These brands will sell anything and everything at such ridiculously high prices, they wrote.

Balenciaga is so unserious, another critic commented, while someone else said: Ill say it again... Balenciaga is conducting an experiment. Its a behavioral science study. You cant convince me otherwise.

Amid the flock of immediate criticism, brand supporters pointed out the platform and intended buyers Balenciaga targets.

In economics wed say they are discovering the true demand curve. They are checking their customer base to see how elastic they are. If its a fairly inelastic demand curve of which its very likely to be. They wont lose anything by being selling s*** like this, in actual fact one person wrote.

I need customers like theirs, another fan proclaimed.

Next thing you know, rappers are buying it and Fashionnova will begin making knockoffs for the "baddies"  Gabi (@gabi_cobain) November 15, 2023

One candid reviewer wrote: What kind of madness is this? At least Im not their target market.

Other X users added remarks about how they could make their own towel skirt with their fluffy fabric at home.

I already got a towel skirt, it cost $10 and its from Walmart, one individual commented.

Playing off the high-end fashion brands current visibility, Ikea, the Swedish homewares and furniture brand, dropped a similar advertisement, highlighting its $10 VINARN bath towel. In promotional photos, a model could be seen with the towel wrapped around his waist, layered over a pair of construction pants. On top, the man donned a common Balenciaga identifier with a black hoodie and wrap-around moto sunglasses.
Bangladesh garment factories reopened Wednesday as hundreds of thousands of workers returned to key manufacturing hubs after days of violent protests (Munir uz zaman)

Bangladesh garment factories reopened Wednesday as hundreds of thousands of workers returned to key manufacturing hubs after days of violent protests demanding a near-tripling of the minimum wage.

The South Asian country has been rocked by the worst labour unrest in a decade, with tens of thousands of workers clashing with police for a 23,000 taka ($208) minimum monthly wage, up from the 8,300 taka set by the government five years ago.

Bangladesh's 3,500 garment factories account for around 85 percent of its $55 billion in annual exports, supplying many of the world's top brands including Levi's, Zara and H&M.

But conditions are dire for many of the sector's four million workers who have been hard hit by soaring prices of food, house rents and costs of education and healthcare.

Rights groups have said that many workers are half-starving, and union leaders accused police of instilling a "climate of fear".

A government-appointed panel raised the sector's wage last week by 56.25 percent to 12,500 taka, but garment workers have rejected the hike, sparking further protests with at least 70 factories ransacked.

Top union leader Babul Akhter said on Wednesday that while they still rejected the new minimum wage, he urged workers to return to factories.

"We've not budged from our demand for 23,000 minimum wage," Akhter told AFP.

He called on the government to release all arrested workers and drop charges against others.

At least 10,000 unidentified garment workers were charged with violence as part of the recent crackdown, according to authorities.

Police said scores of factories, which were shut down due to the protests at the main trouble-spots of Ashulia and Gazipur last week, reopened after the manufacturers held talks with workers over the past two days.

"Hundreds of thousands of workers entered the factories," Sarwar Alam, the head of Ashulia industrial police unit, told AFP.

"There is no violence. All factories are open."

- 'Threatening workers' -

Violence triggered by the wage protests left at least four workers dead, including three who were shot by police. Nearly 140 workers and around half a dozen union organisers were arrested over the clashes, according to police.

Taslima Akter, head of the Bangladesh Garment Sramik Samhati union, accused police of creating a "climate of fear by threatening workers".

She reported top union official Babul Hossain had gone missing after he met protesters and the families of two dead workers in recent days.

Sarowar Alam, the head of Gazipur industrial police unit, said he did not know if Hossain had been arrested.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last week rejected any more wage hikes and warned that the protests could cost jobs.

Some of her key ministers and dozens of lawmakers of her ruling Awami League party are powerful garment manufacturers.

Major Western brands wrote to Hasina last month calling for the minimum wage to be raised to a level "sufficient to cover workers' basic needs and some discretionary income".

But the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, the main industrial lobby group, said Wednesday it had asked Western brands -- who buy some 95 percent of the country's clothing -- to pay more.

"The brands should implement responsible purchasing practices to fulfil their role," association president Faruque Hassan told AFP, noting that production costs had risen this year.

"They are not doing ethical sourcing in Bangladesh. They should give fair prices."

sa/pjm/sco
I read with great interest the recent letter to the editor from a fellow Baltimore Sun reader claiming that Marilyn Mosby does not deserve prison time (Prison should not be in Marilyn Mosbys future, Nov. 13). I respectfully disagree.

From the outset of her perjury and mortgage fraud charges, the former Baltimore states attorney and her various legal teams have been totally defiant, unrepentant and quick to deflect responsibility for the charges, claiming such things as vague terminology in the CARES Act rules and the ever-present refrain that she is the victim of racism. To be clear, many Americans who are far less credentialed in understanding legal terminology than Mosby did not have a hard time comprehending the so-called vague IRS terminology pertaining to her premature retirement plan distribution. And while the readers claim that it is her own money from her own retirement account is accurate, he fails to point out that her lies saved her $9,000 in early withdrawal penalties on her federal tax return.

In my opinion, she is lucky that the Internal Revenue Service has not expanded their investigation into the existing well-publicized tax compliance issues of her and her husband of 17 years, Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby, from whom she filed for divorce in July. Hopefully, that investigation is still simmering.

Mosby has abused her position of public trust, and she discredits all minorities and the many legitimate cases of racism by claiming that racism was a factor in the charges against her. She knows full well that her claim is nothing but a smoke screen in an effort to avoid responsibility for her crimes. She further discredits the entire legal profession with her disingenuous claims that basic legal terminology was too vague for her to understand. Much tax law is vague, but this one is not.

Lets send her to prison to allow her some time to atone for what she has done. I am perfectly content to wait until she is convicted in the mortgage fraud case before she is sentenced, but she needs to spend some time behind bars.

 Michael Burke, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Add your voice: Respond to this piece or other Sun content by submitting your own letter.
FILE- A supporter of Bangladesh's ruling Awami League party holds a cutout of boat, their election symbol during a rally, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Oct.30, 2023. Bangladeshs expected parliamentary elections will be held on Jan. 7, electoral authorities announced Wednesday, but the opposition reiterated its vow to boycott the polls unless the government hands power to a nonpartisan caretaker administration. (AP Photo/Mahmud Hossain Opu, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

DHAKA,Bangladesh (AP)  Bangladeshs expected parliamentary elections will be held on Jan. 7, electoral authorities announced Wednesday, but the opposition reiterated its vow to boycott the polls unless the government hands power to a caretaker administration.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has pledged free and fair elections, but the Bangladesh Nationalist Party led by Hasinas archrival, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, says they dont trust the government.

The opposition party has held demonstrations across the country in recent weeks to demand a nonpartisan caretaker government be appointed for the election, leading to deadly clashes that have heightened fears of instability in the South Asian nation.

Bangladeshs Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal announced Wednesday that the voting would be held on a single day on Jan. 7 in 300 parliamentary constituencies to elect members of parliament through direct vote.

Consensus and solutions are needed," Awal said in a televised address. I humbly request all the political parties on behalf of the Election Commission to seek amicable solutions avoiding conflict and violence, he said.

Hasina's ruling Awami League party welcomed the announcement, but Zia's party rejected the scheduled polling saying it would not join what it called a farcical election.

Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party held a massive rally Oct. 28 in Dhaka to call for Hasina to resign, but Hasina rejected the call. The rally turned violent when opposition party supporters clashed with police, and a police officer was killed.

Several more people were reported killed in clashes during ensuring days as the opposition party held strikes and blocked traffic. Many top opposition leaders have been arrested in connection with the violence.

The United Nations, the United States and the European Union have urged all sides to refrain from violence and work together to create conditions for a free, fair and peaceful election.

U.S. Ambassador Peter Haas on Wednesday met the ruling partys General Secretary Obaidul Quader to hand over a letter urging dialogue to resolve the political crisis surrounding the election.

Bangladesh is a parliamentary democracy with a history of violence, especially before and during elections. Hasina seeks to return to power for the fourth consecutive time through next elections.
A group of students have created a portable water quality monitor that they hope will increase access to clean water around the world.

The On-site Aquatic Safety Inspection System (OASIS) uses sensors to quickly detect contamination.

The University of Bath team said it is "designed to benefit and empower isolated communities".

Team leader Alexz Farrall said it could also be used by water companies, wild swimmers or home owners in the future.

The OASIS works by analysing water quality with sensors which detect potentially harmful elements, including chlorides, fluorides, nitrates, pH level, temperature and clearness.

It provides "rapid detection" when placed into water, compared to testing in a lab which takes longer, and could help track safe water sources, Mr Farrall said.

'Immediate risk detection'

"It can empower users to be aware of how harmful or safe a water source is and share it with their community," he added.

"When you submerge the device in water, it can instantly give feedback on how clean and drinkable a water source is.

"This could work in areas where water is scarce, potentially contaminated, or where agricultural work can cause quite rapid changes to water quality.

"It can provide a form of immediate detection of risks, or for situations such as a Cholera outbreak."

The water diagnostic results are displayed on the device, and if a smartphone is connected, it can be uploaded and shared online on a global map.

The team of students said they were inspired by the university's links with Stellenbosch University in South Africa to explore how the device could benefit communities around the world.

The team is currently sending the device out to some communities in Africa where people need access to clean water.

While portable water sensors have previously been developed, the team said the OASIS device's distinction lies in its affordability and that they aim to work with NGOs to bring the device into full production.

Dr Despina Moschou, a senior lecturer from the university, said: "The device is sophisticated and addresses a major global problem in a simple and potentially very affordable way.

"The work the team has done to find out how to apply their knowledge to this problem, building their skills and real-world problem solving is truly impressive."

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President Volodymyr Zelensky's refence to ex-Security Service official Andrii Naumov being a "traitor" was taken into account when a Serbian court decided to refuse his extradition to Ukraine, the BBC's Ukraine Service reported on Nov. 15, citing court documents

The Court of Appeals in Nis has twice refused a Ukrainian extradition request concerning Naumov, the former head of the internal security department of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

The last refusal, in October 2023, effectively closed the case, and pending any other unforeseen developments.

Zelensky said in a video address in March 2022, that Naumov was a "traitor" and stripped him of his rank as brigadier traitor.

The Serbian court took this into account when considering the extradition request, as "Naumov stated during court hearings that the charges against him in Ukraine are baseless and politically motivated," the BBC reported.

Zelensky calling him a "traitor" and stripping him of his rank without explicitly giving a reason for doing so were "taken into account as an argument in the refusal of extradition, "as well as Naumov's claims that he "fears for his life if he returns," the BBC said.

Naumov referenced a 2021 assassination attempt that was plotted by a fellow SBU officer, telling the court in the extradition hearings that "those involved in them have not yet been punished."

Naumov left the country on Feb. 23, 2022, just hours before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, online newspaper Ukrainska Pravda reported.

He used several vans loaded with cash and jewels to leave the country, which went to Germany, and later Serbia, according to Ukrainska Pravda.

He had evacuated his family a few weeks earlier. In March, Ukrainian law enforcement opened an investigation against him on suspicion of treason and searched his property.

Naumov was then detained at the border between Serbia and North Macedonia on 7 June, 2022, claiming that he was travelling to Athens for a yacht fair.

The police found him with undeclared cash amounting to around 600,000 euros ($651,500), $120,000, and two emeralds, court documents obtained by the BBC Serbian Service show.

Naumov was convicted by the High Court of Nis on Sept. 29, 2023, on money laundering charges and sentenced to a year in a Serbian prison.

In Ukraine, however, he is a suspect in a separate case relating to abuse of power in an official position, fraud, and causing losses to the state of more than Hr 3.2 million ($87,000).

The BBC noted that given the fact that Naumov has been in a Serbian pre-trial detention center for more than a year, "he practically served his sentence and will soon be released," perhaps as soon as December.

Read also: This Week in Ukraine Ep. 31  Why murderers of EuroMaidan protestors still enjoy impunity

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Beasts Library, an attraction that allowed guests to explore the Beauty and the Beast characters secret library, will permanently close on Dec. 10, Disneyland officials announced Tuesday.

Disneys Imagination Campus, an educational program that teaches students how to use their imagination to solve various challenges, will take over the space.

Our plan is for Imagination Campus to use the Beasts Library space moving forward and the final day for guests to experience Beasts Library will be Dec. 10, a Disneyland official told KTLA.

Disneylands Fantasmic! expected to return in May 2024

The Beasts Library attraction is tucked away inside the Sorcerers Workshop located in Hollywood Land at Disneys California Adventure Park. The famous Prince portrait hangs in the middle of the room and guests can watch as it changes to the clawed version, just like it did in the 1991 animated film.

The enchanted book in the library will also ask guests a series of questions to determine which Disney character best fits their personality.

Many Disney fans took to social media to express their opinion regarding the news.

Beasts Library isnt the only thing changing at the resort after the theme park updated its Guest Pin Trading Etiquette policy in order to enhance visitors experience.

Pin trading displays can now only be shown in the designated trading area near Westward Ho Trading Company at Disneyland. The area can only be used for pin trading from park opening until 3 p.m., according to the Disneyland website.

Pin trading is still permitted in the theme park.

Disney guests allegedly poop while waiting in line for rides

In the past, hardcore pin traders would often bring multiple binders filled with thousands of collectible pins to display at the parks, according to the Orange County Register.

Pin trading was introduced to Disneyland and Walt Disney World in late 1999 after former Disneyland Resort president George Kalogridis observed the activity during a trip to the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan.

The former resort president saw that pin trading allowed visitors worldwide to interact and communicate even if they didnt speak the same language, the Register reported.

Beasts Library opened in 2001, according to the Laughing Place.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
The largest scheme is for a site close to Titanic Belfast visitor attraction which will consist of 135 hotel beds and 93 aparthotel units.

Four new hotels planned for Belfast have been given the go-ahead by the city council.

Three of the projects previously had permission but did not proceed for various reasons.

The largest scheme is for a site close to the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction, which will consist of 135 hotel beds and 93 aparthotel units.

It previously had permission but has now been redesigned. The other three hotels are in the Cathedral Quarter.

The largest is a conversion of the War Memorial building in Waring Street to create a 120-bedroom hotel with a covered roof top terrace.

The building first received planning approval for a hotel in 2016 but has been through several changes of ownership since then.

The scheme is now being taken forward by County Antrim business people Seamus and Orla Murray.

The two other Cathedral Quarter projects are 20-bedroom boutique hotels.

One in Hill Street will involve the conversion of offices formerly occupied by the Housing Executive.

This is an updating of a previously approved scheme.

The other inDonegall Street will also involve the conversion of office buildings.

Last month a 175-room aparthotel opened on Queen Street in Belfast.

Room2 was developed by businessman Gareth Graham and is let to London-based operator the Lamington Group.

There are several other hotel projects in the city currently seeking planning permission including the Dean Hotel on Bedford Street and two separate aparthotel projects for former HMRC offices on Wellington Place and Great Victoria Street.

There are currently 39 hotels in Belfast with a total of 5,040 rooms, according to the Northern Ireland Hotel Federation.
The government of Belize will suspend diplomatic ties with Israel over its refusal to implement a ceasefire in Gaza, adding to the list of countries in the Western Hemisphere voicing anger over the Israeli governments war conduct.

The Government of Belize has repeatedly condemned the actions of the IDF in Gaza. We have appealed to Israel to implement an immediate ceasefire and to allow unimpeded access to humanitarian supplies into Gaza. Despite our requests, Israel has not stopped its violations of international humanitarian law nor allowed relief workers to alleviate the suffering of millions of Gazans, the Belize statement said Tuesday. Belize renews its call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, unimpeded access to humanitarian supplies into Gaza and the release of all hostages.

The Central American nation has also withdrawn its accreditation for Israels ambassador there, and suspended its own diplomatic activities in Tel Aviv.

Belize follows several regional neighbors, including Colombia, Chile, and Bolivia, that have severed diplomatic ties or recalled ambassadors to Israel. A number of countries across the Middle East and Africa, including Turkey, Jordan, and South Africa, have also recalled ambassadors in recent weeks.

Israel declared war on Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that controls Gaza, and launched a complete siege of the enclave following Hamas terror attacks in Israel on October 7. An estimated 1,200 people were killed in Hamas attacks, and 240 taken hostage, most of whom remain captive in Gaza.

Since then, Israeli attacks have killed at least 11,180 Palestinians  including 4,609 children and 3,100 women  according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah, which draws on medical sources in Gaza.

International pressure on the Israeli government has soared in recent days amid accounts of desperate circumstances at Gazas fuel-starved hospitals, and severe shortages of food and water. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday repeated his calls for a ceasefire in Gaza in the name of humanity.

But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out a ceasefire without the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said Monday that the country has only a two to three week window until heavy international pressure for a ceasefire in Gaza began, telling journalists that that a few countries have privately urged Israel to strive for a ceasefire.

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A beloved surfer and father died days after a surfing accident in California, the mans family said in a statement.

Kirby Lee was found unconscious in the water off San Franciscos Ocean Beach on Thursday, Nov. 2, the San Francisco Fire Department said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.





He died in the hospital four days later on Nov. 6, according to a statement his family posted to Caring Bridge, a nonprofit dedicated to sharing health stories.

Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Kirby, our friend, husband, father, brother, colleague, teacher, the statement says. Though heroic efforts were made to revive Kirby, he slipped from us on November 6.

The family said they would take some comfort that their loss might result in a better life for others as Lee was an organ donor.

The family included a quote in the statement: We cannot stop the waves of grief from coming, but we can learn to surf them.

Lee, 54, was an experienced surfer and an associate professor of clinical pharmacy at UC San Francisco, SFGATE reported.





Lees sister Sabrina Umphress told the outlet doctors werent able to conclude what caused her brothers death.

They ruled out heart attack, they ruled out stroke, there were no injuries, nothing on the outside of (his) body that indicated he had been hit by his board and knocked unconscious, she told the outlet. We asked the doctors so many times. It sounded like they were very thorough. Its a mystery.

Lees family will hold a Celebration of Life ceremony in the future, the statement says.

He was passionate about a lot of things but he was always so happy in the water, Umphress told the outlet. Thats what his friends said, always so happy in the water.

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Benin is battling the impact of shore erosion on its coastal communities (YANICK FOLLY)

Along its Atlantic coast, Benin's government has spent millions of dollars to protect coastal communities from sea erosion. But Doris Alapini can only watch as waves tirelessly eat away at her land and the large seaside restaurant she built.

The ocean is slowly winning the battle.

"The sea is advancing a lot. We have to do dredging or else block it, otherwise it will keep advancing," Alapini said as she walked along Cotonou's long sandy beach.

"I have seen how many times it has destroyed and invaded the neighbourhood."

She has lived for 27 years in the Jak district, one of the oldest and most chic in the economic capital of Benin. Every year, sea waters overflow into her area.

"The neighbourhood is under threat every day," she said.

"No one here has any guarantees. If there is a big wave, it will demolish the entire neighbourhood."

Not all coastal erosion is linked to climate change. But since 2002, Benin has lost kilometres (miles) of coastline, said Esquill Outiclissou, executive of the government's general directorate of environment and climate.

"The state has not remained idle," he said, pointing to protective structures, stone groynes and other installations, particularly to the east of Cotonou.

According to Outiclissou, nearly 100 billion CFA francs ($160 million) have been injected into the protection of Beninese coasts in recent years and the investment helped slow down the ocean's advance.

Africa often finds itself on the front line of climate change impact despite the continent contributing the least to greenhouse gas emissions globally.

Still, Benin and its littoral West African neighbours Togo and Ghana are, just like Pacific islands and coastal South Asian cities, at risk of shore erosion's impact on communities.

With global warming affecting sea levels, coastal erosion will be one of the subjects leaders will address when they meet for COP28 in Dubai in December.

- Race against time -

Raymond Mekpe, a 40-year-old fisherman, cannot believe the erosion losses.

Born in Cotonou, Mekpe might not be a climate expert but has his own indicators to illustrate the sea's unbridled advance.

"The homes of my grandparents and my parents were there," he said, pointing out to sea.

"We played somewhere there in our childhood," he added, gesturing towards another area where big waves crash.

Benin loses approximately 30 metres (yards) of its coastline every year, according to oceanographer Cossi Georges Degbe.

"It's really serious. And if nothing is done, within a few years we will lose the Cotonou Porto-Novo interstate road," the 51-year-old warned, referring to the main coastal route to the capital city.

"When we put protective structures in a given place, we are just moving the phenomenon along," he said.

For Outiclissou, the government must respond segment by segment, but "the segments that are still vulnerable are under study and will be dealt with in due course".

Thirteen structures have been built east of Cotonou starting from the coastal lagoon, he said.

Since then, the waves of erosion have become noticeably weaker, he added.

As well as rising water levels, due to climate change, extreme weather phenomena are increasing, "with very high waves washing over our coasts", explained oceanographer Degbe.

Alain Tossounon, president of a network of media focusing on water, the climate and environment, agrees more needs to be done.

"Efforts have not been sufficient and populations have not yet become aware of the importance of this phenomenon in the years to come," he said.

- 'Sea advances, destroys' -

With Benin not the only country concerned, joining forces with neighbours could bring more results.

"We must consider a regional approach to slow down the advance of the waves," Tossounon said.

Benin and Togo have already started working together -- a protective groyne of 18 kilometres (11 miles) in Togo and 24 kilometres in Benin made it possible to slow the waves in the fishing villages of Hillacondji and Aneho.

But despite these actions, seaside restaurant owner Alapini cannot help but feel angry.

"When we have populations who live by the sea, we have to have forecasts for them, a line in the state budget," she said.

"I'm shocked. By the time it takes to get funding, the sea is moving forward and destroying things."

jm/ks/fvl/pma/lcm/cw/smw
President Bidens strong backing of Israel and his response to its war with terrorist organization Hamas speaks to the mainstream of the Democratic Party and the majority of Americans, according to supporters of the president, despite progressive Democrats publicly opposing the administration's rejection of a cease-fire.

Multiple Biden allies told Fox News Digital that the administrations stance against a cease-fire protects Americans and national security interests at home and abroad.

Nearly a dozen Biden allies defended the president's policies in interviews with Fox News Digital after more than 400 government officials within the administration signed onto a letter opposing the president's handling of the war, and demanding a cease-fire.

Current Biden administration officials, former Obama administration officials, Democratic lawmakers and Jewish community leaders defended the administration's Israel policy as the president faces criticism and widespread protests.

ISRAEL TO BEGIN '4-HOUR PAUSES' OF MILITARY OPERATIONS IN NORTHERN GAZA, THE WHITE HOUSE SAYS

Biden administration officials claimed media coverage of the conflict has been"lopsided," saying "there has been far more coverage of opposition to the presidents response and almost none about support."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

But just this week, more than 100 current and former government officials from both the Biden and Obama administrations came out in support of Bidens policy. And tens of thousands attended the March for Israel rally at the National Mall in Washington in support of the administrations policy and against a cease-fire. Earlier this month, two dozen veterans and military organizations signed onto a letter endorsing strong support for Israel.

"Those calling for a cease-fire represent the fringe rather than the mainstream of the Democratic Party," Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., told Fox News Digital. "A cease-fire would do nothing more than empower Hamas."

"President Biden represents the mainstream of American politics. He speaks to the majority of Americans and the majority of Americans remain pro-Israel," he continued. "The Democratic leadership in both the House and the Senate are pro-Israel. The overwhelming majority of Democrats are pro-Israel."

Torres added: "Were taking our inspiration from the president. He is our standard-bearer. He is our leader."

Over in the Senate, Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., also endorsed the president.

"President Biden has been putting on a master class of diplomacy when it comes to his handling of the Israel-Hamas war," Fetterman said. "He is a steady hand at the wheel, and doing exactly what is needed in this time of crisis."

BIDEN ADMIN 'UNEQUIVOCALLY' CONDEMNS TERROR GROUP HAMAS, SAYS US 'STANDS WITH ISRAEL'

A Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday showed 60% of Democrats approved of Bidens handling of the Israel-Hamas war, while just 33% disapproved. That poll showed 7% of Democrats were undecided.

Meanwhile, from a national security standpoint, Jeremy Bash, the former chief of staff at the Department of Defense and the Central Intelligence Agency during the Obama administration, told Fox News Digital that Bidens policy has "prevented a wider regional war and protected Americas interests."

"The president has handled this crisis exactly as we want a commander in chief to operate," Bash said. "Those on the far left calling for a cease-fire are advocating that our ally Israel unilaterally disarm would be a terrible outcome for peace and stability. We wouldnt do it ourselves  and we didnt do it ourselves when we were fighting al Qaeda and ISIS. Nobody ever suggested to us that we engage in a cease-fire."

Bash said Bidens "strong backing" for Israels military operations is "exactly the right call."

"Hamas is a radical terror organization that rapes women, kills children, and takes Americans hostage," Bash said. "I dont know why anybody would want to keep them in power, and those on the far left who are arguing for a cease-fire would do just that."

Bash said even the Palestinian Authority "supports Israels campaign to dismantle Hamas."

"So even if one believes that they are a champion of the Palestinian cause, they should be aligned with Israel and aligned with the approach that President Biden has taken to dismantle Hamas," Bash said, while warning that if Hamas is able to "survive," its "brand of terrorism would proliferate."

BIDEN OFFICIALS REBEL AGAINST PRESIDENT ON ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR, SIGN DISSENT LETTER

Hamas would not hesitate to attack America or embassies, since the group killed 30 Americans in the Oct. 7 attack, took 10 more hostage, and views the U.S. as "the great Satan," Bash said.

"If we allow a terrorist organization to attack Americans and get away with it, that threat will metastasize. And will eventually threaten our homeland," Bash added.

The presidents policy also protects U.S. troops, said Allison Jaslow, the chief executive officer of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, an Iraq War veteran, and a former Obama administration official.

Tens of thousands of people participate in the March for Israel at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023.

"The president is mindful of the fact that there are U.S. troops that are deployed in the broader region who are already being subjected to attacks. He doesnt want those troops to be compromised even further," Jaslow said.

The Pentagon said this week that there have been 56 attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria since Oct. 17, with 59 U.S. personnel suffering either traumatic brain injury (TBI) or non-serious injuries.

As for those calling for a cease-fire, Jaslow said, "We're not talking about a government. We are literally talking about a terrorist organization."

"They are not going to negotiate and stick to any rules," she explained. "We need to have eyes wide open about that."

"As a soldier who has had to navigate a complex battlefield, where you cant tell the difference between good guys and bad guys, and where you have to play by a certain set of rules, but there are other folks out there  other actors  who dont have to play by those same rules  as a platoon leader in combat, that is a very stressful experience," Jaslow continued. "I dont have the luxury of naivete."

Jaslow said she "lived and breathed some of these dynamics in the Middle East region."

Democrat and Republican leaders join hands during the March for Israel on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Nov. 14.

"The folks who are standing on the moral high ground thinking that there is an easy or safe way out of the situation that were in right now that doesnt compromise our values and our commitments to key partners abroad are not living in the same reality that Im living in and have had to live in," she said. "Cheers to the people who get to live in that ideal world, because I think they have lived, probably, a really privileged life."

Jaslow added that those calling for a cease-fire are using "characterizations that are just completely over the top."

"A state defending its borders or responding to an attack that they did not entice does not equate to genocide," she said. "It just, objectively, does not."

She also challenged the opponents of the presidents policy on whether they "agree with terrorism."

HAMAS TELLS NY TIMES IT HOPES WAR WITH ISRAEL IS PERMANENT, PAPER SAYS HAMAS NOT INTERESTED IN GOVERNING

"Im not sure that they have had to respond to this," she said. "Do they support Hamas and do they not want us to address the threat that they are? If they do want to address them as a threat, they need to be clear-eyed about what that might take."

Despite standing firm against a cease-fire, Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to enact four-hour pauses of military operations each day in order to ensure humanitarian aid is able to make its way to residents who remain in Gaza, and to allow for civilians to take harbor or flee.

President Biden speaks during a roundtable discussion with Jewish community leaders at the White House on Oct. 11, 2023.

Netanyahu agreed, enacting those pauses last week. The Israeli Defense Forces also announce the pauses at least three hours before they begin, the White House said.

But Biden administration officials said there has been "a disparity in coverage at a lot of mainstream media outlets" about the president's policy and the war. The officials spoke to Fox News Digital on the condition of anonymity.

"Far left Democratic activists and their allies in the media fairly call out antisemitic signaling from the right wing, but were accommodating when [Rep. Rashida] Tlaib was signaling for the destruction of the Jewish state and when the left has been swapping out Zionists to say Jews," a Biden administration official told Fox News Digital. "The media should do their jobs and stop selectively reading the tea leaves when it will fit whats cool on their Ivy League alma maters campus."

Another administration official told Fox News Digital that Bidens actions since Hamas brutal attack on Israel on Oct. 7 have been "a shining example of clear presidential leadership."

"While it is important to cover dissent, much of the mainstream press seems to be on a mission to erase those of us who support the president," the official said.

"The medias reporting on the cease-fire is completely unserious," a congressional Democratic aide told Fox News Digital. "Last time I checked, you need two sides to do a cease-fire and the other side says they are going to destroy the state of Israel and attack again and again and again."

The aide said a cease-fire is just a "catchy term" and "is not a real proposal," while bashing the media, saying the reporting on activist calls is "naive and overly woke."

HILLARY CLINTON CALLS FOR HAMAS' ELIMINATION, SAYS ALL BLOODSHED IN GAZA IS ON ITS HANDS

"Maybe if one more member of Congress calls for a cease-fire, Hamas will agree  but Im skeptical," the aide said sarcastically.

The officials and aides also pointed to political pundits claiming that the presidents policy could negatively impact his 2024 re-election campaign, saying he is losing key minority support.

But Jim Messina, who ran former President Barack Obamas successful 2012 re-election campaign, told Fox News Digital that the president is on solid footing.

"Biden is doing the right thing by standing with Israel as it responds to terrorists who say they want to commit more October 7ths, and by focusing on humanitarian aid for the Palestinians who Hamas is deliberately putting in harm's way," Messina told Fox News Digital. "A majority of Americans support the president."

When asked for comment, the White House said "fighting against the poison of antisemitism and standing up for Israels sovereign right to defend itself have always been core values for President Biden. And they always will be."

"Immediately after the unadulterated evil of the most horrific terrorist attack in Israels history and the worst mass murder of Jewish people since the Holocaust, President Biden took decisive action to help Israel protect itself against Hamas. He is also working every day to prioritize the needs of the Palestinian people  the vast majority of whom have nothing to do with Hamas  by securing humanitarian aid, working to alleviate suffering in Gaza, and urging Israel to do everything possible to avoid civilian casualties as they root out Hamas," White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates told Fox News Digital. "President Biden is committed to the dignity of all Americans, to seeing every community, and opposing every form of hate, whether it is antisemitism, Islamophobia, or any other dangerous and unacceptable prejudice."

Jewish Americans "have a deep reservoir of appreciation for what President Biden has done for Israel in this moment," Torres said.

HERES WHY THOSE DEMANDING ISRAELI CEASE-FIRE ARE EITHER NAIVE OR HATEFUL

The CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, Halie Soifer, who previously served as a national security adviser to then-Sen. Kamala Harris and a senior policy adviser in the Obama administration, praised Biden's unequivocal condemnation of Hamas' horrific acts of terror.

"He has demonstrated this in both word and deed  his actions actually speak louder than words, though his words have been powerful as well," Soifer said.

Demonstrators demand a cease-fire during a protest on Oct. 18, 2023.

Soifer told Fox News Digital that she was part of the group of Jewish American leaders that met with Biden at the White House on Oct. 11.

"The emotion in the room was palpable because the president demonstrated that his commitment to Israels security and that of the Jewish community runs deep," she said.

Soifer also praised the president for being the first United States president to travel to Israel during wartime; his pledge for an "unprecedented amount of aid" to Israel; and his efforts to "deter bad actors, including Iran, from getting involved in this crisis."

"But perhaps most importantly, he has continued to reassure the Jewish community that he stands with us amid this crisis," she said, citing the administrations actions to combat antisemitism.

Eric Lesser, a former Massachusetts state senator and former Obama White House aide, said his personal interactions with World War II veterans and Holocaust survivors connected him to a "living memory of how quickly antisemitic rhetoric can turn violent"  a connection that younger generations of Americans may lack.

Lesser said Biden is doing "what any American president needs to do, which is to stand by our ally in line with humanitarian requirements; and at home in the U.S., he's making it crystal clear that persecuted and vulnerable minorities will be protected, and antisemitism won't be tolerated."

"Sometimes partnership is not as evident until it is tested," Soifer added. "And if Oct. 7 was the test, Joe Biden has more than exceeded even the highest expectations."

Soifer added: "He has established a policy that supersedes political divides."





Original article source: Biden allies condemn far-left calls for cease-fire in Israel-Hamas war: 'Americans remain pro-Israel'
President Joe Biden on Tuesday decried former President Donald Trumps recent remarks calling his political foes vermin as rhetoric reminiscent of Nazi Germany.

During a rally in New Hampshire last weekend, Trump vowed to root out groups he characterized as vermin who act as threats from within the U.S.

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, Trump said while pushing baseless claims of widespread election fraud led by his opponents.

Trump's "vermin" comments are the latest in a series of recent remarks lashing out at political and legal opponents in increasingly violent terms.

Biden excoriated Trumps remarks as language echoing Nazi Germany in the 1930s during a campaign fundraiser in San Francisco on Tuesday night. Nazi propaganda referred to Jewish people as vermin who need to be extinguished for plaguing lands, comparing them to rats that spread diseases.

In just the last few days, Trump has said, if he returns office, hes gonna go after all those who oppose him and wipe out what he called the vermin, quote, the vermin in America  a specific phrase with a specific meaning, Biden said.

It echoes language you heard in Nazi Germany in the '30s. And it isnt even the first time, he added. Trump also recently talked about, quote, the blood of America is being poisoned. The blood of America is being poisoned. Again, it echoes the same phrases used in Nazi Germany.

Reached for comment Wednesday morning in response to Bidens criticism of Trumps remarks, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement that its despicable and racist for Biden to make that disgusting connection.

But I wouldnt expect him to conduct himself in an honorable manner. Hes clearly suffering from a severe case of Trump derangement syndrome and should get professional help, he said, adding that there has been no bigger ally to Israel and the Jewish people than Trump.

Cheung continued: He renewed Americas cherished friendship and alliance with Israel and took historic action to promote peace in the Middle East. Whereas Bidens weak and disastrous leadership has made America and the rest of the world less safe.

Biden's campaign and White House officials also blasted Trumps remarks this week.

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 Monday, referring to the commemoration of Veterans Day last weekend.

White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said Monday in a statement, quoting a Washington Post headline, Employing words like vermin to describe anyone who makes use of their basic right to criticize the government echoes dictators like Hitler and Mussolini. Using terms like that about dissent would be unrecognizable to our founders, but horrifyingly recognizable to American veterans who put on their countrys uniform in the 1940s. 

Prior to Bidens remarks Tuesday night, Cheung had pushed back on comparisons of Trumps comments to Nazis and past authoritarian leaders such as Hitler.

Those who try to make that ridiculous assertion are clearly snowflakes grasping for anything because they are suffering from Trump derangement syndrome and their sad, miserable existence will be crushed when President Trump returns to the White House, Cheung said Monday in a statement.

Trumps public statements in recent weeks have taken a dark and aggressive turn, including attacks on law enforcement officials involved in various legal cases against him.

In a Monday post to his Truth Social platform, Trump warned special counsel Jack Smith, former Justice Department official Andrew Weissmann and U.S. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco will end up in a mental institution if he is re-elected as president next year.

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 is serving as special counsel in two Trump federal investigations: the former presidents efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and his mishandling of classified documents after he departed the White House. Trump has pleaded not guilty to charges in both cases.

Trump on Tuesday also reposted a now-deleted statement on Truth Social from a user who wrote that they hope for a citizens arrest of New York Attorney General Letitia James and Judge Arthur Engoron amid the $250 million civil fraud trial that jeopardizes the Trump familys real estate empire. Trump has repeatedly accused James and Engoron of election interference by attempting to hurt his chances of re-election with the trial, which he has decried as a witch hunt.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The White House said Wednesday it is nominating Nicole G. Berner, a labor lawyer from Takoma Park in Montgomery County, to the federal appeals court overseeing Maryland cases.

If confirmed by the Senate, she would become the first openly LGBTQ judge on the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, according to a White House release that also announced four other federal judge appointees.

The 4th Circuit is based in Richmond, Virginia, and hears appeals from federal district courts in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Berner is general counsel to the Service Employees International Union. She previously served as a staff attorney for Planned Parenthood.

Her work includes acting as counsel for the unions amicus brief before the U.S. Supreme Court defending the Affordable Care Act, the health care law known as Obamacare, in 2018.

She would fill a slot open because Diana Gribbon Motz, a former Baltimore lawyer, stepped down in 2022 to become a senior judge, meaning she has a limited case load.

In 2021, Joe Bidens first full year as president, the White House said in a statement that the federal bench should reflect the full diversity of the American people  both in background and in professional experience.

Initial nominees included three Black women picked for U.S. Circuit Court vacancies.

Berner is diverse in terms of gender, sexual orientation, ideology and experience, University of Richmond law professor Carl Tobias said in an interview.

According to the White House, 154 nominees have been confirmed since Biden took office in 2021. It said two-thirds are women and two-thirds are people of color.

Other nominees announced Wednesday included appellate attorney Adeel Mangi to the Philadelphia-based 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. He would be the first Muslim judge to serve on a circuit court.
President Biden is set to strike a deal with China that would limit the use of artifical intelligence in nuclear weapons.

Biden is to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco, where the two leaders are expected to also sign an agreement to limit AI's use in military applications, according to a report from Business Insider.

According to the report, Biden and Xi will agree to limit AI use in the systems that control and deploy nuclear weapons as well as the technology's use in autonomous weapon systems such as drones.

US MILITARY NEEDS AI VEHICLES, WEAPON SYSTEMS TO BE 'SUPERIOR' GLOBAL FORCE: EXPERTS

President Biden shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping as they meet on the sidelines of the G20 leaders summit in Bali, Indonesia, on Nov. 14, 2022.

The deal comes as the two countries have frequently found themselves at odds, with tensions continuing to flare over issues that include China's spying activities in the U.S. and its continued military buildup in the South China Sea. But the deal comes at the same time as many have warned about the growing implications of allowing unfettered AI use in combat, a new reality that has led to growing ethical concerns.

Phil Siegel, the founder of the Center for Advanced Preparedness and Threat Response Simulation (CAPTRS), told Fox News Digital that such an agreement is "necessary," though he argued that other major powers such as Russia should be involved in the pact as well.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"I predict they will make a deal on AI-driven autonomous weapons on the battlefield should only be for reconnaissance and not fighting; otherwise, the world will become a very dangerous place," Siegel said. "I think there is more to come, and it is necessary to keep us from devolving to continual war."

But Christopher Alexander, the chief analytics officer of Pioneer Development Group, questioned the need for such a deal, pointing out that the U.S. would be giving up a strategic advantage it currently holds over China.

President Biden

US, NOT CHINA, SHOULD TAKE LEAD ON AI

"This is an incredibly poor decision," Alexander told Fox News Digital. "To begin with, China lags behind the U.S. in AI capabilities; so the Biden administration just ceded a strategic advantage. Additionally, AI helps reduce stress to improve decision-making, which is crucial in preventing a poor decision to release nuclear weapons."

Both China and the U.S. have raced to integrate the use of AI into the military as the technology continues to rapidly advance, paving the way for applications that would be useful in combat. But both countries have also seemingly realized the danger in allowing AI's unfettered use, with the two sides both being party to an agreement earlier this year that endorsed the responsible use of AI in the military.

But Samuel Mangold-Lenett, a staff editor at The Federalist, questioned whether China could be depended upon to honor such an agreement, pointing to the country's lack of adherence to the Paris Climate Agreement.

"It is foolish to believe China will honor any agreement limiting the use of AI in nuclear weapons. Look at the Paris Climate Agreement: despite agreeing to reduce carbon emissions, China continued to be one of the world's worst polluters. It similarly has no regard for human rights or intellectual property," Mangold-Lenett told Fox News Digital.

"Chinese leadership has no regard for agreements that could slow down its quest for destabilizing the world order and displacing the U.S. as hegemon. The U.S. should continue developing AI systems that ensure national security and advance our interests  our enemies will surely do the same."

The White House did not immediately respond to a Fox News request for comment.





Original article source: Biden hands China big win with military deal, experts say: 'Incredibly poor decision'
President Joe Biden walks across the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, to board Marine One as he heads to San Francisco for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. | Susan Walsh, Associated Press

President Joe Biden had one message for U.S. hostages held by Hamas: Hang in there, were coming, he said on Tuesday while responding to reporters questions about hostages held by Hamas, according to a video uploaded by the New York Times.

Ive been talking with the people involved every single day. I believe its going to happen but I dont want to get into detail, he added.

His remarks came shortly after the Israel Defense Forces announced the death of a soldier taken by Hamas, Cpl. Noa Marciano, 19, who had been seen alive in a video four days after she was abducted by the terrorist group, as reported by the Times of Israel.

The U.S. is working around the clock to rescue hostages and reunite them with their families, said White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan at a press briefing on Monday.

This includes many young children, one of whom is a 3-year-old American citizen toddler, whose parents were tragically killed by Hamas on Oct. 7, he said. More than 200 people were abducted on the day of the attack over a month ago.

Update on hostage negotiations

Sullivan stressed that the hostages were a top priority for the Biden administration. It is up to Israel to continue allowing humanitarian pauses so that civilians can leave areas under active threat and aid can flow into Gaza. Such a pause also enables the release of hostages, the national security adviser added.

Sullivan said that the U.S. is engaging with Israel and Qatar to propel forward negotiations regarding the hostages. But, he added, Were not there yet.

If Hamas agrees, the hostages would be released over the course of multiple days, with children and women given priority, per Times of Israel.

Biden administration has limited visibility on hostages

When asked if the U.S. government has received any proof of life for the American hostages amid the negotiations, Sullivan said the administration has limited visibility.

We have nine missing Americans, one missing green card holder, and I cannot look you in the eye and tell you how many of those hostages are still alive, he said, adding that there are a substantial number of hostages who are not just alive, but who could potentially be part of a hostage release.

Related

Hamas previously released 2 American hostages

Hamas released two Americans  a mother and daughter  in October. Judith, 59, and Natalie, 17, both have dual Israeli-American citizenship. They were visiting family in southern Israel for a relatives birthday and to celebrate the Jewish holidays from Evanston, Illinois, when they were abducted on Oct. 7, as the Deseret News previously reported.

We dont have the privilege to be happy or to celebrate. We dont have the privilege to mourn, Ayelet Sella, a cousin to the family told ABC News. We cannot rest. Getting Judith and Natalie back, it is not the end. It is the beginning.
President Joe Biden admonished his 2024 rival Donald Trump on Tuesday night for using rhetoric which Biden said was reminiscent of language used by the Nazis. The Republican frontrunner recently told a rally he would root out the communists, Marxists, fascists and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country. At a fundraiser in San Francisco, Biden criticized the remarks. Trump has said if he returns to office hes gonna go after all those who oppose him and wipe out what he called the vermin...in America... it echoes language you heard in Nazi Germany in the 30s. It isnt even the first time. Biden similarly criticized another Trump comment about illegal immigrants, in which Trump said they are poisoning the blood of our country. Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said comparing Trump to Nazis was ridiculous, adding that those who made such comparisons will be crushed when Trump retakes the White House.

Read it at Reuters

Read more at The Daily Beast.
Xi Jinping arrives in the United States for the first time in six years

National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby believes that China could play a role in supporting Ukraine and helping to end hostilities, the Voice of America reported on Nov. 14.

Read also: What will Putin and Xi Jinping get from their crucial meeting

U.S. President Joe Biden plans to discuss the situation in Ukraine with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their upcoming meeting, Kirby said.

"The conversation hasn't happened yet, and I don't want to get ahead of events," he said.

I think they will certainly discuss what is happening in Ukraine, and the president will make it clear that we will continue to support Ukraine against Russian aggression.

Kirby also suggested that the United States would "welcome" the possibility that China could provide assistance to Israel.

Read also: No evidence of Chinas military backing for Russia in Ukraine  White House

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has arrived in the United States for the first time in six years. He landed in San Francisco, where he is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden soon.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Hundreds of government workers, members of President Joe Bidens campaign and Democratic Party employees have pressed the administration to support a ceasefire in Gaza following the deaths of thousands of civilians under Israels ongoing bombardments.

More than 11,000 Palestinians, including 4,500 children, have been killed during Israels military campaign against Hamas in the wake of the 7 October attacks, according to Gazas health ministry. The US Department of State believes the death toll could be even higher.

The president has faced growing calls to support a ceasefire from more than 400 employees working within his administration as well as more than 500 people who helped him win the presidency in his 2020 campaign, joining a growing number of calls for a ceasefire from across the administration and in Congress directed at their powerful bosses.

One letter from more than 400 administration employees, including political appointees and White House staff, spans several cabinet-level agencies and the presidents office.

The letter, according to NBC News, calls on the president to urgently demand a ceasefire and call for de-escalation of the current conflict by securing the immediate release of the Israeli hostages and arbitrarily detained Palestinians as well as the restoration of water, fuel, electricity and other basic services and the passage of adequate humanitarian aid to the Gaza strip.

An open letter from more than 500 people from across the US who worked on Mr Bidens 2020 campaign, including Democratic National Committee staff members, told the president that he wields significant influence in this perilous moment to support a ceasefire agreement.

As you have said, silence in the face of human rights violations is tantamount to complicity, they wrote. With every passing day, we will continue to see more bloodshed, more war crimes, and more death. All people of conscience must call loudly and vociferously for a ceasefire now. As a person of conscience with enormous influence, you have a special responsibility to lead this call.

The Independent has requested comment from the White House.

Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, left, watches Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson address a March for Israel rally where he said calls for a ceasefire in Gaza are outrageous (EPA)

Another open letter from more than 1,000 officials with the US Agency for International Development, among the largest aid agencies in the world, authorised by Congress, have also signed an open letter urging Mr Bidens support for a ceasefire.

Dozens of State Department employees signed internal memos to Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressing their sharp disagreement with the administrations approach to Israels military campaign. Several internal cables have urged Mr Biden to call for a ceasefire, according to The New York Times.

One five-page memo signed by 100 State Department and USAID employees accuses Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza, while the Biden administartions support has made him complicit in genocide.

The State Department directed The Independent to comments from spokesperson Matthew Miller but added that the agency generally does not comment on internal communications.

Ill just reiterate that the Secretary wants to hear from those employees, Mr Miller said on 13 November. He wants to hear what their opinions are. I wont comment on any dissent memos, but he has spoken in the past about how he welcomes the dissent channel, and thinks its a very valuable channel, and that he likes to get feedback through it. And he hopes that people will use it. 

A Palestinian man carries objects as he walks through debris on 14 November in the aftermath of an Israeli strike in Gaza (REUTERS)

Hundreds of Democratic aides in Congress have also pressed their bosses to support a ceasefire and staged a walkout from the US Capitol last week.

Most of our bosses on Capitol hill are not listening to the people they represent, one staffer said from the Capitol steps in front of a banner reading ceasefire now last week. We demand our leaders speak up, call for a ceasefire, a release of all hostages and an immediate de-escalation now.

Roughly 66 per cent of voters want the US to call for a ceasefire and de-escalation of violence in Gaza  a figure that includes at least 80 per cent of Democratic voters, according to polling from progressive thinktank Data for Progress.

Its unclear whether the administration or members of Congress will respond to those calls, which have reportedly caught Democratic officials off guard. Ive never seen such a disconnect between where voters and constituents are and where Congress is, and thats saying something because theres always a disconnect, one aide told HuffPost.

The president and administration officials, as well as nearly every US Senator, appear unmoved. When asked what chances exist for a Gaza ceasefire, the president said none. No possibility.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, moments before joining Democratic and Republican members of Congress at a March for Israel in Washington DC on Tuesday, told The Independent that the US should instead focus on efforts to radically reduce the presence of Hamas in Gaza, free hostages, and minimize civilian casualties.

Israeli soldiers pictured amid ongoing battles with Hamas (AFP via Getty Images)

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, while speaking alongside Mr Schumer and Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries during the rally, called support for a ceasefire outrageous.

The White House has instead supported daily four-hour pauses in Israels bombardments in northern Gaza.

When we talk ceasefire vs pause, theres a difference. We dont support a ceasefire. We think that benefits Hamas. We do support these humanitarian pauses that the Israeli military has put in place, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Tuesday.

Mr Kirby, speaking to reporters during Israels siege of Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical complex in Gaza, added that we dont support attacks on hospitals.
President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping have completed their talks Wednesday on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation gathering in San Francisco, as Mr. Biden looks to manage the relationship between the world's two largest economies. The president announced they made progress on two key objectives  resuming military-to-military communications and cracking down on fentanyl.

The two world leaders, accompanied by top aides, met for about four hours at the Filoli Historic House & Garden in Woodside, California, just outside of San Francisco.

"Today, built on the groundwork relayed over the past several months of high-level diplomacy between our teams, we've made some important progress, I believe," Mr. Biden said in a press conference after the talks. "First, I'm pleased to announce that after many years of being on hold, we are restarting cooperation between the United States and PRC [People's Republic of China] on counternarcotics. ... Secondly, and this is critically important, we're reassuming military-to-military contact, direct contacts."

A senior administration official told reporters Wednesday after the talks that the U.S. and China are establishing "policy-level discussions" on military matters, and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will now meet with his counterpart when China names a new minister of defense. Senior military commanders, including the commander of the U.S. Pacific forces in Hawaii, will engage with his Chinese counterparts, the official said.

The senior administration official also said the U.S. is working with the Chinese on a plan to have China use a number of procedures to go after specific companies that make precursors for fentanyl. The official said the Chinese have already acted against several of the companies for which the U.S. has provided information. China is taking a number of steps intended to curtail the supplies, the official said.

Mr. Biden and Xi also had what the senior administration official described as a substantial exchange about Taiwan. Xi, the U.S. official said, expressed that China's preferences is for peaceful reunification, but moved immediately to suggest that force could potentially be used. Mr. Biden emphasized the need to maintain peace and stability, and asked the Chinese to respect the electoral process in Taiwan. Xi, the official said, suggested peace is well and good but at some point, there needs to be a move toward a resolution.

At the top of their conversation, Mr. Biden said there is no substitute for face-to-face discussions, and it's important to ensure that "competition doesn't veer into conflict."

"I value our conversation because I think it's paramount that you and I understand each other clearly, leader to leader, with no misconceptions or miscommunication," Mr. Biden said.

Through an interpreter, Xi called the China-U.S. relationship the most important bilateral relationship in the world, and said "turning our backs on each other is not an option."

Although Mr. Biden and Xi went for a brief walk, they otherwise didn't meet one-on-one. Each leader had about a dozen top aides in the grand room.

President Joe Biden Meets with China's President President Xi Jinping at the Filoli Estate in Woodside, Calif., Wednesday, Nov, 15, 2023, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperative conference. (Doug Mills/The New York Times via AP, Pool) / Credit: Doug Mills / AP

It's Mr. Biden's second in-person meeting with Xi since he took office, although the two have also spoken virtually and Mr. Biden met with Xi many times before taking office. This is the first time they have spoken since their last meeting, which was in Nov. 2022 in Bali, Indonesia, a senior administration said Tuesday night.

Military communications were suspended after former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan last year. Diplomatic lines of communication have continued.

President Joe Biden greets China's President President Xi Jinping at the Filoli Estate in Woodside, Calif., Wednesday, Nov, 15, 2023, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperative conference. (Doug Mills/The New York Times via AP, Pool) / Credit: Doug Mills / AP

"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," Mr. Biden said Tuesday, asked what he would consider the outcome of a successful meeting with Xi. "Being able to make sure our militaries still have contact with one another."

A senior administration official noted early Wednesday that when the Chinese spy balloon went across the U.S., "we had no way really to communicate with the Chinese. That's not responsible and we hope to be able to at least take some preliminary steps tomorrow."

The senior administration official said "over the past several years there has been a "collection of power by one man  President Xi." The official added "frankly, if you really have to do serious diplomacy, that has to take place at the very top so the stakes really just couldn't be higher. And yes, I think if you want to affect change in the Chinese system, if you want to have a clear shot at trying to affect certain outcomes, it comes down to a meeting like this."

In any meeting at the leader level, particularly between countries like the U.S. and China, there are "weeks and weeks" of discussion about the agenda, said National Security Council spokesman John Kirby. Kirby said Mr. Biden and Xi have known each other for years, and can be "frank and forthright" with each other.

"I think the table's been set, again, over the course of many weeks, for what we hope will be a very productive, candid, constructive conversation here," Kirby said. "... He's not gonna' be afraid to confront where confrontation is needed on certain issues where we don't see eye to eye with President Xi and the PRC, but we're also not gonna' be afraid nor should we be afraid as a confident nation to engage in diplomacy on ways which we can cooperate with China."

Broadly, the White House says the administration's goals at the APEC summit are improving and increasing American investment in the Asia-Pacific region and the region's investment in the U.S.; working toward better worker standards and cleaner environments; and building a more inclusive economy across the region.

"We're not trying to decouple from China," Mr. Biden told reporters Tuesday. "What we're trying to do is change the relationship for the better. From my perspective, if in fact the Chinese people, who are in trouble right now, economically ... if the average citizen in China was able to have a decent paying job, that benefits them and it benefits all of us. But I'm not gonna' continue to sustain the support for positions where if you want to invest in China, we have to turn over all our trade secrets."

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By Trevor Hunnicutt, Jeff Mason and Steve Holland

WOODSIDE, California (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping agreed on Wednesday to open a presidential hotline, resume military-to-military communications and work to curb fentanyl production, showing tangible progress in their first face-to-face talks in a year.

Biden and Xi met for about four hours on the outskirts of San Francisco to discuss issues that have strained U.S.-Chinese relations. Simmering differences remain, particularly over Taiwan.

In a significant breakthrough, the two governments plan to resume military contacts that China severed after then-House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August 2022.

Were back to direct, open clear direct communication on a direct basis, Biden said.

In addition, Biden said he and Xi agreed to high-level communications. "He and I agreed that each one of us can pick up the phone call directly and we'll be heard immediately."

But in a comment likely to irk the Chinese, Biden told reporters later that he had not changed his view that Xi is a dictator.

"Well, look, he is. I mean, hes a dictator in the sense that he is a guy who runs a country that is a communist country," Biden said.

Xi told Biden that the negative views of the Communist Party in the United States were unfair, a U.S. official told reporters after the meeting.

Biden and Xi came into the talks looking to smooth over a rocky period in relations that took a turn for the worse after a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon transited the United States and was shot down by a U.S. fighter jet in February.

The White House said Biden raised areas where Washington has concerns, including detained U.S. citizens, human rights in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong and Beijings aggressive activities in the South China Sea.

"Just talking, just being blunt with one another so theres no misunderstanding," Biden said.

MILITARY, TAIWAN

U.S. and China's militaries have had a number of near-misses and acrimonious exchanges over the past year. After the pledge to renew communications, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will meet his Chinese counterpart when that person is named, a senior U.S. official said.

Biden and Xi agreed China would stem the export of items related to the production of the opioid fentanyl, a leading cause of drug overdoses in the United States. "Its going to save lives, Biden said, adding he appreciated Xis commitment on the issue.

Under the agreement, China will go directly after specific chemical companies that make fentanyl precursors, a senior U.S. official told reporters. He vowed to "trust but verify" Chinese actions on the drug.

The two leaders also agreed to get experts together to discuss the risks of artificial intelligence.

A U.S. official described an exchange over Taiwan, the democratic island that China claims as its territory. China's preference is for peaceful reunification with the Chinese-claimed island of Taiwan, Xi told Biden, the U.S. official said, but Xi went on to talk about conditions in which force could be used.

Biden said he stressed the need for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The U.S. official said Biden argued to maintain the status quo and for China to respect Taiwan's electoral process.

"President Xi responded 'Look, peace is all well and good, but at some point we need to move towards resolution more generally'," the official quoted Xi as saying.

Xi also urged the United States to stop sending weapons to Taiwan and support China's peaceful "reunification" with Taiwan, Chinese state media said.

Bonnie Glaser, a Taiwan expert at the Germen Marshall Fund of the United States, said Xi seemed to have conveyed both threats and assurances on Taiwan.

"The suggestion that a resolution needs to be found in the near term is a worrisome sign, even if he emphasized that there are no plans for military action against Taiwan in the coming years," she said.

Biden said he asked Xi to use his influence with Iran to urge Tehran not to launch proxy attacks on U.S. targets in the Middle East as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues in Gaza.

RESPECT AND WARMTH

Biden welcomed the Chinese leader at the Filoli estate, a country house and well-manicured gardens about 30 miles (48 km) south of San Francisco, where they will move later for a summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

APEC meets amid relative Chinese economic weakness, Beijing's territorial feuds with neighbors and a Middle East conflict that is dividing the United States from allies.

Xi came into the meeting looking for respect from the United States as China's economy struggles to recover from sluggish growth.

Biden, who had long sought the meeting, struck a warm, welcoming tone. Video of the two clasping hands in farewell after the meeting was posted on X by the Global Times, China's state-backed tabloid.

"Planet Earth is big enough for the two countries to succeed," Xi told Biden as they and their delegations sat across from each other at a long table in an ornate conference room.

Biden said the U.S. and China had to ensure that competition between them "does not veer into conflict" and manage their relationship "responsibly."

After lunch, the leaders took a short walk together in the manicured garden of the mansion following an interaction that lasted around four hours. Biden waved to reporters and gave a two thumbs up sign when asked how the talks were going. "Well," he said.

Xi told Biden as they began their talks a lot had happened since their last meeting a year ago in Bali, citing the impacts of the COVID pandemic, and calling the U.S.-China relationship "the most important bilateral relationship in the world."

"For two large countries like China and the United States, turning their back on each other is not an option," he said. "It is unrealistic for one side to remodel the other."

After the two met, Biden welcomed global leaders to the APEC meeting in San Francisco, where he said Xi regarded the visit as a homecoming given the citys large Chinese population.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Additional reporting by Steve Holland, Michael Martina, Martin Pollard, Jeff Mason, David Lawder, David Brunnstrom and Andrea Shalal; Editing by Josie Kao and Stephen Coates)
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US President Joe Biden and China's President Xi Jinping are set to hold a high-stakes meeting in California, and there is no shortage of potentially tricky topics to discuss.

Trade, war in the Middle East and Taiwan are among the issues likely to be on the agenda.

So what would success look like for each leader? We asked our correspondents to give their assessment.

What Xi wants

Analysis box by Stephen McDonell, China correspondent

The last twelve months have been very bad for Xi Jinping politically. If he can emerge from his summit with Joe Biden giving the appearance that he is steering US-China relations into calmer waters, he will be pretty happy with that.

China's leader is clearly all-powerful, but even he feels pressure, and - after a string of perceived setbacks - he needs a solid, public win.

There will be a lot of interest in what subjects the two men will discuss, especially given how many potentially sensitive flashpoints exist between Beijing and Washington. Freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, US support for the government in Taiwan and trade blocks on certain new technologies could all be on the agenda.

But for Xi Jinping, what is paramount is what happens at home. It is the images of him on Chinese media showing a strong figure dealing with the Americans that will be of crucial importance.

This year, two of his most high-profile appointees - the foreign minister and the defence minister - were removed without explanation. His judgement is seen as having been tarnished because he selected these men and yet they had to be taken down.

Then there was the purge of Rocket Force generals, leading to an overhaul of who is in charge of the country's nuclear missiles. Rumours have been swirling around about why those at the top of this elite nuclear unit were replaced but, whatever the reason, this has further fuelled the impression that all is not well in the upper echelons of the Communist Party.

All of this came off the back of Mr Xi suddenly abandoning his hugely unpopular 'Zero Covid' policy at the end of last year, after protests started breaking out across the country calling for an end to the widespread restrictions on people's movements. It led to an unknown death toll as the virus exploded.

Added to that, the once seemingly unstoppable machine of the Chinese economy is spluttering and stalling with record-high youth unemployment, tech sector layoffs and a housing crisis.

Some good news about China's relations with the other world superpower would not go astray. Even better if it leads to more trade.

What Biden wants

Analysis box by Sarah Smith, North America editor

No one is expecting a major breakthrough in this meeting.

A major improvement in the relationship between these two nations is not realistic. The purpose is to try and make sure that relations do not get worse.

There will be no dramatic headlines or agreements signed, very few concrete outcomes. But it is still important.

To understand the significance, you have to imagine what could happen if this meeting did not take place and relations between China and the US continued to deteriorate. All the different ways in which the two countries might clash with dangerous consequences.

President Biden is expected to say that he wants China to use its increasing influence with Iran to make clear that it should not take any provocative actions in the Middle East that could provoke a wider regional war.

On Ukraine, he will warn against any move by China to provide Russia with deadly military equipment.

One important thing America wants to achieve is re-establishing military communications. Allowing their generals to talk to each other could be crucial in making sure that misunderstandings do not become dangerous flashpoints.

After the US shot down a Chinese spy balloon in February, officials in Beijing would not answer a call from the US defence secretary.

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The biggest point of contention, however, is Taiwan.

China broke off military communications after the visit to the self-governing island by then House speaker Nancy Pelosi last year. More recently, a Pentagon report said that China is significantly building up its stocks of nuclear weapons and taking increasingly dangerous actions to deter US forces in the region.

Once again, avoiding a further deterioration in relations over Taiwan could be considered a victory of sorts.

There is also the matter of economics and trade to discuss. This includes America's ban on the export of certain sophisticated semi-conductor chips to China.

Additionally, on the agenda will be American complaints about Chinese-made fentanyl that US authorities say is flooding the country, and warnings against China attempting to interfere in next year's US presidential election.

Mr Biden believes that his decades-long track record in foreign affairs and personal relationships with leaders around the world make him uniquely placed to defuse global tensions. This meeting will be a significant test of that.
As leaders of states, Xi and Biden have met only once before, in the fall of 2022 in Bali (pictured)

U.S. President Joe Biden is set to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping in San Francisco on Nov. 15. Their talks are expected to range from Russia's war against Ukraine to restoring military communications between the United States and China.

The meeting is scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit 2023 in San Francisco, California, CNN reported on Nov. 10 referencing senior officials of the White House.

The talks between the diplomatic teams from Beijing and Washington are expected to last several hours.

Xis last visit to the United States was in April 2017, and he will spend several days in the country from Nov. 14 -17. The summit will be only the second time Biden and Xi have met in person in the last three years  they last came face-to-face a year ago on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia.

The upcoming meeting has garnered international attention as the leaders of the worlds two most influential countries are expected to address key global and bilateral issues.

Read also: What will Putin and Xi Jinping get from their crucial meeting

The topics of the negotiations will include the Israel-Hamas war, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, North Korea's ties with Russia, Taiwan, the Indo-Pacific, human rights, fentanyl, artificial intelligence, as well as "fair" trade and economic relations, news agency Reuters reported on Nov. 11, citing senior Biden administration officials.

"Nothing will be held back; everything is on the table, (for negotiation)," Reuters quoted a senior U.S. senior official as saying. The official acknowledged there was a need to review relations between the United States and China.

"We're clear-eyed about this. We know efforts to shape or reform China over several decades have failed. But we expect China to be around and to be a major player on the world stage for the rest of our lifetimes."

Reuters also reported that an important aspect of the negotiations would be the issue of the resumption of some military-to-military channels between the United States and China.

White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stressed that, in Biden's opinion, Washington has no alternative to face-to-face talks between leaders to normalize relations with Beijing.

Reuters said that the meeting between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping will take place against the backdrop of "oceans of ideological difference" between the United States and China.

Both countries took different positions in the wars between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Hamas, are competing for global economic, military, and geopolitical influence, and have a number of pressing unresolved issues in bilateral relations  from Chinese "influence operations" in foreign elections, to the status of U.S. citizens who, according to Washington, are being illegally held in China.

While symbolic steps may be taken post-meeting to facilitate further negotiations, Ukrainian political scientist Volodymyr Fesenko cautions against expecting a significant impact on the Ukraine-Russia war. Fesenko notes that China perceives the conflict through its rivalry with the United States, and won't benefit from either side's victory.

He emphasized that he does not expect breakthroughs from the meeting "neither in the global dimension, nor in those issues that relate to Ukraine."

Read also: Biden and Xi must agree to pull world back from abyss of global war, says expert

The contradictions between the United States and China are too deep, including there being fundamental differences in the assessment of the causes of the war between Russia and Ukraine and the conditions for its cessation, the political scientist added.

It is impossible to overcome these contradictions in one meeting. In the best case, negotiations will begin between the two countries, first of all, on those issues that relate to their bilateral relations.

Despite this, Fesenko sees the meeting and the ongoing negotiation process as positive for Ukraine, emphasizing the undesirability of direct military-political confrontation between the United States and China, which would benefit Russia and other U.S. adversaries like North Korea and Iran.

Meanwhile, in a recent interview with Radio NV, Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin noted there might be negative consequences for Russia from the meeting between Biden and Xi.

"For Russia and for Putin personally, this meeting is like a noose, Klimkin said.

They really want to have China for themselves and take pride in their unique partnership with China. In fact, they want to isolate China from everyone. However, the Chinese understand perfectly well that they need to, if not improve, then at least stabilize relations with the United States.

The Chinese are trying not to let Putin go, helping him, but at the same time not crossing red lines  not supplying lethal weapons.

"It is crucial to understand whether the Chinese will supply Russia with the high-tech technologies they need so much.

If the result of an agreement (with the United States) will not only be the non-supply of weapons, which is already happening, but also restrictions on high-tech technologies, this, of course, will be a significant outcome."

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President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are expected to agree to at least a limited resumption of direct military-to-military communications when the two world leaders meet in San Francisco.

The meeting, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders summit, will cap months of careful diplomatic efforts by a range of top administration officials to lay the groundwork for restoration of head-of-state level talks after a breakdown in relations brought on by the February shootdown of a Chinese-owned espionage airship off the East Coast of the US.

The last time Mr Biden and Mr Xi met in person was November 2022, during the Group of 20 summit in Indonesia.

But the two leaders, who have met roughly a dozen times during their tenures in high office, havent so much as exchanged a word since then.

Roughly three months later, the Sino-American relationship hit the shoals on account of the balloon incident, which derailed a planned visit to Beijing by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

At the time, a senior State Department official said the department had concluded that the conditions are not right at this moment for Secretary Blinken to travel to China, following what the official described as consultations with Congress and interagency partners.

Four months went by with little high-level contact between Washington and Beijing, save for a meeting between Wang Yi, the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference a few weeks later.

But the Biden administrations efforts to lower the temperature began to bear some fruit in early May after US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns said the US was ready to talk during a public event at which he said he hoped that Beijing would meet us halfway because the US was now ready for what he described as a more broad-based engagement at the cabinet level.

That engagement appeared to begin a few weeks later, when White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan travelled to Vienna for what the administration described as candid and constructive talks with Mr Wang.

A White House readout of the two days of meetings said the discussions were part of ongoing efforts to maintain open lines of communication and responsibly manage competition and said both sides had candid, substantive, and constructive discussions on key issues in the U.S.-China bilateral relationship, global and regional security issues, Russias war against Ukraine, and cross-Strait issues, among other topics,

Mr Blinken made his previously-delayed visit to Beijing in June, meeting with Mr Xi and Mr Wang, among other top Chinese officials.

His trip there was followed the next month a pair of visits to China by top US officials.

The first was Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who met with her Chinese counterpart, Vice Premier He Lifeng, and declared that the US seeks healthy economic relationship with China that benefits both countries over time.

Later that month, former Secretary of State John Kerry  now Mr Bidens presidential climate envoy  trekked to Beijing for three days of talks with Chinese officials that he described as productive.

Two months later, another Biden cabinet official  Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo  made the trek to China for more economic talks.

But even as it was expected that any sit-down between Mr Biden and Mr Xi would take place at APEC, US and Chinese officials remained coy about that possibility, even as Mr Wang, the Chinese foreign minister, capped off a multi-day reciprocal visit to the US by sitting down with Mr Biden at the White House on 27 October.

At the time, a senior administration official who briefed reporters on the meeting said the discussions included plans for additional high-level engagements between the US and China  including meetings between senior officials, but did not explicitly state that a head-of-state level meeting was in the works.

Mr Bidens meeting with Mr Xi follows a provocative move by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi last year.

On 4 August last year, more than 700,000 people around the world tracked a US Air Force plane carrying Ms Pelosi from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia to Taipei, the capital of Taiwan.

It was the first visit by a US House speaker to the self-governing island, which the Peoples Republic of China claims as its own territory, since then-Speaker Newt Gingrich went there in the mid-1990s.

In response, Beijing conducted a series of military exercises nearby, including live-fire drills in Taiwans territorial waters and air-defence identification zone.

The Chinese government also lashed out at the US with a decision to suspend bilateral talks on fighting climate change, and by cutting off all dialogues between the US Department of Defence and the Peoples Liberation Army, including bilateral talks between area commanders and between top US and Chinese defence officials, as well as regular communications on military and maritime safety, returning illegal immigrants, criminal investigations, transnational crime and illegal drugs.

The lack of communication between the US and PRC defence establishments has continued up to the face-to-face meeting between the presidents.
The Baltimore City Council moved forward a pair of bills Tuesday evening slated to provide inclusionary housing to low-income residents.

If the bills are ultimately passed, it would show to the state of Maryland and to the U.S. that Baltimore is committed, is strategic, it is intentional about making sure that there is affordable housing for everyone, Councilwoman Odette Ramos, District 14 representative and the main sponsor the legislative package, said.

Asked if he would veto the bills should they land on his desk, Mayor Brandon Scott said Wednesday that inclusionary housing is a great idea and that his administration wholeheartedly supports the vision of inclusive affordable housing in Baltimore City. He said he plans to work with council members regarding his concerns about the bills ahead of next Mondays council meeting, should they be willing.

Concerns from Scotts administration in regard to the package were largely financial.

If passed, the first bill in the package would require residential buildings with 20 or more units that receive subsidies from the city to allocate 10% of those for affordable housing for residents making approximately 60% or less of the Baltimore-areas median income.

Ramos said that is approximately $67,000 annually for a family of four.

We want to make sure that you know that we did take input from the development community, the administration, advocates,  I do think this has been a true team effort, Ramos said. We took the time to get this right because we need to.

This bill would apply to all neighborhoods across the city.

Ramos said Tuesdays legislation is meant to be a floor, not a ceiling, so the council can consider other subsidies down the line. If enacted, the legislation would call for a study to assess the impact of the program after three years.

However, Ramos warned there was not full-on agreement on the substance of the bills.

Cautioning that the city has a funding crisis and will be starting 2024 in a not good position, Ramos reminded council members that 2023 began in a similar position but they were able to find lots of agencies to do what they needed to do to cut their budgets.

Though his vote came with some hesitation, Councilman Kristerfer Burnett said that budgets generally arent cut in well-funded areas, like the Baltimore Police Department.

Belt-tightening always happens on the backs of folks who need it the most, said Burnett.

Though some council members requested more time to digest the amendment, the legislation was approved on a vote of 9-1. Several members reluctantly cast favorable votes, with Councilwoman Danielle McCray offering the only vote in the bills opposition because of the limited time given to review the amendment. Five members were absent for the vote.

The second bill advanced Tuesday night was introduced earlier this year and would create a tax credit equal to the difference between the rent paid from an inclusionary housing unit and the market rate rent, offsetting the cost to property owners.

This is a 30-year tax credit.

Ramos explained that the council does not normally have the ability to create a tax credit, but is able to create this one because it would be a high-performance tax credit that would incentivize environmentally friendly buildings to participate.

The legislation advanced on a vote of 8-0. Seven members were absent.

At the meetings start, Council President Nick Mosby said he believed it was fitting to talk about how the council ended up re-legislating inclusive housing.

The last time the City Council voted on an inclusive housing policy was in 2007.

Mosby called this shameful, and that some of the citys policies have caused an economic apartheid.

We want to have a very substantive process, and I think over the past several months theres been hundreds and hundreds of discussions  certainly plenty of City Council of the whole meetings  but, you know, I think what we have today is something  we can all be proud of, Mosby said.

According to Ramos, the 2007 legislation only created 34 units because many developments that had to comply were able to get waivers to make the city pay for units.

And so, one of the things that ended up happening was that the city did not have the funding, she said.

There is no waiver clause in the inclusive housing bills moved along Tuesday.

The citys financial department spoke in opposition of inclusive housing legislation, warning of potential financial difficulties.

Scott did not indicate whether he would veto either bill.

I dont talk about vetoes beforehand because I just assume well be able to work out those concerns, he said Wednesday.

Mosby and Ramos joined members of the Inclusionary Housing Coalition at a rally outside of City Hall ahead of Tuesday evenings vote.

The Rev. Kevin Slayton of Northwood Appold United Methodist Church, said it was disappointing that the council took so long to vote.

The folks behind us have a decision to make. Elections are coming, said Slayton. I know developers write very big checks, but the folks behind me, they push very big buttons  buttons that put you in and buttons that put you out.
Once again, House Speaker David Osborne and Senate President Robert Stivers have to be the grownups in the room.

Earlier this week, they told reporters they would be open to a legislative discussion about exceptions to Kentuckys abortion laws, despite the obvious misgivings of the band of unruly children known as Kentuckys GOP supermajority.

Despite Kentucky voters sending a clear signal in 2022 when they defeated Amendment 2, no one even picked up Rep. Jason Nemes bill last year to add exceptions. It took the shellacking of GOP candidate Daniel Cameron at the hands of a 21-year-old girl named Hadley Duvall  I mean, Gov. Andy Beshear  to make them realize that even Republicans think you should be able to get abortion care when youve been raped by your stepfather or when youre bleeding out from a miscarriage.

They might want to pay more attention when they realize that every state House member is up for reelection next year, and even Kentuckys beleaguered Democratic minority saw glimmers of hope on election night.

Between the legislative session and the election, 2023 was an exhausting one in Kentucky and 2024 promises to be even worse. While Stivers and Osborne try to keep their kids focused on big policies like tax reform, little rascals like Josh Calloway and Lindsey Tichenor are probably planning new ways to tilt at woke agendas. What next? Christian liturgy in public schools, no more state sanctioned diversity efforts, school vouchers, new and interesting legislative torture for transgender and gay kids, statewide book bans?

(If you havent seen the video of Cody Conner, a Virginia Beach dad took on his local school boards adoption of Gov. Glenn Youngkins anti-LGBTQ policies on Oct. 10, its well worth a watch. Choice quote: Never in history have the good guys been the ones to ban books.)

VIRGINIA BEACH: Youre never going to find a right way to do the wrong thing be the good guys, while you still can.



A local dad speaks up against anti-LGBTQ student policies. pic.twitter.com/YAGbsNIFHg  The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) November 14, 2023

But why would our legislators bother to act like grownups when they look at their colleagues in Washington? On Tuesday, there were two threatened or attempted fisticuffs in Congress; Sen. Markwayne Mullin told a witness to stand his butt up to fight, and our own Rep. Jamie Comer called one of his colleagues a Smurf for questioning his investigations into the Biden family (which are VERY IMPORTANT AND SERIOUS, so important that they have produced exactly nothing).

And all of this craziness is leading to a presidential election that is looking, if possible, even scarier than 2020. Voters are rightfully worried about Bidens age and capabilities, while Trump is telling us once again exactly what he plans on doing. Its not clear why Trump made a speech on Veterans Day, given that he refers to our war dead as suckers and losers.

But he did, in a speech that used Nazi-endorsed language about vermin, and other speeches that have included his very specific plans for a very authoritarian second term. It would include concentration camps for migrants (and his enemies), a purging of federal workers to install only Trump loyalists, a fully weaponized Justice Department to attacks his political opponents, and third or fourth term in violation of the Constitution.

Extremists are emboldened from Kentucky to Washington. Even Trump facing 91 indictments is no guarantee he wont be the nominee or the next president.

I think its time to start worrying.
The suggestion that Beloved, Toni Morrisons acclaimed novel about slavery and its afterlives, is also a parable about the publishing industry would be bizarre, even offensiveif, that is, Morrison herself hadnt explicitly suggested it. For years, Morrison had felt not merely penned in by her career as an editor at the publishing giant Random House; she had felt indentured, held in contemptto be played with when our masters are pleased, to be dismissed when they are not, as she declared in a speech six years before publishing Beloved. Upon leaving her job at Random House to focus on writing full-time, she felt free in a way I had never been, ever. Enter Beloved. It was, she continued in the novels preface, the shock of liberationliberation from the world of corporate publishingthat drew my thoughts to what free could mean. In the novel itself, Morrison has Baby Suggs, the protagonists mother, describe freedom from slavery in strikingly similar terms.

In despairing of the modern publishing industry, even comparing it to bondage, Morrison was far from alone. Indeed, as Dan Sinykin, an assistant professor of English at Emory University, argues in his revelatory new book, Big Fiction: How Conglomeration Changed the Publishing Industry and American Literature, the increasing consolidation and corporatization of the publishing industrya process Sinykin calls conglomerationprofoundly changed not merely the way novels were published but also the content of those novels. As publishers grew far largerand ever more concerned with the bottom linethe lives of editors and authors transformed. More than ever before, they became cogs in a corporate machine, responsible for growth and returns on investment, necessarily responsive to the whims and demands of capitaland these pressures increasingly showed up in their output.

Its a compelling thesis, albeit one that fits easily into a fast-growing literature on the forces shaping the art and media we consume. A decade ago, the critic Mark McGurl argued that the postwar relocation of American fiction writing to the campusand especially to university creative writing programsresulted in novels that follow now-familiar rules (show, dont tell; write from your experience, etc.). Another influential critic, James English, pointed to the rise of an economy of prestigeand especially to the Booker and Pulitzer prizesto explain the reputational ascendancy of certain genres (e.g., historical fiction) and those genres consequent scarcity on bestseller lists. More recently, McGurl reentered the fray to assert that the behemoth of all behemothsAmazonhas single-handedly reshaped contemporary fiction, and still another scholar, Laura McGrath, has shone a light on the significant role played by literary agents in determining the boundaries of what is acceptable and what is marketable for the modern novelist.

Nonetheless, Big Fiction is a fresh intervention, principally due to the richness of the context Sinykin provides and the impressively broad array of evidence he marshals. In his first book, American Literature and the Long Downturn, Sinykin drew on archival material and close reading to argue that the distinct economic miseries of the last half-centurydeindustrialization, deregulation, the decimation of organized labor, and widening inequalityled a great many late-twentieth-century American novelists to turn to apocalyptic fiction, imagining escape or salvation in the form of total annihilation. Now, wielding many of the same analytical tools, Sinykin retells that same storybut with a larger cast of characters. The same economic forces that led authors to write about the end of the world led to the corporatization of publishing, which in turn compelled authors to turn inward, to obsess over self-reflexive concerns, to create stories of individuals struggling against the end of their world.





Before the 1960s, U.S. publishing was a family affair. Small, privately held houses (as theyre still anachronistically called) decided what to acquire based mainly on their relationships and references. If a favored author didnt sell, oh well, an editor might sigh, hopefully, he (and it was usually a he, almost always a white he) would do better next time. While mass-market paperback publishers brought genre fiction (Westerns, mysteries, romance) to the masses, the houses strove to put out literary fiction (more challenging, more aesthetically interesting, or so the prevailing wisdom dictated).

More than ever before, editors and authors became cogs in a corporate machine, and these pressures increasingly showed up in their output.



Then everything changed. In 1960, the newspaper Times Mirror Company purchased the mass-market publisher New American Library, inaugurating what Sinykin calls the conglomerate era. That same year, Random House went public and, flush with newfound capital, acquired Knopf and, a year later, Pantheon. Conglomeration spread rapidly, with well-capitalized behemoths gobbling up mass-market houses and old family-run firms with equal fervor. Over the next decade and a half, the electronics company Radio Corporation of America acquired Random House, a Canadian communications firm nabbed Macmillan, the Italian conglomerate that owned Fiat swallowed Bantam, and Gulf + Western bought Simon & Schuster. Ultimately, conglomeration consolidated more and more imprints under single roofs, with the German conglomerate Bertelsmann seizing Doubleday in 1986, Random House in 1998, and Penguin (via a merger) in 2013.

The economic downturns of the late twentieth century, starting in the 1970s, did nothing to halt the rise of conglomerate publishing; in fact, they accelerated the process. Management consultants arrived, and they contributed to a fundamental shift in the way U.S. publishers did business. Editors, who had previously enjoyed considerable freedom and made decisions based on their personal preferences and gut instincts, now had to do so by reference to a balance sheet; they had to prove that each title they wished to procure would be a moneymaker. Editors, Toni Morrison claimed in her 1981 speech, are now judged by the profitability of what they acquire rather than by what they acquire. This led editors to take fewer risks and go out on fewer limbs; it led literary novelists to adopt the techniques of their lower-brow counterparts, turning to what sold.

Sinykin points to the illustrative example of Cormac McCarthy, who was lucky enough to start publishing under the old regime. For 28 years, starting in the mid-1960s, he put out dense, difficult novels with Random House without ever selling well enough to get a single royalty check. When his old-school editor retired in 1987, McCarthyaware he was navigating a new worldhired a literary agent for the first time. Fortunately for him, he piqued the interest of rising super-agent Amanda Binky Urban, who moved him over to Knopf, where his next novel would be overseen by editor Sonny Mehta and others, the new generation. Relocated to a new imprint, with a new editor and an agent, McCarthy changed his style; he abandoned his abstract plots and instead wrote a Western, the story of a young cowboy mourning the death of his world, embracing many of the techniques of genre novelists as he did so. That novel, All the Pretty Horses, soared to the bestseller lists upon its publication in 1992; it sold 100,000 copies and was adapted into a blockbuster movie. Cormac McCarthy became and remained a star.

Departing from previous chroniclers, Sinykin argues that his career should properly be seen as divided by refuge from, and then participation in, the conglomerate era, culminating with his Oprah Book Club-endorsed, postapocalyptic mega-bestseller, The Road in 2007. Conglomeration made McCarthy middlebrow. This was a success story, and many literary authors did as McCarthy had and embraced genre conventions, from A.S. Byatt in Possession (romance) to Denis Johnson in The Stars at Noon (spy thriller) to Colson Whitehead in Zone One (zombie apocalypse). The literati began to rethink its snobbery, in Sinykins telling. Yet many writers were far from sanguine as their landscape transformed. As Sinykin narrates, novelists began responding to the new economics of publishing in ways that betrayed their fundamental status anxiety.

In the 1970s, mass-distribution wholesalers replaced book publishers as the main suppliers of books to bookstores; in the 1980s, chain bookstoresfirst suburban outposts like B. Dalton and Waldenbooks, later superstores like Borders and Barnes & Nobleexploded across the land. Both developments incentivized publishers focusing on brand-name authors and reliable, formulaic worksbooks they knew would appeal to profit-driven entities that were less amenable to obscure or experimental works and, importantly, bought in bulk. Conglomerate publishers (like Random House) bought up the mass-market houses (Bantam and Dell, in the case of Random House) and, more broadly, began putting out more of the very genresbodice-rippers, detective stories, horrorthat the former had popularized. Conglomerate publishers also built up robust publicity and marketing departments. The production of new novels ceased to be the work of a relatively autonomous author-editor duo, Sinykin writes.

In his telling, authors began exorcising their anxieties in their novels. Sinykins first sustained case study is E.L. Doctorows Ragtime, the bestselling novel of 1975, a parable about trying (and failing) to retain artistic integrity in an increasingly mechanized age. His next is Danielle Steel, a writer of unremunerative literary novels eventually transformed by her corporate publisher into a ubiquitous bestseller of anodyne romancesand whose first megahit was The Promise (1978), which has its artist-heroine literally transformed by a powerful man (her plastic surgeon) but nonetheless reclaim her agency by continuing to express herself authentically in art.

Building on the work of other scholars, Sinykin argues that autofictiona neurotic, genre-blending autobiography and fictionallowed male authors like Norman Mailer, John Barth, and Kurt Vonnegut to exhibit and counter their fear of losing power and female authors like Renata Adler, Elizabeth Hardwick, and Alison Lurie to advertise constraints imposed on them by patriarchy in publishing. Both turns reflected the particular precarity of fiction writing in the conglomerate age. In fact, many recent works of autofictionincluding novels by Sally Rooney, Ben Lerner, Rachel Cusk, Karl Ove Knausgaard, and othersare explicitly about the challenges of navigating the publishing industry. Autofiction projects the fantasy of victory over the systems that threaten to interfere in the cultivation of the expressive self, Sinykin writes, which is why it is so useful in the conglomerate era.

Anxiety shaped even novels that reached the very peak of the bestseller lists. As publishing corporatized, it was simply financial common sense for houses to throw extraordinary resources, and a disproportionate share of attention, at ultra-bestsellers. Between 1986 and 1996, Sinykin notes, 63 of the 100 bestselling books in the country were written by just six people: Tom Clancy, Michael Crichton, John Grisham, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Danielle Steel. Astonishingly, five of those six continue to dominate bestseller lists to this day. (No doubt Clancy would too, had he not died in 2013.) Yet several of these brand-name authors stressed over their status as marquees, as popularnot prestigiousmoneymakers. This anxiety, Sinykin argues, can be seen in Stephen Kings Misery, in which an author is literally held hostage and forced to write by a deranged superfan.

Between 1986 and 1996, Sinykin notes, 63 of the 100 bestselling books in the country were written by just six people. Astonishingly, five of those six continue to dominate bestseller lists to this day.

Of course, it would be easy to object to Sinykins close readings on the grounds that works of fiction yield many interpretations, and a scholar looking to confirm his hypothesis will undoubtedly be able to find a great number of amenable titles. In his first book, Sinykin noted how David Foster Wallaces Infinite Jest reveals addiction as a general condition within the debt economy, where the consumer becomes the addict. Now, in his second, he glosses the novel as an allegory for the conglomerate publishing industry, a story about a heroic artist hoping to cut through a culture overwhelmed by media conglomerates. Yet Sinykins interpretations are persuasive in large part because many are supported with archival evidence and interviews. He makes particularly convincing use of Random House Records, which chart the quintessential conglomerates metamorphosis and its editors roles as stewards of the brave new world of commercial publishing. The shockingly sexist correspondence of editor Bennett Cerf in the 1960s helps to explain the presss marginalization of female authorsand those authors subsequent turns to self-reflexive novelswhile the letters of editor Joe Fox reveal a sovereign struggling mightily to maintain editorial control over publicity and marketing even as conglomeration gradually diffused his authority in the name of the almighty dollar.





Some publishing houses, however, have always been less commercial: the avant-garde houses like New Directions, the small presses like Coffee House, and the university presses. Yet, according to Sinykin, even the output of these nonprofit publishers has been shaped by conglomerationthat is, by their opposition to its demands.

Nonprofit publishers can trace their origins to the proliferation of cheap mimeograph technology in the 1950s, a predecessor to todays photocopiers. Suddenly, a few guys in a house somewhere could produce their own books. Several now-eminent nonprofit publishers (Graywolf, Copper Canyon) emerged from the seaside town of Port Townsend, Washington, which had a small but influential writing scene. Others sprang up in Chicago, Iowa City, and Houston. Eventually, Minnesotas Twin Cities emerged as a hub of nonprofit publishing, the burgeoning houses attracted by the availability of local philanthropic and government funding. Coffee House and Milkweed grew from Minnesota soil; Graywolf moved there in the 1980s.

For four decades, in Sinykins telling, nonprofit publishers have defined themselves against conglomerate publishers, putting out consciously literary fiction to counter the oversaturated commercialism of the big houses, putting out transgressive works by numerous authors of color to counter the overwhelming whiteness of trade imprints. Unlike the few multicultural works put out by conglomerate publishers (see the oeuvres of Amy Tan, Sandra Cisneros, and Louise Erdrich), Sinykin argues that nonprofit authors like Percival Everett and Karen Tei Yamashita deployed irony to satirize multiculturalism itself, implicitly criticizing mainstream representations of race. At the conglomerates, by contrast, writers of color tended to perform the authentication of identity while sometimes searching for strategies to evade the quietist reading practices of white liberals.

In short, many of the most celebrated, most studied authors of the late twentieth century were industrial writers, Sinykin argues, either writing within or against conglomeration. Until we recognize that, we have misread six decades and more of U.S. fiction.

Sinykins final chapter looks at the exception that proves the rule. If conglomerates and nonprofits form an organic whole: lash and backlash, he writes, with the business models and literary styles of each resisting yet feeding off the other, W.W. Norton operates outside of this symbiotic system. It is, Sinykin writes, that rarest of birds: a large independent house that publishes literary fiction and poetry. It is, in fact, the only one left. According to Sinykin, Norton has accomplished this unexpected feat for two reasons. First, it is employee-owned, giving its editors more autonomy than their counterparts at other big presses. Second, its profitable college division effectively subsidizes its fierce editorial independence.

The fiction put out by Norton is different from that produced by either conglomerate houses or nonprofit houses. It is one of the few publishers to still release so-called mid-list titles, those that aim to sell but arent expected to break the bank; it publishes translations, out-of-print classics, and graphic novels (a trend where Norton was on the bleeding edge); it has put out experimental, singular novels, like the very gay, oddly utopian Fight Club. Norton also produces works of literary genre fiction, but different from the works of Cormac McCarthy or Colson Whitehead. While those authors, avatars of conglomerate publishing, imported genre techniques into literary fiction, Nortons authorsincluding Walter Mosley and Patrick OBrianimported literary techniques into genre fiction.

Yet even the holdouts from the conglomeration are not immune to broader economic trends, and Sinykin ends this chapter on an ominous note: In 2008, the financial crisis and the rise of Amazon (and the release of its Kindle) accelerated the neoliberalization of publishing. After years of resistance, Norton finally built a significant marketing department.

For authors, social media and the online literary ecosystem simply meant they had to do even more work, now taking on marketing and publicity efforts for their own books.

Still, Sinykin concludes Big Fiction by noting that it took only a few hiccupping years for the conglomerate publishers to learn to accommodate Amazon, ebooks, and audiobooks. Rather than remaking the industry, 2008 intensified the conglomerate era. The biggest publishers doubled down on autofiction, literary genre fiction, and more recently multicultural fictionand flourished. The sales of ebooks, which were supposed to kill off paper once and for all, plateaued more than a decade ago; digital audiobooks, rather than supplanting other media, instead became a deviously effective antidote to the 2008 financial crisis: a way to participate in contemporary grind culture and still read, squeezing snippets of novels into a commute, workout, or household chore. For authors, social media and the online literary ecosystem simply meant they had to do even more work, now taking on marketing and publicity efforts for their own books, as a form of promotional entrepreneurialism became de rigueur. Perhaps the only substantive change to the output of conglomerate publishers in the last decade and a half has been the profusion of young adult fiction, a development driven by ardent online fandoms.

At the same time, however, Amazon, TikTok, Wattpad, Archive of Our Own, and other digital fora have led many, many authors far outside literary metropoles like New York or Minneapolis to experiment with fiction in strange and thrilling ways, from the copyright-less collective authorship of fan fiction to the explosion of hyper-niche genre works distributed by Amazons Kindle Directing Publishing and similar platforms. A very few authors have made the leap from the electronic hinterlands to the Big Fiveincluding E.L. James, Colleen Hoover, and Andy Weirbut the great majority never will.





Big Fiction is sharply written and sharply argued, part of a wave of cutting-edge works of literary history put out by Columbia University Press. Wisely, Sinykin defers judgment about whether conglomeration was good or bad, instead charting its consequences.

At this point, the question of whether conglomeration was good or bad seems largely beside the point. Artists adapt. Artists have always been subject to the whims of the wealthy. Yet the same economic forces that led to conglomeration are undeniably immiserating artists today. More authors than ever before have access to an audience and the means of literary production; fewer authors than in decades past are able to support themselves through writing alone. Publishing houses continue to consolidateand one of the biggest, Simon & Schuster, was just sold to a private equity firm, part of an industry infamous for gutting local newspapers. Meanwhile, entry-level employees at those publishing houses are paid so abominably that many have recently quit en masse.

Where do writers, editors, and for that matter critics go from here? How do we make art under these conditions? Ones answer to such questions is inextricable from ones politics more broadly, from ones view of what we owe each other, whether the rich deserve their spoils, and the extent to which workers should determine the course of their lives. W.W. Nortons collective ownership provides one glimmer of a possible artistic future. So too does the recent strike of HarperCollins workers for fair wages, the rise of artists and freelancers unions, the flowering of writers collectives during the pandemic. If, as Sinykin argues, the ascent of conglomerate publishing relocated power out of the hands of the author and the editor and into a great many hands, as the ranks of publicists, marketers, and agents swelled, perhaps the possibility of solidarity remains, of strength in the growing numbers of collaborative workers.
The holiday season at the Biltmore House and Estate has begun, and Ashevilles famed 25-room mansion  dripping with Christmas spirit  offers visitors a chance to experience Christmas opulence from around the turn of the 20th century.

The Biltmore Estate, which includes Americas largest home, opened its doors for the first time on Christmas Eve on 1895, when owner George Vanderbilt invited 300 guests for a holiday housewarming gathering.

The Christmas traditions continue, with dozens of Christmas trees and hundreds of candles adorning the house for the yuletide season. Visitors can enjoy both daytime and nighttime experiences, touring the home and property decked out in lights and decor.

Heres what to know about the Christmas festivities at Biltmore and how you can experience them for yourself:

When is Christmas at Biltmore?

The Christmas season at Biltmore runs from Nov. 4 to Jan. 7.

 Christmas Daytime: Visit at daytime to see the sun-strewn house decked out with dozens of Christmas trees and too many ornaments to count.

 Candlelight Christmas Evenings: Evening experiences at the holidays let you see the houses larger than life decorations under the soft glow of candlelight and burning fireplaces. Live music is also featured during the special evening tour.

Learn more at biltmore.com/things-to-do/events/christmas.

Note: Candlelight Christmas Evenings are not offered on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Rooms on the Biltmore Estate tour, like the Tapestry Gallery, are trimmed for Christmas.

Christmas at Biltmore tickets, packages

Tickets to Christmas Daytime start at $110 each, while Candlelight Christmas Evenings start at $115 each.

New this year, a ticket to the Biltmore House also includes free next-day grounds access, giving visitors two days of access to the estate. According to the Biltmore website, ticket prices range as follows:

Daytime ticket price : $110 to $145

Candlelight evening price: $115 to $145

Both the daytime and Candlelight evening basic packages also include:

Access to Antler Hill Village & Winery

Complimentary wine tastings at the winery

Free parking

You can add on tickets to the Italian Renaissance Alive immersive exhibition on the grounds.

Daytime ticket price: $140 to $175

Candlelight evening price: $145 to $175

A VIP-esque ticket also gives you a 90-minute guided group tour called Guests of the Vanderbilts, which boasts a more intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the famous home.

Daytime ticket price: $375 to $410

Candlelight evening price: $385 to $415

Forgo a house tour and get daytime grounds access to the estate for $85 through the holidays. (After New Years, grounds access tickets dip as low as $40.)

Are there ticket discounts to Christmas at Biltmore?

 Buy online: Save $5 per ticket when you buy your Biltmore House admission tickets online.

 Senior discount: Seniors save $8 on daytime admission tickets every Tuesday and Wednesday.

 Military discount: Show your Military ID at the Reception & Ticketing Sales Center to save $8 on daytime admission any day of the week.

(Source: biltmore.com/visit/tickets-pricing/special-offers)

Spring and Christmas are the peak visiting times at The Biltmore Estate, a remarkable French Renaissance castle built by George Vanderbilt in 1890 in Asheville.

Whats new at Christmas at Biltmore for 2023?

 Longer access: A ticket to tour the decorated home includes a free second day of access to the grounds this season.

 Gingerbread display: The Biltmores pastry team will replicate the Banquet Table inside the Biltmore House out of gingerbread.

 Documentary: View the Biltmores 10-minute documentary on YouTube or Facebook called Behind the Magic to get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into decorating the mansion and the rest of the estate for the holiday season.

 Hallmark movie: A Biltmore Christmas premieres on the Hallmark Channel on Nov. 26 as part of their annual Countdown to Christmas event. The movie was filmed at the Biltmore House in January, and the films plot features time travel and romantic comedy themes.

For more about the movie, visit biltmore.com/blog/by-the-numbers-a-biltmore-christmas.

How many trees, candles, ornaments are in the Biltmore house for Christmas?

A blogpost on the Biltmores website tells of Christmas decor by the numbers in the Biltmore House and on the estate this holiday season.

If you visit in 2023, you can soak in the:

400 luminaries, which are lit by hand daily and line the Esplanade in front of the house each night for Candlelit Christmas Evenings

67 Christmas trees

35-foot tall Fraser fir tree in the homes Banquet Hall with 500 ornaments and 500 Edison-style electric lights

55-foot tall Norway spruce on the Front Lawn adorned with 55,000 lights

282 candles

13,870 ornaments and 271 poinsettias

238 fresh wreaths

1,600 feet of fresh and faux garland

(Source: biltmore.com/blog/biltmores-christmas-decor-by-the-numbers)

New movies and TV shows filmed in NC in 2023 and when you can see them

2 NC tourist attractions among most overpriced in the world, says USA Today
The puteketeke has been crowned New Zealand's Bird of the Century after US talk show host John Oliver's controversial intervention in the poll.

Oliver sparked a global frenzy with an "alarmingly aggressive" campaign for the vulnerable crested grebe.

Fewer than 3,000 of the native birds are estimated to remain in the wild.

The Bird of the Year contest has run for almost two decades, but this year's special poll attracted a record number of votes.

More than 350,000 ballots were cast from almost 200 countries, crashing the voting verification system, and delaying the result by two days.

"Congratulations to campaign manager John Oliver and all those who gave their support to the puteketeke," New Zealand's incoming prime minister Christopher Luxon wrote on X.

The puteketeke had begun as "an outside contender", according to Nicola Toki, from Forest and Bird, the environmental conservation organisation which runs the contest.

"But [it] was catapulted to the top spot thanks to its unique looks, adorable parenting style, and propensity for puking," she said.

It was those qualities that won over Oliver - host of the HBO show Last Week Tonight.

"They are weird puking birds with colourful mullets. What's not to love here?" Oliver said on his show last week, when launching the lake bird's campaign.

Oliver, who holds British and US citizenship, later turned up on fellow comedian Jimmy Fallon's chat show clad in a giant, feathered puteketeke costume.

The comedian erected billboards in countries including New Zealand, Japan, France and the UK - dubbing the bird "Lord of the Wings" in reference to the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy being filmed in New Zealand.

"This is what democracy is all about - America interfering in foreign elections," Oliver said.

But his campaign ruffled feathers in some circles, with a concerted effort by many in New Zealand to thwart what they perceived to be "American interference" in the bird election.

Supporters of the kakariki karaka - a green parakeet - put up billboards reading: "Dear John, don't disrupt the pecking order". Others begged people to vote for the kiwi, which Oliver had likened to "a rat carrying a toothpick".

Such was the intensity of the contest that some were moved to commit voter fraud. One supporter of the eastern rockhopper penguin - which Oliver dismissed as a "hipster penguin" - cast 40,000 votes for the bird. Another person, from Pennsylvania in the US, cast 3,403 votes - with one arriving every three seconds. Neither were included in the final count.

When the ballots were tallied, the puteketeke - also known as the Australasian crested grebe - raked in more than 290,000 votes. In second place, with 22-times fewer votes - just 12,904 - was the kiwi. Rounding out the top five were the kea, kakapo and the fantail.

It is not the first time the competition has been mired in controversy. There was an outcry last year when the kakapo, the world's fattest parrot, was banned from competing because it was the only bird to win twice in the past. That followed the shock of 2021 when the crown of Bird of the Year was given to... a bat.

But while the level of controversy this year was unprecedented, Ms Toki said it was worthwhile as it had brought global attention to the plight of the country's birds.

"More than 80% of our native birds are on the threatened species list... the world is watching us and how we look after our birds."
The government has announced that American bully XL dogs will be banned from the end of the year

A Birmingham veterinary practice has helped to prepare American bully XL owners for new legislation concerning the breed.

The breed will be banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act from 31 December, imposing strict rules for owners.

It will also make it illegal to breed, sell, rehome, advertise, or abandon bully XLs.

To help owners to navigate the new law, Fivelands Vets in Moseley hosted a support session for owners on Tuesday.

'It's unethical'

Vets helped owners to learn about the new legislation and provided information about muzzle training.

Tina Andrews attended the session and said that it was heartbreaking that she would have to muzzle her dog Rocko.

"He's going to think he's done something wrong," she said.

Olivia Vaughn also attended the session in order to get more information about what she needs to do going forward.

Addressing the bully XL ban, she said: "I think it's unethical. I'll do whatever it takes to keep my dog. However, I don't feel like it solves the problem of backyard breeders."

The new legislation was announced in the wake of the death of 52-year-old Ian Price, who was killed in an attack by two American bully XLs in Stonnall, near Walsall, on 14 September.

Days earlier, an 11-year-old girl and two men were attacked by an American bully XL in Bordesley Green, Birmingham.

In 2021, 10-year-old Jack Lis died from severe neck and head injuries after he was attacked by an American bully XL in Caerphilly.

The new legislation requires all bully XLs to be neutered, microchipped, kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public.

'Running out of options'

Wings and Paws Animal Rescue in Wolverhampton has been offering to help owners with the cost of neutering their dogs.

However, volunteers were shocked when an owner asked the rescue to cover the cost of euthanising her bully XL, as her new landlord would not allow her to keep the dog and she feared becoming homeless.

Wings and Paws refused to pay and a volunteer said: "We are a no-kill rescue and this goes against everything we stand for.

"But, as much as we hate her decision, she's running out of options. We understand that sometimes people will have no choice.

"No rescues that we know of are accepting them as we are not allowed to rehome them after December, and you can no longer get medical insurance for banned breeds, so, if you cannot afford the vet bills, the dogs will be put to sleep.

"The government is offering 200 to have them put to sleep, but is offering nothing towards the cost of neutering, registration, or insurance.

"It seems very clear to us that they want these dogs killed off."

Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk


(Left) Maurice Diggins (Right) Dusty Leo

Sweeeet justice! Two white men are facing double trouble for breaking a Black mans jaw in an unprovoked, racist attack. In addition to prison time, they were also ordered by a state judge to pay the victim over $1 million in damages.



Maurice Diggins and his nephew, Dusty Leo, both of Biddeford, Maine were charged with conspiracy and committing a hate crime after attacking Daimon McCollum in April 2018. McCollum was just stepping out to a 7-Eleven from celebrating a college scholarship for one of his three children when Thing 1 and Thing 2 scolded him with racial slurs, per an Associated Press report. Diggins, who donned a White Pride World Wide tattoo, taunted him and blocked the doorway of the store when suddenly, Ol Dusty launched a punch toward McCollums jaw.

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In handwritten answers to the complaint last year, Diggins and Leo opposed the charges and requested that the court wait for them to either find attorneys or be released before scheduling pretrial discovery deadlines. After a one-hour hearing on Thursday, Mulhern ordered them to pay $700,000 in punitive damages and $500,000 in compensatory damages. Diggins and Leo were not at the hearing. Knowles acknowledged that Diggins and Leo likely dont have $1.2 million, but that there are civil procedures for determining what assets defendants have, and what can be seized to make up for their payments.

The pair were handed their federal prison sentences in 2020. At the moment, Diggins is serving a 10-year sentence. However, his sidekick who threw the suckerpunch at McCollum only received three years in federal prison and is expected to be released ahead of Thanksgiving.

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"I want everybody's name!" Former governor of South Carolina and current presidential contender Nikki Haley came out hard yesterday against both free speech and privacy rights. And, lest one think it was merely a one-off, she reiterated her same proposal in multiple venues.

"Every person on social media should be verified by their name," said Haley on Fox News, citing "national security" as the reason. You'd get rid of Chinese, Russian, and Iranian foreign bots this way, she claimed, and you'd restore online civility.

"They need to verify every single person on their outlet.  I want everybody's name," she said on the Ruthless podcast later. Besides the point that this would involve the federal government compelling social media companies to do its bidding, it says something darker about Haley's attitude toward speech and privacy rights.

Anonymous speech allows for the pursuit of noble causes, like leaking and whistleblowing and writing things like the Federalist Papers, as well as less noble ones, like shitposting, memeing, and satirizing. It allows for experimenting with new ideas and it provides a useful bulwark against having your political beliefs associated with your professional identity, which too frequently results in canceling and other forms of unpersoning. Anonymous speech isn't some throwaway thing that only trolls care about (and also, trolls deserve rights, too); important things stem from the intersection of speech and privacy rights.

Situation in Gaza worsens for civilians: Early this morning, Israeli forces announced they had entered the grounds of Al Shifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip. Communications out of there are very limited and most journalists have struggled to make contact with sources over the last few hours.

Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip and is responsible for the horrific mass slaughter of October 7, reportedly maintains a command in the tunnels below the hospital. Though many people in the West are casting doubt on this, there is a large pile of evidence that indicates these tunnelsand critical parts of Hamas' infrastructureare right below the hospital, thus the Israeli military's move to enter.

"A New York Times journalist in 2008 watched armed Hamas militants walking around Al-Shifa Hospital in civilian clothes and witnessed Hamas execute a Palestinian man accused of collaborating with Israel," wrote The New York Times' David Leonhardt yesterday, for example.

"Israeli officials allowed Times reporters to view photographs that appear to show secret entrances inside the hospital that lead to a military compound underneath," adds Leonhardt. And, "Israel has released audio recordings that purport to contain conversations in which Hamas fighters discuss tunnels under Al-Shifa as well as videos of interrogations in which captured militants discuss the tunnels."

American intelligence officials support the Israeli military's claims. The Gazan health ministrycontrolled by Hamasdisputes them, as have some foreign sources over the years.

An invasion on hospital grounds will undoubtedly result in civilian lives lost. Thousands of people have sought refuge at Al Shifa, which is crippled by power outages, lack of medical supplies, and unable to provide adequate medical care to those in need. Innocent Gazans really have nowhere safe to go.

The bill does in fact come due: Last week, Moody'sone of the biggest credit rating entitieslowered the credit outlook of the U.S. government from "stable" to "negative." It's almost like endless borrowing to pay for runaway government spending comes with consequences.

"The change reflects Moody's belief that 'downside risks to the nation's fiscal strength have increased "and may no longer be fully offset by the sovereign's unique credit strengths,"' The Wall Street Journal reported," per Reason's Eric Boehm. "Moody's calculates that interest payments on the national debt will consume over a quarter of federal tax revenue by 2033, up from just 9 percent last year."

"Moody's could hardly be more clear in saying how America's mix of political dysfunction and its increasingly unwieldy pile of debt could trigger that future downgrade," adds Boehm.

"Moody's just downgraded our credit rating outlook to negative because of our out-of-control government spending and deficits," said Rep. Andy Harris (RMd.) on Twitter/X. "We cannot, in good conscience, continue writing blank checks to our federal government knowing that our children and grandchildren will be responsible for the largest debt in American history."

Scenes from New York:

Is Eric Adams making friendship bracelets with (and cashing checks from) Turkey's Erdogan?

QUICK HITS

Checking in on California:

The fire under the 10 Freeway is believed to have been purposefully set, and it consumed wooden pallets and hand sanitizer first placed there by "bad actors" who leased the space from the government, Gov. Gavin Newsom said.https://t.co/j7UcjlSLmu  KTLA (@KTLA) November 14, 2023

Since 2019, Race2Dinner has allowed white ladies to pay a fee ($2,500 per event) to go to a dinner party hosted by anti-racist luminaries Saira Rao and Regina Jackson, at which we can be told how bad we are due to our immutable characteristics. (Hey, I'm not gonna kinkshame.) Unfortunately, Rao and Jackson have now been dropped by their agents for their "words in support of Palestinian life," said Rao on X. "This is McCarthyism on steroids and ethnic cleansing," she added. An agent making a choice as to who they want to work with constitutes ethnic cleansing?

Robot CEO discourse:

So why aren't unionists rushing to start their own firms with automated CEOs? https://t.co/2wOALc7b8j  Chris Freiman (@cafreiman) November 14, 2023

Nothing wrong with open carry:

"No amount of encampment sweeps and pressure-washing sidewalks is going to solve the problem of thousands of people living on the streets," writes Reason 's Christian Britschgi about the San Francisco sweeps.

Trump and Univision get a little more cozy:

Transcript of the interview worth reading, too - if the questions were any softer you could use them for pillow stuffing. https://t.co/uIyQR63l7P https://t.co/v8jMSOASzv pic.twitter.com/PF6VRA2fGU  David Weigel (@daveweigel) November 14, 2023

The post Blessed Are the Shitposters appeared first on Reason.com.
The EU's upcoming 12th sanctions package may include export bans on machine parts and other dual-use goods Russia uses for producing arms against Ukraine, Bloomberg reported on Nov. 15, citing documents it obtained.

Other proposals reportedly include the much-awaited ban on Russian diamonds and measures to reinforce the $60-per-barrel price cap on Russian seaborne oil, which Moscow mostly managed to circumvent.

Despite the initial success of the price cap imposed by the EU, the U.S., and the Group of Seven (G7) last December, the vast majority of Russian crude is now being traded above the $60 threshold.

The product is being shipped by the so-called "ghost fleet" of vessels sailing without insurance and other services provided by Western companies or using falsified documentation.

Nonetheless, sanctions related to the price cap violations and other measures managed to thin Moscow's oil profits in October.

Read also: That diamond ring? It may have helped pay for Russias war

The new sanctions package may require companies to detail shipping and insurance costs for the Russian oil cargo to ensure greater transparency, EU diplomats told Reuters.

"The logic of imposing more transparency is to prevent shipping companies from hiding the real price of the oil carried by the tanker by merging it with shipping and insurance costs," one EU diplomat said

The EU also reportedly proposed to restrict exports of dual-use goods like chemicals, lithium batteries, thermostats, as well as motors and servomotors for drones that Russia uses for military production.

Bloomberg noted that the member states are expecting to discuss the proposals this week, and the content of the package may yet change.

The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in late October that the work on the 12th package is underway, noting that the bloc members consider restrictions on Russian diamond sales.

The EU also seeks to strengthen the effectiveness of the sanctions already imposed against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, von der Leyen noted. The bloc imposed its previous 11th sanctions package in June, aimed at countering sanctions circumvention, mainly in dual-use products and in Russian oil trade.

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Keir Starmer has suffered a major blow to his authority after Labour MPs staged a major rebellion over his stance on a ceasefire in Gaza.

A total of 10 members of the Labour leaders frontbench resigned or were sacked as more than a quarter of his MPs defied him to support an immediate cessation in the fighting.

Jess Phillips was the most high-profile shadow minister to quit before she was fired - as 56 Labour MPs backed a call for a ceasefire in the House of Commons.

Ms Phillips said she had resigned with a heavy heart but added that she could see no route where the current military action does anything but put at risk the hope of peace and security for anyone in the region now and in the future.

The Labour leader has called for a humanitarian pause in the war and warned a full-scale ceasefire would only embolden Hamas to regroup and plan more atrocities.

Labour MPs had been ordered to back the partys amendment to the Kings Speech, in line with that position.

They were also on a three-line whip to abstain on the SNPs amendment calling for a ceasefire. Yasmin Qureshi, the shadow women and equalities minister and MP for Bolton South, was the first to announce she had resigned to back the SNP call. She described the scale of bloodshed in Gaza as unprecedented and said MPs had to call for an end to the carnage to protect innocent lives and end human suffering.

She was followed by Afzal Khan, the shadow minister for exports and MP for Manchester Gorton , who said supporting a ceasefire was the very least we can do.

Paula Barker, shadow minister for devolution and the English regions and MP for Liverpool Wavertree, also anounced she would be standing down saying she had to follow my conscience.

We must call for an end to the carnage to protect innocent lives and end human suffering (PA)

Before the vote more than 70 Labour MPs had publicly backed calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. But a Labour spokesperson said that a Commons vote was a different matter, adding: This is a whipped vote and every MP knows what the consequence of that means.

Sir Keir Starmer has called for longer humanitarian pauses, rather than a ceasefire (House of Commons/UK Parliament)

During Wednesdays Commons debate, Naz Shah became the first Labour frontbencher to tell MPs that she intended to support the amendment. She was followed by shadow minister Helen Hayes, who told the Commons that a ceasefire is surely the minimum we should be demanding in the face of such horrific suffering.

Israeli soldiers were conducting a military operation at Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City on Wednesday (Israeli Defence Forces/AFP via Getty Images)

Labours decision not to back a ceasefire has also prompted the exodus of a series of councillors from the party, and Sir Keir was forced to hold a crunch meeting last month with a group of Muslim Labour MPs to address anger over his handling of the crisis  including comments in which he appeared to back the cutting of power and water to Gaza.

However, frontbencher Imran Hussain ultimately resigned with a heavy heart last week, saying he was quitting his role as a shadow minister to be able to strongly advocate for a ceasefire.

The Commons showdown came as Israels forces entered Gazas al-Shifa hospital, which Israel insists sits atop a military headquarters used by Hamas. Medics have warned of more civilian casualties, with troops encirclement of the hospital in recent days already blamed for the deaths of dozens of patients.
A 75-year-old American woman is dead after a double-decker ferry carrying cruise ship passengers to a popular tourist island sank in the Bahamas, local officials said.

The incident took place Tuesday as the boat departed Paradise Island, Nassau, while ferrying tourists to Blue Lagoon Island, a spokesperson with The Royal Bahamas Police Force confirmed to USA TODAY.

The tourist destination is located about three miles northeast of Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas.

Frightening video taken from the scene shows passengers wearing orange life vests around their neck, clinging to one side of the ferry as the vessel sinks into Caribbean turquoise waters.

Here's what we know:

Passengers aboard a double-decker ferry scramble to escape the sinking vessel on November 14, 2023.

Mexican restaurant E. coli outbreak: 87-year-old man's death tied to Miguel's Cocina E. coli outbreak in San Diego, California

At least one American citizen died

Police said the ferry left a dock in Paradise Island about 9:30 a.m. with about 100 passengers on board, the Nassau Guardian reported.

"The vessel experienced rough seas in the area, which resulted in the boat taking on water and becoming submerged in waters just outside of Blue Lagoon," police chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings told the outlet.

Police reported a 75-year-old woman from Colorado died in the incident, according to the outlet.

Her identity and cause of death were not immediately known.

Passengers aboard a double-decker ferry scramble to escape the sinking vessel on November 14, 2023.

Yachts continue to sink in Europe: Orcas strike back (again), sinking another yacht in Europe after 45-minute attack

Passengers were reportedly all from a cruise ship

According to a statement released online from Blue Lagoon Island, the passengers on board the ferry were from a cruise ship.

The accident took place as the vessel was approaching Blue Lagoon Island, the statement said and emergency teams from the island "quickly arrived to render assistance."

Passengers and five staff members were located and brought to the island, and two passengers were taken to the hospital for additional care," the statement continues.

'Living hell': Family distraught after California woman vanishes on yoga retreat in Guatemala

'Our boat is sinking'

"Out boat is sinking," Kelly Schissel, an American tourist on board the vessel, is heard saying in a TikTok video she filmed as the boat took on water. "Everybody is freaking out."

Chaos and screaming is heard in the background of the video which shows people with life jackets around their necks, some leaning over the boat looking into the water watching in horror as it sinks.

"I'm on the top floor of a ferry," Schissel says as she continued to film, the boat seen tipped on its side into choppy waters.

Passengers aboard a double-decker ferry scramble to escape the sinking vessel on November 14, 2023.

At one point, people are seen jumping off what appears to be the back of the boat into the water as others on board continue to shout.

About a half dozen people in the shot are seen swimming towards another boat stopped a short distance from the ferry.

"We were almost there... we weren't actually that close to shore it just kind of looked like it," Schissel said in a follow up video on TikTok shot after she made it to land.

She said when water began pouring into the boat, many passengers were waiting for instruction from crew members, but they reportedly did not give any.

So when they saw someone jump into the rough water, she said, they followed in suit with life jackets and swam to a nearby boat until other boats arrived to help in the rescue effort.

The conditions of those transported to the hospital were not immediately known Wednesday.

In addition to local authorities, according to the Blue Lagoon statement, the island alerted the cruise ship and the U.S.Embassy about the accident.

The statement said the organization would release more details as they become available

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: American woman killed after Blue Lagoon ferry sinks in Bahamas: Video
In a Post-Roe America, Stanton Healthcare Reaches Out to Women and Their Children with Practical and Tangible Support During the Winter Season NEWS PROVIDED BY

Stanton Healthcare

Nov. 15, 2023



BOISE, Idaho, Nov. 15, 2023 /Christian Newswire/ -- Stanton Healthcare is showing the way forward by bringing their mobile clinic to the Idaho-Oregon border town of Ontario, and other underserved areas, to provide practical help and support.



Stanton Healthcare operates AAAHC-accredited, women's healthcare clinics which specializes in serving women with unexpected pregnancies by providing professional medical care, practical and emotional support, women's wellness care, and a special outreach to refugee and marginalized communities. Stanton is based in Idaho with affiliates in the U.S. and internationally.



On Wednesday, November 15, from 9 a.m.  3 p.m., Stanton will host a Pop-Up Boutique in Ontario, Oregon that is open to the community. Their mobile unit will be parked near the Planned Parenthood facility located at 640 SW 4th Ave, Ontario. Stanton will have diapers, formula, baby clothes, blankets, and more available at no charge.







Stanton reports a 70% increase in client visits and a 331% increase in baby supply requests since launching their client-centered billboard, radio, and online digital media campaign in the Treasure Valley last spring.



Lila Afoa, Executive Director of Stanton Healthcare, shares: "With winter around the corner, we are inviting the Ontario, Fruitland, and surrounding communities to come by our mobile unit and 'shop' our winter clothing supply, and pick up other essential baby supplies like diapers, wipes, formula, and baby blankets  at no charge."



"We would also love to invite interested community members to stop by for a tour of our AAAHC-accredited mobile clinic and learn more about the services we provide." Linda Thomas, Stanton Healthcare's Director of Community Outreach, states: "Stanton Healthcare has seen a significant increase in the demand for our services. Women need and want the compassionate, professional care we provide when navigating an unexpected pregnancy. And our care doesn't end when a woman has her baby; in fact, that's just the beginning.



"The ongoing care we provide is a critical component of ensuring each woman has the relational and educational support needed to thrive in her role as a mother. The practical support Stanton provides is just as vital, especially with the rising prices of basic needs like diapers, formula, and baby clothes. This is why we're excited to host events like our Community Pop-Up Boutique in Ontario which is open to everyone at no charge." For more information or interviews, please contact:



Linda Thomas at 208.803.1646



SOURCE Stanton Healthcare



CONTACT: Linda Thomas, 208-803-1646



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Republican lawmakers in Maryland, decrying years of criminal justice laws aimed at reducing the number of incarcerated children and adults, said Tuesday they will focus their efforts in the upcoming General Assembly session on reversing some of those policies amid heightened concerns about crime.

Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey said his GOP colleagues are pleading with Democrats who control both chambers of the legislature to make public safety their top priority when lawmakers begin their annual 90-day session in January.

The package of legislation he and others said theyll introduce would roll back parts of laws passed in recent years, such as protections around police interrogation of children and prohibitions against vehicle searches based solely on the odor of cannabis.

It would also set lawmakers up to rehash previous debates around increasing penalties for certain crimes and making it more difficult for those convicted to be released.

Its time to return balance to our public safety policy priorities and protect innocent Marylanders, Hershey said alongside other leaders and rank-and-file Republicans in Annapolis. The crime were seeing in our communities is not anecdotal, nor media-manufactured. It is real. The violence is real. The victims are real.

One bill, which they called the Juvenile Justice Restoration Act, would target laws passed in 2022 designed to protect kids when dealing with law enforcement. Those laws, which Democrats sought as reforms, included limiting the charges kids under the age of 13 can face. They also required that minors speak to an attorney before deciding whether to answer questions during a police interrogation.

Prosecutors, including Baltimore States Attorney Ivan Bates, have criticized the changes this year as theyve been implemented, saying they are hampering investigations into youth crime.

The House Judiciary Committee, led by Democratic Del. Luke Clippinger, has also held two of three planned hearings in which lawmakers have been open to investigating the impact of the new laws but have not indicated they would repeal any parts of them.

The GOP plan announced Tuesday would eliminate the requirement for consulting with an attorney and instead allow parents to give consent for their children to be questioned. It would also require kids under the age of 13 who use firearms to commit a crime to be referred to the juvenile justice system.

Del. Jesse Pippy, a Frederick County Republican who serves in leadership as House minority whip, acknowledged youth crime overall is down compared to before the pandemic but that certain crimes  like carjackings, car thefts and handgun violations  are up significantly.

This is not about demonizing and incarcerating juveniles. It is about protecting them and protecting our communities, Pippy said.

Republicans plans do not call for increased funding or other resources for the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services to better serve youth in its system, though House Minority Leader Jason Buckel said they would not oppose potential requests from Democratic Gov. Wes Moore for more resources.

Another reversal requested by Republicans will be a law passed this year to prohibit police from using the odor of marijuana as the sole reason to search a vehicle. Recreational cannabis became legal July 1 in Maryland, though using it in vehicles or public places is not allowed.

By rushing to pass this legislation, the General Assembly put our citizens at risk, Pippy said of the bill passed along party lines last-minute at the end of the 2023 session.

Other elements of the Republicans plans are new iterations of their bills that have repeatedly come up short in recent years. Even while former Republican Gov. Larry Hogan was in office until earlier this year, Democrats who make up supermajorities of both the House and Senate overturned his vetoes on progressive criminal justice issues, including the Child Interrogation Protection Act.

Moore has talked often about prioritizing public safety, mostly by increasing resources for the Department of Juvenile Services and other law enforcement agencies, and by focusing on long-term prevention strategies.

While he has not yet introduced specific legislative priorities for the 2024 session, Moore has also signaled he would be interested in changes to the law  including after the September killing of Baltimore entrepreneur Pava LaPere.

Jason Billingsley, the man charged with murdering LaPere and other crimes, was sentenced in 2015 to 30 years in prison for a first-degree sex offense, with all but 14 years suspended. He was released in October 2022 after earning diminution credits, which accrue during prison based on the nature of the offense.

Buckel referred to Billingsley and LaPeres death as he announced plans for Republicans to introduce the Safe Communities Act. He said it would eliminate the ability for those convicted of first- or second-degree murder from acquiring diminution credits, sometimes called good time credits. The bill would also cap the credits for other violent crimes to allow a reduction of no more than 10% of a sentence.

The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services has described the credits as a key tool for modifying inmate behavior because they work as an incentive to participate in rehabilitative and work programs, including for those convicted of murder, according to an analysis by legislative staff earlier this year.

Buckel said most offenders should still be able to receive some credits, but not to make a farce out of their actual criminal consequences.

The doors of the courthouse and the jail should not be revolving ones, not when were talking about serious repeat violent criminal offenders, Buckel said.

A similar GOP-sponsored bill failed earlier this year.

So did two other proposals Republicans said they would revive  a Violent Firearms Offenders Act to increase penalties for crimes using illegal firearms, from three to five years and a maximum fine of $2,500 to $10,000; and a Gun Theft Felony Act, which would make the theft of a firearm a felony instead of a misdemeanor.
A Colorado hiker who disappeared in August was found months later, with his Jack Russell terrier waiting at his side.

A local hunter found the body of Rich Moore, 71, late last month near Blackhead Peak in southwestern Colorado, the Archuleta County Sheriffs Office said. Finney, his dog, was alive and has been reunited with Moore's family.

Moores cause of death has not yet been determined, but foul play is not suspected, Sheriff Mike Le Roux said.

Moore, who was reported missing Aug. 19, planned to summit Blackhead Peak, a 12,500-foot mountain east of his hometown in Pagosa Springs, according to Taos, New Mexico, Search and Rescue.

Aerial, ground and K9 teams conducted a 2,000-hour search of the Blackhead Peak area, the Archuleta County Sheriffs Office said.

Last year, search-and-rescue teams in Arizona recovered the body of a 74-year-old hiker whose dog, Ranger, stayed with him despite being severely dehydrated and exhausted.

After another hiker died in Los Angeles last year, his dog waited by his side for two weeks.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
By Nidal al-Mughrabi

GAZA (Reuters) - The boy keeps asking for his parents, and he wants to get up and walk, but his parents are dead and his legs have been amputated.

That is the plight of Ahmed Shabat, a four-year-old boy whose parents were killed when their home in the town of Beit Hanoun in the northeastern corner of the Gaza Strip was hit by an Israeli air strike.

"The child asks every day. 'Where is my father? Where is my mother? Every single day. But we try very hard to make him forget, and adjust to the situation he is currently in," said Ahmed's uncle, Ibrahim Abu Amsha, who has become his guardian.

Abu Amsha said the force of the blast threw the boy into a neighbouring house and killed 17 family members in total. The only other survivor was Ahmed's two-year-old brother.

More than 52,000 people lived in Beit Hanoun before the war. There is barely a single inhabitable building still standing there, according to a report in Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth by veteran Israeli reporter Nahum Barnea, who was taken to see it by the Israeli military on Saturday.

Abu Amsha said he and other extended family members took in the two little boys at their home in Nuseirat refugee camp, in a different part of the strip, south of Gaza City, only for it to be hit by another Israeli strike.

Both of Ahmed's legs were catastrophically injured. With the boy's life in danger, he was taken to Shuhada al-Aqsa hospital in Deir al-Balah, a town further south, where orthopaedic surgeon Dr Ahmed Zayyan took him into his care.

"We received this child with newly sustained injuries. He had severed lower limbs," the doctor said at the hospital, speaking on Saturday as preparations were underway for him to operate on Ahmed.

Dr Zayyan said the hospital was overwhelmed with other gravely wounded patients, and Ahmed's surgery would take place not in a proper operating theatre but in a room normally used for births.

"We are going to carry out lower limb amputation due to severe lower limb lacerations, to the right leg. The amputation is above the knee. Same for the left leg," he said.

"WHAT DID HE DO?"

During the surgery, Dr Zayyan spoke about the challenges of such a serious operation on a young child, and about how hard the war has been on the hospital staff.

"The medical staff are exhausted. There is a lack of staff. Some were martyred, or injured, be it doctors, nurses, or anaesthesiologists," he said.

"The operation on a child is difficult because you have to specify the location of the vein, the artery and the nerves, and to isolate and separate them, which takes time.

"We try to carry it out as fast as possible, to supply the child with the blood he lost when he was injured ... We hope for the best."

Ahmed is now recovering. At his bedside, his uncle stroked his face and gave him a toy car, but the boy tossed it away.

"He asked me a number of times, he wants to get out of bed and walk. He asked me more than once, and I have told him that we should wait until his leg feels better, or after we take the medicine," said Abu Amsha.

"He does not feel that he lost his legs, but we will have to try very hard, just like we try to make him forget his parents, to make him forget this."

The war was triggered by militants from the Islamist group Hamas who rampaged through southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people, including babies and children, and dragging more than 200 back to Gaza as hostages, according to Israel.

Israel vowed to destroy Hamas and launched an air, sea and ground assault on densely populated Gaza that has killed more than 11,000 people, most of them women and children, according to Gazan health officials.

Israel blames Palestinian civilian casualties on Hamas, which it accuses of hiding among ordinary people to use them as shields. Hamas denies this. The United Nations and international aid groups speak of a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

"The child not only lost his parents, he lost his legs too," said Abu Amsha. "He is still a child. What did he do to deserve this?"

(Writing by Estelle Shirbon; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to sign a bill that would make it a new state crime for entering Texas illegally and gives law enforcement the power to arrest and order migrants to leave the United States.

After more than nine hours of debate, the state House passed two controversial border bills Tuesday. SB3 appropriates $1.5 billion to build a border wall, and SB4 gives law enforcement the power to arrest and grants judges the power to issue orders to remove violators to Mexico.

SB4 was passed without amendments and heads to Abbotts desk. SB3 passed with an amendment, so it returns to the Texas Senate.

Texas taxpayers would be footing between $20 and $30 million per mile of border wall, according to the floor discussion by lawmakers.

SB3 and SB4 were introduced last week after the Republican governor announced a fourth special legislative session with a focus on border security and education. The Texas Senate suspended its rules to swiftly move SB4 through the chamber in a matter of days.

The ongoing surge of migration at the US-Mexico border has placed immense pressure on local and federal resources. Abbott and the Biden administration have sparred over some of the states measures along the southern border in its latest effort to curb illegal immigration.

Migrants cross the Rio Grande river near the buoy barriers on September 11, 2023 in Eagle Pass, Texas. - Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Democratic House members said the bill oversteps on the federal governments powers and echoes Arizonas immigration status provision which opponents dubbed the show me your papers law. The law was mostly rejected by the US Supreme Court in 2012 when it upheld that the federal government sets immigration policy and laws.

The Republican author of the bill maintains that the bill is constitutional.

The ACLU of Texas condemned the passage of the border bills and called it some of the most radical anti-immigrant bills ever passed by any state and threatened to sue Abbott if he signs SB4.

Texans across the state have resoundingly opposed these bills from the beginning and were not backing down. If Gov. Abbott signs S.B. 4 (88-4) into law, we will sue, Oni K. Blair, executive director of the ACLU of Texas, said in a statement Tuesday.

At least one Texas Republican is also concerned about the constitutionality of the bill.

Texas state Sen. Brian Birdwell, a Republican and author of the previous version of SB4, expressed his opposition to the bill on the floor of the Senate last week. He said Texas was setting a terrible precedent by invalidating our obedience and faithfulness to our Constitution  which specifies that all power and responsibility for immigration is delegated to the federal government.

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Around 9,500 cattle were slaughtered as a result of bovine TB in Wales last year

A Labour politician has been criticised for suggesting dairy farms with "perpetual" bovine tuberculosis (bTB) infections "find another business".

Mid and West Wales Senedd member Joyce Watson spoke after a statement by the rural affairs minister on Tuesday.

Farming union NFU Cymru called Ms Watson's comment "deplorable", "shocking" and "insensitive".

The Conservatives said she had shown a "complete lack of empathy", Plaid Cymru called on her to apologise.

Joyce Watson has been asked to respond.

Minister Lesley Griffiths had been speaking about Wales' bovine bTB eradication programme, after a new five-year strategy with the ultimate aim of making Wales free of the disease by 2041 was unveiled in March.

Ms Watson asked her: "Have you looked at any farms that have perpetual TB status, and have you considered the question of whether those particular farms should be dairy farms at all?

"Because if it is the case that they are in perpetual TB infection status, surely they need to find another business?"

Ms Griffiths did not answer the question.

Ms Watson's region of Mid and West Wales covers much of rural Wales in the areas of Powys, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

Joyce Watson was first elected to Cardiff Bay in 2007

Writing to Ms Watson, the NFU Cymru's Roger Lewis said he was "truly saddened and disappointed" to hear her "insensitive comments".

"I am struggling to put into words my frustration that a Member of the Senedd (MS) elected to represent Mid and West Wales could make such deplorable comments, so lacking in empathy and respect for the farming families in your constituency going through the emotional hell of dealing with an outbreak of bovine TB on their farm," he wrote.

'Grab situation by scruff of the neck'

Welsh Conservative shadow rural affairs minister Samuel Kurtz agreed that the Labour MS has shown "a complete lack of empathy for farming families suffering with the consequences of the Welsh government's lack of progress on bovine TB eradication".

England began a badger cull 10 years ago to help control the spread of bovine TB in cattle, but culling is banned in Wales and there is more focus on cattle testing.

Plaid Cymru agriculture spokesman Llyr Gruffydd has written to Ms Watson urging her to apologise for "deeply offensive" comments that "utterly disregard the pain that farming families and communities go through as they aim to eradicate TB".

"This particularly insensitive contribution by the Labour member is ignorant and insensitive and should be withdrawn. At the very least we expect is an apology."

Mr Grufydd has also written to Ms Griffiths asking her to disassociate herself from the comments and clarify the Welsh government's position.
Chick-fil-A is starting to deliver food by drone in the Tampa Bay area  so far only from one location within Hillsborough County.

A Brandon-Valrico Chick-fil-A restaurant announced Monday on Facebook that it now has drone delivery service to locations within a 1.2-mile radius.

The drone delivery fee is free for a limited time, according to the social media post. The restaurant partnered with DroneUp, a Virginia Beach-based company that also launched service with a Tampa Walmart store nearly a year ago.

The restaurant said online that it anticipates expanding to within 2 miles soon.

Chick-fil-A did not share what other Florida locations where its planning drone delivery service.

We are in the early stages of testing drone delivery at a small number of Chick-fil-A restaurants, Chick-fil-A spokesperson Chelsea Lee said in an email.

Drone delivery is one of a few ways that the fast-food chain is piloting new technologies for deliveries. Chick-fil-A also announced it would start using autonomous robot vehicles.

So how does it work?

Food is put into a box, attached to the drone that a pilot directs to the drop-off point and the order will be slowly lowered to the ground with a cable.

Customers within the small range from the 1504 E. Brandon Blvd. location can order on the Chick-fil-A app to get drone delivery. Its available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
(Bloomberg) -- Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva backed Argentinas Sergio Massa ahead of Sundays presidential election, the latest leader taking a side in the heated contest that has highlighted Latin Americas deepening ideological divisions.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Although he did not mention either candidate by name, Lula painted the race between Massa  Argentinas economy minister  and self-described anarcho-capitalist Javier Milei as a battle for South Americas future, nodding toward Mileis pledges to stop doing business with Brazil and abandon the four-nation Mercosur trade bloc.

I would like to ask the Argentine people to think about Argentina when they vote, Lula said during his weekly social media interview on Tuesday. Your vote is sovereign, but think about what kind of South America, Latin America and Mercosur you want to create. Together we will be strong, and apart we will be weak.

I wanted to ask you to remember that Brazil needs Argentina, and Argentina needs Brazil, he said.

Read More: A $6.5 Billion Loan Highlights Argentinas Split View on China

The leftist leaders comments are the latest indication that Latin Americas sharp ideological battles are playing out across borders, diverging from a longstanding policy of non-interference to shape both major elections and relationships between neighboring nations.

Both Massa and Milei have racked up public support from a litany of foreign leaders. Nearly 20 veterans of the campaign team that helped Lula defeat right-wing former President Jair Bolsonaro last year are now working for Massa, who earlier this month won the endorsement of the Brazilian leaders leftist Workers Party. Former Uruguay President Jose Mujica and Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez have also backed Massas bid for the presidency.

Bolsonaro, meanwhile, recorded a video in support of Milei in October. And nine other former leaders  Argentinas Mauricio Macri; Spains Mariano Rajoy; Ivan Duque and Andres Pastrana of Colombia; Mexicos Felipe Calderon and Vicente Fox; Sebastian Pinera of Chile; Bolivias Jorge Quiroga and Luis Fortuno of Puerto Rico  released a joint statement supporting the libertarians candidacy.

Since taking office in January, Lula has sought to resuscitate Brazils relationship with its neighbor, which largely froze amid political differences between Bolsonaro and leftist Argentina leader Alberto Fernandez. He has also pushed for more cooperation on economic, trade and environmental issues across Latin and South America.

For that we need a president who loves democracy and respects institutions, he said.

Milei, by contrast, has leveled harsh criticisms at his countrys largest trading partner throughout the election, casting Lula as a socialist with a totalitarian vocation and including Brazil among a group of socialist nations  headlined by China  that he would cut ties with.

Milei has also called Mercosur, which is currently seeking to finalize a trade agreement with the European Union, a failure.

Read More: Argentina Presidential Frontrunner Calls China an Assassin

Lula is a close ally of Fernandez, whose Peronist coalition Massa is representing in the election. Massa earlier this year visited Brazil in a bid for support for the ailing economy he oversees.

Most polls, which have a shaky track record in Argentine elections, showed Milei slightly ahead of Massa entering the races final week, although his lead appears within the margin of error. Milei captures 52% of vote intention compared to Massas 48%, according to a poll released Nov. 10 by Brazil-based consulting firm AtlasIntel, which was among the most accurate in the first round last month.

--With assistance from Bruna Lessa.

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Breonna Taylor's death sparked racial injustice rallies across the US

Jurors in the federal trial of the ex-police detective accused of violating Breonna Taylor's civil rights have begun deliberating for a third day.

If convicted, Brett Hankison could spend the rest of his life in prison.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and was acquitted on separate state charges last year.

Ms Taylor's killing, as police officers tried to execute a search warrant on her Kentucky apartment, sparked rallies against racial injustice across the US.

The nine-day trial has revolved around whether or not officers should shoot when they have not clearly identified their target.

According to Louisville authorities, another detective, Myles Cosgrove, fired the fatal shot that struck Ms Taylor, a 26-year-old black woman, but Mr Hankison fired 10 shots during the chaotic "no-knock" raid.

None of those bullets struck anyone but some rounds strayed into an adjoining apartment where a couple and their child lived.

Prosecutors have said that Mr Hankison endangered Ms Taylor, her boyfriend and the neighbours by needlessly using excessive force.

Officers are charged with protecting human life, they argued, and the former detective had "dishonoured" his colleagues by "firing blindly".

But defence lawyers asked jurors to consider "the chaos he was surrounded with" and the fact that he "reacted by trying to protect the lives of his fellow officers and himself".

How he responded, they claimed, was "reasonable, not criminal".

Taking the stand, Mr Hankison admitted that he could not see a target through the covered windows or sliding door of Ms Taylor's apartment but said he saw muzzle flashes from gunfire and believed a shootout was taking place.

Jurors spent Tuesday deliberating, at one point asking if they could separate Mr Hankison's level of force from how it was used.

The judge asked them to re-read the jury instructions in the case.

In March 2022, a Kentucky state jury spent about three hours in deliberation before finding Mr Hankison not guilty of three counts of felony wanton endangerment during the incident.

But three other former officers involved with the raid have been charged in separate federal cases.

One of them, Kelly Goodlett, has pleaded guilty and is expected to testify against the others, Joshua Jaynes and Kyle Meany, in their joint trial next year.

The raid was part of a sprawling drug investigation, but no drugs were found in Ms Taylor's home.

In December, Ms Taylor's boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, received a $2m (1.7m) settlement from the city.

The death of Ms Taylor, along with that of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia and George Floyd in Minnesota, sparked widespread anti-racism protests across the country.
Post-Brexit divergence between UK and EU rules is not being systematically tracked by the government, experts have told the House of Lords.

Divergence is significant for Northern Ireland because it has remained inside the EU's single market for goods.

That means free-flowing trade between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

However, new checks and controls are required on goods coming from Great Britain.

Growing divergence could potentially increase the level of controls on goods coming from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland's revised Brexit deal, the Windsor Framework, contains mechanisms for managing divergence.

However, the Lords heard there are weaknesses in identifying when divergence could cause problems.

'Northern Ireland overlooked'

Joel Reland from the UK in a Changing Europe think tank said while the government is tracking the changes the process is ad hoc and siloed.

"You have different departments looking at divergence in their own specific context. That means that often the Northern Ireland aspect is overlooked."

He said it would be "almost impossible" to log everything given the amount of legislation generated by the EU.

Joel Reland said departments acted in silo and often overlooked the Northern Ireland aspect

However, he said the major weakness was not having "a real system and strategy" for thinking about divergence and addressing it in a consistent way across government.

He described how UK businesses were getting good government engagement on "flagship divergence" like new state aid rules.

But in "more everyday" areas of divergence he said businesses were not being consulted "anywhere near as much" as they should be.

That was echoed by Lisa Claire Whitten from Queen's University Belfast who said dealing with divergence has tended to be "reactive rather than strategic".

She pointed out that there is not even an official, comprehensive record of what EU law is applicable in Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework.

She said the stabilisation of the EU-UK relationship and the relative legal certainty of the framework meant there was now a moment of opportunity to develop a divergence strategy so the issue "doesn't get worse".
Most British police departments have a goal of responding to Grade 2 calls, defined as serious incidents that require a police response but aren't life-threatening, within one hour. But just 10 of the 29 police departments that responded to Freedom of Information requests by the Liberal Democrats, the U.K. political party, met that goal. The average response time for Grade 2 calls, which include burglaries and missing person reports, rose from one hour and 48 minutes in 2020 to three hours and 12 minutes in 2022. In Birmingham West, the average response time in 2022 was 13 and a half hours.

The post Brickbat: We'll Get Around to It appeared first on Reason.com.
Trucks carrying humanitarian aid to Palestinians, wait on the desert road (Cairo - Ismailia) on their way to the Rafah border crossing to enter Gaza

By Sarah El Safty

CAIRO (Reuters) - British and Irish ministers called for accelerated flows of aid into the Israeli-besieged Gaza Strip during separate visits to the Egyptian capital Cairo on Wednesday.

Limited deliveries of humanitarian relief have been crossing from Egypt into Gaza since Oct. 21, though aid workers say the amount brought into the enclave is a fraction of what is needed.

"We need to speed that up. We need to try and make sure that we're able to have much better flow of vital provisions through there so that it could get to the people very much in need," said Andrew Mitchell, Britain's minister of state for development and Africa, adding that fuel is a current priority.

Israel had refused the delivery of fuel to Gaza, saying it could be used by the enclave's ruling Hamas group, but allowed an initial delivery for U.N. aid distribution trucks on Wednesday. No fuel has been allowed in for hospitals or water provision, which have been badly affected by fuel shortages.

"Without question we need a dramatic increase in aid at scale to meet the dire humanitarian situation on the ground in Gaza, where a human catastrophe is unfolding in front of our eyes," Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin told reporters.

The main challenge, Mitchell said, was the creation of "safe areas" without grouping vulnerable people together and putting them at risk.

Britain has offered 51 tonnes worth of supplies for Gaza, in addition to other heavy lifting equipment, Mitchell said. It has urged humanitarian pauses in Israel's bombardment of Gaza, but has not called for a full ceasefire, saying Israel has a right to protect itself.

Ireland has taken a stronger stance, with Martin calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

He also called for all hostages held by Hamas to be released, adding that the government was working on the case of 8-year-old Irish citizen Emily Hand.

"Hostages should be prioritised and we are very focused on the case of Emily Hand," said Martin.

(Reporting by Sarah El Safty and Ahmed Fahmy; Editing by Aidan Lewis and Mark Heinrich)
The House voted 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.

The stopgap funding measure, which was broadly endorsed by Maryland lawmakers, was approved on a bipartisan vote, 336-95. It showed Johnsons willingness to leave his right-flank Republicans behind and work with Democrats to temporarily keep government running  the same political move that cost the last House speaker, Kevin McCarthy, his job just weeks ago.

This time, Johnson of Louisiana appeared on track for a temporarily better outcome as the House approved the stopgap package to keep the government running into the new year. The Senate would act next, ahead of Fridays shutdown deadline.

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 bill was backed by all seven Democratic Maryland representatives. It was also supported by U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, the only Republican in the states eight-member House delegation, albeit for different reasons.

Harris, who represents Harford County, the Eastern Shore and a piece of Baltimore County, said he supported the bill because it would extend the time needed for Congress to consider individual agency spending proposals rather than needing to approve an all-inclusive package.

This bill gives us time to complete out work in a fiscally responsible manner, Harris said during the debate.

Maryland Democrats said the measure was needed because a government shutdown would harm families in the state.

Days after a government funding lapse, 120,000 Marylanders would lose access to a program known as WIC, which provides nutritious food for their infants, said U.S. Rep. David Trone, a Western Maryland Democrat.

Trone was referring to the Women, Infant and Children program that aids low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5.

This measure and the process to pass it was not perfect, but I will do everything in my power to secure the long-term funding Americans need to thrive and deliver aid to assist our allies, Israel and Ukraine, said Trone, who is vying against Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate next year.

Johnson faced the same political problem that led to McCarthys ouster  angry, frustrated, hard-right GOP lawmakers rejecting his approach, demanding budget cuts and determined to vote against the plan. 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.

Shortly before the Tuesday evening vote, House Democratic leaders issued a joint statement saying that the package met all their requirements and they would support it.

Under his proposal, Johnson is putting 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.

Were 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.

The House Freedom Caucus announced its opposition, ensuring dozens of votes against the plan.

I think its a very big mistake, said Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, a member of the hard-right group of lawmakers.

Its wrong, said Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn.

It all left Johnson with few other options than to skip whats typically a party-only procedural vote, and rely on another process that requires a two-thirds tally with Democrats for passage.

Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries in a letter to colleagues noted that the GOP package met the Democratic demands to keep funding at current levels without steep reductions or divisive Republican policy priorities.

Extreme MAGA Republicans have repeatedly demonstrated that they cannot govern without House Democrats, Jeffries said on NPR. That will be the case this week in the context of avoiding a government shutdown.

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 Johnsons package ahead of Fridays 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 Bidens 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 GOPs 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.

Baltimore Sun reporter Jeff Barker contributed to this article.
A 28-year-old Texas man is heading to prison after officials say he shot and killed his girlfriends brother while he was protecting her.

The victim was just trying to be a good big brother by defending his sister, and it cost him his life, Harris County Assistant District Attorney Jason Campo said in a Nov. 11 news release.

On Feb. 14, 2022, Kempsha L. Wilson, of Houston, got into an argument with his then-live-in girlfriend over him talking to another woman, according to a news release from the Harris County District Attorneys Office.

During the argument, Wilson beat and choked the woman, prosecutors said.

During the fight, she pulled a handgun and fired a shot at him without result to emphasize that she wanted him out of her home. She also texted ... her brother to come help her, the release said.

Wilson left, but when her brother showed up, Wilson came back with an AK-47-style assault rifle threatening them both, according to the release. But, the womans brother got Wilson to leave, prosecutors said.

The woman left the apartment with her two kids and went to stay at her brothers home, officials said. The next day, they returned to the apartment, along with the brothers three kids, to change clothes, according to the release.

While at the apartment, officials say Wilson returned with a handgun and two armed men. The woman took her pistol out to defend herself, but Wilson took it, according to the release.

With a pistol in each hand, he confronted (the brother) in front of the apartment and pistol-whipped him. He then put the barrel of one of the guns to (the brothers) chest and fired, killing him in front of his three kids. Wilson and the men he was with then fled, prosecutors said.

Defense attorney information for Wilson was not immediately available.

Wilson was charged with murder, according to a news release from the Houston Police Department.

The Harris County District Attorneys Office announced on Nov. 11 Wilson was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.

The defendant has already had several second chances and continues to hurt people, so the jury agreed that he needed to be in prison for life, Campo said in the release.

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.

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

Family member shoots man hiding behind couch, Oklahoma cops say. He was their brother
A Pompano Beach man is accused of setting up hidden cameras in gym bathrooms throughout South Florida to watch men for his personal pleasure.

Bernando Santiago Lopez, 30, was arrested and charged with video voyeurism this month. Broward authorities say more charges are expected.

The allegations date back to Sept. 12, when a YouFit Gym location in Deerfield Beach called the Broward Sheriffs Office about a hidden camera discovered in the mens accessible bathroom stall.

The camera, according to BSO, was inside a drain cover under the sink and faced the toilet. A manager tipped off other locations about the finding and ordered them to search all of the mens and womens bathroom stalls.

In a statement to the Miami Herald, Allison Rand, YouFits vice president of marketing, said staff immediately removed the cameras, contacted law enforcement and are assisting in the investigations.

Rand also said Santiago Lopez will no longer be able to rejoin any of YouFits gyms.

We value the privacy of our members and we are thankful for the support of the Broward County Sheriff and Boynton Beach Police Dept, Rand said in the statement.

Several hidden cameras were found in the same position in YouFit gym locations in Boynton Beach and Davie, police say.

Early into the investigation, Boynton Beach detectives told BSO that someone under the name of Santiago Lopez was visiting the different gym locations where the cameras were uncovered. In late September, BSO confirmed that the same person visited locations in Deerfield Beach, Boynton Beach, Davie and Miami within a two-month period.

On Oct. 17, BSO analyzed the footage and discovered that at least 50 men were recorded without their consent. Some, police say, may be juveniles between the ages of 14 to 17.

In early November, Boynton Beach police issued an arrest warrant for Santiago Lopez. Officers with BSO detained him on the out-of-county warrant.

In an interview with investigators, Santiago Lopez admitted to setting up the cameras. He said he was curious and wanted to see men exposed for his personal pleasure, according to police.

Detectives located several of the men who were recorded, and they said they had no knowledge of the camera.

Santiago Lopez is being held at the Broward main jail without bond due to the Palm Beach warrant. The bond for the Broward charge is set at $25,000.
Updated Wednesday at 9:15 a.m. EST

An area of low pressure is forecast to form off southeast Florida tomorrow and move north along the coast. This is the same type of meteorological development we see in the winter when a noreaster forms off the Carolinas and becomes a snowstorm in the big cities farther north.

The National Hurricane Center is painting an area offshore of Florida to the Carolinas, indicating that the system could briefly take on some tropical characteristics while it tracks over the warm Gulf Stream. The odds of the system becoming somewhat tropical are very low. In any case, it wouldnt make any difference to the impacts from the low-pressure system forecast to track north offshore of the East Coast through Saturday.

The current forecasts only brush the East Coast as the windy and rainy storm tracks offshore, but coastal residents should stay in touch with the latest local forecasts since the system hasnt yet developed.

The tropical weather outlook for the Atlantic Ocean.

The new low-pressure center that will develop off Florida tomorrow will steal energy from the current Gulf system and its associated front and upper-air dip in the jet stream. This combo has pounded South Florida with torrential rain and flooding. When the Atlantic system finally develops, South Florida will dry out.

In the Caribbean, the long-anticipated broad disturbance now appears less likely to develop into a tropical system. The wind regime affecting the south-central Caribbean is keeping the system disorganized.

The National Hurricane Center is still giving the disturbance a medium chance of becoming at least a tropical depression over the next several days, but the main threat from the system is the large amount of tropical moisture that will flow north over the mountainous Caribbean islands.

The Caribbean moisture will combine with a cold front attached to the developing Florida low-pressure system to create the potential for periods of very heavy rain starting in earnest tomorrow and lasting at least through Saturday, especially on the windward side of the mountains.

Residents in Jamaica, eastern Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, the southeastern Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico should stay informed on the latest local forecasts.





Original article source: Bryan Norcross: Major rain threat from the Caribbean and the Florida low-pressure systems
On Friday, former President Donald Trump insisted in a court filing that he was being denied his due process rights. One day later, he told the audience at a political rally that if elected president, he will strip those rights from anyone who opposes him. And its not an empty threat  his right-wing team has been developing ready-to-implement plans for doing just that.

Much ink has been spilled about each one of these events, but it is their combination that should cause alarm among all Americans who care about democracy. A government with one law for the rulers and one for the ruled is rightly called fascist. Fascism is often defined as a political movement that embraces  the forceful suppression of any opposition, all overseen by an authoritarian government. Fascists strongly oppose Marxism, liberalism and democracy, and believe the state takes precedence over individual interests.

When we say the shoe fits what Trump is selling, dont believe us: Believe him and his key lieutenant, Stephen Miller.

Trump used a filing before Washington, D.C., federal district court Tanya Chutkan asking her to allow his trial to be televised to claim he had been denied his inalienable rights, including . . . the rights to: a fair trial . . . [and] due process. He complained that Chutkans rulings have placed "the interests of his political opposition above the precious protections that American patriots have fought and died for, and that this case has all the unfortunate badges of a trial in an authoritarian regime, lacking . . . due process.

Then on Saturday, Trump painted a different vision of his own future administration that would afford no precious protections or due process to its political foes.

We pledge to you, he told his rally audience in Claremont, New Hampshire, that we will root out the communists, Marxists, fascists and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country.

He had used the identical language in a social media posting earlier that same day.

Trump loyalist Stephen Miller filled in the blanks on Sunday. In a New York Times Magazine interview, he said that the second Trump Administration would build vast holding facilities for immigrants on open land in Texas near the border. And Miller made clear that, contrary to what the Supreme Court has said about deportation, Trump would try to invoke the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport suspected members of drug cartels and criminal gangs without due process.

As for detention camps, Nathan J. Robinson, editor of the Current Affairs Magazine, wrote on Monday:

Trumps team . . . [is] serious about this. . . . I dont think we should assume that this ends with undocumented immigrants.

Thats not to say that in 2025, Americans would walk quietly, or allow others to be hauled into detention camps without resistance. But if you believe it cant happen here, history begs to differ.

In this century, former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio ran what he bragged were concentration camps in the 110 degree desert heat for brown-skinned people his deputies picked up.

Last century, ten weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Roosevelt shamefully ordered Japanese Americans to be rounded up and interned in desert camps. The Supreme Court upheld the detentions in Korematsu v. United States. It took the Court 74 years to repudiate that ruling.

History tells us that emergencies other than war can be used to justify suspending constitutional rights. Hitler abolished freedom of speech and justified phone taps the day after the Reichstag fire in February 1933. The Nazis, of course, blamed Jews and communists by calling them poisoners of native blood and vermin. In Hitler, his biographer Joachim Fest quotes these words from his subject:

Nature is cruel; therefore we are also entitled to be cruel. [S]hould I not . . . have the right to eliminate millions of an inferior race that multiplies like vermin?

Michael Tomasky, editor of The New Republic, made clear that Trump's vermin covers more than disfavored religious groups or people of non-European background. (Theres a significant history of that in America with respect to native Americans and Chinese-Americans, among others.)

Dehumanizing opponents also helps encourage [totalitarian leaders] followers to engage in violence," according to Professor Ruth ben-Ghiat, New York University scholar of fascism.

Ironically, in trying to brush off that critique, Steven Cheung, Trumps campaign spokesman, confirmed it. He predicted a grim fate for people who suffer from what he called Trump Derangement Syndrome.

Their entire existence will be crushed when President Trump returns to the White House.

Maybe youre wondering why Trumps presidential campaign seems to have chosen a harm offensive instead of a charm offensive. Consider these possibilities.

First, it energizes his base and arouses its violent elements. He wants them amped up for when he faces jeopardy in criminal trials or if something sidetracks his nomination.

Second, if he wins, he wants to be able to say that he has a mandate for a totalitarian plan to jail enemies and end American constitutionalism as we know it.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

Trumps Project 2025, a blueprint his hardcore troops are preparing for screening loyalists and transitioning to a Trumpist state, involves far more than imprisoning opponents. It is, as the Atlantics David Graham encapsulates it, un-American. Thats because Trumps ideas contravene basic principles of the Constitution or other bedrock bases of American government.

On Monday, Graham laid out 12 basic elements of Trumps vision including the argument that a presidential candidate should be immune from prosecution and Trump normalizing insults and attempts to intimidate judges and prosecutors.

You can be sure that Chief Justice John Roberts and other members of the Court, including those appointed by Trump, have been watching those attacks on the judicial system and not liking them. And Roberts, in particular, has made a point of repudiating the Korematsu decision that approved American detention camps.

But it would be foolhardy for Americans to hope that the courts will save us from Trumps dark vision of this countrys future, with one set of laws for himself and his cronies and another for his opponents and groups he scapegoats. If the courts stand in his way, he will, like strongmen in other countries, turn on them and seek to bend them to his will.

Americans who care about preserving our 234-year-old republic should reject Trumps proposed double standard and express our outrage at Trumps anti-constitutional plans for detention camps and for prosecuting rivals and critics if he is elected. The best way to do so is to mobilize now and make sure that he cannot claim an electoral mandate in 2024.

More than ever we should pay heed to what former President Barack Obama said six years ago in his farewell address: It falls to each of us to beanxious, jealous guardians of our democracy. Embrace the joyous task we have been given to continually try to improve this great nation of ours because, for all our outward differences, we in fact all share the same proud type, the most important office in a democracy, citizen.
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) said he feels sorry for former Speaker Kevin McCarthy after the California Republican allegedly elbowed him in a Capitol hallway the previous day.

Im sure right after he did it, he regretted it, Burchett said in an interview with CNN This Morning on Wednesday. Ive moved on; Ive got no vengeance towards him. I prayed for him this morning, as a matter of fact, because I know hes hurting.

Its just a sad commentary on his life. Im sorry for him. I really am. I feel sorry for him, Burchett continued.

Burchett on Tuesday claimed McCarthy deliberately elbowed him in the back in a Capitol hallway while the Tennessee Republican was talking with reporters. Burchett then called after McCarthy and chased after him, but the former House leader kept walking.

McCarthy later Tuesday denied elbowing the congressman, telling reporters, I guess our elbows hit as I walked by. If I would hit somebody, they would know I hit them.

Asked by CNN how the two lawmakers got to this point, Burchett said, I have no idea. Its really a bizarre thing that just happened.

Burchett was one of the eight Republicans who joined all House Democrats in voting to oust McCarthy from the top spot last month.

Pressed over if he would like to see McCarthy resign, Burchett said, I dont care what he does. Really it doesnt matter. The sooner he leaves, the sooner he will be making seven figures being a lobbyist, lets be honest. Hes not going back to Bakersfield, [Calif.].

Hell be lobbying up here and making big money if he feels like he doesnt have a shot back to the Speakership, he added.

McCarthy has said he plans to run reelection despite losing the gavel. His office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Burchetts latest remarks.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Burlington Stores plans to open its new location Friday in Warner Robins and for the grand opening, the store plans to give away $5,000 to area teachers.

The new store, in the Crossroads Marketplace shopping center at 3060 Watson Blvd., will open at 8:45 a.m. Friday. As part of the promotion, the retailer will donate $5,000 to teachers at Centerville Elementary School, according to a news release.

Our goal is to continue to offer communities low prices on brand name merchandise for the entire family and home, said Michael OSullivan, CEO of Burlington Stores, in the release. Were continuing to expand our footprint across the country and are excited to be opening a new store in Warner Robins. We look forward to giving local customers the chance to discover big savings on a wide range of products.

The first 100 customers following the ribbon cutting on Friday and Saturday will receive a $10 gift card to be used with their purchase, and on Sunday, customers will receive a free Burlington umbrella while supplies last, according to the release.

Burlington plans to hire around 65 people for the new location in a wide range of full-time and part-time positions. To apply, visit burlingtonstores.jobs.

The store in Warner Robins will be open 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday.

Burlington operates more than 930 stores in 46 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. The Fortune 500 company offers discounts of up to 60% off on apparel and accessories for men, women and children as well as home decorations.
Attorney General Ken Paxton holds a press conference at the Houston Recovery Center on October 26, 2021. Credit: Mark Felix for The Texas Tribune

BURNET  A Burnet County district judge ruled Tuesday that the Ken Paxton whistleblowers case can proceed in Travis County, while Paxtons recently launched legal challenge to the revived lawsuit remains pending.

The ruling by Judge Evan Stubbs could allow the whistleblowers attorneys to subpoena Paxton and his top aides.

The ruling came a week after Stubbs temporarily halted the whistleblower lawsuit at the request of Paxtons office. The office argued the whistleblowers were violating a tentative settlement they reached earlier this year by restarting work on it after Paxtons acquittal in his Senate impeachment trial.

Neither Paxton nor the whistleblowers attended the hearing, which featured extensive debate over whether the terms of the settlement had been met even though the Legislature still has not approved its $3.3 million payout. Stubbs expressed skepticism as Paxton's side argued the whistleblowers were effectively trying to unwind a final agreement.

If it were truly, actually and finally settled, the judge said, then I dont think wed be here.

A group of Paxtons former top aides sued in Travis County after they were fired in 2020, claiming they were being punished for reporting him to the FBI on suspicion of bribery.

The whistleblowers almost settled with the attorney generals office for $3.3 million earlier this year. But the Texas House, concerned about using taxpayer dollars for the settlement, started probing the underlying claims and recommended Paxtons impeachment.

The two sides faced off for over four hours in a courtroom here Tuesday, arguing over whether Stubbs should grant Paxtons request for a temporary injunction that would further derail the Travis County case. At the end, Stubbs denied the request for a temporary injunction and scheduled a Dec. 14 hearing on a separate motion, filed by the whistleblowers, to change the venue of the Burnet County case to Travis County.

Stubbs also dissolved the temporary restraining order that he issued last week, paving the way for the Travis County case to come back to life.

Im not saying you cant go forward with your case in Travis County, Stubbs told the whistleblowers lawyers, adding the caveat that another judge may disagree.

After the hearing, a lawyer for one of the whistleblowers, Tom Nesbitt, said there was no restriction on the case moving forward in Travis County. The lawyers declined to comment on their next steps, but they had given notice they planned to subpoena impeachment records and take depositions shortly before Paxton sued them in Burnet County.

A lawyer for Paxtons office, Bill Helfand, said after Stubbs ruling that the office may appeal his denial of the temporary injunction. Stubbs advised him to move swiftly with any appeal.

In late September, the Texas Supreme Court allowed the case to resume in Travis County and move to trial. The whistleblowers asked the Supreme Court to do that after the Senate acquitted Paxton in an impeachment trial that centered on their claims.

The terms of the settlement  and whether those terms had been fully met  were hotly debated Tuesday in Stubbs courtroom. The two sides spent most of the hearing questioning Johnathan Stone, a special counsel in Paxtons office who Helfand called as a witness.

Helfand argued Paxton was complying with the agreement and that the whistleblowers did not like the outcome of the impeachment trial so they were now trying to use their lawsuit as a second impeachment proceeding.

Now thats an abuse of a lawsuit, but also a breach of contract, Helfand said.

Joe Knight, a lawyer for whistleblower Ryan Vassar, said it was almost comical to suggest the situation is resolved when the whistleblowers have not seen a nickel of the $3.3 million. Another whistleblower attorney, Don Tittle, emphasized to Stone that the part of the settlement that says it is contingent upon approval of funding.

The agreement is contingent, Tittle said, and the thing it is contingent has not happened.

The hearing featured several moments of drama and acrimony between the two sides.

At one point, Nesbitt sought to call his co-counsel, Knight, as a witness because Knight was part of the settlement talks. Helfand objected, saying state bar rules prohibits a lawyer being a witness in their own case. Knight said he disagreed, but the judge intervened and got the whistleblowers' attorneys to withdraw Knight as a witness to avoid any further controversy.

It was not the only time the judge had to step in. He asked Knight and Stone to calm down after Knight accused Stone of attacking his credibility and Stone responded in the affirmative. Helfand also had to mediate toward the end of hearing after Knight called Helfand's closing statement redundant and Helfand complained about personal attacks.
Hundreds of people from Detroits Jewish community claim they were left stranded after bus drivers refused to take them from the airport to the site of a solidarity march with Israel in Washington D.C. on Tuesday. David Kurzmann, senior director of community affairs at the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, said they learned from the bus company that the incident was caused by a deliberate and malicious walk-off of drivers. He added that they are grateful that many people were still able to travel to the march and for the drivers that did arrive. While we are deeply dismayed by this disgraceful action, our resolve to proudly stand in solidarity with the people of Israel, to condemn antisemitism and to demand the return of every hostage held by Hamas has never been greater, he said.

Read it at The Detroit News

Read more at The Daily Beast.
FILE - New York Governor Kathy Hochul addresses the media during a press conference Monday, March. 13, 2023, in New York. About 1 in 5 American workers, including retail and construction workers, are bound by noncompete agreements, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Hochul hasn't said whether she intends to sign state legislation passed last June that would ban noncompete agreements. The legislation has come under a fierce attack by business groups. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File )

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP)  When people think of noncompete agreements, they usually think of corporate executives with knowledge of prized trade secrets, whose lavish pay packages often come with a condition that if they quit or get fired, they can't go work for an industry rival.

More and more, though, employers are requiring regular workers to sign those deals. About 1 in 5 American workers, nearly 30 million people, are bound by noncompete agreements, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

Horror stories about companies using noncompete agreements to trap workers in middling jobs or punish them for taking their skills elsewhere for better pay prompted New York legislators to pass a bill last June that would ban noncompete agreements.

Five months later, though, Gov. Kathy Hochul hasn't said whether she intends to sign the legislation, which has come under a fierce attack by business groups.

The Public Policy Institute of the State of New York, an affiliate of the Business Council of New York, launched a $1 million ad campaign last month in an attempt to thwart the legislation. Some of the loudest opposition has come from Wall Street, where firms see noncompete agreements as important to protecting investment strategies and keeping highly-paid workers from walking out with valuable inside information.

Supporters of the ban say it would help people like lighting designer Richard Tatum, a New York City resident who had signed a noncompete agreement and spent a year fighting a former employer in court after they sued him for getting another job shortly after they laid him off in 2009. He had a family to support and wasn't moving or leaving his industry, he said.

I felt I had no choice but to fight," said Tatum, who now works for an event production company. He said he understands being fired during the financial meltdown. "But the fact that I had to spend a year fighting off my former employer was just wrong.

A handful of states, including California, already ban noncompete agreements. Other states, including Minnesota and Oklahoma, have laws that void noncompete agreements if a person is laid off.

The Federal Trade Commission proposed a regulation in January banning noncompete agreements, arguing that they hurt workers. President Joe Biden said at the time that the agreements block millions of retail workers, construction workers and other working folks from taking better jobs and getting better pay and benefits in the same field.

If signed by Hochul, a Democrat, the New York bill would only affect noncompete agreements signed after the law goes into effect. The legislation would not restrict nondisclosure agreements.

Hochul's office said shes still reviewing the legislation. She has until the end of the year to make a decision.

Business groups say the ban shouldnt apply to certain industries and job levels, like top executives or partners in tech companies or law firms. They also said it could push employers to ship jobs to states like Florida and Texas that do not have similar laws.

This bill poses a serious risk to innovation and job growth and, if enacted, could unravel the delicate balance between protecting business investment and fostering a competitive job market, said Paul Zuber, the executive vice president for the Business Council of New York.

Advocates for the bill argue that striking noncompete agreements will actually be good for innovation.

State Senator Sean Ryan, a Democrat who sponsored the bill, pointed to Silicon Valley in California, a hub for tech companies.

All the flexibility you see in that economy would have been dashed had they made it so you couldnt go work for an emerging tech company, Ryan said.

The bill, he added, would give employees more flexibility and agency when considering other employment opportunities.

Tatum, the lighting designer who reached a legal settlement with his former employer to keep working in his profession, said, I just don't think anyone like me should have to go through that again.

___

Maysoon Khan is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Maysoon Khan on Twitter.
A County Down businessman who admitted defrauding more than 400,000 from 15 motorhome owners has been jailed for three years.

Lancelot William Walker, 61, from Ballynahinch Road in Carryduff, was sentenced at Newry Crown Court on Wednesday.

He was a director of Motorhome Ireland Ltd.

Many of Walker's 15 victims were elderly and vulnerable motorhome owners, the court heard.

The court heard Walker told his victims he would sell their motorhomes and deliver the proceeds of the sale to them or use their profits towards payment for another motorhome.

The sentencing comes after Walker entered guilty pleas to 16 dishonesty offences, committed between 22 August 2005 and 21 August 2008.

These included 14 counts of fraud by false representation and single charges of obtaining property by deception and concealing criminal property.

In addition to the jail sentence, Walker was barred from being a director of any limited company for 10 years.

Judge Gordon Kerr KC said his offences were aggravated because of the length of time over which his crimes were committed, the amount of money involved and the multiple victims impacted.

Many of them lost significant sums of money which will never be repaid.

For many of the victims, including one who has since passed away, their motorhomes were sold and there was evidence of the proceeds going into the company's bank account but no trace of money going back to the customer.

For the most part "they never saw their money" and for the two who did, cheques they were given later bounced.

The court heard the total proceeds of sales of motorhomes belonging to others amounted to about 418,495.

'Devastating effect'

The judge said a chartered accountant employed to conduct a full audit of the company's finances found "significant and unexplained trading losses, vehicles were being double financed, there was retaining money due to be paid to customers, retention of deposits paid for motorhomes to a value of 179,000 and there was no payment of debts".

The audit also uncovered "unexplained payments to directors including a 51,000 withdrawal which was transferred to the defendant".

The judge told the court he had a number of victim impact statements which evidence the "devastating effect" of the frauds upon them.

"In each case substantial sums of money were lost to them with no prospect of recompense," he said.

Walker was interviewed a number of times in 2009 but denied any wrongdoing, claiming he was not fully aware of the company's financial problems.

The judge said there had clearly been a breach of the defendant's right to have his case dealt with "within a reasonable time", highlighting there were 14 years between his interview at the beginning of the legal process and the hearing.

He said that delay negated the "serious aggravating factor" of Walker's previous conviction for fraud and obtaining property by deception, adding that he would also decrease the final prison sentence in recognition of the significant delay.

The judge added that there was also mitigation in that Walker had entered a guilty plea which was "welcomed" by the PPS, and expressed remorse.
Two men have been jailed for robbing men they set up using a gay dating app.

Eden White, 22 and Jack Walker, 21 used WhatsApp to plan robberies between May and June 2022.

The pair used Grindr to lure men and arranged to meet up with them at night in Cambridgeshire and robbed them of their belongings.

White, of Lower Cambourne, was jailed for five years, while Walker, from Papworth Everard, was jailed for three years and four months.

Det Con Rebecca Halls said: "These men used WhatsApp to plan every detail of these robberies and then joked about them afterwards."

The first robbery was reported by a man, in his 30s, who had arranged to meet a man called "Toby" at about 02:00 BST on 27 May 2022 at the playing field in Papworth Everard.

Police said the victim, who was deaf, was asked to share his live location and was robbed of his mobile phone and wallet by two men in dark clothing with knives.

Other male victims were targeted using similar tactics in Bourn and Cambourne.

Officers were able to obtain the mobile number that was used to contact one of the victims which was linked to White's phone.

At Huntingdon Law Court last week, White, of Quidditch Lane, Lower Cambourne, was jailed having pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit robbery, being concerned in the supply of class B drugs and conspiring to commit fraud by false representation.

Walker, of Cromwell Crescent, Papworth, admitted conspiring to commit robbery.

Two other men have been sentenced, and one is awaiting sentence.

Mackenzie Wales, 18, of Anson Road, Upper Cambourne, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit robbery and was given a 20-month jail term, suspended for 18 months.

Another teenager was given a 12-month youth referral order.

Harrison Carter, 26, of no fixed address but formerly of Cambridge, admitted conspiring to commit robbery, and is due to be sentenced at a later date.

Det Con Halls said: "They intentionally preyed on members of the LGBT community.

"Targeting victims through Grindr knowing that they would meet up, alone, in times and locations where no-one else was present and believing they would be less likely to report the incidents to police."

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830
A former campaign staffer for Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., pleaded guilty Tuesday to a federal wire fraud charge stemming from his work for the embattled congressman.

Samuel Miele, 27, was charged in August with wire fraud and identity theft for having posed as a top aide to then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., while he was raising money for Santos' 2022 campaign.

Prosecutors said Miele used the aide's identity with over a dozen potential donors, raising money for Santos while enriching himself through 15% commissions on each donation. In his plea, Miele also admitted that he charged credit cards without authorization for contributions to the campaigns of "Candidate #1"  Santos  and other campaigns, as well as himself, prosecutors said.

In a plea form filed with the judge, Miele said that from August to December 2021, "I pretended I was the Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House of Representatives in some telephone calls and emails with potential donors, including an email on August 19, 2021, which used interstate wires. I did that to help me raise funds for the congressional campaign I was working on."

"In addition, between November of 2020 and January of this year, I caused approximately $100,000 to be charged to several donors credit cards without their permission. I used some of those funds as donations to a candidate for Congress and some for my own expenses," Miele said on the form.

Breon Peace, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said in a statement that Miele had 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.

As part of the plea deal, prosecutors said, Miele agreed to pay $109,171 in restitution, $69,136 in forfeiture and $470,000 to a campaign contributor. He also faces a maximum of 20 years behind bars when he's sentenced April 30.

Santos' attorney, Joe Murray, was in court to watch the proceeding and declined to comment to NBC New York afterward.

Miele's lawyer, Kevin Marino, wouldn't say whether his client was cooperating with the investigation. "Mr. Miele has accepted responsibility" for his actions and "looks forward to putting this behind him," Marino told NBC New York.

Santos, who faces separate fraud charges, told The Associated Press in August that he fired Miele in 2021 after he learned about the scam from the McCarthy aide.

Santos' office didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Prosecutors said Miele sent Santos a letter last year trying to explain his actions. The indictment said that in the letter Miele acknowledged "faking" his "identity to a big donor" but that Miele also described himself as "high risk, high reward in everything I do.'"

Last month, Santos' former campaign treasurer, Nancy Marks, pleaded guilty to charges that implicated Santos in wrongdoing, including falsifying campaign forms so he could get matching funds he wasn't entitled to.

Santos, who had been charged in May with 13 criminal counts, was hit with 10 additional charges in a superseding indictment days after Marks plea.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and maintained he's the victim of a politically motivated "witch hunt."

Santos, who has acknowledged fabricating and exaggerating chunks of his background, survived an effort this month by his fellow House Republicans from New York to expel him from Congress.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
(Reuters) - Nearly 100 police were summoned to deal with 250 pro-Palestinian protesters who surrounded a Vancouver restaurant where Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was dining on Tuesday night, police said on Wednesday.

Trudeau is under pressure from Palestinian supporters to push for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas.

"Vancouver police deployed nearly 100 officers Tuesday night to disperse a protest outside a Chinatown restaurant where the Prime Minister was dining," the force said in a statement.

"Police assisted in controlling and dispersing the crowd, while the Prime Minister was escorted out of the restaurant."

A 27-year-old man was arrested for punching a female officer in the face, police said.

"Yesterday evening the Prime Minister was approached by demonstrators in Vancouver," spokesman Mohammad Hussain said by email but declined to comment further.

Earlier on Tuesday, Trudeau said the "killing of women, of children, of babies" in Gaza must end, in his sharpest criticism of Israel since war against Hamas broke out over a month ago.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing Trudeau in a social media post, said "the forces of civilization must back Israel in defeating Hamas barbarism."

(Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
[Watch previous FOX 8 News coverage in the player above.]

BROOKLYN, Ohio (WJW)  Crime Stoppers of Cuyahoga County is offering a cash reward to help find those responsible for vandalizing a Jewish cemetery with hate symbols.

Vandals painted red swastikas on entrance markers and headstones throughout the Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery along Ridge Road, FOX 8 News reported on Sunday, as cleanup efforts were underway.

I-70 reopened in 1 direction following fatal crash involving students

WJW photo

WJW photo

How dare you deface something that you dont know what it means. If you do know what it means; how dare you even more, Sam Salamon, whose parents are buried there, told FOX 8 News earlier this week.

Imprisoned Cleveland man worked with Italian national to smuggle drugs to US

The Brooklyn Police Department is seeking the publics help in solving this hate crime, reads a Tuesday news release.

Crime Stoppers is now offering a cash reward of up to $2,500 for information that leads to the arrest and indictment of those responsible.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 216-252-7463. Tipsters will remain anonymous.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Police are seeking a sex attack suspect likely to have a "noticeable" bite mark on his upper arm after a woman was assaulted in North Yorkshire.

The victim, in her 20s, fought off her attacker in the Scotton Road area of Catterick Garrison at about 01:00 GMT on 29 October, police said.

The woman is receiving specialist support and North Yorkshire Police have stepped up patrols in the area.

Police urged anyone with information to get in touch "without delay".

Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk.
Twenty-plus years ago, Melissa McAvoy was working in a French restaurant in Port St. Lucie, and it was during this time of year that the staff would come together for a celebratory luncheon. Theyd don their Vin Georges Duboeuf pins, generally on the third Thursday of the month, and taste the years Beaujolais Nouveau release, made from gamay grapes and rife with light flavors  banana-strawberry or strawberry margarita, even bubble gum, she recalls.

And though McAvoy, now an advanced sommelier and owner of Orlandos Swirlery Wine Bar in SoDo, has a far more sophisticated palate these days, the Beaujolais Day tradition  this year on Nov. 16  has stuck. This will be Swirlerys eighth annual Beaujolais soiree, a deep dive into styles of this popular, easy-drinking wine.

I think its a perfect wine for Florida because its lower alcohol, a really nice, crisp red, and should be served chilled, she notes. And it pairs beautifully with some of the lighter food choices we often make because of the climate we live in. Its an ideal wine to showcase.

The Nouveau, she notes, is best known. Its colorful labels show up this time of year, bright and often flowery. Its associated with the end of harvest in Burgundy, she explains, but also happens to time well in America with the Thanksgiving holiday.

The Nouveau employs a process called carbonic maceration, which for me makes it sort of a guilty pleasure, McAvoy jokes. Its made to be enjoyed really immediately. Using this technique, its fermented very fast at super cool temperatures, and so, just a fresh fun wine to enjoy quickly.

Madeira: The Portuguese wine of American presidents

There are other Beaujolais varieties, however, that are deep-dive worthy. These are McAvoys favorites: the Crus. With these comes something of a geography lesson.

Beaujolais is a region in France that sits south of Burgundy. Within, there are 10 crus from north to south. These include St-Amour, Julienas, Chenas, Moulin-a-Vent, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Regnie, Brouilly and Cote de Brouilly.

Its often like stepping back in time, McAvoy says of the regions small, old-vine family operations. These wineries have been passed down through generations. And when you meet these winemakers, you cant help but fall in love with the wine. You want to share it every year and celebrate, but then enjoy it all year long.

Orlandos natural wine scene is growing  organically

There is a variance in flavors from cru to cru, she notes, lots of depth and minerality due in part to the soils, and on Beaujolais Day at Swirlery, her annual selection will roam the region. Guests can sip and savor a few light bites or get as geeky as they like: Beaujolais and its gamay grapes are rife with drama.

Hundreds of years ago, the Duke of Burgundy  they called him Phillip the Bold  wanted to make pinot noir famous in Burgundy, and so he banned the planting of gamay grapes in the northern part of the region.

It was a long road to redemption for this now-beloved Beaujolais from the south, and why it is such a special, unique part of Burgundy and its history.

Swirlerys tasting party ($30 at the door) starts at 6 p.m. and will take guests through all 10 crus, with bottles available for sale. There will be Nouveau, too, of course, And maybe a little gamay from Oregon or elsewhere in the States, too.

Parties here are casual, come as you are and wholly unpretentious, with lots of wine lovers eager to share what they know, exchange thoughts on the pours and just have fun. Dinner-party and gifting season is upon us, too, and so really, going to a wine shop is about the most unselfish thing you can do this time of year, really.

Im reaching, I know.

But if you needed another excuse to get to know Beau, now youve got one. And you can share what youve learned with your hosts this season when you bring them a bottle.

Want to reach out? Find me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. For more fun, join the Lets Eat, Orlando Facebook group or follow @fun.things.orlando on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Before we finally close the book on the election of 2023, its worth noting that the Wichita school district dodged a bullet for the second election cycle in a row.

Had it gone a different way, wed have likely spent at least the next two years staring down the barrel at book bans, Dr. Facebook decisions on what vaccinations to require, micromanagement of what teachers can teach about Americas checkered racial history, and the attempted erasure of the very existence of LGBTQ people from the educational experience in the states largest school district.

We may still have those fights, but the voices of reason on the board still have the votes.

It was a close-run thing, but moderates and progressives managed to maintain a 4-3 majority.

The fate of the school board was decided not a week ago, but a year ago, on Nov. 8, 2022, when voters decided to elect six of seven school board members by district, with one elected district-wide.

That replaced what had been a confusing, capricious and even borderline racist system for electing the school board, and were better off for it.

Before the changeover to the new system, the board was divided into districts, but only the primary election was voted that way, and primaries were only held if there were four or more candidates running in a particular district.

In the general election, everybody got to vote for everybody elses school board representatives.

Make sense to you? It never did to me either.

What it did do was ensure that a lot of people in the community were disenfranchised and represented by a school board member elected by somebody else.

Lets run some numbers.

In last weeks race for the one at-large seat still extant on the board, there were 43,649 votes cast. Melody McCray-Miller, a former county commissioner and state legislator, edged out challenger Brent Davis.

In the District 3 race in south Wichita, there were 4,906 votes cast, with Ngoc Vuong beating Ken Carpenter.

In District 4, representing central and north Wichita, there were 3,990 votes cast, with incumbent Stan Reeser holding serve over Jason Carmichael.

All the votes were pretty close, with the moderate-to-progressive candidates winning with about 55% of the vote.

So, using the 43,644 votes in the at-large race as a baseline, if the election had been held under the old system, the will of the 4,908 voters who actually live in District 3 would have been overwhelmed by 38,738 votes from outside their area.

In the case of District 4, the voters who live in the area would have been outnumbered 10-to-one by outside-the-district voters, 39,654 to 3,909.

In this years race, Davis carried some heavy baggage from his 2021 school board campaign, where he proposed an irresponsible and reprehensible plan to experiment on the districts children by separating them into groups, masked and unmasked, and seeing which group caught COVID the most.

This time around, its entirely plausible that Carpenter, Carmichael, or both might have fared better than Davis did and flipped the majority to the right, if everybody in the school district was still voting on every seat.

Thats not what representative democracy looks like, and it has led to political mischief.

Two years ago, there were four board seats up for election and the Sedgwick County Republican Party schemed up a campaign to try to seize the majority in one election cycle.

The party recruited and supported four socially conservative candidates who ran as a slate, based mostly around opposition to COVID-19 mask mandates and vaccines.

Under the previous voting system, the Republicans knew they only had to win in the vote-rich and conservative-leaning suburbs of east and west Wichita. In the event, they won three out of the four seats, getting Diane Albert, Kathy Bond and Hazel Stabler on the board.

Incumbent Julie Hedrick held off Davis, mostly because of Daviss scary proposal to experiment on the kids.

This election, progressives and moderates needed to win all three board seats to maintain the majority. They did.

And the new board will be more reflective of the diversity of USD 259, where minority children are the majority of students.

Right now, the board is six white people  five female, one male  and one Native American woman, Stabler.

The incoming board will still have Stabler, plus Miller, an African-American woman and Vuong, an Asian-American man.

Its not a perfect mix.

Hispanic children are the largest racial/ethnic group in the district, and the last Hispanic-American on the board, Ron Rosales, got voted out in 2021, a casualty of the Republicans attempted takeover.

Maybe voters will fix that next time around. With district-by-district elections, theyll have a chance.
FILE PHOTO: A fighter plane stands in a hangar of an aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody near the town of Odolena Voda

FILE PHOTO: A fighter plane stands in a hangar of an aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody near the town of Odolena Voda

By Michael Kahn and Anna Koper

PRAGUE/WARSAW (Reuters) - Central European defence companies are negotiating new deals to sell more weapons, military equipment and related services in Africa as they seek to poach customers looking for alternatives to Russia, companies and government officials say.

Though now part of the Western NATO alliance, former Warsaw Pact members such as the Czech Republic, then part of Czechoslovakia, delivered a steady supply of weapons to African countries during the Communist era and so are well-placed to maintain or upgrade those systems.

"The best new markets are the African ones because they still use Soviet-era equipment but now want Western technology added to it," Jiri Hynek, president and director of industry trade group the Defence and Security Industry Association of the Czech Republic, told Reuters.

"We call it the westernization of Soviet products."

Take Czech aircraft maker Aero Vodochody. The company is in talks to sell its L-39NG training and light attack aircraft to new buyers as well as provide upgrades for older versions, its executive vice president of sales Filip Kulstrunk told Reuters.

"We see increasing interest from new potential customers, who are looking to abandon Russian or Chinese equipment and wish to westernize their armed forces," he said, declining to give details on which countries it was talking to.

The Czech Republic in 2022 exported ammunition, guns, aircraft and other military supplies valued at around 32 million euros to 10 sub-Saharan African countries, many which rely on Soviet-era weapons manufactured with different standards and calibres than those used in the West. This was up from just under 2 million euros in 2011.

UKRAINE DIVERSION

Reuters spoke to around a half dozen Czech and Polish defence companies and government officials who described renewed efforts to carve out a bigger share of the African arms market as the Ukraine conflict diverts Russia's attention.

While the companies declined for the most part to outline specifics or countries they were targeting for competitive reasons, deals being discussed included for guns, ammunition and other military equipment and services, they said.

Privately-held defence and civil manufacturing company Czechoslovak Group - the biggest Czech defence company - said its ability to maintain and modernize armoured vehicles using Soviet-era standards has helped it win business in Africa.

"CSG has exceptional capability to maintain and modernise military land systems of Eastern origin so that African customers needn't depend on Russian suppliers," spokesman Andrej Cirtek told Reuters. "We have already used this in a number of business cases in Africa."

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Russia overtook China as the leading arms seller in sub-Saharan Africa with a market share rising to 26% over the past five years from 2018 to 2022.

While it has not yet fully processed data on all recent exports to Africa since the start of the Ukraine war, Pieter Wezeman, a senior researcher in the organisation's arms transfers programme, told Reuters that reliability concerns could spur some nations to look beyond Russia.

"Czech industry has the kind of expertise on former Soviet weapons which can be useful when selling equipment, components or servicing of weapons used by African countries," he said.

Sebastian Chwalek, chief executive of Poland's state-owned PGZ  which controls dozens of companies making weapons, ammunition, armoured transporters, unmanned air systems and other equipment  told Reuters the company has stepped up talks over the last 12 months to tap African markets.

Polish military technology company WB Group - whose products include unmanned drones and missile systems - has also seen an uptick in interest from potential African customers on its home turf over the past year.

"We attended a recent trade exposition. ...in Poland where our stand was visited by numerous delegations from African countries that appeared here for the first time," WB Group spokesman Remigiusz Wilk said.

"It is always beneficial for any other supplier if someone who previously existed on a given market disappears from it, or is less represented."

TRADE MISSION

Underlining the push into Africa, a Czech trade mission visited Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana and the Ivory Coast earlier this month. A key aim, said Prime Minister Petr Fiala, was boosting opportunities for the defence industry.

Czech national security advisor Tomas Pojar, who took part in the trade mission, said defence deals under discussion as a result of the trip were worth billions of crowns and included talks with Ethiopia about modernizing its aircraft and upgrading Soviet technology.

"Our focus is to re-open and strengthen relationships with our traditional partners in Africa by committing ourselves to what they want and need the most," he told Reuters.

Tomas Kopecny, a Czech government envoy and former deputy minister of defence charged with leading business missions to Africa, added that inviting African leaders to visit Prague represented another way to stir up new defence deals.

This included the Czech-speaking president of Mozambique, whose visit in August marked the first of a sub-Saharan African leader to Prague for more than two decades, he added.

"One part of these activities also includes defence industry cooperation, since it has been an integral part of what we have engaged in together in the past," Kopecny said.

As a nation of 10.5 million, the Czech Republic has long punched above its weight when coming to arms production and has been a leading supplier of ammunition, military equipment and other weapons to Ukraine since Russia's 2022 invasion.

The effort to supply Ukraine has pushed Czech companies to boost production and expand supply lines, something Czech-based independent defence analyst Lukas Visingr said has burnished the region's reputation.

"The Czech arms industry is stepping up its efforts towards certain African countries still using Soviet-style equipment but who start to see Russia as a problematic supplier," Visingr said.

(Reporting by Michael Kahn and Anna Koper, Editing by Alex Richardson)
A man who claimed to be a doctor is now in the Orange County Jail on charges of practicing medicine without a license.

Eyewitness News was there Wednesday as the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at the Dr. Super Life office on South Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando.

 WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS

The raid lasted hours as both uniformed and undercover MBI officers carried out boxes of evidence from the second-floor office.

At the scene, investigators also arrested 56-year-old Juan Carlos Munoz Melgar.

According to MBI, a search warrant was served at Munoz Melgars place of practice prior to the raid.

Read: Police release photo of missing Winter Springs woman with estranged husband night she disappeared

On Wednesday, Munoz Melgar was booked into the Orange County Jail on charges of practicing medicine without a license and misleading the public about a medical license.

Eyewitness News has asked MBI for more information about the investigation, including whether more charges could be filed, and what prompted the investigation.

MBI Lieutenant Rob Hardiman said the agency is not releasing additional information at this time because the investigation remains active.

Read: Woman convicted of killing friend with eyedrops

According to a 2009 YouTube video that shows Munoz Melgar talking about a similar Dr. Super Life Clinic in Maryland, the clinic specializes in various health problems and the prevention of illnesses.

A sign on the door of the Orange County clinic says the clinic provides alternative medicine.

Read: Monique Worrell asks Florida Supreme Court to reverse her suspension by DeSantis

It also says that Munoz Melgar traveled to peoples work, office or home providing care.

Individuals who work in the plaza where the office is located told Eyewitness News that they hadnt seen much foot traffic to the office.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
North Carolina changed its law earlier this year to try to make school drinking water safer for kids by requiring public schools to test for lead and report the results.

The sign-up period is more than halfway through and 9 Investigates found out that not one school district in our area has signed up for the program.

Grandparent concerned after toxic lead paint found in 3-year-old granddaughters preschool

Channel 9s Madison Carter teamed up with ABC News stations around the country to investigate what schools are doing to keep our kids safe from the harmful effects of lead.

She explains in this report how the Carolinas measure up.

At least six counties in our area are considered top priority for lead testing based on North Carolinas criteria. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Iredell-Statesville Schools have the most in that top tier.

The state will provide testing kits and pay for the fixes if high levels of lead are found. The EPAs recommended threshold for lead in drinking water is 15 g/L.

However, there is a limited amount of money, so the sooner schools enroll and start testing, the more of their costs will be covered.

Brian Kasher said he and his wife moved to Charlotte so their kids could go to great schools. He also spent years working for the school district overseeing its Department of Environmental Health and Safety.

Lead is even more of a diabolical problem in women of childbearing age because lead displaces the calcium in our bodies, Kasher said.

Kasher became so passionate about it that he left and ran for the CMS School Board on the issue of water safety saying schools should be testing for lead and informing parents whenever its found.

Once its determined that a fixture or a water faucet is discharging lead, it should be taken out of service immediately, he said. But then theres a cost.

Its a cost that school districts can now have covered by the state, including the installation of lead-removing filters. However, districts must sign up and begin testing by May 1.

Dennis LaCaria now runs the Department of Environmental Health for CMS.

Its pretty onerous when we got 23 million square feet of buildings and almost 6,000 acres of real estate, LaCaria said.

The district is working to inventory nearly 200 schools with thousands of water taps, plus all the portable classrooms, he said.

The last real intensive round of lead testing in water that we did was in 2021, LaCaria said.

A new program called Clean Water for Kids will help all public and charter schools in the state test and report results to an online platform, which will give districts a baseline and parents transparency.

Nancy Love is a professor of environmental engineering.

Kids spend more time in school buildings than any other place, second only to their home, Love said.

She said not everyone understands the source of lead in water or how to address it.

The approach that many states have taken with lead is to try to monitor their way out of it, she said. You cant monitor your way out of lead.

Kasher said that even at low levels, lead can have serious health risks over time.

Lead can absolutely come from a teacher who happily filled her water carton three times a day at the beautiful, pristine looking, brand new looking water fountain that was dispensing poison, Kasher said.

Shortly before North Carolina changed its law, Environment America, a research and policy center, gave the state a C-minus rating for its test-and-fix policies.

South Carolina got an F rating because it has no laws or requirements for schools to address lead in drinking water.

However, Rock Hill and Chesterfield County public schools told Channel 9 they have water filtration systems to mitigate the lead impact on students.

Carter asked seven school districts in our area, including Cabarrus, Union, CMS, Chesterfield, Chester, Lancaster, and Rock Hill, if they would let our investigative team test their water. Most declined or failed to respond.

None would let us observe any testing that they were already doing.

CMS was the only local district willing to tell Channel 9 about its plans.












A 70-year-old man indicted for murder in the brutal 1990 killing of a ministers wife had his case dismissed due to an unexpected development, Florida investigators say.

Roland T. Davis Sr. died of an undisclosed medical issue in an Ohio prison, making the planned extradition and trial in Florida a moot point, the Charlotte County Sheriffs Office reported in a Nov. 13 news release.

Davis was a convicted killer when he was indicted in 2022 for stabbing 42-year-old Sharon Marie Gill 39 times in the master bedroom of her Florida home, the sheriffs office reports.

Gill was killed March 21, 1990, and had only recently moved to the Deep Creek community in Port Charlotte, officials say. Deep Creek is about 100 miles south of Tampa.

Sharon ... was to be joined by her husband Percy Gill after he finished work in Michigan. Percy was a minister in Detroit, investigators say. Sharon was found deceased by her 18-year-old daughter Krista, when she returned home from school.

DNA found on a towel near Gills body was linked to Davis in 2020, officials said. Suspicions of his involvement were heightened when investigators learned he worked for a company that did landscaping on Gills property in December 1989, officials said.

The Cold Case Team located a former worker and asked directly about Davis. The team discovered Roland T. Davis Sr. had worked on the Gill home a couple of days and the manager was unaware that he had worked those days, the sheriffs office said.

After learning his identity, Detectives Mike Vogel and Kurt Mehl interviewed Davis in the Chillicothe Correctional Institute. Davis denied the murder but acknowledged he did work on the landscaping at the Gill home. He denied ever entering the house.

Davis was indicted for Gills killing on Aug. 3, 2022, and he was expected to stand trial, Charlotte County officials said. The charge was dropped Nov. 3 due to his death.

He was in Chillicothe Correctional Institute awaiting execution for the 2000 stabbing of 86-year-old Elizabeth Sheeler, officials said.

Davis was a cab driver and provided cab service to Ms. Sheeler on several occasions, the sheriffs office said. He was found guilty of killing Ms. Sheeler in her home in Newark, Ohio, after DNA discovered at the scene was linked to Davis.

Dad uses heavy duty electric saw to kill his 16-year-old son, Florida cops say

Dad was killed on vacation  and wife, sons tampered with evidence, Florida cops say

Pastors son killed in church parking lot, Florida cops say. Motive remains a mystery
Revelations about Justice Clarence Thomas have highlighted the need for justices to be recused when they have conflicts of interest. (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press)

Although it is welcome and overdue that the Supreme Court finally adopted an ethics code for its justices on Monday, the approach is seriously flawed in that it includes no enforcement mechanism. Instead it continues to leave it to each justice to decide whether to be recused in a particular case.

Until Monday, every judge in the country  state and federal  was bound by an ethics code, except for the most important jurists: United States Supreme Court justices. Recent revelations of serious ethical lapses by several justices , most notably Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, highlighted this absence.

Read more: Calmes: Why does Justice Alito keep making things worse for the Supreme Court?

The court has its lowest public approval ratings in history, and while there are certainly many causes for this, the absence of an ethics code surely has contributed to the loss of legitimacy. This was a self-inflicted wound. There was no reason the justices could not adopt the same code of ethics that all other judges have been bound to follow.

And on Monday, the Supreme Court finally set that same bar for its members. With little fanfare, it released a Code of Conduct for Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States, signed by all nine justices. This was accompanied by a brief statement of the court explaining that the absence of a code has led in recent years to a misunderstanding that the Justices of this Court, unlike all other jurists in this country, regard themselves as unrestricted by any ethics rules. The court said that to dispel this misunderstanding, we are issuing this Code.

Read more: Opinion: Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas' corruption is intolerable. Here's what we can do about it

The code itself is unremarkable. It is based on the American Bar Associations Model Code of Judicial Conduct , which is used throughout the country. In structure and in content it is largely the same. Indeed, all thats remarkable is how long the court delayed taking this easy and obvious step  and how much pressure was required before the court acquiesced.

But there is a crucial problem with what was released on Monday. It continues to defer to each justice about whether he or she should be disqualified from hearing a particular case. There is no indication of any change in this disturbing practice.

Read more: Abcarian: Why is it that a journalist has higher ethical standards than a Supreme Court justice?

A commentary from the court that accompanies the new code even stresses the harms when a justice recuses, because no other judge can substitute for the absent member. But this wrongly assumes that having nine justices is more important than avoiding a bench tainted by ethical improprieties.

There are already many instances when the court functions without all nine justices, such as when one is ill or when there is a vacancy that has not been filled. After Justice Antonin Scalia died in February 2016, there were only eight justices for the next 15 months because of the Senates refusal to consider President Obamas nomination of Merrick Garland. Having eight justices is not ideal, because of the danger of ties and leaving issues unresolved. But avoiding ethical clouds is more important.

No person should be a judge of himself or herself. There must be a mechanism to determine when a justice should be recused that does not leave it entirely up to that individual. The documented ethical lapses in recent years certainly provide a basis for questioning whether justices are sufficiently sensitive to these issues.

There are many different approaches to this that could work. My colleague Jeremy Fogel, a former federal judge, proposed to the Senate Judiciary Committee in May that the chief justice appoint three retired federal court of appeals judges to decide recusal issues. There are many superb retired judges who could be appointed to perform this function. An alternative would be to have recusal issues for a justice decided by the other eight justices. The danger with this approach is that the justices might develop a norm of deferring to one another and refusing to meaningfully enforce the code of conduct.

However it is structured, there must be an enforcement mechanism for the ethical code to have meaning. Trust us is never an adequate answer, especially when dealing with matters of ethics. The courts legitimacy, and the very foundation of the rule of law, demand that the court take the next step and provide a way of enforcing the rules that it has adopted.

Erwin Chemerinsky is a contributing writer to Opinion and the dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law. His latest book is Worse Than Nothing: The Dangerous Fallacy of Originalism.

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.
Two rows of men sat in near silence, ignoring the plates of dates on offer inside the Mosque Harlem Center in Bridgeview, Illinois, as the first snow of the year fluttered outside the window.

Others trickled in, by twos and threes to embrace Mohammed Aburealh, who was mourning more than 30 extended family members killed days earlier by Israeli bombs dropped during fighting between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas.

Aburealhs relatives are some of the more than 11,000 Palestinians who have been killed since Oct. 7. Among his deceased relatives were school principals, a physician and his wife, a medical student and a 2-year-old.

When he spoke to reporters at the azza, or condolence gathering, for his extended family, Aburealh said Americans do not understand who the dead are.

The people who are being slaughtered are not Hamas; they are children, he said.

Two-thirds of those killed in Gaza are children and women, according to United Nations agencies and experts, and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, Gaza is becoming a graveyard for children.

Orland Park resident Lena Hussien said grief is overwhelming Chicagos Palestinian American community.

With about 85,000 residents, Palestinians are widely believed to make up about 60% of the Arab American population in metro Chicago. Illinois also has more Muslims per capita than any other state in the U.S.

Were a grieving community, Hussien, 41, said. Any conversation that we have literally revolves around Palestine and what more can we do. We just feel helpless.

A 31-year-old resident of Bolingbrook named Hashim, who asked that his last name not be used out of concern for his familys safety in the Gaza Strip, said he and his wife are keeping in touch with their relatives as best they can. He said that for others in their community, the loss has been even more serious.

We know other people who have faced much greater calamity, anywhere from deaths to loss of homes, he said.

Periodic violence is nothing new to Palestinians and Israelis, who have been fighting since 1948, when Israel was established on land that was formerly Palestine. That conflict intensified Oct. 7, when Hamas attacked Israel, kidnapping about 240 people and killing about 1,200 others, a number revised from Israels initial estimate of 1,400. Four of those hostages have been released.

As of Friday, more than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed and another 27,000 have been injured by Israeli airstrikes as the humanitarian crisis escalates in the Gaza Strip. About 70% of the 2.3 million Palestinian civilians who live in the Gaza Strip have been displaced and many are sleeping on the streets.

Basic resources such as food and water, fuel and medicine were cut off by Israel while hospitals and U.N.-run shelters are overflowing with dead and injured Palestinians. Tensions are now also escalating in the West Bank, Palestinian territory on the eastern side of Israel.

Hashim, whose family is still in Gaza, said hed last spoken to them three or four days earlier. Communication is intermittent. As fuel, food, water, supplies and internet service are scarce in the territory, its a serious undertaking to even charge a phone.

As of right now, (they are) alive, from what we know, he said. Its really hard to tell what their current position is but as far as we know, they are alive. They are counting their days. They are still not receiving any resources.

Three days after he spoke with the Tribune, Hashim got word that four of his relatives had been killed in an airstrike. Another two were critically injured, he said. He and his wife had not heard from the rest of their family members in Gaza in about four days.

Aburealh said this round of violence feels different to his relatives in Gaza, like its killing for the purpose of killing, they tell him.

Aburealh said his family members in Gaza text him every day, when they can get reception. When Aburealh does get a text, its the same message every time.

The message consists of two or three words: Thank God, we are still alive, he said.

Two of the dead being mourned at the azza were his wifes sister and brother-in-law. She has lost 21 nieces and nephews, Aburealh said. Other family members are in the hospital or are unaccounted for.

We still have people who are under the rubble, he said. We dont know who they are. There is no equipment and there is no gas or oil to get the equipment, so you die under the rubble  unrecognized, in pieces.

Aburealh, the former head nurse at Stroger Hospital, said he has witnessed trauma and disastrous injuries, but nothing like the images hes seeing recently out of Gaza. Ive never seen body parts of children all over the scene, he said.

Many Palestinian Americans with relatives in the West Bank and Gaza told the Tribune that their lives have ground to a halt as they try to keep up with the destruction in their homeland.

Summer Rafati, 42, of Orland Park, used to go to the gym five days a week. Now shes stopped. She said survivors guilt has changed her behaviors over the last few weeks.

I cant do the normal things I used to do, Rafati said.

It feels impossible for her to go about her usual activities when she knows that people are going without basic resources and fearing for their safety in Gaza and the West Bank, where her extended family still lives.

The continuous raw footage is beyond my ability to articulate at this point, she wrote in a message to the Tribune. If I shut my eyes, I see the images of the children. If I try to tune something out, I hear (women) screaming.

Rafati, who works as a DJ, described herself as an outgoing and happy person, but said she feels guilty and depressed now.

You cant eat, you cant think, you cant sleep, she said. Youre laying in bed and your eyes are closed or youre looking at the ceiling (and) the first thing (you think) is: My God, Im safe in my home. Its not going to collapse on me.

The contrast between her life and the conditions for Palestinians is haunting her. She is desperate for a cease-fire.

Everything we do, whether its sitting on the bed or sitting on a chair, is such a luxury, she said. And then you have people in Gaza happy because they got a piece of bread and sitting on the pavement floor for a couple of minutes without being worried about a bomb coming through.

Anger, paralysis, guilt and sadness are typical responses to trauma, said Hadia Zarzour, a licensed therapist who specializes in trauma. She has facilitated five healing circles geared toward those grieving and processing the destruction in Gaza over the last month.

The same events can produce different reactions in people, she said. People (ask), Why am I feeling paralyzed while others are more active? she said. We tell them we dont really choose our reaction. Its important that we understand this trauma response and then try to manage it.

Understanding an emotional reaction is the first step a person can take toward channeling feelings into something productive, she said.

Making things more complicated is the fact that Palestinian Americans have watched the conflict unfold in their homeland for decades, she said: Unfortunately, in this region, we have collective trauma and generational trauma, she said. People ... can inherit that and it can actually become part of our DNA.

Zarzour is Syrian. She said that offering help to people who need to think through their fear and sadness about the bombing, destruction, death and displacement has brought back her own bad memories of the Syrian refugee crisis. But it is also something she can do.

She referred to the something I can do as a behavioral activation, which changes a persons emotional state. For the people who have participated in Zarzours healing circles, that might mean checking on a friend who is also struggling with the news, contacting an elected representative or sharing how they feel with people outside the Palestinian community.

Zarzour said the group talks about self-care and ends with a prayer because people going through traumatic events, whether firsthand or secondhand, need to feel anchored and faith can be a good way to achieve that.

For Hussien, of Orland Park, engaging in activism is something she can do as she absorbs the news of bombings and their aftermath. She and her family joined hundreds of thousands of protesters at a Nov. 4 rally in Washington, D.C., that called for a cease-fire by Israel.

They truly thought it was their duty to be there, she said of her children, who are 5, 8 and 12. We want to shout from the rooftops for people to hear us.

Hussien said she is seeing local organizations cancel or push back festive gatherings. The Arab American Democratic Club pushed back its 40th anniversary celebration, originally scheduled for Nov. 1., to next spring.

We recognize the immense suffering that our Palestinian brothers and sisters are enduring during these challenging times, and we feel it would be inappropriate to celebrate our milestone while they are in distress, a statement on the groups Facebook page read.

Hussien said the cancellation shows how the fighting has rocked every aspect of life for Palestinian Americans.

But life in the U.S. rolls on. We are still able to be free and to go to work and to kiss our children, Hussien said.

She said the ordinary things are what hurt the most.
As a five-time convicted felon, Glen Prince was facing a mandatory minimum 15 years behind bars when he was charged in federal court with being a felon in possession of a handgun stemming from an armed robbery on CTA train in 2021.

Instead, Princes case was tossed out earlier this month by a federal judge who ruled the statute barring felons from possessing handguns is unconstitutional in light of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision.

The ruling by U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman is the first of its kind to come down in Chicagos federal court and joins a host of other similar cases that have thrown the decades-old law into a sort of legal limbo as the issue works its way back to the high court.

The implications are particularly large in Chicago, where there are hundreds of pending felon-with-firearm cases stemming largely from the U.S. attorneys office efforts to throw federal law enforcement resources into the fight against the citys relentless gun violence.

Gettlemans Nov. 2 ruling in Princes case was immediately appealed by the U.S. attorneys office. The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has set a Dec. 19 deadline for prosecutors to file a brief, court records show.

It contradicts a handful of recent rulings by other district judges here upholding the felon-with-firearm law, saying that Second Amendment protections on gun possession have traditionally applied only to law-abiding citizens.

On the national level, the U.S. Justice Department last month urged the Supreme Court to overturn a lower-court ruling in Philadelphia that the law violated the constitutional rights of a man who possessed a weapon after pleading guilty years earlier to food-stamp fraud.

The Biden administration argued in its petition that the ruling conflicts decisions from two other appeals courts upholding the ban and opened the courthouse doors to an untold number of future challenges by other felons.

Many aspects of Second Amendment doctrine rest on the premise that the amendment protects only law-abiding citizens, not felons, Justice Department lawyers wrote.

Congress first instituted a ban on citizens convicted of certain felonies from possessing handguns in the 1930s, but it wasnt until 1961 that a blanket lifetime ban firearm possession was instituted for all convicted felons.

Last year, the Supreme Courts 6-3 ruling in New York Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen greatly expanded Second Amendment protections by imposing a new constitutional test requiring gun laws to be historically consistent with laws on the books in the 17th and 18th centuries.

That Bruen test has already led to some formerly mainstream gun safety regulations being overturned in other states, including bans on people with pending domestic-violence restraining orders from having a firearm, provisions limiting guns at summer camps and churches, and even a law requiring guns to have serial numbers.

In his opinion throwing out the charge against Prince, Gettleman wrote that while the government has historically prohibited certain people from possessing guns, prosecutors had not met their burden to prove that felons are excluded from the people whose firearm possession is presumptively protected by the plain text of the Second Amendment.

Gettleman said the blanket ban on felons having guns imposes a far greater burden on gun rights than other historical categorical exclusions, such as one during the Revolutionary War when individuals who refused to declare a loyalty oath to the emerging government were barred from having firearms.

The judge also wrote the fact that modern guns are more deadly and violence is more prevalent in todays society doesnt justify a different result.

This nations gun violence problem is devastating, but does not change this result under Bruen, which this court finds rests on the severity of (the felon-with-firearm law) rather than its categorical prohibition.

Gettleman did, however, note the issue was a close question in his mind, as violence plagues our communities and that allowing those who potentially pose a threat to the orderly functioning of society to be armed is a dangerous precedent.

Although there are strong policy reasons for doing everything possible to keep guns off our streets and out of our communities  policies that could be addressed by legislation rather than judicial edict  this court can find no such historical analog, Gettleman wrote.

Prince, 37, was ordered released from the Metropolitan Correctional Center the day after Gettlemans decision  but he didnt walk free, records show.

Court records show Chicago police arrested him at the jail at 71 W. Van Buren St. on new charges filed in Cook County accusing him of being an armed habitual criminal. Hes now being held without bond in Cook County Jail.

According to the charges filed in federal court, Prince was a suspect in the armed robbery of three men on a CTA train in September 2021.

After following the usage of a Ventra card stolen during the robbery, police arrested Prince on Sept. 12, 2021, on a CTA train platform in the 200 block of South State Street. He was allegedly carrying a loaded 9 mm Smith and Wesson handgun as well as a fully loaded magazine, cocaine and the victims Ventra card.

He was originally charged in Cook County with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, but those charges were dropped by state prosecutors after the federal indictment was filed last year, records show.

Princes criminal history includes three other armed robbery convictions as well as 2014 conviction for aggravated battery to a police officer, court records show.

The federal public defender who had been representing Prince could not immediately be reached Tuesday.

A spokesman for acting U.S. Attorney Morris Sonny Pasqual declined to comment.

Princes federal case was among more than 600 similar cases filed by the U.S. attorneys office over the past five years where investigations by Chicago police and other local law enforcement are later removed to U.S. District Court.

At least 50 people have been charged in 2023 alone with violating the felon-with-firearm ban, court records show.

The reasons to charge a defendant in federal court vary, but prosecutors generally promote it as a tool to get the citys most violent, repeat offenders off the street instead of putting them back into the Cook County justice system.

The potential penalties also are typically much tougher. Not only does the federal charge of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon carry a maximum 10-year prison sentence, defendants must serve 85% of their sentence, instead of being eligible for day-for-day credit in the state system.

If a defendant, such as Prince, has previously been convicted of three or more violent felonies, federal prosecutors can seek an enhanced, mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years behind bars, or up to life.

Tribune wire services contributed.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com
WASHINGTON - Thousands of individuals representing Jewish organizations nationwide, along with their supporters, converged on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday for what organizers were hailing as the largest pro-Israel rally in the history of the United States.

Among the throngs were thousands of Chicagoans who made the journey from the Windy City to the nation's capital.

The purpose of the gathering was to express solidarity with Israel and denounce the increasing incidents of antisemitism in the wake of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Reports from various news outlets suggested the attendance could exceed 100,000 people, with organizers officially dubbing the event the "March for Israel."

The rally was a response to widespread protests across the U.S. and globally condemning Israel's military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in the loss of thousands of Palestinian civilian lives. Among the speakers at the event were family members of hostages, including Rachel Goldberg, a Chicago native and the mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin.

In an interview with FOX 32, Yinam Cohen, the Consul General of Israel to the Midwest, expressed confidence in the rally's impact.

"To actually say three things. They say, we stand with Israel, we support Israels right to defense, and we call for the immediate release of all the hostages. I think this is a very strong message coming out of DC today," said Cohen.

"It was really overwhelming and an incredible moment. In an incredible positive way. As I was walking through the crowd, trying to make my way to the stage, I saw so many signs from around the world. Chicago stands with Israel, Cleveland stands with Israel, San Diego - you name it," said Sarah Van Loon, who traveled from Chicago.

Meanwhile, back in Chicago on Monday, a large Jewish group protested against Israeli military action, calling for an immediate ceasefire in the region.
The head of the World Health Organization said he was extremely worried Wednesday after the organization lost contact with its staff inside al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza once the Israeli military began a raid of the site.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called reports of the raid deeply concerning.

Weve lost touch again with health personnel at the hospital, he said on X, formerly Twitter, early Wednesday morning. Were extremely worried for their and their patients safety.

The Israeli military described the raid on the hospital Tuesday evening as a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area of the hospital.

Fighting in Gaza has centered on al-Shifa hospital for days, where thousands have sheltered from Israeli airstrikes. The Israeli military says the hospital is being used by Hamas as a command post, a claim denied by both Hamas and hospital administrators.

The Israeli military denied that the hospital was under siege Saturday, despite reports from inside the hospital in recent days that people were shot at and that constant bombardment prevented them from leaving.

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, Gaza Health Ministry spokesperson Ashraf Al-Qidra said Tuesday.

The WHO described al-Shifa as almost a cemetery, saying more than a hundred bodies were inside the hospital and could not be safely transported or buried due to Israeli military presence.

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 on Tuesday. The hospital is not working at all anymore as it should. Its nearly a cemetery.

The fighting around al-Shifa in the past few days has already damaged the facility, which has reportedly run out of water, food and electricity. Some patients without ventilators have died, according to Doctors Without Borders, a humanitarian group.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Stephanie Thomas said she would need 2,000 a month for childcare

A mum-of-two has said she may have to sell her home to afford childcare.

Stephanie Thomas said it would cost her and her husband 2,000 a month to have two children in full-time childcare.

Ms Thomas said she would need highly paid work to afford this for daughter Hayden, aged four, and eight-month-old son Avery.

The Welsh government said it was rolling out "high quality" childcare to all two-year-olds across Wales.

Ms Thomas said the cost of childcare meant they were making some tough decisions.

"It means we'll have to consider selling our home to afford childcare," she said.

The 37-year-old said she and her husband had decided not to have more children because of the cost.

"We just couldn't afford three children in full-time childcare," said Ms Thomas, from Sully, in Vale of Glamorgan.

The couple are also considering taking their children out of swimming and dancing clubs.

"Though we'd like them to be in those clubs, we might not be able to afford them," Ms Thomas said.

Ms Thomas, who was made redundant while on maternity leave, said the cost of daily childcare since having Avery had risen by 12.

She is now looking for work that will cover that cost.

She fears the cost could force her to sell her home

"My husband and I are higher than average earners, so we are fortunate in that sense," she said.

"But the cost of childcare is so high, for us to have wraparound care allowing us to work full time hours, and with mortgage rates going up, it just means it's unaffordable."

Ms Thomas said some people she knew had decided not to return to work after having children because of the cost of care.

What help is there with childcare costs in Wales?

The Welsh government has two funded childcare schemes for children aged two, three and four.

The first, called the Childcare Offer for Wales, means those with three or four-year-olds can claim up to 30 hours of free childcare each week, for up to 48 weeks of the year.

The second, called Flying Start, provides 12.5 hours of free childcare to some two-year-olds in deprived parts of Wales.

That is being expanded to cover all two-year-olds.

Tax free childcare is also available to working families across the UK, including the self-employed, earning under 100,000 and at least 152 per week.

'We need to have universal childcare'

Ms Thomas said she had benefitted from tax free childcare.

"It bought our bills down by 200," she said.

"We then had access to 30 hours free when my daughter turned three years of age and that made a big difference. It took our bills down from 800 for childcare to around 300 which was a huge saving.

"But that's not accessible for Avery and I think we need to have universal childcare as soon as statutory maternity cover ends."

In March, it was announced free childcare for working parents in England would be expanded to all children under five by September 2025 to help parents get back to work.

An Oxfam Cymru report has found childcare costs and a lack of Welsh government funded childcare is pushing parents into poverty.

The report, which examined 300 parents' experiences, also found:

More than a quarter (27%) said they spent over 900 a month on childcare.

About two-thirds (67%) reported having to cut working hours because of a lack of childcare.

More than half (53%) said after paying for childcare costs, it made no financial sense for them to go to work.

About two-thirds (67%) said that childcare costs put them off having more children.

Oxfam Cymru boss, Sarah Rees, said: "Childcare costs are either trapping parents in poverty or leaving them on the precipice of poverty as they are forced to make impossible choices about their career and future plans to have more children."

She urged ministers to get expert advice on overhauling Wales' childcare system.

Rocio Cifuentes said childcare costs were pushing families towards poverty

Children's Commissioner for Wales, Rocio Cifuentes, said early care and education should be available to all children.

The current childcare system, she said, reinforced the gap between children from lower and higher income families.

"This new report shows that high childcare costs are also pushing families towards poverty, and we know about the widespread impact that living in poverty can have on a child's life," said Ms Cifuentes.

"As part of its work in tackling child poverty the Welsh government should review childcare provision to make sure that the significant amount of public money currently invested is reaching those who need the most help."

The Welsh government said addressing child poverty was "an absolute priority" and that it was working to achieve a Wales where all children, young people and families could prosper.

"We are rolling out high-quality childcare to all two-year-olds across Wales through our successful Flying Start programme as part of the Co-operation Agreement with Plaid Cymru," a spokesman said.

"We are also investing 70m in capital investment in this sector so it can continue to grow.

"Our Childcare Offer provides 30 hours of funded childcare a week for up to 48 weeks a year for three and four-year-olds of eligible parents, which includes parents in education or training, compared to 38 weeks of the year in England, for working parents only."
Pasco County may soon be adding another major medical center as Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital has a contract to develop in the connected city area. Pasco commissioners approved the proposal late Tuesday.

The potential hospital site was originally envisioned as a large multifamily and retail area. But a new buyer stepped forward and we got lucky in the intervening time, Clarke Hobby, the developers representative, told commissioners.

Im very proud to say that Im working with Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital and they are the contract purchasers of the Wildcat Bailes site, Hobby said. In my mind, this is going to be one of the more transformative things in this area of the county and the connected city plan than we could have ever hoped for.

The original plan had always called for major health care and employment on that site, Hobby said, but he added that the other plus to this project was that now the developer was going to provide much-needed roadwork to McKendree Road up front, which would likely have not happened under the previous plan.

All Childrens is the second major specialty medical center to announce plans for opening a location in Pasco in the last couple of years. Moffitt Cancer Center is the anchor of another major development project in Central Pasco. Plans call for a 775-acre global innovation center focused on cancer care and research.

Known as the Wildcat Bailes project, the development including All Childrens Hospital stretches over 176 acres and includes 365,000 square feet of hospital space, 1,275 multifamily residences, 155,000 square feet of retail, 150,000 square feet of office space, 250,000 square feet of medical office space and 250 hotel rooms. The site is located east of Interstate 75 and north of Overpass Road.

The connected city area is a 7,800-acre swath of the county stretching from Wesley Chapel into eastern Pasco. When the Florida Legislature approved the pilot concept for Pasco eight years ago, one of the big draws was that it was supposed to feature a high-speed internet system to support businesses that locate there.

Roughly bordered by State Road 52 on the north, I-75 on the east, Overpass Road on the south and Curley Road on the west, the zone is expected to house 96,000 residents and 37,000 homes and produce 65,000 jobs over the next 50 years.

Nearby residents, however, had numerous concerns with the plans on the drawing board.

Patrick Gant and Tonya Riddlesworth, owners of one 5-acre parcel on McKendree Road, hired attorney Jane Graham to argue for the developer to pay attention to the needs of the existing land owners. Graham said the traffic projections were wrong, the developer wasnt matching the character of the surrounding area and was asking for too much of a break on providing park space in the development for future residents.

Jim Marinari, who lives on Elam Road, said the idea of having a major hospital and large retail area near the currently sparsely developed area was a nightmare.

Other neighbors said their road could not handle a crush of new traffic cutting through. Another said that additional community needs from schools to fire stations will not be available as the population in the area climbs while some said the entire nature of their neighborhood would change.

Hobby responded that the school district was proactive in getting schools ready in advance of development and public safety officials were part of the development discussions. He assured residents that road concerns would be addressed. He also said that the area was never part of a protected rural zone.

Joel Tew, who was representing the developer of the residential portions of the site, said his client was already exceeding the standing requirements to buffer the home of Gant and Riddlesworth with an 8-foot wall. He also pointed out that, while the developer has agreed to prohibit new residents from using motorized boats on the adjacent lakes, they actually had just as much ownership right to use those lakes as existing residents do.

County commissioners also had questions about the plans. For several meetings now, they have expressed concern that in all of the connected city areas, the spaces set aside for single-family homes were already gone. Both the Mirada and Epperson Ranch developments are part of that area.

Developer representatives and county staff have said the high-density, multifamily development entitlements still available in the connected city are needed to pay for the roads and other infrastructure necessary to make the mixed-use community work.
Purple Heart recipient Rick Ramey gets a standing ovation at the end of his presentation on the Purple Heart in Burris Elementary School's gym on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023.

Burris and Hatfield Elementary schools hosted a combined Veterans Day celebration Friday in the Burris gym.

Purple Heart recipient Rick Ramey discussed the history of the Purple Heart, and his own experience serving in Vietnam.

Ramey said of his combat experience; "You see things you couldn't imagine."

He added, "I was a draftee. I went to do my duty, and I'm proud of that."

Ramey received a standing ovation at the end of his presentation on the Purple Heart.

Hatfield Elementary Principal and veteran Dr. Steve Grissom speaks to the audience at Burris Elementary School's Veteran's Day event on Nov. 10, 2023.

Hatfield Elementary Principal and veteran Dr. Steve Grissom recognized the veterans in the audience and gave a moving tribute to all veterans.

"Being a veteran is something that is earned, and once earned, it can never be taken away. To all the veterans out there, I want to commend you for the sacrifices you have made," he said. "I am proud to be a veteran and would do it again. We owe these individuals a debt that can never be repaid."

Fifth grade students perform "America of Thee I Sing" during the Veterans Day Program Friday, Nov. 10, 2023.

Fifth graders sang "America of Thee I Sing and Mitchell High School Choir member KayLynne Kolhaas performed "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Mitchell High School Choir member KayLynne Kolhaas sings "The Star-Spangled Banner" Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, during the Veterans Day program.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Veterans Day program at Burris, Hatfield Elementary schools
SAN DIEGO  Its official! The City of San Diego has reopened the downtown Childrens Park following a major facelift.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, and community leaders and city staff on Tuesday cut the ribbon to reopen San Diegos Childrens Park.

Two popular ice-skating rinks opening this week for the holiday season

The park opened in the mid-1990s and improvements were in the works for several years.

The park redevelopment includes:

A new childrens play area

Picnic tables

Adult exercise equipment

An off-leash dog area

Public restrooms with an attendant booth

A multi-use lawn area

A new walkway through the Civic Pond

Vendor building

Prefer small towns? This is the least populated city in San Diego County

With the redevelopment and reopening of Childrens Park, we have transformed a previously underused space into a truly vibrant place for the community, Mayor Todd Gloria said. Downtown residents and visitors now have an extraordinary park to gather, relax, picnic, play and exercise  part of our greater vision to make San Diego a city that works for all of us.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, and community leaders and city staff on Tuesday cut the ribbon to reopen San Diegos Childrens Park. (KSWB)

The City of San Diego has reopened the downtown Childrens Park following a major facelift. (KSWB)

The City of San Diego has reopened the downtown Childrens Park following a major facelift. (KSWB)

The City of San Diego has reopened the downtown Childrens Park following a major facelift. (KSWB)

The City of San Diego has reopened the downtown Childrens Park following a major facelift. (KSWB)

The $9 million project will help transform downtown San Diego into a world-class urban center and aligns with the goals of the Downtown Community Plan, which encourages the development of a diverse range of outdoor opportunities for residents, workers and visitors, the news release stated.

SDPD Chief Nisleit to retire; City launching search for replacement

A public art piece was also created for the park by San Diego-based artist Miki Iwasaki. The artwork, Petrichor, is an abstract sculptural installation that appears to float above the ground in a cloud-like shape and will serve as a beacon in the park. It was commissioned by the City of San Diego through Arts and Culture.

Visit sandiego.gov/parks-and-recreation for more information on the citys park system.

The project was made possible through the support of Civic Communities.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
GRAIN VALLEY, Mo.  The Grain Valley Police Department has identified the victim and suspect killed in a murder-suicide incident outside a day care.

Police identified the victim as 33-year-old Shasta Gilmore and the suspect as 31-year-old Randal Gilmore.

Shortly before 6 p.m. Monday, Grain Valley police officers responded to the parking lot of Milestone Academy off S. Buckner Tarsney Road.

When officers arrived on scene, they found two people dead in the parking lot. It was determined to be an isolated domestic incident that resulted in a murder-suicide between the husband and wife.

17-year-olds killing happened in Kansas City, not Grandview, police say

Police said the incident happened shortly before the day cares closing time, and the couples children were witnesses to the incident, along with other day care attendees and staff awaiting parent/guardian pickup.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the children who were left behind, the family, as well as the witnesses and the entire Milestone Academy community, the police department said Tuesday.

According to Milestone Academy, day care services will resume Wednesday.

Police said counselors from the Grain Valley School District, as well as GVPDs Victim Advocate, will be present to provide the public with the needed resources to navigate this tragic event.

I am heartbroken over this horrific act of violence. We are continuing to keep the children in our thoughts and prayers, Grain Valley Police Chief Ed Turner said.

The Grain Valley Police Department works diligently to provide the highest level of service to those who find themselves in troubling relationships. We stand ready to support and aid anyone in need of help.

4-year-old child injured after being struck by vehicle near Shawnee elementary school

Moving forward, the children are a primary concern, Turner continued.

We are working with our area partners to provide wrap-around services to the children, family, and community. I commend the men and women of the Grain Valley Police Department for their fast response to the scene. Officers were quick to separate the children and provide comfort to everyone involved. Please contact the police department for help or Hope House at 816-461-4673.



You Matter: Find mental health resources and stories on FOX4.

If you are thinking of hurting or killing yourself:

Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Please get help immediately.

Police say if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, there are various

resources available to assist individuals in difficult situations. For more information regarding

these resources, contact the Grain Valley Police Departments Victim Advocate at 816-847-6250.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
John Kirby, US National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, said on board Air Force One on Tuesday 14 November that China could play a role in helping the United States support Ukraine and advancing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's vision for a just peace in Ukraine.

Source: John Kirby during a briefing; Voice of America

Details: Kirby said US President Joe Biden will talk about events in Ukraine during his meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Quote: "Again, I dont want to get ahead of the conversation that hasnt happened yet. I do think that certainly they will want to talk about whats going on in Ukraine, and the President will make it clear that were going to continue to support Ukraine against Russias aggression.

And certainly we would welcome opportunities, if China was willing to be helpful, in making sure that Israel can get the support that it needs to defend itself and that we can get humanitarian assistance to those in need."

More details: The meeting between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping will be held on 15 November on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in San Francisco.

It will be Xi's first visit to San Francisco since he was a young Communist Party leader. No big announcements are expected after the Biden-Xi meeting, but there is no shortage of challenging issues on the agenda.

Biden and Xi last met nearly a year ago on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia. During the nearly three-hour meeting, Biden expressly objected to China's "coercive and increasingly aggressive actions" towards Taiwan and discussed Russia's invasion of Ukraine as well as other issues.

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Taiwans January election just got a lot more competitive.

The islands Kuomintang (KMT), a pro-dialogue party that advocates for closer ties to Beijing, announced on Wednesday that it was entering a pan-blue coalition with the centrist Taiwans People Party (TPP), a move that aims to rally voters against Vice President William Lai, the candidate running on the nationalist and pro-sovereignty Democratic Progressive Party ticket.

The two parties said they will announce their presidential and vice presidential nominees on Saturday, and it remains unclear which of the two parties candidates, the KMTs Hou Yu-ih and the TPPs Ko Wen-je, will lead the coalition.

The new coalition suddenly reduced the chances of the DPP staying in power by a lot, writes journalist William Yang. Opinion polls  which have consistently shown a KMT-TPP coalition as being favored by Taiwanese voters  means that Lai is now more of an underdog in this race, Yang argues. The key question now is whether young voters who supported the TPPs Ko will continue to support the coalition or instead switch to the DPP due to their skepticism of the KMT. The DPP could still rebound though  Yang writes  if Lai chooses Hsiao Bi-khim, the current Taiwanese envoy to the U.S. as his running mate. As the only female candidate in the race, Hsiao could rally younger voters support for the DPP and inject more personality/charisma to its campaign, he opines.

Although the U.S. has effectively used Tsais nationalist government to contain China for years, Washington might support a KMT-TPP coalition to get calmer waters in the Taiwan Strait, writes columnist Alex Lo for the South China Morning Post. With the U.S. dealing with two ongoing wars and China grappling with its waning economy, the two superpowers may want a break from going at each others throats, Lo writes. While another DPP presidency would heighten cross-strait tensions, a KMT-TPP presidency would help mitigate some of the geopolitical clashes. But the KMT and TPP still differ greatly on economic goals, and it will be fascinating to watch how Washington and Beijing will exploit such new political divisions under a new administration, Lo concludes.

But even KMT candidates know that more dialogue with Beijing does not guarantee China will reconsider an invasion of Taiwan. The KMT is being very pragmatic and some party leaders realize that the best option [they] have is to play for time and see if [they] can outlive Chinas hardline leader, argue Alice Su and David Rennie for the Economists Drum Tower podcast. The goal right now is to at least keep dialogue open and not further provoke Beijing, even though pro-dialogue parties also know that they cannot convince the Taiwanese people to trust Beijings promise that it will respect the islands sovereignty should Taipei agree to a one country, two systems setup similar to that of Hong Kongs.
US President Joe Biden (R) and China's President Xi Jinping will meet on the sideline of this week's APEC summit in California (SAUL LOEB)

China and the United States pledged Wednesday to work more closely together to fight global warming, declaring the climate crisis "one of the greatest challenges of our time".

The announcement came hours ahead of a summit between presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping in San Francisco, further fuelling hopes the two nations can mend relations following years of turmoil over issues including trade, human rights and the future of Taiwan.

In a joint statement following climate talks in the United States, they pledged to make a success of a crucial UN climate summit starting at the end of this month in Dubai.

And they re-committed to the 2015 Paris climate accord goals of holding global warming to "well below" 2C, while pursuing efforts to limit the increase to 1.5C.

"The United States and China recognize that the climate crisis has increasingly affected countries around the world," the statement said.

"They will work together to rise up to one of the greatest challenges of our time for present and future generations of humankind."

US and Chinese climate envoys John Kerry and Xie Zhenhua met this month at the Sunnylands resort in California in a bid to restart stalled cooperation.

Experts agree that keeping the Paris goals in reach will require an enormous collective effort to slash greenhouse gas emissions this decade.

But that goal is seen as even more challenging in a world roiled by geopolitical storms, including China-United States rivalry.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) warned last month that "immediate reductions" in methane emissions were needed to limit climate warming.

A broad plan by Beijing last week to control its emissions of the gas offered no specific target for reducing them.

But in their joint statement, the two sides agreed to develop their respective methane reduction targets for inclusion in their 2035 emission-cutting plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions, or NDCs.

- No decoupling -

With temperatures soaring and 2023 expected to become the warmest year in human history, scientists say the pressure on world leaders to curb planet-heating greenhouse gas pollution has never been more urgent.

Countries are set to meet in Dubai later this month for the COP28 summit.

And success at those talks will hinge on agreement between the United States and China -- still at loggerheads over a litany of issues from trade to human rights.

Asked about what he expected from looming talks with Xi, Biden on Tuesday characterised the meeting as a chance to right ties.

"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 before heading to San Francisco.

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 (militaries) still have contact with one another".

bur-oho/je/mca
China's plan to seize on global chaos and supplant the US may be working

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives at San Francisco International Airport ahead of the APEC summit on November 14, 2023. Justin Sullivan

China's Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden are meeting in San Francisco at the APEC summit.

The meeting is taking place against a backdrop of intensifying competition between the powers.

China is seeking to exploit wars in Ukraine and the Middle East to grow its influence.

President Joe Biden seems keen to ease tensions with his main global rival, China's leader Xi Jinping, against a backdrop of global chaos and conflict.

The pair are meeting today in San Francisco on the sidelines of the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, in the first face-to-face meeting between the US and Chinese leaders in a year.

US and Chinese officials are reportedly seeking to reestablish military communications that were cut after February's spy balloon incident and find common ground on issues including ways to limit the use of AI in nuclear weapons systems.

But Biden's bid to smooth fraught relations faces huge obstacles, with the differences between the powers becoming ever more stark. In conflicts from Ukraine to the Middle East, China and the US are at loggerheads, backing rival powers in the battle for global ascendancy.

China, Russia and Iran form anti-US axis

SERGEI GUNEYEV/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

China is exploiting the conflicts to portray itself as the champion of nations that see themselves as having been long oppressed by Western global dominance, and it is winning new allies in the process.

In its quest to supplant the US, Beijing has formed close ties with Russia and Iran, the US' arch-global foes.

"Three anti-American and anti-democratic powers are now working together to confront, attack, and undermine American and Allied interests in multiple parts of the world," Jonathan Ward, CEO of the Atlas Group, told Insider.

The rivalry is playing out across a number of global conflicts.

Xi has provided Russia's President Vladimir Putin with key diplomatic and economic support as Russia seeks to conquer Ukraine, while the Biden administration has handed Ukraine $75 billion in aid to help defend itself.

China has echoed the Kremlin in portraying the conflict, not as a war of unprovoked aggression by Russia, but as a justified response to Western meddling in the region.

In the Middle East, China has been critical of Israel's bombardment of Gaza. The US meanwhile has defended it as a just response to the October 7 terror attacks by the Iran-backed Hamas militant group and deployed warships to the region to deter Iranian aggression.

Beijing's stance, say analysts, is aimed at winning over countries that have long been angered by perceived Western hypocrisy over the Israel-Palestine conflict, including many of the US' long-standing allies in the region.

"The wars in Europe and the Middle East now signify that two of the three authoritarian states in this axis are at war or in a state of proxy war, and both of those states  Russia and Iran  are backed by China," said Ward.

Xi showcases new power

October's Belt and Road summit in Beijing was a show of strength by Xi, and a challenge to US power. Guest of honor at the summit was Putin, who is subject to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant over Russian war crimes in Ukraine.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping pose with heads of delegations participating in the Third Belt and Road Forum in Beijing on October 18, 2023. GRIGORY SYSOYEV

Under the Belt and Road initiative China has provided billions in infrastructure loans to countries in the so-called "global south" of developing nations. But it's about more than establishing economic ties, said Ward.

"Initiatives like the Belt and Road  which many emerging nations hoped would be about economic development alone  are increasingly obvious anti-Western geopolitical initiatives," said Ward. "Even if they don't recognize it now, emerging nations will eventually have to choose sides as China uses a combination of economic incentives, support for aggressor states like Putin's Russia, and diplomatic mendacity to reshape the international order."

At the meeting, Xi showcased new allies from the global south who've staked their future on a world formed by Chinese and not American power.

"In an era of great power competition, China's reinforced image as the supporter of the cause of the Global South is not insignificant in swaying the position of the developing world," Yun Sun, an analyst at the Stimson Center, told Insider.

Jeremy Chan, an expert on Chinese foreign policy at the Eurasia Group, said that the summit, and the recent China-backed bid to expand the BRICS alliance, were focused on building ties with a select group of nations.

China "is more interested in deepening relations with a few strategically important partner countries such as the Arab states, Ethiopia, and Argentina, rather than pursue its previous 'everywhere all at once' strategy that largely defined the early years of the BRICS, for example," he said.

US President Joe Biden (R) and China's President Xi Jinping (L) meet on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Nusa Dua on the Indonesian resort island of Bali on November 14, 2022. SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

But despite Xi's increasingly defiant stance on the global stage, cracks are beginning to show in China's strength. They are weaknesses Biden will likely be hoping to exploit to broker agreements with Xi and restrain Chinese ambition.

The Chinese economy, after decades of growth, is struggling, with a property debt crisis causing spiraling unemployment and foreign investors leaving. Despite its challenge to Western power, China remains dependent on Western markets and American investment to stave off the worst effects of the downturn.

Taiwan is an issue where Xi will be hoping to find common ground with Biden.

The independence of the island nation has long been a flashpoint between the US and China, with Xi having declared Chinese determination to seize back control of the country and Biden having signaled his commitment to defending Taiwan's autonomy.

With Taiwan's elections approaching, it's an issue where both leaders will be seeking to decrease tensions.

"Reducing tensions with the US is in Beijing's interest, insofar as it could slow the rollout or decrease the severity of US export controls, increase business confidence and decrease de-risking pressures, and prevent unintentional conflict," said Jeremy Chan, an analyst with the Eurasia Group.

"The recent statements out of Beijing, including from President Xi himself, indicate that China wishes to reduce tensions and find common ground on topics such as Taiwan independence to prevent further backsliding at a minimum."

Sun, the Stimson Center expert, said Xi will be seeking to use the meeting to burnish his image as a global statesman and head off China's economic woes.

"China's economy is not doing well and needs US investment, technology and trade," she said. "Meanwhile, China wants to deter the US before the upcoming presidential election in Taiwan. Last but not least, Xi is trying to use the diplomatic opportunity to consolidate his great leadership."

China has lots to lose, and much to gain, from Wednesday's meeting with Biden. But whatever agreements Xi brokers with the US president it's unlikely to change his core mission: Chinese global dominance.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Maldives's incoming president Mohamed Muizzu has vowed to expel Indian troops after taking office later this week, but told AFP he does not want to redraw regional balance by bringing in Chinese forces instead.

"Maldives is too small to be entangled in geopolitical rivalry," the president-elect said in an interview on the strategically located Indian Ocean archipelago. "I am not very much interested to engage the Maldivian foreign policy in this."

Muizzu's election success in September hinged on a sustained campaign against India's outsized political and economic clout in the Maldives, and specifically his pledge to eject Indian forces.

But he said he will not allow China -- or any other nation -- to replace them, and dismissed reports of him being closer to Beijing. He insists he is only "pro-Maldives".

"We are going to work together with all the countries, India, China and all other countries as well," the 45-year-old leader, who will be sworn in on Friday, said at his home in the capital Male.

Known for its pristine beaches and secluded resorts as one of the most expensive holiday destinations in South Asia, the Maldives has also become a geopolitical hotspot.

Global east-west shipping lanes pass the nation's chain of 1,192 tiny coral islands, scattered around 800 kilometres (500 miles) across the equator.

Muizzu was regarded as a proxy of pro-China former president Abdulla Yameen, who had shifted the country heavily into Beijing's orbit till his 2018 defeat.

- Regional rivalry -

Muizzu said he hoped to begin formal negotiations with New Delhi on the withdrawal of an estimated 50 to 75 Indian personnel, a sensitive campaign issue.

"The people of the Maldives did not vote for me to allow any military presence in the Maldives," the British-educated civil engineer added.

"That is why we are talking with the Indian government to remove them, and I'm sure we can do that in a peaceful and democratic manner."

Muizzu said his mandate was to remove a unit of Indian security personnel, deployed to operate three aircraft gifted to the Maldives to patrol its vast maritime territory.

"I'm not asking for the Indian troops to leave our country to make room for any other country to bring their military troops here," he said.

Regional power India had considered the Maldives with its population of about 380,000 Sunni Muslims to be within its sphere of influence, but had been worried about China's expanding footprint during Yameen's administration.

New Delhi has a history of entanglements with Male, including the deployment of soldiers to thwart a 1988 coup attempt.

- Maldives first -

"For the Maldives, it is very important that we put our interests first... also we want to work together with all the countries, have a good friendly relationship, cordial, candid relationship," Muizzu said.

The party nominated Muizzu after Yameen was barred from running for office following a criminal conviction of corruption during his five-year term when the country saw a spurt of Chinese-funded construction.

Muizzu, a former housing minister, is credited with implementing Chinese-funded infrastructure projects, including the construction of 7,000 apartments and a landmark bridge linking the capital island Male with the nearby airport island of Hulhule.

"We are situated in a very strategic location, in which many of the sea lanes of communication go across our country," he said, adding that he was inviting foreign investment to develop ports and logistics as well as set up a tax-free zone.

Muizzu said he was banking on completing the ambitious expansion of the international airport, in a bid to jump-start an economy that was hit by heavy debt and a decline in tourism during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He was hopeful of filling "funding gaps" for the nearly $1 billion expansion of the Velana International Airport, which he sees as a gateway to attracting more foreign direct investment.

- Climate change threat -

But the country's public and government-guaranteed debt was about $7 billion, or 113.5 percent of GDP at the end of last year, according to official data.

"When we look at the economy, there's a huge debt that needs to be addressed. The level of confidence of investors to come and invest in Maldives is really low," Muizzu said.

He said he was keen on expanding ports and harbour-related services to increase domestic earnings, while also looking for debt-free financing for his ambitious economic expansion plans.

In addition, Muizzu said he was seeking up to $500 million in international funding to protect beaches and coral as warming and rising waters threaten his low-lying nation.

Eighty percent of the Maldives is less than a metre (three feet) above sea level, making it one of the countries most threatened by rising sea levels linked to climate change.

The president-elect quoted a report that said 60 percent of corals had been bleached by rising water temperatures.

"Every coral has value, every waterway that is contaminated has a value," he said, insisting his country must be compensated for "every fish that dies due to global warming".

aj/pjm/sco/dhw
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie over the weekend became the first Republican presidential candidate to go to Israel since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, visiting a hospital in Tel Aviv, meeting with victims who were wounded in Hamas Oct. 7 attack and speaking to relatives of people it took hostage.

Christie started the day touring Kfar Aza kibbutz, less than 2 miles from the Gaza border, which Hamas attacked on Oct. 7. He walked through debris in the community, wearing a bulletproof vest and looking at houses Hamas destroyed and hearing stories about the atrocities that took place.

Christie told NBC News before he left for Israel that his goal was to ask a lot of questions and then listen. And in Israel, he said he planned to regularly relay what he heard back in the U.S. so American people who were being asked to sacrifice and to help Israel financially and militarily will know that what theyre doing is not only a noble effort on their part, but also what friends do for friends. And America has no greater friend in the world than Israel.

Christie also said he hopes his visit inspires other U.S. leaders to go, adding, If you dont understand the stakes after seeing this, then you lost.

Follow live coverage here.

And when he was asked how he thought President Joe Biden has responded to the war, Christie said he thinks Bidens performance since Oct. 7 has been quite good.

I think that he has done the things that needed to be done to be able to show Israel our friendship and our support and also send signals to others in this area that the United States is not going to permit these kinds of things to go on, Christie said.

Among the people Christie spoke to at the Tel Aviv hospital was Sheerel Gabay, who was shot in the knee in a bomb shelter at a music festival on Oct. 7 and hid under dead bodies for seven hours before she was rescued. A soldier named Yadin, a reserve first responder who did not provide his last name, was wounded fighting Hamas on Oct. 7.

As American citizens, we have a lot of friends abroad that live in America, Europe or Canada, and we hear a lot of voices that are so against us, Yadin told Christie. When you hear a story like Sheerels and you hear that people just came into a bomb shelter and shot innocent people ... you ask yourself questions of moral humanity, and I feel like the world has lost that.

At the kibbutz, Maj. Liad Diamond, a member of the Israel Defense Forces Public Diplomacy Department, told Christie that a five-person American family who used to live there would fly kites every Friday night so people in Gaza could see them, seemingly as a sign of peace. The family members were killed in their safe room.

Amir Ohana, the speaker of Israels Knesset, told Christie after they toured the kibbutz, Terror organizations throughout the world are watching, what will Israel and what will the world respond to what happened on Oct. 7.

After his stop at the kibbutz, Christie toured an Israeli military encampment in Tzifrim, where he watched more than 40 minutes of video highlighting what happened on Oct. 7 and was shown weapons Hamas used in the attack. Video of the attacks previously screened by the IDF has included clips from social media and from both Israeli rescuers and Hamas attackers, among other sources.

I saw some of the weapons that were used from Hamas, and they had Russian weapons, they had Iranian weapons, they had North Korean weapons, they are all working together, Christie later told victims at the hospital. They are all evil, and they want to go after Israel not only because they hate Jews, but also because they hate us.

Christie also met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, but he did not meet with any Palestinian leaders. Asked whether there should be a cease-fire, he said, No.

His message to people calling for a cease-fire is come to Israel and see it for yourself.

NBC News asked Christie how seeing images of children and other civilians in Gaza made him feel.

Its awful, he said. Its a horrible consequence of the war that Hamas started. Lets remember on Oct. 6, there was a cease-fire. And Oct. 7, Hamas violated it and violated it by killing hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of innocent civilians.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The row over the Rwanda plan is a reminder of two fundamentals.

Firstly, the geography of power in our democracy.

Across Parliament Square from the Commons and the Lords, stands the Supreme Court.

The power of the lawmakers on one side of the grass.

The power of the rule of law on the other.

Secondly, the contemporary challenge to richer countries globally of illegal migration.

It is huge.

And the UK is not alone in considering new options and wondering if decades old conventions can survive.

If you are in government confronting a colossal challenge and the law isn't working for you, you can change the law.

And that is what ministers now plan to do.

But critics of the government - from its former ministers to opposition parties - claim Rishi Sunak has made a difficult situation harder.

They say - and his home secretary of just the other day Suella Braverman is among them - that he was too blinkered for too long in believing Plan A would work.

And there is an open scepticism from some on his own side about the prospects of his new plan working.

It is out of this humiliation at the hands of the Supreme Court that his Plan B bubbles: a treaty with Rwanda and a willingness to confront - albeit without the details of precisely how - the European Convention on Human Rights.

Rishi Sunak remains determined to be seen to take this on for he concludes millions want him to.

And he knows plenty of Conservative MPs demand that he does, fearing they will lose their seats if he doesn't.

But it is justified to be sceptical about how neatly, if at all, this can be executed.

Because having spent 18 months bogged down in a series of courts, ministers now confront the thickets of legislation, courts and conventions towering around them, which their new approach has to navigate.

None of this screams speed, and yet their rhetoric still does.

They hold to the claim that they want migrants on planes to Rwanda by the spring - which isn't wildly different from what was likely to be the rough timetable if the Supreme Court had given their initial plan the thumbs up.

So raising an eyebrow about them pulling it off seems reasonable.

What is clear is they are desperate to communicate their desire to do so in an unvarnished way - knowing the argument will be alive within the Conservative Party, around parliament and around the country as we head into a general election campaign year.
The government has lost.

And lost big time.

Sometimes, the words of a court room amount to mumbo jumbo to the occasional visitor.

And as a political reporter I am an only occasional visitor to court.

But sitting there in Court 1 of the Supreme Court this morning, the words and the decision were crystal clear.

They leave the government's Rwanda policy in tatters.

At the heart of it, a couple of sentences.

"There is a legal rule that refugees must not be returned to their countries of origin, either directly or indirectly, if their life or freedom would be threatened in that country."

This is known technically as "refoulement".

"The legal test which has to be applied in this case is whether there are substantial grounds for believing that asylum seekers sent to Rwanda would be at real risk of refoulement. The Court of Appeal concluded that there were such grounds. We are unanimously of the view that they are entitled to reach that conclusion."

Pow. They all agree, in the UK's highest court, that the Rwanda plan is a legal dud.

And so now the political row, particularly within the Conservative Party, begins.

Suella Braverman visited Kigali earlier this year

Those on the liberal wing of the Tory Party are clear.

Former First Secretary of State Damian Green told me: "Anyone who thinks leaving the European Convention on Human Rights is a sensible response to this judgement has not read it. It wouldn't make any difference."

But there are those of a radically different view within the party too.

Brendan Clarke-Smith has shared a photo of a Daily Mail headline from a few years ago, describing judges as "enemies of the people".

Allies of former Home Secretary Suella Braverman tell me the judgement is "damning" and is "so damning there is nothing the government can do with the tools that they currently have".

They claim Mrs Braverman privately argued within government for an alternative option to be set down in law, where there would be offshore processing of claims in Rwanda, handled by UK officials. Those granted refugee status would have been returned to the UK, but others would not.

"No10 blocked it, because they had blind faith that they would win in court," one ally claimed.

(Of course, that doesn't address what happens to those who were unsuccessful - which is at the heart of the court's judgement.)
2024 GOP presidential candidate Chris Christie criticized fellow Republican candidates Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for not more directly taking on former President Trump  who has maintained a sizable lead in the primary for months.

I am the only candidate running against Donald Trump. Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis seem to be running against each other for second place. Good for them, Christie, the former New Jersey governor, said in a Wednesday interview on MSNBCs Andrea Mitchell Reports.

Christie invoked the two candidates responses at the most recent debate about how they plan on winning over Trump voters, suggesting the two candidates do not even appear to be running against the former president.

But you know when Nikki Haley stands on the stage on Wednesday night and says Donald Trump was the right president for the right time. When Ron DeSantis continues to defend Donald Trump. You cannot beat someone unless you run against them, Christie continued.

And the only path to the Republican nomination for president is not around Donald Trump or next to Donald Trump. It is through Donald Trump, Christie said. And the fact is, Im the only person whos willing to do that. Im the only person with the guts and the experience to be able to do it. And you and I both know why Donald Trumps not on that debate stage. Its because I am.

Christies campaign has centered on attacking Trump and highlighting what Christie perceives to be the danger of Trump returning to the White House. Other candidates, however, have been more cautious in their approach, deliberately trying not to turn off Trump supporters while still making the case that they should win the nomination over the former president.

While Haley and DeSantis are the two main rivals to Trumps bid for the GOP nomination, it is not clear they can make a dent in Trumps loyal base.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Citadel founder and CEO Ken Griffin suggested on Tuesday that Miami could eventually replace New York City as the financial capital of America.

New York is the financial capital of America today, and its New Yorks to lose, Griffin told Bloomberg at a conference in the southern Florida city.

The density of talent both in financial services and just writ large in New York City is amongst the top in the world, he continued, adding, Its a very unique and powerful city, both in the United States and around the world.

However, Griffin said he thinks Miami represents the future of the country.

Well see how big Wall Street South becomes, he said, according to Bloomberg. Were on Brickell Bay, and maybe in 50 years it will be Brickell Bay North how we refer to New York in finance.

The billionaire has bought hundreds of millions of dollars worth of real estate in the Sunshine State in recent years, including a $107 million waterfront estate in Miami, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Griffin also announced plans to move Citadels headquarters from Chicago to Miami last year.

I am excited to have recently moved to Miami with my family and look forward to rapidly expanding Citadel in a city so rich in diversity and abounding with energy, he said in a note to employees reported by Reuters at the time. Miami is a vibrant, growing metropolis that embodies the American Dream.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes speaks during the Utah Republican Party Organizing Convention at Utah Valley University in Orem on April 22, 2023. | Ryan Sun, Deseret News

A legislative audit is headed for the office of Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes, who faces increasing scrutiny for his relationship with embattled anti-trafficking activist Tim Ballard.

On Monday, a bipartisan group of 26 lawmakers signed on to a request to audit the office. And on Tuesday, the Legislative Audit Committee unanimously voted to green light the investigation.

According to the letter, signed by six Democrats and 20 Republicans, lawmakers are concerned about the governance and oversight of the AGs Office and ask auditors to investigate Reyes relationship with Ballard and whether it impaired the states top law enforcement officer.

Related

Reyes and Ballards relationship dates back years, with Reyes participating in a mission with Operation Underground Railroad in 2014, the anti-trafficking organization Ballard founded. According to his LinkedIn page, Reyes was also an associate producer of Sound of Freedom, a movie based on Ballards rescue missions.

Ballard is now facing multiple allegations of sexual assault in two separate lawsuits  one of the complaints accuses Reyes of intimidating witnesses on behalf of Ballard and hindering a now-closed Davis County Attorneys Office investigation into Operation Underground Railroad. Reyes office denies those claims.

However, lawmakers state that their concerns over the Attorney Generals Office came well before any allegations came to light raising suspicion into the relationship of Reyes and Ballard.

Given the important role that the AG plays in upholding the constitutions of the United States and the State of Utah, enforcing the law, and protecting the interests of the State of Utah and its people, environment, and resources we believe that a Legislative Audit is warranted, the letter reads.

The lawmakers ask auditors to specifically investigate four areas:

The governance of the office, and how legal and administrative decisions are presented, deliberated, approved and documented.

Travel policies and practices of the office to determine whether travel is appropriate and documented in accordance with policies and rules.

The culture of the office and whether staff think its run with efficiency and effectiveness.

The relationship between Ballard, Reyes, Operation Underground Railroad and The Sound of Freedom and whether it involved state resources, engagement by the AG with outside prosecutors or impaired the impartial judgement of prosecutorial discretion of the AG.

In a statement, the Attorney Generals Office said it welcomes working with legislative auditors to get them the information they seek.

We are confident they will see what we already know: the Office of the Utah Attorney Generals Office does great work. We are proud of our personnel, leadership, and the cases we file to protect the people of Utah, the statement reads.

The audit comes as some lawmakers want to change the Utah Attorney General from an elected position to an appointed one. Utah Sen. Mike McKell, R-Spanish Fork, said he plans to open a bill file this upcoming session.

The change would require a constitutional amendment. The resolution would need a two-thirds vote from the legislature, then the amendment would go before Utah voters during a general election.

House Majority Leader Mike Schultz, who is poised to become the new House speaker, said Reyes is a friend but its our duty to hold other areas of government accountable. Thats done through the audit process.

Schultz said he has full faith that as we go through this process, everything will work out just fine. He said there have been conversations with Reyes himself....and hes fully supportive and wants to work together.

Looking at the issues surrounding Operation Underground Railroad is fair. I think were looking more broadly and holistically at everything, Schultz said Just like most other state agencies understand, thats part of the role the Legislature has. So they respect that.

Contributing: Lisa Riley Roche
Ukrainians should use channels on the Telegram messenger app whose owners are clearly identifiable and which stick to high journalistic standards, a top Ukrainian security official said in a Facebook post on Nov. 15.

Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC), was expanding on controversial remarks about Telegram channels that he made previously, when he implied the Ukrainian authorities might act to block the use of the messenger app in Ukraine.

Read also: Ukraine ready to compromise with Hungary for EU entry  Danilov

Danilov asserted that the primary threat posed by a specific group of Telegram channels lies in the anonymity of their owners.

To dispel the fog of uncertainty and address speculation, Danilov said he wanted to focus attention on several important points related to the operation of new information platforms in Ukraine.

He said that a significant risk associated with certain Telegram channels is the absence of any responsibility for the dissemination of unverified, falsified, and consciously manipulative information.

Read also: Security Council secretary Danilov categorically rules out talks with Russia

In his Facebook post, he highlighted that the Kremlin regime extensively utilizes Telegram platforms to destabilize Ukrainian society.

Danilov said the Kremlin had been a pioneer in leveraging Telegram networks for manipulating public opinion, spreading disinformation, and engaging in activities resembling fake news.

He emphasized that the main requirement for the operation of Telegram channels would be the de-anonymization of their activities and adherence to generally accepted journalistic standards.

He said preventing threats involves promoting media literacy and continuous efforts to identify and expose cases of disinformation and manipulation. He also called for the creation of a high-quality Ukrainian information products that would establish content dominance in the Ukrainian Telegram segment.

Speaking in early November, Danilov said Telegram was a very dangerous and vulnerable messenger and hinted about a potential ban on the application in Ukraine.

If we receive documents from the relevant services with the right to do so, believe me, we wont hesitate (to ban Telegram), said the official.

Read also: Ukraines mobilization has not stalled  Danilov

Danilov added that doesnt use Telegram personally, saying he didnt want to engage with anonymous users.

He said he preferred for each nickname to transparently represent an identifiable individual.

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
Israel is pushing to root out Hamas at hospitals in Gaza City despite calls to avoid firefights at health care sites to prevent compounding a dire humanitarian crisis.

Israel says Hamas is using the medical facilities as command bases, making them a legitimate military target  and the U.S. shared declassified intelligence Tuesday bolstering those claims.

But clashes around the hospitals are endangering patients, including young children, and fueling concerns that Palestinian civilians caught in the crossfire will soon lack any comprehensive treatment facilities in Gaza City.

With the world watching, Israel is trying to convey a message that it must destroy Hamas wherever the group operates and mitigate harm to civilians at hospitals.

Hamas likely wanted to force Israel to conduct a delicate operation around medical facilities, said Joel Zivot, an associate professor of anesthesiology and surgery at the Emory School of Medicine.

I would imagine that from Hamass perspective, this was a strategic decision. It was a decision to put these places inside of hospitals because of this very problem of trying to go in and to attack a military site, he said.

I have lots of sympathy for the patients and the injured and the innocent people, Zivot continued. But the tragedy here is that Hamas inculcated itself into these buildings, and therefore, they became military targets.

International humanitarian law under the 1949 Geneva Convention prohibits attacking hospitals and other medical sites unless they are being used for military operations, at which point they become a legitimate target.

Thats true if even one fighter launches a single rocket from a hospital, which transforms it from a hospital into a military base. But attacks are still considered unlawful if they are indiscriminate or disproportionate, such as launching an explosive device in a densely populated area.

Since the war started on Oct. 7, there have been 137 attacks on medical sites, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), and more than 500 people have died in those attacks, including 16 medical workers.

The WHO has called for an immediate halt to military operations at hospitals, while human rights groups are sounding the alarm about a potential violation of war.

Paul OBrien, executive director of Amnesty International USA, said in a statement to The Hill that his human rights organization has documented unlawful and indiscriminate attacks, including bombings on hospitals, that should be investigated as war crimes.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) in an investigative report Tuesday accused Israeli forces of killing and wounding people at Al-Shifa Hospital, Indonesian Hospital and other health care sites.

Israels repeated attacks damaging hospitals and harming healthcare workers, already hard hit by an unlawful blockade, have devastated Gazas healthcare infrastructure, said A. Kayum Ahmed, a special adviser on the right to health at HRW, in a statement.

Israel is now fighting around several hospitals in Gaza City, including Al-Shifa, which it claims is the site of the main Hamas command base.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) signaled even before entering Gaza City that it needed to take out Hamas operations at Al-Shifa, which is also the largest hospital in the city.

But even if Al-Shifa is a major base of operations, Hamas is a decentralized network that does not have one central command node, said Michael Nagata, a senior fellow on national security at the Middle East Institute (MEI) and a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general.

The notion that they are going to completely destroy Hamas, from my point of view, is unachievable, he told reporters during a press call. Some elements of Hamas will survive; they will live to fight another day.

Nagata added that Israel relies on external support from allies and could face a reckoning over how it carried out its war against Hamas if attacks continue to kill and injure a large number of civilians.

If they lose enough international support all of this becomes impossible, he said.

The fighting has forced hospitals to the brink as they struggle with electricity, water and food access and to treat wounded patients. At Al-Shifa, hospital officials reportedly claimed they were digging mass graves.

Israeli soldiers have tried to take steps to minimize casualties at health care sites as it carries out its retaliatory war against Hamas for killing 1,200 people in a deadly Oct. 7 surprise attack.

Before moving in, Israel ordered the evacuation of 22 hospitals in Gaza City and opened evacuation corridors, although it can be extremely difficult for some patients and staff to leave quickly.

Other Israeli soldiers are providing incubators to the pediatric ward at Al-Shifa. And Israel attempted to deliver 300 liters of fuel to the hospital but later said Hamas intercepted the shipment.

Mick Mulroy, a former U.S. deputy assistant secretary of Defense for the Middle East who is now at MEI, said the daily tactical pauses should also be used to evacuate patients out of the hospitals with ambulances.

Mulroy also said Israel is caught in a complex battle.

You have newborns that are in ICUs, and youre trying to defeat the enemy, trying not to get killed and trying to minimize casualties, he said in a press call. It is ultimately Hamas that has caused this, but it is the IDF  that has to do everything it can to avoid these civilian casualties.

As questions mount, the IDF is trying to present evidence of its claims about command sites at hospitals, which Hamas and Palestinian health officials deny.

One video allegedly shows Hamas tunnels near the Rantisi hospital. Others have shown apparent Hamas military planning documents, weapons and rooms underneath hospitals to hold hostages and film videos.

At the al-Quds hospital, Israel this week released a video of what appears to be a militant with a rocket launcher near the building. Israeli forces claimed to have killed 21 militants at the hospital who fired from the entrance.

This is Hamas, said IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari in a video showing purported evidence of weapons in a hospital basement. The world has to understand who Israel is fighting against.

Along with Hamas, Palestinian health officials at the Hamas-run hospitals dispute the claims that militants operate out of the health care sites.

The U.S. has backed Israels claims, though it has not described how it collected its intelligence on the matter.

Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said Tuesday that Hamas is using the hospital sites to conceal and support military operations and to hold hostages. But Singh said hospitals should continue to treat civilians and should be protected.

We do not want to see a firefight in the hospital where there are innocent civilians, she told reporters at a briefing.

At the White House, President Biden on Monday called for more protection of 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, he said.

Russell Berman, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution who studies the Middle East, said Hamas is known to have used hospital sites as well as schools to shield their activities from Israeli soldiers.

Israel isnt fighting in the hospitals because Hamas isnt there, he said. But in the end, this is a matter of fact that will have to be proven.

The fighting around hospitals is expected to endanger what little medical access that beleaguered Palestinians have left.

Humanitarian group Doctors Without Borders shared testimony from a witness at Al-Shifa, where there are no basic necessities, ambulances have allegedly fallen under crossfire and people have died after losing access to ventilators.

Some hospitals have already shut down in Gaza after running out of fuel, and fears are mounting that more will run out because of Israels blockade on the coastal enclave. The Palestine Red Crescent Society, a humanitarian group, said Tuesday it managed to evacuate all patients and staff out of the al-Quds hospital.

Zivot, of the Emory School of Medicine and who is also a physician working in intensive care units, suggested evacuating patients to nearby hospitals in Israel, Jordan or Egypt, even as he acknowledged it was difficult to carry out those operations quickly.

If a hospital isnt functioning or lacks the capacity to provide a service, then you evacuate that person, he said. It becomes the responsibility of the international community to help  Qatar, the [United Arab Emirates], Saudi Arabia [should] come forward and help these people evacuate and put them in your hospitals.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
By Sarah Young

LONDON (Reuters) -Climate activist Greta Thunberg pleaded not guilty to a public order offence charge in a British court on Wednesday following her arrest last month at an environmental protest in London.

The 20-year-old was detained by police on Oct. 17 after she and dozens of demonstrators locked arms to obstruct the entrances to a hotel where an oil and gas conference was taking place.

Thunberg, wearing a grey T-shirt and black jeans, spoke only to confirm her name and date of birth as the judge at Westminster Magistrates Court set Feb. 1 as the date for her trial.

As she left the court building in central London, a small group of climate demonstrators chanted "Climate protest is not a crime". She made no comments to media.

Thunberg has become famous as the face of climate activism since she started staging weekly protests in Sweden in 2018, and she now travels around the world addressing crowds at marches and protests.

She appeared in court alongside four other protesters who all pleaded not guilty. District Judge John Law agreed that Thunberg's address should not be made public. Her lawyer said she had been threatened and her address should be withheld.

She was released on bail. If found guilty she could be fined.

Before her arrest in Britain, she has this year been detained by police or removed from protests in Sweden, Norway and Germany.

($1 = 0.8145 pounds)

(Reporting by Sarah Young; Editing by William James and Angus MacSwan)
The US and China have agreed on measures to tackle climate change but stopped short of committing to end fossil fuels, a joint statement said.

The world's biggest carbon emitters will step up co-operation on methane and support global efforts to triple renewable energy by 2030.

But the document is silent on the use of coal, and the future of fossil energy.

Observers said it was a positive sign ahead of a UN climate summit.

The joint statement comes as the presidents of both countries prepare to meet in California, with climate change representing one of the few areas of potential progress.

For over a year US diplomats have been trying to find a way forward with China after Beijing suspended climate talks after the visit of US Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan.

Last week those efforts saw US climate envoy John Kerry meet with his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua, for three days of negotiations that have lead to this agreed position.

The agreement was forged between the two countries' climate envoys, John Kerry and Xie Zhenhua

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to a global tripling of renewable energy this decade, as previously agreed at this year's G20 meeting in India.

Both also stated that there would be "meaningful absolute power sector emission reductions" by 2030.

However, a reduction in the use of coal isn't mentioned in the document and there's no discussion of the ending of fossil fuels, something that the president of the UN climate conference, known as COP28, has said is a key focus for the meeting.

"It's small but important steps on climate change," said Bernice Lee, a distinguished Fellow at Chatham House and an expert on China.

"But progress on fossil fuels wasn't what I expected to see, as they both have constraints," she told BBC News.

"My suspicion is that it has proven to be too difficult to find the form of language that works for both. But nonetheless, I think it's good that they have a statement that's focused on the things they agree on, which is, obviously, the renewables and methane."

That focus on methane is seen as important for the world as the gas is an extremely potent warming chemical in the short term.

When countries agreed the Global Methane Pledge at COP26 in Glasgow, and aimed to reduce emissions of methane by 30% by 2030, China wasn't among the signatories.

The world's second largest economy doesn't currently count methane as a warming gas in its submissions to the UN.

But according to the statement, the two countries will now include all greenhouse gases including methane in their next round of national climate plans.

"This announcement is a major step because China is the world's largest methane emitter and serious actions to curb this gas is essential for slowing global warming in the near-term," said David Waskow from the World Resources Institute.

The two countries have also said they will jointly host a methane and non-CO2 gas summit at COP28.

The statement will certainly boost the mood of delegates preparing to attend COP28 in Dubai from 30 November.

Amid warnings from scientists that 2023 will be the warmest year on record and with political divisions over Gaza, Ukraine and many other issues, hopes for significant progress at the gathering have been muted.

The fact that even the big divisions between China and the US can be overcome for the sake of the planet is bound to have an impact on others.

"While the two of them can't deliver everything, the US and China coming together to find a way to try and co-operate makes it harder for other countries to hide behind superpower rivalries," said Bernice Lee.

"It certainly sets a better atmosphere for COP28 than there was before."
Photo by the Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire

Photo by the Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire

Three people were killed in a fire likely sparked by a dryer left on overnight, Georgia officials said.

Elbert County Emergency Services got a call at about 2:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, about a house fire with multiple people trapped inside, Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King said in a Nov. 14 news release.

Crews arrived to find the home engulfed in flames, he said. Once the fire was put out, firefighters went looking for the three residents inside and found them dead.

The victims were a 40-year-old man, a 49-year-old woman and a 64-year-old woman, an office spokesperson told McClatchy News.

An investigation by the State Fire Marshals Office determined the fire was an accident and likely caused by a clothes dryer that was left on overnight, officials said.

Georgians doing laundry at home should remember to turn off the dryer when leaving home or going to bed, and always clean the lint trap before each load of laundry, King said in a statement.

Dirty lint filters were the leading cause of clothes dryer fires in homes from 2018 to 2020, according to the National Fire Incident Reporting System.

Authorities didnt release additional information.

Elbert County is about 100 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta.

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CMPD chief says it could be months before bodycam video released in controversial arrest

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings spoke on Wednesday after a video that shows an officer striking a woman several times during an arrest went viral. Jennings said it could take months before additional bodycam video is released to the public.

The ordeal began shortly after 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13, in the 7700 block of South Tryon Street in the Steele Creek area, police said.

Officers observed Christina Pierre and Anthony Lee smoking marijuana at the bus stop. CMPD said the officers told them they were under arrest, and that is when Pierre became combative.

Chief Jennings said on Wednesday that unreleased bodycam footage shows that the officers tried to arrest both Pierre and Lee, and thats when Pierre interfered, punching an officer in the face at least twice before the situation escalated. Both refused arrest at the scene, CMPD said.

Video Of Officer Striking Woman Goes Viral

Backup was called to the area and once Lee was taken into custody, officers found a concealed, loaded 9mm handgun in his bag. Pierre continued to resist arrest at the scene and after several commands to stop resisting, CMPD said an officer, identified as CMPD Officer Vincent Pistone, struck the womans right thigh in an effort to gain control.

The officer who administered the strikes was intentional about where the strikes were made. The use of compliance strikes is included in CMPDs response to resistance directives, CMPD said on Wednesday.

There are still many questions about how many officers were involved in the interaction captured on camera and the use of force. Chief Jennings explained theres an internal investigation happening now to answer those questions.

If I look at this entire thing, are there things we can do better? Absolutely. Are there things that I wish would have never happened? Certainly. Are there things that I think we can take from this and become better as an agency? Were committed to that, and were going to do that, Chief Jennings said.

Use Of Force

North Carolina General Statute 15A-401 (d) (1)

Use of Force in Arrest:

(1) Subject to the provisions of subdivision (2), a law-enforcement officer is justified in using force upon another person when and to the extent that he reasonably believes it necessary:

a. To prevent the escape from custody or to effect an arrest of a person who he reasonably believes has committed a criminal offense, unless he knows that the arrest is unauthorized; or

b. To defend himself or a third person from what he reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of physical force while effecting or attempting to effect an arrest or while preventing or attempting to prevent an escape.

Charges In This Case

Pierre has been charged with assault on a government official, resisting, delaying, obstructing, and simple possession of marijuana. Lee has been charged with carrying a concealed firearm, resisting, delaying, obstructing, and simple possession of marijuana.

Photo: Christina Pierre (left) and Anthony Lee (right) via Mecklenburg County Jail

Officer Pistone has been placed on temporary assignment and is not actively on patrol at this time, due to conversations with community leaders and safety concerns for the officer, CMPD said.

Chief Jennings said on Wednesday he has petitioned the courts to release their bodycam footage but that it could take months for that to happen.

Statement from CMPD Chief Jennings:

I had the opportunity to view this video, and it is not easy to watch. I never want to see an officer, much less one of my own, involved in a situation like this. Our officers are trained to engage and interact with people and manage situations to the best of their abilities based on the training they receive. When individuals physically assault officers and refuse to comply with police and when they resist arrest, officers must physically engage with them to safely take them into custody.

Our officers are often placed in difficult situations that require actions that can be difficult to watch. CMPD works tirelessly to keep this community safe. I watched the body-worn camera footage and believe that it tells more of the story than what is circulating on social media. The public deserves to view this footage as well, but based on NC state law, I am not permitted to release body-worn camera footage without a court order. I have asked for our police attorney to file a petition with the court, so we are able to share this video with the public. This process will take time, but CMPD will update as soon as the court allows.

Watch Wednesdays full news conference here:

This is a developing story ; check back for updates.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  The new south Charlotte high school has a name.

The under-construction campus off Johnston Road and Interstate 485 will be Ballantyne Ridge High School, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education approved Tuesday night. Designed to ease overcrowding from South Mecklenburg, Ardrey Kell and Myers Park high schools, it will open in 2024.

CMS preparing to bring Narcan to schools, but it first needs board approval

The naming was part of the consent agenda for the Nov. 14 meeting, which passed unanimously.

The school board said that the naming process took place over a series of meetings, and the Naming Committee recommended three potential school names.

The committee added the word Ridge to the name for two reasons: the school is located just on the outer ridge of the Ballantyne area and it sits on a geographic ridge, as there is a

significant drop-off at the rear of the campus into two adjacent creeks.

The schools construction is made possible through the $922 million bond passed in 2017. Its address is 12218 N. Community House Road.

The opening of Ballantyne Ridge and a relief elementary school in the Ballantyne area led to CMS leaders having to redraw boundary maps. The new lines were subject of controversy among south Charlotte parents earlier this year.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Beth says she has been aware of coal tips and the possible dangers all her life

The Aberfan disaster is always in the back of Beth Jones' mind.

Despite being born decades after the tragedy, the engineer is part of a new specialist team charged with preventing such an event from ever happening again.

Concerns over the threat from coal tips resurfaced in Wales in 2020, when storms caused a 60,000-tonne landslide at a disused site in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The Welsh government said it had made 44m available for safety work.

Nobody was injured in the slip down the empty valley at Tylorstown, but after three years of analysis, the Welsh government has now published the locations of 350 higher risk coal tip sites.

Many sit on the hillsides above former mining communities and around 600 households are expected to receive letters this week telling them their property is on one of these tip sites.

Some will be finding out for the first time.

"As someone who has grown up in Aberdare, I have been aware of tips all of my life," said Beth, 41, who helps to lead the recently established Coal Tip Safety Team for Rhondda Cynon Taf council.

"None of us in our team live that far away from a coal tip, so they all directly impact us and our families."

She said the team wanted to "minimise the risk of any future disasters".

Coal mining once dominated the south Wales valleys

The principal tip engineer admits it has been a "steep learning curve" to get to grips with the sheer number of disused tips still remaining in south Wales.

Her local authority has almost twice the amount of the highest risk Category D tips than any other area - 29 in total.

The categories do not mean the tips are at an immediate risk of sliding, but that the consequences if they did so would be more severe, with some sitting in the proximity of homes, schools and hospitals.

In order to keep them safe, engineers like Beth have been working to create 3D maps of sites, where they can monitor every minute change, install motion detecting sensors, and use remote cameras to monitor drainage.

The highest risk tips in Rhondda Cynon Taf are also inspected in person by engineers every month.

"We start by always, always, always looking for the water," said Beth.

"It's almost always the water that starts any landslide off. So we always look for the water."

The new team will keep an eye over the Rhondda valleys

Installing drainage systems allows engineers to know that water is flowing away from the tip and down the valley.

"You're looking for cracks, bulging, changes in vegetation. There's lots of different markers that we look for when we're doing an inspection," said Beth.

"There are always little incidents on tips that don't amount to anything from a tip safety perspective, but you're always aware that it could grow into something else."

She said what happened in Aberfan was always in the back of the team's minds, adding: "There were massive lessons that we learned at that time."

The tragedy in the village of Aberfan saw a total of 116 children and 28 adults killed when a colliery spoil tip collapsed, engulfing a primary school and surrounding houses on 21 October 1966.

It's thought 40% of all of the UK's disused coal tips are in Wales.

Although many have been monitored by individual authorities, there was no national database for disused tips in Wales until after the landslide in 2020.

116 children and 28 adults were killed when a colliery spoil tip collapsed in Aberfan in 1966

The Welsh government has previously asked Westminster for financial help to make coal tips safe in the long-term.

Ministers in Wales believe around 600 million will be needed to help protect the tips from the impact of climate change over the next 10 to 15 years.

Research after the Tylorstown landslide suggested the amount of rain falling on the south Wales coalfields had increased by 13% since the 1960s.

Jacqueline Mynott, who heads up the Coal Tip Safety Team at Rhondda Cynon Taf council, said work was being prioritised in order to keep "communities as safe as possible", with those tips with greatest potential risk being looked at first.

'Mammoth undertaking'

Many of the 340 total coal tips in her patch are under private ownership, which can cause complications.

Ms Mynott said there were some "unfortunate situations" where people had been unaware they owned a coal tip until being contacted, sometimes because they had inherited the land after the death of a family member.

The Welsh government said it had made 44m available to help fund any work required, including for privately owned tips.

Wales' Climate Change Minister Julie James called it a "mammoth undertaking" to record and categorise all disused coal tips in Wales into a single central database for the first time.
Advocates are urging Secretary of the Interior DebHaaland to enter phase two of the Honoring Chaco Initiative. (photo/Greater Chaco Coalition)

The Greater Chaco Coalition is calling upon Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo) to follow through with her promise to protect the culturally significant Greater Chaco Region in New Mexico.

In 2021, in response to callouts from Tribes, Pueblos, and environmentalists, Haaland launched the Honoring Chaco Initiative, a two-phase initiative involving the 10-mile mineral withdrawal around Chaco Culture National Park in northern New Mexico from future leasing and mining claims for the next 20 years. The area includes an expansive stretch of northwestern New Mexico that includes locations that are culturally significant to New Mexico Pueblos and area Tribes.

The Honoring Chaco Initiative aims to address cumulative environmental and social injustices by adopting a cultural landscape management framework. According to a report by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), The main objective of Phase I was to prepare, design, and carry out a regional conversation centering on Tribal perspectives to define the vision and goals for protecting the region. Phase I, which included interviews involving 45 people, a situation assessment, two virtual planning sessions, and a three-day meeting in Albuquerque, concluded last fall. The process has since stalled.

The Pueblo and Hopi people have occupied the Great Chacho region for more than 2,000 years. Chaco Canyon was the setting of ceremonies, trade, and political activity.

This region has been managed as a sacrifice zone for far too long, Daniel Tso, former Navajo Nation Council Delegate, said in a press release from the Greater Chaco Coalition, a Native-led group seeking to protect the Greater Chaco Landscape.

The Coalition alleges The Bureau of Land Management continues to approve new oil and gas activities in the area and is failing to protect the cultural landscape.

Now is the time for the Honoring Chaco Initiative to chart a new path forward for Navajo communities, phasing out extractive economies and centering protection of the land, air, water, and the sacred in Greater Chaco Landscape management, Tso said.

Earlier this year, the Greater Chaco Coalition provided the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Land Management with a road map to ensure that the outcomes of the Honoring Chaco Initiative are long-lasting.

Now, advocates are urging Haaland to enter phase two of the Initiative.

Its high time that the Interior Department honor the Greater Chaco Landscape by phasing out fossil fuels on public lands, Silas Grant, New Mexico Campaigner with the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a press release. The long history of extraction in this region has had devastating effects on land, air, water and public health across the Greater Chaco region. The administration must clean up this mess.

About the Author: "Kaili Berg (Aleut) is a member of the Alutiiq\/Sugpiaq Nation, and a shareholder of Koniag, Inc. She is a staff reporter for Native News Online and Tribal Business News. Berg, who is based in Wisconsin, previously reported for the Ho-Chunk Nation newspaper, Hocak Worak. She went to school originally for nursing, but changed her major after finding her passion in communications at Western Technical College in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. "

Contact: kberg@indiancountrymedia.com
A passenger aboard the Carnival Glory cruise ship, which left New Orleans on Sunday, has been reported missing and is believed to have jumped overboard as the ship traveled to Montego Bay, Jamaica. The U.S. Coast Guard is searching a 200-mile area in the Gulf of Mexico for the missing man. File photo by Andy Newman/EPA PHOTO/EPA/

Nov. 14 (UPI) -- The Coast Guard is searching for a Louisiana passenger, from the Carnival Glory cruise ship, who was reported missing and believed to have jumped overboard as the ship traveled between New Orleans and Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Tyler Barnett, of Houma, La., was last seen around midnight on Monday morning after the ship left Sunday for a week-long Western Caribbean cruise, according to the Coast Guard which is conducting the search.

On Tuesday afternoon, a spokesperson for Carnival Cruise Line gave an update after reviewing surveillance video, and said the missing guest jumped off the ship's deck 4 at 1:40 a.m. on Monday.

"He can be seen climbing on a lifeboat and jumping from there," the spokesperson said.

While earlier reports indicated there was no video showing Barnett going overboard, security crews changed his profile after they were informed of the possibility that he was wearing a different shirt.

Carnival is assisting Barnett's family who are still on board. The ship is scheduled to arrive in Jamaica on Wednesday.

"The Coast Guard is searching an approximately 200-mile area for an unaccounted-for 28-year-old man from the Carnival Glory cruise ship," the Coast Guard wrote in a Tuesday morning post on X, formerly Twitter.

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

The Coast Guard also issued messages "to mariners in the Gulf of Mexico notifying them of the missing passenger."

On Tuesday night, the Coast Guard launched an HC-144 Ocean Sentry air crew and a MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter air crew, before pausing search efforts due to deteriorating weather conditions and poor visibility.

Barnett is not the first passenger this year reported to have gone missing during a Carnival cruise. In September, a 26-year-old man was reported missing from the Carnival cruise ship Conquest after it docked at the Port of Miami in Florida.

In July, another man was reported missing from the Carnival Elation cruise ship off the coast of Florida after he was believed to have deliberately jumped from the ship.

And on Memorial Day, a man went overboard from the Carnival Magic cruise ship into the Atlantic Ocean, about 186 miles east of Jacksonville.
AGUADILLA, Puerto Rico - The search is on for a MSC Seascape cruise ship crew member who is believed to have gone overboard north of Puerto Rico.

According to the Coast Guard, a 30-year-old man from India was reportedly seen going overboard, approximately 80 feet from the bow of the cruise ship from a height of approximately 32 feet above the water.

The Coast Guard says it was notified of the missing crew member shortly before 9 p.m. on Tuesday as the cruise ship was en route from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

The cruise ship reported throwing a lifeline and three life rings with the cruise ships name on them and launched the cruise ship rescue boat to search.

READ: Man jumps overboard Carnival cruise ship off Florida's coast, US Coast Guard says

A Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter diverted two Coast Guard helicopters to the area. Once on scene, the Coast Guard aircrew commenced searching and deployed a self-locating datum marker buoy that measures sea currents to assist with the search.

Around 7:30 a.m., the Coast Guard aircrew said they found the three life-rings from the cruise ship within the search area.

The MSC Seascape cruise ship continued its voyage to the Dominican Republic after being released from the search.


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
Cobra Kai viewers have been left thrilled by an update about the forthcoming final season.

The TV sequel to the Karate Kid franchise, which picks up 34 years later, has become a big hit since it debuted in 2018, moving from YouTube Red/Premium to Netflix over the course of its five seasons.

Its been confirmed that the forthcoming sixth run will be the shows last, bringing the long-running franchise to an end.

But there are still some surprises in store for fans of the 1980s film series  a new casting report has claimed that a character fans will remember from the first film will show up in the final batch of episodes.

CS Lee, who has appeared in Dexter and Avatar: The Last Airbender, will show up as the present day version of Master Kim Sun-Young.

Eagle-eyed fans of the first Karate Kid film (1984) will remember that Master Kim Sun-Young was seen in a photograph, with his name being first mentioned in The Karate Kid III (1989).

The character, who also showed up in a flashback in season four of Cobra Kai, is credited with the creation of The Way of the Fist, a martial arts style that goes against the teaching of Mr Miyagi (Pat Morita).

Master Kim Sun-Young has long been presumed dead in the Karate Kid universe  until now. His return to the franchise, in present day form, follows the arrival of the characters granddaughter, Kim Da-Eun (Alicia Hannah-Kim) in Cobra Kai season five.

The shows fans are reacting to the news with glee, with many branding the decision to resurrect the character as cool and exciting.

This isnt the first time existing characters from the Karate Kid franchise have shown up in the series  in season five, Thomas Ian Griffith returned as The Karate Kid III character Terry Silver.

Cobra Kai (Guy D'Alema/YouTube/Sony Pictures Television)

Martin Krave, who played antagonist John Kreese in the Karate Kid films, also appears in the series.

Cobra Kais sixth season will resume production now the Hollywood strikes are over.
To kick off the holidays, Coca-Cola is kicking off its Caravans tour across the United States, including several stops in Western Pennsylvania.

The caravan has been traveling across the country for the holiday season since 1997.

This year, there will be new activities for families to enjoy, including getting a glimpse of the new 2023 Caravan. You can snap a selfie and share your photos on social media with the tag @abartacocacola.

In addition, the first 100 visitors will receive a special holiday ornament.

During Pittsburghs Light Up Night, Coca-Cola will be collecting donations for the Special Olympics. Anyone who makes a donation will receive two tickets to a 2024 Pittsburgh Pirates game.

Stops are scheduled through Nov. 19 Heres where you can catch the holiday caravan:

Nov. 15

12 p.m. - 3 p.m.: Shop n Save 730 East Pittsburgh Street, Greensburg, PA 15601

6 p.m. - 9 p.m.: Shop n Save 3335 William Penn Highway, Pittsburgh, PA 15235

Nov. 16

12 p.m. - 3 p.m.: Walmart 100 Walmart Drive, North Versailles, PA 15137

6 p.m.- 9 p.m.: Walmart 2531 Century Drive, West Mifflin, PA 15122

Nov. 17

12 p.m. - 3 p.m.: Lowes 5775 Baptist Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102

6 p.m. - 9 p.m.: Lowes 2100 Washington Pike, Carnegie, PA 15106

Nov. 18

3 p.m. - 9 p.m.: Pittsburghs Light Up Night - adjacent to Stanwix Street between Penn and Liberty avenues

Nov. 19

12 p.m. - 3 p.m.: Home Depot 4000 Oxford Drive, Bethel Park, PA 15102

6 p.m. - 9 p.m.: Doubletree Washington 340 Racetrack Road, Washington, PA 15301

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Collierville Schools is rezoning elementary students, which means many students will go to a new school next year.

On Tuesday, Collierville Schools Board of Education introduced a proposed attendance map moving elementary students to different schools.

The School Board hopes to rezone starting next school year to address ongoing issues with enrollment growth and building capacity.

Central High football player killed in Frayser shooting

Parents like Matt Davis say they are not happy about the new and sudden change.

It was kind of just thrust upon us via message through the school a couple of weeks ago, he said.

Davis said he was originally looking for a new home for his family. However, after hearing about Collierville Schools plan to rezone five out of the six elementary schools, he is now changing his plans.

Under the new plan it would be under Sycamore, which were sure is a great school but our daughter doesnt do well with change, shes thriving here and this is where we want her to be  where we want her to stay, Davis said.

Parents with children who attend Schilling Farms Elementary School also agree with Davis.

The meeting was all about the numbers, Christy Hwle, a parent said. Our children were reduced to butts in a seat. Well, a number to you and a butt in the seat to you, is my child.

According to Davis, the new zoning is creating new issues for parents.

As we all know Collierville is growing exponentially and we have to plan traffic when we are doing drop-off in the morning, Davis said. Right now, its a six-minute drive from our house to get here and do the whole drop-off loop and you know thats probably going to increase.

Collierville Schools started this process in 2022, however, parents say they are not being considered at all.

We feel like this committee has really let us down, Hwle said. So, now this is going to be presented to the board. So, I think now we are shifting our focus and communicating to the board. The committee didnt listen to us but we are hoping that the board will.

Theres another public meeting on November 28 at 6 p.m. at Collierville High School.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging a Collinsville woman with dealing the lethal dose of fentanyl that caused a man to overdose and die.

Tessa R. Webber, 25, is charged with a single count of distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death.

If convicted, she could face 20 years to life in a federal prison.

According to the criminal complaint, Fairview Heights Police have been investigating the suspected overdose since June 11, when a roommate of the victim, identified only as a male with the initials D.M., found him unresponsive on the floor in his room.

Investigating officers noted that D.M. was cold to the touch and that rigor mortis had set in.

The roommate said he wasnt aware that D.M. was at the home in the 8900 block of Pleasantview Road in Fairview Heights, but checked his room at the behest of D.M.s girlfriend, who was concerned that he wasnt answering his phone.

The girlfriend and other family members confirmed that D.M. had a history of drug use and had just been released from an in-patient drug rehabilitation center.

Police found a syringe near D.M.s body and noted a bruise and possible puncture wound on his arm, just above the elbow, the court records state. Autopsy and toxicology reports later confirmed D.M.s death was caused by a drug overdose, including amphetamines, meth, fentanyl and other legal substances.

Investigators also located D.M.s cell phone, which court records say revealed a lengthy string of texts between D.M. and Webber.

Get ahold (sic) of me if you need any, one of the messages from Webber said, according to the criminal complaint. Ill hook you up good dude.

According to an affidavit from a detective, Webber also had sent text and Facebook Messenger messages to at least 10 others, offering them pills and ice cream, which the criminal complaint interprets as fentanyl and crystal methamphetamine.

Police interviewed Webber on Aug. 8, while she was being held at the St. Clair County Jail on another drug-related charge as well as charges of eluding police. She admitted to investigators then that she was a drug addict and was dealing illegal substances to support her habit, according to the complaint. She told them she purchased fentanyl from her St. Louis supplier at $2 per pill and sold them for $5.

On the same day she spoke to police, the jail recorded a phone conversation between Webber and her mother. Webber told her mother I sold (D.M.) two pills that killed him and Im getting charged with drug-induced homicide, the court records say.

Webber said during the police interview that shed been dealing drugs to D.M. for every bit of four years.

Additional evidence against Webber was gathered during a search of her home and through cell phone records, according to court records.

She is being held at the St. Clair County Jail. Webber will be represented in court by federal public defender Todd Schultz.

Too many lives are lost due to drug-induced homicides, U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe for the Southern District of Illinois said in a release. Law enforcement agencies are working to secure justice for families of overdose victims.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife recently issued a warning to state residents via a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, calling out one Colorado Springs resident who left their trash unsecured and spilling out on the ground.

This is how a bear's stomach gets so full of plastic that it have to be euthanized.

Please secure your garbage.

Close your garage doors.

Lock you vehicles. Remove attractants.

Bears are foraging 20 hours a day now.

Please keep them alive and wild.https://t.co/BK41ZwFlj0 pic.twitter.com/egrpa1nV5M  CPW SE Region (@CPW_SE) September 22, 2023

What happened?

This is how a bears stomach gets so full of plastic that it [has] to be euthanized, the organization wrote. Please secure your garbage. Close your garage doors. Lock [your] vehicles. Remove attractants. Bears are foraging 20 hours a day now. Please keep them alive and wild.

The accompanying photo shows several overflowing trash cans with one tipped over spilling onto the road  a potential feast for any hungry bear that happens to walk by.

As bears habitats and food sources have shrunk due to human pollution in recent years, more wild bears have begun venturing into neighboring towns and eating whatever they can find. Not only is this dangerous for humans, but it is also dangerous for the bears as they end up ingesting plastic waste and sometimes have to be euthanized as a result.

Why is this concerning?

In nearby Telluride, Colorado, a sick bear was recently euthanized after it was discovered stumbling around in public, and officials determined that it could not be helped. Upon examining the contents of its stomach, they found that it had suffered from a massive amount of plastic waste blocking its digestive system.

To be eating and eating and not able to break down any of that food would have been a really sad and horrific way for that bear to suffer as it died, John Livingston, a spokesperson from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, told CNN.

What can be done to prevent it from happening more?

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife X account was clear: residents must take proper measures to ensure that their garbage is not accessible to bears.

Its the law in #ColoradoSprings to secure your garbage with bear-resistant trash cans or other means for everyone west of Interstate 25, as in this photo, the account wrote, responding to another account that didnt see what the problem was, as it was probably trash pickup day anyway.

Other commenters who responded mainly did so with angry face emojis.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
NEW YORK  A Columbia University student whose name and photograph were flashed on doxxing trucks over the past month is suing the conservative advocacy group responsible for mobile digital billboards he says wrongly called him one of Columbias Leading Antisemites.

Yusuf Hafez, a Columbia senior and a Muslim, was in class Oct. 25 when a friend told him his information was on display by the universitys main entrance in Morningside Heights, say documents in Manhattan Supreme Court. The doxxing truck returned to campus Nov. 1.

Hafezs name was brandished on the website of the organization Accuracy in Media as among those it could independently confirm as student leaders from groups that signed a controversial letter days after Hamas brutal Oct. 7 attack on Israel. That letter suggested the violence was unsurprising, as all other means of Palestinian resistance were blocked.

Accuracy in Media also bought a website in Hafezs name, the students lawyers said.

But according to his court complaint, Hafez, a former president of the Arab cultural student group Turath, was no longer in that position at the time the letter was issued, and had no involvement with its signing.

Hafez, a civil engineering student, alleges that Accuracy in Media defamed him with real consequences on his education and ability to get a job after graduation, while profiting off his name and causing extreme emotional distress.

Because of his fears and emotional and physical distress, [Hafez] has been unable to go back to the Columbia campus, has been forced to attend classes remotely, and is unable to engage in his community groups, or social interactions, read the complaint, brought by Hafezs lawyers at Beldock Levine & Hoffman.

He has been unable to take at least one exam, and his grades have suffered and will continue to suffer from his displacement from the university community, the court complaint says.

Both Hafezs name on Accuracy in Medias list of key figures propelling antisemitism at Columbia and the eponymous website appeared Tuesday to be defunct, after his lawyers sought to restrain the organization from continuing to use it.

The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages and asks a judge to find the advocacy group violated students rights.

The legal challenge could have widespread implications on college campuses beyond Columbia.

Doxxing trucks from Accuracy in Media have been sighted in recent weeks at the City University of New York School of Law, and at Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania.

Students describe the mobile billboards as a form of harassment that is having a chilling effect on their free speech rights.

The lawyers hope to prove that the trucks in New York are illegally using Hafezs name and image for advertising and commercial purposes without his consent.

The digital billboards and other elements of the campaign include Accuracy in Medias logo and have been used to solicit donations and support its president, Adam Guillette, who is also a named defendant, according to the complaint.

Guillette has visited Columbias campus, video reviewed by the New York Daily News shows. Hafezs lawyers say Guillettes visits were meant to continue his defamatory advertising campaign.

After Guillette claimed Columbia students spray-painted the truck, he floated the idea on X, formerly known as Twitter, that perhaps itd be safer to send the billboards directly to their parents homes.

Guillette is a former executive at the right-wing group Project Veritas, which has billed itself as a news organization and is famed for hidden-camera investigations that embarrass their subjects and have been widely denounced as entrapping and deceptive.

On Monday, Guillette announced that Accuracy in Media this week is back in NYC exposing campus antisemites.

Neither Accuracy in Media, nor Beldock Levine & Hoffman and Hafez through his lawyers, immediately returned a request for comment.

_____
Lights from Columbus police vehicles can be seen Friday night on I-670 eastbound near 4th Street in the area where police say a 'road rage' shooting left Bret A. Bennett, 52, of Grove City, dead. Columbus police on Tuesday announced that Tony E. Brock, 37, of Columbus' North Linden, was the driver of a black pickup truck who fired into Bennett's vehicle and killed him. Brock, who contacted police to acknowledge his responsibility, has been arrested and charged with murder, according to court records.

Bond has been set at $500,000 for a Columbus man charged with murder in connection with the fatal 'road rage' shooting that left a Grove City man dead and prompted an hours-long shutdown Friday of Interstate 670 near 4th Street, Downtown.

Tony E. Brock, 37, of Columbus' North Linden, is charged with the murder of Bret A. Bennett, 52, a Grove City man who owned a Columbus cigar shop.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, police were dispatched to an area on I-670 eastbound on a report of a shooting. Witnesses claim that they saw a person in a black Ford F-150 shoot into Bennett's maroon Subaru and flee. Bennett was "bleeding profusely," a 911 caller reported.

Medics arrived on scene to find Bennett suffering from a gunshot wound and transported him to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, Downtown, where Bennett was pronounced dead at 5:26 p.m.

Authorities used cameras and license plate readers to locate Brock's black pickup truck at his residence on the 1300 block of Loretta Avenue, according to the affidavit.

Brock reached out to authorities through his attorney and admitted that he was the person who shot and killed Bennett, the affidavit states. Brock also told authorities where they could find the handgun that was used in the shooting, the document states.

Authorities collected the gun and other evidence and impounded the truck.

Brock was booked into the Franklin County Jail on the murder charge. His bond was set at $500,000 at a hearing Wednesday in Franklin County Municipal Court.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting is asked to call the Columbus police Homicide Unit at (614) 645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS (8477).

@ShahidMeighan

smeighan@dispatch.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus man connected to I-670 highway shooting charged with murder
Join Action News Jax Family Focus for our Holiday Toy Drive benefitting Wolfson Childrens Hospital! This year, were partnering with 95.1 WAPE.

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Drop off unwrapped toys at Peterbrooke Chocolatier Locations: From now until Friday, Dec. 8 , visit any of the 17 participating Peterbrooke Chocolatier locations across Northeast Florida to contribute to the toy drive. Simply look for the designated boxes in the shops, ready to be filled with brand new, unwrapped toys.

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Asking [Black federal workers] to work without pay or furloughing them is both disrespectful and bad governance, said U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown, D-Ohio.

The U.S. Senate could soon vote on a stopgap spending bill to avert a government shutdown that would be catastrophic for Black Americans and other marginalized communities.

U.S. Rep. Steven Horsdord, D-Nev., chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, told theGrio that a government shutdown would be economically harmful on many fronts.

A shutdown would hurt Black Americans and our countrys working familiesresulting in lost wages and weighing down our nations economy, he said.

Nevada Rep. Steven Horsford (above) confirmed with theGrio that he met with Republican Sen. Tim Scott on Monday to discuss police reform and plans to reach out to other Republican colleagues. (Photo: Rod Lamkey-Pool/Getty Images)

Horsford added, Its time to pass a clean, short-term resolution to keep the government open and protect the interests of all Americans.

Rep. Shontel Brown, D-Ohio, noted that 18% of federal workers are Black, adding, Not surprisingly, this is a workforce frequently demonized by conservatives.

The congresswoman said, Asking them to work without pay or furloughing them is both disrespectful and bad governance.

There are also 1.6 million Black women and children receiving WIC benefits and over 11 million Black Americans receiving SNAP, Brown added. A prolonged shutdown could jeopardize WIC and SNAP benefits, putting millions of people at risk of hunger, food insecurity, and financial harm.

On Tuesday, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution that would fund the government until early next year. The majority of the House voted in favor of House Speaker Mike Johnsons plan.

The Republican Louisiana lawmaker unveiled his plan on Saturday that included two bills. The first would fund the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Energy, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Agriculture until Jan. 19. The second bill would extend funding until Feb. 2 for the rest of the government.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, told theGrio that shes shocked the stopgap measure made it to the floor on Tuesday.

Im surprised we ended up with a clean CR, she said.

Crocketts statements come after some House Republicans like Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and Chip Roy, R-Texas, publicly announced that they would vote against the House speakers continuing resolution. Potential holdouts led Speaker Johnson to believe that he had to rely on votes from House Democrats to pass the continuing resolution.

UNITED STATES  NOVEMBER 13: Rep.-elect Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, speaks during a news conference with newly elected incoming members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus at the AFL-CIO building in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, November 13, 2022. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

Horsford told theGrio that, in recent months, the Republican-controlled House has been dysfunctional.

The eleven months of Republican-led dysfunction in the House stands in stark contrast to the previous historic two years that delivered investments in communities across the country to lower costs, increase wages, and create more jobs, he said.

Despite the division within the GOP, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., told theGrio in an earlier interview that House Dems would do what they could to avert a government shutdown.

Were going to do everything possible to make sure that we avoid an extreme MAGA government shutdown, he said.

What matters most is the American people, even if its not our ideal, we always put people over politics, said Crockett. I think Johnson recognized he could count on [Democrats] to be the adults in the room.

Now that the House has passed the stopgap measure, it needs to pass in the U.S. Senate and be signed into law by President Joe Biden by Fridays deadline.

I feel pretty confident the Senate will get it done and get it to the presidents desk, said Crockett.

Congresswoman Brown said, We need to fund the government, keep agencies open, keep delivering benefits, and avoid the chaos.

She added, Furloughing workers or having them work without pay just days before Thanksgiving is unthinkable.

TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Android TV. Please download theGrio mobile apps today!

The post Congress poised to prevent government shutdown that would harm Black communities appeared first on TheGrio.
A Connecticut man charged with killing his girlfriend's 22-month-old daughter has been extradited to Delaware, according to court documents.

Timothy Olschafskie was being held in Connecticut after being arrested earlier this month at a Burger King in that state.

Enfield, Connecticut, police said they were called to a Burger King for an incident unrelated to Olschafskie, but upon running his name in their system found Delaware had a warrant out for his arrest. He was taken into custody for being a fugitive.

According to Wilmington police, who had not publicly disclosed the child's death until questioned by Delaware Online/The News Journal last week, the incident occurred in the 100 block of Town Estates Drive.

More: Connecticut man facing Delaware murder charge lied to police responding to child emergency

That's where first responders found a girl suffering from a medical emergency on March 11. The girl was taken to a hospital where she later died from her injuries.

A death investigation was conducted by the Delaware Division of Forensic Sciences, which determined the girl's death was a homicide.

Following collaboration between Detective Brianna Rodrigues of the Criminal Investigations Division and the Delaware Department of Justice, warrants were issued on Nov. 2 for the arrest of 30-year-old Olschafskie of Ansonia, Connecticut.

Olschafskie was taken into custody on the same date by the Police Department in Enfield and was extradited Tuesday to Delaware where he was charged with first-degree murder by abuse or neglect.

He has been committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution after failing to post $2 million cash bail.

Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Connecticut man charged in 22-month-old's death extradited to Delaware
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 22-year-old man wanted on an active warrant for aggravated sexual assault of a child among other related charges was arrested Tuesday, Nov. 14 by deputies with the El Paso County Constable Office Precinct 3.

The Constables Office announced that it arrested Dominik Reyes, 22, after they received information that he had an active personal-recognizance bond revocation warrant for multiple counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child, indecency with a child sexual contact, and indecency with a child exposes with a total bond of $200,000.

Reyes was arrested at the 10200 block of Hedgerow after a traffic stop.

Reyes was booked into the El Paso County Jail with no further incident, according to the Constables Office.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
A new construction project is underway in Elk Grove, and it appears the intent is to bring a new Safeway grocery store to the Laguna Reserve Marketplace shopping plaza.

The store, planned for the southwest corner of Bruceville Road and Whitelock Parkway, will be approximately 57,000 square feet and is expected to be completed by late 2024, according to a city of Elk Grove building official contracted with CSG Consultants, a group specializing in commercial and urban development for public agencies.

Contractor Tilton Pacific Construction has started the grading of the site and some of the underground utility work, said Brian Frenger of CSG Consultants.

This location will be the third Safeway store in Elk Grove. The others are located on Laguna Boulevard and on Elk Grove Florin Road, the latter of which also includes a gas station. Frenger confirmed the Bruceville Road site will not include a gas station at this time.

The Laguna Reserve Marketplace property is owned by Roseville-based Gallelli Real Estate. An official with Gallelli Real Estate did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

Safeway parent company Albertsons Companies, Inc., has not yet confirmed the new store, which was first reported last week by the Sacramento Business Journal. The news outlet cited a leasing brochure posted online by Gallelli Real Estate that describe the supermarket as the planned anchored center of the Laguna Reserve shopping center, and which says the supermarket is coming soon.

After the 56,988 square-foot space is filled, there will be only two spaces remaining at Laguna Reserve, which are 1,210 and 2,000 square feet.

Here are other businesses located in the Laguna Reserve Marketplace:

 Starbucks

 Peony Palace

 Round Table

 Pink Nail N Spa

 Bank of America

 Matthews Mattress

 PetVet Care Centers

 Fresh Cleaners

 Images II Barber Shop

 J Relaxing Massage

 Oak Tree Dentistry

 Desi Diva Studio

 Preet India Market

 Cadence Bike Shop

 Paw Spa

 Pops Premium Meat Shop
Linguist and former far-right lawmaker Iryna Farion, currently investigated by security services, was fired from her position at Lviv Polytechnic University, Education Minister Oksen Lisovyi said on Nov. 15.

"The relevant order has been signed by the rector," Lisovyi said.

Farion, until recently a professor at the Ukrainian language department, sparked outrage when she said on Nov. 6 that she couldn't call Ukrainian soldiers Ukrainians if they speak Russian.

In response to these comments, students from Lviv Polytechnic University and other universities organized protests demanding Farion's dismissal.

"Students were, are, and will always be a powerful force of change and transformation," Lisovyi said.

"Students started the Ukrainian Revolution of Dignity, which put us firmly on the path of European integration."

Read also: EuroMaidan Revolution

The scandal around Farion's statements escalated after she allegedly received a message of support from Maksym Hlebov, a pro-Ukrainian student living in occupied Crimea.

Farion published the email, where Hlebov wrote down his hopes for the arrival of Ukrainian troops in Crimea and his personal information, on her social media, which reportedly exposed the student to Russian authorities and led to his arrest.

She received harsh criticism for this step, and Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) said earlier on Nov. 15 that Farion is under criminal investigation both for her statements about Russian-speaking soldiers and for leaking the message from Hlebov.

Farion, who is known for her controversial statements on the use of the Russian language in Ukraine, entered the ultranationalist party Svoboda in 2005 and served as a member of the parliament between 2012 and 2014.

Read also: Ex-MP Farion under investigation over student message leak, radical statements

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A controversial far-left prosecutor in Virginia who's received enormous backing from liberal billionaire George Soros has been defeated despite significantly outspending her opponent.

Loudoun County Commonwealth's Attorney Buta Biberaj, whom Soros has backed with nearly $1 million since 2019, lost to her Republican opponent, Bob Anderson, by 300 votes in a race that wrapped up counting its remaining ballots from last week's election on Tuesday evening, Fox 5 DC reported.

"We are finished. We are waiting for the certification. Our electoral board is working on signing abstracts, and reviewing paperwork," a Loudoun County election official told Fox 5.

GEORGE SOROS CIRCLES BACK TO VIRGINIA TO AID FAR-LEFT PROSECUTORS FACING DEM CHALLENGERS, FILINGS SHOW

Left-wing billionaire George Soros has spent over $900,000 backing Buta Biberaj from the Justice and Public Safety PAC.

Anderson ultimately garnered 68,068 votes while Biberaj received 67,768, Fox 5 reported.

"This is the closest Commonwealths Attorneys race in Loudoun history. Following the canvass process, Buta trails by just 300 votes out of more than 136,000 votes cast," Shannon Sankey, Biberaj's campaign manager, told the Fox affiliate. "This 0.22% deficit puts our campaign well within the margin for a recount in Virginia. Our campaign is reviewing the results and we expect to make a decision shortly on our next steps. Buta remains committed to protecting democratic rights and ensuring that every Loudoun residents vote is counted."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Anderson, who previously served in the position from 1996 to 2003, emerged victorious despite being significantly outspent by Biberaj. Virginia Public Access Project data shows that Biberaj dropped $1.1 million on the race - nearly 16 times more than the $70,356 Anderson had spent.

Throughout the race, the progressive prosecutor received help from outside groups such as the Working Families Party National PAC and the Soros-backed Justice and Public Safety PAC.

Biberaj has been among the many nationwide candidates boosted by cash from Soros in his bid to overhaul the criminal justice system.

SOROS FAMILY AND OTHER HIGH-PROFILE MEGADONORS HELPED FUEL THE POLITICAL CAREER OF NEW YORK AG SUING TRUMP

Buta Biberaj is on the verge of being ousted from her prosecutor position.

Since 2019, the Justice and Public Safety PAC has spent $926,000 backing her candidacy, which has gone into ad buys, literature and polling services. Between 2019 and 2022, Soros moved more than $2.4 million into the Justice & Public Safety PAC from his name and his Democracy PAC.

The Soros-fueled PAC has also spent significant sums backing other Virginia prosecutor candidates in recent years, two of which handily won re-election last Tuesday, including the unopposed Parisa Dehghani-Tafti in Arlington County and Steve Descano in Fairfax County, who faced a write-in challenge but ultimately won by nearly 149,000 votes.

Biberaj's office has repeatedly faced controversy since she started the job in 2020.

Last year, she was hit with a bar complaint after a circuit court judge booted her office from a criminal case for "deliberately misleading the Court and the public."

A Virginia judge also dismissed Biberaj from an appeal case in 2022, citing "concerns" over "impartiality." The case involved a Virginia father who was arrested while speaking out at a school board meeting after his daughter was sexually assaulted in a public school bathroom by a male student.

Biberaj has also faced allegations of using her office to target political opponents and came under fire for hiring a convicted sex offender as a paralegal.

A spokesperson for George Soros did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.





Original article source: Controversial George Soros-backed Virginia prosecutor ousted from office after final votes counted
Howard Steven Ault, who was convicted in 1999 of raping an 11-year-old girl in front of her 7-year-old sister before killing both, appeared in Broward court Wednesday after his latest bid to dismiss his legal team.

The 57-year-old awaits his third death penalty resentencing for the 1996 murders of DeAnn Emerald Mumin, 11, and Alicia Sybilla Jones, 7. Ault, already convicted of child sex crimes, befriended the girls mother, who was living out of a camper in Oakland Park.

Ault lured the girls to his Fort Lauderdale duplex with Halloween candy. He then raped and strangled DeAnn while Alicia, her younger sister, watched. After strangling Alicia to death, he stuffed their bodies in his attic.

The brief hearing in front of Broward Circuit Court Judge Martin Fein came after Ault sent the judge a letter complaining about his attorneys handling of witness depositions. Fein, in court, said Aults representation was not only competent but excellent.

Throughout his case, Ault has had tumultuous relationships with his multiple defense attorneys. He attempted to fire several of them  even, at some points, opting to represent himself.

FILE - Defense attorney Mitchell Polay talks with Howard Steven Ault on Aug. 13, 2007 during opening arguments in Aults sentencing phase.

Aults resentencing, which is now his third with the death penalty on the table, will begin with jury selection on Feb. 5. Fein also set a hearing for all pending motions on Dec. 19.

In 2017, the Florida Supreme Court granted Ault, who was on death row, a new sentencing hearing after it found that Floridas death penalty process was unconstitutional because it didnt require jurors to make a unanimous decision.

The jury in the 2007 resentencing recommended Ault be put to death in a 9-3 and 10-2 vote for the murders of DeAnn and Alicia, respectively.

Jurors in the first sentencing, which took place in 2000, decided to send Ault to the electric chair. But three years later, the Florida Supreme Court ordered a new sentencing over concerns about the jury selection process at Aults trial.

Now facing the possibility of being condemned to death row a third time, Aults fate will depend on eight jurors after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law that allows juries to recommend a death sentence with an 8-4 vote instead of a unanimous vote.

Before his original trial in the 90s, Ault claimed he wanted to waive his rights and die in the electric chair. He changed his mind a week later. He then asked to plead guilty in exchange for two life sentences, but a judge said that wasnt possible.

A case that shocked South Florida

DeAnn and Alicia were reported missing by their mother after they didnt return home from school. The girls, who were model students at Lloyd Estates Elementary School in Oakland Park, were well taken-care of, despite the grinding poverty their family faced. The girls, their mother and their 2-year-old sister lived in a small travel-trailer they parked in a wooded area when they could afford the $18-a-night camping fee.

When the girls didnt return home in November 1996, their mother went to Aults home and asked him about the girls whereabouts. He said he hadnt seen them. But three days later, police found their bodies in Aults attic  even though they searched the home the same day the girls mother reported them missing.

Ault, who had a history of at least five arrests in Broward County, was on probation for sexually assaulting a child at the time of the murders. Two of his past arrests were for child sex crimes.

After Aults arrest, police uncovered that he was a suspect in the attempted rape of an 11-year-old the previous year. If those charges had been filed, Ault may have been behind bars on the day he strangled the girls.

Throughout the years, Ault confessed to police, reporters and fellow inmates. He told investigators where to find the girls bodies and divulged details about how he cleaned up the girls blood and how he disposed of their books and clothes behind a West Palm Beach grocery store. He did the same with television reporters and wrote letters to newspapers, also confessing to other killings.

Howard Steven Ault is taken by bailiff to be fingerprinted on October 24, 2007, after Broward County Circuit Judge Marc Gold read his sentence, at Broward County Courthouse, for murder and sexually abusing two young girls. He was sentenced to death.

Thats why prosecutors  and defense attorneys  expected a guilty verdict in the short trial. His attorneys instead focused on casting more light into Aults mental state and disturbing history.

In an interview, Ault spoke openly about his urge to molest young girls and how it began after he was molested as a child by his older brother. His brother denies the allegation. At one point, he told psychologists that he had multiple personality disorder, and that one of his personalities, Richard, drove him to kill. Doctors said he was faking.

Ault was previously treated for clinical depression and paranoid-schizophrenia, though on Wednesday he told the judge today he hasnt been on any medications since 2015.

Letters to newspapers, including some sent to the Miami Herald, offer a glimpse into the convicted child killers mental state.

I am a demonical believer in the occult, I worship the prince of darkness and spirits that possess the inside of me, Ault said in a letter sent to the Herald decades ago. I will greatly pay for my failures, for Satan has told me so. I wish I could kill again to make up for my failures.

This report was supplemented with stories from the Miami Herald archives
A man already convicted of multiple sex trafficking crimes was arrested Tuesday on more sex trafficking charges, authorities say.

Marvin Pompilus, 39, of Stoughton, was charged with one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion.

In February 2018, Pompilus was convicted in Suffolk Superior Court of multiple counts of trafficking a person for sexual servitude and deriving support for prostitution, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office, District of Massachusetts. He was sentenced to six years in state prison and was released in October 2021.

Immediately following his release, authorities say Pompilus posed as a sex buyer and responded to a victims online ad for commercial sex. After arriving at the victims location, he allegedly recruited her to engage in commercial sex on his behalf.

During the next several months Pompilus allegedly used physical violence, threats of violence, and drug-based coercion to cause the victim to engage in commercial sex on a daily basis. Officials say he beat the victim regularly, strangled her, and even pointed a gun in her face all while never allowing her to seek medical treatment.

Pompilus also collected all of the money from her commercial sex customers.

According to charging documents, he forced one victim into commercial sex and victimized at least four others from 2021-2022.

For years, this man allegedly victimized numerous women. Upon his release after a six-year prison sentence on sex trafficking charges, it is alleged that Mr. Pompilus almost immediately returned to targeting and exploiting vulnerable victims to line his own pocket  regularly using violence and drugs to maintain control, said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. Sex trafficking is a heinous crime that inflicts unimaginable, long-lasting trauma  and its happening every day in our communities.

After an initial appearance in federal court, Pompilus was detained pending a hearing scheduled for November.

The charge of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

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In November 2020, 45-year-old Elisabeth Rehn was preparing for a bath when five Seattle police officers broke down her door and streamed into her apartment. She barely had time to throw a coat over herself when she was stormed by the officers, who shouted commands and pointed their guns at her.

However, the officers had no reason to enter Rehn's apartment. According to a lawsuit filed last month, the police had gone to the wrong address. They weren't even in the correct building.

"Even after [police] knew or should have known that they had broken down the door of the wrong apartment, in the wrong building, the Defendants still continued to needlessly search her apartment while Ms. Rehn trembled in fear," the complaint states.

According to The Seattle Times, the officers believed they were responding to a "crisis call" about an intoxicated man who may have been attempting to push someone out of a window. While other first responders were able to reach the correct address, a second group of officers ended up in a different apartment building, where they mistakenly stormed Rehn's apartment.

Body camera footage shows the officers kicking Rehn's door in and rushing into her apartment with guns drawn. The officers are also captured searching through her apartment while Rehn sobs and trembles in fear.

The officers' "actions put Ms. Rehn in mortal fear that she was going to be assaulted or killed in this incident through no fault of her own," reads the complaint. "She was about to take a bath in her own apartment at the time, had disrobed in preparation for getting into her bath and barely had time to throw on a large coat to cover herself before the Defendant officers who entered her apartment shouted commands at her and trained one or more firearms on her."

Rehn's lawsuit argues that the officers' forced entry into her home violated her Fourth Amendment rights and subjected her to "substantial mental and emotional distress, fear for her physical well-being, invasion of privacy, loss of privacy, and other related damages."

This is far from the first time that police have mistakenly stormed into the wrong address. Cops frequently invade homes without properly checking they have the right address, leading to damaged property and terrified residents. Further, tragedy has occurred countless times when police officers have raided the wrong house and ultimately killed an innocent person living there.

While the exact scale of the problem is unclear, between 2017 and 2020, Chicago police alone raided at least 21 wrong addresses. And unfortunately, as is true with most instances of police violence, officers who kill or injure innocent homeowners when they invade the wrong address are usually protected by qualified immunity.

The post Cops Stormed Into a Terrified Seattle Woman's Home. It Was the Wrong Address. appeared first on Reason.com.
Boo Hoo

As The New York Times reports, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is gearing up to launch new regulations on soot, which is the powdery, carbon-based dust linked to thousands of American deaths per year, particularly in communities of color. Soot causes particle pollution, one of the deadliest forms of air pollution; fossil fuel-burning industries like trucking, industrial farming, power plants, and energy are largely responsible for manmade soot emissions.

So it's not terribly surprising to see the EPA  which, under the Clean Air Act, retains the right to reassess soot limits every five years  move to tighten its reigns on soot emissions where it can. But per the NYT, corporations are none too pleased. For months now, they've argued that the renewed limits will be untenable, perhaps even forcing them to lay off workers or worse, and disastrous for the economy at large.

"The cost of complying with this regulation would fall predominantly on the private sector," reads a letter sent to White House Chief of Staff Jeffrey Zients last month, signed by dozens of leaders in soot-offending industries. "It would hinder the ability of our member companies to create jobs, innovate and invest."

There you have it, folks. Death, shmeath. Think of the economy!

Soot Sayers

The government, for its part, appears resolved to go through with the crackdown, arguing  in addition to the public health benefit of it all  that maintaining the soot status quo would actually hurt the economy in the long run.

As the NYT notes, though companies argued in that October letter that tightened regulations would "reduce GDP by nearly $200 billion" by 2031, the EPA estimates that the net benefits from averting soot-induced illness and death by reducing soot limits to nine micrograms per cubic meter from the standing 12 microgram limit would add up to a staggering $55 billion by 2023. (There's also a great deal of job promise in the renewable energy sector.)

Experts have also been careful to note that the economic benefits of the current soot status quo rarely trickle down to a company's surrounding community. As Catherine Garoupa, the executive director of a California-based air advocacy group, told the NYT, the industry is "generating wealth," but "not for the people that actually live in the valley and are breathing the air."

Companies have also called attention to a recent uptick in wildfires, arguing that they're being forced to shoulder the environmental burden of this increase in natural fires. And while wildfires are responsible for a large chunk of airborne soot, it's also true that recent wildfire increases are strongly linked to climate change  a modern reality that's been caused, in large part, by many soot-heavy industries, particularly the energy community.

As the saying goes: sometimes, you may just reap what you sow.

More on pollution: Humans Are Spiking the Level of Poisonous Mercury in the Atmosphere
It may not be the most glamorous topic, but soil moisture is essential for sustaining human life. Its what allows us to grow crops, and without it, we wouldnt have the grasslands that feed cattle and sheep.

A better understanding of soil moisture can help us use less water for irrigation and ensure that soils are more drought resilient  both of which are becoming more important as the impacts of climate change are felt around the world.

Thats why a technique that harnesses cosmic rays could prove to be invaluable.

Although its a relatively new method, its being explored by scientists around the world. Based in England, Cosmos-UK was set up in 2013, operated by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, with funding from the Natural Environment Research Council.

We make use of naturally occurring cosmic radiation, which can come from far in outer space, explains Dr. Jonathan Evans, project leader for Cosmos-UK.

This cosmic radiation interacts with the Earths atmosphere to generate particles called neutrons, explains Evans. The neutrons are really effectively scattered by the water in the soil, so we can count the number of neutrons to work out how much water there is in the soil.

Soil moisture can be measured in other ways  for example using sensors in the ground  but these can only analyze a small volume of soil, with the potential for large variations in readings between sensors, says Evans. Satellites cover much larger areas but can be affected by things like crop growth and may only give a reading every week or so, when the satellites pass over a particular area.

The cosmic radiation neutron sensing technique can measure soil moisture over a 200-meter radius, and in real-time, says Evans.

This data is really important for water resource managers, such as water companies and the Environment Agency, so that we can monitor both flood and drought risk, says Evans.

It also provides information to farmers on current growing conditions, and  for management of farm activities.

An image from a COSMOS UK research site in the Berkshire Downs, southern England. - COSMOS-UK, UKCEH

In 2016, Cosmos-UK expanded to India, where agriculture is heavily dependent on irrigation. Improved data on soil moisture could help farmers better manage their irrigation, making their water resources more sustainable, argues Evans. He adds that the research, carried out in collaboration with three Indian universities, has increased understanding of how the level of soil moisture can affect rainfall.

For a decade, the UNs joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture has also been working with cosmic ray neutron sensors, which it describes as a valuable tool for climate-smart agriculture.

The organization has trained hundreds of scientists around the world to use the technology, with researchers in countries including Sudan and Iraq saying it has helped them manage limited water resources.

Back in the UK, Evans says that the data collected by Cosmos-UK has revealed that drought frequency has increased slightly since the project began, which is linked to changing rainfall patterns.

Although we have a really good 10-year data set, its still actually a bit too short for statistical climate analysis, he says. But we can use those data in our climate models and land surface models to predict the soil moisture under future climate [which] enables us to predict the effects of climate change.

This story has been updated to correct the name of the Natural Environment Research Council.

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WASHINGTON - The Georgia prosecutor who charged Donald Trump with an illegal conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election said Tuesday he faces a trial next fall that could last through Election Day 2024.

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, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis told The Washington Post Lives Global Womens Summit.

Trump and his attorneys, who have accused Willis of political motivations, will likely object to a trial during the height of election season.

The Trump legal team is pushing to delay all four of his criminal trials past Election Day of Nov. 5, 2024.

If Willis' suggestion pans out, Trump would find himself in a courtroom during a fall campaign against Democratic President Joe Biden, if he wins the Republican presidential nomination.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee is working out scheduling issues for the complex case that involves the former president and 18 co-defendants.

Several defendants have now taken plea deals that included an agreement to testify for the state. They include three lawyers who were involved in efforts to overturn Trump's loss to Biden: Jenna Ellis, Sidney Powell, and Kenneth Chesebro.

An aide to one of Trump's co-defendants, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, said Willis is playing politics with the trial schedule.

"Fani Willis' admittance that this case is going to stretch well past the 2024 Election just further demonstrates how this entire fraudulent case is part of the Democrat Party and permanent Washington political class's attempt to keep Donald Trump out of the White House in 2024," said Giuliani political advisor Ted Goodman.

Goodman also noted that Willis is in Washington for a campaign fundraiser to help finance her district attorney's re-election campagn.

Fani Willis: political campaigns play no role in her decision making

In The Washington Post forum, Willis said the campaign plays no role in her decision making.

I dont, when making decisions about cases to bring, consider any election cycle or an election season," Willis said. "That does not go into the calculus. What goes into the calculus is: This is the law. These are the facts. And the facts show you violated the law. Then charges are brought."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When will the former president go to court in Georgia?
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava wants to kill the agreement to build a for-profit water park outside Zoo Miami that conservation groups say will be a disaster for endangered bats living in the nearby forest.

In a memo released Wednesday, Levine Cava asked Miami-Dade commissioners to cancel a Dec. 12 vote on the agreement her administration originally negotiated with Miami Wilds to extend development deadlines the project is set to miss later this year.

READ MORE: Theres a water park planned for Zoo Miami. Environmentalists say its a disaster

She also said Miami-Dade should take steps to cancel the Miami Wilds county lease on zoo parking lots that the commission endorsed in 2020 and again in 2022. Those votes came before court challenges and this years opposition campaign championed by the county zoos own spokesperson put the projects future in doubt.

At this time, as further detailed in this memo, it appears that the Lease will need to be rescinded to best safeguard the Countys interests and our communitys needs and objectives, Levine Cava wrote commissioners.

People wave their hands in support of speakers voicing opposition to Miami Wilds water park during the public comment portion of the Miami-Dade County Commission meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023. A planned vote was delayed, and its now slated for Dec. 12.

The memo solidifies a gradual change in position by Levine Cava on the Miami Wilds lease extension, which she first recommended commissioners approve in late August and then said she wanted to reconsider as the agreement faced intense criticism.

Opponents now include Ron Magill, the zoos locally famous communications director, who came out publicly against Miami Wilds in September.

Levine Cava promised commissioners a deeper dive this fall. In October, her office warned Miami Wilds the lease previously up for an extension was now in jeopardy over overdue payments and fallout from a lawsuit by conservation groups that froze needed federal approvals for the project.

READ MORE: Miami Wilds water park hits setback as county delays vote after environment warnings

In a February lawsuit against the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bat Conservation International, the Tropical Audubon Society and other conservation groups succeeded in having the National Parks Service say it erred in not conducting an environmental review before endorsing the Miami Wilds project.

The groups say the parking areas provide vital nighttime feeding grounds for bats.

The planned Miami Wilds water park project has been scaled down from a full-blown theme park over the years but it still includes water slides, a lazy river and dining options.

While Miami-Dade owns the zoo parking lots, the land was once federal property and Interior retains some oversight of commercial construction.

The Levine Cava administration contends that without the National Parks Service approval, the original Miami Wilds lease will be void. The legal setback was also cited in her first memo recommending the lease extension, which included provisions designed to keep the deal alive while trying to secure federal approvals.

The mayors new memo recommends commissioners take action that would kill the Miami Wilds agreement with developers Michael Diaz. Jr., Paul Lambert and Bernard Zyscovich.

Levine Cava is asking to withdraw the legislation up for a vote Dec. 12 approving the lease amendment that Miami Wilds needs to avoid missing development deadlines set to expire at the end of 2023. Levine Cava also said it was time to sanction Miami Wilds for alleged violations of the existing 2022 deal.

Ron Magill (far right), the communications director at Zoo Miami, leads a group of South Florida residents during a rally to convince the Miami-Dade commission to vote against the controversial plan to build the Miami Wilds water park next to Zoo Miami, on Saturday, November 4, 2023.

It is recommended that the County enforce all of its rights under the Lease for Tenants defaults including but not limited to terminating the Lease if Tenant fails to timely cure its defaults, Levine Cava wrote.

Miami Wilds denies violating the agreement and calls environmental opponents misguided in claiming the water park on paved parking areas would hurt the endangered Florida bonneted bat. They also said if Miami-Dade turned its back on Miami Wilds now, it would be unfairly reneging on a deal thats been in the works since the 1990s.

READ MORE: At Zoo Miami, Ron Magill draws a crowd. This time, to fight a zoo project: Miami Wilds

Miami Wilds remains in full compliance with its obligations under its lease with the county. The National Parks Service, through court filings, has already agreed to correct what it views as an error in its process for granting the release of deed restriction, developers said in a statement released Wednesday afternoon. On December the 12th, this item will come before the County Commission and we are hopeful that the county will allow the environmental assessment to be completed.

Miami Wilds won the right to negotiate the development deal after a county bidding process in 2013.

Commissioners could still choose to take a vote on the Miami Wilds amended lease at their Dec. 12 meeting, or they could follow the mayors advice and remove the legislation from the agenda. Commissioner Kionne McGhee, the item sponsor whose district includes the zoo site, was not immediately available for comment. McGhee had requested the mayors memo ahead of the Dec. 12 vote.

Lauren Jonaitis, conservation director at the Tropical Audubon Society, welcomed the memo and urged commissioners to reject construction on the zoo parking lots.

We are grateful to the Mayor for standing up for the environment, Jonaitis said in a statement. I do hope the Commissioners follow the Mayors lead. It would be great if we can begin to work together to permanently protect these environmentally sensitive lands.
A federal appeals court has dismissed an effort from environmental groups to prevent an oil rights drilling auction from proceeding without protections for an endangered species of whale.

Instead, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the Biden administration will have 37 days to carry out the auction for rights to drill in the Gulf of Mexico.

The litigation stems from action by the Biden administration that would have put stipulations on an upcoming oil and gas lease sale auction in the Gulf as part of an effort to protect the Rices Whale.

The administration said in August that it would shrink the sale and restrict ship activity in order to protect the whale, of which there are believed to be fewer than 100 remaining.

Chevron, the state of Louisiana and an oil and gas lobbying group sued over that action, and a lower court ruled in their favor, saying that the Biden administration needed to move ahead with the sale in just a few days.

Both the Biden administration and environmental groups appealed the lower courts move, with the Biden administration asking for more time while environmentalists wanted the restrictions that aimed to protect the whale.

The administration got more time, as it will now have 37 days to carry out the sale.

However, judges Edith Brown Clement, Catharina Haynes and Andrew Oldham, who are Bush and Trump appointees, dismissed the environmental groups challenge.

They found that the groups did not have standing in the case because they did not show that they will suffer certainly impending injury or that any such issues would likely be resolved by the court.

In response, George Torgun, an attorney with Earthjustice, warned of dire consequences for the whale.

This disappointing and unjustified ruling could be the death knell for the nearly extinct Rices whale, Torgun said in a written statement.

The oil industry fought tooth and nail to tear up basic measures to save one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world. This could be the difference between doing the bare minimum to save this species, and allowing it to vanish, he added.

On the other hand, the oil and gas lobbying group, called the American Petroleum Institute, hailed the court ruling as a win.

The U.S. Gulf of Mexico plays a critical role in maintaining affordable, reliable American energy production, and todays decision creates greater certainty for the essential energy workforce and the entire Gulf Coast economy, said a written statement from Ryan Meyers, the groups senior vice president and general counsel.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Courteney Cox is honoring her late "Friends" co-star Matthew Perry.

Cox, 59, posted a video Nov. 14 on Instagram that showed her and Perry, who died last month at age 54 in an apparent drowning, acting together in a love scene from the hit NBC sitcom.

Cox shared both the official scene that aired on "Friends" and outtake footage that showed her and Perry making jokes with the studio audience.

"I am so grateful for every moment I had with you Matty and I miss you every day," she wrote. "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 favorites."

To give a little backstory, Chandler and Monica were supposed to have a one night fling in London, Cox explained in her tribute. But because of the audiences reaction, it became the beginning of their love story.

She added, 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 and Perry played Monica and Chandler, platonic friends who later fell in love, married and welcomed children in the series.

Cox's tribute came just hours after former "Friends" Matt LeBlanc honored Perry on his own Instagram page.

Matthew, It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye. The times we had together are honestly among the favorite times of my life," LeBlanc wrote alongside a gallery of photos of the pair, who played roommates and best friends on "Friends."

He continued, 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 Ill never forget you. Never. Spread your wings and fly brother youre finally free. Much love.

LeBlanc concluded by joking, And I guess youre keeping the 20 bucks you owe me.

On Oct. 28, Perry was found unresponsive in his jacuzzi at his Los Angeles home, according to authorities. He was pronounced dead by Los Angeles City Fire Department officials responding to the scene.

Based on a preliminary investigation, detectives found no obvious signs of trauma and no signs of foul play. Perrys official cause of death is pending a coroners investigation.

Cox, LeBlanc and former co-stars Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer and Lisa Kudrow released a statement about Perry's death on Oct. 30.

We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family, the statement read. 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, the statement continued. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Mattys family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine named a task force to examine problems within Ohio's youth prisons and juvenile detention centers. The move came after an eight-month investigation by The Cincinnati Enquirer, Columbus Dispatch Canton Repository and Akron Beacon Journal revealed systemic failures, including escalating violence, serious injuries and chronic staff shortages.

The head of the union that represents prison guards panned Gov. Mike DeWine's plan to have a panel of experts examine problems within Ohio's youth prison and juvenile detention centers.

Christopher Mabe, president of the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association, said he is "appalled" that the governor's new panel doesn't include youth prison workers.

More: DeWine calls for group to examine problems at youth prisons after newspaper investigation

"To keep dusting people off from ages past, I would've thought these individuals had a chance to correct these issues when they were in charge and obviously, they didn't," said Mabe.

DeWine announced the task force following an investigation by The Cincinnati Enquirer, The Columbus Dispatch, Akron Beacon Journal, Canton Repository and other newspapers that found the juvenile prison and detention system is overwhelmed by violence and trauma and doesn't have enough employees to provide adequate security, education and mental health treatment for incarcerated children.

Employees and kids are injured  sometimes seriously  in fights and assaults that erupt without warning. Workers are struggling to maintain order and fear for their own safety. Within three years of leaving a state youth prison, four in 10 teens are incarcerated again in either the youth or adult system. And those who don't return to prison face a higher likelihood of dying an early death.

Mabe added, "All I can say is the task force will not come to immediate resolution to the problems that need to be resolved now."

Leading the governor's task force is Tom Stickrath, a retired state executive who led the Ohio Department of Youth Services during the Taft administration. Stickrath's management team at the time included Amy Ast, who now leads the youth prisons department. Stickrath recommended Ast as director and said he has confidence in her now.

Also, on the task force are two retired and one current juvenile court judges, four lawmakers, a juvenile prosecutor, and an academic.

Lancaster resident Tara Clark, whose 19-year-old son has been incarcerated since age 16, said the governor should include people with direct experience with the juvenile justice system.

The expertise are the moms and dads that have lived this nightmare and the kids who have lived this nightmare," she said.

Stickrath said he is considering getting input from people with "lived experience" in the system.

Oversight group to question youth prisons director

State Rep. Jean Schmidt, R-Loveland, who leads the Correctional Institution Inspection Committee, called a meeting of the bipartisan oversight group for Nov. 28.

Schmidt said she wants Ast to answer questions about how she plans to stabilize the Department of Youth Services and discuss how lawmakers can help. It'll be the committee's first meeting of 2023.

The committee inspects and issues reports on conditions inside Ohio's youth and adult prisons.

Federal officials are mum

The Gault Center, a national juvenile justice advocacy group, sent a letter outlining problems with Ohio's youth prisons and detention centers to federal justice officials in February 2022.

The U.S. Department of Justice's civil rights division didn't respond to the letter until after the newspapers began asking what happened to the inquiry. Federal officials met with The Gault Center in August.

A Department of Justice spokesperson on Tuesday said of the newspapers' investigation: We will consider the information in the report, as well as any other relevant information, in determining whether any action by the Justice Department is appropriate.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio Ken Parker declined to comment. Interim U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio Rebecca Lutzko did not return messages.

Laura Bischoff is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Union leader criticizes Mike DeWine's response to prison problems
Republican presidential candidate and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley was ripped by critics Tuesday after she vowed to require all social media users be verified in the name of "national security."

"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. Let us see why they're pushing what they're pushing. The second thing is every person on social media should be verified by their name," Haley said during an appearance on Fox News earlier in the day.

"First of all, it's a national security threat. When you do that, all of a sudden people have to stand by what they say. And it gets rid of the Russian bots, the Iranian bots and the Chinese bots. And then you're going to get some civility when people know their name is next to what they say, and they know their pastor and their family members are going to see it," she added.

KARI LAKE OFFERS SOLUTION TO REPUBLICAN ELECTION LOSSES, PREDICTS GOP VOTERS WILL SHOW UP FOR ONE MAJOR NAME

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley appears on Fox News on November 14, 2023.

Social media users quickly jumped on Haley, blasting her comments as "blatantly unconstitutional," and "completely unhinged." Those critics included her Republican primary opponents Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

"You know who were anonymous writers back in the day? Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison when they wrote the Federalist Papers. They were not national security threats, nor are the many conservative Americans across the country who exercise their Constitutional right to voice their opinions without fear of being harassed or canceled by the school they go to or the company they work for," DeSantis wrote.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

He went on to call her proposal "dangerous," and said it would be "dead on arrival" in a DeSantis administration.

DESANTIS BLASTS HALEY'S LEADERSHIP BY BRINGING UP GEORGE FLOYD TWEET: LEFT-WING MINDSET

Ramaswamy also referenced the Federalist Papers, and called her comments "disgusting."

"Heres what they would say to [Nkki Haley] if they were alive: get your heels off my neck & go back to England," he wrote, referencing a slight about her high heels she directed at him during the third Republican presidential debate last week.

"Nice try, Nikki. Anonymous speech is a core part of free speech  which the founders would know, since many of them (including Alexander Hamilton and James Madison) wrote anonymously," conservative activist Charlie Kirk wrote.

Digital strategist Greg Price joked Haley had "decided that enough was enough" after being "ratioed" over an X post about her high heels serving as "ammunition."

FORMER TRUMP AMBASSADOR, GOP SENATE CANDIDATE TOUTS PAST SUPPORT FOR PRIDE GROUP THAT PROMOTED GENDER IDEOLOGY

"Is Nikki Haley aware that the Federalist Papers were written by founding fathers using pseudonyms? Nikki Haley may be one of the most war-mongering and authoritarian candidates for president in some time. She's completely unhinged. This is blatantly unconstitutional," journalist Glenn Greenwald wrote.

Dan Caldwell, the vice president of the Center for Renewing America, also referenced the Federalist Papers, and added that "the ability to engage in anonymous speech has been a central pillar of the American conception of free speech since our founding."

Other users accused Haley of wanting "to eliminate free speech," called her comments "horribly authoritarian," and warned that her idea would lead to conservatives being fired from their jobs for expressing their opinions.

SEN. JOE MANCHIN ANNOUNCES HE WILL NOT SEEK SENATE RE-ELECTION

A number of staffers and supporters of DeSantis also took the opportunity to target Haley.

"I am no lawyer but isn't this blatantly unconstitutional? Free speech includes anonymous speech," DeSantis Rapid Response Director Christina Pushaw wrote while Noah Jennings, the Iowa political director of pro-DeSantis superPAC Never Back Down, suggested Haley might "expand the Patriot Act to police thought crime."

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Haley's campaign responded to the criticism in a statement to Fox News Digital, saying, "We all know that Americas enemies use anonymous bots to spread anti-American lies and sow chaos and division within our borders. Nikki believes social media companies need to do a better job of verifying users so we can crack down on Chinese, Iranian, and Russian bots. Thats common sense."

Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub .





Original article source: Critics rip Nikki Haley over vow to require all social media users be verified: 'blatantly unconstitutional'
The U.S. extended a sanctions waiver that critics slammed as tantamount to continuing to fund Irans disruptive activities as its proxies attack U.S. forces across the Middle East.

"It is absolutely outrageous the Biden Administration continues to find ways to send Iran money  especially from Iraq, where the same Iranian-backed militias who are targeting American forces increasingly run the show and are helping keep Iraq addicted to Iranian energy," Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., told Fox News Digital.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed an extension to the initial 120-day waiver that allows Iraq to pay for Iranian electricity through an escrow account, where it has so far deposited an estimated minimum $10 billion  all without fear of reprisal for potentially breaking any U.S. sanctions.

The waiver allows the payments so long as they go through Oman, where a portion is converted to euros or other widely-traded currencies for Iran to buy non-sanctioned products such as humanitarian aid. The State Department has insisted, as it did with the $6 billion held in Qatar, that the money can only be spent with U.S. approval. The department ended up quietly refreezing the Qatar-held funds.

INTERNAL STATE DEPARTMENT MEMO ACCUSED BIDEN OF MISINFORMATION ON ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR

A senior State Department official told reporters that the waiver "isnt a free pass for all this money to move," arguing it is a "layered" and "cumbersome" process with "significant reputational risk." The 120-day waiver, extended in July and again Tuesday, continues a program of 21 waivers started in 2018 under the Trump administration to provide Iraq access to the roughly 40% of energy it imports from Iran.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"Involving these entities that are well known to us, that we do a lot of outreach and coordination with, make us feel even more comfortable that kind of above the letter of the law," the official explained. "There is more oversight from a lot of different entities that don't want these funds to be misused for a variety of different reasons."

Richard Goldberg, a senior advisor at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and coordinator for the Trump administrations maximum pressure campaign on Iran, told Fox News Digital that the State Department issued the waiver as a balance for Iran agreeing to keep uranium enrichment below a 90% threshold  the point at which it reaches "weapons-grade" levels.

WOMAN IDENTIFIED AS STATE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE ACCUSES BIDEN ADMIN OF BEING COMPLICIT IN ISRAEL GENOCIDE

"An initial report from Reuters [said] the U.S. has authorized Iran to make a $2.76 billion payment to pay off various debts out of its cash sitting in Iraq, or bulk of that was debt to Turkmenistan for gas, and then also some various international organizations dues, other things that were not itemized at the time," Goldberg noted about the last Iraqi waiver in July.

"Maybe there's going to be a gas-for-oil swap if the U.S. allows," he continued. "The Iraqis are claiming that they've achieved that  Then there's reports where the Iranian side is saying, actually, the U.S. has authorized the Iranians to use any of the more than $10 billion that's sitting in escrow in Baghdad."

U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria have been attacked at least 27 times between Oct. 17-31.

"Everybody is focused on the $6 billion and, 'Is it frozen? What's happening there?'  But nobody was noticing the $10 billion over here," he added. "They are today."

Critics argue that the Biden administration should look to cut off or freeze access to all such accounts for Iran, whose proxies have carried out dozens of attacks against U.S. military personnel and assets across the Middle East.

BIDEN ADMIN'S VENEZUELA APPEASEMENT BACKFIRES AS MADURO SUSPENDS PRIMARIES FOR ALLEGED CORRUPTION

"This move by the administration is abhorrent and reprehensible," Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., told Fox News Digital. "Money is fungible and the administration should know better."

"We should not be giving Iran one cent because it will be used to fund Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis. All enemies of Israel and the United States," Daines added.

An image of an airstrike on the Maysulun weapons storage facility in eastern Syria. The airstrike was in response to a series of attacks on U.S. personnel in recent weeks in Iraq and Syria.

The Pentagon on Tuesday said it had counted 56 attacks on troops in Iraq and Syria since Oct. 17, with 59 U.S. personnel injured, 27 of them suffering from traumatic brain injury while the rest suffered non-serious injuries.

DETROIT-AREA JEWS TRAVELING TO MARCH FOR ISRAEL STRANDED BY ALLEGED BUS DRIVER SICK-OUT

Last week, the Iranian-backed Houthis claimed to have shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone near the Yemini Coast. The drone was reportedly surveilling Yemen when a Houthi militia fired at the equipment, estimated to cost about $30 million.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller pushed back against critics during a press briefing on Tuesday, stressing that "there is no country in the world where we deny access to food and medicine."

"That's true with respect to Russia. It's true with respect to Iran," Miller said. "It's true with respect to every country in the world. And it always has been. That is the policy of the United States."

"When it comes to holding Iran accountable for its destabilizing activities, I would remind you that we have imposed more than 400 sanctions on Iran since the outset of this administration," he added.

The State Department referred Fox News Digital to its press conferences Tuesday when asked for comment.

Fox News Greg Wehner and Liz Friden and The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: Critics slam Biden admin for waiver that gives Iran access to $10B fund: 'absolutely outrageous'
The 69-year-old Babis, who served as prime minister from 2017 to 2021, has always denied any wrongdoing, calling the trial 'a political process' (Michal Cizek)

Former Czech billionaire premier Andrej Babis will go back to court over an EU fraud case after an appeals court cancelled his acquittal, a specialised judiciary website said Wednesday.

The High Court in Prague scrapped the January verdict acquitting Babis because of "insufficient and wrongly used evidence", said the Ceska justice (Czech Judiciary) website.

"The case is now returning to the Municipal Court which has to decide again. The prosecutor originally proposed a three-year suspended sentence for Babis," it added.

Babis stood trial for helping take his Stork Nest farm south of Prague out of his giant Agrofert food, chemicals and media holding to make it eligible for a $2-million European Union subsidy for small companies.

He was charged by police in 2017 and indicted in March 2022 after parliament had stripped him of his immunity as lawmaker.

The 69-year-old Babis, who served as prime minister from 2017 to 2021, has always denied any wrongdoing, calling the trial "a political process".

The Municipal Court acquitted him in early January as he was running for president against former NATO general Petr Pavel, who won the run-off later that month.

The Slovak-born populist Babis, who is the fifth wealthiest Czech with fortune worth $7.5 billion according to Forbes magazine, was charged alongside his former aide Jana Nagyova.

He is also facing accusations that he served as a Communist secret police agent in the 1980s.

Babis currently sits as a lawmaker for his centrist populist ANO party, which narrowly lost a general election in 2021.

ANO still leads opinion polls with support topping 30 percent.

frj/mmp/giv
Ukrainian serviceman jumps on a self-propelled howitzer at a position on a front line in Zaporizhzhia region

PRAGUE (Reuters) - The Czech government said on Wednesday it froze Russian state-owned properties in the Czech Republic, expanding a sanctions list set up in retaliation for Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

The government press office said the EU country widened its national sanctions list to include a Russian company, which is controlled by the Russian presidential administration, and is in charge of managing Russian assets abroad. It did not name the company in the statement.

"Its income from operations serves directly for financing of the Putin regime," the government said in a statement.

"The company's commercial activities are as of today illegal, as well as circumventing and violating this sanction, and its entire assets in the Czech Republic have been frozen," it said.

In the Czech Republic, the Russian company manages a number of real estate properties, the Czech government said.

Diplomatic missions are excluded from the sanctions, news agency CTK quoted Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky as saying.

The Czech sanctions list goes beyond the EU's sanctions packages and includes six other entities or persons.

The Czech Republic has been among the strongest backers of Ukraine since the February 2022 full invasion by Russia.

Russia has said it acted in Ukraine to remove what it perceives as a potential threat to its own security.

(Reporting by Jan Lopatka in Prague; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
The Czech government has moved to freeze all Russian state assets in the Czech Republic, Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said in a Twitter post on Nov. 15.

"At my suggestion, the government today approved the freezing of Russian state assets in the Czech Republic," said Lipavsky.

Read also: Russia calls G7 decision to use Russian assets a self-inflicted gunshot and threatens retaliation

The commercial activities from which Russia finances the murder of Ukrainians ends here.

On Oct. 13, G7 countries froze $280 billion in Russian assets and have pledged to hold them until Russia war reparations to Ukraine.

Read also: US reconstruction expert on rebuilding Ukraine, and how to avoid corruption  interview

On Nov. 8, the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs approved a bill to direct frozen Russian assets towards Ukraine aid.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated that his country, together with the European Union, is assessing legal authority to direct $300 billion in frozen Russian assets toward rebuilding Ukraine and other needs.

Read also: Finland backs use of frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine

On Oct. 11, Belgian PM Alexander De Croo held a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which he announced plans to create a special fund to support Ukraine, amounting to EUR 1.7 billion this year.

Funds for this initiative will come from frozen Russian assets in Belgium. Zelenskyy noted that Belgium would be the first country to use Russian assets to support Ukraine.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Czechia froze real estate under the management of Russia's state agency overseeing state-owned real estate abroad, the Czech Foreign Ministry announced on Nov. 15.

The Goszagransobstvennost agency, subordinate to the Presidential Office, will also be banned from conducting any commercial activities on Czech territory.

It will not be allowed to sell, transfer, or lease the property under the agency's management, Czech officials said.

Revenues from Goszagransobstvennost's activities flow directly into Russia's state budget, the ministry pointed out.

"Commercial activities that Russia uses to finance the murder of Ukrainians end here," Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said.

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The agency is also involved in a number of economic activities with Russia's international partners and provides real estate in over 70 countries.

"On the European level, we will advocate for other states to take similar steps," Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said.

The latest sanction measure does not include Russia's diplomatic buildings in the country.

This is already the seventh item on the list of Czech sanctions imposed on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. On Aug. 16, Prague sanctioned Rostislav Zorikov, a son-in-law of Russia's chief missile engineer.

Read also: Czechia to prosecute pro-Russian activist who called for countrys de-Ukrainization

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One man faces a murder charge in the Oct. 15 shooting death of Jackson E. "Jack" Danner in his Topeka front yard while another is being sought as a second suspect, officials said Wednesday.

Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay announced he had charged Aaron Antonio Serrano, 32, on Nov. 7 with second-degree murder in the case.

Meanwhile, Topeka police asked for tips to help them find Tremale M. Serrano, 29, whom they said was the "second suspect" in Danner's killing.

Authorities weren't saying whether the two men are related.

A photo of Tremale Serrano was made public by Rosie Nichols, public safety communications specialist for Topeka's city government.

She asked anyone with information about Tremale Serrano's whereabouts to email Topeka police Detective Jason Judd at jjudd@topeka.org or to submit anonymous tips through Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007 or online at www.p3tips.com/128.

Tremale Serrano

What happened to Jackson Danner?

Danner was pronounced deceased after being found shortly after 9:30 a.m. Sunday lying in a front yard in the 1600 block of S.W. 21st, Nichols said. The site is just south of Washburn University.

A police investigation revealed Danner was the "sole tenant and owner" of the house where he was found, Kagay said.

"A search of the residence revealed evidence of drug and alcohol use, and indicated a gathering had possibly taken place," he said. "The investigation revealed that Danner had been pushed from the residence into the yard where he was subsequently shot and killed."

Aaron Serrano was identified as a suspect in Danner's death, then arrested Nov. 3 by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task in Clay County, Missouri, on an outstanding warrant charging in an unrelated felony case with crimes that included domestic battery, Kagay said.

He was extradited Tuesday back to Topeka, where he was booked into the Shawnee County Jail, Kagay said. He was being held there Wednesday on a $1 million bond on the murder charge and on a $5,000 bond in a separate case in which he faces Shawnee County charges of aggravated domestic battery, domestic battery, theft and criminal damage to property, jail records said.

Contact Tim Hrenchir at threnchir@gannett.com or 785-213-5934.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: One in jail, another being sought in Topeka killing of Jackson Danner
Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho ratcheted up his fight with the city of Sacramento over the homeless crisis, issuing a letter suggesting officials may face criminal liability for allowing unhoused citizens to live at a toxic site dubbed Camp Resolution.

The move is the latest in a series of efforts by Ho to force the city to take greater action to police the growing number of homeless camps throughout the city, and raises the suggestion that he may pursue misdemeanor prosecutions of officials for allowing a public nuisance at the former vehicle maintenance yard at 2225 Colfax St. in Old North Sacramento.

Providing shelter is an important part of the solution, and I have consistently advocated for the establishment of additional Safe Ground sites, Ho wrote in a letter to Sacramento City Attorney Susana Alcala Wood and prominent civil rights attorney Mark Merin, who runs a nonprofit group that leases the Camp Resolution site.

However, it is dangerous and deplorable to house the unsheltered on a toxic dumpsite where people are exposed to cancer-causing chemicals. To do so is not only inhumane but raises questions regarding criminal liability.

The presence chemicals found at Camp Resolution resulted in claims of over $3 trillion against the federal government over toxins at Camp Lejeune, N.C., according to District Attorney Thien Ho.

Comparison made to Camp Lejeune cases

Hos letter likens conditions at the Colfax Street site to contamination issues at the Marine Corps Base in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where the presence of the same chemicals found at Camp Resolution has resulted in claims of over $3 trillion against the federal government.

And Ho is demanding the city and Merins Safe Ground Sacramento nonprofit abate this public nuisance, and relocate the unhoused at Camp Resolution to a safe place, one that is not contaminated by cancerous causing agents.

A city spokesman said the city has received the letter from the District Attorney and is in the process of evaluating its contents.

Mayor Darrell Steinberg and homeless advocates involved with Camp Resolution have previously denounced Hos actions and accused him of playing politics with the issue.

Merin, who has championed the cause of helping homeless residents for years, called the letter a political stunt.

Its a diatribe from somebody who has no solutions, Merin said. He just wants to point to a problem of which everyone is aware. We have people living and dying on the streets.

Wed appreciate it if hed offer some solutions.

Merin also disputed Hos characterization of the site as a toxic dump, noting that it once served as a maintenance yard. There have been different studies, and one of the studies found the level of benzene is no different than whats found throughout the state, he said.

The location has been the subject of a lengthy fight between residents of the camp and the city, which tried to shut it down and planned a sweep of it in November 2022 until Councilman Sean Loloee, who represents the neighborhood, said the sweep was being postponed.

The city ultimately provided trailers for some residents and agreed to lease the site to Merins group in exchange for an agreement that campers would abide by safety regulations to prevent them from being harmed by chemical contamination.

Hos letter cites repeated safety violations of water board regulators requirements, saying that the city lease of the site to the group requires that residents of the camp live only on paved surfaces in vehicles.

His letter noted that the city received permission from the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board in January 2022 that permitted the safe parking of up to 50 vehicles at the site.

Tents are seen pitched on the ground at Camp Resolution on Colfax Street in Sacramento in October 2022. Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho is demanding that residents of the homeless Safe Ground be moved because of concerns that it is a toxic dump site.

Residents living in tents risk exposure to chemicals

The use of tents sitting directly on the ground was specifically and explicitly prohibited because it increased the risk of benzene vapors becoming trapped inside the tent and exposing its occupants to dangerous poisons, Hos letter noted.

Despite that, Ho wrote, city leaders have visited the camp and witnessed residents living in tents at the site, including a June 21 visit by Steinberg, who can be seen in a photo included in Hos letter talking to a resident in a tent on the ground.

This was three months after the lease was signed, Hos letter states. It is inhumane to knowingly have homeless people living on a toxic waste dump.

It is not compassionate to purposefully expose the unsheltered to poison.

Ho and city officials have been feuding over how to address Sacramentos growing homeless population for much of the year, and the district attorney sued the city in September in what he said was a bid to get officials to enforce city ordinances against camps blocking sidewalks and daytime camping at public buildings.

That suit is pending, and Ho has made clear in the past that he was investigating whether city officials may be criminally liable for how they have handled homeless issues.

Public safety for everyone, including the unhoused, is the core mandate of the district attorney, Ho wrote in a statement to The Bee. I have consistently advocated for additional Safe Ground shelter space, but it is dangerous and shameful to knowingly expose the unhoused to cancer-causing chemicals on a toxic dumpsite under the guise of housing them.

Before filing criminal charges for nuisance, the law requires us to provide notice and allow the offending parties to abate this dangerous condition. We have served the offending parties with notice.

Now, my office will carefully monitor whether the city and Safe Ground Sacramento will stop exposing the unhoused to Sacramentos version of Camp Lejeune. This criminal investigation is separate and apart from the pending civil lawsuit.

Danyell Mayberry, 42, adjusts a makeshift fence she has for her dog at Camp Resolution in November 2022. Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho is demanding that residents of the Safe Ground site run by a nonprofit group and leased from the city be moved because of concerns that it is a toxic dump site.

Charges can be filed over public nuisance

The D.A.s letter Tuesday cites the California Penal Code section that allows for misdemeanor prosecution for anyone permitting a public nuisance to exist on their property, and he asked in the letter for a meeting to discuss these issues and the steps necessary to achieve complete abatement of the nuisance activities occurring at Camp Resolution.

The city agreed to lease the 2.3-acre site to the nonprofit Safe Ground group rent-free as long as lessee develops, operates and maintains the premises as a Safe Parking Shelter and complies with the use restrictions, according to the lease.

The lease cites the presence of hazardous chemicals such as benzene, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene, and required Merins group to purchase a $2 million liability insurance policy.

Hos letter says regulations designed to protect residents from chemical contamination were not enforced and that, as of last week, there are still tents sitting on the ground.

Additionally, people are still living directly on the dirt area where toxic chemicals contaminate the ground and air, Ho wrote. The city, its leaders, its attorney and the nonprofit tasked with protecting our unhoused continue to look the other way and shift blame.

Ho also noted that water board officials have repeatedly contacted the city and Merin about safety violations at Camp Resolution.

In a series of emails starting in August of 2023, the city denies responsibility for the property and directs the water board investigator to Mr. Merin, Ho wrote. In turn, Mr. Merin directs the Water Board to members of the Sacramento Homeless Union and Mr. Merins nonprofit  Crystal Sanchez (the Homeless Union president) and attorney Anthony Prince.

The water boards inquiries to Ms. Sanchez and Mr. Price have been met with silence.

Sanchez and Prince did not respond to requests for comment, but Merin said he had been at the site Tuesday afternoon and saw no tents. He added that the camp is in compliance with safety regulations.

Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho is demanding that residents of the Camp Resolution homeless camp, seen in April, be moved because of concerns that it is a toxic dump site.

Water board asking about safety violations

As recently as Oct. 19, the water board was emailing Sanchez and Prince asking whether safety regulations at the site were being followed, according to emails obtained by The Sacramento Bee.

Have all enclosed tents on the ground been removed? engineering geologist Vera Fischer asked in an email. Do any of the trailers, RVs, etc. have skirting or barriers that prevent airflow to cycle fresh air into the space?

Is anyone camping or in an RV or trailer on the unpaved area of the property?

The email notes that the water board variance that allowed the site to be used as a camp expires June 1, 2024, and asks whether an extension will be requested.

We all want this to work, and we all have our individual goals, but we are all working to make this happen and share a common interest in the safe utilization of the property, Fischer wrote. You will need to demonstrate compliance with the variance if you want us to consider an extension of the variance.

In Hos letter, the D.A. also noted that the camp is in violation of the citys voter-approved Measure O, which required the city manager to authorize new emergency shelter space but prohibited the spaces from being within 1,000 feet of a school, day care center, library or playground.

Camp Resolution is located within 1,000 feet of both a licensed day care and playground, which is in direct violation of Measure O, Ho wrote. Sacramento City Attorney Alcala Wood and the city of Sacramento approved and entered into a lease agreement that directly violates their own ordinance.
TULARE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A Tulare woman has been sentenced to life in prison Wednesday without the possibility of parole for the murder of her husband last year, according to the Tulare County County District Attorneys Office.

On March 8, 2022, Pennie Henson Ince, 54, was arrested for the death of her 65-year-old husband.

DA: Tulare woman found guilty of first-degree murder

The District Attorneys office says on the day of the murder, Ince called the victims daughter, telling her that he needed an ambulance, and hung up. His daughter wasnt able get in touch with either Ince or her father, so later in the day she went to their residence with a family friend and found her fathers body in the entryway along with a shotgun in the living room.

Ince fled the area and evidence showed that she used the victims ATM card to withdraw $900 from an ATM after his death. Ince was located and arrested at a motel where she surrendered to authorities.

The DA says on October 18, 2023, Ince was found guilty of first-degree murder with the special

the circumstance of lying in wait and that she personally used a firearm to cause death.



For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com.
DALLAS - A North Texas man who murdered four people - seemingly at random - in 2020 will spend the rest of his life in prison.

Jeremy Harris pleaded guilty to committing four murders. This was a series of mostly random shootings that freaked people out, as someone was driving around and shooting innocent people.

In one case, he shot and killed SMU student Jaden Urrea in Downtown Dallas.

In another, he killed a man and burned down his home in Collin County.

Harris will spend the rest his life in prison, but that doesnt reverse the trauma for the families of his victims.

Urrea loved music. The SMU student was a regular at Deep Ellum open mics.

"He wanted to be an entertainment lawyer because he loved entertaining," his mother, Patricia, recalled.

After leaving a Halloween party in 2020, the 19-year-old was randomly shot and killed on Harwood Street.

"The worst moment of my life," his mother said.

Urreas mother, who lives in Indiana, looked her sons killer in his eyes and delivered a victim-impact statement after he pleaded guilty to four murders on Tuesday.

Harris will serve life in prison without parole.

"Part of the reason I wanted to be there was I was hoping he would maybe stand up and give some kind of explanation," Patricia said. "It couldnt have been that pointless or that senseless."

She says Harris never gave an explanation.

"It was surreal thinking Im looking into these eyes of this cold-blooded killer who seems to have no remorse, no soul," she said.

Two weeks after Harris killed Urrea, he shot and killed 36-year-old Adam Gautreau in Northwest Dallas, and then 30 minutes later, Harris shot and killed 57-year-old Kenneth Jerome Hamilton in Oak Cliff.

Days later, Harris fatally shot Blair Carter and set Carters Collin County house on fire.

"I hope you spend hour after hour, day after day, year after year, just crying with loneliness and frustration, and I hope you miss your freedom and your family until it hurts," Patricia said about Harris.

Urreas mother was flying to Dallas to visit her son the morning he was killed.

She did not learn of his death until she landed.

"I was flying in that morning just to spend a few days with him because I missed him," she recalled.

In the weeks after the random shooting, there were so many unknowns. Some of Urreas classmates distributed flyers, hoping for answers.

"He just loved life," his mother said.

Now, as the serial killer spends his life in jail, Urreas mother wonders what could have been of her sons life.

"He loved kids, he loved babies. He always talked about, Mom, I cant wait to be a dad one day," she said.

After Harris arrest, police linked him to non-deadly drive-by shootings in Dallas, Prosper, Frisco, and Denton.
Following last months federal raids on his grocery stores and homes, pressure is increasing on Sacramento City Councilman Sean Loloee to resign.

During Tuesdays council meeting, several Latino activists in North Sacramento went to the podium for the first time to urge Loloee to resign.

Alfonso Caro, a local activist with the Benito Juarez Association, said he has talked to Viva Supermarket workers who said if they complained about not receiving breaks they were legally owed, Loloee would threaten them with deportation. The allegations mirrored those made by U.S. Department of Labor officials in a civil federal lawsuit filed in April 2022.

You have no idea who is this man who is sitting here as a council member, Caro told the council in Spanish. Hes so dangerous ... In this city, the council members, because they have money, they can be above the law? This man threatened us. Thats why Im speaking here this moment.

Carolina Flores, retired social worker and activist, said workers have told her similar stories.

Ive heard stories about people being threatened, Ive heard stories of people being stalked, Flores told the council. People being followed into the night ... people have come up and told them, you better shut your mouth if you know whats good for you. These are elderly people. These are people who have very little money and very little power in this community and this is allowed to happen.

Throughout the public comments, Loloee shook his head and laughed. Several times he got up and left the chambers, patting the shoulders of Mayor Darrell Steinberg and City Manager Howard Chan on his way out. He did not give a statement at council and did not immediately respond to a message from The Bee seeking comment Wednesday.

Sacramento Democratic Party calls for resignation

In addition to the Latino activist groups, several influential Sacramento organizations are also calling on Loloee to resign.

The Democratic Party of Sacramento County Tuesday sent an email to the council calling on Loloee to resign, following a vote by members last week.

We believe that residents of District 2 deserve a council member who is not embroiled in scandal and whom they can trust, Andres Ramos, chair, said in an email to The Sacramento Bee. The recent raid on Mr. Loloees homes and businesses by federal agents related to allegations of wage theft, forced labor, child labor law violations, and human trafficking, in addition to ongoing ethical questions surrounding his residency, demonstrate that he has broken trust with his constituents and failed to uphold the standards that residents rightfully expect of their council member.

Last month Fabrizio Sasso, executive director of the Central Labor Council also called for Loloee to resign. Sasso went to council Tuesday to elevate that call. He also called on the council to censure him.

Its unprecedented in the history of this city that any council member has been subject to invest by multiple federal and state agencies, Sasso told the council. We understated no charges have been filed yet but ask yourselves this  would multiple federal agencies spend years and hundreds of thousands of dollars without cause? The City Council has a responsibility to hold their own members accountable for ethical concerns and misconduct.

Loloee told The Bee last month he does not plan to resign. Loloee does not plan to run for re-election, sources told The Bee, but his term does not end until December 2024.

Steinberg could remove him from boards and commissions. Loloee currently sits on the Sacramento Regional Transit Board and the councils Personnel and Public Employees Committee. Steinbergs Chief of Staff Mary Lynne Vellinga declined to comment on whether Steinberg is considering removing Loloee from those bodies.
Paul Pelosi attack suspect David DePape admitted in federal court Tuesday that he struck the former House speakers husband in the head with a hammer at full force after breaking into the couple's San Francisco home last year.

DePape, who got emotional and cried on the stand before recounting the Oct. 28, 2022 incident, also revealed he thought Paul was dead after the attack until he learned he was being charged by the state of California for attempted murder.

The 43-year-old told the court that he wasnt planning to hurt Paul Pelosi, but ended up striking him once on the head after he tried to grab his hammer in the presence of responding police officers. DePape testified that he felt bad about it afterward and said he would apologize to Paul Pelosi if he was there in the courtroom today.

DePape faces life in prison if he is convicted on charges of 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 the performance of their duties, to which he has pleaded not guilty.

PAUL PELOSI TESTIFIES IN TRIAL OF MAN ACCUSED OF BRUTALLY ATTACKING HIM WITH HAMMER INSIDE HOME

Paul Pelosi testified himself Monday in DePape's trial, saying, "The door opened and a very large man came in with a hammer in one hand and some [zip] ties in the other and he said, 'Wheres Nancy?' as I think that woke me up.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"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," the 83-year-old said.

Pelosi, 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.

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.

NANCY PELOSI SERVED SUBPOENA RELATED TO CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL CASE

Police bodycam video captured the alleged assault on Paul Pelosi by David DePape in San Francisco on Oct. 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.

In his testimony Tuesday, DePape says he didnt hit Paul Pelosi because of anything his wife had done and wanted to speak to her about corruption in Washington, D.C., whom he said Paul appeared remorseful about.

DePape said he had a list of targets he wanted to pursue, which included California Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff, Tom Hanks, former U.S. Attorney General William Barr, Hunter Biden, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and an individual referred to in court as Target 1, whom DePape claimed was a published "pedo-activist" who advocates for cross-generational encounters between adults and children.

DePape said he considered going to Target 1s house first, but it was hard to gain entry, so he went to the Pelosi house instead.

DePape also testified that he knew it was a possibility that he would commit violence against Nancy Pelosi when he broke into the home.

Fox News Louis Casiano and The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: David DePape admits hitting Paul Pelosi with hammer after breaking down on stand
Two People Charged with Kidnapping an Underage Girl and Forcing Her to Have an Unwanted Abortion Across State Lines NEWS PROVIDED BY

Stanton Public Policy Center

Nov. 15, 2023



BOISE, Idaho, Nov. 15, 2023 /Christian Newswire/ -- Court records reveal an Idaho woman and her son have been charged with kidnapping after prosecutors say they took the son's minor girlfriend out of state to get an abortion.



"According to court documents, the girl said she was 'happy' when she found out she was pregnant, but her boyfriend was not  warning that he would not pay for child support and that he would end their relationship.



"The boyfriend's mother later demanded the girl not to tell her parents and threatened to 'kick her out of their house' if she did." -- Associated Press



Stanton Public Policy Center says this deeply troubling case demonstrates the danger and criminality of abortion trafficking, forced and coerced abortions, protecting predators and rapists, and abortion abuse.



Stanton Public Policy Center is currently working with local Idaho law enforcement and state and federal legislators to address the alarming rise of abortion abuse.



Stanton Public Policy Center is a women's advocacy and educational group that works on issues of human rights and justice which empower and inspire women. It is affiliated with Stanton Healthcare which has life-affirming women's health clinics in America and internationally.



Brandi Swindell, Founder and CEO of Stanton Healthcare, states: "The tragic and heartbreaking news that an Idaho girl was kidnapped, taken across state lines to Bend, Oregon, and forced to undergo an abortion is nothing short of abuse. This criminal behavior, which has unfortunately become normalized, is a reminder of what millions of women experience...abortion abuse.



"Statistical evidence clearly shows unwanted and forced abortions are an epidemic in our nation. The Lozier Institute conducted a survey of more than 1,000 American women between the ages of 41 and 45, including over 200 women who acknowledged having had abortions. The results concluded nearly 70% of the women who had abortions described them as being coerced, pressured, or inconsistent with their own values and preferences.



"Abortion on demand has created an 'undue burden' on women who are often pressured into unwanted and forced abortions. This occurs most often by someone they trust, which is typical of other forms of abuse. At Stanton Healthcare, we stand with women, and we believe their stories. Abortion trauma is real. Abortion abuse needs to stop.



"We believe a day of reckoning is coming for women, and it starts with proper reporting, law enforcement and the courts taking the criminal behavior of abortion abuse seriously, and with women and girls bravely coming forward with their abortion abuse stories. We applaud Idaho police, prosecutors, and lawmakers for protecting this 15-year-old girl from her abusers. Our hope is that this builds a path of protection moving forward for women and girls across the state and nationwide.



"Our message is clear: Stanton stands with abortion abuse survivors. Forced, coerced, or pressured abortions are abusive and criminal. We are working to ensure that the full weight of the law is upheld to protect women and to prevent forced abortions, end abortion abuse and trafficking, and bring sexual predators to justice." Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Chief Strategy officer for Stanton Public Policy Center, adds: "This tragic case from Idaho clearly shows the danger and criminality of abortion trafficking, forced and coerced abortion, protecting predators and rapists, along with the reality of abortion abuse.



"Stanton Public Policy Center is currently working with local Idaho law enforcement and state and federal legislators to address this alarming rise of abortion abuse. We will not be silent or indifferent while women are being trafficked and forced into unwanted abortions." For more information or interviews call:



Rev. Patrick Mahoney at 540.538.4741



SOURCE Stanton Public Policy Center



CONTACT: Rev. Patrick Mahoney, 540-538-4741



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Photo: The Canadian Press

Americans cut back on retail spending in October, ending six straight months of gains, though the decline was partly driven by falling prices for both gasoline and cars.

Retail sales declined 0.1% last month after jumping a strong 0.9% in September, according to a report released Wednesday by the Commerce Department. September's figure was revised higher from an initial report of a 0.7% gain. Excluding sales of gas and autos, retail sales ticked up 0.1%.

The figures reflect a slowdown in consumers' willingness to spend after a blowout summer. Consumer spending jumped in the July-September quarter, but economists forecast it will slow in the final three months of the year, as credit card debt  and delinquencies  rise and average savings are falling.

Online spending rose 0.2% last month, according to the report. Sales at general merchandise stores fell 0.2% and sales at home furnishings and furniture stores plunged 2%.

Recent U.S. data has revealed that a surge in consumer spending has fueled strong growth and its resilience has confounded economists, the Federal Reserve, and appear to contrast the sour sentiments that Americans themselves have expressed in opinion polls.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  David DePape tearfully testified on the witness stand for his federal trial Tuesday with three supporters listening in the courtroom gallery.

DePapes ex-wife, Gypsy Taub; his 20-year-old son, Nebosvod Sky Gonzalez; and 18-year-old son have attended every day of the trial to see first-hand the governments case against him.

Prosecutors said DePape intended to kidnap and hold Nancy Pelosi hostage when he broke into her house in San Francisco on Oct. 28, 2022, days before the midterm elections, and bludgeoned Paul Pelosi with a hammer. The former U.S. House Speakers husband was never my target, and Im sorry that he got hurt, DePape testified.

David DePape cries while testifying at his federal trial on Nov. 14, 2023. (Courtroom sketch by Vicki Behringer)

DePape testified for more than an hour, recounting how his political leanings went from leftist to right-wing after reading a comment on a YouTube video about former President Donald Trump. He did not deny attacking Paul Pelosi with a hammer, saying he reacted after realizing his larger plan might be unraveling.

DePape testified that he went to the Pelosis home to talk to Nancy Pelosi about Russian involvement in the 2016 election. He planned to wear an inflatable unicorn costume and upload his interrogation of her online, DePape told the jury.

Paul Pelosi leaves the Phillip Burton Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in San Francisco after testifying in the federal trial of David DePape on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023. (AP Photo /Noah Berger)

I reacted because my plan was basically ruined, DePape said when asked why he hit Mr. Pelosi.

If convicted, DePape faces life in prison.

Gypsy Taub, a nudist activist who was married to DePape for several years, told KRON4 outside the courthouse that she believes the federal trial is a sham riddled with fabricated video evidence and false confessions.

Taub said her ex-husband never cries, and his tearful confession on the stand was likely coerced. This is a joke of a trial. I believe that the evidence against him is false. I believe that this is a big coverup. I noticed an enormous amount of inconsistencies, Taub told KRON4.

I interviewed Gypsy Taub outside the San Francisco courthouse during his federal trial. She is the mother of David DePapes children and his ex-wife. She believes DePape was forced to make false confessions to police, and when he testified on the stand today. pic.twitter.com/83ejbGb89f  Amy Larson (@AmyLarson25) November 14, 2023

Taub was also critical of DePapes defense team, who declined to cross-examine Paul Pelosi when he was on the stand Monday.

Paul Pelosi delivers chilling testimony in DePape trial

During direct examination, Paul Pelosi testified that he was woken up by a very large man who entered his bedroom holding a hammer in one hand, and zip ties in the other. The intruder asked, Wheres Nancy? Mr. Pelosi testified. Mr. Pelosi said he realized he was in serious danger and called 911.

San Francisco Police Department officers body cameras recorded the moment that DePape swung a hammer at Paul Pelosis head and gravely injured the 83-year-old man.

Taub told KRON4, I cannot believe Paul Pelosi was not cross-examined. If she was on the defense team, Taub said she could have shredded Paul Pelosis testimony apart with cross-examination questions.

US Representative Nancy Pelosi and Paul Pelosi arrive for an official State Dinner at the White House on June 22, 2023. (Photo by STEFANI REYNOLDS /AFP via Getty Images)

DePapes eyes twitched with nervous tics while he testified. His son, Nebosvod Sky Gonzalez, told KRON4 that he was home-schooled by his father. He would take us to the park just about every single day. He was a very kind person. He believed in non-violence and non-violent solutions to problems.

He was a well-calculated person. To me it seems very weird that he would come up with such an illogical plan that makes no sense at all, DePapes son said.

David DePapes son, Nebosvod, says his father was framed. The whole Pelosi home invasion hammer attack plan described by prosecutors doesnt make any sense, the son told me outside the courthouse today. @kron4news pic.twitter.com/B55L55CStw  Amy Larson (@AmyLarson25) November 15, 2023

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.

Defense attorneys argued that DePape was not seeking to go after Nancy Pelosi because of her official duties as a member of Congress, and therefore he is not guilty of the charges.

An FBI agent testified Monday that agents found body cameras and two rainbow unicorn costumes DePape ordered on Amazon between July-October 2022.

David DePape testifies at his federal trial in San Francisco on Nov. 14, 2023. (Courtroom sketch courtesy Vicki Behringer)

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.

Defense attorney Jodi Linker said her client believed in right-wing and QAnon-inspired conspiracy theories. DePape believed he was taking action to stop government corruption and the erosion of freedom, Linker said. According to DePapes defense team, he went on a misguided crusade against powerful people  including Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Adam Schiff, George Soros, Hunter Biden, and Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The jury listened to a recorded phone call DePape made from jail to a Bay Area news station after he was arrested. In the jail call, DePape said, I have an important message for everyone in America: Youre welcome. The tree of liberty needs watering. Im so sorry I didnt get more of them. I should have come better prepared.

DePape took a far more apologetic tone on the stand Tuesday. Mr. Pelosi underwent surgery to repair a skull fracture he suffered from the attack. After a neurosurgeon testified and described the extent of Mr. Pelosis injuries, DePape said he felt really bad.

When asked what she would like for people to know about David DePape, Gypsy Taub answered, "He's very broken, so I can see him being confused about certain issues. But I know for a fact that he did not do what he is accused of." pic.twitter.com/yMHNO3Hb2Z  Amy Larson (@AmyLarson25) November 15, 2023

When asked what she would like for people to know about DePape, Taub answered, David is a beautiful human being. Hes very broken, so I can see him being confused about certain issues. But I know for a fact that he did not do what he is accused of. I dont believe anyone deserves to go to prison for crimes they did not commit.

The prosecution and defense rested their cases Tuesday afternoon. Closing arguments will begin at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, followed by jury deliberations.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
On November 15, 2017, Leonardo's da Vinci's "Salvator Mundi" sold for a world-record $450 million in a Christie's New York auction. File Photo by Dennis Van Tine/UPI

Nov. 15 (UPI) -- On this date in history:

In 1791, Georgetown University, in what is now Washington, D.C., opened as the first Roman Catholic college in the United States.

In 1864, Union General William Tecumseh Sherman's March to the Sea begins with the burning of Atlanta.

File Photo by Library of Congress

In 1920, the first assembly of the League of Nations was called to order in Geneva, Switzerland. The league dissolved after 1946 and was replaced by the United Nations.

The official opening of the League of Nations takes place on November 15, 1920, in Geneva, Switzerland. File Photo courtesy United Nations

In 1926, the NBC radio network made its debut. NBC sold the network to Westwood one in 1987.

In 1943, Heinrich Himmler ordered that Romany be placed in Nazi concentration camps. Up to 500,000 Romany died during the Holocaust.

German troops round up Romany for deportation in May 1940. File Photo courtesy of the German Federal Archives

In 1969, more than 500,000 people demonstrated in Washington against the Vietnam War.

In 1984, 5-week-old Baby Fae died after her body rejected the baboon heart she had lived with for 20 days at California's Loma Linda University Medical Center.

A rainbow is seen over a woman as she walks through Georgetown University's campus in Washington, D.C., on November 19, 2015. On November 15, 1791, Georgetown University opened as the first Roman Catholic college in the United States. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

In 1987, 27 people were killed in the crash of Continental Airlines Flight 1713, a DC-9 jet taking off from Denver in a snowstorm.

In 2004, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell submitted his resignation.

On November 15, 2007, Cyclone Sidr, with winds of more than 150 mph, slammed into the southwestern Bangladesh coast, killing more than 3,400 people. Tens of thousands were injured and 1 million people were homeless. File Photo by Julius Hawkins/U.S. Navy

File Photo by Roger L. Wollenberg/UPI

In 2007, Cyclone Sidr, with winds of more than 150 mph, slammed into the southwestern Bangladesh coast, killing more than 3,400 people. Tens of thousands were injured and 1 million people were homeless.

A fire in a high-rise Shanghai apartment building, primarily a home for teachers, killed more than 40 people and injured dozens on November 15, 2010. File Photo by {link:Peijin Chen/Flickr:"https://www.flickr.com/photos/cpj/5178106136/" target="_blank"}

In 2010, a five-story building, in New Delhi that housed migrant workers collapsed killing at least 58 people, with 65 others hurt and many more feared buried in debris.

In 2017, Leonardo's da Vinci's Salvator Mundi sold for a world-record $450 million in a Christie's New York auction.

In 2020, SpaceX and NASA made history as four astronauts launched to the International Space Station, the first via a Falcon 9 rocket.

In 2022, the world population reached 8 billion people, a milestone despite the population growing at its slowest rate since 1950.

File Photo by John Nacion/UPI
DC mayor refuses to watch viral video of kids debating which crimes they'd 'rather' commit: 'wasting my time'

Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser seemingly shrugged off a viral video that shows a group of teenage boys allegedly in the nation's capital debating crimes and felony charges, such as murder and armed carjacking.

"I won't be wasting my time watching that," Bowser told Fox 5 DC this week of the viral video. "If it is an accurate video, I'm not sure what I would do with that information."

Fox News Digital has reached out to the mayor's office multiple times since Monday, both via email and by phone, inquiring if Bowser had any comment on the video or if she had even seen it but did not receive a response.

The video was shared over the weekend on social media sites Instagram and X, with commenters alleging the footage captured a gaggle of teenage boys in Washington, D.C., arguing about what crime they would "rather" commit.

VIDEO ALLEGEDLY SHOWS DC TEENS WEIGHING CHARGES OF CRIMES THEY PLANNED ON COMMITTING

Newly-appointed Police Chief Pamela A. Smith, alongside Mayor Muriel Bowser, speaks at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C., on July 17, 2023.

"He's saying he'd rather commit murder than armed robbery  armed robbery is what we're doing," one teenager in the video is heard saying.

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"It's armed robbery and an armed carjacking  it's both of them combined, that's higher than murder," another boy responded as they talked over each other.

The video obscures the boys faces, only showing them standing on what appears to be a street corner at night and wearing face masks.

DC PRE-TEEN ALLEGEDLY ATTEMPTS TO CARJACK ARMED, OFF-DUTY-FEDERAL OFFICER, 13-YEAR-OLD KILLED IN GUNFIRE

"You're taking a human life," the first male in the video continues. "You'd rather take a human's life and get life than rob someone and get 10 to 12 years."

Another male off camera argues that a murder charge would also include a "gun charge, possession of a gun, murder, first-degree murder  that's like eight charges in one case."

The video has racked up more than 360,000 views on X and nearly 6,000 likes on Instagram.

Washington, D.C.

"That's dumb...you'd rather take a human's life and get life than rob someone and get 10-12 years," one of the teens says as the video ends.

The video sparked condemnation and shock from commenters on social media, with many describing being saddened by the kids' casual conversation about violent crimes.

WASHINGTON POST EDITORIAL BLASTS DC CRIME POLICIES FOR MAKING IT HARDER TO CATCH CARJACKERS

"This is more serious than just the crimes being committed," Sen. Josh Haweley's communication's director Abigail Jackson posted on X. "A generation of kids in DC are casually talking about killing or robbing someone as if theyre deciding what candy they want at the movies. Serious psychological problems."

"'Criminals don't pay attention to what the law says,'" the Manhattan Institute's Charles Fain Lehman posted.

Other commenters called the video "real sad," asked where the kids' parents were and noted that at least one of the teens in the video still sounded like a "lil boy" who had not yet gone through puberty.

The video comes as violent crimes, stretching from homicide to robbery, have spiked this year in the nation's capital.

Crime in the city has even affected political leaders and their families. A U.S. Secret Service agent assigned to protect President Bidens granddaughter Naomi, for example, opened gunfire on Sunday in Georgetown in response to an attempted car break-in. Texas Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar was carjacked by three armed attackers near the U.S. Capitol last month, and Democratic Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig was attacked by an "erratic" man suspected to be high on a drug in the elevator of her Washington, D.C., apartment building back in February, police said at the time.

CONSERVATIVES SOUND ALARM ON DC CRIME CRISIS AFTER HOUSE DEM CARJACKED: 'SOFT ON CRIME POLICIES'

Metropolitan Police Department vehicle in Washington, D.C.

All in, violent crime in Washington, D.C., has spiked by 39% as of Nov. 13 compared to the same time period in 2022, police data show. Homicides alone have spiked by 32% when compared to 2022, and motor vehicle thefts by a staggering 98% when compared to the same time period last year.

UNSOLVED HOMICIDES, YOUTH CRIME IN DC DRIVEN BY ANTI-POLICE RHETORIC: NATIONAL POLICE ASSOC. SPOKESPERSON

Juveniles have increasingly been arrested for crimes, with a report from the Washington Free Beacon in September finding 63% of carjacking arrests involved youths. Teenagers have also been arrested in a handful of homicide investigations, including a 17-year-old this week who was arrested for allegedly killing a 14-year-old, and a 17-year-old and 16-year-old who were arrested earlier this month for allegedly fatally shooting another teenager.

In the first nine months of this year, Washington, D.C., police arrested 458 juveniles for robbery, homicide or assault with a dangerous weapon, according to data from the mayor's office.

Bowser declared a public emergency on Monday to address the increase in crimes committed by youths, as well as the city's separate opioid crisis.

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The order will allow the city to procure "additional placements for youth at shelter homes, group homes, supervised independent living facilities, secure facilities, residential treatment centers, psychiatric residential treatment centers, and foster homes;" and to engage in "cooperative agreements for programs and placements for detained and committed youth, including rehabilitative, therapeutic, substance-abuse, and trauma-informed programs."

"Again, I need to emphasize how much the community needs to come together on this issue of young people involved in crime," Bowser said Monday, according to Fox 5. "We need parents and caregivers to make sure they know where their teenagers are and what theyre doing. If you need help with your child, you need to reach out."





Original article source: DC mayor refuses to watch viral video of kids debating which crimes they'd 'rather' commit: 'wasting my time'
A two-vehicle crash in Long Beach, California, split one car in half and claimed the life of a pedestrian, police said.

The Long Beach Police Department responded to the scene of the horrific crash on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) near Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard around 5:50 p.m. Monday, FOX 11 Los Angeles reported.

At the scene, officers found an injured man who had been struck while waiting on the sidewalk for a bus, per the outlet.

CALIFORNIA WOMAN, 27, FOUND DEAD IN LAGUNA BEACH ALLEY STEPS FROM WORK: REPORT

One of the two cars involved in the Long Beach crash Monday was split in half. One of the car's occupants was taken to a nearby hospital, while 50-year-old Carlos Ceron, who was waiting for a bus, was reportedly killed in the crash.

The man, later identified as 50-year-old Long Beach resident Carlos Ceron, was pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene a short time later.

Footage from the scene showed that a bus bench was ripped from the ground in the crash, per KNX News 97.1 FM.

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JEWISH GROUP IN CALIFORNIA HOLDS PROTEST CALLING FOR CEASE-FIRE IN ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR

One of the two drivers reportedly fled the scene of the deadly crash. It is unclear whether that driver has been apprehended.

ONE IN SIX TEENS ADMITS DROWSY DRIVING, SURVEY FINDS: IT'S 'IMPAIRED DRIVING, UNEQUIVOCALLY'

A preliminary investigation, per a police statement obtained by KNX News, revealed that a 20-year-old man driving a 2010 Nissan 350Z was traveling at a "high rate of speed" eastbound on the PCH.

A 50-year-old woman driving a 2017 Jeep Cherokee Westbound on the highway reportedly made a left turn onto Martin Luther Kind Avenue in front of the man's Nissan.

"The Nissan collided with the Jeep and then struck a traffic signal pole," police wrote.

The driver of the Nissan was immediately hospitalized, police said. The Jeep driver refused medical attention.

Speed was a factor in the crash, and it does not appear that impairment was involved, police told FOX 11.





Original article source: Deadly California crash splits car in half, kills pedestrian on sidewalk
One of wildlife conservation officials most dreaded scenarios seems to be panning out in Yellowstone National Park.

A deadly contagious disease with no cure was detected  for the first time ever  in a mule deer buck that died in southeastern Yellowstone National Park, officials said in a Nov. 14 news release.





The buck had died mid-October on the Promontory, a landmass that separates the South and Southeast arms of Yellowstone Lake, officials said. Wyoming game and Fish Department staff had previously captured the buck for a population dynamics study in March 2023 near Cody, Wyoming and fitted it with a GPS collar, so officials were able to locate its body to collect samples which tested positive for chronic wasting disease.

What is chronic wasting disease?

Chronic wasting disease is a contagious, fatal disease of deer, elk and moose caused by a malformed protein (prion) for which there is no vaccine or known treatment, officials said. The malformed prion protein accumulates in the animals brain and other bodily tissues and causes physiological and behavioral changes, emaciation and death.

Animals infected with CWD will grow listless, lose weight, drink and urinate more, drool excessively and hang their head, officials said. Its passed directly from animal-to-animal or indirectly when the animal comes into contact with the disease particles in the environment, such as in feces, soil or vegetation.

The disease is already found in most of Wyoming after it started spreading across the state in the mid-1980s, officials said. Wildlife conservation officials estimate about 10-15% of the mule deer near Cody  which migrate into southeast Yellowstone during the summer  are infected.

There are between 1,850 and 1,900 mule deer  also called blacktail deer  in northern Yellowstone during the summer, though most of them do not stay in the park all winter, according to the National Park Service. Theres less than 400 during the winter.

Mule deer are an exclusively western species seen in open-brush country throughout the western U.S.

Officials arent sure what the long-term effect will be on deer, elk and moose in the Yellowstone area. Once the disease gets established in a certain area, there is no effective strategy to eradicate it, officials said.

Yellowstone staff are working with state agencies, including the fish and game department, to identify areas that are at an increased risk for chronic wasting disease, officials said. Officials are also monitoring for the disease in living deer, elk and moose in the park and collecting testing samples off carcasses.

Park officials are also revisiting its 2021 surveillance plan for the disease after the recent detection and expect to complete it in 2024.

What should park visitors do?

Most wild animals in Yellowstone are healthy and thrive in their natural environment, but sometimes wildlife can get sick just like people, officials said.

Visitors should avoid touching or handling sick or dead wildlife  since some disease-causing organisms can be passed between wild animals and people.

Those who come across sick or dead wildlife in the park should notify a National Park Service employee as soon as they can. Park service employees who are trained in wildlife health know to use specific protective measures to deal with wild animals that might have died of disease, officials said.

Humans shouldnt eat any part of an animal that might have had chronic wasting disease.

There is currently no evidence that CWD can infect humans or domestic animal species. However, it is recommended that tissues from CWD-infected animals not be consumed, officials said.

Hundreds of deer killed to contain deadly disease with no cure, Idaho officials say

Wolf pack chases hundreds of elk in Yellowstone. Overhead video shows intense moment

Mule deer buck attacks woman on basketball court in Colorado park, officials say
Men drink more, are more likely to binge drink and are almost four times more likely to develop alcohol use disorder than women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Yet when it comes to diagnosing babies born with birth defects associated with alcohol consumption, such as fetal alcohol syndrome, historically only the mothers drinking habits are taken into consideration.

Research clearly shows that sperm carry a vast amount of epigenetic information  meaning heritable shifts in the way genes are expressed that dont result from changes in the DNA sequence  that strongly influences fetal development and child health. Yet most doctors and other health care providers do not take into account the influence of paternal health and lifestyle choices on child development.

I am a developmental physiologist, and my research explores the ways that male drinking affects fetal development.

While most of the attention is given to the moms drinking while pregnant, my team and I focus on male drinking in the weeks and months before conception. Our studies are the first to demonstrate that male drinking before pregnancy is a plausible yet completely unexamined factor in the development of alcohol-related craniofacial abnormalities and growth deficiencies.

The intense focus on mom

In 1981, the U.S. surgeon general issued a public health warning that alcohol use by women during pregnancy was the cause of physical and mental birth defects in children.

This warning came in response to growing recognition that a group of severe physical and mental impairments in children, now commonly known as fetal alcohol syndrome, were correlated with maternal alcohol use during pregnancy.

Today, doctors and scientists recognize that as many as 1 in 20 U.S. schoolchildren may exhibit some form of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, a term referring to a wide range of alcohol-related physical, developmental and behavioral deficits, many of which cause lifelong challenges for those affected.

According to the CDC, this syndrome can occur when alcohol in the mothers blood passes to the baby through the umbilical cord. This has led to the firmly accepted belief that alcohol-related birth defects are caused only by maternal alcohol use during pregnancy and are the womans fault.

The medical community reinforces this perception by requiring pediatricians to compel mothers to confirm and document their prenatal alcohol use before they can formally diagnose children with alcohol-related birth defects or neurobehavioral disorders associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Nonetheless, there are multiple documented instances in which children diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome were born to mothers who denied that they consumed alcohol during pregnancy.

For example, in one study, 41 mothers denied having consumed alcohol during pregnancy despite their child receiving a diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome. In this circumstance and others like it over the past 40 years, the commonly accepted assumption and explanation is that these mothers lied about their alcohol use during pregnancy.

According to the CDC, there is no known safe amount of alcohol use during pregnancy or while trying to get pregnant. Despite this recommendation, alcohol use during pregnancy is widely reported.

However, reported drinking levels do not directly correlate with a child developing alcohol-related birth defects, and not all women who drink give birth to children with fetal alcohol syndrome. This contradiction has resulted in conflicting public messaging.

Although differences in how much and when pregnant women drink can contribute to the variation in how fetal alcohol syndrome develops, these factors alone cannot explain the wide range and severity of symptoms. Therefore, unknown factors beyond maternal alcohol use must contribute to this debilitating disorder.

Dad is the missing piece

Alcohol is a social drug, so when women drink, they often do so with their male partner. Building from this perspective, my laboratory used a mouse model to determine what happens if mom, dad or both parents drink.

Fetal alcohol syndrome is associated with three core birth defects: facial abnormalities, including small eyes and malformations in the middle of the face; reduced growth of the head and brain; and fetal growth restriction, a condition that occurs when babies are born smaller than average. Building on a previous study in humans, we used facial recognition software to study the effects of alcohol consumption on the faces of mice born to mothers, fathers or both parents who consumed alcohol before conception.

In a study published early this year, we captured a digital image of the mouses face. We then digitally assigned facial landmarks, including specific parts of the eyes, ears, nose and mouth. The computer program then determined if maternal, paternal or dual parental alcohol exposures changed the proportional relationships between each of these landmarks.

Our study using this mouse model revealed that chronic male alcohol exposure affects the formation of the offsprings brain, skull and face. We also observed microcephaly, the underdevelopment of the head and brain, as well as lower birth weight, which became worse the more the male parent drank.

Therefore, our studies demonstrate that chronic male alcohol exposure  defined as consuming more than five drinks per day in a four-hour window  could drive all three of the core fetal alcohol syndrome birth defects.

Using this same mouse model, we also determined that these craniofacial changes persist into later life. Specifically, we identified abnormalities in the jaw and the size and spacing of the adult teeth. Abnormal alignment of the upper and lower teeth is another recognized symptom of fetal alcohol syndrome in humans.

Besides our research, other studies have identified behavioral changes in the offspring of male mice who regularly consume alcohol. In addition, clinical studies suggest that paternal drinking increases the risk of heart defects in people.

Effects on male fertility and pregnancy

Our studies also support more immediate impacts of alcohol consumption on male fertility and the ability of couples to achieve a healthy pregnancy. These observations may be especially relevant for couples struggling to have children.

The CDC estimates that about 2% of all babies born in the U.S. are conceived using assisted reproductive technologies. While the focus of in-vitro fertilization treatments remains maternal health and lifestyle choices, our studies reveal that male alcohol exposure decreases the chance of becoming pregnant after undergoing IVF.

Significantly, our research showed that the more a man drinks before providing sperm, the lower the chances of his partner becoming pregnant  in some cases, by almost 50%.

Looking ahead

Annual estimates suggest that the cumulative costs of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders to the health care and educational systems range from US$1.29 billion to $10.1 billion annually. Given these exorbitant costs and the devastating lifelong effects on affected individuals, ignoring paternal drinking habits in public health messaging overlooks a significant contributing factor.

The first published investigations into the effects of maternal exposure to toxins on birth defects in the 1950s and 60s were met with skepticism and disbelief. Today, it is widely accepted that maternal exposures to certain drugs cause birth defects.

I fully anticipate that some within the medical and scientific communities, as well as the public, will forcefully deny that paternal drinking matters. However, until doctors start asking the father about his drinking, we will never fully know the contributions of paternal alcohol exposure to birth defects and child health.

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: Michael Golding, Texas A&M University.

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A defense attorney for one of the former Memphis police officers charged with beating Tyre Nichols following a Jan. 7 traffic stop is unsure the trial date set for the federal criminal case will provide him enough time to sift through the evidence provided by federal prosecutors, he said in court Tuesday afternoon.

Michael Stengel, the attorney representing now-former Officer Demetrius Haley, said he was provided with a "voluminous disclosure" of evidence from the Department of Justice on Nov. 2, which was the deadline to provide discovery in the case.

Demetrius Haley, one of the five former Memphis Police Department officers charged with the beating of Tyre Nichols, walks out of the Odell Horton Federal Building after making an appearance in court in Downtown Memphis, on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

Stengel said in a motion requesting an extension on filing pretrial motions that the discovery he had received included more than 300 hours of video and audio and over 35,000 pages of documents. That motion to extend the deadline to file motions, along with a similar request made by William Massey, who represents Emmitt Martin III, was granted during a Tuesday afternoon report date in federal court.

Those motions will not be due by Jan. 8.

Massey, speaking to media outside the Odell Horton Federal Building after the court appearance, said there is still work to be done before he is ready to go to trial.

"There's still an awful lot of work to do, there's no doubt about that," Massey said. "But we've got a team put together for Mr. Martin, and I think we will be doing our best to be ready on the sixth [of May 2024]."

William Massey, Catalina Goodwin and Stephen Ross Johnson the attorneys for Emmitt Martin III, one of the five former Memphis Police Department officers charged with the beating of Tyre Nichols, speak to the media after Martin made an appearance in court in Downtown Memphis, on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

That team Massey mentioned included two new attorneys from a Knoxville-based law firm, Catalina Goodwin and Stephen Ross Johnson.

"I've had several cases with Bill [Massey] through the years, and I've known Bill for roughly 25 years now," Johnson said. "We have had cases together, tried cases together and I love any opportunity to be able to come over here to West Tennessee."

Tyre Nichols case: From the beginning to when trials are expected to start

What else was settled in federal court Tuesday?

Other matters settled, or somewhat settled, in court Tuesday included a motion to have a joint questionnaire for any potential jurors be administered. Further discussion on that topic is slated over the next few months, but Judge Mark Norris, who is overseeing this case, said questions that would be placed on the questionnaire would need to be sent to him in early March for the case to proceed on schedule.

Emmitt Martin III, one of the five former Memphis Police Department officers charged with the beating of Tyre Nichols, looks on outside of the Odell Horton Federal Building as his attorneys William Massey, Catalina Goodwin and Stephen Ross Johnson speak to the media after Martin made an appearance in court in Downtown Memphis, on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

A hearing date was also set for arguments about the admission of character evidence, with a focus on that character evidence not being submitted through publicly available means. Federal prosecutors initially requested citing that evidence should not be allowed in public filings after Stengel and Martin Zummach, who represents Justin Smith, alleged Nichols had a hallucinogenic substance along with stolen credit debit and credit cards and IDs in his car.

The government has argued that those allegations would not be admissible in court since Nichols is not alive to refute those claims and that the officers did not know those were in Nichols' car at the time he was pulled over. In that same vein, prosecutors argue that putting that information in publicly available documents could potentially taint a jury.

Prosecutors, in later filings, would suggest those documents that do contain those allegations be filed under seal.

What happened to Tyre Nichols?

Tyre Nichols was pulled over in the evening hours of Jan. 7. Officers pulled him out of his car, and took him to the ground according to body camera video made public by the City of Memphis.

Nichols eventually ran away from that scene, but was later tackled by additional Memphis police officers. Over the next several minutes, he was punched, kicked, pepper sprayed and hit with a baton. When medical personnel took Nichols to the hospital, he was in critical condition. He died three days later.

The officers were quickly indicted in state court, facing charges that include second-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault. In September, the officers were indicted in federal court for civil rights violations. Those charges include excessive use of force, deliberate indifference, conspiracy to witness tamper and obstruction of justice.

They face up to life in prison for both the federal and state cases if convicted. There is no parole in the federal system.

Desmond Mills Jr., another of the five criminally charged officers, entered a plea deal Nov. 2, which dropped all but the excessive force and conspiracy to witness tamper charges. The DOJ is requesting he be sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.

Mills also entered a plea deal for his state case, which Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said he plans to be the same length as his federal sentence, and served concurrently.

It is not clear what Mills' sentence will be, however, since a federal judge will have the ultimate say over that matter.

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: Tyre Nichols case: Defense attorney concerned over trial date
An 82-year-old DeLand man found with 23 photos of children engaged in sexual acts on his cell phone, laptop and other electronic devices faces multiple charges of possession of child porn, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office said.

David Stock was charged with 23 counts of possession of sexual performance by a child on Tuesday and is out of the Volusia County Branch Jail after posting $115,000 bail.

Volusia County sheriff's deputies were tipped off about Stock's online child porn activity by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Sheriff's Office said.

Deltona man with child porn Deltona man charged with possessing child porn

Sheriffs detectives executed a search warrant at Stocks home in the 1000 block of East University Avenue in DeLand and seized cell phones, computers, laptops, a camera and hard drives for forensic examination. They located several photos of sexual exploitation of girls estimated to range from 3 to 13 years old, the Sheriff's Office said.

Detectives said Stock downloaded files containing suspected child pornography.

Anyone who may have more information about this case is asked to contact the Volusia Sheriff's Office Child Exploitation Unit at 386-323-3574.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Florida man had child porn on his phone, laptop and other devices
A United States Postal Service worker in Delray Beach is accused of selling stolen checks and universal keys that unlocked mailboxes in several Palm Beach County cities to an undercover officer, according to a criminal complaint recently filed in federal court.

Hudson Adrien began working at the Delray Beach Post Office as a city carrier in May 2020, according to the complaint filed Friday. He is facing one count of keys or locks stolen or reproduced and one count of theft of mail matter by officer or employee.

Adriens attorney Michael Weinstein said his client was booked into jail Monday after voluntarily surrendering himself in response to a summons and since has been released. Weinstein said that his client has not yet been indicted.

A source told federal law enforcement officials in June that someone by the nickname of Son Son was offering to sell a USPS arrow key that opened mailboxes in Delray Beach, Boca Raton and Boynton Beach for $10,000, the complaint said.

Each arrow key is assigned to an individual postal office worker, the complaint said, and is only to be used to open mailboxes and collection boxes during the employees work hours. Each key has its own serial number and can be traced back to a specific office and carrier route, according to the complaint.

The source who gave law enforcement the tip provided them with the phone number for Son Son, the complaint said, which was found to be registered to a resident in Margate, and the address was associated with Adrien.

Agents received a text message with a photo of the arrow key that Adrien was allegedly selling, which had a serial number connected to the Delray Beach Post Office, the complaint said. An undercover agent texted Adrien in late July, who told the agent he wanted to sell the key and paper, which the federal agent who wrote the affidavit said is a term for checks.

Adrien then allegedly texted the undercover agent a photo of two arrow keys that he said opened mailboxes in West Palm Beach and a pile of checks, according to the complaint, and said he could get a key that opened boxes in Pompano Beach.

The undercover agent met with Adrien in the parking lot of a Walmart in Pompano Beach in early August to buy a key that opened blue USPS mailboxes and mailboxes at apartment complexes in Delray Beach for $10,000, the complaint said. Adrien also handed the agent an envelope with a check inside, which was supposed to be delivered on Adriens route.

During their exchange, Adrien allegedly told the undercover agent he had a duffle bag full of checks at his home and that he would split the amount of the checks in half with the person who cashed them, according to the complaint.

Adrien and the undercover agent continued communicating after the August exchange. Adrien sent the agent another photo of an arrow key assigned to the Delray Beach Post Office later that month that he allegedly offered to sell, according to the complaint, and in late October, sent a photo of another key that he said opened boxes in West Palm Beach.

He also allegedly told the undercover agent in late October that he could sell checks and take a 10% fee from the face value, meaning hed charge $10,000 for a $100,000 check, the complaint said.

The undercover agent and Adrien communicated earlier this month about prices for another arrow key and checks, and Adrien allegedly said he had over $100,000 in stolen checks to sell, the complaint said.

Im loaded, my boy, Adrien told the undercover agent, according to the complaint. The next day, Nov. 6, he said he had over $600,000 in checks to sell, adding, and its only Monday. He said he got stolen checks each day.

Adrien sent one video that showed numerous checks, totaling several hundred thousand dollars, that were made payable to businesses on his route in Delray Beach, the complaint said. The next meeting they arranged would be the last.

On Nov. 9, Adrien met with the agent in a Walmart parking lot in Pompano Beach to sell an arrow key and 21 checks that totaled over half a million dollars, the complaint said. The agent gave him $45,000 in flash money, which is simulated United States currency.

The agent and Adrien were detained after the exchange, the complaint said, and Adrien was taken to the Broward Sheriffs Office for an interview. The complaint said Adrien admitted to stealing mail and selling the keys and checks and that he had more checks at his home. He gave written consent for his home and phone to be searched.

His attorney Weinstein did not immediately have information about Adriens employment status Tuesday evening. Adriens first appearance was held Tuesday, according to the federal court docket.

Hes innocent until proven guilty, Weinstein said.

As a condition of his pre-trial release, Adrien has been placed on GPS monitoring and must remain at his home between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., according to court records. A special condition is no employment to access mail matter.

William Terrell, a spokesperson for the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, said in an email that the agency is not releasing any information regarding this case as of Wednesday afternoon.

In response to a reporters question about Adriens employment status, Debra Jean Fetterly, a South Florida USPS spokesperson, said in an email Wednesday afternoon, The Postal Service does not publicly discuss personnel matters.
Democratic leaders in Sen. Bob Menendezs home county and longtime power base announced their endorsement Wednesday for New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy to replace him, dealing a huge blow to any hope the senator may have held for keeping some party support for reelection.

The Hudson County Democratic Organization is honored to give Tammy Murphy our full, unequivocal support. We look forward to working closely with Tammy and her team to reintroduce her to Hudson County voters and help her become the first woman to represent New Jersey in the U.S. Senate, Anthony Vainieri, the partys chair, said in a statement about five hours after Murphy formally kicked off her campaign.

Hudson County Democrats were more reluctant than their colleagues around the state to call for Menendez to resign following his indictment on three counts of bribery and conspiracy, followed by a superseding indictment charging him with being an unregistered agent for the Egyptian government.



[P]eople dont realize that Senator Menendez is like a rock star in Hudson County, Vainieri said in September, just after Menendezs initial indictment.

It's the first endorsement of Murphy by any county organization, packing both a symbolic and practical punch. Not only does it show Democats in Menendez's home base are ready to move on, but it means Murphy will get the coveted county line in the densely populated and heavily Democratic county just across the Hudson River from New York City.

Hudson Democrats in a statement praised Murphy for her strong record of advocating for progressive policy initiatives and did not mention Menendez.

Background: Menendez grew up in Union City, in northern Hudson County, and has lived there for much of his life, though hes most recently resided nearby in Englewood Cliffs in Bergen County. Menendez built his political career in Hudson, first being elected to Union City's school board in the 1970s before representing the county in the state Legislature, U.S. House and Senate.

Menendez was a Hudson County power broker until his indictment. His son, Rob Menendez, took over his old House seat in 2022 following the retirement of Albio Sires with the acquiescence of local Democrats.

Menendez has not said whether hes running for reelection, but has in recent weeks made defiant statements, including one Wednesday morning to greet Tammy Murphys campaign launch.

Mayors from all but one of Hudson Countys municipalities joined in the statement backing Tammy Murphy.

Whats next? Should Menendez choose to run for reelection, his son may have to choose between running for reelection on a ticket aligned with his father or one opposed to it. The only Hudson County mayor absent from the endorsement statement was Hobokens Ravi Bhalla, who has been considering a primary challenger to the younger Menendez.

A Stockton poll late last month found that 71 percent of New Jersey residents have an unfavorable view of the senator.
Vancouver police say 100 officers were sent to a restaurant where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was dining last night, after it was surrounded by protesters chanting for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.

Police say one man was arrested for assaulting an officer, and another for obstruction, while social media videos showed protesters waving Palestinian flags, shouting slogans and jeering Trudeau outside the restaurant in Vancouver's Chinatown.

Sgt. Steve Addison says the officers were sent to control the crowd so Trudeau could leave the restaurant just before 10 p.m.

Addison says a 27-year-old man from Coquitlam, B.C., was arrested after an officer was punched in the face and her eyes gouged while she was trying to disperse the crowd.

He says the officer was taken to hospital.

Videos posted earlier in the evening show Trudeau being heckled by protesters inside Vij's, a restaurant in a different part of the city.
The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed Tuesday that it has intelligence suggesting Hamas is using hospitals in Gaza to conceal and support military operations and hold hostages.

The confirmation comes a day after Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari shared a video showing a shaft leading into the ground with electrical wires that went down about 20 meters, and into a tunnel.

The tunnel Hagari shared footage of led from the house of a senior terrorist to a bulletproof and explosive-proof door, showing "clear evidence" that the tunnels were connected to the Rantisi hospital that Hamas used as a base.

ISRAELI DEFENSE FORCES RELEASE VIDEO SHOWING EVIDENCE OF HAMAS WEAPONS, TUNNELS LINKING TO HOSPITAL BASEMENTS

A chair found with rope and womens clothing at the leg, found in tunnel leading to basement of Rantisi Hospital in Gaza.

Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters during a briefing Tuesday that the Pentagon believes hospitals should be places for people to seek medical treatment and should be protected.

"We do have information that Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad use some hospitals in the Gaza Strip, including the al-Shifa hospital, as a way to conceal and support their military operations and hold hostages," Singh said. "They have tunnels underneath these hospitals."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

She also said Hamas operates a command control node from al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, where they store weapons and are prepared to respond to Israeli military operations against the facility.

GAZA HOSPITAL COVERAGE PROVES MEDIA NEEDS TO BE SKEPTICAL OF SOURCES, EXPERT SAYS: ALL THE FACTS WERE WRONG

Shaft leading to tunnel that goes to basement of Rantisi Hospital in Gaza.

"I'm just telling you what we as the intelligence community assess is happening in Gaza City: How Hamas is using these hospitals," Singh told reporters. "But absolutely, we do not want to see a firefight in a hospital where there are innocent civilians."

Singh would not reveal who provided the intelligence, and she reiterated multiple times during the press briefing that the U.S. does not have boots on the ground in Gaza.

"This is newly downgraded information that we felt was important to get out today because there have been a lot of questions about the hospital and how Hamas operates," she added.

MEDIA RUNNING HAMAS NARRATIVE ON GAZA HOSPITAL 'DIRECTLY CONTRIBUTED' TO ENDANGERING US EMBASSIES ABROAD

While speaking with reporters Tuesday on Air Force One, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby also confirmed information about Hamas using hospitals in Gaza.

"I can confirm for you that we have information that Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad used 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," Kirby said. "To be clear, we do not support striking a hospital from the air. 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 carethey deserve not to be caught in the crossfire. Hospitals and patients must be protected."

The information comes just weeks after another IDF spokesperson, Lt. Col. Peter Lerner, blasted mainstream media outlets for running with Hamas claim that Israel was responsible for an explosion that rocked the al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City.

Israel had been accused of shooting missiles at the hospital, though it was ultimately determined that Hamas fired missiles from Gaza, and one went rogue before striking near the hospital, discrediting claims there was a direct hit on the facility.

Hamas has also been accused of using civilians as shields, as they hide among the population and wear civilian clothing during their attacks.





Original article source: Department of Defense provides insight into how Hamas uses hospitals as fortresses in Gaza: 'clear evidence'
HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  Deputies say they responded to a report of shots fired Tuesday night in Holland Township.

It happened around 11:20 p.m. at an apartment complex on the 4600 block of Brook Trout Court, near 136th Avenue and Quincy Street, according to the Ottawa County Sheriffs Office.

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When deputies arrived, they said they found an unoccupied SUV with bullet holes in it.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ottawa County Central Dispatch at 1.800.249.0911 or Silent Observer at 1.877.887.4536.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Nikki Haley is giving Ron DeSantis a run for his money.

The former South Carolina governor and United Nations ambassador is looking to build off a bout of recent momentum by outflanking DeSantis in a slew of early-voting states, including Iowa  the first-in-the-nation caucus state that DeSantis team sees as a key part of his effort to overtake former President Donald Trump in the 2024 GOP primary.

On Monday, Haleys campaign announced that it would take out $10 million in TV, radio and digital ads in Iowa and New Hampshire beginning the first week of December. The expected ad buy is more than five times larger than the DeSantis campaigns current advertising investments for the same period.

News of Haleys ad reserves was followed on Tuesday by several dozen endorsements in Iowa, including from prominent Republicans like David Oman, the ex-chief of staff to both Iowa Govs. Robert Ray and Terry Branstad, and Christine Hensley, who was the longest-serving member of the Des Moines City Council.

Haley has emerged as a real threat to DeSantis in the race for the Republican primarys second-place slot  an important position given the numerous criminal charges facing Trump. Her recent rise in both national and early-state polling has knocked down DeSantis long-held argument that the 2024 nominating contest is effectively a two-man race between him and Trump.

Its going to be the classic showdown between momentum and machinery, said David Kochel, a longtime Republican strategist in Iowa. DeSantis has certainly built the machinery; he has a big staff and theyve done a ton of work. At the same time, Nikki Haley is surging. Shes grown her support organically. And I think you can see now that theyre going to do everything they can to stop DeSantis in Iowa.

RELATED CONTENT: DeSantis falls back into the 2024 Republican pack as Trumps dominance persists

Adding another layer of uncertainty into the primary fight is the decision by U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina to suspend his presidential bid on Sunday.

While Scott was running well behind both DeSantis and Haley, his exit leaves his voters and donors up for grabs. That would seem to benefit Haley, who like Scott is a native South Carolinian and maintains a close political network there, though DeSantis acknowledged on Tuesday that he recently spoke to both Scott and former Vice President Mike Pence, who ended his White House bid late last month.

READ MORE: Pence exit portends a narrowed GOP field. Which Trump alternatives will benefit?

NBC News reported this week that DeSantis had recently urged his campaign finance committee to court donors who had given to Scotts campaign. One top donor to Scotts campaign, New York attorney Eric Levine, is set to co-host a high-dollar fundraiser for Haley next month.

DeSantis, for his part, is hitting the gas in Iowa, hoping that an all-out push in the final two months before the caucuses can guarantee him a strong finish there in January.

He rolled out a highly coveted endorsement last week from Kim Reynolds, the states popular Republican governor, and is well on his way to visiting all of Iowas 99 counties  a political accomplishment dubbed the full Grassley after the states folksy senior U.S. senator.

READ MORE: Before debate, Miamis mayor says Haley, not DeSantis, has real shot at winning the GOP nomination

DeSantis is also moving three of his top campaign officials from Tallahassee to Iowa as part of a broader decision to place roughly a third of his campaigns national staff in the Hawkeye State ahead of the Jan. 15 caucuses.

A spokesperson for the Florida governors campaign insisted that Haley has no realistic path to victory in the primary, saying that every dollar spent on her candidacy is an in-kind [contribution] to the Trump Campaign.

History shows the Iowa Caucus cannot be bought on TV ads alone and that a strong ground game is what ultimately matters, Andrew Romeo, DeSantis communications director, said. We will be relentless over the coming weeks in making sure we are outworking and out-organizing the competition every single day.

It wont be easy to compete with the massive political machine DeSantis and his allies have built in Iowa.

In addition to Reynolds endorsement, DeSantis also has the support of 41 Republican state legislators and a network of county-level campaign chairs in each of Iowas 99 counties. There are more than half-a-dozen supportive offices spread around the state, and according to a campaign memo sent to donors last week, DeSantis team expects to soon have nearly 50 paid staffers in Iowa.

Aside from DeSantis formal campaign, Never Back Down, the main super PAC supporting his White House bid, has 26 paid staffers on the ground in Iowa and nearly 20,000 volunteers. The group has already knocked on some 633,000 doors across the state and collected close to 30,000 commitment cards from Iowa voters who say they plan to caucus for DeSantis, according to a spokesperson for the super PAC.

Haleys team, meanwhile, is betting that DeSantis focus on Iowa and recent lack of momentum all but guarantees that he will stall out in New Hampshire and South Carolina. Recent polls in those states show the Florida governor falling into third  even fourth  place. An Emerson College poll released on Wednesday found DeSantis trailing Trump, Haley and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie in New Hampshire.

For now, DeSantis is wholly focused on Iowa. But winning the caucuses isnt necessarily a predictor of success in the wider GOP primary. The last non-incumbent Republican to win both the Iowa caucuses and the overall nomination was George W. Bush in 2000.

DeSantis allies argue, however, that unlike past caucus winners  many of whom catered almost exclusively to evangelical conservatives  the Florida governor has broader appeal among GOP voters that can carry him in other early states like New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada, as well as the ground game to back it up.

What ultimately may matter more, however, is who has the momentum in the final months before voting begins, said Dallas Woodhouse, a veteran Republican operative in the Carolinas.

People dont decide on these things, especially in Iowa and New Hampshire, until a day or two before they vote, Woodhouse said. Its important to have a strong ground game. But if youre in decline and you cant stop the decline, your organization might not matter that much.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) called GOP presidential primary rival Nikki Haleys recent proposal for social media verification dangerous and unconstitutional and compared it to the Chinese Communist government.

Haley, the former South Carolina governor turned Trump appointee, is gaining ground on the former president in key states, while DeSantis sees falling poll numbers.

Haley floated the idea of verifying the identity of all social media users during a Fox News interview, in the context of a reported rise in antisemitism amid Israels ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza. She called anonymous posts a national security threat.

DeSantis blasted the idea in a post on X, formerly Twitter, Tuesday evening.

You know who were anonymous writers back in the day? Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison when they wrote the Federalist Papers, he wrote. They were not national security threats, nor are the many conservative Americans across the country who exercise their Constitutional right to voice their opinions without fear of being harassed or canceled by the school they go to or the company they work for.

The rivalry between DeSantis and Haley has gotten increasingly heated as both vie for attention under Trump, who remains the front-runner by a wide margin despite his mounting legal issues.

Haley on Tuesday called on social media companies to show America their algorithms and said such a plan would cut down online tension and root out foreign adversaries seeking to sow discord in America.

Youre gonna get some civility when people know their name is next to what they say, and they know their pastor and their family members gonna see it, she said. Its gonna help our kids, and its gonna help our country.

DeSantiss campaign has been struggling to blunt Haleys rise after three GOP presidential debates since August. The next debate is slated for Dec. 6. Polls have shown the former United Nations ambassador under Trump closing in on second place, a position DeSantis had a firm grip on early after announcing his candidacy.

During a radio interview in Haleys home state of South Carolina this week, DeSantis questioned Haleys conservative bonafides, recalling the protests that erupted across the country after George Floyd, a Black man, was killed by a white Minneapolis police officer during a minor arrest in 2020.

I remember when the George Floyd riots were happening, I called out the National Guard, DeSantis said in an interview that aired on the conservative Tara Show. I said, Im standing with police, she was tweeting that it needed to be personal and painful for every single person. Im thinking to myself, Why does that need to be personal and painful for you or me? We had nothing to do with it.

DeSantis accused Haley of adopting this left-wing mindset and accepting the narrative.

DeSantis was referring to Haleys 2020 tweet after Floyds death, in which she posted about empathy, writing that it was important to understand that the death of George Floyd was personal and painful for many. In order to heal, it needs to be personal and painful for everyone.

Haley and DeSantiss feud has escalated as the January start of the Iowa caucuses looms.

Both have made early primary states like Iowa and South Carolina key battlegrounds as they hope to knock Trump off his double-digit front-runner status.

Each raised more than $1 million in the 24 hours after the third GOP debate last week in Miami, which Trump skipped.

Haleys campaign recently took out a $10 million ad buy targeting DeSantis in Iowa and New Hampshire.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
At the start of the current school year, Minnesota education officials estimated there were almost 500 open special education teaching jobs throughout the state, or about half of all unfilled positions reported by districts in a voluntary survey.

At the same time, an analysis by The 74 of Minnesotas teacher licensing records found that during the 2022-23 academic year, more than 1,500 licensed special educators  comprising 16% of teachers credentialed to work with students with disabilities  chose to work in regular classrooms.

And more than a fourth of teachers working with students with disabilities  27%, or nearly 3,000  lacked any special education credential. Licensed to teach language arts, social studies, music, health and other general education subjects, in many cases their schools have a state waiver to place them with students with disabilities.

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The one-two punch leaves thousands of the states most vulnerable children  among those hit hardest by the pandemic losses  without qualified teachers at a crucial juncture. Many received little or none of the specialized instruction they are legally entitled to during COVIDs school disruptions. They have not bounced back to their dismal pre-pandemic achievement rates of 1 in 4 reading and performing math at grade level.

Wendy Tucker (Center for Learning Equity)

Kids with disabilities are never the top priority, says Wendy Tucker, a senior policy fellow at the Center for Learner Equity, which researches and promotes quality in special education. They just keep getting pushed down the list.

Even in normal times, federal civil rights laws require school systems to make up services children with disabilities dont receive for whatever reason. But as is the case in many places, the reality in Minnesota is that districts are closing specialized programs or moving kids into makeshift settings.

To push districts to prioritize a particularly vulnerable subset of children, U.S. civil rights laws dont allow school systems to use a shortage of qualified educators to justify denying students with learning differences the services they need to succeed. Disability advocates have long complained that the practice of assigning available but unqualified educators to special education classrooms is illegal because it is a key barrier to students making academic progress.

Its easy to understand why administrators are exhausted meeting the bare-bones goal of having students safe and supervised, Tucker acknowledges, but for kids its the start of a very slippery slope: Its a vicious cycle. Low expectations are met, because the supports werent there, because there were low expectations.

Minnesota licensing officials refused to comment on The 74s findings about the number of special education teachers choosing not to work in the area or the high rate of jobs being filled by educators lacking special education credentials. When asked about the number of special education teachers who leave their jobs for general education classrooms, Yelena Bailey, executive director of the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, said in an email that the board does not have that information: We do not have attrition rate data due to limitations of our data system. We hope to hire someone in the coming months who can help put this together manually.

In a biennial report to the legislature, the board has calculated annual attrition rates for teachers overall since 2017, when a new licensing system went into effect. The data shows that nearly a third of all new teachers hired since then leave within five years  better than the national average  and includes, where known, their reasons for quitting.

The report does not include information on special educators who leave. Nor does the licensing board tally actual vacancies overall, instead reporting the percentage of districts that say they have hard-to-fill openings by subject area. In lieu of the number of people schools would have to hire to be fully staffed, it uses the number of educators in all fields with waivers to work outside their licensure area and those with entry-level credentials who are working toward permanent licensure as a proxy.

When broken down by area of expertise, special education consistently tops the list of specialties taught by teachers without appropriate, permanent licenses. Last year, there were 2,000.

My phone has been ringing off the hook with parents saying, My kid doesnt have a teacher, or they have a long-term sub  Maren Christenson, executive director of the Multicultural Autism Action Network

A lack of hard numbers outside of the assignment data examined by The 74 makes it impossible to know how many of Minnesotas 153,000 pre-K-12 children receiving special ed services arent being taught by a qualified educator. Minnesota education advocates have pressed  unsuccessfully so far  for laws requiring better data collection.

But news stories and anecdotal accounts from family advocates suggest that the number is at crisis levels. At the start of the year, the states largest system, the Anoka-Hennepin School District, announced it was at least temporarily closing an entire specialized school for some of its most profoundly disabled students. Last year, it had 53 special educators working in general education classrooms, according to licensing records.

Minneapolis Public Schools last year canceled some in-person instruction, moving many disabled pupils back online for summer services  despite the fact that the extra instruction was needed to make up for ineffective distance learning. Last year, it had 54 teachers licensed to teach in special education that werent. The district started this year with at least 58 special education openings disproportionately clustered in its most impoverished schools.

My phone has been ringing off the hook with parents saying, My kid doesnt have a teacher, or they have a long-term sub or their school is trying to pull something together using the available people in the building,  says Maren Christenson, executive director of the Multicultural Autism Action Network, a nonprofit serving Somali and Oromo families in Minnesota.

We were in a crisis before the pandemic, she says. Its really disingenuous of school districts to say they are taken by surprise. Weve known this was coming for a long time.

Related

Yes, Theres a Shortage of Special Education Teachers. And Thats Nothing New

Its not just a pipeline issue

Inattention to the high rate at which special education teachers quit for easier teaching jobs, say disability advocates, combined with a stop-gap approach to filling the resulting vacancies, make a reckoning about the quality of special education long overdue. Research shows that given proper instruction, most children with disabilities can achieve at grade level. Yet particularly in the wake of the pandemics school closures, when many special ed students were deprived entirely of services, its not clear theyll have the chance.

According to a small but consistent body of research showing what could keep special educators on the job, a handful of key factors propel many into general education. A 2020 study found that 20% of new Washington state teachers who earned both a special education and a regular classroom credential chose not to take a job teaching students with disabilities at all. Other research has found that special educators are 11% more likely than other teachers to leave teaching altogether and 72% more likely to leave a job for one in another school.

Whether the departures are from special ed or from teaching altogether, advocacy groups say the turnover perpetuates the problem, as increased shortages translate to higher caseloads for those who remain, in turn making the job less sustainable. With more jobs to fill, administrators also are more likely to tap teachers who are willing to take them but who lack appropriate licenses.

Dan Goldhaber (School of Social Work/University of Washington)

Dan Goldhaber, vice president of the Center for Analysis of Longitudinal Data in Education Research at the American Institutes for Research, has studied the special educator workforce. The high number of special educators working outside the field documented by The 74s analysis echoes his own research, he says.

These are not new issues, says Goldhaber, noting that the ongoing lack of special educators differs from shortfalls in other areas such as science, math, engineering and technology. In special education, its not just a pipeline issue, its an attrition issue.

Minneapolis teacher Tameika Williams made it through one of the pipeline-priming programs officials are counting on to ease the shortage only to find the work impossible, she said. She belongs to the Minnesota chapter of Educators for Excellence, whose leaders have heard enough stories like hers to form a task force on working conditions in special ed.

A Black woman who grew up without any teachers who looked like her or a sense of belonging in school, Williams said she never envisioned herself as an educator. She was employed by a community organization that supported families when the principal of one of the schools she worked in remarked that Williams had an affinity for connecting with youth with disabilities. A program at a local university would help her get a graduate degree and teaching credential for free.

As she was earning a masters, Williams started teaching special ed in Minneapolis Public Schools, working entirely with students of color. She says she logged twice as many hours as she was supposed to.

After four years, however, Williams was done. When she told her principal she was quitting, he proposed she stay as the teacher in charge of a career-training program that gives students an early jump on becoming educators themselves through early college courses. Her classes now include both students with and without disabilities, but she does not have to deal with the daunting workload she had as a special educator.

The administrator she reported to before she changed jobs, Williams said, had criticized her for insisting on teaching history, saying none of her students were college bound. Williams persisted, though. Understanding the multi-generational impact of inadequate education on students of color and children with disabilities  material she was not exposed to until college  was what, Williams said, finally convinced her to get a teaching credential.

She still harbors ambivalence about the fact that some of her current students with IEPs are considering becoming special education teachers. On the one hand, more educators living with disabilities themselves would boost children receiving special education, now often not educated to be college- or career-ready. On the other, shes not confident that they, too, wont be pressured to dumb down the curriculum.

Im not gonna lie, I have some conflicting values still around encouraging young Black kids to become teachers, she says. I have the rooted belief that all kids are capable.

Stories like Williamss are common everywhere, say teachers. The Illinois chapter of the educator advocacy organization Teach Plus has collected information from members who say special education requires radical change to be a sustainable job.

After seven years in a special education classroom in Chicago Public Schools, Bridget Rood said she was burned out and tired of knowing that she wasnt preparing the students in her program, which existed to help them make the transition to adulthood, well for life after school.

I was depressed, I was dysregulated, she says. I didnt feel fulfilled at all. I dont think I had one student in those seven years who [went on to job training or more education].

A Teach Plus fellowship gave Rood both a break and, as she a colleagues conducted a survey and focus groups, a sense of how pervasive feelings like hers were. Sixty-two percent of special educators they surveyed ranked an acceptable workload as the first- or second-most important thing to them. In addition to teaching, the special educators Teach Plus consulted said they strained to find time to do paperwork, talk to families, create behavior intervention plans and their own curriculum on the fly while also managing support staff.

After her fellowship, Rood went to work for a more affluent district on Chicagos north side, Niles Township High School District 219. More resources means she does not have to scrounge to find curriculum or other instructional resources. She is still responsible for paperwork, but a departmental secretary takes care of a huge number of repetitive, time-consuming tasks, such as making sure the right people are scheduled to attend the meetings where students plans are discussed, completing the boilerplate sections of those plans and collecting data for progress reports.

It is literal night and day, she says. Its also made me realize  without tooting my own horn  that I am good at what I do and I do make a difference.

This person has a harder job

Again, this comes as little surprise to national researchers. Because of the paperwork involved in each students legally required Individualized Education Program, or IEP, special educators must work more hours than other teachers  almost always for the same pay. Recently, administrators in Hawaii, Detroit and Atlanta have had dramatic success filling vacancies with new hires and licensed special educators already on the payroll but not in classrooms serving disabled kids by offering annual incentives of $10,000, $15,000 and $3,000, respectively.

Related

Special Ed Kids Were Shunted Back Online. Is It a Move to the Virtual Basement?

Only one Minnesota district, St. Paul Public Schools, has tried the approach. Its offer of a $10,000 hiring bonus filled its 70 openings for the 2023-24 school year in a few weeks.

Historically, school systems are reluctant to consider paying some teachers more than others based on anything but education and experience, says Chad Aldeman, a 74 contributor and researcher who tracks the education labor market.

Historically, unions have opposed offering special incentives for teachers who work in shortage areas or hard-to-staff schools, he says. We as a country have treated teachers universally and not said, This person has a harder job.

Yet while there is evidence that large financial incentives can be an effective way of filling special education vacancies, new Brookings Institution research on Hawaiis foray into differentiated pay found that it may not significantly impact their retention.

Teach Pluss report also flags teacher training and early career mentorship as factors that educators say would keep them from floundering as they learn the job. Colleges of education vary in how much classroom exposure would-be special education teachers get, with hands-on preparation ranging from a few weeks student teaching under a general education teacher to year-long residencies with a skilled special educator.

In terms of mentorship, the Illinois survey found that support for some new teachers consisted of brief check-ins  sometimes consisting of phone calls during the evening commute  with veteran colleagues. In Minneapolis, Williams said she spent her first year on a team with no one more experienced than her.

Many states that have confronted special educator shortages chiefly by trying to increase the supply of new teachers. Minnesota advocates have applauded slowly but steadily growing scholarships for teacher candidates who agree to get their special education certification. But they are critical of how officials have expended their energy, complaining that the needs of kids with disabilities have taken a back seat to politics.

In 2016, in the wake of a decade of lawsuits, legal reforms, and an audit pronouncing the licensing system irretrievably broken, state lawmakers passed a wholesale overhaul, creating a new agency  the current board  to oversee it. One of its mandates was to make it more straightforward for teachers of color and nontraditional candidates to enter the classroom. To that end, lawmakers created a system where, depending on their education and experience, potential teachers could start work on a temporary credential and go on to earn a permanent one.

Related

Amid Shortage, MN Bill Endangers Thousands of Special Ed, Rural, CTE Teachers

The new system, which went into effect in 2017, was successful, allowing 2,000 special educators to start work. But last year, based on lobbying from the states traditional colleges of education and the teachers union that also represents their faculty  who have played a major role on the appointed licensure board  lawmakers agreed to begin reversing the changes. Next year, board leaders say they plan to seek further contractions.

The irony, say advocates, is that the special educator pipeline is narrowing dramatically even as scant attention is being paid to what equips a new special educator to do a very hard job well, and what might keep them in it.

What we need to do is really work backward and figure out what creates a high-quality special ed teacher, says Josh Crosson, executive director of EdAllies, an advocacy group that has been pushing for teacher licensing reforms in Minnesota for more than a decade. What schools are they [working in]? Are there trends within those schools? What preparation programs are those schools recruiting from? What are those preparation programs providing? Mentorship models? Residency models?

We dont have any of that data. Were really just guessing.

Disclosure: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Walton Family Foundation provide financial support to Teach Plus, Educators for Excellence, the Center for Learner Equity and The 74. The Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Joyce Foundation and the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies provide financial support to Teach Plus, Educators for Excellence and The 74. The Mind Trust provides financial support to Teach Plus and The 74. The Nellie Mae Education Foundation provides financial support for Educators for Excellence and The 74.
More details have emerged about the accidental gunfire that injured a student in a Columbus middle school two months ago after an open public records request was filed.

Two 13-year-olds, one male and one female, were charged with possession of a weapon on school property following the Sept. 28 incident at Rothschild Leadership Academy, according to the Muscogee County School District Police Departments report.

MCSD released the report in response to the Ledger-Enquirers request under the Georgia Open Records Act, which requires government agencies to provide documents to the public unless exempt under the law.

Heres how the incident happened at Rothschild that day, according to the MCSD police report:

There was a boom and a kid was bleeding

On Sept. 28, at approximately 1:35 p.m., MCSD police officer Nikki Martin, who was assigned to Rothschild, heard commotion and someone yelling on the school radio for her to go to a teachers classroom.

Martin also heard staff in the front office yelling, He is bleeding from his private area. Martin asked another officer to go to the front office while she ran to the classroom.

In the classroom, Martin was told, There was a boom and a kid was bleeding. Martin also heard from an assistant principal, The kid was reportedly shot.

Martin called for more officers to respond to Rothschild and requested EMS.

Gun found

The assistant principal gave Martin a students Chromebook case. Martin found a black handgun inside the cases front pocket.

Martin secured the gun in her office. Then she was called to the principals office, where she saw the principal wrapping the upper left leg of a male student. Martin applied ice to slow the bleeding.

Martin asked the student what happened. The student said he didnt know.

Another student implicated

Martin asked the student to whom the gun belonged. He named a female student.

Martin found in the Chromebook case paperwork that confirmed the female students name.

EMS arrived and transported the male student to Piedmont Columbus Regionals midtown hospital.

Martin spoke to the female students father and asked whether there were weapons inside their home. He said no.

Other officers arrived on the scene and secured the perimeter of the school to help with crowd control.

Had to have been planted

The female student was brought to the front office, where the principal asked whether the gun belonged to her. She denied knowing anything about the gun. She said it had to have been planted in her Chromebook case by a male student she named. That students guardian was contacted and summoned to the school.

Meanwhile, the other students in the classroom where the incident happened were separated in the cafeteria as they waited for MCSD police officers to interview them.

Showing off the gun

From the interviews, the officers learned the suspected male student was showing off the gun in the classroom before it discharged and wounded him. The female student to whom the Chromebook case belonged was in the restroom when the gun discharged.

Students said they saw smoke coming from the Chromebook case following a noise that sounded like a balloon popping. Students also said they saw the suspected student drop the case.

The report doesnt say where the teacher was when the student was showing off the gun and when it discharged. MCSD officials didnt answer that question before publication.

Back at the front office, Martin received permission from the female students mother to interview her.

The female student told Martin what she told the principal: She didnt know anything about the gun, and it must have been planted in her Chromebook case.

Criminal charges filed

Martin briefed MCSD Police Chief Greg Arp on what she learned during the interviews with the students. Martin told Arp that she would charge the student who possessed the gun when it discharged and the student who had the gun in her Chromebook case with the crime of possessing a weapon on school property.

The female student was taken into custody and transported to MCSD police headquarters for fingerprinting and processing. Martin drove her to the Aaron Cohn Regional Youth Detention Center.

When he was released from the hospital, the male student was taken into custody and transported to the RYDC.

Im gonna be honest

While they waited for processing at RYDC, the director asked Martin why the students were brought there. When the female student overheard Martin say neither student disclosed who brought the gun to school, she spoke up and said, Im gonna be honest.

The female student said she was informed about a threat that someone supposedly was going to kill her. That morning before school, after her parents had left their house, she put the gun in her Chromebook case and got on the bus.

The female student said she showed the male student the gun during first period. When she went to the restroom during fifth period, the male student must have taken the gun out of her Chromebook case, the female student said.

The L-E wasnt able to learn the status of the criminal cases before publication.

MCSD officials also didnt answer whether anyone else was criminally charged in this case and whether the case remains under investigation.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  More than four years after courts found a man was wrongfully convicted of killing an Oregon Corrections director in 1989, hes now looking for more than $2 million from the state.

On Tuesday, Frank Gables attorneys filed a petition with the State of Oregon for compensation after he spent three decades behind bars for a crime he didnt commit.

Its been a decades-long fight for justice for Gable, who has since changed his name to Franke Different Cloud. He was originally sentenced to life in prison for the 1989 murder of Oregon Corrections Director Michael Francke, which was later found to be a wrongful conviction.

Judge gives Oregon State, Washington State full control of Pac-12 and millions of dollars in assets

We filed this petition today which would be our first step in getting some justice for him for all the time that was taken and all the horrors he had to endure while incarcerated, Loevy and Loevy associate attorney Megan Pierce said.

Attorneys with the Chicago-based firm filed a petition to compensate Gable for the years he was behind bars until his release in 2019, as well as the years of supervised release, which ended this May when he was exonerated. They say a $2 million compensation is in line with state law.

Weve sought the amount that hes entitled to under that statute and then the statute provides for some alternative relief that weve included in the petition as well, Pierce said.

Parents begin to feel pinch of PPS teachers strike

In 2019, federal judges ruled Gable did not receive a fair trial and was likely innocent, a decision the Oregon Department of Justice fought in recent years. That June, Gable spoke briefly with journalists following his release from a Kansas prison.

We dont really want to talk about the case, Gable said back in 2019. Im just glad to be out and Im thankful to the judge for exonerating me and just really looking at the case finally, seeing what really happened with state police and the DAs office and all. They did a lot of dirty stuff, and its just really emotional.

Frank Gable and his wife Rain in Kansas where they have been living since his release. (Courtesy: Frank Gable)

Frank Gable seen in an undated file photo circa 1990 (KOIN, file)

frank gable 04182019 tribune_1555634140822.jpg.jpg

Frank Gable seen in an undated file photo circa 1990 (KOIN, file)

Frank Gable was released from prison on Friday, June 28, 2019. (Fox4 News)

Gables attorneys say no dollar amount can make up for the decades lost behind bars for a crime he didnt commit, but they hope the state will make things right as he works to rebuild his life.

Nothing can make Mr. Gable whole. What was taken from him is time thats totally invaluable and you certainly cant put a price tag on the suffering hes endured. We applaud the State of Oregon for bringing about this statute and passing it, Pierce said. Its a good first step in trying to help Mr. Gable and others like him to adjust back into life in society and to get them set up to live their lives after having 30 years taken away from him where he wasnt able to build a life like you or I would be able to do.

Oregon law students wont be required to take traditional bar exam in 2024

The Marion County District Attorneys Office declined to comment on the petition. The Oregon DOJ says they plan to review the petition carefully.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Two Republican congressmen involved in a physical altercation at the Capitol on Tuesday have offered different versions of what went down in the hallway.

While Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee was conducting an interview with NPRs Claudia Grisales, Rep. Kevin McCarthy walked by him and made some level of contact. Burchett is one of eight Republicans who voted to oust McCarthy as speaker of the House last month, and the two men have portrayed Tuesday's incident in alternative ways.

Burchetts view

Speaking to CNN outside the Capitol following the incident, Burchett said, 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, and for a minute I was kind of 'What the heck just happened?' And then I chased after him, of course."

Burchett said he caught up to McCarthy, describing the conversation that followed as heated, with both men raising their voices amid the security detail.

If youve ever been hit in the kidneys, its a little different. You dont have to hit very hard to cause a lot of pain, Burchett later explained.

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Saying he concluded McCarthy wasnt going to own up to his actions, Burchett decided to end the encounter.

I just dont 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, referring to the presidential chain of succession, adding, I wasnt looking to knock him out or anything, I just wanted to let him know I know it was him.

Noting that Tuesdays incident was the first time he had communicated with McCarthy since voting to remove him as speaker, Burchett said he wasnt injured in the altercation and wouldnt be filing a formal ethics complaint. But Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, who spearheaded the effort to remove McCarthy, did file an ethics complaint against the former speaker on Tuesday, calling for an immediate and swift investigation into what he called an assault.

McCarthys view

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Oct. 24. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

McCarthy dismissed Burchetts version of events, telling CNN, I didnt shove or elbow him. Its a tight hallway.

While he did acknowledge making contact with Burchett, he denied malicious intent.

I did not run and hit the guy. I did not kidney-punch him, McCarthy said during a press gaggle, adding, If I hit somebody, they would know it. If I kidney-punched someone, they would be on the ground.

The reporters view

After the incident, Grisales took to social media to offer her eyewitness perspective.

Have NEVER seen this on Capitol Hill: While talking to [Burchett] after the GOP conference meeting, former [Speaker McCarthy] walked by with his detail and McCarthy shoved Burchett, Grisales wrote. Burchett lunged towards me. I thought it was a joke, it was not. And a chase ensued.

Burchett's back was to McCarthy and his detail walking by in the hallway, then the lunge, Grisales continued. 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!?

During his CNN interview, Burchett said Grisaless recounting of the events was accurate.

Cover thumbnail Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images, Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
An attorney for Atlantic Beach mayoral candidate John David is asking South Carolinas highest court to decide if politics played a role in the firing of an election commission that prohibits a recount being ordered.

In a motion filed Nov. 14, Ian Duggan requested all election materials be temporarily secured by a third party until a ruling is made on whether David and voters were disenfranchised by the towns current leadership.

Unofficial results from the Nov. 7 race show council member Josephine Isom as headed for a Thanksgiving-week runoff after neither secured enough votes to win outright.

Eighteen ballots were contested and reviewed by the towns election commission on Thursday, but had yet to be certified. The commission reconvened Nov. 10 to recount the challenged ballots but was fired en masse after Mayor Jake Evans called for an emergency meeting.

According to the commissions latest tally, David had 65 votes to Isoms 64.

Evans, Isom and council member Jacqui Gore are named as defendants in Duggans complaint.

David was elected in January to fill the uncompleted term of James DeWitt, who was killed last October. His son, Matthew, is awaiting trial in Richland County on charges that include DeWitts slaying.

David beat Josephine Isoms son Michael, who immediately challenged the result  keeping David out of office. Oral arguments in that case are slated for next month.

Duggans complaint lays out a timeline of the chaotic Friday afternoon that ended with the firing of Atlantic Beachs election commission.

Evans, the complaint asserts, said the panels work couldnt continue without a court reporter present, leading the commission to recess.

Thats when Evans, Gore and Jacqueline Isom convened an emergency meeting to dissolve the commission.

Today, without a Municipal Election Commission in place (or the members of that Commission otherwise capable of carrying out their duties), the whereabouts and security of the ballots of the electors of Atlantic Beach are unknown to Plaintiff John David, Duggan wrote.

Isom declined comment last week when contacted by The Sun News about the councils action, as did former election commission chairman Joe Montgomery.

Neither were immediately available Nov. 15.

Atlantic Beachs next mayor likely would have an out sized role in deciding the towns economic future, as site plans for a $100 million condo-tel project called The Black Pearl are expected to be filed in the coming months.

David has been a fierce critic of the idea while Isom favors it  voting last July on a rule change that would clear the way for oceanfront development.

Opponents of the Black Pearl filed a lawsuit in September seeking an injunction on grounds that its construction would violate terms of original deed holders. Duggan is also the attorney in that case.

By unlawfully maintaining their hold on official power in Atlantic Beach, Defendants ... Jake are, at a minimum, denying the voice of the people through their elected officials on this matter of undoubted and immense importance to the future of Atlantic Beach and its residents, Duggan wrote in his Nov. 14 complaint.
Want a quick laugh with a bit of real life sprinkled on top? San Antonio playwright and stage actor Bobby McMorris brings his brand of drama to Fort Worths W.E. Scott Theatre Saturday, Nov. 18, with his latest play Divorce Saved My Marriage.

This is a story everyone can relate to, McMorris told the Star-Telegram. It deals with familial finances, love and all of it guided by morality.

The goal is for the audience to evaluate how they view commitments, relationships, forgiveness, and finances as a family, he said. I believe it will have a positive impact here as well.

Tickets are $35 for individuals and $30 each for groups of 10 or more. If youd prefer to buy tickets by phone, call 210-710-8996. The theater is located at 1300 Gendy St., at the heart of Fort Worths Cultural District.

McMorris writes stories that leans heavily on his faith, finding messages that will provoke change and prevent disaster in which he has gained a solid reputation in the community.

The Texas Hill Country dramatist said he was first exposed to the stage in downtown Los Angeles in 2001 with a production of God Dont Like Ugly, and thats when the theatre bug hit me. Ive written, directed, acted, and produced 23 different stage plays to date, he said.

Money has been a central theme in the stories he writes  digging into real-life situations to build his characters  because it is what he knows, he said.

Currency flows through everybodys hands in which my stories are relatable to everyone, with a spiritual overtone, McMorris added in explanation.

His latest production, Divorce, is no exception. The story, about the Graysons marriage, is premised on how unintended consequences has put that relationship at risk and the phrase For Better, For Worse, takes on a whole new meaning in this hilarious, adrenaline-fueled escapade, the stage plays program reads.

McMorris career all started with a journals he and friends started back in high school, a collection of stories and skits, Thats where the idea of writing and starring in film stemmed from, he said.

He has since written, directed, acted, and produced 23 different stage plays, bringing productions to North Texas since 2017.

He said he hopes The title intrigues them. We cant wait to break a leg.
A video circulating on social media shows a North Carolina police officer striking a woman repeatedly during an arrest while several other officers hold her down, but police officials said the officer was intentional about where he hit the woman to get her to stop resisting and comply.

When Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers approached two people smoking marijuana on Monday, a woman punched an officer in the face, police said in a statement. A man who was there had a firearm, he and the woman refused arrest and a struggle ensued, said police, adding that the woman was lying on her hands and not allowing officers to arrest her.

One bystander video posted online shows four officers kneeling and holding the woman down as a fifth repeatedly strikes her with a closed fist. As it was happening, bystanders were shouting at the officers to stop. After a few seconds, the officers stand up and lead the woman to a squad SUV with her arms behind her back.

According to the police department, the officer struck the woman in the thigh and told her to stop resisting.

After several repeated verbal commands, an officer struck the female subject seven times with knee strikes and 10 closed fist strikes to the peroneal nerve in the thigh to try to gain compliance, police said. The officer was intentional about where the strikes were made.

The department didn't release the name of the officer who struck the woman or say whether he would face any immediate discipline, but it said its internal affairs bureau is investigating.

Police contend that the woman assaulted an officer. Neither the video that shows the officer striking the woman nor two other videos shot from a different angle by someone else show the beginning of the encounter between police and the two people they arrested.

The video is not easy to watch, Chief Johnny Jennings said in a statement, but when people assault officers and resist arrest, officers "must physically engage with them" to take them into custody safely.

I watched the body worn camera footage and believe that it tells more of the story than what is circulating on social media, Jennings said.

The chief said the public should get to see the bodycam footage and since North Carolina law requires a court order to release such video, he has asked the department's attorney to file a petition to allow the department to release the footage to the public, though it could take some time.

The man was charged with carrying a concealed weapon and the woman was charged with assault on a government official. Both were also charged with resisting officers and marijuana possession.

The Bojangles restaurant chain confirmed that the man and woman work at its location near the scene of the arrest. But it said they had already finished their shifts and were off the property when they were approached by police, news outlets reported.

Like many other Charlotteans, we were shocked and saddened by the video of an incident between Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police and a Bojangles employee, Vice President of Communications Stacey McCray said. While we wait to learn more of the details of what led to the incident, we plan to cooperate fully with any investigation.
PORTLAND, Ore. (PORTLAND TRIBUNE)  An Oregon City resident, adopted from South Korea as a child, recently found her siblings thanks to a DNA kit.

In Portland this summer, Jodi Iverson got to meet her sisters for the first time, and they are planning a trip to Korea in March to find other living relatives.

Parents begin to feel pinch of PPS teachers strike

Iverson vividly remembers being left on a street corner in Korea, being picked up by the police and eventually traveling to America where she was adopted. Decades later, when Iversons daughter wanted to learn more about their heritage and purchased a 23andMe DNA kit, she received the shock of a lifetime when they matched with Iversons sister.

Iverson was floored to discover her older sister had been searching for her for 48 years after coming home one day and being told she was dead, not that shed been left on the streets. The sisters said they were thrilled to find each other again and are looking forward to their trip to Korea next spring.

Read more at PortlandTribune.com.

The Portland Tribune and its parent company Pamplin Media Group are KOIN 6 News media partners

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Its an issue affecting schools all across the country and here in metro Atlanta -- contaminated water.

Doctors warn even small amounts of lead can cause developmental issues in kids.

Channel 2 investigative reporter Sophia Choi looked at how Georgia schools are tackling the water worries and found one district leading the way.

Currently, neither Georgia nor the federal government has any regulations requiring schools to test for lead in water.

It is up to each district to decide when and how they test the water and what to do when they find lead in it.

Students at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Southeast Atlanta drink freely from the fountains.

But sometimes Atlanta Public Schools will block off fountains with caution tape to protect students from lead contamination.

[HAVE A STORY FOR 2 INVESTIGATES? Submit your tip here]

We put yellow tape around those, put notes on them to make sure that everyone knew that this water source is something that you cannot use until we get it fixed, said Seth Coleman, Atlanta Public Schools director of media relations and social media.

They cant use them because lead is so dangerous to kids.

So, any level of lead exposure is too much. There really is no safe level of lead exposure, said Dr. Samira Brown, with Piedmont Pediatrics.

She said treating children with high levels of lead is common and worrisome, with so much at stake.

Developmental delays. They can have irritability. They can have trouble sleeping. They can have definitely anemia, Brown said.

To prevent lead exposure, Atlanta Public Schools tests every single water source at every single school and every single building it uses, every five years.

The district started after witnessing the Flint, Michigan water crisis nearly a decade ago.

During the crisis, thousands of children were exposed to lead from the school drinking water.

MORE STORIES FROM 2 INVESTIGATES:

I mean, we didnt know for a long time that that was going on until we started to see the brown and different stuff happen and kids getting sicker, said Aireal Sweet, a student in Flint.

Because of what was going on in Flint, we thought that we need to. If it can happen there, it can happen here, Coleman said.

Channel 2 Action News teamed up with ABC News and seven TV stations across the nation to request access and information from schools about lead in their water, reaching out to over 130 school districts across 11 states.

Channel 2 Action News contacted 56 districts across North Georgia and received responses from 14 of them.

Atlanta Public Schools, Fulton, Coweta, Greene, Towns and Madison County Schools all test.

Floyd, Pike, Lamar, Upson, and Polk County Schools are about to start testing.

DeKalb said it does not test for lead in water.

Gwinnett and Union Counties do limited testing. Gwinnett is planning to start a new testing program soon.

Knowing that its public water, it is a concern, said McKenzy Hurt, a mother of a student at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School.

That kind of concern prompted Atlanta Public Schools to become the first district in Georgia to test every source for lead in the water using three separate independent investigators costing $100,000 each.

APS also came up with new protocols like using filters and flushing the water system before kids come back from break.

But despite those efforts, some water lines still test higher than what the EPA recommends: 15 micrograms per liter or 15 parts per billion.

The latest testing from 2021 found 298 water sources initially failed but passed after following the new protocol for fixes.

From just turning the water on to letter the water run, to replacing certain aspects of the faucetry in it, to actually fixing pipes, Coleman said.

Georgia Public Health lists Bibb, Chatham, Clayton, Cobb, Colquitt, DeKalb, Dougherty, Floyd, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Houston, Laurens, Muscogee, Richmond, and Troup Counties as areas of most concern for water worries when it comes to lead poisoning in kids under 6 years old.

A particular focus is on older school buildings dating prior to 1988, which may have 100% lead piping or plumbing.

APS said it is replacing those old pipes as tests come back to make sure the water is safe. Parents are taking notice.

My son brings his water bottle all the time and is like Mom, can I fill it up? and I say Yes son, go on and take it, Hurt said.

There is not a mandatory testing program in Georgia pushing for testing in schools for lead in water.

But there is a voluntary program called Clean Water for Georgia Kids that helps schools test for and get rid of lead in water.

Gwinnett County Schools is working with them and about to start testing.

IN OTHER NEWS:
President Joe Biden mistakenly called Vice President Kamala Harris by the wrong title on Monday, Nov. 13.

The incident happened at the White House during a ceremony honoring the National Hockey Leagues Vegas Golden Knights for winning the Stanley Cup earlier this year.

Please have a seat and welcome to the White House. The 2023 Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights, Biden said in a clip obtained by Fox News. President Harris is here to make sure we do this the right way.

President Joe Biden (Photo: Getty Images)

According to the report, he has made the mishap numerous times, including on Harris birthday last year, calling her a great president.

The remark comes amid growing concerns around Bidens age as he runs for reelection in 2024. An AP-NORC poll from August revealed that 77 percent of adults think Biden, the oldest sitting president who will be 81 next week, is too old for the job. If he is victorious in the next election for a second term, he would be 86 years old upon completion.

Video of the interaction quickly spread on social media, with some users expressing concern about the presidents mental health and cognizance.

I dont think he knows, one user said. Seems he has lost it and too old, others chimed in.

His opponents like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican candidate for the White House, have taken a jab at his age in the past. During a CBS Evening News interview in September, DeSantis said its absolutely a legitimate concern.

The presidency is not a job for someone thats 80 years old. And theres nothing, you know, wrong with being 80, said DeSantis, 45. Obviously, Im the governor of Florida. I know a lot of people who are elderly. Theyre great people. But youre talking about a job where you need to give it 100 percent. We need an energetic president.

He continued, I think theres going to be a lot of Americans that are going to want to see a generational passing of the torch.

Harris also has addressed the concerns and defended Biden during a sit-down interview on SiriusXMs Joe Madison The Black Eagle.

Heres the thing Ill say: Actions speak louder than words,' Harris said, adding, Lets not get distracted. Lets look at whether we have a President thats actually produced, and followed through on his commitments and especially on long-standing issues that needed to be addressed. Joe Biden has done that. Thats the measure of the man. Not whats on his birth certificate in terms of his age.

Read the original article on Atlanta Black Star.
On Monday night in Miami, one week after Fort Lauderdale periodontist Charlie Adelson was found guilty in a murder-for-hire plot to kill his ex-brother-in-law Dan Markel, his parents Donna and Harvey Adelson were stopped at Miami International Airport before they could board a one-way flight to Vietnam.

Donna Adelson, 73, was arrested on charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy and solicitation in the 2014 killing of the renowned FSU law professor in the latest bombshell twist in a nearly decade-long investigation that captured the attention of the nation.

Donna Adelson was indicted by a grand jury on Wednesday on the same charges.

In the arrest affidavit, investigators said that Donna was complicit and a flight risk, citing jailhouse calls she made to Charlie after he was found guilty saying she was putting her financial affairs in order and planning to leave, either through self-harm or by getting out of the country.

Donna Adelson

"Donna discusses plans for a suicide," the affidavit says, "but also discusses plans to flee to a non-extradition country. Donna Sue Adelson has considerable financial resources to do this."

Here's what we know.

Who is Donna Adelson?

A state exhibit in the murder trial of Charlie Adelson.

Donna Sue Adelson, is married to Dr. Harvey Adelson, retired dentist and founder of the Adelson Institute for Aesthetics and Implant Dentistry in Tamarac, Florida. She has three children.

Adelson is the second member of her family and the fifth person to be charged in connection to the Dan Markel contract killing.

What happened to Dan Markel?

Daniel Eric Markel, 41 at the time of his death, was a Canadian-born Florida State law professor, author and prominent legal scholar. He was married to fellow FSU professor Wendi Adelson and they had two young sons, but they separated in 2012 and battled through an extremely acrimonious and bitter divorce in 2013. Wendi and her family were determined to move her and the boys to South Florida where the rest of the Adelsons lived, prosecutors said, but Markel refused and successfully fought it in court.

Markel pulled into his garage in Tallahassee after running errands on July 18, 2014 when two men approached him and shot him twice in the head. He died the next day.

Over nearly ten years of investigations, wiretapping, and testimony, prosecutors have said Markel's killing was the result of a murder-for-hire plot involving Donna Adelson, her son Charles, a.k.a. Charlie (a periodontist at the family business), Charlie's girlfriend at the time Katherine Magbanua, and the hitmen Luis Rivera and Sigfredo Garcia, who is also the father of Magbanua's children.

How it all began: FSU law professor dies in shooting

How many people have been found guilty in the Dan Markel murder?

To date, four people have been found guilty in the conspiracy. Rivera, who was already doing time on an unrelated charge, took a deal and received a 19-year sentence. Garcia, who Rivera said pulled the trigger, was sentenced to life in prison in 2019, as was Magbanua in her 2022 trial. This month Charlie Adelson was found guilty and is awaiting sentencing.

Dan Markel murder: Walkthrough of witnesses making the case for, against Charlie Adelson

What was Donna Adelson charged with and was she wearing an anti-suicide vest?

Dan Markel's car, still parked in his Trescott Drive home's garage, where he was found July 18, 2014, with two gunshot wounds to the head. Markel was slumped over the steering wheel when first responders arrived.

Donna Adelson was charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy and solicitation in Markel's murder, the same charges her son Charlie was found guilty of by a jury in just three hours.

A grand jury on Wednesday returned an indictment of Donna Adelson on the same charges.

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. The U.S. Sun reported that Adelson appeared in court wearing an anti-suicide vest.

A court date has yet to be set for Adelson's sentencing.

What is the evidence against Donna Adelson?

The Tallahassee Police Department suggested that Donna Adelson was a prime suspect in the Markel murder back in 2016, when TPD initially presented probable cause affidavits to the State Attorney's Office. At the time, State Attorney Willie Meggs dismissed them as speculation. Investigations over the next 9 years revealed:

Have Harvey or Wendi Adelson been charged?

Wendi Adelson, who has denied involvement with the murder and testified under immunity at several trials, has not been charged.

State Attorney Jack Campbell told the Tallahassee Democrat that the state did not have the evidence to arrest Harvey Adelson, but had enough to arrest Donna Adelson. Her attempted flight overseas sped things up and pushed law enforcement to make a decision quickly, Campbell said.

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."

Tallahassee Democrat reporter Jeff Burlew contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Donna Adelson latest arrest in Florida family contract killing case
Several firefighters in the Gaston County town of Stanley told Channel 9 they quit after they were told to reapply for their jobs.

Channel 9 captured the moments some of the Stanley firefighters turned in their gear. They tried to use their key cards but realized they were locked out.

Dozens of firefighters in the Gaston County town of Stanley told Channel 9 they quit after they were told to reapply for their jobs.

The firefighters said neighboring departments are providing mutual aid, so service wont be lost. But those who spoke to Channel 9s Ken Lemon on Wednesday said they are done there.

Ashlin Hodges said she had a couple of classes left to complete to become a certified firefighter. But Hodges, a volunteer, quit on Wednesday.

I wont come back until I see my two chiefs, she said.

ALSO READ: Over 50 firefighters work to put out wildfire in Watauga County

She is talking about former chief Eric Withers and former assistant chief Michael Hullett. On Monday night, the town council consolidated their jobs and appointed an interim full-time fire chief to hire a full-time staff.

In August, Hullet was given the North Carolina Firefighter of the Year Award.

Firefighter Michael Russell quit on Tuesday.

Dozens of firefighters in the Gaston County town of Stanley told Channel 9 they quit after they were told to reapply for their jobs.

Not even offered the opportunity to apply for his position, he said.

Fire inspector Claude Wilson said he has been a firefighter for 51 years. He quit on Wednesday.

The way things happened, that was kind of underhanded I thought, Wilson said.

ALSO READ: North Carolina splits insurance commissioners job from state fire marshals responsibilities

Russell and Wilson said 17 to 22 firefighters simply dropped off their gear and quit their volunteer or part-time jobs rather than reapply for new full-time jobs. It was a tough choice for firefighter John Dancoff.

Today is bittersweet, Dancoff said.

He grew up in Stanley.

At 5, 7 years old, I heard the whistle go off and thats what sparked an interest in me to become a firefighter, he said.

He said he lost faith in the system.

These decisions were made essentially in a vacuum, Dancoff said.

The new interim fire chief as well as the public safety supervisor contradict what firefighters told Lemon on Wednesday. They said only a few firefighters have quit, and they also said theyve received 12 new applications with more coming in.

I felt betrayed

Video below:

Over 300 years of experience thrown on a pile on the floor and walked out the door because of a lack of professionalism from the town, Hullett said Thursday.

He accuses town leaders of turning their backs on the firefighters.

Hullett said he was never told he was fired, but someone told him his position was eliminated.

His work email was suddenly shut down. His key to the department stopped working and he was told to retrieve any personal items he had inside.

I felt betrayed, Hullett said.

Someone called him from the town council meeting and told him the council eliminated his position and the chiefs position, Hullett said.

Both worked part-time.

I couldnt believe it and with no warning, Hullett said.

He got an email on his city fire department email account.

Make arrangements to put up personal items that you may need from the fire department, Hullett said.

He said right after that, his email shut down and he was locked out from accessing the department.

We were just turned away, Hullett said. With no voice. No input. Nothing.

He said the part-time and volunteer firefighters were told they had to reapply for full-time jobs, so some quit.

The mayor spoke to Channel 9s Ken Lemon by phone and said the town first suggested this plan in 2019.

They have relayed to me in the past going back to 2019 that they could not take a full-time fire position because they already work full-time for the city of Charlotte, Stanley Mayor Steven Denton said.

Denton said his new full-time interim chief has already hired six full-time workers and they are getting help from neighboring fire departments.

We have coverage, Denton said. We have not missed a call since the interim chief has taken over and the town of Stanley is fully covered.

The mayor said despite how things look, the town never fired any of the firefighters.

Denton said he has been friends with the chief and assistant chief since they were children, and he wishes both men would remain with the department as part-time employees.

(WATCH BELOW: Charlotte Fire launches accelerated program to recruit firefighters)
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A driver was arrested after leading police on a chase Monday that ended in them crashing into two homes and severing a gas line.

A pursuit started when police tried to pull over Waleem Felder, 48, of Philadelphia, just after 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 13 along the 1st block of S. Ann Street for a window tint. Police say Felder took off in a 2016 Nissan Altima and led police on a lengthy chase.

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During the pursuit, Felder almost crashed into a police cruiser and allegedly committed numerous traffic violations, police wrote in a criminal complaint.

When Felder tried to make a turn, he ended up crashing into a home along Mulberry Street and severed a gas line, causing a severe gas leak and requiring fire personnel to respond to the scene. Felder continued on a sidewalk and crashed into a different home along W. Mifflin Street, police wrote.

The pursuit turned into a brief foot chase and police discovered that Felders license was suspended after he was taken into custody, the complaint states.

Four banned from Pennsylvania casinos for leaving children unattended

Felder faces numerous charges that include felony counts of fleeing or attempting to elude an officer and risking catastrophe. He also faces misdemeanor counts of evading arrest or detention on foot and causing accidents involving damage to a vehicle or property along with summary counts of traffic violations.

Felder is out of Lancaster County prison after he was able to post his bail of $40,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 27.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
CHULA VISTA, Calif.  A driver and passenger were killed in a rollover crash last weekend on Interstate 5, authorities said.

The collision occurred Saturday around 3:02 a.m. on Interstate 5 near E Street in the Chula Vista area, Salvador Castro with the California Highway Patrol said in a news release Tuesday.

A 27-year-old woman driving a black BMW X5 was traveling with a 22-year-old male passenger on I-5 northbound when the BMW veered off the roadway and overturned, according to CHP. The crash caused the roof of the BMW to come off, ejecting both the driver and passenger from the vehicle.

87-year-old linked to Miguels Cocina E. coli outbreak dies

Moments later, a 28-year-old man driving a white Ford Mustang hit the back of the overturned BMW that was blocking the roadway, authorities said.

When officers arrived on scene, the occupants of the BMW were pronounced dead, Castro confirmed. The Ford driver, who was determined to not be under the influence, remained at the crash site and cooperated with law enforcement.

Authorities shut down the three right lanes of the I-5 for around three hours.

The identities of the victims have not been released pending notification of the families.

If anyone witnessed this crash, contact the CHP San Diego Area at (858) 293-6000.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) For St. Patricks Day in 2024, Central Pennsylvania will be getting in the festive mood when The Dropkick Murphys bring their tour to the area.

The band announced in a Facebook post Tuesday, that they will be coming to Lancaster and also State College as part of their St. Patricks Day Tour 2024 along with the bands Pennywise and The Scratch from Dublin.

The show in Lancaster will be held at the Freedom Hall, located along 25 S Queen Street, and that is scheduled for March 5. The State College show will be at the Bryce Jordan Center on University Park and that is scheduled for March 8.

Ludacris set to perform at the 2024 York State Fair

The Dropkick Murphys most played hit Im Shipping Up To Boston, a song that is double-platinum, has been heard, and screamed, by millions of people at sporting venues and concerts. The band started in 1996 in a barbershop basement, according to their about page on Spotify.

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Fans can RSVP for presale tickets through the bands website and in the Facebook post, the band urged fans to just go through links on their website to buy the tickets to avoid scalpers.

The tour has more than 25 shows scheduled, starting in California in February and then fittingly ending in Boston in May.

More information about The Dropkick Murphys upcoming tour and their shows in Pennsylvania can be found online at their website.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Samira Rostami has been getting massages for decades to relieve stress, but in the summer of 2021, a masseuse tried a new technique that would do the opposite of calming the body.

The masseuse targeted the joints around the base of her skull, pressing deeply into her spinal cord. The next day she was bedridden with fissures of pain radiating across her upper back as if someone was trying to tear her muscles in two. Over the next few months, the pain worsened such that she could no longer swallow pills or food. Barely able to hold her head up, she spent a year sustaining herself on meal replacement shakes.

I was at a doctor's appointment almost daily from Monday through Friday for about six months after the injury, begging anyone and everyone to figure out what was wrong with my neck, Rostami, a communications professor in San Diego, California, told Salon in a phone interview.

It took seven months after her injury for doctors to diagnose her with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Although this condition varies with each patient and some achieve remission, CRPS has been called the most painful condition, usually affecting hands or feet and spreading throughout the body. The pain can be so intense that some patients opt to have an affected limb amputated. Opioids or other analgesics often dont work against it but one treatment that has shown some promise is ketamine, an anesthetic administered through infusions that can have psychedelic properties.

Since May of 2022, the ketamine doses Rostami receives monthly were one of the only things she has found that can improve her condition. But this year, it became increasingly hard to find when a national shortage caused her clinic to cut down on her appointments and eventually cancel some until they could restock. For Rostami, that meant finding an alternative clinic that didnt take her insurance or going without treatment.

When theres a national shortage, they have to cut back on how many treatments you can get, Rostami said. It just depends on how much pain Im in that month, if I want to spend $2,000 for an infusion, or if there is availability in San Diego and I can find a clinic.

Originally approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the 1970s as a local anesthetic, ketamine is also a dissociative psychedelic that can produce dream-like effects or out-of-body experiences. It targets a chemical messenger in the brain called glutamate that regulates memory, cognition and mood.

Although it has not been approved to treat mental health conditions or chronic pain, doctors have increasingly been prescribing ketamine off-label for mental health conditions like treatment-resistant depression and pain conditions like CRPS. Some patients report negative side effects and dont react well to it, but others undergo profound experiences in which they can see their past trauma in a new light, find long-sought pain relief or leave behind crippling anxieties.

One in every six Americans experiences depression and up to one in three of those people wont respond to first-line treatments like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Meanwhile, the opioid overdose crisis has led physicians to cut back on writing pain medication scripts with the unintended consequence of leaving many patients with chronic pain with even fewer treatment options. Some patients are desperate for a way to relieve their psychiatric or physical pain, and some doctors are frustrated at not being able to help them. Ketamine is filling this treatment gap for many in both treatment spaces.

Nancy, a mother of three who runs an animal rescue center in Houston, Texas, who asked to use only her first name, started going to a ketamine clinic to treat her depression in 2021. After it worked for that condition, she decided with her doctor to start ketamine in a different dosage to treat her fibromyalgia, which has put her in debilitating pain for 30 years. However, the latter is not covered by her insurance and is going to cost her $1,350 per treatment, a cost which has to be worth it, she said.

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At this point, nothing else is helping and I am not able to be the mom I want to be and do the rescue work I want to do, she told Salon in a phone interview. Life is pretty miserable right now with this much pain, so I feel like I have to try something.

Like many practitioners in what is sometimes called the psychedelic renaissance, what led Dr. Steven Radowitz, the chief medical officer of Nushama ketamine clinic in New York, to psychedelic medicine was frustration that many patients had stopped responding to treatments he was prescribing, as well as a belief that psychedelics had the potential to address the underlying issues related to mood disorders that could facilitate deeper healing.

What this does is it opens people up to see life in a different way, a more open way, Radowitz told Salon in a video call.

In 2019, the FDA approved Johnson & Johnsons isolated formulation of the ketamine molecule, esketamine (sold under the brand name Spravato as a nasal spray), for treatment-resistant depression after it was shown to improve symptoms in clinical trials. (Esketamine is a slightly different from racemic ketamine that is typically given at clinics.)

This led to a dramatic increase in the number of clinics offering ketamine therapy for conditions for which it is not approved, even though the same level of rigor hasnt been applied to research examining ketamine for mental health conditions, said Dr. Gerard Sanacora, a psychiatrist at Yale University who studies ketamine.

There's just really a lack of good data demonstrating the safety and the efficacy of those forms of treatment, Sanacora told Salon in a phone interview. That doesn't mean they're not safe or not effective, but we just really don't know.

Yet there are some promising results from scientific research. One study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found ketamine infusions improved suicidal ideation, depression and anxiety, although that was a retrospective chart review and not a randomized clinical trial. Another study found ketamine reduced suicidal ideation within three days, but its unclear whether these effects were upheld in the long term. Similar findings were published last week in a meta-analysis looking at ketamine as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. A fourth study published in June in the New England Journal of Medicine found ketamine worked just as well as electroconvulsive therapy among patients with depression.

In 2018, three professional medical organizations including the American Academy of Pain Medicine published guidelines for using ketamine infusions to treat chronic pain, citing a few randomized controlled trials that showed it was effective, although the "level of evidence varies by condition and dose range."

However, some in the medical community fear the cart has gone before the horse with the number of ketamine clinics that have popped up in recent years. In a study published last week in JAMA Network Open, a survey of 17 ketamine centers in Maryland found seven failed to disclose any potential adverse effects and one falsely claimed ketamine was FDA-approved for depression and was not addictive. (Ketamine can be addictive, but the risk is generally considered low, especially when given under clinical supervision.)

Dr. Padma Gulur, a pain management specialist at Duke University studying ketamine, said clinics need to have specific protocols in place: ensuring patients are medically evaluated before treatment to reduce the risk of a bad reaction, for example, and monitored after dosing because of ketamines sedative effects.

It has potential, but it is also not without risk, Gulur told Salon in a phone interview. Even if it gives you some short-term gains, it may not give you long-term benefits, at best. Or, potentially, there may be long-term harm we are not aware of yet.

Perhaps due to increased demand, manufacturing or supply chain issues, racemic ketamine used in these infusions has been in shortage since 2018. In an October survey of 126 ketamine providers across the country conducted by the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists & Practitioners (ASKP3)  which has issued some best practices for ketamine clinics to follow  61% had to cancel appointments due to the shortage, said ASKP3 president Dr. Sandhya Prashad.

Some people have had to delay treatment, which may not sound like a big deal, but for patients who have suicidality, it's a very big deal, Prashad told Salon in a video interview.

Dr. Brent Turnipseed, the medical director of a ketamine clinic Roots Behavioral Health in Austin, Texas, said the shortage has forced his team to turn toward compound pharmacies to fill their supply so patients are not left out to dry.

Weve been pivoting quickly to try to figure out any option we can for our patients, but it's been stressful, Turnipseed told Salon in a phone interview.

Last month, the FDA issued a warning acknowledging the increased interest in compounded ketamine products such as oral tablets called lozenges, outlining the risks of using a drug like ketamine without the supervision of a healthcare provider. In addition to sedation and dissociation, long-term use of ketamine can lead to urinary problems as well as psychiatric events, the agency stated.

Consumers should be aware that compounded drugs pose a higher risk to patients than FDA-approved drugs because compounded drugs do not undergo FDA premarket review for safety, effectiveness or quality, a spokesperson told Salon in an email.

The agency did not respond to questions about what was causing the shortage and what was being done to ameliorate it. During the pandemic, federal agencies loosened regulations that allowed for substances like ketamine to be prescribed via telehealth appointments, which could be affecting supply.

One of the most common safety concerns highlighted by the FDA's adverse event tracker for ketamine is drug "misuse," but some evidence suggests recreational ketamine use in the U.S. remains low, with fewer than 2% of American adults having used ketamine in their lifetime, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The University of Michigans 2022 Monitoring the Future study, which looks at drug use among high school students, also showed no increase in the portion of students having tried ketamine since 2004. In the clinical setting, it is administered by practitioners and not intended to leave the office.

Although there did seem to be a ketamine clinic boom during and after the COVID-19 public health emergency, that seems to be dying down, Prashad, of ASKP3, said. This year, two major chains of ketamine clinics, Field Trip and Ketamine Wellness Centers, abruptly shut down, leaving many patients scrambling for other options. The situation was especially dire as many patients had come to rely on the treatment to maintain their mental health. In the ASKP3 survey of ketamine providers, 8% said the shortage caused them to shut down or consider shutting down their clinic, further reducing access to a treatment that has provided many with relief when other therapies dont work.

I have witnessed it with my own patients and with my own eyes that this is truly a life-saving treatment for some people, Sanacora, at Yale, said. But the potential for things to go wrong is real and that really does need to be mitigated.
NATOs next airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platform will be the Boeing E-7A Wedgetail , the alliance has announced. The aircraft will kickstart a much-needed overhaul of the aging NATO AEW&C fleet, made up of the E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS). The U.S. Air Force is also procuring the E-7 to replace its E-3 fleet at least partially, with the United Kingdom doing the same , while Turkey already operates the type, so commonality with the NATO force will continue.

https://twitter.com/NSPA_NATO/status/1724731014428467226

The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA)  responsible for multinational acquisition, support, and sustainment for the alliance  today announced its plan to take steps toward acquiring six E-7A aircraft. This is the initial part of an effort known as Initial Alliance Future Surveillance and Control (iAFSC). NATO plans to buy the Wedgetails via U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) channels.

A Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail flies in formation with Hawaii Air National Guard F-22 Raptors near Oahu, Hawaii on 21 April 2021. U.S. Air Force

Based on an adapted Boeing 737 airframe, the E-7s main mission sensor is a Northrop Grumman Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar carried in a large fairing on top of the fuselage. The radar has air and sea-search modes, while the aircraft is fitted with extensive communications and data-sharing capabilities, allowing it to share relevant information with other friendly assets in the air, as well as at sea and on the ground. You can read much more about the Wedgetail and its capabilities in our previous deep-dive on the topic .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsAfLHzKFy4

More generally, an AEW&C platform like the E-7 is a vital supporting asset for modern air combat operations. Aircraft like these can detect and track multiple threats and can also monitor specific areas of an aerial battlespace. They can also help track targets at sea. Furthermore, they serve as critical command and control and battle management platforms, ensuring that data flows to other assets in the air and down below.

The decision to acquire the E-7A was made by the NSPA together with the alliances Support Partnership Nations: Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, and the United States. As part of the rigorous assessment process, requests for information (RFI) and price and availability (P&A) were assessed and studies were also made of previous E-7 acquisition programs, namely in Australia, South Korea , Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Turkish radar operator aboard a Turkish Air Force E-7 Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft. Photo by Orhan Akkanat/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

The E-7 is already in operational service with Australia, South Korea, and Turkey. It has been ordered by both the United Kingdom and the United States, although the British procurement program has been dogged by delays and cost overruns .

Between them, the NSPA and Support Partnership Nations concluded that the E-7A is the only known system currently capable of fulfilling the strategic commands essential operational requirements and key performance parameters and available for delivery within the timeframe required.

A NATO E-3A Sentry attending the international Exercise Anatolian Eagle 2013-2 in Konya, Turkey. Getty Images

That delivery timeframe is based on the planned retirement of NATOs current E-3 fleet in around 2035 and the aspiration for the E-7A to achieve initial operational capability (IOC) in 2031.

According to the NSPA, among the reasons that the Wedgetail was judged the best candidate were benefits of economies of scale, commonality, and interoperability deriving from [the] multinational acquisition of military off-the-shelf platforms. This degree of commonality and prospects for interoperability with other E-7 fleets clearly gave the Boeing product an edge over the only other realistic candidate , Saabs GlobalEye, which is based on a Bombardier Global 6000/6500 long-range bizjet airframe.

A prototype Saab GlobalEye. Saab

So far, the rival GlobalEye has been acquired by the United Arab Emirates and by Sweden, with the Nordic country still to formally join the alliance.

Intriguingly, the iAFSC effort is described as providing an initial element to mitigate the risk of airborne surveillance and control capability gap, but the Wedgetail will be just one contributing element [] to the overall Alliance Future Surveillance and Control (AFSC) system of systems capability.

Regarding the choice of the E-7A for the alliance, Stacy Cummings, NSPA General Manager commented: This announcement marks a significant milestone in NATOs ongoing efforts to enhance its readiness and capabilities in the years to come. NSPAs acquisition strategy of a sole source, FMS, multinational solution is set to deliver a range of benefits that will bolster the alliances ability to respond to evolving security challenges.

https://twitter.com/NATOpress/status/1724734248018456681

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General, added: Surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft are crucial for NATOs collective defense, and I welcome allies commitment to investing in high-end capabilities. By pooling resources, allies can buy and operate major assets collectively that would be too expensive for individual countries to purchase. This investment in state-of-the-art technology shows the strength of transatlantic defense cooperation as we continue to adapt to a more unstable world.

With NATO set to order just six E-7A aircraft under the iAFSC effort, it would seem that there is a good likelihood of further orders for the Wedgetail being placed, as part of the broader AFSC initiative. After all, the NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control Force (NAEW&CF), home-stationed at Geilenkirchen Air Base in Germany, currently operates 16 E-3A aircraft.

A portion of the flight line at Geilenkirchen Air Base. Melanie Becker/Luftwaffe

On the other hand, the description of AFSC as a system of systems capability points to the ambition to have the E-7A fleet, whatever its eventual size, operating as part of an integrated network of sensors, which will also include drones, other aircraft types that can operate in a surveillance-gathering capacity, and also space-based systems.

In a graphic that NATO provided alongside the announcement today, the iAFSC (or E-7A) is illustrated as one part of a multifaceted AFSC enterprise that will also include uncrewed airborne surveillance (illustrated with a NATO RQ-4D Phoenix high-altitude long-endurance drone), space-based ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance), maritime-based ISR, land-based radar, and MILSATCOM . Also featured are the digital backbone, and combat cloud, while a final segment is left empty, suggesting the potential for other platforms or capabilities to be added at a later date.

NATO

This future AEW&C vision has some similarities with what the U.S. Air Force is also looking at.

In the past, we have looked at how the U.S. Air Force has viewed the E-7 as a solution to bridge the gap between the retirement of the E-3 and a future space-based radar capability and other classified systems.

Speaking back in 2021, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown said that an E-7 purchase gives us a path to a new space-based radar capability, which he said could be less vulnerable than a system based on a commercial airliner.

When you look to the future, ideally youd like to be able to look at capability that can be defensible, he explained .

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr. tours a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 6, 2022. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Josey Blades

While even space-based assets are far from invulnerable , its important to note that the U.S. military has increasingly been looking at possibilities for future distributed space-based networks that are more resilient and less vulnerable , as well as ways to rapidly replace any satellites that are destroyed or otherwise rendered inoperable.

Like the U.S. Air Force, its unclear how far along NATO might be in the development of radar-equipped satellites that could provide capabilities similar to E-3 and E-7-type aircraft. But outside of classified programs, it remains the case that there are already multiple countries, as well as private companies , that publicly operate various space-based radars, albeit primarily for imaging purposes .

Concept image of a future U.S. Air Force E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C jet. Boeing

Interestingly, while NATO hasnt so far said anything about buying more than the first six E-7As, let alone adding a different aircraft type, there may still be hope for Saab in the European AEW&C context.

At the Dubai Airshow, taking place this week, it was revealed that Denmark, Finland, and Sweden are in talks with Saab with a view to potentially jointly operating the GlobalEye. To start with, such an initiative would likely involve the two GlobalEyes that Sweden has ordered, with deliveries due in 2027. Sweden has an option for another two such aircraft.

A pair of Saab GlobalEye aircraft over Sweden. Saab

We are having discussions with the neighboring countries in Scandinavia  Finland and Denmark  to see whether scaling up from two or more aircraft in the region could be part of the equation in the region, Tomas Lundin, head of marketing and sales of AEW&C business at Saab, told Shephard Media.

There is a precedent for such cooperation, including the launch of a Nordic Warfighting Concept for Joint Air Operations, earlier this year. This aims to bring together integrated command and control, operational planning, and execution; flexible and resilient deployment of our air forces; joint airspace surveillance; and joint education, training, and exercises. You can read more about it here , suffice to say, a joint AEW&C endeavor would be an obvious addition.

Aside from GlobalEye, Saab already has an AEW&C footprint with NATO operators in Europe. Greece operates the earlier Erieye system, mounted in EMB-145H regional jets, while Poland recently received the first of its Erieye-equipped Saab 340 twin-turboprop aircraft. Sweden, currently awaiting NATO membership, also operates Saab 340s with Erieye, under the local designation S 100B Argus.

A Swedish Air Force S 100B Argus. Swedish Ministry of Defense

Within Europe, interest in AEW&C is being spurred by the re-emergence of the threat from Russia, as well as other operational contingencies requiring broad-area surveillance and airspace control. Already, the E-7 is playing an important part in these missions, not only with Turkey, but also in the example of the aircraft that Australia has deployed to Europe . The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has used its Wedgetail to help keep watch over military and humanitarian supplies entering Ukraine and the performance of the aircraft in this theater may well also have helped inform NATOs decision to procure the E-7A.

https://twitter.com/PeterVogel/status/1724625101260575134?s=20 https://twitter.com/ItaMilRadar/status/1719337469898858647?s=20

Overall, the specific demands of the European area of operations make an AEW&C asset like the Wedgetail especially valuable, bearing in mind NATOs close proximity to Russia and the requirement to keep an eye on Russian military aircraft movements as well as Russian drones and missiles . While this has become more of an issue in recent years, the daily airspace surveillance needs in Europe are something that has existed since the Cold War.

With Saab hopeful that GlobalEye could still find new customers in Europe and with NATO having joined the U.S. Air Force in announcing plans to acquire the E-7A, its fair to say that AEW&C is seeing something of a renaissance within NATO, more generally.

Contact the author: thomas@thedrive.com
Photo: The Canadian Press FILE - NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, left, and Haley Esparza ride on horses as they visit SpaceX's Starship, April 19, 2023, as it's readied for launch at Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas. SpaceX is aiming for another test flight of its mega rocket, Starship, on Friday, Nov. 17, after getting the final OK from the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA issued its license Wednesday, Nov. 15, noting that SpaceX has met safety, environmental and other requirements. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)

SpaceX is aiming for another test flight of its mega rocket on Friday after getting final approval from federal regulators.

The first launch of Starship ended in an explosion minutes after lifting off from South Texas in April.

The Federal Aviation Administration issued its license Wednesday, noting that SpaceX has met safety, environmental and other requirements to launch again. Elon Musk's rocket company said it was targeting Friday morning.

After the self-destruct system blew up the rocket over the Gulf of Mexico, SpaceX made dozens of improvements to the nearly 400-foot (121-meter) rocket and to the launch pad, which ended up with a large crater beneath it.

SpaceX has a $3 billion NASA contract to land astronauts on the lunar surface as early as 2025, using the spacecraft.

A month ago, the FAA completed its safety review of the upcoming Starship launch. It needed more time to wrap up its environmental review. No one was injured in the first attempt, but the pad was heavily damaged as the rocket's 33 main engines ignited at liftoff.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service later reported that concrete chunks, steel sheets and other objects were hurled thousands of feet (hundreds of meters) from the pad. It also said a plume of pulverized concrete sent material several miles (up to 10 kilometers) away.

Wildlife and environmental groups sued the FAA over what they considered to be the FAAs failure to fully consider the environmental impacts of the Starship program near Boca Chica Beach.

Plans call for the test flight to last 1 /1/2 hours and fall short of a full orbit of Earth. The spacecraft would go eastward, passing over the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans before ditching near Hawaii. Nothing of value will be on board.
The paramilitary group is involved in dealing drugs and now eight of its leaders have been removed

Two men have been arrested as part of an investigation into criminality linked to the east Belfast Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF).

The men, aged 20 and 51, were detained following search operations in east Belfast and Newtownards, County Down.

The 51-year-old has been charged with a number of drug offences including possession of a class A drug with intent to supply.

He is set to appear before Belfast Magistrates' Court on 12 December.

The 20-year-old, who was arrested on suspicion of drug and money-laundering offences, has been released on bail to allow for further enquiries.

A "significant quantity" of cocaine, herbal cannabis worth an estimated 15,000 and a quantity of cash were seized during the searches on Tuesday.

Det Insp Maguire said: "We will continue to work with communities and partners to disrupt those involved in criminal activity, and I would appeal to anyone with information or concerns about illegal activity, or anyone with any information that can assist our investigations, to call police."

The east Belfast UVF has, for several years, been associated with involvement in serious criminality, such as drug dealing.

It has long been a priority target for the Police Service of Northern Ireland's (PSNI) paramilitary crime task force.

The arrests come after a move was made to stand down leadership of the group.

Up to eight individuals have been removed from their positions, BBC News NI understands.

The action is said to have been ordered by the paramilitary group's central hierarchy and it was revealed in a statement read at a number of Remembrance Sunday events.
One person was seriously injured in a car/pedestrian crash Tuesday evening in downtown Elmira.

The incident took place at the intersection of Clemens Center Parkway and East Second Street, according to the Elmira Police Department.

Responding officers determined a pedestrian had been struck by a motor vehicle at that intersection, police said.

The victim was transported to Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre with what police described as serious injuries. The victim's condition is unknown at this time.

The operator of the vehicle remained on the scene and is cooperating with the investigation, police said. Police have not released the names of the victim or the driver.

The investigation into the cause of the crash is continuing and police are not releasing any further information at this time.

Public safety New York now requires background checks for ammo purchases. What sportsmen need to know.

The Elmira Fire Department and Erway Ambulance assisted the Elmira Police Department at the scene.

 This story will be updated pending additional information. Follow Jeff Murray on Twitter @SGJeffMurray. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Elmira car, pedestrian crash sends one to hospital with injuries
FILE - Protesters line the street around the front of the Nebraska State Capitol during an Abortion Rights Rally held on July 4, 2022, in Lincoln, Neb. A petition referendum effort is being launched to establish abortion rights in Nebraska, following on the heels of similar successful efforts in other reds states. Documents released by the Nebraska Secretary of State's office Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023 show that a coalition of civil rights and advocacy groups is leading the effort to enshrine abortion rights within the Nebraska Constitution. (Kenneth Ferriera/Lincoln Journal Star via AP, File)

OMAHA, Neb. (AP)  An effort to enshrine abortion rights in the Nebraska Constitution is being launched, following on the heels of successful efforts in other red states where Republicans had enacted or sought abortion restrictions.

Protect Our Rights, the coalition behind the effort, submitted proposed petition language to the Nebraska Secretary of State's office late last month.

That language was kept under wraps until Wednesday, when the state's top elections office released it. Organizers plan to hold a news conference Thursday to kick off the effort, in which they will need to collect around 125,000 valid signatures by next summer to get the measure on the ballot in 2024.

We're confident in this effort, and we're energized, said Ashlei Spivey, founder and executive director of I Be Black Girl, an Omaha-based reproductive rights group that makes up part of the coalition. Other members include Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska and the Women's Fund.

The proposed amendment would declare a fundamental right to abortion until fetal viability, or when needed to protect the life or health of the pregnant patient. Under the petition language, the patient's health care practitioner would determine fetal viability.

The group relied, in part, on polling it says shows a majority of Nebraskans favoring abortion access, Spivey said. That's proving consistent in other states where voters have backed abortion rights  including in Ohio, where voters last week resoundingly approved an amendment to the state constitution to protect abortion access.

Ohio was definitely a proof point for us, Spivey said. Ohio shows that voters are going to protect their rights.

Now, advocates in at least a dozen states are looking to take abortion questions to voters in 2024.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that had protected abortion rights nationally, voters in all seven states that held a statewide vote have backed access. That includes neighboring conservative Kansas, where voters resoundingly rejected last year a ballot measure that would have allowed the Republican-controlled Legislature to tighten restrictions or ban the procedure outright.

Paige Brown, a spokesperson for the Nebraska Catholic Conference that has lobbied hard for abortion restrictions, telegraphed that abortion opponents are aware of the public pushback.

Nebraskas major pro-life groups are not pursuing our own ballot initiative," Brown said in a written statement. Instead, she said, they will focus on defending Nebraska's current 12-week abortion ban passed by the Republican-led Legislature earlier this year that includes exceptions for rape, incest and to save the life of the mother.

The vast majority of Nebraskans agree this is reasonable public policy, Brown said.

A petition seeking a 2024 referendum to outright ban abortion in Nebraska that was approved earlier this year has been suspended after the lone organizer was unable to raise enough volunteers to circulate it.

Despite indications that further restrictions are unpopular, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen and other Republican leaders have vowed to do just that, even as others have warned it could cost them elections. Republican state Sen. Merve Riepe, who tanked a 6-week ban bill by refusing to end a filibuster on it, took to the legislative floor in April to urge his conservative colleagues to heed signs that abortion will galvanize women to vote them out of office.

We must embrace the future of reproductive rights, he said at the time.

Ashley All, who helped lead the effort in Kansas to protect abortion rights, echoed that warning, noting Kansas voters rejected that state's anti-abortion effort by nearly 20 percentage points.

For 50 years, all weve heard is a very specific stereotype of who gets an abortion and why, All said. But when you start to disrupt that stereotype and show how abortion is health care, peoples perceptions and opinions begin to shift.
Richard Clark found himself homeless after he says an injury prevented him from working. For the past year, a purple shed in North Hollywoods Chandler Blvd. Tiny Home Village has been his temporary home.

At just 64 square feet with two beds, it isnt much. But for Clark, it is a major improvement over the public benches where he used to sleep. He says staffers are helping him apply for disability and hopefully find a permanent place to live.

The services are here. You just have to take advantage of them, he told us.

Tiny Home

Los Angeles now has 11 tiny home villages built by the city and largely operated with government funds.

Chandler Blvd. was the first, opening in 2021. But as these communities have expanded, so has something else: the number of emergency calls.

KTLA obtained police, fire and paramedic records which paint a picture of the care still needed by the unhoused when they are taken off the streets. Among them are calls for suspected assault, threats, weapons, suicides and overdoses.

From January through August of this year, authorities responded to more than 170 calls for police, fire, or paramedics at one tiny home village in North Hollywoods Alexandria Park that houses around 150 people.

Tiny Home

Over the same period, records show more than 160 emergency calls to Whitsett West Village at Saticoy and the 170 Freeway, also in the San Fernando Valley.

By no means am I surprised, says Rowan Vansleve, the president of Hope the Mission, a nonprofit that runs four tiny home communities in L.A. I think first and foremost, its a lot less than calls going to active encampments with same amount of people. Anytime you put well over 100 people in one site who are in crisis there is going to be an element of law enforcement needed.

LAPD records show about 20% of the calls for service to two of the three North Hollywood tiny home villages are for a suspected overdose or suicide attempts. Vansleve says this speaks to the need for more behavioral health services.

Tiny Home Village

Many of our guests  have been on streets for 3, 4, 5 years. The amount of trauma that somebody has endured and depths of mental health issues and addiction issues are unprecedented, he told us.

Vansleve believes the villages need mental health staff on-site, seven days a week to deal with urgent needs. At least one resident agrees.

15 tiny houses for veterans go up in flames in west Los Angeles

The staff is not equipped to handle the different types of situations going on in here, said James Hill, who told us his first roommate overdosed on drugs but survived.

Even with the large need for emergency resources, those who live near Chandler Blvd. Tiny Home Village believe it is better than what existed before.

Ive seen positives because I dont see a lot of homeless encampments around, says Gordon Beck. Its good people have a place to go.

Tiny Home Communities

However, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles attorney Shayla Myers, who represents the unhoused, worries that these villages are being used as permanent housing and not a temporary solution as designed.

Because there is so little affordable housing in Los Angeles, people are being forced to stay there for a very long time, says Myers.

Vansleve says, on average, they are moving 11 to 14 people per month from the NoHo cabin communities into permanent homes. Whatever the success rate is, he believes, is better than the alternative of living on the streets.

They are incredibly successful but also very imperfect.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Conservative MP Dame Andrea Jenkyns has responded to criticism of her letter expressing no confidence in party leader and prime minister Rishi Sunak. (Getty Images) (Leon Neal via Getty Images)

A Conservative MP has defended her letter expressing no confidence in Rishi Sunak after it was criticised over its grammar and punctuation.

Dame Andrea Jenkyns, the Tory MP for Morley and Outwood in West Yorkshire, submitted her letter on Monday following the prime minister's reshuffle.

A number of teachers criticised the way the letter was written, with one describing it as "embarrassingly poor".

In response, Jenkyns pointed out that she has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which can affect spelling and grammar, and accused those criticising her of being "sanctimonious".

Sunak sacked Suella Braverman as home secretary on Monday after her controversial comments about the homeless and the Metropolitan Police, replacing her with James Cleverly, and, in a shock move, brought former prime minister David Cameron back into government as foreign secretary.

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Jenkyns submitted a letter of no confidence in Sunak as party leader to the Conservative backbench 1922 Committee.

She wrote: "Enough is enough.

"If it wasn't bad enough that we have a party leader that the party members rejected, the polls demonstrate that the public reject him, and I am in full agreement. It's time for Rishi Sunak to go."

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

She added: "Rishi's Machiavellian involvement in getting rid of our democratically elected leader Boris Johnson, who bravely fought for Brexit when parliament was in deadlock. Yes Boris, the man who won the Conservative Party a massive majority, was unforgivable enough.

"But then to purge the centre-right from his cabinet and then sack Suella who was the only person in the cabinet with the balls to speak the truth of the appalling state of our streets and a two-tier policing system that leaves Jewish community in fear for their lives and safety."

Jenkyns, a former junior minister for skills, further and higher education, who was made a dame earlier this year by Johnson in his resignation honours, said she had submitted her letter "to stand up and fight for true Conservatism.

However, the letter was criticised on social media by a number of current and former teachers over its grammar and punctuation.

Former England rugby player Brian Moore posted a picture of the letter on X, formerly Twitter, saying: "This letter is from a former Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Skills, Further and Higher Education. If any English teachers follow me, I would like to see your critique on the standard of writing."

This letter is from a former Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Skills, Further and Higher Education.

If any English teachers follow me, I would like to see your critique on the standard of writing. pic.twitter.com/MilbB11Akn  Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) November 13, 2023

English teacher and journalist Kristina Murkett wrote on X: "My Year 7s have better punctuation and grammar than this. Clearly Jenkyns doesnt just have a problem with pronouns, but verbs too."

Chris Murgatroyd posted on X: "Retired English teacher here: I could give you 'chapter and verse' and even send you an annotated, corrected version but there are only 24 hours in a day. Suffice to say, it's embarrassingly poor."

Tracy Austin, a former English and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) teacher, wrote: "This letter would not meet marking criteria."

Last month, while announcing on X that she had written to the prime minister and the chancellor to call for more investment in SEND services, Jenkyns said: "I have ADHD myself and understand the daily challenges."

Tory MP Andrea Jenkyns was made a dame in Boris Johnson's prime ministerial resignation honours list. (Getty Images) (Pool via Getty Images)

Experts say that because those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) generally have problems with focus and attention to details, they can be more prone to making mistakes in spelling, grammar or punctuation when writing.

In response to the criticism of her letter, a spokesperson for Jenkyns told Yahoo News UK: "Andrea has ADHD."

They added that those criticising her letter "should learn more about neurodiversity before jumping to sanctimonious conclusions".

What is ADHD?

According to the NHS, people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and might act on impulse.

Most cases of ADHD are diagnosed when children are under 12, but it can go unrecognised and be diagnosed later when the person is an adult.

The NHS said adults with ADHD may have problems with time management, following instructions, completing tasks or feeling restless.

Students who have ADHD can have issues with spelling, grammar and punctuation because of problems with focus, experts say.

Watch: New Tory chairman expresses need for unity after Rishi Sunak's reshuffle
A man wearing a full face mask and carrying a note robbed a Citizens Bank branch in Erie early Tuesday afternoon.

Erie police detectives are investigating the robbery, which was reported on Tuesday at 12:46 p.m. at the Citizens Bank branch at 3835 Peach St. Police had no suspects in the crime as of Wednesday morning.

An unknown suspect wearing a full face mask walked into the branch and handed a teller a "threatening note" that demanded money, Erie police Deputy Chief Rick Lorah said Wednesday. The teller put an undetermined amount of cash into a bag the suspect provided and he left the branch through the front entrance, Lorah said.

The robber was described as a male who was about 6 feet tall and was wearing a mask and red jacket with white piping on it.

Detectives are checking the area around the bank for surveillance video in an effort to determine the suspect's movements and his possible identity. Anyone who might have seen anything suspicious around the bank at the time of the robbery, or who might live or work in the area and have surveillance cameras, is asked to call Detective Sgt. Patrick Ginkel at 814-870-1161 or Detective Jason Russell at 814-870-1112.

Tuesday's bank robbery is the second in the city over the past month and the third in Erie County so far this year.

Erie police on Nov. 6 charged 60-year-old Vaughn D. Carter with robbing the PNC Bank branch at 901 State St. downtown on Oct. 24. Police accuse Carter of using a note to rob a teller of $340, according to investigators. Police said Carter was identified as the suspect through surveillance video.

More: Tip leads Erie police to 60-year-old suspect in robbery of a downtown PNC bank branch

Carter is awaiting his preliminary hearing in the case.

North East police continue to investigate the robbery on Jan. 23 of a Key Bank branch at 27 E. Main St. in the borough.

More: North East police, FBI continue search for suspect who used note to rob Key Bank branch

Contact Tim Hahn at thahn@timesnews.com. Follow him on X @ETNhahn.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie police seek to ID masked suspect who used note to rob Citizens Bank
OSLO (Reuters) - Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said late on Tuesday she would like to be considered for the job of NATO secretary general once Jens Stoltenberg steps down, Politico reported.

Speaking at a Politico conference in Washington, Kallas responded "yes" when she was pressed on whether she'd like to be considered for the role, according to the report.

Kallas has been a leading critic of Russia in the European Union and NATO, and has pushed for more comprehensive plans to defend the three Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which all border Russia.

NATO diplomats have said, however, Kallas may be regarded as too hawkish by some members of the Western defence alliance.

Stoltenberg has been in post since 2014 and is due to step down in October 2024.

His term was extended in July for a fourth time, as the alliance's 31 member countries opted to stick with an experienced leader rather than try to agree on a successor with Russia's war in Ukraine raging on NATO's doorstep.

Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has also said he would be interested in the job of leading NATO.

(Reporting by Terje Solsvik; Edting by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
(Bloomberg) -- Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas threw her hat in the ring for NATOs top job, confirming a broadly suspected ambition by the hawkish Baltic leader for the post.

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Asked whether shed be interested in succeeding Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, whose extended leadership runs until October next year, the Estonian leader offered an unequivocal response.

Yes, Kallas told a defense-related event in Washington organized by Politico Tuesday. Alliance members are looking for a woman to fill the post from a newer member state that meets the North Atlantic Treaty Organizations target of spending more than 2% of gross domestic product on defense, she said.

Kallas, who has burnished a reputation for standing firm against Vladimir Putin and supporting Ukraines war effort, made clear that she fits the bill. But the 46-year-old premiers geopolitical ambitions clash with Estonias domestic political scene, where she faces calls to resign over a scandal involving her husbands business activity in Russia.

The Estonian leader has vowed to stay on after it emerged in August that her husbands logistics company had been making deliveries to a client in Russia even as she was calling for all trade with the country to halt.

Kallas insisted that she was unaware of the activity and her spouse, Arvo Hallik, sold his shares in the business. But the revelation triggered accusations across the political spectrum of hypocrisy. Estonias president has said she should have quit, while her Reform party is sliding in the polls.

The developments were a setback for the leader of the nation of 1.3 million bordering Russia, who secured a convincing election victory in March on her popularity for standing against the Kremlin.

In the US capital, Kallas met with officials including National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan to press the case to continue assistance for Kyiv as support shows signs of waning. Her visited coincided with the passage of a funding bill in the House that doesnt include aid to Ukraine.

I totally understand and believe that it is beatable, Politico quoted Kallas as saying, referring to Russia. Ukraine can win this war.

Kallass gender would be an advantage in a bid, with many member states favoring a woman after a succession of 13 men overseeing the alliance since 1952. But shell face competition. Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte signaled last month that hes open to the job.

The Estonian teased Ruttes candidacy in her mention of the gender and 2% benchmark profile, two attributes the Dutchman clearly lacks. So its logical its Mark Rutte, Kallas quipped.

But some NATO allies have also viewed Baltic candidates as too hawkish on Russia to secure unanimous support. That dynamic may have changed following Russias invasion, which has sparked the biggest overhaul of the alliances defenses since the end of the Cold War.

--With assistance from Natalia Drozdiak.

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Your slice of the headlines in Ukraine. Daily. Wednesday, November 15, 2023.

 German minister confirms EU will fall short of pledged 1 million artillery rounds by March deadline

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.

 Defense Ministry aims for full transition to Ukrainian-sourced supplies for Armed Forces

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.

 Germany delivers fresh military aid package to Ukraine

Berlin has handed over a new military aid package to Ukraine, the German Ministry of Defense reported on Nov. 13.

 At protest in Lviv, students demand firing of university professor over her disrespect for Russian-speaking soldiers

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.

 17-year-old boy abducted from Mariupol, facing draft in Russia, may be returned to Ukraine

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.

 Suspects identified in murder of Ukrainian childrens writer Prosecutor Generals update

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.

 US is working with Ukraine to protect its energy infrastructure from feared Russian winter attacks

The United States is actively looking for effective ways to protect Ukraine from another Russian winter campaign to destroy the countrys energy infrastructure, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said during a video briefing on Nov. 13.

 How much grain Ukraine exports after Russias withdrawal from grain deal  expert interview

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.

 Biden security adviser warns US ability to help Ukraine shrinking weekly without aid approval from Congress

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.

 No evidence of Chinas military backing for Russia in Ukraine  White House

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.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The proposed EU rules would require the fossil fuel energy sector to have new measures to track and monitor methane gas emissions, and to prevent leaks (MARIO TAMA)

Negotiators for the EU's member states and lawmakers on Wednesday reached a deal on new rules to curb methane emissions which would put new reporting requirements on the coal, gas and oil industry.

"The text represents a crucial contribution to climate action as methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, second only to carbon dioxide in its overall contribution to climate change and responsible for a third of current climate warming," said Teresa Ribera, Spain's ecological transition minister.

The provisional deal, which still needs to be formally approved to become law, was struck just two weeks before the start of COP28, the UN climate summit in Dubai.

It requires the fossil fuel energy sector to have new measures to track and monitor methane gas emissions, and to prevent leaks. It bans routine venting and flaring and limits non-routing flaring and venting to only when it is unavoidable.

Importantly, it also calls for methane monitoring measures on imports of oil, gas and coal into the European Union, to be introduced in three phases.

The first phase would set up a global monitoring tool and a "super emitter rapid reaction mechanism".

The follow-up phases would, by 2027, introduce monitoring, reporting and verification measures for imports on the same basis as those applied inside the EU, and "maximum methane intensity values" by 2030.

EU member states would have the power to levy fines in case of violation.

The European Commission hailed Wednesday's agreement as "crucial" to the EU's fight against climate change

It says that, over a century, methane has an effect 28 times greater than that of carbon dioxide on global warming, and over a 20-year timescale it is 84 times more potent.

rmb/del/lth
After a long battle against bankruptcy and eviction, Metropolitan Brewing is about to raise its final glass.

The beloved German-style brewery will close its doors Dec. 17. For patrons who want to stock up on vanishing favorites, Metropolitan Brewing, known by fans as Metro, will be open every day until then, except Thanksgiving.

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Co-founders and owners Doug and Tracy Hurst were unable to resolve (their) differences with the landlord, the ex-spouses wrote Tuesday on X, formerly Twitter. Currently, the Hursts have no plans to reopen the brewery in a new location.

We are deeply sorry that we couldnt see our way through this current situation, the Hursts wrote. We tried. For years. But now its time to turn toward new adventures.

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Metro got its start in a Ravenswood warehouse in 2008, expanding to the dog-friendly Avondale brewery and tap room in 2017. Patrons flocked to social media Tuesday to share memories of kayaking up the Chicago River for a pint and letting their pups run loose on the brewery grounds.

With 12 rotating taps and recycled wood tables, the buzzy, boozy space has also played host to Sunday yoga, Wednesday bingo and a rotating menu of tacos from Arigato Market.

Were getting a lot of support from all over, and its great to have that, master brewer and co-founder Doug Hurst told the Tribune on Tuesday. Its nice that people have fond memories of Metro.

Metropolitan Brewery filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October, as low retail sales clashed with a yearslong rent payment dispute, the Tribune previously reported.

The brewery owes more than $1 million in equipment rental fees to Live Oak Bank, based in North Carolina, and another $386,000 for a pandemic loan from the Small Business Administration, the Tribune reported.

Metropolitan Brewing in the Avondale neighborhood on Oct. 18, 2023. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

[ Metropolitan Brewing, one of Chicagos oldest craft breweries, files for bankruptcy and may close this winter ]

After filing for Chapter 11, staying open would require brewery staff to work with creditors to come to an agreement on a plan to reorganize the business.

The Hursts created a financial plan for how a reorganized brewery could run moving forward. The proposal was rejected this week by landlord Rockwell Properties, Live Oak and the SBA, Doug Hurst said.

Ultimately, there was not an agreement to be made, particularly with regards to our ability to move forward, and with what the landlord wanted, Hurst said. We cant move forward, so we have to shut down.

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The Tribune found that Metropolitan Brewing owes Rockwell Properties more than $1 million in back rent and fees after a dispute on how much space Metropolitan had agreed to lease. The Hursts stopped paying rent to Rockwell in 2019, alleging they had overpaid by $130,000 since the lease started in 2015.

Rockwell Properties filed a lawsuit to evict the brewery in November 2020. Metro countersued in January 2021, alleging Rockwell had fraudulently inflated the amount of square footage in the brewerys 15-year lease.

Lawyers for Rockwell Properties were not immediately available for comment Tuesday.

[ Metropolitan Brewing relying on hope and negotiations as eviction case ramps up ]

Eviction procedures against Metropolitan Brewery will not continue. Once the brewery closes, its assets will be liquidated to pay off outstanding debts, Doug Hurst said.

Metropolitan Brewings final slate of offerings include five year-round beers, most famously Krankshaft, a pale, malty Kolsch-style beer. One of two eleventh-hour specials, a Bavarian-style double bock beer called Generator Doppelbock, took bronze at Chicagos Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer less than two weeks ago.

The final Metro beers are currently available in stores across Illinois and Wisconsin. Along with the usual beer by the glass, Metros taproom will have an expanded to-go section until Dec. 17, so patrons can claim their own bottles of back inventory.

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The best place to get our beer one last time would be to come to the taproom, Doug Hurst said.

As the watering hole prepares to tap its kegs for the last time, the Hursts remain proud of Metros history in the Chicago craft brewing space, Doug Hurst said.

We were one of the first three breweries in the new wave of craft brewing in Chicago back in 2007, 2008, Hurst said. Were thankful that weve had the support we have had over the years from beer drinkers in Chicago, and its been a lot of fun.
European Union Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell, in collaboration with the European Commission, presented EU member states with proposals for the 12th sanctions package against Russia.

Read also: Several EU states blocking new sanctions against Russia, refuse to sever economic ties with enemy, says Podolyak

Borrell's statement was published on the European Union's official website on Nov. 15.

The document proposes expanding restrictions against 120 Russian individuals and entities for their role in undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

The proposals also include new bans on imports and exports from Russia, measures to combat the circumvention of EU sanctions, and further restrictions on the oil price cap.

There are specific references to the enhancement of sanctions against persons and companies associated with the Russian military, defense, or IT sectors. Additionally, it touches upon individuals involved in sham "elections" conducted in occupied Ukrainian territories.

Read also: EU mission to visit Kyiv in December to discuss security guarantees  Borrell

According to Reuters, finalizing the sanctions package could take several weeks. EU countries will discuss the package on Nov. 17.

Read also: NV investigates why Ukraine has yet to impose sanctions on dictator Lukashenko

Bloomberg has reported that, as part of the 12th sanctions package against Russia, the European Union proposed banning the export of machinery and machine parts that Moscow uses in the manufacture of weapons against Ukraine.

Previous reports suggested that the 12th round of sanctions could impact $5.3 billion worth of EU trade with Russia.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The European Union has proposed a ban on the export of machines and machine parts that are being used by Russia to produce weapons for its war against Ukraine.

Source: Bloomberg with reference to EU documents it obtained, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Bloomberg says this proposal is contained in the 12th EU sanctions package, which also includes a ban on diamond exports and measures to better enforce the price cap on Russian oil.

As Bloomberg noted, the EU proposes to add chemicals, lithium batteries and thermostats, as well as engines and servo motors for drones, to the list of restricted goods.

Bloomberg clarified that EU member states are to discuss the proposals this week and they may change before they are approved.

The focus of the new sanctions package is to further limit the Kremlin's ability to circumvent EU sanctions and maintain its military machine, as well as to reduce Moscow's sources of revenue.

As part of the measures to ensure compliance with the price cap on Russian oil, which is US$60 per barrel provided that Western transport or insurance services are used, the EU proposes the following steps:

prohibit Russians from holding positions in European companies that provide crypto-asset accounts and storage services;

prohibit the granting of licences for enterprise management software and industrial design and manufacturing software;

require that firms in Europe owned or controlled by Russians or Russian legal entities obtain permission to transfer funds outside the EU;

require exporters to include clauses in their contracts prohibiting the re-export of certain goods to Russia.

Background:

Earlier, Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, predicted that the new package of sanctions against Russia could be agreed and presented this week.

Bloomberg reported that the 12th EU sanctions package includes proposed restrictions on trade worth about 5 billion.

The new package may cover more than 100 individuals and 40 legal entities. There are also discussions about banning the employment of Russians in so-called "sensitive" sectors and the repatriation of Russian assets to the EU.

Discussions on the new sanctions moved forward after the G7 foreign ministers gave the green light to impose restrictions on diamonds of Russian origin at a meeting in Japan.

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The European Union has proposed a ban on the export of machine tools and machine parts used by Russia to manufacture weapons for its war against Ukraine as part of its 12th package of sanctions against Russia, Bloomberg reported on Nov. 15, citing an EU document.

The bloc proposes to add chemicals, lithium batteries, thermostats, motors and servomotors for drones to its list of banned goods.

Read also: Top EU diplomat Borrell reveals timing of new Russia sanctions, with diamond import ban

The 12th EU sanctions package will also include a ban on imports of diamonds and measures to enforce price caps on Russian oil.

Member states of the bloc plan to discuss the proposals this week.

Russia still imports some equipment from Europe and uses it to produce ammunition, Bloomberg writes.

Read also: Several EU states blocking new sanctions against Russia, refuse to sever economic ties with enemy, says Podolyak

According to the draft 12th package of sanctions, a ban on Russian diamonds is envisaged starting Jan. 1, as well as a gradual introduction of an indirect ban on the import of Russian diamonds processed in third countries.

The proposals also include restrictions on imports of liquefied propane, cast iron and spiegeleisen (iron-manganese alloy), copper wire, and aluminum wire, foil, and pipes.

If approved, more than 30 companies will be added to the list of entities with which trade will be restricted, including companies in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Singapore, and several Russian engineering companies.

The EU also proposes to:

prohibit Russians from holding positions in European companies that provide wallets, accounts, and custodial services for crypto assets;

prohibit the granting of licenses for enterprise management software and software for industrial design and manufacturing;

require firms in Europe owned or controlled by Russians or Russian organizations to obtain permission to transfer funds from the EU;

require exporters to include clauses in their contracts prohibiting the re-export of certain goods from Russia.

Read also: UK steps up sanctions against Russia, targeting key industries and oligarchs

Earlier, Bloomberg reported that the 12th package of sanctions would hit trade with Russia to the tune of about $5.3 billion.

On Nov. 7, media reports suggested that despite the sanctions, Russian trading companies still can purchase firearms and ammunition from Europe and the United States.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
(Bloomberg) -- European Union negotiators struck a deal to curb methane releases from fossil-fuel infrastructure and plotted a course to monitor and limit the emissions associated with imported energy sources.

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EU lawmakers and member states reached a provisional political agreement to require energy companies to regularly check infrastructure including wells and pipelines for leaks of methane, the Council of the EU and the European Council said in a statement. The potent greenhouse gas  the main component of natural gas  has more than 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide during its first two decades in the atmosphere and is responsible for approximately 30% of the Earths warming.

The deal is notable because monitoring, reporting and verification measures will eventually be applied to imports, which account for more than 90% of the 27-nation blocs oil and gas. The agreement is the latest in a series of global efforts targeting methane cuts, which scientists say is one of the cheapest and most powerful ways to reduce rising temperatures in the short term.

The new EU rules could eventually impact where it sources its oil and gas, and operators that are unable or unwilling to halt their methane emissions may find themselves with shrinking market share. Releases of methane from pipeline gas tend to be higher than for LNG, mainly due to activities in producing countries, according to Berkley Research Group.

Negotiators agreed that by 2027, importers will have to demonstrate equivalent monitoring, reporting and verification requirements at production level. After the regulations have been in force for three years, the European Commission, the blocs executive branch, would propose placing methane intensity classes for crude oil, natural gas and coal at the level of the producer or company.

Read more: Europe Warns Methane Polluters as Bloc Pushes to Slash Emissions

By 2030 importers will have to pay a financial penalty for imports that are above a certain methane intensity threshold, and new supply contracts will have to take into account the rules. The deal comes two weeks before countries meet in Dubai for the COP28 climate summit, where tackling methane is likely to be one of the main issues.

The extension to imports, which was my main priority in the parliaments position, will have repercussions worldwide, said Jutta Paulus, the green lawmaker who led negotiations from the European parliament. I am very pleased that we will go to the UN climate conference in Dubai with full hands.

Methane is the primary component of natural gas but it also leaks across coal and oil supply chains, sometimes without the knowledge of operators. However, producers do often choose to release the gas into the atmosphere if its more expensive to contain than trap and bring to market.

Considering the prospect of an import standard was nothing more than a dream a year ago, this outcome is a major step forward, said Brandon Locke, Europe policy manager for methane pollution prevention at Clean Air Task Force, a climate non-profit. While we would have preferred a faster timeline to reduce emissions before 2030, this agreement will nonetheless go a long way to dramatically cut global methane pollution.

Scientists using satellite observations have consistently found that operators and governments significantly under report methane emissions from fossil fuel production. A study published in Nature Communications in August that relied on satellite observations found that observed methane releases from global oil and gas operations are 30% higher than estimates provided by countries to the United Nations.

The worlds four largest oil and gas emitters  the US, Russia, Venezuela and Turkmenistan  account for most of the overall discrepancy, according to the report.

China, the worlds largest emitter of methane, said earlier this month it will boost monitoring, reporting and data transparency to reduce releases of the greenhouse gas. American officials were negotiating a deal to help Turkmenistan curb its vast methane emissions, Bloomberg Green reported in June.

(Updates with table on methane import rules.)

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FILE - European Commission vice-president Margaritis Schinas delivers a speech on the speedy adoption of the asylum and migration package on Oct. 4, 2023 in Strasbourg, eastern France. The European Union proposes to make labor migration easier for specific jobs where the 27 nations can no longer find a local talent pool. With the proposal, the EU is seeking to walk a tightrope between populists and extremists who condemn almost any kind of migration into the bloc and businesses who increasingly cannot find locals to fill essential jobs in the EUs quickly aging job market. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

BRUSSELS (AP)  Contrary to the vision of a Fortress Europe to keep illegal migrants out, the European Union on Wednesday proposed to lower the drawbridge for targeted labor migration where the 27 nations can no longer find a local talent pool to fill essential jobs.

With the proposal, the EU is seeking to walk a tightrope between populists and extremists, who condemn almost any kind of migration into the bloc, and businesses, from local to multinationals, who increasingly cannot find locals to fill jobs in the EU's quickly aging job market.

From construction to health care and the high-tech experts needed for the EU green transition, the local talent pool in the bloc of 450 million people has increasingly proved insufficient.

And instead of forcing talent from across the globe to seek entry into the lucrative EU labor market via the illegal and dangerous migration route where the EU is increasingly restrictive, Wednesday's plans call for a safe and legal way.

This package is also a strong, if not strongest, disincentive to irregular migration, said EU Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas.

Member nations already have a EU-wide platform where job seekers can more easily find vacancies in any of the 27 countries, but with the new plan, the system would go worldwide. The EU-wide platform now has almost 3 million vacancies, a vivid illustration of how third-country nationals could profit.

On top of the platforms, the plan calls for measures to cut red tape when it comes to professional qualifications so that job seekers should not be held back for months and years because of diverging paperwork.

The plans will now be assessed by the 27 member states and the EU's parliament before they can be turned into reality.

In the meantime, the issue gets mixed up in the overall European debate on migration, where labor concerns often get short shrift in a shrill debate that often spills over into raw racism. The theme will also be key in next Wednesday's parliamentary elections in the Netherlands.

Economically too, the urgency is there, and EU businesses realize they are facing competitors across the globe.

Europe is engaged in a global race for talent, the same way that we are fighting a global race for raw materials or energy, Schinas said, mentioning the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia as prime rivals.

Such is the need that even the EU's economic juggernaut, Germany, is looking for some extraordinary measures. Two weeks ago, the government approved legislation that would allow asylum-seekers to start working earlier even if their situation has not fully been settled.

The German package still requires parliamentary approval and is the latest in a series of steps taken recently by the government as it tries to defuse migration as a major political problem. The issue was one of several that led to a poor showing in state elections last month for Chancellor OIaf Scholzs quarrelsome three-party coalition and gains for a far-right party.

Schinas had no doubt the battle with the far-right would continue.

We will continue to oppose this populist discourse that Europe is either incapable of doing anything on migration, or opening the floodgates we are not doing either. We are working for a regulatory solution long term, he said.
THE SCOOP

Eugene Vindman, retired U.S. Army colonel and twin brother to Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, who was at the center of former President Donald Trumps first impeachment, is expected to announce a Democratic run for Congress in Virginias 7th congressional district.

Vindman will run to replace Abigail Spanberger, D-Va. who announced Monday shell run for governor, according to a person familiar with his plans and newly-launched fundraising and social media pages.

The Ukrainian-born Eugene Vindman was deputy legal advisor for the United States National Security Council. But Vindman and his brother gained national recognition when Alexander Vindman reported and later testified before Congress about a call between Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that appeared to demand an investigation into then-candidate Joe Biden.

Know More

Vindman has quietly launched a fundraising page and an X profile.

Vindman told Axios, which first reported in October that he was considering a bid, that he is focused on Ukraine funding, an increasingly contentious subject in the House.
ROME  Several European nations will fail to meet a commitment to send Ukraine 1 million rounds of ammunition by next spring because manufacturers are prioritizing the export market rather than ramping up production, officials have said.

Local defense ministers and European Union officials admitted the bloc would not be able to honor its promise to Ukraine, made this spring, as they arrived for a summit in Brussels on Tuesday.

The 1 million will not be reached  you have to assume that, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius told reporters, adding he had never personally offered guarantees and was told early on the EU would struggle to make the deadline.

These warning voices have now been proven right, unfortunately, he said.

The EU earmarked 1 billion (U.S. $1.1 billion) earlier this year to compensate members for the shells they donated to Ukraine from their stocks, plus another 1 billion to fund the joint purchase of more munitions from EU states and Norway.

A third initiative envisaged EU funding for factories and the acceleration of permits for new facilities to speed up production.

The goal was to deliver 1 million shells in 12 months.

After the meeting on Tuesday, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell shared Pistorius view. So maybe by March we will not have the 1 million shots, he said.

Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said the failure would give Russia an edge in Ukraine.

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.

Defense News contacted the Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe, a trade group representing sectors across the continent, but it did not comment by press time.

The slowdown in the delivery of much-needed 155mm shells comes as Ukraines counteroffensive against Russias full-scale invasion that started in February 2022 grinds to a halt. Furthermore, some U.S. lawmakers have cast doubt over whether the U.S. will continue to arm Ukraine at the same significant level.

Borrells plan to create a four-year, 20 billion fund for Ukrainian military assistance may also get watered down, according to Jean-Pierre Maulny, the deputy director of the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs think tank and consultancy.

Borrell said the EU has sourced 300,000 shells from members own stockpiles, but manufacturers have complicated the process of obtaining newly produced munitions because they are continuing to focus on export markets.

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.

Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren said Europes industry must ramp up production.

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, Ollongren said.

EU internal market commissioner Thierry Breton noted the industrial base has the resources to ramp up production for Ukraine.

Indeed, Estonias defense minister said the country on Nov. 10 opened a fast-track procurement process for 155mm ammunition rounds worth 280 million.

Over the next four years, nearly 30% of our defense budget will go towards ammunition. This is a clear signal for the defense industry: Go ahead and shift production into next gear, Pevkur said.

And if EU industry is unable to boost production, member states should import more ammunition, he added. Ukraine does not have time to wait.
The sixth season and final season of The Crown portrays the heartbreaking moment Prince William and Prince Harry walked behind Princess Dianas casket during their mothers funeral procession.

The historical drama returns to Netflix on 16 November with the first four episodes of season six, followed by the final six episodes on 14 December. The last season of The Crown is set between the late 1990s to the mid-2000s, and features Princess Dianas final moments before her untimely death in 1997.

The late Princess of Wales (played by Elizabeth Debicki) died age 36, following a high-speed car crash in a Paris tunnel. The fatal car crash also took the lives of her boyfriend, Dodi Fayed (played by Khalid Abdalla), and their chauffeur Henri Paul. The accident shocked the world and led to an outpouring of public grief, as many royal fans turned their attention to the British royal family - especially Dianas sons, William and Harry.

Prince William and Prince Harry were just 15 and 12 years old, respectively, when they lost their mother. For Dianas funeral on 6 September 1997, the young royals were instructed to walk behind their mothers casket. William and Harry joined the funeral procession at St Jamess Palace alongside their father, the then-Prince of Wales; Dianas brother, Earl Spencer; and their grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh, until the cortege arrived at Westminster Abbey.

Nearly 26 years later, the decision to allow the young boys to take part in the funeral procession has remained controversial. Earl Spencer previously told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that it was a very bizarre and cruel thing for Dianas two sons to be asked to walk behind her body, and suggested he was lied to about the boys desire to take part in the procession.

Meanwhile, Prince Philip was reportedly very concerned for his grandsons well-being and was initially against the idea of them walking in the funeral procession. We were all talking about how William and Harry should be involved and suddenly came Prince Philips voice, a former government relations director told The Evening Standard, recalling a conference call with the duke ahead of the funeral. We hadnt heard from him before, but he was really anguished. Its about the boys, he cried. Theyve lost their mother.

(AFP via Getty Images)

The duke is then said to have turned to William and Harry at dinner the night before the funeral, telling them: Ill walk if you walk.

Although many members of the royal family and British aristocracy have opened up about the devastating funeral, which was watched by an estimated 2.5 billion people worldwide, the ones whose voices matter the most are none other than Dianas sons: William and Harry.

Heres everything William and Harry have said about Princess Dianas funeral.

The Duke of Sussex has often spoken about the lasting effects his mothers funeral had on his mental health. Back in 2017 - long before Prince Harry shared many details about Dianas death in his best-selling memoir, Spare - he maintained that no child shouldve been asked to do what he and his brother did that day.

My mother had just died, and I had to walk a long way behind her coffin, surrounded by thousands of people watching me while millions more did on television, he told Newsweek. I dont think any child should be asked to do that, under any circumstances. I dont think it would happen today.

Harry opened up about the trauma of Dianas funeral in the Apple TV+ docu-series, The Me You Cant See. Speaking to Oprah Winfrey in 2021, Harry revealed that he had struggled with sharing the grief of my mothers death with the world.

When my mum was taken away from me at the age of 12, just before my 13th birthday, I didnt want the life, Harry recalled. Sharing the grief of my mothers death with the world

Harry then shared with Winfrey what he remembers most from that day. For me, the thing I remember the most was the sound of the horses hooves going along the mall, red brick road, he said. The duke revealed that he felt like he was outside of his body and just doing what was expected of him at the time, saying: It was like I was outside of my body and just walking along, doing what was expected of me, showing one-tenth of the emotion everybody else was showing.

Speaking about the public outpouring of grief for the late Princess of Wales, he said: I was like, this is my mum. You never even met her.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Harry later claimed in his memoir Spare, which was released in January 2023, that his father didnt hug him and he felt like a politician as he greeted members of the public in the wake of her death. However, he recalled turning to his older brother for strength during the devastating procession. I remember feeling numb. I remember clenching my fists. I remember keeping a little piece of Willy in the corner of my eye because it gave me strength, he wrote.

Being the older brother and heir to the British throne, Prince William has a different recollection of his mothers funeral than Harry. Much like Harry, William admitted that he felt completely numb following his mothers death. In a BBC documentary marking the 20th anniversary of Dianas passing, the now-Prince of Wales said that walking behind his mothers casket was one of the hardest things Ive ever done.

He recalled how his 15-year-old self used his long fringe as a safety blanket during the very long, lonely walk to Westminster Abbey. I felt if I looked at the floor and my hair came down over my face, no one could see me, William said.

When an alternative plan was suggested to have just William walk alone behind the casket, Harry objected - saying he didnt want his older brother to go through the heartbreaking moment on his own. It didnt seem right that Willy would have such a hard time without me, Harry wrote in Spare.

However, the heir to the British throne noted that it ultimately was the royal familys duty to take part in the service. William told the BBC: It wasnt an easy decision and it was a sort of collective family decision to do that. There is that balance between duty and family and thats what we had to do.

The balance, he added, was between me being Prince William and having to do my bit, versus the private William who just wanted to go into a room and cry, whod lost his mother.

Much has changed since the passing of Princess Diana in 1997. William and Harry, once united by grief, are now farther apart than ever before - both in their relationship and geographically, as the Duke of Sussex now lives in the United States with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two children.

Following Prince Philips death in April 2021, the feuding brothers were reunited when they walked the funeral procession behind their grandfathers casket. However, this time was different, as William reportedly requested that another member of the royal family walk between him and Harry. They were separated by Princess Annes son and their cousin, Peter Phillips.

But just one year later, the brothers were reunited again for their grandmothers funeral procession in September 2022. William and Harry stood side by side despite their long-running rift, reminding fellow mourners of their mothers funeral procession 25 years earlier.
Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) launched criminal proceedings against linguist and former far-right lawmaker Iryna Farion for leaking a private message that led to the arrest of a student in occupied Crimea, the SBU announced on Nov. 15.

The proceedings against Farion also relate to her radical comments toward Russian-speaking servicemen and women of the Ukrainian military.

Farion, who is known for her controversial statements on the use of the Russian language in Ukraine, said in an interview published on Nov. 6 that she couldn't call Ukrainian soldiers Ukrainians if they speak Russian.

Although these comments sparked outrage in Ukraine, Farion allegedly received a supportive email from Maksym Hlebov, a pro-Ukrainian student living in occupied Crimea.

Farion published the email, where Hlebov wrote down his hopes for the arrival of Ukrainian troops in Crimea and his personal information, on her social media.

Read also: She wanted to visit her sick father in occupied Crimea. Russia wants to imprison her for 20 years

This exposed Hlebov to Russian law enforcement. After the email was made public, a pro-Kremlin Telegram channel posted a video allegedly showing the student's apology filmed by employees of the Russian Interior Ministry.

Tamila Tasheva, President Volodymyr Zelensky's permanent representative for Crimea, called Farion's post "a crime," saying that the ex-lawmaker put the student in danger.

The leaked message was later deleted from Farion's Telegram channel. The former lawmaker reacted by calling the alleged detention and interrogation of the Crimean student a "provocation" and "enemy tactics."

Farion works as a linguistics professor at Lviv Polytechnic University. In 2005, she entered the ultranationalist Svoboda party, and she served as an MP between 2012 and 2014.

She is investigated under the articles of the violation of racial, national, regional, or religious equality, insults or threats to military servicemen or women, violation of secret correspondence, and violation of privacy.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
In a letter Wednesday shared exclusively with The Hill, five Democrats who sit on the Senate Banking Committee urged the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to require companies to disclose more details on their corporate lobbying strategy to shareholders.

The senators want the SEC to develop a new rule that would require registered companies to disclose, as relevant, any lobbying strategy, the aggregate amount of direct or indirect contributions to registered state and federal lobbyists, and any material risks related to or arising from the registrants lobbying strategy and expenditures.

Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) as well as Senate Banking Committee Chair Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) signed onto the letter.

Chair [Gary] Gensler will respond to Members of Congress directly, rather than through the media, an SEC spokesperson told The Hill.

Federal lobbying expenditures hit $4.1 billion in 2022, the highest level since 2010, according to disclosures analyzed by the money-in-politics research group OpenSecrets.

This year is on track to outpace that spending: Registrants have disclosed more than $3.13 billion spent on federal lobbying in the first nine months of 2023, up from $3.07 billion spent through the same period in 2022, according to OpenSecrets data.

While these figures are staggering, they provide little insight into the interests that companies spend millions each year to advance, the senators wrote in the letter.

This lack of transparency erodes the ability of everyday investors to make informed decisions about where to invest their money  and where their money goes once they have invested.

All registered lobbyists are required to file quarterly disclosures with the clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives and secretary of the U.S. Senate that include the top-line total spent on federal lobbying, any specific issues they lobbied on and former government positions held by the lobbyists on the account.

But registrants are not required to disclose details including whether they lobbied for or against specific legislation or regulations, even as the lobbying activities of a company can carry reputational risks to its investors.

Theres growing demand for this kind of information among some investors. A cohort of investors, advocacy groups and unions called the Corporate Reform Coalition has filed hundreds of shareholder proposals since 2011 asking companies to improve their disclosures.

Maybe they say they lobby on this bill or that bill, but thats not going to provide investors with any real insight into why their companies are lobbying the federal government, Jon Golinger, the democracy advocate at Public Citizen, a member of the coalition, told The Hill.

The coalition supports more robust disclosure for investors that includes why companies are lobbying on an issue, how much theyre spending on it and what theyre hoping to accomplish, Golinger added.

The senators gave the SEC until Nov. 29 to provide details on its own plan.

In the absence of strong lobbying disclosure rules, investors are largely kept in the dark regarding the policy campaigns they are indirectly funding, the senators warned.

This raises concerns that investors may be funding lobbying activities that are counter to the stated missions of the companies they have invested in, that are counter to their own beliefs, or that may even erode the value of their investment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Starbucks workers strike in Chicago's Greektown on Nov. 15, 2023, as a woman walks her dog along Halsted Street. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Baristas at two unionized Chicago Starbucks went on strike Wednesday, a day ahead of a coordinated nationwide walkout planned to coincide with the coffee giants annual Red Cup Day promotion Thursday.

Workers at the Starbucks at 5964 N. Ridge Ave. in Edgewater and 116 S. Halsted St. in Greektown walked off the job Wednesday morning, organizers said. Baristas at the Edgewater store were among the first Starbucks workers in Chicago to unionize in spring 2022; the Greektown store unionized this March.

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Baristas at the two stores planned to remain on strike during the national walkout Thursday, organizers said, with additional cafes across Illinois slated to join them.

In Chicago, walkouts were planned at three additional Starbucks Thursday: 6075 N. Lincoln Ave in North Park, 6350 N. Broadway in Edgewater and 2101 W. Armitage Ave. in Bucktown. A strike was also planned at the cafe at 519 Main St. in Evanston.

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Teddy Hoffman, a barista at the Edgewater store, said Starbucks doesnt equip workers with sufficient staffing and resources to keep up with demand during Red Cup Day, an annual holiday promotion during which customers receive a limited-edition reusable red cup.

Baristas then face a lot of customer dissatisfaction that is focused on the baristas who have no agency in controlling the things that frustrate customers, said Hoffman, who has worked at Starbucks for about seven years.

What moves this company is money, Hoffman said. If we participate in a direct action that costs them money, thats whats getting results.

Starbucks spokesperson Andrew Trull said in a statement the company was aware that Workers United has publicized a day of action at a small subset of our U.S. stores this week.

We remain committed to working with all partners, side-by-side, to elevate the everyday, and we hope that Workers Uniteds priorities will shift to include the shared success of our partners and negotiating contracts for those they represent, he said.

Close to two years since Starbucks workers first unionized with Workers United in Buffalo, New York, no location has bargained a first contract. Workers at more than 360 of the companys approximately 9,300 U.S. company-owned cafes have voted to unionize with Starbucks Workers United.

The union has accused the coffee giant of launching a coordinated, scorched-earth campaign to stall bargaining. As of last month, National Labor Relations Board officials had issued more than 100 complaints against Starbucks alleging violations of labor law. Administrative law judges have found the company committed violations such as illegally firing baristas for organizing, including in Chicago, and illegally threatening workers. Starbucks has appealed some of the decisions, including the ruling in the Chicago case, Trull said.

A complaint alleging the company has failed to bargain in good faith with the union at cafes across the country  including in Chicago at the Edgewater location  awaits an administrative law judges decision, said NLRB spokesperson Kayla Blado.

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Barista Russell Dahlman, along with other workers at the Starbucks at 116 S. Halsted St. in Greektown, goes on strike on Nov. 15, 2023. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

The coffee giant generally denies wrongdoing and says it is the union that has stalled negotiations. Trull said Wednesday that Workers United had not agreed to meet for bargaining with Starbucks in more than four months.

We again call on Workers United to fulfill their obligations and engage in the work of negotiating first contracts on behalf of the partners they represent, Trull said.

Sarah Pappin, a spokesperson for the union, said it had never refused to meet with Starbucks.

Last year, baristas at two Chicago Starbucks struck on Red Cup Day, including workers at the Edgewater cafe. According to the union, baristas at more than 100 stores walked out last year.
A document recovered from a computer found inside a Hamas pickup truck outside Gaza, obtained by CNN from Israeli officials, shows a Hamas military commander requesting a scholarship for Hamas operatives to study engineering, physics and technology at universities in Iran.

While it is widely known that Iran provides financial and military support to Hamas, Israeli officials and some former US intelligence officials say the document is evidence that in the run up to the October 7 attack on southern Israel, Iran was seeking to provide technical training that would help Hamas produce its own weaponry.

The Israeli government declined to comment on the document, though sources in the government confirmed its authenticity on background.

This example is another piece in an elaborate puzzle of a deep infrastructure of building, supporting, financing and training terror proxies by the Iranian regime around the globe and specifically in the Gaza strip, one Israeli official said.

Israeli officials say this is the first known instance of Iran attempting to fund this kind of university-hosted training for Hamas operatives, a claim US officials said they could not confirm.

CNN could not independently verify the authenticity of the letter, but current and former US officials said that it was consistent with how Iran projects power throughout the Middle East. Iran has used scholarships to build its influence, develop potential intelligence assets and promote its ideology since the founding of Lebanese Hezbollah in the 1980s.

A spokesperson for the Iranian Mission to the United Nations did not respond to CNNs request for comment.

Since October 7, Israeli government officials have sought to emphasize Hamass ties to Iran. Tehran did not appear to have any direct involvement in the planning or execution of the attack, but both Israel and the US have said that Iran is broadly culpable because of its historic support for the group.

The document appears to be a July letter from a Hamas military commander to the Iranian government requesting that seven members of his unit be permitted to travel to Iran to participate in a scholarship program.

Current and former US officials say the program is part of a well-known training program Iran provides to students from allied countries and groups to project soft-power influence across the region.

At least 50 students from the Gaza Strip were expected to participate in the broader program, according to Israeli officials, not all of whom are Hamas fighters. As of now, Israeli intelligence has identified only a few Hamas military operatives who have already arrived in Iran.

According to the Israeli official, Hamas fighters were also offered explicit training on explosives engineering through the university program  training that was likely provided by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Jonathan Panikoff, a former senior intelligence analyst specializing in the region, says that the university program suggests that Iran wants Hamas and other proxies to have increased military capabilities so that they are not entirely dependent on Tehran.

Its the teach a man to fish analogy, said Panikoff.

Hamas is also the governing power in Gaza and in the run-up to October 7 had come under domestic pressure from ordinary Palestinians who were frustrated about the provision of basic services like sewage and water, according to Panikoff, who said its possible that even some of the Hamas students might be studying engineering for civil purposes.

But their primary focus is always going to be on the brigades and developing weapons that can be used against Israel, Panikoff said.

The July letter details the name, military number, phone number and specialization for each candidate.

One candidate is marked to study technologies, one to study physics, one to study engineering, one to study programming, one to study law and two to study management.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Rally outside the Knesset on the one-month anniversary of the Hamas' attack

Rally outside the Knesset on the one-month anniversary of the Hamas' attack

By Andrew Mills and Ahmed Mohamed Hassan

DOHA/CAIRO (Reuters) - Qatari mediators on Wednesday sought to negotiate a deal between Hamas and Israel that included the release of around 50 civilian hostages from Gaza in exchange for a three-day ceasefire, an official briefed on the negotiations told Reuters.

The deal, under discussion and coordinated with the U.S., would also see Israel release some Palestinian women and children from Israeli jails and increase the amount of humanitarian aid allowed into Gaza, the official said.

It would mark the biggest release in hostages held by Hamas since the Palestinian militant group burst over the Gaza border, attacked parts of Israel and took hostages into the enclave.

Hamas has agreed to the general outlines of this deal, but Israel - which has since bombarded and sent forces into Gaza - has not and is still negotiating the details, the official said.

It is not known how many Palestinian women and children Israel would release from its jails as part of the agreement under discussion.

The scope of the Qatari-led negotiations has changed significantly in recent weeks, but the fact that the talks are now focused on the release of 50 civilian prisoners in exchange for a three-day truce, and that Hamas has agreed to the outline of the deal, has not been reported before.

The wealthy Gulf state of Qatar, which has ambitious foreign policy goals, has a direct line of communication with Hamas and Israel. It has previously helped mediate truces between the two.

Such a deal would require Hamas handing over a complete list of remaining living civilian hostages held in Gaza.

A more comprehensive release of all hostages is not currently under discussion, the official said.

There was no immediate response from Israeli officials, who have previously declined to provide detailed comment on the hostage negotiations, citing reluctance to undermine the diplomacy or fuel reports which they deemed "psychological warfare" by Palestinian militants.

When asked by Reuters on Wednesday about the negotiations, Ezzat El Rashq, a member of the Hamas political bureau, did not directly confirm the deal under discussion.

Israel "is still refusing and delaying the release of 50 women and children captives and a true humanitarian truce, in exchange for the release of a number of women and children from our people in the occupation prisons and getting relief and humanitarian aid to all areas in the Gaza Strip", he said.

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to comment.

Qatar, where Hamas operates a political office, has been leading mediation between the Islamist militant group and Israeli officials for the release of more than 240 hostages. They were taken by militants when they stormed into Israel on Oct. 7. Israel says 1,200 people were killed during the rampage.

Israel then launched an unrelenting bombardment of Hamas-ruled Gaza and late last month began an armoured invasion of the enclave, where more than 11,000 people have been killed, around 40% of them children with more buried under the rubble, according to Palestinian officials.

Israeli Minister Benny Gantz, who is in the war cabinet, told a news conference on Wednesday: "Even if we are required to pause fighting in order to return our hostages, there will be no stopping the combat and the war until we achieve our goals."

Asked to elaborate on what is hindering the hostage deal, Gantz declined to give any details.

Previously, talks had focused on Hamas releasing up to 15 hostages and a pause in the Gaza fighting of up to three days, sources in the Gulf and elsewhere in the Middle East said.

There was no immediate comment from Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Hamas political office in Doha.

Two Egyptian security sources said there was only agreement so far on limited truces in specific areas of Gaza. They said Israel had shown reluctance to commit to any wider deal, but appeared to have moved closer to doing so by Tuesday.

OBSTACLES

Hamas' armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, said on Monday that it had told Qatari negotiators it was willing to release up to 70 women and children in return for a five-day truce.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that "we have been working relentlessly for the release of the hostages, including using increased pressure since the start of the ground incursion".

Any deal faces many obstacles.

It is unclear whether Hamas is currently able to compile an accurate list of hostages it holds since the war has caused it communications and organisational problems in Gaza, a Western diplomat in the region said.

Gathering the hostages for any simultaneous release, which Israel wants, would be logistically difficult without a ceasefire, said another source in the region with knowledge of the negotiations.

There had also been uncertainty over whether the military and political leadership of Hamas were in agreement, though this was later resolved, and also concern that Israeli military pressure was making a deal harder, the same source said.

(Reporting by Andrew Mills in Doha, Maya Gebeily in Beirut, Aidan Lewis and Ahmed Mohamed Hassan in Cairo, Nidal Al-Mughrabi in Gaza; Additional reporting by Dan Williams and Mayaan Lubell in Jerusalem and Nayera Abdallah in Dubai; Writing by Andrew Mills and Angus McDowall; Editing by Michael Georgy, Gareth Jones and Mark Heinrich)
As leaders of states, Xi and Biden have met only once before, in the fall of 2022 in Bali (pictured)

There is already some excitement around this meeting

On November 15 in San Francisco, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Summit, US President Joe Biden met with President of the People's Republic of China (PRC) Xi Jinping.

There was a great deal of anticipation around the meeting. It is the leading international event of November. Many expect that the talks between the leaders of the United States and China could significantly impact the state of international relations, including the situation around the war between Russia and Ukraine. How reasonable are such expectations? What are the political consequences of this meeting?

The problems associated with the war between Russia and Ukraine were discussed at the meeting between the United States and Chinese leaders, but they were not the priority. The main focus was on topics directly related to bilateral relations between the US and China - Taiwan, contradictions in trade, and financial and economic ties. There is also the acute crisis in the Middle East and many other issues.

I don't expect any breakthroughs from this meeting, either in the global dimension or in Ukraine-related issues. The contradictions between the United States and China are too deep; in particular, there are fundamental differences in assessing the causes of the war between Russia and Ukraine and the conditions for ending it. It is impossible to overcome these contradictions in one meeting. At best, the two countries will begin a negotiated working dialogue, primarily on topics related to their bilateral relations.

There are no grounds for either hope or fear

Biden will undoubtedly tell Xi that China should not provide military support to Russia and that China should not help Russia circumvent Western sanctions. To which the Chinese leader will surely reply that China is in favor of peace in Ukraine and does not sell weapons to Russia. As for trade with Russia, the Chinese leader will emphasize that this is China's sovereign right and that Russia is an essential partner for China. At the same time, President Xi will condemn US sanctions against Chinese companies that help Russia circumvent the Western sanctions regime and will generally condemn the sanctions regime. Simply put, everything will remain as it is now. China will not sell weapons and ammunition to Russia (at least not officially and directly) and will advocate for peace in Ukraine in the format of a simple cessation of hostilities. Naturally, China will not give up active trade with Russia. The Americans will be satisfied, at least with the fact that China does not support Russia's war against Ukraine and refrains from direct military assistance to Russia.

We should not have any illusions about the meeting between Biden and Xi to develop into much. There are no grounds for either hope or fear. This meeting will not lead to an end to Russia's war against Ukraine, and it will not bring us a just peace. The fact is that China perceives the war in Ukraine through the prism of its confrontation with the United States. China does not benefit from Ukraine's victory because Beijing will perceive it as a victory for the United States. However, China does not benefit from the excessive prolongation of the war and its escalation.

This war has already created problems for international trade, and the war in the Middle East may exacerbate these problems. For China, everything is good in moderation, including global turbulence. For its part, the United States will not make peace in Ukraine on China's terms. Any serious concession to China on geopolitical issues will be seen in Beijing as a manifestation of US weakness. And Washington is well aware of this. Biden will not block China's peace initiatives, but will carefully monitor them. In any case, the question of the conditions for ending the war between Russia and Ukraine cannot be resolved without the participation of the warring parties themselves.

For us, the very fact of this meeting and the continuation of the constructive negotiation process between the United States and China is positive. Against our interests is a direct military and political confrontation between the United States and China, which would be beneficial to Russia and other ardent opponents of the United States (the DPRK and Iran).

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
FILE PHOTO: Protesters demonstrate outside the High Court over the legal challenge against government's Rwanda deportation plan

By Michael Holden

LONDON (Reuters) - The UK Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that the government's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda was unlawful, delivering a major blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's pledge to stop people arriving in small boats.

Here are details about the case and the issue:

WHY IS IMMIGRATION SUCH AN ISSUE IN BRITAIN?

Taking back control of the country's borders and ending the free movement of people was a major factor that led to the 2016 vote for Britain to leave the European Union.

Successive Conservative governments had promised to cut net migration to under 100,000 annually before dropping that pledge before an election in 2019.

While official data recording has changed, net immigration has continued to rise since Brexit, hitting a record of 606,000 in 2022, partly due to new visa routes for arrivals from Ukraine and Hong Kong.

WHAT IS BRITAIN'S RWANDA PLAN?

The Rwanda plan, struck in April 2022 by then Prime Minister Boris Johnson, is designed to deter asylum seekers from making the dangerous journey of about 20 miles (32 km) across the Channel from Europe in small boats or inflatable dinghies to England's southern beaches.

Last year, a record 45,775 people were detected arriving without permission in Britain in this way. So far this year, more than 27,000 have arrived on small boats.

Under the scheme, anyone who arrived in Britain illegally after Jan. 1 last year faced deportation to Rwanda, some 4,000 miles (6,400 km) away, where their claims would be assessed.

However, the first deportation flight in June 2022 was blocked by a last-minute injunction from the European Court of Human Rights, barring any removals until the conclusion of legal action in Britain.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday unanimously rejected the government's appeal against an earlier ruling that migrants could not be sent to Rwanda because it could not be considered a safe third country.

WHAT ARE THE GOVERNMENT'S OPTIONS NOW?

The sacked British interior minister Suella Braverman on Tuesday launched a blistering attack on Sunak, saying he had failed to prepare any sort of credible "plan B" if the programme to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda failed in the courts.

Government officials say there are options, including negotiating a new deal with Rwanda, upgrading the agreement from a memorandum of understanding and including new safeguards. A new treaty passed by parliament could make it harder for the courts to intervene, according to officials.

Supreme Court President Robert Reed said changes needed to prevent anyone from being returned to their home country could be delivered in the future: "but they have not been shown to be in place now".

Other options include adding new nations, such as Turkey and Egypt to the list of so-called safe countries making it easier to reject asylum claims and return them to their home countries, officials said.

WILL BRITAIN LEAVE THE EUROPEAN CONVENTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS?

Some in the government have strongly hinted Britain would consider leaving the European Convention on Human Rights if it thwarted the Rwanda scheme. Braverman is likely to lead such demands.

Critics say pulling out of the Convention, which Britain played a leading role in creating in 1950 to protect individuals' human rights, or the Court would deal a severe blow to Britain's international reputation.

The Court itself said last year it dealt with 3,110 requests for interim measures but just five related to Britain, while of its 1,163 judgments last year, only four concerned Britain.

WHY IS THE RWANDA POLICY SO IMPORTANT TO SUNAK?

After becoming prime minister in October last year he made "stopping the boats" one of his top five priorities.

Britain is currently spending more than 3 billion pounds a year on dealing with asylum applications, with the cost of housing migrants in hotels and other accommodation while their claims are processed running at about 6 million pounds a day.

Sending each asylum seeker to the African country would cost on average 169,000 pounds ($213,450), the government has said.

According to government figures in August, the backlog of asylum applications waiting for an initial decision hit a record high of more than 134,000, or 175,457 once dependents were included. Sunak had promised to clear this.

HOW DOES BRITAIN COMPARE WITH OTHER COUNTRIES ON IMMIGRATION?

Australia pioneered the concept of holding asylum seekers in offshore detention centres. Denmark has signed a similar agreement with Rwanda, but has yet to send any migrants there.

The 27-nation EU is seeking to strike an agreement on how to share out the asylum seekers who arrived on its shores.

According to the House of Commons Library, which provides research for British lawmakers, there were about 13 asylum applications for every 10,000 people living in Britain in 2022, compared with 22 applications for every 10,000 people in the EU.

(Reporting by Michael Holden; Editing by Alex Richardson)
Claim:

An image shared on X in late October 2023 authentically depicted an American family and their guns.

Rating:

Rating: True

A picture allegedly showing a family and their large collection of guns was shared online several hundred times. One post on X (formerly Twitter) with the image attached gained nearly one million views. "I will never understand the obsession," one X user commented on the viral picture. "This is mental illness," X another user captioned it.

Reverse-image search results showed that the photo was shared online at least since 2021. "My base because I'm afraid to use guns," one Reddit user captioned the image. Some social media users borrowed the image to create memes:

The photograph is authentic and was captured by Italian photographer Gabriele Galimberti as a part of his "The Ameriguns" project, for which he won the 2021 World Press Photo of the Year contest in the Portrait Stories category. We found the in-question image published in Sept. 2021 on Galimberti's Instagram profile. Moreover, his post included video footage of the location, further proving its authenticity.

(Instagram user @gabrielegalimbertiphoto)

The Instagram post's description of the photograph read:

From my project THE AMERIGUNS - Of the all the firearms owned by private citizens for non-military purposes in the world, more than 40% are in the United States of America. Their number exceed that of the countrys population: about 400 to 328 million. In proportion, thats more than one hundred twenty for each hundred; more than one per person. I have traveled in every corner of the United States to meet proud gun owners, and I has asked them to show all the firearms they keep at home.I shot portraits of people and guns in their homes and neighborhoods

It continued, explaining that the photo depicted a family from Texas and showed just 80% of their gun collection:

This are Joel, Lynne, Paige and Joshua (44, 43, 5 and 11)  Central Texas (The firearm you see in the photo are just 80% of the whole collection) Both Joel and Lynne were born and raised in Austin, Texas. They met 14 years ago and they have been together since then. They define themselves compulsive buyer and serial collectors. Joel collects watches, motorbikes, RC cars and various other things. Lynne collects mostly jewels and guns. More than 90% of the guns present in their house belong to her. I love guns and I love to shot them every day. I cant stop buying them. I am not sure about the exact number but I probably have more the 170 firearms. I think from the moment I bought the first one I then kept buying around 5-6 guns every month and I think Ill keep buying them with the same rhythm in the future. She says laughing. I also love to customize them and make every piece unique. This is also why I have never been able to sell any of my guns. Lynne and Joel have two children, Joshua and Paige. Joshua is 11 now. He started to shoot guns when he was 6. Now he has his own gun, which he built by himself. Hes really proud of that. He has made it by assembling pieces that he have chosen from an online catalogue. Sometime we also let Paige shot some guns, but shes still too small to be able to handle one alone, she says. Lynne and Joel run a business #guns #gun #firearm #fire #usa #america #2ndamendment #texas #firearms #shoot

Moreover, the image was featured in an NBC News article by Galimberti with the title, "America's gun culture is unique. My photographs can help explain why," published on July 4, 2022. It read:

As a documentary photographer, my goal has been to understand gun culture in America, not to judge it. Over some 230 years, the bond between Americans and firearms has become visceral  an emotional relationship an identity. Over the years, gun culture has evolved, expanded and strengthened. Aside from recreational use, self-defense and symbolism, it is also heavily influenced by capitalism and commercial gain. Inevitable contradictions and tensions follow. In the past few weeks, after the Uvalde massacre, my photos have gone viral around the world, especially in the U.S. They are a sort of cultural Rorschach test, sparking opposing and divisive actions and reactions. Each side digs in further and, unfortunately, this may make a solution to Americas gun violence crisis less likely.

Finally, the photo was shared on the official Galimberti's official website.

Gabriele Galimberti has travelled to every corner of the United States  from New York City to Honolulu  to meet proud gun owners and photograph them and their weapons. He has photographed people and guns in their homes and neighbourhoods, even in places where no one would expect to find such arsenals. These often disturbing portraits, together with the accompanying stories based on interviews, provide an unexpected and uncommon view of what the institution of the Second Amendment really represents today.

Sources:

Bio / Contacts  Gabriele Galimberti. https://www.gabrielegalimberti.com/bio/. Accessed 30 Oct. 2023.

Opinion | Why My Viral Photos of American Gun Lovers Have Shocked Many Liberals. NBC News, 4 July 2022, https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/fourth-july-musings-americas-gun-culture-viral-photos-rcna36397.

The Ameriguns  Gabriele Galimberti. https://www.gabrielegalimberti.com/the-ameriguns/. Accessed 30 Oct. 2023.
Claim:

A post on X says that Fox News reported former U.S. President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club had received a foreclosure notice from Deutsche Bank.

Rating:

Rating: Labeled Satire

On Nov. 15, 2023, a user on X with the handle @PatMaguire10 published a post (archived) that said Fox News had reported former U.S. President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida had received a foreclosure notice from Deutsche Bank. We received reader mail that asked if this was true.

The post read, "BREAKING FOX NEWS: Deutsche Bank has filed a notice to foreclose on Mar A Lago. The Trump property is part of a larger estate lien that is 190m$ delinquent. Court documents show a 3.4b$ loan that's in default. Trump hasn't respond to repeated attempts for comment. Developing story."

A tweet from a parody account said that former US President Donald Trump received a foreclosure notice from Deutsche Bank for his Mar-a-Lago property in Palm Beach, Florida.

However, a quick check of @PatMaguire10's X bio showed that the account posts "parody" content. In other words, Fox News didn't report on any such foreclosure notice, nor was there any public record of a foreclosure of Mar-a-Lago taking place or scheduled to happen in the future.

For a little more background on the subject that was referenced, on the same day that the post was created, Trump's legal team reportedly asked for a mistrial to be declared in the civil fraud trial brought against him in New York.

Weeks earlier, the same trial featured testimony from retired Deutsche Bank executive Nicholas Haigh. Haigh provided information to the court about the bank's decision to loan Trump roughly $125 million for the purchase of the Trump National Doral property in Miami in 2011, according to ABC News.

As for Mar-a-Lago, Miami Herald reported in August 2022 that Trump had received a loan from Chase Manhattan Bank  not Deutsche Bank  for his 1985 purchase of the property:

Mar-a-Lago itself cost Trump $8 million, which he financed with an $8.5 million loan from Chase Manhattan Bank. The other parcel - oceanfront land next to the manor - cost $2 million. Trump was able to use $500,000 from the estate loan and a $1.5 million mortgage from the seller, Jack C. Massey, to cover the bill.

For further reading, we previously published a report titled, "Media Literacy: How Can You Tell if a Post Is Satire/Parody?"

Sources:

Bromwich, Jonah E. Trump Lawyers Call for Mistrial in Civil Fraud Case, Attacking Judge. The New York Times, 15 Nov. 2023, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/15/nyregion/trump-mistrial-fraud-case.html.

Charalambous, Peter, et al. Bank Relied on Trumps Financial Statement to Secure Loan. ABC News, 11 Oct. 2023, https://abcnews.go.com/US/live-updates/trump-fraud-trial/bank-relied-on-trumps-financial-statement-to-secure-loan-103895871?id=103642561.

---. Deutsche Bank Executive Set to Take Stand. ABC News, 11 Oct. 2023, https://abcnews.go.com/US/live-updates/trump-fraud-trial/deutsche-bank-executive-set-to-take-stand-103889913?id=103642561.

Ibrahim, Nur. Media Literacy: How Can You Tell If a Post Is Satire/Parody? Snopes, 25 Feb. 2023, https://www.snopes.com/articles/464404/media-literacy-satire-parody/.

Kleinman, Jeff. How Donald Trump Changed a Palm Beach Mansion. The Story behind His Mar-a-Lago Takeover. Miami Herald, 9 Aug. 2022, https://www.miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article264318476.html.

Spencer, Terry. Is Mar-a-Lago Worth $1 Billion? Trumps Winter Home Valuations Are at the Core of His Fraud Trial. The Associated Press, 9 Oct. 2023, https://apnews.com/article/trump-maralago-lawsuit-palm-beach-51fea4e520b1901c1c045590b2a7bdc0.
Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) during the third Republican presidential primary debate in Miami, Nov. 8, 2023. (Scott McIntyre/The New York Times)

Nikki Haley, a former governor of South Carolina, and Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida are vying to dethrone the Republican Partys clear presidential front-runner, Donald Trump. But first one needs to triumph over the other.

As Haley and DeSantis battle to be the unequivocal alternative to the former president, they and their supporters have repeatedly turned to attacks, some of which distort the facts, to cast doubt on each other.

The claims have centered on dealings with Chinese companies, energy, taxes and refugees.

Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times

Heres a fact check on some of their claims.

WHAT WAS SAID

Ambassador Haley said somehow I wasnt doing  she welcomed them into South Carolina, gave them land near a military base, wrote the Chinese ambassador a love letter saying what a great friend they were.  DeSantis during the debate last week

This requires context. As governor, Haley welcomed Chinese companies coming to South Carolina. On Facebook in 2016, Haley celebrated the fact that China Jushi, a fiberglass company, would be opening its first manufacturing plant in the United States in Richland County.

China Jushi is partly owned by China National Building Material, which is tied to the Chinese government. The plant is about 5 miles from Fort Jackson, used for Army combat training.

But South Carolina did not give the company land, as DeSantis claimed; the county did, with certain conditions.

Richland County transferred 197 acres to China Jushi under a deal in which the company would invest $400 million in the project and create at least 800 full-time jobs, according to the 2016 agreement.

The state did help: South Carolinas Coordinating Council for Economic Development in 2016 approved a $7 million grant to Richland County to help fund site preparation and infrastructure improvements, said Kelly Coakley, a spokesperson for the states Commerce Department.

It is true that Haley wrote a 2014 letter to Chinas ambassador to the United States at the time, thanking him for congratulating her on her reelection and calling the country a friend.

During her bid for the presidency, Haley has positioned herself as being tough on China, casting the country as her foil and saying she came to better understand its dangers when she became ambassador to the United Nations.

WHAT WAS SAID

DeSantis gave millions to Chinese companies. DeSantis even voted to fast-track Obamas Chinese trade deals.  A pro-Haley super PAC, SFA Fund Inc., in an ad

False. There is no evidence DeSantis directly gave millions to Chinese companies; the ad was referring to technology purchases by state agencies. And the trade-related vote in question, when DeSantis was in Congress, did not result in the Obama administration signing trade deals with China.

In regards to the claim that DeSantis gave millions to Chinese companies, a representative for the super PAC cited a 2020 article in The Washington Times, a conservative publication. The article concerned a report that asserted that state governments around the country were introducing security threats because of technology contracts with two companies: Lexmark, which was acquired by a Chinese consortium in 2016, and Lenovo, a Chinese tech company. Both companies disputed the report in statements to the news outlet.

Florida records do show state agencies have spent millions in purchases from the companies, mostly Lexmark, for printers and other products, since DeSantis took office on Jan. 8, 2019. South Carolina has also worked with the companies, including under Haleys governorship.

Florida used those companies before DeSantiss tenure, too, and SFA Fund provided no evidence that DeSantis himself directly approved the purchases. Last year, DeSantis issued an executive order instructing state officials to create rules to prevent state entities from buying technology that presents security risks, including because of a connection to China or other foreign countries of concern.

The ads contention that DeSantis voted to fast-track Obamas Chinese trade deals is similarly flawed. It is based on a vote DeSantis made as a member of Congress in 2015 to extend the presidents authority to fast-track trade legislation. He was among 190 Republicans in the House to vote for it.

But Mark Wu, a Harvard law professor with expertise in international trade, said no trade agreements subject to that authority were made with China.

In passing TPA in 2015, Congress agreed only to fast-track trade agreements that addressed tariff barriers (along with possibly nontariff barriers), Wu said in an email, referring to the trade promotion authority bill that bolstered the presidents power to negotiate trade deals with Asia and Europe. None of the negotiations that the U.S. conducted with China during the Obama administration fell into this category. Nor did these negotiations result in any trade deals with China during the Obama administration.

WHAT WAS SAID

Ron, you are the chair of your economic development agency that, as of last week, said Florida is the ideal place for Chinese businesses. Not only that, you have a company that is manufacturer of Chinese military planes. You have it. They are expanding two training sites at two of your airports now, one which is 12 miles away from a naval base. Then you have another company thats expanding, and they were just invaded by the Department of Homeland Security.  Haley during the debate last week

This requires context. DeSantis previously served as the board chair of a public-private economic development organization known as Enterprise Florida. The governor signed legislation earlier this year that consolidated the organizations work into what is now the states Commerce Department.

Haley was referring to an old report. A 2019-20 report by Enterprise Florida described Florida as an ideal business destination for Chinese companies. Haleys campaign has hit DeSantis over reports that the document was taken down this month.

Haleys other points largely check out.

In October 2022, Cirrus Aircraft  which was acquired in 2011 by a Chinese state-owned company that makes military aircraft  announced it had expanded locations at the Orlando Executive Airport and Kissimmee Gateway Airport. The first location provides aircraft sales and concierge flight training, while the other offers aircraft maintenance and management. The Orlando complex is less than 10 miles from a Navy training systems center.

Regarding the company raided by the Homeland Security Department, Haley was referring to a solar panel company, JinkoSolar, based in China. Homeland security officials in May executed search warrants at its factory in Jacksonville, Florida, and an office in California.

While federal officials have not provided details on that inquiry, it appears to be linked to multiple concerns. Those include whether JinkoSolar misrepresented the source of some imports containing materials from the Xinjiang region of China and incorrectly classified products, resulting in an incorrect duty rate, The New York Times has reported. The company has said that it is confident in its supply chain traceability and that U.S. customs officials have reviewed and released JinkoSolar products.

In June, Jacksonvilles City Council withdrew a bill that would have provided the company tax incentives to expand. A JinkoSolar representative said in a statement that the company still planned to pursue its $50 million expansion.

WHAT WAS SAID

Nikki Haley promised South Carolina she would never support increasing taxes on gas. She broke that promise almost immediately.  A pro-DeSantis super PAC, Never Back Down, in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, last week

This is misleading. As governor, Haley rebuffed calls to increase South Carolinas gas tax as a stand-alone measure.

The ad included in the post features clips taken from Haleys State of the State addresses. First she is shown saying, in 2013, But I will not, not now, not ever, support raising the gas tax. She is then shown in 2015 saying, Lets increase the gas tax by 10 cents over the next three years.

But Haleys full 2015 remarks shows that the super PAC took her comments out of context. She first acknowledged that some have advocated raising the state gas tax to increase revenue for infrastructure projects and later said: As Ive said many times, I will veto any straight-up increase in the gas tax.

Instead, Haley said she would only support a gas tax increase if the state reduced the income tax rate to 5%, from 7%, and made changes to the states Department of Transportation.

The state did not ultimately increase the gas tax under Haley.

WHAT WAS SAID

DeSantis reacts to Nikki Haley wanting to import Gazan refugees to the U.S.  DeSantis campaign in a post on X in October

False. Haley did not call for the United States to bring in refugees from Gaza. But DeSantis and his supporters homed in on an interview Haley did with CNN to erroneously claim she did.

In that October interview, Haley was asked to respond to remarks in which DeSantis, seemingly referring to the Palestinian population, said: If you look at how they behave, not all of them are Hamas, but they are all antisemitic. None of them believe in Israels right to exist. (Survey data from before Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel suggested many Palestinians in Gaza wanted Hamas to stop calling for Israels destruction and supported maintaining a cease-fire with Israel, as the CNN host, Jake Tapper, pointed out.)

There are so many of these people who want to be free from this terrorist rule, Haley said. They want to be free from all of that. And Americas always been sympathetic to the fact that you can separate civilians from terrorists. And thats what we have to do.

But Haley did not in that interview or elsewhere say the United States should take in Palestinian refugees.

In fact, Haley expressed sympathy for the Palestinian citizens, especially the innocent ones, but she questioned why Middle Eastern countries like Qatar, Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt were not taking in such refugees.

She later explicitly said the United States should not take in such refugees.

Honestly, the Hamas-sympathizing countries should take these Gazans now, Haley said days later on Fox News, adding: There is no reason for any refugees to come to America.

WHAT WAS SAID

Ron DeSantis. Hes anti-fracking, Hes anti-drilling.  Haleys campaign in an ad

This is misleading. During his presidential campaign, DeSantis has said that he supports fracking and offshore drilling nationally  a point that Haley has omitted when airing similar claims.

It is true that while running for governor in 2018, he opposed such drilling and fracking in Florida. His campaign website said at the time that Ron DeSantis has a proven track record in supporting measures to ban offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico and called fracking a danger to our state that is not acceptable.

That same election, Florida voters passed a constitutional amendment banning offshore oil and gas drilling in state waters. Once governor, DeSantis ordered the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to take necessary actions to adamantly oppose all offshore oil and gas activities off every coast in Florida and hydraulic fracturing in Florida.

A formal ban on fracking in Florida was not enacted.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
A three-person panel has valued the former Fairfield Lake State Park property at $418.3 million, a win for the private developer who currently owns the land  and who paid less than a quarter of that price tag for the property earlier this year  and a blow to the state of Texas, which has been pursuing eminent domain to seize the property.

State Sen. Charles Perry  a Lubbock Republican and the chair of the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs  told the Star-Telegram that the state doesnt have the funding to cover that valuation, even with the recently approved $1 billion Centennial Parks Conservation Fund.

The $400 million price tag would not be something the fund could support and meet the intent of the legislature, Perry said in a text message response to questions. Thus, the $400 million price is greater than is available today.

Its unclear how the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will respond to the valuation of the land in Freestone County, although the department has a few options. The most likely, according to an eminent domain attorney, would further extend a saga thats already dragged on for months.

The Parks and Wildlife Department publicly sounded the alarm about the state park in January. At the time, the state worried that it would lose its lease on the park land, which was being sold by then-owner Vistra Corp., an energy company. The state tried and failed to acquire the 1,800 acres of park, which Vistra was selling along with the surrounding property, for a total of 5,000 acres.

Then, Dallas-based development firm Todd Interests purchased the property in June for $103.5 million, according to a state document that recounted the sale. After the purchase had gone through, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission voted to use eminent domain to take the 5,000-acre property, with the intent of returning it to public use. The property is southeast of the Metroplex, about halfway to Houston.

Private developer Todd Interests plans to turn the former Fairfield Lake State Park property into a private, gated community, complete with a golf course and clubhouse.

Todd Interests has fought the state, mounting a public relations campaign to emphasize the firms rightful ownership of the property. The firm plans to transform the former park land and the surrounding property into a high-end gated community.

A state appraisal report estimated that the land was worth $85 million, but Shawn Todd, the founder of Todd Interests, disagreed. His firm rejected the states voluntary offer in August, and the state then filed a formal condemnation petition on Sept. 1.

Todd has consistently said that he believes the property is worth much more than the approximately $100 million that he paid, largely because of the value of the water in Fairfield Lake. Todd did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

The price tag

When the state filed its condemnation petition in Freestone County court, it kicked off the formal appraisal process for the property.

A panel of three people  required by state law to be property owners in the county  was tasked with listening to witness testimony and deciding how much the property is worth.

The panel was not weighing in on whether the state has the right to seize the property. Such a hearing would require a separate lawsuit, and eminent domain experts have told the Star-Telegram that the state had a clear-cut right to use eminent domain for the land. However, eminent domain still requires the seizing agency to pay a fair price for the property it takes.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is pursuing eminent domain to seize the former Fairfield Lake State Park land. A panel on Wednesday valued the property at $418.3 million.

After two days of hearings this week, the commission decided on Wednesday morning that Todd Interests 5,000-acre property, including the lake, is worth $418.3 million.

That number is staggering, said Andrew Morriss  a professor at Texas A&Ms School of Law and The Bush School of Government and Public Service  considering that the same property sold for about a quarter of that price earlier this year.

Thats a surprising number, Morriss said. Anybody who could flip their property in that short a time, for that staggering an increase, would be a remarkable investor.

That figure is also nearly five-times the value that the Parks and Wildlife proposed for the property. And thats a number that the state is not prepared to make, according to Perry, the state senator.

So what could the state do next?

Next steps

If the state were to pay the panels valuation of the Fairfield Lake property, the land would go back into the states hands immediately, even if Todd Interests appealed the valuation. But the state Parks and Wildlife Department doesnt have the funding currently to simply pay the $418.3 million price tag, Perry said.

That leaves the state with a few different options, according to Morris, the eminent domain expert.

The state could offer Todd Interests less than the valuation, and see if the firm will take it. The state could walk away from the eminent domain proceedings altogether. Or, the state could contest the valuation and take the matter to court. (The developer could also contest the valuation, if it chose.)

Cory Chandler, spokesperson for the Parks and Wildlife Department, said the department has not yet decided how it will respond to the valuation decision.

Morriss thinks its most likely that the state will contest the panels decision and take the matter to court, in the hopes of getting the propertys appraised value to drop. A court case would be a more formalized proceeding, Morriss said, where the state and the developer could again argue their sides and their appraisals of the property.

Morriss thinks its likely that a court would rule that the property is worth less than what the three-person panel ruled  although its hard to say how much less that could be, and it would depend on how well each side presented its case.

And even if a court were to lower the valuation of the property, the state would then still have to decide if it would pay the amount determined by the court. Perry said that its difficult to predict what the legislature might approve, without a final number in hand.

Chandler, the Parks and Wildlife spokesperson, said he wasnt sure when the department might decide its next move.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Commissioners and department staff will evaluate the award by the special commissioners and decide next steps, Chandler wrote in a statement. Our mission calls on us to provide for current and future outdoor recreation needs, and we will continue to work toward that end.
Nevadas attorney general is investigating the efforts of some Republicans to issue a slate of false electoral votes to Donald Trump in 2020 in a longshot attempt to help him remain in power despite his loss to Joe Biden, POLITICO reported Wednesday, citing three sources. The effort of six Republicans, including Nevada GOP chair Michael McDonald, to declare themselves as the states Electoral College representatives was endorsed and praised by the states Republican party. Now, Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford is probing the six Republicans involved, according to POLITICO, but it remains unclear whether he will ultimately bring charges against any of them. Similar investigations into fake electors have been brought in Michigan, Arizona and Georgia. Ford, McDonald, and the other five fake electors did not provide a comment to POLITICO.

Read it at POLITICO

Read more at The Daily Beast.
The attorney general of Nevada is quietly investigating Republican activists and operatives who falsely pledged the states six electoral votes to Donald Trump in 2020, despite Joe Bidens victory in the state.

In recent weeks, investigators have questioned witnesses about the attempts of the so-called alternate electors to present themselves as viable representatives of the states voters, according to three people familiar with the probe. Investigators have also asked about documents those people prepared as part of the effort.

The probe, which until now has not been publicly reported, is the latest sign of potential legal jeopardy for the Republicans who, amid Trumps bid to cling to power, posed as electors in states that Biden won. False electors in Georgia and Michigan are already facing criminal charges, and an investigation is underway in Arizona.

In Nevada, six Republicans, including state GOP chair Michael McDonald, signed fake certificates on Dec. 14, 2020, falsely declaring themselves to be the states duly appointed Electoral College representatives. Trump and his allies then invoked that slate of false electors, as well as similar slates in six other states, as they tried to block Congress certification of the election results on Jan. 6, 2021.



Joe Gloria, who was Clark County registrar of voters when Trumps allies in Nevada tried to reverse the election, told POLITICO that a state investigator asked him questions earlier this month about the fake elector scheme. Another person who was questioned and who was granted anonymity to discuss the sensitive probe also said investigators asked for details about the fake electors and documents they prepared. And a third person briefed on the probe  also granted anonymity because of its sensitivity  confirmed it is active.

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, a Democrat, declined to comment through a spokesperson. Of the six Nevada false electors, four did not respond to requests for comment, one declined to comment and one could not be reached.

Ford has previously sent mixed messages about the potential for a state investigation into the false electors actions. In May, he suggested no criminal charges were likely.

As you all know, I have been silent on Nevadas fake electors, except to say that the matter was on our radar, he said in testimony to the states legislature. With it on our radar, we ascertained that current state statutes did not directly address the conduct in question  to the dismay of some, and Im sure, to the delight of others.

In that hearing, he testified in favor of a proposal to ban people from acting as fake electors, the Nevada Independent reported. The bill passed through the states Democratic-controlled legislature and was vetoed in June by its Republican governor, Joe Lombardo.

Then, in September, Ford appeared to change his tune. Ive never said that were not going to prosecute, he told 8 News Now. It is not that Ive said that I can do nothing. What I have said, and Ive been precise with my wording on purpose, is we dont have statutes in this state that directly address the issue.

The status of Fords probe  including whether he will seek indictments  is unclear. Its also not clear whether Ford is investigating anyone outside Nevada.

One of the states false electors, Jim DeGraffenreid, was in touch with Kenneth Chesebro  a lawyer working with the Trump campaign and a chief architect of the fake elector scheme  in the days before the activists signed the fake certificates, according to the House Jan. 6 select committee report.



URGENTTrump-Pence campaign asked me to contact you to coordinate Dec. 14 voting by Nevada electors, read the subject line of an email that DeGraffenreid sent Chesebro. Chesebro pleaded guilty in Georgia last month to a single felony count after being charged alongside Trump and 17 others with a racketeering conspiracy to overturn the election.

In Nevada and in other states, the people who acted as false electors said at the time that they were doing it as part of a contingency plan because of lawsuits Trumps team brought challenging the election outcome. But after courts rejected those lawsuits, Trump used the existence of the false electors to pressure his vice president, Mike Pence, to block the certification of the results on Jan. 6. Chesebro similarly noted that pro-Trump members of Congress could invoke the false electors as a rationale for upending the results.

On the day that the six Nevada activists met and signed the false paperwork, the states Republican Party praised them. History made today in Carson City, Nevada, @McDonaldNV leads our electors in casting Nevada's 6 electoral votes for the winner of Nevada, @realDonaldTrump and @Mike_Pence!"the party tweeted on Dec. 14, 2020.

In addition to McDonald and DeGraffenreid, the other Nevada Republicans who claimed to be electors for Trump were Jesse Law, the head of the Clark County Republican Party; Durward James Hindle III; Eileen Rice; and Shawn Meehan. Meehan declined to comment. Rice could not be reached. The other four did not respond.

Beyond Nevada, Trump allies posed as electors in December 2020 in six other states: Pennsylvania, Michigan, Arizona, Wisconsin, Georgia and New Mexico. Michigans Democratic attorney general, Dana Nessel, brought charges against the fake electors there in July. Fani Willis, the district attorney in Fulton County, Georgia, charged three of Georgias false electors in her racketeering case. And Kris Mayes, the Democratic attorney general of Arizona, told CNN last week that she is investigating fake electors from her state.
Some Wisconsin beers are on display at a local food store, June 19, 2023, in Milwaukee. The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Senate passed a bipartisan measure Tuesday, Nov. 14, to overhaul the state's liquor laws and create new regulations for private event venues. (Morry Gash/AP)

The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature passed a bipartisan measure on Tuesday to overhaul the states liquor laws and create new regulations for wedding barns.

Senate Republican Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu introduced the proposal in a surprise, last-minute amendment that gutted a bill to set standards for alcohol and tobacco retailers and replaced it with lengthy liquor law overhauls nearly identical to those passed by the state Assembly in June.

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The measure, which passed the Senate in a 21-11 vote with bipartisan support and opposition, would create a new division within the state Department of Revenue to oversee and enforce liquor laws. It would also require special event venues, known generally as wedding barns, to either limit the number of times they serve alcohol in a year or obtain a liquor license.

The Assembly passed the bill Tuesday evening in a 88-10 vote. The bill now goes to Democratic Gov. Tony Evers who can veto it or sign it into law.

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Wedding barn owners have objected to the proposal and say that the added requirements could put them out of business. Currently, wedding barns and other private event venues dont need a liquor license to operate, and many contract with licensed vendors to provide alcohol at the events they host.

By introducing the bill on the Senate floor as an amendment, lawmakers circumvented the committee hearing process that allows the public to weigh in on proposed legislation.

Its sneaky and its deceitful, said Sheila Everhart, executive director of the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association, which is working with the wedding barn industry to oppose the changes. We couldnt go and testify.

Republican Senate President Chris Kapenga ruled that the amendment was improper. But in a rare move, the Senate overturned his ruling in a 19-14 vote. The Senate also rejected multiple amendments to expand the ability of venues without liquor licenses to serve alcohol at private events.

Under the bill, wedding barn owners could either get a permit that would allow them to host events six times a year or no more than once a month  or obtain a liquor license that would allow them to sell alcohol at as many events as they wish.

We are literally putting our foot on their neck and not giving them an out, said Democratic Sen. Lena Taylor, who opposes the measure.

The bill has received support from Wisconsin wholesalers, retailers and brewers, the banquet halls that compete with wedding barns, and the Tavern League of Wisconsin, a powerful lobbying group that represents the states bars, restaurants and taverns.

Supporters of the bill were largely silent during testimony Tuesday, but some lawmakers backed the measure have previously said they believe the wedding barn industry needs stricter regulation for the sake of public safety. Other supporters of the bill have said it would put the wedding barn industry on a level playing field with taverns and bars that compete for the same customers.

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Republican Sen. Steve Nass, who voted against the bill, accused lawmakers who supported it of bowing to lobbyists instead of supporting small businesses.

This is about shutting down the competition, Nass said. Government is deciding today the winners and losers in this industry.

Harm Venhuizen is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
WASHINGTON  The families of American citizens kidnapped by Hamas militants on Oct. 7 said Tuesday they cannot fathom why people would rip down posters showing the names and faces of their loved ones  a phenomenon that has led to tense confrontations captured on video.

How can you do that? I just dont understand it, Orna Neutra, whose 21-year-old son Omer was kidnapped, told NBC News Lester Holt in an exclusive interview in Washington, where thousands of people from across the U.S. gathered Tuesday for a pro-Israel rally on the National Mall.

Messages of Israelis kidnapped by Hamas created by artist Nitzan Mintz to raise awareness of the victims of Hamas, were torn off in NYC. Nov. 7, 2023. (John M. Mantel / Redux)

In cities across the U.S., posters have been taped to light poles and public buildings, but many flyers have been torn down by anti-Israel activists who in some cases have been recorded by people nearby. The street-by-street battles over the posters have turned into a cultural flashpoint in the U.S. as the war between Israel and Hamas rages with no end in sight.

Follow live updates on the Israel-Hamas conflict

Liz Hirsh Naftali, whose 3-year-old great-niece was taken captive after her parents were killed, said the fact that people are removing the flyers underscores the importance of speaking to the news media about the atrocities carried out across southern Israel last month. Hirsh Naftali and seven other families sat down Tuesday for their first group interview since the start of the war.

Image: Liz Hirsh Naftali (Greg Kahn for NBC News)

No matter how many times someone wants to tear down a poster, Hirsh Naftali said, we are living to tell who has been kidnapped, who was murdered, what happened on Oct. 7.

Its not a matter of going to that place of being angry or being frustrated, because we cant control that, she added.

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 that 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; Israels retaliatory aerial bombardment and ground offensive in Gaza has devastated the enclave and killed more than 11,000 people, according to Palestinian officials. 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, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Yehuda Beinin, whose daughter and son-in-law were kidnapped from the Nir Or kibbutz, said people ripping down or defacing posters were on a very misguided path.

Image: Yehuda Beinin (Greg Kahn for NBC News)

I think that  the ultimate conclusion one can reach here is just that people dont understand whats in the balance, Beinin said.

Hanna Siegel, whose uncle and aunt were taken captive, said she was just as baffled by the poster-ripping and urged protesters on both sides of the geopolitical divide to remember that the hostages and their families are simply human beings.

Were mothers and fathers and nieces and nephews and siblings, Siegel said. We are families who dont know anything about where our loved ones are. We are living in a nightmare.

Image: Hanna Siegel (Greg Kahn for NBC News)

Jonathan Dekel-Chen, a professor at Hebrew University of Jerusalem whose 35-year-old son, Sagui, was also taken from Nir Oz, said the Oct. 7 attack and the defacement of posters were both symptoms of blind hatred.

Nothing is perfect. Israel isnt perfect. Were not perfect. But theres an element of light here that must conquer this dark, hatred and evil, Dekel-Chen said, referring to Hamas and bigotry against Jewish people worldwide.

In interviews and videos on social media, some protesters have said they believe the posters are pro-Israel propaganda. In an apparent rejoinder to the wave of hostage posters, some pro-Palestinian activists in New York and other cities have displayed flyers showing pictures of people killed in the Gaza Strip amid Israels aggressive military campaign there.

Image: Jonathan Dekel-Chen (Greg Kahn for NBC News)

Rachel Goldberg, whose 23-year-old son, Hersh, was kidnapped from the Supernova music festival, said she found it intriguing that many of the posters that she has seen taken down depict people who are not Jewish, who are not Israeli.

I think we also have to be really careful to understand that a lot of these people  were Thai, Buddhists, Nepalese, Hindus, African Christians  theyre all there, Goldberg said, referring to Gaza, where the hostages are believed to be held.

Goldberg said she, like many people around the world following news of the war, feels deeply upset whenever she sees images of innocent civilians in Gaza who have been wounded or killed by the Israeli militarys aerial bombardment and ground offensive. None of us want to see innocent civilians getting hurt, she said.

NY: Israeli Hostages Posters (Steve Sanchez / Sipa USA via AP)

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Rescuers on the ruins of a house destroyed by a Russian missile in Zaporizhzhia, October 2023

Western efforts for the future reconstruction of Ukraine should not wait for the end of the war; Ukraine should be helped to modernize and rebuild immediately, renowned British-American historian and economist Niall Ferguson in an interview with NV on Nov. 14.

Ferguson also said that he believes that any reconstruction plan for Ukraine "must be convincing."

He said he appreciates discussions about Ukraine's reconstruction, citing Larry Fink, CEO of the multinational investment corporation BlackRock, but challenges the commitment to such initiatives, saying, show me the money, where is the money?

Start now, dont tell me, Well wait for peace. This may take too long. The reconstruction of Ukraine can begin immediately, and there is no reason to wait for it, Ferguson said.

Read also: Feeding the crocodile: If we allow Russia any more territorial wins, it will soon go for more

He said a significant part of Ukraine is outside the combat zone, providing an opportunity for not only reconstruction but also modernization.

My message is: do it. Not tomorrow, not next year, lets start now! the historian said, saying he was addressing his message to everyone who talks about investing in Ukraine.

Ferguson also said that Ukraine was never truly rebuilt after communism.

Today, traveling through Ukraine, you can see a lot of old real estate, he said.

Read also: Rebuilding Ukraines wealth

So it should not be seen as postwar reconstruction. This is the modernization of the economy, which has not been properly modernized since 1991. We can already start working on this, (and) we have a lot of work ahead of us.

Ferguson said that Ukraines agricultural sector has enormous potential, but it needs access to the market.

Its about free trade with Ukraine. We need to end the senseless European barriers to Ukrainian agricultural exports, because there is no justification for this. We could already do this today. Governments and corporations that talk a lot about Ukraine but dont act are hypocrites.

For the full interview, see the latest issue of the NV magazine  No. 5, November 2023, now available for purchase on the NV.UA website.

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 formerly fat street cat that became the top-rated tourist attraction in the Polish city of Szczecin has recently found a new home.

Gacek, a black-and-white cat who lived in a covered wooden box on the citys Kaszubska Street for years, has also slimmed down since shooting to fame in a YouTube video.

The clip, which has around 1 million views, shows the cat going about his daily life and receiving plenty of attention from locals. An Instagram account documenting his life currently has around 40,000 followers.

Gacek and his wooden box gained thousands of reviews and a five-star rating on Google Maps, making him the highest-rated tourist attraction in the city. One listing for Gacek reportedly had around 2,500 reviews before it was removed, with its replacement listing garnering around 500.

As of 15 November, it appears there is no longer any listing. This could be the result of Gacek  whose name means long-eared bat in Polish  having found a new home. According to Business Insider, locals expressed concerns over the cats health after he experienced problems with his teeth and joints. The citys Animal Welfare Association took him in to be treated, and eventually announced that he had found a new home in September 2023.

In a more recent Facebook post, the Association gave an update on Gaceks situation. According to translations, it reads: I'm no longer Gacek. From today, call me George.... George Clooney in the cat version, yes thats the new me!

I'm fit and I'm good with it. I'm running up and down stairs, jumping on countertops, it says.

The post also urges people to donate cat food in order to help other cats, saying that the shelves near their cages are empty and that they are sitting in cages, waiting to be adopted.
ZOARVILLE, Ohio (WJW)  Candles and bouquets of flowers were placed beside photos outside Tuscarawas Valley Schools on Wednesday, honoring the six victims of a deadly bus crash in Licking County.

Officials say a charter bus carrying 57 people, including Tusky Valley band students, was rear-ended by a semi truck on Interstate 70 in Etna Tuesday morning, killing three students, two chaperones and a high school teacher.

John Mosley, an 18-year-old senior, was described by classmates as always welcoming, funny and a great drum player who was also involved in drama and choir.

Fellow senior Jeffrey Worrell, 18, was also a drummer in the Tusky Valley band who classmates and family remember as the most amazing, outgoing and kind person. He was someone who put others ahead of himself. Jeffrey was also involved in choir, drama, pep club and speech.

The youngest, 15-year-old sophomore Katelyn Owens, was known for her hard work ethic, friends say. Owens played the clarinet in the band.

Day of mourning: Gov. Mike DeWine speaks on deadly Tusky Valley bus crash

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, the school district said in a statement on Facebook.

Dave Kennat, a 56-year-old high school teacher, was killed in a separate vehicle, along with two chaperones. Kennat was described by students as incredibly enthusiastic about math, kind and compassionate. He was the former director of Camp Wakonda, who became an amazing teacher and a genuinely kind human being.

Kristy Gaynor, 39, was described as a frequent band chaperone and a mother of three. Friends remember Kristy as a devoted parent and a constant help to area foster families.

Shannon Wigfield, a 45-year-old chaperone on Tuesday, was also an English language arts teacher for 24 years at the Buckeye Career Center. The school on Wednesday described Wigfield as someone who was adored by coworkers and students and will be remembered for her loving smile and positive attitude.

The community started a GoFundMe account to help support the Tusky Valley band and their families after this tragedy. Donations will be placed in a bank fund organized by The Trojan Foundation.

As of Wednesday afternoon, it has already raised more than $25,000.

Tusky Valley schools open today after deadly crash

We cannot say thank you enough to everyone across the nation for reaching out to offer support, Superintendent Varansky said in another statement on Facebook. Please continue to keep our district in your thoughts and prayers.

The National Transportation Safety Board is still investigating the crash, which happened while the students were heading to perform at the Ohio School Boards Association conference.

Community members came together for a vigil Tuesday night, mourning the loss of loved ones in what the superintendent called one of the darkest days in the small rural communitys history.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Im an American citizen. And they shot me.

From a dark room in Gazas Al Quds hospital, Farah Abuolba speaks matter of factly into the camera. For more than a week, the teenager has been languishing without hope that she, her mother, and her sister will ever escape the nightmare they have entered.

On November 3, as she and her family tried to reach the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, the bus she was traveling in along Gazas coastal road came under what she believes was Israeli attack, with a blast that severed half her left hand. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has denied that it struck that street on November 3.

I felt all my blood, all my blood dripped all over me, Abuolba recalled tearfully the day after the incident, as the sound of explosions ricocheted in the background. How I felt when I saw my hand falling, or how I felt my skin just  and my bones breaking. And how I saw my wrist just turn blue. I knew that my hand was gone.

That was her third attempt to evacuate from Gaza, where Israel has conducted thousands of airstrikes since October 7. But without being able to reach the Rafah crossing in southern Gaza, through which some foreign nationals have been permitted to exit into Egypt, Abuolba remains stuck in the battered Palestinian territory.

Approximately 400 American citizens plus their family members  about 1,000 people total  are stuck in Gaza and are seeking to leave, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on November 1. The number has changed little since, according to the latest from the State Department.

Abuolba grew up in rural Pennsylvania, where she has lived with her family since the age of three. Israels siege of Gaza has been the unexpected coda to her first trip to see extended family in the enclave.

Speaking to CNN, she remembered the initial joy of the visit, relaxing on Gazas beaches with her cousins. Now all she wants to do is go home.

Im trying so hard to find a way home just so I can fix my hand. How am I  how am I going to go to school now, like its normal? Like my life is normal? she asked CNN.

Farah Abuolba - CNN

Her father, back home in Pennsylvania, appeared equally anguished while speaking to CNN by video. Im responsible for my family life, but I cannot do anything, said Karam Abuolba, 53.

I feel everything hopeless. I feel like Im dead.

His daughter celebrated her 17th birthday from her hospital bed in Al Quds, in Gaza City. Shortly after that, Israels military closed in on central Gaza. The hospital has since ceased to function as a medical center and has lost nearly all communication to the outside world.

Karam Abuolba has only had sporadic communication with his daughter since then.

Forced to evacuate

Concerns grew this week that Gazas hospitals would be targeted for military action, as Israeli forces emphasized allegations that Palestinian militant group Hamas hides behind civilian infrastructure  including Gazas largest hospital, Al-Shifa  and called for several hospitals to evacuate. Hamas denies the allegations; CNN cannot verify either sides claims.

Early Wednesday, Israeli troops and tanks raided Al-Shifa, where medical officials say hundreds of patients and staff remain, alongside thousands more Palestinians whove sought shelter there.

On Monday, the IDF released a video appearing to show a Palestinian militant with a rocket propelled grenade outside Al Quds hospital  part of a group, it said, that had attacked Israeli troops in the area.

Hamas, the Gazan health authority, and the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) have denied that militants are using the medical facilities as cover. The PRCS also denied that any militants were operating or firing from inside Al Quds hospital, calling Israeli allegations a clear incitement to continue targeting and besieging the hospital.

Late on Tuesday, the Palestine Red Crescent Society said it was forced to evacuate the hospital. Farah Abuolba was among the patients evacuated, her father said, and was on her way to southern Gaza. CNN has been unable to reach her.

Until his daughter is out of Gaza entirely, there are no guarantees of safety. Airstrikes have devastated civilian structures across the territory, and more than 11,000 people have lost their lives under Israeli attacks since October 7, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry, which draws on medical sources in the Hamas-controlled enclave.

Abuolba, who has lived in the US since 2007, said he thought the United States should do more to protect American citizens in Gaza like his daughter. I pay taxes for the United States of America to support Israel to shoot and to bomb my wife and daughter? This is, its not fair, he said.

I need the president, I need Mr. Blinken to listen to this message. We are US citizens. We are loyal to this country, he said. We are not asking for anything big. Send the Red Cross. Send them to support the US citizens.

The US is Israels largest military trading partner, and in the wake of Hamas October 7 attack in Israel  which killed an estimated 1,200 people  the Biden Administration has requested an additional $10.6 billion from Congress in military assistance for Israel.

US President Joe Biden has emphasized his steadfast support of Israels right to defend itself, and the US has repeatedly vetoed United Nations Security Council resolutions calling for humanitarian ceasefires and pauses in the fighting. But Biden also admitted last week that he had made a direct request to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a multi-day humanitarian pause to assist civilians in Gaza, which has not come to fruition.

Blinken, who has been conducting intensive diplomacy in the region, voiced rare US criticism of Israels war conduct last week. Far too many Palestinians have been killed. Far too many have suffered these past weeks, he said.

For Farah Abuolba, the suffering returns nightly. When I sleep, I dream of what happened to me, she told CNN. I can hear the rockets when they hit me, and my sister and my mom just screaming when they saw my hand fall.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
When Fayetteville State University became the fourth school in the UNC System to offer students heavily discounted tuition as part of the NC Promise Tuition Plan, Chancellor Darrell Allison described it as a game-changer.

NC Promise  which launched with Elizabeth City State University, Western Carolina University and UNC Pembroke participating in 2018 before Fayetteville State joined last fall  offers undergraduate tuition at $500 per semester for in-state students and $2,500 for out-of-state students.

The plan is largely considered a one-of-a-kind promise program, in that it offers those tuition rates universally; students do not need to demonstrate financial aid, nor prove academic merit beyond being accepted to the universities, to receive the discount. The state legislature provides funds to the universities to supplement the income they lose from collecting lower tuition rates.

Fayetteville State, along with Winston-Salem State University, had been part of lawmakers original proposal to implement NC Promise in 2016, but dropped out due to fears that the programs hefty cost to the state could leave historically Black colleges, specifically, in a vulnerable place financially.

Now, a year into Fayetteville States delayed entry to the plan, Allison said theres no doubt it has provided much-welcomed financial assistance to students and their families and aided in an enrollment increase.

Speaking to The News & Observer, each NC Promise chancellor highlighted benefits of the program, measuring its impact in different, wide-ranging ways  from the rapid gains seen at Fayetteville State, to even saving one, Elizabeth City State, from nearly closing nearly a decade ago.

But to Allison, NC Promise is just one piece of Fayetteville States larger commitment to making college education affordable and accessible  and to making sure students who are attracted to the university because of those factors complete their degree.

We didnt just rest on our laurels with NC Promise, Allison told The N&O in an interview, adding that he and his staff have worked to leverage the opportunity being added to NC Promise presented to the university.

Fayetteville State University Chancellor Darrell Allison.

Since Allison became the chancellor of Fayetteville State in 2021, the university has implemented several programs  in addition to becoming an NC Promise school  that he says are contributing to improved student recruitment and retention. That includes an offer of free tuition to military-affiliated students, which launched last February, and another offer of free summer-school courses, which saw an enrollment of nearly 66% of the universitys students this summer, among several others.

Early numbers appear to support Allisons claims.

This fall, the university is seeing its largest first-year student enrollment since 2007, at nearly 800 students. The universitys retention rate has increased to nearly 78%, up from about 63% in 2020. Overall, enrollment is up 10%  the second-highest enrollment increase of any of the four NC Promise schools  since the university joined the discounted tuition plan, according to a UNC System report released last month.

The Fayetteville State University marching band practices prior to a homecoming football game on Fayetteville States campus Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. Fayetteville State began offering heavily discounted tuition through the NC Promise Tuition Program in fall 2022.

Defining success at NC Promise schools

With just one full year, plus this fall semester, of data, and other programs simultaneously at work, its largely too early to chart the full, sustained impact of NC Promise alone at Fayetteville State.

The policy world moves quickly. The research world is much slower, unfortunately, Daniel Klasik, a professor at the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Education who has analyzed enrollment data for the three universities that began offering NC Promise tuition rates in 2018. Since Fayetteville State was approved to join the program years later than the three original schools, Klasiks research does not yet include analysis of FSU enrollment data.

Still, with Fayetteville State in just its second year of the NC Promise program, and the three original participating schools in their sixth, the UNC System has dubbed the program a success on multiple fronts, citing college affordability, as well as increased enrollment at three of the four schools: FSU, WCU and ECSU.

Klasiks research, which used comparison schools with similar characteristics and growth trends to those at ECSU, WCU and UNCP to understand what would likely have happened to enrollment at the NC Promise schools if the program had not existed, found only small, suggestive evidence that the program increased first-year student enrollment, he told The N&O.

But a more concrete increase was seen in transfer-student enrollment, Klasik said. UNC System enrollment data shows that new transfer-student enrollment increased drastically  in one case, at UNCP, by more than 300 students  at the Promise schools in their first years participating in the program, and has continued to remain above pre-program levels.

Klasik said that trend likely stems directly from the low tuition, which provides a cost of attendance that is relatively similar to what students might pay at a community college.

The cost proposition looked much better for those students because, essentially, they can continue their education for, basically, the same price as what they were getting already at their community college, Klasik said.

Allison said FSUs participation in NC Promise, as well as the other programs the university offers, has lifted the universitys rankings in UNC System retention and graduation rates.

Im not saying that were going to be first in the UNC System retention and graduation rates, but were not going to be last, Allison said. We can do better.

Klasiks research did not find an increase in retention rates, he said. But that isnt necessarily negative, he said, since it shows NC Promise students are succeeding just as well as the students in the past.

Impact of adding FSU to NC Promise

Like Allison, each chancellor sees room to do more with the opportunities that NC Promise provides their universities.

College enrollment decreased nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic, and North Carolina is seeing a decrease in the share of high school graduates who enroll in college. NC Promise schools werent immune to those pressures.

Enrollment at UNC Pembroke is down 2% overall since NC Promise began, according to a UNC System presentation last month. Jennifer Haygood, the systems chief financial officer, told members of the Board of Governors that trend can likely be attributed to the larger decline in college-going students and other demographic shifts, which are more acute in the region of southeastern North Carolina that UNCP serves.

Originally established as a school to train American Indian teachers, UNCP remains highly diverse today, with a majority non-white student body that was almost 14% American Indian in 2020.

UNC Pembroke has been an NC Promise school since the program launched in 2018.

Haygood also said the system sees some evidence that the addition of Fayetteville State, about 40 miles from UNCP, to NC Promise could be drawing some students to FSU that might have otherwise chosen to attend UNCP, since they serve many of the same counties.

UNCP Chancellor Robin Cummings said his university has seen just a small decrease, roughly 1%, in the number of students from Cumberland County, home to Fayetteville, who have enrolled at UNCP.

Its not like its night and day and just a draconian, big impact, but clearly, students who live in Cumberland may say, Well, gosh, I can go over here to FSU now and get the Promise deal, Cummings said.

Allison, of Fayetteville State, said theres no competition between the two schools, and both chancellors said they are focused on unique offerings to continue to recruit and retain students on their campuses. Among many other offerings at their universities, Allison highlighted an increased focus on serving military-affiliated students at Fayetteville State, due to its proximity to Fort Liberty, while Cummings highlighted a new doctoral program in nursing at UNCP that creates a pathway to the profession beginning in a students undergraduate studies.

Smallest and largest NC Promise schools

The other two universities in the NC Promise program, Western Carolina and Elizabeth City State, are the plans largest and smallest schools by enrollment, respectively.

Though they are separated by a difference of nearly 8,000 undergraduate students, chancellors at both universities noted they are uniquely positioned  literally  to reap some of the same rewards. As the two NC Promise schools near the far western and eastern borders of the state, they can recruit out-of-state students almost as easily as those in-state.

Alumni Tower at Western Carolina University.

The UNC System last fall increased the cap on the percentage of out-of-state students several universities, including all of the NC Promise schools, can enroll. FSU, UNCP and WCU are allowed to admit up to 25% of their first-year undergraduate classes with out-of-state students, while ECSU is allowed to admit up to 50%.

Haygood, the UNC System CFO, noted to the Board of Governors last month that on a percentage basis, enrollment has grown more quickly on the non-resident side across the NC Promise schools.

I think its helping us with the challenges of overcoming geography, WCU Chancellor Kelli Brown noted to The N&O when listing several impacts of NC Promise at the university in Cullowhee.

Western Carolina has seen a 7% overall increase in enrollment since the program began, and Brown said the universitys Brinson Honors College, specifically, has seen an increase in out-of-state enrollment.

Being the largest NC Promise school allows us to accommodate more students, and so I think thats one of the positive things, Brown said. It gives more students a chance to be able to earn a college degree.

Though it remains the smallest NC Promise school, perhaps the programs biggest successes can be seen at Elizabeth City State, which was on the brink of closing due to drastically declining enrollment about a decade ago. Since NC Promise began in 2018, enrollment at ECSU is up 48%  the highest of any of the four participating schools.

Its a trend that some leaders may have never expected when the program was introduced to mixed reactions in 2016.

This academic year alone, it will cost more than an estimated $74 million for the state to buy down, or essentially fill the gap between the regular tuition rate and this special NC Promise tuition rates, Haygood told Board of Governors members last month.

There were some people who were a little skeptical about NC Promise, ECSU Chancellor Karrie Dixon told The N&O of the programs origins. What will it do? What will it not do? And you know, how will it be beneficial?

Elizabeth City State University is an historically Black university in the northeast corner of North Carolina.

Now, Dixon said, the story is clear: ECSU has greatly benefited from NC Promise. I thank the legislature for putting it in place.

Like Western Carolina, ECSU has seen an increase in out-of-state enrollment, Dixon said, notably from Virginia, immediately to the north. The university has seen a 95% increase in students from that state since NC Promise began, Dixon said.

Were pretty much out there on our own in northeastern North Carolina, Dixon said, noting that the closest UNC System campus to ECSU is East Carolina University, almost 100 miles away. Were also considered a border campus because how of how close we are to Virginia, and NC Promise has helped us to boost our momentum recruiting students from there.

Despite the large price tag associated with NC Promise, each chancellor said they hope the legislature continues to invest in the program.

I think the data will prove itself of its return on investment on these institutions that are NC Promise campuses, and I hope that the General Assembly considers continuing to invest so that we are able to offer access to quality education at an affordable price to North Carolina citizens, Dixon said. Im really excited about that possibility, just because of the story that we can tell about the impact of NC Promise is very positive. We have the data to prove that.
Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said last week she intends to run for a seventh term next November. A victory, though, would mean the longest-serving state attorney in Miami-Dade history could be wading into unchartered territory.

For the first time in what would be 31 years as Miami-Dades lead prosecutor, Fernandez Rundle, 73, a Democrat first appointed in 1993 and elected a year later, would be dealing directly with an elected sheriff, instead of one appointed by the countys mayor. And though some political observers say its far too early to tell how that could shift the dynamic between the countys two top law enforcement officers with the election a year away  they will admit there are any number of possibilities.

A tough-on-crime Republican sheriff could feel the need to play to his or her base, going up against a policy that now permits police to issue civil citations for minor offenses like smoking marijuana. And unlike most counties in Florida, state prosecutors here sign off on probable cause for both arrest and search warrants before a judge gives the final okay, eliminating potential legal mistakes by police and dropping a case less likely.

READ MORE: Miami-Dades sheriff race draws GOP-heavy crowd with a dozen candidates  and counting

Another policy in place that Fernandez Rundles office implemented is embedding state investigators with some police units. Its common for a state investigator to show up at major crime scenes. Investigators also sit in on interviews for serious crimes - practices unheard of in most other counties.

Under Fernandez Rundle, the state attorneys office has also created about a dozen investigative task forces, from human trafficking, to gang units to hate crimes. An elected sheriff with complete control of crime scenes could scuttle any or all of those units and policies by the end of next year.

Im optimistic we will be able to move forward like we always have, Fernandez Rundle said. The most important thing is to stay focused on public safety. I expect no matter who becomes sheriff well be able to lead together.

Most law enforcement experts say predicting the future is a crap shoot.

Its hard to say what it will look like. It really depends on the person, said Alex Piquero, University of Miami professor of criminology and former director of the Bureau of Justice Statistics at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington. This is one of those where you dont know what you dont know.

Miami-Dade rid itself of an elected sheriff 57 years ago, after a series of scandals lend to a grand jury investigation. Jurors issued a scathing report that found the sheriffs office had been protecting gambling rackets, collecting rakes from prostitution rings and extorting illegal abortion providers. In 1966, residents voted for Home Rule, which  hoping to depoliticize policing the county  mandated the county mayor appoint a police director.

Still, some are confident the transition to an elected sheriff will have little impact on the state attorneys office. Steadman Stahl, president of South Floridas Police Benevolent Association, the union that represents most of Miami-Dades more than 3,000 cops, said the most of the policies now in place have served county residents well.

No matter who the sheriff is, you still have to make an arrest and it has to be prosecuted, Stahl said. Its got to be a partnership.

A tragedy muddies transition plans

None of the issues likely would have been a concern  at least for the first election  if not for a ghastly incident July 23 on a stretch of highway just south of Tampa. Thats where former Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo Freddy Ramirez pulled his SUV off to the side of I-75 and shot himself in the head on his way home with his wife from a sheriffs convention in Tampa.

READ MORE: Freddy Ramirez was known for being an even-tempered and compassionate cop. Then he snapped

Ramirez, an ally of Fernandez Rundle, had changed his party affiliation to Democrat not long ago and was the heavy favorite to win the sheriffs race. His transition to sheriff was expected to be smooth, with most policies remaining in place. Recently, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava named interim Miami-Dade Police Director Stephanie Daniels to the post full-time and said Ramirez would help in the transition to sheriff.

With the absence of Ramirez, the sheriffs race is considered more wide open, with a couple of Republican heavyweights likely to be factors in the contest.

READ MORE: Former Miami-Dade police director blames suicide attempt on work-related stress

Fernandez Rundle remains a constant

Still, the one law enforcement constant is Fernandez Rundle. A victory next November would be her seventh consecutive following her initial appointment by Janet Reno in 1993 after President Bill Clinton named Reno US. attorney general.

Fernandez Rundle served as Renos top assistant for 15 years and was instrumental in creating the states first domestic violence unit. Since then, with strong support from Miami-Dades robust Hispanic and Black communities, she coasted to most of her election wins.

Most recently, in 2020 she defeated local activist and former ACLU deputy director Melba Pearson by 20 points  wading through cries for her removal and protests outside her office during the summers social justice marches after the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020.

READ MORE: Despite criticism, top Miami prosecutor Fernandez Rundle wins in resounding fashion

Most of those shouts came about because of a tumultuous time in Miami policing back in 2010 and 2011 when officers shot and killed seven Black men in seven months. Fernandez Rundles office didnt prosecute any of the cops, even Reynaldo Goyos, who was fired for shooting unarmed Travis McNeil in his car as he reached for his cellphone.

The shootings were in part responsible for the city being sued by the federal government and completing a DOJ-issued consent decree that demanded changes in everything from policy to training.

Fernandez Rundle says she will continue to address public corruption and holding police accountable, and that will be her focus moving forward. Her office recently secured an armed kidnapping conviction against a Hialeah cop who abducted a homeless man.

I continue to enhance our efforts involving human trafficking, child sexual assaults... fraud and elderly exploitation, Fernandez Rundle said. Public safety and aggressively holding criminals accountable remain my top priority.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  President Joe Biden said on the eve of his much-anticipated meeting with Chinas Xi Jinping that his goal for the talks is simply to try to get U.S.-Chinese communications back on stable ground after a tumultuous year.

Biden said Tuesday, shortly before departing for San Francisco to meet Xi and attend this years Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, that the nations must get 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 historical country house museum in the exclusive town of Woodside 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.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Finland is reportedly considering closing its border with Russia completely, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated on Nov. 14.

Prime Minister Orpo told Finnish news outlet Yle that Russian border guards have changed tactics and are now allowing people across the border without the necessary documents and the number of migrants without appropriate paperwork is increasing.

"This should be taken seriously," Orpo said. "We are monitoring the situation."

The government is considering different options to address the situation, from closing one individual checkpoint to completely shutting down the entire border.

A similar situation took place back in 2015. "It was the same then, people without entry documents who came to ask for asylum in our country were allowed to the Finnish border. In this sense, it looks like a conscious decision."

Earlier this week, the Finnish Border Guard reported a spike in asylum seekers arriving without required travel documents to Finland's southeast border.

Ninety-one people have arrived at the border crossing points in Southeastern Finland without required travel documents since August 2023, according to the agency responsible for enforcing border security.

The agency said the asylum seekers are citizens of third countries who used Russia for transit. The spike marks a change in approach from the Russian authorities in the area who previously prevented people without the necessary travel documents from traveling to Finnish border crossings, according to the report.

Finland shut its border to Russian tourists in September 2022.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia lost 4,000 soldiers on eastern front in 2 weeks, commander says

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(FOX40.COM)  Crews with the Modesto Fire Department battled a fire erupting from a Tesla SUV on Monday morning, according to the fire department.

The vehicle located at Carver Road and Roseburg Avenue was billowing black smoke as Modesto Engine 4 arrived on scene.

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Crews found the flames burning directly near utility poles and under powerlines as they began to quickly knock down the flames.

Modesto Truck 5, Battalion Chief 1 and Battalion Chief 3 also responded to provide additional assistance in extinguishing the towering flames.

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After the flames were knocked down, the fire department used their skid steer to load the Tesla into a large metal dumpster due to the dangers of spontaneous reignition by the batteries.

The Tesla was taken from the scene inside the dumpster as the Modesto Environmental Compliance Department arrived on scene to remove any debris and mitigate water runoff.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
The Kinjaz Dance Crew in "'Twas the Night Before" by Cirque du Soleil at the Chicago Theatre. (Kyle Flubacker)

Theres no better time to get out and support Chicago theater than the festive season, when warm holiday performances abound. Here are 10 suggestions, all with seasonal themes. Some are new this year but many are seasonal favorites that I can heartily recommend. And if none of these float your holiday boat, there also are lots of non-holiday shows on offer, from Hamilton in the Loop to Beautiful: The Carole King Musical in Lincolnshire.

Twas the Night Before

For the third time since its 2019 premiere, a new version of Cirque du Soleils downtown holiday show returns to the Loop for the peak December weeks. Its based on the classic poem A Visit From St. Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore and themed around a jaded young girl who rediscovers the magic of the holidays with the help of some circus artists. Im told many improvements have been made since the last appearance in 2021. Thats good news, especially since for many people, this is the show that they will combine with a seasonal trip to downtown Chicago.

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Dec. 7-28 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets $36-$111 at www.cirquedusoleil.com

David Payne is the famed author in "Christmas with C.S. Lewis," in Chicago at the Broadway Playhouse. (BIC/HANDOUT)

Christmas with C.S. Lewis

Even secular theatergoers tend to appreciate the spiritual musings of C.S. Lewis, here given a seasonal twist as the Oxford professor and famed author reminisces about how his pal J.R.R. Tolkien forever changed his beliefs about the Christmas story as the one true myth. British actor David Payne, who has appeared here before as Lewis, plays the beloved writer in this touring attraction, aimed at those of a certain age who like some deep thoughts with their hot toddies.

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Dec. 5-10 at the Broadway Playhouse, 175 E. Chestnut St.; tickets $52.75-$71.50 at www.broadwayinchicago.com

Audrey Billings, Brandon Dahlquist, Michael Mahler and Dara Cameron in "Its a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!" by American Blues Theater. (Michael Brosilow/HANDOUT)

Its a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!

American Blues Theater is about to cut the ribbon on its new home and that means a fresh start for its annual radio-play adaptation of Frank Capras classic film. Artistic director Gwendolyn Whiteside directs a cast of long-standing American Blues regulars in the famed title, many of whom are as familiar by now to local audiences as their iconic characters.

Dec. 8-31 at American Blues Theater, 5627 N. Lincoln Ave.; tickets $25-$65 at americanbluestheater.com

Felix May and Lily Emerson in Chicago Childrens Theatre's 2022 production of "The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party." (Charles Osgood/HANDOUT)

Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party

An annual holiday treat for the very young, this toddler-friendly attraction features puppets, music and storytellers exploring characters and yarns from Beatrix Potters beloved childrens books, including the classic The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Theatergoers young and not so young are encouraged to dress up in their finery. The post-show experience includes cheesecake and chocolate milk, as well as socializing with other nascent but enthusiastic audience members.

Nov. 20 to Dec. 24 at Chicago Childrens Theatre, 100 S. Racine Ave.; tickets $45.25 at chicagochildrenstheatre.org

Kareem Bandealy and Larry Yando in "A Christmas Carol" at the Goodman Theatre. (Liz Lauren/HANDOUT)

A Christmas Carol

Larry Yando is back for his, gasp, 16th year playing Ebenezer Scrooge in the Goodman Theatres annual tradition, for now unchanged under new artistic director Susan Booth. This years production also sees the return of director Jessica Thebus and features top-drawer Chicago actors such as Kareem Bandealy, Thomas J. Cox, Susaan Jamshidi, Robert Schleifer (another longtime veteran of this show), Andrew White (ditto) and Bethany Thomas. This year, the ebullient Austin Tichenor plays Scrooge at select performances and youll also find some shows that are audio-described, ASL interpreted, open captioned, subtitled in Spanish and rendered sensory-friendly, all in service of adding as many folks as possible to the 2 million people who already have seen this take on Dickens. Satisfaction personally guaranteed.

Nov. 18 to Dec. 31 at Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St.; tickets $33-$159 at www.goodmantheatre.org

The Christmas Schooner

Another long-standing Chicago seasonal tradition is rooted in the Midwest history of so-called Christmas tree ships. John Reeger and Julie Shannons The Christmas Schooner first set sail at the Bailiwick Repertory Theatre many holidays ago, then docked for years at the Mercury Theater, and now delivers its emotionally charged Michigan tannenbaums in Beverly. Ive seen the Schooner a dozen times or more and cherish the memory of each one. Watch it and pass it on! Especially if you are an immigrant who misses home at the holidays. Fun fact: Cecily Strong of Saturday Night Live fame started her career with this show, playing an Irish girl on the dock. And I remember it well.

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Dec. 15-23 at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St.; tickets $40 at thebeverlyartscenter.com

A 2021 production of "Emmet Otters Jug-Band Christmas" at the New Victory Theater in New York. (Richard Termine/HANDOUT)

Emmet Otters Jug-Band Christmas

The biggest new entry in Chicagos seasonal holiday showstakes, Jim Hensons Emmet Otters Jug-Band Christmas is a new production of the much-loved book and TV Christmas special featuring the kind of puppets that made the Henson company famous. This is, in essence, a pre-Broadway tryout with Broadway-caliber artists working at the newly restored Studebaker Theater. This family-friendly show features music and lyrics by Paul Williams (The Muppet Movie), book by lead producer Timothy Allen McDonald and direction and choreography by Christopher Gattelli of Newsies fame. I attended a recent rehearsal and it looked like great fun. Its done Henson style; you dont see the puppeteers.

Through Dec. 31 at the Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan Ave.; tickets from $43 at fineartsbuilding.com/studebaker

Julia Miller, LaKecia Harris and Jeffrey Paschal in "Manual Cinema's Christmas Carol" at Writers Theatre in Glencoe. (Liz Lauren/HANDOUT)

Manual Cinemas Christmas Carol

This beautiful and deeply emotional production from the theater-film-music artists at Manual Cinema is very different from a standard Christmas Carol (the story is original) and was a big hit in its emotional premiere at Writers Theatre in Glencoe. I saw the wonderfully scored piece, which combines theater, film, music and storytelling, first on Zoom during the pandemic and then in person in 2022. Its a beautiful show, ideal for a whole family. At this juncture, I recommend it the highest of show on this list.

Nov. 16 to Dec. 24 at Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe; tickets $40-$80 at writerstheatre.org

Veronica Garza is a 40-year-old Cindy Lou Who in "Whos Holiday!" at Theater Wit. (Charles Osgood/HANDOUT)

Whos Holiday!

Theres a great Chicago tradition of neighborhood shows aimed at those adults cynical about the holidays that are designed to go well with a few seasonal beverages in an evening. At Theater Wit, the show is Matthew Lombardos Whos Holiday!, wherein Cindy Lou Who, now aged 40, holds court from her trailer home, retelling the story of her sordid involvement with the Grinch. Veronica Garza is the returning star of this one-woman attraction on Chicagos North Side.

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Nov. 24 to Dec. 30 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave.; tickets $39-$48 at theaterwit.org

The Other Cinderella

Jackie Taylors hugely popular production now has been playing for 47 years on Chicagos North Side, if you can believe that. This annual Black panto is filled with songs, laughs and just enough of an edge to make its point. The characters dont change from year to year (if it aint broke ...). Cinderella is from the housing projects, Stepmamma works at the USPS, and the Fairygodmamma is Jamaican. But the show typically stays fresh and interactive with new fun stuff each year.

Nov. 25 to Jan. 14, 2024 at Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St.; tickets $56.50-$66.50; blackensembletheater.org

Chris Jones is a Tribune critic.

cjones5@chicagotribune.com

OUR GUIDES FOR 2023 HOLIDAYS:
Newly obtained 911 calls reveal what eyewitnesses saw and heard after a deadly crash involving a charter bus full of students on I-70 in Ohio on Tuesday.

In eight 911 calls obtained by News Center 7 Wednesday, witnesses detail hearing and seeing that crash and the large fire that followed the impact in Licking County.

>> RELATED: 3 students, 3 others killed in Ohio crash involving bus; NTSB to give update this afternoon

Its a semi and theres like a bunch of cars around it because they were coming up on a jam anyways. And all of a sudden I heard a boom and I looked in my rearview mirror and I saw smoke coming up, one 911 caller told dispatchers.

That caller then said she saw people scrambling to get out of their cars and running toward the side ditch.

Another caller said a semi slammed into a bunch of cars and caused a huge fire.

>> PHOTOS: At least 6 killed, over a dozen injured in fiery I-70 crash in Ohio

An adult who was traveling with the Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools called 911 and told a dispatcher that there were 52 students on the bus at the time of the crash and that the back of the bus was on fire.

Its on fire and we need help, the woman told the dispatcher.

She also told dispatchers that they were doing CPR on one student.

>> ORIGINAL REPORT: 3 students, 3 others dead after fiery bus crash on I-70 in Ohio

As News Center 7 previously reported, the crash involved five vehicles, including the charter bus carrying students and the semi. Three high school students on the bus and three people from one of the passenger vehicles involved in the crash died. The district confirmed Tuesday night that those three people were a teacher in the district and two parent chaperones.

The crash remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Investigators are looking into the cause of a fire that ripped through a historic home at Georgias Stone Mountain State Park.

Crews were called early Tuesday, Nov. 14, when fire alarms started blaring between 2 and 3 a.m. in the parks Historic Square, WSB-TV and WAGA reported, citing Stone Mountain Park Police spokesperson John Bankhead.

Firefighters arrived to find the top half of the Davis House engulfed in flames, Bankhead told WSB-TV.

Once known as The Dickey House, the pre Civil War-era manor was originally built between the 1840s and 1850s on a sprawling plantation in Dickey, near Albany, Georgia, according to The Atlanta-Journal Constitution.

It was occupied by Charles Milton Davis, later a Confederate colonel, and his descendants until the 6,250-square-foot home was deconstructed, moved piece by piece and restored in Stone Mountain in 1961, the newspaper reported.

Photos and video of the fire showed heavy smoke and flames billowing from the buildings roof.

A sizable number of valuable artifacts and antiques representing the 1800s were lost in the blaze, Bankhead told McClatchy News in a phone interview. He also mentioned heavy water damage as fire crews worked to douse the flames.

Authorities said the cause of the fire is under investigation, and its unclear if the historic home can be rebuilt.

Im not sure of which parts in the lower part of the home that do not have as much fire damage, but as far as the home goes, I believe it will be a total loss, Captain Jaeson Daniels with Dekalb County Fire Rescue told Atlanta News First.

No injuries were reported, authorities said.

Stone Mountain Park is about 20 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta.

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Two firefighters who were dealing with the aftermath of a Russian attack in Zaporizhzhia Oblast were killed in a subsequent Russian attack.

Source: Ihor Klymenko, Ukraine's Interior Minister, on Telegram; Yurii Malashko, Head of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote from Klymenko: "Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The Russians once again attacked civilian infrastructure. A fire broke out.

State Emergency Service workers were at the scene in a matter of minutes. Then the occupiers struck again.

Sadly, two State Emergency Service workers were killed in the enemy attack. Our unarmed heroes are now forever 31 and 34..."

Details: Klymenko added that three more emergency workers and four civilians were also injured.

Update: Yurii Malashko, Head of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration, confirmed that the number of fatalities in the Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia district had increased to two people. He specified that those killed were State Emergency Service workers.

Background:

The Russian military launched three missile strikes on civilian infrastructure in a settlement in Zaporizhzhia district, Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Yurii Malashko, Head of the Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration, reported that one person had been killed and seven injured as a result of this mornings missile attack.

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House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) speaks at a news conference ahead of a vote on a continuing resolution to keep the government funded on Capitol Hill in Washington, Nov. 14, 2023. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times)

WASHINGTON  Just weeks into his new job, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has learned a valuable, if painful, lesson: Being an uncompromising conservative hard-liner is much easier from the backbenches of the House than it is from the leadership suites.

The stopgap spending bill he pushed through the House on Tuesday with overwhelming support from Democrats over the objections of a solid bloc of Republicans was a near-exact replica of the funding package he had opposed six weeks ago, when he was still an obscure lawmaker from Louisiana.

But as speaker, Johnson was forced to bow to the political reality that spending proposals designed to appease the far right cannot become law in a divided government. In doing so, he exhibited a pragmatic side that surprised Democrats and frustrated allies on the right who just days ago were exultant at his sudden rise.

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Johnson made the calculation that House Republicans, divided and known more for acrimony than accomplishment these days, could not afford to be held responsible for a crippling pre-Thanksgiving government shutdown.

So he went hat in hand to Democrats to save Republicans from themselves yet again  and Democrats delivered. That same scenario cost Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., the speakership last month. But Johnson wont face a challenge at this point, with Republicans cutting him some slack since he was new in the role. They say Johnson is not McCarthy. Not yet, anyway.

Hes got one thing unique, said Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina, one of 93 Republicans who broke with the speaker over the spending deal but who supports him nonetheless. We trust what he says.

Although they were not directly threatening his job, hard-liners did strike back at Johnson over his tactics Wednesday, defeating a usually routine procedural motion to bring a spending bill to the floor. The mutiny upended plans to consider the legislation and forced Johnson to adjourn the House early, until after Thanksgiving.

We are not going to continue to do business as usual here in Washington, said Rep. Bob Good, R-Va., one of those who rebelled.

Despite the quick backlash to his compromise maneuvering to avoid a shutdown, Johnson has another advantage over McCarthy  the far right sees Johnson much more as one of their own than McCarthy, a reputation that the Louisianian sought to reinforce before Tuesdays vote.

Asked why he was having trouble winning backing for the bill from archconservative Republicans, Johnson retorted: Im one of the archconservatives, OK?

Still, there was no sugarcoating the fact that the stopgap continuing resolution headed for quick approval in the Senate as early as Wednesday was a far cry from what those on the far right would have written.

They would have preferred one filled with steep budget cuts and right-wing policy provisions that would drive Democrats mad and cause a shutdown some of them were eager to instigate. Instead, it was essentially a clean resolution temporarily maintaining funding at levels set in 2022 when the Democratic triumvirate of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and President Joe Biden was in charge.

It was a lot for House Republicans to swallow.

That is the $1.7 trillion omnibus bill that Republicans roundly opposed last year, Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, said on Fox Business Network. It aint a good start.

Johnson acknowledged the dissatisfaction but said he wasnt willing to risk a shutdown while he was still getting his feet under him and finding his way around the speakers Capitol office suite.

Ive been at the job less than three weeks, right? he said. I cant turn an aircraft carrier overnight.

The speaker sought to emphasize that the stopgap bill was different in one significant respect from the one that ended McCarthys speakership: It staggered the deadlines for funding government agencies, with some spending expiring Jan. 19 and the rest Feb. 2.

Johnson said that approach would avoid the hated holiday pileup of spending bills that has led to past approval of giant catchall legislation funding the entire federal government with little review. Now the House and Senate would have time to finish their spending bills, he argued.

This was a very important first step to get us to the next stage so that we can change how Washington works, Johnson declared.

Johnsons innovation was seen by others on both sides of the aisle mainly as gimmicky window dressing for a temporary spending plan that gave Democrats what they wanted and left conservatives shaking their heads.

Top Democrats still trying to get a handle on the new speaker said they were encouraged by Johnsons bipartisan approach, particularly after his first legislative move was to tie $14.3 billion in aid to Israel that most of Congress wants to IRS cuts that Democrats despise. Democrats had braced for more partisan maneuvering, but instead found Johnson amenable to a compromise, though with a convoluted structure they considered unnecessary.

Schumer said he was heartened, very cautiously that Johnson had passed a temporary spending measure that precisely omits the sort of hard-right cuts that would have been nonstarters with Democrats. He said he had consulted with the speaker on how to structure what Schumer referred to as the goofy staggered bill to lessen Democratic resistance.

The interim bill is hardly the end of Johnsons spending challenge. He pledged that he would not advance another temporary measure, which means that House Republicans now must pass a series of spending bills that have tied them in knots, and then reach a compromise with the Senate and White House by early next year.

Not an easy task, but one Johnson said he was determined to see through.

Im done with short-term CRs, he said, using the shorthand for a continuing resolution to keep government funding flowing. Were resolved.

But if he falters in the days ahead on spending, assistance to Ukraine and Israel, or border security provisions demanded by Republicans, Johnson may find the initial patience shown by some on the far right to be wearing thin.

This better not be the model of the approach, Roy said of Tuesdays measure. Or there will be trouble in so-called paradise.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
About 2.9 million high school students took at least one Advanced Placement course in the 2020-21 school year, according to the latest federal data measuring access to educational opportunity. But Black and Latino students were significantly underrepresented in those college-level math and science courses.

And schools in which at least 75% of students are Black and Latino offer fewer math, science and computer science courses than those with a low-minority population.

Those are among the racial disparities noted Wednesday in the Civil Rights Data Collection  the first released since 2017-18. Considering the data was collected when the vast majority of districts offered only virtual or hybrid learning, officials cautioned against making direct comparisons to previous years. But they also noted that among the many topics covered in the survey, including suspension rates, sexual harassment and school staffing data, course-taking trends might be less affected by the pandemic.

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Sadly, the inequities that have long persisted in our education system are on full display, said Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, noting the departments efforts to expand access to STEM learning through partnerships with NASA, nonprofits and the private sector. We spent years fighting COVID; now we must fight complacency.

About 35% of schools with high enrollments of Black and Latino students offered calculus, compared to 54% of schools with low enrollments of Black and Latino students, according to civil rights data focusing on the 2020-21 school year. (U.S. Department of Education)

COVID disrupted all aspects of the U.S. education system, and that includes federal efforts to measure how schools are protecting students civil rights. Officials canceled the 2019-20 survey and moved it to the following year, without knowing how COVID would continue to upend normal school operations. Many U.S. schools did not return to in-person learning full time until the 2021-22 school year. Prior to that, steep declines in areas such as out-of-school suspension or the use of corporal punishment are likely because many students were learning at home  not because schools stopped disciplining students.

That doesnt mean the data isnt useful for examining gaps based on race and disability. Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine Lhamon called the release crucial civil rights data specific to students pandemic experience. Others agreed that the data will help the nation better understand how the pandemic exacerbated inequities for vulnerable students.

It wont be an apples-to-apples comparison, said David Hinojosa, director of the Educational Opportunities Project at the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. At the same time, the whole intent behind the collection of this data is for schools, communities and civil rights enforcement agencies to identify and correct any civil rights disparities.

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Discipline looked very different

As the primary source of information on school discipline, the survey shows that despite school closures, students missed more than 2 million days of school due to out-of-school suspensions during the 2020-21 school year.

Black boys were suspended at higher rates than boys of other races  a longstanding disparity. Black boys represented 8% of the total K-12 population but 18% of those that received one or more out-of-school suspensions. Black girls represented 7% of student enrollment, but accounted for 9% of students with one or more out-of-school suspensions. White girls made up 22% of the student population, but represented 13% of out-of-school suspensions.

This data was especially impacted by remote learning, noted Nancy Duchesneau, a senior P-12 research associate at EdTrust, an advocacy organization that focuses on educational equity.

Exclusionary discipline looked very different during virtual learning, she said. Students were locked out of accounts, or removed from virtual learning environments, without official suspensions or expulsions. These instances of unofficial exclusionary discipline will not be reflected in the data.

Despite 2020-21 being an unusual school year, districts still referred 61,900 students to law enforcement, which officials described as alarming, and 19,400 students received corporal punishment. Earlier this year, the department issued guidance urging schools to replace physical punishment with other methods.

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The department also collected 2021-22 data and next month, districts can begin to submit responses for the current 2023-24 school year, putting the program back on its regular biennial schedule.

The 2020-21 findings confirm what some researchers captured during the pandemic  the decline in preschool enrollment, for example. In 2017-18, 1.4 million children attended a school district preschool program, but that dropped to 1.2 million, according to the latest data.

People did not equitably have access to the internet, Hinojosa said, and they werent going to have their 4-year-old in front of the screen where they couldnt learn.

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The survey, for the first time, included questions about students access to the internet and devices. Ninety-three percent of schools offer high-speed internet, and theres little variation between high-minority and low-minority schools. But there were state-level differences.

For the first time, the Civil Rights Data Collection asked districts about students in-school internet access. (U.S. Department of Education)

Students in Alaska have the least access, where 59% of schools reported a high-speed connection, followed by Florida with 66%. Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia all reported 99% or more.

While most of the questions focused on in-school availability, the survey also showed that 87% of schools allowed students to take home devices.

Along with a series of national snapshots, the department also launched a new website with access to state and local data. That will allow for comparisons between states and districts that had different rates of in-person learning and home internet access, said Jennifer Bell-Ellwanger, president and CEO of the nonprofit Data Quality Campaign.

We need this data even if its not as clear or clean as we might want, she said. But she added, Its almost like a new baseline.

Other top takeaways from the results are:

Black students made up 15% of the total high school enrollment, but represented 6% of students enrolled in an AP math course. Latino students represented 27% of high school students, but 19% of those in AP math.

Boys were more likely than girls to take Algebra I, physics and computer science. But girls had higher enrollment rates than boys in Algebra II, advanced math classes, biology and chemistry.

White and Asian high schoolers were overrepresented in college dual enrollment courses, while Black and Hispanic students, English learners and students with disabilities were underrepresented.

American Indian or Alaska Native students were 3.4 times more likely than white students to attend a school with a police officer or security guard, but without a school counselor, social worker, nurse or psychologist.

There were 20,800 students disciplined for sex-based bullying or harassment in the 2020-21 schools year. White boys made up 24% of the total K-12 student enrollment but accounted for almost half of those disciplined for harassment or bullying on the basis of sex.
US President Joe Biden pushed for South Carolina to replace New Hampshire as the "first in the nation" primary (WIN MCNAMEE)

The US state of New Hampshire announced on Wednesday that its nominating contest for the presidential election would take place on January 23 -- defying Democratic President Joe Biden's preferred voting order.

The announcement will have little bearing on the race for the White House, as Biden had already ruled himself out in the Granite State in anticipation of the move, and does not have any serious threat to his position as the presumptive Democratic nominee.

The eyes of the world have traditionally been focused every four years on rural, overwhelmingly white Iowa and tiny New Hampshire as the kickoff states for the months-long process of selecting presidential candidates.

But the Democratic National Committee (DNC) last year approved Biden's proposal to make South Carolina the party's first "primary" of 2024, arguing that bumping up a more diverse state would give Black voters a greater say and make the early stages of the race more representative.

Biden's victory in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary in South Carolina helped revive his flagging candidacy and propelled the former vice president to the nomination and eventually the White House.

Democratic leaders in New Hampshire confirmed on Wednesday that they were rejecting the changes, arguing in a news conference that January 23 "complies with our state statute, requiring our presidential primary to be at least seven days before any similar event."

Although Iowa goes first in picking nominees for the presidential election, the contest there is known as a "caucuses" and operates under different rules -- allowing New Hampshire to call itself the "first in the nation" primary.

Anticipating that New Hampshire would hold an unsanctioned Democratic contest, Biden had already made clear in October that his name would not be on the ballot, citing his obligation to adhere to DNC rules.

The state's delegates will now go to congressman Dean Phillips or self-help author Marianne Williamson, both of whom filed for the primary. Neither is within 60 points of Biden in the RealClearPolitics average of major polls.

South Carolina's Democratic primary is slated for February 3.

Former president Donald Trump and the other Republicans seeking to challenge Biden will now compete in the Iowa caucuses on January 15 before the New Hampshire primary and the Nevada caucuses on February 8.

South Carolina's Republican contest is set for February 24.

ft/st
Flock or Flop; Arkansas lodge owner working to turn around declines in mallard populations

WOODRUFF COUNTY, Ark.  Duck hunting is a coveted tradition in Arkansas that has seen people pour into the state, but for the past few years, the mallards highly sought after by hunters seem to be searching for somewhere else to land.

Hunters like Max Sharp say it is the wake on the water as ducks drop in that keeps them coming back to the Natural State year after year.

Sharp, the owner of Strait Lake Lodge in Woodruff County, credits the flooded timber areas for attracting huge crowds of hunters to small Arkansas towns.

Just McCrory here in Woodruff County turns from a town of 2,000 people to 10,000 people in the wintertime, he said.

Max Sharp, owner of Strait Lake Lodge

As thousands of hunters flock to the state and lodges like Sharps, the question remains  are the ducks coming, too?

Game & Fish Commission unveils 2023 Arkansas duck stamp

Trey Reid with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission said recent numbers show not as many are landing in Natural State waters.

Mallard numbers are down, heading into our duck season in Arkansas, Reid explained. Down considerably from last year and a little below the long-term average.

Arkansas lodge owner working to turn around declines in mallard populations

Arkansas lodge owner working to turn around declines in mallard populations

Arkansas lodge owner working to turn around declines in mallard populations

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Waterfowl Population Status 2022 Report, duck population estimates in Spring 2022 declined 12% from the last survey in 2019. Mallard populations saw a large decline, dropping to 7.2 million birds, which is down 23% from 2019.

Many factors are contributing to those numbers, including whats happening in Canada and the Dakotas, or what Reid calls the Prairie Pothole region.

When youve got water and good habitat there, it supports the production of ducks, and when there is less water there it does not support the production of as many ducks, he explained.

Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters Weekend kicks off

Sharp added that weather can also keep ducks away, saying that a mild winter can lead to ducks staying more in Missouri and other more northern states.

While conditions in other locations and the weather may be factors outside the control of Arkansas hunters, there are things that can be done locally to help increase the population.

In Arkansas, its our job to receive these ducks out of Canada and the Dakotas and send them back healthy so that they can breed to produce more ducks, Sharp said.





Sharp added that one of the keys to getting mallards to return to the state and properties like his is all in the science, which is why he has biologist Jacob Bethell on staff.

Maximize the amount of food, whether that be through managing your natural wetlands. If its not suitable to plant crops, you can plant certain foods like rice, Bethell advised.

He also noted the importance of managing pressure on the property.

Ducks are smart, and they are very sensitive to disturbance, Bethell said.

Marion McCollum, founder of Stuttgarts Macks Prairie Wings, dead at 81

Thats why visitors at Strait Lake wont see people riding around on ATVs all day or firing guns off when they arent pointed at ducks.





Sharp believes that keeping mallards coming back is all in the control of Arkansas hunters and landowners.

We try to tie what we are doing from an agricultural purpose with the science to keep these ducks and return them back to Canada so that they can breed, he said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
Some Florida lawmakers want to tighten up the rules that currently allows teachers and other school staff members to strike kids for misbehaving.

A bill filed by Rep. Katherine Waldron (D-Palm Beach) would prohibit anyone except a principal from applying corporal punishment in a public or charter school and would ban the practice altogether for children with special needs, homeless students or kids placed in alternative schools.

For other students, Waldrons bill would require a permission slip to be signed and kept on file, and for administrators to explain their decision to resort to physical punishment in writing.

Read: Parents say Orlando pastor whipped kids with belt at private school

Waldrons bill was filed a week and a half after 4th graders at an Orlando private school accused a church pastor of walking into their classroom and beating them three times each with his belt, with the class teacher supervising.

A police investigation into the incident is ongoing. Floridas corporal punishment laws do not apply to private schools. Corporal punishment was not in the Orlando schools handbook of acceptable discipline practices.

Read: Police release photo of missing Winter Springs woman with estranged husband night she disappeared

I know that [the Orlando] parents are very outraged, and they should be, Waldron said. It should eventually be banned completely, because theres no study out there that says corporal punishment promotes healthy, compassionate, successful adults.

Waldron said her bill was already in the works when that happened. She credited a team of University of Florida students, led by junior Graham Bernstein, for approaching her.

Bernstein said he took an interest in the subject after hearing about a 2021 incident when a 6-year-old was paddled for damaging a computer in front of a parent who couldnt speak English, and learning corporal punishment was often disproportionately used on disabled children.

What you see is a total perversion of parental rights, he said, calling his proposal balanced.

Read: Ocala police arrest suspect in convenience store shooting that injured 2 bystanders

Waldron said she was working on getting a state senator on board, and she expected a Republican to file a companion bill in the upper chamber, making the effort bipartisan. It would fit with the wave of parents rights bills the conservative supermajority passed in early 2023, despite it already being far less controversial.

There are 63 countries in the world that completely ban hitting children, and the U.S. is not one, she explained. I think thats something that we should aspire towards, and this is maybe a step in the right direction.

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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A pilot was found dead after crashing in a Florida state park on Tuesday.

A Cherokee Piper 180, a small propeller plane, departed Kissimmee Gateway Airport at about 12:45 p.m. and travelled around 100 miles north toward Gainesville, according to a report from WUFT.

Tracking the Tropics: 2 late-season disturbances pop up in Atlantic, including 1 off Florida coast

The plane crashed at around 2:10 p.m. near the town of Micanopy, south of Gainesville, according to a preliminary report from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Local officials scoured Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, a sprawling swamp stretching 23,000 acres, for the missing plane.

Radio traffic recordings obtained by WUFT revealed that a male pilot asked air traffic control for help navigating through poor visibility around the time of the crash. He said was having trouble getting a clear reading from the instruments in the cockpit.

Im losing altitude, the pilot said, according to WUFT. I dont think I can hold my altitude without descending. How many miles am I from Gainesville?

The pilot asked air traffic controllers to tell his parents he loves them, according to WUFT. Other pilots in the area reported hearing him pleading for help over the radio shortly before the plane went down.

Officials found the plane, destroyed, in a wooded area of the park at around 5:15 p.m. The medical examiners office has not identified the pilot, an Alachua County Sheriffs Office spokesperson said Wednesday.

The crash investigation has been turned over to the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Floridas prison system is unsustainable in the long run without infusing billions of dollars into it for renovations, staffing support and at least one new prison, according to an auditing firm hired by the state.

The state hired KPMG in late 2022 to create a 20-year master plan for the Florida Department of Corrections. The firm presented a draft of its findings to a group of state senators on Wednesday.

KPMG offered up three different plans, saying the state will need to decide whether it wants to modernize, manage or mitigate the problems in its prisons. In each plan, the firm said Florida needs to build at least one new prison, create hundreds of hospital beds and reopen dorm beds that have been closed because of short staffing.

The estimated costs over 20 years could run anywhere from $6 billion to $12 billion, depending on the plan. That includes $582 million for new air conditioning systems and $2.2 billion for immediate repair needs. The company also said the state needs to invest $200 million to $700 million a year to increase staffing.

The report says investing in the departments needs will avoid billions of dollars in spending over the next 40 years, including money spent continuing to patch up aging facilities and dealing with potential lawsuits.

The department has long struggled to retain the amount of staff needed to safeguard Floridas nearly 90,000 inmates. Gov. Ron DeSantis in September 2022 deployed National Guard members to work in the prisons.

Presenters from the auditing firm told the senators that the staffing issue could pose major safety and security issues, especially as Floridas inmate population is forecasted to grow anywhere from about 108,000 inmates to about 124,000 inmates over the next 20 years.

Without fixing the staffing issue, none of the 20-year plans can proceed as forecasted, presenters said. There are still multiple facilities with vacancy rates over 24%, and at one facility, Baker Correctional Institution, the operational vacancy was 72% as of September.

READ THE MIAMI HERALD SERIES Cruel and Unusual: Deadly Abuse in Floridas Prisons

All plans recommend reopening 8,294 beds that have closed because of staffing and building space for 4,640 new beds across existing prisons. To reopen closed dorms, the firm estimates the Legislature will have to spend between $98 million to $115 million on staffing salaries, benefits and bonuses, adding somewhere between 1,100 to 1,300 full-time employees.

In its most ambitious plan, meant to modernize the prison system, the auditing firm recommends the department build three new prisons and two new hospitals over the next 20 years, and close four aging prisons. Hospitals are needed because Floridas prison population is aging and the state already does not have enough inpatient beds for inmates, the company said.

The mid-tier proposal, which KPMG said would manage the situation, recommends building two new prisons and two new hospitals and closing three aging prisons. Their lowest-tier plan recommends building one new prison and two new hospitals and not closing any facilities.

In an analysis of 119 sites, the auditing firm found only 44 in good or excellent condition, while 16 others were in critical condition. The presentation showed corroding doors and windows and deteriorating roofs.

READ MORE: Florida prisons have a long history of covering up scandals

Under DeSantis, correctional officers have received pay raises and are now at a starting salary of about $45,760. Even with those raises, the prison staffing levels continue to struggle: About 2,219 correctional officer positions are vacant. The governor in 2022 vetoed $645 million from the state budget meant to build a new prison.

Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon said the report highlighted issues the department has been talking about for a while.

Sen. Jonathan Martin, R-Fort Myers, questioned the recommendation to spend half a billion dollars on HVAC, asking if it could be better used on staff salary and benefits.

Members of the auditing committee said air conditioning is important for staff working conditions. Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island, also pointed out that other states have been sued for failing to have air conditioning in their prisons.

The report did not examine whether changing certain criminal justice policies could help reduce the inmate population. At the end of the presentation, some inmate advocates said the state should consider releasing more inmates, including those who are low-risk or unlikely to re-offend.
Republican presidential primary candidate Vivek Ramaswamy speaks at the Pray Vote Stand Summit in Washington on Sept. 15, 2023. Ramaswamy founded an anti-ESG investment firm and has made attacks on sustainability central to his campaign, yet financial disclosures show much of his personal investments are in pro-ESG companies. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times )

Listening to Republican lawmakers and conservative voices, you might think that the ESG investment movement  which focuses on environmental, social and governance factors  is coming to an end. Growing anti-ESG sentiment among lawmakers, they would argue, is reflective of how the public is rejecting woke sustainable investment practices.

We are here to tell you that this is simply not the case. Behind the smoke and mirrors of the anti-ESG fad lies a crumbling edifice with little support among investors, public fund managers or even other Republicans.

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Lets go through a few examples.

In September, U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a far-right conservative who was appointed by then-President Donald Trump, rejected a challenge to a federal rule allowing employee retirement plans to consider ESG risk information in investment decisions.

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In his ruling on the lawsuit, which was brought forward by 26 Republican attorneys general, Kacsmaryk acknowledged that the rule permits environmental and other risk factors to be considered in determining an investments risk and return while requiring pension investment firms to act solely in the interest of working people whose retirement theyre protecting. Unsurprisingly, none of the challengers was able to provide a single example of an investment decision that was not justified by strictly financial considerations.

Then theres 2024 Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. He founded his own anti-ESG investment firm and has made attacks on sustainability central to his campaign. Yet he hasnt put his money where his mouth is  financial disclosures show much of his personal investments are in pro-ESG companies.

Conservative legislatures across the country have tried to push anti-ESG bills, but they havent been warmly received. This year, more than half of 165 bills failed, and only 20 became law. Many of them, nicknamed boycott bills, restrict public fund managers from doing business with companies that consider sustainability factors.

Investment professionals, business groups and trade associations have been sharply critical of these bills. Pension funds in red states such as Oklahoma, Texas and Kentucky stood opposed, stating that the bills restrict fiduciary duty and cost significant taxpayer dollars. In testimony against anti-ESG legislation, the Arizona Bankers Association called the bill out as anti-free market.

So where is this so-called support coming from?

Just follow the money. According to The New York Times, prominent conservative Leonard Leo has, largely through donations from wealthy conservatives, managed to pour millions of dollars into an extremist group with a misleadingly bland name, Consumers Research, and its anti-ESG public relations campaign.

Additionally, the nonprofit State Financial Officers Foundation has urged Republican state treasurers to reject climate mitigation efforts and instead promote oil and gas industries. The SFOA has ties with notable conservative think tanks such as the Heritage Foundation and the Heartland Foundation, which in turn have ties to the oil and gas industry.

[ Michael Frerichs: Climate change poses financial risks. Why would officials want investors to ignore that fact? ]

Lets be clear: We welcome debate on investment strategies. What we dont welcome are the impulsive deployment of blacklists and politically motivated government mandates that force investment professionals to ignore decision-useful risk information, fundamentally misunderstand the role of fiduciaries and impose massive costs on taxpayers, pensioners and hardworking families.

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Chicago Tribune Opinion Weekdays Read the latest editorials and commentary curated by the Tribune Opinion team. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

The simple fact is that investors and firms have embraced ESG risk information out of a growing recognition that current financial reporting according to generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, is inadequate. The upheavals of the dot-com bubble, the Enron-era accounting scandals, the financial meltdown, the failed public offering of WeWork and more remind us how GAAP is less reliable in evaluating the worth of todays key assets like intellectual property and recognizing risks that are tied to sustainability factors.

Additionally, the effects from climate change are exerting greater influence over financial performance, and this is also increasing investor and public demand for companies to address climate mitigation.

I, Michael Frerichs, am Illinois state treasurer, and its my job to seek the highest risk-adjusted returns over the long-term for working people, retirees and local government entities. And this anti-ESG fad isnt going to distract me from that mission. I remain as committed to sustainability as ever before.

Its why I spearheaded the Illinois Sustainable Investing Act, which provides that all state and local government entities that hold and manage public funds should integrate material, relevant and useful sustainability factors into their policies, processes and decision-making. And its also why my co-author Nell Minow and I testified in front of Congress last summer in defense of ESG.

Dont believe the conservative hype. The anti-ESG campaign is nothing more than a poorly conceived scheme, propped up by special interest groups and the fossil fuel industry, with no future among investors, fund managers or anyone who wants to protect their money from foreseeable risks.

Michael Frerichs is state treasurer of Illinois. Nell Minow is vice chair of ValueEdge Advisors, a corporate governance consulting firm.

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The Florida teacher's aide who was seen being attacked by a student in a viral video is speaking about her recovery, as well as what led up to the incident.

"I was attacked on Feb. 21st and I feel like I'm just constantly being attacked," Joan Naydich said while speaking exclusively to FOX 35 Orlando. She said she has faced medical and financial hurdles since the incident unfolded at Matanzas High School in Palm Coast.

The update comes weeks ahead of the sentencing hearing for her alleged attacker, Brendan Depa, who was 17 at the time of the brutal assault caught on surveillance video.

Naydich said she has not watched the video and has no plans to do so. She added that initial reports stated she took a Nintendo Switch away from Depa, but that he was actually angry because another staff member would not allow him to play it.

FLORIDA STUDENT ENTERS PLEA IN CASE OF VIRAL VIDEO ATTACK ON TEACHER

"Everybody that knows me or knew me [before the attack], knows that I'm a totally different person now," she said. "My whole life was just turned upside down."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Naydich was granted a permanent injunction for protection against repeated violence against Depa in March. She told FOX 35 she suffered five broken ribs, a severe concussion, loss of hearing in one of her ears and other issues as a result of the beating.

"Unfortunately, a lot of my injuries that are not visible I'm going to have for the rest of my life," she said, referring to slowed speech, issues with patience and "difficulty with what she considers routine cognitive functions."

Joan Naydich walked with her council as Brendan Depa was escorted back to the holding cells, Thursday, March 9, 2023 following a hearing before Judge Chris France at the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center in Bunnell, Florida. Naydich sought a permanent injunction against the Matanzas High School student accused of attacking her.

As for her financial struggles, Naydich said she returned to work in August under a different job title but was put on an unpaid leave of absence days later. She said she is waiting for her workers' compensation case to be resolved, and "is frustrated with what she called a lack of support from the Flagler County school district."

A district spokesman confirmed Naydich is still employed by Flagler Schools and that they "would work with any employee who needs accommodations to do their job successfully." He added that the district has people who can work with any employee to navigate the "daunting" workers' compensation process.

FLORIDA TEACHER'S AIDE ATTACKED FOR ALLEGEDLY TAKING STUDENT'S NINTENDO SWITCH GRANTED PROTECTION ORDER

Deputies in Florida released the surveillance video of a student attacking a high school teacher's aide back in February.

Depa, now 18 and being charged as an adult, faces a first-degree felony aggravated battery on an elected official or education employee charge that could be punishable by up to 30 years in prison.

According to WESH-TV, the teenager is considered a special needs student. Depa's lawyer, Kurt Teifke, told the Daytona Beach-News Journal last month that his client is autistic and "doing well," while being held in the Flagler County Jail on $1 million bond.

Depa's sentencing hearing is set for Jan. 31.





Original article source: Florida teacher's aide attacked in viral video speaks out ahead of student's sentencing
Four advocacy groups have gone to an appeals court after a federal judge rejected a lawsuit challenging a Florida requirement for wet signatures on voter registration forms.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Vote.org, the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, the Florida NAACP, and Disability Rights Florida filed a notice last week that was a first step in appealing the Oct. 30 ruling by U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor. As is common, the notice did not detail arguments the groups would make at the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The challenge involves a state requirement that paper voter registration applications include what is known as a wet signature  a handwritten signature in ink. The groups contend the requirement violates part of the federal Civil Rights Act barring the rejection of voter-registration applications for reasons immaterial to determining whether people are qualified to vote.

As an example, the groups said paper applications would be rejected if submitted with electronic signatures.

Floridas wet signature requirement requires state election officials acting under color of law to deny Floridians their right to vote based on the omission of a handwritten, wet-ink signature on a voter registration application, which is a record or paper relating to registration, attorneys for the groups wrote in a July court document. Because whether a voter provides a signature by pen, e-signature or otherwise provides no insight into a voters qualifications to register, rejecting applications due to the wet signature requirement violates the materiality provision (of the Civil Rights Act).

But Winsor, in an 18-page decision dismissing the lawsuit, wrote that the plaintiffs entire premise is that a copied, faxed or otherwise non-original signature is equal in stature to an original, wet signature. But we know this not to be so.

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It is true that times are changing and that electronic signatures are acceptable in situations they once were not, Winsor wrote. But the acceptance of electronic signatures in certain circumstances does not render the wet signature requirement immaterial in this circumstance.

The groups filed the lawsuit in March and named as defendants Secretary of State Cord Byrd and county supervisors of elections. The Republican National Committee and the Republican Party of Pasco County intervened as defendants to support the wet-signature requirement.

In a motion to dismiss the case filed in May, attorneys for Byrd and supervisors said the original signature requirement dates to 2005 and that it does not violate the Voting Rights Act. Also, the motion said voters can register to vote with digital signatures through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Even if a paper application with an original signature were the only method of registering to vote  which it is not  the court would have to stack assumption upon assumption to find that the requirement denies the right to vote, the motion said.

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A Florida woman was arrested and charged with murder and other offenses in the 2014 fatal shooting of her former son-in-law  a week after her son was convicted of the same charges in the case.

Donna Adelson, 73, was arrested Monday night at Miami International Airport, FBI spokesperson Amanda Videll said. In addition to the first-degree murder charge, she faces charges of conspiracy and solicitation in the shooting death of renowned Florida State University law professor Dan Markel, according to a Monday probable cause affidavit.

Adelsons arrest comes a week after a jury convicted her son, Charles Adelson, of the same crimes roughly a decade after Markel was fatally shot inside his car at his home in Tallahassee, Florida.

At the time of his murder, Markel was in the middle of a difficult custody battle with Donna Adelsons daughter, Wendi, after a recent divorce.

Prosecutors allege Markels killing was the result of a murder-for-hire plot involving several people, including Donna Adelson, Charles Adelson and Katherine Magbanua  who was his girlfriend at the time  and carried out by two hitmen, Luis Rivera and Sigfredo Garcia, prosecutors said. Garcia is also the father of Magbanuas children.

Magbanua, Garcia and Rivera are already serving prison time for their roles in Markels murder.

Donna Adelsons arrest came a week after she and her husband, Harvey, booked flights to Vietnam departing from Miami airport on Monday, according to the probable cause affidavit.

In the days leading up to her arrest, Donna Adelson discussed getting her affairs in order, fleeing to a non-extradition country, as well as plans for suicide in calls with her son Charles after his guilty verdict, the document says.

Charles Adelson testified that his family had offered Markel $1 million to allow Wendi to move back to Miami with their two children.

Donna Adelson also told Wendi to threaten to convert Markels Jewish children to Catholicism, knowing how important his Jewish faith was to Markel, according to the probable cause affidavit.

Donna Adelson was being held at the Miami-Dade Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center without bond, according to inmate records. She will be transferred to Leon County at an unspecified date due to security concerns, the FBI said.

Charles Adelson is set to be sentenced next month. He will face a mandatory life sentence for the first-degree murder conviction. He was the third person tried in the murder of the FSU law professor and the fourth convicted.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Archer Aviation displayed its Midnight electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flying taxi is at the Dubai Airshow this week (Giuseppe CACACE)

Flying taxis have been a sci-fi fixture for decades, but one operator says they are finally close to reality, first in the United States and then the United Arab Emirates and India.

"What we used to think of as science fiction is now science fact," Billy Nolen, Archer Aviation's chief safety officer, told AFP at the Dubai Airshow on Wednesday.

"This is happening, it is real, and you will see this in the market in 2025."

Reports of futuristic aircraft ferrying passengers over cities -- and their car-choked roads -- have been cropping up for years, evoking images of 1960s cartoon "The Jetsons".

Yet regulatory approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration for Archer's Midnight, a four-passenger, electric-powered vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, is expected as soon as 2025.

That will trigger "almost concurrent" certification in the UAE, said Nikhil Goel, chief commercial officer at Archer, whose major backers include Mubadala, an Emirati sovereign wealth fund.

UAE flights are expected to start in 2026 on two initial routes: from Dubai airport to the upmarket Palm development, and Abu Dhabi airport to the city-centre Corniche.

"We expect the demand to be more than we can even handle. The pricing will be relatively premium at the outset," said Goel.

"But then over time, we'll deploy hundreds of aircraft in the UAE (which) will also lower the price considerably."

At the same time, flights will launch in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, Goel said, calling India "a really, really big market for us".

- 'Fully zero emissions' -

Test flights for Archer's Midnight are currently taking place in California, and rival firm Joby has performed its first experimental journeys in New York.

The Midnight has a dozen propellers -- independently wired and powered, to minimise the risk of a "catastrophic" failure -- and a wing, allowing it to glide in the event that it can no longer stay aloft.

It will be able to fully recharge in the six or seven minutes that it takes to switch passengers between trips, and has a current maximum range of about 160 kilometres (100 miles) at about 240 kilometres per hour (150 mph).

Flying the aircraft is straightforward, said Goel, who insisted that a 12-year-old in a simulator could learn it in 20 minutes.

Flights will be booked as ride shares, and will initially cost about $4-5 per passenger mile before dropping to half that in about two or three years, Goel added.

With flying taxis plying existing helicopter routes -- and theoretically safer, cheaper and more environmentally friendly than helicopters -- there is significant room to scale up, the company says.

"We have designed this business case to operate in urban environments, say from the airport to city centre," said Golen, the chief safety officer.

"It's fully zero-emissions, fully sustainable, it is eco-friendly, it has about 100 times less noise signature than a conventional helicopter.

"So it's very neighbour-friendly as well."

th/dcp
Footage shows a graveyard of Russian armored vehicles in Avdiivka, where Russia has mounted its biggest attack in months

Footage shared by Ukraine's military shows the destruction near Avdiivka. 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade

Video shared by Ukraine shows the scale of Russian losses at Avdiivka.

Russia launched its largest attack in months there, but has made no major breakthrough.

Instead, huge losses of armored vehicles and soldiers have been reported.

New video shows the battered remains of Russian vehicles in an area where Russia has launched its biggest attack against Ukraine in recent months.

Aerial footage shared by General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, commander of Ukraine's Tavriia Operational Strategic Group, on Monday showed destroyed and smoking Russian vehicles in fields near Avdiivka, along with what appear to be dead Russian soldiers.

The video, filmed by Ukraine's 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade, also contains footage filmed from a drone as it approaches and then hits a Russian armored vehicle, as well as huge fires and billowing smoke coming from the remains of some tanks.

The video is part of a wealth of footage that has emerged from the heavy fighting around Avdiivka, a strategic town in eastern Ukraine that acts as a gateway to Russia-occupied Ukraine.

Ukraine recaptured the village from Russian forces in September, and Russia launched a major attack on it on October 10, in what the UK Ministry of Defence said was likely Russia's most serious offensive operation since at least January.

Ukraine said Russia's goal was to encircle the town, but that it has so far not been able to do so.

Instead, while Russia has made some progress, it hasn't seen any major breakthroughs, and has reportedly suffered huge losses of troops and equipment.

Ukraine has claimed that Russia lost more than 6,000 soldiers and over 400 armored vehicles there in just one week last month. It isn't possible to verify its figures.

And the White House said that Russia has seen heavy losses near Avdiivka, without giving specific figures, and that it had been "executing soldiers who are refusing to follow orders" there.

The UK MOD, at the end of October, described Russia's actions in Avdiivka as a "major offensive effort" and said that elements of eight brigades that Russia had committed to the fight had "likely suffered some of Russia's highest casualty rates of 2023 so far."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday said that "Russia is already losing soldiers and equipment near Avdiivka faster and on a larger scale than, for example, near Bakhmut."

The battle of Bakhmut is considered the longest and bloodiest in Russia's invasion.

Riley Bailey, a Russia expert who works at the Institute for the Study of War, previously told Business Insider that Russia's major tank and vehicle losses at Avdiivka show Russia hasn't "learned a lesson about how to properly conduct mechanized maneuver warfare."

Instead, he said, it is repeating mistakes it made earlier in the invasion.

Ukrainian units fighting in Avdiivka say they are inflicting significant damage on Russian forces there.

The 53rd Separate Mechanized Brigade on Sunday described it as a "mass suicide" action by Russia and said hundreds of Russian soldiers had been killed.

Meanwhile, the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade said last week that in three weeks of fighting Russia had lost hundreds of tanks and 250 units of other armored equipment.

Even so, the fighting is ongoing, and Ukraine said Russia this week has only intensified its attacks.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Manatee County Sheriffs Office is recommending criminal charges against former Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes.

In a news release, deputies said they have reason to believe that the former county official broke Florida law, but they declined to detail the exact charges they recommend. The sheriffs office said the investigation centered around public records, theft and notary laws.

The State Attorneys Office is expected to review the case and determine whether criminal charges will be filed against Hopes at a later date. State Attorney Ed Brodsky also declined to detail the charges recommended by the sheriffs office.

Reached for comment Wednesday afternoon, Hopes declined to discuss the sheriffs offices findings with a Bradenton Herald reporter, noting that he has not seen the agencys final report.

An investigation into Hopes handling of public records began in February when the sheriffs office received multiple complaints linked to allegations that the county leader had wiped his county-issued iPhone and iPad before records could be preserved.

Hopes, who served as the county administrator from April 2021 to February, previously denied any wrongdoing in an interview with the Bradenton Herald. He said the public records on his electronic devices had been backed up to a cloud service, preserving them for future requests.

Im not worried about it. Nothing was destroyed that was subject to public records. They can get all the phone records and emails they want, Hopes said at the time. There are no documents that werent backed up.

Hopes, who previously served as a school board member before being appointed county administrator in April 2021, agreed to an abrupt separation agreement earlier this year. The Manatee County Commission accepted his resignation in February.

This article has been updated to clarify that the charges recommended against Hopes have not been detailed by local law enforcement officials.
Scott Bolden, a prominent trial attorney, white-collar defense lawyer and former chair of the D.C. Democratic Party, is hosting a fundraiser Wednesday evening for Fulton County, Ga., District Attorney Fani Willis, who indicted former President Trump in August on 13 charges.

The event will be at Boldens K Street law office, and attendees are invited to give between $250 and $6,600 to welcome and help reelect Willis, according to a copy of the invitation obtained by The Hill.

Willis, the first woman to serve as Fulton Countys district attorney, was elected to the job in 2020  beating a six-term incumbent  and is up for reelection next year.

Georgia state election law limits contributions for primary and general elections for county, municipal and district offices at $3,300 per election.

Bolden declined to comment on the event when contacted by The Hill.

Willis said this week her criminal case against Trump is likely to run through the 2024 election and into next year.

Speaking at The Washington Post Lives Global Womens Summit, she predicted the trial will take many months and wont conclude until the winter or very early part of 2025.

Willis has indicted 18 of Trumps current and former allies and recently reached plea agreements with Trump campaign legal advisers Kenneth Chesebro, Jenna Ellis and Sidney Powell.

Fulton County is Georgias largest county and home to more than a million people in Atlanta and the suburban areas of Sandy Springs and South Fulton.

Willis defeated her former boss Paul Howard in 2020, declaring at the time: Yall we made herstory.

She pledged to make the office a beacon for justice and ethics in Georgia and across the country.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A former employee at a state Department of Motor Vehicles office in Columbia was arrested for taking a bribe, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said.

Shalay Ambrice Mack, a 32-year-old Richland County resident, was charged with accepting a bribe to influence the action of a public employee, SLED said in a news release.

Mack was taken to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center on Nov. 9, according to the release. Her bond was set at $10,000 and posted Monday, Richland County court records show.

On May 1, Mack was working at the DMV office at 228 ONeil Court, when she accepted $500 via Cash App from a customer in return for performing an act in violation of her official responsibilities, an arrest warrant said. Information about what she did for the bribe was not available.

There was no word how, or when, Mack stopped working for the DMV, or what prompted an investigation.

There was no word if the customer involved with the bribe will face any criminal charges.

The case will be prosecuted by the 5th Circuit Solicitors Office.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, and Mack is slated to return to court again on Jan. 26, 2024, judicial records show.

This is not the first time an employee at the ONeil Court branch office has been charged with taking a bribe.

In May 2022, Andre Purnell Garner was charged with four counts of a public official accepting bribes to influence the action of a public employee, SLED said. In return for passing people on various tests the Columbia resident accepted a combined $460 as a part of the fraud, according to arrest warrants.

And in January 2022, SLED said another clerk at the ONeil Court DMV branch was arrested on three counts of receiving anything of value to influence the action of a public employee. Othinell Arthur Jenkins III was accused of accepting bribes, including cash and concert tickets, in March and April 2021.
Brandi Mallory, a DeKalb County woman who became a star of Extreme Weight Loss reality show, has died.

Mallory died at the age of 40 in Stone Mountain on Nov. 9, according to her obituary. Her cause of death has not been released.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Mallory grew up in Georgia and appeared on season 4 of Extreme Weight Loss on ABC in 2014. Channel 2 Action News spoke with Mallory about her weight loss journey and why she decided to do the show.

At the end of the day, I want to live a long, full and healthy life. So I said, Let me just try, she said.

Mallory lost 151 pounds and reached her final weigh-in goal for the show. She told Channel 2 Action News at the time that she hoped to inspire others.

I just want to share with anybody that I come into contact with, (that) you can do so much more than your mind allows you to do, she said. Its all about your willpower and drive.

TRENDING STORIES:

Mallory had been working as a makeup artist in the metro area, according to her social media accounts. Since the announcement of her death, friends and fans have left messages on her Instagram account.

Family and friends will hold a visitation on Sunday at the Tri-Cities Funeral Home from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Her funeral is scheduled for Monday at 12 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Tucker.

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IN OTHER NEWS
A former campaign aide to Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a wire fraud charge related to his role in a fundraising scheme for the representatives 2022 campaign.

Sam Miele, 27, was indicted in August on federal charges of wire fraud and identity theft for allegedly impersonating a high-ranking aide to a member of the House with leadership responsibilities via email and telephone as part of an alleged scheme in 2021 to solicit funds for Santos 2022 campaign under false pretenses.

According to the indictment, Miele created a fake email address and used the aides name to get over a dozen prospective donors to give money to Santos campaign between August and December of 2021, and kept 15% of the commissions from each donation for himself.

The person who Miele impersonated was not named in the indictment. Reports have indicated that it was Dan Meyer, an aide to then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), but the identity has not been confirmed, according to the Guardian.

In the indictment, prosecutors said Miele sent a letter to Santos in September 2022 admitting to faking his identity to a big donor, later describing himself as high risk, high reward in everything I do.

But Santos claimed he was unaware of the impersonation, and told The Associated Press in August that he promptly fired Miele after finding out.

Santos office did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment.

According to NBC News, Miele also admitted in his plea to using the aides name to solicit donations between August and December of 2021.

I pretended I was the Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House of Representatives in some telephone calls and emails with potential donors, including an email on August 19, 2021, which used interstate wires. I did that to help me raise funds for the congressional campaign I was working on, he wrote in a plea form to the judge.

He also admitted in his plea to running payments of about $100,000 to several donor credit cards without authorization between November 2020 and January 2023 for donations to candidates running for Congress, and his own personal expenses.

Mieles sentencing is scheduled for April 30, 2024, according to the Department of Justice. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Miele is the second aide to plead guilty in connection to Santos, following behind Nancy Marks, an ex-treasurer of Santos campaign who pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge last month for falsely recording a $500,000 loan in the campaign financial reports that Santos had made to his campaign.

Santos faces separate charges after being indicted in May for wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds, and making false statements to Congress and the Federal Election Commission. He pleaded not guilty.

Last month, Santos was also faced with a 23-count indictment charging him with stealing his campaign donor identities and financial information, and charging thousands of dollars to their credit cards. Santos pleaded not guilty, and his criminal trial is scheduled for September 2024.

Related...
Supporters gather at a news conference at Chicago Hope Academy on Nov. 10, 2023, to try to save the Invest in Kids tax credit scholarship program. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

The Invest in Kids scholarship program is dead after lawmakers adjourned for the rest of the year, taking with them a chance to extend the program.

The Chicago Teachers Union and its president, Stacy Davis Gates, led the effort to end a state scholarship program that was wildly popular and successful and had no impact on school funding. But this doesnt have to be the end of school choice in Chicago.

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The city can and should enact its own scholarship program through the City Council. The Chicago Public Schools budget sits at a record $9.4 billion, spending the equivalent of about $30,000 per student. There is little if any reason why the City Council cant divert a portion of the $383 million in annual special city subsidies given to the school district, according to the Chicago Civic Federation.

If the city is going to accrue annual surpluses in its tax increment financing funds, which totaled $1 billion in 2019, that money would be well spent if used to provide the funding for a city-administered and controlled private school scholarship program.

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Chicago could use the Invest in Kids income eligibility  which is 300% of the poverty level  as a guide. Scholarships could be capped at $12,000 for high school students and $7,000 for elementary school students. The city scholarship program would cover all families with financial needs, including most public employees subject to the citys residency policy. An estimated 40% of CPS own teachers send their kids to private schools. The cost of such a program would be equal to 4% of the school districts operating budget.

Much of the cost to the district from new students leaving to attend private schools would be offset by an estimated $12,100 in savings by the district being relieved of the need to educate the scholarship recipient. Districts save money when students use scholarships as the costs are lower than the district support required to educate a student in a district school. Enrollment loss has no impact on the districts large share of all property tax revenues, which constitute more than half of the districts funding. Furthermore, Illinois general state aid formula partially protects school districts enrollment losses.

Private schools can become contract schools. Another approach would be to have parochial and other private schools register as contract school providers. If CPS is enabled to count those students in their headcount for purposes of state and federal aid, it would create a win for students and for the school district. The legalities of this are worth exploring.

Contrary to what teachers unions claim, government funding is not exclusive to public education programs. In fact, there are a plethora of programs that support private education services. Take the Head Start program, federal Pell Grant and the GI Bill, which helps veterans pay for private or public school or training. Illinois own Monetary Award Program grants also pay for tuition and other postsecondary educational expenses, awarded based on a students financial need.

Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates speaks outside Columbia College on Oct. 30, 2023, after Columbia College Faculty Union members voted to strike. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Public school districts across the nation routinely contract out with private schools to provide special education and other school services. Many states mandate private special education services if the local school district cannot provide it. Overall, enacting a citywide school choice and scholarship program would be a revenue winner for CPS and city residents. But the biggest obstacle would be the CTU, whose primary mission is to eliminate competition.

Look at the money the CTU, combined with other teachers unions, have spent to kill the Invest in Kids scholarship program. Or the CTU efforts to eliminate public school choice by forcing the district to cap the number of charter schools, limit their enrollment and limit charter renewals to two or three years. This will have a devastating effect on the quality of those schools, making it impossible to recruit teachers, retain students and finance capital improvements.

Chicago Tribune Opinion Weekdays Read the latest editorials and commentary curated by the Tribune Opinion team. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

The Constitutions equal protection clause states that all children living in the United States have the right to a free public education and should be provided equal educational opportunity. The clause doesnt mandate it be a government education. Teacher unions have chosen to wrongly interpret this mandate as requiring the exclusive public funding of public schools, while working overtime to deny parents educational choice and limit any community empowerment that threatens their monopoly.

Meanwhile, that same exclusivity is absent from federal and state support for students who attend college and university.

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School choice should be at the heart of any truly democratic agenda. Americas socioeconomic Achilles heel is its union-dominated, monopolistic public education system. No amount of funding can correct that. Real school choice would allow communities to select models that best serve the communitys needs and poor families to send their public dollars to the school they want their child to attend and have unrestricted access to quality school regardless of where they live or what their household income may be.

It is time to free Americas children and reconstitute its regressive and discriminatory education system. Chicago can lead the way.

Paul Vallas is an adviser for the Illinois Policy Institute. He ran for Chicago mayor this year and in 2019 and was previously budget director for the city and CEO of Chicago Public Schools.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
Two separate criminal cases have come to a conclusion after the defendants pleaded no contest to charges against them.

In one case, a former Sarasota Military Academy teacher was sentenced to 45 days of community control followed by two years of probation for child abuse, while a North Port man is facing nearly 20 years in prison in connection to a murder.

What's happening in Sarasota: Man dies while in Sarasota Police custody, prompting FDLE investigation

More court coverage: Bradenton man sentenced to more than 15 years in prison for 2021 vehicular homicide

Former teacher no longer able to work at a school, to relinquish license

A Sarasota Military Academy High School teacher who was arrested in April after she "made out" with a 17-year-old student pleaded no contest to child abuse on Nov. 8, according to court records.

Court records show Michele Little, 29, was sentenced to be placed on community control for 45 days, followed by 24 months of probation under the supervision of the Florida Department of Corrections. As part of her sentencing, Little must attend 16 individual counseling sessions, perform 50 hours of public service, cannot be employed in a school setting, have no contact with the victim or their family, relinquish her teaching license, and not apply for a new one.

Little initially entered a plea of no contest to indecent, lewd, or lascivious touching of certain minors on Oct. 16, and was sentenced to community control and probation, which did not include sexual offender probation, according to court documents.

When Little appeared at probation following her sentencing, she was told she had to comply and be subjected to sexual offender probation. Little then entered a motion to withdraw her plea as she didn't know what the consequences of the plea would include mandatory sexual offender probation, according to court records.

Sarasota detectives began investigating Little after school representatives informed them that rumors were spreading about her and the student, who said Little made sexual comments to him several times for several weeks, according to a police report.

"It started with small things when she would flirt with him by looking him up and down and making flirting remarks to him," detectives said in a report. "She would call him dangerous because he was only 17-year-old and 'hot.'"

'Take Care of Maya' trial recap: 3 things to know about the jury's verdict and what's next

In other court coverage: Tampa judge to decide if defamation case against Meghan Markle by half-sister will advance

North Port man sentenced for murder that was staged to look like suicide

A North Port man arrested in connection to a murder that was meant to look like a suicide has been sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison.

Clinton Pittman, 41, entered a plea of no contest on Oct. 9 for murder in the second degree, possession of a firearm, ammunition, or concealed weapon by a convicted felon, and altering, destroying or concealing evidence.

Pittman was sentenced to 19 years in prison with credit for time served, receiving 15 years each for second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon to run concurrently, and four years for altering or destroying evidence to run consecutively.

North Port Police Department responded to the 2200 block of Yancy Street in March 2021 to a possible suicide attempt, according to previous Sarasota Herald-Tribune reporting. Detectives found a woman with a gunshot wound to her head and she was holding a rifle in her left hand. Relatives of the victim say she was right-handed.

The woman was hospitalized at Sarasota Memorial Hospital and died from her injuries.

Pittman was interviewed by detectives at the North Port Police Department where he told investigators the victim was snorting Xanax and another white substance in the days leading up to the shooting, according to an affidavit in the case. Pittman told detectives he stepped outside the home for a moment and ran back in after hearing a gunshot, promptly calling 911 soon after.

A search of the area near the home found security cameras which showed video of Pittman exiting the rear of the home with a handgun in his right hand which he tossed into the woods behind his home, the affidavit states. The gun was recovered by police.

Gabriela Szymanowska covers the legal system for the Herald-Tribune in partnership with Report for America. You can support her work with a tax-deductible donation to Report for America. Contact Gabriela Szymanowska at gszymanowska@gannett.com, or on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Former school teacher, North Port man plead no contest in cases
A former law enforcement officer from the Kupyan district was sentenced to 15 years in prison

An ex-law enforcement officer who, during the temporary occupation of the Kupyansk district, got a job with the regular unit of the occupation militia, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison with confiscation of all property and deprivation of rank.

The sentence against the defendant was passed by the Chervonzavodskyi District Court of Kharkiv, the press service of the State Bureau of Investigation reported on Nov. 15.

Read also: SBU exposes collaborator exporting Ukrainian grain to Russia

At the beginning of June 2022, the occupation authorities appointed an ex-law enforcement officer as an inspector in a police control room, and later as a watch officer. He personally approved the detention of locals, who, according to his instructions, were taken to the Russian military station, after which the occupation administration decided their fate.

Read also: SBU identifies 15 collaborators preparing sham elections in Luhansk Oblast

According to the SBI, after the liberation of the Kupyansk district by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the suspect wanted to flee with the Russians, but he was unable to do so.

The SBI determined his whereabouts and detained him together with the SBU security service and the National Police. He was hiding in the attic a house in the area.

The court found him guilty of treason (Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) and sentenced him to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property. The court also deprived him of his special rank in the police force.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Andrii Naumov, former head of the Main Department of Internal Security of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU), may be released from custody in Serbia in December. Belgrad has refused to extradite him to Ukraine, where he is involved in several criminal cases.

Source: BBC News 

Quote from BBC: "A Serbian court has denied the extradition of Andrii Naumov to Ukraine and has sentenced him to one year in prison on charges of money laundering. The former SSU official has already spent over a year in pre-trial detention, effectively serving a significant portion of his punishment, and is expected to be released soon. Our sources say that his release could happen as early as the beginning of December."

Details: In March 2022, the Ukrainian authorities called Naumov a traitor, opened several criminal cases, stripped him of the rank of brigadier general and declared him an internationally wanted man.

Andrii Naumov was detained at the border between Serbia and North Macedonia on 7 June 2022. He claimed in court that he was going with a friend to Athens for the yacht fair. The media reported that Ukrainian businessman and German citizen Oleksandr Akst was in the car with him.

The court documents, obtained by the Serbian service of the BBC, read that the police found about EUR 600 thousand cash and US$120 thousand undeclared, as well as two emeralds.

Since then, Naumov has been in the pre-trial detention centre in Nis in southern Serbia.

Two processes were ongoing in Serbia regarding Naumov  the extradition case and the money laundering case.

The trial of a former top official of the SSU lasted more than a year. The court sent him to prison for a year for money laundering.

BBC sources say that the appeal of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, was one of the arguments for the refusal to extradite Naumov.

Zelenskyy called Naumov a "traitor" and deprived him of the rank of brigadier general on 31 March 2022. BBC writes that it was this appeal that later helped Naumov in the Serbian court.

Amid a full-scale war, Naumov's name began to be associated with the treason case of the former head of the Crimean Security Service of Ukraine, Oleh Kulinich.

Kulinich was detained in July 2022, and he was charged with creating a criminal organisation, treason, desertion, kidnapping and illegal handling of weapons. The court is already considering his case.

The investigation materials read that Kulinich, on behalf of the Russian special services, lobbied for the appointment of Naumov to a high position in the SSU in early 2020. At the time, the Security Intelligence Service said that Naumov had the "Hunter" alias and that he, too, may be connected to the Russian special services.

At the same time, the public started to call Naumov a "traitor", although there is still no treason case against him.

The State Bureau of Investigation's (SBI) response to the BBC's request in July 2023 reads that Naumov does not appear in the Kulinich case, and some investigation representatives stated anonymously that the assumption about Naumov being a Russian agent was rushed.

However, other proceedings against him relate to economic crimes.

The SBI says that the first case concerns the simultaneous receipt of a salary at the SSU and the state-owned enterprise at which Naumov worked before joining the special service. He was served with a notice of suspicion of fraud under Article 190.4 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

Investigators claim that in three years, he received UAH 3.3 million by means of deception. In this case, the former SSU employee was arrested in absentia and declared an international wanted man.

The second case relates to when he was responsible for the Center for Organisational, Technical and Information Support of Management of the Exclusion Zone.

The investigation materials read that Naumov signed a notoriously unprofitable contract with a fictitious company and unjustifiably charged himself bonuses. In this proceeding, he was served with a notice of suspicion of misappropriation and embezzlement of property and abuse of power or official position.

The court also chose to arrest him in absentia in this case.

When it became known that Naumov was in Serbia, Ukraine requested his extradition but faced a refusal.

Media reports linked Naumov to alleged involvement in illegal schemes with smuggling, highlighting elite properties in Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast that seemed inconsistent with the former government official's official income. However, security service internal investigations found no violations in Naumov's actions as revealed in journalistic investigations, BBC says.

The National Agency on Corruption Prevention examined Naumov's wealth, stating that they scrutinised the ex-SSU official's declarations for the previous period at the beginning of 2022. "As of the beginning of the war, no violations were found," the NACP said to the BBC.

Naumov gained notoriety due to another incident during his service at the SSU. In January 2021, law enforcement authorities allegedly thwarted an attempt on his life. Yuriy Rasiuk, a special service employee suspected of organising the crime, was detained. The investigation materials read that the former Deputy Head of the SSU, Dmytro Neskoromnyi, was implicated in ordering the assassination.

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Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will join the board of directors of Kyivstar, the largest mobile service provider in Ukraine, the company's parent company Veon announced on Nov. 14.

"Secretary Pompeo joins in his capacity as a Partner of Impact Investments, a newly established US-based strategic and financial advisory and investment firm which seeks to develop long-term partnerships with the worlds leading companies across a range of industries and geographies," the press release said.

Pompeo served as secretary of state under former President Donald Trump from 2018-2021, having previously been the director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 2017-2018. He has been a staunch ally of Trump, even after the end of his tenure as president. Pompeo also supported Trump's attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Bloomberg reported on Pompeo joining the board, noting that it comes amid Veon's "attempts to restore what it called its corporate rights in Kyivstar."

Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) reported on Oct. 6 that it was seizing more than Hr 17 billion ($464 million) in company assets from Russian businessmen Mikhail Fridman, Petr Aven, and Andrei Kosogov.

All three are co-owners of Veon, but the company downplayed their involvement and relevance to the corporate structure in a statement on Oct. 12, saying the three have no "ability to control or influence decisions made by VEON or Kyivstar."

"Any actions aimed at the rights, benefits or funds of the (Fridman, Aven, and Kosogov) cannot legitimately be directed toward Kyivstar or VEON," the statement added.

In addition, it said that changes to the current ownership of Kyivstar are "currently not permitted."

In September 2023, the SBU announced that Fridman was under suspicion of financing the overthrow of the constitutional order and seizure of power.

Born in Lviv, Fridman has Russian and Israeli citizenship and has been living in the UK since 2015.

In December 2022, he was arrested in the U.K. and released on bail on suspicion of fraud-related offenses.

Veon said that it has committed $600 million in investments in Ukraine over the next three years and that it has completely ceased doing business in Russia, finalizing the sale of its Russian subsidiary on Oct. 9, 2023.

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.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Four of the five former Memphis police officers accused in the January beating death of Tyre Nichols appeared in federal court Tuesday.

Tadarius Bean, Justin Smith, Emmitt Martin, Demetrius Haley and their lawyers appeared before a judge Tuesday to discuss where things currently stand and where we go from here.

The whole thing only lasted about 30 minutes, but several important dates were set to keep things moving ahead of the expected May trial.

Trial date set for 4 former Memphis officers charged in Nichols case

Cameras werent allowed inside the building, but we saw defendants Emmitt Martin and Tadarius Bean walking inside before the 2 p.m. report time.

Details of the case werent discussed, but we did learn counsel received up to 300 hours of audio and visuals from the night that led to Nichols death in January.

Judge orders release of records in Tyre Nichols death investigation

The defense attorneys requested to extend the deadline for pretrial motions to January 8 so they have time to go through that new evidence. Attorney Bill Massey, who is representing Emmitt Martin, said this was crucial for the defense.

We have to know what the governments proof is in order to know what pretrial motions we need to file, part of it anyway. And so it was important to be able to go through as much of the discovery as possible before having to file the pretrial motions, Massey said.

We also learned there will be a hearing on December 4 to discuss whether character evidence will be admissible in court.

The next report date, which will be similar to Tuesdays meeting, is scheduled for December 19.

This story will be updated.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  An man set fire to a church in Fox Meadows on Monday morning before fleeing on a bicycle.

Police said the unknown man entered Asbury Memorial Methodist Church at 2969 Mendenhall Road at 7 a.m.

Video caught him breaking a window with a brick, pouring an unknown substance inside and igniting a fire.

Police say the bearded suspect was wearing a yellow beanie skull cap. He fled south on Medenhall, riding a dark-colored bike with a yellow sleeping bag attached.

If you have information, call Crime Stoppers at 582-CASH (2274) or the State Arson Hotline at 1-800-762-3017.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
France has issued an arrest warrant for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad over the alleged use of banned chemical weapons against civilians in Syria, a judicial source told CNN on Wednesday.

According to the source, two investigative judges on Tuesday issued four warrants against Assad, his brother Maher al-Assad, and two other senior officials, for complicity in crimes against humanity and complicity in war crimes.

Anwar al-Bunni, a Syrian human rights lawyer and a founder of the Syrian Center for Legal Studies and Research, told CNN the decision was unprecedented. It is believed to be the first time a nation has issued an arrest warrant for crimes against humanity for a sitting head of state in another country.

An Interpol Red Notice is expected to follow, according to Michael Chammas, a Syrian lawyer with knowledge of the case, who spoke to CNN from Germany.

A Red Notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest someone pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action, according to Interpol.

All Interpol member states should then comply with the arrest warrant, Chammas told CNN.

The legal case was brought forward by the Syrian Centre for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM), the Open Society Justice Initiative (OSJI) and the Syrian Archive in March 2021 over the use of banned chemical weapons against civilians in the town of Douma and the district of Eastern Ghouta in August 2013, in attacks which killed more than 1,000 people, the plaintiffs said in a statement Wednesday.

The Syrian government was accused of using poison gas in Ghouta, a suburb of Damascus, then a rebel stronghold that the regime had been desperately trying to take back for more than a year. It in turn accused opposition forces of carrying out the attacks themselves.

An investigation was opened in response to a criminal complaint based on the testimony of survivors of the August 2013 attacks, the plaintiffs statement read.

Lawyer Mazen Darwish, founder and director-general of the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM), said in a statement Wednesday that the decision constitutes a historic judicial precedent.

It is a new victory for the victims, their families, and the survivors and a step on the path to justice and sustainable peace in Syria, Darwish said.

Hadi al Khatib, founder of the Syrian Archive, said: With these arrest warrants, France is taking a firm stand that the horrific crimes that happened ten years ago cannot and will not be left unaccounted for. We see France, and hopefully, other countries soon, taking the strong evidence that we have gathered over years and finally demanding criminal responsibility from the highest-level officials.

CNN is trying to reach the Syrian government for comment.

The Syrian government has long been accused of war crimes, but it has repeatedly insisted its strikes target terrorists. It has denied using chemical weapons.

We have never used our chemical arsenal in our history, Assad said in 2017. He added that morally the Syrian government would never do this because its not acceptable.

This story has been updated to more accurately describe how the lawyer Michael Chammas is associated with the case

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France has issued an international arrest warrant for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad accused of complicity in crimes against humanity and war crimes over chemical attacks in 2013, plaintiffs in the case said Wednesday.

In one of the more than decade-long conflict's many horrors, sarin gas attacks saw more than 1,400 people suffocate to death near Damascus in August 2013.

The organisations that filed a legal complaint hailed the move, saying it was the first time a sitting head of state had become the subject of an arrest warrant in another country for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Three other international warrants were also issued for the arrests of Assad's brother Maher, the de-facto chief of the Fourth Division, Syrian army's elite military unit, and two generals. The Paris court's unit concerned with crimes against humanity has been investigating the chemical attacks since 2021.

France can prosecute alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed anywhere in the world under the principle of universal jurisdiction.

A judicial source, who asked not to be named, confirmed the issuing of the four warrants by investigating magistrates of the Paris court's crimes against humanity section.

- 'Historic moment' -

The probe followed a complaint filed by the Syrian Centre for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM) NGO, lawyers' association Open Society Justice Initiative (OSJI) and the Syrian Archive, an organisation documenting human rights violations in Syria.

"It's a huge development," SCM president Mazen Darwish said of the warrant for Assad's arrest.

"An independent jurisdiction is recognising that the chemical attack couldn't have happened without the knowledge of the Syrian president, that he has responsibility and should be held accountable," he told AFP.

The case against Assad and the others was backed by first-hand witness accounts and deep analysis of the Syrian military chain of command, Darwish said.

"This is a historic moment  with this case, France has an opportunity to establish the principle that there is no immunity for the most serious international crimes, even at the highest level," Steve Kostas of the Open Society Justice Initiative was quoted as saying in a statement.

-'Chain of command' -

According to a source close to the investigation, the arrest warrants were the culmination of "painstaking work" by investigators from France's specialised OCLCH unit tracking international crimes.

The goal was to "go as far up the chain of command as possible," the source said.

"If you stop at the helicopter pilot who dropped the bomb, he will be able to say 'I only carried out orders'. The further back you go, the greater the responsibility."

Activists in 2013 posted amateur videos on YouTube said to show the effects of the attack, including footage of dozens of corpses, many of them children, stretched out on the ground.

Other images showed unconscious children, people foaming at the mouth and doctors apparently giving them oxygen to help them breathe.

The scenes provoked revulsion and condemnation around the globe.

A United Nations report later said there was clear evidence of sarin gas use.

Syria agreed in 2013 to join the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) global watchdog and give up all chemical weapons.

The OPCW has since blamed Damascus for a series of chemical attacks during the civil war.

The Syrian government has denied the allegations, which have also sparked legal complaints in Germany and other European countries.

Syria's civil war broke out in 2011 after Assad's repression of peaceful demonstrations escalated into a deadly conflict that pulled in foreign powers and global jihadists.

The war has killed more than half a million people and displaced half of the country's pre-war population.

On Thursday, the International Court of Justice will hand down a ruling on a case brought against Syria over torturing tens of thousands of its own people.

The first international case over the civil war is being brought by Canada and the Netherlands, and aims to get the ICJ to order the Syrian government to stop what the plaintiffs called the "widespread and pervasive" system of torture still in place.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who propped up Assad by intervening in the conflict militarily in 2015, himself became the target of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for war crimes in Ukraine in March.

jpa-gd-jh-as/sjw/bp
PARIS (Reuters) -French judges have issued arrest warrants for Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, his brother Maher al-Assad, and two other senior officials over the use of banned chemical weapons against civilians in Syria, a judicial source said on Wednesday.

The arrest warrants -- which refer to charges of complicity in crimes against humanity and complicity in war crimes -- follow a criminal investigation into chemical attacks in the town of Douma and the district of Eastern Ghouta in August 2013, attacks which killed more than 1,000 people.

It is the first international arrest warrant that has been issued for the Syrian head of state, whose forces responded to protests that began in 2011 with a brutal crackdown that U.N. experts have said amounts to war crimes.

These are also the first international arrest warrants that have been issued over the chemical weapons attack in Ghouta, said Mazen Darwish, lawyer and founder of the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM), which filed the case in France.

Syria denies using chemical weapons but a previous joint inquiry of the United Nations and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons found that the Syrian government used the nerve agent sarin in an April 2017 attack and has repeatedly used chlorine as a weapon.

The Syrian presidency and information ministry did not immediately reply for comment.

"The president is responsible for many crimes in Syria - but with this type of weapon in particular - sarin gas - it's impossible to jump over the gap (of his involvement)," Darwish told Reuters, noting that approval from the president as commander of the armed forces would be mandatory.

Arrest warrants for sitting heads of state are rare because they generally enjoy immunity from prosecution. However, international law has exceptions to that immunity when a head of state is accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity or genocide.

The International Criminal Court currently has two arrest warrants against heads of state: one against sitting Russian President Vladimir Putin and another against former Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir.

Assad was shunned for more than a decade by most countries in the region and the rest of the world, with a few rare trips to Russia and Iran since the war broke out in 2011.

His visit to the United Arab Emirates last year signaled a thaw in relations and was followed by a diplomatic flurry following this year's deadly earthquake in Syria.

He has since been welcomed back into the Arab League and traveled as far as China.

Warrants were issued to Ghassam Abbas, director of the Scientific Studies and Research Centre (SSRC), the agency that established Syria's chemical weapons programme, and Bassam al-Hassan, chief of security and liaison officer.

Assad's brother Maher was deemed complicit in his role as head of the fourth armoured division.

Judges from the crimes against humanity unit at the Paris Tribunal have issued a total of 11 arrest warrants for crimes committed by Syrian officials.

In October, French judges issued warrants for two former defence ministers over a 2017 bomb that killed a French-Syrian man at his home in Daraa.

(Reporting by Layli Foroudi and Dominique Vidalon in Paris, Maya Gebeily in Beirut, Stephanie Van Den Berg in The Hague and Anthony Deutsch in Amsterdam; Editing by Benoit Van Overstraeten, Richard Lough, Bernadette Baum, Alexandra Hudson)
French prosecutors issued an arrest warrant for Syrian President Bashar Assad and other senior Syrian leaders Wednesday on war crimes charges related to the countrys bloody civil war.

Authorities charged the president, his brother, Maher Assad, and two senior generals, Ghassan Abbas and Bassam al-Hassan, with war crimes and crimes against humanity, The Associated Press reported.

The Syrian civil war has raged since 2011, killing more than half a million people and displacing more than 12 million, half of whom left the country, according to the United Nations, sparking a migrant wave in the Middle East and Europe.

The alleged war crimes include the use of chemical weapons in a 2013 attack on civilians in Ghouta and Douma, opposition-controlled areas near the capital of Damascus. More than a thousand people are estimated to have been killed.

United Nations inspectors found clear and convincing evidence of the use of sarin gas on civilians in the attack at the time of the 2013 attack, which the Syrian government denied. Sarin gas is banned by international law.

Attorney Jeanne Sulzer, who represents the plaintiffs and nongovernmental organizations behind the complaint, hailed the decision.

It marks a crucial milestone in the battle against impunity, she told the AP. It signifies a positive evolution in case law recognizing the grave nature of the crimes committed.

The Paris prosecutors office did not confirm the arrest warrants, which are kept secret by law.

Legally speaking, this is a procedural act as the investigation into the 2013 attacks in Eastern Ghouta and Douma continues, Sulzer said. The four individuals named in the arrest warrants can be arrested and brought to France for questioning by the investigative judges.

The criminal investigation was sparked by a complaint from survivors of the attack in March 2021 filed by the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression.

The Ghouta attack brought widespread backlash to the Assad regime in Syria but did not result in an escalation of the conflict. President Obama called the use of chemical weapons a red line but chose not to intervene in the conflict during the ongoing Middle Eastern wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

After the 2013 attacks, the U.S. negotiated an agreement for Russia to help destroy the countrys chemical weapons stockpile. Despite that agreement, however, there have since been reports of chemical weapon attacks in Syria, including a second attack on Douma in 2018.

Authorities in Germany and Sweden have also pursued war crime charges related to the use of chemical weapons, mostly on lower-level Syrian military leaders.

German authorities found a Syrian intelligence officer guilty of war crimes last year as part of its investigation, in addition to the prosecution of a Syrian doctor the year before.

The Netherlands and Canada argued for war crimes charges against Syrian leaders at The Hague in June, alleging a systemic and widespread torture operation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Cherishing shared memory: Flying Tigers' legacy continues to strengthen China-US friendship

16:17, November 14, 2023 By Zhang Wenjie, Zhao Tong ( People's Daily Online

In a world marked by complex international dynamics, moments from history remind us of the enduring power of unity.

One such chapter is the story of the Flying Tigers, a group of American volunteer pilots who fought alongside China during World War II. Their legacy continues to serve as a beacon of unity and friendship between China and the United States.

From Oct.28 to Nov.6, Flying Tigers veterans, their families, and a delegation from the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation visited various cities in China, including Beijing, Chongqing and Kunming, to commemorate the historic chapter when Americans and Chinese fought the Japanese fascists together.

'China does not forget its old friends'

"I was amazed; I was shocked," said Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, to People's Daily Online when asked about his reaction to Chinese President Xi Jinping's letter.

He added that when he told Harry Moyer, one of the Flying Tigers' heroic veteran pilots, aged 103, that President Xi had replied to their letter, Moyer described his feelings at the time as "earth-shattering."

"I'm very proud that he took the time to remember our Flying Tigers on our trip," said Greene gratefully.

Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, takes an interview with People's Daily Online in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, on Nov. 3, 2023. (People's Daily Online/Zhao Tong)

In late August, Greene, Moyer and another Flying Tigers veteran, Mel McMullen, 98, jointly wrote a letter to President Xi outlining the foundation's and the Flying Tigers veterans' efforts to promote China-U.S. friendly exchanges. They expressed their willingness to uphold and advance the cherished spirit of China-U.S. cooperation. President Xi responded to their letter on Sept. 12.

Encouraged by the response, the Flying Tigers veterans, their families, and a Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation delegation decided to visit China.

"In that letter to us, President Xi proved to the American people, he proved to the Flying Tigers, and he proved to people around the world that China does not forget its old friends," said Greene in Beijing at the Museum of the War of the Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing's Fengtai district.

"China does not forget its old friends." This is the phrase Greene has emphasized repeatedly on numerous occasions.

Greene, Moyer and McMullen laid flower baskets at the statues of heroes who fought against Japanese aggression at the museum when attending an event in Beijing on Oct. 30 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the U.S. 14th Air Force's participation in China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression.

Cherish peace and remember history

Tracing the footsteps of history, the delegation visited Kunming Museum and Chenggong Airport in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, on Nov. 2 and 3, respectively.

Arriving at Chenggong Airport, Greene and Moyer were deeply moved by the stone rollers before them, aware that these seemingly ordinary strips of land bore extraordinary stories. Greene recounted the incredible feat of the Chinese people who constructed runways around China by hand without any machinery from 1938 to 1945. He described how men, women, and even children broke rocks and maneuvered stone rollers to flatten the runway for the aircraft of the Flying Tigers during World War II.

Harry Moyer, a Flying Tigers veteran pilot, 103, takes a photo with the stone roller at Chenggong Airport in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, on Nov. 3, 2023. (People's Daily Online/Zhao Tong)

Greene expressed his deep admiration and respect for the Chinese people to People's Daily Online. He highlighted their instrumental role in combat and in every community that resisted Japanese forces. "They played a key role," he emphasized, contributing to the Allied Victory in World War II.

While touring the museum, Nell Chennault Calloway, granddaughter of U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault, found herself transported back in time as she gazed at the photos and artifacts on display. These pictures vividly brought to life the period when her grandfather and China stood united for a common cause.

Nell Chennault Calloway, granddaughter of U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault, visits Kunming Museum, southwest China's Yunnan Province, on Nov. 2, 2023. (People's Daily Online/Zhao Tong)

The relics on display in the museum, such as U.S. Army flashlights, canteens, and Flying Tigers badges, stand as testaments to the pivotal roles played by both the Chinese and the Flying Tigers in World War II.

Badges of the Flying Tigers are displayed in Kunming Museum in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (People's Daily Online/Zhao Tong)

Working towards common goals

The 36 delegation members hailed from different parts of the United States, including Texas, Philadelphia, and Florida. Still, almost everyone mentioned the same thing: Chinese and Americans have the same goals.

"To live in peace, to raise their families, and to give future generations a better life that is the dream of all people," Calloway said firmly. She added that there is no difference between the American and Chinese dreams.

"I know the Chinese people have the same goals," said Margaret Kincannon, vice-chair of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation and daughter of Flying Tigers veteran James Mills. She shared her intention to relay to her fellow Americans that both nations share the same goal of raising families and leading prosperous lives together.

She also expressed her hope to improve bilateral relations between China and the U.S. "I expect improvement," she said firmly. "I'm doing everything I can to encourage that," she added.

"The Spray and Pray Squadron," written by Margaret Kincannon, vice-chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, and the daughter of Flying Tigers veteran James Mills.

During the trip, she told People's Daily Online that she planned to use her book about the Flying Tigers, "The Spray and Pray Squadron," to teach Americans about a time when the U.S. and China worked together. "I hope my book will promote that idea of cooperation," said Kincannon.

"They (both Chinese and Americans) desire to live in peace and raise their children with the customs and traditions of their ancestors," said McMullen.

"If we do not get along, it's not only going to be a catastrophe for the United States and China; it's also a catastrophe for the whole planet. Without America and China working together, cooperating in the humanities and science and technology, it's not an optimistic future for any of us," said Greene.

Passing the torch to new generations

Moyer was accompanied by six family members spanning three generations to China this time. Moyer's family joined him in visiting the place he had fought for and the land where he forged lasting bonds of friendship and cooperation.

"He was determined to come. There was nothing to stop him, no matter how old he was or whatever," said Peter Moyer, son of Harry Moyer, who accompanied his father during the trip. "He loves this country," he added.

Moyer said he brought his family to China because he needed to renew the bond and the story of the Flying Tigers. "We have to pass this (story and friendship) on to the new generation, and that's what we're trying to do."

Harry Moyer, a Flying Tigers veteran pilot, 103, takes an interview with People's Daily Online in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, on Nov. 2, 2023. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Wenjie)

Moyer's words resonated with a sense of duty as he remarked, "Now it's up to the new generations to do so." He recognized the importance of renewing the bonds and stories of the Flying Tigers. He humbly continued, "I think I just represent those thousands of Flying Tigers that went before me, and all I can say is I'm here representing them."

With Moyer's duty clear, they visited Kunming Foreign Language School. The school commemorates "the Hump," a vital airlift route over the Himalayas that was the primary means of supplying China between 1942 and 1945.

During their visit, they watched a musical showing the Flying Tigers' adventure to open the Hump route. After that, Moyer burst into tears as he sang "Auld Lang Syne" with the Kunming Flying Tigers Opera Troupe and students from Kunming Foreign Language School in English and Chinese.

Harry Moyer, 103, a Flying Tigers veteran, is moved to tears while singing "Auld Lang Syne" with the Kunming Flying Tigers Opera Troupe and students from Kunming Foreign Language School in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Nov. 3, 2023. (People's Daily Online/Zhao Tong)

"I cried," said Moyer emotionally. He couldn't help himself and cried when he sang along with them. He added that everybody in his family cried while watching the performance and listening to the song.

"When we sang the friendship song in different languages, I knew this friendship transcends national boundaries," said Sarah Moyer, granddaughter of Harry Moyer. She further expressed her commitment to perpetuating this enduring friendship for future generations.

"Our foundation is trying to start a student exchange between the Chinese and the American students on a yearly basis and set up online communications so that the Chinese students can communicate with the American students and develop relationships, which is what we have to do," said Clifford Long Jr, vice-chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, son of Flying Tigers veteran Clifford Long.

Founded in 1998, the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation is an American civil friendship group aimed at promoting the study and commemoration of China-U.S. historical aviation events.

"It's the shared American and Chinese legacy of the Flying Tigers. It's not more American or more Chinese. It is the shared American and Chinese legacy of solidarity," said Greene.

Their visit to China this time is a profound reminder that the legacy of the Flying Tigers is not confined to history books but continues to touch the lives of those dedicated to passing on its values to new generations.

(Web editor: Zhao Tong, Wu Chengliang)
More than a dozen people volunteer at the food pantry at Community Covenant Church in Calumet Park., including on a recent pantry day, front from left, Denise Peel, Mary Thomas, Joyce Holmes and Cynthia Dulaney, back, Bobby Dulaney, Harry Walls, Vielina Drain, Evelyn McNeil, Clayton Armstrong, Donald McNeil and Lawrence Nickerson. (Larry Walls)

For more than 25 years, Community Covenant Church in Calumet Park has been serving others via its food pantry, and its volunteers want something besides donations of food: more people to use its services.

The food pantry is available from 10 a.m. to noon every Wednesday at the church, 12446 S. Loomis St., where volunteers are gearing up for its annual Thanksgiving food basket event. Its set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 18.

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When the Greater Chicago Food Depository drops the food off, we pack it up and people come and get the baskets, said coordinator Vielina Drain. For Thanksgiving, they are giving us turkeys and whole chickens. Those are the whole meats that we have, she added, explaining that patrons can pick which one they would like. Green beans and all the other trimmings of a Thanksgiving meal also will be available.

A special Christmas pantry is planned Dec. 16, when hams and whole chickens will be distributed.

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Volunteers pack baskets of food for the holiday events, but normally patrons can pick out what they would like to take home, similar to a small store.

For us to not have any confusion, we put up numbers in front of everything so you know what you can get to make sure everyone can get food, Drain explained. Its just like store shopping. We have a cart and they pick out what they want.  Its just for Thanksgiving and Christmas that we have it already bagged up.

Signs in front of the food let patrons know how many items they can take at the food pantry at Community Covenant Church in Calumet Park. The provisions are provided by the Greater Chicago Food Depository. (Lawrence Nickerson)

Volunteer Lawrence Nickerson said thats something he likes about the churchs approach. Were not forcing you to take a can of pumpkin or a can or garbanzo beans, he said with a laugh.

When you first come in is the bread. Theres a large table with a number 1 on it. You can get one bread item, Nickerson explained. Then you see three long tables with nothing but canned goods. Youll have the number 4 about every foot or so.  You might say you can have five bundles of greens and one watermelon and one cantaloupe, one bag of potatoes. The bags are 5 to 10 pounds depending on how many we have.

Patrons can pick one cabbage. They are really huge, Drain said. The onions come in a bag so you pick up a bag of onions, sweet potatoes. Apples come in a bag. Oranges in a bag. They can get one bag of those.

The pantry even offers gluten-free and keto bread and frozen waffles.

Nickerson said the most popular item is produce. Twice a month we have fresh produce, and that goes very fast, but we also have canned goods of a variety of things. We have dried goods, a little bit of everything. Its like youre going to Jewel.

Drain said the pantry also gives out masks and COVID-19 tests, hand sanitizer and wipes. Every now and then, toilet paper shows up, and toothpaste and toothbrushes are provided by the Greater Chicago Food Depository, which has given a grant to purchase other items for the pantry that we need. Thats been for the past couple of years.

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Although the churchs partnership with the depository means it doesnt accept food donations, it will take other items such as baby clothing and diapers for babies, toddlers and adults. Commonwealth Edison donates light bulbs. We just finished a coat drive, Drain said.

The pantry now serves 190 to 225 people per month, which represents about 90 to 100 households, Drain said.

Volunteers Donald McNeil, left, and Mary Thomas wait for clients of the food pantry at Community Covenant Church in Calumet Park, where organizers are seeking more people to feed. (Lawrence Nickerson)

One aspect that makes this food pantry different from many is that it doesnt have income requirements.

For the monthly (pickup), individuals have to come in and show us their ID, driving license. They show us some proof of identity and residence. Once they do that they can come in once a month and choose their food, Drain explained.

We accept everybody. We get people from all parts of Chicago. Sometimes we get them from Indiana, but I can give them food only once. (They have to be from Illinois because of the Greater Chicago Food Depositorys guidelines.) We do not require proof of income.

Patrons register through Drain, who asks them to fill out a form they request by calling the church office at 708-385-7477. Once that happens, they can receive food monthly. We also give food to homeless people, she said. Last week someone said their house burned down, so they didnt have ID. We do not turn down anyone.

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Seniors who cannot pick up their food can request a proxy form that allows someone else to get their food for them, Drain added.

Nickerson said numbers began rising amid the pandemic and demand continues to go up. The amount of people showing up has increased ever since COVID and it seems to be growing every week, he shared. We notice we get a lot of new people signing up for the first time every week.

Drained noted that being in the Chicago area means some people might show up at the churchs pantry on Wednesday and another pantry on Thursday, wherever they can get food. I have some people coming every week saying they dont have food at home, she said, including people with green cards, whether its migrants or people on work visas. I cant turn them down  You dont turn down anyone who said they dont have anything at all.

The church has no problem staffing the pantry. Just over a dozen people volunteer, with everyone having a job to do, including cleaning once a month.

Its a very popular ministry and everyone wants to do it, Nickerson said. I guess its part of the duty of the church to go out and feed the poor and the hungry. Its a missionary thing.

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He began volunteering a few years ago. Once I retired, I wanted to give back, and thats one of the best ways to give back is to serve, he shared. I get there at 8 a.m. and I dont leave until 12:30 or 1 p.m. On Tuesday when the truck comes up, were there for about five hours. It depends on the amount of food coming in.

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The Calumet Park Police Department has been spreading the word about the Thanksgiving baskets, and officers stop by the pantry on days its open to check for people who want to act up, Drain said. They come keep an eye on them. We sometimes get some rowdy people.

Although most pantry days run smoothly, sometimes something surprising can happen, and that was the case for Nickerson a few weeks ago.

A lady came in and had a green card for ID. She walked in and asked how many canned goods she could have. I said you could have four of each can.  You can literally have about 50 cans of food, he explained. She started crying because she said she had no food and this was such a blessing. That made me cry. I thought that was the coolest. She thanked us repeatedly.

Melinda Moore is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
CHULA VISTA, Calif.  Another Dump Day event will be taking place this week in San Diego County.

On Saturday, Nov. 18, from 8 a.m. to noon, San Diegans can bring non-hazardous, unwanted items to the free Caltrans District 11 Dump Day event. It will be held in the Chula Vista Maintenance Yard at 570 C Street in Chula Vista.

Free Dump Day held at two San Diego-area locations in October

Multiple dumpsters will be on site for household waste and approved debris. Four mattresses and four tires separated from the rims will be accepted per household.

Items that will not be accepted include hazardous waste (batteries, paint, oils, flammables, etc.), construction debris (concrete, dirt, asphalt, asbestos), compressed gas, aerosols, treated wood waste, refrigerators and freezers.

City of San Diego one step closer to using smart streetlights

Also on Saturday, I Love a Clean San Diego with Clean CA  Vista La Mesa Cleanup  will take place at Vista La Mesa Park in La Mesa from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Visit cleancalifornia.dot.ca.gov or more information on Clean California.

The Dump Day events are part of Gov. Gavin Newsoms Clean California initiative. Caltrans has held more than 30 similar events in San Diego and Imperial counties since launching Clean California last July.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
Thousands of members of the French armed forces will set up a vast tented camp in Paris next summer to stay while they help ensure security for the Olympic Games, the French military said.

Some 5,000 soldiers will camp on the Pelouse de Reuilly, a huge open area in the east of Paris known for the gigantic annual fair it hosts, the city's top military official General Christophe Abad told reporters.

"It has the great benefit of being extremely close to the heart of Paris," he added, lauding the proximity of the "place where they stay and the place where they will be deployed."

It still remains unclear how many members of the French armed forces will be deployed to bolster the police and gendarmes on duty -- but observers believe some 15,000 soldiers could be deployed.

Some 30,000 police and gendarmes are expected to be on duty each day as well as 17,000 private security employees for the period of the Olympic and Paralympic Games which will extend from July 26 to September 8.

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The Committee of Home Affairs think the scheme will boost tourism to Guernsey

A scheme allowing French nationals to make day-trips to Guernsey using their national identity cards has been extended.

The Committee of Home Affairs said the pilot scheme introduced this summer led to thousands of extra visitors to the island on direct commercial ferries.

Changes to the UK's immigration rules mean the scheme will not continue past the September 2024.

The UK plans to implement an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme that will stop French people visiting the Common Travel Area without a passport.

'Clear benefits'

Deputy Rob Prow, President of the Committee of Home Affairs, said: "The pilot scheme this summer helped bring a significant number of French nationals to the island, which has clear benefits for our tourism industry.

"As such we were very keen to extend it for another year but wanted to ensure we had fully briefed and engaged with the UK about our plans.

"We hope this extension will provide a further and welcome boost for tourism, however it is important to manage expectations that we do not envisage being able to extend it past September 2024 due to the incoming Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme."

The scheme is only available for those travelling on a day trip to Guernsey directly from Normandy or Brittany.

Passengers are unable to travel to the United Kingdom, Jersey, or the Isle of Man through this scheme.

Follow BBC Guernsey on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.
America has always had a tortuous relationship with the media. Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, Thomas Jefferson observed. But later, he also wrote that nothing can now be believed which is seen in a newspaper.

In 2020, a Gallup/Knight Foundation poll found that 81% of Americans believe the media is critical or very important to democracy. That doesnt mean they trust the reporting.

Skepticism is especially pronounced among conservatives: Pew Research Center found that Republicans trust in national news organizations collapsed from 70% in 2016 to just 35% in 2021. Many cite a liberal bias, echoing certain campaign slogans.

Are their suspicions well founded? Or is something else going on here?

The following point-counterpoint was compiled by the Deseret Magazine staff.

Point: A self-evident bias

The medias liberal bias is self-evident to conservative observers. They coddle Democrats and endorse liberal ideas but target Republican politicians and conservative values with unfair and unbalanced scrutiny. Driven by both personal beliefs and profit motive, the media seems to be taking one side and vilifying the other.

Consider the industrys political makeup. Journalists are four times more likely to be registered Democrats than Republicans, and multiple studies have found them more likely to donate to Democrats.

Even reporters and editors who imagine themselves to be fair, columnist Mike Rosen of Colorado wrote in February, see the world through their subjective lens.

But news is a business, and nothing sells online like outrage. So mainstream outlets lean into reliable tropes like wicked right-wingers getting their just desserts or the plights of innocents suffering because of right-wingers behavior, wrote former Fox News political editor Chris Stirewalt in Deseret Magazine last November. Examples include vaccine critics catching COVID-19 and ending up on ventilators or immigrant children separated from their families under the Trump administration. The path to profitability and survival for much of the news business now relies on products that are mostly either superficial fluff or distortions that exploit and deepen our countrys worsening political alienation.

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Many conservatives cite the research of economists Tim Groseclose and Jeff Milyo  now at George Mason University and the Cato Institute, respectively  who in 2003 found evidence of liberal bias by tracking media citations of left- and right-leaning think tanks. Even moderates like Sen. Mitt Romney have had verbal missteps taken out of context and pilloried, especially during his 2012 presidential campaign.

It just shows the level of amplification, of blowing certain things out of proportion, says conservative commentator Evan Siegfried.

One study published in 2022 focused on 25 conservatives and found that while the group was generally hostile toward the press, they were not primarily upset that the media get facts wrong, nor even that journalists push a liberal policy agenda, the studys co-authors observed in The Conversation. Their anger was about their deeper belief that the American press blames, shames and ostracizes conservatives.

Counterpoint: Liberal bias is a myth

Liberal bias in the news is a myth. But reporters face very real hostility that arises from misunderstandings about the industry and misguided expectations, used as levers by political operators and even some media outlets.

Reporters arent autonomous actors, but part of a system populated with editors, publishers, lawyers, shareholders and advertisers. Their work is scrutinized for factual accuracy, legal liability and reach. Each story represents an investment, expected to yield certain results. A story is deemed newsworthy based on its relevance to society, human interest or draw for readers. Editors and producers manage the overall mix, while corporate owners determine an outlets market position.

That leaves little room for journalists to plant flags. A 2020 study co-authored by BYU-Idaho political science professor Matt Miles found that journalists individual ideological leanings have unexpectedly little effect on the  early stage of political news generation, where story subjects are selected. Instead, he concluded, the perception of partiality arises from readers own biases and disappointment when their beliefs are not confirmed. Theyre calling (stories) liberal and conservative, when really, its just that this story isnt talking about the people I like in the way that I like.

Perhaps Americans have grown accustomed to a new kind of news. Deregulation allowed outlets like MSNBC to take up partisan positions  a strategy pioneered by Fox News, a standard-bearer for claiming liberal bias. This may be a brand strategy, but it also shapes the audience. According to Lehigh University political science professor Anthony DiMaggio, a combination of national surveys showed that the strongest evidence of indoctrination was observed among consumers of conservative media, with Fox News watchers hewing to the party line more than the audiences of CNN or MSNBC.

Politicians can find such claims useful. If you can get people to believe that your side is not biased, only the other side is biased, because theyre the ones who are wrong, DiMaggio writes, then youve won the rhetorical game.

Whats clear is that Americans need to boost their media literacy to navigate an increasingly complex landscape, perhaps by starting with a walk on the other side.

This story appears in the November issue of Deseret Magazine. Learn more about how to subscribe.
FRESNO, Calif. (KGPE/KSEE)  The United States Senate confirmed Ana de Alba of Fresno to serve as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

The appointment of Judge Ana De Alba to federal court is described as an inspiration to lawyers in the San Joaquin Valley who hope to make a difference in their community, according to Fresno-area congress member Rep. Jim Costa.

Judge Ana de Alba has dedicated her career to public service and improving our legal system. A native of Dos Palos and an experienced jurist, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, which will be an asset to the Ninth Circuit Court. Rep. Jim Costa

Senator Alex Padilla says he 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.

The daughter of immigrants from Mexico, Judge de Albas path to her confirmation to the Ninth Circuit today embodies the American Dream, said Padilla.

According to the Senate Judiciary Committee members, Judge de Albas federal and state judicial experience  coupled with her litigation background  has prepared her to join the appellate bench.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com.
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  The Fresno Parks and Recreation Services will be asking city residents what they would like to see at Fresno Milburn Overlook Park Project.

The community engagement meeting is on Wednesday, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will be held at Norman Liddell Elementary School at 5455 W Alluvial Ave, Fresno.

On Facebook, Fresno Park Services officials posted a flyer encouraging people in the community to discuss the project and telling the community to give feedback.

The Fresno Milburn Overlook Project is part of Measure P that ensures Fresnos neighborhoods receive funding to improve and maintain our parks and facilities, create new parks and trails, and fund recreation, community, and arts programs.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com.
Denmark could start inspecting and potentially blocking the transit of Russian oil tankers through its territorial waters, the Financial Times (FT) reported on Nov. 15, citing unnamed sources.

Denmark would possibly target Russian oil tankers operating without Western insurance, which some have opted to do since the U.S. and its allies imposed a $60 per barrel price cap on Russian oil exports.

Although sources told the FT on Nov. 14 that the price cap was almost completely ineffective, with Russian oil consistently trading at more than $20 above it, Western companies have also refused to provide insurance to ships that fail to comply with the price cap.

Denmark could use existing international laws allowing states to check cargo ships for suspected environmental violations. Sources said the EU is concerned that non-Western insurance, and especially the falsified insurance that some ships have been found to carry, would not cover oil spills.

As a result, Denmark may have cause to stop and inspect Russian oil tankers and potentially prevent them from continuing their journey.

According to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which governs maritime traffic, a state may institute proceedings, including detention of the vessel, given clear objective evidence that there is a potential threat to the environment.

However, sources said that the plan would depend on the "capacity of Denmarks naval authorities to stop and check the tankers, and raises the question of what Copenhagen would do if a ship refused to stop."

A spokesman for the Danish Defense Command told the FT, In short, we dont check paperwork or ships passing or sailing through the straits, unless it has to do with safety at sea.

Blocking the Danish straits, or even reducing access for Russian oil tankers, would likely be a significant blow to Russia's export capacity.



"All of Russias oil shipped through the Baltic Sea, roughly 60 per cent of its total seaborne oil exports, crosses the narrow Danish straits on its way to international markets," the FT wrote.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported on Nov. 14 that revenue from Russian oil exports fell by almost 2.5% in October from the previous month, in part due to sanctions and other related effects of the price cap.

However, Russia's oil revenue in October was still almost $5.75 billion higher than in January 2023, shortly after the price cap was introduced in December 2022.

The European Parliament noted that, as of August, the EU was still sending Russia 2 billion euros ($2.16 billion) per month for fossil fuels.

Read also: Investigation: Russia continues to receive weapons from US, Europe despite sanctions

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  This version of the French 75 is one of Mollys go-to options when hosting a crowd. Its simple to make, and effortless to offer it both ways  with or without alcohol. Its also Eat Fit approved, meaning its low in sugar  so theres truly something for everyone.

The French 75, featured in Craft: The Eat Fit Guide to Zero Proof Cocktails, Muddle and garnish with berries or tuck in a little sprig of rosemary.

Look for Craft in retailers in November; visit www.CraftZeroProof.com to order, and for a full list of retailers.

The French 75 was named after the French 75-millimeter field gun celebrated for its rapid-fire power. The original, made with cognac  and even its lighter gin-based sister  is a wickedly powerful concoction. This zero proof version maintains the respect of the originals potency without knocking you out.

French 75 | The Eat Fit Collection

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:

1 ounce zero proof gin

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon Eat Fit Simple Syrup (recipe below)

Ice

4 ounces zero proof sparkling wine

Lemon swath, expressed, for garnish

Instructions:

Combine gin, lemon juice and Eat Fit Simple Syrup in a small shaker tin filled with ice. Shake and double strain into a tall champagne flute. Top with zero proof sparkling wine and garnish with expressed lemon swath.

PRO TIP // The lemon juice really fizzes up the sparkling wine. Tilt the champagne flute as you pour the sparkling wine to keep it from overflowing.

25 calories, 0 fat, 0 saturated fat, 0 sodium, 6 grams net carbs, 0 fiber, 4 grams sugar (0 added sugar), 0 protein

GF, Vegan, Low Carb

Eat Fit Simple Syrup

Makes approximately 1 cup

Ingredients:

1 cup water

1/2 cup Swerve granular or 1 1/2 cups granular allulose

Instructions:

In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Reduce to medium-high heat and add sweetener. Stir to dissolve and continue to heat for 10 minutes. Pour into heat-safe glass container and refrigerate to chill. Store unused portion in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.

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FUELED Wellness + Nutrition is powered by Healthy Portions Meal Co. Learn more about the variety of Eat Fit options at Healthy Portions Meal Co, proud sponsor of FUELED Wellness + Nutrition with Molly on WGNO.

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Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD is a registered dietitian + nutrition journalist in New Orleans, and founder of Ochsner Eat Fit nonprofit restaurant initiative. Tune in to her podcast, FUELED | Wellness + Nutrition and follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @MollyKimballRD. See more of Mollys articles + TV segments at www.mollykimball.com, and sign up for Eat Fit Wellness Bites weekly newsletter, here.

Stay updated with the latest news, weather, and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play store and subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

Latest Posts

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.
FORT SMITH, Ark.  Officials with the Arkansas State Police said a man shot by Fort Smith police who were attempting to arrest him late last month now faces new charges including attempted murder.

State investigators said officers with the Fort Smith Police Department were trying to arrest 61-year-old Michael Lee Fairburn on Oct. 25 on a felony warrant.

The officers said Fairburn, who they described as a violent sex offender and fugitive out of the state of Indiana, pulled out a knife during the attempted arrest, at which point the officers said they shot Fairburn.

White County deputies say suspect dead after drawing weapon following chase, standoff

Authorities said Fairburn was taken to UAMS for treatment following the shooting. He was later released from the hospital and taken into custody by the Sebastian County Sheriffs Office and brought back to Fort Smith.

He was booked into the county jail on multiple charges, including possession of drugs (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia, simultaneous possession of drugs and weapon and habitual offender violations.

Suspect in LA Tech campus stabbing to be charged with Attempted Murder

On Tuesday, Fairburn was charged with two new counts, attempted capital murder and first-degree attempted batter of a law-enforcement officer. He continues to be held in the Sebastian County jail on a $515.000 bond and is next scheduled to be in court on Nov. 22

Sebastian County Prosecuting Attorney Daniel Shue determined last week that the officers involved in the shooting of Fairburn were justified in their use of deadly force.

Little Rock police arrest 10 suspected in weekend car break-ins

The ASP Criminal Investigation Division review of this case is ongoing, and FSPD officials said the officers involved were place on paid leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) is seeking to revoke the bond allowing a defendant in the Georgia racketeering case involving former President Trump to remain free ahead of trial.

Williss office cited defendant Harrison Floyds social media posts in a Wednesday court filing, arguing they were in violation of the bond agreement he signed as a condition of release. The posts, Willis asserted, are an effort to intimidate codefendants and witnesses, to communicate directly and indirectly with codefendants and witnesses and to otherwise obstruct the administration of justice.

Since his release from custody, the Defendant has engaged in numerous intentional and flagrant violations of the conditions of release ordered by the Court, Williss motion states.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee will ultimately decide whether to approve the request.

Floyd, a leader of Black Voices for Trump, was charged alongside the former president over Floyds alleged attempt to convince Fulton County election worker Ruby Freeman to make false statements about election operations on Election Day 2020, under the guise of offering her help. Floyd has pleaded not guilty.

Since his indictment in August, Floyd has remained steadfast in claiming without evidence that the 2020 election was stolen.

Williss motion takes aim at multiple posts Floyd made on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to his 26,000 followers, and a podcast interview.

A review of Floyds social media shows that the Trump co-defendant made numerous posts related to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Gabe Sterling, chief operating officer of the secretary of states office.

Look, the truth is that @GaSecofState & @GabrielSterling are the pieces of [shit] you should be mad at, Floyd tweeted Nov. 7, using a poop emoji to replace the expletive.

He also made several posts about Freeman, including to release audio of the Fulton County poll worker talking to police officers, which the Georgia district attorneys office claimed constitutes an act to intimidate a known witness. Floyd suggested on social media that the audio proved he did not set up a meeting with Freeman and Trump allies who prosecutors say menaced her.

Because of and in response to the Defendants intimidating communications, witness Ruby Freeman has been the subject of renewed threats of violence from third parties, the filing reads.

The Hill has reached out to Floyds team for comment.

Unlike the other 18 defendants in the case, Floyd surrendered in August without negotiating his bail in advance. He was held in the Fulton County Jail for multiple days until reaching a bail agreement and has been on pretrial release ever since.

Floyd is the only defendant Willis has sought to detain ahead of trial.

Although not in Georgia, Trump in his other cases has faced various repercussions for his social media posts attacking witnesses, prosecutors and court staff.

Judges in New York and Washington, D.C., imposed gag orders on the former president, but no prosecutor has attempted to detain Trump pretrial.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Veterans from various branches of the military pose for a group shot after Park Ridge's Veterans Day ceremony in Hodges Park on Nov. 11, 2023. (Pam DeFiglio)

Early on in this years Park Ridge Veterans Day ceremony, John Dorow of the local American Legion post pointed to the war memorial in the citys Hodges Park, singling out one name.

Mel Tierney, Dorow said. He was 18 or 19 years old. He was killed early in World War I. He gave his life.

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The post, the Mel Tierney American Legion Post 247, is named for him.

Nearly 100 people, including many Roosevelt Elementary School students and their parents, listened respectfully during the ceremony Saturday, with Dorow noting that the crisp fall weather meant the ceremony didnt have to move indoors, as it has in some past years.

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John Prochaska, also a veteran with the post, read the names of local veterans who had died in the past year. They included Frank DePaul, Robert Steve Stavrakas, John Slowiak, Mike Rotondo and Bette Memmel.

Those are the ones we know about, he said.

Dorow noted the group has lost 17 members since the start of COVID, though not necessarily due to COVID.

Two fellow veterans, Bob Mau and Nick Korompilas, live at The Sheridan at Park Ridge Assisted Living, he noted.

And the rest of us are getting old too, he quipped.

John Dorow led Park Ridge's Veterans Day ceremony in Hodges Park on Nov. 11, 2023. He pointed to the name of Mel Tierney, after whom is named the Mel Tierney American Legion Post. (Pam DeFiglio)

Pastor Carol Hill of the Park Ridge Community Church provided an invocation, saying We thank you for the brave men and women who said yes to protect the freedom of all.

Police Chief Bob Kampwirth placed a wreath at the base of the veterans memorial, and two veterans fired into the air in a rifle salute.

Roosevelt School students sang an original song honoring veterans during Park Ridge's Veterans Day ceremony in Hodges Park on Nov. 11, 2023. (Pam DeFiglio)

The Roosevelt school students sang a song co-composed by James McDunn, who teaches music at Lincoln Middle School in Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 and also directs the fourth and fifth grade choirs at Roosevelt. McDunn led the students in singing the lyrics, which talked about protecting Americas freedoms. At the conclusion, individual students held up signs that together spelled out, Thank you, veterans.
This satellite picture released by Maxar Technologies on November 12, 2023 shows the damage around the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia in the Gaza Strip (-)

The Israel-Hamas war raging in the Gaza Strip since the October 7 attacks has disabled about two thirds of the 36 hospitals in the besieged Palestinian territory, according to UN officials.

Israeli forces on Wednesday raided the biggest medical complex, Gaza City's Al-Shifa hospital, one of a number of facilities that have been caught up in the worst of the fighting.

Global concern has flared over the war and the thousands of war-wounded and displaced civilians inside the hospital, which has been deprived of electricity, generator fuel and essential medical supplies.

Israel charges Hamas with hiding military sites in tunnels below Al-Shifa and other sites, and using the civilians trapped there as "human shields", claims the Islamist militant group denies.

Here is a look at four of the major hospitals in the urban battle zone of Gaza City, in the north of the long-blockaded coastal Palestinian territory.

- Al-Shifa Hospital -

The Israeli army launched what it called "a targeted operation" overnight inside Al-Shifa, after days of heavy fighting in and around the complex.

Troops raced through the packed corridors and wards and led more than 1,000 Palestinian men, their hands above their heads, into the courtyard, where tanks had moved in.

Fighting in recent days had forced the hospital to bury dead patients in a "mass grave", said the director of Al-Shifa, located in Gaza City's Rimal neighbourhood.

According to the Hamas government, the hospital was built in 1946 during the British Mandate and has been extended since.

The UN World Health Organisation has said about 400 medical staff and caregivers worked there and 3,000 civilians had taken refuge from the war.

The Hamas government's deputy health minister told AFP on Sunday that an Israeli airstrike had "completely destroyed" the cardiac ward building.

Three nurses have been killed, said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Sunday.

"Essential infrastructure" including water tanks, maternity ward equipment and the medical oxygen storage centre had also been damaged, it said Sunday.

An ambulance leaving the hospital was hit by a strike that killed 15 people in early November. The Israeli army accused Hamas of "using" the vehicle.

- Al-Quds Hospital -

Gaza City's Al-Quds Hospital -- with just 100 beds but recently sheltering thousands of displaced -- was evacuated on Tuesday, said the Palestinian Red Crescent Society.

"This comes after more than 10 days of siege, during which medical and humanitarian supplies were prevented from reaching the hospital," it said.

Opened in the early 2000s, the hospital had "become a threat to the lives of everyone inside" due to the war, complete power outage and the depletion of water and food.

Health staff and patients were taken to southern Gaza.

The Israeli army Monday reported firefights outside the hospital in which it said "21 terrorists" died.

OCHA earlier said that up to 14,000 people had taken refuge within the hospital complex since the start of the war.

This hospital was previously hit by Israeli airstrikes in the war of late 2008 to January 2009. Its emergency department and other wards were rebuilt with the help of French funding.

- Indonesian Hospital -

Opened in 2015, the Indonesian Hospital was financed by Jakarta and is located in Gaza's largest refugee camp, Jabalia.

It has a normal capacity of 110 beds, its director Atef al-Kahlot has said in media reports.

According to the Hamas government, at least 30 people were killed in the hospital by Israeli bombing.

On October 28 and 29, after the Israeli army issued evacuation orders for northern Gaza, targets near the hospital were bombed, OCHA said.

On November 5, the Israeli military claimed that the hospital had been used to hide an underground Hamas command and control centre.

The Palestinian Islamist movement denied this.

The army has also presented satellite photos that it said showed a Hamas rocket launch site about 75 metres (yards) from the hospital.

- Al-Rantisi Hospital -

Al-Rantisi children's hospital is close to al-Shifa in western Gaza City.

In 2019, it was equipped with the territory's only paediatric oncology department, partly funded by a US humanitarian organisation.

The Israeli army entered the hospital on Monday and said it had discovered an abandoned "Hamas command and control centre" in the basement.

The army released a video showing weapons and what it described as other evidence Hamas had held hostages there after abducting some 240 people on October 7. Hamas denounced the footage as staged.

On Saturday, the Israeli army said it had killed Ahmed Siam, "a Hamas commander" who it said had been "holding around 1,000 Gaza residents hostage at al-Rantisi hospital".

The military claimed on Monday to have evacuated its patients "to a safer hospital".

The director of all Gaza hospitals, Mohammed Zaqut, charged that the army had carried out "forced evacuations" of two paediatric hospitals, Al-Rantisi and nearby Al-Nasr, and left patients "on the streets without care".

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(Reuters) - Gaza's health ministry spokesperson warned on Wednesday of a potential Israeli raid on the enclave's Al Shifa hospital complex, saying Israel informed Gaza health officials that its forces would raid the facility.

The Israeli military, asked for comment, said it was looking into the matter.

The Gaza health ministry spokesperson, Ashraf al-Qidra, told Al Jazeera that Israel "informed us that it will raid Al Shifa hospital complex in the coming minutes."

But he added: "The occupation did not specify whether (its forces) would enter the complex. But it said that within a few minutes it would raid the complex. We do not know how it will raid it or what mechanism will be used, nor do we know (Israel's) intentions with the raid."

Reuters was not able to independently confirm the situation at Al Shifa.

Israeli forces have surrounded Al Shifa, Gaza's biggest hospital, after waging fierce street battles with Hamas fighters they accuse of having a command post under the complex. The U.S. on Tuesday cited intelligence backing Israel's assertion, but Hamas denies it.

(Reporting by Ahmed Tolba and Rami Ayyub; Editing by Leslie Adler and Howard Goller)
It has been four weeks since rescuers pulled 2-year-old Hamza Malaka from the rubble of his family home in Gaza City.

Four weeks since a stranger in the hospital rhythmically recited the Quran for this toddler who had just become the latest member of the fastest growing club in this Palestinian enclave: wounded children with no surviving family.

And though it has been more than four weeks, some of his 26 family members killed that day still lie beneath their family home and not yet beneath the ground  a violation of the way this predominantly Muslim community would usually lay their loved ones to rest, but a growing reality across Gaza.

Theyre still trying to get the bodies out of those buildings, said Mohammad Malaka, a relative, who lives in San Diego and remains unsure of the total count buried because, he said, the search is still going on for some of the bodies.

Imagine how horrific it is, he told NBC News in a Zoom interview. Theyre gone but you have to wait for days to get those resources to get them out and to give them a proper burial.

In the wake of the Hamas terror attack, the Israeli militarys deadly bombardment of the Gaza Strip has piled up not just bodies, but also indignities.

In this densely populated and impoverished Palestinian territory  where families have long been forced to become accustomed to loss and laying the dead to rest is often a communal occasion  the war has overturned lives and robbed the dead of traditional funeral rites.

Gaza Bodies (Mahmud Hams / AFP via Getty Images)

Mourners in Khan Younis, Gaza (Mahmud Hams / AFP - Getty Images)

NBC News spoke to several Gaza residents including a gravedigger, a morgue worker and grieving relatives, who detailed overburdened morgues and mass graves filled with unidentifiable bodies in the besieged strip, where health officials say more than 11,200 people have been killed, including more than 4,600 children.

The intensifying Israeli aerial attacks and ground assault are also forcing many to shelter inside, leaving the community with unbearable pain but forced to grieve alone.

No one can go to the deads house because in every house, in every street, in every neighborhood, there is death. So, who comes to whom? said Mohamed Abu Obaid, 26, a videographer currently sheltering in Khan Younis.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians have fled south, with some of those evacuating by foot describing rotting corpses strewn along roads. Gazas main hospital, Al-Shifa, drafted refrigerated food trucks to serve as temporary morgues and help cope with the incoming rush of dead bodies.

But with fuel running out and the hospital surrounded by fighting, workers said they were digging a mass grave inside the complex to bury approximately 170 people. Several doctors said unattended bodies had begun decomposing in the courtyard of Al-Shifa, some preyed on by dogs and unable to be cleaned or buried outside because of the risk of gunfire encircling the hospital.

The grave we are digging is small, Al-Shifa Director Medhat Abbas said. The Shifa hospital turned into a real cemetery for the sick and wounded.

Palestinians struggle to bury their dead (Fatima Shbair / AP)

They bury them fast

Before generations of the Malaka family were wiped out, they had resorted to sheltering together: Young children, a pregnant woman and elderly family members packed in a multistory residential complex in the Zaitoun neighborhood of Gaza City.

But the level of destruction in Gaza, which the United Nations says has damaged almost half of all housing units, has hampered first responders ability to retrieve the dead and wounded. An estimated 2,700 people, including 1,500 children, have been reported missing, believed to be trapped or dead under the rubble, according to the U.N.

Muslims strive to bury their dead within 24 hours and no later than three days in adherence to Islamic burial traditions, which emphasize laying the body to rest quickly in its natural state to preserve the dignity of the dead.

In non-war times, funeral processions and mourning rituals in Gaza would be attended in the thousands, according to locals. Mourners would usually gather around the body in a mosque to pray for the dead, followed by a large procession from the mosque to the gravesite for burial. The bereaved family would then host members of the community in their home to pay their respects for at least three days of mourning, if not longer.

But now, the enormous influx of bodies means that once a death is pronounced by a medical examiner, hospital staff quickly wrap the body in a burial cloth and move it from the mortuary to the outdoor hospital yard, according to Saeed Elshorbagy, a morgue worker in Khan Younis Nasser Hospital.

Then, any family members present are encouraged by medical staff to take it directly to a burial site with minimal people.

Image: As Gaza's Humanitarian Crisis Deepens, Calls Grow For Pause In War (Ahmad Hasaballah / Getty Images)

Palestinians struggle to bury their dead (Fatima Shbair / AP)

Today, there is no time for prayers, Elshorbagy said, referencing the typical afternoon prayers performed collectively ahead of a burial service. They cant take him home and say goodbye as it was before.

With many mosques destroyed or under threat of attack, impromptu funeral prayers are being held in hospital courtyards or on the streets. Attendance is close to none at the burial site itself.

They bury them fast, said Abu Obaid, the local videographer.

The moment that families learn their loved ones have been killed are filled with screams, sadness and shock, he said.

Its excruciating feelings that shake the heart, he added.

But with news of death or fears of impending death ubiquitous across the enclave, in many cases there is no final goodbye. Abu Obaid said that his cousins were killed in an airstrike on their home a week ago, but that he was unable to attend the burial because of ongoing heavy bombardment.

I was far from the hospital. I couldnt see any of them, he said.

Graves and grief

Identifying certain corpses is an ordeal in itself.

Hospital staff and locals say it can take several days before a family member can identify a body because most of the dead have disfigured limbs and very critical amputations of hands and legs. Clues like a certain birthmark on the face or the clothing they were wearing have helped some families identify their lost loved ones, Elshorbagy added.

Other times, the morgue worker said, they have received 2 to 3 kilograms of shattered bones or flesh, which were unidentifiable. In those cases, they were grouped with other dead bodies of known family members and not buried individually, he said.

Some families have resorted to writing their childrens names in marker on their limbs, in the hope they will be identifiable if they are killed. Other families in Gaza have started wearing ID bracelets.

But identifying the dead is only one problem. Finding space to bury them is another.

Jihad Elshamali, a gravedigger at several cemeteries along the Gaza Strip, said hes worked on burial plots in recent weeks bearing numbers rather than family names.

Frankly, the situation is very tragic, said Elshamali, adding he had at times buried up to 15 people in one cemetery plot.

Palestinians struggle to bury their dead (Mohammed Abed / AFP - Getty Images)

He said the amount of missiles sweeping over Gaza has left him so fearful, he sometimes allows families to risk their lives to bury their family members without him.

The lack of fuel, water and resources coming into Gaza because of the Israeli-imposed siege has led merchants to jack up prices for needed burial goods such as cement, tiles and brick, said Elshamali, stifling his ability to do his job.

We cant even find water to mix the clay to make a grave cover.

Though families here have long been familiar with the prospect of death, the current situation has exacerbated the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza who take pride in observing their traditions.

In the past, everything was available for the burial ceremony. They came to bury with dignity, ElShamali said.

And for Palestinians who live abroad, like Mohammad Malaka, the only closure available is through piecemeal social media video updates circulating of his dead relatives.

A recent Facebook reel showed some of his family members were finally put to rest, only for him to find out, through a tweet, that more of his extended family members were injured and killed in a subsequent airstrike.

This is not about the Malaka family, this is just one story of the thousands of Palestinian families going through the same pain, he said.

Were not allowed to even grieve.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Too often in the modern age, social media trends influence our lifestyle choices and self-care routines. It can be unclear where some trends come from and they aren't always backed by evidence. One recent TikTok trend, known as "bed rotting," involves individuals choosing to spend prolonged periods in bed, doing little else.

While initially seen as a form of relaxation and self-care, some experts caution against the potential detrimental effects on mental health and overall well-being, such as increased sleep issues, social isolation and less overall productivity.

With over 165 million views for the term, TikTok users are clearly interested in the phenomenon, with one sleep science expert, Vanessa Hill, sharing that bed rotting is 100% backed by science. Hill highlights that this trend isn't just about lazing around but instead serves as a means to normalize the importance of rest in our lives. In a world where productivity is often held as the ultimate goal, bed rotting encourages us to break the cycle, permitting ourselves to do less without the weight of guilt.

Beneath the surface, bed rotting carries subtle advantages. Many of us are trapped in the relentless pursuit of productivity, which can have adverse effects on our mental and physical health. Trends like bed rotting offer a moment of respite, a chance to reflect, and an opportunity to prioritize our health, both mentally and physically.

However, bed rotting does have its critics, especially within the wellness community and the medical field. For individuals grappling with depression or anxiety, bed rotting may not necessarily provide the ideal relaxation strategy  and may even make the problem worse.

The excesses of escapism

Excessive bed rotting has the potential to lead to social isolation, a risk factor for depression and anxiety. This is especially concerning for children, who have unique social, developmental and emotional needs that require interaction and physical activity for their holistic development. While rest is undeniably vital, striking a balance is key.

Courtney DeAngelis, PsyD, a psychologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, weighs in on the bed rotting debate in a statement to Health. She acknowledges that, when practiced in moderation, bed rotting can have a calming effect on the body, providing respite from stress and exhaustion, particularly for individuals engaged in physically or mentally demanding roles.

However, spending excessive time in bed can impede meaningful connections with friends and family, potentially increasing stress levels. Our beds should primarily serve as sanctuaries for sleep and intimacy. When they become spaces for lounging, our brains may struggle to distinguish between rest and other activities, which can lead to sleep disruptions.

DeAngelis also underscores the importance of avoiding bed rotting right before bedtime, as engaging in activities like working or watching television can confused your body at night and hence inhibit one's ability to fall asleep promptly. Instead, she suggests reserving the bedroom for sleep and intimate activities while moving other leisure activities to an alternative space.

Setting limits and avoiding overindulgence

To prevent the adverse effects of excessive bed rotting, DeAngelis emphasizes the need for setting time limits. Although bed rotting may offer temporary relief, it should not become a daily habit or a go-to solution for fatigue, tiredness or depression. Moderation is the key to a healthy relationship with bed rotting.

The bed rotting trend offers an intriguing perspective on modern self-care. By allowing ourselves to take a break, we can alleviate the pressure and anxiety that often accompany our hectic lives. Nevertheless, it is vital to approach this trend with caution, as overindulgence can result in social isolation, disrupted sleep, and a negative impact on overall well-being.Striking a balance between rest and productivity remains essential.

While recognizing the benefits of bed rotting, its important to remain aware of the potential consequences to make informed decisions about these routines. Your bed serves many purposes. Preserving this association can lead to improved mental and physical health in the long run.
A breakthrough treatment for sickle cell patients could soon become the first gene-editing treatment to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that affects roughly 100,000 Americans, most of whom are Black. The disease causes red blood cells to become sickle or c-shaped, clumping together and clogging blood vessels, causing pain and other complications.

There is only one approved treatment that can cure sickle cell disease: a bone marrow transplant in which a healthy donor offers stem cells that create red blood cells in the sick patient. In the vast majority of cases, the best donor is the patients fully related sibling, but even then, a sibling only has a 1 in 4 chance of being a match.

Only about 18 percent, or less than 1 in 5 individuals, will have a suitable match. And the best match possible is a sibling who happens to have the same tissue type that they do, but only about less than 20 percent of sickle cell patients will have a sibling with an appropriate match, said Alexis Thompson, chief of the Division of Hematology at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia.

As a result, doctors and regulators are highly interested in a new treatment known as exagamglogene autotemcel (exa-cel), which was developed through a partnership between Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics.

This treatment takes a patients stem cells and edits them to produce more fetal hemoglobin, an abundance of which has been observed to cause red blood cells to not sickle.

Gene therapy really becomes a really important option because the patient is their own donor, said Thompson.

The idea of altering a persons genes to potentially cure a disease sounds like science fiction, but gene therapy has been used more and more in medicine in recent years. More than 30 FDA-approved gene therapies are used to treat illnesses like cancers, hemophilia and certain degenerative disorders.

The FDA approved a gene therapy for thalassemia, an inherited illness similar to SCD, last year. Exa-cel is also indicated for this disease.

According to physicians, even with the addition of next-generation technology, the use of exa-cel is not too far off from what SCD transplant recipients already experience.

Though theyre doing something novel in the space of fixing the problem in the cell, youre still giving a transplant because you need to get those cells back in the body, said Titilope Fasipe, co-director of the Texas Childrens Hospital sickle cell program.

If you know anything about transplant, its not an easy therapy. Its a therapy that requires intense medications and monitoring in the hospital. And then intense monitoring even after the transplant, but the goal is to cure the disease, Fasipe added.

Before a patient can receive new bone marrow, they must first undergo chemotherapy to kill off the faulty cells. The same is done for patients undergoing exa-cel gene therapy.

Those who have undergone the gene therapy say the process was life-changing for them.

Victoria Gray, the first sickle cell patient to undergo exa-cel, told the FDAs advisory committee on cellular, tissue, and gene therapies that the treatment freed her from constant hospital visits due to SCD-related pain events.

Before this treatment, my entire childhood and adult life was plagued with severe pain, fatigue, numerous hospital stays and the fear of dying, Gray said.

After receiving this treatment, I no longer have pain and I no longer have to take opioids. I no longer have hospital stays or receive blood transfusions, she said. I get to participate with my kids and join them in their activities, when they play sports, cheer them on at their dance events and just be here and just to play with them, knowing that I no longer have to leave them to go to the hospital.

There are still concerns, though, particularly regarding the use of CRISPR technology and the potential for off-target editing or unintentional genetic alterations.

Daniel Bauer, associate professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and director of the gene therapy program at Boston Childrens Hospital, addressed these concerns to the FDA gene therapy committee last week.

Speaking on the potential hazards of off-target gene editing, Bauer said, My guess is its a relatively small risk in the scheme of this risk-benefit, but its new and unknown but easily measurable.

When asked if the risk could be catastrophic, Bauer acknowledged that given the millions of cells that are used in the process, theres always a risk that one cell could mutate and cause leukemia.

Has it been shown that an off-target effect of gene editing causes leukemia? No. Theoretically, could it? Yes, said Bauer.

This concern has followed CRISPR throughout its history. According to Thompson, some off-target edits can be inconsequential, having no major effect whatsoever, but the possibility of inducing a malignancy is ever-present.

There has been extraordinary effort put by not just by the sponsor but by people across the field to look for ways to mitigate or to reduce, or what some people call to de-risk CRISPR casts, said Thompson.

Following the presentations from researchers last week, some of the FDA committee members concluded the potential benefits offered by exa-cel outweighed the risks, though others said they felt further study was warranted.

But as is the case with new medical advancements, not all those who can benefit will get to take part. According to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, the cost of exa-cel is estimated to be upwards of $2 million.

My double-edged sword about all of this, about gene therapy, is that access is still going to be the biggest barrier, Fasipe said. I can stand outside on the street tomorrow and say, Hey, I have a great treatment for sickle cell, and I will tell you I will not reach everybody with sickle cell disease. And thats because the majority of people, especially adults with sickle cell disease, do not have access to comprehensive care by an expert who manages sickle cell disease.

This advancement, however, still provides a degree of hope for the future of treating SCD and providing more people with a chance at living without the pain brought on by the disease.

Recalling a clinic visit with a few 3-year-old patients of hers, Fasipe said being able to talk about a better future for them gave her joy.

Im already happy on their behalf and what I tell families of children that young is that because the future is now, their child will get some version of a better tomorrow for sickle cell disease, said Fasipe.

If we fast forward in five years, Im sure the technology will continue to advance, more options will be available. So, for a child in todays world with sickle cell disease, living in the United States, theres a lot of hope that even if they dont get gene therapy in 2024, there is a more of a reality for them to get it sometime in their new future when theyre still a child.

A decision on the approval of exa-cel is expected by Dec. 8.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
George Washington University suspended its Students for Justice in Palestine chapter after the group projected "Glory to Our Martyrs" on the side of a campus building.

The university's SJP chapter projected a series of pro-Palestinian phrases onto the school's Gelman Library on Oct. 24, including "GW the Blood of Palestine is on your Hands" and "Your Tuition is Funding Genocide in Gaza."

In a statement at the time, George Washington University said the messages were "unauthorized" and violated university policy, adding "leadership intervened to ensure that these projections were removed."

The university shared a statement with Fox News Digital, which effectively suspends SJP for three months.

GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY STUDENTS PROJECT PRO-PALESTINIAN ACTIVISM ON SCHOOL LIBRARY

One sign read, "Glory to our martyrs" in support of Palestinians.

"After an investigation, the university determined that SJPs actions violated university policies, including the Gelman Building Use Guidelines and the universitys policy against non-compliance, as SJP initially refused to comply with university officials directives to end the projections," reads the statement. "As a result, effective immediately, the university has prohibited SJP from participating in activities on campus.

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"SJP cannot sponsor or organize on-campus activities on university property or use university facilities, including indoor and outdoor spaces available for reservation through the university; this prohibition is in effect for the next 90 days. Also effective immediately, SJP is prohibited from posting communications on university property through May 20, 2024," the university added. "After 90 days, there will be continued restrictions around SJPs use of university facilities and hosted activities through the end of the academic year."

PLAYWRIGHT DAVID MAMET URGES JEWS TO STOP SUPPORTING DEMOCRATS, SENDING KIDS TO ANTISEMITIC COLLEGES

Another sign read, "GW the Blood of Palestinians is on Your Hands."

The decision by George Washington University was made after an investigation "determined that SJPs actions violated university policies, including the Gelman Building Use Guidelines and the universitys policy against non-compliance, as SJP initially refused to comply with university officials directives to end the projections."

In a statement to the university's student newspaper, the GW Hatchet, a representative for the SJP chapter said the group is disappointed but not surprised by the decision, stating the school has "unwavering support" towards Zionist students.

"Your Tuition is Funding Genocide in Gaza."

"We see this very clearly as being a political response to a growing wave of backlash and repression towards Palestinian organizing, but specifically the Palestinian student movement thats been happening the past few weeks," the SJP representative said. "GW is continuously proving, as they have proven time and time again for many, many years, that they will always align with the Zionist lobby and against the right to free speech and the right to assembly of their own students."





Original article source: George Washington University suspends SJP chapter after group projected 'Glory to our martyrs' onto building
GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN)  Hundreds of more parking spots are coming to downtown Georgetown soon.

Impressive holiday displays and charming boutique-style shops have attracted many to Georgetowns quaint downtown square. But with that increase in popularity in recent years comes an increase in the likelihood youll have to spend a bit of time hunting down a parking spot before you can enjoy the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas.

The City of Georgetown recognized this and is working to make parking a little smoother near the town square.

Georgetown City Council, staff, and the public worked together to identify and prioritize this need for our community. The parking garage were building at Fifth and Austin Avenue will add more than 300 parking spaces to our downtown area, making it easier for business owners, residents, and visitors to enjoy all the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas has to offer, said Georgetown City Manager David Morgan.

The project will cost just north of $18 million. Construction will start in March 2024 and should be ready for use in August 2025, according to a Georgetown spokesperson.

Kason Buffaloe manages Mystique Creek Outfitters  which sells beer, wine and outdoor apparel  across the street from the Town Square. He said he has seen the area grow in popularity in last decade.

I think a lot of the parking has been established as something efficient enough for maybe 10, 15 years ago. But as all these people are coming in, we have definitely noticed some need for more parking, Buffaloe said.

Buffaloe said parking in Georgetown hasnt quite reached crisis levels yet. However, he said having those additional 300 spaces during especially busy times, such as the Red Poppy Festival or the Annual Lighting of the Square, will be a boon.

It allows us more people to come in and enjoy the square instead of having to deal with trying to find a parking spot for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, Buffaloe added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
A Georgia county asked a federal appeals court on Tuesday to overturn a ruling that it illegally discriminated against a sheriffs deputy by failing to pay for her gender-affirmation surgery.

But lawyers for Houston County Sgt. Anna Lange urged a three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reject the appeal. They said during a hearing in Atlanta that the U.S. Supreme Court has made it clear that denying Lange insurance coverage for the procedure is illegal sex discrimination.

Lange, an investigator for the Houston County sheriffs office, sued Sheriff Cullen Talton and the county in 2019 after she was denied coverage.

U.S. District Court Judge Marc Treadwell ruled in 2022 that the countys refusal to cover Langes prescribed gender-affirmation surgery amounted to illegal sex discrimination under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Treadwells order cited the U.S. Supreme Courts 2020 decision finding that a Michigan funeral home couldnt fire an employee for being transgender.

The judge ordered the countys insurance plan to pay for the surgery, and Lange eventually underwent the procedure. A jury awarded Lange $60,000 in damages in 2022.

The county wants to undo Treadwells order and the damage award, seeking to argue its case before a jury.

Lange expressed confidence after the hearing that the order and the damage award would stand, saying, The law is on our side, clearly.

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Houston County argues that the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that prohibits firing people because they are transgender doesnt apply to health insurance.

The county also argues that its exclusion of gender-affirmation surgery isnt discriminatory because the plan pays for some other treatments. A lawyer for the county likens the countys refusal to pay for Langes surgery to its refusal to pay for hearing aids or lap band surgery for weight reduction. The county said it paid for some care for Lange, such as hormone therapy and endocrinologist visits, but was trying to avoid the cost of surgery.

We have one plan that Sgt. Lange got, just like every other county employee and sheriffs employee, lawyer Patrick Lail told the judges on Tuesday.

But lawyers for Lange and the U.S. Department of Justice told judges that Houston Countys arguments should be rejected, pointing to six other court rulings elsewhere that agreed with Treadwells decision. The federal government intervened on Langes behalf, saying it needed to protect the rights of transgender people and uphold Title VII of the 1964 civil rights law.

This is a simple case, argued David Brown, a lawyer for Lange. The Supreme Court has established that an employer who offers unequal benefits because of sex violates Title VII.

Attorneys for Lange argued that the court should disregard arguments about other benefits provided to the sergeant or other procedures not covered. Instead, they said, the judges should focus on whether this particular rule excluding gender-affirming surgery was discriminatory.

What it creates is an obligation not to treat people differently because of sex, Justice Department attorney Anna Baldwin said. You cant have an exclusion that says we dont cover lap band surgery because youre transgender.

Lange told the sheriff and other officials in 2018 that she wanted to begin dressing as a woman at work, according to court documents, and asked if Houston Countys health plan would pay for gender-affirmation surgery.

Talton, first elected sheriff in 1972, told Lange he doesnt believe in sex changes before ultimately granting her permission to dress as a woman, the documents state.

The county health plan had excluded gender-affirmation surgery and drugs since 1998, and court documents showed Houston County officials kept the exclusion even after the company that administers the plan advised in 2016 that the rule was discriminatory under the federal Affordable Care Act.

IN OTHER NEWS:
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee said Wednesday that he plans to bar the public release of sensitive evidence in the Georgia election subversion case against former President Donald Trump and over a dozen others after key video evidence was leaked earlier this week.

Until we decide whats going to be relevant and admissible, this case should be tried, and not in the court of public opinion as much as possible, but before a jury  and with evidence that has been vetted and approved,  McAfee said during a hearing Wednesday in Atlanta.

Fulton County prosecutors asked McAfee to impose a so-called protective order that that would restrict how defendants can handle materials they receive in the discovery process after videotaped interviews of defendants who struck plea deals with prosecutors were leaked to the press.

The leaked videos featured on-camera statements from defendants who already pleaded guilty: Former Trump campaign attorneys Jenna Ellis and Sidney Powell, pro-Trump attorney Kenneth Chesebro, and Atlanta-based bail bondsman Scott Hall. They sat for the videotaped proffer sessions as part of their plea agreements  and the videos show them providing information on the attempts by Trump and others to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

Jonathan Miller, an attorney for former Coffee County elections supervisor Misty Hampton, took responsibility on Wednesday for the leak, telling the judge that he wanted to make sure that nobody else gets blamed and so he could sleep well tonight. Miller said his client, a co-defendant in the case, believes the public has a right to see the videos and know the facts.

To hide those proffers, that show all the underlying things that went into those pleas, misleads the public about whats going on, Miller said. Two of those defendants were directly related to my client. And I dont believe that either one of those hurt my client. If anything, I believe they helped my client, and the public needs to know that.

Trump, along with various other co-defendants, proposed a protective order that would require the district attorneys office to designate specific evidence that contains sensitive materials ahead of time, while providing the defendants up to 14 days to contest that designation.

An attorney representing a coalition of media outlets, including CNN, argued Wednesday against the need for a protective order. The attorney, Tom Clyde, said it was in the publics interest to be informed about the case, especially about newsworthy information, and argued that the court shouldnt be imposing a limit on some litigants sharing that information.

But McAfee was not swayed.

There could be things (in discovery) that are completely inadmissible that a jury should never hear, that youre saying should be on the front page, MaAfee said.

On Tuesday, Fulton County prosecutors filed a motion that pointed to an apparent admission via email from a lawyer representing defendant Harrison Floyd, indicating they were the ones who shared the proffer videos.

It was Harrison Floyds team, Todd Harding, Floyds attorney, said in an email chain with the DAs office.

In a subsequent email, Harding called the prior email a typo, according to court filings. Floyds legal team reiterated at Wednesdays hearing that they didnt leak the videos, saying they meant to say they were not the source.

Both Hampton and Floyd have pleaded not guilty. Hampton was charged in connection with the breach of voting systems in Coffee County, while Floyd faces charges related to the alleged intimidation of an Atlanta election worker.

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Fulton County prosecutors asked a judge Wednesday to jail Harrison Floyd, who is charged in the 2020 election subversion case in Georgia, because of his alleged effort to intimidate codefendants and witnesses, according to court filings.

This is the first time Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has asked to revoke someones bond in the case.

Prosecutors highlighted Floyds recent social media posts about Georgia election officials who are likely to be called as witnesses in the case, as well as his recent comments on a conservative podcast about Jenna Ellis, who pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate.

The Defendants actions demonstrate that he poses a significant threat of intimidating witnesses and otherwise obstructing the administration of justice in the future, making him ineligible for bond, prosecutors wrote in the court filing.

Floyds legal team declined to comment to CNN, saying they have just begun reading the filing.

Floyd, the leader of Black Voices for Trump, pleaded not guilty to three state felonies, largely tied to his role in an intimidation campaign targeting two Atlanta election workers in late 2020. Former President Donald Trump and his allies falsely accused the workers of massive voter fraud.

Floyd is the only defendant who spent time in jail in connection with the case. He was incarcerated at the Fulton County Jail for one week in August before reaching a bond deal with prosecutors.

Prosecutors point to more than a dozen public statements by Floyd they say violate the terms of his bond agreement, including ones directly targeting Georgia election worker Ruby Freeman, who is a witness in the case.

Since his release from custody, the Defendant has engaged in numerous intentional and flagrant violations of the conditions of release ordered by the Court, they wrote in their filing.

In a Tuesday post on Floyds account on X, formerly known as Twitter, he questions why his team was accused of leaking videos of conversations between another defendant and prosecutors, invoking Freeman.

Why would my team leak Jenna Ellis & proffer videos when there is better stuff? For instance, Ruby Freemans job was the reconciliation of ballots, he wrote. She wasnt even supposed to be on a scanner !!!!!!

Prosecutors said that Freeman has been a frequent target of the Defendants intimidating communications, adding: Because of and in response to the Defendants intimidating communications, witness Ruby Freeman has been the subject of renewed threats of violence from third parties.

In another post from November 1, Floyd tweeted at Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Georgia election official Gabriel Sterling, writing: Should they be more concerned about interfering in elections, perjury before Congress, lying to DA Fani Willis, or all the above?

In May, Floyd was charged with simple assault of a federal officer who was delivering a subpoena to Floyd to testify before a grand jury in Washington, DC.

The affidavit says that Floyd threatened two FBI agents who served him with the subpoena at his Maryland apartment in February and ran after them. Floyd allegedly struck one agent chest to chest during the incident.

CNNs Jason Morris and Holmes Lybrand contributed to this report.

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President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced five nominees to federal judgeships, including two women to fill vacancies on the bench of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana.

St. Joseph County Superior Court Judge Cristal Brisco, a Gary native, and Elkhart County Superior Court Judge Gretchen Lund will have to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

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Brisco would be the first Black woman to serve as a U.S. District Court judge in the Northern District.

At an early age, I was keenly aware of the challenges and disparities that often exist in urban areas as well as the transformative power of high-quality education, Brisco said in an 2020 interview with the Indiana Court Times. I credit my present-day grit and resilience to the invaluable lessons I learned as a child.

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St. Joseph County Superior Court Judge Cristal Brisco has been nominated to serve on the bench on the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Indiana. - Original Credit: Photo courtesy of LinkedIn (Photo courtesy of LinkedIn/HANDOUT)

Brisco graduated from Valparaiso University in 2002 with a degree in history, and later was awarded the Valparaiso University Outstanding Alumna of the Year Award in 2019. She earned her law degree from the University of Notre Dame School of Law in 2006.

As a lawyer, she was an associate at Barnes & Thornburg LLP from 2006-2013 and served as Corporation Counsel for the City of South Bend from 2013 to 2017 and Saint Marys College, Notre Dame from 2017 to 2018, according to a White House release. She was named as a magistrate judge in St. Joseph County in 2018 and became a Superior Court Judge in 2021. She has concurrently served as a judge on the Indiana Commercial Court since 2022.

Lund, a 2001 graduate of the VU School of Law, served on the bench for 15 years, including her current post as a Superior Court judge since 2015. She oversees the Elkhart County Drug Court. Previously, she was a judge on the Goshen City court from 2008-2014.

She applied for an Indiana Supreme Court vacancy in 2022 and she serves as chair of the courts Judicial Education Committee.

Elkhart County Superior Court Judge Gretchen Lund has been nominated to serve on the bench of the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Indiana. - Original Credit: Photo courtesy of the Indiana Supreme Court (Photo courtesy of the Indiana Supreme Court/HANDOUT)

As an attorney, she was an associate at Ice Miller LLP in Indianapolis, Indiana from 2001 to 2002, then she was a law clerk for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana from 2002-2006, according to a White House release. She also served as a deputy prosecutor in the Elkhart County Prosecuting Attorneys Office from 2006 to 2007.

She received her bachelors degree from Butler University in 1998.

White House counsel Ed Siskel noted that the nominees include four women, two nominees from a state represented by Senate Republicans, and three historic first nominees.

They continue the presidents drive to bring professional and demographic diversity to the federal judiciary, and his commitment to working with senators on both sides of the aisle, Siskel said in a statement.

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U.S. Sen. Todd Young applauded the nominations.

Judge Brisco and Judge Lund are experienced, qualified jurists who have served honorably in state superior courts, Young said in a statement. I fully expect them to excel on the federal bench, and I anticipate supporting both of them as they enter the confirmation process.

The Associated Press contributed.
By Maria Martinez and Christian Kraemer

BERLIN (Reuters) -The German government froze major spending pledges focused on green initiatives and industry support on Wednesday after a constitutional court ruling on unused pandemic emergency funds blew a 60 billion euro ($65 billion) hole in its finances.

The decision threw into disarray budget negotiations taking place this week within Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-way ruling coalition, whose popularity has slumped as Europe's biggest economy teeters close to another recession.

Wednesday's decision by the constitutional court could also set a precedent for fiscal responses to future crises.

Finance Minister Christian Lindner will meanwhile face increased scrutiny over how he plans to keep spending in check, just days before he is due to meet his French counterpart for talks on enforcing fiscal discipline across the European Union.

Germany has hitherto burnished its reputation as the defender of sustainable financing in negotiations to reform EU fiscal rules in a pan-European deal by the end of the year.

Scholz said the ruling on Wednesday would have far-reaching consequences for the government's Climate and Transformation Fund (KTF) but that his coalition would look for other sources of funding.

"We will now quickly revise the economic plan, incorporate the necessary changes and adopt new ones," he said on social media.

Lindner said the ruling could have a big impact on federal and state budgets but the government would respect the decision and not interrupt the process of finalising the budget for 2024.

The 60 billion euros had been earmarked for initiatives such as making buildings more energy efficient and subsidising renewable electricity and chips production, as well as supporting energy-intensive companies.

Lindner said moves to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy use in the building sector would be excluded from the freeze.

But he may face growing calls from within the coalition to suspend Germany's constitutionally enshrined debt brake again, something he has hitherto ruled out, along with raising taxes.

"This ruling will come as a massive setback to the government. The practice that was now dismissed by the court had allowed the government to forge policy compromises that kept all three parties in Scholz's coalition satisfied," said a note by the Eurasia group.

"Spending cuts now look unavoidable and Eurasia Group believes that the bulk of the cuts will likely hit climate-related projects."

"FAR-REACHING CONSEQUENCES"

Scholz's centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), Economy Minister Robert Habeck's pro-spending Greens and Lindner's fiscally cautious Free Democrats (FDP) agreed in December 2021 to transfer debt raised to help the country cope with COVID-19 to a climate fund. The move - via the Second Supplementary Budget Act 2021, which retroactively amended the 2021 Budget Act 2021 - allowed the parties to make the most of a temporary suspension of borrowing limits in the constitution.

The constitutional court ruled that the Second Supplementary Budget Act was incompatible with the debt brake enshrined in Germany's constitutional Basic Law and so was void. The debt brake restricts the German public deficit to 0.35% of GDP.

"The court ruling has far-reaching consequences for fiscal policy in Germany," said Clemens Fuest, President of the Ifo economic institute.

"There are significant constraints for federal budgets in coming years in terms of spending on government support for decarbonisation."

Germany's 2024 budget and financial plans through 2027 are due to be finalised on Friday, as Germany curbs spending that surged in response to COVID-19 and the Ukraine war.

"In the logic of Germany's constitutional debt brake, today's ruling makes sense," said a note by ING.

"However, the question remains whether the debt brake makes economic sense when the country struggles with structural stagnation and a long list of serious challenges and transitions, of which many need fiscal support."

Habeck had previously warned that a negative ruling would "sweep the rug from underneath" the government's plans to stabilise the economy.

Friedrich Merz, whose main opposition Christian Democratic Union party had launched the lawsuit against the government, said the ruling had stopped what he called "the self-service mentality" of the government and strengthened the debt brake.

"A key cornerstone of the government's budget and financial planning is collapsing," he told local media.

(Reporting by Maria Martinez and Christian Kraemer; Additional reporting by Holger Hansen, Ursula Knapp, Sarah Marsh and Thomas Escritt; Writing by Maria Martinez and Matthias Williams; Editing by Catherine Evans)
By Ludwig Burger

FRANKFURT (Reuters) -German regulator BfArM is considering banning Ozempic exports as Europe's health systems grapple with shortage of the diabetes drug, which is in high demand for its weight-loss benefits.

Use of Novo Nordisk's Ozempic for weight loss has caused shortages across Europe, where Britain and Belgium have temporarily banned its use for weight loss to secure availability for diabetics.

Novo's launch of anti-obesity drug Wegovy, a high dose version of Ozempic, in Britain, Germany, Norway and Denmark, has so far done little to temper the craze for Ozempic as volumes of Wegovy have been limited due to production bottlenecks.

Ozempic is approved to treat type 2 diabetes when more established therapies have failed, but it has increasingly been prescribed "off-label" to treat weight loss because it has the same active ingredient as hugely popular but scarce Wegovy.

"We are currently in talks with lawmakers about what we will do if the current measures and the public messages don't show an effect," BfArM President Karl Broich told Spiegel magazine.

"We would then think about imposing an export ban so that enough remains in the country for the patients that need it," said Broich, adding that the drug was going to other European countries and the United States.

Novo, which has earmarked $6 billion to boost production in Denmark, said last week the industry was far from being able to produce enough weight-loss drugs to meet global demand.

More drugs are coming to market but it is not clear when supplies will be large enough to satisfy soaring demand.

WEIGHT-LOSS PROMISE

Eli Lilly's drug tirzepatide, also known as Mounjaro, has shown even greater weight-loss potential in trials than Wegovy, and was last week cleared for wider use against obesity, in addition to a previous approval against diabetes, in the United States and Britain.

The EU's drugs regulator has recommended approval but the EU commission's final word is still pending.

BfArM's Broich said some Ozempic was being moved out of the country because it is cheaper there than elsewhere, and demand was driven by use for weight loss.

Broich cautioned that export restrictions can only be rarely used and legal hurdles were high because of the European Union's single market.

The German association of drug wholesale distributors PHAGRO said in a statement that there was no certainty that exports were causing the shortages.

"Measures of export control, which are a less invasive option, should be preferred over an export ban for as long as there is no proof of exports being a direct cause for non-availability," the group said.

Affordable Medicines Europe, a lobby group of drug wholesale companies that run parallel trades of pharmaceuticals between EU countries, said that exports are not the cause of Ozempic shortages and that countries should instead consider measures to regulate off-label prescription.

Beyond Ozempic, German patients and medical insurances are among the main beneficiaries of drug parallel trade in the European Union because the country is the larget inbound market for EU drug trading, a spokesperson for the association said.

Several countries in the EU, however, have already stopped Ozempic exports, Affordable Medicines data shows. Countries that have imposed such bans are Austria, France, Greece and the Czech Republic. Portugal, Poland, Romania, Belgium, Slovakia and Spain, in turn, have rules in place that likely make it impossible to export the drug.

Germany's BfArM reiterated a call for physicians to only prescribe drugs from the class of GLP-1 receptor agonists, which include Ozempic and Eli Lilly's Trulicity, for their approved use against diabetes.

It has also called on pharmacies to only fill prescriptions that state diabetes as the indication and urged "all relevant actors" not to export the drugs.

($1 = 0.9203 euros)

($1 = 6.8636 Danish crowns)

(Reporting by Ludwig Burger in Frankfurt and Miranda Murray in Berlin; additional reporting by Patricia Weiss; Editing by Matthias Williams, Sharon Singleton and Alexander Smith)
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has said that his country will not forget about the war in Ukraine, no matter how much Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin hopes it will.

Source: Tagesschau, citing Steinmeier at the German-Ukrainian Municipal Partnership Conference in Leipzig, reported by European Pravda

Details: "Ukraine needs our support even more now, when there is also a war in the Middle East, and the war in Ukraine no longer receives the attention it so desperately needs. Putin is counting on the world to forget about Ukraine," Steinmeier said.

He added that Germany has not and will not do the Russian president that favour.

"We will not accept Russia's illegal and aggressive war," the German president stressed.

Steinmeier added that it is not only Ukraine that is under threat from the Russian regime; Ukraine's neighbours are also in danger.

Background:

Earlier, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock dispelled Putin's hopes that the EU would reduce its support for Ukraine due to the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.

In addition, the day before, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed plans for further aid to Ukraine worth at least 8 billion next year.

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Asa Ellerup was surrounded by court officers and her lawyer as she walked into the courtroom to hear the evidence against her estranged husband and suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer, Rex Heuermann.

She was stoic and did not speak to anyone on her way inside the state courthouse in Suffolk County, New York, for Heuermann's court appearance on Wednesday.

She remained mostly emotionless as the hulking murder suspect was brought into the courtroom, except for a slight smile as he turned to her.

"I don't know if he actually saw her, but he's appreciative that she's here," Heuermann's lawyer, Michael Brown, said after the court appearance. "And listen, they were married for so many years, and they raised a family together. And my understanding is, is that she doesn't believe that he was capable or committed these acts."

GILGO BEACH MURDER VICTIMS FORGOTTEN DURING YEARS OF CORRUPTION AND SCANDAL

Asa Ellerup, center, and her daughter Victoria Heuermann cross the road in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Monday, July 17, 2023. They are the wife and daughter of accused Gilgo Beach serial killer, Rex Heuermann.

Ellerup, 59, emerged from a Mercedes sedan with a cameraman in tow.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Her lawyer, Bob Macedonio, said she "wants to see and hear the evidence as it plays out in court," and plans on attending future court proceedings.

"Then (Ellerup will) decide if she thinks her husband is guilty of these crimes," Macedonio said after Wednesday's court appearance outside the eastern Long Island courthouse.

SUSPECTED GILGO BEACH SERIAL KILLER LINKED TO TWO MORE VICTIMS BY EXPLOSIVE NEW TESTIMONY, LAWYERS SAYS

When asked how she's holding up, Macedonio said she's dealing with some health issues, but "she's doing better."

"This has become the new normal," he said. "She's moving on with life as best she can for her and her children."

Ellerup filed for divorce less than a week after Heuermann's arrest in July, and reportedly visited him in jail for the first time last week and spent about an hour with him, according to Macedonio.

"You have to remember that Rex is in a section of the jail that's really isolation," Brown said in response to a question about Ellerup visiting Heuermann in jail.

"So other than the correctional officers and myself, he hasn't really had any interaction with anybody. So the fact that his wife, his family member, was able to see him, and they talked, that was important to him."

GILGO BEACH MURDERS: THE INVESTIGATION IN PHOTOS

Heuermann allegedly killed three of the "Gilgo Beach 4" victims: Melissa Barthelemy, 24, Megan Waterman, 22, and Amber Costello, 27, and remains the prime suspect in the death of the fourth victim  25-year-old Maureen Brainard-Barnes.

All their remains were found on Gilgo Beach along Long Island's South Shore, which is about 15 miles from his home.

Heuermann was charged with six counts of murder (first- and second-degree murder for each victim) and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Brown said his team is waiting for the investigative notes that detail law enforcement's actions leading up to his client's arrest.

REX HEUERMANN'S PECULIAR CONNECTION TO MANORVILLE BUTCHER AND VICTIMS' SCATTERED BODY PARTS

"As many of you know, there were so many suspects over the years that they focused on," Brown told reporters after Wednesday's court appearance. "And we want to know why they discounted those individual suspects. That's going to be important to our case."

Heuermann is due back in court on Feb. 6.

WATCH: SURVEILLANCE OF HEUERMANN'S ARREST IN MIDTOWN MANHATTAN

Police found Heuermann's alleged victims in December 2010 while they searched for a missing escort, Shannan Gilbert .

By April 2011, they found the remains of at least six more victims in the area, which created one of New York's most infamous cold cases .

GILGO BEACH MURDERS: INVESTIGATORS EYE POTENTIAL REX HEUERMANN VICTIMS IN UNSOLVED CASES IN OTHER STATES

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, who is personally prosecuting the case, established the Gilgo Beach Task Force when he took office in 2022.

The task force quickly identified Heuermann, a Manhattan architect, as the suspect using evidence collected in the early days of the investigation, trailed him for about a year and finally slapped the cuffs on him on July 13.

WATCH GILGO BEACH FILMMAKER INTERVIEW BREAK DOWN THE CASE

Heuermann allegedly lived a double life. By day, he was a successful businessman, devoted husband and father to two children.

By night, he was allegedly a predator who terrorized sex workers and their families for his gratification.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE TRUE CRIME FROM FOX NEWS

He allegedly attacked the sex workers while his wife was out of town, according to prosecutors.

There were at least six other victims' remains found in varying stages of decomposition in the area of Gilgo Beach, along Long Island's south shore, between December 2010 and April 2011.

Heuermann has not been connected to any of the other victims to date, which has fueled theories of a second serial killer  dubbed the " Manorville Butcher "  hunting on Long Island at the same time.

Fox News' Jennifer Johnson contributed to this report.





Original article source: Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect Rex Heuermann 'appreciates' wife attending court, lawyer says
PORTLAND, Ore. (PORTLAND TRIBUNE)  Grand Kyiv Ballets rendition of Giselle plays the Newmark Theatre in Portland on Nov. 24-25. (1111 S.W. Broadway, Portland. Tickets $29 to $113.)

The spotlight shines on Ana Sophia Scheller, a dancer hailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and an alumna of the School of American Ballet. Formerly a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, Scheller stars in Giselle, a French ballet masterpiece.

Husband turns himself in after killing wife at Oregon City home: Police

Giselle, a tale of love, betrayal and vengeance, has won hearts for over 180 years.

Ballet fans call it one of the greatest dramatic love stories ever told when a peasant girl falls in love with a nobleman disguised as a commoner but dies of a broken heart when she discovers the truth about her lovers identity. She joins the Wilis, who are young, unmarried girls betrayed by their lovers, transformed into spirits seeking revenge.

Parents begin to feel pinch of PPS teachers strike

Per publicity: The principal and Artisitc Director of The Grand Kyiv Ballet is Oleksandr Stoianov and he and his wife, world-renowned dancer Kateryna Kukhar, now call Seattle their temporary home due to the conflict in Ukraine. They were each continents away when the war erupted. Originally planning to return to Kyiv, their lives were upended when they received news of the wars outbreak and bombings. This couple, parents to two children, undertook extraordinary efforts, with the help of friends and family, to evacuate their children safely from Ukraine. Alex has started five ballet companies to bring work to all of the company members who evacuated Ukraine during the war.

Read more at PortlandTribune.com.

The Portland Tribune and its parent company Pamplin Media Group are KOIN 6 News media partners

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
A new video details a good Samaritan being at the wrong place at the right time  and helping save the life of a police officer.

The good Samaritan, John Lally, caught his own heroic acts on camera after he got caught in the middle of a police chase turned shootout on Highway 59 in Houston over the weekend.

Lally told Fox 26 Houston that he was driving down Highway 59 on Saturday when he witnessed a police chase turn into a car crash.

Police said Officer J. Gibson was attempting to pull over a suspect in a stolen vehicle and a chase began when the driver didn't pull over.

FLORIDA ARMY VETERAN HELPS TAKE DOWN CARJACKING SUSPECT IN STARBUCKS DRIVE-THRU

Houston good Samaritan helps drag wounded cop out of Highway 59 gunfight.

Authorities said the suspect did not listen to the officer's commands when he approached the vehicle, and the man began shooting, striking Gibson in his leg.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

When Lally pulled over to help any injured drivers, he said he witnessed a lot more than expected.

HOUSTON POLICE HUNT COSTUMED GUNMAN, ACCOMPLICE AFTER STRANGERS' ARGUMENT TURNS DEADLY

"That's when I grabbed that cop by his vest and dragged him all the way back to my work truck," Lally told Fox 26.

Lally then sat with Gibson, holding his hand while other officers applied a tourniquet to Gibson's leg.

The chase picked back up as Lally sat with the wounded officer.

GOOD SAMARITAN PULLS FLORIDA MAN FROM BURNING CAR

The Houston, Texas, skyline at dusk and I-45 commuter traffic.

According to authorities, the suspect got into another car, then got back out, and attempted to get into a second car.

Police said five officers shot at the suspect, who was hit multiple times. The 19-year-old died from his injuries at the hospital, according to police.

Police are still investigating the incident and said they will release the body camera footage within 30 days.

Fox 26 Houston reporter Abigail Dye contributed to this story.





Original article source: Good Samaritan helps drag wounded Houston cop out of highway gunfight
Kentucky Sen. Whitney Westerfield, R-Crofton, speaks on the Senate floor at the Capitol in Frankfort. Jan. 7, 2021

A bipartisan team of legislators and a survivor of a mass shooting are working to convince a state deeply rooted in gun rights that a law to temporarily remove a person's firearm could be beneficial.

State Sen. Whitney Westerfield, R-Crofton, is planning to introduce a bill on the matter during the 2024 legislative session, which begins in January. Sen. David Yates, D-Louisville, said he will sign on to the bill as a co-sponsor.

The proposal is backed by mass shooting survivor Whitney Austin, of Louisville, as a way to reduce shootings and suicides.

Austin was involved in a 2018 shooting in Cincinnati at Fountain Square, when a gunman opened fire on the lobby of Fifth Third's headquarters. Three people were killed and two were injured, including Austin, who was shot 12 times.

The new bill will focus on the concept of Crisis Aversion and Rights Retention  or CARR  which gives family and friends a way to temporarily remove a firearm from those thought to be in a mental crisis.

A joint legislative interim meeting of the judiciary committees will discuss the proposed bill on Dec. 15 at 10 a.m.

How is a CARR different from a red flag law?

A previous version of the bill, referred to as a "red-flag law," was first filed in 2019 and also had bipartisan support, backed by then-state Sen. Morgan McGarvey, D-Louisville, and Sen. Paul Hornback, R-Shelbyville. The unsuccessful bill was then filed two more times in the next three years before McGarvey moved to Congress and Hornback retired.

At the time, the idea was strongly opposed by some members of Kentucky's heavily Republican legislature. Rep. Savannah Maddox, R-Dry Ridge, called the bill a "threat" to constitutional rights.

Austin said she took the feedback from previous versions of the law, gathered more data and began to reframe the new bill.

Kentucky has the 13th highest number of gun deaths per capita, according to the Centers for Disease Control, based on 2021 data, the last available year. And the data also shows every 16 hours, a Kentuckian died by a firearm-related suicide.

Austin said CARR is different from the former laws because it focuses on gun owners.

"There are many reasons gun owners could be facing a crisis moment, and a huge focus of CARR is once a firearm would be temporarily transferred, wed give them a list of support services and help them move to a path of safe gun ownership," Austin said. "It's focused on doing everything we can to help them and get them back to a place where gun ownership is safe."

CARR creates a legal pathway to temporarily separate an individual in crisis from firearms, giving the person whose guns may be temporarily removed to be involved in a judicial hearing.

"But it is a very, very narrow path," Austin said. "No one is allowed to go to the judge and request the order unless youre law enforcement."

The new framework allows for family or friends to report evidence of a crisis to law enforcement. From there, a law enforcement official will determine the need to file a petition in district court for a temporary CARR order. Petitions can be filed with the court 24 hours a day, like a warrant or a protective order.

The district court would then need to find "probable cause" that a person poses "an immediate danger of causing serious physical injury to self or others," according to Austin. Then a court can issue a temporary CARR order, which would temporarily transfer all firearms a person in crisis owns to law enforcement or a designated "responsible third party" at the request of those in crisis.

"The main thing is what can we do to take care of gun owners," Austin said, "because thats whos impacted by all of this, whether its suicide or being used on others."

Why now?

Westerfield, the chairman of the state Senate Judiciary Committee, told a Cincinnati TV station the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, had an impact on him.

"I don't know why it was different other than the children whose voices we heard on 911 calls," Westerfield told the station.

Westerfield could not be reached for comment.

Yates called the bill a "fair and balanced approach that protects Second Amendment rights."

"Im a gun owner," Yates told The Courier Journal. "I have a concealed weapon permit. I learned to shoot before I learned how to drive. I can tell you this bill is in no way intended to remove firearms from law-abiding citizens that are not in a mental health crisis with the intent of doing harm to themselves or others, that has to be proven by clear and convincing evidence in front of a judge."

CARR laws have been enacted in 19 states, including two Republican-led states  Indiana and Florida  and the District of Columbia.

Indiana has had its law on the books since 2001. Florida enacted its law after 17 people were killed and 17 more were injured during the shooting in Parkland, Florida. Indiana has the 17th highest number of gun deaths per capita; Florida ranks 34th.

How could CARR have affected Louisville's mass shooting?

The December legislative hearing will come eight months and five days after the mass shooting in Louisville at Old National Bank that resulted in five deaths and eight injuries.

Yates considered Tommy Elliott, a senior vice president who was killed in the shooting, a close friend and mentor.

"When I was elected to the state Senate, I promised myself that I would never shy away from what was right just because of political ramifications," Yates told The Courier Journal. "This is not a gun-grabbing bill. This is a mental health crisis bill."

The Louisville bank gunman, Connor Sturgeon, bought a gun despite struggles with mental health. Two days after the shooting, his family released a statement that said: "While Connor, like many of his contemporaries, had mental health challenges which we, as a family, were actively addressing, there were never any warning signs or indications he was capable of this shocking act."

Kentucky state Sen. David Yates arrives at Broadway Baptist Church on April 14, 2023, for the funeral of Thomas "Tommy" Elliott, senior vice president of Old National Bank who was one of five killed in a mass shooting at the bank earlier in the week.

Sturgeon had told at least one person he was suicidal, according to McGarvey, who spoke at a press conference just days after the shooting.

"What we do know is that studies conducted over 30 years show that 90% of shooters engaged in suicidal behaviors, which means there are warning signs," Austin said. "And 80% expressed their intent to others.

"If we know 80% of mass shooters are expressing their intent to harm themselves and also to harm others, then a tool like CARR is the perfect solution to do something about it."

States that have passed similar measures have seen, on average, between a 7% and 14% drop in suicides, Yates said.

More: Old National Bank shooting victims, families to file suit against gun manufacturer

"I think a lot about what we could have passed, what we could have done that would have changed that situation, and the truth is I dont know," Yates said.

Kentucky has had two mass shootings since 2018, including at Marshall County High School, when 16 were shot and two were killed. In that time, there have been more than 3,000 suicides in the state.

"To continue to do nothing at all is not working," Yates said.

Stephanie Kuzydym is an investigative reporter. She can be reached at skuzydym@courier-journal.com. Follow her for updates at @stephkuzy.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: GOP Kentucky lawmaker backing bill to remove guns from those in crisis
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) said he was nobly representing Oklahoma values when he challenged a union boss to a fight Tuesday. A meeting of the Senate HELP Committee went off the rails when Mullin challenged Teamsters President Sean OBrien to make good on an earlier online beef between the pair. Committee chair Bernie Sanders (I-VT) shut down the looming melee, reminding Mullin that hes a United States senator. Speaking about the incident with Mullin on Fox News on Tuesday night, Sean Hannity praised Mullins actions, saying any other response would have been gutless.

Mullin agreed, then said: What did people want me to do? If I didnt do that, people in Oklahoma would be pretty upset at me. He added: Im supposed to represent Oklahoma values.

Read more at The Daily Beast.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Animal groups alongside Former Governor Keating, Former Attorney General Edmondson are calling Governor Stitts embrace of cockfighting as an embarrassment.

Former Governor Frank Keating, former Attorney General Drew Edmondson, and leaders of Animal Wellness Action and the Kirkpatrick Policy Group on today reacted to a video message recorded by Governor Kevin Stitt for a cockfighters rally and fundraiser on November 12th in McAlester, Okla., calling it an embarrassment and toxic to the idea of economic development and forward progress for our great state.

To have the governor of our state embracing it, to me is pathetic and reprehensible, said Edmondson.

Animal activist alongside policy groups say last session, lawmakers failed to pass and intact HB 2530 or SB 1006 in either chamber, but the bills can be re-examined in the 2024 session.

Tribes say they provide tag information to the state despite claims from Governor

Cockfighting is every bit as cruel and backwards now as when I actively supported the ballot initiative 20 years ago, when voters decisively outlawed knife fights between animals, said Governor Frank Keating, who served two terms as the states chief executive and had previously served as a U.S. Attorney. Recent polling shows that Oklahomans are nearly unanimous in their opposition to this form of intentional cruelty to animals. It is an embarrassment to me that any elected official seeks to turn back the clock on this morally settled issue. Talk of decriminalizing cockfighting is toxic to the idea of economic development and forward progress for our great state.

Cockfighting is barbaric and bound up with other crimes, said former Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson (1995-2011), who defended the anti-cruelty law before the Oklahoma Supreme Court from challenges in 2003 and 2004. Governor Stitt is associating himself with lawlessness, and thats not a proper role for any statewide elected official. General Edmondson is co-chair of the National Law Enforcement Council for Animal Wellness Action.

Opposition to cockfighting in Oklahoma has only cemented since the approval of State Question 687 to outlaw cockfighting and associated activities in 2002.

Theres no mistake that the crowd was cock fighters, said Kevin Chambers, who attended the rally.

Governor Stitts barely concealed embrace of cockfighting is both jarring and unique in American politics, said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. No other governor in any state during my 30 years of work on this issue has ever signaled support for staged animal fighting. Any politician supporting it embraces animal cruelty and lawlessness.

According to the broad public opposition to cockfighting by leaders of animal welfare groups, enforcement actions have been far too limited given the scale of the ongoing crimes.

Leaders of the animal welfare groups conclude, theres not been a single arrest in counties known to have extensive illegal cockfighting, including Atoka, Coal, LeFlore, and McCurtain counties.

In August 2023, however, Carter County prosecutors charged seven men, including a leader of the Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission, with felony offenses related to illegal cockfighting, stemming from a bust of a cockfighting pit in Ratliff City. According to The Ardmoreite, deputies broke up the illegal cockfighting event in June, confiscating [about 60] fighting roosters and equipment while impounding 20 vehicles and trailers. There were 170 to 180 people present for the cockfight, which occurred in the Fox/Graham area.

OK Gamefowl Commission member charged with illegal cockfighting

Oklahoma is a business-friendly and family-friendly state, and it is embarrassing for me as a native-born Oklahoma to have our governor warmly embrace a group that is engaging in illicit acts of animal cruelty, said Louisa McCune of the Kirkpatrick Policy Group in Oklahoma City. I know the vast majority of our state lawmakers do not agree with this kind of blatant disregard and disrespect for the rule of law.

Prior to Jan. 1, 2023 leaders of animal welfare groups say, the Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission donated $41,250 to 34 sitting House members and nine Senators, with the single largest recipient of contributions being Sen. Lonnie Paxton, R-21 ($2,500) and Governor Stitt ($2,000). A number of lawmakers returned the money to the Commission after learning more about the purposes of the group. The Animal Wellness Action released two videos of leaders of the OGC (Oklahoma Gaming Commission) appearing in marketing videos made by a Philippines-based cockfighting network.

We call for a sincere apology. We call for a retraction of those statements, added McCune.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
A new report from government watchdog organization OpenTheBooks.com tallies up federal money issued to 10 elite private universities: the eight that make up the Ivy LeagueHarvard, Yale, Brown, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia, Cornell, and Dartmouth Collegeplus Northwestern and Stanford.

Between 20182022, these 10 universities received $33.1 billion in federal contracts and grants. The largest recipient was Stanford, with just over $7 billion; Dartmouth was the only institution not to receive at least $1 billion, capping out at just over $755 million.

Of the $33 billion total, the report notes, only about $4.18 billion came in the form of contracts, in which work is done on behalf of a federal agency that then owns the results; the remainder, more than $28.9 billion, was distributed as grants, whereby an institution receives government money to fund its own projects.

In some cases, universities receive more money per year from the government than from their students: In the 202122 school year, Princeton University took in nearly $145 million in net tuition and fees (tuition paid minus scholarships disbursed), but it received over $362 million in government grants and contractsmore than twice the amount it received in tuition. In the 20222023 school year, Yale took in more than $458 million in net tuition and room and board costs, but it brought in a whopping $1.038 billion in government grant and contract income.

As private institutions, the universities in question are nominally meant to be funded by student tuition and donations; most also have generous endowments, assets invested to support the institution over a long period of time. And federal grant programs exist that are intended to fund research into projects that could have larger societal benefits: For example, the first COVID-19 vaccines were developed in part at Emory University and Vanderbilt University, with funding from the National Institutes of Health.

But the endowments themselves cast doubt on whether this money is truly necessary. As the OpenTheBooks.com report notes, in the five years during which the 10 universities in question received over $33 billion in government funds, they also grew their collective endowments by $64.8 billion. Stanford, which took in over $7 billion in government funds, grew its endowment from $26.5 billion to $36.5 billion over the same period.

"Many of these schools have received attention for left-wing agitation and advocacy from students and administrators alike in the past five years," notes OpenTheBooks.com founder and CEO Adam Andrzejewski. "Several have come under fire most recently for their responses to the October 7th attacks on Israel by the Hamas terror group."

Last week, Rep. Elise Stefanik (RN.Y.) told Fox News that "U.S. taxpayer dollars should be prohibited from funding any institution that promotes antisemitism or anti-Israel bigotry, and House Republicans will hold these extremist institutions accountable for failing their students." Similarly, when he ran for office in 2021, Sen. J.D. Vance (ROhio) called for the government to "seize the assets" of nonprofits whose politics he disagreed withincluding Harvard's endowmentwhich he referred to as "fundamentally cancers on society."

But that goes much too far. Private universities and the students who attend them should be free to speak their minds about any issue whatsoever without fear of government reprisal. Anti-Israel protests, even those with offensive and incendiary rhetoric, are fundamentally First Amendment-protected.

Rather, the government should reconsider the money it gives to private institutions because, just as with billion-dollar companies asking for tax incentives, universities sitting on multibillion-dollar war chests should shoulder more of the burden for their own expenditures.

The post Government Gives Billions in Grants Each Year to Ivy League Universities appeared first on Reason.com.
Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad employees and members of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters hold an informational picket in Hammond on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune) (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune)

Holding signs bearing slogans including IHB is greedy and Stop the war on railroad workers, about two dozen picketers gathered outside the Indiana Harbor Belt main office on 161st Street in Hammond early Wednesday morning to demand paid sick leave from the IHB and Canadian National Railway.

The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters organized the event and framed their demand as a push for increased fairness and workplace safety. The BMWED represents workers who build and maintain tracks, bridges, and other railroad infrastructure in the United States.

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The job has always been that you show up to work whether youre sick or injured, youre just expected to, BMWED director of Organizing Thomas Kirby told the Post-Tribune. But since COVID, its come to more of a head where you just cant come to work sick and expect that your buddys gonna get the cough, along with you. They might possibly die.

Adam Gilmour of Chicago pickets with members of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters during an informational picket in Hammond on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune) (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune)

Sick leave was a major sticking point in last years negotiations between rail industry unions and companies. The BMWED was one of four rail unions out of 12 whose members voted down a tentative deal with the companies, setting the stage for a strike whose impact would reverberate in nearly all sectors of the economy. Congress and President Joe Biden intervened in December, invoking the federal governments authority to block transportation industry strikes and imposing a labor agreement.

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The BMWED has struck sick leave deals with some of the nations largest railroads, including Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, and BNSF. Those victories have left Kirby optimistic that IHB and CN will come around. The BMWED had another informational picket scheduled for Wednesday afternoon at CNs Homewood Yard in Homewood, Illinois.

Disputes between rail industry employers and unions over sick leave reflect a larger conflict over the industrys approach to staffing and logistics, which in recent years has pivoted to precision scheduled railroading, a system wherein freight trains run on fixed schedules instead of departing once a sufficient number of loaded cars are available, as was previously the norm. The approach has lead to longer trains, tighter timetables, and fewer staff  a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that between November 2018 to December 2020, the rail industry lost 40,000 jobs. Maintaining strict train schedules with fewer workers has made industry leaders resistant to relaxing their attendance policies.

Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad employees and members of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters hold an informational picket in Hammond on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune) (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune)

Industry practices came under increased scrutiny after 38 cars of a Norfolk Southern freight train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, requiring the evacuation of around half of the towns 5,000 residents. Just two Norfolk Southern rail workers and one trainee were operating a train over 100 cars and 9,300 feet long, a fact that labor leaders and industry critics used to argue that precision scheduling had made the industry more dangerous. The company agreed to give some workers paid sick leave later the same month.

All of them, not just IHB, everyone across the board, especially the freight railroads, have whittled down their workforce so far that disasters like East Palestine happen that are dangerous to our workers our members and the community at large, BMWED communications director Clark Ballew told the Post-Tribune.

The only way to keep rail workers and communities safe, the picketers said, is for rail companies to invest more resources in staffing and offer employees more flexibility.

Joe Letizia of Green Bay, Wisconsin pickets with members of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters during an informational picket in Hammond on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune) (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune)

Among the events attendees were two members of the Hammond Common Council  Pete Torres, D-2nd, and Scott Rakos, D-6th  who showed up to voice their support for the unions demands.

Its unbelievable that they dont get paid for their sick days, Torres told the Post-Tribune.

Terry Steagall, a retired union steelworker, attended the picket to show solidarity with the rail workers. Improved safety in the rail industry means the same for the steel industry, he said, since the former relies on the latter to transport molten iron and other hazardous materials between facilities.

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Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad employees and members of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters hold an informational picket in Hammond on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune) (Michael Gard/Post-Tribune)

Theyre making working conditions that arent acceptable to todays standards, he said. And were out to change that corporate greed needs to go away.

In response to a request for comment, CN spokesman Kevin Donahue noted that the company has reached an agreement with 8 out of the 12 principal rail unions, adding that it is negotiating consistent terms with the other unions.

IHB did not return a request for comment.
FILE - Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers speaks with reporters in the state Capitol, Oct. 17, 2023, in Madison, Wis. Lockdowns at two of Wisconsin's oldest and most understaffed prisons are being eased, a move announced by Gov. Evers that comes less than a month after inmates filed a federal lawsuit alleging that current conditions at the Waupun prison amount to cruel and unusual punishment. (AP Photo/Scott Bauer, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

MADISON, Wis. (AP)  Lockdowns at two of Wisconsin's oldest and most understaffed prisons are being eased, the governor announced in a move that comes less than a month after inmates filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the conditions at one of the prisons amount to cruel and unusual punishment.

Gov. Tony Evers' announcement Tuesday about the eased lockdowns at the Waupun and Green Bay prisons, as well as a host of other efforts meant to increase safety at all Wisconsin prisons, comes amid calls from advocates and families of inmates who say the current conditions are inhumane.

The Waupun, Green Bay and Stanley prisons have been under lockdown for months as the state grapples with deteriorating buildings and a worker shortage. Waupuns lockdown began in March, Green Bays began in June, and Stanleys lockdown, although less restrictive, began in early 2023.

The Wisconsin Department of Corrections has said the prisons are in a state of modified movement.

Evers announced the easing of restrictions at Waupun and Green Bay after visiting the Waupun prison on Nov. 9, where he met with inmates, corrections officers and other staff. Visits to other prisons are planned, he said.

We will continue to use every lever and option available to bolster staffing resources and address vacancy rates to ensure the safety of staff and people in our care while resuming critical programming, Evers said in a statement.

At Waupun, only rules related to visitation, personal hygiene frequency and recreation time remain suspended due to ongoing staffing shortages, Evers' office said. And at Green Bay, only rules related to visitation and recreation time remain suspended.

At least three inmates at Waupun have died in the last four months. One death was confirmed as a suicide, and the other two remain under investigation. There were two suicides at the Green Bay prison between 2019 and 2022, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Both occurred in its restrictive housing unit, also known as solitary confinement.

A group of Waupun inmates filed a federal lawsuit in Milwaukee in October alleging that the prison's conditions amounted to cruel and unusual punishment. The prisoners said they couldn't get access to health care, with guards telling them their illnesses are all in your head and they should pray for a cure. They also said they were allowed only one shower per week, they received no educational programming, they weren't allowed in-person visits with their families, and that the prison was infested with rats and roaches.

The governor said the effort he is launching along with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections is designed to end the lockdowns, reduce the use of solitary confinement, bolster staff emergency response and transition Waupun toward single-cell housing by March 1, which will reduce the number of inmates being housed there and take pressure off the understaffed prison.

Getting Waupun to single-cell housing will requiring transferring about 220 inmates who are currently there to other prisons, Evers said.

The prisons in Waupun and Green Bay were both built in the 1800s and need significant physical upgrades. Waupun was built in the 1850s, while the Green Bay prison was built in the 1890s.

Evers said he ordered the Department of Corrections to review options for physical changes at the prisons, which would likely be extremely costly and could include tearing down and rebuilding large portions.

Jim Rafter, the village president in Allouez, where the Green Bay prison is located, said anything short of closing the facility would be woefully inadequate.

The facility is a powder keg and were hopeful that the Governors capital planning exercise will further demonstrate that its past time to shutter this 125 year old facility that poses a considerable safety threat to our community, he said in a written statement.

According to the latest Department of Corrects figures, as of Nov. 10 there were nearly 22,000 inmates being housed in prisons designed to hold around 17,500. But hundreds of beds aren't available for inmates due to low staffing, according to the governor's office.

For the pay period ending Nov. 4, more than half of the positions were vacant at the Waupun prison and nearly 41% were unfilled at Green Bay, according to Evers' office.

In an effort to increase staffing, the Legislature approved pay raises for prison guards in the state budget Evers signed this summer. Starting salaries are now double what they were six years ago, the governor said. Those pay raises, along with other efforts designed to bolster staffing, have led to a doubling in applications to work for the Department of Corrections over the past four months, he said.
The start of this year's Grand National was delayed by protests

Ten people have been charged with highway offences after animal rights activists blocked the M57 and another road before this year's Grand National.

Protesters are alleged to have blocked access for vehicles near junction 2 of the motorway, causing significant disruption in the area around Aintree racecourse on 15 April.

A second demo took place on Wango Lane.

A further protest on the racecourse that delayed the race's start is still under investigation, police said.

Police arrested 118 people on the day of the race, after the disruption saw it start 14 minutes later than its scheduled time.

Horse deaths

Nine people have been charged with wilful obstruction of a highway while a 10th person has been charged with stopping/causing a vehicle to remain at rest on a carriageway of a motorway.

They have all been released on bail and are due to attend various courts on either 22 November or 20 December.

Det Ch Inspector Ben Dyer said an investigation into events at the Aintree racecourse was ongoing, adding: "If you have any information, please get in touch."

The 175th Grand National was won by Corach Rambler, ridden by Derek Fox.

One horse, Hill Sixteen, died after falling at the first fence, meaning there were three horse deaths at the 2023 meeting overall.

Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook, X and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk
Four women  two daughters, their mom and their grandmother  recently got together in Colorado for the emotional trip of their lives. They underwent psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy using psilocybin, a compound found in mushrooms.

The retreat, specifically tailored for women, was legal following Colorado voters' decision last year to decriminalize psilocybin's use.

As three generations of one family got together, they were hoping for a new and different path to healing.

Delaney Sanchez, 23, said she was diagnosed as a teen with anxiety, which would manifest in panic attacks. Medications to treat it, she said, weren't effective.

"They've made me feel like very...kind of numb to everything," she said.

Recently, her mom, 59-year-old Dana Sanchez, asked if she wanted to try mushrooms  as a family, including with her 77-year-old grandmother.

"We had talked about it...for my anxiety which I was really interested in and I kinda felt like if my grandma could do it, I should be able to do it, too," Delaney Sanchez said, laughing.

Magic mushrooms took root in the counterculture movement of the 1960s and found their way into research labs. Around 200 species of mushrooms are known to contain the active component that produces psychedelic effects. But psychedelics, including psilocybin, were outlawed in 1970.

Some 30 years later, scientists began revisiting psilocybin and found it increased brain activity. Today, clinical trials are underway at top research institutions, and some are now turning to it in search of healing.

Heather Lee, who has been a therapist for over 30 years, said she went through one of the first trainings to become certified in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy after Colorado become the second U.S. state to vote in favor of creating a regulated system for substances like psilocybin and another hallucinogen, psilocin.

"Mushrooms seem to be very gentle teachers," Lee said. "They bring to light and bring to surface material that needs to be healed."

Her recent therapy session with the four women involved drinking mushroom tea, after which each woman retreated into a personal space for introspection, aided by eye masks and headphones with pre-loaded soundtracks. Lee said she can't guarantee people's safety but that she screens "really carefully" during her sessions.

Not long after drinking the tea, Dana Sanchez started feeling uneasy, while Delaney Sanchez got emotional and sick.

"I had a rough start, for sure," Delaney Sanchez said. "I struggled a lot with that...overwhelming feeling of anxiety and just, I felt trapped by my own panic. And then, I just had to let go. And I just feel like once I did, it got a lot more peaceful."

Danielle Sanchez, 25, smiled during her session, and later said she found a profound sense of peace and love.

"I felt like I could face my own fears with, like, have a smile on my face and just saying, 'It's silly, just let it go!'" she said.

Donna Strong, the grandmother, faced more somber reflections, which she and the others shared more than four hours after drinking the tea, at what Lee calls an integration session.

"Mine was a little dark. I just couldn't move. You know, I felt, uh, uncomfortable. And I'm thinking maybe that's been my whole life," Strong said.

All the women said they felt healing took place  a shared experience Dana Sanchez was grateful for.

"The gift is the women in my family," she said. "Just how strong we are, but also we're growing together and we're releasing stuff together."

Lee believes a psychedelic renaissance is taking place.

"People are hungry for emotional and psychospiritual healing," she said. "We need soul healing."

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Women's retreat in Colorado uses magic mushrooms to help healing

Sen. Joe Manchin doesn't rule out 2024 White House bid
Climate activist Greta Thumberg, center, arrives at the Westminster Magistrates Court, in London, Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, where she has to appear, following her charges with a public order offence after she was arrested while taking part in a protest against a conference in London described as "the Oscars of oil". (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

LONDON (AP)  Climate activist Greta Thunberg on Wednesday denied a public order offense after she was arrested last month at a demonstration against a major oil and gas industry conference in London.

The 20-year-old Swedish environmental campaigner was among more than two dozen people charged after protesters sought to block access to the luxury InterContinental Hotel in central London during the Energy Intelligence Forum, attended by some of the industry's top executives.

Thunberg was charged with breaching a section of the Public Order Act that allows police to impose limits on public assemblies. She and four other protesters pleaded not guilty at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Thunberg confirmed her details in court, but her address in Stockholm was not read out due to concerns over alleged threats she has received.

The protesters were granted unconditional bail ahead of a trial in London scheduled for February 2024.

Five others also charged over the protest all denied the same offense on Wednesday. They will face trial at a later date.

The court hearing drew crowds of photographers and Thunberg's supporters from groups including Greenpeace and Fossil Free London, who gathered outside the building chanting and holding banners reading Oily Money Out and Make Polluters Pay.

Thunberg and other climate protesters accuse fossil fuel companies of deliberately slowing the global energy transition to renewables in order to make more profit. They also oppose the British governments recent approval of drilling for oil in the North Sea, off the Scottish coast.

Thunberg inspired a global youth movement demanding stronger efforts to fight climate change after staging weekly protests outside the Swedish Parliament starting in 2018.

In July she was fined by a Swedish court for disobeying police and blocking traffic during an environmental protest at an oil facility. She had already been fined for the same offense previously in Sweden.
Climate campaigner Greta Thunberg has appeared before magistrates to deny a public order offence after her arrest at a protest in central London.

The 20-year-old Swedish national was detained at a demonstration near the InterContinental Hotel in Mayfair on 17 October as oil executives met inside.

She pleaded not guilty at Westminster Magistrates' Court to breaching Section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986.

Four other Fossil Free London activists pleaded not guilty alongside her.

Ms Thunberg confirmed her name and date of birth, but her address in Stockholm was not read out in court due to concerns over threats she is said to have received.

The protesters were granted unconditional bail ahead of a trial at City of London Magistrates' Court, which is set to start on 1 February.

Greta Thunberg ran from awaiting crowds of photographers after she left court

A group of Greenpeace and Fossil Free London protesters gathered outside Westminster Magistrates' Court, chanting and holding banners reading "oily money out" and "make polluters pay".

A large crowd of photographers and video journalists waited for Ms Thunberg and surrounded her as she left the court.

After failing to break free from the cluster as she walked down the pavement, Ms Thunberg sharply changed direction and sprinted away down Marylebone Road.

Activists were protesting outside an energy conference when arrests were made last month

The Metropolitan Police had imposed imposed conditions on the 17 October protest under Section 14 of the Public Order Act to "prevent serious disruption to the community, hotel and guests".

Dozens of protesters blocked Hamilton Place, near Park Lane, on the first day of the three-day Energy Intelligence Forum - formerly called the Oil and Money conference - where bosses of Shell and Total were due to speak.

Activists carried banners and pink umbrellas with eyes painted on, shouting "cancel the conference", while some lit yellow and pink flares.

The Met Police previously said a number of protesters failed to move from the road and on to the pavement when asked to do so, resulting in multiple arrests.

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Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg on Wednesday denied a public order offence, after she was arrested at a demonstration against the energy industry in central London.

The 20-year-old activist -- a key face of the movement to fight climate change -- was among 26 people charged at the October 17 demonstration in the British capital.

Inside Westminster Magistrates Court, Thunberg, who was mobbed by photographers and camera crews as she arrived, giggled with other defendants as she waited for the hearing to start.

She spoke only to confirm her name, age and correspondence address, and to enter a plea of not guilty.

Four other defendants appearing alongside her also pleaded not guilty.

They were given unconditional bail until an expected two-day trial that the court was told would start at City of London Magistrates' Court on February 1.

Climate protesters Greenpeace and Fossil Free London campaigners earlier stood outside the court with banners proclaiming "Oily money out" and "Make polluters pay".

A 28-year-old charity worker from Fossil Free London who gave her name only as Josie told AFP she was there to show solidarity with those arrested.

Last month's meeting involved oil executives and others for discussions about making "lots of money out of destroying our future", she added.

The demonstration saw several hundred rally outside a major London hotel, blocking all entrances to the venue.

- Message -

Maja Darlington, a campaigner at Greenpeace UK, said the group's activists joined the demonstration to send "a clear and peaceful message" to the oil bosses.

Before her arrest, Thunberg had criticised "closed door" agreements between politicians and representatives of the oil and gas industry.

London police said they imposed "conditions to prevent disruption to the public" at the protest, which were then breached, prompting the arrests.

Thunberg was put in a police van outside the Energy Intelligence Forum.

She has since come under fire for wearing a black and white Palestinian scarf and urging a "ceasefire now" during a climate protest in Amsterdam.

Her speech at the event on Sunday was interrupted by a man who tried to snatch a microphone from her, saying he had come for a climate protest, not to hear her other views.

After he was removed by security officers, Thunberg began chanting, along with the crowd, "no climate justice on occupied land".

Thunberg, who started the so-called "School Strike for Climate" movement as a teenager, was fined by a court in Sweden in October.

That was imposed after she was convicted of having resisted arrest during a July protest that blocked traffic.

In court on Wednesday another another five people also charged over the protest appeared after Thunberg and denied the same offence.

They will face trial at a later date.

srg-har/bp
Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg was mobbed as she arrived at court (Daniel LEAL)

Climate protesters sang songs and held up banners on Wednesday as Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg arrived at a London court after being arrested during a demonstration against the energy industry.

The 20-year-old activist -- a key face of the movement to fight climate change -- was among 26 people charged with a public order offence at the October 17 demonstration in London.

She was released on bail and ordered to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court in central London.

Thunberg was mobbed by photographers and film crews as she arrived, with Greenpeace and Fossil Free London campaigners holding banners proclaiming "Oily money out" and "Make polluters pay".

A 28-year-old charity worker from Fossil Free London who gave her name only as Josie told AFP she was there to show solidarity with those arrested.

Last month's meeting involved oil executives and others for discussions about making "lots of money out of destroying our future", she added.

The demonstration saw several hundred rally outside a major London hotel, blocking all entrances to the venue.

Maja Darlington, a campaigner at Greenpeace UK, said the group's activists joined the demonstration to send "a clear and peaceful message" to the oil bosses.

Before her arrest, Thunberg had criticised "closed door" agreements struck between politicians and representatives of the oil and gas industry.

London police said they imposed "conditions to prevent disruption to the public" at the protest, which were then breached, prompting the arrests.

Thunberg was put in a police van outside the Energy Intelligence Forum.

She has since come under fire for wearing a black and white Palestinian scarf and urging a "ceasefire now" during a climate protest in Amsterdam.

Her speech at the event on Sunday was interrupted by a man who tried to snatch a microphone from her, saying he had come for a climate protest, not tohear her other views.

After he was removed by security officers, Thunberg began chanting, along with the crowd, "no climate justice on occupied land".

Thunberg, who started the so-called "School Strike for Climate" movement as a teenager, was fined by a court in Sweden earlier in October.

That followed the court convicting her for having resisted arrest during a July protest that blocked traffic.

srg-har/phz/bp
Climate campaigner Greta Thunberg has denied a public order offence after being arrested at a protest in London.

The 20-year-old from Sweden was arrested during a demonstration near the InterContinental Hotel in Mayfair on 17 October as oil executives met inside for the Energy Intelligence Forum.

She pleaded not guilty at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday to breaching Section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986 by failing to leave the highway and continue the protest on the pavement.

Greta Thunberg arrives at court to throng of photographers (AP)

Thunberg confirmed her name and date of birth, but her address in Stockholm was not read out in court due to concerns over alleged threats she has received. She was seen laughing and smiling as the hearing took place.

The campaigner and four other Fossil Free London protesters were granted unconditional bail before their trial on 1 February at the City of London Magistrates Court.

A group of Greenpeace and Fossil Free London activists gathered outside the court early Wednesday, chanting and holding banners reading Oily Money Out and Make Polluters Pay.

Thunbergs fans outside Westminster Magistrates Court (Yui Mok/PA)

After being bailed Thunberg joined other climate protests in London organised by Fossil Free London  outside JP Morgan in Canary Wharf on 19 October, and outside Londons Guildhall on Monday.

The first two protests were in relation to the continued use of fossil fuels by major oil and gas companies, while the latest focused on the governments approval of drilling at the Rosebank oil field.

Before she was detained at the Mayfair protest, Thunberg told journalists outside the hotel: The world is drowning in fossil fuels. Our hopes and dreams and lives are being washed away by a flood of greenwashing and lies.

It has been clear for decades that the fossil fuel industries were well aware of the consequences of their business models, and yet they have done nothing.

The opposite  they have actively delayed, distracted and denied the causes of the climate crisis and spread doubts about their own engagement in it.

Thunberg, from Stockholm, Sweden, has been an active environmental campaigner since the age of 15 and was fined by a Swedish court in July for stopping traffic during an environmental protest at an oil facility.
MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG)  Alabama advocacy groups are urging a halt to the scheduled execution of Casey McWhorter and greater transparency in the states execution procedures.

McWhorter, 49, robbed and killed Edward Lee Williams in Marshall County; he was convicted of capital murder in 1994, according to News 19, WKRGs sister station in Huntsville, Alabama.

But the jury in that conviction did not unanimously agree on McWhorters punishment  in Alabama, when a jury votes on conviction in a death penalty case, only 10 of the 12 jurors need to agree, News 19 reported  and thats just one reason why some groups want a reprieve.

On Wednesday, representatives from various Alabama organizations met on the steps of the State Capitol Building in Montgomery to deliver thousands of signatures on two petitions to Gov. Kay Ivey, who set a Nov. 16, 2023, execution date for McWhorter.

The Pull Back The Curtains petition calls for enhanced transparency in Alabamas execution process.

Execution critics cite the case of Joe James Jr., who died at age 50 by lethal injection in 2022.

It happened three hours after the scheduled start time at the Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, which raised questions for critics.

Witnesses were kept in vans for more than two hours while awaiting the execution of Joe James, Jr. on July 28, 2022, the groups said in a statement. When they were finally brought to the witness room and the curtains were opened, James was already sedated and unresponsive.

An autopsy showed that he had been subjected to many and varied attempts to establish intravenous access with which to administer the execution drugs. Two other prisoners were subsequently poked and cut by prison workers who were incapable of establishing an IV line. 

An autopsy revealed multiple unsuccessful attempts to establish intravenous access for administering execution drugs to James and two other prisoners, the groups said in a news release.

An Alabama Department of Corrections spokesperson said ADOCs execution team followed protocol in the James execution, according to past news reports.

We oppose the death penalty in all cases, said Esther Brown, a spokesperson for Alabamas Project Hope to Abolish the Death Penalty. But no matter what you think about the death penalty, everyone wants our government to be capable and accountable.

You can view the groups petitions at bit.ly/PullBackTheCurtains and bit.ly/CaseyMcWhorter.

Signing participants include:

ACLU of Alabama

Alabama Appleseed Center for Law & Justice

Alabama Arise

Alabama CURE

Alabama New South Coalition

Alabama Poor Peoples Campaign

Alabama State Conference of the NAACP

BEC2BAMA

Civil Rights Memorial Center  Southern Poverty Law Center

Death Penalty Action

Episcopal Peace Fellowship

Faith in Action Alabama

Greater Birmingham Ministries

Green County Democrat

Joe James, et al PRESENTE!

Justice and Mercy for All, Birmingham

M.A.A.V.I.S.

Marys House Catholic Worker, Birmingham

North Alabama Peace Network

Patch Adams, MD  The Gesundheit! Institute

Project Hope to Abolish the Death Penalty

Red Letter Christians

Restorative Solutions

Restorative Strategies, LLC

Vine and Fig Tree Community

ALSO ON WKRG.com: Cherish talks Matthew Perry death reactions with TMZ

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
Bernardo Arevalo won Guatemala's presidential runoff election in August, but his battle to become president hasn't let up. (Moises Castillo / Associated Press)

Two months out, Bernardo Arevalo says he is confident he will be sworn in as president of Guatemala, on time and peacefully, despite the powerful establishment forces arrayed against him.

Since his landslide runoff electoral victory in August over a former first lady backed by the government, Arevalo has faced one legal challenge after another attempting to disqualify him from office.

Arevalo calls the moves an attempted coup. He has opponents in Guatemalas Congress and judiciary and in some segments of the economic elite.

They will continue using any means possible to try to block us, he said of his foes.

Despite ongoing hostility toward his ascendance, the inauguration on Jan. 14 is inevitable, Arevalo said last week during a visit to Washington, where he met with Biden administration officials and members of the U.S. Congress and the Guatemalan diaspora.

A center-left politician, former diplomat and expert in post-conflict peace-building who vowed to fight Guatemalas endemic corruption, Arevalo, 65, stunned the conservative powers in Central Americas most populated country with his victory.

Since then, judicial officials, led by Atty. Gen. Maria Consuelo Porras, have attempted to invalidate Arevalos political party, Semilla, and push forward unsubstantiated claims of fraud in the August vote.

Porras is one of several dozen Guatemalan officials who have been blacklisted by the U.S. State Department over alleged corruption.

An Arevalo presidency could signify a sea change in the oppressive and oligarch-based politics of Guatemala, and become a model for the rest of the region.

The runoff election was judged free and fair by observers from the U.S., the European Union and the Organization of American States.

Crucial to Arevalos ability to assume office is international support. The Biden administration has been vocal in urging Guatemalan officials to respect the democratic process and the will of the people, and to refrain from attempts to overturn the election results.

But does Arevalo believe the U.S., which in the past has overlooked and even contributed to corruption in Central America, has done enough?

The United States has been part of that broad consensus in support of democracy in Guatemala, and they have been very effective in supporting us, Arevalo said at a news conference last week in Washington.

He said members of his future government had already held planning sessions with American agencies such as United States Agency for International Development so they can hit the ground running.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Brian Nichols, who oversees Western Hemisphere affairs, reiterated last week that the U.S. stands firmly with the Guatemalan people and their overwhelming vote for Arevalo.

Those who defend democracy will succeed, Nichols said on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, after holding meetings with the president-elect.

Arevalo has also been buoyed by massive demonstrations in his favor organized by Guatemalas large and long-oppressed Indigenous communities.

Its historic, he said.

Tens of thousands of Indigenous Guatemalans were killed by government forces in the countrys long civil war, which ended in 1996 under a United Nations-brokered accord.

Yet another force that Arevalo will have to confront is rampant organized crime and narcotics trafficking, a regional scourge that he said had deeply tainted his countrys political system.

On the issue of narco-trafficking, we have a huge problem, Arevalo said. When you have a corrupt system, it is extremely easy for organized crime and trafficking to penetrate that system.

After decades of corruption in Guatemala, he said, it had reached various levels of government.

We know there are narco-alcaldes [narco-mayors], we know there are narco-diputados [narco-congressmen], and beyond, Arevalo said. So we are very clear that the fight against narco-trafficking is fundamental if we actually want to start claiming the state back.

Latin America, like other parts of the world, has seen a number of so-called outsider presidents assume office and promise to reverse long trends of corruption, poverty and violence  only to undermine democratic institutions in order to consolidate power and stay in office indefinitely.

Supporters of Arevalo hope he will prove to be a departure from that pattern, but before that test begins, he has to take office  which some observers warn is still not guaranteed.

There are still enormous barriers, said Eric Olson, policy director for the Seattle International Foundation, which specializes in Central American development and democracy-building. The courts and Congress are not on his side. Its a huge challenge.

These are powerful actors confronting him, Olson said. But Arevalo has a powerful mandate.

Get the best of the Los Angeles Times politics coverage with the Essential Politics newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez (left) address the crowd as the Gary Police Department hosted the National Night Out for residents at RailCats Stadium on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. (John Smierciak / Post Tribune) (John Smierciak/Post-Tribune)

Lake County Commissioners approved a barrage of contracts for 2024 as part of typical end of year business Wednesday, taking steps to move the jail contracts over which they have no control to a different part of the agenda.

Commissioners approved contracts for the Sheriffs Department legal team and two for individuals that were formerly members of the department, however they took no action on multiple contracts pertaining to the jail. Commissioner President Michael Repay, D-Hammond, said the body can only approve contracts that pertain to the sheriffs department and not the jail.

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Repay said the Indiana Supreme Court last year affirmed a lower courts decision that contracts for any jail-related services do not need to come before the body for approval. He said all of the jail contracts now can be approved behind closed doors.

Commissioner Kyle Allen Jr., D-Gary, agreed. Allen said since the courts ruled in the sheriffs favor, commissioners have no say on the matter even though they appear on the agenda.

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Contracts related to the jail are submitted to the commissioners only for inclusion on the agenda so the contracts are made a matter of public record. Commissioners retain approval authority over other contracts related to the sheriffs department but not related to the jail so are not governed by the court opinion.

John Kopack, attorney for Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez, via email said Martinez wanted the contracts placed on the agenda in the interest of full transparency for the public.

Per the ruling by Judge Scheele on June 30, 2022, only the Sheriff has authority to negotiate and sign contracts that relate to the needs, treatment and care of inmates housed in the Lake County Jail. Hence, all jail related contracts do not need any approval by the Lake County Board of Commissioners, Kopack wrote.

All other consulting contracts for legal and other consulting services are submitted to commissioners for approval on behalf of Lake County, he continued.

Each of these contracts specifically states the annual fee being charged, the duties performed by each attorney and consultant, etc., Kopack said.

Commissioners recommended that in the future, all jail related contracts should be submitted and listed in the other Items section of the commissioners agenda and all other contracts that are not jail related listed under the action to form contracts section of the agenda, he said.

Among the contracts approved were four for legal services. Attorney John Kopack will receive $180,000 in 2024 for his work represented the Lake County Sheriff and serving as the Sheriffs Legal Deputy, a position authorized by state statute, according to county documents.

Attorney A. Leon Sarkisian was retained for a fee not to exceed $53,000 in 2024 for legals services related to sheriff sales, bankruptcies and foreclosures while Attorney Jewell Harris was retained to represent LCSD to defend claims and respond to public record, subpoena and discovery requests. Harris will be paid an amount not to exceed $80,000 in 2024, according to the documents. Attorney Justin Murphy has been retained for a fee not to exceed $9,000 a year for his work on the Police Merit Board.

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Two former employees also received contracts from the Sheriffs Department. Colin Harms was contracted for Spillman Software System Management for a sum not to exceed $75,000 a year and William Paterson will continue his consulting contract for budget and procurement for a fee not to exceed $85,000 in 2024, according to the documents.

Contracts related to the jail that commissioners did not act on include a contract for former warden Mark Purevich for a fee not to exceed $95,000 in 2024. Purevich will serve as a consultant for inmate and medical records data management, technical services aid to the warden and chief compliance inspector for jail operations.

Dr. Keith Brian Douts will provide inmate dental services for a rant of $87,000 in 2024. Veronica Ramos-Clark and Fresh Start Counseling Services will receive $74,200 in 2024 to provide substance abuse services for inmates. Dr. Muthusamy Anandkumar will be paid $5,000 a month for monitoring and evaluation of medical and mental health services provided to inmates at the jail.

A $72,000 consulting contract with Charmain Gibson for jail services and a $50,000 contract for Addiction and Behavioral Services Inc. for jail services were also made a matter of public record.

cnapoleon@chicagotribune.com
George Washington (GW) University has temporarily suspended a pro-Palestine group over its anti-Israel messaging on campus.

Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) projected anti-Israel messages on a campus library last month, amid the current conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. In a Tuesday statement emailed to The Hill, the university said it determined that SJPs actions violated university policies.

As a result, effective immediately, the university has prohibited SJP from participating in activities on campus, the statement continued.

SJP cannot sponsor or organize on-campus activities on university property or use university facilities, including indoor and outdoor spaces available for reservation through the university; this prohibition is in effect for the next 90 days, the statement said. Also effective immediately, SJP is prohibited from posting communications on university property through May 20, 2024.

Last months projections, which garnered national attention and backlash, included messages such as Divestment from Zionist genocide now and Free Palestine From the River to the Sea. Politicians including Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) condemned the projections.

As an alumni of @GWtweets they should launch an investigation. I look forward to seeing the University statement on this, Moskowitz said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

A representative for the SJP told the student newspaper The GW Hatchet that GWs decision to bar the group from campus organizing was not a surprise.

We see this very clearly as being a political response to a growing wave of backlash and repression towards Palestinian organizing, but specifically the Palestinian student movement thats been happening the past few weeks, the representative said, according to the Hatchet.

The suspension of the SJP at GW also follows a similar decision by Columbia University, which last Friday suspended its SJP chapter through the fall semester.

The Hill has reached out to the student-run SJP group for comment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
He may not be as infamous as Osama bin Laden or Ted Bundy, but a Haitian gang leader charged with terrorizing U.S. citizens on the island has been named to the FBIs Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list and theres a $2 million award for him, the FBI announced Wednesday in South Florida.

His name is Vitelhomme Innocent. He was recently charged with ordering the kidnapping of two U.S. citizens in Haiti last year, including one who was shot and killed while being held hostage, according to federal authorities. Innocent, 37, was previously charged with playing a leading role in the kidnapping of a group of U.S. Christian missionaries in 2021.

Innocent becomes the 532nd fugitive to be placed on the FBIs most-wanted fugitives list since its inception in 1950, which has led to 494 of them being captured or located  including 14 found deceased, FBI officials said Wednesday. Bundy and bin Laden were on the list at the height of their notoriety.

The U.S. State Department also has doubled to $2 million the reward for information leading to his arrest or conviction, FBI officials said.

Its a marked increase over the reward offered for most of the fugitives on this list, Jeffrey Veltri, special agent of the FBI in South Florida, said during a news conference at the bureaus regional office in Miramar. This speaks directly to the egregiousness of Vitelhommes alleged crimes. Being added to the FBIs Ten Most Wanted List does not bode well for Vitelhomme.

Kidnapped Haiti Americans from their home

A federal indictment unsealed in late October says Innocent kidnapped a Haitian American couple, Jean and Marie Odette Franklin, from their home in Haiti a year ago. Gang members killed Marie at the scene, and Jean Franklin was released 21 days later after his family paid a ransom, according to the Justice Department.

The gang leader was also named in a Haitian police report involving the investigation into the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise. The report identified Innocent as one of the individuals who accompanied a former senator to rent vehicles for the plot. The politician, Joseph Joel John, pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges last month in Miami federal court.

After announcing Innocents latest indictment in late October, the FBI put up billboards all over South Florida asking for tips on Innocents whereabouts and offering an initial $1 million reward to those who provided information leading to his arrest. None went up in Haiti.

A billboard displayed on Bird Road Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, seeks information on the whereabouts of Haitian gang leader Vitelhomme Innocent.

Law enforcement agents and prosecutors believe Innocent has been living in the Tabarre neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, part of the territory his Kraze Barye (Destroy the Barrier) gang controls.

Asked why, if agents believed Innocent is hiding in Haiti, they are putting up billboards and posters in Florida, FBI spokesman James Marshall told the Miami Herald that the campaign was based on a well-defined investigative strategy which we are not at liberty to discuss.

Veltri, who was joined at the news conference by James Krieger, chief of the FBIs violent crime section in Washington, D.C., said the publicity campaign and most wanted listing could prove invaluable in apprehending Innocent. But Veltri also acknowledged the logistical difficulty of capturing the gang leader in a country such as Haiti, where theres no acting president, rampant violence and general lawlessness.

Veltri said the FBI plans to collaborate with its international partners in hunting him down, but admitted: Haiti presents huge challenges.

Ongoing gang violence in Haiti

Despite the FBIs efforts to hold Haitian gang leaders accountable, armed violence continues to hold Haiti hostage. A fresh round of inter-gang warfare erupted this week after the death of a notorious gang leader, which on Wednesday led to dozens of hospitalized women and children being caught in the crossfire.

Heavily armed men attacked the Fontaine Hospital Center in the sprawling Cite Soleil slum in Port-au-Prince on Wednesday. More than two dozen babies, some of them on oxygen, and pregnant women had to be rescued.

The rescues were done by HERO Client Rescue Ambulance, which used a donated armored vehicle to move the patients. While being escorted into the slum by police in armored vehicles, rescuers convoy was shot at, one of the rescuers told the Miami Herald.

At least one baby died because the mother could not get a Cesarean section in time.

Dozens of babies were rescued Wednesday by from Fontaine Hospital Center in the sprawling Cite Soleil slum in Port-au-Prince after a gang attack. The operation was done by HERO Client Rescue Ambulance and Haitian police officers.

By late afternoon, the situation was under control and HERO workers were trying to reunite parents with their children after relocating the sick patients to other area hospitals. The hospital, according to a doctor, has been temporarily closed.

Early Wednesday, hospital director Jose Ulysse sent out an SOS on social media saying that the hospital was in great difficulty and hundreds of infants and women were at the mercy of armed gangs associated with Gabriel Ti-Gabriel Jean-Pierre and his G-pep-la, gang coalition.

The fresh attacks by G-pep-la erupted this week after the death of a rival gang leader, Iskar Andrice, who ruled the Belekou neighborhood of Cite Soleil and was a founding member of the gang G9 Family and Allies. Andrice, also known as Iscar Andris, was a former school teacher.

His death, after a gunshot wound under circumstances that are still unclear, immediately created a power vacuum and triggered a new round of inter-gang fighting.

Facing death penalty or life in prison

For now, U.S. law enforcement, however, is focused on Innocent, who was charged alone with conspiracy, kidnapping and murder. He faces up to life in prison or the death penalty. He is at large in Haiti, where his gang controls the area around the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince and has been implicated in a June attack against the Jamaican consulate and several high-profile kidnappings in recent months.

Among the victims: a prominent radio journalist, Marie Lucie Bonhomme, and her husband, Pierre-Louis Opont, the television station owner and former head of Haitis Provisional Electoral Council.

Dozens of babies were rescued Wednesday by from Fontaine Hospital Center in the sprawling Cite Soleil slum in Port-au-Prince after a gang attack. The operation was done by HERO Client Rescue Ambulance and Haitian police officers.

U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves, at a news conference in Washington, D.C. last month, said Innocents gang and others in Haiti are increasingly targeting U.S. citizens, particularly Haitian Americans, as they terrorize the nation in the wake of the assassination of Haitis president more than two years ago.

Innocent and the Krazye Barye gang operate in Port-au-Prince, the capital, and the neighborhoods of Torcelle and Tabarre. Heavily armed gang members commit kidnappings for ransom, extortion and car thefts, Graves said, citing an indictment.

Kidnapping of missionaries

A year ago, Innocent was charged with six other gang members in a federal crackdown on gang leaders in Haiti. They were charged with armed kidnapping, including three suspects wanted in the abductions of the 16 U.S. citizens who were members of the Christian missionary group taken as hostages in the fall of 2021.

The indictments charged Wilson Joseph, known as Lanmo Sanjou, 29, Jermaine Stephenson, who is known as Gaspiyay, also in his late 20s, and Innocent, among others. The indictment says they had leading roles in the kidnappings of the missionaries serving near Port-au-Prince, and the U.S. is offering a $3 million reward for information leading to their arrests.

The three suspects collaborated with other gang members and demanded $1 million in ransom per victim and threatened to kill the missionaries, who worked for the Ohio-based Christian Aid Missionaries, if the ransom was not paid, U.S. authorities said. An undisclosed ransom was eventually paid. Most of the missionaries, including five children and a Canadian citizen, were held hostage for 61 days before escaping.

In a recent report to the U.N. Security Council, Secretary General Antonio Guterres said violence was worsening in Haiti. Major crimes, including homicides and kidnappings, are surging at unprecedented rates, mostly in the West and Artibonite departments of Haiti.

Between July 1 and Sept. 30, the national police reported 1,239 homicides, compared with 577 reported in the same period last year. There were 701 victims of abductions, including 221 women, eight girls and 18 boys, between July 1 and Sept. 30, a 244 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley on Tuesday said she would push for social media users to identify by their legal names online, drawing pushback from her GOP rivals Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy.

Every person on social media should be verified by their name. Its a national security threat. When you do that, people have to stand by what they say. It gets rid of the Russian bots, and China and Iranian bots, Haley told Fox News Tuesday.

DeSantis called Haleys proposal dangerous and unconstitutional, which he said was akin to Chinas policy.

You know who were anonymous writers back in the day? Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison when they wrote the Federalist Papers, the Florida Republican governor posted on X with a clip of the interview, evoking the authors of a series of essays written anonymously that helped shape the framing of the Constitution.

They were not national security threats, nor are the many conservative Americans across the country who exercise their Constitutional right to voice their opinions without fear of being harassed or canceled by the school they go to or the company they work for, he said.

Ramaswamy called Haleys comments disgusting and suggested her stance should disqualify her from the presidency.

@NikkiHaley is *openly* pushing for the government to use private tech companies to censor speech. This is a flagrant violation of the Constitution and straight out of the Democrats playbook. Any politician who thinks its OK for the government to use the private sector as its censorship bureau shouldnt be allowed anywhere near the White House, Ramaswamy wrote on social media in response.

Alexander Hamilton, John Jay & James Madison wrote the Federalist Papers under pseudonym. Heres what they would say to @NikkiHaley if they were alive: get your heels off my neck & go back to England, he added.

The aggressive pushback to Haley comes as GOP candidates vie to emerge as the top alternative to the partys formidable front-runner, former President Donald Trump.

In response to the criticism, a Haley spokesperson told CNN: We all know that Americas enemies use anonymous bots to spread anti-American lies and sow chaos and division within our borders. Nikki believes social media companies need to do a better job of verifying users so we can crack down on Chinese, Iranian, and Russian bots. Thats common sense.

Haley on Wednesday reiterated her stance, saying it was necessary to root out foreign adversaries who are using social media platforms to spread misinformation.

Social media has become a national security issue. I think social media companies need to show us their algorithms, be transparent to the American people, Haley said.

Each of the major US social media companies has programs in place to identify and remove coordinated inauthentic activity seeking to manipulate their platforms, including bot accounts from foreign actors. Many of the major platforms also offer verification options meant to allow users to confirm they are the real person behind their account name, and to help other users understand their authenticity.

But anonymity and pseudonyms have long been part of the fabric of social media, allowing users who want to to speak more freely or take on alternate identities. Anonymity on social media is considered especially important in areas of the world with more restrictive speech laws.

And some social media verification schemes are more effective than others at ensuring the authenticity of the users behind verified accounts. Information integrity experts have raised concerns that simply allowing users to pay for verification, as is now the policy on X (formerly Twitter), is unlikely to prevent all inauthentic and bot activity either, especially from well-funded foreign propaganda groups.

Pushed further on whether she was against complete anonymity on social media platforms, Haley said on Wednesday that she believes life would be more civil under such a scenario but added that she is only against anonymity for foreign adversaries.

Political speech on social media has become a flash point for conservatives, who have argued that tech companies, in coordination with the federal government, have targeted them for censorship over their views.

CNNs Ebony Davis and Clare Duffy contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley emerged as the runner-up to former President Trump in a recent New Hampshire poll.

Haley, the former United Nations ambassador, saw double-digit gains in support since August, according to the Emerson College Polling survey.

Trump held his lead from previous polls, earning 49 percent of the support. Haley jumped ahead of several other candidates, increasing her support from 4 percent in August to 18 percent in the November poll.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christies support remained the same at 9 percent, while Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis saw a decrease in support, earning 7 percent in the recent poll.

Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy increased his share slightly, up to 5 percent from 3 percent in the previous poll.

Nine percent of New Hampshire respondents said they would vote for someone else or are undecided about whom they would vote for in the Republican primary.

Top Stories from The Hill

Emerson College Polling Executive Director Spencer Kimball said voters with college and postgraduate degrees were increasingly more likely to support Haley, though Trump still earned the most support.

Trump leads among non-college educated with 57 percent to 12 percent for Haley, but among college-educated GOP voters Trump leads 35 percent to 27 percent, and among those with postgraduate degrees Trump leads 29 percent to 26 percent over Haley, Kimballs statement said.

Kimball noted that Haley earned support from older voters rather than people younger than 40.

While Trump leads across all age groups, Haley gets 21 percent of the vote from voters over 40 while getting about 8 percent from voters under 40, Kimballs statement said.

Haley still came in second place, behind DeSantis, when respondents were asked to rank their second-choice candidate; 22 percent of voters chose DeSantis as their second choice, while 18 percent chose Haley and 15 percent said Ramaswamy was their runner-up candidate.

The polling is reflected elsewhere, too. A recent New York Times/Siena College poll found Haley earning support against Trump in several key swing states. In a hypothetical 2024 match-up, Trump beat President Biden in five out of six battleground states, while Haley beat Biden in all six.

Haley recently dismissed Trumps lead in national polls, arguing that people are getting tired of the drama and chaos that follows the former president.

The Emerson College survey was conducted Nov. 10-13 among 917 New Hampshire voters registered in the Republican primary. The survey has a margin of error of 3.3 percentage points.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Hamas has issued a statement blaming Israel and US President Joe Biden personally for the aftermath of the recently launched Israeli operation targeting Shifa Hospital.

Source: BBC Russian Service

Details: Hamas claimed that a US statement made earlier confirming that, as the Israelis say, a Hamas command post was indeed located under Shifa Hospital gave the Israeli forces the green light to storm the hospital.

Hamas denies using the hospital as a shield for its underground command and control centre.

Background: On 15 November, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) reported that, based on intelligence information and operational necessity, IDF forces have launched a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a designated area in Shifa Hospital.

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New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan (R) is set to announce the Granite States presidential primary on Wednesday, his office said, solidifying another piece of the presidential nominating calendar as 2024 heats up.

Iowa and New Hampshire have long kicked off the process, but the Democratic National Committee (DNC) is reshuffling its primary calendar  putting South Carolina first in the lineup and booting New Hampshire from its first-primary slot.

Democrats in the Granite State have been irked by the Biden-backed plan, and New Hampshire has indicated it intends to stick to its first-in-the-nation position despite the DNC plans.

President Biden didnt file for the New Hampshire primary, citing obligations to comply with DNC guidance. His supporters in the state have launched a write-in campaign.

Scanlan will announce the primary date around 2 p.m. ET at the New Hampshire State House in Concord, according to a release from the secretarys office.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Kristie Dodson said: "I feel like I'm failing my children and that's really hard"

A mum-of-four says she is facing being homeless in a week after her landlord issued an eviction order.

Kristie Dodson, from Petersfield in Hampshire, has been looking for new accommodation with no success after being asked to leave in June.

The 37-year-old has been sent a Section 21 notice which allows a landlord to evict a tenant without giving a reason.

She told the BBC: "It's horrendous, I feel like I'm failing my children and that's really hard."

Ms Dodson believes she is struggling to find a new place due to "stereotypes around being a single parent".

"You feel like you are not good enough. It's really scary because you don't know what is going to happen," she said.

Ms Dodson has been offered temporary accommodation by her council but that would be more than one-and-a-half hours away, which she said would mean having to leave her job and change her children's schools.

Linda Taylor, from the Local Government Association, said councils are struggling to help due to pressures on finances

Plans to ban Section 21 notices, also known as "no-fault" evictions, have been indefinitely delayed until after reforms in the court system.

Ms Dodson is set to appear in court in days and faces the possibility of being homeless.

"The judge will be telling me when I need to be evicted from my home," she told the BBC.

"I do not have legal representation and I continue to pay my rent on time but it's really scary. They could say you've got one week, where do I go?

"Stress-wise it's horrific. It's really affecting my mental health. I don't sleep well I don't see an answer."

The number of people in the UK who have received eviction notices in the past three months has gone up by 38%.

Linda Taylor, head of housing at the Local Government Association, said: "The local authority, the traditional provider of social housing, is not in a position to provide affordable housing because we don't have the finances."

A spokesperson for the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said: "The renters reform bill delivers a fairer private rented sector.

"Abolishing Section 21, no-fault evictions, means all tenants have greater security in their homes and are empowered to challenge poor practice without worrying about retaliatory eviction."

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk.
CONCORD, N.H.  Theres finally a date for New Hampshires 2024 presidential primaries: Jan. 23.

The long-awaited announcement from Secretary of State David Scanlan on Wednesday firms up Republicans nominating calendar and officially puts the state out of compliance with national Democrats preferred voting order.

New Hampshire has held the first-in-the-nation presidential primary election for over 100 years. Scanlan said at the State House in Concord, flanked by GOP Gov. Chris Sununu and both the Republican and Democratic state party chairs. And we will vigorously defend it.

Based on the GOP calendar, Jan. 23 was the date widely expected. Its just over a week after Iowas Jan. 15 caucuses  enough time for New Hampshire to bask in the flood of post-Iowa campaigning. And its more than a week before South Carolinas Democratic primary on Feb. 3, keeping in line with New Hampshire law that requires the Granite State hold its primary a week before any similar contest. South Carolinas GOP primary is Feb. 24.

President Joe Biden and top Democrats wanted South Carolina  a more diverse state that propelled Biden to the nomination in 2020  in the leadoff spot for their 2024 calendar. New Hampshire was supposed to vote second on a shared date with Nevada.

But Scanlan and other Republicans who control state government long said they wouldnt bend to Democrats demands.

Using racial diversity as a cudgel in an attempt to rearrange the presidential nominating calendar is an ugly process, Scanlan said. Diversity is not the real issue at play in this debate. At stake is who gets to determine the nominee of a party: the elites on a national party committee by controlling the nominating calendar, or the voters."

Biden didnt put his name on the New Hampshire primary ballot in anticipation that the state would hold an unsanctioned Democratic contest. His campaign manager, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, wrote in a letter to state Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley that while the president wishes to participate in the primary, hes obligated to follow the DNC calendar he set in motion. Bidens allies in the state are now running a write-in campaign on his behalf.

But Biden could still lose the now-officially unofficial early contest to a longshot candidate like Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) or Marianne Williamson, both of whom filed for the primary ballot and are campaigning in the state. A loss here would be an embarrassment for Biden en route to his likely renomination. And based on Democratic Party rules passed last year, the state could lose half its delegates if it goes through with an unsanctioned primary.

A lot of folks see that this was a power play by some, Buckley said in an interview, adding that theyre angry that Bernie Sanders did so well in the last two Democratic presidential primaries here. The independent Vermont senator won both the 2016 and 2020 New Hampshire Democratic primaries, while Biden finished fifth last cycle and fled the state for South Carolina before polls had closed.

Right now nobody wants to take on the president, Buckley said. I respect that. I know that.

One other consequence of Democrats moving South Carolina up: Scanlan is shifting New Hampshires primary back to January after two cycles of February voting. The 2020 presidential primary was on Feb. 11. In 2016, it was Feb. 9. But for three cycles before that it was in January.

While many observers long expected Jan. 23 to be the date, Scanlans announcement now gives the GOP field a firm goalpost.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, whose sixth-place finish in New Hampshires 2016 presidential primary ended his campaign that year, told reporters last week that an earlier contest isnt a problem.

No ones been here more than me, so its not like Im running out of time to make an impression, Christie said after a town hall in Merrimack last week. Its not like the people in New Hampshire wont have a sufficient [amount of] time to look at me, whether [the primary is] Jan. 23, Jan. 30, Feb. 6.

New Hampshire Republicans and Democrats are already gearing up to defend the states first primary again in 2028.

If anything, weve set the precedent that try as you might, we do it right, we do it best, Sununu said. Skip New Hampshire at your own peril. Go ask Rudy Giuliani how that worked out for him.
HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY)  Hampton University is hosting a Hollywood Evening with Ving Rhames as a part of its Career Readiness Event this evening.

Ving Rhames, who is best known for his work in Pulp Fiction, the Mission: Impossible series, Lilo and Stitch and Dawn of the Dead, will speak with students about different careers available in the arts.

The event will be held in the Hampton University Student Center Ballroom on Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 6:30 p.m. through 8:30 p.m.

We are excited to launch the third annual SLAE Days: Compelling Careers in the Liberal Arts and Education Event on Nov. 15 and 16, to enhance students awareness of the many professional options and pathways to career success available to them as majors in the Liberal Arts (Arts and Humanities, and Behavioral and Social Sciences) and Education. Linda Malone-Colon, Ph.D., dean, HU School of Liberal Arts and Education

For more information, call the Hampton Universities Relations office at 757-727-5253.

Keep checking WAVY.com for the latest developments.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
A national watchdog group recently scored some southwestern Illinois hospitals below average for safety metrics, including infections, communication and hand washing.

The Leapfrog Group is a nonprofit organization that provides ratings and safety data for hospitals and it recently released grades for nearly 3,000 hospitals across the country. The organization releases updated grades twice each year, once in the spring and once in the fall.

Out of eight metro-east and St. Louis-area hospitals, three received lower grades compared to the spring and one saw improved performance.

We released the fall 2023 #HospitalSafetyGrades! This cycle, nearly 30% of hospitals earned an A, 24% earned a B, 39% earned a C, 7% earned a D, and less than 1% earned an F.



Learn more: https://t.co/cPkXwc3P8h pic.twitter.com/Sn4RkaSEZE  The Leapfrog Group (@LeapfrogGroup) November 9, 2023

Gateway Regional Medical Center improved by one letter grade, after receiving Ds from Leapfrog in several consecutive ratings.

Memorial Hospital Belleville saw performance decline for the second consecutive rating, particularly struggling in staffing specially trained doctors in intensive care units. Anderson Hospital and SSM Health St. Marys Hospital in Centralia saw similar staffing issues, according to Leapfrog.

Only one hospital of the eight, OSF Saint Anthonys Health Center in Alton, responded to Leapfrogs survey. Other hospitals declined to report information about safety metrics related to staffing and bedside care.

Seven of the eight hospitals scored below average for handwashing, one of the metrics Leapfrog considers most important.

HSHS St. Josephs Hospital in Breese received the worst score given to any hospital for C. diff infections, and several hospitals received low grades relating to staffing.

While some metro-east hospitals struggled with infection rates, the national trend shows facilities reducing the number of health care-acquired infections, Leapfrog reports. These ratings are the first to reflect post-pandemic hospital performance, Leapfrog says.

Now that we have pre- and post-pandemic data for patient safety measures, we are encouraged by the improvement in infections and applaud hospitals for reversing the disturbing infection spike we saw during the pandemic, Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group said in a Nov. 6 press release. However, theres still more work to be done. Its deeply concerning that patient reports about their health care experience continues to decline.

The Leapfrog group provides safety grades ranging from A to F for hospitals across the U.S.

Illinois ranked 28th in the nation for the highest number of hospitals earning an A ranking, Leapfrog reports. The ranking is the same as last years, though the percentage of A hospitals declined from 26.1% to 24.8%.

Heres how metro-east hospitals performed in Leapfrogs grading, plus how to interpret ratings and which areas should be most heavily considered.

Memorial Hospital Belleville

Fall 2023 grade: C

Spring 2023 grade: B

Fall 2022 grade: A

Here are the areas in which Memorial Hospital Belleville scored below average this fall:

MRSA infection

Infection in the blood

Infection in the urinary tract

Patient falls and injuries

Falls causing broken hips

Safe medication administration

Hand washing (Memorial Hospital Belleville received a 59 out of 100 for hand washing. The average score given was 77.32, and the worst was 15.)

Specially trained doctors care for ICU patients (Memorial Hospital Belleville received a 5 out of 100 in this category, the lowest score given to any hospital.)

Memorial Hospital Belleville declined to report metrics for the following categories, according to Leapfrog:

Staff work together to prevent errors

Effective leadership to prevent errors

Nursing and bedside care for patients

Memorial Hospital  Belleville and BJC HealthCare are committed to patient safety, and we support efforts to make quality outcomes data available to patients and to the public. We encourage people to seek out data on Medicares Care Compare site and we are also committed to transparency by providing links to this information on the BJC website, BJC HealthCare spokesperson Laura High wrote in an emailed statement to the News-Democrat.

The Leapfrog analysis is based on a methodology that is a composite of process and outcome measures, with most of the process data obtained from hospitals responses to a self-reported survey. We have concerns about relying on methodologies that utilize self-reporting on questionnaires, which in this case can carry a significant impact in the overall results. For these reasons, BJC HealthCare hospitals have never participated in the Leapfrog survey.

We believe our approach  based on methodical study and careful ongoing evaluation of outcomes  is a more effective means of improving patient safety and that our rigorous discipline and process over the years has made a significant impact on improving quality of care. Memorial Hospital  Belleville is committed to providing the highest standard of care every day for every patient.

HSHS St. Elizabeths Hospital in OFallon

Fall 2023 grade: B

Spring 2023 grade: A

Fall 2022 grade: A

Here are the areas in which HSHS St. Elizabeths Hospital in OFallon scored below average this fall:

MRSA infection

Surgical wounds split open

Blood leakage

Serious breathing problem

Falls causing broken hips

Dangerous blood clot

Safe medication administration

Hand washing (HSHS St. Elizabeths Hospital in OFallon received a 40 out of 100 for hand washing.)

HSHS St. Elizabeths Hospital in OFallon declined to report metrics for the following categories, according to Leapfrog:

Staff work together to prevent errors

Effective leadership to prevent errors

Nursing and bedside care for patients

HSHS St. Josephs Hospital in Breese

Fall 2023 grade: B

Spring 2023 grade: B

Fall 2022 grade: C

Here are the areas in which HSHS St. Josephs Hospital in Breese scored below average this fall:

C. diff infection (HSHS St. Josephs Hospital in Breese received the lowest score given to any hospital in this category.)

Safe medication administration

Hand washing (The hospital received a 57 out of 100 for hand washing.)

HSHS St. Josephs Hospital in Breese declined to report metrics for the following categories, according to Leapfrog:

Staff work together to prevent errors

Effective leadership to prevent errors

Nursing and bedside care for patients

Specially trained doctors care for ICU patients

Data about HSHS St. Josephs was unavailable for nine metrics, including MRSA infection, death from serious treatable complications, serious breathing problems and more. Data being unavailable for these metrics does not denote a lack of safety or a poor score.

HSHS is committed to providing quality patient care and continues to proactively manage and measure internal quality improvement initiatives that lead to positive patient outcomes, HSHS spokesperson Kelly Barbeau wrote in an emailed statement to the News-Democrat.

There are a variety of healthcare quality rating organizations (e.g. Leapfrog, HealthGrades, US News) that review and publish hospital quality scores. No two organizations rely on the same criteria for their ratings, which may include publicly reported data, such as data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) and state databases; their own proprietary quality measures; or a mixture of both.

Both HSHS St. Josephs Hospital in Breese and HSHS St. Elizabeths Hospital supports the collection and publication of hospital quality data to help consumers make informed decisions about their health care. Since each rating organization relies on different metrics to create a quality ranking, grade or score for each hospital, it can be difficult to discern which ranking is most accurate.

HSHS utilizes its internal quality teams to manage and measure a robust set of data and metrics, with the goal to continuously improve the standard of care. We have organized shared clinical quality governance councils to empower colleagues to have a voice in how to ensure our patients receive quality, safe and effective care. We also encourage patients and families to discuss individual care plans with their physician and care teams as part of their decision-making when choosing a hospital.

Gateway Regional Medical Center

Fall 2023 grade: C

Spring 2023 grade: D

Fall 2022 grade: D

Here are the areas in which Gateway Regional Medical Center scored below average this fall:

Collapsed lung

Safe medication administration (Gateway Regional Medical Center received a 50 out of 100 for this measure. The average score given was 92.67.)

Hand washing (The hospital received a 40 out of 100 for hand washing.)

Communication about medicines

Communication about discharge

Communication with doctors

Communication with nurses

Responsiveness of hospital staff

Gateway Regional Medical Center declined to report metrics for the following categories, according to Leapfrog:

Staff work together to prevent errors

Effective leadership to prevent errors

Nursing and bedside care for patients

Data about Gateway Regional Medical Centers performance was unavailable for three metrics, including MRSA infection, surgical site infection after colon surgery and death from serious treatable complications.

Gateway Regional Medical Center officials were not immediately available for comment.

Anderson Hospital

Fall 2023 grade: B

Spring 2023 grade: B

Fall 2022 grade: C

Here are the areas in which Anderson Hospital scored below average this fall:

Sepsis infection after surgery

Accidental cuts and tears

Safe medication administration

Hand washing (Anderson Hospital received a 59 out of 100 for hand washing.)

Specially trained doctors care for ICU patients (Anderson Hospital received a 5 out of 100 for this metric, the lowest score given to any hospital.)

Anderson Hospital officials declined to report metrics for the following categories, according to Leapfrog:

Staff work together to prevent errors

Effective leadership to prevent errors

Nursing and bedside care for patients

Data about death from serious treatable complications was unavailable for Anderson Hospital.

Leapfrog is an independent organization that collects and reports one-of-a-kind data. There are many similar organizations, all using public information with differing methodologies, Anderson Healthcare spokesperson Natalie Head wrote in an emailed statement to the News-Democrat.

For the 2nd year in a row, Anderson Hospital ranked in the top 6% of hospitals in the United States through another independent study done by Newsweek. In 2021, Anderson Hospital was the only hospital in southwestern Illinois to earn a 5 Star Rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The annual CMS stars program serves as a healthcare guide to hospital quality, comprising more than 50 individual measures that include safety of care, readmissions, patient experience, hospital mortality and timely and effective care.

Anderson Hospital participates in reporting quality information so it is available to the public. Links to national and state programs and organizations that provide these reports are readily available on our Quality page on our website.

OSF Saint Anthonys Health Center in Alton

Fall 2023 grade: C

Spring 2023 grade: C

Fall 2022 grade: C

Here are the areas in which OSF Saint Anthonys Health Center in Alton scored below average this fall:

C. diff infection

Infection in the blood

Surgical site infection after colon surgery

Sepsis infection after surgery

Kidney injury after surgery

Serious breathing problem

Harmful events

Dangerous bed sores

Dangerous blood clot

Data about the hospitals performance in MRSA infection, infection in the urinary tract and death from serious treatable complications was unavailable.

Patient safety is always at the forefront of everything we do at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthonys Health Center. Our physicians, nurses and staff are dedicated to providing the safest, high quality care to those we serve. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses national performance measures. While we humbly accept this demonstration of our accomplishment, our team at OSF Saint Anthonys also understands and embraces our need for continuous improvement. We know our journey to excellence is never done, OSF HealthCare Saint Anthonys Health Center President Jerald Rumph said in an emailed statement.

SSM Health St. Marys Hospital in Centralia

Fall 2023 grade: B

Spring 2023 grade: B

Fall 2022 grade: A

Here are the areas in which SSM Health St. Marys Hospital in Centralia scored below average this fall:

Doctors order medications through a computer

Safe medication administration

Hand washing (The hospital received a 52 out of 100 for hand washing.)

Specially trained doctors care for intensive care unit patients (SSM Health St. Marys Hospital in Centralia received a 5 out of 100 in this category, the lowest score given to any hospital.)

SSM Health St. Marys Hospital officials declined to report metrics for the following categories, according to Leapfrog:

Staff work together to prevent errors

Effective leadership to prevent errors

Nursing and bedside care for patients

Data about the hospitals performance for the metrics of MRSA infection, infection in the blood, infection in the urinary tract, surgical site infection after colon surgery and death from serious treatable complications was unavailable.

SSM Health uses Vizient data and not the Leapfrog Group when benchmarking safety data. SSM Health continues to make patient safety a priority, hospital spokesperson Erin Rinderer wrote in an email to the News-Democrat.

South City Hospital

Fall 2023 grade: D

Spring 2023 grade: C

Fall 2022 grade: D

Here are the areas in which South City Hospital scored below average this fall:

C. diff infection

Harmful events

Dangerous bed sores

Safe medication administration

Hand washing (South City Hospital received a 56 out of 100 for hand washing.)

Communication about medicines

Communication about discharge

Communication with doctors

Communication with nurses

South City Hospital officials declined to report metrics for the following categories, according to Leapfrog:

Staff work together to prevent errors

Effective leadership to prevent errors

Nursing and bedside care for patients

Specially trained doctors care for ICU patients

Data about South City Hospitals performance for six metrics, including MRSA infection, surgical wounds split open and others was unavailable.

South City Hospital officials were not immediately available for comment.

How are hospital grades calculated?

Safety grades are calculated using up to 22 national safety measures from the Leapfrog survey, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and other data sources. The full methodology is available online and is peer-reviewed and published by the Journal of Patient Safety.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Grades are composed 50% by process and structural measures and 50% by outcome measures. The scoring scales differ by the chosen measure.

Across the U.S., nearly 30% of hospitals received an A, 24% received a B, 39% received a C, 7% received a D and less than 1% received an F in the fall 2023 ratings.

How should you use these scores?

Leapfrog emphasizes you should not refuse emergency care based on hospital ratings. The group intends the scores to be used when planning things like childbirth, surgery referrals or chronic illness treatment.

The areas you should pay most attention to when choosing a hospital include handwashing, infection in the blood and patient falls, Leapfrogs website says.

You should also consider how far off your hospital was from the average for any given standard. When evaluating a hospital, you can see the highest and lowest scores given, which helps in weighing a value.

The below average category can include hospitals that scored 0.01 points under goal, along with facilities with the lowest possible score.

For hospitals that responded to Leapfrogs survey, theres often information available about which areas the hospital has improved in and which areas are not going in the right direction.

A hospital being ungraded does not denote a lack of safety. Ratings are often unavailable for facilities that decline to self-report, as well as smaller providers, childrens hospitals, surgical centers and critical access hospitals.

Where can you find more hospital ratings?

Leapfrog allows you to search for hospitals by name, location or state. Theres an online search tool where you can find information about more hospitals.

This story may be updated.
Producer and director Peter Billigsley ( who played Ralphie in the movie A Christmas Story) stands beneath the marquee of the Chicago Theater to promote his production of A Christmas Story: The Musical!, Wednesday, November 16, 2011. (Alex Garcia/Chicago Tribune ) B581692064Z.1 ....OUTSIDE TRIBUNE CO.- NO MAGS, NO SALES, NO INTERNET, NO TV, NEW YORK TIMES OUT, CHICAGO OUT, NO DIGITAL MANIPULATION... (Alex Garcia/Chicago Tribune)

A Christmas Story was less than a modest hit when the 1983 film was unveiled to movie audiences.

Forty years later, it remains one of the shining stars of holiday annual aired films. Shining star, ironically, also happens to be a key plot point for the hit streaming HBO MAX film sequel to the movie, which premiered last year.

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The late Jean Shepherd, the Hammond born-and-raised scribe of the original life-inspired holiday chestnut tale, died at age 78 in 1999, without really experiencing the incredible media afterlife of the characters penned in his story, which playfully skewers Shepherds hometown of Hammond, dubbed as Hohman, Indiana and described with such detail by Shepherd in his collected short stories published in his 1966 novel as In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash.

A young Peter Billingsley, the child star who played the lead as Little Ralphie in the original movie, reprised his role for last years movie portraying Ralph as a dad and husband in the sequel plot which involved the character bringing his wife and kids for a visit to Northwest Indiana.

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Billingsley, 52, has been associated with projects related to A Christmas Story, such as the film sequel, and a decade earlier, his guise as one of the stage producers of A Christmas Story: The Musical in 2013, which tested out with a holiday run at the Chicago Theatre before heading to New York.

However, Billingsley has stayed away from reunions and fan meet and greets along with in-person autograph festival events.

Next month, South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority in Hammond has created the ultimate A Christmas Story fan event in honor of the 40th anniversary of A Christmas Story, and it includes Billingsley appearing at fan events throughout the weekend of Dec. 16 and 17 with the theme Ralphie & the Gang Come Home: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Reunion.

The 2023 holiday season also marks the parallel 40th Anniversary of the launch of South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority.

In addition to Billingsley, other attending stars from the film scheduled include Scott Schwartz who played Flick, Ian Petrella who was Little Brother Randy, R.D. Robb who played pal Schwartz, Yano Anaya who was bully sidekick Grover Dill, Dwayne McLean who was cowboy dream sequence bad guy Black Bart, and last, but not least, the department store grumpy Santaland slide elves who were played by Drew Hocevar and Patty LaFountain.

"A Christmas Story," released in 1983 and featuring a young Peter Billingsley, has become a favorite holiday movie. (Warner Bros./Warner Bros./TNS)

According to the announcement, all events take place at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond during the annual A Christmas Story Comes Home Exhibit. Cast autograph, meet and greet and photo opportunities are listed as from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. There is no mention if a cost is involved. At 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. will make a city proclamation naming Nov. 18 as A Christmas Story Family Day.

Noticeably absent from next months Hammond event is Zack Ward, who played yellow-eyed bully Scut Farkus, though he and most of the rest of the child star cast (sans Billingsley) from the original film have attended the Hammond event over the years.

Last weekend, Ward, Billingsley and all of the rest of this years Hammond fest roster attended a similar reunion and fan gathering Nov. 10-12 in Cleveland at Cleveland Public Auditorium and Conference Center. Cleveland was the on-location substitute for Hammond, with the Ohio citys streets being where much of the original film was shot, including exteriors of Ralphies family home. Today, that house, 3159 W. 11th St. in Cleveland is open for tours as a museum tribute to A Christmas Story.

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On the subject of homes, in 2018, Billingsley spent $3.175 million to purchase a two-story Mediterranean home built in 2009 in the Manhattan Beach area of Los Angeles. It includes six bedrooms, six bathrooms, formal dining room, vaulted ceilings and a spa.

A year ago, in November 2022, Billingsley revealed in a People magazine interview that in 2015 he married Buffy Bains, who is originally from Colorado, but later a Chicago resident. The interview revealed she shares a son and daughter with Billingsley.

Common misinformation in the media often links Billingsley as a close relative of the late Barbara Billingsley, who played mom June Cleaver on Leave It to Beaver. The two only have a distant connection, in that Barbaras first husband, Glenn Billingsley, was a cousin to Peters dad.

A more prominent family connection for Peter is his great uncle on his fathers side of the family (his great-grandfathers brother), who was nightclub owner Sherman Billingsley. He was the powerful proprietor of New York Citys hot spot watering hole of the day The Stork Club, hangout of Broadway stars and celebrities, including noted Hearst newspaper gossip columnist chroniclers such as Walter Winchell and Dorothy Kilgallen while it remained in operation from 1929 to 1965.

Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and the director of marketing at Theatre at the Center. He can be reached at pmpotempa@comhs.org.
The Scene

As his presidential campaign sputtered, Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., could sound like a candidate unstuck in time.

In June, he spent days responding to a dismissive comment from Barack Obama questioning his commitment to racial justice, saying America was a land of opportunity, not a land of oppression. In September, he rolled out an empower parents plan by explaining that children need the ABCs, not CRT. Wherever he campaigned, he invoked his race and biography as the ultimate rebuke to race-obsessed progressives fixated on a culture of grievance instead of personal achievement: My life disproves their lie.

Republican primary voters, who liked Scott personally, were unmoved. The conservative backlash to progressive ideas about race and gender  a war on wokeness that powered the rise of Gov. Ron DeSantis and boycotts of some major brands  has faded as an issue in an increasingly uncompetitive primary.

In three primetime GOP debates, the word woke was mentioned just twice; once as an aside from Nikki Haley, once when Vivek Ramaswamy plugged his book, Woke, Inc. DeSantis, whose early speeches focused on his fight against wokeness  We will fight the woke in our legislature, we will fight the woke in education, we will fight the woke in our businesses  now mentions it sparingly.

And in last weeks elections, the conservative movement to win control of school boards had more disappointments than victories. Moms for Liberty-backed candidates picked up just 50 seats around the country. In some of their highest-profile races  an Iowa school board whose transgender inclusion policies were opposed by GOP presidential candidates, and another school board in the suburban Virginia county where a 2021 sexual assault powered a political backlash that year  progressives held on to their seats.

I think that there are other issues that have taken the forefront, said Tiffany Justice, the co-founder of Moms for Liberty, which hosted Trump, DeSantis and Haley at its summer conference in Philadelphia. Were one incident away from them being at the forefront again.

Davids view

The decline of wokeness as a catch-all Republican message that spoke to intense fears of progressive ideas taking over institutions had been happening for a while. It faded for three reasons  Trumps return to the national spotlight, the middling electoral impact of anti-wokeness messaging, and the legislative victories that local Republicans achieved before the presidential race got underway.

In Trumps case, there were strategic reasons to push woke out of the conservative conversation early. The less seriously Republican voters took the concept as a threat, the less tempted they might be to consider a candidate like DeSantis running to protect them from it. At the end of May, DeSantis entered the race, and within two weeks Trump was using a speech in suburban Des Moines to demean his rivals defining issue.

I dont like the term woke, because I hear woke, woke, woke, Trump told conservatives in Urbandale. Its like, just a term they use. Half the people cant even define it.

DeSantis saw that for what it was  Trump attacking an opponents perceived strength. The Florida governor had defeated what he called a woke corporation in Burbank, California (Disney), which no other candidate could say. Haley, then polling in single digits, was trying to get to his right on parental rights legislation, saying that Floridas Dont Say Gay bill didnt go far enough. But Trump said that the messaging was weird and irrelevant, and plenty of primary voters took their cues from him.

In many states, Republicans convinced their voters they had already turned back the tide of creeping wokeness with their support. That was a factor in Iowa, where an education bill mirroring Floridas passed this summer. In the governments they controlled, Republicans had passed laws against public schools teaching divisive ideas about race and gender identity. By the time Scott was campaigning against critical race theory in Iowa, it had been banned in public schools for two years.

Progressives werent talking as much about it, either. After a June boycott of Bud Light, which had done a single promotion with a transgender influencer, and a June boycott of Target, which had displayed LGBTQ pride clothing near the front of its stores, those companies retreated. In June, the conservative Supreme Court majority ended affirmative action, which also bolstered an effort to end diversity, equity and inclusion policies at businesses. The next month, The Wall Street Journal reported companies had laid off thousands of DEI officers since 2020 as their work became more politically divisive and corporate budgets tightened.

My sense is that woke is receding, said Sohrab Ahmari, the author of Tyranny, Inc., whose 2019 criticism of drag queen story hours presaged years of conservative activism. Anti-woke only really works in a dialectic where woke is a powerful force.

Politically, the woke conversation produced some anxiety among centrist Democrats, especially after Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkins 2021 win, but has had few actual consequences at the ballot box. Democrats overperformed in the midterms and a well-financed attempt to weaponize policy debates around transgender minors and athletes flopped in key states like Michigan.

Then came the off-year elections, where candidates backed by teachers unions won most of the races they were competing in. In the most contentious races, candidates squaring up against anti-woke conservatives portrayed themselves as the defenders of good school standards, and their opponents as book-banning ideologues.

In suburban Philadelphia, where a conservative school board had passed a series of anti-woke policies  restrictions on sexually explicit material in libraries, and rules requiring parents to be notified if their child identifies as transgender  Democrats won in a rout. In Virginias Loudoun County, progressives won a majority while defending the systems diversity standards. Conservatives, they said, had misread the electorate.

I understand their fear, but a lot of it is not realizing what the real challenges in the schools are, said Anne P. Donohue, a Democrat who won a seat on Loudoun Countys school board, in an interview before the election. Were facing learning loss. Were facing absenteeism. Were facing emotional immaturity from kids whose education was stunted. These are big problems that were facing, and everybodys screaming about bathrooms?

Moms for Libertys Justice said that this was a misreading  teachers unions had far more to spend, they argued, an advantage that couldnt be overcome in a couple of years. They love the off-year cycle, because they can get their people out to vote, Justice said. More people are waking up every day. And youre going to see us win more races in the future and take more power away from the teachers unions. Theyre scared out of their minds.

The View From Team DeSantis

After last Wednesdays debate in Miami, DeSantis spokesman Andrew Romeo pushed back on the idea that the woke issue has vanished from the campaign.

The questions havent been focused on that, Romeo said. Youve gotta go with the subject matter that they give you, and I think that the governor has done a good job of driving his message, of how to reverse a country thats in decline on a number of different fronts.

Notable

In The Washington Post, Valerie Strauss surveys where Moms for Liberty candidates won and lost, during a broader wave of support for moderate and liberal candidates in local and state elections who campaigned on support for traditional public education.

In the New York Times, Shane Goldmacher and Maya King study why Tim Scott flopped: His debate performances were flat. His television ads werent working.
Editors note: On Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, Superior Court Judge Guy P. Ryan adjourned Michael Mulgrew's detention hearing after corrections officials informed him Mulgrew was "experiencing an acute mental health episode'' and could not be brought to court. The new date was not scheduled.

TOMS RIVER - A Barnegat man accused of murdering his parents appeared virtually before a judge Tuesday, but had to be forcibly removed from a jail holding area when he expressed his apparent displeasure with the world.

Michael Mulgrew failed to respond to Superior Court Judge Pamela Snyder when she repeatedly asked him if he had seen a video explaining his rights.

That led the judge to question whether the audio feed to the medical unit at the Ocean County Jail, where Mulgrew was appearing before her via videoconference, was working.

"Can you hear the court, Mr. Mulgrew?'' asked Snyder from her courtroom.

"Yes, your honor,'' Mulgrew finally responded.

"Did you see the video?'' the judge asked.

Mulgrew nodded his head affirmatively.

When the judge pressed the defendant for a verbal response, he blurted out, "I hate everyone and everything.''

Michael Mulgrew, charged with the murders in Barnegat of his parents, is subdued by Corrections Officers after he tried to grab a phone from one of them during his virtual detention hearing before Superior Court Judge Pamela Snyder in Toms River Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

With that, corrections officers removed Mulgrew from the medical unit.

Mulgrew, 34, was appearing before Snyder for what was to be a hearing to determine if he will continue to be held at the jail without bail to await trial on charges he murdered his parents - father, Eugene Mulgrew, 71, and mother, Cheryl, 69.

The victims were found stabbed to death Nov. 2 in their bedroom at their home on Lincoln Avenue in Barnegat.

After Mulgrew was removed from the hearing, Snyder adjourned it until Thursday - upon a request from Mulgrew's attorney, Danny Ljungberg of the Public Defender's Office.

Superior Court Judge Pamela Snyder presides over the detention hearing for Michael Mulgrew (upper right), charged with the murders in Barnegat of his parents, Tuesday, November 14, 2023. Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Stephen Burke is at upper left on the screen.

Ljungberg also asked Snyder to order an evaluation of Mulgrew to determine if he is competent to stand trial.

Snyder said that request will be considered after the detention hearing.

Thursday's hearing will be held in-person, rather than virtually, also at the request of the defense attorney.

Mulgrew is charged with two counts of murder and one count each of possessing a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon, a knife.

Police were called to the victims' home, where their son also lived, to assist medical personnel who were there to perform a mobile outreach. While there, officers saw what appeared to be blood on the door, as the son was walking away from the residence, authorities said.

The officers went inside and discovered the victims' bodies, with a knife nearby, authorities said.

Police vehicles are shown outside a Lincoln Avenue home in Barnegat where two people were killed Thursday, November 2, 2023.

Michael Mulgrew was later taken into custody without incident at West Bay Boulevard and Gunning River Road in Barnegat.

Shelter-in-place orders were temporarily activated at schools in Barnegat, Waretown and Stafford as the investigation proceeded.

Kathleen Hopkins, a reporter in New Jersey since 1985, covers crime, court cases, legal issues and just about every major murder trial to hit Monmouth and Ocean counties. Contact her at khopkins@app.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Barnegat man's outburst about hate disrupts hearing in parents' murder
Classes

SOUTH BEND  Alzheimers and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana will offer the free class Holidays and Dementia from 10 to 11 a.m. Nov. 20 in the Care Partner Academy. Patty Piechocki, director of the Institute for Excellence in Memory Care, will lead this live/interactive web session. Participants can connect through their computer. Register online at https://alzni.org/caregivers/caregiving/.

Events

GOSHEN  Goshen Health is offering free advance planning seminars every third Tuesday of the month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Advance care planning is a process to document the medical care you want to receive if you would become unable to communicate your wishes. The seminar will explain the role of an advance care plan, what to include in a plan and how to designate a healthcare representative. Participants will have the opportunity to schedule a private appointment to complete their document. The seminar is held in the Arbor Conference Room at Goshen Hospital, 200 High Park Ave. Registration is required at GoshenHealth.com/Plan-Ahead or by calling 574-364-2288. Participants are encouraged to bring a family member or close friend who will be involved with their healthcare decisions. The next seminar will be held Nov. 21.

Support Groups

MISHAWAKA  Michiana Hematology Oncology will hold its monthly Breast Cancer Survivor Support Group meeting from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 29 at 5340 Holy Cross Parkway. The group is led by Dr. Zon, physician emeritus of MHO. This months guest speaker is Dr. Erica Martin, South Bend pathologist, presenting Understanding your Pathology Report. All are welcome including current patients, family members and cancer support advocates. Sign-up is not required. If you would like to RSVP or ask a question, contact Monica Chan at 574-231-6479; monica.chan@mhopc.com.

Vaccinations

SOUTH BEND  Saint Joseph Health System is hosting a free flu shot clinic from 3 to 6 p.m. today (Nov. 16) at the SJHS Pavilion Lobby, 707 E. Cedar St. Individuals who need a flu shot are asked to bring a canned good to support the Sister Maura Brannick Health Center food pantry.

BERRIEN COUNTY  Corewell Health Lakeland will hold the following community drive-thru flu shot clinics. No appointment is needed, and participants remain in their vehicles the entire time. Must be 18 years or older.

 Noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 17 and Nov. 21, 22, 24, 100 W. Main St., Benton Harbor.

There is no cost with most insurance; bring insurance card with you. $37 for the traditional vaccine or $74 for the high-dose vaccine. Cash or check only; credit cards not accepted. For questions, contact Corewell Health Employer Services at 269-927-5154.

Blood drives

The American Red Cross will hold the following drives. Register at redcrossblood.org:

 Nexus Center, 3607 S. Main St., South Bend, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 18.

 Sister Lakes Brewing Company, 92500 County Road 690, Dowagiac, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 20.

 Pleasant Ridge Christian Fellowship, 15510 County Road 22, Middlebury, noon to 6 p.m. Nov. 20.

 Fireside Space, 1700 E. Mishawaka Ave., South Bend, noon to 5 p.m. Nov. 21.

 Blue Roof Church, 3084 Niles Road, St. Joseph, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 21.

Healthcare Foundation of LaPorte, 140 E. Shore Parkway, LaPorte, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. CST Nov. 22

Medical Foundation will hold the following drives. Register at givebloodnow.com:

 New Carlisle Fire Department, 106 S. Arch St., New Carlisle, 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 17.

 Madison Twp. Lions Club, 66341 Indiana 331, Bremen, 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 18.

 Grace United Methodist Church, 3012 S. Twyckenham, South Bend, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 19.

 Niles Buchanan YMCA, 905 N. Front St., Niles, 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 20.

 Saint Joseph Health System, 1915 Lake Ave., Plymouth, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 21.

 American Legion Post 284, 23571 Grant Road, South Bend, 2 to 6 p.m. Nov. 22.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Health briefs for South Bend area from Nov. 17-23, 2023
Two high school female students at Minooka Community High School in Illinois have come forward to share the horrifying, racist harassment theyve experienced at the hands of a peer.



As a result, a Grundy County judge issued an emergency stalking no contact order against the student accused of the racist attacks. The sophomores, whove asked to be only identified as Morgan and Grace, stated that the harassment started on November 1.

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Sick, sick things, recalled Grace. It made me really uncomfortable.

The two girls made reports to their school resource officer. Graces mom, Sherry Brown, said she received an in-person meeting with administrators after a police report was filed. However, officials wouldnt share if and how the student would be disciplined.

She wants to be able to able to exist in her environment without being harassed, and without racial slurs being thrown at her, Brown stated.

In 2021, Morgans mom TeSaxton Washington, settled a lawsuit with the school district after another student said they would lynch her son during class in 2019.

For us, this is a nightmarish deja vu, Washington said. Its obvious that nothing my son or I did moved them to try to make any positive changes for the future generations, and Im not going to deal with that.

The school district released a statement saying they are not authorized to share how the student accused in the incident was punished. It was the victims families who handled the situation by going to Grundy County Court.

A judge examined the evidence and granted an emergency stalking no contact order for both girls. Its clear that large institutions wont always take care of the most vulnerable students in instances of racism, so it is imperative that their families ensure theyre protected.

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Sign up for The Root's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
A man walks through the rubble outside a house that was hit by an artillery shell in the Azhari district in the south of Sudan's capital, Khartoum, in June 2023. Credit - AFPGetty Images

While the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza has been at the center of the worlds focus, international organizations have been sounding the alarm about the ongoing conflict in Sudan, where mass killings and rapes have been reported and millions of people displaced.

War broke out in Sudan in April between forces loyal to the countrys military chief and Sudans paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Up to 9,000 people were killed in the first six months of the war, the United Nations said. More than six million people have been displaced within and outside Sudan, according to the U.N., creating what has been described as the world's largest internal displacement crisis in the world.

The European Union, U.N., U.S. and U.K. have warned of human rights atrocities targeting the Massalit tribe in the Darfur regionechoing a genocide that killed 300,000 people and displaced more than two million between 2003 and 2008.

Local human rights monitors told Al Jazeera that around 1,300 people were killed after the RSF besieged a camp for displaced people in West Darfur over three days in early November. The U.N. has reported discoveries of mass graves and gathered reports of rape used as a weapon of war.

The international community cannot turn a blind eye on what is happening in Darfur and allow another genocide to happen in this region, the European Unions chief diplomat Josep Borrell said in a statement on Nov. 12. The International Criminal Courts prosecutor is investigating alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur, warning that history is at risk of repeating itself.

Below is a list of aid organizations and charities currently helping those impacted by the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

More From TIME

UNHCR

The U.N.s Refugee Agency is on the ground in Sudan and neighboring countries, providing shelter, safety, and cash assistance to buy emergency supplies and basic goods such as baby kits. You can donate directly to support people forced to flee war in Sudan.

Doctors without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)

The medical aid organization is working in Sudan and neighboring Chad to provide medical and mental health care to people who have survived injuries and rape. MSF asks that donors give unrestricted funding to allow the organization to direct to where the needs are greatest and respond swiftly to emergencies. You can donate to MSFs general fund here.

Save the Children

Save the Children has worked in Sudan since 1983 and has said it directly reached 1.5 million children there last year. The organization provides emergency medical supplies, trauma kits, mobile health clinics, nutrition supplements and offers access to education, play and programming.

The organization says that donations to its childrens emergency fund will go to support children in Sudan and neighboring countries with blankets, food, health care, shelter, legal services for survivors of gender based violence, and more.

UNICEF

The U.N.s childrens fund says that it needs $837.6 million to continue providing health care, nutrition, education and psychosocial support to people affected by the crisis in Sudan. You can donate to their urgent appeal here.

World Food Programme

The U.N. aid organization says it has supported 3.6 million people in Sudan with emergency food and nutrition assistance since the conflict started. You can donate directly to its Sudan emergency fund.

The International Committee of the Red Cross/Sudanese Red Crescent Society

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been working in Sudan since 1978. The organization said it provides emergency assistance, supports hospitals with supplies, distributes seeds and tools to farmers, and works with local authorities to provide clean water and rehabilitation services for people with disabilities. On Oct. 30, the organization announced it facilitated the release of 64 detainees held by the RSF. You can donate to ICRCs Sudan appeal here.

The ICRC says that it works either independently or in cooperation with the Sudanese Red Crescent Society, the local branch of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). In the first two months of the war, the local branch said it moved more than 1,520 tonnes of food, relief items and medical supplies into the country. You can also donate to the IFRCs Sudan complex emergency appeal.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
After arriving to a North Carolina shelter with a litter of puppies more than a year ago, a spunky mother dog is still looking to find a home for herself despite all of her babies getting adopted.

Olive, a 6-year-old bulldog mix, has been at the Lake Norman Humane in Mooresville for more than 400 days, the organization said in a Nov. 14 Facebook post. The loving dog recently got a chance to experience life outside the shelter in a foster field trip, the post said, as she still waits to find the right owner.

The white dog with tan markings can be seen exploring around a body of water and a forested area in a video posted by the shelter of her adventure outside. The shelter said that they had never seen Olive wag her tail so much or smile so big.

We dont really need to say much, as this video encompasses all that Olive is, the shelter wrote in the post. Light, joy, love, spunky, adventurous, sweet, gentle, kind.

While the shelter has been taking good care of Olive, her life before was not an easy one, according to the shelters website. Previously, the bulldog lived outside chained up and alone, the shelter said.

That is all about to change because Olive is ready to become an indoor dog and finally experience the warmth and love of a true forever home, the shelter said on Olives adoption page.

Despite being shy at first around new people, the shelter says Olive is an absolute love bug who enjoys being scratched on her chin or her side. When shes not cuddling, the 6-year-old bulldog with captivating brown and blue eyes adores adventuring outside and playing around her toys, the shelter said.

Lake Norman Humane recommends that Olive go to a home where she can run and play to her hearts content. Shes a champion good girl too, the shelter said.

She has been with us 431 days, the shelter said in its post. Please let this week be her week.

Olive is listed for adoption at Lake Norman Humane as of Nov. 15. Her adoption fee is $300.

Mooresville is about 30 miles north of Charlotte.

Stray dog was covered in scars. Now shes overjoyed about new home, Florida shelter says

Dog shot execution style, left to die in Washington ditch. See his amazing recovery

Rambunctious dog was rescued from starvation. Now, shes up for adoption in Florida
'Tis the season for giving back, and if one has a family full of good-hearted Samaritans, there are nonprofits throughout Bucks County that will put to work an entire brood of volunteers.

Here's a rundown of Bucks County nonprofits and other agencies which will accept whole-family volunteers this holiday season, and how to sign up.

Quilts for Kids looking for families to deliver quilts to sick children

Quilts for Kids, a nonprofit based in Fairless Hills, is dedicated to transforming fabrics into patchwork quilts to comfort children facing serious illness, trauma, abuse, and natural disasters.

Quits for Kids is looking for families and teams to deliver quits to children's hospitals throughout the region this holiday season.

The Fairless Hills-bases Quits for Kids is a nonprofit that works to comfort sick children with donated quilts and other items. Quits for Kids is one of several Bucks County nonprofits that are looking for and will accept whole-family volunteers.

"Quilts for Kids is always looking for volunteers to deliver our quilts to various childrens hospitals in the New Jersey and Pennsylvania area," said Quilts for Kids Founder Linda Arye. "Its a wonderfully uplifting experience.

"Unfortunately, they cant hand-deliver to the children in the childrens hospitals, but they can know that theyre making a difference to the children in the hospital, receiving them."

Volunteers help in bald eagle recovery: PA's recovery of bald eagles is now so successful, volunteers can no longer keep count

Those wanting to set up their entire family to volunteer with Quilts for Kids should email info@quiltsforkids.org, or call 215-295-5484.

Family Services Association of Bucks County

The Family Services Association of Bucks County has several outreach efforts, with its main office off Woodbourne Road in Middletown, and is always in need of volunteers.

There's room for an entire family of volunteers, as the family services needs kitchen assistants, help in stocking its food pantries and more hands to help deliver food.

Families looking to volunteer need to first fill out an online volunteer application, and then complete the volunteer orientation.

Environmental volunteerism: Volunteers clean up Burlington Island

Gleaning for a good cause at Rolling Harvest Food Rescue

The Rolling Harvest Food Rescue in New Hope is looking to fill out its glean team this holiday season, which could include your entire family.

Gleaning is the process of harvesting surplus crops directly from the farmers fields to share with Bucks County residents in need.

Staff of the New Hope-based Rolling Harvest Food Rescue. The food rescue has several volunteer options the whole family can partake in during the 2023 holiday season.

Rolling Harvest Food Rescue hosts gleaning events every Wednesday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., now through Thanksgiving.

Groups of up to ten people can sign up to volunteer for gleaning and the other holiday-season volunteering efforts at Rolling Harvest Food Rescue.

Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County looking for families, groups to volunteer

Sustainable housing nonprofit Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County has two ways for groups to volunteer this holiday season.

Habitat Bucks will accept company volunteers, families, teams, social organizations, and entire schools to either sponsor a Team Volunteer Day or volunteer to work at one of Habitat Bucks' ReStore outlets in Fairless Hills, Warminster or Quakertown.

Habitat Bucks dedicates 126th home: Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County dedicates 126th home, as housing needs outstrip supply

Bucks County Housing Group, Emergency Relief Association accepting family volunteers

There are other entities throughout Bucks County that will put families and groups of volunteers to work.

United Way tackles chronic hunger: Volunteers pitch in to help BKO Hunger get food to needy Bucks County families

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Family volunteering opportunities in Bucks County this season
A heroic driver got 38 kids off a school bus just before it caught fire in North Carolina, news outlets reported.

The bus was traveling to Benhaven Elementary School when the driver smelled smoke Tuesday, Nov. 14. Then she jumped into action, pulling to the side of a road and evacuating the bus, Natalie Ferrell, a spokesperson for Harnett County Schools, told The Sanford Herald and The Daily Record.

Just minutes later, flames ripped through the bus. Photos shared with news outlets show the bus with fire damage, while another picture shows smoke billowing into the air.

Now, the school bus driver  identified in news reports as Monica Tyson-Crawford  is being praised.

Our driver is an absolute hero and looked after each and every one of the kids on that bus, Bradley Abate, a Harnett County school board member, wrote in a statement to WNCN. Our driver smelled smoke, pulled over, and ushered the kids to safety. Without our drivers quick thinking and heroic actions, this definitely could have ended very differently.

News outlets report that no one was injured after the harrowing moments unfolded near the elementary school, in Sanford and roughly 55 miles southwest of Raleigh.

The Benhaven Fire Department said it responded to the blaze, which was put out quickly, WNCN reported. Though the cause of the fire was still under investigation as of Nov. 14, early evidence doesnt point to an engine malfunction, according to WNCN and WRAL.

Benhaven fire officials referred McClatchy News to the Harnett County Fire Marshals office, which didnt immediately respond to requests for information on Nov. 15. The Harnett County school district also didnt immediately share additional details about the burning bus.

Car hits 6-year-old boarding school bus, causing life-threatening injuries, NC cops say

School bus lands upside down after crash with 23 kids on board, NC photo shows
Three Templeton schools were placed on lockdown Wednesday morning as sheriffs deputies responded to reports of a suspicious subject on campus.

According to San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs Office public information officer Tony Cipolla, Vineyard Elementary School, Templeton Middle School and Templeton High School were placed on lockdown as a precaution after reports indicated the subject appeared to be armed.

According to emergency scanner traffic, two males were reportedly seen near where agriculture students keep animals on the school grounds.

Sheriffs deputies arrived at the scene of the report around 10:40 a.m. and began to establish a perimeter around the streets west of the schools, according to scanner traffic. A search of that area and the neighborhood on Ag Hill Road west of the campuses ensued.

Around 11 a.m., the two subjects seen near the school were identified as high school students with pellet guns, Cipolla said.

After the false alarm was confirmed, police units were cleared from the scene and lockdowns at all three schools were lifted, Cipolla said.
Four decades ago, during the heyday of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in West Oakland, hundreds would show up for worship on Sundays. The grand sanctuary of the historic Black church, with its stained glass windows and elegant wooden pews, got so full, if you arrived five minutes late it was standing room only.

These days, as many Black residents have left amid the high cost of housing, the services are largely empty, save for a couple dozen faithful who return week after week, some of them from far away suburbs.

So it was that on a Sunday this fall, Pastor Todd Benson stood at the altar in the golden light of the stained glass and  addressing about 20 men and women and a handful of kids  he turned his sermon from the gospel of Matthew to an existential struggle for the Black community in West Oakland and the future of the church itself: the housing crisis.

The average rent of an apartment in the city is now more than $2,700, he said, his voice rising. Housing costs are so high, adult children increasingly move far from their parents because they can't afford a home where they were born, he added. A handful of the elders in the pews nodded in agreement.

A message encouraging prayer is seen at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Oakland. (Loren Elliott / For The Times)

The old Victorians nearby, Benson noted, used to be owned by local residents. Now they're often owned by unknown entities that rent them from afar. Only if people clearly understand the challenges facing the community can they help address them, he said.

"Jesus reminds us today, just like he did 2,000 years ago, that we can't change anything until we truly see what it is," he said. "We can make things better. We can and will experience the reality of resurrection today in our communities."

Read more: The California conundrum: Fewer people, more homes, but an acute housing shortage

The sermon at Bethlehem Lutheran is part of the congregation's efforts this year to go beyond its walls and fight the high housing costs that have left so many here homeless or pushed others away. For members of the congregation, they are motivated also by their desire to save the church itself from being lost to the same forces that have swept away so many Black institutions in the community.

This year, working closely with Faith in Action East Bay  an organizing group that includes congregations across the East Bay and has long brought churches together to take on issues like housing and violence  the church hired door knockers to walk the streets of the neighborhood, interviewing residents about their housing needs. Street by street, door by door, they ask tenants about the cost of rent, the percentage of their income they pay toward rent and about whether tenants have faced any harassment from their landlords.

Congregants stand during worship at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Oakland. (Loren Elliott / For The Times)

Pastor Todd Benson gestures during worship at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. (Loren Elliott / For The Times)

The effort is also part of a statewide push by the group PICO California to get churches involved in the housing crisis under the mantra "Home is Sacred," in part by advocating to tighten renter protections and for the state to streamline the approval process to build affordable housing on land owned by religious institutions.

For Benson, who arrived at Bethlehem Lutheran two years ago as a white outsider from Union City, the efforts are compelled by a belief in Martin Luther King Jr.'s exhortation to create a "beloved community"  one in which everyone is cared for and is absent of poverty, hunger and homelessness.

"We are all loved by God," he says. "Even if our human societies dont act as if were all beloved by God."

Over the years, membership at Bethlehem Lutheran has dwindled as residents have left Oakland, many of them pushed out to more affordable cities like Vacaville and Stockton  though some are so tied to the church they still make the one-hour commute every Sunday for worship.

The crisis was punctuated when a woman from the neighborhood who had slept in front of the church for two days last winter was found dead on its steps, likely from exposure to the cold. Her death pushed the congregation to reexamine its role in addressing issues that plague the community.

The tragedy was a message, said Jennifer Teer, 75, that God is not through with us yet.

Pastor Todd Benson walks through a courtyard before joining congregants for lunch at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. (Loren Elliott / For The Times)

Bethlehem Lutheran is housed in an elegant white building with an imposing bell tower that stands tall near the 980 Freeway, which cuts like a gash through the city, splitting West Oakland from the high rises downtown. Inside, the paint is peeling, the books in the community library are worn and the proclamations from the state Assembly and City Council honoring the church and its influence are decades old.

The entrance is lined with photos that tell a nearly 100-year-old history of perseverance that is deeply intertwined with the history of the surrounding community.

The church was founded by two sets of sisters who left Louisiana and made their way to Oakland in the midst of the First Great Migration of Black people from the Jim Crow South. There was already a Lutheran church in the community. But not a Black church. And the sisters wanted to make something that would belong to the growing Black community, many of whom also had fled the segregated South.

Bethlehem Lutheran was the name of their church in New Orleans  one of the first Black Lutheran churches in the country.

Read more: Wealthy Coronado agrees to support more affordable housing after state pressure

As West Oakland grew into a bustling community with a vibrant jazz and blues music scene and a thriving corridor of Black-owned businesses along 7th Street, Bethlehem Lutheran became a vital working part of the Black Community," the churchs history says, "uplifting its members, giving them the strength to fight and overcome racism, remembering that with God they would prevail.

In the mid-20th century, the community changed dramatically. Entire neighborhoods were bulldozed as West Oakland was surrounded by highways. An elevated BART train track was routed right down the middle of the 7th Street. And in the 1980s, the 980 split the community from downtown. All together, about 5,100 homes and businesses were razed to make way for urban renewal projects, said Councilwoman Carroll Fife, who represents the community.

Diapers that will be donated to local community members sit in storage at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. (Loren Elliott / For The Times)

As the neighborhood transformed, the church remained a vital influence. In the 1970s, 80s and 90s, it was led by the Rev. Will Herzfeld, a civil rights activist who had been active in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and worked closely with King. He helped lead the church to become involved in the issues of the day, establishing a thriving health clinic and a homeless outreach ministry.

When some of the first Black soldiers in the country publicly ask to be discharged from the Army as conscientious objectors, they did so alongside Herzfeld at Bethlehem Lutheran.

In the early 90s, when former Black Panther Party leaders gathered for the first time in years to demand the release of Elmer (Geronimo) Pratt, they chose Bethlehem Lutheran as their meeting spot.

There was a time when anyone who was anyone in Oakland would come to the church, said Janice Boykin, 66, a lifelong member  members of the Golden State Warriors, the owner of the Oakland Tribune, politicians, community advocates.

But the church's influence began to wane as Black residents increasingly left.

"Back then the church was very vibrant, very full, we were a church that was thriving," said Willie Kelly, 68, who joined in the 1980s. Then "people were going away, moving into other communities and just leaving. It was hard for us to pass the torch to the kids."

Church community members eat lunch together following worship at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. The historically Black church's members have felt the impact of the housing crisis, as skyrocketing housing costs have pushed Black families out of the community. (Loren Elliott / For The Times)

Some longtime members are so attached to the church that they have continued to attend, Sunday after Sunday, even when they live far away.

"They're family now," said Boykin, who lives 35 miles away in Antioch. "Why would you leave family?"

But membership dwindled and for about 10 years, until 2021, the church did not have a full-time pastor, partly because it became difficult for the congregation to pay a good salary.

Benson, 59, arrived after having left a career in the corporate world. Though he'd like to move to Oakland, he can't afford it. But as he began to get to know West Oakland better, he said, the impact of the housing crisis on the surrounding community became abundantly clear.

Earlier this year, the city finished clearing what had become one of the largest homeless encampments in the state, housing a community of more than 200 people on lots that spanned several blocks.

Today, even in its absence, nearby parks are surrounded by tightly packed tents and RVs. Logs that were placed in the road in an apparent vigilante effort to stop more RVs from parking have been pushed into the middle of the road. Nearby, there are dozens of tiny cabins set up by the city as a temporary solution that cost $8.3 million.

Read more: Fallen from the middle class: 60, living in an RV and fighting to be housed

In the winter, Benson got a call telling him that a young woman who had been sleeping in front of the church had died on its steps. Why she was there is still unclear. But for Benson and others at the church it underscored the crisis they had been seeing grow around them.

Pastor Todd Benson addresses the children of the congregation during worship at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. (Loren Elliott / For The Times)

"This is an emergency," says Benson. "We walk by and see tent cities and people living on the streets and we accept it as a given. It should not be a given. We are all one community."

On a Monday afternoon in October, Les Morones and a crew of three other door knockers hired by the church walked up and down Center Street, talking to anyone who answered.

Their first stop was a faded Victorian where a young woman opened the door and politely agreed to answer their questions.

"Do you feel you pay more than a third of your income in rent?" Morones asked.

"Yes," the woman said.

"Have you faced a rent increase in the last two years?"

"Yeah."

"Do you feel you have to sacrifice from buying quality food and paying for medical or health insurance because of the cost of rent?"

"Sometimes, yeah."

"Do you dream of buying a house one day?"

"Yes," she said. "It probably won't be in the Bay Area."

The answers are pretty common, Morones said. So far, they have talked to about 250 residents and they plan to talk with more in the coming months. After that Benson hopes to start inviting survey respondents to meetings at the church to discuss ways to mobilize together to address the concerns that have become apparent from the surveys. There won't be a set plan until residents start coming together to talk about what they want to do. The question, Benson said, is "how do we build power as a community?"

"Sometimes you can get dispirited and feel there's nothing we can do," he said. "But when we come together we can build power, in a good sense, for the neighborhood."

The church has also resumed a longtime practice of preparing and serving meals to the homeless on weekends and is distributing clothing and diapers to families in need.

For members of the congregation, the hope is also that the meetings, the outreach and the food and clothing distribution will serve to bring people back inside the church walls. There's been talk of hosting events or renting out the hall at a low cost for locals to use for family celebrations.

Kelly, who has been part of the church for about 40 years, said he worries about the day that the ever-shrinking membership will no longer be able to financially sustain the building that it has been its home for decades.

Sometimes, he said, he imagines that if that happens a developer will swoop in, tear the building down and build a high-rise. And yet another Black mainstay will be gone in West Oakland.

"The fact is this is a Black Lutheran congregation, and once that closes down, then it's just another Black thing that leaves the area," Kelly said. "Just like the housing and everything else."





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Near the northernmost point of Wisconsin, 475 miles from Chicago, a sovereign tribal nation with fewer than 1,400 residents is expanding tourism in ways far removed from slot machine dings and cha-chings.

The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, also known as Ojibwe, owns about 14,500 acres and 22 miles of Lake Superior shoreline. The tribe is one of 11 federally recognized Native American communities in Wisconsin and the reservation is home to the nations first distillery by a Native American, the first national tribal park and a fish hatchery known for ongoing work to save an at-risk species on Lake Superior.

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Although tourism quiets down after the fall colors peak, there are good reasons to visit in winter.

The search for what is different here feels like a treasure hunt that involves unpaved roads, thickets of evergreens, a stylish new health center and simple sky-blue sheds. Much feels like the work in progress that it is.

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The diversification of tourism is a struggle for us, said Nicole Boyd, tribal chairwoman. Yet it evolves in ways that draw national attention.

Her community is building a Native American cultural center and community center that will open in 2024. A new mix of lodging and retail is expected within five years.

Boyd describes the land of her birth as the gateway to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which tourists view from water or on foot as weather permits. Much of the lakeshore and its 21-island archipelago is federally protected wilderness.

Count Michael John Witgen, a Columbia University history professor, among Red Cliffs native sons. His book Seeing Red: Indigenous Land, American Expansion and the Political Economy of Plunder in North America was a 2023 Pulitzer Prize finalist in the history category. The work speaks to the struggles and resilience of Upper Midwest Indigenous nations.

Among Boyds governance priorities are Ojibwe language and culture preservation, education and economic development. Gaming and camping arent our best economic drivers, Boyd said.

Overnight accommodations for 34 RVs and eight tents are next to Legendary Waters Resort and Casino. (Mary Bergin photo)

A casino inside a pole shed along Wisconsin Highway 13 was Red Cliffs first attempt at manmade tourism in the 1980s. The more attractive lakefront Legendary Waters Resort and Casino replaced it in 2012.

The resorts winter lodging rates start at $80, and each of the 47 rooms faces Lake Superior. Should the Northern Lights appear, unobstructed views are a sure bet too.

Demetri Morris, Legendary Waters marketing manager, said his casino shouldnt be the only game in town.

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Gaming is at the back of the bus, he said. Its not the draw that it used to be. So the resorts event center lures customers in other ways, such as the upcoming Feb. 23-24 dart tournament and a March 15-17 tattoo expo. The annual Winter Powwow, Jan. 27-28, will celebrate heritage indoors. Most activities  ice fishing, dog sledding, snow snake games, animal telemetry  will be outdoors for the annual Winter Camp, whose February date will depend on weather.

Heritage means nature preservation too. Simple signage points to a dirt road that ends at 180-acre Frog Bay Tribal National Park, the first of its kind among tribal nations.

Three trails through boreal forest end at Lake Superior, where up to five Apostle Islands are visible. Markers in both Ojibwe and English identify trees, plants and wildlife along the way.

To the Red Cliff members, Frog Bay preserves ancestral homeland and generations-old stories. Its also a pretty and serene spot to hike or snowshoe.

A snowshoe trek with John Michels, owner of Wolftrack Guides at the Frog Bay Tribal National Park in Red Cliff, Wisconsin, on Jan. 23, 2020. (Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune)

The Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission says the land was used for many generations as a teaching ground for plant medicine, a place for sitting out (fasting), and as a beautiful, scenic area for canoeing.

Back at two-lane Highway 13, Red Cliffs major thoroughfare and a Lake Superior Scenic Byway, pine trees almost hide Copper Crow Distillery. Owner Curtis Basina, North Americas first Indigenous distiller, won 2023 American Distilling Institute awards for his 1560 Bourbon Whiskey and Navy Strength Rum.

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Basina makes apple brandy with cider from nearby orchards, but more unusual is the whey that goes into batches of vodka and gin.

Were a pioneer in the fermentation of whey, a byproduct of cheesemaking, that others discard as waste, he said. The ingredient adds a hint of creamy sweetness to his spirits. Sometimes-complex cocktails, developed by his wife and daughter, change seasonally.

One mile away, inside a simple shed, Lance Bresette of Red Cliff Tribal Fish Hatchery is trying to save a species. This is what 10,000 trout look like, the class of 2022, he said, referring to when the fish were born while lifting a tank cover as minnow-sized fish scurried toward darkness.

Lance Bresette of Red Cliff Tribal Fish Hatchery works to restore Lake Superiors at-risk freshwater coaster brook trout population. The hatchery aims to raise 50,000 trout per year. (Mary Bergin photo)

Outdoors, walleye are raised for inland lakes in Wisconsin. Inside, the small hatchery has worked since 1995 to restore the freshwater coaster brook trout population, an at-risk species that the National Park Service says is found only in Lake Superior.

Colleague Ashley Peterson arranges free hatchery tours and volunteer stints for teens and adults. The hatchery aims to raise 50,000 trout per year, and Bresette needs help clipping fins of fingerlings to identify them when theyre caught in the wild.

We want to know that were doing something (productive) and not just raising these fish for nothing, he said.

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Volunteers also help check length and weight of trout samplings. We want to make sure were raising healthy fish, he said.

Also in the neighborhood is Red Cliff Fish Co., which handles processing and pricing for the tribes commercial fishermen and catches whitefish, walleye, lake trout and lake herring.

We all grew up fishing, said Joe DePerry, business manager. This is a spot to help keep our fish in the community, but the plentiful whitefish are sold wholesale to Canada too.

Fish waste turns into compost at Mino Bimaadiziiwin, which means good life in Ojibwe. Its a 35-acre farm that helps feed the Red Cliff tribe. Tours, offered by request, emphasize Indigenous foods, environmental sustainability and natural medicines.

Indigenous cuisine is more elusive  theres little beyond wild rice soup and whitefish at Legendary Waters  but the culinary dive deepens on Madeline Island, a 20-minute ferry ride from Red Cliff.

This year, Bryce Stevenson, a Red Cliff tribal member, opened Miijim, or food. Menus are a fine dining mix of foraged ingredients and game meats, plus French wines and close-to-home beer brews.

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Miijim is closed until spring, but Stevenson intends to pop up as a guest chef at other restaurants this winter.

Although Red Cliff lacks a one-stop shop for Indigenous handcrafts, its health center doubles as an art gallery. Its one of the few tribal clinics open to everyone from the area, including the tourists who visit, project designer DSGW Architecture said online.

The tribes business directory lists artists with work for sale online or through one-to-one meetings with prospective customers.

Nathan Gordon produces handcrafts made of birchbark and leather. He also represents the Red Cliff on the Wisconsin Council on Tourism. (Mary Bergin photo)

Its have art, will travel for Nathan Gordon, whose birchbark baskets and medallions, photo notecards, mugs and leather pouches are transported in large plastic bins.

Heather Deragon, tribal clerk of court, operates Frog River Designs with a daughter and niece. We all have full-time jobs; this is our stress reliever, she said. Beaded earrings, lanyards and ceremonial regalia have a mix of contemporary and traditional styles.

Among the areas most-revered artists is Rabbett Strickland, whose oil paintings adorn several tribal areas. A new exhibition this month of Indigenous art at Washburn Cultural Center, 16 miles south of Red Cliff, features his work. So does Duluth-based Rabbit, Bird and Bear, an Indigenous art gallery and store that will open an additional location in Washburn, Wisconsin, in mid-2024.

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Red Cliffs biggest draw, though, are the Apostle Islands, typically viewed from afar during hourslong boat cruises that depart from Bayfield, Wisconsin, from spring through fall. Others cautiously kayak to sandstone sea caves.

When temperatures plummet, these same formations become spectacular ice caves, their beauty etched by waves and wind. Tempestuous Lake Superior often obstructs an icy, 1-mile trek from Meyers Beach, 14 miles west of Red Cliff, to the closest ice caves; the National Park Service monitors conditions closely.

Less dramatic in appearance but more protected from weather are Red Cliff ice caves, which outfitter Troy Gordon says are more accessible. Why? The water is shallower, so it freezes faster, and Frog Bay is easier to navigate.

Its spiritual and magical, said Gordon, whose Apostle Islands Rustic Makwa Den, or rustic bear den, offers two-hour and 3-mile ice cave tours. Guides share tribal stories about who we are, what we believe.

A fishing guide service called Beyond the Catch uses amphibious vehicles during ice fishing excursions. Adventure North Rentals leases snowmobiles, and maps pinpoint hundreds of groomed trails.

For more information, go to redcliff-nsn.gov or call 715-779-3700.

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Mary Bergin is a freelancer.
The Ministry of Justice said the prison was needed to deal with a rise in inmates

The government has approved the building of a new 1,700 capacity prison in Leicestershire, overturning the decision of local planners.

Harborough District Council previously rejected a Ministry of Justice (MoJ) application for the jail near the existing HMP Gartree.

However, it has been told its refusal has been overturned on appeal by Communities Secretary Michael Gove.

The council said it was "deeply disappointed" by the news.

It had rejected the scheme on the grounds the plan was "ill-thought out", unsustainable and would harm the countryside.

'Wrong place'

The MoJ argued the new Category B jail was needed to cope with increasing inmate numbers.

A spokesman said: "Today's decision at Gartree is critical to delivering the 20,000 extra places we need to keep dangerous offenders off the streets and will boost the local economy by creating hundreds of new jobs."

But Liberal Democrat council leader Phil Knowles said: "The community have real and justified fears for the infrastructure's ability to cope.

"I still maintain my view that this is the wrong place to build this."

He called on the government to provide "huge investment into the community and the infrastructure to help offset some of the negative impact".

Mr Knowles said he would seek a meeting to discuss the reasons for the appeal's success.

Opposition has focused on the amount of traffic the prison would generate

More than 2,000 people signed a petition against the new prison, with opponents including the MP for Harborough, Conservative Neil O'Brien.

He said: "I think this is the wrong place to put this prison, and there would be many better sites.

"Having done everything I can to stop this, the only thing I can see that might now stop this would be for the council to launch a judicial review of this decision."

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities confirmed planning permission had now been granted for the jail near Lubenham, but declined to comment further.

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(WHTM)  Communities across the Midstate are already kicking off their holiday celebrations.

Here is a list of holiday parades happening in Central Pennsylvania in 2023.

Harrisburg Holiday Parade  The citys annual holiday parade is scheduled for Saturday, November 18, starting at 10 a.m. This years parade has nearly 100 entries including four floats, performances by local high school bands, classic cars, and Santa Claus. The parade will start at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. City Government Center, 10 N 2nd Street, and move down 2nd Street.

Lebanon Holiday Parade  The Lebanon Holiday Parade will take place this Saturday, November 18 at 10 a.m. The route begins at Lincoln Avenue and Cumberland Street, proceeds west on Cumberland Street to Ninth Street. The rain date for the parade is November 25.

LIVE STREAM: 2023 Lebanon Holiday Parade

Carlisles Making Spirits Bright Holiday Parade  This parade will be held in downtown Carlisle on Thursday, November 30 at 7:00 p.m. The parade routes from the intersection of North and East Streets, then proceeds west on E. North Street to Hanover Street, turns south on Hanover Street to Willow Street where the parade disbands.

Shippensburg Christmas Parade  This years Shippensburg Christmas parade will be called A Gingerbread Christmas and will take place on Saturday, December 2 at 5 p.m. The parade will be located on King Street in Downtown Shippensburg.

Elizabethtown Holiday Parade  The Elizabethtown holiday parade will be held Saturday, December 9 at 4 p.m. on Market Street.

Hanover Santa Parade The borough of Hanover will hold its Community Santa Parade and Bike Decorating Contest on Friday, November 24 at the Hanover Santa Cabin. More information is available at www.hanoverpasantacabin.com.

53rd Annual Christmas Parade  Downtown Chambersburgs 53rd annual Christmas Parade will be Saturday, November 18 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

This is an ongoing list. Submit your event for consideration by emailing lbonatesta@abc27.com

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
The Point State Park Christmas Tree will be returning to Downtown Pittsburgh for the 2023 holiday season, but may look different than you remember.

The Three Rivers Tree will be replacing the Tree of Lights display at The Point for the upcoming holiday season.

In November 2020, Duquesne Light Company announced the annual Tree of Lights display at Point State Park would be retired after over 30 years. It was retired at the end of the 2021 season.

According to Duquesne Light Company, the 60-foot tree will have several sustainability features, including LED pixels and water ballasts for its foundation to preserve and protect Point State Parks historic grounds.

DLC is beyond delighted to bring a new holiday symbol to Pittsburgh while staying aligned with our vision of a clean energy future for all. Were extremely grateful to the many stakeholders and partners who helped bring the Three Rivers Tree to life so Pittsburghers can celebrate it for decades to come, said DLC President and CEO Kevin Walker. We especially thank the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) for their continued partnership in having a tree present at beautiful and historic Point State Park throughout the holiday season.

The Three Rivers Tree will be on display at The Point from Nov. 17 to Jan. 8.

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DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  The operator of Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course was fined after several individuals under the age of 21 gambled.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board announced Wednesday that Mountainview Thoroughbred Racing Association, LLC, operator of Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in Dauphin County was fined $40,000.

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The fine came after three instances where individuals under the age of 21 accessed the gaming floor and gambled.

Separately, the Gaming Control Board levied a $5,000 fine against Lightning Gaming, Inc., a licensed Slot Machine Manufacturer headquartered in Delaware County. The fine came for failure to notify the Board of material changes to their financial status.

Additionally, four adults were banned from casinos for leaving children unattended.

Adults are prohibited from leaving children unattended in parking lots, garages, hotels, or other areas of the casinos.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
A charity is looking for a home for a seven-year-old "flat-faced" cat that has spent three months in a shelter.

The Persian cat has been in RSPCA care for 93 days at Gonsal Farm Animal Centre, in Shropshire.

The charity said Persian cats were often overlooked at rescue centres due to their flat-faced features, which can cause health issues.

It said Molly finds it hard to eat sometimes due to the shape of her face but she was a "sweet-natured girl".

"She is quietly affectionate and enjoys a forehead tickle," it added.

The charity said as the feline has some health issues it was looking for someone who had experience with this species or a similar one.

Despite Persians being the most common pedigree breed found in RSPCA care, on average it takes 68 days to rehome a Persian cat compared with just 29 days for a domestic shorthair, the charity said.

'Cute versus truth'

Alice Potter, cat welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: "Unfortunately, this could be a case of cute versus truth".

"Someone who impulse buys a kitten online because they thought their 'flat-faced' features are 'cute' is far less likely to be given information on the issues because the seller simply wants to make a profit with some kittens being sold for over 1,000 online, or they may not even know themselves," she said.

"Molly would like the option to explore outside, and needs an owner willing to give her all the care she needs, and deserves."

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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  Rio Michaels broke into a vacant apartment early Wednesday because he believed he'd been threatened and was being chased.

He wasn't, West Lafayette police said, noting that they did check into Michaels' claims.

Michaels, 50, homeless, appeared to be impaired as he spoke with officers and firefighters after he broke into 325 Brown St. about 1:55 a.m. Wednesday, police said.

He cut himself on glass as he broke into the apartment, but was not seriously injured, police said.

Once inside the apartment, Michaels damaged the rental and caused the unit's fire sprinkler system to start, which alerted police and firefighters of the problem, police said.

Michaels was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his minor cuts and to determine if he was healthy enough to be taken to jail.

Officers booked Michaels into the Tippecanoe County Jail about 3:45 a.m. Wednesday on suspicion of burglary, criminal mischief and false informing for pulling a fire alarm when there was no fire, police said.

Michaels remained jailed late Wednesday morning in lieu of bond, according to online jail records.

Reach Ron Wilkins at rwilkins@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Homeless man suspected of breaking into West Lafayette apartment
WEST HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  Law enforcement confirms a homicide suspect wanted in Luzerne County for three years has been arrested in Connecticut.

Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Petroski confirmed with 28/22 News that Giovanni Morales, a suspect in the murder of Jonathan Hernandez was arrested Monday in Connecticut.

Back in June 2020, police stated Morales traveled from New York City and was staying with Hernandez over the course of a few days in June for work in Luzerne County.

16-year-old dies after tail-end crash into tractor-trailer

On June 27, 2020, there was no response at the house when their supervisor came to transport the two of them to the work site, officers said. The supervisor later returned to the house and found Hernandez on the floor with physical trauma to his face, and blood on him and around the apartment, according to the police report.

Hernandez was pronounced dead at the scene and an autopsy determined the cause to be multiple blunt force trauma. Investigators noted there were no signs of forced entry, leading them to believe that Morales was the last person to be with the victim.

At this time, Morales is awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania to face homicide charges.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
A resident at an adult foster facility was left unsupervised outside at night for more than seven hours before he was found dead, Michigan investigators say.

The patient, identified by WOOD-TV as 83-year-old Calvin Powers, was discovered face down in the grass at 2:19 a.m. on Oct. 14 outside American House Senior Living Jenison Cherrywood.

An investigation by Michigans Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs revealed the patient was 25 feet from his walker and his whole body was freezing.

A state investigator is now calling for the Jenison facilitys license to be revoked. Jenison is a suburb of Grand Rapids.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of one of our residents on October 14, and we are offering our support and condolences to the residents loved ones, American House said in a statement to WXMI. We respect the states advocacy for ensuring the implementation of adult foster care regulations and are working closely with state officials to review their findings to ensure we continue to provide the high-quality care our residents deserve and have come to expect.

Investigators said in the newly released report that the patient pulled a fire alarm at 7:02 p.m. He was redirected away from the door, but at 7:18 p.m., he was seen exiting the hospice facility through the front door.

Multiple staff members said the alarm was not reset after it was pulled the first time, according to the report. An employee in charge of training staff members and supervising 14 residents said she had not been trained to reset the alarm.

This led to the door being left unlocked and the patient able to get outside without an alarm sounding.

It was a lot for me and there should have been another person working to train staff, the worker said of her workload, according to an investigator.

The investigation revealed two workers failed to perform mandatory supervision the night the patient died. Employees are required to check on residents every two hours.

During a 2 a.m. supervision round, one of the workers did not check on the patient because his door was closed, the report said. She had been told the resident is violent so if his door is shut, dont go in there.

The lack of supervision occurred despite the patients history of wandering the facility and him exhibiting exit seeking behavior, according to the report.

The investigator said the resident experienced delusions and hallucinations and was not given his medication the night he died.

He left a different facility at the complex Oct. 4 but was brought back inside by staff. When he left the facility Oct. 17, he was not discovered until seven hours later when he was already dead.

Investigators said the facility violated rules regarding resident protection, application of medicine, staffing and training of workers.

(The residents) protection and safety was not attended to and likely led to his demise, the report said.

The facility has 30 days to appeal the investigators recommendation for its license to be revoked.

Nurse intentionally gave patients lethal doses when staffing was low, officials say

Assisted living resident abandoned outside overnight in bad weather, Georgia cops say
Did you see it? The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile was spotted cruising through Pittsburgh Tuesday afternoon.

The hot dog on wheels is scheduled to take part in the Tarentum/Brackenridge Christmas Parade from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday.

In May, the Kraft Heinz Company changed the name to the Frankmobile to pay homage to the brands 100% beef franks. Just four months later, they changed it back to the original.

The Frankmobile was truly a BUNdle of joy, the Oscar Mayer Instagram post said. But now, its time to welcome back the Wienermobile!

Those who drive the Wienermobiles around, giving out Wiener Whistles, are known as Hotdoggers. The most famous Hotdogger is probably former U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan, who drove a Wienermobile one summer while in college.

There are six hot dogs driving around the country at all times. You can track them here.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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From the Uphill on The Dispatch

Hello from Capitol Hill, where members are feeling a bit testy and everyone is itching to head home for Thanksgiving. First, theyll have to fund the government.

The Congressional Record

The House voted 336-95 on Tuesday to pass a stopgap funding bill introduced by House Speaker Mike Johnson, with 209 Democrats joining 127 Republicans to get it over the finish line despite opposition from conservatives in the chamber. The Senate appears ready to take up the spending bill and avert a government shutdown before Fridays deadline, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer signaling openness to it on Monday.

Rep. Gabe Amo, the first black member of Congress from Rhode Island, was sworn into the House on Monday. A Democrat and former Obama administration official, Amo replaces retired Rep. David Cicilline, who left the chamber over the summer to lead the philanthropic Rhode Island Foundation.

Rep. Abigail Spanberger, a Virginia Democrat, announced Monday she will not seek reelection to the House as she launches a bid to succeed Republican Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkinwho is term-limitedin 2025.

Rep. Michael Burgess, a Texas Republican who has served in the House for two decades, announced Monday he will not seek reelection.

Rep. Pat Fallon, a second-term Republican from Texas, also wont seek reelection to the House. Hes instead running for a Texas state Senate seat he held before joining Congress. At the end of the day, the decision came down to, If we lose Texas, we lose the nation, Fallon explained. Its just terribly important to ensure that Texas has written a great success story and I want to keep moving that forward.

The Supreme Court announced Monday it will adopt its first official code of conduct. Sen. Dick Durbin, the Democrat who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, praised the move as a step in the right direction, but argued its lack of an enforcement mechanism falls short of his expectations.

Congress May Avoid a Shutdown

House Speaker Mike Johnson conducts a news conference in the Capitol Visitor Center where he addressed the continuing resolution to fund the government and the war in Israel, on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call/Getty Images

House Speaker Mike Johnsons stopgap government funding bill is poised to become law in time to avert a Friday shutdown deadline, clearing the House Tuesday night with a vote of 336-95.

Johnsons measure won 209 Democrats and 127 Republicans. But 93 Republican lawmakers, upset the bill keeps spending at current levels rather than cutting it, voted against the legislation. Two Democrats opposed it. Johnson passed his first real test as speaker by pushing the bill through the chamber.

The stopgap bill, which extends funding for some programs until January and others until February to avoid a Christmastime crunch, otherwise looks a lot like the approach former speaker Kevin McCarthy tookrelying on Democrats to get short-term spending over the finish linebefore eight far-right Republicans joined Democrats in ousting him from the speakership in early October. But as we reported last week, conservatives are giving Johnson some more leeway because hes new to the gig. That dynamic is holding true this week, even as some members railed against the stopgap bill for not making cuts to spending.

People arent mad at him, Rep. Tim Burchett said of Johnson. Burchett, a Tennessee Republican who voted to remove McCarthy from the speakership and opposed Johnsons spending bill, told The Dispatch members realize hes only had two weeks.

What will conservatives expect in the new year, when Johnson has to shepherd more government funding through the House? I would expect some real cuts, and maybe some expenditures on border security, Burchett said in an interview. He added he doesnt know what will happen if Johnson isnt able to deliver on those ideas, but at least hes going to try, which is something we havent had in the past.

Burchett, who claims McCarthy elbowed him in the kidney as they passed each other in the Capitol on Tuesday, described the former speaker as a bitter person and told The Dispatch the altercation shows we made the right decision in removing him from that position. (McCarthy, for his part, told reporters he didnt intend to hit Burchettit was instead an accident as he was distracted by questions from journalists while walking in a narrow hallway. If I kidney punched someone, they would be on the ground, he said.)

An official statement from the House Freedom Caucus indicated the broader group isnt thinking about deposing Johnson over the stopgap spending measure, either. The caucus complained the bill has no spending reductions, no border security, and not a single meaningful win for the American People. Its members, though, remain committed to working with Speaker Johnson even as they want to see bold change.

On the other side of the Capitol, Senate Republicans celebrated having a clear path to avoid a shutdown Friday. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters he looks forward to seeing the House bill pass on a bipartisan basis. Senate GOP Whip John Thune, too, predicted it will advance fairly easily in the Senate, and hopefully without a lot of fanfare.

The process the House used to approve the measure on Tuesday highlights the chambers cross-partisan functional majority, which is largely in agreement about the most basic tasks of governing. Establishment Republicans, centrists, and Democrats werent interested in a government shutdown. GOP leaders brought the bill forward under suspension of the rules, which requires a two-thirds majority for a measure to passa strong show of support from the whole chamber. Yet they took that path because the GOP conference was at odds; leaders feared Republicans wouldnt be unified enough to approve it under normal rules, where members first vote on a partisan basis on procedural parameters to consider bills.

Theres no Republican majority in terms of a functional majority, Rep. Dan Kildee, a Michigan Democrat, told The Dispatch on his way to the vote Tuesday evening. Theres a functional majority thats made up of a great big number of Democrats and a significant number of Republicans. The reason that is only shown when we have our backs against the wall is the Republican leadership has decided that thats not really true. They actually believe somehow that theres some magic pill they can give people and turn them into reasonable people. And thats not happening.

Kildee noted Democrats had a similarly slim majority in the last Congress, but they were able to pass trillions of dollars of their priorities along party lines. On the Democratic side, Kildee summarized, members argue about how to govern. On the Republican side, he said, they argue about whether they should do it at all.

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a moderate Republican, told The Dispatch these kinds of results should be expected in a Congress with tight margins in both chambers and opposite parties in charge. You have a lot of free thinkers, independent-minded people. So its a little bit of a chaotic situation right now, he said Tuesday night. But Im glad the job got done.

Republicans will have to sort out their own policy feuds to approve regular spending bills in the coming weeks, a task the party has struggled with. Those bills are intended to fund the government for fiscal year 2024, but they are months late and are far from becoming law. Members continued debating one of them on Tuesday, considering amendments to a labor, health and human services, and education funding package.

Johnson told reporters Tuesday that extending current spending levels as those deliberations continue does not represent surrender. We are fighting, he said of attempts to win conservative priorities in future spending bills.

Ive been in this job for less than three weeks, he added. I cant turn an aircraft carrier overnight.

Lawmakers Dont Expect Much as Biden Meets Xi

President Joe Biden will meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping for four hours on Wednesday, marking their first in-person meeting since last November. Lawmakers from both parties are pessimistic about the conversation.

I dont have really high expectations, said Sen. Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, except its a meeting that needs to happen. Two of the greatest powers in the world have to have better communication.

Kaine told The Dispatch on Tuesday he agrees with the Biden administrations goal of reopening direct military-to-military communications with China, a step that would hopefully avoid misunderstandings and escalation in the Taiwan Strait and other hot zones. Chinese officials shut down that line of communication in 2022, after former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited self-governing Taiwan, the democratic island of 23 million people that China claims as its own.

Were doing everything we can to say, Hey, look, weve got to have dialogue, Kaine added. Were going to have some disputes, but lets communicate.

Its a low bar for a meeting preceded by months of preparation and highprofile American visits to China. Even a successful meeting likely wouldnt do much to dispel broader tensions between the two countries, as the Chinese government grows more aggressive and persecutes ethnic and religious minorities both within its borders and in other countries.

Lawmakers are also wary of an additional agreement Biden and Xi are reportedly set to announce to keep artificial intelligence systems out of nuclear command decisions, a discussion that sounds like it was inspired by the Terminatoror Mission: Impossiblefranchise. One Democratic congressional aide who works on China policy issues said lawmakers doubt Chinas willingness to follow through on any of its commitments, even one as seemingly obvious as the AI discussion.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul said he hopes Biden raises the case of Mark Swidan, a Texan who has been detained in China for more than a decade on wrongful drug charges.

Id just like to see an outcome, McCaul added. The only outcomes for Blinken and Raimondo and the others were cyber attacks on our federal government.

McCaul conceded any statements by the Chinese government cant be trusted: He noted the Trump administration reached an agreement with Chinese leaders on fighting fentanyl, and it didnt go anywhere. He still sees a point in meeting for diplomatic purposes, but if youre going to do it, I mean, get something out of it.

More than 20 Senate Republicans, meanwhile, believe the meeting shouldnt be happening at all. President Bidens planned meeting with Xi Jinping is a clear message that this administration will pursue an economic reset with China above fortifying the national security of the United States, they wrote in a statement led by Sen. Jim Risch, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. China wants not only to harm U.S. national security, but also to undermine our economic prosperity. For the CCP, there is no distinction. The Biden Administrations belief otherwise shows it thinks we can still change Chinaa belief that is divorced from reality.

A bipartisan panel created by Congress, the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, shares similar pessimism. In its annual report released Tuesday, the commissioners argued that amid the ups and downs of diplomatic visits this year, the rivalry between the United States and China was intensifying.

The Chinese government gives no sign of altering its policies, either at home or abroad, the more than 700-page report reads. None of the flurry of visits and other diplomacy over the past year have resulted in any significant change of course by the regime. The result of high-level meetings between the United States and China has been merely the promise of further meetingsthat is, of more talk rather than concrete actions. China now appears to view diplomacy with the United States primarily as a tool for forestalling and delaying U.S. pressure over a period of years while China moves ever further down the path of developing its own economic, military, and technological capabilities.

The commission recommended several steps for lawmakers to consider, including requiring more financial disclosures for investors to be aware of companies exposure to China, additional transparency about foreign donations to colleges and universities, and increased scrutiny of Chinese technology imports. The panel also called on Congress to direct the Biden administration to engage in talks with foreign allies to prepare economic sanctions in the event of a Chinese attack on Taiwan.

Alex Wong, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and vice chairman of the commission, told The Dispatch on Monday that he cant say there havent been any international conversations on that front, but he feels there needs to be more and deeper and wider coordination, and perhaps even more public coordination, if countries are willing, on what the sanctions regime and mechanisms would look like if there were to be aggression across the Taiwan Strait.

Carolyn Bartholomew, a former staff member for Pelosi who currently chairs the commission, said the recommendation stemmed from lessons learned in Russias unprovoked war on Ukraine. The goal, she told The Dispatch on Monday, is knowing ahead of time what the sanctions are going to be, having a discussion with our allies so that they can be implemented quickly and effectively if necessary.

We know that the Chinese government is looking at and trying to sanction-proof its own economy, Bartholomew added. Once those discussions are ongoing, then it would make it much easier to move quickly if it needs to be done. Because if there is an attack on Taiwan, theres not going to be a whole lot of time in order to prepare sanctions and put them in place.

On the Floor

House Republicans may bring several appropriations bills to the floor this week after struggling to pass them last week. The chamber is also expected to consider legislation to freeze Iranian funds. A full list of measures the House may consider this week is available here.

The Senate is expected to vote on the House-passed stopgap government funding bill. You can follow floor activity throughout the week here.

Key Hearings

The House Foreign Affairs Committee met this morning for a hearing on the Biden administrations Afghanistan policy since withdrawing American forces from the country in 2021. Information and video here. Members of the panel met again this afternoon to hear from experts about the Afghanistan withdrawal. Information and video here.

A House subcommittee that deals with higher education held a hearing this morning to examine antisemitism on college campuses. Information and video here.

Members of the House Veterans Affairs Committee met this afternoon to discuss emerging therapies to combat suicide. Information and video here.

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee heard from officials this afternoon about pandemic relief fraud. Information and video here.

FBI Director Chris Wray, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and National Counterterrorism Center Director Christine Abizaid will testify about worldwide threats during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing on Wednesday morning. Information and livestream here.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hear from officials about the Biden administrations approach to artificial intelligence during a hearing on Wednesday morning. Information and livestream here.

Biden administration officials will appear before a House Foreign Affairs subcommittee on Wednesday morning to discuss the future of war-torn Nagorno-Karabakh. Information and livestream here.

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.
Chinese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Feng Biao speaks at a celebration to mark the fifth anniversary of the Confucius Institute of the University of Finance and Administration (VSFS) in Prague, the Czech Republic, on Nov. 14, 2023. A celebration was held here on Tuesday to mark the fifth anniversary of the Confucius Institute of VSFS in Prague. (Xinhua/Deng Yaomin)

A celebration was held here on Tuesday to mark the fifth anniversary of the Confucius Institute of the University of Finance and Administration (VSFS) in Prague.



The celebration highlighted art performances including Chinese dragon dance, qipao dress show and Czech traditional music.

The event was attended by VSFS teachers and students, officials from the Chinese embassy, as well as representatives from China Jiliang University, a university based in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou that jointly launched the Confucius Institute with VSFS in 2018.

Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Feng Biao commended the contributions made by the Confucius Institute in the last five years in advancing language and cultural exchanges between the two countries and in fostering closer people-to-people ties.

Language and culture learning is the basis and a vital aspect of people-to-people and cultural exchanges, Feng said, expressing hope that the Chinese language teaching at the VSFS will nurture more professionals who will work to deepen the friendship between the Chinese and Czech people and boost bilateral exchanges and cooperation.

Bohuslava Senkyrova, rector of the VSFS, said Czech students are very enthusiastic about learning Chinese language and culture. She spoke highly of the Confucius Institute's role in strengthening friendship and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Jiang Hui, Chinese director of the Confucius Institute, said the institute will continue to serve as a bridge to further promoting friendship between the two nations.

The Czech Republic currently has two Confucius Institutes and two Confucius Classrooms.
U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga. called the code of ethics a public relations move.

The U.S. Supreme Court has adopted a code of ethics for the first time in history, however some critics believe the courts ethical policy misses the mark.

U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga. told theGrio, the code of ethics is a public relations move.

In this Jan. 25, 2012, file photo, the Supreme Court Building is seen in Washington, D.C. The Supreme Court is adopting its first code of ethics, in the face of sustained criticism over undisclosed trips and gifts from wealthy benefactors to some justices. The policy was issued by the court Monday. (Photo by J. Scott Applewhite, AP, File)

[Many] are left unsettled by what the court has adopted, he said.

Were left with the same reality that was in place prior to the code of conduct, Rep. Johnson added. Justices are the judge and jury of their own ethics.

The courts code of conduct encourages justices to recuse themselves from a case if there is a conflict of interest and it suggests that justices should not speak at events that are associated with political parties or groups that have an interest in a case that the court has granted certiorari.

On the contrary, the code of conduct does not require the justices compliance and the code will not be reinforced if the justices cross ethical lines.

Elliot Mincberg, senior legal counsel with People for the American Way, told theGrio, This is a very small step forward because the content of the code clearly falls short.

Unlike every other federal judge in the country who is subject to a code of conduct, there is no enforcement if Supreme Court justices violate the code of conduct, he said.

Other judges can be investigated. They can be censured. They can even be recommended for impeachment, but there is nothing at all in the Supreme Court code that makes it all enforceable, Mincberg added.

In a statement obtained by Rep. Johnson he stated, [the] code does not go far enough.

He said, it does not specifically deal with private jet travel, it does nothing to reform amicus brief abuse, and leaves the door open wide for Federalist Society junkets for select justices.

Mincberg told theGrio, that the code of conduct is not transparent.

One of the key issues is when judges should disqualify or recuse themselves from hearing a case, he said.

The code has some reasonable standards on that, but theres no requirement that a justice explain why theyve decided either to recuse or not recuse themselves, he added.

Associate Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas (above) is acknowledging that he took three trips last year aboard a private plane owned by Republican megadonor Harlan Crow. Its the first time in years that Thomas has reported receiving hospitality from Crow. (Photo by J. Scott Applewhite/AP, File)

For months many have called on the Supreme Court to adopt a code of ethics following revelations that justices crossed ethical lines.

ProPublica published scathing reports in recent months revealing that Chief Justice John Roberts wife financially benefited from helping lawyers have their cases heard before the Supreme Court. Justice Samuel Alito took a luxury fishing trip with a GOP billionaire who also had cases heard before the high court. Justice Clarence Thomas failed to disclose that he received gifts from Harlan Crow, a wealthy GOP donor, over the course of several years.

U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, D-SC, told theGrio, People seem to feel the rules just dont apply to them.

I dont understand that you can get nominated by the president, confirmed by the Senate, you get all of your funding from Congress and you sit in the [bench] and say [Congress] doesnt have any authority over me, said Clyburn.

The South Carolina lawmaker was referring to Justice Alitos stance where he inaccurately argued that Congress did not have the power to impose a code of conduct on the Supreme Court.

Im glad to know that theyve decided to see that rules do apply to them. Well see where that goes, said Clyburn.

Rep. Johnson told theGrio, with the adoption of an ethical code, Justices have given themselves the green light to continue as they always have [and] I dont think things will get better for the Supreme Court in the eyes of the public.

Mincberg told theGrio, since the code of conduct lacks accountability, Its quite possible that the problems weve seen recently involving Justice Thomas and Alito and others may very well repeat themselves.

Never miss a beat: Get our daily stories straight to your inbox with theGrios newsletter.

The post House Dem Hank Johnson says Supreme Court code of ethics falls short appeared first on TheGrio.
GOP Rep. Michael Guest, the chairman of the House Ethics Committee, told CNN that there would not be a recommendation on whether to expel Rep. George Santos from the House in the panels long-awaited report on his conduct.

The decision to avoid an explicit recommendation could make it harder to expel the New York Republican given that many GOP members remain on the fence and have waited for the ethics report to make a final decision. It would require 290 votes  or two-thirds of the full House  to expel Santos, whom sources say was presented with the report on Wednesday.

If expelled, Santos would only be the sixth House member in history to be removed from his seat by his own colleagues  and the first since James Traficant in 2002.

Plus expelling Santos could further narrow the GOPs slim majority and give Democrats a prime pickup opportunity in a district Joe Biden carried in 2020. Santos told CNN this month that he would run for his seat again even if hes expelled.

On Wednesday, Guest said that including a recommendation on a punishment would have extended the investigation into next year. But he said members can judge for themselves on whether the findings justify expulsion.

There will not be a recommendation and  there will be a report as to what the findings of the investigation revealed, Guest said. But if we were to make, if the Ethics Committee were to make recommendations as to sanctions, it would have been a much longer process, carried out probably well into the next year, maybe even until the end of next year. And so we are not going to make any recommendation to the House  that will be up to each individual member.

The report is expected to be released as soon as Thursday.

The freshman congressman has pleaded not guilty to 23 federal charges, including allegations of fraud related to Covid-19 unemployment benefits, misusing campaign funds and lying about his personal finances on House disclosure reports. But he has faced withering criticism over the laundry list of his lies about his past.

Santos said he has no concerns about the report, as fellow Republicans weigh whether they will ultimately expel the controversial New Yorker.

I will take whatever comes my way the way it comes. I have no concerns and I dont have any premeditated feelings on this, he told CNN when asked how concerned he was about the pending report.

Rep. Bruce Westerman of Arkansas, who has previously not supported a resolution to expel the New York Republican, said he is absolutely open to voting for his expulsion in the future.

Yeah, depending on what the report says and what we find out, he told CNN.

And Rep. Marc Molinaro, also a Republican from New York, said that he believes the final report from ethics will confirm the allegations against Santos and that he hopes members who have not supported Santos ouster will read it and change their minds.

I think whats important is the ethics report itself will confirm, I believe, what we already know, he said. George Santos is a fraud, he should not be a member of Congress. Members that didnt share that opinion with members like me are going to have to take the time to reflect on that report and ultimately come to a conclusion.

When asked if hes concerned that there will be no explicit recommendation in the report, Molinaro brushed it off by saying he believes the information in the report will affirm the allegations against Santos.

He acted in a criminal way. He is a fraud. He should not be a member of Congress. Members should reflect on that and then determine what they think is best. Im hopeful they agree with members like me, he said.

And a Texas Republican who has previously called for Santos ouster said he isnt sure what will be in the report but that Santos has a lot of issues.

Who knows whats going to be on this report, Rep. Tony Gonzales told CNN, adding: Its always a wildcard with him. I think the people of his district need representation and theyre not getting that right now. Clearly he has a lot of issues that he needs to go home and solve.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

CNNs Melanie Zanona and Haley Talbot contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
EXCLUSIVE: House Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green is expected to warn that the present is "one of the most dangerous times in the history of the United States" during his panels hearing Wednesday focused on worldwide threats.

The hearing Wednesday will begin at 9 a.m. and will feature testimony from Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and National Counterterrorism Center Director Christine Abizaid.

FBI DIRECTOR WRAY WARNS TERROR THREAT TO AMERICANS AT 'WHOLE OTHER LEVEL' AMID HAMAS-ISRAEL CONFLICT

Fox News Digital exclusively obtained a copy of Greens opening statement, in which he warns that security challenges to the United States in the midst of the war between Israel and Hamas are "becoming more dynamic each day."

"I do not say this lightly; this is one of the most dangerous times in the history of the United States," Green, R-Tenn., will say, according to his prepared remarks.

Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn.

During an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital on Tuesday ahead of the hearing, Green said that the United States is at "heightened risk," and said the "open door policy" at the U.S. Southern Border is largely to blame.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Hamas launched a deadly terrorist attack against Israel on Oct. 7, leading to a military response from the U.S. ally. The conflict has renewed concern in the U.S. that there could be similar terror attacks inspired by Hamas and other terrorist groups, including by domestic and homegrown terrorists.

Green, pointing to homegrown terrorists, warned of "lone wolf" terror attacks in the United States, saying terrorists "have the ability to recruit American citizens" and have radicalized them "to do horrific things."

Green also said he will use the hearing to warn of the "unprecedented crisis" at the Southern Border  the "worst," he said, in American history  and shine a light on "malicious activity by nation-state actors."

BIDEN ADMIN PARTNERING WITH COLLEGES TO COMBAT ALARMING RISE OF ANTISEMITIC THREATS, INCIDENTS ON CAMPUSES

But Green is also expected to warn that terrorism "poses a direct threat to the U.S. homeland."

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

The number of people arrested in FY 2023 between ports of entry by Border Patrol at the southern border who are on the FBI's terror watchlist hit a new record this year, with 151 arrests in FY 23, compared to 98 in FY 2022 and 15 in FY 21. At the ports of entry at the northern and southern border, there have been 505 people encountered by Customs and Border Protection's Office of Field Operations.

The watch list, officially called the Terrorist Screening Dataset (TSDS) is the governments database that "contains sensitive information on terrorist identities." The watch list originated to house information on known or suspected terrorists, but "has evolved over the last decade to include additional individuals who represent a potential threat to the United States, including known affiliates of watchlisted individuals," CBP says.

FBI Director Christopher Wray testifies during the House Judiciary Committee hearing titled "Oversight of the Federal Bureau of Investigation," in Rayburn Building on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.

While the number is relatively small, compared to the millions of migrants encountered at the borders in recent years, Republicans and former border officials have raised concern about the numbers of those on the terror watch list who are getting past Border Patrol agents. There were at least 599,000 illegal immigrants who escaped Border Patrol custody in FY 2022, after more than 390,000 in FY 2021.

"Who are they? Where are they? What are they? Thats what we dont know," Green told Fox News Digital.

The chairman also is expected to point to rising threats of antisemitism in the United States after Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7.

"Foreign terrorist organizations like ISIS have called on its extremist supporters to target Jewish communities in the United States and Europe," Green will say.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Christopher Wray and National Counterterrorism Center Director Christine Abizaid testify before the House Homeland Security Committee in the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill on November 15, 2022 in Washington, DC.

Green is also expected to point to cyber threats facing the United States from adversarial nations like Iran.

IN WAKE OF HAMAS ATTACK, WESTERN PROTESTS, REPUBLICANS INCREASE FOCUS ON LEGAL IMMIGRATION LIMITS

The hearing on Wednesday comes after Mayorkas, Wray and Abizaid testified before the Senate Homeland Security Committee last month about threats to the United States.

Wray, during that hearing, warned that the threat of a terror attack against Americans has been raised to a "whole other level" due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

"The reality is that the terrorism threat has been elevated throughout 2023, but the ongoing war in the Middle East has raised the threat of an attack against Americans in the United States to a whole other level," Wray told lawmakers on the Senate Homeland Security Committee.

"We assess that the actions of Hamas and its allies will serve as an inspiration, the likes of which we haven't seen since ISIS launched its so-called caliphate several years ago," Wray said. "In just the past few weeks, multiple foreign terrorist organizations have called for attacks against Americans and the West."

Wray warned that the most immediate concern is that individuals or small groups will draw inspiration from the events to attack Americans, including homegrown violent extremists who are inspired by foreign terrorist organizations, or by domestic violent extremists who are targeting Muslim or Jewish targets.

The Department of Homeland Security last month said that the U.S. remains in a heightened threat environment.

"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," a DHS spokesperson said. "We urge the public to stay vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activity to local law enforcement."

Meanwhile, Green said he will also raise the threat the Chinese Communist Party poses to the United States.

President Biden is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping Wednesday afternoon in the Bay Area of California, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Conference.





Original article source: House Homeland Chair Green to warn US is at 'one of the most dangerous times' in history during threat hearing
WASHINGTON  Nearly every Wisconsin House member on Tuesday helped push through legislation to temporarily extend federal funding and avert a government shutdown despite opposition from a block of Republicans clamoring for spending cuts and conservative policy provisions.

The two-step plan from new Republican Speaker Mike Johnson, which would fund some federal agencies at current levels until mid-January and others into February, ultimately passed the House on a 336-95 vote after 209 Democrats provided the necessary support to advance it.

Wisconsin Reps. Tom Tiffany and Mike Gallagher were among 93 Republicans who opposed the bill.

Wisconsin's Republican members of the House of Representatives. Top, from left, Reps. Bryan Steil, Mike Gallagher and Glenn Grothman. Bottom, from left, Reps. Scott Fitzgerald, Derrick Van Orden and Tom Tiffany.

The Senate is expected to take up the stopgap measure, known as a continuing resolution or a C.R., in the coming days. Congress must extend current government funding before it expires at midnight Friday, forcing a shutdown.

"It just continues the status quo," Tiffany told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel shortly before he voted against the bill. "You gotta at least start going in the right direction with some reductions in spending."

Gallagher, for his part, compared Congress' use of continuing resolutions to the movie Groundhog Day. "Just like the movie, at the current rate, Congress is on track to wake up on Feb. 2 and find itself in a similar predicament to the one it's in today: no closer to a fully funded government and no closer to fixing our broken appropriations process," he said.

Under the legislation, veterans and military construction programs, agriculture, transportation, housing, and energy and water development programs would be funded through Jan. 19, and defense and all other federal programs would be funded through Feb. 2. It does not include any aid packages to embattled allies Israel or Ukraine  deferring those packages for a separate fight.

The measure also extends through the next fiscal year programs and provisions in the Farm Bill, last passed in 2018, ensuring those provisions will remain in place through next September.

House GOP leadership this week touted the package as a step toward reforming "how Washington works."

U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks during a news conference after a weekly Republican conference meetingin the U.S. Capitol Building on November 14, 2023 in Washington, DC.

Johnson, elected speaker less than three weeks ago, noted the continuing resolution would avoid the typical end-of-year omnibus package in which all 12 government spending bills are included in a single thousand-plus page measure. He suggested separating the C.R. from aid packages would allow Congress to give more scrutiny to future supplementals.

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," Johnson wrote on X Saturday. "With our debt spiraling out of control, the rising costs of Bidenomics hurting families, and our Southern border wide open, House Republicans must position ourselves best to fight for the American people."

Still, a significant number of Republicans rejected the move.

Before the vote, the right-wing House Freedom Caucus put out a statement opposing the continuing resolution and labeled the plan as "rolling over today to fight tomorrow."

"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," the group said.

Tiffany, a member of the Freedom Caucus, told the Journal Sentinel he would have also liked to see "policy wins" tied to the measure. He floated the idea of work requirements for assistance programs and called the border the biggest issue that Congress needs to address.

And Gallagher noted the House passed a continuing resolution in September to give Congress 45 days to pass government spending bills. The House, however, was paralyzed for most of that time as Republicans struggled to elect a speaker after ousting California Republican Kevin McCarthy.

"We wasted them," Gallagher said of the previous 45 days. "Unless we take steps to pass the bipartisan Preventing Government Shutdowns Act and reform the appropriations process by implementing biennial budgeting and consolidating committee jurisdiction, we'll only continue to repeat the same fiscal failures."

Wisconsin's five other House Republicans, however, voted in-line with their leadership.

"Speaker Johnson made an impassioned plea to vote for the C.R., and none of the people who are going to vote against it can explain how they are going to extradite themselves from a government shutdown if it doesn't pass," Rep. Glenn Grothman of Glenbeulah told the Journal Sentinel before the vote.

"People who vote against it are showing a real lack of respect for the speaker," he added of Johnson's first major piece of legislation.

Grothman said "it'd be nice" if southern border security policies were tied to the measure but noted Republicans plan to attach those to any Ukraine supplemental. "You want to fight when you have leverage," he said. "Not when you don't have leverage."

Rep. Scott Fitzgerald before the vote said he had reservations over the "bifurcated approach" but said a yes on the legislation was necessary to avoid a shutdown and support the new speaker.

Wisconsin Democratic Reps. Mark Pocan and Gwen Moore voted for the measure after House Democratic leaders endorsed the bill.

Pocan called splitting the extensions of funding bills into two timeframes "goofy" because "it just gives us one more chance to screw something up, which we've been prettyy good at this year." But he said the measure satisfied Democrats by temporarily maintaining 2023 funding levels and being free of Republican policy riders.

Moore, who represents Milwaukee, in a statement after the vote derided Republicans for the chaos of the last few months and lamented the House was ot able to work earlier to find a long-term, bipartisan solution.

But she added: "This legislation ensures that the American people who rely on critical government services can continue to receive them, while ensuring that millions of dedicated federal workers and our selfless military service members are paid."

The measure now goes to the Senate, where the chamber's leaders have signaled support for it. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he was "pleased" the House GOP stopgap bill didn't include "highly partisan cuts that Democrats have warned against."

"The Speaker's proposal is far from perfect," Schumer said. "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."

Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin signaled she might support the measure, saying she is "open to all options that will ensure we avoid a needless government shutdown that would crush our economy and threaten Wisconsinites' safety."

And Ron Johnson, the state's Republican senator who has been a vocal supporter of the new speaker, threw his support behind the plan over the weekend and urged his colleagues to do the same.

"Speaker Johnson did not create the mess we are in," he said, "but is acting responsibly to avoid a shutdown and put an end to the finely-honed process that has mortgaged our childrens future."

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: House approves temporary plan to avoid government shutdown
WASHINGTON  The House approved a temporary measure to fund the government and avert a catastrophic shutdown Tuesday, kicking the can down the road once again for Congress to pass a longer-term deal to keep the governments doors open for Americans.

The stopgap bill led by newly installed House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.,  referred to as a continuing resolution  passed the lower chamber by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 336-95.

Johnson and House Republican leaders have touted the continuing resolution as a conservative victory, but the bill, which was Johnsons first major test of his speakership, didnt sail through the House without heartache from its hard-right members, who were adamant that any funding plan include spending cuts or conservative policy priorities.

Leading up to and after the House passed the measure, ultraconservative GOP lawmakers expressed intense frustration at Johnson for pushing what is considered a clean continuing resolution because it maintains government funding at current levels.

The disappointment from those members revealed the deep divisions that still run through the House Republican conference, even after Johnsons election as the lower chambers new speaker. The disagreements could signal more tumultuous times ahead for the House as it works to pass the 12 appropriation bills needed to fund the government on a long-term basis.

A government shutdown would have upended the lives of hundreds of thousands of federal employees, threatening furloughs and other slowdowns in government services.

U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks during a news conference after a weekly Republican conference meetingin the U.S. Capitol Building on November 14, 2023 in Washington, DC.

Republicans split on spending push

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, and a member of the House Freedom Caucus, a loose coalition of the Houses most conservative members, said the continuing resolution sure doesnt make it any easier, for the House to pass future appropriation bills.

Another member of the Freedom Caucus, Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., admitted he couldnt see the future but said it was entirely possible for conservative frustrations to bleed into future discussions on a slate of spending bills.

Responding to concerns from Freedom Caucus members, Johnson likened himself to the conferences right flank and said he was one of the archconservatives at a weekly news conference.

I want to cut spending right now and I would like to put policy riders on this, Johnson said. At the same time however, the Louisiana Republican conceded that the GOPs razor-thin majority prevented them from advancing conservative priorities. The immediate priority for the House, he said, was avoiding a government shutdown because that would unduly harm the American people.

The funding plan allows us as conservatives to go into the fight in the next stages of this, to tackle the migrant crisis at the southern border, push for more transparency in U.S. aid to Ukraine and pass funding for Israel among other issues, Johnson said. He also vowed to take stringent fights on principle and philosophy, in the near future.

The legislation now moves to the Senate, where it's expected to easily clear the upper chamber and move to President Joe Bidens desk for his signature. Democratic and Republican Senate leaders praised Johnsons proposal, and Biden left the door open on Monday to supporting it. Government funding expires on Nov. 17.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., applauded Johnson's leadership, saying, "It's nice to see us working together to end a government shutdown."

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) speaks to reporters following the weekly Senate Republican caucus lunch at the U.S. Capitol on November 14, 2023 in Washington, DC.

Winners and losers from the government shutdown fight?

Johnsons funding proposal still faced much stiffer opposition from his fellow conservatives, with hard-right members threatening to tank the rule vote for the bill, a procedural vote that has traditionally passed along party lines no matter the support or opposition it has.

Conservative hardliners however, have broken that precedent multiple times this year, tanking several GOP-backed bills for failing to meet their demands.

Their threats to tank the continuing resolution forced leadership to put the bill on the floor under suspension, a maneuver that requires the bill to earn two-thirds support to pass the House, rather than the simple majority that most legislation needs. Considering the bill under suspension meant that it needed heavy Democratic support in the first place if GOP leaders had any hopes of funding the government.

House Democrats insisted leading up to Tuesday that any continuing resolution retain government funding at current levels and a clean continuing resolution appeared to be the only funding plan that could pass the Democratic-controlled Senate and White House.

Even the progressive wing of the House Democratic Caucus appeared to embrace Johnsons continuing resolution. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., and chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, called it a very big win.

Republicans however, still say they can take home a victory from the stopgap for its novel two-phased approach that funds part of the government  including public health, military construction, housing, transportation, agriculture and energy programs  until Jan. 19, with the rest funded through Feb. 2.

The approach deters Congress from passing massive spending legislation referred to as an omnibus that funds all parts of the governments in one bill, a prospect that Johnson and House Republicans have railed against. In past funding fights, Congress has passed omnibus bills under the pressure of the holidays and members desire to return home.

So thats a good thing, were not going to have an omnibus, Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, said, though he was still disappointed that House Republicans were unable to secure spending cuts or changes to border policy. Thats one win and we are getting (appropriation) bills passed slowly but surely.

Some Republican members couldnt help but notice that Johnson was doing exactly what former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., got ousted for last month: relying on Democratic votes to pass a clean continuing resolution.

Eight GOP lawmakers, led by Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., voted with all House Democrats in October to remove McCarthy from the speakership, resulting in three weeks of bitter infighting within the House Republican conference as it searched for a new speaker until it decided on Johnson as its new leader.

Theyre the ones who created this whole problem, so Ive got issues with that, Rep. John Rutherford, R-Fla., said.

Rep. Eli Crane, R-Ariz., one of the conservative rebels who removed McCarthy, voted against the clean continuing resolution but acknowledged that Johnson inherited a tough spot.

The freshman hard-liner, who admitted there were lots of things I dont know on here, had a succinct answer when asked if ousting McCarthy only to end up with another clean continuing resolution was worth it.

Absolutely.

(L-R) U.S. Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ), Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN), Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and Rep. Bob Good (R-VA) talks to reporters after the House of Representatives failed to elevate Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) to Speaker of the House at the U.S. Capitol on October 20, 2023 in Washington, DC.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: House passes continuing resolution, lowering government shutdown odds
The News

The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a spending bill that would avert an impending government shutdown.

The bill  spearheaded by newly-elected Speaker Mike Johnson  got a 336-95 vote, overcoming resistance from the more conservative faction of the Republican party who lamented cooperation with Democrats.

More Democrats voted for the bill than Republicans, with only two Democrats voting against.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters he wants to pass the bill in his chamber as soon as possible.

Know More

Far-right Republicans ousted former Speaker Kevin McCarthy in October after negotiating with Democrats to raise the federal debt limit.

Johnson gained the support from the voting bloc that ousted McCarthy, but he used the same tactics of putting together bipartisan legislation after it became clear he could not rely only on his party to pass the spending bill.

I want to cut spending right now and I would like to put policy riders on the bill, Johnson said ahead of the vote on Tuesday. But when you have a three-vote majority  as we do right now  we dont have the votes to be able to advance that right now. So what we need to do is avoid the government shutdown.

The House Freedom Caucus, which represents the GOP hardliners, opposed the spending bill.

It contains no spending reductions, no border security and not a single meaningful win for the American people, the group wrote in a statement ahead of the vote. 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 group, however, added that they will remain committed to working with Speaker Johnson.

The status quo in Washington is destroying this republic, and the American people did not elect a Republican majority to continue it, Chip Roy (R-Texas), one of the most vocal opponents against the bill, said in a statement after the vote. Unfortunately, that is exactly what this continued resolution does.
House Republicans are turning attention in their long-running investigation of Hunter Biden to the Hollywood attorney who helped pay the unpaid taxes and penalties that have ensnared the president's son in a lengthy legal dispute with the Department of Justice, CBS News has learned.

Three committee chairmen sent a letter Wednesday requesting a transcribed interview with Kevin Morris, an attorney known for crafting the lucrative licensing deal for the creators of "South Park" and who later won a Tony award as a co-producer of the hit musical "Book of Mormon." Morris, the author of two novels and a book of short stories, is now devoting significant time to the legal and media strategy for the president's son.

A source familiar with the financial arrangements confirmed to CBS News last year that he loaned money to Hunter Biden's to pay off more than $2 million in unpaid legal bills.

"It sure seems that the Bidens get a lot of 'loans' that raise many questions," House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer, Republican of Kentucky, told CBS News in a statement. "These 'loans' have occurred both during Joe Biden's presidential campaign and presidency, which raise serious ethical concerns."

Kevin Morris, Hollywood lawyer and author / Credit: YouTube screengrab - Spectrum interview

The financial arrangements are between Morris and Hunter Biden, not President Biden.

Morris told CBS News he declined to offer a response at this time. A spokesperson for Hunter Biden's attorney, Abbe Lowell, said he was reviewing the letter.

The letter to Morris from three House committee chairmen  Comer, Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith, and Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan  expresses what they say is an interest in understanding "the nature and purpose of any loans to or payments on behalf of Hunter Biden that may have occurred while Joe Biden was either a candidate for public office or holding public office."

"Both public reporting and evidence reviewed by the Committees suggest that Kevin Morris had an expansive role as a financier, confidant, and would-be avenger for Hunter Biden," Smith, a Missouri Republican, said in a statement to CBS News. "It's time that Americans learn the truth about Kevin Morris's monetary contributions to the Biden family business dealings."

Congressional investigations typically need to be aimed at specific policy goals, and the letter to Morris indicates the Republican leaders are "seeking meaningful reforms to government ethics and disclosure laws that will provide necessary transparency into a Vice President's or President's immediate family members' income, assets, and financial relationships."

Several attorneys have worked on behalf of Hunter Biden in the face of political, congressional and legal fights that have dogged him, some dating back to his father's presidential campaign. But Morris has largely remained a quiet force in Hunter Biden's corner.

Morris has been engaged in discussions with Hunter Biden's attorneys, attending his court appearances, and taken such steps as conducting a forensic analysis and investigation into what happened to Hunter Biden's laptop  including how the device became public  sources familiar with his efforts say.

During a September 2022 interview by federal investigators, the president's brother, James Biden, was asked about Morris's support for Hunter Biden. According to interview notes made public by House Republicans, James Biden said "Morris had befriended" his nephew, but he "didn't know why or when this occurred."

James Biden reportedly told investigators the financial support was "significant enough" that Hunter Biden asked him "to say thank you 'on behalf of the family.'"

Morris has reportedly been pursuing a documentary project to document Hunter Biden's personal experience at the center of political and legal storms. Congressional Republicans said they wanted to know if Morris pursued any other agenda through his support of the president's son.

"Among other things, the Committees intend to understand the terms of such "loans" you made to Hunter Biden and what benefits you may have received as a result of providing financial assistance to President Biden's son," the letter says.

8 Las Vegas teens face murder charges after student's deadly beating

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Israel considers deal with Hamas for temporary Gaza cease-fire in exchange for hostages
The House on Tuesday passed a stopgap bill to prevent a government shutdown, sending the unconventional two-step continuing resolution to the Senate and marking the first major hurdle Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has cleared since winning the gavel.

The chamber approved the short-term funding measure in a 336-95 vote, days before Friday nights shutdown deadline. Two Democrats  Reps. Jake Auchincloss (Mass.) and Mike Quigley (Ill.)  and 93 Republicans opposed the bill.

With conservatives opposed to the spending levels in the bill, Republican leaders leaned heavily on support from Democrats, who overwhelmingly backed the legislation despite strong reservations about the unusual two-part approach.

The bifurcated bill would extend funding at current levels for some agencies and programs until Jan. 19 and all others through Feb. 2. It would also extend the authorization of programs and authorities in the farm bill until Sept. 30.

The legislation now heads to the Senate, where it has support from both party leaders. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Tuesday said he will try to pass the continuing resolution quickly, highlighting the bipartisan desire to avert a shutdown ahead of next weeks Thanksgiving holiday.

We would like to do it as soon as possible, Schumer told reporters. Both McConnell and I want to avoid a shutdown, so getting this done obviously before Friday at midnight  we know the Senate has lots of arcane rules. But McConnell and I are going to work together, we talked about this yesterday, to get it done as quickly as possible.

Top Stories from The Hill

Passage of the bill marks an early legislative achievement for Johnson, who was elected to the Speakership less than a month ago after three weeks of standstill in the House following former Speaker Kevin McCarthys (R-Calif.) removal from the role.

That ouster was caused in large part by McCarthys decision to put a clean continuing resolution on the floor and pass it with help from Democrats  similar to Johnsons course of action this week.

But hard-line conservatives said they would give Johnson some breathing room this time around  despite opposing his stopgap bill  citing his nascent Speakership.

Hes had two weeks to pass it; his predecessor had since January and then he jammed us up against the Sept. 30 deadline, said Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), one of the eight Republicans who voted to oust McCarthy.

Trouble, nonetheless, looms for Johnson and his fractious House GOP conference as they stare down two funding deadlines and try to pass their remaining five appropriations bills, which have run into trouble on the floor and in committee.

Lawmakers are also eager to button up aid for Israel, and Johnson has said he wants to tackle Ukraine funding next, which has become a hot-button issue among Republicans.

Ive been drinking from Niagara Falls for the last three weeks, Johnson told reporters on Tuesday. This will allow everybody to go home for a couple of days for Thanksgiving, everybody cool off  members have been here for, as [House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.)] said, for 10 weeks, this place is a pressure cooker. And so I think everybody can go home, we can come back, reset, were gonna get our group together, were gonna map out that plan to fight for those principles.

Johnson rolled out his two-step stopgap funding proposal Saturday, capping off days of anticipation regarding how the newly minted Speaker would address the tall task of funding the government and averting a shutdown.

The announcement followed meetings between Johnson and Republicans, during which the Speaker took stock of different ideas and strategies.

Johnson ultimately landed on the two-step, or laddered, continuing resolution, an atypical approach to funding the government that was favored by hard-line conservatives as a way to avoid an end-of-year omnibus spending bill, which is loathed by Republicans.

The legislation will extend funding at current levels until Jan. 19 for programs and agencies under four appropriations bills: Military Construction and Veterans Affairs; Agriculture, Rural Development and Food and Drug Administration; Energy and Water Development; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. Funding for the remaining eight would be extended at current levels through Feb. 2.

But in a break with the right flank, Johnsons proposal did not include any conservative policy riders or spending cuts, which hard-liners have pushed for throughout the appropriations process this year. Those omissions sparked fierce opposition from hard-liners and led the conservative House Freedom Caucus to take an official position against the legislation.

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, the group wrote in a statement.

The exclusion of spending cuts and right-wing policy proposals, however, bought some good faith with Democrats. The top three House Democrats announced shortly before the vote that they would back Johnsons proposal.

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, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) wrote in a statement.

Democrats, however, made clear earlier in the week that they would vote against the rule governing debate on the bill, while conservatives also threatened to buck their party and oppose advancing the measure.

Those converging dynamics led House GOP leaders to consider the stopgap bill under suspension of the rules, a fast-track process that avoids having to pass a rule and requires a two-thirds majority for final passage.

That decision, though, sparked even more opposition among hard-liners. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), a member of the House Freedom Caucus, said it was a bad idea to move the bill under suspension.

If it passes, it passes, but theres always consequences beyond that, he added, declining to elaborate further.

Despite supporting it in large numbers, Democrats were not completely pleased with Johnsons proposal. Top lawmakers criticized the two-step approach  expressing concerns it could lead to more shutdowns  and they denounced the absence of funding for Israel and Ukraine, which President Biden included in a supplemental request in October.

A continuing resolution is a bridge to a final agreement. It should be judged on how it helps facilitate our goal, which is to update the spending levels for full-year bills and the full-year bill for 2024, said Rep. Rosa DeLauro (Conn.), the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, on the House floor. A so-called, quote, laddered bill, makes it harder to reach a final agreement. Why? It doubles the likelihood of future shutdowns. And in a time of global crisis, we should promote stability and not chaos.

She later said Congress had abdicated a moral responsibility to Israel, to Ukraine.

With the continuing resolution now in the rearview mirror, the House will shift its attention to meeting the next spending deadline  and Johnson is vowing to do it through regular order, ruling out any future short-term spending bills.

I hate CRs as much as everyone does. It is not the way youre supposed to do it, Johnson said Tuesday morning on CNBC. And were going to get right back to the regular budgeting process.

Were not going to do this again, he added. Were not doing this under my leadership.

That plan is sure to make for a busy  and likely chaotic  next two months that could bring Congress to the brink of another shutdown. House Republicans have been forced to punt on a handful of appropriations bills because of disagreements within the conference.

Johnson, however, appears up for the task as he settles into his new role.

Not much of a honeymoon in this job, he told CNBC. The crises are too great.

Emily Brooks contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
After nearly two months on the run, the man accused of shooting and killing a Houston mother in front of her 3-year-old son has been arrested, according to authorities.

Officials said Dominique Menefee, 30, has been charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the shooting that occurred in the early morning hours of Sept. 7.

According to police reports, Sherniqua Banks, 34, was driving in the 2800 block of West Gulf Bank Road, when shots were fired from another car into her vehicle.

Officials say Banks was shot and died from her injuries.

TX FLEA MARKET SHOOTING LEAVES 1 CHILD DEAD, 4 PEOPLE INJURED

Dominique Menefee, 30, is accused of killing Houston mom Sherniqua Banks, 34, in front of her child.

Banks' 3-year-old son was in the backseat at the time of the shooting but was not injured. She also had a 41-year-old passenger who was shot and taken to a local hospital.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Officials say police were able to locate a car matching a witnesss description of the suspects vehicle nearby and detained two people. However, police say a third person, the shooter, was believed to have fled before officers arrived.

SAMANTHA WOLL MURDER: WHY DID DETROIT POLICE RELEASE SUSPECT SO SOON AFTER ARREST?

Houston murder suspect Dominique Menefee was arrested in a woman's shooting death.

Police successfully identified Menefee as a person of interest in the case in mid-September, and he was charged in late October.

Menefee was arrested by members of the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force on Monday and booked into the Harris County Jail, according to officials.





Original article source: Houston man accused of killing a mom in front of her 3-year-old son has been arrested: officials
WASHINGTON  More than 500 U.S. officials sent a letter Tuesday to President Joe Biden criticizing his policy in the Israel-Hamas war and calling for an immediate cease-fire, revealing a divide between Biden and many within his administration over his backing of Israel.

The letter, reported Tuesday by the New York Times, reflects the opposition Biden faces from many progressives - even some who work for him - for his unflinching support for Israel as it ratchets up airstrikes in Gaza following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack in Israel.

The signees, who span 40 government agencies and include political appointees and staffers, are remaining anonymous, the Times reported, citing concerns of losing their jobs and their personal safety.

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.

FILE - President Joe Biden listens as he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu participate in an expanded bilateral meeting with Israeli and U.S. government officials, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, in Tel Aviv.

The Times said it reviewed the letter. Many of the signatures are from employees in their 20s and 30s, underscoring a generational divide within the Democratic Party over the Israel-Hamas war.

Several progressive members of Congress have called for a cease-fire amid the growing number of civilian casualties in Gaza. The letter follows other dissent memos from State Department employees and a letter signed by employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID, according to the Times.

The letter links to a poll from the left-leaning think tank Data for Progress showing 80% of Democrats, 57% of independent voters and 56% of Republicans believe the U.S. should call for a cease-fire in Gaza.

But a poll this week from YouGov found most Americans sympathize with Israel over the Palestinians by a 37%-15% margin. Another 27% said they sympathize with both sides about the same and 21% said they were unsure.

Biden, who pushed for "humanitarian pauses" in the war that Israel agreed to last week, has argued a cease-fire would benefit Hamas.

Biden was asked last week whether there's any chance of an Israeli cease-fire in Gaza. "None. No possibility," Biden said.

The White House responded to the protest letter by noting the anonymity of the signatories and highlighting a different letter released Tuesday by 127 former Obama and Biden administration officials who back Biden's actions and support for Israel amid the Mideast war.

"Notice that unlike some other letters," White House spokesman Andrew Bates said on X, formerly known as Twitter, this group "signed their names."

The letter in support of Biden's Israel policy includes former White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers and Norm Eisen, former U.S. ambassador to the Czech Republic.

"As former Biden and Obama administration officials and campaign staff, we are writing to express our deep appreciation for your moral clarity, courageous leadership, and staunch support of Israel, one of our nations strongest allies, in the aftermath of the worst massacre of Jewish people in a single day since the Holocaust," their letter reads.

Reach Joey Garrison on Twitter @joeygarrison.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Letter to Biden from hundreds of admin officials demands cease-fire
You are here: Business

The 2023 APEC Ministerial Meeting kicked off on Tuesday with a focus on creating a resilient and sustainable future.

Interconnectedness, innovation, strengthening inclusivity and unleashing people's untapped potential are the three priorities in the days ahead, according to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who co-hosted the opening plenary session with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai.

Blinken noted the existence of many economic challenges despite progress toward a more prosperous future during the past three decades.

Tai highlighted the threat of fragile supply chains, growing inequality and growing economic insecurity, the worsening climate crisis and increasing geopolitical tensions.

The two-day ministerial meeting will be followed by the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting scheduled for Nov. 15-17.
Hundreds gathered Sunday at a Ventura County, California, intersection where a week earlier, a 69-year-old Jewish man struck his head on concrete and later died after a confrontation with an unnamed pro-Palestinian protester.

Flowers, wreaths, candles and letters surrounded the spot in front of the gas station at Westlake and Thousand Oaks Boulevards, where Paul Kessler sustained his fatal injuries.

One man held a sign that read, "We want justice for Paul," per footage shared with Fox News Digital. Others bandied Israeli flags and sang "Oseh Shalom"  a Hebrew song praying for peace for the country, its people and the world.

PRO-PALESTINIAN PROTESTER 'TRIED TO BAIT' ELDERLY JEWISH MAN BEFORE FATAL ALTERCATION, WITNESS SAYS

Paul Kessler, 69, was a father and grandfather living in Westlake Village, friends told Fox News Digital.

Blood still marked the ground where Kessler's head struck the sidewalk in widely-shared footage from around 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 5 showing medics attending to a bleeding but alert Kessler at the scene as police questioned onlookers.

ELDERLY JEWISH MAN DIES AFTER CONFRONTATION WITH PRO-PALESTINIAN PROTESTER AT CALIFORNIA RALLY

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Flowers and an Israeli flag adorn the site where Paul Kessler, 69, got into an altercation with a pro-Palestinian protester on Sunday, Nov. 5.

Kessler was pronounced dead at nearby Los Robles Hospital about 10 hours after the incident. Per the Ventura County Medical Examiner during a press conference Tuesday, Kessler's non-lethal injuries were noted on the left side of his face, while internal injuries included skull fractures, swelling and bruising to the brain.

Kessler's manner of death was determined to be homicide, Medical Examiner Christopher Young said.

JEWISH MAN'S DEATH AT CALIFORNIA RALLY COMPLICATED BY CONFLICTING WITNESS ACCOUNTS

Paul Kessler, 69, is helped by EMTs after an altercation broke out with an unnamed pro-Palestinian protester in Ventura County, California, on Sunday, Nov. 5. Kessler later died from his injuries at the hospital.

A 50-year-old pro-Palestinian protester is now a suspect in Kessler's death, the Ventura County Sheriff's Department said. An arrest has yet to be made pending further investigation of bystander and security video footage.

On Sunday, concentric hearts drawn in a rainbow of chalk surrounded the lingering stains. Rabbis prayed with Tefilin, black leather boxes containing parchment scrolls, and invited attendees to do the same.

JEWISH COMMUNITY IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 'TERRIFIED' AFTER DEATH OF PAUL KESSLER, RABBI SAYS

Steven Schneider, an attendee who shared footage with Fox News Digital, said the gathering was "healing" for the community. He only saw one agitator drive past during his several hours at the event.

"At the end of the day, he's a Jew and he stood with what I agree with  we agreed that we need to stand and fight in Israel," Schneider said Tuesday.



TENS OF THOUSANDS 'MARCH FOR ISRAEL' IN WASHINGTON, DC

Jewish attendees at Sunday's event in Westlake Village pray together with Tefillin, black leather boxes containing verses of parchment inscribed with Torah verses.

Rabbi Ari Averbach from Temple Etz Chaim  Kessler's synagogue for several years before his death  told Fox News Digital that their community held their own vigil last Wednesday.

"We all moved here because our community is known for being so welcoming, so safe, so mixed. Now we're questioning: Is it safe? Can we live here comfortably?"

MAJOR LAW FIRM TO ACCUSE ELITE UNIVERSITIES OF CIVIL RIGHTS VIOLATIONS FOR ENABLING ANTISEMITIC MOBS

A group of demonstrators held Israeli flags and signs demanding the return of Hamas hostages at the pro-Israel demonstration on the site where Paul Kessler, 69, was injured Nov. 5, and later died.

Schneider said the Jewish community in Westlake Village is "shocked to hear such [a] thing could happen" in their quiet home.

"They showed up to support Israel, they showed up to support the hostages, but they also showed up to support Paul," Schneider said.

PROFESSOR WHO PRAISED HAMAS 'RESISTANCE FIGHTERS' ON GLIDERS NO LONGER EMPLOYED BY EMORY UNIVERSITY

Pictured is a flyer advertising the Nov. 12 event. Attendee Steve Schneider said the gathering was "healing" for the Jewish community of Thousand Oaks.

Last year, area residents banded together to protest books and videos about being transgender shown to Conejo Valley Unified School District children, as previously reported by Fox News Digital.

"It wasn't too long when the Muslim community was with us on our schools for what they were doing to our children," Schneider, who was interviewed by Fox at the time, recalled Tuesday.

HILLARY CLINTON CALLS FOR HAMAS' ELIMINATION, SAYS ALL BLOODSHED IN GAZA IS ON ITS HANDS

"[The Hamas-Israel conflict] puts people in a strange position  this is bigger than a school, this is bigger than what happened previously. This has to do with real hate, it has to do with the consequences of life," Schneider said. "This is dividing communities all over the United States."

Per a Tuesday interview with the Ventura County Sheriff's Department, deputies are still interviewing witnesses coming forward about the incident and reviewing a "large amount" of footage.

"We all want justice for Paul," Schneider said. "But we have to allow [police] to do what they do. I have nothing but faith that they're going to figure things out. If there's an arrest to be made, an arrest will be made."





Original article source: Hundreds honor Jewish man Paul Kessler killed in clash with pro-Palestinian protester: 'We want justice'
Hundreds of March for Israel protesters were left stranded after what they said was a malicious walk-off by bus drivers.

Members of the Jewish Federation of Detroit and the Jewish Community Relations Council said they became stranded after buses hired to transport a significant number of the groups participants from Dulles International Airport to the site of the march in Washington DC did not show up.

David Kurzmann, senior director of community affairs at the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, said hundreds of people were delayed or not able to attend the protest in DC, The Detroit News reported.

Mr Kurzmann added that he was told by the bus company, which has not been named, that the vehicles failed to show up due to a malicious walk-off of drivers.

He said that he and other protesters were deeply dismayed by the actions of the bus drivers, which he described as disgraceful.

Our resolve to proudly stand in solidarity with the people of Israel, to condemn antisemitism and to demand the return of every hostage held by Hamas has never been greater, he continued.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Mr Kurzmann said the bus company told the 900-strong group that they were having trouble after some drivers called in sick on Monday.

They informed us ... that they had drivers, who, when they were aware of the assignment today, called in, more than a few, a number of drivers called in sick, Mr Kurzmann said. He added that the bus company committed to fulfilling the obligations for our group.

Around a third of the travellers were affected by the bus cancellations, according to Mr Kurzmann.

Tens of thousands took part in the March for Israel in Washington DC on Tuesday (AP)

Democratic state senator Jeremy Moss was one of those affected. He said he flew to DC on a chartered plane, but when he got there, he and his group were denied an opportunity to be part of a tremendous display of support  for the hostages and a strong rebuke of antisemitism.

He said the group ended up sitting on the plane all afternoon and never made it to the rally.

Ive spent my tenure in the Legislature fighting discrimination when seeking goods or services that are denied based on identity or affiliation, said Mr Moss, who is openly gay. There are a lot of questions and we deserve to know the answers.

Rabbi Mike Moskowitz, who attended the march, said: What I have heard is that some bus drivers taking passengers from another plane loaded people on their buses, and then the driver walked off the buses and refused to drive them to the march.

Participants rally on the National Mall at the March for Israel on Tuesday (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The Washington DC march on Tuesday was attended by tens of thousands of people, including Democratic Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer, Republican House speaker Mike Johnson and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jefferies.

Protesters called for the estimated 240 hostages Hamas took from Israel on 7 October to be freed, chanting never again.

Hamas terrorists stormed into Israel on 7 October, killing 1,400 people and taking hundreds hostage.

Since the Hamas attacks last month, more than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed in retaliatory airstrikes launched by Israel, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Human rights organisations have called for an urgent ceasefire, with a United Nations report finding that 70 percent of those killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza were women and children  despite claims by the IDF that the airstrikes are targeting Hamas militants.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has so far resisted calls for a ceasefire as well as pressure from the US for a humanitarian pause, saying there will be no temporary ceasefire until all hostages are released.
By Gabriela Baczynska

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Hungary on Wednesday sought a review of the European Union's policy towards Ukraine, disagreeing with Germany, Lithuania, Finland and Ireland that backed bringing Kyiv closer to the bloc swiftly and granting it more aid amidst a Russian invasion.

Hungary is the main stumbling block to a decision by EU leaders next month to start formal membership talks with Ukraine once it meets all conditions, and assign 50 billion euros ($54 bln) in aid for Kyiv from the bloc's budget through 2027.

Those decisions require unanimity of the 27 countries in the bloc, which has supported Ukraine - a former Soviet republic that wants to integrate with the West - since Russia invaded in February 2022.

But Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban - who touts his ties with Moscow - has since said the bloc's strategy of sending money and military aid to Ukraine has failed, and that he opposed starting membership negotiations with Kyiv.

"We need a period of reflection and a strategic discussion on the policy of the European Union towards Ukraine," Hungary's European affairs minister, Janos Boka, said as he arrived for talks with his EU peers to prepare a Dec.14-15 summit of the bloc's leaders.

Until such discussion, Budapest would not support any EU decisions to advance Ukraine's accession process or further aid for Kyiv, he said.

Orban has complained that Ukraine had curbed the rights of Hungarian minority. He is also at odds with the EU over the bloc freezing of Hungary's access to funds because of concerns about the country's democratic backsliding during his rule.

DOWN TO THE WIRE

EU officials have said there could be a workaround to any Hungarian veto on financial aid to Kyiv. That would not apply, however, to inviting Ukraine to accession negotiations, something backed by most other EU states.

"It is important we reach an agreement on the financial framework in December to make sure we can give Ukraine the support," German EU minister, Anna Luhrmann, said in comments echoed by her Irish colleague.

Finland's Anders Adlercreutz said it was a security matter to support Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova - countries sandwiched between the EU and Russia, and willing to join the bloc one day.

"It is of outmost importance that every European country understands that we need to help Ukraine," he said.

Lithuania's Jovita Neliupsiene said the December EU summit must take decisions related to advancing the bloc's eventual enlargement, or damage its own credibility.

In the past, Hungary has temporarily blocked similar decisions on aid to Ukraine, as well as demanded a "strategic" discussion over EU sanctions against Russia for waging the war.

In some cases, Orban had eventually aligned himself with the rest of the bloc but not without negotiations going down to the wire over concessions he sought for Hungary.

A senior EU official voiced concern whether a December decision on EU membership talks with Ukraine was possible, given that consensus was needed: "I don't see a way out at the moment."($1 = 0.9216 euros)

(Additional reporting by Bart Meijer and Andreas Rinke, Writing by Gabriela Baczynska, Editing by Tomasz Janowski)
Hunter Biden asked the judge presiding over his criminal gun charge case to subpoena former President Donald Trump and top officials in his Justice Department, arguing that the investigation into him was the direct result of incessant, improper, and partisan pressure from Trump and his allies.

The court filing Wednesday asks U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika, a Trump nominee, to issue subpoenas to Trump, former Attorney General William Barr, former acting Deputy Attorney General Richard Donoghue, and former acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen.

"Mr. Biden seeks specific information from three former DOJ officials and the former President that goes to the heart of his defense that this is, possibly, a vindictive or selective prosecution arising from an unrelenting pressure campaign beginning in the last administration, in violation of Mr. Bidens Fifth Amendment rights under the Constitution, the filing said.

Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, was indicted in September on three counts tied to possession of a gun while using narcotics. Two of the counts accuse him of having completed a form indicating he was not using illegal drugs when he bought a Colt Cobra revolver in Oct. 2018, and the third alleges he possessed a firearm while using a narcotic. Two of the counts carry a maximum prison sentence of 10 years, while the third has a maximum of five years.

Hunter Biden's lawyers have maintained the charges are unfair because prosecutors agreed to a plea deal this year that would have had a gun charge using the same facts dropped if he stayed out of trouble for a period of two years. Prosecutors had also agreed to recommend a sentence of probation in return for a guilty plea on misdemeanor tax charges. The deal was scuttled after Noreika raised questions about some of the provisions in the agreements.

The filing maintains the decision to bring harsher charges was political, as was the underlying investigation itself.

"In the lead up to the 2020 election, IRS case files show certain investigative decisions were made 'as a result of guidance provided' by, among others, 'the Deputy Attorney Generals office,' the filing said.

It also points to a passage from Barr's recent book where he said Trump called him in October 2020 asking about the status of the probe into Joe Biden's son. Barr wrote that he responded, Dammit, Mr. President, I am not going to talk to you about Hunter Biden. Period!

"These confirmations of communications give more than a mere appearance that President Trump improperly and unrelentingly pressured DOJ to pursue an investigation and prosecution of Mr. Biden to advance President Trumps partisan ambitions," said the filing by Hunter Biden's attorney Abbe Lowell.

It also notes the pressure from House Republicans on special counsel David Weiss, who the GOP argued was taking it easy on Hunter Biden by offering him a plea deal to end the yearslong tax and gun charges probe.

Lowell said that pressure culminated in Special Counsel Weisss then changing course and bringing this Indictment on September 14 against Mr. Biden, charging three felony counts for the same gun and same facts that just a few months prior Mr. Weiss had agreed to divert under a pre-trial diversion agreement.

The proposed subpoenas would call for the four to turn over all "documents and records (personal or official platforms) reflecting communications" during the Trump administration "relating to or discussing any formal or informal investigation or prosecution of Hunter Biden, including, but not limited to, any decision, referral, or request to investigate or not investigate or charge or not charge Hunter Biden."

Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty to the gun charges in October. Weiss has indicated in court filings that he plans to bring tax charges against him, as well.

The special counsel's office declined to comment on the filing. Rosen, Donoghue and Trump's campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Hunter Biden's legal team called on the judge overseeing his Delaware firearm charges case to subpoena former President Donald Trump and several former Trump administration officials on Wednesday.

Biden attorney Abbe Lowell argues that the investigation into the president's son arose only due to "incessant, improper, and partisan pressure." In addition to Trump, Biden is seeking subpoenas against former Attorney General Bill Barr, former acting Deputy AG Richard Donoghue and former acting AG Jeffrey Rosen.

"The initial investigation was born out of a wider probe into Mr. Bidens taxes and foreign business dealings, " the request reads. "Public reporting reveals certain instances that appear to suggest incessant, improper, and partisan pressure applied by then President Trump to Messrs. Rosen, Donoghue, and Barr in relation to an investigation of Mr. Biden."

"Mr. Biden seeks specific information from three former DOJ officials and the former President that goes to the heart of his defense that this is, possibly, a vindictive or selective prosecution arising from an unrelenting pressure campaign beginning in the last administration, in violation of Mr. Bidens Fifth Amendment rights under the Constitution," it continued.

DOJ TAX OFFICIAL SAYS WEISS NEEDED APPROVAL FROM HIS DIVISION BEFORE BRINGING HUNTER BIDEN CHARGES: TRANSCRIPT

Hunter Biden's legal team called on the judge overseeing his Delaware firearm charges case to subpoena former President Donald Trump and several former Trump administration officials on Wednesday.

Trump's legal team has yet to respond to Biden's move. The others named in the request have also yet to respond.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

HUNTER BIDEN INVESTIGATORS LIMITED QUESTIONS ABOUT 'DAD,' 'BIG GUY' DESPITE FBI, IRS OBJECTIONS: WHISTLEBLOWER

Biden's gun crimes trial is not set to begin until after January 2024. He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted on all charges. He faces one count of making a false statement in the purchase of a firearm; another of making a false statement related to information required to be kept by a federal firearms licensed dealer; and one other count of possession of a firearm by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.

Former President Donald Trump speaks to a crowd during a campaign rally in Summerville, South Carolina, on Sept. 25.

This summer, Biden agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanor tax charges and would have also avoided prosecution on the gun charges had he stayed out of trouble for two years. It was the culmination of a yearslong investigation by federal prosecutors into the business dealings of the president's son, and the agreement would have dispensed with criminal proceedings and spared the Bidens weeks of headlines as the election loomed.

HUNTER BIDEN PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO FEDERAL GUN CHARGES OUT OF SPECIAL COUNSEL DAVID WEISS' PROBE

But the deal fell apart after a judge raised several questions about the arrangement.

House Republicans are searching for a link between Hunter Biden's business dealings and his father as part of an impeachment inquiry into President Biden.

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Meanwhile in Congress, House Republicans are searching for a link between Hunter Biden's business dealings and his father as part of an impeachment inquiry into President Biden, who is running for re-election in 2024 amid the political tumult.

READ BIDEN'S REQUEST FOR A SUBPOENA AGAINST TRUMP - APP USERS, CLICK HERE:

Fox News' Chris Pandolfo and The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: Hunter Biden asks judge to subpoena Trump, former officials in gun case
Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, arrives at Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C., in July. On Wednesday, Hunter Biden asked a judge to allow him to subpoena former President Donald Trump. File Photo by Ting Shen/UPI

Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Hunter Biden, the president's son who is facing federal gun charges, asked his judge on Wednesday for permission to subpoena former President Donald Trump and former Attorney General William Barr in his defense.

Republicans long have argued that the dragnet investigation into Biden has been influenced by political pressure to go lenient on him after it was started under the Trump administration.

The filing appears to turn the table on the question of political influence back to the former Republican president and his ex-attorney general. The younger Biden saw his plea deal on three federal weapons charges fall apart in July.

The move is a continued counteroffensive by Biden's legal team since the president's son entered not-guilty pleas to the charges after the plea deal ended.

Last month, Biden sued Trump's former attorney Rudy Giuliani over the release of private materials found on his laptop, the Internal Revenue Service for allegedly releasing his confidential information, and former White House aide Garrett Ziegler in the matter.

"Mr. Biden seeks specific information from three former DOJ officials and the former President that goes to the heart of his defense that this is, possibly, a vindictive or selective prosecution arising from an unrelenting pressure campaign beginning in the last administration, in violation of Mr. Biden's Fifth Amendment rights under the Constitution," Biden lawyer Abbe Lowell wrote to U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika.

Hunter Biden's attorney also wants subpoenas for former acting U.S. Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen and Richard Donoghue, Rosen's deputy attorney general.

"Public reporting reveals certain instances that appear to suggest incessant, improper, and partisan pressure applied by then President Trump to Messrs. Rosen, Donoghue, and Barr in relation to an investigation of Mr. Biden," the court documents said.
Hunter Biden requested Wednesday to subpoena former President Trump and three senior officials who served in his administrations Justice Department, seeking evidence that Bidens criminal prosecution is politically motivated.

Biden, who faces three federal gun charges, is demanding Trump and former Attorney General Bill Barr turn over communications and documents concerning the presidents son or his criminal investigation.

The demands for documents, which must be approved by a judge, also extend to former Deputy Attorney General Richard Donoghue and former acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen.

Mr. Biden seeks specific information from three former DOJ officials and the former President that goes to the heart of his defense that this is, possibly, a vindictive or selective prosecution arising from an unrelenting pressure campaign beginning in the last administration, in violation of Mr. Bidens Fifth Amendment rights under the Constitution, Bidens attorneys wrote in court filings.

After a plea deal evaporated in Bidens case earlier this year, prosecutors in Delaware indicted the presidents son on three gun-related charges in September.

He is accused of unlawfully possessing a firearm while addicted to a controlled substance and failing to disclose drug use when seeking to buy a weapon. Biden, who has acknowledged his struggles with addiction, pleaded not guilty.

Top Stories from The Hill

Republicans have long criticized the investigation into Biden, portraying his now-defunct plea agreement as a sweetheart deal and lambasting prosecutors for not charging him with additional crimes in their subsequent indictment.

Bidens subpoena motion extensively references those criticisms, calling out by name House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) and House Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith (R-Mo.). Biden accused Trump and his congressional allies of mounting a sustained, almost-nonstop public pressure campaign for prosecutors to bring charges.

Comers committee last week, as part of their impeachment inquiry, subpoenaed Hunter Biden and other members of the presidents family. The GOP investigation into the Bidens has multiple prongs, including claims they were engaged in influence peddling, as well as claims that some money flowed to President Biden himself during his vice presidency. The White House has vigorously denied any wrongdoing.

It is clear no measure of charges against Mr. Biden will ever be enough to appease Chairmen Comer and Smith and their MAGA allies, Bidens attorneys wrote in their motion.

As anyone can readily tell, it is not just pressure from within the Trump-era Executive Branch that is the problem; it is also incessant, unrelenting outside interference from congressional Republicans and their allies in the prosecutorial process, which is supposed to be independent and free from political interference, the motion continued. Undoubtedly, the current political climate has jeopardized that longstanding and fundamental American principle.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
US President Joe Biden and his son Hunter, who has been indicted on gun charges (Nicholas Kamm)

US President Joe Biden's son Hunter asked a judge Wednesday to issue a subpoena to Donald Trump, claiming an investigation that led to gun charges against him was politically motivated.

Hunter Biden, 53, in a filing with a US District Court in Delaware, is seeking documents and records from Trump, his former attorney general Bill Barr, former acting attorney general Jeffrey Rosen and former acting deputy attorney general Richard Donoghue.

Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty last month to three felony charges stemming from his purchase of a .38-caliber Colt Cobra revolver in 2018 when, by his own admission, he was addicted to drugs.

He is charged with illegally possessing the handgun and two counts of making false statements for claiming on forms required for the gun purchase that he was not using drugs at the time.

In the court filing seeking subpoenas, his lawyer, Abbe Lowell, said there was evidence Trump had applied "incessant, improper, and partisan pressure" on Barr and the other top Justice Department officials to investigate Hunter.

"Mr. Trump has made a plethora of concerning public statements calling for an investigation or possible prosecution of Mr. Biden, both while in office and since leaving," Lowell said.

He cited numerous tweets by Trump and a passage from a recent book by Barr, who served as attorney general under the former Republican president until resigning in December 2020.

In the book, Barr says Trump asked him in October 2020 about the status of an investigation into Hunter Biden.

"Dammit, Mr. President, I am not going to talk to you about Hunter Biden. Period!" Barr says he responded angrily.

Rosen and Donoghue took over the Justice Department's leadership following Barr's resignation, serving until Trump left the White House in January 2021.

Hunter Biden's legal troubles and controversies -- which extend to accusations from Republican politicians that he engaged in corrupt business practices in China and Ukraine -- are a drag on his father's political standing as he seeks a second term in 2024 in a possible rematch against Trump, the Republican presidential frontrunner.

Republicans have opened an impeachment inquiry in Congress into what they claim is a Biden family criminal conspiracy but have provided no evidence that the president did anything wrong.

In July, a plea bargain between Hunter Biden and prosecutor David Weiss -- which would have erased the gun charges while Biden pleaded guilty to two tax charges and avoided prison -- fell apart.

Hunter Biden has not been charged with any crimes related to his foreign business dealings, despite the Republican allegations.

Hunter Biden is a Yale-trained lawyer and lobbyist-turned-artist, but his life has been marred by alcoholism and crack cocaine addiction.

cl/nro
Hunter Bidens legal team has requested to subpoena former President Donald Trump and three former senior Justice officials for evidence that they say proves Bidens ongoing criminal prosecution is purely vindictive and politically motivated.

In court papers filed Wednesday in a Delaware federal court, Bidens attorneys demand any and all records or documents related to his investigation on gun and tax charges dating back to January of 2017 be turned over for their review.

The subpoena targets Trump, his former Attorney General William Barr, former acting Deputy Attorney General Richard Donoghue and former acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen.

President Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, leaves after a court appearance in Wilmington, Delaware, in July. Hunter Biden has asked a judge to approve subpoenas for documents from Donald Trump and former Justice Department officials related to whether political pressure wrongly influenced the criminal case against him.

President Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, leaves after a court appearance in Wilmington, Delaware, in July. Hunter Biden has asked a judge to approve subpoenas for documents from Donald Trump and former Justice Department officials related to whether political pressure wrongly influenced the criminal case against him.

each had a hand in one way or another in the still ongoing investigation of Mr. Biden, either in Delaware or elsewhere, the court filing states.

The requested documents could be personal records like diaries, journals and notes, or anything else that discusses Bidens prosecution, requests to have him investigated or criminally charged, the subpoena states.

The demand, which must be approved by a judge, follows federal prosecutors filing three gun-related charges against President Joe Bidens son in September after a judge rejected a leaner plea deal that he struck with prosecutors on misdemeanor charges in July.

Trump and his allies launched an almost-nonstop public pressure campaign to crumble the deal and sow doubt about the Justice Departments handling of the investigation, Bidens attorney said. The deal was publicly criticized by Trump and fellow GOP leaders as a sweetheart plea deal and slap on the wrist.

From that point forward, Republicans pushed for more severe charges against Mr. Biden from the now Special Counsel in an effort to make Mr. Bidens prosecution an election issue, the filing states.

...President Trump improperly and unrelentingly pressured DOJ to pursue an investigation and prosecution of Mr. Biden to advance President Trumps partisan ambitions.Court filings

Bidens attorneys argue that plenty of evidence already exists showing that Biden has been politically prosecuted, including federal documents, Trumps social media comments, and Trumps plethora of concerning public statements.

Donoghue, in one example cited by Bidens attorneys, took handwritten notes during a call with Trump and Rosen on Dec. 27, 2020, which showed that Trump instructed them both to figure out what to do with H[unter] Biden. Trump also insisted that people will criticize the DOJ if hes not investigated for real.

Those notes were released by the House Oversight Committee as part of the Jan. 6 investigation.

Barr also detailed an incident in his book when he became frustrated and snapped at Trump for asking him about a Biden investigation.

Dammit, Mr. President, I am not going to talk to you about Hunter Biden. Period! the court document notes Barr stating.

Barr was also cited for creating a dedicated channel at the U.S. Attorneys Office to collect information about Biden. This information, which was submitted by Trumps then-personal attorney Rudolph Giuliani and his associates, was then vetted in part by Donoghue, the filing states.

These confirmations of communications give more than a mere appearance that President Trump improperly and unrelentingly pressured DOJ to pursue an investigation and prosecution of Mr. Biden to advance President Trumps partisan ambitions, the filing states.

Bidens legal team is requesting the documents by Dec. 1, to allow Mr. Biden sufficient time to review the material in advance of any necessary evidentiary hearing and/or trial.

Donoghue, Rosen and a Trump spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Efforts to reach Barr were not immediately successful.

Related...
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A death is being investigated as a homicide in Oregon City after a husband reported that he had shot his wife in their home on Monday, police said.

Authorities say Anthony Wesse, 41, showed up to the police department just before 1 p.m. on Monday after shooting his 37-year-old wife Anna Wesse at 13400 Squire Drive.

Thanksgiving travel in US may include snow impacts

Oregon City police rushed to the house and found Anna already dead inside, officials say. Police also say no one else was in the home when they arrived.

Anthony faces charges of second-degree murder. He is currently in custody at Clackamas County Jail.

Portland teachers strike continues as contract talks resume

Police ask anyone with information about this case to call their tip line at 503-905-3505. Reference Case No. 23-023587.

Stay with KOIN 6 as this story develops.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
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/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.
Ukrenergo, Ukraines national energy company, and South Korean Hyundai Engineering & Construction have signed a memorandum on jointly exploring the possibilities of developing the Ukrainian power transmission system.

Source: Ukrenergos press service

Details: The message states that the agreement was signed by Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, CEO of Ukrenergo, and Hyung-Hwan Park, Regional Director for Europe and North Africa of Hyundai Engineering & Construction (E&C), during the international conference Rebuild Ukraine in Warsaw.

The agreement covers a joint study of future cooperation areas and potential opportunities for Hyundai E&C to participate in Ukrenergo projects.

Kudrytskyi said global businesses are looking for opportunities to invest in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian energy sector should become a key industry for successful investments.

Ukrenergo, as a transmission system operator, stands ready to assist both Hyundai E&C and other companies in effectively researching the investment attractiveness of energy projects.

Background:

On 2 November, Ukrenergo held daily joint auctions for selling access to the capacity of interstate power transmission lines in the Ukraine-Romania and Romania-Ukraine routes.

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Ukraine's state grid operator Ukrenergo and South Korea's Hyundai Engineering & Construction signed a memorandum on mutual understanding at the ReBuild Ukraine conference in Warsaw on Nov. 14, Ukrenergo announced.

Hyundai Engineering & Construction, a company within the Hyundai Group, will cooperate on researching "the possibilities of developing the electricity transmission system in Ukraine," Ukrenergo said in a statement.

The memorandum was signed by Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, the head of Ukrenergo, and Hyung-Hwan Park, Hyundai Engineering & Construction's regional director for Europe and North Africa, in the presence of Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko.

"We continue to work on attracting international investments in the process of rebuilding Ukraine's energy infrastructure," the state grid operator said.

The operator "is ready to assist both Hyundai E&C and other companies in effective research into the investment attractiveness of projects in the energy sector."

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol pledged $2.3 billion in aid for Ukraine in September, in order to help the country rebuild itself and provide humanitarian support to those in need amid Russia's ongoing full-scale war.

South Korea will provide the first $300 million as humanitarian aid in 2024, and the rest will be given to Ukraine as long-term, low-interest loans through the country's aid fund, Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), Seoul-based news agency Yonhap reported.

In July, Yoon visited Kyiv for the first time to meet his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, where he announced that Seoul will increase aid for Ukraine to $150 million.

During the visit, Yoon said that Seoul would expand the scale of (non-lethal military) supplies from last year, when we provided materials such as helmets and bullet-proof vests."

South Korea does not allow the direct export of arms to a country at war.

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.
Sir Ian said the opportunity to appear in the "ingenious adaptation" was "irresistible"

Sir Ian McKellen is to appear in a new play which blends parts one and two of Shakespeare's Henry IV.

The actor will play John Falstaff, a character he has never portrayed despite appearing in a huge number of Shakespeare plays throughout his life.

Director Robert Icke's production of Player Kings will play in Manchester and London next year.

Sir Ian told BBC News the offer to appear in the "ingenious adaptation" was "irresistible".

The production will open in March, playing at the New Wimbledon Theatre and Manchester Opera House, before transferring to the West End for a 12-week run at the Noel Coward Theatre from April to June.

Sir Ian said: "I decided to become a professional actor at Cambridge in 1959, when I was in John Barton's undergraduate production of Henry IV. Derek Jacobi played Prince Hal and I was the ancient Justice Shallow.

"Ever since, the plays have been among my favourite Shakespeares, although through the years I've resisted offers to play John Falstaff. Robert Icke's ingenious adaptation was irresistible."

Sir Ian's previous Shakespeare credits include roles as Richard II, Coriolanus, Iago, Richard III, King Lear and Macbeth - in which he starred opposite Dame Judi Dench. He is set to star as Hamlet in a new film adaptation directed by Sean Mathias.

For over a decade, Sir Ian also toured his one-man show, Acting Shakespeare, in the UK and abroad.

The text of Player Kings will be entirely made up of Shakespeare dialogue, however the parts one and two of Henry IV are being condensed and reorganised into one show.

John Falstaff appears in three plays by William Shakespeare and is eulogised in a fourth. The character is a companion to Prince Hal, the future King Henry V.

Icke's last new London production The Doctor opened at the Almeida theatre in 2019 but later transferred to the West End and Broadway.

The director said: "It's a genuine honour to work with one of our greatest Shakespearean actors, Ian McKellen, especially as he tackles one of the most iconic Shakespearean roles - and one he's previously never turned his hand to. It's an exciting challenge to bring together two of Shakespeare's plays into one production."

Sir Ian's screen credits include Magneto in the X-Men films and as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, as well as roles in The Da Vinci Code, Mr Holmes, Beauty and the Beast and The Good Liar.

November marks the 400th anniversary of the publication of Shakespeare's First Folio, without which several of the Bard's most famous plays would have been lost.
People who came through the humanitarian corridor from Russia's Belgorod region check their phones at a humanitarian centre in Sumy (Genya SAVILOV)

To reach Ukrainian soil from Russia, teacher Olena Yevdokiyenko had to lug suitcases and push her mother's wheelchair for two kilometres in the dark.

Her family used a humanitarian corridor that is now the only entry point for Ukrainian citizens arriving from occupied territories via Russia's Belgorod region.

Although it works one-way only, the unpaved track through no-man's-land is still busy, more than a year and a half into the war.

"Those two kilometres seemed like 20," (12 miles) said Yevdokiyenko, resting with her teenage daughter and mother after crossing into Ukraine's Sumy region.

"We did it in stages -- walking a little bit with the bags, then we went back for granny, pushed her and then went back for the bags -- but it was very hard."

After vetting by Ukrainian officials in the border village of Krasnopillia, they stayed overnight at a centre in the regional capital, Sumy, run by local NGO Pluriton.

Resting under a fluffy cream-coloured blanket, Yevdokiyenko, 48, says she decided to leave the Russian-controlled Lugansk region after neighbours started calling her a "Nazi" and a "Ukrainian bitch".

The primary school teacher refused to get a Russian passport or use Russian workbooks.

"I became an outcast," said the cheery-looking woman surrounded by suitcases and bags of her mother's medicines.

"They started calling me names, making threats, there was a lot of pressure."

- 'Plot to blow us up' -

"I was (later) told there were also two attempts to blow us up with a hand grenade, so there would be no trace left of us."

Her family's house in a front-line village has been destroyed by shelling.

Her mother, Raisa Dmyanenko, a 69-year-old retired teacher, was tearful, saying she was only now realising the family "had lived through horrors".

The family were getting free transport and basic accommodation in Kyiv, where Yevdokiyenko hopes to find work.

Another arrival in Krasnopillia, Sergiy Guts-Zasulsky, 57, came from the Donetsk region with his partner Tatiana Kachilova and their 12-year-old son.

As the grey-haired man in a black leather jacket spoke, he periodically buried his face in a handkerchief.

"Sorry, it's emotions," he said.

When they walked across and saw Ukrainian flags, "I felt great joy in my soul," he said.

"You think: 'Lord, have all those torments really ended and I'm home?'"

- 'Tourists' or 'stooges'? -

He said he had been beaten and imprisoned by occupying authorities.

"They took me and for a month they held me in a cellar, and I didn't know why. I only realised later it was because I'm Ukrainian," he said.

"They messed around with me," he said. "They damaged my right eye, I can see with it, but barely."

He and his partner Kachilova, 50, said it had become impossible to find work or even call an ambulance without a Russian passport.

Ukrainian-language radio stations were also jammed, Sergiy said.

Kachilova insisted they would not return, saying: "Once was enough for us.That's it. We learnt what Russia is, how it treats people."

Yevdokiyenko and Guts-Zasulsky said Russian border officials had asked why they were going to a country run by "tyrants" and praised Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Others were only visiting Ukraine: to collect pensions, get medical treatment or visit relatives.

Some referred to these negatively as "tourists" or "stooges".

"Someone may have an elderly mother or father who is sick and they can't leave," noted Pluriton director Katerina Arisoi.

"The percentage of such people (out of those arriving) is not large," she added.

To return to Russian-controlled territory, they have to go back via Europe.

Valentina, a 55-year-old former primary teacher from Lugansk region, said she and her husband would return after checks on his heart in Kyiv.

"We can't find a good cardiologist at all, practically all the cardiologists have left (occupied areas)," she said.

Her house keeps her in occupied territory, she said, as well as a bed-ridden sister.

Sumy border guards spokesman Roman Tkach stressed the border with Russia remains officially closed.

But since Russia began letting people through, Ukraine is obliged to accept its citizens.

"Every day we note about 60 to 120 people returning to Ukraine. These are all citizens of Ukraine," he told AFP.

Crossing on foot is safer than taking a vehicle that could come under fire, he added.

"Every day, the enemy is shelling the border territory of Ukraine."

No one making the crossing has been fired on, he said.

Reportedly the corridor is also used to exchange military dead and POWs.

Ukraine never confirms such locations, a spokesman for the Ukrainian office responsible for POWs told AFP.

am/cad/bp
A Jacksonville-area construction worker maneuvers across the web of supports in a partially-completed building. Builders constructing new structures are required to have worker's compensation insurance in case of accidents.

Two undocumented immigrants living in Jacksonville will finish two years behind bars and be deported to Honduras following their sentencing in a multimillion-dollar fraud involving workers compensation insurance.

Oscar Santos-Santos, 45, and Wilkin Santos-Calix, 29, took plea deals in June admitting to conspiring to commit wire fraud and cheat the Internal Revenue Service out of tax money owed from hundreds of construction workers across the South, many in the country illegally.

The mens cases reflect ongoing government efforts to curb scams that companies in the construction industry have used for years to cut payroll costs while tapping into an undocumented workforce.

Through their actions, these defendants attempted to create an environment that favored cheaters, Tara K. Reed, acting special agent in charge of the Internal Revenue Services criminal investigations, said after the pair were sentenced this month.

A roofer replaces an old roofing system at a home in Indiantown in Martin County in this photo shot last year.

Defense attorneys worked before the sentencing to paint a more sympathetic picture, saying essentially their clients were uneducated working men trying to support themselves in an unforgiving business.

Also in court: Jacksonville roofer brothers charged with $2.8M payroll tax fraud using illegal workers

Santos-Calix is a cog in an illicit machine that exists in the construction industry, attorney Miguel A. Rosada told Chief U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Corrigan last month.

The scheme has a long history in the construction industry, Rosada wrote in a memo seeking lenience for his client, whom the attorney said had a third-grade education and was not a sophisticated person who is capable of masterminding an elaborate scheme.

How the scam worked

Both defendants were solo officers of businesses that investigators described as shell companies, used to hide the fact that building contractors were using illegal workers.

The shell companies  Santos-Calix was Brothers Forever Construction, Santos-Santos was JWS Construction LLC  bought cheap workers comp policies, which Florida law requires, then rented the policies to contractors employing far more workers than insurers expected to protect, court records showed.

An undocumented immigrant works as a framer at a construction site in Austin, Texas in this 2007 photo.

The policy that Santos-Calix bought for $14,392 per year would have cost $1.9 million to cover the building contractors in Florida, Georgia and Tennessee that received copies of the insurance certificate to use on their jobs, his plea agreement said.

Family scam: Jacksonville father-son builders jailed for $5 million payroll tax scam with illegal workers

Brothers Forever and JWS Construction also created space between established building contractors and illegal workers building their projects, getting lump-sum checks from the big companies and handing out cash or new checks to the crews.

But those payrolls for workers didnt include money for payroll taxes, making it easier for contractors working through the Hondurans companies to underbid competitors who worked by the book.

Cheating the IRS

Through their illegal workers compensation payroll and insurance fraud scheme, these individuals sought to defraud the U.S. government and undercut legitimate private businesses, while taking advantage of noncitizen workers, for their own personal profit, said Homeland Security Investigations Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips, whose office was deeply involved in the prosecution.

Payroll taxes that should have been paid totaled $5,018,590 between the two companies.

Besides prison time and deportation, judgments that Corrigan signed Thursday required Santos-Calix  described in an attorneys memo as sharing an apartment with a brother and a cousin before his arrest  to pay $3.2 million in restitution.

Santos-Santos was ordered to pay about $1.8 million in restitution.

Santos-Calix was also ordered to forfeit $898,000 he had received from the conspiracy and Santos-Santos was ordered to forfeit $491,000.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Illegal Honduran builders given prison, fined $5M in Jacksonville scam
Many recently arrived Venezuelans celebrated when the Biden administration granted those who were eligible the chance to work in the United States. Consuelo Martinez said she felt deep sadness.

Martinez, originally from Mexico, and her husband have worked in the U.S. for 27 years, without permission and in constant fear of being caught by immigration officers, she said by phone in Spanish.

When I heard that my Venezuelan brothers and sisters, the president, overnight, gave them permission to work, I became sad. I became very, very sad, Martinez said. I cried. I cried because I am 27 years waiting in line, 27 years, so that they can give me permission to work, so I can go to work without fear, I can work calmly, without stress.

Martinez had traveled to Washington from Chicago on Tuesday along with hundreds of other immigrants, employers and advocates. Organizers said 2,219 people were bused in. They marched to Lafayette Square across from the White House to ask President Joe Biden to use his executive powers to give them a chance to get work permits, as well.

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The rally comes amid a lack of any congressional legislation on immigration and decades of Republican legal challenges to expanding work permits and deferred deportations for immigrants who lack legal status but have spent decades living and working in the U.S.

In September, Biden extended Temporary Protected Status to Venezuelans here since before July 31, which authorizes them to work.

Biden was responding to pressure from New York and other cities that have been struggling to house, clothe and feed the hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan migrants who have left political and economic upheaval in their country.

While the action opened a relief valve for cities and immigration advocates, it left undocumented immigrants who have been in the U.S. for a long time  and who have been hoping for Congress or one of multiple presidents to give them a similar privilege  to wonder, what about us?

But Biden cannot extend Temporary Protected Status, which is granted to people whose countries have experienced disasters or political upheavals, to all immigrants, said Muzaffar Chishti, a senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute and the director of its New York University School of Law office.

Biden has allowed Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans into the U.S. through humanitarian parole because of situations in their countries and the rising numbers of people from them arriving at the border. But Republicans are challenging the action in court, making an extension to another group risky, Chishti said.

Advocates also propose providing work permits to immigrants through a program like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, which allowed younger immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children to work and study in two-year intervals. But Republicans have also challenged DACA, and a separate program President Barack Obama created for parents of undocumented children, known as DAPA, was short-circuited by the courts.

"One supports this as a moral issue, but there's no legal basis for doing it," Chishti said. "The president cannot give authorization unless he has an underlying authority for the category that is eligible for compensation."

Long-term immigrants have been here working and paying taxes for years. It's time for @POTUS @JoeBiden to expand work authorization through Parole, TPS and DED - it's the right thing for our communities and our economy! #WorkPermitsForAll #PermisosParaTodos pic.twitter.com/qxVfiV93f3  El Centro Hispano (@CentroHispanoNC) November 14, 2023

Groups that participated in the rally, including business groups, point out that the country is experiencing labor shortages that could give Biden the justification to expand work permits to immigrants who lack legal status.

For many of our employers, trying to legalize the undocumented workforce is a North Star, said Rebecca Shi, the executive director of the American Business Immigration Coalition, and seeing the president is able to grant work permits to the new migrants has really excited us  can you also extend that to the long-term undocumented immigrants who have been picking our crops, cooking delicious meals, designing and constructing homes and even semiconductors?

More than any other administration, Shi said, Biden's has provided work permits to new migrants  Venezuelans, Cubans, Ukrainians and others.

"This has shown us, including the employers, that there is broad legal authority from the president," said Shi, whose group was leading the "Here to Work" march and campaign.

About 11.2 million people lived in the U.S. without legal permission in 2021, having either entered the country without permission or stayed after visas expired, said the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan think tank. The majority are adults. While that was a slight increase over 2019, the undocumented population has hovered at about 11 million for 15 years, it reported.

Of those, 63% had been in the U.S. a decade or more, 43% for 15 or more years and about 22% for 20 or more years.

Congress has, over almost the same time, become increasingly divided over immigration and allowed the undocumented workforce to grow, stymied by groups' differences and unable to reconcile itself with the always changing dynamics of immigration.

Meanwhile, in the last couple of decades, the numbers of people arriving at the border have spiked, with more arrivals from countries other than Mexico than in the past. In addition, more migrants are surrendering to immigration officials and asking for asylum.

Shi said the permits are doable if Biden deals with the undocumented population in buckets, giving the chance to work first to the approximately 1.1 million undocumented people married to U.S. citizens, the same way the government already allows spouses of members of the military to work and become citizens.

Then he could allow work permits and deportation deferrals for 1.2 million immigrants who have been in the country since they were children, often called Dreamers, who do not have DACA status and are graduating from high school and college but cannot work legally. He could also provide permits to hundreds of thousands of agriculture workers, and so on.

Sergio Suarez, an entrepreneur with 14 businesses of various types, said some migrants have worked 30 years in the U.S. and still do not have Social Security cards to permit them to work. Suarez is an immigrant from Mexico who has lived in the U.S. for 47 years.

Some in Congress had pressed the administration for worker permits for Venezuelans and are pushing for the same for others. At the rally, Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia, D-Ill., insisted Biden had the authority to provide the work permits for immigrants who have been here for years.

"We recognize that immigration reform has eluded Congress for 36 years," Garcia said at the rally, reminding the crowd he is the son of braceros, the name for mostly Mexican immigrants who worked in the U.S. from the 1940s to the 1960s, largely in agriculture, to ease labor shortages beginning in World War II.

"People want to continue to work in peace. They want to be able to go to work without fear of deportation or being apprehended," he said. "Those are the asks that we make of President Biden and this White House."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Members of rescue teams prepare to conduct a rescue operation after a portion of an under-construction tunnel collapsed in Uttarkashi

Members of rescue teams prepare to conduct a rescue operation after a portion of an under-construction tunnel collapsed in Uttarkashi

By Saurabh Sharma

LUCKNOW, India (Reuters) -Falling debris are hampering efforts to pull out 40 workers trapped inside a collapsed Himalayan highway tunnel for more than three days as rescuers prepared to deploy an advanced machine to cut through the rubble faster.

Loose rocks have been falling into a tunnel that rescuers are trying to create and this is the main challenge facing the operation at the moment, said a top official in Uttarakhand state, where the disaster occurred.

The men are trapped in an area of about 50 metres and are safe, officials said, with food, water and oxygen being supplied through a pipe since the collapse early on Sunday, and frequent contact is being made with them through walkie-talkies.

"The plan is to drill through the debris, put mild steel pipes in it and make a path for the labourers to move," Ranjit Sinha, the top disaster management officer in Uttarakhand, told Reuters by phone.

"The only challenge is to remove the debris as it is very loose and it keeps coming back."

India's Himalayas are prone to landslides, earthquakes and floods. The tunnel collapse follows incidents of land subsidence that have been blamed on rapid construction in the mountains.

A high-powered auger drilling machine is being set up at the site to cut through the debris at 2.5 metres an hour as opposed to one metre by the previous machine that suffered a glitch, Sinha said.

An estimated 50 metres remains to be drilled through before the trapped workers are reached, said Anshu Manish Khalkho, an official of the state-run highway management company NHIDCL.

CRITICISM

There were up to 60 men on the night shift in the 4.5-km (3-mile) tunnel when it caved in before dawn. Men near the end of the tunnel managed to get out in time but the 40 trapped men were working deeper inside.

The ANI news agency showed footage on Wednesday of about a dozen angry workers outside the tunnel calling for their colleagues to be rescued quickly.

The men were working on the Char Dham highway, one of the most ambitious projects of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, but the plan has faced criticism from environmental experts.

The project aims to connect four Hindu pilgrimage sites in the mountains through 890 km (550 miles) of roads at a cost of $1.5 billion, but some work was halted in January after hundreds of houses were damaged by subsidence along the routes.

The federal government has said it employed environmentally friendly techniques in the design to make geologically unstable stretches safer.

Work on the tunnel began in 2018 and was initially meant to be finished by July 2022 but delays prior to Sunday's collapse had already pushed the expected end-date back to next May, the government said in a statement.

(Reporting by Saurabh Sharma in Lucknow, writing by Tanvi Mehta, Krishn Kaushik and Shivam Patel; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan, Robert Birsel and Gareth Jones)
LAFAYETTE, Ind.  On Monday, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb announced that he had directed the Indiana Finance Authority to oversee the completion and validation of the INTERA water supply study thats being completed for Indianas Economic Development Corp.'s LEAP project.

This news came as a surprise to some residents and local officials after theyve been calling for the IEDC to be more transparent regarding the project, as well as calling for the project to be stopped altogether.

The LEAP project would potentially pull up to 100 million gallons of water a day from Tippecanoe County and pipe it to Boone County to help support a new economic district being developed by IEDC.

After Holcombs announcement, Tippecanoe Countys state legislators released a statement expressing their appreciation for Holcomb granting the Indiana Finance Authority of INTERAs study, but they also believe its just the first out of many steps needed to address the concerns of residents in Tippecanoe County.

In October, local legislators  state Sen. Ron Alting (R-District 22) and Sen. Spencer Deery (R-District 23), and State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette), Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) and Rep. Sharon Negele (R-Attica)  pledged to work together in hopes of creating new legislation and regulations that will potentially limit how much water can be withdrawn from a regions aquifer.

In Holcombs announcement, he also noted that the Indiana Finance Authority would immediately start a planned comprehensive regional water study for North Central Indiana to examine watersheds across 13 counties in the region, as well as install new water monitoring devices that will provide the public with the assurance that water use, and availability will continue to be tracked accurately and in real-time.

Spencer Deerys statement - (R-District 23)

State Sen. Spencer Deery (R  District - 23) speaks to constituents regarding how he and his colleagues plan to address their concerns regarding Indianas Economic Development Corp.'s LEAP project, at the Lafayette Army National Reserve building, on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023.

"Over the last month, I have worked to convey the level of concern felt by communities along the Wabash River to state officials and called for significant steps to ensure local residents have reliable access to water, Deery said.

"Some of the measures announced this week, like commitments to new water monitoring and additional studies, are helpful, but you typically study before you act, and significant work has already started at the LEAP Innovation District in Lebanon. This action to direct the Indiana Finance Authority to have oversight of the completion of the INTERA water study feels like two steps forward when we need three.

"I believe the next logical step is to pause any action or contract that would push the state even further down the path of this pipeline proposal until independent studies are completed and the Indiana General Assembly can consider relevant issues such as water withdrawal permits, pipeline costs and reform at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation."

Ron Altings statement - (R-District 22)

State Sen. Ron Alting (R  District 22) speaks to constituents regarding how he and his colleagues plan to address their concerns regarding Indianas Economic Development Corp.'s LEAP project, at the Lafayette Army National Reserve building, on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023.

"In recent months, I have heard from many Tippecanoe County residents who have expressed concerns regarding the water supply issue for the LEAP Innovation District in Lebanon, Alting said.

"I, too, have concerns about the potential of pumping millions of gallons of water per day from Tippecanoe County.

"I was born and raised in Tippecanoe County, graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School and Purdue University, and raised my family here. I want to see the county and its residents succeed.

"While I am happy to see the Indiana Finance Authority take oversight of the INTERA water study, I continue to have concerns for the overall project.

"During the upcoming legislative session, I plan to work with other area legislators to ensure all Hoosiers have access to the water supply they need."

Chris Campbells statement - (D-West Lafayette)

State Rep. Chris Campbell (D  West Lafayette), speaks to constituents regarding how she and her colleagues plan to address their concerns regarding Indianas Economic Development Corp.'s LEAP project, at the Lafayette Army National Reserve building, on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023.

This is a step towards progress  a very small step. Im glad that Governor Holcomb has responded to public outcry and the anxiety Ive seen in Tippecanoe County. Everything about this potential pipeline has progressed too quickly. Theres a lot of questions and a lot of worries that need answers. With this order, Governor Holcomb shows that hes not immune to our calls for action, Campbell said.

Oversight of the water supply study has shifted to the IFA. Our community has been calling for a third-party study. We want a neutral third-party to review the results. However, its unclear if the IFA is completely unbiased. Theyre closely intertwined with the IEDC, and theyve been involved in LEAP since the beginning. They have a vested interest in the success of this pipeline as well. Im glad the Governor has responded to our calls for action, but there still needs to be a true third-party study of the aquifer water supply.

Sheila Klinkers statement - (D-Lafayette)

State Rep. Shelia Klinker (D-Lafayette) speaks to Lafayette city council about potentially creating new legislation to address the issues renters have been dealing with in Lafayette, at July's Lafayette City Council meeting, on Monday, July 10, 2023, in Lafayette, Ind.

Id like to extend my gratitude to Governor Holcomb for his response. Elected by the people, the governor is obligated to serve the public. Hes trying to serve several counties with this order. Im pleased with Governor Holcombs order for the IFA to oversee the ongoing study, said.

In addition to his order, I believe our community needs more information and transparency. I believe we need more studies. Information and education are vital to the Lafayette community, and we are not getting the answers we deserve. There needs to be an additional, independent third-party study that has our regions best interests at heart. Overall, I continue to have questions concerning the entire project. I will continue working alongside my fellow legislators to support equitable access to water for our region.

Noe Padilla is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email him at Npadilla@jconline.com and follow him on Twitter at 1NoePadilla.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Indiana lawmakers respond to Holcomb's announcement regarding LEAP
The International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina, is home to one of the largest slave ports in the world. After opening its doors in early June, the institution now honors enslaved Africans by helping visitors connect with their family roots through advanced genealogy.

According to PBS News Hour, the museum has the broadest genealogical collection, with around 400 million records from before the 1870 census, which was the first to include African Americans by name. However, African Americans still struggle to trace their family history due to the lingering effects of slavery.

Malika Pryor-Martin, the museums chief learning and engagement officer, shared its mission to help families track their loved ones through state-of-the-art technology.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by International African American Museum (@iaamuseum)

Help folks break down what we refer to in the genealogy world as that brick wall of 1870. Its both myth and reality, because the myth, the records are there. The reality, access is tough. So, its natural to think about the kinds of records that you would search for people, Pryor-Martin told PBS News Hour.

he continued: However, in an antebellum period, the overwhelming majority of people of African descent here in the United States or what becomes the United States are not people. Theyre considered property. So we are really interested in investing in digitizing and working and partnering with other institutions to digitize them to make what they digitized available.

The International African American Museum is at Gadsdens Wharf, the historical site where more than 40% of enslaved Africans arrived in the United States, per PBS. After several delays, the institution finally opened on June 26.

Additionally, the museum has many exhibits and galleries for visitors to learn more about their family history and the African diaspora.

Its a spiritual center. Its a place thats really and truly home away from home. Its a place where the community can find justice. So its really serving as a point of reference and grounding for the sustenance of the entire community, Pryor-Martin said, per PBS.
The body of a 45-year-old Alexandria man was found early Tuesday in the road in the 1500 block of Dallas Avenue, according to police.

The body of a 45-year-old Alexandria man was found early Tuesday in the road in the 1500 block of Dallas Avenue, according to police.

The Alexandria Police Department was alerted to the body around 5:15 a.m., reads a news release.

The man has been identified as Damon Johnson. The release stated a homicide investigation was continuing.

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Anyone with information about Johnson or the shooting is asked to call detectives at 318-441-6416, dispatch at 318-441-6559 or email APDDetectives@cityofalex.com.

This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: Body of Damon Johnson, 45, found in Alexandria street early Tuesday
Chinese scientist promotes innovation in space exploration payloads

Xinhua) 19:57, November 14, 2023

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.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
The opening ceremony of the 2023 World Young Scientist Summit is held in Wenzhou city, Zhejiang province, on Nov. 11. [Photo by Mi Xingang/China.org.cn]



The 2023 World Young Scientist Summit (WYSS) was held in Wenzhou city, Zhejiang province, from Nov. 9 to 12.

Themed "Converging the World's Talents, Creating a Better Future," the summit has been held annually since 2019. Centering around the topic of "Strengthening Innovation Among Youth for a Sustainable Future," the 2023 session comprised 13 forums, gathered four winners of the Nobel Prize, 37 academicians, and 850 scientists and entrepreneurs from China and abroad. The attendees gathered to exchange ideas in science and technology, enhance cooperation in innovation, and seek solutions to global challenges.

Three young scientists from China and the United Kingdom are given the Young Scientist Sustainable Development Goals Award at the opening ceremony of the WYSS in Wenzhou city, Zhejiang province, on Nov. 11. [Photo by Mi Xingang/China.org.cn]



This year, for the first time, the Young Scientist Sustainable Development Goals Award was established by the summit to acknowledge young scientists who have made remarkable contributions to the goals. A total of 80 young scientists from 35 countries and regions had submitted applications, with three being chosen after meticulous appraisals by a review committee formed by 11 internationally renowned experts. The winners, including Henry Snaith from Oxford University, Lou Xiongwen from City University of Hong Kong, and Zhang Qiang from Tsinghua University, were awarded during the opening ceremony for their contributions to perovskite-based photovoltaic cells, the synthesis of nano-structured materials and their applications, and lithium bond chemistry and the utilization of electrochemical energy storage, respectively. Each will receive a reward of one million yuan (approximately $137,000).

The WYSS European Event is held in Brussels, Belgium, from Oct. 17 to 18. [Photo/Xinhua]



As a prelude to the summit, the WYSS European Event was held in Brussels, Belgium, from Oct. 17 to 18. Jointly organized by the WYSS Secretariat and the Association of Chinese-European Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ACEIE), the European Event attracted over 60 esteemed scientists and entrepreneurs to deliver speeches, attend panel discussions, and make project roadshows at the main venue, sub-venues, and during roundtable dialogues. They focused on topics such as youth and future, innovation and inheritance, development, and responsibility. During the event, five European organizations signed cooperative agreements with WYSS and ACEIE, paving the way to encourage more youth to participate in global governance on science and technology.

The "Visit China Plan" is launched during the Youth Climate Action Forum and Global Roundtable for Young Scientist Scholars, one of the forums of the 2023 WYSS, in Wenzhou city, Zhejiang province, on Nov. 11. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]



During the Youth Climate Action Forum and Global Roundtable for Young Scientist Scholars held on Nov. 11, one of the forums of the 2023 WYSS, an important plan entitled the "Visit China Plan" was launched. Initiated and implemented by the China Association for International Science and Technology Cooperation, the plan aims to invite young global scientists, representatives of science organizations, and science entrepreneurs to visit China. The visiting activities are expected to enhance communication between science communities, promote the sharing and application of technological achievements, explore ways of addressing global issues like climate change, the green economy, and low-carbon transport, and make contributions to the development of SDGs, according to the forum.

Jointly sponsored by the China Association for Science and Technology and the People's Government of Zhejiang Province, the WYSS has become an important platform to enable young scientists to learn from each other and achieve their dreams.
(Bloomberg) -- Iran increased its stockpile of uranium enriched just below the level needed for nuclear weapons, potentially compounding Middle East tensions already heightened by the Israel-Hamas war.

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Nuclear inspectors from the United Nations watchdog told diplomats Wednesday that Irans stockpile of highly-enriched uranium gained 5% since September, compared with a 7% increase the previous quarter. The rise follows a US decision to re-freeze $6 billion of Iranian funds stranded in Qatar due to the risk Tehran was involved in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack against Israel, which triggered the ongoing conflict.

The International Atomic Energy Agency reiterated complaints that monitoring has been seriously affected by Irans decision to remove some of its surveillance equipment. Iran has directly and seriously affected the agencys ability to conduct its verification activities, according to the 11-page restricted report seen by Bloomberg News.

The IAEA document re-focuses attention on Irans nuclear work just as tensions flare across the Middle East amid Israels ground offensive in Gaza and tit-for-tat attacks between US forces and Iranian-backed militias in other territories. Underscoring the seriousness, a resolution passed by the House of Representatives earlier this month declared the US should use all means necessary to prevent the Persian Gulf nation from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Iran began enriching uranium to 60% in retaliation for a 2021 attack on its largest nuclear-fuel plant in Natanz, which it blamed on Israel. While that purity is still below the 90% grade typically used for weapons, its much higher than the cap set by the now-defunct nuclear accord that Iran agreed with world powers in 2015.

While the IAEA report showed Iran reducing enrichment rates  accumulation of 60% fuel has dropped to about 3 kilograms a month from 9 kilograms in the second quarter  other frictions cropped up.

The IAEA printed a portion of a letter it received Wednesday from Irans top atomic official, Mohammad Eslami, that dismissed inspector requests as not compelling and lacking any legal basis.

Irans continued enrichment and lack of cooperation with IAEA monitors casts a shadow on months of diplomacy with the US, which had seen the Islamic Republic begin to roll back highly-enriched uranium production in September. The shift followed months of secret talks between Tehran and Washington that led to an understanding that American prisoners held by Iran would be freed in return for the release of billions of dollars of US-frozen Iranian funds.

US officials have privately acknowledged that enforcement of sanctions on Iranian oil sales has been relaxed, allowing Tehran to ramp up production. With the worlds No. 4 oil reserves, Iran has been shipping the most crude to China in a decade.

But Hamass Oct. 7 attack and subsequent Israeli retaliation in Gaza have undermined the tenuous detente, with the US sending an attack submarine and aircraft carrier strike force into the region. On Sunday, President Joe Biden authorized US attacks on facilities in eastern Syria used by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, citing attacks by Iran-backed militias since the war began.

Irans stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% levels of purity rose to 128.3 kilograms (282.9 pounds) from 121.6 kilograms (268.1 pounds) in September, the IAEA inspectors concluded. Inventories of 20%-enriched fuel grew to 567.1 kilograms from 535.8 kilograms.

(Updates with enrichment details in the sixth, Iran official in the seventh paragraph)

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Sotoudeh has spent much of the past decade in jail (FRANCOIS GUILLOT)

Iranian authorities on Wednesday released the prize-winning rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh after she spent more than two weeks in prison, her husband said.

Nasrin Sotoudeh, 60, was arrested at the funeral on October 29 in Tehran of Armita Garawand, 17, who activists say was fatally beaten by the Tehran morality police.

Sotoudeh, who has spent much of the past decade in and out of prison serving a myriad of sentences in cases linked to her activism, was after her arrest moved to Qarchak women's prison outside Tehran and subsequently to Evin prison in the capital.

"Nasrin was released from prison a few hours ago after posting bail," her husband Reza Khandan wrote on X, formerly Twitter, posting a picture with his wife who was defiantly not wearing the headscarf obligatory for women in the Islamic republic.

Sotoudeh, who began a hunger strike after her arrest, has for years campaigned on some of the most sensitive issues in Iran. She won prizes including the 2012 Sakharov Prize bestowed by the European Parliament and the 2020 Right Livelihood award.

She has also won prominence thanks to appearances in film. She made a memorable cameo appearance as a passenger in Jafar Panahi's 2015 movie "Taxi Tehran", and was the subject of a warmly received 2020 documentary, "Nasrin".

The case of Garawand had strong echoes of the case of Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody in September 2022 after being detained for failing to obey the dress code, with authorities wanting to prevent any repeat of the mass protests that followed her death.

In both cases, Iranian authorities have insisted prior medical conditions caused their deaths, not the intervention of police.

Sotoudeh's fellow rights campaigner Narges Mohammadi was awarded this year's Nobel Peace Prize but remains in jail in Iran. Her family accuses prison authorities of putting her life at risk by limiting her access to medical treatment because of her refusal to wear the headscarf.

The New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) said it was "pleased" about Sotoudeh's release, but warned there are numerous individuals still detained "whose plight should not be forgotten".

They include women such as Mohammadi and journalists Niloufar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi, who helped to expose the Amini case with their reporting.

sjw/srm
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says Iran will continue supporting Hamas but will not intervene directly - Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader

Irans supreme leader told the head of Hamas in a face-to-face meeting in Tehran that his country would not enter the war with Israel and accused the terror group of not giving any prior warning of the Oct 7 attacks.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told Ismail Haniyeh that Iran  a longtime backer of Hamas  would continue to lend the group its political and moral support, but would not intervene directly, according to three Iranian and Hamas officials with knowledge of the discussions who asked to remain anonymous.

The supreme leader pressed Haniyeh to silence those voices in the Palestinian group publicly calling for Iran and its powerful Lebanese ally Hezbollah to join the battle against Israel in full force, a Hamas official told Reuters.

Hezbollah, too, was taken by surprise by Hamass devastating assault last month that killed 1,200 Israelis. Its fighters were not even on alert in villages near the border that were front lines in its 2006 war with Israel, and had to be rapidly called up, three sources close to the Lebanese group said.

We woke up to a war, said a Hezbollah commander.

The unfolding crisis marks the first time that the so-called axis of resistance  a military alliance built by Iran over four decades to oppose Israeli and American power in the Middle East  has mobilised on multiple fronts at the same time.

Hezbollah has engaged in the heaviest clashes with Israel for almost 20 years. Iran-backed militias have targeted US forces in Iraq and Syria. Yemens Houthis have launched missiles and drones at Israel.

The conflict is also testing the limits of the regional coalition whose members  which include the Syrian government, Hezbollah, Hamas and other militant groups from Iraq to Yemen  have differing priorities and domestic challenges.

Mohanad Hage Ali, an expert on Hezbollah at the Carnegie Middle East Centre think tank in Beirut, said Hamass Oct 7 assault on Israel had left its axis partners facing tough choices in confronting an adversary with far superior firepower.

When you wake up the bear with such an attack, its quite difficult for your allies to stand in the same position as you.

Hamas, the ruling group of Gaza, is fighting for its survival against an avenging Israel, which vows to wipe it out and has launched a retaliatory onslaught on the tiny enclave that has killed more than 11,000 Palestinians.

On Oct 7, Mohammed Deif, Hamass military commander, called on its axis allies to join the struggle. Our brothers in the Islamic resistance in Lebanon, Iran, Yemen, Iraq and Syria, this is the day when your resistance unites with your people in Palestine, he said in an audio message.

Hints of frustration surfaced in subsequent public statements by Hamas leaders including Khaled Meshaal, who in an Oct 16 TV interview thanked Hezbollah for its actions thus far but said the battle requires more .

Nonetheless, alliance leader Iran will not directly intervene in the conflict unless it is itself attacked by Israel or the US, according to six officials with direct knowledge of Tehrans thinking who declined to be named due to the sensitive nature of the matter.

Instead, Irans clerical rulers plan to continue using their axis network of armed allies, including Hezbollah, to launch rocket and drone attacks on Israeli and American targets across the Middle East, the officials said.

The strategy is a calibrated effort to demonstrate solidarity for Hamas in Gaza and stretch Israeli forces without becoming engaged in a direct confrontation with Israel that could draw in the US, they added.

This is their way of trying to create deterrence, said Dennis Ross, a former senior US diplomat specialising in the Middle East who now works at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy think tank. A way of saying: Look, as long as you dont attack us, this is the way it will remain. But if you attack us, everything changes.

Iran has repeatedly said that all members of the alliance make their own decisions independently.

The Iranian foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment about its response to the crisis and the role of the axis of resistance, a term of disputed origin that has been used by Iranian officials to describe the coalition.

Hamas did not immediately respond to questions sent to Haniyehs media adviser, while Hezbollah also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Hezbollah, the most powerful group in the axis, boasting 100,000 fighters, has exchanged fire with Israeli forces across the Lebanon-Israel border on an almost daily basis since Hamas went to war with Israel and more than 70 of its fighters have been killed.

Yet, like its backer Iran, Hezbollah has avoided an all-out confrontation.

The group has calibrated its attacks in a way that has kept the violence largely contained to a narrow strip of territory at the border, even as it has escalated those strikes in recent days, according to the people familiar with its thinking.

One of the sources said Hamas wanted Hezbollah to strike deeper into Israel with its massive arsenal of rockets but that Hezbollah believed this would lead Israel to lay waste to Lebanon without halting its attack on Gaza.

Hezbollah, which is also a political movement deeply involved in Lebanese government affairs, knows Lebanon can ill afford another war with Israel, more than four years into a financial crisis that has driven up poverty and hollowed out the countrys governing institutions.

Lebanon took years to rebuild from the 2006 war, during which Israeli bombardment pounded the Hezbollah-controlled south of the country and destroyed swathes of its stronghold in the southern suburbs of the capital Beirut.

Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollahs leader, said in a Nov 3 speech that Hamas had kept its attack on Israel a secret from its allies and this had ensured its success and not upset anyone in the axis. Hezbollah attacks at the Israeli border were unprecedented and amounted to a real battle, he said.

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By Parisa Hafezi, Laila Bassam and Arshad Mohammed

DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran's supreme leader delivered a clear message to the head of Hamas when they met in Tehran in early November, according to three senior officials: You gave us no warning of your Oct. 7 attack on Israel and we will not enter the war on your behalf.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told Ismail Haniyeh that Iran - a longtime backer of Hamas - would continue to lend the group its political and moral support, but wouldn't intervene directly, said the Iranian and Hamas officials with knowledge of the discussions who asked to remain anonymous to speak freely.

The supreme leader pressed Haniyeh to silence those voices in the Palestinian group publicly calling for Iran and its powerful Lebanese ally Hezbollah to join the battle against Israel in full force, a Hamas official told Reuters.

Hamas didn't respond to questions sent by Reuters before the publication of this report. After publication, the group posted a statement on Telegram saying it denied the validity of the report, which it described as "baseless". The post didn't specify what was inaccurate, and Hamas didn't immediately respond to a request for clarification.

Iran's foreign ministry didn't respond to a request for comment about the meeting, which both Tehran and Hamas announced publicly, and the country's response to the crisis. Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, have said publicly several times that they don't want the Israel-Hamas war to spread across the region.

The unfolding crisis marks the first time that the so-called Axis of Resistance - a military alliance built by Iran over four decades to oppose Israeli and American power in the Middle East - has mobilised on multiple fronts at the same time.

Hezbollah has engaged in the heaviest clashes with Israel for almost 20 years. Iran-backed militias have targeted U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria. Yemen's Houthis have launched missiles and drones at Israel.

The conflict is also testing the limits of the regional coalition whose members - which include the Syrian government, Hezbollah, Hamas and other militant groups from Iraq to Yemen - have differing priorities and domestic challenges.

Three sources close to Hezbollah said the Lebanese group was also taken by surprise by Hamas' devastating assault last month that killed 1,200 Israelis. They said its fighters were not even on alert in villages near the border that were frontlines in its 2006 war with Israel, and had to be rapidly called up.

"We woke up to a war," said a Hezbollah commander.

Mohanad Hage Ali, an expert on Hezbollah at the Carnegie Middle East Center think-tank in Beirut, said Hamas' Oct. 7 assault on Israel had left its axis partners facing tough choices in confronting an adversary with far superior firepower.

"When you wake up the bear with such an attack, it's quite difficult for your allies to stand in the same position as you."

HAMAS CALLS FOR AXIS HELP

Hamas, the ruling group of Gaza, is fighting for its survival against an avenging Israel, which vows to wipe it out and has launched a retaliatory onslaught on the tiny enclave that's killed more than 11,000 Palestinians.

On Oct. 7, Hamas' military commander Mohammed Deif called on its axis allies to join the struggle. "Our brothers in the Islamic resistance in Lebanon, Iran, Yemen, Iraq and Syria, this is the day when your resistance unites with your people in Palestine," he said in an audio message.

Hints of frustration surfaced in subsequent public statements by Hamas leaders including Khaled Meshaal, who in an Oct. 16 TV interview thanked Hezbollah for its actions thus far but said "the battle requires more" .

Nonetheless, alliance leader Iran won't directly intervene in the conflict unless it is itself attacked by Israel or the United States, according to six officials with direct knowledge of Tehran's thinking who declined to named due to the sensitive nature of the matter.

Instead, Iran's clerical rulers plan to continue using their axis network of armed allies, including Hezbollah, to launch rocket and drone attacks on Israeli and American targets across the Middle East, the officials said.

The strategy is a calibrated effort to demonstrate solidarity for Hamas in Gaza and stretch Israeli forces without becoming engaged in a direct confrontation with Israel that could draw in the United States, they added.

"This is their way of trying to create deterrence," said Dennis Ross, a former senior U.S. diplomat specialising in the Middle East who now works at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy think-tank. "A way of saying: 'Look as long as you don't attack us, this is the way it will remain. But if you attack us, everything changes'."

Iran has repeatedly said that all members of the alliance make their own decisions independently. Axis of Resistance is a term of disputed origin that has been used by Iranian officials to describe the coalition.

HEZBOLLAH'S HOME PROBLEMS

Hezbollah, the most powerful group in the axis, boasting 100,000 fighters, has exchanged fire with Israeli forces across the Lebanon-Israel border on an almost daily basis since Hamas went to war with Israel and more than 70 of its fighters have been killed.

Yet, like its backer Iran, Hezbollah has avoided an all-out confrontation.

The group has calibrated its attacks in a way that has kept the violence largely contained to a narrow strip of territory at the border, even as it has escalated those strikes in recent days, according to the people familiar with its thinking.

One of the sources said Hamas wanted Hezbollah to strike deeper into Israel with its massive arsenal of rockets but that Hezbollah believed this would lead Israel to lay waste to Lebanon without halting its attack on Gaza.

Hezbollah, which is also a political movement deeply involved in Lebanese government affairs, knows Lebanon can ill afford another war with Israel, more than four years into a financial crisis that has driven up poverty and hollowed out the country's governing institutions.

Lebanon took years to rebuild from the 2006 war, during which Israeli bombardment pounded the Hezbollah-controlled south of the country and destroyed swathes of its stronghold in the southern suburbs of the capital Beirut.

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said in a Nov. 3 speech that Hamas had kept its attack on Israel a secret from its allies and this had ensured its success and not "upset anyone" in the axis. Hezbollah attacks at the Israeli border were unprecedented and amounted to "a real battle", he said.

AMERICA COMES UNDER FIRE

The United States, too, is keen to avoid the war spiralling beyond Gaza. Having fought two costly and ill-fated wars in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past two decades, it now finds itself bankrolling Ukraine's defence against Russia's invasion.

President Joe Biden has so far sought to limit the U.S. role in the Gaza crisis mostly to ensuring military aid to Israel. He has also moved two aircraft carriers and fighter jets to the eastern Mediterranean, partly as a warning to Tehran.

The temperature is rising; at least 40 drone and rocket attacks have been launched at U.S. forces by axis militias in Iraq and Syria since the Gaza war began in response to American support for Israel, according to the Pentagon. U.S. officials say America has conducted three sets of retaliatory strikes against facilities in Syria used by militias linked to Iran.

On Monday, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stressed the risk of another major front being opened in the conflict.

"What we've seen throughout this conflict, throughout this crisis, is tit-for-tat exchanges between Lebanese Hezbollah and Israeli forces," he told a news conference in Seoul. "No one wants to see another conflict break out in the north."

ISRAEL LOOKS TO THE NORTH

Austin emphasised the need to avoid any regional escalation when he spoke to his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant over the weekend, according to a readout of the call.

The Israeli prime minister's office didn't immediately respond to a request for comment for this article.

Two Israeli security sources, who declined to be identified, said that Israel didn't seek any spread of hostilities but added that the country was prepared to fight on new fronts if needed to protect itself. They said security officials deemed the most potent immediate threat to Israel came from Hezbollah.

Enmity runs deep between Israel and Iran.

Iran does not recognise Israel's existence, while Israel has long threatened military action against Iran if diplomacy fails to curb its disputed nuclear activity.

In the current crisis, real politik may prevail for Tehran, according to Karim Sadjadpour, an Iran specialist at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace think-tank.

"Iran has shown a four-decade commitment to fighting America and Israel without entering into direct conflict. The regime's revolutionary ideology is based on opposition to America and Israel, but its leaders are not suicidal, they want to stay in power."

(Reporting by Parisa Hafezi in Dubai, Laila Bassam in Beirut and Arshad Mohammed in Saint Paul, Minn; Additional reporting by Tom Perry in Beirut; Jonathan Saul in Jerusalem, Idrees Ali in Washington and Phil Stewart in Seoul; Writing by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by Tom Perry and Pravin Char)
The Social Democrats had sought backing to revoke the diplomatic credentials of Israel's ambassador to Ireland, Dana Erlich

A motion which called for the expulsion of Israel's ambassador to Ireland has been rejected in the Irish parliament.

The Social Democrats had sought backing to revoke the diplomatic credentials of Dana Erlich over the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

TDs instead backed a government motion which called for a ceasefire.

Sinn Fein, the Labour Party and People before Profit all voted for expulsion as well as a number of independent TDs.

More than 1,000 protesters gathered outside the Irish parliament

Social Democrat leader Holly Cairns, who tabled her party's motion, said "despite the overwhelming support of the Irish people, this government has chosen not to act".

A Sinn Fein motion was also defeated which urged the government to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court.

The recent escalation in hostilities followed the killing of more than a thousand people by Hamas in Israel on 7 October, with more than 200 people taken hostage

Israel has since taken military action in Gaza, with the Hamas-run health ministry stating more than 11,000 people have been killed.

On Wednesday, Tanaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) Micheal Martin said 23 Irish citizens had crossed into Egypt from Gaza.

Speaking in Cairo, he said it was "very welcome news" that some families with children had successfully crossed the Rafah checkpoint.

An Irish diplomatic team is stationed at the crossing and would bring arrivals to Cairo, where medical assistance has been arranged, Micheal Martin continued.

Speaking to Irish broadcaster RTE, Mr Martin said there is another group of about 40 Irish citizens and dependents due to exit the war zone.

"I am more relieved today now than I have been for a while because, of course, the situation in Gaza is very serious, very dangerous."

In the UK Parliament, MPs voted to reject a call for an immediate ceasefire on Wednesday evening.

Among Northern Ireland's MPs, the SDLP and Alliance voted in favour and four DUP MPs in the chamber voted against the move.

The DUP also voted against a separate Labour amendment which stopped short of calling for a ceasefire.

Also on Wednesday, the UN Security Council voted in favour of a draft resolution that calls for "urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors" throughout the Gaza Strip.

Twelve members voted for the resolution with three abstentions from permanent members the US, UK and Russia.

Foreign passport holders are exiting Gaza via the Rafah crossing

On Monday, Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Leo Varadkar reiterated his government's call for Hamas to release all hostages immediately.

He was speaking after meeting the family of an Irish-Israeli girl - Emily Hand - who is believed to be a hostage.

On Wednesday, Mr Martin said he has received a positive response from the Egyptian foreign minister regarding the eight-year-old.

Similarly, the Qatari foreign minister gave a positive response, he said.

Qatar is hoping to strike a deal between Israel and Hamas to release 50 hostages in exchange for a three-day ceasefire.

Mr Martin said he hoped Emily Hand would be let go if this was achieved.

'It is a hell'

A father-of-two whose family was among a number of Irish-Palestinians on a list to leave Gaza said it feels "like God chose you to survive".

Aymen Shaheen is hoping to leave the war zone on Thursday along with his wife, daughter and son.

He said the family were being assisted by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs.

Mr Shaheen said Gaza had become "a hell" and he felt very fortunate to be able to leave.

"We are lucky that we will cross the border, but 2.3m Palestinians in Gaza will continue under this nightmare," he told RTE.

Mr Shaheen said he had been contacted by staff from the Irish government who confirmed that his family was included on the list of international citizens who would be allowed to cross from Gaza to Egypt.

"It is dangerous but we can move, we have to do it," he said.

Mr Shaheen said life in Gaza had been turned upside down since Israel began bombing the territory in early October.

"It is a hell to be honest  hard to find food, hard to find water, hard to find bread. Its hard for everyone to be in such circumstances," Mr Shaheen said.

'Make sure they will be safe'

Another Irish-Palestinian father of two, who grew up in Belfast, has called for the Irish government to put his children on the evacuation list.

Khalid El-Estal lost his wife, mother, brother, uncle and two cousins following an explosion in Gaza last month.

His children - four-year-old Ali and one-year-old Sara - were buried in the rubble but survived the bombing.

"I am begging them to put my children's names on the next list and to make sure they will be safe when they reach the border crossing," he told RTE.

Mr El-Estal was born in Belfast and attended primary school in the Botanic area while his father worked as a lecturer at Queen's University.

He was eight years old when his family relocated to Gaza and he later met his wife, Ashwak Jendia, at university.

Mr El-Estals brother-in-law, who has an Irish visa, would accompany the children on the journey from Gaza to Ireland if they are allowed to leave.

More on Israel-Gaza war

Follow live: Latest updates

From Gaza: Giving birth with no painkillers under the bombs in Gaza

History behind the story: The Israel-Palestinian conflict
Israel says it found proof that Hamas has been using the Al-Shifa Hospital as a military command center, a claim Hamas disputes.

The IDF says it has uncovered proof that Al-Shifa hospital has been used as a Hamas military headquarters and that it killed several Hamas fighters during its overnight raid of Gaza's largest largest hospital.

An operational command center, weapons, and technological assets [were] found in the MRI building of the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, the IDF said on Telegram Wednesday. IDF troops are continuing the precise and targeted operation against the Hamas terrorist organization in the Shifa Hospital.

https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1724869758451888258?s=20

As the soldiers entered the hospital complex, they engaged with a number of terrorists and killed them. Following this, during searches in one of the departments of the hospital, the troops located a room with technological assets, along with military and combat equipment used by the Hamas terrorist organization.

Elsewhere in the hospital, the IDF said it found an operational command center and technological assets belonging to Hamas, indicating that the terrorist organization uses the hospital for terrorist purposes.

Those assets are being transferred for full review by the relevant authorities.

The IDF, however, has shown no tunnels or underground infrastructure yet.

https://twitter.com/idfonline/status/1724855402230108624

The precise and targeted operation against Hamas is ongoing, said the IDF.

https://twitter.com/iafsite/status/1724858485198795213?s=12

The War Zone could not independently verify the claims. The Pentagon, which yesterday said the U.S. has intelligence showing Hamas uses the hospital for military purposes, deferred questions asked by The War Zone to the IDF.

Hamas denied the IDF claims about the hospital, saying that the proof was planted.

"The terrorist Zionist occupation is still practicing blatant lying," Izzat Al-Rishq, a member of the political bureau of Hamas, said on Telegram. "More than 20 hours after attacking Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, and tampering with all its departments, in search of the alleged command and control rooms of the Hamas movement, and its captive soldiers and officers, the occupation came out to the world with a ridiculous theatrics. It was exposed that he brought some weapons, clothes, and tools and placed them in the hospital in a scandalous manner, telling lies and a fabricated story that no one would believe."

"We warned early on and said that the occupation would stage a play, like the one it claimed at Al-Rantisi Hospital, which was proven to be false," he went on. "And as we expected, here he is presenting his trivial and incoherent story and his scandalous allegations; The occupation has proven to be false in all its claims and narratives since the beginning of the aggression."

By midday local time, there was no sign that any of the more than 240 Israeli hostages seized by Hamas and its allies on Oct. 7 had been found at the site, according to Israeli Army Radio, a military-run outlet, The Washington Post reported . Israeli Army Radio said at least five militants had been killed; there were no Israeli casualties. No friction has been recorded so far between the troops and any of the patients or medical staff, the report said.

https://twitter.com/WarInformant1/status/1724695986780397713

I n an interview with CNN , IDF spokesman Lt. Col. Richard Hecht downplayed expectations for the raid.

This mission wasn't focused on hostages, he said. We were focused on bringing intelligence and dismantling certain capabilities that we had intelligence on. It was something that was very very focused, and we went in a very sort of cautious way into the hospital. There will be more information coming out on what we found during the day.

The goal of the mission, said Hecht, is not to show the world proof of assertions by Israel, the White House and Pentagon that Hamas is operating inside and under the hospital, but to dismantle those operations.

"We do not have a goal of staying in the hospital," said Hecht. "We're not targeting the hospital."

https://twitter.com/jeffstorobinsky/status/1724838149912658364

Calls mounted on Wednesday for Israel to provide evidence that the hospital is being used as a Hamas command center.

https://twitter.com/andreas_krieg/status/1724773429092446603

The IDF released video it says showed its troops providing humanitarian aid to the hospital, including incubators and food.

https://twitter.com/IsraelWarRoom/status/1724729957446832186

Throughout the night and into the day, there was sporadic fighting around the hospital.

https://twitter.com/JoshuaPHilll/status/1724838755687612541

Doctors Without Borders expressed concerns about the patients, medical personnel and those sheltering at the hospital.

https://twitter.com/MSF_canada/status/1724807455958610036

The raid on ongoing battles in Gaza drew the strong ire of United Nations officials.

https://twitter.com/UN/status/1724790936948109768

"I'm appalled by reports of military raids in Al Shifa hospital in Gaza," said UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths. "The protection of newborns, patients, medical staff and all civilians must override all other concerns. Hospitals are not battlegrounds."

https://twitter.com/UNReliefChief/status/1724710386195152910

"Our entire operation is now on the verge of collapse," said Phillippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA. "By the end of today, around 70% of the population in Gaza wont have access to clean water. To have fuel for trucks only will not save lives anymore. Waiting longer will cost lives."

https://twitter.com/UNLazzarini/status/1724758966767407386

The IDF said it captured another Palestinian outpost in northern Gaza.

"During the last few days, soldiers of the 14th Reserve Brigade, in cooperation with soldiers of the Armored and Combat Engineering Corps, secured Hamas' Falestin outpost in the northern Gaza Strip," the IDF said on Telegram. "The soldiers directed aircraft and artillery strikes until the outpost was secured."

The outpost "was used by the Hamas terrorist organization as a training base where the terrorists prepared to attack Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers. Although it was disguised as a training facility, terrorist activities originated from the outpost. In addition, the IDF soldiers uncovered terror tunnels, explosives and mines intended to harm IDF soldiers. During the brigade's activity, dozens of terrorists were eliminated and dozens of anti-tank and mortar launch posts, observation posts and significant control infrastructure were destroyed."

https://twitter.com/IDFSpokesperson/status/1724790927980650715 https://twitter.com/TheStudyofWar/status/1724620084138643874

Israeli forces continued clearing out other areas in Gaza City Wednesday. The IDF released video, which you can see below, of one of its D9 armored bulldozers clearing a street in front of the UNRWA Beach Health Center in the Rimal district. The video shows the bulldozer pushing cars - which can be used to hide improvised explosive devices - down a street.

https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1724657079334449514?s=20

The IDF also said it secured the main synagogue in the Netzarim settlement in Gaza. Its inhabitants were evicted as part of the 2005 Israeli withdrawal from the Palestinian enclave.

https://twitter.com/astraiaintel/status/1724753117525262703?s=12

The Hamas parliament building, where Israeli troops took pictures of themselves holding the Israeli flag, has been demolished by the IDF. However, the wrong images of that may be circulating online.

https://twitter.com/manniefabian/status/1724837961835982979?s=20

Hamas said it has destroyed several Israeli tanks and other armored vehicles during fighting in Gaza.

"Since this morning, our mujahideen have been able to target a force of occupation soldiers with an anti-personnel device, killing and wounding them, and completely or partially destroying 11 Zionist vehicles in all areas of the incursion into the Gaza Strip," Hamas said on Telegram. The War Zone could not independently verify that claim.

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad said it attacked Israeli forces in Rafah, near the border with Egypt.

https://twitter.com/war_noir/status/1724468854238199939

For the first time, the IDF is urging residents of Khan Yunis to evacuate, a sign that its operations might be expanding elsewhere in Gaza.

"In leaflets distributed by the Air Force, the IDF calls on the residents of the eastern neighborhoods of Khan Yunis," Israeli Army Radio reported. "For your safety, you must evacuate your place of residence immediately and evacuate to one of the known shelters."

https://twitter.com/Doron_Kadosh/status/1724846518140534998

Citing an internal Defense Department list, Bloomberg is reporting that the Pentagon has quietly ramped 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.

The weapons pipeline to Israel is extending beyond the well-publicized provision of Iron Dome interceptors and smart bombs, the publication reported. It continues even as Biden administration officials increasingly caution Israel about trying to avoid civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip.

The report cited a document outlining the requests from a "senior Israeli leader," of weapons that have been delivered in recent weeks or would be delivered to the IDF. It includes some 2,000 laser-guided missiles to arm Apache attack choppers and 57,000 155mm artillery shells.

The U.S. is also delivering 36,000 30mm shells, 1,800 M-141 bunker busting shoulder-fired rocket launchers and at least 3,500, night vision goggles out of the 5,000 requested by the Israeli government. The list also includes M4A1 assault rifles, 120 mm mortars and dozens of military vehicles. The U.S. also transferred two Iron Dome batteries and 312 munitions for them.

https://twitter.com/ACapaccio/status/1724556751540760638?s=20

The cross border battles in the north are continuing.

"In the past hour, a number of launches were identified from Lebanon toward Israeli territory. No injuries were reported," the IDF said Wednesday. "IDF artillery is currently striking the sources of the fire. In addition, IDF tanks struck a Hezbollah observation post in Lebanon."

Hezbollah said it has targeted several IDF positions along the border using anti-tank weapons and rockets.

https://twitter.com/war_noir/status/1724431918328954909

Reports of another hostage dea l in the works between Israel and Hamas have emerged.

Mediators from Qatar on Wednesday were seeking to negotiate a deal between the warring parties that would see the release of around 50 civilian hostages from Gaza in exchange for a three-day ceasefire, an official briefed on the negotiations told Reuters .

The deal, under discussion, which has been coordinated with the U.S., would also see Israel release some Palestinian women and children from Israeli jails and increase the amount of humanitarian aid allowed into Gaza, the official told Reuters. It would mark the biggest release in hostages held by Hamas since the Palestinian militant group burst over the Gaza border, attacked parts of Israel and took hostages into the enclave.

Hamas has agreed to the general outlines of this deal, but Israel has not and it is still negotiating the details, the official said. It is not known how many Palestinian women and children Israel would release from its jails as part of the agreement under discussion.

https://twitter.com/shashj/status/1724781098889285664

Hamas, however, said that "the occupation continues to evade, procrastinate and gain time, with neither the desire nor the seriousness necessary to reach a truce agreement. He makes false and incorrect statements."

Israel "is still refusing and delaying the release of 50 women and children from detainees and a true humanitarian truce in exchange for the release of a number of women and children from our people in the occupation prisons, and the introduction of relief and humanitarian aid to all areas in the Gaza Strip with the necessity of providing a security environment. The occasion that allows movement to follow its completion," said Hamas.

The families of US citizens believed to be held hostage by Hamas were scheduled to meet with the special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, Roger Carstens, at the US State Department this morning, CNN reported , citing a source familiar with their plans.

They will then meet Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Capitol Hill in the afternoon.

The group met Monday with US national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Carstens at the White House.

For Jonathan Dekel-Chen, whose son Sagui is believed to be held hostage, Monday's meeting "assured" him that President Joe Biden's administration is "doing whatever is necessary" to secure the release of their loved ones. He told CNN he had "no doubt" that Biden was "totally committed."

In Israel, doctors and family members of Hamas hostages held a press conference.

https://twitter.com/Reuters/status/1724791456173613253

Israeli Knesset member Itamar Ben-Gvir released video of a visit to a detention center holding Palestinian prisoners and bragged about the harsh conditions there.

"Today, together with the Shevast Police Commissioner, I visited the wings where the Nazi Nohva prisoners are kept," he said. "In accordance with our instructions, the terrorists receive the most stringent conditions: eight handcuffed terrorists in a dark cell, iron beds, toilets in a hole in the floor and the anthem of hope constantly playing in the background. I hope that my request to hold a discussion in the cabinet about the death penalty law for terrorists that we have already passed in preliminary reading will be answered, that the law will be promoted and we can apply it to these vile murderers."

https://twitter.com/itamarbengvir/status/1724522158683013549

Ben-Gvirt also said that firearms license applications in Israel have skyrocketed since the Oct. 7 Hamas invasion.

"Following the significant easing of the tests that allow carrying a firearms license that we carried out at the Ministry of National Security, hundreds of thousands of citizens entered the circle of eligibility for a private firearms license," he said. "Since the outbreak of the war so far, 236,006 new applications have been received. (the same amount as 20 years of routine activity). 31,048 conditional permits for private weapons were issued. of which over 18,000 citizens have already exercised the permit and purchased a gun. This is an increase of thousands of percent compared to previous years. I call on everyone who is eligible, due to the rush, be patient, and go arm yourself. A life saving weapon."

https://twitter.com/itamarbengvir/status/1724685357663318437

This is a developing story. We will update it with any new information about the Israel-Gaza war.

Author's note: we removed an erroneous tweet from this story.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
Israeli troops advance near the border with the Gaza Strip on Nov. 14, 2023, amid ongoing battles with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. (Menahem Kahana / AFP/Getty Images)

As the Israel-Hamas war has unleashed a growing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and roiled global politics, one superpower has claimed neutrality: China has called on both sides to exercise restraint and for the international community to expedite a two-state solution  distant goals in this fraught moment.

But other actions leave little doubt where China stands.

Its foreign minister has criticized Israel for the massive bombardment of Gaza that he said went beyond the scope of self-defense. China has never publicly condemned the brutal Oct. 7 attack by the militant group Hamas that started the latest war.

Palestinians evacuate a wounded woman after an Israeli airstrike in the Khan Yunis refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip, on Nov. 13, 2023. (Mohammed Dahman / Associated Press)

And China's strict internet censors have allowed a flood of Chinese-generated antisemitism, including tropes of Jews controlling finance and media, praise for Adolf Hitler and comparisons of Israeli soldiers to Nazis.

Experts said China's aim is clear: It views the Israel-Hamas war as an opportunity to gain ground against the United States in the battle for influence in the Arab world.

At the end of the day, its nothing to do with the Palestinians or even the Israelis, said Mor Sobol, assistant professor of diplomacy and international relations at Tamkang University in Taiwan. Theres a bigger game being played here. They are framing the whole conflict through the lens of a great power rivalry.

That rivalry is sure to be on display Wednesday when President Biden meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco. The Israel-Hamas war is expected to be high on the agenda.

Read more: 'I was crying, screaming, praying, terrified': A Gaza resident reports on life under siege

In the Middle East, the United States has long held sway as a principal power broker and often the only mediator Israel would trust, while maintaining some respect in parts of the Arab world. But in recent years both China and Russia have made inroads into the region, striking alliances with players anathema to U.S. interests, including Iran and Syria.

With the current conflict, what many in Arab countries see as the Biden administration's lopsided embrace of Israel has given China a new opening. It has played to public opinion in Arab and Muslim nations with harsh criticism of its American foe.

A recent editorial by the state-run newspaper China Daily accused the U.S. of adding fuel to the fire by blindly backing Israel. Chinese officials have castigated the U.S. for voting against a resolution in the United Nations Security Council  which China is chairing this month  that called for a pause in fighting. The resolution would have also condemned the Hamas attack, but the United States and Israel say a sustained break in bombing would give Hamas a chance to regroup.

Its a very cost-effective strategy, trying to portray the U.S. as a biased actor, Sobol said. Its just statements, but those statements score points with the Arab or Muslim world.

In a show of its growing clout in the region, China helped broker a deal in March reestablishing diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, longtime bitter foes. Embracing the image of a global peacemaker, China had also aspired to mediate between the Palestinians and Israel, meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in June and inviting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Beijing for a state visit in October.

But since war broke out, China has adhered to a playbook that it has used in other global conflicts.

After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Beijing adopted what some analysts referred to as a pro-Russian neutrality, in which it claimed the middle ground while using state and social media to spread stories and commentary in favor of Russia.

Read more: Israeli voices questioning war are faint: 'Some people are calling us traitors'

Similarly, China has been guided by a philosophy of "anti-Western neutrality" when it comes to the Israel-Hamas war, said Ahmed Aboudouh, a Middle East and North Africa specialist at Chatham House, a London-based think tank. He added that China and Russia have been working together on Middle East policy, another sign of their growing collaboration opposing the West.

A deep distrust of Western powers has long shaped China's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Viewing itself as a defender against imperialism and colonialism, China was one of the first countries to support the Palestine Liberation Organization and in 1988 became one of the first to recognize Palestine as a state. In contrast to the United States and much of Europe, China does not designate Hamas as a terrorist group.

Its expressions of support for the Palestinian cause have been tempered somewhat by growing trade and investment with Israel, including in its high-tech industries.

"They have been keeping a very light touch," said Aboudouh, suggesting that other Middle Eastern nations want China to take a stronger stance. "What we have been seeing from China is just statements and rhetoric, which is not enough, from the perspective of the Arabs."

As for the antisemitism proliferating on Chinese websites, it is difficult to determine how much is officially approved. Experts said that anti-Jewish conspiracy theories have flared up during previous military clashes in the Middle East and that they fit into the broader narrative adopted by the Chinese government.

This is the national political correctness, and that entails being very critical of Israel," Tuvia Gering, a researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, said on a recent episode of the China Global podcast.

Asked about antisemitism online in a recent briefing with journalists, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Chinas laws prohibit the dissemination of extremism, ethnic hatred, discrimination and violence on the internet.

Zhang Jun, center, China's ambassador to the United Nations, gives an explanation of his nation's vote on a draft resolution about the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023. (Xie E / Xinhua )

China has defended its stance on the Israel-Hamas war as one of peace and in line with much of the international community, which is alarmed by the growing death toll in Gaza. The Hamas-run Health Ministry says the number of deaths now exceeds 11,000. Militants killed at least 1,200 in the Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel and took roughly 240 people hostage.

At the same time, China is looking for ways to use the conflict to position itself as a global leader.

Upon assuming the presidency of the U.N. Security Council for the month of November, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jun named the war in Gaza  and a push for a cease-fire  as the panel's top focus.

Gedaliah Afterman, head of the Asia Policy Program at the Abba Eban Institute for International Diplomacy in Herzliya, Israel, said China could gain a stronger foothold in regional diplomacy by assisting in negotiations to free hostages or help bring more humanitarian aid to Gaza.

"China has the ability to talk to all the different players," Afterman said. If the Chinese push at the right moment, it will have an impact."

Read more: A halfway war pulses on Israel's border with Lebanon. Will it escalate?

And despite their differences, both China and the U.S. have a vested interest in preventing the war from triggering a wider regional conflict.

China imports more than half its crude oil from the Middle East, and a bigger war would threaten energy security for the country at a time when its economy is struggling. Such a conflict would also increase security concerns for China.

"At the end of the day, regardless of what narratives we see from China, it does seem to me that Chinas broader interest in the Middle East is aligned with that of the United States," said Bonny Lin, director of the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank in Washington.

That common ground could be the key to achieving a detente when the two leaders meet Wednesday.

Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson in Washington contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Students march and rally for the Palestinian cause on the UCLA campus in Westwood on Nov. 8. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

At UC Davis, a professor posted warnings to "zionist journalists" with emojis of weapons and dripping blood. At UCLA, some students beat a pinata of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while a teach-in about "the crisis in Palestine" drew so many threats the organizers moved it online. At UC San Diego, UC Santa Cruz and UCLA, academic departments have issued political statements variously condemning Israel or the militant group Hamas, locked in a war that has killed thousands of civilians in the land both claim as their rightful home.

Across the University of California, scores of students on both sides are reporting harassment, intimidation and profound anxiety over their safety during what many longtime UC faculty and administrators say is the most emotionally charged time they've ever experienced on campus.

Five weeks into the Israel-Hamas war, the repercussions are roiling the nation's premier public university system  and raising challenging questions over the line between free speech and unacceptable behavior under campus codes of conduct.

The issue quickly took center stage Wednesday at the UC Board of Regents meeting at UCLA's Luskin Conference Center amid tight security in anticipation of protests, with campus officers stationed at entrances and the building encircled by a chain-link fence.

In public comments, students and other speakers decried rising antisemitism, and one said UC officials are falsely accusing Palestinian supporters of antisemitic behavior.

USC students attend an evening vigil on campus in support of Israel. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

UC President Michael V. Drake acknowledged their anger and fear. Then, saying words alone are not enough, he announced a $7-million infusion of funds to help ease the campus conflicts.

The funds include $3 million for emergency mental health services and $2 million to develop educational programs at every UC campus with aims to better understand antisemitism and Islamophobia, combat extremism and provide a viewpoint-neutral history of the Middle East. Another $2 million will be used to train UC leadership, staff and faculty on how to navigate their roles as educators around the issue, focusing on freedom of expression, diversity, equity and inclusion.

Drake also announced that the system's director of community safety would convene additional meetings with UC police and campus safety officers to ensure staff are appropriately responding to incidents of violence.

Read more: That mockery is painful. For Palestinian American businesses, a time of harassment and heartbreak

In addition, a systemwide office of civil rights, which has been in the works since late last year, will be launched in spring with new offices for disability rights and for anti-discrimination efforts.

"The war in Israel and Gaza presents a complex set of intersecting issues that require multiple solutions on multiple fronts," he said Wednesday. "Today we are doubling down on who we are: an educational institution thats guided by facts and data, but also a moral compass that helps us find our way to compassion and understanding in difficult moments."

UC Board of Regents Chair Rich Leib said he met with Arab, Jewish and Muslim students and acknowledged their feelings of anger and tension. He urged campuses to pour resources into safety measures, swiftly condemn inappropriate behavior and enforce rules against it, and call out hate speech, even if protected by the 1st Amendment.

"I will not stand silently ... when members of our university community are made to feel unsafe," Leib said.

The regents were scheduled to meet in closed session later in the day over the legal issues related to free speech as they face rising demands to take stronger action.

Israel supporters are calling on university leaders to fire the UC Davis professor, better police pro-Palestinian campus rallies and bar the posting of statements about the conflict by UC departments. Supporters of Palestinians are accusing campus leaders of neglecting their reports of harassment and issuing lopsided statements that condemn Hamas and grieve the killing of at least 1,200 people in Israel without equally strong language criticizing the Israeli military response, which the Palestinian Health Ministry said has killed more than 11,200 people in the Gaza Strip.

The furor over free speech has engulfed campuses nationwide. A faculty member who spoke out in support of Palestinians at Emory was placed on leave; another accused of targeting Jewish students was suspended at Stanford. A USC faculty member who told pro-Palestinian student protesters that he wanted all Hamas members killed has shifted to remote teaching.

Brandeis University withdrew campus recognition of the pro-Palestinian group Students for Justice in Palestine. The State University System of Florida moved to do likewise at two campuses but placed the plan on hold after the system head expressed legal concerns over such an action.

"There is absolute chaos over these issues  it's everywhere, coast to coast," said Alex Morey, director of campus rights advocacy for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. "What a lot of people are trying to do is target speech that is offensive to them. But the 1st Amendment is meant to stop government from being in control of our actions and words."

Read more: A divide over the Israel-Hamas war flares at UC Berkeley Law

Morey said that under the 1st Amendment, the only types of speech that can be barred at public universities, even under campus codes of conduct, is "discriminatory harassment" and "true threats." Under a 1999 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, she said, discriminatory harassment between students requires a showing of targeted, discriminatory conduct that is so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive, and that so undermines and detracts from the victims educational experience, that the victim-students are effectively denied equal access to an institutions resources and opportunities.

Behavior that rises to a "true threat" must be a "serious expression of intent to commit an unlawful act of violence targeted to a group or individual," she said.

But how to decide what behavior crosses the line is provoking vastly different responses on campuses.

At UCLA, for instance, more than 300 faculty members have signed a letter demanding that campus leadership denounce pro-Palestinian rallies that cross the line from protected free speech to "unlawful incitement." They specified the definition includes celebrating Hamas violence, issuing event advertisements that feature images of weapons or violence, and chanting "intifada," an Arabic word that in the Palestinian context means uprising or rebellion against the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza.

We "all cherish the First Amendment and its guarantees of freedom of speech and assembly. ... It is inconceivable why such celebrations are not denounced by the UCLA leadership, regardless of political views," the letter said, calling on students or community groups that participate in them to be held "accountable. ... The atmosphere on campus results in Jewish students, staff, and faculty who are afraid to be on campus, show solidarity with Israel, or practice their freedom of religion in public."

To Saree Makdisi, a UCLA English professor, assertions that such rallies amount to violent incitement are absurd.

"What these people are asking for is the policing of speech on campus that ... prohibits speech with which they disagree," Makdisi said. "They don't want campuses to be a zone of free speech and free thought and open inquiry. This is absolutely repressive censorship that runs exactly contrary to what the function of a university ought to be and it is completely unacceptable."

Political statements about the war on UC department websites have also drawn fire. The UC San Diego ethnic studies department, for instance, has posted a statement grieving the loss of lives on both sides and supporting calls to end Israel's occupation and dismantle "the apartheid system that creates the suffocating, dehumanizing conditions that can lead to resistance." UC Santa Cruz's critical race and ethnic studies department has posted a call for academic institutions to "act now to end Israel's genocidal attack on Gaza."

At UCLA, the Asian American Studies Center kicked up a furor in 2021 when it posted a statement  along with colleagues in feminist, Middle Eastern and gender studies  decrying a surge in Israeli violence against Palestinians as "the latest manifestation of seventy-three years of settler colonialism, racial apartheid, and occupation intended to terrorize and displace" them. The UCLA Y&S Nazarian Center for Israel Studies has also posted a statement condemning the "horrific terrorist attack" by Hamas and mourning deaths on both sides.

Some critics are calling for UC to ban departments from posting such statements.

But James Steintrager, UC Academic Senate chair, said a systemwide faculty committee reviewed the issue in 2021 after the UCLA controversy and concluded, in consultation with university attorneys, that departments had the right to weigh in on political and social issues, although they cannot endorse candidates. The Academic Senate provided guidelines, such as making clear the statement represented faculty members or groups and not the university itself and ensuring that minority or dissenting views are not squelched.

Morey, the campus free speech expert, agreed that such statements are legal, but she called them "ill-advised" because of the potential to chill the speech of those who might disagree with them. She added that her organization frequently gets such complaints from faculty.

Morey also said the UC Davis faculty member's conduct was probably also legal even if profoundly offensive.

In screenshots of the now-deleted post on X, formerly Twitter, Jemma Decristo, assistant professor of American studies at UC Davis, posted under her account @jemmaisOKeh that zionist journalists who spread propaganda & misinformation were a group that was easily accessible to the public. She said in the post that they have houses w adddresses, kids in school, and they can fear their bosses, but they should fear us more. The post ends with a knife emoji, followed by a hatchet emoji and emojis of three drops of blood.

UC Davis Chancellor Gary May called the comments by Decristo "revolting in every way" and said the case would be investigated for possible violations of the campus code of conduct in consultation with legal counsel regarding 1st Amendment rights. Morey said she did not believe the post was targeted enough at specific people with a serious intent to commit an unlawful act of violence to rise to the level of an actionable "true threat."

"It's close to the line but not there yet," she said.

Likewise, she added, pummeling a Netanyahu pinata was protected free speech because the object of the beating was an effigy, not an actual person.

Meanwhile, students on all sides say that greater actions must be taken to help them feel safer from what many are experiencing as a hostile campus environment.

The UCLA chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine has posted on Instagram reports of harassment and violence against their supporters. Students selling kaffiyehs on campus were shoved; those who tried to watch an online teach-in about the conflict were accosted by young men who screamed profanities at them and threw laptops in the trash can, and a woman stormed into the office of an allied student group, the Cultural Affairs Commission, and threatened those inside with sexual violence and femicide, the posts said.

"SJP at UCLA is outraged by multiple hate crimes inflicted on UCLA students that have been attacked and violently threatened because of their refusal to remain silent against the ethnic cleansing and occupation of the Palestinian people," the group posted. "We demand action from the University to protect their Palestinian and supporting students."

Jewish students are also feeling afraid and helpless, said Bella Brannon, president of the Hillel student board. She said some students have received death threats from their pro-Palestinian peers and have been frightened by swastikas drawn on cars and graffiti on a nearby building exhorting people to "eat the rich, hunt down Jew vampires." They also are afraid of getting lower grades from faculty members who endorse Hamas, she said.

To them, Brannon said, the pro-Palestinian rallying cry, "From the river to the sea, Palestine is Arab," is a call for the ethnic cleansing of Jewish people from the land they call Israel. She said they were afraid to wear Star of David necklaces and skullcaps known as kippot and introduce themselves with Jewish names.

UC Student Regent Merhawi Tesfai, a UCLA doctoral student, said the issue has divided students more than any other he has experienced in his six years at UC. There was no clear way forward, he said, but inaction was not an option.

How do people feel safe and advocate for their communities and make sure there is not political warfare? he asked. We need to find a way to achieve that."





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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The United States is in a heightened threat level since Hamass Oct. 7 attack on Israel, which has sharpened the focus of terrorist threats to the country, Biden officials said at a House Homeland Security Committee hearing Wednesday.

I feel very strongly that we are in a heightened threat environment, Christopher Wray, director of the FBI, told the committee.

Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.), the committee chair, underlined that point, but pinned the blame on the Biden administration.

This is one of the most dangerous times in the history of the United States, he said. Without question, the homeland is less safe under this president.

Wray and the other officials said the Israel-Hamas war threatens to inspire domestic and international terrorism, something federal agencies have been saying since the fighting began more than a month ago.

Although the terrorism threat in the United States has remained heightened throughout 2023, Hamass attack on Israel, along with other recent events, have sharpened the focus of potential attacks on targeted individuals and institutions perceived as symbolic of or tied to the conflict, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said.

Wray said the FBI continues to monitor threats across the country, many of which are directed toward Jewish and Muslim individuals and institutions.

Terrorist organizations worldwide, as well as individuals attracted to violence, have praised Hamass horrific attack on Israeli civilians, Wray said. We have seen violent extremists across ideologies seeking to target Jewish and Muslim people and institutions through physical assaults, bomb threats, and online calls for mass casualty attacks.

Our top concern stems from lone offenders inspired by  or reacting to  the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, as they pose the most likely threat to Americans, especially Jewish, Muslim, and Arab American communities in the United States, Wray added.

National Counterterrorism Director Christine Abizaid said several federal departments are working together to keep Americans safe, with the National Counterterrorism Center providing intelligence across federal and local law enforcement agencies.

We continue to closely monitor, evaluate, and take appropriate actions with respect to potential threats to the United States in the wake of the 7 October Hamas attacks against Israel and the resulting regional tensions, Abizaid said.

We are sharing relevant information with our federal state, local, and international law enforcement, intelligence, defense, and homeland security partners to ensure they are prepared for any threats.

Wray said the biggest chunk of the rise in threats were those targeting the Jewish community.

He added the FBI is very intensely doubling down on its monitoring of threats to the Jewish community, and to ensure the safety of all Americans.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Bloomberg) -- US President Joe Biden defended Israels decision to send forces into the Shifa hospital, saying Hamas use of the facility against international norms constituted a war crime.

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The UN and Middle Eastern countries including Jordan and Turkey condemned Israels raid. Israel said its soldiers found weapons and other military equipment, showing the hospital was used as a base by Hamas, which is designated a terrorist group by the US and European Union.

The United Nations Security Council approved a resolution calling for humanitarian pauses in the fighting in Gaza and the release of all hostages held by Hamas, after four similar measures were blocked since the war began. Israels UN envoy denounced the move, while war cabinet member Benny Gantz vowed that Israel will kill Hamas leaders all around the world.

For more stories on the Israel-Hamas war, click here.

All time stamps are Israeli time:

Deal to Free 50 Hostages Under Consideration: Washington Post (5:45 a.m.)

Hamas has agreed in principle to free 50 women and children held hostage in Gaza in exchange for a three-to-five-day pause in fighting and the release of some women and children held in Israeli prisons, the Washington Post reported, citing an Arab diplomat it didnt identify.

Israel has yet to decide on whether it supports the deal, according to the Post. Biden, speaking to reporters after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, said he was mildly hopeful about getting hostages released.

Biden Defends Hospital Raid, Criticizes Hamas (4:05 a.m.)

Biden defended Israels controversial military operation at Gazas largest hospital, standing behind the US ally in the face of international criticism.

Biden said Hamas headquartered its military operations underneath Shifa hospital, which he labeled a war crime, and added that Israel had taken precautions to limit civilian casualties in the hospital incursion. He said Israels military operations will conclude when Hamas no longer maintains the capacity to murder, abuse and just do horrific things to the Israelis.

Hamas has already said publicly that they plan on attacking Israel again, Biden told reporters in California after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping. And so the idea that theyre gonna just stop and not do anything is not realistic.

Israels UN Envoy Denounces Security Council Resolution (2:18 a.m.)

Ambassador Gilad Erdan, Israels envoy to the UN, said the Security Council resolution is disconnected from reality and is meaningless, in a statement on social media.

Regardless of what the Council decides, Israel will continue acting according to intl law while the Hamas terrorists will not even read the resolution at all, let alone abide by it, Erdan wrote on X, the former Twitter. Israel will continue to act until Hamas is destroyed and the hostages are returned.

UN Security Council Backs Gaza Truce (11:15 p.m.)

The United Nations Security Council approved a resolution that calls for humanitarian pauses in the fighting in Gaza, and the release of all hostages held by Hamas. Twelve out of 15 Security Council members voted in favor of the text proposed by Malta, with the US, Russia and the UK abstaining.

The resolution calls for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip so that UN agencies and non-profits can get essential goods and services to civilians. It also urges the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups, especially children. The vote followed four failed attempts to pass a Gaza truce resolution.

Israel Says Army Found Weapons at Shifa Hospital (8:30 p.m.)

Israeli troops found a Hamas command center, weapons and technological assets in the MRI building of the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, the Israel Defense Forces said. Soldiers are continuing to search the hospital, which they entered early Wednesday, for Hamas infrastructure and assets.

The findings confirm that Hamas used the hospital in its military operations in violation of international law, IDF spokesman Jonathan Conricus said. Separately, the military also said it captured a Hamas outpost at Falestin in northern Gaza that was used to train militants and launch attacks.

White House Urges Special Care in Hospital Raid (7:30 p.m.)

Israels military must take special care in its operations around the Al Shifa hospital, White House spokesman John Kirby said.

The facility is an active, legitimate hospital, serving the legitimate medical needs of the people of Gaza, Kirby said. But Israelis have the right to call for Hamas to surrender themselves out of that hospital, he said. Its a deliberate decision on their own part to put innocent people between them and the Israeli Defense Forces.

Israel Slams Erdogan Over Terrorist State Charge (7:15 p.m.)

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen denounced Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his latest criticism of Israels war in Gaza. Those who host arch-terrorists and encourage terrorist organizations should not preach morality to the State of Israel, Cohen said in a post on X.

The Turkish president earlier called Israel a terrorist state in a speech to members of the ruling AK Party in Ankara. Erdogan condemned Israels attack on the Al Shifa hospital, and defended Hamas.

EU Speeds Plan to Help Egypt Through War Fallout (4:50 p.m.)

The European Union is speeding up efforts to help Egypt address the fallout from the Israel-Hamas war on its border. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to visit Cairo this weekend to advance the plan.

The EU, already exploring a partnership, wants to accelerate the push given Egypts importance in the conflict, and concerns about increasing refugee flows. The EU will propose an investment plan that would aim to mobilize 9 billion ($9.8 billion) for industries including energy, agriculture and transportation.

READ: EU Speeds Up Plan to Bolster Egypt Amid Israel-Gaza Crisis

Israel Strikes Hezbollah Post Amid Missile Launches (4:12 p.m.)

The Israeli military said its tanks struck a Hezbollah observation post in Lebanon and reported multiple launches from its northern neighbor. Earlier, Iran-backed Hezbollah said it fired missiles at Israeli barracks and attacked another site, the militant groups Al-Manar TV reported. The Israeli army reported no injuries from the launches.

Gantz Vows to Hunt Hamas Chiefs Around the World (2:00 p.m.)

Israel will target Hamas leaders in other countries as well as in Gaza, said Benny Gantz, a member of the countrys war cabinet and a former army chief. Part of the groups political leadership is based in Qatar.

There will be no cities of refuge, there will be no shelters, Gantz said. We will go wherever we need to in order to eradicate the child killers  above and below ground, in Gaza and in the rest of the world.

UN Says Fuel Shipment to Gaza Far From Sufficient (12:48 p.m.)

The UN said its relief agency for Palestinian refugees received around 23,000 liters of fuel from Egypt, or what amounts to half a tanker. This is only 9% of what we need daily to sustain lifesaving activities, Thomas White, the agencys director in Gaza, said in a post on social media platform X.

Israel has restricted fuel supplies to Gaza since the war began, saying theyll be used by Hamas for military activities. After the UN said its trucks ran out of fuel, Israel said it agreed earlier on Wednesday that the trucks can be refueled at the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt.

Gaza Data Centers Hampered by Lack of Fuel (11:36 a.m.)

Data centers in the Gaza Strip are gradually shutting down because of a lack of fuel, according to Paltel, the main telecom provider in the territory. They are now relying on batteries, which will lead a complete telecom blackout in coming hours, Paltel said in a post on X.

Humanitarian organization Mercy Corps said its concerned about losing contact with nearly 70 staff and their families inside Gaza soon.

Iran Foreign Minister in Geneva to Discuss Gaza (11:30 a.m.)

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian was in Geneva on Wednesday to discuss the situation in Gaza with the UNs head of humanitarian affairs and emergency relief, Martin Griffiths, the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency reported. Amirabdollahian is also scheduled to meet Red Cross officials.

UN Official Appalled by Attacks on Hospital (11 am)

Hospitals are not battlegrounds, Martin Griffiths says in a post on X, in reaction to Israels military raid.

Jordan Condemns Storming of Gaza Hospital (9:58 a.m.)

Jordans foreign ministry condemned Israeli forces storming Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza and called it a violation of international humanitarian law, state-run agency Petra reported. The ministry said they will hold Israel accountable for the safety of civilians and medical workers at the hospital, according to the report.

Israel Says Shifa Operation Wont End Campaign (9:19 a.m.)

Entry into Gazas Shifa hospital compound by Israeli troops will not mark an end to military operations against Hamas, with many difficult days still to come in the conflict, an Israeli government spokesperson said.

Eylon Levy told Bloomberg Radio in an interview on Wednesday that Israeli troops had entered the hospital and begun to deliver medical aid, including incubators for dozens of premature babies in need of urgent care. US intelligence has backed Israeli claims that Hamas is operating from the hospital.

UN Cites Deaths at Shifa Before Army Entered (7:10 a.m.)

The UN said 40 patients died in Shifa hospital on Nov. 14, according to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza, before Israel said it had entered the hospital compound. The causes of death were not specified by the UNs Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Only one hospital in northern Gaza is reportedly still operational at a minimum level, the UN said, after the World Health Organization warned that requiring the evacuation of medical facilities in the north could be a death sentence for some patients, since there is nowhere for them to be taken.

Hospitals and medical personnel are specifically protected under international humanitarian law and all parties to the conflict must ensure their protection, the UN said.

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This image provided by Maxar Technologies shows Al-Shifa hospital and surroundings in Gaza City, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. | Satellite image 2023 Maxar Technologies via AP

Israeli forces remain in Al-Shifa hospital, the largest hospital complex on the Gaza Strip, 18 hours after an initial operation that moved into the hospital.

Israeli military released a statement that troops encountered explosives and terrorist squads when they fought to enter the hospital, The Washington Post reported.

Gazas Al-Shifa Hospital complex

What we know: The hospital is currently housing patients, medical personnel and some civilians taking shelter, The Guardian reported. Israel has said there is a Hamas military operation headquarters being shielded by the hospital and has refrained from crossing the threshold until now since its offensive surrounded the complex earlier this week.

U.S. intelligence spokesperson John Kirby said that America confirmed Israels allegation that Hamas has been operating out of hospitals  an act that Kirby said amounted to a war crime, The New York Times reported.

The latest: Israel Defense Forces reported it is executing a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area of the hospital, according to CBS News.

Reuters reported that Dr. Munir al-Bursch, director-general of the Gaza health ministry, said Israeli forces had raided the western side of the medical complex.

There are big explosions and dust entered the areas where we are. We believe an explosion occurred inside the hospital, Bursch told Al Jazeera television, per Reuters.

Background: On Oct. 7, militant group Hamas attacked Israel on the ground, killing around 1,200 Israelis  a majority of whom were civilians. It also took more than 200 people hostage, including foreign nationals.

Israel responded with major attacks on Gaza, firing multiple air strikes and launching a ground offensive that has entered the heart of Palestine, The Associated Press reported. The Health Ministry in Gaza says more than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed in the attacks. (Palestines Hamas-run ministry does not separate civilian and combat deaths.)

Related

What Israel, Palestine said about the hospital operation

Hamas released a statement saying it believes Israels Defense Forces and President Joe Biden are fully responsible for the hospital raid.

It also stated that the White House allowed Israel a green light after a U.S. spokesperson confirmed that American intelligence agencies supported Israels conclusion that Hamas uses hospitals for military purposes, The New York Times reported.

Israel said the raid is based on operational need, according to Axios.

Ahead of the operation, we made an effort to evacuate the hospital from its patients and even opened a specific safe passage from the hospital. We notified the hospitals management ahead of the entry into the compound, Israel Defense Forces said in a statement, per Axios.

U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby denied that the U.S. signed off on the Israeli operation at the hospital, per ABC News.

These are Israeli military operations that they plan and they execute on, you know, in accordance with their own established procedures, that the United States is not, was not, involved in, Kirby said, per ABC News.

U.N. truck carrying fuel entered Gaza for the first time since war started

A truck carrying fuel entered Gaza from Egypt Wednesday morning  marking the first time fuel was allowed to enter the region since Oct. 7, CNN reported.

This is only 9% of what we need daily to sustain lifesaving activities, Thomas White, the director of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, posted on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
TEL AVIV  After having launched a raid on the Gaza Strips main hospital in a significant escalation of its assault on the Palestinian enclave, the Israeli military said it had found evidence that Hamas was storing weapons and military gear at the Al-Shifa medical complex.

The raid has further raised fears for the hundreds of patients and staff members trapped in the Al-Shifa complex with dwindling fuel, food and medical supplies. Israel has long maintained that Hamas uses hospitals, including Gaza City's Al-Shifa, and tunnels beneath them  which Hamas and doctors at the hospital have both denied.

Dr. Ahmed El Mokhallalati, a plastic surgeon at Al-Shifa, told NBC News that those inside the hospital were terrified as Israeli forces began their raid.

He said a heavy bombardment began Tuesday night, with parts of the building being hit directly. He said there were also continuous gunshots all over the areas surrounding the hospital," before troops entered the complex.

He said he couldn't see what troops were doing in the complex as it felt too risky to move between buildings. "Snipers are everywhere and the drones are everywhere."

In a briefing late Wednesday in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, Dr. Mohammad Zaqout, the director of hospitals in the Gaza Strip, said Israeli troops first entered Al-Shifas surgery building around 2 a.m. local time. They then searched the medical teams, employees and patients for more than 10 hours, he said.

They forced them to undress while [they] detained others, Zaqout said.

Follow live updates here

On Wednesday night, Israel's government press office said the IDF had found evidence that Hamas was storing weapons and other military gear in Al-Shifas MRI department. Video accompanying the statement showed Jonathan Conricus, a spokesperson for the IDF, displaying several "go bags" with military gear, including AK-47s, hand grenades, boots and tactical vests. According to Conricus, each bag corresponded to one Hamas militant.

Israeli soldiers walk at Al Shifa hospital in Gaza City (Israel Defense Forces via Reuters)

In addition, two bags shown contained automatic weapons. NBC News counted about a dozen guns.

The final item Conricus showed was a laptop that the IDF said contained a photo of Ori Megidish, the soldier whom Hamas took captive and then freed on Oct. 30.

The video does not appear to show definitive evidence that a Hamas command center exists beneath the hospital, a claim Israeli officials have repeatedly made. The IDF did not immediately respond to a request for comment about whether Hamas tunnels were found at Al-Shifa.

NBC News could not independently verify what was found in the hospital.

The IDF said that before they entered the hospital complex, its troops encountered what it described as explosive devices and terrorist cells. It did not offer any further details or specify where that occurred.

An engagement began in which terrorists were killed, it said earlier.

In a statement released Wednesday evening on Telegram, Hamas said Israels claim that it found weapons and equipment in Al-Shifa Medical Complex is nothing but a continuation of the lies and cheap propaganda, through which it is trying to give justification for its crime aimed at destroying the health sector in Gaza.

Much is still unknown about the scene at Al-Shifa  including the status of its vulnerable patients. NBC News has been unable to reach contacts at the hospital Wednesday, and the World Health Organization said it has lost touch with health personnel there.

A view of damages inside Al Shifa hospital following Israeli raid, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, in Gaza City (Gaza Ministry of Health / via Reuters)

Thousands of civilians are believed to be trapped in the medical complex, including dozens of premature babies, while fighting has been raging outside. Global attention has been centered on Al-Shifa for days, and news that troops had entered the site drew new expressions of concern from some U.S. leaders, the United Nations, the World Health Organization and aid groups.

Palestinian Health Minister Mai al-Kaila said the IDF informed health officials around dawn local time Wednesday of its intention to storm the complex, where thousands of medical staff, wounded, and displaced people were trapped inside.

She called the raid a new crime against humanity.

Al-Kaila serves under President Mahmoud Abbas, who heads the Palestinian Authority, which partially administers the occupied West Bank. Its Fatah movement is a rival of Hamas, which controls Gaza.

The White House said Tuesday it had "information" that Hamas was using Al-Shifa hospital to conceal military operations.

NBC News was not able to independently verify the claims.

Video from the Palestinian Health Ministry, shared by Reuters, shows what it says is a doctor inside Al-Shifa describing damage to the hospitals intensive care unit.

The doctor, who is not named, says the ICU was struck at dawn, forcing medical workers to take patients, including children, into the corridors of the department for their safety. The doctor said the patients lives were at risk because of the move. NBC News was not able to independently verify the video.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on X that the reports of military incursion into Al-Shifa hospital are deeply concerning and that he was extremely worried about the safety of health workers and patients there.

Scenes from Al Shifa hospital amid Israel's ground operation in Gaza City (Ahmed El Mokhallalati via Reuters)

John Kirby, a spokesman for the White House National Security Council, said before Israels incursion was announced that U.S. leaders do not support 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.

Until Tuesday night, the IDF had acknowledged it was involved in intense fighting around the hospital; the raid appears to be the first time troops have entered the facility.

As Israeli soldiers launched their operation at Al-Shifa, the IDF said incubators, baby food and medical supplies had been delivered to the hospital using tanks. The military shared images on X showing boxes labeled as medical supplies and baby food.

It said the forces involved in the Al-Shifa mission included medical teams and Arabic speakers with specified training to prepare for this complex and sensitive environment. Forces had no intent of causing harm to civilians, it added.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Israeli police demolish the family home of slain Palestinian shooter Khayri Alqam, who killed seven Israelis and a Ukrainian in an attack near a synagogue in annexed east Jerusalem on January 27 (AHMAD GHARABLI)

Israeli police said Wednesday they had demolished the home of a Palestinian who killed seven Israelis and a Ukrainian near a synagogue in a settlement in annexed east Jerusalem.

Khayri Alqam was shot dead in the January 27 attack and his family later received a demolition order for their apartment, under a long-standing policy to punish the families of Palestinians who kill Israelis.

At the time, the United Nations said the shooting in Neve Yaakov was the deadliest attack on Israelis since 2008.

The Alqam home in the al-Tur neighbourhood was sealed within 48 hours of the shooting, with relatives forced to clear out their belongings and leave.

Israel occupied east Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed it in a move not recognised internationally.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his extreme-right coalition partners moved in January to further punish the families of Palestinian attackers, such as by removing their social security rights.

Khayri Alqam shared the name of his grandfather, who was killed in 1998, allegedly by an Israeli extremist.

An Israeli man was arrested in 2010 for that attack and a series of other murders of Palestinians, although he was later released and ultimately no one was convicted over the killing.

bur-rsc/kir
By Nidal al-Mughrabi

GAZA (Reuters) - Israeli troops found a command centre and weapons and combat gear belonging to Palestinian Hamas militants in Gaza's biggest hospital on Wednesday, Israel's military said, in a campaign that stoked global alarm over the fate of civilians inside.

Al Shifa hospital had become the chief target of a Gaza City incursion by Israeli forces, who said the "beating heart" of the Hamas fighters' operations was headquartered in tunnels beneath it. Hamas denied the accusation and on Wednesday dismissed the Israeli statements as "lies and cheap propaganda".

Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said the troops were still searching, having entered the hospital early on Wednesday after days of clashes around it.

The military simultaneously released a video it said showed some of the materials it recovered from an undisclosed building in the hospital compound, including automatic weapons, grenades, ammunition and flak jackets.

In one hospital department, "the soldiers located an operational command centre and technological assets belonging to Hamas, indicating that the terrorist organization uses the hospital for terrorist purposes," an Israeli military statement said.

Israel has consistently said the hospital sits above a Hamas headquarters, an assertion the United States said on Tuesday was supported by its own intelligence.

Hailing the entry of his forces into the hospital, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement: "There is no place in Gaza that we cannot reach. There are no hideouts."

"We will reach and eliminate Hamas and we will bring back our hostages. These are two sacred missions," he said.

Israel began its campaign to wipe out the Islamist group that rules Gaza after militants rampaged through southern Israel on Oct. 7. Israel says 1,200 people were killed and some 240 captives taken in the deadliest day of its 75-year-old history.

Since then, Israel has put Gaza's population of 2.3 million under siege, battering the crowded strip with air strikes. Gaza health officials, considered reliable by the United Nations, say about 11,500 Palestinians are now confirmed killed, around 40% of them children, and more are buried under the rubble. Israel has ordered the entire northern half of Gaza evacuated, and around two-thirds of residents are now homeless.

TENSE INSIDE HOSPITAL

Israel said its troops had entered the hospital compound on Wednesday after killing militants in a clash outside. Once inside, they said there had been no fighting and no friction with civilians, patients or staff.

Witnesses who spoke to Reuters from inside the compound described an at times tense situation as Israeli troops moved between buildings. Sporadic shooting was heard but there were no reports of anyone hurt inside the grounds.

The Israeli military released photos of a soldier standing beside cardboard boxes marked "medical supplies" and "baby food", at a location Reuters verified was inside Al Shifa. Other photos showed Israeli troops in tactical formation walking past makeshift tents and mattresses.

International attention has focused on the fate of hundreds of patients trapped inside without electricity to operate basic medical equipment, and thousands of displaced civilians who had sought shelter there. Gaza officials say that many patients including three newborn babies died in recent days while Israel encircled the hospital.

"Before entering the hospital our forces were confronted by explosive devices and terrorist squads, fighting ensued in which terrorists were killed," the Israeli military said.

"We can confirm that incubators, baby food and medical supplies brought by IDF tanks from Israel have successfully reached the Shifa hospital. Our medical teams and Arabic speaking soldiers are on the ground to ensure that these supplies reach those in need," it said.

HUMANITARIAN PAUSES SOUGHT BY UN

The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday called for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses in fighting between Israel and Hamas militants for a "sufficient number of days" to allow humanitarian aid access. It also called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas. The 15-member council overcame an impasse in four attempts to take action last month.

Israel has so far rejected calls for a ceasefire, which it says would benefit Hamas, a position backed by Washington. But a pause in fighting has been discussed in negotiations mediated by Qatar to release some of the hostages held by Hamas.

An official briefed on the negotiations said Qatari mediators were seeking a deal that would include a three-day truce, with Hamas releasing 50 of its captives and Israel to release some women and minors from among its security detainees.

The official said Hamas had agreed to the outlines of the deal but Israel had not and was still negotiating terms.

The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, told reporters the Israeli incursion into Al Shifa Hospital was "totally unacceptable".

"Hospitals are not battlegrounds," he said in Geneva.

Dr Ahmed El Mohallalati, a surgeon, told Reuters by phone that Al Shifa staff had hidden as fighting unfolded around the hospital overnight. As he spoke, the sound of what he described as "continuous shooting from the tanks" could be heard in the background.

"One of the big tanks entered within the hospital from the eastern main gate, and ... they just parked in the front of the hospital emergency department," he said.

The Israelis had told the hospital administration in advance that they planned to enter, he said. By mid-morning, he and other staff had yet to receive instructions from the troops, although the soldiers were "metres away" from them.

After five days during which he said the hospital had come under repeated Israeli attack, it was a relief at least to have reached an "end point", with troops now inside the grounds instead of outside shooting in, Mohallalati said.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Gaza, Maayan Lubell, James Mackenzie, Crispian Balmer and Emily Rose in Jerusalem, Abir Al Ahmar and Claudia Tanos in Dubai; Writing by Peter Graff, Gareth Jones and Grant McCool; Editing by Philippa Fletcher, Mark Heinrich and Howard Goller)
Israel announced Tuesday that its forces raided Gaza City's largest hospital, Shifa, which it claims is being used as a shield by Hamas, operating from a vast command center that the militant group built underneath the facility.

Hospital officials deny that it is being used for anything other than doctors treating sick and injured civilians, including newborns.

The Israeli military said early Wednesday that it raided specific areas of the sprawling Shifa Hospital complex, while trying to avoid harming civilians, the Associated Press reported. The statement gave no further details.

Israeli soldiers inspect the Shifa Hospital complex in Gaza City on Wednesday. (Israel Defense Forces/Reuters) (Handout . / reuters)

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), called Israel's military incursion into the hospital totally unacceptable.

Hospitals are not battlegrounds, he said Wednesday. We're extremely worried for the safety of staff and patients. Protecting them is paramount.

Tedros said the WHO has lost contact with health care workers at the facility, making it hard for the global health body to evaluate the conditions inside.

But one thing is clear under international humanitarian law, he said. Health facilities, health workers, ambulances and patients must be safeguarded and protected against all acts of war.

'Hospitals must be protected'

President Biden speaks to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) (SAUL LOEB via Getty Images)

Biden administration officials said they have warned Israel not to attack hospitals that are still treating patients, but agree that Hamas is using them as human shields.

The United States does not want to see firefights in hospitals, where innocent people, patients receiving medical care, are caught in the crossfire, Jake Sullivan, U.S. national security adviser, said on CBS's Face the Nation Sunday. And weve had active consultations with the Israel Defense Forces on this.

We don't want to see hospitals be the subject of crossfire, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said at a press briefing Monday. We want to see the civilians who are sheltering in hospitals, the civilians who are being treated in hospitals, including babies in hospitals, be protected. Hospitals are legitimate civilian infrastructure, they should be protected. At the same time, I would say Hamas continues to use hospitals as locations for its command posts."

At the White House Monday, President Biden said he was in contact with the Israeli government about the targeting of hospitals in Gaza.

"Hospitals must be protected," Biden said.

Someone should stop this

A wounded child waits to be treated inside Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. (Doaa Rouqa/Reuters) (Stringer . / reuters)

Earlier this week, Dr. Ahmed El Mokhallalati, a surgeon at Shifa, told Reuters that the hospital had been surrounded by Israeli forces and that the conditions inside were dire.

We are under full blockade, El Mokhallalati said. Its a totally civilian area. ... Someone should stop this.

They bombed the water wells. They bombed the oxygen pump as well. They bombed everything in the hospital, he continued. We are hardly surviving. We tell everyone, the hospital is no more a safe place for treating patients. We are harming patients by keeping them here.

Thousands were able to flee the hospital over the weekend as Israeli troops began to encircle it, but hundreds remain.

A spokesman for the health ministry, which is controlled by Hamas, said Monday that at least 650 patients were still inside waiting to be evacuated to another medical facility. At least 32 people, including three newborns, died at the hospital in a three-day span, the spokesman said.

Newborns taken out of incubators, wrapped in foil

Newborns are placed in a bed after being taken off incubators at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City on Sunday. (Reuters) (Handout . / reuters)

Dr. Muhammad Abu Salmiya, Shifas director, told CNN on Monday that desperate measures were being taken to keep premature babies in the hospitals neonatal unit alive.

We wrap them in foil and put hot water next to them so that we can warm them, he said.

The hospital was already facing dire conditions amid Israels retaliatory bombardment and blockade of Gaza following the deadly Oct. 7 attack by Hamas. But conditions rapidly deteriorated in recent days as Israeli troops moved in.

The situation in the hospital is catastrophic, Abu Salmiya said.

Recommended reading

Hospitals have become a flash point in the war

Gazas hospitals have emerged as a flash point in the Israel-Hamas war, with both sides accusing each other of threatening civilian lives.

Hamas has accused Israel of firing recklessly toward hospitals; Israel has accused Hamas of operating underneath them.

A child lies on a bench inside Shifa Hospital in Gaza City on Oct. 23. (Mohammed Al-Masri/Reuters) (Stringer . / reuters)

The Associated Press reported Monday that the Red Cross was attempting to evacuate nearly 6,000 patients, staff and displaced people from a second hospital, Al-Quds, on Monday, but its convoy had to turn back amid shelling and fighting.

The same day, Israel released a video showing what it said was a Hamas militant with a rocket-propelled grenade launcher entering the Al-Quds Hospital.

Israeli officials also recently released photos and footage showing what they described as gunmen firing from inside another hospital and the opening of a tunnel next to it. Hospital staff said the opening was the entrance to the facility's underground fuel tank.

Shifa had effectively 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.

The AP reported Tuesday that staffers at the hospitals morgue  which had lost the power to refrigerate bodies  dug a mass grave outside.
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 militant group.

The army surrounded the facility as part of its ground offensive against Hamas. Israeli authorities claim the militants conceal military operations in the facility. But with hundreds of patients and medical personnel inside, Israeli authorities have refrained from entering.

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.

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 militant 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 militant 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.

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 militants 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 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 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.

The White Houses 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.

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.

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.
Israel has released video of what appears to be weapons and military capabilities inside of Gazas largest hospital, al-Shifa, which Israeli forces raided this week after claiming the medical facility was the site of a major Hamas operation.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus toured al-Shifa in a video posted to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, and pointed to apparent piles of Hamas weapons inside of the hospital and behind MRI machines.

A few of the most interesting things we have found, totally confirm without a doubt, that Hamas systematically uses hospitals in their military operations, Conricus said. What we have found I think is only the tip of the iceberg.

Conricus also said Israel found a laptop in an MRI room used by Hamas officials to store intelligence inside of al-Shifa. The laptop also contained the image of an Israeli hostage who was taken by Hamas but later rescued, according to Conricus.

The IDF fought Palestinian militant groups around al-Shifa for days before announcing in the early morning hours Wednesday that it was carrying out a targeted and precise operation inside the complex.

The hospital is one of several across Gaza City that has come under fire from Israel, which accuses Hamas of using medical facilities for military command sites, turning them into lawful targets under the laws of war.

Hamas and Palestinian health officials under the groups control deny the charges.

How can there be a control  center in the Al-Shifa Complex, wrote the Palestinian Health Ministry on Facebook. It is observed by reconnaissance aircraft around the clock, as it did not witness any confrontation during the invasion of the occupation, which reveals the false American and Israeli narrative.

The Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas, also accused Israel of arresting engineers at the hospital that keep the place running and said troops have vandalized medical equipment.

The U.S. shared declassified intelligence Tuesday, just hours before the al-Shifa raid, that Washington said indicates Hamas is operating inside of hospitals, including al-Shifa.

The U.S. has denied signing off on any military operation such as the one unfolding inside of al-Shifa.

The fighting in Gaza City, the stronghold of Hamas, has brought hospitals to the brink as they struggle to keep the lights on and access basic necessities such as food and water. Civilians and patients have also fallen under the crossfire of the fighting.

Thousands of people are reportedly trapped inside of al-Shifa, including babies in incubators who cannot easily be moved.

Human rights groups and the World Health Organization (WHO) have called for an immediate end to fighting at health care facilities and are raising the alarm about the increased danger to patients and civilians seeking shelter from the war.

Tedros Ghebreyesus, director-general of the WHO, on Wednesday said, Hospitals are not battlegrounds.

Even if health facilities are used for military purposes, the principles of distinction, precaution, proportionality always apply, he said. International humanitarian law must be respected.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Israeli forces bomb northern Gaza Strip (as seen from southern Israel on Thursday). The United Nations say northern Gaza now only has one functional hospital. Photo by Jim Hollander/UPI

Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Israel forces have pushed farther into Gaza, taking buildings belonging to the Hamas-led local government, including its Parliament building.

On Monday, images appeared online purporting to show Israeli soldiers holding the Israeli flag inside the Parliament.

Additionally, the Israeli military claims to have discovered an underground tunnel complex under what they characterize as a Hamas headquarters in Gaza.

The Israeli military also seized the Rantisi hospital, publishing a video of IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari, showing seized weapons and claiming hostages were held in the facility.

Hagari showed the basement of the hospital, saying hostages had been held there. His purported evidence of hostages being held at the hospital has been called into question, though, as a list he said contained the names of terrorists turned out to be a calendar in Arabic.

Israeli forces bomb sites in the northern Gaza Strip (as seen from southern Israel on Thursday). Photo by Jim Hollander/UPI

The Israeli military also said it took control of the coastal Al-Shati refugee camp on Tuesday.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Tuesday said Hamas now is powerless in northern Gaza.

Israeli soldiers carry shells on a forward staging artillery base in southern Israel as they prepare to continuing firing 155mm howitzer shells into the Gaza Strip on Thursday. Photo by Jim Hollander/UPI

"I can tell you that in the northern Gaza Strip, Hamas has lost control," Gallant said.

The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights says hundreds of thousands of civilians are still trapped in Gaza City and are "unable to move from the buildings where they are sheltering because or the presence of Israeli troops."

Gaza's Ministry of Health says more than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since Oct. 7. File Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI.

According to the Israeli Government, the number of soldiers killed in the Israeli incursions into Gaza has risen to 46.

Meanwhile, the United Nations says only one hospital in northern Gaza remains functioning. Medical staff are struggling to keep babies and critical patients alive.

An Israeli reserve soldier armed with an assault rifle rides his motorcycle in southern Israel towards the Gaza Strip area on Thursday. Photo by Jim Hollander/UPI

According to the local Ministry of Health, the death toll in Gaza has now surpassed 11,000.
The Israeli military said it was carrying out a "precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area" of Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza early Wednesday morning. The ground operation, based on intelligence and "operation necessity," came after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) repeatedly warned Hamas against using the hospital as a base for its operations, the IDF said in a statement.

The IDF said it was "conducting searches for Hamas terror infrastructure and weapons" and delivering "humanitarian aid to the entrance of the hospital."

"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 said, adding that Hamas' alleged military use of the hospital was a violation of international law.

CBS News partner network BBC News quoted an eyewitness at the hospital as saying that, once inside the hospital complex, Israeli troops had asked all men between the ages of 16 and 40 who were not in the emergency or surgical departments to gather in the hospital courtyard and pass through a scanning device.

The eyewitness told the BBC that Israeli troops were in complete control of the hospital complex and had gone room to room questioning people. A senior Israeli defense official told reporters, however, that IDF forces were only operating in one specific area of the hospital, though they would not say which one.

Israel's announcement that ground forces were moving in came a day after President Biden said hospitals in the Gaza Strip "must be protected" and voiced his "hope and expectation is that there will be less intrusive action relative to hospitals" in the coastal enclave.

Al Shifa is in the heart of Gaza City and had been at the center of a tense standoff for days. Israel accuses Hamas of having an underground headquarters under the hospital, which both Hamas and doctors at Al Shifa deny.

There's been growing concern for patients at the hospital, which lost power over the weekend due to a lack of fuel for its generators. Israel has not been allowing fuel into the Gaza Strip, claiming it's being hoarded by Hamas.

Dozens of babies had to be removed from their incubators at Al Shifa and they were pictured laid on aluminum foil and blankets for warmth. The IDF said Wednesday that it delivered new incubators to Al Shifa, which it told CBS News could run on battery power for at least a few hours.

Both Israeli and U.S. officials had stressed that Hamas has a long history of positioning weapons and fighters in civilian homes, schools and hospitals. On Tuesday, U.S. National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby said the U.S. had "information that Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad use some hospitals in the Gaza Strip, including Al Shifa Hospital, and tunnels underneath them to conceal and support their military operations and hold hostages."

Kirby said Hamas and its allies in the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group were operating a "command and control node" from Al Shifa, adding, "To be clear, we do not support striking a hospital from the air and we don't want to see a firefight in a hospital where innocent people, helpless people, sick people trying to get medical care they deserve are caught in the crossfire. Hospitals and patients must be protected."

A screengrab from video provided by the Hamas-controlled Gaza Ministry of Health shows medics moving a patient through a smoke-filled corridor inside Al Shifa hospital during Israeli military raids at the facility in Gaza City, Gaza, Nov. 15, 2023. / Credit: Gaza Ministry Of Health/Handout/REUTERS

The IDF said its forces involved in the operation included 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."

IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Richard Hecht said Wednesday that troops were engaged in a firefight outside the hospital before entering Al Shifa. He said the soldiers were fired on first but added that there had been no deaths confirmed on either side of the exchange.

The Israeli defense official who later briefed reporters said troops had encountered and neutralized four militants as they moved into the complex, and that they quickly found weapons and other evidence that Hamas was, as Israel has long insisted, using the hospital as a terror base. The official said the evidence would be made public.

United Nations humanitarian and health agencies voiced urgent concern Wednesday at the news that the Israel-Hamas ground war was moving onto the grounds of the packed health care facility, with humanitarian relief coordinator Martin Griffiths saying on social media he was "appalled by reports of military raids in Al Shifa hospital" and adding that "the protection of newborns, patients, medical staff and all civilians must override all other concerns. Hospitals are not battlegrounds."

"Hamas must not, should not use a place like a hospital as a shield for their presence. That is as strong a statement under humanitarian law as is the statement that the hospital should not become a place of a war zone, of danger," Griffiths said. "We find these two issues equally important and equally understandable for both sides. Our concern on the humanitarian side is for the the welfare of the patients of that hospital, which is, of course, in great peril at the moment."

World Health Organization director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called word of the incursion "deeply concerning" and said the U.N. health agency had "lost touch again with health personnel at the hospital. We're extremely worried for their and their patients' safety."

Hamas, which has controlled Gaza for almost two decades, launched an unprecedented terror attacked on Israel on Oct. 7 from the territory, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare his country "at war." Israel says at least 1,200 people, most of them civilians, were killed in the coordinated, multi-fronted attack and approximately 240 people were taken hostage by Hamas in Gaza.

Netanyahu has said a cease-fire will be possible only if the hostages are released, but Israel's punishing response has divided the international community.

More than 11,070 Palestinians, two-thirds of them women and minors, have been killed since the war began, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths. The ministry has said about 2,700 people have been reported missing and many are believed to be trapped or dead under rubble in Gaza, which has been pummeled by Israeli airstrikes since Oct. 7.

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. Meanwhile, about 250,000 Israelis have been forced to evacuate from communities near Gaza and along the northern border with Lebanon, where Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants have traded fire repeatedly.

Camilla Schick, Margaret Brennan contributed reporting.

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What Israel's military found at Al-Shifa  and what it didn't
JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israeli troops found Hamas weapons and combat gear in Al Shifa hospital in the Gaza Strip during a search on Wednesday, chief Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said.

The army simultaneously released a video that it said showed some of the material recovered from an undisclosed building within the large hospital complex, including automatic weapons, grenades, ammunition and flak jackets.

Hamas, which is battling Israeli forces within the Gaza, dismissed the announcement as "lies and cheap propaganda".

Israel invaded the Palestinian enclave last month and has vowed to destroy Hamas after the Islamist group launched a surprise cross-border assault on southern Israel on Oct. 7.

The military has focused its operations on hospitals across northern Gaza after long accusing Hamas of setting up major command and control centres beneath medical facilities in an effort to avoid air strikes.

Israeli troops forced their way into Al Shifa overnight and have spent the day scouring specific locations within Gaza's largest hospital.

"These assets in Shifa hospital, just like in Rantissi, prove that hospitals have been used for military purposes for terror, in direct opposition to international law," Hagari said.

Israeli soldiers entered the Rantissi paediatric hospital on Monday, later releasing a video showing what it said were weapons stored by Hamas in the building's basement.

The military made no mention on Wednesday of finding any tunnel entrances in Al Shifa. It has previously said that Hamas had built a network of tunnels under the hospital.

Both Hamas and hospital staff have denied this.

Hagari said the search would continue "in a precise way and in accordance with intelligence ... in order to gather more details and to discover more assets".

Hamas accused Israel of fabricating evidence, saying it was "trying to justify its genocidal crimes destroying the health sector in Gaza".

Speaking earlier on CNN, military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hecht said Israelis forces had entered a specific area inside the hospital, adding: "There wasn't an all-out attack."

He said fire was exchanged before the Israeli soldiers moved into the hospital, but there was "no engagement whatsoever" once they entered.

Israeli officials have previously suggested that some of the 240 captives seized by Hamas militants in Israel on Oct. 7 might be located underneath Gazan hospitals. However, Hecht said the raid at Al Shifa was not focused on hostages.

"We were focused on bringing intelligence and dismantling certain capabilities that we had intelligence on," he said.

Israel says 1,200 people were killed in the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7. Gaza health officials say more than 11,100 Palestinians are confirmed killed in Israeli's military offensive since then.

(Reporting by Crispian Balmer and Emily Rose, additional reporting by Doina Chiacu in Washington; Editing by James Mackenzie, Nick Macfie, Timothy Heritage and Cynthia Osterman)
FILE - Israeli army troops are seen next to a destroyed building during a ground operation in the Gaza Strip on Nov. 8, 2023. As the military sets its sights on southern Gaza in its campaign to stamp out Hamas, key challenges loom. International patience for a protracted invasion has begun to wear thin. And with some 2 million displaced Gaza residents staying in crowded shelters in the south in dire conditions, a broad military offensive there could unleash a new humanitarian disaster during the cold, wet winter. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg, File)

JERUSALEM (AP)  After raiding the Gaza Strips largest hospital, Israel appears close to completing its takeover of the besieged territorys northern sector, which it has described as the headquarters of the ruling Hamas militant group.

But as the military sets its sights on southern Gaza in its campaign to stamp out Hamas, key challenges loom: International patience for a protracted invasion has begun to wear thin, and with nearly 2 million displaced Gaza civilians staying in overcrowded shelters in the south, a broad military offensive there could unleash a new humanitarian disaster during the cold, wet winter.

Heres a closer look at what could lie ahead in the coming weeks:

TWO PHASES

Israel declared war in response to Hamas unprecedented cross-border incursion on Oct. 7, when the Islamic militant group killed at least 1,200 people and took some 240 others hostage. Israel has set two goals: a return of all hostages and the destruction of Hamas military and governing capabilities.

In the first phase, Israel carried out weeks of blistering airstrikes across Gaza on what it said were Hamas military installations, many of them in residential neighborhoods. Nearly three weeks ago, it launched a second phase  a ground operation aimed at destroying Hamas military capabilities in northern Gaza, including an underground tunnel network used to move its supplies and fighters.

The main focus of this phase has been densely populated Gaza City, where Israel says Hamas most important military assets are located. After seizing sites such as the former parliament building and police headquarters and the urban Shati refugee camp next to Gaza City, troops early Wednesday raided Shifa Hospital.

The hospital is Gazas largest and most important, and at the time of the Israeli raid was treating hundreds of patients with serious conditions, including some three dozen premature babies. Israel rejected Palestinian claims that the raid endangered the patients. It says that Hamas hides important command centers inside the hospital. On Wednesday, it unveiled what it said was a collection of weapons and military equipment it found, but it offered no proof of underground bunkers or sophisticated command centers.

Israeli leaders have expressed satisfaction with the pace of the operation so far. But it has come at a great cost: Palestinian health officials in the Hamas-run government say that over 11,200 people have been killed, the vast majority women and minors. Thousands of homes have been destroyed, and hundreds of thousands of people have fled to southern Gaza, where they live in dire conditions. The army says 46 soldiers have been killed in the ground offensive.

While Israel says Palestinian civilians are safer in southern Gaza, it has continued to carry out deadly airstrikes there on what it says are Hamas targets but has also killed many civilians. Conditions could become even more difficult as Israel turns its focus to the south.

WHY THE SOUTH?

Israeli leaders have largely dismissed international concerns about the rising death toll and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and have vowed to press ahead until Hamas is destroyed.

That means a push into southern Gaza, where Hamas military infrastructure -- including thousands of fighters and an underground tunnel network  is believed to be intact. Officials also suspect that Hamas top commanders could be hiding in the area.

There is no place in Gaza that we will not reach, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Israeli troops along the Gaza border on Wednesday. There is no hiding, no shelter, no refuge for the murderers of Hamas.

Amir Avivi, a retired general and former deputy commander of the armys Gaza Division, said that calling off the operation now was not an option.

You cannot really destroy Hamas without taking the whole Gaza Strip, said Avivi, who heads the Israel Defense and Security Forum, a group of hawkish former security commanders. Its not possible.

TROUBLE AHEAD

A push into southern Gaza poses several challenges for Israel.

With most of Gazas population now crammed into public shelters or private homes and Hamas embedded in residential neighborhoods, heavy street fighting in the south would likely result in high civilian casualties.

Israel says Hamas is responsible for these casualties and accuses it of using civilians as human shields. But the international community  even Israels closest ally, the United States  has expressed rising concerns about the civilian death toll. The U.S. has not told Israel to wrap up the war, but it has warned the Israelis that international criticism will grow the longer the war lasts.

Avivi said many displaced Palestinians could move to a humanitarian zone that Israel is trying to establish in southwest Gaza, or better yet, to neighboring Egypt. This is the safest place for them, he said.

However, each of these scenarios is problematic. Egypt has repeatedly made clear that it does not want a mass of Palestinian refugees in its territory, and the Biden administration has warned that Palestinians must not be pushed out of Gaza.

The proposed humanitarian area, called Muwasi, is relatively small and underdeveloped, with no infrastructure to support hundreds of thousands of people.

Placing people in tents would provide little shelter during the rainy winter months, when temperatures can dip into the single digits Celsius (mid-40s Fahrenheit).

A tent camp would also revive memories of the Palestinians greatest trauma. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were forced from their homes in the war surrounding Israels establishment in 1948 - a mass uprooting they call the nakba, or catastrophe.

Giora Eiland, a retired Israeli general and head of the countrys National Security Council, said international pressure would have little influence.

He said there is such broad support in Israel for the war that it will be hard to stop. He said Israel might reconsider if Hamas surrenders or collapses or can be persuaded through international mediators like Qatar to release all of the hostages - scenarios that seem unlikely.

With Israel expected to take another two or three months to complete the offensive, Eiland said a worsening humanitarian emergency is inevitable.

I dont think there is a reasonable way that we can prevent a humanitarian crisis there, he said. Everybody can expect to see terrible scenes from there. But it is not going to stop Israel.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid said Wednesday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must go now, and called for the formation of a new government headed by someone else in Netanyahus party.

In an interview with Israeli news outlet N12, Lapid said the public has no confidence in Netanyahu, adding that someone else from the Likud party should take over.

In response, Likud said in a statement that that it is unfortunate and shameful" for Lapid to play politics during Israels war with Hamas in Gaza.

Lapid, leader of the Yesh Atid party and a former prime minister, refused to join the countrys national unity government after the war broke out as long as far-right parties were included.

Netanyahu has faced criticism over his handling of the conflict since the start of the war, including over security and intelligence failures leading up Hamas Oct. 7 attack. A new survey found less than 4% of Jewish Israelis said they trust Netanyahu as the most reliable source of information about the war. (Military spokesman Brig. Gen. Daniel Hagari took the top spot as the most reliable voice.) A pro-Netanyahu newspaper, Israel Hayom, recently called on the prime minister to step aside as soon as the war is over, criticizing his incendiary rhetoric and non-stop political bickering while the war is raging.

Lapid has criticized Netanyahu multiple times since Oct. 7, recently urging him to exercise restraint" in the West Bank, but until now, he held back from calling on Netanyahu to step down. Most Israelis now have little time for partisan politics, Politico noted just earlier this week. The leader of the centrist Yesh Atid party, Lapid has criticized both the right and left over their stances on the war and told Politico he thinks the country is headed for a political realignment after the war. He refused to join the countrys national unity government because of the inclusion of far-right parties, but Netanyahus potential ouster could be his way back into government. Lapid told N12 he would join a coalition government if it were headed by another Likud party leader.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) say they are carrying out a precise and targeted operation inside a "specified area" of Al-Shifa Hospital - Gaza's largest. The raid was ordered based on intelligence information and operational necessity, the IDF said, adding that it is calling for Hamas forces inside the hospital to surrender. Israel has for weeks been hammering their claim that Hamas uses hospitals as key command centers, depots, and safe havens for its fighters. Tunnels under and around the hospitals are also key nodes for their military operations, according to the IDF, something Hamas denies.

The IDF is conducting a ground operation in Gaza to defeat Hamas and rescue our hostages. Israel is at war with Hamas, not with the civilians in Gaza, the IDF said on Telegram shortly after 2 a.m. local time Wednesday (7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Savings Time).

https://twitter.com/PalBint/status/1724582179848548686 https://twitter.com/War_Mapper/status/1724582338099569071

The IDF did not say how many troops or what kind of equipment is involved.

Its "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.

https://twitter.com/jackryan212/status/1724579362744266867

In recent weeks, the IDF has publicly warned time and again that Hamas's continued military use of the Shifa hospital jeopardizes its protected status under international law, and enabled ample time to stop this unlawful abuse of the hospital. 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 said it 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," the IDF said.

https://twitter.com/ytirawi/status/1724565004735656228 https://twitter.com/QudsNen/status/1724574410709860748

One doctor inside the hospital expressed deep concern.

If we remain alive, we will communicate, and if we are martyrs, we will meet in Paradise, God willing. Dr. Munir Al-Barsh in a message from inside the hospital as it was being raided.

https://twitter.com/rdooan/status/1724585261240082634

We hold the occupying entity and its neo-Nazi leaders, and President Biden and his administration fully responsible for the repercussions of the occupation armys storming of the Shifa Medical Complex, and what the medical staff and thousands of displaced people are exposed to, as a result of this brutal crime against a health facility protected by the Fourth Geneva Convention, and the occupation leaders will be held accountable for it. And everyone who colluded with him in killing children, the sick, and defenseless civilians, Hamas said on Telegram.

The Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Mayadeen media outlet issued a similar statement on Telegram.

"We hold the occupation, the international community, and the United States responsible for the safety of thousands of medical staff, the wounded, and the displaced, and we warn against committing a massacre in Al-Shifa Hospital," Al-Maydeen said.

The Hezbollah-affliated Al Mayadeen news outlet warned Israel and the U.S. against "committing a massacre in Al-Shifa Hospital." (Al Mayadeen photo)

Earlier in the day, U.S. officials said they didn't want to see fighting inside hospitals but that Palestinian militants have been using medical centers as military facilities.

We absolutely believe that hospitals should be places where people seeking medical treatment and attention need to be and those places should be protected, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters Tuesday. We do have information that Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad [PIJ] use some hospitals in the Gaza Strip, including the Al Shifa hospital, as a way to conceal and support their military operations and hold hostages.

The groups have tunnels underneath these hospitals, she added, saying Hamas and PIJ members operate a command and control node from Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. They have weapons stored there and are prepared to respond to an Israeli military operation against the facility. This is what we as the intelligence community assess is happening in Gaza City - how Hamas is using these hospitals to operate. But absolutely we do not want to see a firefight in the hospital where there are innocent civilians.

https://twitter.com/Ostrov_A/status/1724554313601548756

Singh was pressed on where the information came from and whether it was gathered in part by U.S, military personnel on the ground in Gaza or from Israel.

There are no assets or boots on the ground in Gaza, she said. I'm not going to get into more specifics on how our intelligence is collected. What I can tell you is there are multiple agencies, - here within the department and across the administration - that collect and assess and analyze intelligence, but I'm not going to go into any further details on how that intelligence is gathered.

Earlier in the day, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters that the information was developed by the U.S.

It comes from a variety of intelligence methods of our own, he said without elaborating.

Those claims line up with what Tomer Israeli, a former member of Shin Bet (Israeli Secret Service), a former captain in the Israeli Army Special Forces Sayeret Matkal , told us about Al-Shifa Hospital last month. He talked about the facility in a story we wrote about the challenges Israel faces in any hostage rescue efforts.

From our story : It's a very busy hospital, but Hamas is using their own patients and civilians as a human shield. Basically, under the hospital, they have the headquarters of the Hamas regime, the Hamas army is headquartered there. Everything is under al-Shifa Hospital.

https://twitter.com/haltman/status/1714062569256759761

Hamas decried the assessments.

We strongly condemn and reject the claims made by the Pentagon and the White House which repeat the lies propagated by the Zionist occupation that Hamas uses hospitals to hide captured Israeli soldiers or as command centers, Hamas said Tuesday on Telegram. These statements give a green light to the Israeli occupation to commit further brutal massacres targeting hospitals, with the goal of destroying Gazas healthcare system and displacing Palestinians to advance plans of neo-Nazi leaders such as [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu and [far-right Israeli politician Bezalel Yoel] Smotrich.

A screen grab captured from a video shows premature babies under treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit remove 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. (Photo by Palestinian Prime Ministry/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Hamas denies fighters are present and says 650 patients and between 5,000 and 7,000 civilians are trapped inside the hospital under constant fire from snipers and drones, according to Reuters . It again called for the United Nations to establish an international committee to inspect all hospitals in Gaza and expose the falsehoods in the occupations narrative, a narrative endorsed by its ally, Washington. The United States bears direct responsibility for enabling 'Israels' genocidal war on Gaza.

Conditions inside Al-Shifa have worsened. Officials there on Tuesday said the hospital had buried 170 people in a mass grave, NPR reported .

"Without power to operate incubators or other life-saving medical equipment, hospital officials say that bodies are decomposing in its courtyard and babies are dying," according to NPR. "There is no water or food for patients or staff at Al-Shifa, according to Palestinian health officials."

"Our staff is saying there is no electricity," said Paul Caney, an emergency coordinator for Doctors Without Borders, which has several medical teams working at the hospital. "People are staying in the corridors because of sniper fire near the windows and that they cannot move any of the patients to ambulances."

https://twitter.com/Hind_Gaza/status/1724512854416441585 https://twitter.com/Reuters/status/1724569093947162830?s=20

U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he is "deeply disturbed by the horrible situation and dramatic loss of life in several hospitals in Gaza."

https://twitter.com/antonioguterres/status/1724504292369846699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1724504292369846699%7Ctwgr%5E0831a5975b9e3b3090787b6fa772f77f946da4f2%7Ctwcon%5Es1_\u0026ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.un.org%2Fen%2Fsituation-in-occupied-palestine-and-israel https://twitter.com/AJEnglish/status/1724581138109198475

The IDF said that earlier on Tuesday that "the Al Quds hospital evacuation was completed. We have offered the Shifa hospital administration, alongside international NGOs, to transfer incubators, medical equipment and food, to the premature babies department of the hospital. The equipment is ready to be transferred."

The IDF also claimed that it found additional proof of "a terrorist infrastructure of Hamas was exposed in the Rantisi Hospital" when it was entered. The War Zone cannot independently verify that claim.

https://twitter.com/idfonline/status/1724436020643438759

This is a developing story. We will update it when there is more news to report about the Israel-Hamas war.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
Israeli troops have entered Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza following a firefight with Hamas terrorists at the gate on Wednesday.

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) had surrounded the facility for days, saying Hamas had placed its headquarters in tunnels beneath the hospital. While Hamas denies the claim, its fighters engaged in intense gunbattles with Israeli troops around the complex.

At least one doctor at the hospital said Israel warned staff of their plans to enter the complex on Wednesday. Troops say they brought medical supplies for patients inside, who had suffered for days under dwindling supplies and fuel.

"Before entering the hospital our forces were confronted by explosive devices and terrorist squads, fighting ensued in which terrorists were killed," the IDF said in a statement.

WATCH: BIDEN OFFICIAL, REPORTER CLASH IN HEATED DEBATE OVER ADMIN ALLOWING BILLIONS IN FUNDING FOR IRAN

Israeli Defense Forces operate inside Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023.

Israeli troops entered Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza following a firefight with Hamas terrorists at the gate on Wednesday.

"We can confirm that incubators, baby food and medical supplies brought by IDF tanks from Israel have successfully reached the Shifa hospital. Our medical teams and Arabic speaking soldiers are on the ground to ensure that these supplies reach those in need," it added.

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The fate of the hundreds of patients inside the hospital had been a focus of international concern for days prior to Israel's assault. The hospital said that at least two children born prematurely had died due to a lack of available medical care.

Israel says it attempted to provide some 300 liters of fuel to the hospital earlier this week, but that Hamas administrators had refused to exchange.

WH REFUSES TO SAY IF IT WILL SUPPORT COOPERATION WITH SUBPOENA IN BIDEN CLASSIFIED DOCS INVESTIGATION

Dr. Ahmed El Mohallalati, a surgeon at the hospital, told Reuters that Israel had informed staff that they planned to enter the hospital and search it. Israel has yet to reveal the results of a search as of early Wednesday morning.

Residents in Gaza had used the Al-Shifa Hospital as a refuge amid Israel's war against Hamas.

"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," Mohallalati told the outlet.

White House officials confirmed Israel's claim that Hamas was using the hospital as a base on Tuesday.

"I can confirm for you that we have information that Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad used some hospitals in the Gaza Strip, including Al-Shifa, and tunnels underneath them to conceal and support their military operations and to hold hostages," Kirby told reporters while aboard Air Force One.





Original article source: Israeli troops enter Al-Shifa Hospital after killing Hamas terrorists in gate-side firefight
Several Ukrainian officials have underscored the complexity of the front-line situation, affirming that Ukrainian forces maintain control of the battlespace.

The Institute for The Study of War (ISW) cited Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi who emphasized the heightened intensity in the Avdiivka, Kupiansk, and Marinka directions during a conversation with U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Brown on Nov. 13.

Ground Forces Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi highlighted Russian forces' simultaneous offensive actions in various directions, particularly aiming to reclaim the initiative north and south of Bakhmut.

Ukrainian officials statements about the current tempo of Russian operations along the frontline are consistent with ISW's assessment about ongoing Russian offensive operations, particularly in the Kupiansk, Bakhmut, and Avdiivka directions.

While Russian forces may face challenges in fully regaining the initiative across the theater, Ukrainian forces continue their own offensives, securing tactical gains in western Zaporizhzhia Oblast and on the east bank of Kherson Oblast.

The Russian military command now confronts decisions on whether to allocate forces for defense against Ukrainian offensives or redeploy them to support operations elsewhere, potentially limiting their ability to fully regain the initiative in the coming weeks.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia lost 4,000 soldiers on eastern front in 2 weeks, commander says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
By Angelo Amante

ROME (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited on Wednesday a new exhibition on British novelist J.R.R. Tolkien, whose globally popular books have also become a cult in Italian right-wing circles.

The exhibition "Tolkien. Man, Professor, Author" was inaugurated at Rome's National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art, marking 50 years since the author's death, and includes letters, memorabilia and manuscripts.

The museum's website calls the show "an unparalleled journey" into the greatness of Tolkien that would allow visitors to understand "how his life and extraordinary knowledge of the ancient world underpinned his creativity."

"This is a fine page of culture," Meloni told reporters following the visit.

Meloni, who became prime minister last year, began her political career in the youth ranks of the far-right, post-fascist Italian Social Movement (MSI) in the early 1990s, where Tolkien's books were a cultural touchstone.

They credit the novels with helping them rebuild a shared conservative identity that allowed them to distance themselves from the infamous fascist wartime dictatorship of Benito Mussolini.

They portray Tolkien's work as embodying their struggle to defend tradition and cultural roots against the threats of a progressive agenda centred on unregulated globalisation.

Tolkien published "The Lord of the Rings" in 1954 and 1955, an immensely influential trilogy that is considered by many to be the defining work of fantasy fiction. He resisted those who sought allegories in his writing, and has fans across the political spectrum, including leftists like former U.S. President Barack Obama and author Stephen King.

In her autobiography "I am Giorgia," Meloni recalled organising carnival parties with her fellow militants where they dressed up as characters from the saga, including hobbits - small, easy-going folk who populate Tolkien's Middle-earth.

In the book, Meloni remembered how she dressed up as loyal hobbit Sam Gamgee. She said he was her favourite because he did not risk his life for glory but to change the world.

The show will be open in Rome until February and will then move to Naples and possibly to other Italian cities, the culture ministry said.

(Reporting by Angelo Amante, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
Jennifer Crumbley and James Crumbley in court. The parents face involuntary manslaughter charges in connection with their son's shooting at Oxford High School in Michigan. Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

James and Jennifer Crumbley will have separate trials after two new witnesses came forward.

A court convicted the Crumbleys' son of murder and terrorism for the 2021 Oxford High School shooting.

The couple is now charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the shooting.

James and Jennifer Crumbley will have separate trials after their attorneys said two new prosecution witnesses could hurt their chances of a fair trial.

The Crumbleys are both facing involuntary manslaughter charges in connection with the 2021 Oxford High School shooting in Michigan, which left four students dead.

The couple's teenage son pleaded guilty to murder and terrorism charges related to the shooting in October 2022 and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 8.

In one of the first cases of its kind, the parents are accused of making a firearm too easily accessible to their son and ignoring warning signs that he was depressed. Both parents face up to 60 years in prison if convicted.

On Monday, a judge granted Jennifer Crumbley's request for a separate trial, according to the Detroit Free Press. Attorneys for both parents had filed requests to separate the trial after two new prosecution witnesses came forward on October 31, according to the outlet.

Court filings showed that two witnesses from Florida spoke to police, and prosecutors turned over police reports and audio files of the witness interviews to defense attorneys on November 2, The Free Press reported.

After reviewing the new evidence, attorneys for both parents said that separating the trial was "necessary" to avoid infringing on the "rights of both spouses," according to the outlet. The defense said that separating the trial is necessary because prosecutors intend to call one or both of the witnesses, the report says.

The split trial comes after months of contention between the couple, according to court documents.

Earlier this month, the prosecution said in court filings that James Crumbley's attorney should know that Jennifer Crumbley "has placed blame on him in jail communications," not elaborating further.

In a February 2022 pretrial hearing, a former coworker of Jennifer Crumbley testified that Jennifer was having an extramarital relationship throughout 2021 and that she would sneak away from work to meet someone in a Costco parking lot .

Defense attorneys for the Crumbleys later asked the judge to bar evidence of the couple's infidelity from entering the courtroom. As a result, the judge limited the prosecutor's ability to show some evidence of extramarital affairs in separate decisions in June 2022 and November 2022, court documents show.

Attorneys for James and Jennifer Crumbley did not immediately return a request for comment from Insider.

Read the original article on Insider
CNNs Jake Tapper simultaneously slammed the GOP while praising one of its congress members on Tuesday.

Tapper told Rep. John James (R-Mich.) that his commentary on a new government funding bill just sounds completely sane.

So, Im really confused. But OK, he continued before contrasting James relatively thoughtful comments with earlier chaotic scenes among Republicans in Congress.

Earlier in the day, Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) accused former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) of elbowing him while Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) challenged a witness at a hearing to a fight.

So, Im not going to hold you accountable for what goes on in the Senate, Tapper said in a video shared online by Mediaite. But whats going on with Kevin McCarthy, like shooting an elbow to the kidneys of Congressman Burchett? There was even a witness to it, a reporter from NPR.

Yeah, I cant comment on that, James replied. Ive spent most of my day advocating for Israel aid and talking about what I saw when I was over in Tel Aviv.

Related...
At least 36 people have died and 19 others have been injured after a bus plunged into a gorge in northern India's Jammu district.

Officials said more than 50 passengers were on board when the bus veered off the road and fell into the 300ft gorge in Doda district.

The cause of the accident was not immediately known.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and announced financial compensation for the victims' families.

Pictures and videos from the site of the accident showed the mangled remains of the bus lying near a hill as rescue personnel looked for survivors.

Federal minister Jitendra Singh wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that authorities were providing "all possible help" to the injured, who have been moved to nearby hospitals.

Six of them are in critical care, he said, adding that a helicopter service was being arranged to airlift others.

Road safety is notoriously bad in India, with more than 100,000 dying each year in crashes due to poor driving and dilapidated roads.

Buses are a popular mode of transport, especially in smaller towns. But operators often flout safety rules and pack them beyond their capacity.

Last year, 25 people died in a similar accident in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand after a bus carrying a wedding procession skidded off the road and fell into a gorge.

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TOKYO (Reuters) -Japanese and Chinese trade ministers have agreed to establish a framework to discuss export controls, Japanese media reported on Wednesday, indicating steps on economic cooperation after a period of strained ties between the neighbours.

Japanese Trade Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said the talks could help stabilise relations.

"We will hold firm discussions with Chinese officials to build constructive and stable Japan-China relations," Nishimura was quoted as saying after talks with his counterpart, Wang Wentao, on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in San Francisco.

The dialogue is expected to be held by officials at the level of director-general and section chief, who are in charge of export controls, the Yomiuri newspaper reported.

China has recently imposed curbs on the exports of some materials, including chipmaking metals like gallium, and is expected to restrict exports of graphite, used in batteries, in December.

The talks are aimed at preventing an escalation of retaliatory trade disputes with China, the Yomiuri reported.

Before heading to the U.S. to attend the APEC meeting, Kishida told reporters nothing has been decided regarding a meeting with China's leader Xi Jinping on the sidelines.

"There is no change in our basic stance that both sides must make the effort to maintain stable and constructive relations," Kishida said. "We would like to continue communicating (with China) in various forms."

Relations between China and Japan, rarely smooth, have been particularly strained over recent months.

Japan infuriated China when it began releasing treated radioactive water from its wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean in August.

China last month formally arrested a Japanese executive, an employee of Japanese drugmaker Astellas Pharma, on suspicion of espionage. The arrest has had a chilling effect on business, Japanese officials said.

(Reporting by Satoshi Sugiyama and Sakura Murakami; Editing by Jan Harvey and Robert Birsel)
By Tim Kelly

IRISUNA (Reuters) - A Japanese Apache helicopter on Wednesday flew low over an uninhabited island in Okinawa in a simulated attack on invading forces, part of exercises under way in Japan to prepare its air, sea and land forces for a potential conflict in East Asia.

The flight over Irisuna, about 70 kilometres (43.5 miles) from the main Okinawa island, was part of the country's 11-day nationwide 05JX. The drills, which end Monday, also include an air defence exercise in Japans north and simulated attacks on five nuclear reactors including the Fukushima plant.

Such military exercises are set to expand in scope and become more frequent after Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in December unveiled a military build-up that will double defence spending over the next five years to bolster Japan's Self Defence Forces against possible adversaries, including China.

"The national security environment around Japan has become harsher, particularly with the growing military activities by China and Russia in the East China Sea, South China Sea and western Pacific," Shingo Nashinoki, commander of Japan's Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, (ARDB) said on Irisuna.

Trained to conduct operations from the sea, his unit was established in 2018 to help Japan defend the Okinawa islands, which stretch from the main Japanese islands to close to Taiwan.

Japan's increasing defence budget will allow the ARDB to add a third regiment, Nashinoki said.

(Reporting by Tim Kelly. Editing by Gerry Doyle)
Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal (Wash.) took a rare stance Wednesday, saying she couldnt agree more with Republican Rep. Chip Roys (Texas) recent criticism of his Republican colleagues over their spending strategy.

Surprisingly, I couldnt agree more with my colleague from Texas, Jayapal wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. This Republican Majority is incompetent, unorganized and unable to govern.

Jayapals post was accompanied by a graphic showing part of Roys comments from a fiery floor speech earlier Wednesday, when he asked anyone to come explain to me one meaningful, significant thing the Republican majority has done.  The rest of Roys quote said,  besides, Well, I guess its not as bad as the Democrats.'

In his nearly one-hour floor speech, Roy dug into his Republican counterparts for not being willing to force a government shutdown to try to push Democrats into giving them policy concessions. The Texas Republican argued his GOP colleagues are pissing it all away and doing a disservice to those who fought and died for U.S. freedoms.

Roy was among 19 hard-line conservatives who joined with Democrats on Wednesday to tank a procedural vote to advance an appropriations bill in part over a lack of certain conservative policies and partly over concerns with the House GOPs clean continuing resolution (CR) that passed in a bipartisan 336-95 vote Tuesday.

The CR marked a significant win for newly elected Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who faced a looming funding deadline at the end of the week. The legislation heads to the Senate, where both party leaders have expressed support for it.

Jayapal has been a vocal critic of her Republican colleagues, previously claiming they cannot govern, ahead of the last looming deadline at the end of September. She also blasted then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) for not honoring his deal with President Biden to set budgetary spending caps and opening an impeachment inquiry into the president.

McCarthy later introduced and passed a clean CR that extended funding through Nov. 17, provoking the ire of some hard-line conservatives who later joined all Democrats in voting to oust the California Republican from the top spot.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Jennifer Aniston has paid moving tribute to her late Friends castmate Matthew Perry.

The actor, best known for his portrayal of sarcastic jokester Chandler Bing, was found dead at his home in Los Angeles, California, on 23 October. He was 54.

On Wednesday (15 November) Aniston, who played Rachel Green on the ultra-popular NBC sitcom, shared a message about Perry on Instagram, around the same time her co-star David Schwimmer also shared a heartfelt tribute.

Oh boy this one has cut deep... Having to say goodbye to our Matty has been an insane wave of emotions that Ive never experienced before. We all experience loss at some point in our lives. Loss of life or loss of love, the Morning Show star, 54, began.

Being able to really SIT in this grief allows you to feel the moments of joy and gratitude for having loved someone that deep. And we loved him deeply. He was such a part of our DNA. We were always the 6 of us. This was a chosen family that forever changed the course of who we were and what our path was going to be. For Matty, he KNEW he loved to make people laugh. As he said himself, if he didnt hear the laugh he thought he was going to die.

His life literally depended on it. And boy did he succeed in doing just that. He made all of us laugh. And laugh hard. In the last couple weeks, Ive been pouring over our texts to one another. Laughing and crying then laughing again. Ill keep them forever and ever. I found one text that he sent me out of nowhere one day. It says it all. (See the second slide), Aniston continued.

Matty, I love you so much and I know you are now completely at peace and out of any pain. I talk to you every day sometimes I can almost hear you saying could you BE any crazier? she concluded. Rest little brother. You always made my day

Anistons poignant tribute comes the day after co-stars Courteney Cox and Matt LeBlanc remembered Perry in separate Instagram posts.

On 30 October, the shows 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.

His 3 November funeral service at the Forest Lawn cemetery in the Hollywood Hills was attended by all of the core Friends cast members, including Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, 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.
Actor Jeremy Renner is looking spry and moving well 10 months after a horrific accident that nearly cost him his life.

In a video posted to Renners Instagram, the Hawkeye actor can be seen skipping left and right and stretching his legs as he traverses a steep driveway before turning around to jog back to the top.

In the post, Renner said he was celebrating 10 months of recovery and reflecting on his progress.

Actor Jeremy Renner celebrates 10 months of recovery after his near-death experience by showing off his improved mobility on Nov. 14, 2023. (Jeremy Renner on Instagram)

First attempt at any of this activity (especially at steep grade) and was brought to tears of joy, hopefulness, and gratitude for all your support along with my family and friends, Renner wrote.

He added that he has many reasons to keep pushing himself, but said his fans and loved ones give him fuel to keep going.

Renner was seriously injured on New Years Day when he was run over by a large snowplow on his property in Nevada. The Marvel star suffered 30 broken bones and blunt chest trauma when he was rolled over by the large piece of heavy machinery.

Jeremy Renner recovering after suffering blunt chest trauma and orthopedic injuries in a snow plow accident in Reno, Nevada.

The actor said he was clearing snow when he was run over by his PistenBully snowplow while attempting to divert it away from his nephew.

In the months since, the Mayor of Kingstown actor has been working to regain his mobility, including using a cane for everyday walking.

In an interview earlier this year with Diane Sawyer, Renner said he was looking forward to one day resuming doing on-screen stunts and said he chose to survive, joking that he couldnt be killed that easily.

Ive lost a lot of flesh and bone in this experience, but Ive been refueled and refilled with love and titanium, he said.

In the months since his accident, Renner has released a documentary series on Disney+ called Rennervations, and he is widely rumored to eventually reprise his role as Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye, at some point in the next stage of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Tammy Murphy, the first lady of New Jersey, announced Wednesday she will challenge indicted Sen. Bob Menendez in the states Democratic primary next June.

Right now, Washington is filled with too many people more interested in getting rich or getting on camera than getting things done for you, Murphy says in the three-minute video announcing her run.

Murphy, who is married to New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D), joins a Democratic primary field that already includes Rep. Andy Kim and real estate lender Kyle Jasey. Rep. Donald Norcross, whose brother George is both a South Jersey powerbroker and a foe of the Murphy family, is also considering a run.

Tammy Murphy, a former finance professional, met her husband at the storied Wall Street investment bank Goldman Sachs, where they both worked in the late 1980s. Phil Murphy, who rose to an executive position there, would go on to spend nearly $16.4 million of his own funds on his first gubernatorial primary campaign in 2017.

The Murphy family fortune is one of several advantages that she brings to the Democratic Senate primary.

Murphy has already burnished a public profile as an active member of the governors campaign and policymaking team. In 2019, she launched Nurture NJ, a state program dedicated to lowering the states maternal mortality rate, particularly among Black women. Nurture NJ has developed numerous bills designed to achieve this goal, including legislation that became law in July, creating a state-funded maternal and infant health innovation center in Trenton.

In addition, the Murphy family has strong ties to local power brokers in central and northern New Jersey, parts of the state where Kim, a South Jersey native, is comparably weaker. Chairs of county Democratic Party organizations, whom the Murphys are apparently courting, are particularly influential in the Garden State because of their control over the ballot line that decides which Democratic candidates are featured most prominently on the primary ballot.

Murphy has already picked up the endorsement of former Gov. Richard Codey, who cited her active role in her husbands administration.

Tammy Murphy showed up in Trenton from Day One and continues to be a presence and a force in this administration, Codey said in a statement on Thursday. She spends more time in Trenton than some of the people who were elected and paid to be there.

Tammy Murphy has been an active and visible member of his campaign and policy teams.

Tammy Murphy has been an active and visible member of his campaign and policy teams.

But Murphy has significant political vulnerabilities as well. Some Democrats are already up in arms about the idea of the governors wealthy spouse potentially swamping Kim, a former State Department official and New Jerseys first Asian American member of Congress, with her personal wealth.

I ask myself one question: If she were not married to Phil Murphy, would she be running? Patricia Kennedy, a South Jersey Democratic activist, told The New York Times in a story about Murphys potential bid earlier this month. The answer is a resounding, No.

Murphy was also a registered Republican who voted in Republican primaries until 2014. By that point, however, she had been donating exclusively to Democratic candidates and party committees at the federal level. Her last donation to a Republican group involved in federal elections appears to have been a $5,000 contribution in 2008 to the Republicans for Environmental Protection Political Action Committee.

Murphy has since said that she formally became a Democrat because as the GOP lurched to the right, her support for abortion rights and environmental protection were no longer compatible with Republican Party affiliation.

The Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate in New Jersey has attracted so much attention and interest from candidates because of the relative rarity of an opening for one of the Democratic-leaning states two Senate seats.

Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.), a former State Department official, is thus far Murphy's most formidable opponent in the Democratic primary race against Sen. Robert Menendez.

Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.), a former State Department official, is thus far Murphy's most formidable opponent in the Democratic primary race against Sen. Robert Menendez.

Federal prosecutors charged Menendez in September with accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars, gold bars and other bribes in exchange for political favors. Menendez has pleaded not guilty and refused calls to resign from Gov. Murphy and other New Jersey Democrats. There are practical reasons for that decision: Menendez could continue raising money to cover legal fees through his campaign fund and possibly leverage his resignation as part of an eventual plea deal for a lighter punishment.

Gov. Murphy would have the power to appoint a temporary replacement for Menendez if he leaves office before his term ends in January 2025. But Phil Murphy has said that if such a situation arises, he is very unlikely to name his wife, Tammy, to the post. Getting appointed to the Senate seat could potentially give her the advantage of incumbency in the Democratic primary, causing consternation among other Democrats in the state.

Menendez has suggested Tammy Murphys entrance into the race taints the role Gov. Murphy played in rallying Democrats against him following his indictment.

They believe they have to answer to nobody, Mr. Menendez told the Times in a written statement. But I am confident that the people of New Jersey will push back against this blatant maneuver at disenfranchisement.

The available polling suggests Menendez has little chance of extending his Senate career. On Wednesday, the Kim campaign released a Public Policy Polling survey showing the incumbent earning just 5% of the vote in a Democratic primary. Kim led the race with 40% of the vote, and Murphy earned 21%. The remaining third of the electorate were undecided.

Related...
LAUSD Supt. Alberto Carvalho addresses students, parents, teachers and staff at Lenicia B. Weemes Elementary School in Los Angeles at the start of the school year. (Al Seib / For The Times)

Jewish parents stepped forward on Tuesday to call on the Los Angeles Board of Education to take concrete steps to prevent antisemitism on local campuses, echoing a call for sensitivity and understanding that Muslim parents made several weeks earlier.

Since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war last month, there have been accounts of student bullying at schools, insensitivity and a lack of understanding about the conflict  and instances of instruction seen as one-sided or age-inappropriate.

Jewish and Muslim leaders have reported a dramatic increase in hate speech, discrimination, threats and some acts of violence across the state and country since Oct. 7, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel from the Gaza Strip, killing some 1,200 people and taking roughly 240 hostages. Israel's intense retaliatory bombing and invasion of Gaza have killed more than 11,200 people, two-thirds of them women and minors, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

"Every student and every family, regardless of their heritage and background, deserve respect and to feel safe and valued at school," said district parent Ronen Pestes, who spoke during public comments at Tuesday's school board meeting. Pestes was joined by about 15 other Jewish parents.

"With the rise of subtle and and outright antisemitism in the world, in our community," Pestes said, "our families no longer feel safe."

The parents spoke on behalf of the Jewish Parents Assn., calling for staff training on antisemitism as well as classroom instruction on recognizing antisemitism and the Holocaust  the organized mass murder of about 6 million Jews in Nazi Germany during World War II.

The parents said they represented more than 86,000 students with Jewish or Israeli ties. They also called on the district to adopt the definition of antisemitism developed by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance:

"Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews," according to that organization. "Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities. Manifestations might include the targeting of the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity. However, criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic."

Pestes added that teachers need the tools and training to navigate such difficult issues: "If kids don't have those conversations in class, where are they going to do it? Kids need to learn how to talk to each other about topics they might not agree on, without ending friendship, and learn how to deescalate conflicts."

One parent said her middle schoolers had been recognized as Jews and demeaned by participants in a peace rally at the school. Another parent said a meeting of a Jewish student group at school had been disrupted when other students burst in and shouted, "F Israel."

Three weeks ago, a group of Muslim parents came before the school board expressing deep concerns about bullying and insensitivity against Muslim students, prompting schools Supt. Alberto Carvalho to issue a statement affirming campuses as nurturing, inclusive spaces. He said the district was committed to providing a safe learning environment, free from bullying, discrimination, and harassment.

Read more: Muslim parents say LAUSD 'pro-Israel' statement made their kids targets

Muslim parents complained during the public meeting that early district statements were unfairly one-sided in support of Israel. The parents estimated that about 500 district students have ties to the Gaza Strip.

On Tuesday, after the Jewish parents spoke, Carvalho noted that Holocaust education is part of the curriculum and that many students take part in field trips to the Museum of Tolerance, which memorializes the Holocaust.

As a school system, he said, the district "must reject any form of intolerance, humiliation toward anyone, for whatever reason."

"We have provided additional resources," he added, "specific guidance on how curriculum must be taught and our own efforts to ensure that the monitoring of the curriculum and its implementation is not only done in an age-appropriate way but does not go beyond the guardrails established ensuring that it is bias-free."

Teachers also have academic freedom  within limits: "It is a fine balance sometimes but one that we are exigent about."

Resources for teachers include: Critical Practices for Anti-Bias Education; Healing the Hate: A National Hate Prevention Curriculum for Middle Schools, and Teaching Materials on Antisemitism and Racism.

The state's recently adopted ethnic studies framework also has optional materials related to Jewish American and Arab American experiences and cultures.

Former L.A. school board member David Tokofsky, a one-time state teacher of the year, said Carvalho spoke "thoughtfully" about the "ethos and mission" of the school system  but that there's more to be said about "professional training for teachers by grade" and what, for example, should be taught in 10th-grade world history versus 11th-grade U.S. history, as well as looking at how the study of literature could inform the understanding of history.

An incident at a charter school drew widespread attention last week. Two first-grade teachers allegedly accused Israel of starting the war and engaging in genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The charter school, Citizens of the World, rents space for its classes at Adat Ari El Synagogue in Valley Village.

Although authorized by L.A. Unified, charter schools hire and monitor their own staff, and they also approve and oversee their curriculum. Still, the parents who spoke on Tuesday clearly saw L.A. Unified as bearing meaningful responsibility going forward for all public schools within its jurisdiction.

Two parents who spoke Tuesday had children in the first-grade class of the teachers who came under scrutiny.

Alona tal Ferraez said her dauther was "subjected to the unbelievably irresponsible decision of her primary teacher to teach antisemitic, ideological pro-Hamas propaganda in the classroom." Her daughter was also exposed to "talk of war, the exact stuff that I was working so hard to keep away from her."

The charter school said it had suspended the two teachers and that they would not be returning to that campus  the charter has other locations. The principal also was placed on a two-week leave after inquiring how much longer the temple would be flying Israeli flags. The principal has apologized for being insensitive.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Hundreds of people joined the Jewish-organized sit-in Monday at a federal building in Oakland to demand a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. (Godofredo A. Vasquez / Associated Press)

Hundreds of California Jews demanding a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, along with like-minded allies, overwhelmed a federal building in Oakland on Monday, leading to mass arrests.

More than half of the estimated 700 protesters in attendance were arrested after refusing to leave the sit-in at the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse as it dragged on into the evening, according to Hayle Meyerhoff, a spokesperson for IfNotNow, one of the Jewish groups that organized the rally.

The demonstration followed similar actions staged across the country, including in Chicago and New York, both of which interrupted major transportation hubs. Smaller protests across California have called for local leaders to support a cease-fire in the escalating war, targeting defense contractors in El Segundo and the Israeli Consulate on the Westside of Los Angeles.

In Oakland on Monday, organizers with the two Jewish organizations that led the sit-in  IfNotNow and Jewish Voice for Peace  called on President Biden to support a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, where Israeli's military offensive over the last few weeks has killed more than 11,000 people, thousands of them children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Israel declared war against Hamas, the governing party in Gaza, after its militants' ambush on Oct. 7. About 1,200 people in Israel were killed, most of them civilians, according to the Israeli government, and more than 200 were taken hostage.

United Nations leaders have warned the situation in Gaza is reaching the point of "catastrophe"  beyond a humanitarian crisis  as Israel has also cut off fuel and vital supplies from entering the territory.

Read more: West Bank violence is growing. Will it open another front in the Israel-Hamas war?

As Jews, we know that every life is sacred," Meyerhoff said in a statement. "We have been horrified by the murders of Israelis on Oct. 7 and we continue to be horrified by murders of over 11,000 Palestinians in the past month."

Many demonstrators at Monday's sit-in wore shirts reading "Jews say cease fire now" and "Not in our name," some holding signs reading "Let Gaza live," while joining in song, chants and dance, photos and videos from the rally show.

Oakland filmmaker Boots Riley, writer-director of "Sorry to Bother You," joined the protest, as did prominent rabbis and descendants of Holocaust survivors.

"Without a ceasefire, we will see more death, more bloodshed, and more families shattered. Guns and bombs will not bring freedom or safety for either Palestinians or Israelis," Bay Area organizers of IfNotNow and Jewish Voice for Peace wrote in a joint statement on Instagram, noting that they are "Jews who refuse to let the Israeli government perpetrate unspeakable violence in our name."

IfNotNow describes itself as a group of American Jews dedicated to the end of "U.S. support for Israel's apartheid system," according to its website. Jewish Voice for Peace is a "progressive Jewish anti-Zionist" organization, its website says.

Read more: Hundreds rally at Israeli Consulate in L.A., calling for cease-fire in Gaza

The rally was intentionally held not far from where Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in San Francisco. The Jewish organizations called on the president and vice president to "follow the lead" of Rep. Barbara Lee, an Oakland Democrat in Congress who has been calling for a cease-fire since the war began.

As the sit-in continued into the early evening Monday, law enforcement officials with the federal building told protesters to disperse  an order many refused. Soon, officers with the Federal Protective Service began making arrests, according to updates from IfNotNow organizers, shared on X.

The Oakland Police Department, which responded to the protest, declined to comment on the incident because it was not the primary responding agency. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the Federal Protective Service, did not immediately respond to questions from The Times.

Meyerhoff said 450 people were arrested, with most issued criminal citations accusing them of failure to disperse. She called the sit-in California's largest-ever protest of Jews in solidarity with Palestinians, as well as the Bay Area's largest mass arrest event in recent years.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Actors are now back to work and Hollywood is preparing for awards season.

With that being said, a familiar face is returning to host the 96th Academy Awards.

Jimmy Kimmel will be back to host the upcoming ceremony for the fourth time. He previously hosted in 2017, 2018 and 2023.

Things to know ahead of Mariah Careys Merry Christmas One and All at the Hollywood Bowl

Emmy nominee Molly McNearney, whos Kimmels wife and the co-head writer of Jimmy Kimmel Live, returns as the ceremonys executive producer for the second year in a row.

I always dreamed of hosting the Oscars exactly four times, said Kimmel in a statement obtained by Variety.

McNearney said shes especially honored to be part of the Oscars team this year.

We are thrilled about Jimmy returning to host and Molly (McNearney) returning as executive producer for the Oscars, said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President. They share our love of movies and our commitment to producing a dynamic and entertaining show for our global audience. We are deeply grateful to Jimmy, Molly and their teams for their incredible creativity and partnership and for going on this ride with us again.

Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer and Courtney Cox remember Matthew Perry

The late-night talk show host is one of six people who have hosted the Oscars four or more times. His fourth run will tie him with Whoopi Goldberg and Jack Lemmon.

Meanwhile, the legendary Bob Hope hosted the ceremony 19 times, Billy Crystal hosted for nine times and Johnny Carson did it five times.

The 2024 show will air on ABC and will be produced by Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan. Hamish Hamilton is set to be the director.

Oscar nominations will be announced on Jan. 23. 2024.

The 96th Academy Awards will take place at the Dolby Theatre on March 10, 2024.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
The Johnston County school board approved a new election map on Wednesday ahead of an upcoming deadline imposed by state lawmakers.

Legislators had approved the school boards request to move from at-large to residency-based districts for elections. Lawmakers had given the school board until Friday to either adopt its own lines or use the same boundaries that the Johnston County Board of Commissioners run on.

The new map will be used starting in 2024, when four of the seven school board seats are on the ballot.

School board candidates will now have to live in one of the districts on the ballot. But candidates will still be elected by voters countywide.

Although we are now districted, we will still represent the entire county and, so the entire county gets to vote on each of our elections, said board member Michelle Antoine.

The board unanimously selected map option D-1, one of three choices it had sought public comment on before the vote. The new map will be given to the Johnston County Board of Elections to update records to show the school board district for each voter.

Election change requested by school board

On Oct. 23, the school board passed a resolution asking the General Assembly for permission to move to residency-based districts. Board members cited how the lack of district lines had led to no members being elected from the southern part of the county.

The school board also asked state lawmakers to move the elections to odd-numbered years when only municipal races are on the ballot.

Legislators approved the switch to residency districts but balked at changing the school boards election cycles.

School board members had thought theyd have a year instead of just three weeks to come up with the new election lines. Board members said they didnt use the commissioners map because it didnt meet the legislatures requirements that each district have approximately the same number of residents.

School board members said they also wanted each district to have at least one high school.

This is only for the election of the Board of Education, so I dont want any parents or grandparents or guardians to think that this is changing your childs school assignment, said board chair Lyn Andrews. It is not.
Queer Eyes Jonathan Van Ness has revealed that they have not spoken to Dax Shepard since the two got into a heated discussion about transgender rights.

The non-binary celebrity hairstylist, 36, who uses they/them pronouns, appeared on the actor and comedians Armchair Expert podcast in September.

During the interview, Van Ness took issue with Shepard, 48, branding The New York Times a left-leaning newspaper. Van Ness disagreed, arguing that it published anti-trans content.

While Shepard said that he did not intend to start a debate or upset Van Ness, the TV personality burst into tears.

Now, months after their impassioned conversation, Van Ness gave an update on their relationship.

I think Dax and I are good, Van Ness said on a recent episode of the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast hosted by Amanda Hirsch. They admitted that they havent spoken with him since.

Van Ness further claimed that Shepards podcast episode was heavily edited. I had a feeling that it would be edited, I just wish that I could have had a transcript or had insight into what the edit would be, they said.

They commended Shepard for his bravery in releasing the episode before saying that the original take was worse than what was released.

If a more accurate edit existed, I think you would see why I cried, Van Ness said.

The Independent has contacted Shepards representative for comment.

What started out as a jovial and light-hearted conversation between Van Ness and Shephard in September took a turn when Shepard raised the subject of trans athletes competing in the Olympics, as well as young trans people who transitioned while they were underage.

He argued that being critical or questioning trans rights made the person into an enemy, to which Van Ness joked that it felt like they were talking to my dad.

Im not calling you a transphobe. You can not be transphobic and still have thoughts that espouse trans misogyny and espouse transphobic ideologies and beliefs, Van Ness added.

Shepard, whos married to The Good Place star Kristen Bell, 43, reassured Van Ness that I adore you. I think that youre hysterical and talented and I love that youre an activist.

I could just cry because Im so tired of having to fight for little kids because they just want to be included, Van Ness responded emotionally as they broke down.

They said that they were wary of casual questioning of trans rights due to its impact on healthcare or gender-based violence.

Its a really difficult time right now, Van Ness explained, adding that this was why the conversation had been so trigger city.
Diesel, a white and tan pitt bull, was ordered euthanized because of repeated attacks on dogs and people in Hancock County.

Diesel, a white and tan pitt bull, was ordered euthanized because of repeated attacks on dogs and people in Hancock County.

A Kiln man is on the run after allegedly breaking into the Hancock County Animal Shelter and stealing his pit bull before it could be euthanized, according to authorities.

Norman Archer Jr., 59, is wanted on felony charges of commercial burglary, larceny and retaliation against a public official after breaking into the Hancock County Animal Shelter on Saturday, court papers show.

Archer is accused of breaking into the shelter and taking his white and tan pit bull named Diesel from the kennel area, the reports said.

The break-in occurred a day after Justice Court Judge Desmond Hoda ordered the dog to be euthanized after it mauled a 6-year-old girl, resulting in severe injuries.

Later Saturday, Hodas dog, an 8-year-old German Shepard named Achilles, went missing and was found dead the next day of suspected poisoning.

Archer had been spotted around Hodas property before the judges dog went missing.

Hancock County Sheriffs Commander Christopher Robbin confirmed the additional retaliation charge is connected to the death of the judges dog.

This is an active investigation, Robbins said. We are actively looking for him.

The Sun Herald reached out to Hoda, who confirmed the death of his pet due to possible poisoning and the sighting of Archer on his property prior to his dogs disappearance.

The judge declined to talk further because of the ongoing investigation and the emotional toll surrounding his dogs death.

Hoda and other Hancock County Justice Court judges have tried for over a year to require Archer to keep his dog confined and to post warning signs about the dog being aggressive so he could keep his dog without endangering the public.

But in the final order to euthanize Diesel, Hoda cited the dogs repeated and unprovoked attacks for over a year on other dogs and people that culminated in an Oct. 20 mauling of a 6-year-old girl. The little girl had such severe injuries, Hoda wrote, that she had to be airlifted to a hospital for treatment.

In the filings, Hoda detailed how Hancock County Animal Control Officer Travis Vernaci had witnessed the pit bull attacking other dogs and how the officer had to use his Taser on him.

Archer tried to argue his dog was gentle and wouldnt attack people.

Hancock County Court Judge Trent Farve signed the criminal affidavits for the arrest of Archer on the three charges Tuesday. Justice Court judges had to step aside because of their prior involvement with Archer.

To report information on Archer, call the Hancock County Sheriffs Department at 228-466-9600 or Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898.
A federal judge is refusing to dismiss federal charges against two former top leaders of JEA, the city-owned utility.

Former JEA CEO Aaron Zahn and former JEA CFO Ryan Wannemacher are charged with conspiracy and fraud. Action News Jax told you in March 2022 when the two were indicted.

Their charges stem from accusations they tried to enrich themselves during the effort to privatize JEA from 2018 to 2020.

Zahn and Wannemachers attorneys argued that some of the evidence prosecutors are using should be thrown out because the men were compelled to testify for a Jacksonville City Council committee investigating the situation.

RELATED: Why do you think youre innocent? Action News Jax confronts former JEA exec outside courthouse

Magistrate Judge Monte Richardsons recommendation found that the government has shown a basis for its allegations against both men, even assuming that some of the evidence presented to the grand jury was tainted.

In December 2019, Zahn was fired after an investigation involving a controversial proposal to sell the utility and privatize services. The JEA Board voted unanimously to terminate the former CEO with cause.

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Federal officials began investigating the failed JEA sale in January 2020, when it was turned over by the State Attorneys Office. According to the indictment, the bonus plan from the sale could have paid out up to $345 million to Zahn, Wannemacher, and others.

Zahn and Wannemacher were originally set to go to trial in May 2022, and then the trial was postponed to October.

Action News Jax will continue to follow this case as it moves through the federal court system and keep you up to date on when the trial is set to begin.

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A Michigan judge ruled former President Trump can remain on the states 2024 presidential primary ballot, rejecting an attempt to remove him with a Civil War-era constitutional clause.

Michigan Court of Claims Judge James Redford rejected arguments made by activist groups that claimed Trumps role in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot on the U.S. Capitol meant he was ineligible for the presidency.

Similar lawsuits have popped up in Colorado and Minnesota. The challenge in Minnesota was dismissed by the state Supreme Court last week, with justices arguing that the primary process is an internal party election and does not place the candidate on the general ballot or as president of the United States. There is no state statute that prohibits a political party from placing a nomination on the ballot, they ruled.

The Colorado case is expected to have its closing arguments Wednesday, and the judge is expected to make her decision by Friday.

In Michigan, Redford wrote that because Trump followed state law by qualifying for the primary ballot, he cant be removed, The Associated Press (AP) reported.

It should be up to Congress to decide whether Trump can be disqualified, the judge argued.

Congress could decide if a person is disqualified under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which states no person who has engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the government can run for elected office.

Deciding if an event is deemed a rebellion or insurrection or whether or not someone participated in it is best left to Congress and not one single judicial officer, Redford said.

One judge cant embody the represented qualified of every citizen of the nation the same way that the House of Representatives and the Senate do.

Free Speech for People, the group that filed the suit, said it is disappointed with the decision and will be appealing it immediately.

The Michigan Supreme Court should reverse this badly-reasoned lower court decision, the organizations legal director Ron Fein said in a statement. While our appeal is pending, the trial courts decision isnt binding on any other court, and we continue our current and planned legal actions in other states to enforce Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment against Donald Trump.

The Trump campaign released a statement Tuesday celebrating the courts decision.

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, the statement reads.

The campaign said they welcome the dismissal and anticipate future dismissals and are focused on winning reelection.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Phillip Burton Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, where the federal trial of David DePape is underway, is pictured in San Francisco, on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023. Prosecutors say DePape broke into former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's home and bludgeoned her husband Paul Pelosi with a hammer in October 2022. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  A lawyer for the man who broke into former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosis San Francisco home and attacked her husband told a federal jury Wednesday that David DePape was motivated by his political beliefs, not because he wanted to interfere with her official duties as a member of Congress, making the charges against him invalid.

David DePape, 43, is charged with attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the immediate family member of a federal official in the Oct. 28, 2022, attack against Paul Pelosi.

During her rebuttal, prosecutor Helen Gilbert said the defense had made a false distinction between Nancy Pelosis politics and official duties and that DePape didnt differentiate between the two.

DePape pleaded not guilty, but during testimony on Tuesday admitted to bludgeoning Paul Pelosi with a hammer while trying to carry out a plan to hold Nancy Pelosi hostage.

Federal public defender Angela Chuang told the jury during her closing statement that DePape did a horrible thing but that he did not commit the federal charges with which he is charged.

He seriously hurt and traumatized Mr. Pelosi that day, thats inexcusable, Chuang told the jury. He committed serious crimes that night, there is no doubt about it. But he didnt commit these two crimes.

Chuang told the jurors DePape believed in right-wing conspiracy theories he learned about while listening to conservative commentators on YouTube. She said those beliefs led him to Nancy Pelosi, whom he considered the face of the Democratic Party. The federal charges don't fit, Chuang said, because DePape targeted Nancy Pelosi for her political activities and not because he wanted to interfere with her official duties in Congress.

DePape admitted during trial testimony he planned to hold Nancy Pelosi hostage, interrogate her and break her kneecaps if she did not admit to the lies he said she told about Russiagate, a reference to the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential campaign.

DePape also testified under cross-examination that he told a San Francisco police detective that he had hoped to see an injured Pelosi wheeled onto the floor of the House so everyone would know there were consequences for being the most evil people on the planet.

"He did not say he was going to wheel her out to the DNC (Democratic National Committee), to the DCCC (Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee). He said Congress. We didnt put those words in his mouth. He said that on the day he did this, Gilbert said.

DePape's attack did in fact interfere with Nancy Pelosi's official duties because after learning of the assault on her husband, she canceled a classified briefing and a meeting with someone from Ukraine to fly home, Gilbert said.

After closing arguments, jurors began deliberations Wednesday in the four-day trial. If convicted of both charges, DePape faces a maximum of 50 years in prison.

The attack on Paul Pelosi, which was recorded on police body cameras, happened just days before last years midterm elections and sent shockwaves through the political world.

DePape, 43, told jurors that he bludgeoned then-82-year-old Paul Pelosi after San Francisco police showed up at the home because he realized that his plan to end what he viewed as government corruption was unraveling.

DePape, a Canadian citizen who moved to the U.S. more than 20 years ago, also is charged in state court with assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, residential burglary and other felonies. A trial date for those charges will be set during a Nov. 29 hearing, said Randy Quezada, a spokesperson for the San Francisco District Attorneys Office.

During his testimony, DePape echoed right-wing conspiracy theories and told jurors he had planned to wear an inflatable unicorn costume and record his interrogation of Nancy Pelosi to upload it online. Prosecutors say he had rope and zip ties with him. Detectives also found body cameras, a computer and a tablet.

He said he had additional targets, including a womens and queer studies professor who testified at the trial, California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, actor Tom Hanks and President Joe Bidens son Hunter Biden.

Paul Pelosi also testified, recalling how he was awakened by a large man bursting into the bedroom door and asking, Wheres Nancy? He said that when he responded that his wife was in Washington, DePape said he would tie him up while they waited for her.

It was a tremendous sense of 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, Pelosi told jurors.

Pelosi recounted how he managed to call 911 with DePape looking on and urging Pelosi to tell police that DePape was a friend. Pelosi said he tried to tell police what was happening without aggravating DePape. Pelosi testified that DePape told him he considered his wife the leader of the pack and he had to take her out.

Pelosi recalled being thankful when the police arrived, only for DePape to hit him with the hammer. He said he woke up in a pool of his own blood.

More than a year after the attack, he still hasnt fully recovered, Pelosi said. A neurosurgeon who operated on him testified that Pelosi had two head wounds, including a skull fracture that had to be mended with plates and screws he will have for the rest of his life. Pelosi also needed stitches on injuries to his right arm and hand, the surgeon said.
A Canadian jury has heard closing arguments in the case of a man accused of murdering four members of a Muslim family with his vehicle.

Nathaniel Veltman, 22, faces four first-degree murder charges and one count of attempted murder.

Mr Veltman also faces terrorism counts, with prosecutors arguing that he targeted the Afzaal family because of their faith.

Both the defence and prosecutors agree that Mr Veltman was behind the wheel.

But Mr Veltman has pleaded not guilty, arguing that he was in a "dreamlike state" on 6 June, 2021, the day he allegedly ran over three generations of the Afzaal family in London, Ontario while they were out for an evening walk.

Salman Afzaal, 46, and his wife Madiha Salman, 44, were killed in the attack - along with their daughter Yumna Afzaal, 15, and Mr Afzaal's mother Talat Afzaal, 74.

The couple's nine-year-old son was seriously hurt but survived.

The case marks the first time a jury in Canada is hearing legal arguments on terrorism related to white supremacy. The jury will not only have to decide on whether Mr Veltman is guilty of murder, but also whether his actions can be described as terrorism.

Closing arguments were made on Tuesday in a Windsor, Ontario court, after 10 weeks of proceedings.

Testifying in his own defence, Mr Veltman told the jury during the trial he ingested a large quantity of magic mushrooms about 40 hours before the crash.

He admitted that the thought of running over Muslims came to him twice after taking the drug, but he resisted. Then, while out for food, he said he saw the family and could not stop the "urge".

Another witness, forensic psychiatrist Julian Gojer, told the jury that Mr Veltman has been diagnosed with several mental health issues, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, severe depression, anxiety and a personality disorder.

He testified that the magic mushrooms likely exacerbated his existing mental health conditions.

The murder of the Afzaal family was met with widespread grief and shock in Canada, where rallies were held in their honour

During their closing arguments, Christopher Hicks, the lawyer for Mr Veltman, described his client's mental state at the time as "a runaway freight train headed for explosion".

Prosecutors on the other hand have argued that Mr Veltman, who was 20 at the time of his arrest, was motivated by hate and white nationalist ideologies.

They had called a total of 19 witnesses to the stand and have shown the jury video of the crash.

In the video, Mr Veltman is seen wearing a bullet-proof vest and an army helmet. In an interview with police after the incident, he identified himself as a white nationalist and said he struck the family "because they were Muslim".

Prosecutors also played audio of a 911 call Mr Veltman made after the crash, in which he said: "Come over and arrest me. I did it on purpose."

Mr Hicks has argued that Mr Veltman made those statements under duress, and that it is difficult to prove he had intent to kill on the day of the crash because of his various mental disorders.

But Crown lawyer Fraser Ball told the jury that the case against Mr Veltman is "overwhelming" and that his confession is "logical and coherent".

He said that the accused had a message for Muslims: "That message was strong. That message was brutal. That message was terrible."

"He hit exactly who he wanted to hit, exactly how he wanted to hit them," Mr Ball said.

The trial has been watched closely by law experts in Canada to see if the country's terrorism charges, enacted in the wake of the 11 September attacks on the US, could be applied to someone who allegedly targeted a family because they are Muslim.

Andrew Botterell, a law professor at the University of Western Ontario in London, said he will also be watching to see if Mr Veltman's defence is successful, as it is "quite a high bar" to prove that a person is not criminally responsible because of a mental disorder.

"The mental disorder has to be such that it rendered you incapable of understanding what it was that you were doing, or understanding that what you were doing was wrong," Mr Botterell told the BBC.

The jury will now deliberate the fate of Mr Veltman, who faces life in prison if found guilty.
After overcoming a major hurdle last month, Coral Gables efforts to absorb a neighboring enclave hit a potential snag Tuesday, with officials now wanting to poll residents on the matter and citing concerns about projected six-figure annual losses.

The City Commission instructed staff to come to the next meeting in December with options for gauging Coral Gables residents interest in annexing Little Gables  whether through an informal survey or a formal ballot referendum  potentially further slowing a process thats crawled along for decades.

I promised residents of Coral Gables that they would have a say in this matter, said Commissioner Ariel Fernandez, who was elected in April. While campaigning this year, Fernandez said, he heard a common sentiment: Little Gables residents should have an opportunity to vote, but so should we.

READ MORE: Coral Gables says expansion wont doom trailer park, but annexation anxiety persists

Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson said the extra step was unnecessary.

Its been over 40 years that theyve been seeking annexation, and its never come to a vote yet, Anderson said of Little Gables residents. I think its high time that they get to go to the ballot box and express their wishes.

Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson speaks during a Coral Gables City Commission meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, at City Hall in Coral Gables. Alie Skowronski/askowronski@miamiherald.com

In order to proceed with the annexation process, the city does not need to demonstrate approval from its residents. It does, however, need to get at least 20% support from voters in the potentially-annexed area  a threshold that the city said it met in October when it received signatures supporting annexation from about 21% of Little Gables voters. Still, the city has not yet submitted those petitions to the Miami-Dade Elections Department for certification, according to elections spokesman Robert Rodriguez.

Polling reveals mixed results

The commission on Tuesday did not decide what it would do if the survey results show disapproval for annexation, and recently-available data suggests mixed opinions on the matter.

A public opinion poll taken earlier this year of 300 random Coral Gables residents by McLaughlin & Associates showed 55% support for annexation, Florida Politics reported. That poll also predicted that Mayor Vince Lago  who was reelected without opposition in February  had 69% approval, although both of the mayors chosen candidates lost their bids for election in April.

Regardless of whether a survey takes place, the city is required to hold a public hearing about annexation in order to submit its application to Miami-Dade County, which must give permission for Little Gables residents to vote in a referendum on the matter.

Commissioner Kirk Menendez said that everybody wants to feel that theyre part of the process, and that a survey of Coral Gables residents would ensure that happens.

Lago said it would be a mistake to put the question out to residents.

I think that we should trust in ourselves, as elected officials, to move the process forward and make the right decision, Lago said. We cant vote on everything based on referendum. Thats not why were here. Were here to make decisions and move this forward, or vote against it if thats the case.

Annexation could cost the city millions

Fernandez and Commissioner Melissa Castro expressed concern about the financial impact annexation would have on the city.

Based on the numbers that Ive seen here today, Fernandez said, were going to be paying for a lot of things for Little Gables in perpetuity.

Engineer Jorge Duyos of JRD & Associates, who the city hired as a consultant, gave a presentation showing that while annexation would increase the citys revenue by millions of dollars, its not likely that the city would break even in the near future.

Jorge Duyos, the citys hired consultant for annexation, left, listens to Diana Gomez, finance director, during a presentation about the potential annexation of Little Gables at a Coral Gables City Commission meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, at City Hall in Coral Gables. Alie Skowronski/askowronski@miamiherald.com

In the first year of annexation, the city anticipates making a $5.26 million investment for start-up expenditures that will bring Little Gables up to Coral Gables standards, Duyos said. But with just $3.6 million in anticipated revenue that year, there would be a $1.66 million loss. Year two of annexation showed a smaller estimated loss of $483,000, with the deficit continuing to increase in subsequent years up to $811,000 in the fifth year.

Its an investment in the future of the city, Lago said. Every good investment does not bear fruit in the first year, or two, or three or four. It takes five, six, seven, 10 years to get things done the right way.

A presentation from the city of Coral Gables on Tuesday showed it could be years before the city breaks even after annexing Little Gables. City of Coral Gables

Not all Little Gables residents are in favor

Some Little Gables residents spoke in opposition to annexation.

I can tell you, I know the people in my neighborhood. We do not want this, said Doug Mayer of the Neighbors for the Preservation of Little Gables group. He added that many of the residents hes spoken to chose the neighborhood because they dont want to be under the authority of Coral Gables notoriously strict zoning code, and they dont want to pay a higher tax rate.

We just want to be left alone, Mayer added.

But others said theyre tired of waiting to be incorporated into Coral Gables.

Little Gables resident Christina Villamil said she bought her home assuming annexation was imminent, building it according to Coral Gables specifications and aesthetic. She said the city is unnecessarily delaying the issue.

Its just becoming messier, and it is really dividing both Coral Gables and Little Gables on such a trivial issue, Villamil said. Let the residents vote. Weve been told for over 20 years now, you can vote, and it keeps being ripped away from us.

Commissioner Melissa Castro speaks during a Coral Gables City Commission meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, at City Hall in Coral Gables. Alie Skowronski/askowronski@miamiherald.com
Fatmah Muhammad, the Palestinian American owner of Knafeh Queens, which specializes in a sweet-and-savory dessert, has faced harassment over the phone and on social media since the Israel-Hamas war began. But she also has received support from new and old customers of her Rancho Cucamonga baking business. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Last week, Fatmah Muhammad answered a phone call from someone who appeared to be an inquisitive customer.

He knew she was Palestinian American, the caller said, and he was interested in placing an order from her company, Knafeh Queens, which specializes in a sweet-and-savory dessert she learned to make from her mother.

But make sure you put Israeli flags all over the knafeh," the caller said, before abruptly hanging up.

Read more: Amid a rise in reported hate crimes, California creates a special hotline

Realizing he'd called to harass her, she felt crestfallen, thinking back to a few weeks earlier when someone messaged her companys Instagram account saying they hoped devastation would befall her familys hometown in the West Bank.

That mockery is painful, she said. "It's scary."

But in recent weeks she has also gotten inquiries from several new customers eager to support her Rancho Cucamonga-based baking business. A few customers, she said, made a point to tell her in Arabic that they loved her.

Fatmah Muhammad, owner of the Knafeh Queens baking business, removes knafeh cupcakes from the oven. (Fatmah Muhammad)

For some Arab American small-business owners across the state, the last month has brought devastating news from abroad, a heightened level of tension and fear to their daily work routines, but also, at times, a rush of new customers eager to show support with their pocketbooks.

We have a line all the way out the door right now, said an employee who answered the phone at Urban Deli in Petaluma on a recent afternoon.

Earlier in the day, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a national civil rights group, had released a statement condemning vandalism at the restaurant, where someone sprayed graffiti and etched messages into the windows  an act Petaluma police say they're investigating as a hate crime because the derogatory words appeared to be directed at the deli's Palestinian American co-owner.

"We are seeing a drastic, really unprecedented increase in hate and bias incidents against Arabs, said Dina Chehata, a civil rights attorney who works for the L.A. chapter of CAIR. It's just something we should never have to see, whether it is affecting our community or our Jewish brothers and sisters."

Read more: Low wages, lousy shifts, little room for advancement: Immigrant workers describe on-the-job discrimination

The group recently released statistics showing a sharp increase in the number of anti-Muslim and anti-Arab bias complaints reported in the month following Oct. 7, when Hamas militants waged a brutal incursion in southern Israel , killing more than 1,400 people and taking 240 hostages, according to the Israeli government. The Israeli military responded with the ongoing bombardment of the Gaza Strip , killing more than 11,000 people, including thousands of women and children, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.

Between Oct. 7 and Nov. 4, CAIR said, its national headquarters and chapters across the country received a combined 1,283 requests for help and reports of bias incidents; during the average month last year, the group received 406 complaints.

The complaints came from a broad swath of Americans, including students, doctors, business owners and protesters, CAIR said, noting that it was the largest wave of complaints it has documented since the winter of 2015 when then-candidate Donald Trump called for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.

In Anaheim's Little Arabia neighborhood, a stretch with several markets and restaurants, cafe owner Asem Abusir, who is from the West Bank city of Nablus, told The Times last month that, after a pro-Palestinian demonstration took place on the main street outside his shop, a one-star review soon appeared on his Yelp business page. It claimed, he said, that he hosted disgusting Palestinians who should suffer death.

That was very strong, unacceptable language, Abusir said. But the feedback from our community has shown that they support us.

Jewish-owned businesses have also been targeted in recent weeks.

In Los Angeles, someone spray-painted messages  including the phrase How many dead in the name of greed?  beneath a mural outside Canters, one of the citys most famous Jewish delis. Los Angeles police have said theyre investigating the messages at the deli, as well as another act of vandalism at a location on La Brea Avenue, as possible hate crimes.

Police walk in front of Canter's Deli where graffiti was left on a wall in the restaurant's parking lot in the Fairfax area of Los Angeles on Nov. 1. The vandalism is being investigated as a hate crime. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

In San Francisco, the owner of an ice cream shop called Smitten posted on her companys Instagram last month saying authorities were investigating graffiti sprayed onto her company's flagship location as a hate crime because the messages suggested she had been targeted because she is Jewish.

I initially felt only fear and deep sadness, the owner wrote, adding that she had been deeply touched by all the people who reached out to offer support. We cannot choose how others treat us, but we can choose how we respond. I choose love. Now more than ever.

During a briefing last month, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the Biden administration was taking steps to address what she called an "alarming rise" in reported antisemitic incidents at schools and college campuses. Both antisemitism and Islamophobia, she said, must be denounced "without equivocation."

Kenneth Gray, a retired FBI agent who worked counter-terrorism cases for several years, said that armed conflicts abroad always draw concern about spillover acts of violence in the U.S. Keeping a vigilant eye out for hate crimes, including targeted vandalism, he said, is crucial.

That is not something that should be ignored, said Gray, who is now a senior lecturer at the University of New Haven. It's something that could escalate.

For Muhammad, the last few weeks have been deeply painful.

She can't stop thinking about her aunts, uncles and cousins in the West Bank, and images of the devastation and death in Gaza leave her feeling helpless. She often thinks about the threatening Instagram message she got on her business account after reposting a video from a city in the West Bank along with a caption that read "HORRIFIC" and a note saying it wasnt far from her familys hometown.

The commenter singled out her familys hometown by name, which terrified her because she had not included it in her post. The town, the person wrote, was our next target, ending their message with emojis of an Israeli flag and a laughing face.

That was just such a personal attack, to attack where my parents were raised, she said, stifling tears.

Palestinian American business owner Fatmah Muhammad said that despite the harassment she has faced in recent weeks, she has been comforted by encouragement she has received from customers. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

She focused on the phrase they'd taught her as a girl  "Fight hate with kindness"  and reflected on how the inspiration for her company grew out of the painful days after the 2015 terrorist attack in San Bernardino, when two people carrying assault rifles opened fire during a holiday banquet, killing 14 people.

The shooters were Muslim and, in the days that followed, Muhammad said, she noticed that when people at the supermarket spotted her head scarf they refused to make eye contact. While in line at Target, a man turned to her and said, Go back to your country and learn English!"

I was raised here, she told him.

Perplexed, the man walked off.

There were so many false narratives about Muslims, that were these bad people, she said. It was wrong and exhausting, so when her daughter, then a preteen, encouraged her to start a company making knafeh, she mulled it over.

In 2018, the mother-and-daughter duo opened their company, whose slogan is Serving royal happiness and unity with every bite." Shes heard from customers through the years who told her theyd once harbored hateful views of Muslims, but told her that learning about the company  both its mission and the fact that a Muslim American woman owns it  had been eye-opening.

Underneath our skin, we all have the same veins," she said. We have more similarities than differences  we all want safety, we all want love.

Despite the pain of recent weeks, she said, she has taken deep solace in the encouragement she has received from customers, including some who are Jewish. This week, she said, a customer messaged her saying shed been researching Arabic and wanted to learn how to say a specific phrase:

Sorry for your grief.

Times staff writer Gabriel San Roman contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  It appears to be shark territory over at the North Carolina coast

The global non-profit organization OCEARCH has been tracking Penny the Shark for months.

The 10-foot-3 long, 522-pound juvenile shark was pinged near Ocracoke on Tuesday morning.

Back in April, OCEARCH named her after Salty Penny Canvas in Morehead City.

OCEARCH tracks tagged sharks when they ping along the coast.

Click here to track them on the OCEARCH website.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com.
The phrase Christopher Oppenhuis uses to describe the operating ethos at Take Care, the Crossroads coffee shop he opened this week, is subtle hospitality.

Customers  people  used to be offered more in places like this, he said. So part of what were trying to do here is give people back some of the things that have been taken away from them.

Some of that takes the shape of pushing back against shrinkflation. Coffee beans, which many other roasters sell in 12-ounce bags, are sold at Take Care by the pound. A large latte is 20 ounces, as opposed to the 16 ounces you might find at other independent coffee shops.

Bags of coffee beans go for $20 a pound at Take Care.

A 12-ounce bag doesnt go very far if you have a family or roommates, and a 12-ounce coffee doesnt go very far if youre a nurse working a long shift, Oppenhuis said.

Youll experience no awkward iPad interactions at Take Care, either: Its a no-tipping establishment. So far, theres been a super positive reception to that.

Oppenhuis, who co-owns Take Care (419 E. 18th St.) with partner Mark Sappington, has been working in coffee for about 20 years. Five of those were spent as the director of coffee at Thou Mayest, the local coffee shop and roasting company. (Take Care is leasing the original Thou Mayest location, which vacated the space in 2018.)

In 2019, he left to launch the Crossroads wholesaler Marcell Coffee, which last year roasted 70,000 pounds of custom coffees for dozens of local businesses, including Mildreds and Heirloom Bakery & Hearth.

Take Care is now open at 419 E. 18th St. in Kansas Citys Crossroads district.

Marcell is named after Oppenhuiss grandmother-in-law, who had a farm north of Kansas City in Turney, and Take Care draws on that heritage in its design: lots of wood and brick, some old farm furnishings, a big American flag on one wall.

Its sort of a Midwestern farmhouse feel, Oppenhuis said. Coffee is beautiful, but it doesnt need to be enjoyed in some crystal palace. Were trying to break the mold of that sterile coffee environment a little.

The in-house bakery serves a small, simple menu: a biscuit, a cheddar apple scone, a masa chocolate chunk cookie. The plan is to keep a core of great things we hope to sell a lot of, Oppenhuis said.

Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day.

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Jackson County prosecutors have charged a Kansas City man with murder in the killing of a woman whose body was found in a wooded area near railroad tracks in March 2022.

Richard Z. Holliday, 39, who has been serving a two-year federal prison sentence in Kentucky, is accused of second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the shooting death of Sheryl Turley, according to a criminal complaint filed Monday in Jackson County Circuit Court.

He is also accused of unlawful possession of a weapon by a dangerous felon. An arrest warrant issued Monday calls for Holliday to be held in the county jail on a $250,000 cash bond.

A suspicious death investigation was opened March 1, 2022, when a railroad employee reported finding a body near the intersection of East 91st Street and Old Santa Fe Road in Kansas Citys Loma Vista neighborhood. Police later identified the person as Turley and said her death was a homicide.

Detectives spoke with a witness who told them Holliday had borrowed a white sedan two days earlier and not returned it. Neither Turley nor Holliday could be reached afterward, the witness told police.

Surveillance cameras captured footage of a vehicle matching that description on Feb. 28, 2022, near the area where Turleys body was found. License-plate-reading cameras also spotted the borrowed white sedan near the area, according to an affidavit prepared by a Kansas City police detective.

Around the same time, police officers were called to a series of incidents involving a prowler that unfolded within a span of a few minutes at a series of Kansas City residences. In one case, a man identified by police as Holliday forced his way into a home, armed with a gun, and fought with residents for a set of car keys.

Another report led to the discovery of the missing white sedan. It had been abandoned in a nearby Kansas City driveway and a resident of the home called police.

The car was towed away and later searched. Inside, investigators located identification cards and paperwork for Holliday and Turley.

Detectives were contacted by witnesses who said they had picked up Holliday on the night of the robbery. They said he was covered in mud and appeared to be under the influence of methamphetamines. They contacted his federal probation officer, according to court documents, and organized his surrender because there was a warrant out for his arrest.

Records show Holliday and Turley both were charged in a 2015 federal indictment alleging three counts of bank robbery for offenses in the Kansas City and Joplin areas.

In that case, Turley pleaded guilty to bank robbery and Holliday pleaded guilty to a gun possession charge. Both were on supervised release from prison when Turley was found dead.

After Holliday was back in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, a witness contacted detectives again to provide the location of a firearm he had found and then thrown in the Little Blue River. It was located by the Missouri Highway Patrol and tested; authorities allege the gun matched to shell casings collected during their investigation.

In March 2022, a federal judge ordered Holliday to serve two years in prison for violating the conditions of his supervised release from prison. He was sent to the Big Sandy facility in eastern Kentucky.

In August, a Kansas City homicide detective visited Big Sandy to speak with Holliday, who immediately requested a lawyer, according to the affidavit filed Monday. A DNA sample was collected from Holliday.

Turley appeared to have been dragged across gravel before her body was located. Authorities allege the DNA samples collected from her ankles likely came from Holliday and two unknown contributors, according to court documents.

Online court records did not list a defense attorney representing Holliday in the murder case as of Tuesday.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A Jackson County judge sentenced a 63-year-old Kansas City man on Tuesday for the 2022 deadly shooting of a man who threw a traffic cone at his car.

Andrew Harold Bostic was sentenced by Judge Bryan Round to 10 years in state prison for the conviction of unlawful use of a weapon, three years for involuntary manslaughter and three years on each of two convictions of armed criminal action.

KC group renews push for DOJ investigation into KCK Police Department

Some sentences to set to run for a total of 13 years. Prosecutors had asked for a total sentence of 19 years by setting all sentences to run consecutively.

According to court records, on Nov. 30, 2022, Kansas City police officers responded to the area of Armour Boulevard and Broadway just after 5 a.m. after a man was found unresponsive in the street.

Documents shows a man called for help after finding a man on the ground with blood around him. The victim died at the scene and was later identified as 42-year-old Patrick George.

Court records show detectives reviewed surveillance video from a business across the street from where they found the victims body.

Detectives said the video shows an SUV that belongs to Bostic circling the area. At one point, the SUV stops and the victim walks toward it. The video shows the victims mannerisms escalating the longer he is near the SUV.

Children witnessed murder-suicide outside Grain Valley day care: police

The video shows the victim throwing a traffic cone at the SUV, then doubles over as he stumbles and tries to run away. He then collapses on the sidewalk, according to the court document.

The criminal complaint shows how police used traffic cameras to track Bostics SUV through town. They also used an Automated License Plate Reader to trace the SUV back to Bostic.

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While waiting for a search warrant, court documents show Bostic walked up to detectives and said he was driving the car when he heard a crash. He rolled down his window and asked the person standing nearby if he was crazy. Bostic said the victim smashed his window so he fired a warning shot, which hit the victim, killing him.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
KINGSTON, Mo.  A 28-year-old Kansas City man is sentenced for the May 2022 murder of 96-year-old Lorene Fickess in Caldwell County, Missouri.

Caldwell County Judge Brent Elliott sentenced Harold Edwards to a life sentence for second-degree murder and 21 years for three counts of possession of child pornography. The sentences are set to run consecutively.

At least three dead, multiple hurt in fiery I-70 crash involving bus and semi

In Missouri, a life sentence is defined as 30 years unless the charge is first-degree murder.

Edwards was given credit for 522 days in jail.

Court documents show Edwards Jr. set fire to a house in Polo, Missouri, killing Fickess.

Fire crews responded to three house fires along SW State Route D on May 10, 2022 and believe all three were intentionally set. The deadly arson was the first of three he was originally charged with setting. The other two homes were vacant.

Investigators arrested Edwards in June of 2022. Court documents show investigators proved Edwards was in the area during the fires using information from his cell phone.

Suspect charged in 2022 southeast Kansas City killing of woman

Police say that surveillance images captured by cameras at a school show a black SUV they were able to track back to Edwards.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Kari Lake is finally ready to move on from the 2022 election  or at least she wants her rivals to.

The Arizona Republican has given up  for now  the fire-and-brimstone approach she took in her failed gubernatorial bid last year, adopting a different tack in her current Senate campaign: diplomacy.

Lake has begun reaching out to Republicans she attacked last year, trying to mend the relationships she shredded. Whether she can repair the damage from 2022  or if her attempts to do so will anger her loyal base  could determine how she fares in a potentially messy three-way race for Sen. Kyrsten Sinemas seat.

Her biggest attempted detente so far is with Karrin Taylor Robson, her 2022 primary opponent whom she once strongly insinuated was a gold digger using her husbands money to try to buy Arizonas governorship.

Lake and Robson met in Phoenix in late October to discuss putting their 2022 race behind them and they agreed to stay in contact, according to two people familiar with the discussions who were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss them. A person close to Lake described the conversation as productive while a person close to Robson called it cordial."

Its a sharp pivot after a brutal midterm in which Lake bragged after her primary win that she drove a stake through the heart of the McCain machine, told an opponent he was okay with special needs kids being sexually assaulted and tweeted that Robson was trying to buy the election with her 95-yr-old husbands millions.

Lake's bid to make nice could pay off if it at all weakens Sinemas appeal with the more moderate wing of the Republican Party. Sinema has not decided whether she will run but she has strong relationships with centrist Republicans in the state, particularly those in the mold of the late Sen. John McCain. Kari Lake is willing to reach out and talk to anyone who wants to help unite the party so that Republicans can win Arizona back, said Garrett Ventry, a senior adviser to Lake.

The McCain Republicans orbit was at odds with Lake throughout last years campaign. They pose a particular threat to Lake if Sinema decides to enter the race. That would make it a three-way contest with Rep. Ruben Gallego, the likely Democratic nominee, and Lake would need to consolidate as much GOP support as possible to win.

Republicans need between one and two seats to flip the Senate  depending on who wins the White House  and Arizona could play a crucial role in determining who controls the chamber. Initially skeptical of Lakes candidacy, national Republicans are beginning to embrace her, especially because she is likely to win the primary.

But its unclear that her efforts could woo moderate Republicans in Arizona will work.

Will those traditional Reagan-McCain voters trust the new Kari Lake? Thats a good question, said Kirk Adams, a Republican former Arizona state House Speaker. She went out of her way to offend that group of voters, and she wore it as a point of pride, and I dont know if people will change their opinion of her.

And Lakes overtures could anger her fervently MAGA  and anti-establishment  base.

Besides Robson, Lake has been in contact with Kathy Petsas, a GOP activist in the state and shes also contacted an ex-Sinema opponent, former GOP Sen. Martha McSally, according to a person familiar with her strategy. She plans more outreach in the coming weeks.

But so far she has not broached some of the biggest players in the Arizona GOP.

She has not made contact with former Republican Gov. Doug Ducey, according to a person familiar with their interactions. And Sharon Harper, a consigliere for Cindy McCain, the widow of the late senator, said Lake has not reached out to her. Harper is fundraising for Sinema.

I'm supporting people that I think are the middle-of-the-road leaders for our state. I think that really is the profile of Arizona, she said.

Asked whether she would meet with Lake, Harper demurred: I'm focused on other things right now.

Robson, a former member of the Arizona Board of Regents, is an ally of Ducey and the wife of a real estate magnate. She lost to Lake by 5 points in the primary, and Lake went on to lose narrowly to Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs that November.

Lake has already begun efforts to consolidate Republican support in Washington. Shes been in contact with Senate Minority Whip John Thune, the second highest-ranking Republican in the chamber, and has been texting with Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), who leads the Senate GOP campaign arm, according to people familiar with their interactions.

She's off to a really strong start, Daines said in a brief interview. She's going to win that primary.

At a recent meeting of Senate Republicans, Sen. Lindsey Graham urged his colleagues to unite behind Lake, according to two people present in the room. One member of leadership, Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) has already endorsed her. Both men were friends of McCain during his time in the Senate.

Republican Senate leaders have urged Lake to focus on the present election and drop mentions of election fraud  a pivot she made in her October launch event. Daines praised her launch speech, according to a person familiar with his comments, and NRSC leadership attended the event.

I think she understands this is a different race than her earlier race, said Cornyn, who met with Lake when she visited D.C. this fall. She seemed very sharp but I think what's always really important for all of us is to maintain discipline.

And there has been some praise of her early campaign efforts.

A leadership aide read out Lakes recent comments to a conservative outlet on abortion policy as an example in a recent meeting with Senate GOP staffers of how to message on the issue, which has plagued the GOP since the fall of Roe v. Wade, according to a person in the meeting. Her highlighted comment: Frankly if we never change a single abortion law, we could bring abortions down by supporting women.

D.C. Republicans, however, may be easier to win over than those in Arizona.
Here are area restaurants with seven or more priority or critical health code violations, with highlighted links to some original public record reports.

Restaurants correct most violations at the time of the original inspection or shortly thereafter. Links to the follow-up inspections show how each establishment has corrected or is working to correct any remaining violations.

If an inspection or follow-up report needs clarification, restaurant and grocery store owners can email Jenna Thompson at jthompson@kcstar.com. The Star will post appropriate responses in the same online locations as the original report.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture cited these operations for seven or more priority health code violations (direct links to the reports are not available). For complete Kansas health inspections, click here.

Jade Dragon Express, 1005 Osage Ave., Kansas City, Kansas, had eight violations during a Nov. 14 routine inspection.

The Kansas City Health Department cited these operations for seven or more critical violations:

Soiree Steak & Oyster House, 1512 E. 18th St., had eight critical violations following a Nov. 7 routine inspection.

Curry in a Hurry, 1103 Grand Blvd., had eight critical violations following a Nov. 14 routine inspection.

Brio, 502 Nicholas Drive, had seven critical violations following a Nov. 14 routine inspection.

For complete Kansas City-area reports, click here.
The scheduled meeting between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping must be considered in the context of its importance for the future of global peace.

It is necessary to have a balance of the world's heavyweights, the largest economies  and at the same time, the most prominent antagonists  the leader of the democratic world, the United States of America, and the totalitarian dictatorship of the People's Republic of China.

Despite the existence of many issues of bilateral cooperation and mutual counteraction, including the issue of Taiwan, economic relations, sanctions against the Chinese economy, protection of the national commodity producer by the United States, the activity of the Chinese navy, and tensions over Beijing's territorial claims in the South China and East China Seas, despite all these important topics, the most critical issues will still be the struggle for existence of Ukraine and Israel, and the role of Washington and Beijing in preventing the escalation of a threatening scenario.

There are two global problems, and both of them are under the patronage of Russia: the war against Ukraine by the aggressive Russian Federation and the war against Israel by the Hamas terrorist organization. The economy and Taiwan are still secondary issues because they are not so acute. They are mostly a matter of verbal sparring at the moment.

The world community will assess Ukraine's success in the war as a victory for democracy, a success for the anti-Kremlin coalition, a success for NATO, the EU, and the US, and ultimately a success for democratic countries that defend international law, justice and the right to live in the coordinate system of the twenty-first century.

The Chinese leader will spend three days in the United States

In this case, the possibility of the occupation of Taiwan, aggressive actions of the Chinese navy, and provocations against neighbors will decrease. China does not directly act against Ukraine, but does oppose democracies, in particular by pulling dictatorships closer to it. This effectively eliminates the possibility for China to be the leader of the Global South, and India is confidently taking over this position.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine not only defend the state but are also perhaps a key actor in the global agenda of the struggle for democracy, peace and freedom. Given the scale of the Russian-Ukrainian war, the issue of consolidation to help Ukraine comes to the fore.

China recognizes the need to preserve borders. This is a crucial point from which a dialog can begin. Both leaders are pushed to succeed in the negotiations by the problematic internal situation in their countries. Each has his own. Biden has new elections on the horizon, while Xi is facing a downturn in the economy, sanctions, repression in the country, and distance from the West. Success in the negotiations will mean an increase in the rating of both Biden and Xi. However, excessive optimism is inappropriate here, as the views of both countries, and both leaders, are very different.

Biden's presidency has seen many international challenges. These include the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan (although the decision was made under the previous president) and the two wars that have been going on since February 24, 2022, against Ukraine and since October 7, 2023, against Israel.

Despite being China's most popular president and leader since Mao Zedong, Xi Jinping's problems are even more profound. After all, COVID has undermined his rating, his relations with the West look like a failure of China's foreign policy, and tensions exist with most neighboring countries. The slowdown in economic growth is evident, international business is slowly leaving China, and the internal struggle is also incomprehensible to external observers. Meanwhile, both the Minister of Defense and the Minister of Foreign Affairs disappeared from the political horizon in a short period of time.

The Chinese leader will spend three days in the United States. The meeting will take place in the United States. Objectively, this strengthens Biden's position. However, Xi is officially going to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which is ongoing in San Francisco from November 11 to 17. The presidents met in the San Francisco Bay Area. The November 15 meeting will be only the second time they have met face-to-face during Biden's presidency.

Analysts predict that the summit could lead to some modest achievements  perhaps restoring military ties and limiting the flow of Chinese-made fentanyl. Neither side expects any breakthroughs, but rather stabilization of relations.

Read also: What will Putin and Xi Jinping get from their crucial meeting

The United States used to confront the communist Soviet Union, and today, we need to confront communist China. Therefore, the world is returning to bipolarity. This is the future for the United States and China, for whom this meeting could be an impetus for a more peaceful coexistence. Their economies are interdependent. This is the basis for negotiations.

China can control the Russian Federation as its raw material appendage, so Biden is seeking an understanding with Beijing so that he can also, in turn, use China to influence Putin and pacify him, especially since China favors respecting international law, at least in words, if not deeds.

The meeting between Biden and Xi could be a turning point in terms of revising US-China relations. Beijing needs an economic boost, and Washington can help it with this.

A change in China's rhetoric on the Russian-Ukrainian war could solidify the agreements reached between Beijing and Washington.

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
David Cameron was made foreign secretary as part of Monday's reshuffle

Sir Keir Starmer has challenged Rishi Sunak over his appointment of David Cameron as foreign secretary, raising concerns about his links to China.

The Labour leader asked when there would be "full public disclosure for his work for Chinese interests".

Sir Keir cited Lord Cameron's previous work for a Chinese investment fund, which he said may have been "engineered by the Chinese state".

The prime minister said Lord Cameron had "unrivalled experience".

Defending the appointment, Mr Sunak said he would help the UK navigate "an uncertain world".

He added: "Like every other government minister, he will go through the normal process with the independent adviser."

The former prime minister made a surprise return to the cabinet as part of Mr Sunak's dramatic reshuffle on Monday, when he sacked Suella Braverman as home secretary.

During Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir said: "The prime minister obviously thinks so little of his own MPs that he's had to peel David Cameron away from his seven-year exile in a shepherd's hut and make him foreign secretary."

Raising concerns about Lord Cameron's interests in China, the Labour leader highlighted his former role as vice-chairman of a China-UK investment fund.

He cited a report published earlier this year by Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee, which said it was possible the role was "in some part engineered by the Chinese state to lend credibility to Chinese investment, as well as to the broader China brand".

In response Mr Sunak said: "China represents an epoch-defining challenge. That's why we have taken strong and robust steps to protect ourselves against the risk that it poses."

When he was prime minister, Lord Cameron hailed a "golden era" of closer relations between the UK and China.

Since leaving No 10, some of his business activities have also involved China.

For example, he has given speeches supporting investment in a new port in Sri Lanka that has been heavily backed by Beijing.

In recent years, UK-China relations have been strained, with tensions over issues including a crackdown on human rights in Hong Kong and the treatment of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang.

Last year Mr Sunak said the so-called "golden era" was over, arguing the closer economic ties of the previous decade had been "naive".

Several Conservative MPs have been sanctioned by China for their vocal criticism of Beijing.

One of these MPs, former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, has called for "greater clarity" over what he described as Lord Cameron's "financial links with the Chinese government".

He suggested there was "a conflict" between Lord Cameron's previous work with China and his role as foreign secretary.

When he was prime minister, Lord Cameron took China's President Xi Jinping to his local pub as part of his state visit to the UK

During PMQs, several MPs also raised concerns about Lord Cameron's previous lobbying for collapsed finance company Greensill Capital.

Documents suggest Lord Cameron made about $10m (8.2m) promoting the business to investors.

He also lobbied ministers and officials on behalf of the company.

Mr Sunak said the government had commissioned a review on the Greensill scandal and had acted on its recommendations.

A spokesman for Lord Cameron previously told the BBC he acted in good faith at all times and there was no wrongdoing in any of the actions he took.

The former PM said he had resigned from his various business and charitable roles after being appointed to the cabinet.

He insisted the Greensill affair was "in the past" and had been "dealt with".
Sir Keir Starmer is attempting to put Labour's position on the Israel-Hamas conflict to a vote, in a bid to maintain party unity.

The party has tabled a Commons amendment reflecting concerns over the civilian death toll, and urging longer pauses in the fighting to deliver aid.

But it echoes the Labour leader's position, and stops short of urging an immediate ceasefire in the conflict.

Dozens of Labour MPs have defied their leader to call for a ceasefire.

And 19 members of the frontbench have also publicly diverged from their party's official position.

One of them, shadow minister Imran Hussain, quit his position last week in order to campaign for an immediate ceasefire.

In addition, nearly 50 councillors have resigned from the party, over the leadership's position on the war.

Sir Keir has argued that a ceasefire would not be appropriate, because it would freeze the conflict and embolden Hamas.

Instead, Labour, like the Conservative government, the United States and the European Union, is calling for "humanitarian pauses" to help aid reach Gaza.

Compared with a formal ceasefire, these pauses tend to last for short periods of time, sometimes just a few hours. And they are implemented with the aim of providing humanitarian support only, as opposed to achieving long-term political solutions.

Last week, the US said Israel would begin to implement daily four-hour military pauses in areas of northern Gaza.

On Tuesday, shadow foreign secretary David Lammy called for a "comprehensive" humanitarian pause, while Foreign Office Minister Andrew Mitchell said "longer pauses that cover wider areas will be needed".

SNP vote

Labour's position is set to come under significant strain on Wednesday, with the Scottish National Party likely to secure a vote calling for a ceasefire.

This is also an amendment to the King's Speech, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's programme for government unveiled last week.

Amid fears that several frontbenchers might resign their positions in order to vote for the SNP motion, Labour has submitted an amendment of its own, but it will be for Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle to decide if either - or both - motions should be put to a vote on Wednesday.

The text of the Labour amendment supports Israel's right to self-defence after Hamas's "horrific terrorist attack" on 7 October, in which 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage. It calls for the immediate release of all hostages.

But it also says there has been "too much suffering, including far too many deaths of innocent civilians and children" since Israel began striking Gaza in response.

The Hamas-run health ministry says more than 11,000 people have been killed in Gaza since then - of whom more than 4,500 were children.

The amendment calls on Israel to "protect hospitals and lift the siege conditions" on the territory, and urges longer humanitarian pauses to allow aid "on a scale that begins to meet the desperate needs of the people of Gaza".

It says this is a "necessary step to an enduring cessation of fighting as soon as possible and a credible, diplomatic and political process to deliver the lasting peace of a two-state solution".

Shadow cabinet minister Lisa Nandy did not say how Labour MPs would be expected to vote on the SNP motion if it is selected, adding this was "a matter for the chief whip".

However, Labour sources have told the BBC that frontbenchers will be ordered to abstain if the SNP motion is picked.

The SNP motion says it "unequivocally condemns the horrific killings by Hamas and the taking of hostages" and "reaffirms that there must be an end to the collective punishment of the Palestinian people".

It calls for "the urgent release of all hostages and an end to the siege of Gaza to allow vital supplies of food, fuel, medicine and water to reach the civilian population".

It also notes "the growing calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire from the United Nations and its aid agencies; and therefore call on the Government to join with the international community in urgently pressing all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire".

Face pressure

Supporters of Sir Keir's position are optimistic that the gambit could mean most resignations are avoided.

However, they concede that the question of backing a ceasefire has become the central issue for some of the MPs.

Sir Keir faced a backlash within his party for suggesting, during an interview in the days after Hamas's 7 October attack, Israel had the right to cut water and electricity off in Gaza as part of its response.

His spokesman later said he had meant only to say Israel had a general right to self-defence.

Sir Keir gave a speech at the end of last month to say he understood calls within his party for a ceasefire, while also arguing it was not the "correct position".

But he has continued to face pressure on his stance since then, with more MPs and councillors defying his position.
A 15-year-old Bell County student died in a crash Tuesday night that severely injured another student and resulted in others getting medical treatment, officials said.

Kaylie Inman, of Bell County, died in the incident, Bell County Chief Deputy Coroner Jason Steele said. She was a passenger in a vehicle involved in the crash.

Bell County Superintendent Tom Gambrel said in a statement district officials were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic accident that claimed the life of a Bell County High School student and severely injured another.

A Bell County High School Facebook post said the student who was severely injured was Allen Buell.

Gambrel said counselors would be available for students and school staff.

A Bell County Sheriffs statement said a tractor trailer was hit by a passenger vehicle, which was then forced under the trailer after being rear ended by a pickup truck, sheriffs officials said.

In addition to the death, three people were flown to the hospital. Three were also taken to Pineville Community Health Center for treatment of injuries, sheriffs officials said.

Kentucky State Police said a 2012 Chevy pick-up truck driven by 18-year-old Silas Gingerich, of Jonesville, Virginia was traveling south on US25E and collided with a 2012 Mazda passenger car operated by 35-year-old Ashley Jordan of Pineville, Kentucky.

Jordans vehicle hit a third vehicle, a 2024 International Semi-Tractor trailer driven by 40-year-old Nabryan Keene of Clarksville, Indiana, according to police.

Multiple passengers in Jordans 2012 Mazda were flown from the scene for treatment, police said.
The reception to celebrate nurses and midwives hosted by King Charles III was part of the NHS 75 celebrations

A hospital nurse who developed a new service to help vulnerable patients said it was an "honour" to be invited to a Buckingham Palace reception.

Binoy Kanjookkaran Chakkappan created the Enhanced Care Team at Kettering General Hospital.

It provides one-to-one care for patients with dementia, learning difficulties or mental health needs.

The reception to celebrate nurses and midwives hosted by King Charles III was part of the NHS 75 celebrations.

Binoy Chakkappan proudly holds up his invitation to Buckingham Palace, accompanied by some of his team

Mr Chakkappan said: "King Charles came and walked around and spoke to as many people as possible.

"I had a chance to wish him a happy birthday and tell him I had come down from Kettering General Hospital in Northamptonshire."

The nurse qualified as an accountant in Kerala, in the south of India, before moving to the UK and studying for a nursing degree.

Mr Chakkappan was invited to the event on Tuesday and said "about 250 nurses from all over England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland" also attended

The Kettering team, which he established two years ago, is one of the first in the country to provide individual care for these kinds of patients, 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.

"I think it is a great recognition of what I and my 25-strong team of enhanced care assistants do at the hospital every day," said Mr Chakkappan.

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!

WELCOME TO FIGHT CLUB, CONGRESSIONAL VERSION

Via David Lightman...

Tuesday began with a reported sucker punch by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy to Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn.

Burchett, one of the eight GOP members instrumental last month in ousting the Bakersfield Republican from the Houses number one job, told Knox News: You dont expect a guy who was, at one time, three steps away from the White House to hit you with a sucker punch.

McCarthy denied hitting Burchett, and told CBS any contact was unintentional.

That wasnt the end of it.. Later in the day, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., McCarthys leading nemesis, filed a complaint with the House Ethics Committee regarding the alleged incident.

Gaetz said he learned that McCarthy assaulted Representative Tim Burchett in the hallways of Capitol complex after a meeting of House GOP lawmakers. Gaetz quoted Burchett as saying it was a shot to the kidney.

This Congress has seen a substantial increase in breaches of decorum unlike anything we have seen since the pre-Civil War era, Gaetz said in his complaint. I myself have been a victim of outrageous conduct on the House floor as well, but nothing like an open and public assault on a Member, committed by another Member. The rot starts at the top.

The Senate had its own excitement Tuesday. No punches were thrown, to the kidneys or elsewhere, at a hearing on labor union issues. But Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., was ready to take on Teamsters President Sean OBrien.

OBrien has been tweeting insults, said Mullin, a member of the Oklahoma Wrestling Hall of Fame, who suggested that they settle their differences there and then.

If you want to run your mouth, we can be two consenting adults. We can finish it here, he said.

Id love to do it right now, OBrien said.

Well, stand your butt up, then, replied Mullin, rising himself when committee chair Sen. Bernie Sanders, Ind.-Vt., who was in the next seat, told him to cut it out.

Stop it. Youre a United States senator, Sanders said. This is a hearing. And God knows the American people have enough contempt for Congress. Lets not make it worse.

KILEY IS GETTING MARRIED

Via David Lightman...

Rep. Kevin Kiley is getting married.

His office would not provide details, only saying that Rep. Kiley and his fiance, Chelsee, will be getting married later this year. We will be happy to share additional details after the wedding.

Kiley, a Republican from Rocklin, was elected to the House last year and his re-election is rated as likely by Inside Elections, a nonpartisan website that tracks congressional races.

NGUYEN LETTER TO BIDEN ON VIETNAMESE HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES

As President Joe Biden came to San Francisco to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit Tuesday, State Sen. Janet Nguyen, R-Huntington Beach, had a request: Hold Vietnam President Vo Van Thuong accountable for human and religious rights violations occurring in his home country.

For nearly 50 years, Vietnam has engaged in harsh repressive tactics against political dissidents, religious minorities and independent journalists. Party officials routinely weaponize laws to intimidate and punish citizens who dare to challenge the status quo, Nguyen wrote in her letter to the president.

That includes the imprisonment of journalist Le Trong Hung in 2021 for spreading anti-state propaganda by allegedly distributing copies of the Constitution and recruiting independent candidates to run for office.

My family fled Vietnam after the Fall of Saigon to escape the reprisals of the government. I know first-hand of the brutality that the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is capable of. As an immigrant to the United States, I am eternally grateful for the opportunities this country has provided me and I pray that one day the people of Vietnam can share in those same freedoms, Nguyen wrote.

REPORT NAMES SITTING CALIFORNIA LAWMAKER ACCUSED OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT

A new report from the National Womens Defense League names one current and 10 former California lawmakers among 130 state legislators accused of more than 350 allegations of sexual harassment over the last decade.

The report resurfaced allegations against Assemblyman Devon Mathis, R-Visalia, who was disciplined in 2018 for making sexual locker room talk, including comments about fellow lawmakers, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Mathis said he has apologized for his behavior, according to the Times.

Mathis also was accused of sexually assaulting a staffer, though the police investigation into that allegation was closed without any charges and Mathis claimed the allegations were false and politically motivated.

The report also named several former California lawmakers with allegations, both Democrat and Republican, some of whom were disciplined and others who were not.

This report makes clear: Sexual harassment by state lawmakers isnt a single party issue or an anomaly  its a systemic abuse of power in every statehouse across the country, said Emma Davidson Tribbs, of the National Womens Defense League.

BERKELEY POLL FINDS CALIFORNIANS WORRY ABOUT ELECTION DISINFORMATION

A strong majority of Californians believe that disinformation, deepfakes and artificial intelligence will pose a threat to next years elections.

According to the latest Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies survey, 84% of Californians said they worry about such things, with 60% saying they are very concerned.

Nearly three-quarters (73%) said that state lawmakers have a responsibility to protect voters from AI and deepfake technology in the next election. Even more, 87%, said that social media and other tech companies should be required to clearly label deepfake and AI-generated audio, video and images on their websites.

Deepfake technology is the digital manipulation of video or audio to show real public figures appearing to say or do things that they never said or did.

A whopping 90% said that those companies should be required to explain to the public how personal data they accumulate from users is being used to target those ads.

Finally, 78% said that those companies should be required to follow reasonable and effective methods to ensure that users are who they say they are.

According to the Berkeley IGS, that includes large majorities of Republicans, Democrats and independents.

They also span voters across all age, gender, race, and income subgroups of the registered voter population, according to the pollster.

The poll was conducted online in English and Spanish between Oct. 24 and Oct. 30, and surveyed 6,342 California voters, with a sampling error of approximately 2%.

At least one social media company  Facebook and Instagram parent Meta  has announced that it will label AI-generated political ads with a disclaimer beginning Jan. 1.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

This is typically the point the preschool teacher starts calling parents.

- ACLU communications strategist Gillian Branstetter, discussing Tuesdays congressional violence, via Bluesky.

Best of The Bee:

The Sacramento region is getting closer to its first major freeway toll lane, via Ryan Lillis .

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, via David Lightman .

The Sacramento City Unified School District and a union representing non-instructional classified staff successfully struck a deal guaranteeing a retroactive pay hike amid concerns the districts cash reserves could be limited in two years, via Ishani Desai .

Youll usually find labor and climate activists waving signs on the steps or lobbying lawmakers in the rotunda of the California Capitol. But with legislators on recess until next year, progressive advocates on Monday turned their attention to the November board meeting of the countrys second-largest pension fund, via Maya Miller .

California students will soon have a mandatory 30-minute recess, thanks to a new state law, via Jacqueline Pinedo .

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, via Gillian Brassil.
The black Chrysler 200 was parked for 11 minutes on Belshire Court as the sun lowered in the sky.

A woman whose thoughts were clouded by weed was in the drivers seat. In the back, Damond Cotton was ready with a rifle that was attached to a device that would soon catch ejected casings when the cartridges flung like popcorn kernels from the gun.

Through the windshield they could see across to a house, near Fort Worths southern border with Everman, where Cottons target lived.

Kevin Brown, who was 47, walked with a cellphone down his driveway to a mailbox encased in a brick column and peered inside.

He withdrew nothing, closed the door of the mailbox and stood beside it, the phone to his ear.

The sedans driver steered around the corner and slowed. Cotton leaned from the rear passenger-side window and released a torrent of riflefire. Brick particles floated in the air. One of the rounds tore into Browns head.

Today's top stories:

 Fort Worth ISD memorializes employee killed outside elementary school

 13-year-old sentenced to 12 years for murder of Sonic employee

 Fort Worth police officer arrested on domestic violence charge

Get free alerts when news breaks.

Blood spread from his body stretched near where the driveway meets the street. Next door, a neighbor paused working in his yard as the car from which Cotton fired took off.

At first, the police theorized that Kevin Brown was killed because of his son, Braylin Brown. In a sense, he was, although not in the way homicide detectives initially thought.

Defendant Braylin Brown during his trial on Nov. 9 in the 396th District Court in Tarrant County. Brown was found guilty of murder in the death of his father, Kevin Brown, and sentenced to life.

Braylin Brown, documented by Fort Worth police as a Crips street gang member and monitored as a person connected to the Rolling 60s, one of 38 Crips sets in the city, held feuds with members of other gangs that made him a possible target of violence. In jail on Jan. 25, 2022, the day of his fathers killing, Braylin Brown was inaccessible, but his relatives were available to people who meant him harm.

Surveillance camera video recordings of the shooting suspects vehicle led an officer in the Real Time Crime Center to review images of license plates attached to the Chrysler 200 when it was spotted by city cameras driving elsewhere. The registered owner then led police to the driver, Ashlynn Durham, and to Cotton.

When police executed a search warrant at an apartment where Cotton lived, they found handwritten letters that investigators said Cotton wrote to Braylin Brown. The letters suggested a friendly relationship between Cotton and Braylin Brown, and led Fort Worth police homicide Detective Michael Sones to a new theory. Perhaps Braylin Brown wanted his father dead and arranged for Cotton to kill him.

The slayings motive, prosecutors argued, was found in a secret sexual relationship Kevin Brown Sr. had with Rebecca Willis, who had also had such a relationship with Braylin Browns brother Kevin Brown Jr.

Willis has children with both men. (Kevin Brown Jr. was shot to death by a person whom he was robbing.)

Willis, who was at Kevin Brown Sr.s side when the first officer arrived, falsely told the officer that Brown Sr. was her father.

The scandalous affair, in which two men shared a name and a sex partner, meant that his father was grimey, Braylin told others.

The letters from Cotton suggested the homicides motivation was far more horrid than the initial retaliatory drive-by explanation.

Detective Sones concluded that Braylin Brown, from the Tarrant County Jail, had ordered a hit on his father.

In jail tablet messages and phone call records, prosecutors presented evidence they suggested showed Braylin Brown discussed in coded language how the killing was to happen and instructed a girlfriend to buy bullets and get them to Cotton. In the messages, Brown referred, for example, to a gun as a controller and ammunition as pieces of the controller.

Indeed, in a three-way phone call he urged his father to check the mailbox in the seconds before he was shot to death.

A jury in the 396th District Court in Tarrant County on Wednesday sentenced Brown to serve life in prison. Last week, in the trials guilt-innocence phase, it found the 22-year-old defendant guilty of murder in his fathers death.

Assistant Criminal District Attorney Katie Owens holds a photograph of victim Kevin Brown during closing arguments in the murder trial of his son Braylin Brown on Nov. 9.

The sentence appears to have ended a violent criminal spasm in Fort Worth for which law enforcement authorities allege Braylin Brown is responsible, including another murder and the shooting of an innocent grandmother in her 60s as he intend to shoot a rival.

He is a hardened, violent gang member, prosecutor Katie Owens said in closing argument in the trials punishment phase. Thats who he is.

In the trial that took place over parts of eight days, Owens presented evidence with Tarrant County Assistant District Attorney Matt Rivers. Steve Gebhardt and Brian Eppes represented Brown.

The jury deliberated for about three and a half hours hours on a sentence. It considered a term of between 15 to 99 years or life.

Killer rejected plea deal for 50 years

In February, Braylin Brown stood before Judge George Gallagher to announce whether he wanted to accept or decline a plea offer from the state.

Your Honor, at this time the offer is 50 years on those cases. Those would run concurrent, prosecutor Owens said, standing near the bench.

After he explained how an arrangement known as a plea in bar works, Judge Gallagher suggested it was time for Brown to decide.

So do you want to take it or are you ready to go back?

The other thing you need to think about is at your age this would put you back in control of your life, and it would be up to you to be able to behave in order to get parole. I cant tell you how long parole would take. I can tell you on a 50-year sentence, youve got to do 25 years flat. But youve done how long? How long have you been in jail?

396th District Judge George Gallagher listens as Assistant Criminal District Attorney Katie Owens gives her closing arguments in the trial of defendant Braylin Brown on Nov. 9.

Two  two years, Brown answered, with attorneys Eppes and Brian Salvant at his side.

All right. So youve got two years off that  youve got two years off that 25. So that would means 23, potentially youd be 45 when you get out versus Im going to die in prison. But I cant promise youd get out at 45. Thats up to the folks in Austin. Nobody here has control over that. Youre the one in control of it. If you dont get in any trouble down in [prison], the likelihood is as young as you are, youll get paroled.

Brown struggled with his choice.

I aint going to lie, its hard, he said.

Im sorry? the judge replied.

I said, I aint going to lie, its hard, Brown said.

It is hard. It is hard. I tried the case against Mr. Robinson, the judge said of Adrian Robinson, who shot to death a 17-year-old girl to win notoriety and respect within his gang and was found guilty in October 2022 of gang-murder and gang-deadly conduct in the rifle killing of Cheyenne Moore.

I know you did, Brown said.

I gave him 75,  the judge said. And I think youll hear that Im not real  I try to be fair in punishment. But its some bad stuff that yall are accused of doing, Gallagher said.

Twenty-five years is a long time, the defendant replied.

It is. I agree. But youre rolling the dice. And again, Im not trying to force you to do something that you dont want to do. Im just telling you, heres what the deal is. And I need a decision.

Im going to reject the deal, Your Honor, Brown said.

Thirteen days later, according to the district attorneys office, Brown threatened to kill Salvant, his defense attorney. Salvant withdrew from the case.

This is a developing story. For the latest updates, sign up for breaking news alerts.
Kim Kardashians oldest child has found some clever ways to make money.

The reality star says daughter North, 10, sets up a lemonade stand most weekends.

She gets a huge pitcher and fills it, puts it in her wagon, and goes down to the corner, Kardashian told GQ. 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.

Kim Kardashian and North West at fashion event in 2023 (Michael Kovac / Getty Images)

Sounds sweet and innocent, right? Well, be careful because North has an unusual price model in which she just may gouge you.

If a random person stops, she will charge them only $2, Kardashian said. If she knows you, she will fully scam you. Ill get calls from my friends saying she charged them $20 for a lemonade. Shell grab their $20 and say, I dont have any change. 

Kardashian shares North with ex-husband Ye, formerly known as Kanye West. The pair also share Saint, 7, Chicago, 5, and Psalm, 4.

North appears to be brimming with confidence, too. When asked by Vice Medias i-D last month who her style icon is, she replied, Me.

She was also asked to describe herself in three words.

The best ever, she said.

And while it sounds like North is a blossoming businesswoman, her mom says she still wants all of her kids to enjoy their childhood.

I try to have my kids be as normal as possible and live in a neighborhood where they can ride bikes to their cousins houses, she told GQ.

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.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
The Israeli military has raided Gaza's main hospital in what it describes as a "targeted operation against Hamas".

An eyewitness at Al-Shifa hospital told the BBC that troops moved in overnight and were interrogating people.

On Wednesday, Israel said it found Hamas' "operational centre" at the hospital, sharing images of what it said were Hamas weapons and equipment.

Hamas denies operating there and the BBC cannot independently verify claims by either side.

UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said he was "appalled" by the Israeli raid, while the World Health Organization (WHO) said it was "extremely worried" for patients and staff, with whom it had lost contact.

The BBC has been speaking to a journalist and a doctor inside the hospital to find out what is happening there, while the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has also been providing updates.

Eyewitness account from hospital

Khader, a journalist inside Al-Shifa, told the BBC's Rushdi Abualouf that Israeli troops were in "complete control" of the hospital and no shooting was taking place.

He said six tanks and about 100 commandos entered the complex during the night. The Israeli forces then went room to room, questioning staff and patients.

The IDF reportedly asked all men aged 16-40 to leave the hospital buildings, except the surgical and emergency departments, and go to the hospital courtyard.

Soldiers fired into the air to force those remaining inside to come out, Khader said.

However Muhammad Zaqout, the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry's director of hospitals, told Al Jazeera that "not a single bullet" had been fired - because "there are no resistors or detainees" inside.

Israel says Hamas operational centre found

Early on Wednesday, the IDF said its forces were in the midst of a "precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area" in the hospital.

It said the raid was "based on intelligence information and an operational necessity", calling for the surrender of "all Hamas terrorists" present there.

As the soldiers entered the hospital complex, they engaged with a number Hamas members and killed them, the IDF said.

On Wednesday evening, the IDF said troops found "an operational command centre, weapons, and technological assets" belonging to Hamas inside the MRI building.

It said it was "continuing to operate in the hospital complex", sharing images and videos showing what it said were Hamas weapons.

In a seven-minute video, IDF spokesperson Jonathan Conricus pointed to security cameras that he said had been covered over, and weapons that he said were AK47 rifles hidden behind MRI scanners.

The BBC has not yet been able to verify the video or its location.

But unless Israel has more to reveal, the military's controversial operation inside the hospital did not net a major arsenal of weapons, reports the BBC's Orla Guerin in Jerusalem.

Hamas knew Israel was coming, and therefore, if they were operating beneath the hospital, they would have had weeks to clear out through Gaza's extensive tunnel network, our correspondent adds.

Israel's Army Radio reported that troops had not yet found any sign of any of the 240 hostages taken by Hamas during the 7 October attack on Israel, when 1,200 other people were killed.

The raid on Al-Shifa came shortly after the US publicly backed Israeli claims that Hamas had infrastructure underneath the hospital.

However Dr Ahmed Mokhallalati, a plastic surgeon at Al-Shifa, told the BBC there were only civilians in the hospital.

He said there were tunnels under every building in Gaza, including Al-Shifa hospital.

Hospitals have special protection in war time

According to international humanitarian law, hospitals are specially protected facilities.

This means that parties to conflicts cannot attack hospitals, or prevent them performing their medical functions. They can lose their protection if they are used by a party to the conflict to commit an "act harmful to the enemy".

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says this could be something like a hospital being used as a base from which to launch an attack, as a shelter for able-bodied fighters, or to shield a military objective from attack.

The IDF said it had repeatedly warned Hamas its "continued military use of Al-Shifa jeopardises its protected status", calling for the evacuation of the hospital before the raid.

The WHO had warned that evacuating patients would be a "death sentence", given that the medical system was collapsing.

Worsening humanitarian situation

Dr Mokhallalati told the BBC on Wednesday the hospital was without power, oxygen and water. On Tuesday, surgeries had been carried out without proper anaesthesia, with patients "screaming in pain". Doctors were unable to help one patient with burns, and had to just "let him die".

Babies trapped inside Al-Shifa hospital, in an image issued by medical staff

Dr Mokhallalati said six premature babies had died in recent days.

"Why can't they be evacuated," he said. "In Afghanistan, they evacuated the cats and dogs."

The IDF said it was providing incubators, baby food and medical supplies.
Israel on Wednesday conducted an hours-long raid on al-Shifa  Gazas largest hospital housing around 600 patients and sheltering thousands of others  prompting alarm from human rights advocates. The Israel Defense Forces claim that Hamas runs a command center underneath the hospital, an allegation supported by the U.S. and denied by the militant group and Palestinian health officials.

Witnesses who spoke with Reuters during the raid that began at 3 a.m. local time described the atmosphere as seemingly calm but tense. Sporadic shooting was heard but there were no immediate reports of anyone hurt inside the building.

The IDF said that while they did not encounter Hamas fighters inside the hospital, they uncovered weapons in the facility, a claim that Hamas has called a blatant lie. The IDF later released photos showing a handful of guns that were said to have been found during the raid.

Clashes between the IDF and Hamas fighters have raged on for days outside at least five hospitals near Gaza City. Over the weekend, two premature babies died from a power outage in the neonatal intensive care unit at al-Shifa, against what witnesses described to be a backdrop of relentless gunfire, air raids, and artillery fire.

U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday that the White House did not give Israel an OK for the al-Shifa raid, adding that the U.S. was not involved in Israels military operations. He reiterated that the U.S. did not encourage air raids on hospitals or see innocent civilians, patients, medical staff become victims of crossfire between Hamas and Israeli Defense Forces.

A top UN official said he was appalled by the al-Shifa raid, saying, Hospitals are not battlegrounds.

Hamas operations in al-Shifa are an open secret, with evidence of the militant groups presence in the facility dating back to 2006, when a PBS documentary showed fighters controlling access to the hospital and intimidating staff, Jonathan Schanzer wrote in an October piece for the conservative Jewish magazine Commentary. He argued that a ground raid of the hospital would slow the IDF down and that given a choice, Israel would almost certainly choose to destroy it by air. Schanzer argued that Israels invasion of al-Shifa to root out Hamas leaders from within is a drama that should play out in front of the entire world and that Israel should emerge from the medical compound with photos, videos, captured weapons, and other evidence of Hamas military activities that took place under the hospital.

A surgeon affiliated with Doctors Without Borders working at al-Shifa Hospital described inhuman conditions at the facility. According to the organization, the doctor said that there was no water, food, or electricity at the hospital and that people will die in a few hours without functioning ventilators. Images provided by al-Shifa doctors showed dozens of babies crowded together on beds and wrapped in aluminum foil and blankets to keep them warm after they were left without incubators over the weekend during a power outage.

Israels foreign minister Eli Cohen said the shift in the world medias coverage from Hamas Oct. 7 attack to focus on Gazas humanitarian crisis has given Israel a window of only two to three weeks before international pressure for a ceasefire intensifies. However, he told Haaretz that the pressure would not stop Israel from completing its war goals. But globally, opinions are already shifting. A new survey showed that 38% of Americans believe that Israels response to Hamas has been too much  up from 26% in the week following the October attack. Invoking the deaths of Palestinian women, children, and babies, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged Israel to exercise maximum restraint and French President Emmanuel Macron said there was no justification for the killing of women and children in Gaza.
Authorities in Whitley County are asking for the publics help in finding a missing woman and 4-year-old girl.

Brittney Slaughter and Chloe Darnell, 4, were reported missing from the Ova Lane/Canada Town community of Whitley County. The Whitley County Sheriffs Department said Darnell was was last seen in late September.

Slaughter has custody of Darnell, according to the sheriffs department. She has family connections in Ohio.

The sheriffs department said deputies are investigating leads but are asking for the publics help in locating Slaughter and Darnell. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Whitley County Dispatch at 606-549-6017 and ask for the case officer Lt. David Lassiter, Unit 304, and reference the case number: 23-118-0392.
Sir Keir Starmer has suffered a major rebellion over his stance on the Israel-Gaza war, with 56 of his MPs voting for an immediate ceasefire.

Jess Phillips, Afzal Khan and Yasmin Qureshi were among shadow ministers who quit their roles to back the motion from the SNP.

Ten of the party's frontbenchers have left their jobs over the vote, including eight shadow minsters.

Sir Keir has instead backed pauses in the conflict to deliver aid.

Announcing she was quitting her role as shadow domestic violence minister, Ms Phillips said she was voting with "my constituents, my head, and my heart".

"I can see no route where the current military action does anything but put at risk the hope of peace and security for anyone in the region now and in the future," she added.

Ms Phillips, Mr Khan and Ms Qureshi, along with Paula Barker, announced they would be leaving shadow ministerial positions in the run-up to the vote.

Sir Keir had signalled before the vote that MPs holding such a role would be sacked if they backed the ceasefire call.

Other frontbenchers Sarah Owen, Rachel Hopkins, Naz Shah and Andy Slaughter have also left their roles after voting for the motion. Dan Carden and Mary Foy left posts as parliamentary aides.

In a statement after the vote, Sir Keir said he regretted the vote of some of his party.

"I regret that some colleagues felt unable to support the position tonight. But I wanted to be clear about where I stood, and where I will stand".

He said Israel had suffered "its worst terrorist attack in a single day" at the hands of Hamas on 7 October.

"No government would allow the capability and intent to repeat such an attack to go unchallenged," he added.

The vote was on an SNP amendment to a government motion on its plans for the year ahead, presented in the King's Speech last week.

It called for an end to the "collective punishment of the Palestinian people" and urged "all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire".

It was defeated by 125 votes to 294, with the 56 Labour rebels joining other opposition parties to demand a ceasefire, against the Conservatives who opposed it.

There are 29 Labour MPs in the shadow cabinet, but around half of the party's 198 MPs hold some kind of frontbench position, including party whips.

Among the Labour MPs voting in favour of a ceasefire was Stella Creasy, who told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that, while she respected Sir Keir's position, she defied party instruction as a matter of principle.

"Nobody is under any illusions that a single vote in the UK parliament is going to change the situation on the ground," she said, but "advocating for a ceasefire is far better than the alternative of being silent."

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said it was "shameful that a majority of Tory and Labour MPs blocked calls for a ceasefire - and have condoned the continued bombardment of Gaza".

The voting took place amid demonstrations from pro-Palestinian supporters, who chanted "ceasefire now" outside Parliament.

The UK has seen a series of protest marches demanding a ceasefire in recent weeks, with an estimated 300,000 people taking part in a rally over the weekend, the biggest in the UK since the war began.

Pro-Palestinian supporters gathered outside Parliament ahead of the vote

In a bid to defuse the ongoing row over the party's position, the Labour leader had tabled his own amendment spelling out his position, which was defeated - but garnered 160 Labour votes.

It supported Israel's right to self-defence after Hamas's "horrific terrorist attack" on 7 October, in which 1,200 people were killed, and called for the release of more than 200 people taken hostage.

But it also said there had been "far too many deaths of innocent civilians and children" since Israel began striking Gaza in response.

The Hamas-run health ministry says more than 11,000 people have been killed in Gaza since then - of whom more than 4,500 were children.

The amendment also called for longer humanitarian pauses to allow aid, calling this a "necessary step to an enduring cessation of fighting as soon as possible".

Sir Keir has argued that a ceasefire would not be appropriate, because it would freeze the conflict and embolden Hamas.

Labour, like the Conservative government, the United States and the European Union, is calling for "humanitarian pauses" to help aid reach Gaza.

Compared with a formal ceasefire, these pauses tend to last for short periods of time, sometimes just a few hours.

They are implemented with the aim of providing humanitarian support only, as opposed to achieving long-term political solutions.

Last week, the US said Israel would begin to implement daily four-hour military pauses in areas of northern Gaza.

Analysis box by Iain Watson, political correspondent

There had been intense efforts to minimise frontbench resignations by strengthening criticism of Israel's conduct of the campaign in Labour's own motion.

There will be relief in Labour leader's office that no one who sits round the very top shadow cabinet table broke ranks to support the SNP's ceasefire motion- though they are now looking for eight more junior shadow ministers and two parliamentary aides.

While the rebellion stretched beyond Labour's left wing, the party leadership believe the scale of disunity won't be replicated in other policy areas.

The assessment is that the passion and pressures relating to the Middle East are unique.

Insiders say that Sir Keir's call for a pause not a ceasefire keeps him in lock-step with the EU and US.

But some of his closest allies frankly recognise that calls for a ceasefire from an opposition Labour leader will have no effect on Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, never mind Hamas in Gaza.

So in that sense, there's little logic to calling for it.

But it means politically, he will have to face down continued pressure domestically to change position.
The Lakeland Police Department released this image of a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run crash that injured a pedestrian Nov. 10 on U.S. 98 N.

The Lakeland Police Department is seeking information about a hit-and-run accident that occurred Nov. 10 near the 3400 block of U.S. 98 N.

Officers responded to a vehicle crash at approximately 10:25 p.m. and found an unresponsive man in the roadway who had been struck by a vehicle, LPD said in a news release.

Members of the Lakeland Police Department, Lakeland Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue responded and rendered aid to the pedestrian, age 29, who was transported to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center with critical injuries.

Investigators believe that prior to the crash, a dark-colored pickup truck was traveling southbound in the center lane of U.S. 98 N. in the 3400 block. As the vehicle continued southbound, the driver began to change lanes from the center lane into the inside lane of travel.

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At the same time, the pedestrian was in the inside southbound lane, attempting to cross the roadway, LPD said. The driver attempted to avoid hitting the pedestrian but struck the man. The vehicle came to a controlled stop in the northbound lanes of the roadway, but the driver soon fled the scene in a southbound direction without making any attempts to render aid or provide any information, the release said.

The driver of the vehicle has not been identified. A witness captured a digital photograph of the suspect vehicle, a dark-colored, lifted pickup truck. Investigators believe it may have damage on the passenger side.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact investigator Edgardo Cruz at Edgardo.cruz@lakelandgov.net or Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida at 800-226 TIPS (8477) or **TIPS from a cell phone. Tips may be submitted at www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Lakeland police seek information on hit-and-run crash
A landlord was arrested and charged Tuesday after three people were found fatally stabbed inside a New York City home, authorities said.

The 54-year-old landlord had turned himself in at a police station Tuesday morning and confessed, according to New York Police Department Assistant Chief Kevin Williams. Officers then discovered three victims inside a home in the residential neighborhood of St. Albans in Queens.

"Earlier this morning, a 54-year-old man walked into the 113th precinct, stating to uniformed police officers that he was having issues with his tenants," Williams said during a news conference Tuesday. "The officer inquired further, and the male stated that he did something bad."

The three victims, two women and a man, were found unconscious and unresponsive at the scene, according to Williams. Responding officers had rendered aid to the victims but emergency responders pronounced all three victims deceased at the scene.

The suspect was identified as David Daniel and is facing murder charges in connection to the deaths, The New York Times reported. Police said Daniel is in custody and the investigation remains ongoing.

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Reports: Fatal stabbings believed to have stemmed from rent dispute

Responding officers arrived at the Queens home shortly after 7 a.m. and found two of the victims  a woman and a man  in a bedroom in the basement, police said. A third victim, another woman, was discovered in a bedroom upstairs. A knife was also found at the scene.

Williams said the suspect had appeared "as calm as we thought possibly can be when he engaged the officers," at the police station Tuesday.

Officials have not yet identified the victims but the Times reported that Daniel told police that two of the victims were his tenants and the third victim was his girlfriend. Police added that no children lived in the home and all the victims were adults.

Investigators believe that the violence may be connected to a dispute between Daniel and the tenants over unpaid rent, according to the Times and CBS New York.

The incident shocked the quiet neighborhood of St. Albans, which consists of single and multifamily homes. WABC-TV reported that the home where the stabbings occurred appeared to be well-kept and that neighbors had courteous interactions with the tenants and landlord.

"I've lived here for 13 years. This is the first this ever happened," resident Archer Dudley told CBS New York.

Latest incident involving New York City landlord

Tuesday's incident is the latest involving a New York City landlord. Rafiqul Islam, 66, was arrested earlier this month after he was accused of setting a building on fire with residents inside over unpaid rent.

Islam had set an interior staircase on fire at a South Brooklyn apartment, according to the Fire Department of New York. Officials said Islam was angry that "his second-floor tenants stopped paying rent and refused to move out."

"Two adults and six children were home at the time of the fire and escaped," the FDNY said in a news release. "Interviews with the fire victims revealed Mr. Islam had been threatening to cut off their gas and electric, and ultimately threatened to burn the house down if he wasnt paid his rent."

The Brooklyn landlord was charged with several offenses including eight counts of attempted murder, assault and arson, according to the FDNY.

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Contributing: Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New York City stabbings: Landlord arrested in connection to deaths
LARGO, Fla. (WFLA)  The carpeted floors of Mrs. Mauros seventh grade math classroom were covered in scraps of fleece, and passersby had to step around the students sitting on the tiles outside in the hallway as math class on Wednesday turned into a blanket-making session.

You have two pieces of fabric, explained Enzo Smajlovic. You cut each of the corners, and then you kind of cut one to five inch slits, and you tie it.

Seventh grade students like Smajlovic at Pinellas Preparatory Academy in Largo knocked out 100 double-sided, no-sew fleece blankets, going to sick kids at Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital, thanks to Mrs. Mauro.

This is very special, Betsy Mauro said. We have kids here that have been treated at All Childrens Hospital through the years, and of course the community in itself  All Childrens is a huge representative for us.

But there was one child in particular that got this started for Mauro.

Back in 2010, she said. My oldest son, Chris, was diagnosed with leukemia, just before he was 17. He was treated down at All Childrens Hospital.

She credits the hospital with giving her more time with her son, though he eventually died eight years ago. But, before he passed, family friends gave him a gift.

Somebody had given him a two-sided fleece blanket, Mauro recalled. That sparked a need in our family to give back to the oncology wing.

Though its worn in, Mauro still has that blanket to this day.

I can live on with that legacy, and give back to other children, and give them hope and give them comfort through these blankets, Mauro said. So it means the world when I drop these blankets off.

Her students agreed.

Its pretty fun to know that theyre going to go to a good cause, Emma Ewans said. To children that actually enjoy it.

Ewans said she put together at least 10 blankets during her hour-long period in class.

It makes me feel good that they do this, and that they do it every year too, Ewans said. Some kids probably look forward to it.

Ewans said she took away exactly what Mauro wanted the lesson to be today  not equations or ratios, but how to celebrate someone.

We wanted to take every day, live it to the fullest, and live it in honor, Mauro said. Honor his life, not his death.

If youd like to help out, you can drop off fabric at the school: two yards of a pattern and two yards of a coordinating color. You can also drop off or send in gift cards for fabric, like to Joann Fabrics, Walmart or Amazon.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A father allegedly fired a gun into a group of middle school students who planned to meet for a fight, according to documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained.

Octavio Arredondo, 34, faces several charges, including assault with a deadly weapon and child abuse or neglect, documents said.

On Halloween, police responded to an illegal shooting call in a southeast valley neighborhood near Nellis Boulevard and Tropicana Avenue, police said. A neighbor told police he heard a group of juveniles fighting in the street before hearing three gunshots, documents said.

The next day, police responded to a middle school to investigate the shooting, they said. Witnesses told police a students stepfather allegedly fired a gun at several students. No student was injured.

Octavio Arredondo, 34, faces several charges, including assault with a deadly weapon and child abuse or neglect, documents said. (LVMPD/KLAS)

Police suspect the shooting was over allegations of bullying, they said. A person told police a child and several others were picking on another student and that the groups were involved in an ongoing feud with bullying, fighting and racial slurs, documents said.

On Halloween, the two groups of students met with the intention of fighting when Arredondo came to pick up his child in the group, police said. A witness told police they saw Arredondo hang his arm out of the window and fire a gun toward the group of students, documents said.

Police said video surveillance from the area showed a driver opening his door and then firing a gun toward the students, documents said.

During an interview with police, Arrendondo denied any involvement.

During a search of the car police suspect was involved in the shooting, officers located a firearm stowed in a center console.

It was unclear from court documents if Arredondo was the students father or stepfather due to conflicting statements.

During his initial court appearance on Nov. 3, Judge Daniel Westmeyer set Arredondos bail at $50,000, records showed. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Nov. 21.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
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Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on Nov. 9, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Tuesday that Israel was "controlling" the northern Gaza Strip.



"In the northern Gaza Strip, Hamas has lost control," Gallant told a press briefing. "We now effectively control both the upper and underground areas of the northern strip, particularly in Gaza City," he said.

He added that he had "authorized the army to keep moving forward in the next days."

Earlier on Tuesday, Israel Defense Forces Spokesman Daniel Hagari announced that troops had seized control of Hamas's governing institutions in Gaza, including Hamas's parliament, government, military offices, police headquarters, the governor's house, and other facilities.

Israel attacked the Gaza Strip to retaliate 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.

The ongoing conflict, raging into the second month, has killed over 11,500 Palestinians in the coastal enclave, said the Hamas-run Health Ministry.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Two people working in the Las Vegas tourism industry were honored for their hard work and the smiles they have brought to those they serve daily.

During its board of directors meeting, the Las Vegas Convention and Vistors Authority honored the final 2023 Hospitality Heroes award recipients.

James Brewster Thompson, a security officer for Park MGM was selected for the honor after receiving reviews from multiple guests detailing their positive interactions with him.

Thompson was described as consistently going above and beyond, keeping guests safe while going the extra mile to create memories long after check-out.

Hospitality Hero Park MGM security guard James Brewster Thompson checks the IDs of young customers Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at Park MGM in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Sam Morris, LVCVA Archive)

Brittany Tullis, a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines, was also honored after keeping passengers calm and safe during an emergency landing. She also assisted the security team at Harry Reid International Airport with a wounded passenger. Brittanys managers said these were just two examples of Brittanys kind heart and willingness to spring into action when duty calls.

Hospitality Hero award recipient Southwest Airlines flight attendant Brittany Tullis greets embarking passengers at Harry Reid International Airport on November 2, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Sam Morris, LVCVA Archive)

The Hospitality Heroes recognition program honors the best of the best in our local tourism industry, celebrating the remarkable hospitality workers who help keep Las Vegas the number one tourist destination.

Hospitality Hero award recipient Brewster Thompson poses with, from left, LVCVA CEO and President Steve Hill, LVCVA Board of Directors Vice Chairman Anton Nikodemus, and LVCVA Board of Directors Chairman Jim Gibson, right, during the monthly meeting of the LVCVA Board of Directors Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Sam Morris, LVCVA Archive)

Hospitality Hero award recipient Brittany Tullis poses with LVCVA CEO and President Steve Hill, left, and LVCVA Board of Directors Chairman Jim Gibson during the monthly meeting of the LVCVA Board of Directors Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Sam Morris, LVCVA Archive)

Winners receive a two-night staycation at the local resort of their choice, plus a food and beverage credit.

Nominations for the 2024 Hospitality Heroes program will begin being accepted in January.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
A fistfight nearly broke out in the US Senate on Tuesday but was stopped by Sen. Bernie Sanders.

The last time there was actually a fight in the Senate, two Democrats brawled, hitting bystanders.

The 1902 incident led the Senate to adopt a rule banning members from insulting each other.

A fistfight nearly broke out between a Republican senator and a Teamsters leader during a hearing in the US Senate on Tuesday, until 82-year-old Senator Bernie Sanders broke it up by yelling "You're a United States Senator!"

But real fisticuffs have actually gone down on the Senate floor before.

The last time there was an actual fight in the Senate was in 1902, and it was so bad they changed the Senate's rules to ban insulting people.

Two South Carolina senators threw down over a treaty

On February 22, 1902, John McLaurin, a Democratic junior senator from South Carolina, burst into the Senate Chamber and accused a fellow Democrat, South Carolina senior Senator Ben Tillman, of telling "a willful, malicious, and deliberate lie," according to the US Senate.

McLaurin and Tillman, both Democrats, were once political allies, but their relationship had crumbled as McLaurin was siding more and more with Republicans, according to the Senate website.

The fight broke out specifically over McLaurin's decision to support Republicans' stance on a controversial treaty about the US annexation of the Philippines, Politico reported.

Tillman wasted no time reacting; he swung around and clocked McLaurin in the jaw, according to the Senate website.

The chamber then "exploded in pandemonium," the Senate writes on its website, with bystanders jumping in to attempt to break up the fight.

"Efforts to separate the two combatants resulted in misdirected punches landing on other members," a Senate historian said of the incident, according to Politico, adding that the 54-year-old Tillman had struck 41-year-old McLaurin with not just one, but a "series of stinging blows."

Both South Carolina senators were censured and a new rule was added that bans senators from calling each other corrupt.

Still in place today, the provision states, "No senator in debate shall, directly or indirectly, by any form of words impute to another Senator or to other Senators any conduct or motive unworthy or unbecoming a Senator."

So the next time you hear a senator bring up that arcane rule, remember it took punches to put it in place.

Read the original article on Business Insider
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A week after Ohioans voted to constitutionally protect the right to abortion, lawmakers are mulling over legislation to benefit anti-abortion counseling centers across the state.

The Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday held its first hearing for Senate Bill 159, a bill to provide nonrefundable tax credits for donations made to state-certified anti-abortion counseling centers. The bills sponsor and supporters tout it as a way to promote maternal and infant health at a lower cost to the state, while its critics and abortion rights advocates call it another attempt to funnel people away from abortion services.

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Also known as crisis pregnancy centers and pregnancy resource centers, anti-abortion counseling centers are nonprofits typically operated by faith-based groups that provide limited services  including over-the-counter pregnancy tests, ultrasounds and some infant supplies  to pregnant people, often for free. Estimates on the number of centers vary, but there are at least 175 such centers across the state, including nine in Columbus.

The centers are not health care providers and neither their facilities nor personnel are regulated by the state, but they have received millions in state funds over the past decade.

Ohio has funded anti-abortion counseling centers since 2013, with the launch of the Parenting and Pregnancy Program within the Department of Job and Family Services. Last year, $6 million was allotted to the program in the state budget; over the next two years, the centers will get $14 million. The state also distributes funds to anti-abortion counseling centers through federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grants and the Choose Life license plate fund.

SB159 would incentivize individuals and businesses to donate to anti-abortion counseling centers by offering credits for either a persons income tax or a companys commercial activity tax. Annual donations up to $10 million  or $5 million to a specific center  will be matched as a credit from the state for up to 50% of the taxpayers liability. Any donated amount over the 50% liability mark can be rolled over for five years.

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The Ohio Policy Evaluation Network estimates that one in seven women in Ohio have visited an anti-abortion counseling center. Black women and low-income women are disproportionately more likely to have visited a center  and many centers focus on reaching low-income populations.

The Department of Taxation would determine which facilities are eligible for credited donations, but they must meet the following criteria:

Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with more than 50% of clientele being from Ohio

Principle purpose is to provide free or low-cost assistance to support pregnant women in carrying their pregnancies to term

Cannot provide or promote nontherapeutic abortions or contract with any person who does

Under Ohio law, nontherapeutic abortions are those that are not necessary to save the life of the pregnant person or do not terminate a pregnancy that was the result of rape or incest that was reported to law enforcement.

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Sen. Sandra OBrien (R-Ashtabula), the bills sponsor, said in testimony that it is more important than ever to ensure vulnerable women and families have access to supportive care.

By creating a tax credit for donations to (pregnancy resource centers), the state is investing in a network providing high-quality health care to pregnant women, OBrien said.

But these are not health centers, and they peddle falsehoods that only delay peoples access to reproductive health services, said Jaime Miracle, deputy director of Pro-Choice Ohio.

Pro-Choice Ohios statewide investigation into anti-abortion centers in 2013 found that centers routinely mislead pregnant people into believing they are health care providers, only to discourage them from seeking abortions through biased messaging and misinformation.

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A follow-up investigation into anti-abortion centers in Columbus released in September found that centers continue to provide misleading information about abortions while increasingly encouraging people to undergo ultrasounds at unregulated centers. Miracle said it was common for center staff to downplay the risks of pregnancy while overstating the risks of abortion, while several centers explicitly advertised that they did not provide abortion referrals.

Through in-person sessions and on their websites, many centers also promote the false belief that medication abortions can be reversed, and guide clients toward organizations that claim to provide such a service.

While some centers provide limited ultrasounds  that are often not performed by licensed medical professionals  Miracle said in the experience of Pro-Choice Ohio investigators, many do not provide much more than pregnancy tests and counseling that encourages people to continue their pregnancies.

Miracle said those services are woefully inadequate compared to what pregnant people require, regardless of whether they want to carry their pregnancy to term.

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These centers not only dont provide that care, but in some cases delay the actual care pregnant people need, Miracle said.

OBrien said the Legislative Service Commission estimates the tax credits will cost the state between $3 million and $10 million each year. Its a small price to pay to promote maternal and familial wellness, she said.

Their work and care day in and day out shows their commitment to serving women and families around them and saving the lives of the unborn, OBrien said. A tax credit is the least we can do to support the (centers) in Ohio.

Miracle said the money the credits will cost the state should instead go toward actual health care facilities providing comprehensive reproductive services, including abortion. One organization she pointed to is JustChoice, which calls itself a pro-choice adoption agency and provides pregnancy resources, counseling and abortion referrals.

The first hearing on SB159, which was introduced in September, comes after Republican lawmakers have called for various state responses to the passage of Issue 1, which protects the right to abortion and other reproductive health care in the state constitution. Over two dozen Republican lawmakers vowed to do everything in their power to prevent the repeal of more than three dozen abortion restrictions, with four lawmakers announcing their intent to introduce legislation stripping the judiciary of its authority to hear cases related to Issue 1s constitutional provisions.

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Miracle said the timing of SB159s first hearing is no coincidence and is just one more act of retaliation against support for the abortion amendment. The people of Ohio voted for abortion, she said, and state lawmakers should take heed instead of undermining the will of the people of our state.

This continuation of placating their political base over the needs of Ohioans is just not gonna fly with Ohioans anymore, Miracle said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Judge Scott McAfee presides over a hearing for Harrison Floyd at the Fulton County Courthouse, Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, in Atlanta. Floyd, one of the people accused along with former President Donald Trump of illegally attempting to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia is trying to get access to information that his lawyers say could prove the former president actually won the state as part of their defense strategy. (Christian Monterrosa/Pool Photo via AP)

ATLANTA (AP)  A lawyer for a former elections director charged alongside former President Donald Trump and others over efforts to overturn Georgias 2020 election said Wednesday that he released videos of prosecutors interviews with some of their codefendants because he thought they helped his client and the public had the right to see them.

Jonathan Miller, an attorney for Misty Hampton, made the comments at a hearing requested by Fulton County prosecutors after news outlets earlier this week reported on the videos, which were recorded as part of plea deals. Prosecutors initially asked the judge to impose an order to prevent the release of any evidence in the case.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee said he expected to rule Thursday and seemed inclined to issue a more limited protective order to prevent the release of materials deemed sensitive.

Hampton was one of 18 people charged along with Trump by a Fulton County grand jury in August. The indictment alleges a wide-ranging scheme to illegally try to keep the Republican incumbent in power even though voters had selected Democrat Joe Biden.

Four people  attorneys Sidney Powell, Kenneth Chesebro and Jenna Ellis, and bail bondsman and Trump supporter Scott Hall  pleaded guilty after reaching deals with prosecutors. The remaining defendants have all pleaded not guilty, and no trial date has been set.

As part of their plea deals, Powell, Chesebro, Ellis and Hall agreed to testify in any future trials in the case. They sat for video-recorded interviews with prosecutors  called proffers  that give a glimpse of their potential testimony.

All four of those people that did their proffers stood in front of you, they did their plea, it was all recorded, it was sent out there for the world to see, Hampton's attorney, Jonathan Miller, told McAfee during a hearing Wednesday.

The videos were part of evidence, known as discovery, that had been provided to all of the defendants and their attorneys. But they were not publicly available.

Miller argued that "to hide those proffers that show all the underlying things that went into those pleas, it misleads the public about what's going on.

Hampton was the elections director in Coffee County, in rural south Georgia, on January 7, 2021, when she's accused of helping a computer forensics team hired by Trump allies access election equipment at the county elections office without authorization. The data and software copied was later posted on a server and accessed by an unknown number of people.

Miller noted that two of the people who have pleaded guilty  Powell and Hall  were also implicated in the Coffee County incident. He doesn't believe the evidence offered by either of them hurts his client  if anything, it helps her and the public needs to know that, he said.

Miller told the judge he gave the videos to a news outlet but did not say which one. Both The Washington Post and ABC News reported on the videos Monday.

Prosecutors had argued a protective order was necessary to protect witnesses and to safeguard sensitive and confidential information. They initially asked the judge to issue an order prohibiting the disclosure of any discovery materials. They also said that any future video statements would not be sent to defendants but instead would be available for them to view in the district attorneys office.

Defense attorneys for several of the defendants objected to the state's request, saying there was no valid basis for a protective order. Lawyers for former Georgia Republican Party chair David Shafer offered a modified protective order that says prosecutors should have to identify sensitive materials that they don't want released and that the defendants should have an opportunity to contest that designation.

Additionally, several attorneys for defendants who live far away objected to prosecutors intention to not distribute videos of interviews associated with any future plea deals. They argued that it wouldnt be convenient for their clients to have to make a trip to the district attorneys office in Atlanta to view the videos.

Ultimately, prosecutors and almost all of the defendants agreed before the hearing to accept those modified conditions, though some maintained that they did not believe a protective order was necessary at all. Prosecutors agreed that if the order was imposed, they would agree to continue to send out proffer videos to defendants.

Tom Clyde, an attorney for a coalition of news organizations, including The Associated Press, argued there's no need for a protective order at all. He said the state must show that there's a substantial threat of physical or economic harm to a witness to justify such an order, and he argued that burden had not been met.

Clyde also cited the enormous public interest and said it didn't matter that both sides in the case had agreed to the terms of the proposed order.

McAfee seemed inclined to issue a protective order, citing an interest in keeping the jury pool as untainted as possible and in promoting the free flow of discovery.

He said he doesn't take First Amendment protections lightly and pointed out that pretrial proceedings are fully open to the public and news media and any trial will be as well. But he said he thinks pretrial discovery is in a different realm.
Leaked videos. An apparent confession, later represented as a typo. Demands for a protective order.

Media reports detailing confidential interviews with four defendants who were divulging their knowledge to state prosecutors in the Georgia racketeering case involving former President Trump set off a bizarre whodunnit-style hearing in state court Wednesday afternoon.

It culminated with a confession by one defendants lawyer and a Georgia judge weighing whether to issue a protective order placing restrictions on how defendants can disseminate materials they receive in discovery.

In being transparent with the court and to make sure that nobody else gets blamed for what happened  and so that I can go to sleep well tonight  Judge, I did release those videos to one outlet, said Jonathan Miller, an attorney for defendant Misty Hampton. And in all candor, I need the court to know that.

Millers admission capped a whirlwind series of developments that began Monday, when footage surfaced of proffer sessions the four defendants who pleaded guilty  ex-Trump lawyers Jenna Ellis, Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro, plus former Georgia bail bondsman Scott Hall  participated in as part of their deals with state prosecutors.

Their confessions, published first by ABC News and the Washington Post, bolster the narrative laid out in Fulton County District Attorney Fani Williss 98-page indictment that Trump led the charge on efforts to subvert Georgias 2020 presidential election results in his favor.

Within hours of the footage surfacing, prosecutors and defense attorneys started trading blame. It began with an email chain from Steve Sadow, Trumps attorney, demanding answers.

The proffers did not come from Jennifer or me, or anyone connected to my defense team, Sadow wrote. Please state for the record whether the prosecution or anyone connected to the prosecution team had any hand in the disclosure of the proffers to the media.

Fulton County special prosecutor Nathan Wade responded Tuesday morning, The State had nothing to do with leaking any information to the media!

Minutes later, Todd Harding, an attorney representing defendant Harrison Floyd, seemed to confess, writing It was Harrison Floyds team.

Sorry, it was a typo, he followed up minutes later. We did not communicate with the media.

But the damage was already done, with prosecutors soon afterwards filing an emergency request for a protective order, which would place restrictions on how the defendants can use materials they receive in discovery. They attached the email chain as part of their motion.

Millers confession at Wednesdays hearing came after Floyds lawyers filed additional documents insisting they did not leak the proffers and that the individual who did would come forward.

It is my understanding that today the individual that disseminated the proffer videos will inform the Court of that fact.  All of this colossal time waste is the direct result of the States intentional maneuver to use the typographical error in an email in a motion that the State knows has zero support, Floyds lawyer wrote in court documents filed earlier Wednesday.

The State knows that Mr. Floyd and his team were not the cause of any problem and is wasting valuable resources and it will be shown today.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee is now weighing prosecutors request to impose a protective order on all of the defendants in response to the leak. With no protective order currently in place, Millers disclosure wasnt illegal.

Although most defendants were in agreement about issuing a limited protective order, Miller argued against one at the hearing. He suggested that Hampton believes transparency in the 19-defendant racketeering case  one of the biggest cases that the country has had  is vital. Hampton was the election supervisor of Coffee County, where an election equipment breach core to the case allegedly occurred.

The leaked videos showed clips from the defendants proffers with state lawyers, where they shared information that may be helpful for the states case.

Ellis told prosecutors that a conversation with former White House deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino made apparent Trumps intent to remain in power no matter how their post-election legal efforts panned out.

The boss is not going to leave under any circumstances, Scavino said, according to Ellis. We are just going to stay in power.

Chesebro testified in his interview with the state that he briefed Trump about a Nov. 18, 2020, memo to his campaign calling Jan. 6, 2021, the real deadline for finalizing the electoral votes in Arizona, another state Trump lost that was involved in a plot to produce a different slate of pro-Trump electors to be certified in key swing states.

And Powell told prosecutors that she may have apologized to the former president for the legal efforts failure, noting that Trump frequently contacted her because he always wanted to know where things were in terms of finding fraud that would change the results of the election, according to the Post.

As part of their plea deals, the four defendants also agreed to testify truthfully in future proceedings and turn over any documents requested by the district attorneys office.

Updated at 3:53 p.m. ET

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
An attorney for one of former President Donald Trump's co-defendants in the Fulton County district attorney's 2020 election interference case admitted at a hearing Wednesday that he had shared witness proffer videos of key figures in the case with a media outlet, saying he thought it was in his client's interest to do so.

Jonathan Miller, an attorney for Misty Hampton, made the confession during an emergency hearing for a protective order that was prompted by the publication of parts of the video statements of Sidney Powell, Jenna Ellis, Kenneth Chesebro and Scott Hall by ABC News and The Washington Post. The judge said he would issue a protective order barring the disclosure of certain discovery information by Thursday morning.

Powell, Ellis, Chesebro and Hall were among the original 18 defendants charged alongside former President Donald Trump in the racketeering case in August. All four have pleaded guilty to related charges. The proffer videos were made pursuant to their plea agreements, which required that they provide true and accurate information to prosecutors. The videos showed Ellis recounting a conversation with Trump adviser Dan Scavino in which he told her that Trump would not leave the White House regardless of the election results, and Powell testifying that Trump was repeatedly told by others that hed lost the election.

Image: Jenna Ellis (John Bazemore / Pool via AFP - Getty Images file)

"In being transparent with the court and to make sure that nobody else gets blamed for what happened and so that I can go to sleep well tonight, judge, I did release those videos to one outlet," Miller told Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee during the hearing. "In all candor to the court, I need the court to know that," he said.

Asked why he'd done so, he noted that while the four's guilty pleas were public, "to hide those proffers, that show all the underlying things went into those pleas, it misleads the public about what's going on."

He said two of the defendants "were directly related to my client. And I dont believe that either one of those hurt my client. If anything, I believe they help my client and the public needs to know that.

"The public has a right to know," he added.

Miller did not name the defendants related to his client, but Hampton is charged with a scheme to access voting machines in Coffee County, which Powell and Hall were charged with as well. In her proffer video, Powell distanced herself from the plot while Hall identified another person as being part of the "brain trust" behind the plan, according to the Washington Post report.

The DA's office argued in court filings that a protective order was necessary "in order to protect witnesses and to safeguard sensitive and confidential information" during the discovery process. It said the leaks were "clearly intended to intimidate witnesses in this case, subjecting them to harassment and threats prior to trial."

Tom Clyde, an attorney for a coalition of media organizations that did not include NBC News, urged the judge not to issue a protective order.

Image: Fulton County Court Continues Court Business In Trump Documents Case (Alyssa Pointer / Getty Images file)

Essentially what the state and the defendants are trying to do is get the authority of the court behind an order that will impose secrecy on information that is exchanged during the discovery process. Notwithstanding how newsworthy that information is, notwithstanding how much it might inform the public about the circumstances of this case, but particularly in this case, the circumstances of an election that took place, thats extremely significant in public importance, Clyde said.

The judge said he was mindful of Clyde's First Amendment concerns, but disagreed with his arguments.

Until we decide whats going to be relevant and admissible, this case should be tried and not in the court of public opinion, he said. "We've already seen what may happen when a protective order is not in place."

In a separate filing Wednesday, the DA's office urged the court to revoke the bond of defendant Harrison Floyd, the former head of Black Voices for Trump, arguing that he had violated the conditions of his release.

The DA's office said that Floyd had "publicly tweeted multiple times" this month in an effort to "intimidate codefendants and witnesses, to communicate directly and indirectly with codefendants and witnesses, and to otherwise obstruct the administration of justice."

An attorney for Floyd did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Months after the Federal Bureau of Investigation performed one of the largest criminal indictments in state history, the leader of a gang-related trafficking conspiracy has been sentenced to serve the rest of his life in prison.

In January, 76 people were arrested and charged for operating a massive drug trafficking operation in a multi-agency law enforcement action.

Now, the U.S. Department of Justice said the 26-year-old leader of the conspiracy, which officials said was linked to the white supremacist Ghost Face Gangsters will officially serve a life sentence in federal prison.

James D. NeSmith, known as DG, was already serving a life sentence in prison for murder at Telfair State Prison. Hell now serve a consecutive life sentence for his involvement in the drug operation, after pleading guilty to conspiracy and drug charges.

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According to justice officials, NeSmith directed the gang-related drug distribution and trafficking from inside the state prison.

The case was under investigation for more than two years and was a joint effort between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

James NeSmiths sentence and others in this case represent significant milestones in this effort to dismantle a major drug trafficking operation in south Georgia, U.S. Attorney Steinberg said. With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to disrupt traffickers as they distribute deadly, addictive drugs and endanger the safety of our communities and prison facilities.

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While NeSmith was sentenced, USDOJ said his mother and sister are also being prosecuted for participating in the conspiracy.

Additionally, law enforcement officials are still searching for David D. Young of Hortense, Ga. on multiple federal charges. Young, also known as Khaos, is currently a wanted fugitive.

Illegal drugs are dangerous and threaten the safety of Georgia communities, Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director Chris Hosey said. The GBI is committed to working with our local and federal partners to investigate the horrific crimes connected to criminal street gangs.

As previously reported, Operation Ghost Busted had linked three overdose deaths to the drug trafficking ring at the center of the investigation.

Each of the 76 defendants named in the indictment, USA v. Alvarez et. al is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl, heroin, and alprazolam, according to the indictment documents.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
Three Russian missiles struck residential areas in the morning of Nov. 15 in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, killing one man and injuring at least seven, including two women, the regional Governor Yurii Malashko said.

The explosions damaged several houses, as well as cars and other buildings. The type of missiles used was still being clarified, Malashko said.

He also said that the number of casualties is what is currently known. The figure could rise as the extent of the damage is uncovered.

There was no information provided about where exactly in the oblast the missiles hit.

Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Oblast is regularly targeted by Russian attacks. Large swathes of it are still occupied by Russian forces, and the oblast was illegally annexed in September 2022 after sham referendums were staged.

Both the sham referendums and illegal annexations have been widely seen as illegitimate. Only five countries - Russia, Belarus, Syria, North Korea, and Nicaragua - voted against a UN resolution in October 2022 condemning the referendums and subsequent annexations.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia lost 4,000 soldiers on eastern front in 2 weeks, commander says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Two men have been jailed for the manslaughter of a man found fatally injured in a street.

In November 2022, Dumitru-Nicolae Cherascu was discovered in Tudor Road, Leicester, dying three days later.

Marian Botea and Dragos Marin-Gugu were both convicted of manslaughter after a trial that ended in August this year.

Botea, 42, of Cranmer Street, Leicester, was jailed for 11 years and Gugu, 26, of no fixed address, was jailed for nine years.

Both were acquitted of murder after the trial at Leicester Crown Court.

Restrictions were placed on reporting the conviction and sentencing at the time, due to Botea standing trial for the separate offence of the controlling of prostitution for financial gain.

But Botea plead guilty to this offence on Friday - and was given a 10-month sentence, to run consecutively with the manslaughter term.

Leicestershire Police said the two men ambushed Mr Cherascu near his home, knocking him to the ground and causing him to hit his head.

The pair then dragged him into a courtyard, where he was found a few hours later by a passing member of the public who called an ambulance.

Botea was arrested by police later that day, officers said, but Gugu fled to Romania and was not captured until March this year.

In a statement issued by police, the wife of Mr Cherascu - known to his family as Nicu - said: "I'd never been happier in my life than when I was with Nicu. I miss him every day and still cry for him all the time.

"Not one day passes without us thinking or talking about him.

"He was my protector, he was so strong, I never thought anything like this would happen to him.

"They took my soul away; they took who I loved away from me. I'll never be the same again."

A third man, Ionut Tudorneanu, was also charged with the murder of Mr Cherascu but was found not guilty at trial.

Ana-Marie Dabija was charged alongside Botea for the offence of controlling of prostitution for financial gain. Following Botea's guilty plea for the offence, the charges against Dabija were dropped.

Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk.
Though theyre now two of the most prominent Indian Americans in politics, Republican presidential candidates Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy are still largely unknown to Asian Americans, according to a new survey.

The poll conducted by AAPI Data and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that only 18% and 23% of Asian American and Pacific Islander adults have a favorable view of Ramaswamy and Haley, respectively. Thirty-six percent view each of them unfavorably. But the plurality of people surveyed said they didnt know enough about the candidates to give an opinion, including 40% for Haley and 46% for Ramaswamy.

Out of all the candidates in the Republican field, former President Donald Trump has the most favorability among AAPIs, though just 27%. Trump also has the highest percentage of AAPIs who said they hold an unfavorable opinion of him, at 70%.

Sixty-two percent of Asian American voters either identify as Democrats or lean toward the Democratic Party, compared to 34% who lean toward the Republican Party, according to a May report by the Pew Research Center. Indian Americans are among the most strongly Democrat at 68%, and Vietnamese Americans are the most Republican at 51%.

The AAPI Data-AP-NORC poll found that 52% of AAPI adults have a favorable view of President Joe Biden and 47% have a favorable view of Vice President Kamala Harris.

For Haley and Ramaswamy, this means most of their positions are opposed to where the majority of the community stands, experts said.

Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy stand very far to the right of where most Asian American voters are and where most Indian American voters are, Karthick Ramakrishnan, founder of nonprofit group AAPI Data, told NBC News in September. Its highly unlikely that an Asian American Democrat is going to cross the aisle and vote for an Asian American Republican candidate.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
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This photo taken on Oct. 11, 2023, shows the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the United States. [Photo/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.
As is the case with too many public issues in America today, views regarding police appear to be polarized.

Viewpoints go from defunding the police to rejecting any criticism of them.

We regularly hear the extreme views of the far right and left. What does the public really think? While there has been no local poll on this issue, a recent Crosscut/Elway Poll conducted in Seattle, the states most liberal community, found crime was the No. 2 most important issue. The police department was No. 4.

The poll included this question: If you could direct where your tax dollars were spent, would you have the city spend more or less on a number of issues. Heres how the results shook out.

64% supported hiring more police officers. Only 28% said fewer.

81% wanted more training for police officers to de-escalate situations.

92% asked for more addiction and mental health services.

76% supported adding non-police staff to respond to certain situations.

51% wanted more prosecutions of shoplifting and other misdemeanors. 36% didnt.

59% supported arresting and prosecuting public drug use. (Seattle recently passed a law to do this.)

73% supported more staffing for the courts to process caseloads.

The data from Seattle suggest that we are not as polarized as the loudest voices on the left and right make us think we are. A substantial majority want a well-trained police force. They also want more resources dedicated to the high-profile problems of addiction and mental health.

Embold Research conducted a survey of Olympia citizens last May regarding city services. It found that Olympians generally have positive perceptions of Olympia police.

Nearly three-fourths (71 percent) of residents agree that the police treat people with dignity and respect. Similarly, a majority of residents trust the police to make decisions that are good for everyone in the city.

However, residents do believe there are opportunities for improvement: 2 out of 3 residents agree that many things about police and their policies need to be changed.

While there are many issues regarding police in our area, two stand out today.

The first is staffing. It has been a huge challenge to recruit and retain officers the past few years. The Thurston County Sheriffs Office is at a critical point. Of its 56 deputy sheriff positions, only 36 are filled. Response time in the geographically widespread unincorporated area is dismal.

While the city of Olympia is also short staffed, it does have recruits in the pipeline, but the Washington State Police Academy training and field training take a year.

Seattle, on the other hand, has lost 600 police officers in the past three years.

Incredibly, our state ranks 51st in the proportion of law enforcement officers to population. (The District of Columbia is included in that number.)

This is a serious problem for two reasons. The first is response time and availability. The second is that a lone officer encountering a belligerent suspect is in a more precarious position than if she or he has backup. Those situations too often lead to an escalation of force in order to respond to resistance.

The second problem is transparency. To gain trust, the actions of police need to be transparent to the public  particularly when deadly force or violence occurs.

It should be noted that steps are being taken. The city of Olympia is in the process of developing a new IT system that will automatically record every police encounter using body cameras.

Currently, other police departments, an internal operation, and the Prosecuting Attorney conduct reviews.

The state is creating an Office of Independent Investigations. Its goal is to erase or diminish the thin blue line controversy and conflict when police are left to investigate each other.

The time has come to end polarizing debate regarding law enforcement. The public wants both order and justice. Lets find a middle ground for those who risk their lives to serve and protect us.

Sam Reed served as Secretary of State for the state of Washington from 2001 to 2013. He is a Republican who lives in Olympia.
President Biden talks with Gov. Gavin Newsom at Mather Airport in Sacramento in September 2021. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press)

To the editor: Reading about the displeasure of California voters on Gov. Gavin Newsom's activity outside the state, I would guess that most of these same voters are worried about President Biden's age and his ability to run for reelection.

If the desire is to have younger, more dynamic leaders, then developing those politicians into world leaders will take some activity outside a single state.

The Democratic leadership bench is awfully empty. If Newsom is not capable of running the state and building his national and international stature, he probably won't make a good presidential candidate anyway. But there is little harm in letting him try.

Dan Gense, Hermosa Beach

..

To the editor: True, politicians like to play it coy about whether or not they're truly interested in running for the White House. True, this can affect their ability to do their job.

But there's a much more important reality here. We are in grave danger of electing former President Trump in 2024. We absolutely cannot permit this to happen.

Currently, Biden's approval rating is below 40%. Most undecided voters would likely choose Trump when they consider that Biden would be 86 at the end of his second term. In most polls, Trump is running neck and neck with Biden.

Trump can get convicted of everything and still emerge triumphant and more dangerous than ever.

At a robust 56 with a good track record behind him, Newsom is our best hope for retiring Trump once and for all.

George Shea, Studio City

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
To the editor: Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) spoke some truth about the Israel-Hamas war, but she also spoke lies. ("Why Palestinian Americans believe Rep. Rashida Tlaib spoke the truth," Opinion, Nov. 10)

Israel's campaign in the Gaza Strip, while horrific, is not genocidal. And, the campaign is a response to a horrific provocation, one with genuinely genocidal aims that Tlaib doesn't mention.

That vicious provocation by Hamas on Oct. 7 broke a cease-fire that Tlaib and other critics of Israel now want reinstated. Hamas intended this very response by Israel, but Hamas protects itself, not the Gazan people.

Hamas has failed the Gazans under its brutal rule. After winning the 2005 Palestinian election after Israel withdrew from Gaza and seizing the area by force in 2007, Hamas has not allowed an election since then. It justifies its existence by perpetuating needless war.

I'm pro-Israel, pro-Palestinian and opposed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. I blame the dismal state of Palestinian life squarely on Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, whose decades-long belligerence have kept their people in constant misery and enabled the corrupt strongman Netanyahu. They must both go.

Bill Blum, Studio City

..

To the editor: Tlaib's censure in the House says two things.

First, it says that the 1st Amendment has a previously unknown exception. It forbids you to say anything critical of the government of Israel. It is considered hate speech and it immediately brands you as antisemitic.

Second, the censure says that Israel has a right to defend itself, including by committing genocide if deemed appropriate by Israeli leaders and Israeli leaders alone. They are a law unto themselves with no accountability.

Once again, as happens frequently, the U.S. and its Western allies have lost their moral compass.

Jamshed Dastur, Newport Beach

..

To the editor: UCLA Professor Saree Makdisi quotes Tlaib's comments that the "cries of Palestinian and Israeli children sound no different to me."

Only the heartless would disagree. However, do Makdisi and Tlaib acknowledge an obvious difference in the circumstances of these children?

In Gaza, Palestinian children's homes and schools sit above tunnels housing terrorists and weapons. Israeli children's homes and schools are built above safe rooms and bomb shelters to protect them from rockets fired from Gaza.

Might that have some bearing on matters?

Gary Nudell, Palm Springs

..

To the editor: Makdisi says his goal and that of other Palestinians is a joyful "secular state." He means, apparently, the end of Israel as a Jewish homeland, which currently embraces the Israeli Arab citizens who make up 20% of the population.

Would Jews in Israel ever peacefully work toward the essential dissolution of their country? Would the current regime in Gaza equally "embrace [their] Jewish cousins"?

Years before Israel was founded, Arabs sold land to Jews, but many objected to Jewish immigration. The Arabs pressured the British who controlled Palestine to severely restrict immigration in the 1930s, effectively refusing to allow the Jews of Germany to escape with their lives.

Not much welcoming has occurred since then. I doubt it will occur any time soon.

Beth Ruben, Santa Barbara

..

To the editor: I write as the granddaughter of Ukrainian Jews who escaped pogroms and came to America in 1904. Jews need a secure homeland after centuries of antisemitism culminating in the Holocaust. Palestinians also need a secure homeland.

The land claimed by both must be shared.

Netanyahu and his allies are committing war crimes in their desire for vengeance against Hamas for the Oct. 7 atrocities. The war meant to destroy Hamas is killing thousands of Gazan civilians.

The war will lead to a backlash against Israel, unleash more violence and make the necessary political resolution harder to achieve. Tlaib just reminded us of truths that can't be denied and mustn't be ignored.

Karin Costello, Santa Monica

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Congratulations, Oklahomans!

Regarding Oklahoma senator tries to fight union leader at Senate hearing (again), Bernie Sanders steps in; The Oklahoman, Nov. 14, 2023.

Congratulations to all Oklahomans who elected the national embarrassment, aka Markwayne Mullin, to the United States Senate.

 Randal McChesney, Bellevue, Washington

Sen. Markwayne Mullin

OK Republican denounces Mullin's challenge of Teamsters president

Kidney punches? Smurfs? And now add a Sen. Markwayne Mullin throw down! Sadly, he has become emblematic of todays Republican Party.

And just for the record, I have been a registered Republican every day of my life since I turned 18 in 1975.

 Kent A. Mauk, Oklahoma City

Congress has reached a new low

I wonder if Oklahoma residents are proud that they promoted to the United States Senate a man who believes that when you have a disagreement with a Congressional witness, you challenge them to a fistfight.

It is hard to believe that this happened on the floor of what used to be an august body, but it did at the hands of Senator Markwayne Mullin, who wished to resolve a disagreement with the head of the United Teamsters Union by beating him up.

It took the intervention of Mullin's colleague, Vermont's Bernie Sanders to calm the situation, telling Mullin, "Sit down. You are a United States Senator." It is appalling.

If Markwayne Mullin is characteristic of the state of Congress in this era, the United States is on the way to extinction as a great power.

 Oren Spiegler, Peters Township, Pennsylvania

Markwayne Mullin owes an apology

As an observer of the Senate hearing, Oklahomans should be embarrassed by Senator Markwayne Mullin's behavior. The U.S. Senate is a place where decorum reigns, not schoolyard bullyism! Sen. Mullin berated and dislikes the Teamsters president, waving tweets about himself, tweeted by President Sean O'Brien. One of the Tweets from O'Brien said:

"Greedy CEO who pretends he's self-made. In reality, he's just a clown and a fraud. Always has been, always will be. Quit the tough guy act in these Senate hearings."

It took Sen. Bernie Sanders to show that cooler heads must respect Senate decorum.

Oklahomans may be proud of the "self-made man" image, but Markwayne Mullin is a macho-fired, hair-trigger tempered "BULLY" who thinks violence is the solution! This is not the Wild West! Bullies WILL NOT BE TOLERATED! Senator Mullin needs to apologize to the the Senate, and, to the embarrassed citizens of Oklahoma AND the rest of the country!

 Norman K Siegel, Woodstock, Illinois

On Mullin: 'Well done, Oklahoma'

As a 20-year resident of Oklahoma who recently moved to South Dakota, I have to say congratulations on your senatorial pick last year.

You have successfully replaced Senator Inhofe, a man who conflated weather and climate by bringing a snowball onto the Senate floor in order to discredit climate science. You have replaced him with a man who challenges witnesses in Senate hearings to a fight. Well done, Oklahoma.

 Gregory Joslin, Box Elder, South Dakota

Images of an illegal cockfighting ring during a U.S. Attorney's Office investigation in the Southern District of Georgia.

Support of cockfights a disgrace

I am a solid conservative and proud that Oklahoma lawmakers are generally consistent in their principles about freedom, limited government and adherence to core American values.

Coming from rural southwest Oklahoma and a family with ranching in our blood and on the land, I was disappointed that a fair number of Republicans, calling themselves conservatives, wanted to overturn Oklahomas law forbidding the barbaric and crime-infested practice of cockfighting.

Cockfighting is the opposite of proper animal care that true farmers and ranchers espouse. And allowing staged knife fights between animals is the antithesis of true conservative values  fighting crime in our communities, showing mercy for the weak, and upholding moral standards in our society.

Opposition to cruelty and crime is a universal value that all Oklahomans should support. There are common values that hold us together, and it is a disgrace for anyone to try to decriminalize this miserable practice of staged animal fighting.

I hope I dont have to go back to the Legislature as a veterinarian, rancher, career U.S. Army officer and Oklahoma conservative to fend off this disgraceful political maneuvering.

 Col. Tom Pool, Norman

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Letters on Mullin's fight challenge of Teamster president, cockfighting
The Bluegrass AgTech Development Corp announced $750,000 in grants available to small agriculture technology and food-based businesses located in Kentucky.

The Bluegrass AgTech Development Corp is a partnership between the City of Lexington, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, and Alltech. Together, they are aiming to support agriculture and food-based businesses in Kentucky, with a focus in the first round of funding on entrepreneurs and startups in agriculture.

The grants announced Wednesday aim to help connect businesses to public and private funding opportunities, provide mentorship and bring new agriculture businesses to the state.

We want to become the international address of agtech business, said Mayor Linda Gorton. As the expertise within our Bluegrass AgTech partnership demonstrates, with this program, weve got everything a new business needs to be successful in agtech or food-based technology.

In the first year, $750,000 will be available, with the potential for an additional round of $750,000 available next year. Applications for the grants opened Wednesday, and will close March 1. Grants are available for businesses who currently have or are willing to establish a presence in Kentucky.

Bob Helton, executive director of Bluegrass AgTech Development Corp, said he hopes additional partners will be added so the program can continue to grow.

Applicants can apply for up to $100,000, and grant recipients will receive additional support, including professional services and business development assistance. To be eligible, applicants have to provide matching contributions for their grant.

We want to make sure that Kentucky is the first destination when people think about bringing a good idea to market that helps improve our food systems, our nutrition, our environments and help productivity on the family farm, said Ryan Quarles, Kentuckys agriculture commissioner.

Projects in the first year should fit into one of five focus areas:

Solutions for mid-size farming

Sustainable food systems

Food is health (addressing health needs through nutrition)

Future-proof animal protein (building secure protein sources for the growing population)

Kentucky traditions, including the states equine, food and beverage sectors.

Bluegrass AgTechs innovation ecosystem will lead to the development of technologies that boost productivity and profitability for farmers, support advancements in environmental sustainability and achieve greater nutrition and food security, said Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. These technologies will be highly relevant to our Kentucky ag sectors and those that will emerge in the future.
For Kenny Jenkins, access to a federal housing voucher and a safe place to rent has kept him alive.

Its a matter of life or death, Jenkins said.

Jenkins is disabled and dependent on oxygen. He can work only 20 hours a week and still receive disability benefits. He uses a federal housing voucher to pay rent.

In order to live, I need oxygen, Jenkins said. I have to be able to plug it in.

Jenkins said too many people in Fayette County who receive federal housing vouchers cant find landlords who will accept them. Its time to change that, he said.

Jenkins was one of more than 50 people who spoke at a three-hour special public meeting about a proposal that would ban source of income discrimination by landlords.

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council started debate on the controversial proposal in October. Tuesdays meeting of the Social Services and Public Safety Committee was called so people could speak on the proposal.

The ban would prevent landlords from discriminating against someone with a housing voucher or third-party payments such as other federal funding or alimony.

Those who are in favor of the ban said the majority of federal housing voucher holders, now called Housing Choice and previously known as Section 8 vouchers, are Black. Yet the majority of rental properties available to voucher holders are on the citys North side, a recent review of rental properties that take Housing Choice vouchers showed.

Social service providers, particularly those who work with the homeless and those with mental health issues, said they are struggling to find landlords willing to take vouchers for their clients.

Landlords who oppose the measure say the government should not dictate whom they must rent to. Other landlords said the inspection process to accept Housing Choice vouchers is too onerous, a charge the Lexington Housing Authority denies. Landlords also told the council Tuesday making landlords accept Section 8 vouchers could result in a hike in rents.

Louisville and Cincinnati have similar source of income bans.

Councilwoman Jennifer Reynolds, chairwoman of the councils Social Services and Public Safety Committee, said after Tuesdays meeting the committee will take up the ordinance again after the first of the year.

Forced to remain homeless

The vast majority of people who spoke Tuesday were in favor of the ban.

Chris Primeaux, housing coordinator for Arbor Youth Services  Central Kentuckys only shelter for kids, young adults and teens  said she spends hours on the phone each week scrambling to find a landlord who will accept the vouchers the shelter uses to help get young adults and teens into a rental unit and a path toward independence.

These young adults are forced to remain homeless, Primeaux said.

Betsy Schein, a case manager with Kentucky Refugee Ministries, said she recently had a refugee family who spent months living in a motel room because no landlords would take the organizations payments. Kentucky Refugee Ministries helps pay rent for recent refugees for up to nine months.

Schein said its become increasingly difficult to find landlords who will accept payments that are not tied to income.

They have been hard pressed to find landlords who will take them, Schein said.

Sharon Price, executive director of Community Action Council of Central Kentucky, said there is a direct correlation between housing stability and education attainment. Studies have shown kids who frequently move from school to school often struggle academically, socially and emotionally, she said.

You need one in order to do well in the other, Price said of housing and education.

Kelly Asher, leasing specialist for the Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky, said, Finding a property owner who accepts housing vouchers is like striking gold.

Asher said it can take months, even with help from organizations like his, to find a landlord willing to take any type of third party payment.

Huge delays in inspections

Zac Peterson said he took Housing Choice, or Section 8, when he first started as a landlord.

He left the program because of shoddy oversight, he said. Inspections are required.

There were huge delays in inspections. Some of the inspections were nit picky, Peterson said. It ended up being costly and time consuming.

Chris Johnson said he, too, has curtailed participation in the program because more than 90% of his experiences were negative.

Ive had multiple tenants destroy my property, Johnson said. Because people who use the housing voucher have limited income, its nearly impossible for landlords to recover costs for damaged property, they have argued.

Johnson said he spoke with several Louisville landlords prior to Tuesdays meeting.

None spoke in favor, Johnson said. Johnson said he was told by many Louisville landlords they increased rents and background requirements so they did not have to meet the guidelines for Housing Choice vouchers.

Robert Jones, president of the Central Kentucky Apartment Association, said the proposed ban will not create more affordable housing.

The reason why many rental properties that accept federal housing vouchers are on the citys north side is because to receive federal funding for those affordable housing projects, they have to be in certain sections of the city.

This is not an us verses them, Jones said.

Lexington Housing Authority pushes back

Austin Simms, executive director of the Lexington Housing Authority, said the housing authority supports the ban or any measure that would undo housing discrimination in Lexington.

The housing authority oversees the Housing Choice Voucher program, which works with 700 landlords throughout Lexington.

To receive federal funding, inspections are required. Those inspection rules are set by federal guidelines. However, the housing authority has worked to make the process efficient for landlords and tenants, he said.

Those inspections are to guarantee federal housing money is not spent on substandard rental units, Simms said.

I know our voucher program is well managed, Simms said. Landlords should find out from the housing authority about its programs and not listen to rhetoric pushed by some landlords, he said.

Try us.
Reflections of my first year in office as UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine

On the wall in my office hangs a painting, a gift from Vasyl Shulhatsky, who was a student under the renowned Ukrainian artist Maria Prymachenko. This piece, entitled 'Let the Sun Always Shine!', serves as a vivid memento of my visit to the Ivankiv Community in the Kyiv Oblast, an area that endured the heavy impact of the early stages of the Russian full-scale invasion. The artwork echoes the spirit of the resilient people I've had the privilege of meeting during first year in Ukraine.

November 2022 found me in Kyiv, amidst a backdrop of cold, somber streets. With mass attacks crippling the energy infrastructure, a majority of the city lay in darkness, save for the occasional flicker of lanterns and candles.

As I navigated the semi-dark streets, the faces of strangers emerged, each engaged in acts of mutual support. The rumble of a generator coming to life, the beam of a flashlight cutting through the gloom, the glint of a reflective vest slipped over a childs shoulders  each action was a testament to resilience. Even shrouded in near-total darkness, the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainians was unmistakable. It was in these moments, amidst the shadows, that I observed the inherent qualities that would undoubtedly see them through any ordeal. Such warmth, such light emanating from within, it was enough to kindle hope in the heaviest of hearts.

Before coming to Kyiv, I held various positions within the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), including serving as a programme manager, deputy resident representative, and country director. However, this marks the first time I've taken on the role of Resident Representative. This is by far the largest country office I've had the privilege of working in, and with its size come both challenges and opportunities.

Of all the Ukrainian words and phrases I've learned, "Dyakuyu" stands out as my favourite (thank you)

In my initial months during the challenging winter, what became clear to me about the Ukrainian people was their remarkable resilience and unyielding spirit in the face of adversity. Despite undeniable challenges, there was a prevailing sense of hope. It was an attitude that proclaimed, 'We will overcome this, and we will emerge from it even stronger and better.

I recall the story of Yuri, an electrical engineer, whom we met as part of our programme to support Ukraine's energy sector. His workplace became a target for rocket attacks on multiple occasions. The substation where he worked was hit three times. He calmly stated, "None of us quit despite the constant danger and tension. Some of our colleagues volunteered and went to the front lines. But no one shied away from the responsibility that fell upon the shoulders of energy workers."

Yuri's story is indelible, a stark embodiment of a trait I have come to admire deeply in Ukrainians: an unwavering sense of responsibility. They carry this weight not just for themselves or their kin, but for their nation and its fortitude.

One tangible reflection of our programme's success is the delivery of critical components for the energy gridautotransformers and substantial generators. These devices are more than sources of heat; they are beacons of resilience, fortifying the infrastructure. Our swift procurement and winterization assistance are but threads in the larger tapestry of ongoing support and recovery.

There's a strong willingness from UNDP and the entire international community to support Ukraine in overcoming these challenges. We've learned a lot from our experiences, and Ukrainians have proven their ability to adapt swiftly. So, another superpower of Ukrainians, I believe, is their incredible ability to learn quickly and find unconventional solutions to tackle challenges.

This year has brought an unexpected revelation: the remarkable adaptability and dedication of our team. As our operations have scaled uptaking on an array of new projects and initiatives in response to the evolving situation in Ukraineso too have the demands on our team. The surge in our workload is a direct reflection of our successful efforts, particularly in fundraising to support Ukrainian resilience.

Amidst this rapid expansion, my colleagues have absorbed the increased responsibilities with extraordinary grace, fully embracing our core mission. Their willingness to extend themselves, to persistently go above and beyond for the welfare of the Ukrainian people, is nothing short of inspiring.

Our team at UNDP, nearly 400-strong, derives its strength from its rich tapestry of diversity. Our members hail from various cultural, gender, and educational backgrounds, and are dispersed across different oblasts in Ukraine, each facing its distinct challenges and contributing its unique perspective. This diversity unites us and enhances our dedication to achieving our goals. As our journey continues with such a dedicated team, we are making a lasting impact.

I have come to learn that the heart of Ukraine beats with a profound humanity, empathy, and warmth. In collaboration with the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, we've been involved in procuring crucial equipment and protective gear for demining operations, sourcing alternative energy solutions, and leading training sessions. The tales of these rescuers alone could fill volumes.

Read also: What the TIME article means for Ukraine

Among these, the account of Lyubov, a psychologist with the State Emergency Service, remains etched in my mind. Amidst the chaos of full-scale invasion, Lyubov has offered urgent psychological support to hundreds, guiding them through the trauma of war and toward a path of healing. One poignant story he shared with me was of a young girl who had lost her mother to the shelling. This girl grasped Lyubov's hand tightly, searching for her mother in the bustling confusion of a train station. Tragically, her mother had not survived. This moment, a stark reminder of the war's personal cost, underscores the crucial role of support services during such crises and the indomitable spirit of those who provide them.

Of all the Ukrainian words and phrases I've learned, "Dyakuyu" stands out as my favourite (thank you). I use it dozens of times a day with my team, our partners, and representatives of the Ukrainian government.

Read also: Ukraines attritive counteroffensive and the looming winter

Ukrainians excel in building solid partnerships and exhibit incredible openness to changes and reforms that can secure a better future. This is evident in various areas, from Ukraine's recovery and rebuilding to human rights, anti-corruption efforts, media literacy, inclusion, accessibility, and many others where we collaborate. Therefore, the "build back better" principle is converted into tangible actions, made possible only through robust collaboration and cooperation.

What is needed for everything to succeed in Ukraine in the future? I believe that Ukraine has everything it needs to make its path of transformation swift and effective. The country is already demonstrating its most vital qualities, even amidst the ongoing war. Of course, there is still much to overcome, understand, change, and learn on this challenging journey. However, what Ukrainians are currently demonstrating underscores the strength and effectiveness of their determination for a better future and the country's prosperity.

November 2023. Kyiv. This year's autumn has unfolded as an unbelievably warm and sunny season in Ukraine. Amidst the constant stream of emails and the daily whirlwind of essential meetings, I sometimes turn my head towards the gift on the wall. Right now, it's glistening in the warm sunlight streaming through the window, reminding me of all the people I've met and will continue to meet in Ukraine. Brave, resilient, intelligent, compassionate, and courageous. Let the Sun Always Shine for brighter, stronger tomorrows for the resilient and incredible people of Ukraine, even if the winter is coming.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
FILE PHOTO: An Eli Lilly and Company pharmaceutical manufacturing plant is pictured in Branchburg, New Jersey

By Rene Wagner, Klaus Lauer and Andreas Rinke

BERLIN (Reuters) - U.S. pharmaceuticals company Eli Lilly plans to build a production plant in western Germany, sources close to the matter told Reuters, with one putting the investment at 2 billion euros ($2.17 billion).

The new site, Lilly's first major production complex in Germany, comes as drugmakers are growing increasingly sensitive to political pressure to manufacture critical healthcare products closer to the markets they serve after the coronavirus pandemic exposed the vulnerability of global supply chains.

Two of the sources said that more than 1,000 jobs would be created, when including an expected boost to sub-contractors and suppliers in the region.

The company declined to comment on the plans but news conferences have been scheduled in the town of Alzey, where sources say the plant will be built, and Berlin on Friday.

The project will be fully funded by the medicines giant,which has seen surging demand for its diabetes drug Mounjaro, people familiar with the matter had told Reuters on Wednesday.

One of the sources said that the new site would make diabetes drugs with the potential use to treat obesity. No further details were available on what the plant would produce.

The Mounjaro injection has been used off-label for weight loss and last week it was cleared for that additional use in the United States under the new brand Zepbound. Lilly's other diabetes drugs include Trulicity.

The town of Alzey, in the Rheinhessen area of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, is within less than an hour's drive of the headquarters of drugmaker Boehringer Ingelheim and COVID vaccine pioneer BioNTech and of chemicals giant BASF.

Eli Lilly's plans for a plant look to be a win for the German government, keen to show that Europe's biggest economy remains an attractive manufacturing location despite soaring energy prices caused by the loss of Russian gas following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

"This is about a four-digit number of new employees," said one source, adding this included a positive knock-on effect in related businesses such as packaging.

The U.S. company, which has been present in Germany since1960, already has 1,000 employees in the country in areas such as development, distribution and marketing.

The investment comes even as major pharma companies have voiced strong opposition to plans by the European Union to shorten the standard period of protections companies get before generics can enter the market from 10 to eight years.

Major production sites that Lilly runs outside of its U.S. home market are in Ireland, France, Spain, Italy and China, according to its 2022 annual report.

The German project would add to the more than $8 billion the company has currently earmarked for ongoing expansion investments in Indiana, North Carolina, and Limerick, Ireland over the next several years.

Eli Lilly said it would unveil "far-reaching investmentplans" at Friday's news conference, which will be attended byGermany's economy and health ministers.

Other big recent foreign investments in Germany, including chip plants by Intel of the United States and Taiwan's TSMC, were won with the promise of massive public subsidies, making Lilly's fully-funded investment potentially a more positive story for the government.

Mounjaro's success helped Lilly post a 37% gain inthird-quarter revenues to $9.5 billion, topping Wall Streetestimates.

The group's market value has ballooned to around $580billion, up more than 65% so far this year.

As well as winning U.S. approval, Mounjaro is also likely to be approved for wider used against weight loss in the European Union after the bloc's drugs regulator recommended market clearance.

However, in Germany, state health insurance is barred frompaying for weight-loss drugs. Non-diabetic patients with aprescription for weight loss will likely have to pay out oftheir own pockets.

Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Danish rival Novo Nordisk are ahead in a race to grab a slice of an estimated$100 billion global market for anti-obesity treatments from aclass of drugs originally developed for diabetes known as GLP-1agonists.

Lilly has also been a pioneer in developing a treatment forAlzheimer's disease, where it is in a tight race with apartnership between Eisai and Biogen,

It has said it expects the U.S. Food and Drug Administrationto decide in the first quarter whether to approve its newAlzheimer's drug donanemab, and submissions to other globalregulators are underway.

($1 = 0.9219 euros)

(Reporting by Rene Wagner, Klaus Lauer, Andreas Rinke and Ludwig Burger, Writing by Thomas Escritt, Madeline Chambers and Ludwig Burger, Editing by Miranda Murray, Christina Fincher and Susan Fenton)
The replica Hawker Hurricane fighter starred in classic movie The Battle of Britain

A full size replica of an iconic World War Two RAF fighter plane which starred in a classic British film has been unveiled at a museum in Lincolnshire.

The model of the Hawker Hurricane, built for the 1969 movie The Battle of Britain, has gone on show at the We'll Meet Again Museum near Boston

The replica of the famous aircraft was refurbished by museum volunteers.

Museum co-founder Paul Britchford said to display the model of the Hurricane had long been on his "bucket list".

Mr Britchford set up the museum at Freiston with his wife, Linda, before he was diagnosed with terminal cancer last year.

Paul Britchford said to display the replica aircraft at the museum was on his "bucket list"

He said this particular replica had a special place in his heart as it was the same one which had been craned on to the roof of Lincoln's Odeon cinema for two months when the Battle of Britain film, starring Michael Caine, was released at the end of the 1960s.

"That story is why we wanted that particular plane," he said.

"The Battle of Britain is one of my favourite movies and I wanted to see this out on my lawn at the museum."

Bradley Cooper, from the museum, said refurbishing the replica World War Two aircraft had been a serious challenge.

"The Hurricane was in a poor condition and needed complete refurbishment," he said.

Volunteer Darren Avison helped restore the replica fighter plane

However, Mr Cooper said young volunteers had enthusiastically helped with sanding, paint-stripping, spraying and rebuilding the model fighter plane.

"There were cracks all the way through, a lot of the nuts and bolts were rusty," he said.

"It didn't have the original fabric, some of the wood had woodworm, some of the fibreglass was cracked and in a poor state. We literally had to restore nearly every panel."

Adrian Barker, trustee and secretary for the museum, said the replica Hawker Hurricane was built to the same standard and using the same construction techniques as the real thing.

"It had been left in pieces after filming and the owner kept quiet about ownership as so many organisations and individuals wanted to own it," he said.

The museum team said they hoped having the replica Hurricane would attract more visitors to the site.

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CONCORD  Tyler Troy, the driver in a fatal crash in Portsmouth last Thanksgiving, had a .224 blood alcohol concentration, about three times the legal limit, a New Hampshire Liquor Commission investigator testified Wednesday.

Portsmouth Gas Light Co. restaurant's co-owners and their attorney hit back against the commissions allegation it served alcohol to the visibly intoxicated man less than an hour before the single-vehicle accident at the city traffic circle at 1:17 a.m. Nov. 24, 2022. The crash sent all six passengers in a 2018 Porsche Macan to area hospitals, taking the life of 21-year-old Barrington, New Hampshire resident Drew Ceppetelli, a student-athlete at Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island.

The cause of this accident was (Troy) trying to show off, not the intoxication, Gas Light attorney Jon Flagg said Wednesday, arguing speeding, not drinking, was the cause.

Paul Sorli, co-owner of the Portsmouth Gas Light Co., testifies at a New Hampshire Liquor Commission hearing in Concord on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. His business' attorney, Jon Flagg, is seen standing with his back turned.

Troy, 23, a Northwood resident, was indicted by a Rockingham County Superior Court grand jury in July 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. He is awaiting a trial date.

Wednesday's hearing featured the Liquor Commissions prosecution squaring off against the Gas Light and its attorney.

Investigator says Troy served 'at least three' drinks at Gas Light

Video evidence appears to show Northwood resident Tyler Troy, 23, allegedly leaving the Thirsty Moose Taphouse in downtown Portsmouth on Nov. 23, 2022. Troy is the alleged driver of a deadly single-vehicle car wreck that occurred on Nov. 24, 2022, a few hours after he and friends were allegedly drinking in downtown Portsmouth. The footage was shown at a New Hampshire Liquor Commission hearing in Concord on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023.

Liquor Commission investigator Brian Hebert testified Troy went to six different Portsmouth establishments the night of Wednesday, Nov. 23 and early morning Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022. The list includes Legends Billiards & Tavern, Tjs Food and Spirits, the Goat Bar and Grill, Thirsty Moose Taphouse, the Press Room and the Gas Light.

Hebert stated the first Gas Light receipt belonging to Troy was at 10:13 p.m. on Nov. 23, and his last charge at the Gas Light was at 12:31 a.m. on Nov. 24. Reported by New Hampshire State Police, the crash at the Portsmouth traffic circle occurred less than an hour later.

Hebert said Troy consumed at least three alcoholic beverages at the Gas Light.

The hearing also included testimony from Ian Gutierrez and Arianna Sage, who said they were out that night in Portsmouth with a group of friends that included Ceppetelli and Troy.

Sage testified she has known Troy since middle school, and she and Gutierrez, her boyfriend, were part of the group with Troy at the Gas Light.

Sage said Troy was slumped over the counter at the Gas Lights upstairs bar and dance floor as he ordered a drink. Sage said she felt Troy shouldnt have been served another drink at that point.

Gutierrez testified: He didnt look sober. He had a sway to him.

An image of Troy outside the Thirsty Moose was shown during Wednesday's hearing with the prosecution stating it appeared he was unsteady on his feet before going to the Gas Light. Flagg, representing the Gas Light, disagreed.

Gas Light co-owners and staff defend themselves

Paul Sorli, right, co-owner of the Portsmouth Gas Light Co., testifies at a New Hampshire Liquor Commission hearing in Concord on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. His business' attorney, Jon Flagg, is seen standing, while the hearing's presiding officer, Stephen Judge, is seated to the left.

Brothers and Gas Light co-owners Paul and Eric Sorli, after Wednesday's hearing, stated their staff followed their training in the hours leading up to the accident.

They acted exactly as theyre trained to do, Paul Sorli said.

Theyre very professional, Eric Sorli said. Theyre on the job.

Testimony in the hearing included Gas Light staff members Katherine Maglaras and Krystal Reilly (a former employee) and Patrick Maher, its security manager. They stated that after the crash, they did not recognize Troy in photos, nor as a customer who was visibly intoxicated.

The Gas Light attorney and co-owners elaborated on their claim Troy's intoxication didn't cause the crash.

Eric Sorli said drivers are not aided by road markings to alert them they are about to enter a traffic circle as they're approaching it on the Route 1 Bypass.

Its not like he's from Portsmouth and (was) necessarily familiar with it, Flagg said of Troy. He gets on a double-lane road and he can gun it, then all of a sudden, there's a traffic circle.

Flagg asked Hebert to read a portion of an affidavit with testimony from a passenger in the vehicle Troy was driving.Upon the arrival of additional units, Sergeant (Max) Webber with Portsmouth police spoke with Troy, who appeared extremely distraught, and he stated, I was driving. I was trying to be cool. I think I killed my friends. Afterwards, he said he was drinking, Hebert read.

Maglaras, Maher and Reilly said the entire Gas Light staff receives New Hampshire Liquor Commission-required training, in addition to ServSafe training mandated by the Gas Light, and searches for signs of intoxication among guests.

Troy is not a party in the commissions case against the Gas Light.

On Dec. 10, 2022, the New Hampshire Liquor Commission temporarily revoked the Gas Lights liquor license following an investigation by the commissions Division of Enforcement & Licensing. Three days later, however, Judge Andrew R. Schulman ordered a due process hearing on the matter, and the license was regranted in Rockingham County Superior Court.

What happens next in Gas Light case

The maximum penalty against the Gas Light could be a $500 fine and a three-day license suspension, according to hearing officer Stephen Judge, who presided over Wednesday's testimony. However, an aggravated maximum penalty could be handed down that would include a fine of up to $2,500 and a license suspension of 10 consecutive days.

Judge noted the commissions prosecution is seeking the aggravated maximum penalty to be given to the Gas Light.

According to Judge, a decision and possible penalty could be handed down on or before Friday, Dec. 8.

No matter what I decide, there is nothing I can do in an order that will ease the senseless death of Drew Ceppetelli, Judge said.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: NH Liquor Commission, Gas Light square off over cause of fatal crash
Lisa Kudrow has paid personal tribute to Matthew Perry, rounding out the quintet of core Friends cast members.

Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer have now each remembered Perry on social media following his death on 23 October.

The actor, who played Chandler Bing in the mega-popular US sitcom, was found dead in his home in Los Angeles aged 54.

Kudrow shared a Polaroid photo of her and Perry on Instagram on Wednesday (15 November) with the caption: Shot the pilot, Friends Like Us, got picked up then immediately, we were at the NBC Upfronts. Then You suggested we play poker AND made it so much fun while we initially bonded. Thank you for that.

Thank you for making me laugh so hard at something you said, that my muscles ached, and tears poured down my face EVERY DAY.

Thank you for your open heart in a six way relationship that required compromise. And a lot of talking.

Thank you for showing up at work when you werent well and then, being completely brilliant. Thank you for the best 10 years a person gets to have. Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for all I learned about GRACE and LOVE through knowing you. Thank you for the time I got to have with you, Matthew.

Aniston and Schwimmer also posted tributes to Perry on Wednesday after Cox and LeBlanc shared theirs on Tuesday.

Oh boy this one has cut deep... Having to say goodbye to our Matty has been an insane wave of emotions that Ive never experienced before. We all experience loss at some point in our lives. Loss of life or loss of love, Aniston wrote alongside a screenshot of a recent text she received from Perry.

... Matty, I love you so much and I know you are now completely at peace and out of any pain. I talk to you every day sometimes I can almost hear you saying could you BE any crazier? she concluded. Rest little brother. You always made my day

On 30 October, all five 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.

They then all attended his 3 November funeral service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills.

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.
In this image taken from a video released by the Israeli Defense Forces on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, Israeli soldiers walk in the area of Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City. The Israeli military released footage on Tuesday that it said shows joint operational activity of two army brigades in its advancement on the ground in Gaza Strip. (Israel Defense Forces via AP)

Two and a half weeks after sending tanks and ground troops into northern Gaza, Israeli forces searched a hospital Wednesday where they claim Hamas militants operate. Mohammed Zaqout, the director of hospitals in Gaza, said Israeli tanks were inside the medical compound and that soldiers had entered buildings, including the emergency and surgery departments, which house intensive care units.

Shifa Hospital has become a symbol of the widespread suffering of Palestinian civilians in the war between Israel and Hamas, which erupted after the militant group killed some 1,200 people and seized around 240 captives in a surprise Oct. 7 attack into southern Israel.

The Israeli army claims the militant group uses hospitals as cover for its fighters, and 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.

More than 11,200 Palestinians  two-thirds of them women and minors  have been killed since the war began, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, which does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths. About 2,700 people have been reported missing.

Currently:

 The Israeli military has set its sights on southern Gaza in its campaign to stamp out Hamas.

 The U.N. Security Council has adopted a resolution on the Israel-Hamas war.

 ASEAN defense chiefs call for the fighting in Gaza to cease, but they struggle to address Myanmar.

 Thousands flee Gaza's main hospital but hundreds, including babies, are still trapped by fighting.

 Israel supporters rally in Washington, crying never again.

 Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war

Heres what's happening in the latest Israel-Hamas war:

BIDEN SAYS WAR WILL STOP WHEN HAMAS' ABILITY TO KILL ISRAELIS IS DEGRADED

President Joe Biden says he believes Israels war against Hamas will only stop once the militant groups ability to kill and injure Israelis is degraded. He also says he is urging Israel to exercise caution as it carries out military operations in Gazas largest hospital.

I think its going to stop when Hamas no longer maintains the capacity to murder, Biden said Wednesday of the war.

Biden said he had discussed with Israeli leaders their need to be incredibly careful as the army searches Gaza City's Shifa Hospital, which Israel says Hamas uses as a military complex. Both Hamas and hospital officials deny that claim.

Biden maintained that the only ultimate answer here is a two-state solution with Israel and Palestinians living side by side.

Biden made his comments at a news conference after meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperative conference in California.

UN SECURITY COUNCIL ADOPTS RESOLUTION CALLING FOR HUMANITARIAN PAUSES IN GAZA

UNITED NATIONS  The U.N. Security Council approved a resolution Wednesday calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors" in Gaza after four failed attempts to respond to the Israel-Hamas war.

The vote was 12-0 with the United States, United Kingdom and Russia abstaining.

The final draft watered down its language from a demand to a call for humanitarian pauses. It also watered down a demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups. And the resolution makes no mention of a cease-fire or Hamas surprise Oct. 7 attacks on Israel.

U.N. Security Council resolutions are legally binding  including calls  but in practice many parties choose to ignore the councils requests for actions.

Russia proposed an amendment to the resolution before the vote that would have called for durable humanitarian pauses leading to a cease-fire. But it was rejected by a vote of 5-1 with nine abstentions because it failed to get the minimum nine yes votes.

OVER 600 PEOPLE LEFT GAZA AT RAFAH BORDER CROSSING, HAMAS SAYS

RAFAH, Gaza Strip  A total of 644 people traveled through the Rafah border crossing from Gaza into Egypt on Wednesday, said Wael Abou Omar, the Hamas spokesperson for the border crossing.

Those included 587 dual nationals, 37 people either injured or sick, and 20 of their companions. No more information was immediately available.

Earlier at the Rafah border, dozens of evacuees were waiting patiently with their documentation ready for inspection. Among them was Toqa al-Zaian, a Palestinian with Norwegian nationality, struggling to say goodbye.

I feel like my body is leaving without my soul, now I am leaving everything behind, my mother, family and everyone I know, she said.

ISRAEL RELEASES VIDEO OF WEAPONS IT SAYS WERE FOUND IN SHIFA HOSPITAL

JERUSALEM  The Israeli military displayed what it says are Hamas weapons and military equipment it uncovered in Gazas Shifa Hospital.

But so far, its search showed no signs of tunnels or a sophisticated command center that it has said Hamas maintains on the grounds of the hospital. Hamas and Gaza health officials deny militants operate in Shifa.

The army early Wednesday raided the hospital, Gazas largest. After a daylong search, the army released a video showing several AK-47 automatic rifles, ammunition, grenades, protective vests and other equipment used by Hamas. It said many of the items were in duffel bags in the hospitals MRI department.

These weapons have absolutely no business being inside a hospital, Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, a military spokesman, said in the military's video.

The Associated Press could not independently verify the Israeli claims that the weapons were found inside the hospital.

UN SECURITY COUNCIL PLANS TO VOTE ON REQUEST FOR HUMANITARIAN PAUSES

UNITED NATIONS  After four failed attempts, the U.N. Security Council has scheduled a vote on a fifth resolution on the Israel-Hamas war which would call for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip.

The final draft to be voted on Wednesday afternoon watered down that language from a demand to a call. It also watered down a demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups to a call.

U.N. Security Council resolutions are legally binding  including calls  but in practice many parties choose to ignore the councils requests for actions.

Malta, one of the councils 10 elected members that sponsored the resolution, called for the vote after lengthy negotiations, and several diplomats said they expect it to be adopted. That requires nine yes votes in the 15-member council, and no veto by one of its five permanent members  the U.S., Russia, China, Britain and France.

WHITE HOUSE SAYS US DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT ISRAEL RAID ON SHIFA HOSPITAL BEFOREHAND

WASHINGTON  U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said Wednesday that the United States did not sign off on Israels raid on Shifa hospital.

Kirby, responding to questions about the timing of the operation and his statement that the U.S. knows Hamas militants shelter in hospitals, said the United States doesnt expect advance notice from Israel before its military operations.

We did not give an OK to their military operations around the hospital, Kirby said, speaking to reporters from San Francisco, where President Joe Biden was preparing to meet with Chinas leader on Wednesday. We dont expect the Israelis to inform us.

Kirby suggested the timing of his announcement about U.S. intelligence findings that Hamas uses hospitals for command and control and for shelter following the Israeli military operation was a coincidence. He said his delivery of some downgraded intelligence information had nothing to do with operational timing.

He said it is a violation of the law of war to headquarter yourself in a hospital and that what Hamas is doing in that regard should not be forgotten.

3/4 OF GAZA'S HOSPITALS AREN'T WORKING, WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION SAYS

GENEVA  Only a quarter of Gazas hospitals are still functioning, with about 26 out of 36 institutions now closed  either because they have been damaged or because they ran out of fuel, the World Health Organization said Wednesday.

The U.N. health agency has lost contact with health workers at Shifa hospital, the largest in the Gaza Sutrip, said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in Geneva. He said the Israeli military raid of the institution is totally unacceptable.

Approximately 82 bodies from Shifa were buried in a mass grave Wednesday, with another 80 bodies left unburied, said Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, WHOs representative in the West Bank and Gaza. He said about 45 patients were receiving dialysis and that there were no central supplies of oxygen, water or fuel.

Peeperkorn said several organizations, including the WHO, were urgently exploring the possibility of an evacuation of patients and medical staff. He called for a plan to evacuate about 2,000 critically ill patients out of Gaza over the next three months, possibly to Egypt.

A HOSPITAL IN NORTHERN GAZA TREATS DOZENS OF PATIENTS EACH DAY, AS ISRAELI BOMBS FALL

CAIRO  Around 40 patients a day are coming in to Awda Hospital in the Jabaliya area of northern Gaza, said Dr. Ahmed Mhanna, the hospital's manager.

Awda Hospital is still operating but the facility's main generator is no longer functioning, he said, and the hospital is also delivering around 20 babies each day, he said.

The situation is critical, he said in a recorded message. Jabaliya has been heavily bombed since Oct. 7.

Mhanna said that Israel strikes were still pounding the areas immediately around the hospital, with shrapnel striking the building. Eight staff members have been injured from the bombing, he added.

NETANYAHU VISITS ISRAELI TROOPS NEAR GAZA

ZIKIM, Israel  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told troops at the Zikim military base near north Gaza: There is no place in Gaza that Israel will not reach.

Standing next to soldiers at the base, Netanyahu said: Do you remember when we were told that we would not break into Gaza? We broke through. We were told that we would not reach the outskirts of Gaza City  we arrived. We were told that we wont enter Shifa  we entered.

There is no hiding, no shelter, no refuge for the murderers of Hamas, Netanyahu said. We will arrive and eliminate Hamas and return our abductees  these are two sacred missions.

26 PATIENTS LEAVE GAZA FOR TREATMENT IN TURKEY

ANKARA, Turkey  Turkeys health minister says 26 patients from Gaza and 13 people accompanying them have passed through the Rafah crossing into Egypt on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters in Egypt, Fahrettin Koca said Turkish officials hope to evacuate the patients and the people escorting them to Turkey by air later on Wednesday for treatment in Turkish hospitals.

Koca also said Turkey plans to set up a field hospital close to the Rafah crossing.

Turkey has long offered to treat cancer patients in the country. Koca described the patients evacuated Wednesday as Gazans and did not specify if any have Turkish nationality.

IRAN'S FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS WITH PEACEMAKING GROUP

GENEVA  Irans foreign minister has traveled to Geneva for a previously undisclosed meeting hosted by a leading humanitarian group that works to strike peace agreements.

Hossein Amirabdollahian spoke with the U.N.s top humanitarian aid official, Martin Griffiths, in a meeting at the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, which made headlines five years ago for its role in an accord in which the Basque separatist group ETA agreed to dissolve after a decades-long campaign in Spain, officials said.

The center said in a message sent to The Associated Press on Wednesday that it routinely convenes closed-door consultations to support conflict mediation and resolution in various parts of the world."

In the latest of these consultations, HD hosted a senior Iranian delegation and other invited guests for a discussion about Gaza focused on ways to alleviate human suffering, increase humanitarian assistance and reduce risks of escalation in the region, the statement said.

The Israeli ambassador in Geneva, Meirav Eilon Shahar, said, Israel expresses its indignation that the foreign minister of Iran is in Geneva and meeting with U.N. officials and NGOs to talk about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.'"

Iran has no place in the future of Gaza. It is part of the problem, not the solution, she posted on X, formerly called Twitter.

Iran's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on X that As part of his consultations in Geneva, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has met with a number of officials of the U.N., humanitarian organizations and religious institutions as well as university professors and some ambassadors there regarding the ongoing developments in Palestine and the Zionist regimes aggression against #Gaza.

UN REFUGEE AGENCY CONFIRMS FIRST RECEIPT OF FUEL, SAYS IT NEEDS MUCH MORE

CAIRO  The head of UNRWA, the U.N. relief agency for Palestinian refugees, confirmed Wednesday that it has received 23,000 liters (6,000 gallons) of fuel that crossed into Gaza via the Rafah crossing, but called for more to be allowed to enter the besieged territory.

The aid group says Israeli authorities allowed the fuel to enter under the restriction that it can only be used to transport aid into besieged Gaza.

This fuel cannot be used for the overall humanitarian response, including for medical and water facilities or the work of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini said in an online statement.

UNRWA needs 160,000 liters (42,200 gallons) of fuel each day to complete basic humanitarian operations, he added.

Israel declared war on Hamas and barred fuel shipments after its attack on Israel on Oct. 7, saying the group would divert the supplies for military use.

Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories, the Israeli defense body responsible for Palestinian affairs, announced early Wednesday that it would allow United Nations trucks to refill at the Rafah crossing on Wednesday. It said the decision was in response to a request from the United States.

ISRAELI FORCES ARE STILL OPERATING IN GAZA'S LARGEST HOSPITAL, HEALTH MINISTRY OFFICIAL SAYS

CAIRO  A senior official with Gazas Hamas-controlled Health Ministry says Israeli forces are still operating inside Shifa Hospital, the territory's largest, hours after launching a raid early Wednesday.

Speaking by phone from the hospital, Munir al-Boursh said Israeli soldiers ransacked the basement and other buildings, including those housing the emergency and surgery departments.

They are still here ... patients, women and children are terrified, he said. He said doctors vowed to stay with their patients till the end.

Israel says Hamas has a secret command center in and under the hospital but has provided no visual evidence. Hamas and the hospital staff deny the allegations.

The military said it was carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specific part of the hospital away from patients and medical staff. It said it also delivered medical supplies.

Al-Boursh called for the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross to secure a safe corridor for patients, medical staff and displaced families trapped in the facility to leave.

Al-Boursh said an Israeli official spoke with him by phone early Wednesday and asked him to join the forces searching the facility, but he refused.

COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY WARNS OF BLACKOUT BECAUSE OF FUEL SHORTAGE

JERUSALEM  The main Palestinian communications company warned Wednesday that Gaza will plunge into a communications blackout in a matter of hours following several short-term outages in recent weeks.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Paltel said dwindling fuel supplies have forced all of its generators in Gaza to shut down and that communications in the territory are now dependent on batteries.

The company warned of a cessation of all communications services during the next few hours.

Israel allowed the first shipment of fuel to enter the besieged territory on Wednesday, but the U.N. says the amount is not enough to aid the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation.

UN OFFICIAL CONDEMNS ISRAELI RAIDS ON HOSPITAL, SAYS HAMAS MUST NOT USE IT AS A SHIELD

GENEVA  The U.N.s top emergency relief official on Wednesday condemned reported Israeli military raids on Gazas embattled Shifa Hospital and insisted Hamas militants must not use it as a shield for their activities.

Martin Griffiths underscored growing international concern for the plight of patients in the Gaza City hospital who are too sick or frail to be moved.

Look, Hamas must not, should not, use a place like a hospital as a shield for their presence, he said in a video statement. He added, hospitals should not become a place of -- a war zone -- of danger.

Griffiths said earlier on X, previously called Twitter, that he was appalled by overnight reports of Israeli raids on Shifa.

The U.N. World Health Organization says Shifa patients have needs that are well beyond basic care. Images reportedly from the facility showed medics trying to keep newborns warm in blankets because power for incubators had failed.

The babies have no incubators, Griffiths said. Some are dead already. We cant move them out. Its too dangerous.

I understand the Israelis concern for trying to find the leadership of Hamas, thats not our problem, he added. Our problem is protecting the people of Gaza from whats being visited upon them.

FIRST NORWEGIAN CITIZENS ARE ALLOWED TO LEAVE GAZA

COPENHAGEN, Denmark -- Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre said Wednesday he was very happy that the first Norwegian citizens have arrived on the Egyptian side of the border with Gaza.

Norway had been informed that 51 Norwegians could leave Gaza via the border crossing at Rafah.

Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said, there are no safe places in Gaza, and everyone who is there is exposed to traumatic experiences.

Barth Eide said the situation in Gaza was a humanitarian disaster, which also affects Norwegian citizens. The acts of war must stop and humanitarian aid must be allowed in.

According to Norwegian news agency NTB, there are about 270 people with ties to Norway in Gaza with approximately half of them children.

TURKEY'S PRESIDENT INCREASES CRITICISM OF ISRAEL

ANKARA, Turkey -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan increased his criticism of Israel on Wednesday, calling it a terrorist state intent on destroying Gaza along with all of its residents.

In a fiery speech to members of his party, Erdogan also said his country would take steps to ensure that Israels political and military leaders are brought to trial in international courts.

Israel is implementing a strategy of total destruction of a city and its people, Erdogan said. I say openly that Israel is a terrorist state.

The Turkish leader described Hamas militants as resistance fighters trying to protect their lands and people.

Turkey recently normalized relations with Israel but its war with Hamas in Gaza has again strained their ties. Israel recalled its diplomats from Turkey last month after Erdogan accused Israel of committing war crimes. Turkey later also recalled its ambassador from Israel.

ISRAELI MILITARY STRESSES IT'S TARGETING HAMAS, NOT CIVILIANS

TEL AVIV, Israel  Israels military insisted Wednesday its forces in and around the largest hospital in Gaza are specifically targeting Hamas, which it claims set up a command center there. Both Hamas and Shifa Hospital staff deny the Israeli allegations.

Israel is at war with Hamas, not with the civilians in Gaza, said Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces. The IDF has publicly warned time and again that Hamass continued military use of Shifa Hospital jeopardizes its protected status under international law.

Hagari said Israeli forces in Gaza included medics and Arabic speakers to try and provide assistance in the complex and sensitive environment.

REFUGEES IN SOUTHERN GAZA FACE CONTINUAL AIRSTRIKES

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip  A rainbow appeared in the sky over southern Gaza on Wednesday as residents, many of them refugees from the northern part of the strip, struggled for survival amid round-the-clock airstrikes. Residents in cars and on bicycles and makeshift carts pulled by donkeys weaved their way through the citys roads, littered with rubble from the bombardment.

Egyptian Mohammad al-Abdallah has been trying to leave Gaza since the bombing started. They asked us to come from the north. And when we arrived, we stayed in an apartment here, and we were bombed. Do they want us to die? This is enough, he said.

GUN PERMIT REQUESTS SKYROCKET AFTER HAMAS INCURSION, ISRAELI MINISTRY SAYS

JERUSALEM  Requests for gun permits in Israel have skyrocketed since Hamas bloody Oct. 7 incursion, according to a press release from the Ministry of National Security.

More than 236,000 new requests for permits have been filed since the attack  a figure equal to the number filed over 20 years, the statement said.

A sense of insecurity gripped Israel following the attack and the armys hourslong delay in responding, leading to a rush to buy guns. At least 1,200 people were killed and more than 240 taken hostage after Hamas militants breached Israels border fence and fanned out across the countrys south.

Armed civilian security squads entered the breach in the armys absence to fight off some of the attackers. Shortly after, Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir said he would expand and arm such squads with 10,000 assault rifles that would be distributed particularly in border towns, mixed Jewish-Arab cities and West Bank settlements. Ben-Gvir has a long record of anti-Arab rhetoric, and Palestinians feared these guns would be used against them.

Some 1,700 permits are being issued daily after the Ministry of National Security eased restrictions, the report said. By comparison, an average of 94 were issued daily in November 2022, and an average of 42 a year earlier.

UNICEF DIRECTOR SAYS HER VISIT TO THE GAZA STRIP WAS DEVASTATING AND CALLS FOR UNRESTRICTED AID

JERUSALEM  The United Nations childrens agency says its top official visited the Gaza Strip early Wednesday and met with children and their families in the Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, in the south of the territory.

What I saw and heard was devastating. They have endured repeated bombardment, loss and displacement, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said in a statement sent to The Associated Press. Inside the Strip, there is nowhere safe for Gazas one million children to turn."

Russell is among the few international officials to have visited the Gaza Strip since the war began following a surprise attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.

In the statement she called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and for aid to be allowed unrestricted, saying that "in the hospitals neonatal ward, tiny babies were clinging to life in incubators, as doctors worried how they could keep the machines running without fuel, Russell said in the statement.

She also met UNICEF staff and their families. Over 100 U.N. staff have been killed in the Gaza Strip since Israel launched a war aimed at destroying Hamas.

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.
The couple have said they are now battling the mental anguish of what they witnessed

A couple who were trapped in Gaza for a month amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas did not believe they "were going to leave alive".

Aladdin and Olfat Sagga, who live Kirkdale, Liverpool, travelled to Gaza to visit family in October.

They were in Gaza City when Israel's retaliation began following the 7 October attack by Hamas.

The couple said 44 members of their wider families had since been killed in the conflict.

'Pretty desperate'

Speaking to the BBC at their home in Liverpool, the couple said they were now battling with the mental anguish of what they had witnessed.

"I don't feel that I am fine. I need someone to help me because we didn't think for one second that we were going to leave alive out of this war," Mrs Sagga said.

"We were pretty desperate."

Mr Sagga, 61, said when the bombs started falling "everyone didn't know what to do".

"Everyone was just jumping and wanting to take care of their relatives and kids and mothers and sons and families," he said.

The couple were in the region to visit Mr Sagga's 97-year-old mother, who they transported with them to Khan Yunis in the south of Gaza when the bombing started.

"We were sleeping on the floor; my mother was there my sister was there and we woke up covered in glass and sand," Mr Sagga said.

The couple said they travelled seven times to the Rafah crossing into Egypt before they were able to leave.

Since returning to Merseyside, they said that they did not know if they would ever be able to return to Gaza.

Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook, X and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk
Welcome to Lobbying World, The Hills weekly roundup of the shifting tides of influence in Washington, D.C., and beyond.

Sarah Wills has been named CEO of Concordant, a policy and communications firm launched Monday by the Public Policy Holding Company (PPHC). Wills was most recently executive vice president and chief corporate affairs officer at Cardinal Health. Concordant is the eighth independent firm under the PPHC umbrella, which includes Forbes Tate, Crossroads, Seven Letter, Alpine Group, ONeill and Associates, KP Public Affairs and Multistate Associates.

Rob Engstrom is now president of the American Free Enterprise Chamber of Commerce (AmFree Chamber), the business group backed by former Attorney General Bill Barr. Engstrom, who previously founded the strategic advisory firm Wolfe Street Partners, spent nearly two decades at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and is a Republican National Committee and Speaker Gingrich alum.

Ray Cole is joining the University of Alabama System as vice chancellor for federal affairs after 24 years at the government affairs firm Van Scoyoc Associates. The University of Alabama alum is also a former senior staffer to former Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) and adviser at the Commerce Department.

Justin Hakes joined the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies as vice president of public affairs. Hakes has worked at the Consumer Data Industry Association, the American Council of Life Insurers and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America promoted Nathan Riedel to senior vice president of federal government affairs. Riedel was previously vice president of political affairs at the major insurance association and he previously worked with the National Republican Congressional Committee and former Rep. John Ensign (R-N.V.).

The National Marine Manufacturers Association welcomed Robyn Boerstling as senior vice president of government relations. Boerstling previously worked as a vice president at the National Association of Manufacturers and at the Department of Transportation.

Coinbases Global Advisory Council added former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, former Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla.), BGR Group Managing Director David Urban and adviser Frances Townsend. The cryptocurrency exchange platform launched the council in May and includes inaugural members former Sen. Patrick Toomey (R-Pa.) and former Reps. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) and Sean Patrick Maloney (D-N.Y.).

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
NEW BEDFORD  More than 18,500 Portuguese citizens living in this region are eligible to vote in the Council of Portuguese Communities (CCP) election on Sunday, Nov. 26 and select the two councilors who will be representing the New Bedford, Boston and Providence constituency.

Polls will open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Consulate of Portugal in New Bedford, Consulate General of Portugal in Boston, and Vice-Consulate of Portugal in Providence.

Made up of 90 members scattered around the world, CCP is the Portuguese Governments advisory body for policies relating to emigration and Portuguese communities abroad. CCP councilors are elected every four years.

One of the main duties of CCP members is to issue opinions, at the request of the Portuguese Government or the Assembly of the Republic, on bills and other legislative and administrative proposals, as well as on international agreements or regulations relating to Portuguese communities residing abroad.

The Council operates in Plenary, Permanent Council, Thematic Commissions, Regional Councils, Sections and Subsections.

Seven CCP members are elected in the United States, representing the following consular areas: New Bedford, Boston and Providence (2 councilors); Washington (1 councilor); Miami and Orlando (1 councilor); Newark and New York (2 councilors); and San Francisco (1 councilor).

Who are the local candidates?

Locally, there are two lists of candidates.

Incumbent Joao Luis Morgado Pacheco, of Rhode Island, who has been a CCP councilor since the 1990s, has decided not to seek reelection.

Incumbent Paulo Jorge de Jesus Martins, of Massachusetts, is seeking reelection and heading List A. He said he decided to run for a second mandate because he feels there is still a lot of work to be done for the Portuguese communities, especially in New England.

This is also the spirit of a large group of councilors who are running for reelection, because the communities need to have more visibility, both in Portugal and in the host countries, and they also need more support from the Portuguese government. Thats why we feel that this work needs to continue and that we cant leave it half-finished.

He said these communities are a great asset and they have a lot to give.

At the moment, Portuguese communities have great economic potential, as they are well integrated in their host countries, where they promote our products and traditions, tourism and investment in Portugal, and maintain proximity to our roots, Martins said.

List A is also made up of Ana Isabel Rodrigues dos Reis-Couto (R.I. Day of Portugal president); and the alternate candidates Francisco Jose Marques de Viveiros (Casa dos Acores of New England president); and Helena Luisa Alves dos Santos Martins (Massachusetts physician).

Martins lists as priorities for List A advocating for the implementation of decentralized electronic voting, without leaving aside the possibility of voters continuing to be able to cast their vote in person or by mail; fighting for improved consular services and reduced waiting times; continue to promote Portuguese language learning and teaching in the U.S.; decreasing the bureaucracy for community organizations to receive financial and other type of support from Portugal; developing community initiatives to support elderly services; and developing a coordinated plan to boost the exportation of Portuguese products to North America, as well as support diaspora investment in Portugal.

List B is headed by Marcia Vitoria Furtado Sousa, a former Vice-Consul of Portugal in Providence. Her running mates are Joao Jacinto Faria Correia (former R.I. senator); and the alternate candidates Leslie Rosina Ribeiro (New Bedfords Discovery Language Academy executive director), and Claudinor de Oliveira Ferreira Salomao (former CCP member).

Sousa said she decided to run to the CCP to advocate for the interests of the local Portuguese community.

In a way, taking on the responsibility of being an involved observer, being altruistic and moving forward in defense of what is mine and ours, she said. Heading up a project that implies the responsibility of being attentive to the community and everything that involves Portuguese citizens and Portuguese descendants and be their spokesperson when dealing with Portuguese government entities.

She said members of List B are great supporters of the work being done by the network of Portuguese associations and are committed to investing in the promotion of Portuguese culture, traditions, customs, and language so that the new generations can continue to enjoy what identifies us as a community and a people.

We want to invest in the new generations, instilling in them a taste and desire to work for the common good, based on the knowledge and expertise of those who are responsible for everything that the Portuguese community has achieved to date, she said. We want to give the community a voice, both in terms of its needs and in terms of highlighting the work that has been done to elevate our community and the name of Portugal.

She said members of List B are well-rounded and suited to attain these goals.

Its a commitment we feel suited to, given our professional backgrounds, performance in political office, and as promoters of the Portuguese language and active members of various associations and events, she said.

What is the CCP responsible for?

Publish feedback, at the request of the Government or the Parliament, about projects and bill proposals as well as projects of legislative and administrative regulations; international agreements or community guidelines that relate to Portuguese communities living abroad;

Apprise questions that are placed by the Regional Governments of the Azores and Madeira concerning the Portuguese communities who are original from the autonomous regions;

Produce information and evaluations, under its own initiative, about all matters with respect to the Portuguese residents in foreign countries and to the development of the Portuguese presence in the world; directing them to the member of Government whose responsibility it is to handle matters of emigration and Portuguese communities;

Formulate proposals and recommendations about the objectives and the application of principles in politics and emigration.

What are the duties of CCP councilors?

Attend meetings of the Council and of the committees that may be created and which they belong to;

Participate in voting on the deliberations of those meetings;

Contribute to the proper functioning of such meetings and to the adequate performance of the Councils powers;

Present an annual report at Regional Council meetings on the activities and situation of the community in the respective area of jurisdiction;

Cooperate with institutions or entities in the host countries on matters of interest to Portuguese communities.

Who is eligible to vote?

CCP members are elected by Portuguese citizens residing abroad who are eligible to vote for the Assembly of the Republic.

In order to be eligible to cast a vote, the individuals name must appear in the electoral register at the consular office where they intend to vote.

Currently, there are 7,403 individuals registered to vote at the Consulate of Portugal in New Bedford. At the Consulate General of Portugal in Boston, there are 6,155 eligible voters registered, while there are 4,953 at the Vice-Consulate of Portugal in Providence.

Eligible voters must vote at the consular office where they are registered.

In order to exercise their right to vote, individuals must show valid identification, such as their citizens card, passport or any other official document bearing an up-to-date photo.

In the absence of a civil identification document, the voter can be identified by two voting citizens who certify under oath his/her identity, or by poll workers.

Where do you vote?

-Consulate of Portugal in New Bedford, 628 Pleasant St., Suite 204, New Bedford

-Consulate General of Portugal in Boston, 31 St. James Ave., Suite 350, Boston

-Vice-Consulate of Portugal in Providence, 56 Pine St., 6th floor, Providence

For more information, visit https://portaldascomunidades.mne.gov.pt/pt/conselho-das-comunidades-portuguesas

Lurdes C. da Silva may be reached at ldasilva@ojornal.com. To read more stories about the Portuguese-speaking community, in English and Portuguese, please visit ojornal.com.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Local Portuguese citizens go to the polls Nov. 26. What's at stake?
HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY)  Could another Hampton Roads legislator make Virginia history this upcoming General Assembly session?

State Sen. Mamie Locke, a Democrat whos long represented the Peninsula, was endorsed on Tuesday by the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus to serve as Virginias next Senate majority leader.

Shed be the first Black majority leader ever in Virginia, and succeed state Sen. Dick Saslaw (D-Fairfax), whos retiring after 48 years in General Assembly.

Shed also join two other major Hampton Roads legislators who are set to make history in the commonwealth. Del. Don Scott (D-Portsmouth) will be be Virginias first Black speaker of the house and state Sen. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth) will be the Senates first ever Black finance chair when the legislature convenes on Jan. 10, 2024.

Under Senator Lockes leadership, Senate Democrats secured the majority for two consecutive cycles for the first time in recent memory. She has repeatedly proven her fundraising prowess and this cycle raised $2 million to support Senate races, the VLBC wrote. When the Democratic Party was in crisis in 2019, it was a Black woman who led through the storm to take the majority. She is a powerful advocate for Black Virginians, especially in the areas of voting rights and labor.

The VLBC said while they would remain open to changing systems to better serve progress, they pointed to tradition of supporting senior legislators for leadership roles in their decision. Locke is 69, has served in the Senate since 2004 and is the current chair of the Senates rules committee.

It is both convenient and inequitable to disregard a precedent when it is a Black womans turn to lead, the VLBC said in their statement.

Precedent has meaning  especially when that precedent firmly plants a hardworking Black woman next in line to lead. I support @SenatorLocke as the next Senate Majority Leader because of her diligence, leadership, resilience, and seniority, added VLBC member Del. Cia Price on X.

While theres no official challenger to Locke for the position, there have been rumblings that state Sen. Scott Surovell from Northern Virginia, who is white and 17 years Lockes junior, could throw his hat in for the position. Both were pictured together on election night holding up bricks to symbolize the Democratic brick wall against Gov. Youngkins legislative agenda, including his proposed 15-week abortion ban.

https://x.com/WAVY_News/status/1722230923230626046?s=20

Democrats held the Virginia Senate this year with a 21-19 majority, and flipped the House of Delegates (now 51-49 in favor of Democrats). The Virginia Mercurys Graham Moomaw wrote more about what that means for what Democrats and Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin could accomplished with those numbers.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Los Angeles County has recorded its first flu death of the 2023-24 season, according to the Department of Public Health.

The person who died was only identified as an elderly resident with multiple underlying conditions, and they were not vaccinated against the flu, Public Health said in a press release.

Although most people recover from influenza without complications, this death is a reminder that influenza can be a serious illness, the press release said. Pneumonia is the most common complication of the flu. Flu can also aggravate underlying health conditions like heart disease or asthma. Annually, thousands of people nationwide are hospitalized or die from influenza-associated illness.

Public Health officials advise that everyone over 6 months old be vaccinated against the flu, which spreads alongside fellow respiratory viruses RSV and COVID-19, creating a tripledemic that can overwhelm health care providers.

If you do become sick with the flu, antiviral medications can lessen the duration of your illness and provide stronger protection against complications or death.

For information, visit Public Healths website.

California typically sees between 4,000 and 7,000 flu and pneumonia deaths each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2021, the last full year of data available, 4,638 people died.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
By Jennifer Rigby and Pratik Jain

GENEVA (Reuters) -The World Health Organization head said on Wednesday that the Israeli military incursion into Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza was "totally unacceptable".

Israeli troops entered Shifa, Gaza's biggest hospital, on Wednesday as part of their assault on the Palestinian territory.

Israel says Hamas fighters have a headquarters in tunnels beneath it. Hamas denies this is the case.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a press conference in Geneva that patients and staff must be protected even if hospitals were used for military purposes.

"Hospitals are not battlegrounds," he said. "Israel's military incursion into Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City is totally unacceptable."

The WHO, a U.N. agency, also said it was "urgently exploring" the possibility for evacuating patients and medical staff from the facility.

"To make sure this can be enabled, of course there is a need for safe passage and also for fuel for the ambulances," said Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Peeperkorn said that according to their latest information, 34 of 39 premature infants in the hospital were still alive, and 82 bodies had been buried in a mass grave in the grounds.

A further 80 bodies remained unburied, he said, and there was no oxygen, power or water at the hospital. There are 633 patients there in total, plus around 500 staff and up to 4,000 people sheltering in the hospital grounds, he added.

Tedros, who earlier on Wednesday had said the WHO had lost touch with health personnel at Shifa, said the organization had no reports of the numbers of deaths and injuries in Gaza more broadly for the last three days, making it harder to assess the state of the healthcare system there.

He said one WHO staff member had described it as: "No water, no electricity, only bombing, bombing, bombing..."

At the press conference, Tedros also reiterated calls for a ceasefire and better access for aid into Gaza, as well as for the release of Israeli hostages being held there by Hamas.

The WHO's chief legal expert, Steve Solomon, said health facilities were always under the protection of international law.

"Under international humanitarian law, hospitals...must be safeguarded against all acts of war," he said.

(Reporting by Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber, Pratik Jain and Jennifer Rigby; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
The federal ban on gun possession by people with certain kinds of criminal records is often described as applying to "felons," but that shorthand is misleading. The provision, 18 USC 922(g)(1), actually covers anyone convicted of "a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year." That is why Pennsylvania resident Edward A. Williams lost his right to own a gun after he was convicted of driving under the influence, a misdemeanor, in 2005. Had Williams defied Section 922(g)(1) by possessing a firearm, he would have been committing a federal felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

That consequence violated Williams' Second Amendment rights, a federal judge ruled on Tuesday. U.S. District Judge John Milton Younge's decision in Williams v. Garland tracks the logic of a June ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit, which includes Pennsylvania. The latter case, Range v. Attorney General, involved a Pennsylvania man who likewise was convicted of a nonviolent misdemeanor: food stamp fraud. Both cases illustrate the breadth of this "prohibited person" category, which includes many Americans with no history of violence.

Back in 1995, Bryan Range pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining $2,458 in food stamps by understating his income. He returned the money, paid a $100 fine and $288 in court costs, and served three years of probation. But although he did not initially realize it, that Pennsylvania misdemeanor conviction also carried a lifelong penalty under Section 922(g)(1): permanent loss of his Second Amendment rights. Even though Range did not serve any time behind bars, his crime theoretically was punishable by up to five years in prison.

Applying the constitutional test that the Supreme Court established last year in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, the 3rd Circuit concluded that disarming Range was not "consistent with this Nation's historical tradition of firearm regulation." Writing for the majority, Judge Thomas M. Hardiman noted that laws restricting gun rights based on criminal records were not enacted until relatively recently.

The first such federal law, the Federal Firearms Act of 1938, applied only to violent crimes such as murder, manslaughter, rape, kidnapping, robbery, and assault with a deadly weapon. In 1961, Congress expanded the ban to cover nonviolent crimes punishable by more than a year in prison. "We are confident that a law passed in 1961some 170 years after the Second Amendment's ratification and nearly a century after the Fourteenth Amendment's ratificationfalls well short of 'longstanding' for purposes of demarcating the scope of a constitutional right," Hardiman wrote.

The 3rd Circuit described its decision as "narrow," applying only to Range and "people like him." One of those people, Younge ruled on Tuesday, is Williams, who was arrested for DUI 23 years ago in State College. Although Williams completed a diversion program that resulted in the dismissal of that charge, it still counted as a prior conviction when he was again arrested for DUI in Philadelphia four years later. The prior conviction, combined with the fact that a breathalyzer put his blood alcohol concentration at 0.233 percent ("well above the legal limit of 0.08") after the 2004 arrest, made the second offense "a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to five years in prison." That was enough to trigger Section 922(g)(1).

Defending that application of the provision, the government cited laws enacted in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries that prohibited people from either carrying or firing guns while intoxicated. "The Government points to several regulations permitting the disarmament of drunk or intoxicated persons," Younge writes. "None of these regulations allude to disarmament lasting beyond the individual's state of intoxication, and none provided for permanent disarmament, as Section 922(g)(1) does. Certainly, this Court agrees that using a firearm while intoxicated is dangerous, but historical regulations which momentarily disarmed certain individuals for temporary mental incapacity cannot be considered similar to the sanction of permanent disarmament for past DUI convictions."

In Range, the Justice Department tried to avoid the need to come up with "relevantly similar" historical analogs by arguing that the Second Amendment applies only to "law-abiding" people. Once Range committed food stamp fraud, the government argued, he was no longer part of "the people" whose rights that amendment guarantees.

The 3rd Circuit rejected that argument in no uncertain terms. "At root, the Government's claim that only 'law-abiding, responsible citizens' are protected by the Second Amendment devolves authority to legislators to decide whom to exclude from 'the people,'" Hardiman wrote. "We reject that approach because such 'extreme deference gives legislatures unreviewable power to manipulate the Second Amendment by choosing a label.'"

The Justice Department has not given up on that argument. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar recently told the Supreme Court that the federal ban on gun possession by people who are subject to domestic violence restraining orders is constitutional because it is limited to "dangerous individuals" (which is not actually true). But she repeatedly indicated that, in the government's view, dangerousness is not the only legitimate criterion for disarming people.

"Bruen recognized that Congress may disarm those who are not law-abiding, responsible citizens," Prelogar said. "Throughout our nation's history, legislatures have disarmed those who have committed serious criminal conduct." She argued that "history and tradition" show legislators may disarm "those who have committed serious crimes defined by the felony-level punishment that can attach to those crimes."

That claim conveniently matches the language of current federal law. But as the 3rd Circuit noted in Range, Prelogar's account does not match historical practice prior to the 20th century. And as the 3rd Circuit also noted, the approach recommended by Prelogar empowers the government to strip individuals of their constitutional rights based on how legislators decide to classify an offense.

Chief Justice John Roberts asked Prelogar if "someone who drives 30 miles an hour in a 25-mile-an-hour zone" would qualify as "law-abiding." Yes, Prelogar said, because that is not a "serious crime." Roberts asked if she had in mind the distinction between misdemeanors and felonies. Yes, Prelogar said, "that is the relevant category with

respect to law-abiding citizens."

There are a few problems with that position. First, as Range and Williams show, even nonviolent misdemeanors can trigger the loss of gun rights under Section 922(g)(1). Second, the felonies covered by that provision include many offenses that do not involve violence, such as mail fraud, embezzlement, and obstruction of justice, along with offenses, such as drug dealing, that do not even involve the violation of anyone's rights. Third, if the only criterion is whether an offense is classified as a felony or whether it is subject to "felony-level punishment," legislators have unreviewable power to dramatically limit Second Amendment rights by 1) criminalizing common behavior (such as speeding) and 2) classifying it as a felony.

Last February, in an Oklahoma case involving the federal ban on gun possession by cannabis consumers, U.S. District Judge Patrick Wyrick highlighted that last danger. "Imagine a world" where a state "could make mowing one's lawn a felony so that it could then strip all its newly deemed 'felons' of their right to possess a firearm," he said.

Wyrick posed that very hypothetical to the government's lawyers. "Remarkably," he said, "when presented with this lawn-mowing hypothetical argument, and asked if such an approach would be consistent with the Second Amendment, the United States said 'yes.' So, in the federal government's view, a state or the federal government could deem anything at all a felony and then strip those convicted of that felonyno matter how innocuous the conductof their fundamental right to possess a firearm."

The post He Lost His Gun Rights Because of a Misdemeanor DUI Conviction. That Was Unconstitutional, a Judge Says. appeared first on Reason.com.
Robert Hurst was at a Caseys convenience store in Iowa when he noticed the Jumbo Bucks Progressive games jackpot prize was getting up there.

This inspired him to buy four tickets on Friday, Nov. 10, according to a news release from the Iowa Lottery.

But as the 35-year-old construction operations manager was reviewing his tickets, he noticed the jackpot had reset.

Im thinking, Man, someone just won it, Hurst, of Grinnell, told lottery officials. I looked at my next ticket, it was the current jackpot and the third line down, I see I matched the numbers for the progressive jackpot.

Hurst then went back in to the Caseys in Altoona to confirm if he really did win the $67,043 jackpot prize, according to the release. A worker confirmed the big win.

Unable to claim his winnings until Monday, Hursts first purchase after the big win was a sensible one, lottery officials said.

I stopped and bought a fire safe to put the ticket in for the weekend, Hurst said when finally claiming his prize.

He plans to use his newfound cash to pay off home renovations, then save and enjoy life, according to the release.

And while Hursts jackpot win had him feeling pretty lucky, hes not exactly on a winning streak.

I had poker night with the guys Friday night, he told lottery officials. I lost that one, but I think I won the day.

Grinnell is about 45 miles east of Altoona, part of the Des Moines metropolitan area.

Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.

If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.

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A better world entails more engaged dialogue of civilizations, but how?

20:24, November 14, 2023 By John L. Thornton ( Xinhua

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.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Former MP and linguist Iryna Farion was dismissed from her position as a professor at Lviv Polytechnic National University following an investigation by Ukraines SBU security service on Nov. 15.

Read also: Ukrainian Global Teacher Prize 2023 finalist on new approaches in education  interview

The university's rector, Yuriy Bobalo, approved the dismissal order dated November 15.

Education Minister Oksen Lisovyi confirmed Farion's dismissal, stating that "there is no place in the education system for people who lack respect for the soldiers." He remarked that by this action, the system is shedding "the shadows of the Soviet past." The minister also credited the university students for demonstrating their ability to "defend and protect their values."

Earlier on Nov. 15, the SBU announced that it had opened a criminal case against Farion under four articles of the Criminal Code. She faces up to seven years of imprisonment for disparaging military personnel and violating the secrecy of correspondence.

On Nov. 14, students from Lviv Polytechnic, where Farion taught, held a protest demanding her dismissal. The university's vice-rector for strategic development, Liliya Zhuk, stated that there were no grounds for dismissal at the time, and that a working group had been established to review the situation.

Read also: Ukraines Netflix  Megogo launches education platform for start of school year

On Nov. 6, Farion publicly said she refuses to recognize Russian-speaking Ukrainian troops as Ukrainians.

On Nov. 7, Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets appealed to the police, SBU, and National Council of Television and Radio Broadcasting to investigate Farion's statement.

Read also: Ukraine successfully pushing Russian navy out of Crimea  Stoltenberg

Farion published a letter on Nov. 8 from a student in occupied Crimea who supported her stance on the importance of the Ukrainian language and expressed his hope for the liberation of his native Kerch. Farion did not conceal his personal information, name, and place of study, which led to reports that Russian security services had located the student due to this exposure.

Read also: Invading Russian troops murder family in occupied Volnovakha for refusing to give up home, Ombudsman says

The professor referred to the incident as "another provocation" she believes was orchestrated by Russian propaganda.

On Nov. 14, Farion published an appeal to the President of Ukraine, the Minister of Defense, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to "take measures" against soldiers who had criticized her statements. She believes the military personnel, by doing so, "defile the honor of the Ukrainian officer and cast a shadow over the entire Ukrainian army."

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 two stars set to join Im a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! days after everyone else have revealed ahead of the ITV shows return.

On Sunday (19 November), the 21st series of the reality series will begin for an instalment featuring a new crop of stars ranging from soap stars and TV hosts, to one controversial ex-politician.

Earlier this month, the line-up for the 2023 series was leaked online days before an official announcement from ITV.

However, when the official line-up was released, it came without two names who were on the leaked list, and its now being reported that these two celebrities will enter the camp days after everyone else.

Each series, two stars make their way into camp together a few days after everyone else has got to grips with camp life, and their arrival typically creates a divide with the camp being split into two  each being led by the new celebrity.

According to The Suns leaked list, these stars will be two sportsmen: jockey Frankie Dettori and boxer Tony Bellew.

Both are said to be entering the jungle having retired in the last five years, with producers pinning hopes on the pair to bring entertainment to the series.

Bellew, 40, competed as a boxer from 2007 to 2018, and now works as an analyst and commentator for the sport.

He had a role in the Rocky spin-off films Creed (2015) and Creed III (2023), playing the boxer Ricky Conlan.

Tony Bellew is set to enter Im a Celebrity (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Italian star Dettori, 52, has had a career as a jockey for 35 years, riding the winners of 287 Group 1 races.

Past contestants to have joined the show as latecomers include former Deal or No Deal host Noel Edmonds, broadcaster Danny Baker and EastEnders star Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian Beale.

Frankie Dettori is set to enter the jungle (Getty Images for Ascot Racecours)

This years series includes what is reported to be the shows biggest ever signing, with former UKIP leader Nigel Farage allegedly receiving 1.5m for his appearance.

Farage himself revealed earlier this month that he was considering the show having been offered the large sum, which he says hes been offered multiple times in the past.

The controversial ex-politician has touched down in Australia, with recording set to begin in a matter of days  but his appearance has led to a boycott by long-time viewers of the show.

Other stars set to enter the jungle include food writer Grace Dent, This Morning co-host Josie Gibson and Hollyoaks star Nick Picard.

As ever, the series will be hosted by Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly.

Im a Celebrity starts on Sunday (19 November) at 9pm on ITV and ITVX.
WEST PALM BEACH  A group of men are facing multiple life sentences in federal prison for their roles in a kidnapping and home invasion that took place in western Palm Beach County three years ago.

Prosecutors say a man lured friends Chi'Kevious King and Marvin McGrew to an AirBnB in The Acreage in December 2020. Armed with an AR-15, the man and two accomplices ordered King and McGrew onto the ground, bound their arms and legs and tossed them into the trunk and back seat of King's car.

King said he then gave his kidnappers what they had traveled from Ohio and California to get: directions to his grandmother's home in Belle Glade. There, the men found King's mother and grandmother, as well as a safe containing $70,000.

Prosecutors say the three men stole the safe and fled in King's Dodge Challenger. They later abandoned the car on the side of a road, leaving King and McGrew still bound inside while their kidnappers escaped in an awaiting Honda Accord.

'Ima be in a suspicious van': Man met teen online, then sexually exploited her, FBI says

A lengthy interstate investigation involving the FBI and two informants prompted more than 20 federal felony charges against the accused kidnappers and their suspected co-conspirators. A superseding indictment filed last month added another defendant, Dillon Polanco, to the mix.

His arrest report details a soured relationship with King and a plot to make money at his expense, roping in younger men to help and condemning them to years in prison along the way.

Dispute over drugs inspired kidnapping scheme

According to court records, Polanco drove from Ohio to West Palm Beach to sell King marijuana months before the kidnappings. Federal investigators said King paid Polanco using money from the safe in his grandmother's home.

One informant told investigators that a dispute over drugs caused Polanco and King's relationship to deteriorate. The informant said Polanco recruited Darwin Salgado and Anthony Lamar, both in their 20s, to return with him to South Florida in December to rob King.

According to his arrest report, Polanco paid Salgado $10,000 to cover the airfare, AirBnB and firearms necessary to carry out their plan. Then Polanco arranged for a third man, 22-year-old Rahsaan Robinson, to take his place in the kidnapping.

Federal court: Margaritaville cruise ship bartender pleads guilty to sexually assaulting passenger

King's arrival at the AirBnB on Dec. 14, 2020, was expected. His friend McGrew's was not. According to the FBI, Salgado called Polanco while King and McGrew watched TV in the living room and asked whether to proceed with the robbery. Polanco said yes.

The men did as they were told, subduing McGrew and King and driving to King's grandmother's home in Belle Glade soon afterward. Salgado knocked on the front door and forced his way past King's grandmother when she opened it. He and Robinson carried King into the house and left McGrew tied up in the trunk of the car.

"Nothing could have prepared me for the events of that night," King's 76-year-old grandmother wrote later. "Hearing the words, 'Ma'am, I will shoot you,' caused me to be frozen in fear."

She began to pray.

King broke free from his restraints and fought with Salgado and Robinson, who he said pistol-whipped him in the eye and choked him unconscious. He woke up in the back of the Dodge, watching as the three men fled with the locked safe in a Honda Accord.

Later, a passerby who saw McGrew crawl out of the Dodge's trunk helped cut his and King's restraints and called 911. A Palm Beach County judge signed off on a warrant for their assailants' arrest on charges of kidnapping, home invasion robbery with a firearm and armed burglary the next day.

Victim's grandmother asked judge for maximum penalty

Investigators believe the men used a saw to open the safe in a Motel 6 in Broward County and hid the $70,000 inside the door of a rented Mitsubishi. The U.S. Marshals Service arrested Salgado and Lamar at a hotel in Georgia on Dec. 16, 2020  two days after the incident  but did not find the $70,000.

The men were housed temporarily in the Palm Beach County Jail on charges of kidnapping, home invasion robbery with a firearm and armed burglary. However, the Palm Beach County State Attorneys Office did not pursue the charges, citing insufficient evidence.

Both men were released from jail without restriction.

Parents killed, son kidnapped: Jewish group CEO recalls mom's agony

Investigators said that upon his release, Salgado traveled to Oregon to meet with Polanco and enlisted two others to retrieve the money and firearms hidden inside the Mitsubishi rental car and return them to Polanco.

The Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office pressed new, weightier charges against Salgado and Lamar  including kidnapping with a firearm and aggravated battery with a firearm  a month and two weeks after declining to file the first charges. Federal authorities took over the case from them in March 2022.

Faced with three possible life sentences in federal prison, Salgado pleaded guilty the following September. King's grandmother wrote a letter to U.S. District Judge William P. Dimitrouleas asking that Salgado be imprisoned for life.

"The memories of this situation have left me feeling vulnerable, worried, confused  a prisoner in that place I so comfortably called home," she wrote.

Dimitrouleas sentenced him to 19 years instead, accounting for his cooperation with investigators.

Taken into federal custody between July and October of this year, all of Saldagos' codefendants have pleaded not guilty and are poised, for now, to fight the charges at trial.

Lamar and Robinson face three life sentences each and Polanco faces two. Geovanni Vazquez, who investigators believe helped retrieve the $70,000 from the Mitsubishi, could spend up to 10 years in prison, court records show.

Hannah Phillips is a journalist covering public safety and criminal justice at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at hphillips@pbpost.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Men accused of kidnapping, stealing $70k from Belle Glade grandma's home
A group of French diplomats have penned a highly unusual joint memorandum deploring what they allege is a pro-Israeli bias from President Emmanuel Macron, adding to pressure on the president after sometimes controversial statements over the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

French daily newspaper Le Figaro said on Monday that around a dozen French ambassadors accredited to the Middle East and North Africa countries signed the confidential note, calling it an "unprecedented gesture in the recent history of French diplomacy in the Arab world."

The exact content of the cable has not been revealed, although diplomats and sources, who spoke to AFP, confirmed its existence.

The diplomatic missive, sent as an official but confidential "note" to the foreign ministry, reflects the unease of certain officials at the Quai d'Orsay over Macron's policies on the war sparked by the unprecedented October 7 attack by Hamas against Israel that was followed by relentless Israeli bombing of the Gaza Strip.

"It is an internal note of a professional nature which is unusual in its form since it is collective," Denis Bauchard, a former French ambassador to Jordan, told AFP.

Every day French embassies and consulates send dozens or more diplomatic cables to the foreign ministry in Paris, but they are supposed to remain confidential.

A Paris-based diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the leaking of the existence of the note was "not accidental."

- 'Expression of concern' -

Bauchard, who is also former director for North Africa and the Middle East at the French foreign ministry, described the memo as "a genuine initiative by the ambassadors who are making the same observation."

The identities of the high-ranking diplomats behind the note have not been revealed.

"It's an expression of concern that France is losing influence, including in countries with which it has traditionally enjoyed good relations, such as Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt," Bauchard said.

French foreign ministry spokeswoman Anne-Claire Legendre said Paris would not comment on diplomatic correspondence of a confidential nature.

"Diplomacy is not a matter of individual opinions expressed in the press," she said.

Yves Aubin de la Messuziere, a former envoy to Iraq and Tunisia, said the note appeared because of the "incomprehension" that Macron's policies on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict aroused among some ambassadors.

"We have the impression," he said, "of ill-considered or totally improvised initiatives or proposals."

He singled out Macron's recent call for Palestinian militants Hamas to be added to the targets of an international coalition against the Islamic State group.

That proposal was "useless and ineffective", he said, noting that many Arab countries would not join such an initiative.

He said that Macron's policies made France's foreign policy "illegible", complicating the job of diplomats on the ground.

Aubin de la Messuziere said that the Israeli-Palestinian question was "a structuring element of France's foreign policy" for many decades, from the reign of General Charles de Gaulle to the presidency of Jacques Chirac.

He lamented that in recent years the Israeli-Palestinian conflict had lost its "centrality" for France, noting that Macron did not mention the decades-old problem in his speech to ambassadors last August.

"The situation is very serious, because it is a matter of losing influence in the region", he added.

- 'Lost credibility in Arab world' -

Some worry that France has lost the image of a country seeking a balanced approach to addressing the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

"There is a growing perception in Arab countries that France is aligned with the United States and gives almost unconditional support to Israel", said Bauchard.

An adviser to Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said that Macron's statements, particularly during his visit to Israel, did not go unnoticed.

"The French president has lost his credibility in the Arab world and his reputation," the adviser told AFP in early November, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Both Bauchard and Aubin de la Messuziere said that French diplomats were also concerned the Elysee's diplomatic team sidelined the foreign ministry under Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, who was previously France's ambassador to London.

"The president is obviously not obliged to follow the advice given to him by diplomats, whether at the Elysee or the Quai d'Orsay, but the feeling is too often, rightly or wrongly, one of intuitive improvisation", Bauchard said.

Legendre, the French foreign ministry spokeswoman, insisted that the ministry was keeping its sway.

"Each international situation is the subject of numerous contributions from our diplomatic posts," she said.

Dt-as/sjw/yad
Madagascar's outgoing President Andry Rajoelina (2nd L) urged people to vote and ignore an opposition call to boycott the polls (MAMYRAEL)

Madagascar voted in highly contested presidential elections on Thursday that were boycotted by most opposition candidates and appeared to have resulted in a very low turnout.

As polling stations began closing and counting got under way, two senior sources within the electoral commission told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity, that preliminary data suggested less than 20 percent of those registered showed up to vote.

President Andry Rajoelina has voiced confidence in being re-elected, brushing off criticism and weeks of protests that have rocked the Indian Ocean island nation.

"I'm confident in the maturity of Malagasy democracy, and I'm also confident in the choice of the Malagasy people," he said, after casting his ballot in the capital, Antananarivo, urging everyone to do the same.

"There are always people trying to stir up trouble and prevent elections in Madagascar. But I thank the wisdom of the people."

Rajoelina, 49, was one of 13 candidates on the ballot but 10 of the others called on voters to shun the elections, complaining of an "institutional coup" in favour of the incumbent.

A poor turnout is likely to strengthen the hand of the opposition grouping, which has vowed to continue protesting until a fair election is held.

Eleven million people were registered to vote in the country of about 30 million.

- 'Turn the page' -

Following a night-time curfew, voting passed off calmly in the capital, AFP journalists saw, with voters emerging from rudimentary polling centres, their thumbs stained with green and gold indelible ink.

"I'm worried because there are some factions who just want the country to be in chaos," Francky Randriananantoandro, a computer science student, told AFP.

"We have to move on, turn the page. For 60 years that was already the case, and I think we have to stop now."

Madagascar is the leading global producer of vanilla but also one of the world's poorest countries and has been shaken by successive political crises since independence from France in 1960.

Since early October, the opposition grouping -- which includes two former presidents -- has led near-daily, largely unauthorised protest marches in the capital.

Police have regularly dispersed them, firing tear gas.

On Wednesday, authorities imposed a night-time curfew in Antananarivo, following what police said were "various acts of sabotage".

Rajoelina first took power in 2009 on the back of a coup that ousted then president Marc Ravalomanana, who is among the boycotting opposition candidates.

After not contesting the 2013 election due to international pressure, Rajoelina was voted back into power in 2018.

As his opponents refused to campaign, he flew across the country by private plane, showcasing schools, roads and hospitals built during his tenure.

"I'm voting, but we know this isn't normal," said 43-year-old Eugene Rakatomalala. "There weren't any candidates who did campaigns."

But many others seemed to have stayed away.

- 'Fraud' -

Two hours before polls closed, at a school-turned-polling station in Ravalomanana's stronghold district in Antananarivo, an election official yawned, while another sat with his head resting on his hands.

Only 18 percent of those registered there had shown up, they said. "It's really not much," said one.

At another polling station in a poor district of the capital, officials said turnout was around 30 percent when an AFP reporter visited in the afternoon.

For many, politics takes a back seat to making ends meet.

"In the morning, I don't eat -- only a little at lunchtime and in the evening. Otherwise, I can't get by, I don't have enough," Josiane Rasomalala, 41, told AFP.

"I'm voting because we need a better life."

Madagascar has been in turmoil since media reports in June revealed Rajoelina had acquired French nationality in 2014.

Under local law, the president should have lost his Madagascan nationality, and with it, the ability to lead the country, his opponents said.

Rajoelina has denied trying to conceal his naturalisation, saying he became French to allow his children to study abroad.

His challengers were further enraged by another ruling allowing for an ally of the president to take over the reins of the nation on an interim basis after Rajoelina resigned in line with the constitution to run for re-election.

They have also complained about electoral irregularities.

"In Androy, the polling stations are literally closed, there are no voters," said Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko -- one of two opposition candidates not taking part in the boycott -- referring to a southern region of Madagascar.

"In some offices, there are no voting booths... we are already seeing fraud."

Results are not expected for at least a week.

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Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip in response to a bloody attack by Hamas has sparked protests worldwide -- including in Spain. But a video circulating online does not show pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Madrid; it was taken in November 2023 after Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez offered an amnesty deal to Catalan separatists.

"Human flood in Spain for Palestine," says a November 13, 2023 post sharing a video of crowds in a square on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Screenshot of an X post taken November 15, 2023

The same claim circulated elsewhere on X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

The posts come more than a month after Hamas fighters killed approximately 1,200 people -- mostly civilians -- and took around 240 hostages in Israel, according to the country's latest figures.

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says Israel's ensuing aerial bombardment and ground offensive have killed more than 11,500 people, also mostly civilians.

While marches in support of Palestinians and a ceasefire have taken place around the world -- including in Spain -- the video shared online is unrelated to the conflict.

A reverse image search surfaced similar footage (archived here) from Radiotelevision Espanola (RTVE). Using a keyword search, AFP found a sequence identical to the one shared out of context (archived here).

"Hundreds of thousands of people demonstrate against the amnesty throughout Spain: 'We will not be silent,'" the Spanish public broadcaster says in a November 12 X post sharing the video.

Cientos de miles de personas se manifiestan contra la amnistia en toda Espana: "No nos callaremos"https://t.co/XJFdfxXWTspic.twitter.com/mE2P1KFTg6  Telediarios de TVE (@telediario_tve) November 12, 2023

AFP photographer Oscar del Pozo captured similar viewpoints in Madrid's Puerta del Sol square that day.

A demonstrator holds Spain's flag from a balcony during a protest called by right-wing opposition against an amnesty bill for people involved with Catalonia's failed 2017 independence bid in Puerta del Sol square in Madrid on November 12, 2023 OSCAR DEL POZO AFP

A picture taken November 12, 2023 shows a general view during a protest called by right-wing opposition against an amnesty bill for people involved with Catalonia's failed 2017 independence bid in Puerta del Sol square in Madrid OSCAR DEL POZO AFP

Tens of thousands of Spaniards rallied nationwide after the Socialist government offered amnesty to Catalan separatists behind a failed 2017 declaration of independence.

Sanchez presented the controversial amnesty bill to shore up support needed to form a new government amid deep political divisions. Right-wing demonstrators gathered in Madrid and staged protests against the proposed law for more than a week.

The prime minister has spoken out about the conflict in the Middle East, urging Israel on November 15 to end the "indiscriminate killing of Palestinians" in Gaza.

"We demand an immediate ceasefire on the part of Israel in Gaza and strict compliance with international humanitarian law, which today is clearly not respected," Sanchez said during a debate in parliament ahead of a vote of confidence.

AFP has fact-checked other out-of-context media associated with the Israel-Hamas war here.
US public support for Israels war in Gaza has dropped significantly over the past month and most Americans now believe Israel should agree to a ceasefire, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll.

The poll found that only 32 per cent agreed with the statement that the US should support Israel, which represents a drop of 9 per cent since the same question was asked one month ago.

Some 68 per cent of respondents in the poll said they agreed with a statement that Israel should call a ceasefire and try to negotiate  that number was made up of three-quarters of Democrats and half of Republicans.

Those numbers stand in stark contrast to the position of lawmakers on both sides of the political divide, most of whom have rejected calls for a ceasefire. The Biden administration refused those calls and instead supported humanitarian pauses, despite the killing of more than 11,000 Palestinians in one month, including more than 4,500 children. Only one US senator, Democrat Dick Durbin, has called for a ceasefire.

The US government is Israels strongest ally, providing almost unconditional political and material support for decades. The US gives Israel around $3.8bn a year in aid for its military and missile defence systems, and has given more than $130bn since Israels founding in 1948. Following the Hamas massacre of 1,200 people on 7 October, which sparked the latest Gaza conflict, president Joe Biden asked Congress to approve a further $14.3bn in funding.

The Reuters poll found that just 31 per cent of respondents supported sending Israel weapons, while 43 per cent were opposed.

Israel launched its war in Gaza in response to a massacre by Hamas in southern Israel that left 1,200 people dead. Israel responded by launching a war that has killed more than 11,000 Palestinians, including more than 4,500 children.

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened, calls for a ceasefire have grown. The United Nations secretary general, Antonio Guterres, warned this week that Gaza was becoming a graveyard for children , and that the unfolding catastrophe makes the need for a humanitarian ceasefire more urgent with every passing hour.

The Biden administration has also faced calls for a ceasefire from hundreds of staffers, members of President Joe Biden s campaign and Democratic Party employees, who signed a letter calling on him to urgently demand a ceasefire.

Dozens of State Department employees signed internal memos to Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressing their sharp disagreement with the administrations approach to Israels military campaign. Several internal cables have urged Mr Biden to call for a ceasefire, according to The New York Times.

On Wednesday, 24 Democratic members of Congress wrote a letter to president Biden and secretary of state Antony Blinken pushing for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the establishment of a robust bilateral ceasefire.

In recent days, Israel has struck a number of hospitals and medical facilities across the densely populated Gaza Strip, which is home to 2.3 million people. The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) has reported that at least 521 people, including 16 medical workers, have been killed in 137 attacks on health care, and on Tuesday evening Israeli troops raided Gazas largest hospital .

Public support for Israel is generally higher in the US than most countries in the world , and that support has remained steadfast. But in recent years, the gap between support for Israel and Palestinians has narrowed. That sympathy gap stands at 23 points in favour of Israel as of this year, down from a 42 per cent gap in 2017. According to an annual Gallup poll on Americans opinions of Israel, sympathy toward the Palestinians among US adults reached a new high of 31 per cent in March , while 54 per cent of Americans sympathised more with the Israelis, the lowest since 2005.
The U.S. Senate will reconvene after Nov. 23 to consider a joint funding bill that includes aid for Ukraine and Israel, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D) said at a press conference on Nov. 14.

The proposed bill, which would lump aid for Ukraine along with packages for Israel, the Indo-Pacific region, and humanitarian support, had bipartisan support, Schumer claimed.

"It will be a very high priority," Schumer said.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a stopgap funding bill on Nov. 14 in order to prevent the looming government shutdown, but it did not include aid for Ukraine or Israel.

The bill will now go to the Senate, which must pass it before the deadline on Nov. 17, and then to the White House.

However, the bill would only forestall debates about more long-term budget plans, as it proposes to keep the government funded in two staggered segments until Feb. 2 at the latest.

U.S. President Joe Biden previously asked the U.S. Congress to approve a new $106 billion aid package, including more than $61 billion in funding for aid to Ukraine.

When asked why he did not support a standalone proposal from U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (D) for aid for Israel, Schumer said that it was not a "serious" proposal, adding that Biden threatened to veto it if it did not include aid for Ukraine.

Read also: We cant allow Putin to prevail, says Speaker Johnson after being elected, but his track record says opposite





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Bartlesville police identified the male gunshot victim whose body was found alongside Highway 60 Monday night as 16-year-old Markus Stephen Scott.

Scott appeared to have suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his torso, said Chief Kevin Ickleberry. He said the incident was reported at 9:39 p.m. and police attempted to administer aid upon arrival.

Bartlesville Police Chief Kevin Ickleberry announced the identification of the dead body found Monday night as Marcus Stephen Scott during a press conference.

Ickleberry reported that Scott attended Bartlesville High School, but there are conflicting reports that he had dropped out of school.

"BPD investigators have worked around the clock to investigate this matter and to secure evidence that will result in the arrest of the person or persons responsible for this crime," Ickleberry said.

He said informants led them to Coffeyville, Kansas where the vehicle believed to be involved in the incident was discovered. An adult suspect was later arrested by Coffeyville police where he is being held on unrelated charges.

Ickleberry said the location where the body was found was not a dump site but a crime scene.

The suspect and victim knew each other and he said the suspect is known to BPD.

Using video from surrounding businesses, BPD investigators identified several witnesses in the area and are asking anyone who witnessed the shooting to contact the BPD at 918-338-4001 or contact Capt. Daniel Elkins at 918-338-4020 or by email at dbelkins@cityofbartlesville.org.

The investigation is continuing and police will release more investigation as it becomes available.

This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: BPD identify victim found off Highway 60 as local 16-year-old
WEDNESDAY NEWS HIT - Plans to attend a pro-Israel rally were stymied for hundreds of people who flew to Washington D.C. on Tuesday only for the buses hired to pick them up never showed.

In an act that some travelers called a "deliberate and malicious" act of anti-Semitism, the bus drivers called out sick after failing to show.

"It's the sort of thing that in this country just shouldn't happen," said Rabbi Mark Miller, of Temple Beth El out of Bloomfield Township. "We're expressing free speech. We're expressing unity and solidarity, very American activities and the idea of not being able to go, being prevented from going just because of who we are or because of our beliefs is just un-American.

"It's a sad thing that's happening, but it's also an angering thing," he added.

Organized by the Jewish Federation of Detroit, it chartered planes and scheduled ground transportation for metro Detroiters who were traveling to D.C. for a pro-Israel rally. But when the plane arrived at Dulles Airport in Virginia around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, there was no one to pick them up.

Pro-Israel supporters stranded on the tarmac at Dulles Airport in Virginia.

David Kurzmann of the federation said it had learned the bus company hired to transport visitors never showed up after a deliberate walk-off by drivers.

"It was relayed to us that it had to do with the nature of the event," he said in a media update.

Many of those stranded on the tarmac only managed to return home on Wednesday, reaching Detroit just after 6 a.m.

The rally was held at the National Mall with tens of thousands of Israel supporters gathering to show solidarity against Hamas. Many politicians in leadership attended the rally.

Read more here.

Freeway Camera System coming to Detroit

The Detroit City Council approved a $30 million grant from the state for the police department to install a camera system along the city's freeways to help reduce violent shootings on roadways like I-75, I-94, I-96, and M-10.

The grant is from the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and will fund the installation of 400 cameras at 200 locations along 68 miles of freeways in Detroit.

The city argues the network is needed due to an average of 50 shootings on freeways in Detroit over the last three years - three times more than before the pandemic. "This increase, in part, reflects a known gap in the Detroit Police Departments ability to monitor freeways through video technology," read the request.

And investigating freeway shootings poses a unique challenge, the department argues, which is why a camera system showing live feeds of the highways will help police investigate reported. shootings.

It's not the only camera system coming to Detroit.

Casino strike impacts starting to show

While Detroit's three casinos remain open as striking workers demand a better contract, several temporary closures have taken place.

Valet parking services are unavailable at MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown; self-parking garages are currently the only way for customers to enter. In addition to valets, the following are also unavailable at MotorCity Casino:

The high limit table games, first floor slots, and poker room.

The D.TOUR Spa and Lacquer Gift Shop.

The radio bar

On Tuesday, the Michigan Gaming Control Board revealed revenue losses at all three Detroit gaming centers for October, which is when the strike began. The losses of each casino range from around $5 million to $7 million.

Read more here.

Detroit credit union names 1st Black woman CEO

Sati Smith has come a long way  from a single parent in need of support, to the first African American woman CEO of one of Detroit's oldest credit unions. On Nov. 1, Diversified Members Credit Union (DMCU) appointed Smith, 53, as the new CEO to lead the organization.

"I was on welfare, I was a single mother," Smith said. "You just have to continue to work hard, and utilize the passion, have that drive - and you will succeed. Don't ever give up."

At 26 years old, Smith's father secured a car loan for her  which led her to meet Kathie Trembath. Little did she know, Trembath would later become her mentor and Smith would be taking over her role as she retires.

After getting a car, Smith went back to school while working as a teller with Kemba Financial Credit Union, according to the Michigan Credit Union League & Affiliates. She worked her way up while raising her daughter, who is now 31-years-old and works as a loan processor at DMCU.

Detroit mom arrested after baby found unresponsive on Florida beach

A Detroit mom was arrested in Florida after authorities said she left her baby on a beach in Florida and the child was found "unresponsive" and "cold to the touch". Shamika Mitchell, 37, was arrested by deputies in Daytona Beach on a felony charge of child neglect as authorities said she left her 1-year-old boy on the beach.

Shamika Mitchell (Photo via Volusia Sheriffs Office)

Officials said Mitchell was in her car last Friday with the baby with three other children when she walked off with her 1-year-old son. She came back and did not have the baby with her. Mitchell's teenage son asked where his brother was, and she said she had given the baby to his father after meeting up with him at a nearby convenience store.

But her son said it didn't make sense because the father of the child lived in Detroit, according to the affidavit. The baby was ultimately found on the beach with four witnesses who were trying to warm up the "unresponsive" child, deputies said. They removed his wet diaper in an attempt to warm and dry him, according to an incident report.

The deputy took the child  who was "shivering" and had "an elevated pulse"  to the inside of his patrol car and worked to warm the child until medical personnel arrived.

Read more here.

Live on FOX 2

Daily Forecast

Another beautiful day of weather? Yes please. Expect Wednesday to usher in more of the same with temperatures in the high 50s and plenty of sun. It'll be even warmer Thursday before we take the plunge into winter-feeling weather.

What else we're watching

A corridor on I-94 in western Wayne County will see another lane closed Wednesday and Thursday as road crews work to install a connected and automated road system. The smart highway will be able to connect to other vehicles. Also in Detroit City Council news: a new business ordinance pushed by President Mary Sheffield would clear up the bidding process for city contracts that gives preferential treatment to suburban contractors. But some Black contractors disagree. Want to track the UAW ratification vote? It'll be the deciding factor if the union takes up a new deal negotiated by its leadership. You can find every local group's voting here. Firearm season begins Wednesday. There are a few things hunters should know about, including areas where chronic wasting disease is being surveiled and how to use the state's new online reporting system. Barry Sanders' documentary "Bye Bye Barry" is scheduled for a world premiere at the Fox Theater. This week. It'll then be shown on Amazon Prime.

House passes spending bill to avert government shutdown

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.
A man has been arrested after being accused of brutally assaulting his wife to death in Statesville early Monday morning, according to the Iredell County Sheriffs Office.

At approximately 2:30 a.m. that day, deputies were called to the emergency room of Iredell Memorial Hospital.

At the hospital, deputies learned 68-year-old Rebecca Tyson had been assaulted and was brought to the hospital by her husband, Clarence Tyson.

Despite numerous lifesaving efforts, Rebecca Tyson died a short while after.

ALSO READ: Hold abusers accountable: New tool helps victims of domestic violence

Deputies said Clarence Tyson told them a domestic altercation had taken place at their home on West Iredell Circle prior to his wifes death.

After speaking with witnesses, deputies believe that Clarence Tyson had brutally assaulted Rebecca Tyson at their home. When he found her non-responsive, he took her to the hospital.

On Tuesday, an autopsy determined Rebecca Tysons cause of death was strangulation. The autopsy also revealed she had other severe injuries from assault, which included several broken bones and severe bruising.

After determining the cause of death, deputies charged Clarence Tyson with first-degree murder. He is currently being held without bond.

VIDEO: New tool helps victims of domestic violence




An Indiana man is facing charges after police say he used the social media app Snapchat to prey on young girls and sexually assault them.

Benjamin Owen Rollo, 20, is charged with three counts of child molesting, two counts of sexual misconduct with a minor and two counts of possession of child pornography, according to a Nov. 10 news release from the Westfield Police Department.

McClatchy News reached out to Rollos attorney who did not wish to comment on the case.

In December 2022, police said they received a complaint accusing Rollo of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl.

The complaint came after the girls mother searched through her daughters cellphone and found messages between her daughter and friends talking about the assault, according to court documents, WTHR reported.

The girl told police that in July 2022, she and her 15-year-old friend snuck out to meet Rollo, according to WXIN. He then drove them to a park and told the friend to get out of the car, the outlet reported, citing police. The girl said thats when he raped her in the back seat, court documents said, according to WXIN.

He wanted to do stuff and I told him no but he did it anyways, she said in the messages, WXIN reported.

The girl told police Rollo contacted them on Snapchat and said he was 18 years old, according to the news outlet.

The girls said they met Rollo on Snapchat under the username Johnny.backer, according to WRTV.

Police say after investigating, they found evidence on Rollos Snapchat account that he raped a 14-year-old girl in December 2022 and tried to convince the girl through messages that it was not rape, WTHR reported.

In todays digital age, its crucial to stay vigilant and proactive about your kids online activities, the Westfield Police Department said in a Facebook page.

Rollo is accused of using his Snapchat account to prey on girls between 11 and 15 years old, according to WRTV.

Westfield is about 20 miles north of Indianapolis.

Online tip leads to child sex abuse material on Florida deputys phone, cops say

Teen girl finds out she was raped after seeing social media video, Florida cops say

Officer sent teens nude photos on Snapchat after meeting them at Florida gym, feds say
WEBER COUNTY, Utah (ABC4)  A 19-year-old man was arrested in Ogden over the weekend after a shooting where he allegedly killed a man and seriously wounded his own brother.

Ricardo Caballero, of Pleasant View, was charged Tuesday in Weber County with first-degree aggravated murder and three counts of felony discharge of a firearm, court documents show.

Ambulance responding to call collides with SUV in Salt Lake City

According to a statement of probable cause, the violence erupted after Caballero accompanied his brother to a place where the brother was set to fight another man. The exact location was not listed in the charging documents.

As Caballeros brother and the other man started fighting, more men showed up. In response, Caballero pulled out a handgun and started shooting, even though the other men were not armed, the documents state.

Caballero fired several shots, and immediately heard his brother cry out in pain, he told police. Caballero added that he also heard the cries of another man, whom he believed hed likely shot, the documents state.

According to investigators, Caballero made several inconsistent statements in regard to how the shooting unfolded.

In one scenario, he said he fired as the men approached his brother; in another, he said he fired as they tried to run away. In yet another, he said that he meant to only fire warning shots, the documents state.

Police found one man shot dead at the scene. Hed suffered two gunshot wounds to the torso, the documents state. Its unclear if anyone else was hurt, besides Caballeros brother.

After the shooting, Caballero drove his adult brother, who was shot in the pelvis, to McKay Dee Hospital, where he was admitted in critical condition.

Power restored following massive outage in Salt Lake County

When investigators met Caballero outside the hospital, they could see a handgun in plain view in his car, the documents state. The ammunition in the gun matched the shell casings at the scene.

Ogden officers arrested Caballero and booked him into jail late Sunday night. He was ordered to be held without bail.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
An 18-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting that happened during an attempted robbery near a Domino's Pizza store in Fairfield, officials said.

Zakariya Davis is facing charges of murder, aggravated robbery and felonious assault. He was taken into custody by Fairfield police, the U.S. Marshals Service, Kenton County Regional SWAT and Elsmere police in Northern Kentucky on Wednesday.

The charges stem from the Sept. 7 robbery and killing of 19-year-old Cameron Duskin, Fairfield police said in a news release.

First responders discovered Duskin dead in a parking lot behind 4605 Dixie Highway. He was in a car that had crashed into a semitrailer.

Police said that a preliminary investigation revealed multiple people had exchanged fire during the attempted robbery.

In a 911 call released by police, a woman and man told dispatch that shots were fired near the Domino's Pizza at 975 Symmes Road.

The woman said that a man in a red hat or hoodie ran past the drive-through window at Domino's saying someone was trying to rob him. He then opened fire towards the Domino's Pizza, she said.

The man said he witnessed two cars speed out of the Domino's parking lot. One crashed into a semitrailer behind Goodwill, he said, and a black sedan left the parking lot and appeared to turn left on Anthony Lane.

In another 911 call, a man says he heard two rounds of gunshots with around seven or eight shots both times.

Davis is currently being held at the Kenton County Detention Center where he is awaiting extradition back to Ohio.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Man apprehended, charged in fatal Fairfield shooting, robbery
A South Side man accused of hitting a woman in the head with a log so hard she remained unresponsive in a Chicago hospital is facing charges of aggravated battery, according to authorities.

Bruce Diamond, 52, of Chicagos Grand Boulevard neighborhood, is accused of throwing a white wooden tree log he had reportedly taken from a nearby Starbucks at a woman in the 600 block of North Michigan Avenue around 2:10 p.m. Monday, court records show.

According to an order to detain Diamond from Judge Ankur Strivastava, the woman remained unresponsive with extensive brain injuries at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and was being treated in the intensive care unit.

According to the petition for pretrial detention, Diamond allegedly launched the log in a javelin-like manner at the woman, an airline employee visiting Chicago, while she and a colleague walked in his direction.

The blow struck her unconscious and caused her to bleed from both the nose and ears. The petition also states that Diamond continued walking after he hit the woman.

Strivastavas pretrial detention order describes the attack as both brutal and senseless, stating that Diamond did not know the victim and appeared to throw the log at her at random.

Diamond has had 21 criminal convictions in Ohio since 2011, according to the pretrial detention order.

Diamond is due to next appear in court on Monday, records show.
David DePape, the man accused of attempting to kidnap former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and attacking her husband last year after breaking into the couple's home, detailed his descent into political extremism and belief in conspiracy theories during his testimony Tuesday in the federal trial against him.

DePape, 43, explained that long before he broke into the Pelosis' San Francisco home in the early morning of Oct. 28, 2022, with plans to get the lawmaker to fess up to corruption within the Democratic Party, he considered himself to be left-leaning politically. He thought Sept. 11 was an "inside job" during former President George W. Bush's tenure in the White House, he said, and at one point he maintained a "very strong anti-Trump bias," believing the former president was a puppet of the ruling class and Wall Street.

That all changed as DePape spent entire days on the internet watching YouTube and listening to right-leaning political podcasts while playing video games in a garage he called home in Richmond, north of Oakland. His favorite podcasters included right-wing pundit Tim Pool and James Lindsay, a conservative influencer that the nonprofit advocacy organization Southern Poverty Law Center describes as a promoter of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and "conspiracy theories about the supposed communist takeover of the world."

DePape explained that his first foray into America's "culture war" was through Gamergate, a right-wing harassment campaign against women and journalists in the gaming industry. From there, he turned his attention to the mainstream media's coverage of former President Trump and what he perceived as corruption in the Democratic Party.

Read more: Man accused of attacking Paul Pelosi, stirring up right-wing conspiracies, faces San Francisco jury

"Everything was a lie about Trump coming from the press," he said.

His hourlong testimony wandered across a range of conspiracy theories, none of which were supported by evidence. He mentioned Russiagate, a belief that the investigation into Russian interference in the election was a "deep state" attempt to destroy the Trump presidency. He brought up the debunked sex-trafficking conspiracy known as Pizzagate and said that "the ruling class, the cabal, the people who control us and run the media" are killing the "tree of liberty."

It was while listening to a right-wing podcast that DePape learned of an unidentified woman listed in court records as "Target 1" and described during the trial as an anthropologist and professor of women and gender studies at the University of Michigan. Her work has prompted debate among feminists and the LGBTQ+ community, specifically around age-of-consent laws, and DePape said he believed the professor's research was promoting pedophilia and the molestation of children.

He planned to go to the professor's San Francisco home that October morning, he testified, but said he considered the Pelosis' house a more accessible starting point. He planned to question the lawmaker about QAnon conspiracy theories and charges of corruption that he alleged involved the Democratic Party and various elected officials and public figures.

If Nancy Pelosi lied to him, DePape said, he planned to "break her kneecaps." He also hoped the lawmaker could help lure out Target 1 so he could "expose the truth." After that, he planned to focus on Gov. Gavin Newsom, who had recently signed a gun control bill.

Read more: Gamergate controversy reveals ugly side of gaming community

"Someone trampling 2nd Amendment rights needed to make the list," DePape said.

DePape said the figures that caught his attention extended beyond California and across the country to include actor Tom Hanks, Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank), billionaire philanthropist George Soros and Hunter Biden, the president's son  all people he believed were contributing to corruption in the Democratic Party or had engaged in child abuse and human trafficking. Such conspiracies are not supported by facts.

DePape said he wanted to get Biden "to expose the corruption against his father." In an unclear and ambiguous final goal, he'd get everyone on the list to admit to their crimes so the president could pardon them all.

The plan was thwarted after he encountered a sleeping Paul Pelosi in the couple's home.

DePape's testimony largely matched the harrowing details Pelosi provided in court on Monday, when he explained the fear he felt in the minutes between the break-in, his 911 call and when police responded to the scene shortly after 2:30 a.m.

Pelosi told DePape his wife was in Washington and wouldn't be home for days. DePape said he would wait for her and tie Pelosi up so he could get some sleep in the meantime.

DePape said that besides the 911 call that Pelosi made, the two men were getting along fine and that he didn't plan to attack the 82-year-old man.

"I didnt want this to escalate into something where he would get hurt," he said, adding that at one point he gave Pelosi a "squeeze on the shoulder, just to be reassuring."

Read more: Paul Pelosi testifies that he knew he was in 'serious danger' before hammer attack

DePape faces up to a combined 50 years in prison if convicted of the two federal charges. But the case is far from straightforward.

The conviction is contingent on prosecutors being able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that DePape intended to kidnap Speaker Pelosi "on account of or during the performance of her official duties." Prosecutors also have to demonstrate that the assault was done in an effort to "impede, intimidate or interfere" or in retaliation for the lawmaker's official duties.

Prosecutors have focused their case on comments DePape made in police body-camera footage and in interviews after the attack. He told Lt. Carla Hurley that he had plans to break Speaker Pelosi's kneecaps so she would have to wheel herself into Congress, where other lawmakers could see the consequences of being one of the most evil people on the planet. He told a reporter in a recorded call this year that he was regretful he was unsuccessful in his mission and that he "didn't get more of them.

Despite public questions over DePapes mental capacity, his attorneys have not raised that argument during trial.

Instead, they focused their case on DePape's conspiracies, alleging he was driven not to attack Paul Pelosi or kidnap his wife, but to put an end to a broader scheme of corruption and other crimes by the Democratic Party and its cronies.

Members of the jury, many of us do not believe any of that. We think its bogus, federal public defender Jodi Linker told the jury Thursday. You may think it is all lies, harmful lies that are in fact destroying the country. ... But the evidence in this trial will show that Mr. DePape believes these things, he believes them with every ounce of his being. He believes them firmly and completely, and it is these beliefs, wholly unrelated to Nancy Pelosis official duties to Congress, that propelled him to act that night.

Read more: Suspect in Paul Pelosi attack believes conspiracies but didn't try to kidnap House speaker, attorney says

On the stand, DePape rejected the idea that he traveled to the Pelosi home for kidnapping, and said he would have broken Speaker Pelosi's kneecaps only if she lied to him.

"The choice is on her," he said. "Theres an alternate path to resolution that doesnt involve violence."

He also disputed the argument that he bludgeoned Paul Pelosi with a hammer because of his wife's role in Congress. He said he reacted after police arrived at the house "because my plan was basically ruined."

"When he was like on the ground breathing, I was really scared for his life," he said. "And later in the hospital, I felt really bad for him, because we kind of had a really good rapport and things were going really good until the very last second."

Attorneys are expected to make closing arguments in the case Wednesday.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A Suffolk County jury convicted Karoon Brown, 51, of first-degree murder in the 2021 stabbing death of a Boston man who was attempting to protect his girlfriend from Brown and two other men, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced.

Brown is facing life in prison without the possibility of parole after being convicted for the murder of 34-year-old Ricardo Garcia in August 2021.

On the morning of August 8, 2021, Brown and his co-defendants, Derrell Sanford, 28, and Dravon Robinson, 38, were driving through Roxbury when they exited their vehicle and approached Garcias girlfriend. When Garcia ran over to defend his girlfriend, Brown, Sanford and Robinson beat and stabbed him. Garcia was transported to a local hospital, where he died.

This was a cold, cruel murder preceded by nothing more than a man seeing his girlfriend in a threatening situation and coming to her aid. I thank the jury for their verdict and I offer my deepest sympathies to Ricardo Garcias family and friends, Hayden said.

Sanford and Robinson are scheduled for trial on January 8.

Brown will be sentenced on Monday. Victim impact statements are expected to be delivered at the sentencing.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Update: Police say they have identified, but not located, a suspect in connection with the stabbing.

One man died Tuesday at a hospital after he was stabbed in Sacramentos Downtown Commons shopping area, police said.

About 4:45 p.m., officers were called to the 400 block of K Street, just west of the Golden 1 Center arena, for the reported stabbing, said Officer Anthony Gamble, a Sacramento Police Department spokesman.

The officers arrived at the scene and found a man suffering from at least one stab wound. Gamble later said the wounded man was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where he died a short time later.

No arrests had been made, and the Police Department did not release any suspect description.
A male pedestrian is dead after he was hit separately by two vehicles minutes apart in the Harbor Gateway area of Los Angeles Tuesday night.

The man, whose identity has not been released, was in the roadway of Normandie Avenue north of Knox Street when he was first struck a few minutes after 9:30 p.m., the Los Angeles Police Department said in a news release. That vehicle then fled without stopping to help.

Two minutes later, another vehicle struck the man again before also fleeing the scene.

The man was declared dead at the scene.

A reward of up to $50,000 is available for information leading to the hit-and-run drivers.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Flannery at 323-421-2561 during business hours.

During non-business hours or on weekends, contact 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or

go directly to lacrimestoppers.org.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
A Ukrainian citizen suspected of embezzling UAH 43 million (about US$1.17 million) from the Ministry of Defence has been detained in Greece.

Source: Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine on 15 November, reported by European Pravda

Details: The detention took place in Athens on 13 November.

According to the investigation, the suspect colluded with other individuals to gain possession of funds that a limited liability company had received as advance payment under military procurement contracts concluded with Ukraines Defence Ministry.

These funds were transferred to the accounts of sole traders, supposedly as payment for the provision of work and services.

The crime was committed between 2 March and 10 May 2022. The suspect was the director of the company at the time.

On 12 July 2022, he was served with a notice of suspicion for misappropriation of property by abuse of office and disposal of property obtained by criminal means, committed on a particularly large scale by an organised group (Art.191.5 and Art. 209.3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

On 6 November 2023, the Prosecutor General's Office sent a request to the Greek authorities regarding the detention and temporary arrest of the suspect.

A red notice was also requested from Interpol.

As a result, the suspect was detained and placed under temporary arrest by the Athens Court of Appeal.

The necessary documents are currently being drawn up to request the suspects extradition to Ukraine for criminal prosecution.

Background: A French court rejected Ukraine's request for the extradition of Ukrainian billionaire Kostiantyn Zhevago, who is accused of embezzlement.

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Update, Nov. 28: Victor Corwin's next court hearing has been rescheduled to Dec. 5.

Original: The man accused of fatally shooting another man outside the Midtown Fort Collins McDonald's in July 2021 will be indefinitely committed to Colorado's state mental hospital after attorneys agreed in court Tuesday that he is not guilty of murder by reason of insanity.

The agreement between the prosecution and the defense stipulates that the man, 31-year-old Victor Corwin, is not guilty by reason of insanity in the fatal shooting of Christopher J. Johnson, 39, of Fort Collins on July 19, 2021, which occurred near the drive-thru of the McDonalds in the vicinity of College Avenue and Drake Road.

Per the agreement, Corwin takes responsibility for killing Johnson but states that he was not sane at the time of the shooting, 8th Judicial District Attorney Gordon McLaughlin explained in a statement to the Coloradoan.

Corwin pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in December, which meant Corwin and his defense were claiming mental deficiencies he suffered at the time of the crime prevented Corwin from knowing right from wrong, 8th Judicial District Judge Gregory Lammons advised Corwin during a previous court hearing.

Three experts were tasked with evaluating Corwin's sanity, and all three determined he was insane when he shot Johnson, McLaughlin said. In order to prove Corwin's guilt in a jury trial, the prosecution would have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Corwin was sane at the time of the shooting. A request by the district attorney's office for a fourth evaluation was denied by Lammons.

"Having exhausted all legal avenues, Colorado law requires a defendant who has been found to be insane be committed to the state hospital instead of the Department of Corrections," McLaughlin said in the statement.

A person found not guilty by reason of insanity is committed to the custody of the Colorado Department of Human Services, which chooses which state facility the person goes to for inpatient treatment, Lammons said in a previous court hearing. If doctors determine a person's sanity is restored, it's possible a person could be released back into the community if prosecutors don't challenge that determination.

Not guilty by reason of insanity is different from legal competency. Legal competency means someone is mentally competent to understand and assist in their own defense while the criminal case is proceeding, whereas the defense of not guilty by reason of insanity claims they were mentally incapacitated at the time of the alleged crime.

Corwin's case was delayed several months as he underwent legal competency evaluations and treatment, but he was found competent to proceed in his defense in September 2022.

Corwin was charged with first-degree murder, a Class 1 felony; identity theft, a Class 4 felony; possession of a weapon by a previous offender, a Class 6 felony; criminal possession of financial devices, a Class 6 felony; aggravated motor vehicle theft, a Class 6 felony; and petty theft.

Corwin was arrested the day after Johnson was killed, after investigators identified him using surveillance footage from the McDonald's. Clips from the video footage played in court during a previous evidence hearing showed Corwin interacting with Johnson multiple times across a span of 7 minutes. Corwin walks back and forth from Johnson  in and out of frame of the video  multiple times, and the final time, he comes back, does something with his waistband and Johnson falls back, Fort Collins Police Services Detective Dollie Knab testified.

Corwin also made several statements to investigators after his arrest that implicated him in Johnson's death, including some statements that didn't make sense. Knab previously testified that Corwin said he shot Johnson because he believed Johnson was a wanted international terrorist, and Corwin was trying to get Johnson to come with him willingly, but when Johnson refused, Corwin had to "execute" him.

Johnson grew up in the area of Brookings, South Dakota, and joined the military after high school, according to his obituary. He had hoped to make a career of his service in the U.S. Army but was injured in Iraq and was honorably discharged.

Johnson used his training provided by the Army to get a job in the oil industry in Denver, where he was employed until 2014, according to his obituary. He was buried with military honors at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls.

Lammons accepted this agreement during Tuesday's court hearing and vacated the three-week trial, which was set to begin Nov. 27.

Attorneys in this case as well as experts, including investigators and sanity evaluators, will present evidence during a court hearing Nov. 27. Corwin remains in the Larimer County Jail on a $3 million bond.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Agreement reached in Midtown Fort Collins McDonald's fatal shooting
Ruined flats in Limehouse, East London. Hughes Mansions, Vallance Road, following the explosion of the last German V2 rocket to fall on London, 27 March 1945.

In World War II, a V-2 rocket slammed into the ground outside of a 14-year-old boy's London home. It exploded and sent a burst of wood, glass and metal shrapnel through the house. Eric Horne, luckily, suffered only minor wounds. But in one of those wounds, in his cheek, a piece of the rocket embedded itself only to be discovered 77 years later as the retired police officer looked in the mirror.

The V-2 Rocket program

Early in World War II, Germany largely eschewed "wonder weapons" as its conventionally armed military successfully took out the world's most powerful fort in hours , swept across western Europe, and slammed deep into the Soviet Union.

But then the Soviet Union and United States joined the Allies. An overstretched Wehrmacht fell back from North Africa, in Russia, and the Balkans. Italy crumbled under determined assaults. And the Nazis knew they needed a game-changing plan in order to survive, let alone win.

And so they pursued a series of...let's call them "questionable" wonder weapon programs. The V-1 and V-2 programs fell under this umbrella. The V-1 was a pulsejet-powered cruise missile and the V-2 was a rocket-powered ballistic missile.

The Royal Air Force and the rest of the British military eventually got a handle on V-1 defense. The jet-powered missiles could just barely be chased and shot down by British fighters. And in some cases, when the pilot couldn't fire, he instead tipped the V-1 off-route with his wings .

But V-2 rockets flew supersonic and into space . For most of their arc, they flew up to eight times faster than common fighters of the day. And at the top of their arc, when they were a bit slower, they flew higher than any fighter could reach, often breaching space.

There were no recorded intercepts in all of World War II, according to a 1963 article (JSTOR paywall).

Both weapons caused terror in British cities and suburbs , but they were quite expensive for the Germans. Germany simply couldn't sustain a high bombardment rate when each warhead needed its own fuel, engine, and fuselage. Historians today contend that the missile program was probably a mistake.

Still, for a short period, Germany did launch 100 missiles a day, terrifying British citizens.

https://youtu.be/SC-j7le8i_0?si=Pw1WWLsn_Opj3kHI\u0026amp;t=417

Eric Horne, British boy, and the V-2 rocket

One of the British citizens who attempted to go about his life under the constant threat of V-1 and V-2 attacks was the aforementioned Eric Horne. The young boy was sitting at home in September 1944 in South London. A V-2 slammed into the ground less than 165 feet away from him.

Fourteen people died in the attack, but Horne luckily just suffered a series of cuts. Shrapnel embedded into his skin. But he recovered safely. He moved to Australia and became a police officer. He married, had kids. And he retired and grew old.

One day, when he was 92 years old, he noticed a small object embedded in his cheek. He used tweezers to tease it out and noticed tiny markings on the object. He sent it to a V-1 and V-2 specialist who confirmed what Eric must have suspected: The piece of shrapnel came from the rocket that nearly killed Eric.

Today, the object is in the collection of the Imperial War Museums of London. Their video on the V-2 rocket, which includes the story of Eric Horne, is embedded above.
A 16-year-old girl who reported she was raped by a Michigan man was later kidnapped and killed in the mans attempt to thwart a sexual assault trial, according to federal authorities.

The girl was killed in 2017, authorities said, but her death didnt put a stop to criminal proceedings.

Quinn James, the man she accused of raping her, was convicted of four counts of criminal sexual conduct in 2018, court records show. Then in 2019, the Grand Rapids man was convicted of first-degree murder, felony murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

But James wasnt the only man responsible for the teens death, according to a Nov. 14 news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Michigan.

James had hired Gerald Bennett, of Detroit, to help him kidnap and murder the girl, authorities said.

James and Bennett communicated for several weeks before abducting (her) from a bus stop on January 24, 2018, according to the release. Her body was found days later in a wooded area in Kalamazoo.

A defense attorney who represented Bennett did not provide a statement to McClatchy News.

Faking his incompetency

While both men were charged with murder in state court, the case against Bennett was dropped after he was found not competent to stand trial, officials said.

But investigators were convinced Bennett was competent, authorities said, and he was then arrested on a federal criminal complaint in June 2022.

A forensic psychologist conducted a competency evaluation and found Bennett had faked being incompetent, according to the release.

While Bennett was in custody awaiting his competency hearing, he allegedly solicited another murder for hire in an effort to silence a key witness, authorities said. Bennett also allegedly admitted to inmates in the jail that he was faking his incompetency.

On April 18, a federal judge ruled Bennett was competent to stand trial, according to the release.

He was charged 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, records show. Jury selection for his trial was scheduled for Feb. 26.

Untimely passing

Bennett was admitted into a hospital to get cancer treatment on Nov. 7, according to the release. But the next day, authorities said his health declined substantially and he was placed on life support.

Bennett, 63, died of medical complications on Nov. 13, authorities said.

Cheyvoryea Gibson, special agent in charge of the FBI in Michigan, said Bennetts case would not be heard in court due to his untimely passing.

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 the release. At best, our efforts can secure only a measure of justice. We cant bring (the teen) 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.

Man tried to steal couples Florida home, then sought a hitman to kill them, feds say

Man paid $10,000 to have teen accuser killed in sexual battery case, Florida cops say

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ASHEVILLE  Quinten Dana Bashaw pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in Buncombe County Superior Court Nov. 15, for the 2021 death of a Leicester man.

Bashaw, 59, who was originally charged with second degree murder, was sentenced to 73-100 months, or about six to eight years, in prison, as announced by District Attorney Todd Williams.

On Sept. 25, 2021, the Buncombe County Sheriffs Office responded to a residence on Smith Road in Leicester, where they found Charles Radcliffe, 59, dead in his bathroom, according to a search warrant obtained by the Citizen Times.

Plea deal: Asheville man pleads guilty to multiple charges, assault in 7-hour standoff with police

Bashaw, Radcliffes roommate, told law enforcement that Radcliffe fell in the bathroom, and he didnt check on him for over 40 minutes, according to the document. Bashaw then discovered Radcliffe was dead and called 911.

Mr. Bashaw had blood on both knuckles but denied, on body worn camera, touching the deceased, the search warrant stated. Mr. Bashaw self admits to violent tendencies.

However, in a letter to the Citizen Times written "on behalf of Quinten Dana Bashaw," Stanley Bashaw said, "the crime he is being accused of does not match his mild-mannered attitude," and requested a "speedy and public trial by an impartial jury," citing sixth amendment rights.

Radcliffes manner of death was homicide from blunt trauma to his head and neck, according to his death certificate. He was 59 and a U.S. Marine, the death certificate says.

Devon Whitmire plea deal: Asheville plea negotiations fail for man accused in officer assault; new lawyer granted

Buncombe County Sheriff detectives started investigating Radcliffs death in September 2021, but it wasnt until May 2022 that his death was determined to be a homicide, according to a sheriff spokesperson at the time.

Bashaw was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and resisting a public officer by Wilmington police and the U.S. Marshals Service on May 25, 2022, the Citizen Times previously reported.

Several agencies helped to locate Bashaw, including the Criminal Investigations Unit at the sheriffs office, the Wilmington Police Department, New Hanover Sheriffs Office, Novant Company Police and the United States Marshals Service Regional Taskforce, Sheriff Quintin Miller said at the time of his arrest.

The spokesperson with the sheriff's office at the time did not want to speculate why Bashaw was in Wilmington, but presumed he may have moved there at some point. Bashaw was extradited to the Buncombe County Detention Facility on May 27, 2022.

The Citizen Times reached out to Bashaw's attorney, Courtney Booth, who was unavailable before press time

This story will be updated.

Child pornography case: Candler man pleads guilty to 71 counts of sexual exploitation in child pornography case

Manslaughter plea: Asheville man pleads guilty to manslaughter in 2021 homicide; another has charges dropped

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: Man pleads guilty to voluntary manslaughter in roommate's 2021 death
MAGNA, Utah (ABC4)  One man is dead after being shot and killed during an officer-involved shooting in a Magna neighborhood on Wednesday morning, Nov. 15.

The man, who has yet to be identified by police, was allegedly using a long gun and shooting in a Magna neighborhood near 7600 West and 3300 South around midnight. When officers responded to the area, they said the man went to a home with a woman inside.

Power restored following massive outage in Salt Lake County

Sgt. Melody Cutler with the Unified Police Department said first responders believed the woman was a hostage and a SWAT Team was called in. As officers began approaching the home, the man and woman both came out of the home.

The man fired additional shots and the woman went to the ground. At that point, our officers believed that she had been shot, so, they returned fire on the man, said Cutler.

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Cutler confirmed the suspect was struck by police return fire and died on the scene. The woman was uninjured. No officer injuries were reported as a result of the shooting.

The Unified Police Department did not disclose if the man and woman knew each other, or if there was a possible motive for the man firing shots throughout the neighborhood.

The Officer Involved Critical Incident protocol was invoked and the Salt Lake City Police Department took over as the lead investigative agency overseeing the shooting.

Streets in the neighborhood were closed for several hours while police conducted a preliminary investigation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Charles Cannon, 22, is on trial at Winchester Crown Court

A man with an "interest in religious and racial violence" kept information on preparing explosives and guerrilla warfare techniques, a court has heard.

Charles Cannon also "talked enthusiastically about stabbing asylum seekers", a jury at Winchester Crown Court was told.

The 22-year-old, of Aldershot, Hampshire, had a "dangerous mindset", prosecutors said.

The defendant denies seven counts of possessing documents that could be used to prepare acts of terrorism.

'Holy war'

Ben Isaacs, prosecuting, said Mr Cannon was stopped at Luton Airport under terrorism regulations in August 2020.

Guides on making explosives and "booby traps," as well as instructions on "unconventional warfare devices and techniques", were found on the defendant's phone and computer, the court heard.

On social media, Mr Cannon talked about stabbing asylum seekers and advocated "racial holy war", the jury was told.

Mr Isaacs said: "Mr Cannon is a young man with extreme and disturbing political views.

"He holds far-right beliefs, sympathises with Nazism, fascism.

"He has offensive things to say about black people, Jews, gay people, women generally and anyone who does not fit in with his extreme view of the world."

The prosecutor said the defendant, who is autistic, told the police he was not interested in the documents about explosives.

Mr Isaacs continued: "He said he was much more interested in chemistry and history, and languages and Christianity, and when he is interested in something he tends to research it very heavily which he put down to his autism.

"The investigation has shown his interest is anything but innocent.

"In fact, he has a very dangerous mindset, a very worrying interest in religious and racial violence."

The trial continues.

Follow BBC South on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk.
A man was supposed to be transferred from a South Carolina jail to a psychiatric hospital, but he remained detained for five months instead and died as a result, according to a recently filed lawsuit.

While at Bamberg County Detention Center, 51-year-old Alan R. Thibodeau wasnt given medication for his diabetes and mental health and was allowed to starve, a lawsuit filed by his brother on Oct. 26 says. The jails staff are accused of neglecting his needs.

During his detainment  when Thibodeau was meant to be at G. Werber Bryan Psychiatric Hospital in Columbia by order of a probate court  he was isolated and spent the bulk of his time naked and covered in excrement in his cell, a complaint says.

He weighed 178 pounds a few months before entering the jail, where his weight drastically dropped, according to the complaint, which says he weighed 101 pounds on his final day there on July 10, 2022.

That day, he was found unresponsive and was later admitted to Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia in handcuffs, the complaint says.

Thibodeau ultimately died from severe physical decompensation and starvation at the medical center on July 23, 2022, the complaint says.

According to the lawsuit, Thibodeau had faced unreasonable and excessive force, in jail, including the use of taser guns and chemical munitions.

One of his brothers, Edwin Thibodeau, who filed the lawsuit over his death, believes he was repeatedly tased as punishment due to him displaying symptoms of his untreated mental health conditions, the complaint says.

Edwin Thibodeau also believes this contributed to his brothers rapid deterioration, according to the complaint.

He is suing Bamberg County and a nurse, employed by correctional health care provider Southern Health Partners Inc., who works at the jail, the complaint shows.

On Nov. 6, Edwin Thibodeaus attorneys filed a notice of their intent to sue Southern Health Partners in relation to medical malpractice.

McClatchy News contacted Bamberg County officials and Southern Health Partners for comment on Nov. 14 and didnt receive immediate responses.

Alan was a loving father, son, and brother, Thibodeaus family said in an Oct. 25 statement provided to McClatchy News. His treatment while detained is sickening and we expect full accountability for his death.

This provided photo shows Alan Thibodeau, who is pictured in the middle at the top, his brothers, including Edwin Thibodeau, who is pictured on the bottom at the right, and their father.

What led up to Thibodeaus detainment?

Thibodeau, a single father of an adult son, had been living with his parents in Prince William County in Virginia, according to the complaint.

After his father died in 2021, he began (weaning) himself off of psychiatric medications that had helped successfully manage his schizophrenia  a condition he was diagnosed with at the age of 20, the complaint says.

In February 2022, Thibodeau went missing from a medical center in Petersburg, Virginia  leading to his brother reporting him missing, according to the complaint.

Later that month, Thibodeau was found asleep in a home in Bamberg, South Carolina, where he told responding authorities he had entered to have a place to stay and keep warm, the complaint says.

The incident led to Thibodeaus arrest and detainment at the Bamberg County Detention Center on a burglary charge, according to the complaint and court records.

Following a mental health evaluation conducted by the state health department, a Bamberg County circuit court decided Thibodeau was unable to stand trial, according to the complaint.

The South Carolina Department of Mental Health had concluded that Thibodeau likely has untreated symptoms of mental illness, the complaint says.

A county probate court then ordered he be committed to the G. Werber Bryan Psychiatric Hospital  but he never was transferred from jail, according to the complaint.

No possible justification for what happened

In jail, Thibodeau never received his mental health medications or diabetes medications, despite his medical history of taking insulin and metformin, the complaint says.

Part of his stay in jail was documented on video. Some of the footage was published online by Evans Moore LLC law firm, which represents Edwin Thibodeau.

As Alan Thibodeaus mental health sharply deteriorated, his behavior was misunderstood as noncompliance, resulting in him being repeatedly subjected to physical force, the video is captioned.

The video goes on to show a clip of Thibodeau being tased while on the ground and naked.

On July 10, 2022  when Thibodeau was found unresponsive in jail, according to the complaint  an unidentified woman is heard speaking about his status, according to a clip included in the video.

Please dont judge us, the woman said in the video. Weve been trying to deal with this man  now hes not responding real well and Im a little scared.

Hes laying in feces and everything  he always fights us  so we kinda just leave him, the woman continued, according to the video.

Thibodeau was later admitted to Lexington Medical Center, the complaint says.

Upon his admission, his organs were failing  including his heart, liver and kidney in addition to circulatory and respiratory failure, according to the complaint. He also was extremely dehydrated and in septic shock, the complaint says.

His subsequent death on July 23, 2022, would have been prevented if Thibodeau received adequate hydration, nourishment, and medical intervention in jail, according to the complaint.

Thibodeaus son has since suffered unnecessary and preventable grief and sorrow as a result of his death, the complaint says.

Edwin Thibodeaus lawsuit seeks to recover unspecified damages and demands a trial by jury.

Theres no possible justification for what happened, Thibodeaus family said in their statement.

Officer punctured inmates lung during beating and locked him alone in cell, feds say

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A man accused of trying to break into a home was shot after he shot a resident inside, Colorado police said.

On Nov. 11, Greeley police officers went to a house on reports of an attempted burglary, according to a Nov. 14 news release posted on Facebook by the department.

A 26-year-old man, later identified as Guadalupe Balderas, was trying to kick open the door to the home, police said.

There was a 26-year-old woman and 24-year-old man inside, police said. The man was trying to keep Balderas from coming inside.

Balderas is then accused of firing several rounds into the house before the man fired back, officers said.

Balderas was shot in the stomach, and the resident was shot in the arm, the post said.

The resident was sent to a local hospital and released soon after, officers said.

Police didnt specify if Balderas knew the victims.

Balderas, who checked himself into a hospital, was arrested after staff saw the gunshot wound, the release said.

Balderas was booked into the Weld County jail on charges of attempted murder, attempted burglary, assault, felony menacing and criminal mischief, police said.

Greeley is about 60 miles northeast of Denver.

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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  The Manatee County Sheriffs Office (MCSO) is seeking charges against a former county administrator, Dr. Scott Hopes, who abruptly resigned earlier this year.

In February, the month Hopes resigned, the sheriffs office received complaints alleging criminal violations of Floridas public records, theft, and notary laws, according to a news release.

The sheriffs office did not elaborate on the charges Hope faces. MCSOs investigation and evidence was forwarded on to the State Attorneys Office for review on Wednesday.

WFLA has requested more information about the potential charges from the State Attorneys Office.

Previous Report: Manatee Clerk raises concerns ahead of administrators renewal; some say its politically motivated

In 2022, Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Angel Colonneso penned a letter to county commissioners warning of troubling events involving Hopes. She cited lack of communication, lack of transparency, reorganization impacts and potential risks and fiscal accountability as her main areas of concern.

He told me his public information officer could teach me how to deal with the press and that I dont have to respond quickly, Colonneso wrote. I told him my office responds promptly to public records. He told me I could bring down an entire county department by responding to a request because he had a situation going on in a department.

Among her concerns, Colonneso noted the purchase of a $46,000 Chevrolet Tahoe that was labeled a county pool vehicle. She claimed there was evidence that the county administrator exclusively uses this vehicle as transportation including to and from work.

My concern is that a lot of things are dropping through the cracks there, Colonneso wrote.

Hopes abruptly handed in his resignation during a Manatee County Commission meeting about 10 months later.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Faye Mooney had been working in Nigeria for a non-governmental organisation

A British aid worker died after being caught up in a gun battle between police and "bandits" trying to raid a resort in Nigeria, an inquest heard.

Faye Mooney, 29, from Manchester, was killed along with her boyfriend, Nigerian national Matthew Oguche, during the 2019 attack in Kaduna state.

Ms Mooney, who worked for Mercy Corps, died from gunshot wounds to her chest and abdomen.

Her family described her as a fun-loving, hard-working woman.

An inquest at Manchester Coroner's Court heard Ms Mooney had an extensive career in international aid, having worked previously in Kurdistan and the Balkans.

After schooling in Manchester, Ms Mooney was a graduate of University College London and the London School of Economics and was working as Mercy Corps' communication specialist in Nigeria having been at the organisation since 2017.

Her career included teaching in Iraq and working in Kosovo to combat human trafficking.

Dyah Audu, giving evidence via video link, said he was the security manager for Mercy Corps in Kaduna state at the time.

Mr Audu said the day before she was killed was Maundy Thursday, and he and Ms Mooney wished each other "Happy Easter" as the office closed for the holiday weekend.

The following day, Good Friday, at around 23:00, he got a phone call telling him a "white lady" had been killed at Kajuru Castle.

Later he went to identify Ms Mooney's body and spoke to local police, who told him about the attack.

'Bandits'

He suggested the gunmen, who he described as "bandits", were on their way elsewhere but took the opportunity to attack the resort until they faced resistance from armed police on scene.

Mr Audu said there was, "no way" he would have approved any trip to the area of Kajuru, but as this was a weekend and not a Mercy Corps work-related trip, his advice would only have been advisory and not compulsory and staff had freedom to travel in non-work hours.

He added that some parts of Kaduna state were regarded as "no-go" areas, including the area of Kajuru Castle.

Det Ch Insp Ben Cotta said he was part of a mutual legal assistance procedure with Nigeria and had received updates about what had happened.

He said the information he had was that the incident happened around 22:30 when the resort was approached by about 10 individuals who entered the grounds, possibly armed with AK47 machine guns.

A gunfight broke out with two armed policemen, who were acting as security for the resort, and Ms Mooney and her boyfriend left their room.

"Sadly, they were both caught with gunfire during this," DCI Cottam added.

He said the information he had suggested the raid was not terror-related but motivated by "kidnap and ransom", which had been a problem in that part of Nigeria.

Earlier, Paul Mooney described his daughter as fun-loving, hard-working, brave and intelligent who was a "committed internationalist" and very well travelled, her death having deeply touched friends across the world.

He added: "She loved life and loved people. Being in her company was a joy and we miss her."

Coroner Zak Golombeck is scheduled to give his conclusions on Thursday morning

Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook, X and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) says he absolutely would consider a presidential run, just a week after he said he wouldnt seek reelection to the Senate.

Are you considering running for president? NBCs Meet the Press host Kristen Welker asked Manchin in an interview aired Wednesday.

I will do anything I can to help my country, and youre saying, Does that mean you would consider it? Absolutely. Every American should consider it if theyre in a position to help save the country, Manchin said.

The West Virginia Democrat stressed hes totally, absolutely scared to death of another White House term for former President Trump, who is the Republican Partys front-runner by a wide margin. But Manchin also said hes worried President Biden has been pushed too far to the left.

Im going to do everything in my power to make sure, to mobilize that moderate, sensible, commonsense middle, he said.

The senator announced last week he wont try for reelection to his Senate seat in 2024, a move that puts Democrats in trouble in red West Virginia and has stoked speculation that he could mount a White House bid.

Biden praised Manchin after the news and highlighted several pieces of legislation that passed with the help of the centrist Democrat.

Trump took credit for the retirement, arguing Manchin forewent another run because the former president has endorsed West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) to replace him.

Manchin has been floated as a possible 2024 presidential contender alongside No Labels, the group pushing for a third-party ticket.

Regarding our No Labels Unity presidential ticket, we are gathering input from our members across the country to understand the kind of leaders they would like to see in the White House, the group said in a statement after Manchin announced his Senate retirement.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Sen. Joe Manchin says there's "plenty of time" for him or someone else to pursue a third-party bid for president. And if he does decide to run, the West Virginia Democrat says he doesn't believe that an independent candidate would just help reelect former President Donald Trump.

In Manchin's first interview since announcing he won't run for reelection to the U.S. Senate, "CBS Evening News" anchor and managing editor Norah O'Donnell asked Manchin for his timeline for a decision on whether he'll run for president.

"Only in America does the next election start the day after the last election, most countries don't have election a year ahead of time," Manchin responded. "And we think, 'Oh my goodness. It's  it's now or never.' I think there's plenty of time, plenty of time. And especially if there's a movement in the middle, there's not a primary. It'll be basically in the general election process."

When O'Donnell asked directly if he'll run for president, Manchin insisted it's "not about me."

Running as an independent would mean avoiding the major parties' primary process, which is underway now. Manchin announced last week that he wouldn't seek reelection in his deeply red state of West Virginia, saying instead he plans to travel the country and speak out "to see if there is an interest in creating a movement to mobilize the middle." His decision all but guarantees his seat will flip Republican in 2024, and fueled questions about the possibility that he might run for higher office.

O'Donnell asked Manchin to address the concern from some that if he ran on a third-party ticket, he would be helping elect Trump.

"I don't buy that scenario," Manchin replied. "I've heard that. And  and I wouldn't buy that scenario because if you look back in history, how things have played out, I don't think they thought Ross Perot would elect Bill Clinton.  We see some polls with Bobby Kennedy Jr.  would be helping  Joe Biden because [he] takes votes from Donald Trump."

"I've never been a spoiler in anything," Manchin continued. "I've never tried to. I compete the best I possibly can. I compete to win, okay. And I'm gonna work right now to try to win the middle back."

Manchin has for years been involved with No Labels, a centrist organization that is exploring an alternative "unity" presidential candidate in 2024. Manchin said the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee have too much control of the processes.

The senator didn't directly answer whether he would consider joining a ticket with someone like his friend, Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, who also announced his retirement this year. The two men, both outliers in their parties in many respects, formed a close bond in the Senate.

"The only thing that I would consider is how do I make my country better? How do we bring it together? And we just have to see where that goes," Manchin said.

O'Donnell pointed out that didn't sound like a "no."

"I don't know how to tell you," Manchin said. "I  the movement has to be there where people have to realize how serious a situation we're in."

Asked if he and Romney have discussed whether an independent candidate would end up helping elect Trump, Manchin responded, "Well, you can't help but talk about it because that's all you hear about in the press."

Like Romney in the Republican Party, the West Virginia Democrat no longer feels entirely at home in the Democratic Party.

"I feel politically homeless," he said.

"I'm a Democrat," Manchin also said during the interview. "I'm  an American first. I'm an American. I'm an independent, I think. I don't know what I am. I can tell you this. I feel comfortable working with both sides."

Manchin, who said he won't vote for Trump, isn't completely sold on the current president either. O'Donnell asked if he thinks President Biden deserves a second term.

"I think that people make those choices," Manchin replied. "I can't make that choice."

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.
Tens of thousands of protesters descended on Washington D.C. to peacefully stand in solidarity with Israel, call for Hamas to release the hostages and demand an end to rising antisemitism.

The Jewish Federations of North America, a non-profit organization and the organizer for the rally, said that this was the largest pro-Israel gathering in U.S. history.

The group said that they estimated that there were 290,000 people and that another 250,000 watched online.

Tthe Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department declined to provide an official count.

TENS OF THOUSANDS MARCH FOR ISRAEL IN WASHINGTON DC

Tens of thousands of people participate in the March for Israel at the National Mall in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. Demonstrators gathered together to stand in solidarity with Israel and call for the release of Israeli hostages.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Eric D. Fingerhut, President and C.E.O., Jewish Federations of North America, said that, "Israels fight against Hamas is no different from Americas fight against Al-Qaeda and ISIS."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"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 Israels fight against Hamas is no different from Americas fight against Al-Qaeda and ISIS," Fingerhut said. "As patriotic Americans, we will gather on the National Mall to ensure that the entire world knows that America supports the people of Israel in its time of need, that America demands the release of the remaining hostages, and that America categorically rejects antisemitism and hate in every form. This is a moment where all of us must stand against terror and defend what the terrorists seek to destroy."

CORNELL UNIVERSITY GRADUATE STUDENT'S UNION OVERWHELMINGLY VOTES TO JOIN UNION WITH STRONG ANTI-ISRAEL TIES

According to organizers, the event was "an opportunity to come together in solidarity with the people of Israel, to demonstrate our commitment to Americas 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."

Demonstrators wear jackets showing Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas at the March for Israel at the National Mall in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. Tens of thousands of people gathered together to stand in solidarity with Israel and call for the release of Israeli hostages.

Demonstrators participate in the March for Israel at the National Mall in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. Tens of thousands of people gathered together to stand in solidarity with Israel and call for the release of Israeli hostages.

Pictures and videos from the event showed tens of thousands of people gathering on the National Mall, holding American and Israeli flags.

Some of the people participating in the march held signs reading, "We Stand with Israel" and "There is no Proportional Response to Hamas."

Others held posters of the 239 missing individuals who are hostages of Hamas and the nine U.S. citizens and one U.S. green card-holder who are believed to be in Hamas custody.

Jewish actress and activist Tovah Feldshuh spoke at the rally calling against global antisemitism.

"We stand here together as the yard side candles for over 1,400 slaughtered in the sovereign state of Israel, only because they were Jews. Sound familiar?" Feldshuh said. "We stand here firm against global antisemitism. We stand here firm in confrontation of antisemitism here in these United States. We stand here to say enough!"

VIOLENT INCIDENT OVER ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR AT TOP CANADIAN COLLEGE LEADS TO ARREST, POLICE INVESTIGATION

Van Jones, a well-known lawyer and civil rights activist, called out the "explosion" of violence against Jewish people since the attack on Israel on October 7.

"Since Oct. 7, there has been, literally, an explosion of violence against Jewish people. Attacks against Jewish people. Horrific acts of violence against Jewish people," Jones said. "The Jewish community stood with the Civil Rights movement and I cannot be silent when Jews are under attack today. That's why I'm here today."

At 2 p.m., congressional leaders took the stage with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Mike Johnson and the House Democratic leader, Hakeem Jeffries, and Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, joining hands.

"We stand with Israel," the group chanted.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog also addressed the crowd by video.

"Since Oct. 7, Israeli society and the Jewish people have truly come together in unison. We feel our hearts beat as one. We hear our brothers' and sisters' blood calling out to us from the ground," Herzog said.

"Once again in Jewish history, we demand, let our people go!" he said, referencing Moses' words in the Bible to the pharaoh who held ancient Israelis captive in Egypt.

Tens of thousands of people participate in the March for Israel at the National Mall in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. Demonstrators gathered together to stand in solidarity with Israel and call for the release of Israeli hostages.

The march comes in the wake of the Oct. 7 terror attacks where Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel and massacred more than 1,200 Israelis.

Following the unprecedented attack, Israel declared war on Hamas and has relentlessly bombed the Gaza Strip and sent ground forces into the Palestinian territory to eliminate the terrorist group and free the remaining 238 hostages taken in the initial attack.





Original article source: 'March for Israel': Huge peaceful protest calls for release of hostages, end of antisemitism, Israeli victory
A Marine charged with sexual assault after a missing 14-year-old girl was found at his barracks will face a court-martial, a spokesman for the 1st Marine Logistics Group said.

Pfc. Avery L. Rosario was detained in June after the girl was found at Camp Pendleton in California. Military prosecutors charged him in August with sexual assault of a minor.

Rosarios defense has said that he met the girl on Tinder and that her profile said she was 21.

Two charges were referred to a general court-martial by Brig. Gen. Andrew M. Niebel, the commanding general of the 1st Marine Logistics Group, a spokesman group said.

Rosario is expected to appear before the court-martial Thursday, said Capt. Virginia Burger, the logistics group's communications director.

The girl was found at Camp Pendleton, which is near Oceanside, on June 28, more than two weeks after her grandmother reported her missing to the San Diego County Sheriffs Department, officials said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A Ukrainian marine from Mariupol, Hennadiy Zelenyi, shared his story about Russian captivity and his escape from it in an interview with Ukrainian journalist and video blogger Ramina Eshakzai on Nov. 15.

Zelenyi said that he spent nine months in Russian-occupied Mariupol, and only nine months ago made it back to territory controlled by Ukraine. The marine also revealed that he was betrayed to the Russians by a man he helped.

Read also: Russian captivity 100 years ago and how to escape it  memoirs of Ukrainian prisoners

"A man came into the shelter seeking help, saying his family's house was on fire, he began.

Everyone ignored him. I decided I had to help. We rescued his children and wife and returned to the shelter. I realized I was sweating and needed to change clothes to avoid getting sick. I went to the edge of the basement and, in retrospect, I think someone saw my tattoos. When I was leaving, the man I helped thanked me. Then I went up the stairs, rose my head and saw the barrel of a gun  a Russian soldier. I was betrayed by the guy I helped. Those who helped the Russian military received permission to loot.

Read also: Mariupol documentary director on his experience in besieged city  interview

Zelenyi added that even civilians with a trident tattoo could be shot by the Russians.

"Even for an inscription in Celtic (languages), they could be shot, like you are a fascist, he said.

"For some reason, I thought that if I explained something, there would be some kind of understanding. They would ask, 'Are you an Azov scout?' I'd answer 'No,' and they'd hit me in the face. Same question, same answeranother blow. I realized talking was pointless. Even if I claimed to be an Azov scout, they would either shoot me or beat me relentlessly. There was no other way out. Most times, I just remained silent. I endured daily beatings for four weeks,"

Determined to escape, the marine devised a plan.

"I was in horror, panic, Zelenyi said.

Read also: About 7,000 Ukrainian soldiers thought to be missing since Russias full-scale invasion

"When you're hungry and your body aches, you can't think about anything else. Constant pain. They knocked out eight of my teeth, it hurt. I was tied up, and it hurt. They only untied me for interrogations. Then, I reached a breaking point. Using an opportunity, I gathered all the strength left in me, and got out of that, so to speak, room where I was both held and interrogated. I made a plan, waited for the right moment, and climbed out the window. I climbed down a shop sign and ran."

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
From the Battle of Belleau Wood to the shores of Inchon, the Marine Corps has fought in some of the most hostile conditions America's wars have had to offer. Now, to better prepare for an increasingly unstable future, it's entering the metaverse.

Last month, Marines with the Marine Corps Platform Integration Center, or MCPIC, successfully fielded a "real-time pilot set in a planetary-scale metaverse environment," according to CGI Federal Inc., an information technology (IT) and business consulting firm that presented the pilot to the service.

Not to be confused with Facebook parent company Meta's use of the term, the metaverse that the Marines are hoping to dive into is also a simulated environment, one that will take billions of dollars in Corps equipment and make "faithful twins" of it in a simulated reality.

Read Next: Caregivers of Veterans Spend $11,500 on Average Each Year on Expenses, New Data Shows

"The pilot involved integrating the Marine Corps Platform Integration Center [MCPIC] logistics and asset management systems with digital twins, or virtual replicas of physical assets in a simulated world environment," the CGI press release said. "The integration demonstrated how the Marine Corps can achieve enhanced visualization, real-time monitoring, simulation capabilities, and predictive analytics that will augment training and education, as well as operational efficiency."

In simple terms, this metaverse is billed to be anything between a tabletop exercise of the future to hands-on planning from anywhere in the world: weather simulations, fuel-level measurements, and orientation and locations down to meters -- the high-tech potential for the Corps seems endless.

"We're focused on bridging the real and the surreal a little more closely," Victor Foulk, the vice president of emerging technologies for CGI, told Military.com in a recent interview.

Right now for the Marine Corps, that means taking equipment, scanning it and replicating it into a massive simulated environment with real-world mechanics, physics and geolocation.

What might that look like for the Marine who would use it, and when exactly would it end up in their hands? The Corps is still figuring it out -- but virtual reality (VR) headsets and Star Wars-like interactive maps are not out of the question, CGI and the Corps said.

The push for the metaverse comes from a pressing requirement, the Corps said. As the service sets its sights on the Pacific, Maj. Jeff Planteen, the operations officer for Blount Island Command in Florida, where the pilot was fielded, explained that the need for distributed planning is increasingly important.

"Everything's too far apart to really consolidate our assets as we set the theater," Planteen told Military.com, referring to the many island chains in the Pacific that present planning challenges different than those encountered in landlocked Afghanistan, for example. "So we need a way for local commanders to be able to see where their items are, what is coming to them ... [and] how those items are loaded."

This simulated environment is first being tested with logistics, where it will be used to plan, pack and deploy Marine Corps equipment. That equipment can range from Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs) to LAV-25s, which would then be transformed into replicas within the metaverse, saddled with the same physics and tracked in real time.

Planteen said that the MCPIC already uses "passive RFID [radio frequency identification] tags" to mark that equipment, some of which are just a few dollars and are disposable if need be. Marines then can use tablets to track the equipment and statistics associated with, say, a vehicle and its maintenance status. By piggybacking off this tracking, CGI can then upload "honest replications" of the equipment into an enormous, simulated environment, Foulk said.

So, Planteen said, a supply sergeant or loadout leader could be hundreds or thousands of miles away from where a ship needs to be unloaded and they can see in real time how it is packed, how the vehicles or equipment is oriented and then figure out the best way to offload it once in theater.

"If I can put a VR headset on a Marine and allow them to see exactly how that ship is loaded ... and I can do that anywhere in the world through a headset or a computer," Planteen said, "I don't have to put that Marine on a ship early ... to figure out where everything is or look at that two-dimensional paper load plan like we've been doing forever.



"We don't have to do that anymore," Planteen said. "I can show you exactly how things are right now, as loaded."

Military.com spoke to two Marine Corps logistics officers who were granted anonymity to speak freely about the capability, how they would use it and what concerns they might have about embarking into the metaverse.

"You're reducing risk of unknowns, and damage to equipment or loss of personnel," one officer told Military.com. "If I lose an operator to crushed fingers or crushed toes when they're offloading equipment or moving stuff in tight spaces -- that's a licensed kid with hundreds of hours experience. I can't grow him, and I can't simply replace them."

The officers also said that rehearsing the large movements in the metaverse would be advantageous for commanders before they deploy or have Marines put hands on equipment. Plus, it could be used in training and schooling settings to get Marines accustomed to real-world scenarios that they may not see until they reach the fleet.

"We're talking about planning and execution and real-time uploads within 15 meters anywhere in the world. I would even take it back to the schoolhouse setting and when Marines are earning their MOS [military occupational specialty]," the other officer said. "This will give Marines a lot better understanding of what they're actually doing in a practical application sense."

As for concerns, the Marines said that the risk of breaking equipment needed to run the metaverse -- if it was lugged around through rough environments -- could make it less desirable.

"How do you energize things?" one Marine said, asking specifically about how the metaverse would be powered if it were brought to theater, for example. "Is it going to be rugged enough like a hammer ... [or] it's going to fall apart after the third swing?"

Another concern is data security and encryption. Military.com asked if uploading massive amounts of data on Marine Corps assets, ones that could be tracked in real time, would present a security risk, especially if it were a high-priority data target for adversaries.

"I can't argue with you on that," Scott Prouse, supervisor for the Automated Systems Group, Command Data and Analytics Office at Marine Corps Logistics Command, told Military.com.

"I can tell you that MCPIC is a fully accredited platform; we adhere to all the security protocols that are mandated by DoD," he said, adding that the data the MCPIC was working with wasn't "especially sensitive."

"We're in the process of moving to the cloud so we can be even more secure," Prouse said. "So your point is well taken, but we're following all of the rather stringent guidelines that are required to maintain accreditation."

Foulk was hopeful about the Marine Corps foray into the metaverse.

"We're talking about operations planning, like tabletop exercises, based on actual asset management and force readiness conditions, as opposed to postulated," he said. "This is absolutely an elevated tabletop, exercise operational planning tool that can function at a much larger scale, with a much higher fidelity of information based on reality."

-- Drew F. Lawrence can be reached at drew.lawrence@military.com. Follow him on X @df_lawrence.

Related: Marine Corps Wants Lighter .50 Caliber Ammunition to Reduce the Burden of Weight on the Battlefield
Its never too late to learn civicseven if youre antagonizing other members of Congress on the House floor, apparently. Shortly after a vote on the Houses stopgap spending bill, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene got another awkward lesson about the U.S. political system.

My Democratic colleague across the aisle who is 80 years old and has been here over 30 years just said were on the verge of a shutdown, Greene said, taking a jab at Connecticut Representative Rosa DeLauro.



She probably just forgot that a few hours ago she voted for the continuing resolution that will extend the budget, and we are not on the verge of a shutdown, Greene added.

But DeLauro didnt take the provocation lying down, instead taking the opportunity to educate the Georgia lawmaker that there is another half of Congress that will exercise its own judgment over the stopgap billwith just three days before the government is scheduled to shut down.

It may be that the gentlelady doesnt know that there is another body attached to the U.S. Congress called the United States Senate, and they have to vote on the continuing resolution, DeLauro whipped back. And when they vote on it, well find out what it is that they do with regard to this continuing resolution passed by the House, which quite frankly is flawed to a fare thee well.

House Republicans spent the better part of October ousting their own speaker and subsequently wasting weeks trying to find a replacement, rather than working to prevent the looming government shutdown.

DeLauro then went on to argue the current spending bill, proposed by the House GOP, fails to meet U.S. obligations both domestic and international.

And by the way, there isnt a law of the land until the president of the United States signs it. That may be a basic lesson in civics. There is the House, there is the Senate, and there is the president, DeLauro quipped.

Greene: My colleague who is 80 years old just said were on the verge of a shutdown. She probably just forgot she voted for the CR,we are not on the verge of a shutdown.



DeLauro: What the gentlelady doesnt know is there is another body attached to the Congress called the Senate pic.twitter.com/CU2GRA2NrW  Acyn (@Acyn) November 15, 2023

Greene was also fact-checked earlier this month when she lumped Confederate General Robert E. Lee into her defense of a bill that would prevent the removal of federal statues and monuments depicting the Founding Fathers.
Far-right Georgia Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene was schooled on congressional procedure by Democratic Rep Rosa DeLauro, 80, after the Republican mocked her age and suggested that she was forgetting things.

My Democrat colleague across the aisle, who's 80 years old and has been here over 30 years, just said we're on the verge of a shutdown, Ms Greene said on the House floor on Tuesday night. She probably just forgot that a few hours ago, she voted for the continuing resolution that will extend the budget, and we are not on the verge of a shutdown. So I just wanted to note that for the record.

Ms DeLauro, who has represented Connecticuts 3rd District since 1991, told Ms Greene, who joined the House three decades later in 2021, that it may be that the gentlelady doesn't know that theres another body attached to the US Congress called the United States Senate. And they have to vote on the continuing resolution.

And when they vote on it, we'll find out what it is that they do with regard to this continuing resolution passed by the House, which quite frankly, is flawed to a fare thee well ... in meeting our obligations, both domestic and international, she added. And by the way, it isnt a law of the land until the president of the United States signs it. That may be a basic level lesson in civics.

There is the House, there is the Senate, and there is the president. And quite frankly, the budget agreement that had been signed by the president  for a basic primer in civics  is that the budget agreement passed the House overwhelmingly. And it passed the Senate. And it was signed by the president, Ms DeLauro said. Its the law of the land, which my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have dismissed, walked away from, and quite frankly, dont understand the process of government.

Greene: My colleague who is 80 years old just said were on the verge of a shutdown. She probably just forgot she voted for the CR,we are not on the verge of a shutdown.



DeLauro: What the gentlelady doesnt know is there is another body attached to the Congress called the Senate pic.twitter.com/CU2GRA2NrW  Acyn (@Acyn) November 15, 2023

Tuesday was a chaotic day on Capitol Hill, with Rep Tim Burchett accusing former Speaker Kevin McCarthy of giving him a clean shot to the kidneys and Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin having to be talked down by Independent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders after Mr Mullin challenged a hearing witness to a physical fight.

Not wanting to be overshadowed, Ms Greene began the day on Tuesday by slamming her own colleagues who didnt support her effort to impeach Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorks.

Texas US Rep Jasmine Crockett mocked Ms Greene on X on Wednesday morning, writing: Too much was going on yesterday, but of course Marjorie Taylor Greene had to be in the midst of the chaos, as well. So it comes out that she called another member of her conference a P**#% & then there was this Gem, where she attempted to say that due to Ranking Member DeLauros age, she was confused Rep DeLauro proceeded to school her in civics. #GOPClownCaucus.

Democratic congressional staffer Thomas Falcigno wrote: Ive worked for Rosa DeLauro, twice in fact. I can tell you the amount of substantive work she does for her constituents in a single day is more than MTG has ever done during her entire tenure in the House.
Senator Markwayne Mullin is apparently out for blood in his ongoing feud with a union boss.

The freshman congressman has taken to conservative political talk shows, refusing to give up a fight he had sparked with International Brotherhood of Teamsters President Sean OBrien, a Senate committee witness, during a Tuesday hearing.

On one show, Mullin claimed that he wasnt afraid of biting OBrien if the moment called for it.

Ill bite 100 percent. In a fight, Im gonna bite. Ill do anything. Im not above it. And I dont care where I bite by the way, Mullin, a former mixed martial arts fighter, told podcast host Kyle Thompson on Wednesdays episode of Undaunted.Life.

Markwayne Mullin: And by the way, Im not afraid of biting. I will bite.



Q: Biting?



Mullin: Ill bite 100%. In a fight, Im gonna bite. Ill do anything. Im not above it. And I dont care where I bite by the way. pic.twitter.com/P0ul9fhafv  danny (@dabbs346) November 15, 2023

From Mullins perspective, these altercations are a part of representing the people of Oklahoma. In an interview with Foxs Hannity on Tuesday evening, Mullin claimed his constituents would be pretty upset with him for failing to represent Oklahoma values.

Mullin says if he didnt challenge Senate witnesses to fist fights, the people of Oklahoma would be upset with him pic.twitter.com/VdfKs8MYud  Acyn (@Acyn) November 15, 2023

While consensual fighting, also known as mutual combat, is a legal pathway for conflict resolution in some areas of the country like Texas and Washington state, its not in D.C., where Mullin and OBrien would more likely be charged with assault and battery. Its also a strange method of conflict resolution in the middle of a Senate hearing.

Mullin hasnt given up hope that there might still be precedent on Capitol Hill, however.

We looked into the rules. You used to be able to cane. You gotta remember, President Andrew Jackson challenged nine guys to a duel and won nine times, Mullin told Newsmaxs Carl Higbie.

And so at the end of the day, there is presence [sic] for it, if thats what someone wants to do, Mullin added.

Question: Are there any actual senate rules could you guys go bare knuckle?



Mullin: We looked into the rules. You used to be able to cane. Andrew Jackson challenged 9 guys to a duel.. And so at the end of the day, there is presence for it pic.twitter.com/zznZbVYtHH  Acyn (@Acyn) November 14, 2023

The fight began Tuesday during a Senate committee hearing, when Mullin read aloud social media posts that OBrien had made about the Oklahoma Republican online, including snubbing him as a clown and a fraud, though the initial confrontation ended abruptly after Senator Bernie Sanders scolded the pair.
An inmate already charged in connection with a scheme to use drones to smuggle contraband into a state prison south of Hagerstown is now accused of faking a court document in an attempt to get released early from prison, according to the Maryland Attorney General's office.

Jose Miguel Tapia, 38, faces numerous additional charges including forging a public document, obstruction of justice, first-degree attempted escape and committing identity fraud with the intent to obtain goods or services with a value of at least $100,000, according to the dockets for the two new cases.

Tapia, also known as Jose M. Tabia, was being held without bond Wednesday afternoon at the Washington County Detention Center.

More on crime: 'The violence is real': Maryland GOP lawmakers release plan to take on rising crime

Tapia had been an inmate at Roxbury Correctional Institution south of Hagerstown and is accused of using a contraband phone in that prison in the attempted escape and identity theft cases.

Tapia allegedly "created a fake court commitment document and impersonated a representative from the Office of the State's Attorney in an attempt to secure his unlawful early release from prison," according to a news release issued Wednesday from the Attorney General's office.

Indictments against Tapia in the two new cases were filed in late September through Washington County Circuit Court. Tapia entered not guilty pleas in both cases last week, according to the case dockets.

The document Tapia is accused of forging had a seal of the Clerk of the Circuit Court and purported to grant him 449 additional days of credit for time served that he had not earned, the release states. The fraudulent document was sent to the Maryland Department of Safety and Correctional Services and to the circuit clerk court office in Baltimore City in an attempt to get out of prison early.

Tapia electronically faxed the fake document to the clerk's office from his prison cell, assuming the identity of a representative from the State's Attorney's office and called the clerk's office to request the document be processed.

"Fortunately, the Clerk's Office recognized that the commitment was a forgery and did not process his release," the news release states.

According to charging documents, Tapia made several calls on Oct. 17 and 18 in 2022 using a contraband cellphone within Roxbury. He called officials within the correctional services department and Baltimore City Circuit Court. He also used an email address using the name of a real defense attorney but creating a domain that made it appear the person was with the Maryland States Attorneys Office.

He was able to obtain names of people in certain departments, calling back at least once to ask for one of those people and he assumed the identity of someone else and tried to get his "new" credit for time served accepted so that the inmate in question  himself  could be released, according to court documents.

On Oct. 18, after faxing the fake commitment order to a person in the Baltimore City Circuit Court clerk's office, he got a call back from that woman, court documents state.

The woman said she received the fax and when she questioned whether she was speaking with someone with the state's attorney's office  and Tapia said "Yes"  she responded, "I don't think that's possible," according to court documents.

The person from the clerk's office told Tapia, who was using a fake name, that she works closely with the State's Attorney's Office and the email and phone number didn't match. She also pointed out the paperwork wasn't coming through the right office.

She told Tapia she was calling the State's Attorney's Office and contacting the Attorney General's Office "to figure out what's going on with this, because .... actually it looks like everything is forged ..." according to court documents.

Tapia also accused of using contraband phone in prison to commit identity theft

Tapia also is accused of having a contraband cellphone in his jail cell to "facilitate a complex identity fraud scheme," the release states.

He allegedly assumed the identity of dozens of people, even disguising his voice to impersonate an older woman as he tried to steal their money, the release states.

Two of the victims were previously life insurance clients of Tapia's wife, the release states.

The Herald-Mail is not naming Tapia's wife or other potential co-defendants in court documents because it was not immediately clear whether they had been charged.

Tapia also is accused of impersonating representatives from various hospitals as he tried to get unauthorized access to their email systems and finances, according to the Attorney General's office.

He specifically targeted a company that provides electronic payments to health care providers and hospitals, changing the hospital fax number to his own fax number so he would get faxes that were intended to go to the hospital and that contained virtual credit card numbers he could steal, the release states.

Law enforcement intercepted communications Tapia made with his cell, regarding both schemes.

Investigators searched Tapia's cell at RCI on Nov. 5 and found the contraband cellphone.

If it had been successful, this inmates complex scheme to impersonate government officials could have resulted in his escape from confinement and in his theft of numerous identities that could have cost several people serious financial loss, Attorney General Anthony G. Brown said in the news release. I highly commend the vigilant correctional staff and law enforcement officers who intervened and put a stop to this ploy, underscoring the critical role that they play in preserving the security and well-being of our communities.

Brown thanked numerous people in the law enforcement community for their work or assistance, including Special Assistant Attorney General Brendan J. Flynn, the Washington County Narcotics Task Force, Washington County State's Attorney Gina Cirincion, and special agents from the Drug Enforcement Agency Washington Division's Hagerstown resident office. Others thanked include state public safety department investigators and Senior Assistant Attorney Generals Jared I. Albert and Zachary A. Norfolk.

Tapia, in an earlier case in Baltimore City Circuit Court, pleaded guilty on Jan. 15, 2013, to conspiracy to distribute narcotics, according to court documents. He was sentenced to 15 years, suspending all but one day. On Oct. 13, 2021, Tapia admitted to violating his probation and was sentenced to three years, with one month of credit for time served.

In May this year, officials with the Attorney General's office announced Tapia was among several people charged in regards to smuggling contraband into RCI.

In the contraband Tapia was involved in, he allegedly worked with other inmates and people on the outside to smuggle drugs and other items into RCI for distribution by having contraband packages flown via drone over the RCI fence, according to indictments.

His trial in the contraband case is scheduled for December.

Tapia did not appear to have an defense attorney in the two new cases. His defense attorney in the contraband case had no comment Wednesday regarding the charges in the new cases.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: State inmate near Hagerstown used contraband phone to try to escape
BALTIMORE  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 counties. 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 centering 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 go straight to the state supreme court, given that its considered an unprecedented legal matter.

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, added 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. Ive always said they wanted the oldest survivors to die off.

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 were 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 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.

_____
Maryland middle school DEI teacher under investigation for Israel-Hamas comments: 'Hamas did not start this'

A Diversity, Equity and Inclusion teacher at a Maryland middle school is being investigated over a social media posts suggesting the Hamas terrorists' attack on Israel was a hoax and other posts about the war in the Middle East.

Sabrina Khan-Williams, a World Studies teacher and a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team leader at Tilden Middle School, made a series of posts doubting reports about Hamas' Oct. 7 attack against Israel, according to Facebook screenshots obtained by The Daily Wire.

"Debunked!! No music festival attack. Babies were not burned. Women were not violated," she wrote in one post.

More than 11,000 people have been killed in Gaza and Israel since Hamas launched its largest attack against Israel in decades on Oct. 7, prompting a military response from Israeli forces. Thousands more have been wounded, and many others have been taken hostage by Hamas and raped, tortured and murdered.

PROFESSOR WHO PRAISED HAMAS RESISTANCE FIGHTERS ON GLIDERS NO LONGER EMPLOYED BY EMORY UNIVERSITY

Kahn-Williams suggested in another post that Hamas did not start the war against Israel.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"Hamas did not start this. They were just the perfect vehicle for Zionists to continue its apartheid," she wrote.

According to The Daily Wire, the teacher shared videos from conspiracy theorists and opinion columns from Arab media, including one video that depicted Jews as killing Palestinians to cut their organs out and sell them.

"Palestinians [sic] are being killed and their organs are being sold," Kahn-Williams said.

Kahn-Williams teaches in Bethesda, Maryland, which has a significant Jewish population.

ISRAELI UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT TOURS US CAMPUSES TO URGE ACTION ON GROWING ANTISEMITISM

Sabrina Kahn-Williams teaches in Bethesda, Maryland, which has a significant Jewish population.

Tilden Middle School principal Sapna Hopkins said in a letter to families on Monday that the posts "undermined" the values of the school, including "respect and belonging," according to Fox 5 DC.

Hopkins said she contacted the Office of Student Welfare and Compliance and the Office of Student Support and Well-Being to help with the school's response to the posts. She explained that the incident was reported to the appropriate school district department responsible for initiating an investigation.

"I understand the deep distress and hurt this incident has caused our community. We strive to be a No Place for Hate school. It is evident from recent events that we are not there yet. I acknowledge that we have work to do to live up to our values of respect and inclusion," Hopkins wrote.

"I am confident that we can emerge from this incident stronger and more united in our commitment to non-discrimination, equity, and cultural proficiency," she added.





Original article source: Maryland middle school DEI teacher under investigation for Israel-Hamas comments: 'Hamas did not start this'
A middle school teacher in Rockville, Maryland may be on leave after she took to social media to defend Hamas and baselessly claim that Israel was harvesting Palestinians organs, her school said this week. In Facebook screenshots first obtained by conservative news site The Daily Wire, Sabrina Khan-Williams appears to write, Debunked! No music festival attack. Babies were not burned. Women were not violated. Hospitals were attacked on purpose. She also posted: Palestinians are being killed and their organs are being sold. How is real life scarier than the movies?? Khan-Williams teaches world studies and diversity, equity, and inclusion at Tilden Middle School, according to The Washington Post. She did not immediately return the Posts requests for comment. The middle schools principal, Sapna Hopkins, told the community on Monday that she had reported the alleged activity to the school system, which would investigate the matter.

Read it at The Washington Post

Read more at The Daily Beast.
North Andover, Massachusetts, officials approved a permit Monday, allowing a Palestinian flag to be flown on the North Andover Town Common, according to reports.

Boston 25 News reported that the black, white, red and green flag was raised Tuesday morning and will remain in place until Dec. 7.

Residents attended a board meeting Monday night that had to be rescheduled because of reported "threats of litigation as well as public safety concerns," both in favor and opposition of the flag being put on display on town property.

GOP LAWMAKER SEEKS CURB ON NON-US FLAGS IN CONGRESS AFTER TLAIB OFFICE PICTURED WITH PALESTINIAN BANNER

One resident, Salma Boulal, attended the meeting and said if Israel gets to fly its flag in the North Andover common, Palestinians deserve the same right, the news station reported.

To ensure order was upheld, police were present at the meeting in large numbers.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Town Manager Melissa Rodrigues reportedly said an application to fly the flag was submitted to the town Oct. 16, about six hours before town officials updated its policy on flying flags.

REP. RASHIDA TLAIB, CRITIC OF ISRAEL, BREAKS SILENCE ON HAMAS ATTACKS AS ISRAELI DEATH TOLL CLIMBS OVER 600

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators with a Palistinian flag during a protest at Columbia University in New York City.

Prior to the change, the policy allowed a town resident to apply to fly a flag on the towns flagpole.

Rodrigues said the application resulted in the flagpole being considered for a public forum, though the subject of a flag cannot be considered when reviewing an application presented under the old policy.

OBAMA CALLS FOR END OF OCCUPATION, SECURITY FOR ISRAEL, STATE FOR PALESTINIANS

Participants of a solidarity rally for Israel hold Israel's flag.

Under the new policy, the use of the flagpole is limited to statements of governmental speech and no other culture-related flags will be permitted to fly there, which goes along with a U.S. Supreme Court decision in 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."

The news station also reported that the town has allowed an Israeli flag to fly in the Town Common since early October, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel.

Marc Freedman, president of the Congregation Ahavat Olam, which means everlasting love in English, told Fox News Digital he was disgusted and horrified by the towns decision to raise the Palestinian flag.

Thousands of Israel supporters gather near Central Park in New York City on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023. The demonstrators are here to show for Israel's war against Hamas.

He also said doing whats right is more important than any cost, explaining that had the town not allowed the flag to be raised, it could have faced litigation.

"The town was a coward," Freedman said. "I dont believe the flag should have been raised because today it is a symbol of hatred and antisemitism."

The 57-year-old resident has lived in North Andover for 25 years, though Monday night was the first time he attended a Town Select Board meeting.

He said the room on Monday was packed with about 600 people, and the select board gave anyone who wanted to speak 3 minutes, though after 60 minutes the public commentary would need to be closed.

Freedman said there were two microphones setup, and those in favor of flying the Palestinian flag lined up at one, while those opposed lined up at the other. Some people needed to be removed from the room, he said, and at times people chanted things like "from the river to the sea."

Ultimately, the board voted to allow the Palestinian flag to fly, though some members, according to Freedman, admitted they may not agree with the approval but must give the approval based on advice from counsel.

North Andover isn't the only Massachusetts town to OK raising the Palestinian flag in the public square. Last week, the state's second-largest city, Worcester, flew the flag in front of City Hall, according to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.

And like in North Andover, the Israeli flag had a week-long run in Worcester last month after the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel.





Original article source: Massachusetts town approves permit to fly Palestinian flag on public flagpole
A Massillon man was sentenced to at least 40 years in prison Tuesday after pleading guilty in two Summit County shootings  one involving the drive-by shooting of a party bus on Interstate 77 and another that left a man dead.

No one died in the Copley Township bus shooting in June 2021, but a man was killed in a second shooting a few weeks later in a parking lot on South Hawkins Avenue in Akron.

Delbert Rackley, 21, pleaded guilty Tuesday in Summit County Common Pleas Court to numerous charges that included voluntary manslaughter and several counts of felonious assault and gun specifications that require additional prison time.

He also pleaded guilty to charges in two other unrelated weapons cases.

Summit County Common Pleas Judge Alison Breaux

Judge Alison Breaux immediately sentenced Rackley to 40 to 45 years in prison.

Noah Munyer, who represented Rackley, thanked prosecutors for reaching a resolution in Rackleys four cases.

My client accepted responsibility and is looking forward to putting this behind him, Munyer said.

Rackley is charged for two shootings within three weeks

Rackley was charged for two shootings in Akron within three weeks in the summer of 2021.

More: Two injured in I-77 shooting Friday night as party bus fired on by another vehicle

In the first shooting, prosecutors say Rackley followed a party bus out of South Hawkins Plaza on June 25 and shot at it on I-77 in Copley Township. Two people suffered minor injuries. A second vehicle was struck but no one was hurt.

Rackley was wearing a GPS ankle monitor at the time of the shooting because of a prior case, prosecutors say.

Prosecutors say the second shooting happened on July 18 at a shopping center near South Hawkins Avenue and Vernon Odom Boulevard.

More: Two killed in Akron Sunday night in separate incidents; two others injured

Officers responded to the plaza after receiving reports of a large gathering. Responding officers heard gunshots and saw the crowd scatter.

Marquis Sams, 23, of Akron, was fatally injured, while a teen was injured.

The crowd was gathered to show off their cars and do burnouts, which involves spinning the tires, prosecutors say.

Rackleys original charges for the fatal shooting in July included aggravated murder and murder, which carry with them sentences of life in prison.

Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com, 330-996-3705 and on Twitter: @swarsmithabj.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Delbert Rackley gets prison time for 2 Summit County shootings
Mattel is being sued by the California pediatric hospital that bears its name after backing out of a $49 million donation, according to a lawsuit filed last week. The breach-of-contract complaint, obtained by the Los Angeles Times, outlines how the toymaker allegedly made the inexplicable decision a few short years later to renege on its 2017 pledge to the UCLA Mattel Childrens Hospital. The suit claims that Mattel subsequently committed to donating just a few million dollarswhile throwing in some Mattel toys, like Barbies and Hot Wheels cars, for good measure. Litigation is not the universitys preferred path, a UCLA Health spokesperson told the Times. UCLA Health made multiple good-faith attempts to resolve this matter through meaningful dialogue, and those efforts were unsuccessful. In a statement, Mattel said that it had not breached a contract with the hospital, saying its donation was earmarked specifically for the planned construction of a new hospital tower that was later unilaterally abandoned by UCLA.

Read it at Los Angeles Times

Read more at The Daily Beast.
Perry, Aniston and Schwimmer pictured in one of their last shows in 2003

Friends actors Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer and Lisa Kudrow have paid tribute to their co-star Matthew Perry following his death last month.

Schwimmer, who played Ross in the US TV sitcom, shared a picture on Instagram of himself alongside Perry as Chandler.

"Thank you for 10 incredible years of laughter and creativity," he wrote.

Aniston, who played Rachel, posted a clip of her and Perry from the sitcom and wrote: "We loved him deeply. He was such a part of our DNA."

Kudrow, who was Phoebe in the sitcom that ran on NBC from 1994 to 2004, wrote in an Instagram post: "Thank you for making me laugh so hard at something you said, that my muscles ached, and tears poured down my face EVERY DAY."

Perry, 54, was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home at the end of October.

Perry and his Friends co-stars at the People's Choice Awards in 1995

"Having to say goodbye to our Matty has been an insane wave of emotions that I've never experienced before," Aniston wrote on Wednesday.

"He made all of us laugh. And laugh hard. In the last couple weeks, I've been poring over our texts to one another. Laughing and crying then laughing again.

"Matty, I love you so much and I know you are now completely at peace and out of any pain."

'Generous heart'

In his message, Schwimmer wrote: "I will never forget your impeccable comic timing and delivery. You could take a straight line of dialogue and bend it to your will, resulting in something so entirely original and unexpectedly funny it still astonishes.

"And you had heart. Which you were generous with, and shared with us, so we could create a family out of six strangers."

And Kudrow posted a photo of herself and Perry, thanking him "for the best 10 years a person gets to have".

Matt LeBlanc (centre) said his times with Perry were "honestly among the favourite times of my life"

The comments by Schwimmer, Aniston and Kudrow come a day after fellow co-stars Courtney Cox and Matt LeBlanc also paid tribute to Perry.

Cox, who played his on-screen wife Monica, said she was "so grateful for every moment they worked together".

LeBlanc, who starred as flatmate Joey, shared pictures of him on set with Perry and wrote on Instagram: "The times we had together are honestly among the favourite times of my life."

The cast of Friends had previously issued a joint statement saying they were "utterly devastated" by the loss of their fellow star.

Perry's funeral took place earlier this month with his co-stars reportedly in attendance. Authorities are still investigating the cause of his death.

His post-mortem examination was inconclusive, while officials await the results of toxicology tests.

After his death, a new foundation was set up in his name to continue his commitment to "helping others struggling with the disease of addiction" following his public battles with alcohol and drugs.
NEW YORK  Mayor Adams admitted Tuesday that he reached out to the head of the FDNY in 2021 to resolve a building safety issue on behalf of the Turkish government  an episode that has caught the attention of federal authorities investigating the mayors campaign as part of a public corruption probe.

As first revealed Sunday, the feds, who seized Adams cellphones and iPad last week in the probe, are scrutinizing the mayor for asking then-FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro in September 2021 to look into quickly dispensing with fire safety violations detected at Turkeys Consulate in Manhattan, which was at the time about to open. Adams, who was then Brooklyns borough president and the Democratic Partys mayoral nominee, made the outreach after Turkish Consul General Reyhan Ozgur asked him for help.

In a press briefing at City Hall on Tuesday, Adams confirmed he checked in with Nigro on Ozgurs behalf  but disputed the notion that there was anything unusual or nefarious about it.

I did not speak to any other individual in the FDNY, did not circumvent the commissioner. The commissioner was the person that I asked, Can you look into this? And that was all I spoke with, Adams said in what marked his first press briefing since the feds confiscated his electronics.

The mayor added: The role of elected officials is to receive a call from the constituency of a particular issue, and then we go to the agency and assist them to navigate that. Thats the role of an elected official. I must have done that thousands of times of people who were having a challenge navigating government.

After Adams intervention, the Turkish consulate was able to open in late September 2021 in time for a visit by the countrys president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

In addition to seizing Adams electronics, the FBI raided the home of Brianna Suggs, his top campaign fundraiser, on Nov. 2, confiscating her cellphones and documents.

As first reported by the New York Times, the feds are investigating allegations that Adams campaign conspired with the Turkish government to receive illegal campaign contributions via straw donors in exchange for official favors. KSK Construction, a Brooklyn-based contractor with ties to Turkey whose executives donated generously to Adams 2021 campaign, is also being scrutinized in the inquiry.

Neither Adams nor his campaign have been formally accused of any wrongdoing by the feds.

Its unclear if the feds are probing any other specific episodes besides the Manhattan consulate episode involving Nigro.

Nigro has received a grand jury subpoena as part of the probe, according to CNN, which also reported Tuesday that the former FDNY honcho voluntarily spoke to FBI agents.

While the mayor was forthcoming with the consulate detail, he and top aides declined to answer additional questions at Tuesdays briefing about whether federal investigators have seized the phones of anyone else working for Adams administration or campaign.

He also dodged questions about whether hed resign if indicted as part of the probe, only saying hes not speculating on that.

We dont do the straw donors. We dont, you know, do quid pro quo, he said. We follow the law.

Several times during his briefing, Adams deferred to his chief counsel, Lisa Zornberg, about the investigation, which came into public view after the Nov. 2 raid at Suggs home.

Zornberg said there has been no indication Adams is a target of the probe.

No one has been accused of wrongdoing in the investigation to my knowledge, she said.

Adams also declined to provide more detail on a statement issued last week by Boyd Johnson, a criminal defense attorney Adams retained to represent him and his campaign.

In that statement, issued after the seizure of the mayors phones, Johnson said Adams campaign had discovered an individual had recently acted improperly and that it was immediately and proactively reported to investigators.

Adams campaign has declined to identify that person or say what they did. Zornberg also declined to directly answer several questions Tuesday, saying that doing so would impede the probe.

Were not going to impede an active investigation by providing more detail, she said.

Duncan Levin, a former federal prosecutor who works as a criminal defense lawyer, said it should come as no surprise Adams would defer to Zornberg.

He gains nothing from commenting publicly on it, Levin said.

The feds approached the mayor with their search warrant and seized his electronic devices as Adams was leaving an official event at NYU on Nov. 6, four days after the raid on Suggs apartment.

That raid wasnt the only one that took place in connection with the probe, according to CNN. The same day of the Suggs raid, the FBI also executed search warrants or conducted interviews at a dozen locations, CNN reported.

Adams has a long history of traveling to Turkey, saying recently hes gone there at least six times.

One of those trips, taken in 2015 when he was Brooklyn BP, was paid for by the Turkish Consulate, according to financial disclosure forms, which list the purpose as being to discuss a sister city agreement with Turkish officials.

_____
Have you always dreamed of seeing yourself on television? A series shooting in Pittsburgh next year may be your ticket to fame.

Thriller series Mayor of Kingstown is shooting its third season in the Pittsburgh area and is looking for extras.

The show, starring Jeremy Renner, is looking for paid extras to play town locals, prisoners, diner patrons, nightclub goers and more. Theyre also looking for people to be stand-ins and photo doubles.

No experience is necessary.

Filming runs from January to May 2024.

For more information on how to apply, visit www.movieextraspittsburgh.com/ or follow Movie Casting PGH on Facebook.

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Invading Russian forces have turned certain streets of Nova Kakhovka into a dump, the mayor of the occupied town in Kherson Oblast, Volodymyr Kovalenko, told Radio Libertys Novyny Pryazovya project on Nov. 15.

The occupation administration also put machine guns on the roofs of buildings, Kovalenko said.

Read also: Ukrainian flag raised in Russian-occupied Nova Kakhovka (photo)

There are virtually no Russian officers left in Nova Kakhovka, Kovalenko said.

"The city itself is constantly thundering, there is constant shelling," he said.

In this regard, the vast majority of residents try not to be on the streets unless it is absolutely necessary. As for the actions of the occupiers, according to the information I have, and I get it almost every day, only privates and sergeants remain on the front line. The officers have retreated to the rear.

Read also: Ukrainian army hits Russian command post in occupied Nova Kakhovka

The mayor noted that residents of Nova Kakhovka have no access to certain streets at all, with Russians shooting without warning at those who violate the ban on entering these streets.

"There is a park area, everything is mined, everything has reinforced concrete structures, everything is overgrown with weeds," Kovalenko said.

The city has been turned into a dump. They set up mortars or machine gun nests on the first floors and on the roofs of residential buildings.

Earlier, the official reported that a number of settlements on the east bank of Kherson Oblast had become deserted due to Russian aggression.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A defeat for House Republicans in their efforts to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas Monday marks the latest blow to Republicans in Congress as they seek to move forward with solutions to the ongoing crisis at the southern border.

Eight Republicans joined with House Democrats in voting to table a motion that would have impeached Secretary Mayorkas, a move that Republicans have been teasing since they took the House in early 2023.

While it does not necessarily mark the end of impeachment efforts against Mayorkas  an investigation is still ongoing into his conduct in the House Homeland Security Committee  it is a significant defeat for Republicans in the House.

DEMOCRATS BLOCK EFFORT TO IMPEACH DHS SECRETARY MAYORKAS WITH REPUBLICAN SUPPORT

A Republican bid to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas failed Monday.

The Department of Homeland Security responded by urging Republicans to stop "wasting time and 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.

"Secretary Mayorkas continues to be laser-focused on the safety and security of our nation. This baseless attack is completely without merit and a harmful distraction from our critical national security priorities," the statement added.

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The defeat comes after Republicans upset conservatives and border hawks earlier this year when they tried and failed to attach H.R. 2  the House Republicans signature border security and asylum overhaul legislation  to a continuing resolution to keep the federal government open.

Instead, the House ended up passing a "clean" continuing resolution, which in turn led to the ouster of Speaker Kevin McCarthy. On Tuesday evening, the House passed another continuing resolution to avoid a pre-holiday season shutdown. That too did not contain policy riders, including those related to border security.

In the upper chamber, Senate Republicans last week introduced a series of border security proposals to be included as part of negotiations over the White Houses supplemental aid request. That package is expected to contain funding for Israel, Ukraine and the border.

WHITE HOUSE, SENATE DEMS REJECT GOP BORDER SECURITY PROPOSALS: TOTAL NON-STARTER

However, the initial Republican proposals were immediately rejected by Senate Democrats as a "non-starter," while the White House also dismissed the proposals. Immigration hawks, meanwhile, were critical that the proposals missed out on some parts of H.R. 2.

"If Republicans want to have a serious conversation about reforms that will improve our immigration system, we are open to a discussion. We disagree with many of the policies contained in the new Senate Republican border proposal," a White House spokesperson said.

However, negotiations are still ongoing as a bipartisan Senate group discusses potential provisions that could be included in a supplemental aid package with support for Ukraine. But it remains to be seen what such a package will look like. Legislation would need to pass both the GOP-controlled House and prevent a Senate filibuster in the Democrat-controlled chamber.

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, has led a group of Texas Republicans in urging the Senate to consider H.R. 2

In the House, some conservative Republicans have been sounding the alarm and criticizing their own caucus work so far, including the failure to pass border security legislation.

"We promised the American people we would stand athwart this administration, cut spending, secure the border. We've delivered on none of that so far," Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, told "Cavuto: Coast to Coast" Tuesday.

Roy also warned that, in terms of upcoming negotiations, he would not be receptive if lawmakers "try and sell me something and call it border security if it's not."

"Don't come to me with some nonsense with Ukraine and border security that doesn't actually secure the border, or we're going to have to call BS on that," he said.

Immigration hawks have also told Republicans they should keep the border at the top of their priority list.

"The border crisis is only getting worse, and Republicans' resolve to fix it cannot fade as budget negotiations continue," Lora Ries, director of the Heritage Foundations Border Security and Immigration Center, told Fox News Digital.

"In the matter of just a few days, the House has let Mayorkas skate on impeachment while the Senate works on a proposal to undermine H.R. 2, which is the only serious solution to the crisis we face. A border disaster of this magnitude must not fall to the back burner in favor of politics and wrong priorities."

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The border crisis continues. Numbers published by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Tuesday show there were more than 249,000 migrant encounters in October, down only slightly from the monthly record set in September, when there were more than 269,000 encounters.

Republicans have continued to blame the policies of the Biden administration for the crisis, while the administration has called for more funding and policy changes to fix what it says is a "broken" system.

Fox News' Brandon Gillespie contributed to this report.





Original article source: Mayorkas impeachment flop marks latest blow to GOP efforts to tackle border crisis
European missile producer MBDA is restarting production of its Cold War-era PARM directional anti-tank mine after Germany ordered thousands of the tripwire systems to replace stocks delivered to Ukraine.

Germanys federal office for equipment procurement is buying 2,600 of the off-route mines from MBDA subsidiary TDW, with an option for 10,000 more, the office said in a statement Tuesday. The parliamentary budget committee had previously approved the project for a total amount of around 68 million ($74 million).

The order intake marks a first milestone of the ramp up of our production capacities, TDW Managing Director Andreas Seitz said in a statement. PARM will help Germany, as well as other nations, develop and expand their area-denial capabilities.

After decades of relative calm in Europe, Russias invasion of Ukraine heralded the return of high-intensity and manoeuvre warfare, with both countries deploying thousands of tanks and armored vehicles. Mines have been instrumental in blunting assaults on both sides, with Germany supplying Ukraine with 14,900 anti-tank mines so far, according to a tally of military aid.

TDW will produce a demonstration batch of the PARM DM22 from 2025, with the first serial deliveries to German troops in 2026. Follow-up orders can be placed in batches of 1,000 units each, according to the procurement office.

The weapon was developed and manufactured during the 1990s by TDW for the German Bundeswehr, and has been out of production since 1998, after the end of the Cold War. With production restarting after a quarter of a century, the system will have to be recertified, MBDA Germany spokesman Gunter Abel told Defense News in an email.

The company sees potential for export customers mainly in NATO members in Northern and Eastern Europe, as NATO and EU countries recognize the need to protect their borders from aggressors, according to Abel.

Although PARM was originally intended as a Cold War anti-tank weapon system, it has proven to be an reliable and effective weapon against state of the art main battle tanks on modern battlefields, Abel said. Thats why there is currently an increasing demand.

The fully automatic directional mine is mounted on a tripod and can take out tanks and armored combat vehicles. The PARM contains a shaped charge that can be effective at a distance and can be triggered by a fiber-optical sensor or remote control, allowing the mine to operate from covert positions.

The system can be carried by a single soldier, and is combat proven, MBDA said.

TDW provides core competencies in the field of anti-access/area-denial systems and warheads, MBDA Germany Managing Director Thomas Gottschild said in a statement. With the procurement, PARM is in the process of returning to serial production, making it the most available, most powerful roadside counter-mobility system on the market.
McConnell holds off on rolling Tuberville over military nominations  for now

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) on Tuesday voted against a Democratic resolution to circumvent Sen. Tommy Tubervilles (R-Ala.) hold on 370 stalled military promotions  but he left open the possibility he might vote for it later this Congress.

Tensions within the Senate GOP over Tubervilles controversial strategy of blocking nonpolitical military nominees to protest the Pentagons abortion policy spilled into the open earlier this month when a group of Republican senators confronted the Alabama senator on the floor.

But McConnell still hopes a Republican leadership can work out a deal with Tuberville to avoid the need to pass a resolution to allow Democrats to move hundreds of military nominees in one package.

Senate conservatives, including Sens. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), JD Vance (R-Ohio), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), have warned it would be a mistake for McConnell to support the resolution, which would effectively deny Tuberville the power to hold up most nominees by withholding his consent to waive procedural hurdles.

McConnell said Tuesday he will give fellow Republican senators more time to work out a deal with Tuberville to avoid having to change Senate procedure.

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A vote on the Democratic resolution would divide the Senate GOP conference, something McConnell tries to avoid.

But the GOP leader made clear he does not support Tubervilles tactic of bringing virtually all military promotions to a halt, even though he supports his objective of getting the Pentagon to end its policy of reimbursing the travel costs of service members who obtain abortions.

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, McConnell voted in the Rules Committee with other Republicans against the resolution. The Democratic-controlled Rules Committee then favorably reported the resolution by a party-line 9-7 vote.

McConnell said productive discussions about reaching a deal with Tuberville are ongoing, and hes 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.

McConnells opposition effectively puts a Senate floor vote on the resolution on hold. It needs 60 votes and the support of at least nine Republicans to pass.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said he will bring the resolution to the floor very soon if Republicans cant break the impasse with Tuberville.

If my Republican colleagues cant convince Sen. Tuberville to relent, I will bring it to the floor shortly for a vote, Schumer said during the Rules Committee markup.

We need to get these military nominees confirmed ASAP for the sake of our national security, he said.

Schumer voted with eight other Democrats in favor of the measure.

Scott, who challenged McConnell for the Senate Republican leaders job a year ago, last week warned it would be a mistake for Senate Republican leaders to back the resolution.

The proposal, introduced by Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Jack Reed (D-R.I.), would empower Democrats to move more than 350 stalled military nominees en bloc but would not apply to the eight members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff or the 11 commanders of Combatant Commands.

I support Tommy, Scott told The Hill last week. We ought to respect that a person has a different position, and actually I support his position. I think what the Biden administration did with regard to the abortion policy is not in compliance with the law.

Hawley warned Tuesday that depriving Tuberville of the power to withhold unanimous consent to speed military nominees through the Senate would set a bad precedent.

Ill vote against it if and when it comes to the floor just because, putting aside the present the situation, I just dont think  listen, the right to object to unanimous consent is important, Hawley argued.

When you start chipping away at that, the problem I think is that that becomes a precedent, he warned. If youre going to do it for this, why not do it for this, that and the other thing?

I think it will be very tempting for future majorities to want to do this across the board. If thats the case, we ought to just rewrite the rules  which I would not support either.

Members of McConnells leadership team, Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), who sit on the Rules Committee also opposed the resolution to eviscerate Tubervilles holds.

Were still working on it, Capito said of a possible deal with Tuberville. Personally, I have an issue with changing the rules, so, no, Ill be a no.

Even so, McConnell warned the backlog of military nominees will grow worse in the weeks ahead, suggesting he might support the Democratic resolution if Republican colleagues cant work out a resolution with Tuberville.

Right now, these holds affect 370 active-duty positions. By the end of the year, if this situation is left unaddressed, it will impact 90 percent of our senior-most military commanders, he said Tuesday.

Any one of us can talk for days about the growing challenges were facing around the world. But none of it is worth a dime if we cant put experienced commanders in command in a timely manner, he warned.

Tuberville suggested Tuesday he wont take it personally if GOP colleagues vote for a resolution to disempower his protest of the Defense Departments abortion policy.

You know, vote for your constituents. Thats what I do, he said.

Asked about McConnells potential support for the Democratic resolution, Tuberville said: You got to do what you think is right.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Media mogul Rupert Murdoch is ceding control of his empire to son Lachlan (Jewel SAMAD)

Conservative media mogul Rupert Murdoch, who hands control of his empire to son Lachlan this week, on Wednesday pledged to maintain an "active role" in the business and slammed "intolerant" elites for silencing debate one year before the 2024 election.

The 92-year-old Murdoch formally passes the torch to 52-year-old Lachlan at News Corp on Wednesday. He will do the same at Fox Corp on Friday.

"I hope to continue an active role in the company," Murdoch, who will remain as chairman emeritus at News Corp, told shareholders at an annual meeting, adding that Lachlan will now be the company's "sole Chair."

The Australian-born Murdoch rose from local news in Adelaide to amassing a stable of legacy newspapers in Britain and the United States before launching into broadcast media.

Aggressive tabloids like The Sun and New York Post, storied dailies The Times and Wall Street Journal, and big-hitting television networks like Fox and Sky have turned the Murdoch family into some of the world's most influential figures.

At the shareholders' meeting, Murdoch -- whose outlets have been accused of pushing the rise of populism in Britain and the United States, symbolized by the Brexit movement and the ascent of Donald Trump -- fretted about free speech.

"There is no doubt that we should all be concerned about the suppression of debate by an intolerant elite who regard differing opinions as anathema," he said.

"We are blessed to live in a country where dreams are not yet subject to regulation."

In recent years, Fox News has faced allegations of disseminating disinformation about Covid-19 and promoting the false notion that the 2020 presidential election won by Joe Biden over Trump was rigged to ensure the Democrat's victory.

That notion fueled angry Trump supporters on January 6, 2021 when they stormed the US Capitol in a deadly outburst of violence.

In April, Fox News reached a $787.5 million settlement in a defamation case brought by voting technology firm Dominion that alleged the network knowingly aired false claims linking its machines to a conspiracy to undermine the election.

In his brief remarks at the shareholders' meeting, Murdoch voiced concern about "the rise of virulent anti-Semitism" after the "barbaric" October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel.

He also highlighted the case of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who he said "remains unfairly imprisoned in Russia for simply doing his job," and thanked those working to secure the journalist's release.

arb/sst/bgs
Media mogul Rupert Murdoch is ceding control of his empire to son Lachlan (Jewel SAMAD)

Conservative media mogul Rupert Murdoch on Wednesday pledged to maintain an "active role" in the business as he handed control of his global empire to son Lachlan, amid questions about how Fox News will handle next year's presidential election.

After decades running a sprawling news operation in Australia, Britain and the United States, the 92-year-old Murdoch officially became chairman emeritus at News Corp at a shareholders' meeting on Wednesday.

He will formally pass the baton to 52-year-old Lachlan -- who is believed to share his father's conservative leanings -- at Fox Corp on Friday. But the formidable tycoon made it clear he was not disappearing entirely from the media scene.

"I hope to continue an active role in the company," Murdoch told shareholders, adding that Lachlan will now be the company's "sole Chair."

He had already told Fox employees when the transition was announced in September that he would still watch broadcasts "with a critical eye" and they could expect to sometimes see him in their offices "late on a Friday afternoon."

The Australian-born Murdoch rose from local news in Adelaide to amassing a stable of legacy newspapers in Britain and the United States before launching into broadcast media.

Aggressive tabloids like The Sun and New York Post, storied dailies The Times and Wall Street Journal, and big-hitting television networks like Fox and Sky have turned the Murdoch family into some of the world's most influential figures.

At Wednesday's shareholders' meeting, Murdoch -- whose outlets have been accused of pushing the rise of populism in Britain and the United States, symbolized by Brexit and the ascent of Donald Trump -- fretted about free speech.

"There is no doubt that we should all be concerned about the suppression of debate by an intolerant elite who regard differing opinions as anathema," he said.

- Fox, Trump and 2024 -

The Murdoch family transition comes as Fox News navigates choppy waters.

In recent years, Fox News has faced allegations of disseminating disinformation about Covid-19 and promoting the false notion that the 2020 presidential election won by Joe Biden over Trump was rigged to ensure the Democrat's victory.

That notion fueled angry Trump supporters on January 6, 2021 when they stormed the US Capitol in a deadly outburst of violence.

In April, Fox News reached a $787.5 million settlement in a defamation case brought by voting technology firm Dominion that alleged the network knowingly aired false claims linking its machines to a conspiracy to undermine the election.

A week after the settlement, Fox ousted conservative firebrand Tucker Carlson, one of several prominent network figures who had publicly championed Trump, while privately disparaging the conspiracy theory-peddling Republican.

The network lost some viewers but remained ahead of rivals CNN and MSNBC.

Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham, the network's other weeknight talk show stars, have continued to blast Biden, and constantly claim without evidence that Trump's legal woes are the result of a justice system weaponized by Democrats against him.

Trump, the Republican presidential frontrunner, has meanwhile spurned all debates with his rivals, including those organized by Fox News, once his preferred channel.

"From a content perspective, from a tone perspective, they're very similar to where they always have been," Angelo Carusone, CEO of Media Matters for America, a liberal group, said of Fox News.

"But they're not in the same place with respect to the rest of the media environment and the Republican Party. They're not as powerful. They're a lot less influential," he told AFP.

Much like the party, Fox must treat Trump as the country's conservative leader, experts say.

"They have tried to boost other candidates along the way, but it's just not been something as effective. They've been starving Donald Trump of oxygen and airtime a little bit. And yet he's still thriving," Carusone said.

arb/sst/st
The Russian Technological University in Moscow managed to import a high-tech drone detector from Canada despite strict sanctions, independent Russian media outlet Agentstvo reported on Nov. 15.

Investigative journalists discovered that the university bought the SkyEye detector in May for 4.5 million rubles ($50,470) and received the system in June, according to procurement documents.

The university could be using the system "for research purposes, as it is developing anti-drone devices," Agenstvo said.

The SkyEye is able to detect drones up to 35 kilometers away and can recognize "over 330 models of drones, remote controllers, FPVs, and telemetry devices," according to the website of Skycope Technologies, the Canadian manufacturer.

The system weighs less than 10 kilograms and can be set up within five minutes, and has been "rigorously tested and verified" by the Canadian Defense Department, the website states.

Lawyer and sanctions compliance expert Roman Rasimas told Agentstvo that the system is subject to restrictions imposed by the Canadian authorities.

A businessman, Maksim Susloparov, appears to have supplied the radar to the university, according to the documents assessed by Agentstvo journalists.

Neither Susloparov nor the university responded to Agentstvo requests for comment and it remains unclear exactly how the system was imported to Russia.

Despite sanctions, Western-produced components and dual-use technologies have continued to flow to Russia, often ending up in the hands of the Russian military. They are commonly exported through third-party countries.

Read also: Canada imposes 63 sanctions against Russian individuals, entities

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Ukraine's richest man Rinat Akhmetov allegedly borrowed $400 million from Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, the International Consortium of Investigate Journalists (ICIJ) said on Nov. 14, citing information obtained from leaked documents dubbed "Cyprus Confidential."

The documents are part of a massive leak of millions of files obtained from Cypriot financial service providers.

Together, they comprise a complex picture of "how Cypriot financial enablers scrambled to help Russian oligarchs and Putin allies shield their assets and avoid Western sanctions," the ICIJ wrote.

In an investigation based on the leaked documents, the ICIJ alleged that Akhmetov transferred liability for a $400 million loan from Sberbank to a Cyprus-based subsidiary through his ownership of the Ukrainian energy giant DTEK. The loans were allegedly provided by Sberbank before 2014, when Russia invaded Ukraine.

In addition, DTEK also transferred ownership of several Russian coal mines to the Cyprus-based subsidiary in 2017.

Elsewhere in the investigation, the ICIJ said that Akhmetov allegedly purchased a luxury penthouse in London in 2021 for 87.5 million pounds ($107 million) through a shell company based in the British Virgin Islands.

In response to the investigation, Akhmetov issued a statement to ICIJ saying that the loans provided by Sberbank and others before Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 were "standard practice for Ukrainian borrowers."

Transferring the ownership of the Russian coal mines to the Cypriot subsidiary was a way of "limiting [DTEK's] exposure to the claims of Sberbank as creditor and paved the way to exiting DTEKs investment in the Rostov Coal Mines."

The statement did not comment on the purchase of the London apartment.

Akhmetov lost more than half of his assets as a result of the full-scale invasion, with many of his industrial holdings, such as the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, destroyed or damaged during the fighting.

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, as of Oct. 31, Akhmetovs net worth fell by 52% to $5.39 billion compared to the pre-war numbers. He now ranks 412th among the richest people globally, 278 positions lower than at the beginning of the year. He is the only Ukrainian on the list.

In June 2022, Akhmetov filed a lawsuit at the European Court of Human Rights against Russia for gross violations of his property rights. Akhmetov asked for "billions of dollars" to compensate for the blockade, looting, destruction, and theft of his grain and metal from Ukraine to Russia.

Read also: Ukraines top oligarch Akhmetov loses half his assets to Russias invasion

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
President Biden is going into a high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping with one man in particular close by his side: Kurt Campbell, the Coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs on the National Security Council.

Campbell, who has also been nominated to be deputy secretary of State, is described as the architect of the Biden administrations strategy toward confronting China. Supporters praise his creative diplomacy in building coalitions among allies in the Indo-Pacific, and his acute understanding of how military power can be wielded.

Among Republicans, conservatives and Democrats, Campbell elicits respect  a rare distinction in Washington.

Kurt is as experienced a hand in high policy as we have in either party in our government, said Patrick Cronin, the Asia-Pacific security chair at the conservative-leaning Hudson Institute in Washington, D.C.

Cronin is longtime friends with Campbell. The two were colleagues at the University of Oxford and both are Navy reservists. He described Campbell as having a deep well of experience in the Indo-Pacific.

Hes been working specifically on these issues from the very beginning of the Clinton administration, at least. And I worked with him on these issues back then. And hes worked closely with our allies and partners, so hes always been poised to have the trust of our allies.

Campbell will head into the meeting with Biden and Xi as a known quantity on the Chinese side, according to experts interviewed for this article, adding that this familiarity will help Bidens diplomatic efforts.

Hes also a respected figure among Americas closest regional allies  Japan, South Korea, Australia and India. Its those relationships that hes focused on deepening to shape the environment around China, increase pressure on Beijing and limit its choices in the region.

Campbell has been involved with a number of initiatives meant to counter China, including the state visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi; Bidens summer summit with Japan and South Korea at Camp David and the birth of AUKUS, the trilateral Indo-Pacific security partnership with the United Kingdom and Australia, in September 2021.

A diplomat from an Asian country, who asked for anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to the press, said Campbell has made an impression as someone who makes time to connect personally with people from the Indo-Pacific who are working in Washington. The diplomat described Campbell as showing genuine modesty, a trait that is not necessarily present in the intense power-play dynamics of Washington.

Richard Fontaine, CEO of the Center for a New American Security, and a friend of Campbells for nearly two decades, said that description is totally true.

He definitely makes time and tries to be helpful to people across the board, he said, while also crediting Campbell for creativity and boundless energy and initiative.

An administration official who worked closely with him in the leadup to Wednesdays Biden-Xi meeting said Campbell led a team that managed incredibly delicate diplomacy while overseeing broad strategic work that has strengthened our alliances in the Indo-Pacific.

Kurts approach buttresses one of President Bidens greatest strengths as a leader on the world stage: his knack for leader-to-leader diplomacy, the official said.

Campbell has served as the National Security Council coordinator for the Indo-Pacific since the start of the presidents term in office. During the Obama administration, he served as assistant secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific affairs.

Hes also one-half of a D.C. power couple. His wife, Lael Brainard, is Bidens director of the National Economic Council. The two have three daughters, and Campbell is quick to show colleagues and friends photographs and videos.

Biden administration officials talk about a two-pronged approach to competing with China that involves investments in the U.S. to put it in a stronger economic position, while deepening relationships with allies abroad to bolster its global position.

The administration has put a lot emphasis on renewing the domestic sources of strength so as to be more competitive in taking on the China challenge. And Kurts role has been and will be focused on the foreign aspects of that  Laels got more of the domestic economic side of that equation, Fontaine said.

A senior administration official briefing reporters last week said Biden is heading into his meeting with Xi with game-changing investments in American strength at home and having deepened our alliances and partnerships abroad in ways that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago.

But even as the White House projects confidence, they are setting low expectations for breakthrough agreements or consensus with a leader who is viewed as more authoritarian at home and aggressive abroad.

The president is focused on reestablishing military-to-military channels that China severed in the wake of what China viewed as a provocative visit by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to Taiwan in August 2022.

A whole host of topics will be on the table between Biden and Xi, including Israels war with Hamas, Russias war in Ukraine and North Koreas nuclear weapon saber-rattling.

Theres a lot of crises and important equities in other regions of the world. But the administration wants to focus, despite it all, on the Indo-Pacific as its priority theater and China [as] his priority challenge, Fontaine said. And I think having Kurt go over to the State Department is one expression of that.

Biden nominated Campbell for deputy secretary of State on Nov. 1. The process has been bogged down by bureaucratic and political hurdles, but some predicted it would ultimately end with success.

My sense is at a time when the nomination and confirmation process is not exactly a well-oiled machine, the support for Kurts nomination among both Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill, seems extraordinarily high, which is notable, Fontaine said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Meta has called for laws that would force app stores to get parental approval when a child downloads an app.

The proposal would put app stores, like those run by Apple and Google, on the hook for implementing parental controls - rather than social media companies.

Meta, owner of Instagram and Facebook, has faced criticism for how it handles teens using its platforms.

The firm's safety chief called for a "simple, industry-wide solution" to govern children's social media use.

"Parents should approve their teen's app downloads, and we support federal legislation that requires app stores to get parents' approval whenever their teens under 16 download apps," said Meta's global head of safety, Antigone Davis, in a blog post published Wednesday.

"With this solution, when a teen wants to download an app, app stores would be required to notify their parents, much like when parents are notified if their teen attempts to make a purchase.

"Parents can decide if they want to approve the download... they can also verify the age of their teen when setting up their phone, negating the need for everyone to verify their age multiple times across multiple apps."

The post comes as the firm faces mounting lawsuits related to its handling of child and teen use and a week after a whistleblower told the US Congress that he believed Instagram was not doing enough to protect teens from online harm.

He said his 14-year-old daughter faced sexual advances on Instagram, and he believed Meta needed to do more to combat the problem.

The former Meta employee told the BBC he believed whistleblowing meant he would not work in the tech industry again.

Increasing regulation

Meta has previously said it has introduced "over 30 tools" to support a safe online environment.

But politicians in the US are increasingly opting to pass local laws to address the problem, which could lead to a more complicated legal framework for Meta and other firms to navigate.

In March, Utah became the first state in the US to require social media firms get parental consent for children to use their apps.

Meta said it was calling for a national law.

"As an industry, we should come together with lawmakers to create simple, efficient ways for parents to oversee their teens' online experiences," Ms Davis said.

"Legislation is needed so all apps that teens use can be held to the same standard."

Social media companies are also facing a raft of growing regulation worldwide.

In the EU, laws around data privacy have created such an issue for Meta that it has introduced a subscription fee to get around them, while it has yet to even introduce its newest social platform, Threads.

Ms Davis said placing the responsibility for parental controls on app stores would also "help to preserve privacy" by limiting how many individual companies collected "potentially sensitive identifying information".
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, called on federal lawmakers Wednesday to pass legislation requiring parental approval for app store downloads by teenagers, as the company faces pressure to strengthen protections for children on its social media platforms.

Antigone Davis, Metas global head of safety, said in a blog post the company supports requiring app stores to get parental approval for downloads by teens younger than 16 years, as opposed to an app-by-app approach.

Technology companies are developing distinct, age-appropriate experiences for teens, while lawmakers consider new legislation designed to protect their safety and privacy online, Davis said.

Legislation is needed so all apps teens use can be held to the same standard, she continued. But whats happening is much more complicated than that.

Davis argued that proposed legislation would require teens to repeatedly go through processes to verify their age and their parents approval for different apps, including providing potentially sensitive identification information to apps with inconsistent security and privacy practices.

Teens move interchangeably between many websites and apps, and social media laws that hold different platforms to different standards in different states will mean teens are inconsistently protected, Davis added.

Under Metas suggested approach, parents would receive notifications when their teens attempt to download an app and could decide whether to approve the download. They would also be able to verify their teens age when setting up their phone initially.

This way parents can oversee and approve their teens online activity in one place, Davis said. They can ensure their teens are not accessing adult content or apps, or apps they just dont want their teens to use. And where apps like ours offer age-appropriate features and settings, parents can help ensure their teens use them.

Davis also argued this industry-wide approach would preserve individuals privacy because apps would not need to collect potentially sensitive identifying information about teens and their parents.

Meta has repeatedly faced pushback in recent years over its handling of childrens safety on Facebook and Instagram.

A former Meta employee came forward earlier this month, alleging top executives dismissed warnings that teens were facing unwanted sexual advances and widespread bullying on Instagram.

The revelations came just more than two years after former Facebook employee Frances Haugen shared internal company documents, including reports about the impact of Instagram on teens.

A bipartisan coalition of 33 states also sued Meta in October, alleging the company knowingly designed and deployed features that harmed young users mental health. Another eight states, as well as the District of Columbia, also filed lawsuits against Meta in state court.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
FILE - Mexican businessman Ricardo Salinas Pliego, founder and chairman of Grupo Salinas, attends the award ceremony of the Mexico Open golf tournament in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Sunday, April 30, 2023. The company run by the Mexican TV, retail and banking magnate said Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, that it had failed to reach an agreement with bondholders in the United States who are owed tens of millions of dollars in past-due payments. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

MEXICO (AP)  The company run by Mexican TV, retail and banking magnate Ricardo Salinas Pliego said Tuesday it had failed to reach agreement with bondholders in the United States who are owed tens of millions of dollars in past-due payments.

Salinas Pliego's TV Azteca company issued a statement Tuesday saying it needed a restructuring of bonds that come due in 2024 because business was so bad.

TV Azteca said it had been in a U.S. court-ordered mediation with bondholders since September, but that process concluded when the parties were unable to reach a consensual resolution.

According to the statement, the dispute involves about $400 million in bonds, with about $105 million in past-due payments.

It is an usual situation for Salinas Pliego, who frequently takes to his social media accounts to hand out money or merchandise, and posts photos showing his lavish lifestyle, with yachts and expensive vehicles.

He also often posts strings of stinging insults targeting political figures he disagrees with.

According to the company statement, the bondholders wanted $105 million paid when a deal was reached, in exchange for a restructuring that would grant a six-year extension to 2030 on full repayment.

TV Azteca offered a $45 million initial payment and a mix of six- and eight-year extensions on the bonds due dates.

The company said it had been hit by the coronavirus pandemic, a decline in advertising, the continued deterioration of the TV broadcasting industry and Mexicos economy as well as additional pressures on the companys cash flow generating capabilities.

None of that could be seen in Salinas Pliego's social media posts, where he posted last week that to take advantage of the long weekend, we took a trip to New York City, to see what to buy at the art auctions.

He also posted videos of a yacht and private plane, writing how pretty the fruits of my labor are.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of TV Azteca, he offered to give away a mansion and luxury cars.

Salinas Pliego, who describes himself as "Bitcoin holder, businessman, Libertarian, has developed a following on social media for his incendiary attacks on political and public figures.

He has had fallings-out with the government, and frequently criticizes one ruling-party congresswoman in Mexico, mocking her weight and calling her a pig.
Hundreds demonstrated after news broke of the killing of Mexico's first non-binary magistrate (Luis CORTES)

A non-binary Mexican magistrate whose death sparked protests and anger among the LGBTQ community appears to have been the victim of a murder-suicide committed by their partner, investigators said Tuesday.

The body of Jesus Ociel Baena -- the first Mexican citizen to be granted a non-binary passport -- was found with that of another person at Baena's home in Aguascalientes state on Monday, the prosecutor's office said.

Despite prosecutors ruling out the presence of a third person at the scene, protesters gathered in Mexico City insisting Baena was the victim of a hate crime.

Other protests popped up around the country.

On Tuesday, Aguascalientes prosecutor Jesus Figueroa told local TV there was no evidence of a hate crime.

"We consider that first there was the privation of life of the magistrate and later self-privation by their partner," he said.

According to initial investigations, the only movement captured on cameras at Baena's house was the couple's arrival in the early hours of Monday, about seven hours before their bodies were found.

Figueroa said Baena had 20 wounds in total, including one to the jugular vein that likely claimed their life.

The partner, identified only as Dorian Daniel N, had cuts on their fingers seemingly caused by manipulating a razor blade used in the attack. They had slit their own throat, said Figueroa.

But Baena's sister Cynthia said the partners were peaceful people who "loved each other very much" and "had many plans for the future" and accused the prosecution of lying.

"All that is false. They had just arrived from their trip to Oaxaca, together, happy, content," the sister told reporters, claiming that she spoke with her brother on Sunday night and "they were both happy."

Baena, 38, became the first non-binary magistrate to serve on a Mexican electoral tribunal in October 2022, and was reportedly the first non-binary magistrate in all of Latin America.

In July, Baena said authorities were offering protection following multiple attacks and social media death threats.

Rights advocacy group Letra S took to X, formerly Twitter, to urge Mexican authorities to investigate "thoroughly and without prejudice what happened."

And Felix Medina, senior human rights official in the interior ministry, said the investigation should follow protocols set out for cases of aggression against members of the LGBTQ community with "no evidence discarded."

yug/nro-mlr/sst/tjj/md
Mexico's first non-binary magistrate has been found dead alongside their partner in a suspected murder-suicide.

Jesus Ociel Baena Saucedo was found dead at home in the central state of Aguascalientes in the early hours of Monday morning, alongside their romantic partner, Dorian Nieve. The pair lived together, according to authorities in Aguascalientes.

The cause of death is currently unknown, Mexicos security minister Rosa Icela Rodriguez said, but prosecutors said forensic evidence suggested Baena was killed by Nieve in a murder-suicide.

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.

The prosecutors office added that one of the lifeless bodies found was holding a cutting instrument.

Prosecutors also ruled out the presence of a third person in the deaths, and noted that no traces of blood were found outside the crime scene and that there was no damage found in the accessways to the home.

But Baenas father rejected the prosecutors theory that the former magistrate died in a murder-suicide.

Its not true, he said at their funeral on Tuesday, as he stood near the pair of coffins, both draped with rainbow flags.

Hopefully this will echo. These struggles, these movements, arent won overnight ... I love you my darling.

Coffins were draped with the LGBT flag at the funeral (REUTERS/Edgar Chavez)

Attorney general Jesus Figueroa said that there is no evidence of foul play in the deaths.

Figueroa added that the deaths would be investigated from a gender perspective due to Baena identifying as non-binary. However, the attorney general made no mention of a hate crime being committed.

But Baena and their partner had received death threats and hateful messages and had protection from state security, prompting many across the country to call their death a hate crime.

Baena became a member of the central Mexican state of Aguascalientes Electoral Tribunal just over a year ago. They are believed to have been the first non-binary person to hold the position.

Their death has caused an outcry in Mexicos LGBT+ community, with rights organisations calling on authorities to investigate whether Baenas 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.

Candlelight vigils were held in multiple cities across the country on Monday night following news of Baenas death, 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.

Juan Pablo Delgado, head of local human rights group Amicus, highlighted Baenas transcendent leadership and constant presence at public marches.

This is someone who generated so much empathy, affection internationally, he said.

Same-sex marriage was made legal across all 32 states of Mexico in 2022, after Tamaulipas became the last state that voted to authorize such unions.

However, LGBT+ activists and gender minorities continue to suffer high levels of violence and discrimination from social and religious conservatives in the country.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope and you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are based in the UK, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
Thousands of people took to the streets of Mexico City calling for justice following the death of Jesus Ociel Baena

The death of Mexico's first openly non-binary member of the judiciary, a prominent LGBTQ+ activist, appears to have been murder, officials say.

Jesus Ociel Baena was found dead at home next to their partner, Dorian Daniel Nieves, in the central city of Aguascalientes on Monday.

A razor blade was found at the scene and the authorities say there was no sign a third person had been present.

They now suspect Baena was killed by Nieves, who then took their own life.

Aguascalientes chief prosecutor Jesus Figueroa said Baena had been found with 20 wounds on their body, including one on their neck that was probably the cause of death.

Forensic evidence suggested Nieves had wielded the murder weapon, Mr Figueroa added.

However, he stressed that the investigation was ongoing so no definitive conclusions could yet be made.

Baena's family disputed the authorities' hypothesis. Their father, Juan Baena, said it "would be a shame to let this justice system make a judgment that is not correct and that the majority do not believe it".

Mourners visited the coffins of the dead

Rights organisations have called on the authorities to investigate whether the deaths were a hate crime and said Baena had received death threats.

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

"Baena's purpose was to promote the people of the LGBT+ community, who supported him throughout his struggle, achieving a powerful message of inclusion and equality in our state and our country," fellow magistrate Laura Hortensia Llama said at a tribute held at the headquarters of the Aguascalientes electoral court.

"We will never forget Baena's essence, persistence, and desire to achieve a better world."

These sentiments were echoed by thousands of people who attended vigils and demonstration in several cities, including the capital, for the slain activist on Monday evening.

"Ociel is, and was, the most relevant figure in today's fight for human rights for the LGBTQ+ community," Humberto Dena, 24, told the Associated Press in Mexico City.

"We want [the authorities] to continue to investigate this case, and not just say it was a 'crime of passion'."
The band director of South Dade Senior High School was arrested Tuesday on charges he had a sexual relationship with one of his students since September, according to police.

Scott Michael Davis, 47, was charged with sexual activity with a minor, offenses against a student by an authority figure and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The relationship began last November after the teen was hospitalized following a mental health crisis he suffered following a breakup with another person, according to the Miami-Dade County Schools Police arrest report.

Davis visited the teen in the hospital, and the two began a relationship that turned romantic and physical in September inside the schools band room, the report states. The school is at 28401 SW 167th Ave. in Homestead.

Police say Davis also drove to the victims home twice and picked him up to have encounters at an unknown location within Cutler Bay.

Police interviewed Davis in the schools band room where, according to the report, he provided a full confession. Police arrested him and took him Tuesday to Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.

Davis could not be reached for comment. He was released from county jail after paying a $1,000 bond Tuesday. He is scheduled to appear before a judge to answer for his charges at 9 a.m. Dec. 14.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools issued a statement Wednesday saying Davis has been fired.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools is deeply troubled by the disturbing allegations made against this individual. After a thorough investigation by the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department, the individuals employment with the District was terminated and he was subsequently arrested, the statement reads.

Conduct such as the one he is accused of will not be tolerated. As such, the District will ensure the individual is precluded from seeking future employment with the District.

The district did not immediately respond to questions about Davis employment history and salary.

According to Davis Facebook page, he was named South Dade Senior High Schools teacher of the year in October. He began working at the school in August 2017, the page says.
LANSING, Mich. (AP)  A hair salon in northern Michigan is facing a discrimination charge from the states Department of Civil Rights after its owner posted on social media earlier this year that anyone identifying as other than a man or a woman is not welcome at her business.

The department claims in the charge filed Wednesday that Traverse Citys Studio 8 Hair Lab violated the states civil rights act in a Facebook post in July from its owner, Christine Geiger, by unlawfully discriminating against three claimants.

The post, which is no longer available, read, If a human identifies as anything other than a man/woman please seek services at a local pet groomer. You are not welcome at this salon. Period. Should you request to have a particular pronoun used please note we may simply refer to you as hey you.

A hearing will now be scheduled before an administrative law judge, who will issue a recommendation after hearing the merits of the complaint, according to the civil rights department. The recommendation will then go before Michigans Civil Rights Commission to either adopt or make their own ruling.

Penalties, according to the complaint, could include monetary compensation for the claimants emotional distress and mental anguish sustained by the discrimination. The department allows for any other relief as the commission seems just and proper, which could include additional fees and a recommendation that the business license be suspended.

Geiger, who did not respond to a request for comment by email, filed her own complaint against the city of Traverse City and the three individuals on Oct. 25. The complaint accuses the city and three of its residents of violating the salons First Amendment rights for filing civil rights complaints, according to the lawsuit obtained by The Associated Press.

Christine Geiger cuts a customer's hair at her salon in Traverse City, Michigan.

Christine Geiger cuts a customer's hair at her salon in Traverse City, Michigan.

Her attorney, David DeLaney, told AP that Geiger was exercising free speech and that the comments reflected her religious beliefs. He added that Geiger never physically blocked anyone from entering her business.

In a July interview with The Associated Press, Geiger stood by her posts and said small business owners should be free to serve whomever they wish.

I just dont want the woke dollar. ... Id rather not be as busy than to have to do services that I dont agree with.

Michigans Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination in employment, housing and public services based on religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, familial status or marital status.

John E. Johnson Jr., the executive director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, told reporters Wednesday that Studio 8 violated the law by denying their services based on sex.

The civil rights act was amended earlier this year by the Michigan Legislature to further add protections for sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. The legislation was not given immediate effect, which would have required Republican lawmakers to side with the Democratic majority, and wont take effect until February 2024.

Marcelina Trevino, the director of enforcement for the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, said Wednesday that the department has been taking complaints and have jurisdiction under sex for both sexual orientation as well as gender identity or expression under case law, defined by previous rulings from Michigans Court of Claims and state Supreme Court.

Related...
A Michigan judge on Tuesday dismissed an effort to keep former President Donald Trump off the states ballot in 2024.

The judge said that under Michigan law, the secretary of state does not have the authority to intervene in a primary election if the party chooses to list a candidate who would not qualify for the office.

The ultimate decision is made by the respective political party, with the consent of the listed candidate, the judge wrote.

The decision comes after a group of Michigan voters in September filed a legal challenge to Trumps candidacy, arguing that his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and his and conduct surrounding the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot violated Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, making him ineligible for office.

The decision by the Michigan Court of Claims did not squarely address or focus on the lawsuit's allegations that Trump engaged in insurrection or rebellion after having sworn an oath to support and defend the Constitution  the crux of the petitioners' argument for his disqualification from holding office.

Ron Fein, an attorney for the petitioners, said Tuesday that an appeal was forthcoming.

"While our appeal is pending, the trial courts decision isnt binding on any other court, and we continue our current and planned legal actions in other states to enforce Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment against Donald Trump," Fein, the legal director of Free Speech For People, said in a statement.

Tuesday's ruling is another victory for Trump after the Minnesota Supreme Court this month dismissed a similar legal bid to keep him off the states primary ballot in 2024.

Trump has dismissed such efforts as nonsense and election interference.

Steven Cheung, a Trump campaign spokesperson, welcomed the Michigan ruling.

"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 in a statement, adding that he anticipated similar wins in other efforts to disqualify Trump's candidacy on the basis of the 14th Amendment.

Top election officials in Arizona, New Hampshire and elsewhere are also weighing concerns similar to those raised in Michigan as they prepare state ballots for next years Republican presidential primaries, where Trump is leading in the polls among GOP candidates.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A leading member of the hard-right Freedom Caucus indicated trouble ahead for Mike Johnson, the new speaker, after the House on Tuesday passed a bill to avert a government shutdown.

Related: Speaker Mike Johnson calls separation of church and state a misnomer

Chip Roy, of Texas, told reporters the bill was precisely what was put down on [Saturday 1 October], that then resulted in the motion to vacate against Kevin that following Tuesday, and here we are. Were doing the same thing.

In October, Kevin McCarthy, of California, relied on Democratic support to pass a continuing resolution (CR) and stave off the threat of a shutdown, which would leave federal workers without pay and cripple many functions of government.

Thus angering Roy and other rightwingers, McCarthy swiftly became the first House speaker ever ejected by his own party.

After a chaotic interregnum in which candidates for speaker fell in swift succession, Johnson, from Louisiana, succeeded McCarthy as a speaker acceptable to the hard right and Donald Trump, the presidential frontrunner who Johnson supported as he attempted to overturn the 2020 election.

Nonetheless, on Tuesday Johnson was forced to rely on Democratic support to get his laddered or staggered funding measure through. In the end, no fewer than 93 Republicans voted against the bill.

Johnson enjoys one key advantage over McCarthy. There is no sense  yet  that his days as speaker are numbered.

Mikes a friend, Roy said. You know, I wanted to give a little time to get all this going. I get it. Its difficult.

But, you know, for the same reasons that I opposed the CR on 1 October, I oppose the CR that Speaker Johnson is putting forward because it continues to perpetuate the very system my constituents sent me here to oppose.

They dont want me to continue spending money we dont have at $1.6tn spending level, at the Pelosi spending level, to Pelosi spending, policies and priorities. And thats what this is doing.

Nancy Pelosi, the California congresswoman who was the Democratic speaker until the last midterm elections, has long been a potent bugbear for the Republican right.

Roy also aimed fire at his own ranks: We have Republicans who violently opposed that bill a year ago and the omnibus bill last December, who are now trying to say that we need to continue that.

Lamenting unchallenged funding for the Department of Homeland Security  another Republican bugbear, given its responsibility for controlling immigration and in particular the southern border  Roy stressed: I oppose it. I oppose the funding bill.

But Democrats did not oppose it, even if the laddered measure was not their preferred choice.

The main principle is keeping the government open, Bill Pascrell, a New Jersey congressman, told the Washington Post. Were not talking about even saving face. This is the 11th hour. We dont have many alternatives here.

Johnsons bill must pass the Senate. Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democratic majority leader, indicated that it would, while of similar mind to Pascrell.

Though he called Johnsons bill goofy, Schumer said on the chamber floor: 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.

I certainly dont agree with everything the speaker is proposing, and I cant imagine too many senators would have taken the speakers approach in drafting this bill. But the proposal  does two things Democrats have pushed for: it will avert a shutdown, and it will do so without making any terrible hard-right cuts that the Maga [Trump-supporting] rightwing demands.

Such demands will likely be made of Johnson some time soon.

Mike is an extraordinary man of integrity and honor, Roy told reporters. I take him at his word. But what I think youve got to remember [is] this is a job where its very difficult to honor our commitments like that. Youre going to get up to another deadline.

For now, though, the pressure is off  regarding funding bills, at least.

On a day when McCarthy denied shoving Tim Burchett of Tennessee, a rightwinger who voted to remove him as speaker last month, and when the Oklahoma Republican Markwayne Mullin physically threatened a union boss at a Senate hearing, Johnson told reporters his CR would allow everybody to go home for a couple of days for Thanksgiving.

Everybody cool off, the speaker said. Members have been here for 10 weeks. This place is a pressure cooker.

As the next funding deadline nears, such pressure will inevitably rise again.
House Speaker Mike Johnson sits on the board of a Christian publishing house that suggested getting monkeypox was an inevitable and appropriate penalty for being gay and that former President Barack Obama was rumored to be the Antichrist because of his leanings toward Islam.

For the last decade, Johnson has been a member of the board of Living Waters Publications, a Christian ministry and publishing house. The speaker has interviewed founder and CEO Ray Comfort on his and his wifes now-deleted podcast.

Last year, Comfort narrated a Living Waters video, titled Monkeypox and God: Is It a Gay Disease? in which he quoted Biblical scripture saying that those who engaged in homosexual acts would get in their own bodies the inevitable and appropriate penalty for their wrongdoing. (The virus was previously known as monkeypox, but last year the World Health Organization changed the name to mpox, saying the term monkeypox could be seen as stigmatizing and racist.)

In a Living Waters article published in March, Comfort also bemoaned the fact that Christians could no longer call homosexuality morally wrong. There was a time in America when we could say these things without any real repercussions, he noted.

A spokesperson for Johnson said Comforts statements are not a reflection of [Johnsons] views.

Speaker Johnson joined the board of Living Waters years ago in support of its mission of spreading Christian gospel, the spokesperson said. His involvement was limited to two phone calls with fellow board members annually. He had not seen the content in question, was not aware of it, and does not agree with it. Comfort declined to comment.

Johnsons affiliation with Living Waters may not hurt him with his Republican colleagues who were relieved that his election ended three weeks of drama over who would be the next speaker. But his association with the far-right organization could further tarnish him in the eyes of socially liberal and moderate voters. Democrats could even end up using it as fodder for campaign ads.

Comfort has also made other remarks about gay people, writing in a pamphlet called God and Sexuality: Perhaps you believe you are gay, or maybe you are sympathetic toward homosexuality and you think that what people do sexually is their own business. Whatever the case, I want to convince you that you are sitting in a car on a railroad track with a train coming, and you dont know it. Comfort added that he was aware that he sounds like a raving lunatic but asked readers to be patient with him.

More recently, in an article about how he believed that the Israel-Hamas war could lead to the Antichrist being revealed, Comfort wrote that Obama was a potential Antichrist figure since he had leanings toward Islam and said that many Christians believe that King Charles was another possible Antichrist since he is able to speak some Arabic. Comfort also said other candidates to be the Antichrist could be Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.

Living Waters has also published videos in which people try to stop women from getting abortions, with the presenter badgering one woman entering a clinic by telling her: You think youre getting rid of a problem. Youre gonna cause yourself a problem for the rest of your life. Youll never forget this day. The video was titled Pleading for Babies Lives at Abortion Mill.

POLITICO was first alerted to the connections between Johnson and Comfort by the progressive government watchdog group Accountable.US.

In Johnsons recent podcast interview with Comfort, Johnson said he was first introduced to Comfort when someone more than two decades ago gave him a cassette tape of a sermon of Comforts called Hells Best Kept Secret. It was a game-changer for me, Ray and Ive told you that many times over the years, he said.

I am such a big fan of your ministry and of you, and I cannot overstate what a profound influence youve been in my life and my walk with Christ and so many other people that I know and Im just really grateful for all that you do and the team at Living Waters, he later told Comfort in the interview. Its just one of the most outstanding ministries that Ive ever known or been involved with and keep going brother. God is using you.

Johnson became a director of Living Comfort in 2013, according to its 990 tax form from that year. Johnson, a constitutional lawyer, first met Comfort when he represented him in a religious liberty case. Johnsons spokesperson said that given his new role as speaker, he will be reconsidering all of his outside obligations, including his service on the board of Living Waters. But no decisions have been made yet.

Comfort, who is originally from New Zealand, founded Living Waters, which is based in California and in 2021 reported almost $7 million in net assets, according to its 990 tax form. Christian evangelicals have long used television to spread their message and Comfort is no different, hosting the TV program Way of the Master which his biography says airs around the world. He became famous by partnering with actor Kirk Cameron on working to spread evangelical messages through television, according to a mini-documentary about him posted on Living Waters website.

Unlike some other top celebrity Christians, he hasnt adopted an excessive lifestyle. In the documentary about him, he talked about how he doesnt own a car, tends to a chicken coop at his house and spends every Saturday on the sidewalk in Huntington Beach, California, talking to passersby about Christianity.

But his quiet life belies his influence over a particular brand of Christianity. Hes written dozens of books and pamphlets, and hes sold millions of copies of those books, according to the documentary.

Comforts brand of white evangelical Christianity seems like a throwback to 20th century fundamentalism, with its preoccupation with combating atheism and denying evolution, and tactics like street preaching and proselytizing with the distribution of simplistic biblical tracts, said Robert Jones, president and founder of PRRI, a nonpartisan organization that conducts research on religion and politics.

Comfort is part of the religious right in the country that came to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s in response to the cultural upheaval of the 1960s. During that decade, the womens movement, the sexual revolution and the civil rights movement led to a backlash among many Christian white suburbanites and rural Americans. The Republican Party also saw an opportunity to ally with Christian conservatives and adopt some of their chosen cultural goals in an attempt to mobilize voters.

The elevation of Mike Johnson to speaker of the House of Representatives, with the unanimous support of his Republican colleagues, demonstrates how his particular conservative expression of Christianity is now at the very center of the party  both he and his favored policies can no longer be viewed as fringe, said Andrew Whitehead, an associate professor of sociology at Indiana University who specializes in Christian nationalism and religion in the U.S.

Before being elected to Congress in 2017, Johnson worked for the Alliance Defending Freedom, a powerful organization that has won more than a dozen cases at the Supreme Court. Those include reversing Roe v. Wade, allowing a baker not to make a cake for a same-sex wedding, and letting employers exclude birth control from health insurance policies.

Its certainly another troubling sign of how extreme Johnsons views may be, that he would sit on a board and wouldnt have a problem with them putting out ideas like this, said Jones.

Johnson is hardly alone among congressional Republicans in being an advocate for Christian authors on Capitol Hill. In July, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) led several Republican senators in writing a letter to the Institute of Museum and Library Services asking for information on whether the American Library Association has used federal funds to stop readings of books by Cameron. They demanded that taxpayer money for the association be put on pause while the matter was investigated.

Johnson has defended his Christian beliefs, telling Fox News Sean Hannityin an interview after he was elected speaker: I am a Bible-believing Christian.

Someone asked me today in the media, they said, Its curious, people are curious. What does Mike Johnson think about any issue under the sun? Johnson continued. I said, Well, go pick up a Bible off your shelf and read it. Thats my worldview.
Just in time for Veterans Day, the law finally caught up with Gregory Yetman.

The story of Yetman, 47, of Helmetta Township, a mile-square patch of flatland in the middle of New Jersey, is twofold. One part is mystery. The other part, tragedy.

Lets begin with the tragedy here.

On Jan. 6, 2021, Yetman made his way to Washington, D.C., to participate in Donald Trumps bogus Stop the Steal" rally, which turned into a full-blown attack on the U.S. Capitol. Photos circulated by the FBI show Yetman wearing a black stocking cap and a green and black jacket, with a neck gaiter that he used at one point to cover his face.

A photo from court documents shows the man the FBI says is Gregory Yetman, firing a canister of pepper spray during the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot.

After the speeches by Trump and other election deniers near the White House, Yetman made his way to the U.S. Capitol with thousands of other protesters.

The FBI, acting on video information supplied by an online group of researchers that calls itself Sedition Hunters, found not only that Yetman illegally entered the Capitols restricted area but that he assaulted police by grabbing a canister of chemical irritant and spraying it into the eyes of the cops.

FBI agents, assisted by local police  including a SWAT Team  showed up at Yetmans home in Helmetta on Nov. 8. But Yetman reportedly escaped by scurrying out the back door and into the woods.

On Nov. 10, Yetman turned himself in to police in nearby Monroe Township. On Monday, he made an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in New Jersey and was jailed without bail on a string of federal felony charges including assaulting, resisting or impeding police and obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder, as well as misdemeanor charges of illegally entering the Capitol's restricted area and engaging in physical violence.

By the way, did I mention that at the time of the Capitol attack Yetman was a military police sergeant with the New Jersey National Guard? He was honorably discharged from the Guard in March 2022  14 months after the Capitol attack. One of his deployments included a stint at the U.S. Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, which houses a variety of alleged Islamist terrorists, some linked to the 9/11 attacks.

The FBI provided this photo of Gregory Yetman. The bureau said its Newark Field Office was searching for Yetman in New Jersey on Nov. 8. 2023, "in connection with the January 6th attack on the US Capitol."

Sometimes tragedy is framed by irony  in this case, a tale of a soldier-cop who is charged with attacking his nation and its police officers carrying out their duty to certify the next commander in chief.

Yes, you heard that right: A soldier, who had taken the oath to protect and defend the U.S. Constitution and whose military specialty was policing, now stands accused of viciously attacking police at the Capitol who were merely trying to protect U.S. senators and members of the House of Representatives in performing their constitutional duty to certify a presidential election. At Guantanamo Bay, Yetman guarded a prison with alleged terrorists. Now hes behind bars, accused of being a domestic terrorist.

And one more thing: After raiding his home, the Middlesex County prosecutor added an additional charge: illegal possession of large-capacity ammunition.

Why did Gregory Yetman do it?

FBI and police with the Joint Terrorist Task Force surround the home of Gregory Yetman on Main Street in Helmetta to execute an arrest warrant for his alleged role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riots.

But lets not overlook the mystery that leaves such a bitter aftertaste here: Why did a National Guard sergeant  a military police officer, no less  attack other officers at one of the nations most sacred buildings?

We may never know what drove Yetman over this mysterious emotional, moral and political cliff.

Did he just get caught up in the moment? Did he watch too much Fox News and actually believe the idiot winds that swirled around Trump, his gang of sycophants and alleged journalists like Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity? Did he buy their lies about all those votes being rigged in the 2020 presidential election? Did he somehow think he was a true patriot? And, if the additional charge against him proves to be true, what in the world was he doing with large-capacity ammunition?

Who knows? But we do know this: Yetman was not the only cop or soldier  active duty or veteran  to participate in the Jan. 6 attacks.

Various studies of the more than 1,000 people charged so far with various crimes linked to the attack found that between 10% and 20% had some type of military or policing background.

Investigative report: Military told FBI of Capitol riot suspect after Jan. 6 attack. He remained free for years

Soon after the attacks, National Public Radio reported that about one in five of the attackers were ex-military. That number seems high  or at least unproven. More recently, a study by George Washington University lowered that number to about 12%.

Perhaps even more significant, the groups that played key roles in leading the attack  the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers  were loaded with military veterans. At least 26 of the 98 members of the Proud Boys charged in the Capitol attack were veterans. The Oath Keepers requires all members to prove their military or policing backgrounds before joining.

Why were there so many veterans and cops involved in the Jan. 6 riot?

In a newly released photo from FBI documents, a photo taken from a police officer's body camera shows the man the FBI says is Gregory Yetman at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

The link between the Jan. 6 attempted coup and the U.S. military may turn out to be one of the great mysteries yet to be solved. Yes, FBI agents and federal prosecutors have diligently worked to catch the key culprits of that sad day. But what's unknown is how  and why  so many were veterans and ex-cops.

In a 2021 article in the Journal of Veterans Studies, Eric Hodges, a Marine veteran and now a professor of political science at Longwood University in Virginia, concluded that the veterans who were arrested believed they were acting patriotically. But Hodges, whose study carries the ominous title Storming the Castle, concluded that closer examination of statements by veterans who were arrested indicates that their motivations were more consistent with nationalism than patriotism.

Hodges also found that military training and combat exposure of veterans along with the Stop the Steal rhetoric, particularly comments made by former President Donald Trump, played a role in influencing the veterans.

As a final warning, Hodges said the attack should be classified as a form of proto-sectarian violence and should serve as a cautionary tale against the growing divisiveness that sparked this incident.

What to know: The investigation, the charges and the two-day manhunt for Jan. 6 suspect Gregory Yetman

But what should we make of Greg Yetman's story?

This brings us to Greg Yetman.

For months after the Jan. 6 attacks, as video surfaced, no one knew the name of the stocky, bearded man in the black stocking cap and green and black jacket who happened to find a canister of chemical irritants  basically pepper spray  on the grounds of the riot at the Capitol. Initially, the FBI labeled him only as suspect 278 AFO  with AFO an abbreviation for assault on a federal officer.

FBI and police with the Joint Terrorist Task Force surround the home of Gregory Yetman on Main Street in Helmetta to execute an arrest warrant for his alleged role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riots.

After examining various photographs and posts on social media, a USA TODAY investigation concluded that 278 AFO was Yetman. Reporters from USA TODAY confronted Yetman. He admitted to attending the march on the Capitol on Jan. 6, but said he did nothing wrong.

Everythings been resolved, everythings good, he said.

The FBI version offers a much different narrative.

Around 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 6, Yetman allegedly picked up the spray canister on the Capitol grounds and, according to federal authorities, with his gaiter covering the lower portion of his face, pointed the canister at police officers and pulled the trigger, sending a long stream of OC pepper spay in the direction of multiple law enforcement officers.

This was no quick squirt, by the way. The FBI says Yetman sprayed the officers for 14 seconds. In case anyone wonders, 14 seconds is an eternity when you are spraying someone's eyes with a "chemical irritant."

That wasnt the end to Yetman's alleged activities, however.

The FBI concluded that additional photographs and video showed Yetman walking around other areas within the restricted perimeter of the U.S. Capitol grounds including the Lower West Terrance near the Tunnel entrance which was the scene of some of the most intense fighting between police and attackers.

As a creepy coda to his exploits that day, Yetman then took to social media and blamed the Jan. 6 chaos on Black Lives Matter activists and a plethora of idiots from various groups and political parties.

Well, at least Yetman got that last part right. The Jan. 6 attack was the work of a plethora of idiots.

The tragedy for the rest of America is that far too many of those idiots once wore a military uniform.

Mike Kelly is an award-winning columnist for NorthJersey.com, part of the USA TODAY Network, as well as the author of three critically acclaimed nonfiction books and a podcast and documentary film producer. To get unlimited access to his insightful thoughts on how we live life in the Northeast, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: kellym@northjersey.com

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Gregory Yetman: NJ Jan. 6 suspect was military police officer
Rep. Angie Craig, Democrat of Minnesota, has asked a federal judge to impose punishment that holds "accountable" the man who admits he assaulted her in the elevator of her Washington, D.C., apartment complex in February.

Kendrid Hamlin, a man with a long record of prior arrests, was charged with punching, trapping and injuring Craig. He faces sentencing Thursday.

In a victim-impact statement submitted ahead of the hearing, Craig writes that the assault "had a lasting impact on my family." Craig said her family members "continue to be concerned for my safety."

"He grabbed my neck and slammed me into the steel wall," Craig wrote. "He punched me in the face." She also says she has since been the subject of death threats and doxing as a result of the media attention in the wake of the assault, and Craig says her "mental and emotional recovery" is ongoing.

Federal prosecutors will ask D.C. District Chief Judge James Boasberg to sentence Hamlin to 39 months in prison for the assault.

The Justice Department will argue Hamlin, who pleaded guilty in June to charges of assault, punched Craig in the jaw during the assault, causing injuries. But they also emphasize Hamlin's lengthy criminal history. In a sentencing memo submitted to Judge Boasberg ahead of the sentencing hearing, prosecutors argued, "In addition to his convictions for violent conduct, he has at least nine prior additional arrests for violent or threatening conduct ... the defendant's actions have also shown that he is unwilling to abide by conditions of release, justifying the need for a significant sentence to incarceration."

The assault on Craig was a one of a series of violent attacks against congressional aides, family members or lawmakers in the past year. A Virginia man is charged with an assault on two staff members of Rep. Gerry Connolly, Democrat of Virginia, at his Fairfax, Virginia, office in May.

David DePape is on trial in California for the late 2022 assault against Paul Pelosi, husband of Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Democrat of California, in their home. Neither Connolly nor Nancy Pelosi were present during the assaults.

In the assault of Craig, prosecutors will argue, "The defendant's early morning assault of woman in her own apartment building elevator transformed an everyday ritual, going to get a morning cup of coffee, into a traumatic ordeal that has caused lasting emotional damage."

Craig told CBS News earlier this year that Hamlin followed her on to an elevator, trapped her and demanded to go inside her apartment. She said Hamlin was "acting erratic as if he was under the influence of an unknown substance." Craig told CBS News, "All I could do was throw my coffee over my shoulder, which startled him. But as soon as he regained, he came back toward me, and again, it was only until we got to the floor the elevator was headed to that I was able to escape."

The congresswoman told CBS News earlier this year, "I was assault No. 13 on his record. And I'm gonna do everything in my power to make sure there's not a 14, a 15, a 20th."

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WJW)  A man is being called a hero in the aftermath of the tragic crash on I-70 that left six people, including three students, dead on Tuesday.

Don Wagler was driving the charter bus ferrying 57 people, including Tuscarawas Valley High School band members, to a conference in Columbus when the crash took place just before 9 a.m. in Etna. Despite sustaining injuries in the collision, and later being hospitalized, his wife told FOX 8 how Don sprung into action getting the bus door open immediately.

Fatal I-70 bus crash: How Tusky Valley victims are being remembered

With four broken bones in one leg, his main concern was the kids. They came first and he did a good job, Ellen Wagler told FOX 8s Stefani Schaefer Wednesday.

WJW photo

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)

WJW photo

People embrace during a community prayer vigil, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, at the Tuscarawas Valley Schools football stadium in Zoarville, Ohio. A charter bus filled with high school students was rear-ended by a semitruck on an Ohio highway earlier in the day, leaving several people dead and multiple others injured. (Andrew Dolph/Times Reporter via AP)

Six candles are lit to remember the deceased during a community prayer vigil, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, at the Tuscarawas Valley Schools football stadium in Zoarville, Ohio. A charter bus filled with high school students was rear-ended by a semitruck on an Ohio highway earlier in the day, leaving several people dead and multiple others injured. (Andrew Dolph/Times Reporter via AP)

Students walk on the football field during a community prayer vigil, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, at the Tuscarawas Valley Schools football stadium in Zoarville, Ohio. A charter bus filled with high school students was rear-ended by a semitruck on an Ohio highway earlier in the day, leaving several people dead and multiple others injured. (Andrew Dolph/Times Reporter via AP)

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)

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)

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)

A fiery crash on I-70 West involving a charter bus and a semi has closed the highway in both directions. (Courtesy Photo/Adam Layton)

Don is still in a hospital in Columbus, Ellen said, and although hes unable to get out of bed, he is now able to sit up and eat.

We are getting messages from all over the state; people are so wonderful, Ellen said. We are hoping for a speedy recovery. He is a miracle. If you saw the front of the bus.

An investigation is ongoing as federal and state officials alike work to figure out how the crash took place.

Those Tusky Valley students killed in the crash include senior John W. Mosley, senior Jeffery JD Worrell and sophomore Katelyn Owens. Dave Kennat, a teacher at the school was killed in a separate vehicle, as well as two chaperones Kristy Gaynor and Shannon Wigfield.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Miriam Margolyes has admitted that she thought BBC bosses were f***ing nuts when they tried to get her to sign up for Strictly Come Dancing.

Considered a national treasure to many, the Harry Potter actor, 82, has become a mainstay on daytime TV and chat shows in recent years due to her famously outspoken nature and hilarious lack of filter.

But during a new interview, Margolyes revealed that shed turned down the chance to spend even more time on dominating the UKs screens after being asked to take part in not one, but two of the UKs biggest reality shows.

Appearing on the Dish from Waitrose podcast, Margolyes discussed her recent tell-all memoir Oh Miriam: Stories from an Extraordinary Life, and how shed agreed to do it because they offered me a lot of money.

Thats true, thats absolutely true, she said. When youre old and you know that your earning potential is diminishing, youve got to get the money while you can.

Margolyes continued by saying that she wont do that, what do you call it? The dancing thing.

Host Nick Grimshaw asked if she meant Strictly, with his co-presenter Angela Hartnett questioning if shed been asked to appear on it multiple times.

Actor said she had too much class to go into the jungle (BBC / Southern Pictures / Ela Furdas)

Yeah, they must have been f***ing nuts, Margolyes replied, in her typically blunt fashion. She then added that shed also had the offer to take part on Im a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! too. And they asked me to go in the jungle, she said, with Grimshaw asking: Was that a hard no?

Ive got class, love, Margolyes said. Im not doing that.

While they may be the UKs biggest shows, Strictly and Im a Celebrity are also known as some of the most intense reality TV programmes out there. Contestants on Strictly Come Dancing dedicate themselves to hours of rehearsals every day, with new routines to learn week-by-week. Were she to go onto the show, Margolyes would be the shows oldest ever contestant, beating current record-holder Angela Rippon, 79.

While Im a Celebrity airs for a much shorter period of time  three weeks to Strictlys three months  the famous contestants are forced to live in uncomfortable conditions in the Australian jungle, while taking part in gruesome challenges.

Actor admitted she thought Strictly bosses were f***ing nuts to ask her to compete on the show (PA)

Earlier this month, Margolyes made an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, where she shared that she was appalled at herself for swearing at Jeremy Hunt on Radio 4 in 2022, as she considered the radio station a temple.

Elsewhere in the interview, Margolyes opened up about changing her mind at the age of 82. The actor shared that shed originally struggled to accept when non-binary people used they/them pronouns, as she was very keen on grammar and didnt understand how the pronouns could be used in a grammatically correct way.

However, it was Australian actor Zoe Terakes, who is non-binary and transmasculine and uses they/he pronouns, who changed her mind.

[Terakes] had a discussion with me about it and [they] said: What does it matter to you? If you can make somebody happy by calling them they instead of he or she, why not do it? And I thought, thats right, it doesnt matter about grammar!
Clarence Cocroft is the owner of a legal medical marijuana business in Olive Branch, Mississippi. However, while his business is perfectly legal, the state is hell-bent on making it practically impossible for him to actually stay afloat. How? By making it a felony for Cocroft to advertise his business.

Mississippians overwhelmingly voted to legalize medical marijuana in 2020, yet the state has enacted a series of regulations that make it virtually guaranteed that legal marijuana businesses will fail to thrive. Not only does the state have a gauntlet of restrictive regulations that make finding an appropriate storefront extremely difficult (marijuana businesses cannot be within 1,000 feet of a church, school, or daycare, for example), but once a business opens, they're barred from nearly all forms of advertisement.

Under state law, medical marijuana businesses are banned from advertising through an extremely extensive range of media, including print media, television, radio, social media, mass text and email, and billboards. Signage for businesses themselves is also restricted. Not only are businesses prohibited from displaying their products in store windows, but storefront advertising cannot include cannabis leaf or bud imagery. Even websites are restricted to only providing the business' "contact information, retail dispensing locations, and a list of products available," as well as "general information reasonably expected to be necessary to serving qualified patients of the Medical Marijuana Program."

The price for slipping up is highviolators face felony charges.

This week, the Institute for Justice, a public interest law firm focused on government abuse, filed a lawsuit challenging the regulations by arguing they violate business owners' First Amendment rights.

"Taken together, these provisions constitute a complete prohibition . . . on all forms of advertising not explicitly and specifically permitted by the Mississippi Medical Marijuana Act," the lawsuit writes.

The rules have been devastating for Cocroft as he attempts to keep his business running. After successfully securing a storefront that met the state's stringent requirements, he has struggled to bring in customerssomething made even harder by the fact that his store, Tru Source, is located in an industrial park with little foot or vehicle traffic.

"It is common for clients to call Tru Source and ask for directions the first time they go. Tru Source employees have to provide these clients with landmarks and step-by-step directions to find the dispensary. But for the Ban, Clarence would place signage on major roads near the dispensary to provide directions," the complaint reads. "As a result of Defendants' ban, Tru Source has struggled to reach its desired clientele, cannot promote its products or its location, and has sustained and will continue to sustain significant harm."

"The Department's complete ban on advertising and marketing in any media violates the First Amendment of the United States Constitution by prohibiting business owners like Clarence from engaging in truthful commercial speech to promote their legal businesses," the complaint argues. "By banning truthful and non-misleading advertisements about a legal product, the Department of Health has abridged Plaintiffs' freedom of speech and the freedom of speech of anyone else similarly situated."

While the citizens of Mississippi voted to make medical marijuana legal, state lawmakers enacted labyrinthine rules that make actually running a thriving legal cannabis business practically impossible. The state's ban on advertising goes far beyond any legitimate policy aim and clearly violates business owners' First Amendment rights.

By enacting these regulations, Mississippi lawmakers are likely to get the outcome they really wanta status quo in which medical marijuana is technically legal but nearly impossible to obtain legitimately, meaning that patients will once again be forced to look to the black market to find the products they need.

The post Mississippi Makes It a Crime to Advertise Legal Medical Marijuana Businesses appeared first on Reason.com.
Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, speaks with former House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., during the E2 Summit at Stein Eriksen Lodge on Oct. 10, 2023, in Park City. | Alex Goodlett, for the Deseret News

Sen. Mitt Romney led a Senate hearing Tuesday to investigate widespread fraud in federal spending during the pandemic, when billions of dollars in relief spending were left unaccounted for.

The senator said he believes that stealing from the U.S. government is akin to stealing an American taxpayers hard-earned money.

We agree that the CARES Act was critically important for the country at a critical time, Romney, the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Spending, said in his opening remarks, referring to the $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act.

But, he added, there was a lack of oversight on how the COVID-19 relief money was spent. Romney, R-Utah, said he is interested in recovering the money fraudulently taken while also taking measures to prevent the abuse in the future.

Romneys biggest concerns related to COVID-19 fraud

Romney recalled a letter he wrote along with Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., after the passage of the CARES Act in April 2020, asking then President Donald Trump to give Congress a detailed plan on how the government would execute the use of those funds and accountability measures that we put in place to ensure that our dollars were spent efficiently and effectively.

Romney said a chief concern for him was the degree of fraud the Small Business Administration reported, which was estimate as up to $36 billion.

But SBA Inspector General Hannibal Mike Wares reports show that instances of fraud were more widespread, with $300 billion in loans for small businesses potentially stolen, as CNBC reported in June.

Its an alarming figure in and of itself, said Romney.

He asked who was involved in defrauding the government.

Is it small-time individuals that (think), I can make $25,000 bucks, I can make $50,000, he asked. Is it organized criminals that, you know, have a system for doing this? Is it foreign entities, organized or disorganized?

Michael Horowitz, the chairman of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee and an inspector general with the Justice Department, said it was all of the above.

And the problem is it was so easy for some of these programs that it was almost an invitation to come in. So, we have foreign entities. Nobody checked foreign IP addresses to see if they were foreign IP addresses, Horowitz said.

Romney interrupted and said, They didnt even have to put a U.S. address and so forth down  they could even put in anything and we just said, Oh OK, heres the money.

Horowitz confirmed that was the case since the SBA did not store IP addresses, which Romney said was mind-numbing.

The Utah senator asked what was the proportion of fraud committed by foreign entities.

Ware, the inspector general of the SBA, said that $5 billion went to foreign IP addresses  a number significant enough that I led a U.S. delegation earlier this year that went to Nigeria to discuss partnerships in getting some of our money back that went to bad actors over there.

Romney jokingly said he wondered why he wasnt receiving investment opportunities from Nigeria anymore. I think I know now, he added.

Opportunistic nature of fraud related to COVID-19 relief funding

Horowitz offered a sense of the opportunistic nature of the fraud committed.

We have one (Social Security number) that was used in more than 40 states because the states didnt speak to one another, and that program is so decentralized, he explained. One of the concerns I think we all have is weve trained people at some level to say, go try and defraud a federal program because its easy to do it, and thats a bad message.

Romney asked why people are so willing to defraud and steal from the government, and whether it is an issue of the penalties being too small.

Ware said his agencys agents found emails and text messages in one instance where people were routinely seen saying, They arent checking anything. In another instance, a person said he would commit fraud again, adding, It was worth it. It was highly unlikely that Id be caught doing this.

There were folks that committed fraud probably who wouldnt normally commit fraud, said Ware.

Romney noted that a credit card company couldnt be defrauded this way, or they would be out of business.

Yet, it happens with our government all the time, he said. We have to recognize thats money that could go to Americans in need. It could go to help Israel and their defense of their land. It could help the Ukrainians. The idea that this money is being used for fraud is just simply outrageous.
Over the past year and a half, Moldova has joined four of the EUs six sanctions packages against Russia.

Source: Newsmaker, citing Nicu Popescu, Moldovan Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, at a press conference on 15 November, reported by European Pravda

Details: Popescu noted that over the past eighteen months, Moldova has joined sanctions against several countries, including Russia.

Quote: "There are still some sanctions packages that are being analysed for their economic impact on Moldova. Obviously, our goal is to maintain the stability and security of our country. Absolutely all decisions on Moldova joining new sanctions are analysed [...].

There are six sanctions packages affecting citizens or legal entities from the Russian Federation. At this stage, Moldova has joined four of them."

Details: At the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moldova stated that it would not immediately join certain restrictive measures, including sanctions against Russia.

The head of the EU delegation to Moldova stated in July 2022 that Brussels did not require Chisinau to impose anti-Russian sanctions but would be "happy to see" developments in this direction.

However, in March 2023, Popescu announced that Chisinau would reassess some of its previous decisions on sanctions and present new ones. He promised a significant increase in the country's compliance with EU sanctions.

Moldova, along with Ukraine, is a candidate for EU membership. The EU expects its future members to coordinate their foreign policy, including complying with the EUs sanctions policy.

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TechCrunch

TikTok says it will spend 12 billion as part of an ongoing push to ingratiate itself with European regulators, with the company beginning work on its previously announced Norwegian data center. The short-form social video company has been working hard these past few years to convince the world that it's not beholden to its parent company ByteDance in China, efforts not helped by revelations last year that China-based employees could access data for users in Europe and the U.S. The company's promised 12 billion investment spans the next 10 years, and includes funding not only for three data centers, but ongoing work with a third-party security company called NCC Group which it previously announced would carry out audits on its data controls and practices.
Books on display in an elementary school library. The conservative group Moms for Liberty is protesting Scholastic book fair in Oklahoma.

Scholastic book fairs, a staple in schools throughout the U.S. for decades, are being decried as a regularly occurring conduit for inappropriate books into schools in Oklahoma in a social media post made by the Oklahoma chapter of the conservative group Moms for Liberty.

Without citing specific examples, the Moms for Liberty post said Scholastic now appears largely focused on indoctrinating youth with radical viewpoints and sexual ideologies from a very young age at an increasingly rapid rate. The groups Oklahoma chapter did not return inquiries made by The Oklahoman.

On the opposite side of the political spectrum is the group Defense of Democracy. That groups Oklahoma chair, Bailee Tyler, said Scholastic book fairs typically are hosted by schools but run by volunteers with oversight by educators, so children dont go into these book fairs and blindly pick up books. Theyre more likely to pick up trinkets on sale.

Defense of Democracy recommends that parents parent their own children and keep their beliefs to themselves, Tyler said. We dont need Christian nationalist ideology pushed onto everyone elses children.

'Our community seems pretty excited about book fairs'

The Oklahoman asked 11 of the largest school districts in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area if they had received any recent complaints about Scholastic or book fairs. The 10 responding said they had encountered no issues.

Our community seems pretty excited about book fairs, Stillwater Public Schools spokesman Barry Fuxa said. Theyre an awesome time when we welcome families into our schools during the evening to browse and purchase books for their families.

The Moms for Liberty post encouraged all parents to pay extremely close attention to the materials advertised and displayed by Scholastic inside their childrens schools. It is a parents right to visit the library and the book fair at their childs school and to oversee what they may be exposed to during the school day.

More: Major textbook publishers withdraw from Oklahoma as fight over content worsens

The post said Moms for Liberty look forward to alternative publishers and book fair companies embracing materials dedicated to building the academia, character, and morality of our youth while respecting the values and traditions of parents.

State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters previously has spoken at national events conducted by Moms for Liberty. Recently, he posted a video on his page on X (formerly known as Twitter) pledging that Oklahoma textbooks wont go woke.

Dan Isett, a spokesman with the Oklahoma State Department of Education, said that the agency is investigating the situation involving Scholastic.

"Superintendent Walters is always concerned and vigilant about eliminating woke indoctrination in the classroom," Isett said.

Scholastic's national controversy over changes to its book fairs

Scholastic Corp. bills itself as the worlds largest publisher and distributor of childrens books and a leading provider of literacy curriculum, professional services and classroom magazines, as well as a producer of educational and popular childrens media. It says its currently active in 115,000 schools with a reach of 3.8 million educators, 54 million students and 78 million parents/caregivers in the U.S.

In a post on its website dated Oct. 25, Scholastic said this fall it made changes in our U.S. elementary school fairs out of concern for our Book Fair hosts. In doing this, we offered a collection of books to supplement the diverse collection of titles already available at the Scholastic Book Fair. We understand now that the separate nature of the collection has caused confusion and feelings of exclusion. It said it will not offer the collection, called Share Every Story, Celebrate Every Voice with the companys next season in January.

Twelve days earlier, Scholastic had noted in a post that there is now enacted or pending legislation in more than 30 U.S. states prohibiting certain kinds of books from being in schools  mostly LGBTQIA+ titles and books that engage with the presence of racism in our country. Because Scholastic Book Fairs are invited into schools, where books can be purchased by kids on their own, these laws create an almost impossible dilemma: back away from these titles or risk making teachers, librarians, and volunteers vulnerable to being fired, sued, or prosecuted.

The earlier post noted that reasoning is what led to the companys decision to create the Share Every Story, Celebrate Every Voice collection.

"Scholastic is committed above all to supporting every child's journey to learn to read and love to read, in partnership with schools and families," Scholastic spokesperson Anne Sparkman said.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Scholastic book fairs targeted by Moms for Liberty Oklahoma
The actions of the Southern Poverty Law Center-described anti-government extremist group Moms for Liberty and a Florida English teacher are attracting scrutiny after it was revealed that the teacher allegedly tricked a student into checking out a book that she felt was inappropriate for young people.



On October 25, two members of Moms for Liberty, Tom Gurski and Jennifer Tapley, accused Florida public school librarians of distributing pornography to minors, focusing their allegations on the young adult novel Storm and Fury. This novel, they claimed, was checked out by a 17-year-old student from Jay High School.

A teacher was apparently behind getting the student to go for the book in the first place.

Vicki Baggett, an English teacher in Escambia County, is described by Popular Information as being notorious for challenging books, especially those discussing racial discrimination or featuring LGBTQ+ characters. She was revealed to be the teacher who facilitated the books checkout.

The situation became more complicated when the students mother expressed anger in a news segment by Pensacolas ABC affiliate WEAR.

The students mother said, Im very angry because my daughter was used to doing somebody elses dirty work. She emphasized that her daughter had never read the book and was unwittingly used in this scheme without her or her mothers permission.

Baggetts actions extend beyond this single incident. She has been instrumental in having books she considers pornographic removed from Escambia County schools, leading to a federal lawsuit alleging constitutional violations. Moreover, she has been aggressively campaigning to have Santa Rosa County schools follow suit, engaging in frequent hostile interactions and direct coordination with members of Moms for Liberty.

Last week, a Popular Information video taken from a police officer's body cam shows what went down, highlighting the groups aggressive stance against any educational materials they find objectionable.

Jennifer Tapley, a member of the Santa Rosa County chapter of Moms for Liberty, called the Santa Rosa County Sheriffs Office, saying a crime was being done at a local school.

Ive got some evidence a crime was committed, she told authorities in the video when they arrived.

Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout is a young adult novel that contains some make-out scenes and some sexually-themed content within a fantastical context, according to Popular Information. Despite the objections raised by Moms for Liberty, the book has been endorsed by educational bodies. It's not pornographic.

Its just as serious as if I handed a Playboy to [my child] right now, Tapley told police in the video.

This controversy occurs in the backdrop of significant electoral developments. Last Tuesdays school board elections across the United States saw a sweeping rejection of candidates endorsed by Moms for Liberty. The losses in school board races, such as in Pennsylvanias Central Bucks, Pennridge School Districts, and Virginias Loudoun County, signify a shift towards more inclusive and equitable educational policies.
FILE - Former President Donald Trump speaks at the Moms for Liberty meeting in Philadelphia, June 30, 2023. Moms for Liberty says it has removed two Kentucky chapter chairs from their leadership roles after they posed in photos with members of the far-right group the Proud Boys, one of several controversies the conservative parental rights nonprofit has fended off in its polarizing rise to prominence in public schools across the country. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

NEW YORK (AP)  Moms for Liberty says it has removed two Kentucky chapter chairs from leadership positions after the women posed in photos with members of the far-right group the Proud Boys, one of several controversies that the conservative parental rights nonprofit has fended off in its rise to national prominence in public education.

The two women, who had led local chapters in Boone and Campbell counties near the Ohio border, appeared in photos with several men dressed in yellow and black Proud Boys clothing at a Nov. 4 rally in Frankfort, the Kentucky capital. The photos, posted on Facebook by another attendee, show the women smiling in Moms for Liberty clothing, as one helps to hold up a flag that reads, Appalachian Proud Boys Kentucky.

The former chapter chairs were removed because they demonstrated a lack of judgement and misalignment with our core values, the national Moms for Liberty organization posted Tuesday on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

Moms for Liberty is in no way affiliated with the Proud Boys and does not condone involvement with the organization. We repudiate hate and violence, the group continued, adding that it wouldn't allow the actions of a few to define the rest of its members.

Since its founding in 2021, Moms for Liberty has gained popularity and generated forceful backlash for its efforts to elect right-wing school board candidates and to target references to race and LGBTQ+ identity in classrooms around the United States.

The group is no stranger to controversy. Earlier this year, an Indiana chapter of the group apologized and condemned Adolf Hitler after it was criticized for using a quote attributed to the Nazi leader in its inaugural newsletter.

In June, the Southern Poverty Law Center designated Moms for Liberty as an anti-government extremist group, arguing it uses parents rights as a vehicle to attack public education and make schools less welcoming for minority and LGBTQ+ students. Moms for Liberty has disputed the label, saying the groups efforts to fund and endorse school board races show it is not anti-government.

Voters opted for liberal and moderate candidates over conservative contenders in many high-profile school board races on Election Day last week. Moms for Liberty said about 40% of its endorsed candidates won.

The SPLC describes the Proud Boys as a hate group for its promotion of white nationalist ideas, involvement in violence and the role that some of its members played in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

About 60 Proud Boys members have been charged with federal crimes related to the assault, which was intended to halt the certification of Democrat Joe Biden's victory over Republican President Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election.

More than half of them have pleaded guilty or been convicted after trials in Washington In May, a jury convicted former Proud Boys national leader Enrique Tarrio and three lieutenants of seditious conspiracy charges for what prosecutors said was a plot to keep Trump in the White House after his defeat. Tarrio was sentenced to 22 years behind bars, the longest prison term for a Jan. 6 case.

In the photos posted on Facebook, the former Boone County Moms for Liberty chair joins several others flashing the OK sign with their hands. The Anti-Defamation League says that sign is sometimes used to symbolize white supremacist beliefs or the Three Percenter movement, a wing of the anti-government extremist militia movement.

Moms for Liberty said it would follow our current policies and procedures in selecting new chapter leaders. It did not respond to an inquiry about whether the two former leaders would be removed from the organization or allowed to stay on as rank-and-file members. Their names and contact information were removed from chapter webpages.

The former Campbell County chair declined comment in a phone call with The Associated Press, and the former Boone County chair didn't respond to an emailed query.

___

Associated Press writer Michael Kunzelman in Silver Spring, Maryland, contributed to this report.

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The Associated Press receives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy. See more about APs democracy initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
MONROE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  One person has been arrested after ransacking an elderly persons home while she was sleeping, according to the Union County Sheriffs Office.

Officials say the investigation took weeks to find the suspect who stole from the victim living in the Wolf Pond Road area.

Queen City News is tracking CRIME in your area  >> Latest stories here

The suspect, 32-year-old Steven Nieves, was found in Gwinnett County, Georgia and is awaiting extradition to North Carolina. Hes currently being held without bond on charges of:

Felony theft by taking

Possession or transfer of firearms

Theft by bringing stolen property into state (Georgia)

Nieves reportedly forced his way into the victims home while she was sleeping and stole numerous items of personal property including firearms.

Deputies say the victim was not injured during the burglary.

Video shows CMPD officer striking Bojangles employee during double arrest at SW Charlotte bus stop

Officials were able to find and use fingerprint evidence left behind by Nieves to identify and find him across state lines.

This suspect fled to another state thinking he would not be held accountable for his crimes but was mistaken in underestimating our dedication to apprehending dangerous criminals, Sheriff Eddie Cathey said.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call 911, the Union County Sheriffs Office at 704-283-2789 or Union County Crime Stoppers at 704-283-5600.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Wondering how long itll be until you can return to Mai Thai for a bento box or cocktail? Or to Moons Kitchen for eggs Benedict?

The restaurants likely wont reopen for at least a couple of months. It could be sooner, though the city says thats entirely up to the owner of the 121-year-old Union Block building downtown, where both businesses have operated for years.

The two-story Union Block building, completed in 1902 at 730 W. Idaho St., is a Boise landmark. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places, and its sandstone facade is a quintessential part of the downtown streetscape.

The city closed off the building Thursday because of concerns about its structural safety stemming from a years-long project to construct a new basement floor thats been plagued by delays. City officials say the owner hasnt addressed their worries, and that they couldnt keep kicking this can down the road any longer.

But the owner says he was blindsided by the citys move to condemn it.

Regardless, dozens of restaurant workers are out of jobs.

Boises Planning and Development Services department condemned the historic Union Block building that Moons Kitchen and other businesses occupy because of structural safety concerns following an inspection on Thursday.

City cordons off building, surrounding area

The city condemned the building after officials inspected the space and left with concerns regarding its structural integrity.

At the request of the city, the Ada County Highway District also closed the sidewalk, on-street parking and far-right lane of traffic next to the building on Idaho Street between Capitol Boulevard and Eighth Street.

The building has been under construction for years with temporary shoring holding it up after owner Ken Howell won approval from the city in 2018 to carve out an additional floor below ground. The basement renovation was supposed to take about a year.

Five years later, were concerned about those temporary measures and the long-term effects they could have on the stability of the building, said Tim Keane, director of the citys Planning and Development Services department. We really felt like we needed to close the building to protect people. We will never, under any circumstance, jeopardize public safety.

Notices posted last week to the buildings doors at 730 W. Idaho St. said Do not enter. Unsafe to occupy.

The city issued an order citing several subsections of the citys code for dangerous buildings, including when any portion of a structure is likely to fail, or become dislodged or to collapse. Howell, who also owns Parklane Management Co., has 30 days to get permits for the work needed to stabilize the building and 60 days to complete the fixes.

He told the Idaho Statesman that the order was a complete surprise with no prior announcement.

Howell owns two other historic buildings downtown: the Idaho Building at 8th and Bannock streets and the Idanha Hotel at 10th and Main streets, which he converted into apartments and business spaces in 2001.

A notice posted to the door of Moons Kitchen in downtown Boise said Do not enter. Unsafe to occupy.

Owner says building is not liable to collapse

Howell said the temporary shoring posts holding up the Union Block building are made of steel, and havent worn out or shifted. He said theyre designed to support massive loads, and are equivalent to, if not more supportive than, the original wood posts that held the building up for over a century.

Im just trying to understand what their specific concerns are and why they feel that last week the building was fine and this week its not, he said Tuesday by phone. The contention is basically that today or tomorrow the whole things going to collapse, and thats just not the case.

He said he didnt receive a copy of the order until Monday evening, and that hell work nonstop to get the building back open.

Meanwhile, the businesses inside, including Mai Thai, Moons Kitchen and Balsam Brands, will have to make do. The two restaurants are closed.

Obviously, the most important thing for my tenants is to get occupancy back immediately, Howell said.

Moons Kitchen blamed Howell in an Instagram post Friday that said he did not follow through with what is necessary to keep the building open and that due to his negligence the business is closed and its employees are out of work.

Mai Thai owner Billy Pothikamjorn said he has about 35 part-time and full-time employees.

Now, they need a job, he said. And the economy is not good.

The Asian-fusion restaurant, which opened in 2003, had already planned to temporarily shutter after a kitchen fire on Nov. 7 damaged its space. Pothikamjorn said he wasnt sure when hell be able to complete the repairs now that the building is closed.

We want to move forward and get the work done, but they dont want anyone in the building. Its a double problem, he told the Statesman by phone. Its a loss of income  everything.

Ken Howell, owner of Parklane Management Co., is a longtime Downtown developer who is responsible for several famous projects, including the 2001 renovation of the Idanha Hotel, which opened in 1901 at 928 W. Main St.

Mai Thai kitchen fire unrelated to closure

Pothikamjorn said he met with city building inspector Carl Madsen on Thursday, who informed him of the closure. That was two days after the kitchen fire, but the order condemning the building was not related to the fire, according to Keane.

Its hugely disappointing, of course, for them as businesses, but they recognize the gravity of the situation, Keane told reporters Monday. I did express to them very clearly that the speed at which Mai Thai and Moons Kitchen can be reopened is 100% dependent on the owner (of the building). If the owner is able to bring us plans that show this building will be stabilized in a certain manner tomorrow, we will review it tomorrow.

He said the city had asked Howell and his engineer for additional information regarding the structural stability of the building and received a report Wednesday from Howells engineer that Keane said failed to address the citys concerns. The report prompted the inspection on Thursday, which led to the buildings closure.

This is a case where were asking the structural engineer working for the owner to show us that this building is safe, and were not getting that confirmation, Keane said. We said, Thats enough. Its time to close it.

BoiseDev reported in July that the basement renovation project was on its third structural engineer and that city building inspectors ordered work to stop several times, including when large cracks appeared in the wall of the Balsam Brands office space, above ground.

Keane said his staff has expressed to Howell the importance that he pursue the fixes urgently, and I suspect he will. Howell has not been issued any fines, penalties or citations. A spokesperson for the city said the tenants could seek damages.

A notice posted on the doors of the building said it is dangerous.

Union Block an important historic building

The Union Block building was designed by Boise architect John E. Tourellotte in 1899, according to the Idaho Architecture Project, and completed three years later.

Its made of brick and sandstone sourced from the local Tablerock quarry, which was used in the construction of several other downtown Boise buildings, including the Capitol. The Richardsonian Romanesque-style structure has a 125-foot-long frontage with five arches and many windows.

During the 1960s the building fell in and out of occupancy, the city said, and was in danger of being demolished. A few decades later, in the 1990s, the city gave Howell a contract to restore it. It reopened five years later.

Keane said the Union Block building, and others like it downtown, are tremendously important to the citys character. He said the city has a great interest in protecting it.

You could argue its the most important historic building downtown, he said. If, for some reason, we lost it  that would be an incredible loss for Boise.

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SAN DIEGO  On Tuesday, San Diego leaders shared a report on how the city is progressing in its community action plan to address homelessness.

The sweeping 10-year homeless plan was unanimously adopted by the San Diego City Council back in October 2019. Its intent was to identify short-term goals, as well as serve as a guide for long-term plans to address the citys homeless crisis.

In the update on Tuesday, however, the city said that more people are experiencing homelessness than the capacity that existing programs are able to help despite extensive efforts to expand them  a trend that the report says is made more complicated by a lack of safety nets to prevent someone from falling out of housing in the first place.

San Diego leaders have long touted that they have doubled the number of housing and crisis response options, including adding 900 shelter beds and 2,545 emergency shelter beds since 2019.

The number of permanent housing units have also more than tripled  increasing from 630 to 2,109. Permanent supporting housing has also increased by 148% from 2,599 to 6,457.

With these options, about 15,000 people each year have received assistance from the city and other programs funded by the San Diego Housing Commission, according to the citys report, while 11,993 people moved to permanent housing.

San Diego City Council to discuss election for Montgomery Steppes seat

Despite that, the number of people considered chronically or newly homeless has continued to rise, and unhoused people are seeing longer stays in shelters  many of which remain at or near capacity  as they wait to move into housing.

A main driver of this is a lack of tenant protection resources to keep people in the homes they have, according to the city. Experts have long heralded prevention through programs like rental and utility assistance as the most cost-effective way that a municipality can curb homelessness.

Among other key services that the city will need to improve over the next few years, according to the report, include: availability emergency shelter beds, rapid or supportive rehousing by rental subsidies, and low income housing options.

About 40% of people who recently fell into homelessness may be able resolve their situation with shelter and diversion resources, according to the city. Meanwhile, about 33% may just need prevention resources. Roughly 28% of those recently unhoused would need more intensive resources like rapid rehousing, the city said.

According to the city, 78% of those currently considered unsheltered or chronically homeless need access to permanent housing resources to stabilize their situation. About 10% may fix their housing situation with crisis response options only, while 12% may need diversion resources such as financial assistance.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
Several monks from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (Monastery of the Caves) in Kyiv have moved to EU member states following the termination of the agreement that allowed the Moscow Patriarchate to use premises there.

Source: Father Avraamii, acting abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Monastery from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, in an interview for Orthodox Ukraine

Quote: "Some of the monks moved to their own homes, others went to other monasteries. They all realise that they cannot serve in the Lavra under the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate. Others have moved abroad: one to France, another to Brazil, someone else to Germany. And my question is: why not Russia? Why go to Europe, which you hated and called godless?"

Details: Avraamii stated that around 60 elderly monks who have not yet made up their minds remain in the Lavra. Some of them want to join the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, while others are admirers of the "Russian world". There are also some who are hostages of the situation and will have nowhere to go once they leave the Lavra.

"Where will they go? We wont kick them out. We will lodge them in a separate building, give them food and provide someone to look after them. But they will not serve in the churches of the Lavra," he added.

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Most Americans dont want Congress threatening to shut down the government in order to further their goals, according to a Marist poll published Wednesday.

After the House passed its bill to avert a government shutdown, the ball in now in the Senates court. It appears likely that the government will not run out of funds this week and remain open until an extended deadline in mid-January.

Three-quarters of Americans  75 percent  came out against shutdown brinkmanship in the poll, a strategy that led to the federal budgets first extension at the end of September, avoiding a funding lapse by just hours. Roughly 23 percent believe using a shutdown as a wager is acceptable.

When broken down by party, Republicans were more than twice as likely  37 percent, to Democrats 18 percent  to say a shutdown could be used to bargain.

If Senate negotiations break down and the government does shut down despite attempts at a deal, nearly half of Americans said they would blame Republicans. About 49 percent of Americans would place blame with the GOP, while 43 percent would instead blame President Biden or Democrats more broadly.

Congress is divided over funding for President Bidens foreign policy priorities, which includes funds to aid Israel and Ukraine in their respective wars. More than 60 percent of respondents said the U.S. should be allocating more money to at least one of those conflicts, with 35 percent saying both.

Despite low faith in Congress, a strong majority still believe that government can work, if used effectively. About 69 percent of respondents said the U.S. political system can work fine and that its really members of Congress themselves that are the problem.

Americans are not ready to throw in the towel on the governments ability to get things done, said Lee M. Miringoff, director of the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion. They think the fault lies with the nations elected officials in Congress.

The poll surveyed about 1,400 Americans over the course of a few days in early November. The margin of error is 3.4 percentage points.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Most Americans support a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip  while President Joe Biden remains opposed, according to new polling.

More than two-thirds of U.S. adults, 68%, said Israel should request a cease-fire and open diplomatic channels, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Nov. 15.

The poll questioned 1,006 American adults online during the second week of November and has a margin of error of around 4 percentage points.

The poll comes as Israel enters its second month of war against Hamas, the Islamic group that governs the Gaza Strip and whose militants killed 1,200 Israelis in an Oct 7 attack, Israeli officials said.

Israels airstrikes and ground assault have killed over 11,000 Palestinians in the small seaside territory, which has become a graveyard for children, according to Palestinian health officials and the United Nations. Multiple human rights organizations  including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International  have said Israels actions should be investigated as war crimes.

As the death toll mounts, American public support for Israel has waned, according to the poll.

About one-third, 32%, of respondents said America should continue backing Israel, which is down from 41% who said the same one month ago.

Meanwhile, the number of people who favor the U.S. acting as a neutral arbiter in the region has risen from 27% to 39%, according to the poll.

Less than one-third, 31%, of respondents supported arming Israel, while 43% said they opposed sending weapons.

The poll reveals U.S. public opinion is increasingly at odds with the position of government officials, who continue to greenlight weapons shipments to Israel and have dismissed calls for a cease-fire.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in Oct. 31 testimony on Capitol Hill, said that a cease-fire would simply consolidate what Hamas has been able to do and allow it to remain where it is and potentially repeat what it did another day.

Few members of Congress  including only 4% of House members  publicly support a cease-fire, according to data compiled by the Security Policy Reform Institute, a think tank, in October.

When it comes to a ceasefire in Gaza, both parties in Congress are badly out of step with their voters. Especially the Democrats pic.twitter.com/66CIkTLTVa  Stephen Semler (@stephensemler) November 10, 2023

When asked about the chances of a cease-fire in Gaza on Nov. 9, Biden said, None. No possibility.

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A Virginia woman whose six-year-old son shot and severely wounded his teacher was sentenced to 21 months in prison (SCOTT OLSON)

A Virginia woman whose six-year-old son shot and severely wounded his teacher was sentenced to 21 months in prison on Wednesday on gun charges.

Deja Taylor's son brought her gun to school in the southern US state on January 6 and shot his elementary school teacher.

The teacher was hospitalized for two weeks with injuries to her hand and chest.

The 26-year-old Taylor pleaded guilty in June to illegally obtaining the firearm and making a false statement on a government form required to purchase the weapon.

Taylor had claimed, falsely, on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives form that she did not consume illegal drugs.

She was sentenced to one year and nine months in prison by a US District Court judge in the city of Newport News on Wednesday, local television reported.

Prosecutors have also brought charges at the state level against Taylor, charging her with felony child neglect.

Amid a huge number of deadly firearms incidents involving young people, pressure has been mounting in the United States to punish parents who make it possible for their children to get weapons.

Last week, the father of an Illinois man accused of killing seven people during a US Independence Day parade pleaded guilty to "reckless conduct" for helping his son obtain the assault rifle used in the mass shooting.

The parents of a 15-year-old boy who killed four people at a high school in Oakland County, Michigan, in November 2021 have been charged for buying their son a gun even though they were aware of signs he was a threat.

While accidents involving young children accessing unsecured firearms in their homes are common in the United States, school shootings perpetrated by those under 10 years old are rare.

A database compiled by US researcher David Riedman has only registered about 15 such incidents since the 1970s.

cl/st
A Moss Point man is facing a first-degree voyeurism charge in Alabama after allegedly photographing a childs intimate area, the Mobile County District Attorneys Office said in a press release on Wednesday.

Richard Hightower, of Moss Point, was arrested on Monday when deputies from the Mobile County Sheriffs Office and Jackson County Sheriffs Department executed a search warrant on his home in Moss Point. Hightower was extradited to Mobile, Alabama.

Earlier this month, Hightower was convicted of indecent exposure for exposing his genitalia to students at the University of South Alabama in April.

For that incident, Hightower was sentenced to serve four months in jail and one year of probation, but was released pending an appeal.

Its unclear when the incident in which the most recent charges stem from occurred, but the Mobile County District Attorneys Office found out about an incident where Hightower allegedly photographed a minor in an intimate area after he was convicted of indecent exposure.

According to a release from the Mobile County District Attorneys Office, Hightower has previous felony convictions in Mississippi, but the release did not specify what for.

Due to his previous felony convictions in the state of Mississippi, Richard Hightower is a habitual offender, and we will fully prosecute the alleged criminal acts, said Keith Blackwood, Mobile County district attorney, in the release.

According to reporting from AL.com, Hightower previously was found guilty in two other incidents of indecent exposure  one at Samford University in 2008 and another at University of Alabama in 2007  as well previously faced charges of sexual abuse, attempted sexual abuse and public lewdness.

The Mobile County District Attorneys Office is seeking additional victims of Richard Hightower in Mobile County, Mississippi or elsewhere. To contact the office, please call the Mobile County District Attorneys Office Chief Investigator, Don Gomien at 251-574-6681 or dongomien@mobileda.org.
A man suspected of killing a Hancock County judges dog after a euthanasia order was captured Wednesday.

U.S. Marshals arrested Norman Archer, 59, of Kiln, after a manhunt that began after he broke into the Hancock County Animal Shelter on Saturday to steal his vicious pit bull named Diesel.

The break-in occurred the day after Hancock County Justice Court Judge Desmond Hoda issued the euthanasia order for Archers dog because of repeated and unprovoked attacks on other dogs and people, including the October mauling of a 6-year-old girl. The girl suffered severe injuries.

The same day of the burglary, Archer was spotted on the judges property. Afterward, Hodas 8-year-old German Shepherd named Achilles went missing. The judges family found the dog dead of suspected poisoning the following day.

Earlier Wednesday, Hoda said he learned Archer had been spotted within three miles of his home. After he got word of Archers capture, he told the Sun Herald he was just glad that he (Archer) was found and no one else was hurt.

I was afraid of what he might do when they found him given what he has already done, Hoda said.

Archer had his pit bull with him at the time of his arrest.

Hancock County sheriffs Investigators obtained warrants to arrest Archer on charges of commercial burglary, larceny and retaliation against a public official.

Hancock County Justice Court judges tried for over a year to get Archer to keep his dog Diesel confined and to post warning signs about the aggressive dog so Archer could keep him.

But the attacks kept happening.

To report information on Archer or other crimes, call the Hancock County Sheriffs Department at 228-466-9600 or Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) stepped in it on Wednesday when she mistakenly suggested FBI Director Christopher Wray works for the Department of Homeland Security. During a Wednesday hearing, the congresswoman intensely questioned Wray about a pro-Palestine rally at the U.S. Capitol last month, arguing that it was an insurrection. She held up a poster of a text message from a top lawyer for the Southern Poverty Law Center that allegedly showed the groups involvement in the protest. Greene asked Wray if he saw reports of the conversation involving the Global Intifada group on her account on X, formerly Twitter, to which he replied that he didnt use the platform much. In disbelief, she said, Im sure you do, because the Department of Homeland Security, organized with other offices, has censored many Americans, including myself, leading Wray to flatly respond, Im not part of the Department of Homeland Security.

Greene: I posted them on my Twitter account



Wray: I dont spend a lot of time on Twitter



Greene: Im sure you do because the DHS organized with other offices and censored people like myself



Wray: Im not part of the DHS pic.twitter.com/DV8nzD5e52  Acyn (@Acyn) November 15, 2023

Read it at Raw Story

Read more at The Daily Beast.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is helping to investigate the death of a Kentucky firefighter who collapsed while working at a structure fire in Oldham County last weekend.

Sgt. Tom Petschke Jr., 53, who worked for Ballardsville Fire & Rescue, suffered a medical emergency while responding to a fire at a vacant structure. He died Saturday afternoon, soon after he was taken to Norton Brownsboro Hospital, according to the governors office.

ATF is working the investigation jointly with Oldham County Police Department and the Kentucky State Fire Marshals Office, Cassandra Mullins, public information officer for the Louisville Field Division, said in a statement Tuesday. Our focus is to determine the origin and cause of the fire, and to investigate the associated firefighter death in the line of duty.

She said the state fire marshals office asked for help from the ATF.

While it is too early to speculate on the cause of the fire or whether any criminal offenses have been committed, ATFs experience in these incidents has shown that a cooperative effort between trained state and local officers and ATF results in more effective investigations, Mullins said. We want the public to know we will work tirelessly on this case. ATF, along with the commonwealths firefighters, mourns the tragic loss of Thomas Perschke Jr. and we will continue to keep his family in our thoughts.

Gov. Andy Beshears office said in an update that Petschke had been fighting a wildfire that originated from a burning vacant structure in Goshen when he suffered the medical emergency.

Kentuckians, please continue to join Britainy and me in praying for the family and loved ones of this brave firefighter, Beshear said in the news release. To honor his life and service, we will be lowering flags at all state office buildings on the day of his interment.

Services for Petschke are scheduled for Thursday.

Petschke, who was married and had two children, was a sergeant who had served with the Ballardsville Fire Department since 2014, according to an online obituary. He also owned an operated his own businesses, Industrial Turnkey Solutions and Petschke Pick, the obituary stated.

Beshear declared a state of emergency Thursday, as dozens of wildfires raged, particularly in Eastern Kentucky. As of Monday, Beshear said seven states had sent assistance, along with the U.S. Forest Service and the Virginia Division of Forestry, which helped control fires along the state line.

While many of the fires are now under control, dry weather and higher than normal temperatures are continuing this week, and it continues to be a potentially dangerous situation, Beshear said in the news release.

Some blazes contained, more help coming from out of state as Kentucky wildfires burn
Investigators are seeking information about a series of arsons in northeast Fort Collins neighborhoods.

Arsons and criminal mischief incidents began in October in the TimberVine neighborhood and Collins Aire Mobile Home Park, according to a news release from Fort Collins Police Services. Here are the incidents police are investigating:

On Oct. 23, Fort Collins police responded to a report that a pride flag had been burned, which caught a chair cushion on fire in the TimberVine neighborhood.

The evening of Oct. 23, Poudre Fire Authority responded to a grass fire in the open space near the TimberVine neighborhood.

Less than an hour after responding to the grass fire, Poudre Fire Authority and Larimer County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the Collins Aire Mobile Home Park for a vehicle fire. While responding, investigators also found a burning trash can nearby.

On Oct. 24, there was graffiti reported and an American flag that was burned at a home in the TimberVine neighborhood, near the open space where the grass fire occurred.

On Nov. 12, four reports were made by different residents in the TimberVine neighborhood: A chair was lit on fire and the fire spread to a residence; a small grass fire was lit in a canal and graffiti was found nearby; a pride flag was burned and the home's garage had graffiti on it; and a scarecrow was burned and a chair was stolen.

Because the TimberVine neighborhood is in Fort Collins Police Service's jurisdiction and the Collins Aire Mobile Home Park is in the Larimer County Sheriff's Office's jurisdiction, and the incidents reported in both neighborhoods have many similarities, the agencies have been working together to investigate these cases.

The investigation into these incidents is ongoing, and law enforcement are still working to determine if any of these crimes are bias-motivated, according to the Fort Collins police news release.

Anyone with information about these incidents or possible suspects is asked to contact Fort Collins Police Services Det. Matt Schuh at 970-416-8043, or Larimer County Sheriff's Office Investigator Stephen Gates at 970-498-5169. People who want to share information anonymously can do so through Crime Stoppers of Larimer County at 970-221-6868 or crimestopperslarimer.org.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Fort Collins, Larimer County law enforcement investigating graffiti, arson
Washington  The head of the FBI told Congress Wednesday that federal law enforcement officials have launched "multiple investigations into individuals affiliated" with Hamas since the terrorist group attacked Israel last month, but they have not seen evidence of a specific credible threat.

The most immediate concerns, he said, include "homegrown violent extremists" inspired by terrorist groups and "domestic violent extremists targeting Jewish Americans or other faith communities."

FBI Director Chris Wray is testifying before the House Homeland Security Committee on Wednesday, alongside Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Christine Abizaid, director of the National Counterterrorism Center.

"In a year where the terrorism threat was already elevated, the ongoing war in the Middle East has raised the threat of an attack against Americans in the United States to a whole 'nother level. Since Oct. 7, we've seen a rogue's gallery of foreign terrorist organizations call for attacks against Americans and our allies," Wray told the committee in his opening remarks. He added, "Given those calls for action, our most immediate concern is that individuals or small groups will draw twisted inspiration from the events in the Middle East to carry out attacks here at home."

Since the Hamas attacks on Israel  and Israel's subsequent strikes against the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip  the FBI director has said the U.S. intelligence community has been most concerned about lone-wolf style assailants, inspired by the terrorist group, targeting Western nations  and this after Hamas, al-Qaeda, and ISIS have issued calls to action.

Wray told Congress that historically, investigations into individuals tied to Hamas have been focused on their financial support to the organization, but the FBI continues to examine intelligence "to assess how the threat may be evolving."

Last month, Wray told a Senate committee that while Americans need not alter their daily lives due to the increased threats, "it is a time to be concerned."

He echoed those sentiments on Wednesday and told House members that "Americans should continue to be alert and careful, but they shouldn't stop going about their daily lives." He pushed for vigilance, not panic.

Federal officials like Wray have stressed in recent weeks that there is no specific credible threat against the U.S., and no indication that Hamas yet has the capacity to launch an attack on U.S. soil.

Still, over the last month, the FBI and Justice Department  alongside other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners  have operated with heightened vigilance for any potential threats from inspired lone wolf actors and individuals motivated by antisemitism, Islamophobia or anti-Arab hate.

Earlier this month, a 20-year-old Jordanian national living in Texas was indicted on allegations he illegally obtained firearms and trained with others of a "radical mindset" to "possibly commit an attack." The man was arrested in Houston on Oct. 19 after investigators said he had been "conducting physical training," and "trained with weapons to possibly commit an attack," according to earlier court documents.

He has pleaded not guilty to one federal count of unlawful possession of a firearm, and he was ordered to remain detained pending trial, in part because the judge said the defendant allegedly "made statements to others that support the killing of individuals of particular religious faiths."

Last week, Attorney General Merrick Garland and other officials convened meetings with leaders of Jewish, Muslim, Arab, Sikh, South Asian and Hindu communities, along with law enforcement officials, to discuss the increased threat landscape across the U.S.

"The Justice Department is committed to protecting our communities from hate-fueled violence. The Department will continue bringing together stakeholders to support our shared goal of preventing, disrupting, and prosecuting illegal acts of hate fueled by antisemitism, Islamophobia, or anti-Arab bias," Garland said.

The Justice Department also opened a federal hate crimes investigation into a stabbing attack last month in a Chicago suburb which killed Wadea Al-Fayoume, a 6-year-old Palestinian boy, and wounded his mother. Authorities arrested and charged the victims' landlord, saying the attack was motivated by anti-Muslim hate.

The suspect has also pleaded not guilty to state-level murder and hate crime charges.

The FBI in recent weeks arrested numerous individuals for violent threats allegedly motivated by hate, including a Florida man who authorities said threatened to kill members of a Jewish organization in New York, a Nevada man who was charged with threatening Sen. Jacky Rosen in antisemitic messages, and a student at Cornell who federal prosecutors said called for the death of Jewish people in violent social media posts.

Wray's testimony Wednesday also came as a December deadline looms for the reauthorization of a federal law enforcement provision that U.S. officials have deemed vital for national security.

Under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), U.S. agencies are authorized to collect, via telecommunications providers, electronic data  including phone calls, text messages and emails  of foreigners overseas, even if those communications involve U.S. citizens. Those records can then be searched for information related to national security investigations.

The provision is set to expire in December absent congressional action, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have been critical of past misuses of the authority and have pushed for reforms.

"With the fast-moving situation in the Middle East, just imagine if a foreign terrorist organization overseas shifts intentions and directs an operative here who'd been contingency planning to carry out an attack in our own backyard. And imagine if we're not able to disrupt that threat because the FBI's 702 authorities have been so watered down," Wray told Congress in his remarks.

And while much of law enforcement's focus has been on the conflict's effects inside the U.S., the Justice Department is working with Israel to disrupt Hamas' funding by focusing on its use of cryptocurrency. According to Garland, the department offered to work with Israeli counterparts to identify and target material support to Hamas.

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MUNCIE, Ind.  An effort in 2019 to create a walking trail along Riverside Avenue from Jackson Street to the Ball State University campus grew in size and scope through the years.

The project included remaking that part of Riverside, fix storm water flooding, complete work on gas and other utilities and calm traffic coming off of Jackson onto Riverside.

It is now done.

A year ago pieces of old Riverside Avenue pavement is dumped in the bed of a dump truck at the intersection of Riverside and Jackson Street, where work continued on the Riverside Avenue Trail Project. The work is now complete, according to City Street Commissioner Adam Leach. Issues concerning state funding for the project kept the city out of two rounds of Community Crossings grants in 2023.

Adam Leach, city street commissioner, said a ceremony was set for Wednesday to acknowledge the end of the project that included work by the Muncie Sanitary District and other utilities.

Leach said he did not know how much money was spent on the effort by multiple agencies, but apparently part of the cost has been sidelining the city from participating in two rounds of state Community Crossings grants.

Muncie fails to win grant for second time

In the latest round for local road, street and transportation projects, Delaware County government won $332,542, while the city of Muncie was shut out for the second time in 2023 due to issues connected with the Community Crossings funding for the Riverside project.

In 2021, after the Riverside project expanded to cover concerns of neighborhood residents  many of whom had objected to a trail  the entire project was estimated to cost $2.25 million. Delaware Advancement Corp. had been awarded an Indiana Department of Natural Resources Next Level Trail Grant and an East Central Indiana Regional Development Authority trail grant.

The Muncie Sanitary District funded the storm water improvements for Riverside through its storm water utility program. Money from the American Recovery Plan was also used and. Muncie city government used Community Crossings money to cover road improvements.

The Community Crossings grant was $132,221 for the Riverside project. It is a matching grant so the grant money can only cover half of the money for the road improvements with the city paying for the other half, Leach said.

Earlier in the year, Leach said the city failed to receive a Community Crossings grant because the Riverside project was incomplete. For the awards made this month, the city had completed the road improvements, but the total cost was $212,421, which meant half the cost was about $106,210. The state grant was $132,221, so the city owed INDOT about $26,000 to balance the account to leave the state paying 50%.

That money would have been due to the state in July in order to clear up the matter in time to be part of the November Community Crossings awards, Leach said.

The money has since been returned to INDOT, he said, and the city should be eligible for Community Crossings grants to be announced in April 2024.

Mayor Dan Ridenour referred questions about the grant to Leach but did say the city had been expecting to receive a grant in the round just completed and announced this month.

In 2022, Gov. Eric Holcomb came to Muncie to celebrate a $1 million Community Crossing grant the city had won. That was the last time the city received a state transportation grant.

Meanwhile, Delaware County won $332,542 in grant money to be used in the spring to pave about two miles of Delaware County Road 350-N, between Ind. 67 and County Road 400-E, according the County Road Superintendent Tommie Humbert.

Humbert said the cites, towns and counties that apply for the grants must have money to match the amounts requested. He received notice of the award Nov. 2.

The county paving project will be bid out in the spring.

The next round of Community Crossings grant application will be due in January with awards announced in June next year.

David Penticuff is a reporter with The Star Press. He can be contacted at dpenticuff@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Muncie again shut out of Community Crossings grants for local streets
Kaitlin Armstrong enters the courtroom during the first day of her trial at the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center, Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023, in Austin, Texas.. Armstrong is charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of pro cyclist Anna Moriah Wilson. (Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman via AP, Pool) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  The murder trial of a Texas woman charged in the May 2022 shooting death of rising professional cyclist Anna Mo Wilson has ended with a guilty verdict.

Kaitlin Armstrong, who fled the U.S. shortly after Wilson was killed and underwent plastic surgery in South America in an attempt to evade authorities, faces up to life in prison when she is sentenced later Thursday.

Find her guilty of shooting Mo Wilson in the heart and the head and taking away this prodigy at the age of 25, Travis County Assistant District Attorney Rick Jones told the jury in closing arguments. Justice for Mo Wilson.

Wilson, a Vermont native, was an emerging star in gravel and mountain bike riding when she was killed in a friends apartment in Austin. She had been preparing to participate in a Texas race that she was among the favorites to win.

In the hours before she was killed, Wilson went swimming and had a meal with Armstrongs boyfriend, former pro cyclist Colin Strickland, with whom Wilson had a brief romantic relationship months earlier.

Investigators say Armstrong gunned down Wilson in a jealous rage, then used her sisters passport to escape the U.S. before she was tracked down and arrested at a beachside hostel in Costa Rica.

Armstrong attorney Rick Cofer pressed jurors on the lack of a witness to the shooting or video evidence, and said Armstrong had been unfairly portrayed as a jealous psycho.

Kaitlin Armstrong has been trapped in a nightmare of circumstantial evidence. How do you prove a negative? Cofer said, urging the jury to reject an easy story of a jealous lover.

Its a simple case, a beautifully easy story, Cofer said. But its wrong.

Here's a look at the trial so far:

KEY EVIDENCE

There were no witnesses to the shooting or videos that place Armstrong in the apartment when Wilson was gunned down on May 11, 2022. Prosecutors built their case on a tight web of circumstantial evidence.

Strickland testified that he had to hide Wilson's phone number from Armstrong under a fake name in his phone. Two of Armstrong's friends said she told them she wanted to, or could, kill Wilson.

Vehicle satellite records, phone-tracking data and surveillance video from a nearby home showed Armstrong's Jeep driving around the apartment and parking in an alley shortly before Wilson was killed. Data from Armstrong's phone showed it had been used that day to track Wilson's location via a fitness app that she used to chart her training rides.

Investigators also said shell casings near Wilson's body matched a gun Armstrong owned.

Jurors heard the frantic emergency call from the friend who found Wilson's body, saw the gruesome police camera footage of first responders performing CPR, and heard audio from a neighbor's home surveillance system that prosecutors said captured Wilson's final screams and three gunshots.

ON THE RUN

Police interviewed Armstrong, among others, after Wilson was killed. The day after that interview, Armstrong sold her Jeep for more than $12,000 and headed to Costa Rica, where investigators say she had plastic surgery to change her nose, and she changed her hair style and color.

Armstrong evaded capture for 43 days as she moved around Costa Rica trying to establish herself as a yoga instructor before she was finally caught on June 29.

Armstrong went to Costa Rica because she was an innocent person who was scared not just of the investigation but if someone else she knew could have been the killer, Cofer said.

Was she scared? What do you think? Cofer asked.

The jury also heard about another escape attempt by Armstrong, on Oct. 11, when she tried to flee two corrections officers who had escorted her to a medical appointment outside jail. Video showed Armstrong, in a striped jail uniform and arm restraints, running and trying to scale a fence.

She was quickly recaptured and faces a separate felony escape attempt charge.

THE DEFENSE

Armstrong's lawyers spent only a few hours presenting her defense Wednesday. When asked by her lawyer in front of the judge and with the jury out of the room, Armstrong declined a chance to testify in her own defense.

In their opening statements and during cross-examination of prosecution witnesses, defense attorneys accused police of a sloppy investigation that too quickly focused on Armstrong as the sole suspect.

Armstrong's attorneys also have tried to raise doubts among jurors by suggesting someone else could have killed Wilson, and asking why prosecutors so quickly dismissed Strickland as a suspect.

But a police analyst testified that data tracking on Strickland's motorcycle and phone show him traveling away from Wilson's apartment immediately after dropping her off, and show him taking a phone call at or near his home around the time Wilson was killed.

Armstrong's lawyers have tried to pick at that data as unreliable and imprecise, and drilled into the lack of witnesses or video of the shooting. Someone else could have been driving Armstrong's Jeep or had her cellphone when both were near the murder site, her lawyers said.

They also called an expert on forensic metallurgy, William Tobin, to try to debunk the firearms and tool-marking methods used to match the bullets to Armstrongs gun as faulty, saying they can lead to false positives and should not be used to determine guilt or innocence. Tobin acknowledged he did not review the evidence in this case.
Much of Tulsa lies within the reservation of the Muscogee Nation, which is suing the city because its court system is continuing to prosecute Native American drivers for traffic offenses.

The Muscogee Nation is suing Oklahomas second-largest city over its refusal to stop prosecuting tribal citizens for traffic offenses.

Tulsa officials have insisted the city has the power to continue processing those tickets and fines, even after a federal appeals court ruled against the city's stance, the Muscogee Nation said in its lawsuit filed Wednesday.

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in June that Tulsa lacks criminal jurisdiction over Native Americans because the city lies within Indian Country  mainly the Muscogee reservation  where only federal and tribal courts can try cases involving Native American defendants.

In its lawsuit, the Muscogee Nation contends Tulsa is still refusing to pass along traffic cases involving Native American drivers to the Muscogee court system. The refusal violates federal law and infringes on the rights of Muscogee citizens, as well as citizens of other tribes, the lawsuit argues.

The tribe is asking a federal judge to permanently block Tulsa from prosecuting Native Americans.

Lawsuit is the latest in a yearslong fight over traffic tickets in Tulsa

David Hill, the principal chief of the eastern Oklahoma tribe, said in a statement that he remained open to government-to-government cooperation with city officials.

But we will not stand by and watch the city disregard our sovereignty and our own laws by requiring Muscogee and other tribal citizens to respond to citations in Tulsa city court because of the citys make-believe legal theories, Hill said.

The lawsuit names Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum, Police Chief Wendell Franklin and City Attorney Jack Blair as defendants. City officials could not yet be reached regarding the lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court of Northern Oklahoma.

More: The story behind Gov. Stitt's new 'One Oklahoma' video on tribal reservations

The lawsuit marks the latest chapter in a yearslong fight over traffic tickets. After the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against Tulsa earlier this year, city officials asked the Supreme Court to stay the decision, but Justice Neil Gorsuch denied the citys request in August.

The legal dispute came to widespread attention in recent months after Gov. Kevin Stitt made the case the centerpiece of a new online campaign where he criticizes the McGirt v. Oklahoma ruling. The decision affirmed the Muscogee reservation existed and has raised further questions about state authority on those lands.

In its new legal filing, the Muscogee Nation contends the city is now relying on a different legal justification than the one struck down by the federal appeals court.

The city originally asserted the 1898 Curtis Act gave it authority to keep prosecuting Native Americans for traffic offenses. In more recent filings, Tulsa now says it has jurisdiction over those cases under the 2022 Supreme Court ruling in Oklahoma v. Castro-Heurta. That decision affirmed state courts could try cases involving Native American victims on tribal reservations.

The court did not address cases that involve Native American defendants, such as traffic offenses.

Tulsa only focusing on traffic tickets, lawsuit says

The Muscogee Nation also contends Tulsa is selectively asserting what cases it has the power to prosecute. It has referred 2,618 reports of misdemeanor and felony crimes for prosecution in the Muscogee court system.

Tulsa has generally declined to refer just one category of offenses: traffic offenses, the Muscogee Nation said in its legal filing.

Geri Wisner, the attorney general for the Muscogee Nation, said tribal officials decided to file the lawsuit because Tulsa was violating the law.

There is no legal basis for current city policies dealing with citizens of tribal nations, and we are asking the court to require the city to follow the law, Wisner said.

Molly Young covers Indigenous affairs. Reach her at mollyyoung@gannett.com or 405-347-3534.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Tulsa is infringing on tribal citizens' rights, new lawsuit contends
A flag of one of the Myanmar rebel forces is installed next to an under-construction structure in Myanmar's Khawmawi village on the India-Myanmar border as seen from Zokhawthar village

A flag of one of the Myanmar rebel forces is installed next to an under-construction structure in Myanmar's Khawmawi village on the India-Myanmar border as seen from Zokhawthar village

(Reuters) - Dozens of members of the Myanmar security forces have surrendered or been captured, a rebel group said on Wednesday, as a coordinated offensive by insurgent groups battling the junta gathers pace in several parts of the country.

At least 28 policemen gave up their weapons and surrendered to the Arakan Army (AA), while 10 soldiers were arrested, said the group which is fighting for autonomy in Rakhine State in western Myanmar.

Reuters could not independently verify the information from the AA, which is one of three ethnic minority insurgent groups that launched a coordinated offensive against junta forces in late October.

A curfew has been imposed in the Rakhine State capital Sittwe, where military tanks have been sighted, the administration there said.

The rebels have captured some towns and military posts, including on the border with China, presenting the junta with its biggest test since the military took power in a 2021 coup, ousting an elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

A junta spokesperson, Zaw Min Tun, on Tuesday accused the rebel groups of "destroying the whole country" and said reports of captured military posts were "propaganda".

"The enemies retreated after they lost soldiers. We are trying to combine small posts strategically," he said.

The spokesperson said fighting was going on in Shan, Rakhine and Kayah states. He did not comment on reports of junta forces surrendering.

Fighting has also been reported in Chin State in the northwest, where 43 Myanmar soldiers crossed into the Indian state of Mizoram after a rebel attack, a police official in Mizoram said.

Most of the Myanmar soldiers were flown by Indian forces to another point on the border and handed back to Myanmar authorities, said an Indian security official who declined to be identified.

Myanmar's military-appointed president last week said the country was at risk of breaking apart because of an ineffective response to the rebellion by fighters the generals denounce as "terrorists".

The military has for decades said it is the only institution capable of holding diverse Myanmar together. Critics of military rule dismiss that and call instead for a democratic, federal system.

(Reporting by Reuters staff; Writing by Kanupriya Kapoor; Editing by Robert Birsel)
New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy, seen here with her husband Gov. Phil Murphy, announced Wednesday she will run for a seat on the U.S. Senate. File Photo by David Ebener/EPA-EFE

Nov. 15 (UPI) -- New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy launched a campaign Wednesday for the U.S. Senate seat held by the federally criminally indicted Sen. Bob Menendez.

Murphy announced her campaign in a post on X as she pledged "to fight for New Jersey, our families and our democracy."

If elected she would be the first woman from New Jersey to serve in the U.S. Senate.

"From gun violence and mass shootings to a warming planet that threatens our children's future to extreme politicians who want to defund Planned Parenthood and ban abortion in all 50 states including New Jersey we have big, complicated issues and solving them won't be easy," she said in her campaign video.

I'm Tammy Murphy and I'm running for U.S. Senate to fight for New Jersey, our families and our democracy. Will you join me? https://t.co/Jdx8gPviS8 pic.twitter.com/husjszmlBC Tammy Murphy (@TammyMurphyNJ) November 15, 2023

The video does not mention Menendez, D-N.J., by name but he is seen on screen along with other U.S. lawmakers as Murphy asserts that Washington "is filled with too many people who are more interested in getting rich or getting on camera than getting things done for you."

Menendez pleaded not guilty in October to a charge of conspiring to act as a foreign agent of Egypt.

He was already facing bribery charges for allegedly using his political clout in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes and a Mercedes convertible.

Menendez has refused to resign over the criminal indictment against him and instead said he will fight the charges while running for re-election.

Murphy's husband, Gov. Phil Murphy, is a former Goldman Sachs executive who spent $20 million of his own money in his 2017 bid for governor.

Murphy, who until the mid-2010's was a Republican, joins Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J. in challenging Menendez. Kim announced his primary move against Menendez the day after Menendez was indicted on bribery charges.
Nasa's perseverance mars rover eyes the tiny ingenuity helicopter, which is resting on reddish, rocky ground a few feet away from it.

NASA has temporarily stopped sending commands to its Mars-exploring robots, but there's nothing to worry about.

We're currently experiencing a "Mars solar conjunction," a two-week stretch in which Earth and the Red Planet are situated on opposite sides of the sun. Mars mission teams halt commands during such alignments, which occur roughly every two years, for safety reasons.

"The missions pause because hot, ionized gas expelled from the sun's corona could potentially corrupt radio signals sent from Earth to NASA's Mars spacecraft, leading to unexpected behaviors," agency officials wrote in a conjunction explainer on Friday (Nov. 10). (The corona is the sun's outer atmosphere, which is far hotter than the star's surface, for reasons that scientists still don't fully understand.)

Related: Mars: Everything you need to know about the Red Planet

NASA's Mars fleet, however, won't be standing down during conjunction. During the event, which runs from Nov. 10 through Nov. 25, all of the robots will continue doing at least some work.

For example, the "Perseverance and Curiosity rovers will monitor changes in surface conditions, weather and radiation as they stay parked," agency officials wrote in the explainer.

"Although momentarily grounded, the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter will use its color camera to study the movement of sand, which poses an ever-present challenge to Mars missions," they added.

And NASA's three active Mars orbiters  Odyssey, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) and MAVEN (short for "Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution")  will still eye the planet from above. Odyssey and MRO will continue snapping images, and MAVEN will keep studying how Mars' atmosphere interacts with solar particles, NASA officials said.

RELATED STORIES:

 NASA's Ingenuity Mars helicopter flies on back-to-back days to prep for 'solar conjunction' (video)

 Latest photos from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter

 NASA's Curiosity Mars rover: The ultimate guide

Most of these robots are old hands at riding out conjunctions. Odyssey arrived at Mars in October 2001, for example, and MRO got there in March 2006.

Curiosity has been exploring Mars' huge Gale Crater since August 2012, and MAVEN reached Mars orbit in September 2014. Perseverance and Ingenuity are the relative newcomers in the fleet; the robotic duo landed inside the 28-mile-wide (45 kilometers) Jezero Crater in February 2021.
Photographers may especially enjoy National Geographics pick for the best outdoor adventure in Kentucky.

The publication released its top picks for every state in an Oct. 4 article, Here are the best ways to get outdoors in all 50 states. For Kentucky, National Geographic recommends a visit to Cumberland Falls State Resort Park to take a photograph of a rare moonbow.

A moonbow appears when the full moons light shines through water droplets from a source like a waterfall, creating a rainbow effect.

Three things have to be in line in order for a moonbow to happen, according to a post from Dark Sky International, a group focused on reducing light pollution. First, the moon has to be full or almost full, the sky has to be almost completely dark with little to no light pollution, and there must be little to no cloud cover.

Theres a five-day window of seeing the moonbow occur if the sky is clear, Jehan Abuzour, parks program services supervisor at Cumberland Falls, told the Herald-Leader over the phone. What makes it so special is theres not a lot of places in the world that has this natural phenomenon that occurs, which has to align with the geography and the location of where the waterfall is.

As for capturing a picture of the moonbow, National Geographic shared some tips.

Faint and barely visible to the naked eye, the moonlit rainbow will show up in your pictures if photographed using a slow shutter speed. Moonbows are especially pronounced in winter months when the sky gets dark earlier, the article reads.

Taking a trip to Cumberland Falls

Abuzour said the state park, located in Corbin, sees close to 1 million visitors every year. She recommends checking out the website before deciding when to take a trip.

As far as seeing the moonbow, you want to go [online] and see our events calender .... and we should have the moonbow dates on the website, as well, Abuzour said.

The next possible dates to see the moonbow are, according to Kentucky Tourism:

Nov. 25

Nov. 26

Nov. 27

Nov. 28

Nov. 29

You wont pay admission to visit Cumberland Falls.

To reach the falls, you can either drive up and park at the visitors center or trek 11 miles along the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail there at Cumberland Falls. The trail section starts at Mouth of Laurel boat ramp, according to Kentucky Tourism. All trailheads can be found in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.

Cumberland Falls is one of only two places in the world where you can view a moonbow on a consistent basis. The only other area you can see the phenomenon consistently is Victoria Falls on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border.

The state resort park is about a two-hour drive from Lexington, according to Google Maps.

Do you have a question about recreation in Kentucky for our service journalism team? Wed like to hear from you. Fill out our Know Your Kentucky form or email ask@herald-leader.com.
China develops distinctive way to select carrier-based aircraft pilot trainees

Xinhua) 20:58, November 14, 2023

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.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
CLEVELAND (WJW)  The Cleveland Museum of Natural History in Wade Oval is closed Wednesday due to a fire in a mechanical room, according to the Cleveland Fire Department.

Deshaun Watson out for season: Cleveland Browns

Firefighters said the call came in just before 6 a.m. and that the small fire involved insulation and a piece of old air-handling equipment.

The sprinkler activation system contained the fire, according to the fire department.

Ban on thin blue line flag unconstitutional

Museum security on a routine security check found a small fire had started in an old air handler that was in the process of being replaced, museum officials said in a statement. No one was hurt and all animals are safe. There is no damage to the new spaces or the collections. Museum staff are assessing the damage which appears to be minimal. The museum will be closed today (Wednesday) and only essential staff are reporting, museum officials added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
A Marine-turned-Navy SEAL operator is under investigation for having ties with extremist groups such as the Proud Boys after local reporters and activists, as well as major media outlets, revealed he attended many protests and events throughout Southern California.

Chief Special Warfare Operator Bryce Henson is under investigation following allegations of "possibly participating with, or supporting, extremist causes," Navy spokesman Cmdr. Ben Tisdale confirmed to Military.com.

Henson rose to prominence over the past year while attending protests as well as school board and city council meetings, where he pushed anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric under a false name and often in the company of Proud Boy members.

Read Next: Army Identifies 5 Special Operations Soldiers Killed in Black Hawk Crash in Mediterranean Sea

Tisdale said that "while sailors are always allowed to exercise their rights to freedom of speech and assembly if they follow the law and policy restriction, participation with hate or extremist groups of any kind is contradictory to the core values of the Navy and is not tolerated by [Navy Special Warfare]."

In a report released in December 2021, the Pentagon created new guidelines for activities that are banned for all service members by adding more detail and clarity on what constitutes extremist activity as well as "active participation."

The new rules also said that "advocating widespread unlawful discrimination" based on gender identity or sexual orientation fell into the category of extremist activity.

The Los Angeles Times covered Henson's activities -- largely conducted under the name "Ben Richards" -- in an October report. But local reporters and activists were aware of his true name since the spring. KPBS, San Diego's PBS affiliate station, also reported on Henson last week.

Online, the pseudonym Ben Richards is described as the founder of "SoCal Parent Advocates," but the group's social media presence largely showcases a man that has been identified in reporting as Henson. He told the L.A. Times that the fake name was a move made initially for his safety, but now he is doing it as a way of deriding transgender people.

Transgender people shouldn't question his decision to "'identify' as [Ben Richards] if they want him to 'respect their crazy identity,'" Henson told the L.A. Times.

Military.com reached out to the account via social media and email for a statement on the investigation -- as well as the apparent dual identity used by Henson -- but did not receive a reply.

The account did release a statement Friday that, while still using the pseudonym, described Richards as "a father, Marine and Navy SEAL" who "is currently involved in an ongoing investigation."

It said that "he is confident that the investigation will vindicate him of any wrongdoing, demonstrating that he has only been a dedicated and responsible father and a hero for knowingly assuming risk to help parents under attack."

The Marine Corps confirmed to Military.com that Henson served more than four years in the Marines prior to joining the Navy.

One of the first events where Henson was spotted by journalists was a protest outside of a YMCA in January. The gym in Santee, California, became the target of protests after a 17-year-old girl complained to the city leaders about a transgender woman being allowed to use the women's locker room.

Kelly Stuart, a photojournalist who has been attending protests and rallies in Southern California since the early days of the pandemic and the murder of George Floyd, was there and spotted the man she would come to know as Henson on two nights -- Jan. 18 and 21.

All around Henson on both days were people wearing the distinctive yellow and black garb of the Proud Boys -- a violent, neo-fascist organization whose members were convicted on a range of charges following the siege of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Its one-time leader, Enrique Tarrio, was convicted of seditious conspiracy, among other charges, in May.

One of the Proud Boys present on the night of Jan. 18 was wearing a hooded sweater with the phrase "stand back and stand by" -- a phrase that President Donald Trump coined during his first debate with Joe Biden as he failed to condemn far-right groups and specifically mentioned the Proud Boys. Others wore hats, shirts or bandannas with the group's name or logo.

Another man, also present on both days, was sporting several, prominent Nazi tattoos, including a swastika. Henson was photographed standing just feet from him on both days.

On the night of Jan. 18, Henson "was kind of unhinged," Stuart recalled. "He was screaming, 'Take your mask off, pussies'... [and] calling people pedophiles." However, on Jan. 21, Henson was no longer part of an angry crowd but a formally dressed speaker in a blue blazer, dress shirt and denim jeans.

"We're making headway on the schools that we've flipped, because we've flipped four in this region," Henson said in a speech recorded by Stuart.

That speech -- far more strategic and calculating in its message than any of the others -- caught Stuart's attention.

"When I posted about him on social media, a lot of people came forward and said, 'This guy harassed me,' and so a group of people started trying to figure out his identity," Stuart said.

Eventually, Stuart said that after finding several clues on social media, a group of activists and grassroots reporters identified the man calling himself "Ben Richards" as Henson.

Since the pair of rallies at the YMCA in January, Henson became a regular at protests as well as public hearings of governments and school boards across Southern California. Between Stuart's photos and social media profiles associated with Henson, it appears that he's been present for at least nine rallies or hearings this year.

According to Marine Corps records provided to Military.com, Henson enlisted in the Marines in November 2004 as a combat engineer. He served until February 2009 and left as a sergeant, having deployed to Iraq and received the Combat Action Ribbon and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Navy records then say he enlisted in that service in May 2010 and went through the arduous SEAL pipeline straight out of boot camp, reporting to his first team in 2011.

Tisdale, the Navy spokesman, confirmed that Henson served just over a year at the Navy Special Warfare Development Group -- more commonly known as SEAL Team Six. The unit is considered one of the military's premier special operations units and is often tasked with performing the most complex, classified and dangerous missions.

In March 2023, Henson did an hourlong interview with a Christian-focused podcast, representing himself as Ben Richards. He described himself as being "activated" into protesting various school policies in April 2022, and his group's mission is "to expose, challenge and resist critical race theory, radical gender ideology, and COVID and vax tyranny in our schools."

"It's a Marxist indoctrination," Henson said, seemingly referring to the LGBTQ+ movement.

At one point in the conversation, Henson said he believed a "radical trans army" had targeted women, and as a result he "brought people over to these rallies and they need protection and they need that masculine energy."

Stuart says that over the months covering the far right, she came to know and recognize Henson, and the two engaged in conversations on several occasions. In one instance, in July, Stuart asked the sailor about his association with the Proud Boys.

Initially, Henson said he didn't know what the Proud Boys were. However, in the middle of the taped conversation, a group of people walk close to Henson, leading Stuart to remark, "There's your Proud Boy friends."

"Can they not be my friends?" Henson replied on the recording reviewed by Military.com. "So what? They're my friends."

In a social media post Friday, the "SoCal Parent Advocates" account released a statement that slammed Stuart as a "known violent antifa member" and alleged her photographs were doctored.

In an email to Military.com, Stuart disputed the characterization, which she saw as an effort to delegitimize her work. "I do not belong to any group, [and] I share information with other journalists and researchers," she said.

-- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on X at @ktoropin.

Related: The Threat from Extremist Groups Is Growing. Service Members and Vets Are Getting Sucked into the Violence.
The Navy destroyer Thomas Hudner shot down an air drone Wednesday in the Red Sea  marking the second time in less than a month that a Navy warship has done so in the Middle East amid concerns of a broader conflict in the region.

Thomas Hudner was transiting international waters Wednesday when it engaged a drone that originated from Yemen and was heading in the direction of the ship, according to a brief Pentagon statement, which said that Hudner fired on the drone in self-defense.

The Hudners crew engaged and shot down the drone to ensure the safety of U.S. personnel, the Pentagon said. There were no U.S. casualties or any damage to the ship.

No further details were provided Wednesday.

US military shoots down missiles and drones in the Middle East

Wednesdays intercept follows fellow Navy destroyer Carney shooting down cruise missiles and drones on Oct. 19.

U.S. officials at the time said Iran-allied Houthi rebels in Yemen launched the barrage toward Israel, the same week that U.S. ground forces in Iraq and Syria came under drone attack, incidents that have continued and prompted retaliatory U.S. airstrikes in Syria.

Hudner is deployed with the Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, which the Pentagon sent to the eastern Mediterranean Sea following the Palestinian militant group Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

U.S. officials have issued stern warnings to Iran-backed proxy forces in the region to not escalate the conflict, and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reiterated a commitment to deter any state or non-state actor seeking to escalate this conflict, in a call with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant last week, the Pentagon said.

Still, U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria have faced 55 attacks from Iranian-backed militias in the last month, leading to nearly 60 injuries, the Pentagon said Monday.

I think that we are all sensitive to the fact that there are tensions in the region, Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, a Pentagon spokesman, told reporters this month. 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,

The Fords strike group conducted dual carrier operations earlier this month with the Dwight D. Eisenhower and the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship Mount Whitney in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The Eisenhower has since transited the Suez Canal and arrived in the Middle Eastern waters of U.S. Central Command on Nov. 4. It was the first time a carrier entered CENTCOMs area of responsibility since the end of the Afghanistan war in 2021.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  Earlier this year, Republicans in the General Assembly redrew the district maps for the state legislature, which will be in effect for next years election.

Under the new Senate districts, Democratic Sens. Lisa Grafstein and Jay Chaudhuri both live in the same district.

To avoid running against each other in a primary, Grafstein recently moved to the new 13th district which includes portions of southern Wake County.

Under the state constitution, legislators are required to live in the district they represent for one year before the election.

However, by making that move, Grafstein no longer lives in the district she was elected to represent currently. Republicans say as a result she should resign.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the NC GOP said, North Carolina voters deserve representation in accordance with the N.C. Constitution, not absent representatives busy searching for a more desirable soapbox from which to pander to the radical left. Sen. Grafstein should resign now.

CBS 17 has reached out to Sen. Grafsteins office for comment on the NCGOPs call for her resignation and is waiting to hear back.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com.
FLAT ROCK, N.C. (WNCN)  A North Carolina man with at least seven known co-conspirators is facing punishment for a major fraud scheme that was carried out over the span of 12 years.

Walter Terry Douglas Roberts II, of Flat Rock, admitted to the scheme in which he became a licensed appraiser in 2007 and proceeded to intentionally inflate values of conservation easements on which tax deductions were based.

Durham man accused of using investor funds to buy Mercedes-Benz pleads guilty to ponzi scheme

Roberts said that he even inflated some appraisals by at least 600%. From 2007-2019, he inflated the appraisals of 18 conservation easements, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

In these processes, Roberts would make false statements and either personally manipulate data or rely on knowingly manipulated data to reach a targeted appraisal value. These would, in turn, result in a desired tax deduction amount, according to the DOJ.

Across the 18 easement appraisals, more than $466 million in tax deductions were claimed, resulting in a loss to the IRS of more than $129 million. The work of Roberts and his co-conspirators also involved inflated charitable contribution deductions, making the total of fraudulent tax breaks exceed $1.3 billion, the DOJ said.

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On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Timothy C. Batten sentenced Roberts to 12 months in prison in addition to three years of supervised release, a required 120 hours of community service and the payment of $129,210,760 in restitution to the United States.

Two co-conspirators of his, Jack Fisher and James Sinnott, were convicted in the scheme at trial and are still awaiting sentencing. At least another five co-conspirators have come forward and pleaded guilty to criminal conduct related to Fishers syndicated conservation easement tax shelters as well, the DOJ said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com.
Rep. Kathy Manning led what organizers said was more than 200,000 people in prayer Tuesday as they rallied against antisemitism, in support of Israel and for the freedom of hostages taken by Hamas.

May the Holy One do all that must be done so that relief, rescue, and long life may be the lot of every one of the soldiers and civilians who have been taken captive, Manning, a Greensboro Democrat, prayed. Out of the depths have we called you, O Lord. O Lord, hear our voices, be attentive to our supplications.

Manning was the last of the four co-chairs of the House and Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, who divided up a portion of the prayer to read. As she concluded her remarks, the crowd began to chant in support of freeing hostages.

Tuesdays rally was organized by the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and the Jewish Federations of North America. Manning served as the first female chair of the latter organization before joining Congress.

Rep. Kathy Manning, D-N.C., speaks at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, in Greensboro, N.C., Thursday, April 14, 2022.

Bipartisan support for Israel from congressional leaders

Those in attendance at the rally heard from leaders of the House and Senate as well as Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

The bipartisan speeches in support of Israel came as some protests around the country, including in the Triangle, have called for a ceasefire. A ceasefire resolution in the House drew support from a fraction of the chambers Democrats, including Rep. Alma Adams of North Carolina.

House Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, he traveled to Israel with five senators from both parties. They cried together as they learned about the horrors American hostages had gone through while captured by Hamas, the group that controls the Gaza Strip and is considered a terrorist organization by the United States.

Demonstrators gather to denounce antisemitism 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, according to organizers. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

On Monday, during a White House news briefing, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said he could not categorically say whether the American citizens being held hostage by Hamas were still alive.

Israel, we in America have your back, Schumer said at Tuesdays rally. We in America feel your pain. We ache with you. We stand with you and we will not rest until you get all the assistance you need.

So far Congress has not been able to agree on a bill to provide funding to Israel, its ally in the Middle East. The House passed a bill last week that combined the aid with cuts to IRS funding, which Democrats did not support, and Schumer refused to bring to the Senate floor. But Schumer said senators would work on their own bill that would include aid for Israel, the Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific region.

House Speaker Mike Johnson told the crowd that Republican and Democratic lawmakers gathered together Tuesday morning to watch a video produced by Hamas that showed the brutality of the organizations attack on Oct. 7. He said everyone in the room wept, and many couldnt bear sitting through the entire video.

He also pledged that Congress would support Israel and ensure its people would endure forever.

U.S. officials say Israeli strikes in Gaza since the attacks have killed thousands of people.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also spoke to the crowd, pledging Congress would do everything in its power to stop antisemitic attacks. He said the United States must ensure that Israel can prevent Hamas from ever attacking again, bring every hostage home safely and then facilitate peace between the Jewish and Palestinian people.

Israel has an absolute right to defend itself against Hamas terrorists, Jeffries said.
A man accused of threatening children who was arrested twice within two days will undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine if he can stand trial.

On Wednesday morning, a federal judge ordered a mental health evaluation for Kevin Edral Douglas, 46, to be performed within 30 days.

Douglas has been charged with cyberstalking and communicating threats.

Douglas, who was represented by his appointed federal defender, Katherine Shea, has been held on federal charges since Nov. 2 after he was arrested for a credible threat he allegedly made to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children saying he was going to murder every child in the hotel among other threats of ritual killings and murders of Mexican children.

Some of the threats were in English, some were in Spanish and others were rants in both languages, according to court documents, The News & Observer previously reported.

The threats came a week after 18 people were killed and 13 others were injured in a mass shooting at two locations in Lewiston, Maine. The shooting was the 10th deadliest shooting in U.S. history.

Douglas last mental health evaluation was performed in 2016 and he has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, according to Magistrate Judge James Gates, who presided over Wednesdays hearing.

That year, Douglas was arrested for allegedly making threats against the British Embassy. He is also known to have a history of threatening behavior beginning around 2002 and spanning eight states, according to court documents.

After the mental health evaluation is completed and if Douglas is fit to stand trial, a court hearing will be scheduled.

Arrested at Cary hotel near daycare

Douglas, wearing an orange jail jumpsuit, whispered back and forth with his attorney during Wednesdays hearing. He muttered to himself and fidgeted in his chair. He slightly raised his voice and said something about I am clean and They wouldnt give me the medication.

Documents show Douglas was arrested Nov. 1 at Extended Stay American on Western Parkway off North Harrison Avenue in Cary. The hotel is near a daycare.

An earlier report stated that Douglas name, the hotel and a computers IP address appeared in data collected by a tip line as a normal part of cyber tip management and processing protocols.

The documents also allege Douglas engaged in interstate and foreign commerce from North Carolina and Virginia, where the National Center for Missing and Endangered Children is located.

Cary Police first learned of the threats Nov. 1 but declined to release details. The police contacted the FBI and the Wake Regional SWAT Team to detain Douglas.

After he was arrested that day, Douglas was released on bond and remained under surveillance by law enforcement. A day later, Douglas was arrested a second time for a pretrial violation and the federal charges he now faces.

After the hearing Wednesday, Douglas was ordered to remain in federal custody while his evaluation is conducted.
The war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, and the humanitarian crisis that is growing, caused a rift Tuesday on the Carrboro town board, which traditionally has acted unanimously to speak out on national and international issues.

In a series of split votes Tuesday, Carrboros Town Council passed a resolution supporting a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and calling on the United States to send humanitarian aid. Carrboro is the first municipality in North Carolina to call for a cease-fire. The Mecklenburg County Commissioners voted unanimously in October to condemn the violence in Israel.

The resolution also called on the local and state congressional delegation to push for action. The board also condemned rising Islamophobia and antisemitism, but, as some residents and council members noted, it did not condemn the terrorist group Hamas for sparking the latest violence with an Oct. 7 attack on Israel or call for the release of hostages being held by Hamas.

Council member Sammy Slade, who sponsored the resolution and another one in October, said he wasnt happy that the resolution also didnt address U.S. military aid to Israel, but this is the best we could do to get support.

I really hope my colleagues on this council have heard and understand that this is not about anything other than saving peoples lives and dignity and being human. We do have a responsibility as Americans in what we are doing  throughout the world, and not just in Palestine, Slade said.

The board split 4-3 over whether to even consider a resolution, with three members  Randee Haven-ODonnell, Susan Romaine and incoming Mayor Barbara Foushee  voting no.

Romaine urged residents, no matter their stance on whats happening, to continue to protest, donate to aid groups, contact elected officials and talk with their neighbors, especially those with different views.

At a time when the emotions feel so raw, the feelings are so conflicted and when the history of this region is so complicated, I dont believe we should be considering this resolution, Romaine said.

There are no unifying words to capture the multiple truths and the multiple feelings right now. I worry that a resolution would further divide us and make some of our community members not feel welcome here, she said.

A 4-3 vote on Oct. 24 kept the resolution from being considered at that meeting.

Council member Eliazar Posada, who voted against considering the October resolution, changed his vote Tuesday. He wanted to see the language in the previous resolution changed, because he didnt feel like he understood the situation well enough, Posada said.

Hes had more calls and emails since that vote than on any other issue, from people on both sides, he said.

While (the approved resolution) is not perfect, I do believe that life is sacred, Posada said. I do believe that while the cease-fire is a complicated issue, I would like to see and I would support further measures ... that include language calling for the release of the hostages, calling for more measures.

His vote Tuesday reversed the October decision, moving the resolution to a lengthy, heated debate that ended with the 4-3 vote to pass the resolution and send it to federal lawmakers and President Joe Biden.

Counter-protesters and Pro-Palestine demonstrators interact during a rally in support of Palestinians at UNC-Chapel Hill on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023. The rally was organized by the UNC chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine.

Worry for civilians, divided over war

Kathy Kaufman, who has family in Israel, was one of two speakers opposed to the resolution. The Oct. 7 attack on Israel, if committed at a similar scale in the United States, would kill 50,000 people and leave 8,500 as hostages, including 800 children, she said.

What youre asking Israel to do is abandon people at that scale or portion of their population ... and I ask people what do you think will happen the day after a cease-fire is declared? she said. Hamas is a terrorist organization. It is not a government. It does not take care of its people. It has been on Arab-language TV for the last month talking about how ... they want to do this over and over and over until all the Israelis and all the Jews are killed.

Other Jewish members of the community, including Hannah Helmey, spoke in favor of the resolution.

Helmey called it an expression of our basic humanity ... (and) the best step to negotiate the release of hostages who are also trapped in the heavy bombardment of Gaza.

Jewish safety and Jewish values are not compatible with apartheid and cannot be achieved through military domination or the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, she said.

Over 11,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed since the war began and 1.5 million have been displaced. Most lack food and basic services. This week, Israeli forces launched a raid on al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical complex in Gaza City.

Ken Norman, former director of Inspire Dreams, which works with Palestinian children living in West Bank refugee camps, read the names of friends killed in the bombing of the hospital.

These are people who live here. These are people who had full lives, who had hopes and dreams, and they were needlessly killed by Israeli bombing. This is a war crime. Its unacceptable and its not self defense.

A March for Palestine calling on UNC-Chapel Hill to divest from Israel and promoting the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement is scheduled for noon Friday at Wilson Library on the UNC campus.
GRINDAVIK, Iceland  Residents who were evacuated from the seaside town of Grindavik amid fears of an impending volcanic eruption in southwestern Iceland were again given a chance to return to their homes to gather belongings after they were told to flee on Tuesday when meters detected an increase in levels of toxic sulfur dioxide gas.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) said about 800 earthquakes have been detected Wednesday since about midnight, and most were reported in the middle of a magma tunnel at a depth of 1.86 miles to 3.1 miles beneath the Earths surface.

WHERE IS THE LARGEST ACTIVE VOLCANO IN THE WORLD?

Land deformation is also continuing, which the IMO says is consistent with magma flowing into the corridor. However, the IMO said part of the magma passage seems to be solidifying, especially along the tunnels edges, but not in the upwelling area of magma that appears to be at Sundhnuk.

Measurements of sulfur dioxide appear to show fluctuating degassing due to the magma tunnel, but further measurements are needed to confirm. The IMO said an analysis of the data is underway in collaboration with Chalmers University in Sweden.

DRONE VIDEO SHOWS LARGE CRACK SPLITTING ICELANDIC TOWN'S STREET AMID VOLCANIC THREAT

The access road to Blue Lagoon has been closed to avoid incidents in the area in the event of a possible volcanic eruption.

Management at the popular Iceland tourist destination Blue Lagoon announced on Tuesday that it would extend its closure until at least Nov. 30 due to the threat of a volcanic eruption.

Blue Lagoon made the proactive decision to close its doors on Nov. 9, one day before the state of emergency was declared and Grindavik was evacuated.

WHAT HAPPENS BEFORE A VOLCANO ERUPTS?

Information on Blue Lagoons website shows that people who had reservations and were set to travel there while it remains closed are being contacted and will be issued a full refund.

Construction is underway to build walls around the geothermal power plant Svartsengi, which provides water to Blue Lagoon, to protect it from the possible effects of a volcanic eruption such as lava flows.





Original article source: Nervous Grindavik residents quickly return to danger zone amid fears of volcanic eruption in Iceland
The wife of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has written a letter Wednesday to first lady Jill Biden, urging her to call for the "immediate release" of child hostages who are "suffering" in the captivity of Hamas terrorists.

Sara Netanyahu opened her plea by saying that "Im writing to you not only as Bibis wife but first and foremost as a mother."

"For over a month now, 32 children have been held kidnapped in Gaza, brutally torn from their parents and their homes," Netanyahu said. "These children are surely suffering from untold trauma, not only by being kidnapped, but having witnessed the brutal murder of their parents and siblings on that horrific October 7th."

Netanyahu said one hostage taken by Hamas was pregnant and gave birth to her child in the presence of the terrorist group.

LIVE UPDATES: ISRAEL AT WAR WITH HAMAS

"You can only imagine, as I do, what must be going through that young mothers mind as she is being held with her newborn by these murderers," she wrote to Biden.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Netanyahu also described how one of the hostages was a 10-month-old child, who was "kidnapped before he learned how to walk or talk."

ISRAELI TROOPS ENTER AL-SHIFA HOSPITAL AFTER KILLING HAMAS TERRORISTS IN GATE-SIDE FIREFIGHT

"We must speak out on behalf of these children," she said. "We must call for the immediate release of them and all those being held. We must demand the Red Cross visit them immediately. They have yet to do so."

Netanyahu concluded her message by saying that "this nightmare that began over a month ago must end" and "these children need our help."

A person looks at a wall displaying pictures of people still held hostage in Gaza, on Oct. 26, 2023 in Tel Aviv, Israel.

She also sent additional letters to the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, to the wife of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and to the wives of other leaders.

Fox News' Dana Karni contributed to this report.





Original article source: Netanyahu's wife writes Jill Biden a letter urging her to save 'suffering' Hamas child hostages
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The Nevada Attorney Generals Office is investigating Nevada Republicans submission of fake electoral certificates to the federal government, claiming former President Donald Trump won the 2020 election, the 8 News Now Investigators confirmed Wednesday.

The Nevada Republican Partys six electors, including party chair Michael McDonald, signed paperwork signaling their support for Trump in a symbolic ceremony devoid of any legal merit and coinciding with the official state-sanctioned tally on Dec. 14, 2020.

In an interview in September, Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford said an investigation was not off the table, even after telling the state legislature there was no statute he knew of that addressed the fake electors.

Ive never said that were not going to prosecute, Ford told 8 News Now Investigator David Charns in September. It is not that Ive said that I can do nothing. What I have said, and Ive been precise with my wording on purpose, is we dont have statutes in this state that directly address the issue.

Nevadas six Republican Party electors cast symbolic votes for President Donald Trump. The votes have no legal merit as the states actual electors cast their votes for President-elect Joe Biden. (Twitter/KLAS)

Former Clark County Registrar of Voters Joe Gloria said a state investigator contacted him as part of the investigation, Gloria told 8 News Now.

Our brave electors standing up for what is right and casting their electoral votes for @realDonaldTrump, the state partys Twitter account, the platform now called X, later posted. We believe in fair elections and will continue the fight against voter fraud in the Silver State!

That same day as the Republican elector ceremony, then-Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske, a Republican, oversaw the state-sanctioned electoral ceremony where Nevada Democrats electors signed certificates, sending them to Washington. In presidential elections, voters actually vote for party electors and not a presidential candidate.

No widespread voter fraud was ever discovered in Nevada. The state supreme court denied the Trump campaigns request to overturn the states election results and proclaim the then-president the winner. Biden won Nevada by more than 33,000 votes, a result the court certified that November. Several Republicans, including Cegavske and then-Attorney General William Barr, said there was no evidence of any widespread fraud.

As the 8 News Now Investigators reported in December 2021, the certificate sent by Nevada Republicans and received by the National Archives looks much different than the official state-sealed one and reads, We, the undersigned, being the duly elected and qualified electors for president and vice president of the United States of America from the State of Nevada, do hereby certify six electoral votes for Trump.

In a statement after the document signing, McDonald said the partys electors convened in Carson City due to ongoing legal battles seeking to overturn the election results. At that point in mid-December 2020, no legal case remained open in Nevada.

Senate Bill 133 would have penalized anyone who conspires and who transmits a fake elector certificate in Nevada. The bill passed along party lines. Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo then vetoed it, saying its penalties were too harsh.

The Jan. 6 committee interviewed both McDonald and Republican elector Jim DeGraffenreid. Both men invoked their Fifth Amendment rights repeatedly  McDonald more than 200 times. Neither has returned repeated requests for comment.

Nevada State GOP Chairman Michael McDonald announces President Donald Trump before he speaks the Nevada Republican Party Convention at the Suncoast Hotel and Casino Saturday, June 23, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/L.E. Baskow, File)

The purpose of sending the electoral certificates was to force Congress to decide the presidential election, according to people whom the committee interviewed. A legal advisor to the Trump campaign, Kenneth Chesebro, emailed DeGraffenreid about the plan, the committee found.

Urgent  Trump-Pence campaign asked me to contact you to coordinate Dec. 14 voting by Nevada electors, an email subject line sent to Nevada Republican Party national committee member Jim DeGraffenreid read.

In August, a federal grand jury indicted Trump on charges connected to his alleged attempts to overthrow the election results and the leadup to Jan. 6.

Ford made it clear the issue was not political.

What I dont do though  and I want to be very clear about this  I dont make prosecutorial decisions based on partisan or political preferences, he said. Never have.

The Nevada GOP has never responded to requests for comment about the fake electors. The party repeatedly denied requests from 8 News Now to review the evidence throughout the fall of 2020. At a news conference on Nov. 5, 2020, where surrogates from the Trump campaign announced a federal lawsuit, which was later dropped, speakers told reporters to find the evidence for themselves. That lawsuit was later dismissed voluntarily. During the sole hearing in that case, a lawyer provided no evidence of fraud and did not verbally bring up any evidence to the federal judge.

The attorney generals office declined to comment. Politico first reported the developments Wednesday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
As enrollment in the Affordable Care Act reaches a record high this year, more Americans need doctors  but getting an appointment can be hard.

Nevada ranked 48th in the nation for the availability of primary care doctors, as cited in a July 2023 study by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), with all 17 counties in the state facing doctor shortages.

Kenny Do is a second-year medical student at UNLV, born and raised in Las Vegas.

He wants to complete his residency in his hometown, but theres no guarantee that will happen.

BURNT OUT AND GETTING OUT: AMERICAN HOSPITALS STRUGGLE WITH INCREASING SHORTAGES OF NURSES

"Although we do have a lot of medical schools here in the state, we do not have enough residency positions," Do told Fox News.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"So in the end, a lot of times, we go to school here, and we end up doing residency elsewhere. And as a result, a lot of these physicians stay where they do residency."

Kenny Do, a second-year med school student at UNLV, wants to complete his residency in his hometown, but theres no guarantee that will happen.

In addition to facing a lack of available residency positions, many primary care doctors earn less than specialists.

MAJOR DOCTOR SHORTAGE PREDICTED BY 2032

"A lot of students finish med school with a lot of debt," Do noted.

"Salary is a consideration for a lot of them, too  Primary care physicians are typically paid less than the average specialist, so that is maybe one factor [as to] why you see students being reluctant to choose primary care."

A doctor at UMC converses with a patient. A shortage of primary care doctors has put a strain on patients and the medical community.

Nevada is having a hard time not only recruiting doctors, but also retaining them.

"Most of our physicians are over 50, and many of them are approaching retirement age," said University Medical Center CEO Mason Van Houweling in Las Vegas.

ER VISIT TIMES: HERE'S HOW LONG PATIENTS SPEND IN EMERGENCY ROOMS IN EACH STATE

"So, you [have] physician burnout and then also the backlog of supply and demand."

A shortage of primary care doctors has put a strain on patients and the medical community, Van Houweling told Fox News.

"Patients seek out care in the emergency rooms, which is kind of the last place you want to seek out primary care," he noted.

Patients are pictured heading into the UMC Primary Care center. UMC is aiming to fill the primary care gap by having nurse practitioners and physician assistants care for patients.

"They miss out on preventative health and medications that they need."

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UMC is aiming to fill the primary care gap by having nurse practitioners and physician assistants care for patients.

Van Houweling and Do agree that increasing the number of residency positions and offering debt relief to medical students may encourage more of them to pursue a profession in primary care.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health .





Original article source: Nevada faces shortage of primary care doctors as appointment times lengthen
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The Nevada Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Wednesday morning as accused sexual predator Nathan Chasing Horse asks the states high court to drop charges against him. The Dances with Wolves actor is charged with 18 counts in Clark County District Court in connection with alleged sexual abuse against two women.

A jury trial remains on hold pending the Nevada Supreme Courts decision.

Clark County Public Defender Kristy Holston, who represents Chasing Horse filed an appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court in May.

Holston argued that prosecutors failed to present evidence that both women did not consent to sexual encounters.

Seventeen counts in the indictment are related to the alleged long-term sexual abuse of a woman who said she was a former wife.

In an exclusive interview with the 8 News Now Investigators, Corena Leone, formerly Corena Chasing Horse said that Chasing Horse first sexually assaulted her when she was 14 years old. She said that she was seeking help from the self-proclaimed Medicine Man to help heal her mother who had cancer.

Corena Leone, formerly Corena Chasing Horse, is one of two alleged victims in the combined 18 counts with which the Dances with Wolves actor is charged in Clark County. (KLAS)

What happened there was rape and theres no other label to put on it, Leone, now 25, said during the interview. he is a narcissist and he knowingly does what he does and he doesnt have any remorse for it. What he did, he knows what he did.

At the age of 16, Leone said that Chasing Horse asked her mother if she could be his wife. Her mother told the 8 News Now Investigators that as a follower of Chasing Horse and a member of his alleged cult known as The Circle at the time, she thought his request was an honor.

Breaking the Circle: Nathan Chasing Horse Exposed

Several charges are related to the continued abuse that Leone said she suffered.

One count in the indictment is related to an alleged sexual assault of an adult woman.

Both women said that Chasing Horse manipulated them through their spiritual beliefs.

Holston wrote in the appeal that prosecutors presented no evidence that Chasing Horse threatened either of the women, but rather, that Nathans spiritual influence created ongoing and vague concerns that spirits cause intangible harm to those who defy Nathans interpretation of the spirits demands. In other words, the State presented evidence that Nathan used grooming techniques to cause the girls to have vague concerns of negative spiritual consequences, and made promises of spiritual help, to obtain consent for sex.

FILE  Nathan Chasing Horse, left, and Clark County public defender Kristy Holston listen during a court hearing on April 5, 2023, in Las Vegas. The sexual abuse trial of a former Dances With Wolves actor charged in Nevada with abusing Indigenous women and girls for more than a decade is on hold indefinitely, according to Clark County District Judge Carli Kierny on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil, File)

Holston had argued for all of the charges to be dismissed in Clark County District Court and previously made the same argument that there was a lack of evidence about non-consent on April 5.

Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney Stacy Kollins said that she was offended by Holstons claims of transactional sex and a lack of non-consent.

As also previously argued in district court, Holston wrote in the appeal that prosecutors provided the grand jury with information about grooming, but that grooming is not an element of the charged crimes

The inclusion of this illegal evidence, by itself, was so inappropriate and prejudicial as to require Counts 1-18 be dismissed, Holston wrote.

On Feb. 22, Chasing Horse was indicted by a grand jury in Clark County for a total of 19 counts. This included 10 counts of sexual assault against a minor under the age of 16, six counts of sexual assault, along with open and gross lewdness, first-degree kidnapping of a minor, and trafficking in a controlled substance.

Dances With Wolves actor indicted in Nevada sex abuse case

On April 7, Clark County District Court Judge Carli Kierny dismissed the drug charge. While Las Vegas Metro Police reported seizing a significant amount of magic mushrooms, Kierny wrote in a six-page order that there was no testimony at all about who lived in the home. Nor was there any evidence connecting the defendant to the mushrooms, as opposed to another person who resided in that home, Kierny wrote. For that reason, Count 19 is hereby dismissed.

Las Vegas Metro Police investigated Chasing Horse and executed a search warrant at his North Las Vegas home where he lived with several wives in January. He was taken into custody.

The 8 News Now Investigators have learned that similar allegations against Chasing Horse have previously been made, but did not result in an arrest.

Dances With Wolves actor Nathan Chasing Horse facing federal child sex, pornography charges

The Las Vegas case is the first of several to move forward against Chasing Horse. He faces federal charges along with warrants in Montana and Canada. He also has previously been banned from several reservations.

Chasing Horse previously invoked his right to a speedy trial. He is currently being held in the Clark County Detention Center in downtown Las Vegas. His bail was set at $300,000.

To reach investigative reporter Vanessa Murphy with any tips or information, email vmurphy@8newsnow.com.

To contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline, call 1-800-656-4673.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
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.
CONCORD, N.H.  New Hampshire voters will head to the polls on Jan. 23 to cast their ballots in the states first-in-the-nation presidential primary, the Granite State's Secretary of State David Scanlan announced Wednesday.

Thats just eight days after the in-person portion of the Iowa caucuses and weeks before Democratic and Republican showdowns in South Carolina. The date also means candidates vying for the New Hampshires 22 delegates have less than 10 weeks to win over its historically independent-minded voters.

For some onlookers, the announcement comes as little surprise. New Hampshire is required by state law to hold that first-in-the-nation primary, and, after Iowa Republicans announced in June their Jan. 15 caucus, many predicted New Hampshire would hold its primary a week later.

New Hampshire has held the first-in-the-nation presidential primary election for over 100 years, Scanlan said Wednesday. In today's society, it seems that we're quick to eliminate traditions and ignore them. But years from the people of this country will really be glad we still have this one.

A Democratic shuffle

While not unexpected, Scanlans decision does put the last nail in the coffin for Granite State Democrats in their battle with the Democratic National Committee over its reshuffled primary calendar.

Last year, in a move to elevate more diverse voters, the DNC ripped New Hampshire of its first-in-the-nation status, forcing the state party to move its primary to Feb. 6, on the same day as Nevada, or risk losing critical delegates. The updated calendar also moved South Carolina's Democratic primary to Feb. 3, ahead of New Hampshire and three weeks before the Palmetto State's Feb. 24 GOP contest.

New Hampshires GOP-run legislature has refused to change the states election laws to accommodate the DNC, and Scanlan previously said there was no chance he would break the state's tradition of going first.

Now that the primary date officially defies the DNC calendar, New Hampshire Democrats are likely to lose many of their 2024 delegates to the national convention, and so will any candidate who participates in the election.

That includes Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips, who launched a longshot bid challenging President Joe Biden last month in New Hampshire, despite warnings that he would not be eligible to win delegates in the state.

Biden opted not to file in New Hampshire, citing the potential penalties. As a result, his supporters in the state have launch a write-in campaign, urging Democrats and independents, who can cast a ballot in either party primary, to vote for the president anyway.

New Hampshire's Democratic Party will not be involved in the write-in effort. After Scanlan's announcement, Party Chair Ray Buckley addressed the legacy of first-in-the-nation in a statement, saying: "For more than 100 years, presidential candidates of both parties have come to the Granite State time and again because, no matter who they are, where they come from or how much money they have, they know they will get a fair shot from Granite Staters."

Choosing the date

Scanlan, a Republican, previously told USA TODAY he was intentionally waiting to announce the date of the primary until after the filing window closed Oct. 27, because of the state's dispute with the DNC.

He also likely wanted to ensure other states did not pre-empt New Hampshires contest, said Jim Splaine, a longtime New Hampshire politico and sponsor of the law mandating the state's first-place status.

"He could wait another month if he needed to," Splaine said. "But he's patiently waited ... checking with the other states to make they aren't going to play hopscotch with their dates."

Earlier this year, Scanlan expressed concern over Iowa Democrats proposal to use absentee ballots in their caucuses  a move he argued would effectively turn the format into a primary.

Those worries were alleviated in October when Iowa Democrats announced they would comply with the new Democratic calendar, which also stripped them of their early-voting position. Democrats in the Hawkeye State will begin mailing presidential preference cards to voters Jan. 12 but will wait to announce the results until March 5, or Super Tuesday.

While Iowa Democrats plan to hold in-person meetings on Jan. 15, the same day Republicans caucus in the state, all their presidential voting will occur exclusively through the mail, the party said.

Scanlan last month described the plan as a positive step toward preserving the traditional positions of the Iowa Caucuses and New Hampshire Presidential Primary.

A sprint to the finish

With the primary date officially set, the countdown begins for candidates and election officials alike who will spend the next two months furiously preparing for a smooth election day.

This year, 24 candidates will appear on the New Hampshire GOP ballot  including the qualifiers for the third GOP debate last week and a slew of smaller contenders. Republicans like former Vice President Mike Pence and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, who filed to appear on the ballot but dropped out before the contest, could also pick up votes.

On the Democratic side, voters will have 21 candidates to choose from, including Phillips.

But the candidates don't appear phased by the now fast-approaching primary deadline. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said the date doesnt really matter after a town hall last week.

No one's been here more than me, Christie, who announced his campaign at Saint Anselm College, said. Its not like I'm running out of time to make an impression.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NH announces first-in-the-nation 2024 primary for Jan. 23
The News

Mavin Global, the Nigerian music label behind one of the biggest worldwide hit songs of the last two years, has held talks with strategic and financial partners in recent weeks which have valued the company as high as $150 million, according to a person with knowledge of the discussions. It confirmed an earlier report by Billboard.

The label, founded by veteran Nigerian hitmaker/producer Don Jazzy in 2012, launched the career of Afrobeats star Rema, whose song Calm Down has been streamed over 10 billion times on various platforms, including a remix with U.S. star Selena Gomez. Other Mavin artists include Ayra Starr who has had hundreds of millions of streams and is among the Grammy nominees for Best African Music Performance. The new category, introduced this year, is another sign of the worldwide popularity and influence of music from the continent.

The potential strategic partners have included the worlds biggest music company Universal Music Group and HYBE, the Korean entertainment group behind K-Pop act BTS. There has been a wide range of valuations for the Lagos-based label as potential partners try to gauge whether Afrobeats is a passing pop trend or set to diversify into other African subgenres. The majority of Mavins revenue comes from streaming but it also has a partnership model with its artists, such as supporting an upcoming Rema collaboration with Nikes Jordan brand.

Know More

Any new investment would be focused on ramping up a pan-African approach to discover more talent across the continent and take them global, as it has done successfully in Africas most populous nation. This isnt about a sale of Mavin or simply trying to make a quick profit, said the person who has been close to the talks. Don Jazzy wants to build the next generation of global African stars, he sees himself as a steward of the business.

Mavin, which had a string of Nigerian hits with Tiwa Savage and other artists in the mid-2010s, has taken a more global and streaming-first approach since a 2019 multimillion-dollar investment by Kupanda Capital, a Washington D.C.-based investor.

Mavin has also focused on building out its infrastructure with dozens of staffers across various departments including legal, finance, and data analysis. Kupanda typically takes a longer term investment approach in African companies than Kupanda Holdings, a joint venture with private equity firm TPG Growths Rise Fund which is backed by investors including U2s Bono.

Guido De Bortoli/Getty Images

Yinkas view

Weve written many times about the rise and rise of Afrobeats in global popular culture as fans around the world cant seem to get enough of the sounds of urban Africa. The songs are topping charts in the biggest music markets in the U.S, U.K. and beyond and even starting to influence the sounds of non-African artists who want some of that flavor.

The move to launch a dedicated African music award at the Grammys next year is a huge marker for just how far this sound has gone. If youve been around long enough you might recall that just a few decades ago African music greats like Hugh Masekela and King Sunny Ade used to have to duke it out in an amorphous category called World Music which could randomly include someone from Australia playing a didgeridoo or someone playing indigenous mating music from Central America. I exaggerate, but only a little.

But remember, the most important part of the music business is the business. Despite all the fanfare and accolades, the fact that this kind of negotiation is happening in the first place with a homegrown label is game changing for a sector which some thought might be a short term trend. Like any deal negotiation, the ongoing talks to invest in Mavin may very well not bear fruit if one or both sides cant agree on terms. Ive been told the discussions are very tentative.

Irrespective of the outcome, the talks and this level of interest shows that Don Jazzy  a consistent hitmaker and talent spotter for over a decade and half now  has created huge value in the last couple of years by being focused on the big global picture. Investors will be looking under the hood and running the numbers to figure out if it can maintain the magic in the future. If Don Jazzy is going nowhere, as my source tells me, and I was an investor or partner, that would be my key datapoint.

The View From South Korea

Hybe, the Korean music company behind BTS and NewJeans, made its first major step into Latin music this week by buying the music division of Spanish-language studio Exile Content. Its a sign of how the music business is becoming much more global as pop music evolves away from English language dominated songs often produced by American and British acts and songwriters. In the long term, Hybe aims to graft K-pops proven methodology to the Latin genre. Hybe said in a statement to Bloomberg.
Nigerian startup Shekel Mobility has secured $7 million in seed investment from Ventures Platform and MaC VC.

Benjamindada.com reported that the B2B marketplace for auto dealers in Africa aims to revolutionize the industry by providing financing and a management system to dealerships.

Back in January, Shekel Mobility announced that it acquired $1.95 million in preseed money to reach its goal of building the biggest car dealership network and generating $10 billion by 2025.

Our goal is to ensure that every auto dealer in Africa and other emerging markets can access the right kind of capital to maximize the opportunities available, Benjamen Oladokun, who founded the platform with Sanmi Olukanmi in 2021, told Benjamindada.com.

Shekel Mobility is solving a massive problem in the auto dealership industry on the continent. Around Africa, almost 82% of car dealerships are small or medium in scale. Dealers are tasked with offering affordable prices for used cars, thanks to a lack of financing options for buyers. Contrary to other countries like Brazil, India, Indonesia and Malaysia, which have seen a significant amount of growth in the car dealership market, sub-Saharan Africa sees less than 2% of institutional credit going toward car purchases.

Enter Shekel Mobility: It supports finding, financing and selling cars within the used car markets.

Auto dealers are the most critical stakeholders in the automobile value chain. Yet, they have been neglected up until now, Olukanmi told Benjamindada.com.

Since launching two years ago, the startup has facilitated transactions that have raked in more than $56 million. Its responsible for the growth of more than 1,400 dealerships, and it has achieved this by improving inventories and helping dealers sell thousands of cars.

The team is enabling millions of dollars to move through the Nigerian economy and simultaneously providing locals with affordable automobiles, Kola Aina, founding partner at Ventures Platform, said of Shekel Mobility.

Through the startups product, Shekel Credit, preapproved dealers have access to financing support when they buy vehicles. They must contribute to 30% of the vehicles value minimum in order for the startup to provide the rest of the funds. Once the car is bought, it is stored in a car lot approved by the startup. Shekel Mobility plans to open its own lots for storing cars in the next few months.

Shekel Mobility also supports dealers who are having a hard time selling the vehicle in the allotted timeframe. If that happens, the startup helps the dealer in selling it to a consumer or another dealer within its network.

Due to our credit model, we have a 0% default rate, Oladokun said. This is because we do not just offer credit, but we have built an operating system for the dealers to run their transactions.

With the $7 million, Shekel Mobility plans to launch Shekel Business, which will help evolve trading operations in auto dealerships around Africa.
Republican presidential candidate and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, on Tuesday, called for name verification on all social media profiles saying anonymous accounts and bots spreading misinformation are a national security threat.

"When I get into office, the first thing we have to do, social media companies, they have to show America their algorithms. Let us see why they're pushing, what they're pushing," Haley said in an interview with Fox News Tuesday.

The former U.N. ambassador blamed Russia, China, Iran and North Korea for spreading misinformation on social media that divides Americans.

"This is a national security threat," Haley said during a Tuesday morning appearance on the "Ruthless Podcast," where she first raised the idea of name verification on social media.

"They are giving the narrative to the American people, so you've got college kids everywhere on campuses thinking that they are fighting the occupation of Gaza. There are no Israelis in Gaza. There are no Jewish people in Gaza. There is only Hamas and Gaza."

On Wednesday, on CNBC's "Squawk Box," Haley clarified she was not asking for a ban on Americans posting anonymously on social media sites.

"I don't mind anonymous American people having free speech  what I don't like is anonymous Russians and Chinese and Iranians having free speech," Haley said.

"Russia, Iran and China, North Korea too, know that the cheapest form of warfare is to spread misinformation."

Haley's remarks were instantly met with pushback from her rivals.

On Wednesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said on "The Glenn Beck Program" that "forcing disclosure of names and registration, that's what China has done that is totally inappropriate for the United States of America."

DeSantis went on to say there's a tradition of anonymous political speech in the U.S., noting that the Federalist Papers were published anonymously. "I wasn't surprised she said it because I think that's who she is. But it was totally out of bounds of what would be acceptable in the Republican Party," he added.

A spokesperson for the Haley campaign said "Americans have a right to free speech, including having anonymous accounts on social media. What Nikki doesn't support is letting the Chinese and Iranians create anonymous accounts to spread chaos and anti-American filth among our people."

"They're doing that as we speak, and it's a national security threat. Social media companies have to do a way better job policing that. Clearly, Ron DeSantis wants to let Chinese propaganda machines run wild on social media without any restrictions," the spokesperson added.

DeSantis and Haley have been battling for second place in early-voting states. Recent polling shows Haley has had some momentum coming out of a series of strong debate performances, bringing her to a tie with DeSantis in the latest Des Moines Register/NBC polling, which was published after the first two debates, but before the third debate.

Vivek Ramaswamy, who champions himself as a proponent of free speech, also joined in the criticism of Haley's proposal, calling it "disgusting" and a "flagrant violation of the Constitution and straight out of the Democrats' playbook."

Ramaswamy, like DeSantis, brought up the Federalist Papers and said on X, "Alexander Hamilton, John Jay & James Madison wrote the Federalist Papers under pseudonym. Here's what they would say to @NikkiHaley if they were alive: get your heels off my neck & go back to England."

The ceo of X, Elon Musk, mocked Haley over the proposal for social media platforms. "Super messed up," he posted. "She can stop pretending to run for president now."

Conservatives have long pushed for less censorship of their views on social media. It's part of the ongoing debate about how much responsibility tech companies should bear in preventing the spread of misinformation, especially by foreign actors.

In September, the State Department released a report saying Beijing continues to spend billions annually on information manipulation efforts by acquiring stakes in foreign media, through content censorship, sponsoring online influencers and by securing agreements that promote unlabeled Chinese government content. The U.S. warned this could lead to "less global freedom of expression."

"Data harvested by People's Republic of China corporations operating overseas have enabled Beijing to fine-tune global censorship by targeting specific individuals and organizations" the report stated.

A month before the report was released, social media giant Meta announced it had removed over 7,000 fake accounts on Facebook linked to Chinese law enforcement that were intent on pushing pro-China talking points. META at the time referred to it as "the largest known cross-platform covert influence operation in the world."

8 Las Vegas teens face murder charges after student's deadly beating

Extended interview: Joe Manchin on why he's retiring from Senate, future political plans and more

"CBS Evening News" headlines for Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley has pledged to force social media users to publicly show their real names if she is elected  sparking outrage from her GOP competitors.

In an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, the former South Carolina governor claimed that online anonymity is a "national security threat" and that her policy would "get rid of" foreign bot armies.

Ms Haleys Republican rivals immediately pushed back. Presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy called her idea disgusting, adding: Alexander Hamilton, John Jay & James Madison wrote the Federalist Papers under pseudonym. Heres what they would say to Nikki Haley if they were alive: get your heels off my neck & go back to England.

Florida Gov Ron DeSantis echoed an hour later on X, You know who were anonymous writers back in the day? Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison when they wrote the Federalist Papers.

Mr DeSantis added that these founding fathers were not national security threats, nor are the many conservative Americans across the country who exercise their Constitutional right to voice their opinions without fear of being harassed. The Florida Republican called Ms Haleys proposal dangerous and unconstitutional.

Mr Ramaswamys deputy director of communications slammed Ms Haley as a a literal tyrant.

"Every person on social media should be verified by their name," the ex South Carolina governor said while unveiling her proposal.

"First of all, it's a national security threat. When you do that, all of a sudden people have to stand by what they say. And it gets rid of the Russian bots, the Iranian bots, and the Chinese bots, Ms Haley said.

"Then you're going to get some civility  when people know their name is next to what they say, and they know their pastor and their family members are gonna see it, she added. "It's gonna help our kids, and it's gonna help our country."

Ms Haley, who was previously the US's ambassador to the United Nations, said that the policy would be among her first acts as president, although she did not explain how she would go about implementing it with the powers available to her.

NEW: Nikki Haley asserts that allowing people to post on social media anonymously is a "national security threat". She promises that as president, she will force "every person on social media" to be "verified by their name."



I am no lawyer but isn't this blatantly pic.twitter.com/MD7CcBZL5r  Christina Pushaw   (@ChristinaPushaw) November 14, 2023

Debate over the value of online anonymity stretches back to the earliest days of the internet. Figures across the political spectrum have repeatedly suggested that forcing social media users to put their real names next to their words would make the web safer and more civil.

But academic research does not support that notion, with one 2016 meta-analysis finding that anonymity was actually associated with greater conformity to group rules and norms.

A similar policy in South Korea between 2008 and 2012 does not appear to have reduced online rudeness or promotion of conspiracy theories over the long term, although it did precede a massive cyberattack in which 35 million users' personal details were stolen.

Verifying users' identities is also a difficult task, often requiring companies to collect scans of ID documents such as passports and thereby increasing the risk of cybercrime.

Ms Haley is currently in third place for the Republican nomination in 2024, according to an average of polls by FiveThirtyEight, trailing behind Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis with around 9 per cent of the vote.
2024 GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley wants to abolish anonymity on the internet.

In a recent appearance on Fox News, Haley said that if she were to become president, her second priorityafter forcing the platforms to disclose their algorithmswould be to require name verification of all social media users.

"It's a national security threat," she said. "It gets rid of the Russian bots, the Iranian bots, and the Chinese bots. And then, you're going to get some civility, when people know their name is next to what they say."

NEW - Nikki Haley: "Every person on social media should be verified by their name" because of "national security." pic.twitter.com/bPTkYGKNin  Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) November 14, 2023

Lest anyone wonder whether this clip of Haley was taken out of context, she reiterated the pledge in a statement to Washington Examiner correspondent Byron York. She also articulated the same plan in a recent podcast appearance; one of the other participants, who goes by the name Comfortably Smug on X, was notably perturbed.

Haley's enthusiasm for de-anonymizing social media is deeply misguided.

First of all, social media companies have the right to grant their users anonymity. The First Amendment prevents the federal government from meddling with the speech policies of private tech companies. If X or Facebook want to require users to verify themselves, they can do sobut the government can't force them. Merely stating that anonymity is a "national security threat" does not void the Constitution.

Moreover, anonymity is a cherished aspect of political speech, and rightly so. Sometimes, people have important truths to tell but for various reasons cannot risk attaching their names to their words. As noted by Gov. Ron DeSantis (RFla.) and Vivek Ramaswamytwo of Haley's rivals for the GOP nominationanonymous speech was an integral part of the U.S.'s founding: James Madison published the Federalist Papers under a pseudonym, for instance.

You know who were anonymous writers back in the day? Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison when they wrote the Federalist Papers. They were not "national security threats," nor are the many conservative Americans across the country who exercise their Constitutional https://t.co/YkAGMhUVCX  Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) November 15, 2023

Given that the authors of the Constitution made abundant use of anonymous speech, it should not be surprising that Haley's proposal is blatantly unconstitutional. It is also a terrible idea. Many Americans are concerned about online privacy; they don't want to force social media companies to collect their data on behalf of the federal government.

The post Nikki Haley's Crazy Plan to Require Verification on Social Media appeared first on Reason.com.
New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy launched a Senate challenge to embattled Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) on Wednesday, setting up the potential for a highly unusual primary battle between a longtime Democratic senator and the spouse of the states Democratic governor.

Murphy announced her run in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying she is running to fight for New Jersey, our families and our democracy. Her announcement had been at least somewhat expected following reports about her potential interest in running.

She joins Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) in the Democratic primary challenging Menendez, who has received widespread calls within his own party to resign in the aftermath of being indicted on bribery allegations. Those calls have included New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.

Right now, Washington is filled with too many people more interested in getting rich or getting on camera than getting things done for you, Tammy Murphy said in her announcement video, while clips of Menendez and a few other senators were shown.

Murphy has served as first lady since 2017, when her husband became governor. He was reelected to a second term in 2021.

The first lady has been present at many events throughout her husbands tenure as governor and has focused much of her time in recent years on addressing maternal health and climate change.

Murphy highlighted her role in the Nurture NJ program, which seeks to address/ inequities in maternal and infant health, especially for people of color. She also noted that New Jersey became the first state to add teaching about climate change to the states K-12 curriculum through an initiative she championed.

I am so proud of everything weve accomplished, but I know theres a lot more to do, she said.

Menendez, who has served in the Senate since 2006, was indicted in September following allegations he and his wife accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes from a group of New Jersey businessmen.

The indictment alleges the senator and his wife received cash, gold bars, a luxury car and a mortgage on their home in exchange for Menendez taking various actions, including putting pressure on state officials to end or slow down criminal investigations into the businessmen or their allies.

The senator has rejected calls to resign and indicated his plan is to run for reelection next year.

Kim, who immediately called on Menendez to step down, officially launched a challenge to Menendez for the Democratic nomination last week. He initially said the day after the indictment that he planned to run.

Regardless of whether Menendez ultimately runs, the primary race could be highly competitive in the solidly Democratic state.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
This article was first published in the On the Trail 2024 newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox on Tuesday and Friday mornings here.

Good morning and welcome to On the Trail 2024, the Deseret News campaign newsletter. Im Samuel Benson, Deserets national political correspondent.

The big weekend news: Sen. Tim Scott is dropping out of the race, announcing Sunday that he would be suspending his campaign immediately. The announcement came seemingly out of nowhere, and many of his own campaign staffers learned of his decision in real-time while watching Scotts announcement on live television, Politico reports.

Heres more of the Deseret News 2024 election coverage:

The Big Idea

No, Jon Huntsman isnt running for president

Most Americans dont want a Biden-Trump rematch in 2024. Poll after poll say so. Jon Huntsman Jr., a former presidential candidate himself, says so, too  as he puts it, the choice is between an octogenarian and a candidate whos likely off to prison. Earlier this year, he called a Biden-Trump rerun insanity.

I joined Huntsman for last weeks Republican presidential debate. We had a freewheeling conversation about the current candidates, China, Russia, antisemitism and much more. (Read more about Huntsmans thoughts on the debate here, and watch our video coverage here.) His wife, Mary Kaye, joined us; both expressed real relief that their campaigning days are behind them. Jon lamented the months and months of agony and preparation; Mary Kaye said she has such respect for the families going through a grueling process.

All fair. But I had to ask: Does Huntsman have another run for public office in him?

Unlikely, he said.

He has no plans to run for Sen. Mitt Romneys Senate seat, he added. The Huntsmans now have nine grandchildren, and the constant back-and-forth between Washington and home would be too much. And in a dysfunctional Congress, the possibility of doing meaningful work seems slim. What can you get done as a junior senator? he asked. Youre one of a hundred. I mean, what has Romney done, beside his rhetorical attacks on Trump? (Romney, in response, might point to a number of key pieces of legislation during his five years in the Senate, including a major infrastructure bill and pandemic-era relief funding.)

But what about a run for president, either as an independent or on a third-party ticket? Ever since July, when Huntsman appeared at a No Labels event with Sen. Joe Manchin, national pundits have quietly hummed about a potential Huntsman-Manchin spoiler ticket. And now that Manchin, as of Thursday, will not be seeking another term in the Senate, speculation about Manchins presidential ambitions are running amuck.

Huntsman seemed unenthused by the idea, and gave me a similar answer to what he told reporters in July: he has no plans to run.

Related

The purpose of the July event was misunderstood, he told me. A decade ago, Huntsman and Manchin were named No Labels first honorary co-chairs. The organization was geared toward bipartisan dealmaking and launching a new Problem Solvers caucus in the U.S. House. But Huntsman has not been formally affiliated with No Labels for several years. When Manchin pitched Huntsman earlier this year on coming to New Hampshire and hosting a town hall, marking the 10-year anniversary of No Labels, Huntsman obliged.

No Labels plans to run a third-party candidate in the 2024 race, and national media covered the Huntsman-Manchin event in that light. Rumors that Huntsman and Manchin were soft-launching a presidential campaign began flying. As we spoke, Huntsman seemed perturbed by the rumors. Truth be told, Huntsman seems skeptical of a third-party candidate gaining any traction, and though hes unenthused by a Biden-Trump rematch, he didnt say who hell support in 2024.

He has a point. The No Labels calculus  essentially banking on an alternate candidate winning enough states to keep the major-party candidates from winning a plurality, and sending the decision to the House of Representatives  is risky.

As of now, No Labels will gather at its convention in April to nominate a presidential candidate. Just dont count on it being Huntsman.

Poll pulse

A new study presents a surprising 2024 outcome: Trump is pacing to beat Biden in the Electoral College, 292 to 246, while Biden wins the popular vote, 49% to 48%.

Its the inverse of the past several election cycles  Democrats have won the popular vote in all four elections since 2008, but Trump won the Electoral College in 2016.

The Stack Data Strategy study is based on a poll of 15,000 Americans. They created a slick data dashboard with their findings, which contains some interesting findings in Utah: Trump is projected to win the Beehive State in a head-to-head matchup with Biden, 60% to 33%, but with independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on the ballot, Biden is hurt more than Trump.

What Im reading

Support for Trump is climbing among GOP county chairs across the U.S., a sign that he may stroll to victory after victory in state primaries this winter. Surveying county chairs is a good measure of grassroots support in local parties  theyre extremely active and they hold sway at the voter level, but theyre not party elites. Ive been following the University of Denvers survey for months now  we replicated it with Utahs county chairs in March  and this is the best news yet for the Trump campaign. A Potentially Decisive Turn in the 2024 Campaign (Seth Masket, Politico)

Now that Tim Scott is out of the race, other GOP candidates  especially Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis  are vying for support from his backers. Scott has said that he wont make an endorsement at this time, but that doesnt mean his donors and supporters arent looking for a new candidate. And perhaps even more notably, now that Scott dropped out, the two favorites of conservative evangelical Christians  Scott and former president Mike Pence  are out of the race, providing the other candidates leverage in courting a demographic that make up a plurality of voters in the Iowa and South Carolina primaries. Trump, DeSantis or Haley: Who benefits as Tim Scott drops out of the 2024 GOP presidential race? (Paul Steinhauser, Fox News)

Ive read nothing so heart-wrenching, yet so beautiful, about the Israel-Hamas war than this essay from my colleague and friend, Mya Jaradat. Shes a Jewish Israeli who was married to a Palestinian man. Ill let her take it from here  my words cannot do justice to her moving, harrowing experience over the past five weeks: Im Israeli, my ex-husband is Palestinian  and our union has never been stronger (Mya Guarnieri, The Guardian)

Have a question for next weeks mailbag? Drop me a line at onthetrail@deseretnews.com, or reply to this email.

See you on the trail.

Editors Note: The Deseret News is committed to covering issues of substance in the 2024 presidential race from its unique perspective and editorial values. Our team of political reporters will bring you in-depth coverage of the most relevant news and information to help you make an informed decision. Find our complete coverage of the election here.
Already a growing brand, Paddles Up Poke will dip its oars into faster-moving water in 2024.

Launched in downtown Boise in 2017, the quick-service restaurant has replicated locally every year since  except this one. Taking an expansion breather, owner Dan Landucci spent time reorganizing the company.

With a new year approaching, its time to take the raw, marinated fish concept to the next level, he says.

Im refreshed again, explains Landucci, 32, a married father of three. So Im ready to go another six years of pushing this thing.

Landucci plans to open his first Eagle restaurant next spring at 78 E. Eagle River St., suite 115, next to Idaho Pizza Company in the Eagle River development. It will join the original Boise location, along with stores at The Warehouse Food Hall and Boise State University, and in downtown Nampa and The Village at Meridian.

But starting Jan. 1? Landucci will offer Paddles Up Poke franchises for sale.

Poke bowls and Spam musubi are on the menu at Paddles Up.

Goal: 50 stores

My goal, Landucci reiterated this week, has always been 50 stores.

As Boise State graduates, Landucci and his wife, co-owner Laura, promote an active Idaho lifestyle at Paddles Up. As the website brags, its the official poke shop of the Boise State Broncos, Boise Hawks and Idaho Steelheads.

He thinks a similar, community-minded version of the Paddles Up formula can work nearly anywhere.

Optimally, the brand will return to the Wood River Valley, Landucci says. He closed his Ketchum restaurant in 2020 after the commute from Boise proved too difficult. Our store there did so well, Landucci remembers.

He also wants restaurants in Pocatello, Twin Falls and Coeur dAlene.

But thats just the beginning.

I have a lot of interest from people in Washington, Oregon, Utah and California, Landucci says.

One way or another, hes 100 percent confident that of out-of-state franchising will move forward.

Ive traveled to all of these Western states and Northwest states and tried every poke shop, he says. Theres some good ones, for sure, but I think were the best. And I think once you try us and our model, and also our marketing strategy and the community involvement  no other poke shops doing that. And I think people want that.

Landucci plans to go with what he calls the Chick-fil-A model: owner-operator franchisees.

Giving back to the community, community involvement ... I dont want to lose that, he says. Whoever purchases a Paddles Up, I want them to have that heart for their community like I do. I give a lot back to local sports, local schools and the city.

Evolving menu

The Eagle restaurant will reflect the menu evolution of Paddles Up Poke. Fast, fresh, health-focused bowls of rice, diced fish and veggies remain the sales pitch, as well as sushi burritos and salads. But cooked protein options are gaining traction, too.

Pokes still our No. 1. Thats what people come for. But we launched chicken maybe a year into opening, and thats really taken off, Landucci says. So were starting to add more. Weve got the tequila lime shrimp, which is really popular. Then were adding kalua pork next year.

When all is said and done  50 stores or five stores  Landucci has created something special.

Every day our stores are gaining new customers, he says. First-time poke eaters at a high percentage. And were turning people on to the love of poke, which is cool.

When we first opened, nobody even knew what it was.
A local mother wants answers after she says her sons hair was cut in school without her permission.

She tells Channel 11 it happened at Arsenal Elementary in Lawrenceville, and it wasnt done by a classmate.

I was just shocked. Im like, How? Tori Yager said.

She says she was shocked and confused when her son, Torrie, a fourth grader, messaged her saying hed gotten his hair cut at school.

I didnt understand. I thought it was a kid that cut his hair. I didnt know that there was a program where barbers come to the school and cut hair, Yager said.

The program shes talking about takes place in the school but is run by a man named Abdul Rahim. Rahim refers to himself on social media as a mentor and celebrity barber.

I had no idea he was in the mentorship program. I didnt get a notice, a permission slip, nothing, Yager said.

A video posted to Rahims Facebook page shows him cutting hair in the school. On his Instagram page, there is another video. It features several students including Yagers son. Shes not happy that her sons image was used on someone elses social media account.

Torrie had never had a haircut before. Yager says he suffered an allergic reaction and developed bumps along his hairline. She took him to Childrens Hospital, where he was diagnosed with contact dermatitis, she said.

Yager is speaking with school officials. Shes also reached out to Rahim directly.

I had my boyfriend contact him. He did not answer the phone.

Channel 11 has also reached out to Rahim over the phone, through text and on Facebook. Weve not heard back.

My son cant get his hair back. He cant get the experience back and, like I said, nobody had my permission.

Channel 11 has also reached out to Pittsburgh Public Schools. The district gave the following statement:

A mentoring program has been paused after the provider implemented parts of the program without consulting school staff. The Undaworld Mobile Service Youth Programming is designed to expose young men to the day-to-day work of barbers and the specific skills related to entrepreneurship. As the incident involves a minor, no further information is available.

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Investigators made a disturbing discovery at a Texas home after school officials raised concerns, according to police.

When the school day ended on Tuesday, Nov. 14, a child was left waiting for a ride home that never came, the Houston Police Department said in a news release.

The child is 8 years old, officials told KPRC.

According to investigators, when staff noticed nobody had come for the student, officers with the Houston Independent School District went to the parents home on the citys southwest side but had no success.

At about 8 p.m., Houston police officers arrived at the home and decided to enter, because the situation seemed dangerous, KTRK reported.

Officers found a man and woman dead inside, the release said.

The woman was lying on the dining room floor, having suffered blunt force trauma and wounds to her neck, according to police. Officers found the man dead in another room of the house.

An investigation is ongoing, but police believe the man and woman likely died in a murder-suicide, the department said on X, formerly Twitter.

The child is in the custody of Harris County Child Protective Services, the release said.

Man accused of choking dog is shot to death by animals owner, Texas police say

Couple moved body from home to home in years-long Social Security scheme, OK cops say

Mom and dad killed in front of teen daughter during shootout at party, Texas cops say

Missing man found dead in chimney a month after tenant heard cries for help, NE cops say
A North Carolina company is offering thousands of dollars to homeowners to let them infest their homes with American cockroaches.

The Pest Informer told WCTI that its all part of a study to help the company evaluate the effectiveness of a specific pest control technique.

Those who are selected to participate must have lived in their home for around 30 days, and you are not allowed to use any other pest control methods.

Homeowners will be paid $2,500 for their participation, according to WCTI.

ALSO READ: Inspector finds live roaches in meat grinder at Chinese food restaurant in Charlotte

The company told WCTI it will resort to traditional treatment options if the new technique doesnt get rid of the infestation within 30 days.

Homeowners who are willing to take the risk have until Dec. 31 to apply.

Click here if you are interested.

VIDEO: Cockroaches: What you need to know
Police in Charlotte, North Carolina, have initiated an internal affairs investigation after an incident captured on video that shows an officer repeatedly striking a woman, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said in a statement posted on X.

In the video posted on social media, the woman is seen on the ground as several officers are holding her down. One officer is seen striking the woman multiple times, while a bystander screams, Get off her! and others criticize officers actions. The woman is later brought to her feet and led to a police vehicle.

The incident comes amid recent nationwide scrutiny of police use of force, sparked by the release of bodycam footage by police departments or bystander videos posted on social media that show several cases where interactions with police resulted in death or injury.

The encounter in Charlotte began Monday afternoon as officers were responding to a service call for a suspicious person, a police report said. When the officers arrived, they approached two people who were smoking marijuana, the statement from the department said.

When officers approached the individuals, the female subject punched an officer in the face, the statement said.

A struggle ensued and the woman began lying on her hands and did not allow officers to arrest her, the statement said.

One officer threw multiple strikes to the female subjects right thigh and Stop resisting was stated several times, the statement continued. After several repeated verbal commands, an officer struck the female subject seven times with knee strikes and 10 closed fist strikes to the peroneal nerve in the thigh to try to gain compliance. The officer was intentional about where the strikes were made.

These are tense situations that have the potential to escalate quickly. Police use of force is never easy to watch. Officers are trained to strike large muscle groups in order to gain compliance during an arrest, the statement added.

No action has been taken against the officers involved in the confrontation as the internal investigation continues, police told CNN.

The woman in the video was arrested and charged with assault on a government official, resist/delay/obstruct and possession of marijuana, police told CNN. A man arrested on the scene was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, resist/delay/obstruct and possession of marijuana, police added.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings has viewed the body-worn camera video of the incident and believes it tells more of the story than what is circulating on social media, he said in a statement posted on X.

When individuals physically assault officers and refuse to comply with police and when they resist arrest, officers must physically engage with them to safely take them into custody, he continued.

The public deserves to view the body-worn camera video, but it cannot be released without a judges order, per North Carolina state law, Jennings said.

I have asked for our police attorney to file a petition with the court so we are able to share this video with the public, he added.

Police did not identify the two people arrested in the incident, but fast-food chain Bojangles said they are both employees.

Like many other Charlotteans, we were shocked and saddened by the video of an incident between Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police and a Bojangles employee. While we wait to learn more of the details of what led to the incident, we plan to cooperate fully with any investigation, a spokesperson for Bojangles said in a statement to CNN. We can confirm that the individual in the video and her partner had recently clocked out from their shifts at Bojangles and left the property. They both remain employed by Bojangles at this time.

CNNs Dianne Gallagher and Wes Bruer contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
North Korea has declared successful trials of recently developed solid-fuel engines for a novel medium-range intercontinental ballistic missile or ICBM, the state news agency KCNA has reported.

The tests focused on evaluating the technical characteristics of high-thrust solid-fuel engines.

Read also: Russia might provide nuclear tech to North Korea in exchange for military aid, warns Blinken

The first and second-stage ground jet tests of the engines were very successful, once again clearly confirming the reliability and stability of the already developed design and production technologies of high-thrust solid-fuel engines of the Korean type, the report said.

North Korea highlighted that these trials would accelerate the development of the new ICBM type. They underscored the importance of the tests in bolstering the strategic offensive capabilities of the countrys armed forces, which they claim, confront a serious and unstable security situation and a harsh military conspiracy among its enemies.

Read also: Dont be concerned over one million artillery shells North Korea sent Russia, only 4% are in working condition  Dykyi

Pyongyang attempted to launch a military reconnaissance satellite into low Earth orbit on May 29, but the mission ended in failure.

Then, on May 31, under the cover of a space satellite launch, North Korea appeared to test a long-range intercontinental ballistic missile. The missile was launched from North Korean territory and landed in the Yellow Sea, approximately 200 kilometers from the South Korean island of Eocheong.

The South Korean military confirmed the incident, pointing to a probable attempt by North Korea to refine its ballistic missile technology.

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This undated photo provided by the North Korean government shows the testing of new solid-fuel engines designed for intermediate-range ballistic missiles in North Korea. Korean Central News Agency said the countrys military scientists tested the first-stage and second-stage missile engines on Saturday, Nov. 11 and Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: "KCNA" which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  North Korea said Wednesday it successfully tested new solid-fuel engines designed for intermediate-range ballistic missiles as it works on enhancing its nuclear-capable arsenal with more powerful, harder-to-detect weapons that can potentially target U.S. military bases in Guam and Japan.

North Koreas official Korean Central News Agency said the countrys military scientists tested the first-stage and second-stage missile engines on Saturday and Tuesday. The report did not say when the new missile system was expected to be completed.

The tests extend a torrid run in North Koreas weapons development efforts, which some analysts say could be boosted by an alleged arms cooperation with Russia as they align in the face of separate, intensifying confrontations with the United States.

Tuesdays test came as Russias natural resources minister, Alexander Kozlov, arrived in North Korea for talks over unspecified trade and technology exchanges, as the countries continued to build on a rare summit in September between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian Vladimir Putin.

Kims trip to the Russian Far East, where he also visited major rocket and military sites, sparked concerns about a potential arms alignment between the countries, in which North Korea provides munitions for Russias war in Ukraine in exchange for Russian technology transfers that would upgrade Kims military nuclear program.

The Norths existing intermediate-range missiles, including the Hwasong-12 that may be able to reach the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam, are powered by liquid-fuel engines, which need to be fueled before launch and cannot stay fueled for long periods of time.

Missiles with built-in solid propellants can be made ready to launch faster and are easier to move and conceal, which theoretically makes it harder for adversaries to detect and preempt the launch in advance.

The recent tests were an essential process for further enhancing the strategic offensive capabilities of (North Koreas) armed forces in the light of the grave and unstable security environment facing the country and the future military situation in the region, in which the enemies will get more vicious in their military collusion and nexus, KCNA said.

North Koreas claims that the engine tests were successful suggest the country will flight-test the new missile in the coming weeks, said Cheong Seong-Chang, an analyst at the private Sejong Institute in South Korea. The missile could pose a potential threat to Guam, a major U.S. military hub, and to American military bases in Japan, which may add to Japans urgency to upgrade its military and further expand three-way security cooperation with Seoul and Washington, Cheong said.

When asked about North Koreas missile engine tests, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said the North is clearly trying to improve its sneak attack capability. We think North Korea possibly takes further provocative actions, including missile firings and nuclear tests, and the Japanese government will do its utmost for information gathering, analysis and reconnaissance, he said.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are at their highest point in years 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 perceived Pyongyangs top leadership to be under threat.

South Korea has responded by expanding its combined military exercises with the United States, which Kim has condemned as invasion rehearsals, and enhancing trilateral security cooperation with Japan. Seoul is also seeking stronger public assurances from Washington that it would swiftly and decisively use U.S. nuclear weapons to protect the South in case of a North Korean nuclear attack.

In the allies latest show of force, the United States deployed at least one nuclear-capable B-52 bomber and F-35 and F-16 fighter jets to train with South Korean warplanes on Wednesday above the Souths western seas, Seouls Defense Ministry said. The ministry said in a statement that the joint exercise was aimed at demonstrating the allies capabilities to instantly, overwhelmingly and decisively respond to any North Korean provocations.

During their annual security talks this week, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik signed an updated bilateral security agreement with the aim of more effectively countering North Koreas evolving nuclear and missile threats.

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 would be 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.

North Korea earlier this year revealed its first solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-18, which has the potential ability to reach deep into the U.S. mainland.

Analysts say the North has to clear further technological hurdles to have a viable nuclear arsenal that could threaten the United States.

All of North Koreas ICBM tests so far were done at high angles to avoid the territory of neighbors, so its not yet clear whether the country has mastered the technology to ensure its warheads would survive atmospheric reentry well enough to precisely hit their targets.

The North also has a variety of shorter-range solid-fuel missiles that are designed to be fired from land vehicles, silos or submarines. Some of these missiles are designed to be maneuverable and fly at low altitudes, theoretically giving them a better chance of defeating missile defense systems in South Korea.

U.S. and South Korean officials have repeatedly raised concerns that North Korea could receive Russian technological support to enhance the threat of its nuclear and missile programs in exchange for providing munitions and military equipment to boost Russias warfighting capabilities in Ukraine.

South Korean intelligence and military officials have said North Korea may have shipped more than a million artillery shells to Russia beginning in August, weeks before Kims meeting with Putin. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied U.S. and South Korean claims about the alleged arms transfers.

Separately, KCNA reported the visit by a Russian delegation led by Kozlov. The report said the two sides were engaged in talks over trade, science and technology exchanges, but it did not elaborate further.

The Associated Press had reported he arrived in Pyongyang on Tuesday. __ Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to the report.

___

Follow AP's Asia-Pacific coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific
(Bloomberg) -- North Korea tested new engines for intermediate-range ballistic missiles, its state media said, a move that could help Pyongyang deliver quick strikes on US bases in places such as Guam.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Tests were conducted on Nov. 11 and 14 on new-type high-thrust solid-fuel engines for further enhancing the strategic offensive capabilities of North Koreas armed forces, the official Korean Central News Agency reported Wednesday.

The tests were for a first and second stage of a missile, and North Korea released images on the event on its state media. In the past, Kim Jong Uns regime has conducted tests of missiles a few months after engine tests.

North Korean state media frequently says that its arsenal of ballistic missiles is capable of delivering nuclear weapons.

The announcement of the missile tests comes as the US is hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco. Isolated North Korea is not a member, but the tests shine a light on Kims nuclear program ahead of high-stakes talks on the summits sidelines between President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken met his counterparts from Japan and South Korea on the sidelines of APEC to discuss North Koreas increasingly destabilizing actions, the State Department said in a statement on Tuesday. Blinken also reaffirmed the USs ironclad commitment to defend Japan and South Korea, which host the bulk of the Americas military personnel in the region.

While the US removed its deployments of nuclear weapons from Japan and South Korea decades ago, it maintains what the Pentagon bills as Americas largest munitions depot in the world in Guam. The jungle-strewn island is home to a US Air Force base with bombers capable of delivering nuclear strikes in places such as North Korea and further afield.

North Korea has been modernizing its ballistic missile arsenal over the past few years by testing and deploying solid-fuel rockets that are easier to hide, quick to deploy and capable of being sent into flight before the US and its allies in the region could launch a counterstrike to shoot the missiles on the pad.

Pyongyang had already fired 28 ballistic missiles and two space rockets so far this year. They included four intercontinental ballistic missiles that could hit the US mainland. Kims regime launched more than 70 ballistic missiles last year, a record for the state.

In July, North Korea tested its new solid-fuel Hwasong 18 ICBM, which flew longer than any of its other ICBMs and appeared designed to carry a multiple nuclear weapons payload. This increases the chances that at least one bomb could slip past interceptors and make its way to a target.

Liquid-fuel ballistic missiles, which were used almost exclusively by North Kore before Kim Jong Un took power, generally take more time to prepare as propellant is added to their tanks. This makes them vulnerable to attack before taking off.

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A North Thurston Public Schools bus driver accused of hitting a child on his bus last month has been charged with fourth-degree assault, a gross misdemeanor, in Thurston County District Court, court information shows.

The driver, William H. Maibauer, 75, was charged Nov. 2 and is set to be arraigned in district court Nov. 28.

Maibauer has not been arrested, but has received a summons to appear in court, Thurston County Prosecuting Attorneys Office spokeswoman Tara Tsehlana said.

The incident occurred the afternoon of Oct. 2 as the boy was riding home from Lydia Hawk Elementary School. Video from the school bus, first obtained by KIRO 7, appears to show the bus drivers hand making contact with the boys back, The Olympian reported.

In the video, the boy appears to be facing backward in his bus seat rather than facing forward.

Maibauer, who has worked for the district since March 2020, is still employed by the district, spokeswoman Amy Blondin said Wednesday.

He has gone through some additional training and has been reassigned to a different bus route, she said.

Mother says North Thurston bus driver hit her son with his hand. And theres video
Two students have been suspended and will face a disciplinary panel following an antisemitic incident.

A handwritten letter was left in the flat of a student at Nottingham Trent University (NTU), which said: "Free Palestine KYS (kill yourselves)", followed by a swear word.

Police said the students would attend education courses as a result.

The university said they "do not tolerate any form of racism or antisemitism".

The institution added they "immediately informed police" when they were made aware of the letter.

'Community resolutions'

They confirmed the two students had been suspended, and a disciplinary panel will be held to "determine what further action" should be taken.

"We are continuing to support the students impacted, and their families," an NTU spokesperson said.

Ch Insp James Walker, from Nottinghamshire Police, added: "In line with the victim's wishes, two suspects were issued with community resolutions and will be attending courses to educate them regarding their behaviour."

Analysis

By Christina McSorley, BBC News

Earlier this month, charity Community Security Trust (CST) said they recorded 69 antisemitic incidents on campus since the 7 October Hamas attacks. In the same time period last year, there were 12.

Education minister Robert Halfon also told the BBC that universities need to be more proactive to protect, particularly Jewish, students at this time.

He said what Jewish students were experiencing "is unprecedented" and that "an invisible ghetto" had been created, because Jewish students are "behind that ghetto and frightened to participate [in university life]".

Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk.
NPR reporter Claudia Grisales, who was interviewing Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) at the time he was allegedly elbowed by former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), spoke about her experience in an interview on CNN on Tuesday.

Until he was shoved, he lunged towards me, in that moment, Grisales, who is NPRs congressional correspondent, told CNNs Anderson Cooper.

I thought, maybe initially it was a joke, and I looked up. I saw it was McCarthy surrounded by his detail, Grisales continued. I could tell by Burchetts response soon after, it was not a joke, at all.

The incident happened as Republicans headed out of a conference meeting early Tuesday. Burchett stopped to talk to reporters in a Capitol hallway when the former House Speaker appeared to bump into him. Burchett said it was deliberate and that he then chased after the California Republican.

I was like, What the heck, you know, why did you do that? Burchett said.

Top Stories from The Hill

McCarthy later denied elbowing his colleague, who was one of the eight Republicans to vote to remove McCarthy from the Speakership last month.

I guess our elbows hit as I walked by, McCarthy later told reporters, including CNN. If I would hit somebody, they would I know hit them.

The incident wasnt the only tension-fueled moment on Capitol HIll on Tuesday. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) almost came to blows with a union leader in a Senate hearing, and Rep. Jared Moskowitz (R-Fla.) and House Oversight and Accountability Committee chair James Comer (R-Ky.) got into a heated spat during a hearing in the House.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Despite facing sanctions in several countries, including the United States and the European Union, Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko is absent from the Kyivs official sanction lists.

As NV has established, Lukashenko faces restrictions in the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Switzerland.

Read also: As Israel-Hamas clash intensifies, Lukashenko places blame squarely on provocative US

Additionally, on Sept. 13 of this year, the European Parliament recognized him as an accomplice in crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine.

Lukashenko, in turn, accuses Ukraine of these crimes.

But despite this, according to the Ukraines National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NAZK) registry, he is still not on Ukraines sanction lists.

Read also: Russia keeps trying to drag Belarus into its war on Ukraine, hopes for large-scale ground operation

An insider from the government told NV that the absence of restrictions on Lukashenko was a political issue.

Kyiv likely seeks to maintain communication with Minsk as diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Belarus have not been severed, the source in government told NV.

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba explained previously that this decision was made to avoid giving Lukashenko additional reasons to make certain decisions.

In a comment to NV, Ahia Zahrebelska, who heads the direction of minimizing corruption risks in sanctions policy at NAZK, also referred to the lack of sanctions against Lukashenko as a political matter.

She argued that Ukraine has a complex situation with Belarus, at least due to their rather long shared border.

Ukrainian diplomacy, high-ranking officials, and the Defense Forces are crafting this strategy and tactics very delicately with Belarus, where a lot of varied factors are at stake, explained Zahrebelska.

Read also: Ukraine lists worlds largest offshore drilling company as international sponsor of war

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Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters stood outside of Columbia University in New York City on Wednesday, holding signs while chanting and demanding the removal of Jewish people from Gaza, while others boycotted the suspension of two far-left student-led groups by the school's administration.

The "emergency protest" was shared on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, by groups such as WOLPalestine (Within Our Lifetime) and CUNYPalestine, noting the event was scheduled for Wednesday at 2 p.m.

"All Out for Gaza at Columbia University," the post read. "In solidarity with Columbia SJP (Students for Justice in Palestine) and JVP (Jewish Voices for Peace) who were recently unjustly suspended by the university administration.

COLUMBIA SUSPENDS ANTI-ISRAEL STUDENT GROUPS FOR THREATENING RHETORIC AND INTIMIDATION

Columbia University faculty members stand in front of a campus building with a list of demands from the university administration Thursday.

Last week, Columbia University suspended the far-left groups as official student groups through the end of the fall term, saying they had violated university policies.

Specifically, the university said the groups "repeatedly violated university policies related to holding campus events, culminating in an unauthorized event Thursday afternoon that proceeded despite warnings and included threatening rhetoric and intimidation."

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It marked the second university at the time to act against SJP in recent days, with Brandeis University in Massachusetts banning the group earlier in the week for statements supporting Hamas. On Tuesday night, George Washington University also sanctioned SJP.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT PRAISES PERSISTENCE OF STUDENTS ACCUSED OF ANTISEMITISM

Columbia University students and faculty protest the removal of two pro-Palestinian groups.

During Wednesdays protest at 116th Street and Broadway near Columbia, people were heard chanting, "One, Two, Three, Four, Occupation No More. Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Israel is a terrorist state. Israel, you cant hide."

Other chants shouted on the street included, "Israel Bombs. USA Paid. How many kids did you kill today?," and "Free, Free Palestine."

Protesters also held banners and signs that read, "Within our lifetime, United for Palestine," "Cease Genocide" and "Resistance until return, within our lifetime."

JEWISH COLUMBIA STUDENTS FACED WITH THREATS, ATTACKS SPEAK OUT, SAY SOME PROTESTERS AREN'T FULLY EDUCATED

Columbia University students and faculty protest the removal of two pro-Palestinian groups.

Members of the faculty also protested the student groups getting kicked off campus.

The faculty was seen standing together with a list of demands from Columbia, including affirming their commitment to the First Amendment, overturning the suspension of the student groups and recognizing publicly that academic freedom protects all forms of political speech.

Like many other elite institutions, Columbia's response to the Oct. 7 terrorist attack by Hamas has been under the microscope. One professor went viral for decrying the response by the school to instances of campus antisemitism. A Jewish student was also attacked with a stick after objecting to a woman tearing down posters of Hamas hostages.

The New York Post reported last month more than 100 Columbia professors signed a letter defending pro-Palestinian students who had defended the Hamas attack on Israel and asked administrators to stop making statements "that favor the suffering and death of Israelis or Jews over the suffering and deaths of Palestinians."

Fox News Digital's David Rutz contributed to this report.





Original article source: NYC Columbia University faculty and students protest suspension of 2 far-left groups
NEW YORK CITY - After crossing the southern border illegally, Gabriel Diaz, his wife and their son, made their way to New York City.

"I knew people here that could help me," he said, referring to migrants who, like him, are seeking asylum in the United States.

As the reality of settling in America starts to sink in, Diaz is dealing with financial frustrations.

"Its hard because I dont have the papers of permission to work," he said.

For now, he and his family are living in one of the hotels the city has set up as an emergency shelter during the crisis. He said hes working under the table for cash, delivering food.

"Its hard, but its harder in my country." Gabriel Diaz

Under federal law after filing an asylum claim, migrants must wait six months before attempting to work legally.

"This is very worrisome," Diaz said. He's trying to figure out how he will provide for his family long term.

"Its hard, but its harder in my country," he said.

Diaz and his family left Venezuela, a nation which, for years, has been plunged in a political, economic and humanitarian crisis.

He said poverty and danger forced his family to run away. Asylum seekers in the United States fear persecution due to things such as politics, religion and race, for example.

Venezuela is a nation which, for years, has been plunged in a political, economic and humanitarian crisis.

According to the city, resources are at capacity. To date, around 140,000 migrants and asylum seekers have come to New York City since last spring, looking for shelter while they wait for their immigrant cases to be finalized.

In a recent statement to FOX 5 NY, a spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams said, "Time and again, Mayor Adams has warned that we are past our breaking point, we have run out of space to accommodate migrants without limits."

Recent statement to FOX 5 NY.

Now, the city is doing what it can to funnel migrants out of the emergency shelter system, recently establishing a ticketing center to get those willing to leave a plane ticket and imposing limits on shelter stays. Its currently a 60-day limit for families.

Diaz sees the writing on the wall  "A lot of people in the streets are like me, they dont have a way."

For years, countless migrants and asylum seekers have made the dangerous and illegal journey into the United States. Now, in unprecedented numbers, they are seeking refuge in New York City. The situation has created a humanitarian crisis. In FOX 5 NYs "Migrants In America: In Their Own Words," asylum seekers explain how the pursuit of the American dream has made uncertainty their reality.
An off-duty Fort Worth police officer was arrested in connection with an incident that occurred in Grand Prairie, the Fort Worth Police Department said in a news release Tuesday.

Carlos Zelaya was arrested Monday on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon/family violence and was booked into the Grand Prairie Jail.

He was off-duty at the time of the alleged offense, according to police

Zelaya is on restricted duty and is stripped of all police powers pending criminal and internal affairs administrative investigations.

He has been employed with the Fort Worth Police Department since 2013 and is assigned to the Gang Unit.

Fort Worth police said they are unable to provide additional details because this is an ongoing investigation.

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The Fort Worth Police Department aspires to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, and we expect all of our officers to exemplify those standards both on and off-duty, police said in the news release. We take these allegations against Officer Zelaya very seriously and will, upon conclusion of the investigation, take all appropriate action in keeping with our high standards.
Police in North Carolina allege that the woman seen in a widely circulated video getting hit by an officer was resisting arrest.

The video taken by a bystander shows several officers surrounding the woman while she is on the ground, and one cop appears to strike her multiple times. Eyewitnesses on the scene asked why she was punched and told the officers to get off of her.

What the f**k, get off her, one person said.

How the hell are you going to punch a woman like that, bro? a man dressed in all black said.

Police in North Carolina say woman seen in video was resisting arrest. (@equal_justice_now/Instagram)

Seconds later, she was escorted into the police vehicle. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon near a Bojangles in Charlotte, and the woman was later identified as Christina Pierre, an employee at the fast food restaurant, according to WSOC-TV.

When officers approached Pierre and another person who was smoking weed, they alleged that she hit one of the officers, per the outlet citing a police report. And when they attempted to take her into custody, she was not allowing officers to arrest her.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

The police said officers ordered Pierre to stop resisting multiple times before an officer struck her seven times with knee strike and ten closed fist strikes to the peroneal nerve in the thigh to try to gain compliance, the news station reported.

WSOC-TV reported that the man who was with her was also arrested and reportedly charged with possession of marijuana, carrying a concealed weapon, and resisting/obstructing and delay. Pierre has similar charges, including assault on a government official. A mugshot posted by the outlet shows bruises on her face.

The video sparked outrage online, prompting Charlotte-Mecklenburg police chief Johnny Jennings to release a statement.

I never want to see an officer, much less one of my own, involved in a situation like this. Our officers are trained to engage and interact with people and manage situations to the best of their abilities based on the training they receive, the statement said. When individuals physically assault officers and refuse to comply with police and when they resist arrest, officers must physically engage with them to safely take them into custody.

Please see my statement regarding the video circulating social media involving @CMPD officers: pic.twitter.com/rT6vgpe4Jg  Chief Jennings (@cmpdchief) November 14, 2023

Jennings said that he wants to release the body-camera footage but has to file a petition with the court before it could be made public, per state law. Bojangles reportedly said it would cooperate with law enforcement on this case and that Pierre and the man are still employees at the restaurant.
The Republican senator Markwayne Mullin claimed that by offering to fight a union leader at a congressional hearing, he was merely representing Oklahoma values.

Related: A bully: McCarthy accused of shoving Republican who helped oust him

Told by the Fox News host Sean Hannity any other response to Sean OBrien of the Teamsters would have been a little gutless, Mullin said: I would agree. I mean, wouldnt people want me to do that?

If I didnt do that, people in Oklahoma would be pretty upset at me. I represent Oklahoma values.

The confrontation in a Senate labor committee hearing came after Mullin read out a tweet in which OBrien, after a previous clash, called him a clown and a fraud and said: Quit the tough guy act.

Mullin did not quit the tough guy act, moving towards OBrien as the committee chair, Bernie Sanders of Vermont, sought to establish order.

It was not the only such incident on Tuesday. Elsewhere on Capitol Hill, the former House speaker Kevin McCarthy was accused of elbowing Tim Burchett, a Tennessee Republican who voted to remove McCarthy last month.

McCarthy denied it. Media outlets surfaced claims by Adam Kinzinger, a former Republican congressman, that McCarthy twice barged into him.

Mullin said: Im a guy from Oklahoma first, and in Oklahoma you dont do this. Maybe you run your mouth in New Jersey, I dont know, Im not from New Jersey.

OBrien is not from New Jersey. He is from Massachusetts.

Mullin continued: But this is a mob boss, and youre supposed to be intimidated because hes the boss of the Teamsters.

Youre not going to run your mouth at me and expect me to sit there. And you should have seen the fear in his eyes when I stood up. Im not joking. Im not looking for a fight. I used to get paid to fight professionally, but Im not going to sit back and let somebody do that and not call them out on it.

Mullin was once a professional mixed martial arts fighter.

Elsewhere on Tuesday, OBrien was unrepentant, telling CNN Mullin was one of 100 of the most powerful people in the country  acting like a 12-year-old in a schoolyard because [he] didnt get [his] way.

In a separate Fox interview, Mullin blamed Sanders for bringing OBrien to the hearing, and said: Keep in mind too, this isnt anything new. [President] Andrew Jackson challenged two people or nine people to a duel when he was president and he also knocked one guy out at a White House dinner.

Jackson, president between 1829 and 1837, was a prodigious and lethal duelist.

Mullin added: There have been canings before in the Senate too.

On 22 May 1856, Preston Brooks, a congressman from South Carolina, thrashed and almost killed Charles Sumner, a Massachusetts senator.

Maybe we should bring some of that back, Mullin said. You know, keep people from thinking theyre so tough and  we can actually work out our differences without poking at each other and wanting to run the cameras and call people names. Maybe if we have some type of respect, because we know theres going to be consequences for your actions.

Joanne B Freeman of Yale, author of The Field of Blood, a study of congressional violence before the civil war, was not impressed.

This was what southern congressmen said in the 1840s and 1850s, Freeman said. Dueling was good because people watched their words if they thought they might get shot for them.

In 2023, consequences SHOULD be you get called out for such threats by allies who expose such nonsense for what it is.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Formula One fans are one step closer to the big kick-off in Las Vegas as the official retail store opened days before the busy weekend.

Long-time fan Gavin Beck a visitor from Canada came to Las Vegas for his first race and said he ended up purchasing hundreds of dollars in various clothes and keepsakes at the store on Tuesday.

Its something for me, something for my wife, and friends back home, he said.

The F1 Las Vegas Hub opened on Monday at The Venetian Las Vegas resort with exclusive merchandise for fans.

An inside look at the Las Vegas F1 Hub retail pop-up store at The Venetian on the Strip. (KLAS)

An inside look at the Las Vegas F1 Hub retail pop-up store at The Venetian on the Strip. (KLAS)

An inside look at the Las Vegas F1 Hub retail pop-up store at The Venetian on the Strip. (KLAS)

An inside look at the Las Vegas F1 Hub retail pop-up store at The Venetian on the Strip. (KLAS)

An inside look at the Las Vegas F1 Hub retail pop-up store at The Venetian on the Strip. (KLAS)

An inside look at the Las Vegas F1 Hub retail pop-up store at The Venetian on the Strip. (KLAS)

An inside look at the Las Vegas F1 Hub retail pop-up store at The Venetian on the Strip. (Credit: F1 Las Vegas Hub)

An inside look at the Las Vegas F1 Hub retail pop-up store at The Venetian on the Strip. (KLAS)

An inside look at the Las Vegas F1 Hub retail pop-up store at The Venetian on the Strip. (KLAS)

An inside look at the Las Vegas F1 Hub retail pop-up store at The Venetian on the Strip. (Credit: F1 Las Vegas Hub)

F1 announces Las Vegas Grand Prix dates for 2024

Las Vegas resident Marco told 8 News Now he attended the first F1 race in Las Vegas in the 1980s and added that it would be his sons first race.

I never thought I would see it back here. Im very excited about it, he expressed. Its the best thing that could happen to Vegas. People complain about the streets, they dont realize how much money is coming to town. It is even better than the Super Bowl.

An inside look at the Las Vegas F1 Hub retail pop-up store at The Venetian on the Strip. (KLAS)

F1 group CEO Stefano Domenicali previously stated that 40% of fans are women.

8 News Now caught up with Gretchen Stock a visitor from Ohio, who proved the point with flair and said she ended up spending about $1,400 at the store.

Im glad we came early; it seems like the good sizes are selling out quick, she expressed. We feel like this is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us, so if we dont come back, we want to get everything we want now.

F1 takedown could take up to 8 weeks after race, temporary bridge could become permanent

Merchandise is available to both ticketed and non-ticketed fans at the store from Nov. 13 through Nov. 22, and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
CAPE LOOKOUT, N.C. (WNCN)  While many people think of the summer as the time sea turtle hatchlings make their journey to the surf, some turtles are emerging in November, officials at the North Carolina coast say.

Even though the sea turtle hatching season is winding down, several late-season nests are successfully hatching in the park, officials with Cape Lookout National Seashore said in a Monday news release.

Park Rangers are warning beach drivers to steer clear of the turtle nests that are about to hatch. Tire tracks in the sand can stop baby turtles from making the crawl to the sea.

Cape Lookout National Seashore released video of two tiny sea turtle hatchlings crawling on the sand to the water from Friday.

Cape Lookout staff will only close areas of the beach if they believe the eggs are ready to hatch, the news release said.

Officials also released video of the two tiny hatchlings crawling on the sand to the water from Friday.

Our last few nests are enjoying this unseasonably warm November weather. Please respect the posted beach closures to ensure the hatchlings can safely reach the ocean, National Seashore officials said.

Park Rangers said an interactive beach access map is updated with areas for drivers to avoid.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com.
Signs in support of the Tusky Valley Schools community can be seen in front of the elementary school shortly before a community prayer vigil, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, at the Tuscarawas Valley Schools football stadium in Zoarville, Ohio. A charter bus filled with high school students was rear-ended by a semitruck on an Ohio highway earlier in the day, leaving several people dead and multiple others injured. | Andrew Dolph, Times Reporter via Associated Press

At least six people were killed in a crash that involved a charter bus carrying teenagers to a band performance.

The accident involved five vehicles, including two semi-trucks, and ended up injuring 18 people. Three of the people killed were teens on the bus, and the other three were in one of the passenger vehicles, The Washington Post reported.

Who were the victims from Ohio bus, multi-vehicle crash?

Superintendent Derek Varanksy said the students who died were bright lights full of life who lost their lives way too young, per CNN.

In the passenger car, the people killed were parent chaperones and a teacher who were driving an SUV, per CNN.

Related

The people in the passenger vehicle and on the bus were pronounced dead at the scene, according to NBC News. Victims were named as the following:

John W. Mosely, 18.

Jeffery D. Worrell, 18.

Katelyn N. Owens, 15.

Dave Kennat, 56.

Kristy Gaynor, 39.

Shannon Wigfield, 45.

What we know about the Ohio crash

The students were traveling from Tuscarawas Valley Local School District to an Ohio School Boards Association conference in Columbus. It happened at 8:52 a.m. on I-70 in Etna, which was 19 miles away from the students destination, per CNN.

According to ABC News, it was called a chain-reaction crash, but details about what happened are still emerging.

Let me just say that this is our worst nightmare when we have a bus full of children in a crash, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said, per ABC News.

Related
Protesters against fracking in state parks gathered for an Oil and Gas Land Management Commission meeting in Columbus, Ohio on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. The commission voted to frack several state park and wildlife areas for oil and gas in a tense public meeting, much to the disappointment of Ohio environmental advocates. (AP Photo/Samantha Hendrickson) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP)  Some state parks can be fracked in Ohio, a decision made by a government commission Wednesday despite an ongoing investigation into claims of possible fraudulent support by an industry group that represents energy companies.

During a raucous meeting attended by many fracking opponents, the Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission OK'd several parcels for fracking by outside entities  all of them owned by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio Department of Transportation  that include state parks and designated wildlife areas.

Under state law, the identities of those who nominated the land for oil and gas drilling are confidential.

The vote took place during a tense public meeting at which anti-fracking protesters held up signs that read DENY and Save Our Parks.

Advocates accused the state board members of lacking transparency, upholding the interests of corporate greed and poisoning future generations. Some threw money in front of the commissioners and shouted them out of the state meeting, while others sang protest songs in and chanted Don't frack our futures," and Shame.

A member of Save Ohio Parks, Cathy Cowan Becker, said opponents were disappointed by the vote but vowed to continue to show up to meetings.

At a time when the science is telling us we have to stop all the oil and gas, instead we're doing this in our parks, Cowan Becker said. We're rightfully really angry about this.

The decision is the first of its kind in Ohio, although laws allowing fracking have been on the books since 2011.

Legislation under then- Gov. John Kasich, a former Republican presidential candidate, called for a state board to allow state-owned land to be leased for the exploration for and development and production of oil or natural gas."

The commission was formalized in 2017 under the Kasich administration following the 2011 legislation and held its first meeting in March 2018.

Commission chair Ryan Richardson emphasized in a previous commission meeting that according to the language in the nominated leases, no surface areas of the parks would be disturbed by oil and gas drilling as it would occur underground.

However, most of the meeting Wednesday was nearly impossible to hear over the boos and chants of environmental advocates in the room.

A spokesperson for Richardson said she would respond to reporters' questions later Wednesday.

Oil and gas fracking is often a polarizing topic, but ongoing accusations of fraudulent support have added even more tension to the vote.

A Cleveland.com investigation in September found that over a hundred Ohio residents said their names were attached to form letters sent to the commission in a public comment period without their knowledge  all of them urging state parks allow fracking.

Those names included a 9-year-old girl and a blind woman. The form letter, which appears over 1,000 times in the public comment database, urges Ohio to responsibly lease rights to minerals under Salt Fork State Park, among other areas.

The 9-year-old's mother, Brittany Keep, told Cleveland.com that her daughter knows nothing about oil and gas exploration and neither of them have visited Salt Fork State Park.

The letters could be traced back to multiple pro-oil entities, including Consumer Energy Alliance, a Texas-based pro-oil and gas organization. The energy alliance has denied collecting names without permission and has called Cleveland.com's coverage libelous. The nonprofit collects and verifies those names and other demographic data through a third party, according to the group's spokesperson, Bryson Hull.

Citing their contract, the energy group says they cannot reveal who that third party is or the data they collected, Hull said.

It isnt the first time the alliance has come under scrutiny for claims it used residents names in government petitions and public comments without their knowledge. The group had been accused of the same issue in Wisconsin in 2014, Ohio in 2016 and South Carolina in 2018.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, a Republican, said in September he would investigate any possible crimes committed through the use of the letters. A spokesperson for Yost, Bethany McCorkle, told The Associated Press Wednesday that this is still an open investigation and that there are not any additional details that can be shared at this time.

Environmental advocates and state Democrats have asked Yost to provide an update ahead of the Wednesday vote.

A thorough investigation is imperative so Ohioans have confidence that any state process meant to include public input is, in fact, functioning to reflect public opinion and not another conduit for public corruption, said House Minority Leader Allison Russo in a statement Wednesday.

The energy alliance is fully cooperating with Yost's office, Hull said in September.

Anyone who comes forward to the commission and can confirm letters in their name were sent without their knowledge are encouraged to contact the commission, said Ohio Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Andy Chow. He said their name will be removed from public comment.

The approved parcels will now be put into a confidential bidding process, in which organizations can put in their bid to frack on the land. ___

Samantha Hendrickson is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. ___

This story was first published on November 15, 2023. It was updated November 17, 2023 to correct that an Ohio commission to consider fracking on public lands was formalized in 2017 and first met in March 2018, not December 2022. It has also been corrected to show the investigation by the state attorney generals office involves the Consumer Energy Alliance, an organization that includes energy companies, not the companies themselves. The story also said the alliance had previously come under fire in Ohio and elsewhere for using residents names in government petitions and public comments without their knowledge and should have stated those were allegations.
Ohios First Lady was in Greene County Tuesday to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Imagination Library program.

>>Were in shock; Ohio community coming together after 3 students, 3 others killed in bus crash

Fran DeWine marked the anniversary with hundreds of Greene County families that are receiving free books in the program, according to Governor DeWines office.

Its wonderful that the Greene County Public Library has supported and promoted Dolly Partons Imagination Library for a decade, helping thousands of Ohio families over the years, said First Lady DeWine. Im grateful that Greene County continues to support early childhood literacy and be a leader for other county Imagination Library programs around Ohio.

She was with Karl Colon, Executive Director of the Greene County Public Library, on Tuesday.

We were honored to have Ohio First Lady DeWine join us to celebrate the families of Greene County who have made such an impact on childrens literacy in our communities, he said. Through her vision and dedication, weve been able to share this model of success across the state and the nation.

Nearly 600,000 Imagination Library books have been to children in Green County since 2013 went it first became available.

To learn more, visit this website.
Ohio juvenile court judges are calling for appropriate funding for the state's juvenile prisons and detention centers, more discretion in sentencing options and more community-based facilities to ensure safety and rehabilitation after an investigation exposed problems in the facilities.

The eight-month investigation by The Cincinnati Enquirer, The Columbus Dispatch, Akron Beacon Journal, Canton Repository and other USA TODAY Network Ohio newspapers found the system is overwhelmed by violence and doesn't have enough employees to provide adequate security, education and mental health treatment for incarcerated children.

In response to the project, the Ohio Association of Juvenile Court Judges released a joint statement on Tuesday signed by the group's president, Lorain County Judge Frank Janik.

Related: DeWine calls for group to examine problems at youth prisons after newspaper investigation

While the Ohio Department of Youth Services operates Ohio's three youth prisons, county judges are responsible for sending kids there and also often operate local juvenile detention centers.

In their statement, the judges said:

"The task assigned to the adults working in Ohio's youth prisons is extraordinarily difficult, and the vast majority of those counselors, educators, and guards are dedicated to their work and to the youth they work with. Appropriate funding ensures that those facilities are appropriately staffed, to levels that ensure youth safety, and that allow for meaningful intervention in education and treatment, so that those youth may find that successful adult lives lie before them upon release."

The judges also said the rehabilitation of youth  and their safety in the process  is one of the principal functions of the juvenile justice system.

The investigation found that many juveniles held in Ohio's youth lockups are not rehabilitated and return to youth facilities or move to adult prison.

More: Kids Behind Bars: Chaos, violence and neglect plague youth prisons and detention centers

Within three years of release from DYS, about 43% of people either return to youth prison or enter the adult prison system.

Employees and kids in these facilities are injured  sometimes seriously  in fights and assaults.

The judges said that research shows incarcerating a youth is often harmful and thus judges have increasingly turned to alternatives, using incarceration in DYS as a last resort for those who've committed the most serious offenses or who have reoffended consistently.

In an interview, Judge Linda Tucci Teodosio, who has been Summit Countys juvenile judge since 2003, said sending a juvenile to DYS is a last resort.

I dont think we should be sending kids to prison unless its absolutely necessary," she said.

For the youths she sends to DYS, Teodosio said she checks in with them every 30 to 60 days to make sure they are behaving and getting the help they need. She thinks she may be one of the only judges doing this. She said her court also helps develop a re-entry plan for the youths.

More: Special report: Ohio's juvenile detention system struggles with violence, neglect

Teodosio said that juvenile judges should be given more discretion in their sentencing options. She said she once had a kid who was acting up in detention and she found out he had seen his father killed in front of him.

Its part of what we should be considering  a kids background, how many times they have been in trouble before, she said. Sometimes, this might be the first time a kid is in trouble, and we send them off to prison or the adult system. I think most parents expect the court to have discretion.

In an interview, Stark County Juvenile Administrative Judge Jim James said he avoids sentencing children to DYS when possible and prefers to send some youth to the Multi-County Juvenile Attention System in Canton, one of the state's 11 county-run correctional facilities.

"That's an advantage having one in Stark County," James said. "Their family can be part of the treatment and visit with them and I think that is key to getting them on a good path. We've had success with that."

More community-based correction facilities could be a solution, James said, but it would require putting more funding into the program while maintaining the youth prisons for more serious offenders.

James said the Department of Youth Services has to address safety issues.

"When kids don't feel like they're in a safe environment they are not going to start addressing their problems (that put them there)," the judge said. "They've got to control the violence that is occurring."

jlaird@dispatch.com

@LairdWrites

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio juvenile judges react to newspaper investigation on youth prisons
In August, a teenager in Miamisburg stabbed a dog multiple times after it was struck and killed by a car. Its corpse was then thrown in a dumpster. An investigation followed, but it resulted in no crime.

Now an Ohio lawmaker wants to make sure that doesn't happen again.

Rep. Tom Young, R-Washington Township, received quite a few calls from Miamisburg residents since the incident, and although an investigation was held by the Miamisburg Police Department, there was no way to hold anyone accountable.

Young introduced legislation Wednesday to establish a penalty for the mutilation of a deceased companion animal.

"I've been a dog owner, my daughter has cats, but when I tell them about this story, they say 'Dad, that's just a messed up, a messed up person did that.'" Young said. "And I've had absolutely no pushback from the community in pursuing this legislation."

The legislation will state that no person, except authorized by law, shall knowingly treat a companion animal corpse in a way that would outrage reasonable community sensibilities.

"Companion animal" pertains to pets, which are the focus of the bill. About 62% of the households in Ohio own a pet, 38% own a dog and 31% own a cat, Young said.

If the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty, they will be charged with a fifth degree felony, and the court shall require the offender to undergo a psychological evaluation and counseling.

"We need to make sure events like this do not continue to happen, and when they do, those individuals involved receive help to prevent them from going down these dark paths," Young said.

Young was joined by Sgt. Jeff Muncy of the Miamisburg Police Department, who took part in the August investigation.

"When we investigated this, I was aware we didn't have a crime that we could charge  that was certainly very frustrating, not only for the police department, but for the community in general," Muncy said. "We just didn't have a crime and that really upset the community."

In coming days, the bill will seek cosponsors and will be introduced in committee.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Lawmaker wants to establish penalty for companion animal mutilation
The Ohio Township Police Department is asking for the publics help to identify a person and vehicle.

The person, who appears to be a male with facial hair, and vehicle were involved in an incident on Nov. 2.

Channel 11 has reached out to the department for more details.

Anyone with information is asked to call 412-259-8304.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Two of Oklahomas national Senators, the Governor of Oklahoma, and the Adjutant General of Oklahoma recently went to visit some of the Sooner States National Guard troops currently deployed to Africa.

Senator James Lankford, R-OK, led a congressional delegation trip to the Horn of Africa to connect with members of the Oklahoma Army National Guard in the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) area of responsibility (AOR) as part of Task Force Tomahawk.

Heated exchange between Sen. Mullin, Teamsters President during hearing

Seeing our Oklahoma Guard members proudly protect our nation half-way around the world was humbling and inspiring. They are safe, motivated, and ready to finish the last three months of their long deployment so they can get home to their families, said Lankford. We brought the men and women in uniform our support and admiration, and a taste of home in cases of Oklahoma Head Country BBQ sauce and Chick-fil-A sauce provided by the Wounded Warrior Project and an Oklahoma store owner. Our Oklahoma Army National Guard has a proud tradition of service. I heard their stories around the tables over meals and from leaders who were incredibly impressed with their excellence and attitude.

Also traveling with Lankford were Senator Markwayne Mullin, R-OK, Oklahoma Governor J. Kevin Stitt, and Adjutant General of Oklahoma, Major General Thomas Mancino.

It was a privilege to spend Veterans Day weekend with Oklahomas National Guard members deployed with Task Force Tomahawk in the Horn of Africa alongside my wife Christie, Governor Stitt, and my fellow congressional delegation colleagues, said Mullin. I couldnt be more grateful for the sacrifice each and every one of these national guardsmen and women, along with their loved ones, have made to protect our homeland in the US and abroad. As we enter the holiday season, may we all reflect on this sacrifice and say a prayer of gratitude for their service.

Oklahoma soldier accounted for from Korean War

The delegation visited troops stationed in Djibouti and Kenya.

It was an honor to spend time with our brave Oklahoma service men and woman in Djibouti this week, said Stitt. As the proud dad of one of those service members, this visit was special. Im grateful for all the families back in Oklahoma who are praying for the safety of their service member and Im proud of each of these soldiers who answered the call and are serving their country.

Representatives Jim Banks, R-IN, and Larry Bucshon, R-IN, also participated in the congressional delegation trip as Indiana National Guard members are also part of Task Force Tomahawk.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Tributes are pouring in for popular Nigerian rapper Oladips, following his death at the age of 28.

"We are still in shock as we speak," his management said in an Instagram post.

The cause of death is unclear but the post read he "kept his battles within himself" for two years.

Oladips was a talented musician who rapped about political issues like the ENDSars protests against police brutality.

He also touched on the subject of mental health and depression in his songs.

"His story telling rap was top notch" one fan wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Big Brother Naija contestant Hermes Iyele expressed his shock over the young rapper's death saying: "May God grant the family the grace to carry this grief."

The rapper was due to release his new album titled SUPERHERO ADUGBO (The Memoir) on Thursday. His last single was called Die Young.

Oladips rose to fame when he won a rap competition called the King is Here hosted by Nigerian music giant DBanj in 2015.

Oladips's death comes a few months after another popular musician, Mohbad, died in September, leading to countrywide protests.

More stories about African music:
For the past 20 years or more, the Gaza Strip has been seen by many around the worldparticularly in the global northas a place that exports hate and radicalism, its people mired in poverty, not a place where someone would want to live or even go.



I have lived in Gaza all those years, and I say that this image contradicts what Gaza has been, and especially what it could be. Prior to the turn of the century, Gaza was a tourist destination for international visitors, including hundreds of Israeli citizens who visited every weekend for its beautiful beaches and excellent restaurants. Gaza also used to export garments, textiles, furniture, strawberries, and flowers to Israel and Europe. During those years, the notion of making Gaza into the Middle Easts Singapore or the Palestinian Dubai felt very possible.

The Gaza Strip was the first place to be freed from Israeli occupation when the Palestinian Authority was created in 1994, in the wake of the Oslo Accords. It was a very emotional moment that May to see the first Palestinians enter Gaza from Egypt through the Rafah crossing, carrying Palestinian flags. We had big dreams to build a free, modern, and democratic stateto live side by side in peace with Israel.

The peace process had gained huge support from the international community, mainly from the United States and major European states. With this support, the P.A. was able to create a public sector and build the Gaza airportwhere Bill and Hillary Clinton landed for a historic visit on December 14, 1998. I have traveled three times from that airport. When I flew in a Palestinian airplane for the first time, and heard Palestinian Airlines welcomes you aboard its flight to Amman, Jordan, I cried.

I was born in Gaza in 1962 to a refugee family that had been expelled from its village of Sawafir in the then British mandate of Palestine. Five years later, in the Six-Day War of June 1967, Gaza was seized by Israel, which meant that I grew up under the occupation. When you live under occupation, your national ambitions become clearer and stronger. I promised myself that I would do my utmost to contribute to achieving peace and freedom for our people and region through dialogue and debate.

In my early years, I had no opportunity to travel outside my local area; thus, the factors that shaped my norms and values were almost all local ones. When I became older and was able to travel, I gained opportunities to deepen my knowledge and understanding of these values. I have become a strong advocate for peace, justice, and equal rights for all people regardless of race or religion.

I stood as a candidate in the Palestinian parliamentary election in 1996. I knew it would be a steep climb for a young person of 30 who lacked the networks and resources to win (and yes, I lost). But it was my inner desire to be part of building the future.

While growing up, I decided to be engaged in civil society. I was eager to understand other cultures. Gradually, I became a community activist who spoke regularly to journalists and diplomats who were visiting Gaza.

I was invited occasionally to meet with U.S. politicians and Israeli peace activists and intellectuals. All of us were engaged in discussing how to enhance cooperation and build sustainable economies that would allow everybody to live in peace and prosperity.

After the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in 2005, elections were held in which Hamas competed with Fatah, which dominated the Palestinian Authority. In January 2006, Hamas won a surprise landslide victory over Fatah. The West cut off aid to Gaza, and Israel detained Hamas officials. The tensions between Hamas and Fatah resulted in Hamas violently wresting control of Gaza in 2007. That prompted Israel to impose its blockade on Gaza, doing tremendous economic harm. The Gazan people were caught in the middle.

Since 2008, the Gaza Strip has experienced 17 escalations, five of which have been devastating. Major wars erupted in the Gaza Strip in 2008, 2012, 2014, 2021, 2022, and now 2023. The effects of these wars have been tragic on the Gaza Strips population and have significantly affected its infrastructure, health care system, economy, society, and public and private sectors. The Israeli blockade has made Gazans more radical and less tolerant and has had devastating social consequences. Today, 62 percent of the Gaza population are under the age of 30 and have never been outside Gaza due to the travel restrictions.

Given this instability, thousands of talented youths emigrated from Gaza. In addition, businesspeople, women, elite medical doctors, professors, and teachers, losing their faith in Gazas future, made their way to Europe. Palestinian civil society in Gaza has suffered from financial deficits, lack of international funding, and weak investment in education, technology, and innovation.

I continue to be committed to my principles and beliefs. We mustnt give up, and we should continue to work, especially with young people. In 2007, I established Pal-Think for Strategic Studies as a think and do tank. We work closely with young Gazans who cannot travel and are in desperate need of hope. One of the key activities of Pal-Think was connecting Gaza youth with the outside world using digital pathways to overcome the blockade. We hosted experts, activists, and postgraduate students from Washington, London, Paris, and many other capitals to broaden young Gazans understanding of what is going on at the international level.

Todays problems are the outcomes of yesterdays shortsighted actions. The Israeli policies that turned Gaza into a radical, poor, narrow-minded society, and the absence of serious U.S. involvement in peace talks, are to be blamed for what has been happening.

The consequences of this war will be indescribable, as the young generation is angry at the world that has been standing idly by as Israel drops its bombs. Peace will not easily prevail. The people of Gaza wake up every morning to the horrendous scenes of their destroyed houses, memories of their lost loved ones, and the tragic atmosphere of the whole region.

A cease-fire must be reached, the sooner the better. Regardless, whenever this war ends, there must be a widespread effort to restore Gaza. A conference on Gaza needs to be held wherein the international community, including the rich Arab and Islamic states, allocates significant funds to rehabilitate not just the buildings but, more importantly, the people of Gaza.

Then the U.S., Europe, and the Arab League must initiate a process whereby the Palestinian Authority will be allowed back into Gaza to carry out three main tasks: respond to humanitarian crises, prepare for a general election for the Palestinian Parliament, and disarm all military factions in Gaza. Then maybe someday there can be hope in Gaza again.
The News

One of the American executives who plans to attend a dinner with Chinese leader Xi Jinping later this week said he hopes the U.S. and China will use a high-stakes summit in San Francisco to affirm their business ties despite tensions over technology and other issues.

Its too important for both economies to have anything other than alignment on certain principles around the movement of trade, lack of protectionism, Kevin Ali, CEO of the biopharmaceutical company Organon, told Semafor in an interview. With these two economies at loggerheads on certain issues, its not good for the world.  That is issue.

Ali is one of three co-chairs for the Asia-Pacific Economic Council CEO summit, which kicks off Wednesday in San Francisco with a star-studded roster of executives and government officials. President Joe Biden and Xi will separately meet on the sidelines of APEC on Wednesday. The White House has sought to keep expectations low for the meeting.

Ali said he hoped to use the summit and surrounding APEC events to help accelerate work on public-private partnerships in healthcare and specifically womens health, which is a focus of Organon.

At the dinner with Xi later this week, Ali said he would convey that there are mutually beneficial aims of private industries like his own and the Chinese government. He mentioned fertility as a potential area of mutual work (Chinas fertility rate hit a record low last year).

Know More

The dinner with Xi attracted plenty of attention from executives despite sky-high tensions between the U.S. and China and criticism of Xis government in Washington. Bloomberg reported that executives were scrambling for seats or to be put on a waiting list. The tickets are said to cost thousands of dollars, according to the New York Times.

Still, the schmoozing at APEC will interrupt what is a challenging and uncertain time for U.S. businesses and other firms operating in China. China has raided some foreign firms and even detained employees. Xi is likely to face some pressure to clarify Chinas laws and assure executives that China welcomes their business.

Executives are also facing some criticism from lawmakers on Capitol Hill for dining with Xi. Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., who chairs the House select committee on China, wrote to leaders of the organizations hosting the event  the U.S.-China Business Council and the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations  eviscerating them for selling tickets to a dinner with Chinese officials who have facilitated a genocide against millions of innocent men, women, and children in Xinjiang.

Those industry executives should not be fooled by celebratory toasts and promises of future cooperation, wrote Gallagher, who has called for selectively decoupling the U.S. from China. Executives must recognize that the reality of doing business in China today includes the increased risk of arbitrary detentions, exit bans, and raids by the Chinese intelligence services.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  One man is dead and police are trying to find the killer after a shooting in downtown Kansas City.

The shooting happened early Wednesday morning at 10th and Broadway, according to the Kansas City Police Department.

11-year-old girl left paralyzed weeks after drive-by shooting in Kansas City

KCPD revealed that around 3 a.m. Wednesday, shots were heard in the Quality Hill district area, and people nearby called the police.

The officers said when they arrived, they found a man lying on the sidewalk. The man was unresponsive and was not reacting to any first aid attempts.

The victim, whose identity has not been released at this time, died before he could be taken to a hospital.

FOX4 talked with police, and it appears this shooting was the end result of an argument.

4-year-old child injured after being struck by vehicle near Shawnee elementary school

At this time, the police have not found a suspect. However, police do have plenty of help in solving this case thanks to a number of cameras in the area and witnesses willing to work with police.

If you have any information, call 816-474-TIPS.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Kate Koennecke, a student at Ohio State University, says she is open to voting for either party in the 2024 presidential election, but believes Donald Trump is unfit for office 'from a moral standpoint' (Megan JELINGER)

Emily Horace, Kate Koennecke and Raiden Sipes still don't know who will get their votes in next year's White House race -- but the university students know their ballots could be pivotal, and say they are taking the choice seriously.

In the 2020 contest pitting then-incumbent Donald Trump against Joe Biden, young voters helped put the Democrat in the Oval Office. But for 2024, early indications are not looking good for a repeat, activists and Democratic Party strategists warn.

The 80-year-old Biden, whose poll numbers are dismal, could lose a significant proportion of the youth vote, over everything from the economy to his position on the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

AFP met with several Ohio State University students in Columbus to take the temperature of young Americans in a key battleground state, one year from an election that looks like a Biden-Trump rematch.

Ohio, currently led by a Republican governor, tipped into Trump's column in 2016 and 2020. But last week, it voted to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution -- a victory for Democrats, much to the chagrin of conservatives.

- Age and gas prices -

Sipes, an 18-year-old studying astrophysics, describes himself as a centrist. So far, he does not know who he will choose in his first ever chance to vote for a president.

When asked if Biden could get his support, Sipes sighs and says: "I just don't think he's done enough."

The sitting president has repeatedly vaunted his brand of "Bidenomics," but Sipes remains unconvinced: "Gas prices have risen exponentially since he's been in office. That was the one that really got me."

As for Trump, Sipes says while he's not a fan of Trump on a personal level, he likes his policies and what he did for the world's largest economy, and could see himself ultimately voting for the Republican, "just because I'm looking at policies."

Horace, who is 20 and studying zoology, says she has always identified herself as a political independent, even if she tends to lean more to the left.

She says she regrets that her options are likely going to be two elderly white men, and wishes "someone younger" were running -- or "a person of color, or a woman."

Age is also a factor for 18-year-old chemistry major Lily O'Korn-Hughes.

Biden is an "old white man who knows he's old... he's aware of his shortcomings, which is nice, but it's also not the same as having other representation," she says.

O'Korn-Hughes, who lists abortion rights, gun control and health care as the most important issues for her, says she is just starting to study the policy positions of each candidate.

If 2024 ends up in a Trump-Biden rematch, she says she'll vote for Biden -- but admits she is still hoping another contender "will pull a little bit of an upset."

- Ethics and respectability -

Of the young voters AFP met in Ohio, Rachel Wade, a 27-year-old graduate student in communications, was one of the most decided.

"I definitely align... pretty consistently with Democrats," Wade says. "I would vote for Biden. It's pretty much a no brainer that that's where I will go next year."

She says she appreciates Biden's defense of abortion rights, his support of labor unions and his position on climate change.

Koennecke, who is 20, is open to voting for either party.

"If somebody like Trump were to be nominated, then I feel like I would just vote for Biden again," said Koennecke, a political science student.

She said Trump is unfit to lead the country "from a moral standpoint," pointing to his actions on January 6, 2021, when his supporters stormed the Capitol in a deadly burst of violence.

But if the Republican Party were to choose another candidate "that was maybe more moderate," Koennecke said she might consider voting for that person.

Matthew Hartman, a 20-year-old information systems student, is voting Republican next year -- even if Trump is the candidate.

"I do respect how Joe Biden carries himself," Hartman says.

"But for me, it comes down to business. As much as I would love to see a respected, respectable president, I need the country to be led like a business so we can continue to be the best nation in the world."

iba/sst/st
Based on the materials of the Security Service of Ukraine, Armen Gasparyan, an ideologist of the so-called denazification of Ukraine, which is the way Russian propaganda justifies the war, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in Ukraine in absentia.

Source: Security Service of Ukraine

Quote: "In 2018, Gasparyan published his book, which promotes fictional narratives about the failure of the Ukrainian state and calls on the Russian leadership to launch a military attack on Ukraine.

It was this person who spread the term denazification in Russia and began to use it in relation to Ukraine."

Details: Gasparyan was found guilty under three articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:

Article 442.2 (public calls for genocide, as well as production of materials calling for genocide);

Article 109.3 (actions aimed at forceful change or overthrow of the constitutional order or take-over of government);

Article 110.2 (trespass against territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine).

The trial was held in a special court proceeding in absentia.

Gasparyan was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The term of his sentence will be counted from the moment of his actual detention.

Gasparyan is currently in Russia and hosts various talk shows with Russian propagandists.

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, has stated he is ready to come to African countries and develop healthy communication with them.

Source: Zelenskyy at the press conference with representatives of the African media

Quote: "I am ready to come to any country on your continent. I do not have any priorities. I think that we should organise a meeting wherever we can so that I can get in close contact with a maximum number of leaders and a maximum number of people. I think it would be the best option."

Details: Zelenskyy also noted that Russia traditionally uses power and influence via informational manipulations in African countries, while Ukraine plans to develop healthy communication.

Quote: "I will not try to change your mind. I will try to persuade you so that you change it yourselves, and knowing more about what is happening and having more information will be enough for this. Open your eyes. We are only fighting for a deeper understanding of the situation."

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Editors note: Stephen I. Vladeck is the Charles Alan Wright chair in federal courts at the University of Texas School of Law, a CNN contributor and an expert on the role of the federal courts in the war on terrorism. The views expressed here are his own. View more opinion at CNN.

Rules are just empty words if theres no hope theyll be followed. Supreme Court Justice Robert Jackson once wrote that if put to the choice, one might well prefer to live under Soviet substantive law applied in good faith by our common-law procedures than under our substantive law enforced by Soviet procedural practices. Jacksons point, coming at the height of the Cold War, was that rules dont matter all that much without some faith that theyll be applied and enforced in a fair, nonarbitrary way.

Stephen I. Vladeck - Courtesy of University of Texas School of Law

That mantra was ringing in my head as I reviewed the code of conduct voluntarily adopted by the Supreme Court on Monday, the first such formal code to govern the justices. It contains 14 pages of ethics principles and commentary to which the justices say they will now adhere. This move comes after months of mounting public pressure in response to media reports documenting troubling (and previously undisclosed) financial relationships involving Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito and wealthy conservative benefactors. (The justices have pushed back on or disputed some of these reports.)

We can debate (and folks are debating) the substance of these new (or not-so-new) rules; the real question is how we, the public, are supposed to have faith that theyll be followed. In adopting these rules, the Supreme Court didnt address that issue at all.

Most people enforce rules with carrots or sticks  incentives for following the rules or penalties for breaking them. In this case, though, the Constitution gets in the way of either. Article III (the one about the courts) demands that there be one supreme Court (emphasis added), which the justices have long interpreted, not unreasonably, to mean that no one else can sit in direct judgment of their rulings or their behavior (except, in extreme cases, Congress through its power to impeach sitting justices).

Thus, the way that we typically enforce ethics rules and financial disclosure requirements against lower court judges  a body known as the Judicial Conference of the United States oversees them  wont work for the justices. Perhaps that explains why some conservative commentators view the matter now as being closed despite the new ethics code not having an enforcement mechanism: The court has done all that we can reasonably expect it to have done, and no one else has any power to do anything further.

But even if the Constitution prohibits a direct enforcement mechanism, Congress has, for most of our history, used an array of other powers as sideways leverage against the court  not-so-subtle reminders that Congress can punish the court in other ways.

Among other things, Congress controls (almost all of) the courts budget  a power it has used historically not just to encourage changes in institutional behaviors, but even to influence the timing of individual justices retirements. (Pensions are powerful things.) Congress controls when and where the court sits; until 1935, the court sat in the Capitol  a powerful reminder of which branch was beholden to which.

And Congress made the courts entire 1802 term disappear in a shot across the bow of Chief Justice John Marshall while the justices considered the constitutionality of major legislation passed by the newly elected Democratic-Republicans. Congress has also regularly exercised leverage over the courts docket; until 1891, all of the courts jurisdiction was mandatory (meaning that the justices had to hear any appeal Congress told it to hear). That the courts docket today is almost entirely discretionary is a policy choice by the legislature  one that could be reversed if, again, Congress was looking for sticks. In the past, Congress has even stopped the court from resolving individual cases, including an especially significant 1868 dispute over the constitutionality of the military government in the South during Reconstruction.

This is where the conversation about the justices behavior off the bench should go now. Whats needed is more than substantive rules adopted by the justices; even if the new rules were perfect (and theyre not), its not obvious why justices who in the past have flouted financial disclosure requirements would all of a sudden go out of their way to over-enforce these new rules against themselves.

Instead, whats needed is some mechanism for obtaining the justices compliance with the rules. One possibility is the creation of an Article III inspector general. Its a position that has long been proposed for lower federal courts but that could also have at least a modicum of authority to monitor the justices behavior as well.

As Ive suggested before, even if such an officer couldnt directly punish justices for violating the relevant rules, Congress unquestionably could invest that position with the power to investigate and report upon compliance with those rules  reports that would provide a strong incentive for justices to adhere to the rules, lest they end up on some official, undismissable list (rather than just in media reports) of justices who have misbehaved; and, in extreme cases, provide a basis for the impeachment of justices who continually cross the line.

Instead of every new media report about a justices personal behavior dividing us into predictable ideological camps, now there would be an ostensibly neutral ombudsperson whose reports could build a record, one way or the other, from which to assess whether and to what extent an individual justice, or the court as a whole, is behaving badly.

An Article III inspector general is no panacea. But its the least-worst alternative to a problem that the Constitution necessarily creates: how to have an independent Supreme Court that is nevertheless at least loosely accountable to the political branches.

Accountability and independence arent mutually exclusive  something the justices are tacitly conceding by agreeing for the first time to formally adopt a code of conduct. But saying trust us isnt, and shouldnt be, enough. To quote the old Russian proverb (as appropriated by President Ronald Reagan), Trust, but verify.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands before their meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 summit meeting in Indonesia last year. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press)

Human rights and democracy advocates have rightly urged President Biden to use his meeting with Xi Jinping in the Bay Area on Wednesday to address Chinas crimes against its Uyghur minority and other acts of repression within the country and around the globe. But we also need to be realistic about what tough talk with China can achieve.

If the results of previous dialogues with the Chinese government are any indication, Washington should not have high hopes for talking sense into Beijing. Instead, the U.S. government needs to find ways to apply meaningful pressure to compel action from the regime. That means using the economic power of the United States and its allies to punish Chinas use of forced Uyghur labor and other abuses.

Read more: Column: How the U.S. can turn China from a foe into a friendly competitor

The Chinese government has a record of using dialogues to mask its fundamental resistance to international pressure. We have engaged in constructive dialogue and cooperation with the U.N. High Commissioner and other countries, and helped advance the reform and development of the global human rights governance system, Chinas then-foreign minister, Qin Gang, said during a United Nations meeting in February. (Qin has since been purged for unknown reasons.) One can find similar platitudes throughout Beijings official statements.

The truth is that under this smokescreen of constructive dialogue, win-win cooperation and other such slogans, Beijing has been carrying out a systematic assault on the U.N. human rights system. The Chinese government wants to rewrite norms and manipulate procedures to minimize scrutiny and accountability for itself and other repressive governments.

Read more: Opinion: U.S.-China tensions are feeding a new wave of anti-Asian hate

The Chinese regime is similarly deceptive on climate change. Despite yet another meeting between U.S. climate envoy John F. Kerry and his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua, last week, China  the worlds largest emitter of greenhouse gases since 2006  continues to build new coal-fired power plants, accounting for two-thirds of such facilities planned worldwide. The regime has also been harassing climate activists, cracking down on environmental groups, strangling independent journalism on the topic and silencing the populations that are most vulnerable to climate change.

The United States is not the only democracy attempting to talk Beijing into better behavior. The European Union and China have had a continuing human rights dialogue since 1995, apart from a suspension that ended last year. At this point, its crystal clear that three decades of dialogue have not only failed to bring about genuine improvements in China but also undermined the EUs credibility. A number of human rights groups have called on the EU to end the dialogue.

Biden should heed this history. To persuade China to change course on human rights, the administration must be prepared to deploy U.S. economic power without Beijings consent or participation.

The Biden administration should vigorously enforce the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act , for example. Passed with bipartisan support in 2021, the law restricts imports of goods made in whole or in part in the Uyghur region, Xinjiang, unless it can be demonstrated that they were not made with forced labor. The law could have a major impact: 20% of the worlds cotton and 45% of its polysilicon, a material used in solar panels, is produced in Xinjiang. But many tainted goods are slipping into the United States as companies learn to obscure their supply chains.

Biden should also impose the strongest possible targeted sanctions on perpetrators of transnational repression and place export controls on companies that have knowingly provided technology, goods or services to facilitate Beijings rights violations outside China. Freedom House research shows that the Chinese Communist Party is responsible for the most sophisticated, widespread and thorough campaign of transnational repression in the world, targeting minorities, activists and defectors in other countries.

While U.S. leadership is crucial, these measures are unlikely to be effective if theyre imposed unilaterally. Products of forced labor excluded from the U.S. can simply be diverted to other markets; companies in other countries can support Chinas repression beyond its shores. The Biden administration will have to work with other governments to impose effective, multilateral constraints on Beijings abuses.

The Biden-Xi California summit may be necessary, but its far from sufficient. Biden has to ensure that his human rights exhortations are supported by potent material incentives and a determined coalition of international partners.

Yaqiu Wang is Freedom Houses research director for China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

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.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The Oregon State Bar is one of the latest organizations to move away from traditional standardized testing.

Starting next May, law students wont be required to pass the bar exam in order to start practicing law.

Instead, students will have the option to partake in the Supervised Practice Portfolio Examination. This framework allows students to participate in a post-graduation apprenticeship before submitting a work portfolio to the Oregon State Board of Bar Examiners.

FBI Portland encourages Oregonians to report hate crimes in new campaign

The Oregon Supreme Court first approved the proposal for traditional exam alternatives in January. In the following months, the state bars Licensure Pathway Development Committee established two new examinations  with the SPPE being approved by officials in early November.

The other option, Oregon Experiential Portfolio Pathway, which would allow students across three law schools statewide to undergo a rigorous experiential curriculum during their second or third year of school, before submitting a work portfolio to the bar examiners. This alternative hasnt been submitted to officials yet.

There are just two other states that dont require the bar exam for potential lawyers: Wisconsin and New Hampshire.

Mt. Hood introducing climbing permits in 2024 to upgrade climbing program

Wisconsin is the sole state that offers diploma privilege, which deems law school graduates automatically eligible for practicing law. In New Hampshire, aspiring lawyers are admitted to the state bar as long as they graduate from a rigorous two-year honors program.

So far, Oregon is the first state to offer apprenticeships as a replacement for the bar exam. The development committee said this method, and the potential experiential curriculum, will best serve Oregon Consumers.

In July 2023, 69% of examinees passed the Oregon bar. In February, that number was just 40%.

The foremost guiding principle of the LPDC has been to ensure that the new examinations protect legal consumers by adequately measuring applicants competence to practice law while not placing unnecessary or inequitable barriers between an examinee and licensure, the Licensure Pathway Development Committee said.

Giants are real: Former Oregon town official goes viral for mythical sighting claim

Oregon law students can opt into the new exam starting on May 15 of next year. Aspiring lawyers will still have the option to take the traditional exam.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
In its quest to bring more affordable housing to the county, Osceola County commissioners approved lending $4.5 million to developer, Pinnacle Housing.

Pinnacle at the Wesleyan, includes 96 units on West Vine Street in Kissimmee that will be priced at or below 80% of the areas median income for 50 years. The apartments a mix of which will be mostly 2 bedrooms will begin construction in December and are set to open in May of 2026.

The developer has 32 years to pay the no-interest loan back, which will be distributed over two years, according to meeting notes.

Commission Chair Viviana Janer said it is important that the county looks for innovative ways to create affordable housing.

We do like the public-private partnerships in order to get them done, Janer said on Monday.

Staff recommended the county manager fund a gap created by the rising costs of construction and labor, according to Board of County Commission meeting notes from March.

In a June letter to Pinnacle Housing, County Manager Don Fisher commitment to fund the project, saying the county is in need of more affordable housing.

The project is also being funded by a $500,000 loan from the city of Kissimmee, which approved it in June; low-income housing tax credits from the Florida Housing Finance Corp.; and $4.3 million from Live Local Act funds, according to Nov. 13 board of county commission meeting notes.

In total, the development is estimated to cost over $33.8 million, according to meeting notes.

The Pinnacle at the Wesleyan will be one of the first projects in the county that is using funds from the newly established Live Local Act through the Florida Housing Finance Corp. to build affordable housing in the county.

The Live Local Act or Senate Bill 102 was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in March and established a $711-million fund for affordable housing but also diminished the authority of local municipalities to set their own zoning and height regulations on new affordable developments.

I think the state really needs to trickle that money down to communities that are really truly dedicating their time and resources to affordable housing like Osceola County, Commissioner Peggy Choudhry said of the act. Regardless, we are dedicating a lot of time and effort and were doing all we possibly can to bring more affordable housing.

Pinnacle Housing and the Florida Housing Finance Corp. did not respond to requests for comment.
[Source]

A coalition of 63 Asian American and allied organizations are urging lawmakers to resist the extension of Section 702, a surveillance program believed to disproportionately impact Asian Americans.

Driving the news: With Section 702 set to expire at the end of the year, Senate leaders are reportedly considering attaching an extension of it to a must pass bill. The program at present is expected to continue until April under transition procedures.

About Section 702: Section 702, which operates under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), is a surveillance program designed to collect information related to national security threats from foreigners outside the U.S. Granted through annual certifications, it relies on the mandatory assistance of American telecom providers.

Alleged misuse: Asian Americans, including Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim and South Asian (AMEMSA) communities, are likely overrepresented in the surveillance due to their overseas ties with family, friends and business associates, according to a fact sheet released by some of the groups last month. Years of racial profiling, current geopolitical tensions and prevailing stereotypes of Asians being perpetual foreigners are also believed to lead to the programs misuse.

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What critics are saying: The coalition on Tuesday issued a letter to Congress opposing the inclusion of a short-term reauthorization of the program in a continuing resolution or any other must pass legislation. They argued that its misuse has profoundly impacted Asian Americans, resulting in wrongful targeting, unjust surveillance and devastating tolls on careers, livelihoods and reputations.

Whats next: The coalition demands a standalone legislation subject to open debate and amendment. Aside from these 63 organizations, other civil rights groups have also reached out to Senate leadership to oppose the program's short-term extension.

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A man has been arrested after over two dozen horses were killed during an arson attack on a racetrack and casino complex in New York.

Boyd H Fenton, 32, was arrested on November 9 in connection with the fire at a barn structure at the Tioga Downs Casino complex.

Mr Fenton, of Athens, Pennsylvania, was charged with arson, burglary, criminal mischief and assault. He entered the barn and intentionally set a fire, causing thousands of dollars worth of damage, according to the New York State Police.

A GoFundMe page, set up to support the horsemens community, described the incident as an unimaginable loss.

Tioga Downs suffered an unimaginable loss this morning as many horsemen lost horses, belongings and years of memories in a tragic barn fire, the pages description read.

This place is home to many of us. Every little bit counts. Lets show them as a Horsemens community, what we can do to help in this time of need.

As of Wednesday, the page had raised over $175,000.

Jessica Hallett, a member of the community, said the media had dropped the ball when reporting on the tragic incident and the deaths of the animals.

They write them as just numbers and just horses. As if they were property. They had stories and lives. They were a part of something so much bigger and deserved to be recognized as such, she wrote on Facebook.

In a statement, Jeff Gtu-al, Chairman of American Racing and Entertainment, said: We are deeply saddened by todays tragedy, it was a loss no one could have imagined or expected.

The fire was started at the Tioga Downs Casino resort complex in New York (WETM 18 News)

It is an active investigation so we are not able to comment any further at this time. We would like to express our sincere gratitude for all of the first responders who rushed to our aid. We have a wonderful community and we are honored to be a part of it.

Police said that during the incident, another individual, who had entered the burning barn in an attempt to save horses suffered second-degree burns and was transported to Robert Packer Hospital for treatment.

Mr Fenton was arraigned before a judge on 9 November and remanded to the Tioga County Correctional Facility. The investigation is ongoing.

The New York State Police would like to offer condolences to affected individuals and families that lost their beloved animals during this tragic incident, the police statement added.
The owner of a tree trimming business beat out a pastor by five votes in the race for a seat to represent south-central Kansas City, Kansas, on Wyandotte Countys governing body.

Philip Lopez got 831 votes in the race for District 6 on the Board of Commissioners for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, narrowly defeating Steve Neal, who received 826 votes, according to final results Wednesday. The seat is currently held by Angela Markley, who did not seek reelection, and covers the Turner, Morris and Muncie neighborhoods.

The race was the closet in the Nov. 7 election and narrowed to six votes as mail-in ballots were counted late last week.

The Board of Canvassers, which decides whether or not to accept provisional ballots, met Wednesday to approve the Wyandotte County Election Offices recommendations to count 176 provisional ballots and to not count 69, meaning nearly 72% of provisional ballots cast were counted. Provisional ballots are used if there is any doubt about a voters eligibility at the polling place.

Gathered with other canvassers Wednesday at the Election Office in KCK, Unified Government Commissioner Tom Burroughs, At-Large District 2, encouraged his fellow canvassers to be ambassadors in the community to combat election misinformation after they heard how the Election Office worked to verify voter eligibility and make sure legitimate votes were counted.

A total of 13,998 registered voters cast ballots in last weeks election, putting voter turnout at 15.5% across Wyandotte County.

The Star could not immediately reach Lopez, the incoming commissioner, by phone. During the campaign, he called for reducing the mill levy and curbing tax incentives for large corporations.
The owners of a dog who was shot four times while protecting a teenager during a horrific home invasion in 2018 are now asking the public for immediate help after he was diagnosed with a serious disease.

The 2-year-old German shepherd attacked a pair of burglars to protect a 16-year-old boy when they broke into a Des Moines home.

Despite being beaten until bloody, the dog then threw himself at the burglars and was shot four times before they escaped.

Five years after the dogs heroic feat of strength, he has been diagnosed with cancer or some autoimmune disease according to his owners.

He is in critical condition to the point that he might not make it for the night if we dont treat him immediately, said his owner Julia Cadena.

Treatments are estimated to cost around $5,000 to $10,000 according to the dogs GoFundMe.

If it is in your heart, and you can contribute so that Rex can have a fair chance at seeing this through please call the pet hospital and donate anything your kind heart can, said Cadena.




Oxford High School shooter's parents to be tried separately after new witnesses come forward

The parents of Oxford High School shooter Ethan Crumbley may be tried separately, a Michigan judge ruled earlier this week after two new witnesses came forward in the case.

James and Jennifer Crumbley are facing four counts of involuntary manslaughter each after their son, then 15 years old, fatally shot four high school students and injured seven others using his parents' gun, which they have argued was locked away.

Upon review of Oct. 31 interviews with two new witnesses from Florida, "severance of the defendants in this case is now necessary as the prosecution intends to call one or both of these witnesses," Shannon Smith, an attorney for Jennifer Crumbley, said in a Monday court filing.

Smith did not disclose what the two new witnesses said in their interviews but argued that severing the trials for James and Jennifer Crumbley would allow the court to avoid prejudice and ensure a fair trial for both defendants so that allegations made against one defendant do not impact outcomes for the other.

OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL FAILED TO CONDUCT THREAT ASSESSMENT PRIOR TO FATAL SHOOTING, INVESTIGATION SHOWS

Ethan Robert Crumbley, left, and his parents in booking photographs taken at the Oakland County Jail in Pontiac, Michigan.

The prosecution agreed, writing that Jennifer Crumbley "is entitled to a fair trial because some of the evidence introduced against the codefendant [James Crumbley] at trial would be damaging to the defendant."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

OXFORD SCHOOL SHOOTER ETHAN CRUMBLEY CAN BE SENTENCED TO LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE FOR KILLING 4 STUDENTS

Prosecutors went on to note, however, the "significant cost" to taxpayers for separating the defendants.

"Separate trials in this case come at significant cost to victims, witnesses, taxpayers and the additional jurors who will serve," assistant prosecutor Marc Keast wrote. "But the Constitution affords the defendant that right, and the People agree that the defendant is entitled to a separate trial."

JENNIFER CRUMBLEY, ETHAN CRUMBLEY'S MOTHER, SENT OMINOUS TEXTS ON DAY OF SHOOTING: HE CANT BE LEFT ALONE'

Smith also argued in a Monday court filing that Oakland County prosecutor Karen McDonald engaged in misconduct in her November interview with local news outlet WXYZ, when McDonald said her office "doesn't prosecute cases that [they] don't believe [they] can prove beyond a reasonable doubt."

The defense attorney said McDonald violated the court's rules saying lawyers in the case shall not publicly express "any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of a defendant." Smith also argued that McDonald violated her duty as a prosecutor to ensure that the accused are "given the benefit of all reasonable doubts."

ETHAN CRUMBLEY DETAILED PLAN TO STALK, RAPE, TORTURE, AND KILL FEMALE CLASSMATE, PROSECUTORS SAY

The defense is asking Judge Cheryl Matthews to require McDonald to appear before the court "about why she failed to comply with the Court's prior orders," Smith wrote.

In a Tuesday filing, prosecutors called the allegations "frivalous, and perplexing," saying that nothing in the defense's filing shows that they violated the court's orders. They added that McDonald has a responsibility as the county's top prosecutor to inform the public, and there is no gag order in Ethan's case as there is in his parents' cases.

The home of James and Jennifer Crumbley, the parents of Oxford High School shooting suspect Ethan Crumbley, is seen in Oxford, Michigan on Dec. 3, 2021.

All parties in the case are subject to a gag order that prevents them from publicly discussing any details regarding allegations made against the Crumbleys.

OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL SHOOTING VICTIM TATE MYRE'S FAMILY, OTHERS SUE CRUMBLEYS, SCHOOL STAFF

James and Jennifer allegedly purchased a firearm for their son just before the school shooting. Jennifer Crumbley said in a social media post that the gun was a Christmas present for Ethan. The parents are also accused of coming to Oxford on the morning of the shooting and refusing to take their son home despite complaints from the school counselor's office that he made disturbing drawings in class.

James and Jennifer Crumbley met with their son and school leaders the morning of the shooting after a teacher caught Ethan Crumbley drawing disturbing images in class.

"The parents are charged with involuntary manslaughter," McDonald said during a September hearing in Ethan's case. "Their gross negligence in buying their obviously troubled son a gun, for not securing it safely, and then for not doing anything about it when they saw the defendants' drawings on the day of the shooting. They are not charged for being bad parents."

Oakland County Judge Kwame Rowe ruled in September that Ethan, now 17 years old, can be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for his crimes.





Original article source: Oxford High School shooter's parents to be tried separately after new witnesses come forward
FILE - LaTania "Janell" Carwell

The Augusta District Attorney's Office Special Victims Unit announced Wednesday the re-indictment of an Augusta couple accused of murdering their daughter.

Leon Lamar Tripp was originally charged with malice murder and other charges, while Tanya Faye Tripp was charged with second degree murder, according to a news release from the DA's office.

However, a "recent review of the evidence" led prosecutors to determine the couple acted in concert to cause the death and disappearance of their daughter, LaTania "Janell" Carwell.

The charges against Tanya Tripp were upgraded Tuesday to malice murder and felony murder.

The couple now faces the following charges:

Malice murder

Felony murder

Aggravated assault

Cruelty to children in the first degree

Concealing the death of another

Since the case is pending, Augusta District Attorney Jared T. Williams "is limited by the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct from making extra-judicial comments," according to the release.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Background on the Augusta murder case

Tanya Tripp reported her 16-year-old daughter, LaTania "Janell" Carwell, missing on April 17, 2017.

She told investigators her husband woke her up on the night before Janell's disappearance, saying he was taking her along with him to help a friend having car troubles, according to previous reporting. She said weeks had gone by since she had heard from either of them.

Leon Tripp married Tanya Tripp in 2015 and moved in with her and her daughters, according to previous reporting.

On May 23, 2017, Tanya and Leon Tripp were arrested together at a DeKalb County U-Haul facility, according to previous reporting.

Janell's remains were found in a grave behind a home on Golden Camp Road on March 8, 2018.

Previous reporting: Motion: Mother and stepfather sought killer before Augusta teens death

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Augusta DA re-indicts parents for murdering daughter
PASCO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)  A Pasco County road is closed Wednesday afternoon due to a gas leak near Odessa, according to the sheriffs office.

The area of Gunn Highway and Ashley Lakes Drive is closed.

Drivers should expect delays in the area or find an alternative route.

No other details were immediately available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
A womans threats on an American Airlines flight headed to Hawaii over wearing a face mask caused the captain to turn the plane around, according to federal prosecutors. Now, she owes the airline thousands of dollars.

Shortly after the plane took off from Phoenix, Arizona, a flight attendant told the woman she needed to wear a mask as part of the planes policy in place at the time on Feb. 13, 2022, court documents say.

The woman listened and put on her mask  but then removed it, her plea agreement says.

Afterward, shes accused of threatening and cursing at the flight crew and other passengers onboard, according to the plea agreement.

My behavior escalated to the point that air crew members were intimidated and unable to perform their duties, the plea agreement says.

When she was issued a written warning, the woman threw the paper down and yelled (expletive) it, according to the plea agreement.

The pilot rerouted the flight to Phoenix as a result, prosecutors said.

The woman, 29, of Hawaii, was sentenced to 3.6 months in prison, which is equivalent to time served, on a charge of interference with a flight crew, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Arizona announced in a Nov. 14 news release.

Shes also been ordered to pay American Airlines $38,952 in restitution, prosecutors said.

McClatchy News contacted a federal public defender, who represented her in the case, and American Airlines for comment on Nov. 15 and didnt receive immediate responses.

The amount the woman owes American Airlines in restitution is related to the flight delay costs that stemmed from her threats, according to prosecutors.

The disturbance caused several flights to be re-routed to Hawaii, prosecutors said in the release.

The woman was also sentenced to serve three years of supervised release, according to prosecutors.

During the three-year period, she cannot fly aboard a commercial plane, including any American Airlines flights, unless she gets approval to do so, prosecutors said.

Airline co-pilot threatens to shoot pilot over medical emergency diversion, feds say

Airline pilot faces 83 attempted murder charges after cockpit disturbance, officials say

Passenger gropes off-duty flight attendant asleep next to him on United flight, feds say

Man assaults 13-year-old on flight, says shell never see her family again, feds say
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.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Closing arguments began on Wednesday in the San Francisco trial of David DePape, who is facing federal kidnapping charges for an October 2022 break-in at the home of then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, which ended in her husband Paul being severly beaten with a hammer.

The case underscores the growing influence  and danger  of online conspiracies mixing with American politics. As The Independent reported at the time, the Paul Pelosi attack quickly became fodder for online conspiracies, ranging from the anonymous to Elon Musk.

Heres what you need to know.

Who is David DePape?

Mr DePape is a 43-year-old who was living in the Bay Area city of Richmond at the time of the attack, supporting himself with odd carpentry jobs.

David DePape (ONLINE_YES)

According to social media posts reviewed by The Independent, he appeared to have published an online blog expressing a range of transphobic, antisemitic and racist views, alongside conspiracy theories tied to Covid-19 and QAnon.

What is David DePape on trial for?

On 28 October, 2022, the 43-year-old broke into the Pelosis San Francisco mansion, according to both police and Mr DePapes own lawyers.

Once inside, he asked Mr Pelosi where his wife was, rambled about conspiracy theories, and later bludgeoned Mr Pelosi with a hammer as police arrived, according to body camera footage.

The then-82-year-old suffered a fractured skull and injuries to his arm and hands.

The Canadian is charged with attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on a federal officials immediate family member. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison. He has pleaded not guilty.

After his arrest, Mr DePape told police in a jailhouse interview he planned to capture Nancy Pelosi and interrogate her about various conspiracies and lies the assailant believed she was linked to.

Im not trying to get away with it. I know exactly what I did, he told police.

If she told the truth, I would let her go scott-free, he said in the recording. If she f***** lied, I was going to break her kneecaps.

The key arguments in the David DePape trial

The federal case hinges on whether officials can prove the 43-year-old attacked the Pelosis as a direct result of the House Speakers work in Congress, or as an attempt to impede, intimidate, interfere, or retaliate against her for it.

The 43-year-olds defence doesnt dispute that Mr DePape was the one who attacked Paul Pelosi; rather, they argue it wasnt because of Nancy Pelosis official role, but rather as part of a bizarre series of QAnon-esque conspiracy beliefs drawing in figures ranging from actor Tom Hanks to Hunter Biden, the presidents son.

You may think it is all lies, harmful lies that are in fact destroying the country. ... But the evidence in this trial will show that Mr DePape believes these things, he believes them with every ounce of his being, federal public defender Jodi Linker told jurors during opening arguments, according to The Los Angeles Times. He believes them firmly and completely, and it is these beliefs, wholly unrelated to Nancy Pelosis official duties to Congress, that propelled him to act that night.

DePapes lawyers he was fueled by a bizarre set of conspiracy theories, not any particular anger towards Nancy Pelosi and her family (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Prosecutors, meanwhile, have dismissed this argument, saying it was clear that Mr DePape went after the Pelosis because of the Speakers position.

It was a violent plan  a plan to kidnap Nancy Pelosi to hold her hostage, to break her kneecaps, to teach her a lesson, Assistant US Attorney Laura Vartain Horn told the court at the beginning of the trial, arguing DePape saw Ms Pelosi as evil, a liar and leader of the pack of a group of high-profile figures factoring into a conspiracy theory that drove the attack.

What has David DePape said in the trial so far?

On the stand, Mr DePape gave lengthy testimony on Tuesday, offering a mix of apologies and conspiratorial claims  at one point even crying as he said he the various elites in his conspiracy narrative would receive pardons.

The 43-year-old described his transition from holding left-leaning views, including a previous strong anti-Trump bias, to falling down the conspiracy rabbithole as he followed the Gamergate mass harassment campaign against women in the video games industry in the mid-2010s.

Later, he said, he began watching hours of right-wing commentary on YouTube a day and tuning into dispatches from figures like Tim Pool and James Lindsay. Eventually, he came to believe various unfounded claims about Donald Trump, and felt that, when it came to his mainstream media coverage, everything was a lie coming from the press.

Eventually, he testified, he decided to go after Ms Pelosi as a means of getting her to admit alleged lies and corruption. He told the jury his plan was not to kidnap her, but to interrogate her on camera in a unicorn costume.

The choice is on her, he said. Theres an alternate path to resolution that doesnt involve violence.

Federal prosecutors argue DePape targeted Paul and Nancy Pelosi because of the latters role in Congress (AP)

He also said he wanted to use the break-in to lure out a University of Michigan gender studies professor he came to believe was trying to turn our schools into paedophile molestation factories. Along the way, he also said he hoped to go after California governor Gavin Newsom because of his trampling [the] 2nd Amendment.

Despite eventually severely attacking Mr Pelosi, Mr DePape also expressed remorse for the hammer blows. The 43-year-old said he only went after the Pelosis to get my other targets.

"I felt really bad for him because we had a good rapport, and Paul was never a target, he testified, according to NBC News.

The intruder said he decided to hit Mr Pelosi once police arrived his plan was basically ruined.

When he was like on the ground breathing, I was really scared for his life, he added. And later in the hospital, I felt really bad for him, because we kind of had a really good rapport and things were going really good until the very last second.

What has Paul Pelosi testified?

On Monday, Paul Pelosi himself took the stand, describing his horror at finding an unidentified man standing in his house, asking for his wife.

It was a tremendous sense of 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 told the court, per The Associated Press.

He described how Mr DePape was clearly seeking Ms Pelosi.

We had some conversation with him saying she was the leader of the pack, he had to take her out, and that he was going to wait for her, Mr Pelosi said.

Mr Pelosi was able to call 911 as Mr DePape looked on, alerting police to the break-in.

Since the break-in, Mr Pelosi testified that he has tried to think about the traumatic incident as little as possible.

"I have not discussed this incident with anybody. And I have encouraged my family not to either," he said on Monday, according to CBS News. "I have tried to put it out of my mind. It wasnt until [the prosecutors] meeting with you and your associates that I talked about this. Ive made the best effort that I possibly can to not re-live this."

Why is this case significant?

In addition to the immediate, important task of the jury  evaluating the nature of an attack on a leading politicians spouse  the case is also symbolic of a larger conspiratorial nexus in the US between the online and political worlds.

The October break-in demonstrated the real-world impact of QAnon-style ideas, as well as the power of the internet to quickly muddle the factual record around a major news event.

AsThe Independent reported at the time, the Paul Pelosi attack quickly generated a string of unfounded conspiracies.

For instance, a since-retracted local news story that the intruder was found in his underwear spawned false claims Mr DePape and Mr Pelosi were secret lovers.

A report from The Gateway Pundit, meanwhile, claimed without substantive evidence that Mr DePapes lengthy, right-wing internet history was in fact a another far-left conjured-up lie.

Commentary from high-profile figures further accelerated the spread of this type of speculation.

Elon Musk, for example, told his millions of followers, There is a tiny possibility there might be more to this story than meets the eye.

The month after the attack on Paul Pelosi, Donald Trump Jr shared a now-deleted post included a picture of a pair underwear and a hammer, joking that he had his Paul Pelosi Halloween costume ready.

What other witnesses have joined the David DePape trial?

Law enforcement sources provided other testimony that helped fill in the record about what happened during the 28 October break-in.

FBI special agent Stephanie Minor, who helped investigate the attack, told the court how evidence showed Mr DePape began planning the break-in in August, buying body cameras, a USB stick, a backpack, and a sleeping bag.

A police officer, meanwhile, described the sickening sound of hearing the hammer hit Paul Pelosis skull.

Jurors were shown police body camera and surveillance video footage of the break-in.

What comes next?

Once jurors render a verdict for David DePape, he will move on to face a separate state trial, where he has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, residential burglary, among other charges.

A trial date for the state charges hasnt been set yet.

Alex Woodward contributed reporting to this story.
Flame flickers and striped flags filled the Flex Theatre of the HUB-Robeson Center Tuesday night as community members gathered for the Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil hosted by the Penn State Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity (CSGD).

Transgender Day of Remembrance was established after the Nov. 28, 1998 murder of transgender Black woman Rita Hester in Boston. Typically observed on Nov. 20, the event was held Tuesday night to prevent conflicts with Penn States Thanksgiving break. The day serves to raise public awareness about hate crimes against transgender people and honor the lives of those who might otherwise be forgotten, according to the CSGD.

Pink and blue lights scattered across the dark room as H. Melts Prayer for My Trans Siblings, Keath Silvas A Message for Trans Kids, and Theresa L. Sotos Your stories belong to you were read aloud to teary-eyed students and staff, reminders of what the LBGTQ+ community has lost and what they have to fight for.

The poem Your stories belong to you is read during the Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil in the HUB on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. Abby Drey/adrey@centredaily.com

Between Oct. 1, 2022 and Sept. 30, 320 transgender and gender-diverse people were reported murdered, according to the Trans Murder Monitoring 2023 Global Update, the annual report of the number of homicides against trans and gender-diverse people worldwide collected by Transgender Europe (TGEU). Student workers from the CSGD read the names of the hundreds of transgender and gender-diverse people who died in the past year.

CSGD Director Sonya Wilmoth said all of their stories serve as stark reminders of the work that remains to be done in the fight for transgender rights and equality. She said Tuesdays vigil served as a reminder of the urgent need for change in our society and the work that remains to be be done in the fight for transgender rights and equality.

We are not here solely to mourn, but to draw strength from one another and renew our dedication to creating a more inclusive and accepting world, Wilmoth said.

Photos of those from the transgender community who lost their lives this year are displayed during the Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil in the HUB on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. Abby Drey/adrey@centredaily.com

CSGD program coordinator Ryan Strohl, a transgender man and graduate student at Penn State, organized the vigil and said it provided him the opportunity to organize a community space for gender-diverse individuals and call allies into the room.

JT Thomas, a student staff member with the CSGD, said the vigil helped them find resilience, strength and community. Thomas, who uses they/them pronouns, said they identify as genderqueer.

When we think about the LGBTQ community, a lot of the focus is on the G and on the L, Thomas said. Having spaces like this where transgender voices are elevated is really important.

Strohl said allies can help simply by showing up to events like Tuesdays vigil and asking questions to willing participants. He suggested the CSGD office, located in room 011 of the lower level of the HUB-Robeson Center, as one safe space to ask questions.

Despite the solemn nature of the event, Strohl said he didnt want those who attended the vigil to leave feeling hopeless. Coming together and recognizing everyone affected helps community members keep the hope for a better future alive, he said.

Thats what we, as a (transgender) community, need right now, Strohl said, hope that things can change.

Sophie Kandler, who is also a student staff member with the CSGD, agreed.

Dark as these days may be, there is hope, Kandler said.

Penn State graduate student Sophie Kandler speaks during the Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil in the HUB on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. Abby Drey/adrey@centredaily.com

Kandler, a transgender woman and graduate student at Penn State, said Tuesdays vigil served to honor not just those who were named, but also, those whose names we will never know.

How many transgender people died and were then misgendered by the police, doctors, reporters and their families? Kandler said. How many took their own lives never telling a soul about the pain that dysphoria inflicted upon their life?

According to data collected by TGEU, 94% of the 320 trans and gender-diverse people reported murdered between Oct. 1, 2022 and Sept. 30, 2023 were trans women.

As a trans woman herself, Kandler said shes lost friends to suicide and murder. She read the name of a friend who was murdered during last years vigil, and said the vigil allows her to honor the friends shes lost.

This isnt about me, its about them, Kandler said. Im just honored to be a part of it.

Kandler also highlighted the story of F.L. Bubba Copeland, the Republican mayor of Smiths Station, Alabama; pastor at First Baptist Church of Phenix City; and 49-year-old father of three who committed suicide last week after 1819 News  a news website once owned by the conservative think tank, the Alabama Policy Institute published pictures of him wearing womens clothing and makeup. Under the pseudonym Brittini Blaire Summerlin, Copeland posted photos and explicit content on social media.

(Copeland) begged the website not to do this, but, as always, the cruelty is the point, Kandler said. And they doxed Brittini anyway.

Strohl emphasized that Tuesday nights vigil  along with future events the CSGD hosts  wasnt just for members of the LGBTQ+ community. He said most, if not all of the events the CSGD hosts are open to everyone and provide those who attend with a chance to learn about different perspectives.

Kandler added that those who want to support the LGBTQ+ community can do so by introducing themselves with their name and pronouns, instead of just their name. She said speaking up for transgender people when theyre not present also helps tremendously.

When I introduce myself, I say, My name is Sophie, she/her, Kandler said.

Strohl urged those who consider themselves allies in State College to make their presence as an ally visible at Penn State.

Students take note of whos in the room and whos missing, he said. If you dont know something, ask questionsand be willing to learn.

By creating a more inclusive and accepting environment, Kandler said allies provide LGBTQ+ community members with the strength to go on when everything seems bleak.

You give us hope, Kandler said about the cisgender allies who join their transgender community members in their fight for equality. The hope that some way, somehow things will get better.

While she emphasized uplifting trans voices, Kandler said the combination of trans and cisgender community members is especially powerful.

We have community, but to actually heal, we need outside help, Kandler said. We need people to understand one basic fact above the others  that we too are human.

TransLivesMatter hosts a collection of resources observing Transgender Day of Remembrance, including a slide show, memorial cards and a complete list of all 392 transgender people who died between Oct. 1, 2022 and Sept. 30. According to TransLivesMatter, as of Tuesday 33 transgender people have died since Oct. 1  26 of whom because of violence. The interactive map shows exactly where the homicides occurred.

The CSGD can be found on Org Central, Instagram and listserve. Additional resources can be found at the National Center for Transgender Equality and the Campus Pride Trans Policy Clearinghouse.
Pennsylvania officials are warning businesses that scammers are soliciting payment and booth reservations for a fake event.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry and Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding say the scammers are promoting a Winter Farm Expo from Jan. 6-7 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center. The scammers request payments to reserve vendor space.

State officials say no such event is scheduled at the Farm Show Complex.

Scammers are creative in their endeavors to prey on people to make a profit, Henry said. It is frustrating to see a scam like this surface and potentially tarnish a longstanding attraction event like the Pennsylvania Farm Show. Do not allow yourselves to be fooled: do your research before signing paperwork or sending payment.

The 2024 Pennsylvania Farm Show is actually being held on Jan 6-13. Click here for additional information.

Anyone who thinks theyve been a victim of this scam can file a complaint with the Bureau of Consumer Protection online or by calling 1-800-441-2555.

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HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)  The Pennsylvania Senate has approved funding and additional transparency requirements for state universities, which include Penn State, University of Pittsburgh, Temple University, Lincoln University, and Penn College of Technology.

The bill passed Wednesday would supply Penn State, Pitt, and Temple with funding matching last years levels. Lincoln and Penn College of Technology would receive increases of $3,235,000.

Funding in the bill, which passed 45-5, is directed to provide tuition discounts for in-state students.

A second bill, which passed unanimously, thats part of the university package would require transparency from state universities that includes providing additional information in their annual Right-to-Know filings, including information related to contracts, financial statements, faculty, compensation, enrollment, courses, and meeting minutes.

The bills will go back to the House Rules Committee for review after a change was made after the House previously voted to approve them.

Many of us disagree with some of the actions at the state-related universities, said Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward. However, this funding benefits students and families directly by reducing in-state tuition and we need to assist them.

This is a consensus product, and I am pleased the governor has committed in writing to sign both pieces of legislation we have advanced. The investment we are making will support students and prepare our workforce for tomorrow, while at the same time will bring greater transparency to our state-related universities, Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman said. Be assured our work to implement greater transparency does not end here. We will continue to push for more clarity when providing appropriations for next year as well.

As an obligation to taxpayers whose money we are investing, our primary goal in funding higher education should be to give an opportunity for students to further their education, job skills, and credentialing to graduate and move on to family-sustaining careers and financial success, preferably in Pennsylvania, and meet workforce needs in our Commonwealth. We must continue to move closer to a performance-based model that meets that goal, while also finding ways we can be more attractive to potential students from other states to make Pennsylvania their home. That is the best way we can reverse the troubling economic and demographic trends weve seen in recent years and encourage more graduates to get jobs here, start families here, and build their lives here, Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
The Pentagon said Tuesday that there have been 56 attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria since Oct. 17, with 59 U.S. personnel getting injured with either traumatic brain injury (TBI) or non-serious injuries.

Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh provided the update to reporters, saying of the 59 U.S. personnel who were injured, 32 were listed with injuries in the non-serious category, while the other 27 individuals suffered from TBI.

IRAN-BACKED HOUTHIS SHOOT DOWN US MQ-9 REAPER DRONE OFF COAST OF YEMEN

U.S. defense officials tell Fox News there have now been 56 attacks from Iranian-proxy forces on U.S. forces since Oct. 17, 2023.

American troops in Iraq and Syria have been repeatedly attacked by groups likely backed by Iran.

Last week, the Iranian-backed Houthis shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone near the Yemini Coast.

The drone was reportedly surveilling Yemen when a Houthi militia fired at the equipment, estimated to cost about $30 million.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

IRANIAN SHADOW MILITIAS TARGET US, ISRAEL IN MIDDLE EAST: REPORT

American troops in Iraq and Syria have been repeatedly attacked by groups likely backed by Iran, according to the Pentagon.

Since the drone was shot down, the U.S. has not responded, and the Houthis have threatened to act against Israeli ships in the Red Sea.

A reporter asked Singh about the lack of response by the U.S. military, and whether it was inviting more aggressive action from the Houthis.

"I wouldnt say that its inviting more aggressive or further response from the Houthis. Weve seen the Houthis do this before," Singh said. "Weve seen one of our MQ-9s shot down before in the past. Im not saying that were not going to respond. We always reserve the right to respond at a time and place of our choosing."

MIDDLE EAST PAYING PRICE OF BIDEN WHITE HOUSE REMOVING HOUTHIS FROM TERRORIST LIST, EXPERTS SAY

Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh

She reiterated that the U.S. goal is to contain the conflict between Israel and Hamas to Gaza, which is where it has remained.

"I think weve been pretty clear in our message when it comes to deterrence, and we havent seen this conflict widen out," Singh added.

But she was pressed further, as the U.S. goal of deterrence did not appear to be having any effect on the Houthis, who continue to fire missiles and threaten ships.

"You have to remember that one of our ships did act when the Houthis did fire missiles that were headed toward Israel. We did engage in that. We did bring those down," Singh said. "We have a very robust presence in the region right now that is sending, I think, a very strong message of deterrence."





Original article source: Pentagon confirms 56 attacks on US troops in Iraq and Syria since Oct. 17
WASHINGTON  The Pentagons counter-drone office is making headway on pushing new capabilities as the military services and combatant commands adopt the technology, its director said.

Several technologies that will help the U.S. military combat the rising drone threat are no longer just under evaluation in demonstrations in western test ranges but are now being procured by the services and used by units in every combatant command, Maj. Gen. Sean Gainey, the Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office director, told a Center for Strategic and International Studies event on Nov. 14.

The Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office, or JCO, established in 2019 to coordinate counter-UAS development, doctrine, organization, and training across the force, has held five demonstrations aimed at looking at various capabilities to tackle the complex and varying drone threats observed on the battlefield from cheap, hand-held devices to low-collateral interceptors to high-powered microwave capabilities.

Army gets first high-power microwave prototype to counter drone swarms

The first demonstration held in April 2021 at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona was focused on low-collateral interceptors.

The demonstration made it possible for the JCO to identify readily available capability. The office narrowed down the pool of low-collateral interceptors to five vendors and passed that group to the Air Force along with funding to continue evaluation and demonstration from those vendors, Gainey explained.

The plan now is to conduct a final fly-off in the February or March timeframe, Gainey said. Following the fly-off, each service will be able to choose from a list of recommended vendors for capabilities that fit service-specific requirements.

At the same time, once a capability identified in demonstrations has reached a required safety threshold for soldier use, the JCO sends the systems into combatant commands. Every service has a low-collateral capability inside every COCOM right now testing now and providing that feedback to the Air Force, Gainey said.

The strategy allows the services to get capability out in the field rather than waiting until everything is fully baked and feedback is used to aid development of technology that continues to address evolving threats, he explained.

The JCO has used a similar method to transition laser weapons designed to defeat small drones from development into procurement, Gainey said. The office is funding the Air Force and Army to take directed energy weapons from 10-kilowatts, 20-kilowatts and eventually 50-kilowatts into theater to operationally assess the various systems and make recommendations.

Capability will then transition to the services to each buy systems at scale with their own procurement funding, according to Gainey.

While the JCO has a process to move technologies identified through demonstration out of development and into fielded systems, a CSIS report released Nov. 14 recommended Congress and Defense Department leadership should consider modifications to JCOs authorities and relation to service acquisition agencies to improve the requirements process and acquisition timelines.

While the JCO has worked for several years to identify, demonstrate and refine capability across the counter-drone industry, the services will play a larger role in institutionalizing counter-UAS capability across the force, the report states.

Questions remain as to whether they will accept systems supported by the JCO or develop their own unique platforms more suited for their specific needs, as well as how such needs will be prioritized against other service needs, the report states.

The JCO could be empowered, the report suggests, with an authority requirement recognized by the Joint Capabilities Integration Development Systems (JCIDS) that is broad enough to be effective for immediate C-sUAS needs.

With that authority, the office should still coordinate closely with service leadership to satisfy unique service requirements and avoid overlapping too much with other requirement generation bodies, the report recommends.
New York state sued PepsiCo, arguing the company's use of single-use plastics harms the Buffalo River and constitutes a 'public nuisance' (JUSTIN SULLIVAN)

New York state sued PepsiCo on Wednesday, pointing to the soda giant's plastic waste as a scourge of waterways and blasting the company's "misleading" statements on the environment.

The civil suit, filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James in the state Supreme Court, seeks a finding that PepsiCo contributed to a "public nuisance" in the Buffalo River; the imposition of financial penalties and compensatory damages on the company; and an order that PepsiCo cease the sale of single-use plastic on goods that do not warn of the environmental ills.

"All New Yorkers have a basic right to clean water, yet PepsiCo's irresponsible packaging and marketing endanger Buffalo's water supply, environment, and public health," James said in a statement.

"No one should have to worry about plastics in their drinking water, plastic garbage littering their scenic riverfront, or plastic pollution harming wildlife."

PepsiCo said the company is "serious" about plastic reduction and has been "transparent" in its efforts.

"This is a complex issue and requires involvement from a variety of stakeholders, including businesses, municipalities, waste-reduction providers, community leaders and consumers," a PepsiCo spokesperson said.

"PepsiCo has been working in New York to address the needs of communities, including advocating for New York bottle bill improvements and extended producer responsibility bills. We have worked effectively with a variety of communities across the country and remain committed to doing so."

A survey by James' office found that PepsiCo's plastic packaging was by far the greatest source of Buffalo River plastic pollution, three times as abundant as the next contributor (McDonald's), according to the suit.

The plastics "cause wide-ranging harms to the public and New York State," said the suit, which points to the presence of microplastics in both humans and fish.

Health-related problems "include early puberty in females, reduced sperm counts, altered functions of reproductive organs, obesity, altered sex-specific behaviors and increased rates of some kinds of cancers," said the suit.

The lawsuit acknowledges company statements pledging action to reduce plastic pollution, but depicts PepsiCo as repeatedly falling short of pledges.

Further, the suit says PepsiCo has not chosen alternatives to single-use plastics to any significant degree in the New York market. In contrast, PepsiCo has announced refillable and returnable glass and plastic programs in international markets including Mexico and Germany, according to the suit.

jmb/caw/st
A pet food recall is underway after people got sick from touching it.

The CDC says most of those patients are infants.

The products, manufactured by Mid America Pet Food, are linked to seven salmonella cases in seven states. Although Washington isnt reportedly among those with reported cases, select brands are sold at pet stores across the state as well as online.

The brands included in the recall are Victor, Wayne Feeds, Eagle Mountain, and Members Mark.

Dog and cat owners are asked to throw away the recalled food in a sealed bag, and clean surfaces and items like pet bowls that may have touched the food.
A public meeting has been held to "re-assure" households after a spate of arson attacks on city residents' bins.

On Tuesday, about 50 people in Hampton, Peterborough voiced their concerns with the fire service, police and city councillors.

People said they felt "anxious and worried it could end badly" after six bin fires since May.

Det Insp Mike Jackman from Cambridgeshire Police said "it was a positive meeting".

In one of the more serious incidents, bins were set alight in Silver Hill in Hampton Hargate in the early hours of 8 November and the blaze spread near to gas mains, leading to about 30 people being evacuated from their homes.

Conservative councillor for Hampton Vale, Marco Cereste, said "something needs to be done".

"We must not undervalue the seriousness of these incidents. These bin stores that are being set on fire are normally stored under block of flats and if it gets out of hand it could lead to serious loss of lives," he said.

"The meeting was well attended but residents are very upset. I would ask them to keep reporting anything suspicious. We all need to work together to tackle this issue."

Det Insp Jackman said the force was "carrying out more active patrols in the area".

"We have got a dedicated team looking at this and we are trying to find out who did it and bring them to justice. We are also looking at a preventative approach," he said.

"We want to work with public, knock on doors. We want people to feel safe. We want people to look out windows and see a local policing presence in the area."

The police said they were working with Neighbourhood Watch teams and were relying on them to be their "eyes and ears" and encourage reporting of anything suspicious.

Alan Paul Neighbourhood watch chair said: "People wanted reassurances which police provided last night. But they are still quite anxious.

"We are doing local training and encouraging more people to join the neighbourhood watch. so we can help police fight this."

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
OLIVE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  A petition to recall Ottawa County Commissioner Lucy Ebel has received enough signatures to be included on the May ballot, election officials say.

To be included, the petition needed 2,481 signatures. The Ottawa County Clerks Office told News 8 it verified 2,653 signatures. Election officials completed their review Tuesday.

Group submitting signatures to recall Ottawa County Commissioner Ebel

Ebel, who represents Holland Township and Park Township, is among several conservative commissioners backed by conservative political action committee Ottawa Impact who took office early this year. That includes Commission Chair Joe Moss, who helped found Ottawa Impact.

Petition organizers said in a release that Ebel and Ottawa Impact are too extreme.

The recall election will be a referendum on Ottawa Impact, Larry Jackson of Park Township, who is leading the effort to recall Ebel and who is listed as the treasurer for the Ottawa County Democrats, said in a statement. The malicious actions of Lucy Ebel, Joe Moss, and the other Ottawa Impact commissioners continue to cause harm to the citizens of Ottawa County.

Jackson cited Ottawa Impacts efforts to oust Administrative Health Officer Adeline Hambley, the boards budget that decreased funding to the health department and burning taxpayer money on expensive legal counsel.

Still no vote: Ottawa County board pauses health officer removal hearing again

The clerks office said Ebel has until Nov. 23 to submit challenges.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Hyde Park Villages first hotel is a 36-guest room hideaway with a vintage, European feel that still honors Floridas colorful and warm personality.

Palihouse Hyde Park Village, located at 1509 W Swann Avenue, opened on Wednesday.

Tampa hotel named one of the most incredible in the world

Hyde Park is noted as the most revered destination neighborhood in Tampa and with Hyde Park Villages innate charm and sense of style, we knew it was a natural fit for a Palihouse hotel, said Avi Brosh, founder and CEO of Palisociety. We particularly covet finding unexpected properties in communities where we can create a unique and creative new aesthetic and vision for the area that feels like a natural extension of its existing appeal.

Courtesy of Palisociety

Courtesy of Palisociety

Courtesy of Palisociety

Courtesy of Palisociety

Courtesy of Palisociety

Courtesy of Palisociety

Courtesy of Palisociety

Inside the hotel, youll find a a moody lobby lounge with a cafe and bar, where guests can enjoy coffee, classic cocktails, beer and wine.

Much of the hotel consists of generously-sized guest rooms with soft French grey-colored walls and wood furnishings, featuring kitchenettes and custom dining tables.

Gallery art walls, brass Waterworks fixtures, and bespoke library seating give each room character.

Treat your skin this Fall at The Spa at Tampa EDITION

The rooms other features include Diptyque bath amenities, Bellino fine linens, Nespresso coffee machines, Smeg mini fridges and carefully-curated mini bars.

Hyde Park Village has long been a beloved destination in Tampa and the addition of Palihouse completes the picture, stated Samantha David, President of WS Development. Palisociety is an industry leader for creating boutique hotels that are original and charming with distinctive and thoughtful amenities and a remarkable attention to detail; always designing with the neighborhood in mind. We could not be more excited about our partnership and the experience it will deliver to our guests.

Guests can book their stay at palisociety.com. For more information, visit the hotels website or follow @palisociety.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Things quickly got heated in an interview between Piers Morgan and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) after the British media personality confronted his guest about her support for a crazy conspiracy theory and Donald Trumps election lies.

Greene appeared on Piers Morgan Uncensored this week to promote her forthcoming book  which she mentioned so frequently that at one point Morgan told her shed plugged it enough.

Toward the start of the interview, Morgan asked Greene about the complete gobbledygook she wrote in a 2018 Facebook post speculating that a laser linked to the Rothschilds, a prominent Jewish family often targeted in antisemitic conspiracy theories, had started wildfires in California.

Greene insisted that was a lie about me because her post didnt explicitly use the phrase Jewish space laser, which people often use as shorthand to describe the conspiracy theory.

Morgan said hed read the post carefully and thats what she had described.

She insisted he was twisting her words.

You have to just accept what you wrote yourself, dont you? Morgan pushed back. You deleted it. You obviously were embarrassed by it.

They clashed again when Greene complained about people serving prison time for their involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

I know what I witnessed with my own eyes, and it was a huge, violent mob, Morgan said of the deadly riot.

Oh, were you here? Greene asked.

Morgan also asked the congresswoman if she still believes the 2020 election was stolen, despite a complete lack of evidence.

Piers, youre not even a voter in our country, Greene shot back.

To wrap up, Morgan asked Greene what would happen if Trump is convicted of one of the many criminal charges he faces. The former president and Republican presidential front-runner has been indicted four times on a total of 91 felony counts.

Will he be president from a prison cell? Morgan queried.

Green replied, Absolutely, people are going to vote for him even if he is in jail. I would vote for him even if hes in jail.

Watch the combative exchange below.

Related...
Piping plovers are showing signs of recovery from major population losses in the state of Massachusetts. Theyre listed as threatened in Massachusetts, due to habitat loss from increasing human impacts. According to Mass Audubon , theyve identified roughly 1,145 breeding pairs nesting in the state this year. When the organization first started to monitor and protect the species in 1986, there were less than 200 breeding pairs in the Bay State. Thats a 500 percent increase in three decades.

[Related: Remembering Monty and Rose, the Chicago shorebirds that became the face of a movement .]

"While Piping Plovers remain a federally threatened species, this season's data shows that these iconic birds are making real progress toward recovery in Massachusetts," Mass Audubon officials wrote in a statement . "Massachusetts Piping Plover populations have recovered at a faster rate than those of most other states along the Atlantic Seaboard. As a result, approximately 50% of Piping Plovers worldwide now nest in Massachusetts. That makes coastal conservation even more important in our statewe're responsible for safeguarding a huge portion of this threatened species' worldwide population."

Piping plovers are small migratory shorebirds that nest in sand and gravel beaches and mudflats across North America. There are three main populations of the endangered birds. One lives along the shores of the Great Lakes, one in the lakes and rivers of the Northern Great Plains, and another along the Atlantic coast. These roughly six to seven inch tall birds eat marine mollusks, beetles, worms, fly larvae, crustaceans, and other small marine animals. Piping plovers have a tendency to run for a short distance, stop, and then tilt forward to pull an insect or worm up from the sand. Raccoons, skunks, and foxes are their primary natural predators.

Their main threat is habitat loss. According to the US Fish & Wildlife Service , human development on beaches has reduced the amount of suitable areas for the birds to spend the winter months. Disturbance by humans and domestic animals like cats and dogs can also force migrating and wintering birds to expend unnecessary energy, which can lead breeding plovers to abandon their nests and young.

They have been listed as endangered or threatened since 1985 and piping plovers living in other states are also seeing some success and cautious optimism.

In Maine , breeding pairs increased for the sixth consecutive year. Maine Audubon saw 157 breeding pairs in 2023, with some new nesting areas. However, the chick survival rate was the lowest since 2007.

[Related: Endangered sea turtles build hundreds of nests on the Outer Banks .]

When monitoring an endangered species population, it is always good to proceed with caution. Despite an increase in our breeding pairs, the low fledge rate we saw this summer could be a cause for concern, Maine Audubon wrote in a press release . Piping Plovers migrate as far south as Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean for the winter, then have to make the trek all the way back up to Maine for the breeding season. A lot of variables are at play that are in natures hands during these long migrations.

In the Midwest , 80 unique breeding pairs were counted across all five Great Lakes with a total of 85 nests. There are eight more pairs than 2022 and and the most since the species was first added to the federal Endangered Species List. Scientists with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa in High Island, Michigan have been monitoring the islands plovers as they nest and fledge for two decades.

This is the best year that weve had for monitoring as far as the total number of adults observed and the number of nests and chicks produced, Bill Parsons, a scientist in the tribes natural resources department, told MLive in August . Weve definitely, over that 20 years, seen that the population is slowly, incrementally successful, but were nowhere near the target for rehabilitation of the population.

Some general ways to help protect piping plovers include reporting nest locations to state or federal wildlife officials, keeping dogs on a leash during walks to protect nests, and leaving any driftwood or algae found on beaches for the birds.
The Horse, not pictured here, escaped as the plane cruised at 30,000ft (file photo)

A Boeing 747 cargo jet has been forced to turn around, after a horse escaped from its stall and caused chaos as the plane cruised at 30,000ft (9,144m).

The plane was headed to Belgium from New York but did a U-turn roughly 90 minutes after its departure when the animal got loose.

Air traffic control audio recorded the pilot saying: "We have a live animal, a horse, on board the airplane. The horse managed to escape."

"We cannot get the horse back secured."

The pilot flying Air Atlanta Icelandic flight 4592 told air traffic control the plane was fine but that the horse on the loose was the concern.

He then requested a veterinarian meet the aircraft once it landed back at John F Kennedy International Airport.

As the plane made its way back during the incident last Thursday, the pilot said he needed to dump 20 tonnes of fuel, "east of Nantucket", a popular enclave for the rich near Massachusetts.

The plane had to dump the fuel due to the plane's weight.

It remains unclear how the horse Houdini-ed its way out, but it was unrestrained when the plane landed at the airport.

"Do you require assistance?" air traffic control asked the pilot after the plane arrived.

"On the ground, negative" the pilot replied. "On the ramp, yes. We have a horse in problem, in difficulty."

The flight took off later in the same day and successfully arrived at Liege Airport on Friday morning, according to FlightRadar24.

Air Atlanta Icelandic did not immediately respond to the BBC's request for comment.

Why the horse was being transported also remains unknown.

One of the more common reasons is the transportation of race horses, according to experts.

"You have a first class, a business class, and the economy," one source told CNN, referring to the different size container options available for the animals.

This latest incident was not the first time an animal escaped its cargo stall while onboard an airplane.

In August, a bear freed itself from its crate on an Iraqi Airways flight headed from Dubai to Baghdad, the Associated Press reported.
A cargo plane on its way to Belgium abruptly had to turn back around to New York City after a horse got loose from its crate on board.

The Boeing 747 operated by charter airline Air Atlanta Icelandic was in the air for less than 30 minutes on Thursday when it was forced to return to JFK Airport, according to local news station WABC-TV.

The plane had flown up to around 31,000 feet when the crew contacted air traffic control to report that the horse had escaped from its stall and couldnt be contained.

We are a cargo plane with a live animal, a horse, on board, the pilot said, according to air traffic control audio. The horse has broken out of its stall. Theres no issue with flying, but we need to go back to New York as we cant re-secure the horse.

The pilot, who was headed to Liege Airport, went on to request a vet for the animal upon the planes return to JFK because we have a horse in difficulty.

The unidentified pilot didnt specify whether the animal had sustained any injuries during the wild incident.

The crew also had to dump 20 tons of fuel 10 miles west of Marthas Vineyard, on its way back to the airport, due to the planes weight.

Reps for Air Atlanta Icelandic didnt immediately respond to HuffPost for comment.

Its unclear how the horse was able to break loose from its cage. It remained unrestrained until the plane landed at JFK, according to the audio.

A similar incident happened in August when a bear on an Iraqi aircraft managed to escape from a crate in the cargo hold, leaving passengers fuming over the flight delay.

An Iraqi Airways official told The Associated Press that the furry animal was being transported to the Iraqi capital during the time. The bear was eventually sedated and taken off the plane by specialists, the airline said.

Related...
A large new River District public housing complex will not get a light rail station anytime soon, a group of local elected officials decided Monday in a 6-5 vote.

Sacramento City Council members Katie Valenzuela, Caity Maple, Rick Jennings and Sean Loloee, as well as County Supervisor Phil Serna voted in support of building the station, at North 12th Street and Richard Boulevard, during Mondays Regional Transit board meeting. County Supervisors Patrick Kennedy and Pat Hume, as well as Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen, Rancho Cordova Mayor Linda Budge, Citrus Heights councilman Bret Daniels, and Folsom councilman Mike Kozlowski voted against it.

Several of those who voted no said it was too expensive, and worried about what other services would be cut in other disadvantaged areas in order to fund it. It would cost RT about $9.2 million of its own dollars to build the $43 million station, according to a staff presentation Monday. The majority of the funds would be covered by state sources, including an effort by state Sen. Angelique Ashby, D-Sacramento.

Kennedy said he had lost sleep over the decision. He said RT is talking about instead adding a bus stop closer to the public housing complex, called Mirasol Village.

We are after all a transit district not a light rail district, Kennedy said. This love affair with light rail just confounds me when we do have a great bus system.

But Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency La Shelle Dozier said that delaying the building of the station is how the community got to how it is today, in an industrial area just north of downtown, cut off from the rest of the city. SHRA recently finished a $300 million renovation of the development. With 487 mixed-income units, its likely the largest affordable housing community in the region. And a light rail stop was supposed to come with it, Dozier said.

A key part of this thing is transportation, and that light rail station was always a part of that vision, Dozier told the board ahead of the vote, in an impassioned plea. It was always a promise we made to the residents. Its how we got the (Strategic Growth Council) to buy into our vision to put $17 million on the table And now for us to be talking about doing something different, it really is heartbreaking to me because it has been my lifes work.

Several Mirasol Village residents said at the meeting that the existing bus stops are too far and the service do not come frequently enough to get them to work and school. One mom said she chose to move her family back in to the Mirasol Village unit after it was renovated purely because of the promised light rail.

The board voted instead to move forward with implementing robust bus service, including adding electric buses in the area of Mirasol Village, while pursuing grant funding for the station in the future.

In the meantime the closest light rail station is a 15 minute walk, at 12th and E streets. Dozier said many families with young children can be seen making that walk daily, including under the train tracks. She said the improved bus service will take 18 months, and will not be permanent, whereas a light rail station would have been.

During a council meeting Tuesday, Mayor Darrell Steinberg said efforts are still ongoing to find a way to build the station.

Theres still a lot of advocacy to be had here, Steinberg said. The last word has not been spoken.
Chesterton Recreation Ground toilets were among few facilities that were clean and accessible in a BBC check

Public toilets in a city are dirty, inaccessible or in general need of repair, the BBC has found.

Cambridge City Council is responsible for 14 toilet facilities across the city, but checks found few were up to scratch.

One worker said the Jesus Green public toilets were "disgusting" and often drew complaints.

The authority said loos were "inspected on a weekly basis for maintenance purposes along with regular visits".

A council spokesperson added that teams visited each site to clean them "two to three times each day."

"We encourage residents and visitors to report any issues with public toilets to us as soon as possible so they can be addressed," they said.

Inside the toilets on Jesus Green, Cambridge. A local worker described the facilities as "disgusting"

Paul Kinnear, who works opposite the public toilets at a snack cabin on Jesus Green in Cambridge, said people often complained about them.

"It's probably the most beautiful park in Cambridge - with the worst toilets I've ever seen," he said.

"Everyone who comes out here complains to us thinking it's ours, but it's not.

"They're never clean. They're just horrible."

He said that the facilities were cleaned, but added: "It only takes two minutes and they're rotten again".

The BBC visited all 14 toilets listed on the council's website and found a number were either in need of repair, unclean or inaccessible.

Chesterton Recreation Ground toilets were one of the few that were clean and accessible.

The council said: "Some of our toilets operate on reduced hours during the winter months, as they have very low footfall during this period.

"Where possible, we try to keep nearby toilets open when closing others, so that residents and visitors can still have good access to public toilets across the city.

"We have committed to investing 625,000 to complete upgrades which will offer residents and visitors better facilities."

Raymond Martin, managing director of the British Toilet Association, has been campaigning for 24 years to get more toilets installed around the country.

"Toilets are about health and wellbeing, equality, public decency and safety," he said.

"Around 50-60% have been closed, locked up or sold off.

"Councils have the toilets, they need them but don't have the money to clean them. They are just declining."

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
FILE - Police patrol past a graffiti reading "Justice for Nahel" as youths gather on Concorde square during a protest in Paris, France, Friday, June 30, 2023. A police officer in France being investigated in the killing in June of a 17-year-old of North African origin that touched off riots has been freed from jail while the investigation continues, it was announced Wednesday, Nov. 15. (AP Photo/Lewis Joly, File)

PARIS (AP)  A police officer being investigated in the killing of a 17-year-old of North African origin that touched off riots around France was freed from jail Wednesday while the probe continues.

The prosecutors office in the Paris suburb of Nanterre, where Nahel Merzouk was shot, said magistrates concluded that continued detention of the motorcycle officer no longer fulfills the legal criteria for which he was held.

The officer, who has been identified only as Florian M., was jailed June 29, two days after Merzouk was killed.

The teenager was shot during a traffic stop in Nanterre. Video showed two officers at the window of the Mercedes the youth was driving, one with his gun pointed at the teenager. As the car pulled forward, the officer fired once.

The officer was given a preliminary charge of voluntary homicide, which means there must be further investigation before an eventual decision to put him on trial.

The judges on Wednesday ordered the police officer to stay out of Nanterre and forbade him from possessing a weapon or having contact with witnesses or civil parties in the case, the prosecutor's office said. He must regularly report to authorities.

Lawyers for the officer had made pleas for his release, but all were turned down until a new demand a week ago.

The riots again highlighted the frustration of many residents of poor suburbs in France with a high rate of people of immigrant origin.

The rioting was driven by a mainly teenage backlash against a French state that many with immigrant roots say routinely discriminates against them.

___

This version corrects the spelling of the last name to Merzouk.
Winter Springs police just released a still from surveillance footage that shows missing woman Shakeira Rucker with her estranged husband the night she disappeared.

Police said footage captured Rucker with Cory Hill, who has been named a person of interest in her disappearance, at a Polk County restaurant on the evening of Saturday, Nov. 11. On Wednesday, members of her family searched the area near the restaurant hoping for clues.

Police said Ruckers children last saw her leaving her Winter Springs home at about 7:30 p.m. Saturday with Hill.

Police said footage captured Rucker with Cory Hill, who has been named a person of interest in her disappearance, in Polk County

Read: Records show missing womans estranged husband served time for murder in Virginia

Police said Ruckers family has not seen or heard from her since Saturday, and they believe she could be in danger.

If you know anything or see anything, please say something. I just want my mom, Ruckers daughter Mikayla Johnson said Wednesday.

Shortly after 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Orange County deputies said they responded to a report that Hill approached another woman and her family members with a gun and fired shots.

Deputies said Hill fled that scene and was later arrested by Mount Dora police on charges of attempted murder.

Police said Shakeira Ruckers children last saw her leaving her Winter Springs home at about 7:30 p.m. Saturday with Cory Hill, her estranged husband, to an unknown destination.

Read: Winter Springs police continues search for missing mom, estranged husband in jail

Channel 9 has been digging into Cory Hills court records and confirmed Hill was sentenced with second-degree murder back in 1993. Hill was sentenced to 20 years in a Virginia jail on those charges.

Police said Hill, who is currently being held in the Orange County Jail on the attempted murder charges, has refused to speak to detectives about Ruckers disappearance. Investigators said Winter Springs police are working with FDLE, Mount Dora police, and Polk, Orange and Seminole County deputies to look for information related to Ruckers disappearance.

Were going to be optimistic, and were going to keep pouring everything we can to hopefully have some answers, said Cpt. Doug Seely with Winter Springs police.

Read: Family, friends to remember 5-year-old girl killed in hit-and-run crash in Orlando

Police said search warrants have been obtained and executed for information and leads to assist in the case. Anyone with information regarding Ruckers disappearance is asked to please contact the Winter Springs Police Department at 407-327-1000.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Do police have the authority to go through your mail?

While the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures, it does not guarantee anyone against all searches and seizures.

Here are the conditions under which law enforcement officials can search your letters, packages and other mail, according to California law.

Who has the authority to check your mail in California?

According to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service website, first-class letters and packages are protected under the Fourth Amendment.

They cannot be opened without a search warrant, the website states.

If there is reason to believe that the first-class mail might violate federal law, federal law enforcement agents or postal inspectors, can obtain a search warrant to open it.

Can police obtain a warrant to check my mail?

California law states that police must have a search warrant before they can search your mail.

A search warrant cannot be issued but upon probable cause, supported by affidavit, naming or describing the person to be searched or searched for, and particularly describing the property, thing or things and the place to be searched, California Penal Code 1525 states.

To have a search warrant issued, law enforcement officials must prove that the things or locations to be searched contain criminal evidence or activity, according to Shouse California Law Group.

Can police search and open your mail without a warrant?

There are a few exceptions under which a police officer can search your mail without a warrant, according to the Supreme Court of California.

In People v. Ovieda, the court ruled that the Fourth Amendment does not allow police officers to make warrantless entries and searches.

The California Supreme Court ruled that officers cannot perform a search without a warrant if there are no exigent circumstances.

Under state law, police can conduct a warrantless search to prevent possible danger to someone, to prevent the destruction of evidence in a crime or during the escape of a fleeing suspect.

Any evidence collected during a warrantless search cannot be used in court, the Supreme Court of California website states.

Can police ask me for permission to search my mail?

With your voluntary consent, police can search your mail without a warrant.

In the early 1970s, California ruled that if consent to a search is voluntarily given, the Fourth Amendment does not apply, according to Oyez, a multimedia archive for the U.S. Supreme Court.

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.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department said it is seeking the publics help in finding dogs that were stolen in Southeast D.C. on Tuesday morning.

Woman attacked, dog stolen at gunpoint in Northeast DC

Police said that at about 4:00 a.m., the man was walking the dogs in the 5200 block of East Capitol Street when three suspects approached him, held up a gun, and took his three French Bulldogs.

The French Bulldogs are described as: Chewy, a female with brown fur who is about 18 pounds, Coco, a female with white fur who is about 30 pounds, and Buttercup, a female with brown fur and spots, who is about 25 pounds.

If have any information on the suspect/car involved, call police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Departments text tip line 50411.

MPD is currently offering a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
In June 2022, 39-year-old Jeremy Banach was shot and killed by police in Star.

He was high. He had a gun. He refused to be arrested. As he walked away, he pointed the gun at his head. Thats when police shot and killed him.

The Ada County Critical Incident Task Force found the officer who shot him did nothing wrong, and Valley County Prosecutor Brian Naugle agreed.

But Skip and Gina Banach, Jeremys parents, have a very different perspective. And their faith in the system Idaho uses to investigate officer-involved shootings is gone.

Police cannot police themselves, Skip said in an interview. ... In most situations, police will not cross that thin blue line. To do so is to get ostracized by other officers.

Unanswered questions

Theirs is a perspective particularly worth hearing out because Skip is a former patrol officer from San Diego.

It was the Banachs who first called the police, hoping to get their son help. Thats not what they got.

I just wanted him to have court-mandated detox and rehab  not to have them kill him, Skip said. One of the deputies come up to us and says, This isnt gonna end well.  And it didnt. They killed my son.

Skip says what officers did that day does not comport with the training he received as a cop, and he was shocked when there were no consequences.

For example, Skip contends his son should have been arrested earlier that day when he was at his parents home. That was where police first encountered Jeremy, obviously intoxicated and carrying a gun concealed in his waistband. Police instead allowed him to walk away from his parents home and decided to arrest him once they determined that the gun in his possession was likely stolen.

It is a crime in Idaho to carry concealed while under the influence, Skip pointed out, something that was never discussed in the report on the investigation.

And it does seem to be a question worth asking: Were officers negligent in allowing Jeremy to walk away armed and intoxicated? Could his death, and further danger to the public, have been avoided by arresting him at the first encounter?

Another thing that seems strange to me about the investigation is the consistent conclusion that Jeremy was pointing a gun at police when he was shot. For example: (Jeremy)  stole a gun from a family member the night before and pointed it in the direction of two Star Police detectives when he was shot, the Ada County Sheriffs Office said in its news release announcing there would be no charges.

When I look at the body camera video, it looks like Jeremy was pointing a gun at his head  and only at his head, not at the officers behind him. Officers claimed they thought he was preparing to fire backward over his shoulder, but I dont see anything like that. It looks to me like a clear threat of suicide, not to hurt someone else.

(Watch the video at around 6:00, and draw your own conclusions.)

A better system of investigations

The critical incident task force system, which Idaho currently uses to investigate police use of force, does not deliver a true outsiders perspective.

It ensures that the one police department is not investigating its own shootings, which is good, but shootings are generally investigated by neighboring police departments  in this case, by having a Boise detective investigate a shooting in Star. And while charging decisions are not made by the prosecutor of the county where the shooting took place, they are often made by the prosecutor in a neighboring county  in the Banach case, by Naugle, who Skip points out worked for years in the Ada County Prosecutors office before seeking election in Valley County.

Its rather easy to see how bias could be a problem in a situation like that, even if it isnt intentional.

I am not sure police did something criminal or against police procedure in the Banach shooting, and I am not certain that the investigation came to the wrong conclusion by choosing not to level any sanctions in response. But I am certain that I would be more confident in the findings of an outside commission that did not share the same social circles, mindset and professional values as the officers under investigation.

Even if the findings did not include any kind of wrongdoing, an outside set of eyes might well lead to improvements in procedure that would make tragedies like Jeremys death less common.

That could be achieved by a proposal the Banachs are currently fighting for: a true citizen review board to oversee investigations of use-of-force incidents at the regional level composed of people who have not served in Idaho law enforcement.

For obvious reasons, such a body would be less likely to be sympathetic and would be more likely to be objective. And thats what the Banachs deserve: a thorough, unbiased outside investigation of their sons killing. Thats what the family of every person killed by the police deserves.

Idaho: a safe place with lots of shootings

There are a lot of these families out there because a staggering number of people have been killed by police in Idaho recently.

Since 2015, police have shot and killed 77 people in the Gem State, according to a database maintained by the Washington Post. In Nebraska, the state closest to Idaho in population, there have been only 44  and Nebraska has higher homicide and violent crime rates than Idaho.

Chicago has more than half a million more people than Idaho and a homicide rate about 10 times higher than Idahos. But only 53 fatal officer-involved shootings have happened there since 2015, according to the database.

There are places where officer-involved shootings are more frequent. In New Mexico, a state comparable in population, there have been 184 fatal shootings since 2015. But New Mexico is also a place with far more violent crime  there are about seven homicides there for every one in Idaho, and New Mexicos violent crime rate is the nations second highest, according to the most recent FBI data.

By contrast, Idaho is in the bottom 10% of the nation in terms of homicide rates, according to the CDC, and in the bottom 20% in terms of per capita violent crime, according to FBI data.

All of this suggests that Idahos officer-involved shooting rate could be reduced substantially through some combination of stronger accountability and better training. It suggests that the Banachs proposal of a regional citizen review board is a reasonable one that lawmakers should take seriously.

(Jeremy) was a great kid, even though he had a drug problem.  What we want is for this to never happen to another family, Skip said.

Bryan Clark is an opinion writer for the Idaho Statesman.
kinjavideo-196010

Were less than a year away from arguably the most important election of our lifetimes. And with a million variables  including four criminal indictments  the results have never felt less certain.

On the most recent episode of The 411, The Root sat down with political communications strategist Nina Smith to try to make sense of it all, starting with last weeks election.

Read more

While Smith insists that Democrats need to run clearly on issues like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, she says that doesnt mean they can assume that fear of losing civil rights will be enough to drive voter turnout among Black voters and other key groups.

They cannot count on abortion being on the ballot; they cannot count on people being upset about Donald Trump, said Smith. What they need to work on and make sure that theyre doing is good old fashioned campaign fundamentals, knocking doors, engaging with voters and making sure they understand what this election is all about.

Will Bidens Defense Of Israels Bombing Campaign Cost Him The Election?

A looming political concern for Biden is growing dissent among Democrats over Israels actions in the Gaza Strip. Over 11,100 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Oct. 7th, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Almost half have been children. Roughly 1 in every 200 Palestinians in Gaza has died since Israel began bombing the region. The United Nations says that by the end of the day on Wednesday, roughly 70 percent of the population will not have access to clean water.

Despite the rising death toll, the Biden administration has firmly supported Israels actions in the region, calling for additional funds to be sent to support Israels efforts. This has put him at odds with progressives of color in Congress, including Congresswomen Cori Bush, Rashida Tlaib and Ayanna Pressley, whove called for a ceasefire. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre went so far as to say calls for a ceasefire were repugnant and disgraceful.

Smith said this is a terrible strategy for the White House. Instead of attacking their own party for urging an end to the conflict, she said in a statement, the administration should be focused on diplomacy and maintaining our status as a leader internationally.

After our interview wrapped, Biden dug his heels in even further in defense of Israel, stating there was no possibility of a ceasefire. This is actually the opposite direction I thought the administration was moving when we spoke, said Smith, who expressed optimism that the White House would listen to the voices calling for peace during our 411 interview.

This is the wrong way to go. This unequivocal support for Israel will leave the U.S. isolated on the world stage and aligned with a country actively bombing civilians and children, said Smith. They shouldnt reject the notion of a ceasefire outright. This will only exacerbate the tense political atmosphere here in the US.

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.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The Vietnamese Christian Community Church in Southeast Portland faces a $6 million lawsuit filed by two men who say that the churchs former youth leader and choir teacher David Nguyen Dinh Duong sexually abused them as kids during the 1990s. The suit was filed months after Duong pleaded guilty to molesting the youngest of the two victims when they were 6 years old.

The abuse began in the early 90s when Duong allegedly began grooming the older of the two victims, referred to as A.A in court documents. According to the lawsuit, the sexual abuse continued into the late 90s, when Duong molested the second victim, identified as B.B.

During this time, Duong befriended the boys families and became a trustworthy mentor, counselor, and church authority figure, the suit states.

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As such, Duong was invited into Plaintiffs A.A. and B.B.s homes to spend time with their families and time along with Plaintiffs A.A. and B.B., the lawsuit said. As a result, Plaintiffs A.A. and B.B. were conditioned to trust Duong, to comply with his directions, and to respect him as a person of authority in spiritual, moral, and ethical matters. This course of conduct is referred to in this complaint as grooming.

A.A. and B.B., who now in their 30s, are seeking $3 million each from the Vietnamese Christian Community Church for their alleged suffering, which includes past and future emotional injury, pain, anxiety, trust issues, nightmares, flashbacks, extreme stress and physical injuries associated with psychological issues.

The Vietnamese Christian Community Church was allegedly aware of warning signs that Duong was also grooming and sexually abusing other children while he served as the church youth leader, the lawsuit states.

Banning leaf blowers in Portland a trend thats coming

On July 14, 2023, Duong pleaded guilty in Washington County Circuit Court to one count of sexual abuse committed against B.B. The 58-year-old was sentenced to more than six years in prison for his crimes.

Local attorney Barb Long told KOIN 6 News that Duong could not be convicted of the crimes allegedly committed against A.A. because the statute of limitations had expired. Oregon statute of limitation laws state that sex abuse crimes must be prosecuted within 12 years of the date they occurred, or, if the victims were younger than 18 at the time of the crime, before their 30th birthday.

My clients and their families trusted Duong because of his stature within VCC, Long said. He betrayed that trust by grooming and sexually abusing them. By bringing this lawsuit, my clients seek to hold VCC accountable and to increase the safety of children who are in the church and other organizations today.

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The Vietnamese Christian Community Church, which now operates under the Oregon Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God as the Vietnamese Assembly of God Church, was formally served court papers on Oct. 3. KOIN 6 News made multiple attempts via phone and email over the course of months to contact the churchs registered agent Stephen Nghiem. However, Nghiem could not be reached for comment.

KOIN 6 also contacted the Oregon Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God about the case via phone and email multiple times but did not receive a response.

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On Nov. 6, the plaintiffs filed a notice of intent to apply for a default ruling in their favor if the church fails to respond to the lawsuit by Nov. 17.

The Vietnamese Christian Community Churchs attorney Lori DeDobbelaere told KOIN 6 News that it is her policy not to comment on pending litigation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY)  Portsmouth has voted to approve collective bargaining for city employees, making it the first locality in Hampton Roads to do so.

The vote was 4-2, with Mayor Shannon Glover and Councilman Mark Whitaker voting no. Councilman DeAndre Barnes was absent Tuesday.

The push was led by Portsmouth Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics Union Local 539, which held a rally beforehand to garner support. The union emphasized the move would benefit all city employees, not just firefighters, giving them a seat at the table to bargain for better wages and working conditions, and help fire, police and other city departments better retain workers.

All city employees can unionize under the proposal, but are not required to do so.

By city council supporting collective bargaining, you will demonstrate your commitment to fairness, equity and the well being of those that dedicate themselves to public, said Kurt Detrick, president of the union. This proactive approach not only strengthens the bond with the city and their employees, but also contributes to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of public services.

Detrick added that 90% of the full-time employees of the Portsmouth Fire Department back the local union to represent them in the process.

Detrick says the process to get collective bargaining approved had its first big step back in 2020, with the formation of work group approved by council at the time. Former Councilwoman Elizabeth Psimas was one of those that voted yes at the time.

I think collective bargaining and unionization of city workers, works. I think its important. I think its fair, and its fair to all employees, Psimas said on Tuesday in support.  I also worry and think about the fact of what we spend to train all of our city workers, particularly our police and fire, but also our general wage employees. We spend a lot of investment, and time and money and energy to keep those employees, and we want to keep them here, we dont want them to run to Chesapeake and run to Virginia Beach.

That vote 7-0 back in 2020 eventually led to the submittal this July of the ordinance that went before council on Tuesday.

Critics of the move, including Interim City Manager Mimi Terry and Police Chief Stephen Jenkins talked about how collective bargaining could affect operations and increase costs for taxpayers.

I hope the citizens understand what this is going to mean for them. We are about to go through budget deliberations, what is it going to cost the city? Terry said, who .  and when I think about the impact this is going to have on a city thats trying to pull itself up and move forward, I could that a heavy lift for the city, and whos gonna save us from that?

Councilman Bill Moody in voting yes said this will help provide consistency for public workers, who might see changes depending on the future makeup of city hall.

Whats to say the next city manager may be doing something entirely different, might be another council thats not as supportive, Moody said. Our men and women who go in to protect us, they go into a fire situation, they go into the unknown. Their families and them should not be exposed to the unknown of politics  in the years Ive sat on this council  Ive seen them have to come here and literally beg for a raise  they should not have to face the unknown each fiscal year.

This all comes after Virginia passed a law in 2020 to allow public sector employees to collectively bargain pending local approval. Localities in other parts of the state have approved collective bargaining, including in Richmond and Northern Virginia. Virginia Beach is currently debating the issue.

So whats next? WAVY has reached out to Portsmouths Local 539 after Tuesdays vote to learn more about the future for collective bargaining in Portsmouth. Well update this story when we hear back.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Pete Povoli has more voicemails than time to respond and people lined up outside his Fort Lauderdale office seeking his help.

As a case manager at the AIDS Health Foundation, Povoli must work fast to find new insurance for Broward County residents whose low-cost health plan will be gone at the end of the year. Close to 900 patients in Florida are scrambling for insurance after Positive Healthcare, also known as PHP, has announced it will no longer offer coverage in Florida after Dec. 31. The insurer has been in the state for 15 years in Miami-Dade, Broward and Duval counties.

PHP is a Medicare Advantage health plan that also includes prescription drug coverage for people who have HIV or AIDS. The plan is backed by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and members get all of the regular Medicare benefits and access to specialists at no additional cost. Their prescription drugs, especially HIV medications, are also covered at a low cost.

The insurer will continue to be operate in California, but a Positive Healthcare executive says Florida has become too costly to continue to offer its plan after changes to Medicare reimbursement.

Florida hospitals would not allow us to pay a percent of Medicare like we do in California, said Donna Stidham, chief of managed care for Positive Healthcare. They wanted a stop loss and to be paid a percent of charges so that would mean a much higher rate.

Stidham said PHP had contemplated pulling out of Florida for the last two years. We couldnt support the losses anymore, she said.

For South Floridians living with HIV, the insurance plan has offered the rich benefits they desperately need. The bulk of people in our plan have multiple co-morbidities and tend to have more hospitalizations, Stidham said. We started our plan because people with HIV and AIDS need a lot of support.

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The plan places brand name antiviral drugs on the lowest cost tier to avoid high co-pays. Its in-network primary care physicians are HIV and infectious diseases experts. The specialists in-network have HIV expertise regardless of their specialty. It is not your regular Medicare Advantage plan for people who are retiring, Stidham said.

As PHP leaves the state, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation has placed 10 case workers in its Florida offices to help patients find new plans and navigate the healthcare system with their new insurance. We may be a Medicare Advantage plan but we are patient advocates first, Stidham said.

Angelo, a Broward County PHP member, is undergoing cancer treatments, so losing his health plan has him concerned. A doctor I just finished seeing told me he cant take my insurance anymore. I have to keep going through my treatments. I dont have a choice, he said. He has asked not to use his last name to maintain his medical privacy.

Angelo says he sought help from a case worker in the Fort Lauderdale office of the AIDS Health Foundation and after three hours, they found a plan that had similar coverage and included most of his doctors.

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I will be spending more money though, he said. With nearly 1,000 people shopping for new insurance with similar coverage, he urges PHP plan holders to get help with their search as soon as possible.

My phone has been blowing up and I have been meeting with people left and right, said Povoli with the AIDS Health Foundation. There are alternatives for them. They just will have to know more about how to navigate the medical environment without incurring additional costs.

Sun Sentinel health reporter Cindy Goodman can be reached at cgoodman@sunsentinel.com.
Capitalizing on concerns about an aging population, users on multiple social media platforms claim no babies have been born in Italy over the past three months. This is false; while the country's birth rate is declining, data show there have been thousands of newborns in 2023 -- and several newspapers have reported such announcements.

"Unfortunately, Italy has recently set a new All-Time Low, as there were NO BIRTHS in the entire Country for three Months," says an October 4, 2023 blog post on Medium, an open publishing platform.

Screenshot of a Medium post taken November 15, 2023

An October 18 YouTube video with similar claims compares Italy's declining birth rate to the aging population of Japan. Shorter clips have also circulated on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok -- some falsely linking the supposed lack of newborns to adverse vaccine effects.

Screenshot of an Instagram post taken November 15, 2023

Screenshot of a TikTok post taken November 15, 2023

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in October that with a larger elderly population and fewer young people to support them, the country may be unable to meet its welfare demands by 2050. Japan faces similar issues.

However, claims of no recent births in Italy are false.

The country's National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) releases monthly provisional population data with birth records (archived here). The agency reported 33,753 live births in July and 33,093 in August.

Italian newspapers also chronicled several births in September:

On September 24, Prima La Martesana, an online newspaper covering Milan, published an article about the births of five babies the previous week -- including a set of twins (archived here).

Genova24, an online outlet covering the province of Genoa, announced September 23 that it was adding a newborns section (archived here). The publication covered the births of four babies before the end of the month (archived here).

Both outlets have continued to publish birth announcements into October and November.

'Demographic anxiety'

While there have been babies born recently in Italy, the country's birth rate has been on a decades-long decline.

An October 26 ISTAT publication (archived here) reported the total number of babies born in 2022 had dropped 1.7 percent from the year before -- marking a continuous annual decrease since at least 2008. Using data from the first half of 2023, the agency predicted the trend would continue.

Elizabeth Krause, an anthropology professor at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, said demographers first raised alarm bells about the decreasing birth rate in the 1990s, when researchers found Italy and Spain had the lowest fertility rates in the world (archived here).

The October ISTAT report put Italy's fertility rate at 1.24. That figure was slightly higher for foreign women who give birth in the country, at 1.87.

Krause said changes in age, ethnicity and other categories could cause "demographic anxiety" in Italy, which has set aside 1 billion euros ($1.08 billion) to address such trends.
Students hold signs that read in Spanish: "No more silence!" left, and "No more violence!" center, during a protest against the murder of three film students who have become emblematic of Mexico's missing, in Guadalajara, Mexico, Thursday, April 26, 2018. Prosecutors said the three were abducted by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

MEXICO CITY  Body parts found inside freezers, bodies hanging from bridges, young men killing each other under cartel orders.

Mexico is no stranger to displays of brutality put on by the nations drug cartels.

Bodies hanging from bridges is a near daily occurrence, a display that dates to the early 2000s, when it first astonished the population of a small town in central Mexico.

Other times, the shows of violence reach new, horrific levels.

In 2006, gunmen stormed into a bar in Uruapan and tossed five human heads onto the dance floor.

The family doesnt kill for money. It doesnt kill women. It doesnt kill innocent people, only those who deserve to die, the accompanying narco-message, allegedly signed by the Familia Michoacan cartel, read.

Three months ago, authorities found dozens of bodies, cut into parts and frozen inside several freezers in houses in Veracruz. Several people were detained, with officials alleging they are members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the most brutal cartels in Mexico.

Experts who study and watch Mexicos drug cartels say the overt displays of brutality have become part of the cartels dynamic, their modus operandi. Their purpose is to generate fear in the authorities, in their enemies and the populace.

Blood is a sign of power

Over the years, different cartels have implemented multiple brutal strategies. Though now mostly extinct, the ruthless Zetas cartel was the pioneer in this nefarious field.

The Zetas were the ones who launched this new stage of bloodshed in the contemporary history of drug trafficking in Mexico, Mexico-based security analyst David Saucedo said.

The criminal group from the northeast of Mexico, an armed wing of the Gulf cartel, set the stage with a series of high-impact events and atrocities, reports show.

The dismemberment, dissolving corpses, and hanging bodies on capital bridges was put into practice by the Zetas in order to intimidate their adversaries in order to mark territory, Saucedo explained.

Protesters walk under a giant net and with their hands painted red during a massive march in Mexico City, on Nov. 20, 2014. Protesters marched in the capital city to demand authorities find 43 missing college students. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills)

The San Fernando massacre was one of the most high-profile incidents attributed to the Zetas. It took place in Tamaulipas state in 2010, only 93 miles from the U.S. border.

The Zetas killed 72 migrants from Central and South America who were en route to the United States. The migrants were shot in the back of the head.

Drug traffickers in Mexico brag about their killings with show-off practices. Barbarism is a scene of power. Blood is a sign of power, Laura Etcharen, a sociologist and consultant on drug trafficking issues, told The Courier Journal.

Narco power is real. Each organization will be bloodier according to its goals and competitiveness. Blood also depends on each government, on the levels of corruption and penetration, but also on the ability to address it, Etcharen said.

Even though Mexico is the main stage for the most graphic shows of cartel brutality, experts say this follows a similar script used by terrorist organizations elsewhere.

Mexican criminal organizations are not that original. When they started spreading executions and these kinds of things, they got it from the Islamic State, security expert Javier Oliva said.

The Islamic State was the first to publish the video recordings of the torture and killing of their hostages, and then cartels copied that, Oliva said.

Narco-banners

For over a decade, cartels have used public banners and signs to send ominous messages.

Like the displays of violence, these narco-messages have an intention, experts say.

It is a violence that has a communicative component. This component has more than one type of recipient, said Claudio Lomnitz, Campbell Family Professor of Anthropology at Columbia University.

Lomnitz said there are three different recipients for these messages: The first is a private audience, their enemies  the people who are killing each other between rival groups; the second is a more public audience  local residents or the media.

But also, there is a third one, which is within the cartel. It also has a meaning there because they often use these types of violence as forms of training or recruitment of people... Brutality also becomes a standard of socialization and recruitment.

The messages are usually written on white blankets, some more produced than others, with frequent spelling errors and a signature of the person or group taking responsibility  and they are almost always displayed next to corpses or body parts.

In these short and fragmentary texts, it is possible to perceive the emergence of an incipient political discourse, anthropologist Natalia Mendoza Rockwell said in her 2016 postdoctoral paper Narco-mantas o el confin de lo criminal, Acta Poetica.

These banners display an idea of justice, a search for public legitimacy, and fragile attempts to occupy the voice of a popular We. The distinction between the criminal and the political is at stake in the interpretation of the violence that these banners attempt to impose, she wrote.

Mendoza Rockwell said narco-banners central objective is to dictate the interpretation of a violent event and appropriate its symbolic force.

One of their most important characteristics, is that they are simultaneously addressed to the people and to the authorities or to Mr. President. In that sense, rather than making a threat, they express some kind of grievance or demand.

Heating up the plaza

Beyond the anthropological and political intention of the cartels atrocities, experts say theres a tactical meaning behind them.

Those events are mainly to heat up the plaza, which in slang is known as generating a high-impact event to cause public security forces to arrive at an area and park there and halt the drug trafficking operations, security analyst Saucedo said.

What drug trafficking groups sometimes do is cause a massacre, a high-impact event, solely to heat up the plaza for their rival, so that the public security forces take over that area, leaving other areas uncovered, in which rival groups can operate.

The letters CJNG for the group's formal name, Jalisco New Generation Cartel, is scrawled on the facade of an abandoned home, in El Limoncito, in the Michoacan state of Mexico, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021. The cartel based in Jalisco state is spreading into neighboring Michoacan.

This tactical strategy is used by the two most powerful cartels in Mexico, the Sinaloa Cartel and CJNG, fueling the turf war between them and against government security forces.

Even though CJNG has been more gruesome with killings nationwide, Sinaloa has implemented different alliances that make them less bloody but not less dangerous.

What the Sinaloa Cartel has is negotiations, agreements between equals, profit sharing and partners, while the Jalisco cartel seeks to have employees and franchises of the Jalisco cartel, Saucedo said.

The Jalisco cartel is more vertical, while the Sinaloa structure is more horizontal, he explained. Due to this authoritarian and vertical scheme that CJNG has to process, it makes them bloodier.

Social media spreads cartel atrocities

In a video leaked on social media in August, a young man is seen being forced to kill his four friends after they were kidnapped by a drug cartel in the western state of Jalisco.

The men were first filmed in captivity alive. In the final struggle, one is forced to hit, stab and eventually saw off his friends head with a knife.

Authorities said they were investigating the video, and at least one person has been detained for the crime. Analysts believe the young men were force-recruited by the cartel, although an official version of the events has not been disclosed.

The gruesome video leaked on X, formerly Twitter, and is part of the daily videos the cartels leak on social media to spread their violent message.

There are multiple websites dedicated to publishing the cartels latest news.

Blogs that havent been blocked continue to receive scoops from cartel members and exclusive visuals from battles on the ground.

With the surge of different social media platforms, the cartels have found the perfect medium to share their carnage.

Social media platforms are an incentive because often violence is made to send a message, and the medium is a way of sending a message, spreading it beyond the audience that can see it more immediately, Lomnitz, the Columbia professor, said.

Part of the violence is the fact that there are media that facilitate at a given moment the terror they are generating, and that the message echoes elsewhere. In that sense, I don't think there's much to stop that.

Security experts consulted by The Courier Journal say its been a mistake by Mexican authorities not to address and punish the cartels violent acts.

They saw it as part of the normal violence landscape in Mexico and did not realize that they were allowing drug cartels to climb a step in the level of violence allowed in the country, Saucedo said.

Oliva said the government should demand more controls on this type of content.

The federal government should call on the directors of the main social media platforms to help filter, prevent and censor the graphic dissemination of these types of events that are truly cruel, Oliva said.

It seems to me that the drug cartels have exceeded the capacity of the Mexican state, Saucedo said.

More: Ignoring cartel danger, Mexican families scour wilderness for missing loved ones' remains

Karol Suarez is a Venezuela-born journalist based out of Mexico City. She is a contributing writer to The Courier Journal.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Mexican drug cartels display horrific brutality for reasons of power
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Two weeks ago teachers in the Portland Public School District went on strike for higher pay, more planning time and smaller classes. Despite the ongoing negotiations with the Portland Association of Teachers there does not appear to be an imminent end to the strike.

Parents already know their students will be out of school all next week for the Thanksgiving break. Many parents are now wondering about how the missed days of school will be made up.

The answer remains to be seen. Days could be added, in-year vacations could be shortened, minutes could be added to the school day  all options are on the table. But that wont be decided until after a contract deal is reached  and teachers will get to decide which option to use.

Resources for PPS students, families as teachers strike continues

The difference between what teachers want and what the district says it can afford is more of a chasm than a gap.

The district said there is a $211 million gap between what theyre offering and what the teachers union wants. The union wants the district to spend more from its reserve fund, more from corporate tax money it gets from the state and make more cuts to district administration.

One of the biggest sticking points is capping class sizes. PPS said it would cost more than $100 million over the next 2 years to hire an additional 352 teachers under the PAT proposal.

Oaks Park Roller Rink extends open skate hours amid Portland Public Schools strike

For now, parents seem to support the striking teachers  to a point. But parents, like Molly Boyl and Audrey Abernathy, are beginning to feel the pinch that having their students home indefinitely creates.

We have credit card debt like a lot of other people. I mean, were just digging the hole deeper. So, you know, we already paid for our childcare for November, so that money is gone, and the child care is not there because it took place in the school, parent Molly Boyl told KOIN 6 News. Im hoping for a resolution as quickly as possible, but not at the expense of, you know, quality schools for our kids and fair wages for our teachers.

I am prepared physically, but mentally and keeping my children in the know of what they need to know and what they need to learn is a lot, parent Audrey Abernathy said. But at the same time, we want it to go as long as it needs to go to get the answers.

KOIN 6 News will continue to follow this story.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
WASHINGTON  The Pentagon this week awarded Pratt & Whitney a sole-source contract worth as much as $870 million to sustain the Cold War-era TF33 engines that power the Air Forces B-52H Stratofortress and E-3 Sentry aircraft.

The Defense Logistics Agencys base contract with the company is for six years, with an optional four-year extension, the Pentagon said Tuesday. The initial award value of the firm-fixed-price and cost-type contract is $40.7 million, which the company would cover the first two years.

The contract also has a six-month transition period. If the Pentagon exercises all options with Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX Corp., work would be completed in April 2034.

With the Air Force moving to retire its remaining E-3 airborne warning and control system, or AWACS, aircraft and replace the B-52s six-decade-old engines with a new propulsion system from Rolls-Royce, the contract could cover sustainment for the rest of the TF33s life.

Pratt & Whitney will sustain nearly 1,000 TF33 engines under this contract, including providing maintenance, spare parts, program management, field service, repairs and engineering support, it said in a statement. Work will take place at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma and other Air Force locations, as well as Pratt & Whitneys Atlanta-based Southern Logistics Center.

Caroline Cooper, a Pratt & Whitney executive who oversees engine programs including the TF33, told Defense News that the contract will provide new avenues to keep those remaining engines flying.

Were looking at  the operational tempo of the aircraft [flying with TF33 engines], and then looking at inherent risks in the supply chain, and wanted to build that upper limit so that we can move quickly and expeditiously to get the men and women in the Air Force what they need, Cooper said.

One of the most pressing concerns has been keeping the supply of spare parts for the aging engines flowing, Cooper said. The TF33 relied on mom and pop-type suppliers making niche parts in low volume, some of whom have gone out of business over the years, she said.

This contract provides funding for Pratt & Whitney to make those hard-to-find parts itself, or find new companies that can fabricate them, she said.

Cooper also said the contract will give the company greater access to the Air Forces maintenance databases at Tinker and other bases for the TF33, so it can have a better picture of what the engines needs are. That can include more up-to-date information on spare parts supplies or what repairs are being conducted  information Pratt & Whitney hasnt always had in the past, and that could allow the company to forecast what spare parts and engineering support will be needed in the future.

The contract will also provide for more Pratt & Whitney personnel at Tinkers depot. It will also allow Pratt & Whitney to station teams of engine specialists at bases who would be able to help the Air Forces uniformed maintainers troubleshoot and fix some of the engines trickier repair problems. Cooper said that in the past, Pratt & Whitney has had a smaller team specialists rotate through bases, but this will be a more permanent on-site arrangement.

Well get that intelligence directly from the maintainers, and [will] be able to combine that with our enhanced depot level support team at Tinker, Cooper said.
SAN FRANCISCO  President Joe Biden assailed Donald Trump for echoing language from "Nazi Germany," singling out the former president's description of his political opponents as "vermin" and warning that Trump is determined to "destroy American democracy."

Biden seized on Trump's comments Tuesday during remarks at a campaign fundraiser in San Francisco, signaling a more combative strategy toward the Republican frontrunner as Trump maintains a massive polling lead in the GOP primary.

"Trump has said if he returns to office, hes going to go after all those who oppose him and wipe out what he called the 'vermin' in America. A specific phrase with a specific meaning," Biden told fundraiser guests. "It echoes language you heard in Nazi Germany in the 30s. And it isnt even the first time."

Biden then raised Trump saying that migration at the U.S.-Mexico border is "poisoning the blood of our country," a remark Trump made during an interview last month with the right-leaning website The National Pulse.

"'The blood of America is being poisoned,'" Biden said. "Again, echoes the same phrases used in Nazi Germany."

"Folks, we can't fail. We can't fail to treat the threat that he poses," Biden said.

US President Joe Biden walks to Marine One prior to departing from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, November 14, 2023, as he travels to host the APEC Summit in San Francisco.

Trump used the term "vermin" at least twice last weekend, reminding many of how dictators Germany's Adolf Hitler and Italy's Benito Mussolini compared their enemies to rodents during their rise to power in the 1920s and 1930s.

In a Truth Social post paying tribute to Veterans Day on Saturday, Trump said: "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."

Trump also used those phrases during a Veteran's Day speech Saturday in New Hampshire.

The Trump campaign has rejected criticism about Trump's use of the word "vermin," saying it comes from people who fear they will lose the election to the former president.

"Those who try to make that ridiculous assertion are clearly snowflakes grasping for anything because they are suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome and their sad, miserable existence will be crushed when President Trump returns to the White House," the Trump campaign said in a statement this week.

Biden on Trump: 'The guy can't get tired of losing'

Biden is in San Francisco for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference that includes a highly anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

In his fundraiser remarks, Biden previewed several lines of attack against Trump in a potential rematch of the 2020 election. Recent polling has shown Biden trails Trump in most battleground states.

Biden accused Trump of trying to run away from his legacy of appointing three conservative justices who tilted the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade and a constitutional right to abortion.

"Hes trying to change that now, too, if you notice," Biden said, adding "let's be absolutely clear" the "only reason there is an abortion ban in America is because of Donald Trump."

Former President Donald Trump campaigns on Nov. 4, 2023, in Kissimmee, Fla.

Biden pointed to recent reports that Trump wants to use a second term in the White House to seek "revenge" and "retribution" against his political opponents.

"There's a lot of reasons to be against Donald Trump. But damn, he shouldnt be president. He should not be president," Biden said.

Biden also took a shot at Trump while boasting about Democrats' election wins last week in Virginia's state legislature, Kentucky's governor race and Ohio with the passage of an abortion-rights amendment.

"Remember when Trump told us he was going to win so much wed get tired of winning?" Biden said. "Let me tell you one thing thats true: We got tired of Trump. The truth is the guy can't get tired of losing."

Contributing: David Jackson. Reach Joey Garrison on X, formerly Twitter, @joeygarrison.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden says Trump is echoing 'language you heard in Nazi Germany'
A disease among infants that experts say is preventable is quickly expanding in the U.S., particularly in the South.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are sounding the alarm on congenital syphilis  syphilis in newborns  because of surging cases in 2022. The rapidly accelerating epidemic of the infant illness has particularly spiked in Southern states, which made up more than half of the years total cases, the CDC report said.

Now some states in the South are warning their residents and looking into policy changes to combat the climbing congenital syphilis cases.

The CDC reported that more than 3,700 babies were born with syphilis in 2022, which is 10 times the number of cases recorded a decade prior. The South alone reported almost 2,000, making up about 52% of the 2022 cases.

What is congenital syphilis?

Congenital syphilis occurs when a person infected with syphilis spreads the disease to their baby during pregnancy, according to the CDC. The disease puts pregnant people at the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth, as well as potentially birthing their child prematurely, the CDC said.

An infant born with congenital syphilis can face deformities, enlarged liver or spleen, anemia, jaundice, neurological issues, meningitis and rashes, the CDC said.

Despite the rise in cases, nearly nine in 10 newborn syphilis cases in 2022 were said by the CDC to potentially have been preventable  either through testing for or treatment of the disease. More than half of pregnant people who were positive for syphilis did not receive effective treatment to prevent the disease from being spread to their infant, the CDC said.

Why are newborn syphilis cases rising nationally?

Substance abuse disorder or no access to healthcare insurance may put someone at a higher risk of spreading the disease to their infant, the CDC reports. But the CDC also pointed to wider systemic issues. Decades-old health disparities have impacted racial groups who are experiencing the brunt of the newborn syphilis epidemic, according to the CDC. Certain groups lack access to quality healthcare services, the CDC said, which can lead to syphilis rates being higher among those communities. As a result, Black, Hispanic and Indigenous pregnant people were up to nine times more likely than a white person to have a baby infected with congenital syphilis. Every encounter a healthcare provider has with a patient during pregnancy is an opportunity to prevent congenital syphilis, CDCs National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention director Jonathan Mermin said in the release.

Concern in Southern states over infant syphilis cases

Several states in the South have experienced large upticks in congenital syphilis cases. Georgia is seeing a 321% increase in the diseases rate per 100,000 live births between 2017 and 2021, the CDC reports. Mississippi saw its congenital syphilis rates per 100,000 live live births shoot up from 3 in 2017 to 182 by 2021.

In light of the steady increase of the illness in infants, multiple states in the South have also issued various warnings to residents on the disease.

One of the most recent alerts came out of North Carolina on Nov. 13 from the states Department of Health and Human Services, which discussed infant deaths caused by congenital syphilis. Between Jan. 1 and Sept. 1, there were five cases of stillbirths or neonatal deaths as a result of the disease, the department said in its release.

Calling it an alarming trend, the department said there has been a 547% increase in the disease between 2012 and 2022 within the state. There was one case of the illness in 2012, the department said, in comparison to 57 cases in 2022.

While investigating the reasons behind the rise in congenital syphilis, a review showed that little to no prenatal care, lack of testing for pregnant people and insufficient treatment of pregnant people with syphilis contributed to the increase.

Other states such as Georgia have taken legislative actions to mitigate the disease. Senate Bill 46 passed the Georgia State Legislature in the 2023-2024 session, which requires healthcare providers to test all pregnant people for HIV and syphilis during their first prenatal doctors visit, around 28-32 gestational weeks and finally one last time at the time of delivery. The law went into effect July 1.

Syphilis health screenings are required on at least the first prenatal visit in all states except:

Hawaii

Iowa

Maine

Minnesota

Mississippi

New Hampshire

North Dakota

Wisconsin

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Xiplomacy: Cooperation a shared aspiration of Chinese, American people

Xinhua) 21:01, November 14, 2023

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."

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
HARARE, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-two people were killed when a minibus collided head-on with a heavy truck Tuesday night near Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second-largest city, police confirmed Wednesday.

Two others were injured in the collision involving "a Toyota Quantum vehicle with 21 passengers on board" and "a DAF truck with one passenger on board" along Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road, Zimbabwe Republic Police said on the X social media platform, previously known as Twitter.

All 22 people on the minibus, including the driver, died on the spot, while the two on board the truck suffered injuries, reported The Herald, Zimbabwe's largest daily newspaper. 
PRINCE GEORGE  A Florida trucker is in trouble here for stealing more than $20,000 in diesel fuel from a county truck plaza over a span of six visits.

Pablo Navarro of Miami is alleged to have doctored a diesel dispenser at the 7-Eleven truck stop in the 4500 block of County Drive to obtain the fuel, Prince George Police said in a Facebook post Tuesday. According to reports, Navarro illegally meddled with parts inside the fuel dispenser that changed how the pump counts the gallons and how much it costs to pump it.

Through the assistance of 7-Eleven loss prevention investigators, this arrest has been linked to six similar thefts from the convenience store, police said in the post.

Navarro faces 21 crimes  seven counts each of tampering with a fuel pump and vandalism, four counts of petit larceny and three counts of grand larceny. The vandalism and petit larceny charges are misdemeanors, and the rest are felonies.

Pump-tampering carries a maximum penalty in Virginia of five years imprisonment. Grand larceny is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

An investigation continues in the case, and more charges could be filed, police said. Police also are asking any locality that might have experienced similar losses as the 7-Eleven to call the department at (804) 733-2773.

Anyone with more information about the Prince George case is asked to call (804) 733-2773 or Crime Solvers at (804) 733-2777. Info may also be shared through the P3Tips mobile app.

This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Prince George charges Florida trucker with diesel-fuel theft
The study of astrology and the information celestial events and movements can allegedly foretell about our daily lives has been around long before millennials became interested in the alignment of the stars at the moments of their births and what it means to be a Scorpio.

However, modern horoscopes arent as ancient a practice as you may have thought, as they actually found their way into newspapers, and subsequently popular culture, around the 1930s, with the birth of Queen Elizabeth IIs younger sister, Princess Margaret.

According to The Washington Post, following Princess Margarets birth on 21 August 1930, John Gordon, the editor of the British newspaper the Sunday Express, wanted a unique story to go along with the royal birth, so he commissioned a celebrity astrologer.

The newspaper first reached out to William Warner, who was known as Cheiro, according to The Express, and who had reportedly read the palms and discerned the futures of notable individuals such as Oscar Wilde and Thomas Edison.

When Warner turned out to be unavailable, the newspaper instead asked one of his assistants, RH Naylor.

In Naylors column, titled: What the Stars Foretell for the New Princess, and published on 24 August 1930, three days after Princess Margarets birth, he hypothesised that the newest member of the royal family, who was a Leo, would have an eventful life.

Naylor also predicted that events of tremendous importance to the royal family and the nation will come about near her seventh year, which, despite being a year off, later came true when King Edward VIII abdicated the throne of England to marry Wallis Simpson in 1936 when Princess Margaret was six years old.

The abdication meant that Princess Margarets father George VI became king, and her elder sister became the heir to the throne, making her the younger sister of the future queen.

Even before Naylors prediction became true, the column proved to be immensely popular with readers, who requested that the astrologer provide more forecasts.

His success as an astrologer grew when, in October of that year, he wrote that a British aircraft [would] be in danger between Oct 8 and 15. While the dates were again slightly off, on 5 October, a passenger airship R101 crashed in France and killed 48 people.

As a result, Naylor was hired by the newspaper to write two weekly columns, with one dedicated to predicting world events and one focused on predictions for that weeks birthdays, according to Oprah Magazine.

Naylor eventually changed his weekly forecasts, which he published under the column hed named Your Stars, to predictions for each of the 12 star signs rather than birthdays.

While Time notes that the 12 star signs of the zodiac were first created in ancient Greece, when the signs were divided up and named after constellations based on their apparent relationship between their placement in the sky and the sun throughout the year, Naylor was reportedly the one who assigned personality traits to these signs.

Naylors column continued to prove so popular among readers that eventually most other newspapers hired astrologers to write weekly horoscope predictions as well, forever changing the way that individuals access and interpret their zodiac signs.

Decades later, many people continue to look to astrologers and their predictions based on the pseudoscience for weekly or daily guidance.
A privately-owned KDC-10 aerial refueling tanker has performed the first contractor mid-air refueling of U.S. Air Force fighters. It also marks the first time a KC-10 derivative has done so. That particular tanker, which is owned by the Virginia-based company Omega Air Refueling , has remained dormant for several years . For some time now, the Air Force has looked to utilize privately-owned aerial tankers to ease the burden on its tanker fleet, freeing them up for combat and other higher-priority missions.

A commercial KDC10 tanker aircraft refuels a U.S. Air Force F16 Fighting Falcon from the 51st Fighter Wing, enroute to Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore, November 6, 2023. U.S. Air Force

The KDC-10, serial number N264DE , took off from Osan Air Base, in South Korea, with four F-16s on November 6. Heading for Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore, the tanker refueled the fighters via boom contact en route to the recent Commando Sling 23 exercise, which recently took place out of Singapore. A bilateral training event, sponsored by Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), the Air Forces top command in the Pacific, and involving the Republic of Singapore Air Force, Commando Sling is designed to boost interoperability between the air forces of the two countries. Along the way, the KDC-10 also refueled Air Force F-15C Eagles and F-22 Raptors .

KDC10 during takeoff. U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Captain Melanie Valentin, 36th Fighter Squadron pilot, prepares to enter the seat of an F16 Fighting Falcon to take off from Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, November 6, 2023. U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force F16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron prepare to take off at Osan Air Base. U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force F16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron prepare to take off at Osan Air Base. U.S. Air Force

F16 Fighting Falcon in flight. U.S. Air Force

Alongside its ability to refuel fighters in flight, the KDC-10 also demonstrated other capabilities during Commando Sling 23, notably in terms of cargo transport. This is an often under-appreciated secondary mission for the Air Force's own tankers. According to the service , "The KDC-10 was also loaded with more than 40 passengers attending the exercise and four pallet positions worth of cargo to exercise the aircrafts dual role capability for airlift as well as refueling."

Interior of the KDC-10. U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jordan Chandanais, 731st Air Mobility Squadron special handling supervisor, and Senior Airman Joseph Holliday, 51st Logistics Readiness Squadron Documented Cargo ground transportation operator, transfer cargo to load onto a commercial KDC10 tanker aircraft at Osan Air Base, 2023. U.S. Air Force

The accolade of being the first private contractor to refuel an Air Force fighter is significant for Omega. Indeed, Omega is one of only two private companies that operate tankers equipped with booms  the means by which most Air Force aircraft are refueled while flying. Probe-and-drogue, on the other hand, is the aerial refueling method for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, as well as many U.S. allies and partners abroad.

At present, Omega operates a small fleet of three KDC-10s. The first of those tankers, serial number N974VV , was delivered to Omega in 2006 and is converted from McDonnell Douglas DC-10-40 for probe-and-drogue refueling. The two others, N264DE and N235UL , are ex-Royal Netherlands Air Force McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30s. Delivered in 2019 and 2021 respectively, the tankers were previously modified for boom refueling. Since N264DE was acquired by Omega, however, the aircraft has largely not been heard of.

N264DE on delivery at San Antonio International Airport. Don Rogers

The other private company to operate boom-equipped tankers is the Washington, D.C.-based firm Metrea . Metrea operates a fleet of four ex-Republic of Singapore Air Force KC-135R aircraft, which it acquired in 2020. It was the first contractor to refuel a U.S. military aircraft of any kind via boom in April of this year, during which one of its KC-135Rs gassed up a Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol plane during a training exercise off the coast of Florida. Following this, the company then became the first contractor to refuel an Air Force aircraft of any kind in July, when it filled up E-3 Sentry and RC-135 Rivet Joint Spy platforms via a KC-135R during Exercise Resolute Hunter 23-2.

A U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft as seen from the Metrea KC-135R tanker refueling it during Exercise Resolute Hunter 23-2. Metrea

Of course, Omega is not a newcomer to offering commercial aerial refueling solutions to the U.S. military, with its probe-and-drogue refueling tankers having been used by the Navy and Marines for decades . Alongside the single probe-and-drogue refueling KDC-10, the firm also owns three KC-707 tankers that adopt that refueling system. An Omega KC-707 was responsible for the first aerial refueling of the Navys X-47B Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle demonstrator back in 2015.

For the Air Force, being able to refuel various airframes from commercial tankers more regularly in the future could help alleviate the strain on the services already stretched and aging tanker fleet. This is something the Air Force has been exploring , and which The War Zone has also noted for years would be of benefit in terms of freeing up both its tanker fleet and realizing a more elastic tanker strategy.

According to the service , the recent refueling demonstration validates a "key capability the Air Force can continue to leverage enabling a surge in exercises while simultaneously maintaining immediate mission readiness."

As Lt. Col. Curtis Holtman, PACAFs air mobility operations chief, said of the recent air-to-air refueling : "If we can use commercial air refueling to cover the point A to point B movements for exercise participation across unit readiness training, then it frees up our warfighter tanker fleet to be ready to respond for emerging contingency requirements. Were expanding that aperture in PACAF, and identified a proof-of-concept employment to refuel fighter aircraft during exercise Commando Sling 23."

Greater utilization of private contract tankers for aerial refueling may prove significant as the Air Force moves forward with overhauling its tanker fleet. Plans are in place for it to divest its entire inventory of older KC-10A Extenders  which are roughly equivalent to Omegas ex-Dutch KDC-10s. The service continues to procure new KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling tankers from Boeing, the last of which will be delivered in 2029. However, it should be noted that various technical and quality control issues with the KC-46A have placed further strain on the services existing tanker fleets.

Boeing's KC-46 aerial refueling tanker conducts receiver compatibility tests with a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III from Joint Base Lewis-McChord as part of Test 003-06. U.S. Air Force photo by Christopher Okula

However, it looks increasingly likely that further KC-46s will also be acquired as "bridge tankers"  tankers designed to fill in between delivery of the last KC-46 planned purchases and the acquisition of more advanced aerial refueling aircraft. Going forward, the service wants more survivable tankers under the Next Generation Air-refueling System (NGAS) program, particularly in light of a potential conflict involving China in the Indo-Pacific region. However, the Air Force anticipates a tanker gap in between the end of KC-46 production and delivery of NGAS, the first of which will be received in 2040, if not sooner.

With this in mind, having access to privately-owned tankers for refueling all manner of aircraft in the air, including fighters, will likely be of increasing importance for the Air Force going forward. The KC-10s now exiting the Air Force's inventory are also potential candidates for equipping private contractors in the same role as Omega's KDC-10 just executed on this recent first of its kind mission.

Contact the author: oliver@thewarzone.com
Hundreds of kidnapped posters with the names and faces of those taken hostage by Hamas circulated through the crowd of pro-Israel demonstrators who descended on D.C. on Tuesday, with dozens more pinned to the surrounding guardrails.

As rally organizers played a video showing the faces of the hostages, chants of bring them home echoed across the National Mall. And when Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) took the stage, he had a succinct message for Hamas.

Let them go. Bring them home, Schumer said, prompting further calls from the audience.

The March for Israel drew tens of thousands of pro-Israel demonstrators  and small pockets of counter protestors  to downtown D.C., the biggest crowd since a pro-Palestinian protest in the capital earlier this month, which featured calls for a cease-fire in the war.

As global pressure rises on Israel to halt its retaliatory attacks on Gaza, which have killed some 10,000 civilians, Tuesdays event sought to focus attention on the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that terrorized Israel, and the more than 200 hostages still being held by the militant group.

Several protestors argued calls for a cease-fire should be conditional upon the release of the hostages. Eileen Terzi, a protestor from New York, called the talks of cease-fire ridiculous.

The U.S. should be saying free the hostages. No talk of cease-fire. Why is there even talk of cease-fire? she told The Hill.

Why is the onus on Israel to do anything? she continued. We didnt kidnap anyone, we didnt murder anyone.

Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, is believed to have taken about 240 individuals during the groups brutal incursion into Israel that killed more than 1,200 people, including women and children. Only four hostages have been released since the beginning of the conflict last month.

Israeli forces have bombarded Gaza with attacks both by air and land on a campaign to destroy Hamas. The rising death toll, coupled with sieges on basic necessities, have prompted calls for a cease-fire to allow civilians to leave or aid to be delivered.

Brian Tranter, who is from Florida, told The Hill the U.S must let Israel do its job, while holding a sign showing an American and Israeli flag with the words We stand with Israel.

I dont think its time for a cease-fire. I think if the hostages were released, I would support a cease-fire. But until the hostages are released, no cease-fire, Tranter said. Obviously we try to minimize any civilian casualties, but the job has to be finished.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson (La.) argued the calls for a cease-fire are outrageous.

These Israeli hostages were kidnapped in their homes by barbaric Hamas terrorists for simply being Jewish and living in Israel, Johnson told the crowd. As Prime Minster [Benjamin Netanyahu] says so well, this is a fight between good and evil, between light and darkness, between civilization and barbarism.

The rally heard from Alana Zeitchik, who claims six of her relatives were captured by Hamas. She told the crowd the calls for peace and the return of hostages doesnt need to be political.

But for too many in the West, the suffering of hostage families like mine has become a footnote, Zeitchik said. Collateral damage in service of some perceived higher universal truth.

You can call for peace and the immediate return of the innocent men, women and children who were violently taken from us, Zeitchik said. It doesnt need to be political to share in my grief or in the anguish that the Israeli people are feeling. To demand the release of the hostages is not an act of politics, nor is it a cry for war.

Not all demonstrators, however, said a cease-fire should be contingent on the release of hostages. One demonstrator was holding a sign that read: Free hostages now. Stop killing civilians on both sides. This Jewish woman is pro-Israel and pro-Palestine. I both love Israel and critical justice.

President Biden on Tuesday struck an optimistic tone when asked about the hostages.

Ive been talking with the people involved every single day. I believe its going to happen. But I dont want to get into detail, he told reporters at the White House.

The White House has also called for humanitarian pauses in the fighting in Gaza to allow for more aid into the enclave, and for civilians to leave embattled areas. But it has resisted calls for a cease-fire and backed Israels aim of eliminating Hamas.

Asked what he would say to families of those being held by Hamas, Biden said, Hang in there, were coming.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
If Republicans like Gov. Ron DeSantis have a problem calling out neo-Nazis as they march in American towns, some Democrats and progressives, too, have come dangerously close to antisemitic rhetoric.

They are, of course, a small minority, but one that has a high profile, like the group of student organizations at Harvard that wrote a letter blaming Israel for Hamas terrorist attacks on Oct. 7, the nine Democrats in Congress who voted against a resolution supporting Israel and condemning the attacks, or some pro-Palestinian protests that turned into apparent support for Hamas with people shouting Resistance is justified when people are occupied in New York City.

Antisemitism is on the rise, according to the Anti-Defamation League. Jewish students dont feel safe on some college campuses and, in South Beach, a woman shouted Hitler shouldve f---ing finished the job in broad daylight. Its important that free speech and peoples legitimate right to advocate for Palestinians doesnt turn into an excuse for anti-Jewish hate.

Tlaib censured

The U.S. House of Representatives voted last week to censure Democratic U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian-American in Congress, over her defense of a phrase widely considered as a call for Israels extinction. Twenty-two Democrats joined Republicans in that vote. Among them were five Florida Democrats, four of them from South Florida, home to one of Americas largest Jewish populations: Frederica Wilson of Miami and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Jared Moskowitz and Lois Frankel representing Broward and Palm Beach counties.

In a social media post in which she criticized the Biden administrations response to the Israeli invasion of Gaza, Tlaib defended the slogan From the river to the sea. The chant From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free is a reference to the area between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, which covers the state of Israel. A Palestine free from the river to the sea is often understood as the elimination of Israel.

It is an antisemitic charge denying the Jewish right to self-determination, including through the removal of Jews from their ancestral homeland, according to the Anti-Defamation League.

The phrase was coined in the early 1960s and became popular as a call for the return of the borders established under British control of Palestine, where Jews and Arabs coexisted before Israel was created in 1948, the New York Times reported. Tlaib wrote on social media, From the river to the sea is an aspirational call for freedom, human rights, and peaceful coexistence, not death, destruction, or hate.

The slogan over the years was adopted by Hamas, which slaughtered about 1,200 people in Israel on Oct. 7, including entire families, and women who, based on evidence and witness testimony, were raped before being shot. Hamas is clear that it wants to annihilate Israel.

Sharing slogans with terrorist organizations should be a nonstarter, especially for members of Congress. Tlaibs words shouldnt be measured only by her intentions, but by their impact.

The phrase has also appeared during pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses and across American cities. Do those demonstrators truly understand the weight of those words, or do they believe it is only a call for social justice?

There are a lot of people  I am absolutely confident in this because weve seen the data  who dont know or dont understand most of what theyre chanting, American Committee Jewish CEO Ted Deutch told the Herald Editorial Board.

But theyve been taught that this is a position they need to take to fit within some community on their campus.

Campus protests

To many young Americans, its easy to look at complex Israel-Palestinian relations as a binary choice where you are either an oppressor or you are oppressed, said Deutch, a former Democratic congressman who represented Broward and Palm Beach counties. That view makes it easy to dehumanize the other side.

Theres grave danger when legitimate support for Palestinians  more than 11,000 of whom have died in Gaza, according to local health officials  flirts with anti-Jewish rhetoric. Likewise, theres also danger in equating support for Palestinians or criticism of Israels government as antisemitic. Labeling Israel critics as hateful or discriminatory is a disingenuous method to quash dissenting opinions and free speech.

Americans must condemn antisemitic and anti-Israel rhetoric, especially when it comes from their political side of the aisle, as Floridas congressional Democrats did.

Americans should also be wary of efforts to pit Jews and Muslims against each other. Calling Palestinians all antisemitic, as DeSantis did recently, stokes the flames of division even further. Islamophobia, too, has reared its ugly face over the past month. A 6-year-old Palestinian-American boy was stabbed to death in Chicago by his landlord because he was Muslim, police said. In Fort Lauderdale, a U.S. Postal Service worker was attacked while wearing a hijab last week. Her alleged attacker is facing hate crime charges, the Herald reported.

Religion-based bigotry of all kinds is abhorrent.

Click here to send the letter.
The body of a dog that had been stabbed multiple times and thrown in a dumpster caused a lot of controversy over the summer.

>> Previous Coverage: Miamisburg police close unsettling case involving student who stabbed dead dog

The people accused of mutilating the dogs corpse never faced any charges because there is no law in Ohio saying someone cant abuse a dead animal.

A bill has been proposed that could make actions like that a felony going forward.

It was just horrific and disturbing that this happened to this dog even though it was deceased, said Miamisburg Police Sgt. Jeff Muncy.

People in Miamisburg were angry with the police department that the teenagers accused of stabbing this dogs body over the summer were never charged.

There wasnt really anything we could do. There was no crime on the law on the books, Muncy said.

Which is unacceptable to State Representative Tom Young.

We need to make sure events like this do not continue to happen, Young said.

>> Dog shot execution style next to highway makes miraculous recovery

News Center 7s Kayla McDermott sat down with Young who said when he saw our previous report, he was left disgusted.

I was just sitting there going, you gotta be kidding me, he said.

Young and Muncy proposed their addition to the Ohio Revised Code Wednesday at the statehouse.

The proposal would protect against the mutilation of a pets body.

It reads No person, except as authorized by law, shall knowingly treat a companion animal corpse in a way that would outrage reasonable community sensibilities.

Those found guilty would be charged with a felony in the fifth-degree abuse of an animal. Those convicted would also need to seek help.

The court shall require that the offender undergo psychological evaluation in counseling, Young said.

Had this bill been a law when the teenagers stabbed and threw out the dogs body, then Muncy says he would have been able to charge them.

Young said he feels strongly that this bill will become law, that more than 60 percent of Ohioans are pet owners, and he cant see a reason why people would not support this passing.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  A new bill submitted in the Utah Legislature seeks to combat the growing concern of aggressive drivers in Utah, including road rage incidents, with harsher punishments.

Over the past few years, Utah has seen a stark rise in road rage incidents. According to data from the Utah Department of Transportation, there have been 23 fatalities related to aggressive driving so far in 2023. In 2020, there were 25 and that number steadily rose to 28 in 2022.

Utah officials christen Great Salt Lake airboat to honor Brad Wilson

A draft of the new bill, which went before the Transportation Interim Committee on Wednesday, Nov. 15, shows heightened punishments for those who endanger others with aggressive driving and road rage.

If passed, road rage incidents could carry harsher criminal punishments, the impounding of the offending car, and up to a year suspension of the offenders driving license.

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The draft of the bill clarifies the driver of the car does not have to be the offender in order for law enforcement and courts to enact penalties. So long as an officer has probable cause to believe anyone in the car engaged in road rage behavior, the officer can impound the car without a warrant.

Car owners would have to pay an administrative impound fee of $400 to get their car back, according to the draft. That fee would be used to help fund the Motor Vehicle Division, the Department of Public Safety, a neuro-rehabilitation fund, and the states general fund.

Road rages would also carry a stricter punishment within the court system by enhancing the charges filed, should the bill make it to law next year. For example, if a driver or passenger is cited for a speeding infraction as part of a road rage incident, that infraction would be enhanced to be a Class C Misdemeanor, which carries heavier fees and jail time.

The road rage amendments are still in the early stages of the legislative session. After several reviews and drafting in the committee, it stands to be presented in the 2024 General Session between January and March.

If the bill passes as it currently stands, the updated punishments would go into effect on July 1, 2024.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Its a classic Chicago story: An alderman wants something done in their ward, and the mayors office twists their arm to get a favor back in exchange.

But in this case, the proposed trade chip is the fate of West Loop homeless encampments.

And an official in Mayor Brandon Johnsons administration is taking the unusual step of acknowledging the would-be quid pro quo took place, calling it a typical example of how political will is created.

Ald. Bill Conway is crying foul after Johnsons administration said they would have the city remove the tents in which people are sleeping downtown only if Conway voted in favor of two pillars of the mayors progressive policy agenda.

The conflict between Conway and Johnsons administration begins with the encampment near Union and Ogilvie stations, which Conway said is a trouble spot for drugs and violent crime in the ward. Two recent shootings in the area have exacerbated his concern.

As part of his efforts to get the tents removed, Conway said he spoke with top Johnson adviser Jason Lee in early October while aldermen were at City Hall for meetings. Conway said he shared with Lee his concerns about recovered guns, propane tanks and drug packets found in the viaducts that are now crowded with tents.

Lee pulled Conway into a copy room behind council chambers and offered to help remove the homeless camps, but Conway said he tied the action to the alderman supporting two Johnson initiatives: an increased real estate transfer tax on properties over $1 million to help fund citywide homeless services and an end to the tipped wage for restaurant workers.

A day after their in-person conversation, Lee and Conway spoke again by phone, and Lee reiterated his requests, the alderman said. Conway recalled asking Lee whether City Hall was able to do more than had already been done at the sites, as he was running into bureaucratic problems.

Lee responded, We won the election. Where theres a will, theres a way, and added, Special problems require special intervention from the mayor, according to Conway.

Conway also recalled Lee saying that the administrations progressive allies would raise hell if they helped clear out the viaducts, but City Hall was willing to make that happen because Conways votes give us all the ammunition we need to justify why this is a critical intervention.

I was shocked by what he said, Conway told the Tribune. I wasnt going to bargain with public safety.

In an interview, Lee acknowledged linking the issue of the camps with support for the Bring Chicago Home tax increase on property sales over $1 million and the One Fair Wage ordinance to eliminate the subminimum wage for tipped workers. But he defended it as an appropriate deal.

What I expressed to Ald. Conway is that  theres a perception that doing something like removing encampments is not necessarily in line with progressive values and that it could be perceived as a callous act disconnected from the realities of what the unhoused and other vulnerable populations are going through, Lee said.

Ald. Conway demonstrating his commitment to progressive values, including eliminating the subminimum wage but most importantly Bring Chicago Home, is helpful to neutralize some of the criticism he might face in pursuing that.

Asked about Conway not wanting to negotiate with public safety, Lee said police would continue responding to issues with the encampments.

Ald. Conway is new so Im not sure what his frame of reference is, Lee said. There was never any notion that we would not continue to support efforts to secure public safety to the extent possible in these encampments. The issue is removal.

Officials with the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless did not directly address questions about the discussions between Conway and Lee. But Ali Simmons, a senior case and street outreach worker at the organization, said they oppose all encampment sweeps.

That is not the way to go about connecting people to services, Simmons said.

In the end, Conway voted for neither Johnson initiative. He missed a vote on the subminimum wage  he said he was sick  and voted against Johnsons plan for a transfer tax hike.

And the encampments are still there.

Conway had been working with City Hall departments, including Streets and Sanitation and Family and Support Services, to address the homeless camps under the viaducts but said he recently learned plans to remove tents were canceled by the mayors office in October. City officials disputed that there were final plans in place.

The conflict between Conway and Lee follows a recent controversy involving Johnson City Council floor leader Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, who was accused of threatening developments in the wards of three aldermen if they didnt take the mayors guidance on specific issues.

Ramirez-Rosa has denied the threats but stepped down as floor leader and Zoning Committee chairman in the face of criticism from colleagues.

It also comes at a fraught time for Johnson, who on Wednesday is looking to pass a relatively uncontroversial budget while navigating deep tensions in City Council over migrant spending.

Conway said he has referred the matter to the city Inspector Generals Office.

But Lee said he doesnt see a problem with the exchange.

Its a pretty standard conversation about how legislation and policy interacts and how political will is created, Lee said. Obviously we wanted Ald. Conway to support that agenda and explain to him the linkage between the two.

gpratt@chicagotribune.com
FILE - Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis speaks in the Fulton County Government Center Aug. 14, 2023, in Atlanta. Willis, who charged former President Donald Trump over his efforts to overturn the state's 2020 election says she expects his trial will be underway over Election Day next year and could possibly stretch past the inauguration in 2025. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

ATLANTA (AP)  The Georgia prosecutor pursuing a case against former President Donald Trump and others on Wednesday asked a judge to revoke the bond of defendant Harrison Floyd, saying he has been intimidating witnesses and codefendants in the case.

Floyd, Trump and 17 others were indicted in August by a Fulton County grand jury, accused of participating in a wide-ranging scheme to illegally try to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia. Four defendants have pleaded guilty after reaching a deal with prosecutors and the rest have pleaded not guilty.

The charges against Floyd stem from allegations of harassment of Ruby Freeman, a Fulton County election worker who had been falsely accused of election fraud by Trump and his supporters. Floyd took part in a Jan. 4, 2021, conversation in which Freeman was told she needed protection and was pressured to make false statements about election fraud, the indictment says.

Prosecutors said in Wednesday's motion to revoke his bond that he had been posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, in an effort to intimidate codefendants and witnesses, to communicate directly and indirectly with codefendants and witnesses, and to otherwise obstruct the administration of justice. His actions amounted to intentional and flagrant violations of his bond conditions, prosecutors wrote.

Chris Kachouroff, an attorney for Floyd, said District Attorney Fani Willis' attempt to revoke his client's bond was nonsense, adding, She's not going to get it granted." He said he plans to file a motion to disqualify Willis from the prosecution because of her personal animus against my client.

Floyd was the only one of the 19 defendants in the case to spend time behind bars at the Fulton County Jail in August. While the other defendants in the case had their lawyers reach out to prosecutors for a bond agreement before turning themselves in at the jail, Floyd showed up on Aug. 24 without a lawyer or a bond agreement. He was released Aug. 30 after his lawyer negotiated a $100,000 bond.

The conditions of his release include not communicating directly or indirectly about the facts of the case with any of his codefendants or any known witnesses.

Prosecutors say he repeatedly attacked Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and one of his top aides, Gabriel Sterling, who are both likely witnesses in the case. In one social media post they cited, he seemed to imply that the two men had interfered in elections, lied before Congress and lied to Willis.

In a Nov. 6 interview on a podcast, he discussed the facts of the case and communicated indirectly to codefendant Jenna Ellis, by discussing her guilty plea, prosecutors wrote. After the details from a video of an interview Ellis did with prosecutors as part of her plea deal were reported by news outlets earlier this week, prosecutors cited a post in which Floyd called her a whole mess and accused her of lying about another potential witness in the case.

He also had a series of posts Tuesday about Freeman that prosecutors said was an attempt to intimidate her and indirectly communicate with her about the facts of the case.

Freeman and her daughter, Wandrea Shaye Moss, were vilified and harassed by Trump supporters after lawyers for the then-president played surveillance video footage from the arena during a meeting of Georgia state lawmakers in December 2020. State and federal officials investigated and found no evidence of election fraud at the arena.

Stephen Cliffgard Lee, a pastor from Illinois, went to Freemans home in December 2020. He intended to claim to be offering her help in order to get her to make false statements about what happened at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, where ballots were being tallied, the indictment says.

After Lee failed to connect with Freeman at her house, he sought help from Floyd, a leader in the organization Black Voices for Trump, telling Floyd that Freeman was afraid to talk to him because he was a white man, the indictment says. Floyd solicited the help of Trevian Kutti, who had worked as a spokesperson for R. Kelly and Kanye West. She traveled to Atlanta from Chicago in early January 2021 to try to connect with Freeman.

Kutti arranged to meet Freeman at a suburban police precinct and they spoke for about an hour, with Floyd joining the meeting by phone. Kutti and Floyd told Freeman that she needed protection and that they could help her, but in reality they were trying to influence her testimony and get her to lie about what happened at State Farm Arena as votes were being counted, the indictment says.

In addition to the charges in Georgia, Floyd also faces federal charges that accuse him of aggressively confronting two FBI agents sent to serve him with a grand jury subpoena.
A Wichita Falls police officer testified Tuesday he watched a man near Wichita Falls High School with a satchel around his neck sidle up to cars and spend a couple of seconds at the window before they drove off  classic signs of drug dealing.

More: First suspect jailed in fentanyl-related death

Joshua Christopher Pantoja is on trial for accusations he had hundreds of illegal fentanyl pills on hand to peddle in 2022. It was a year that saw Wichita Falls hammered with a deadly toll from the powerful opioid.

More: Drug dealer gets 45-year sentence in county's first fentanyl murder trial

Police found what they believe was approximately 2,000 counterfeit Percocet pills, actually containing fentanyl, after they arrested Pantoja, 29, and served a search warrant June 6, 2022, according to allegations.

Joshua Christopher Pantoja, second from left, waits with Wichita County Assistant Public Defender Gant Grimes, far left, for the jury to return from a break in Pantoja's fentanyl trial Monday, Nov. 14, 2023.

Fentanyl, weapon found

The satchel contained a plastic bag and a baby bottle stocked with suspected fentanyl pills, according to allegations. They were stamped with an "M" on one side and "30" on the other to make them look like Percocet.

Police served a search warrant the same day on Pantoja's home in the 1600 block of Harrison Street.

More: 'Sick and tired': Wichita County fentanyl crackdown targets Burk man

They found more pills, suspected cocaine, a semiautomatic rifle, a digital scale and a 16-year-old girl who had been dating Pantoja over a year, according to allegations in court records. She later told an investigator she had a baby with him.

He is charged with manufacture or delivery of over 200 but less than 400 grams of fentanyl. The total weight of the suspected drug police found was 249 grams. The first-degree felony is punishable by up to life in prison.

Pantoja has pleaded not guilty to the fentanyl charge he is on trial for, a cocaine-related charge and a sexual assault charge. The cocaine-related charge was dismissed, pending its refiling in a separate indictment.

Anyone accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Pantoja was being held Tuesday in the Wichita County Detention Center on $140,000 for the fentanyl and sexual assault charges, according to online jail records.

Testimony from former organized crime officer

Jury selection began Monday before 78th District Judge Meredith Kennedy, and 12 jurors were seated Tuesday. Wichita County Assistant District Attorney Joseph Vrecek gave opening arguments Tuesday afternoon.

The prosecutor told jurors they would hear Pantoja tell police he doesn't mess with fentanyl, indicating that it was dangerous and showing he knew what he was doing by dealing it.

Wichita County Assistant Public Defender Gant Grimes declined to present opening arguments Tuesday. Grimes can do that when the defense begins presenting its case.

The first witness the state called Tuesday was Wichita Falls police Officer Daniel Zimpel.

He told the jury he was a member of the organized crime unit back then and conducted surveillance of Pantoja before his arrest. He looked like he was dealing drugs.

Search warrant served

Officers took Pantoja into custody without incident as he walked down an alleyway near the home. SWAT officers served the search warrant at the home.

Zimpel took part in the search, finding a rifle under a blanket and a plastic bag of blue pills on the floor. The rifle had some ammunition in its 30-round magazine.

Zimpel testified that M30s on the street are usually counterfeit  not Percocet  and people who buy them know they are getting fentanyl.

More: James Staley's lawyer lays out case to overturn his capital murder conviction

Fentanyl overdoses and murder

He told the jury the deadliest way to ingest the drug is to chop it up and snort it.

Zimpel testified, 2022 was really the year Wichita Falls had a major problem with overdoses on fentanyl.

He thinks the city is seeing fewer fentanyl-related deaths this year.

More: Man charged in connection with MSU student's overdose death

Our community is doing the right thing and charging people with murder, Zimpel told the jury.

In August 2022, Wichita County District Attorney John Gillespie and Wichita Falls police Chief Manuel Borrego declared war on fentanyl after the synthetic opioid claimed at least 15 lives in the city up to that point in 2022. Gillespie pledged to investigate fentanyl-related deaths as homicides.

It is of note that Andres Diaz snorted a fentanyl pill before he became unresponsive and died of an overdose in July 2022. Jasinto Jimenez, who sold Diaz's friend the pill she gave him, was sentenced to 45 years in prison for murder in September. It was perhaps the first such conviction in Texas.

'Three food groups'

While Grimes cross-examined Zimpel, he testified that during his six years in the organized crime unit, members focused on narcotics because that is a priority in Wichita Falls.

He said the Pantoja bust was a good one because of what officers found.

If you have drugs, money, guns, thats kind of the three food groups," Zimpel told the jury.

Seized money is divided up between the DAs Office and Wichita Falls police, he testified.

Zimpel didn't recall if any rounds were chambered in the rifle.

Forensic scientist testifies

Bethany Schroeder, a forensic scientist, told the jury she tested samples of pills delivered as evidence in the case to the Texas Department of Public Safety Lab in Abilene.

During cross-examination by Grimes, she confirmed some evidence was mislabeled but not by her.

She also testified that multiple people have to be present to open a vault at the lab containing drugs such as suspected fentanyl.

There was an incident with a former employee who stole drugs from a vault, Schroeder told the jury, adding that was before she worked there.

Grimes followed a line of questioning to cast doubt on the reliability and thoroughness of Schroeder's analysis of pill samples.

They embarked on a detailed exploration of confidence levels, sample sizes, peaks in test results and her surprise about an apparent disparity in the weight of the pills.

She made a point during her testimony: Every pill she tested was positive for fentanyl.

Trish Choate, enterprise watchdog reporter for the Times Record News, covers education, courts, breaking news and more. Contact Trish with news tips at tchoate@gannett.com. Read her recent work here. Her X handle is @Trishapedia.

This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Wichita Falls man accused of dealing fentanyl near Old High
HARARE, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The cholera pandemic continues to spread in Zimbabwe with 22 new confirmed cases reported Tuesday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 1,240, data from the Ministry of Health and Child Care showed.

As of Tuesday, the country had also recorded 7,398 suspected cases, 50 confirmed cholera deaths and 145 suspected cholera deaths, with 109 people hospitalized, according to the ministry.

Kuwadzana high-density suburb has become the epicenter of the cholera pandemic in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, according to Harare City Council spokesperson Stanley Gama, who attributed cholera infections to sewer blockages in Kuwadzana.

Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Jenfan Muswere said last week that the government had approved a budget of 12 million U.S. dollars for the national cholera outbreak response. 
Greek authorities detained a Ukrainian citizen suspected of embezzling Hr 43 million ($1.2 million) from Ukraine's Defense Ministry's budget, the Prosecutor General's Office reported on Nov. 15.

The suspect, whose identity was not revealed, was reportedly detained in Athens on Nov. 13.

Between March 2 and May 10 last year, the suspect allegedly seized funds that a company received as military procurement advance payment from the defense ministry.

The suspect was the director of the company at the time and colluded with other individuals in the scheme, the Prosecutor General's Office said.

Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support us

The person was formally charged on July 12, 2022, and a request for his detention was sent to Greek authorities on Nov. 6, 2023. Ukraine also asked Interpol to issue a red notice regarding the suspect.

The person is currently under temporary arrest in Greece, and the request for extradition is being drawn up, prosecutors said.

Defense procurement corruption scandals were the main factors behind the firing of former Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov. One of the scandals concerned overpriced food supplies, and the other overpriced and poor-quality winter jackets for the military.

Tackling corruption and ensuring greater procurement transparency was one of the chief tasks set by President Volodymyr Zelensky to Reznikov's successor, Rustev Umerov.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The German publishing house Hoffmann and Campe is stopping the sale of books by journalist Hubert Seipel about Vladimir Putin after an investigation revealed that the books were funded by Russia, German news magazine Der Spiegel reported on Nov. 15.

The Hamburg-based publishing house Hoffmann und Campe supposedly knew nothing about the Russian "sponsorship deal" of author Hubert Seipel. The publisher is now suspending sales of books about the Russian president.

Read also: Francis Fukuyama on Western attitudes towards Russia and 'overemphasized' corruption  interview

On Nov. 14, an investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and Paper Trail Media as part of the Cyprus Confidential project was released. It states that the famous German journalist, author of two bestselling books about the Russian leader, Hubert Seipel, received at least EUR 600,000 ($650,580) from offshore companies associated with oligarch Alexei Mordashov, a Russian oligarch close to Putin.

According to UK newspaper the Guardian, Seipel was one of the few foreign journalists who had direct contact with the Russian president. His books Putin. The Inner Views of Power and Putin's Power. Why Europe needs Russia became bestsellers.

Read also: New Zealand radio editor fired for pushing Russian propaganda

After the release of his documentary I, Putin: A Portrait, Seipel was awarded the German Television Award for Best On-The-Spot Report.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Russias military personnel losses in its invasion of Ukraine have crossed 300,000, showed estimates by the UK that also said thousands more have deserted the battlefield.

James Heappey, minister of state for the armed forces, revealed the UKs estimates of losses faced by Vladimir Putin since the start of the invasion in February last year.

We estimate that approximately 302,000 Russian military personnel have been killed or wounded, and tens of thousands more have already deserted since the start of the conflict, he said on Tuesday in response to queries from John Healey, the shadow secretary of state for defence.

Detailing other extensive Russian losses, Mr Heappey said Russia has lost thousands of military vehicles, naval vessels, and equipment, in a massive resource drain.

We also estimate that over 7,117 Russian armoured vehicles, including nearly 2,475 main battle tanks, 93 fixed wing aircraft, 132 helicopters, 320 unmanned aerial vehicles, 16 naval vessels of all classes, and over 1,300 artillery systems of all types have been destroyed since the start of the conflict, he said.

The UKs estimate of casualties is similar to the assessment made by Kyiv, that said Russia had lost a total 313,470 military personnel in combat as of Tuesday.

On being asked about the casualties seen in Russian private military companies (PMCs) in the war, Mr Heappey said the actual toll of these casualties cannot be obtained amid difficulties.

The number of personnel killed serving in Russian PMCs is not clear, he said.

Russia have utilised several PMCs and volunteer units in Ukraine to augment Russian military forces, but the deaths of personnel from these organisations are not reflected in Russian official military death tolls.

The Wagner group, one of Russias most prominent PMCs, had been deployed in some of the bloodiest battles in Ukraine.

The group has suffered significant casualties in Ukraine. But after an aborted mutiny by its now-dead chief Yevgeny Prigozhin earlier this year, many Wagner fighters had left the country and relocated to Belarus under a deal.

Kyiv, however, later said several hundred of them had returned to eastern Ukraine.

Russia has not released any official casualties suffered by it since the start of the war in Ukraine. Moscow and Kyiv have guarded their own battlefield losses and treated them as state secrets.

In the early stages of war, Russia publicly acknowledged the deaths of just over 6,000 soldiers. Reports about military losses have been repressed in Russian media, activists and independent journalists said.

Documenting the dead in the country has become an act of defiance; those who do so face harassment and potential criminal charges.

In February, the UKs defence ministry said approximately 40,000-60,000 Russians had likely been killed in the war.

A leaked assessment from the US Defence Intelligence Agency put the number of Russians killed in action in the first year of the war at 35,000-43,000.
The three candidates, Cheryl Andrews-Maltais, chairwoman of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah; Mark Macarro, tribal chairman of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians; and Marshall Pierite, chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, were interviewed at NCAI Convention by Levi Rickert and Dr. Aaron Payment on Tuesday in New Orleans. (Photo/Native News Online)

NEW ORLEANS  The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) will elect a new president this week at its 80th Annual Convention and Marketplace in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Current NCAI President Fawn Sharp (Quinault Indian Nation) is term-limited and cannot seek reelection.

Three candidates are vying to replace Sharp: Cheryl Andrews-Maltais, chairwoman of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah; Mark Macarro, tribal chairman of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians; and Marshall Pierite, chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana.

Each candidate appeared on Native News Onlines popular Native Bidaske in recent weeks. Each candidate was asked the same questions. Two important questions and the candidates answers, which have been edited for clarity and brevity, are highlighted in the Q&A below.

What is the most important issue facing tribes in the United States today?

Andrews-Maltais: Its twofold because we live in two worlds. We have to work in two worlds with almost equal priority. From the tribal side, trying to heal our tribal nations, there are a lot of issues with regard to tribe-on-tribe misunderstanding, and tribal disharmony.

That is rising to a significant level within Indian country, from community to community, tribe to tribe, nation to nation, but also, the discourse thats within tribes in. We all have to take that breath. We have to work on that internally amongst ourselves as brothers and sisters as a tribal family.

On the other side of it, there are our federal partners in Congress. We go to them with really packed agendas. They talk about what theyre going to do for us, how theyre going to do it with us, and a lot of positive language, but where the rubber meets the road, where its important for them to actually step up and take those actions  we dont see that.

So Id like to be able to hold everybodys feet to the fire. Im a warrior for Indian Country; Im a warrior for my people. I think that our war right now is to make sure that the United States and its obligation to us is the single most important priority.

Mark Macarro: Tribal sovereignty and the constant threat to it. What we saw with the Brackeen case and the possible overturn of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is that this concept of settled law seems to be diminishing. It might be evaporating.

In Indian Country, we need to take stock of what we think the status quo is. We need to be on this constant campaign of being prepared to push back, not just when a lawsuit appears in front of the Supreme Court, but at the ground level when forces are trying to bring things in front of the district courts and file those cases in different parts of the country.

Marshall Pierite: Protecting and preserving our tribal sovereignty. First and foremost, you cannot speak about tribal sovereignty without talking about or speaking about empowering our women as well as empowering our youth. Its imperative, and from a tribal leadership perspective, we just cant do it alone. We need to build advocacy, and theres no better advocate within Indian Country than our women and our next generation of leaders.

What is your position on the constitutional amendments that will be voted on during this weeks convention that would change state-recognized tribes from full members to associate members of NCAI?

Andrews-Maltais: The bylaws are pretty clear that everybody who has gained membership met the bylaw criteria.

Unfortunately, there is not one uniform way for all 50 states to recognize tribes within their state. And we use it for our membership. Its a hard discussion.

I think it would be appropriate to have an NCAI Task Force. I would hope that there would be no final decision until the task force creates something that has consensus so all tribes can have standing.

There are a lot of organizations and groups that are not tribes and should not be represented as tribes or, tribal governments, or tribal nations.

We want to make sure that we have as much recognition for as many people but in the right structure.

Mark Macarro: I am in favor of these proposed constitutional amendments. They are not intended to exclude state-recognized tribes and non-federally recognized tribes, but they would change their status to associate members. They would still be in the organization, but they wouldnt be voting delegates.

And heres why: the National Congress of American Indians is a congress. The members of the Congress are putatively sovereigns, governmental sovereigns, and sovereign co-equals. They sit together as sovereign co-equals. Federally recognized tribes are often parties to treaties and other agreements with the United States. Federally recognized tribes have a sovereign right to self-govern, a sovereign right to create laws that are binding, and a sovereign right to assert actual jurisdiction, among other political subdivisions.

State tribes and non-federally recognized tribes dont have these powers. They have a status in law that is not much different from being a social group, but they dont have sovereign governmental powers.

I have found there dozens of tribal leaders from around the country who have complained that their tribal sovereignty is diminished in NCAI, as they have to sit in parity alongside entities that do not share that same sovereignty yet have the same vote on the same policy issues. And so that has come that has become an issue of contention. And you see it manifesting with these constitutional amendments.

Marshall Pierite: It goes by the policy of NCAI, and I wholeheartedly believe that we cannot allow issues to divide us.

We need an issue to unify us. My own tribe, the Tunica Biloxi, has shared ancestry homelands with the Houma Nation. We have shared a history that goes back over 200 years, and we are very great friends. They are part of our Tunica-Buloxi extended family today.

I understand the battle with some of the tribes that say state tribes dont belong because Tunica-Buloxi was fighting that same battle with two groups within our parish. We took it upon ourselves to fight that with the state legislature and created a whole new process on how they recognize state tribes.

We have more pressing issues that we have to deal with because 2024 is upon us. It is a year away. This administration (Biden-Harris) has created so much opportunity and all our emphasis and focus should be on how we can help each other actually gain access to those economic opportunities and how we can work together instead of issues that divide us.

I feel torn about this issue. I would feel for the tribes either way. But if NCAIs policy allows these tribes to be in, who are we to say, "Hey, listen, they dont belong ."

To watch each candidates episode of Native Bidaske, go to:

About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net."

Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net
Qatar is trying to iron out a deal between Hamas and Israel that would result in the release of 50 civilian hostages in the coming days in exchange for a three-day ceasefire, Reuters reported. The negotiation could also lead to the release of Palestinian women and children held in Israeli jails. Israeli officials are still reportedly working on negotiating the exact terms of the deal, while Hamas is already on board with the general outlines, Reuters reports. Last week, an Israeli official told The Daily Beast that Israel will be willing to pause only for a substantial release of hostages, without elaborating on what substantial meant.

Read it at Reuters

Read more at The Daily Beast.
Pro-Palestinian speakers demanded Raleigh city leaders pass a resolution calling for a cease-fire in the latest war between Israel and Hamas.

Doha Hindi, a Raleigh resident, said she is a Palestinian American and her mother is a member of the Al-shawa family. She spent her time before the Raleigh City Council Tuesday night reading the names of 42 family members who were killed, ranging in age from 5 to 77.

I reject the use of my tax money for the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people, she said. It is illogical for us to be funding a foreign entitys military when we have so many unaddressed concerns within our own city and country. You have a moral responsibility to represent your constituents, and that involves calling for a cease-fire.

Ninety-four people signed-up to speak to the council, though only about 65 spoke during the meeting. More than half calling for a cease-fire. Many held signs that read Stop funding genocide, Free Palestine and Children pay the price of your hatred.

Most of the speakers wore black and white checkered keffiyeh and had painted their hands red, holding them up when a pro-Palestinian speaker was at the podium.

After nearly four hours of speakers, the City Council agreed to consider a resolution.

Speakers criticize US funding for Israel

On Oct. 7, Hamas stormed Israeli towns near the blockaded Gaza Strip, killing an estimated 1,400 people, most of them civilians

Israel then began airstrikes on Gaza, leveling neighborhoods. Since the war began, more than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 4,000 children, The Associated Press has reported.

The United States provides $3.8 billion every year to Israel with nearly all of that money going toward Israels military, and the Biden administration has requested $14 billion more in aid.

Many speakers mentioned that funding, saying the money could be used for education, affordable housing and other programs in Raleigh and the United States.

I demand you condemn the state of Israel for their barbaric and tortuous extermination of more than 11,000 Palestinians, said Hamdi Hashi.

Fatima Shaat went to school in Gaza before coming to Raleigh to finish high school, she said. Her cousins, classmates and neighbors have been killed, and she is worried about her mothers safety.

My mom was just here this summer in Raleigh, she said. She loves Raleigh. I love the community. Im trying to make a home for myself here in Raleigh because Palestine has become a hell because of the U.S. and Israel. ... I am standing here also to show you that were just people here. I was there. My family is there. How can you go to bed tonight knowing youre killing people like me?

Other speakers called on the city to not send any money to Israel (The News & Observer has asked the city if any money is sent to Israel) and for the city to follow Durhams lead in banning military-style training in countries such as Israel. Durham passed that controversial statement in 2018, prompting backlash, protests and three lawsuits.

Former Raleigh Police Chief Cassandra Deck-Brown traveled to Israel as part of an international training. The N&O has requested information about that training and if any similar training has occurred since Estella Patterson became chief.

Everybody needs a break

About two hours in, Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin said the City Council would take a 10-minute recess.

I think everybody needs a break, she said.

Someone in the crowd shouted, asking if Palestine had a break. Another asked if this was a humanitarian pause.

As some council members stood up, people started to chant Cease-fire now, and then Free, free Palestine.

At points in the meeting, Council member Christina Jones held her hands up and chanted along with the group, blinking back years. Council member Mary Black also shed tears after she spoke to a woman and a young child in the audience who gave her a cardboard Palestine flag.

Just be calm

Before the meeting resumed, Council member Jane Harrison thanked the speakers.

Typically we listen up here and hopefully do right by you, she said. I hear the pain. I know whats going on. I have been calling our senators.

She was interrupted by applause.

I dont know whats going to happen next, but I appreciate that you are here and that you are putting your voices out, Harrison said. I want to see the end of this conflict. It must happen as soon as possible.

So say Free Palestine, one person called out.

Its a genocide, said another person.

Ask the mayor to stop sharing Israeli propaganda, said another person to loud applause and cheers.

Baldwin was criticized numerous times for attending an event in solidarity with Israel and tweeting an article and saying We cannot accept this assault on Israel.

Then Black spoke to the crowd.

Believe me, I can respect the feeling of anger, of sadness, of everything that youre feeling, she said. But if you want this meeting to finish tonight, and to have the remainder of the list have their chance to speak at the podium to us, were going to have to follow the rules of decorum and just be calm.

Baldwin said the meeting would end if the disruptions continued.

City of Raleigh to review Carrboro resolution

At the end, Black asked the city attorney to review a resolution passed Tuesday night by the town of Carrboro, the first in the state to call for a cease-fire. Baldwin asked that another resolution shared with the City Council also be reviewed. Black asked that the review be back before the City Councils next meeting.

I didnt expect all these people to come tonight, Black said afterward. But Im glad they did. I think we can look into the resolution that Carrboro passed, as well as some of the things that were shared tonight. And see Raleigh can do to call for an urgent humanitarian action and a ceasefire.

After the meeting, Baldwin said the event she attended was shortly after the Oct. 7 attack in Israel.

It was right after the assault on Israel, and it was tragic and sad, she said. And I think that all of this is. Its all sides. And thats what makes it so difficult.

She wants to see balance in any resolution the city considers.

We have to acknowledge what also happened in Israel, she said.
Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy announced a petition to oust Republican National Committee (RNC) Chair Ronna McDaniel from her post Wednesday, a week after he called for her to resign from behind his podium during the third GOP debate.

I am sick & tired of this Republican Establishment that has made us a party of losers. Where is the accountability for years of losing: 2018, 2020, 2022 and now 2023? Ramaswamy said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

He referenced last weeks primary debate in Miami, during which he publicly called for McDaniel to resign, lamenting the partys losses across recent election cycles.

Now, Im asking grassroots conservatives across the nation to join me so she can feel the power of the people, Ramaswamy said, asking supporters to add their name to a list on a FireRonna website thats branded as paid for by Vivek 2024.

McDaniel hit back at Ramaswamy after the debate, contending he needs a headline to make up for low polling as he looks toward the fourth debate  hosted by NewsNation  which has higher polling and donor criteria for candidates to qualify.

She also argued the Republican-on-Republican infighting is hurting the GOP.

Ramaswamy has doubled down on his calls for McDaniels resignation or firing in the days after the debate, a move some strategists have pointed to as a ploy for attention and an effort to paint himself in contrast to the party establishment.

The conservative entrepreneur saw momentum earlier this year, but polling after the first few debates indicated a dip in his popularity. FiveThirtyEights tracker of polling averages now has Ramaswamy at 5 percent, behind former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haleys 9 percent, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantiss 14 percent and former President Trumps leading 58 percent.

The RNC is focused on firing Joe Biden. If Republicans would like to help with that, visit bankyourvote.com, RNC spokesperson Emma Vaughn told The Hill after Ramaswamy launched his petition.

NewsNation and The Hill are both owned by Nexstar Media Group.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Randi Weingarten fact checked for asking where the 'women' are at all-male Jewish prayer service

American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten was slapped with an X community note after asking where the "women" were during an all-male Jewish prayer service.

Weingarten, who said in 2010 she considers herself to be a "deeply religious" Jew, quoted Jewish conservative commentator Mark Levin's video footage of the minyan  a quorum of Jewish adults, traditionally male, required for certain religious observances  outside the White House.

"Where are the women?" Weingarten asked in the post, which has its comments section limited to Weingarten's followers.

RANDI WEINGARTEN GETS EDUCATED ABOUT EXACTLY WHO IS TO BLAME FOR THE RISE IN HOMESCHOOLING

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, reacts in front of the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., April 26, 2023.

The post garnered a response from Levin as well as a community note from X.

"Orthodox Jews have gender separated prayers for thousand of years," the note reads, citing the Jewish advocacy group Chabad.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"The women were on the other side praying and would not be visible from someone recording in the mens section," it adds.

"You're such a contemptible moron," Levin responded. "Get off my timeline you idiot."

Weingarten's Tuesday post was lit up by other social media users.

"Is this a satire account controlled by [School Choice Now senior fellow Corey DeAngelis]?" Manhattan Institute director of constitutional studies Ilya Shapiro joked.

"Her wife is a progressive LGBT-focused rabbi," political commentator Chad Felix Greene wrote. "This was her trying to shame the pro-Israel event."

"She knows her ideological peers will look down on and dismiss them as conservative," Greene continued.

Daily Wire video journalist Kassy Dillon wrote that Weingarten "turned off comments because she knows this was a dumb thing to tweet."

"Randi Weingarten is Jewish [and] the president of the 1.7 million-member American Federation of Teachers  she was completely unaware that Orthodox Jewish men [and] women pray separately," Parents Defending Education president Nikki Neily tweeted.

"If you were wondering why the public education system in America has been in decline for decades" she added.

AFT did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

This is the second time this week that Weingarten has been blown up online over her posts.

Weingarten got more than she asked for after she posted an article about the rise in homeschooling in America on social media Sunday.

"What's behind the increase in homeschooling," Weingarten posted on X along with an article with the same title from Axios, which included experts attributing the rise to kids needing specialized services and the pandemic.

Randi Weingarten got more than she asked for after she posted an article about the rise in homeschooling in America on social media on Sunday.

Some X users, however, blamed Weingarten and the agenda the AFT has pushed for in education.

Colin Wright, an evolutionary biologist, shared an image of a gender ideology instruction used in public schools around the country. He said, "I've identified the suspect. Although according to them suspects should be able to identify themselves."

The AFT previously promoted the use of a pronoun card which included a question of whether the student wanted their parents to know about their pronouns.





Original article source: Randi Weingarten fact checked for asking where the 'women' are at all-male Jewish prayer service
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Students at Westside Middle School in Frayser got a special surprise Tuesday from one of the schools most famous alumni.

Grammy-nominated rapper and Memphis native GloRilla visited the school Tuesday to present a $20,000 donation to the schools fine arts program.

She also offered words of encouragement to the students at her alma mater.

To chase your dreams, whatever you want to do is possible. Im living proof because I came from this exact neighborhood, this exact school. And whatever you want to do, you can do it. Manifest and actually work to achieve it, she said.

GloRilla presents a $20,000 check to staff and students at Westside Middle School in Memphis



This is not the first time GloRilla has given back to a school in Frayser. Last year, she donated $25,000 to Martin Luther King College Prep, her former high school. The money went toward the senior class and the arts and music program.

Memphis rapper GloRilla donates $25K to Frayser school

GloRilla is why I got into this work years ago, said Dr. Rodney Peterson, Principal of Westside

Middle School. I wanted to be a conduit and bridge builder for young people to dream and

know that those dreams can come to fruition if they believed in it and put in the work. Because

she is the true epitome of a Westside Wildcat, with this donation, we can help continue the legacy of empowering young Wildcats to be world changers.

The Memphis native is known for her 2022 breakout hit F.N.F (Lets Go). Shes scheduled to kick off her Gangsta Art arena tour on November 22 in Fort Worth, Texas.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Days after releasing a suspect without charges in the October killing of Samantha Woll, the Detroit Police Department on Tuesday said its detectives are working on presenting their case to prosecutors.

Woll was a prominent leader in Detroit's Jewish community whose slaying has led to widespread speculation and calls for justice.

"Despite recent developments, the Detroit Police Department's Homicide Unit remains committed to presenting a comprehensive set of facts for submission to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office," the department announced in a Tuesday statement.

Samantha Woll, 40, who led the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue, was found fatally stabbed outside her home in the citys Lafayette Park neighborhood, east of downtown, on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.

The statement did not directly address the release of the suspect, nor did it indicate whether police still believe the same person committed the crime. Multiple sources said the suspect, who was arrested in Kalamazoo on Nov. 7, was close with Woll and attended her funeral.

The man's attorney, Allison Kriger, confirmed his release but declined to elaborate, saying she finds it inappropriate to comment on matters of criminal investigation. His Nov. 10 release came after police executed a search warrant at his home this week, a source with knowledge of the investigation told the Free Press.

Under Michigan law, criminal suspects cannot be held without being charged for more than three days.

"This crime reflects a common challenge in our line of work, when an arrest is made as the investigation unfolds," Detroit police said in its statement. "We appeal to the community for any information and appreciate your patience as investigators thoroughly examine every aspect of this case.

"Our heartfelt thoughts remain with Ms. Woll's loved ones."

Woll, 40, was found dead with multiple stab wounds outside her Lafayette Park home the morning of Oct. 21.

Police said she had attended a wedding the night before she was killed, and there was no forced entry inside her home.

Detroit Police Chief James White has said no evidence suggests the crime was motivated by antisemitism. He previously warned the public not to jump to conclusions.

Woll was the president of Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue and worked on the campaigns of Michigan Democrats including Attorney General Dana Nessel and U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin.

Andrea Sahouri covers criminal justice for the Detroit Free Press. She can be contacted at 313-264-0442 or asahouri@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Samantha Woll killing: Police work toward sending case to prosecutors
LUSAKA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has partnered with Stanbic Bank Zambia, a local bank, to plant 10,000 trees at the source of the Zambezi River, one of the country's largest rivers, according to a statement released Wednesday.

The initiative to plant trees at the source of Africa's fourth longest river in the Ikelenge district in northwestern Zambia was a continuation of the "Let's Secure the Zambezi" campaign which has been running for the past two years to tackle the devastating effect of climate change.

Nachilala Nkombo, the WWF country director for Zambia, said the organization was delighted to partner with Stanbic Bank to secure the Zambezi River, the country's most precious water source.

"We are delighted to continue on this journey for environmental sustainability. Let's secure the Zambezi campaign will limit the damage of deforestation in Ikelenge district and the surrounding area and promote environmental conservation," she said in the statement.

The campaign will have beneficial effects not only for the people in the district but also for millions of people who depend on the river in Zambia, Angola, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, she declared.

She added that the second phase of the campaign will engage a broader group of stakeholders with exciting activities aimed at preserving the natural environment and ecosystem, adding that the planting of 10,000 trees could not be actualized without the involvement of the local community.

Mwindwa Siakalima, the bank's chief executive officer, said planting trees will help combat climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions and bringing an increased supply of oxygen into the ecosystem.

According to him, the bank will also be launching a documentary to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining and restoring the ecosystem in and around the Zambezi River that will demonstrate the scale of the threat the source of the river faces.

"Human activities and climate change are together affecting the ecological balance of an area rich in flora, fauna and wildlife," he said. 
Rep. Pat Fallons office confirmed to The Hill he will seek reelection for his House seat in 2024, reversing course after reports surfaced earlier this week that the Texas Republican would launch a bid for the state Senate.

A spokesperson for Fallon confirmed he did previously launch a campaign for the state seat but did not provide further details on why he changed his mind.

On Monday, the Texas Tribune reported Fallons brief bid to fill the seat being vacated by Republican state Sen. Drew Springer. The Tribune reported a day later that Fallon told constituents in a tele-town hall that he would instead run for reelection in the House, saying his family was not on board with his choice to leave Congress.

I really am truly looking for my best and highest use for the conservative cause because I do think in my hearts of hearts thats the best, best, path forward for our country, Fallon said, according to the outlet.

Fallon, 55, held the seat in the Texas Senate for two years before he was elected to his first term in Congress in 2020. He currently represents Texass 4th District.

The lawmakers red-leaning district will likely stay in Republican hands in 2024, with the nonpartisan Cook Political Report labeling it as a solid Republican race with a rating of R+16. He won by a wide margin in 2022 over Democratic challenger Iro Omere, garnering about 66 percent of the vote, according to Ballotpedia.

He currently chairs the Oversight and Accountability subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy and Regulatory Affairs and also serves on the House Armed Services Committee and multiple other subcommittees.

Before joining Congress, Fallon founded more than a dozen companies and previously served as a U.S. Air Force officer in Wichita Falls, Texas.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Rep. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., speaks during a House Intelligence Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, April 15, 2021 Al Drago/Pool via AP

A GOP senator said his constituents would've been upset if he hadn't tried to fight a labor leader.

"I mean, what do people want me to do?" Sen. Markwayne Mullin said in a Fox News appearance.

In a separate interview, he also said he's not afraid to "bite" his opponents: "I'll do anything."

A Republican senator said his constituents would've been 'pretty upset' with him if he hadn't attempted to fight a labor leader during a congressional hearing.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, who's represented Oklahoma in the Senate since 2023, made the comments in a Tuesday evening appearance on Fox News.

Earlier in the day, 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," Mullin got into an argument with the president of the Teamsters, Sean O'Brien.

After a brief back-and-forth, Mullin challenged O'Brien to a fight and proceeded to stand up and adjust the ring on his hand before Sen. Bernie Sanders quelled the commotion.

Hours after the brouhaha, Fox News host Sean Hannity fanned the flames even more.

"I think any other response would've been gutless," Hannity mentioned to Mullin, who agreed.

"I mean, what do people want me to do?" Mullin answered. "If I didn't do that, people in Oklahoma would be pretty upset with me."

For a brief period of time before he joined Congress, Mullin actually competed in mixed martial arts events, compiling a record of three wins and zero losses.

Several months prior to Tuesday's Capitol kerfuffle, Mullin had challenged O'Brien to an "MMA match for charity," though it never happened.

In a podcast appearance on Tuesday, Mullin admitted he's not afraid to break the rules in a fight to get an advantage.

"By the way, I'm not afraid of biting," Mullin said unprompted, surprising the podcast's host. "I will bite. In a fight, I'm gonna bite. I'll do anything, I mean, I'm not above it. And I don't care where I bite, by the way, it's just going to be a bite."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Gamesa has faced long-running technical problems with its onshore wind turbines, which have cost huge sums to fix (Paul ELLIS)

Siemens Energy reported a 4.59-billion-euro ($5-billion) annual loss Wednesday, dragged down by a crisis in its wind power unit, a day after a government-backed rescue package was unveiled for the German group.

The company's huge loss in the 2022-2023 financial year was far larger than a loss of several hundred million euros the year before.

While large parts of its wide range of businesses, such as those related to gas and power grids, were healthy, the results were hit by the crisis in its Gamesa wind power subsidiary.

Gamesa has faced long-running technical problems with its onshore wind turbines, which have cost huge sums to fix.

"The wind business remains a major challenge and has led to the net loss in 2023," said the company.

Gamesa is only expected to break even in financial year 2026, and it will impact the group's performance in the "near to mid-term," it said. Still, Siemens Energy expects to return to a net profit of 1 billion euros next year. Revenue in its past financial year rose 7 percent to 31 billion euros, and it said it expects to post similar growth the following year. Siemens Energy runs its financial year from October to September, and the annual results were announced a day after a 15-billion-euro, state-backed rescue deal was unveiled after weeks of talks.

The deal involves providing "guarantees" to Siemens Energy to allow it continue financing major long-term projects.

The economy ministry announced it would grant the company 7.5 billion euros worth of guarantees, and others involved included private banks as well as the larger Siemens conglomerate, which is a major shareholder in Siemens Energy.

Siemens Energy was spun out of Siemens in 2020. In 2022, Siemens Energy spent 4 billion euros to take full control of Gamesa, which was already having difficulties. Siemens Energy shares jumped 8.8 percent Wednesday on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange but they remain down 35 percent for the year.

sr/lth/gv/yad
On the night the Fort Worth City Council adopted the citys controversial 2023 Comprehensive Plan, a dozen Echo Heights residents and other protesters showed up with signs stating Fort Worth Must Have Environmental Justice.

The residents and members of the Fort Wort Environmental Coalition of Communities, who in the past have made claims of racism against the city and saying they are victims of zoning apartheid, were at the meeting because they were concerned about the councils decision on the southeast sector of the plan. Before Tuesdays meeting, three votes on the plan had been postponed as the residents sought to stop further industrial and/or commercial development in the area.

The proposals approved at the meeting removed 109 acres of land from the Industrial Growth Center designation from the original plan.

Mayor Mattie Parker praised the work of the council and her colleagues for their work to revise the plan, even though she did not like some of what she heard from the Echo Heights residents.

Unfortunately, some of the rhetoric included zoning apartheid, the return of Jim Crow, and a racist City Council. Im here to tell you that is very far from the truth, Parker said. And Im very proud of this council for making very significant changes.

Letitia Wilbourn is a Echo Heights resident and part of the Echo Heights & Stop Six Environmental Coalition who have been vocal for years about environmental racism in their community.

She said the residents should be the ones upset because their community was industrialized.

They get upset that we use the word apartheid zoning, exclusionary zoning and segregation zoning, and Jim Crow, Wilbourn said. They got upset because the truth hurts.

In August, the Echo Heights & Stop Six Environmental Coalition, Northside Fort Worth Air, the Fort Worth Sierra Club, Sunrise Tarrant County, and Downwinders at Risk formed the Fort Worth Environmental Coalition of Communities to fight environmental racism in Fort Worth neighborhoods.

Echo Heights is a residential community south of U.S. 287 and west of Lake Arlington that has about 2,000 homes of mostly Black and Hispanic residents, according to the U.S. Census. The neighborhood is also home to dozens of industrial and commercial businesses. These businesses have been blamed by Echo Heights residents, but not confirmed by studies,



for illnesses, miscarriages, respiratory problems, and deaths.

The city of Fort Worth deemed Echo Heights and surrounding areas as an Industrial Growth Center through the Comprehensive Plan & Future Land Use plan that the city developed in 2000. The plan is a general guide for making decisions about the citys growth and development.

Echo Heights was chosen as an industrial growth center because of the transportation access to different parts of the region, state and the country with quick accessibility to Loop 820, U.S. Route 287, and Interstates 20 and 30. This will help with economic growth through bringing in businesses, job creation, and reduce commute times to jobs according to city officials.

The next step for the coalition is to look ahead for the 2050 Comprehensive Plan where they can decide what they want for their community.

MarTayshia James, president of Echo Heights & Stop Six Environmental Coalition, says she wants to improve her neighborhood in the meantime including installation of sidewalks, fixing street lamps, and bettering the livelihood of her community.

We didnt get everything that we wanted, but we got something, James said. So hopefully in the near future for the 2050 [Comprehensive Plan] they will actually help us with getting more industrial out of the area and not to have more come in the area.
Rising tensions among GOP lawmakers in the House and Senate peaked Tuesday, with a former Speaker allegedly taking a kidney shot at another lawmaker, while a senator invited the Teamsters president to fight him during a hearing.

The embarrassing spectacle came as House lawmakers spent their 10th consecutive week in Washington  with a Republican conference again unable to unify around a spending measure.

It began with an accusation that former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) had elbowed Rep. Tim Burchett in the back as the Tennessee Republican, one of eight GOP members who voted to end McCarthys Speakership a little more than a month ago, was conducting an interview with a reporter from NPR.

Moments later, Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), a burly former mixed martial arts fighter, was was challenging Sean OBrien, president of the Teamsters, to a fight during a hearing before the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee.

As Mullin stood up to challenge OBrien to meet him inside, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), the HELP chair, pleaded with the GOP lawmaker to sit down, reminding him he was a U.S. senator.

Lawmakers were part dismayed and part bemused by the double shot of problems, which comes days before they are set to decamp for their states and districts for the Thanksgiving recess.

Yeah, theres a little tension in the air, I suppose, understandably. But you also have personalities, said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). When Bernie Sanders is the guy trying to bring order to chaos, you know things are chaotic because, quite honestly, hes usually the entertainer and not the referee.

Ever since we got rid of the powder wigs, this place has been devolving, Cramer continued. Its time to pass a [continuing resolution] and get the hell out of here for a bit.

Both troubles stemmed from personal bad blood that has spilled into public. Burchett was among the eight House Republicans who voted to boot McCarthy from the Speakership last month, prompting three weeks of House GOP tumult to pick his replacement, leaving fractures that remain unhealed.

McCarthy maintained later Tuesday that the contact was incidental.

If I would hit somebody, they would know I hit them, the ex-Speaker told reporters.

As for Mullin, he repeatedly defended his actions. The former MMA fighter and a member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame panned OBrien to reporters as a thug, said hes been running his mouth forever and probably should have [his] butt whupped.

Hes the president of a union. Im still a guy from Oklahoma. If youre going to say something stupid like that, then back it up, Mullin said.

No, not at all, he added when asked if he had any regrets. At any day, you could back up and say that situation could have been handled different. How do you not handle it that way when he says, Anytime, anyplace cowboy. And then he continued it. Youre going to say that to me, and expect me to not say anything back to you? He didnt do his research good enough.

Some lawmakers took Mullins situation in stride. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) appeared to smile and jokingly punch the air while walking behind Mullin and a gaggle of reporters after they took part in the Senate GOPs whip meeting.

Sanders lamented the back-and-forth came up during what he had hoped was an important hearing on unions and standing up against corporate greed.

I think its a little bit absurd. We were there to be talking about  the crisis facing working families in this country, and 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.

We are not there to talk about cage-fighting, Sanders added.

News of the Burchett-McCarthy dust-up brought an interesting connection to light. When asked if hed seen what happened between Burchett and McCarthy, Mullin told The Hill that he wouldnt take the Tennessee congressmans word for what happened and noted that he had kicked Burchett out of his long-established daily workout group last week.

Mullin, a longtime McCarthy ally, pointed to a lack of character on his part and said that he doesnt trust Burchett. He noted that hes had lawmakers of different stripes take part in the workouts, even at contentious times, including Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) and former Sen. Martha McSally (R-Ariz.) when they ran against each other in 2018, Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) when he was a manager for former President Trumps first impeachment trial, and Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) when he ran for president.

I dont have a problem with your differences. But I do have a problem when you cant respect or trust the individual thats in front of you, Mullin said. I have respect and trust for the other ones. I can trust what we say. I can trust what happens among friends that it will stay among friends. I dont trust Burchett.  Hes a man that lacks character.

Burchett confirmed that he was booted from the early-morning workout, saying the senator berated and yelled at him until he left  which Mullin denied  and that Mullins friendship with McCarthy was the main reason.

Mychael Schnell contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY)  Rivers Casino Portsmouth reported just over $20 million in revenue from October, according to the Virginia Lotterys monthly casino activity report.

The $20,039,678 is the lowest monthly figure since the casino opened back in January 2023, but not that much lower than its peak of nearly $25 million from its first full month of operations back in February. Revenue has steadily creeped down overall since then.

Month of operation Monthly revenue Jan. (9 days) $9,039,289.78 February $24,661,600.84 March $23,626,847.60 April $21,329,751.33 May $20,620,351.90 June $20,536,584.73 July $22,354,262.76 August $21,535,685.49 September $20,054,889.77 October $20,039,678.42

$14.3 million in Octobers revenue came from the casinos 1,461 slot machines and just over $5.7 million came from its 81 table games. Also with Octobers revenue, Portsmouths city government raked in more than $1.2 million in tax money reserved for host cities.

Richmond rejects casino proposal  again

Norfolk casino developers submit preliminary site plan again to city

The commonwealths two other casinos, Caesars Virginia in Danville and HR Bristol, earned $16.8 million and $12.7 million respectively.

Looking forward, well see if the Virginia State Supreme Courts decision in mid-October to ban so-called skill games in the commonwealth will have an effect on casino gambling going forward. Meanwhile Norfolks casino developers just recently submitted a preliminary site plan again to the City of Norfolk in an effort to get their casino off the ground.

You can read the full report from the Virginia Lottery here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Robert Philibosian was L.A. County's district attorney from 1982 to 1984. (La Canada Valley Sun)

Robert Philibosian, the former Los Angeles County district attorney who oversaw the prosecution in the controversial McMartin Preschool case and later served as legal commentator in another high-profile trial, the criminal case against O.J. Simpson, has died at the age of 83, according to his family.

Philibosian, who served as the county's 38th district attorney from 1982 to 1984, was battling West Nile encephalitis and fell into a coma, daughter Janet Philibosian Valenzuela said. He was removed from life support on Monday.

Family members said in a statement:

"He was a true public servant and always put others before himself. He helped countless people advance their careers with no expectation of anything in return. He cherished his family (including his entire large extended family) above all else and devoted his life to his wife, his children and our spouses, and his beloved grandchildren. He took such pride in all of our accomplishments and we cant imagine our lives without his constant presence."

In 1982, Philibosian was unanimously chosen by the Board of Supervisors to succeed Dist. Atty. John Van de Kamp following Van de Kamps election to state attorney general. The Times reported at the time that the board decision came after a series of roll calls marked by high drama and intense lobbying.

Read more: Astronaut Frank Borman, commander of the first Apollo mission to the moon, dies at 95

Philibosian won out over two highly touted candidates, U.S. Atty. Stephen Trott and former Republican Assemblyman Dave Stirling. Lobbying to the board on his behalf was political ally and California Gov.-elect George Deukmejian. After three split roll calls, Supervisor Kenneth Hahn changed his mind and provided Philibosian the vote he needed.

Board members denied they were swayed by Philibosian's close ties to the governor and pointed to his 15 years of experience as a prosecutor.

Upon accepting the board's appointment, Philibosian pledged all my efforts toward making the district attorneys office as effective as possible.

During his time as district attorney, Philibosian prosecuted civil cases regarding toxic waste disposal and environmental, consumer and antitrust law, as well as criminal matters. But perhaps the case that drew the most headlines was the prosecution of staff members at McMartin Preschool in Manhattan Beach who were accused of child molestation.

Peggy McMartin Buckey, her son, Ray Buckey, and her mother, Virginia McMartin, were among seven at the preschool initially indicted on 115 counts of child molestation by Philibosian, the presiding district attorney during the infamous case.

Ultimately, the case resulted in no convictions. All charges were dropped by 1990, with the entire case lasting seven years and costing taxpayers more than $13 million, making it the longest and most expensive trial in American history.

The Times reported that some jurors in the trials involving the Buckeys "said the children appeared to have been led by questioners to claim they had been molested. Others said that so much time had passed that the memories of the children  who passed from toddlerhood to adolescence in the course of the legal proceedings  couldnt be trusted."

Mary Ann Jackson was one of the preschool employees and original defendants against whom charges were dismissed. She told The Times that she blamed the hysteria and political ambitions of Philibosian, who was in a reelection bid, for a weak case.

He would lose his reelection race to Ira Reiner in 1984.

Philibosian joined the Los Angeles County district attorneys office in 1968, rising to become head deputy in charge of the Van Nuys branch in 1979.

Deukmejian, then the attorney general, appointed him as chief assistant attorney general of the criminal law division, where he served from 1979 until 1982. In this position, he directed the states criminal appellate prosecution and oversaw initiatives against consumer fraud and antitrust issues.

Robert Philibosian was an iconic figure in Californias legal and political scene, leaving an indelible mark on the legal community and beyond, the Association of Deputy District Attorneys said in a statement. His unwavering commitment to service, his dedication to mentorship, and his steadfast love for his family defined his illustrious career and life.

At the height of the media frenzy surrounding the O.J. Simpson trial, Philibosian served as a legal commentator for ABC News, becoming a highly visible media figure throughout the trial. He appeared regularly on Nightline, World News Tonight," "20/20" and "Good Morning America," heading up ABC's coverage of special events during the trial, including closing arguments and the verdicts.

Sheppard Mullin  where he was a partner and legal counsel, working there from 1994 until his death released a statement saying Philibosian had made a lasting impression on the legal and political community, and his tireless commitment to advocating for justice stays with all of us.

He was a brilliant attorney, a keen strategist and a consummate professional," the statement said. "To know Bob was to know him as a friend and a mentor, with generosity felt by all. His advice was treasured, whether he was advising clients on legal matters or providing words of wisdom to colleagues at the firm.

Read more: John Morris, one of the organizers of the original 1969 Woodstock festival, dead at 84

Philibosian was born in Selma, Calif., on Sept. 29, 1940.

He earned a bachelor's degree in history from Stanford University and, in 1967, a law degree from Southwestern Law School. He passed the California State Bar in 1968.

Everybody who came in contact with him respected him. Whether it was the client or the adversary, Republican or Democrat, everybody respected, said Guy Halgren, who was partners with Philibosian at Sheppard Mullin.

Philibosian is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nancy Philibosian; children Janet Philibosian Valenzuela and Robert Philibosian; five grandchildren; and siblings Dianne Philibosian and Richard Philibosian.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The timetable for what could be the first rocket launch from Shetland's SaxaVord spaceport has been set out.

German rocket firm Hylmpulse will attempt sub-orbital launches - flights that are not fast enough to stay in outer space - from August 2024.

Full orbital launches will take place from 2025, according to a letter signed by Hylmpulse and the spaceport.

The site has still to be approved by the Civil Aviation Authority but hopes to be commercially operational by 2030.

A number of companies are also working to launch rockets from the site in the coming years.

Hylmpulse Technologies was due to have its inaugural launch at Unst this year, but the move was delayed as permissions had not been granted.

Another German company, Rocket Factory Ausburg (RFA), is also planning an orbital launch early next year, followed by a Lockheed Martin/ABL Space Systems launch later in 2024.

RFA UK, a subsidiary of the German firm, was recently awarded 3.5m from the UK Space Agency to support rocket launch preparations.

The spaceport is situated on the UK's most northerly inhabited island, home to fewer than 700 people.

Once operational it will carry small satellites into space.

The first rocket launches from SaxaVord Spaceport are expected next year

SaxVord Spaceport is the company which owns the site and overall project.

Business development manager Robin Huber said: "HyImpulse Technologies have been an integral part of the SaxaVord journey and a fantastic supporter of our vision.

"We are delighted to announce that we have reached an agreement for a program that will culminate in the company having a permanent presence in Unst as it gears up towards full commercial operations."

HyImpulse has been carrying out engine tests on Shetland since early 2021.

It will attempt its maiden sub-orbital launch early next year from Australia.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Christian Schmierer, the company's co-CEO, said it was looking to expand operations in the UK for work on propulsion development and testing, rocket structures and ground infrastructure in the coming months. CEO Mario Kobald added: "The Shetland Isles and SaxaVord Spaceport are an integral part of HyImpulse's journey to space.

"We have been in close collaboration with SaxaVord since 2021 and have been doing our flight motors qualification testing also on the islands. We are looking forward to carrying out our first orbital rocket launches from SaxaVord Spaceport."

Four other spaceports are planned for Scotland - Space Hub Sutherland in the Highlands, Spaceport 1 in the Western Isles, Prestwick Spaceport in South Ayrshire and Spaceport Machrihanish in Argyll.

Elsewhere in the UK, there is Spaceport Cornwall in south west England and plans for Spaceport Snowdonia in Wales.

Debbie and Frank Strang bought a former RAF radar station 15 years ago

Married couple Debbie and Frank Strang bought the site on Unst about 15 years ago with an idea to turn it into an eco-tourism attraction.

But the plan changed when the UK government was looking for potential sites for vertical launches of small rockets carrying satellites.

The Strangs continue to be actively involved in SaxaVord Spaceport.

Analysis by Laura Goodwin, Innovation correspondent, BBC Scotland

We visited the SaxaVord Spaceport in August.

Standing on top of the huge launch stool, owner Frank Strang explained why its remote location has made Unst the current front runner to offer vertical launches taking small satellites into space.

While launch pad Fredo is complete, construction is already under way on two more.

The ambition is that eventually up to 30 rockets a year could be launched from this remote spot.

But before that can happen various tests and clearances will need to be completed.

This timetabled agreement between SaxaVord and HyImpulse gives us some sense of the proposed timeline, although other firms like Rocket Factory Augsburg are also looking to launch from Unst.

SaxaVord is still waiting to get its spaceport licence from the civil aviation authority. Further licences will also be needed for any launch.
A middle school in Rockland had to be evacuated Wednesday after a student allegedly said he a had bomb.

In a letter to parents, Rockland school officials said a staff member at Rogers Middle School overheard a conversation between two students, one of whom said they had a bomb in their bag for later.

RMS & RHS students & staff were evacuated from the school at 11:50 AM. The students were taken to Veterans Memorial Stadium and Bicentennial Field and then dismissed for the day at 12:30 p.m.

Nearby Phelps Elementary School had all of its activities moved indoors. That school will be dismissed at 2:00 p.m.

Boston 25 has reached out to Rockland school superintendents office for more details.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Lets start with the bottom line: Sens. Roger Marshall and Eric Schmitt arent telling you the whole truth about the Israel aid bill they tried to pass Tuesday.

Ever since President Joe Biden last month proposed a funding package that would link financial support for Israel in its war against Hamas to other administration priorities  including, most notably, more money for Russias war on Ukraine  the two Republicans have complained loudly about lumping all those issues together.

Best to pass a clean bill, they said. Let the Senate consider Israel and Ukraine separately.

Which is fine by me. But thats not really what they tried to do on Tuesday.

It was Marshall, from Kansas, who got the ball rolling: He asked the Senate to pass a $14.3 billion Israel aid bill that has already been approved by the GOP-controlled House.

It didnt happen. Democrats voted to table the bill instead.

Why do Senate Democrats say they support Israel but block our efforts to get Israel the aid needed in their fight against Hamas terrorists? Marshall wrote online. They want this aid to come with conditions to fund unrelated, separate conflicts. Our support for Israel doesnt come with conditions.

But there was a condition.

You dont have to take my word for it. The Fox News website on Tuesday pointed out the House bill  the one Marshall tried to get passed  comes with a very particular requirement: The aid to Israel would be paid for with cuts to the Internal Revenue Service.

If youre a Republican, you might argue that the IRS provision is a good condition. Certainly, right-wingers have railed against Bidens recent increases to the agency budget, which they seem to think of as creeping tyranny. (Nothing says freedom like the ability to cheat on your taxes.) And there are a lot of self-described fiscal conservatives who would probably say its smart to spend a little less money in one part of your budget if youre going to spend a little more money in another part.

Nonetheless, it is a condition. One that Marshall failed to mention in his social media posts about the bill.

Schmitt, the Missourian, backed Marshalls play.

Cuts to IRS would add billions to budget deficit

Democrats blocked a clean Israeli aid bill  that is paid for  today on the Senate floor, he wrote online. Pretty sure the MSM wont cover that.

Again, this doesnt quite tell the full story. Would the IRS cuts pay for the Israel aid in the package? Maybe. But they would actually create a bigger budget problem than the one that Republicans say already exists.

How? Because cutting money used to ensure that taxes get paid means fewer taxes get paid. Thats probably the idea, of course, but it has negative results: The Congressional Budget Office estimated the bill would add more than $26 billion to the federal deficit over the next 10 years.

So much for fiscal conservatism.

Put it all together and the idea that Republicans on Tuesday were simply trying to pass a clean Israel bill without any conditions doesnt really pass the smell test.

Theres nothing wrong with wanting Congress to consider its support for Israel and Ukraine separately. But lets be clear about the agenda: Marshall and Schmitt  along with Sen. Josh Hawley, the Missouri Republican  are ready to kill Ukraine aid, and they know their task will be easier if they cleave the two issues.

One of two things were going to happen Tuesday when Marshall attempted his gambit: If the bill somehow passed, a major agenda item on the right  defunding the IRS  would have moved a few inches closer to reality. And if the bill didnt pass, then Republicans could hold a press conference to complain, somewhat disingenuously, that Democrats dont want to send aid to Israel.

Thats what you call a win-win, if youre Roger Marshall and Eric Schmitt. Sometimes losing means you get to own the libs.

Joel Mathis is a regular Star Opinion correspondent. He lives in Lawrence with his wife and son. Formerly a writer and editor at Kansas newspapers, he served nine years as a syndicated columnist.
JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Wide-ranging incentives offered by the government continue to boost the adoption of electric vehicles (EV) in Malaysia, a Malaysian official said here on Wednesday.

Tax exemptions in the form of road tax and import duties, as well as an electric motorcycle scheme for those earning below 120,000 ringgit (25,698 U.S. dollars) a year, are among the measures that have been rolled out, Norhasliza Mohd Mokhtar, senior director of Climate Action Group of Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) said during a side event at the Asia-Pacific Climate Week 2023 taking place from Nov. 13 to 17 in Johor Bahru, the capital of Malaysia's Johor state.

"Incentives are one part of the strategy for greater adoption. We are pushing forward, especially on infrastructure, and we plan to have 10,000 charging stations by 2025," she said, adding that the Malaysian government aims for 38 percent of transport to be based on EVs by 2040.

The MGTC is an agency under the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change.

Norhasliza explained that while incentives are part of the government strategy to boost EV adoption for private-use vehicles, there is also an emphasis on increasing the share of public transport based on EV platforms, with the government seeking to create greater awareness and introducing electric buses as part of its efforts.

"We hope that people will shift their mode of transportation from private to public with the aim of increasing the share to 40 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040," she said.

Norhasliza said that many Asian countries are promoting the use of EVs, making Asia a leader in the development and adoption of EV technology. She praised China's achievements in this respect, saying that "China with the leading EV sales... remains at the forefront of electric mobility with innovation in the advancement of battery technology." (1 ringgit equals 0.21 U.S. dollar) 
After crafting sushi for 14 years, a chef is bringing the family-oriented atmosphere of her parents old Fresno restaurant to Madera  with a more simple, yet trendy, twist.

Jilliane Hatsavongsa is aiming for the Kanojo soft opening at 1930 Howard Road, Suite L, in Madera to take place next month. The restaurant will serve teriyaki bowls and noodles, comfort food like katsu curry, and Japanese croffles, a sort of waffle made with croissant dough.

There will also be something different, inspired by Hatsavongsas trips to Asian food events in Southern California, such as the 626 Night Market: Korean corn dogs.

The original is similar to an American corn dog, but with a panko coating. At Kanojo, customers will be able to find their Korean corn dogs with Flamin Hot Cheetos rolled into their coatings. There will be Mexican elote-style corn dogs and ones with ramen crunches, among other choices.

Its a craving, Hatsavongsa said. A go-to munchie snack.

Hence the slogan on the sign out front of the currently-under-construction restaurant: Maderas new go to munchie spot.

While Hatsavongsas roots are in her parents old west side Fresno sushi restaurant  the type of place where customers became friends with the staff  shes been working in Madera the past few years. Apart from offering Madera a style of food she said is trending but still relatively unknown to the general public, Hatsavongsa chose the town because of what it offers to her in return.

Everybodys like, Madera? Why Madera? Why didnt you open a shop in Fresno? she said. I wanted something local, sweet, intimate.

Kanojo will offer Korean corn dogs rolled in toppings such as Flamin Hot Cheetos, ramen crunches and also elote-style. Jilliane Hatsavongsa, the owner of Kanojo, said the restaurants menu will be 75% Japanese, including dishes like katsu curry, teriyaki and croffles.

Our restaurant west of the 99

Hatsavongsa has been working alongside her father, Bo Liane, since she was old enough to. Her father is well-known by people who have eaten sushi in Fresno for years, Hatsavongsa said.

Bo, an immigrant from Laos, began learning how to cook Japanese food  sushi and teppanyaki  in Fresno in the early 90s.

In the old days, there were only two Japanese restaurants in Fresno, said Bos wife, Cindy Hatsavongsa, also originally from Laos. One of the big ones he was with, they employed guys from Japan that didnt speak any English.

Bo learned from them, communicating mostly with hand gestures  even when he upset them with rice or slicing that didnt meet their standards, he remembered with a laugh.

A lot of Fresno people followed my dad from each location when he would get a new job, Hatsavongsa said. Its not uncommon for customers to follow their preferred sushi chef from restaurant to restaurant, she said.

Bo and Cindy eventually opened Oishii Japanese Cuisine on Ashlan Avenue just west of the 99 Freeway in 2007. Hatsavongsa began serving and washing dishes there when she was a teenager and making sushi by age 18. Her sushi career started when her father asked her to make a California roll just how you do it for yourself during a Friday dinner rush.

That was our restaurant that was west of the 99, said Nadine Carter, a customer who used to live on the west side of Fresno.

To Carter, Oishii was the type of place where you got to know your chef, and where the staff got to know your grandchildren.

It was like walking into your own kitchen, she said.

Thats the intimacy Hatsavongsa said she hopes to bring to her new spot in Madera.

Carter now lives in Idaho, but has kept in touch with the Hatsavongsa and her parents throughout the years, always going back for their food when visiting her grandchildren in the Central Valley. Like people followed Bo, some will follow Hatsavongsa to her own restaurant.

All of my customers became like family, she said, noting their social media comments excitement for the new restaurant. My dad showed me that: When you own a business, its not just about your food. You have to love your customers.

Bo Hatsavongsa, who arrived in the U.S. in 1980 as a refugee from Laos, is well-known in the Fresno sushi scene, his daughter, Jilliane Hatsavongsa, says. Making sushi wasnt the same for her after his retirement, she adds, noting that the easy-going environment she plans for Kanojo will allow her father to help her in the kitchen a few days a week.

Kanojo means she, her, sweetheart in Japanese

Hatsavongsa is not shy about calling herself a daddys girl, but life with her father has meant a lot of hard work. Their American story, like for many families with immigrant parents, came with a lot of sacrifices, they agreed.

The familys three daughters often went to work with their father, waiting for his shifts to end while sitting in restaurant chairs.

Watching him is like watching a soldier, to me, Hatsavongsa said. He worked hard.

In the context of being the daughter of immigrants, work was also hard for her, she added.

I wanted to help my daughters understand why we work so hard, and I wanted them to learn with me, Bo said.

The family expanded its Fresno restaurant with a Madera location, Oishii Express, in 2019. The Fresno restaurant closed in 2021, and they also sold their Madera location. Bo had had a heart attack, and the family agreed it was time for a break. Crafting sushi also wasnt the same without her father, Hatsavongsa said.

Things will be much more simple at Kanojo, where the parents will experience a comeback to the restaurant scene through their daughter. Kanojo is an appropriate name for their daughters restaurant because its hers, Cindy said.

To Hatsavongsa, the name represents the power of women.

My dad has all girls, she said. Being a girl is something strong.

Bo Hatsavongsa poses with his daughters at his old Fresno restaurant, Oishii Japanese Cuisine, where the entire family worked. He said he and wife hoped to teach them the value of hard work when they were young. His daughters earned money while they went to school by serving, washing dishes and crafting sushi.
Russia has been ranked last in terms of positive perception among Romanians, while attitudes towards Ukraine and Moldova have improved.

Source: Digi24 with reference to the results of the INSCOP poll commissioned by the media, which are also compared with the indicators of 10 years ago; European Pravda

Details: In the 2013 survey, the UK and Germany were the top countries in terms of positive perception by Romanians, and now Italy and Spain are in first place (81.4% and 82.8% respectively). This time, Germany is in third place, France in fourth, and the UK in fifth.

The United States is perceived positively by 67.5% of Romanians, compared to 70.3% in 2013.

Positive attitudes towards Ukraine increased by several percentage points: from 41.8% in 2013 to 43.3% now. For Moldova, the change is more significant: from 65.7% to 69.2%.

The attitude of Romanians towards Hungary has improved significantly: from 29.3% to 39.7%.

In 2013, 36.8% of respondents had a positive perception of Russia, with only 18.3% viewing Russia in a positive light today. The country was ranked last among those included in the rating.

The share of those who have a positive perception of China has also significantly decreased  from 56.5% to 36.3%.

The survey was conducted by telephone interviews from 23 October to 2 November among a representative sample of 1,100 people. The margin of error is 3%.

Background:

Recent polls show that the overwhelming majority of Germans, even those with far-right views, support EU membership.

Meanwhile, in Poland, half of the population approves of maintaining the support that Ukrainian refugees currently have in the country, but almost 40% are more or less against it.

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As the sixth season of The Crown is set to hit Netflix on 16 November, much of the final installment is expected to follow Prince William as a young adult and his days at the University of St Andrews in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Although the trailer for part one of The Crown mainly depicted Princess Dianas final months before her untimely death, part two  which will be released 14 December  is likely to portray the fateful moment William met his future wife, Kate Middleton, while studying at university together.

As many royal fans are aware, the now-Prince and Princess of Wales sparked a romance as students at the University of St Andrews in 2001. Just 10 years later, the pair were married in a lavish royal wedding ceremony at Westminster Abbey. Since then, theyve gone on to welcome three children to the royal family: Prince George, now 10; Princess Charlotte, eight; and Prince Louis, five.

Before the first four episodes of The Crown season six hits Netflix, lets take a look back on William and Kates fairytale romance  from classmates to husband and wife.

After he graduated from Eton College, Prince William furthered his education at the University of St Andrews in 2001, where he enrolled simply as William Wales and studied art history. It was there he met Catherine Elizabeth Middleton from Bucklebury, Berkshire  the eldest daughter of Michael and Carole Middleton, a former flight dispatcher and flight attendant at British Airways.

Her mother founded Party Pieces, a company selling supplies for childrens parties, in 1987. While Kates family was already well connected to members of the royal family and the British aristocracy, they found financial success with their party supplies business.

Its rumoured that Kate first caught Williams eye when she modelled a sheer dress at a charity show runway in March 2002. While the two met in their first semester at school, William didnt see Kate as more than a friend until she walked the runway in the see-through dress, which was later auctioned for 78,000. William reportedly paid 200 for a front-row seat at the fashion show.

(PA)

However, some royal experts have suggested that Kates enrollment at St Andrews was entirely related to meeting her future husband. Robert Lacey, British biographer and historical consultant for The Crown, wrote in his 2020 book Battle of Brothers: William and Harry - The Inside Story of a Family in Tumult that Kate wasnt supposed to be enrolled at St Andrews at all.

Kate was very strategic, Lacey told Elle in 2020. She gave up her place at one of Britains premier universities, Edinburgh, and opted for another one [St Andrews] that probably didnt have the same academic standard. She had already been to Edinburgh to get her flat accommodations sorted out but switched universities and switched her courses to history of art because that was Williams. She delayed her own education by a year and even takes the chance she wont get into St Andrews.

According to Laceys book, applications for St Andrews skyrocketed by 44 per cent after it was announced William was to attend the university in Scotland. The pair began dating shortly after the charity fashion show and lived together in an off-campus apartment with two friends, before moving to a cottage outside the town for their final year.

(Getty Images)

In their 2010 engagement interview, William and Kate finally opened up about how their romance blossomed as students at St Andrews. I actually think I went bright red when I met you and sort of scuttled off, feeling very shy about meeting you, Kate said about William. It did take a bit of time for us to get to know each other but we did become very close friends from quite early.

William added: We moved in together as friends. We lived with a couple of others as well, and it just sort of blossomed from there, really. We just saw more of each other, and you know, hung out a bit more and did stuff.

Both William and Kate graduated from St Andrews on 23 June 2005. To mark their nuptials just six years later, the Middleton family would share a now-iconic photograph of the couple posing together on their graduation day.

Following their graduation, Kate slowly became inducted into royal life when she attended her first royal wedding - the nuptials of Laura Parker-Bowles, Queen Camillas daughter, and Harry Lopes in 2006. It marked William and Kates first public appearance together, but by 2007, the couple sparked breakup rumours.

Kate Middleton and Prince William after their graduation ceremony at St Andrews in 2005 (Michael Dunlea/Daily Mail/PA) (PA Media)

The two briefly split, reportedly because Kate was frustrated with Williams lack of commitment, according to The Guardian. During this time, she moved to London and worked several jobs in retail and marketing.

When asked about the breakup during their engagement interview, Kate shared further detail about their split. At the time I wasnt very happy about it, but it made me a stronger person, she said. You find out things about yourself that maybe you hadnt realised, I think you can get quite consumed by a relationship when you are younger and I really valued that time for me, although I didnt think it at the time.

However, the two seemed to have rekindled their romance in July that same year when Kate attended a Princess Diana tribute concert with her younger sister, Pippa Middleton. By April 2008, Kate was by Williams side when he received his RAF wings after training to become an RAF pilot.

In 2010, following a visit by Kates parents to Birkhall - then King Charless private residence on the Balmoral estate - Clarence House confirmed that William had presented Kate with his mothers sapphire ring and the couple were to wed the following year.

Britain Prince William (AP2010)

During his recent state visit to Kenya, King Charles shared details about how William popped the question to Kate. 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, he said in his speech.

On 29 April 2011, they exchanged vows in a grand ceremony at Westminster Abbey and became known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Two years later, their first son and second in line to the throne - Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge - was born on 22 July 2013. The pair welcomed their second child, Princess Charlotte, on 2 May 2015, and their third child, Prince Louis, was born in April 2018.

While the family of five made Kensington Palace their official residence for many years, William and Kate relocated their family to Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor estate last year, in an effort to put their children first and give them more freedom outside of city life.

The first four episodes of The Crown season six hits Netflix on 16 November in the US and UK. The final six episodes will be released on 14 December.
DALLAS - Area hospitals have seen a spike in RSV cases in recent weeks, and while there was the promise of a new immunization to protect babies and toddlers against RSV, that shot is now in short supply.

Katherine Leal Unmuth's daughter, Nicolette, caught the virus and what seemed like a simple fever quickly turned severe on Halloween night.

"She developed a fever. I was at work and my husband took her to the pediatrician," she recalled.

Unmuth says she noticed the baby, who was seven months old at the time, was having trouble drinking her milk.

READ MORE: Children's Health reports recent spike in RSV cases

"Her abdomen was moving a lot, I noticed she was struggling to breathe," she said.

She called her doctor, who told her she should go to the emergency room.

"They told my husband to wait across the street because it was at capacity," Unmuth said.

That same day, Children's Health told FOX 4 News the hospital was experiencing a surge in RSV cases.

"The numbers have increased quite dramatically over the last couple of weeks," said Dr. Jeffery Kahn, the chief infectious disease specialist at Children's Health told FOX 4 on Oct. 31.

"The doctor told us they didn't have beds available, she needed high-flow oxygen, but they needed to locate that equipment," Unmuth said.

10 hours after the family arrived at Children's Health, doctors were able to administer the high-flow oxygen.

Tests showed Nicolette was battling four viruses at once.

"The ER doctor confirmed she had RSV and COVID and then said that she had tested positive for four viruses, so additionally adenovirus and rhinovirus," Unmuth said. "That is when I was very panicked. What was going to happen? Are we going to lose her?"

Unmuth says Nicolette is a healthy baby with no pre-existing conditions.

Five days after arriving, Nicolette was better and able to go home.

Dr. Charles Dunlap with Pediatric Associates of Dallas's Plano Office said the surge of RSV cases continues, and it will likely get worse.

"I would say our surge is worse than typical for this time of the year. Sometimes we don't start to see the peak numbers of RSV until January or February," he said.

Unfortunately, the new immunization that provides antibodies to protect babies against RSV is in such short supply it is now being reserved for those most at risk.

"The demand has outpaced the supply and so it's become an extremely frustrating situation," said Dr. Dunlap.

He says people with babies and toddlers with underlying conditions should check with their pediatricians about a prescription for the shot.

"We do know of a few limited pharmacies around the Metroplex, very few, that may still have some doses," said Dr. Dunlap.

Children under three are most at risk of complications from RSV.

Dr. Dunlap says while the RSV shot is in short supply the flu shot is still readily available, as is the latest COVID vaccine for babies six months and up.






NVs sister publication Ukrainska Pravda has reported that Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov is preparing requests to dismiss three commanders of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, namely Commander of the Tavria front Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, Commander of the Medical Forces Tetiana Ostaschenko, and Commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Serhiy Nayev.

The Defense Ministry stated that the information released by several media outlets does not correspond to reality.

But these words are not enough, says political scientist Oleksiy Koshel. In an interview with NV Radio on Nov. 14, he explained why and what should be the reaction to such media reports.

NV: Information or rumors that some kind of reshuffle may be being prepared in the army is not news to us. But this causes concern in Ukrainian society. And what do you think about such information? Did someone try to use these journalists by leaking something?

Koshel: Ill remind you there were several media reports about a possible dismissal on Nov. 13. These were quite authoritative bloggers and former lawmakers. Everyone referred to their sources.

And later, this information was confirmed by the authoritative and pro-government publication Ukrainska Pravda, citing its sources in the government.

Read also: Special forces commander Khorenko dismissed at Umerovs request, Presidents Office says

Therefore, in fact, its not just about a single leak, but a series of coordinated leaks.

And before that, we had a message from MP Oleksiy Honcharenko who hinted that were about to see significant personnel changes in the military. Prior to that, another MP Volodymyr Ariev also made similar suggestions. And thats why, in fact, its about a whole information wave during several days, almost a week.

And its quite natural that one refutation from the Defense Ministry isnt enough.

NV: And what can this trend be aiming to achieve?

Koshel: In any case, the defense minister [Rustem Umerov] cannot make such serious decisions alone. He [renders them] only after consultation with the Presidents Office, with the Supreme Commander-in-Chief [Volodymyr Zelenskyy]. And its quite natural that a sufficiently large number of people can be involved in consultations, negotiations, and preparation of personnel decisions. These are assistants, advisors, the secretariat, and people who are responsible for communication and meetings.

Read also: Defense minister Umerovs plan to reform the military  expert analysis

That is, its about a huge bureaucratic structure. There are more than enough sources of information for both the media and the opposition.

Does society have the right to question the objectivity of such information? Is one refutation from the Defense Ministry enough? I dont think its enough.

First, we received a precedent in the form of dismissal [Viktor Khorenko] from the post of commander of the Special Operations Forces. And this came as a surprise both to the commander himself and to [the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine] General Valerii Zaluzhnyi who publicly stated that they had learned about it from the news.

NV: By the way, there was a clarification that the commander-in-chief makes such decisions based on a request from the defense minister. That is, formally everything took place according to the law. But if we talk about the human side, questions arose.

Koshel: The side of governance, management, and common sense. Because everyone perfectly understands that the defense minister, to put it very roughly, is actually the chief housekeeping manager in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. That is, he is responsible for supply, logistics, procurement, and many other things.

Read also: What's happening around Zaluzhnyi

But Commander-in-Chief Zaluzhnyi should be responsible for personnel appointments. That would at least be logical.

And therefore, its quite obvious that, most likely, Umerov played an exclusively technical role in the dismissal of the commander of the Special Operations Forces. And now he could also play a technical role in the dismissal of three other commanders.

Thats precisely why I believe that the defense ministers refutation is simply not enough. It wont play any role. And believe me that talks about possible personnel reshuffle will continue today, tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow.

Therefore, the Presidents Office should [announce this] not through a secondary spokesperson, but perhaps even through the president. There should be a clear statement about possible personnel reshuffles in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

There may be different questions here. Perhaps there is military expediency or some kind of military logic behind. But they must talk about it frankly and honestly.

Read also: Defense Minister Umerov refutes rumors of attempting to sack Zaluzhnyi

If this information doesnt correspond to reality, its more serious. In this case, its a disinformation campaign in wartime, which is quite threatening. In this case, the media, bloggers, and politicians who released this information should face public scrutiny.

There must be a reaction at the highest level, otherwise the doubts will continue. And the doubt is not that someone is insidiously preparing personnel reshuffle. But the doubt is that [intrigues] are taking place in the government. And this is one of the key elements that shows that the government is weak.

We cannot afford a weak government in wartime, engaged in intrigue and thinking about how to set someone up. The government must be monolithic and strong. This is extremely important.

We only saw two actions. This is a statement from the Defense Ministry. And, by the way, which is very important, this is a simultaneous statement by Zelenskyy and Zaluzhnyi, who spoke almost identical theses. This is extremely important.

NV: At least we saw unity here.

Read also: Former SOF commander learned of his dismissal from news reports

Koshel: I think were not the only ones who saw it. I think this statement was made, most likely, for the West, for diplomacy. It was made in careful language for the collective West to see that everything is fine with us, and that intrigue, information scandals are our minor internal problems.

But not only such signals are important to us. Its important for us that Ukrainian citizens see this clear position.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Russia said Wednesday for the first time that some Ukrainian troops had established positions on the Moscow-held side of the Dnipro river, the vast waterway that splits the frontline in southern Ukraine.

The admission came as President Volodymyr Zelensky said it had been a "difficult day" for Kyiv due to deadly Russian strikes in the east of the country.

A sustained Ukrainian breakthrough across the river would mark a significant tactical success for Kyiv, whose wider counteroffensive has so far failed to turn the tide of the 21-month war.

"Small groups" of Ukrainian soldiers were stretched along the eastern bank of the Dnipro river, and had been "blocked" in the tiny village of Krynky, the Moscow-installed head of Ukraine's Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, said in a post on Telegram.

But he insisted they were facing a "fiery hell" from Russian artillery, rockets and drones, and were suffering heavy losses.

Russian and Ukrainian forces have been entrenched on opposite sides of the Dnipro river since Moscow withdrew from the western part of Kherson region last November.

That was the last major territorial change in the conflict, with both sides having since failed to make progress despite staging multiple offensives.

Russia's Saldo said Wednesday that "about one and a half enemy companies, mostly in small groups," were currently on the Russian-held side.

According to Russia's TASS news agency, a company in the Russian military consists of anything from 45 to 360 soldiers.

- 'Fiery hell' -

"Our additional forces have now been deployed. The enemy is blocked in Krynky. A fiery hell has been arranged for them: bombs, rockets, heavy flamethrower systems, artillery shells and drones are flying at them," Saldo said.

His comments were the first admission by a senior Russian official that Ukraine had managed to secure some positions on the Russian-controlled side of the river.

AFP was not able to verify his reports and the scale of Ukraine's crossing was unclear.

Since mid-October, Russian military bloggers close to the armed forces have been reporting that small groups of Ukrainian troops were successfully crossing the river.

The Kremlin earlier this week refused to comment, deferring questions to the defence ministry.

The ministry has said separately that it had captured a small group of Ukrainian soldiers "trying to land on the left bank".

Both Kyiv and Moscow regularly claim to have killed high numbers of "enemy" soldiers, though neither side comments on their own losses.

Despite a relatively static frontline, both Kyiv and the Kremlin have denied the conflict has ground to a stalemate.

Andriy Yermak, Zelensky's chief of staff, said Tuesday Ukrainian forces had "gained a foothold on the left bank of the Dnipro," without providing details.

Krynky, where Saldo said the Ukrainians had been trapped, is a small village 35 kilometres (22 miles) to the east and upstream of the city of Kherson.

Holding and strengthening any position on the Russian-controlled side of the Dnipro river could present a tough challenge for Ukrainian troops.

Boggy, swamp-like terrain makes amphibious landings difficult, and Russia has significant access to manpower and equipment on the eastern side of the river.

- 'Blast wave' -

The claims came as Russia continued to pound southern and eastern Ukraine, in attacks that Kyiv said targeted civilian infrastructure.

Two rescue workers arriving at the scene of a Russian strike in Zaporizhzhia region were killed by a second strike, Interior Minister Igor Klymenko said on social media.

"Rescuers were at the scene in a matter of minutes. Then the occupiers struck again," he said.

The victims were 31 and 34 years old, he added.

It was not immediately clear where or when the attack took place. The region's governor had said earlier that Russia launched three rocket attacks at a town in Zaporizhzhia region Wednesday, killing one person and injuring seven others.

"The blast wave and shrapnel damaged houses, two cars and outbuildings located near the site of the strikes," governor Yuriy Malashko said.

In a separate attack, the interior ministry said overnight Russian shelling of a high-rise building killed two people in the eastern town of Selydove in Donetsk region.

"As of now, there are two dead in Selydove," it said.

The bodies of a 59-year-old local man and an 85-year-old woman had been pulled from the rubble, it added.

In his evening address, Zelensky warned that there are likely more people under the rubble.

bur-cad-oc/bgs
Russia, for the first time, admitted on Nov. 15 that Ukrainian soldiers established positions on the occupied Dnipro River's east-bank side of Kherson Oblast.

Volodymyr Saldo, Russia-installed leader in the occupied part of Kherson Oblast, said on his Telegram channel that small groups of Ukrainian soldiers were spread from a railway bridge in the oblast to Krynky, a village some 35 kilometers east of Kherson and two kilometers southeast of the Dnipro River.

He claimed that Ukrainian troops present in Krynky are under heavy Russian fire and are allegedly taking heavy losses.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify Saldo's claims regarding the status of the engagements.

Nataliia Humeniuk, the spokesperson of Ukraine's Southern Operational Command, said that Russian forces are "actively defending" near the Dnipro River.

"The pushback from our side is taking place on a line from three to eight kilometers along the entire bank from the water's edge," she said on television.

Ukraine has been conducting cross-river raids into the occupied east bank since February, with more intensified attacks reported in August.

The U.K. Defense Ministry said in July that Ukrainian forces are maintaining a beachhead near the Antonivsky Bridge.

Over the past weeks, Russian military bloggers reported that the Ukrainian military established footholds on the occupied bank, and geolocated footage from Oct. 19 confirmed Ukrainian presence in Krynky.

Experts told the Kyiv Independent that if Ukraine can put together an armored strike force on the eastern bank, it could be devastating for Russian troops, but it's unclear how they can manage with Russia's advantage in the air. Amphibious attacks are also notoriously difficult.

Read also: Ukrainians step up efforts to cross Dnipro, tie up Russian forces in Kherson Oblast

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Russian forces have likely been trying to regain the initiative on the battlefield in Ukraine by launching several simultaneous offensives in the east.

Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW)

Details: Military analysts believe it remains unclear whether Russian troops will manage to fully regain the initiative, considering that Ukrainian forces persist in pressing on critical frontline areas.

Several Ukrainian officials noted that the situation along the contact line is challenging, with Ukrainian forces maintaining control of the battlefield.

Ukrainian officials' remarks on the current pace of Russian operations on the contact line are consistent with ISW's assessment of Russian offensives, particularly on the Kupiansk, Bakhmut and Avdiivka fronts.

However, ISW analysts believe that Russian troops will likely find it tough to fully regain the initiative on the battlefield as Ukrainian forces continue their own offensive operations and make tactical gains along the contact line. This is particularly true in the western part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast and the left bank part of Kherson Oblast.

ISW suggests that Russian military leadership will likely have to decide whether to retain certain Russian formations in some areas of the war zone to counter the Ukrainian offensive or to redeploy them to support the offensive elsewhere.

This is likely to hamper Russia's ability to fully regain the initiative in the coming weeks.

To quote the ISWs key takeaways on 13 November:

Russian forces are likely trying to regain the theatre-level initiative in Ukraine by conducting several simultaneous offensive operations in eastern Ukraine, although it remains unclear if Russian forces will be able to fully regain the initiative as Ukrainian forces maintain pressure on critical areas of the front.

Ukrainian President's Office Head Andrii Yermak stated on 13 November that Ukrainian forces have established a "foothold" on the east (left) bank of Kherson Oblast.

Russian President Vladimir Putin approved amendments to the Russian federal election law on 14 November that increase the Kremlin's control over the conduct of elections and reduce election transparency ahead of the 2024 presidential elections.

Russian forces conducted another wave of missile, air, and drone strikes against Ukrainian rear areas on the night of 13-14 November.

Ukraine's western partners announced new efforts to continue providing Ukraine with military and financial aid.

The Russian government is likely attempting to force Google to cease operations in Russia.

Armenia continues to distance itself from Russia amid deteriorating Russian-Armenian relations.

Deputy Chairperson of the Russian State Duma Pyotr Tolstoy suggested a measure that would restrict work opportunities for migrants from countries that have not designated Russian as a state language, likely as part of an ongoing effort to coerce migrants into Russian military service.

Russian forces conducted offensive operations along the Kupiansk-Svatove-Kreminna line, near Bakhmut, near Avdiivka, west and southwest of Donetsk City, in the Donetsk-Zaporizhzhia Oblast border area, and in western Zaporizhzhia Oblast on 14 November and advanced in some areas.

The Russian government discussed amendments that would more strictly penalise those who evade mobilisation as well as volunteer servicemen who "improperly" perform their duties.

Russian occupation officials are beginning to announce that occupied areas of Ukraine will not hold significant public Christmas and New Years celebrations due to security concerns.

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For the first time ever, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) did not elect Russia to one of its central bodies  the Executive Board.

Source: European Pravda; President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Twitter

Details: Zelenskyy said Russia had been "ousted from the UNESCO Executive Board" for the first time in history.

"The era of Russian influence is over, and rightly so: Russian terrorists have no place at the head of significant international bodies. Russias international role will only continue to weaken," Zelenskyy added.

The Executive Board of UNESCO is one of the three key bodies of the organisation (along with the General Conference and the Secretariat) and oversees its budget and programme activities.

The board has 58 members, elected by the General Conference, an advisory body that includes all members of UNESCO. Members of the Executive Board are elected on a quota basis, with quotas allocated for each region by a relative majority of votes.

Russia is a member of Group II Eastern Europe, from which Serbia (137 votes), Albania (134), Slovakia (117) and Czechia (99) were elected.

Background:

Last week, Russias representative was not elected to the International Court of Justice for the first time. He lost out to the Romanian representative, former foreign minister Bogdan Aurescu.

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Russia was not elected to the UNESCO Executive Board during a Nov. 15 vote "for the first time in history," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

"The era of Russian influence is over, and rightly so: Russian terrorists have no place at the head of significant international bodies," the president wrote on the social media platform X.

According to the voting results published on UNESCO's website, Serbia, Albania, Slovakia, and Czechia were elected for the Group II "Eastern Europe" of the Board. Prior to the most recent vote, Russia was among the countries represented in this group.

"Not a bad couple of weeks. First, Moscow was kicked out (of the) UN International Court of Justice (ICJ) at the elections in New York for the first time since its foundation; now, Moscow is thrown out of the UNESCO Executive Board, yet again for the first time in its history," said Ukraine's Permanent Representative in the UN Sergiy Kyslytsya.

Russia was ousted from a number of international bodies following its aggression against Ukraine, including the Council of Europe and the UN Human Rights Council. On Nov. 9, Russia's representative failed to be elected for the ICJ, losing to the Romanian representative.

Zelensky called on UNESCO last year to expel Russia in response to its attacks on Ukrainian cultural heritage.

The appeal was reiterated by the Ukrainian parliament this July in the wake of Russian attacks on Odesa's historic city center, a designated world heritage site. As of Nov. 2, 327 cultural sites have been damaged by Russian attacks on Ukraine, UNESCO said.

Read also: Anna Husarska: Expel Russia from UNESCO

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WELLINGTON, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- There was a record net migration loss of 44,700 New Zealand citizens in the September 2023 year, with more than half of migrant departures heading to Australia, according to provisional estimates released by the statistics department Stats NZ on Wednesday.

This net migration loss was made up of 26,400 migrant arrivals and 71,200 migrant departures, Stats NZ said.

"Migrant departures of New Zealand citizens are just under record levels," Stats NZ population indicators manager Tehseen Islam said, adding just over half of these departures went to Australia, based on the latest estimates available.

The previous record net migration loss of New Zealand citizens was 44,400 in the February 2012 year, Islam said.

There was a record overall net migration gain of 118,800 in the September 2023 year, which was driven by a record net migration gain of 163,600 non-New Zealand citizens, mainly of India, the Philippines, China, Fiji and South Africa, Islam said.

This follows a progressive relaxation of COVID-19-related border restrictions from early 2022, as well as changes to immigration settings, he said.

Migrants aged 18-44 years made up 67 percent of the 210,600 migrant arrivals of non-New Zealand citizens in the September 2023 year, statistics show.

Changes in migration are typically due to a combination of factors. This includes relative economic and labor market conditions between New Zealand and the rest of the world, and immigration policy in New Zealand and other countries, Islam said. 
(Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday the defence of the shattered eastern city of Avdiivka was key to Kyiv's war plans, with heavy Russian losses there likely to undermine Moscow's conduct of the broader conflict.

Zelenskiy's chief of staff, meanwhile, acknowledged for the first time that Ukraine's forces in southern Kherson region had established a foothold on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River, potentially opening a new line of attack towards Crimea.

Russian troops abandoned the western bank a year ago and took up positions on the eastern side from which they have been regularly shelling towns and villages opposite.

Moscow's forces have focused on eastern Ukraine since failing to advance on Kyiv in the first days of the February 2022 invasion. They have taken aim at Avdiivka since mid-October and officials from the town, which had a pre-war population of 32,000, say not a single building remains intact.

Zelenskiy, in his nightly video address, said Russian assaults in the eastern Donetsk region including Avdiivka had been "very intense".

"Russia is already losing men and equipment near Avdiivka faster and on a larger scale than, for example, near Bakhmut," he said, referring to months of heavy fighting that culminated in Russian forces capturing the eastern town of Bakhmut in May.

"Withstanding their pressure is extremely difficult ... The more Russian forces that are destroyed near Avdiivka, the worse the overall situation will be for the enemy and the overall course of this war."

Official Russian accounts of fighting in the east made no mention of Avdiivka, though prominent Russian war blogger Rybar said there had been "some headway" in positions around the town.

Russia's Defence Ministry said Moscow's forces had repelled five attacks around villages near Bakhmut recaptured by Ukraine since May. It said Ukraine had suffered 300 dead and wounded.

Reuters could not verify accounts from either side.

Bakhmut lies about 50 km (31 miles) north of Avdiivka, which is only 20 km west of the Russian-held regional capital of Donetsk.

Ukrainian military spokesperson Oleksandr Shtupun said fighting was heaviest south of Avdiivka.

"Over the last three days, the occupiers have actively used guided aviation bombs in Donetsk region, particularly around Avdiivka," Shtupun told national television. Ukrainian forces, he said, had repelled 18 Russian attacks over the past 24 hours.

FOOTHOLD IN THE SOUTH

The acknowledgement by Ukrainian presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak that Kyiv's forces were established on the Dnipro's eastern bank followed weeks of contradictory reports.

"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," he added, referring to the peninsula Russia seized in 2014. "We have covered 70% of the distance. And our counteroffensive is developing."

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.

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.

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.

Russia has sometimes used similar phrasing about moving troops to more advantageous positions to describe retreats.

(Reporting by Ron Popeski and Oleksandr Kozhukhar; Editing by Leslie Adler and Stephen Coates)
Explosion at a gunpowder plant in the Tambov Oblast of Russia on November 11

For the second time in a week, a gunpowder plant has been targeted in the Russian town of Kotovsk, Tambov Oblast, with an explosive-laden drone, reads Nov. 14 report by the Baza Telegram news channel.

The attempted attack took place at about 7 a.m. when an unknown UAV crashed into the grounds of the gunpowder plant.

Read also: Drones reportedly hit strategic ammunitions producer in Russias Bryansk Oblast

The drone crash damaged part of the roof of the mass mixing workshop, which caused a fire, but it was quickly localized and extinguished.

No work was reportedly being done in the targeted workshop during the attack, and nobody was injured.

A few days ago, there was a fire at the plant in Kotovsk. Later, investigators opened a criminal case under the terrorist attack article.

Read also: Russia reports attack by Ukrainian drones in Belgorod Oblast

On Nov. 11, an explosion occurred at a gunpowder plant in Kotovsk, Tambov Oblast, Russia. Local media reported that the explosion occurred in the 5th workshop of the plant.

According to emergency services, the fire at the plant spread over 300 square meters, but its cause was not specified.

There were no reports of fatalities or injuries.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Ukraines forces have gained a foothold on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River in a significant step for Kyivs counteroffensive, but Russia says they are raining hell fire on the troops.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys chief of staff said on Tuesday that Ukrainian forces had crossed onto the east bank of the river in the Kherson region against all odds.

The river has been one of the key battlegrounds of the conflict, with Russia crossing from the eastern bank to seize Kherson city in the early days of the invasion only to abandon the regional capital late last year.

Though they lost ground in the area and retreated back across the river, Russia has maintained a consistent troop presence on the eastern bank, hemming in the Ukrainian counteroffensive.

The Russian military said it had pinned down Ukrainian forces who crossed onto the eastern bank of the River Dnipro is raining hell fire on them.

They said that the average life expectancy of a Ukrainian soldier there is around two days.

The enemy is trapped in (the settlement of) Krynki and a fiery hell has been arranged for him: bombs, rockets, heavy flamethrower systems, artillery shells, and drones, said Vladimir Saldo

Key Points

Russia raining 'Hell fire' on Ukrainian forces

Ukraine declares major breakthrough in southern counteroffensive against all odds

Zelensky warns Ukrainians to prepare for winter onslaught from Russia

Russia intensifies attacks in Avdiivka

Ukraine and UK 'determined to work together'

10:15 , Alexander Butler

The United Kingdom and Ukraine are determined to work together, according to Ukraines foreign minister.

Dmytro Kuleba has posted a picture of him and Lord David Cameron, the new British foreign secretary, in Kyiv.

Mr Kuleba added: The UK remains steadfast in providing Ukraine with weapons, increasing their co-production, and ridding the Black Sea of Russian threats.

Welcome to Ukraine, @David_Cameron!



Our talks at @MFA_Ukraine proved that Ukraine and the UK are determined to work together toward victory.



The UK remains steadfast in providing Ukraine with weapons, increasing their co-production, and ridding the Black Sea of Russian threats. pic.twitter.com/k3ZGNo3RcN  Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) November 16, 2023

More than two thirds of Russians still support war in Ukraine, poll finds

09:43 , Alexander Butler

More than two thirds of Russians still support their countrys war in Ukraine, according to a US think tank.

The Levada Centre - an independent Russian polling organisation - has reported that 76 per cent of respondents said they support Russias military operations in Ukraine, the Institute for the Study of War said.

It also said 62 per cent of those surveyed believe the invasion is progressing well, while 21% think it is going reasonably or very poorly for Russia.

Local services workers remove debris near the crater, after a Russian missile strike at the site of damaged residential houses in Selydove (REUTERS)

David Cameron praises Boris Johnson

08:42 , Alexander Butler

David Cameron has visited Volodymyr Zelensky in Ukraine in his first overseas trip as foreign secretary.

The former prime minister joked about his disagreements with Boris Johnson, but said support for the Ukrainian president was the finest thing his government did.

In a video of the meeting posted on X by president Zelensky, Lord Cameron said: I had some disagreements with my friend Boris Johnson, and we have known each other for 40 years, and his support for you was the finest thing that he and his government did.

David Cameron meets Volodymyr Zelensky in Ukraine in first visit as foreign secretary

Watch: New foreign secretary David Cameron meets Zelensky

08:16 , Alexander Butler

Lord Cameron visits Ukraine

08:15 , Alexander Butler

New British foreign secretary Lord Cameron has visited Ukraine and said the UK would continue to provide moral, diplomatic, economic and military support to the country.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said: Hosted David Cameron on his first visit to Ukraine as Foreign Secretary of the UK.

We had a good meeting focused on weapons for the frontline, strengthening air defense, and protecting our people and critical infrastructure. I am grateful to the UK for its support.

Hosted @David_Cameron on his first visit to Ukraine as Foreign Secretary of the UK.



We had a good meeting focused on weapons for the frontline, strengthening air defense, and protecting our people and critical infrastructure.



I am grateful to the UK for its support!



 pic.twitter.com/zElLHsSaQT  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) November 16, 2023

Russian attempting pincer movement on Avdiivka

07:57 , Alexander Butler

Russian troops are attempting a pincer movement to encircle the Ukrainian town of Avdiivka, according to the UKs ministry of defence.

Russian forces have continued attacks towards outlying villages of the contested Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast. Russia is almost certainly attempting a pincer movement to encircle the town, the MoD said.

It added that Russian troops had closed in on the Ukrainian-held Coke and Chemical plant in the area, which is a key tactical position to the north.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  16 November 2023.



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/ZelMQmkAgF



 #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/uLXQlx6VsU  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) November 16, 2023

Russian defences 'down three Ukrainian drones'

07:45 , Alexander Butler

Russian missile defences have reportedly downed three Ukrainian drones over the Black Sea.

One was near Crimea, with two more over the Bryansk region, according to Russias defence ministry.

Kremlin forcing Ukrainians to become Russian'

07:29 , Alexander Butler

The Kremlin is forcing Ukrainians in occupied territories to become Russian, according to reports.

One resident, named as Larysa, told the European Broadcasting Union that one of her friends was not provided with insulin for her diabetes unless she applied for a Russian passport.

Another friend had to become a Russian citizen before getting treatment for a broken arm, she added.

Bombs, betrayal and burying loved ones: Plight of one Ukraine village illustrates toll of Russias invasion

07:00 , Tom Watling

Kim Sengupta returns to Kamianka in eastern Ukraine  the scene of one of the most extraordinary exchanges he has witnessed during the 21-month war  to hear about the struggle to rebuild amid accusations of Russian collusion and vast destruction.

Bombs and betrayal: Plight of one Ukraine village highlights toll of Russian invasion

Russian woman goes on trial in a cafe bombing that killed a prominent military blogger

06:00 , Tom Watling

A woman went on trial Wednesday in the bombing at a St. Petersburg cafe that killed a prominent Russian military blogger after he was given a bust of himself that later exploded.

Darya Trepova, 26, is charged with carrying out a terrorist attack, illegal trafficking of explosive devices and forging documents in the April 2 blast at the cafe in which Vladlen Tatarsky was killed and 52 others were injured.

She was arrested shortly after the bombing and faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted, according to Russian news reports.

Tatarsky, 40, was an ardent supporter of the Kremlins military action in Ukraine and filed regular reports on the fighting from the front lines.

Russian woman goes on trial in a cafe bombing that killed a prominent military blogger

Blow for Putin

05:00 , Tom Watling

A top Ukrainian official said its troops have established a beachhead on the eastern bank of the Dnieper River near Kherson, an important advance in bridging one of Russias most significant strategic barriers in the war.

Andriy Yermak, head of the presidents office, provided no details but confirmed the development that has been widely discussed in military forums over the past month.

Against all odds, Ukraines defense forces have gained a foothold on the left bank of the Dnieper, Yermak told the Hudson Institute, a conservative Washington think tank, in a speech Monday.

Blow for Putin as Ukraine takes major step in bid to outflank Russian troops

Russian convicted of Kremlin critics murder pardoned after fighting in Ukraine

04:00 , Tom Watling

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.

Russian convicted of journalists murder pardoned after fighting in Ukraine

NATO to buy more eyes in the sky planes to monitor Putins war on Ukraine

03:00 , Tom Watling

NATO announced Wednesday it has opted to buy six new E-7A Wedgetail surveillance planes built by U.S. aircraft manufacturer Boeing as the 31-nation military alliance looks to update its eyes in the sky in coming years.

NATOs fleet of 14 Airborne Warning and Control System, or AWACS, aircraft are outdated and expensive to maintain. But their large fuselage-mounted radar domes can detect aircraft hundreds of miles away and they remain useful to monitor Russias war on Ukraine from NATOs eastern flank.

NATO said that production of the six new Wedgetails  a militarized version of the Boeing 737 jetliner  will begin in coming years, with the first planes expected to be ready for duty by 2031. No cost was provided for the planes, but based on U.S. and U.K. contract information the price could hit $5 billion.

NATO to buy more eyes in the sky planes to monitor Putins war on Ukraine

EU moves closer to imposing a new set of sanctions on Russia for its war on Ukraine

02:00 , Tom Watling

The European Unions executive said Wednesday it proposed to the member states a new package of sanctions targeting the Kremlin and its associates, seeking to tighten previous measures approved since the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine as well as adding dozens of economic operators.

The proposal sets in motion final talks between the 27 member states to reach the necessary unanimity on the issue and officials have said they hope to have the 12th package operational by the end of the year.

Even though Wednesdays statement did not go into details, preparatory talks centered on imposing export restrictions on Russias lucrative diamond industry.

EU moves closer to imposing a new set of sanctions on Russia for its war on Ukraine

Ukraine troops applying pressure on Putins forces having gained foothold along Dnipro River, says Kyiv

01:00 , Tom Watling

Russia has conceded for the first time that Ukrainian forces have crossed the vast Dnipro River into occupied areas of the Kherson region  as Kyiv tries to open up a new line of attack against Vladimir Putins forces.

Ukraine said on Tuesday it had secured a foothold on the eastern bank of the Dnipro against all odds, in a potentially major setback for Russian occupation forces in the south where Kyiv is trying to open a new line of attack.

A Ukrainian military spokesperson said on Wednesday that Ukrainian troops were trying to push Russian forces back from the eastern bank of the river, which serves as a formidable natural barrier on the battlefield.

Ukraine troops pressuring Putins forces along Dnipro River

US nearing end of the road on Ukraine support without more funding, White House warns

00:00 , Tom Watling

The White House is warning that America could soon lose the ability to provide Ukraines defence forces with needed weapons and munitions if Congress doesnt act to pass the supplemental funding bill proposed by President Joe Biden last month.

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby on Wednesday told reporters that Mr Biden still wants Congress to move funding for Ukraine, Israel, defence needs in the Indo-Pacific and US border security in the single package which the president submitted on 20 October, the day after he delivered an Oval Office address in which he urged the US legislature to maintain American leadership in the world by supporting Ukraine and Israel in their defensive struggles against Russia and Hamas.

US near end of the road on Ukraine support without more funding, White House warns

Bombs, betrayal and burying loved ones: Plight of one Ukraine village illustrates toll of Russias invasion

Wednesday 15 November 2023 23:00 , Tom Watling

Kim Sengupta returns to Kamianka in eastern Ukraine  the scene of one of the most extraordinary exchanges he has witnessed during the 21-month war  to hear about the struggle to rebuild amid accusations of Russian collusion and vast destruction.

Bombs and betrayal: Plight of one Ukraine village highlights toll of Russian invasion

Russian oil tankers not targeted in EU sanctions proposal

Wednesday 15 November 2023 22:00 , Lydia Patrick

Russian oil tankers are not targeted in the European Commissions proposal for tightening the implementation of a price cap on the countrys crude oil, EU diplomats said on Wednesday.

The Financial Times reported earlier on Wednesday that Denmark will be tasked with inspecting and potentially blocking Russian oil tankers sailing through its waters under new European Union plans as a way of enforcing a $60 per barrel price cap on Moscows crude.

The FT said that Denmark would target tankers carrying Russian oil that did not have Western insurance, a step that would hit Russian oil export income hard while snarling up the entire Russian oil production and refinery business.

We have seen nothing about it in the Commission proposal,one EU diplomatfamiliar with the Commission text said and two others confirmed they found no such reference in the proposal.

Russia sends about a third of its seaborne oil exports, or 1.5% of global supply, through the Danish straits so any attempt to halt those supplies would send oil prices higher and trigger a confrontation with Russia.

ICYMI - Zelensky tells Ukrainians to brace for enemy Putins winter attacks

Wednesday 15 November 2023 21:00 , Lydia Patrick

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.

Zelensky tells Ukrainians to brace for enemy Putins winter attacks

Ukrainian group says more than 30,000 troops have died in Russia's invasion

Wednesday 15 November 2023 20:00 , Lydia Patrick

A Ukrainian civic group said it has confirmed the deaths of nearly 25,000 Ukrainian soldiers since Russias February 2022 invasion by using open sources, and puts the total toll at more than 30,000.

Kyiv treats its losses as a state secret and officials say disclosing the figure could harm its war effort. A report in August by the New York Times, citing anonymous U.S. officials, put the Ukrainian death toll at close to 70,000.

Writing in the Ukrainian journal Tyzhden, historian Yaroslav Tynchenko and volunteer Herman Shapovalenko said Shapovalenkos Book of Memory project had confirmed 24,500 combat and non-combat deaths using open sources.

The real figure was likely higher, they added, noting that many of the 15,000 troops listed as missing were likely dead.

A woman seen through a hole in a Ukrainian flag mourns at a makeshift memorial for fallen soldiers at Independence Square in Kyiv, (AFP via Getty Images)

Ukraine says troops have foothold on eastern bank of river

Wednesday 15 November 2023 19:00 , Lydia Patrick

A top Ukrainian official said the countrys troops have established a beachhead on the eastern bank of the Dnieper River near Kherson, an important advance in bridging one of Russias most significant strategic barriers in the war.

Andriy Yermak, head of the presidents office, provided no details but confirmed the development that has been widely discussed in military forums over the past month.

Against all odds, Ukraines defence forces have gained a foothold on the left bank of the Dnieper, Mr Yermak told the Hudson Institute, a conservative Washington think tank.

Ever since Russian forces left the city of Kherson and the territory around it in November 2022, the only area they controlled on the west bank of the Dnieper, the river became a natural dividing line along the southern battlefront, preventing Ukrainian troops from advancing further into the Kherson region and towards Russian-annexed Crimea.

The barrier also allowed Russia to concentrate more troops in the heavily mined and fortified Zaporizhzhia region and eastern Ukraine.

Blow for Putin as Ukraine takes major step in bid to outflank Russian troops

Wednesday 15 November 2023 18:00 , Athena Stavrou

A top Ukrainian official said its troops have established a beachhead on the eastern bank of the Dnieper River near Kherson, an important advance in bridging one of Russias most significant strategic barriers in the war.

Andriy Yermak, head of the presidents office, said: Against all odds, Ukraines defense forces have gained a foothold on the left bank of the Dnieper.

Read more:

Blow for Putin as Ukraine takes major step in bid to outflank Russian troops

NATO to buy more eyes in the sky planes to monitor Putins war on Ukraine

Wednesday 15 November 2023 17:30 , Athena Stavrou

NATO announced Wednesday it has opted to buy six new E-7A Wedgetail surveillance planes built by U.S. aircraft manufacturer Boeing as the 31-nation military alliance looks to update its eyes in the sky in coming years.

NATOs contract with Boeing  one of the military organizations biggest ever purchases  is set to be signed next year.

Read more:

NATO to buy more eyes in the sky planes to monitor Putins war on Ukraine

Pictures of the day

Wednesday 15 November 2023 17:00 , Athena Stavrou

People shelter in an underground metro station during an air raid alarm in Kyiv (AFP via Getty Images)

A woman seen through a hole in a Ukrainian flag mourns at a makeshift memorial for fallen soldiers at Independence Square in Kyiv, (AFP via Getty Images)

Local resident removes the broken glass from his window damaged by a Russian missile strike (REUTERS)

EU executive submits proposal for 12th packaged of Russia sanctions

Wednesday 15 November 2023 16:15 , Athena Stavrou

The European Commission on Wednesday said it would submit its draft 12th sanctions package against Russia - including measures against military and IT actors linked to the country - to the Council.

The Commission said its proposal aims to sanction over 120 additional individuals and entities for their role in undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

Russia says new EU sanctions are part of a 'hybrid war'

Wednesday 15 November 2023 15:45 , Athena Stavrou

Russias foreign ministry said on Wednesday that the European Unions 12th sanctions package against Russia was part of a hybrid war waged by the West.

Due to the endless sanctions flow against Russia, the EU has become Washingtons useful idiot, Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry said.

Zakharova said the United States was using Europe as a stick in what she cast as Washingtons anti-Russian policy.

Zakharova said the EUs new sanctions would achieve nothing and said the Wests sanctions had damaged the EU itself.

Russia says Ukrainian NATO membership is unacceptable in any form

Wednesday 15 November 2023 15:11 , Athena Stavrou

Russia said on Wednesday that Ukrainian accession to the U.S.-led NATO military alliance was unacceptable to Russia, whether in part or in any other form.

Whether in parts or in any form, Ukraines accession to NATO is unacceptable for Russia, Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for Russias foreign ministry, told reporters.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, a former NATO secretary general, has put forward a proposal for Ukraine to join the military alliance but stripped of the territories controlled by Russia, the Guardian newspaper reported.

Zelenksy thanks Italian prime minister

Wednesday 15 November 2023 15:00 , Athena Stavrou

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude after speaking with Italys prime minister, Giorgia Meloni.

In a post on X, Zelensky said they coordinated their joint efforts and agreed to start working on bilateral security guarantees.

The Ukrainian president also held a call with Slovakias president, whom he thanked for recognising Ukraines progress toward EU accession talks.

I spoke with @GiorgiaMeloni to express gratitude for her and Italys strong support for Ukraine.



Italy is demonstrating powerful leadership, and I anticipate that its 2024 G7 Presidency will yield even more important results.



We coordinated our joint efforts and agreed to start pic.twitter.com/bdg34AwD6x  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) November 15, 2023

Publishers to stop selling Putin books amid Russian payment claims

Wednesday 15 November 2023 14:30 , Athena Stavrou

A German publishing house is to stop selling books about Russian President Vladimir Putin by an award-winning journalist following reports that he allegedly received at least 600,000 euro (522,600) in offshore payments linked to Russian sources.

Publisher Hoffmann und Campe said in a statement it would no longer sell two non-fiction books about Putin by German journalist Hubert Seipel following reports by German magazine Der Spiegel and public German Television ZDF, saying it was not previously aware of the allegations.

The reports on Tuesday claimed that Mr Seipel accepted money indirectly linked to a sanctioned Russian oligarch to report Mr Putin in a favourable light in the published books.

The two books are Putins Power from 2021, and Putin: Interior Views Of A Power from 2015, the publishing house said.

The allegations, which were also published by other international media outlets including The Guardian, are based on information that emerged from the Cyprus Confidential financial data records that were leaked to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.

Pictures: Aftermath of Russian attack

Wednesday 15 November 2023 14:00 , Athena Stavrou

Here are the latest pictures of the aftermath of Russias attack on Selydobve.

At least one person was killed in an overnight Russian missile strike that hit an apartment building in eastern Ukraine, authorities said on Wednesday.

Local services workers remove debris near the crater, after a Russian missile strike at the site of damaged residential houses. (REUTERS)

Local resident, whose mother died under the rubble of a house damaged by a Russian missile strike, looks at the result of the attack. (REUTERS)

Ukraine pushes back on fluid frontline

Wednesday 15 November 2023 13:30 , Athena Stavrou

Ukrainian troops are trying to push back Russian forces along the Dnipro River along what the military described as a fairly fluid frontline.

Ukraine said on Tuesday it had secured a foothold on the Russian-occupied eastern bank of the vast river in southern Kherson region.

Along the front line, which runs along the Dnipro... The pushback from our side is taking place on a line from 3 to 8 km along the entire bank from the waters edge, Natalia Humeniuk, spokesperson for the southern military command, said.

For now, we will ask for informational silence ... which would allow us to report later on great successes, she said in televised comments.

Reuters could not independently verify Kyivs account.

Hungary call for review of EU policy on Ukraine

Wednesday 15 November 2023 13:04 , Athena Stavrou

Hungary has sought to review European Unions policy towards Ukraine, disagreeing with Germany, Lithuania, Finland and Ireland.

On Wednesday, other nations backed bringing Kyiv closer to the bloc swiftly and granting Ukraine more aid - but Hungary disagreed.

Ukraine is hoping to begin formal membership talks with the EU once it meets all conditions - but those decisions require unanimity of the 27 countries in the bloc.

We need a period of reflection and a strategic discussion on the policy of the European Union towards Ukraine, Hungarys European affairs minister, Janos Boka, said as he arrived for talks with his EU peers to prepare a December summit of the blocs leaders.

But Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban - who touts his ties with Moscow - has since said the blocs strategy of sending money and military aid to Ukraine has failed, and that he opposed starting membership negotiations with Kyiv.

Zelensky says Russia stockpiling missiles to attack energy system

Wednesday 15 November 2023 12:30 , Athena Stavrou

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he believes Russia is stockpiling missiles to attack Ukraines energy system, as it did last year.

Speaking at the German-Ukrainian Municipal Partnerships Conference, he urged for further assistance as Ukraine approaches its second winter of full-scale war.

I reminded the German-Ukrainian Municipal Partnerships Conference that the second winter of this full-scale war is approaching. Russia is stockpiling missiles to attack Ukraine's energy system, as it did last year.



Germany is already providing significant assistance in pic.twitter.com/i5L4KyNySK  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) November 15, 2023

One killed, seven injured in Russian strikes

Wednesday 15 November 2023 11:56 , Athena Stavrou

One person has been killed and a further seven people have been injured in a Russian missile strike on Wednesday morning, the Ukrainian regional governor said.

Governor Yuriy Malashko said Russia fired three missiles at Ukraines Zaporizhzhia earlier and hit a civilian facility.

He added that houses, cars and outhouses near the strike sites were damaged by a blast wave and debris in an attack that lasted about half an hour.

As of this moment, we know of one person killed and seven injured, including women, Mr Malashko said on Telegram messenger.

Moscow denies targeting civilians.

Latest pictures from Ukraine

Wednesday 15 November 2023 11:30 , Athena Stavrou

The latest pictures from Ukraine show residents of Selydove - a town in eastern Ukraine - in the aftermath of Russian bombing.

At least one person was killed in the shelling overnight.

(REUTERS)

(REUTERS)

(REUTERS)

Putin likely to announce presidential candidacy before end of the year, says UK

Wednesday 15 November 2023 11:00 , Athena Stavrou

President Vladimir Putin is expected to announce his presidential candidacy before the end of 2023, Britains Ministry of Defence said.

Russia is set to hold elections in March 2024, with sources telling Reuters that Putin is expected to run and stay in power until at least 2023.

In their latest defence intelligence update, the UK said Putin is likely to announce his candidacy before the end of 2023.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  15 November 2023.



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/QEOsaicDO4



 #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/Lcs64e1wDO  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) November 15, 2023

Russia trying to regain theatre-level initiative, think-tank says

Wednesday 15 November 2023 10:33 , Athena Stavrou

Russian forces are likely trying to regain the theatre-level initiative un Ukraine, according to a war-monitoring think tank.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said Putins army will attempt this by conducting several simultaneous offensive operations in eastern Ukraine.

A theatre in warfare is an area in which important military events occur or are in progress

The ISW says it remains unclear if Russian forces will be able to fully regain the initiative as Ukrainian forces maintain pressure on critical areas of the front.

Several Ukrainian officials noted that the situation along the frontline is complex but that Ukrainian forces maintain control of the battlespace.

NEW: Russian forces are likely trying to regain the theater-level initiative in #Ukraine by conducting several simultaneous offensive operations in eastern Ukraine. (1/3) https://t.co/khyMVG0tyd pic.twitter.com/B36RJvovbC  Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) November 15, 2023

Russia raining 'Hell fire' on Ukrainian forces pinned down on east bank of River Dnipro

Wednesday 15 November 2023 10:30 , Athena Stavrou

The Russian military has pinned down Ukrainian forces who crossed onto the eastern bank of the River Dnipro in southern Ukraine and is raining Hell fire on them, Vladimir Saldo, a Russian-installed official, said on Wednesday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiys chief of staff said on Tuesday that Ukrainian forces had secured a foothold on the east bank of the Dnipro River in the Kherson region.

Ukrainian food exports fall amid drivers strike

Wednesday 15 November 2023 10:00 , Athena Stavrou

Ukraines shipments of food by road decreased 2.7% in the first 13 days of November due to difficulties on the Polish border caused by a drivers strike, brokers said on Wednesday.

Spike Brokers, which regularly tracks and publishes export statistics in Ukraine, said on the Telegram messaging app that 220,000 metric tons of agricultural goods were exported by truck from Nov. 1-13, versus 226,000 tons in same period in October.

The passage of vehicles through customs checkpoints on the border with Poland decreased to 4,000 tons of cargo per day, compared to the peak of 7,500 tons per day a month earlier, Spike Brokers said.

Polish truckers last week blocked roads to three border crossings with Ukraine to protest against what they see as government inaction over a loss of business to foreign competitors since Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Ukrainian officials said on Tuesday Kyiv and Warsaw again failed to reach an agreement to stop the protest.

Pope calls on faithful people to pray daily for peace in Ukraine

Wednesday 15 November 2023 09:29 , Athena Stavrou

Pope Francis on Wednesday called on the faithful to pray regularly for peace in Ukraine, the Middle East, Sudan and all other war-torn places.

Let us pray, brothers and sisters, for peace, in a special way for martyred Ukraine, it is suffering a lot. And then the Holy Land, Palestine and Israel, and lets not forget Sudan, Francis said during his weekly audience in St Peters Square.

Let us think (about) all places where there is war, there are many wars. Let us pray for peace, every day someone should take some time to pray for peace, he added.

The Vatican has offered to mediate in both the Russian-Ukrainian and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts, but its efforts have so far not proved successful.

(Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Ukraine declares major breakthrough in southern counteroffensive against all odds

Wednesday 15 November 2023 08:27 , Athena Stavrou

Ukraines forces in the south have gained a foothold on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River in a significant step for Kyivs counteroffensive against Russia, according to president Volodymyr Zelenskys chief of staff.

The Dnipro River in the Kherson region has been one of the key battlegrounds of the conflict, with Russia crossing from the eastern bank to seize Kherson city in the early days of Mr Putins invasion only to abandon the regional capital late last year.

Though they lost ground in the area and retreated back across the river, Russia has maintained a consistent troop presence on the eastern bank, hemming in the Ukrainian counteroffensive.

Against all odds, Ukraines Defence Forces have gained a foothold on the left (east) bank of the Dnipro, said Mr Yermak.

Step by step, they are demilitarising Crimea. We have covered 70 per cent of the distance. And our counteroffensive is developing, he told the Hudson Institute think-tank in the US in remarks posted on Mr Zelenskys website.

One killed in Russian missile strike on east Ukraine town

Wednesday 15 November 2023 07:59 , Athena Stavrou

At least one person was killed in an overnight Russian missile strike that hit an apartment building in eastern Ukraine, authorities said on Wednesday.

Five others, including a child, were rescued but at least one person is believed to be trapped under the rubble, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said on the Telegram messaging app.

The attack on the town of Selydove, northwest of the Russian-occupied city of Donetsk, heavily damaged a four-storey building, Klymenko said.

Rescuers early on Wednesday were clearing the rubble and warned residents against approaching the building, which appeared to have been obliterated by the impact.

Russia lose top 300,000 in Ukraine

Wednesday 15 November 2023 07:36 , Athena Stavrou

Russias military personnel losses in its invasion of Ukraine have crossed 300,000, showed estimates by the UK that also said thousands more have deserted the battlefield.

James Heappey, minister of state for the armed forces, revealed the UKs estimates of losses faced by Vladimir Putin since the start of the invasion in February last year.

We estimate that approximately 302,000 Russian military personnel have been killed or wounded, and tens of thousands more have already deserted since the start of the conflict, he said on Tuesday in response to queries from John Healey, the shadow secretary of state for defence.

The UKs estimate of casualties is similar to the assessment made by Kyiv, that said Russia had lost a total 313,470 military personnel in combat as of Tuesday.

Russia has not released any official casualties suffered by it since the start of the war in Ukraine. Moscow and Kyiv have guarded their own battlefield losses and treated them as state secrets.

(via REUTERS)

Russian convicted of Kremlin critics murder pardoned after fighting in Ukraine

Wednesday 15 November 2023 07:00 , Tom Watling

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.

Russian convicted of journalists murder pardoned after fighting in Ukraine

Germany's support for Ukraine is to be 'massively expanded' next year

Wednesday 15 November 2023 06:00 , 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

Zelensky tells Ukrainians to brace for enemy Putins winter attacks

Wednesday 15 November 2023 05:00 , 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.

Zelensky tells Ukrainians to brace for enemy Putins winter attacks

From Gaza to Ukraine, China to the EU: The major issues piling high in David Camerons in tray

Wednesday 15 November 2023 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

Wednesday 15 November 2023 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

Wednesday 15 November 2023 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

Wednesday 15 November 2023 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

Wednesday 15 November 2023 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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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.

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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'

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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.)
Ukraines forces have gained a foothold on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River in a significant step for Kyivs counteroffensive, but Russia says they are raining hell fire on the troops.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys chief of staff said on Tuesday that Ukrainian forces had crossed onto the east bank of the river in the Kherson region against all odds.

The river has been one of the key battlegrounds of the conflict, with Russia crossing from the eastern bank to seize Kherson city in the early days of the invasion only to abandon the regional capital late last year.

Though they lost ground in the area and retreated back across the river, Russia has maintained a consistent troop presence on the eastern bank, hemming in the Ukrainian counteroffensive.

The Russian military said it had pinned down Ukrainian forces who crossed onto the eastern bank of the River Dnipro is raining hell fire on them.

They said that the average life expectancy of a Ukrainian soldier there is around two days.

The enemy is trapped in (the settlement of) Krynki and a fiery hell has been arranged for him: bombs, rockets, heavy flamethrower systems, artillery shells, and drones, said Vladimir Saldo

Key Points

Russia raining 'Hell fire' on Ukrainian forces

Ukraine declares major breakthrough in southern counteroffensive against all odds

Zelensky warns Ukrainians to prepare for winter onslaught from Russia

Russia intensifies attacks in Avdiivka

US Congress closes without approving more aid for Ukraine and Israel

20:30 , Matt Mathers

The US Congress closed its doors for nearly two weeks on Thursday without passing emergency aid for Israel and Ukraine, as lawmakers argued over unrelated immigration policy and faced pockets of resistance from Republicans on continued aide for Kyivs war against Russia.

The Senate adjourned well after midnight after passing a stopgap spending bill to avert a government shutdown. Supporters of the foreign military aid had hoped it would be included in the spending bill, known as a continuing resolution.

President Joe Biden asked Congress to approve the money last month. Its omission from the spending bill raised concerns that funding for Kyiv might never be appropriated especially after the Republican-led House passed a bill this month including assistance for Israel, but not Ukraine. The Senates Democratic leaders rejected that bill.

A vocal bloc of Republicans oppose sending more aid to Kyiv as it fights a nearly 21-month-long Russian invasion. Opponents of the aid say US taxpayer money should be spent at home, but majority of Republicans and Democrats in Congress still support aid to President Volodymyr Zelenskiys government.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll this week showed 41 per cent of Americans backed sending weapons to Ukraine, compared to 32 per centwho were opposed and the rest unsure. The same poll showed U.S. public support dropping for Israels war against Hamas militants.

Joe Biden (New York Times)

Thousands of Ukrainian children taken to Belarus - Yale research

19:30 , Matt Mathers

More than 2,400 children from Ukraine aged between six and 17 years old have been taken to 13 facilities across Belarus since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, research published by Yale University said on Thursday.

Ukraines prosecutor general said in May that he was investigating the alleged role of Belarus in the forced transfer of more than 19,000 identified children from Russian-occupied territories since the conflict broke out, including to Russia.

The total number is estimated by some experts and organisations to be far higher.

The findings by the Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale School of Public Health, which receives US State Department funding, shared with Reuters are the most extensive to date about the alleged role of Belarus in the Russian relocation program for Ukrainian children.

"Russias systematic effort to identify, collect, transport, and re-educate Ukraines children has been facilitated by Belarus," the report said.

"Russias federal government and Belarus regime have been working together to coordinate and fund the movement of children from Russia-occupied Ukraine through Russia to Belarus."

Majority of Russians still support war - poll from Russia

18:48 , Matt Mathers

A majority of Russians still support Vladimir Putins war in Ukraine, according to a poll conducted in Russia.

Some 76 per cent of respondents said they backed the invasion, while 21 per cent thought it was going poorly.

Meanwhile, one in five said they thought the country was on the wrong path.

Some 45 per cent of those believe Russia was on the wrong path cited war and people are dying.

25 per cent cited low wages and pensions, no work, no confidence in the future.

The survey was carried out by the Levada Centre, which says it is a Russian independent non-governmental polling and sociological organisation.

Nato general-secretary meets with Latvian president

18:30 , Alexander Butler

Nato general secretary Jens Stoltenberg met with Latvian president Edgars RinkAviAs to dicuss the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Welcomed Edgars RinkAviAs back to Nato & congratulated him on his appointment as President of Latvia.

We addressed Ukraine, where the difficult situation on the battlefield is an argument for even more support. We also look forward to welcoming Sweden as an Ally very soon, he said on X, formerly Twitter.

Welcomed @edgarsrinkevics back to #NATO & congratulated him on his appointment as President of #Latvia. We addressed #Ukraine, where the difficult situation on the battlefield is an argument for even more support. We also look forward to welcoming #Sweden as an Ally very soon. pic.twitter.com/npOHO5bBeG  Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) November 16, 2023

Slovak truckers to hold symbolic blockade of Ukraine border

17:30 , Alexander Butler

Slovak truckers will stage a symbolic one-hour blockade of the countrys main crossing with Ukraine to support Polish calls for restrictions on the number of Ukrainian trucks entering the EU.

Our aim is support of Polish colleagues as well as all freight haulers in the EU.

We will request that the European Commission immediately introduces licences for shipments for Ukrainian vehicles, because European companies are falling on their mouth and cannot compete, haulers union UNAS said.

Great to see Lord Cameron in Ukraine, Johnson says

16:30 , Alexander Butler

Boris Johnson said it was great to see Lord Cameron in Ukraine on his first official visit to the country as the UKs foreign secretary.

Great news that Ukrainian forces have established themselves on the east bank of the Dnieper, and great to see our new Foreign Secretary in Kyiv, Mr Johnson wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Lord Cameron previously joked about his disagreements with Mr Johnson but said support for the Ukrainian president was the finest thing his government did.

In a video of the meeting posted on X by president Zelensky, Lord Cameron said: I had some disagreements with my friend Boris Johnson, and we have known each other for 40 years, and his support for you was the finest thing that he and his government did.

Great news that Ukrainian forces have established themselves on the east bank of the Dnieper, and great to see our new Foreign Secretary in Kyiv.  Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) November 16, 2023

Pictured: Lord Cameron visits Odesa

16:00 , Alexander Butler

Lord Cameron inspects the damaged Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa, Ukraine (PA)

Lord Cameron in Ukraine during his first visit to the country as foreign secretary (PA)

Ethical concerns over defence industry are immoral and dangerous, Shapps says

15:30 , Alexander Butler

Ethical concerns over the British defence industry are immoral and dangerous, British defence minister Grant Shapps said.

British defence companies keep us safe, help nations like Ukraine defend their freedom & act as global champions for the UK.

Well back them all the way against those who want to defund the industry due to so-called ethical investing rules that are not only immoral but dangerous, Mr Shapps said on X, formerly Twitter.

British defence companies keep us safe, help nations like Ukraine defend their freedom & act as global champions for the UK.



Well back them all the way against those who want to defund the industry due to so-called ethical investing rules that are not only immoral but dangerous pic.twitter.com/IA1uX5pOj1  Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) November 16, 2023

Bodies of married couple found in eastern Ukraine

15:05 , Alexander Butler

The bodies of a married couple have been found amid rubble following a Russian strike in the eastern Ukrainian town of Selydove, officials said.

The number of dead from the strike, on Wednesday, has risen to four. Russia fired four S-300 missiles at the town, damaging six apartment buildings and 20 homes, police said.

The Ukrainian military said it shot down a missile and 16 of 18 attack drones launched by Russian troops overnight.

Local services workers remove debris near the crater, after a Russian missile strike at the site of damaged residential houses (REUTERS)

Russian aggression in Ukraine must not go unpunished, Switzerland says

14:49 , Alexander Butler

Switzerland has pledged its support for the establishment of a special tribunal to address Russias crimes of aggression against Ukraine.

Switzerland is firmly convinced that the aggression against Ukraine must not go unpunished, the Swiss department of foreign affairs said.

The initiative has attracted support from 38 countries, including France, Germany, Norway, Guatemala, Japan and Canada, according to the departments statement.

Kyiv forces Russian navy to pull back in Black Sea, Zelensky claims

14:07 , Alexander Butler

Ukraine has forced Russias naval fleet to pull back in the eastern part of the Black Sea, president Volodymyr Zelensky claimed.

For the first time in the world, it was in the Black Sea that a fleet of naval drones began to operate  a Ukrainian fleet, Zelensky wrote on Telegram.

I would also like to note that now  as one of the main results of our actions  Russia is unable to use the Black Sea as a springboard to destabilise other regions of the world.

In case you missed it...

14:00 , Maira Butt

Kim Sengupta reports:

The fate of Kamianka is in many ways what has befallen Ukraine in microcosm, reflecting the bitterness, sorrow and pity of this war. There were murders and mass graves; treachery and torture. Prosecutors gathered evidence of human rights abuse ; exhumed bodies piled up in morgues in Kharkiv. Families continue desperate searches for those missing, seeking their graves as hopes of finding them alive fade away.

A handful of residents who returned to the village after the Russians left found a lethal legacy of fighting and occupation --- unexploded ordnance, concealed booby traps and mines. Soon these began to maim and kill as had been the enemys intention.

Read the full piece, Bombs, betrayals and burying loved ones: Plight of one Ukraine village illustrates toll of Russias invasion here.

Zelensky praises warriors of Ukraine in fight against Russia

13:45 , Maira Butt

As the war in Ukraine slowly approaches its second year, President Zelensky, sent a message of praise to his soldiers who he called warriors on Thursday.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, he said:

I am grateful to all of our people who are fighting and working for Ukraine.

To our warriors, who make it possible for Ukraine to live with each stride and with their strength.

I thank them all for everything they do for our countrys freedom and independence.

I am grateful to all of our people who are fighting and working for Ukraine. To our warriors, who make it possible for Ukraine to live with each stride and with their strength. I thank them all for everything they do for our countrys freedom and independence. pic.twitter.com/NICnbzbzMz  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) November 16, 2023

Medical volunteer urges people to keep supporting Ukraine

13:27 , Maira Butt

In an armoured vehicle moving closer to the town of Bakhmut, medical volunteer Anna Filippova urged the international community to keep supporting the Ukrainian army.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the volunteer medic said:

Im observing reactions of the soldiers around me. Some are quiet, some are nervously vaping. One soldier did a little meditation and amygdala breathing, and then was cracking jokes for the rest of the way.

All I can say at this stage is that they operate in conditions that are not only lethally dangerous, but also detrimental for mental health. Every bit of support for our soldiers helps their morale. Please keep supporting #UkrainianArmy

Armoured vehicle is taking us closer to #Bakhmut and Im observing reactions of the soldiers around me.

Some are quiet, some are nervously vaping.

One soldier did a little meditation and amygdala breathing, and then was cracking jokes for the rest of the way.



I was low-key pic.twitter.com/AgaO79n3H7  Anna Filippova (@AnnaFil_Ukraine) November 16, 2023

Death toll from Donestky Oblast attack rises to 4

13:13 , Maira Butt

Emergency services have recovered more bodies at the site of the missile attack on the city of Selydove bringing the death toll to four, according to the Kyiv Independent.

A four story apartment building was hit in the attack by Russia on Wednesday. Initial reports suggested one person had been killed, but more bodies have since emerged from under the rubble.

The State Emergency services confirmed workers were still at the scene of the aftermath.

Local services workers remove debris near the crater, after a Russian missile strike at the site of damaged residential houses. (REUTERS)

Russian court convicts a woman for protesting the war in Ukraine in latest crackdown on free speech

12:55 , Maira Butt

AP reports:

A Russian court on Thursday convicted an artist and musician for replacing supermarket price tags with antiwar slogans and sentenced her to seven years in prison, Russian media reported.

Sasha Skochilenko, 33, has been held in her home city of St. Petersburg since April 2022 on charges of spreading false information about the military.

She was arrested a month after Russia adopted a law effectively criminalizing any public expression about the war in Ukraine that deviates from the Kremlins official line. The legislation has been used in a widespread crackdown on opposition politicians, human rights activists and ordinary Russians critical of the Kremlin, with many receiving lengthy prison terms.

She has been sentenced to seven years (EPA)

Ukraine grateful to UK for its support'

12:45 , Maira Butt

President Zelensky said in a post on X, formerly know as Twitter that Ukraine was greateful to the UK for its support.

After Lord Cameron made his first visit to the region following his appointment as foreign secretary, President Zelensky said:

We had a good meeting focused on weapons for the frontline, strengthening air defense, and protecting our people and critical infrastructure.

Hosted @David_Cameron on his first visit to Ukraine as Foreign Secretary of the UK.



We had a good meeting focused on weapons for the frontline, strengthening air defense, and protecting our people and critical infrastructure.



I am grateful to the UK for its support!



 pic.twitter.com/zElLHsSaQT  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) November 16, 2023

Court convicts activist of organising armed incursions from Ukraine into Russia

12:33 , Alexander Butler

A Russian court has convicted Ukraine-based Russian activist Denis Kapustin of state treason and terrorism for organising armed incursions from Ukraine into Russias Bryansk region, the state TASS news agency has reported.

Kapustin, also known as Denis Nikitin, is a former mixed martial arts fighter and a member of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC).

The RVC is an armed opposition group in Ukraine which has carried out several incursions into Russia this year.

Russia 'loads intercontinental ballistic missile into launch silo'

12:00 , Alexander Butler

Russia has loaded a nuclear-capable Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle into a launch silo in the south of the country, its defence ministry said.

Vladimir Putin announced the Avangard vehicle in 2018, saying it was a response to Americas development of a new generation of weapons.

As it approaches its target, the Avangard glide vehicle detaches from the rocket. It is then able to manoeuvre sharply outside the rockets trajectory at hypersonic speeds of up to 27 times the speed of sound.

An intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with the nuclear-capable

Russia planned to 'weaponise' Ukrainian grain

11:30 , Alexander Butler

Russia planned to pillage and weaponise more than $1bn of Ukrainian grain, a new report has said.

Global Rights Compliance (GRC) - a not-for-profit organisation specialising in international humanitarian law - said Moscow intended to use the proceeds to fund its military and fuel global food insecurity.

Upon capturing territory, Russian forces seized grain facilities from Ukrainian farmers and corporations, taking control of the surrounding transport networks and rapidly establishing safe and fast passage for stolen Ukrainian grain into Russia, it said.

Ukraine 'shoots down one Russian missile and 16 drones'

11:00 , Alexander Butler

The Ukrainian military says it shot down a missile and 16 of 18 attack drones launched by Russia overnight.

Civilian infrastructure in the eastern region of Kharkiv was damaged by S-300 missiles, authorities said.

The S-300 was developed by the Soviet Union. No deaths or injuries have been reported.

Ukraine and UK 'determined to work together'

10:15 , Alexander Butler

The United Kingdom and Ukraine are determined to work together, according to Ukraines foreign minister.

Dmytro Kuleba has posted a picture of him and Lord David Cameron, the new British foreign secretary, in Kyiv.

Mr Kuleba added: The UK remains steadfast in providing Ukraine with weapons, increasing their co-production, and ridding the Black Sea of Russian threats.

Welcome to Ukraine, @David_Cameron!



Our talks at @MFA_Ukraine proved that Ukraine and the UK are determined to work together toward victory.



The UK remains steadfast in providing Ukraine with weapons, increasing their co-production, and ridding the Black Sea of Russian threats. pic.twitter.com/k3ZGNo3RcN  Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) November 16, 2023

More than two thirds of Russians still support war in Ukraine, poll finds

09:43 , Alexander Butler

More than two thirds of Russians still support their countrys war in Ukraine, according to a US think tank.

The Levada Centre - an independent Russian polling organisation - has reported that 76 per cent of respondents said they support Russias military operations in Ukraine, the Institute for the Study of War said.

It also said 62 per cent of those surveyed believe the invasion is progressing well, while 21% think it is going reasonably or very poorly for Russia.

Local services workers remove debris near the crater, after a Russian missile strike at the site of damaged residential houses in Selydove (REUTERS)

David Cameron praises Boris Johnson

08:42 , Alexander Butler

David Cameron has visited Volodymyr Zelensky in Ukraine in his first overseas trip as foreign secretary.

The former prime minister joked about his disagreements with Boris Johnson, but said support for the Ukrainian president was the finest thing his government did.

In a video of the meeting posted on X by president Zelensky, Lord Cameron said: I had some disagreements with my friend Boris Johnson, and we have known each other for 40 years, and his support for you was the finest thing that he and his government did.

David Cameron meets Volodymyr Zelensky in Ukraine in first visit as foreign secretary

Watch: New foreign secretary David Cameron meets Zelensky

08:16 , Alexander Butler

Lord Cameron visits Ukraine

08:15 , Alexander Butler

New British foreign secretary Lord Cameron has visited Ukraine and said the UK would continue to provide moral, diplomatic, economic and military support to the country.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said: Hosted David Cameron on his first visit to Ukraine as Foreign Secretary of the UK.

We had a good meeting focused on weapons for the frontline, strengthening air defense, and protecting our people and critical infrastructure. I am grateful to the UK for its support.

Hosted @David_Cameron on his first visit to Ukraine as Foreign Secretary of the UK.



We had a good meeting focused on weapons for the frontline, strengthening air defense, and protecting our people and critical infrastructure.



I am grateful to the UK for its support!



 pic.twitter.com/zElLHsSaQT  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) November 16, 2023

Russian attempting pincer movement on Avdiivka

07:57 , Alexander Butler

Russian troops are attempting a pincer movement to encircle the Ukrainian town of Avdiivka, according to the UKs ministry of defence.

Russian forces have continued attacks towards outlying villages of the contested Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast. Russia is almost certainly attempting a pincer movement to encircle the town, the MoD said.

It added that Russian troops had closed in on the Ukrainian-held Coke and Chemical plant in the area, which is a key tactical position to the north.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  16 November 2023.



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/ZelMQmkAgF



 #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/uLXQlx6VsU  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) November 16, 2023

Russian defences 'down three Ukrainian drones'

07:45 , Alexander Butler

Russian missile defences have reportedly downed three Ukrainian drones over the Black Sea.

One was near Crimea, with two more over the Bryansk region, according to Russias defence ministry.

Kremlin forcing Ukrainians to become Russian'

07:29 , Alexander Butler

The Kremlin is forcing Ukrainians in occupied territories to become Russian, according to reports.

One resident, named as Larysa, told the European Broadcasting Union that one of her friends was not provided with insulin for her diabetes unless she applied for a Russian passport.

Another friend had to become a Russian citizen before getting treatment for a broken arm, she added.

Bombs, betrayal and burying loved ones: Plight of one Ukraine village illustrates toll of Russias invasion

07:00 , Tom Watling

Kim Sengupta returns to Kamianka in eastern Ukraine  the scene of one of the most extraordinary exchanges he has witnessed during the 21-month war  to hear about the struggle to rebuild amid accusations of Russian collusion and vast destruction.

Bombs and betrayal: Plight of one Ukraine village highlights toll of Russian invasion

Russian woman goes on trial in a cafe bombing that killed a prominent military blogger

06:00 , Tom Watling

A woman went on trial Wednesday in the bombing at a St. Petersburg cafe that killed a prominent Russian military blogger after he was given a bust of himself that later exploded.

Darya Trepova, 26, is charged with carrying out a terrorist attack, illegal trafficking of explosive devices and forging documents in the April 2 blast at the cafe in which Vladlen Tatarsky was killed and 52 others were injured.

She was arrested shortly after the bombing and faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted, according to Russian news reports.

Tatarsky, 40, was an ardent supporter of the Kremlins military action in Ukraine and filed regular reports on the fighting from the front lines.

Russian woman goes on trial in a cafe bombing that killed a prominent military blogger

Blow for Putin as Ukraine takes major step in bid to outflank Russian troops

05:00 , Tom Watling

A top Ukrainian official said its troops have established a beachhead on the eastern bank of the Dnieper River near Kherson, an important advance in bridging one of Russias most significant strategic barriers in the war.

Andriy Yermak, head of the presidents office, provided no details but confirmed the development that has been widely discussed in military forums over the past month.

Against all odds, Ukraines defense forces have gained a foothold on the left bank of the Dnieper, Yermak told the Hudson Institute, a conservative Washington think tank, in a speech Monday.

Blow for Putin as Ukraine takes major step in bid to outflank Russian troops

Russian convicted of Kremlin critics murder pardoned after fighting in Ukraine

04:00 , Tom Watling

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.

Russian convicted of journalists murder pardoned after fighting in Ukraine

US imposes new sanctions over Russian oil price cap violations, Kremlin influence in the Balkans

20:23 , Matt Mathers

The U.S. Treasury on Thursday imposed a new round of sanctions on firms and ships that used American service providers to carry Russian crude oil in violation of the multinational price cap  and imposed another set of sanctions on a group of Balkan people and firms tied to Kremlin influence in the region.

Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control imposed sanctions on three United Arab Emirates-based firms and blocked three ships that used U.S. service providers to carry Russian crude oil above the $60 price cap.

Full report:

US imposes new sanctions over Russian oil price cap violations, Kremlin influence in the Balkans

NATO to buy more eyes in the sky planes to monitor Putins war on Ukraine

03:00 , Tom Watling

NATO announced Wednesday it has opted to buy six new E-7A Wedgetail surveillance planes built by U.S. aircraft manufacturer Boeing as the 31-nation military alliance looks to update its eyes in the sky in coming years.

NATOs fleet of 14 Airborne Warning and Control System, or AWACS, aircraft are outdated and expensive to maintain. But their large fuselage-mounted radar domes can detect aircraft hundreds of miles away and they remain useful to monitor Russias war on Ukraine from NATOs eastern flank.

NATO said that production of the six new Wedgetails  a militarized version of the Boeing 737 jetliner  will begin in coming years, with the first planes expected to be ready for duty by 2031. No cost was provided for the planes, but based on U.S. and U.K. contract information the price could hit $5 billion.

NATO to buy more eyes in the sky planes to monitor Putins war on Ukraine

EU moves closer to imposing a new set of sanctions on Russia for its war on Ukraine

02:00 , Tom Watling

The European Unions executive said Wednesday it proposed to the member states a new package of sanctions targeting the Kremlin and its associates, seeking to tighten previous measures approved since the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine as well as adding dozens of economic operators.

The proposal sets in motion final talks between the 27 member states to reach the necessary unanimity on the issue and officials have said they hope to have the 12th package operational by the end of the year.

Even though Wednesdays statement did not go into details, preparatory talks centered on imposing export restrictions on Russias lucrative diamond industry.

EU moves closer to imposing a new set of sanctions on Russia for its war on Ukraine

Ukraine troops applying pressure on Putins forces having gained foothold along Dnipro River, says Kyiv

01:00 , Tom Watling

Russia has conceded for the first time that Ukrainian forces have crossed the vast Dnipro River into occupied areas of the Kherson region  as Kyiv tries to open up a new line of attack against Vladimir Putins forces.

Ukraine said on Tuesday it had secured a foothold on the eastern bank of the Dnipro against all odds, in a potentially major setback for Russian occupation forces in the south where Kyiv is trying to open a new line of attack.

A Ukrainian military spokesperson said on Wednesday that Ukrainian troops were trying to push Russian forces back from the eastern bank of the river, which serves as a formidable natural barrier on the battlefield.

Ukraine troops pressuring Putins forces along Dnipro River

US nearing end of the road on Ukraine support without more funding, White House warns

00:00 , Tom Watling

The White House is warning that America could soon lose the ability to provide Ukraines defence forces with needed weapons and munitions if Congress doesnt act to pass the supplemental funding bill proposed by President Joe Biden last month.

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby on Wednesday told reporters that Mr Biden still wants Congress to move funding for Ukraine, Israel, defence needs in the Indo-Pacific and US border security in the single package which the president submitted on 20 October, the day after he delivered an Oval Office address in which he urged the US legislature to maintain American leadership in the world by supporting Ukraine and Israel in their defensive struggles against Russia and Hamas.

US near end of the road on Ukraine support without more funding, White House warns

Bombs, betrayal and burying loved ones: Plight of one Ukraine village illustrates toll of Russias invasion

Wednesday 15 November 2023 23:00 , Tom Watling

Kim Sengupta returns to Kamianka in eastern Ukraine  the scene of one of the most extraordinary exchanges he has witnessed during the 21-month war  to hear about the struggle to rebuild amid accusations of Russian collusion and vast destruction.

Bombs and betrayal: Plight of one Ukraine village highlights toll of Russian invasion

Russian oil tankers not targeted in EU sanctions proposal

Wednesday 15 November 2023 22:00 , Lydia Patrick

Russian oil tankers are not targeted in the European Commissions proposal for tightening the implementation of a price cap on the countrys crude oil, EU diplomats said on Wednesday.

The Financial Times reported earlier on Wednesday that Denmark will be tasked with inspecting and potentially blocking Russian oil tankers sailing through its waters under new European Union plans as a way of enforcing a $60 per barrel price cap on Moscows crude.

The FT said that Denmark would target tankers carrying Russian oil that did not have Western insurance, a step that would hit Russian oil export income hard while snarling up the entire Russian oil production and refinery business.

We have seen nothing about it in the Commission proposal,one EU diplomatfamiliar with the Commission text said and two others confirmed they found no such reference in the proposal.

Russia sends about a third of its seaborne oil exports, or 1.5% of global supply, through the Danish straits so any attempt to halt those supplies would send oil prices higher and trigger a confrontation with Russia.

ICYMI - Zelensky tells Ukrainians to brace for enemy Putins winter attacks

Wednesday 15 November 2023 21:00 , Lydia Patrick

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.

Zelensky tells Ukrainians to brace for enemy Putins winter attacks

Ukrainian group says more than 30,000 troops have died in Russia's invasion

Wednesday 15 November 2023 20:00 , Lydia Patrick

A Ukrainian civic group said it has confirmed the deaths of nearly 25,000 Ukrainian soldiers since Russias February 2022 invasion by using open sources, and puts the total toll at more than 30,000.

Kyiv treats its losses as a state secret and officials say disclosing the figure could harm its war effort. A report in August by the New York Times, citing anonymous U.S. officials, put the Ukrainian death toll at close to 70,000.

Writing in the Ukrainian journal Tyzhden, historian Yaroslav Tynchenko and volunteer Herman Shapovalenko said Shapovalenkos Book of Memory project had confirmed 24,500 combat and non-combat deaths using open sources.

The real figure was likely higher, they added, noting that many of the 15,000 troops listed as missing were likely dead.

A woman seen through a hole in a Ukrainian flag mourns at a makeshift memorial for fallen soldiers at Independence Square in Kyiv, (AFP via Getty Images)

Ukraine says troops have foothold on eastern bank of river

Wednesday 15 November 2023 19:00 , Lydia Patrick

A top Ukrainian official said the countrys troops have established a beachhead on the eastern bank of the Dnieper River near Kherson, an important advance in bridging one of Russias most significant strategic barriers in the war.

Andriy Yermak, head of the presidents office, provided no details but confirmed the development that has been widely discussed in military forums over the past month.

Against all odds, Ukraines defence forces have gained a foothold on the left bank of the Dnieper, Mr Yermak told the Hudson Institute, a conservative Washington think tank.

Ever since Russian forces left the city of Kherson and the territory around it in November 2022, the only area they controlled on the west bank of the Dnieper, the river became a natural dividing line along the southern battlefront, preventing Ukrainian troops from advancing further into the Kherson region and towards Russian-annexed Crimea.

The barrier also allowed Russia to concentrate more troops in the heavily mined and fortified Zaporizhzhia region and eastern Ukraine.

Blow for Putin as Ukraine takes major step in bid to outflank Russian troops

Wednesday 15 November 2023 18:00 , Athena Stavrou

A top Ukrainian official said its troops have established a beachhead on the eastern bank of the Dnieper River near Kherson, an important advance in bridging one of Russias most significant strategic barriers in the war.

Andriy Yermak, head of the presidents office, said: Against all odds, Ukraines defense forces have gained a foothold on the left bank of the Dnieper.

Read more:

Blow for Putin as Ukraine takes major step in bid to outflank Russian troops

NATO to buy more eyes in the sky planes to monitor Putins war on Ukraine

Wednesday 15 November 2023 17:30 , Athena Stavrou

NATO announced Wednesday it has opted to buy six new E-7A Wedgetail surveillance planes built by U.S. aircraft manufacturer Boeing as the 31-nation military alliance looks to update its eyes in the sky in coming years.

NATOs contract with Boeing  one of the military organizations biggest ever purchases  is set to be signed next year.

Read more:

NATO to buy more eyes in the sky planes to monitor Putins war on Ukraine

Pictures of the day

Wednesday 15 November 2023 17:00 , Athena Stavrou

People shelter in an underground metro station during an air raid alarm in Kyiv (AFP via Getty Images)

A woman seen through a hole in a Ukrainian flag mourns at a makeshift memorial for fallen soldiers at Independence Square in Kyiv, (AFP via Getty Images)

Local resident removes the broken glass from his window damaged by a Russian missile strike (REUTERS)

EU executive submits proposal for 12th packaged of Russia sanctions

Wednesday 15 November 2023 16:15 , Athena Stavrou

The European Commission on Wednesday said it would submit its draft 12th sanctions package against Russia - including measures against military and IT actors linked to the country - to the Council.

The Commission said its proposal aims to sanction over 120 additional individuals and entities for their role in undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

Russia says new EU sanctions are part of a 'hybrid war'

Wednesday 15 November 2023 15:45 , Athena Stavrou

Russias foreign ministry said on Wednesday that the European Unions 12th sanctions package against Russia was part of a hybrid war waged by the West.

Due to the endless sanctions flow against Russia, the EU has become Washingtons useful idiot, Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry said.

Zakharova said the United States was using Europe as a stick in what she cast as Washingtons anti-Russian policy.

Zakharova said the EUs new sanctions would achieve nothing and said the Wests sanctions had damaged the EU itself.

Russia says Ukrainian NATO membership is unacceptable in any form

Wednesday 15 November 2023 15:11 , Athena Stavrou

Russia said on Wednesday that Ukrainian accession to the U.S.-led NATO military alliance was unacceptable to Russia, whether in part or in any other form.

Whether in parts or in any form, Ukraines accession to NATO is unacceptable for Russia, Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for Russias foreign ministry, told reporters.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, a former NATO secretary general, has put forward a proposal for Ukraine to join the military alliance but stripped of the territories controlled by Russia, the Guardian newspaper reported.

Zelenksy thanks Italian prime minister

Wednesday 15 November 2023 15:00 , Athena Stavrou

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude after speaking with Italys prime minister, Giorgia Meloni.

In a post on X, Zelensky said they coordinated their joint efforts and agreed to start working on bilateral security guarantees.

The Ukrainian president also held a call with Slovakias president, whom he thanked for recognising Ukraines progress toward EU accession talks.

I spoke with @GiorgiaMeloni to express gratitude for her and Italys strong support for Ukraine.



Italy is demonstrating powerful leadership, and I anticipate that its 2024 G7 Presidency will yield even more important results.



We coordinated our joint efforts and agreed to start pic.twitter.com/bdg34AwD6x  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) November 15, 2023

Publishers to stop selling Putin books amid Russian payment claims

Wednesday 15 November 2023 14:30 , Athena Stavrou

A German publishing house is to stop selling books about Russian President Vladimir Putin by an award-winning journalist following reports that he allegedly received at least 600,000 euro (522,600) in offshore payments linked to Russian sources.

Publisher Hoffmann und Campe said in a statement it would no longer sell two non-fiction books about Putin by German journalist Hubert Seipel following reports by German magazine Der Spiegel and public German Television ZDF, saying it was not previously aware of the allegations.

The reports on Tuesday claimed that Mr Seipel accepted money indirectly linked to a sanctioned Russian oligarch to report Mr Putin in a favourable light in the published books.

The two books are Putins Power from 2021, and Putin: Interior Views Of A Power from 2015, the publishing house said.

The allegations, which were also published by other international media outlets including The Guardian, are based on information that emerged from the Cyprus Confidential financial data records that were leaked to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.

Pictures: Aftermath of Russian attack

Wednesday 15 November 2023 14:00 , Athena Stavrou

Here are the latest pictures of the aftermath of Russias attack on Selydobve.

At least one person was killed in an overnight Russian missile strike that hit an apartment building in eastern Ukraine, authorities said on Wednesday.

Local services workers remove debris near the crater, after a Russian missile strike at the site of damaged residential houses. (REUTERS)

Local resident, whose mother died under the rubble of a house damaged by a Russian missile strike, looks at the result of the attack. (REUTERS)

Ukraine pushes back on fluid frontline

Wednesday 15 November 2023 13:30 , Athena Stavrou

Ukrainian troops are trying to push back Russian forces along the Dnipro River along what the military described as a fairly fluid frontline.

Ukraine said on Tuesday it had secured a foothold on the Russian-occupied eastern bank of the vast river in southern Kherson region.

Along the front line, which runs along the Dnipro... The pushback from our side is taking place on a line from 3 to 8 km along the entire bank from the waters edge, Natalia Humeniuk, spokesperson for the southern military command, said.

For now, we will ask for informational silence ... which would allow us to report later on great successes, she said in televised comments.

Reuters could not independently verify Kyivs account.

Hungary call for review of EU policy on Ukraine

Wednesday 15 November 2023 13:04 , Athena Stavrou

Hungary has sought to review European Unions policy towards Ukraine, disagreeing with Germany, Lithuania, Finland and Ireland.

On Wednesday, other nations backed bringing Kyiv closer to the bloc swiftly and granting Ukraine more aid - but Hungary disagreed.

Ukraine is hoping to begin formal membership talks with the EU once it meets all conditions - but those decisions require unanimity of the 27 countries in the bloc.

We need a period of reflection and a strategic discussion on the policy of the European Union towards Ukraine, Hungarys European affairs minister, Janos Boka, said as he arrived for talks with his EU peers to prepare a December summit of the blocs leaders.

But Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban - who touts his ties with Moscow - has since said the blocs strategy of sending money and military aid to Ukraine has failed, and that he opposed starting membership negotiations with Kyiv.

Zelensky says Russia stockpiling missiles to attack energy system

Wednesday 15 November 2023 12:30 , Athena Stavrou

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he believes Russia is stockpiling missiles to attack Ukraines energy system, as it did last year.

Speaking at the German-Ukrainian Municipal Partnerships Conference, he urged for further assistance as Ukraine approaches its second winter of full-scale war.

I reminded the German-Ukrainian Municipal Partnerships Conference that the second winter of this full-scale war is approaching. Russia is stockpiling missiles to attack Ukraine's energy system, as it did last year.



Germany is already providing significant assistance in pic.twitter.com/i5L4KyNySK  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) November 15, 2023

One killed, seven injured in Russian strikes

Wednesday 15 November 2023 11:56 , Athena Stavrou

One person has been killed and a further seven people have been injured in a Russian missile strike on Wednesday morning, the Ukrainian regional governor said.

Governor Yuriy Malashko said Russia fired three missiles at Ukraines Zaporizhzhia earlier and hit a civilian facility.

He added that houses, cars and outhouses near the strike sites were damaged by a blast wave and debris in an attack that lasted about half an hour.

As of this moment, we know of one person killed and seven injured, including women, Mr Malashko said on Telegram messenger.

Moscow denies targeting civilians.

Latest pictures from Ukraine

Wednesday 15 November 2023 11:30 , Athena Stavrou

The latest pictures from Ukraine show residents of Selydove - a town in eastern Ukraine - in the aftermath of Russian bombing.

At least one person was killed in the shelling overnight.

(REUTERS)

(REUTERS)

(REUTERS)

Putin likely to announce presidential candidacy before end of the year, says UK

Wednesday 15 November 2023 11:00 , Athena Stavrou

President Vladimir Putin is expected to announce his presidential candidacy before the end of 2023, Britains Ministry of Defence said.

Russia is set to hold elections in March 2024, with sources telling Reuters that Putin is expected to run and stay in power until at least 2023.

In their latest defence intelligence update, the UK said Putin is likely to announce his candidacy before the end of 2023.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  15 November 2023.



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/QEOsaicDO4



 #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/Lcs64e1wDO  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) November 15, 2023
Residents of the besieged front-line Donbas town of Avdiivka are being deliberately targeted in their own homes, Vitaliy Barabash, head of the local military administration, told the Espreso TV channel on Nov. 15.

As temperatures drop, civilians are lighting stoves for warmth, drawing the attention of Russian drones circling overhead. The reconnaissance drones then target precision artillery strikes on the locations.

"The stoves have already been lit, smoke is coming out of the chimneys," he said.

The enemy uses its drones flying over the town to record these locations, and then the guided aerial bombs and artillery strike there very precisely, targeting these locations.

This "indicates that civilians are being knocked out," the governor said.

As of the morning of Nov. 15, 1,461 people had evacuated the town. On Nov. 14 alone, 15 civilians left Avdiivka.

"People are leaving, there are people registered for evacuation for today and tomorrow, and even for a couple of days ahead, people are really tired. Even those who had been waiting (for the Russians to arrive)," Barabash said.

Russias offensive on Avdiivka  What is known

Russian troops intensified their offensive on Avdiivka on Oct. 10, launching massive attacks on the Donbas town.

The head of Avdiiivkas military administration, Vitaliy Barabash, said that Oct. 10 saw probably the largest attack on the city in the entire full-scale war, but the situation was under control.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces said that the Russian military wants to surround Avdiivka, and is throwing a large amount of equipment and personnel into battle.

Barabash said on Oct. 20 that Russian troops had launched a new wave of assaults. The situation remains difficult, he said at that time.

Since the beginning of the Russian offensive on Avdiivka, the losses of the Russian invasion forces in Donetsk Oblast amounted to 6,500 soldiers, the Tavria Defense Forces spokesperson, Colonel Oleksandr Shtupun, said earlier.

Russian invasion forces have eased their attacks on Avdiivka to replace their losses and regroup, Shtupun said on Nov. 2.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
By Alexander Cornwell

DUBAI (Reuters) - Russian arms makers appear to have been kept to a low profile at this week's Dubai Airshow, underscoring how the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has sought to balance its ties with the West and Moscow.

Unlike past shows, Russian participation has been limited to the very end of the outdoor area where state-arms makers are exhibiting inside their own pavilion rather than in the main hall.

"We have been put a bit away, outside the main pavilion," said a Russian arms industry executive, who declined to be named as they were not authorised to speak to the media.

The executive said they did not know why Russian firms had apparently been deliberately kept away from the main exhibition area where companies like U.S. firm Lockheed Martin are present.

Still, an aerobatics display of Russian Su35S fighter jets went ahead, the TASS news agency reported on Monday.

Rostec, United Aircraft Corp and Almaz-Anty are among the Russian firms participating at the show this week.

A representative for the Dubai Airshow, a major biennial commercial and defence industry showpiece, did not immediately respond to emailed questions on the Russian participation.

Russian arms makers have in past used the Dubai event to showcase their firepower, with executives often claiming they were gaining market share in a region traditionally close to the U.S. At the last show in 2021, Russia displayed a Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate prototype internationally for the first time.

The UAE, a Gulf Arab power, has not adopted Western sanctions imposed on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, and has resisted U.S. pressure to break links with Moscow.

Inside the Russian pavilion, combat gear and models of fighter jets and combat helicopters are on display this week.

The Russian executive said military delegations from the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas had visited the pavilion so far. He declined to say which countries.

Outside the Russian pavilion, a Russian KA-52E combat helicopter is on show next to a Russian IL-76MD-90AE military transport aircraft and a RVV-MD2 missile for stealth fighter jets.

U.S. Air Force aircraft on show at the week-long event have been placed at the opposite end of the outdoor display area.

Russian state arms makers participated in February at a major arms fare in Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, where they were similarly kept separated from the main exhibition area.

(Reporting by Alexander Cornwell; Editing by Mark Potter)
Russian attacks have killed two Ukrainian civilians and injured 12 others over the past day, local officials reported early on Nov. 15.

There were 81 Russian attacks on Kherson Oblast over the past day, injuring seven people, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said.

Russian forces fired 18 projectiles at the city of Kherson and also targeted an educational institution in the area around Beryslav, according to Prokudin.

In Donetsk Oblast, one person was killed and two were injured after an apartment building in the city of Selydove was hit by an overnight Russian missile attack, according to the Interior Ministry.

The ministry said that at least one more person might still be trapped under the rubble.

Nikopol in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast was attacked 11 times over the past day with both heavy artillery and drones, Governor Serhii Lysak reported.

One attack killed a 26-year-old man and injured a 72-year-old man.

There were attacks in villages across Kharkiv Oblast over the past day, according to Governor Oleh Syniehubov.

In attack in the village of Kozacha Lopan injured two men, aged 70 and 77, and damaged buildings.

There were 114 attacks recorded across Zaporizhzhia Oblast over the past day, but no casaulties were reported, Governor Yurii Malashko said.

Attacks were also recorded in Mykolaiv, Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, but without reports of civilian casualties.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia lost 4,000 soldiers on eastern front in 2 weeks, commander says

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Russia's Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova suggested writing off the debts of Russians who have fought in Ukraine, Russian state-run media TASS reported on Nov. 15, citing her comments at the Council of Human Rights Ombudsman.

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin previously signed a law in December 2022 that fully or partially froze debt repayments for Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine. However, payments would resume 30 days after a soldier stopped fighting.

Moskalkova said, "When they return, they will have to pay. And we must understand that, firstly, this is unfair, and secondly, this, of course, can give rise to social tension.

According to Russia's Federal Bailiff Service (FSSP), more than 300,000 payments were suspended over the whole of 2022 and 125,000 in the first half of 2023.

The suspension did not apply to alimony claims.

There have been suggestions of a looming crisis that will affect Russia when soldiers fighting in Ukraine return home.

A report by RFE/RL in June 2023 found that Russian healthcare specialists were concerned about a spike in drug and alcohol addiction as Russian veterans of the war against Ukraine came home and sought to cope with their experience.

The healthcare experts also said there could be associated social consequences.

The Guardian reported in August 2023 that convicts returning to Russia as free men after fighting for the Wagner mercenary group in Ukraine have led Russian women to fear increased threats of murder, rape, and domestic violence in the country.

An op-ed published by the Rand Corporation in June 2023 warned, "Just as the terms 'Afghan Syndrome' and 'Chechen Syndrome' emerged to describe the plight of Russian veterans who lacked support and struggled to adapt to civilian life after those conflicts, it is only a matter of time before Ukraine Syndrome grips Russia, as thousands of veterans suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other conditions return home."

Read also: Rise of populism in Ukraines neighborhood: Not as gloomy as you think

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Darya Trepova, a suspect in a bombing that killed a well-known Russian military blogger, stands in a glass cage as she attends a court hearing in the 1st Western District Military Court, in St. Petersburg, Russia, Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. A military court in St Petersburg starts a trial against a 26-year-old woman Darya Trepova who is charged with terrorism after an attack at a St. Petersburg cafe that killed Russian military blogger Vladlen Tatarsky. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP)  A woman went on trial Wednesday in the bombing at a St. Petersburg cafe that killed a prominent Russian military blogger after he was given a bust of himself that later exploded.

Darya Trepova, 26, is charged with carrying out a terrorist attack, illegal trafficking of explosive devices and forging documents in the April 2 blast at the cafe in which Vladlen Tatarsky was killed and 52 others were injured.

She was arrested shortly after the bombing and faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted, according to Russian news reports.

Tatarsky, 40, was an ardent supporter of the Kremlins military action in Ukraine and filed regular reports on the fighting from the front lines.

Trepova was seen on video presenting Tatarsky with the bust moments before the blast at the riverside cafe in the historic heart of Russia's second-largest city where he was leading a discussion.

At her court appearance, Trepova admitted guilt on forging documents but maintained her innocence on the charges of carrying out a terrorist attack and the illegal trafficking of explosives, insisting she didn't know the bust contained a bomb, Russian media reported.

Trepova's 27-year-old acquaintance, Dmitry Kasintsev, is standing trial with her, although he is under house arrest. She had stayed in his apartment after the blast, and the authorities have charged him with concealment of a grave crime. Kasintsev said in court he was willing to plead guilty to a lesser charge of not reporting a crime.

The judge said that one of those injured in the blast had died, without giving details on whether it was connected to the blast, and adjourned the hearing until Friday.

Russian authorities have blamed Ukrainian intelligence agencies for orchestrating the bombing. Authorities in Kyiv have not directly responded to the accusation, but an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described the bombing as part of Russias internal turmoil.

Russias Federal Security Service, the FSB, charged that a Ukrainian citizen whom it identified as Yuriy Denysov had gathered information about Tatarsky and supplied Trepova with explosives through a courier service. The FSB claimed that Denysov acted on orders from the Ukrainian security services.

Tatarsky was the pen name of Maxim Fomin, who had hundreds of thousand of followers on his Telegram messaging app channel. He had joined separatists in eastern Ukraine after a Moscow-backed insurgency erupted there in 2014 and fought on the front lines for years before turning to blogging.

Military bloggers have played an increasingly prominent role in Russia amid the fighting in Ukraine, supporting the Kremlin but often criticizing Russia's military leadership and exposing various military flaws. Unlike independent media or opposition figures, they haven't faced any crackdown for that criticism.

The FSB alleged Trepova was a supporter of imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and that his top allies, Ivan Zhdanov and Leonid Volkov, have made repeated calls for subversive activities in Russia.

Zhdanov has alleged that authorities could try to use the explosion to extend Navalnys prison term. The politician is currently serving 19 years in a penal colony east of Moscow after being convicted on extremism charges, which he alleges are false.

In a letter to the St. Petersburg news outlet Bumaga, Trepova claimed a journalist and a military blogger she knew asked her to attend Tatarsky's speaking engagements as part of a journalistic investigation, and she had no idea it would lead to a deadly explosion. She didn't identify that journalist in the letter.

I didn't know I would be presenting (Tatarsky) with something, Bumaga quoted Trepova as saying. Morally, of course, it is very hard. I still can't believe in the reality of what had happened.
The Russians have kept trying to surround Avdiivka and Ukraines Defence Forces repelled 17 attacks on the Avdiivka front. They also repelled 12 Russian attacks on the Bakhmut front, and 20 Russian assaults on the Marinka front.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 06:00 on 15 November

Details: The military said over 60 combat clashes took place during the past 24 hours. In total, Russian forces launched 8 missile strikes and 59 air strikes and carried out 49 attacks from multiple-launch rocket systems on the positions of our troops and populated areas.

Russian forces launched airstrikes on Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts.

Over 140 settlements in Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson and Mykolaiv oblasts came under artillery fire.

In the area of responsibility of the Khortytsia Operational Strategic Group on the Kupiansk front, Russian forces conducted assault operations near the settlements of Synkivka and Petropavlivka in Kharkiv Oblast, where Ukrainian soldiers repelled eight attacks.

On the Lyman front, Russian forces conducted unsuccessful assault operations near the settlements of Nadiia and Serebrianka Forest in Luhansk Oblast.

On the Bakhmut front, Ukrainian defenders repelled 12 Russian attacks near the settlements of Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka and Andriivka in Donetsk Oblast. Moreover, Ukraines Defence Forces continue assault operations south of Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast, inflicting losses on the Russians in manpower and equipment and consolidating their positions.

In the area of responsibility of the Tavriia Operational Strategic Group on the Avdiivka front, Russian forces keep trying to surround Avdiivka, but Ukrainian soldiers are steadfastly holding the defence, inflicting significant losses on the Russians. The Russians offensive operations south of Novokalynove, Avdiivka, Sieverne, Tonenke, Vodiane and to the east of Pervomaiske were unsuccessful. Here, Ukraines Defence Forces repelled 17 attacks.

On the Marinka front, Russian forces conducted unsuccessful assaults near Marinka and Novomykhailivka in Donetsk Oblast, where Ukrainian defenders repelled 20 attacks.

On the Shakhtarsk front, Ukrainian defenders repelled two Russian attacks near the settlement of Staromaiorske in Donetsk Oblast.

Russian forces did not conduct any offensive (assault) operations on the Zaporizhzhia front.

Meanwhile, Ukraines Defence Forces are continuing to conduct offensive operations on the Melitopol front, inflicting losses in military personnel and equipment on the Russian occupying forces and exhausting them along the entire frontline.

In the area of responsibility of the Odesa Operational Strategic Group on the Kherson front, Ukrainian defenders are conducting counter-battery operations, striking the Russian rear.

The Ukrainian Air Force launched 10 attacks on the areas where Russian manpower, weapons and military equipment were concentrated. In addition, Ukrainian air defence destroyed a Su-25 attack aircraft, 2 Shahed-136/131 attack drones, 17 reconnaissance UAVs, and one Kh-59 guided air missile.

Ukraine's Rocket Forces and Artillery struck 6 clusters of Russian military personnel, weapons and equipment, a command post, 17 artillery systems on firing positions, 3 air defence systems and an oil and lubricant storage point belonging to the Russians.

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The Russians have regrouped on the Kupiansk front and are trying to conduct an offensive in several directions, aiming to occupy the city of Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast again.

Source: Volodymyr Fitio, spokesman for the Ground Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, during the national joint 24/7 newscast

Quote: "The situation on the Kupiansk front remains active. The enemy has regrouped and keeps conducting an offensive from several directions in order to occupy this city once again. This is an important logistical centre through which the Russian army was supplied with food and ammunition while the city was occupied."

Details: The Ukrainian Defence Forces have repelled 11 Russian attacks on this front. The Russians launched 19 airstrikes (using the whole aircraft arsenal: assault and attack aircraft and fire support helicopters) and used 25 kamikaze drones. In total, within 24 hours, the Russians launched 532 attacks on the Ukrainian positions on the Lyman-Kupiansk front.

Over the course of 14 November, the Ukrainian defenders killed 246 Russians and destroyed 52 pieces of Russian military equipment, out of them seven tanks and four infantry combat vehicles on this front.

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The Russian Duma has asked the media monitoring agency Roskomnadzor to officially declare that there is no link between rainbows and the LGBT community.

Source: Russian news agency TASS

Details: Vladislav Davankov, Deputy Speaker of the State Duma (the lower chamber of the Russian parliament), noted that there has been an increase in cases of citizens complaining to law enforcement agencies about LGBT propaganda after seeing an image of a rainbow.

"Businesses, non-governmental organisations and cultural organisations are afraid to use the image of a rainbow because the rainbow flag is also used as a symbol of the LGBT community," the Deputy Speaker said.

Davankov reiterated that Roskomnadzor has approved criteria for assessing information that promotes "non-traditional sexual relations". However, the criteria do not contain any provisions that unambiguously indicate the possibility of administrative or criminal accountability arising for using a rainbow image as a symbol of the LGBT community.

Background:

The Russian Federation has banned "propaganda of LGBT, paedophilia and gender reassignment" by law.

Rainbows and rainbow flags are found in various cultures and are used by various organisations, movements, regions and countries. They are symbols of the peace movement and native American peoples. The rainbow flag is the flag of a state in Brazil and a Peruvian city. The best-known version of the rainbow flag is the Pride flag, a symbol of the LGBT movement.

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Russian invasion forces have used chemical weapons against Ukrainian troops on two sections of the front line, Deep State, a volunteer-led group, claimed in a post on Telegram on Nov. 15.

Two cases of the use of chemical weapons have been recorded in the Svatovo and Bakhmut sectors, the Deep State message reads.

Russian occupiers most likely used chloropicrin (of which they have a lot of), a substance they have employed against the Ukrainian defenders on several occasions, Deep State analysts said.

Chloropicrin is a liquid with a sharp, irritating odor, and in high concentrations, it is poisonous and harmful to the human body. It was utilized as a poison gas in World War I and belongs to hazard class II.

Read also: Chornobyl 2.0  Russians planning explosion at Crimean Titan plant in occupied Armyansk

Analysts said that Avdiivka remains the most intense hotspot, but the Russians are conducting offensive operations on many other sectors, which creates significant problems in managing reserves.

They observed that the enemy is not sparing its reserves, and is sending units into battle before they are adequately trained. For instance, the Russian 104th Airborne Assault Regiment, slated for training until Dec. 1, is either already in Kherson Oblast or en route.

On Aug. 6, Commander of the Tavria front Oleksandr Tarnavskyi said that Russian occupiers used chemical weapons in the Zaporizhzhya sector of the front.

In June, the German publication Bild reported that Germany was training Ukrainian military personnel in protection against nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare agents.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has stated that Russia will not tolerate Ukraine joining NATO, even if it is a "partial" participation in the Alliance.

Source: Kremlin-aligned media outlet TASS, citing Zakharova, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zakharova was commenting on remarks made by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who proposed the idea of "partial membership" of NATO for Ukraine.

Quote from Zakharova: "We are constantly clarifying our position regarding Ukraine's accession to NATO... In parts or without any parts, in any form whatsoever, Ukraine's accession to the Atlantic bloc is unacceptable for Russia."

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the former Secretary General of NATO, proposed that Ukraine should join the alliance, but that Article 5 of the Washington Treaty should not apply to the territories occupied by Russia.

Rasmussen, who served as the NATO Secretary General from 2009 to 2014, insists that the plan for Ukraine's partial membership does not represent a freezing of the conflict, but rather signifies a determination to prevent Russia from obstructing Ukraine's entry into the Alliance.

"The time has come to take the next step and extend an invitation for Ukraine to join NATO. We need a new European security architecture in which Ukraine is at the heart of NATO," he said.

The former NATO Secretary General said that if Ukraine is told that it cannot be invited to join the Alliance while the full-scale war is being continued by Russia, Vladimir Putin will be given an "excuse to continue the war indefinitely".

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Wrexham AFC's Hollywood owners have forged close links with Wrexham, both on and off the pitch

Plenty of Wrexham fans would love to meet Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny.

But what one shop owner really wants to do is thank them for saving his business.

Wrexham AFC's celebrity owners stepped in to donate 3,500 after sportswear store in the town was burgled on 28 October.

"It was overwhelming - I literally had to be picked up off the floor," said owner Stephen Tapp.

"One of the biggest actors in Hollywood donating money to my little shop, it's ridiculous.

"We were about to wrap up the online donations page, then they doubled the amount I'd already received - taking it to 7,000."

Stephen, who owns Wrexham Trainer Revival, had just celebrated the one month anniversary of his shop's new location when he discovered the break-in.

He said, "After spending so much time talking to the police my head wasn't in a very good place.

"I was very close to packing up and selling it all on eBay - the support I've had from everyone has been amazing".

The words of encouragement and donations for Mr Tapp's shop have not just been limited to the Wrexham community.

Wrexham AFC's Hollywood owners have forged close links with Wrexham, both on and off the pitch

"The donations page was set up by an American couple I've only met once - that money has covered all of my costs and kept the business going.

"By Sunday tea-time, with the amount of messages I received on social media, there was no way I could give up."

Mr Tapp's son met Rob McElhenney last Saturday at Wrexham's winning game against Gillingham.

"Rob said, 'Oh yeah, the trainer guy' - I didn't realise they even knew I existed, so this has blown my mind."

"They're welcome to the shop anytime," he added.

"There'll be a couple of free T-shirts there for them, that's for sure."
The city of Sacramento is handing out free gift cards to folks who shop locally this holiday season.

Under the returning Shop 916 program, people who spend as little as $25 on electric gift cards to more than 100 participating Sacramento businesses can get more gift cards for free, the city said in a Wednesday news release.

Those bonus gift cards can be used at any participating business in the city.

This years promotion kicks off Wednesday and runs through February.

The Shop 916 program, which the city launched in December 2021, supports local storefront retailers negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the release said.

Its paid for with American Rescue Plan funding for business recovery efforts, the city said.

To date, shoppers have spent a total of $535,000 worth of gift cards in the city of Sacramento as part of the Shop 916 program, according to the release.

This is a great way to give gifts and impact the local economy, Valerie Mamone-Werder, Sacramentos project development manager responsible for the program, said in the release.

How much are free gift cards worth?

Anyone who buys a $25 e-gift card to a participating business online via the citys Shop 916 website will get a $10 bonus gift card for free.

Folks who buy a $50 gift card will get a $25 bonus gift card for free. And those who buy a $100 gift card will get a free $50 bonus gift card.

There are reduced or waived fees for purchases of $1,000 and more, the city said.

How long are gift cards good for?

The promotional offer is available Wednesday through Feb. 15, the city said.

Bonus gift cards must be used by March 31, but regular consumer-purchased gift cards dont expire.

How many free gift cards can I get?

Bonus gift cards are limited to five per customer, the release said.

Which businesses are participating in Shop 916?

More than 100 Sacramento businesses are participating in the Shop 916 program, including restaurants, bars, bakeries, breweries, shops and spas. They include Beast + Bounty, Fleet Feet, Harlows, Kru Contemporary Japanese and Solomons Vinyl Diner, as well as the Crocker Art Museum.

How to buy

To purchase a Shop 916 gift card and get a free gift card, go to shop916local.com.

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.
Extinct animals will roam the Sacramento Zoo this winter as the park debuts an immersive new nighttime experience.

Called Unextinct, the exhibit brings more than 40 extinct and threatened species back to life using colorful illusions and illuminations, according to the programs website.

Unextinct will premiere at the zoo on Dec. 26 and run through March 9.

The exhibit was created by former Disney Imagineers at Mangolin Creative, a Los Angeles-based design studio, according to a Wednesday news release.

We wanted to showcase conservation in a really interesting way, Morgan Richardson, artist and co-founder of Mangolin Creative, told The Bee. These are all animals that have gone extinct during the Holocene due to human involvement, and the inclusion of these other animals that have not yet gone extinct but are extremely rare is to show the potential future.

The exhibit will include theatrical tricks and techniques, Richardson said, including projection, physical sets and original soundtracks.

We are so proud to be the premier location for Unextinct, Jason Jacobs, Sacramento Zoo director, said in the release. Unextinct is an incredibly immersive experience of light and sound and offers our guests the chance to see animals they could have only dreamed of seeing before.

With the Unextinct light show, Richardson said, We want to inspire people and empower people to care about these species.

Unextinct is the Sacramento Zoos newest exhibit, coming Dec. 26. Its an immersive digital nighttime experience featuring colorful illusions and illuminations. Mangolin Creative

Where is Unextinct exhibit?

Unextinct will be at the Sacramento Zoo at 3930 West Land Park Drive.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

How to get tickets

Tickets for Unextinct are available online now with prices starting at $34 for general admission and $28 for children ages 2 to 11 years old.

Kids under 2 years old are free.

Members of the zoo get a discount with general admission starting at $28, or, $23 for children.

The event runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and generally takes 45 minutes to one hour to walk through.

Special events at Sacramento Zoo

There are special themed weekends while Unextinct is at the Sacramento Zoo.

Adults Only Nights : On Jan. 14 and Feb. 18, the exhibit is open for only adults.

College Weekend : From Feb. 1 to 3, guests are encouraged to wear their favorite school gear.

Sacramento Kings Fan: From Feb. 8 to 10, Kings fans are encouraged to wear their jerseys, colors and other merchandise.

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.
There are many reasons they kept this arguably untethered teacher in the classroom with our kids for as long as they did. But somebody should have found one good reason to boot him  a lot sooner.

An article in Sunday's Palm Beach Post depicted the system's handling of Robert Krasnicki, a Royal Palm Beach High School math teacher, who was arrested on the campus Jan. 19. It spelled out how disturbing complaints about him dating back four years somehow were never enough for the district to remove him from classroom duty.

It wasn't until school police that morning asked the 42-year-old to move his motorcycle and he responded with bizarre claims about his ex-girlfriend attempting to spy on him, that someone did the right thing. They decided to take him to a hospital for a mental health evaluation. But before they could do that, he told them he was carrying a loaded 9 mm handgun in his waistband. He also had a knife. They arrested him on weapons charges.

Thank you, officers.

More: School police were warned about teacher's guns years before arrest with loaded gun on campus

But it wasn't over. In April, prosecutors agreed to drop the charges if he completed a pretrial intervention program. By August, though, he was rejected from the program and they reactivated the case. He has pleaded not guilty.

The arrest itself, though, isn't the point. Enough evidence surfaced before then that signaled all was not well with Mr. Krasnicki. There should have been a logical and legal way for school officials to remove someone in his state of mind from the presence of students.

PBSO deputy Francisco Tomas hands paperwork to former Royal Palm Beach High school teacher Robert Krasnicki after a court appearance in September. He was allowed to take part in a pre-trial intervention program that could have resulted in dropped charges, but he violated it.

As reported by staff writers Katherine Kokal, Andrew Marra and Guiseppe Sabella, other law enforcement agencies, including the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, alerted school police about Krasnicki four years ago, and again alerted officials two months before the arrest, about incidents involving guns.

More: How to file for a restraining order against domestic violence in Palm Beach County

A judge in 2019 barred him from seeing his wife and kids and ordered his weapons seized. "He had told his principal that his wife feared he'd kill her and their children," the Post reported. "The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, 'nervous' that he was a teacher in a class full of kids, alerted school police about Krasnicki's wife's efforts to get a restraining order."

Five days after she filed for the restraining order, Krasnicki asked for 30 days of unpaid sick leave, telling his principal that the divorce was "devastating" him. And he was back at work 30 days later.

Two months before the arrest, his threatening behavior toward an ex-girlfriend so alarmed the sheriff's behavioral services division that a detective went in person to warn the school district's top human resources official. He had sent the ex-girlfriend a text message with a photo of himself leveling a gun at the screen. Yet, the district's private employee assistance program found him fit to teach your kids.

After all the shootings that American schools have suffered in recent years, you'd think school officials and district police would react forcefully at the slightest hint something might be wrong. And yet.

Was it the fact that it was a teacher this time, not just another disaffected student? Was it fear of a lawsuit? Was it over-concern for the teacher's constitutional rights? Should the issuance of a restraining order be enough to disqualify a teacher?

One thing we can say for sure: The people we rely upon to keep our children safe instead put them at the bottom of their priority list. That no one was harmed this time was only a matter of luck.

Former Royal Palm Beach High school teacher Robert Krasnicki appears in court. He was charged with carrying a loaded gun on campus and was arrested in January.

It's imperative that someone, whether the Superintendent or State's Attorney, assemble a forum of law enforcers, educators, human resources experts and lawyers to lay out procedures and training protocols to deal with similar cases in the future.

The Palm Beach County School District has 190,000 students, 13,000 teachers and 23,000 total employees. Odds are, sooner or later, someone or something's going to crack. Let's make sure it's not our security provisions.

When school is in session, one priority comes first: safety.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Safety should be top priority in Palm Beach County schools | Editorial
Salman Rushdie made a rare public appearance to collect a literary award in New York as organisers kept his whereabouts a secret from general attendees as a matter of security because of the attack on him last year.

Only a handful of the more than 100 attendees had advance notice about the author.

Rushdie received the first-ever "Lifetime Disturbing the Peace Award" on Tuesday, presented by the Vaclav Havel Center on Manhattan's Upper East Side.

His attendance wasn't publicised until the evening of the event due to security concerns following his stabbing in August 2022 at a literary festival in western New York. Deputies from the city police were reportedly stationed outside the venue.

I apologise for being a mystery guest, Rushdie said after being introduced by Reading Lolita in Tehran author Azar Nafisi at the annual "Living in Truth" ceremony.

I dont feel at all mysterious. But it made life a little simpler.

The Havel center, founded in 2012 as the Vaclav Havel Library Foundation, is named after the Czech playwright and dissident who became the last president of Czechoslovakia after the fall of the Communist regime in the late 1980s.

The centre has a mission to advance the legacy of Havel, who died in 2011 and was known for championing human rights and free expression.

Rushdie, 76, has written more than a dozen novels that have constantly made him a target for extremists.

Attacks against Rushdie have been feared since the late 1980s and the publication of his novel The Satanic Verses, which Irans Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini condemned as blasphemous for passages referring to the Prophet Muhammad.

Khomeini issued a decree calling for Rushdies death after the publication of his book, forcing the author into hiding.

He spent much of his speech praising Havel, a close friend whom he remembered as being among the first government leaders to defend him after the novelist was driven into hiding.

Rushdie said Havel was kind of a hero of mine who was able to be an artist at the same time as being an activist".

He was inspirational to me as for many, many writers, and to receive an award in his name is a great honour, he added.

Rushdie lost his vision in his right eye and the use of one hand after being repeatedly stabbed on stage last August. The man accused of stabbing him, Hadi Matar, will stand trial on 8 January 2024.

Rushdie last month announced the release of a new memoir, titled Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder, which he said was a "necessary book" for him to write to "take charge of what happened, and to answer violence with art".

Alaa Abdel-Fattah, the imprisoned Egyptian activist, was given the Disturbing the Peace Award to a Courageous Writer at Risk. His aunt, acclaimed author and translator Adhaf Soueif, accepted on his behalf and said he was aware of the prize.

He's very grateful, she said. He was particularly pleased by the name of the award, Disturbing the Peace'.

"This really tickled him."
Author Salman Rushdie was awarded the "Lifetime Disturbing the Peace Award" by the Vaclav Havel Foundation during a surprise appearance in New York City. File Photo by Peter Foley/UPI

Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Award-winning author Salman Rushdie made a surprise appearance in New York City to receive a literary award from Vaclav Havel Foundation.

Rushide was presented with the "Lifetime Disturbing the Peace Award" in a minuscule ceremony with about 100 attendees on Tuesday night.

Rushdie's presence was not publicized ahead of the event for security reasons after he was stabbed repeatedly before a speech in New York last year.

"I apologize for being a mystery guest," Rushdie said. "I do not feel at all mysterious. It just made my life a bit simpler."

Iranian American author Azar Nafisi presented the award to Rushdie during the ceremony at New York City's Bohemian National Hall.

"Three weeks ago, I received the peace prize and here I am receiving a disturbing the peace prize. One of those things is definitely true. I'm not sure which one," Rushdie said in reference to the German Book Trade Peace Prize that he was awarded in October.

Rushdie also offered praise for Vaclav Havel, former Czech dissident and president of the Czech Republic, for whom the foundation was named.

"He was inspirational to me as for many, many writers," Rushdie said.

In addition to keeping his appearance a secret, police were stationed outside of the venue.

Rushdie has been a target of Islamist governments since the 1988 publication of his book The Satanic Verses. Then Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini issued a Fatwa calling for Rushdie's assassination in 1989.

The suspect in his stabbing, Hadi Matar, was arrested and charged with attempted murder.

The suspect was found to have made social media posts in support of Iranian factions and proxies.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. flew to the United States on Tuesday for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Meeting. What will Filipinos gain from this summit?

The chief executive confirmed in August that he would participate in this years APEC events set in San Francisco, California from Nov. 13 to 17.

This will be my third trip to the US since I assumed office, Marcos said at that time.

As critics have questioned Marcos spending for his foreign trips, is joining in such a leaders meeting worth every penny?

READ: Lawmaker flags Marcos' 'revenge travel' expenses

READ: Marcos: I see overseas trips as ROI

CNN Philippines takes a look at why APEC may be crucial to achieving the Philippines economic goals.

Whats APEC?

Founded in 1989, APEC has expanded its network to 21 member economies, which work together to boost trade in the region. The Pacific Rim states represent about 62% of the worlds gross domestic product, the organization said on its website.

Here are the members:

Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.

How does it help the region?

Since its establishment, the regions growth ballooned to $52.8 trillion in 2021 from $19 trillion in 1989, as member economies worked to slash tariffs, reduce trade barriers and smooth difference in regulations.

APEC said that as of 2021, average tariffs dropped to 5.3% from 1989s 17%. The regions total merchandise trade also witnessed a spike, growing by more than nine times.

Some of the initiatives launched were the Trade Facilitation Action Plan, which targeted streamlining customs procedures, as well as improving logistics and transport networks.

Aside from trade, APEC has widened its focus to include enhancing social equity, local business environment, renewable energy, digitalization, and environment.

Why is engaging with international counterparts important, especially in trade?

The Department of Trade and Industry previously said that the Philippines was exporting electronic products, woodcrafts and furniture, manufactured goods, and machinery and transport equipment to APEC member countries.

Its major trading partners within APEC include Japan, the US, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Korea.

Boosted participation in the global supply chain provides growth opportunities as this triggers more productivity in key industries and the creation of more jobs for people, subsequently accelerating the local economys expansion.

High employment rates, or more people with work, would mean that consumers have the financial capacity to spend on goods and services. In turn, businesses will realize growth and hire more employees to support the demand in the market.

What could be expected at the APEC 2023?

Aside from engagements on trade and investments, being closely watched is an expected bilateral meeting of the leaders of the world's two largest economies and strategic rivals.

The White House earlier said that US President Joe Biden will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit.

Tensions have been rising between the US and China as they compete for influence in Asia.

And as in previous APEC summits, discussions may likely not be confined to economic cooperation.

US senior official for APEC Matt Murray told Voice of America that challenges including the conflict beween Israel and Hamas, could be an area of discussion.

What will Marcos highlight at the summit?

Despite criticisms, Marcos was confident that his trips abroad, meeting foreign leaders and business executives, would eventually provide a return on investments.

For this years APEC, the chief executive earlier said that he would want to tackle possible solutions that align with the Philippines climate goals, as well as the governments target to make the country an upper middle-income economy by 2025.

In August, the president expressed optimism that the Philippines could reach upper-middle income economy status as his administration ramps up efforts to entice more foreign investments and make the country more aggressive in commerce.

Marcos has also been reiterating his call for world leaders to address threats brought about by climate change, as he said the Philippines was regarded as probably one of the most, if not the most, vulnerable countries in the world to the effects of climate change.
Samuel Haskell threw body parts in a dumpster after day laborers refused to help, prosecutors say. Spiderplay/Getty Images

A top Hollywood agent's son dumped a bag of body parts in the trash, prosecutors say.

They said video footage shows Samuel Haskell IV removing the three bags from the trunk of his Tesla.

Haskell IV has been charged with three counts of murder, court records show.

Samuel Haskell IV, a top Hollywood agent's son, was spotted on video taking chopped-up body parts out of his Tesla and throwing them in a dumpster after laborers refused to move the remains, prosecutors said in court this week, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Prosecutors have charged Haskell with three counts of murder in connection to the disappearance of his wife, Mei Haskell, and her parents, Yanxiang Wang and Gaoshen Li, court records show.

This undated photo combination provided by the Los Angeles Police Department shows Mei Haskell, left, and her parents, YanXiang Wang and Gaoshan Li. Los Angeles Police Department via Associated Press

Haskell was first arrested last Wednesday after an "unidentified female torso" was found in a dumpster in Encino, the LAPD said in a press release.

Haskell had hired a group of day laborers the day before his arrest to dispose of three large bags that he said were full of rocks, one of the workers told NBC Los Angeles.

But when the workers realized that the bags were squishy, they peeked inside to find pieces of human bodies, so they returned the bags and money to Haskell and called 911, Insider previously reported.

Prosecutors say they now have video footage showing Haskell removing three large bags from the trunk of his Tesla and throwing them in the dumpster in Encino, the LA Times reported.

LAPD investigators say they believe the remains found in the dumpster are those of his wife, while her parents are still unaccounted for, according to the LA Times.

Haskell is being held before his next court date in December, the LA Times reported. It is unclear whether Haskell has an attorney.

Read the original article on Insider
With American and Chinese flags flying, people watch as the motorcade carrying President Biden drives past on Nov. 14, 2023, in San Francisco. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press)

Along the lantern-lined streets of Chinatown, lion dancers, food vendors and thousands of people celebrated Asian culture ahead of the arrival of world leaders in San Francisco.

A large red-and-yellow banner displayed a warm greeting: Welcome Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders.

But earlier that Friday, student activists dropped a banner on the nearby conference center with a different message: "Dictator Xi Jinping, Your Time Is Up! Free Tibet!"

And at Embarcadero Plaza on Sunday, thousands of protesters including many Asian American activists chanted, Shut down APEC."

People protest the arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco. (Loren Elliott/ AFP via Getty Images)

As politicians from around the world arrive in San Francisco this week for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference, Asian Americans expressed mixed feelings about the summit and Wednesday's highly anticipated meeting between President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Whatever happens in other countries has an impact on Chinese Americans, Asian Americans, Chinese immigrants and how we are being treated in this country, said Joyce Lam, political director of the Chinese Progressive Assn., a group aimed at empowering low-income and working-class Chinese immigrants.

With rising tensions between the U.S. and China since the COVID-19 pandemic and disputes over trade and human rights, some Asian Americans said mending the fraught relationship between the two countries could help dial down rhetoric fueling anti-Asian hate. At the same time, Asian Americans say they worry that opening up more trade between the two countries could lead to more low-wage workers being exploited and harm the environment. Other Asian Americans, who still travel to China, raised concerns about the Communist Partys control over banks and the media.

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives to a meeting with U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) and his delegation at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Oct. 9, 2023. (Andy Wong / Associated Press)

In Chinatown, some Chinese Americans who grew up in China were hesitant to provide their names because of fears their critical remarks could affect travel to the country. One resident said he thinks the Communist Party exerts too much control over China's financial sector and media, making it tough to criticize the government. Another said he thought the tensions between China and the U.S. really stemmed from competition between the two countries.

But for Ed Chew, a 73-year-old San Francisco native who is Chinese American, Bidens meeting with Xi is loaded with positive potential.

Under the Trump administration, we developed a kind of adversarial trade position with China, he said while walking his dog in Chinatown. Any face-to-face meeting is a chance to defuse these trade wars.

About 52% of Asian Americans have an unfavorable view of China, according to a survey published this year by the Pew Research Center. Roughly 20% of Asian adults have a favorable opinion of China while 26% dont have a favorable or unfavorable view about the country.

Chinese Americans who are born in the U.S. are less likely to see China in a positive light compared with those born abroad, the survey shows. About 35% of Chinese Americans have an unfavorable view of China while 41% of that group see the country positively. About 22% of Chinese Americans dont have a favorable or unfavorable view about China.

President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit last year in Bali, Indonesia. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press)

Brandon Lee, a Chinese American human rights activist who was born and raised in San Francisco, is concerned about the U.S. increasing its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The U.S. expanded access to military bases in the Philippines this year, prompting criticism from Chinese officials that the U.S. is "endangering regional peace. China has clashed with the Philippines, Taiwan and other neighbors over control of the South China Sea .

Theyre engaging with China, and I don't think that should be the issue, said Lee, 41, who was shot outside his home in the Philippines in 2019 in a suspected assassination attempt that left him paralyzed. The issue should be supporting the people on the ground, the people in Taiwan, in the Philippines, but not to encircle China.

Lee is part of the No to APEC coalition, which is made up of more than 100 grassroots groups that held a massive protest on Sunday that touched upon a variety of issues, including climate change and the Israel-Hamas war. More protests are scheduled throughout the week, including on Wednesday when Biden is scheduled to meet with Xi on the sidelines of the conference and business executives are gathering with California Gov. Gavin Newsom at the main event.

Jose W. Fernandez, who leads the U.S. State Departments efforts on economic growth, energy and the environment, said the Biden administration's priorities for the summit include progress on climate change and labor rights.

Improving working conditions around the world and improving employment for American workers is essential to what we're trying to do in the region, he said.

California Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), who is Chinese American, said if rhetoric against China becomes more inflamed, hes worried it could fuel more anti-Asian hate. During the COVID-19 pandemic when then-President Trump used anti-China rhetoric, Asian Americans experienced an uptick in violence and racism.

The stakes are very large because should China become the next enemy of the United States, I think it will become a very tough place for Asian Americans to live, Ting said.

There are more than 22 million Asians living in the U.S. and roughly one-third live in California, according to U.S. census data. Asians make up about 16% of Californias population.

People visit a night market at Chinatown on Nov. 10 ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in San Francisco. (China News Service via Getty Images)

Tensions between China and the U.S. heightened during the Trump administration, escalating a trade war between two of the worlds most powerful countries. Trump started to impose a series of tariffs on goods imported from China in 2018 to punish the country for allegedly stealing U.S. technologies and intellectual property. China hit back with tariffs on U.S. goods.

The U.S. tax rate on Chinese imports is more than 19% while Chinas import tax rate on U.S. goods is 21%, according to data from Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Ahead of Bidens meeting with Xi, some Asian Americans are still having a tough time wrapping their heads around how the gathering will affect them, said Lam, of the Chinese Progressive Assn.

It's not like President Xi is coming to have dim sum in Chinatown with everyone, Lam said. It continues to feel as if they're removed and distant to everyday people.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Tony Phillips, whos been unhoused for eight years, rests near a security fence on Fourth Street ahead of the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders Week in San Francisco on Nov. 11, 2023. | Stephen Lam. San Francisco Chronicle via Associated Press

San Francisco sent out city workers to clean the city last week in preparation for Chinese President Xi Jinpings visit.

The city, which has struggled with homelessness, drugs and crime in recent years, as previously reported by the Deseret News, underwent a transformation as city workers installed planters and flower baskets, put up walls and barricades, and swept the tent encampments in the downtown area.

Crews scrubbed down graffiti, painted on new murals and hung up signage for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit, which Biden and Xi will be attending this week, according to media reports.

Were cleaning up this state! California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Friday at a press conference, according to ABC News San Francisco affiliate.

I know folks are saying, Oh theyre just cleaning up this place because all those fancy leaders are coming to town. Thats true, because its true  but its also true for months and months and months before APEC, weve been having conversations, he said, unveiling a $1.2 billion Clean California program.

Sen. Mike Lee questions the timing of the cleanup

Critics like Utahs Sen. Mike Lee questioned the timing of the cleanup: Given that Xi Jinpings visit to San Francisco led to that city being cleaned up for the first time in years, what should we have Xi visit next? he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. He asked if Xi could go to the Southern border for a visit.

Given that Xi Jinpings visit to San Francisco led to that city being cleaned up for the first time in years, what should we have Xi visit next?  Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) November 13, 2023

Related

On the timing of the cleanup, Newsom said, You have people over to your house youre going to clean up the house, youre going to make sure the kids make their beds.

The city has done this before. According to reports, back in September, during the Dreamforce convention, hosted by the software company Salesforce, the homeless were shooed off to other parts of the city and tent encampments were taken down, but things quickly reverted to the status quo.

San Francisco can be the cleanest, safest, most beautiful, and incredible city in the world instantly, said Marc Benioff, the CEO of Salesforce, on X. It happened for Dreamforce and its happening again for APEC. What we intend we create.

The beautification effort and the summit were met with praise as well as criticism, as demonstrators took to the streets to protest corporate greed, environmental harm and poor working conditions. They also held pro-Palestinian signs. Thousands of protesters are expected to continue picketing all week during the APEC event, according to an NBC News affiliate.

What is the APEC summit? Why is San Francisco hosting it?

The summit will be held Nov. 14-16. Its invitees include Asian Pacific leaders, CEOs from around the world, and tens of thousands of business owners and workers. City officials say the event could bring in $53 million in revenue, per USA Today.

San Francisco, on the Pacific Coast and next door to Silicon Valley, was chosen to host the 30th APEC summit because of its story of resilience, innovation and inclusivity, according to the host committees website.

Asian Americans represent 33% of the citys population, and San Franciscos Chinatown is the first and oldest in North America.

This is Xis first trip to the U.S. in more than six years, as NPR reported. While this isnt a state visit, Biden and Xi will have a brief talk on Nov. 15, marking their second face-to-face interaction since Biden took office.

S.F. mayor plans to bring up fentanyl crisis to President Xi

Xi and Biden are expected to discuss reestablishing military communication, which suffered a setback during the pandemic.

Bloomberg reported the two countries are also expected to launch a joint working group to address the issue of fentanyl, which has allegedly been created in Chinese labs, illegally pouring into the U.S.  an issue that San Francisco Mayor London Breed is also focused on.

The deadly drug has been a pain point for San Francisco, too, where it is responsible for the deaths of more than 600 people this year.

Breed told Bloomberg she would ask Xi to work with the U.S. and to ensure that the resources that are being sent out of China, that come into either the U.S. or Mexico, are cut off to the fullest extent possible.

President Xi tells Newsom about his first visit to S.F.

Meanwhile, Newsom recently met with Xi during his surprise visit to China two weeks ago, where the Chinese president recalled his time in San Francisco decades ago.

First thing he remembered was the Golden Gate Bridge when he was here in 1985, Newsom said of Xis trip as the then-secretary of a county committee of his party. You should have seen the smile on his face.

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
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  President Joe Biden arrived in San Francisco Tuesday afternoon as the Asian-Pacific Economic Conference kicked into high gear. The economic summit is expected to draw some 20,000 visitors to the city, including Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Across the city Tuesday, San Franciscans were feeling the repercussions of the conference, which got underway Saturday and is due to run through Friday.

APEC street closures: How to navigate traffic, closures, and tow away zones

APEC Bay Bridge closures

On Tuesday, closures went into effect on the Bay Bridge with the far left eastbound lane and far right westbound lane both shutting down from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m.

Security heightened around SFs Fairmont Hotel

Many of the dignitaries in town for the conference are staying at the Fairmont Hotel, including President Biden. Restrictions are in place around the hotel with local, state and federal law enforcement manning security check points in the area.

The heightened security in the area has surprised residents who live near the Fairmont. KRON4s Rob Nesbitt has more.

Embarcadero prepares for Biden to visit Exploratorium

With President Biden set to visit the Exploratorium Wednesday, the area along the SF Embarcadero was transformed Tuesday. Crews were working to erect barriers, sidewalks had been gated off and street closures are being implemented.

KRON4s Ella Sogomonian has more.

Biden-Xi meeting to take place at Filoli estate

In what is perhaps the most anticipated event at this weeks APEC conference, President Biden is set to meet with Chinas Xi Jinping. The two leaders will meet at Filoli Estate, a historical country house museum located 25 miles south of San Francisco in Woodside.

KRON4s Amanda Hari has more.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) slammed the near-brawl between GOP Sen. Markwayne Mullin (Okla.) and International Brotherhood of Teamsters President Sean OBrien on Tuesday, calling the encounter pathetic.

Asked by CNN anchor Jake Tapper if he has seen a time like this before, Sanders said, Well, its pretty pathetic. I mean we have a United States senator challenging  a member of the panel who is the head of one of the larger unions in America, which has just negotiated a very good contract for their workers.

Sanderss comments come hours after he stepped in during a fierce back-and-forth between Mullin, a former mixed martial arts fighter, and OBrien in a committee hearing, after the Oklahoma Republican challenged the Teamsters official to a fight on the spot.

During a hearing held by the Democratic-led Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee on Tuesday, Mullin read aloud OBriens posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, in which he called the congressman 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 during the hearing.

OK, thats fine. Perfect, OBrien shot back.

You want to do it now? Mullin asked. Stand your butt up then.

You stand your butt up, OBrien responded, prompting Mullin to stand up from his chair.

Sanders, who chairs the HELP Committee, then stepped in, telling Mullin, Hold it. No, no, no, sit down. Sit down! Youre a United States senator, sit down.

Cross-talk continued before Mullin tried to challenge OBrien to a real cage match with proceeds going to charity, prompting Sanders to grab the mic and try to redirect the conversation.

And thats why, you know, the American people are getting sick and tired of what goes on here in Congress, Sanders told Tapper. What that hearing was about as a matter of fact  by the way, might be nice for the media to pay attention to really what the hearing was about  is that workers all over this country are standing up and fighting back against corporate greed.

Thats what the hearing was about, not, you know, a senator getting into a fight with a union leader, Sanders said.

OBrien, along with United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain and Sara Nelson, the international president of the Association of Flight Attendants-Communication Workers of America, were featured speakers for the HELP Committees hearing on how unions are improving the lives of working families.

OBrien helped lead the Teamsters to a tentative agreement with the United Parcel Service last summer, days before their contracts were set to expire.

Calling it a good contract, Sanders argued that rebuilding the disappearing middle class means workers should be joining unions and taking on large corporations.

Mullin later said he was trying to expose OBrien as a thug after the Teamsters leader called Mullin a greedy CEO following a previous HELP Committee meeting in March, to which Mullin told him to shut his mouth.

The Oklahoma senator did not apologize when later asked about the incident, claiming he was responding to the union leader calling him out on social media.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The SBI is investigating violent acts while serving a summons to a man in Odessa

Ukraines SBU security service has launched an investigation into alleged violent actions by military servicemen and law enforcement officers during the delivery of a draft summons to a man in Odesa, the agency said in a post on it Telegram channel on Nov. 15.

The SBU reported that on Nov. 14, a video started to circulate on various Telegram channels showing employees of the regional recruiting center, along with law enforcement officers, handcuffing a man and forcefully shoving him into a car  purportedly for refusing to accept a summons.

Read also: Ukrainian blogger facing charges after confronting injured ex-combatant with abuse in Poltava park

SBU personnel started investigating this incident and have already conducted urgent investigative actions, interviewed witnesses, and questioning all participants involved, the agency said. Relevant video recordings and administrative materials have also been seized.

Currently, a criminal case has been opened against military officials and law enforcement officers for allegedly exceeding their official authorities (part 5 of Art. 426-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, part 2 of Art. 365 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

This offense is punishable by deprivation of liberty for two to five years or imprisonment for the same term.

Read also: Uzbekistan hands down historic verdict against Uzbek who joined DPR Russian proxy group

A pre-trial investigation is ongoing, with efforts focused on establishing all the circumstances surrounding the incident, the SBU said.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The Russian propagandist Armen Gasparyan was sentenced to 10 years in prison in absentia for his role in promoting the narrative that Ukraine needs to be "de-Nazified" and for incitement of genocide, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) announced on Nov. 15.

The investigation was carried out in cooperation with the Prosecutor General's Office.

Gasparyan was found guilty of publicly calling for genocide, advocating for the violent overthrow of the Ukrainian government, and "encroachment on the territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine."

Gasparyan was sentenced in absentia, as he is likely in Russia.

He has been one of the well-known proponents of the narrative that Ukraine needs to be "de-Nazified," which has been a common justification of Russia's war against Ukraine, used by Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials.

Claims that Nazism is somehow prevalent nowadays in Ukraine have been thoroughly debunked, and far-right parties have failed to have any significant success in Ukrainian elections.

Gasparyan has been a guest on the show of the well-known Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov and published a book called the "De-Nazification of Ukraine" in 2018. It contained a pseudo-historical analysis of Ukraine, as well as calling for Russia to attack Ukraine.

The SBU claimed in July 2022 in its announcement of an investigation against Gasparyan that he was responsible for "spread(ing) the term denazification in Russia" and using it in reference to Ukraine.

Other well-known Russian propagandists have been investigated by the SBU.

The SBU announced in July 2023 that it had participated in an investigation along with the Prosecutor General's Office of Alexander Dugin, a Russian ultranationalist ideologue.

"(Alexandr Dugin) is one of the key ideologues of the aggressive policy of the Russian Federation and the genocide of the Ukrainian people," the SBU wrote.

Although Dugin has not been convicted yet by Ukrainian courts, he too resides in Russia, and any sentence would likely be in absentia.

Read also: Rise of populism in Ukraines neighborhood: Not as gloomy as you think

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The Scoop

Scale AI is teaming up with prominent Washington think tank, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, to develop and fine tune AI models that can be used for international relations strategy and war gaming, the two organizations announced Wednesday.

Scale cited cyberattacks, coordinated disinformation campaigns and black-box AI developments from foreign adversaries as focuses for the project. The time is now for Scale and CSIS to join forces, given the gravity of national security concerns today, John Brennan, general manager of Scales public sector business, said in a statement.

Their work will test the usefulness of generative AI in the complex area of geopolitics. Artificial intelligence has game-changing potential if applied thoughtfully to foreign policy and national security concerns, Dr. Ben Jensen, a senior fellow at CSIS, said in a statement.

Scale, founded in 2016 by Alexandr Wang, built its business on the data that underpins machine learning and AI models. It hires droves of people to label and annotate data that can be used in everything from autonomous driving to the training of large language models.

In recent years, Scale has evolved to include fine-tuning large language models for the commercial sector and government, including the U.S. military.

Reeds view

The partnership between Scale and CSIS is a fascinating experiment in the use of large language models.

Were about to find out what happens when you fine tune an LLM on a unique dataset: That of a highly respected think tank. Its kind of like if CSIS brought in a college intern who, in the first couple days on the job, was able to read, digest and understand every single thing the organization had ever written.

Will that intern become a seasoned analyst overnight? That probably wont happen right off the bat, and the two companies are certainly not claiming that it will. But its likely that the intern is going to be a very good one.

If analysts at CSIS are able to cut down on the time it takes to write reports, especially when they pertain to important issues around national security and defense, it will be a win. But what if it turns out this new product comes up with insights that human analysts may not have considered? That could be even more powerful.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Oklahoma City Police responded to a local high school Wednesday morning regarding a bomb threat.

According to police, officers responded to Westmoore High School after a bomb threat was called in.

LOCAL NEWS: One in custody following police chase in Oklahoma City

Officials say the school was evacuated as authorities searched the building. Nothing suspicious was found during the search and the scene has been released.

No arrests have been made in connection to the threat. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 405-235-7300.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Germanys government has been plunged into crisis after a constitutional court blew a 60 billion hole in its net zero budget.

Opposition parties predicted Olaf Scholzs three-party coalition will not survive after judges ruled that it was illegal to repurpose unspent coronavirus emergency funds to fight climate change.

The Karlsruhe court said the manoeuvre would violate Germanys constitutionally enshrined debt brake, which limits public debt to 0.35 per cent but which was suspended during the pandemic to allow for emergency borrowing.

The constitutional courts decision left a 52.4 billion shortfall in Germanys green budget, which is worth 185.2bn from 2024 to 2017. It has also brought chaos to this weeks budget negotiations between the three ruling parties, whose popularity has slumped as the country teeters close to another recession.

Mr Scholz admitted the ruling by the Karlsruhe court, which came after a lawsuit brought by the opposition CDU, would have far-reaching consequences.

We will now quickly revise the economic plan, incorporate the necessary changes and adopt new ones, he German chancellor said.

This is probably the deepest shock that the Federal Constitutional Court has ever caused in a federal budget, said Friedrich Merz, the CDU leader. We have a veritable further crisis in this government.

Any legitimacy to continue governing is over. Basically, a government cannot continue like this, added Markus Soder, the boss of the CDUs Bavarian sister party.

Big impact on federal and state budgets

Martin Kaiser, the managing director of Greenpeace Germany, attacked the traffic light coalition of Mr Scholzs SPD, the pro-business FDP and the Greens. He said the coalition, which has been riven by infighting, was paying the price for trying to pay for the decarbonisation of Germanys economy with financial sleight of hand.

The traffic light will immediately draw up a new plan for the energy transition, insisted Christian Lindner, the finance minister and FDP leader, at a press conference with Mr Scholz and Greens leader Robert Habeck.

Mr Habeck had previously warned that a negative ruling would sweep the rug from underneath the governments plans to stabilise the economy.

Mr Lindner conceded the ruling could have a big impact on federal and state budgets, as he announced unused credit authorisations from the 60 billion would be stopped.

The money was earmarked for making buildings more energy efficient and subsidising renewable electricity and chips production, as well as supporting energy-intensive companies. Mr Lindner said moves to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy use in the building sector would be excluded from the freeze.

Mr Linder may face growing calls from within the coalition to suspend Germanys constitutionally enshrined debt brake again, something he has hitherto ruled out, along with raising taxes.

Significant constraints for future budgets

Germanys 2024 budget and financial plans until 2027 are due to be finalised on Friday, as Berlin curbs spending that surged in response to Covid and the Ukraine war.

The court ruling has far-reaching consequences for fiscal policy in Germany, said Clemens Fuest, the president of the ifo economic institute.

There are significant constraints for federal budgets in coming years in terms of spending on government support for decarbonisation.

The Eurasia Group, the political risk analysis and consulting group, said in a note: This ruling will come as a massive setback to the government. The practice that was now dismissed by the court had allowed the government to forge policy compromises that kept all three parties in Scholzs coalition satisfied.

Spending cuts now look unavoidable and Eurasia Group believes that the bulk of the cuts will likely hit climate-related projects.

The traffic light was built on a violation of the constitution, The FDP didnt want any debt, the Greens wanted money for the climate and the Socialists wanted money for their citizens money, said Jens Spahn, a CDU MP.

Solution: 60 billion special debt. But they were obviously unconstitutional. This already fragile coalition now completely lacks any basis.

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines)  In its eleventh year, the QCinema International Film Festival continues to grow as a major player in the international festival scene, adding new sections and new programs that aim to elevate every Filipino festival-goers experience.

This years edition of QCinema has again some of the most acclaimed films on the festival circuit in its lineup, including festival award-winners and Oscars entries.

Opening and closing film

The opening film is the Golden Lion winner in this years prestigious Venice Film Festival  Poor Things.

Headlined by Emma Stone, this astonishing new feature by Yorgos Lanthimos is a dark sexy comedy, set in Victorian-era London, about a resurrected woman who embarks on a fantastical journey in reinventing herself. Director Lanthimos is no stranger to QCinema where his Killing of a Sacred Deer had its Asian premiere in 2018.

Closing the festival is The Breaking Ice by Anthony Chen, Singapores entry to the 2024 Academy Awards.

The film premiered in the Un Certain Regard section, highlighting emerging art-house directors and daring films. The Generation Z drama follows the relationships of three tourists over a snowy city.

Director Anthony Chen had also been part of our festival with his 2018 film, The Wet Season, as QCinemas closing film that year.

Competition sections

The 10-day festival, slated from November 17 to 26, also features 63 other titles, divided in 10 sections, including three competition sections.

Its main competition section, the Asian Next Wave, has 10 directorial debuts from Asian filmmakers. The section includes Cannes, Venice, and Udine award-winners and two Oscars entries.

These films vying for a Pylon Award are Abang Adik by Jin Ong, Gitling by Jopy Arnaldo, Inside The Yellow Cocoon Shell by Thien An Pham, Last Shadow At First Light by Nicole Midori Woodford, Love Is A Gun by Lee Hong-chi, Mimang by Kim Tae-yang, Solids By The Seashore by Patiparn Boontarig, and Tiger Stripes by Amanda Nell Eu.

Abang Adik won at the Udines Far East Film Festival the Golden Mulberry audience award, the Black Dragon Critics prize, and best first feature. Inside The Yellow Cocoon Shell won the Camera d'Or or Best Feature Film at Cannes. Love Is A Gun is the first Taiwanese film to win the best first feature at the Venice International Film Festival. Tiger Stripes won Critics' Week Grand Prize at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. Gitling is Cinemalayas Best Screenplay winner.

Its two other competition sections are for short films, which are QCShorts and QCSEA.

QCShorts, a festival mainstay, features films that received generous grants from QCinema. These are A Catholic School Girl by Myra Angeline Soriaso, Abutan Man Tayo ng Houselights by Apa Agbayani, Animal Lovers by Aedrian Araojo, Microplastics by Lino Balmes, Tamgohoy by Roxlee, and Tumatawa, Umiiyak by Che Tagyamon.

QCSEA, a fresh section, includes 10 shorts from Southeast Asia. The films are Basri And Salma In A Never-Ending Comedy by Khozy Rizal, Buoyant by Toan Thanh Doan and Hoang-Phuc Nguyen-Le, Cross My Heart And Hope To Die by Sam Manacsa, Dominion by Bea Mariano, Hito by Stephen Lopez, I Look Into The Mirror And Repeat Myself by Giselle Lin, Kung nga-a Conscious ang mga Alien sang ila Skincare (The Thing About Aliens And Their Skin Care) by Seth Andrew Blanca and Nino Maldecir, The Altar by Moe Myat May Zarchi, and When You Left Me On That Boulevard by Kayla Abuda Galang.

Posters for Abang Adik (left) and Before Midnight (right). Photos from QCinema

Exhibition sections

The much-awaited Screen International, New Horizons, Restored Classics, RainbowQC, Special Screenings, and Before Midnight also have something for every cinephile.

Screen International, which features works from world-renowned directors, has the best films from the most distinguished film festivals.

These include Locarno Golden Leopard winner Critical Zone by Ali Ahmadzadeh and Special Jury Prize winner Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World by Radu Jude.

Venice Grand Jury Prize and FIPRESCI Award winner Evil Does not Exist by Ryusuke Hamaguchi is also in this years Screen International.

This section also has Cannes Jury Prize winner at the Palme d'Or Fallen Leaves by Aki Kaurismaki, Prize of the Ecumenical Jury Perfect Days by Wim Wenders, and Best Director winner The Taste of Things by Tran Anh.

Also in this section is Berlin Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize winner Afire by Christian Petzold. Completing the lineup are Andrew Haighs All of Us Strangers and Sweet Dreams by Ena Sendijarevic.

In New Horizons, five films, all directorial debuts, make up the section.

These are City Of Wind by Lkhagvadulam Purev-Ochir, Foremost By Night by Victor Iriarte, Scrapperby Charlotte Regan, Through The Night by Delphine Girard, and Women From Rote Island by Jeremias Nyangoen.

Scrapper is the Grand Jury Prize winner for the World Cinema Dramatic Competition of the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.

Restored Classics, a regular QCinema crowd-drawer, has Wong Kar-wai classics Chungking Express and Fallen Angels by Wong Kar-wai. Also included are Enter the Dragon by Robert Clouse and A Clockwork Orange by Stanley Kubrick

This years RainbowQC, one of the most distinctive sections this side of Southeast Asia, has four show-stoppers.

These are Mutt by Vuk Langulov-Klotz, Passages by Ira Sachs, Peter Von Kant by Francois Ozon, and Woman Of by Micha Englert and Magorzata Szumowska.

Mutts Lio Mehiel won the Special Jury Award for Best Acting at Sundance.

Lav Diaz returns to QCinema at the Special Screenings section with his film Essential Truths of The Lake.

Other films are Daaaaaali! by Quentin Dupieux, FOE by Garth Davis, Irreversible: Straight Cut by Gaspar Noe, Karaoke by Moshe Rosenthal, Only the River Flows by Wei Shujun, Raging Grace by Paris Zarcilla,

Under Special Screenings is another shorts program, which is LGBTQ shorts. The program includes QCShorts 2022 Best Picture BOLD EAGLE by Whammy Alcazaren and Gender Sensitivity Awardee the river that never ends by JT Trinidad. It will also have Strange Way of Life by Pedro Almodovar.

Before Midnights 2023 lineup includes Hungry Ghost Diner by We Jun Cho, Femme by Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping, River by Junta Yamaguchi, and Red Rooms by Pascal Plante

This year also witnessed the rebirth of QCinemas documentary section. Now called QCDox, the section has three interesting real-life stories. These are Divine Factory by Joseph Mangat, Nowhere Near by Miko Revereza, and National Anarchist: Lino Brocka by Khavn.

The films Afire, City Of Wind, Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World, Fallen Leaves, Perfect Days, Sweet Dreams, Tiger Stripes, The Breaking Ice, and The Taste of Things are their respective countries Academy Awards submissions.

Screenings will be held at the cinemas of Gateway Mall, Robinsons Magnolia, UP Town Center, Shangri-la Plaza, and Power Plant Mall. Tickets are at 300 pesos each with discounts for QCitizens, senior citizens, PWDs, and students.

Posters for the opening film Poor Things (left) and New Horizons (right). Photos from QCinema

Other programs

Aside from these films, QCinema is also introducing two new adjacent features this year.

QCinema Project Market (QPM) will connect promising projects from the Philippines and the rest of Asia with producers to help give these films funding. This is an extension of QCinema's original grant program, and the QPM will itself be giving out cash grants to the best projects in attendance.

The QCinema Young Film Critics Lab is another new program. It will gather a group of young Filipinos interested in creating content around film and offer them access to industry professionals to help foster their burgeoning careers.

To be held also in conjunction with QCinema is the International Film Industry Conference, which is co-organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines. The event offers an international platform to continue the synergy of the industry by featuring talks from experts and professionals.

The elevated theme also continues with its collaboration with renowned Filipino artist Dex Fernandez, known for his iconic creation 'Garapata.

You may check the complete screening schedule for this year's QCinema at https://qcinema.ph/schedule/.
The Senate on Wednesday passed a stopgap bill to keep the government open, averting a shutdown for now while setting up a contentious fight over funding in the new year.

The bill was approved by the House on Tuesday and will now be sent to President Joe Biden to be signed into law. Government funding is currently set to expire at the end of the week on Friday, November 17. The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 87 to 11.

Lawmakers are still under pressure to try to negotiate and pass full-year spending bills in just over two months as the stopgap bill creates two new shutdown deadlines in January and February, an unusual two-step approach to funding the government.

Major partisan divisions, including demands from House conservatives for deep spending cuts that Democrats reject as a non-starter, will make that effort fraught and complicated. Newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson will face another major leadership test as lawmakers navigate that challenge.

The bill would extend funding until January 19 for priorities including military construction, veterans affairs, transportation, housing and the Energy Department. The rest of the government  anything not covered by the first step  would be funded until February 2. The proposal does not include additional aid for Israel or Ukraine.

Johnson has argued that his plan would prevent Congress from passing a massive spending bill in December  a scenario that has played out many times before when lawmakers have faced a deadline right before the winter holidays.

But the short-term funding plan sparked backlash from House conservatives who were upset that it did not include deep spending cuts that they have demanded. As a result, the bill required Democratic support to pass the House.

In the end, more House Democrats supported the measure than Republicans  a warning sign for Johnson.

Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted after putting a stopgap bill on the House floor at the end of September. The move averted a shutdown but sparked a conservative revolt that led to McCarthys removal as speaker.

Many House Republicans have signaled that Johnson will be spared the same fate as McCarthy, arguing that he has not been on the job long and inherited problems that were not of his own making. But it remains to be seen how long the honeymoon period will last for the new speaker as conservative hardliners continue to press for their demands ahead of the broader funding fight.

This story and headline have been updated with additional developments.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Building a space station on the Moon might seem like something out of a science fiction movie, but each new lunar mission is bringing that idea closer to reality. Scientists are homing in on potential lunar ice reservoirs in permanently shadowed regions, or PSRs. These are key to setting up any sort of sustainable lunar infrastructure.

In late August 2023, Indias Chandrayaan-3 lander touched down on the lunar surface in the south polar region, which scientists suspect may harbor ice. This landing marked a significant milestone not only for India but for the scientific community at large.

For planetary scientists like me, measurements from instruments onboard Chandrayaan-3s Vikram lander and its small, six-wheeled rover Pragyan provide a tantalizing up-close glimpse of the parts of the Moon most likely to contain ice. Earlier observations have shown ice is present in some permanently shadowed regions, but estimates vary widely regarding the amount, form and distribution of these ice deposits.

Polar ice deposits

My team at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics has a goal of understanding where water on the Moon came from. Comets or asteroids crashing into the Moon are options, as are volcanic activity and solar wind.

Each of these events leaves behind a distinctive chemical fingerprint, so if we can see those fingerprints, we might be able to trace them to the source of water. For example, sulfur is expected in higher amounts in lunar ice deposits if volcanic activity rather than comets created the ice.

Like water, sulfur is a volatile element on the Moon, because on the lunar surface its not very stable. Its easily vaporized and lost to space. Given its temperamental nature, sulfur is expected to accumulate only in the colder parts of the Moon.

While the Vikram lander didnt land in a permanently shadowed region, it measured the temperature at a high southern latitude of 69.37S and was able to identify sulfur in soil grains on the lunar surface. The sulfur measurement is intriguing because sulfur may point toward the source of the Moons water.

So, scientists can use temperature as a way of finding where volatiles like these may end up. Temperature measurements from Chandrayaan-3 could allow scientists to test models of volatile stability and figure out how recently the sulfur may have accumulated at the landing site.

Some dark craters on the Moon, indicated here in blue, never get light. Scientists think some of these permanently shadowed regions could contain ice. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

Tools for discovery

Vikram and Pragyan are the newest in a series of spacecraft that have helped scientists study water on the Moon. NASAs Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter launched in 2009 and has spent the past several years observing the Moon from orbit. Im a co-investigator on LRO, and I use its data to study the distribution, form and abundance of water on the lunar poles.

Both Indias Chandrayaan-1 orbiter and LRO have allowed my colleagues and me to use ultraviolet and near-infrared observations to identify ice in the permanently shadowed regions by measuring the chemical fingerprints of water. Weve definitively detected water ice in some of these regions inside the coldest shadows at the lunar poles, but were still not sure why the ice isnt more widespread.

Chandrayaan-3s Pragyan rover traveled 328 feet (100 meters) and measured the chemistry of the lunar soil. ISRO

On Mercury, by contrast, the permanently shadowed regions are practically overflowing with ice. For several years, scientists have recognized the need to get down on the surface and make more detailed measurements of lunar volatiles. With its sulfur detections, the Vikram lander has now taken the first tentative steps as part of a larger exploration program.

Future lunar missions

NASA has its sights set on the lunar south pole. Leading up to the Artemis III mission to deploy astronauts to investigate ice on the surface, the Commercial Lunar Payloads Services program will send multiple landers and rovers to search for ice starting later in 2023.

While uncertainty surrounds the timeline of Artemis launches, the first crewed mission, Artemis II, is on track for a late 2024 or early 2025 launch, with a looping trajectory passing behind the Moons far side and back to Earth.

The Lunar Compact Infrared Imaging System, of which Im the principal investigator, is an infrared camera that will take temperature measurements and study the surface composition of the Moon.

Dubbed L-CIRiS, this camera recently underwent its final review before delivery to NASA, and the completed flight instrument will be prepared to launch on a commercial lander in late 2026.

Prior to L-CIRiS, the VIPER rover mission is planned to launch in late 2024 to the lunar south polar region, where it will carry instruments to search for ice in micro-cold traps. These tiny shadows, some no larger than a penny, are hypothesized to contain a significant amount of water and are more accessible than the larger PSRs.

One long-term goal of L-CIRiS and NASAs Commercial Lunar Payload Services program is to find a suitable place for a long-term, sustainable lunar station. Astronauts could stay at this station, potentially similar to the one at McMurdo station in Antarctica, but it would need to be somewhat self-sufficient to be economically viable. Water is extremely expensive to ship to the Moon, hence locating the station near ice reservoirs is a must.

A lunar settlement might be similar to McMurdo Station in Antarctica. Gaelen Marsden/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

During the Artemis III mission, NASA astronauts will use the information gathered by the Commercial Lunar Payload Services program and other missions, including Chandrayaan-3, to assess the best locations to collect samples. Chandrayaan-3 and L-CIRiSs measurements of temperature and composition are like those that will be needed for Artemis to succeed. Cooperation among space agencies young and old is thus becoming a key feature of a long-term, sustainable human presence on the Moon.

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: Paul Hayne, University of Colorado Boulder.

Read more:


The Supreme Court on Monday decided against hearing the appeal of an imprisoned man in Illinois who was locked in solitary confinement for three years straight without any access to the outdoors or opportunities to exercise.

Michael Johnson, who has been incarcerated since 2007 for a conviction related to home invasion and assault, was punished with solitary confinement after being involved in countless instances of prison violations, according to The New York Times. Johnson has been diagnosed with multiple mental health conditions, including severe depression and bipolar disorder.

Johnson was prohibited from exercise, which is normally allowed for inmates in solitary confinement, as prison officials stacked 30- to 90-day restrictions on him for mostly minor infractions. The consecutive restrictions made it impossible for him to get out of his cramped cell except for a 10-minute shower, once a week, during his time at the Pontiac Correctional Center.

The deprivation was not imposed to ensure the safety and security of the exercise yard, Johnsons attorneys argued, according to CNN, but rather to punish Mr. Johnson for engaging in misconduct that was born of mental illness and unrelated to exercise.

In March 2022, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit rejected Johnsons claim that solitary confinement coupled with a lack of outdoor time violated the Eighth Amendment. Johnson was represented by the MacArthur Justice Center.

Johnson and his attorneys then brought his appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, where it was rejected this week. Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan dissented from the courts decision in Johnson v. Prentice, calling it an indisputable legal error.

For three years, Johnson had no opportunity at all to stretch his limbs or breathe fresh air, Jackson wrote in the dissent. Johnsons mental state deteriorated rapidly. He suffered from hallucinations, excoriated his own flesh, urinated and defecated on himself, and smeared feces all over his body and cell.

Johnson became suicidal and sometimes engaged in misconduct with the hope that prison guards would beat him to death, Jackson wrote, arguing that Johnsons treatment was evidence of unconstitutional deliberate indifference.

Johnsons attorney, Daniel Greenfield, told HuffPost they are grateful for the dissent, but that at the same time, we are saddened to live in an era where imposing such cruelty  let alone on a person known to suffer from mental illness  is acceptable to any federal judge.

Three years of 24/7 solitary confinement, unrelieved by any opportunity for exercise, would have appalled the Founders, Greenfield said. It should be no less shocking to us today.

The Illinois Department of Corrections told HuffPost that they are reviewing the courts opinion, but did not offer further comment.

Mondays decision contradicts a 1979 ruling from former Justice Anthony Kennedy during his time on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, The New York Times noted.

Some form of regular outdoor exercise is extremely important to the psychological and physical well-being of the inmates, Kennedy wrote at the time. It was cruel and unusual punishment for a prisoner to be confined for a period of years without opportunity to go outside except for occasional court appearances, attorney interviews and hospital appointments.

Many critics of solitary confinement describe it as barbaric and inhumane. Human rights organizations including the American Civil Liberties Union and Human Rights Watch have condemned the use of solitary confinement, likening it to torture and arguing that it violates the Eighth Amendment.

President Joe Biden committed to ending the use of solitary confinement, but it has only become more widespread at federal prisons, NBC News reported earlier this year. Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) has lambasted the increase as shameful and is leading an effort in the House through the End Solitary Confinement Act to put an end to the practice.

Related...
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  The Scranton Police Department announced Monday that they will be taking action and trying to prevent the Kia Challenge.

According to Scranton Police, the city has seen an increase in Kia and Hyundai vehicle thefts made between 2010 and 2021.

Police say the thefts are part of a national problem commonly referred to as the Kia Challenge, where people, break into a vehicle, hotwire it, drive it, and then abandon the vehicle randomly.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says the challenge is in response to a social media trend that spread nationwide resulting in 14 crashes and eight deaths.

Man charged with child rape, 358 counts of child pornography

Officers say they are urging those who own these brands of vehicles to contact the manufacturer of the vehicle to have the free anti-theft technology installed.

According to law enforcement, owners who have not yet been able to get an appointment can obtain a free steering wheel lock at Scranton Police Headquarters at 100 S. Washington Avenue in Scranton, once the locks arrive.

Police have not yet provided the date the locks will be arriving, but did say they will be here in the near future.

Scranton Police remind all Kia and Hyundai owners to lock their vehicles and to keep watch on their Facebook page for more information.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
SAN DIEGO  San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit announced on Monday that he will be retiring from the force next year, prompting city officials to initiate a national search for his replacement.

Nisleit has been with local law enforcement for over 36 years, culminated by his appointment to the citys top police position in March 2018 by then-Mayor Kevin Faulconer after a nationwide recruitment process.

He replaced the outgoing Chief Shelley Zimmerman, who served in the role for four-years before her retirement. His last day with the force will be in June 2024.

It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve the City of San Diego, Nisleit said in a release on Tuesday. Over the next seven months, Im committed to continuing the great progress weve made toward keeping San Diego one of the safest big cities, and look forward to transitioning the department into the hands of the top-tier candidate who is selected to serve as the next police chief.

To pick the next Chief, San Diego will be launching another search through a pool of both local and national applicants. The law firm Bob Murray & Associates, who helped with previous police chief selections, has been awarded the contracted to handle the process.

As part of the search, the city will be soliciting public input to help guide what characteristics and qualities the selection committee should look for in the new Chief.

San Diego City Council to discuss election for Montgomery Steppes seat

An online survey will be available for residents to submit their thoughts starting in January 2024. Nine community meetings will also be held, although dates, times and locations have yet to be determined.

Candidates will then undergo a series of interviews, including one conducted by a panel of community leaders nominated by City Councilmembers and Mayor Todd Gloria.

As outlined by the citys policy, Gloria will then appoint a preferred candidate to be confirmed by the City Council.

Im grateful to Chief Nisleit for his decades of dedicated service and his steady leadership of the department over the past five years, Gloria said in a statement. As we launch the search for his successor, well look to community stakeholders to help us select someone with great integrity and a passion for public service whos similarly committed to ensuring San Diego remains one of Americas safest big cities.

The transition comes at a time when the city is contending with continued staffing challenges, as well as separate legal action from two of its captains.

One of the lawsuits, which included Nisleit as a named defendant, alleges that the department discriminated against its Hispanic employees by passing over them for promotions in favor of white colleagues with similar or less experience.

FOX 5 reached out to the Police Officers Association for comment on Nisleits retirement and the selection of a new chief, but the union declined.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
A 43-year veteran of the Seattle Police Department has filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against the city.

Detective Denise Cookie Bouldin filed a $10 million tort claim in March, but it escalated to a lawsuit after the city failed to respond.

Known as Detective Cookie in the community, Bouldin says she faced years of gender and racial discrimination while working for the SPD and was retaliated against by her colleagues due to her outreach to communities of color in Seattle, Washington. The lawsuit was filed on Nov. 3.

Seattle Police Detective Denise Cookie Bouldin. (Photo: KING 5 Seattle news / YouTube screenshot )

According to The Seattle Times, the 67-year-old detective was subjected to regular and continuous internal complaints about her relationship with the Black community. Seattles Rainier Beach Park was named after Detective Cookie last year in honor of her community outreach, which included teaching children learning by playing chess. She became a member of the SPD in 1980 and faced race and gender discrimination on a daily

basis as the only other female Black officer.

The Seattle Police Department has used Detective Bouldins strong relationship with the

Black community to portray such relationship as one the Department itself has with the Black

community, states the lawsuit. Behind closed doors, however, other officers and supervisors have belittled Detective Bouldin, challenging her loyalty to the Department and marginalizing her for her active role in the community.

According to the lawsuit, Boudin was harassed with dog feces being left in front of her work locker after complaining about colleagues bringing their pets to work. She also claims other officers failed to come to her aid when she needed backup. The lawsuit states Boudin was subjected to a culture of retaliation that deliberately put her life and safety in jeopardy.

Dog feces were left in front of Detective Bouldins locker as a direct result of her complaining about the roaming dogs, says the complaint. Dog food was also left in front of Detective Bouldings locker while she was at the South Precinct.

One white officer allegedly became incensed when she placed an African American Advisory Council pamphlet on her desk to announce an event. The lawsuit asserts that the officer said, Who put this fking st on my desk?! before throwing the pamphlet down on the floor. The sergeant made it clear that she did not want to work with any black people.

Bouldin claims that several officers referred to Black protestors on television as those people, and a South Precinct sergeant referenced the Ku Klux Klan when he said, Lets put on our hoods and sheets and clean up the valley of crime.

Other offenses included colleagues suggesting that she conduct her work in a holding cell and crossing out the name of a Black suspect on a bulletin and replacing it with the name of a Black police officer. The lawsuit also states that Bouldin has been repeatedly overlooked for overtime and career advancement and has been the subject of hostile and derogatory remarks by members of the SPD.

After Bouldin filed a tort claim last March, the lawsuit states that the city failed to eliminate discrimination, harassment and the retaliation that created a hostile work environment for Detective Bouldin. She filed the lawsuit in an attempt to achieve justice.

The level of discrimination Detective Bouldin experienced at the hands of her fellow officers and superiors has had a significant impact on her emotional and physical wellbeing, says the suit.

The police detective is seeking compensatory, general and special damages and injunctive relief, including implementing measures that protect Bouldin and other SPD employees from further discrimination and retaliation.

She is also asking for punitive damages in amounts to be determined at trial to the fullest extent allowed by law, as well as an order that requires the city to pay any taxes associated with the damages and cost award and attorneys fees and any costs related to the lawsuit.

A trial date was set for Nov. 4 of next year.

Read the original story on Atlanta Black Star.
The Seattle Humane Society said cats transferred from Maui found safety and families around the Pacific Northwest.

We were humbled by the outpouring of support for the cats transferred to Seattle Humane from Maui through Good Cat Networks Operation Aloha Cat program this summer, said a news release from the Seattle Humane Society. Relocating cats to the Pacific Northwest during the devastating wildfires meant our partners in Hawaii could open their space to displaced and injured cats and focus their efforts on reuniting families.

The Seattle Humane Society shared one adoption story.

Pekelo came home as a new member of our family here in North Seattle on Friday and we couldnt be happier! Pekelo [was] skittish but he is coming out to eat and even play with the other kitten [Nalani] we adopted from Seattle Humane that day. We believed it would be good for both of them to have each other and he is really responding to Nalanis sweet energy, Chris told the Seattle Humane Society.

KIRO 7 covered when the kittens were rescued, many with burns, from the Maui fires in August.

We also covered when the cats were ready for adoption.
A judge on Tuesday sentenced the man convicted of driving the rental car in 2019 that was used to drop off the would-be assassin who shot and severely wounded Alex Vega, the famed Miami-based car designer to the stars, to 50 years in federal prison.

Although he didnt fire the shots that left Vega clinging to life, federal agents say 46-year-old Jaime Serrano planned the trip from New York to South Florida to kill Vega and was more associated with the yet-to-be-revealed plotters and financiers of the murderous conspiracy.

The case has garnered national attention because both the victim and the father of the gunman are close friends with Grammy-winning singer Marc Anthony, who isnt suspected in having anything to do with the crime. Though his name came up several times during the investigation and trial of Serrano.

Julian Jimenez, the 27-year-old son of Marcos Jimenez  Marc Anthonys sound engineer and occasional property manager, according to court documents  was convicted in August shooting Vega three times as the Kendall businessman pulled his black Range Rover into his Kendale Lakes garage on the night of Aug. 27, 2019.

He fired a total of eight shots into the vehicle, according to the FBI.

Vega was returning home from work at his Kendall garage, The Auto Firm, which is frequented by many high-profile music and sports celebrities.

Car guru Alex Vega, owner of The Auto Firm, in his Kendall shop, where several celebrities have had their high-end cars customized, on Sept. 13, 2018. Pedro Portal/pportal@miamiherald.com

Jimenez pleaded guilty to the charges, rather than go to trial. Judge Roy Altman, taking into account Jimenez didnt put the government and Vega through a trial, sentenced him to 35 years in prison Nov. 1, rather than giving him 45 years, as originally intended.

Jimenezs accomplice, Serrano, did in fact opt to go to trial, resulting in a 12-member jury conviction in August on interstate stalking, interstate stalking that resulted in serious bodily injury and conspiracy to use a firearm during a violent crime.

The jury determined Serrano was not the shooter, but played an important part in planning the operation  from buying the airline tickets from New York to Miami, to renting cars while in Florida, and from obtaining the .40 caliber handgun Jimenez used to shoot Vega.

Serrano didnt pull the trigger, but during the sentencing hearing Tuesday in downtown Miami, Altman repeatedly referred to him as the architect of the plot to murder Vega. Altman also said Serrano was more connected to the people who wanted Mr. Vega dead.

Neither Serrano nor Julian Jimenez have ever given up who commissioned the hit on Vega, who became good friends with Marc Anthony in recent years after renovating several of the music stars cars.

Serrano is also in the music business, representing and marketing artists, according to court documents and his social media page. Additionally, he grew up with Marcos Jimenez, according to trial transcripts.

Vega spoke briefly at Tuesdays hearing, saying Serrano deserved the most time legally permissible. He said at Jimenezs sentencing that after recovering physically from his wounds, he and his family continue to be traumatized by the shooting, and hes unable to go anywhere outside his home without a bodyguard.

I want this guy to see his last day in a cell, he told Altman.

How did the hit attempt unfold?

The FBI said Serrano and Jimenez flew from New York to Miami on an American Airlines flight on Aug. 21, 2019, rented a blue Nissan Rogue and stalked Vega.

Six days later, in the early evening of Aug. 27, Serrano drove Jimenez in the Nissan to Vegas Kendale Lakes home.

Jimenez, wearing a surgical mask and gloves and carrying a gun Serrano gave to him after they had arrived in Miami, got out of the front passenger seat, approached Vega in his car and started shooting, according to a statement filed with Jimenezs plea deal.

A witness told FBI agents that the men were offered $60,000 to carry out the hit, though that has never been confirmed, Julian Jimenezs attorney, federal public defender Abigail Becker, said at his sentencing.

Serrano claimed Tuesday that he was never told he could have pleaded guilty from the start, avoid trial and possibly be rewarded with a lesser sentence that Altman handed down.

If I could go back in time, I would take it back, Serrano told Altman.

But Altman noted that not only did Serrano take his case to trial, soon after both he and Jimenez were arrested in August 2022, Serrano convinced his younger accomplice to write a letter stating he alone committed the crime, further obstructing the investigation.

Alex Vega, owner of the Auto Firm, displays a set of Avorza Vodka bottles on Friday March 11, 2022, Pedro Portal/pportal@miamiherald.com

Jimenez eventually wrote a sworn statement saying Serrano put him up to writing that letter.

Taking all of that into account, plus the severity of trying to murder Vega, Altman said Serrano forfeited his right to come out and participate in ordered society.
Two years after her former sister-in-law's murder, Barbara Graber hopes the second killer's sentence to at least 25 years in prison will help her family move on.

"I am so ready to clear my head of thoughts of Jeremy Goodale and his codefendant Willard Miller," she wrote in a victim impact statement, read Wednesday during Goodale's sentencing for the murder of Fairfield teacher Nohema Graber. "It haunts me the last face Nohema saw on this Earth, and the last words she heard were those of Mr. Goodale."

Miller and Goodale both pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the death of Graber, who disappeared while walking in a Fairfield park on Nov. 2, 2021. Her body was found soon after, hidden under a tarp and wheelbarrow.

Police within hours arrested Goodale and Miller, both then 16, based on statements Goodale made to friends on social media. Goodale later told investigators that Miller wanted to kill Graber because he was failing her Spanish class and was afraid he wouldn't be able to go on a study abroad trip overseas.

Miller was sentenced in July to life in prison with a minimum term of 35 years before he is eligible for parole  five years more than the 30 that prosecutors had recommended under a plea agreement.

For Goodale, who had agreed to testify against Miller if the case went to trial, prosecutors had recommended a term of 25 years, and on Wednesday, Judge Shawn Showers adopted that recommendation.

Nohema Graber's family voice anger, bitterness, forgiveness, hope

The court heard from numerous members of Grabers extended family, voicing feelings of pain and anger but also, in some cases, words of encouragement for Goodale.

Jim Graber, Nohema Grabers former brother-in-law, said that her death also significantly contributed to the death of her ex-husband, Paul, who died in June from a cancer that family members believe would have been detected and treated sooner had she still been alive.

It was an evil deed, and in the death of Nohema, you had a direct impact on the death of my brother Paul, he told Goodale.

Other family members called the crime a horrific act and a complete travesty. Several said they believed Goodale could have prevented the murder but instead had not only failed to act, but also participated.

Yet several also told Goodale that they will be praying for him. Christian Graber, the victims son, told Goodale that he forgives him, and he believes his mother still loves and wants the best for her former student.

A lot of people dont believe in you, but your family believes in you, your father, your sisters, your nephew, and I believe you can be a good man, he said.

Goodale apologizes, says he 'made the worst decision of my life'

When his turn came to speak, Goodale faced Grabers family and tearfully apologized for her death.

What Ive taken can never be replaced, he said. Every day I wish I could go back and stop myself, prevent this loss.

Goodale said hed failed to think about how Grabers death would affect her family, the school, the broader community, and even his own family, to whom he also apologized.

Two years ago I made the worst decision of my life, and I take full responsibility for what I did, he said. Today as a young man, I can begin to pay for that.

Judge: Goodale more remorseful than Miller

Under Iowa law, Showers was required to consider a lengthy list of factors before sentencing a juvenile to a mandatory minimum prison term. The judge found that the particular depravity of Grabers murder, and the enormous impact on her family and the community, were aggravating factors, but balanced that against Goodales remorse, acceptance of responsibility, and challenging home life and mental health struggles.

Although you were older than Mr. Miller, its clear to me that you were not more mature than him, and Mr. Miller was far more sinister in his planning, Showers said.

The judge said Goodale will need "significant rehabilitation," a statement to which Goodale nodded from the defense table, but he said he believes Goodale, now 18, has a good chance to turn his life around.

"Unlike your co-defendant, its clear to me you have regretted your role in Ms. Grabers murder," Showers told Goodale, adding, "I think time will tell, but youre far more likely to be successful than Mr. Miller."

Family, prosecutor call sentence justice

Goodales attorneys declined to comment after the hearing. Jefferson County Attorney Chauncey Moulding acknowledged Goodales remorse and efforts to take responsibility during the hearing, and afterward said he thinks Goodales 25-year minimum sentence with the opportunity for rehabilitation represents justice.

I believe Jeremy committed one of the most heinous acts weve seen in Jefferson County, but that doesnt speak to who he can become with the right treatment and programming.

Thomas Graber, another of Nohema Grabers former brothers-in-law, said afterward that the family is satisfied with the sentence and appreciates the work of the prosecutors and judge.

And again, were so grateful (to the community) for the outpouring of support, he said. She was a wonderful woman, and were going to miss her for a long time.

William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. He can be contacted at wrmorris2@registermedia.com, 715-573-8166 or on Twitter at @DMRMorris.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa teacher murder case ends in 25-year sentence for teen co-defendant
Former President Donald Trump's lawyers on Wednesday filed for a mistrial in his civil bank fraud case, a far-fetched effort to remove the lawsuit that's threatening to dismantle his real estate empire from his slate of legal battles, The Daily Beast reports.

His defense has been foreshadowing the move in the weeks since the trial began after complaining about the way presiding Judge Arthur Engoron has consistently rejected their legal arguments and rebuked their courtroom theatrics. But Wednesday morning's request, made in a 30-page court filing, rings ironic when accounting for the former president's years of threatening to use his political power against his opponents and weeks of directing the ire of his fanbase against the judge and his principal law clerk.

The motion for the mistrial focuses on Trump's increasing irritation with Allison Greenfield, the attorney and law clerk who serves as Engoron's right-hand legal advisor and has repeatedly blocked the former president's attempts to stymie the New York Attorney General's investigation and delay the court proceedings. Since Engoron issued gag orders preventing Trump  and later his legal team  from directly attacking Greenfield and other court staff, defense lawyers are now filing their complaint.

This appearance of bias threatens both Defendants rights and the integrity of the judiciary as an institution, they wrote in the filing, claiming that Greenfields unprecedented role in the trial and extensive, public partisan activities, would cause even a casual observer to question the courts partiality. Thus, only the grant of a mistrial can salvage what is left of the rule of law.

Whether the request is granted is up to Engoron, who isn't likely to side with the attorneys who have spent weeks trying to stir up drama in the courtroom in an effort to appeal the case in higher New York state courts.

In the filing, Trump's lawyers also gripe that Engoron has contributed to a newsletter tied to the Long Island public high school he graduated from, The Wheatley School, where he is accused of sharing links to newspaper stories about the case. They also bemoaned how Engoron has uplifted Greenfield  a lawyer who is seeking a future position on the New York judiciary  and given her a prominent role in his decision-making process.

The Principal Law Clerk is given unprecedented and inappropriate latitude, they wrote. Indeed, 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. While a Justice of the Court no doubt has ample discretion to consult with his or her Law Secretaries, this unprecedented arrangement exceeds the outer limits of such discretion.

As MSNBC legal analyst Lisa Rubin notes online, the filing also focuses on Greenfield's campaign contribution history, lists her name and includes her picture. The significance of those details, Rubin said, lies in Engoron's response to Trump's defense telling him about their planned mistrial motion earlier this month.

"[H]e told them he didnt 'want to hear it in front of hundreds of people' and instructed them instead to submit it as a proposed order to show cause, a specific procedural mechanism for triggering a hearing," Rubin wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Pointing out that Trump lawyer Alina Habba pledged to file that motion "in a delicate manner," Rubin explained that she also understood Engoron to be instructing the defense to submit their proposed order and motion directly to his chambers in order for him to determine whether to hear the motion publicly and whether Trump's supporting papers, which Rubin notes seem to violate the gag orders under protest as filed, should be redacted or sealed.

"That Engoron met with each side privately yesterday cannot be ignored; its possible, for example, that Team Trump previewed the contents of its motion for him and filed today with his knowledge and permission," she tweeted.

"But right now, without further clarification, it appears they publicly filed their mistrial motion, brief, and supporting affidavits without such permissionand in a way that likely triggers another violation of the same gag order they claim exemplifies Engorons bias," Rubin added.

But right now, without further clarification, it appears they publicly filed their mistrial motion, brief, and supporting affidavits without such permissionand in a way that likely triggers another violation of the same gag order they claim exemplifies Engorons bias.  Lisa Rubin (@lawofruby) November 15, 2023

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The former litigator also highlighted the "supplemental limited gag order" Engoron imposed on Nov. 3 prohibiting all counsel  from making any public statements, in or out of court, that refer to *any* confidential communications, in any form, between my staff and me.

"The brief, however, notes that '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,' Rubin pointed out. "That seems like a reference to confidential communications to me, folks."

The brief, however, notes that 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. That seems like a reference to confidential communications to me, folks.  Lisa Rubin (@lawofruby) November 15, 2023

Other legal experts also took note of the irony in the Trump team's mistrial motion online.

"Attacking a judge's law clerk seems like a bad strategy for winning a caseor here, having a mistrial declared," former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance tweeted.

Attacking a judge's law clerk seems like a bad strategy for winning a case--or here, having a mistrial declared. https://t.co/Q5Q2xFd0K9  Joyce Alene (@JoyceWhiteVance) November 15, 2023

"I find this to be little more than a political screed egregiously deficient in proving the facts alleged are commensurate with past cases in which bias has been found," Bradley Moss, a national security lawyer, posted on X.

I would like to hear from NY lawyers and those who handle this particular type of issue for their insight, but I find this to be little more than a political screed egregiously deficient in proving the facts alleged are commensurate with past cases in which bias has been found. https://t.co/38wk1J0HbK  Bradley P. Moss (@BradMossEsq) November 15, 2023

"I find it particularly ironic that Team Trump, which routinely excuses their clients comments as rhetorical hyperbole and innocent exaggeration, attacks the law clerk for engaging in lesser behavior," he added.

I find it particularly ironic that Team Trump, which routinely excuses their clients comments as rhetorical hyperbole and innocent exaggeration, attacks the law clerk for engaging in lesser behavior. https://t.co/MGhS7pusOA  Bradley P. Moss (@BradMossEsq) November 15, 2023

Though judges rarely work alongside clerks in the manner that Engoron does, according to The Daily Beast, clerks often complete the bulk of the legal research and draft court orders that are eventually edited and signed by their judges, a practice that extends up to the Supreme Court.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 14)  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. left for the United States on Tuesday evening to participate in the 30th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders Meeting.

In his departure speech, Marcos said his participation in the APEC meeting in San Francisco, California is at the invitation of his American counterpart, Joe Biden. This marks his third visit to the US since he started office.

"This year, the US chairmanship of APEC set the cross-cutting themes of sustainability, inclusiveness, and resilience as our priority work so that we can build a resilient and interconnected region that advances broad-based economic prosperity, enable an innovative environment to foster a sustainable future, and affirm an equitable and inclusive future for all, for every single Filipino," he said.

Marcos said his administration's efforts at APEC have been concentrated on securing beneficial trade and investment, human development, high-quality jobs, and poverty alleviation.

"This trip marks my third visit to the United States as part of our continuing efforts to further reinforce our already strong bond, and a follow through to my Official Working Visit in Washington, D.C. last May, where we underscored the need of forging closer economic ties and ensuring that our bilateral friendship and relationship work for both our peoples," he said.

The president is accompanied by his wife, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and some of his Cabinet secretaries.

Marcos further stated that he will meet with business leaders of the Asia-Pacific region to discuss food and energy security, and economic inclusion of the Philippines' micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), women, and indigenous people, among other segments of the economy.

The chief executive is also expected to deliver the keynote remarks on intentional equity in sustainability at the APEC CEO Summit, which he deemed is the annual gathering of top CEOs from across the APEC region

Marcos said he is looking forward to the signing of government-to-government, public-private, and business agreements, which have been under negotiation over the past several months.

These pacts, according to him, cover priority sectors, such as nuclear energy; artificial intelligence to support weather forecasting; health sciences, particularly cancer research, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention; pharmaceutical manufacturing; and satellite connectivity.

Aside from San Francisco, the president is also set to travel to Los Angeles, California as well as Honolulu, Hawaii, where he will visit the US Indo-Pacific Command headquarters.

While Marcos did not give specifics on his Hawaiian side trip, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Charles Jose earlier said he expects discussions on security issues.

Marcos will also meet with Filipino communities in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Honolulu.

Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte will be the caretaker of the country while the president is away, according to Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Gerafil.
Before I say something complimentary about Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema and a bunch of you (metaphorically) hammer me with a big fat batch of (justified) whataboutisms involving her stubbornness about not ending the Senate filibuster rule and how that thwarted attempts to protect abortion rights and voting rights, I would first like to share something with you that was said by the novelist Elmore Leonard, perhaps our greatest contemporary writer of crime fiction.

Leonard said, Bad guys are not bad guys twenty-four hours a day.

The same thing is true of politicians.

Including Sinema.

On Tuesday it was reported that the Senate Rules Committee had voted to change a rule that Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville has used to single-handedly block hundreds of military nominations and promotions since February.

Sinema could break Tuberville's lock

Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema

One of the people behind the plan to end Tubervilles stranglehold on military promotions is Sinema.

An article in Politico reported that Sinemas focus on relationships with the GOP, as much as it confounds some Democrats who see her as an impediment to progressive priorities, will end up proving critical to corralling 60 votes for a break-glass emergency plan to unravel Tubervilles 300-plus holds on military promotions. Shes quietly worked for four months on that plan  .

Republican Sen. Joni Ernst called the plan Sinemas brainchild.

Risky move: Sinema is counting on the GOP to win

There was not much love for Sinema  or me  expressed when I first wrote about this a little while back.

More than a few of the comments put forward the kind of profane suggestions that were neither morally nor physiologically possible.

She could get Republicans to sign on

Under the proposal being put forth by Sinema and a few others, the Senate would temporarily allow itself to approve promotions as a group with a simple majority vote.

In order for that to happen, it needs 60 votes, meaning at least nine Republicans.

Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly supports the effort as well, issuing a statement on Tuesday saying in part, Were one step closer to ending Senator Tubervilles harmful blockade on the promotion of hundreds of admirals and generals, a goal several of my colleagues and I have been working towards for months."

If the plan works and the proposal passes Id guess that Sinema will receive (and deserve) a lot of credit for having accomplished a very good thing.

Just remember what Elmore Leonard said: Bad guys are not bad guys twenty-four hours a day.

Because the same thing is true of politicians.

And newspaper columnists.

Reach Montini at ed.montini@arizonarepublic.com.

For more opinions content, please subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Sen. Sinema keeps doing good work to stop Tuberville's military lock
Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma at the Capitol earlier this year. Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images

Sen. Markwayne Mullin nearly came to blows with a witness at a hearing on Tuesday.

Now, he's doing perhaps the most predictable thing possible  using it to raise money.

If you donate $35 to his Senate campaign, you'll get a shirt that says "Anytime, Anyplace."

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

And when you exhibit conduct that's obviously unbecoming of a US senator, make money off of it.

That's the lesson that Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma appears to have taken from his near-brawl with Teamsters President Sean O'Brien at a hearing of the Senate's Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee on Tuesday.

If you challenge an Oklahoman, you better be ready to back it up.



By popular demand: https://t.co/8QorkBPbuO  Markwayne Mullin (@MarkwayneMullin) November 15, 2023

Mullin was elected to the Senate in a special election last year, and he's not up for re-election for another 3 years.

Nonetheless, he and his political team appear to have sensed a ripe opportunity to raise some extra money: with a $35 donation, supporters can receive a black T-shirt that says "Anytime, Anyplace" across the front.

That's a reference to a tweet from O'Brien that appeared to challenge Mullin to a fight. "Anyplace, Anytime cowboy," he wrote.

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 pic.twitter.com/JNvT7IsA6m  Sean M. O'Brien (@TeamsterSOB) June 21, 2023

As Business Insider recently reported, theatrics has increasingly become a business model for some lawmakers.

"You see it every day here, right?" Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina said at the time. "You see it in the made-for-TV comments in committee meetings that have, oftentimes, little or nothing to do with the subject matter of the meeting."

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

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Senate voted along party lines Tuesday to table a motion to proceed on the House-passed bill that would provide $14.3 billion in emergency aid to Israel and pay for it by cutting the Internal Revenue Services budget.

The vote came after a group of Senate conservatives ambushed Democrats by offering a surprise motion to proceed on the House bill, which Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) had previously called a total nonstarter.

President Biden also threatened to veto the House bill.

The Tuesday afternoon vote ended a tense standoff on the Senate floor during which Democrats suspended business to block Republicans from proceeding to the measure on the same day that tens of thousands of people gathered on the National Mall in Washington to rally for Israel.

Senate conservatives including Sens. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) repeatedly requested consent to end a quorum call to move to the bill.

Each time, they were met with an objection from Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.).

The quorum call is right now just freezing the floor of the Senate. My assumption is that Chuck Schumer and Democratic leadership is in their office panicking and trying to figure out what to do next. Their objective is to prevent a vote, Cruz said during the standoff.

Murray, however, put an end to it by calling for a vote to table the motion to proceed to the House-passed Israel bill.

The Senate then voted 51 to 48 to table it.

Democrats would have had to vote on the bill sooner or later because Senate conservatives had collected 16 signatures on a cloture petition to end debate.

A Democratic aide said the group of GOP senators had attempted to usurp the majority leaders prerogative to control the floor schedule but noted the tactic has been used before.

Schumer, a staunch ally of Israel, dismissed the House bill earlier this month as unserious and woefully inadequate, pointing out that the Congressional Budget Office estimated it would add $12 billion to the budget deficit.

A dozen Democrats voted for the House GOP Israel aid proposal in the lower chamber.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Senate Democrats pushed ahead Tuesday with a resolution that would allow for the quick confirmation of hundreds of military nominees, an attempt to maneuver around a blockade from Sen. Tommy Tuberville over a Pentagon abortion policy.

Almost 400 military nominations are in limbo, and the number is growing, due to Tubervilles blanket hold on confirmations and promotions for senior military officers. Despite bipartisan outrage and pressure from members of his own party, the Alabama senator has dug in as he fights the Pentagon to end its abortion policy. Its a stance that has left key national security positions unfilled and military families with an uncertain path forward.

There has been a lot of negativity and dysfunction in the Senate these days, but Senator Tuberville has singlehandedly brought the Senate to a new low, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said at the committee meeting.

The Senate Rules Committee voted 9-7 to approve a resolution that would allow the Senate to confirm groups of military nominees at once for the remainder of the congressional term. The Senate has traditionally confirmed large batches of military officers together, but that process can be upended by just one senator who objects.

The resolution will now head to the Senate floor for a vote, where Democrats will need at least nine Republican votes for passage. While Republicans on the rules panel opposed the measure, arguing that the move could erode the powers of the minority in the Senate, some have signaled they might change their minds if Tuberville does not drop the holds before then.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, who criticized Tubervilles holds before the committee vote, said he would oppose the Democratic resolution at this particular moment.

Of Tuberville, McConnell said that unfortunately, our colleague has chosen instead to exert his leverage on career military officers with no influence over this administrations policy priorities.

Tuberville has said he is open to negotiating an end to his holds on almost 400 military nominees, which he first announced in February. But he has not yet signaled that he will drop them.

Frustrated Senate Republicans challenged Tuberville to drop the holds and confronted him on the floor for more than four hours, calling up 61 of the military nominations only for Tuberville to stand up and object every time.

Tuberville is blocking the nominations in opposition to new Pentagon rules that allow reimbursement for travel when a service member has to go out of state to get an abortion or other reproductive care. President Joe Bidens administration instituted the new rules after the Supreme Court overturned the nationwide right to an abortion, and some states have limited or banned the procedure.

Senior military officials have warned repeatedly that Tubervilles blockade threatens readiness and national security. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has said the delays are hurting readiness and have unnecessarily weighed down our military families, who already give up so much to support those who serve.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Washington  The Senate easily passed a stopgap funding bill late Wednesday night, averting a government shutdown and punting a spending fight in Congress until early next year.

The bill heads to President Biden's desk after it passed the Senate in an 87-11 vote. Only one Democratic senator voted against the measure, Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado.

The House passed the bill, known as a continuing resolution, Tuesday night, sending it to the Senate ahead of a Friday deadline. Without a funding extension, the government was set to shutdown Saturday.

House Speaker Mike Johnson unveiled the measure less than a week before funding from a short-term bill passed in September was set to expire.

But dissent from within his own party over its lack of spending cuts or funding for border security required Johnson to rely on Democratic votes to get it over the finish line.

What's in the continuing resolution?

The two-step bill extends appropriations dealing with veterans programs, transportation, housing, agriculture and energy until Jan. 19. Funding for eight other appropriations bills, including defense, would be extended until Feb. 2.

It does not include supplemental funding for Israel or Ukraine.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries originally called the two-step plan a nonstarter, but later said Democrats would support it given its exclusion of spending cuts and "extreme right-wing policy riders." All but two Democrats voted to pass the measure, while dozens of Republicans opposed it.

In the Senate, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he hoped there would be a strong bipartisan vote for the House bill.

"Neither [Senate Minority Leader Mitch] McConnell nor I want a shutdown," Schumer said Tuesday.

Mr. Biden is expected to sign the bill.

Why is the government facing another shutdown?

Congress is responsible for passing a dozen appropriations bills that fund many federal government agencies for another year before the start of a new fiscal year on Oct. 1. The funding bills are often grouped together into a large piece of legislation, referred to as an "omnibus" bill.

The House has passed seven bills, while the Senate has passed three that were grouped together in a "minibus." None have been passed by both chambers.

In September, Congress reached a last-minute deal to fund the government through Nov. 17 just hours before it was set to shutdown.

Hard-right members upset by the short-term extension that did not include spending cuts and who wanted the House to pass the appropriations bills individually moved to oust House Speaker Kevin McCarthy as their leader.

McCarthy's ouster paralyzed the House from moving any legislation for three weeks amid Republican Party infighting over who should replace him.

By the time Johnson took the gavel, he had little time to corral his members around a plan to keep the government open, and ended up in the same situation as McCarthy  needing Democratic votes to pass a bill that did not include spending cuts demanded by conservatives.

8 Las Vegas teens face murder charges after student's deadly beating

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Sen. Markwayne Mullin is not ashamed of his challenge to fight a union boss during a Senate hearing Tuesday.

Instead, the Oklahoma Republican is defending his behavior and actively suggesting that threats of violence have a special place in American history that should be revived.

In an interview with CNNs Dana Bash on Wednesday, Mullin, a former professional MMA fighter, said a return to physical violence could help cure what he derided as a culture of keyboard warriors who go out there and run their mouth all the time, and then they dont ever have to face the consequences.

Mullins macho feud is with Sean OBrien, general president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. The two tangled verbally at a previous hearing when Mullin criticized unions for trying to infiltrate his plumbing business. OBrien later insulted Mullin on Twitter, referencing his height and suggesting he was ready for a fight with Mullin.

To the criticism that a senator should not resort to violent threats, Mullin said, Im a guy from Oklahoma first, and theres consequences for doing some of this.

He told Bash he was fully ready to fight OBrien in the Senate hearing room Tuesday when she noted the camera showed him taking off his wedding ring.

The first thing I thought of when I stood up, I thought: Im going to break my hand on this guys face. Im going to take my wedding ring off, Mullin said.

Bash asked how Mullin expects his six children to view all of this, to which he argued, Youre responsible for your words.

Im not somebody thats going to say we go around and fight all the time; I got paid to fight, he said. But I will say that every now and then, you do, and you should be taught a lesson.

The Andrew Jackson excuse

This woodcut print shows Andrew Jackson killing Charles Dickinson. - Library of Congress

Mullin pointed to bloody US history to justify the threat of violence today, noting the many duels of President Andrew Jackson.

These are, in hindsight, ridiculous affairs. Before he was president, Jackson once engaged in a duel with a lawyer named Charles Dickinson after a disagreement over horse racing debts, according to a Library of Congress account. Jackson, who was shot in the duel, broke the rules of dueling, code duello, by recocking his pistol before he killed Dickinson.

Bash noted, accurately, that Jackson was not a good guy.

It doesnt matter, said Mullin. Reaching for another president, Mullin said that Abraham Lincoln challenged a guy to a sword fight.

The reverse appears to be true, according to an account of the time a man challenged Lincoln, who was then a young lawyer. Under the weird rules of dueling at the time, Lincoln chose the weapons and opted for swords because he didnt want to get shot. The duel didnt happen as the men called a truce at the last minute. Lincoln was later ashamed of the events, according to the American Battlefield Trust.

Both Lincolns near-duel and at least one of Jacksons had to do with insults against their wives. The taunting of Jacksons wife, Rachel, had to do with her unhappy first marriage and whispers about whether she was actually divorced when she married Jackson. He blamed the political mudslinging for her death in 1828, just before he took office.

The caning of Charles Sumner

This cartoon by John L. Magee depicts Rep. Preston S. Brooks caning antislavery Sen. Charles Sumner in the Senate on May 26, 1856. - John L. Magee/Library Company of Philadelphia

Mullin also noted that there was once a caning in the Senate, which is true. But its not the kind of event any American should want to see repeated. Sen. Charles Sumner, who opposed slavery, insulted pro-slavery proponents who wanted to see Kansas enter the union as a slave state.

Rep. Preston Brooks, without warning, entered the Senate and beat Sumner nearly to death with a metal-topped cane, according to the Senate historian. Brooks was not punished by the House and was rewarded by South Carolina voters who put him back in the House.

Today, the event is viewed as foreshadowing the Civil War. The Yale University historian Joanne Freeman wrote a book about violence specifically between politicians in the years leading up to the Civil War. Using an 11-volume contemporaneous diary by Benjamin Brown French, who served as clerk of the House of Representatives, she documented more than 70 violent altercations between lawmakers between 1830 and 1860.

These fights were frequently the result of intentional action by anti-slavery lawmakers to goad pro-slavery Southerners.

The Southerners were vulnerable to such goading because of the code of honor they followed, The New York Times wrote in its review of Freemans book, The Field of Blood: Violence in Congress and the Road to Civil War.

According to the code, even a mild insult could trigger a fight or, in some cases, a duel, the review notes.

Chief justice, duelist

One duel that caused a public sensation in 1859 was between the pro-slavery chief justice of Californias Supreme Court, David Terry, and the anti-slavery Sen. David Broderick, who worked to push Terry off the court.

Terry resigned his position shortly before killing Broderick. Murder charges were thrown out. Decades later, Terry was killed by a deputy US marshal when he attacked US Supreme Court Justice Stephen Field, against whom he had a grudge.

This is not an era to which anyone should want to return.

Being manly

Reading Mullins unashamed defense of threatening violence as a legitimate way to keep people like OBrien from running his mouth made me immediately think of another idea  one put forward by Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley and others that American masculinity is under attack.

The left want to define traditional masculinity as toxic, Hawley said in a speech at the National Conservatism Conference in 2021. They want to define the traditional masculine virtues  things like courage and independence and assertiveness  as a danger to society.

Or how about PRRIs 2023 American Values Survey, which asked Americans if things have gotten so far off track, true American patriots may have to resort to violence in order to save our country. A third of Republicans agreed with that statement, compared with 22% of independents and 13% of Democrats.

Mullin argued that he, presumably as a man who can fight, is capable of standing up to OBrien where other people cannot.

If you push back at a bully, typically, theyll shut their mouth up, Mullin said, noting that OBrien didnt stand up but rather kept his seat at the hearing as Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders intervened. He had the fear of God in his eyes, Mullin said.

Appearing Tuesday on The Lead with Jake Tapper, OBrien offered a different version of events in which he said Mullin was the bully.

What went through my mind was, Youre one of a hundred of the most powerful people in the country, and youre acting like a 12-year-old in a school yard, OBrien said.

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Footage showed a stand-off between youths and police in Niddrie

Officers investigating violent disorder across Scotland on Bonfire Night have made a further seven arrests and are working to identify other suspects.

Four arrests were made in connection with trouble in Niddrie, Edinburgh, in which riot police were attacked with petrol bombs and fireworks.

And three arrests were made following violence in Glasgow on 5 November.

Police Scotland said 14 individuals had also been identified as being involved in the Edinburgh disorder.

Two arrests were made on the night, bringing the current total to nine.

On Wednesday, the force confirmed a 31-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman had been charged with fireworks offences following the mass disturbance in Niddrie.

They will appear in court at a later date.

A man, 18, and a 13-year-old boy were also both arrested and charged with culpable and reckless conduct and being in possession of a weapon.

The 18-year-old will appear in court at a later date and the 13-year-old was reported to the relevant authorities

A group of 50 youths threw fireworks and petrol bombs at riot police during the incident, which started at about 16:40.

There was a clean-up operation in Niddrie the morning after the Bonfire Night disorder

In Glasgow, a 17-year-old man was arrested and charged with assault and being in possession of a weapon.

Two men, aged 16 and 17, were also arrested and charged with assault.

Police Scotland previously said a 20-year-old man was charged with a fireworks offence in Edinburgh, while a 30-year-old man was charged with abusive behaviour in Glasgow.

In addition, a 39-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with a large scale disturbance, which saw fireworks being aimed at police in the Craighall area of Livingston.

Footage showed a stand-off between youths and police in Niddrie

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam, said officers experienced "significant disorder".

He added: "These arrests are just the start, and we expect to make more in the coming weeks.

"We took a robust stance, and I am proud of the courage, discipline and professionalism that officers showed in the face of the violence that night."

Assistant Chief Constable Mairs said a number of officers suffered minor physical injuries but also stressed the emotional impact of dealing with such violence.

He said: "Nobody deserves to be injured in this way for doing their job. An emergency worker is also someone's son, daughter, husband or wife."

Police Scotland has appealed for anyone with information on the disturbances to contact them.
The sheriff's offices in Richmond and Burke counties were recently awarded grant funds from the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency as part of its initiative against gang activity.

All law enforcement agencies, attorneys and nonprofits "primarily focused on gang prosecutions" were able to submit applications for the Gang Activity Prosecution Grant, according to a news release. Applicants had to show a "commitment to successful prosecutions of gang activity," in order to be considered.

While the amount of money each of the 34 selected agencies will receive has not yet been announced, the budget appropriated for the grant was more than $1.2 million, according to the release.

For more information about Georgias Gang Activity Prosecution Grant, visit https://gema.georgia.gov/georgia-gang-activity-prosecution-grant.

4-year-old shot in Augusta: One arrested, one wanted after 4-year-old shot in Augusta

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Richmond, Burke county sheriff's receive grant to prosecute gangs
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a shooting that happened on Nov. 12 where two men were killed.

Officers responded to the shooting in the 1500 block of F St., N.E. at about 10:05 p.m. There, they found two men shot inside a home.

31-year-old Leon Carter, of Northeast, D.C., died there.

Montgomery County police make 13 arrests involving stolen cars, carjackings in one day

43-year-old Keith Lawrence, of Southeast, D.C., was taken to a hospital where he died on Nov. 14 from his injuries.

MPD is offering a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved. Anyone with information is asked to call the department at (202) 727-9099 or text their tip line at 50411.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A man died early Wednesday morning after a shooting in SE Portland, authorities said.

Portland police said they responded around 1:45 a.m. to a bar near Southeast 122nd Avenue and Southeast Clinton Street where a man was found with a gunshot wound.

The man was taken to a hospital where he eventually died, officials said.

Shots fired at Portland International Airport TSA checkpoint, suspect in custody

No suspects were arrested, but authorities said that homicide detectives are investigating the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Portland police.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  Senator Bong Revilla issued a statement on Wedesday denying reports that he was apprehended for using the EDSA busway.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said it would investigate the incident, but apologized to Revilla pending the result of the probe.

"My daily commute is from the south to the Senate and there is no possibility I will be on EDSA in Mandaluyong. When attending to official functions in the north, I take the skyway from and back to the south," Revilla said.

The lawmaker stressed that authorities should have done their job and issued a ticket to anyone who used his name to avoid being penalized.

"I will ask the MMDA to explain why (my) name is being dragged and smeared. Napaka aga naman yata ng paninira," he added.

[Translation: I will ask the MMDA to explain why my name is being dragged and smeared. It seems too early in the day for me to be dragged into this issue.]

"Based on our CCTV footage, the license plate of the flagged down vehicle is protocol plate, and we are probing why the name of the Senator was being involved," the MMDA said in a statement. "Likewise, the agency wanted to extend our apologies to the Senator pending the investigation."

It said for now only authorized vehicles are allowed to use the bus carousel lane.

In a radio interview, MMDA Task Force Special Operations Unit Head Bong Nebrija said he did not personally see Revilla onboard the vehicle in question. He apologized to Revilla if the information was wrong.

The MMDA on Monday began enforcing higher fines for unauthorized vehicles caught passing through the bus carousel lane. The first offense gets a 5,000 fine, following offenses will be fines from 10,000 to 30,000 plus other penalties.

MMDA acting chairman Don Artes earlier said that he has only recommended that the president, vice president, House speaker, Senate president and chief justice be included in the EDSA bus lane exemptions.

It would be up to the discretion of the Department of Transportation whether or not to extend similar courtesy to congressmen and senators, he added.
The Los Angeles Police Department received calls threatening shootings at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks and another call referencing Bishop Alemany High School in Mission Hills on Nov. 14, 2023. (Google Maps)

Law enforcement officers responded to shooting threats made against three Los Angeles County schools Tuesday, though none of the menacing calls amounted to anything, according to authorities.

Los Angeles Police Department officers received calls threatening shootings at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks around 11:10 a.m., and another call referencing Bishop Alemany High School in Mission Hills around 11:30 a.m., a spokesman told The Times.

In the case of Bishop Alemany, the caller said he had a shotgun, the spokesman said. But when police arrived there was no evidence of any shooter at the campus.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, meanwhile, responded to a call "regarding a possible threat" at Agoura High School in Agoura Hills. The campus was temporarily placed on lockdown as a precaution.

"Deputies searched Agoura High School and it was determined there is no threat," the department wrote in a social media post.

Lost Hills Sheriffs Station received a call for service regarding a possible threat to Agoura High School. Deputies responded to the school & are currently conducting a check of the campus & surrounding area. The school is currently on lockdown. Please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/MY3ipEWt59  LASD Lost Hills Stn. (@LHSLASD) November 14, 2023

All three schools were deemed safe by Tuesday afternoon, according to authorities.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Whats happening

Why theres debate

Recommended reading

Yahoo Finance: Airline execs predict 'major changes' amid pressure to cut emissions: Analyst

Yahoo Life: People are swearing off air travel because of climate anxiety

Whats next

In 2020, Austria bailed out Austrian Airlines on the condition that it dropped its flight route from Vienna to Salzburg and offered an environmentally friendly alternative. In May, France banned all short-haul domestic flights in which trains are a viable alternative. Analysts say a similar policy would reduce U.S. emissions by eliminating heavily trafficked routes such as Los Angeles to Las Vegas and Orlando, Fla., to Atlanta, but they note that the American passenger rail system lags far behind its European counterparts. In 2021, the average American drove nine times as many miles as they flew. Cars and trucks are still responsible for the majority of U.S. transportation emissions, but the marketplace for automobiles is quickly shifting to electric vehicles.

Perspectives

Giving up flying is the easiest way to cut your emissions

There is nothing you can do in your life to raise your emissions as fast and as high as taking a flight. I could drive a car for an entire year and that would be the same as the flight from London to New York, per passenger.  Anna Hughes, the head of Flight Free UK, to the Christian Science Monitor

We need cleaner transportation, not an end to most travel

Though air travel accounts for only a paltry 2% of global emissions, whether or not climate scientists should fly consumes far more than 2% of my Twitter timeline. Unfortunately, sometimes doing science means traveling great distances, and we dont always have the time or luxury to take slower low-carbon options  a single scientist, or even hundreds of scientists, choosing to never fly again is not going to change the system.  Michael Mann, climate scientist at the University of Pennsylvania, Time.

People are going to fly if its for something important

If my mom is sick and lives in Arizona, of course, I will need to fly regularly to help her  however guilty I might feel about [my impact on] the environment.  Nick Pidgeon, professor of environmental psychology and risk at Cardiff University in Wales, to Afar.

'The plane is going anyway'

If I personally choose not to fly, it does not reduce the CO2 emitted or stop the plane flying. Not only will another backside take my seat on the plane, the 80,000kg behemoth will take to the air anyway and the fossil fuels required to power it will not be altered.  David Thorne of London-based climate change advocacy organization Transition Town Tooting, Lowimpact.org

If you dont fly, it will encourage others to stop

A lot of people think that what you do as an individual doesnt matter much. But the thing is, what we do as individuals affects everyone around us, and changes norms."  Maja Rosen, president of We Stay on the Ground, to the New York Times.

You can offset your flights carbon emissions

I buy the gold standard, of funding Climeworks, to do direct air capture that far exceeds my familys carbon footprint.  Bill Gates, to BBC News

If you do fly, youre supporting the industry and its ongoing expansion

This is a climate emergency. When you get on a plane, not only are you responsible for emissions, but youre also casting a vote to continue expanding that system.  Peter Kalmus, climate scientist with the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory who founded No Fly Climate Sci, to the New York Times.

Flying is essential for many countries

There are global benefits to aviation. ... If people stop flying, it wont affect Britons much, but it will have a horrific economic impact in Barbados.  Pericles Pilidis, professor at the Centre for Propulsion and Thermal Power Engineering at Cranfield University, to the Guardian.
A little bird with an imposing name and bright feathers is drawing crowds to a coastal Texas city to catch a glimpse, photos show.

Recently, the Latin American bird, called a cattle tyrant, was spotted in Corpus Christi  and locals and visitors have been keeping an eye out for the rare visitor since.

The Cattle Tyrant has been hanging around the downtown area and is rarely seen in North America, Visit Corpus Christi said in a Nov. 13 Facebook post. Coast in and see if you can spot this bird downtown!

Bird enthusiasts and some wildlife officials say this is the first recorded sighting of a cattle tyrant in the U.S., and the first time the species has been seen north of Panama.

Not unlike the cattle tyrant, some bird watchers made their way to Corpus Christi from far away, KIII reported.

Yesterday I was in West Texas, Alpine, Liam Wolff told the outlet. I had just proposed to my girlfriend and we were coming back, I got the news, we had to see the bird.

Despite its relatively small size, the cattle tyrant shouldnt be too hard to spot. The bird is covered mostly in canary-yellow feathers, with wings tinged gray and a bandit-like band of black across its eyes, photos show.

Many shared their sightings on Facebook, capturing pictures of the bird on rooftops, ledges and sidewalks, and a particular dumpster it seems to be fond of  which in turn attracted a large group of bird watchers, eagerly waiting for the tyrants return to the trash.

Fortunately, it was present this morning, dumpster diving in Corpus Christi shortly after I arrived, Laura Keene said in a post, sharing a photo of the tyrant perched atop the dumpster. Ive seen this species before in South America (Colombia), and it is very far from home!

When theyre not feasting on scraps, the species is better known for following around cattle, even landing on their backs while feeding on nearby insects, experts say. They also do cattle a favor by eating parasites that have latched onto them.

Though its unknown how the cattle tyrant came to Texas, some bird enthusiasts suggest it may have hitched a ride on a ship from South America, comments read.

Corpus Christi is roughly 130 miles southeast of San Antonio.

It stings, it shocks, it has polka dots. Incredible creature found on Texas beach

Men hid endangered birds they killed, but hunters stumbled onto survivor, feds say

Rarely seen predator spotted tearing up Texas beach, photos show. Look at it dig!

Adorable spotted kitten sold in parking lot leads to Texas couples arrest, feds say
Jonathan Keeya and Amjad Saeed are among five students to receive a fully-funded scholarship of 25,000 to cover tuition fees and living expenses from the Mission 44 charity

Two university students are among the first to begin a new motorsport scholarship, thanks to a grant from a charity founded by Sir Lewis Hamilton.

Amjad Saeed and Jonathan Keeya started their master's degrees in motorsport engineering in September.

The pair, studying at Oxford Brookes, are part of a scheme to encourage more people from black or mixed black ethnic backgrounds into UK motorsport.

Mr Saeed said it meant "so much" to him to be part of the scholarship.

He said seeing Sir Lewis "being the exception, someone that looks like me dominate a sport like that, it just inspires me".

"I feel that the scholarship will give me the opportunity to inspire people my age... that you can actually go out and do stuff like this," he added.

Mr Keeya said: "He was someone you could look up to, as he's young but he's making a difference in an area he wants to succeed in.

"It being an area I want to succeed in, I can take those same values and be aggressive, and positively go towards the goals I want to achieve."

Sir Lewis Hamilton's charity aims to boost diversity within the industry

Mr Saeed and Mr Keeya are among five students to receive a fully-funded scholarship of 25,000 to cover tuition fees and living expenses from the Mission 44 charity.

Founded by the seven-times Formula 1 World Champion, it aims to boost diversity within the industry.

Sir Lewis previously told the BBC how he wanted to "improve the pipeline" for children from diverse backgrounds to work in industries around science, technology, engineering and mathematics, following the Hamilton Commission report.

He said: "There are thousands and thousands of jobs, over 40,000 jobs within the industry [motorsport], and only 1% for example, come from black backgrounds and there are very few women in the industry, which is also not enough.

"So there's a huge amount of work to increase diversity and gender equality and these are the things that I hope to achieve with my charity."

Gordana Collier, head of school of engineering, computing and mathematics at the university, said the students would be "learning all aspects of mechanical engineering, but it will all be on the example of a race car".

She added: "So it's really hardcore chartered engineer-level mechanical engineering, but every time we talk about physics, we talk about racing cars."

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Karen Reads lawyers will be allowed to examine a portion of cell phone records from one of the people the state has identified as a witness in her murder case.

In a 7-page ruling, the states highest court ordered the production of records related to Jennifer McCabes searches of hos long to die in cold.

Read has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, motor vehicle manslaughter, and leaving the scene of a collision for the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend John OKeefe on Jan. 29 2022 in Canton.

Reads lawyers have drawn national attention by stating that OKeefe was beaten to death and Read is being framed. They argue McCabes initial hos long to die in cold occurred hours before she called 911 to report that OKeefes body had just been discovered. The Norfolk DAs Office disputes the timing of McCabes initial search. According to the prosecution, the data extracted from McCabes cell phone is inaccurate.

Reads lawyers petitioned the SJC to overturn a ruling by Superior Court Judge Beverly J. Cannone blocking their request for McCabes phone data and other records.

In a 7-page decision, Associate Justice Scott L. Kafker wrote, the information related specifically to that request is relevant and sought in good faith, but Kafker limited the scope of the records to a twenty-four-hour period before and after OKeefes body was discovered outside the home of McCabes brother-in-law, Brian Albert.

Reads lawyers wanted nearly a week of McCabes phone records.

25 Investigates: Karen Read asks for security camera footage, court documents show

Reads lawyers had also asked the SJC to overturn Cannones decision to block their access to Brian Alberts phone and phone records. Justice Kafker denied that request. I discern no basis to overturn her conclusions regarding Alberts cell phone and cell phone records, and most of her conclusions regarding McCabes cell phone records  that, in essence, the defendants requests for that information amount to a fishing expedition, Kafker wrote.

Data from McCabes phone has already been extracted by police and a portion of it has been shared with the defense. The new production ordered by Justice Kafker will come from McCabes cell phone provider, Verizon.

Alan Jackson, counsel for Read, said, We are extremely pleased that the Supreme Judicial Court agreed with us that Jennifer McCabes phone usage records from an independent source during the time surrounding Johns death is relevant and material to this case. Jackson also added, We wont stop until all the facts are revealed. This is an important step in that direction.

Parents of Karen Read, woman charged in Boston officers death: My daughter will be free

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The Supreme Courts attempt to combat its recent scandals is not going so well. For one thing, the new official code of conduct is quite, er, lax. I have argued since 2005 that one important role of a Supreme Court code would be to let citizens know what they can expect of the justices, Steven Lubet writes. Unfortunately, it turns out that the justices do not expect very much of themselves. He explains why the courts new code is worse than toothless.

Plus: Dahlia Lithwick reflects on the real lesson to be learned from the ethical revelations of the past year.

Israels war in Gaza may be far away, but it hits close to home.

On What Next, Aymann Ismail and Emily Tamkin sift through some of the toughest topics for American Muslims and Jews watching the war in Gaza.

Photo illustration by Slate. Photos by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images and Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images.

What is going on in Washington right now? Kevin McCarthy allegedly elbowed another Congressman right in the kidneys, and a Republican senator was ready to fight the president of the Teamsters in the middle of a hearing. Ben Mathis-Lilley captures the combative mood.

Perhaps everyones been on edge because of the threat of a government shutdown looming over everything? Shirin Ali explains how House Speaker Mike Johnsons latest proposal would keep the lights on  for another couple of months, at least.

Over the past year, a series of incidents have plunged U.S.-China relations into a state of suspicion and hostility. On Wednesday, Biden meets with Chinas presidentand with wars raging in Europe and the Middle East, much is at stake. Fred Kaplan explains why this meeting is such a big deal.

Photo illustration by Slate. Photos by Luke Winkie, Alexander Spatari/Getty Images Plus, Keith Tsuji/Getty Images, Anna Webber/Getty Images for H&M, Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Sony, and Tripper Allen.

Literally anyone can don a costume and busk for cash in Americas busiest plazaso Luke Winkie thought hed try his hand at one of the weirdest, least-regulated jobs in America. Come along as he spends an evening as a life-size Mario in Times Square.

A new twisty murder series gives the Glass Onion formula a canny new spin. Laura Miller explains why A Murder at the End of the World would make Dame Agatha herself proud.

Photo illustration by Slate. Photo by Solstizia/iStock/Getty Images Plus.

Yes, thats rightwere fluent in Cat. But if youre not, theres an app for that.

Thanks so much for reading! Well see you tomorrow.
The man charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter for 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 former Modesto residents Matthew Chachere, 39, and Jennifer Besser, 36, with his car 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 creek bed.

The couple, who had been together for 11 years, recently were 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.

San Luis Obispo Police Officer David Brewer 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.

Responding officer testifies he did not see evidence of pedestrians at the scene

Video footage shown in 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.

Brewer said that at the time of the crash, he did not identify anyone involved 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 crash, Brewer said, but declined drinking alcohol. The defendant estimated his speed to be between 50 and 60 miles per hour.

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 of alcohol.

Brewer and his partner checked the creek bed to see if anyone had been involved in the crash, he said, but found no one at the time. There was no evidence at the time to suggest pedestrians had been involved in the crash, Brewer said.

The next day, he responded to the report of a dead dog in the creek bed in the same area of the crash. He said he attempted to contact the phone numbers on the dogs collar  later identified as Bessers and Chacheres  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 creek bed.

Thats when investigators searched the creek bed 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 Detective Jeffrey Coznek 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 station and advised he could leave or stop the interview at anytime because he was not under arrest, Coznek said.

During the interview, Saligan Patricio walked investigators through the day of the crash, Coznek said.

According to that interview, Saligan Patricio woke up early and left to 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 and then returned to his home, which is approximately one mile away from the crash.

Coznek said Saligan Patricio gave a couple variations of his alcohol consumption the day of the crash.

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, Coznek said, Saligan Patricio said he purchased alcohol on his lunch break but did not drink 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, Coznek 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, Coznek said.

Saligan Patricio told Coznek he got in a fight with his wife so left home to grocery shop at Vons just before the crash.

Coznek testified that Saligan Patricio then said at the time of the crash he was upset and driving fast at an estimated 50 miles per hour. He told Coznek he received a text from his wife, was looking for his phone on the passenger seat, and just as he got it in his hand and looked back at the road, he realized he was going too fast to follow the turn on Sacramento Drive, Coznek 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 collision reconstruction and investigating motor vehicle crashes.

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 accelerated and allegedly hit the couple at a speed of 61 mph.

Walsh did a crash speed analysis on the curve of Sacramento Drive, 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 pole for a sign, 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 with a cone effect, meaning remnants of the car or thing it hit 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 were hit with the side of the car rather than the front, he said, which is consistent with their injuries.

Someone hit by the front of a car, Walsh said, usually will sustain injuries on the lower half of the body. Bessers and Chacheres injuries were more concentrated in the top half of their bodies.

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. Her neck broke 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 that time. He would have died in the emergency room if he had made it to one, Walsh said.

Walsh said the couple suffered injuries from both the crash and the tumble into the brush of the creek. The cause of death for both was ruled to be blunt force trauma from a motor vehicle impact, 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.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A two-passenger airplane crashed into a solar farm in northwest Tennessee on Wednesday morning, killing both people on board, the Obion County Sheriffs office says.

Officers received a call at 10:49 a.m. about a plane crash near the Everett-Stewart Regional Airport between Union City and Martin, about two and a half hours north of Memphis.

When they arrived, they found the plane had crashed into a solar farm next to the airport.

The sheriffs office said the plane nose-dived as it was doing aerobatic drills. The FAA and NTSB are investigating, the sheriffs office said.

Top Regional Stories:

The identities of the passengers were not released.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
SAN DIEGO  Smart Streetlights and Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technologies have been approved to be deployed in San Diego, police said.

The decision comes after nearly eight months of discussion amongst local leaders about the program aiming to enhance security, Lt. Adam Sharki with the San Diego Police Department said in a news release Tuesday.

Smart Streetlights and ALPRs will make our communities safer, Mayor Todd Gloria said. They have been proven to help quickly identify and apprehend suspects in deadly crimes and bring them to justice. I want to thank the City Council for recognizing their value for public safety and approving the contract that now will enable us to deploy them.

San Diego police will receive 500 Smart Streetlight cameras, along with Flock Safetys ALPR technology, in a five-year agreement with Ubicquia Inc., per law enforcement officials. The devices are expected to be launched by January.

City of San Diego passes plan to reduce fees, entice homeowners to pay for sidewalk repairs

SDPD requires every city department to comply with the ordinance for each technology that meets the criteria for surveillance.

The City has approximately 300 technologies that may be defined under the ordinance, with more than 70 of them being used by SDPD to conduct investigations, enhance response to critical incidents and public threats, and safeguard the lives of community members, Sharki said. SDPD and the Fire-Rescue Department have more than a dozen other technologies in various stages of the ordinance process.

In August, El Cajon implemented both Smart Streetlights and license plate-reading cameras program.

The project includes a one-time $1.5 million installation and maintenance cost and $2 million for hardware, software and connectivity, costing around $3.5 million in the first year. After the first year, it will cost around $2 million annually.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
A North Carolina man who pleaded guilty to illegally selling Michael Jacksons signature could face fines 100 times the amount he sold it for, officials said Tuesday.

The 75-year-old, who worked for U.S. Customs and Border Protection for 30 years, admitted he auctioned and sold a customs declaration document on eBay for $795. Now, he may be fined up to $100,000 and spend up to a year in prison, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of North Carolina.

Alan Nordman, of the Lincoln County town of Denver, worked in New York City at the John F. Kennedy International Airport Port of Entry from 1984 to 2014, officials said. The signed paper he sold in April 2022 is an official government record belonging to the United States.

Michael Jackson signed the 6059B customs form when he entered into the United States, the attorneys office said. The international King of Pop, who died from an overdose of medicine prescribed by his doctor in 2009, briefly lived in New York in the 1990s. Its not clear when he signed the customs form.

Nordman faces one count of conveyance of government record for the sale. He was released on bond following his plea hearing Tuesday, and a sentencing hearing will soon be set.
Confucius Institute in Czech Republic marks 5th anniversary

Xinhua) 08:32, November 15, 2023

PRAGUE, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- A celebration was held here on Tuesday to mark the fifth anniversary of the Confucius Institute of the University of Finance and Administration (VSFS) in Prague.

The celebration highlighted art performances including Chinese dragon dance, qipao dress show and Czech traditional music.

The event was attended by VSFS teachers and students, officials from the Chinese embassy, as well as representatives from China Jiliang University, a university based in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou that jointly launched the Confucius Institute with VSFS in 2018.

Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Feng Biao commended the contributions made by the Confucius Institute in the last five years in advancing language and cultural exchanges between the two countries and in fostering closer people-to-people ties.

Language and culture learning is the basis and a vital aspect of people-to-people and cultural exchanges, Feng said, expressing hope that the Chinese language teaching at the VSFS will nurture more professionals who will work to deepen the friendship between the Chinese and Czech people and boost bilateral exchanges and cooperation.

Bohuslava Senkyrova, rector of the VSFS, said Czech students are very enthusiastic about learning Chinese language and culture. She spoke highly of the Confucius Institute's role in strengthening friendship and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Jiang Hui, Chinese director of the Confucius Institute, said the institute will continue to serve as a bridge to further promoting friendship between the two nations.

The Czech Republic currently has two Confucius Institutes and two Confucius Classrooms.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday said it will appeal to lawmakers to increase its confidential funds for 2024 that were slashed to 168 million, as the allocation helps fund its program for victims of incestuous rape.

Magaappeal kami sa bicam tungkol dito kasi ang hindi namin napapaliwanag at hindi tinatanong nagkasundo kami ng Supreme Court na wag nang hayaang maareglo yung mga kaso ng incestuous rape, DOJ Sec. Jesus Crispin Remulla told CNN Philippines The Source.

[Translation: We will appeal in the bicam regarding this because we were not able to explain and it was not asked, that we agreed with the Supreme Court that cases of incestuous rape will not be settled.]

Based on the latest version of the spending bill in the Senate, the over 250 million proposed secret funds of the office of the justice secretary for 2024 were cut to 168 million. The amount is about a third of the 526 million confidential funds earmarked for the same office this year.

Senate Minority leader Koko Pimentel still questioned the slashed amount during the upper chambers debates, saying there is a line item to fund the witness protection program (WPP) that is easier to audit.

Ang point ko nagagamit din naman pala yung MOOE (Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses) ng WPP for the expenses earlier mentioned by our sponsor, financial assistance, livelihood, burial benefits, he said.

[Translation: My point is the MOOE of the WPP can be used for the expenses earlier mentioned by our sponsor, financial assistance, livelihood, burial benefits.]

In response, Sen. Sonny Angara, chairman of the Senate finance committee, said: "They might be exposing the details of the contract, etc., your honor... Addresses, vehicles, etc. They prefer to conduct this to preserve the confidentiality."

According to Remulla, there could be up to a million victims of incestuous rape in the country.

He said the DOJ allocates a big budget for the victims since they cannot just be returned to their families due to the risk of the crime being committed again. Among the assistance being provided by the government to them are housing and psychiatric counseling, he noted.

CNN Philippines Eimor Santos contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON  The U.S. Congress became a schoolyard Tuesday as Republican lawmakers got into a physical altercation, seemingly threatened a committee witness and called a Democratic colleague a financially illiterate Smurf.

The Capitol is a place with big egos where tempers often flare, but this weeks ugliness underscored a likely unprecedented amount of immaturity and rancor in the building, particularly among House Republicans, whose general disarray left their chamber literally unable to function for weeks last month.

Since settling on a new speaker following the ouster of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), Republicans got down to business by launching censure and impeachment resolutions, tanking their own government funding bills and, as of Tuesday, allegedly kidney punching.

I used to teach 4-to-6-year-olds. They were better behaved than some of the people in this place, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) told HuffPost, shaking her head.

We need more women in Congress, said Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) in a social media post, referring to the male-dominated rash of violence and threats at her workplace Tuesday.

The fireworks started in the morning after Republicans met in the Capitol basement to discuss a proposal by new House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to avert a government shutdown at the end of the week. The stopgap extension of government funding will likely pass with Democratic votes  meaning its essentially the same thing that prompted GOP conservatives to challenge McCarthys leadership.

As Republicans streamed out of the meeting, McCarthy bumped into Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.)  one of eight party members who backed his ouster  and elbowed Burchett in his lower back, according to the Tennessean.

It was a clean shot to the kidney, Burchett told HuffPost, adding that he wouldnt retaliate against McCarthy, but if they did fight, it would be a very short fistfight, I can tell you that.

McCarthy denied that he hit Burchett, telling a reporter if he had struck someone in the kidney, they would be on the ground.

In other words, each man said after the incident they would win if they had a real fight.

Over in the Senate, Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R) nearly started a fistfight with labor union leader Sean OBrien during a committee hearing.

If you want to run your mouth, we can be two consenting adults, the ex-MMA fighter told OBrien, who was testifying before the panel. We can finish it here.

Perfect, said OBrien.

Well, stand your butt up then, demanded the senator.

You stand your butt up, big guy, OBrien shot back, prompting Mullin to actually stand up on the committee dais as if he were about to go down and throw punches.

The reason for their spat was as high school as it gets: Mullin was upset about OBriens habit of mocking him on social media, and the senators apparent response was to challenge OBrien to a physical fight to prove who the real man was. Really.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), the committee chair, had to repeatedly break them up.

Stop it. Sit down. Sit down, he told Mullin. Youre a United States senator!

(Sanders was also annoyed that the exchange took focus off the reason for the hearing, which was to discuss how unions can stand up to corporate greed.)

Republicans laughed off the incident. Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), wiping away tears after seeing a clip of Mullin with his colleagues at a closed-door lunch, said the whole controversy was overblown.

We have a guy that runs around here in a hoodie and shorts pretending hes a gangster, for crying out loud. There are no guardrails anymore, Cramer said, taking a whack at the chosen attire of Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.).

But Smith, who witnessed the exchange at Tuesdays hearing, said she wasnt entertained.

This kind of behavior is unacceptable, the Democrat said, adding that she left the hearing room because she was so upset by what Sen. Mullin did.

I think you ought to behave with some sense of dignity, she added.

Meanwhile, Mullin told HuffPost that he didnt start the fight and brushed off questions about how a senator should behave.

Im still a guy, Mullin noted.

Back on the House side, Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) laced into Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) for making a tit-for-tat corruption accusation over a Comer family loan, which Moskowitz suggested was no different from the transactions that Comer claims implicate President Joe Biden in a corruption scheme. Comer said Moskowitz was financially illiterate and that the accusation was bullshit.

You look like a Smurf here, Comer said of Moskowitz, who was wearing a light blue suit and a white shirt.

With histrionics in Congress at a high and productivity at seemingly historiclows, its no wonder that so many House members are heading for the exits. Over the past week, more than half a dozen lawmakers announced that they wouldnt be seeking reelection next year.

One member, Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Texas), even briefly considered leaving Congress to run for his old seat in the Texas Legislature  a technical demotion in U.S. politics, where lawmakers typically seek higher positions in public office.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), the fist-pumping senator who wrote a book about manhood, suggested that Congress may need to cool off and go on recess.

Maybe its time for Thanksgiving, he said.
It was a day befitting of a 13% approval rating.

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill engaged in heated verbal exchanges and startling physical aggressions as Americans faced serious challenges at home and abroad.

In a dizzying day that saw House Speaker Mike Johnson cobble together a bipartisan plan to pay the country's bills and avoid a government shutdown before the Friday deadline, his predecessor, Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., was accused of sucker punching a rival.

Tensions in the House on Tuesday also boiled over during an oversight hearing where a powerful committee chairman lashed out about how a member "looked like a Smurf."

Things weren't more collegial on the Senate side either, where Republican Markwayne Mullin, of Oklahoma, stood up and challenged a union leader to fight during a committee hearing.

Outside the halls of Congress there were also fireworks as thousands of pro-Israel demonstrators marched on the National Mall to denounce antisemitism, calls for and against a ceasefire and demand the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza.

Here is a rundown of a wild day in Washington.

'Why'd you elbow me in the back, Kevin?'

If you needed a reminder of the bad blood the remains between some House Republicans over McCarthy's removal, then this bizarre moment is a good one.

Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., alleged the California Republican elbowed him while passing by with his security detail during an interview with NPR on Tuesday following a closed-door GOP conference meeting.

Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., speaks to reporters on his way a GOP caucus meeting, where representatives are working to formally elect a new speaker of the House in Washington on Oct. 13, 2023.

"Why'd you elbow me in the back Kevin," Burchett can be heard saying in the audio interview. "Hey Kevin! You got any guts? Jerk."

Burchett said the shot to his kidney was a "sucker punch" and claimed it was purposeful and over his October vote.

McCarthy, however, denied everything when reporters caught up with him. "That's not who I am," he said.

The former speaker was then asked about two similar moments described in former Rep. Adam Kinzinger's 2023 book, "Renegade." In it, the Illinois Republican claims McCarthy "shoulder-checked" him twice after he began to speak out against former President Donald Trump.

McCarthy said he didn't remember either incident to which Kinzinger responded on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying: "Oh. He knows."

What in the Smurf? Comer blasts Democratic critic

Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., is continuing to dig into President Joe Biden's family finances as part of the GOP's impeachment inquiry.

Just this month the GOP lawmaker raised the stakes by issuing several major subpoenas, including for Hunter Biden, the presidents son, and James Biden, the presidents brother.

But Democrats are swinging back at the committee's leader in defense of the president, specifically calling attention to a Daily Beast report that Comer and his own brother have engaged in multiple land swaps for years.

Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., speaks during the House Oversight Committee impeachment inquiry hearing into President Joe Biden, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) ORG XMIT: DCJM104

"It has come out in the public, that you also do business with your brother with potential loans," Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., said during a Tuesday hearing.

In a profanity-laced rebuttal, Comer denied the report saying he hasn't given his brother "one penny," before directing his comments to Moskowitz's blue suit and tie.

"You look like a Smurf, here, just going around and all this stuff," Comer said.

The references to the 1980s cartoon and 2011 movie didn't end once the hearing was over. Moskowitz took to social media and compared Comer to the Smurf's archvillain in response to the chairman's rant.

Gargamel was very angry today. https://t.co/aLMzok63g9  Jared Moskowitz  (@JaredEMoskowitz) November 14, 2023

"Gargamel was very angry today," Moskowitz said.

Senator challenges Teamster boss: 'Stand your butt up'

George Washington once said, according to the Senate's website, how the Senate was created to "cool" House legislation similar to how a saucer was used to temper hot tea.

But the upper chamber was just as rowdy on Tuesday as Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Oklahoma, invited International Brotherhood of Teamsters President Sean O'Brien to have a fistfight during a committee hearing.

Sen. Mullin confronts Teamsters leader O'Brien

Mullin, a former mixed martial arts fighter, and O'Brien had a nasty exchange earlier this year, and the GOP lawmaker called out how the union boss talked tough online after that argument.

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."

Sen. Bernie Sanders, Ind.-Vermont, banged his gavel and demanded both of them zip it, before bemoaning how voters, "have enough contempt for Congress.

Government shutdown delayedfor now

Amid the nasty exchanges and startling confrontations, Congress did get one thing accomplished: it avoided a shutdown.

The bipartisan deal represents Johnson's first major achievement as speaker, using an unusual approach of a "laddered" continuing resolution, which pushes the fight to next year.

Under the two-tiered plan, some funding would run out on Jan.19 and the rest would expire Feb. 2, which the speaker hopes will force the House and Senate to negotiate on the dozen appropriation measures.

Some Democrats called the idea "gimmicky."

The bill contained no spending cuts, however, which infuriated hardline conservatives while winning over many Democrats who saved Johnson by pushing it through.

In all, 209 Democrats joined 127 Republicans to approve the stopgap funding bill (2 Dems and 93 GOP lawmakers opposed), which is the same sort of bipartisan deal that ended up being McCarthy's demise.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Smurfs and sucker punches: Congress avoids shutdown, tests decorum
As the House of Commons debate on last week's King's Speech comes to an end on Wednesday, some parliamentary shenanigans have come into play.

The SNP are attempting to amend the motion which would embed within it calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

It needs to be selected by the speaker of the House of Commons in order for any vote to go ahead.

King Charles III delivered the speech at last week's opening of parliament.

So-called "amendments" are attempts by groups of MPs to tweak legislation or motions - a proposal put forward for debate or decision - to reflect issues they consider not to have been sufficiently addressed. These changes normally have to be voted on by MPs.

The current thinking is that Keir Starmer will tell his MPs not to vote on this - so anyone that does will be defying those orders.

Labour plan to submit their own amendment on Gaza, highlighting the scale of civilian casualties but stopping short of backing a ceasefire. The thinking from those in Scottish Labour is it makes Labour appear more "proactive", taking the issue head-on and trying not to let the SNP dictate the narrative.

The SNP's Westminster leader Stephen Flynn is expected to use the debate to call for a ceasefire in Gaza

The SNP's Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has penned an open letter to MPs calling on them to back the plans and "not give the green light to collective punishment".

Given all this is at the speaker's discretion, there's also a scenario where none of this comes into play.

But nonetheless, let's take a step back - what's going on here, and what's at stake?

'Ceasefire' or 'pause'?

The SNP have been clear in their position calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza pretty much from the beginning of the Israeli response to the brutal Hamas killings on 7 October.

Keir Starmer, however, has resisted calls from some within his own party to do the same, instead focusing on the need for an immediate "humanitarian pause" - despite Labour's leader in Scotland, Anas Sarwar, joining those calls for a ceasefire.

Anas Sarwar has also argued however that the language differences are "dancing on the head of a pin" - but many within his own party would beg to differ.

One side is calling for an immediate cessation in hostilities because of growing concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, while another is calling for a temporary halt because of fears any cessation would embolden Hamas, among other reasons.

For many in Labour, including the many councillors in England who have resigned from the party and a shadow minister who quit his post, Keir Starmer's arguing for the latter is not showing sufficient solidarity with the plight of those in Gaza under siege.

Starmer's authority

Mr Sarwar said comments in a radio interview whereby Keir Starmer appeared to back Israel cutting off food and water supplies to Gaza were "hurtful".

So it's clear the conflict has magnified differences of opinion on a major issue (and one that has long energised the Labour Party membership) at a time when they're hoping to keep the flame alive from that Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election win, and woo back Scotland on the scale many polls are suggesting ahead of the next general election.

And here's where the SNP sense an opportunity.

Though the need for an immediate ceasefire is a passionate, genuine and widely-held feeling within the SNP, the raw politics of this also points to an opportunity for a recently weakened SNP to exploit the first significant party management issue Keir Starmer has faced for some time.

The UK Labour leader and the Scottish Labour leader have differing views on the issue

Any vote on a ceasefire in the Commons, it's hoped, would show the scale of support within the Labour Party for it despite the party line on advocating for a "pause", and potentially present a direct challenge to Keir Starmer's authority if shadow frontbenchers feel they must resign so MPs can vote with their conscience.

That will be held up by the SNP as a Labour Party in disarray.

Anas Sarwar's decision to call for a ceasefire in part is a fightback against the narrative that's long haunted the party, made by the former Scottish Labour leader, Johann Lamont, years ago that Scottish Labour is just "a branch office of a party based in London" and not a party that makes its own decisions.

A big SNP focus when it comes to this vote is on what Scotland's two Labour MPs choose to do, one of whom is Labour's shadow Scotland secretary.

In a letter to Anas Sarwar, First Minister Humza Yousaf piled the pressure on those MPs to vote with the SNP.

It's expected however that they will resist, and stick with Keir Starmer.

Beyond the shenanigans

Scottish Labour figures are dismissive about the impact all this will have on their chances of a comeback in Scotland and believe people have better things to do than pay attention to complicated parliamentary procedure - they might be right.

But whatever happens in the Commons (remember, this is all at the speaker's discretion), the actions of the SNP have caused enough chatter and frustration to indicate that all this goes beyond simple parliamentary manoeuvrings.

The Gaza conflict isn't going away anytime soon, and Labour's problems aren't going away on this either while the UK leadership seek to hold firm and keep their position in line with that of crucial allies such as the US, as well as the prime minister, a role Keir Starmer is hoping to emulate as much as possible in preparation for potentially entering No 10 himself sometime in the next year.

So beyond what happens in the chamber, expect the SNP to continue to seize on this issue to try and demonstrate that the Labour Party is still too busy arguing with itself to possibly deliver for people in Scotland, as well as to argue that despite what Scotland's Labour leaders might say, Scotland's two Labour MPs in Westminster really answer to Keir Starmer.

Despite Anas Sarwar proclaiming recently that he and Keir Starmer enjoy the closest relationship between any two Scotland-UK Labour leaders since devolution, it's clear that there remains plenty of ways between now and the general election that that relationship can be put to the test.
A recent screening of a Daily Caller-produced documentary, Damaged: The Transing of Americas Kids, at the University of Utah library was halted after student protesters disrupted a watch party organized by the Young Americans for Freedom chapter on Nov. 1.

According to the Young Americans for Freedoms Instagram page, the organization stands for individual freedom, free enterprise, strong national defense, and traditional values.

Prior to the event, Mecha de U of U, a self-described anti-imperialist, anti-colonial, socialist student organization, issued an emergency protest call on Instagram to let YAF know trans people are welcome here.

The Mecha post urged attendees to bring signs. We will hand some out as well!

The film tells the story of the lives of transgender people who wish they could go back, according to the Daily Callers website. The Daily Caller is a conservative news and opinion website founded by former Fox News host Tucker Carlson and political pundit Neil Patel.

According to an account in The Daily Utah Chronicle, about 50 protesters attended the event.

After 20 minutes of chanting, campus police entered the room and asked those who were disruptive to leave as the protesters continued to chant. After another five minutes, police started escorting individuals out of the room and into the common area. Eventually, YAF members were escorted from the room by police and taken to another room. The film was not continued, the Chronicle reported.

Keith Squires, the U.s chief safety officer, said Tuesday that the two groups previously interacted in April when YAF hosted Utah State Board of Education member Natalie Cline and Monica Wilbur of Academic Integrity Movement, a right-leaning group that promotes parent choice in education. Mecha protested during that presentation for eight to 10 minutes and then campus officers asked them to leave the room.

Related

At that time, the group complied and they left the room and then they went outside and continued to voice their opinions but didnt disrupt the meeting, said Squires.

We expected that to be the same case this time and what we encountered was that when the presentation started and the opposing group came in, they were very loud, disruptive. They continued for over 10 minutes this time. And then, when the officers came in and asked them to leave, they all refused to comply.

Squires said the officers continued to try to ask the protesters to leave, noting the events were captured on the officers body cameras. The footage has been forwarded to the Salt Lake County Attorneys Office for review and not currently available for release, he said.

At one point, our officers encountered individuals who used a tactic to block the officers from leaving the room and so the situation was escalating at that point. We had a situation where a group was becoming more engaged and threatening towards officers and the decision was made that the priority was to protect everyones safety.

I made the decision that we cancel the event at that time for public safety reasons. I didnt want it to continue to escalate to a point where force was needed to be used by the officers if we could avoid that. So that was what drove the decision, he said.

Squires said the universitys Department of Public Safetys goal is to do everything we can to avoid having to use force and to be able to still protect everybodys rights. Were just working to accomplish that and hoping that in the future, those that participate will be more disciplined in how they exercise their rights.

.@YAFUofU's screening of "Damaged" documentary exposing gender ideology interrupted by leftist protesters pic.twitter.com/Bah3T7azVq  YAF (@yaf) November 2, 2023

More than a week later, the universitys Center of Equity and Student Belonging notified the leadership of Mecha in a letter dated Nov. 9 that it had withdrawn its sponsorship of the organization.

The letter signed by the centers associate director Montelleo D. Hobley Jr. does not mention the protest at the film screening but states that Mecha and its members are engaging in behavior that infringes upon the First Amendment rights of other University of Utah students to express their views.

The letter also informs the organization that the university has changed Mechas status to a registered student organization from a sponsored organization which means it remains a recognized student organization of the university and continues to have certain rights as a registered organization.

The letter also informs the Mecha leadership that because of the change of its status and it key role in organizing the Mecha Student Association High School Conference slated for Wednesday, Nov. 15, the university would be canceling and rescheduling the event until the university is in a better position to host the event.

Responding on Instagram, Mecha, a Spanish word for fuse, which also stands for Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Azatlan, posted a lengthy statement that said, in part, To say we are outraged is an understatement. This conference has been a long-standing tradition for our youth and community for nearly three decades. The cancellation of the high school conference has caused harm that widely impacts educational pathways for our westside youth and across the state. Many of which are first-generation, undocumented/DACAmented, working class, trans, nonbinary and other oppressed groups.

The post goes on to say that Mecha has received continuous harassment from the university administration as we continue to stand against the fascism, transphobia and Islamophobia that university students are currently facing.

The letter from the Center of Equity and Student Belonging to Mecha states we strongly support Mechas right to speak out on important issues and to make the voices of its members heard. That is fundamental to a democratic society.

It continues, As you know, we share your concern over the hurt that certain groups are causing to the universitys marginalized communities. However, the law does not permit one side of a dispute to disrupt and prevent another from peacefully speaking their mind. In the same way Mecha may have its voice heard, those with opposing views also have the right to speak and to have their voices heard even if you disagree with their offensive views.

According to the Daily Utah Chronicle article, Young Americans For Freedom had hung posters throughout campus that said, Men shouldnt be in womens bathrooms, and The transgender movement harms children.

Mecha plans to conduct a rally and sit-in at noon on Wednesday on the patio of the Student Union and call on the university to meet our demands, which include the resignation of some university officials and one elected student leader, according to Instagram posts.

Young Americans for Freedom, meanwhile, is hosting Chloe Cole, who lived for years as a transgender boy before returning to her female identity and is featured in Damaged: The Transing of Americas Kids, to speak at the university on Nov. 30.

YAF campus president Lucy Atwood was not available to comment on Tuesday, a national spokesman said.
PHILADELPHIA - When a Philly cheesesteak craving turns criminal

Police are looking for five suspects after another tractor trailer was robbed overnight, with more than a dozen boxes of beef now missing.

The truck operator told police he was parked in the Jetro parking lot near Lincoln Financial Field when he felt his truck shake.

When he walked towards the rear, he saw three people in the cargo area, and another two sitting in a parked car.

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"We're only taking a little," one of the suspects allegedly told the driver as he motioned towards his hip.

He then dropped a box before all five suspects fled in a silver Ford Explorer, according to authorities.

Police say approximately 15 boxes of frozen meat were stolen in total. It's unclear how much the boxes were worth.

This heist comes just a few weeks after $73,000 worth of crabs were stolen from a truck in North Philadelphia.
Southwest Airlines is moving most of its international flights from Fort Lauderdale.

Heres what to know about the change:

Where is Southwest Airlines moving its international flights?

Switch: Southwest is moving most of its international flights from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Internatiinal Airport to Orlando International Airport.

When will the airline switch the flights?

Departure date: The airline plans to make the change in June.

Which Southwest flights are affected?

Southwest Airlines at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Current flights: The carrier has six to nine daily international departures to seven destinations. The airlines domestic flights arent affected.

Future flights: Starting June 4, pending government approval, the Dallas-based airline will operate daily service between Orlando and Cancun; Grand Cayman; Nassau; Providenciales, Turks and Caicos; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; and San Jose, Costa Rica.

READ MORE: Miamis airport just added new international flights. What to know about the routes

Why is Southwest Airlines shifting to Orlando?

Brightline has a new station at Orlando International Airport.

Connections: Southwest wants to better match the carriers schedule to current travel patterns and get more out of the nearly 140 daily departures it already has from Orlando, according to the company. This will offer better connectivity in our domestic network, said Andrew M. Watterson, chief operating officer of Southwest.

Advantages: Orlandos airport serves Floridas biggest theme parks in Central Florida, including Universal and Walt Disney World. The airport also is the site of a new Brightline station with trains that run to and from South Florida several times a day. Orlando also has a lot many more northbound flights for Southwest than Fort Lauderdale does.And Southwest also has many crew members who live in or near Orlando, and so the carrier can also lower expenses.

What is the impact on the Fort Lauderdale airport?

Broward County officials and other dignitaries gathered for the terminal groundbreaking ceremony at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023. (Carline Jean/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Southwests shift to Orlando is a rare loss of service for the growing Broward County airport:

 Passengers: So far this year, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport has served 23.7 million passengers through August, 11.1% more than during the same period in 2022. International visitors, while still relatively small at 5.3 million, were up 23.1% from the same period one year earlier. Domestic passengers have increased 8% to 18.4 million.

 Flights: Total arrivals and departures have also grown by 8.2% to 23,609 in the first eight months of this year.

 Terminals: In October, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International broke ground on a $404 million fifth airline terminal, covering 230,000 square feet and expected to be finished in 2026. That terminal will have five airline passenger gates for domestic flights, increasing the airports total to 71 gates, and be able to handle 4 million to 5 million more passengers.

 Market share: Southwest has been an important carrier at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport, holding the third largest market share at 12.9% through August of this year behind Spirit and JetBlue. Yet it has fallen in recent years. In January, it was 14.1%. Last August, Southwests market share was 14.7%. It was 20% in August 2019, before the pandemic.

 International: Only about 16% of Southwests total passengers at Fort Lauderdale have been international.

 Destinations: Other carriers at Fort Lauderdale serve several Southwest destinations. JetBlue and Spirit fly to Cancun. JetBlue goes to Grand Cayman, and Bahamas Air, Silver and Western Air serve Nassau. JetBlue and Spirit each fly to Punta Cana.

Travelers walk outside Terminal 2 at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport for flights to be resumed on Thursday, April 13, 2023 after the relentless rain and windy conditions prompted the airport, second largest in the region, to suspend arriving and departing flights on Wednesday.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Southwest Airlines will increase the price of its on-board alcohol offerings starting Wednesday, the airline confirmed on Tuesday to WFLA.com.

The airline said it would implement a modest change to alcohol prices. The airline didnt disclose how much the prices would increase, but the Dallas Morning News reported the price of liquor will increase from $7 to $9, while the price of beer will increase from $6 to $7.

Wines will increase in price from $6 to $8, according to the outlet.

Southwest last adjusted pricing for onboard beverages in 2018 and recently reviewed our position as we work to keep fares low while offering our Customers unmatched flexibility, the airline said in a statement.

Non-alcoholic drinks will still be offered for free on flights longer than 175 miles, according to the airlines website. On shorter flights, passengers will be offered water.

The price increase comes just days before a busy holiday travel period is expected to begin.

Tampa International Airport expects its busiest Thanksgiving travel period ever, projecting more than 80,000 passengers per day between Thursday and Nov. 26, with the Wednesday and Sunday surrounding the holiday expected to be the busiest.

During the pandemic, some airlines, including Southwest, stopped selling alcohol to passengers due to incidents of unruly passengers. One of the incidents in 2021 involved a Southwest passenger knocking out a flight attendants teeth.

Data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shows there were 2,455 unruly passenger reports in 2022, down significantly from the 5,973 reported in 2021. So far in 2023, there have been 1,820 unruly passenger reports.

In 2022, the FAA fined unruly passengers a total of $8.4 million.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
The world's first satellite capable of detecting industrial sources of carbon emissions from space has just reached orbit  and it promises to be a game-changer.

The satellite, called Vanguard, will be able to detect emissions from individual coal and gas-fired power plants, large oil refineries, steel plants and other polluting industrial facilities. Vanguard launched on SpaceX's Transporter 9 rideshare mission on Saturday, Nov. 11, together with two new methane-monitoring satellites of the GHGSat constellation.

The Vanguard satellite will orbit Earth at the altitude of 300 miles (500 km), imaging each spot on the planet every two weeks.

Related: Climate change has pushed Earth into 'uncharted territory': report

Developed by Montreal, Canada-based firm GHGSat, the satellite uses a novel instrument invented by the company and previously fine-tuned on its existing fleet of satellites that monitor emissions of methane, another dangerous greenhouse gas. GHGSat launched its first methane-monitoring satellite, a demonstrator called Claire, in 2016, and has since built a reputation for its ground-breaking ability to detect methane leaks from gas pipelines, stealthy emissions from landfills and even burping cows.

The team has now retrained their instrument, an innovative device called the Wide Angle FabryPerot Interferometer, to spot and quantify emissions of the most common greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide.

GHGSat's President Stephane Germain explained that the instrument detects the presence of the greenhouse gases by analyzing the unique light absorption pattern of a column of air above every spot on Earth. Each chemical molecule absorbs light differently, and by analyzing the measurements, researchers can detect the presence and quantify the amount of the specific gas they are interested in.

"We are looking for very specific absorption lines," Germain told Space.com. "The amount of the gas in the atmosphere is then proportional to the amount of absorption of light at those specific wavelengths. So, we can quantify the concentration of carbon dioxide in every pixel of our field of view."

Because concentrations of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere are overall much higher than those of methane, other satellites have previously had a hard time trying to detect individual human-made sources of the most common greenhouse gas.

However, in January this year, researchers using data from NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2 (OCO-2) were able to measure fluctuations in carbon dioxide emissions produced by Europe's largest coal-fired power plant . This was a global first. But GHGSat's new satellite will provide such measurements on a daily basis.

smoke pours out of chimneys at a power plant

"We have a 12 by 12 kilometer [7.5 miles by 7.5 miles] field of view where you've got more than a million pixels, or [carbon dioxide] concentrations," said Germain. "We quantify the concentration in every field and if we see high concentrations in a particular location that are decreasing downwind from that location, that's a tell-tale sign there must be a source."

By comparing the data with visual images of the same location, researchers can pinpoint each individual source of carbon emissions.

Earth-observation consultant at TerraWatch Space Aravind Ravichandran said that while the technology is ground-breaking, GHGSat might find less demand for their space-based measurements of carbon dioxide than they have for methane.

"It is relatively less disruptive compared to methane, which has been the holy grail really," Ravichandran told Space.com. "We know most of our carbon dioxide sources. So, unlike methane, which gives new info on where the sources are, with carbon dioxide it is a case of verification of the major emissions."

Germain confirms that GHGSat's primary interest in methane was motivated by the lack of other options to detect leaks of the gas on a global scale.

"There was a clear, urgent commercial need for monitoring methane emissions everywhere around the world," Germain said. "A significant part of the methane emissions is what we call fugitive emissions, which means that you don't necessarily know where and when they are going to pop up. So, satellites are ideally suited for that kind of use case."

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GHGSat currently operates a constellation of nine methane-monitoring satellites, selling their data to oil and gas companies that want to reduce their carbon footprint and government regulators interested in keeping tabs on polluters worldwide. The regulators are the most likely customers for data from the new satellite.

Currently, countries self-report their carbon emissions based on the performance of their economy. Independent eyes in space will help validate the existing estimates.
An investiture plenary session is held at the Spanish parliament, in Madrid

An investiture plenary session is held at the Spanish parliament, in Madrid

MADRID (Reuters) - Spain's acting prime minister on Wednesday vowed to extend several measures to help people cope with the rising cost of living if he clinches another term as premier.

The policies include making free public transport available for unemployed people and youths under the age of 30 next year, Pedro Sanchez told lawmakers during his opening speech in a parliamentary vote to decide on his premiership bid, adding that he aimed to make the policy permanent.

As Sanchez spoke, about 30 demonstrators gathered behind barricades police set up on streets outside parliament to stop protesters angered by his offer of amnesty to Catalan separatists in return for supporting his bid for another term.

The measures would apply from Jan. 1. His caretaker government had already approved the measure for disabled and senior citizens.

Sanchez said the reduced value-added tax on basic food products would continue until June 2024.

He also promised to increase rental subsidies for young people and keep revaluing pensions in line with official inflation figures.

Sanchez added that his potential coalition government was planning to extend the threshold to qualify for mortgage relief support to 38,000 euros ($41,283) as part of a set of measures to help vulnerable households cope with higher borrowing costs.

The measures also include freezing the monthly mortgage payment for one year and extending the repayment period to seven years.

Under an amended industry-wide code of good practice, Spain's banks are now expected to provide mortgage support for vulnerable families earning less than 25,200 euros per year.

Additionally, middle-class families with an income of less than 29,400 euros who risked defaulting would also receive additional protection.

In Spain around three-quarters of the population are homeowners. They are among the most exposed to a rise in interest rates as around 70% of their more 4 million outstanding mortgage loans are tied to variable rates, according to data from Spain's mortgage association.

In November 2022, the government approved mortgage relief support for more than one million vulnerable households but so far just 42,000 requests have been made in the first seven months of 2023, according to data from the Bank of Spain.

($1 = 0.9205 euros)

(Reporting by Belen Carreno, Emma Pinedo and Inti Landauro; Writing by David Latona and Jesus Aguado; Editing by Aislinn Laing and Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
WASHINGTON  House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., on Tuesday explained his long-held opinion that the concept of the separation of church and state is often misinterpreted.

"The separation of church and state is a misnomer," Johnson said in an interview on CNBC's "Squawk Box."

"People misunderstand it," he continued. "Of course, it comes from a phrase that was in a letter that Jefferson wrote. Its 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 question came after the host recalled that the new speaker had prayed on the House floor after he was sworn into his new role last month.

Johnson suggested Tuesday that the nation's founders believed religion and morality were central to the government.

"They knew that it would be important to maintain our system," he said. "And thats why I think we need more of that  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."

While it is technically true that the words "separation of church and state" are not written in the Constitution, many legal scholars have said that the phrase is a reference to the Establishment Clause in the First Amendment.

For his part, Johnson has spent the better part of the last two decades advocating for religious freedom in public schools, in government and in public places, mainly as an attorney for the conservative Christian group, Alliance Defense Fund, now known as Alliance Defending Freedom.

In that role, he wrote in a 2006 editorial that the ACLU and its allies had used what he called the "misleading" separation of church and state "metaphor" to intimidate public officials and to censor religious people.

"The Bible is and should be an appropriate course of study in our public schools," he wrote in another op-ed in 2007. "Because it is the most widely read, widely published, most influential book in all of history, censoring it from the classroom is as unwise as it is unnecessary."

In 2017, Johnson and Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, also a Republican, created guidelines for the use of religion in school, which argued that the study of the Bible or religion in public school is "perfectly lawful," echoing an argument Johnson had made before.

At an event for students with Landry in 2018, Johnson told the audience that the separation of church and state is often taken out of context because it appeared in a letter written by Thomas Jefferson in 1802.

They were concerned that the state was going to inhibit on their free exercise of religion, Johnson said. "But Jefferson says, 'Dont worry, weve separated the government so that the government will not meddle into your free exercise rights."

In 2019, Johnson expressed outrage at a House committee hearing when Democrats omitted "so help me God" from the swearing-in of witnesses. He later said it was part of a coordinated effort by Democrats to strike that phrase from language used in Congress.

Its important to me, personally, as a Christian, but Im a constitutional attorney and history buff and this isnt controversial, he told USA Today. Everyone who hears about this should be outraged.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  Former President Rodrigo Duterte has been summoned for investigation in relation to the grave threats complaint filed against him by ACT-Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro.

Quezon City Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Ulric Badiola issued a subpoena ordering the former chief executive to appear before the Office of the City Prosecutor on December 4 and 11 at 2:30 p.m.

The prosecutors office also directed Duterte to submit his counter-affidavit as well as the affidavit/s of his witnesses.

The subpoena also stated that no motion to dismiss will be entertained.

Castro, who is also a House of Representatives minority leader, sued Duterte after he made death threats against her on national television where he talked about his daughter, Vice President Sara Dutertes request for confidential funds.

Castro has strongly opposed the request of the vice president during the national budget deliberations at the lower chamber.

According to Castro's lawyer Tony La Vina, the Duterte patriarch could face a jail term of up to six years and pay a fine of up to 100,000 if found guilty in the case filed in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

The lawmaker welcomed the subpoena issued to the former president.

"I am glad that the case is progressing and I hope that former Pres. Duterte will face the charges and participate in the preliminary investigation," said Castro in a statement.

In an interview with CNN Philippines' The Final Word on Wednesday, Castro said she holds more evidence to support her case against Duterte.

"The video itself tingin natin ay malakas na pero bukod dito mayroon pa kaming mga ebidensya ng mga red-tagging pronouncements against us Makabayan," she said.

[Translation: I think the video itself is strong but apart from this, we also have evidence of red-tagging pronouncements against us Makabayan.]

Despite receiving threats and sexual harassment on social media after filing the complaint, Castro remained confident that she has a strong case against the former president.
New York Democrat Rep. Jamaal Bowman's reelection campaign could be upended by a more moderate Democrat politician  who has yet to formally announce a run  amid controversy over the congressman's Israel stance.

"A lot of observers right now think that this is close to, if not the nadir, for Bowman," New York-based political consultant Jake Dilemani told Fox News Digital. "This is the bottom for Bowman with certain people in the district and certain other political observers. And rewind to last year, people were disappointed with him."

Some believed Bowman "did not represent the district" on issues such as Israel and other policies, Dilemani added.

Speculation has grown that Westchester County Executive George Latimer will run against the congressman, but the Democrat official has remained coy on officially announcing his candidacy. Dilemani, who previously worked with Latimer on campaigns, said hes a "pragmatic and mainstream Democrat" who holds many of the same values as the constituents in Bowmans district.

Bowman was first elected in 2020 to represent New Yorks 16th Congressional District, which encompasses parts of the Bronx and suburban Westchester, as a progressive candidate before becoming a member of the informal left-wing congressional group known as "The Squad."

REP BOWMAN SAYS THERE MUST BE 'CLEAR DISTINCTION' BETWEEN ISRAEL'S CITIZENS, GOVERNMENT

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Rep. Jamaal Bowman speaks at the National Action Networks three-day annual national convention on April 7, 2022, in New York City.

Bowman had primaried and beat 16-term, pro-Israel Democrat Eliot Engel, then-chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, in a victory that had some comparing him to fellow New Yorker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. He is now up for reelection next year, but his run is already mired in controversy over his comments on Israel, which some voters and national viewers have seen as anti-Israel.

This month, Bowman was confronted at an event intended to spread "healing" amid antisemitism, but it devolved into protesters demanding that the congressman also represent Jews in his district when making policy decisions, specifically taking issue with his support of a cease-fire in Israel. Bowman was one of 17 sponsors to support fellow Squad member Rep. Cori Bush's resolution that called for an immediate cease-fire in Israel last month.

"You're calling for some weird cease-fire that won't accomplish anything other than give Hamas, which is basically an ISIS organization, time to regroup and kill more Jews," one protester told the congressman at the event, according to CBS News.

'SQUAD' DEM REP JAMAAL BOWMAN FIRE ALARM FOOTAGE RELEASED AFTER GUILTY PLEA: 'BOLD-FACED LIAR'

"Westchester is 15% Jewish. You are not representing our interests when you vote against resolutions like that," another protester told Bowman.

Bowman has repeatedly condemned Hamas' attacks on Israel, including on Oct. 7 when the terrorist organization launched its attacks on the nation, describing the bloodshed as "horrific" and calling for measures to "ensure peace in the region."

Speculation has mounted in recent months that Latimer could officially announce his candidacy and challenge Bowman in the primary amid such controversies, but the county leader has so far stayed mum.

"As Ive said, many people have reached out to me about this race, and I am taking their words into consideration," Latimer told Fox News Digital. "But first and foremost, my job and my primary responsibility is about governing for the people I currently serve as county executive, and Im focusing on doing just that. I have made no other decisions or announcements on my future plans."

Latimer posted to Facebook last week: "Notwithstanding press reports  Ive made no announcements about my future plans." He added that he's instead focused on the recent elections, completing the 2024 county budget, attending the Westchester Solidarity Trip to Israel, and to celebrate his 70th birthday this month.

The Westchester politician is considered a Democrat powerhouse in the area, and he has previously served in the New York Assembly and state Senate before his election as Westchester County executive in 2018. He is term-limited in his county role and will vacate the position in 2025.

OVER 20 DEMOCRATS, 1 REPUBLICAN VOTE AGAINST RESOLUTION CONDEMNING ANTISEMITISM ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES

"George has had a very long and successful career in politics in Westchester County as a Democrat. He's never lost an election," Dilemani told Fox News Digital.

Speculation that Latimer would throw his hat in the ring for 2024 stretches back to at least this summer when Bowman, 47, boycotted Israeli President Isaac Herzogs speech to Congress  alongside fellow Squad members Reps. Ilhan Omar, Bush and Ocasio-Cortez  in protest of what they said were human rights abuses against Palestinians.

Thousands of Israel supporters gather near Central Park in New York City on Nov. 6, 2023.

Local headlines in July declared that New York Jewish groups and Democrat donors were meeting with the county leader to test the waters for a potential run. The trend has only intensified this fall and includes dozens of rabbis calling on Latimer to challenge Bowman, citing the congressman's "effort to erode support for Israel on Capitol Hill and within the Democratic Party," and pro-Israel bipartisan group the United Democracy Project issuing a petition calling for Bowman to "to Stand With Israel."

CALLS FOR VIOLENCE AGAINST JEWS ROCK DC AMID MASSIVE PRO-PALESTINIAN PROTEST

This past summer, ahead of Herzog's visit, Bowman defended Rep. Pramila Jayapal when she came under fire for saying that Israel is a "racist state," which also earned him condemnation from supporters of Israel.

"Being critical of Israel is not anti-Israel, is definitely not antisemitic. Im a Black man in America. How the hell can I be antisemitic toward anybody else? I know what it is to suffer and be oppressed and be threatened and killed because of who you are," he said at the time.

Jayapal walked back her comment after pushback from Democrat colleagues and voters.

Dilemani said that Bowman is a "smart man, and he understands the difficult political position hes put himself in" and that he could attempt to soften his stance on Israel but it would likely be "too little, too late.

"This obviously is a highly emotionally charged issue, people feel very strongly. And they want to know that their member of Congress, who has a seat at the table on these foreign policy issues, actually represents them and not the far-left socialist wing of the  I don't even want to say the party. They don't represent far-left socialist ideology," Dilemani said.

The political consultant said that Latimer's years in public office built a strong voter base and that his constituents know his political history and are supportive of his platforms.

'SQUAD' DEMOCRAT CALLS FOR END OF ISRAEL'S 'GAZA BLOCKADE' AS HE CONDEMNS HAMAS TERROR ATTACKS

"He's one of the strongest retail politicians around, certainly in that part of the world. He's a very hard-working official. He routinely has some of the highest favorability ratings of any elected official in the area," he said, "extremely popular and well liked within the Democratic primary electorate, which is obviously important in this potential primary for the House seat."

Dilemani said that in addition to Bowmans Israel stances, some voters in New York may also take issue with him voting against President Bidens infrastructure bill as well as voting against early funding to Ukraine when Russia first invaded the nation last year. The New York congressman also faced controversy this fall after he pulled a fire alarm in the House of Representatives before lawmakers voted to avert a government shut down. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count for triggering the fire alarm and required to pay a $1,000 fine and serve three months probation.

"He's out of step with the values of the people in his district by far, whereas Latimer is right there representing their interests and viewpoints," he said.

When asked why Latimer has not yet officially announced his candidacy, Dilemani said that he has the luxury most other congressional candidates do not: name recognition and the ability to raise campaign funds in a short time.

'SQUAD' DEMOCRAT JAMAAL BOWMAN CALLED OUT BY GOP REP FOR BEING 'CHAOS AGENT' IN CONGRESS

"Running against an incumbent member of your party is not something anyone takes lightly. And I know George can be a very deliberate person, and he is likely seeking input from a tremendous amount of stakeholders, constituents, organized interests, other elected officials, etc. He wants to get a full 360-degree perspective," he said, noting that its feasible Latimers rumored announcement could happen in January.

While Bowman's support among constituents appears to be falling due to his comments on Israel, other groups have explicitly called on Latimer to not run against the congressman.

"I believe it would be a callous decision to challenge Mr. Bowman and threaten to split the progressive vote and allow a centrist or conservative Democrat to win the upcoming primary. There is considerable support for Congressman Bowman in the district, and we would work urgently to ensure his reelection next November," the Anti-Racist Alliance and local residents wrote in a letter to Latimer earlier this month.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Bowmans office and campaign team about a potential Latimer run and his stance on Israel.





Original article source: Squad member softening Israel rhetoric ahead of likely primary challenge might be too little, too late
ST. CLOUD, Minn. (FOX 9) - Police are asking the publics help in finding any pictures or video from a house party that occurred near the campus of St. Cloud State University in October that resulted in the fatal shooting of one person.

Police are offering a link to provide any information regarding the shooting that occurred in the early morning hours of Oct. 22 on the 700 block of 6th Avenue South.

According to police, an argument at the party escalated into a shooting that resulted in a man being shot. Authorities later identified the victim as Antonio Carl Harris Jr. of Buffalo, Minnesota.

The possible suspects were able to leave the area prior to police arrival.

Two other victims  a 52-year-old man and a 26-year-old man  received non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.


Starbucks Workers United said this year's Red Cup walkout would be bigger than in 2022

The union representing thousands of Starbucks workers in the US is staging a walkout on one of the coffee chain's busiest days of the year.

The action comes amid a bitter fight between Starbucks and Starbucks Workers United, which started organising workers at the company in 2021.

The two sides are fighting over pay, scheduling and other issues.

Roughly 200 stores are expected to be affected by the 16 November work stoppage.

Barista Michelle Eisen, one of the union's leaders, said the company could afford to "do better by its workers".

The protest is the second to coincide with Starbucks' 'Red Cup' day, when the company distributes reusable, holiday-themed cups.

In some locations, the walkout is set to last just a few hours, while in others it is expected to close the branch for most of the day.

The union said the action was aimed at calling attention to Starbucks' refusal to fairly negotiate contracts with the unionised stores.

Members are also protesting work conditions, including inadequate staffing on promotional days.

Ms Eisen said she expected more customers and community activists to join the action this year in a warning sign for the coffee brand.

Michelle Eisen helped launch the union movement at Starbucks

"That's what's going to set this apart," she told the BBC. "That's what should scare the company. Their reputation is everything."

Starbucks, which operates roughly 10,000 stores across the US, said it did not expect major disruption.

It said it had spent hundreds of millions of dollars on higher wages, training and new equipment and it blamed the union for delays in talks, noting successful negotiations at several stores in Canada.

"Starbucks remains ready to progress in-person negotiations with the unions certified to represent partners," the company said in a statement.

Since 2021, workers at about 350 of the company's roughly 10,000 locations in the US have voted to join the union.

Starbucks has fiercely opposed the campaign.

Union members say it has dragged its feet at the negotiating table and gone so far as to fire workers and shut stores in an effort to stop the movement.

Administrative law judges in the US have found the company has repeatedly violated labour laws.

Starbucks, which typically appeals the findings, has denied wrongdoing.

Last year, former boss Howard Schultz was forced to appear before Congress to answer for the union's claims.

The union campaign at Starbucks has been closely watched, and is credited with helping to galvanise workers at other companies.

Ms Eisen, who was involved with the first Starbucks store to unionise, said watching other unions win big wage increases at other companies, such as UPS, had been "bittersweet".

"It feels like this campaign really lit a fire under the labour movement in this country and we are still sitting here fighting super hard," she said.
Workers United, which is working to unionize baristas at Starbucks stores nationwide, will bring its Red Cup Rebellion to a Kennewick location Thursday.

Red Cup Rebellion is a nationwide strike against unionized stores as well as a protest at nonunion ones to draw attention to the heavy work burden posed by the Seattle coffee giants Red Cup Day promotion.

Workers United plans strikes at more than 200 stores that have voted to unionize, its largest strike ever.

The rebellion also includes sympathetic actions at nonunion stores such as the one in Kennewick.

From 7-10 a.m., hosts from Red Cup Rebellion will be at the Starbucks at 7600 W. Clearwater Ave. to support workers and encourage customers to show solidarity with workers. It is the only Tri-Cities location affected.

Bargaining demand

The union said the Red Cup Rebellion demands that Starbucks stop illegally refusing to bargain with baristas over staffing, scheduling and other issues.

Other demands include turning off mobile ordering on future promotion days. Striking workers plan to visit colleagues at nonunion stores to invite them to hold the company accountable to its employees.

On Red Cup Day, Starbucks gives out free, reusable cups, making it one of the busiest days of the year. A spokesman said that while it is a good day for Starbucks, it is a challenging one for workers.

Speaking on background, he likened it to Black Friday, when post-Thanksgiving sales draw crowds to retailers.

It described chaotic scenes that stress customers and workers alike in a written statement:

On Red Cup Day, drink orders pile up and are abandoned, lines are out the door, and Starbucks workers are left to handle angry customers who have had to wait as much longer than usual for their beverages and food all while trying to make complicated holiday specialty beverages as fast as possible. When the supply of red cups runs out, customers get disappointed and often take their anger out on workers, Workers United said.

Starbucks responds

In a statement, Starbucks said it is aware of the planned action and called on Workers United to work to negotiate contracts for those it represents, which it said it hasnt done in more than four months.

Despite escalating rhetoric and recurring rallies demanding a contract, Workers United hasnt agreed to meet to progress contract bargaining in more than four months, it said. We again call on Workers United to fulfill their obligations and engage in the work of negotiating first contracts on behalf of the partners they represent. Starbucks remains ready to progress in-person negotiations with the unions certified to represent partners.

Just one Starbucks in the greater Tri-Cities has voted to join Workers United, which is affiliated with Service Employees International Union.

Prosser workers reaffirmed their desire to be represented by a union on Nov. 9 after Starbucks challenged the results of an earlier vote in September to the National Labor Relations Board.

The Nov. 9 vote wont be official until Red Cup Day, which happens to fall one week after the vote. Once accepted, contract talks can begin.

Kennewick store

The Kennewick rebellion event is being hosted by home care workers represented by SEIU.

Workers United did not identify the 200 stores nationwide that will be struck on Thursday, saying it does not want to tip off Starbucks.

To date, 23 Starbucks in Washington have voted to join the union and one voted no. Results are pending in three Washington locations, including Prosser. Nationally, 364 stores have voted to join the union and 82 have rejected it.

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As the worldwide swell of protests demanding a cease-fire in Gaza reached the Delaware residence of President Joe Biden this weekend, the state's political leaders have not joined calls on Israel to cease its deadly bombardment of the occupied territory.

Several hundred gathered Saturday morning, flying Palestinian flags and rallying alongside Route 141 before marching to the entrance of Bidens Greenville residence, calling for the president to use his influence to end Israel's shelling of Gaza.

No cease-fire, no votes, rang around Barley Mill Road as the march reached Bidens driveway.

Over the past month, the Palestinian death toll has climbed as pressure on Biden to support a cease-fire has grown from human rights leaders, local civic leaders and some members of the Democratic Party, who view the ongoing bloodshed as inhumane, collective punishment upon innocents in Gaza.

RECENT: Muslim groups across Delaware urge state officials to support Israel-Hamas cease-fire

More than 11,000 people, 70 percent of those being women and children, have been killed, according to figures from Palestinian officials.

Israeli officials have estimated 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that sparked this latest bombardment. Those officials have said their bombing campaign and military encroachment into Gaza is a war with Hamas, who they accuse of using citizens as human shields.

They have said the bombing will not cease until the release or rescue of some 200 hostages they said were captured in the initial attack and the destruction of Hamas, according to reporting from the Associated Press.

In Delaware, Saturday's rally was heavy with anguish for civilians killed and the American governments continued support of both the latest bombing campaign and the Israeli governments long occupation of Palestinian people.

Joe Biden, where is your humanity? read one of many signs critical of the president.

Dr. Afnan Albahri, a Delawarean and pediatrician whose grandmother was displaced from the occupied territory decades ago, addressed the rally wearing scrubs in solidarity with doctors in Gaza operating in impossible conditions.

Dr. Afnan Albahri decries the murder of children in Gaza during a Rally in Support of Palestine that culminated with a march along Barley Mill Road to President Joe Biden's home in Greenville on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. More than 1,500 people attended the rally and march.

She spoke about the growing crisis in Gazan hospitals that have been shelled by the Israeli military and choked off from supplies needed to save lives. She punctuated a litany of horrors streamed in the news and on social media from hospitals in the besieged territory with one word: shame.

Airstrikes have hit hospitals, refugee camps and leveled residential blocks. In recent days, international focus has centered on strikes and fighting around Gaza's largest hospital. On Tuesday, John Kirby, a U.S. National Security Council spokesman endorsed, without presenting evidence, Israeli claims that Hamas uses hospitals as cover for their operations. Kirby also noted the White House does not support airstrikes on hospitals, according to reporting from CNN.

Gaza is about a third of the area of New Castle County and home to about four times the county's population. Tens of thousands have been injured and three-quarters of its residents have been displaced as strikes continue and residents face shortages of basic food, water and medical supplies, the World Health Organization reported this weekend.

We want people to see that this is a rally for the human rights of Palestinians, said Faizal Chaudhury, a Delawarean who marched Saturday. Cease-fire is a human rights issue at this point more than anything else.

TAKING ACTION: 'A terrifying time to be Jewish': Thousands in Washington rally for Israel. Live updates

The rally, which organizers estimated was attended by more than 1,500 people, was the largest supporting the Palestinian cause in Delaware history, rally organizer and state Rep. Madinah Wilson-Anton told the crowd.

She was the lone Delaware elected official to address the rally. Those attending described a deafening silence by Delawares public institutions toward the suffering in Gaza and said they felt their voices have gone unheard.

Like nobody cares'

Biden did not arrive at his Greenville residence until the protest had largely dissipated in the late afternoon. The White House did not respond to an inquiry seeking comment on the protest and calls for a cease-fire.

The president has made no proclamation supporting a cease-fire. He has issued support for what is being described as "humanitarian pauses," limited in time and location, to allow for aid to enter the besieged territory. Israeli officials have cast aside calls for a cease-fire and said it would allow Hamas to reorganize.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC: At Cornell, how did the debate on the Israel-Hamas war nearly turn violent? | Mike Kelly

Members of Delawares congressional delegation, Sens. Chris Coons and Tom Carper and Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, all Democrats, likewise did not specifically address calls for a cease-fire in response to email inquiries ahead of the protest.

A spokesperson for Coons relayed statements the senator made on CNN last week, calling for a several-day pause for humanitarian relief to enter and international workers and dual citizens to get out, as well as the release of hostages held by Hamas.

When directly asked about the calls for a cease-fire, Coons told the CNN host he had shared with Israeli officials lessons learned from "urban conflicts" in the American invasion of Iraq. He added that he has urged them to keep the campaign short and focused because of the risk that the human suffering seen in Gaza will enflame the region against Israel.

Close to 2,000 attendees at a Rally in Support of Palestine march along Barley Mill Rd. to President Biden's home in Greenville, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023.

Though a spokesperson, Carper, who is retiring next year, said he regards the loss of life over the last several weeks as tragic and said he is focused on solutions to limit innocent civilian casualties.

Last week, his office issued a press release advertising his signature alongside two dozen senators on a letter to Biden that condemned the Hamas attack a month ago and expressed support for U.S. funding of Israelis defense systems." It does not call for a cessation of the bombardment.

Rather, it asks the White House for information, including its assessment of how Israeli rules of engagement align with U.S. policy and practice, as it relates to mitigation of civilian casualties and how our assistance will help abate the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

In a written statement, Blunt Rochester, who is running without a Democratic opponent for the Senate seat being vacated by Carpers retirement, said the loss of life in the region has been profoundly tragic and endorsed the humanitarian pause to allow aid in and potential release of hostages.

For the people gathered in Greenville on Saturday, these positions dehumanize Palestinian victims and disregard the swell of domestic support for a cease-fire.

Its like nobody cares," said Saba Mian, a Philadelphia resident who traveled to Delaware for the rally. "People are dying as if they are not human.

One person likened a humanitarian pause to being stabbed repeatedly and asking your assailant for a few minutes to take a drink of water before the attack resumes.

Newark resident Ismail Alburea attended the march with his two sons hoping that it would pressure the U.S. government to stop adding oil to the fire.

Cease-fire is better at this point, he said. There have been so many people, kids, women, killed. These are the people affected.

Cold-blooded murder with our dollar

Beyond an appeal for humanity, others made a more practical plea, arguing that the military campaign is not going to lead to any sustained peace. They condemned Hamas attack but said the fundamental problem predates Oct. 7 and has not been adequately considered by American officials.

Speakers criticized the lack of fundamental rights Palestinians have under Israeli occupation, the steady rise of illegal settlements in the West Bank, the long-running blockade of Gaza and detention of native people by Israeli authorities without due process. One speaker compared the plight of Palestinians to that of Black people in the Jim Crow-era American South.

Last year, a United Nations human rights expert issued a report on the disparities of rights Palestinians face and accused the Israeli government of overseeing an apartheid state, a description shared by many protesting Saturday. Israeli officials said the report was biased and disregarded security concerns, according to a report in the New York Times.

Speakers also drew a distinction between criticizing the actions of the Israeli government and antisemitism.

Participants carry Free Palestine flyers at a Rally in Support of Palestine that culminated with a march along Barley Mill Road to President Joe Biden's home in Greenville on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. According to event organizers, more than 1,500 people participated in the peaceful rally and march.

Hope Moser told the rally about how she was brought up to believe land in Israel was her birthright from her Jewish heritage. As she got older, she said she learned about the displacement and denial of fundamental freedoms inflicted upon Palestinians and felt disgusted. She then listed off names of people killed in the bombardment whose birth predated the current state of Israel.

That is not the Judaism I know and love, she told the rally, which was partially organized by Jewish Voices for Peace.

While cease-fire was the primary push of the rally, it also took aim at what speakers regarded as corrupting American financial support for Israel's occupation.

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a $14.5 billion military aid package for Israel, though what would have normally been a bipartisan vote to approve the measure largely ran along party lines because the legislation mandated offsetting the expense with spending cuts elsewhere.

Democratic leadership criticized the unusual cost-cutting mandate, according to the Associated Press. Like most Democrats, Blunt Rochester did not vote in favor of the legislation, which is expected to fail in the U.S. Senate.

You want your leaders to give you a solution to the problem and you don't hear that. It is just like, Hey, we will give you $14 billion more to buy more weapons to bomb more people, Chaudhury said. Is that the solution, really?

He said that a lasting solution is one that respects and recognizes the rights of Palestinians alongside Israelis.

But those at the rally fear American support of the bombing campaign will only be followed by further expansion and entrenchment of Israeli occupation. The Associated Press has reported a "spike" in violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank since Hamas' attack and Israel's retaliation.

Shahid Sadik of Wilmington said the bombing campaign amounts to killing native cultures and that American foreign policy has not responded to the fundamental question: Why Hamas exists. A longtime supporter of Biden, he said the president has lost his vote.

Doha Eldreny traveled from New Jersey for the rally and said peace will only come when there is justice.

If children see their mother and father under the ground, do you think they are going to be regular kids? he said. This has to stop now.

According to reporting from the Associated Press, the White House has remained steadfastly behind Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's stated goal of ending Hamas and its control over Gaza, but divisions over what would happen after have appeared between Israeli and U.S. leadership in recent weeks.

No cease-fire, no votes

Many said they wont vote for Biden and more generally Democrats on principle.

Chaudhury said local public officials' statements never mention the word "occupation" and thus dehumanizes Palestinians.

Delawares state-level public officials quickly condemned Hamas attack on Israel but have remained largely silent as the death toll in Gaza has grown. Democratic leaders in the Delaware General Assembly have made no statement addressing that or calls for a cease-fire.

The Wilmington City Council may take up the issue soon as Councilwoman Shane Darby is sponsoring a resolution calling on Delaware's federal delegation to support a cease-fire.

Wilson-Anton, a Newark Democrat, expressed disappointment in Delawares congressional representatives who she feels have a moral duty to use their influence to pressure for a cease-fire. She said it's incumbent on public officials at all levels in Delaware to do the same.

When they hear from enough people and recognize it is going to impact their polling and election, it matters to them and we should be using that method as much as we can, she said in an interview.

For some, Biden and Democrats have already crossed a line.

"I feel rejected. I feel like I have no value in this community," said Faisal Khan, who lives in North Carolina and marched in Greenville Saturday.

He said he spent years protesting former President Donald Trump and working to support Democrats in high-profile races, but said he won't support Biden going forward.

Supporters place white roses to honor the dead at the entrance to the driveway of President Biden's home during a Rally in Support of Palestine in Greenville, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023.. According to event organizers, close to 2,000 participants attended the rally and march.

As the Saturdays march waned and participants set out a row of white roses and white bundles representing dead children onto the road in front of Bidens home, some of the presidents neighbors gathered to watch the scene.

Khan approached one of those neighbors and asked him to relay a message to Biden.Tell him he is on the wrong side of history."

Contact Xerxes Wilson at (302) 324-2787 or xwilson@delawareonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware officials not joining protests calling for Gaza cease-fire
Gov. John Carney was among several state and local officials who came together recently to address a rise in shooting deaths in Laurel.

Hosted by Operation West Laurel, the event drew over 100 people Sunday to the former Paul Laurence Dunbar Elementary School, located in west Laurel itself.

"It's no secret thats where most of our crime and the murders have taken place," Operation West Laurel organizer Amy Handy said. "We have work to do. We're not going to stop ... until our community is safe."

Laurel, a small town in western Sussex County, is home to about 4,000 people. Three people have been shot and killed there this year, while there was only one homicide in the four years prior. Two of this year's homicides remain unsolved.

Amy Handy, seen speaking at a meeting at the former Paul Laurence Dunbar Elementary School on Nov. 12, 2023, is the organizer of Operation West Laurel.

"We're telling (parents), 'You gotta keep your kids off the streets,' and for the most part they are because they're afraid," Handy said.

Two of Laurel's shooting victims were 18-year-old Laurel High School students, both killed in the afternoon. Corey Mumford was the first killed, on April 14 in Wexford Village apartments. Police have said he was not the intended target of the shooting, and three arrests have been made in his killing.

Eighteen-year-old Kylee Robinson was shot and killed Oct. 29 on the porch of a home in the 500 block of W. Seventh St. Two other juvenile males, ages 15 and 13, were also shot but survived. No arrests have been made.

Taylor German, 26, was shot and killed in a car outside Little Creek apartments Sept. 10. A 31-year-old Millsboro man who was also in the car was shot but survived. No arrests have been made in that case, either.

Tesha Horsey's 18-year-old son, Corey Mumford, was shot and killed in Laurel April 14. Here, she speaks at a meeting at the former Paul Laurence Dunbar Elementary School on Nov. 12, 2023.

Operation West Laurel was formed at New Zion United Methodist Church in Laurel on the day of Mumford's slaying, according to organizer Amy Handy. They formed a "prayer walk team" that walks the streets of west Laurel offering to pray with anyone willing. The group has been meeting with state and local officials to try to find solutions to the violence.

In addition to the governor, the panel of speakers at the Nov. 12 meeting included Laurel Mayor John Shwed, Town Manager Jamie Smith, Police Chief Danny Wright and Rep. Tim Dukes of Laurel. Also in attendance at the meeting were Laurel town council members; Seaford Mayor David Genshaw; Sussex County Council President Michael Vincent; and Rep. Danny Short and Sen. Bryant Richardson, both of Seaford.

More: Locker room at Laurel High School dedicated to late professional wrestler Jamin Pugh

Wright shared his frustration with the crowd.

"There are people in this group who have heard or know who shot who. We can't sit here and play this game anymore," he told the crowd.

Gov. John Carney, left, is flanked by, from left, Laurel Town Manager Jamie Smith, Mayor John Shwed, Police Chief Danny Wright and Rep. Tim Dukes at an Operation West Laurel meeting at the former Paul Laurence Dunbar Elementary School on Nov. 12, 2023.

Shwed said the town government installed speed bumps on West Seventh Street at the request of residents and is having discussions about curfews, as well.

"We know that's not a cure-all, but we're looking at that as a way to try get young people off the streets," he said.

More: Laurel blaze that injured 3 and displaced 4 Tuesday started accidentally in the kitchen

The Laurel Town Council voted to raise property taxes 30% in August to fund more police officers, Shwed pointed out; however, the department currently has four open positions. It's not just an issue of funding, Wright said, but of recruitment.

"We need to bring in more police immediately," Handy said. "The National Guard, I don't care what it is."

Danielle Stevens' son, 18-year-old Kylee Robinson, was shot and killed Oct. 29 in Laurel. Here, she speaks at an Operation West Laurel meeting at the former Paul Laurence Dunbar Elementary School on Nov. 12, 2023.

Harold Stafford, president of the Dover-based nonprofit Help Initiative, also spoke at the meeting. His organization has installed light fixtures and surveillance cameras in Laurel, he said, and they plan to install license plate readers in the future.

Many community members took the opportunity to speak to the community, as well, including the mothers of Kylee Robinson and Corey Mumford.

"Every time this happens, the healing cannot occur. It's just like opening these wounds ... all over again," said Corey Mumford's mother, Tesha Horsey.

More: Randon Wilkerson found guilty in murder of Delmar Cpl. Keith Heacook in quick trial

"What are we gonna do about the issue of the guns? Yes, we need more police. Yes, we need more security. Yes, we need programs. But these children would not be dead if it was a fistfight," Horsey said. "So we also need to address  the state of Delaware  the issues with the guns that are legally coming into our community."

Anyone with information about the homicides should contact the Laurel Police Department at 302-875-2244. Information can be provided anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers.

Anyone who wants to get involved with Operation West Laurel should email operationwestlaurel@gmail.com.

Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on Sussex County and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Governor and other leaders speak at Operation West Laurel meeting
Pennsylvania State Police are looking for a woman who was last seen in 2018.

According to officials, Jessica Lynn Goldsworthy, 27, was last seen in the evening of Nov. 16 through Nov. 17, 2018 in the area of Sutersville.

Officials said Goldsworthy was last seen with four male acquaintances.

Goldsworthy hasnt been active on Facebook or social media since Nov. 3, 2018. Her family indicted that was unusual for her.

State police said circumstances suggested foul play is involved in Goldsworthys disappearance.

Goldsworthy is described as being between 5 feet, 2 inches and 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighing between 150 and 170 pounds. She has blonde hair, blue eyes and wears glasses.

Goldsworthys last known address is 534 Rothey Drive in Elizabeth, but she was known to frequent Jeanette and Greensburg.

Anyone with information on Goldsworthys whereabouts is asked to contact state police in Greensburg at 724-832-3288 or anonymously contact the Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers Toll Free at 1-800-4PA-TIPS (8477) or online at https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=107. Callers could be eligible for a cash reward for information leading to an arrest, the solving of a crime/cold case or a location of a missing or wanted person.

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The holidays bring family and friends together, but joy isnt the only thing spreading.

The upcoming holiday season is expected to bring a spike in cases of the ongoing tripledemic: the flu, COVID-19 and RSV.

To get ahead of the surge, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reminding Americans to take steps to protect themselves.

We know when we get to Thanksgiving, people are going to travel, theyre going to gather, and thats when viruses spread, CDC Director Mandy Cohen told Health in an interview. Right now is the best time for folks to protect themselves so they can build up those antibodies ahead of the holiday.

Vaccines can take anywhere from 7 to 14 days to be fully effective in the body, the outlet reported, making it important to think ahead about your health before going to events.

Here are the latest updates to keep you and your loved ones healthy during the holidays.

COVID boosters recommended for everyone 6 months and older

As of Oct. 12, only 7 million Americans have gotten the newest updated bivalent COVID-19 booster shot, Reuters reported.

Thats just a small fraction of the number of Americans who received the first dose, about 81%, CDC data shows.

About 70% of Americans completed the primary series of shots, including almost 95% of adults over the age of 65, according to the report, but the numbers have dropped off each fall.

The new bivalent booster, released in mid-September and approved by the Food and Drug Administration, targets the most variants of COVID-19 to date, making it an essential step in preventing larger outbreaks.

The CDC currently recommends the newest booster to everyone over the age of 6 months, whether youve had any of the first round of shots or not.

Flu shots recommended for everyone

Flu shots, already part of an annual vaccination routine, are also recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months by the CDC.

This year, the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices made a few updates to the 2023-2024 shot to address the types of flu viruses that are prevalent this year.

Its a quadrivalent shot, meaning it protects against a flu A(H1) virus, a flu A(H3) virus, a flu B/Yamagata virus and a flu B/Victoria virus, according to the CDC.

Updates were made to the egg-based and non-egg-based shots for a flu A virus that is expected to be prominent in this years cases.

Since updates are made annually, its important to get the shot every year, not just when you think you might be exposed to the flu either through travel or social events.

RSV vaccines recommended for those with higher risk

The CDC recently expanded its recommendations for the RSV vaccine, McClatchy News reported.

The FDA approved the first-of-its-kind vaccine for adults in May, then infants in July, before extending the approval to pregnant individuals in August.

Now, the CDC recommends everyone over the age of 60 discuss with their doctor whether the RSV vaccine is right for them.

Older adults who will be around infants and pregnant women are encouraged to get the vaccine.

For parents, the CDC recommends the vaccine during weeks 32-36 of pregnancy to protect both the mother and the child that will then be born with antibodies to fight the virus.

Another option is to give infants a preventative antibody shortly after birth, the CDC says.

Can I get COVID, flu, RSV shots at the same time?

Besides a sore arm, it is safe to get the COVID-19 booster and flu shot in a single visit to a primary care physician or pharmacy, the CDC says.

Some people experience side effects such as fatigue and headache after receiving the vaccines that could be compounded with multiple shots.

There is not adequate data to show whether it is safe to also get the RSV vaccine at the same time, the CDC says, so its important to talk with your doctor before doing so.

If you would like to get all three vaccines, but wish to spread them out, there is no specific waiting time between shots.

But if you have been sick or suffer side effects from one of the shots, you should wait until you have recovered before getting the next one, the CDC says.

Are the COVID booster, flu shot, RSV vaccine covered by insurance?

All three seasonal vaccines should be covered by insurance, the CDC says, including the new addition of the RSV shot.

Medicare Part B covers the COVID-19 booster and annual flu shot, but not RSV. Medicare Part D covers all three shots.

Medicaid covers all vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice through the CDC.

Adults without insurance can receive free vaccines through the CDCs Bridge Access Program. Providers and participating locations can be found at vaccines.gov.

Children without insurance can receive free vaccines through the CDCs Vaccines for Children program.

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A weapon was confiscated from a student at a high school in Lexington County Tuesday, school officials said.

The incident happened at Irmo High School, according to a spokesperson from Lexington-Richland District 5.

The student, a 14-year-old female, was charged with possession of a weapon on school grounds, the Lexington County Sheriffs Department told The State.

The student is not being publicly identified because of her age.

School officials took the weapon from the student after it was reported to school administration, Irmo High School Principal Kaaren W. Hampton said in a letter to parents shared by Lexington-Richland 5.

The weapon was identified as a handgun, which was found in her book bag, according to an incident report.

There was no word if the student removed the gun from her bag, pointed it or made threatening gestures.

No injuries were reported.

In the letter, Hampton said both school administration and law enforcement immediately took appropriate action. We have deemed this an isolated incident and the appropriate disciplinary procedures are being followed.

After being charged, the student was taken to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and remains in the agencys custody, the sheriffs department said.

There was no word if the student is facing further discipline from the school or district.

Information about how the weapon was discovered, and if the school was temporarily placed on lockdown or some other security protocol, was not available.

At Irmo High School we ... work hard to ensure a safe learning environment at our school and work closely with law enforcement to make safety our top priority, Hampton said in the letter.
Three Jewish students at NYU sued the school on Tuesday for creating a hostile and antisemitic environment, and for refusing to enforce its own rules against bigotry. The students, Bella Ingber, Sabrina Maslavi and Saul Tawil, filed their complaint in Manhattan federal court, alleging that NYU allowed students to chant anti-semitic phrases like gas the Jews and Hitler was right. They also claimed that Jewish students complaints were ignored, slow-walked, or met with gaslighting. The complaint alleges that NYU violated the federal civil rights law by allowing anti-Jewish hate. If the students win, the lawsuit would require NYU to terminate staff and faculty and suspend or expel students who exhibit antisemitic behavior, and pay for compensation and punitive damages.

Read it at Reuters

Read more at The Daily Beast.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived in San Francisco, California to attend the 30th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders Meeting.

The chief executive's plane landed at 9:06 a.m, Wednesday, Manila time, and he was met by the city's officials.

In a speech delivered at a meeting with the Filipino community, he said San Francisco is important to the Philippines as it is the historical, cultural and economic link of the Philippines to the continental US.

In the meeting, the President introduced his delegation, among them the country's business managers and tourism, trade, energy, and transportation officials.

He laid down part of his team's itinerary, including meetings his team would hold on the sidelines of the APEC meetings, where they would seek mutually beneficial exchanges and partnerships.

Marcos said energy, especially clean energy, is also a priority of his administration.

"By the end of this four-day visit to San Francisco, we hope to have witnessed the signing of agreements with various American businesses in the fields of digital infrastructure and connectivity, renewable energy, electronics manufacturing, health, and tourism," he said.

The chief executive lauded Filipinos in the US, saying the country could always count on them even in times of crisis.

"Kayo ang bumubuhay sa ekonomiya ng Pilipinas kapag tayo'y naghihirap, kaya naman napakahalaga ng inyong katungkulan hindi lamang sa inyong mga pamilya kundi na rin pati sa inyong mga kababayan at sa inyong bansa," he said.

[Translation: During difficult times, you help keep the Philippine economy afloat, your duty to your families and the country as well as its people is invaluable.]

He also thanked them for their great turnout during the 2022 elections.

"You delivered the Marcos-Duterte tandem while setting the highest voter turnout in absolute numbers in the entire Americas region," he said.

In his departure speech, Marcos said his participation at the summit was at the invitation of US President Joe Biden.

"This trip marks my third visit to the United States as part of our continuing efforts to further reinforce our already strong bond, and a follow through to my Official Working Visit in Washington, D.C. last May, where we underscored the need of forging closer economic ties and ensuring that our bilateral friendship and relationship work for both our peoples," he said.

Among the president's activities at the summit will be meetings with business leaders on food and energy security, and economic inclusion of the Philippines' micro, small, and medium enterprises, women, and indigenous people, among other segments of the economy.

RELATED: Marcos to attend APEC summit, visit Indo-Pacific Command during US trip
Rumors of potential settlement talks on Tuesday swirled around the Manhattan courthouse where former President Donald Trumps civil fraud trial is taking place.

Frank Runyeon, a reporter for Law360, on Tuesday cited a very curious 25-minute delay in the trial resuming after an afternoon break. Trump attorney Alina Habba walked out of the chambers "alone before the New York attorney generals team went in, Runyeon wrote on X/Twitter, linking the incident to Trump recently complaining about a low-ball settlement offer.

New: Very curious. Sitting here & 25 min late on our planned return.



Trump atty Habba walked out from chambers, alone. Then, AGs attorneys head in.



Recently, Trump complained about a low-ball settlement offer...



Settlement bid afoot?



They return. We continue. Who knows.  Frank G. Runyeon (@frankrunyeon) November 14, 2023

Trump's attorneys have already appealed Judge Arthur Engoron's pre-trial summary judgment holding Trump, his eldest sons and his company liable for persistent fraud and have signaled that they plan to push for a mistrial.

MSNBC legal analyst Lisa Rubin, who has been reporting from the courthouse during the weekslong trial, also reported rumblings that the private conversations weve observed between each side and the court reflect some sort of settlement negotiation.

Rubin noted that Habba would make sense as Trumps proxy in potential settlement talks because aside from being his outside counsel she is also listed as the legal spokesperson and general counsel for his Save America PAC. She just might be the best positioned to negotiate on behalf of Team Trump, Rubin wrote.

Remember: Habba is not just outside counsel to Trump in this case; she is, as her Instagram bio reflects, the legal spokesperson for and general counsel of Save America. pic.twitter.com/E7886UV1Oh  Lisa Rubin (@lawofruby) November 14, 2023

Why do folks believe the private conversations today between each side and the judge reflect settlement conversations? In part because of Trumps Truth Social post on Monday, Rubin wrote in another post.

Trump on Monday claimed that Judge Arthur Engoron asked me to settle for a MUCH LOWER AMOUNT, at a settlement conference, but I said NO, I DID NOTHING WRONG!

Trump two weeks earlier also claimed that the attorney generals lawyers want to settle.

Why should I be forced to settle when I did nothing wrong? he wrote.

Rubin noted that the only publicly reported settlement conversations date back to September 2022, before the lawsuit was actually filed.

Moreover, that reporting discusses many settlement overtures from the Trump Organization to the attorney general, but does not reference any settlement conferences before Judge Engoron. So what is Trump talking about and when did it happen? Stay tuned, Rubin wrote.

Moreover, that reporting discusses many settlement overtures from the Trump Organization to the attorney general, but does not reference any settlement conferences before Judge Engoron. So what is Trump talking about and when did it happen? Stay tuned.  Lisa Rubin (@lawofruby) November 14, 2023

Former U.S. Attorney Harry Litman tweeted that we should learn soon if settlement talks are indeed happening.

This would be an absolutely stunning development, but I cant think of a better explanation for Kises being outside the court room for so long mid trial, he wrote.

The Daily Beasts Jose Pagliery also reported on Tuesday that Habba met privately with the judge, probably seeking a settlement to quietly end his bank fraud trial.

But Pagliery predicted that it would be a cold day in hell when the Trumps & New York AG agree to shelve this trial.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

The judge might drown Trump in fines ranging from $250 million to a gazillion dollars. And the entire Trump Org could end up in receivership soon, he wrote. What would the Trumps counteroffer?

New York attorney Paul Golden told Newsweek that while Trump settled his Trump University case in 2018, "it is possible the public would view a settlement of the current fraud case very differently."

"In the event Trump is considering settlement, and thus far we have not seen any evidence of it, he would have a great many issues to consider, including how a potential settlement would affect his brand, his businesses, and real property, and what kinds of fines would be at stake, Golden said, adding that the case is "unusual in one major respect: most attorneys never have to consider whether a settlement would affect one's client's ability to win the presidency."
DuPAGE COUNTY, Ill. - Pre-trial release has been denied for a suburban man accused of breaking into a woman's apartment and beating her Monday morning.

Abelardo Zapa, 33, of unincorporated Willowbrook, is charged with one count of home invasion, one count of robbery of a victim over 60 years of age and one count of aggravated battery, causing great bodily harm to a victim over 60 years of age.

At about 8:03 a.m., Willowbrook police officers responded to the victim's apartment for a call of a man, later identified as Zapata, who allegedly broke into her home and beat her.

When officers arrived, they located the victim, who is over 60 years of age, with visible red marks and blood on her face, prosecutors said.

The victim was transported to an area hospital, where she received eight stitches on the top of her head.

While investigating, police discovered that Zapata was allegedly at the apartment complex walking around with another tenant to her apartment, when he kicked in the door to the victim's apartment and entered.

Once inside, Zaparta allegedly attacked the woman and struck her in the face.

After striking the woman in the face, Zapata allegedly grabbed her head and slammed it against a cabinet. He also allegedly took her cell phone and fled the scene.

The victim was able to call 911 from another phone.

Zapata was taken into custody without incident a short time later from a McDonald's that was about a block away.

"The allegations that for no apparent reason, Mr. Zapata kicked in the front door of an innocent womans apartment and then severely beat her are shocking," Berlin said. "A persons home is their sanctuary and people have every right to feel safe in their homes. Mr. Zapatas alleged actions destroyed this victims feeling of safety and security. I sincerely hope that the victim in this case has a speedy recovery from her physical injuries and I wish her the best as she is now forced to cope with the psychological harm allegedly caused by Mr. Zapata."

Zapata's next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 11.
Firefighters working for The Villages Fire Rescue are expressing frustration about their ongoing funding problems. As the retirement community around them grows at lightning pace, they said its becoming harder to keep up without a fresh injection of funding.

Their problems were exacerbated by last years budget process when Sumter County did not approve $14 million in requests because of a lack of tax revenue. Firefighters said it caused plans for a new station to be shelved, new equipment to be paused, and staff to be shifted around to cover the communitys needs instead of adding new positions.

The problem was repeated over on the county side of things, where $12 million of that departments requests also went unapproved.

Read: Police name estranged husband as person of interest in Winter Springs womans disappearance

This came as Sumter County leaders proudly declared the countys tax rate was the lowest in history.

At the end of the day, people just look at the bottom line, whats it going to cost me, Commissioner Andy Bilardello said.

Bilardello, a former public safety director and supporter of the countys fire departments, was optimistic that a solution had finally been found to give The Villages residents the premium service they expected while bowing to rural residents requests to lower tax bills.

Read: 2 areas may develop in the tropics this week

The first attempt was the creation of an independent special district, like Disneys Reedy Creek, that would have the authority to levy taxes on The Villages residents to fund the department, separating its finances from the county.

County and state leaders approved the plan, but voters shot it down.

Then, leaders discovered they were massively undercharging fire fees to residents. Taxpayers are currently assessed $125 annually to cover the two departments costs. A firm hired to determine the countys needs said the charges should be approximately $320 per year.

Read: Pay, politics, and student behaviors: Heres why teachers are leaving Central Florida schools

Commissioners put the higher fees up for a vote. They were forced to kill the plan after being confronted by angry voters.

None of us anticipated that the raising the fire fee was going to fail. It made common sense to approve it, Bilardello said, adding that the increase amounted to half a dollar per day. I told the people its only going to come back and bite us. Were going to have to lay off firefighters, we may have to shut down the library. Theres going to be budget cuts. People didnt care.

Thanks to department management finding other things to cut, Bilardellos most dire predictions didnt come true. However, the problem remained.

Read: Ban Water Beads Act: Federal lawmaker calling for ban on water beads

The countys new plan is to create a dependent fire district, which is similar to their original independent proposal with the same boundaries and taxing authority. The major difference is that county commissioners ultimately approve the boards annual budget.

Commissioners planned to vote on the five-member board Tuesday night and schedule a hearing for Nov. 28, where theyre expected to approve the districts creation.

The Villages firefighters said they expected this new try to pass because many of the prior no votes came from rural county voters. They said The Villages residents tended to be more willing to agree to tax increases to fund major services.

Read: Lawmaker aims to stop nonconsensual tracking of Floridians

People walking around Brownwood, one of the three downtown districts within The Villages, agreed.

I think our firemen and policemen deserve a lot more than theyre getting, Patti Dicianna said.

Its unclear if The Villages or Sumter County residents tax bills will be affected by the plan, and if so, how much theyll increase or decrease.

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Robotic explorers investigating Mars are currently out of touch with space agencies on Earth after hitting a giant communications roadblock.

Mission controllers at NASA wont send any commands to its fleet of orbiters and rovers, including Perseverance and Curiosity, for the next 10 days due to the Mars solar conjunction.

The phenomenon occurs every two years when Mars and Earth are unfavorably positioned on opposite sides of the sun as they travel along their individual orbits.

During the roughly two-week period, the hot, energized gas continually spewed by the sun from its outer atmosphere can interfere with the radio signals that NASA uses to communicate with its Martian robotic explorers.

A Mars solar conjunction occurs every two years when the sun moves between Mars and Earth. - NASA/JPL-Caltech

If engineers attempt to send commands to any of the Martian spacecraft during this time, the messages may get mixed up  and that gamble isnt worth the risk of rovers or orbiters receiving corrupted communication that could endanger them.

A planned communications drop started Saturday and is in place until November 25. For a couple of those days, mission controllers expect a complete blackout. However, they expect to receive regular health updates from the various spacecraft.

The slowdown is a nice break for the people who devote their time to working on Mars missions, but it doesnt mean the work completely stops. The robotic fleet will still operate  albeit without the close supervision they usually receive.

Our mission teams have spent months preparing to-do lists for all our Mars spacecraft, said Roy Gladden, manager of the Mars Relay Network at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, in a statement. Well still be able to hear from them and check their states of health over the next few weeks.

Mars rovers and orbiters on autopilot

The Curiosity rover, which recently marked 4,000 sols (about 11 Earth years) on the Martian surface, found a suitable parking spot within its exploration site of Gale Crater. About 2,300 miles (3,700 kilometers) away, Perseverance also settled into a spot in Jezero Crater.

Both rovers received the lengthy lists of commands prior to the communications blackout that will keep them busy, including tasks such as tracking changes in the Martian weather, surface conditions and radiation.

Perseverance will take the opportunity to survey surrounding rocks and use its cameras to spot clouds and dust devils. Weaker and smaller than tornadoes on Earth, dust devils are swirling vortices of air that lift and move dust around on the red planet.

The Ingenuity helicopter, which has largely served as the Perseverance rovers aerial scout, will also lie low and wont conduct any flights during this time. Instead, the chopper will study the movement of sand using its color camera. While the assignment sounds like a simple task, sand can be one of the biggest and most challenging obstacles to Mars missions.

Meanwhile from above, the Mars Reconnaissance and Odyssey orbiters will continue taking images of the red planets surface, while MAVEN (short for Mars Atmospheric and Volatile Evolution) will track interactions between the sun and the Martian atmosphere.

Once the conjunction period is over, the robotic fleet will share the collected data, and the Mars missions and their teams will resume their normal cadence of exploring the red planet.

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Florida Department of Transportation leaders plan to hold a series of public meetings to gather thoughts on the proposed Sunshine Corridor next month.

The projected $2 billion new rail line would run between Orlando International Airports train station and the existing main line, with future expansions to the Orange County Convention Center and Disney Springs.

Leaders believe the corridor is the best way to expand SunRails footprint in the metro area, providing service to the more than 100,000 people working around the clock at the theme parks, I-Drive and airport.

Read: Whats next for the proposed SunRail/Brightline Sunshine Corridor

They said the airport connection would allow them to expand SunRail service to nights and weekends.

The agency is currently conducting a TCAR study, which looks at the preferred route of the rail line and alternatives. This step precedes environmental reviews, design, funding and construction.

Read: Why Brightline/SunRail Sunshine Corridor will cost over $2B

The public meetings will each run from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The locations are:

Dec. 5: Taft Community Center, 9450 S. Orange Ave.

Dec. 6: Holiday Inn & Suites International Drive, 10771 International Drive

Dec. 7: Delta Hotels Lake Buena Vista, 12490 S. Apopka Vineland Road

Read: Sunshine Corridor: SunRail moves forward with line to Orange County Convention Center

A virtual meeting will also be held on Dec. 6, at the same time as the in-person meeting, to allow more community members to weigh in.

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As the holiday season approaches, we are reminded that every act of kindness and generosity can go a long way. This year, WHIO-TV 7 Circle of Kindness, together with our partners Morris Home and Ashley, supports Giving Tuesday as a way of helping our community and those who need it most.

Join us in giving back through our 7 Circle of Kindness partnerslocal nonprofit organizations that work year-round to make Dayton, Ohio a better place. This diverse group of local partners provides food services and shelter to people in need. They advocate for justice and equality. They provide school supplies so students can succeed in education and life. They fulfill the wishes of children with life-threatening disease, and they save the lives of animals. These organizations make a tremendously positive impact on our community. Learn more about their missions and their incredible work:

YWCA Dayton

YWCA Dayton is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. The organization operates Montgomery County and Preble Countys domestic violence shelters, rape crisis center and support services, a 24-hour crisis hotline at 937-222-SAFE, four housing programs, and youth prevention programming. Support the organization HERE.

Miami Valley Meals

Miami Valley Meals is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and essential collaborator in the fight for a more food secure future. Their team of professional chefs recover and transform donated food into hearty meals for free distribution through a network of partner nonprofits serving those experiencing food insecurity. By Serving those who serve the hungry, they free up vital resources of their partners and open doors to further outreach and wrap-around services. Miami Valley Meals believes everyone deserves a good meal made with love. Support the organization HERE.

Crayons to Classrooms

Crayons to Classrooms distributes essential supplies to teachers of at-risk students across the Greater Dayton Region to ensure every child has the tools they need to succeed. The organization is servicing Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, and Warren counties. In addition to product donations, Crayons to Classrooms is leveraging an extensive collection of supply chain partners to secure essential school supplies at significantly reduced costs. All collected donations are then distributed at no cost to teachers at the organizations Dayton store. Support the organization HERE.

Hannahs Treasure Chest

Hannahs Treasure Chest provides care packages of clothes, shoes, books, safety equipment, diapers, and hygiene items to kids ages from 2 months pre-birth through 18 years of age via a network of 75 partners across Southwest Ohio, including Dayton Childrens Hospital, YWCA Dayton, and many more. The organization runs multiple programs, including Beds for Babies, which supplies safe beds for infants and toddlers, Brighter Smiles, which focuses on kids dental health, Books for Babies, Handmade for Hannahs, a sewing experience to make baby items and sensory products, and Giving Angels, a program that provides holiday gifts to children living at or below the poverty line with the help of local donors and organizations. Support the organization HERE.

A Special Wish Foundation

The mission of the organization is to grant the wish of a child or adolescent (birth through age 20) who has been diagnosed by a physician with a life-threatening disorder. A Special Wish Foundation of Southwest Ohio serves Mercer, Auglaize, Shelby, Darke, Miami, Champaign, Clark, Preble, Montgomery, Greene, Butler, Warren, Clinton, Hamilton, Clermont, Brown, Highland, Adams, Scioto, and Pike counties. Over the past 40 years, our chapter has granted over 1,800 wishes to children with life-threatening disorders. Support the organization HERE.

Humane Society of Greater Dayton

Humane Society of Greater Dayton is a no-kill organization that has been serving the animals and people of the Miami Valley since 1902. Its mission is to advance the health, welfare and safety of animals and people. It is the only organization in the Miami Valley helping all types of animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, farm animals, exotics, birds, small animals, and more. Support the organization HERE.

Every donation counts and makes a difference in the lives of those in need. But giving doesnt stop with financial donations. There are many ways to get involved and support these nonprofits. Consider volunteering your time, sharing their stories on social media, or donating a service in-kind.

Every act of kindness makes our communitys circle stronger. And together, we can make a lasting change.

7 Circle of Kindness is a WHIO-TV initiative serving communities with 7 pillars that focus on things important to our viewers, such as education, peace, environment, diversity, and more. 7 Circle of Kindness program is sponsored by Morris Home & Ashley.
Five Supreme Court justices have ruled that the Governments Rwanda deportation policy is unlawful.

The all-male panel of judges at the UKs highest court spent about a month considering legal arguments over the plans, which are a central part of Rishi Sunaks bid to stop the boats and halt migrant Channel crossings.

The decision was unanimous with Lords Reed, Hodge, Lloyd-Jones, Briggs and Sales ruling against the Government.

Lord Reed, the President of the Supreme Court, said in a summary of the ruling that there would be a risk of genuine asylum seekers being returned by Rwanda to the home country they fled from.

But who are the judges who decided the future of the flagship policy?

Lord Reed, 67, who has led the 12-justice court since January 2020, was the judge who delivered a summary of the Rwanda ruling at a hearing on Wednesday.

Over the course of more than a decade at the UKs top court, Lord Reed has been involved in some of its biggest cases, including the challenges over the prorogation of Parliament in 2019 and holding a Scottish independence referendum last year.

He previously served as a judge in Scotland and is also a member of a panel of ad hoc judges of the European Court of Human Rights.

In March last year, Lord Reed and deputy Supreme Court president Lord Hodge quit as non-permanent judges at Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal amid concerns about the erosion of human rights.

Lord Reed was educated at the universities of Edinburgh and Oxford before qualifying as an advocate in Scotland and a barrister in England and Wales.

He has previously challenged claims that judges were meddling in political decision-making in the wake of the Supreme Courts ruling that former prime minister Boris Johnsons decision to suspend Parliament in 2019 was unlawful.

He told the BBC in October 2020: We dont do politics, we do decide legal questions which can have political ramifications and they can be important political consequences, but the issue we decide is strictly legal issue.

Lord Hodge, 70, was appointed deputy president of the UKs top court in January 2020.

The Scot, who succeeded compatriot Lord Reed when he became president, has served on the court since October 2013.

The judge was admitted to the Faculty of Advocates in 1983 and appointed a Queens Counsel in 1996.

He has held a number of roles in Scotland, including the Scottish Judge in Exchequer Causes.

Lord Lloyd-Jones, 71, is on his second stint as a Supreme Court justice having originally served between October 2017 and January 2022.

After retiring from the role, he returned in August 2022 after an increase in the mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 75.

He was born and brought up in Pontypridd, South Wales, where his father was a school teacher, and was the courts first justice to come from Wales.

A Welsh speaker, he was appointed to the High Court in 2005, and acted as adviser to the court in the Pinochet litigation before the House of Lords.

He has also served as a Lord Justice of Appeal and as chairman of the Law Commission.

The Supreme Courts most senior English member, Lord Briggs, 68, became a justice in October 2017.

He grew up around Portsmouth and Plymouth, following his naval officer father between ships, before spending his later childhood in West Sussex.

A keen sailor and the first lawyer in his family, he worked as a commercial lawyer before joining the High Court in 2006 where he oversaw the insolvency litigation following the collapse of the Lehman Brothers group from 2009 to 2013.

He joined the Court of Appeal in 2013 and was involved in civil justice reform, leading the Chancery Modernisation Review and Civil Courts Structure Review.

Lord Sales, 61, was the youngest of the courts justices when he was appointed in January 2019.

He worked as a barrister and QC before his appointment to the High Court in 2008.

He was educated at the Royal Grammar School in Guildford, before studying law at both Cambridge and Oxford universities.

He was vice-president of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, served as deputy chairman of the Boundary Commission for England and was appointed as a Lord Justice of Appeal.

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On December 26, 2018, every American who owned a bump stock, a rifle accessory that facilitates rapid firing, was suddenly guilty of a federal felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. That did not happen because a new law took effect; it happened because federal regulators reinterpreted an existing law to mean something they had long said it did not mean.

As anyone who has read the Constitution or watched Schoolhouse Rock! could tell you, this is not how laws are supposed to be made. The Trump administration's bump stock ban, which is at the center of a case that the U.S. Supreme Court recently agreed to hear, raises the question of whether unelected bureaucrats can evade the constitutionally prescribed legislative process by unilaterally criminalizing previously legal conduct.

As the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) explained when it imposed the ban, bump firing is "a technique that any shooter can perform with training or with everyday items such as a rubber band or belt loop." It involves pushing a rifle forward to activate the trigger by bumping it against a stationary finger, then allowing recoil energy to push the rifle backward, which resets the trigger.

As long as the shooter maintains forward pressure and keeps his finger in place, the rifle will fire repeatedly. The ATF's rule bans stock replacements that assist this technique by allowing the rifle's receiver to slide back and forth.

Between 2008 and 2017, the ATF repeatedly said such products were perfectly legal as long as they did not contain a spring or other mechanism that pushes the rifle forward after recoil. But in March 2018, the agency proposed a new rule declaring that rifles equipped with bump stocks qualified as machine guns, making the accessories illegal.

Why did the ATF change its mind? In October 2017, a gunman murdered 60 people at a country music festival in Las Vegas, and it turned out that some of his rifles were fitted with bump stocks.

The massacre inspired several bills aimed at banning bump stocks. Noting that "the ATF lacks authority under the law to ban bump-fire stocks," Sen. Dianne Feinstein (DCalif.) said "legislation is the only answer."

President Donald Trump, by contrast, maintained that new legislation was unnecessary. After he instructed the ATF to ban bump stocks by administrative fiat, the agency bent the law to his will.

Federal law defines a machine gun as a weapon that "automatically" fires "more than one shot" by "a single function of the trigger." A bump-fired rifle shoots just one round for each function of the trigger, and it does not fire "automatically" unless you ignore the ongoing human intervention required to repeatedly activate the trigger.

That is what the ATF did. It also read "a single function of the trigger" to mean a single pull of the trigger (not a bump!). Noting that "the law has not changed," Feinstein warned that the ATF's "about face," which relied on "a dubious analysis claiming that bumping the trigger is not the same as pulling it," would invite legal challenges.

In response to those challenges, federal appeals courts have disagreed about whether the definition of machine guns is ambiguous and whether the ATF's new interpretation of it is reasonable. Yet the ATF insists that bump stocks have always been illegal, although no one (including the ATF) realized that until 2018.

The implication is that bump stock producers and owners were inadvertently committing felonies for years. Once the ATF belatedly recognized what it now says the law plainly requires, those accidental felons avoided criminal charges only thanks to prosecutorial discretion. The ATF graciously extended that forbearance until March 26, 2019.

Such capricious invention of crimes is inconsistent with the rule of law and the separation of powers. Neither the Las Vegas massacre nor Trump's reaction to it changed the law. The Supreme Court should not let the ATF pretend otherwise.

 Copyright 2023 by Creators Syndicate Inc.

The post The Supreme Court Should Not Let Bureaucrats Invent Crimes by Rewriting the Law appeared first on Reason.com.
Mondays judgment contradicts a 1979 decision by former Justice Anthony Kennedy, then an Appeals Court judge, who wrote that frequent outdoor exercise is critical to inmates well-being.

The Supreme Court will not hear the case of a Black man who spent three years in solitary confinement in an Illinois correctional facility with no access to the outside or opportunity to exercise.

According to HuffPost, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in March 2022 dismissed Michael Johnsons claims that solitary confinement combined with a lack of outdoor time violates the Eighth Amendment. Johnson  who has been diagnosed with several mental health disorders, including severe depression and bipolar disorder  and his lawyers appealed to the Supreme Court, which rejected his motion on Monday.

However, justices Ketanji Brown Jackson, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan dissented from the high courts ruling in Johnson v. Prentice, calling it an indisputable legal error.

This Aug. 20, 2008, file photo shows the Pontiac Correctional Center in Pontiac, Illinois. On Monday, the Supreme Court decided not to hear the case of Michael Johnson, a Black man who was in solitary confinement for three years at the facility. (Photo by Charles Rex Arbogast/AP, File)

For three years, Johnson had no opportunity at all to stretch his limbs or breathe fresh air, Jackson wrote. Johnsons mental state deteriorated rapidly. He suffered from hallucinations, excoriated his own flesh, urinated and defecated on himself, and smeared feces all over his body and cell.

The Illinois Department of Corrections told HuffPost it is assessing the courts decision.

According to The New York Times, Johnson was incarcerated at Pontiac Correctional Center since 2007 for a conviction linked to a home invasion and assault.

Prison officials revoked his yard privileges  or opportunity to exercise outside  beginning in 2013 due to countless incidents of prison infractions.

He was barred from exercising, which is generally permitted for solitary confinement detainees, as prison authorities stacked 30- to 90-day limitations on him. Except for a 10-minute weekly shower, the repeated restrictions tallied up to roughly three years, two consecutive.

Johnson was pleading for a transfer to a mental health unit the entire time. In June 2016, he sued prison officials, claiming the lengthy prohibition of exercise violated the Constitution. The transfer was authorized two months later.

According to HuffPost, Johnsons counsel contended that the deprivation was imposed not to preserve the safety and security of the exercise yard but rather to punish him for misbehaving due to mental illness and not related to exercise.

Johnson grew suicidal and occasionally participated in wrongdoing in the hope that prison guards would beat him to death, Jackson wrote in the dissent, claiming that his treatment was proof of unconstitutional deliberate indifference.

Daniel Greenfield, an attorney for Johnson, said they are grateful for the dissent but saddened to live in an era where imposing such cruelty, let alone on a person known to suffer from mental illness, is acceptable to any federal judge.

According to The Times, Mondays judgment contradicts a 1979 decision by former Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy. An Appeals Court judge at the time, Kennedy opined then that frequent outdoor exercise is critical to inmates psychological and physical well-being.

Several human rights organizations have denounced the use of solitary confinement, comparing it to torture and asserting that it violates the Eighth Amendment, HuffPost reported.

President Joe Biden promised to end the use of solitary confinement, but it has only gotten more common in federal prisons, according to HuffPost, referencing NBC News.

Three years of 24/7 solitary confinement, unrelieved by any opportunity for exercise, would have appalled the Founders, Greenfield said. It should be no less shocking to us today.

Never miss a beat: Get our daily stories straight to your inbox with theGrios newsletter.

The post Supreme Court refuses to hear case of Black man locked in solitary confinement for three years appeared first on TheGrio.
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The government's Rwanda asylum policy, which it says is needed to tackle small boats, is in disarray, after the UK's highest court ruled it is unlawful.

The Supreme Court upheld a Court of Appeal ruling, which said the policy leaves people sent to Rwanda open to human rights breaches.

It means the policy cannot be implemented in its current form.

Rishi Sunak said the government would work on a new treaty with Rwanda and said he was prepared to change UK laws.

The controversial plan to fly asylum seekers to Rwanda and ban them from returning to the UK has been subject to legal challenges since it was first announced by Boris Johnson in April 2022.

The government has already spent 140m on the scheme but flights were prevented from taking off in June last year after the Court of Appeal ruled the approach was unlawful due to a lack of human rights safeguards.

Now that the UK's most senior court has agreed, the policy's chances of being realised without major revisions are effectively ended.

But Mr Sunak told MPs at Prime Minister's Questions that he was ready to finalise a formal treaty with Rwanda and would be "prepared to revisit our domestic legal frameworks" in a bid to revive the plan.

A treaty - which Downing Street has said it will publish in the "coming days" - would upgrade the agreement between the UK and Rwanda from its current status as a "memorandum of understanding", which the government believes would put the arrangement on a stronger legal footing.

The new text would provide the necessary reassurances the Supreme Court has asked for, the prime minister's official spokesman said.

Ministers have been forced to reconsider their flagship immigration policy after 10 claimants argued that ministers had ignored clear evidence that Rwanda's asylum system was unfair and arbitrary.

The legal case against the policy hinges on the principle of "non-refoulement" - that a person seeking asylum should not be returned to their country of origin if doing so would put them at risk of harm - which is established under both UK and international human rights law.

In a unanimous decision, the court's five justices agreed with the Court of Appeal that there had not been a proper assessment of whether Rwanda was safe.

The judgement does not ban sending migrants to another country, but it leaves the Rwanda scheme in tatters - and it is not clear which other nations are prepared to do a similar deal with the UK.

The Supreme Court justices said there were "substantial grounds" to believe people deported to Rwanda could then be sent, by the Rwandan government, to places where they would be unsafe.

It said the Rwandan government had entered into the agreement in "good faith" but the evidence cast doubt on its "practical ability to fulfil its assurances, at least in the short term", to fix "deficiencies" in its asylum system and see through "the scale of the changes in procedure, understanding and culture which are required".

A spokesman for the Rwandan government said the policy's legality was "ultimately a decision for the UK's judicial system", but added "we do take issue with the ruling that Rwanda is not a safe third country".

A flight was due to take off for Rwanda in June 2022 but was grounded after legal challenges

It leaves Mr Sunak - who has made tackling illegal immigration a central focus of his government - looking for a way to salvage the policy.

In a statement issued after the ruling, the prime minister said the government had been "planning for all eventualities and we remain completely committed to stopping the boats".

He continued: "Crucially, the Supreme Court - like the Court of Appeal and the High Court before it - has confirmed that the principle of sending illegal migrants to a safe third country for processing is lawful. This confirms the government's clear view from the outset."

Mr Sunak is expected to hold a televised press conference in Downing Street at 16:45 GMT on Wednesday.

The Supreme Court decision comes amid the political fallout from the sacking of Suella Braverman on Monday, who, as home secretary had championed the Rwanda policy.

Following the ruling, Mrs Braverman called on Mr Sunak to introduce "emergency legislation" which would block routes of legal challenge, including the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) - which some on the Tory right have called for the UK to withdraw from.

Newly appointed Home Secretary James Cleverly told the Commons on Wednesday the government had been "working on a plan to provide the certainty that the court demands" for "the last few months".

He said upgrading the agreement to a treaty "will make it absolutely clear to our courts and to Strasbourg that the risks laid out by the court today have been responded to, will be consistent with international law".

The ruling comes less than 24 hours after Suella Braverman accused the prime minister of failing to plan for an alternative to the Rwanda policy

Lee Anderson MP, the deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, urged the government to ignore the Supreme Court and "put planes in the air" anyway.

Natalie Elphicke, Conservative MP for Dover, the landing point for many of the small boats, said the Rwanda policy is "at an end" and "we now need to move forward".

"With winter coming the timing of this decision couldn't be worse. Be in no doubt, this will embolden the people smugglers and put more lives at risk," she continued.

But charity Asylum Aid said the government must "abandon the idea of forcibly removing people seeking asylum to third countries", describing the policy as "cruel and ineffective".

More than 100,000 people have arrived in the UK via illegal crossings since 2018, though the number appears to be falling this year.

In 2022, 45,000 people reached the UK in small boats. The total is on course to be lower for 2023, with the total for the year so far below 28,000 as of November 12.

Map showing the distance from the UK to Rwanda
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15) An anti-communist group must be abolished over issues of red-tagging environmental human rights defenders and indigenous peoples, a United Nations (UN) special rapporteur said on Wednesday.

In a briefing, Ian Fry, the UN special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change, urged the government's response to climate change "must be undertaken with the full support of the community."

He said continued attacks on defenders would undermine the Philippines' credibility in the international community, albeit having a "good on paper" climate response.

"I just got a sense that it's moved beyond its mandate and its usefulness," Fry said of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). "This needs to be disbanded outright and the government needs to develop another approach to deal with terrorism issues."

"It's clear that this unit is operating with impunity and therefore needs to be abandoned," he added.

Fry said red-tagging was not only happening during the past administration but "it continues today and this is a serious concern."

He said he received complaints from civil society organizations and indigenous people groups that the government "was using the Anti-Terrorism Act, and its NTF-ELCAC to intimidate communities who oppose mining and dam projects."

In September, rights watchdog Global Witness said the Philippines has remained the most dangerous country for environmental defenders in Asia for a decade.

Fry's visit also came after environmental activists Jhed Tamano and Jonila Castro were reportedly abducted by four armed men on Sept. 2 in Orion, Bataan. They denied that they voluntarily surrendered to the authorities.

The activists are facing perjury raps filed by the military, which accused them of recanting their sworn statements.

National Security Council (NSC) Deputy Director General Jonathan Malaya told CNN Philippines that the recommendation was "unfair" as Fry "never bothered to dialogue with us at the very least since may [there are] complaints laban sa [against] NTF-ELCAC."

"We have a call to him that the next time he comes to Manila, please meet with us, so that your report can be considered as complete," he said, adding the council is open to discussing the concerns.

In a briefing, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the UN human rights expert must not interfere with the country's system -- a similar stance the Philippine government has been posturing in relation to the International Criminal Court's investigation on former President Rodrigo Duterte's bloody war on drugs.

RELATED: PH gov't ends engagement with ICC following rejected plea vs. drug war probe

"Internal mechanism 'yan sa gobyerno wag silang makikialam diyan," he said. "Wag silang makikialam kung paano natin gusto patakbuhin ang ating gobyerno."

[Translation: It's an internal mechanism of our government. They should not interfere with how we want to run our government.]

During his briefing, Fry said he had met government agencies, which he did not specify, to talk about the NTF-ELCAC and those agencies said they will study the issue. He added it's up to the Philippine government to adhere to the recommendations.

The UN Human Rights Council said special rapporteurs are part of its special procedures, which are "independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world," according to a news release provided to reporters.

Fry began his 10-day official country visit on Nov. 6 to meet communities, government officials, and civil society organizations.

He said he went to the Jalaur Mega Dam Project near Iloilo and met Tumandok tribe representatives, noting that "much of the dam site and land to be inundated by the stored water is on ancestral indigenous land."

He is set to present a comprehensive report of his findings and recommendations to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2024, according to the news release.

CNN Philippines correspondent Tristan Nodalo contributed to this report.
For the first time in history, the U.S. Supreme Court now has an official code of ethics  but it leaves much to be desired, experts and Democratic lawmakers said.

The high court unveiled an unprecedented 14-page code of conduct on Nov. 13, following a series of allegations that multiple justices acted unethically.

The document includes five rules governing the courts independence, impartiality, impropriety and extrajudicial activities.

The undersigned justices are promulgating this Code of Conduct to set out succinctly and gather in one place the ethics rules and principles that guide the conduct of the Members of the Court, an accompanying statement signed by all nine justices said.

Vague and unenforceable

The code is unlikely to curtail unethical behavior as its imprecise and unenforceable, according to legal experts.

The language in the Code of Conduct is exceedingly vague, Paul Collins, a professor of legal studies at University of Massachusetts Amherst, told McClatchy News in an email.

Most importantly, there appears to be no enforcement mechanism, Collins said. So, I read this code of conduct as an acknowledgement of the criticisms the Court is currently facing  which has resulted in historically low public approval  but not as a serious effort to address the ethical issues facing the Court.

Multiple justices across the ideological spectrum have been accused of ethical lapses in recent years.

Most notably, Justice Clarence Thomas, a former President George H.W. Bush appointee, was accused of accepting expensive trips  including on private jets and superyachts  from Republican donors without disclosing them, according to ProPublica.

Thomas issued a statement in April saying that his travel  which he said he undertook with his dearest friends who had no business before the court  did not require disclosure.

The staff of Justice Sonia Sotomayor, a former President Barack Obama appointee, has also been accused of morally dubious behavior. She is alleged to have coaxed colleges hosting her for speaking engagements into purchasing copies of her books, according to the Associated Press.

Given the very serious allegations of misconduct by some members of the Court who say they have been following existing ethical standards, it is evident that this Code is unlikely to result in any real behavioral change, Collins said.

The lack of enforcement mechanism within the code is not surprising, Stephen Wermiel, a professor of practice of constitutional law at American University Washington College of Law, told McClatchy News in an email.

There was no way the justices were going to give to someone outside the Court the power to discipline them, Wermiel said. They dont want to police each other, and they certainly dont want someone else to police them.

Congressional action

Before the Supreme Court unveiled its code of conduct, the Senate Judiciary Committee drafted legislation that would impose an ironclad ethics code onto the court. Lower court judges already abide by similar ethical codes, according to the committee.

Weve been working for 11 years to encourage the Supreme Court to adopt a binding code of conduct for all its Justices, whether appointed by Democratic or Republican Presidents, Sen. Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois and chair of the committee, said in a July statement.

The courts release of a new code of conduct shows no signs of stopping the committees efforts.

The code falls short of what we could and should expect, Durbin wrote on Twitter, now rebranded as X, hours after the court unveiled its new rules.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut and member of the committee, said the code leaves unresolved key issues in a statement on X, adding theres a lot of devil in unspecified details.

But with a razor-thin majority in the Senate and a Republican-led House, its unlikely any congressional effort to foist an ethics rulebook onto the high court will be successful, Wermiel said.

Some Republicans have argued that accusations of unethical behavior on the court have disproportionately been lodged against conservative justices, NBC News reported. Theyve accused Democratic lawmakers of trying to delegitimize the high court because of its conservative majority.

The Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee seem serious about trying to have a meaningful code of ethics for the Supreme Court, Wermiel said. But I also doubt they have the votes to get something all the way through the Congress.

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What are war crimes? How are they prosecuted? What to know as Israel-Hamas war rages
Rural Palestinians in the occupied West Bank say they have faced increased harassment from Israeli settlers since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza (Thomas COEX)

Blocked roads, armed raids, sabotaged wells: rural Palestinians in the occupied West Bank say they have faced increased harassment from Israeli settlers since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

In Imran Nawaja's village, the access road has been obstructed by huge stones since the start of the war, put there either by settlers or the army, the Palestinian said.

"The Israeli army wanted to reopen the road, but the settlers came to prevent it," said a stunned Nawaja, a 46-year-old farmer from Susya, close to Hebron in the south of the West Bank.

"They are the ones in charge here now," he said.

In the West Bank, occupied by Israel since 1967, 490,000 settlers live among three million Palestinians.

Their settlements are considered illegal under international law by the United Nations.

Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, the UN's humanitarian agency (OCHA) has recorded an average of more than six incidents per day between settlers and Palestinians, including everything from livestock theft to direct physical violence.

Before the war, the average was three a day.

"They use the war as a pretext to expel us from our homes and to expropriate our lands," Jaber Dababsi, a 35-year-old farmer and militant in the village of Khallet al-Dabaa, told AFP.

European and US diplomats have repeatedly condemned the rise in violence by settlers that has followed the war, triggered by Hamas's bloody attack on southern Israel.

Around 1,200 people were killed, mostly civilians and 239 taken hostage during the attack, Israeli officials say.

Israel's retaliation in Gaza, aimed at destroying Hamas, has killed more than 11,300 people, also mostly civilians, including more than 4,650 children, the Hamas-run health ministry says.

- 'Act like soldiers' -

Some settlers "even wear military uniforms", said Musaab Rabbe, 36, a farmer and construction worker.

"They were given weapons and the right to act like soldiers, they arrest people and we think they are soldiers," said Rabbe, speaking in one of the hamlets of Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron.

In 235 attacks by settlers against Palestinians recorded by OCHA since October 7, including several deadly incidents, more than a third involved "using firearms to threaten Palestinians, including by opening fire".

And in close to half of cases, Israeli security forces "accompanied or actively supported the attackers", OCHA said.

On October 10, Israeli police announced they would arm civilians while the far-right security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said he was working to relax the criteria for obtaining a gun permit.

A session of the Israeli parliament last month revealed that in the first week of the war 41,000 Israelis requested a gun permit, compared to 38,000 per year in normal times.

"I fear they will kill my children," said Rabbe, who added he had sent his older kids to stay with relatives in another village to keep them away from possible violence.

"If they kill my children, no one would care, nothing would happen," he said.

The human rights NGO Yesh Din studied more than 1,000 cases of settler violence submitted to the Israeli justice system between 2005 and 2021 and found that 92 percent of cases resulted in a dismissal, the group said.

- '24 hours to leave' -

Further south, in Susya, Imran Nawaja said he was living in the same hell.

"Before, we had problems but not every day, and not as many," he told AFP.

After more than five weeks of war in Gaza, "69 percent of all Palestinians say they fear future settler attacks," according to a report from the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PCPSR), based in Ramallah, the seat of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.

In the village of At-Tuwani, bordering the settlement of Ma'on, established in the early 1980s, settler tents and agricultural facilities appeared on the lands of Palestinian herdsmen.

"They want to take more land, they have been waiting a long time for a moment like this to be able to go wherever they want," Bassel, who gave only his first name, told AFP.

"They come at night, they cut the pipes, they pierce the water tanks and they tell us 'you have 24 hours to leave'," he said.

"You have to leave on foot because they block the roads with boulders and after they destroy everything with a bulldozer".

crb/sbh/smk/dcp/sea/
The Holocaust survivors from left to right are Gidon Lev, Tova Friedman, Lily Ebert, and Rosie Heilbrun. Courtesy of Gidon Lev, Lily Ebert, Nechama Birnbaum, and Tova Friedman; Isabel Fernandez Pujol/Business Insider

Lily Ebert is staring intently into the front-facing camera of a phone. In a serene cream-colored living room, she sits on a golden chair that matches both the curtains and the fully stocked bookshelf behind her.

Ebert, wearing a pale pink button-up shirt and satin flowered pants, has turned her living room into a makeshift set, answering questions from near-anonymous people who want to know the horrors that she's been through.

On the TikTok video she's filming, a question appears on the screen: "Did Lily know where she was being taken to?"

"I had not the faintest idea," she responds slowly, her hands clasped together. "Nobody in your worst, very worst, imagination. You could not believe that something like  even something similar like  can happen."

"It was an impossible possibility," she added.

At 99, Ebert is among the oldest Holocaust survivors in the world.

In 1944, she was 20 when she was brought to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the concentration-camp network in Nazi-occupied Poland, and separated from her mother and youngest siblings. Ebert never saw them again and believes they were probably killed in gas chambers.

For a horrid year, Ebert suffered in inhumane living conditions. She was forced to work for the German military machine, assigned to mend men's uniforms, and later worked in a munitions factory near Leipzig, Germany.

Over the past two years, Ebert has found a new purpose for her painful memories: sharing her stories with young audiences on social media.

Lily Ebert Courtesy of Lily Ebert

With help from her 19-year-old great-grandson, Dov Forman, Ebert fields questions from their 2.1 million followers and random TikTok viewers about what it was like growing up in Hungary, surviving Auschwitz, and then living in Israel and England after the war.

Business Insider talked to three survivors and their families, and the granddaughter of a fourth survivor who died in 2022, who are committed to detailing their lives during the Holocaust on TikTok. While they've counteracted the toxic denialism that flourishes on the app, they're also worried their stories will die with them.

"After my generation is gone, there'll be no more witnesses," Tova Friedman, who at 85 is among the younger living Holocaust survivors and who discusses her experience on TikTok, told BI. "So this is very important."

Today's levels of Holocaust awareness feel dire to survivors

There's never been a more important moment for Holocaust survivors to document their stories due to the rise of antisemitism on and off the platform. Forman told BI he'd seen a ton of antisemitic clips on the app firsthand.

"It's incredibly worrying when I see these videos," he said, "knowing that the predominant amount of users on TikTok are young children."

Holocaust literacy among younger generations isn't particularly encouraging. As part of a 2019 survey, the Pew Research Center asked 1,800 US teenagers multiple-choice questions about the Holocaust. Only 38% of the respondents, ages 13 to 17, correctly identified how many Jews were killed (about 6 million), and just a third identified how Hitler became Germany's chancellor (through a democratic political process). More than half could identify which of several broad time periods the Holocaust took place during (between 1930 and 1950) and what Nazi-created ghettos were (parts of town where Jews were forced to live), but they still lagged behind adults who were asked the same questions.

Though TikTok's community guidelines prohibit antisemitism, the app's algorithm has also allowed for problematic content, like far-right disinformation campaigns and neo-Nazi propaganda, to evade consequences. In 2022, UNESCO and the World Jewish Congress found that 17% of the TikTok content related to the Holocaust denied or distorted the genocide.

Aron Goodman helps his grandmother Tova Friedman film TikTok videos. Courtesy of Tova Friedman

Oren Segal, the vice president of the Anti-Defamation League's Center on Extremism, told BI that people's ability to spread antisemitic hate online had become "greater than in any other time in human history."

Recorded incidents of antisemitism offline have also been on the rise. A March report from the ADL tallied 3,697 instances of harassment, vandalism, and assault linked to antisemitism in 2022, a 36% increase from 2021  and a record high since the group began tracking such incidents in 1979.

Segal said the ADL had tracked dozens of attacks that specifically mentioned Kanye West, the rapper now known as Ye, who in December praised Hitler on Alex Jones' Infowars show. Nechama Birnbaum, 29, the granddaughter of a survivor, told BI that in the immediate aftermath of Ye's rant she was inundated with hundreds of messages saying her grandmother was lying and calling the Holocaust a hoax.

Ignorant questions are often thrown at survivors

Ebert stumbled on virality somewhat accidentally, Forman told BI.

During a family dinner early in the coronavirus pandemic, Ebert showed her great-grandson a banknote an American Jewish soldier gave her in 1945 shortly after she was freed in a village called Pfaffroda, Germany. The note had a promise for the future: "The start to a new life  good luck and happiness!" It had no signature.

Curious about its author, Forman told Ebert they might find the person if they posted the note online.

The resulting post went viral in July 2020, and in less than 10 hours they had identified the liberator as Pvt. Hyman Schulman, who died in 2013.

Forman realized just how powerful the internet could be when harnessed for good. He used X (then still known as Twitter) for several months before moving to TikTok, uploading the first video with Ebert in February 2021. Within three months, they had amassed over a million followers.

Forman and Ebert's channel has amassed over 2.1 million followers. Courtesy of Lily Ebert

Ebert's channel is guided by a 1944 promise she made to herself decades ago, after she had been taken from her home in Hungary and imprisoned at Auschwitz. It was Yom Kippur, and she was with two of the surviving members of her family  her sisters Piri and Rene. That day, she swore that if she survived, she would make it her life's mission to ensure nothing like that would ever happen again.

"I thought I could do it single-handedly," Ebert reflected in "Lily's Promise," the 2021 bestselling memoir she cowrote with Forman about her experiences. "Perhaps I was a little optimistic. A little naive. But I really believed it."

After marrying in 1948 and having three children over the next decade, she began speaking publicly about the Holocaust. In the 1980s, she helped form a group for survivors struggling with the trauma.

Today, the popularity of the channel has allowed them to reach people around the world. Forman said he was shocked by the ignorance revealed in some TikTokers' questions, such as "What was the Holocaust?" or "Why did you choose Auschwitz concentration camp? Why didn't you choose a different one?"

Despite these challenges, Ebert said she's grateful to have the community and an outlet.

"If you are quiet, people don't know what you think about things," Ebert told BI. "So you have to talk, and in TikTok you get the opportunity to talk anything in your life, what you feel comfortable with, and that helps a lot."

In her book, Ebert wrote that she was proud her great-grandson had discovered "new ways" to share her life history with the younger generation.

"I know  I don't kid myself  I won't be here forever," she mused. "To be certain that Dov will take over my story, even when I'm gone, gives me peace of mind."

An emotional toll lingers for survivors who relive their worst days

Having your horror recounted for millions of people every week is likely to wear on Holocaust survivors, an expert in trauma told BI.

Friedman, who was only 5 when she was taken to Auschwitz, said some moments were distressing to remember. She added that her grandson Aron Goodman, 18, was "very careful not to prolong that" so she could " share everything openly."

In one of Friedman's most harrowing videos, she described being sent to a gas chamber, only to be inexplicably allowed to leave.

"We stood there naked for a number of hours, freezing, absolutely freezing," she said in the 43-second clip uploaded in October 2021. "And then they just sent us back."

Friedman said in the video that the guards were "screaming and yelling at each other" at the time but that she never learned what happened.

Her most popular video, with over 8 million views, shows the tattoo she received at Auschwitz. In the video, uploaded in October 2021, Friedman holds a white dog on her lap as she calmly recounts the experience.

"I was tattooed by a young woman whose hands trembled because she wasn't happy to tattoo children," she said as the camera panned over to her arm, revealing the scrawl of faded digits.

At Auschwitz, which consisted of both a series of labor camps and the death camp Birkenau, most arriving children were sent immediately to the gas chambers. Only prisoners selected for work were given tattoos, which were used to identify their bodies as they died under the daily brutal conditions.

Sharing traumatic memories can be retraumatizing, and make a person feel as if they're experiencing the moment again, Nancy Smyth, a University of Buffalo professor who specializes in traumatic stress, told BI. Smyth added that when some survivors retell stories, it can feel less like cut-and-dried memories and more like vivid "flashbacks."

"As they're trying to tell their stories, they're probably reactivating some of those memory networks," Smyth said of the Holocaust survivors, whom she didn't treat. "When that comes up, sometimes you actually feel like you're back there."

Antisemitism adds to the emotional toll. By combating hate in a tsunami of content like TikTok, survivors are potentially exposing themselves to fresh waves of it if they read the comments. Sporadically, there are still insidious dog whistles and overt Holocaust denialism in the comments on some survivors' videos.

This could activate survivors' trauma reactions and also make them fear society is heading down the same path again, Smyth said. "They would likely be experiencing a lot of physiological and psychological stress associated with that awareness," she added.

Many of the survivors' family members try to shield them from hateful comments. Forman, for instance, said he has received "thousands of hateful comments," which he deletes or reports.

Still, it doesn't mean survivors' family members aren't having emotional reactions to the hate speech they've just seen. Birnbaum said her grandmother's Instagram account got so filled with hateful comments that she had to delete it.

"Having worked with family members of Holocaust survivors, those folks have their own issues about this because it's this horrific event that has shaped the family," Smyth said.

TikTok's most recent Community Guidelines Enforcement Report, which covered January to March of this year, says about 2.5%  or 2.23 million  of all videos were removed from the platform for violating its hateful-behavior policy, under which antisemitism falls. That was up from the previous time period, October to December of last year, when about 1.97 million videos were removed for violating the same policy.

According to Andrea Rungg, a senior director of communications at TikTok, the company does not have a further breakdown of how many of those videos specifically dealt with antisemitism. Still, TikTok told BI that it was aware of antisemitism on the platform and had long tried to combat its spread by offering various hate-screening tools. According to Friedrich Enders, who works on TikTok's trust-and-safety team, these include informational banners on every Holocaust video and stopword functions that let accounts block hateful phrases. Creators and cultural institutions are also paired with liaisons, like Enders, who serve as direct contacts in the event they're spammed with hateful messages.

But these tools don't seem to be working as effectively as they should. Several survivors' family members told BI they continued to be subjected to antisemitic abuse and rhetoric on the app.

Enders acknowledged the platform has content-moderation flaws as his team is trying to improve the technology to detect hate. However, coded hateful lingo develops so quickly online, he said, it's likely TikTok will "never be able to 100% get it right."

"We're always looking for new ways to improve," Enders said. "And we do have to get better, that's no question."

A network of survivors tell their stories to a young audience

Ebert's TikTok presence inspired other survivors to join the platform  like Gidon Lev. He and his partner, Julie Gray, who comanages their joint account, @thetrueadventures, began posting in July 2021 and have now amassed 450,000 followers. On TikTok, the 88-year-old shares about the four years he spent at the Theresienstadt concentration camp in what is now the Czech Republic.

At 6 years old, Lev was taken to the camp with the rest of his family and imprisoned there until the Red Army liberated it in 1945. He lost 26 family members in the war, and the only one who survived with him was his mother, Doris.

It can be difficult, Gray said, to know whether the videos she and Lev make are really making an impact  the TikTok algorithm can flatten sensitive topics, putting them on par with viral dance trends and influencers looking for notoriety.

"On good days, I tell myself that Gidon's TikTok presence might be an invitation to learn more for some young people," she wrote in an essay for The Times of Israel last fall. "On not-so-good days, I wonder if this is really it  the last chance  the one way we can get a young person, woefully ignorant about the Holocaust, to pay attention, even for 30 seconds."

Gray told BI that seeing a survivor like Lev living life  swimming breaststroke, browsing at the grocery store, and vibing to his favorite tune (Don McLean's 1971 folk-rock hit "American Pie")  helps create a connection with viewers, who may have never met a Holocaust survivor. "He is not in a museum or behind a lectern," she added.

Rosie Heilbrun joined TikTok in October 2021 with Birnbaum, her granddaughter. Known as the "Redhead of Auschwitz" on Instagram and TikTok, Heilbrun charmed viewers by offering beauty tips ("Don't be scared of a bold lip," she says in one) and date-night ideas ("Get your grandma dressed up and take her out to dinner"), along with recollections of her Holocaust experiences.

Birnbaum, who co-ran the account before Heilbrun died in 2022 at the age of 96, described her to BI as a feisty, loving, happy person  the type who "always dressed to go out."

Friedman joined the platform not long after Lev, thanks to the suggestion of her grandson, Goodman. The teen was inspired to start a channel after witnessing a slew of antisemitism online. He pointed to one video in which a woman claimed a Skittles bag with a kosher symbol on it was proof Jews were "secretly controlling things," he told BI.

The first time Goodman asked his grandmother to film a TikTok, they were at the traditional Jewish family Shabbat dinner in 2021. He told her he needed only two minutes of her time because that's all TikTokers could handle.

"He said nobody's going to watch it  maybe 10, 15 people," Friedman recalled of the video, which received 1.4 million views. "We were shocked at how many people were interested, and just from those two minutes."

Friedman, who said her viewers were mostly young and non-Jewish, is grateful to have direct access to an audience that is normally difficult to reach.

Support gives survivors hope for an uncertain future

Despite pervasive antisemitism on social media, the support these survivors receive far outweighs it.

The comment sections of their videos are overflowing with gratitude from strangers around the world: "I am so grateful to Tova for telling us her stories," one comment reads, while another says, "Your survival is an inspiration Gidon, bless you from Sydney."

That support extends offline too.

Friedman hopes that her grandson will continue her legacy. Tova Friedman

Birnbaum said her grandmother received hundreds of letters in the mail for her 96th birthday. Her family plastered the walls around her shiva, a seven-day period when Heilbrun's family mourned her death, with those letters.

"Social media really made her dream come true," Birnbaum said. "She died feeling like, 'There's people that heard me and people that heard my story,' and that gave her a lot of comfort."

These digital legacies give survivors' families hope  that even as the number of living survivors dwindles, descendants will pick up the mantle to continue to raise awareness. Both Forman and Goodman said they planned to keep spreading their elders' message.

Friedman told BI she was well aware that once the last people who experienced the atrocities are gone, "deniers can have a field day," making the work of her grandson more important than ever.

"It's an absolutely fabulous and scary thing that he's doing," Friedman added. "I hope he does it for the rest of his life  and then his children."

Read the original article on Insider
SAN DIEGO  A man suspected in the July shooting death of a 35-year-old San Diego resident in the Chollas Creek neighborhood was arrested Monday evening, authorities said.

Kevin Castaneda, 20, of San Diego, was identified as the suspect and arrested at the San Ysidro Port of Entry while trying to re-enter the U.S. from Mexico, Lt. Adam Sharki with the San Diego Police Department said in a news release Tuesday. He was booked into County Jail on suspicion of murder.

The shooting occurred on July 30 around 7:23 p.m. in the 3700 block of Altadena Avenue, according to SDPD.

One found with critical gunshot wound to face in El Cajon: SDSO

When officers arrived at the scene, they found a man, identified as Marcelo Barajas, lying in the street with at least one gunshot to his upper body. He was taken to a local hospital, where he later died, police said.

Detectives found out that the Barajas was confronted by a group of males while walking when one of the suspects pulled out a gun and shot him.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting is encouraged to call the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
A suspect has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the disappearance of a woman who was last seen in Mariposa County.

In a video released on Facebook Tuesday, Mariposa County Sheriff Jeremy Briese reported authorities have arrested suspect Justin Bolton on suspicion of murder in connection with the disappearance of Wendy Pullins. Briese said Bolton was located with the help of the Mendocino County Sheriffs Office and the Mendocino and Lake County regional SWAT team.

In late October, authorities announced that Bolton was wanted for questioning in connection with Pullins death. At that time, the sheriffs office said it had received credible information from several sources that Bolton was involved in Pullins death on June 15, 2022.

The Mariposa County Sheriffs Office announced in late September that the disappearance of Pullins was being treated as a homicide investigation. Pullins was last seen in Mariposa County and was reported missing to authorities on June 18, 2022. The investigation began as a search and rescue operation, and after a lengthy search, the case was turned over to Mariposa County Sheriffs detectives.

On Sept. 8, 2022, nearly three months after Pullins was reported missing, detectives located a Jeep Cherokee that Pullins was last known to be driving. Authorities said the vehicle was found down an embankment in a remote area of Mariposa County. The vehicle was processed by the California Department of Justice, and blood found inside the vehicle was determined to be a positive match to Pullins DNA.

The Mariposa County Sheriffs Office said that because of the blood in the vehicle, the amount of time Pullins had been missing and the condition of the vehicle, the investigation was being treated as a homicide.

We are continuing to investigate; we are continuing to work on this case, Briese said in the video. Just because Bolton is in custody for the murder of Wendy Pullins does not mean that were done.

Briese went on to say that anyone involved in the case will be held accountable and the case will be investigated until its completion.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Prosecutors in Jackson County have filed charges against a 39-year-old man in connection with the March 2022 killing of 38-year-old Sheryl Turley.

Richard Zane Holliday is charged with second-degree murder, armed criminal action and unlawful possession of a firearm.

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According to court documents, on March 1, 2022, officers with the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department responded to the area near East 91st Street and Old Santa Fe Road after someone reported a body of a woman in a secluded, wooded area.

The body was later identified to be Turley. Charging documents say the victim was shot and killed.

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Charging documents indicate Holliday was most recently serving a sentence at a federal prison in Kentucky, but the Bureau of Prisons website says he was released from federal prison on Monday. Now hes being held in a probation and parole facility in Jefferson City, according to the Missouri Department of Corrections.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Protesters walk past the Cenotaph on Whitehall during a pro-Palestine march in central London

Police have asked members of the public to help them identify 11 men suspected of displaying signs or wearing clothing in support of Hamas at pro-Palestine marches in London.

Hamas is proscribed as a terrorist organisation by many Western governments, including the UK.

The Met Police said all were seen at demonstrations held since Hamas militants entered Israel on 7 October.

Anyone with information about these men is urged to contact the force.

Two men are being sought over an allegation of antisemitic chanting on Armistice Day.

Two are wanted over alleged pro-Hamas chanting in Trafalgar Square on 4 November.

Officers want to question a further six men after a demonstration in King Charles Street on 14 October.

The final person the force wants to identify is a man seen waving a placard bearing the words "I fully support Hamas" during a protest on Bond Street on 21 October.

Descriptions of the men and images from CCTV and social media are on the Metropolitan Police Force website.

A spokesman said: "I really urge anyone who has information about these men - no matter how small - to call our confidential hotline.

"And if any of these men recognise themselves, I encourage them to go to a police station, so we can speak with them."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk
Suspended State Attorney Monique Worrell said Wednesday her successor is pursuing many of the exact same policies as she did, in a rebuttal press conference to his 100-day update.

At a law office in downtown Orlando, Worrell pointed to the reintroduction of the Orange-Osceola State Attorneys Offices adult civil citation program, which was initially discontinued by appointed state attorney Andrew Bain before he announced Monday it will resume this month. The program, originally championed by Worrell, offers alternatives to arrest for non-violent offenders, such as counseling or community service.

She further cited her offices conviction rates, with what she said was a 70% felony trial conviction rate and 99% for homicide trials in the second quarter. On Monday, Bain reported strikingly similar numbers: convictions in 71% of felony trials and all five homicide trials over his first 100 days.

Not surprisingly, most of what he reported were the exact same things I was doing under my administration, Worrell told reporters.

A spokesperson for Bain said much of Worrells critique was not factual, adding Bains conviction rate comes from 100 cases taken to trial since he assumed office, compared to 260 cases [taken by Worrell] to trial in all of 2022.

The office has made significant strides over the last three months to repair relationships with law enforcement, resume stalled conversations with community partners and implement policy changes like reinstating minimum mandatory sentencing for felons who possess guns. Together, these acts all work toward making our community safer and keeping offenders off the streets, the spokesperson said in an unsigned emailed statement.

Worrells press conference comes less than a month before her legal team is scheduled to present oral arguments before the Florida Supreme Court in an attempt to be reinstated as state attorney. Lawyers for Gov. Ron DeSantis said the Florida Senate is the proper venue for reinstatement, calling her suspension a political question.

The hearing is set for Dec. 6.

DeSantis appointed Bain, a former Orange County judge, after suspending Worrell on Aug. 9 for what he said was a dereliction of duty for not prosecuting certain crimes more aggressively. Cited in his suspension order were alleged policies to avoid pushing for mandatory minimum sentences along with prosecutors dropping cases involving illegal guns and drug trafficking.

Worrell on Monday said the governor to date has not offered not one scintilla of evidence supporting those claims, adding that cases involving minimum mandatory sentences were handled with care and caution. She also further questioned data reported by the Osceola County Sheriffs Office regarding her offices handling of their drug trafficking cases. Sheriff Marcos Lopez said she refused to prosecute many cases, but Worrell insists cases had to be dropped because of mishandled investigations.

DeSantis, who critics say went after Worrell for exercising prosecutorial discretion, counts law enforcement leaders among his supporters in the lawsuit against him. Earlier this month, the Florida Sheriffs Association filed a brief urging the Supreme Court to uphold Worrells suspension, which came after a months-long feud between her and local leaders.

Law enforcements biggest contention with me was that I didnt rubber stamp their decisions and that I did hold them accountable when they broke the law, Worrell said. That is why they wanted me out of office and that is why you see them laud and praise the governors state attorney [Bain], because they are all carrying out the governors agenda.

On Monday, Bain said he plans on running for election against Worrell to keep his position as state attorney. Records show Worrell and Republican Seth Hyman have filed as candidates.
A law enforcement officer inside the building that houses the Kansas secretary of state's office hands a bag to a worker who has come to retrieve it after the building was evacuated because the office received suspicious mail, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, in Topeka, Kan. The incident came less than a week after election offices in at least five other states received threatening mail. (AP Photo/John Hanna)

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP)  The substance in a suspicious letter sent to the top elections agency in Kansas doesn't appear to have been hazardous, and the mail appeared unrelated to threatening letters sent to election offices in other states, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation said Wednesday.

The letter delivered Tuesday to the Kansas secretary of state's office prompted authorities to evacuate its building just before noon and keep it closed for the rest of the day. The KBI said it has identified a suspect in Tuesdays incident, though no arrest was announced.

The KBI also said it has no reason to believe the letter was connected to threatening letters containing a harmless white powder sent in June to dozens of Republican legislators in Kansas, Montana and Tennessee.

While authorities are still waiting on final tests of the substance in Tuesday's letter, preliminary testing indicated it was not harmful, KBI spokesperson Melissa Underwood said in an emailed statement. The secretary of state's building reopened Wednesday morning.

Law enforcement has identified the person they believe sent the suspicious letter, Underwood said. The investigation is ongoing.

Tuesday's incident in Kansas occurred less than a week after election offices in at least five states received threatening mail, some containing the potentially dangerous opioid fentanyl. The motivation of anyone responsible for suspicious mail in the other states was unclear.

The KBI did not disclose a potential motive for the latest Kansas letter, and no arrests have been announced over the letters sent in June. Secretary of State Scott Schwab is a Republican who has pushed back against baseless theories about the 2020 election being stolen.

The secretary of state's building is near the Kansas Statehouse and also houses the offices of the state's attorney general.

Threats such as this and all forms of political intimidation are unacceptable and must always be strongly condemned, Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, tweeted Wednesday morning.
Another officer will take the stand on Wednesday in the trial of three Tacoma Police officers accused of killing Manual Ellis, an unarmed, 33-year-old Black man.

The defense team is viewing Tacoma Police Officer Masyih Ford as a key witness.

Ford is one of the officers who responded to the incident on the night of March 3, 2020, when Ellis died. Ford was exonerated of any wrongdoing in Ellis death after a months-long internal investigation by the Tacoma Police Department.

The defense has been focusing on Ellis past drug use and highlighted previous run-ins with law enforcement, stating that in 2019, Ellis charged at Pierce County Sheriffs Department deputies while he was high on methamphetamine. During that incident, police used a stun gun.

Then attention was drawn to a domestic violence incident in 2015.

On the night of Mar. 3, 2020, Ellis was stopped by police as he walked home. Officers initially described Ellis as the aggressor, but home security and cellphone video showed that Tacoma Police officers tackled, shocked, and repeatedly punched Ellis, at one point squeezing his neck so hard that he protested, saying he couldnt breathe.

The Pierce County Medical Examiner ruled Ellis death a homicide caused by physical restraint, but defense attorneys say meth in Ellis system  as well as an enlarged heart  caused him to die.

Tacoma Police officers Matthew Collins and Christopher Burbank, both white, are both charged with second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter. Timothy Rankine, who is Asian American, was charged with first-degree manslaughter.
(CNN)  US President Joe Biden said Tuesday that he believes a deal can be reached to release hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza, voicing optimism as officials tell CNN prolonged talks to free hostages are nearing an agreement.

Ive been talking with the people involved every single day. I believe its going to happen. But I dont want to get into detail, Biden told reporters at the White House.

The White House said Tuesday night that Biden had discussed at length efforts to free hostages with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a call earlier in the day.

A senior US official familiar with the talks told CNN on Tuesday that Israel and Hamas are moving closer to a deal to secure the release of hostages taken during the Hamas attacks on Israel in exchange for a sustained, days-long pause in fighting.

The official stressed that while the parties have inched closer to striking a deal, the talks remained volatile and could still break down: Its closer but its not done. One European diplomat on Monday expressed optimism that some hostages could be released in the coming days or weeks.

The broad parameters that are currently being discussed entail Hamas releasing a large group of hostages at the same time Israel frees Palestinian prisoners. The hostages-for-prisoners exchange would take place in the course of a sustained, days-long pause in fighting that could last as long as five days, but many details, including the duration of a pause, remain in flux.

Asked Tuesday for his message for families waiting for news on their captive loved ones, Biden said: Hang in there. Were coming.

National security adviser Jake Sullivan and Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens met on Monday evening in Washington, DC, with family members of some of the US hostages, a US official told CNN. The family members were in town for a pro-Israel march on Tuesday.

Israel recently asked for 100 hostages to be released, according to a Hamas spokesman and a source familiar with the negotiations.

An overnight statement from the Qassam Brigades, Hamass military wing, said negotiations were focusing on the possible release of 70 women and children in exchange for a pause in the fighting of five days.

A senior Israeli official told that CNN hostage negotiations are ongoing  and are being handled by Qatar, the CIA, and Israels intelligence agency Mossad.

The official acknowledged Hamas is looking to release as few people as possible in exchange for the longest possible ceasefire but said Israel would agree to one if there were a serious deal on offer. But it has to be a serious deal, the official stressed.

The Israeli official viewed the pressure on Hamas as successful, saying there could be progress in the negotiations, and the situation could develop quickly.

Netanyahu told CNNs Dana Bash on Sunday, Were doing everything we can around the clock to free the hostages, but he said he could not go into any details.

As CNN previously reported, in the deal currently being discussed, hostages would exit Gaza in stages on a rolling basis  with priority placed on extra vulnerable groups like children and women. The process is expected to take multiple days.

Only a handful of hostages  including two American citizens  have been released so far since the start of the war. After their exit, Biden revealed that Israel had agreed to a brief pause to secure their release.

One of the complications in the ongoing talks has been verifying the list of names of both hostages and Palestinian prisoners that Hamas and Israel would respectively release as part of the deal, two officials told CNN. Israel wants to make sure none of the prisoners released are connected to Hamas and has been scrutinizing names proposed as part of the process.

Another factor that had slowed talks was a lack of information about the hostages Hamas is holding. Because other groups in Gaza, like Islamic Jihad, are believed to have taken hostages, it wasnt clear to negotiators who exactly Hamas would be able to release as part of a deal.

Throughout the process, the ongoing fighting and logistical problems have slowed down the negotiations, including communication blackouts in Gaza that prevented Hamas leaders on the strip from talking to their political leaders in Qatar.

The complicated indirect diplomacy, involving mediators from Qatar, has meant it could at times take hours and even days for messages to be exchanged among all the parties.

The indirect style of negotiating is cumbersome, one US official acknowledged, but necessary.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Biden says a deal to free hostages held by Hamas is going to happen as officials say they are nearing an agreement"
A road bridge in North Yorkshire has been closed to traffic for the second time in under a month due to concerns over the level of the river it crosses.

The bridge, in Tadcaster, carries the A659 over the River Wharfe and links the two halves of the town.

Tadcaster's Flood Action Group said the closure raised questions given the bridge was only rebuilt six years ago after it collapsed due to flooding.

North Yorkshire Council has been approached for comment.

The 18th Century bridge collapsed on 29 December 2015 following severe flooding and did not reopen again until 2017.

Without it, motorists had to take a 16-mile round trip to get from one side of Tadcaster to another.

Nicola Eades, from the town's Flood Action Group, said the fact it had been closed twice within one month had caused concern among local residents and businesses.

"We need a plan, the town needs a plan," she said.

"Is it a recurring issue that as soon as we get to an approximate river level of 2.65m, is the bridge closing?

"It definitely needs looking at and we need answers."

Ms Eades added that based on the last closure of the bridge it would reopen later on Wednesday.

Kirsty Poskitt, the area's independent councillor, said she would raise the issue with officers at North Yorkshire Council.

In a post on Facebook, she wrote: "While I fully respect the agencies involved making the call, I would like to find out a little more as to what has led to this current closure."

The council's highways department had said the closure was necessary for safety reasons because when the bridge's arches were submerged, or partially submerged, its load carrying capacity significantly reduced, Ms Poskitt said.

The bridge remains open to pedestrians.

Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A Tampa man was arrested after he was caught allegedly using numerous fake identities to steal money from banks in Pinellas County, deputies said.

An affidavit from the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office said James Joseph Scannapieco, 45, of Tampa cashed in stolen checks at about 36 locations.

According to deputies, the suspect used 20 different stolen or fake identities to steal the money from the banks.

Scannapieco was accused of stealing a total of $447,000 from the locations.

The defendant has conducted himself in an ongoing, systematic course of actions with the intent to obtain money from the banks using fraudulent practices with stolen identities, the affidavit said.

Scannapieco was charged with scheme to defraud ($50,000 or more) and numerous other charges, including multiple counts of fraudulent use of personal identification.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A woman accused of firing shots outside of a Columbus high school has been arrested and charged with felonious assault.

According to Franklin County Municipal Court records, 24-year-old Kadaycie Blake, was arrested Tuesday after an alleged shooting that took place on Sept. 21 at Beechcroft High School in the Northgate neighborhood.

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The shooting victim, a juvenile who was uninjured, contacted Columbus police the following day and told officers that she and a group of individuals were talking in a group video chat when it escalated into a verbal argument. One of the juveniles brought Blake into the discussion, and Blake reportedly threatened the people in the chat while showing a handgun.

The victim told police that she and another juvenile agreed to meet across the street from the school to fight. The victim said she was waiting in a parking lot on Sharon Woods Boulevard when she witnessed the other juvenile and Blake riding eastbound through the parking lot in a white sedan.

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The court complaint stated that the suspect, while wearing a mask, pointed a gun at the victim and the group of juveniles and fired a shot in their direction. The vehicle fled the scene, heading south on Beechcroft Avenue.

The victim was able to identify the passenger as a classmate at the school. She also identified Blake, even with a mask on, due to a distinct tattoo on Blakes arm and hand. The tattoo reportedly matched that of the suspect based on the video chat where she allegedly produced a gun.

On Wednesday, a judge issued Blake a $300,000 bond and ordered her to forfeit all firearms. The court also ordered her to steer clear of potential witnesses and the incident location.

The shooting is the second at or near the high school this calendar year. The building itself was struck by gunfire on Jan. 5 soon after it opened following its winter break.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
As Israel continues its assault on the Gaza Strip, teachers in the U.S. are faced with the challenge of educating their students about the region.

Stewart Parker, an AP human geography teacher at Florida's Winter Park Ninth Grade Center, is tasked with teaching freshmen the history of one of the world's most enduring conflicts, and helping them separate fact from fiction.

That task can prove difficult, Parker says, adding that he knows headlines about the conflict do not stay within his classroom walls.

A recent survey from Deloitte found 51% of Gen Z teenagers get their daily news from social media platforms. Their screens are now often filled with images of war.



"Especially in the Gaza Strip, I saw, like, images and videos of ambulances rushing kids younger than me out," said ninth grader Grace Caron.

She and other classmates are left to scroll through an avalanche of information  some of it inaccurate.

Riley Derrick, also a freshman, said the mis- and disinformation is unavoidable.

The Anti-Defamation League said 70% of participants in a recent study reported seeing misinformation or hate related to the conflict while on social media.

Still, Parker told CBS News his students give him hope.

"Since they're constantly on their social media, they see problems, but they want to fix them," he said.

"This is the world we're taking in, and we can make impacts and try to improve it," Derrick said.

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Israeli forces move in on Al-Shifa hospital hours after thousands march in Washington, D.C.
EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU)  The war in the Middle East is stretching into its sixth week. Its a topic being discussed around the globe and in college classrooms in our region.

New developments are unfolding every day with the Israel-Hamas war. Amid the unrest, the University of Scranton canceled its annual study abroad course to Israel and the West Bank in January.

We had plans, I had deposits in. And then I, like everyone else, woke up to the news of October 7 and quickly realized. It wasnt clear how long this was going to go on, said University of Scranton Associate Professor of Theology and Religious Studies Father Michael Azar.

For nearly a decade, Father Azar led the 11-day study abroad course based in Jerusalem on Christianity in the Middle East.

Experts discuss youth gun violence in Northeastern PA

He teaches students about the history and current situations Christians in the Middle East are facing, focusing on Israel and Palestine.

My concern was the military closures, really. The freedom of movement, that we wouldnt be able to access the places that I would normally access because theyre in Palestinian communities, Father Azar explained.

Father Azars family immigrated from the Middle East before he was born. He lived in Israel for a while, too.

While there are other conflicts in the world, this is the one I focus on or try to get students to understand the best because its where I have most of my expertise and personal connection, Father Azar added.

Here at home, Father Azar teaches bible courses. His students are curious to learn about the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Its a very complex situation, and so I just try to focus specifically on the civilian tolls of the war, the effect on civilian populations, which is catastrophic, said Father Azar.

When hes not teaching students, Father Azar is a deacon at Saint George Orthodox Church in Taylor.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
In the latest Mission: Impossible film, Tom Cruises character must defeat his most daunting threat yet: a renegade artificial intelligence program that became sentient and quietly seized control of the worlds financial, political, and military systems. His only way to stop it is a two-piece physical key that he must insert into a computer in a sunken Russian submarine somewhere in the ocean depths.



Its a good action movie, but theres a glaring plot hole in it. Cruise goes through all these extensive fight sequencesfights on moving trains, chases through narrow alleys, motorcycle jumps from cliffsto find the key and stop the A.I. program. Its a lot of time and effort. Why didnt he just file a copyright lawsuit against it instead?

According to Silicon Valley, those legal battles could endanger its attempts to develop sophisticated A.I. programs of their own. That, at least, is what Silicon Valley is telling the U.S. Copyright Office. That agency is currently conducting a policy review to consider how federal copyright laws apply to A.I.-generated works. Andreessen Horowitz, which ranks as the most influential venture-capital fund in the tech industry, used this as an opportunity to set off alarm bells.

The bottom line is this: imposing the cost of actual or potential copyright liability on the creators of AI models will either kill or significantly hamper their development, Andreessen Horowitz warned. It claimed that generative A.I. programs represent a new computing paradigm that could be as transformative as the microchip, and that applying existing copyright laws to it would threaten Americas place as the leader in global AI development.

Generative A.I. programs have become the new next big thing over the last few years. Programs like ChatGPT, which answers questions that you pose to it, and DALL-E, which creates images based on user inputs, have broken through into public consciousness. And yet the looming questions over copyright violations threaten to bring it to a grinding halt.

A.I.s problem with copyright law starts with its programming. Despite the branding, generative A.I. programs are not really artificial intelligence. They are not sentient. They cannot imagine or dream or fall in love. They cannot generate an umprompted idea or create anything in the traditional sense. What they are is an (often impressive) simulacrum of genuine intelligence. The programs achieve this by ingesting, for lack of a better word, large amounts of raw material. Early versions of ChatGPT were seeded with a wide variety of information to serve as the raw matter into which the A.I. would shape content, including the entire English-language Wikipedia, substantial libraries of ebooks, and large swaths of Reddit.

From this raw material, ChatGPT and similar programs use algorithms to find patterns and then regurgitate them in response to user prompts. So, for example, if you were to ask a generative A.I. program for the names of all 50 U.S. states, the program isnt reciting that song that we all learned in first grade to remember them. Instead, the program creates an answer by analyzing the database it was trained on and then displays it in a conversational tone.

There are pitfalls to this approach of generating information. A program is only as good as the material it ingests. And since it does not actually look for the answer but instead constructs it based on probabilistic appearances in a limited corpus of text, it can be disastrously wrong. Earlier this year, a lawyer used ChatGPT for research in a personal-injury lawsuit against an airline, only to discover that it gave him a bunch of fake case names and nonexistent court rulings. ChatGPT had created them out of thin air based on the appearance of similar case names and court rulings in its language learning model, or LLM.

Starting with how the technology actually works, instead of how it appears to work, is essential to understanding the copyright issues involved with generative A.I. programs. These programs, strictly speaking, do not create anything genuinely new or original. They only break down existing works into their constituent parts and stitch them back together again. There is no imagination or inspiration or contemplation or anything else that humans typically associate with knowledge and learning. There is just regurgitationalbeit at a very complicated leveldone at computing speeds that the human mind cannot match.

Copyright law is designed to protect that human spark of creativity. Conversely, it does not apply when that spark is missing. Federal courts have previously held that copyright protections only extend to humans, most famously by ruling in 2016 that a selfie taken by a monkey with a photographers camera was in the public domain. The U.S. Copyright Office has taken a similar approach. Earlier this year, the office partially rescinded a copyright for a comic book after learning the author had used Midjourney, a generative image program, to illustrate it. The agency reasoned that artificial intelligence cant hold a copyright.

It only gets worse for the programs from there. Companies that create generative A.I. programs are also facing a wave of lawsuits over the alleged use of unauthorized copyrighted materials to develop them. In September, for example, the Authors Guild and a coalition of high-profile authors sued OpenAI, arguing that its use of their works to potentially create derivative ones infringed on their copyrights and threatened their livelihoods.

Unfairly, and perversely, without Plaintiffs copyrighted works on which to train their LLMs, [OpenAI] would have no commercial product with which to damageif not usurpthe market for these professional authors works, the authors argued in their complaint. [OpenAIs] willful copying thus makes Plaintiffs works into engines of their own destruction.

Most A.I. companiesbut not all; well come back to that laterhave argued that their use of copyrighted material falls under a doctrine known as fair use. That doctrine is a limited exception of sorts to copyright laws. It allows for unauthorized use in a narrow set of circumstances, most often when the use is limited in nature and does not affect the copyright owners ability to profit from their own works.

Andreessen Horowitz, in its comment to the U.S. Copyright Office earlier this month, argued that training generative A.I. programs is fair use. Two of its reasons were grounded in how the programs actually work. According to the firm, the programs do not technically store the material they use; they merely extract facts and statistical patterns across a broad body of examples of contenti.e., information that is not copyrightable. Additionally, the firm claimed, it is extremely unlikely that a program will generate something that is substantially similar to any individual work used to train it, which is a test used in copyright law.

But the other two reasons the firm provided in defense of its A.I. investments were more revealing. For starters, it noted that the only practical way generative AI models can exist is if they can be trained on an almost unimaginably massive amount of content, much of which (because of the ease with which copyright protection can be obtained) will be subject to copyright. Since there is no right to create or use generative A.I. programs, this is not so much an argument as it is a plea for mercy. Applying copyright laws to A.I. would be, in other words, an existential threat to A.I.

It would also be an existential threat to the venture-capital firms that have funded A.I. start-ups in recent years, as Andreessen Horowitz itself acknowledged in its fourth and final reason for fair use. Over the last decade or more, there has been an enormous amount of investmentbillions and billions of dollarsin the development of AI technologies, premised on an understanding that, under current copyright law, any copying necessary to extract statistical facts is permitted, the firm claimed. A change in this regime will significantly disrupt settled expectations in this area.

Settled is a strange choice of phrasing here. While investments in A.I. start-ups have surely been made over the last decade, generative A.I. programs did not become publicly available or widely used until within the last few years. Once they appeared, a variety of plaintiffs took those companies to court to stop them.

Multiple record publishers are suing Anthropic over its alleged use of copyrighted song lyrics. Getty Images sued Stability AI earlier this year for using its library to train an image generator. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Adobe have promised to indemnify companies that face legal threats for using their A.I. products. The actors and writers unions in Hollywood even went on strike this summer in no small part to halt the studios threats to use A.I. to replace them. Silicon Valley has disrupted multiple industries over the years by moving fast and breaking things, so to speak. This time, the affected industries are trying to slow down and stop tech start-ups so they dont get settled in the first place.

One solution to which I alluded earlier would be to simply pay to use the copyrighted material. Some major tech companies that can afford to do it already do. But Andreessen Horowitz doesnt want to do that. A staggering quantity of individual works is required to train AI models, the firm told the U.S. Copyright Office. That means that, under any licensing framework that provided for more than negligible payment to individual rights holders, AI developers would be liable for tens or hundreds of billions of dollars a year in royalty payments. That would create an impossibly high financial barrier to AI development for small businesses or individual innovators.

That would also be bad for Andreessen Horowitz, which probably would not have invested billions of dollars in A.I. start-ups just for them to spend billions of dollars on royalties. It runs counter to the zeitgeist that animates Silicon Valleys A.I. push. The fundamental goal of A.I. is to reap the benefits of creative or intellectual labor without having to pay a human beingwriters, artists, musicians, lawyers, journalists, architects, and so onto perform it. A.I. developers, in other words, seek to create something from nothing. But that is not how the laws of thermodynamics work. And unless the courts and federal regulators suddenly embrace the tech industrys novel new theory of fair use, it will not be how the laws of copyright work either.
A teen has been arrested in connection to a late October fatal shooting of a woman at a backyard shed in west Phoenix.

Chamille Phoenix Tapia Hernandez, 19, is charged with second-degree murder on suspicion of the Oct. 31 shooting death of Alyssa Candelaria Gomez, 23, according to court documents.

Officers responding around 12:30 p.m. to a 911 call found a shooting victim, Gomez, at a backyard shed on North 74th Avenue near West Indian School Road, according to court documents. Gomez had suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen and was pronounced dead at the hospital, court documents detailed.

Police found a 9 mm casing and blood on the ground outside the door of a shed rented by a man known as Mako, according to documents.

A passerby told police that a woman named Chamille shot Gomez, according to charging documents.

Video surveillance captured Gomez inside the shed with a female wearing a red shirt and black pants while a male who looked like Mako was startled by the sound of gunfire and fled from outside the shed, according to court documents.

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Surveillance showed Gomez running out of the shed and collapsing to the ground with a red-shirted female fleeing the structure to the front yard while tucking an object in her waistband, court documents detail.

Court documents show the surveillance video caught a mirrors reflection of what appeared to be a handgun in the red-shirted females hand.

A female witness came forward to police alleging she was in the backyard with Mako, the victim and the accused and that the two women were romantically involved with the man, court documents noted. The witness said she heard the women arguing inside the shed before the shooting, according to documents.

Charging documents reveal that a witness told the police she was in her vehicle in the parkway when she heard gunfire. She saw Mako and Tapia Hernandez, with Tapia Hernandez holding a handgun on her waistband, running toward her. The witness informed the police that Mako forced her out of the vehicle, stating that Gomez had been fatally shot by Tapia Hernandez, before he drove off, according to court documents.

The witness identified Tapia Hernandez as the red-shirted female on surveillance video, court documents noted.

On Nov. 9, Tapia Hernandez was apprehended by police, telling them Gomez was one of Makos girlfriends while denying she was romantically involved with him, according to court documents. Tapia Hernandez, court documents state, told police Makos girlfriends were jealous she was staying with him in the shed and would lie about her trying to steal from him.

Tapia Hernandez told police she was alone in the shed with Gomez when the shooting happened, hearing a loud bang similar to a gunshot at the time, court documents reveal. Court documents reveal Tapia Hernandez told police she knew Gomez was shot but denied knowing how the shooting happened, adding she found a handgun and placed it on her waistband before fleeing the shed.

Tapia Hernandez also told police she handed Mako the handgun as he entered the vehicle in the parkway and that he told her he shot Gomez, according to court documents. She told police she then fled on foot, according to documents.

Tapia Hernandez made several statements to police inconsistent with the surveillance footage, charging documents noted. Police questioned Tapia Hernandez on recent drug use, court documents mentioned.

Drive-by-shooting: Driver of vandalized Dodge Charger arrested on suspicion of murder

The handgun involved in the shooting has not yet been recovered, according to court documents.

Tapia Hernandez had a $1 million bond placed on her, according to court records. Jail records did not show she was in jail custody as of Tuesday. A preliminary court hearing is scheduled for Monday, jail records show.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Teen arrested following deadly Phoenix backyard shed shooting
A 13-year-old found guilty in the fatal shooting of a North Texas Sonic employee in May was sentenced to 12 years in juvenile detention Tuesday, the teens defense attorney told the Star-Telegram.

In October, the teen, whose name has not been released due to his age, was found delinquent of murder  the equivalent of guilty in juvenile court  in the shooting of Matthew Davis, 32,at the Sonic in Keene in Johnson County, about 30 miles south of Fort Worth.

He will serve his sentence in juvenile detention before potentially being transferred to prison when he becomes an adult.

His aunt, 18-year-old Ashley Gomez  also known as Ashley Marmolejo  was arrested Nov. 1 in the shooting and faces a charge of manslaughter. Court documents say she handed her nephew a gun and told him go just before the victim was shot..

Davis was found with multiple gunshot wounds on May 13 at the Sonic in the 300 block of South Old Betsy Road in Keene. Davis, who was a father of a 10-year-old, died a few hours later at a local hospital.

Matthew Davis was shot and killed by a 12-year-old while working at Sonic in Keene, Texas. Coworkers of his mother, Leigh Anne (pictured with her son), started a GoFundMe for funeral expenses.

On the evening of May 13, a red pickup truck pulled up to the Sonic when a man, the teens uncle  20-year-old Angel Gomez Ocana of Fort Worth  exited the vehicle, began urinating in the parking lot, and was acting disorderly, according to police.

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Another Sonic employee told police that she told Gomez Ocana that there was a restroom on the premises, but he didnt respond. Davis, who was sitting nearby, told Gomez Ocana, Hey, did you hear her? according to an arrest warrant affidavit obtained by the Star-Telegram.

Davis approached Gomez Ocana when the teens uncle said, I dont give a (expletive), the affidavit states.

After the employees told Gomez Ocana that he was being disrespectful, Gomez Ocana took off his shirt and asked Davis if he wanted to fight. Davis and Gomez Ocana began to fight when the teen, who was 12 at the time, got out of the red pickup truck with an AR-style weapon and shot Davis multiple times, according to the affidavit.

The teen and his uncle both left the scene in the truck, the witness told police.

Gomez Ocana returned to the Sonic hours later and was arrested and charged with murder. He told police he stopped at the Sonic with his nieces and nephew to order food. He urinated before ordering and said that Davis came at him yelling at him, but he couldnt just stop, according to the affidavit.

He also told police that the gun his nephew used to shoot Davis belonged to Gomez Ocana.

Ashley Gomez also returned with her husband, Gomez Ocana, to the Sonic, where they were both interviewed by police.

In a search of the aunts phone, police found text messages between her and another witness who was also in the red pickup truck during the shooting discussing what to say between (the teen involved in the shooting) and Angel, the affidavit says.

Police also seized the teens phone and found a screenshot of a text message from the teen to a friend saying his uncle had gotten into a fight and then my aunt gave me tha gun and I was supposed to shoot tha ground and I in accident shot thaa person.

According to a statement by Ashley Gomez, she admitted to handing the weapon to the teen and she said she meant for him to go out and stop the fight by scaring the guy.

The teen has been in juvenile detention since being detained.

His sentencing comes after his hearing was postponed twice. His attorney, Seth Fuller, told the Star-Telegram that the teen was put in an impossible situation, and the lawyer believed he wouldnt re-offend if given probation. Hes concerned about the juvenile being kept in detention for so long.
A teenager whose body was found by detectives investigating the murder of another boy has been named as 17-year-old Jaydon Beckford.

His body was discovered on land next to a canal in Birmingham on Friday.

It came after an inquiry was launched following the death of 16-year-old Diego Henry.

He was found with serious gunshot wounds at an address in Lighthorne Avenue, Ladywood. He died a couple of days later.

West Midlands Police said it was continuing to piece together what happened and his death was being linked to that of Diego Henry.

A 17-year-old boy who was arrested on suspicion of Diego Henry's murder has been released on police bail.

Officers said they were not looking for anyone else as part of the investigation at this time.

Police combed the scene last week following the fatal shooting of Diego Henry on 5 November

Jaydon's family described him as having a sharp wit that could make anyone burst into laughter.

"Jaydon was so transparent, you always knew where you stood with him," they said.

"He was not afraid to speak his mind and be true to himself and tell those he loved that he loved them every day.

"Whether it was cracking jokes or sharing his thoughts, Jaydon was always a joy to be around and spend time with which is reflected in his family and friends who adored him."

'Complex investigation'

An initial forensic post-mortem examination has taken place but further tests are being carried out to establish how Jaydon died, police said.

A gun found at the same time and in the same area as Jaydon is being forensically examined.

Det Insp Gavin Green said: "This is a complex investigation and a tragic set of circumstances. My sympathies truly remain with the families of both boys.

"The investigation is ongoing and we ask that anyone who has information, and hasn't spoken to us, should contact us."

Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk
Two students were arrested after a loaded handgun was discovered on a Redlands school campus Tuesday afternoon.

The suspects were only identified as two boys aged 13 and 14, according to the Redlands Police Department.

Authorities first responded to an alleged bomb threat from a caller who had contacted officials at Cope Middle School.

Arriving officers and a K9 searched the campus but found no active threat. During the investigation, however, officers learned a student was reportedly seen throwing away a handgun in a restroom trash can earlier that day.

Police searched the restrooms and eventually found the loaded handgun.

Investigators discovered the 14-year-old suspect had originally brought the handgun to school and the 13-year-old suspect had reportedly thrown it away.

Its unclear what the teens motive was for bringing the weapon to school. Both boys were arrested for charges of possessing a loaded firearm on campus.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Redlands Police at 909-798-7681 ext. 1.

Non-emergency crimes can be reported online through the Redlands Police Departments CopLogic reporting system.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Gaza (CNN)  The Israeli militarys focus on hospitals in Gaza is growing more intense as its campaign to eliminate Hamas from the enclave enters a sixth week.

The IDF invited news media to visit a medical center for children on Monday, where a spokesperson alleged parts of the basement had been a Hamas command and control center and may have been used to hold hostages.

A CNN team embedded with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and was shown guns and explosives in one room located beneath Al-Rantisi childrens hospital on Monday, which IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari termed an armory.

He also pointed to a chair with a rope next to it and a piece of womens clothing, which he said would be tested for DNA, and a makeshift toilet.

Israel has repeatedly claimed that Hamas locates its operational bases in tunnels under hospitals and other civilian infrastructure. The access provided by the IDF provided Monday was an effort to back up those assertions, which are denied by Hamas, as well as health officials and hospitals in Gaza.

Concerns are mounting that hospitals are now being targeted for military action. Searing images and accounts from civilians inside continue to emerge and as doctors warn they cannot evacuate their most vulnerable patients.

Speaking by phone to CNN on Tuesday, Mohammed Zarqout, who has responsibility for all of Gazas hospitals, said the basement at Al Rantisi had been used as a shelter for women and children  not to store Hamas weaponry and hold hostages  as well as being the location of the pharmacy and some of the hospitals administrative offices before rainwater made it impossible to use.

Zarqout also told CNN that medical staff had been forced to leave the hospital by Israeli soldiers, and had been unable to take all the patients with them when they left.

In a statement on Sunday, the IDF said it was enabling passage by foot and ambulance to evacuate from three hospitals: Al-Shifa, Al-Rantisi and Nasser hospitals.

Israeli troops had been conducting operations inside Al-Rantisi only a few hours before CNNs visit, according to Hagari. He added that a forensic team would soon test the material left behind in the basement rooms to confirm any potential connection to the more than 200 hostages taken by Hamas during its rampage in Israel on October 7.

The IDF is also working to determine if there is a connection between an apparent nearby tunnel entrance and the rooms under the hospital.

CNN was shown a shaft, about 200 meters away from Al-Rantisi, which Hagari claimed was located next to a Hamas commanders house and also a school.

Wires leading into the shaft provided power to the tunnel from solar panels fixed onto the roof of the Hamas commanders house, he also said.

We [put] a robot inside the tunnel and the robot saw a massive door, a door that is in the direction of the hospital, Hagari said.

Zarquot said the tunnel they claim to be a Hamas tunnel is actually an electrical wire assembly point. We raised the wires to prevent any electrical shocks caused by floods.

Vast destruction

CNNs team witnessed huge amounts of destruction on their way through Gaza with the Israeli military as they were taken to Al-Rantisi hospital.

Countless houses, tall apartment blocks, hotels and villas had been destroyed. Bullet and shell holes were visible everywhere and firefights were ongoing.

Days of intensive fighting near hospitals in the enclave in recent days have lead to what medical personnel still working there describe as siege-like conditions.

While hospitals are protected in times of war under international humanitarian law, that protection may be compromised if they are believed to be sites of military activity. The World Health Organization has recorded at least 137 attacks on health facilities in Gaza, which it said resulted in 521 deaths and 686 injuries.

Other protected sites, like schools, civilian shelters, and United Nations facilities have already been damaged or destroyed in over a month of Israeli airstrikes. On Monday, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugee announced that over 100 UN staffers had been killed in Gaza since fighting began  the most in the United Nations history.

Israeli forces orders for hospitals to evacuate or risk danger from fighting as troops try to root out Hamas have sparked criticism from global health organizations and aid groups. A joint statement by the regional directors of UNFPA, UNICEF and the World Health Organization on Sunday called for urgent international action to end the ongoing attacks on hospitals in Gaza.

We are horrified at the latest reports of attacks on and in the vicinity of Al-Shifa Hospital, Al-Rantissi Naser Paediatric Hospital, Al-Quds Hospital, and others in Gaza city and northern Gaza, killing many, including children. Intense hostilities surrounding several hospitals in northern Gaza are preventing safe access for health staff, the injured, and other patients the statement reads.

Doctors continue to refuse to leave Al-Shifa  the biggest in Gaza  as of Monday, , because they say they fear hundreds of patients will die if they are left behind. Israel has alleged a Hamas center is hidden in the basement there, a claim which the hospital staff and Hamas have denied.

Thousands of civilians are believed to be sheltering at the hospital, and approximately 700 at-risk patients are receiving treatment there, according to Dr. Munir Al-Bursh, Director-General of the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza.

The problem is not the doctors, its the patients, Al-Burish told CNN on Monday. If they are left behind, they will die, and if they are transferred, they will die on the way, this is the problem.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WRKN)  Tennessee is one of the worst states in the nation for lung cancer rates, the American Lung Association says.

According to the 2023 State of Lung Cancer report, Tennessee ranked 45th, making the state among the worst in the country, indicating more work is needed to reduce the burden of lung cancer, the association said.

The 2023 report is the ALAs sixth annual report and highlights the toll of lung cancer in Tennessee, examining key indicators including new cases, survival, early diagnosis, surgical treatment, lack of treatment and screening rates.

The report also found that Tennessees Black community is least likely to receive treatment and that the state ranked 49th in percentage of adults who are smokers.

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Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer deaths here in Tennessee and across the nations, and our recent report makes it clear that we have more work to do to lower smoking rates, get high-risk individuals screened and address the health disparities in our Black community, said Shannon Baker, Advocacy Director for the Lung Association in Tennessee.

According to the report, the Volunteer State is 45th out of 48 for new lung cancer rates at 70 cases for 100,000. The national rate is 54.6 out of 100,000.

Tennessee also ranked:

33 out of 42 in the nation for survival at just 23.6%, compared to the national rate of 26.6%

31 out of 47 in the nation for early diagnosis at 25.9%, compared to 26.6% nationally

30 out of 51 for lung cancer screening at 4.2%, compared to 4.5% nationally

33 out of 47 for surgery at 18%, compared to 20.8% nationally

10 out of 47 for lack of treatment at 17.4%, compared to 20.6% of cases with no treatment nationally

The Lung Association in Tennessee has called on state lawmakers to increase funding for the Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Program to $13 million in its upcoming budget. Currently at $2.6 million, state funding is only 5.6% of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation of $75.6 million. The recommended increase would be a significant step in the right direction to help prevent tobacco use initiation and to support Tennesseans who want to quit, according to the group.

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To that end, the association is also asking Tennesseans to contact their congressional representatives in support of H.R. 4286, the Increasing Access to Lung Cancer Screening Act. The bill, filed by Rep. Brian Higgins (DNY-26) and Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), would:

Provide coverage without cost-sharing for lung cancer screening as recommended by USPSTF to the traditional Medicaid population

Provide coverage for tobacco cessation as recommended by the USPSTF to the traditional Medicaid population

Eliminate prior authorization requirements for lung cancer screening for Medicare and private insurers

Establish a $10 million lung cancer screening education and outreach campaign at the Department of Health and Human Services, and

Require a GAO report on the population diagnosed with lung cancer but not recommended for screening

Despite Tennessees bleak outlook, the ALA says the report also found that lung cancer survival rates are improving for everyone, including people of color, with the five-year cancer survival rate for people of color increasing by 17% in the last two years.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
A man has been arrested for driving a Santas Train while under the influence at a parade in Tennessee.

The unidentified man was reportedly a vendor at the Claiborne County Christmas Tractor Parade on November 11. According to the Tazewell Police Department the man was giving youngsters rides through the town.

Footage posted online showed a man driving a red tractor with multiple carriages, bearing the words Santa Choo Choo being spoken to by officers.

The police department said later that the arrested individual faced charges of drug possession and driving under the influence.

It is important to clarify that vendor hiring is not under the citys jurisdiction. Vendors are independently contracted, and their selection is not managed by the city, the department said in a statement.

Despite this, the Tazewell Police Department responded swiftly to the incident, ensuring the safety of event attendees. The rapid action taken by our law enforcement underscores our commitment to public safety.

Thousands of people had attended the event at the weekend. The department added that within the 1/8 mile radius of the parade there were 14 police officers on foot patrol.

Public safety is paramount on any day at any time and this event was no different. It is unfortunate but the police officers did their job and protected everyone involved, the statement added.
This article was originally published in The Texas Tribune.

Texas community colleges saw a big post-pandemic recovery this year, preliminary fall enrollment data shows.

A total of 676,141 students were enrolled in community colleges this fall, representing a 4.25% increase in enrollment since 2021 and bringing those numbers closer to where they were before the pandemic. About 747,000 students were enrolled in public two-year colleges in 2019.

The uptick comes after community colleges saw enrollment fall by about 80,000 students between 2019 and 2021, causing community college enrollment to fall below the states four-year universities for the first time since the 1990s. The drop came as a surprise to many community colleges expecting student enrollment to increase during the pandemic, as it typically does during economic recessions when students look for more affordable schooling options.

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Texas Community Colleges Association President and CEO Ray Martinez said he believes affordability is a driving factor in the recovery.

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I think a lot of students are assessing the value of having a post-secondary degree or certificate, he said. When they do that, they often look at what is the most affordable option, and the one that will give [them] the most return on value. That usually points toward a degree or certificate from a community college.

After Alvin Community College saw an 11% drop in enrollment between 2020 and 2021, director of recruitment and enrollment Amanda Smithson said the college made an effort to expand its dual enrollment and certificate programs. Placing Alvin Community College academic advisers on local high school campuses made a big impact on the programs success, she said.

Dual enrollment courses allow high school students to earn college credit at a discounted rate through community colleges. This method has bolstered community colleges enrollment in recent years.

Since 2021, the college has seen a 6.22% increase in enrollment.

Smithson said the college received several million dollars in federal funding as a result of the pandemic, allowing it to provide more grants to students in need. In addition to federal funds, the colleges ACC Foundation also helps some students cover the cost of textbooks and other expenses.

Weve been able to kind of put aside some emergency funds to help students who are just kind of in a bind, she said. If you have a flat tire, and that flat tire is the thing keeping you from coming to class, then we can try to help you with that.

Temple Community College also saw a steady recovery in enrollment, which went up by almost 20% between 2021 and 2023. School officials said they had over 4,800 students enrolled this fall. Temple Community College Provost and Interim President Susan Guzman-Trevino said the increase was a result of the schools focus on expanding its programs and outreach.

With the workforce opportunities and new businesses and industries that are coming to our area, the emphasis on [career and technical education] for the school districts and for us, [and] adding new programs to the college, I think those are going to be strategies that [we] are going to ensure our enrollment continues to trend upward, she said.

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A new state funding model approved by the Texas Legislature this year could help community colleges sustain the upward trend in enrollment.

House Bill 8, which went into effect in September, now funds the states community colleges based on how many of their students graduate with a degree or certificate or transfer to a four-year university. The bill incentivizes community colleges to offer more robust program offerings, including certificates, degrees and industry-based credentials. HB 8 also rewards colleges when students complete short-term programs like non-credit, workforce education.

Smithson said the new funding model allows colleges to focus on student success and takes focus away from just having a student fill a seat in class.

Now were able to really drill in and see how we can help that student to be successful across the whole process, she said. That provides us with an amazing opportunity to help this next generation of students excel here in school, and then be prepared to take on the real world outside of school.

As Texas community colleges enrollment levels return to normal, Martinez said they have not forgotten about the students who dropped out of community college during the pandemic.

A lot of marketing and outreach efforts are going on by our community colleges to make sure that those students that stopped out know that there are options to come back into post-secondary education, he said.

This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2023/11/10/texas-community-colleges-enrollment-pandemic/.

The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org.
Phillip Hightower, father of Max Hightower, the transgender senior at Sherman High School whose casting in a lead role triggered ensuing events, speaking during a school board meeting at the Sherman Independent School District office in Sherman, Texas on Nov. 13, 2023. (Desiree Rios/The New York Times)

SHERMAN, Texas  A school district in the conservative town of Sherman, Texas, made national headlines last week when it put a stop to a high school production of the musical Oklahoma! after a transgender student was cast in a lead role.

The districts administrators decided, and communicated to parents, that the school would cast only students born as females in female roles and students born as males in male roles. Not only did several transgender and nonbinary students lose their parts, but so too did cisgender girls cast in male roles. Publicly, the district said the problem was the profane and sexual content of the 1943 musical.

At one point, the theater teacher, who objected to the decision, was escorted out of the school by the principal. The set, a sturdy mock-up of a settlers house that took students two months to build, was demolished.

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But then something even more unusual happened in Sherman, a rural college town that has been rapidly drawn into the expanding orbit of Dallas to its south. The school district reversed course. In a late-night vote Monday, the school board voted unanimously to restore the original casting. The decision rebuked efforts to bring the fight over transgender participation in student activities into the world of theater, which has long provided a haven for gay, lesbian and transgender students, and it reflected just how deeply the controversy had unsettled the town.

The districts restriction had been exceptional. Fights have erupted over the kinds of plays students can present, but few if any school districts appear to have attempted to restrict gender roles in theater. And while legislatures across the country, including in Texas, have adopted laws restricting transgender students participation in sports, no such legislation has been introduced to restrict theater roles, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The boards vote came after students and outraged parents began organizing. In recent days, the districts administrators, seeking a compromise, offered to recast the students in a version of the musical meant for middle schoolers or younger that omitted solos and included roles as cattle and birds. Students balked.

After the vote, the school board announced a special meeting for Friday to open an investigation and to consider taking action against the district superintendent, Tyson Bennett, who oversaw the districts handling of Oklahoma!, including possible administrative leave.

Suddenly, improbably, the students had won.

Im beyond excited and everyone cried tears of joy, Max Hightower, the transgender senior whose casting in a lead role triggered the ensuing events, said in a text message Tuesday. He and other theater students were at a costume shop Tuesday, a class trip that had been meant as a consolation after the disappointment of losing their production. Instead, it turned into a celebration. Im getting new Oklahoma costumes!! he said.

Before the school board vote Monday night, high schoolers and their parents had gathered at the districts offices along with theater actors and transgender students from nearby Austin College. Local residents came to talk about decades of past productions at Sherman High School of Oklahoma!, which tells the story of an Oklahoma Territory farm girl and her courtship by two rival suitors. Many scoffed at the districts objections to the musical, which school officials complained included mature adult themes.

Oklahoma! is generally regarded as one of the safest shows you could possibly pick to perform, said Kirk Everist, a theater professor at Austin College who was among those who came to speak. Its almost a stereotype at this point.

Every seat in the room was filled, almost entirely with supporters of the production. Some lined the walls while others who were turned away waited outside. Of the 65 people who signed up to speak, only a handful voiced support for the districts restrictions.

The outpouring came as a shock, even to longtime Sherman residents.

What youre seeing today is history, said Valerie Fox, 41, a local LGBTQ+ advocate and the parent of a queer high schooler. Fox said she was taken aback by the scene of dozens of transgender people and their supporters holding signs and flags outside the district offices. This is one of the biggest things weve seen in Sherman.

The town, a short drive from Dallas, has been a place where many conservatives have gone to escape the city. Some were supportive of the superintendents initial decision to restrict the musical.

Adult content doesnt belong in high school; theyre still kids, Renee Snow, 62, said earlier Monday as she sat with a friend on a bench outside the county courthouse. Its about education. Its not about lifestyle.

Her friend, Lyn Williams, 69, agreed. It doesnt seem like anyone is willing to stand up for anything anymore, she said.

At a local shoe store, no one needed to be reminded of the details of the controversy. One shopper, shaking a pair of insoles, said that she believed that God made people either male or female, and that the issue was as simple as that.

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, 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.

Max, 17, had been cast in a minor role. But then, in late October, one of the leads was cut from the production, and Max got the part, the biggest he had ever had. He was elated.

Days later, his father, Phillip Hightower, got a call from the high school principal, who told him that Max could not have the part because, under a new policy, no students could play roles that differed from their sex at birth. He was not rude or disrespectful, but he was very curt and to the point, Hightower recalled.

The district later denied having such a policy. But the principal also left messages for other parents whose children were losing their roles, one of which was shared with The New York Times.

This is Scott Johnston, principal at Sherman High School, a mans voice said on the recording. Moving forward, the Sherman theater department will cast students born as females in female roles and students born as males in male roles.

The message diverged from the rules for high school theater competitions in Texas, which allow for students to be cast in roles regardless of gender.

The district did not make Johnston or the superintendent, Bennett, available for an interview.

In his previous role as an assistant superintendent, Bennett had objected to the content of a theater production by Sherman High School, according to the former choir director, Anna Clarkson. She recalled Bennett asking her to change a lesbian character into a straight character in the schools production of Legally Blonde in 2015, and to cut a song entitled Gay or European?

At the school board meeting Monday, theater students from the high school described how things had become worse for gay and transgender students at school since the production was halted. Slurs. Taunts. Arguments in the halls.

People are following me around calling me girl-boy, said Max.

Kayla Brooks and her wife Liz Banks arrived at the meeting bracing for a tough night. Their daughter Ellis had lost a part playing a male character, and they had been actively working with other parents to oppose the changes.

We were both nervous, because we live in Sherman, said Banks. Then they saw the large, supportive crowd outside. We began weeping in the car, Brooks said.

The school board sat mostly stone-faced as dozens of people testified in support of the theater students, sharing personal histories. A transgender student at Austin College said he had not before come out publicly. Sherman residents lamented the way the school districts position had made the town look.

I just want this town to be what it can be and not be a laughingstock for the entire nation, one woman, Rebecca Gebhard, told the board.

After nearly three hours, the board went behind closed doors. The crowds left. Few expected a significant decision was imminent.

Then, after 10 p.m., the board took their seats again and introduced a motion for a vote: Since there was no official policy on gender for casting, the original version of the musical should be reinstated. All seven board members voted in favor, including one who had, months before, protested against a gay pride event.

We want to apologize to our students, parents, our community regarding the circumstances that theyve had to go through, the board president, Brad Morgan, said afterward.

Sitting in their living room Tuesday morning, Banks and Brooks recalled how their daughter delivered them the news. She just said, We won, Brooks said. She was beaming, smiling ear to ear. The musical would be performed in January.

The couple decided, for the first time, to hang a pride flag in the window of their home. For now, they felt a little more confident in their neighbors than they had a day before.

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Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to sign a bill that would make it a new state crime for entering Texas illegally and gives local law enforcement the power to arrest and order migrants to leave the United States, an extraordinary step in the hard-fought legal battle between the state and the federal government over its efforts to curtail illegal immigration.

The bill, SB4, which gives law enforcement the power to arrest migrants and grants judges the power to issue orders to remove violators to Mexico, has sent ripples of fear throughout the Latino community in Texas - which makes up 40% of the states population.

Civil rights organizations and immigration advocacy groups, including the ACLU of Texas, call the measure anti-immigrant and warn that the powers afforded to law enforcement will lead to racial profiling of Latinos, not just on the border but across the state.

The ACLU of Texas condemned the passage of the border bills and called it some of the most radical anti-immigrant bills ever passed by any state and threatened to sue Abbott if he signs SB4.

Texans across the state have resoundingly opposed these bills from the beginning and were not backing down. If Gov. Abbott signs S.B. 4 (88-4) into law, we will sue, Oni K. Blair, executive director of the ACLU of Texas, said in a statement Tuesday.

A group of 30 former immigration judges, who were appointed and served under both Republican and Democratic administrations, opposed the bill and said its unlawful.

Immigration is plainly a federal function, the former judges said in a statement. The proposed Texas legislation, which would allow a state court magistrate judge to issue a removal order, is not lawful.

When asked last week about possible concerns about the constitutionality of SB4 and possible legal challenges, Abbott said he wouldnt be surprised if the legislation is challenged in the courts.

I feel good about the bill thats on a pathway to reach my desk showing once again, Texas is doing more than any state has ever done in the history of America to address Joe Bidens open border policies, the governor said.

The state House also passed SB3 Tuesday, which would appropriate $1.5 billion to build a border wall. It now heads back to the state Senate. Texas taxpayers would be footing between $20 and $30 million per mile of border wall, according to the floor discussion by lawmakers.

SB3 and SB4 were introduced last week after the Republican governor announced a fourth special legislative session with a focus on border security and education. The Texas Senate suspended its rules to swiftly move SB4 through the chamber in a matter of days.

The ongoing surge of migration at the US-Mexico border has placed immense pressure on local and federal resources. Abbott and the Biden administration have sparred over some of the states measures along the southern border in its latest effort to curb illegal immigration.

Migrants cross the Rio Grande river near the buoy barriers on September 11, 2023 in Eagle Pass, Texas. - Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Democratic House members said the bill oversteps on the federal governments powers and echoes Arizonas immigration status provision which opponents dubbed the show me your papers law. The law was mostly rejected by the US Supreme Court in 2012 when it upheld that the federal government sets immigration policy and laws.

The Republican author of the bill maintains that the bill is constitutional.

At least one Texas Republican is also concerned about the constitutionality of the bill.

Texas state Sen. Brian Birdwell, a Republican and author of the previous version of SB4, expressed his opposition to the bill on the floor of the Senate last week. He said Texas was setting a terrible precedent by invalidating our obedience and faithfulness to our Constitution  which specifies that all power and responsibility for immigration is delegated to the federal government.

Tensions flared on the House floor when a previous version of this bill moved swiftly through the legislature late last month.

The shit that happens on this goddamn floor hurts, Democratic Texas state Rep. Armando Walle said in a video posted on social media by a Texas lawmaker.

Walle, a Mexican American lawmaker representing a predominantly Hispanic area of north Houston, issued a statement after the video circulated social media saying the legislation moving through the Texas legislature will put Latino families  including his family  in danger.

This is an emotional issue. This affects my family and puts so many families like mine at risk. We come to the Texas House as lawmakers to advocate for our communities. To protect our people, Walle said in a statement.

This story has been updated with additional reporting.

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The Texas House on Tuesday approved a $1.54 billion Senate proposal to fund construction of 50 additional miles of an unconnected border wall, but an amendment tacked on in the lower chamber would allow some of that money to help local governments pay for increased enforcement costs for proposed illegal border crossing penalties that Republican lawmakers are seeking to create.

Having heard the case for and against border barrier construction proposals throughout the legislative year, the House on Tuesday night approved Senate Bill 3 by an 84-59 final vote, hours after having initially voted in favor of the proposal.

The House's version of SB 3, however, includes an amendment by Rep. Tracy King, D-Laredo, which would allow the money to be used to help local governments enforce new penalties, as proposed in SB 4, for entering the country outside of a port of entry. The House is poised to advance SB 4.

SB 3 will now return to the Senate, where lawmakers can accept or reject the House's change to allow border barrier funding to help local governments with enforcing the proposed illegal border crossing penalties.

The Texas House gave initial approval Tuesday to a $1.54 billion proposal to build 50 additional miles of an unconnected border wall, but an amendment would allow some of that money to be used to help local governments pay for increased immigration enforcement costs.

"If we're going to make them do this, we need to help them pay for it," King said of the financial burden to local governments for arresting, prosecuting and detaining people suspected of crossing the border illegally. "We need to pay, and not pass another unfunded mandate on our local officeholders and taxpayers throughout the state of Texas."

If the Senate rejects the House's changes to SB 3, the bill would be referred to a conference committee  an opaque proceeding between members of both chambers tasked with coming to a consensus on the legislation.

Rep. Jacey Jetton, R-Richmond, who sponsored SB 3 in the House, anticipates the additional border barrier funding will ramp up construction in 2025 with its final phases expected in 2027. Democrats, who have remained opposed to the proposal, have raised concerns about whether the project will be effective and allocating billions in state funding to the governor's office with little oversight.

"If we're going to make them do this, we need to help them pay for it," Rep. Tracy King, D-Laredo, said of the financial burden to local governments for arresting, prosecuting and detaining people suspected of crossing the border illegally.

Democratic lawmakers particularly took exception to an additional $40 million included in the border barrier bill to fund state law enforcement's presence in Colony Ridge, a housing development northeast of Houston which has become a political lighting rod after Gov. Greg Abbott previously has raised concerns of criminal activity in the neighborhood.

Reps. Chris Turner, D-Grand Prairie, and Ana-Maria Ramos, D-Richardson, argued against funding overtime pay for Texas Department of Public Safety officers patrolling Colony Ridge  a fast-growing Hispanic community outside of Houston  saying the legislation does not preempt increased policing in other communities in Texas and painting as inappropriate the state's act of monitoring one neighborhood.

"Why should the taxpayers of Texas pay, with our tax dollars, for additional law enforcement in one specific community?" Turner asked.

Jetton argued that the border barrier funding will assist in advancing the state's broader security initiatives outside of wall construction in the border region.

"Border barrier construction does include more than just the 30-foot walls," Jetton said. "They can include buoys and other things, not including tactical barriers or things like concertina wire that's more temporary.

"There is a bigger use for these funds, that includes border security operations and allows more flexibility and access," Jetton continued.

Outside of the additional $40 million, lawmakers through SB 3 would increase the state's total spending on a noncontiguous border wall to roughly $3 billion with the intent to build just over 100 miles.

A Texas National Guard soldier tells migrants to retreat towards the border wall as they try to get water from a fellow migrant at the border between Ciudad Juarez and El Paso,

More: Approval of new science textbooks for Texas students could spark climate change debate

Currently, there are 267 miles of completed border wall funded by the federal government, plus 11 miles of a state-funded wall along Texas' roughly 1,200-mile border with Mexico.

Throughout this year's previous three special sessions, lawmakers have tossed border wall funding proposals back and forth without agreeing on a final bill aimed at deterring illegal border crossings. U.S. Customs and Border Control officials said Tuesday that illegal crossings have dropped by 14% from September to October.

In placing segments of the new wall, Jetton said construction will occur in consultation with Operation Lone State and DPS officials to focus on the highest priority areas that see high traffic and have little natural, physical deterrents.

Rep. John Bryant, D-Dallas, disagreed that the effort would be worthwhile, but presented an amendment seeking for the governor's office to conduct a study on the feasibility of the project and identify where the border wall is necessary to deter migrant flows.

Bryant also argued that much of the border sits without natural deterrents, making those decisions on where to build even more important and worthy of a public hearing.

"Unless we're willing to build a 700-mile wall, this little stretch of wall is not going to do any good," Bryant said.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas Legislature: House OKs $1.5 billion for border wall construction
Mia Hall stood on a bustling stretch of South Hulen Street Wednesday afternoon, holding an orange sign reading Honk for public schools!

As a passing car coming from the nearby Interstate 20 exit ramp blew its horn, Hall and the dozen or so people who were protesting alongside her cheered.

The group was protesting outside the office of state Rep. Craig Goldman, R-Fort Worth, calling for an end to efforts in the Texas Legislature to create an education savings account program, a school voucher-like plan that would give families public money to pay for educational expenses like private school tuition or homeschooling costs.

Hall, a school board member in the Crowley Independent School District, said she worried the plan would only serve students from wealthy families. In some other states that have instituted voucher programs, most recipients have been students who are already enrolled in private schools. Hall also noted that private schools dont have the capacity to take in every public school student if the voucher program prompts a mass exodus from local school districts.

I dont think that its a well-intentioned idea, she said.

Goldman didnt return calls seeking comment.

School voucher protests held in cities across Texas

The demonstration was one of several protests organized in cities across the state by the interfaith education advocacy group Texas Impact. Among other protests, demonstrators also gathered this week outside the office of state Rep. Lynn Stucky, R-Denton. Since the beginning of October, the Austin-based organization has gathered letters from about 4,000 Texans calling on lawmakers to vote the voucher proposal down.

Another of the Fort Worth demonstrators, the Rev. Allison Lanza, said she worries a voucher program would put the states public education system at risk, jeopardizing educational opportunities for all but the states most affluent students. Lanza, a Disciples of Christ minister, said Christians are called to show compassion for their neighbors, even if those neighbors make them uncomfortable. That means advocating for students who might not be able to find a seat in a private school, she said.

Clearly, private schools wont accept every kid, Lanza said. Kids of every religion, kids with different abilities, kids who love differently, live differently, wont all get a safe space to be.

Texas school voucher bill passes key legislative hurdle

In its current form, the voucher bill, which is House Bill 1, would set aside money to give families $10,500 per student, per year to pay for private school or other expenses. The program would give priority to students with disabilities and those from low-income families. The House Select Committee on Educational Opportunity and Enrichment approved the bill by a 10-4 vote last week, marking the furthest a voucher bill has advanced in the House this year. The bill now goes to the House Calendars Committee, which is responsible for sending bills to the House floor for a full vote.

While the proposal is a top priority for Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, efforts to create an education savings account program have faced headwinds in the state House of Representatives, where Democrats have banded together with rural Republicans to block such proposals.

Democrats argue the plan would exacerbate educational inequities across the state, and Republicans from rural districts say it wouldnt help residents in the communities they represent because public schools are generally the only option in those areas. Lawmakers from both sides say a voucher plan would drain resources from public schools at a time when many are already struggling to keep their bills paid.

The House of Representatives is scheduled to reconvene Friday.
AUSTIN, Texas - A new bill that would make entering Texas from a foreign country illegally a state crime is headed to Governor Greg Abbott's desk.

Senate Bill 4 was passed by the Texas Legislature late Tuesday night in a 83 to 61 vote.

The bill empowers local and state law enforcement to arrest migrants they believe entered crossed into the state from a foreign country unlawfully.

A judge could order migrants to leave the country and if they refuse, they could face up to 20 years in prison.

Gov. Abbott posted about the passage on social media saying, "Texas won't wait on Biden to secure the border."

Thank you to Rep. @JaceyJetton & Rep. @DavidSpillerTX for leading the effort to pass Senate Bill 3 & Senate Bill 4 in the Texas House.



I look forward to working with both chambers to get these priorities across the finish line.



Texas won't wait on Biden to secure the border.  Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) November 15, 2023

Earlier in the day, Governor Abbott said Texas' Operation Lone Star had led to over 481,000 apprehensions of people entering the country illegally.

State Democrats decried the bill as unconstitutional, saying that border security is a federal issue.

They also raised concerns that it could lead to racial profiling.

"Texas Republicans proudly passed legislation that will allow Greg Abbotts Department of Public Safety (DPS) to imprison Black and Brown migrants for simply existing in our state. And instead of working to address our issues at the southern border with data-driven, humane proposals like our Texas House Democrats  bloodthirsty Republicans are choosing violence and political stunts," said Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa in a statement.

Border security was one of two issues in the Texas Legislature's fourth session.

The Texas House also passed a bill to fund additional border wall construction.

Senate Bill 3 must go back to the Texas Senate to pass the amended version of the bill.

It is expected to pass.
Migrants talk to Texas National Guard and Texas state troopers along the banks of the Rio Grande in El Paso in December 2022. The Texas House tentatively passed bills that would appropriate more money to build border barriers and make illegally crossing the border into Texas a state crime. Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre for The Texas Tribune

The Texas House of Representatives approved immigration bills Tuesday that would appropriate more than $1.5 billion for additional border barriers and make illegally crossing the Texas-Mexico border a state crime.

Senate Bill 3 would allocate $1.54 billion for border barriers and to pay for state troopers to patrol Colony Ridge, a housing development near Houston that far-right publications claim is a magnet for undocumented immigrants.

During Tuesdays debate in the House, lawmakers adopted an amendment to SB 3 introduced by state Rep. Tracy King, D-Uvalde, that would allow some of the money to be used to help local police and governments enforce the new state crime proposed in Senate Bill 4.

SB 4 would make it a state misdemeanor to illegally cross the border from Mexico into Texas, empower Texas peace officers to arrest undocumented immigrants and require that a state judge order the person to leave the U.S. to Mexico in lieu of prosecution.

If we're going to make them do this, then we need to help them pay for it, King said.

SB 3, which passed on a 84-59 vote, goes back to the Senate, which previously approved the bill, so it can vote on the amended version.

SB 4 passed on an 83-61 vote. The Senate already passed the bill last week so it now heads to the governors desk.

Under SB 4, the charge could be enhanced to a felony if the migrant is accused of other crimes or refuses to comply with a judges order to return to Mexico. The bill also allows immigrants to present any evidence that they are in the country legally during the prosecution. The maximum penalty for a misdemeanor charge is a year in jail; for a felony the penalty is two to 20 years in prison.

Democrats introduced dozens of amendments to the bill, including language that would exclude immigrant children from prosecution, along with victims of trafficking and sexual assault. Other amendments said that if Mexico doesnt accept a person from a particular country, the immigrant could use that as a defense from prosecution.

None of the amendments were adopted.

Rep. David Spiller, R-Jacksboro, sponsor of SB 4, urged lawmakers to vote against the amendments because his goal was to get this bill passed, and get it passed cleanly, and get it on the governor's desk as soon as possible.

Republicans adopted a motion to end the debate after eight hours on Tuesday, over objections from Democrats.

State Rep. Victoria Neave Criado, D-Dallas, asked why Republicans silenced Democrats during debate on a bill that would affect Texans statewide.

Why are we elected if you dont even have the cojones to defend this piece of legislation, Criado said in Spanglish.

Republican lawmakers are attempting to pass the proposals in a fourth special session of the year after they failed to approve similar bills in previous special sessions.

During the debate on SB 3, Democrats raised concerns about the amount of money being spent on the border when the state could be funding things such as hospitals, health care access or updating state prison infrastructure. State Rep. John Bryant, D-Dallas, said that with the money proposed for border barriers and Colony Ridge, the state could build 15 hospitals, at $100 million each, in rural parts of Texas.

I could go down a list of things that [money] can be spent on, were $2 billion currently short of the money we need just to pay for the current level of special education being borne by our independent school districts, Bryant said. This is a huge amount of money. We shouldn't spend it unless we know that there is data that indicates it will impede illegal entries into Texas.

State Rep. Chris Turner, D-Grand Prairie, asked the bills sponsor, Rep. Jacey Jetton, R-Richmond, why the proposal sets aside $40 million for more law enforcement presence in Colony Ridge, a rural development in Liberty County.

Can you state what that concern is that merits this appropriation? Turner said.

Jetton declined.

I'm not going to try to debate or litigate whether or not Colony Ridge is safe or unsafe, Jetton said.

As the House debated SB 4, Spiller said the proposal is meant to target immigrants who recently crossed the Rio Grande into Texas rather than people who have been in the state a long time. He said because misdemeanors have a two-year statute of limitations, undocumented immigrants who crossed the border more than two years ago wouldnt be affected if the bill passes.

When the representation to the general public is, the Texas House is about to pass something that's going to round up someone's grandmother thats been here all their life, that is completely false, Spiller said.

State Rep. Joe Moody, D-El Paso, introduced two amendments to the bill that would require police and prosecutors to find out if an immigrant arrested under the new law is in the country legally before the case is prosecuted. Both failed.

I would suggest to you that the individual who has followed the rules, who has been arrested, who has been jailed, they would say one minute of their liberty being taken when they have followed the rules is too much, Moody said.

In a landmark 2012 case, Arizona v U.S., the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that local police didnt have the authority to arrest someone solely based on their immigration status and that responsibility falls to the federal government. That case stemmed from a 2010 Arizona law known as SB 1070, which made it a state crime for legal immigrants not to carry their immigration papers and required police officers to investigate the immigration status of any person they come into contact with.

Democrats said during Tuesdays debate that regardless of how Republicans attempt to make SB 4 constitutional, the Supreme Court has ruled that states cannot enforce immigration laws on their own.

We all know why we're here, Neave Criado said. SB 4 intends to challenge the decade-long holding of Arizona versus United States, given the new makeup of the United States Supreme Court, which we have seen has already overturned [the] 50-year long precedent of Roe v. Wade.

Spiller denied thats his intent.

People have asked me that: Are you trying to overturn Arizona v. U.S.? And my answer is no, Spiller said.
The Texas House of Representatives on Tuesday voted in favor of a new immigration bill that will allow the state to arrest and even deport unauthorized migrants who cross the U.S.-Mexico border. The bill, which had already passed in the state Senate, now moves to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who is expected to sign it into law. The new rules would make it a state crime to cross the border from Mexico between ports of entry for those unauthorized to be in the U.S. People suspected of making such a crossing could then be arrested by both state and local law enforcement, and local judges could order such migrants removed. The bill passed in Texas despite lawmakers questioning its constitutionality, given that determining and enforcing immigration law is a matter for the federal government. Oni K. Blair, executive director at the ACLU of Texas, said the bill would give state officials the unconstitutional ability to deport people without due process.

Read it at The Wall Street Journal

Read more at The Daily Beast.
(CNN)  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.

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.
U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, speaks to reporters as he arrives for a House Republican caucus meeting in the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 12 in Washington, D.C. Credit: Julia Nikhinson for The Texas Tribune

WASHINGTON  Thirteen Texas Republicans voted against their partys bill Tuesday to keep the government funded through the year, though the bill was able to garner support from Democrats and pass in the U.S. House.

The measure, known as a continuing resolution, would keep the government funded at current spending levels until early next year as Congress works on appropriations legislation to finance the government for the whole fiscal year. House Speaker Mike Johnson presented the legislation over the weekend.

U.S. Reps. John Carter, Michael Cloud, Pat Fallon, Tony Gonzales, Lance Gooden, Wesley Hunt, Morgan Luttrell, Nathaniel Moran, Chip Roy, Keith Self, Beth Van Duyne, Randy Weber and Roger Williams voted against the bill  just over half the states GOP delegation.

The bill passed 336-95, with 93 Republicans and two Democrats voting against it. All Texas Democrats supported the bill.

Several deeply conservative members felt Republican leadership did not use the shutdown deadline to eke out stronger policy priorities.

The continuing resolution put forth in the House today did not contain any border security measures, amongst other concerns. For that reason, I could not support it, Luttrell said in a statement. Its time to stop kicking the can down the road  we need to address Washingtons spending problem, lower the national debt, and prioritize border security funding now.

The bill must now pass the Senate. Federal funding is set to expire Friday. Failure to fund the government by then will lead to a government shutdown.

The 32-page continuing resolution is a temporary band-aid that doesnt change how government programs are funded. It would maintain current spending criteria for most programs until the beginning of 2024. Federal programs would be divided into two groups, one whose funding expires on Jan. 19 and another that expires Feb. 2.

The move to divide the continuing resolution into two deadlines is highly unusual. Normally, continuing resolutions extend all appropriations for a few weeks or months together to buy Congress enough time to pass year-long appropriations packages.

Johnson pitched staggering funding for different priorities to avoid having everything shutdown at once if appropriations legislation doesnt get passed in time. Rep. Andy Harris, a Maryland Republican who is both in the House Freedom Caucus and Appropriations Committee, propped the idea.

It was initially a polarizing proposal. Many Republicans and Democrats thought the idea would simply lead to a series of showdowns over government funding each time a deadline approached.

By adopting the Freedom Caucuss extreme laddered CR approach, Speaker Johnson is setting up a system that will double the number of shutdown showdowns. House Appropriations ranking member Rosa DeLauro, D-Connecticut, said in a statement.

But Democrats eventually came around to Johnsons proposal. Democratic leadership said in a statement Tuesday they would support any continuing resolution so long as it be set at the fiscal year 2023 spending level, be devoid of harmful cuts and free of extreme right-wing policy riders.

The Freedom Caucus, meanwhile, soured on the plan after it became clear it would be presented without a host of right wing priorities. The far-right group demanded the bill be tied to measures reducing future federal spending and major changes to border policy under a House bill heavily influenced by Texas Republicans.

Roy, R-Austin, told reporters Monday that the continuing resolution would be hard to defend to constituents concerned about the high levels of government spending.

It continues to perpetuate the very system my constituents sent me here to oppose. They dont want me to continue spending money we dont have, Roy said.

The continuing resolution also extends the last farm bill until the end of the fiscal year in September. The farm bill covers a host of rural, nutrition and agricultural priorities including crop insurance and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The farm bill usually gets renewed every five years, and Texas agriculture interests were eager to see reforms to help farmers weather recent difficult yields and shore up nutrition assistance programs.

Roy lamented that with an extension to the farm bill until just before an election, theres little chance of substantive changes getting passed any time soon.

Keeping funding at current appropriations is not a permanent solution, and members across the board agree that standard, year-long government appropriations legislation must pass as priorities evolve. Federal agencies often complain that they cant plan their programming for future initiatives until funding is secured.

At a time when our country is facing so many urgent crises around the world, we cant keep the Department of Defense and the Department of State in a CR until February of next year, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, said in a statement. Cuellar is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

A continuing resolution also skips over community project funding, commonly known as earmarks. Texas members of both parties are requesting some of the biggest amounts for their districts to shore up border security, national trade and energy infrastructure.

Tuesdays continuing resolution did not include supplemental funding for Ukrainian and Israeli defense or the border requested by the White House. Many Republicans in the House and Senate had hoped to attach stronger border policies as a condition to funding legislation, which would be a hard sell for Democrats. Meanwhile, Democrats and pro-defense Republicans demanded funding for U.S. allies, though the far-right wanted to wane support for Ukraine.

With so many competing interests, Tuesdays continuing resolution lobbed the priorities off and focused solely on pushing back the government shutdown deadline.

Still, Congress isnt giving up on tackling the supplemental funding requests and likely will address them next week or after Thanksgiving. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, has advocated substantial policy changes on the border as part of legislation financing defense in Ukraine and Israel.

Even those of us who support the funding bills  we will not proceed to consider those funding bills until and unless real policy changes are included which will stop the flow of people coming across the border, Cornyn said on a call with reporters last week.

During a Monday interview with CBS News Texas, Cornyn said he doubts the Senate will lead to a shutdown, saying the stakes were too high.

"We don't save any money. We actually spend more money and the same problems that cause you to shut down are staring you in the face when you reopen, Cornyn said.
A Texas school board has apologized and reversed a decision that ousted a transgender high school student from playing a part in the musical Oklahoma!

The Sherman school board voted unanimously to reinstate the show and the cast after meeting with several citizens who criticized its decision to remove an actor from the leading role last month.

Max Hightower, a 17-year-old transgender male, was no longer permitted to be cast as the shows male lead, per the school districts new policy. According to Hightower, the schools principal told him actors can only play roles that align with the gender they were assigned at birth.

The school board released an apology after the vote.

We want to apologize to our students, parents and our community regarding the circumstances that they have had to go through to this date, Board President Brad Morgan said in a statement, according to The Associated Press.

Sherman became the center of the national debate over the rights of transgender students over the school boards initial decision to oust Hightower and female students from the roles in which they were originally cast.

Hightower told local news stations he was devastated to lose out on the role. He previously was able to play male and female roles in school productions.

All kinds of actors have played all kinds of parts, Hightowers father said. I mean, I grew up watching Mrs. Doubtfire.

During a meeting Monday, speaker after speaker criticized the boards decision, a show of support for Hightower that he called unexpected and empowering.

This is something that feels so big and out of my hands, Hightower told WFAA-TV. To know there is a big group of people who want to help me, and help everyone affected, it feels like were on even sides now and can actually win this fight.

The Hill has reached out to Sherman Independent School District for a comment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A Texas school district reversed a high schools restrictions on a production of Oklahoma! after a transgender teen lost his role in the show, prompting backlash from the community.

Sherman Independent School District board members voted 7-0 at a meeting Monday to reinstate the original cast and script chosen for the production after more than 60 people at the meeting criticized the schools decision, NBC affiliate KTEN of Denison reported.

We want to apologize to our students, parents and our community regarding the circumstances that they have had to go through to this date, board President Brad Morgan said in a statement after the meeting. We understand that our decision does not erase the impact this had on our community, but we hope that we will reinforce to everyone, particularly our students, that we do embrace all of our Board goals, to include addressing the diverse needs of our students and empowering them for success in a diverse and complex world.

Sherman High School in Sherman, Texas. (Google maps)

Max Hightower, a senior at Sherman High School, landed a starring male role in the musical this month. But soon afterward, the principal told Max and his family that the school had adopted a new policy for the Oklahoma! production that barred students from playing roles that didnt align with their assigned sexes at birth, Phillip Hightower, Maxs father, told NBC Dallas-Fort Worth. The policy caused Max, a transgender boy, and other students who arent trans but were playing characters of different genders to lose their roles.

The school later changed course and said in a statement that there wouldnt be a gendered casting rule but that the show would be edited down to be more age appropriate.

Phillip Hightower told the board that the schools shortened version would have cut Maxs solo.

This was the biggest role Max ever had. This was a solo, he said at the meeting, according to WFAA-TV of Dallas. This wouldve been the culmination of his career.

Another person said the board should reinstate the original Oklahoma! and let the students sing! KTEN reported.

Max told WFAA before the boards vote that listening to people support him was emotional and empowering and that he hoped the board would reverse the schools decision and allow the original cast to do the full Oklahoma! production.

To know there is a big group out of people who want to help me and help everyone affected, it feels like were on even sides now and can actually win this fight, he said.

On Wednesday, after the board's vote, Phillip Hightower said parents who advocated for Max still have two goals. First, they want the school and board to apologize to the theater and choir directors. Second, they want the school board to adopt a policy that protects all student actors and mirrors the theater policy developed by the Texas University Interscholastic League, which oversees extracurricular activity competitions in the state. The league's policy allows students to play any role regardless of their birth gender.

Phillip Hightower said he didn't expect his family's fight to be successful in their conservative town.

"I've always told my kids, when it comes to good people versus bad people, I've always said there's more of us than there are them," he said. "But it wasn't until all this started that I kind of have proof now. Who would have thought, in nowhere Texas, in a deep red state, this much support would show up."

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This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
FILE - Migrants who crossed into the U.S. from Mexico are met with concertina wire along the Rio Grande, Sept. 21, 2023, in Eagle Pass, Texas. Texas moved closer Thursday, Oct. 26, to giving police broad new authority to arrest migrants who cross the U.S.-Mexico border, putting Republican Gov. Greg Abbott closer to a new confrontation with the Biden administrations over immigration. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  For two years, Texas has pushed boundaries on the U.S.-Mexico border: Busing migrants across America, jailing thousands for trespass and stringing razor wire along the Rio Grande.

In a new challenge to the federal government's authority over immigration, Texas lawmakers on Tuesday night gave final approval to a bill that would allow police to arrest migrants who enter the country illegally and let local judges order them to leave the country.

The bill, which Republican Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to sign, would become one of the nation's strictest immigration laws if allowed to take effect. On Wednesday, Mexico's government criticized the measure, warning it would result in family separations and racial profiling.

In a rare moment of GOP dissension, one powerful Republican state senator opposed the bill, saying it goes too far. Emotions also ran high in the Texas House, where Democrats spent hours condemning the measure but failed to weaken it before it passed along party lines 83-61. It cleared the Texas Senate last week.

It is unclear when Abbott will sign the bill. He announced Wednesday that he will return to the border over the weekend with former President Donald Trump.

Here's a look at the proposal:

WHAT WOULD THE NEW LAW DO?

Texas arresting migrants is not new. Within six months of President Joe Biden taking office, Texas troopers began making agreements with border landowners and arresting migrants who crossed their properties for trespassing.

But the new law would empower all police in Texas  including officers hundreds of miles (kilometers) from the border  to arrest migrants suspected of illegally entering the country. The offense would be a misdemeanor and a judge could order the defendant to leave the country.

Critics say the law could lead to racial profiling or the wrongful arrest of U.S. citizens and immigrants who are in the country legally. Democrats also said it would make immigrant crime victims afraid to contact police.

One of the Republicans carrying the bill, state Rep. David Spiller, said the law would not apply to residents who have been in the country for more than two years. He defended the bill as having sufficient guardrails and said it would mostly be applied near the border.

This is not, Round up everyone who is here illegally and ship them back to Mexico,'" Spiller told a legislative committee last week.

Steven McCraw, the director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, told lawmakers that it would be almost impossible" for the law to be enforced in any county that was not directly along Texas' 1,200-mile (1,900-kilometer) border with Mexico, because an officer would need evidence that a migrant had crossed illegally.

Itd be a stretch, McCraw said.

TESTING IMMIGRATION AUTHORITY

Legal experts and immigrant rights groups have railed against the Texas bill as a clear conflict with the U.S. government's authority to regulate immigration.

Since when does a state deport individuals? Democratic state Rep. Victoria Neave Criado said. Thats not a power that states have. Thats a power that the federal government has.

She and other Democrats have accused Texas Republicans of wanting the U.S. Supreme Court's new conservative majority to revisit a 2012 ruling that struck down key provisions of an Arizona immigration law. At the time, Justice Anthony Kennedy said Arizona may have understandable frustrations with immigrants who are in the country illegally but cant pursue policies that undermine federal law."

Mexico's government, which has protested other actions by Texas along the border, also raised concerns.

The Mexican government categorically rejects any measure that would allow local or state authorities to detain or deport Mexicans or other nationalities to Mexican soil, Mexico's foreign relations department said in a statement.

Spiller has denied wanting to challenge the Arizona decision.

State Sen. Brian Birdwell, an Army veteran who was injured at the Pentagon during the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, was the lone Republican to vote no to the proposal. He said the law would usurp powers given to the federal government in a rare moment of GOP fractures in the Texas Senate, where Republicans typically vote in lockstep.

"For the short-term messaging gain between our two chambers during this election season, we are setting a terrible precedent for the future by invalidating our obedience and faithfulness to our Constitution, Birdwell said.

TEXAS' MASSIVE BORDER OPERATION

In his third term as Texas governor, Abbott has made increasingly aggressive measures on the Texas-Mexico border a centerpiece of his administration.

In addition to giving police new arrest powers, Texas Republicans are also on track to approve $1.5 billion to continue building more border wall. Texas has also gone to court in recent months to keep a floating barrier on the Rio Grande and to prevent Border Patrol agents from cutting razor wire.

The efforts have not halted crossings, which have remained unusually high. Illegal crossings did fall in October, a rare piece of welcome news for a White House that has been criticized by the right and left for its immigration policies.
With Thanksgiving now a week away, those traveling by road, rail and air are preparing for their trip to Grandma's house (and elsewhere) and back. AccuWeather meteorologists warn that those well-laid plans could be upended or a slow-go due to storminess in parts of the country.

Heavy rain, gusty winds and even snow are expected as a pair of storms is forecast to join forces in the eastern half of the country next week. This could wreak havoc for millions during some of the traditionally busiest hours of pre-Thanksgiving travel.

In contrast to that, an early look at post-Thanksgiving travel the following weekend reveals that conditions could be much quieter for the millions headed back home.

According to AAA, 55.4 million travelers will be venturing at least 50 miles from home for Thanksgiving, which would be an increase of 2.3 percent over last year. Breaking it down further, the motor club says next Wednesday and the three days following Thanksgiving are the busiest for travel. Because of that, some who leave early next week on Monday may have a leg up on traffic and beating the weather, AccuWeather says.

"Ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, a soaking storm can track from the central U.S. toward the East, complicating travel plans," AccuWeather Meteorologist Alyssa Glenny said. "However, conditions across the Northeast early in the week will be on the calmer side by comparison."

An area of high pressure, building in behind an early-weekend cold front and storm that can bring heavy rain and gusty winds, will serve up plenty of sunshine and dry weather on Monday from Maine to Virginia and on Tuesday across eastern New England. This means that those who are able to leave early in the week and would be traveling in just that region will take advantage of both the lighter traffic and dry weather.

Travelers wait in line to board an Amtrak train ahead of the Thanksgiving Day holiday at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Glenny points out that while it will be dry ahead of the next storm, it will also be cool.

"Temperatures across the region will run a bit lower than the historical average, with highs expected to be in the 40s and 50s, for the most part," she said. This will stand in contrast to the warmer-than-average conditions expected there late this week.

Similarly quiet weather can also be expected across the West and Rockies early in the week, with travel expected to go off without a hitch weather-wise there. This also is a flip in the weather from the week before, when rain and snow were impacting portions of the region, especially California into the weekend before Thanksgiving.

As the Northeast enjoys quiet weather for travel to start the week, the same will not be true for a swath of the central and southern U.S., according to AccuWeather meteorologists. A pair of storm systems affecting over a dozen states from the Canadian border to the Gulf coast will move east and bring a variety of impacts along with it.

Since heavy rain and gusty winds will take aim at the nation's midsection early in the week, those with some flexibility in their travel plans next week will have to weigh whether they want to travel earlier in rough weather or wait until midweek when traffic will be heavier.

Rain, in some areas coming down heavy and generating road spray, can be expected across most of the Mississippi, Tennessee and Ohio valleys on Monday and Monday night, including around the cities of Atlanta, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Memphis, Nashville, New Orleans and St. Louis. Those traveling by air in this region may have to contend with flight delays as a result of reduced visibility and lower cloud ceilings caused by the rain.

Around the same time, an area of precipitation will move through the Upper Midwest and into the Great Lakes from a secondary storm moving in from Canada. Precipitation will come down as mainly rain from Chicago to Detroit on Monday and Monday night, but it may mix with snow for a time in places like Des Moines, Iowa, and Duluth and the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul) in Minnesota.

Even behind the storm in the Plains, problems will be caused by gusty winds.

GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP

"Across the center of the country, conditions can turn quite windy from Monday and Tuesday behind the storminess," said Glenny. "Wind gusts can reach 30 to 40 mph, and perhaps as high as 50 mph, leading to hefty crosswinds for highway motorists as they head to their Thanksgiving destinations."

While the worst weather will not coincide with the busiest travel times in the nation's heartland, the same, unfortunately, will not be true for some travelers in the East. From Tuesday to early Wednesday, the storms will merge in the eastern Great Lakes, Appalachians and Eastern Seaboard, spreading heavy rain and gusty winds all the way to the coast.

According to AAA, 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. local time on Wednesday is the worst time to travel. Around this time frame, the heaviest rain from the newly-formed storm could be soaking a portion of the East Coast, especially in parts of New England. Such conditions would severely delay travel, no matter what mode of transportation is utilized.

Glenny warns that it may be too early to target exact times for the heavy rain, as the speed of the storm will be key in determining when and where the downpours erupt.

"A main factor to monitor with this storm will be how quickly it can exit New England," she said.

A faster exit could bring drier conditions for most of Wednesday across the Great Lakes, interior Northeast, mid-Atlantic and Southeast, which would be good news in cities such as Detroit and Washington, D.C., where AAA projects that Wednesday would feature the most congestion. A slower one could mean more heavy rain later on Wednesday for more of the I-95 corridor.

Behind the storm, much colder air will arrive and AccuWeather forecasts lake-effect snow showers and squalls at times from Wednesday into Friday in some of the typical snow belts downwind of the Great Lakes, including areas near Buffalo and Watertown, NY.

In the Buffalo area, the greatest risk for snow looks to be on Wednesday into Thursday. Heavy snow can be a threat within the lake-effect snow showers and squalls, which can be quite localized. Significant snow accumulations may even occur, especially if the bands persist over the same areas for an extended period. As is typical of lake-effect snow, if bands of heavier snow develop, they can also have gusty winds associated with them and even localized near blizzard conditions.

AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter said "This can be a concerning setup for holiday travelers given that the risk for lake-effect snow showers and squalls poorly timed with the Thanksgiving holiday and times when people are typically traveling for Thanksgiving, notably Wednesday. We recommend people check back frequently with the AccuWeather forecast over the coming days, especially if they have any travel plans around the Thanksgiving holiday near the Great Lakes."

On the flip side of Thanksgiving, for those traveling back home armed with leftover turkey, AAA says that Friday and the weekend feature the busiest travel days in the Atlanta, Denver, Houston, New York and San Francisco metropolitan areas, among many others. AccuWeather forecasters are narrowing in on the forecast for this time frame, and it will be smooth sailing for most at least weather-wise.

"Behind the storminess next week, dry air will filter southward out of Canada," said Glenny. "It will also be chilly for many, with temperatures trending near to slightly below historical averages for late November, especially in many Great Lakes and Northeast cities."

The dry weather, courtesy of a sprawling area of high pressure, is expected across most of the Midwest, South and East on Friday. The same will also be true along the West Coast, where an offshore ridge of high pressure will set up shop.

One thing to watch by the weekend could be a storm moving from the Rockies to the Northeast. This could spread a swath of mainly light rain and snow across the Denver area on Friday, then the Ohio Valley to the Northeast on Saturday and Sunday. The storm looks meager compared to the one before Thanksgiving, but it could still slow or delay travel for some if it tracks through that region and taps into chillier air from the north.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
A third defendant who pleaded guilty in a felony fraud case involving the failed renovation of a Palm Beach hotel will serve no prison time, a Connecticut judge ruled Tuesday in a New Haven courtroom.

Connecticut real estate broker Gerry Matthews, 61, was sentenced to three years of probation and 200 hours of community service on a single charge of conspiring to commit wire fraud. He had entered his guilty plea more than five years ago in the case linked to the Palm House hotel property at 160 Royal Palm Way.

As part of their case, prosecutors said Matthews helped his brother, former developer Robert Bob V. Matthews, channel $1.3 million through Gerry Matthews commercial savings account in Connecticut. That money came from foreign investors who put money into the Palm House hotel renovation with the expectation that their permanent immigration papers to the United States  so-called green cards  would be expedited under the old federal EB-5 program.

Instead Bob Matthews illegally used the investors money for his personal gain, prosecutors said.

In all, Bob Matthews massive fraud and money-laundering scheme bilked more than $30 million out of about 61 foreign investors who put in $500,000 each, prosecutor said. Using some of that money, Bob Matthews bought two homes in Connecticut, one of which he previously had lost in foreclosure; a yacht; and a Maserati, according to the U.S. Attorneys office in Connecticut. Among other expenditures, Bob Matthews, who is today 65, also paid off personal credit-card debt and local taxes.

Gerry Matthews assisted Bob Matthews in defrauding the investors by helping him maintain control of the Palm House project after Gerry Matthews learned about the Palm House fraud in 2014, prosecutors said.

After initially entering a not-guilty plea, Bob Matthews struck a 2019 deal with prosecutors to plead guilty. He was sentenced in July to serve more than five years in prison on reduced charges of one felony count each of conspiracy, illegal monetary transactions and tax evasion. He is scheduled to report to prison Nov. 27.

PALM HOUSE'S EX-DEVELOPER SENTENCED: Former Palm Beach developer Robert V. Matthews gets 65-month prison sentence in Palm House hotel case

The owner who in 2019 bought the Palm House hotel project at 160 Royal Palm Way in Palm Beach is renovating the property.

Although Gerry Matthews pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge, he did not personally gain from his involvement in the offense and his actions were solely motivated by his loyalty to his brother, Robert Matthews, said a court document filed in late October on behalf of Gerry Matthews by his attorney.

U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery for the District of Connecticut had recommended a prison sentence for Gerry Matthews of between 33 months  or about 2 years and 9 months  and 41 months, or about 3 years and 5 months.

But Gerry Matthews argued in a sentencing memorandum to the court that he should serve no prison time and instead be granted probation with appropriate conditions fashioned under the law, according to the document signed by his attorney, George G. Mowad II and filed Oct. 30.

CELEBRITY LISTING IN PALM BEACH: Palm Beach home of 'This Old House' star Bob Vila enters the market at $52.9 million

Gerry Matthews, his attorney and a representative of Averys office declined to comment about the sentencing.

Gerry Matthews, of Middlebury, Connecticut, had been free on bond since he and another man pleaded guilty in the case in March 2018, a month before Bob Matthews arrest.

Charges in the case were brought by federal prosecutors in Connecticut because Bob Matthews had directed that money be wired between bank accounts there and in Florida. He had residences in both states.

ON THE MARKET IN PALM BEACH: Tommy Hilfiger and wife relist one of their two Palm Beach houses for nearly $36 million

Prosecutors: Millions of dollars were moved through Gerry Matthews account

Gerry Matthews facilitation of transfers of money to help his brother out predated the investor fraud related to the Palm House, prosecutors said. That EB-5 fraud took place generally between 2012 and 2014, according to court records.

But over nearly six years  between January 1, 2010, and December 2, 2016  Gerry Matthews allowed his brother Bob to move a total of $3.9 million in and out of his commercial savings account, prosecutors wrote in their Nov. 6 sentencing memorandum. The $1.3 million in EB-5 funds was part of the larger amount, according to prosecutors.

Th government's sentencing memo was prepared by Averys office and submitted to U.S. Judge Victor Bolden, who has overseen other cases involving the Palm House and handed down Tuesdays sentence in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut.

There is no dispute that the defendant was unaware of the origin of the funds his brother moved through his account until October 2014, the governments memo said.

Yet Gerry Matthews admitted to having helped his brother move money through his account to avoid creditors, prosecutors wrote. He also knew his brother was having financial difficulties and creditors had secured judgments against Robert Matthews properties, the sentencing memo says.

Gerry Matthews also was aware his brother had access to money in connection with the development of the Palm House Hotel.

But in October 2014, Gerry Matthews learned for the first time that his brother Bob had been stealing funds from the EB-5 investors, the memo said. His brother also had fraudulently listed (Gerry Matthews) as the 99% owner of the hotel property in October 2014, prosecutors wrote.

Thats when Gerry Matthews joined the conspiracy, the memo said.

And from that month through January 2016, EB-5 investors wired an additional $2 million to be invested in the Palm House project.

In October 2014, Gerry Matthews took affirmative steps to try to maintain control of the Palm House, including executing a power of attorney as the nominal 99% owner so his brother could act in his name in connection with the hotel project to further perpetuate the fraud.

Gerry Matthews statement said he provided substantial assistance to prosecutors

Gerry Matthews own memo to the court said a sentence of probation was appropriate because he was a minimal participant in the Palm House case; had accepted responsibility for his actions; had not benefited personally from the wire fraud; and had no prior criminal record.

The document also said he had provided substantial assistance to prosecutors about other potential co-defendants in other cases, as well as potential targets of interest. That assistance was ultimately utilized by the Government in its prosecution of other Defendants, Gerry Matthews memo said.

Gerry Matthews also had provided $301,111 to EB-5 victims counsel in civil lawsuits in exchange for releases against him, his memo said.

In any event, the EB-5 victims could not be considered particularly vulnerable but were instead wealthy foreign investors with substantial disposable income, seeking to buy their way into the United States, Gerry Matthews memo said.

The Matthews brothers cases simmered for years, as did the ones involving other defendants. People familiar with the case say the delays can be blamed, at least in part, on the coronavirus pandemic, because of the many Palm House investors live in China and Iran and could not visit the United States because of travel restrictions.

Only one Palm House defendant is still awaiting sentencing

The only Palm House defendant who has not been sentenced is Bob Matthews ex-wife, Maria Mia Sneden Matthews. She was charged with one count of tax evasion in the case and pleaded guilty in April 2019 but has not been scheduled for sentencing. The couple divorced in June after 26 years of marriage.

Nicholas Laudano, a former construction executive at the Palm House, was sentenced in June to supervised release and time served after he pleaded guilty in 2018 to two felony counts  conspiracy to commit bank fraud and taking part in an illegal monetary transaction.

Another man, Palm Beach attorney Leslie R. Evans, pleaded not guilty after being charged in the case in 2018 on multiple counts. Last April, the judge dismissed all of the charges against Evans and cleared his criminal record in the Palm House case after he completed a so-called pre-trial diversion program.

Bob Matthews bought the Palm House property in 2006, announced renovation plans for the existing hotel and, in 2009, lost the property in foreclosure. In August 2013, he reacquired defacto control of the property, although his ownership role was cloaked in public records. Construction came to an abrupt halt in late 2014 and did not resume until after the property was sold in May 2019 for nearly $40 million in a sale sanctioned by a bankruptcy judge.

An aerial rendering shows the courtyard design of the Palm House hotel project under renovaton at 160 Royal Palm Way in Palm Beach.

FROM THE 2019 ARCHIVES: New owner plans will turn Palm Beachs Palm House into spectacular destination hotel, executive says

The new owner  an affiliate of the international hospitality and real estate firm London & Regional Properties  is renovating the 79-room building and grounds.

Before it sold, the Palm House was mired for years in legal troubles, including lawsuits, foreclosure proceedings, investigations by the Securities Exchange Commission, town code violations and bankruptcy.

*

Darrell Hofheinz is a USA TODAY Network of Florida journalist who writes about Palm Beach real estate in his weekly Beyond the Hedges column. He welcomes tips about real estate news on the island. Email dhofheinz@pbdailynews.com, call 561-820-3831 or tweet @PBDN_Hofheinz. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Judge: No prison time for defendant in Palm Beach hotel fraud case
LANSING  Test scores are on the rise for some of Greater Lansing's largest school districts.

A report released earlier this month by the Education Policy Innovation Collaborative at Michigan State University highlighted the statewide decrease in third-grade students who could be held back for low reading scores.

The decrease of students eligible for retention based on reading scores was largest in urban schools with high populations of Black students and students of a low economic status.

However, more than one third of Michigan third graders still do not meet proficiency standards, according to the report.

Lansing Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner is happy with the improvements in his district, but he acknowledges that there is still work to be done.

According to state data, the district has seen a decrease from 64.7% to 59.3% in percentage of students who are non-proficient in reading. Although the decrease of 5.4 percentage points is notable, over half of the school's students are not reading at the level recommended.

"Lansing Public Schools has increased focus on instruction," he said. "Our ability to move the needle forward is the result of our educators' hard work."

Shuldiner noted the 4% increase in third grade test scores for mathematics on the M-STEP between the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years.

"According to our records, test scores have gone up in all subjects, for all grade levels," he said.

Waverly Public Schools has also seen an improvement in test scores in the past year. In the 2021-22 school year, 54.4% of third graders were non-proficient in reading. In the 2022-23 school year, this number dropped to 43.5%. All other categories - partially proficient, proficient, and above proficient - are on a steady rise.

"(Improvement) is due to a lot of hard work by a lot of great people," said Chris Huff, the district's teaching and learning director.

Huff credits the coronavirus relief funds for the district's ability to invest in their teachers through instructional coaching.

"We've been able to streamline our literacy instruction," he said. "Over the last four years, we've been working on a districtwide literacy plan."

In a classroom, students work in small groups based on what they need to succeed. Huff said this allows them to not feel excluded because of their ability.

Grand Ledge Public Schools has seen an increase in the percentage of third graders who are not proficient in reading but has also seen an increase in the percentage of third graders who are advanced readers.

Delta Center Elementary teacher Jamie Viecelli helps her Grand Ledge second-graders sound out words, Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023.

GLPS still has not reached their pre-pandemic third grade reading scores. In the 2018-19 school year, 53.4% of third graders were proficient or above proficient readers. For the 2022-23 school year, state indicate that percentage has decreased to 48.6%.

"We are focused on providing good reading instruction for every student in every classroom," said Steve Gabriel, the district's assistant superintendent of academic services.

In an email, Gabriel outlined what steps the school has taken to improve their educators' ability to teach. The school has worked with specialists to train elementary educators and credit Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) Training and Orton-Gillingham Training for giving teachers the skills to teach language and literacy to every student, even those with reading challenges like dyslexia.

The school also has certified reading teachers in each elementary building who provide additional support for struggling readers.

John Ellsworth, the Grand Ledge Public Schools' communications director, says that the district's focus on mental health will gradually improve test scores for their children, and a child who is struggling with their mental or emotional health needs extra support to succeed.

The pandemic highlighted many children's needs for emotional and mental health supports, and Ellsworth said he sees a lot of children impacted by the pandemic's disruption of their socialization process.

"A child's entire wellbeing impacts their scores," he said.

In 2016, the Read by Grade Three Law was passed by the Michigan legislature. The legislation mandated that any child scoring below a state-determined point could be held back the grade. This was meant to give the child more time to attain the level of proficiency recommended.

Delta Center Elementary teacher Heather Moon, right, reads to her Grand Ledge third-grade students, Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023.

Earlier this year, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer repealed this mandate. This change will go into effect next school year, with the 2022-23 cohort being the last students eligible to be held back due to the mandate.

Current standards for third grade reading include being able to answer questions and point to evidence in the text to show understanding, retell detailed and diverse stories and identify a character's feelings and motivations. Recommended books for third graders include "Babe," "The Adventures of Paddington," and "The Spiderwick Chronicles."

Contact Sarah Atwood at satwood@lsj.com.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Third-grade reading scores improve for some Greater Lansing school districts
WASHINGTONPeaceful demonstrators gathered at the National Mall on Tuesday in an unprecedented display of support for Israel and Jewish communities across the globe. Some 40 days after Gazan terrorists killed an estimated 1,200 people, speakers addressing what is believed to be the largest pro-Israel rally in American history called for solidarity with the embattled country.

The March for Israelorganized by a coalition of Jewish groups across the countrycame as Jewish people have had to contend with a rising global tide of antisemitism. The Anti-Defamation League reported Monday that 832 antisemitic incidentsincluding assault, vandalism, and harassmenttook place in the U.S. alone in the month following Hamas attack in Israel, up from 200 during the same period last year. With yesterdays rally, attendees were trying to send a message to perpetrators of such hate: We will not be cowed into silence.

I want the rest of America to know that Jews are strong and are not going to back down, David Sultan, a Jewish resident of Massachusetts and Harvard alumnus, told The Dispatch, expressing his concern about the antisemitism taking hold at his alma mater and on other college campuses across the country. Part of being in higher education is understanding and looking at issues in a thorough way, and I havent seen that at all. Its just very disheartening. I feel very bad for the Jewish kids on campus.

That tension was present ahead of the gathering, which came 10 days after a large pro-Palestinian rally in Washington culminated in several acts of vandalism and antisemitic slogans being chanted by some attendees. In anticipation of possible violence at Tuesdays rally, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Monday labeled it a level one security event, the highest such designation. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser requested assistance from the National Guard, which secured the area along with metropolitan police. Fencing and security checkpoints surrounded the perimeter of the mall.

But Tuesday came and went without any major security incidents, despite the isolated accounts of counter-protesters attempting to disrupt the gathering. Vandals reportedly spray painted a medical tent set up in advance of the event with slogans like Gaza will win, and Palestine will be free, and anti-Israel graffiti littered sidewalks and portable toilets in the area. There were also scattered reports of agitators at the event, including a man who was recorded saying Heil Hitler and he should have finished yall off.

For many rally participants, the safety concerns surrounding the demonstration underscored the painful reality now facing Jews across the country. My own kids wouldnt come, because its a scary time right now. Theres a lot of fear, Michael Pereira, a Jewish resident of Maryland, told The Dispatch. We live in a dangerous worlddangerous for people in Europe, dangerous for the United States. Demographically speaking, the future looks bleak.

For non-Jewish attendees, the rally presented an opportunity to stand in solidarity with Israel and against antisemitism. Sara Vasquez, a law student with the Christian student group Passages, attended Tuesdays event in part because of what shes seen at her New Jersey university. Its been a hostile time. The Jewish community feels afraid, she said in an interview. It pains my heart, but thats why were here and why were pushing for more people to come and show support.

When you have people who are standing with Hamas, wearing the bandanas, calling for the extermination of the Jewish people  that shows that really what were up against is civilizational, said Luke Moon, deputy director of the Philos Project, a Christian advocacy group.

For Jews, however, Tuesdays rally felt almost existential. Being in attendance was not a question, its a necessity, said Yitzhak Elhadad, an Israeli man living in New Jersey. Theres a consensus right now for everybody to be hereall Jews from all over the world, and non-Jews who care about humanity.

People of all religions and ages populated the massive event, with many thousands waving Israeli flags and several donning the stars and stripes. Others carried the Iranian Lion and Sun flag, a symbol of pre-revolutionary Iran, in a show of opposition to the Islamic Republic. Several of the participants arrived in large groups coordinated by local synagogues and Jewish schools, busing and flying in from all across the country. A bipartisan group of congressional leaders spoke at the event, pausing regularly as chants of USA! and bring them home! erupted among the crowd.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat and the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in American history, led chants of Never Again! and vowed continued U.S. support to Israel. History shows that when antisemitism rears its ugly head, if its not dealt with forcefully and directly, it grows into a deadly force, he said. 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 see that that never, ever changes.

The crowd also greeted newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, with huge applause. The calls for a ceasefire are outrageous he told the crowd. We stand with you in that. Hamas terrorists waged the bloodiest assault on Jewish lives since the Holocaust, and there are hundreds of hostagesmany of them Americansstill stuck inside Gaza. Israel will cease their counteroffensive when Hamas ceases to be a threat to the Jewish state.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries was in attendance, as were Democratic Sen. John Fetterman and Republican Sen. Rick Scott, along with other lawmakers. Israeli musician Omer Adam sang the Hatikva, Israels national anthem, along with a tearful audience. Many people carried the pictures of men, women, and children still held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.

We need to get those hostages out, back to their families, said Jodi Josephson, a Jewish attendee from New Jersey. This is our family. Theyre our mishpacha. It runs through our veins, it does. We are one. We are peaceful people. We just want to be safe in our homes, out of our homes, in colleges.

American Jews, we are suffering right now, she added. Were frightened.

For many of the rallys Jewish attendees, the nationwide rise in antisemitism in the aftermath of Hamas attack has underscored the existential importance of the state of Israel.

Were here defending our right to exist, to be our fullest in our self expression, to live in security in our own homes. Thats something that Americans would fight for, thats something that Israelis are fighting forthis is what brings us together, said Hannah Simpson, a transgender Jewish woman from New York City donning a pride flag emblazoned with the Star of David. I find strength in the ancestors of mine who worked through the tears, the sweat, and far too often the blood to build things that would outlive themselves.

Click here for more coverage of the Israel-Hamas war.

Read more at The Dispatch

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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.

ALSO READ: Mecklenburg County commissioners unanimously pass resolution supporting Israel

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.

ALSO READ: Biden's initial confidence on Israel gives way to the complexities and casualties of a brutal war

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.

VIDEO: Mecklenburg County commissioners unanimously pass resolution supporting Israel
The Stone of Destiny has been kept at Edinburgh Castle since 1996 after 700 years at Westminster Abbey in London (RUSSELL CHEYNE)

Three people have been arrested in Edinburgh, police said on Wednesday, after activists targeted the ancient Stone of Destiny used for centuries in the coronation of British monarchs.

Police Scotland said two women aged 20 and 24, and a 20-year-old man were held in connection with damage caused at a "small protest" at Edinburgh Castle.

The 152-kilogram (335-pound) Stone of Destiny -- the ancient symbol of Scotland's monarchy -- was seized by English king Edward I in 1296 and taken to London's Westminster Abbey.

The sacred slab of sandstone was seized in an audacious raid by Scottish students in 1950, who accidentally broke it in two. It was brought back to Scotland permanently in 1996.

Also known as the Stone of Scone, it now only ever leaves Scotland for coronations and was last used in May when King Charles III was officially crowned.

Historic Environment Scotland said the protest saw "some damage" to the protective glass housing the stone, in the Crown Room where the Honours of Scotland -- Scotland's crown jewels -- are kept.

"The casing was not breached and the Honours themselves were not damaged," a spokesperson said.

Activists claimed to have spray painted "The people are mightier than a lord" in Gaelic, alongside the logo of protest group This is Rigged.

This is Rigged is a direct action group which campaigns against food poverty during the cost-of-living crisis.

phz/srg/giv
(CNN)  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.
Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) arrives for the third Republican presidential primary debate in Miami on Nov. 8.

Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) arrives for the third Republican presidential primary debate in Miami on Nov. 8.

Goodbye, Sen. Tim Scott! We barely knew you.

No, literally, we dont know you. If the South Carolina Republican were walking down the street wearing a hoodie with the words HI EVERYONE, IM SEN. TIM SCOTT! on the front, Id argue that still no one would know him.

And Republicans want it that way.

On Fox News Sunday Night In America with Trey Gowdy, a show watched only by Republicans, Scott announced Sunday that he is no longer running for president.

Im looking forward to getting back on the campaign trail without question, Scott told Gowdy, a former U.S. representative from South Carolina. But when I go back to Iowa, it will not be as a presidential candidate. I am suspending my campaign.

If Tim Scott drops out of the presidential race, does it make a sound?

Does anyone wonder why we learned of Scotts girlfriend right before he left the race? I mean, he literally introduced America to Mindy Noce, an interior designer and mother of three from Charleston, South Carolina, opening her up to scrutiny just before telling the waitress to hold the presidential campaign, I couldnt eat another bite.

A bizarre turn of events for a candidate who seemed to have the support of major donors, having accumulated some $22 million in donations and a $35 million bump into the senators super PAC, Opportunity Matters Fund, from Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle Corporation.

So if it wasnt money, then what stopped the lone Black Republican senator, who had the opportunity to possibly become the first Black GOP presidential nominee, from continuing his campaign? Well, Tim Scott is not a full-throated, full-fledged politician, as hes allowed himself to become a Republican sideshow who wasnt quite ready for the big stage.

To understand Tim Scott is to understand Americas relationship  more specifically, white Americas relationship  with the Black friend. Since the beginning of time, there has always been a Black friend, sometimes as a guardian (think Jim in Huckleberry Finn), or the voice of God (again, Jim in Huckleberry Finn), or just literally God (think Morgan Freeman in Bruce Almighty).

The main role of the Black friend has always been to propel his white counterpart. Never the main attraction, the Black friend is always a sounding board to show the moral qualities of their white protagonist. So Tim Scott has become a caricature of an archetype. When a Republican says he has a Black friend, hes referring to Tim Scott. Whenever Republicans have been accused of being racist, they bring up Tim Scott. Remember, after the massacre last year in Buffalo, New York  where a white man walked into a grocery store and killed 10 Black people and wounded three more  there was a huge conversation about whether America is a racist country? It was Tim Scott who argued, honestly, as the lone Black senator in the Republican Party and one of only 13 Black senators in the countrys history, that America doesnt have a race problem.

During his speech, Scott said hes experienced the pain of discrimination. But he cautioned that race is not a political weapon to settle every issue the way one side wants. This was said by a Black man who truly believes that he worked harder than other Black folks to become a member of Congress, and not that Congress has a race problem.

Scott is a lap dog who does it all for the head rubs because the white gaze is a powerful drug. He learned during his brief campaign that he wasnt ready for prime time, having spent the majority of his career as a sideshow. Prime time means that all parts of your life get examined. Im guessing Scott felt it necessary to bring out his girlfriend because he was getting tired of the speculation about his sexuality.

This is the dirty part of politics that is actually one of the only areas of true bipartisanship: minding other peoples business. Whatever Scott does in his private life is his business, and he shouldnt be forced to parade his partner as proof of anything. He should be allowed a full life with whomever he chooses, but this is the problem when youve always been an opening act.

Scott poses on stage with Mindy Noce after the third Republican presidential primary debate on Nov. 8.

Scott poses on stage with Mindy Noce after the third Republican presidential primary debate on Nov. 8.

Tim Scott has never been a fully actualized politician. At this point, he is a kindergartners drawing of a politician from memory. Scott is a Black man who was endorsed by the National Rifle Association during his run for Senate in South Carolina, which means he believes that America doesnt have a race problem or a gun problem. And the two have collided more than once in Scotts own backyard. Think about this: Scott was a senator in South Carolina on June 17, 2015, when 21-year-old Dylann Roof walked into Charlestons Emanuel AME Church and shot and killed nine Black people after having been welcomed into the church for Bible study. This was not a random attack. Roof, a white supremacist, targeted the church because of its history and its connection to the Black community. Scott didnt just lose constituents on that day. He lost his friend, senior pastor and state Sen. Clementa C. Pinckney.

I remember Wednesday, June 17, 2015, like it was yesterday, Scott wrote in a 2020 op-ed for The Post and Courier titled We Must Meet Racism with Love and Peace. I had just finished having dinner with my good friend, U.S. Rep. Trey Gowdy, in Washington, D.C., and was sitting on my bed when the phone rang.

It was the Charleston County Sheriffs Office with news of the shooting at Emanuel AME Church, Scott wrote. I texted the Rev. Clementa Pinckney: Are you okay?

But that still wasnt enough for Scott to support commonsense gun laws. He either punted  like he did after the 2019 mass killing in Odessa, Texas, where Scott claimed that mental illness was to blame, and that he needed more information on private gun sales before he could take a position  or else he simply voted in lockstep with other Republicans to uphold Americas allegiance to the Second Amendment.

When the people of South Carolina demanded that something be done after losing nine members of their community to racist gun violence, Scott and Gov. Nikki Haley, a fellow Republican, decided that it was finally time to take down the Confederate flag.

Wait, I hear you say. Nine people died in a racist, savage killing, and all they did was remove a flag?

Yes.

The Confederate battle flag did not cause the hateful, racist actions that left nine families and our entire state grieving, and it remains part of our states rich and provocative history. But for so many, the flag signifies pain and division that has no home here, and that does not represent the present or the future of our great state, Scott said on July 9, 2015, less than a month after the Emanuel AME slayings.

I do not believe that the vast majority of those who support the flag have hate in their hearts, he said. But it is clear that this is the right step forward for our state.

Im confused as to why a definitive act to denounce not only racism, but a symbol of hate and the continuation of slavery, feels like an apology. But such is life for the lone Black Republican senator: always sorry, even when youre doing the right thing.

The truth of the matter is this: No matter how much Scott allowed himself to be a trophy for Republicans, they were never going to choose a Black man as their presidential nominee. Strom Thurmond would roll over in his grave so much, it would sound like a rock tumbler.

But the real reason Scott dropped out of the race was because of one fact he was forced to accept; one fact he couldnt deny; one fact that he couldnt pretend didnt exist  he was never a viable candidate.

He never cracked 4 percent in 538s average of national polls, ABC News noted Tuesday. He plowed much of his campaign cash into TV ads in early states, and that did seem to work at first: By mid-August, according to 538s averages, he was polling at 12 percent in Iowa, 12 percent in South Carolina (his home state) and 8 percent in New Hampshire.

It may be difficult to admit that America was built on a foundation of racism, or that loose gun laws make it easier for bad actors to get access to firearms. But its hard to stare reality in the face and realize that no matter how much you shine yourself up to make yourself presentable to the folks whose acceptance you desperately want, you are still a Black man, and the group youve aligned yourself with will always have a problem with that.

Related...
The Palace of Versailles bought several of the pieces (Ludovic MARIN)

A leading French art expert is to face trial on charges of forgery for building furniture that he falsely claimed to be from the 18th century and was sold at high prices to buyers who included the Palace of Versailles.

Bill Pallot, one of the world's leading experts on 18th century French furniture, is charged with implementing the scam between 2008-2105 in one of the biggest forgery scandals to rock the art world in recent years.

According to the trial order issued by the investigating magistrate on Monday, a copy of which was seen by AFP on Wednesday, Pallot and five others as well as a prominent gallery will face trial.

Pallot, 59, is a familiar figure in France due to his regular publications and media appearances, with his distinctive long hair and three-piece suits.

He is accused along with fellow defendant Bruno Desnoues -- a prominent woodcarver -- of from 2007-2008 producing and selling chairs that were falsely claimed to be historic pieces that adorned the rooms of the likes of Madame du Barry, the mistress of Louis XV, or Queen Marie-Antoinette.

Customers for the pieces included the Palace of Versailles and the scam continued unnoticed for years despite the warning signs until investigators finally noticed abnormalities from 2014.

When the full scandal erupted in 2016, the ministry of culture swiftly ordered an audit of Versailles' acquisitions policy.

The scandal is not the only one to rock the rarefied world of France's top museums in recent years.

The former director of the Louvre Museum, Jean-Luc Martinez, was charged last year with conspiring to hide the origin of archaeological treasures that investigators suspect were smuggled out of Egypt in the chaos of the Arab Spring.

France's Court of Cassation on Wednesday rejected an appeal brought by Martinez to have the charges dropped.

amd-sjw/rox
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  One person was sent to the hospital after a train and an 18-wheeler carrying hydrogen peroxide collided near Helena-West Helena, Arkansas, Tuesday afternoon.

The Arkansas Department of Transportation reported after 6 p.m. that the crash happened on State Highway 49.

The Helena-West Helena Fire Department said one person was airlifted to Regional One Hospital in Memphis, but did not state their condition.

The cause of the crash is unknown at this time.

St. Jude employee killed in front of wife, 2-year-old during robbery: Police report

All of the lanes on State Highway 49 were shut down as crews worked to clean up the scene.

For the latest traffic information from ARDOT, click here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
MUNCIE, Ind.  A physician who operated a pain clinic in Muncie was charged Wednesday with trying to bribe a potential witness at his upcoming Medicaid fraud trial.

William Hedrick, 62, of Fort Wayne, is charged in Delaware Circuit Court 1 with attempted bribery, attempted obstruction of justice, attempted aiding, inducing or causing perjury and harassment.

The most serious of those charges is a Level 5 felony carrying up to six years in prison. After Wednesday's charges were filed, Judge Judi Calhoun issued a warrant for Hedrick's arrest.

His trial on the Medicaid fraud charge, filed in 2015, is set to begin Nov. 27 in Delaware Circuit Court 3.

According to an affidavit, a prospective witness in the case told authorities Hedricks had repeatedly contacted her about the upcoming trial in recent weeks, offering her cash to "work on my case."

More: Pain clinic doctor sentenced to two years house arrest

The woman said she received more than 20 text messages from the Indiana physician  in what prosecutors contend are "attempts to influence (her) potential testimony"  that "terrified" her.

What can I do to make it worth your time? Hedricks allegedly asked the woman.

On Tuesday, Delaware Circuit Court 3 Judge Doug Mawhorr also issued a warrant for the arrest of Hedricks, revoking the bond the physician posted following his January 2015 arrest on the fraud charge.

The warrant was issued in a response to a motion filed by Deputy Prosecutor Maricel Driscoll detailing Hedrick's alleged recent contact with the potential witness.

Authorities contend Hedrick and his Muncie clinic  known as Indiana Pain Center, which was located on Fox Ridge Lane  contributed to the deaths of eight people, including several from East Central Indiana, by overprescribing pain medication.

In a June 2018 trial, Delaware County jurors found Hendricks guilty of three counts of forgery and three counts of prescription-related registration offenses.

Chief Deputy Prosecutor Zach Craig told jurors that Hedrick's practice, which saw hundreds of patients some days, presented "a clear and present danger to public health and safety."

Judge Linda Ralu Wolf, Mawhorr's predecessor on the Circuit Court 3 bench, in 2018 sentenced Hedricks to two years on electronic home detention, reportedly served at a home in Hamilton County.

The Medicaid fraud charge "relates to false or fraudulent information being submitted to the Indiana Medicaid program for reimbursement," according to the affidavit filed Wednesday.

Hedrick's license to practice medicine is suspended.

In a statement, Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman called Hedrick " a wanted fugitive," and asked anyone with information on his whereabouts to call the Delaware County Sheriff's Department at 765-747-7878.

"Mr. Hedrick, if you are reading this, turn yourself in (at) the Delaware County jail immediately," the prosecutor added.

Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Warrants issued for Muncie pain clinic doctor's arrest
NORFOLK  The video clip began with Danielle Moore stepping onto the stairwell outside her second-floor apartment.

Are you okay? she asks as she looks toward the grassy area below. Next, three gunshots ring out, and Moore hurries back into her apartment, where she can be heard crying out, Oh my God, over and over again.

By the time Moore went back outside, three of her neighbors were dead on the ground, all within a few feet of each other. Two others, also female, were seriously injured.

Hours after that, 19-year-old Ziontay Palmer was arrested and charged with carrying out the mass shooting, which occurred Nov. 3, 2021, at Norfolks Young Terrace public housing complex at the intersection of St. Pauls Boulevard and Brambleton Avenue.

Killed were Nicole Lovewine, 45; her partner, Detra Brown, 42; and Sarah Costine, 44. Among the injured was Lovewines daughter, Angel Legrande, who was 19 and pregnant with Palmers child at the time.

Palmers trial began Tuesday in Norfolk Circuit Court, and is expected to last about four days. Hes charged with three counts of first-degree murder, two counts of malicious wounding and multiple firearm charges.

Among the witnesses was a group of children playing on a nearby trampoline, according to prosecutors. One was the 13-year-old son of one of the women killed and will be among the witnesses called to testify.

The video showing Moore on her stairwell was recorded by a doorbell camera outside her front door. It was one of two videos shown to jurors Tuesday.

The other, which was much more graphic, was recorded by a body camera worn by the first officer to arrive. Several people left the courtroom shaken and in tears as the video showed the officer approaching the victims bloodied bodies, then performing CPR on one of them.

When Moore was asked by Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Abigail Ottinger if she knew who fired the gun that day, she said, yes.

Who was that individual? Ottinger asked.

The defendant, Moore replied.

Moore said she had met Palmer before at Lovewines apartment, and realized he was the gunman when she watched her doorbell video later that day. But Moore also said she wasnt able to identify Palmer in court Tuesday, and didnt offer an explanation as to why.

Deputy Commonwealths Attorney Cynthia Collard told jurors in her opening statements there will be others who will point to Palmer as the gunman, including the other survivor of the shooting. Palmer chased the woman down and fired at her as she tried to hide behind a trash can, the prosecutor said.

He leaned down to her as she begged for her life, gritted his teeth and shot her numerous times, Collard told jurors. Shes going to tell you she will never, ever forget those eyes.

But defense attorney Eric Korslund told the panel police arrested the wrong man, and blamed poor police work for the misidentification.

Not one single shred of scientific evidence will link Mr. Palmer to this tragedy, Korslund said. And thats because he didnt do this.

Jane Harper, jane.harper@pilotonline.com
I tried 12 basic sandwiches at Subway and ranked them from worst to best

There were 12 sandwiches to try at my local Subway. Lucien Formichella for Insider

I tried all 12 basic sandwiches available at my local Subway and ranked them.

The steak-and-cheese sandwich unfortunately didn't taste as good as it looked.

But the meatball sub, which was a childhood favorite of mine, didn't disappoint.

Despite my qualms about the chain's hard-to-miss bread smell and the highly debated cold-cut combo (completely turkey-based), I set out to try and rank all 12 sandwich offerings at my local Subway.

The ranking relied on two factors: first impression (does it look like a sandwich?) and a taste test (does it taste like a sandwich?).

Unless otherwise noted, I tried each sandwich on 6-inch Italian bread with provolone cheese, oil, vinegar, salt and pepper, onion, tomato, and iceberg lettuce for continuity,

Note: This ranking includes all of the predesigned sandwiches that were available at one US Subway location.

I was skeptical of the tuna sandwich, and it didn't do much to sway me

tuna 1

I wasn't the biggest fan of the tuna sandwich.Lucien Formichella for Insider

First impression: "It's just turkey," I try to convince myself as I stare at the cold sandwich  one of two I didn't get toasted because hot tuna just feels weird. I skipped vinegar, too.

Usually, I like mayo in my tuna salad, but I didn't trust them to mix it right.

Taste test: It tasted like chicken salad with fish-flavor extract thrown in  I can't think of a better description.

After trying this, I think tuna is best served at home and prepared by one's own hand. It's too sensitive to trust someone else with it.

I was excited to try the steak-and-cheese sub, but it wasn't as good as it looked

steak and cheese 2

The steak-and-cheese sub looked good, but didn't work.Lucien Formichella for Insider

First impression: I have high hopes for this sandwich.

The chipotle mayo, which I was told is the requisite condiment, smells nice. This is the only sandwich I didn't get lettuce and tomato on because there weren't any in the picture.

The peppers and onions should be an excellent addition, though I'd prefer them to be sauteed.

steak and cheese 1

None of the flavors or textures worked together.Lucien Formichella for Insider

Taste test: What a strange combination of flavors.

The mayo had a weird spice, like they found a single chipotle and tossed it in a pot of mayonnaise. I also didn't expect the vegetable crunch to throw me off, but it did.

This tasted like a sad cheesesteak. If I was from Philly, I'd say, "Throw that hoagie down the shore and hit up the Wawa instead."

The sweet-onion chicken-teriyaki sandwich didn't wow me with its flavors

teryaki

There were too many competing flavors.Lucien Formichella for Insider

First impression: I don't really know what to make of it.

Lettuce and tomato were in the picture, so that's what I got. Having a few veggies never hurt anyone.

At home, away from the Subway lights, it looks a little weirder. I asked the sandwich artisan which dressing pairs best with the teriyaki, and she told me to go with the sweet onion.

The sandwich was OK, but not fantastic. Lucien Formichella for Insider

Taste test: The teriyaki flavor, which I expected to be overpowering, was quite subtle. At points, it even got lost amid the provolone and sweet onion.

This was a fine sandwich, but the flavors didn't quite mesh. It just lacked the oomph of a truly delicious sub.

I went for every topping available on the veggie delight

veggie 1

I thought the employee would be more impressed with my order.Lucien Formichella for Insider

First impression: In a moment of ineptitude, I walked home with a veggie sandwich that was just onion, tomato, and iceberg lettuce. I was about to bite in when I realized I could have gotten all of the toppings.

I sat back for a moment, simultaneously chiding my ineptitude and congratulating my genius. The next day I went back to Subway and placed the order. "I'd like all the toppings," I said, barely containing the joy.

The man didn't even flinch. His fingers moved across the buffet table like a hacker in a movie. I'd expected him to hand me a trophy engraved with, "Most hilarious Subway order ever." And I questioned my sense of humor as he wrapped up my sandwich without missing a beat.

I walked home thinking about how black olives are one of the few foods I genuinely can't stand, and now I'd be eating them in the name of some failed joke.

The sub was filled mostly with peppers, including sweet and jalapeno, lettuce, spinach, cucumber, and tomato. It is indeed a salad on bread.

it was basically a salad on bread. Lucien Formichella for Insider

Taste test: This was a good sandwich, and as hilarious as I thought it was for me to get all of the toppings, I think they worked together.

I didn't see a point in toasting a sandwich with only vegetables on it, so I left it cold.

One bite was filled with hot peppers, then sweet peppers, tomato, and cucumber cooled things down in the next. Underneath everything was delicious spinach (my preferred sandwich green).

This is probably the only vegetable-based sandwich I've ever eaten because I'd rather just eat salads.

My Black Forest ham sub was salty but good

bf ham

This sandwich was super salty.Lucien Formichella for Insider

First impression: This looks quite good.

For some reason, I didn't get tomato, so I took a piece from another sandwich to even things out. I also got the basics here, lettuce and onion with mustard.

I am expecting a saltier, full-bodied flavor than regular-old ham.

Taste test: It was definitely salty and had a decent bounce, which you want in all processed meats.

Frankly, I couldn't taste the difference between this one and the regular ham. Still, there's a smooth combination with the cheese that was surprisingly good.

But this ham was super salty, and as a self-proclaimed ham fiend, this didn't quite cut it for me.

The traditional ham didn't taste much different than the Black Forest variety

ham

I don't think there was any difference between the ham varieties.Lucien Formichella for Insider

First impression: From what I can tell, there is minimal (if any) difference between the Black Forest and traditional ham, except maybe a slight color variation.

Taste test: I started to wonder if the worker gave me the right sandwich. I thought I knew my hams.

I tasted nothing. I felt nothing. I looked at the two ham sandwiches and wondered which was which.

I wasn't blown away by the Italian B.M.T., but its 3 meats bumped it higher on the ranking

bmt 1

There are three kinds of meat on the B.M.T.Lucien Formichella for Insider

First impression: I was happy to see that this multi-meat sandwich had Genoa salami, spicy pepperoni, and Black Forest ham.

I'd been a bit worried that, like the cold-cut combo I'd heard about, it would be three varieties of processed turkey.

bmt 2

What it lacked in flavor it made up for in quantity of meat.Lucien Formichella for Insider

Taste test: This was a well-rounded sandwich, though the meats weren't great. The salami was a little weird  spicy, but in the blandest way  and the ham got lost at sea.

This was a simple sandwich. It's so high on the list because, for me, more meats always beat fewer meats.

Subway's oven-roasted chicken sandwich was well-balanced

chicken 1

The chicken sandwich looked pretty delicious.Lucien Formichella for Insider

First impression: This looks quite delicious and simple. I'm pretty stoked about it.

The chicken was surprisingly juicy. Lucien Formichella for Insider

Taste test: All of the ingredients worked together here to create something nice.

It showcased the main draw of Subway sandwiches: You could get it anywhere else, but it has a baseline quality with no surprises.

The chicken was quite moist, which is not something you can say for all of Subway's meats, and it went really well with the basic toppings.

I was pretty excited to try the classic turkey sub, and it didn't disappoint

turkey

It's hard to mess up a turkey sandwich.Lucien Formichella for Insider

First impression: After hearing so much about Subway's other turkey-based meats, I was excited to finally try the real stuff.

Taste test: This was unquestionably the best meat. The others felt like cheap imitations of the real thing.

The way it mixed with the melty cheese on the sub was also pretty perfect.

I recreated the classic Subway melt from memory since it wasn't on the menu

subway melt

The Subway melt was a popular sandwich from the chain, but it's no longer on every menu.Lucien Formichella for Insider

First impression: This wasn't on the menu at my Subway, but I know it's a classic, so I made it myself by ordering turkey, ham, and bacon.

The bacon was a dollar extra, which I'm not sure will be worth it, but I sprung for it anyway.

Taste test: It turns out the bacon was the secret to this sandwich. It added a pure sodium flavor that lifted the other meats up into a delightful combination.

I was impressed by the chicken-and-bacon ranch melt

chicken bacon

This sandwich looked much better than I thought it would.Lucien Formichella for Insider

First impression: I'm a little dubious about this because it's one of the few sandwiches that I haven't really eaten.

Out of the Subway lighting, I became even more dubious. There's just so much sauce.

The flavor combo was pretty incredible. Lucien Formichella for Insider

Taste test: I was wrong, this was a delicious sandwich.

I forgot the golden rule: It's impossible to go wrong with turkey, bacon, and ranch.

The lettuce, tomato, and onion added a succulent backdrop, and it fits the paradigm of simplicity.

The meatball marinara sub was the best of the bunch, despite its too-sweet sauce

meatball

I've always been a fan of meatball subs.Lucien Formichella for Insider

First impression: Who doesn't love meatballs?

This is the Subway sandwich I first fell in love with. I ate it every day one summer when I was a kid.

Sure, it doesn't always look fabulous when you pull it out of the bag, but it's my favorite.

Taste test: It tasted just the way I remember.

The tomato sauce was too sweet, but it was a small price to pay. It's like they just dumped a bunch of sugar into a tomato puree and sprinkled a little onion, garlic, and basil on top.

Even with that in mind, it's impossible to screw up a meatball sandwich. This is the ultimate sub.

This story was originally published on March 2, 2021, and most recently updated on November 15, 2023.

Read More:

Read the original article on Insider
The Troubles was a period of conflict which lasted for 30 years and cost the lives of more than 3,500 people

The Police Ombudsman's office has been criticised over the manner in which 26 families have been told their complaints related to Troubles killings will not be investigated.

The move is a result of the Legacy Act, which came into force in September.

Victims' group Relatives for Justice (RfJ) said it received impersonal letters for people it supports.

It added that some of the families had made their complaints to the ombudsman "many, many years ago".

In a statement, the group said that aside from the address, each letter said the same thing - that due to the Legacy Act the Police Ombudsman was not in a "position to investigate" their complaints.

"The letters are impersonal, not as much as mentioning the name of the person killed during the conflict, and acknowledge that families may view this as an 'unwelcome development'," it added.

RfJ said it had now begun the process of contacting families to deliver "this devastating news".

The group's chairperson Bill Rolston added: "I can hardly describe the impact of these letters to families.

"While a totally inappropriate process of decision making and information sharing by the Police Ombudsman, this is the devastating outworking of the British government's shameful Legacy Act."

Sinn Fein MP John Finucane also criticised the letters, describing them as "disgraceful and cold".

"These letters are not individual to the families. Rather, they are a generic and impersonal letter which fails to take into account the sensitivities or grief felt by families who are waiting decades for the truth of what happened to their loved one," he said.

"The British government's cynical and cruel Legacy Bill was only about one thing; closing the door on families ever getting truth and justice."

The ombudsman's office has been approached for comment.

What is the Northern Ireland Legacy Act?

The law established a new body that victims and bereaved families can bring cases to - the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

It also offers a conditional amnesty to those accused of killings during the Troubles.

The act ends all other investigations, as well as new inquests and civil cases related to the Troubles.

Opponents, which include victims' groups and all political parties at Stormont, have argued it will remove access to justice.
Former President Donald Trump during a campaign event at Stevens High School in Claremont, N.H. on Nov. 11, 2023. (Sophie Park/The New York Times)

Former President Donald Trump declared in the first rally of his 2024 presidential campaign: I am your retribution. He later vowed to use the Justice Department to go after his political adversaries, starting with President Joe Biden and his family.

Beneath these public threats is a series of plans by Trump and his allies that would upend core elements of American governance, democracy, foreign policy and the rule of law if he regained the White House.

Some of these themes trace back to the final period of Trumps term in office. By that stage, his key advisers had learned how to more effectively wield power and Trump had fired officials who resisted some of his impulses and replaced them with loyalists. Then he lost the 2020 election and was cast out of power.

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Since leaving office, Trumps advisers and allies at a network of well-funded groups have advanced policies, created lists of potential personnel and started shaping new legal scaffolding  laying the groundwork for a second Trump presidency they hope will commence on Jan. 20, 2025.

In a vague statement, two top officials on Trumps campaign have sought to distance his campaign team from some of the plans being developed by Trumps outside allies, groups led by former senior Trump administration officials who remain in direct contact with him. The statement called news reports about the campaigns personnel and policy intentions purely speculative and theoretical.

The plans described here generally derive from what Trump has trumpeted on the campaign trail, what has appeared on his campaign website and interviews with Trump advisers, including one who spoke with The New York Times at the request of the campaign.

Trump wants to use the Justice Department to take vengeance on his political adversaries.

If he wins another term, Trump has said he would use the Justice Department to have his adversaries investigated and charged with crimes, including saying in June that he would appoint a real special prosecutor to go after Biden and his family. He later declared in an interview with Univision that he could, if someone challenged him politically, have that person indicted.

Allies of Trump have also been developing an intellectual blueprint to cast aside the post-Watergate norm of Justice Department investigatory independence from White House political direction.

Foreshadowing such a move, Trump had already violated norms in his 2016 campaign by promising to lock up his opponent, Hillary Rodham Clinton, over her use of a private email server. While president, he repeatedly told aides he wanted the Justice Department to indict his political enemies, including officials he had fired such as James Comey, the former FBI director. The Justice Department opened various such investigations but did not bring charges  infuriating Trump and leading to a split in 2020 with his attorney general, Bill Barr.

He intends to carry out an extreme immigration crackdown.

Trump is planning an assault on immigration on a scale unseen in modern American history. Millions of immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally would be barred from the country or uprooted from it years or even decades after settling here.

Bolstered by agents reassigned from other federal law enforcement agencies and state police and the National Guard, officials with Immigration and Customs Enforcement would carry out sweeping raids aimed at deporting millions of people each year. Military funds would be used to erect sprawling camps to hold detainees. A public-health emergency law would be invoked to shut down asylum requests by people arriving at the border. And the government would try to end birthright citizenship for babies born on U.S. soil to parents without legal status.

Trump has plans to use U.S. military force closer to home.

While in office, Trump mused about using the military to attack drug cartels in Mexico, an idea that would violate international law unless Mexico consented. That idea has since taken on broader Republican backing, and Trump intends to make the idea a reality if he returns to the Oval Office.

While the Posse Comitatus Act generally makes it illegal to use federal troops for domestic law enforcement purposes, another law called the Insurrection Act creates an exception. Trump wanted to invoke the Insurrection Act to use troops to crack down on protesters after the 2020 police killing of George Floyd, but was thwarted, and the idea remains salient among his advisers. Among other things, his top immigration adviser has said they would invoke the Insurrection Act at the southern border to use soldiers to intercept and detain migrants who enter the U.S. illegally.

Trump and his allies want greater control over the federal bureaucracy and workforce.

Trump and his backers want to increase presidential power over federal agencies, centralizing greater control over the entire machinery of government in the White House.

They have adopted a maximalist version of the so-called unitary executive theory, which says the president can directly command the entire federal bureaucracy and that it is unconstitutional for Congress to create pockets of independent decision-making authority.

As part of that plan, Trump also intends to revive an effort from the end of his presidency to alter civil-service rules that protect career government professionals, enabling him to fire tens of thousands of federal workers and replace them with loyalists. After Congress failed to enact legislation to block such a change, the Biden administration is developing a regulation to essentially Trump-proof the federal workforce. However, since that is merely an executive action, the next Republican president could simply undo it the same way.

Trump allies want lawyers who will not restrain him.

Politically appointed lawyers sometimes frustrated Trumps desires by raising legal objections to his and his top advisers ideas. This dynamic has led to a quiet split on the right, as Trump loyalists have come to view the typical Federalist Society lawyer  essentially a mainstream Republican conservative  with disdain.

In a potential new term, Trumps allies are planning to systematically install more aggressive and ideologically aligned legal gatekeepers who will be more likely to bless contentious actions. Trump and his 2024 campaign declined to answer a series of detailed questions about what limits, if any, he would recognize on his powers across a range of war, secrecy and law enforcement matters  many raised by his first term  in a New York Times 2024 presidential candidate survey.

c.2023 The New York Times Company
Donald Trumps New York business fraud case is going so badly for him that the former president is now throwing any strategy at the wall to see what sticks.

Trumps lawyers requested a mistrial on Wednesday, accusing presiding Judge Arthur Engoron and his law clerk of behavior that undermines the trials fairness.

This appearance of bias threatens both Defendants rights and the integrity of the judiciary as an institution, the filing said. Only the grant of a mistrial can salvage what is left of the rule of law.

Trumps attorneys took particular issue with Allison Greenfield, the law clerk who has repeatedly blocked Trumps attempt to slow the trial. They said she had been given an inappropriately prominent role in the trial, despite the fact that Greenfield is a trained lawyer. Law clerks also usually do most of the research for a trial and draft court orders, which the judge then signs.

Trumps lawyers also accused Engoron of sharing newspaper stories about the case in a newsletter linked to the high school where he graduated.

It will be up to Engoron to decide whether to grant a mistrial, which seems highly unlikely. The judge has made clear he intends to suffer no fools during this trial. He has already slapped Trump and Trumps lawyers with multiple gag orders, after they repeatedly attacked Engoron and Greenfield both in court and on social media.

The ongoing trial is really just to set damages. The New York attorney general accused Trump, his sons Don Jr. and Eric, the Trump Organization, and other company executives of fraudulently inflating the value of various real estate assets to get more favorable terms on bank loans. Engoron determined in September that Trump committed fraud.

Engoron ordered that all Trumps New York business certificates be canceled, making it nearly impossible to do business in the state and effectively killing the Trump Organization.

This article has been updated.


While a new poll shows former President Trump narrowly beating President Biden in a hypothetical 2024 match-up, half of the voters surveyed are not satisfied with the current candidates and want to see new faces join the race.

Quinnipiac Universitys latest poll released Wednesday showed Trump with 48 percent support for his White House bid  a slight edge over Bidens 46 percent support. This marked the first time since February that Trump received a higher percentage of support than Biden, Quinnipiac noted. The polling center also added that nearly all polls it has conducted about the 2024 general election have showed close races.

The poll found that more than half of voters, 52 percent, said they would like to see other candidates throw their hats in the ring for the 2024 presidential race. There are at least a dozen candidates making a run for the White House in next years election, but just 42 percent said they are satisfied with the current field.

Independents and Democrats are more likely to say they would like to see other candidates enter the field, with 72 and 58 percent, respectively, saying so in the poll. Republicans are more satisfied with their choices, with just 29 percent saying they would like to see more candidates jump in the race.

There are seven Republican candidates, including front-runner Trump, who are vying for the GOP nomination. Trump remains in the lead among Republican primary voters, with 64 percent backing Trump in the new poll.

The poll found that 16 percent of Republican voters support Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, 9 percent support former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and 4 percent back entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie received 2 percent support, while 1 percent backed North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.

The survey was conducted among 1,574 registered voters Nov. 9-13 and has a margin error of 2.5 percentage points.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Hong Kong (CNN)  Xi Jinping arrived in San Francisco on Tuesday for a highly anticipated summit with US President Joe Biden  where the Chinese leader will likely try to bolster his countrys troubled economy and push back on perceived US efforts to suppress it.

That Xi is on his first trip to the US in six years  a four-day visit that includes his attendance at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation international forum  is remarkable in itself.

The leaders of the worlds top two economies have not spoken since they last met on the sidelines of another international gathering in Bali, Indonesia in November 2022.

To arrange this meeting, their governments have had to navigate a number of contentious issues: from the handling of an allegedly rogue Chinese surveillance balloon to Beijings targeting of international businesses, and tit-for-tat restrictions over high tech.

Expectations for major breakthroughs at Wednesdays meeting are low.

Xi is heading into the summit as he struggles to revive a faltering Chinese economy yet to fully rebound after his strict pandemic controls were relaxed, with the property market in crisis and record youth unemployment.

The economic woes, combined with the unexplained removal of two hand-picked officials at the top of his government, have tarnished the image that Xi projected the last time he met Biden, when hed just consolidated power and started a norm-shattering third term leading China.

Biden, meanwhile, finds himself strapped with international challenges from the war in Ukraine to the latest conflict in Gaza. Another global flashpoint involving China is the last thing he would want to see, especially as he vies for re-election next year.

At a time that they both face domestic challenges and foreign policy challenges, theres less incentive for them to try to go after each other and a bit more incentive for them to stabilize their relationship, said Yun Sun, director of the China Program at the Stimson Center think tank in Washington.

Xis agenda

Despite the challenges he faces at home, the insulated Chinese leader may see himself in a stronger position relative to Biden. Beijing views the US as plagued by deep political polarization and on the decline globally.

Xi thinks the US wanted to improve the relationship with China and he responded. They sent those delegations to him  (after he) put pressure on the US government, said Suisheng Zhao, director of the Center for China-US Cooperation at the University of Denver, referring to visits from American officials to Beijing over recent months.

Beijing believes the US is the one that should make a correction in its attitude toward China. In its eyes, if you are coming to us and talking to us, then you should (move in) our direction, he said.

One issue at the top of Xis list, analysts say, is the US push to diversify supply chains to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing, an economic engine, and its efforts to restrict Chinas access to the types of advanced American technology vital to the countrys high-tech industries and modernization of its military.

Beijing sees these efforts, which include restrictions on the sale of advanced chips to China and bans on some US tech investments in China, as blatant actions to suppress its rise  not the narrow, targeted national security measures the Biden administration claims them to be.

Chinese officials have hit back with their own controls on natural materials used to make tech products.

Xi is also likely to push Biden for assurances on American policy toward Taiwan, the self-governing democracy that Chinas ruling Communist Party claims and has vowed to unite with.

The US has ramped up support for the island in recent years amid increasing aggression from China. The issue is becoming only more acute ahead of an impending presidential election in January, in which Beijing hopes to see Taiwans Democracy Progressive Party (DPP), which opposes closer ties with China, lose power.

(Beijing) knows the election is coming. They are telling America in every single way possible that this is a redline issue, dont touch it, and you better reign in the DPP candidate so that he doesnt trigger a war we have to fight, said Stimson Centers Sun.

The trip to California will also be an opportunity for Xi to pitch American businesspeople on the idea that China remains a place of opportunity and is committed to the pro-business reforms that have driven its meteoric rise in recent decades.

Xi is expected to underscore that point during an address to American industry leaders at a dinner this week, though Beijing has yet to confirm the appearance.

Business confidence in China has cratered in recent years following the strict pandemic controls and as Xi ramped up state control over the economy and expanded an already vague and far-reaching anti-espionage law. A slew of raids and detentions affecting international companies have increased concerns from Western firms about the risks of doing business there.

Positive signals

The lead-up to Xis American visit has been marked with signals that China is hoping to smooth prickly relations.

In recent weeks, China has hosted elderly American members of the Flying Tigers, a group of fighter pilots and servicemen who helped China fight the Japanese during World War II, for a commemorative ceremony in Beijing. The event and the groups subsequent tour around China was widely covered by state media.

The pages of party mouthpiece Peoples Daily also included pieces calling for better ties. One editorial, written under the pen name Zhong Sheng, which is reserved for important foreign policy pronouncements, praised the huge potential for cooperation between the two countries.

The turn-around from the usual anti-US rhetoric has been so swift that some Chinese social media users have taken note, prompting wisecracks on platforms with one user writing: Ok, will stop hating the US for now, and wait for further notice.

Chinese public sentiment toward the US appears to have softened in recent months too, according to monthly surveys conducted by business insight firm Morning Consult. From April to October, the share of Chinese adults who view the US as an enemy or unfriendly fell 9 percentage points to 48%, the survey found.

Meanwhile, the visit from four cabinet-level US officials to Beijing over the summer has already sparked further lower-level talks and reciprocal trips, in a significant step forward toward restoring lines of communication slashed by Beijing in protest of then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosis 2022 visit to Taiwan.

Unfeasible in practice

But when it comes to whether any of those talks, and the summit between Biden and Xi, will result in concessions on the core issues that drive tensions between the US and China  like Taiwan, Beijings claims in the disputed South China Sea or efforts from both sides in the name of protecting national security  analysts are skeptical.

Although both China and the United States hope to prevent their competition and confrontation from drastic deterioration  and both sides attach great importance to preventing military conflicts with each other, none of them is prepared to grant any significant and lasting concessions, said Shi Yinhong, an international relations professor at Chinas Renmin University.

Even on international issues, where both have a stake in ensuring global stability, its unclear how much coordination there can be.

After nearly two years of war in Ukraine, the US appears to have little hope left that Beijing will pressure close partner Russia to end its invasion.

When it comes to the latest conflict in Gaza, even if Biden asks China to help pressure its trade partner Iran to not get involved, coordination could be unfeasible in practice, according to Shi.

China also remains wary of sharpening American rhetoric during the upcoming US elections, when both Republicans and Democrats may want to appear tough on China to appeal to voters.

All this means that while China and the US are likely to resume positive interactions following the meeting, their ties will remain fragile, analysts say.

Those interactions wont solve the fundamental conflict of national interests between the two, said Sun in Washington. So, the question people will ask is, how genuine and how sustainable is this?
Donald Trump has filed for a mistrial in his New York civil fraud case, claiming that Judge Arthur Engoron and his law clerk Allison Greenfield have unfairly skewed the proceedings against the former president.

Trumps attorneys accuse Engoron, who has clashed with the former president and his legal team throughout the trial, of improperly co-judging the case with Greenfield, writing in a Wednesday filing that the court had impermissibly exceeded its discretion in granting [Greenfield] unprecedented status and input into these proceedings and restricted the speech of anyone who seeks to comment on this status, input and/or perceived partisan bias.

Engoron leveled a narrowly tailored gag order against Trump, and later his counsel, after the former president publicly attacked Greenfield on social media. Engoron made clear that he would not tolerate attacks or public comments by Trump and his team against his staff.

My law clerks are public servants who are performing their jobs in the manner in which I request. This includes providing legal authority and opinions, as well as responding to questions I pose to them, Engoron wrote in a ruling earlier this month. Plainly, defendants are not entitled to the confidential communications amongst me and my court staff, who are hired specifically to aid me in carrying out my adjudicative responsibilities. Nor are they entitled to continue referencing my staff in the record.

Despite Engorons warnings against attacks on his staff, and his reiteration that his employees have the right to conduct the work assigned to them undisturbed, Trump has seized on Greenfields presence in the trial to attempt to have the entire case thrown out. Only a judge, not an unelected staff member, may exercise judicial authority under the New York Constitution, and the People of New York declined to elect the Principal Law Clerk when she ran for office. She therefore has no constitutional authority to act as a co-judge, the filing calling for a mistrial.

Trumps lawyers also challenged the gag orders issued by Engoron as inappropriate measures taken to prevent the former presidents legal team from challenging Greenfields involvement in the trial.

Finally, the former president argues that the rulings in the case, including ones finding that he is liable for having committed fraud and compelling him and his children involved in the case to testify before the court, have been both legally misguided and biased in favor of New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Engoron himself will be the one to rule on the possibility of a mistrial. Trumps desperate bid to have the case thrown out speaks to the reality that the former presidents combative behavior in court, and repeated public attacks against Engoron and New York prosecutors, will not earn him any leniency when Engoron rules on the fate of his companies, and how much he owes the state in damages.

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Former President Trumps legal team requested a mistrial in his New York fraud case Wednesday, claiming the trial judge and his principal law clerks purported bias against Trump has tainted the case.

This appearance of bias threatens both Defendants rights and the integrity of the judiciary as an institution, Trumps counsel wrote in the 30-page motion.

Trumps counsel pointed to posts made by Judge Arthur Engoron to a Wheatley School alumni page, which the judge appears to run, referencing the case or individuals involved with it, including Trump, his son Eric Trump and Trump attorney Alina Habba.

The motion cited New York code reading that a judge shall not make any public comment about a pending or impending proceeding in any court within the United States or its territories.

The former presidents legal team also addressed their concerns with Engorons principal law clerk, who has become an unwitting main character in the trial. They asserted the clerk has acted throughout the trial as a co-judge, conferring with Engoron via whispers or written notes before most orders have been issued.

The principal law clerk is given unprecedented and inappropriate latitude, Trumps counsel wrote.

Top Stories from The Hill

The filing also claimed the clerk has made partisan political contributions in excess of strict limits, including to groups that oppose Trump and support New York Attorney General Letitia James (D).

Trumps attacks on the clerk, who frequently confers with Engoron, are what prompted a limited gag order barring him or any other parties from posting or speaking about the judges staff.

Trumps Truth Social account falsely derided the clerk as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumers (D-N.Y.) girlfriend and included personally identifying information about her. A Schumer spokesperson called the post ridiculous, absurd, and false in a statement to The Hill.

As Trump and his counsel have repeatedly toed the line regarding their comments about clerk, the judges frustration has increased  at one point, unexpectedly calling Trump to the witness stand to explain himself.

A spokesperson for the New York attorney generals office said in a statement Trump is once again attempting to dismiss the truth and the facts, but the numbers and evidence dont lie.

He can keep trying to distract from his fraud, but the truth always comes out, the spokesperson said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Trumps Georgia RICO trial may not end until 2025, Fani Willis says

The racketeering case against Donald Trump and his allies for allegedly conspiring to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia may not conclude until the beginning of 2025, according to Fulton County district attorney Fani Willis.

That means the trial could last through the key final stages of the 2024 election.

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, she said at a Washington Post summit on Tuesday.

I dont, when making decisions about cases to bring, consider any election cycle or an election season. That does not go into the calculus. What goes into the calculus is: This is the law. These are the facts. And the facts show you violated the law. Then charges are brought, she added.

Mr Trump, who pleaded not guilty in August in the Georgia case, has consistently painted the numerous investigations and criminal cases against him as a politicised attempt to sabotage his 2024 comeback.

Trumps 2020 RICO trial could last until 2025, according to Fulton County DA Fani Willis (AP)

As a result, the matter of when these proceedings will take place has been of central importance to the Trump team, though thus far a number of cases seem set to collide with election season.

Last week, a federal judge rejected Mr Trumps attempt to delay his Florida trial over allegedly mishandling classified documents after leaving the White House.

The trial is set for 20 May 2024, though Judge Aileen Cannon said she would revist the scheduling question next year.

The former presidents 2020 conspiracy trial in Washington, meanwhile, is set for a March start date.

The special counsels office has accused Mr Trump of attempting to delay the process with requests for additional time to file documents.

The defendant should not be permitted to derail the pretrial schedule, federal prosecutors wrote in a filing Monday.
Trump's lawyers asked for a mistrial in their civil fraud trial in New York.

They took aim at the judge's top law clerk, who they characterize as a Democratic operative.

Engoron has said he has free reign to consult with his court staff.

Lawyers for Donald Trump and his family have asked for a mistrial in the New York Attorney General's $250 million fraud trial, claiming they've been unfairly treated by the judge and his law clerk, who they characterize as a partisan operative pulling the strings in the courtroom.

The Wednesday mistrial motion  long expected  comes after the attorney general's office finished presenting their case alleging the Trumps and their company illegally misrepresented their finances to banks and tax authorities. For the next month, Trump's team is expected to continue presenting its defense, which argues there's no fraud and no victims.

In Wednesday's motion, Trump's attorneys took aim at Allison Greenfield, the principal law clerk working for New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron in the downtown Manhattan courtroom.

They say Engoron has given Greenfield "unprecedented and inappropriate latitude" in the case by consulting with her on the bench and passing notes with her. The filings dig up social media posts and video recordings showing Greenfield supporting Democratic politicians and attending Democratic party events, which they argue is evidence of a bias against Trump, the frontrunner for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential election.

"At a minimum, the appearance of 'co-judging' is manifest, and the public (and litigants) may conclude fairly that an unelected staff member has, as is evident from the above images, a direct role in presiding over the trial," Trump's lawyers wrote.

Trump's lawyers are upset with the judge's high school alumni newsletter

Engoron, for his part, has said earlier that he has an "unfettered" right to consult with his staff however he sees fit. In court, Greenfield rarely speaks aloud, and Trump's legal filings do not reference the actual content of the conversations between her and Engoron.

The motion was posted to the court docket as Trump's second defense expert began his second day on the stand, and has gone unremarked upon during the proceedings.

Greenfield sat in her usual seat, several feet to Engoron's right, looking grim-faced. Law clerks typically sit at a separate desk in front of or beside the judge's bench, but because of the massive public interest in the Trump trial, it is being held in a larger, ceremonial courtroom with a different setup.

The mistrial filings  from Trump's lawyers Alina Habba, Christopher Kise, and Clifford Roberts  included quotes from the court transcript in which the lawyers first complained about Greenfield. ("It is incredibly distracting when there are eye rolls and constant whispering at the bench when I'm trying to cross-examine a witness," Habba told Engoron last week.)

The lawyers also took offense on Wednesday with the limited gag order Engoron issued on Trump and the attorneys. The order forbids them from attacking Greenfield and other members of his staff online or in spoken form. Engoron said he issued the order because Trump's previous attacks on Greenfield have resulted in threatening phone calls, letters, and emails reaching his chambers.

Judge Arthur Engoron talks with his principal law clerk Allison Greenfield during the fraud trial for former President Donald Trump at New York Supreme Court. Michael M Santiago/Pool Photo via AP

The mistrial motion included a supporting filing by David Demarest, a Florida lawyer who was a state-level civil court judge in upstate New York for 20 years before retiring in 2015.

Demarest, a former president of the Association of Justices of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, contributed his own list of criticisms of Engoron's judicial conduct.

These include the judge "permitting his Law Clerk to preside on the bench with him," creating "the appearance that an unelected staff member has a direct role in presiding over and co-judging the trial."

That criticism echoes previous false claims by defense lawyers that the law clerk is somehow improperly influencing the outcome of the trial.

Engoron has repeatedly stressed that it is his law clerk's job to advise him on the law, including during proceedings. She has been engaged in the trial and was vocal in pre-trial hearings, during which she frequently posed skeptical questions to defense lawyers.

Demerest also criticizes Greenfield for having made political campaign donations in excess of a $500 limit. Greenfield is allowed to exceed that limit in paying for tickets to events connected to her own ongoing candidacy for a Manhattan judgeship.

The former judge's list of criticisms also includes Engoron's continued posting to the online Wheatley School Alumni Newsletter of articles about his own decisions in the case. The articles "in some instances disparage the parties and counsel," Demarest wrote.

New York Attorney General Letitia James alleges that the Trump Organization  and co-defendants Donald Trump, Eric Trump, Donald Trump, Jr., as well as other longtime executives  have systematically exaggerated the company's assets to obtain favorable terms for bank loans and tax payments. They seek penalties of more than $250 million in allegedly ill-gotten gains.

A summary judgement decision from Engoron  which Trump lawyers complain came less than a week before the trial  has already largely ruled in the attorney general's favor.

"Once again, Donald Trump is trying to dismiss the truth and the facts, but the numbers and evidence don't lie," James said of the mistrial motion in a statement Wednesday.

Engoron will have an opportunity to rule on  and likely deny  the mistrial motion after the attorney general's team responds to it. After the ruling, Trump's lawyers can take it up with an appeals court, which will decide whether to let the trial stand.

Read the original article on Business Insider
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

___________________

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.

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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.
Leaked videos showing four Georgia defendants speaking to prosecutors in the racketeering case involving former President Trump are bringing into focus the ex-presidents desperate grab for power after losing the 2020 presidential race.

The boss is not going to leave under any circumstances, then-White House deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino told ex-Trump lawyer Jenna Ellis, according to Elliss testimony to Fulton County prosecutors a day before she entered her guilty plea.

We are just going to stay in power, he said.

The videos, first reported by ABC News, place Trump at the top of the chain of command of efforts to subvert the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia in his favor.

The defendants proffer statements bolster the narrative Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis laid out in her 98-page indictment charging Trump and 18 co-defendants with joining a criminal enterprise bent on keeping Trump in the White House.

The entire idea behind the indictment is that Donald Trump was driving the bus and doing so in a way that was only intended to secure power, said Anthony Michael Kreis, a law professor at Georgia State University. To the extent that this kind of evidence supports that theory, I think its really damning to the good-faith justifications that have been put out by his allies and his attorneys.

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ABC News on Monday afternoon published videos of Ellis and another former Trump lawyer, Sidney Powell, giving confidential interviews to prosecutors. Later that evening, The Washington Post published additional details of the interviews, which also described interviews with another Trump lawyer, Kenneth Chesebro, and Georgia bail bondsman Scott Hall.

All four defendants pleaded guilty to lesser charges as part of agreements with state prosecutors. The videos revealed new details about what information the defendants have provided to law enforcement since agreeing to cooperate in the states case.

In another excerpt of her interview, Ellis told prosecutors that she believed the alternate electors plot, in which Trump and his allies allegedly sought to produce a different slate of pro-Trump electors to be certified in key swing states, was intentionally kept a secret.

My belief, essentially, [is] that was shielded from me specifically, but also from the general public, as far as what was actually going on, Ellis said, according to ABC News.

Chesebro told the Georgia prosecutors about a meeting with Trump in which the lawyer summarized a Nov. 18, 2020, memo to the campaign calling Jan. 6, 2021, the real deadline for finalizing Arizonas electoral votes  another state Trump lost that was involved in the alternate electors plan.

Chesebro also distanced himself from Rudy Giuliani and John Eastman, two other defendants in the case, and described the Capitol attack  at which he was present  as the worst possible thing that could happen, according to the Post.

And Powell described a Christmas Eve 2020 call with Trump in which she may have apologized for the lack of success in his post-election legal efforts. She told the prosecutors that Trump contacted her repeatedly because he always wanted to know where things were in terms of finding fraud that would change the results of the election, according to the Post.

The videos lend insight into what each defendant might say on the witness stand during a jury trial  and the types of questions prosecutors might ask them.

I think the way that theyre going to attempt to package this to a jury is to show that Donald Trump was not the passive recipient of bad information, Kreis said. He was, in fact, a bad-faith actor who was designing the entire scheme to overturn the election, and when every attempt to overturn the election failed, he would work with another person in his orbit to concoct another plan and move on to that plan.

There was a systemic approach  a kind of methodical approach  to trying to overturn the election, and I think the kinds of questions we saw [from Fulton County prosecutors] are consistent with that, he continued.

The new evidence makes Trumps defense harder, further breaking down his legal teams assertions that Trump was simply following his lawyers lead and believing them when they said the election was rigged.

Kreis said that if there was evidence Trump honestly believed he won the 2020 election, he could make that argument to a jury  an argument that would be particularly challenging for prosecutors to counter without evidence that concretely shows the opposite.

Thats really what we have here; we have a slow building of witnesses who can say and testify to the idea that Donald Trump precisely knew that he did not win the election, he said.

Those building blocks of evidence could come back to haunt him in his other three criminal cases, though perhaps most significantly in the federal case over his efforts to subvert the 2020 presidential election results.

Trumps lawyers in the federal case have indicated that they may use advice of counsel as a formal defense, wherein they would attempt to shift the blame from Trump to the lawyers who gave him guidance about how to proceed in the wake of his election loss.

But with numerous ex-Trump lawyers testifying that they continually sought out ways to reverse the election results at the former presidents behest, such an argument becomes much more challenging to make.

To the extent that Donald Trump was accepting the information that he wanted to hear and rejecting the information he didnt  it doesnt make him a good-faith actor, Kreis said. [It] undermines the argument that he was acting in good faith and investigating. Rather, he was looking for ways to secure power any way he could.

A trial date has not yet been scheduled in Georgia, though Willis indicated Tuesday that a future trial could stretch into early 2025. Trumps first criminal trial could get underway in just four months, with his federal case over efforts to overturn the election scheduled to begin on March 4.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Bloomberg) -- Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis predicted that any trial of former president Donald Trump and his allies by her office could run into 2025.

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Willis appeared Tuesday at the Washington Post Lives Global Womens Summit, where she said the trial likely wont end before the 2024 election. She also denied that her office leaked videos of former Trump attorneys who made statements to investigators.

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, said Willis, adding the case will be on appeal for years.

Trump is making his third run for the White House, and he faces four criminal indictments. In addition, the 77-year-old testified in New York last week at a $250 million civil fraud trial over asset valuations at the Trump Organization, the family real estate business at the heart of his persona.

Read more: Trump Insists on Disclaimer Defense Already Tossed in NY Trial

The videos, first reported Monday by ABC, showed statements by former Trump attorneys Jenna Ellis and Sidney Powell made to Williss prosecutors in Atlanta. They spoke as part of their plea deals to crimes related to the former presidents efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Four of the 18 people indicted with Trump have pleaded guilty.

These confidential video recordings were not released by the state to any party other than the defendants charged in the indictment, Willis said in an emergency motion filed in Fulton County Superior Court. The release is clearly intended to intimidate witnesses in this case, subjecting them to harassment and threats prior to trial.

In her statement, Ellis said former Trump administration official Dan Scavino told her after the election that the boss would refuse to leave the White House, ABC reported.

Powell said to prosecutors: Did I know anything about election law? No, ABC reported. But I understand fraud from having been a prosecutor for 10 years.

Read more: Trump Lawyer Ellis Pleads Guilty in Georgia Election Case

In her motion, Willis renewed her Sept. 27 request for a protective order over materials handed to defendants prior to trial through the process known as discovery. The judge in the case has not yet imposed such an order, which typically bars the release of evidence that could arise at trial.

The Washington Post also included details from statements by Ellis, Powell and two other defendants who pleaded guilty, attorney Kenneth Chesebro and bail bondsman Scott Hall.

Willis, a Democrat, spoke Tuesday to hundreds of people at the Washington Post event, reiterating her disappointment at the leak.

Im not happy that it was released and that you and your colleague got to do your story, Willis said.

Willis said she couldnt talk about the criminal case, in which she charged Trump and the others under Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. But she did respond to a question about whether the case was too big.

That is an uninformed opinion, Willis said. I certainly have RICO indictments that are bigger than 19 defendants.

Willis, who is Black, said she has been subject to repeated threats since the indictment, and the scope has surprised her.

Did I know in a matter of a couple months it would be 100-something threats? she said. No. Did I expect that when the threats came, so many of them, the nature of them would be so racist and this country still had that much venom for the fact that Im a Black woman? In the last three years Ive been called the N-word so many times I wouldnt even think to count.

--With assistance from Zoe Tillman.

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(Bloomberg) -- Donald Trump is seeking a mistrial in New York states $250 million civil fraud lawsuit against the former president, alleging the judge and his law clerk have tainted the proceedings with rampant political bias.

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The long-shot request, filed Wednesday in Manhattan, is the latest clash between Trumps legal team and Justice Arthur Engoron, who ultimately will decide the case. The judge has already issued a gag order against Trump and his lawyers over comments about the law clerk, who has no authority in the case. Trump has been fined a total of $15,000 for twice violating the order.

According to the filing by Trump attorneys Alina Habba and Christopher Kise, the judge has impermissibly exceeded its discretion in granting his Principal Law Clerk unprecedented status and input into these proceedings and restricted the speech of anyone who seeks to comment on this status.

The motion is the latest twist in the trial of a suit filed last year by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who claims Trump inflated the value of his assets by as much as $3.6 billion a year to get better terms from banks and insurers. Its one of six trials Trump is facing as he seeks to return to the White House in 2024. He denies wrongdoing in all the cases, claiming theyre part of a witch hunt.

Engoron has frequently defended the way he works with his law clerk, telling Trumps lawyers during the trial that he has an absolute right to communicate with her and receive advice, while adding that all final decisions are made by him alone. But that hasnt swayed Trumps lawyers, who call the relationship improper in their mistrial request.

Civil Servant

Shes a civil servant, the judge said Nov. 2, after Kise complained about the clerk passing him a note while Trump was being questioned under oath on the witness stand. Shes doing what I ask her to do, which is help me process cases and decide them correctly.

The once-obscure judicial aide was first thrust into the spotlight last month when Trump posted an image of her online and falsely accused her of dating Democratic US Senator Chuck Schumer and running this case against me. The incident resulted in an Oct. 3 gag order barring him from discussing the clerk publicly.

The judge has allowed his Principal Law Clerk to preside on the bench with him to his right-hand side, the defense team said in the Wednesday filing. It includes photographs of Engoron and the clerk seated at the bench, which Trump lawyers say shows she is given unprecedented and inappropriate latitude.

Engoron violated the courts code of judicial conduct by publicly commenting on the proceeding, according to the filing. Habba claimed in the court document that the judge posted links to news articles disparaging Trump and his lawyer on a newsletter for alumni of the Wheatley School, which she described as beyond the pale.

The filing accused the clerk of improperly donating to Democratic campaigns and causes during the litigation between Trump and the state, including giving money to candidates who were critical of Trump. The filing also complained about the clerk personally campaigning for judicial office during that time.

The mistrial motion will ultimately be decided by Engoron, who has already blasted Trump and his lawyers for complaining about his law clerk, at one point saying it smacked of possible misogyny. Its likely the motion is tailored for review by an appeals court. The judge gave state lawyers until tomorrow to file their response to the motion.

Attorney General

James, in a statement, called the mistrial motion another effort by Trump to distract from the strength of the case.

Once again, Donald Trump is trying to dismiss the truth and the facts, but the numbers and evidence dont lie, the attorney general said. Donald Trump is now being held accountable for the years of fraud he committed and the incredible ways he lied to enrich himself and his family.

While the states lawsuit was filed in September 2022, Trumps lawyers have been familiar with Engoron and his law clerk since early 2019, when James sued to enforce subpoenas as part of her probe into the former presidents assets. Engoron, with the law clerk sitting by his side, frequently ruled against Trump and his company during that time, and the clerk frequently asked the former presidents lawyers pointed questions from the bench while giving the judge advice on the law.

Trumps animosity toward the law clerk boiled over one day after the trial began Oct. 2. When Trumps post on his Truth Social platform was discovered by the court, Engoron held a sealed hearing before issuing the gag order. Personal attacks on members of my court staff are unacceptable and inappropriate, the judge said at the time. I will not allow it under any circumstances.

Trump deleted the post. But defense lawyers Habba and Christopher Kise began to make intermittent remarks about the clerk in open court as the trial progressed, with Kise making comments each time the clerk passed a note to Engoron and Habba accusing her of rolling her eyes from the bench.

Gag Order

Since then, the former president has been fined for inadvertently leaving the deleted post about the clerk up on his website and again when he allegedly made a thinly veiled comment about the clerk to the press outside court, without naming her. More recently, the judge expanded the gag order to cover Trumps lawyers, barring them from commenting on the clerks note-passing, which Engoron forcefully defended.

Engoron said his rulings are necessary to protect his staff amid a flood of threatening and harassing emails and voice mails over the trial.

(Updates with details from Trump filing.)

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(Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden lambasted Republican frontrunner Donald Trump for comparing his political enemies to vermin, saying the language evoked that of Nazi Germany.

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A specific phrase  its just a specific meaning, Biden said Tuesday at a political fundraiser in San Francisco. It echoes language you heard in Nazi Germany in the 30s. And this isnt even the first time.

Trump, at a Veterans Day event in Claremont, New Hampshire, on Saturday, vowed to root out the communists, Marxists, fascists and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country.

Biden said that language and Trumps recent remarks in an interview saying that immigrants were poisoning the blood of our country echoed fascist talking points. He also criticized Trump for mocking the assault on the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has for decades represented California, saying that political violence is never acceptable.

Damn, he shouldnt be president, Biden said.

Biden has criticized extremist rhetoric and urged Americans to reject political violence  often singling out Trump and his supporters as a particular threat to US democratic institutions. Biden and Trump are barreling toward a potential general-election rematch, with the former president the clear frontrunner among the GOP field. Several recent polls have shown Biden trailing Trump both nationally and in key swing states.

Biden said last weeks elections were evidence that US voters supported his message, even if polls showed that Democrats faced long odds. He said that Democratic victories in Virginias state-level House and Senate elections forced Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin to abandon his own White House ambitions, and celebrated the election of former aide Gabe Amo to represent Rhode Island in the US Congress.

Sounds like a pretty good day for Joe Biden, the president quipped.

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Yevgeny Vindman, the ex-Army colonel who, with his twin brother, sounded the alarm on Donald Trumps 2019 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, announced Wednesday that he will run for the House seat held by Democrat Abigail Spanberger, who is forgoing re-election to run for Virginia governor. Yevgeny became one of Trumps prime targets after his twin, Alexander Vindman, became a star witness at the former presidents impeachment trial, detailing how he pushed Zelensky to investigate Hunter Biden. Yevgeny Vindman, a Democrat, immigrated to the United States from Soviet Ukraine as a child, fighting in Iraq before serving as White House national security adviser.

Read it at The Washington Post

Read more at The Daily Beast.
(Bloomberg) -- A judge in Michigan rejected an effort to keep Donald Trump off ballots in the states 2024 Republican presidential primary, but declined to rule on his inclusion for the general election.

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Michigan Court of Claims Judge James Robert Redford said its premature to decide whether a constitutional ban on insurrectionists holding public office could come into play in the November contest, but signaled he believes its a political question that Congress, and not the courts, should decide.

The decision is the latest in recent weeks to rebuff efforts to invoke the US Constitution to stymie Trumps latest presidential run. The Minnesota Supreme Court last week dismissed a similar case involving primary ballots in that state.

In the Michigan case, Redford found that under state law, political parties decide who to submit as their candidates for a primary election and the states top election official doesnt have authority to intervene and block someone from appearing on constitutional grounds.

Read More: Trump Ballot Challenge Tossed by Minnesota Court for Primary

Lawyers involved in bringing the Michigan case against Trump said that they would appeal Redfords decision and ask to take the fight directly to the Michigan Supreme Court. They said Redfords ruling relied on a discredited theory about the role of Congress versus the courts to decide if a candidate was disqualified under the insurrectionist ban.

The Michigan Supreme Court should reverse this badly-reasoned lower court decision, Ron Fein, legal director of advocacy group Free Speech for People, said in the statement. While our appeal is pending, the trial courts decision isnt binding on any other court, and we continue our current and planned legal actions in other states to enforce Section 3 of the 14th Amendment against Donald Trump.

Free Speech for People is also involved in the Minnesota case.

Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement that the ballot contests are un-Constitutional left-wing fantasies and that the campaign welcomes these dismissals in Michigan and anticipates the future dismissals of the other 14th Amendment cases.

Michigan is the most competitive of the states where Trump opponents were trying to keep him off the ballot. A Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll this month found that the race in Michigan was a dead tie, with Trump and President Joe Biden both at 43%.

The Michigan and Minnesota cases are among dozens filed in courts across the country this year seeking to disqualify Trump from another term in the White House under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. The post-Civil War era provision states that a person who took an oath to support the Constitution and then engaged in insurrection is ineligible to hold office again.

The challenges are all arguing that Trumps role in trying to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election leading up to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol should disqualify him from being president again.

A state judge in Colorado is poised to rule soon in another 14th Amendment case. That ballot contest against Trump moved forward to a full trial with witnesses after the judge denied Trumps early effort to get it dismissed.

Whether the constitutional challenge to Trumps latest presidential run is a political question that courts lack authority to decide is a key issue across these cases. The Minnesota Supreme Court didnt address that issue in its decision tossing out the case for the primary election. In Colorado, the judge disagreed with Trump on the political question but said shed potentially revisit it after hearing evidence and arguments during the trial earlier this month.

Some attorneys in these cases have speculated that the fight will eventually need to be resolved by the US Supreme Court. During arguments before the Minnesota Supreme Court earlier this month, one of the justices expressed concern about the potential for chaos if some states kept Trump off of ballots while others allowed him on.

Redford raised a similar fear in Tuesdays decision, writing that the issues at stake were by their nature political and that the dozens of cases present the risk of completely opposite and potentially confusing opinions and outcomes.

--With assistance from Gregory Korte.

(Updates with comment from Trump campaign spokesperson and additional information from ruling. An earlier version corrected the judges first name.)

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While former president Donald Trump's efforts to get reelected next year are well underway, his social media business Truth Social is running into yuge trouble.

As the Washington Post reports, the platform is burning through tens of millions of dollars and shedding users, leaving its future anything but certain.

Accountants at Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), the former president's startup behind Truth Social, raised concerns in a document recently filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by investment partner Digital World Acquisiton, painting a dire picture of Trumps's far-right Twitter clone.

"TMTG has suffered negative cash flows and recurring losses from operations that raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern," the document reads.

The numbers are not confidence-inspiring. Trump Media lost $22.9 in the first half of 2023 alone, netting just under a tenth of that in net sales over the same period, according to the document.

Over the less than two years it's been in operation, Truth Social has lost $73 million.

The company is now eyeing a proposed merger with Digital World, which could effectively bail out the social media network, at least for now, by giving it access to Digital World's $300 million in available funds.

In the document, a defiant TMTG CEO Devin Nunes  yes, that Devin Nunes  called the document a "monumental milestone toward" the merger, arguing that Truth Social still aims to "become the centerpiece of a movement, as well as a method for Americans to invest in their freedom."

Despite Nunes' hubris, the document is a sobering account of the platform's recent financial failures, burning a big hole in the former president's business.

And in many ways, it doesn't exactly come as a surprise. The news comes amid several ongoing criminal investigations targeting Trump, including accounts of fraud, class action lawsuits against his family's corporation, and counts of incitement for the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol.

Truth Social was created roughly a month after the insurrection, when Trump was dumped by several mainstream social media platforms including Twitter and Facebook.

It claims to encourage "an open, free, and honest global conversation without discriminating on the basis of political ideology." Trump even went as far as to argue it would eventually compete with the likes of Disney Plus and Netflix.

In practice, the platform has become a cesspool of misinformation, conspiracy theories, scams, and ads for miracle cures.

The platform has also struggled to attract new users and had an estimated 607,000 monthly users as of July, according to data from Similarweb. That's compared to X-formerly-Twitter's hundreds of millions of daily active users and Facebook's three billion monthly active users.

In August, Trump returned to X for the first time since being suspended last year, posting a picture of his own mugshot. But considering his radio silence since then, it's clear he hasn't given up on Truth Social just yet.

But whether that'll end up being a losing bet considering the platform's dire financial situation remains to be seen. Even X owner Elon Musk's social media platform isn't looking too hot right now.

More on Trump: Donald Trump's NFT Collection Is So Fantastically Ugly That Even His Biggest Fans Are Aghast
Turkeys rhetoric and positions on the Israel-Hamas war have paved the way for closer ties with Iran, which both nations will explore as they seek to resolve long-standing issues.

"Compartmentalization has long been the name of the game for the Iran-Turkey relationship under the Islamic Republic and AKP, respectively," Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Fox News Digital. Turkish President Recep Tayip Erdogan is the chairman of the AKP political party.

"While traditionally the two non-Arab Muslim Middle Eastern powers have competed as to who can champion the Palestinian street, the post-Arab Spring Middle Eastern order has led to more opportunities for a NATO member and the worlds foremost state sponsor of terrorism to channel their political ire and more at Israel," Taleblu said.

Turkey has found itself at odds with its NATO allies, most of whom have backed Israels right to defend itself following the Hamas terrorist attack on Oct. 7, while Turkey has echoed the stances of other Middle Eastern nations in questioning Israel and defending the Palestinians.

WATCH: BIDEN OFFICIAL, REPORTER CLASH IN HEATED DEBATE OVER ADMIN ALLOWING BILLIONS IN FUNDING FOR IRAN

Erdogan took things a step further and defended the Hamas terrorists who carried out the attack, calling the group a "mujahideen," or freedom fighters, "defending their lands." He has also continued to push for a ceasefire, accusing the West of being "too weak" to call for one  a stance that seems common among the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) members.

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (5th R) poses for a family photo next to Iran's President Raisi, during the Extraordinary Joint Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League at King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on November 11, 2023.

Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lior Haiat condemned Erdogans rhetoric as "harsh words" about a "terrorist organization," the Times of Israel reported.

That more hardline stance has endeared Ankara to Tehran, prompting the two nations to explore a rapprochement, or resumption of harmonious relations. They previously attempted a similar engagement in 2009 after Erdogan lambasted Israeli President Shimon Peres at the Davos conference and in 2010 again after an incident with Israel, according to Al-Monitor.

IDF FACING CHALLENGING SITUATION WITH GAZA HOSPITALS

"Along with Qatar, Russia, and the U.N., Turkey was a prime target of Iranian diplomatic overtures following the deadly terrors attacks that Tehran helped underwrite on Oct. 7," Taleblu said. "The more shocks between Turkey and Israel and the Western bloc, the more confident Tehran feels about the ascendency of its regional message."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (C) meets with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (L) and Head of the Hamas Political Bureau Ismail Haniyeh (R) at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Turkiye on July 26, 2023.

The Turkish embassy in Washington, D.C. did not respond to a Fox News Digital request for comment.

Turkey has maintained a nebulous role in the conflict, first due to its membership in NATO and ties to the United States against its support of Hamas. At the same time, Ankara asked Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh to leave Istanbul following the Oct. 7 attack over fears of looking like a supporter of terrorism.

ERDOGAN-BACKED LAW CARRYING JAIL TIME FOR DISINFORMATION UPHELD BY TURKISH HIGH COURT

Turkey has remained in conversation with Haniyeh as well as Israel, Al-Monitor reported.

TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN - NOVEMBER 09: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) meets Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi (R) at the 16th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on November 09, 2023.

In his speech before the Turkish parliament last month, Erdogan also slammed Western powers for supporting Israels operation in the Gaza Strip, which the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry claimed has taken the lives of over 11,000 Palestinians.

The Biden administration has repeatedly cast doubts on those numbers, and critics have noted that the ministry does not distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths. Stephan Dujarric, spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, told Fox News Digital that the U.N. has found the ministrys numbers "reliable" in the past.

Dujarric acknowledged that the U.N. will only have a chance to verify the numbers after the conflict ends, though, he stressed that the number will likely remain very high. He did not comment on the lack of distinction between civilian and combatant deaths.

Reuters contributed to this report.





Original article source: Turkey cozies up to Iran after praising Hamas 'mujahideen,' seeks reconciliation on key issues
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  For 23 years, students at Hanks High School in East El Paso have been putting together Thanksgiving meals to feed the less fortunate.

The event, called Hanksgiving, is organized by student service club Interact, which is affiliated with the Rotary Club.

This year, students at Hanks are reporting that donations are slow and they would like the community to step up and help them out with Hanksgiving.

Judith Olivas, president of Interact, says they need donations of turkeys and monetary donations that can be used to buy turkeys. Donations of other Thanksgiving food items are also needed, she said.

We want to get the word out that this is our 23rd year hosting Hanksgiving, Olivas said. Its always been a big project for us as a club. Every year, we try to make 500 full Thanksgiving dinner (baskets) to give to the surrounding Hanks community.

Olivas said Hanksgiving is a great way to give back to the community and help out during the holidays. It also gets the Hanks campus and its feeder system involved and raises school spirit, she said.

You can drop off your donation at the main entrance to Hanks High or the schools library. You can also email mlopez17@yisd.net.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
The Gadsden County Sheriff's Office is investigating a midnight shooting in Havana that killed one and injured another.

According to a GCSO social media post, deputies arrived to the 6688 Florida-Georgia Highway and found the two victims. One died on scene, and the other was transported to a local hospital "treated for non-life threatening injuries."

No details were provided about the motive or circumstances of the shooting.

Kelvin Brown and Ty'Ron Washington were both arrested in connection to the shooting on charges of attempted robbery, felony murder and felony attempted murder.

"This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information regarding this incident should contact the Gadsden County Sheriffs Office (850) 627-9233," GCSO said in a social media post.

Elena Barrera can be reached at ebarrera@tallahassee.com. Follow her on X: @elenabarreraaa.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Gadsden County Sheriff investigates fatal midnight shooting in Havana
London  The U.K. Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that the government's controversial plan to send asylum seekers who arrive on Britain's shores without prior permission to Rwanda was unlawful.

"There are substantial grounds for believing that asylum seekers would face a real risk of ill-treatment by reason of refoulement to their country of origin if they were removed to Rwanda," the judgment published Wednesday said.

Non-refoulement is a core principle of international law under which asylum seekers are protected from being forced back to the country they fled.

The U.K. government's Rwanda plan

U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had pledged his government would stop migrants and asylum seekers from crossing over the English Channel in small boats, which they have done in record numbers in recent years. In April 2022, Britain signed a deal with Rwanda to send anyone arriving on its shores without prior permission to the East African nation to have their asylum claims processed there.

A protestor is seen outside the U.K. Supreme Court ahead of a ruling in which the court determined that the British government's policy of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda was unlawful, Nov. 15, 2023 in London, England. / Credit: LEON NEAL/Getty

The plan cost the U.K. government at least $175 million in payments to the Rwandan government, according to The Associated Press, and the legal challenges that culminated with the Supreme Court's Wednesday ruling meant not a single asylum seeker was ever actually flown to Rwanda.

U.K. government stands by the plan, promises new terms

"This was not the outcome we wanted, but we have spent the last few months planning for all eventualities and we remain completely committed to stopping the boats," Sunak said in response to the ruling, adding later that his government was working on a new treaty with Rwanda and that he would "revisit our domestic legal frameworks" if necessary.

"Illegal migration destroys lives and costs British taxpayers millions of pounds a year. We need to end it and we will do whatever it takes to do so," he said.

Speaking shortly after Sunak, Britain's newly appointed Home Secretary James Cleverly, the government minister in charge of law enforcement and immigration issues, said the government had for months "been working on a plan to provide the certainty that the courts demand," promising to come up with a new treaty with Rwanda that would "make it absolutely clear" to courts in both the U.K. and Europe that the policy "will be consistent with international law."

Rwanda's reaction, and "poor human rights record"

The court's judgment said that part of the reason the U.K. government policy was deemed unlawful was that Rwanda could not be counted on to treat asylum seekers sent there by the U.K. properly.

"Rwanda has a poor human rights record," the judgement said. "The evidence shows that there are substantial grounds for believing that there is a real risk that asylum claims will not be determined properly, and that asylum seekers will therefore be at risk of being returned directly or indirectly to their country of origin. The changes and capacity-building needed to eliminate that risk may be delivered in the future, but they were not shown to be in place when the lawfulness of the Rwanda policy had to be considered in these proceedings."

Rwanda's government said in a statement that the decision was ultimately one for the U.K.'s judicial system, but it took "issue with the ruling that Rwanda is not a safe third country for asylum seekers and refugees, in terms of refoulement," adding that the two nations "have been working together to ensure the integration of relocated asylum seekers into Rwandan society."

"Rwanda is committed to its international obligations, and we have been recognized by the UNHCR and other international institutions for our exemplary treatment of refugees," the statement said.

Rights groups including OXFAM expressed relief at the ruling.

The British government's policy "sought to punish rather than protect those fleeing conflict and persecution," said Katy Chakrabortty, head of policy and advocacy at OXFAM.

The ruling came one day after Britain's previous Home Secretary Suella Braverman  seen as an architect of the Rwanda plan  was fired by Sunak for publishing an opinion piece in a newspaper without edits the prime minister's office had requested.

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The daily struggle in Gaza to find drinking water could be set to get much more difficult despite the arrival Wednesday of the first fuel shipment into the strip since the war started October 7, because Israel has mandated it cannot be used for water or hospitals. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI

Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Gaza received its first shipment of fuel Wednesday since the start of the Israel-Hamas war more than five weeks ago, the United Nations relief agency for Palestinian refugees said Wednesday.

However, the 6,083-gallon delivery -- restricted by Israel for transport of aid from the Rafah crossing and banned from going to hospitals or being used for water desalination and pumping -- is only a fraction of that needed for "life-sustaining purposes," UNRWA Affairs Director Thomas White wrote on X.

"No fuel for water or hospitals. This is only 9% of what we need daily to sustain lifesaving activities."

In a separate social media post, UNWRA said the shipment was the equivalent of half a truck of fuel.

"Not at all enough! Much more is needed. Fuel is being used as a weapon of war. This must stop," the post reads.

Children sit by a woman preparing traditional unleavened bread on an open fire as Palestinian families fleeing Israeli attacks in northern Gaza Strip take refuge in a school belonging to the United Nations relief agency for Palestinian refugees in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI

Meanwhile, Israel was conducting a "targeted" military strike inside Al-Shifa, the largest hospital in Gaza, where it accuses Hamas of setting up a command post. Thousands of Palestinians are believed to be sheltering at the hospital, which has run out of fuel.

UNWRA warned that the delivery of humanitarian aid on which more than 2 million people depend would grind to a halt Wednesday unless Israel allowed in fuel shipments.

Amal al-Robayaa, 44, washes kitchen utensils amid the ruins of the family home destroyed in an Israeli strike in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Sunday. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI

"UNRWA set off alarm bells over the fuel situation three weeks ago, warning about its fast-depleting supplies and the impact on lifesaving operations. Since then, we have heavily rationed the use of fuel and accessed pre-existing, limited amounts stored in a depot inside the Gaza Strip, through close coordination with Israeli authorities," said Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini.

"The depot is now empty. 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."

Imad Rabayaa, 48, plays the ney amid the ruins of the family home destroyed in an Israeli strike in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Sunday. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI

Lazzarini said he found it inconceivable that humanitarian agencies had been starved of material to the point they were barely hanging on and had to plead for fuel.

"Since the beginning of the war, fuel has been used as a weapon of war and this should stop immediately. I appeal to all parties to make fuel available now and stop using humanitarian assistance for political or military gains."

Israeli bombing of northern Gaza Strip is seen from southern Israel on Tuesday. Photo by Jim Hollander/UPI

White warned Monday that two of the agency's main water distribution contractors had ceased operations because they had run out of fuel resulting in 200,000 people losing access to potable water.
A previous report can be seen in the player above.

UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio (WCMH)  A school bus driver accused of operating a vehicle while impaired failed several field sobriety tests at the time of her arrest, according to the released incident report.

NBC4 obtained an Upper Arlington police report in which a UA school bus driver was reportedly driving erratically with students riding as passengers. The alleged incident took place on Nov. 2 after students told a UA resource officer at the school that a bus driver was driving erratically while en route from the high school to Fort Hayes near Downtown.

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The driver, a 41-year-old woman, failed several sobriety tests administered by UAPD in the parking lot of a Giant Eagle Market District on Kingsdale Court after officers located the bus parked with the key in the ignition.

According to the incident report, the driver exited the grocery store and met with the officers, who asked the woman where she had been driving. The officers said the woman appeared confused on which route she had just completed, had trouble finishing sentences and slurred her words, including the phrase milk of magnesia, when she attempted to list medications and supplements she had taken that day.

Police noted one of the medications named, Tylenol 3, comes with a warning not to operate heavy machinery while on the medication.

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Officers conducted the several field sobriety tests and noted the following:

The driver told police she could cross her eyes, but offices observed Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, or the bouncing or involuntary jerking of the eyes, after her right eye did not converge during the test.

The driver was reportedly unable to count by one-one thousand as instructed, restarted at zero and lost her balance during a one leg stand test.

Police said the woman swayed front to back and told police the wind distracted her during a Modified Romberg test, which tests balance over a 30-second period.

Police also conducted a walk and turn test and said the womans pupils stayed consistently constricted during the OVI exams.

The driver was placed under arrest, and she submitted a urine sample at UAPD headquarters. Those results were not provided by UAPD. During processing, police said the woman became more cognizant, slurred less, and was able to give her daily bus route in more detail.

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She is charged with OVI and prohibited acts with a class A CDL while operating a school bus for Upper Arlington City Schools. She is scheduled to appear in Franklin County Municipal Court for a continued arraignment hearing on Nov. 28. Both charges are misdemeanors.

In a letter to families, Superintendent Bob Hunt said the bus driver was placed on leave and will no longer perform duties while an investigation is conducted.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates  The United Arab Emirates is negotiating the purchase of South Korean helicopters, with the aim of signing a deal by years end, according to an official with the manufacturer.

The Emirati military is seeking an undisclosed number of KUH-1E helicopters from Korea Aerospace Industries, Cho Seok Joon, a senior manager with the companys rotorcraft division, told Defense News during the Dubai Airshow, which runs Nov. 13-17.

The KUH-1E is an export version of the twin-engine KUH-1 Surion. The former can carry 18 people, including two pilots, whereas the latter can accommodate 18 total. The UAE is seeking a maritime variant.

Instead of the gun present in the KUH, it is equipped with a radar, Cho noted.

A spokesperson with the Emirati Defence Ministry told Defense News the country is currently evaluating the aircraft.

At the ministry, we have several layers of tests for all equipment. Once its complete, we give our verdict, the representative said.

The Surion can perform military transport and airfreight missions, among other functions.

The export variants power comes from a pair of 1,855-shaft-horsepower GE T700-701K turboshaft engines. It can reach a maximum speed of 147 knots (169 mph) and has a maximum takeoff weight of 19,200 pounds.
On the morning of 14 November, a drone attacked the Tambov gunpowder plant in Russia, damaging the roof of one of the buildings.

Source: Astra and Baza Telegram channels with reference to sources

Details: According to Astra, a drone fell on the territory of a gunpowder plant in Kotovsk. A fire broke out in the building of the mass mixing shop. It is reported that at the time of the attack, no employees were in the building, and no one was injured. The roof of the building was damaged.

Baza also reports about the damage to a part of the roof of the mass mixing shop. The Telegram channel specifies that the attack happened around 07:00, and claims the fire was quickly localised and extinguished. According to preliminary information, no work was being carried out in this workshop.

Previously:

On the morning of 14 November, the Russian Defence Ministry claimed that its air defence had destroyed four Ukrainian drones in Moscow, Tambov, Bryansk and Orlov oblasts.

Background:

On 11 November, Russian Telegram channels reported an explosion and fire at a gunpowder plant in Kotovsk, near Tambov.

In June, four people died, and two more were injured as a result of an explosion and fire at the Tambov gunpowder plant.

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Hong Kong: FS promotes HK in San Francisco

Financial Secretary Paul Chan met representatives of a US enterprise during his visit to San Francisco yesterday and introduced Hong Kong's favourable business environment.

Meeting representatives of an enterprise that manufactures advanced medical equipment, Mr Chan outlined the new measures introduced by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to promote microelectronics research and new industrialisation.

Highlighting the unique advantages Hong Kong enjoys under "one country, two systems", he said the city is equipped with a low and simple tax regime, free flow of capital, talent, cargo, information and data, a vibrant fundraising market as well as top research institutions and talent with strengths in scientific research.

Noting that the Hong Kong SAR Government is making great strides to attract enterprises and pool talent and is willing to co-invest in suitable projects with enterprises, Mr Chan welcomed upstream, midstream and downstream enterprises to come to Hong Kong for business development and seek partnerships to seize business opportunities.

The Financial Secretary then joined the Chinese delegation at San Francisco International Airport to welcome President Xi Jinping, who arrived in the US to attend the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting.

Mr Chan will attend events related to the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting on behalf of the Chief Executive today.

This story has been published on: 2023-11-15. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
U.S. House approves stopgap spending bill ahead of government shutdown deadline

Xinhua) 08:35, November 15, 2023

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.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun)
Rank-and-file United Auto Workers at the General Motors Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kansas, on Monday narrowly approved a new four-year labor deal.

Workers cast a total of 1,503 votes, with 52% in favor and 48% opposed.

KC-area UAW members rally as strike continues against automakers

About 1,300 votes came from production line employees, with 50.22% in favor and 49.78% opposed. The 161 votes from skilled trades pushed the overall vote into a more solid majority of approval, with 68% of skilled trades in favor and 32% opposed.

The overall results from all 50 plants voting remain close as of 9 a.m. Wednesday, but the deal is carrying a majority with 11,153 in favor (53%) and 10,049 opposed (47%).

Some large General Motors plants voted against the agreement, including Flint Truck Plant (48% yes, 52% no), Spring Hill (32% yes, 68% no) and Wentzville Assembly Plant (46% yes, 54% no).

The new labor deal for UAW members at GM includes a 25% raise over the next four years, cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) and a $5,000 per member ratification bonus. Overall, the deal is worth at least an extra $500 million to the Kansas City economy.

Keep reading in the Kansas City Business Journal.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
The Ujamaa Farmer Collective Set To Obtain California Land After Receiving $1.25M In Funding, Will Use It To Help Black Farmers | Photo: Getty Images

Ujamaa Farmer Collective, a nonprofit organization in West Sacramento, California, recently secured a $1.25 million grant from the state to help existing and aspiring Black farmers obtain the land needed to expand their businesses.

Black farmers Nelson Hawkins, Nathaniel Brown and Keith Hudson launched the initiative in 2021. According to Black Business, BIPOC farmers in the United States own less than two percent of all farmland.

We Grow Farms, a Black-owned farm in West Sacramento, California, is known for helping residents obtain fresh produce. However, the establishment faces hardship after developers plan to build homes on its land.

After learning of the news, the Ujamaa Farmer Collective plans to use the $1.25 million in funding to acquire the land in Yolo County, California. Each farm will have a plot ranging from half an acre to five acres while sharing the same resources.

Ujamaa means extended family in Swahili and embodies cooperative economics and inclusivity. The groups goal is to elevate everybodys potential so [we] can all thrive, according to Hawkins, per Because Of Them We Can.

In September, The Sacramento Observer reported that Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, representing most of Yolo County, expressed how significant the investment is for BIPOC farmers.

This investment is critical for the future of farming in Yolo County because it supports young BIPOC farmers who face tremendous challenges to be successful farmers, Aguiar-Curry told the outlet. Californias farmers and ranchers are diverse; now more than ever, we are seeing an increase in women farmers and farmers of color. It is imperative that we support and understand the opportunities they have and the challenges they face in order to thrive.

The initiative plans to shed light on Black farmers ongoing challenges in the United States to keep their businesses afloat.
The announcement of Putin's final annual press conference and his "showy" meetings with the military command are already likely to be an element of the Kremlin leader's election campaign.

Source: UK MoD Defence Intelligence review on 15 November on Twitter (X), as reported by European Pravda

Details: On 9 November, the Kremlin announced that Vladimir Putin would hold a traditional closing press conference with calls "from the people" [a public phone-in - ed.] at the end of 2023. In 2022, the event was not held - apparently due to the Kremlins failures in Ukraine.

Quote: "Kremlin planners will almost certainly see the event as an important waypoint in Putins anticipated campaign to secure a fifth term in office in the March 2024 presidential elections. He is likely to announce his candidacy before the end of 2023," the review notes.

Putin's trip to the headquarters of the Southern Military District in Rostov-on-Don, where he met with Valery Gerasimov, the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Federation, and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, is also mentioned  this is his second visit in the last four weeks.

As the analysts say, this is how Putin is continuing to create a "patriotic" image while preparing for the elections.

In one of its latest reviews, UK intelligence also described how Russia is strengthening its control over the Wagner PMC.

Reminder:

In October, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) called on the member states of the Council to recognise Vladimir Putin as illegitimate after the end of his current presidential term and declared Russia a dictatorship.

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Expatriate Sikhs are concerned about India's crackdown on the separatist Khalistan movement (Oli SCARFF)

Britain's Sikh population, whose ancestors first migrated from the Punjab more than a century ago, have long been admired as a model of integration and for maintaining a strong identity.

Lauded in their country of origin and beyond for their valour, industriousness and charity, Sikhs took those values to Britain, which during the country's imperial past praised them as a martial race.

They won accolades for standing up to rioters in London in 2011, for charity work during the coronavirus pandemic, and most recently for feeding the hungry during the cost-of-living crisis.

"We don't often complain," Jas Singh, adviser to the Sikh Federation UK, which represents some 500,000 Sikhs in the UK, told AFP at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Smethwick, near Birmingham in central England.

But the tight-knit community is now appealing for help to address long-term issues such as racism and a lack of representation in politics and culture.

"We still need help just like everybody else," said Kulbinder Kaur Gakhal, an education administrator at the Smethwick gurdwara, one of the oldest and largest in Europe.

"The fact that we only have two Sikh MPs. Given our numbers, we should have maybe six or seven. Across the civil service, there's very low Sikh representation -- in the police, in education," added Jas Singh.

"This is a wall of discrimination that we face," he added.

Despite official figures showing a 169 percent rise in attacks on Sikhs in 2021/22, there is no approved definition for anti-Sikh hate crimes in the UK.

- Fresh worries -

A statue outside the gurdwara paying tribute to the many Sikhs who fought with the UK in the world wars is frequently vandalised, said Gakhal.

"They have security cameras and information that's led them to know who's done it. But the authorities aren't able to pinpoint, so it's a shame," she added.

But it is an Indian crackdown on the Khalistan movement, which wants an independent Sikh state in India, and its wider global fallout that has left many in the community particularly concerned.

New Delhi has banned the movement as a security threat and taken a particular interest in those close to Amritpal Singh, a firebrand Sikh leader who was arrested in April in India after a month-long manhunt.

In February, hundreds of his supporters, some carrying swords and guns, had pushed past barricades outside a police station near Amritsar, demanding the release of an aide held inside.

Protests were held around the world over the manhunt, including in London, where Avtar Singh Khanda -- a friend of Amritpal Singh -- was accused by Indian media of pulling down an Indian flag.

The 35-year-old activist, who was never named by UK police as a suspect, died on June 15 after suddenly falling ill with blood cancer.

His funeral at the Smethwick temple, which has pro-Khalistan flags flying outside, was attended by thousands.

- Shockwaves -

The announcement by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in September that there were "credible allegations" linking India to the killing of another pro-Khalistan activist in Toronto on June 18 sent shockwaves through the Sikh diaspora.

India strenuously denies any links, but the announcement prompted Khanda's family and friends to demand a coroner's inquest into his death.

"I don't know what investigation they did, but it would have only taken a few hours," Amit Singh, a volunteer at Smethwick-based Punjab broadcaster PBC, told AFP.

"The community feels that they definitely didn't take anything seriously. Until an investigation occurs, doubt will remain," added Singh, who was with Khanda shortly before he was taken to hospital.

The High Commission of India in London did not reply to an AFP request for comment on the case.

According to Jas Singh, more broadly there was now "a high level of apprehension and fear" among Britain's Sikhs, "especially those who travel back to India".

"There is extra security at the gurdwara. It's disappointing that the police and the authorities have not reached out to the community," he added.

He believes the UK government's desire to secure a trade deal with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist government has led them to ignore the community's concerns.

"Not only do we have their silence, but we also have them going the other way with (UK Prime Minister) Rishi Sunak announcing pro-Khalistan extremism as an issue.

"Sikhs have no arrests, no pending cases, no threat or risk to British interests," he added.

jwp/phz/fg/smw
(Bloomberg) -- UK opposition leader Keir Starmer suffered a major rebellion over his stance on the Israel-Hamas war, as more than 50 Labour lawmakers defied him by backing a rival partys call for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.

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Internal divisions over the conflict have posed a serious challenge to Starmer, who has aligned with international calls for humanitarian pauses as he tries to present Labour as a government-in-waiting while distancing himself from anti-Semitism claims that dogged the party under predecessor Jeremy Corbyn.

But hes faced intense pressure to go further and call for a full cease-fire. Labour tensions have been exacerbated by the electoral math: surveys show there are over 2 million eligible Muslim voters in the UK who are more likely to vote Labour than backing the governing Conservative Party.

So Wednesdays push by the Scottish National Party, explicitly calling for a cease-fire, played directly into Starmers party management issues. His office warned his shadow ministerial team their jobs were at stake if they backed it. In the event, 10 were forced to leave their positions.

I regret that some colleagues felt unable to support the position, Starmer said after the vote. But I wanted to be clear about where I stood, and where I will stand. Leadership is about doing the right thing.

The rebellion cost Starmer significant political fire power, including shadow minister Jess Phillips. In her resignation letter, posted on X, she said: I can see no route where the current military action does anything but put at risk the hope of peace and security for anyone in the region now and in the future.

But resignations on a matter of conscience typically do not prevent future reinstatements, and the question facing Starmer is how lasting the political damage will be. Much will depend on events in the Middle East, given Labours internal tensions are unlikely to dissipate until the fighting stops.

The counter argument is that with Labour about 20 points ahead of the Tories before a general election expected next year, there is little sense that the current disagreements pose a direct threat to Starmers position at the top of the party. That points to how much power he has built up since 2021, when he was widely tipped to be ousted had Labour not narrowly held onto a parliamentary seat in the Batley and Spen by-election.

Shadow defense secretary John Healey said Labour frontbenchers who broke ranks on Gaza still want Starmer to become prime minister.

This is a difficult issue that we faced last night but Keir Starmer was right, when it comes to a parliamentary vote, to be firm to require collective responsibility and discipline, Healey told Times Radio on Thursday. He was not going to change his principal position for the sake of internal party management, which weve seen time and time again with Rishi Sunak trying to control his own Conservative MPs.

The splits among Sunaks Tories, laid bare on Wednesday after the Supreme Court ruled against a key plank of the governments immigration policy, will have helped limit the political damage to Starmer from the vote.

Still, Labours divisions are likely to continue to throw up uncomfortable headlines for Starmer.

Israels storming this week of Gazas Al Shifa hospital, and the mounting death toll from its ongoing air strikes, have exacerbated the dissent. Although Starmers rhetoric has toughened toward Israel in recent days, there is no sign he is preparing to call for the cease-fire that many Labour members want.

The SNP vote  on an amendment to the governments Kings Speech  was partly designed to stoke those divisions within Labour, which poses an electoral threat in Scotland. It called on the government to join with the international community in urgently pressing all parties to agree to an immediate cease-fire. It was defeated by 293 votes to 125 in the House of Commons.

A separate amendment was put forward by Starmer to try to limit the rebellion and give wavering MPs another option to demonstrate their strong feelings on the war. It said there had been too much suffering, including far too many deaths of innocent civilians and children, over the past month in Gaza and called for longer humanitarian pauses in the fighting than the current four hours a day. It did not, however, mention a cease-fire.

The Labour amendment was defeated by 290 votes to 183.

(Updates with comment from Labours Healey in fifth paragraph, details and context throughout.)

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The U.K.s top court has ruled against a government plan to send some asylum-seekers to Rwanda, calling it unlawful.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak claimed the proposals, a key part of his immigration platform, would deter people from crossing into the U.K. in small boats via the English Channel.

In his ruling, Supreme Court President Lord Robert Reed said that Rwanda has a poor human rights record and there was a real risk it could send asylum-seekers back to the places they had fled.

Sunak has promised to revive the plan, saying he is already working closely with counterparts in Kigali on a new treaty. We will finalize that in light of todays judgement, Sunak told the House of Commons.

The courts decision arrives as Sunak comes under increasing pressure from the right-wing bloc of his party. Earlier this week, the prime minister shuffled key members out of his cabinet  including former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, a leading proponent of the Rwanda plan. In a scathing resignation letter prior to the ruling, Braverman called Sunak weak, accusing him of failing to deliver on immigration. Sunak now faces further divisions within his party, Bloomberg notes.

Under the proposal, asylum-seekers would have been sent to Hope Hostel in Rwandas capital, a premise which was controversially cleared of residents 18 months ago. The move left dozens of men homeless, all of them survivors of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Some had resided at the hostel for eight years, but were pushed out just days after former British Home Secretary Priti Patel signed the deportation agreement.

The plan was an expensive disaster for the Conservative Party. The U.K. paid 140 million ($175 million) for the deal, which was announced last year. No deportation flights have ever departed for Rwanda, the first one canceled minutes before takeoff following a legal challenge. An economic assessment of the plan estimated that moving asylum-seekers to Rwanda would have cost 63,000 per person more than keeping them in the U.K.
(Bloomberg) -- Ukraines closest European allies are increasingly concerned about the USs ability to sustain support for Kyiv amid a thorny political spending debate ahead of next years presidential elections.

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Senior officials from Baltic nations expressed disquiet in interviews about tensions over funding in the US Congress that threaten to leave Ukraine without sufficient aid to beat back Russias invasion, as a slower-than-expected counteroffensive grinds to a stalemate.

I am concerned about the internal political debate in the US about this, Latvian Foreign Minister Krisjanis Karins said of support for Ukraine. It seems that some of the debaters are forgetting the importance to American security of maintaining their leading role in the world and in NATO, he said in Brussels this week.

The White House has asked lawmakers to approve over $61 billion in additional assistance for Ukraine for the current fiscal year as part of a nearly $106 billion overall package that includes funding for Israel, operations on the US-Mexico border, and bolstering allies in the Indo-Pacific.

But the request faces a difficult path as a growing group of hard-line Republicans have voiced opposition to providing additional aid, led by former President Donald Trump. The front-runner for the partys nomination again in 2024, Trump has repeatedly criticized lawmakers for providing assistance to Ukraine instead of spending the money on domestic priorities.

The US has enough military power to help Israeli armed forces and also Ukraine, but at the moment it seems that its more domestic politics, which affects US decisions, not the real situation on the battlefields, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said in a separate interview.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, Pevkur said, is benefiting as global focus has shifted toward the Israel-Hamas war and the US is struggling with their own decisions. He urged the US to act as it has always been the guarantee of the free democratic world.

Moderate Republicans

Moderate Republicans have requested additional information about Ukraines military planning and audits of existing aid, while others say they want the administration to implement harsher immigration policies and resume construction of Trumps border wall in exchange for additional assistance. Some lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have proposed a complex scheme in which the US would sell assets seized from Russian oligarchs and use the proceeds to fund Ukraine assistance.

House Speaker Mike Johnson did not include any emergency aid for Ukraine nor for Israel in a funding bill under consideration this week on Capitol Hill that would keep the government fully operating through January.

White House officials have warned that they are already rationing the last remnants of aid for Kyiv. Funding delays are already having an effect on our ability to give the Ukraine everything that it needs, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters Monday. And that effect will only compound over time.

Israel Aid

Even as the Pentagon has started throttling military assistance to Ukraine due to funding delays, it has quietly ramped up military aid to Israel, Bloomberg reported Tuesday. The Defense Department is delivering on requests made by Israel, including 155mm shells  a kind of artillery ammunition also desperately sought after by Ukrainian forces.

Latvias Karins said if the US aid for Ukraine doesnt pass, the first country to feel the negative consequences of that would be the US itself because it would lead many to pose some rather fundamental questions about US commitment to current world order.

Karins said it was relatively cheaper for US taxpayers to support Ukraine, as it would just be a matter of time before Moscow would look to expand elsewhere. Baltic nations have long warned of Russian attempts to claw back territory following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The concern over the US funding gap for Ukraine comes as the European Union itself is struggling to agree to different pots of money for Kyiv, in particular due to resistance by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Meanwhile, a goal to send Ukraine 1 million artillery shells by the end of March is falling flat, despite weapons production increasing in Europe.

EU countries are considering a backup plan to push through aid for Ukraine in case Hungary vetoes a current 50 billion ($54.3 billion) package. Plans for a separate 20 billion fund over four years to reimburse EU nations for military aid sent to Kyiv is also stalling.

But both Karins and Pevkur expressed optimism the EU would ultimately agree to additional support. I believe we have to find a consensus here at the end of the day, Pevkur said. We dont have time to be honest.

--With assistance from Andra Timu, Ania Nussbaum, Michael Nienaber, Julius Domoney and Daryna Krasnolutska.

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Ukraine has brought four Ukrainian children together with their families back from the temporarily occupied territories.

Source: Mykola Kuleba, founder of the Save Ukraine fund

Quote: "Russian soldiers have started to threaten parents saying they would take away their children and their house and deport them. So the family was obliged to send the children to a Russian school.

At school, Ukrainian newbies were forced to wrap a Russian flag around them and wear it until the end of the classes. When some children got tired of it and asked for permission to take it off, the teacher agreed. But an armed Russian soldier started scolding children for "not loving Russia" right away."

Details: Kuleba added that the children had to go to a Russian school for four days, and then they were evacuated. The families managed to cross the Ukrainian border and will undergo psychological rehabilitation.

In total, the team of Save Ukraine has brought 204 children back from Russia and temporarily occupied territories.

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The following is the Nov. 14, 2023 edition of our Ukraine Business Roundup weekly newsletter. To get the biggest news in business and tech from Ukraine directly in your inbox, subscribe here.

Rebuild Ukraine

The Rebuild Ukraine conference isnt Anatoly Sushons first expo since he got into the business in the early 90s, but this one hits closer to home. Himself a native of Odesa, the idea behind Rebuild Ukraine, the second one this year already, is to get local communities affected by the war in front of companies and countries that have both the know-how and the financing to rebuild their cities and towns.

One of those 26 communities is Ukraines southeastern port city of Mariupol. Despite currently being under Russian occupation after a months-long siege that nearly destroyed the city, its exiled authorities are at the conference, to make the world and Europe hear us now, to understand that we are not wasting time, the citys Mayor Vadym Boichenko told me.

Flipping through the citys glossy, 80-page fast-recovery plan titled Mariupol Reborn, Boichenko says rebuilding Mariupol will take 20 years and cost 14-15 billion euros. His teams main task in coming to Rebuild Ukraine is to gain the expertise, knowledge, and vision, to have a plan to put into action as soon as the city is liberated.

The businesses and international organizations, over 570 from 30 different countries, are here partly for sentimental reasons, Sushon said. They feel for Ukraine, and want Ukraine, when it joins the European Union, to be a proper member, not a poor or ruined one.

But theres another reason theyre here (and Id say the real reason). Ukraines reconstruction needs are already in the hundreds of billions, and counting. If youre one of these businesses, you think, Im the business that should get a piece of that action. Thats what drives them all to be here, Sushon said.

One representative from a French company that is already actively investing in Ukraines reconstruction said Ukraine right now is the place to be for the construction materials industry.

No matter how motivated companies are to get their piece of the pie, however, reconstruction in Ukraine cant begin in earnest until the war is over, or at least until there are security guarantees, one Polish analyst told me today. According to him, not even war insurance is enough to really bring foreign companies to start investing in Ukraine at the level thats needed. Corruption, of course, is still a huge turn-off, he said.

But when it does begin, and it will, it will be a win-win for both the companies that want to make a buck (no matter how cynical that may sound) and Ukrainian cities and towns that need hospitals, schools, homes, and offices. Smart businesses think long-term, and as Sushon pointed out, companies know Ukraines reconstruction will last decades.

Border skirmishes

Trucks near the Polish-Ukrainian border crossing waiting to pass into Ukraine in Dorohusk, Poland on Nov. 10, 2023. (Damien Simonart/ AFP via Getty Images)



Ukraine-Poland tensions are back in the headlines as Polish truckers took to blocking three checkpoints at the border between the two countries over what they say is an influx of unfair competition brought on by an easing of EU access rules for Ukrainian goods.

And in a sign this isnt going to get resolved any time soon, Polish trucking representatives said on Nov. 13 that the latest rounds of talks with Ukrainian officials had failed to end the blockade.

In the meantime, more than 2,500 trucks are now waiting to cross the border from Poland into Ukraine, State Border Guard Service spokesman Andriy Demchenko said on Nov. 12.

It all feels a bit like deja vu after Polish farmers took to the streets to protest the influx of Ukrainian grain, prompting the EU to block Ukrainian grain from five EU countries earlier this year.

After the EU lifted the ban in September, the Polish government implemented unilateral restrictions on Ukrainian grain  a blatant violation of the EUs common trade policy  ostensibly to protect domestic farmers, but also likely as a way of pandering an important part of the electorate ahead of elections in October.

But this time is different. The truckers dont have the backing of the government, which has asked the truckers to stand down.

This latest dispute is yet another blow to Ukraines exports. Kyiv-based investment bank Dragon Capital told the Financial Times that the protestors are blocking crossings that account for a quarter of Ukraines exports of grain and oilseeds by road.

On the up and up

IMF European Department Deputy Director Uma Ramakrishnan, Head of the IMF Mission to Ukraine Gavin Gray, and Deputy Head of the IMF Mission to Ukraine Nathan Epstein (L to R) at a press conference in Kyiv, Oct. 4 2023. (Ruslan Kaniuka / Ukrinform/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

Ukraines economy is once again showing signs that businesses in the country are adjusting to their new wartime reality and that the economy is recovering even more quickly than expected.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Nov. 10 said Ukraine's economic outlook for this year is exceeding expectations, as it bumped Ukraines GDP growth to 4.5% up from around 1-3% in July.

"The Ukrainian economy continues to show remarkable resilience and further signs of stabilization as recent economic developments point to a stronger-than-expected economic recovery in 2023," IMF official Gavin Gray said.

Gray made the statement on the heels of a meeting between IMF and Ukrainian officials in Warsaw where they discussed the review of a four-year $15.6-billion loan program for Ukraine. The multi-year year program is part of a $115-billion global package to support Ukraines economic stability as it fights off Russia.

Following this latest review, the IMFs Executive Board is expected to release a tranche of $900 million in funding to Kyiv.

The financial system remains stable, liquid, and highly provisioned thanks to extensive emergency measures, but continued vigilance is warranted given war-related uncertainty," Gray said.

Meanwhile, 70% of Ukrainians expect an economic boom in post-war Ukraine, according to a recent survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology.

Warning signs

Widespread blackouts in Kyiv on Oct. 11, 2022 after Russian attacks on critical infrastructure. (Photo for illustrative purposes) (Eugene Kotenko/AFP via Getty Images)

An unseasonably warm fall in Ukraine hasnt stopped Russia from relentlessly attacking the countrys energy system in what looks like the start of a second winter season of Russias attempts to knock the power out in Ukraine.

Just recently on Nov. 11, Ukraines Energy Ministry said Russian attacks hit energy infrastructure across Ukraine, leaving thousands without power in six different oblasts. Repair work started right away and was able to get the lights back on for around 3,600 people in the day following the attacks.

Earlier on Nov. 6, Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said that Ukraine's energy system had been attacked 60 times in recent weeks.

Despite statements from the government and energy companies in Ukraine that preparations are being made to defend critical infrastructure and mitigate damages brought on by Russian attacks, Ukraines energy system remains extremely vulnerable.

Last fall and winters attacks on the energy system caused $10 billion in damages without the attack on the Kakhovka dam, according to the UN, and Ukraines system is still operating at about 50% of its prewar levels while its in emergency mode.

The current state of affairs is worrying amid warnings by President Volodymyr Zelensky, who called on Nov. 12 for the country to prepare for new waves of Russian attacks on infrastructure as winter approaches.

"We are almost halfway through November and must be prepared for the fact that the enemy may increase the number of drone or missile strikes on our infrastructure," Zelensky said in his nightly address.

Private-sector promise

A worker is seen on the construction site of a new bridge in Stoyanka, Kyiv Oblast. May 7, 2022 (Alexey Furman/Getty Images)

To rebuild the country following Russias brutal invasion, Ukraine will have to attract billions to its private sector.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC)  the investment arm of the World Bank  believes that if Ukraine manages to reform some of its key sectors and liberalize its markets, it could raise $130 billion in private-sector investments, the IFC said in a report published in late October.

The Kyiv Independent spoke with IFC Regional Director of Central and Eastern Europe Rana Karadsheh about attracting investment to Ukraine and creating a better future for the country.

The Kyiv Independent: Are investors hesitant to put their money in Ukraine?

Rana Karadsheh: Some are. That's why they're not all coming in now, but they're all engaged. We're engaging with a lot of investors, whether real sector or financial investors.

Weve supported some that have come in to invest. Some are actively looking and some are waiting to see what materializes.

But that's what this de-risking pathway (the IFC is creating) is intended to do. It is to give them visibility to make them more comfortable to come in.

The Kyiv Independent: Has the fact that people are now realizing that this war is going to be longer than initially expected changed calculations at all from the investment community?

Rana Karadsheh: Not really. It can vary and you can see differences in terms of your engagement. I would say when the invasion first happened, regardless of whether investors thought it was going to be short or long-term, there was hesitation.

Now, there are those who are seeing the resilience of the country and of the companies. Those who are closer and know the country better tend to have a more engaged approach. Those that might be further away, may be watching more. The engagement and the interest still remain, at least from the companies that we are talking with.

The Kyiv Independent: Are you optimistic that Ukraine can make the reforms needed to attract this 1.3 billion?

Rana Karadsheh: Of course! We wouldnt be doing this if we werent optimistic. It doesn't happen overnight. It's a very slow, very deliberate and consistent process. But it does happen.

Read the full interview here.

What else is happening

The Economy Ministry will create a working group with MIGA to speed up war insurance for investors. The Economy Ministry together with the World Banks Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) has agreed on the creation of a working group to accelerate the process of getting war insurance to investors. "Ukraine needs to unblock the inflow of private investments now. But everyone understands that without reliable instruments for insurance of military risks, we will not see an active inflow of investments, Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said. According to the minister, MIGA has already moved forward with four war insurance risk projects.

DTEK contracts another 70,000 tons of coal imports from Poland. Ukraines private energy giant DTEK has contracted an additional 70,000 metric tons of coal from Poland as it prepares for a second winter of Russian attacks on the country's energy system, the company said in a statement on Nov. 13. Our own coal mining always remains a priority for us, but additional shipments of fuel from abroad will allow us to go through the heating season more confidently. We are doing everything to get through this difficult winter and provide Ukrainians with light and warmth, said General Director of DTEK Energy Ildar Saleev.

US ambassador: 100th ship passes through Black Sea humanitarian corridor. The 100th ship has departed through the Black Sea humanitarian corridor since its opening in August, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink said on Nov. 13. In total, 3.7 million metric tons of food and goods have passed through the corridor, Brink wrote on the social media platform X.

Financial Times: US seeks to foil Russias zeal to become major LNG exporter. The U.S. is directly targeting Russias ability to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) for the first time, which could disrupt global energy markets  something Washington has so far looked to avoid, the Financial Times reported on Nov. 12. The State Department sanctioned Russian Arctic LNG 2 in early November, blocking European and Asian countries from buying the Russian projects gas when it starts producing next year, officials, lawyers, and analysts told FT.

US official: Frozen Russian assets won't be returned until Moscow pays for Ukraine's reconstruction. The roughly $300 billion in Russian assets that have been frozen by Ukraine's allies in the West will not be returned until Moscow pays for Ukraine's reconstruction, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien said at a U.S. Senate hearing on Nov. 8. O'Brien said the frozen assets gave the U.S. and its allies "leverage" in discussions about how to get Russia to pay.

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Ukraine is scaling up the production of naval drones, developing new models with "surprises" to keep Russian ships "uncomfortable" in the Black Sea, Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov told Ukrainian TV broadcasters on Nov. 14.

Read also: Russian warship damaged in Nov. 4 missile attack is newly built, not yet part of Black Sea Fleet

New models [of drones] with surprises are being developed, said Fedorov.

So, I think Russian ships will feel quite uncomfortable in the Black Sea. There's a specific task to scale production, so more and more manufacturers are appearing, competition exists, new features are emerging.

We are now working around the clock to move the war to a new technological phase, to continue destroying the enemy.

He also added that the country is currently actively producing combat UAVs. Since June, Ukrainian drones have destroyed 627 enemy tanks, 869 armored vehicles, and over 700 artillery units.

Read also: Game changers of the technological war

Ukraine uses naval drones to attack Russia Black Sea Fleet. On Nov. 10, drones critically damaged two Russian small landing ships in occupied Crimea. In total, since February 2022, Ukraine has sunk or damaged 25 Russian vessels.

Read also: Drones reportedly hit strategic ammunitions producer in Russias Bryansk Oblast

Ukraine's experimental surface drone, Sea Baby, was notably used to attack the Crimean Bridge linking the occupied peninsula with Russia.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the creation of a Ukrainian fleet of naval drones and a fundraiser for it in November 2022.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The Ukrainian and Polish governments once again failed to make progress in stopping a week-long protest of Polish truckers at Ukraine's border, Reuters reported on Nov. 14 citing a Ukrainian official.

The protesters are demanding renewed restrictions on the number of Ukrainian trucks permitted in Poland. They are also calling for a ban on transportation companies from outside the European Union. Protest organizers have said that the lack of restrictions.

In a televised address, Ukrainian border guard spokesman Andriy Demchenko stated that "negotiations have not yet led to anything, and Polish carriers continue to block three main directions."

Demchenko announced that more than 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.

Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Serhiy Derkach announced on Facebook that another round of negotiations took place on Monday.

"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.

According to Reuters, Protest organizer Tomasz Borkowski blamed a lack of willingness to talk from the Ukrainian side for the lack of progress.

Disputes over grain shipments led to strained Urkainian-Polish relations after Warsaw decided to extend the import ban on Ukrainian grain past the EU's Sept. 15 expiration date. Poland maintains that Ukrainian grain imports threaten the livelihoods of local farmers.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia lost 4,000 soldiers on eastern front in 2 weeks, commander says

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(Bloomberg) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy assured allies that his military was preparing to take the war with Russia into next year after a delegation pressed Kyivs case in Washington for continued support.

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It will not be easy, we are aware of this, Zelenskiy said in a nightly address late Tuesday. But we are doing everything to ensure that Ukraines position remains solid.

The US visit came as House lawmakers passed a funding bill that doesnt include aide to Ukraine, which has been resisted by Republican hardliners. The delegation spoke with officials including Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and members of the House Intelligence Committee.

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FILE - Ukrainian marines sail along the Dnipro river at the frontline near Kherson, Ukraine, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. A top Ukrainian official said on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, its troops have established a beachhead on the eastern bank of the Dnieper River near Kherson, an important advance in bridging one of Russia's most significant strategic barriers in the war. (AP Photo/Alex Babenko, File)

KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  A top Ukrainian official said its troops have established a beachhead on the eastern bank of the Dnieper River near Kherson, an important advance in overcoming one of Russia's most significant strategic barriers in the war.

Andriy Yermak, head of the president's office, provided no details but confirmed the development that had been widely discussed in military forums over the past month. Against all odds, Ukraines defense forces have gained a foothold on the left bank, he told the Hudson Institute, a Washington think tank, in a speech Monday.

Ever since Russian forces left the city of Kherson and the territory around it in November 2022, the only area they controlled on the west bank of the Dnieper, the river became a natural dividing line along the southern battlefront, preventing Ukrainian troops from advancing further towards Russian-annexed Crimea.

The barrier also allowed Russia to concentrate more troops in the heavily mined and fortified Zaporizhzhia region and eastern Ukraine. Crossing the river could allow Ukraine to outflank Russia without having to break through the Zaporizhzhia region and take the most direct land route to Crimea.

Yermak said Ukraines military had moved step by step toward Crimea and covered nearly three-quarters of the distance there.

Since the summer, Ukrainian forces have crossed the river in small groups to create a foothold near the Kherson bridge and more recently sought to expand their presence in nearby villages on the east bank, including Krynky.

The Institute for the Study of War in Washington said Yermak's comments confirm its own assessments that Ukraine was conducting larger-than-usual ground operations on the river's eastern bank and appeared to be holding its positions and supplying troops in the Russian-controlled part of the Kherson region.

Satellite imagery from Monday showed forces advancing on Krynky on the eastern bank about 22 miles (35 kilometers) northeast of Kherson city, the institute said.

Russian military bloggers have reported intense fighting near Krynky.

The Moscow-appointed governor for the Russia-occupied part of the Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, said Ukrainian forces lost up to two battalions crossing the river and trying to maintain their foothold on the east bank.

On his Telegram channel, he claimed that Ukrainian forces in Krynky were facing a fiery hell of intense bombardment and were being destroyed on a large scale.

Ukrainian forces have long established positions in several areas on the eastern bank and sought to expand them, using boats to ferry supplies.

Ukraine lost control over almost the entire Kherson region, including the city of Kherson, in March 2022, just after Russia's invasion started. Russian troops advanced from the Crimean Peninsula, facing almost no resistance even though the Ukraine border was supposed to be heavily guarded.

In other developments:

At least two civilians were killed and 14 wounded in Ukraine in the past day, the president's office said.

In the eastern Donetsk region, Russians launched a massive missile attack on Selydove that wounded three people and damaged eight high-rise buildings and others.

In the Kherson region, seven people were wounded during shelling of residential areas of Beryslav and the city of Kherson.

Drones killed a 26-year-old man in Nikopol, on the opposite bank of the river from the area near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

In the Kharkiv region, shelling near Izium struck a car and killed a 33-year-old driver and wounded a passenger.

___

Yuras Karmanau in Tallinn, Estonia contributed.
The offender is currently in custody

Ukraines SBU security service has arrested a suspected agent of the Russian Armed Forces Main Intelligence Directorate or GRU in Kharkiv, who adjusted missileand artillery strikes on the military and critical infrastructure of the city, the SBU reported on Telegram on Nov. 15.

The identified perpetrator is a 49-year-old associate professor from a Kharkiv university, allegedly recruited by Russian military intelligence remotely after the onset of the full-scale invasion.

Read also:

The primary mission of this GRU agent included documenting the aftermath of missile and artillery strikes on a defense enterprise in Kharkiv Oblast, a target that Russian occupiers had consistently bombarded.

The SBU emphasized that the agent was also tasked with monitoring the movement routes of Ukrainian Armed Forces units and pinpointing the locations of logistical warehouses, particularly those housing ammunition and supplies.

Another task of the collaborator was monitoring the activities of foreign volunteer organizations in Kharkiv.

SBU operatives apprehended the Russian collaborator at his own residence in Kharkiv.

Read also:

According to the investigation, the agent transmitted intelligence to the Russian GRU through a messaging platform in the form of text messages and markings on electronic maps.

SBU investigators have officially notified the Russian agent of the charges pertaining to state treason committed in conditions of martial law. He may be potentially facing a life sentence.

Currently, the suspect is in custody. The investigation is ongoing.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Despite the imposition of restrictions on close associates of runaway former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych by the United States, Ukraine has yet to follow suit, as the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) has not imposed sanctions on a dozen contentious politicians from the Yanukovych era.

Notably absent from domestic sanction lists is Andriy Portnov, who served as Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration from 2010, overseeing the judicial branch of power.

Read also: Parliament to deprive Medvedchuk, Kozak, Derkach and Kuzmin of MP status

Also untouched by sanctions is Andriy Klyuev, who served as a NSDC Secretary and later headed Yanukovychs administration. Klyuev is considered implicated in organizing the violent dispersal of students on Maidan on Nov. 30, 2013  the trigger for the EuroMaidan Revolution, or Revolution of Dignity.

As an NV investigation reveals, several other controversial figures from Yanukovychs inner circle, subject to U.S. restrictions, have not been included in Ukraines national sanctions lists.

Read also: US tightens Russia sanctions, targeting Lancet drone manufacturer

They include Raisa Bohatyriova, a former health minister, accused of embezzling state funds on an especially large scale and illegally transferring them abroad.

Additionally, Serhiy Arbuzov, a former deputy prime minister and acting PM, is omitted. The U.S. Department of the Treasury considers him a leading member of Yanukovychs political allies who controlled key economic positions in the government.

Among the others who have so far escaped Ukrainian sanctions are:

Eduard Stavytsky, former Energy Minister, who left Ukraine after the shootings on Maidan

Oleh Voloshyn, former MP from the Party of Regions, suspected of state treason

Dmytro Svyatash, former MP of the Party of Regions and the Revival group, implicated in several criminal investigations

Andriy Zhydkov, the so-called chief of the Main Directorate of the Interior Ministry in Melitopol and Melitopol district, who facilitated Putins sham referendums

Volodymyr Bandura, former mayor of Sviatohirsk in Donetsk Oblast

Communist Petro Symonenko, who fled to Russia accompanied by Russian special forces during the occupation of Kyiv region

Renat Kuzmin, former MP from the Party of Regions, stripped of Ukrainian citizenship by Zelenskyy and suspected of state treason.

Read also:

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Ukraine launched an insurance program with broker Marsh McLennan and Lloyds of London to cover grain vessels leaving Ukraine's deep-sea port, days after a foreign cargo ship was struck by a Russian missile, Bloomberg reported on Nov. 14.

Earlier this week, a civilian ship in a port in Odesa Oblast was attacked by Russian missiles, killing one person on board and injuring four others. The port pilot was killed and another port worker was injured when a Russian Kh-31P air-to-surface missile hit the ship above its main deck.

Another three members of the ship's crew were injured, all of whom were citizens of the Philippines. The ship sailed under the flag of Liberia and was "a civilian vessel carrying iron ore to China."

According to Bloomberg, Ukraines first Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko stated in a Facebook post that the $50 million program would insure ships against military risks.

The program may help shipowners get coverage to transport goods by sea from Ukraine. Ships continue to sail from Ukraine's Black Sea Port, however, shipowners fear using the port after the missile attack for fear of further casualties or other potential military activities.

The Ukrainian Navy opened a temporary corridor in September, allowing cargo ships to exit and enter the region's ports following Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July.

Russian attacks on Ukraine's port and grain infrastructure escalated dramatically in the subsequent months, with strikes on sea and river ports in Odesa Oblast becoming a frequent occurrence.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia lost 4,000 soldiers on eastern front in 2 weeks, commander says

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Key developments on Nov. 14:

Commander: Russia lost over 4,000 soldiers on eastern front over past 2 weeks

Prosecutor's office identifies Russian soldiers who killed civilians, including well-known children's writer

Germany's Rheinmetall to provide Ukraine with 25 Leopard 1 tanks

EU provides additional $118 million in humanitarian aid for Ukraine

Commissioner says EU can produce 1 million shells and missiles per year with enough effort from member states

Air Force: Ukraine downs 7 of 9 attack drones overnight

Russian media: Drone attack damages Bryansk explosives plant.

Over the past two weeks, Russia lost over 4,000 of its soldiers and 500 pieces of equipment on the eastern front in Ukraine's Kharkiv and Donetsk oblasts, Ground Forces Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi reported on Nov. 14.

According to him, Russian troops have been relentlessly attacking Ukrainian forces around Kharkiv Oblast's Kupiansk, as well as to the north and south of the ruined city of Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast.

Syrskyi said Russian forces have also increased their use of attack drones. But despite Russian attempts to "seize the initiative" by launching new attacks, Ukrainian forces "destroy all the plans and attempts" of the Russian troops "to seize our land."

"The enemy is losing its offensive capabilities daily," Syrskyi wrote on Telegram.

Earlier in the day, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said that Russian troops launched attacks in seven directions along the front line from Zaporizhzhia Oblast's Robotyne in the south to Kupiansk in the northeast over the past day.

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.

The Air Force said seven of the nine Shahed "kamikaze" drones were shot down in Ukraine overnight on Nov. 14. The drones were launched from Russian Krasnodar Krai, according to the report.

Read also: How Russias homegrown Lancet drone became so feared in Ukraine

Weapons, aid for Ukraine

Ukrainian forces will receive 25 main battle tanks Leopard 1A5 from the German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall as part of an order financed by the German government.

The company announced on Nov. 14 that the order consists of 25 Leopard 1 tanks, five Bergepanzer 2 armored recovery vehicles, and two driver training tanks. The delivery will take place next year.

As part of the contract, Rheinmetall will provide Ukraine with training, logistics, spare parts, maintenance, and other support services.

However, in 2024, Rheinmetall says it will also supply Ukraine with 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks on behalf of the Dutch and Danish governments, and five Caracal airmobile-capable vehicles in late 2023-early 2024.

"In addition to vehicles, Rheinmetall is aiding the Ukrainian armed forces with ammunition, drones, medical facilities, etc," reads the company's statement.

According to the Nov. 14 report by the Ukrinform news site, 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.

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.

Also, on Nov. 14, the European Commission announced that it 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 latest allocation brings the total for EU humanitarian aid in response to Russia's war in Ukraine to 843 million euros ($904 million)," reads the statement.

The funding will go to humanitarian partners who provide necessities like shelter, healthcare, food, water, psychological 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.

Read also: Donations on decline: Volunteers get creative to keep raising funds for military

Prosecutor's office identifies Russian soldiers who killed civilians, including well-known children's writer

Two Russian soldiers who killed at least four civilians in Kharkiv Oblast during its occupation, including the well-known children's writer Volodymyr Vakulenko, were identified, the Prosecutor General's Office reported on Nov. 14.

The two soldiers, whom the Prosecutor General's Office said were Ukrainian natives of Luhansk Oblast, learned that Vakulenko lived in the then-occupied town of Kapytolivka.

Aware that Vakulenko had pro-Ukrainian views, they interrogated him twice, kidnapping him and killing him the second time.

Vakulenko's body was found in a mass grave outside of Izium in Kharkiv Oblast.

In addition, the 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 prosecutors said.

Read also: These Ukrainian artists, writers were killed by Russias war

Drone damages explosives plant in Russian Bryansk Oblast

A Bryansk chemical plant that produces military explosives and ammunition was damaged by a drone strike overnight, independent Russian media outlet Meduza reported on Nov. 14.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that air defense systems had downed four Ukrainian drones over Bryansk, Moscow, Tambov, and Oryol oblasts overnight.

A drone was discovered in a workshop under construction at the Bryansk Chemical Plant in the village of Seltso, Telegram channel Baza said. According to it, the workshop's roof was damaged in three spots, but no casualties were reported.

Bryansk Oblast borders Ukraine's northern Chernihiv and Sumy oblasts. 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.

However, in the summer, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that it was natural and fair that the war was returning to Russian territory.

"Ukraine is becoming stronger. The war is gradually returning to Russian territory  to its symbolic centers and military bases, and this is an inevitable, natural, and absolutely fair process," Zelensky said.

Read also: I never planned to fight against Ukraine: Forcibly conscripted by Russia, Ukrainians await fate in POW camp

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Within the last 24 hours, 58 combat clashes took place at the front. In total, the Russians launched four missile attacks and 29 airstrikes, as well as 46 attacks from multiple-launch rocket systems.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 18:00 on 15 November

Quote: "During the day, the Air Force of the Defence Forces carried out 10 strikes on the areas where enemy personnel, weapons and military equipment were concentrated and three attacks on enemy anti-aircraft missile systems.

Units of Rocket Forces and Artillery struck two areas where enemy personnel, weapons and military equipment were concentrated, 13 artillery pieces, one ammunition storage point and one air defence system."

Details: On the Kupiansk front, the Russians carried out assaults near Synkivka, Petropavlivka and Ivanivka (Kharkiv Oblast), where Ukrainian soldiers repelled seven attacks.

On the Lyman front, the Russians conducted unsuccessful assault actions near Nadiia in Luhansk Oblast.

On the Bakhmut front, the Russians, supported by aircraft, conducted assault operations near Klishchiivka and Andriivka (Donetsk Oblast).

On the Avdiivka front, the Russians, with the support of aircraft, conducted unsuccessful assault actions east of Novokalynove, Avdiivka and Pervomaiske (Donetsk Oblast), where Ukraine's Defence Forces repelled 17 attacks.

On the Marinka front, the Russians, supported by aircraft, conducted unsuccessful assault operations near Marinka and Novomykhailivka (Donetsk Oblast), where Ukrainian soldiers repelled 19 attacks.

On the Shakhtarsk front, the Russians carried out unsuccessful assaults near Prechystivka and Staromaiorske (Donetsk Oblast).

On the Zaporizhzhia front, the Russians conducted unsuccessful assault operations near Novodarivka in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Meanwhile, the Defence Forces of Ukraine continue conducting an offensive operation on the Melitopol front and offensive (assault) actions on the Bakhmut front, inflicting the occupying forces losses in manpower and equipment and exhausting the Russians along the contact line.

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The Ministry of Justice of Ukraine has filed a further lawsuit with the High Anti-Corruption Court seeking the recovery of assets from the sanctioned Russian public joint-stock company (PJSC) Ilyushin Aviation Complex.

Source: Inna Bohatykh, Director of the Sanctions Policy Department of the Ministry of Justice

Details: Bohatykh said the Security Service of Ukraine had found aircraft equipment that had been manufactured to order for sanctioned individuals.

In this regard, the Ministry of Justice has filed a new lawsuit to impose sanctions on the S.V. Ilyushin Aviation Complex and the United Aircraft Corporation.

According to a statement on the Ministry of Justice's website, the lawsuit names PJSC United Aircraft Corporation, Rostec State Concern, and Pivdenmash (O.M. Makarov Pivdennyi Machine-Building Plant) as third parties without independent claims.

Background:

The Ilyushin Aviation Complex is a leading enterprise in Russias aviation industry. It produces and maintains civilian and military aircraft, including the Il-76 heavy military transport aircraft Russia has been using during its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

On 17 June 2023, the Ministry of Justice filed a lawsuit with the High Anti-Corruption Court seeking the confiscation of US$4.5 million worth of aircraft equipment from the Ilyushin Aviation Complex. The court upheld this claim.

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The renowned Ukrainian poet, writer, musician, and volunteer Serhiy Zhadan expressed delight as Kyiv removed a monument to the Russian poet Alexander Pushkin in the capitals Shuliavka District.

The poet previously posted a previously taken selfie against the backdrop of the Pushkin monument on Beresteiskyi Avenue. Celebrating this significant step, Zhadan congratulated Kyiv residents, humorously asking, Dear Kyiv residents, how did this happen???

Read also: Ukrainian poet Zhadan discusses good Russians in Kharkiv

In a later post near the Kyiv National Music Academy, Zhadan drew attention to the institution still bearing the name of Russian composer Tchaikovsky, noting, By the way...

Zhadan has been travelling across Ukraine, seeking out Pushkin monuments, and calling for them to be dismantled by the local authorities in cities like Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhya, Poltava, Chernivtsi, and others.

Monuments to Pushkin in particular have been targeted for removal in Ukraine because some of the works of the Russian poet glorify Russian imperialism.

Read also:

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DTEK, the energy company owned by Ukraines wealthiest person, Rinat Akhmetov, transferred a loan of around US$400 million from Russias Sberbank to its subsidiary.

Source: Slidstvo.Info, citing Cyprus Confidential, a new leak of Cypriot documents

Details: Cyprus Confidential is a global investigation based on a leak of 3.6 million documents from six Cypriot firms involved in company registration and consulting. It was conducted by 270 journalists from 69 media outlets, led by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and Germanys Paper Trail Media.

"In the Cyprus Confidential leak, ICIJ journalist Tetiana Kozyrieva revealed the extent of Rinat Akhmetov's business holdings, including direct or indirect interests in 60 offshore companies, mostly registered in Cyprus.

Most of the companies that are part of Akhmetov's network are connected to System Capital Management Ltd (SCM), Akhmetov's corporate consortium, through which the oligarch significantly influences vital sectors of the Ukrainian economy," the material says.

The files, in particular, shed light on Akhmetov's involvement in Russia's coal industry after the 2014 annexation of Crimea.

In 2016, DTEK transferred ownership of several coal mines to its Cyprus-based subsidiary, Fabcell Ltd. The company had bought these mines in the south-west of Russia, in Rostov Oblast, four years earlier.

"DTEK also transferred its obligations under a significant loan of about US$400 million from Sberbank (Russia's largest state-owned bank) to the subsidiary," reports Slidstvo.Info. "In January 2017, Fabcell reclassified its shares into 7,999 common shares and one golden share. The golden share was assigned to Sberbank, allowing the bank to gain control over Akhmetov's company in the event that it failed to fulfil its obligations."

In a statement to ICIJ, Akhmetov said that SCM Holdings Ltd. is the only Cypriot company in which he is a "direct shareholder", and that SCM consists of 500 legal entities in various jurisdictions. He also noted that DTEKs holding company is registered in the Netherlands.

Akhmetov also said in his response that the financing provided by Sberbank and other lenders before the 2014 Russian invasion was "standard practice for Ukrainian borrowers".

After the invasion, Akhmetov said, "the situation changed dramatically", and DTEK attempted to sell its Rostov coal mines.

When no buyer was found, ownership of the mines was transferred to Fabcell in order to "limit (DTEKs) vulnerability to Sberbanks claims as a creditor and pave the way for DTEK to exit its investments in the Rostov coal mines," Akhmetov said in the statement.

Update: DTEK said that they have no involvement in coal mines in the Russian Federation, having divested all their coal assets in Russia in 2021.

"DTEK Group fully divested all its coal assets in the aggressor country in 2021. In the last three years, the company has had nothing to do with these assets. The decision to sell the mines in Rostov Oblast was taken in 2014 in connection with Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of war in the east of Ukraine.

Since then, DTEK Group has ceased all investments and capital expenditure and started the process of exiting the business.

We would remind you that DTEK Energy acquired the coal mines in Rostov Oblast before the start of Russias aggression, back in 2011-2012, to ensure the operation of thermal power plants," the company asserted.

Background:

Leaked documents from Cyprus Confidential have also revealed that Rinat Akhmetov, Ukraines wealthiest person, almost certainly bought a two-storey penthouse in Chelsea Barracks in London for US$122 million in 2022.

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The Special Operations Forces personnel were introduced to a new commander, Colonel Serhii Lupanchuk. Viktor Khorenko handed over the post to his successor.

Source: Rustem Umierov, Ukrainian Defence Minister, on Facebook; Khorenko's comment provided to Ukrainska Pravda by Valeriia Subotina, his communications adviser

Quote from Umierov: "Together with Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, we handed over the battle flag of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to Colonel Lupanchuk.

We are all proud of the strength of the soldiers of the SOF of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and sincerely wish for new achievements in defending our state from Russian aggression."

Details: Umierov stressed that increasing the capacity of the SOF is a priority of the state's defence policy.

Major General Viktor Khorenko addressed the personnel and thanked them for their service.

PHOTO: UMIEROV'S FACEBOOK PAGE

Quote: "I appreciate everyone and that in this historical, challenging time for Ukraine, you all stood by me in this struggle!

Every soldier is important to me, and every life is valuable. I was driven only by hatred for the enemy and the desire to regain what was captured by the occupier.

Our strength lies in unity. And I wish everyone the wisdom to make difficult decisions. We're not victims. We are predators.

Thank you for the honour of being your commander. Decisions are non-negotiable, and I follow orders and continue to believe in each of you.

The fight continues. Glory to Ukraine! I will come unto you!"

Background:

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Khorenko by his decree of 3 November and appointed Serhii Lupanchuk as the new commander of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

In his evening address on the same day, Zelenskyy said that Khorenko would continue to carry out special tasks as part of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine.

Khorenko, however, said he did not know why he was dismissed and that Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which he learned about from the media.

fired.On 4 November, the Office of the President of Ukraine stated that Zelenskyy dismissed Khorenko from the post of Commander of the Special Operations Forces at the request of Defence Minister Rustem Umierov.

Umierov said that he would not disclose reasons for the dismissal of Viktor Khorenko but ventured that Khorenko was needed on a "certain front".

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Ukrainian forces are pushing back Russian invasion troops in Kherson Oblast, and the frontline there is now "flexible," Southern Defense Forces spokesperson Natalia Humeniuk said on national television on Nov. 15.

Read also: No signs of Russian retreat from occupied left bank in Kherson Oblast, reports NRC

Humeniuk said that the Russians positioned along the front line running alongside the Dnipro River feel "very uncomfortable," but are actively defending themselves, employing heavy artillery, multiple rocket launchers, and aviation.

"They understand that the advance of the (Ukrainian) Armed Forces is inevitable, but they cannot predict from which direction such danger will await them, Humeniuk said.

The pushback from our side is taking place along a line of 3 to 8 kilometers along the entire line from the water's edge. The front line is quite flexible today."

Read also: Russians delete the message about claimed retreat from left bank of Dnipro to test Ukrainian forces

Humeniuk said that the military cannot disclose all the measures it is taking, but that Ukrainian forces are "obviously pressing" the invaders.

"For now, were asking for information silence so that our plans can work, allowing us to report on great successes later," Humeniuk added.

What is happening on the left bank of the Dnipro in 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 bankof 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 military officially refuses to comment on these reports, stating only that the combat work of Ukrainian soldiers continues.

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Ukrainian servicemen fire a Partyzan small MLRS for firing toward Russian troops near a front line in Zaporizhzhia region

KYIV (Reuters) - A Ukrainian civic group said it has confirmed the deaths of nearly 25,000 Ukrainian soldiers since Russia's February 2022 invasion by using open sources, and puts the total toll at more than 30,000.

Kyiv treats its losses as a state secret and officials say disclosing the figure could harm its war effort. A report in August by the New York Times, citing anonymous U.S. officials, put the Ukrainian death toll at close to 70,000.

Writing in the Ukrainian journal Tyzhden, historian Yaroslav Tynchenko and volunteer Herman Shapovalenko said Shapovalenko's Book of Memory project had confirmed 24,500 combat and non-combat deaths using open sources.

The real figure was likely higher, they added, noting that many of the 15,000 troops listed as missing were likely dead.

Reuters could not independently verify the figures.

"Obviously, the 24,500 names are not the final number of dead (deceased), but by our assessment it is no less than 70%," the authors wrote. "That is, the real number of dead (deceased) in combat and non-combat situations is more than 30,000 people."

Applying a 1:3 ratio, the authors also estimated that up to 100,000 troops had been wounded.

A spokesman for Ukraine's defence ministry told Reuters he could not comment on the figures.

The Book of Memory project, which has tracked Ukraine's war dead since Russia's first invasion in 2014, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Tynchenko, in a message through his employer, the National Military History Museum of Ukraine, declined to comment on the article.

The article, published late on Tuesday, comes as Ukraine increasingly faces the prospect of fighting a long war with Russia.

Ukraine's top general wrote in the Economist earlier this month that the conflict was becoming static and attritional. A Ukrainian counteroffensive launched in June has made only incremental gains in the south and east.

The authors of the Tyzhden article said it was crucial to balance various estimates reported in Western media, which they described as given to "manipulation", with verifiable data.

"Should we talk about this topic in Ukraine during the war? We believe so, but only in terms of concrete data and open and trustworthy sources," they wrote.

Russia has also not disclosed the number of its war dead.

(Reporting by Dan Peleschuk; editing by Tom Balmforth and Alex Richardson)
An ideologist of de-Nazification of Ukraine, Armen Gasparyan, has been sentenced in absentia to 10 years in prison, following a thorough examination of evidence presented by Ukraines SBU security service.

Gasparyan authored a book in 2018 in which he propagated narratives asserting the supposed inability of the formation of the Ukrainian state and called upon the leadership of the Russian Federation to initiate a military attack on Ukraine, the SBU reported on Telegram on Nov. 15.

Read also: How modern Russia draws on fascist ideology

Gasparyan, credited with popularizing the term de-Nazification in Russia and applying it to Ukraine, was found guilty on three charges under the Criminal Code of Ukraine, based on materials provided by the Ukrainian SBU:

Public calls for genocide, as well as the production of materials with calls for genocide

Actions aimed at the violent change or overthrow of the constitutional order or the seizure of state power

Encroachment on the territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine

The SBU reports that the court hearing took place in a special proceeding in the absence of the accused.

Read also: Auschwitz Museum director on root causes of Russian crimes in Ukraine  interview

Gasparyan has been sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment with property confiscation. The term of punishment will be calculated from the moment of Gasparyans actual detention.

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The United Nations Security Council is trying for the fifth time to come up with a resolution responding to the Israel-Hamas war, but after four failed attempts, it is unclear whether divisions can be overcome to produce a consensus.

The most recent draft, proposed by council member Malta and obtained by The Associated Press, demands immediate extended humanitarian pauses throughout Gaza and provisions for civilians.

The draft demands that all parties comply with international humanitarian law, but does not mention a cease-fire. According to the AP, the draft makes no mention of the Oct. 7 surprise attack when Hamas entered Israel, killing 1,200 people.

The proposal also does not mention the deadly retaliatory strikes from Israel in its counteroffensive that have left more than 11,000 Palestinians dead.

Members have been at odds with what they would like to demand in the resolution. The United States is calling for humanitarian pauses, while other members request a humanitarian cease-fire.

The U.N. council comprises 15 members and is responsible for maintaining international peace and security.

The United States was the only country in the council to veto a resolution that condemned the Hamas attack, saying the resolution did not include language about Israels right to defend itself.

Consensus among the U.N. General Assembly has also been up in the air. The U.S. and 13 other countries voted against a resolution calling for a humanitarian truce in Gaza, while 121 countries voted in favor of the resolution. The resolution was adopted Oct. 27 and Israel agreed on Nov. 9 to four-hour pauses in the fighting.

Unlike decisions taken by the General Assembly, actions taken by the Security Council are legally binding, according to the U.N.

Several diplomats from the council said disagreements between the opposing sides were getting closer and a vote could come as early as Wednesday.

The current resolution proposes humanitarian pauses for a sufficient number of days to open access to aid from the U.N., the Red Cross and other organizations to provide civilians with water, electricity, fuel, food and medical supplies in Gaza. The draft said the pause should allow for a rebuilding of essential infrastructure.

Its not known how the vote will go, but U.N. Director for the International Crisis Group Richard Gowan thinks the United Statess opposition to a cease-fire poses too much of a political risk.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday passed a resolution calling for the release of hostages held by Palestinian militant group Hamas and for urgent humanitarian pauses and corridors to be opened in besieged Gaza.

The resolution, which was brought by Malta, passed after several unsuccessful votes on a resolution regarding the Israel-Hamas war last month. It ultimately passed on Wednesday with 12 members of the council supporting it.

Russia, the United States and the U.K. abstained from the vote. Russia had called for a ceasefire in the fighting.

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, blasted members for not adopting language that condemns Hamas for the deadly Oct. 7 attack in southern Israel that killed 1,200 people.

Im horrified that a few members of this council still cannot bring themselves to condemn the barbaric terrorist attack, she said. What are they afraid of? What is stopping them from unequivocally condemning the actions of a terrorist organization that is determined to kill Jews?

Thomas-Greenfield, however, said she supported the resolution for calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas.

The resolution is legally binding but can technically be ignored. It calls for pauses to help with humanitarian access, but not a cease-fire.

The U.S. has already worked with Israel to implement daily tactical pauses and trucks with aid are rolling through Gazas border corridor with Egypt.

The resolution also calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the estimated 239 hostages held by Hamas.

The State of Palestine, an observer at the U.N., said Gaza is under a siege from Israel and that the Security Council should have called for a ceasefire and condemned the killing of civilians.

It did not condemn the assault on hospitals and schools, said Palestinian U.N. representative Riyad Mansour. Selective outrage breeds double standards and shows disregard for Palestinian life and the refusal to recognize Israeli crimes.

Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. Gilad Erdan said the resolution falls on deaf ears when it comes to Hamas and other terrorist organizations and vowed that his country will continue its mission in Gaza.

The ongoing war has created a dire humanitarian crisis in the coastal enclave, where Hamas-run Palestinian Health Ministry said more than 11,000 people have died since the war began in early October.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas in retaliation for its deadly Oct. 7 attacks and the taking of hostages.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Palestinians look for survivors after an Israeli strike on a building last night in Jebaliya refugee camp, Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Abo Salamah) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

UNITED NATIONS (AP)  After four failed attempts, the U.N. Security Council is trying for a fifth time to come up with a resolution on the Israel-Hamas war, but it remains to be seen whether serious divisions can be overcome to produce a consensus on wording.

The current draft under negotiation would demand immediate extended humanitarian pauses throughout the Gaza Strip to provide civilians with desperately needed aid. It also would demand that all parties comply with international humanitarian law that requires protection for civilians, calls for special protections for children, and bans hostage-taking.

But the draft, proposed by council member Malta and obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press, makes no mention of a ceasefire. It also doesnt refer to Hamas surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7 that killed around 1,200 people and took some 240 others hostage. Nor does it cite Israels retaliatory airstrikes and ground offensive in Hamas-ruled Gaza that the Gaza health ministry says has killed more than 11,000 Palestinians, two-thirds of them women and children.

The 15-member council, which has the responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, has been paralyzed since the war began by its internal divisions. This is especially the case between China and Russia, which want an immediate ceasefire, and the United States, Israels closest ally that has called for humanitarian pauses but objects to any mention of a ceasefire.

In the four previous tries, a Brazil-drafted resolution was vetoed by the United States, a U.S.-drafted resolution was vetoed by Russia and China, and two Russian-drafted resolutions failed to get the minimum nine yes voted needed for adoption.

Several council diplomats said the opposing sides were getting closer. Two said that a vote on the latest draft could come as early as Wednesday but that delegations were still checking with their capitals. The diplomats insisted on speaking anonymously because the negotiations are supposed to be private.

The resolution under consideration says the humanitarian pauses should be for a sufficient number of days to open corridors for unhindered access by U.N., Red Cross and other aid workers to get water, electricity, fuel, food and medical supplies to all those in need. It says the pauses also should allow repair of essential infrastructure and enable urgent rescue and recovery efforts.

After the failure of the fourth Security Council resolution, Arab nations turned to the 193-member General Assembly and succeeded in getting wide approval for a resolution calling for a humanitarian truce in Gaza meant to lead to a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas.

It was the first United Nations response to the war. But unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, though they are a barometer of world opinion.

The vote was 120-14 with 45 abstentions. Of the five veto-holding Security Council members, Russia, China and France voted in favor, the United States voted against and the United Kingdom abstained.

The General Assembly resolution was adopted Oct. 27 and Israel agreed Nov. 9 to four-hour pauses. But only very limited aid has been delivered to Gaza through the Rafah crossing from Egypt, and a humanitarian catastrophe has been brewing.

Richard Gowan, U.N. director for the International Crisis Group, said U.S. opposition to a ceasefire is a gift that keeps on giving for Russia diplomatically. He said that while many diplomats think Russia is demanding a ceasefire for largely cynical reasons to make the Americans look bad, Moscows position is closer to the mainstream of council thinking, and the U.S. looks isolated.

The irony is that the Security Council has called for ceasefires in wars from the Balkans to Syria with little or no impact, Gowan said.

A U.N. ceasefire call would embarrass but not really constrain the Israelis, he said. But the U.S. clearly feels that even such a symbolic move is too much of a political risk.
Meeting of the UN Security Council on the conflict between Israel and Hamas

By Michelle Nichols and Daphne Psaledakis

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday called for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses in fighting between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip for a "sufficient number of days" to allow aid access.

The 15-member council overcame an impasse, which saw four unsuccessful attempts to take action last month, to adopt a resolution that also calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas.

The United States, Russia and Britain, who are council veto-powers, abstained from Wednesday's vote on the resolution drafted by Malta. The remaining 12 members voted in favor.

The council stalemate has largely been centered on whether to call for a humanitarian pause or a ceasefire. A pause is generally considered less formal and shorter than a ceasefire, which has to be agreed by the warring parties. The United States has backed pauses, while Russia has pushed for a ceasefire.

Russia failed in a last minute bid to amend the resolution to call for a truce leading to a cessation of hostilities. Russia abstained because there was no call for an immediate ceasefire, Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the council.

The resolution was the fifth council attempt to take action since Israel says Hamas militants killed 1,200 people and took about 240 hostage in a surprise assault on Oct. 7. The text also does not condemn the Hamas attack - a point of contention for Israel's ally, the U.S., and Britain.

"Ultimately, the United States could not vote 'yes' on a text that did not condemn Hamas - or reaffirm the right of all member states to protect their citizens from terrorist attacks," U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the council after the vote.

Britain also abstained because there was no condemnation of the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas.

"The barbarity of those attacks should be clear to us all," Britain's U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward told the council. "But let me be absolutely clear, it was vital and overdue for the council to speak on this crisis and we strongly support the resolution's purpose: to get aid in, and hostages out."

The council called "for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip for a sufficient number of days to enable ... the full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access."

Israel has vowed to wipe out Hamas, which rules Gaza, striking the enclave of 2.3 million from the air, imposing a siege and invading with soldiers and tanks. Gaza health officials, considered reliable by the United Nations, say about 11,500 Palestinians are confirmed killed.

"Hamas has deeply embedded itself within the civilian population in Gaza," Thomas-Greenfield said. "But we have been clear at the highest levels: Hamas's actions do not lessen Israel's responsibility to protect innocent people in Gaza."

The Security Council attempted four times in two weeks in October to act. Russia failed twice to get the minimum votes needed, the United States vetoed a Brazilian-drafted resolution and Russia and China vetoed a U.S.-drafted resolution.

The resolution adopted on Wednesday demands compliance with international law, specifically the protection of civilians, especially children. It also calls on all parties not to deprive civilians in Gaza of basic services and humanitarian aid needed for their survival, welcomes the initial, limited deliveries of aid, but calls for that to be increased.

In the wake of the Security Council deadlock last month, the 193-member U.N. General Assembly adopted on Oct. 28 - with 121 votes in favor - a resolution drafted by Arab states that called for an immediate humanitarian truce and demanded aid access to the Gaza Strip and protection of civilians.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Paul Grant, Emelia Sithole-Matarise, Grant McCool and Daniel Wallis)
WMO headquarters are pictured before a news conference to launch state of global climate report at the United Nations in Geneva

GENEVA (Reuters) -The concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere reached a record high last year, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said on Wednesday, warning there was "no end in sight" to the trend.

The warning comes weeks before world leaders are due to gather in Dubai for the annual U.N. climate conference COP28, which will see governments push for greater climate action, including a possible phase-out of fossil fuels before 2050.

In 2022, global average concentrations of carbon dioxide were a full 50% above the pre-industrial era for the first time, the U.N. weather agency said.

"Despite decades of warnings from the scientific community, thousands of pages of reports and dozens of climate conferences, we are still heading in the wrong direction," said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas.

Taalas said higher concentrations of greenhouse gases would be accompanied by more extreme weather events, including intense heat and rainfall, ice melt, higher sea levels, as well as ocean heat and acidification.

"About half of the planet has been facing an increase of flooding events, and one third of the planet has been facing an increase of drought events," Taalas said. "And this negative trend will continue until 2060s."

"We must reduce the consumption of fossil fuels as a matter of urgency," he said.

Methane concentrations in the atmosphere also increased, and levels of nitrous oxide, another greenhouse gas, saw the highest year-on-year increase on record between 2021 and 2022, WMO said.

Greenhouse gases are responsible for warming the planet and triggering extreme weather events. Unlike emissions which can be cut, much of the carbon dioxide emitted decades ago remains in the atmosphere and activates slow processes like the increase of the sea level.

"It takes thousands of years to remove carbon from the system once it's emitted into the atmosphere," Taalas said.

A separate UN report published on Tuesday said that governments were making insufficient progress in slashing greenhouse gas emissions to avert the worst impacts of global warming.

(Reporting by Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber; Editing by Christina Fincher and Bernadette Baum)
Roman Kostenko stressed that Volodymyr Zelenskyy should not fire generals without agreeing to fire with Valerii Zaluzhnyi

It is unacceptable that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy can dismiss generals without the approval of army Commander-in-Chief General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, MP Roman Kostenko said in an interview with Radio NV on Nov. 14.

"In my opinion, it is unacceptable that the Supreme Commander-in-Chief can do this during the war (dismiss generals - ed.) without the approval of the Commander-in-Chief," the MP said. Kostenko is the secretary of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence.

Read also: Top Zelenskyy aide shuts down rumors of rift with General Zaluzhnyi

The Supreme Commander-in-Chief is not a warfare specialist, he has his own specifics, his own profession, Kostenko said. But the commander-in-chief and the military are people who have been in the military since they were 18 or 17 years old  they know how it all works. And they know what kind of people are needed for certain positions.

Kostenko added that "there is no need to tell everyone" if one of the army generals fails to perform his duties, but the Commander-in-Chief, the person who is being removed, the Minister of Defense, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, and other generals must know about it.

Read also: Defense Minister Umerov refutes rumors of attempting to sack Zaluzhnyi

"(This is) in order to understand that a person has failed, (and that) he or she is being demoted," the MP said.

Or to a higher position, if they are being promoted. If any questions can be shared with the public, you can say so, but you don't have to come out and comment on every dismissal.

Kostenko argues that the former commander of the Special Operations Forces, Viktor Khorenko, had spoken out about his dismissal because he was treated unfairly.

Khorenko served as the commander of the Special Operations Forces from July 25, 2022. Zelenskyy dismissed him on Nov. 3, appointing Colonel Serhiy Lupanchuk in his place.

Khorenko claimed that he did not know the reasons for his dismissal and learned about it from the media. According to him, neither did the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, General Zaluzhnyi, know about the president's plans to reshuffle the staff of the SOF.

Read also: MP Kostenko explains timing of Ukraine's counter-offensive

Commenting on Khorenko's dismissal, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said that he was "needed in another area."

On Nov. 13, news outlet Ukrainska Pravda reported that Umerov was preparing a motion to dismiss three commanders of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: Commander of the Tavria Operational and Strategic Group of Troops Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, Commander of the Armed Forces Medical Forces Tetiana Ostashchenko, and Commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Serhiy Nayev.

The reasons for the possible dismissal of Tarnavskyi and Nayev are currently unknown. As for Ostashchenko, paramedics and volunteers involved in medical support of the Defense Forces insisted on her dismissal, according to UP sources.

The President's Office did not rule out possible staff rotations. President Zelenskyy's press secretary, Sergii Nykyforov, told reporters that if decisions are made, they will be announced on the official website of the head of state.

One of the UP's interlocutors said the issue of the dismissal of these commanders had been under consideration for several months.

Read also: Russia targets defense minister Umerov in disinformation campaign  Ukrainian intelligence

On the same day, the press service of the Ministry of Defense stated on Facebook that, "the information published by several media outlets is not true."

The department said in a statement that it "does not comment on rumors or unverified information." The Defense Ministry also said that "everyone is working as usual" and that all decisions are coordinated with the General Staff.

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A unicorn look-alike made an appearance on a game camera during a full moon in an Arizona national park.

But dont be fooled  it wasnt quite a mythical creature.

Instead, it was a young male elk missing an antler, the Petrified Forest National Park said in a Nov. 15 Facebook post.

The yearling was spotted in the park Oct. 28 with one antler without points, photos show.

The first set of antlers that yearling male elk grow are single beams with typically no forks or tines, officials said.

Elk typically spend the summer and fall months growing a set of antlers, according to the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Then they shed their antlers in the late winter or early spring, park officials said.

Elk may lose an antler due to sparring, poor nutrition, or disease/injuries that affect testosterone levels, park officials said.

Now park officials are keeping an eye out for a glimpse of another creature later this month.

With the next full moon occurring on November 27th, well be sure to watch for  Pegasuses?! Pegasi?! officials said in the post.

The Petrified Forest National Park is in northeastern Arizona.

Visitors can see fossils, ancient petroglyphs, buttes, mesas and colorful badlands like the Painted Desert.

See the absolutely magical moment boaters spot incredibly rare creature in Alaska

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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  A new survey from the University of New Orleans showcases what Louisiana residents want to see prioritized by the incoming Landry administration.

UNO professor and political scientist Dr. Edward Chervenak surveyed hundreds of Louisiana voters and expanded on some of the results with WGNO.

The three main issues identified in the survey are education at 12%, economy at 15% and crime taking the top spot at 17%.

People just have a perception that crime is out of control and that something needs to be done. So, theyre looking for state government to deal with it, Chervenak said.

Bogalusa man arrested following St. Tammany Parish traffic stop, drug bust

According to the poll, many residents are not very confident in the new governor.

People just have a general antagonism towards government. They look at it as being inefficient, wasting tax dollars and so we cant really expect the people to have a great deal of confidence in government, Chervenak said.

The poll also shows a significant increase in recreational marijuana support, now with over 50% statewide.

Weve seen those numbers in the past several years when weve done this poll. This is the seventh installment in the series of studies that weve done, Chervenak said.

Chervenak says that this steady support for recreational marijuana stems from several factors.

We think its because medical marijuana has become accepted in the state and also because people are looking at whats happening in other states that have legalized it and are seeing their reaping hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue as a result of that. So, they assume that Louisiana is leaving all that money on the table by not legalizing it, Chervenak said.

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Scientists are looking into whether fruit and vegetable vouchers could improve the health of poorer families.

The University of Reading has worked with the Whitley Community Development Association (CDA) on the government-funded study.

On Saturday 150 people received a voucher for a greengrocer, while 150 others did not.

Researchers will now monitor changes in their health every three months for a year.

The participants are all from Whitley and the group that were given vouchers will receive 10 every two weeks for 12 months.

They have provided hair and urine samples, and will do so every three months, to give researchers an idea of their health levels.

Jacqueline is taking part in the scheme and said she could not afford to buy fruit and vegetables all of the time

Those who were not given a voucher will be paid for their samples.

One participant, Jacqueline, said: "I couldn't afford to buy fruit and veg all the time.

"So coming here and being able to get that fruit and veg, it's a Godsend, an absolute Godsend."

Another, Anne-Marie, said: "I will be more inclined to cook every day because I've got fresh vegetables there, whereas at the moment I'd only cook a couple of times a week really."

Trisha Bennett from Whitely CDA said: "We identified 150 households, so, two or three streets locally, where there's a great need, and they've been given vouchers for the next 12 months.

"It's not about telling people what they should be eating, everybody knows five fruit and veg a day is good for you.

"They know that, they just can't afford it, and this way will make that big difference, and we'll monitor with our colleagues at the university the impact on people's health."

Scientists believe the hair and urine samples will show how fruit and veg vouchers could improve the health of poorer families

University experts took samples from hundreds of people in the area to create a baseline for local people's nutrient and vitamin levels.

Dr Martin Chadwick from the university said: "Hopefully we'll see that people are increasingly eating more fruit and vegetables, and generally eating healthier."

The university has funding for one year for the project and if it is successful it hopes to secure more to run it for longer.

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The Federal Aviation Administration has called for urgent action after a series of near-misses at US airports.

An independent safety review team named by the Federal Aviation Administration said there had been several close-call air incidents at US airports in recent months, prompting calls for urgent action to be taken.

The review team released a 52-page report on Wednesday, which cited air traffic control staffing shortages, technology issues, and funding needs as the reasons for the incidents.

The FAA continues to be asked to do more with less in an already strained system, and the series of serious incidents in early 2023 illuminate significant challenges to the provision and safety oversight of air traffic services, said the report chaired by Michael Huerta, a former FAA administrator, saying there are no easy, short-term fixes to the challenges in the system.

The report called for strengthening FAA organisational structures institutionalising roles and responsibilities, and advancing a proactive, data-driven safety culture.

The National Transportation Safety Board has opened seven investigations into near-miss incidents since January, including some that were potentially catastrophic.

It comes after the FAA said it was reducing flights in August in the area around New York City because of a lack of staffing.

The cut was extended in September to last until October 2024.

Due to the availability of staff tonight, the FAA must reduce the flow of aircraft in certain airspace serving New York City to maintain safety, the FAA said in a statement at the time.

The Federal Aviation Administration has called for urgent action after a series of near-misses at US airports (Getty Images)

New York Terminal Radar Approach Control staffing is at just 54 per cent of recommended levels.

A government watchdog report said in June that critical air traffic facilities face significant staffing challenges, posing risks to air traffic operations. At many facilities, controllers are working mandatory overtime and six-day work weeks to cover shortages.

An August FAA report found that close calls are happening with increasing frequency in the US, and although there have been no major US plane crashes in more than 10 years, potentially dangerous encounters are happening more frequently.

The report found commercial airlines experienced at least 46 close-call incidents in July, which occurred multiple times a week, and include every US airline and are occurring across the country.

In August, a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 and a Cessna Citation 560X business jet came less than 100 feet (30 meters) apart in San Diego. The FAA said an air traffic controller cleared the Cessna to land on a runway even though Southwest Flight 2493 had already been told to taxi onto the same runway.

The FAA said in March it was taking steps to improve its air traffic control operations, which are short-staffed. There is no question that we are seeing too many close calls, the head of the FAAs air traffic organisation told employees.
U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry shakes hands with his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua before a meeting in Beijing, China, July 17. (Valerie Volcovici/Reuters) (REUTERS)

The United States and China may be at odds over everything from the Russia-Ukraine war to the status of Taiwan, but the worlds two largest economies just showed they can still work together on climate change.

The two superpowers jointly announced on Wednesday that theyve agreed to a deal to rapidly increase the share of energy that comes from renewable sources and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming.

Whats in the deal

The key new components are:

Committing to helping the world triple renewable energy capacity by 2030.

Reducing power sector emissions by the end of the decade.

Reducing future emissions of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.

Halting deforestation by 2030.

The timing

Bifacial photovoltaic solar panels at the Roadrunner solar plant, owned and operated by Enel Green Power, near McCamey, Texas, Nov. 10. (Jordan Vonderhaar/Bloomberg via Getty Images) (Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The deal comes as scientists express growing alarm over the quickly escalating increases in warming and effects witnessed throughout the year, such as more extreme heat waves, wildfires and storms.

October was just the worlds fifth consecutive month of record-high global average temperatures.

The U.S. National Climate Assessment released Tuesday finds climate change is now affecting every region of the country, with growing health and economic costs.

The next round of U.N. climate negotiations, called COP28, is set to begin on Nov. 30 in Dubai. More than 60 countries, including the U.S., have recently called for the agreement produced there to include the tripling of renewable energy goals. The G20 also embraced that target in September.

Recommended reading

What it means for climate change

The full moon sets behind a wind farm in the Mojave Desert in California, Jan. 8, 2004. (Toby Melville/Reuters) (REUTERS)

Experts are hailing Wednesdays announcement as a welcome sign.

Its very promising to see the U.S. and China diplomatically engaging on climate change again, after the broader challenges in the relationship sort of brought that to a halt, Pete Ogden, vice president for climate and environment at the United Nations Foundation, told Yahoo News. To see that re-energized going into the COP is encouraging and hopefully something they can build on.

But while the potential impact is huge, other experts note that the actual emissions reductions from this agreement is unclear.

Since Chinas power sector emissions are so large, any decline this decade could avoid a lot of emissions, Jake Schmidt, senior strategic director for international climate at the Natural Resources Defense Council, told Yahoo News.
Rep Angie Craig (D-MN) speaks at a press conference outside the US Capitol Building on 2 February 2023 in Washington, DC (Getty Images)

A Democratic congresswoman has described in a new victim impact statement how her whole family was shaken after she was forced to use hot coffee to fend off an intruder in her Washington DC apartment building, according to ABC News.

Rep Angie Craig has largely avoided commenting publicly about the incident that occurred earlier this year, when police say she was followed to an elevator by a man who appeared to be having a mental health crisis; the man then trapped her in the buildings elevator and physically assaulted her when she denied his demand to enter her apartment.

Ms Craig, a third-term congresswoman from Minnesota, said that she suffered bruising but was otherwise uninjured in the attack.

According to US Capitol Police (USCP), which investigates crimes against members of Congress, Ms Craig used a cup of hot coffee to ward her attacker off. She was then able to escape, though her assailant fled.

Kendrick Hamlin, 26, who was believed to be homeless at the time, was later arrested for the attack. He pleaded guilty to charges of attacking the congresswoman as well as a law enforcement officer in June.

Mr Hamlin accepted responsibility for his actions today with the earnest hope of moving towards rehabilitation and the mental health treatment he very much wants and needs, his attorney said at the time.

Ms Craig described her experience in a victim impact statement filed by prosecutors on Tuesday.

"While this case has received much attention because I am a Member of Congress, that morning I was simply a woman followed into an elevator by a man and assaulted there," she said, according to ABC News. "He grabbed my neck and slammed me into the steel wall. He punched me in the face. He attempted to pull me back as the doors opened, and I screamed for help.

"Physically, the attack left bruising and a cut to my lip, as well as several days of soreness and discomfort," she continued.

Ms Craig went on to say that the attack had significantly impacted her sense of security, according to ABC.

USCP has been sounding the alarm about potential violence against members of Congress for years; the attack on former Speaker Nancy Pelosis husband and the January 6 attacks both led to expansions of the agencys work to protect lawmakers around the country.

The force now has field offices around the country and has requested more resources for investigating threats to members of Congress as well as for providing physical security around their residences.

Ms Craig is not the only member of Congress to have faced threats unrelated to her service in Congress near her DC residence.

A Democratic congressman from Texas, Henry Cuellar, was the victim of a carjacking in October when three armed men stole his vehicle at gunpoint in southwest DC. It was later recovered by police.

Staffers for other members of Congress have also reported being the victims of crime in Washington DC, where city officials are sounding the alarm about rising gun-related crimes, especially carjackings.

Earlier this week, DCs Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a public emergency over youth crime in the District of Columbia. She has pledged to continue focusing on law enforcement until the citys crime rates drop.

We are just going to keep pushing on all fronts, and we know that as the ecosystem itself corrects, there are more accountability measures, that prevention efforts take hold, it will  it will drive down numbers. We will get there, she said at a press conference.
Republican support for Israel has been near monolithic since the 7 October attack by Hamas.

Conservatives argue the US is backing a close ally, standing up for the region's only democracy and sending a message that terror against civilians will not be tolerated.

But there's more to it than that.

Evangelical conservatives are a key part of the Republican party's coalition, and these religious voters - and politicians - have a connection to the state of Israel that runs deep.

George Washington University religious scholar Christopher Rollston says: "There's a strong sense within evangelicalism that the Jewish people are God's people.

"And there's a theological assumption that's pretty pervasive within certain segments of evangelicalism that the establishment of the modern state of Israel was the fulfilment of biblical prophecy."

The new Republican Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, has strong evangelical ties.

The Louisiana congressman was one of a handful of politicians who addressed a crowd organisers estimated as being in the hundreds of thousands at a "March for Israel" event in Washington DC on Tuesday.

Quoting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he called the conflict between Israel and Hamas "a fight between good and evil, between light and darkness, between civilisation and barbarism".

He said demands for an Israeli ceasefire in Gaza were "outrageous".

"It is my hope that this gathering today serves as a reminder to the entire world, but also to those within our own borders, that the United States stands proudly with Israel and the Jewish people forever," he said.

Speaker Mike Johnson, a staunch evangelical, has been outspoken in his support of Israel

Mr Johnson stood on a stage bedecked with dozens of Israeli and American flags, the US Capitol in the background. Two senior Democrats, Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer and House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries, joined him, along with Republican Senator Joni Ernst.

They raised their hands together and led the audience in a chant of "we stand with Israel".

"There are few issues in Washington that could so easily bring together leaders of both parties in both chambers," Mr Johnson said, "but the survival of the state of Israel unites us together and unites all Americans."

The Democrats are divided, however. While the two congressional leaders, along with President Joe Biden, have been firm in their support for Israel following the attack, a growing number on the left are calling attention to Palestinian civilian casualties and condemning the Israeli military campaign.

With the exception of a handful of Republican politicians, however, dissent on the right has been missing.

When a standalone bill providing $14.3bn (11.5bn) in US aid to Israel was introduced in the House of Representatives, only two Republicans - Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Thomas Massie of Kentucky - voted no.

Their isolated opposition is a far cry from the significant and growing number of Republicans who oppose continued US support for Ukraine, the world's other current major international conflict.

The influence of an evangelical leader invited to speak towards the end of the March for Israel's programme helps explain why Israel is treated differently by Republicans.

John Hagee is a Texas-based Christian minister and president of Christians United for Israel, which boasts 10 million members.

In 2008, he said the Holocaust was part of God's plan to return Jews to Israel. The Republican presidential candidate at the time, John McCain, declined his endorsement in part because of those comments.

The organisers of Tuesday's march, the Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, invited Mr Hagee to speak at their rally, however, as a part of a "voices of allies" segment. The organisers did not immediately respond to BBC requests for comment.

For his part, Mr Hagee was effusive in his support for Israel. He told the crowd that a line should be drawn uniting Christians and Jews and that there was no "middle" ground in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

"We must all stand united with one voice and boldly declare over and over: Israel, you are not alone," he said.

In his deep southern preacher drawl, he placed the fate of Israel squarely in a religious context.

"The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob guarantees Israel's deliverance will come as proclaimed every year during Passover," he said. "Israel is the apple of God's eye. Israel is the shining city on the hill. God says of Israel, Israel is my firstborn son."

For some evangelicals, however, the ties between their religion and the fate of Israel have a darker hue. And it's where Mr Hagee's more controversial views come into play.

In the End Days, a certain strain of Christian theology holds, the Jewish people will either convert to Christianity or perish in flames. It is a key step towards Armageddon that is then followed by 1,000 years of peace, according to this belief.

A Pew Research survey last year found 39% of Americans - including 63% of evangelicals - believe humanity is "living in the end times".

And for the moment - on the stage in Washington on Tuesday and in the halls of Congress - the interests of Israel, Republicans and evangelicals are in alignment.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a stop-gap funding bill to avoid a government shutdown that did not include additional aid for Ukraine or Israel, CNN reported on Nov. 14.

The bill was opposed by 93 Republicans and two Democrats. The Senate will need to approve it before Friday to prevent a shutdown. The plan extends funding until January 19.

President Joe Biden is reportedly prepared to sign the House-approved government funding bill if passed by the Senate.

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced the bill on Nov. 11. The proposal did not include additional funding for Israel and Ukraine, which the Biden Administration has requested.

He characterized the initiative as placing the conference in the best position to fight for fiscal responsibility, oversight over Ukraine aid, and meaningful policy changes at our Southern border.

President Biden previously asked the U.S. Congress to approve a new $106 billion aid package, including more than $61 billion in funding for aid to Ukraine.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia lost 4,000 soldiers on eastern front in 2 weeks, commander says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The US House of Representatives has approved a two-stage temporary government funding bill without allocating money for aid to Ukraine and Israel.

Source: CNN

Details: The House passed Speaker Mike Johnson's funding bill to prevent a shutdown.

The Senate will have to approve it by Friday.

The draft bill provides for the continuation of funding for priority areas until 19 January.

The rest of the government would be funded until 2 February.

The bill does not provide for additional aid to Israel or Ukraine.

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 Johnsons draft bill on the temporary extension of funding with different terms for different government agencies.

On 14 November, Jake Sullivan, US National Security Advisor to the president, said 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.

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Rocket Lab will launch a drone on its suborbital launch vehicle as part of a U.S. Defense Department hypersonic development project.

The mission is currently scheduled to launch in early 2025 from Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 2 in Virginia. Aboard will be a hypersonic test vehicle for Australian company Hypersonix, SpaceNews reports.

Rocket Lab is known for orbital launches using its Electron rocket. This test mission will, however. fly on the newer, less-heralded suborbital version of the rocket, named HASTE ("Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron").

Related: New Pentagon-funded hypersonic test vehicle could fly in summer 2024

The hypersonic test vehicle set to fly is called DART AE. It's a 9.8-foot-long (3 meters), 660-pound (300 kilograms) scramjet-powered technology demonstrator that can reach speeds of up to Mach 7 (seven times the speed of sound; 5,320 mph, or 8,350 kph), according to the Hypersonix website .

The mission will demonstrate HASTE's 'direct inject' capability by deploying the Hypersonix payload during ascent, while still within Earth's atmosphere , according to a Rocket Lab statement .

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The project is funded by the U.S. Defense Department's Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), which focuses on accelerating the adoption of commercial and dual-use technology. This role sees it partner with commercial space companies to address military requirements.

Both development of the test vehicle and the launch award are part of DIU's high-cadence testing capabilities (HyCAT) project.
USS Thomas Hudner , an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, shot down a drone from Yemen in the Red Sea on Wednesday, two U.S. defense officials confirmed to Fox News.

A defense official said the drone was shot down in self-defense. "The drone was heading towards the Hudner," the official said.

The drone attack is the latest in a series of attacks on American troops stationed in the Middle East amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

As of Tuesday, the Pentagon said there have been 56 attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria since Oct. 17, with 59 U.S. personnel getting injured with either traumatic brain injury (TBI) or non-serious injuries.

MIDDLE EAST PAYING PRICE OF BIDEN WHITE HOUSE REMOVING HOUTHIS FROM TERRORIST LIST, EXPERTS SAY

USS Thomas Hudner, named after Concord's Medal of Honor recipient Thomas Hudner, arrives in Boston for its commissioning ceremony later in the week on Nov. 26, 2018.

Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh provided the update to reporters, saying of the 59 U.S. personnel who were injured, 32 were listed with injuries in the non-serious category, while the other 27 individuals suffered from TBI.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Last week, the Iranian-backed Houthis shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone near the Yemini Coast.

The drone was reportedly surveilling Yemen when a Houthi militia fired at the equipment, estimated to cost about $30 million.

Since the drone was shot down, the U.S. has not responded, and the Houthis have threatened to act against Israeli ships in the Red Sea.

PENTAGON CONFIRMS 56 ATTACKS ON US TROOPS IN IRAQ AND SYRIA SINCE OCT. 17

Pentagon deputy spokesperson Sabrina Singh holds a press briefing at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, on Jan. 26.

On Tuesday, during the Pentagon news briefing, Fox News' Jennifer Griffin asked Singh about the lack of U.S. military response to the Houthis in Yemen who downed the MQ-9 drone.

"Isn't the lack of response by the U.S. military inviting more actions, aggressive actions by the Houthis?" Griffin asked.

"I wouldnt say that its inviting more aggressive or further response from the Houthis. Weve seen the Houthis do this before," Singh said. "Weve seen one of our MQ-9s shot down before in the past. Im not saying that were not going to respond. We always reserve the right to respond at a time and place of our choosing."

Also on Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Defense released two videos of airstrikes conducted by U.S. forces on Iranian proxy fighters in Syria, which took place on Sunday.

IRANIAN SHADOW MILITIAS TARGET US, ISRAEL IN MIDDLE EAST: REPORT

The U.S. Department of Defense released video footage of a U.S. airstrike on a training and weapons facility in Abul Kamal, Syria.

A senior U.S. defense official said the strikes killed at least six Iranian proxy fighters at Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stations in the Syrian cities of Abu Kamal and Maydin.

The buildings targeted by U.S. forces included a reported safe house and training facility, but a senior defense source told Fox News that the safe house functioned as a headquarters.

Another official told Fox that secondary explosions were seen at one of the locations, which suggested there was a large amount of flammable ammunition or weapons at the facility.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the airstrikes were "in response to continued attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria."

Fox News' Jennifer Griffin and Fox News Digital's Greg Wehner and Andrea Vacchiano contributed to this report.





Original article source: US Navy destroyer shoots down drone from Yemen in the Red Sea
The United States has not planned to hold any meetings with Russian representatives as part of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco.

Source: European Pravda with reference to US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller

Quite: "I am not aware of any meetings scheduled between us and the Russian Government at APEC."

Details: The APEC summit is being held this week in San Francisco. A delegation led by the Deputy Prime Minister will represent Russia there.

Background:

On Wednesday, Biden will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in person during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, for the first time in a year. The American leader said his goal during the negotiations with Xi is to restore normal communication between the two countries, including military-to-military contacts.

The White House previously noted that Joe Biden would bring up the need to restore communication channels between the armed forces of both countries during talks with Xi Jinping in San Francisco on 15 November.

Earlier, it was reported that at the meeting in San Francisco, which will be the first for this year for Biden and Xi, they will discuss bilateral relations between the United States and China, the importance of maintaining communication channels, as well as "a number of regional and global issues".

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By Jason Lange and Matt Spetalnick

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. public support for Israel's war against Hamas militants in Gaza is eroding and most Americans think Israel should call a ceasefire to a conflict that has ballooned into a humanitarian crisis, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll.

Some 32% of respondents in the two-day opinion poll, which closed on Tuesday, said "the U.S. should support Israel" when asked what role the United States should take in the fighting. That was down from 41% who said the U.S. should back Israel in a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted Oct. 12-13.

The share saying "the U.S. should be a neutral mediator" rose to 39% in the new poll from 27% a month earlier. Four percent of respondents in the poll said the U.S. should support Palestinians and 15% said the U.S. shouldn't be involved at all, both similar readings to a month ago.

Israel has long counted on the U.S., its most powerful ally, for billions of dollars a year in military aid and international diplomatic support. An erosion of U.S. public support could be a worrisome sign for the Middle Eastern country, which faces not only Hamas militants in Gaza but the Hezbollah Islamist movement in Lebanon and has conducted a long-running shadow war with Iran, its regional arch-foe.

The drop in U.S. support, seen in the new poll among both Democrats and Republicans and especially among older respondents, follows weeks of heavy Israeli bombardment and ground combat against Hamas in Gaza in retaliation for an Oct. 7 rampage by the Islamist militants in southern Israel. About 1,200 people were killed and around 240 taken hostage.

Since then, more than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed, around 40% of them children, in Israel's assault, according to counts by health officials in Hamas-ruled Gaza.

The Gaza crisis has sparked an international outcry that has focused in recent days on the collapsing medical infrastructure in the crowded coastal enclave. Palestinians trapped inside Gaza's biggest hospital were digging a mass grave on Tuesday to bury patients who died under Israeli encirclement.

Some 68% of respondents in the Reuters/Ipsos poll said they agreed with a statement that "Israel should call a ceasefire and try to negotiate."

About three-quarters of Democrats and half of Republicans in the poll supported the idea of a ceasefire, putting them at odds with Democratic President Joe Biden who has rebuffed calls from Arab leaders, including Palestinians, to pressure Israel into a ceasefire.

The Biden administration instead has urged Israel to do everything possible to avoid civilian casualties, something Israel says it is doing.

Israel has so far rejected any talk of implementing longer pauses or a ceasefire, saying Hamas would only use that time to regroup and harden its positions.

In a potentially worrisome sign for Israel, just 31% of poll respondents said they supported sending Israel weapons, while 43% opposed the idea. The rest said they were unsure. Support for sending Israel weapons was strongest among Republicans, while roughly half of Democrats were opposed.

By comparison, 41% of people answering the poll said they backed sending weapons to Ukraine in its fight against a nearly 21-month-old Russian invasion, compared to 32% who were opposed and the rest unsure. When it came to Ukraine, support for sending weapons was stronger among Democrats.

While most moderate Democrats in Congress have long supported military assistance to Israel, some progressives in Biden's own party have started to question whether there should be greater scrutiny as well as conditions attached to such aid.

U.S. officials have cautioned that funding for Ukraine military aid is running low as the Republican-controlled House and Democratic-majority Senate remain at odds over the Biden administrations request for billions of dollars more in assistance to Kyiv.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online and nationwide, gathering responses from 1,006 U.S. adults. It has a credibility interval, a margin of precision, of about four percentage points.

(Reporting by Jason Lange and Matt Spetalnick; Editing by Scott Malone and Howard Goller)
By Simon Lewis and Humeyra Pamuk

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States has issued a new 120-day waiver allowing Iraq to pay Iran for electricity, U.S. officials said on Tuesday, stressing Tehran could only use the funds for humanitarian trade and seeking to blunt criticism of giving Iran the money.

U.S. officials said the waiver was identical to one in July that for the first time allowed Iraq not only to make payments into restricted Iranian accounts in Iraq but also for the funds to be sent to similarly restricted accounts in third countries.

Speaking to reporters on condition of anonymity, officials stressed the moneys could only be used for "non-sanctionable transactions" such as buying humanitarian goods like food and agricultural products.

They also sought to parry criticism, notably from Republicans in Congress, that giving Iran greater access to such funds - an estimated $10 billion in such payments have built up in Iraq - frees up money that Tehran can spend on militias that attack U.S. forces, or on its nuclear program.

The U.S. has imposed a range of sanctions on Tehran over its nuclear program and support for militant organizations, effectively banning countries that do business with Iran from doing business with the U.S.

U.S. officials said their main aim was to decrease Iran's leverage over Iraq. Tehran has in the past pushed Baghdad to secure U.S. permission to release such funds by cutting Iranian natural gas exports to Iraq, limiting Iraq's ability to generate power and forcing deeply unpopular electricity cuts in Iraq.

The move may also be controversial because Washington has asked Baghdad to curtail attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq by Iranian-allied militias, with mixed results. One U.S. official described the U.S. requests to Iraq as "a work in progress."

Since Hamas' Oct. 7 rampage into southern Israel, prompting a fierce Israeli military campaign against the militant group in the Gaza Strip, there has been a rise in attacks on U.S. forces in the region that the Pentagon blames on Iran-backed militias.

U.S. and coalition troops have been attacked at least 55 times in Iraq and Syria since Oct. 17, injuring 59 personnel, though all have returned to duty.

"In the wake of Oct. 7 and non-stop attacks on U.S. forces, it should be American policy to deny Tehran access to any and all cash wherever it's held," said Richard Goldberg, a national security council official during the Trump administration who is now at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank.

(Reporting By Simon Lewis, Humeyra Pamuk in Washington; Writing by Arshad Mohammed; Editing by Grant McCool and Lincoln Feast.)
The U.S. government says Royal, one of the most active ransomware gangs in recent years, is preparing to rebrand or spin off with a new name, Blacksuit.

In an update this week to a previously published joint advisory about the Royal ransomware gang, the FBI and U.S. cybersecurity agency CISA said that the Blacksuit ransomware variant "shares a number of identified coding characteristics similar to Royal," confirming earlier findings by security researchers linking the two ransomware operations.

"There are indications that Royal may be preparing for a rebranding effort and/or a spinoff variant," the government's updated advisory reads.

CISA did not say why it released the new guidance linking the two ransomware operations, and a spokesperson did not immediately comment when reached by TechCrunch.

Royal is a prolific ransomware gang accused of hacking ,ore than 350 known victims worldwide with ransom demands exceeding $275 million. CISA and the FBI previously warned that Royal was targeting critical infrastructure sectors across the United States, including manufacturing, communications and healthcare organizations. The city of Dallas in Texas recently recovered from a ransomware attack it later attributed to Royal.

It's not uncommon for ransomware gangs to create different ransomware variants, go quiet for long periods of time, or spin off and splinter into entirely new groups, often in an effort to evade detection or arrest by law enforcement. But recently imposed sanctions by the U.S and U.K. governments are likely hampering the gang's money-making efforts as victims refuse to pay the hackers' ransoms for fear of violating strict U.S. sanctions laws.

The Conti connection

Security researchers previously found that Royal comprises ransomware actors from previous operations, including Conti, a prolific Russia-linked hacking group that disbanded in May 2022, shortly after a massive leak of the gang's internal communications sparked by the gang sided with Russia in its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

After disbanding, Conti reportedly splintered into different gangs, some of whom formed the Royal ransomware gang months later. Royal soon began targeting hospitals and healthcare organizations and by 2023 became one of the most prolific ransomware gangs.

In September 2023, the U.S. and U.K. governments imposed joint sanctions against 11 accused members of the since-defunct Conti ransomware gang. Even though the Conti gang members had moved on to new ransomware operations, the U.K. National Crime Agency said at the time that paying a ransom demand to these individuals "is prohibited under these sanctions."

Government sanctions are often imposed against individuals who are out of reach of arrest of U.S. law enforcement, such as those based in Russia, which typically does not deport its citizens. Sanctions make it difficult for criminals to profit from ransomware by effectively banning victims from paying a sanctioned individual or entity. Sanctions are often aimed at individuals rather than the operations themselves, in part because criminal groups would rename or rebrand to skirt the sanctions.

Allan Liska, threat intelligence analyst at Recorded Future, told TechCrunch that even a tacit link to a sanctioned individual could fall foul of sanctions laws.

"Several members of the team behind Royal ransomware are ex-Conti, so it is possible that firms in the know started refusing to pay Royal after the sanctions were laid down," said Liska. "More importantly it is enough to spook the ransomware negotiators, incident response firms and insurance companies that support victims."

Ransomware gangs typically publish portions of a victim's stolen data to their leak sites in an attempt to extort the victim into paying a ransom. Ransomware gangs may remove a victim's data once a victim enters negotiations or pays the ransom. It's not uncommon for victim organizations to rely on third-party companies, such as law firms and cyber-insurance companies, to negotiate with the hackers or make ransom payments on their behalf.

The FBI has long advised victims not to pay a hacker's ransom as this encourages further cyberattacks.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic Senator Joe Manchin, who last week announced he will retire from the Senate at the end of next year, added to his party's woes on Wednesday when he said he "absolutely" would consider running for president in 2024.

In an interview with NBC News, Manchin said: "Every American should consider it if they're in a position to help save the country."

The West Virginia senator, one of the most conservative Democrats in the 100-member Senate, has had close ties with the "No Labels" group that is flirting with putting up a third-party presidential candidate. Last summer, Manchin participated in a No Labels event in New Hampshire on the topic.

Democrats fear that a Manchin presidential run could draw votes away from President Joe Biden and hand former President Donald Trump a victory if he is the Republican nominee for the third presidential election in a row.

The Democratic Party already was lamenting Manchin's refusal to seek another Senate term in 2024, likely handing the seat - and the party's narrow majority - to Republicans given his home state's conservative shift in recent years.

Manchin told NBC that before deciding whether to mount a run for president he would have to gauge whether there is enough voter support for him.

No Labels has insisted it will only get into the race if its yet-to-be-named candidate has a good chance of winning. Manchin could also run as an independent, but would have to work fast to get on all 50 state ballots.

(Reporting by Richard Cowan; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Joe Biden's administration is holding a joint classified briefing for members of the U.S. Senate Intelligence and Commerce committees Wednesday on recent foreign online influence focused on Israel/Gaza and the Ukraine conflict.

The closed-door briefing organized by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence will also look at Chinese, Russian, and Iranian actors "working to undermine U.S. interests through online activity," according to a notice sent to senators. Some lawmakers have in recent weeks accused TikTok of boosting pro-Palestinian videos, a charge the Chinese-owned social media site vigorously denies.

Proposed legislation has stalled in Congress that would give the Biden administration new powers to block Americans from using foreign communications technology such as TiTok. The bill was introduced by Senate Intelligence Committee chair Mark Warner and Republican John Thune and 24 other senators in March called the Restrict Act.

Warner told Reuters a prime reason such legislation was needed was a recent flurry of misinformation about the Oct. 7 Hamas attack in southern Israel in which around 1,200 were killed. Warner said some misinformation social media posts suggest the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas did not happen or were started by Israel.

"We have no framework to look at misinformation that may originate from tech companies" in hostile countries, Warner said. "Sometimes, you have to strike while the iron is hot" saying the current misinformation could be enough to prompt action.

Republican Senator Jerry Moran, who backs the Restrict Act, told Reuters recent online misinformation "will be another impetus" to get Congress to act.

A separate similar bill to give the Biden administration new powers is being drafted by Senate Commerce Committee chair Maria Cantwell called the Guard Act.

ByteDance-owned TikTok said its recommendation algorithm "doesn't 'take sides' and has rigorous measures in place to prevent manipulation." The company said between Oct. 7-31 it removed 730,000 videos for violating hateful behavior rules.

Last week, Republican Senator Josh Hawley urged Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to ban all ByteDance-controlled apps currently available to U.S. users, citing what he said was an "increase in anti-Israel, pro-Hamas content on the platform."

Reuters and other outlets reported in March the Biden administration demanded that TikTok's Chinese owners divest their stakes or face a possible U.S. ban.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; editing by Diane Craft and David Gregorio)
The U.S. shot down a drone launched from Yemen as it was headed toward a Navy destroyer Wednesday, according to the Pentagon.

The USS Thomas Hudner, an Arleigh-Burke class destroyer, was transiting international waters around the Red Sea when the drone was spotted in the direction of the ship, the Defense Department said, and the naval crew shot it down.

There were no casualties and no damage to the U.S. naval ship.

The clash is the latest in the Middle East, where the U.S. has been fending off a series of attacks from Iranian-backed groups since the Israel-Hamas war broke out Oct. 7.

Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said Tuesday that the U.S. has been attacked 55 times in the Middle East since October, with 27 attacks in Iraq and 28 in Syria.

U.S. positions have also clashed with the Iranian-backed Houthis at least three times in Yemen.

Last month, American forces shot down missiles they believe were headed toward Israel, and earlier this month the Houthis shot down a U.S. surveillance drone.

A total of 59 American troops have been injured in Iraq and Syria attacks, with all of them involving nonserious wounds.

The U.S. has carried out three retaliatory strikes against Iranian-backed groups, with the latest Sunday striking a training area and safe house in eastern Syria that was used by the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Singh on Tuesday said the IRGC was operating in the area at the time of the strike but did not detail a casualty figure.

When asked if the strikes were working as a deterrence against attacks, Singh said the goal was to prevent a wider war from breaking out in the region.

Weve been pretty clear in our message when it comes to deterrence, she said. And we havent seen this [Israel-Hamas] conflict widen out.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A majority of Americans now back a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, though the Biden administration has strongly spoken against such a move, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll published Wednesday.

Poll respondents showed less support for Israel than at the start of the conflict, showing changing opinions as the war reaches its sixth week. About 32 percent of respondents said the U.S. should support Israel, down from 41 percent in mid-October, days after the start of the war.

Many now believe that the U.S. should instead be a neutral mediator in the conflict instead of taking a side. The rate has increased to 39 percent from 27 percent a month ago.

Fifteen percent of respondents said the U.S. should back Palestinian interests in the war, which is largely unchanged.

The drop in support, most apparent among older respondents, comes after weeks of relentless airstrikes and a ground campaign in Gaza by the Israeli military, which has drawn criticism of much of the international community.

More than 11,100 Palestinians  including more than 4,600 children  have died in the conflict as of Friday, and humanitarian organizations, notably the United Nations, have led efforts for a cease-fire in order to assist Gazan civilians.

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Much of the fighting in recent days has centered on the hospitals of Gaza City, where thousands have sheltered from Israeli airstrikes.

Nearly 70 percent of Americans said the Israeli government should pursue a cease-fire, including three-quarters of Democrats and half of Republicans.

Both Israel and Hamas have come out strongly against a cease-fire effort, and the Israeli government has refused to consider a long-term stop to the fighting. The country agreed to four-hour daily humanitarian pauses in fighting last week but has refused efforts for longer peace periods.

The poll also found that more Americans are willing to support the Ukrainian military with weapons against Russia than Israel. Just under a third of Americans backed weapons for Israel, while just more than 40 percent said they support the same for Ukraine.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll questioned about 1,000 people online this month and has a margin of error of 4 percentage points.

The results correspond with a recent recent Marist poll that found a larger proportion of Americans disapprove of Israels military strategy in Gaza, saying it has gone too far.

The Marist poll found that 38 percent of Americans believe Israel has gone too far in its response to the initial Oct. 7 attack that sparked the conflict, compared to 26 holding that opinion at the outset of the war.

The survey also found that Democrats allegiances are split in the conflict, despite pro-Israel unity from most Democrats in Congress. A 45 percent share of Democrats have the most sympathy for Israel in the war, while another 45 percent said the same for Palestinians.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
US and UK impose fresh sanctions on Hamas, targeting money transfers from Iran to Gaza

The United States on Tuesday said it has imposed sanctions on a group of Hamas officials and members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) who work to transfer money from Iran to Gaza. A Lebanese money exchange service that facilitates the transfers has also been sanctioned.

The sanctions are being coordinated with the United Kingdom and are aimed at protecting the international financial system from abuse by Hamas militants and their enablers, the Treasury Department announced Tuesday.

The sanctions block the targeted entities from accessing U.S. property and bank accounts while also preventing them from doing business with Americans.

BIDEN OFFICIALS REBEL AGAINST PRESIDENT ON ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR, SIGN DISSENT LETTER

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has announced a new set of sanctions on Hamas.

The sanctions are the third set since the brutal Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel that killed about 1,200 people with more than 240 people taken hostage. Previous sanctions were announced on Oct. 18 and Oct. 27 designating Hamas operatives and its financial facilitators.

Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen said the sanctions will ensure the U.S. continues to deny Hamas its ability to raise and use funds to carry out attacks.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"Hamas actions have caused immense suffering and shown that terrorism does not occur in isolation," Yellen said in a statement Tuesday.

"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."

According to the Treasury, Iran enables Hamas and PIJs terrorist activities primarily through its support of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including through the transfer of funds and the provision of weapons and training. Iran has trained PIJ fighters to produce and develop missiles in Gaza while it has also funded groups that provide financial support to PIJ-affiliated fighters.

ISRAEL CALLS ON HAMAS TO SURRENDER SHIFA HOSPITAL BASE AS US STRIKES IRAN PROXIES IN SYRIA

In response, the Treasury on Tuesday designated seven individuals who have provided support to Hamas or the PIJ, as well as two Lebanon-based money exchange companies. Nabil Chouman & Co. has helped facilitate the transfer of money from Iran to Gaza, and Reda Ali Khamis was involved in facilitating financial transfers from the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qods Force (IRGC-QF) to Hamas as well as the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza, Treasury said.

Additionally, two key Hamas officials, Mahmoud Khaled Zahhar and Muad Ibrahim Muhammed Rashid al-Atili, have been designated for diplomatic sanctions.

The State Department is also designating Akram al-Ajouri for sanctions. Ajouri is the PIJ deputy secretary general and leader of its terrorist wing, the Al-Quds Brigade, the State Department said.

The sanctions come as 400 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 measures also come a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered a dire warning to America that it may be "next" if the IDF doesn't decimate Hamas.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, Israel on Nov. 3, 2023. The U.S. and the U.K. have imposed sanctions on Hamas officials and members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).

"If we don't win now, then Europe is next and you're next. And we have to win," Netanyahu said Monday during an interview with FOX News' Sean Hannity.

"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."

Netanyahu also repeated his vow against a cease-fire without the release of the hostages, calling it a "surrender to Hamas" if the Israeli captives aren't returned safely.





Original article source: US and UK impose fresh sanctions on Hamas, targeting money transfers from Iran to Gaza
A US warship shot down a drone that is believed to have originated from Yemen in the Red Sea on Wednesday, according to two US officials.

The USS Thomas Hudner, an Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer, engaged a drone that originated from Yemen on Wednesday and was heading towards the ship, a defense official confirmed to CNN. The Hudner was not believed to be the intended target, the officials said.

A statement from the Defense Department on Wednesday said that while transiting the international waters of the Red Sea, the crew of the USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) engaged a drone that originated from Yemen and was heading in the direction of the ship.

The Hudners crew engaged and shot down the drone to ensure the safety of U.S. personnel, the statement said. There were no U.S. casualties or any damage to the ship.

Reuters was first to report the drone had been shot down.

The Hudner was deployed as part of the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, and was in the southern portion of the Red Sea at the time of the engagement, one of the officials said.

It was the second intercept by a US Navy vessel in the region since Hamas attack on Israel on October 7. On October 20, the USS Carney, intercepted four cruise missiles and 15 drones over a nine-hour period, CNN previously reported. The Pentagon said the missiles were fired by Iranian-backed Houthi forces.

Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said in October that those missiles were launched potentially towards targets in Israel. The Carney intercepted the projectiles with SM-2 surface-to-air missiles.

The Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for recent missile attacks on Israel, and said more would follow if Israeli aggression continued.

Wednesdays engagement comes a week after a US MQ-9 Reaper drone was shot down by Houthi forces off the cost of Yemen. It also comes amid continuous attacks by Iranian-backed forces in the region.

As of Tuesday, US and coalition forces had come under attack by Iranian-backed groups in Iraq and Syria at least 56 times since October 17.

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The Navy said Tuesday that Cmdr. Jonathan Volkle, the executive officer of the littoral combat ship USS Marinette, was found dead from an apparent suicide aboard the ship on Oct. 27.

Volkle, 44, was found unresponsive and later pronounced deceased, Lt. Cmdr. David Carter told Military.com in an email Tuesday. The Navy never formally announced the death but a publicly posted obituary revealed the officer was found by crew aboard USS Marinette while she was docked in Cleveland.

Carter said that the incident is currently under investigation, but a Navy official confirmed to Military.com that the death is being treated as a suicide.

Read Next: Navy SEAL Under Investigation for Extremist Activity After Fighting Transgender Rights in California

USNI News was the first to report the death and the suspicion of suicide.

According to records provided by the Navy, Volkle joined the Navy in 2007 and served on the frigate USS Kauffman as well as the destroyers USS John McCain and USS Fitzgerald. In 2017, he moved to Japan where he held posts in Sasebo and on the mine countermeasure ship USS Patriot.

Volkle reported to the USS Marinette in September 2022, and it was commissioned a year later. The ship was then set to make its way to its homeport of Mayport, Florida, but ended up getting stuck in the Great Lakes due to the St. Lawrence Seaway workers strike.

Volkle's awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, three awards of the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal and two awards of the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

The Pentagon recently released its military-wide suicide data that showed that, despite a slight dip in the overall suicide figures across the defense department, the Navy still struggled to control the issue.

Last year, the service saw the highest total number of suicides -- 71 -- since 2019, when it had a record 74 suicides, the highest number in a decade.

According to the obituary, Volkle is survived by his wife Kaori Kato Volkle; his sons, Bruno and Nino; and his parents, Skip Volkle and Louise Volkle.

Carter said that Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 2 is providing chaplain and mental health support to the ship's crew. Cmdr. Janet Brooms will be assigned as executive officer, he added.

Veterans and service members experiencing a mental health emergency can call the Veteran Crisis Line, 988 and press 1. Help also is available by text, 838255, and via chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net.

-- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on X at @ktoropin.

Related: Overall Military Suicide Rate Dropped, But Active-Duty Deaths Increased Slightly, Pentagon Reports
Editors note: this story has been updated.

The second-in-command of the littoral combat ship Marinette died late last month after he was found unresponsive aboard the vessel, according to defense and civilian officials.

Cmdr. Jonathan Volkle, 44, was found Oct. 27 and pronounced dead at a nearby hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, according to the Cuyahoga County Coroners Office.

The Navy did not announce the command triad members death at the time and did not respond to questions regarding the cause of Volkles passing on Wednesday.

But a defense official, who Navy Times granted anonymity to speak on the matter, said a preliminary probe indicates that Volkle died by suicide.

Cuyahoga officials said Wednesday that a death determination is pending.

The incident is currently under investigation, and as a matter of policy, the Navy does not comment on ongoing investigations, Marinettes parent command, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic, added in a statement.

Command spokesman Lt. Cmdr. David Carter said Volkles death was not announced out of respect for the family and their privacy.

While Volkle was in a leadership position, Carter said in an email that an individuals command position doesnt automatically trigger a release, nor does policy require it.

The Navy is providing chaplain and mental health support to Marinettes crew, and Cmdr. Janet Brooms has been assigned as the new executive officer, according to Surface Forces Atlantic.

A married father of two, Volkle was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He earned his commission in 2007 and pinned on his current rank in 2022.

Marinette joined the littoral combat ship fleet in September. It had been stuck in the Great Lakes due to a strike by Canadian employees of the St. Lawrence Seaway, which prevented the ship from entering the Atlantic Ocean and heading to its homeport in Mayport, Florida, USNI News reported.

SURFLANT confirmed Wednesday that the ship is now on its way to Mayport.

Troops, veterans and family members experiencing suicidal thoughts can call the 24-hour Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, text 838255, or visit VeteransCrisisLine.net.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes is leading a coalition of 26 attorneys general in sending a letter to President Joe Biden and congressional leaders urging the federal government to prioritize and provide financial and humanitarian assistance to Israel after the October 7th terrorist attacks by Hamas.

The letter was sent on Nov. 14 and implored the federal government to come together and support the Jewish people as they have in the past.

Proposed bill seeks harsher penalties for road rage in Utah

The atrocities in Israel from a month ago prove, yet again, and perhaps more so than at any time since WWII, that the United States of America must stand with unwavering, unbending, and unrelenting support for the Jewish people during their great time of need. Israel must be supported through her efforts to protect herself from terror, and our nation must lead by example to show the world that America will not leave Israels side until this war is completed and her citizens can live in peace, the letter states.

General Reyes issued a personal statement in a press release, regarding the letter, emphasizing his feelings about the tragedies in Israel.

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My heart is broken by the horrific tragedies that Israel experienced last month. Israel is one of Americas greatest allies, and we must ensure that they have the full support of our government as they protect their homeland from terror and genocide. I pray for peace in Israel and for the end of this conflict. Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes

The letter further states that Israel has the right to exist in peace and defend itself from attacks.

We understand there are complex geopolitical interests underlying longstanding tensions in the area, but the threats to Israel are existential as she is surrounded by enemies, some of whom openly advocate for her eradication and that of her people, the letter reads in part. Israel absolutely has a right to exist and must be able to defend herself. Israels military response has been understandably aggressive. We believe she is rightfully targeting Hamas leaders and facilities while trying to minimize civilian casualties with efforts like 4-hour pauses.

Attorneys general of the States of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming signed the letter along with Reyes.

The letter can be read in its entirety here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
House Majority Leader Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, selected as the House speaker, speaks to the press following the House Majority Caucus leadership election at the Utah State Capitol on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

Utah House Republicans named a new leadership team Tuesday night, selecting House Majority Leader Mike Schultz of Hooper to take over as speaker from outgoing House Speaker Brad Wilson of Kaysville.

Are you surprised? a smiling Schultz asked reporters gathered for a news conference following a 1 1/2-hourlong, closed-door caucus where the GOP, who hold 61 of the Houses 75 seats, also voted to move up other current members of leadership.

Their choice of Schultz as speaker over Rep. Melissa Garff Ballard, R-North Salt Lake, goes to the full House for a vote Wednesday, in an extraordinary session set for 5 p.m. where a resolution supporting Israel will also be considered.

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Schultz would fill the vacancy being left by Wilson, whose resignation a year before his term as speaker was set to end in order to run for the U.S. Senate becomes effective at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

The new Republican leaders are House Majority Leader Jefferson Moss, R-Saratoga Springs; Majority Whip Karen Lisonbee, R-Syracuse; and House Majority Assistant Whip Casey Snider, R-Paradise.

All of the races were contested. Moss had been majority whip; Lisonbee, majority assistant whip; and Snider, chairman of the powerful Rules Committee.

It makes us all better if theres a little bit of competition, Schultz said, adding that he was most excited about how we still come together. ... Going through this leadership election race, I didnt hear one negative thing said about any of the members sitting here.

That says a lot about the House GOP caucus and the state, he said.

The citizens of this state should be proud of who they send to Capitol Hill, Schultz said. He said Utah lawmakers hold themselves to a higher standard than their GOP counterparts in Congress, who have repeatedly struggled to settle on a U.S. House speaker.

House Majority Leader Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, selected as the House speaker, walks in to speak to the press following the House Majority Caucus leadership election at the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

We work really hard not to disparage one another, if we have disagreements, he said, citing both written and unwritten rules that just wont let it fly. Plus, Schultz said, the citizens of this state expect more out of us. We realize that and were committed to that.

Moss said the Republican supermajority has over the last year or two made an effort to get Democrats more involved in the budget process, and they also meet weekly with minority leadership.

Schultz wasnt ready to be specific about his priorities as speaker, saying he needed to get support for them from the caucus first, including something hes very passionate about that could be announced on Wednesday.

We need to focus on the big things, Schultz said, including the impact of growth on energy, water and infrastructure. The House is the voice of the people. Were just naturally built to be more reactionary. But we also want to think bigger than that.

He said the state is at a crossroads on so many fronts.

Related

Newly selected leadership speak to the press following the House Majority Caucus leadership election at the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News

At the same time, Schultz said, theres a lot of distrust in government right now. I want the House of Representatives to earn some of that trust back. So that will be a top focus for us as well.

Lawmakers are also seeing state revenues grow slower than anticipated.

Earlier Tuesday, legislative leaders serving on the Executive Appropriations Committee were told the state saw a nearly $50 million shortfall in the budget year that ended June 30, due to a drop in anticipated income tax collections.

Individual income taxes fell almost 5% short of expectations, while corporate income taxes were more than 6% lower, adding up to a more than $119 million shortfall. At the same time, sales tax collections jumped 10%, almost $70 million above the budgeted amount.

Even with revenues falling short, however, the state still has more than $3 billion in budget reserves, the committee heard. An economic update described the states financial situation as moving from boom to balance, with the end of federal COVID-19 funds.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  A Herriman man has been charged with wire fraud after allegedly lying about his criminal history during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Utah Attorney Generals Office.

Carter Lane Lucas, 47, is accused of defrauding COVID-19 relief programs, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL), out of $182,800 in loan funds.

Officials said that from Apr. 2020 through Aug. 2021, Lucas submitted multiple fraudulent applications, lying about his criminal history, and falsely claiming that he had not been convicted of a felony within the last five years, when in fact he had.

Funeral services set for Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Apostle M. Russell Ballard

These loans were reportedly submitted through Mountain America Credit Union and the Small Business Administration.

Lucas then used these funds for his personal benefit, officials said.

Lucas is charged with three counts of wire fraud. His first court appearance on the indictment is scheduled for Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.

The Utah Federal COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force is investigating this case. The Attorney General established this strike force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with agencies across government, to bolster efforts against pandemic-related fraud.

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Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justices National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  State officials celebrated Utah Speaker Brad Wilson on Wednesday, Nov. 15, naming a Great Salt Lake airboat in honor of the outgoing state legislator.

Wilson announced Wednesday would be his last day as Utahs Speaker of the House back in September. A week after he announced his resignation, Wilson launched his bid to replace Mitt Romney in the U.S. Senate in 2025.

Rep. Mike Shultz tapped to replace Wilson as Utah House speaker

The boat was officially christened as Wilsons Water Warrior on the steps of the Utah State Capitol Building. Officials said the name reflects Wilsons commitment and serves to remind Utahns of their collective responsibility to protect the lake.

The moment was commemorated with a toast of Martinellis sparkling cider in Brad Wilsons name.

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In light of Brads tireless efforts to preserve and protect the iconic Great Salt Lake, we are naming an airboat in his honor, said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. Its not a fancy or new boat but a workhorse that supports activities on the lake like search and rescue, invasive species eradication, water sampling and more. We appreciate Brad for helping to raise awareness of the lakes importance and supporting actions to protect it.

In September, Wilson said serving in the Utah House of Representatives and as Speaker was an honor, privilege and opportunity of a lifetime. Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson said she has grown to have great respect for Wilson, his leadership and the way he served Utah, particularly with the Great Salt Lake.

I appreciate his willingness to be at the forefront of the historic efforts being made to preserve the Great Salt Lake, said Henderson.

Speaker Wilson has championed policies and initiatives aimed at safeguarding the lakes ecological integrity, said Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Joel Ferry. His actions have earned him recognition and gratitude from Utahns across the state. The lakes future looks brighter because his leadership.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
The lives of 40 Indian labourers, who have been trapped in a tunnel for more than 72 hours, hang in the balance as authorities try to rescue them.

The workers were building the tunnel in northern Uttarakhand state when a part of it caved in due to a landslide on Sunday.

State and federal rescue teams have been using a massive drill to push through the debris to reach the men.

Officials have been able to establish contact with the workers.

Authorities have also brought fresh and more sophisticated drilling equipment from Delhi to speed up the rescue operations, they told BBC Hindi.

The machine was airlifted to the Himalayan town of Uttarkashi by the Indian Air Force on Wednesday.

The workers are trapped some 200m into the tunnel and none of them are injured, officials said. Rescuers have been providing the men with food, water and oxygen through pipes for the last 72 hours.

But it is still not clear how much longer it would take to bring them out of danger.

"The rescue operations are on going round the clock each day. We are making every effort to bring the men out," Karam Veer Singh, who is part of the team heading the efforts, told BBC Hindi.

On Tuesday the state government had decided to drill and insert a metal pipe of 900mm diameter through the debris to reach the workers. The workers could then squeeze through the pipe to safety, it was assessed.

But the pace of drilling was slowed down because of "natural obstacles", making it difficult for the rescuers to reach them, said Ashok Kumar, the director general of Uttarakhand police.

Mr Kumar said that rescue efforts were under way "on a war footing" and would speed up again once the new equipment arrives.

"We are confident we will save the men but until then, we have to be patient and keep faith," he added.

Uttarakhand tunnel collapse

Meanwhile, construction workers on Wednesday held protests outside the tunnel, urging authorities to take swifter action.

Family members of the workers also joined the demonstration. "I went into the tunnel and talked to my father through the oxygen pipe. He told me that they will come out soon," Akash, whose father is among those trapped, said.

The accident occurred at 05:00 local time (23:30 GMT) on Sunday.

A landslide nearby caused heavy debris to fall on the tunnel, leading to its collapse. The mounds of debris cut off oxygen supply to the workers. Authorities said they established contact with the trapped men on Sunday night using walkie-talkies.

The tunnel is part of the federal government's ambitious highway project to improve connectivity to famous pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand state. The mountainous state, where several Himalayan peaks and glaciers are located, has some of the holiest sites for Hindus.

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.

Additional reporting by Raju Gusain in Uttarkashi

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Read more India stories from the BBC:
Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., claimed he was acting in honor of his home state's "values" when he challenged a union leader to a brawl on Tuesday during a contentious Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing.

Mullin at the hearing read a tweet composed by Teamsters President Sean O'Brien, in which the union boss called the lawmaker a "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.

This is a time, this is a place to run your mouth," the Oklahoma Republican then said to O'Brien. "We can be two consenting adults, we can finish it here." Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., halted the heated banter after Mullin stood up and reached for his wedding band, telling the Republican, "You're a United States senator. This is a hearing, and God knows the American people have enough contempt for Congress. Let's not make it worse."

During a Tuesday night sit-down on Fox News, Mullin elaborated on his response to O'Brien's attack, which host Sean Hannity lauded, claiming that anything else would have been "gutless."

What did people want me to do?" Mullin asked. "If I didnt do that, people in Oklahoma would be pretty upset at me. Im supposed to represent Oklahoma values.

During another interview with far-right outlet Newsmax after the near-brawl, the former mixed-martial arts fighter seemed to yearn for the days when physical force was used to resolve disputes in Congress.

Sir, you know what? Ill be honest... Mike Tyson said it best: social media has given us this anonymity and people forgot what its like to get punched in the face, said anchor Carl Higbie.

Thats right. You know, some people are real strong behind a keypad, but when they get called out, its completely different, Mullin replied. Peoples asked me, too, Is this becoming of a U.S. senator. And, Im like, man, Im a guy from Oklahoma first. In Oklahoma, you dont run your mouth like that, and if you do run your mouth like that, youre expected to be called out on it. And, what would happen if I didnt call him out on it? Im not looking for a street fight; the last time I got in a fight, I got paid for it."

Every once in a while, you need to get punched in the face," Mullin added.

Higbie then asked if there were any Senate rules permitting "two consenting adults" to physically fight.

Well, we looked into the rules, and you know, you used to be able to cane, Mullin said, referring to the infamous 1856 caning of Republican senator Charles Sumner, Mass., over Sumner's anti-slavery views. You gotta remember, President Andrew Jackson challenged nine guys to a duel and won nine times. And, so, at the end of the day, there is precedence for it if thats what someone wants to do. And in this case, I challenged him once  you and I talked about it  he didnt answer, he continued to run his mouth after that, continued to send out tweets. And so, this was the first opportunity weve seen."

At the end of it, hes like, he tried to say, Hey, I didnt mean it like that. You know, Id rather just go have a cup of coffee," Mullin continued. "And I was like, Fine, lets go have a cup of coffee if thats what you want. But, I dont think thats what he means, I think he got called on the carpet and I think he got really nervous. Because when he stood up, the look on his face was a little bit different.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

Sanders blasted Mullin's conduct after Tuesday's kerfuffle.

"It's pretty pathetic," Sanders told CNN. "We have a United States senator challenging a member of the panel; who is head of one of the larger unions in America, which had just negotiated a very good contract of their workers: The Teamsters."

"This country faces so many crises," he added. "We have massive income and wealth inequality. We have a housing crisis. Our health care system is collapsing, it's broken, it's dysfunctional  we pay the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs. Climate change is threatening the entire existence of the planet. And this is what goes on in a senate hearing."

"Is the media more interested in a confrontation than why we have massive levels of incumbent wealth and inequality," Sanders asked. "We have to ask ourselves after 50 years the average worker today is earning less in real dollars than 50 years ago while the people on top are doing phenomenally well."

"That to me is kind of an important issue that Congress should be discussing and media should be covering."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-gggfZew&ab_channel=AmericaNewz

Even Fox News host Laura Ingraham trashed Mullin's behavior and gave rare praise to the committee chairman.

I never thought Id say this, but Bernie Sanders seems to be the voice of reason here, she said. Everything you just saw was a complete and utter embarrassment. It shouldnt be what is projected to our kids from our nations Capitol. Reminder to all of you, yeah, the children are watching. Youre supposed to be the adults in the room.
The push for permanent standard time makes its way to our nations capital on Wednesday.

UW Medicines Sleep Center Medical Director Dr. Visesh Kapur will join a group of doctors to testify in Washington, D.C. in a push to keep the nation in standard time year-round.

The group will be there to represent the Coalition for Permanent Standard Time, highlighting the health benefits of ending the twice-yearly switch of our clocks. The coalition further argues that permanent standard time rather than daylight saving time should be the preferred option.

In standard time, the sun is directly over our heads at noontime, Dr. Kapur said in a news release. When were in standard time, were getting light at the appropriate times of the day to keep our circadian rhythms in sync with the daily activities that weve got going on.

Kapur notes that permanent DST comes with a less daylight in the early hours of the morning, leading to a number of safety issues, linked to delayed bedtimes, mood disorders, and people getting less sleep.

Washington lawmakers passed a bill to keep the state in permanent DST in 2019, but have been waiting on a federal waiver to enact the change ever since. A move to year-round standard time could go into effect immediately without federal approval. It would only require a successful bill from state legislators and the governors signature.
Vandals have targeted the delivery of wind turbine blades to a development in the Scottish Borders.

Developers Energiekontor said the tyres of a lifter vehicle involved in transportation to the Pines Burn project near Hawick had been damaged.

It led to the cancellation of a delivery planned for Tuesday while repairs were carried out.

The company said it hoped it would be able to resume on Friday once the vehicle was fixed.

Police Scotland said officers were called out to an incident on Tuesday.

A force spokesperson said: "We received a report of tyres on industrial vehicles being damaged when parked in a layby on the A7 near Selkirk."

The blade delivery was paused in the layby last week due to slower than expected travel times and reduced winter daylight hours.

It is hoped it will be able to set off once again when repairs have been completed.

An Energiekontor spokesperson said: "We apologise for the inconvenience caused. This cancellation was due to vandalism to the blade lifter. Repairs are ongoing."

The firm has faced criticism for the disruption caused by the slow-moving convoys carrying the 65m (210ft) blades but has pledged to keep traffic impact to an "absolute minimum".

The turbines are being delivered to the site close to Bonchester Bridge in sections, with a police escort needed for the convoys due to their size.

The deliveries were halted last month for a review following complaints that they had "paralysed" Hawick town centre.

The scheme was originally refused by Scottish Borders Council due to its "unacceptable impacts" on the nearby Penchrise Pen fort.

However, it was given the green light after an appeal to the Scottish government.

Follow the BBC for the South of Scotland on X. Listen to news from the Scottish Borders on BBC Sounds. If you have a Borders story for us email selkirk.news@bbc.co.uk.
ST. LUCIE COUNTY  A veteran St. Lucie County sheriffs detention deputy was fired after an internal investigation determined he violated several policies, including committing a felony, in his interaction with some inmates, according to the Sheriffs Office.

Deputy Giuseppe Difilippi, who worked 14 years with the Sheriffs Office after 20 years of corrections experience in New York, came under review in June after a report of an inappropriate relationship with an inmate, recently-released records state.

Investigators learned of discrepancies in his treatment of some female inmates, determining he wasnt following rules governing the care, custody, and control of inmates, specifically female inmates, records show.

One female inmate wrote a letter alleging Difilippi showed favoritism.

Some of the improper behavior included passing some items between inmates, interacting with female inmates numerous times and passing notes between female inmates.

Difilippi loaned a female inmate a highlighter so she could make a birthday card and she had it for about two hours. Investigators determined he did a poor job at security checks and headcounts, records show.

At one point, he appeared to hug an inmate. Difilippi said he put his arm around her, but didnt touch her.

The video clearly depicts differently, records show.

The inmate said Difilippi touched her, but declined to call it a hug.

Some female inmates indicated female inmates would take off clothing when Difilippi worked as a means to entice him, but Difilippi said that didnt happen.

Difilippi said hes passed notes before, but typically read them first. He said he took one note home because he forgot to pass it, and thought it could be at his home.

Difilippis actions are not allowed by a state law regarding introduction, removal, or possession of contraband, records show. The internal probe found sufficient evidence to convict Difilippi of the felony charge.

The internal affairs investigation found he lost his objectivity when dealing with female inmates and it clearly affected his job performance and decision-making abilities.

Difilippi was found to have violated a number of sheriffs policies, including willful neglect of official duties, association with criminals, commission of felony and conduct unbecoming.

He was fired, according to the Sheriff's Office this week.

'The mission is everything': Stuart Marine remembers buddies lost, earlier generations on Veterans Day

Deadly crash: Port St. Lucie man dies after motorcycle crash

Will Greenlee is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Will on X @OffTheBeatTweet or reach him by phone at 772-267-7926. E-mail him at will.greenlee@tcpalm.com.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: St. Lucie County sheriff's deputy fired after internal affairs probe
A key Senate Republican is demanding a full investigation into whistleblowers accusations that Veterans Crisis Line staffers are ignoring calls from some hostile or problematic veterans rather than providing prompt emergency mental health care.

In a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs leadership sent Tuesday, Senate Veterans Affairs Committee ranking member Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, said the allegations represent gross mismanagement creating a danger to the health and safety of veterans nationwide.

Republican committee staffers said officials from the Government Accountability Office have already committed to investigating the claims, filed by multiple current and former staffers of the suicide prevention hotline to Morans office in recent weeks.

Veterans Affairs officials did not respond to requests for comment on the whistleblower complaints.

Suicide prevention campaign urges vets to be the one who reaches out

The Veterans Crisis Line has seen a rapid expansion in recent years, growing from about 900 full-time employees in early 2021 to more than 1,800 today. It has also seen a dramatic rise in demand since last summer, when federal officials launched a new three-digit dialing system  988  for individuals seeking emergency mental health care.

Whistleblowers told Senate staff that extra workload has prompted leadership at the Veterans Crisis Line to establish a special unit designed to handle callers with complex needs. Individuals who present erratic or hostile behavior towards VA staff can be sent to those specialists instead of going to the next available worker.

But whistleblowers said the special unit is understaffed, and many of those rerouted calls are simply dropped or lost. Moran said those reports raise grave concerns about operations at the crisis line.

The number of callers affected is unknown because of incomplete record keeping with those interactions, Senate staff said. Whistleblowers said rules regarding when to transfer callers to specialists are also unclear.

The Veterans Crisis Line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and bills itself as a consistent, reliable support service for veterans, troops and family members. Operators have responded to more than 6 million contacts since it launched in 2007 and issued more than 1 million referrals to local suicide prevention offices.

About 17 veterans a day die by suicide, according to the latest estimates by the Department of Veterans Affairs. That number grows to around 20 a day when active duty troops, Guardsmen and reservists are also factored in.

Veterans in need of emergency counseling can reach the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and selecting option 1 after connecting to reach a VA staffer. In addition, veterans, troops or their family members can also text 838255 for help, or visit VeteransCrisisLine.net for assistance.
A Victorville man is suspected of breaking into his ex-girlfriend's home in Hesperia, where he used a hammer to damage property and assault a man.

A Victorville man is suspected of breaking into his ex-girlfriend's home in Hesperia, where he used a hammer to damage property and assault a man, according to authorities.

At 10:58 p.m. Saturday, deputies responded to a 911 call in the 9000 block of Verbena in Hesperia.

When deputies arrived, they learned that the victim's ex-boyfriend, Joseph Carter, 31, came to her home and parked his vehicle across the garage door so that she could not leave.

Carter then allegedly broke into the house through a rear window and found his ex-girlfriend with a man, Victor Valley sheriffs officials reported.

Carter chased the couple into the garage, where he proceeded to smash the windows of the victims vehicle with a hammer. He then smashed the passenger window and pulled the man out. The suspect then allegedly took the hammer and beat the man. He was later taken to a local hospital with major injuries, sheriffs officials reported.

Deputies found Carter with the hammer inside his vehicle in the Phelan area. He was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, police said.

Carter was booked into the High Desert Detention Center and later transferred to the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. His bail was set at $40,000, according to sheriffs officials.

Sheriff's officials did not reveal further information, including an update on the condition of the injured man.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Victor Valley sheriffs station at 760-552-6800. Callers can remain anonymous by contacting We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or wetip.com.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Victor Valley deputies report suspect beat man with hammer
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY)  Virginia Beach has once again been recognized as one of the best cities for LGBTQ+ equality according to national civil rights organization, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).

The Human Rights Campaign developed the Municipal Equality Index (MEI) as a benchmarking tool to understand how inclusive municipal laws, policies and services are to LGBTQ+ people who live and work in a given community.

HRC examined the policies, laws and services of 506 municipalities across the nation. A 100 is considered a perfect score, however municipalities can receive flex points which allow for a total raw score of 122.

The campaign scored 11 cities in Virginia, including five in Hampton Roads. Virginia Beachs 2023 scored was 117 making this the third consecutive year the city has scored over 100.

This is a marked improvement compared to the first year of the MEI in 2011 when the city received a score of only 17.

Since then, Virginia Beach has continuously worked to create or change policies and ordinances designed to increase the visibility of services for LGBTQ+ individuals and to develop programs that engage and support the community.

The City of Virginia Beach is honored to receive our highest score yet of 117 on the Municipal Equality Index as a result of our commitment to making our city a welcoming environment, not just for the LGBTQIA community, but for everyone, said Anna Elias Perez, LGBTQ+ liaison to the city manager. In 2024, we are dedicated to maintaining our perfect score and to providing new opportunities for community connections, programs and learning opportunities for our residents, visitors and workforce.

To view the full report and see each citys score click here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
ERLANGER, Ky (WAVY)  DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and RecruitMilitary will co-host a National Virtual Veterans Job Fair on Nov. 21 from noon to 4 p.m.

More than 70 employers will be represented at this event, which is free to veterans, their spouses, active-duty personnel and members of the National Guard and Reserve.

By years end, DAV will have sponsored more than 90 in-person and virtual job fairs.

Those interested in attending the job fair can register at jobs.dav.org.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Thousands of earthquakes in recent weeks have shaken the Icelandic fishing town of Grindavik, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) southwest of the capital Reykjavik. They have triggered evacuations and warnings that a volcanic eruption may be imminent.

While the idea of magma rising was no doubt scary for tourists visiting the nearby Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, which was closed as a precaution, Icelands residents have learned over centuries to live with their islands overactive geology.

So, why is Iceland so volcanically active?

The answer has two parts: One has to do with what geologists unimaginatively call a hotspot, and the other involves giant tectonic plates that are pulling apart right beneath the island. As a geologist, I study both.

Eruptions in this region of Iceland tend to flow rather than being explosive, as residents saw in July 2023 and in 2021-22. Kristinn Magnusson/AFP via Getty Images

Life on the edge of two tectonic plates

When plate tectonic theory was emerging in the 1960s, geologists realized that many volcanoes are located in zones where tectonic plates meet. Tectonic plates are gigantic chunks of Earths rigid outer layer that carry both continents and oceans and are constantly in motion. They cover the planet like large pieces of a spherical jigsaw puzzle.

Many of these volcanoes are in subduction zones, like the Pacifics Ring of Fire, where thinner oceanic plates slowly sink into Earths mantle. These are the postcard stratovolcanoes like Mount Fuji, in Japan, or Mount Rainier, outside of Seattle. Because of their high gas content, they tend to erupt catastrophically, shooting ash high into the atmosphere with the energy of nuclear bombs, as Mount St. Helens did in 1980.

A second, typically quieter kind of volcano forms where plates pull apart.

The volcanic activity near Grindavik is directly related to this kind of plate tectonic motion. The mid-Atlantic ridge between the Eurasian and North American plates cuts right through that part of the island.

Iceland sits atop the meeting of two tectonic plates, the North American to the west and Eurasian to the east, indicated by the red line crossing the island. The maps show the earthquake swarms on Nov. 12-14, 2023. Yasin Demirci/Anadolu via Getty Images

In the 1950s, cartographer Marie Tharp used echo soundings gathered by ships to develop the first map showing the ocean floor in detail. It clearly revealed the mid-ocean ridges. This hand-painted version of her map includes annotations showing hotspot tracks related to movement of the plates. Heinrich C. Berann via Library of Congress; annotations by Jaime Toro

In fact, at Thingvellir National Park you can literally walk between the two tectonic plates. You can see the topographic scars of the rift in the long, linear valleys that extend to the northeast from Grindavik. They align with the recent swarm of earthquakes and the ground deformation that is happening.

Radar satellite data from the Icelandic Meteorological Office show that a broad area around Grindavik sank by about 3 feet (1 meter) over 10 days, and the GPS station in town moved about 3 feet (1 meter) to the southeast with respect to the North American plate from Oct. 28 to Nov. 9. Large cracks have broken streets and houses in Grindavik.

Estimates of how the ground deformed near Grindavik, Iceland, on Nov. 10-11, 2023. The vertical movements of more than 3 feet (dark purple), between Grindavik on the ocean and the Blue Lagoon north of it, were caused by the magma dikes movement. Icelandic Met Office

Where plates pull away from each other, the underlying mantle rises toward the surface to fill the gap, carrying its heat with it and moving into an area of lower pressure. Those two processes cause melting at depth and volcanic activity at the surface.

Starting in October 2023, this pressurized magma began pushing its way along a fissure toward the surface, triggering the earthquake swarms and creating the possibility of an eruption.

This is the same process that creates new oceanic crust underwater at mid-ocean ridges. After the magma solidifies as basalt rock, it will look like vertical walls intruded into the surrounding area. The Grindavik dike appeared to have reached within about 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) of the surface by Nov. 14 and could soon reach the surface.

Sitting on a hotspot

In Iceland, the large volcanoes in the interior also appear to be over a mantle plume, similar to Hawaii.

This kind of volcano typically erupts basalt lava, which melts at very high temperature and tends to flow easily. Eruptions are generally not explosive because the runny lava allows gases to escape. This is the reason why tourists often can safely watch lava flows in Hawaii or Iceland.

Exactly what causes hot material to rise at hotspots is still debated, but the most commonly accepted idea is that they are caused by plumes of super-heated rock that originate at the transition between Earths metallic core and rocky mantle. Hotspots are a mechanism for the Earth to give off some of its internal heat.

If there is an eruption in Iceland, the basaltic lava will most likely flow relatively peacefully downhill, as it did when Fagradalsfjall volcano erupted in 2021-22 just east of Grindavik, until it reaches the sea. However, when lava that is 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit (about 1,000 Celsius) hits water, it will flash to steam, causing explosions that can scatter ash over a large area.

A silver lining of Icelands volcanoes

Living in an active volcanic area has some advantages, particularly for energy.

Iceland derives 30% of its electricity from geothermal sources that use underground heat to drive turbines and produce power. Its almost like a controlled version of a lava flow hitting the sea, and it helps make Iceland one of the cleanest economies on earth.

Iceland has a lot of natural hot springs, but its Blue Lagoon has an unusual origin linked to geothermal energy. Photo by Jeff Sheldon on Unsplash, CC BY-ND

A hydrothermal plant called Svartsengi, near Grindavik, uses the underground heat to provide hot water for several thousand homes plus 75 megawatts of electricity. The plant pumps water through wells drilled into the volcanic field. This water boils to steam, which is then fed to turbines that generate power and to heat exchangers that make hot water for direct heating of homes.

That power plant is also part of the reason the Blue Lagoon is so popular. When the power plant was built in 1976, the plan was to discharge its still hot wastewater into an adjacent low area, expecting that it would seep into the ground. However, the geothermal water was loaded with dissolved silica, which became solid minerals when the water cooled, creating an impermeable layer. A small lake began to form.

Because of its high silica content, the water in this lake is a spectacular blue color that inspired the creation of the geothermal spa. The Blue Lagoon is now one of the top tourist attractions in the country.

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: Jaime Toro, West Virginia University.

Read more:


Iceland is preparing for a possible volcanic eruption after hundreds of small earthquakes have rocked the island nation in the North Atlantic. Seismic activity has fissured roads, shut down tourist attractions and led the government to evacuate a town in the potential path of an eruption.

Iceland averages a volcanic eruption every five years, the government said. The countrys tourism board attempted to assuage fears by pointing out that although three eruptions have occurred in the past three years on the same peninsula where activity is currently being monitored, people were unharmed and travel remained undisrupted.

Icelands Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management took a more serious note. It is clear that we are dealing with events that we Icelanders have not experienced before, at least not since the eruption in Vestmannaeyjar, the government said, referencing a 1973 eruption which lasted six months, forced the evacuation of an island and destroyed several hundred homes. We got through it together, well get through it together and we won't give up.

A more recent Icelandic volcanic eruption in 2010 sent clouds of ash into the atmosphere and crippled air travel across Europe off and on for a month.

Heres what we know about the unfolding situation in Iceland.

Whats happening in Iceland?

Seismic activity near Grindavik, which is about 31 miles (50 km) southwest of the capital Reykjavik, began around Oct. 25, but took a sudden worrying turn on Nov. 10, raising the risk of a volcanic eruption, according to the Icelandic Met Office.

The office has warned of a significant likelihood of a volcanic eruption in the coming days. On Nov. 16, meteorologists tracked more than 400 earthquakes near a nine mile (15 km) long magma intrusion at most half a mile (800 m) underground, the office said.

The likelihood of a volcanic eruption is high and an eruption could be possible on a timescale of just days, the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescues website SafeTravel warns, explaining that the eruption is likely to occur on land just outside Grindavik, with chance of an undersea explosion as well.

What is the risk for people in Iceland?

The government declared a state of emergency and evacuated Grindavik, a fishing village with a population of 3,400, on Nov. 11 after determining that magma extended beneath the surface of the town, the Associated Press reported.

Earthquakes opened up deep cracks in the roadways west of Grindavik on Nov. 13, closing the streets and making travel impossible for the foreseeable future, according to the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration.

The government began work on Nov. 14 to build defense walls around a geothermal plant, a main source of power for the country, near Grindavik to protect it from lava flow. On Nov. 15, electricity went out in a significant part of Grindavik, with workers efforting to bring the power back before any eruption.

Police granted specific permission to some residents of Grindavik to briefly re-enter the town, with rescue vehicle escorts, to retrieve their valuables on Nov. 16.

Will this have an impact on travel?

In recent years, Iceland has become a more popular tourist destination and growing transit hub for flights from North America to Europe. In 2010, the eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano spewed clouds of ash into the atmosphere and caused a month of travel disruption with flights being grounded and re-routed.

The volcano currently under watch had not erupted at the time of publication, so there are no current impacts to flight operations at Keflavik Airport in Reykjavik. All roads to the airport are open, the government said. The airport is only about 18 miles (31 km) from the evacuated town.

Icelands tourism website said its impossible to conclude whether flight travel will be impacted if the volcano erupts, but added that while the possibility of air traffic disturbance cannot be entirely ruled out, scientists consider it an unlikely scenario.

The potential disruption to flight traffic would depend on factors such as the location and size of the eruption. Typically, the impact of volcanic eruptions is confined to specific, localized areas, the agency said.

The agency pointed out that three eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula, where the currently active volcano is located, in the past three years didnt impact flight travel.

The U.K. and U.S. governments have warned citizens and tourists about traveling to Iceland at this time. The countrys popular Blue Lagoon tourist attraction closed last week as earthquakes rattled the area.

How can we help people impacted by the situation in Iceland?

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said it was caring for hundreds of evacuees in shelters as of Nov. 14. The organizations local branch, the Icelandic Red Cross, has launched an emergency fundraising campaign to support their efforts.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
A shirt promotes the legalization of marijuana in Lubbock at the South Plains Fair in Lubbock on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. The city council on Tuesday rejected a petition to decriminalize the drug. Voters are expected to decide the matter next year. Credit: Justin Rex for The Texas Tribune

LUBBOCK  An initiative to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana hit a roadblock Tuesday when city leaders unanimously voted to reject the proposed ordinance.

Instead, supporters of the issue will seek voter approval next year.

Lubbock Compact, the local advocacy group behind the proposal, spent two months collecting more than 10,000 signatures from Lubbock voters  more than double the 4,800 needed to put the issue in front of the council.

Mayor Tray Payne applauded the groups efforts but said the proposal contradicts state law and was void and unenforceable.

I do not think its appropriate that we try to contradict state law in this manner, Payne said. Until and unless amendments are made by the Legislature, the city of Lubbock is curtailed by current state laws on the issue.

Texas is one of 26 states that has not legalized recreational marijuana. The state also has one of the most narrow medicinal programs. According to the Department of Public Safety, about 69,000 Texans are enlisted. Texas lawmakers have long drawn the line when it comes to legalizing recreational use or lowering penalties for possession, and local officials have largely followed suit.

[Residents in one of Texas most populous cities are working to decriminalize marijuana]

Residents in Denton, Killeen, Elgin, San Marcos and Harker Heights all approved ballot measures banning arrests and citations for carrying less than four ounces of marijuana in most instances. However, the local city councils have declined to put the voter-approved rules in place. And Bell County, which includes Killeen, has sued to block the change from going into effect.

With more than 264,000 residents, Lubbock would be the largest to decriminalize marijuana with a residential vote.

Supporters of the proposed ordinance arent upset that the council rejected their efforts. In fact, they had hoped theyd do so all along. Adam Hernandez, communications chair for Lubbock Compact, advocated for the council to leave it up to a vote during the public comments.

The issue is too important to rest on seven people, he said.

Its not fair to either side  the council or the citizens  so our position was that it should go to a vote, Hernandez told the Tribune after the meeting. We just needed them to vote it down so it would be put on the ballot.

Hernandez added, Thats what they chose to do, not necessarily for those reasons, but were good with that.

Hernandez said the group will now work on registering people in the community to vote and encouraging voters to show up at the polls.

The ordinance will be on the ballot in May.
Shasta County elections officials are again checking the mail, following a scare last week in which several elections offices around the country were sent suspicious packages, including some parcels that contained fentanyl.

The Shasta County Elections Department received several doses of Narcan and instructions from the Redding Police Department on how to use the drug, an antidote to fentanyl overdose, said Cathy Darling Allen, the county's clerk and registrar of voters.

County elections officials had sealed up all of its mail after suspicious letters were mailed to elections offices in at least five states  California, Georgia, Nevada, Oregon and Washington  and in four cases the letters contained fentanyl, the FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service reported in a statement to elections officials Nov. 9.

Darling Allen said she spoke with a United States Postal Service Inspector and an FBI agent Monday to get additional support on how to safely proceed on the fentanyl issue.

Officials in the elections department did not come across any suspicious packages, she said. They had processed all the mail, including 63 ballots, she said.

The suspicious packages sent to other elections departments were not ballots, and they all looked similar, Darling Allen said last week.

The elections department was finishing off counting remaining ballots from the Nov. 7 election when the fentanyl alert came through.

A letter from the FBI and U.S. Postal Service was sent out last week warning local elections officials of suspicious letters possibly containing fentanyl.

As of Tuesday, the elections office had tabulated 2,395 ballots. Elections officials will tabulate the final ballots Nov. 20, Darling Allen said.

The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service sent out a letter Nov. 9 that contained an image of a suspicious letter sent to the Pierce County, Washington, elections office. The image was included to help elections workers identify possibly suspicious mail, the update from the FBI and inspection service says.

The Los Angeles County registrar said in a news release last week that a suspicious letter destined for his department had been intercepted by law enforcement, according to the Associated Press.

Many election offices across the United States have taken steps to increase the security of their buildings and boost protections for workers amid an onslaught of harassment and threats following the 2020 election and the false claims that it was rigged.

Reporter Damon Arthur welcomes story tips at 530-338-8834, by email at damon.arthur@redding.com and on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @damonarthur_RS. Help local journalism thrive by subscribing today!

This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: In wake of fentanyl scare, Shasta County elections again checking mail
Russian oil continues to flow into the American military supply chain despite Western prohibitions, the Washington Post reported on Nov. 14.

After Western countries imposed a ban on Russian oil products, a Greek oil refinery that services the U.S. Pentagon, Motor Oil Hellas, stopped sourcing its petroleum materials directly from Russia. However, an investigation by the Washington Post revealed that much of its exported oil can be traced back to Russia despite prohibitions.

Motor Oil Hellas introduced a new export route by which Russian oil is first sent to an oil storage facility in Turkey, allowing for the products' origins to be obscured. After the products change hands between Turkey and Greece, the oil eventually makes its way into American supply chains.

The storage facility in the Turkish city of Dortyol received more than 2 million barrels of fuel from Russia since the EU sanctions were established. More than 4 million barrels of fuel were shipped to the Greek oil refinery. The report states that the precise amount of Russian-origin materials in the products the Pentagon purchases could not be determined.

Motor Oil Hellas finalized more than $1 billion in contracts with the Pentagon since the U.S. ban on Russian oil took effect in March 2022.

The EU is currently negotiating its 12th round of sanctions against Russia. One of its primary aims is to prevent Russia from evading sanctions by working with third-party countries.



Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia lost 4,000 soldiers on eastern front in 2 weeks, commander says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A "shameless" man in Florida was caught on camera making off with a woman's porch decorations in broad daylight and struggling to place the stolen items in his SUV.

Aramairon Perez shared on Instagram footage from her Nest doorbell video camera of the thief in the act on November 9.

"8.36 am at my house, a shameless person robbed me," Perez wrote in Spanish. "I'm sharing it so that you are aware, you can no longer be calm."

The bizarre footage shows the thief, who was wearing all-black with a Miami Heat basketball hat along with a mask, pulling up to Perez's residence in Miami, Florida in his black Ford Expedition.

FLORIDA SERIAL CAR BURGLARY SUSPECT WITH ALL GAS, NO BRAKES TATTOO NABBED AFTER HIGH-SPEED CRASH

The thief is seen struggling to carry the large potted palm as he steals items from a Miami, Florida home.

He quickly opens the trunk before jogging up to Perez's porch-seemingly unaware that he was being video recorded.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

First, the thief is seen lugging a large wicker chair back to his SUV and is seen struggling to put it in. Eventually, he manages to place it in his vehicle.

The thief does not stop there, returning to the Miami porch and retrieving an exotic-looking leafy plant from Perez's porch.

The thief stole a woman's wicker chair and a large potted plant off of her porch in Miami, Florida on November 9.

He is seen on the Nest doorbell video footage wrangling the heavy potted plant. After a couple of failed attempts, he is seen eventually sliding it next to the wicker chair.

FLORIDA MAN SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR MURDER-FOR-HIRE PLOT AND MULTIPLE FRAUD SCHEMES

The man begins to head back to the porch, then appears to change his mind and returns to close his bursting SUV and take off.

A "shameless" thief stole furniture from the porch of a Miami, Florida home and was caught on camera struggling to fit the stolen goods into his SUV.

The Miami Police Department did not immediately confirm if the thief was arrested following the incident.





Original article source: Watch: 'Shameless' Miami thief take off with woman's patio furniture in broad daylight
Wedding crasher who posed as guest to steal thousands in cash is freed, again

A serial wedding crasher who has targeted nuptials in three states, stealing tens of thousands in cash and gift cards, is free again after her latest heist.

Mississippi resident Sandra Lynn Henson, 57, has pulled off thefts by creeping from table to table, snatching cash and credit cards from people's purses and raiding gift tables, according to USA Today.

"Miss Henson has been arrested in Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi for crashing weddings and stealing money and cards from purses," the Pontotoc County Sheriff's Office wrote on its Facebook page next to her latest booking photo.

She was most recently busted on Sept. 30 at Lexi and Brady Butler's wedding at Lily Creek Farm, in Belden, Mississippi, after members of the bridal party noticed her alone in the bridal room.

NEW YORK DOORDASH DRIVER CHARGED AFTER ALLEGEDLY USING FOOD DELIVERY TO STEAL PACKAGES OFF PORCHES

The bride and groom were outside with most guests when the bride's sister and wedding planner, Kait Dorrough, spotted Henson.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"She had a plate with some cake in her hand and was slowly eating it," Dorrough said.

The sister quizzed her on who she accompanied to the wedding.

"She gave some random name and said the person had already left," Dorrough recalled. That was when the wedding planner remembered that a guest was missing a makeup bag, and she went to her purse and noticed she was missing cash.

They confronted Henson, and she allegedly confessed, producing $200 from her bra.

Henson, who is currently on probation after a prison stint for similar crimes, pleaded guilty to petit larceny, trespassing and disturbing the peace for the latest intrusion. She was ordered to pay a $650 fine and released on probation.

ALABAMA PASTOR, MAYOR KILLS HIMSELF AFTER CROSS-DRESSING PHOTOS EMERGE

The bride was stunned by the slap on the wrist. "It's unfair," Lexi, 22, told USA Today. "She has robbed so many people of precious time, memories, and gifts, but she never has to own up to her wrongdoing. I can't believe no one is taking this seriously."

Dorrough added that Henson had a notebook with lists of other weddings. She believes she scoured The Knot website for targets.

In June 2019, Henson hit five weddings in Alabama in a single day. She was allegedly caught on video stealing $500 in cash and gift cards from the gift table at a church wedding. The case is still pending, according to USA Today.

After the news spread, more than a dozen additional couples contacted Alabama law enforcement and reported noticing the same uninvited guest at their weddings stealing cash.

BODYCAM SHOWS TERRIFIED GIRL, 5, RESCUED FROM HIDDEN CLOSET COMPARTMENT

At the time, Henson also had cases in Tennessee, according to the report.

In April 2021, Madison Vollmer Sacharczyk realized that Henson was on security video plundering the gift table at her Mississippi wedding.

She posted a still photo of Henson from the footage on Facebook, warning others.

In June 2021, Henson was convicted in Marshall County, Mississippi, of grand larceny and burglary and was sentenced to one year in prison.

"It's insane," Dorrough said. "She's been doing this for quite some time, and I don't think she has any intention to stop."





Original article source: Wedding crasher who posed as guest to steal thousands in cash is freed, again
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG)  A family that came to America in pursuit of a better life is now left planning a funeral after a St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital employee was shot and killed in downtown Memphis.

Friend and former employer Dr. Sandra Ryeom recalls the moments she learned 32-year-old Alexander Bulakhov was gunned down while walking with his wife Anastasiia and their 2-year-old daughter on Tennessee Street Sunday night.

REPORT: St. Jude employee killed in front of wife, 2-year-old during robbery

I was driving when Anastasiia called me Monday morning, and I just, I couldnt believe what I was hearing, Ryeom said. I thought I misunderstood her. And then when she finally explained what happened, I burst into tears. I just was sobbing on the side of the road.

According to court documents released Tuesday, 24-year-old Marious Ward came up to the family, pointed a gun, and demanded they hand over their belongings, which Bulakhov did.

Ward then turned to Anastasiia.

Anastasiia said the guy was pointing the gun at her stomach so Alexander was trying to protect her and said something like dont point the gun at my wife, Ryeom said. She really wanted people to know that he died trying to protect her and Barbara.

2 charged in shooting death of St. Jude employee identified

Dr. Ryeom describes the family as wonderful, sweet, and kind. She worked with Anastasiia for years at her cancer lab at Columbia University in New York and says the Bulakhovs just moved to Memphis over the summer.

They were so excited to be there, and they found this great apartment, and Alex loved his new lab, and Anastasiia had been looking for jobs and finally found one, which was supposed to start in December at St. Jude, as well. I was so excited for them, she said.

But that plan is far from what they had hoped as Anastasiia works instead to plan a funeral thousands of miles away from her family in Russia.

Alexs dream was for them to stay and have careers here and raise their daughter here, Ryeom said. And if they have to go back to Russia, I think his death really would have been in vain.

Ward and 22-year-old Brandy Rucker are facing a number of charges in connection with Bulakhovs death.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ryeom has set up a GoFundMe to help the family get back on their feet and pay funeral expenses. If you would like to donate, click here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Live in Sacramento long enough, and youll probably see carcasses spread out in the middle of the road.

The few seconds youre face-to-face with roadkill  whether in a car, on a bike or a stroll  can be unsettling; the image stamped in your brain lasts longer than your encounter with the lifeless creature, that is if you dont look away.

Thats just the start of the journey the animal takes in its afterlife. Who picks it up  and where does it go next?

The Sacramento Bee consulted spokespeople Ryan Hinderman with the city of Sacramento Front Street Animal Shelter, Janna Haynes with Sacramento County and Dennis Keaton with the California Department of Transportation to understand the journey roadkill takes.

Heres what we found:

Where does roadkill go in Sacramento?

The final destination of roadkill is dependent on where it was hit and whether it belonged to someone.

In an email, Hinderman said the city of Sacramento has received a total of 11,416 roadkill requests since 2019.

Nearly 2,300 requests were recorded this year.

A bulk of deceased animal removal requests are made by residents through the 311 call center, but it could take several days for an animal control officer to respond because of the size of the team and the number of high-priority calls.

An exception is made for roadkill causing a traffic hazard, the city stated.

Officers pick up animals within city limits located on public property (excluding highways). Services do not extend to rats or mice, which can be tossed in the trash in some neighborhoods.

Requests made about sick, injured, aggressive or neglected animals take higher priority.

Once roadkill is picked up by an officer, it is scanned for a microchip and entered into the citys system. The animal is then placed in a freezer or fridge at Front Street Animal Shelter, depending on whether it has identification.

Unclaimed, deceased animals are sent to a cremation facility.

ROADKILL IN SACRAMENTO COUNTY

The process in Sacramento County is similar.

More than 14,600 roadkill requests have been recorded since 2019, according to county data.

In an email, Haynes said it could take anywhere between one day and one week for roadkill to be removed from county streets. Once picked up, dead animals are scanned for microchips and stored in a large walk-in cooler located in the rear of Sacramento County Bradshaw Animal Shelter.

Unclaimed animals are picked up twice a week and transported to a nearby pet cremation facility.

HIGHWAY CASUALTIES

According to data from the California Department of Transportation, also known as Caltrans, more than 200 roadkill cases have been recorded since January 2019.

Keaton said carcasses found on highways in Sacramento are taken to the local animal shelter  even deer. The department will attempt to reach the owner of a domesticated animal before transport.

Deer, dogs and cats have been the most common highway casualties over the last several years.

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.
For those either not at home in the kitchen, or who don't want to be on Thanksgiving Day, there are a variety of options in the Tuscaloosa area.

Even as many restaurants and retailers close down for the day to let their workers be with family, a handful of places will be up and running, some with specialized menus.

More: Former University of Alabama football players named Christmas parade grand marshals

Metro Diner in Midtown Village has offered a Thanksgiving feast-to-go, with baked ham or roasted turkey, paired with side choices in mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce, Hawaiian dinner rolls and savory cornbread stuffing, macaroni and cheese or street corn. Options include a pumpkin bread pudding for dessert, salads, and beverages.

Chuck's Fish, 508 Greensboro Ave., will be open from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Thanksgiving Day for the restaurant's free feast. Guests are shown eating at Chuck's Fish in this Nov. 23, 2017, file photo.

The meals will be packaged cold, to be heated up at home, and can be customized for one, four or eight. Pre-orders need to be in by Wednesday Nov. 22, but guests could pick the meals up during regular hours Tuesday and Wednesday, or from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

Also on the holiday itself, Metro Diner will stay open for table service from 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m., before giving their staff the rest of the day off. The chain's seasonally-inspired Stuff N' Waffles, with waffles pressed from cornbread stuffing paired with ham, turkey or chicken tenders, is on their menu through Jan. 1, though not on the to-go feasts.

Though it may not be quite as well known as the Chuck's Fish annual benefit feast, Sitar of India's Thanksgiving buffet has become a local tradition for those who like a little different spice.

It's still turkey day at Sitar, albeit Tandoori Turkey, served between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tandoori's a cylindrical clay oven where marinated meats are grilled over wood fire, or charcoal, resulting in a smoky, juicy flavor. Sitar will also be open for their regular dinner menu that night, from 5-9:30 p.m. Sitar is at 220 15th St E. See more at www.sitaroftuscaloosa.com.

Chuck's traditional feast will be 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on the big day, either dine-in or to take away, at 508 Greensboro Ave. After a couple of pandemic years when it could only offer service in plastic foam to go, they returned to tradition in 2022. Everyone is welcome, and there's never a charge, but patrons are encouraged to leave donations in prominently placed buckets, with all proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity Tuscaloosa.

The concept originated more than a quarter-century back with one of owner Charles Morgan's longtime employees at Harbor Docks in Destin, which opened on its Gulf-front location in 1979. Staff and volunteers work the kitchen and tables, and funds are raised for local charities at the six Chuck's locations. Besides Tuscaloosa, they're also in Birmingham, Mobile, Montgomery, Athens, Georgia, and Tallahassee, Florida. They're not considered community service, Morgan says, because Chuck's business, and its employees, are part of each community.

At press time, Chuck's was still in need of volunteers to work the afternoon shift. Anyone who's interested should email manager Erin Barfield, ebarfield@chucksfish.com.

No reservations are taken, but you'll want to arrive early. Lines often form at prime dining times. See more at www.chucksfish.com/location/chucks-fish-tuscaloosa.

The Tuscaloosa Community Soup Bowl will serve at 1711 23rd Ave. on Thanksgiving Day in Tuscaloosa. The Soup Bowl opens at 11 a.m. and serves until 12:50 p.m. Some of its funding comes from the five founding churches  First African Baptist, First Baptist, Christ Episcopal, First Presbyterian and First United Methodist  but other donors make up about 65% of the budget. To donate, or volunteer your time, see www.tuscaloosasoupbowl.com/get-involved, or call 205-752-2421.

For something a little less traditional, but no less Southern, they're always cooking at the Waffle House, 24-7, 365. Legend goes you can tell when there's a true emergency if you see Waffle House lights go off. There are two in Northport, and several in Tuscaloosa. If you can't find your way to the neon yellow-and-black, use the locator https://locations.wafflehouse.com.

Because hotels work holidays, their in-house restaurants do likewise.

At the Embassy Suites Hilton, 2410 University Blvd. in downtown Tuscaloosa, its upscale Side by Side Kitchen and Cocktails closed earlier this year for back-of-house (kitchen and prep) renovations, but re-opened by May, in time for graduation celebrations.

Side by Side will serve a Thanksgiving buffett 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thanksgiving Day. Reservations are suggested for the main dining room, and required for private dining rooms. Prices are $69 per person, or $25 each for those 12 and under; those are gratuity-included.

Starters include butternut squash bisque, roasted beet medley and field greens. Entrees will be sage and garlic herb-roasted turkey, herb crusted prime rib with shallot-red wine demi-glaze, and smoked country ham. Sides will include cornbread dressing, turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, boursin cheese whipped potatoes, sweet potato mash with toasted marshmallows, green bean casserole, macaroni and cheese, maple and butter-glazed baby carrots, and artisan breads. For desserts, apple cobbler, and pecan and pumpkin pie. The kids' menu includes strawberries, grapes and salad, chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, tater tots, and chocolate chip cookies.

Reservations can be made through www.opentable.com, or by calling 205-561-3419. For more, see www.sidebysidekitchen.com.

Alamite opened last fall at 2321 Sixth St., taking up a block that's long been little but parking. Can't miss once you're near but for perspective, it's directly across from Five Bar, and half a block east of the Bama Theatre.

Forte: Cuts & Cocktails is the new restaurant in The Alamite hotel in downtown Tuscaloosa. It features French-inspired dishes including French staples as well as classic steakhouse cuts on a brasserie-meets-steakhouse inspired menu.

Alamite's Forte Cuts & Cocktails, described as a brasserie meeting a steakhouse, will be open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Thanksgiving Day for a family-style prix fixe menu. It starts with a choice of French onion soup or Caesar salad, followed by your pick of prime rib or rosemary rotisserie chicken. Diners will also have a choice of two sides, from sweet potato gratin, almandine green beans, smashed potatoes, and roasted heirloom carrots. Dessert picks include Forte Cheesecake, or Creme brulee.

Make reservations via Resy: www.resy.com/cities/tus/forte-cuts-and-cocktails. Parties of eight or more should contact the sales department, via email at dvisconti@thealamite.com

If you'd rather not sit down to white tablecloths or laminated menus, but long for the ambience of a brewpub away from home, Druid City Brewing Co., 700 14th Street in Parkview Plaza, will be doing a Thanksgiving potluck, a pay-what-you-can. The DCBC provides protein, said owner Bo Hicks, and guests are encouraged to bring sides. Proceeds will go to benefit Tuscaloosa One Place.

He also added, cryptically: "Mystery music performance." Knowing Bo and his deep roots and connections, that alone should be worth the thanks.

Reach Mark Hughes Cobb at mark.cobb@tuscaloosanews.com.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: These restaurants are open Thanksgiving Day in Tuscaloosa
With part one of the sixth and final season of "The Crown" premiering on Nov. 16, viewers may require a quick recap of what happened in Season Five.

The fifth season of Netflix's British royal drama showed the monarchy entering the 1990s, an era when the world witnessed the shocking deterioration of the marriage between Prince Charles (Dominic West) and Princess Diana (Elizabeth Debicki).

The future King Charles' relationship with his mom, Queen Elizabeth II (Imelda Staunton), had also grown increasingly strained. To top it all off, the public's fascination with the once seemingly-glamorous royal family has turned to disapproval. Let's take a look.

Queen Elizabeth is at odds with her family and her public

In Season Five of "The Crown," Queen Elizabeth, who has sat on the throne for nearly 40 years at the decade's onset, has been grappling with a rapidly changing culture, a challenging daughter-in-law and a restless husband.

Prince Philip (Jonathan Pryce) has spent more time away from home with his riding friends, including Penny Knatchbull (Natascha McElhone), who just happens to be married to his godson.

Elizabeth Debicki, Princess Diana (Netflix)

As gossip about the royal family abounds, the monarchy is being attacked for being out of touch and a waste of taxpayer money. For the queen, it stings, too, that her oldest son, the then-Prince Charles, appears more aligned with the public than he is with her.

But its not only commoners taking issue with the royal family. Conservative Prime Minister John Major (Jonny Lee Miller) also sensed that the House of Windsor was on the brink of a disaster before he handed the baton to young Labour Party Tony Blair (Bertie Carvel) in 1997.

Princess Diana shares secrets about her marriage and the royal family

The disasters happen like a series of bombs. Prince Charles comes to terms with the fact that the public loves Diana more than him. After a separation, Diana agrees to participate in a tell-all memoir, sharing the awful secrets of the couples marriage, including Charles affair with Camilla Parker-Bowles (Olivia Williams).

Charles' humiliation worsens when a newspaper prints lurid quotes from a steamy intercepted phone call between him and Camilla taped years before.

Diana is later manipulated by BBC journalist Martin Bashir (Prasanna Puwanarajah) into sitting for an explosive on-camera interview about the royal family.

The royal family is further shaken when Charles and Diana divorce, something the queen finally allows after Diana's bombshell interview.

Diana's tragic death will be depicted in Season Six

The worst of the royal family's disasters  for both the Windsors and the world  would prove to be, of course, Diana's tragic 1997 death, which will be depicted in Season Six.

A somber trailer for part one of the final season was released in late October. In a bit of foreshadowing, it shows the paparazzi now following Diana around the globe to capture images of her new romance with boyfriend Dodi Fayed (Khalid Abdalla).

Queen Elizabeth looks irritated after being told that interest in Diana's "private life" has only escalated since she separated from Charles.

"All one wants is for that girl to find peace," she says.

As photographers' bulbs flash and headlines blare, Diana's oldest son, Prince William (Rufus Kampa), calls his mom to ask her, Mummy, you OK?

A tearful Diana replies, "Im OK. Its just It has all been a bit mad recently.

Diana then smiles as she picks up a handwritten card from an admirer, presumably Fayed. Paris next week? it reads.

The trailer also shows flashes of the aftermath of the car crash that killed both Diana and Fayed. William tears himself from his father's embrace. The queen wonders why the public is angry about her stoic response to Diana's death.

Speaking on the phone, a stunned Charles utters a sentence that remains accurate more than a quarter century later: "This is going to be the biggest thing that any of us has ever seen.

The first four episodes of Season Six of "The Crown" will premiere Nov. 16 on Netflix. Part two of the final season will be released on Dec. 14.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Equipped with headlamps and torches, a group of researchers trekked through a rainforest in central Peru, listening carefully. Thats when they heard a whistling coming from near a road  it was a new species.

Researchers said they collected four of the small whistling frogs and determined that they are a new species known as Pristimantis loeslein, according to a study published Nov. 14 in the journal Vertebrate Zoology.

The collected specimens measured between approximately 0.8 inches and 0.9 inches, researchers said.

The frogs have a slender body with a wide head, the study said. Their skin is smooth on their backs, bumpy on their sides and coarse on their underside.

Scientists said the specimens varied in size, measuring between approximately 0.8 inches and 0.9 inches. They have long fingers that are not webbed and a tapered, pointy snout.

The creatures are yellow-green to olive green with a bright yellow belly, according to the study. The frogs have dark markings on their backs  including reddish marbling on their heads, a dark line between their eyes, and two curved lines extending down their bodies.

The brightly colored creatures have a green back and yellow belly.

Their large, bulging eyes are bronze with a copper streak, researchers said. Their limbs vary in color, ranging from brown to a gray-pink.

The frogs call sounds like a short pronounced whistle, co-author Jorn Kohler told McClatchy News in an email. It was discovered near a main road that connects the Andes mountains to the Amazon rainforest.

Specimens were found calling from bushes and other low shrub vegetation along the road, according to the study. They are only known from the location where they were discovered, but experts anticipate that they likely live in other areas of rainforests in central Peru.

The new species was named after a German family with the last name Loslein in honor of their support of research and conservation in Peru, researchers said.

Translucent creature  pregnant with green eggs  found in Saudi Arabia is new species

Purple pink creature heard calling from stream in Vietnam. See stocky new species

Tiny-toothed creature  with interesting yellow body and green snout  is new species
WHITE COUNTY, Ark.  Officials with the White County Sheriffs Office said a suspect was shot and killed following a Monday pursuit.

Authorities said a deputy attempted a traffic stop just before 9:45 p.m. that led to a vehicle chase.

Little Rock police investigating shooting at 12th Street liquor store

Deputies said the suspect, identified as Curtis Lindsey, drove to the area of Shiloh and Tweedy Road where he then got out of the vehicle and fled.

According to WCSO officials, Lindsey pulled a gun out and threatened to kill the pursuing deputy. Officials said the deputy then took cover and lost sight of Lindsey.

Later, authorities said K-9 units from two separate sheriffs offices tracked Lindsey to a home on Tweedy Road.

Little Rock police say student injured in shooting at park near Southwest High School

Officials with the sheriffs office said deputies tried to get a response from Lindsey inside the home but went 30 minutes without hearing anything. Officials said there was still no response after chemical irritants were introduced into the home.

WCSO officials said deputies then attempted to breach the front door of the home but found it was barricaded. Deputies said Lindsey then approached the front door, threatened to kill the deputies and drew a gun on one of them. Lindsey was then shot and killed by the deputies, deputies said.

According to authorities, Lindsey had warrants in Kensett, Beebe, White County, Van Buren County and Nevada County.

Little Rock police arrest 10 suspected in weekend car break-ins

Officials with the WCSO said the deputies involved in the shooting were placed on leave pending the results of a state police investigation. The identities of the deputies involved were not released.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
The decision on whether to cancel an air-raid warning for the time of long-lasting flights of the Russian MiG-31K fighter jets can only be made by the top leadership of Ukraine. Meanwhile, the threat of missile attacks with Kindzhal missiles remains real.

Source: Yurii Ihnat, the spokesperson for the Air Force of Ukraine, during the national joint 24/7 newscast

Quote: "The decision is not easy and must be made at the highest level. I think something will be considered. This is not the first time such questions have been asked and mentioned in the press

There is danger. It does not disappear. Like with the threat of the use of ballistic missiles, it is clear that an air-raid warning will be issued in some regions that can be reached by ballistic weapons. MiG-31K (a Kindzhal aero-ballistic missile launched from it) can reach any part of our state."

Details: Ihnat noted that long air-raid warnings indeed affect business, the economy and services do not work and children dont go to school.

The gradation and marking of air-raid warnings according to the level of threat (orange, yellow or red) are being considered.

At the same time, the decision must only be taken by the top leadership of the country, and only then will it be implemented by the Air Force. Ihnat reminded the public that the Telegram channel of the Ukrainian Air Force operatively informs society about all air threats that appear.

Background: Since the beginning of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to approximate estimates of the military, Russia has launched up to 50 Kindzhal missiles on Ukraine. After being supplied with Western-made air defence systems, the Ukrainian air defence has shot down nearly 15 such missiles.

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The Scene

In the spring of 1995, U.S. lawmakers were becoming concerned that material uploaded to the nascent internet might pose a threat to national security. The Oklahoma City bombing had happened several weeks earlier, drawing attention to publications circulating online like , which included instructions on how to build homemade explosives.

Worried the information could be used to orchestrate another attack, then-Senator Dianne Feinstein pushed to make publishing bomb recipes on the internet illegal. The effort sparked a national debate about Open Access vs. Censorship, as one newspaper headline put it at the time.

Nearly 30 years later, a similar debate is now unfolding about artificial intelligence. Rather than DIY explosives, some U.S. officials and leading AI companies say they are increasingly worried that large language models could be used to develop biological weapons. The possibility has been repeatedly cited as one reason to be cautious about making AI systems open source.

In a speech earlier this month, Vice President Kamala Harris invoked the specter of AI-formulated bioweapons that could endanger the lives of millions. She made the remarks two days after the White House issued an executive order on AI that instructs the federal government to create guardrails on using the technology to engineer dangerous biological materials.

Dario Amodei, the CEO of AI startup Anthropic, similarly told Congress in July that AI could be misused in the near future to cause large-scale destruction, particularly in the domain of biology. His warning echoed concerns raised by OpenAI, think tanks such as the RAND Corporation, and an Oxford University researcher who claimed that ChatGPT could make bioterrorism horrifyingly easy.

But unlike the homemade bombs Congress was worried about in the 1990s, which had already killed hundreds of people, the idea that AI would make it easier to build a biological weapon remains a hypothetical one. Some biosecurity experts argue the complexity associated with engineering deadly pathogens is being underestimated, even if you have a powerful AI tool to help you do it.

With new technologies, we tend to project in the future as though their development was linear and straightforward, and we never take into consideration the challenges and the contingencies of the people using them, said Sonia Ben Ouagrham-Gormley, an associate professor at George Mason University who has interviewed former scientists in both the U.S. and Soviet Unions now-defunct biological weapons programs.

Louises view

There isnt enough evidence yet to support the argument that large language models will increase the risk of bioterrorism, especially compared to using a traditional search engine to find the same information. One promising study by researchers at RAND tried to measure whether AI tools would give bad actors a meaningful advantage, but the final results have yet to be released.

But lets say that a terrorist group did use AI to generate thousands of new, potentially lethal pathogens, as one group of scientists did with chemical substances. The next step would be to individually test in a laboratory whether any of those viruses or bacteria could be synthesized in the real world, let alone remain stable enough to disseminate.

The group would then need to figure out a way to spread the weapon while ensuring it remains potent. Bacteria and viruses are highly sensitive to their environment, and something as simple as the pH level of the water theyre in can kill them or change their properties.

After the pathogen is deployed, it would still be impossible to predict ahead of time how it might interact with human populations, said Michael Montague, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. He pointed out that even though COVID-19 has been intensely studied around the world, virologists cant reliably anticipate the impact each new strain might have.

Ben Ouagrham-Gormley said her research has shown that achieving each of these steps requires employing different, highly-trained experts, including people who specialize in the exact type of pathogen being used. An AI model might be able to replace some of their work in the future, but she argued it cant replicate the hands-on wisdom that comes from working in a laboratory.

This kind of tacit knowledge exists everywhere, but in the bio field, its really important because of the fragility of the raw material, Ben Ouagrham-Gormley said.

When I began reading the work of AI researchers concerned about risks related to biological weapons, I found they rarely mentioned any of the arguments I just outlined, which came from people who specifically study biosecurity. LLMs have applications in many different fields, and paying closer attention to voices from each of them will lead to a better understanding of the technologys potential downsides.

There are also lessons to be gleaned from the history of the internet, which is full of attempts to democratize information while also trying to reduce the real-world harms that could come as a result. In the late 1990s, Congress did end up making it illegal to share bomb instructions in narrow circumstances, but the law seemingly wasnt very effective.

Room for Disagreement

Rocco Casagrande, managing director of the biosecurity and research firm Gryphon Scientific, said that what he and his team of biologists found when they evaluated Anthropics chatbot Claude and other large language models made them concerned.

These things are developing extremely, extremely fast, theyre a lot more capable than I thought they would be when it comes to science, Casagrande told Semafor.

Anthropic hired Gryphon Scientific to spend more than 150 hours red teaming Claudes ability to spit out harmful biological information, according to a July blog post. Anthropic declined to comment further on the findings from those experiments.

Divyansh Kaushik, associate director for emerging technologies and national security at the think tank Federation for American Scientists, suggested that an AI tool fine-tuned for biological purposes could potentially pose a higher risk than a general purpose chatbot. But he acknowledged that the physical engineering part would still remain very difficult.

Notable

An anonymous tech and science blogger, who goes by the name 1a3orn, looked at the citations for one policy paper arguing large language models could potentially contribute to bioterrorism. They didnt find the evidence convincing, and their resulting post was shared by a number of AI researchers on social media.
Older Americans  those typically on the tail end of the baby boom  are the ones buying and selling all the houses in the hot U.S. housing market.

The median age for a repeat buyer  someone who has bought a house before  is 58, according to new data from the National Association of Realtors. Thats slightly down from last years record of 59, but up significantly from age 36 in 1981, the year the association started keeping track. This year, the typical first-time homebuyer is 35.

We are still talking about an incredibly difficult market for first-time buyers to enter, even if theres slightly less competition, Jessica Lautz, the associations deputy chief economist, told The Washington Post. If theres a multi-offer situation, an all-cash buyer or someone who has a lot of equity is likely to win. And that person is going to be older.

Related

First-time buyers made up 32% of all home buyers, up from last years historic low of 26%, according to the realtor association. While thats an increase, it is well below the 38% annual average since 1981.

First-time buyers tiptoed back into the market this year with less competition and fewer multiple-offer scenarios, Lautz said in a press release. While the share of first-time buyers is still near historic lows, it is higher than last year. Notably, todays first-time buyers had household incomes nearly $25,000 above last year and are more likely to use financial assets to enter the market.

Related

Higher home prices and mortgage rates have eroded housing affordability. The association noted that household income for those who successfully bought homes jumped by nearly $20,000 and topped six figures for only the second time in its records.

Older buyers are more likely to be sellers, which puts cash in their pockets. The typical home seller was 60 years old  unchanged from last years report. Sellers typically lived in their homes for 10 years before putting them on the market.

In a still-competitive housing market, more well-off homebuyers were able to have their bids accepted by offering larger down payments and even by paying cash, Lautz said.

One housing analyst, Meredith Whitney, founder and CEO of Whitney Advisory Group, predicted a silver tsunami as baby boomers age out of their homes and start downsizing.

Citing AARP estimates, Whitney said 51% of people over the age of 50 are set to downsize to smaller homes, a shift she predicts will begin in late 2024 and into 2025 and persist for decades to come. That could bring more than 30 million housing units back on the market, Yahoo Finance reported.

Related

Household composition also continues to shift, according to the realtors association.

Seventy percent of recent buyers did not have a child under the age of 18 in their home, the highest share recorded. By comparison, in 1985, 42% of households did not have a child under the age of 18.

The report found 59% of recent buyers were married couples  the lowest share since 2010  while single female (19%) and single male (10%) buyers increased. Nine percent of buyers were unmarried couples. Also, 14% of buyers purchased a multigenerational home, with the most common reasons being to take care of aging parents, to save money and to accommodate children or relatives over the age of 18 moving back home.
NASAs Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of a solar flare  as seen in the bright flash on the right  on Aug. 5. 2023. | NASAs Solar Dynamics Observatory

The sun is beginning to enter a more active time for flares that cause solar storms that can impact the Earth.

As Earth enters this new phase, experts have been discussing how these solar storms could affect modern advancements on the planet and even lead to what a team from George Mason University called an internet apocalypse.

The internet has come of age during a time when the sun has been relatively quiet, and now its entering a more active time, Professor Peter Becker of George Mason University told Fox Weather. Its the first time in human history that theres been an intersection of increased solar activity with our dependence on the internet and our global economic dependence on the internet.

Related

When was the last solar flare?

Solar flares arent rare, but they do rarely hit Earth.

As the suns solar cycle begins to hit its peak, more solar storms caused by flares will be likely, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

On Aug. 5, a strong solar flare erupted from the suns surface but there werent any resounding effects, per NASA.

According to NASA, flares become dangerous when they bypass Earths natural defenses, like its magnetic fields, and hit the surface of the planet.

What happens if a solar flare hits Earth?

When solar flares do hit Earth, they can wreak havoc to electronics and communication systems.

NOAA warns that GPS systems and radio signals can be disturbed by a solar storm.

What if the 1859 solar storm happened today?

The largest solar storm on record is called the Carrington Event from 1859, per NASA. During the event, the flare caused geomagnetic chaos as it sparked fires on telegraphs and disrupted the whole communication system of the day.

Such technological chaos could cripple economies and endanger the safety and livelihoods of people worldwide, wrote NASA.

Could a solar flare wipe out the Internet?

Becker told Fox Weather that these stronger storms could have the potential to wipe out the internet unless the technology is hardened or if a proper warning is given.

Will there be a solar storm in 2025?

NASA predicts, based on the suns 11-year cycle, that a large flare called a solar maximum will happen sometime in 2025, which experts are preparing for.

Can we prepare for a solar flare?

New technology such as artificial intelligence has been used and is being developed by NASA to better predict sun flares up to 30 minutes in advance  the system is called DAGGER.

With this AI, it is now possible to make rapid and accurate global predictions and inform decisions in the event of a solar storm, thereby minimizing  or even preventing  devastation to modern society, Vishal Upendran, of the Inter-University Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics in India, told NASA.

Just like hurricane and tornado warnings, experts may one day develop solar storm sirens to warn of an upcoming event.

Related
Editors Note: A version of this story appears in CNNs Meanwhile in the Middle East newsletter, a three-times-a-week look inside the regions biggest stories. Sign up here.

Israeli forces launched a raid Wednesday on Gazas largest hospital, Al-Shifa, after accusing Hamas of operating from tunnels beneath the vast complex  a claim denied by the militant group and hospital officials.

Thousands of Palestinians are believed to be sheltering in and around the hospital, which the UN said had become the epicenter of fighting in the area, trapping vulnerable patients, staff and displaced Palestinians as they run out of medical supplies and fuel.

The hospitals main building has effectively ceased functioning, with doctors working by candlelight and wrapping premature babies in foil to keep them alive  with some warning the situation inside has become catastrophic.

The hospital had become a microcosm of the wider war and the rhetoric around it. Palestinians hold up the fighting around Al-Shifa as proof of Israels wanton disregard for civilian life in Gaza, while Israel points to the hospital as an example of Hamas use of civilians as human shields.

But the decision by Israeli forces to enter the hospital marks a potential escalatory moment in the conflict which began on October 7, when Hamas militants entered Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and taking over 200 others hostage  the largest such attack on Israel since the countrys founding in 1948.

Retaliatory Israeli strikes have killed at least 11,470 people in Gaza, including 4,707 children, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah, which draws figures from the Hamas-controlled territory.

Heres what we know so far about Al-Shifa and the raid by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

A satellite image shows Al-Shifa hospital, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Gaza on November 7. - Maxar Technologies/Reuters

What do we know about the IDF raid?

On early Wednesday morning local time, the IDF said it was carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in the Shifa Hospital in Gaza.

CNN cannot independently verify Israels claims that Hamas is operating from the hospital.

Khaled Abu Samra, a doctor at the hospital, told CNN they were given 30 minutes warning before Israeli forces raided the complex.

We were asked to stay clear of the windows and the balconies. We can hear the armored vehicles, they are very close to the entrance of the complex, he said.

Khader Al Zaanoun, a journalist inside the hospital, told CNN on Wednesday morning Israeli tanks and military vehicles were in the hospital courtyard. He added Israeli soldiers were in the buildings and departments are conducting search and interrogation operations with the young men amidst intense and violent gunfire inside the hospital, and were using megaphones to ask young men in the hospital to raise their hands, come out, and surrender themselves.

Israels assault on Al-Shifa has compounded a dire humanitarian crisis inside the complex, Palestinian health officials say.

At least 41 patients, including three premature babies, lost their lives at Al-Shifa Hospital between November 11 and November 16 due to the lack of electricity, according to a report published by the Palestinian Authoritys Ministry of Health in Ramallah on Friday citing medical sources from the Hamas-controlled enclave.

Most of the ICU patients who relied on ventilators have died due to the lack oxygen and fuel to power the hospital generator, Dr. Ahmad Mofeed Al-Mokhalalati, the head of the burns department at Al-Shifa Hospital told Qatari TV channel Al-Jazeera over the phone from inside the hospital on Friday.

Israeli army spokesman Peter Lerner told CNN on Wednesday that the IDF had informed hospital administrators, patients and civilians inside to take cover because we intend on conducting our military operation in order to differentiate and distinguish between the civilians and the terrorists.

On Monday, doctors at Al-Shifa warned they refused an IDF evacuation order because they feared at least 700 patients would die if they were left behind.

Israel has repeatedly claimed Hamas is using the hospital complex for military purposes.

Ambulances carrying victims of Israeli strikes crowd the entrance to the emergency ward of the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City on October 15. - Dawood Nemer/AFP/Getty Images

What is Israel claiming?

After launching the raid on Al-Shifa, Israel claimed soldiers had technological assets, along with military and combat equipment used by Hamas in a room in the hospital.

In another department in the hospital, the soldiers located an operational command center and technological assets belonging to Hamas, the statement said, claiming the terrorist organization uses the hospital for terrorist purposes.

Israel released video of a tunnel shaft in the grounds of Al-Shifa. In the footage, the shaft appears to be reinforced with concrete. Exposed pipes and cabling can also be seen close to the surface.

Hamas rejected Israels findings as baseless lies.

CNN cannot independent verify Israel or Hamas claims.

The bodies of two Israeli hostages  a 65-year-old woman and an Israeli soldier  were found near Al-Shifa hospital this week, Israels military said.

Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, called on Israel to grant his team access to Gaza to investigate competing claims about Al-Shifa Hospital.

We need to look into this by having access. We cannot rely on one or the other party when it comes to this, Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, told CNNs Becky Anderson when asked about allegations by the Israeli military that Hamas was hiding weapons at the hospital.

An aerial view shows the compound of Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City on November 7. - Bashar Taleb/AFP/Getty Images

He said the situation needs an independent international investigation, because we have different narratives.

You cannot use civilian, especially hospitals, for any military purposes. But you also cannot attack a hospital in the absence of clear evidence, Turk added.

How have Palestinians responded?

Hamas, Palestinian health officials and medical workers have also vehemently denied Israels claims about Al-Shifa, and condemned Wednesdays raid.

The director general of the Gaza health ministry, Dr. Medhat Abbas, told CNN that Gazas hospitals are used to treat patients only and are not being used to hide anyone.

After the raid began, Palestinian Authority Health Minister Dr. Mai Al-Kaila said it represented a new crime against humanity, medical staff, and patients, and warned it could have catastrophic consequences for patients and medical staff.

In a statement Wednesday, Hamas blamed both Israel and the US for the raid, claiming that the US had given Israel a green light  to commit more massacres against civilians by using Israels false narrative of Al-Shifa being used as a command center.

The statement also accused the United Nations of failing to defend Palestinians.

Wounded Palestinians sit in Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, after arriving from Al-Ahli hospital following an explosion there on October 17. - Abed Khaled/AP

What has the United States said?

The White House has backed Israels claims, saying Tuesday that Hamas was storing weapons and operating a command node from the al-Shifa hospital in Gaza, citing US intelligence.

Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, PIJ, members operate a command-and-control node from al-Shifa in Gaza City. They have stored weapons there and they are prepared to respond to an Israeli military operation against that facility, John Kirby, a US National Security Council spokesman, told reporters traveling with President Joe Biden. Kirby presented no evidence to back up his statement.

White House officials have declined multiple times to expand on how they can back Israels claims, as the US does not have troops on the ground in Gaza.

But Biden also said Monday that hospitals in Gaza must be protected and that his hope and expectation is that there will be less intrusive action around them.

Why is Al-Shifa so important?

The sprawling medical facility of Al-Shifa, which sits in the western part of Gaza City, was built in 1946 when Gaza was still under British rule. It has long been seen as the backbone of medical services across the besieged Gaza Strip, and has been hit in previous Hamas-Israel conflicts.

As early as Israels first war with Hamas in 2008-2009  almost a year after the militant group seized control of the enclave  Israel had been claiming that Hamas fighters were sheltering in mosques, hospitals and other civilian places to avoid Israeli attacks.

Former Minister of Internal Security and Shin Bet director, Avi Dichter, said in in 2009 that it was an open secret among Palestinians living in Gaza that Hamas uses Al-Shifa for its operations, a claim that Hamas repeatedly denied.

The hospital was struck nine years ago during the 2014 Israel-Gaza war, which was strongly condemned by aid and medical organizations. Palestinians blamed the 2014 attack on Israel, while Israel said it was the result of a failed rocket launch by Hamas.

The hospital made headlines a year later, when human rights group Amnesty International published a damning report on Hamas, including allegations that Hamas militants interrogated and tortured people at a clinic in Al-Shifa.

What does international law say about targeting hospitals?

International humanitarian law (IHL) governs the way in which warfare is conducted and seeks to limit the suffering caused. It is designed to give protection to civilians and civilian objects, including medical staff and facilities.

But protection is not unconditional. They can lose their protection if they are used outside of their humanitarian function to commit acts harmful to the enemy, Cordula Droege, chief legal officer of the International Committee of the Red Cross, explained in a video Tuesday, adding that using buildings like hospitals to house combatants and weapons can turn civilian objects into legitimate military targets.

Once a hospital has lost its protected status, an attack could be permissible  but the attacking party must give warning before launching a strike. The purpose of such a warning is to allow those who misuse the hospital to stop the acts harmful to the enemy, or, if they persist, to allow for the safe evacuation of patients and medical staff, Droege said, noting that this is not always feasible in conflict situations.

The IDF said in a statement on Wednesday that it had warned for weeks that Hamass continued military use of the Shifa hospital jeopardizes its protected status. The statement added that the IDF had also notified the relevant authorities on Tuesday that all military activities within the hospital must stop within 12 hours.

But this does not mean there is free license to attack, said Droege. All strikes are governed by the principle of proportionality, which states the attacking party has to ensure the expected harm caused to civilians will not be excessive in relation to the expected military advantage. All parties must also take precautions to minimize civilian harm.

But determining proportionality is a fraught task. Michael Schmiit, a law professor at the University of Reading and former targeting officer in the US Air Force, told CNN making such a calculation is the hardest decision a commander can make on the battlefield, because theres no bright-line test.

CNNs Tamar Michaelis, Jo Shelley, Abeer Salman, Andrew Carey, Kareem Khadder, Celine Alkhaldi, Manveena Suri, Aimee Look, Eyad Kourdi, Becky Anderson, Jennifer Deaton, Haley Britzky and Kevin Liptak contributed to this report

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
For 18 months the government has battled to make its Rwanda plan a reality - at the cost of 140m in payments to the African nation. Now, it's looking at the wider legal and political damage of seeing it torn to shreds in a highly-critical Supreme Court judgement.

Hours later, Rishi Sunak declared he already had a plan to solve it.

"It's like a boxer who just got knocked out, wanting a rematch immediately," one of the lawyers who defeated the government told me.

It is very difficult to see how Mr Sunak can turn this situation around in the time that he has left before a general election.

The prime minister told Parliament the court had "confirmed that the principle of removing asylum seekers to a safe third country is lawful. There are further elements that they want additional certainty on".

This is not what the court said.

It was never asked to rule on the general legal principle of sending people to countries deemed to be safe.

And the five justices did not send a memo asking for "additional certainty". The phrase does not appear in their judgement. They ruled the current plan was unlawful and shoved it in the legal shredder.

If the government comes back with a better plan, as with all such cases, it would be assessed on its merits.

So why was the Rwanda scheme unlawful?

The judgement found that the High Court - the first stage upon which this legal saga has played out - had failed to do its job in assessing for itself whether or not there was a real risk that any genuine refugee sent to Rwanda could ultimately be sent back to the country they had fled from.

Sending someone back to where they could be tortured is called "refoulement".

The Supreme Court said the evidence showed the government had broken this rule in more ways than one because the evidence pointed to serious problems with the fairness and justice of the Rwandan system.

It added that the government had not only breached the ban on inhumane treatment under the European Convention on Human Rights, but also safeguards in three British laws passed by Parliament over the last 30 years.

The justices said that ministers and the High Court should have considered more seriously evidence of abuses from the UN - and, if they had, they would have concluded the risks were too great.

So how does the government go about changing the facts on the ground?

Home Office teams have been working pretty non-stop on this plan for 18 months - and that's included sending refugee system experts to Rwanda to help it improve how it treats cases. The government is paying for training and other support and all of this could, obviously, help.

The government is also promising a new treaty with Rwanda that will guarantee that anyone sent to the country would not be sent back to their home country. But we don't know what the final wording of that treaty will be or when it will be delivered and in operation.

In other words, a lot must change before the critical evidence of past abuses becomes legally irrelevant.

But what about changing the law?

Mr Sunak said he is prepared to change any domestic laws or international relationships that block the plans.

This is harder than it sounds. The UK doesn't have some kind of trump card to unilaterally change international relationships such as the Refugee Convention.

British laws can of course be changed by a vote in Parliament - and that's why the PM says he will introduce legislation to declare Rwanda a safe country.

Is this a workable plan?

Lord Jonathan Sumption, a former Supreme Court judge and often a critic of the European Court of Human Rights, said the prime minister's plan was "profoundly discreditable".

"If the courts are told [by an Act of Parliament] that they've got to pretend that Rwanda is safe, whether it is or not, then that will work domestically," he told the BBC.

"But it won't work internationally. It will still be a breach of the government's international law obligations.

"It will be a breach of the refugee treaty. It will be a breach of the rules of customary international law which the government has been promoting and saying covers this obligation for some years."

Lord Sumption said it was unlikely that the bill could get through the House of Lords where a lot of the expert work is done in finessing complex new legislation.

"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."
From left, Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., and House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., at a news conference on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. (Tom Williams via Getty Images)

Speaker Mike Johnson is averting a government shutdown essentially the same way Kevin McCarthy did: by partnering with Democrats to pass a government funding bill with no spending cuts.

Unlike his predecessor, it wont cost him the job.

Many House conservatives are fuming that Johnson  the most ideologically conservative speaker in decades  refused to take a hard line in his first attempt negotiating with Democrats and instead leaned on them for help. In the end, more Democrats voted for the measure than Republicans, in nearly identical numbers to the September stopgap measure that triggered McCarthy's firing. Some tore into his strategy in a closed-door meeting Tuesday, arguing that his plan, which would allow funding levels set under Nancy Pelosi to persist for months, is tantamount to surrender.

Theyre not looking to oust Johnson over it. But some conservatives are privately entertaining other ways to retaliate.



One tactic under discussion is the same one they used against McCarthy after he struck a debt deal they hated: holding the House floor hostage by tanking procedural votes.

There is a sentiment that if we cant fight anything, then lets just hold up everything, said Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), one of several frustrated Freedom Caucus members who has huddled with the speaker multiple times this week.

There are a few reasons conservatives wont push a mutiny 20 days into Johnsons speakership, an effort Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) characterized as untenable. But mainly, Johnson doesnt have the same stubborn trust issues that plagued his predecessor.

McCarthy and his allies argue he was ousted not for working with Democrats to pass a spending bill, but largely due to personal animus among the eight GOP members who voted against him, particularly the leader of the rebellion, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.).

The extent of that bad blood between McCarthy and his defectors was on full display Tuesday, when one of the eight, Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) accused the former speaker of intentionally elbowing him in the Capitol basement. Burchett even suggested the two men could settle things in the parking lot. (McCarthy denied any kind of physical shove.)



Johnson, who the House GOP unanimously supported for speaker last month and has served in Congress less than seven years, doesnt have the same personal beefs. But conservatives arent giving him a pass on this indefinitely, with some signaling Johnson will have a major problem down the line if he doesnt prove hell govern differently than McCarthy.

Theres always that tension, but I dont see that happening anytime in the near future, said Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.), a House Freedom Caucus member. I think most people are willing to give him some time, but we need to see something different.

Theres another hurdle: Johnson is confronting a GOP conference thats now even more bitterly divided than when his predecessor was in charge. Besides frustrations from the right flank, the Louisianan is also facing restive groups of Biden-district Republicans and centrists, who have increasingly made clear theyll push back if leadership tries to force tough votes. After its ugly 22-day speaker battle, the 221-member conference has seemingly lost its ability to maneuver as a team. Instead, its every man for himself.

Youve got everybody acting as an independent agent rather than acting in a uniform way, said Rep. David Joyce (R-Ohio). And theyre not necessarily in one line or the other. I think because of the tactics that have been taken by certain folks, [its] encouraged other folks.

If those divisions worsen  like if conservatives make good on their threat to start blocking bills from coming to the floor  some centrist Republicans pointed out that would just increase their incentive to join forces with Democrats. Republicans openly shifting to that strategy would amount to a historic shift in House power dynamics.

It just forces us to work with Democrats  these guys play checkers, they dont play chess, said centrist Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.).

Johnson, meanwhile, is attempting to steady a seesaw of competing demands from the various corners of his conference, all while getting acquainted with a job that is six ladder rungs above where he previously served in GOP leadership. It's a nearly impossible role, even in normal circumstances, as McCarthy, Paul Ryan and John Boehner all demonstrated before him. Johnson likened it to drinking from Niagara Falls for the last three weeks.

One sign of success: Johnson staved off disaster on the floor on Tuesday in real time, talking down a group of conservatives who wanted to block a massive health, labor and education spending bill. The speaker's pitch, according to Norman: He had a plan to jam the Democratic Senate and cut spending in the full-year funding legislation Congress now has to pass in January and February.



But House Freedom Caucus members, in a meeting attended by Johnson and another ultraconservative ally, Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), said that they had their own strategy to make the Senate swallow spending cuts now rather than later. Johnson, clearly, chose to go another route.

We were going to fight. We had a well-laid-out plan yesterday, had a senator there, who had it worked out where as Bill Posey said, the hot potato was with the Senate, Norman said about the meeting. If you are scared of getting wet, you might not swim.



The next morning, speaking to his full GOP conference, Johnson privately made the case that this was simply the card he was dealt. He presented the stopgap spending bill as his only real option, given the Houses slim margins as well as the amount of time they lost in the three-week long speakers race, according to a House Republican who attended the closed-door meeting.

Publicly, Johnson shared a similar message, pushing back on conservative assertions that he was surrendering: I cant turn an aircraft carrier overnight.

And asked whether he fears the funding fight makes his speakership any less secure, Johnson brushed it off: "I'm not concerned about it at all."

He argued that hes in a different situation than his predecessor, largely thanks to his spending strategy  which includes two funding deadlines intended to force Congress to consider individual spending bills, rather than a mammoth spending package. Johnson said Democrats first feared the idea, but he insisted it will change the way they approach funding. (The Freedom Caucus, which initially supported the two-step approach, later formally opposed it because it contained no spending reductions, no border security, and not a single meaningful win for the American People.)

"Kevin should take no blame for that. Kevin was in a very difficult situation that happened," Johnson added.

Still, the right flank remains mostly unconvinced by the Louisiana Republican's pitch. Many worry that Johnsons decisions on the stopgap bill are an early signal that he is less likely to fight for their priorities heading into January and February.

Rep. Dan Bishop (R-N.C.), who was in the Freedom Caucus meeting with Johnson, acknowledged that hes in a tough position but warned that his honeymoon period is effectively over. And now, the speaker needs a strategy pivot, or hell fall into the same trap as previous GOP speakers who flamed out one after another.

Hes got to find an opportunity to change the dynamics, Bishop said. If he cant, hes going to follow the same path of not just the immediately previous speaker but a series of them who have not really proved successful.

Meredith Lee Hill contributed to this report.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  A legendary Broadway musical will return to Austin next year, a national theatre group said Tuesday.

Broadway Across America said Wicked will play at the Bass Concert Hall from Mar. 13 to 31 as part of Texas Performing Arts Broadway in Austin series.

Single tickets will go on sale Friday at 10 a.m.

2022: Wicked welcomes a pioneering good witch

The times for the March performances are:

Tuesday-Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

Friday at 8 p.m.

Saturday at 2 and 2 p.m.

Sunday 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $49 and are available at Texas Performing Arts and Broadway in Austin or by phone at 512-477-1444 or from the Texas Performing Arts ticket office at Bass Concert Hall.

For groups of 10 or more, you can call 877-275-3804 or email Austin.groups@broadwayacrossamerica.com.

As the Associated Press reported in 2022, the musical, based on Gregory Maguires cult novel, tells the story of two young witches-to-be, one a green brooder who will be the Wicked Witch of the West and the other blond and bubbly, who will be Glinda the Good Witch.

Wicked celebrated its 20th anniversary on Broadway on Oct. 30 and is the 4th longest-running show in Broadway history, according to the announcement.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
A jury in Waukesha, Wisconsin found a 39 year-old woman guilty of intentional homicide for spiking her victim's water bottle with a lethal dose of the active ingredient in over-the-counter eye drops. Photo by Ben Kerckx/Pixabay

Nov. 15 (UPI) -- A Wisconsin woman was found guilty Tuesday of first-degree intentional homicide for killing a friend and dependent with a lethal dose of eye drops.

Jessy Kurczewski, 39, laced 62-year old Lynn Hernan's water bottle with tetrahydrozoline, the active ingredient in over-the-counter eye drops, according to a Waukesha County Sheriff's Office criminal complaint, and put enough of the chemical in Hernan's water bottle that it killed her.

The death was initially ruled a drug overdose, which police say Kurczewski had staged by placing bottles of pills next to Hernan who was in her recliner chair, and then dusted Hernan's shirt with crushed pills to create the illusion that Hernan had committed suicide in her Peawaukee home in October, 2018.

Kurczewski called police and told them Hernan was not responsive when she arrived for her caregiving shift and worried that Hernan was suicidal because of her chronic and debilitating medical conditions.

But police reopened the investigation in 2021 when a toxicology report found the lethal dose of tetrahydrozoline in Hernan's blood. Kurczewski was arrested and charged in June of that year.

Kurczewski pleaded not guilty to first-degree intentional homicide and two counts of felony theft.

Kurczewski was Hernan's confidant and caregiver, but reportedly bilked Hernan out of $300,000 over a two year period. She was also named in Hernan's will, according to documents.

"Lynn Hernan became worth more dead than alive" to the defendant, Waukesha County Deputy District Attorney Abbey Nickolie told reporters following the verdict. "The defendant betrayed Lynn out of greed. This case highlighted the financial vulnerability of the victim and what a person would do to get what they want."

Kurczewski broke down in tears as the verdicts were read in Waukesha County court. Neither she nor her defense team spoke publicly afterward.

Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 7. Kurczewski faces mandatory life in prison for the homicide charge. The felony theft counts each carry a maximum of five years in prison.
ST. CROIX FALLS, Wis. (FOX 9) - Authorities in Wisconsin believe they've solved a 1985 cold case murder, charging a woman with the death of Yvonne Menke in an apparent love triangle gone wrong.

Mary Josephine Bailey, 80, of Maricopa County in Arizona, is charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of 45-year-old Menke nearly 38 years ago, on Dec. 12, 1985, at an apartment building in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. Bailey was arrested on Monday in Maricopa County, Arizona, and is awaiting extradition back to Wisconsin.

According to the criminal complaint, Menke was shot three times by a .22 caliber weapon as she walked down the stairs of her apartment building to warm up her vehicle before heading to work at around 6:20 a.m. One of Menke's daughters saw a person leave the scene after the shooting but did not know who it was.

Authorities learned the man Menke was dating, Jack Owen (he is now deceased), had a wandering eye for other women, and was also seeing a woman named Mary Jo Lunsmann (now known as Mary Jo Bailey). The criminal complaint says the trio had "somewhat of a love triangle."

"Law enforcement learned that for several years leading up [to] the Yvonne Menke homicide, Jack Owen often dated Yvonne Menke and Mary Jo (Lunsmann) Bailey at the same time. There were times when Jack Owen and Yvonne Menke and Jack Owen and Mary Jo (Lunsmann) Bailey would break up, but they always seemed to rekindle their relationship(s). For that reason, many witnesses close to Yvonne Menke suggested that Mary Jo (Lunsmann) Bailey was responsible for killing Yvonne Menke," the criminal complaint states.

Multiple witnesses told authorities Owen was in a relationship with Menke and Bailey at the same time, charges said. A witness who knew Menke and Owen told authorities when Bailey was around Owen, she did not want other women around. One witness said they believed Bailey was capable of killing Menke, noting they believed Bailey was upset with Owen because she wasn't invited to his birthday party the night before Menke was killed. The same witness speculated that whoever killed Menke did so to "erase competition," charges said.

Witnesses stated Bailey knew how to handle firearms, owned a .22 pistol, and would shoot dogs that got near her horses. However, some witnesses denied Bailey knew how to use guns.

Yvonne Menke was killed on Dec. 12, 1985, outside her home in Wisconsin. (Supplied)

Authorities interviewed Owen and Bailey on Dec. 13, 1985, who said their relationship revolved around their mutual interest in Morgan horses and horse shows, the complaint said. When authorities asked Bailey about Menke, she said she knew who she was but was never introduced to her face-to-face though they'd spoken on the phone three years prior about Owen and his behavior.

On Dec. 13, 1985, authorities seized Bailey's boots, which were consistent with the boot prints found at the scene where Menke was killed, charges said. Authorities interviewed her again on Dec. 20, 1985, during which she described her activities the week of Dec. 8, 1985, including stating she took a vacation day on Dec. 12, 1985, claiming she woke up around 7 a.m. to do chores and then learned of Menke's death from a friend around 9 a.m. She then said she picked up an order of fish in Luck, Wisconsin, before going shopping in Rice Lake before coming home by 5 p.m.

Officers advised Mary Jo that law enforcement had evidence that she was at Menke's apartment building on Dec. 12, 1985. Mary Jo denied being there. Phone records indicate there were long-distance phone calls between Bailey and Menke's phones, including about a month before Menke's killing, charges said.

Authorities picked up the investigation again in late 2021-2022, during which investigators re-interviewed witnesses and others with knowledge of Owen, Bailey and Menke. Authorities re-interviewed Bailey on Sept. 21, 2022, over the phone. During the interview, Bailey said she and Owen were friends at the time Menke was killed and Owen was the type of man who had multiple girlfriends. Bailey said she did not remember ever meeting Menke.

During the interview with Bailey, investigators noted she was not forthcoming with many of her responses to their questions or avoided answering them.

Authorities interviewed Bailey again on Jan. 16, 2023, during which authorities indicated charges could be filed against her in Menke's killing. Bailey did not respond and did not show emotion, charges said.

Investigators continued to review the case, including going over evidence recovered the day Menke was killed. In Menke's purse was a note that had Bailey's initials and the phrase "touch of class,' which matched the phrase written on the bug screen of Bailey's vehicle in 1985, charges said.

The complaint concludes: "The crime and the up close and personal attack appear to show personal knowledge and a strong emotional reaction towards Yvonne Menke.  It is probable that the person responsible for the homicide was not a stranger to Yvonne Menke, but rather someone who was aware of her and her daily habits.

"Based on the well-documented love triangle between Yvonne Menke, Jack Owen and Mary Jo (Lunsmann) Bailey, in addition to Mary Jos suspected animosity towards Yvonne Menke, witness statements, and the physical evidence collected at the scene (boot prints closely matching boots recovered from Mary Jo (Lunsmann) Bailey), [authorities] believes that Mary Jo (Lunsmann) Bailey is responsible for killing Yvonne Menke on Dec. 12, 1985."

Here's the full criminal complaint:

Click to open this PDF in a new window.
A Wisconsin jury convicted a woman Tuesday of fatally poisoning her friend's water with eye drops before stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from her.

Jurors in Waukesha County deliberated for 11 hours before finding Jessy Kurczewski guilty of first-degree intentional homicide and two counts of theft in the death of Lynn Hernan.

Kurczewski broke down in tears as the verdict was read in open court, FOX Milwaukee reported.

Kurczewski, 39, told investigators she gave Hernan a water bottle filled with six bottles of Visine in 2018. Hernan was found dead in her Pewaukee condo with crushed medication on her chest, prosecutors said.

CALIFORNIA WOMAN, 27, FOUND DEAD IN LAGUNA BEACH ALLEY STEPS FROM WORK: REPORT

Kurczewski called the police to report Hernan was unconscious and not breathing. She told authorities Hernan was possibly suicidal.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Her death was ruled a homicide after tetrahydrozoline, an ingredient in Visine, was found in her system. Toxicology results from the autopsy showed that the woman had 160 nanograms per milliliter of tetrahydrozoline, an amount one medical examiner said would have been impossible to have in one's system just by using eye droplets.

When told that her friend was poisoned, Kurczewski told investigators Hernan, 61, must have staged her own suicide with the crushed pills. Detectives also eventually concluded Kurczewski stole $290,000 from Hernan.

Hernan's close friend, Anthony Pozza, told the news outlet that Hernan was 'a compassionate, humble and very generous person."

"Shed give you the shirt off her back if she knew it would look good on you," Pozza said. "When I learned of Lynns passing, I immediately knew something was awry and not reality. I thank God every day for the detectives and DA that represented this case."

Kurczewski is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 7.





Original article source: Wisconsin woman convicted of fatally poisoning friend's water with eye drops
A grown woman who allegedly posed as a student in multiple Boston High Schools was indicted on a slew of new charges on Tuesday, officials say.

32-year-old Shelby Hewitt, who was already facing 7 counts of fraud, has been indicted on 3 counts of forgery, 2 counts of common law forgery, 1 count of uttering, larceny over $1,200, ID theft, and false claims to an employer, according to the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office.

Hewitt is a former social worker for the Department of Child and Family Services (DCF) and allegedly attended Jeremiah E. Burke High School, Brighton High School, and English High School while using the student transfer process and enrolling under multiple pseudonyms.

Classmates suffered: Boston City Council to investigate 32-year-old high school imposter

Her alleged misdeeds came to light in June when a man posing as her foster parent tried withdrawing her from English High School after being there for only a week.

In July, she pleaded not guilty in West Roxbury District Court.

Hewitt is scheduled to appear in Suffolk Superior Court in December on these new charges.

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




LEROY TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  A woman was airlifted to the hospital after being thrown from a vehicle during a crash south of Battle Creek Wednesday morning.

The crash happened around 9:50 a.m. at the intersection of M-66 and K Drive S in Leroy Township, between Battle Creek and Athens. The Calhoun County Sheriffs Office said a driver headed west on K Drive failed to obey a stop sign at M-66 and collided with a northbound car.

The westbound driver, a 29-year-old Union City woman, was thrown from her car. She was airlifted to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the northbound car, a 31-year-old Athens woman, was hospitalized with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

The sheriffs office is investigating the crash.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Jessy Kurczewski during her trial at the Waukesha County Courthouse in Waukehsa, Wisconsin, on November 13, 2023. Associated Press

A Wisconsin woman was found guilty of poisoning her friend's water with a lethal dose of eye drops.

Jessy Kurczewski, 39, poured six bottles' worth of Visine into Lynn Hernan's water, per a complaint.

Kurczewski's sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 7, according to court records.

A woman in Wisconsin was found guilty on Tuesday of poisoning her friend's water with a lethal dose of eye drops and stealing thousands of dollars from her, according to court records .

After almost 10 hours of deliberation, a Waukesha County jury found Jessy Kurczewski guilty of one count of first-degree intentional homicide and two counts of felony theft of more than $10,000, court records show.

Kurczewski, 39, was accused of pouring Tetrahydrozoline, a chemical found in Visine, into the drink of Lynn Hernan, which resulted in her death, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel .

She was also accused of defrauding Hernan out of nearly $300,000 in the two years leading up to her death in October 2018, the Sentinel reported.

Hernan, 62, was found "unconscious" and "not breathing" at her home in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, in October 2018 with a large amount of crushed medication on her chest and a plate to her left with crushed medicine on it, according to a criminal complaint filed by Waukesha County in 2021 and cited by the Associated Press.

Investigators initially believed Hernan had died of a drug overdose based on preliminary observations, per the criminal complaint.

At the time, Kurczewski told authorities that she had visited Hernan every other day for six months before her death to look after her, and that she believed she could be suicidal, the complaint said.

However, a cousin of Hernan's asked the Waukesha County Medical Examiner's Office to carry out a medical examination, which later found the victim died of a fatal dose of Tetrahydrozoline, per the complaint.

In a letter dated September 2019, a doctor assessed that based on the autopsy results, the cause of Hernan's death was homicide  not suicide or an accident, the complaint stated.

Kurczewski was arrested and subjected to six rounds of interviews with detectives in charge of the case, per the complaint.

She repeatedly denied killing Hernan, saying that she did not give her eye drops or stage her suicide, but later admitted to bringing her a drinking bottle containing six bottles' worth of Visine, according to the complaint.

As Judge Jennifer Dorow read the verdict, Kurczewski could be seen sobbing in court, a livestream by Court TV showed .

Kurczewski's sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 7, according to court records.

Read the original article on Insider
A Wisconsin woman wept in court Tuesday as she was convicted of fatally poisoning her friend with eye drops. Jessy Kurczewski, 39, was found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide as well as theft in relation to the 2018 death of beautician Lynn Hernan, 62. Prosecutors alleged that Kurczewski took almost $300,000 from Hernan in the two years before her death. Hernan was found unconscious in her home surrounded by pill bottles, and her death was initially ruled to be an overdose, with Kurczewski telling authorities she believed Hernan had been suicidal. The investigation was then reopened when a toxicological report found Hernan had a fatal dose of tetrahydrozoline, the main chemical in eye drops. After the verdict Tuesday, deputy district attorney Abbey Nickolie said Kurczewsk betrayed Lynn out of greed. Kurczewski now faces mandatory life in prison for the homicide charge.

Read it at Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Read more at The Daily Beast.
Police did not name the suspect but said he was an adult male

Police in Toronto have charged a man with murder who they say intentionally struck three people with a vehicle, including a woman who was killed.

Authorities say Ciro Garofano, 79, knew the victims, but they did not specify further details.

Two people were injured in the incident on Wednesday afternoon that occurred in the city's north-east end, in an area surrounded by apartment complexes.

Police have not provided any motive.

It was not immediately known whether the suspect has an attorney who could speak on his behalf.

In a news conference late Wednesday, police said the suspect was arrested at the scene of the incident.

"We have learned that this was an intentional act on the part of the arrested party," said Det-Sgt Brandon Price with the Toronto Police Service.

"We also have received information that the parties involved are known to each other. So there is no further or ongoing risk to the public," he said.

The incident happened at about 12:40 EST (17:50 GMT) in a car park near Victoria Park Avenue and Cassandra Boulevard.

There were three victims in the attack, police said. Two of the victims - a man and an elderly woman - were treated in hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The third victim, a woman in her 60s, died in hospital.

Rudy Watchel, who lives in one of the nearby apartment buildings, said he ran outside after he heard the incident and found two other residents lying on the ground. "I heard screaming, somebody screaming 'help, help, help,'" he told CityNews Toronto.

Mr Watchel said the suspect would complain about everybody in the building.
Yellow crime scene do not cross barrier tape in front of defocused background. Horizontal composition with selective focus and copy space.

Yellow crime scene do not cross barrier tape in front of defocused background. Horizontal composition with selective focus and copy space.

A 20-year-old Florida woman in an apparent love triangle was arrested on Friday after South Daytona police say she got a gun from her sugar daddy and used it to shoot at another woman and the womans toddler.

Zehra Percy was formally charged with shooting into an occupied vehicle in connection to the Nov. 4 incident, South Daytona police said. Shes accused of firing shots at her boyfriends other girlfriend while a 1-year-old girl was in the back seat, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by HuffPost.

According to the affidavit, the victim told police she left with her young daughter to go pick up dinner at Wendys that night. On the way there, she said she noticed a silver car parked outside an unknown apartment complex, and that she recognized the vehicle as the same one that had been driving around her home in recent days.

The victim informed officers she decided to park near the car that night to find out who was driving the vehicle, according to police.

Approximately two minutes after the victim pulled up near the car, she discovered her boyfriend, who is also the father of the 1-year-old, coming out the building with a woman she did not recognize, police said. That woman was later identified by authorities as Percy.

Shortly after the victim exited her car, a witness shouted she has a gun then advised the victim to run back to her car.

The woman believed to be Percy ran to the silver cars trunk, pulled out a gun and fired 3 to 4 shots at the victim and her car where the toddler was seated, police said.

One witness told police she saw Percy and the victim engaged in a verbal argument before the shooting.

Percy allegedly drove off before 911 was called, according to the affidavit. Police investigating the scene found two bullet shells.

Investigators found that the silver car was registered to an address matching Percys apartment, at the same complex where the shooting happened.

According to the document, Percy was not taken into custody until Friday, when officers pulled over her silver car with her sitting in the back.

When officers asked Percy where the gun allegedly used to shoot at the victim and her daughter was, she told them she returned it to her sugar daddy.

According to court records reviewed by HuffPost, Percy was released that same day after posting a $5,000 bond and is due back in court on Dec. 5.

Related...
Public lands and shellfish farms

It is important to remind waterfront owners that the view you enjoy from your private property is not a private viewscape but is actually public land. These waters are to be made available for a variety of activities, including leasing, tribal fisheries, boating, fishing and many other uses that benefit the public.

Regarding shellfish aquaculture, not all aquatic habitat is conducive to growing shellfish. In addition to the environmental conditions, the state Department of Health, shellfish growers and tribal fisheries maintain very high standards for where shellfish can safely be grown and harvested. Intuitively, it would be bad for business to sell a product that gets people sick.

The Department of Natural Resources also has established measures to minimize environmental impacts from commercial shellfish farms. Shellfish companies, unlike most, will never be able to move their production overseas and will always have to hire local labor. Taylor will be required to pay the state to lease the area of their farm. And like the many uses that do lease aquatic land, the revenue generated from leasing goes to fund public access (see the new launch ramp at Boston Harbor) and seeding public shellfish beaches.

Finally, the DNR Aquatic Reserves Program has established criteria for managing important aquatic habitat for conservation. Setting aside areas for research and conservation would have to meet this criteria.

Waterfront property owners should learn to embrace the idea that their front yards provide an interesting array of activities that can only occur in public waters.

David Palazzi, Olympia

More than just neighbors should be concerned about Oakland Bay

Regarding Ms Sowersbys Oakland Bay article, I take issue with Taylor rep Mr. Deweys remarks. The only place the community has been invited to air our concerns is in a legal setting in front of the Mason County Hearing Examiner and that was more than two years after Taylor started their efforts to privatize Oakland Bay.

Honestly if Taylors best is what we have experienced, its not good enough. We all should have a collective concern over how this process works and shouldnt have to empty our wallets to protect Washington state waterways from commercialization to benefit Taylor.

The DNR has the primary responsibility to protect our natural resources; Taylors proposal doesnt appear to comply with the DNRs mission. Blocking the bay to sea life including whales as well as recreational boaters while leaving the rest of us a small margin on the outskirts of their 50-acre installation does not invite making it fit for the community  forcing it to fit for their singular enrichment is their goal! The 16 acres Dewey refers to as a trade for the 50 acres of waterway we believe is land they previously donated for Sunset Bluff Park and is only accessible by rope.

The DOH also has a responsibility in this endeavor. If they havent tested, it doesnt mean the pollutants in the water are gone, it just means they dont want to know what is truly going on in the bay.

Ginny Douglas, Tacoma

Money down the drain? Not exactly

We recently were away from our house for two weeks and while we were gone one of our toilets was running (flapper valve stuck). When I got our $800 water bill, I called Thurston PUD and was told that they noticed the high usage on Sept. 26 (the day after we left) and sent a technician out to check the meter. Apparently, they have an automated system that lets them know when things like this occur. The tech reported that the meter was working correctly. They didnt leave a notice or bother to email, call or text me. They just let it go and sent me a bill.

I got to wondering how many customers have unexpectedly high usage that the PUD obviously knows about but doesnt tell the effected customer. Is there a motive behind keeping this very important information from their customers? Maybe.

If you do the math, theres no incentive to be committed to providing superior customer service like they say they do on their website. Instead of $800, my bill might have been $100 had I been notified. The PUD would have lost about $700 in revenue. If they notified every customer with unexpectedly high usage, they would probably lose thousands of dollars each year. It would be interesting to find out just how much money and water is wasted because the PUD doesnt communicate water usage problems to their customers  problems that they know about.

Dennis Azevedo, Olympia

Israel and Palestine: Support the quest for mutual peace

With everything Israel is experiencing in terms of the bloody carnage caused by Hamas and, possibly, its operatives from Lebanon and Iran, Israel, in the eyes of the world, also holds its share of poor policy towards the Arab people living in both the West Bank and Gaza. Israel, like any country on earth, deserves the right to defend itself from any threat as long as respect for the rule of law and human rights go hand in hand. The same applies to already troubled Palestinian Authority territories where, sadly, women and gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals see their existence constantly violated, and more so than in Israel.

Just as the tragic events are drawing both consternation and solidarity, Israels leaders and Palestines leaders must come up with an absolute end to the conflict if they wish to coexist on the same land. Mutual peace surely will help end the convoluted geopolitical maelstrom claiming so many Israeli and Palestinian lives.

Erick Dietrich, Olympia
TAMPA, Fla. - Landscaping that conserves natural resources is being touted as Florida-friendly because it reduces water usage as drought continues.

Florida is experiencing a harsh dry season, with drought conditions that continue to build across the Bay Area. A long October with little to no rainfall is a stark difference from the flooding conditions many in the Bay Area experienced just months ago during Hurricane Idalia.

The drastic swing in climate here in the Sunshine State is now prompting some residents to turn to a new form of landscaping to protect their front yards and save money.

Its called "xeriscaping," -- but some locals now call it Florida-friendly landscaping.

The idea is to use alternatives to grass  instead, filling your yard with rocks, sand, stones, cacti, or native plants that can withstand the rough climate. Not only will it help the climate, but it can be environmentally friendly, and save homeowners money on maintenance and watering costs.

"The look is really nice, its pretty, but it comes with a bunch of benefits as well," Megan Wages of Fancy Free Nursery explained. "Youre using less volume [for your] water system, its more environmentally friendly, and for some of the homes we do it for, it elevates the style."

RELATED: Heres when Bay Area residents can water their lawns under new restrictions

One of Fancy Free Nurserys biggest customers, Rashida Jones, has completely xeriscaped her home herself.

"When I moved here in 2021, the yard was awful. At the time, we were in a drought, and I couldnt feasibly put in yard grass when I knew we didnt have the water to sustain it," Jones said. "I thought, what could actually work here? I thought it would be a really cool experiment to put in."

Jones yard is made up of rocks and cacti plants.

RELATED: Heres why Tampa residents may notice an extra charge on their water bill

"Everything out here does not need water. It grows on its own and creates its own ecosystem. I get bubble-bees, lizards and fruit and people like to come by and see it too," she said.

The Florida Department of Transportation also uses a form of Florida-friendly landscaping for highways, streets, and public parks. A commercial landscape architect who works with FDOT says its been key to his design for years.

"One hundred percent of what I do is Florida-friendly landscape. Theres no reason not to. I am trying to design something for longevity and sustainability, so why would I design something with plants that arent going to survive," Jonathan Toner of Terra Tectonics landscaping said. "You always have to go back to the native plants; they were here before we were, and they live and survive."

Tampa Bay Ponds & Rocks, a Dunedin business that specializes in xeriscaping recommends using boulders to create height in your yard, and different shades of stone to compliment your home.
US President Joe Biden said Tuesday that China has "real problems," speaking at a fundraiser in San Francisco on the eve of an eagerly awaited meeting in the US city between himself and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.

The leaders of the world's two largest economies will huddle 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 Washington and Beijing.

Biden, who like Xi arrived in San Francisco on Tuesday, has characterized the meeting as a chance to right ties that have floundered in recent years.

"President Xi is another example of how reestablishing American leadership in the world is taking hold. They've got real problems," he told a fundraising event late Tuesday, hours ahead of his talks with the Chinese leader.

He did not elaborate.

Earlier, the president told reporters at the White House before heading to San Francisco that the US is "not trying to decouple from China. What we're trying to do is change the relationship for the better."

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 (militaries) 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.

The two presidents are expected to meet for several hours Wednesday on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco.

The forum brings together 21 economies, which together account for about 60 percent of the world economy.

They are both also expected to meet major business leaders and hold a number of other bilateral meetings.

- Spy balloon -

Positive momentum from November 2022 talks between Xi and Biden in Bali was derailed when the United States shot down what it said was a 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, a spokesman for China's foreign ministry was vague, mentioning "in-depth communication" and "major issues concerning world peace."

China routinely warns it will not budge on issues it considers "red lines," such as Taiwan, a self-ruling island off its coast that Beijing claims as its own territory, and its expansion into the South China Sea.

But Washington and Beijing have recently made some progress on trade and economic relations as well as climate change talks.

The United States and its Western allies once viewed emerging China as a friend in waiting, believing that as it became wealthier, it would become more liberal and fit in with the US-dominated global order.

But over the last decade, that view has all but disappeared in Western capitals as the openness that heralded its hosting of the 2008 Olympic Games has faded.

Beijing has become more authoritarian under Xi and increasingly begun to throw its weight around on the international stage, including spending hundreds of billions of dollars on infrastructure development in third countries as part of its "Belt and Road" initiative.

At the same time, making nice with China has fallen out of favor in Washington, as domestic politics have taken on an increasingly protectionist bent.

That tendency accelerated under former president Donald Trump, who delighted his base by imposing punitive sanctions on Chinese imports in what he said was a bid to re-shore US manufacturing.

But the mood music has sweetened slightly in recent months, and Biden said Tuesday a less confrontational relationship with China would benefit both sides.

"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-aue-hg/sct/md/cwl
Israel, Hamas reach initial agreement on humanitarian truce: source

Xinhua) 08:37, November 15, 2023

GAZA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- An informed Palestinian source said on Tuesday that delegates of Israel and Hamas had reached an initial agreement to implement a temporary humanitarian cease-fire under international and Arab sponsorship.

The source, who requested to remain anonymous, told Xinhua that the delegates had to report to senior authorities on both sides for approval and the agreement could be "implemented at any moment."

The source refused to talk about the details of the agreement, but said that "it will be implemented in stages."

He added that a humanitarian truce was expected to be announced soon, under which civilian hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip will be released in exchange for the release of women and children detained by Israel.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun)
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in San Francisco on Nov. 14 for his first visit to the U.S. since 2017.

He is due to meet President Joe Biden at an undisclosed location in the San Francisco Bay Area the next day and then attend the annual summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, according to Reuters.

Xi's upcoming summit with Biden marks the first in-person meeting between U.S. and Chinese leaders this year. U.S. officials view this as a crucial opportunity to alleviate tensions in what is widely perceived as the world's most precarious rivalry.

Few hours earlier U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressed ministers of the 21-member APEC and stressed that "...our engagement with APEC underscores the United States enduring commitment to the vision that we all agreed in Malaysia in 2020: an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community, one that enhances the prosperity of its people and future generations."

Katherine Tai, the U.S. Trade Representative, along with Blinken, inaugurated the APEC ministerial session in San Francisco and said that the meeting takes place during a period of significant uncertainty and challenges for the region. She highlighted the rise in geopolitical tensions, vulnerable supply chains, and a deteriorating climate crisis.

Earlier, Biden expressed his intention to improve relations with China following a period of strained ties. He emphasized the goal of restoring regular communications between the two superpowers, including resuming military-to-military contacts.

Read also: US House passes spending bill without Ukraine aid

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When Xi Jinping stepped off his plane in San Francisco for the Apec summit, it was in circumstances very different to the last time he landed on American soil.

Five years ago, when he was wined and dined by Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Mr Xi was in charge of a China still in the ascendancy.

It had a buoyant economy outperforming forecasts. Its unemployment rate was among the lowest in years. While consolidating his power for a second term, Mr Xi proudly pointed to China's "flourishing" growth model as something other countries could emulate.

By then, cracks were already appearing in what he calls his "Chinese Dream". They have only widened since then.

One view is that because of this, Mr Xi is in a more vulnerable negotiating position this time, though expectations of major breakthroughs are low.

After an initial bounce back, the post-Covid Chinese economy has turned sluggish. Its property market - once a key driver of growth - is now mired in a credit crisis, exacerbating a domestic "debt bomb" that has ballooned from years of borrowing by local government and state-owned enterprises. Many of these issues could be attributed to China's long-predicted structural slowdown finally making itself felt - painfully.

In the last two years crackdowns on various sectors of the economy, as well as prominent Chinese businessmen, have caused uncertainty. These have recently widened to include foreign nationals and firms, heightening worries in the international business community. Foreign investors and companies are now moving their money out of China in search of better investment returns elsewhere.

A real estate crisis is one of China's biggest economic problems currently

Youth unemployment has skyrocketed to the point that officials no longer publish that data. A fatalistic ennui is spreading among young Chinese, who talk about "lying flat" or leaving the country in search of better prospects elsewhere.

Mr Xi is also struggling with issues within his carefully-constructed power structure. The unexplained disappearances of key members of his leadership team and military top brass could be seen as either signs of pervasive corruption or political purges.

Some observers have contrasted China with the US, whose economy has weathered the post-Covid recovery better. Until recently, Americans may have feared the day China would overtake them as the world's largest economy, but now analysts doubt if this will happen.

China's current economic challenges will be an "important factor" in Mr Xi's negotiations and "would lead to a stronger desire to stabilise the economic, trade and investment relations with the US", Li Mingjiang, an associate professor at Singapore's S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, told the BBC.

"Mr Xi will want to receive reassurance from Joe Biden that the US will not expand its trade war or tech rivalry, nor take additional measures to decouple economically." Beijing has complained vociferously about the US imposing tariffs on Chinese imports, blacklisting Chinese companies, and restricting China's access to advanced chip-making tech.

The fact they are meeting in San Francisco, home of Silicon Valley and the world's leading technology companies, will not be lost on the two leaders. There is speculation they may announce a working group to discuss artificial intelligence, which the Chinese reportedly hope to use to persuade the Americans not to further extend US technology export restrictions.

With Taiwan's election round the corner, which has the potential of becoming a flashpoint, Chinese officials have made it clear they want the US to steer clear of supporting Taiwanese independence. But the US has repeatedly emphasised its support for the self-governed island in the face of Chinese aggression and claims over it. Taiwan remains a dicey tightrope for both countries.

US officials are also seeking a resumption of military-to-military communications and Chinese co-operation in stemming the flow of ingredients fuelling the fentanyl trade in the US - and there are already reports that the Chinese will agree to these.

Supporters of Chinese president Xi Jinping gathered in San Francisco for his arrival

Chinese state media has pressed pause on the US-bashing, releasing a raft of commentaries extolling the merits of resetting relations and working on co-operation.

There is talk of "returning from Bali, heading to San Francisco". This is a reference to the last time Mr Xi and Mr Biden met in person - at the G20 Bali summit almost exactly a year ago - which marked a high point in recent US-China relations before plunging to the nadir of the spy balloon incident.

"The propaganda preparations for the Xi-Biden meeting this week are making it clear it is okay to like America and Americans again I think you could make the argument the propaganda 180 makes Xi look like he is quite eager for a stabilised relationship because of at least economic if not also political pressures," China analyst Bill Bishop wrote this week.

Mr Xi also appears equally, if not more, keen to woo the US business community.

The BBC understands he will be the guest of honour at a ritzy dinner on Wednesday night organised especially for him to meet top corporate executives. In what could be a sign of his true priorities, Chinese officials had initially demanded the dinner take place before Mr Xi's meeting with Mr Biden, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

But the Americans should also not expect Mr Xi to be arriving hat in hand and eager to please.

Many believe mutual suspicion will endure and the two leaders will not likely remove existing trade and economic roadblocks put up in the name of national security.

Mr Biden has preserved many of the Trump-era sanctions aimed at China, while initiating and then deepening the chip tech ban. Meanwhile Mr Xi has enacted a wide-ranging anti-espionage law, which has seen raids conducted on foreign consulting firms and exit bans reportedly used on foreign nationals.

The two sides are also likely to not budge on "core interest" issues such as Taiwan and the South China Sea, where Beijing continues to build up its military presence to defend its expansionist claims, while Washington does the same to reinforce its alliances in the region.

Faced with the need to "not appear weak" to the US, Dr Li says, "it's a difficult balance that the Chinese leadership has to strike - between the objective of seeking a more stable and positive relationship with US on one hand, and also appear to be strong and resilient against some of the American pressures."
FILE - Houthi supporters chant slogans holding signs reading "Death to America, Death to Israel", as they attend a rally marking eight years for a Saudi-led coalition, Friday, March 26, 2023, in Sanaa, Yemen. For years, the Houthi rebels controlling northern Yemen have chanted slogans at their mass rallies calling for the destruction of Israel. But they never joined any conflict beyond the confines of their own countrys civil war or nearby in the Arabian Peninsula. The Iranian-backed Shiite Muslim force has launched at least six drone and missile attacks toward southern Israel since the Israel-Hamas war began on Oct. 7. (AP Photo/Hani Mohammed, File)

CAIRO (AP)  For years, the Houthi rebels controlling northern Yemen have chanted slogans at their mass rallies calling for the destruction of Israel. But they never acted on it until the Israel-Hamas war began on Oct. 7.

Since then, the Iran-backed Shiite Muslim force has launched at least six drone and missile attacks toward southern Israel, causing little to no damage. Most have been intercepted by Israeli air defenses on their journey of over 1,600 kilometers (960 miles) from northern Yemen.

The Houthis said the barrage is in retaliation for the Israeli armys bombardment of Gaza and will continue until Israeli aggression stops." Heres a look at the attacks and what threat they pose.

THE REBELS WHO SEIZED SANAA

In 2014, the Houthis swept from their stronghold in Yemens northern mountains and seized the capital, Sanaa, along with other central areas of the country.

The Islamist group follows the Shiite Zaydi faith, a branch of Shiite Islam almost exclusively found in northwest Yemen. The majority of Yemens population are Sunni Muslim, but Zaydis make up a large minority. The Houthi movement was fueled by decades of marginalization by Yemens ruling elite.

Their takeover sparked a brutal civil war. Saudi Arabia and its allies formed a military coalition to back the government that was driven out of Sanaa to the south. Yemen became another front in the regional rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The war has killed more than 150,000 people and created one of the worlds worst humanitarian disasters.

The Houthi movement espouses a hard-line Islamist ideology. Over time, it has hardened its anti-American, anti-Saudi and anti-Israeli rhetoric. Their official slogan reads God is the greatest, death to America, death to Israel. Curse the Jews, victory to Islam.

WHY ATTACK ISRAEL?

The attacks are a public show of support for Hamas, which is also backed by Iran, but also a reflection of the Houthis' doctrine and ambitions.

They join their allies in the Axis of Resistance," a collection of Iran-backed groups and governments in the region. Other key members, Hamas and Hezbollah, have kept up a steady fire on Israel since the war began.

Two Houthi officials said the groups leadership is in communication with Hezbollah and Hamas about their military activities but not the Iranian government. The officials refused to elaborate and spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak with the media.

The Houthis' anti-Western sentiment is a driver in itself, said Farea al-Muslimi, a research fellow at Chatham House specializing in Yemen. Their 'death to America, death to Israel' slogan is not there for electoral and voter reasons," al-Muslimi said. "It is a life and ideology doctrine.

Unlike Hezbollah and Hamas, whose fighters border Israel, distance makes Houthi attacks much harder. Given this, al-Muslimi said he expects the low-level drone and missile fire to continue but not intensify greatly.

They will hit Israel just enough to say, We can hit you too,'" he said,

There are other ways the conflict could escalate. Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the groups supreme leader, said Tuesday his forces would target Israeli ships operating in the Red Sea.

Last week, the Houthis downed a U.S. drone it said was flying above Yemeni territorial waters and spying on its forces. The U.S. State Department acknowledged the attack. The Houthi leader has warned of strikes on American interests in the region if Washington becomes directly involved in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The Houthi attacks are likely to further complicate their peace talks with the Saudi government, which have gone on for months as neither side is able to achieve victory on the battlefield.

The strikes on Israel will only further embolden the Houthis and the belief they have the upper hand against the Saudi coalition, said Nadwa Dawsari, a non-resident scholar at the Middle East Institute. She points out that renewed clashes have flared along the front lines in Yemen, including in the contested city of Marib and along the northern border.

THE HOUTHIS' MILITARY CAPABILITIES

The Houthis arsenal has grown in size and variety since 2014.

Analysts and Western intelligence services accuse Iran of arming the group. Tehran denies this. In recent years, U.S. naval forces have intercepted a number of ships packed with rifles, rocket-propelled grenades and missile parts on route from Iran to Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.

The Houthis have long-range ballistic missiles, smaller cruise missiles and suicide drones, all capable of reaching southern Israel, weapons experts say. The Houthis are far more open about their arsenal than Hamas and Hezbollah, displaying new ballistic missiles such as the Tofun during military parades.

The depth of their arsenal is less known.

The Houthis say they have fired drones and ballistic missiles at southern Israel. In thwarting attacks from the Red Sea, Israel said it used its Arrow missile defense system, which intercepts long-range ballistic missiles.

Fabian Hinz, a missile expert and research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said the only way to overcome Israeli defense systems would be to overwhelm them with large numbers of missiles, "and you cannot really do that over 1,600 kilometers. Attacks on closer targets and shipping would be more effective, he said.

There no clear examples of effective long-range Houthi strikes.

In 2019, cruise missiles and drones struck the center of Saudi Arabia's oil industry in Abqaiq, about 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) from northern Yemen. The attack temporarily halved the kingdoms production and spiked global energy prices.

While the Houthis claimed the attack, a United Nations investigation concluded it was too sophisticated to have been carried out by the rebels. Washington later said it was launched from Iran.

___

Associated Press writer, Ahmed al-Haj in Sanaa, Yemen, contributed to this report.
Yeonmi Park spoke as part of the University of Iowa chapter of Young Americans for Freedom's Preserving American Liberty & Freedom Series on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. YAF welcomed the "de-transitioned" Chloe Cole earlier this semester and conservative commentator Matt Walsh in April.

A North Korean defector compared "woke" culture to Kim II Sung's regime Tuesday during an appearance Tuesday night on the University of Iowa campus, also sharing her experience fleeing her home country.

Yeonmi Park spoke to a crowd of about 150 students at Main Lounge in the Iowa Memorial Union, sharing her experience in North Korea while she criticized the U.S. society as a left-wing culture aimed at inclusion.

Park was a guest of the University of Iowa chapter of Young Americans for Freedom's Preserving American Liberty & Freedom Series, which has hosted notable speakers such as Matt Walsh and Chloe Cole.

More: Chloe Cole address on 'dangers of radical gender ideology' sparks opposition at UI

Park fled North Korea to China in 2007, when she was just 13 years old. She spoke of that experience during her appearance Nov. 14 in Iowa City. She noted how her sister left first while Park fled a bit later after she recovered from an illness, departing with her mother.

Park said she ate grasshoppers and dragonflies because of how deep her family was in poverty in North Korea. She said she still can't get her weight above 80 pounds due to years of malnourishment.

More: Matt Walsh at University of Iowa event says gender ideology is 'rejection of truth'

Park also said she was sold for sex trafficking in China for $200. She eventually reunited with her mother and voyaged through the Gobi Desert to escape the oppressive Chinese regime, something she was critical of Tuesday. She blamed the Chinese Communist Party for her stint as a child sex slave.

The YAF table, filled with buttons, stickers and pamphlets outside of the Iowa Memorial Union's Main Lounge before Yeonmi Park spoke by invitation of the University of Iowa chapter of Young Americans for Freedom on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023.

Park derides left-wing movements on inclusion and pronouns

Much of Park's 45-minute speech and the subsequent question period Tuesday night compared her time in the oppressive North Korean regime to the progressive left-wing movements in the U.S.

She noted how North Korea doesnt have words for gay, lesbian, or even stress. She said the North Korean regime believes there is no stress in a socialist paradise.

There are many friends that I've met at Columbia and other places talking about how they fight for this thing called LGBTQIA, this alphabet soup, right? Park said, drawing some laughs from the crowd. The never-ending lines continuing on and they're saying how we need socialism, how we need more tolerance in America. I was thinking, Are you kidding me?

She also derided her professors at Columbia for embracing and blindly touting being woke.

I was confused, Park said. I asked my professor, What do you mean, I need you to be woke? I'm awake, look at me, Im more awake than this.

More: Universities respond to Board of Regents diversity and inclusion recommendations

Her first exposure to the Western world came when she watched Titanic with friends in North Korea, which she said opened her eyes.

Park wondered why she was watching a love story and why a then-young Leonardo DiCaprio, who plays the role of the lead character, Jack, would be in a movie about love. Park wondered how he could choose a woman over the communist party. She even thought DiCaprio might have been killed for making the movie.

She also said the iconic TV series Friends, can be credited for helping her learn English. She said she thought the NBC show would be somewhat like her experiences in the U.S.

But when she arrived stateside, she realized she would instead be learning 10,000 different pronouns.

Friends, they dont have that, Park said.

Park was also hesitant when she heard the viewpoints of her American classmates and how they wanted to fight back against the government.

They say they want to tear down the Constitution. They will destroy America. They will destroy capitalism, Park said. And I asked them, Why do you hate America so much? Why do you hate capitalism so much? And they say, Do you know why? Because capitalism creates inequality.

Park believes the U.S. is in a "far better spot" than she was in during her time in North Korea, telling Tuesday's crowd that she would rather live in a world with homelessness and inequality than in a communist state where everyone is starving.

I would rather than live in a country where people like Elon Musk make rockets and the electric car and be a billionaire, Park said. I'm so grateful for the iPhone. I hope anybody who made the iPhone should be [a] billionaire. They met the needs of the people. Capitalism is a very ethical system and they are so confused that they think the enemy is inequality. The true enemy to any human being is poverty.

One student was critical of the details of Yeonmi Park's story of North Korean defection after she spoke for about 45 minutes as part of the University of Iowa chapter of Young Americans for Freedom on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023.

Park's story challenged by UI students

A few students Tuesday night raised concerns over Park's legitimacy and consistency.

A student also pointed to Park's affiliation with Turning Point USA, a conservative activist group that introduced her as a self-described Enemy of the Woke in May. The student said Park "switched her tone since being announced as a contributor." He also criticized Parks support of Israel after making a career out of condemning North Koreas human rights abuses.

Park responded and said she hadnt changed, and she is still critical of individual restrictions like mask and vaccine mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also said she is considerate of both sides of the Israel-Hamas war. However, she made comparisons of Israels bombing of Gaza to the United States role in World War II, battling against imperial Japanese and Nazi rule.

That's why our ancestors taught us that freedom is not free. Freedom does have a price, Park said. ...Sometimes we do have to defeat evil and the cost is real. And the world is not perfect.

Park also criticized the student for not knowing the "full truth," how it does not come from a 30-second TikTok video.

That is why were witnessing the end of civilization," Park said.

Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01.

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Yeonmi Park, North Korean defector, criticizes 'woke' culture at UI
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  YMCA of Greater Charlotte officials announced theyre selling two Lincoln County locations to the YMCA of Catawba Valley Wednesday.

The two locations, Lincoln County YMCA in Lincolnton and Sallys YMCA in Denver, at the subject of the deal, according to an email.

Officials say they anticipate the deal closing in the spring of 2024.

Sale rumors spark concern over Lincoln County YMCAs future

The agreement is contingent upon final approval by the YMCA of Greater Charlottes association board of directors, the YMCA of Catawba Valleys association board of directors and the Lincoln County board of commissioners.

Currently, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte officials operate the two locations and additional after-school programming at numerous Lincoln County school sites.

After county residents and community partners expressed concerns about a potential sale, YMCA leaders organized a task force. That group involved Lincoln County Schools, community stakeholders and volunteers from the two YMCA locations. In the process, people said they still wanted YMCA programs and services in the county.

NoDa Johnston YMCA to remain open after sale falls through

During the process, YMCA of Catawba Valley expressed interest in taking over ownership and operations at the locations.

The YMCA groups entered into an agreement in principle for the transfer.

Both groups said theyd work through the agreement in the coming months and vowed to release more information in the coming months.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
A video spread across social media purports to show an animated digital billboard in New York City with the slogan "Stand With Israel" pushing aside the words "Stand With Ukraine" in November 2023. But the clip is doctored, the latest in a wave of disinformation about the conflicts involving the two countries; the company that owns the sign said it has run no such message, and images AFP and others captured of the display show an advertisement for a movie.

"Advertising in New York... The text 'Support Israel' squeezes out the text 'Support Ukraine," says a November 13, 2023 post on X, formerly Twitter, from a popular account called "W i z a r d S X."

"The agenda of New York's billboards seems to have changed," the same profile, which has previously spread disinformation about both conflicts under aliases including "Sprinter," added in another post.

Screenshot from X, formerly Twitter, taken November 14, 2023

Screenshot from X, formerly Twitter, taken November 14, 2023

The clip appears to capture footage of an electronic billboard in New York City showing a Ukrainian flag and text that says, "Stand With Ukraine." The display then changes to show an Israeli flag, and alternate text reading, "Stand With Israel" knocks the pro-Ukraine message off the screen. The advertisement is credited at the end to ABC News, alongside the slogan: "Watch The News. Stay In Trend."

The video spread across X and other platforms, including Facebook and TikTok, with the earliest iteration AFP found uploaded by a Russian-language Telegram channel on November 9.

Screenshot from Telegram taken November 15, 2023

The posts come more than a month after Hamas fighters triggered a full-scale war with a bloody October 7 attack that Israeli officials say killed approximately 1,200 people and saw around 240 hostages kidnapped and taken into Gaza. Israel's air strikes and ground invasion have killed more than 11,300 people in the Palestinian territory, according to its Hamas-run health ministry.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said international attention is shifting away from Russia's invasion of his country as the war in Gaza has intensified.

The Republican-led House of Representatives indeed defied President Joe Biden's request for a massive, multifaceted package that would include funding for Ukraine when it in early November passed a $14 billion aid package for Israel. The bill is likely to fail in the Democratic-controlled Senate, and Biden has threatened to veto it.

But despite the debate in Washington, the video of a New York City advertisement championing a shift in priorities is doctored -- the most recent in a series of fake billboards to spread about the war in Ukraine.

"The ad in question is, indeed, a fake," said Jason King, a spokesman for Clear Channel Outdoor, the company that owns the electronic billboards in question and whose logo is visible in the video. "It is not running, nor has it ever run on our displays."

A network source also said the alleged message is not an advertisement from ABC News.

Advertisement for animated film

AFP geolocated the billboards to the corner of West 50th Street and 7th Avenue, based on the surrounding buildings and businesses near Times Square, including the cafe Majestic Delicatessen (archived here).

This embedded content is not available in your region.

An AFP journalist in New York City, who visited the street corner at around 5:30 pm EST (2230 GMT) on November 14, observed and captured photos of both signs showing what appeared to be a unique advertisement for the animated movie "Trolls Band Together."

The film premieres in theaters November 17.

Advertisements for the 2023 animated film "Trolls Band Together" are displayed on billboards in midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York on November 14, 2023 AFP

Advertisements for the 2023 animated film "Trolls Band Together" are displayed on billboards in midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York on November 14, 2023 Andrea BAMBINO AFP

A BBC News journalist's call for footage of the billboards on November 14 was also answered with user recordings that similarly showed the displays that day advertising the "Trolls" sequel (archived here).

In addition, AFP found a clip of pro-Palestinian protesters marching past the intersection in a post on X geotagged to the area (archived here). The footage shows the same movie promotions on November 10 -- just one day after the doctored video showing the fake Israel-Ukraine message appeared on the Russian Telegram channel.

Screenshot from X, formerly Twitter, taken November 14, 2023

The "Trolls Band Together" advertisement is also briefly visible at the end of the altered video.

Screenshot from X, formerly Twitter, taken November 14, 2023

AFP has previously debunked additional misinformation claiming to show street art offensive to Zelensky.

AFP has fact-checked other misinformation about the war in Ukraine here, and the Israel-Hamas war here.
The new policies require creators to disclose when theyve created or incorporated AI content into their posts, including content that realistically depicts an event that never happened or shows someone saying or doing something they didnt actually do.

Creators who consistently choose not to disclose this information may be subject to content removal, suspension from the YouTube Partner Program, or other penalties, YouTube said in a news release on Tuesday.

Well work with creators before this rolls out to make sure they understand these new requirements, it added.

Viewers will also be allowed to submit a request form for YouTube to remove AI content that simulates an identifiable individual, including their face or voice, our colleague Olafimihan Oshin reported.

The company noted that not all requests will be honored, and theyll 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 release said.

YouTube also said it plans to introduce a process where its music industry partners can request for AI content to be removed from the site if it mimics an artists unique singing or rapping voice.

The release comes after Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced last week that it would require political advertisers on its platforms to disclose when they use AI or other digital methods.

Read more in a full report at TheHill.com.
Valerii Zaluzhnyi held a phone call with the Chief of the Defense Staff of France Thierry Burkhard on Nov. 14, the commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces said on social media.

The call was held together with Ukraine's Chief of the General Staff Serhiy Shaptala, Air Force Commander Mykola Oleschuk, and Navy Commander Oleksii Neizhpapa.

Strengthening Ukraine's air defense capabilities was one of the topics they discussed, as well as training soldiers and reconstituting military units, Zaluzhnyi said.

The Ukrainian commanders spoke with General Bukhard about the situation along the frontline, the course of combat operations, and Russia's actions.

"We shared our respective views on technological gains for gaining air superiority over the enemy, remote demining, and fire engagement of the enemy targets," Zaluzhnyi said.

Zaluzhnyi thanked Ukraine's partners in France "for consistent support and assistance to Ukraine in the struggle for freedom and independence."

French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced on Nov. 7 that France will provide an additional 200 million euros to its Ukraine aid package.

The additional support will allow the Ukrainian army to continue purchasing French military equipment.

The day before, France's oldest arms manufacturer Verney-Carron announced that it had reached a deal to supply Ukraine with weapons, including 10,000 assault rifles.

The business joined a growing list of French companies that supply arms to Ukraine.

French drone manufacturer Delair sent Ukraine over 150 drones, Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said in September.

The type of drone was chosen by Ukraine and financed by France's government. Lecornu did not reveal the exact model.

The French parliament agreed in July 2023 to increase its defense budget through 2030, partly in response to Russia's aggression. The increased spending includes ongoing military support for Ukraine.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia lost 4,000 soldiers on eastern front in 2 weeks, commander says

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A frozen war would mean that future generations of Ukrainians would also have to take up arms, President Volodymyr Zelensky told African journalists on Nov. 15.

"If there is a stalemate and a frozen conflict, we have to honestly say that our children, or our grandchildren, will have to fight," Zelensky said.

"We've already lost too many people. Do we want to live like this, knowing that we will raise children who will certainly have to fight?"

The president stressed that Ukraine desires peace, but if Russia is not "put in its place," it will attack again in the future.

"The stalemate is a temporary weakness. If we want to end the war, we must end it," Zelensky said, adding that the world needs to see the aggressor bear responsibility for its actions.

As concerns about the resolve of the pro-Ukraine coalition grow, unconfirmed media reports emerged earlier claiming that the Western allies began quietly talking with Kyiv about possible peace talks with Russia, even at the price of concessions.

Washington denied the reports, with the U.S. State Department's spokesperson saying that "any negotiations... are up to Ukraine."

"We are not aware of any conversations with Ukraine about negotiations outside of the peace formula structure," Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters, referring to 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, among other steps.

Read also: Not backing Ukraine is disastrous for Slovak security, says former defense minister

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President Volodymyr Zelensky and Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni held a phone call, Zelensky posted on social media on Nov. 15.

"Italy is demonstrating powerful leadership, and I anticipate that its 2024 G7 Presidency will yield even more important results," Zelensky said.

The two discussed ongoing defense cooperation and agreed to start working on bilateral security guarantees.

The need to speed up the adoption of the 12th EU sanctions package on Russia was also discussed, Zelensky said.

He thanked Meloni for "Italy's strong steps in support of Ukraine."

"President Meloni confirmed the Italian Government's continuous all-round support for the Ukrainian authorities with the aim of achieving a just, lasting and comprehensive peace," a statement released by the Italian government said.

In early November, audio from a prank call from two Russian comedians that took place in September was released.

Thinking she was speaking to African leaders, Meloni spoke of "a lot of tiredness" over the war in Ukraine.

Zelensky met with Meloni during his official visit to Rome in May 2023, during which she said that "we are betting on Ukraine's victory."

Read also: Rise of populism in Ukraines neighborhood: Not as gloomy as you think

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau discussed further steps to bolster Ukraines air defenses to counter Russian air strikes, Zelesnkyys press service said in a Telegram post on Nov. 15.

During the conversation, Zelenskyy thanked Trudeau for Canada's continued military and financial support for Ukraine.

Read also: Zelenskyy meets Trudeau in Canada

"We discussed the battlefield situation, further defense cooperation with a focus on reinforcing our air defense system and increasing the capabilities of our mobile fire groups in combating [Russian kamikaze] drones," the president said.

Read also: Trudeau announces more military aid to Ukraine

Zelenskyy also expressed gratitude to Canada for a new package of sanctions against Russia and for initiating an international coalition to help return Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. They discussed their joint steps towards the implementation of this initiative.

Read also: Ukrainian pilots in transition from using simulators to flying real F-16 fighter jets  Ihnat

"I am thankful for Canada's decision to assist Ukraine in funding the second phase of the construction of the Holodomor Genocide Museum," he added.

Previously, Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat reported that Ukraine is leasing air defense systems from international partners ahead of expected Russian air strike campaign in the coming winter.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that Ukraine cannot afford a "frozen conflict" with a stalemate, and for this reason it must end the war.

Source: Zelenskyy at a meeting with African journalists on 15 November in Kyiv, as reported by Interfax Ukraine

Quote: "If this is a stalemate and a frozen conflict, we must honestly say that our children will be at war. Or our grandchildren will be at war. We have already lost too many people. Do we want to live like this, knowing that we will be raising children who will inevitably go to war?

A stalemate is a temporary weakness. If we want to end the war, we must end it."

Details: The president believes there are various ways it could end, but end it must, and "evil must suffer".

Zelenskyy explained that by the end of the war, he means a situation in which Russia starts respecting Ukraines territorial integrity and the UN Charter and withdraws its troops from Ukrainian territory.

Quote: "Yes, that is not the restoration of justice because something has to be done about what they've done here. It won't solve all the problems, but it will be the end of the war."

Background: Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the Commander-in-Chief of Ukraines Armed Forces, wrote in an article for The Economist that the war with Russia is moving to a new stage of trench warfare, with static and attritional fighting.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has discussed the situation on the battlefield and the strengthening of Ukrainian air defence with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a telephone conversation.

Source: Zelenskyy's Telegram channel

Quote from Zelenskyy: "We discussed the situation on the battlefield and further defence cooperation with an emphasis on strengthening the Ukrainian air defence system and increasing the capabilities of mobile fire groups to combat UAVs.

I thanked Justin Trudeau for Canada's defence and financial support and described the multi-year Canadian aid programme as an extremely important signal to the world about unwavering support for Ukraine until its victory."

Details: Zelenskyy thanked Canada for the new package of sanctions against Russia and for its initiative to create an international coalition to bring home Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.

"We discussed our joint steps to implement this initiative," Zelenskyy said.

In addition, he thanked Canada for its decision to help Ukraine finance the second phase of construction of the Holodomor genocide museum and discussed the situation in the Middle East with Trudeau.

Reminder:

On 10 November, Canadas foreign ministry imposed sanctions on nine Russian individuals and six legal entities that are involved in spreading Kremlin disinformation and propaganda.

Earlier on Wednesday, Zelenskyy spoke with the Prime Minister of Italy about new sanctions against the Russian Federation and discussed economic cooperation with the President of Slovakia.

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, had a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni. The parties agreed to start working on bilateral safety guarantees and discussed new sanctions against Russia.

Source: Zelenskyy on Twitter (X), as reported by European Pravda

During the conversation, they discussed defence cooperation and the need to accelerate the adoption of the 12th package of EU sanctions against Russia.

Quote: "Italy is demonstrating powerful leadership, and I anticipate that its 2024 G7 Presidency will yield even more important results," Zelenskyy wrote.

Meloni and Zelenskyy also agreed to start work on bilateral security guarantees in developing the G7 Vilnius Declaration.

Zelenskyy thanked Meloni for supporting the Peace Formula, and also invited her to participate in the second Grain from Ukraine summit.

Background:

Earlier, Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, predicted that the new package of sanctions against Russia could be agreed on and presented this week.

Bloomberg reported that the 12th EU sanctions package includes proposed restrictions on trade worth about 5 billion.

The new package may cover more than 100 individuals and 40 legal entities. There are also discussions about banning the employment of Russians in so-called "sensitive" sectors and the repatriation of Russian assets to the EU.

Discussions on the new sanctions moved forward after the G7 foreign ministers gave green light to impose restrictions on diamonds of Russian origin at a meeting in Japan.

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NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  Zina the southern white rhinoceros has given birth to another baby rhino at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk.

The new roughly 100-pound female calf, which has yet to be named, was born on November 9 at 5:40 a.m. Shes the second calf for 10-year-old Zina and 17-year-old father Sibindi, and is the sister of the zoos first rhino calf, Mosi, who was born in 2021.

Zina is an incredible mom and while she is still very protective of her calf, she is much calmer

around the staff than she was with her first, which is a true testament to how hard the Africa

team works to bond with the animals within their care, said Emily Spence, Assistant Curator of

Africa at the Virginia Zoo. The team is enjoying watching the babys personality come through more and more each day and cant wait to share her with zoo guests.

Previous: Southern white rhinoceros baby is first ever born at Virginia Zoo in Norfolk

The zoo says you can begin to view Zina with her calf starting on Wednesday from the mammal barn while the two are in their night house, where theyll remain for a few weeks. Meanwhile zookeepers are working to keep their area as calm and stress-free as possible.

The birth is also exciting for the long-term survival of the species, the zoo says, as Sibindi was born in South Africa and Zina was born in a Singapore Zoo. That genetic diversity will help the continued growth of the southern white rhinos, which are considered near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to heavy poaching in the wild.

This baby is invaluable to the long-term survival of the species. said Greg Bockheim, Executive

Director of the Virginia Zoo. And like her older brother, she could not be more adorable.

The birth brings the rhino count at the Virginia Zoo up to five. Bora the rhino, the half sister of Zina, has been with the zoo since 2017.

You can read more about the rhino family and plan your trip at the zoos website.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Yokota Megumi was abducted in Niigata City on the Sea of Japan coast while on her way home from school on November 15, 1977.

Her mother Sakie told NHK on Tuesday that she has given speeches and collected signatures across the country to rescue Megumi.

She said she has also asked current and previous prime ministers for help, but she cannot help wondering why the issue has made so little progress.

The mother said she is filled with frustration, despair and sadness.

Sakie urged the government to take determined steps and hold a summit with North Korea as soon as possible to bring back all the victims.

Japan's government says North Korean agents abducted at least 17 citizens in the 1970s and 1980s. Five returned in 2002, but the other 12 remain unaccounted for.

... continue reading
TOKYO, Nov 16 ( News On Japan ) - Japan is witnessing a rapid increase in foreign nationals disappearing after arriving as tourists.

Since the end of the COVID-19 crisis, Tokyo Immigration has seen a surge in illegal employment among foreign nationals, with the bureau chief reporting, "Since May, we've been making about 40 arrests per month, averaging about 80 people a month."

A TV Asahi investigative report follows a month-long pursuit by immigration officers, culminating in an early morning raid on a house following a tip that a "group of foreigners was hiding there."

Officers rush into the house at 6 AM finding two Thai married couples, men and women in their late 20s to late 30s, who had entered Japan under the guise of tourism and had been working illegally for more than 10 months since around January this year.

They came to Japan relying on brokers in Thailand and Japan, intending to use their earnings for childcare expenses in Thailand and living expenses after marriage.

The daily wage was 6500 yen, about half the wage for similar agricultural work in the area.

The four foreigners packed their belongings and detained by the Tokyo Immigration Bureau, later to be deported to Thailand under the Immigration Control Act.
Iowa Western Community College officials announced a significant donation to its commercial drivers license program earlier this month.

Truck Center Companies handed over the keys to a 2020 Freightliner tractor truck during a Nov. 1 ceremony at its headquarters in Papillion, according to a news release.

Truck Center Companies CEO Trey Mytty presented the truck to Iowa Western President Dan Kinney and Matt Mancuso, executive director of the colleges business and community education division.

The donation is critical to the growth of our CDL and diesel technician programs, Kinney said. This new truck will enable the college to train more drivers and diesel technicians in these high demand career fields. We are thankful that Trey and his team at Truck Center Companies recognize the importance of these growing fields and are grateful for the donation.

Truck Center is among Americas largest Freightline dealers. It was founded in the metro area in 1975 and has 17 locations in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Minnesota.
NEWMAN GROVE  They say one persons junk is another persons treasure. For the Cox brothers in Newman Grove, theyre kings, sitting atop a mountain of gold. From door handles to old newspapers  and everything in between  the treasures at B&M Antiques and Architectural Salvage can fill
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Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, head of ruling junta in Guinea, expelled Tuesday November 14 four Army top commanders few days after an attack on the countrys main prison to release former leader Moussa Dadis Camara standing on a trial for a massacre committed on protestors in 2009.

A decree signed by Doumbouya announced that Colonel Pepe Celestin Bilivogui (navy), Commandant Ibrahima Sory Sangare (ASFAG), Lieutenant Sekou Mansare, and Lieutenant Abas Toure (BQG) are sacked from the Army, local media Guinee Matin reports.

The decision did not provide rationale behind the sackings but it came several days after a jailbreak by Camara and several other detainees helped by a commando. A commando assaulted the prison in capital Conakry and freed Camara on November 04. Clashes led to the death of nine people.

Camaras lawyer earlier told the BBC the former leader was taken against his will, and that he would never try to escape prison, as he had confidence in the Guinean judicial system.

Camara was re-arrested and brought back to jail alongside two other escapers but a fourth one, Col Claude Pivi, a former government minister, has been on the run ever since. Authorities believed the attack on the prison was conducted with the help of some officers from within.

Camara who came to power in a coup in 2008 and led the country until December the following year has been charged for the massacre of more than 150 people in a protest in Conakry stadium on 28 September 2009.
Germanys agency for International Cooperation, GIZ, has resumed activities in Congo Brazzaville nearly 27 years after exiting the central African country because of political instability.

Arlette Soudan Nonault, the countrys minister of Sustainable development and Congo Bassin and the German ambassador Wolfgang Klapper inaugurated the offices of the Agency on Monday November 13 in capital Brazzaville, Agence dInformation dAfrique Centrale reports.

The inauguration of the new offices came 10 years after the European country relaunched its diplomatic mission.

For Klapper, the new offices will work on all sectors in line with the countrys development program. Three projects including Paco project, will be the focus of the staff for the meantime. The diplomat, the Agency notes, also indicated that Berlin will post in January 2024 an honorary Consul in the city of Pointe Noire, in addition to Paco project office.

Paco defined as Adaptation project in Central and West Africa, seeks to measure the effects of climate change in the Republic of Congo and propose solutions to address them. Im delighted that Brazzaville is hosting the Paco. Its a victory for Congo, because it wasnt easy to win against serious contenders like Burkina Faso and Mali. Congo was an outsider After Benin, Congo is Pacos second partner country, the German diplomat added.
Morocco is fully committed to the economic and social inclusion of young people, stressed, on Tuesday at the UNESCO Youth Forum, Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid.

The 13th UNESCO Youth Forum, held as part of the 42nd session of UNESCOs General Conference (November 7-22), focuses this year on the social impact of climate change and the need to achieve an equitable climate transition.

Bensaid highlighted the various initiatives put in place by Morocco to integrate and include young people at cultural, social, and economic levels, such as the Awrach program and the pass jeunes application.

The Minister also stressed that the Kingdom is strongly committed to climate and environmental action, highlighting Moroccos various investments in the wind and solar power sectors.

The Forum, which provides a platform for exchanges between youth ministers from different countries and young people, gives young people the opportunity to make their voice heard by policy-makers.

The issues are different from one country to the next, but are ultimately interconnected, because we live in the same world, noted the Minister.

On the sidelines of this Forum, held as part of the 42nd session of UNESCOs General Conference (November 7-22), Bensaid held talks with the Ethiopian Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Ergoge Tesfaye.

The meeting was an opportunity to reaffirm the desire of both parties to further promote cooperation ties between Morocco and Ethiopia in the cultural and social fields.
Moroccos largest mining company, Managem, categorically rejected allegations spread by German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung regarding its Abou Azzer cobalt mine.

The allegations were related to arsenic levels due to mine operations and labor standards.

At Bou-Azzer, the ore is handled in full compliance with mining employee protection rules, from the moment it is mined through to its final processing, whether in terms of collective protection measures (the ventilation system in the underground mine) or the equipping of all employees and subcontractors with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), adapted to the risks associated with each operating station, Managem said in a statement.

It added that the health of employees, including subcontractors, is closely monitored in line with usual best practice.

The ore extracted from the Bou- Azzer deposit, whether underground or at plant level, is in a stable form that poses no health risk, it said.

No Arsenic-related occupational illnesses have been identified, nor any Arsenic-related illnesses in the Bou-Azzer mine region have been reported, it said.

Managem added that it applies the highest international environmental protection standards.

In this respect, Managem reiterates that the Bou-Azzer mine is certified to international standards (ISO 45001, ISO 14001, ISO 9001, ISO 26000, CSR Label, RMI) by leading agencies who confirm the effective implementation of the highest standards in the industry in terms of quality, safety and respect for the environment.

As for water quality, it said annual studies and audits carried out, as part of ISO certification, confirm that heavy metal and trace element analyses show no irregularities in concentration levels that exceed drinking and irrigation water standards.

Even if water retention basins can experience minor residual seepage under certain conditions, these present no hazard to nature, and are currently being upgraded in line with our commitment to zero impact on the environment, it said.

Managem supplies cobalt to automotive manufacturers BMW and Renault amid a rising demand for an ore that is critical to EV batteries.
Participants at the opening session of the third edition of the International Conference on Countering Violent Extremism, held on Tuesday in Rabat, emphasized the growing role of scientific knowledge in understanding and combating effectively the phenomenon of terrorism.

The two-day event, held under the theme scientific knowledge to counter violent extremism, focuses on the ever-evolving landscape of extremism, focusing on five pivotal areas: the role of knowledge, emerging global trends, technologys use in extremism, deradicalization strategies, and the handling of foreign terrorist fighters along with their families.

With the rapid advancement of technology, its use by extremists poses a significant threat. The conference sheds light on the perils of using technology and artificial intelligence in propagating extremism, calls for international cooperation to counter these digital dangers, and stresses that deradicalization and rehabilitation, as implemented by Morocco, is a path to peace.

Actually, the conference addresses Moroccos national penal policy to counter-terrorism, underscoring the establishment of rehabilitation programs for prisoners. It underscores the critical need for a comprehensive approach to prevent extremism, encompassing all its aspects and causes.

Scientific knowledge is an essential pillar in the decisive fight against violent extremism, stressed the panelists at the opening session of the conference. A thorough understanding of the complexities and mechanisms involved in extremism and recruitment into terrorist groups contributes to developing a comprehensive and preventive response to this global threat, the panelists said.

Weixiong Chen, Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), stressed that Morocco is a strong partner of CTED in the fight against terrorism and extremism, highlighting the significant progress made by the Kingdom in this field.

He referred to some of Moroccos best practices in the field, underlining the Kingdoms firm commitment to the fight against extremism.

In this connection, Minister of Justice Abdelatif Ouahbi said the path of scientific knowledge is part of the measures taken at national and international level in the field of the fight against terrorism and the prevention of extremism, noting that strengthening dialogue between civilizations, cultures, and peoples depends on the adoption of instruction and awareness plans and programs.

The Kingdom has embarked on a national penal policy to counter terrorism and prevent extremism, through a number of measures, including the consolidation of its legislative system with preventive provisions ensuring its immunization against tendencies towards extremism and violence; said Ouahbi, who also referred to the establishment of administrative, judicial, security and financial bodies guaranteeing the effectiveness and efficiency required to deal with terrorism and extremism.

Ouahbi likewise highlighted the implementation in Morocco of rehabilitation programs for prisoners in this category, the most important of which is Moussalaha, which has enabled its beneficiaries to thoroughly understand the religious text and the authentic values of society.

He also referred to the National Crime Observatory, set up by the Ministry of Justice with the aim of gaining an insight into all the factors influencing criminal behavior.

Director General of the Rabat-based ICESCO, Salem bin Mohammed Al-Malik, underscored the value of both experimental and human sciences in this battle against extremism.

For her part, Amina Bouayach, President of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), noted that the universality of human rights takes into account the common denominators between all human beings, despite cultural, behavioral, religious and political differences.

The conference is organized by the Moroccan Observatory on Extremism and Violence, in collaboration with ICESCO, the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration (DGAPR), the Rabita Mohammadia of Ulemas, and the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS).
WASHINGTON  The Democratic-led Senate Committee on Rules and Administration approved a resolution meant to bypass Alabama Sen. Tommy Tubervilles blockade of hundreds of U.S. military nominees as he continues to protest a Pentagon abortion policy.

The Rules Committee voted 9-7 along party lines to, in essence, temporarily change a Senate floor process to allow votes on large groups of military nominees rather than having to approve them one by one. The resolution is seen as temporary because it would extend through the end of this session of Congress rather than permanently.

Whether Democrats can gain enough votes from across the aisle to support the change on the floor is unclear.

The Senate has routinely confirmed large blocs of military nominees under the unanimous consent process, meaning all senators agree to approve the nominees without calling a floor vote on each one.

Tuberville, a Republican, has been objecting to the time-saving unanimous consent process since the spring to display his opposition to a policy that grants members of the armed services time off and travel reimbursement when seeking an abortion in states where it remains unrestricted. The Pentagon policy was authorized after last years landmark Supreme Court ruling.

Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, who sits on the Rules Committee, said the change would allow swift confirmation of the nominees and that he plans to bring it to the floor shortly if his GOP colleagues cannot convince Tuberville to drop his freeze on the nominations.

We need to get these military nominees confirmed ASAP for the sake of our national security. Military nominees for a decade have been the most bipartisan parts of the Senate, Schumer said.

The idea of blocking the confirmation of military officers in order to make a political statement, no matter how deeply felt, has long been considered  long been considered  unthinkable, he said, moving his hands to emphasize his point.

But Republican leadership is advising against changing the Senate procedure.

This policy not only goes beyond the Department of Defenses statutory authority, it doesnt do anything to increase our military readiness and hasnt even been broadly utilized.  Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska

Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said that while Tubervilles nearly unprecedented strategy is not  not  the way to reach the desired outcome he and I share, he will not support the proposed detour around Tubervilles nomination holds.

Ultimately the best path forward for everyone involved will be one that allows us to clear the nominations backlog and preserve our substantive opposition to the Biden administrations atrocious policy, McConnell said.

The resolution introduced by Sen. Jack Reed, a Rhode Island Democrat, is in response to the growing list of unconfirmed military nominees stalled by Tuberville.

As of Tuesday, 359 of the more than 450 nominees awaiting confirmation are affected by Tubervilles blanket hold, according to the Pentagon.

Vote on floor potentially next

Reed, chair of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, said in a statement after the Rules Committee vote that his Alabama counterpart is using a hyper-partisan maneuver to try and weaponize the military promotion process.

Indefinitely blocking all these merit-based military promotions has harmed the national security of the United States, said Reed, who crafted the resolution with support from Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, an Arizona independent.

Reed characterized the resolution as bipartisan.

This resolution offers every member of the Senate a chance to vote to either support or overcome this irresponsible blockade. I have faith that senators from both parties care deeply about our service men and women and will do the right thing, said Reed.

The standing order resolution could now head to the Senate floor, where Democrats, who hold a slim majority, will need the support of nine Republicans to meet the threshold for approval.

No amendments were filed ahead of Tuesdays committee vote, said Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, chair of the Rules Committee, who quickly called the vote roughly 20 minutes into the meeting.

We need to do what it takes to make sure our military has its leaders in place to protect our country, said Klobuchar of Minnesota.

Political maneuver

Republicans largely characterized the change as a blow to the minoritys leverage, despite the Democrats argument that the new procedure would expire at the end of the 118th Congress.

The Rules Committees ranking member, Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska, dismissed the resolution as a political maneuver.

At its core, the resolution is an attempt to protect the Biden administrations poor policy decisions, Fischer said in her opening remarks.

She, and many of her Senate GOP colleagues including Tuberville, argue that despite a prohibition of taxpayer funds for abortion, the policy facilitates abortions by paying for travel across state lines to obtain one.

This policy not only goes beyond the Department of Defenses statutory authority, it doesnt do anything to increase our military readiness and hasnt even been broadly utilized. Unofficial reports indicate it likely has been used by only 12 women, Fischer said.

The Biden administration and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin maintain the policy is legal.

The Department of Justice in 2022 delivered an opinion assessing the policy as lawful.

The Supreme Courts June 2022 decision to overturn the federal right to abortion has left a patchwork of state-by-state regulations on the practice.

Roughly 80,000 active-duty female service members are stationed in states where legislatures enacted full or partial bans, according to RAND.
Also I bought Study for Obedience the second the Giller Longlist was announced. There is nothing the Giller prize committee loves more than awarding non-Canadian fiction through loopholes.

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I can't tell if you're suggesting Bernstein isn't really Canadian, but she definitely is!



I hope you like Study for Obedience - I think it's really amazing.

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I want the name of every single person there who booed or so much as looked annoyed so I can ensure I never engage with any of their stuff ever.

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It's mostly corporate sponsors.



I've heard it's super, super boring if you're an actual writer/work in publishing. This is partially why the Gillers are, and always have been, the absolute worst.

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probably most of them were Jewish lbr.

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I'm watching the news now and the Israeli army entered the Al Shifa Hospital. Why I watch all this... it's so distressing, I can't

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So many people are going to die. Al-Shifah hospital is also the place where the ministry of health is, so what a convenient way to make sure the death count won't come out anymore.

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Dr Mads, who is a (Swedish??) doctor who has worked in Gaza for the past 16 years through MSF, reported today that there are Israeili snipers surrounding thr hospital and killing all the nurses and healthcare workers still trying to help patients. including killing a nurse who was making her way to babies in incubators in the NICU ward.

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But Israel is/was sending incubators so it's okay!!!

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Omfg! Im shaking right now this is so disgusting.

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and releasing footage of what they "found". cause Hamas definitely made sure to label all their rockets with the word ROCKET.

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Nothing is going to stop Netanyahu is there? Hes going to destroy all of Gaza and the world will just keep shrugging and say its collateral damage. Humanitarian Pauses are useless because it doesnt matter if they get aid. Theyll be bombed not long after. Fuck everyone praising Biden for showing he cares by pushing Israel to have them. Its performative.

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That's my name! Good for the protestors! The only way to make change is to cause a scene.

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This country is not serious.

NEW: Democratic Party leaders @SenSchumer and @RepJeffries will be sharing a stage at today's "March for Israel" rally with far-right, extremist pastor John Hagee.



John McCain rejected Hagee's endorsement in 2008 for the pastor's comments saying God sent Hitler to help Jews get pic.twitter.com/pGbs0ThxSP  Waleed Shahid  (@_waleedshahid) November 14, 2023 I need to stop watching cable news. I swear it's like they don't want a ceasefire because they want the content it creates for them.This country is not serious.

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this is fucking WILD

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is this Schumer related to the Amy by any chance

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Im so in awe of activists  my anxiety would never let me interrupt anything. Pathetic I know, considering what people are living through right now, but what Ive been seeing on socials and how protestors are disrupting in order to demand a ceasefire is the only thing that really counters how dark everything feels due to the genocide

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i've been keeping back because i'm pregnant and i just don't have the stamina these days and it's been so hard to see these protests happen and not be there

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Its a good thing that we have other ways to support Palestine :)

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I know a couple of people who has done that kind of protest, like interrupting ceremonies or public act, etc (not about palestine, but in the past). Very brave people, one told she was so full of adrenaline she couldn't sleep at all the night before lol

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Its the way they booed her that just breaks my heart. Theyre booing what shes saying because they dont care.



No one in charge seems to care. The people do. We post, we march, we protest. And the leaders couldnt care less about thousands of people being murdered. Fuck.





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Rick Mercer is pathetic for trying to tear their signs down. Such a pathetic display. I hate how Canada pretends to be the good guy when really this country is just complacent.

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Holy shit I did not realize that was Rick Mercer. Fuck him!!

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For real.

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These people are so brave. My heart breaks every time I read the news.

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The National Book Awards are tomorrow in the US and two sponsors pulled out when they heard several of the finalists plan on making a pro-Palestine, pro-ceasefire statement. One is Zibby Media who has completely withdrawn support. The other is BOOK OF THE MONTH. What the fuck. They say they still support the awards, but what the fucking hell.

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Europes benchmark natural gas prices rose early on Wednesday as the market is beginning to focus on winter supply risks.

The front-month Dutch TTF Natural Gas Futures, the benchmark for Europes gas trading, rose by nearly 3% at the start of trading in Amsterdam on Wednesday, while the UK wholesale gas price contract was up by 3.6%.

Natural gas traders are already weighing the potential risks to European gas supply this winter, with weather the biggest unknown for traders, suppliers, and governments.

Last week, traders began withdrawing natural gas from Europes record-high inventories as the weather turned colder and heating demand rose.

Gas inventories are nearly full and LNG cargo arrivals are rising this month, but Europe could still see a very tight market ahead in case of a colder winter, analysts say.

The LNG market seems calmer than usual for November when heating demand is typically rising in both Europe and Asia.

Yet, no one can predict how cold this winter in the northern hemisphere will be. Last winter was mercifully warmer than usual in Europe just as the continent was scrambling to import higher LNG volumes despite spiking prices to replace the lost Russian pipeline gas supply.

Even with a structurally lower gas demand, Europe and its biggest economies are not out of the woods yetand a cold winter could reveal the vulnerability to supply.

Europe's natural gas inventories may be at record levels heading into winter, but there is no room for complacency, the International Energy Forum and SynMax said on Wednesday in a new report on LNG trade and market risks.

In the near term, risks abound with a potential escalation of the Israel-Hamas War, uncertain winter weather in the Northern Hemisphere, and increased risk of infrastructure sabotage, the IEF warned.

Any unexpected supply disruption could destabilize markets again.

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By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Qatar has long been forced to play a delicate diplomatic balancing act between the two great Middle Eastern powers and their principal superpower sponsors, positioned as it is with Saudi Arabia on one side of it and Iran on the other. In the lead up to Russias invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, a series of huge deals for Qatar to supply China with liquefied natural (LNG)  which, after the invasion, became the worlds key emergency energy source  were a serious concern for the U.S, coming as they did after a shift by several Middle Eastern countries away from its own sphere of influence and into that of China and Russia. Washingtons concerns prompted new initiatives by several U.S. companies to strengthen relationships with Qatar and these have yielded significant results for the U.S. and its allies. Recent developments surrounding the ongoing Israel-Hamas War appear to have cemented the U.S. view that Qatar can now be regarded as a trusted ally of the West, and its key mediator in the Middle East both with indigenous countries and with the interests of China and Russia in the region. This is why news of another long-term LNG deal just signed between Qatar and China  a 27-year supply and purchase agreement between QatarEnergy and Sinopec for supply 3 million metric tons per annum (mmtpa) - has not prompted any public or private reaction from Washington.

It was a very different story last year. Just over 12 months before Russias invasion of Ukraine, China had been engaged in a flurry of activity to expand its sources and methods of gas supply, as analysed in full in my new book on the new global oil market order. This began in earnest with a series of major deals in March 2021 with Qatar, the worlds top LNG supplier. LNG requires much less infrastructure for delivery than gas delivered through a pipeline, meaning not only that it costs a buyer less to establish the facilities needed to benefit from a regular LNG supply but also that quantities can be increased and decreased at very short notice. In essence, it was very clear that going forward LNG supplies would be the swing gas supply for China, and all other countries, in the event of any global gas supply emergency. March 2021, then, had seen the signing of a 10-year purchase and sales agreement by the China Petroleum & Chemical Corp (Sinopec) and Qatar Petroleum (QP) for 2 mmtpa of LNG. December 2021 saw another major long-term contract for Qatar to supply China with LNG, on that occasion a deal between QatarEnergy and Guangdong Energy Group Natural Gas Co for 1 mmtpa of LNG, starting in 2024 and ending in 2034, although it could be extended. Quite aside from ensuring a diversity of gas supply  and very quick supplies if necessary  these deals (and later ones) with China subtly shifted Qatar at that point into the China-Russia-Iran sphere of influence, as far as the U.S. was concerned. The deals brought together in this loose alliance the worlds top LNG exporter (Qatar) and one of the worlds top holders of gas reserves (Iran), given that the two countries share the worlds largest gas field (North Field on Qatars side and South Pars on Irans). Additionally, both countries were founding members of the 11-member Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), together with Russia. The deals also further inextricably linked this huge combined global gas resource with the worlds biggest buyer of energy products over the past two decades or more - China.

Shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine, significant pressure on Qatar began to be exerted by the U.S., which understood that in order to finally draw a line across Europe across which NATO would not tolerate any further Russian military aggression, Europe needed to be provided with an alternative to Russian energy  and fast, as also analysed in full in my new book. No meaningful repercussions for Russia had followed its 2014 invasion of Ukraine and subsequent annexation of the Crimea region precisely because Europe  especially its de facto leader, Germany  did not want to lose the cheap and plentiful supplies of oil and gas from Russia upon which it had built much of its economic boom for the previous two decades. Consequently, the end of March 2022 saw the first of a series of strategically crucial meetings for the U.S. and its allies with senior representatives from Qatar aimed not only at securing vital LNG supplies urgently for the West and East but also at moving the Emirate more decisively into the U.S.s sphere of influence. Following one such meeting in March between Qatars Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and German economy minister, Robert Habeck, U.S. President Joe Biden reiterated his view expressed in January of Qatar as a major non-NATO ally. Several more business and political carrots and sticks were laid out by the U.S. separately to both Germany and Qatar specifically designed to ensure that the same consequence-free invasion was not handed to Russia again, as analysed in full in my new book on the new global oil market order. May 2022, then, saw Qatar sign a declaration of intent on energy cooperation with Germany aimed at becoming its key supplier of LNG. These new supplies of LNG from Qatar would come into Germany through existing importation routes augmented by new infrastructure approved by the German Bundestag around that time. This would include the deployment of four floating LNG import facilities on its northern coast, and two permanent onshore terminals, which were under development.

These plans would run in parallel with, but were likely to be finished significantly sooner than, the plans for Qatar to also make available to Germany sizeable supplies of LNG from the Golden Pass terminal on the Gulf Coast of Texas. QatarEnergy holds a 70 percent stake in the project, with the U.S.s ExxonMobil holding the remainder. The Golden Pass terminals estimated send-out capacity is projected to be around 18 mmtpa of LNG and the facility is expected to be operational in 2024. Following on from these developments, December 2022 saw two sales and purchase agreements signed between QatarEnergy and the U.S.s ConocoPhillips to export LNG to Germany for at least 15 years from 2026. These deals between Berlin and Doha provided Germany with 2 mmtpa of LNG, sent from Ras Laffan in Qatar to Germanys northern LNG terminal of Brunsbuettel, according to QatarEnergys chief executive officer (also Qatars Energy Minister), Saad al-Kaabi. He also stressed the broader political significance of these deals at the time: [The two sales and repurchase agreements] mark the first ever long-term LNG supply agreements to Germany, with a supply period that extends for at least 15 years, thus contributing to Germanys long-term energy security.

As also analysed in depth in my new book, the fact that these LNG supplies to Germany involved a major U.S. company working with Qatars major energy firm told the energy market  and China and Russia  three key things. First, from the perspective of energy buyers in Europe, Washington was not going to allow them to return to a situation in which the continent  and its effective leader, Germany  was bankrolling much of the Russian state through huge imports of its gas and oil. Instead, they could rely on the U.S. and its network to provide whatever was needed. Second, from the perspective of energy sellers in the Middle East, Washington was also not going to stand by while China hoovered up all available energy supplies at the expense of both the U.S. and its allies in the West and in the East. And third, that the new global oil market order has reached a tipping point, so it is time to pick a side. Qatars role as the Wests most trusted mediator in the Middle East was further underlined recently when, having played the role the U.S. wanted in the release of five American hostages from Iran, the Emirate then agreed to stall the payment of the funds that had been earmarked for Iran, following incendiary comments following the 7 October attacks on Israel.

By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com
Back in 2010, U.S. oil and gas giant Chevron Corp. (NYSE:CVX), alongside its partners NewMed Energy (OTCPK:DKDRF) and Ratio Oil Corp., discovered the Leviathan Gas Field, one of the worlds largest deep-water gas fields. Spanning 330 square kilometers with 22.9 trillion cubic feet of recoverable gas, Leviathan is the largest natural gas reservoir in the Mediterranean, and one of the largest producing assets in the region. NewMed is Leviathan's main operator with a 45.3% working interest while Chevron has a 39.7% working interest and Ratio Oil owns a 15% stake.

Meanwhile, Chevron also owns a large stake in the Tamar Gas Field located just 47 kilometers (29 mi) north east of the Leviathan field. Tamar was discovered in 2009 and its development was fast-tracked to meet immediate local needs after Egypt stopped supplying Israel with natural gas. Tamar supplies 70% of Israel's energy consumption needs for electricity generation. Six production wells at Tamar produce 7.1 to 8.5 million cubic meters of natural gas per day each. The gas field is owned by Chevron Mediterranean Limited (25%), Isramco (28.75%), Tamar Petroleum (16.75%) Mubadala Energy (11%), Tamar Investment 2 (11%), Dor Gas (4%), and Everest (3.5%). Related: Israels Natural Gas Flow To Egypt To Return To Normal Next Week

Chevron and NewMed Energy have also partnered in the Aphrodite Gas Field, with Anglo-Dutch oil major Shell Plc (NYSE:SHEL) a third partner. Chevron and Shell each have a 35% working interest in the field, while NewMed has 30%.

Discovered in 2011, the Aphrodite natural gas field is located about 170 kilometers south of Limassol in Cyprus, just 30 kilometers northwest of Israels Leviathan gas reservoir. An appraisal well has already been drilled to confirm assessments regarding the nature and size of the Aphrodite gas deposit, and marks a significant step towards its development. The well is expected to serve as a production well following the completion of the development of the reservoir, according to the Times of Israel.

Overall, Chevrons East Mediterranean assets represent 10 Tcf of the companys global natural gas resource base of about 175 trillion cubic feet. While that might not seem like worth getting into trouble for especially after the eruption of the worst regional conflict in 50 years, Chevron has no plans to abandon its East Med crown jewels. Indeed, the company has vowed to double down and continue developing its gas assets in the region.

"We've got to take a long-term view, which is measured in years and decades. And when you have things in the short term that create the circumstances that we see right now, we have to be prepared to mitigate those risks and to keep people safe and maintain the integrity of our operations," CEO Mike Wirth told investors earlier this month.

Israel suspended production at the Tamar gas field on Oct. 9, shortly after its war with Hamas began then redirected supplies through a pipeline in Jordan, rather than a direct subsea pipeline to Egypt. Chevron had requested to export gas through an alternative pipeline that links Leviathan to Jordan as well as Egypt, known as the Arab Gas Pipeline (AGP). But exporting gas through AGP is by no means without major risks and challenges. Experts are now warning that there could be "a severe degradation of the investment climate" as well as serious energy flow disruptions if war breaks out along Israel's northern border with Lebanon and Iran becomes involved. One such critical energy infrastructure under threat is the Arab Gas Pipeline. Gas shipments via AGP--which connects Egypt with Jordan--have been disrupted in the past by attacks in the Sinai Peninsula. AGP has a reported capacity of 234 billion cubic feet per year (640 million cubic feet per day).

Disruptions on AGP gas flows would hurt Jordan the most since the country imports more than 90% of its energy needs and relies on gas deliveries via Israel and Egypt. Jordan is home to a large Palestinian population, and strikes on Gaza have worsened tensions and social unrest in the country. AGP currently ships 44 Bcf of natural gas annually from Egypt to Jordan.

But Jordan is hardly the only country that would find itself in trouble if AGP gas flows were interrupted. Egypt relies on Israeli gas imports to meet some of its domestic demand especially in the summer cooling season, as well as for re-exports that have become an important source of scarce foreign currency.

BP Pushes Ahead With Merger

Last month, British oil and gas multinational BP Inc. (NYSE:BP) reassured investors that its $2B deal with Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (Adnoc) to jointly buy a 50% stake in Israeli gas producer NewMed Energy (OTCPK:DKDRF) remains on track, despite Israels ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza. BP's head of gas and low-carbon energy Anja-Isabel Dotzenrath told shareholders at the companys investor day in Denver that they remain "very optimistic" about the deal. The two companies are reportedly weighing on whether to improve their initial offer.

But that reassurance does not necessarily mean the deal is close to being consummated.

The deal was thrown into question after an independent panel appointed by NewMed recommended raising the asking price by 10%-12%, or as much as ~$250M, which might seem like a stretch considering the company currently has a market cap of $2.9B and $87 million in cash but $1.73B in debt.

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Meanwhile, reports have emerged that executives at BP and Adnoc are anticipating further delays on the deal until the political situation improves. Experts are worried that a surge in civilian casualties could make it politically untenable for the companies to proceed, with the death toll in Gaza reportedly in excess of 10,000. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has forged an emergency government to direct war against Hamas, and his defense minister has vowed to wipe the militant group "off the face of the earth."

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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The spot market for liquefied natural gas (LNG) is calmer than usual for this time of year as inventories in both Europe and Asia are high, and the weather is still mild.

Demand in Europe and Asia is rising in November compared to the warmer October, but LNG spot prices in Asia have dropped in the past three weeks, and the benchmark prices in Europe have also declined in recent days amid eased concerns about Eastern Mediterranean supply and nearly full EU natural gas storage sites.

However, the calmness in the LNG market could turn into volatile turbulence again if fresh supply concerns emerge and if this winter is really cold in Europe and/or Asia.

Governments and markets should be anything but complacent as the winter approaches as risks of tighter markets and soaring prices remain, analysts and forecasters say.

Slight Rise In Demand Hasn't Lifted Spot LNG Prices

LNG demand in both Asia and Europe has increased this month compared to October, according to data from Kpler cited by Reuters' columnist Clyde Russell.

Imports in Asia are set to rise to 22.67 million metric tons in November from 21.18 million tons in October, with China leading imports and gains. Japan's LNG imports are estimated to be flat this month compared to last month, while Indian imports are expected to drop from October as higher prices last month may have discouraged price-sensitive Indian buyers from purchasing more LNG for November. Related: UAMPS Cancels Planned NuScale Reactor

European LNG imports are also on the rise and expected this month to be at their highest level since May, according to Kpler data.

Amid expected higher demand at the start of the heating season, LNG imports into northwest Europe are expected to soar by 30% in November compared to October, per preliminary estimates from LSEG.

"The heating demand kicks in and there are forecasts of colder weather," Wayne Bryan, head of European gas at LSEG, told Montel at the end of October.

Despite the higher demand and LNG arrivals in both Europe and Asia, the average LNG spot price for December delivery into Northeast Asia declined last week by 3% from the previous week to $16.5 per million British thermal units (MMBtu), according to estimates from industry sources quoted by Reuters.

The spot LNG price in Asia has now fallen for three consecutive weeks amid milder weather and high inventories. In addition, Chinese energy giants are reselling more cargoes in the rest of Asia this year compared to last year in a bid to eke out trading gains and balance the gas supply, according to China's recent customs data reported by Reuters. The higher volume of LNG resold to other buyers in Asia also offers a buffer against supply disruptions and concerns, including from Australia and from the fresh U.S. sanctions on the Russian project Arctic LNG 2.

The Calm Before The Storm?

The LNG market seems calmer than usual for November when heating demand is typically rising in both Europe and Asia.

Yet, no one can predict how cold this winter in the northern hemisphere will be. Last winter was mercifully warmer than usual in Europe just as the continent was scrambling to import higher LNG volumes despite spiking prices to replace the lost Russian pipeline gas supply.

It's not certain this winter will be equally warmer than usual, and weather will be the driving force behind the LNG market and prices.

Weather is one of the biggest unknowns, Colin Parfitt, vice president for midstream at Chevron, told Bloomberg earlier this month.

"We're not home free yet. There is a risk of volatility," Parfitt said.

Last month, Vitol Group's chief executive Russel Hardy said that some of the lost European demand for natural gas due to the energy crisis and record-high prices could never return.

"For gas, demand has plummeted in Europe, with double-digit percentage reductions. We expect some of the lost demand to be permanent," Hardy told the Energy Intelligence Forum.

Even with a structurally lower gas demand, Europe and its biggest economies are not out of the woods yetand a cold winter could reveal the vulnerability to supply.

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Gas supply disruptions continue to be a risk for Germany, the chief executive of the country's biggest utility, RWE, said last month.

"We don't have any buffer in the gas system," RWE's chief executive officer Markus Krebber told German publication WirtschaftsWoche, adding that Europe's biggest economy must accelerate the construction of gas import infrastructure to avoid future shortages.

Sustained colder-than-normal temperatures and unplanned outages at LNG export facilities are the key risks to sufficient gas supply this winter, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said last week.

"Relatively full natural gas inventories in the United States and Europe as well as expanded global export and import capacity for liquefied natural gas (LNG) have improved the likelihood that supply will be sufficient to meet demand in global natural gas markets as we enter the upcoming 202324 winter season (NovemberMarch)," the EIA noted.

"However, risks to this balance are associated with possible extreme weather and supply issues."

According to the U.S. administration, "Severe cold weather or unplanned supply outages could lead to significant price spikes and affect global natural gas balances."

By Tsvetana Paraskova fo Oilprice.com
Officials have said they expect tough discussions, but agree that the overarching goal is to lower the temperature in the relationship.

The two are set to discuss Middle East tensions, diplomacy, and more.

In a renewed effort to stabilize increasingly shaky relations between the two powers, U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping will meet today in San Francisco.

But what can be expected from the November 15 meeting on the sidelines of the APEC summit?

Finding Perspective: This marks their first meeting as leaders since Biden and Xi sat down together at the G20 summit in Bali a year ago and it's been a difficult diplomatic road to reach this point, including degraded ties following a suspected Chinese spy balloon that flew over the United States in February.

The focus of the talks is expected to be Taiwan, which remains a source of tensions between Beijing and Washington. The self-governing island, which China regards as its own territory, is set to hold elections in January 2024 and the meeting will also factor into discussions around the upcoming U.S. election that will take place in a year's time, in November 2024.

Politico also reported that Biden will raise tensions in the Middle East with Xi and urge him to use his influence with Iran to prevent Tehran and its proxies from exploiting the Israel-Hamas war to stoke a broader conflict.

With those potential obstacles for relations ahead, White House officials have said they expect tough discussions. Most analysts say that the goal on both sides is to lower the temperature in the relationship and serve up some favorable optics for each leader's domestic audience.

"For both sides, the preferred outcome from the meeting is that there will not be much to write home about," said Agathe Demarais, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations.

Why It Matters: We already saw some early steps taken ahead of the November 15 meeting, which U.S. officials said could last four hours with simultaneous interpretation.

On November 13 and 14, reports have signaled a series of measures that could be unveiled at the meeting and would work towards raising the floor of the relationship with Washington.

They include: China buying 3 million tons of U.S. soybeans, Beijing ending a long commercial freeze on sales of Boeing's 737-max aircraft, restricting the export of chemicals to the United States that are used as precursors to make fentanyl, and a decision to raise the number of regular flights between both countries.

The United States has also agreed to lift sanctions on China's forensic police institute and both countries have announced some further cooperation to fight climate change, the State Department said.

Few expect that the meeting will stall the deepening rivalry, but a shift in tone may provide a welcome reprieve as Xi faces an increasingly bleak economic outlook and Biden prepares for a difficult election cycle.

Unlike the last time the two leaders met in Bali and Xi adopted a more conciliatory message, Ukraine is unlikely to factor into discussions between Beijing and Washington in San Francisco.

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"U.S. calls that China clamp down on the export of high-tech goods to Russia are wishful thinking and the American side should probably not spend too much time on making such demands," Demarais said.

By RFE/RL

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Crude oil inventories in the United States rose again this week, adding 1.335 million barrels into inventory for week ending November 10, according to The American Petroleum Institute (API), after a 11.9-million-barrel rise in crude inventories in the week prior, API data showed. Analysts had expected a 1.4 million barrel build.

API data now shows a net build in crude oil inventories in the United States of 11.9 million barrels so far this year.

On Monday, the Department of Energy (DoE) reported that crude oil inventories in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) stayed the same for the sixth week in a row, with the SPR inventory still sitting at a near 40-year low of 351.3 million barrels, with total purchases for the SPR coming in at less than 4 million barrels since the Biden Administration began its buyback program.

Oil prices were trading down ahead of API data release, with Brent trading down 0.06% at $82.47 at 4:03 p.m. ETa roughly $0.70 increase week over week. The U.S. benchmark WTI was trading down on the day by 0.01%, at $78.25. WTI is up nearly $0.75 per barrel from this same time last week.

Gasoline inventories rose this week by 195,000 barrels, partially offsetting the 400,000 barrel decrease in the week prior. Distillate inventories fell this week, by 1.022 million barrels, on top of the 2.0-million-barrel draw in the week prior, while Cushing rose by 1.136 million barrels.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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Reducing methane emissions and addressing methane leaks in operations are immediate actions from which both businesses and the climate will benefit, JP Morgan, one of the worlds top fossil fuel financiers, said in a new report on Wednesday.

JP Morgans The Methane Emissions Opportunity white paper urges companies to boost efforts to cut methane emissions and says that the Wall Street bank recognizes methane abatement as an opportunity to support accelerated efforts by our clients to reduce operational emissions.

Consistent with that objective, we have set a net zero-aligned emissions intensity reduction target for the Oil & Gas sectors operational (Scope 1 and 2) emissions in our financing portfolio, including reducing leakage, venting, and flaring of methane as key drivers, JP Morgan said in the report.

We recognize that different technologies and solutions will make sense for different types of operators, and we aim to work with industry participants to support the deployment of effective solutions.

According to the bank, recent events such as the war in Ukraine have highlighted the urgent need to provide energy resources securely, reliably, and affordably while scaling solutions and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

These objectives are not mutually exclusive. The world can  and must  do both, JP Morgan said.

A report by environmental groups from earlier this year showed that JP Morgan is no longer the worlds biggest financier of fossil fuels. Last year Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) became the top bank funding oil and gas. For the first time since 2019, US bank JP Morgan Chase dropped from the top spot of the biggest backer of fossil fuels.

Overall, U.S. banks dominated fossil fuel financing, accounting for 28% of all fossil fuel financing in 2022.

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JPMorgan Chase remains the worlds biggest funder of fossil fuels since the Paris Agreement, while Citi, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America are still among the top 5 fossil financiers since 2016.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Saudi Aramco has produced the first unconventional tight gas from its South Ghawar field, the worlds largest oil firm said this week as it seeks to boost its natural gas output by more than half by 2030.

The facilities at South Ghawar have a raw gas processing capacity of 300 million standard cubic feet per day (scfd) and a condensate processing capacity of 38,000 barrels per day (bpd), the Saudi state oil giant said.

To meet rising natural gas demand, Aramco plans to more than double the overall processing capacity and achieve South Ghawars goal of delivering 750 million scfd of raw gas in the near future.

This first production of unconventional tight gas from South Ghawar is a milestone that demonstrates real progress on our gas expansion strategy, which we believe has a role to play in meeting the Kingdoms needs for lower-emission energy and supporting growth in the chemicals sector, said Nasir Al-Naimi, Aramco Upstream President.

Tight gas production at South Ghawar is Aramcos second unconventional gas stream, after production commenced at the North Arabia field in 2018.

Work is simultaneously progressing at the giant Jafurah unconventional gas field, which is the largest liquid-rich shale gas play in the Middle East, Aramco said.

The Saudi company has been looking to raise its natural gas production to replace crude oil in power generation domestically. More recently, Aramco has moved to tap the international LNG market as it continues to see oil and gas as key energy supply globally for decades to come.

In September, Saudi Aramco entered the global LNG business by signing a deal to buy a minority stake in LNG company MidOcean Energy, which is in the process of acquiring interests in four Australian LNG projects.

The Saudi giant, the worlds single largest crude oil exporter, has been looking for months to tap the global gas and LNG business and was rumored earlier this year to have been in early talks with developers aiming to secure a stake in a project in the United States or Asia.

Commenting on the LNG deal, Aramco Upstream President, Nasir Al-Naimi, said: This is an important step in Aramcos strategy to become a leading global LNG player.

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By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Vitol Group, the worlds largest independent oil trader, has hired a supertanker to load oil from Venezuela, lists of ship charters compiled by Bloomberg showed on Wednesday.

Vitol has hired Gustavia S, capable of carrying 2 million barrels of oil, which is now en route to the Gulf of Mexico, per vessel-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.

Gustavia S, booked for $11 million, is set to load Venezuelan oil later in November or in early December.

The return of the top international oil trading houses to Venezuela follows last months easing of the sanctions on the Latin American country.

In October, the United States lifted most sanctions on Venezuelas oil industry after the Nicolas Maduro government reached a deal with the opposition that could see elections held next year.

The U.S. issued a six-month general license temporarily authorizing transactions involving the oil and gas sector in Venezuela. The license will only be renewed if Venezuela meets its commitments under the so-called electoral roadmap, the U.S. Treasury noted.

The license, valid until April 18, 2024, authorizes the production, lifting, sale, and exportation of oil or gas from Venezuela, and the provision of related goods and services, as well as payment of invoices for goods or services related to oil or gas sector operations in Venezuela.

After the sanctioned were eased, commodity trading giants are back in the business of trading with oil from the country with the worlds largest reserves.

Some of the largest independent oil trading houses are already offering Venezuelan cargoes, including to U.S. buyers. Commodity giants have also struck deals to buy crude from intermediaries approved by Venezuelas state-owned oil company PDVSA.

Gunvor Group was the first of the biggest trading houses to offer to U.S. refiners a supertanker of Venezuelan crude, according to sources familiar with the matter who spoke to Bloomberg.

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Gunvor and another commodity trading giant, Trafigura, have accessed Venezuelan cargoes in recent weeks after buying crude from intermediaries approved by PDVSA, Reuters reported last week, citing company documents and four people with knowledge of the deals.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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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
The Omaha City Council approved a plan Tuesday that has been in the works for several years to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries in the city.

The council also passed a ban on bump stocks and certain other accessories that make semi-automatic guns fire more rapidly.

The Vision Zero Omaha Action Plan has the stated end goal of eliminating traffic fatalities in Omaha by 2045, with strategies and projects meant to begin reducing deaths and serious injuries right away.

Proponents also said Tuesday that Omaha will have greater access to federal funding for safety-enhancing street projects if it adopted a Vision Zero plan. The council voted 7-0 to pass a resolution adopting the plan.

Vision Zero is an international campaign centered on the belief that all traffic deaths are preventable. Omahas plan has been in the works since 2017, when Mayor Jean Stotherts Active Living Advisory Committee recommended that she form a Vision Zero task force.

The city hired a Vision Zero coordinator, Jeff Sobczyk, in 2021. The City Council approved a $345,896 contract in 2022 to hire a consulting firm, WSP USA, to help create the plan.

After years of study, data analysis and public input involving city staff, consultants and local experts and stakeholders, Stothert presented the plan to the council Tuesday.

The safety of everyone who uses our roads is critically important for a safe city like Omaha, Stothert said. For several years, traffic deaths and serious crash injuries have increased in Omaha at an alarming rate.

She said 261 people died and more than 4,400 were seriously injured on Omaha streets from 2011 to 2020.

This year, 25 have died in crashes on Omaha roads already, she said. This is why we have made the commitment to become a Vision Zero city, one of the 40 U.S. cities to do so.

The plan includes recommendations on strategies and policies. These include road design and engineering; installing more traffic-calming features such as roundabouts and speed bumps; and increasing traffic and drunken-driving enforcement by police.

It also recommends more outreach and education as well as partnering with such community efforts as Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 and Safe Routes to School programs.

The plan also identifies 117 priority projects  such as traffic calming on Park Avenue, and roundabouts at 52nd Street and Northwest Radial Highway and 144th and Q Streets.

The list is based on data about where serious crashes have occurred and where the public identified safety issues, consultant Jay Aber told the council.

The projects are targeted to the areas of the greatest need with the highest crash concentration, he said.

Thus many of the projects are in the older, eastern parts of the city.

Crash data shows a higher percentage of fatal and serious injury crashes occur in the older parts of our city, especially North and South Omaha, Stothert said. These areas have older infrastructure, fewer sidewalks and bike lanes, narrow and congested streets. Vision Zero equity means everyone can travel on our streets safely, and every person in Omaha is able to arrive home safely to their families.

Council members Brinker Harding and Aimee Melton took issue with the plans use of the word equity, a concept that the plan identified as one of its guiding principles.

What we should really be focusing on is that this is data-driven material, Harding said. It doesnt matter who you are, where you live, what you do.

The city should take that information and prioritize the needs based upon the data, Harding said.

He asked if part of the reason for using the word equity in the plan was to qualify for federal funds.

Aber replied that equity is a guiding principle in the plan because the public and Omahas Vision Zero technical advisory committee identified it as a priority. But a lot of the current federal funding focuses on safety and also equity.

So I wouldnt say that its in the plan to qualify for federal funding, Aber said. But I would say its presence in the plan does help that ability to qualify.

Regarding the banning of bump stocks, the council voted 6-1 to pass an ordinance that prohibits possessing, selling or using certain devices that accelerate the rate of fire of a semi-automatic firearm. The council had postponed a vote on the ordinance two weeks ago, when it passed another ordinance banning ghost gun parts and two gun-related resolutions supporting Stotherts executive order prohibiting firearms on city property.

Council President Pete Festersen had proposed the measures. He noted the bump stock ban was similar to a national ban ordered by former President Donald Trump, which is on hold while under litigation.

Harding had asked for the delay on the bump stock vote because he said it needed more clarification and possible changes to comply with Nebraskas new permitless carry law, LB 77. The council approved an amendment proposed by Melton that defines bump stock and a device called a trigger crank so as to not create the possiblity that people, such as competitive shooters, could be prosecuted for using legal devices.

Melton proposed the amendment after doing research and consulting with gun rights advocates. Despite calling the ordinance a feel-good measure that would have no effect but could put the city in jeopardy of losing a lawsuit, Melton joined Festersen, Harding, Juanita Johnson, Danny Begley and Ron Hug in voting yes.

Because if I dont, everybodys going to say Aimee loves bump stocks and doesnt care about mass shootings in Las Vegas, Melton said. She said she supports Trumps executive order and bump stocks should be banned nationally.

Council member Don Rowe voted no.

LB 77 was passed by the Legislature last spring with the intent that cities even the size of Omaha would not be able to come back behind them and add an ordinance that would make it more confusing, Rowe said. And I think the fact that the Supreme Court is going to take this up validates my reasoning as well.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of October 2023
House Republicans who waged fierce political battles over Obamacare and abortion after that have found a new focus in the lead-up to the 2024 elections: gender-affirming care for transgender Americans.

Theyve added riders on seven of the 12 House fiscal 2024 appropriations bills that would put restrictions on gender-affirming care, which can be anything from hormone therapy to surgical care to insurance coverage of either.

The fight has extended beyond spending bills into policy measures as well: Theyve held up traditionally bipartisan programs to pay for pediatrician training over hospitals decisions to provide such care. Another bill would create a global gag rule for gender-affirming care similar to the Mexico City policy for abortion care.

And theyve threaded their concerns over the issue into the debate over the annual defense authorization bill  a fight that could threaten the passage of that bill.

The volume here is just orders of magnitude different than anything weve ever seen, said David Stacy, the vice president of government affairs at the LGBTQ+ advocacy group Human Rights Campaign.

Most of the bills have little chance of passing the Democratic-majority Senate or escaping the veto of Democratic President Joe Biden.

But thats not the point for conservatives who want to lay down an ideological marker as the 2024 elections approach.

Its important for Republicans to establish a pattern about their perspective, said Jay Richards, a senior research fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation, calling the organizing efforts a preparation for whats to come in the 2024 election.

This is the first year that Republicans have tacked on amendments to ban gender-affirming care to appropriations bills, according to both the Human Rights Campaign and an analysis of past bills. The riders include:

The Labor-HHS-Education, Military Construction-VA and Defense bills would prohibit federal funds from going toward any gender-affirming care treatment, including surgical procedures or hormone therapies.

The Commerce-Justice-Science bill would prohibit federal funds from being used for a sex-altering surgical procedure in either a federally-owned or a private facility being used by the federal government.

The Financial Services bill would prohibit the Federal Employees Health Benefits program from covering the cost of surgical procedures, puberty blockers or hormone therapy for the purpose of gender-affirming care.

The Homeland Security spending bill would prevent any funds from being used to administer hormone therapy, medication related to gender-affirming care or gender-affirming surgery for people in custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

House Republicans are also looking to block gender-affirming care for veterans and their families on TRICARE through the annual defense authorization bill. The House-passed version of the bill includes policies that would bar TRICARE from providing gender-affirming care to all beneficiaries. The Senate version of the bill includes no such similar provisions.

The Childrens Hospitals Graduate Medical Education program, which pays for residencies and fellowships for medical students training to be pediatricians, is typically a noncontroversial, highly bipartisan health care reauthorization that sails out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

But this year, the bill may be held up by a fight over a provision related to gender-affirming care for minors.

Rep. Daniel Crenshaw, R-Texas, introduced a version of the legislation that would bar any federal funds to hospitals that provide gender-affirming care, including hormone therapy and 19 specific procedures for transgender youth. The House Energy and Commerce Committee approved the bill along party lines in July.

This is the issue of our time. This is the hill were going to die on, Crenshaw said of gender-affirming care during a summer legislative hearing on the bill.

This is the first year transgender health care has become a marquee issue for Republicans on Capitol Hill and it comes after anti-trans legislation has been intensifying in statehouses across the nation.

In 2021, state legislatures proposed more than 120 bills negatively targeting transgender people, according to data from the National Center for Transgender Equality.

That spiked to more than 200 anti-trans bills introduced in 2022 and more than 450 in 2023. Gender-affirming care is currently banned in 22 states, according to the Human Rights Campaign.

A big part of LGBT advocacy groups work these days revolves around meetings with lawmakers and talking to them about trans people in their districts.

Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, the executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, has spent the last few years climbing the Hill to meet behind closed doors with what he describes as more moderate Republicans in the House. Heng-Lehtinen has a secret weapon with him: Former GOP House member Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida is his mother.

He expects GOP vitriol to intensify in the next year after the election of Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who has described the increase in gender-affirming care as radical and misguided.

This so-called gender affirming care is anything but affirming and caring, Johnson said during a House Judiciary Committee hearing he hosted earlier this year.

19 states lack laws preventing housing discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity 19 states lack laws preventing housing discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity Nondiscrimination laws vary across the country Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington DC West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming
The man whose body was discovered at the site of a one-vehicle crash southeast of Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, early Tuesday has been identified.

The body of Jose Ramon Munoz, a 43-year-old man from Evans, Colorado, was found by a Washington County sheriffs deputy who was on patrol. The deputy found a wrecked vehicle on County Road P51. The deputy then found Ramon Munozs body while searching the area.

An autopsy was conducted to help identify Ramon Munoz as the victim.

Investigators previously said it appears the vehicle was heading north on County Road P51 when the driver, who was identified as Ramon Munoz on Wednesday, failed to navigate a curve in the road. The vehicle left the roadway and rolled into a bean field, ejecting the driver.
LINCOLN  Gov. Jim Pillen on Wednesday named Fred Meyer of St. Paul, a former member of the State Board of Education, to be the new state senator from central Nebraskas District 41.

Meyer, a semiretired farmer, replaces former State Sen. Tom Briese of Albion, who resigned at the end of October to become state treasurer. Meyer will serve through 2024, the last year of Brieses term, but will not seek election to keep the seat.

Pillen said 16 people had applied for the vacancy, including at least one person running for the seat in 2024. He said he chose Meyer because he wanted to leave the decision about a new senator up to voters in the district.

Two Republicans have announced campaigns so far, Ethan Clark of Ord and Nadine Bane of Scotia. Pillen said he does not plan to endorse anyone in the race and does not expect that Meyer will endorse anyone either.

Meyer served on the State Board of Education from 1999 through 2011. He was appointed initially and then elected in 2002 and 2006. During his tenure, he was chosen vice president and then president.

Secretary of State Bob Evnen, who served on the education board with Meyer, said the newly appointed senator had led the board effectively and was able to get decisions made, despite the differences of opinion among board members. On Wednesday, Evnen administered the oath of office to Meyer.

The new senator said he is passionate about education and is especially concerned about the lack of certified teachers in schools. He also wants to continue working for property tax relief, Brieses key issue, and is very interested in agricultural and natural resources issues.

Briese left the Legislature to replace John Murante as treasurer. Murante stepped down in September to take a job as director of the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems agency.

District 41 encompasses all of Boone, Greeley, Howard, Sherman, Valley and Wheeler Counties and parts of Buffalo and Hall Counties.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of November 2023
BLOOMINGTON  A McLean County judge ordered a man to be released after he was arrested in connection to a robbery in Bloomington.

Demarcus L. Quinn, 21, is charged with robbery, aggravated battery and theft.

Assistant States Attorney David Fitt said in a probable cause statement, Quinn and another man had arranged to meet with a man at a gas station Normal last Thursday to buy his stereo equipment.

The man selling the equipment told police when they met up, one of the men repeatedly punched (the sellers) face and head, while Quinn punched his head once, Fitt said.

They then took the stereo equipment and ran; when police approached them, Quinn stopped while the other man kept running, the prosecutor said. Quinn was taken into custody and cooperated with police.

Quinn was identified as a resident of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, but his attorney, Assistant Public Defender Carol Shegog-Parker, said he had been living and working in McLean County for the last two months.

Fitt filed a petition to detain the defendant on the dangerousness standard, arguing Quinn had punched the man and helped to carry away the stereo equipment, making no attempt to pay for it. The prosecutor said the state believed the other suspect was the primary aggressor in the offense.

Shegog-Parker said her client denied punching the seller and said he ran from police because he feared being shot. She said he had brought cash to purchase the equipment and did not know the other man intended to take it by force.

Shegog-Parker noted Quinn had no prior convictions and emphasized that he was cooperative when questioned by police.

Judge Scott Kording said he believed the defense had the stronger argument and that the evidence didnt show he poses a threat to the community or an individual, noting Quinn had no connection or personal ties to the seller.

The judge denied the states petition to detain and Quinn was released, ordered to abide by statutory conditions of release.

An arraignment is scheduled for Dec. 8.
BLOOMINGTON  The McLean County Board is set to vote Thursday on a $146.7 million budget for the 2024 fiscal year.

The balanced spending plan represents a roughly 15.4% increase in revenues and expenditures over the previous year, reflecting a projected increase in property values and inclusion of millions of dollars in federal COVID relief money.

County officials have said that they expect the equalized assessed valuation of property in McLean County to increase by 13%, which raised concerns for some residents about how this would impact their property tax bills.

McLean County's proposed levy on taxes payable in 2024 would be about $5.6 million, or roughly 13% higher than last year. However, McLean County Administrator Cassy Taylor said the county's property tax rate is expected to remain the same as last year, at 91 cents for every $100 of equalized assessed valuation.

That means a resident whose assessed property value remained the same from 2022 to 2023 would pay roughly the same amount of property taxes to McLean County. The extra revenue would come from growth in the countys overall tax base.

For a property with a market value of $165,000, the county's share of property taxes would be about $500.

Residents who did experience a jump in their property's equalized assessed value would pay the county roughly $8.70 more in property taxes for every percentage point of increase, according to estimates in county budget reports.

Although property is assessed by the county and individual townships, the state is required to apply an equalization factor on the valuation of all property.

McLean County Supervisor of Assessments Timothy Jorczak said the county is required by law to equalize in order to make sure taxes are paid on property at an equal percentage of market value. This determined the equalized assessed value of a property.

However, he added that the county's spending plays as much of a role, if not more so, in how much taxes could increase.

"If spending changes faster or slower than the EAV, then taxes will grow or decline accordingly," Jorczak said.

The spending plan also is inflated due to McLean County allocating the remaining $8.3 million of the $33.6 million it was awarded from the American Rescue Plan Act. These funds must be obligated by the end of 2024.

The budget also includes about $30.9 million in capital costs from projects in its five-year Capital Improvement Plan.

This includes $3.9 million in capital expenses related to building projects, $13.1 million in road and bridge construction and maintenance projects and $4.5 million for a new animal control facility.

The McLean County Board meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. on the fourth floor of the Government Center, 115 E. Washington St.
How Time Flies is a daily feature looking back at Pantagraph archives to revisit what was happening in our community and region.

100 years ago

Nov. 15, 1923: Parking at the south side of the post office was limited to 15 minutes by the city council last night. The action was taken to relieve traffic congestion. Accidents have been narrowly averted because of double parking at the south entrance. Double parking will not be needed or at any rate will not be permitted with the limit of 15 minutes.

75 years ago

Nov. 15, 1948: Randy Lundeed, 14, of Bloomington, won the Book Week essay contest on "My Favorite Children's Books" held among McLean County high school freshmen this fall. Roger Calhoon of Gridley High School won second and Roberta Cutter, Normal Community High School, placed third.

50 years ago

Nov. 15, 1973: Dr. Gene A. Budig was named Illinois State University's permanent president. He has been serving as interim since July 1. His appointment as the university's 12th president by a Board of Regents brought a standing ovation from those attending the board session.

25 years ago

Nov. 15, 1998: Ed Brady, president of the Bloomington-Normal Home Builders Association, says he has the votes needed to bring the issue of school impact fees for reconsideration by the McLean County Board. The measure, which the board passed 9-8 last month, requires developers to turn over either land or money  about $650 per single-family home  to be set aside for new schools, with the idea that residents who generate the growth should help pay for the new school buildings.
Martin Gruenberg, chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), initiated a comprehensive review of sexual harassment complaints and took appropriate measures to address the allegations.

On November 13, the Wall Street Journal published a write-up about the allegations called "Strip Clubs, Lewd Photos and a Boozy Hotel: The Toxic Atmosphere at Bank Regulator FDIC."

Comprehensive Review for Sexual Harassment Complaints

The article published by the Wall Street Journal claimed that the former and current employees maintained a toxic and sexist environment, which was described as a 'sexualized boys' club.

Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Sen. Thom Tillis (R-S.C.) asked Gruenberg about the allegations in the article. However, Gruenberg was not informed about the claims in the report.

Furthermore, Sen. Rounds would expect more related reporting and asked if the FDC chief would handle the future news reports. Gruenberg said he could not answer as they still had to speak to the news organizations.

On November 14, Gruenberg said at a Senate Banking Committee hearing that he was personally disturbed and deeply troubled by the allegations.

The comprehensive review would be partnered with an independent third-party entity to address the nature of the issues. He said that the report would be completed in approximately 90 days.

Gruenberg noted that the management should ensure employees can freely submit complaints. "Let me underscore, I have no higher priority to ensure that all FDIC employees work in a safe environment where they feel valued and respected," he said.

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) said that old creepy men do not have a place in the country and the FDIC. In a letter passed to the inspector general, the Republicans asked for a briefing on the agency's workplace culture for this month.

Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) wrote in the letter that the Committee on Financial Services took the allegations seriously and would address any misconduct.

He added that they also ensure the safety of the civil servants of their financial regulators so that they can perform their duties freely without having to experience harassment.

Read Also: Canadian-Israeli Peace Activist Vivian Silver Found Dead, Killed in Hamas Attack

FDIC Toxic Culture

In the 2019 survey, Tyler Smith, FDIC's inspector general, reported that 8% of the 2,376 respondents suffered from sexual harassment between January 2015 and April 2019.

In a 2020 report, Smith said the employees acted like the characters in the 1985 film "Porky's Revenge!" and the 1978 movie "Animal House."

Smith reported sexual harassment complaints and submitted 15 agency policy recommendations. Gruenberg said the agency endorsed the 15 recommendations, but the environment remained unchanged.

Jelena McWilliams, chair of the FDIC in 2020, reported that there were adequate sexual harassment prevention programs. Gruenberg said the underlying issues made it difficult for the employees to apply the policies and procedures implemented to resolve the toxic culture.

Gruenberg would testify again on Wednesday, and lawmakers would question him like in the previous scheduled hearing.

Related Article: UK: McDonald's Employees Fired Due to Harassment, Sexual Abuse Allegations; Boss Says Cases are 'Truly Horrific'



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I do not recall my exact reaction when my husband suggested that we consider home-schooling our children.

Laughter seems plausible, particularly since we had no children yet when he casually worked its mention into our conversation. But my sense of home-schooling at that time was mostly that it was for families on the cultural fringe  that is, not us.

Yet here I am years later, not only a home-schooler but finding that our decision to educate our children ourselves isnt fringy at all. Its actually increasingly mainstream, if not slightly cool.

According to a new analysis from the Washington Post, home-schooling is the fastest growing form of education in the U.S. -- not just in conservative states such as Texas, where I live.

And its not exclusive to conservative enclaves, either. In New York City and Washington  famously bastions of progressivism  home-school communities are growing and flourishing.

Indeed, home-schooling is now a less ideological practice with more diverse practitioners, attracting families across the political spectrum and across various racial and ethnic communities.

Thats probably because todays home-school families are motivated by an assortment of factors, not just moral and religious education but also physical and emotional safety, social environment, curriculum, family flexibility and accommodating kids special needs and education goals.

For most families, like mine, its really a combination of reasons.

And alongside traditional home-schooling models, we have seen micro-schools, hybrids and co-ops providing families with a parent-led learning environment that provides social outlets as well as needed structure and support.

Indeed, home-schoolings newfound social status should be seen as a challenge to the long-held notion that a quality education can only occur inside a traditional school environment.

Its not exactly news that home-schooling ballooned during the pandemic. Those were the days when COVID-19 protocols (too strict for some and too lenient for others) and virtual learning provided a proverbial window into what was being taught in public schools and what wasnt.

But the Washington Post data shows that while the number of children being home-schooled has declined slightly since its pandemic-peak, the growth of home-schooling remains stable and significant.

Before the pandemic, estimates suggested that about 1.5 million children in the U.S. were home-schooled. The latest data suggests that number is now somewhere between 1.9 million and 2.7 million, though, because of the dearth of reporting requirements in many states, its likely that number is even higher.

In Texas, for example, which does not require home-schoolers to report to the state, the Texas Homeschool Coalition estimates that about 750,000 students are home-schooled. Id wager that number may be even greater, especially given the Post found a dramatic increase in home-schooling among Hispanic families.

Whatever the case, this is not a blip but a fundamental shift in how our culture views education.

Unsurprisingly, not everyone is pleased. Home-school critics argue that the loose or nonexistent regulation will inevitably result in substandard or parochial education.

But one only need look at standardized testing results in a district such as Fort Worth's, where minority students in particular consistently cannot read or perform math at grade level, to recognize that attending school in no way guarantees that a student receives a quality education.

Then there are the detractors who deride home-schoolers for the same reasons they criticize private school participation  that it takes resources away from public schools.

Public schools do indeed serve an important role in our communities, but they have never been a panacea.

And with more families finding that public schools do not meet the needs of their individual students and circumstances, it behooves state governments to support alternative forms of education, such as home-schooling.

The Texas Legislature has had trouble reaching a deal on school-choice legislation. Thats unfortunate.

Parents deserve choices in their childrens education. And to give them the most possible, any bill should include support for home-schoolers.
The birther movement that challenged the eligibility of Barack Obama to be president marked a slump in political decency in the U.S. More than a decade later, this strategy is finding new life in Nigeria.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, elected in February, is simultaneously facing accusations of stealing the identity of a female student at Chicago State University (CSU) and forging university diplomas previously submitted to the electoral commission. In theory, both could disqualify him from his position. The BBCs disinformation team has confirmed there is no evidence for either claim.

Since Februarys election, the opposition in Africas largest democracy has been attempting to overturn the result. This is not unusual; almost every losing party in Nigeria has since the return to multiparty politics from military rule in 1999. Nor is it necessarily a bad thing. When parties have grievances over the outcome, it is surely better they contest the result in court than in the streets or worse.

In October, the Nigerian Supreme Court ruled against the legal challenge filed by two opposition parties. If the judgment stands, the airing and adjudicating of evidence can help reinforce the democratic system.

Spreading disinformation over a presidents legitimacy does the opposite. In West Africa, this is dangerous. Men in fatigues have been relieving civilian rulers of their duties. In the summer, Niger became the latest in the region to suffer a military coup, joining Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso.

Siphoning legitimacy from democratic leaders can only help clear the path for such seizures. If citizens believe their civilian president has illegitimately snatched power, then the replacement need not come through constitutional means. Were this to happen in Nigeria, with an economy larger than the rest of the region combined, the ramifications would be devastating.

Leading the Nigerian forgery claims is six-time presidential hopeful Atiku Abubakar, 76. As if full circle, the quest purportedly for the truth has taken his team back to the U.S., where Abubakar was banned from entering for more than a decade on corruption charges.

The document at the heart of the dispute is Tinubus CSU diploma submitted to the electoral commission. A discrepancy emerged: The president of the university who signed the certificate arrived almost two decades after Tinubu was supposed to have graduated. The explanation for this was the diploma had been reissued and re-signed in the 1990s, after Tinubu had lost the original during his flight into political exile from military rule. Abubakars lawyers have been subjecting CSU to lawsuits to force the divulgence of information about Tinubus academic record. Despite CSU confirming in a U.S. federal court that Tinubu graduated in 1979, Abubakars lawyers secured a further court order for the university to release documents. These again reaffirmed CSUs position.

Yet social media platforms are awash with forgery claims, using the same documents out of context or selectively to prove the plot  no matter that they had been classified as disinformation by the BBC. As Jonathan Swift once wrote: Falsehood flies, and the truth comes limping after.

Peter Obi, who with Tinubu and Abubakar was the other main contender in this years election, has also now weighed in: He should let the world know his name, nationality his place of birth, his parentage, the primary and secondary schools he attended with dates as well as the actual universities he attended and certificates obtained. With that, Nigeria birtherism reaches its apogee.

And to take just the last from his list of requests, it begs the question what more evidence can be supplied. CSU has repeatedly confirmed Tinubus graduation and has now released corroborating documents. This paints a worrying prospect of how to fight falsehoods in public discourse: Is the power of evidence enough to dislodge disinformation when the latter has dedicated megaphones?

Even more worrying is the confluence of disinformation with a rise in support for military rule on the continent. Across 36 countries, 53% of Africans would endorse military government if elected officials abused their power, according to data from Afrobarometer, a pan-African, nonpartisan research network. The share of Africans who prefer democracy over any other form of government has declined 10 percentage points over the past decade. These trends will only continue as disinformation proliferates.
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









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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The Chief Executive Officer of State Transport Corporation (STC), Nana Akomea has lacerated Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George, for describing Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as "religious prostitute" over his regular interactions with the Christian community.



Sam George stressed, in an interview on Metro TV, that the Vice President's conduct does not depict the actions of "a proper Muslim.



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 described Dr. Bawumia as a religious prostitute.



Reacting on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning programme, Nana Akomea found Sam George's comments very "dirty" and undeserving of a Member of Parliament.



He asked who made the MP a judge over any person's religion, hence cautioning him against inciting Muslims against the Vice President.



"You, Sam George, are not a Muslim. You say you are a Christian", he said, asking "are you the one to show who is a true Muslim? Even the Christian you are, I am not sure you are qualified to show who is a proper Christian? Are you, Sam George, a proper Christian?"



Nana Akomea shot back at Sam George saying he is not even qualified to pass judgement on a Christian, "how much more a Muslim where you are not part of the religion?"



"Who is a good Christian and who is not a good Christian?...How can you pass judgement on who is a good Muslim? You are not even a Muslim", he exclaimed.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The First Deputy Speaker, Joseph Osei-Owusu, has added his voice to calls for Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumias running mate to be selected from the Ashanti region.



This follows intense competition among some New Patriotic Party Members of Parliament over who partners with the newly elected flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.



Names that have emerged so far are Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh; the Minister for Energy, Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, First Deputy Speaker, Joseph Osei -Owusu and Education Minister, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum.



Speaking in an interview with JoyNews, Mr Osei-Owusu confirmed that it is generally agreed for the running mate for the newly elected partys flagbearer to be chosen from the Ashanti region.



This, the Bekwai MP who has also been tipped to be the running mate, says it is the only solution to the party winning the 2024 general election.



It is generally agreed in the party that if Bawumia wins, his running mate should come from the Ashanti region," he said.



Asked whether Dr Bawumia has consented to that agreement, he replied "I think so."



The First Deputy Speaker said he believes the perfect candidate for the position should have some values such as integrity, the person who commands respect in and out of the party to complement that of the new leader.



According to him, even though the candidates mentioned so far to be jostling for the position meet the criteria, they arent the only group of people who are eligible to be nominated and I think that the field is wide.



Asked why he is taking himself out of the equation although rumoured to be a candidate, he said: I think that we should allow the man the space to look at the whole game board and select.



I agree that the person must come from the Ashanti region because, in our partys dynamics, it would help a lot to select from the Ashanti region, he said.



He explained that the selection of a candidate from the Ashanti region would give the people in the region confidence that the party values their immense contribution to the party.



Meanwhile, a member of the Bawumia campaign team, Sammi Awuku has shot down suggestions that Dr Bawumia, is already considering his choice of a running mate for the 2024 polls.



Speaking on Joy FM Monday, November 7, he said the Vice President is not in a rush to name his running mate.



According to him, Dr Bawumia is an extremely analytical person and consults broadly on issues, and so he would be taking the views of people he knows and when he is ready, when the time comes, he would pick the right man.



For now, let me issue a disclaimer. The Vice President has not discussed with any member of his inner team or bigger team about his choice that he would be recommending to the National Council, he clarified.

Source: myjoyonline.com









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National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament(MP) for North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has said "it is heartwarming to acknowledge that government has made a specific commitment of GH220million for the relief phase as contained in the 2024 Budget to address the devastation caused by the recent VRA-induced floods".



Read below his full post on X (formely Twitter) after the budget presentation by the Finace Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta in Parliament.



"It is heartwarming to acknowledge that government has made a specific commitment of GHS220million for the relief phase as contained in the 2024 Budget to address the devastation caused by the recent VRA-induced floods.



"I also take judicial notice of pledges by the Finance Minister in Parliament for the restoration phase which include additional resources for the Ministry of Agriculture to support livelihoods, and a formal request to the World Bank under the IDA Crisis Response Window.



"May all these assurances translate into actual releases for adequate resettlement and compensation of my beloved constituents plus all those affected in other constituencies.



"Ghana First."



Government budgets GH220m to support victims of Akosombo dam spillage



The government has budgeted an amount of GH220 million to support the relief phase for the communities affected by the Akosombo spillage and floods in the Oti, Savannah, and Bono-East Regions.



This was disclosed by the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, during his presentation of the governments Budget Statement and Economic Policy for the 2024 Financial Year in Parliament on Wednesday, November 15, 2023.



Mr. Speaker, Government has budgeted an amount of GH220 million to support the relief phase for the communities affected by the Akosombo spillage as well as floods upstream in the Oti, Savannah, and Bono-East Regions, Ofori-Atta stated.



We have requested funding from the World Bank under the IDA Crisis Response Window (CRW) to support the resettlement of the victims, restoration of livelihoods, compensation and reconstruction of infrastructure in the affected communities, he added.







Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Bivalve mollusks exhibit a strikingly diverse range of lifespans, spanning from just one year to more than five centuries. This exceptional lifespan disparity makes bivalves an excellent model system to investigate the mechanisms underlying senescence, aging, and longevity. The cover image illustrates a network of genes that are functionally interconnected and have undergone convergent evolution in long-lived bivalves, contributing to the extension of their remarkable longevity. Credit: Genome Biology and Evolution (2023). DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evad159

For centuries, humans pursued the "fountain of youth" in the quest for longer lives. More recently, curiosity has been reignited among the scientific community thanks to genome sequencing technologies that are facilitating a deeper look into the genetic mechanisms underlying aging and extended lifespans.

In a new study published in Genome Biology and Evolution titled "Signatures of extreme longevity: A perspective from bivalve molecular evolution," researchers from the University of Bologna turned their attention to an unlikely group of creaturesbivalve mollusks, a group that includes clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops. These marine and freshwater animals exhibit an astonishing range of lifespans, from one year to over 500 years, making them ideal subjects for investigating the secrets of longevity.

The results of the new study revealed a network of genes that evolve differently in long-lived and short-lived bivalves, many of which are associated with longevity in other animals. The analyses here suggest a shared molecular framework for extended longevity across diverse animal lineages.

Prior studies on aging, longevity, and senescence have largely focused on humans and a few model animals. According to these studies, aging is largely driven by the accumulation of cellular damage over time. At the genomic level, this damage is due to increased mutations in nucleic acids (i.e., errors in replication), nuclear architecture changes, and telomere shortening. At the proteomic level, these processes result in the loss of proteases and the accumulation of errors that affect protein folding.

Unfortunately, studies on aging have largely overlooked other long-lived organisms, an oversight that co-first authors Mariangela Iannello, Giobbe Forni, and their collaborators sought to rectify. "It always fascinated me that some bivalve species live extremely long lives," says Iannello. "When I realized that nobody had ever investigated this exceptional longevity within a molecular evolution framework, I knew that we had to start studying longevity in these animals."

The researchers leveraged transcriptomic resources from 33 bivalve species to investigate potential mechanisms underlying the exceptionally long lifespans of four bivalves: Arctica islandica, Margaritifera margaritifera, Elliptio complanata, and Lampsilis siliquoidea. Among these, the ocean quahog A. islandica holds the record for the longest-lived non-colonial animal species at 507 years, while the others have maximum lifespans of 150190 years.

Using this dataset, the scientists looked for genes that evolved differentlyin terms of evolutionary rate, amino acid substitutions, and signatures of positive selectionin long-lived bivalves compared to short-lived ones. Genes related to the DNA damage response, regulation of cell death and apoptotic pathways, cellular responses to abiotic stimuli, and hypoxia tolerance all showed convergent patterns of evolution across long-lived species.

Intriguingly, proteins exhibiting convergent evolution in long-lived bivalves exhibited more physical and functional interactions with each other than expected, suggesting that they are biologically connected.

For many proteins in this interaction network, experimental studies have already demonstrated a role in longevity and senescence in other animals. "What I find the most exciting," says Iannello, "is that many genes in this network had been previously associated with longevity in other species. An important implication of this finding is that an extension of lifespan may involve common genetic factors in very distantly related species."

In addition to these shared drivers of longevity, the study identified proteins in the network whose roles in longevity have not yet been confirmed. For example, three genes involved in proteostasis (i.e., the folding, chaperoning, and maintenance of protein function) were identified, suggesting that more efficient handling of damaged or misfolded proteins may be associated with longer lives in bivalves. Iannello notes, "We believe that these genes are new and exciting candidates to be tested for a role in increasing lifespan, not only in bivalves, but also in other species."

The study authors plan to continue building on these findings through additional comparative research. According to Iannello, "The results obtained in this work made us thrilled to explore longevity in more species. In particular, we would like to investigate if the evolutionary signals in genes with a potential role in longevity are somehow shared across long-lived species from different taxonomic groups."

Such investigations may not be straightforward, however. "A complex and multifactorial process such as longevity is definitely challenging to analyze, requiring deep manipulation of big data and multiple complementary, integrative approaches," says Iannello. "On the other hand, the increasing availability of omics data will allow us to explore species that have never been considered in this context before, and that would greatly help advance aging research."

While the mechanisms that underlie extended lifespan remain far from completely understood, long-lived non-model organisms can provide unique and valuable insights into aging and longevity. For example, in another recent study also published in Genome Biology and Evolution, researchers from University College Dublin analyzed genes associated with human longevity across 37 placental mammals, including long-lived species such as the naked mole rat and the greater mouse-eared bat.

The study found a correlation between longer lifespans and the duplication of longevity genes. While some may be skeptical about transferring knowledge across very distant species, such as between bivalves and humans, Iannello points out, "Science has a long history of research focused on the most disparate taxa that has profoundly impacted our understanding of human biology. I think that, particularly in the aging field, we have a lot to learn from the natural world around us."

More information: Mariangela Iannello et al, Signatures of Extreme Longevity: A Perspective from Bivalve Molecular Evolution, Genome Biology and Evolution (2023). DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evad159 Zixia Huang et al, Duplications of Human Longevity-Associated Genes Across Placental Mammals, Genome Biology and Evolution (2023). DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evad186 Journal information: Genome Biology and Evolution
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Lisa Gunter, who worked on the project at both Virginia Tech and Arizona State University, walks her dog, Sydney, in Roanoke, Virginia. Credit: Lee Friesland for Virginia Tech.

After a long day at work, you open the door to the place you call home. A chorus of furry happiness rushes toward you, the sound of unconditional canine love. With your return, your dog's world is whole.

Virginia Tech and Arizona State University researchers are working to help more shelter dogs experience this kind of love, safety, and happiness in an adoptive home.

The research team in Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences found that implementing shorter-term fostering programs at animal shelters vastly improves adoptions for our canine friends.

Spending time with a dog is one of the most consistently effective ways to improve a dog's life in the shelter. Time out of the kennel with a person can reduce physiological measures of stress, as can a single night or more in a foster caregiver's home.

In this study, the researchers assessed the effects of outings of just a few hours and fostering stays of one to two nights on dogs' length of stay in the shelter and their adoption outcomes.

The researchers found that brief outings and temporary fostering stays increased dogs' likelihood of adoption by five and more than 14 times, respectively. The team also found that these programs were more successful when a greater proportion of community members were providing outings and stays to the shelters' dogs as well as when these programs were carried out by shelters with more resources.

While short in their duration, these fostering programs can make a big impact on the lives of shelter dogs.

Helping man's best friend

At Virginia Tech, the project was spearheaded by Erica Feuerbacher, associate professor in the School of Animal Sciences, and Lisa Gunter, assistant professor in the school who originally worked on the project as the Maddie's Fund Research Fellow at Arizona State University.

In previous work, the team investigated how outings and temporary fostering stays influenced dogs' stress and activity levels but did not consider if these experiences helped homeless canines find their forever homes. The answer, based on the research, is yes.

"It's a really exciting finding. Our prior work showed how beneficial sleepovers were for reducing dogs' stress," Feuerbacher said. "It's wonderful to know that it also helps them get adopted."

The results showed that for foster outings, about 4 percent of the people ended up adopting the dog. For overnight stays, the number increased to about 12 percent. Both results show that the vast majority of adopters were not the foster families.

"We saw that the majority of people adopting the dogs weren't the caregivers that were taking the dogs on outings or letting them stay in their homes. These dogs were being seen in the community, meeting new people, and caregivers were sharing their stories," Gunter said. "This increased exposure likely helped the dogs find their adopters."

Data was analyzed from 51 animal shelters in the United States on 1,955 dogs that received these fostering interventions as well as 25,946 dogs residing at these shelters that served as the study's controls. Over the grant's four-year lifespan, 85 shelter partners helped the research team carry out studies on brief outings, temporary stays, foster caregiving during the pandemic, weeklong fostering, and safety net fostering for pets whose owners were experiencing hardship.

While dogs' lengths of stay in this study were longer in comparison to dogs that did not receive a brief outing or temporary fostering, this difference was present prior to the intervention, suggesting that shelters are using these programs for dogs that need more help in finding homes. After going on an outing or fostering stay, dogs waited just 10 days to be adopted.

"Our data show that these programs can help the dogs not only have an improved experience in the shelter, but also dramatically increase their likelihood of adoption, and for the shelters that get their communities involved in brief outings and temporary fostering stays, better performing programs," Gunter said.

Clive Wynne, at Arizona State University, led the project, who was assisted by Gunter when she was a research scientist at the university.

"It's great news that even short-term fostering has positive impacts on shelter dogs' welfare and helps them get adopted because there are so many dogs in shelters in the United States and even the best shelters are not good places for dogs to be living," Wynne said.

Future paw prints

The increase in dog adoptions with short-term foster programs underscores their value to local shelters, the researchers said. Their findings highlight the importance of having resources available to shelters to support these programs. These programs are not as easy for some shelters as they are for othersit takes support both financial and human.

"These kinds of fostering programs can save the lives of dogs in shelters," Gunter said. "Currently, shelters are struggling with dog adoptions, and we have evidence that these programs support placement into homes, which in turn can help shelters help more dogs."

Wynne also saw the future of this work as easy to implement for shelters.

"One of the beauties of this program of research is that the fostering intervention is relatively low cost for shelters," Wynne said. "More than anything else, what shelters need is education on how to implement fostering, and helping them with that was an important aspect of this research program."

The research is published in Animals.

More information: Lisa M. Gunter et al, The Influence of Brief Outing and Temporary Fostering Programs on Shelter Dog Welfare, Animals (2023). DOI: 10.3390/ani13223528
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Researchers compared net ice accumulation in Antarctica for multiple stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) scenarios and a moderate emissions scenario with no SAI to historical levels between 19902009. Blue indicates a net gain in ice accumulation, while red indicates a net loss. Small dots indicate regions where no significant change is projected. The time period of comparison for the SAI scenarios and the moderate emissions scenario is 20502069. Credit: Indiana University

Scattering sunlight-reflecting particles in the atmosphere could slow rapid melting in West Antarctica and reduce the risk of catastrophic sea-level rise, according to a study led by Indiana University researchers.

The study, one of the first to look at how climate engineering might impact Antarctica, comes as scientists sound the alarm over the increasing likelihood of accelerated ice loss in West Antarctica this century. The work appears in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres.

"Even if the world meets the ambitious target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levelswhich we are not on track to dowe are going to see significant sea-level rise," said Paul Goddard, an assistant research scientist in the IU College of Arts and Sciences' Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and the lead author of the study.

"Exploring ways to reflect sunlight into space before it is absorbed into Earth's climate system could help buy us more time to address climate change and avoid or delay climate tipping points, such as collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet."

In addition to Goddard, co-authors on the paper include IU Earth and atmospheric sciences assistant professor Ben Kravitz; Douglas MacMartin and Daniele Visioni of Cornell University; Ewa Bednarz with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and Walker Lee of the National Center for Atmospheric Research.

The study explored a form of climate engineering called stratospheric aerosol injection, in which large amounts of tiny sulfur droplets are released into the stratosphere by a fleet of airplanes as a proposed method for keeping global temperatures in check.

The approach mimics what happens when a large volcano spews vast amounts of particles into the upper atmosphere and precipitates a cooling effect that can last months to years. It was recently discussed in a White House report outlining a potential research program on stratospheric aerosol injection and marine cloud brightening, another proposed strategy for cooling the planet.

Ten of the hottest years on record have occurred in the last 14 years. That's including 2023, which is on track to supplant 2016 as the hottest year ever recorded. The spike in global temperatures has coincided with unprecedented heat waves, wildfires, flash flooding, and other climate-related impacts around the world.

In their study, IU researchers and collaborators used high-performance computers and global climate models to simulate different stratospheric aerosol injection scenarios, identifying the cooling strategy with the most potential to slow Antarctic ice loss. A portion of the data analysis conducted for the study took place on IU University Information Technology Services' large-memory computer cluster, Carbonate.

"Where you release the aerosols matters a lot and can affect the climate differently," Goddard said. "In this case, we found that releasing stratospheric aerosols at multiple latitudes within the tropics and sub-tropics, with a greater proportion in the Southern Hemisphere, is the best strategy for preserving land ice in Antarctica because it helps keep warm ocean waters away from the ice shelves."

Researchers simulated 11 different stratospheric aerosol injection scenarios. Three cases spanned multiple latitudesconsidered the most likely approach for how stratospheric aerosols injection might be implementedwith temperature targets of 1.5, 1 and 0.5 Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The simulations, which started in 2035 and ran through 2070, included a moderate emissions scenario with no stratospheric aerosol injection that served as a key point of comparison.

Though simulated scenarios with stratospheric aerosol injection at multiple latitudes showed benefits in terms of Antarctic ice loss, further study is needed to quantify the change in melt rates, Goddard said.

Notably, several single-latitude injection scenarios actually accelerated Antarctic ice loss due to a southward shift of prevailing winds drawing warm ocean waters toward the ice shelves.

"If we're ever going to engineer the climate, how we do it really matters," Goddard said.

Some of the risks related to stratospheric aerosol injection, for example, include changes in regional precipitation patterns and the possibility of "termination shock," a rapid rebound of global temperatures to pre-stratospheric aerosols injection levels should the decades-long treatment be interrupted.

The study adds to an expanding body of knowledge about the benefits and drawbacks of deliberately cooling the planet, a concept that is being discussed more widely as the effects of climate change become more prominent, Kravitz said.

"If society decides it wants to do geoengineering someday, we need to better understand what we know and what we don't know," he said.

"We're starting to fill some of these knowledge gaps on the risks and regional effects of managing solar radiation, but there's a lot more research that needs to be done before anyone can say whether it's a good idea to actually move forward with it. That's true as much for Antarctica as it is for the rest of the planet."

More information: Paul Goddard et al, Stratospheric Aerosol Injection can reduce risks to Antarctic ice loss depending on injection location and amount, Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres (2023). DOI: 10.1029/2023JD039434
The House has successfully passed a bipartisan stopgap bill to continue funding the government and avert what seemed to have been an inevitable shutdown.

The latest vote had more Republicans, 93 to be specific, who voted against the continuing resolution (CD) than those who opposed the last clean funding bill in September. Similar to the previous bill, more Democratic lawmakers voted for the CR compared to the GOP.

House Passes Bipartisan Stopgap Bill

There were only two Democrats who voted against the latest measure, Reps. Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts and Mike Quigley of Illinois. The situation comes as the latter was the sole left-wing lawmaker who voted against the CR last September.

The bipartisan stopgap bill, which House Speaker Mike Johnson led, passed on Tuesday and potentially punts the GOP's spending fight until after the holidays. The bill will head over to the Senate, where it is expected to be sent to United States President Joe Biden's desk by Friday night, as per NBC News.

The House required a two-thirds majority to pass the latest CR. Typically, the House will vote on a rule that would pave the way for bills to be passed with a simple majority. The majority party usually passes these, but Republican leaders are using a different strategy this time due to opposition from conservative lawmakers.

Instead, They are bringing the CR to the floor "under suspension of the rules, " meaning that it would need the support of two-thirds of the chamber to pass. This change was decided upon because it was seen that there would not be enough Republican votes to pass the rule, but Democratic lawmakers were willing to support the bill itself.

The new legislation would extend government funding through mid-January and was passed with a vote of 336-95. The measure's passing comes as a victory for Johnson as he faced opposition from some of his GOP colleagues in the first consequential vote of his tenure as speaker.

Read Also: House Set To Vote on Impeachment Measure Against Alejandro Mayorkas

Averting a Government Shutdown

The bipartisan stopgap bill would extend government funding at current levels into 2024 and give lawmakers more time to craft detailed spending bills for various issues. Some Republican lawmakers on the party's right flank argued that they were frustrated that the bill did not include the steep spending cuts and border-security measures that they wanted, according to Reuters.

Despite opposition from Republicans, some argued that they were not against Johnson himself, just the bill. Others said that the new bill was better than other options, with Republican Rep. Mike Garcia saying that a shutdown would be a far worse world to live in.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said he wanted the Senate to vote on the bill as soon as possible. He said that he had consulted with the administration and that they both agreed to support the bill if it could help avoid a government shutdown.

Johnson later said they would not have a massive omnibus spending bill right before Christmas. He added that the measure is a gift to the American people, saying it was no way to legislate, as per the New York Times.

Related Article: Hundreds of Biden Admin Officials Oppose POTUS's Handling of Israel-Hamas War

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A composite image of the Western hemisphere of the Earth. Credit: NASA

How did the molecular building blocks for life end up on Earth? One long-standing theory is that they could have been delivered by comets. Now, researchers from the University of Cambridge have shown how comets could deposit similar building blocks to other planets in the galaxy.

In order to deliver organic material, comets need to be traveling relatively slowlyat speeds below 15 kilometers per second. At higher speeds, the essential molecules would not survivethe speed and temperature of impact would cause them to break apart.

The most likely place where comets can travel at the right speed are 'peas in a pod' systems, where a group of planets orbit closely together. In such a system, the comet could essentially be passed or 'bounced' from the orbit of one planet to another, slowing it down.

At slow enough speeds, the comet would crash on a planet's surface, delivering the intact molecules that researchers believe are the precursors for life. The results, reported in the Proceedings of the Royal Society A, suggest that such systems would be promising places to search for life outside our solar system if cometary delivery is important for the origins of life.

Comets are known to contain a range of the building blocks for life, known as prebiotic molecules. For example, samples from the Ryugu asteroid, analyzed in 2022, showed that it carried intact amino acids and vitamin B3. Comets also contain large amounts of hydrogen cyanide (HCN), another important prebiotic molecule. The strong carbon-nitrogen bonds of HCN make it more durable to high temperatures, meaning it could potentially survive atmospheric entry and remain intact.

"We're learning more about the atmospheres of exoplanets all the time, so we wanted to see if there are planets where complex molecules could also be delivered by comets," said first author Richard Anslow from Cambridge's Institute of Astronomy. "It's possible that the molecules that led to life on Earth came from comets, so the same could be true for planets elsewhere in the galaxy."

The researchers do not claim that comets are necessary to the origin of life on Earth or any other planet, but instead they wanted to place some limits on the types of planets where complex molecules, such as HCN, could be successfully delivered by comets.

Most of the comets in our solar system sit beyond the orbit of Neptune, in what is known as the Kuiper Belt. When comets or other Kuiper Belt objects (KBOs) collide, they can be pushed by Neptune's gravity toward the sun, eventually getting pulled in by Jupiter's gravity. Some of these comets make their way past the Asteroid Belt and into the inner solar system.

"We wanted to test our theories on planets that are similar to our own, as Earth is currently our only example of a planet that supports life," said Anslow. "What kinds of comets, traveling at what kinds of speed, could deliver intact prebiotic molecules?"

Using a variety of mathematical modeling techniques, the researchers determined that it is possible for comets to deliver the precursor molecules for life, but only in certain scenarios. For planets orbiting a star similar to our own sun, the planet needs to be low mass and it is helpful for the planet to be in close orbit to other planets in the system.

The researchers found that nearby planets on close orbits are much more important for planets around lower-mass stars, where the typical speeds are much higher.

In such a system, a comet could be pulled in by the gravitational pull of one planet, then passed to another planet before impact. If this 'comet-passing' happened enough times, the comet would slow down enough so that some prebiotic molecules could survive atmospheric entry.

"In these tightly-packed systems, each planet has a chance to interact with and trap a comet," said Anslow. "It's possible that this mechanism could be how prebiotic molecules end up on planets."

For planets in orbit around lower-mass stars, such as M-dwarfs, it would be more difficult for complex molecules to be delivered by comets, especially if the planets are loosely packed. Rocky planets in these systems also suffer significantly more high-velocity impacts, potentially posing unique challenges for life on these planets.

The researchers say their results could be useful when determining where to look for life outside the solar system.

"It's exciting that we can start identifying the type of systems we can use to test different origin scenarios," said Anslow.

"It's a different way to look at the great work that's already been done on Earth. What molecular pathways led to the enormous variety of life we see around us? Are there other planets where the same pathways exist? It's an exciting time, being able to combine advances in astronomy and chemistry to study some of the most fundamental questions of all."
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JWST color-composed image of the Cosmic Vine. Credit: arXiv (2023). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2311.04867

An international team of astronomers reports the discovery of a large-scale structure that consists of at least 20 massive galaxies. The structure, dubbed "Cosmic Vine," has a size of about 13 million physical light years. The finding was detailed in a paper published Nov. 8 on the pre-print server arXiv.

Massive and dense structures of galaxies are perceived as progenitors of galaxy clustersthe most massive gravitationally-bound systems in the universe. Therefore, detecting new structures of this type and investigating them in detail is fundamental for our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution.

Now, a group of astronomers led by Shuowen Jin of the Technical University of Denmark, has detected a new object of this typea large vine-like structure, hence its name Cosmic Vine. The structure was revealed at a redshift of 3.44, in the Extended Groth Strip (EGS) field observed with JWST. The observations were complemented by data from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST).

"In this paper, we report a large-scale structure 'Cosmic Vine' at z = 3.44 in the Extended Groth Strip (EGS) field covered by JWST surveys, and investigate two massive galaxies in the structure," the researchers wrote.

The observations show that Cosmic Vine is an extremely long and large structurewith a length of approximately 13.04 and a width of 0.65 million physical light years. Therefore, this structure is significantly larger than other compact galaxy groups and proto-clusters at redshifts above 3.0.

The study found that Cosmic Vine consists of at least 20 massive galaxies and six galaxy overdensities, contributing to a total mass at a level of 260 billion solar masses. The two most massive galaxies of the structure, designated Galaxy A and Galaxy E, are quiescent (with star-formation rates below 0.5 solar masses per year) and showcase bulge-dominated morphologies.

According to the paper, the obtained results suggest that Cosmic Vine is not a virialized system and that it is on the way to form a galaxy cluster. Furthermore, the findings confirm that massive quiescent galaxies can form in growing large-scale structures. The researchers added that it is possible that Galaxy E will become the brightest cluster galaxy (BCG) if it falls into the cluster core at later cosmic time.

The study also found that Galaxy A and E are likely quenched by merger-triggered starburst in the past 500 million years or active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback before falling into the core of Cosmic Vine.

Summing up the results, the authors of the paper propose further investigation of quiescent cluster galaxies at high redshifts, which could be crucial in improving our understanding of how the largest structures in the universe form and evolve.

This may be possible with the help of the recently-launched ESA's Euclid space telescope as one of its scientific goals is to explore the structure and history of the cosmic web.

More information: Shuowen Jin et al, Cosmic Vine: A z=3.44 Large-Scale Structure Hosting Massive Quiescent Galaxies, arXiv (2023). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2311.04867 Journal information: arXiv

 2023 Science X Network
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Smoke clouds billow over Brazil's Pantanal wetlands.

The Pantanal wetlands in western Brazil are famed as a paradise of biodiversity, but these days they have enormous clouds of smoke billowing over them, as raging wildfires reduce vast expanses to scorched earth.

Known for its lush landscapes and vibrant wildlife, including jaguars, caimans, macaws and monkeys, the Pantanal is home to the world's biggest tropical wetlands and, in normal times, a thriving ecotourism industry.

But in recent weeks it has been ravaged by fires that are threatening its iconic wildlife, as Brazil suffers through a southern hemisphere spring of droughts and record heat.

There were 2,387 fires in the Pantanal in the first 13 days of November, an increase of more than 1,000 percent from the entire month of November 2022, according to satellite monitoring by Brazilian space research agency INPE.

"The situation is completely out of control. And between the heat wave and the wind, it's only going to get worse," says biologist Gustavo Figueiroa, 31, head of the environmental group SOS Pantanal.

"The Pantanal is a region that's used to fires. Normally, it regenerates naturally. But this many fires isn't normal."

The Pantanal sits at the southern edge of the Amazon rainforest, stretching from Brazil into Bolivia and Paraguay across more than 170,000 square kilometers (65,000 square miles).

Weeks of wildfires have devastated the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetlands.

It has been hit hard by drought this year, with normally flooded areas reduced to shriveled ponds.

At one such spot along the dirt highway across the region, the 150-kilometer (95-mile) "Transpantaneira," a small group of caimans can be seen trying to swim in the shallow water.

Nearby, the corpse of another sits rotting on the bank.

Elsewhere, a dead porcupine lays on a carpet of ash in the charred remains of what was once a forest.

"It probably died of smoke inhalation," says veterinarian Aracelli Hammann, who is volunteering with a wildlife rescue group.

They made the grim find in the Encontro das Aguas park, home to the world's largest jaguar population.

Nearly one-third of the park has been hit by fires in the past month, according to environmental group ICV.

The other main front that firefighters are battling is in the Pantanal National Park to the southwest, where fires have burned 24 percent of the surface area.

Veterinarian Aracelli Hammann holds a dead porcupine killed in the fires.

A dead caiman killed in the fires ravaging the Pantanal.

A kingfisher sits on a branch of a scorched tree.

Volunteers leave food for animals affected by the fires.

Figueiroa warns the two fire fronts "are about to merge."

Exacerbating the situation, firefighters face huge logistical battles, given that many hard-hit areas are only reachable by boat.

'Domino effect'

Experts say the fires are mainly caused by human activity, especially burning land to clear it for farming.

Climate conditions have only made things worse.

Experts say even when animals survive the flames, they risk starvation.

"We've seen a range of dead animals, including insects, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, which are unable to flee," says Figueiroa.

"They're part of an invisible food chain, and each death has a domino effect, reaching all the way up to the apex predator, the jaguar."

In a clearing, a group of monkeys rushes to devour bananas and eggs left for them by volunteers.

"We call it 'gray hunger'when fire reduces all the vegetation to ashes and there are no natural food sources left in the area for animals that survive the flames," says Jennifer Larreia, 33, head of animal rescue group E o Bicho.

In 2020, when wildfires also devastated the region, her organization provided 300 tonnes of fruit for animals in five months.

 2023 AFP
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Early women parliamentary candidates found it harder to make unique appeals to represent the 'woman's point of view' over time because of increasing national control over campaigning, a new study shows.

The increasing trend for men to present themselves as diligent workers for their constituents' welfare and keen supporters for social reform also meant they challenged the idea that only female politicians could represent their sex properly in parliament, researchers have found.

The first women parliamentary candidates built on the suffrage campaigners' argument that there was a distinctive woman's point of view that needed to be represented at Westminster by women. These pioneers tended to place a great deal of emphasis on their independence.

But from the late 1920s onwards it became increasingly common for women candidates to instead focus on outlining key points from party manifestos in their election literature. The growing influence of Labour meant that all parties encouraged their candidates to focus on promoting their programs.

Lisa Berry Waite, Records Specialist at The National Archives who completed her Ph.D. at the University of Exeter, and David Thackeray, from the University of Exeter, studied the surviving election addresses of early women parliamentary candidates. They also examined surveys by Mass Observation (MO), a social investigation organization, who asked voters from 1938 onwards how they felt about having a female MP and did detailed fieldwork in areas with women politicians.

The public told surveyors female politicians should be knowledgeable about issues related to the home, welfare, and social services and be able to uphold the 'woman's point of view' at Westminster.

Mass Observation's surveys showed there was little overt hostility to female politicians, but only 21 of the 127 women who stood at the 1950 election were victorious. It was not until the 1987 general election that women made up more than five per cent of British MPs.

Dr. Berry-Waite said: "In the early years after women gained the right to stand for parliament, they often based their campaigns around the claim that the 'woman's point of view' needed to be better represented by having more female MPs at Westminster. This became less common over time as electoral politics became more programmatic, especially among Labour politicians.

"By the 1940s it had become more difficult for individual female candidates to develop a distinct and electorally compelling claim to represent the 'woman's point of view' in parliament should they have wished to do so. Many people Mass Observation surveyed claimed that the most effective way to ensure effective welfare provision and social services was to vote for the party with the best program."

After 1918 the written election addresssent free to every homebecame the key document in local campaigning. Female politicians used their addresses to highlight their expertise and argue that the 'woman's point of view' needed to be better represented at Westminster. During the 1922, 1923, and 1924 general elections female candidates were twice as likely to refer to 'women's issues' as their male opponents.

The significance of the election address in relation to the party manifesto gradually declined as the latter became increasingly central to notions of a government's mandate.

As politics grew more programmatic, election addresses became increasingly standardized in format, often drawing on material produced by the central office and mimicking the language of party manifestos. This made it less likely for female candidates to make unique claims to represent the 'woman's point of view' and in any case many candidates focused largely on outlining their party program, downplaying the importance of their gender.

There were differences between the parties, however. Conservative women such as Nancy Astor, Thelma Cazalet and the Duchess of Atholl proved more reluctant than Labour candidates in the 1920s and 1930s to focus on outlining party programs.

From the early 1920s onwards several male candidates sought to develop their own credentials as keen social reformers and 'family men', with some picturing themselves with their children in their election addresses. This was a tactic often employed by Conservative and Liberal candidates keen to imply that their Socialist opponents threatened the safety of the home.

The growth of programmatic politics was advantageous for male candidates who could claim that the most effective way to further 'women's interests' was to vote for the party with the best manifesto. In 1929 several male Labour candidates included nearly identical paragraphs in their election addresses, with the subheading 'Labour's Appeal to Women' with copy presumably provided by central office.

And yet, the difficulties which female candidates faced in arguing that women's representation at Westminster should be significantly expanded were a product of the particular political circumstances which Britain faced during the early decades of mass democracy. By the 1940s and 1950s programmatic politics had triumphed with the advent of the modern welfare state.

From the 1960s onwards earlier paternalistic codes of political leadership came under challenge in Britain as well as other parts of western Europe. Growing frustrations with the records of the two main parties in government led to breakthroughs by challenger parties such as the Liberals and Scottish National Party (SNP).

These challengers focused more on community politics and the personalities of individual candidates than national programs for government. Women such as Winnie Ewing, the Scottish nationalist, became important torchbearers for these new movements.

More information: David Thackeray et al, 'It's the party that counts'? The Rise of Labour and the Image of the Woman Politician at English Elections, c.19291950, Gender & History (2023). DOI: 10.1111/1468-0424.12756
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Research from Bayes Business School (formerly Cass) shows that the 'favorability' of a CEO's surname plays a major role in determining their job security and can increase their total compensation by as much as 4.9%.

The paper, co-authored by Dr. Jay Jung, Senior Lecturer in Accounting at Bayes, along with academics from DePaul University, Chicago and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, used data over a 16-year period to monitor changing preferences in how CEOs' surnames and their origins were perceived in the United States, which was then tied to information about respective levels of CEO compensation and job security within the role.

The research adds to existing literature about cognitive dissonance, which suggests that name-induced perceptions can bias the evaluation of a person.

Key findings from the research show:

A single standard deviation increase in the 'favorability' of a surname leads to a 4.39% increase in a CEO's total compensation. This equates to additional earnings of $240,699 extra per annum from the average CEO salary of $5,482,910.

Some swings in perceived surname favorability are linked to geopolitical events. This is illustrated by the sharp decline in Americans' attitudes towards French and German surnames (a favorability decrease of 39.3%) following the two respective governments' opposition to the United States-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Non-founder and short-tenured CEOs are more susceptible to favorability effects, with effects also greater in firms where the majority of shares are owned by individuals rather than institutional investors.

A CEO with a favorable surname is significantly less likely to be dismissed for underperformance.

CEO surname favorability is not associated with their corporate investment policies, quality of managerial disclosure or their firm's accounting performance, nor linked with self-serving behavior among CEOs.

Surnames are collected from CEOs working for S&P 1500 firms in the United States between 1999 and 2014.

'Favorability' of surnames in the study is measured by using the United States' historical immigration records, which show immigrants' surnames and their respective countries of origin, and Gallup survey data on American citizens' preferences towards foreign countries. The two are then merged to match records of CEOs' surnames and compensation and other corporate outcomes. Overall, this yielded a sample of CEOs from 6,359 firm-years.

Dr. Jung said the study provided concerning evidence of organizational bias and inefficient contracting decisions based on the attributes of a surname.

"A CEO or indeed any employee's compensation should reflect the skills and experience they bring to the role," Dr. Jung said.

"However, it is clear from our study that an individual's name and the attributes it carriessuch as often being an identifier for race, gender, and ethnicityhas a significant impact on their level of earnings and job security."

"This obviously has direct effects on individuals and their potential remuneration, but also risks influencing the performance of an organization if talent recognition and rewards are largely dependent on factors other than achievement."

Dr. Jung added that the research highlights flaws in recruitment, selection and remuneration practices.

"Our study highlights potential problems with firm governance, which could lead to wider issues with stakeholders."

"A lot of prior research has outlined the vast benefits of diversity on company boards. Allowing the favorability of surnames to impact financial compensation and career longevity could risk curtailing the pool of talent when recruitingparticularly if similar patterns are observed in other, less senior roles throughout the organization."

"The study suggests that greater scrutiny of boards of directors as to who they appoint may be a remedy for this, as is institutional investment which curbs the effects of name favorability."

'Is Your Name Remunerative? Surname Favorability and CEO Compensation', co-authored by Dr. Jay Jung, Bayes Business School (formerly Cass), Professor Sonya Lim, DePaul University, and Dr. Jongwon Park, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, is published in the Journal of Corporate Finance.

More information: Jay Heon Jung et al, Is your surname remunerative? Surname favorability and CEO compensation, Journal of Corporate Finance (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.jcorpfin.2023.102474
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A scientifc weather station in the rain. Credit: Wolfgang Gurgiser

In 2018, a group of students from the Universities of Innsbruck, Austria, and Hamburg, Germany, were on a research excursion close to the village of Llupa in the Rio Santa valley in the Peruvian Andes. While they were busy installing a weather station in preparation for their research project, they were surprised by unexpected rainfalla brief yet notable shower.

To the students, this seemed highly unusual. It was August, months into the Andean dry season.

The Rio Santa valley, located at about 3000 meters, lies at the foothills of the impressive snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range that attracts thousands of hikers, climbers, and other tourists every year. The valley is home to many small-scale farmers who grow crops like wheat, maize, and potatoes, which they depend on for their self-subsistence and for trade in the markets of Huaraz, the region's capital.

Traditional farming here relies on the experience and memories gained by generations of farmers who are deeply rooted in the valley.

Research teams from the University of Innsbruck and Hamburg have studied the regions' water cycle for decades. In the beginning, they used weather station data and models to understand the state of the rapidly retreating glaciers. These studies were essential to understanding the underlying physical processes that accelerate the melting process, as tropical glaciers behave very differently to those in the European Alps.

Following the meltwater downstream, researchers examined how the water was used by local communities. Conversations with local farmers highlighted the importance of seasonal rainfall for farming, as few farms have direct access to irrigation systems with year-round water availability. These discussions prompted the researchers to shift their focus from glacier dynamics to atmospheric processes and their impact on vegetation and farming.

This is how the research project "AgroClim Huaraz"came into being. Formed by an international collaboration of researchers from institutions in Peru, Austria, the UK, France, and Switzerland, the project set the new goal to better understand precipitation patterns in the region, how they affect rain-fed agriculture, and how they changed in the past and might change in the future.

Unreliable rain

But let's go back to the rainfall that surprised the students in 2018. Intrigued by this event, the researchers set out to understand more. Talking to local farmers, they soon found out that these rains were referred to as "Pushpa" and are of crucial importance to farmers in the Rio Santa Valley.

Pushpa rains mark the end of the dry period and the beginning of the rainy season and typically occur between August and September. They moisten the soil for the first time after the dry season, and farmers await them eagerly, to begin with the sowing of their crops.

"Small-scale farmers in Huaraz are highly dependent on the rain, because, for most, it is the only source of water," says Wolfgang Gurgiser from the University of Innsbruck's research area "Mountain Regions," who was involved in several of the project's studies. "The water coming from the glaciers is contaminated by naturally occurring heavy metals, which makes it unusable for consumption or irrigation in some watersheds."

Hence, predicting rain is highly important. Which makes it all the more concerning that the Pushpa rains are very unreliable.

From interviews with farmers, scientists were made aware of several perceived changes and threats: according to the farmers' observations, Pushpa rainfall had become increasingly delayed over the last years, had occurred less regularly, and had become more intense, which locals believe may be a consequence of climate change. Farmers reported the experienced changes were threatening their traditional practices and livelihoods.

Rolando Cruz Encarnacion, a local expert from the National Water Authority in Peru, adds, "The light rainfalls are supposed to announce the beginning of the rainy season, but if farmers decide to sow and Pushpa is followed by a dry period, this has negative implications for the entire season."

Understanding Pushpa

"Until then, Pushpa was undocumented in the scientific literature. Hearing about these rains moved our focus into a completely new and interesting direction," says Cornelia Klein, a former postdoc at the Department of Atmospheric and Cryospheric Sciences of the University of Innsbruck and now at the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in Wallingford.

"How is Pushpa rainfall different from the rainfall in the core of the wet season? And how did it change in the past?" These new questions motivated her and Cornelia Zauner, a former Masters student at the University of Innsbruck.

The resulting study, published in the journal Environmental Research Communications, is the first to describe the mechanisms behind the Pushpa rains in the Rio Santa valley under a scientific scope.

Surprisingly, Pushpa rains are found to be connected to dry winds coming from the Pacific in the west, which are typical for August and usually bring dry conditionsor, as now discovered, light rain. After the dry season, the winds turn and bring the towering heavy rain clouds from the Amazon basin in the east. Pushpa rains are indeed of a different nature than the intense rain in the wet season.

By looking at model rainfall data representing the past 40 years, Dr. Klein and her colleagues also found that the Pushpa rains are highly variable, alternating between abundant and scarce years. This is also supported by an observational study conducted by Lorenz Hanchen, Ph.D. student at the Department of Ecology of the University of Innsbruck, and published in the journal Earth System Dynamics.

"By looking at years of satellite data of plant greenness, we found that the start of the growing season can vary by up to two months from one year to another," says Hanchen. "This is certainly a very difficult situation for agricultural planning."

Data and memories

"Our data suggests that Pushpa rain is highly variable but did not significantly change over the past 40 years," says Klein. This means that the farmers' observations couldn't be confirmed scientifically. The reason for this remains an open question.

"Memories are tricky data to rely on, because of psychological effects. Highly unusual events are easier to remember than common ones," says Gurgiser. "This doesn't change the fact that we hold the farmers' knowledge in high regard. Our studies and the available data have limitations, which are all mentioned in our publications."

"We use academic approaches but are fully aware of traditional knowledge systems, like those of the farmers, who have known these lands over generations. We can only compare our results to their observations and speculate why they might differ. And the challenges of the irregular Pushpa rains, although not directly connected to climate change, remain."

"The sum of precipitation, which we have observed to remain similar for the last decades, isn't as important to farmers as how it is spread over the agricultural season. This is similar to what we are currently witnessing in Austria: rain is not becoming less, but more variable in its occurrence and intensity."

A future of extreme precipitation and droughts

This increase in intensity is also projected to happen throughout the Peruvian Andes. Dr. Emily Potter, a former project member and now a postdoc at the University of Sheffield, produced climate data on an unprecedented detailed scale for the project, combining computer simulations with data from local weather stations.

The study, published in the journal npj Climate and Atmospheric Science, draws an unsettling picture of future changes to temperature and precipitation in the region. The projections suggest a significant increase in both temperatures and rainfall by the end of this century. Increasingly extreme rainfall is predicted to occur together with periods of severe droughts enhanced by higher temperatures and evaporation.

"Like everywhere else in the world, poorer communities are more likely to suffer from the consequences of climate change," says Potter. "We find that in scenarios with a drastic reduction of our greenhouse gas emissions, the changes in rainfall and temperature are less intense. This would give more time to the communities to prepare for the challenges to come."

More information: Cornelia Klein et al, Farmers' first rain: investigating dry season rainfall characteristics in the Peruvian Andes, Environmental Research Communications (2023). DOI: 10.1088/2515-7620/ace516 Lorenz Hanchen et al, Widespread greening suggests increased dry-season plant water availability in the Rio Santa valley, Peruvian Andes, Earth System Dynamics (2022). DOI: 10.5194/esd-13-595-2022 Emily R. Potter et al, A future of extreme precipitation and droughts in the Peruvian Andes, npj Climate and Atmospheric Science (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41612-023-00409-z
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Cooperation at prescribed and cultural fire events. (a) Veteran firefighters and novices work together on a prescribed burn at the Klamath TREX (training exchange) near Orleans, California (image credit: JN Williams). (b) A cooperative extension burn boss briefs Prescribed Burn Association members ahead of a burn (image credit: L Quinn-Davidson). (c) The Mexican National Forestry and Protected Areas Commissions collaborate with community brigades on a prescribed burn in Parque Nacional Constitucion, Baja California (image credit: H Rivera-Huerta). (d) A cultural burn conducted to promote the growth of plants used for traditional basketmaking in the central Sierra Nevada mountains of California (image credit: C Adlam). Credit: Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment (2023). DOI: 10.1002/fee.2687

Prescribed fire, which mimics natural fire regimes, can help improve forest health and reduce the likelihood of catastrophic wildfire. But this management tool is underused in the fire-prone U.S. West and Baja California, Mexico, due to several barriers.

A paper from the University of California, Davis, pinpoints those obstacles and suggests four key strategies that policymakers and land managers can take to get more "good fire" on the ground in North America's fire-adapted ecosystems. The paper also provides examples of how people are surmounting some of these obstacles.

"Prescribed fire is one of the most important tools we have for restoring natural fire regimes and undoing the effects of a century of fire suppression," said lead author John Williams, a project scientist with the UC Davis Department of Environmental Science and Policy.

"But there are a number of top-down barriers at the upper levels of management that keep us from growing the workforce and getting burns done at the scale and extent needed. We point out some of the big ways that agency leaders and policymakers can dismantle those barriers and empower the full range of people capable of doing this work, from burn bosses and citizen-prescribed burn associations to nonprofits and tribal groups."

The paper, published in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, centers on the North American Mediterranean climate zone, which includes most of California, southwestern Oregon, western Nevada and northern Baja California in Mexico.

A natural process

Fire is a natural process that has helped shape this region, but the area has experienced a spike in destructive, high-severity wildfires over the past decade. In fact, three of the five largest wildfires in continental U.S. history occurred in this region in just the past five years. This is due to a combination of climate change and fuel accumulation driven by a century of policies that encouraged fire suppression, curtailed Indigenous cultural burning, and favored harvest of the largest, most fire-tolerant trees, the study notes.

While scientists and resource managers recognize the need for more prescribed fire, its application has not kept pace with the enormity of the challenge. The study said that is because management policies prioritize fire suppression over prevention. There is also a limited fire workforce; regulatory hurdles like permitting, insurance and liability; and few incentives or protections for landowners, tribal members and other people who burn responsibly.

4 key strategies

Researchers identified four key areas where supportive institutional and agency leadership can help expand prescribed fire in the region:

1) Fire culture. After decades of emphasizing wildfire suppression, current fire management culture "does not adequately promote prescribed fire as a management tool," the study said. Support for prescribed fire along the entire chain of command within agencies is needed to foster a new culture that incentivizes and enables prescribed fire practitioners within and outside of government agencies.

2) Funding. Prescribed fire is considerably more cost-effective than wildfire suppression, which can cost more than $2 billion a year in the U.S., but there is little dedicated funding for prescribed fire projects and lack of flexibility as to when such money can be spent. This impedes fire staffing and limits the kinds of projects that can be done. Year-round, dedicated funding and resources could help increase prescribed fire capacity.

3) Capacity building and cooperation. Connecting agencies with landowners, community members, tribes, prescribed burning associations (PBAs), prescribed fire training exchanges (TREXs) and others can facilitate responsible, effective prescribed fire and cultural burning exchanges. Such groups have limited reach and require investment and support to meet demand.

Inter-organizational agreements can also help local, state and federal agencies share resources and staffing. Formalizing and fully integrating such agreements into fire management plans remains a challenge, the study said. Collaborations that support Indigenous cultural burning are also key.

Partnerships must recognize the unique dimensions of cultural burning, which are inseparable from Indigenous culture. Educating land managers and decision makers about tribal sovereignty and federal American Indian law is critical. Introducing legislation that supports cultural burning can also foster such collaborations.

4) Monitoring and adaptive management. Designated funding and personnel for quantitative monitoring after a prescribed burn can help practitioners better measure success and then apply lessons to future burns.

"All of the barriers identified in the study can be overcome, and they have been at least partially resolved in other parts of the U.S., as well as in other Mediterranean climate regions, such as southwestern Australia," said co-author Hugh Safford, a research ecologist in the UC Davis Department of Environmental Science and Policy and director of the California Prescribed Fire Monitoring Program.

"Fundamental to setting the situation right is developing a culture of safe and regular fire use in California and neighboring states by all landowners and managers, and reducing the officiousness, risk aversion and bureaucracy that hinders access to the tool by the public."

More information: John N Williams et al, Overcoming obstacles to prescribed fire in the North American Mediterranean climate zone, Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment (2023). DOI: 10.1002/fee.2687
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The OSIRIS-REx capsule carrying samples from the asteroid Bennu lands in Utah on Sept. 24, 2023. Credit: NASA/Keegan Barber

The OSIRIS-REx mission is NASA's first mission to collect samples from an asteroidin this case 101955 Bennuand return to Earth.

OSIRIS-REx is an acronym for Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and SecurityRegolith Explorer. The sealed capsule landed on Sept. 24 near Salt Lake City, Utah, a feat that was broadcast live by NASA.

My research investigates geologic samples in craters formed by meteorite collisions on Earth. These samples include materials that can be found on other planetary bodies like the moon, Mars and asteroids.

Asteroid samples

Planning for the OSIRIS-REx mission dates back to the 2010s, but the vision of a mission to bring back samples of an asteroid goes back even further.

The importance of planetary sample return missions was already being recognized in the 1960s, during the Apollo era, with the collection of several suites of lunar rock samples by astronauts.

In 1986, comet Halley's close approach to Earth sparked an interest in the global scientific community to explore planetary objects like comets and asteroids. The European Space Agency's Rosetta mission to comet 67P/ChuryumovGerasimenko, which also performed fly-bys of two asteroids on the journey, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's (JAXA) Hayabusa 1 and Hayabusa 2 missions to near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) are some of the important milestones that laid the foundation for exploratory missions to comets and asteroids.

Asteroid Bennu was chosen by NASA for the OSIRIS-REx mission after rigorous discussions that considered the scientific and engineering capabilities of the mission. Bennu is a near-Earth asteroid (NEA) that has been studied extensively by Earth-based telescopic observations in the last two decades, making it a strategic target for an exploratory mission. NASAs live feed of OSIRIS-REx landing on Sept. 24.

Bennu is a carbonaceous asteroida class of asteroids that contain a high amount of carbon. It is also pristine, meaning that its material was created in the early stages of solar system formation and is preserved in an unaltered condition.

Mission significance

The question of how life came to be on Earth has fascinated people for a long time. Understanding the origin and history of the Earth can shed light on how life on Earth began.

Earth has a very dynamic environment, from a thick atmosphere to a very active biosphere and a vast expanse of water oceans. Most material on Earth that was present when the Earth first formed has been significantly modified by dynamic processes like weathering and erosion by elements like water or wind, active plate tectonics, active volcanism, as well as human activities such as mining or excavation.

Asteroids, on the other hand, have very little to no modification since their formation, going back to the time of the formation of our solar system.

Pieces of asteroids, and other planetary bodies such as the moon or Mars, land on the Earth's surface, in the form of meteorites, almost every year. These meteorites are invaluable to our knowledge of the solar system, but most of these samples originate from unknown sources.

Known sources

A planned robotic mission to bring a sample from an asteroid ensures that the source of the material is known and can help correlate the information gained from previous studies of unknown samples, as well as remote observations of the asteroid to direct observations from collected samples. Watch NASA scientists reveal the asteroid sample for the first time.

Specifically, as asteroid Bennu is a carbonaceous asteroid, analyses of its samples can lead to a higher knowledge of pristine carbon in our solar system and improve our understanding of the role that asteroids may have played in the origin of life on Earth.

OSIRIS-REx was not the first global asteroid sample return mission. In 2010, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency completed the first asteroid sample return mission, Hayabusa 1, that brought back a sample weighing less than one gram from the asteroid Itokawa. More recently, in 2020, Hayabusa 2 returned from asteroid 162173 Ryugu with a 5.4g soil sample.

The Hayabusa 2 mission has already resulted in research revealing the nature of some of the oldest known materials in our solar system.

A continued search

The OSIRIS-REx mission continues to explore space. The spacecraft has been rebranded as OSIRIS-APEX, and is currently on its way to the asteroid Apophis on a nearly six-year long journey to conduct a fly-by of the asteroid.

Innovations required for the exploration of space and planetary bodies have historically been shown to benefit life on Earth.

For example, satellite technology, a concept that we depend so heavily upon in our daily livesfrom navigation systems as well as national security or monitoring of natural landforms and ecosystemsis a product of space exploration.

As we attempt to venture deeper into the outer space, we can expect to see more creative technological advancements that will eventually help solve problems on Earth.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Graphical abstract. Credit: The European Physical Journal D (2023). DOI: 10.1140/epjd/s10053-023-00748-9

Research into artificial intelligence (AI) network computing has made significant progress in recent years but has so far been held back by the limitations of logic gates in conventional computer chips. Through new research published in The European Physical Journal D, a team led by Aijin Zhu at Guilin University of Electronic Technology, China, introduced a graphene-based optical logic gate, which addresses many of these challenges.

The design could lead to a new generation of computer chips that consume less energy while reaching higher computing speeds and efficiencies. This could, in turn, pave the way for the use of AI in computer networks to automate tasks and improve decision-makingleading to enhanced performance, security, and functionality.

There are many advantages to microchips whose component logic gates exchange signals using light instead of electrical current. However, current designs are often bulky, somewhat unstable, and vulnerable to information loss.

In their paper, Zhu's team introduced a graphene-based alternative composed of Y-shaped graphene nanoribbons bonded on top of a layer of insulation. This design is ideal for hosting plasmon waves, collective oscillations of electrons that arise at the interface between the graphene and the insulating medium. They can be triggered by the light waves in incoming optical signals and can also generate outgoing signals themselves after the information is processed by the logic gate.

Since surface plasmon wavelengths are shorter than those of optical light waves, the researchers show that their setup can become far more compact than previous designs of optical logic gates. Their device can be switched on and off using an external voltage, which manipulates the energy levels at which electrons in graphene are available for conveying electrical current.

In their experiments, Zhu's team achieved an impressively high ratio between the power level of their gate's 'on' and 'off' states, where it transmits and blocks data, respectively. As well as outperforming previous optical logic gates, their design also benefits from a small size, low loss of information, and high stability.

More information: Aijun Zhu et al, An ultra-compact and highly stable optical numerical comparator based on Y-shaped graphene nanoribbons, The European Physical Journal D (2023). DOI: 10.1140/epjd/s10053-023-00748-9 Journal information: European Physical Journal D

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Scientists have warned that the number of heat-related deaths will sore in the coming decades if the world does not decrease its carbon emissions.

Nearly five times more people will likely die due to extreme heat in the coming decades, an international team of experts said Wednesday, warning that without action on climate change the "health of humanity is at grave risk".

Lethal heat was just one of the many ways the world's still-increasing use of fossil fuels threatens human health, according to The Lancet Countdown, a major annual assessment carried out by leading researchers and institutions.

More common droughts will put millions at risk of starving, mosquitoes spreading farther than ever before will take infectious diseases with them, and health systems will struggle to cope with the burden, the researchers warned.

The dire assessment comes during what is expected to be the hottest year in human historyjust last week, Europe's climate monitor declared that last month was the warmest October on record.

It also comes ahead of the COP28 climate talks in Dubai later this month, which will for the first time host a "health day" on December 3 as experts try to shine a light on global warming's impact on health.

Despite growing calls for global action, energy-related carbon emissions hit new highs last year, The Lancet Countdown report said, singling out still-massive government subsidies and private bank investments into planet-heating fossil fuels.

'Crisis on top of a crisis'

Last year people worldwide were exposed to an average of 86 days of life-threatening temperatures, according to The Lancet Countdown study. Around 60 percent of those days were made more than twice as likely due to climate change, it said.

The number of people over 65 who died from heat rose by 85 percent from 1991-2000 to 2013-2022, it added.

"However these impacts that we are seeing today could be just an early symptom of a very dangerous future," Lancet Countdown's executive director Marina Romanello said.

Under a scenario in which the world warms by two degrees Celsius by the end of the centuryit is currently on track for 2.7Cannual heat-related deaths were projected to increase 370 percent by 2050. That marks a 4.7-fold increase.

Around 520 million more people will experience moderate or severe food insecurity by mid-century, according to the projections.

Graphic showing the increase in the number of days when temperatures are dangerous for human health from 1997 to 2022, according to the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change 2023.

And mosquito-borne infectious diseases will continue to spread into new areas. The transmission of dengue would increase by 36 percent under a 2C warming scenario, according to the study.

Meanwhile, more than a quarter of cities surveyed by the researchers said they were worried that climate change would overwhelm their capacity to cope.

"We're facing a crisis on top of a crisis," said Lancet Countdown's Georgiana Gordon-Strachan, whose homeland Jamaica is currently in the middle of a dengue outbreak.

"People living in poorer countries, who are often least responsible for greenhouse gas emissions, are bearing the brunt of the health impacts," she said.

'Moving in the wrong direction'

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told an online conference launching The Lancet Countdown report that limiting warming to the Paris agreement target of 1.5C is a "public health imperative".

"The world is moving in the wrong direction, unable to curb its addiction to fossil fuels and leaving vulnerable communities behind in the much-needed energy transition," Tedros said.

On Tuesday, the UN warned that countries' current pledges will cut global carbon emissions by just two percent by 2030 from 2019 levelsfar short of the 43 percent drop needed to limit warming to 1.5C.

Romanello cautioned that if more progress is not made on emissions, then "the growing emphasis on health within climate change negotiations risks being just empty words".

However there are "glimmers of hope", she added.

The number of global deaths linked to air pollution from fossil fuels has fallen 16 percent since 2005, mostly thanks to efforts to reduce the impact of coal burning, the report said.

Global investment in green energy rose by 15 percent to $1.6 trillion last year, compared to $1 trillion for fossil fuels.

And if people changed to healthier, lower-carbon diets it would prevent up to 12 million deaths a year, at the same reducing emissions from dairy and red meat production by 57 percent, the report said.

 2023 AFP
The Hamas-run Ministry of Health has declared a state of complete collapse in the health sector.

This alarming situation arose as three major hospitals, including the enclave's largest, Al Shifa Hospital, ceased functioning due to severe power shortages, as per Fox News.

Gaza's Crisis: Infants Endangered by Conflict and Cold

The most heart-wrenching scene is at Al Shifa, where dozens of infants, dependent on incubators now shut off due to the electricity crisis, face imminent danger.

The plight of these infants is acute. "Aluminum foil is used to shield these babies from the biting cold," reports Mehdat Abbas, Director General of the Ministry of Health.

With winter setting in, the lack of proper heating means these infants are at risk of dying from exposure. In this dire situation, survival becomes a race against the unforgiving elements.

The World Health Organization (WHO) echoes the severity of the crisis. Its Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, termed the situation "dire and perilous," worsened by the ongoing conflict.

The WHO's statement reflects a grim reality - hospitals, traditionally sanctuaries in times of war, have become scenes of devastation.

In response, Israel proposed transferring the vulnerable infants to a safer hospital. However, the feasibility of such transfers is highly contested.

According to Melanie Ward, CEO of Medical Aid for Palestinians, the logistical hurdles, including the availability of skilled ambulances and receiving hospitals, make this a near-impossible task. The organization argues that ceasing hostilities is the only viable solution to ensure the survival of these infants.

The IDF affirmed its dedication to facilitating the transit of essential medical supplies to Al Shifa while maintaining a clear distinction between combatants and civilians, according to CBS News.

Read Also: US, Japan, South Korea to Begin Real-Time Data Sharing on North Korean Missiles Upon Conclusion of Multi-Year Drill

IDF's Dual Role in Gaza

Yet, the IDF's encirclement of Al Shifa and allegations of Hamas using the hospital as a military base complicate the situation. Such claims, if proven, could render the hospital a legitimate target under international law despite the general protection afforded to medical facilities in conflict zones.

Before the current escalation, Al Shifa was already in crisis due to ongoing bombardments. The situation was further intensified by fuel shortages, as reported by the IDF, who alleged that Hamas had interfered with the delivery of fuel.

According to its director, these shortages have left the hospital with barely enough energy to power generators for a short period.

The United Nations' concern for civilian protection is evident. Andrea de Domenico, UN head for Humanitarian Affairs in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, emphasizes balancing military objectives and civilian safety, underscoring the principle of precaution even in justifiable military actions.

Amidst Israel's escalating military operations, states have emerged alleging the use of civilians as human shields and the targeting of medical facilities in Gaza. These allegations further complicate an already complex situation.

The UN reiterates both parties' obligation to adhere to international humanitarian law, highlighting the neglect of civilian welfare in the ongoing conflict, The New York Times reported.

Related Article: Israel Suggests to Take Infants From Gaza Hospital Following Report of Newborn Deaths

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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Long classified a federally threatened species, the small, stocky shorebirds are bouncing back, with more nesting on Bay State beaches this year than ever before, according to a Mass Audubon report.

Mass Audubon has researched, monitored and protected vulnerable beach-nesting birds, including the piping plover, with hundreds of partners under its coastal waterbird program for more than 35 years.

This year, researchers identified around 1,145 breeding pairs nesting in the state, a massive increase of roughly 500% from the fewer than 200 in 1986, when the program began, officials highlighted.

"While Piping Plovers remain a federally threatened species, this season's data shows that these iconic birds are making real progress toward recovery in Massachusetts," officials stated.

Some controversy has followed steps taken to protect the piping plover.

After a three-year renovation, the Curley Community Center in South Boston reopened in June, but because of the piping plover's nesting season, it took an extra month for officials to allow the public to cool off at L Street Beach.

The city' Conservation Commission in July approved an operations and maintenance plan, outlining conditions officials need to take for beach access not to have an adverse effect on the piping plover.

One condition features "a qualified shorebird monitor" regularly monitoring the presence of the piping plover from April 1 through Aug. 31, with the areas of habitat delineated with fencing and warning signs by April 1.

Along the South Shore, officials prevented people from driving vehicles over the sand at Duxbury Beach in order to protect the bird. Some portions of the over-sand vehicle corridors reopened once newborns fledged, meaning they could sustain flight.

In Gloucester, city officials in April entered an agreement with Mass Audubon to receive assistance in monitoring and managing the piping plover and other coastal nesting birds.

Piping plovers came back to Gloucester beaches after many years of researchers not spotting them at all in the North Shore coastal city. The bird also made a return to the shoreline in Scituate, Cohasset and Chatham.

Efforts like those in Boston, Duxbury and Gloucester, researchers say, are the driver behind the increased piping plover population.

"Massachusetts Piping Plover populations have recovered at a faster rate than those of most other states along the Atlantic Seaboard," officials stated Tuesday. "As a result, approximately 50% of Piping Plovers worldwide now nest in Massachusetts. That makes coastal conservation even more important in our statewe're responsible for safeguarding a huge portion of this threatened species' worldwide population."

Researchers say they also identified population increases this year for American Oystercatchers and Least Terns.

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The strength of a gravitational wave as a function of distance from the origin (horizontal axis) and a specific measure of time (vertical axis). The two panels represent results from two different codes, and the team found that they agree well. The data are displayed in such a way that an exact self-similarity would produce exactly repeated patterns in this image. While the researchers clearly observe repeated patterns, it is also clear that they are repeated only approximately, rather than exactly. Credit: Baumgarte et al, Physical Review Letters (2023). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.131.181401

Black holes are regions in space where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing can escape them, not even light. These fascinating regions have been the focus of countless studies, yet some of the physics underlying their formation is not yet fully understood.

Black holes are formed in what is known as gravitational collapse. This is essentially the contraction of a cosmological object, prompted by its own gravity drawing matter inward (i.e., toward the object's center of gravity).

Whether or not such a collapsing object forms a black hole depends on the specific properties of the object. In some cases, an object may be very close to the threshold, having a hard time deciding whether or not to form a black hole. This type of collapse results in so-called critical phenomena.

Physicists have been trying to understand critical phenomena in gravitational collapse for decades, as some of its properties are shared by other well-known physical systems. A recent paper published in Physical Review Letters by an international research collaboration based at Bowdoin College in the United States and other institutes in Germany, Prague, the U.K. and Portugal, found agreement among three independently conducted numerical simulations of these phenomena and resolved some long-standing puzzles in this area of study.

"Critical phenomena in gravitational collapse, close to the onset of black-hole formation, were first reported by Matt Choptuik about 30 years ago," Thomas W. Baumgarte, co-author of the paper, told Phys.org.

"In part because these effects share many properties with critical phenomena in other fields of physics (e.g., phase transitions in statistical physics) and in part because they address fundamental questions regarding the properties of general relativity, they immediately caught the attention of many researchers from different fields of physics."

Two of the most fascinating properties of critical gravitational collapse are universality and self-similarity. In this context, the term universality refers to the idea that no matter how a calculation begins, as the onset of a black hole's formation approaches, the solution will always be the same. Self-similarity, on the other hand, means that this universal solution will repeat the same patterns as the physical scale is reduced.

"While Choptuik's calculations involved a so-called scalar field as a matter source, Andrew Abrahams and Chuck Evans soon afterward reported similar effects for the gravitational collapse of gravitational waves (i.e., for pure gravity in the absence of any matter)," Baumgarte explained.

"A further difference is that Choptuik was able to assume spherical symmetry, while gravitational waves cannot exist in spherical symmetry, so that Abrahams and Evans had to relax the assumption of spherical symmetry. Unfortunately, it has been very difficult to reproduce these latter results, as some numerical codes completely failed in this case, or provided results that appeared to contradict those of Abrahams and Evans."

Following the apparently contradictory results obtained in the 1990s, the nature of the critical collapse of "pure gravity" remained an unsolved mystery for almost three decades. Recently, however, three different research groups carried out independent numerical simulations of this collapse, using independently developed codes.

"All these three codes solve Einstein's equations of general relativity, but they use completely different numerical strategies (e.g., spectral methods versus finite-difference methods)," Baumgarte said. "Cartesian coordinates versus spherical polar coordinates, different gauge conditions, etc. All three codes also make different choices for the so-called 'slicing condition' (i.e., they adopt different choices for the rate at which time advances in the codes)."

The key objective of the recent study by Baumgarte and his colleagues was to collectively examine the three numerical simulations that were recently performed by these three different research teams. Their paper was thus a joint effort by the teams, aimed at bridging their independent research efforts to shed new light on the nature of gravitational collapse.

"As a first finding we report that, despite all the numerical differences, our codes produce completely consistent results for the critical collapse of gravitational waves," Baumgarte said. " This gives us confidence that these findings are correct, and not numerical artifacts. Making a suitable choice for the slicing condition turns out to be crucial: a very common other choice, one that has been successful for many other numerical relativity simulations, fails for this case, which explains why some previous attempts to solve this problem failed."

Notably, in their three independent numerical simulations, the researchers found no evidence supporting the property of universality. In other words, they found that starting the numerical with different initial data resulted in different values while approaching the formation of a black hole.

"Our findings explain another piece of the puzzle," Baumgarte said. "Some previous studies had reported differences from the results of Abrahams and Evans, which therefore appeared conflicting, However, those studies also used different initial data. A disagreement between the results therefore constitutes a contradiction only under the assumption of universalityfor which we do not see any evidence."

While the researchers found no evidence of universality, they found approximate evidence of self-similarity. Interestingly, however, unlike that observed in the case of critical collapse in spherical symmetry, the self-similarity they observed did not appear to be exact.

Back in the 1990s, Abrahams and Evans had also reported a non-exact self-similarity. These recent results are thus aligned with previous findings, potentially suggesting that reported departures from an exact self-similarity could be linked to the absence of a spherical symmetry.

The recent work by Baumgarte and his colleagues could soon pave the way for new numerical and theoretical studies aimed at further studying and re-framing the critical collapse of gravitational waves. This could bring physicists closer to unveiling the nature and mysteries of this intriguing physical phenomenon, known to precede the formation of black holes.

"While we believe that our work has resolved several open questions in the context of critical collapse of gravitational waves, several follow-up questions remain," Baumgarte added. "For example, we found approximately self-similar solutions for some families of initial data, but not for others, and the nature of the 'threshold solution' for those other families remains unclear.

"It would also be desirable to perform simulations with better fine-tuning to the onset of black-hole formation (e.g., using numerical codes with better resolution and/or other improvements) to explore whether a universal critical solution emerges for fine-tuning that is better than anybody has achieved so far.

"Finally, we plan to investigate what causes the departures from an exact self-similarity and determine if these departures are directly related to the absence of spherical symmetry."

More information: Thomas W. Baumgarte et al, Critical Phenomena in the Collapse of Gravitational Waves, Physical Review Letters (2023). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.131.181401 Journal information: Physical Review Letters

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Aerial image of the excavations. Credit: Tandy archaeological expedition to Tel Gezer, CC-BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

New dates provide detailed insights into the timing of events in the ancient city of Gezer, according to a study published November 15, 2023 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Lyndelle Webster of the Austrian Academy of Sciences and colleagues.

Gezer is an ancient southern Levantine city, well known from Egyptian, Assyrian, and Biblical texts and associated with stories of power struggles and significant historical figures. It is also a rich archaeological site with abundant Bronze Age and Iron Age remains and with great potential for research into the daily lives of its denizens.

Recent excavations at the site have uncovered a continuous stratigraphic sequence that allows for detailed dating and the establishment of an absolute chronology for events at the site.

In this study, Webster and colleagues obtained 35 radiocarbon dates on organic materials (mostly seeds) from seven distinct stratigraphic layers at Gezer. These dates range from the 13th to the 9th centuries, a time period that covers numerous significant changes in the city, including multiple destructive events, rebuilding episodes, and the fortification of the city. Some of these events have been proposed to be linked to certain stories from ancient texts.

This study provides a detailed dataset that can be used to test proposed correlations between the archaeological record and ancient texts. These dates suggest, for example, that the correlation of a certain destructive episode with the actions of the pharaoh Merneptah is plausible, while the proposed link between another such episode and the campaign of Hazael is not.

Ultimately, this new dataset provides an independent source of absolute dates that will allow researchers to better understand the events at Gezer and to place them in a regional perspective.

The authors add, "The development of a radiocarbon-based chronology at Tel Gezera site with uniquely rich historical connectionsillustrates the crucial role radiocarbon dating can and must play in reconstructing individual site histories, resolving long-running debates and testing possible correlations between archaeological remains and written sources."

More information: The chronology of Gezer from the end of the late bronze age to iron age II: A meeting point for radiocarbon, archaeology egyptology and the Bible, PLoS ONE (2023). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293119. journals.plos.org/plosone/arti  journal.pone.0293119 Journal information: PLoS ONE
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The stark landscape of the Moon as viewed by the Apollo 12 astronauts on their return to Earth. Credit: NASA / The Planetary Society

Building a space station on the moon might seem like something out of a science fiction movie, but each new lunar mission is bringing that idea closer to reality. Scientists are homing in on potential lunar ice reservoirs in permanently shadowed regions, or PSRs. These are key to setting up any sort of sustainable lunar infrastructure.

In late August 2023, India's Chandrayaan-3 lander touched down on the lunar surface in the south polar region, which scientists suspect may harbor ice. This landing marked a significant milestone not only for India but for the scientific community at large.

For planetary scientists like me, measurements from instruments onboard Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander and its small, six-wheeled rover Pragyan provide a tantalizing up-close glimpse of the parts of the moon most likely to contain ice. Earlier observations have shown ice is present in some permanently shadowed regions, but estimates vary widely regarding the amount, form and distribution of these ice deposits.

Polar ice deposits

My team at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics has a goal of understanding where water on the moon came from. Comets or asteroids crashing into the moon are options, as are volcanic activity and solar wind.

Each of these events leaves behind a distinctive chemical fingerprint, so if we can see those fingerprints, we might be able to trace them to the source of water. For example, sulfur is expected in higher amounts in lunar ice deposits if volcanic activity rather than comets created the ice.

Like water, sulfur is a "volatile" element on the moon, because on the lunar surface it's not very stable. It's easily vaporized and lost to space. Given its temperamental nature, sulfur is expected to accumulate only in the colder parts of the moon.

Some dark craters on the Moon, indicated here in blue, never get light. Scientists think some of these permanently shadowed regions could contain ice. Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

While the Vikram lander didn't land in a permanently shadowed region, it measured the temperature at a high southern latitude of 69.37S and was able to identify sulfur in soil grains on the lunar surface. The sulfur measurement is intriguing because sulfur may point toward the source of the moon's water.

So, scientists can use temperature as a way of finding where volatiles like these may end up. Temperature measurements from Chandrayaan-3 could allow scientists to test models of volatile stability and figure out how recently the sulfur may have accumulated at the landing site.

Tools for discovery

Vikram and Pragyan are the newest in a series of spacecraft that have helped scientists study water on the moon. NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter launched in 2009 and has spent the past several years observing the moon from orbit. I'm a co-investigator on LRO, and I use its data to study the distribution, form and abundance of water on the lunar poles.

Both India's Chandrayaan-1 orbiter and LRO have allowed my colleagues and me to use ultraviolet and near-infrared observations to identify ice in the permanently shadowed regions by measuring the chemical fingerprints of water. We've definitively detected water ice in some of these regions inside the coldest shadows at the lunar poles, but we're still not sure why the ice isn't more widespread.

On Mercury, by contrast, the permanently shadowed regions are practically overflowing with ice. For several years, scientists have recognized the need to get down on the surface and make more detailed measurements of lunar volatiles. With its sulfur detections, the Vikram lander has now taken the first tentative steps as part of a larger exploration program.

Chandrayaan-3s Pragyan rover traveled 328 feet (100 meters) and measured the chemistry of the lunar soil. Credit: ISRO

Future lunar missions

NASA has its sights set on the lunar south pole. Leading up to the Artemis III mission to deploy astronauts to investigate ice on the surface, the Commercial Lunar Payloads Services program will send multiple landers and rovers to search for ice starting later in 2023.

While uncertainty surrounds the timeline of Artemis launches, the first crewed mission, Artemis II, is on track for a late 2024 or early 2025 launch, with a looping trajectory passing behind the moon's far side and back to Earth.

The Lunar Compact Infrared Imaging System, of which I'm the principal investigator, is an infrared camera that will take temperature measurements and study the surface composition of the moon.

Dubbed L-CIRiS, this camera recently underwent its final review before delivery to NASA, and the completed flight instrument will be prepared to launch on a commercial lander in late 2026.

Prior to L-CIRiS, the VIPER rover mission is planned to launch in late 2024 to the lunar south polar region, where it will carry instruments to search for ice in micro-cold traps. These tiny shadows, some no larger than a penny, are hypothesized to contain a significant amount of water and are more accessible than the larger PSRs.

One long-term goal of L-CIRiS and NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services program is to find a suitable place for a long-term, sustainable lunar station. Astronauts could stay at this station, potentially similar to the one at McMurdo station in Antarctica, but it would need to be somewhat self-sufficient to be economically viable. Water is extremely expensive to ship to the moon, hence locating the station near ice reservoirs is a must.

During the Artemis III mission, NASA astronauts will use the information gathered by the Commercial Lunar Payload Services program and other missions, including Chandrayaan-3, to assess the best locations to collect samples. Chandrayaan-3 and L-CIRiS's measurements of temperature and composition are like those that will be needed for Artemis to succeed. Cooperation among space agencies young and old is thus becoming a key feature of a long-term, sustainable human presence on the moon.

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CAL on-orbit hardware upgrades. Credit: Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06645-w

For the first time in space, scientists have produced a mixture of two quantum gases made of two types of atoms. Accomplished with NASA's Cold Atom Laboratory aboard the International Space Station, the achievement marks another step toward bringing quantum technologies currently available only on Earth into space.

Physicists at Leibniz University Hannover (LUH), part of a collaboration led by Prof. Nicholas Bigelow, University of Rochester, provided the theoretical calculations necessary for this achievement. While quantum tools are already used in everything from cell phones to GPS to medical devices, in the future, quantum tools could be used to enhance the study of planets, including our own, as well as to help solve mysteries of the universe and deepen our understanding of the fundamental laws of nature.

The new work, performed remotely by scientists on Earth, is described in Nature.

With this new capability, it is now possible to study not only the quantum properties of individual sorts of atoms, but also quantum chemistry, which focuses on how isotopes of different atomic elements interact and combine with each other in a quantum state. Researchers will be able to conduct a wider range of experiments with Cold Atom Lab and learn more about the nuances of performing them in microgravity. That knowledge will be essential for harnessing the one-of-a-kind facility to develop new space-based quantum technologies.

Quantum chemistry

The physical world around us depends on atoms and molecules staying bound together, according to an established set of rules. But different rules can dominate or weaken depending on the environment the atoms and molecules are inlike microgravity. Scientists using the Cold Atom Lab are exploring scenarios where the quantum nature of atoms dominates their behaviors. That can mean that instead of acting like solid billiard balls, the atoms and molecules behave more like waves.

In one of those scenarios, the atoms in two- or three-atom molecules can remain bound together but grow increasingly far apart, almost as though the molecules are getting fluffy. To study these states, scientists first need to slow the atoms down. They do this by cooling them to fractions of a degree above the lowest temperature matter can reach and far colder than anything found in the natural universe: absolute zero, or minus 273 degrees Celsius.

Physicists have created these fluffy molecules in cold atom experiments on the ground, but they are extremely fragile and either break apart quickly or collapse back down to a normal molecular state. For that reason, enlarged molecules with three atoms have never been directly imaged. In microgravity the fragile molecules can exist for longer and potentially get larger, so physicists are excited to start experimenting with the Cold Atom Lab's new capability.

These types of molecules likely don't occur in nature, but it's possible they could be used to make sensitive detectors that can reveal subtle changes in the strength of a magnetic field, for example, or any of the other disturbances that cause them to break apart or collapse.

A modern mystery

"We now have, for example, completely new ways of testing the equivalence principle of Einstein, one of the most fundamental assumptions of fundamental physics," says Naceur Gaaloul from the Institute of Quantum Optics at LUH and co-author of the new study. The famous principle holds that gravity affects all objects the same regardless of their mass. It is a principle that many physics teachers will demonstrate by putting a feather and a hammer in a sealed vacuum chamber and showing that, in the absence of air friction, the two fall at the same rate.

Using an instrument called an atom interferometer, scientists have already run experiments on Earth to see if the equivalence principle holds true at atomic scales. Using a quantum gas with two types of atoms and an interferometer in the microgravity of the space station, they could test it with more precision than what's possible on Earth. Doing so, they might learn whether there's a point where gravity doesn't treat all matter equally, indicating the general theory of relativity contains an (albeit small) error.

The equivalence principle is part of Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity, the backbone of modern gravitational physics, which describes how large objects, like planets and galaxies, behave. But a major mystery in modern physics is why the laws of gravity don't seem to match up with the laws of quantum physics, which describe the behaviors of small objects, like atoms. Both fields have proven to be correct again and again in their respective size realms, but physicists have been unable to unite them into a single description of the universe as a whole.

Looking for features of gravity not explained by Einstein's theory is one way to search for a means of unification or learn about the nature of dark energy, the mysterious driver behind the accelerating expansion of the universe.

Better sensors

Scientists already have ideas to go beyond testing fundamental physics in microgravity. They have also proposed space-based experiments that could use an atom interferometer and quantum gases to measure gravity with high precision in order to observe mass variations on Earth. What they learn could lead to the development of precision sensors for a wide range of applications such as geophysics, climate research or space inertial navigation.

The quality of those sensors will depend on how well scientists understand the behavior of these atoms in microgravity, including how those atoms interact with each other. The introduction of tools to control the atoms, like magnetic fields, can make them repel each other like oil and water or stick together like honey. Understanding those interactions is a key goal of the Cold Atom Lab and its successor BECCAL, a joint project of NASA and the German Aerospace Agency (DLR).

More information: Ethan Elliott, Quantum gas mixtures and dual-species atom interferometry in space, Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06645-w. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06645-w Journal information: Nature
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Sharks are overrepresented in 'creature features' building fear and negative perceptions about these animals. Credit: "Great White Shark" by Elias Levy is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

"Just when you thought it was safe to get back in the water...." It's one of the most famous taglines in film history, immortalizing sharks as ruthless predators. But beyond the horror generated by Spielberg's "Jaws" series, a persistent fear of sharks remains, with consequences that extend into reality.

Following human-shark interactions in South Australia, this fear has prompted the Education Department's ban on school-based sea activities for at least the remainder of the term. And while safety is at the core of such decisions, we should be cautious of scaremongering, says University of South Australia shark expert Dr. Brianna Le Busque.

"When we hear about shark 'attacks,' it definitely puts people on edge, especially when interactions and sightings are sensationalized by the media," Dr. Le Busque says.

"As most people do not have personal interactions with sharks, most of what we know about sharks comes from what we see on TV or in movies. Movies such as 'Jaws,' 'The Meg' or 'The Shallows' depict sharks as purposely hunting and attacking humans, which not only creates excessive fear but strengthens any negative views people may already hold.

"This is called the 'The Jaws Effect'a known phenomenon where people are excessively and irrationally scared of sharkstoday, nearly 50 years after the first 'Jaws' movie, it still influences people's perceptions of sharks, impacts conservation efforts, and affects policy decisions. That's what we've seen with the current bans on sea-based water activities. And the problem is that it could have negative impacts on children's ideas of water and beach safety."

In a new UniSA world first study, Dr. Le Busque shows how overrepresented sharks are in the realm of "creature features"a subgenre of science fiction, horror, or action films where the creatures are the villain in the plot. The study has been published in the Journal of Environmental Media.

"Sharks are commonplace in 'creature feature' filmsthey overrepresented, being the most common animal in this film category. Further, of all films that depict sharks (in various genres), 96% overtly portrayed shark-human interactions as threatening."

In the past 50 years, oceanic sharks have declined by more than 70%, with one in three species now threatened by extinction.

Dr. Le Busque says while she believes the bans on school activities are currently unwarranted, she welcomes the early deployment of aerial shark patrols.

"Earlier shark monitoring is a good move to protect beachgoers, but we need a balance between people's safety and access to the ocean," Dr. Le Busque says. No one wants a shark attack to occur, but these bans are just creating the same fear as generated on the ill-fated Amity Island in 'Jaws.' It's just not the right way to go."

CEO Surf Life Saving SA Damien Marangon says the ban on beach-based aquatic programs, without consultation or understanding facts and broader impact, was disappointing.

"While the shark attack is incredibly unfortunate, it's also important to remember that tragically, far more people sadly drown every year in South Australian waters than there are shark attacks," Marangon says. "Over the past 20 years, we've averaged just over one instance per year. Despite the incidents over the last month or so, our data shows that we have not seen an increase in shark numbers.

"We were concerned about the impact this would have on the 3,899 students, from 47 schools who were enrolled in that program for the remainder of this term, who would not have had the opportunity to learn vital water safety skills, jeopardizing their future safety in and around the water.

"Decisions like this, made in isolation, also unfortunately promote a fear of the ocean, which could have wide ranging and long-lasting impacts on our communities, local traders, family businesses, and the travel industry, by unnecessarily exacerbating a fear of our ocean, and will impact visitors to our beaches and our State.

"We're actively working with the Water Safety Unit within the Department for Education on strategies to continue to ensure that all participants can complete these aquatic education programs at the beach safely, and continue to make informed decisions based on data, research and stakeholder engagement."

More information: Brianna Le Busque et al, Sharks, spiders, snakes, oh my: A review of creature feature films, Journal of Environmental Media (2023). DOI: 10.1386/jem_00096_1
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Graphical abstract. Credit: Environmental Science & Technology Letters (2023). DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.3c00729

From the depths of the seas to snow on mountains and even the air above cities, microplastics are turning up increasingly often. Now, in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, researchers have analyzed microplastics in clouds above mountains. They suggest that these tiny particles could play a role in cloud formation and, in turn, affect weather.

Microplasticsplastic fragments smaller than five millimetersoriginate from a myriad of items used daily, such as clothing, packaging and car tires.

As research in the field evolves, scientists are not only detecting microplastics in the atmosphere but also investigating how they may play a role in cloud formation. For example, a group of researchers recently detected plastic granules, which had water-attracting surfaces, in Japanese mountaintop clouds.

So, to learn more, Yan Wang and colleagues set out to look for microplastics in mountain clouds, used computer models to figure out how they could have gotten there, and tested how the particles could have impactedand been impacted bythe clouds.

Wang and the team first collected 28 samples of liquid from clouds at the top of Mount Tai in eastern China. Then they analyzed the samples and found:

Low-altitude and denser clouds contained greater amounts of microplastics.

Particles were made of common polymers, including polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene and polyamide.

The microplastics tended to be smaller than 100 micrometers in length, although some were as long as 1,500 micrometers.

Older, rougher particles had more lead, mercury and oxygen attached to their surfaces, which the researchers suggest could facilitate cloud development.

To investigate where the plastic particles in the clouds originated, Wang and the team developed computer models that approximated how the particles traveled to Mount Tai. These models suggested that airflow from highly populated inland areas, rather than from over the ocean or other nearby mountains, served as the major source of the fragments.

In laboratory experiments, the researchers demonstrated that microplastics exposed to cloud-like conditionsultraviolet light and filtered cloud-sourced waterhad smaller sizes and rougher surfaces than those exposed to pure water or air. Additionally, particles impacted by the cloud-like conditions had more lead, mercury and oxygen-containing groups.

These results suggest that clouds modify microplastics in ways that could enable the particles to affect cloud formation and the fate of airborne metals. The researchers conclude that more work is needed to fully understand how microplastics affect clouds and the weather.

More information: Characterization of Microplastics in Clouds over Eastern China, Environmental Science & Technology Letters (2023). DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.3c00729. pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.estlett.3c00729
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A male coco de mer palm (Lodoicea maldivica) towers above the canopy on Curieuse Island, Seychelles. Credit: Chris Kettle/Alliance Bioversity-CIAT

Every tree species has its story. Unraveling all 73,000 of them is a significant undertaking for science, in no small part because a considerable proportion of tree biodiversity is tropical, rare, remote and subject to the ravages of deforestation. And an estimated 9,200 tree species have yet to be discovered.

Even trees well-known to science have mysteries. One is the Seychelles' endangered coco de mer, or sea coconut palm tree, which is now relegated to parts of two small Indian Ocean islands and in decline. Only some 8,200 individuals remain.

What Lodoicea madivica lacks in range it makes up for in size, which frankly made it very hard for scientistsor anyoneto miss. Its seed can weigh up to 18kg. (Some reports say even heavier.)

The seed's size and "suggestive" shape probably made it popular with collectors and royal courts hundreds of years ago (the species is named after Louis XV of France). To this day, seed poaching for black market demand is a menace to the palm's continued existence.

It takes a phenomenal tree to make a phenomenal seed, so it is little wonder the biology of the giant palm tree is fascinating. The coco de mer's latest surprise, published in Scientific Reports, is that inbreeding doesn't appear to be among its greatest threats, unlike many endangered species across the plant and animal kingdoms.

"Very little is 'normal' about the coco de mer, so our findings, though unexpected, perhaps shouldn't be surprising," said Chris Kettle, a co-author from the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT. "The results aren't only important for conserving this iconic tree but may also prove important to the conservation and restoration of endangered trees elsewhere."

Coco de mer (Lodoicea maldivica) seeds in Vallee de Mai, Seychelles. Credit: Chris Kettle/Alliance Bioversity CIAT

Inbreeding euphoria

When tiny populations of a species try to survive, they don't typically have much choice when mating. This can lead to weaker offspring, a symptom of what scientists call inbreeding depression.

Even though rare, female coco de mer trees don't have a problem finding plenty of mates (and genetic diversity) to choose from. Several father trees pollinate them. Researchers found that offspring survival of Lodoicea improves when the parent trees are more closely related.

The researchers identified both parents for 139 trees in the study, finding that the robust young trees were more closely related than would be expected by chance. The findings suggest that female trees prefer closely related kin to sire their offspring.

The evidence points to the likelihood that coco de mer may suffer from outbreeding depression, the less common opposite of inbreeding depression, which has the same deleterious consequences for offspring.

"This study highlights the importance of understanding that the reproductive ecology of species as general dogma may not always apply," said Kettle, who is also a researcher with the CGIAR Initiative on Nature-Positive Solutions.

Male inflorescence of a coco de mer palm (Lodoicea maldivica). Alliance researcher Chris Kettle for scale. Credit: Emma J. Morgan/ETH Zurich

Lodoicea's absence of inbreeding depression may be due to several factors related to the species' evolution in island isolation. The authors detail several in the paper, including "very rare" long-distance pollination events from long-lived trees that may be sufficient to maintain genetic diversity. Short-distance mating between related individuals is the norm.

Mother knows best

The research holds several key lessons to preserve and restore populations of Lodoicea. Continued protection of the Vallee de Mai World Heritage Site on the island of Praslin, which is home to the largest stands of the palm, is critical, as is protection of the endemic gecko, which unpublished research by the Seychelles Island Foundation suggests is the tree's most important pollinator. Similar protections should be extended to smaller sub-populations on the island of Praslin.

Hand pollination efforts should focus on exposing seeds to a broad range of pollen donors, including those near mother trees, while planting efforts should emphasize placing fertilized seeds near the mothers.

While inbreeding is a severe threat to many plant species, the authors argue that Lodoicea's reproductive strategy should not be dismissed as an oddball of island gigantism.

More research is needed, of course. Threatened populations of isolated or remnant tree species around the world could benefit from similar high-resolution genetic analysis of their offspring as it correlates to their fitness to discover the optimal distance between parent trees. For Lodoicea, researchers' next steps could include figuring out how to successfully reintroduce the palm to areas where it was clear-cut centuries ago.

More information: Emma J. Morgan et al, Mate-choice for close kin is associated with improved offspring survival in Lodoicea maldivica, the largest-seeded plant in the world, Scientific Reports (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41419-4

Provided by The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture
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Map of soil distribution. Credit: Dr Matt Tarnowski

Human impacted soils tend to harbor different microbial communities to those areas less affected by human activities, a team of researchers working with Bristol school children have found.

Together, they studied the species of bacteria found in soils at two local schools, Merchants Academy and Brunel Academy, the Avon riverbank, Queens Square, Fenswood Farm and Ashton Court Deer Park.

The team found that human impacted soils still showed a large diversity between sites in terms of the microbes present and the study highlighted that other factors like the geochemical make-up of the soil and environmental factors also play a key role. The work is published in the journal Royal Society Open Science.

Lead author, Dr. Matt Tarnowski explained, "One reason researchers are doing this is that many important biotechnologies like novel antibiotics are found in the soil. Building on this interest our multidisciplinary team from the University of Bristol investigated what the soils of Bristol contained in collaboration with local people to try and understand how discoveries in soils might be used in a fair and equitable way. The project started by working with local school children, who helped with the science."

Dr. Thomas Gorochowski, a Royal Society University Research Fellow and Associate Professor of Biological Engineering at the University of Bristol School of Biological Sciences, and co-author on the study added, "Surprisingly, there is a real lack of studies on soils from urban environments. We not only got the chance to sample some of these, but had a lot of fun doing so too. The children loved supporting us as citizen scientists and people of all ages were fascinated by the live DNA sequencing experiments we performed at festivals and community events across the city to see what the soils contained."

Emily Phelps, co-author and Ph.D. candidate at the University of East Anglia said, "It was great to interact with local school children and teach them about soil, DNA and sequencing. I remember the excitement of the students when we brought out some worms, and discussed their role in soil ecosystems. There was also a real buzz when they were given the opportunity to decide where to sample soil at their schools and provide hands-on help with our research."

Co-author, Dr. Gilda Varliero, microbial ecology researcher now working in the Rhizosphere Processes Group in the Swiss Federal Research Institute, said, "These results suggest that the level of disturbance, urbanization and human density of the studied areas influence the microbial community structure, diversity and role in the ecosystem, potentially impacting soil health."

The public engagement sparked new conversations about the role of language and terminology used when studying soils.

Co-author, Dr. Jim Scown, now Lecturer in Environmental Humanities at the Cornwall campus of the University of Exeter, explained, "How we talk and think about soils and the life they hold is never neutral. The metaphor 'bioprospecting' is used widely in the biosciences as a shorthand for research that looks at extracting valuable information from nature. This positions soils as resources to be exploited and researchers in a position of dominance.

"Many antibiotics originate from microbes living in the soil, but soils have plenty more vocations than to provide us with medicines. After discussions with people across the city, we came up with the alternative metaphor of 'biorespecting' to open broader discussions into our relationships with soils and who stands to benefit from DNA sequences contained within them."

Dr. Tarnowski, now based at the Marine Microbiology Laboratory at Swansea University, concluded, "This started as a curiosity-driven project about soil to help us connect our science to the wider communities across Bristol. Yet conversations emerged about how science and technology could be more responsible. This led us to develop a new approach to guide research in a way that does not treat nature as a resource to be exploited. This work showed me that terms used in research sometimes contain implicit assumptions.

"I encourage all scientists to broaden the perspective on their research by collaborating with diverse disciplines and the public in their studies. We hope that the study will stimulate conversations about who benefits from bioscience research and innovation."

More information: Matthew J. Tarnowski et al, Soil as a transdisciplinary research catalyst: from bioprospecting to biorespecting, Royal Society Open Science (2023). DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230963
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People cool off in a water fountain at Madureira Park amid a heat wave in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Bruna Prado

It's still spring in Brazil, but a dangerous heat wave is sweeping across large swathes of the country, forcing Rio de Janeiro's vendors off the streets due to health alerts and driving up energy demand amid reports of power outages.

Most Brazilian states face "great danger" from the heat, according to the National Institute of Meteorology. The institution issued a red alert for the center-west, southeast and parts of the north warning of "a high probability of major damage and accidents, with risks to physical integrity or even human life."

The heat indexa combination of temperature and humidityhit 58.5 degrees Celsius (137 Fahrenheit) Tuesday morning in Rio, the highest index ever recorded there. Actual temperatures dropped slightly on Wednesday, but were forecast to rise again to 40 degrees Celsius (104 F) on Thursday.

Cariocasas residents of Rio are knownhave always seen sun, heat and the beach as part of their identity, said Nubia Beray, coordinator of Rio de Janeiro Federal University's GeoClima laboratory. But this is too much even for many of them, she said.

"Cariocas come home from work in buses without air conditioning. Street vendors cannot work because they sometimes faint. The heat kills," Beray said.

Extreme heat can affect breathing, kidneys, and the heart, with the very young and elderly particularly at risk.

A youth cools off in a water fountain at Madureira Park amid a heat wave in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Bruna Prado

"Maximum 39C and it's not even summer yet," Rio's city hall said Tuesday on X, formerly Twitter. The mayor's office recommended eating fruit and vegetables and keeping an umbrella handy for shade.

In Sao Paulo, temperatures reached 37.7 degrees Celsius (99.9 F), just short of a record, according to meteorology company MetSul. Mato Grosso do Sul state, in the nation's interior, recorded 43 degrees Celsius (109.4 F) last weekthe record for actual temperature during this heat wave, according to the country's institute of meteorology, known by the Portuguese acronym Inmet.

Brazilians turned to fans, air conditioners and dehumidifiers to cool down, with utilities reporting record energy demand. Power outages were reported in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Amid the high heat, wildfires are burning widely in the Pantanal biome, the world's biggest tropical wetlands spanning parts of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul states. The fires have ravaged an area about the size of Cyprus, or more than 947,000 hectares (about 3,600 square miles), according to the Environmental Satellite Applications Laboratory of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.

A man cools off in a water fountain at Madureira Park amid a heat wave in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Bruna Prado

Temperatures across South America are affected by the climate phenomenon El Nino, a periodic naturally occurring event that warms surface waters in the Equatorial Pacific region. But this year, ocean temperature rose extremely quicklyin a couple of months, said Danielle Ferreira, a climatologist at Inmet.

"This indicates that the impacts are accelerating," Ferreira said.

In Brazil, El Nino has historically caused droughts in the north and intense rainfall in the south, Ferreira said. This year, the impacts of the climate event have been particularly dramatic.

In the Amazon rainforest, the drought has been so severe communities dependent on the dried-up waterways are stranded without supply of fuel, food or filtered water. And in Brazil's southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, devastating floods killed dozens.

A woman cools off in a water fountain at Madureira Park amid a heat wave in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Bruna Prado

People cool off in a water fountain at Madureira Park amid a heat wave in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Bruna Prado

Scientists say extreme weather is happening more frequently due to human-caused climate change.

Heat waves have become seven times more frequent in the past seven decades, according to a study published this week by the National Institute for Space Research, a federal agency. The current one is the eighth to hit Brazil this year.

For the first time ever, the country now has a region that has the characteristics of a desertin the northeastern Bahia state, a study from the federal agency showed this month.

As global temperatures rise, water evaporates more rapidly. Desertification, as this phenomenon is known, is also advancing in other regions, said one of the authors of the study, hydrologist Javier Tomasella.

"We have never seen anything like it," Tomasella said.

 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Senior defense officials from South Korea, the United States, and other nations gathered in Seoul on Tuesday, issuing a stern warning to North Korea regarding its nuclear ambitions.

In a pivotal meeting involving US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik, along with officials from 16 other countries, a collective response was vowed against any aggressive moves by North Korea, as per The Independent.

US-South Korea Boost Defense Against North Korean Threat

Under the auspices of the US-led United Nations Command, this assembly signifies the enduring alliance formed during the 1950-53 Korean War.

In their annual defense talks, Austin and Shin updated a bilateral security agreement to counter North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile threats more effectively.

The joint statement from the meeting strongly condemned North Korea's unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs-these actions, in violation of multiple UN.

In response to Security Council resolutions, Pyongyang is being urged to renew its commitment to diplomatic solutions for the ongoing nuclear standoff.

Discussion topics extended to improving three-way defense exercises with Japan and enhancing information-sharing on North Korean missile launches. Austin emphasized the talks' focus on boosting nuclear deterrence and addressing broader geopolitical challenges, including Russia's war on Ukraine and China's regional assertiveness.

Amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, Austin and Shin signed a revised Tailored Deterrence Strategy agreement. This updated document, the first revision in a decade, addresses the growing threat from North Korea's nuclear program. It includes the United States' commitment to deploy its full range of military capabilities, including nuclear, to defend South Korea.

Recent US military deployments to South Korea, such as a nuclear ballistic missile submarine and a nuclear-capable B-52 bomber, underscored the US's defense commitment. Austin announced the impending arrival of a US aircraft carrier battle group in the region, further reinforcing this stance, according to ABC News.

Read Also: Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on the Bilateral Meeting Between President Joe Biden and President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of Mexico

South Korea, US Conduct Massive Live-Fire Exercises

South Korea and the United States have intensified their combined military exercises, conducting their most considerable live-fire training this year. These exercises are part of a broader strategy to deter and respond to North Korean threats.

Additionally, joint military exercises and defense planning have strengthened trilateral security cooperation with Japan.

The meeting also addressed the broader implications of North Korea's actions, including its alleged military cooperation with Russia and possible support for Hamas militants. These developments have raised concerns about North Korea's role in global conflicts and its intentions regarding weapons development and exports.

President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea underscored the importance of being prepared for any provocations emanating from North Korea, drawing a parallel to the surprise attack on Israel modeled after Hamas.

The tensions between Israel and Hamas and North Korea's indirect involvement in Russia's invasion of Ukraine were also topics of conversation.

As part of their ongoing collaboration, the United States, Japan, and South Korea have agreed to initiate a real-time information-sharing agreement regarding North Korean missile launches.

This decision, along with planned enhancements to trilateral military exercises, signals a robust response to the growing threats from North Korea, Reuters reported.

Related Article: China's Foreign Business Partners Pull Out Money at Alarming Rate, But Why?

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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Discovery of near-infrared light that absorbs and emits antiaromatic molecules potentially applicable to next-generation medical devices. Credit: Issey Takahashi

A research group led by Associate Professor Masahito Murai of the Graduate School of Science and Professor Shigehiro Yamaguchi of the Functional Organic Materials Laboratory has successfully developed antiaromatic molecules that exhibit absorption and fluorescence bands in the near-infrared (NIR) region, a region that is important for medical devices.

Their findings, published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition, suggest applications for the advancement of the fields of health care, optoelectronics, and materials science.

Absorption and fluorescence are fundamental research subjects in spectroscopy, a field that explores the interaction between light and matter. These photophysical properties are crucial for understanding how molecules and materials behave when exposed to light.

An absorption band represents the specific range of wavelengths where a material absorbs light, causing electrons within the molecules or atoms to transition to higher energy states. Fluorescence bands, on the other hand, relate to the emission of light by a substance that has previously absorbed light, with the emitted light having a longer wavelength than the absorbed light.

The significance of this research lies in the development of organic molecules that emit light in the NIR region, specifically wavelengths between 800 and 1100 nm. This region, known as the "optical window of living tissue," offers unique advantages in medical applications, including deep biological imaging, photodynamic therapy, and photothermal therapy. NIR light can penetrate tissues more deeply with reduced scattering and minimal photodamage, making it an invaluable tool in health care and life science research.

"Organic molecules exhibiting absorption and emission properties in the near-infrared region are in strong demand for optoelectronic materials in health care applications and fluorescence imaging, such as fluorescent probes for deep biological imaging, photodynamic therapy, and photothermal therapy," Murai explained.

"However, conventional dyes often suffer from reduced solubility and increased lipophilicity due to the strong interactions between largely extended -electron systems. These problems make it difficult to mold and process the molecules for use as electronic materials and to apply them to biological imaging."

The key to the team's success lays in the fusion of thiophene, a less aromatic heterocyclic ring, with azepine. This fused ring structure effectively balanced antiaromatic and polymethine characters to make electronic transitions of antiaromatic compounds more likely to occur, and as a result, enabling the acquisition of absorption and fluorescence wavelengths in the NIR region. This breakthrough holds the potential to lead to the creation of diverse NIR luminescent materials.

The team designed and synthesized a series of azepine derivatives with electron-accepting groups and used single-crystal X-ray structure analysis to reveal significant structural differences between them.

While the curved dibenzoazepine exhibited absorption and fluorescence at shorter wavelengths, the highly planar dithienoazepine analog exhibited absorption and fluorescence at wavelengths longer than 700 nm. The molecular framework's utility was further demonstrated by synthesizing a dithienoazepine with cationic indolium groups, which displayed a strong absorption band at 846 nm and a narrow fluorescence band at 878 nm.

Overall, their research introduces a promising avenue for the development of materials with strong absorption and fluorescence properties in the NIR range. Dithienoazepine was a useful core that could achieve long-wavelength absorption and emission despite its small tricyclic skeleton.

The application potential spans a wide array of fields, including fluorescence imaging, sensing, and materials science, with a particular focus on deep-tissue imaging and non-invasive diagnostics, highlighting Nagoya University's commitment to pushing the boundaries of science and innovation to improve health care using cutting-edge technology.

More information: Masahito Murai et al, DithienoazepineBased NearInfrared Dyes: JanusFaced Effects of a ThiopheneFused Structure on Antiaromatic Azepines, Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2023). DOI: 10.1002/anie.202311445 Journal information: Angewandte Chemie International Edition
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Mongoose pups. Credit: Josh Arbon

Animal offspring may survive better when their groups are in greater conflict with rival factions, research from the University of Bristol has shown for the first time.

Battles between competing groups can lead to serious injury or death, and intergroup conflict has always been thought to have a negative effect on reproductive success.

But findings published today in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B turn that long-held belief on its head.

Using a decade of life-history data from a wild population of dwarf mongooses, University of Bristol researchers found that pup survival rate actually increased when the cumulative threat of conflict with rival groups was greater.

Lead author Dr. Amy Morris-Drake, from Bristol's School of Biological Sciences, said, "Groups engaged in more intergroup interactions did not produce more young. Rather, a greater threat from outsiders was associated with a higher survival likelihood of pups once they emerged from the breeding burrow."

The team conducted detailed behavioral observations of the study groups in South Africa to investigate what might drive the improved pup survival. They found that when rivals or indicators of their recent presence are encountered, adults increase their sentinel (raised guarding) behavior.

Mongoose pups. Credit: Josh Arbon

Senior author Professor Andy Radford, also from Bristol, explained, "Increased sentinel behavior is likely an attempt to gather more information about the other group. But sentinels also detect predatory threats and warn groupmates of danger, so vulnerable pups are potentially safer as a consequence."

The general expectation is that intergroup conflict will have negative consequences for reproductive success. In a rare previous study, for example, chimpanzee fetal survival was lower and inter-birth intervals were longer when there was a greater threat level from other groups.

Prof Radford said, "We are not suggesting that conflict has a direct positive effect on breeding success. Instead, there could be byproduct benefits of behavioral changessuch as increased vigilancethat result from an increased threat level."

Dr. Morris-Drake concluded, "Our work suggests that if we are to understand the importance of warfare on societies, we must consider threats as well as actual fights. Moreover, we need to investigate not just actions on the battleground but the wider consequences too."

Dwarf mongooses are Africa's smallest carnivore, living in cooperatively breeding, territorial groups of 530 individuals. The work was conducted as part of the Dwarf Mongoose Research Project, which has studied habituated wild groups continuously since 2011. The study animals are individually marked with blonde hair dye, are trained to climb onto a balance scale to weigh themselves, and can be watched from a few feet away as they go about their natural behavior in ecologically valid conditions.
By Politico Staff Writer

The Government of Sierra Leone has signed a $50 Million Soft Loan Agreement with Saudi Fund for Development for the construction of an ultra -modern referral hospital in Lungi.

The agreement was signed by the Deputy Minister of Finance 1, Jeneba Kpaka Bangura in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the 9th November, 2023.

The soft loan agreement aims to build and equip a 150-bed hospital close to the Airport in Lungi, in the Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom, Port Loko District. The hospital project is part of the Governments plans to provide high-quality health and medical care services for the people of Sierra Leone.

The hospital which is expected to be completed in 2025 will have units such as general surgery, with the necessary operating rooms, emergency wards, pediatrics, in-patient wards, obstetrics and gynecology, nursery and technical and administrative support units, among others.

The Government has this year identified the parcel of land in Lungi for the construction of the hospital to be named the Riyadh Referral Hospital. Its completion will be critical to the overall government priority to increase access to good health services, which is part of President Julius Maada Bios Human Capital Development programme.

It could be recalled that on the 18th May, 2023, the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Finance, agreed with the Saudi Development Fund to finance the construction of the health facility.

The Deputy Minister of Finance II, Boackarie Kalokoh and Abdulrahman Alharbi of the Saudi Development Fund initiated the loan agreement between the government of Sierra Leone and the Saudi Fund for Development, respectively

Copyright  2023 Politico (10/11/23)
By Chernor Alimamy Kamara

In order to strengthen democratic dialogue and accountability, consolidate peace and ensure development through professional, independent and sustainable media, based on the right to freedom of expression and of the press, the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) has reviewed and presented media freedom issues affecting practitioners in the country.

MRCG released the October Report of its Review on the 8th November, 2023.

According to the Group, it monitored an attack on the offices and staff of Hope FM 93.3 in Makeni, Northern Sierra Leone, by a group of thugs allegedly sent by the landlord of the premises on the 23rd October, 2023. It noted that the proprietor of the radio, Stanley Bangura told MRCG that he had reported the matter to the police.

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) in its press release dated 23rd October 2023, vehemently condemned the attack and called on the authorities to do a thorough investigation and bring the culprits to book. According to the release, the attackers forcefully entered the radio station, vandalized equipment and physically manhandled the members of staff and assaulted the proprietor.

The MRCG statement further said that the North-East Regional Commander, Assistant Inspector- General (AIG) of Police Aiah Edward Samadia, also told them that the police had conducted their investigations and had sent the findings to the State Counsel, for advice on charging the matter to court.

It also reviewed the judgment delivered by the High Court of Sierra Leone regarding a civil defamation matter between the Inspector- General of Police (IGP) William F. Sellu and the Society for Radio Democracy FM 98.1 and its Producer, Alex Lawrence Koroma in July this year. It stated that the defamatory broadcast was aired on 23rd May, 2023, which is now expected to commence in November 2023 for assessment of damages.

On the matter of the Organizing Secretary of the opposition, All Peoples Congress (APC) party in Bonthe District, Robert Kamara, arraigned before Principal Magistrate Lyod Jusu of Court Number One in Bo, for allegedly insulting President Julius Maada Bio on the 4th October, 2023, it stated he was charged with 3 counts ranging from Cyber Bulling to Sending False Message by Means of Computer System and Sending Insulting Message by Means of Computer System.

It drew reference to a Section of the Cyber Security and Crime Act 2021 the basis under which he was charged and reported how the accused was denied bail during his first and second appearances on 4th and 9th October, 2023 and the matter adjourned to 7th November 2023.

It also analyzed on the matter of journalist Musa S. Kamara, working for Radio Democracy 98.1 FM, who reportedly received online death threats from anonymous individuals on 20th August 2023, following the exclusive interview with the United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone, David Reimer. It said that the Police told them that they are still investigating the matter.

It was also stated that MRCG also reviewed the matter of BBC Correspondent in Sierra Leone, Umaru Fofana, who was attacked by supporters of the main opposition main opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) during the partys Press Conference at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown on 14th June 2023.

Fofana had told the MRCG that he drew the attention of the leadership of the APC to the incident and who in turn promised to put out a press release condemning the act. MRCG said the party leadership is yet to do so. The group referenced the partys National Publicity Secretary, Sidi Yayah Tunis,as saying the matter was still under investigation.

The MRCG promised that details of the cases and issues will be published in their Bi-Annual Press Freedom Report for June to November 2023.

The monthly Media Freedom Review is a publication by MRCG on the monitoring and reporting on freedom of expression and of the press, internet freedom, digital and online rights, and the safety and security of journalists in Sierra Leone.

Copyright  2023 Politico (10/11/23)
By Sorie Ibrahim Fofanah

Two notorious drug dealers Abu Yillah and Bawoh Kamara have been arrested in Freetown with over one thousand wraps suspected to contain the drug Kush, according to the Police Regional Operations Officer, Freetown East, Chief Superintendent Brima Bangura as he addressed a press briefing at the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) a headquarters on 8th November this year.

The suspects, together with the exhibits, have been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at East End PoliceBangura stated.

The Officer said on 6th of November, 2023, the Harbour Police Division also conducted raids in three communities in which one of the arrested persons was found with fourteen wraps of substance suspected to be cannabis sativa, together with three hundred and seventy-five wraps of what was thought to be kush. In another raid, Abdul Kamara was arrested with fifty-five wraps believed to be kush. The suspects and the exhibits have been handed over to the Ross Road CID , the officer said.

The Waterloo Division (Police) conducted a raid at Kono Park on 7th November, 2023, they demolished ghettos and arrested a handful of people who are of police interest, he said.

He asserted that the force is fighting against drugs, such as kush, tramadol and cannabis sativa.

Copyright  2023 Politico (10/11/23)
Updated Nov. 29, 2023: Lemery was sentenced to 10 years determinate in state prison and five years post-release supervision on his plea to felony second-degree arson, a press release from Washington County says.

The original story, Nov. 15, 2023: A Hudson Falls man will be sentenced by Washington County Court to 15 years in state prison on Friday, Nov. 17 after pleading guilty to arson of eight apartment units of 11 Maple Street in Hudson Falls.

Peter J. Lemery, 47, of Hudson Falls, was previously arrested and arraigned on arson and reckless endangerment charges after a fire on Oct. 3, 2022 that displaced seven families living inside.

On Monday, Sept. 7 Lemery took an Alford plea of second-degree arson. An Alford plea is a type of guilty plea in which the defendant does not admit to committing the crime but agrees that the prosecution has enough evidence to obtain a conviction.

According to court documents, Washington County District Attorney Tony Jordan presented documentation of Lemerys landlord starting the eviction process after Lemery didnt comply with a letter to vacate the apartment. When Washington County Sheriffs Officers presented the letter of eviction to Lemery, police body camera footage captured Lemery saying: When I leave here everyone will know I left.

In a statement to police by Lemery, he said the fire started in the dining room of his apartment when the spark of a match landed on a pillow which ignited the blaze. Lemery also was seen starting a fire in the parking lot of the apartment complex on Monday, Sept. 25.

Prosecutors said all facts show support that the Lemery was angry at the landlord and practiced starting a fire.

As reported by The Post-Star in December 2022, several members of Lemerys family, including his sister Angela Moses and uncle Phil Barody, claimed Lemery suffered from severe mental health issues and had stopped taking his medication prior to the fire, which destroyed the building, a former hotel built in the 1880s.

Lemery will be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 17 in Washington County Court.
Poland is currently experiencing a critical and complex political transition. This situation escalated on Monday when President Andrzej Duda, contrary to the expectations of many, designated the outgoing Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, a member of the right-wing Law and Justice party, to lead a new caretaker government.

This decision has stirred controversy and frustration among a pro-European Union alliance that secured a strong majority in the new parliament but now faces a delay in assuming leadership, as per AP News.

Duda's Move Sparks Tension in EU-Aligned Poland

Morawiecki's conservative government, which has been in power for the past eight years, was expected to step down after losing the parliamentary majority in the recent elections. However, in a swift turn of events, President Duda reappointed Morawiecki as the prime minister candidate within hours of his resignation.

This move has drawn sharp criticism from political opponents who accuse Duda and Morawiecki of disregarding the public's will and clinging to power to secure strategic appointments within the state.

The Polish parliament convened for the first time since these pivotal elections, with President Duda addressing the 460 deputies. In his speech, he emphasized his commitment to preserving the achievements of the last eight years under the Law and Justice party's rule.

However, this address was criticized for its apparent partisan bias, a deviation from the expected neutrality in such parliamentary sessions.

The current political landscape in Poland is marked by a significant shift towards pro-EU sentiments, as evidenced by the recent electoral victories of a coalition of centrist and left-wing parties led by former Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

This coalition, which now holds the majority in the parliament, has openly opposed Morawiecki's reappointment and will likely propose Tusk for the prime ministerial position in the coming weeks.

Once in power, the coalition's primary focus will be to mend strained relations with the EU, particularly concerning judicial reforms implemented by the Law and Justice governments, which have been criticized for undermining judicial independence, according to RTe News.

Read Also: Spanish Police Say Alejo Vidal-Quadras Shooting Possibly Linked to Iran

Signaling Shift in Poland Amid EU Tensions

This tension with the EU has led to the freezing of significant post-pandemic recovery funds and other financial aids crucial for Poland's economy.

In a notable demonstration of its parliamentary majority, the coalition successfully elected Szymon Holownia, leader of the Poland 2050 party, as the Marshal of the lower house, signaling a potential shift in the country's political direction.

Holownia, a first-time MP and known figure from his time hosting Poland's Got Talent received significant support from the far-right Confederation party, indicating a broad consensus against the Law and Justice party.

Another pressing issue for the incoming coalition is the liberalization of Poland's strict abortion laws, a topic that has sparked considerable debate within the team itself.

While parties like Tusk's Civic Coalition and the Left Alliance advocate for more liberal laws, conservative factions within the coalition, particularly the PSL, a farmer's party, are expected to resist such changes.

The political landscape in Poland is thus poised for significant changes. With its diverse range of parties, the pro-EU coalition promises a departure from the Law and Justice rule and a commitment to restoring democratic standards, strengthening foreign alliances, and addressing critical social issues.

The next few weeks will be crucial in determining Poland's future domestically and in its relationship with the European Union, PBS NewsHour reported.

Related Article: UK Politician Michael Gove Swarmed by Pro-Palestinian Protestors in London Train Station: 'Shame on You'

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The now 18-year-old who allegedly shot Rycky Martin Stark Jr., 14, of Fort Ann in mid-August was ordered by Washington County Judge Adam Michelini not to contact the victims, witnesses, and immediate family of the Stark family after the sister of the late Stark received a Snapchat friend request from the defendant.

The defendant turned 18 after his last hearing on Nov. 6, but had committed the crime when he was 17. He is being tried as an adult, and Michelini warned the man his release status can change at the blink of an eye.

Youre skating on thin ice, and you need to work with the court, Michelini said of the attempted social media contact.

Last August, law enforcement said that three boys and one girl were playing with guns at about 5:15 p.m. at an apartment at 3 Charles St. in the Village of Fort Ann. The boy pointed a shotgun in the direction of Stark, not knowing it was loaded, The Post-Star reported in an earlier story. The gun fired and hit Stark in the abdomen.

After the incident in August, the man was charged with felony second-degree manslaughter and misdemeanor second-degree reckless endangerment, arraigned in Washington County Youth Arraignment Court, and was released to his guardians under the supervision of probation.

Lifesaving aid was provided to Stark while being transported by Fort Ann EMS to Glens Falls Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Washington County District Attorney Tony Jordan said the contact made to the family member, who lives within 100 yards of the Stark family, creates a risky situation for the individual who has shown impulse control issues.

Theres a great concern for the witnesses and family members of Rycky Jr. and the defendant himself, Jordan said. We are asking his release status be revisited given these steps.

Jordan said that prosecutors can show that the friend request came from the 18-year-olds Snapchat account, and Starks sister took a screenshot that shows an avatar image that looks like the defendant.

The question remained how the defendant might have gained access to his account.

Defense attorney Dustin Bruhns and Matt McKeighan said that the Stark family member reached out to the defendant first. Michelini said regardless of who reached out, he shouldnt have contact with those involved in the case.

Bruhns said that the man only has access to a Chromebook for school that has limited access to the internet and has social media websites blocked. His smart phone was seized the night of the shooting. His mother receives notifications when a new device is added to the wireless network.

The defendant is only allowed a flip phone, but it was unclear if he had one. The aim was to keep him off social media.

He (the defendant) has attested that he doesnt know this person, had no communication with in the past with this person, and has no reason to reach out at this time, Bruhns said.

DA Jordan disagreed. He admitted that the defendant was never told directly to avoid contact with the Stark family and friends, but that shouldnt have been a surprise to anyone who has the ability to control themselves, Jordan said. All of this added up together, this is heading in a dangerous direction.

The 18-year-old will appear in Washington County Court again at 8 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 11.
VINELAND  A 16-year-old girl wanted for allegedly kidnapping a 1-year-old boy earlier this week has been located.

Akera Johns was wanted in the disappearance of Hakeem Hintzen on Saturday.

State Police said Wednesday that Johns had been found.

Questions about her arrest were directed to city police and the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office. A city spokesperson said Johns was found Tuesday evening in Vineland but did not comment further.

Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae declined to comment on the charges because of Johns' juvenile status.

Prior to their disappearance, police said Johns and Hintzen had last been seen about 3 p.m. Saturday at the Cumberland Family Shelter on Mays Landing Road.

Hintzen was found and reunited with his mother Monday night.

Vineland girl accused of kidnapping 1-year-old, spotted in Philly A teen girl Vineland police had been seeking alongside a 1-year-old boy has now been charged with the boy's kidnapping, the U.S. Marshals Service said Monday.

Johns allegedly took Hintzen from his mother with her permission, later telling the woman she was refusing to return the child.

Johns contacted a third party to hand over the boy. The third party contacted the toddler's family, who then called authorities, said Robert Clark, a supervisory deputy U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Johns was spotted with Hintzen at 32nd Street and Susquehanna Avenue in Philadelphia, and later Center City.

Arrangements were made for Hintzen to be reunited with his family at the Philadelphia Police Department headquarters.

Authorities believed Johns was still in Philadelphia after Hintzen was found.

The Philadelphia Inquirer contributed to this report.
GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP  Stockton University's William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy held its biennial Hughes Center Honors last week at the Campus Center. The event recognized six people for their contributions to public service, bipartisanship and civility.

The Hughes Centers mission to encourage civil civic engagement is a natural extension of Stocktons mission of developing students to be engaged and effective citizens and active participants in democracy, Stockton President Joe Bertolino said in a statement. Today, probably more than any other time, that engagement, that civil responsibility is important. The opportunity to sit and engage in dialogue and debate in a constructive and civil manner is important.

Bill Hughes Jr., son of the Hughes Center's namesake, former U.S. Rep. and Ambassador William J. Hughes, thanked the six honorees.

Thank you for what you have done, for what you will do, for the examples you have set, for living the ideals my father sought to achieve and thought to demonstrate every single day, Hughes said.

John F. Scarpa, of Avalon and Palm Beach, Florida, received the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award for his entrepreneurial success and philanthropy, including an $8 million donation to Stockton in 2019.

U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas received the Excellence in Civic Engagement Award for her commitment to justice, legislative efforts and her resilience following the death of her son in 2020, which inspired the legislation known as Daniel's Law. The law prohibits disclosure of the residential addresses of certain persons covered by the law on websites controlled by state, county and local government agencies.

The Civility in Government & Politics Award was presented to Assemblyman Thomas P. Giblin, a Democrat, and Kevin OToole, a Republican and chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, for their bipartisan leadership.

William T. Mullen, president of the New Jersey State Building & Construction Trades Council, received the Excellence in Community Leadership Award.

Emily Kramer, a 2023 Stockton graduate, received the Distinctive Student Leadership Award for her activism and research contributions.
ATLANTIC CITY  New Jersey will spend more than $5.5 million to address food insecurity in the resort, Gov. Phil Murphy said Tuesday.

The funding announced today will support several innovative programs that will alleviate the pressure on countless Atlantic City residents, who travel miles out of their community to buy the groceries they need for their families, Murphy said in a statement.

The announcement follows several attempts to bring a full-service grocery store to the resort. The city has several food markets, but it has not had a full-scale supermarket in 16 years.

The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority had an agreement in 2021 to build an $18.7 million grocery store on Baltic Avenue, leasing it for $1 a year to Village Super Market to operate a ShopRite at that location.

After a high-profile groundbreaking, which Murphy attended, talks on the project stalled, leading to the authority nixing the project and seeking a new proposal.

The CRDA put the project out to bid a second time earlier this year, ultimately rejecting all of the proposals submitted.

The city is the states second-highest-ranking food desert, or area with insufficient access to affordable, nutritious food. A report from the NJEA said this affects about 41,000 people, the Governors Office said.

The residents of the Great City of Atlantic City deserve easy access to quality and nutritious foods right here in their hometown, Mayor Marty Small Sr. said in a statement. As my administration continues our quest to combat food insecurity issues, we are extremely grateful Governor Murphy, the first lady and the NJEDA recognize this glaring need exists in our city and are committed to ensuring our families do not struggle to put fresh food on the table.

Rejecting Atlantic City grocery bids looks like a negotiating tactic Bidders know the state badly wants an A.C. supermarket and most of its terms. We expect a compromise on subsidies within months.

The authority will use the money to sponsor initiatives by AtlantiCare and Virtua Health, two South Jersey-based health care organizations that, in recent years, have launched efforts to address food insecurity locally.

AtlantiCare on Wednesday launched a mobile food market in the city that will provide meal kits to local familes.

In 2017, AtlantiCare opened its Pantry at the Plex at the William L. Gormley HealthPlex in the city. A member of the AtlantiCare team, which can include a physician, nurse or social worker, evaluates patients for food insecurity and to see whether they need assistance through the pantry.

This funding will not only enable us to expand our food security initiatives and education programs, but more importantly, it will help us to address the root causes of health disparities that are so prevalent in Atlantic City, AtlantiCare President and CEO Michael Charlton said in a statement. The health of our community extends beyond our medical facility.

The authority also is sponsoring Virtuas efforts to bring its Eat Well mobile grocery store to the city. The store is a renovated 40-foot NJ Transit bus and would visit the city for residents to buy fresh fruits, vegetables and meat products.

Included in the funding also is $250,000 for the state Department of Health to help bring its Healthy Corner Store Initiative and a new grant program that will offer funding up to $500,000 for projects to address food scarcity in town.

In recent years, more food options have become available to residents, including the CROPS store at Tanger Outlets The Walk, which sells locally grown produce.
VINELAND  The Deborah F. Sager Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Inspira Medical Center Vineland has received a $35,000 donation from the Wawa Foundation.

The contribution brings the Wawa Foundations total support for the unit to $190,000, according to a news release.

We are so grateful to the Wawa Foundation for its continued support of our Deborah F. Sager NICU, said Amy Mansue, president and CEO of Inspira Health. The tireless efforts of Penny Sager Rossi, chair of the DFSMF, and the philanthropy of the Wawa Foundation help ensure we can offer the very best care to our premature and critically ill babies and support their families.

The NICU offers specialized care to infants born at various gestational ages. In the decade since it opened, neonatologists from Nemours Childrens Health, alongside Inspira nurses, have delivered medical care to more than 2,500 fragile infants, the release states. The Sager fund also supports the care of pediatric patients at Inspira.

The skilled medical team, nurses, therapists and support staff in the Deborah F. Sager NICU provide exceptional state-of-the-art medical care to our smallest patients, said Dr. Ashish Gupta, chief of neonatology for the NICU and medical director at Nemours Childrens Health, Delaware Valley Partnerships. Generous support like this enables us to acquire the latest technology and equipment for our newborns.

Liz Simeone, president of the Wawa Foundation, said, We are proud to continue our support of the Deborah F. Sager NICU at Inspira Medical Center in Vineland and their work to serve families and give tiny babies a chance to live full and healthy lives.
TRENTON  New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy on Wednesday launched a bid for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in next years contest.

Her candidacy, announced Wednesday, puts her in the running to become the first woman elected to the Senate from New Jersey. The Democratic primary already features Rep. Andy Kim and could include Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, who has lost significant party support amid federal bribery charges but has not ruled out a run in 2024.

We need a senator who will work every single day to lower the cost of living, protect abortion rights, end the gun violence epidemic, and defend our democracy, she said in a roughly four-minute-long video posted online.

Murphy, 58, is a constant at events alongside her husband, Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, and has taken on maternal and infant health and the environment as her top issues during her time as first lady  issues she highlighted in her announcement.

A Virginia native, and University of Virginia graduate, Tammy Murphy worked in finance at Goldman Sachs alongside Phil Murphy before the couple settled in New Jersey. They have four children.

Democrats picked up at least five seats in the Assembly in this years midterm legislative elections, a boon for the governor who is in the final two years of his second term.

Those successes could translate into critical county support for the first lady, who campaigned alongside the governor to increase their partys legislative majorities. A number of key county party chairmen set candidate ballot positions, and support from the county party frequently leads to electoral success.

Debbie Walsh, the director of the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University said the system, which can often surprises political newcomers, could work to elect a woman to the Senate in this case.

Stockton signs student exchange agreements with South Korean university Stockton University has entered into a study-abroad agreement with South Korea's Sookmyung Womens University.

This is one individual woman who has the advantage here of being able to use the system that has been the challenge or the barrier to womens participation. In some ways maybe thats the way we get the first woman in the Senate, maybe thats the breakthrough, Walsh said.

Patricia Campos-Medina, a political activist and labor leader, said she is also considering a run on the Democratic side and that shes heard from people that theyre concerned about the possibility of losing a Latino voice in the U. S. Senate if Menendez doesnt return. She also said she thinks its a moment of worker activism and, like Tammy Murphy, an opportunity to stand up for womens reproductive rights.

On the GOP side, Mendham Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner is also seeking the Senate seat next year. New Jerseys primary is June 4.

Murphy is well known in New Jerseys political circles. Before the governors first run for office in 2017, she worked to set up a think tank he used to showcase policy ideas. She is the honorary chair of the New Jersey Council on the Green Economy and launched Nurture NJ, an initiative aimed at boosting infant and maternal health and lowering maternal mortality, with a goal of cutting maternal mortality by 50% by 2026.

A former Republican, Tammy Murphy has spoken about growing up in a GOP-leaning area of Virginia and has previously donated to that party. She became a Democrat before her husbands run for office.

Tammy Murphy was named in a gender discrimination lawsuit this year brought by state troopers who worked on the detail responsible for providing security for the governor. The suit alleges that Tammy Murphy denied a trooper the use of a carriage house on Murphys property to pump breast milk.

In a statement this week, she denied the allegations as outrageous and categorically false.

Menendez has pleaded not guilty to federal charges. Prosecutors have said the senator and his wife, Nadine Menendez, accepted bribes of cash, gold bars and a luxury car over the past five years from three New Jersey businessmen in exchange for a variety of corrupt acts. Hes also accused of being an unregistered agent on behalf of Egypt.

State first ladies given insights on childbirth mortality from AtlantiCare First ladies from New Jersey, Utah, Alaska and Rhode Island in Atlantic City for the National Governors Assocation Conference visited AtlantiCare's Medical Arts Pavilion on Wednesday, learning about how the company is using the facility and its programs to address fatalities in childbearing.

He hasnt said whether hell seek reelection in 2024 but said after being indicted that hes not going anywhere.

Menendez criticized Tammy Murphy in a statement Wednesday for being a card-carrying Republicans for years and said shed have to answer for the policies of her husbands administration, echoing similar attacks the GOP tried against the governor in his 2021 reelection bid.

Ill gladly put my record of success on behalf of the people of New Jersey against anyone, he said.

He was first appointed to the Senate seat in 2006 after the vacancy caused by Jon Corzines election as governor of New Jersey. Menendez has since won three elections to the Senate.

Menendezs indictment led to a collapse of Democratic support in the state for him.

Kim, a three-term representative from the states 3rd District, announced his candidacy just a day after the corruption charges against Menendez, saying he believed New Jersey deserved better. He was the first Asian American elected from New Jersey, according to the U.S. House historians database.

He said in a statement Wednesday that voters want someone battle tested and proven so we dont let Washington Republicans take back the Senate.
In the Region

Two Afghan Governments Represented in Tajikistan

An unusual drama has unfolded in Tajikistan.

Despite the Talibans return to power in Afghanistan two years ago, the Afghan embassy in the Tajik capital Dushanbe is still staffed by officials from the government of ousted Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. However, the consulate in Khorugh, the regional capital of Tajikistans eastern Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO), is occupied by Taliban representatives.

Ghanis Ambassador to Tajikistan Mohammad Zahir Aghbar met with journalists in Dushanbe on November 7.

Aghbar ripped up a letter from Taliban acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi announcing his governments appointment of a first secretary to the embassy in Tajikistan.

Aghbar said, Until there is a legal structure, this group (Taliban) has no legitimacy for us.

Asked about the Afghan consulate in Khorugh, Aghbar said it was closed for lack of finances.

In a video the Taliban posted on X (formerly Twitter) on November 9, Naqibullah Dehqanzada identified himself as the head of the Afghan consulate in GBAO.

Dehqanzada said he works for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the Talibans term for their government.

He added he is providing consular services, though it was not clear if there are any Afghan citizens in GBAO.

RFE/RLs Tajik Service reported Dehqanzada previously worked in Tajikistan as an Afghan diplomat under the Ghani government.

The Tajik government has not commented on the occupants of the Afghan embassy or the consulate.

Why Its Important: Tajikistans government is the only Central Asian government that has not established diplomatic relations with the Taliban government since the latter returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021.

Tensions were so high after Ghanis government was ousted that both Tajikistan and the Taliban sent reinforcements to the Tajik-Afghan border.

The confrontation has eased a bit in 2023.

A Taliban delegation visited the consulate in Khorugh in March 2023 to inspect damage to the building from an avalanche.

Tajik authorities never confirmed the visit, but state news outlet Avesta reported on the Taliban delegation in Khorugh.

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan already have accredited Taliban diplomats.

Allowing the Taliban to occupy a consulate in a remote area far from the Tajik capital could be a small step toward improving Tajikistans relations with the Taliban.

Iran Involved in Deal to Sell Turkmen Gas to Iraq

Turkmenistans Foreign Ministry reported an agreement was reached on November 8 to supply Iraq with 9 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas annually in a deal that also benefits Iran.

The Turkmen Foreign Ministry said state-owned company Turkmengaz signed the five-year agreement with an Iraqi delegation led by Electricity Minister Ziyad Ali Fadel.

The Turkmen Ministrys report said, since there is no pipeline connecting Turkmenistan to Iraq, the agreement involves a gas swap with Iran.

Turkmenistan will ship gas to Iran via existing pipelines that connect the two countries.

Iran will then send a like amount of its gas to Iraq.

Turkmenistan and Iran have already used a similar arrangement to ship modest volumes of Turkmen gas to Azerbaijan.

The Iraqi deal is a breakthrough for Turkmenistan, which has been trying to find new customers for its gas.

Most of Turkmenistans gas exports go to China, nearly 33 bcm in 2022.

Turkmenistan also exports some 5 bcm to Russia.

Iran imported Turkmen gas from 1998 to 2016, but Turkmenistan canceled the contract at the start of 2017, claiming Iran owed some $1.8 billion for gas supplies received nearly a decade earlier.

The two sides only recently resolved their differences.

Why Its Important: Iran has the second largest gas reserves in the world, but the countrys gas fields are in the south and northern Iran remains poorly connected to the domestic gas pipeline network.

That is why Iran was purchasing Turkmen gas, to use for communities in northern Iran.

Turkmenistan will receive much needed money from the gas sales to Iraq.

Iran will now have an additional 9 bcm of gas annually for the north of the country without having to construct additional pipelines.

In exchange, Iran can ship gas from its southern fields to nearby Iraq.

The Latest Majlis Podcast

This weeks Majlis podcast discusses the recently released Law and Order Index from the Gallup World Poll that rated Tajikistan the most secure country in the world.

Much of the news from Tajikistan in the last two years has been about politically-motivated detentions, closed trials, and harsh prison sentences, so there is another side to law and order in Tajikistan.

This weeks guests are:

Marius Fossum, the longtime Central Asia representative of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee; and

Muhamadjon Kabirov, whose family fled Tajikistan to escape political repression, and who currently serves as editor in chief of the Tajik-language news network Azda.TV, based in Europe.

What I'm Following

Kazakhstans Golden Boy: from Minister to Murderer

People in Kazakhstan are following the case of Kuandyk Bishimbaev, a former economy minister who murdered his wife in an Almaty restaurant on November 9.

Bishimbaev became economy minister when he was 36 years old.

He had already served in prestigious positions, among them deputy chairman of Kazakhstans sovereign wealth fund Samruk-Kazyna.

He was convicted in March 2018 of receiving $2 million in bribes and sentenced to 10 years in prison but was later given a pardon and released in October 2019.

Bishimbaev, now 43, and his wife Saltanat Nukenova, 31, reportedly were arguing in a VIP room at an Almaty restaurant and Bishimbaev struck Nukenova in the head.

An autopsy determined she died from head trauma.

Bishimbaev is being charged with murder  and all of Kazakhstan will be watching to see how Bishimbaev is punished, and whether the punishment will be fully implemented.

#FreeAlsu

Journalist Alsu Kurmasheva is an American citizen based in Prague with RFE/RLs Tatar-Bashkir Service.

She is now in a Russian jail, after returning to Russia on a family emergency and being charged with failing to register as a foreign agent.

Alsu Kurmasheva is also my friend. Ive known Alsu for more than 20 years. I know her husband, and I remember when their two daughters were born.

The circumstances of Alsus detention are absurd.

If anyone reading this could take the time to repost any #FreeAlsu messages they see on social networks, I would appreciate it.

Fact of the Week

French company Orano has signed a deal to invest up to $500 million in developing a uranium field in Uzbekistans Navoi Province.

Uzbekistan is the fifth largest uranium producer in the world, and nearly 70 percent of Frances electricity is produced by nuclear power plants.

Thanks for Reading

Thanks for reading Central Asia in Focus! I appreciate you sharing it with other readers who may be interested.



Feel free to contact me on X (formerly Twitter) or by responding to this email, especially if you have any questions, comments, or just want to connect about topics concerning Central Asia. See you next week for more on whats happening in Central Asia.

Until next time,

Bruce
Bhoi Pratishthan's Bhaubeej celebration, a cherished tradition for firefighters, stands out as a beacon of appreciation amidst their selfless service. Despite the widespread festivities of Diwali, firemen find themselves unable to partake in the celebrations within the confines of their own homes. The annual Bhaubeej celebration, orchestrated by Bhoi Pratishthan, symbolizes a precious moment in the lives of these firefighters, acknowledging their unwavering commitment.

Devendra Potfode, the Head of the Pune Municipal Corporation Fire Department, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming love extended by Bhoi Pratishthan. He affirmed that this outpouring of support serves as ongoing inspiration, empowering them to confront crises with determination and courage in the coming year.

The organizer of the program is President of Bhoi Pratishthan Dr. Milind Bhoi, while explaining the role of organizing the program, said that his year marks the 28th consecutive celebration of this initiative, highlighted during the event.

Notable figures, including Minister Chandrakant Dada Patil, Mrs. Rupali Chakankar, Dr. Jalindar Supekar, and various dignitaries from diverse fields, graced the occasion. Minister Chandrakant Patil commended Bhoi Pratishthan for their unique initiative spanning 27 years, emphasizing the societal need to stand behind essential services like the fire brigade.

The event showcased public honors for firefighters who risk their lives to safeguard citizens and their property. Additionally, a unique initiative, "Selfie with Fire Brigade," was launched, allowing residents to express gratitude by capturing moments with these dedicated firefighters in a unique human salute. This annual celebration not only acknowledges the firefighter's sacrifices but also fosters a sense of community appreciation for their service.
With official canvassing complete for last Tuesday's city/school elections, school board candidate Jameson Smith was elected to Pleasant Valley's Director District 6 seat.

Smith totaled 256 votes, just six more than appointed incumbent Tracey Rivera, who ran as a write-in candidate after a logistical error in her nomination petition.

An additional 10 write-in ballots were cast by Pleasant Valley voters. With 260 total write-in votes, results were uncertain until the canvas.

These results mark the sole victory for supporters of "PV School Board PAC," which funded Smith along with Amy McCabe, Danny Amaya and Peter Olsen.

Political action committee (PAC) support was a first for local school board elections this year. While affiliated candidates called it a strategy for campaign financing, promotion and logistics, challengers voiced concerns over the ethics of the move.

The PV School Board PAC, filed as "Independent" in political affiliation with the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosures Board, totaled $7,050 in contributions. According to disclosure files, Michael C. Gorsline gave $3,000 to the PAC, while the Ralph Zimmerman Trust gave $2,500.

The PAC's only filed expense was $1,000 toward promotional materials (i.e. signs, cups, t-shirts) for Smith's campaign committee, "Smith for School Board."

The Pleasant Valley school board  which operates a director district structure  had eight candidates vying for four open seats in the Nov. 7 election.

With the exception of Adrienne Wheeler defeating McCabe for Director District 5, all Pleasant Valley school board incumbents were re-elected.

After also awaiting write-in results, totals show Marie Gleason was elected to represent Eastern Iowa Community College's board, for the District 6 seat

Gleason will fill a vacancy left by Jenny Boysen.

Gleason secured a total of 134 votes. There were 530 other write-in votes, while most voters, 4,364, left the race blank on the ballot.

The Scott County Auditor's Office did not begin verifying write-in results until Thursday, Nov. 10, posting the official canvas summary on Tuesday, Nov. 14.
Businesses eye more opportunities in port city of Horgos

Xinhua) 08:45, November 15, 2023

This aerial photo taken on Nov. 8, 2023 shows a view of the Horgos Railway Port in Horgos, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

URUMQI, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Every month, Kazakh truck driver Salamat Abdilda travels several times between Almaty, the most populous city in Kazakhstan, and the port city of Horgos in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Five years ago, the trucker heard that a fortune could be made by delivering freight. He began transporting goods, including clothing and daily necessities, from Horgos to his country.

"Initially, I had to wait and stay in Horgos for 10 days, to load goods and clear customs. Now it only takes me two to three days," said Abdilda. "Dining and accommodation have also become more convenient in Horgos."

In the first three quarters this year, the road port of Horgos has achieved an import and export volume of about 1.36 million tonnes, up 115.3 percent year on year. Meanwhile, vehicles have entered and exited the road port 178,700 times, a yearly increase of 178.9 percent, according to Horgos Customs.

"Horgos is undergoing rapid development," said Abdilda, adding that he has used the income from freight transportation to buy his family a car.

Horgos, meaning "a place where camels pass" in Mongolian, was once a busy passage used by traders traveling along the ancient Silk Road. As a border pass, it dates back more than 140 years.

Nowadays, trains in Horgos are hailed as "iron camels." In the first 10 months of this year, over 6,400 China-Europe freight trains passed through Horgos, up 9.8 percent year on year.

Based in the comprehensive bonded zone of Horgos, international trade company Golden Katyusha imports raw materials such as flour and rapeseed oil from Russia and processes them into various food products, including noodles and cookies.

"China is a huge market with great potential," said Iurii Basargin, head of Golden Katyusha. The Russian businessman has been working in Horgos for many years.

"It is not difficult to buy Russian food in this city," said Basargin. "In recent years, Horgos has become bigger, with more high-rise buildings and shopping malls."

In the comprehensive bonded zone of Horgos, more than 300 companies have been registered this year in the fields of logistics, cross-border e-commerce, international trade and finance, among others.

The Xinjiang Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ), the first in China's northwestern border regions, officially became operational this month. The FTZ includes three areas, and Horgos is one of them.

According to Zhu Hongjian, a staffer with the management committee of the comprehensive bonded zone of Horgos, the construction of the FTZ will play a great role in facilitating trade, and financial and personnel exchanges will be more convenient.

For Horgos Jinyi Group, an agricultural product wholesaler, the FTZ is expected to boost its trade to Central Asia and Russia, as more convenient and faster trade means better preserved taste of fruits and vegetables, said company chairman Yu Chengzhong.

"In Horgos, we can feel the country opening up wider, and there are more opportunities for businesses," said Yu.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun)
Former British Home Secretary Suella Braverman issued a scathing letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, accusing him of betraying his promises and applying a "double standard" to pro-Palestinian supporters.

Braverman said that the prime minister failed to keep his promises regarding immigration and that he failed to rise to the challenge. She argued that this was posed by the increasingly vicious antisemitism and extremism displayed in the streets.

Suella Braverman's Resignation Letter

The former home secretary added that she had become hoarse trying to call on Sunak to consider legislation that would ban hate marches and help curb racism, intimidation, and terrorist glorification that is threatening community cohesion.

In her letter, Braverman also said that Sunak had used "wishful thinking" in trying to avoid having to make the hard choices. She outlined several conditions that she said the prime minister agreed to at the time that she acquired the position of home secretary in 2022.

However, she said that these include reducing illegal immigration and empowering parents to know what is being taught to their kids. The supposed agreement included "firm assurances" on cutting legal migration, inserting measures to override the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), and many others, as per Fox News.

The former home secretary argued that the British prime minister had repeatedly betrayed his pledge to stop boats of illegal immigrants from coming into the United Kingdom. He accused Sunak of either having a distinctive style of government that makes him incapable of acting or he had no intention to keep his promises in the first place.

Braverman argued that someone had to be honest about the situation and said that Sunak's plan was not working. She added that they have endured record election defeats and said that the prime minister's resets have failed to address various issues.

The letter comes after Braverman was fired from her position this week following accusations from opponents that she stoked tensions ahead of pro-Palestinian marches in London. In response, she claimed that police had applied a double standard to pro-Palestinan protesters and were not enforcing the law properly.

Read Also: Michael Gove Swarmed by Pro-Palestinian Protestors in London Train Station

Failures of the Prime Minister

The former home secretary also spoke about Wednesday's much-anticipated Supreme Court ruling regarding the legality of the government's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda. She argued that Sunak's irresponsibility left the region in an impossible position, according to NDTV.

Braverman said that she does not believe that the pro-Palestine marches in London were a cry for help for Gaza. She noted that the protests were more of an assertion of primacy by certain groups, particularly Islamists.

She warned that if the legislation regarding immigrants being sent to Rwanda did not pass, they would go back to their starting positions. Braverman said that Sunak's "magical thinking" means that he had failed to prepare any sort of credible backup plan.

A spokesman for No 10 thanked Braverman for her service as home secretary but added that Sunak was proud to appoint a strong, united team yesterday. He added that this was focused on delivering for the British people moving forward, said BBC.

Related Article: Thousands March in France to Oppose Antisemitism

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A former ice cream shop in East Moline is getting revamped as a salsa company.

James Lopez has purchased the former Cones on the Corner, 1152 15th Avenue, and will soon change the space into the home of Lobo's Salsa, a company he started more than a decade ago.

The East Moline native bounced around the Midwest after graduating high school and has been back since 2007. During the day, Lopez works at Arconic in Bettendorf but about 11 years ago he decided to hone in on his cooking skills and try his hand at making salsa.

"I just love to cook. I kind of have a knack for it and I don't know where it came from," he said.

He started handing out the salsa to friends and family, and before people were asking for it by name. Lopez, whose nickname is Lobo, had not even named his product at that point.

"Next thing you know it became a thing and people were asking, 'Have you tried Lobo's salsa?'" he said.

As people began asking for it and a customer base grew, Lopez knew he could turn his hobby into a business.

"I kind of knew, and everybody else kind of knew, I should really do something with this," he said. "Now, it's taken over my life."

Initially, all the cooking was done at home in his spare time. In 2018, he moved into Healthy Harvest in Rock Island and used their kitchen. After that he found a shared space in Bettendorf, but always had his heart set on returning to East Moline, if possible. Now, that dream is a reality.

"Me being an East Moline guy, I have lived all around the Midwest but I grew up in Watertown, East Moline. I graduated from United Township and East Moline has always been home for me," he said. "I've always wanted to bring it back to East Moline and now that I have the opportunity, I am just ecstatic."

Lopez will be using his new space as a production center and is hoping to have it operational by early December. Eventually, he would like to use some of the space for retail and even serve customers through the drive-through window.

Right now, Lopez has a hot and mild salsa but is hoping to introduce a Verde in the next six months or so.

"It's amazing the amount of interest I have had just for the salsa itself," he said.

Until Lopez opens his doors, Lobo's Salsa can be found in:

Illinois

Hey Bryans, East Moline

Olde Towne Bakery, Moline

G's Gourmet Popcorn, Moline

Sallies, Rock Island

AWAKE Coffee Company, Rock Island

Porters Village, Hampton

Country Store, Geneseo

Iowa

Fricks Tap, Davenport

The Spot Bar & Lounge, Davenport

Players, Davenport

Dam Tacos, Davenport

The Quarry, Bettendorf

Harley Corin's, Bettendorf

Photos: Las Salsas Dona Mary Cocina Mexicana opens in Moline
Visitors are back in the Quad-Cities and spending has exceeded pre-pandemic levels.

The economic boost is derived from overnight stays, day trips, meetings, conventions, sporting events and group tours, according to a news release from Visit Quad Cities. The region witnessed growth in the overall value of tourism, reaching $1.3 billion and supporting 9,097 jobs in the area in 2022.

Tourism is a leader in economic development for our region and these numbers are proof positive, said Dave Herrell, President and CEO of Visit Quad Cities. The overall value that non-resident revenues bring to our regional economy is critical for quality of life and to build a tax base that we need for re-investment. While we are encouraged by these results in Scott and Rock Island counties, we are also observing growth in counties such as Mercer, Henry, Clinton and Muscatine.

During the 2022 calendar year, Iowa and Illinois collectively welcomed 150.5 million visitors, resulting in an $88.4 billion economic impact. Breaking that down further, Rock Island County saw a 19.5% increase in total spending to $531.6 million and an 18.7% increase in local tax revenue to $14.61 million. Total spending in Scott County increase by 11% to $774.16 million and an increase in local tax revenue by 4% to $59.78 million.

These tax revenues, like the hotel/motel tax collections and sales tax have a direct impact on multiple revenue streams, including food and beverage, gaming, gas and support for small businesses, Herrell said.

"These numbers are encouraging, including the data we shared on Oct. 26 which showed an 18% year-over-year growth in hotel/motel tax collections to $7.7 million collectively. We are currently realizing demand and are optimistic, but the market will soften," Herrell said. "That is why increases in destination marketing investments to sustain this momentum and position us in a highly competitive landscape must be a community priority so that we do not lag behind our competitors.
A Welton, Iowa, man is facing multiple counts of peddling meth after he became the subject of a yearlong drug investigation.

Anthony Joseph Clark, 54, is charged with three counts of possession with the intent to deliver more than 5 grams of meth. Each charge is a Class B felony under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of 25 years.

Clark also is charged with one count each of possession of a controlled substance-marijuana-first offense and possession of a controlled substance-psilocybin-first offense. Each of those charges is a serious misdemeanor that carries a jail sentence of up to one year.

According to the arrest affidavits filed by Clinton County Sheriffs Investigator Kennie Sparks, in November and December of 2022, the Clinton County Sheriffs Department, along with the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, conducted two controlled buys of meth at Clark's home at that time, 628 4th Ave. in DeWitt, using a confidential source.

The source said that the meth was purchased from Clark.

The meth that was provided to authorities from the confidential source was sent to the North Central Lab that the DEA utilizes for analysis, which confirmed the substance was meth.

On Jan. 10, 2023, Clinton County Sheriffs Deputies along with the Iowa DNE and the federal DEA served a search warrant on Clarks Dewitt home.

During the search, authorities seized 258.9 grams of meth, 65.3 grams of marijuana, 23.6 grams of marijuana wax and oils, and 28.1 grams of hallucinogenic mushrooms.

All of the drugs seized were sent to the North Central Lab for analysis. Testing proved the drugs were real, and a warrant was issued Thursday for Clarks arrest.

Clark was arrested Sunday and booked into the Clinton County Jail.

During a first appearance on the charges Monday in Clinton County District Court, District Associate Judge Kimberly Shepherd scheduled a preliminary hearing for Nov. 21.

Clark was being held Tuesday night in the Clinton County Jail on a cash-only bond of $50,000.
Federal authorities and Scott County Sheriffs Deputies arrested four people out of a Davenport home on Nov. 9, one on federal child porn charges, and three Scott County sex offenders on state registration violations.

The arrest warrants for the four men were served at a home in the 200 block of Dixwell Court.

Bob Arthur Phillips, 36, is charged in U.S. District Court, Davenport, with one count of distribution and receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.

According to the grand jury indictment for the count of distribution and receipt of child porn, between Sept. 14, 2022, and Aug. 8, 2023, Phillips did knowingly receive and distribute, and attempt to receive and distribute, a visual depiction that involved a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

As to the charge of possession of child pornography, the grand jury indictment states that on or about June 29, 2023, Phillips did knowingly possess one or more items containing visual depictions of minors under the age of 18, as well as prepubescent minors under the age of 12, engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Phillips is being held in the custody of the U.S. Marshals pending a detention hearing scheduled for Friday in U.S. District Court, Davenport. During a hearing Nov. 9, U.S. Magistrate Stephen Jackson scheduled a trial for Jan. 2, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger.

Under federal law, possession of child pornography involving a minor 12 or older is a Class D felony that carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and the possibility of serving life on supervised release.

Possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor or a minor who has not reached the age of 12 is a Class C felony under federal law. The maximum prison sentence is 20 years and carries the possibility of spending life on supervised release.

Receipt and distribution of child pornography carries a prison sentence of five to 20 years.

Scott County Sheriffs Deputies also took into custody, Chad Nicholas Kembel, 38; Alan Dennis Simmons, 34; and Alexander William Butterfield, 32.

Kembel is charged with two counts of sex offender registration violation-second or subsequent offense. Each charge is a Class D felony under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of five years.

According to the arrest affidavit for Simmons, he was in possession of an iPhone that he had not registered with the sex offender registry. Simmons is charged with one count of sex offender registration violation-first offense, an aggravated misdemeanor that carries a prison sentence of two years.

Butterfield is facing five counts of sex offender registration violation-second or subsequent offense. Each charge is a Class D felony.

According to arrest affidavits, Butterfields electronic devices were seized during the execution of the search warrant. There were numerous accounts for various services on Butterfields devices that weren't registered.

Each of the men has a preliminary hearing on their respective charges scheduled for Friday in Scott County District Court. Each is free on bond pending trial.
A Whiteside County, Illinois, man was arrested Tuesday by Illinois State Police on multiple charges of child pornography.

Agents with the Illinois State Police Crimes Against Children Task Force served a search warrant at a home in the 600 block of 5th Avenue in Rock Falls as part of a child pornography investigation.

Conor S. Prince, 33, was arrested on five counts of child pornography-moving depiction. Each charge is a Class 2 felony under Illinois law that carries a prison sentence of three to five years.

According to Whiteside County Circuit Court electronic records, Circuit Court Judge Stanley Steines released Prince from custody pending trial. Prince has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

A pretrial conference is scheduled for Jan. 24 in Circuit Court.

Federal authorities could take over the case under Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse that was launched in May 2006.

Under federal law, possession of child pornography involving a minor 12 or older is a Class D felony that carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and the possibility of serving life on supervised release.

Possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor or a minor who has not reached the age of 12 is a Class C felony under federal law. The maximum prison sentence is 20 years and carries the possibility of spending life on supervised release.
School resource officers (SRO) will return to Rock Island High School.

On Tuesday, the Rock Island-Milan School Board unanimously approved an agreement with the Rock Island Police Department (RIPD) to employ a full-time SRO at Rocky.

Officer Thomas Danhof will be the district's SRO, with Officer Mario Mendoza serving as the alternate in Danhofs absence. Danhof is set to start in his new role in early January.

This marks the end of more than three years without an SRO at the high school  a vacancy spurred by RIPD staff shortages in the 2020-21 school year.

"We want to thank (RIPD) for being at the table with us the last several years as we talked about how we need an SRO  but on what conditions  to work with our students, (staff) and help provide safety in our buildings," said Egan Colbrese, the district's assistant superintendent of human resources. "They've allowed us to collaborate with them in the (SRO) selection process."

The city of Rock Island City Council approved the contract Monday, at a total of $169,322.

The school district is responsible for 70% of these costs  equating to roughly $118,525 for the 2023-24 school year.

On Tuesday, Rock Island-Milan board member Gary Rowe said the contract was carefully vetted over several months by both RIPD and district staff.

Its one of the more extensive contracts that we have, rightfully so, he said. I am a big supporter of the SRO concept; it goes to climate and culture in the schools. I think we have clearly defined roles; I am very comfortable that the SROs have gone through a specific kind of training for this role, and I think it's past due.

Board President Terell Williams had some concerns with the contract's 'Reciprocal Reporting Agreement' with RIPD, which establishes rules and expectations for communication and information sharing between the two parties.

I think we, as a board, need to make sure we put some checks in place, he said to this point.  This was a long time coming, a long review. A lot of collaboration went into building (SRO contract) in both legal departments because we are not trying to extend the police force into our schools  we are trying to help bridge that gap.

If we leverage these (SROs) in the right way, they can do a lot of good, he added.

Reflecting on his career in law enforcement at various levels, board member Tracy Pugh urged the SROs to focus on clear communication with students, parents, teachers and the district community overall.

Itll help you make better decisions, it's going to help you with your job, he said. Its going to take awhile for them to trust you.  It's not going to happen overnight; there's going to be a lot of frustration."

"But, if you let them know they can trust you and your communication skills are very high," Pugh added, "it's going to work in the long-time."

Tuesdays meeting livestream is available at https://vimeo.com/event/3858195.

Photos and video: Rock Island marching band performs at 2023 Showcase of Bands (Oct. 16, 2023)
A judge has dismissed a federal lawsuit brought by security experts who were arrested while conducting a state-authorized break-in at the Dallas County Courthouse in 2019.

The judge found that the security experts had failed to prove they had a constitutional right not to be arrested given the unique circumstances surrounding the break-in.

The dismissal, however, doesnt mark an end to the litigation, because the judge remanded other, significant portions of the case back to state court where it was first filed in July 2021.

The lawsuit was initiated by Gary DeMercurio and Justin Wynn, who were arrested and charged with burglary and possession of burglary tools shortly after they entered the Dallas County Courthouse in the early morning hours of Sept. 11, 2019. At the time, the two men were employed by the Colorado-based cybersecurity company Coalfire Labs, which was under contract with the Iowa Judicial Branch to analyze the security of the states court system.

Their arrest sparked controversy and complaints from state lawmakers that the judicial branch had hired Coalfire to commit crimes, placing law enforcement officers and others at risk. Mark Cady, then the Iowa Supreme Courts chief justice, apologized to lawmakers for the incident, saying it had diminished public trust and confidence in the court system.

At the time, judicial branch officials said they had not intended to authorize Coalfire to physically break into buildings or enter facilities outside normal business hours.

But in their subsequent lawsuit against Dallas County and Sheriff Chad Leonard, Wynn and DeMercurio asserted that their contract specifically called for physical attacks on buildings, including lockpicking and physical penetration of the premises.

Coalfires contract, they alleged, called for them to test security at the Iowa Judicial Building, Dallas County Courthouse, Polk County Courthouse, the Des Moines Juvenile Justice Center and other buildings.

The two say that after they successfully breached security at the Iowa Judicial Building, they left a business card behind as planned, and were called the next morning by a judicial branch worker who congratulated them for having successfully entered the building undetected.

Within a few days of that incident, on Sept. 11, 2019, the two men went to the Dallas County Courthouse shortly after midnight and found one of the doors to the building unlocked. The two men allege they locked that door and then began the process of trying to break in undetected.

They allege that while in the building, they intentionally tripped an alarm. County deputies arrived on the scene and Wynn and DeMercurio presented them with what was euphemistically called a get-out-of-jail-free letter from the state court administrator explaining the work they were hired to conduct should they face any questioning by law enforcement.

According to the lawsuit, the deputies were satisfied with the letter and told Wynn and DeMercurio they could leave. Before they could, the two men allege, Sheriff Leonard arrived and ordered his deputies to arrest the two.

Wynn and DeMercurio were charged with burglary and possession of burglary tools, their property was seized, and they were jailed for roughly 20 hours before being released. The charges were later reduced to trespassing and then dropped altogether.

In July 2021, Wynn and DeMercurio sued the county and the sheriff in Dallas County District Court, alleging false arrest, abuse of process, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress and malicious prosecution.

In May 2022, the case was moved from Dallas County to Polk County, and in May 2023 it was moved to U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa. The switch to federal court sought to take advantage of a federal statute that allows individuals to sue, for civil rights and constitutional violations, government employees whose actions are controlled by state law.

However, U.S. District Judge Stephen H. Locher ruled recently that the unique circumstances of the case mean that it cannot proceed in federal court on the constitutional-rights issue.

Locher said that while he was inclined to agree with Wynn and DeMercurio that the Iowa Judicial Branch has the authority to control access to courthouses throughout the state, the extent to which the Judicial Branch can exercise such control independently of other government officials  such as the county sheriff  is not clear. Locher found that the plaintiffs had failed to present a case that demonstrated the rights they alleged were violated were clearly established under the law.

The situation here layers two unusual sets of facts on top of one another, the first involving the surreptitious break-in at midnight and the second involving a jurisdictional dispute over who has the right to authorize entry to a county courthouse, Locher ruled. Plaintiffs cannot, as a matter of law, prove they had a clearly established constitutional right not to be arrested in these circumstances.

Locher remanded the remainder of the case  including the claims for false arrest, abuse of process, defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress  to Iowa state court without addressing the merits of those claims.

The case is now set for trial in state court in May 2024, but the jurisdictional changes have resulted in delays and the two sides have yet to complete discovery and depositions in the matter. The county is pushing for a continuance, and this week, the plaintiffs informed the court they would not object to a delay that would result in a trial date between August and October 2024.

Over the past three years, Dallas County has argued in state court that the agreement between Coalfire and the Iowa Judicial Branch was made without any input or knowledge of Dallas County, its sheriff, or any of its agents. In fact, the agreement specified local law enforcement or security personnel were not to be notified in advance of the testing to be performed.

The county has also argued that the state court administrator had no authority to grant permission to enter a county owned courthouse, and because of that there is no set of facts showing any unlawfulness in the arrest of Wynn and DeMercurio.

Photos: Missing children in Iowa Jade Colvin Fredrick Workman Benjamin Roseland Erin Pospisil Marc Allen Eugene Martin John Gosch Kimberly Doss Colleen Simpson Daquan Nelson Alivia Beeding
State transportation officials will present their preferred plan for the I-80 bridge across the Mississippi River on Wednesday.

The public meeting puts the future of the current I-80 bridge "at a pivotal crossroads," according to the Bison Bridge Foundation, which wants to preserve and repurpose the bridge into a land bridge and public park space for pedestrians and a herd of bison.

The Bison Bridge Foundation is encouraging residents to turn up to Wednesday's virtual meeting to express support for the plan.

In its invitation, the Iowa and Illinois Departments of Transportation wrote it would "present study information and the Preferred Alternative, and receive public comment."

The Bison Bridge is environmentalist Chad Pregracke's proposal for reusing the Interstate 80 bridge between LeClaire and Rapids City if it is vacated when a new bridge is built. The Iowa and Illinois departments of transportation have been studying the best alignment for a new bridge.

It could go upstream, downstream or be rebuilt in its current location. If I-80 is not relocated, Bison Bridge would not happen.

The I-80 bridge was built in 1967, and is one of three major interstate bridges connecting Illinois and Iowa in the Quad-Cities.

According to the DOTs, the roadway features are outdated and traffic on the bridge is growing, which is associated with more crashes. Its age is also prompting recurring, costly bridge maintenance.

Studies for bridge improvements launched in 2020, and in 2022 moved to a first phase of preliminary engineering and environmental study. The departments expect the first phase to conclude in mid-2024 and move into final engineering and design, according to the I-80 bridge website.

How to attend the public virtual meeting

What: virtual public meeting with Iowa and Illinois Departments of Transportation

When: 4 p.m. Nov. 15

Where: Online virtual meeting. Register online at https://bit.ly/public-meeting-4

Barb Ickes contributed to this report.

Photos: Controlled explosives take down the last of the old I-74 bridge on Sunday Aug. 28
Three Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe officials are being challenged in federal court for banning two former Dupree educators after allegations of child abuse.

In a Nov. 3 complaint filed in the United States District Court for The District of South Dakota, longtime teacher Sarah Shaff and superintendent Keith Fodness challenged their banishment by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.

On Aug. 18, 2023, Shaff was formally excluded or banned from the reservation after allegations of child abuse were made by two tribal members. Fodness and the Dupree Elementary School Principal Cindy Lindskow were banished for allegedly failing to report allegations of child abuse.

The Cheyenne River Detectives Division completed its investigation and referred it to the Pierre FBI office. Tribal court records show three individuals were allegedly found to have violated the terms and conditions under which non-tribal citizens are allowed to enter and exit the reservation. It is unclear if any of the educators have been charged.

Represented by attorney Jason Rumpca, Shaff and Fodness launched a lawsuit against Chief Tribal Judge Brenda Claymore, Judge Margaret Egan and Cheyenne River Police Chief Charles Red Crow. All three were sued in their official capacities.

Rumpca declined to comment. The attorney representing the tribe did not respond to a request for comment.

While the Dupree School District is not affiliated with the tribe, it sits within the formal boundaries of the Cheyenne River Reservation. Further complicating the issue is the fact that not all of Dupree is tribal land. The exact area the school sits on is not tribal land.

Like many other reservations, the land was broken up and checkerboarded by the 1887 General Allotment Act (Dawes Act). After dividing the reservation into plots, the excess land was sold to private non-tribal owners for homesteading, and in 25 years tribal members could sell their plots to anyone.

The Cheyenne River Reservation boundaries seen today were defined in 1889. But by 1974, the tribe owned only half of the original 2.8 million acres, which remained in trust for the tribe or individual tribal members.

Checkerboarding makes it difficult to distinguish what is or isnt tribal land, like Dupree.

As such, the Nov. 3 complaint argues that the tribe did not have the right to ban the employees from Dupree. The claim alleges that the school does not sit on reservation land, but it does sit within the external boundaries of the reservation.

While the tribe doesnt have the authority to bring criminal charges against non-Natives, it would turn over its findings to the FBI for further action if evidence of child abuse is found to have occurred. This means that the tribe wouldnt have the power to try any of the named individuals in criminal court, but non-Natives can be tried in civil court.

In September, Lindskow's ban was reversed in civil court on the basis that she owned private property on the reservation.

While all three had tried to challenge their banishment, only Lindskow was successful. Fodness had argued that since he also occupied a home on the reservation, his banishment should be overturned. But his occupation at his residence was on the basis that he was a permanent employee. As part of his employment, Fodness was required to live in housing provided by the School District.

Because of this distinction, Cheyenne River Tribal Judge Margaret Egan chose not to reverse the ban on Shaff or Fodness. Fodness was still required to leave his home in Dupree.

Allegations made known

Parents of the children who were allegedly abused, Lance Frazier and Harold Hollow, filed a complaint in April 2023 in tribal court. The same allegations were reported to law enforcement officials from both the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and Ziebach County in October 2022.

The alleged abuse began in the 2021-2022 school year and continued through mid-October of the 2022-2023 school year.

According to the Aug. 18 Emergency Petition to Exclude, Shaff allegedly intimidated, bullied and struck children in her classroom. Shaff would allegedly throw treats on the ground and command students to fetch them like dogs.

The petition acknowledged that the school district is a state-operated school; however, it argues that due to the location of the school, a majority of students are tribal citizens or the children of enrolled tribal citizens. Nearly 90% of the population of Dupree is Native American. Both Frazier and Hollow, the parents of the allegedly abused children, are tribal citizens.

If she is allowed to remain on the reservation, she will continue to intimidate, bully, and abuse minor children in her classroom, the petition said.

The banishment petition claims Fodness was made aware of abuse allegations against both Frazier and Hollow but failed to report those allegations to the state.

In April 2023, Frazier and Hollow filed a civil complaint in tribal court seeking $1.2 million and/or $1 million in punitive damages for emotional distress, mental anguish and racial profiling, defamation of character. However, Frazier and Hollow filed a Voluntary Dismissal of their civil complaint in August 2023.

On July 12, the tribal council voted in a special session to banish the three educators from the reservation.

The issue at hand

As a sovereign nation, tribes are allowed to exclude or ban people from reservation lands. According to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, tribes possess the right to regulate activities within their jurisdiction, which includes the banishment of persons, Native or non-Native, from tribal lands.

Banning isnt uncommon on reservations, both for organizations and individuals. In 2022, the Oglala Sioux Tribe banned a Christian missionary group Jesus is King from the Pine Ridge Reservation, and in 2019, the tribe banned South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, though her banishment has since been reversed.

Additionally, while tribally operated criminal courts cannot prosecute non-Native individuals, tribal civil courts can. Fodness and Shaffs banishment trials were both held in civil court.

Shaff and Fodnesss lawsuit also references Montana v. U.S., a 1981 landmark decision that states that, in most cases, tribes do not have legal jurisdiction over the activities of non-tribal members.

The complaint claims that as non-Native, non-tribal members, the tribal court does not have jurisdiction over them except in emergency circumstances. Rumpca argues that emergency circumstances were not met in this case.

The complaint states that Shaff and Fodness face irreparable injury as they havent been able to perform job responsibilities and in Fodness case have been forced out of their homes.

The complaint seeks to prohibit Red Crow from enforcing the tribal courts unlawful exclusion order and to prohibit Egan and Claymore from maintaining the Tribal Court Civil Action against Shaff and Fodness.

On November 8, Chief Judge Robert Lange filed an order regarding a motion for a hearing. A copy was sent to the tribes counsel, Lillian M. Alvemaz.
Gov. Kathy Hochul increased the funding for the New York State Police Department to expand social media surveillance amid the rising hate crimes in New York related to the Israel-Hamas war.

The state disbursed $75 million to address the hate crime incidents in New York, including $50 million for local law enforcement and $25 million for security grants.

Hochul Increases NYPD Funding

According to The Epoch Times, Hochul attended a news conference and an emergency meeting with the state's Jewish community leaders and local and federal law enforcement officials on Monday.

Hochul said that they have not seen this level of hate crimes and fear since September 12, 2001. "It's 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," the Democrat governor said.

She noted that the increasing hate crimes began when the Hamas terrorists launched an attack on Israel.

Hochul explained that the funding would authorize the State Police officers to extend their efforts to monitor the hate crimes present on various social media platforms.

She said they were focused on condemning negativity online whenever they spot hate speech written on social media platforms and reach out to people.

She added that the social media analysis unit has been monitoring the sites to seize incitement to violence and threats directly to people to ensure that New Yorkers feel safe.

Hochul ordered the State Police to disperse to places that could be targeted by violence, such as synagogues, yeshivas, and mosques. Furthermore, she allocated an additional $2.5 million for at least 10 State Police investigators to work with an FBI counterterrorism task force.

The Hate Crimes Task Force encouraged New Yorkers to report any kinds of hate and bias incidents on their hotline.

Read Also: Colorado: Hunter Found Missing Hiker's Remain Along With His Alive Dog

Rising Hate Crimes in New York

Hochul said she visited Cornell University on October 30 and witnessed a third-year student being arrested for allegedly threatening his Jewish peers.

Patrick Dai, a student at Cornell University, posted in an online student discussion board to bring a rifle and open fire on a kosher dining hall beside the Ivy League school's Jewish living center.

He also threatened to stab and slit the throat of a Jewish man and rape and push off a Jewish woman on a cliff. He said he would also behead any Jewish baby on the campus.

Hochul commented that they would be arrested and prosecuted if they continued to engage in such hateful crimes. She assured the Jewish students at Cornell University that they were not alone and the state would ensure their safety.

New York City has been a home for the Jewish people, next to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. According to the police, 69 bias incidents were recorded and recognized as anti-Jewish.

Related Article: Florida Lawmakers Pass New Bills To Secure Jewish Institutions, Fight Antisemitism





@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Quiet changes made to the South Dakota Department of Health's Community Health Services and the Women, Infants and Children program have left many counties without resident community health nurses, exacerbating an already-declining trend in some vaccinations across the state.

Clay County Commission chair Betty Smith told South Dakota News Watch that her county reported zero vaccinations in the month of September after the DOH restructured community health and told its staff they could choose to work either in WIC or CHS but not both, as they had before.

When Clay County nurses opted to work for WIC, there was suddenly nobody allowed to administer vaccines.

"Vaccinations occur when mothers come in for WIC services, and they're not happening," Smith said. "This is a system guaranteed to decrease the vaccination rate."

Clay County vaccine drought

Clay County now shares a community health nurse with neighboring Lincoln County. Smith has concerns about the long-term effectiveness.

"Our county is bundled with Lincoln County, and the Lincoln County nurse is really, really busy and doesn't have time," she said. "We've had from the end of August to (the end of October) two nurse visits, and we used to have three days a week of nursing service."

Smith said she was told the nurse wouldn't come to Clay County for single vaccinations, and they would instead have to bundle services with other clients on specific days. But limiting service availability to create more-efficient vaccine days could create barriers for people needing the service.

"For people who are working, they have to take time off from work for which they are likely not paid to go to these appointments," Smith said. "If you live in poverty, you don't have the capacity to decide necessarily when you can go and do these things."

Yankton County Commissioner Dan Klimisch agrees.

"When mothers comes in for WIC, they can't get the vaccination appointment like they used to be able to, so they have to take off more time in order to do that," he said. "We just feel that we're offering less services."

Cutting costs for changing needs

DOH held multiple Zoom video conferences with commissioners to quell their concerns, telling them during a Nov. 13 call that the restructure addresses the "changing needs of our clients and citizens of South Dakota" while also helping the WIC program stay within budget, which they said has been exceeded by $1.2 million.

"We (had) a really unique model of providing WIC services in South Dakota that's pretty much unlike any other state," DOH Office of Child and Family Services administrator Katelyn Strasser told commissioners. "Our public health infrastructure, which kind of started with WIC, was built around having nurses provide WIC services. ... And it can be costly."

Strasser told commissioners she wants to get the service to a point where it will no longer rely on federal assistance or an increase of state assistance.

"We don't want to have to go to the Legislature to ask for general funds or something to supplement this federal funding because we know we can stay within budget," she said.

After nurses were given the choice between working for CHS or WIC, 18 went to WIC and 35 chose public health nursing, according to DOH. If a county's community health staff chose to work for WIC, that county may now be sharing time with a neighboring county's nurse and losing a convenience that allowed for same-day immunizations and other health services for clients using WIC.

Counties left without a voice

Smith said she did not receive any official communication about the change in her county, only hearing about the restructure from her county's WIC staff weeks later.

"We weren't consulted whatsoever in this restructure, and I think that's problematic," said Klimisch, who told News Watch he didn't receive official communication either. "We're supposed to be have a partnership with the state on county public health, and the counties have an interest in public health and the welfare of our citizens."

Yankton County Commission chair Don Kettering said he didn't receive official communication either but is open to the changes DOH is making.

"There's two ways to attack budget deficits, and it's either from the income side or the expense side," Kettering told News Watch. "If you're going to not raise property taxes and other taxes, it's got to come from some place if you're going to keep funding all of these things, and I think that's their challenge."

Klimisch is less open to the changes and stressed the importance of providing good public health and preventative care.

South Dakota Codified Law Chapter 28-13 requires counties to assist their residents who are unable to pay for necessary medical care. He fears with less available service, more people will need relief.

"The county is required by statute to do poor relief, so when people aren't able to pay their hospital bills ... those hospital bills are often times paid by the county, per South Dakota codified law," he said. "If people aren't getting the care ahead of time to fix health issues, they may become much more expensive to the counties down the line."

More service, just not all at once

DOH said the restructuring does not equate to less service.

"I think there may be a little bit of a misconception that we're taking away public health nursing services, that maybe if the nurse in your county chose (to work with) WIC and is now working full time at WIC that you'll be receiving less public health services, and that's just not our intent at all," Strasser told commissioners.

DOH said new services will supplement old services. There's a new focus on telehealth, and mobile health units will travel to communities without DOH locations.

Additionally, by shifting nurses to either CHS or WIC, staff no longer does work in two different systems and are able to "specialize in one area, allowing them to stay current on best practices, policies and procedures and carry a consistent case load," DOH said.

DOH: Client-centered approach needed

DOH also told commissioners clients felt they were "receiving too many services at the same time," and that they would go to the office for WIC not realizing they'd be getting immunizations, pregnancy care appointments or other services that could prolong the appointment.

"It may seem like a good idea to have a nurse who can provide WIC and immunizations and screenings and prenatal care and risk assessment. But we weren't really doing this in a client-centered way," Strasser said. "We were hearing this pretty frequently from clients that they wanted less service at the same time."

Officials from the Department of Health declined an interview with South Dakota News Watch and instead sent a statement from Secretary of Health Melissa Magstadt.

"Client satisfaction surveys indicated that they wanted different service delivery options and that receiving several services in the same appointment was burdensome and too time consuming," she said. "We are putting our friends, families, and neighbors first. Based on their feedback, we knew we had to shift our teams to accommodate their needs and modernize how services are provided.

Strasser said having shorter appointments will help people who work by requiring them to take less time off. But she didn't say anything about the decrease in service days or possibility of needing to make two or more appointments to receive WIC and community health care. She also highlighted a push to schedule entire families into one appointment to increase efficiency.

"For someone who wants to go in and get immunization or do whatever they do in there and they take the day off, they'll have to come back for other things because that part of whatever they were asking for isn't a part of that visit," Lake County Commission chair Kelli Wollmann said.

Change could shift expenses to counties

Wollmann, who did receive official communication about the restructure, worries that if counties find the new setup to be less effective, community health may be in jeopardy.

"The WIC program is discretionary," she said. "By law, counties don't have to do this. ... County health nurses are statutorily authorized, which means expenditures for functions that state law authorizes but does not require counties to perform. It would be really sad if counties just pulled out for some odd reason."

Klimisch is also concerned about what may be down the line.

"There's a history of the state just dropping these responsibilities onto the counties with no monetary way for us to pay for them," Klimisch said, making a comparison to juvenile detention being turned over to the counties without sufficient funding. "It's very troubling and I hope it's not what's happening here, but it certainly seems like that."

Fuel to the fire

The changes come at a time when childhood vaccination rates are already dropping in South Dakota.

The DOH School Immunization Dashboard shows vaccination for children entering kindergarten in the 2022-2023 school year trending below the previous year's levels, and with the exception of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, below pre-COVID-19 levels as well.

In the 2021-2022 report, DOH showed the state falling short of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's goal of 95% immunization with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine after falling from 96% in 2019-2020 to 93.7% in 2021-2022.

This follows a nationwide trend of falling vaccination rates for kindergartners entering school, which the CDC reports is an 0.8-0.9% decrease among all vaccines from the 2020-2021 school year to the 2021-2022 school year.

"We've got vaccines, but at the rate (of vaccination), they're going to expire before they're used," Smith said.

For Smith, the department's focus on larger service areas is just stripping the "community" out of the community health program.

"In many ways, the magic of the community health program is that it's nurses who live in the county who serve the county, and the women get to know them and trust them," Smith said. "When the community health nurse says 'your baby is due for a vaccination,' ... they're way more likely, because they're right there, to actually get the vaccination. The problem ... is that we need to keep babies on a vaccination schedule, and this makes that really difficult."

 This article was produced by South Dakota News Watch, a non-profit journalism organization located online at sdnewswatch.org.
A Virginia state troopers criticism of a proposed pay plan led to threats from his fellow troopers to find out who he was and possibly do him harm. The trooper said the threats were instigated by retaliatory comments from a senior commander who was later cleared of wrongdoing.
A detainee accused of assaulting a Richmond sheriffs deputy was in court Tuesday as the judge cited a report saying the prisoner was incompetent to stand trial.

Sakeem Jamar Bell appeared before Richmond City Circuit Court Judge Richard Campbell, who read a report from a psychologist at Central State Hospital, Dr. Colleen Ewing.

Summing up her report, Campbell said that Bell lacks the capacity to understand the proceedings against him.

Ewing recommended Bell will continue to be committed for another six months, Campbell said.

I find that Mr. Bell remains incompetent to stand trial, Campbell said.

Bell is accused of aggravated assault and malicious wounding dating to July 7, 2022. Prosecutors say he attacked a female deputy. The deputy, named as S. Cole, was hospitalized, and she later left the department.

The assault was not announced to the public and Bell was not initially charged. It took just over three weeks to bring charges for the assault. Irvings office did not return a request for comment as to why it took so long to bring charges.

Throughout the summer and fall of 2022, a number of serious incident reports were leaked by employees with the sheriffs office.

The documents lead to a push for more transparency from former deputies and Richmond City Councilmember Reva Trammell, who chairs the councils Public Safety Standing Committee.

Earlier this year, the jail was audited by the state Board of Local and Regional Jails. The auditor found the jail 100% compliant with state operating standards and regulations.

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
In late April, a homeless woman known as Miss Linda died outside a South Richmond church. It was a block away from a shelter that had closed weeks prior.

The death sparked outrage from community members and how the most vulnerable are cared for.

Kimberly Dale, who has been experiencing homelessness for over two years, addressed the City Council in July, calling for access to adequate shelter, public restrooms and overall care.

Its like falling off the deck of a fancy cruise ship and begging for somebody to throw you a life preserver and instead you just get snapped and swatted, Dale said. Its just been hell  theres no other way to put it.

Help could be on the way following an unanimous City Council vote to build shelters and expand the number of available beds ahead of the cold months.

The council authorized the construction of a year-round 50-bed shelter in the former Richmond Hostel, a facility at 7 N. Second St. that closed in 2020.

The council also approved expanding the Salvation Army facility in the 1900 block of Chamberlayne Avenue. The shelter will include an additional 150 beds and will be open from Dec. 1 to April 15.

Lynch: We have fought way too long

The decision, which came Monday night following a lengthy public comment period with varying degrees of support, comes after the city failed to open several planned shelters before temperatures dropped below freezing last year.

Fifth District City Councilwoman Stephanie Lynch, who has been spearheading many of the homeless initiatives, said it isnt without trying. The council has passed several resolutions calling on city administration to fund a 24/7 inclement weather shelter.

Following Monday nights vote, the city will commit $663,856 from its general fund budget to go toward an inclement weather shelter and an additional $542,056 of transferred funds toward the 50-bed shelter.

We simply do not have the capacity in our current system to address the very real human needs that exist on our streets today, Lynch said. We have fought way too long and way too hard to not see the historic investment of funding and more shelter sites around this city not just to protect the unhoused today but those who are to come.

Homeward, a nonprofit organization aimed at helping Richmonds homeless population, estimates there where nearly 500 people in the Richmond region as of September facing homelessness  an 8.7% increase from last years count. The number of available beds in shelters tallies a little under 300.

While access to shelters is important, the need for beds is most dire and sought-after in the winter and summer months, when temperatures reach deadly limits. On average, 700 homeless people nationwide die each year from hypothermia. They are also 200 times more likely to die from heat-associated causes than those who are sheltered, the National Health Care for the Homeless Council reports.

While many called the additional beds a necessity to ensure peoples safety, the vote Monday did not come without opposition. Several people came forward in an attempt to stop construction citing concerns regarding loitering, density and community blight.

David Kohler, president of the Chamberlayne Industrial Center Association, was one of the many who expressed opposition. Kohler said the addition to the already existing Salvation Army homeless shelter will have an impact on the businesses in the area that employ over 1,000 people in the city.

Were not against the homeless, what we are against is density. So please lets have an intellectually honest discussion, Kohler said.

Councilwoman Ann-Frances Lambert, whose Third District includes the shelter site, also expressed concerns. She called for the item to be put on the regular agenda for further discussion and to have more time to address the communitys questions.

The request was shut down by the majority of the council during its informal meeting.

I had a lot of concerns that had not been addressed by the city, Lambert said. A lot of the businesses complained about what happened last winter, how that operator at the time  just did not do a great job in being a good neighbor.

Pressure is on before cold weather arrives

With colder temperatures on the way, city Chief Administrative Officer Lincoln Saunders said it was imperative that the city work quickly in order to meet its planned Dec. 1 opening date. The majority of those present and who spoke during public comment agreed calling those against the project out as supporting businesses over peoples lives.

Allen-Charles Chipman, a Richmond resident and community activist, said he and his family lived two blocks from a previous homeless shelter and did not fear for his safety or whether his home value would go down as a result.

Instead, he said his main concern is for the people who are in need of adequate shelter, especially in the colder months.

How many more have died on the street while we are continuing papers trying to get it right? Chipman said. You know what isnt getting it right? Letting people die in the cold while it is in your power to save their life.

Following Mondays vote, the city plans to get to work funding the two projects and reassured folks that it will continue future efforts to help alleviate the problem.

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Firefighters on the scene of the Quaker Run Fire in Madison County and the Shenandoah National Park are facing what officials have called critical fire conditions as the blaze approaches 4,000 acres in size.

Wind gusts as high as 20 mph and humidity levels as low as 20% are creating an ideal environment for the wildfire to spread, the Virginia Department of Forestry reported Tuesday.

The Quaker Run Fire had consumed 3,937 acres of private, public and park land with 41% contained as of Tuesday, still the largest active wildfire of the six burning in the commonwealth.

The second largest is the Rocklick Fire in Buchanan County at 2,232 acres, which was reported on Nov. 7 and is already 80% contained.

While most of the roughly a dozen wildfires that were burning in Virginia this past weekend have been contained at this point, a new fire being called the Matts Creek Fire was reported in Bedford County on Sunday and had already consumed 150 acres by Tuesday morning.

At the Quaker Run Fire, there were 211 personnel, eight fire engines, six bulldozers and two helicopters on Tuesday. That has included Virginia National Guard troops since Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency a week ago.

The blaze, which is now in its fourth week, is not expected to be fully contained until at least the end of the month.

High winds and low humidity are not helping firefighters efforts, according to Tuesdays report from a unified command of local, state and federal authorities on the ground. Fuels are drying and are expected to be able to support fire spread, they said.

Thats especially true on the southern slopes of mountains and hills where there is more exposure to the sun.

The fire line meant to contain the Quaker Run Fire is holding, and firefighters are conducting mop-ups 120 feet within that line, the Virginia Department of Forestry said on Tuesday.

Mopping up describes the hard physical labor process of extinguishing or removing burning material near control lines down to the mineral soil, felling fire damaged trees, and cooling ash pits to make a fireline less likely to escape or to reduce residual smoke, according to the National Park Service website.

There has been no damage to residences or other structures reported to date.

Crews have been patrolling routes near residences in Madison County near the eastern boundary of Shenandoah National Park on a regular basis, officials said. Those living north of Finks Hollow Lane in Madison County are still under a voluntary evacuation order.

Crews are also keeping close tabs on Rapidan Camp, the historic landmark and former White House retreat during the Hoover administration.

Rapidan Camp, also known as Camp Hoover, is now closed to the public.

The closure includes the area around the historic camp and the trails leading to it, officials said in Tuesdays update.

Those trails include:

Mill Prong Trail.

Mill Prong Horse Trail.

Stony Mountain Trail.

Fork Mountain Trail.

Laurel Prong from the Cat Knob intersection.

Upper Dark Hollow Trail (though access to the falls remains open).

And the lower Rapidan Fire Road beyond the portion open to cyclists.

The Graves Mill Trail, from the intersection of the Staunton River Trail to the Rapidan Fire Road, and Wilhite Wagon Trail have been closed for weeks. The Byrd Visitor Center at mile 51 on Skyline Drive in the Big Meadows area remains open and electrified via generator, though power remains cut off to other parts of Big Meadows.

A temporary flight restriction is now in effect over the Quaker Run Fire from the surface up to 6,500 feet in the air, officials said Tuesday. This is to provide a safe environment for firefighting, they said in their Tuesday report.
Former Gov. Ralph Northam is endorsing Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, in her bid for the 2025 Democratic gubernatorial nomination, giving the three-term congresswoman a high-profile supporter from the Hampton Roads area.

Northam, who led Virginia through the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic to both cheers and jeers, is the second prominent Democratic elected official to endorse Spanberger since she announced her campaign Monday morning. Rep. Jennifer Wexton, D-10th, who was first elected to Congress the same year as Spanberger but is retiring at the end of her term, endorsed her fellow congresswoman Tuesday.

As governor, I saw Abigails incredible commitment to the Seventh District of Virginia and Virginia as a whole, Northam said in announcing his endorsement Wednesday morning. I saw an effective leader, and I saw someone who never stopped working to deliver results.

Northams endorsement could help Spanberger in a highly populated region of Virginia where she has less name recognition than in the Richmond area and Northern Virginia, parts of which she has represented in two radically different versions of the same congressional district.

He also helped her by not endorsing her principal rival for the Democratic nomination, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, who served as secretary of the commonwealth in the administration of Gov. Terry McAuliffe. Northam served in the McAuliffe administration as lieutenant governor after running with McAuliffe in 2013 on a statewide ticket that also included Mark Herring, who became attorney general. McAuliffe was governor from 2014 to 2018, Northam from 2018 to 2022.

Prominent contenders for the Republican nomination could include Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and Attorney General Jason Miyares.

Earlier this week, Northam endorsed former House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn, D-Fairfax, who is seeking election to Congress to succeed Wexton, rather than challenging Spanberger and Stoney for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.

Abigail is a very impressive listener, Northam said Wednesday. And because she truly listens to our neighbors, Abigail will remain focused on the issues that matter most  creating jobs, investing in our schools, lowering drug prices, protecting our natural resources, defending the rights of all Virginians and returning Virginia to being the number one state for business.

Spanberger praised Northam, a pediatric neurologist from Norfolk who also served in the Virginia Senate for six years, as a man who has dedicated his life to serving Virginia and putting others first.

She was serving her first term in Congress, representing a district that included parts of Henrico and Chesterfield counties, when the pandemic began in March, 2020, prompting Northam to close schools and sharply restrict public gatherings to avoid transmission of the deadly coronavirus.

As governor, he guided Virginia through moments of unprecedented crisis and through moments of tremendous opportunity, Spanberger said.

Under his leadership, Virginia saw real, tangible progress, including expanding Medicaid, signing new gun violence prevention laws, prioritizing rural development and protecting voting rights, she said.

Northams term as governor was tumultuous. He began with a political triumph that had eluded McAuliffe  expanding the states Medicaid program to hundreds of thousands of uninsured Virginians, most of them parents and childless adults. He also won a golden economic development prize with Amazon choosing Arlington County for its multibillion-dollar East Coast headquarters and twice led Virginia to being named best state for business by CNBC cable network.

His governorship almost came to an abrupt end in February 2019, when a photograph surfaced of one person in blackface and another in a Ku Klux Klan outfit on Northams page of the Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook. Northam initially apologized, then disavowed being in the picture or being aware of its existence. He survived calls by other Democratic officials, including McAuliffe, for him to resign and dedicated the rest of his term to addressing longstanding issues of racial inequity in Virginia.

Northam recovered politically to help Democrats win control of both chambers of the General Assembly in late 2019, setting the stage for passage of a flood of Democratic legislation  on criminal justice and public safety, education, transportation, health care and other party priorities.

He then faced two new challenges  the COVID-19 public health emergency and the sometimes violent public protests that erupted after the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. Northam closed schools and imposed significant restrictions on public activities, which led to a backlash among Republicans who objected to what they considered unconstitutional limits on their individual freedom.

Northam also supported efforts to remove Confederate statues from public spaces in Richmond, including the state-owned site of the monument to Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee on Monument Avenue in Richmond.

Republican Glenn Youngkin defeated McAuliffe for governor in 2021, asserting that Virginia had closed schools unnecessarily for too long and that it lagged other, more lenient states in recovering jobs lost in the pandemic. Youngkin, after winning the race, praised Northams civility and heart, but continued to castigate many of the policies Northam had signed into law.

Spanberger cast Northam in a much more positive light.

His achievements moved Virginia forward, and his spirit of service continues to inspire leaders throughout our commonwealth, she said.

PHOTOS: Gov. Northam gives final State of the Commonwealth address
Del. David Reid, D-Loudoun, is the latest lawmaker to jump into the race to succeed Rep. Jennifer Wexton, D-10th, who is retiring after three terms because of health reasons.

From my upbringing in foster care, to the Navy, to the House of Delegates, Ive found creative and innovative solutions to solve the complex problems affecting the people of Virginia, Reid wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Reid, a member of the House of Delegates since 2018, notes that when he was a child, he and his siblings moved from Rockbridge County to Richmond, where he lived for six years at the United Methodist Childrens Home before moving to Oklahoma with foster parents.

He went on to serve as a Naval intelligence officer for 23 years before retiring in 2011 as a commander. He opened a consulting business in 2014.

Former Speaker of the House Eileen Filler-Corn, D-Fairfax, and Sen. Jennifer Boysko, D-Fairfax, already have announced for the seat. Mike Clancy, a lawyer who has been a political commentator on conservative news outlets, also has announced for the seat.

While Democrats hold narrow margins of 21-19 in the state Senate and 51-49 in the House of Delegates, Reid and Boysko hold what likely are safe Democratic seats in the legislature. Reid won a fourth term Nov. 7 with 61% of the vote.

The 10th District seat, based in Loudoun and Prince William counties, is one of three highly competitive Virginia U.S. House seats that both parties will contest vigorously next year.

Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, formally announced this week that she will forgo another race for Congress next year in her Northern Virginia district based in Prince William, Stafford and Spotsylvania counties in order to focus on a 2025 run for governor.

Virginias other hotly contested seat is in Hampton Roads, where Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-2nd, defeated Rep. Elaine Luria, D-2nd in 2022. The 2nd is Virginias most volatile Congressional district with eight different representatives since the start of 2001.

Today in history: Nov. 15 1806: Pikes Peak 1864: "March to the Sea" 1939: The Jefferson Memorial 1959: The Clutter Family 1966: Gemini 12 1969: Vietnam War Protest 2003: Iraq 2011: Occupy Wall Street 2016: Barack Obama 2016: Paul Ryan 2017: Robert Mugabe 2019: Roger Stone 2020: Dustin Johnson 2021: Alex Jones 2021: Patrick Leahy
Dominion Energys Virginia ratepayers could be in line for one-time credits totaling $15 million under a settlement reached with the Office of the Attorney General, State Corporation Commission staff and major commercial customers.

For a typical residential customer, the credit will amount to roughly $2.25.

The credits are to be reflected in customers bills by Sept. 30, 2024, if the SCC approves. The commissions decision is expected early next year.

The settlement, if approved by the SCC commissioners, would mean no change in Dominions base rate  the charge that accounts for nearly half a typical $133 a month residential bill for 1,000 kilowatt-hours. The rest of the bill comes from a dollar-for-dollar pass-through of the companys fuel costs as well as several surcharges meant to pay for new plants and programs.

The settlement comes in the SCCs pending biennial review of Dominions rate, and follows a sweeping regulatory reform enacted this year that aimed to reduce customers bills.

The legislation returned broad authority to the State Corporation Commission to review Dominions base rates, which have been essentially unchanged since 2007 even though the capital costs they are meant to cover have since declined.

It also cleared the path to eliminate some surcharges, which meant a reduction in bills that took effect and for a plan, now pending before the SCC, that would spread out the impact of this years sharply higher fuel costs over several years.

With the settlement, Dominion, the Attorney Generals Office, SCC staff and the major customers agreed that Dominions earnings for 2021 and 2022 amounted to a 9.05% return on equity, below its authorized 9.35%.

In regulatory law, when a utilitys profit exceeds its authorized return by too much, it means that it is charging customers too much.

When profits are significantly below the authorized return, the utility is not making enough money to cover its operating costs and the sums necessary to finance its plants and equipment.

The settlement accepted that a 9.7% return on equity was reasonable for the next two years, when Dominion needs to finance its $9 billion-plus investment in the giant offshore wind farm it is building 25 miles off the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

The commission Staff, the Attorney General and other key parties were able to come together constructively and propose a resolution to our biennial review here in Virginia that is fair and reasonable and will allow Dominion Energy to continue delivering on our mission to provide reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy to power our customers every day, said Ed Baine, president of Dominion Energy Virginia.

In addition to SCC staff and the Office of the Attorney General, parties agreeing to the settlement were Appalachian Voices, the Data Center Coalition, the Department of the Navy on behalf of the Federal Executive Agencies, Google, Harris Teeter, the Virginia Committee for Fair Utility Rates and Walmart.

The Apartment and Office Building Association of Metropolitan Washington, Direct Energy, Microsoft and the Virginia Poverty Law Center, which intervened in the case, have told Dominion they are not opposed to the agreement.

PHOTOS: Dominion's offshore wind turbines
Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield, just won election to a second term in Virginias Senate, but her Republican opponent, Hayden Fisher, is challenging whether she lives in the new 15th District full time and is calling for an investigation.

Also Tuesday, three Chesterfield residents filed suit against Chesterfield County Registrar Missy Vera, asserting that Hashmi does not live in the new district and are seeking an injunction to block her election.

According to county tax records, Hashmi since 1999 has owned a home in Midlothian  which is within the boundaries of the old 10th District that she used to represent. Her candidate filing paperwork lists an apartment in north Chesterfield within the boundaries of the new 15th District, in which she ran this year and beat Fisher by 13,000 votes.

I plan to stop them from certifying the election, Fisher said in a statement to conservative outlet The Daily Wire. Shes disqualified, that means I ran unopposed as a matter of law.

When reached Tuesday, Fisher declined further comment.

Though Hashmi could not be reached after multiple attempts  and her campaign said she was not available for an interview  she made a statement on X, the site formerly known as Twitter.

Leave it to MAGA election deniers to spread lies and throw a tantrum over the outcome of an election, Hashmi wrote. Im proud the voters have re-elected me so I can keep serving our community, and I am excited to continue delivering the results for Virginia families.

Leave it to MAGA election deniers to spread lies and throw a tantrum over the outcome of an election. Im proud the voters have re-elected me so I can keep serving our community, and I am excited to continue delivering results for Virginia families.  Ghazala Hashmi (@SenatorHashmi) November 14, 2023

The states Board of Elections will meet Dec. 4 to certify election results. The 2024 legislative session is set to begin Jan. 10.

The Chesterfield residents filed the suit against Vera in circuit court.

Essentially we have a candidate who lives a few doors down from me and is running in a different district, Ronald Gay, listed in online court records as the lead plaintiff, said in a phone interview.

Gay lives around the corner from the home Hashmi and her husband bought in 1999.

Shes been there for 20 years, and I see her all the time, Gay said.

He said he sees her car and her husbands car parked in the driveway of the house.

I walk my dog every day between 7:30 and 8 in the morning, and I see both cars then, he said.

Vera, the Chesterfield registrar, did not respond to an inquiry from The Times-Dispatch.

According to state law, residency in a legislative district requires both domicile and a place of abode  meaning a person must live within the district, with the intention to remain, and a place of abode is the physical place where they dwell. If a senator or delegate moves their residence from the district they are elected in, they would have to vacate their office.

The lines are blurred with Hashmi as the address in her paperwork is within the new district that she was elected, and she could dwell in the apartment. The law is not clear about whether she would need to dwell there all of the time.

When the state Supreme Court redrew the states legislative boundaries in late 2021, dozens of legislators were either drawn into districts with other incumbents or drawn out of their districts. Some, like Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville, and Del. Nadarius Clark, D-Franklin, moved so that they could run in new districts, while many other incumbents retired.

Hashmi isnt the only candidate whose residency has been called into question. Delegate-elect Tim Griffin, R-Bedford, elected Nov. 7 in the 53rd House District, based in Bedford and Amherst, had an apartment listed in the new district, and some fellow Republicans questioned whether he lived there, according to Cardinal News. It reported that the Bedford County registrar had found that Griffin met residency requirements to qualify for the November ballot.

Regardless of the blurred lines on candidates residencies when running for office, Hashmi could face scrutiny for not disclosing that she owns her Midlothian home.

Hashmi signed a certificate of candidate qualification March 14 that says she resides in an apartment on Boulder Lake Drive in the district in which she was seeking office.

The Statement of Economic Interests form that Hashmi signed electronically on Feb. 17 asks do you or a member of your immediate family, separately or together, hold an interest valued at more than $5,000 in real property?

Hashmi marked no, despite property records showing that she owns the home in Midlothian with her husband. But that form also explicitly instructs filers not to include their primary residence.

In signing the documents, Hashmi acknowledged that knowingly making any untrue statement or entry in (the documents) is a felony under Virginia law  which comes with a maximum fine of $2,500 and a sentence of up to 10 years.

To remove candidates or sitting officeholders usually requires a prosecutor to file a legal complaint. It would be up to a judge to determine whether or not Hashmi met the requirements for candidacy.
There are several issues bursting in symbolism that the restored Democratic legislative majority  without going off the rails as it did in 2020 by seemingly overreacting on racial reckoning and the coronavirus  can deliver relatively quickly.

And while theyre at it, Gov. Glenn Youngkin  notwithstanding his embarrassment in the just-concluded legislative midterm elections  should consider thanking his fellow Republicans in the House of Delegates for protecting him from himself by failing to back his version of a second round of proposed tax cuts earlier this year.

Troubling snapshots by the General Assembly money committees of cash demands under the next two-year budget  the fiscal cornerstone of Youngkins legacy as the only full spending plan over which he has maximum authority  suggest that more tax breaks might augur a revenue shortfall and the customary, albeit politically perilous, remedy: deep cuts.

For Democrats, though, promises made and presumably kept would include tweaking the Virginia Constitution to ensure automatic restoration of voting and civil rights for felons whove completed their penalties.

Also, junking the constitutions illegal, 2006 language prohibiting same-sex marriage. And, given its powerful appeal in post-Roe elections in Virginia and beyond and likely resonance in the future, an amendment guaranteeing access to abortion.

Revising the states constitution is a two-year process. New language must clear  unchanged  two sessions of the legislature, with a House election in between, before it is put to voters for final approval.

The slender Democratic majorities in the House and Virginia Senate could begin the process in 2024, gamble that their one-seat advantage in the House holds or is expanded in the 2025 elections and endorse the revisions a second time in 2026, putting them on the ballot that fall.

This is an exercise that does not include the governor, except in a modestly ministerial way. The governor would have only to sign into law the measure authorizing a constitutional referendum.

Plus, the incumbent governor, Youngkin  an opponent of abortion and same-sex marriage and who slowed the rights-restoration process, stoking suspicions he wanted to keep off the rolls voters presumably friendly to Democrats  will have a new title: former governor. Youngkin leaves office in January 2026.

Another area on which Democrats can fully assert themselves free of gubernatorial interference: filling two vacancies on the three-member agency that polices business, large and small: the State Corporation Commission. Those seats have remained open since 2022 because of a standoff between the Republican House and the Democratic Senate.

Democrats used parliamentary maneuvers to prevent Youngkin from making the appointments.

This naked attempt by Democrats to preserve the legislatures control of this highfalutin strain of political patronage distracts from a rare agreement between Youngkin and his other-party tormentors: Both favor more rigorous oversight by the SCC, particularly of the states electric monopolies.

And the governor and Democrats might find common purpose in continuing to restore to the commission powers that more than a decade ago a Republican-controlled legislature, with the concurrence of such business-friendly Democrats as Dick Saslaw, the retiring Senate majority leader from Fairfax, reduced at the urging of the big utilities.

Its clear the Democrats green-leaning sugar daddy, the Clean Virginia PAC of financier Michael Bills, expects in return for the nearly $13 million it pumped into their legislative campaigns SCC judges who are skeptical of big power and supportive of alternative energy.

The Democrats picks for the commission will be a measure of the new uniformity  read: liberal  of the partys House and Senate caucuses, which will be led by those not long ago largely shut out of Virginia politics: People of color, women and those of Jewish faith.

The elections had a similar effect on the Republican caucuses. Their conservatism could prove even more rigid.

The selection of soon-to-be-former Speaker Todd Gilbert of Shenandoah as House Republican leader says as much.

Gilbert is a seasoned practitioner of bright-line politics  in stark contrast to the transactional style of his opponent for the post, Del. Terry Kilgore of Scott County. To some in his caucus, Kilgore committed a mortal sin in supporting, with several other Republicans, a Democrat-favored energy conservation initiative.

Democrats could also move purposefully on strengthened firearms restrictions, including a ban on high-powered, military-style weapons  a prohibition they scuttled not because of disagreement over fine print but because of personal friction between the partys House and Senate leaders when state government was previously fully blue: the two years after the 2019 House and Senate elections.

That hegemony, paired with Democrat Ralph Northam as governor, was short-lived, largely because voters were exhausted over COVID-19 restrictions and the aftershocks of the police murder of George Floyd.

What Democrats still consider their brief, shining moment ended in 2021 with Youngkins narrow victory and, because of his coattails, a Republican take-back of the House. It proved similarly short-lived, giving way this month to a one-seat Democratic majority led by Don Scott of Portsmouth, who will be the states first Black House Speaker.

There is certainly reason to believe that Youngkin  to restore his standing with Republican primary voters and resuscitate, if only for 2028, a prospective presidential candidacy smothered for 2024 by his rebuke in 2023  would use his veto to block a so-called assault weapons ban.

That would supply Democrats a talking point for the 2025 statewide and House elections.

After the mass shooting at a Chesapeake Walmart in November 2022 in which seven people died, including the gunman, and the wounding of a teacher in her Newport News classroom in January by a 6-year-old student armed with his mothers pistol, Youngkin  who, as a candidate, proclaimed himself a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association  talked up tougher mental health programs as the remedy to gun violence, not more gun control.

The House Republican majority largely shielded Youngkin from having to directly confront the gun issue. He would not have that luxury against the Democrats who take control of the House and Senate in January.

But Youngkin rarely veers from the consultant-driven script and may be prepared to risk  because personal ambition and internal Republican Party politics demand it  further alienating Democrat-trending suburban voters already angry over the GOP assault on abortion rights.

And you can bet he would do it with a grin on his face and wearing that damn vest.

From the Archives: The Virginia state Capitol building
Various Jewish groups gathered in Washington D.C., on Tuesday in what was called the "March for Israel" to show solidarity with the Middle Eastern nation and call out against antisemitism.

The large crowd that attended the march also demanded the Hamas militant group to free Israeli hostages that were taken in by the group. Through a live video feed, Israeli President Isaac Herzog addressed the people at the march.

March for Israel

Despite the thousands of miles that separated them, Herzog said that they are still united "to march for the babies, the boys and girls, women and men viciously held hostage by Hamas. He added that they are marching for the right of every single Jew to be able to live proudly and safely in the United States, in Israel, and across the world.

The March for Israel event is believed to be the largest pro-Israel gathering in the U.S. following Oct. 7, when Hamas attacked the Middle Eastern country. The initial assault killed thousands of people, including civilians and soldiers, as per CNN.

A student at the University of Maryland, Sara Blau, said that she went to high school with Israeli soldier Omer Neutra, who was among the people who were being held captive by Hamas. She said that they were good friends. Blau attended the March for Israel wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with Neutra's photograph.

The student added that wanted to join the movement so that she could show her support for Israel, adding that she is a proud Zionist, a proud Jew, and wanted to be there to support her community.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) considered the march a "Level 1" security event. This is the highest level possible when considering national importance, potential threats, and the resources needed to ensure public safety.

The latest march comes after several large protests across the country and in capital cities worldwide that denounced Israel's military assault in Gaza. The region has been plunged into what many call a humanitarian crisis, according to the New York Times.

Read Also: Why MIT Admins Will No Longer Suspend Pro-Palestine Student Protesters

Denouncing Antisemitism

The March for Israel was intended by organizers in part to become a response to critics of Israel amid its war with the Hamas militant group. Herzog noted that there was no greater and more just cause than the event.

The president and chief executive of the Jewish Federations of North America, Eric Fingerhut, said that despite polls showing Americans overwhelmingly support Israel, there was an increasing voice from the opposition who are on the fringe.

Among the people who joined the march was 71-year-old Tamara WIlkof who came from Cleveland. She said that she believes people had been galvanized by the surge in antisemitism since Hamas' Oct. 7 attack.

Fingerhut released a statement saying that Hamas brutally murdered thousands of Jewish people in one day during its Brutal initial assault. It was considered to be the deadliest attack on the Middle Eastern nation in the last 75 years.

He added that Israel must eliminate the terrorist threat on its border and restore the safety and security of its people. Fingerhut said that Americans have slightly stood by Israel during this critical moment because people understand that the nation's fight against Hamas is no different than their fight against Al Qaeda and ISIS, said Fox News.

Related Article: Hundreds of Biden Admin Officials Oppose POTUS's Handling of Israel-Hamas War

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Belize national found guilty trying to enter Mexico with gun at Chetumal checkpoint

Chetumal, Q.R.  A Belize man found attempting to enter Mexico with a firearm has been convicted. On Tuesday, Samuel O was found guilty of carrying the illegal weapon at the Customs Sublieutenant Lopez II Chactemal of Chetumal.

Samuel O, of Belizean nationality, was attempting to enter Mexico at the Chetumal check point when Customs Officers located the gun. In a statement by the Public Ministry, elements of the National Customs Guard detained Samuel O at the tactical point called entry lanes of the Customs Sublieutenant Lopez II Chactemal in Chetumal.

They said when carrying out a search of the interior of the vehicle, authorities seized a .9 mm caliber firearm and a magazine with seventeen useful .9 mm caliber cartridges.

Through an abbreviated procedure, a Chetumal judge issued a conviction. Authorities did not provide information on a possible sentence.

On Monday, a Dallas, Texas man was convicted of trying to enter Mexico with a gun. He was arrested over the weekend from Terminal 3 of Cancun International and through an abbreviated hearing, found guilty.
Six planes seized and five detained in Baja California bust

Mexicali Valley, Baja California  The Specialized Regional Control Prosecutors Office in Baja California have seized nine vehicles and six small planes. They were seized by authorities after police found cocaine and heroin.

According to the police report, elements of the State Citizen Security Force detained five people aboard two vehicles after finding 189 packages of cocaine, 90 of fentanyl and one of heroin.

The finding took place outside a property located in the vicinity of the Ejido Queretaro, where police say, they suspect more drugs were kept.

The Federal Public Prosecutors Office requested a search warrant for the property, and upon carrying out their search, elements of the Federal Ministerial Police (PFM) and Criminal Investigation Agency (AIC ) in coordination with elements of the Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA), located 15.4 kilos of cocaine, 3.9 kilos of heroin, six small planes and nine vehicles.

The property was insured and the detainees placed at the disposal of the Federal Public Ministry.
Ive been rereading Miltons Paradise Lost. I am not alone in this; earlier this year, every time I checked Twitter, someone was commenting on Paradise Lost. There seemed to be a gravitational pull toward Miltons epic. Many people, from Jaspreet Singh Boparai at The Critic to Ed Simon at LitHub, found themselves commenting on this very old poemand not just the poem, but the concepts of good and evil, the nation, and the very possibility of virtue in a world like ours.

This is not a coincidence. We are living through a strange time. It is not unprecedented, despite the insistence of countless recent writers to the contrary, but it is undeniably very strange. It is a time in which a father is using his sons blood to chase immortality; nations create elaborate bureaucracies to eliminate individuals seen as less worthy; and online personalities singing unequivocal praises of the Greek Dark Ages attract tens of thousands of followers. In this time, in which humanity seems to exist in thrall to claims of youth, strength, and power, Miltons strange poem is newly attractive and newly disturbing in equal parts. That, I believe, is no accident.

Miltons poem has always been disturbing, and for one primary reason: his Satan. The Satan of Paradise Lost is a staggering invention. Far from the brutal, subrational tortured behemoth of Dante, Miltons Satan is oddly appealing. Hes manly, assertive, creative. Hes compelling. He has a goal and he pursues it relentlessly. He refuses to submit to fate. Hes a powerful speaker and a visionary.

In a word, hes heroic.

To read the first half of Paradise Lost is to find oneself admiring the Devil, and that is a disturbing place to be. It is so disturbing, in fact, that many readers claim that Milton has made a misstep somehow. William Blake wrote that Milton had to be of the Devils party without knowing it. John Dryden, who believed that Milton had made Satan the hero of Paradise Lost, rewrote the poem in rhymed verse and corrected what he saw as Miltons imaginative error; for decades, his translation was far more popular that Miltons original.

In rereading the poem, I understand where Blake and Dryden are coming from. Milton manages to bring Satan very near our hearts in the poem; he speaks, as it were, to our longings and comports himself in the way we imagine a hero would.

This bothers people. It bothers me. I do not like that I admire the Devil for exemplifying certain virtues. If the courage, creativity, and indomitability we see in Miltons Satan came from a character with any other name, I would find myself praising him.

The question becomes: Is this an imaginative failure on the part of the artist? Does Milton stumble here, lured by some darkness in his own vision into loading the Prince of Darkness with virtues? Or does he load his Devil with attractions intentionally, drawing us into this sympathetic relationship with darkness for some moral purpose of his own?

Types of Devils

Before we can answer that question, we must understand Miltons Satan in its place in the tradition of Christian conceptions of the Devil. Leaving aside the medieval idea of the Devil as a fork-tailed, pitchfork-wielding monster whose toothy grin mocks fallen souls (an idea that may, for all I know, be the most accurate one we have), I want to look at the two other defining depictions of Satan in the contemporary Western imagination: Dantes and C.S. Lewis.

I will begin with Lewis because it is easiest for me to accept. Lewis is an Augustinian of the first order; he believes absolutely that evil is the negative of Good, and he demonstrates this in his writing by making evil always small, petty, gray, dull. Even his fiercest evils, like Tash in The Last Battle and the devils of That Hideous Strength, are shown to be pale, flaccid, and tasteless in comparison with goodness. In the comic essay Screwtape Proposes a Toast, Lewis shows Hell as a nasty little place, and its bureaucracy consumed with petty details, squabbling over minute differences in the diabolic hierarchy.

In teasing out his Augustinian convictions to this degree, Lewis is following a thread plucked from Dante, whose Devil (Emperor of the kingdom dolorous) is bestial and gibbering. By having abandoned God, Dante asserts, the Devil has lost not only his own reflected beauty but even his mind. Virgil explains to Dante that the intellect is the light of God in the mind; by this reasoning, Hell includes the loss of intellect, language, and coherent thought. When we meet Satan at last at the end of the Inferno, this is exactly what we see: a being that has lost all intellect.

This is a poetic flourish on Dantes part, a play on the Scholastic notion of angelic beings as pure intellect. The Scholastics incorporate scriptural imagery to understand what this pure intellect is like: swift, constantly in motion, full of eyes, irradiated with light. These symbolsmotion and visionare motifs throughout Western literature to indicate proximity to the Divine. Platos Socrates says in the Phaedrus that the life of the soul is motion; he defines the soul as that which can move itself. Both Plato and Aristotle connect transcendent reality with light and vision; from Platos allegory of the cave (wisdom as seeing) to Aristotles idea of eudaimonia as contemplationor true seeingof the Good, Western thought connects the intellect, vision, and motion at a deep, intuitive level. Importantly, it places God outside this interaction; whereas God is the perfect union of intellect and will, the brilliant Light all vision sees, He is not motion. From Aristotle through to the Scholastics, God is the Unmoved Mover; He brings about motion, but He himself is not moved.

Dantes Satan is immobile, trapped in the dark ice that is the frozen heart of Hell. He is both sightless (due to the darkness) and fixed. The physical description Dante provides is a metaphor for the spiritual condition of Satan: the condition of having lost both light and motion, the two concepts that illustrate for us the idea of intellect. He has, in an ironic twist, achieved his wish: he, like God, does not move. But for him, whose nature is that of pure intellect, this immovability is eternal torment.

Miltons Satan crashed through this Augustinian backdrop like lightning. His Satan is active, clever, bold. He is not stymied by Gods victory over him but immediately rallies his forces and begins working against the Heavenly Kingdom by whatever means he can. He plucks his fallen comrades from the burning lakes and sets them to workcreative, inspiring work, raising palaces of gold and jewels from the smoking plains of Hell. He is not daunted by being overthrown by the Eternal One.

In contrast, Miltons God falls a little flat. While Satan busily sets about launching a vast campaign against God and strategizes to attack mankind as the weak point in Gods armor, God seems to resign Himself to His fate. Coming after the Council in Hell, the great council in Heaven, in which the Father explains to the Celestial Hierarchy just what is at stake should mankind fall, feels like an anticlimax: Why does the all-powerful God simply allow things to take their course? In the face of this divine complacence, the scrappy, desperate Devil strikes us as positively splendid.

How could a poet as perceptive as Milton make such a glaring mistake?

A Divine Misdirection

Of the three views I have in mind todayDantes, Miltons, and LewisLewis is by far the easiest for me to accept. The reason for this, I believe, provides a clue as to why Milton wrote his Devil the way he did.

Lewis Satan is exactly the way I want him to be. I want the Devil to be small, petty, bureaucraticgray and miserable. I want him to be icky and unappealing. I want to believe that my own imaginative instincts, which I have deliberately tried to cultivate toward virtue, would recoil from evil. I want to think that nothing about Satan would appear beautiful to me and that nothing in Hell would remind me of my own soul.

Dante, despite the increased grandeur of his vision, allows me to persist in this delusion. His Hell is entirely vile, his devils disgusting, his Satan repulsive and bestial. But Miltonah, Milton! with his heavy Puritan heartMilton will not leave us happy in our faults.

Percy Bysshe Shelley wrote that Miltons Devil as a moral being is far superior to his God. In the centuries since Milton wrote his great poem, his Satan has, perhaps contrary to his own expectations, routed our imaginations. But Milton, by his own words, did not intend for Paradise Lost to be universally popular. He hoped, he wrote, that it would fit audience find, though few. This may have been authorial false humility, but it does seem clear that he expected his poem to be misinterpreted, or at least under-interpreted. This has indeed been the case; the epics secrets continue to be revealed, as when a college student discovered a hidden acrostic in the poem as recently as 2018.

So perhaps the tug of Satan on our imaginations is not contrary to Miltons expectations. Perhaps Milton knew exactly what he was doing in creating a Satan that so neatly filled out the silhouette of a classic heroic type. I believe that in shaping his Satan the way he did, Milton did not accidentally ally virtue to devilry; instead, he exposed the devilry that lies at the heart of many contemporary virtues: the virtues of independence, of willfulness, of creativity unmoored from telos. The indomitability of his Satan is not a misstep but a warning not to be seduced by seemingly heroic independence. The golden towers of his Hell are no mistake but a reminder (for Milton was very wary of usury and interest-based economic systems) that wealth is a barrier to Paradise.

Lewis, of course, knew this. Even though his Satan looks very different from Miltons, they wander the same spiritual terrain: that of Pride. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity: According to Christian teachers, the essential vice, the utmost evil, is Pride. Unchastity, anger, greed, drunkenness, and all that, are mere flea bites in comparison: it was through Pride that the devil became the devil: Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind.

When we read Paradise Lost and find ourselves impressed by Satan, that is what we are impressed by: his pride. When we are unimpressed by God the Father and God the Son at the Heavenly Council, we are unimpressed by the Divine humility, which not only creates but submits to the choices of His creation.

Milton accomplished more in his epic than merely a retelling of the falls of Satan and of Adam; rather, he created an imaginative space in which every reader reenacts those falls. Every reader, by being moved by the Devils pride, rebuilds Hell in his own heart. And every reader, by remaining unmoved in the face Gods humility in awaiting Adam and Eves choice, crucifies Christ anew. When we find ourselves cheering for Miltons Satan, it reveals not a failing in Miltons depiction of the Devil but a failing in our own souls.

Paradise Lost could be a parable for our strange days: when devilry goes hand in hand with almost god-like technological achievement, when the highest-ever standard of living accompanies skyrocketing suicide rates, and when nations stockpile unbelievable wealth while strategically eliminating the vulnerable. It is well worth our time to return to this startling epic because it has the ability to prepare us to discern what comes from the humble heart of God, and what is markedhowever splendidlywith the sign of the Devil.
The Roanoke Sheriffs Office deputy who was charged in March with taking bribes from and delivering drugs to inmates entered guilty pleas in Roanoke Circuit Court Tuesday.

Jonathan Hidalgo, 34, had been employed with the sheriffs office for about three years when the misconduct occurred, Chief Assistant Commonwealths Attorney John McNeil said during Tuesdays hearing.

McNeil said that in early January, inmates at the Roanoke City Adult Detention Center reported that Hidalgo was bringing marijuana into the facility.

On Jan. 11, McNeil said, the sheriffs office conducted a shakedown. As a result, Derrick J. Williams, 37, of Roanoke, was charged with possessing marijuana as an inmate. Court documents list Jan. 12 as the date of the offense.

McNeil said the sheriffs office contacted Virginia State Police to conduct an investigation, and on Jan. 13, investigators pulled Hidalgo aside as he arrived to work his shift.

Hidalgo basically admitted to everything during his recorded conversation with investigators, McNeil continued. Hidalgo told state police that on or about Dec. 1 and 5, Williams had asked him to get marijuana for inmates in exchange for money.

Hidalgo agreed to the plan, McNeil said, and later met with a female outside of the jail. She gave Hidalgo $1,000 and marijuana, which Hidalgo got to inmates by hiding it in cleaning supplies.

McNeil said that as Hidalgos conversation with state police continued, he told investigators that he had brought marijuana with him into the facility that day.

Hidalgo voluntarily directed investigators to a backpack, which McNeil said was in an employee area of the jail.

Hidalgo told police that another inmate had agreed to give him $600 if he brought marijuana inside the facility, and Hidalgo had once again met someone outside the jail to pick up the money and drugs.

The marijuana that was seized from the backpack that day was not introduced to the jail, McNeil said.

Hidalgo was indicted in March on four felony charges: delivering narcotics to a prisoner, attempting to deliver narcotics to a prisoner and two counts of bribery in a correctional facility. He pleaded guilty to three of those charges Tuesday. In exchange, the attempted narcotics delivery charge will not be prosecuted.

Hidalgos attorney, Carter B. Garrett, requested that Hidalgo be permitted to travel out of the state while awaiting sentencing. The lawyer said Hidalgo, who has been living with his sister in Farmville, has no prior criminal record and wishes to visit his children in Morrisville, Pennsylvania.

Garrett also argued that his client has been cooperative and truthful, noting that when Hidalgo spoke with state police, he exposed himself to additional criminal liability.

The defense attorney said Hidalgo has recently been allowed to leave Virginia for Pennsylvania while on a $2,500 secured bond. Court records indicate he left the state with the permission of his probation officer on two occasions, once for two days in June and once for 10 days in September.

Judge David Carson granted Hidalgos request to amend the terms of his bond to allow him to leave Virginia but encouraged him to stay in touch with his probation officer.

Hidalgos sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Feb. 12, according to Virginias online court case information system.

Williams was indicted in March on his marijuana possession charge and sentenced in accordance with a plea agreement in May to two years of incarceration, suspended after he served six months. Court documents indicate he was released in October.

Court documents associated with Williams case also reveal that one torn glove which contained one knotted plastic bag corner which contained plant material was analyzed by forensic scientists. They determined that the plant material was about 10 grams of marijuana.

McNeil said Tuesday that a second inmate, who the prosecutor did not name, has been charged with bribing Hidalgo.

There are other facts to this investigation, the prosecutor said. There may be additional charges coming.
A second physician charged in a sweeping indictment of five pain care clinics in Western Virginia pleaded guilty Tuesday to allowing illegal prescriptions of a drug used to treat opioid addiction.

Wendell Lewis Randall, 70, is one of about a half-dozen health care professionals and executives charged in an investigation of L5 Medical Holdings, which had locations in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Lynchburg, Madison Heights and Woodlawn.

Randall will face up to four years in prison when he is sentenced next year in Roanokes federal court.

Federal authorities say profits came before health care in the operation of the Pain Care Centers, where many at-risk patients were prescribed opioid painkillers they didnt need and others received Suboxone, which is used to treat addition to those narcotics.

Randall admitted that he allowed clinic employees who were not authorized to prescribe Suboxone to do so by using his registration with the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The DEA assigns registration numbers to each physician allowed to prescribe the drug and allots a certain number of doses to be allowed.

Randall operated his own pain management practice in North Carolina, but was paid by L5 Medical Holdings and was ostensibly assigned to the Woodlawn clinic in Carroll County, court records state.

But he was rarely at the clinic to perform medical examinations of his patients, who received their Suboxone from unauthorized employees, according to court records.

Under a plea agreement in the case, U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Dillon will not be bound by any sentencing recommendation made by prosecutors or the defense.

No ones promised me anything, your honor, Randall told Dillon.

The plea agreement requires Randall to give up his license to practice medicine and to pay a forfeiture of $200,000. He was allowed to remain free on bond to await a March 19 sentencing.

Randall is the second physician charged in the case. Duane Dixon, who previously practiced in Lynchburg, pleaded guilty in October to two charges: conspiring to distribute opioid painkillers and Suboxone, and failing to report to law enforcement a pattern of health care fraud at clinics.

Federal and state authorities began investigating L5 Medical Holdings in 2015, after receiving information from pharmacies about large amounts of narcotics coming from the clinics.

In July, the former owner of the business pleaded guilty to health care fraud conspiracy and agreed to pay $3.8 million in restitution to Medicare and Medicaid for false billings from the clinics.

John Gregory Barnes of South Carolina had no medical experience when he bought the clinics. Court records state that after working in the mortgage industry during the economic crash of the late 2000s, Barnes decided to go into a recession proof business.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is currently hosting a groundbreaking exhibition that sheds light on the early pilgrimage of one of the most influential American artists of the 20th century, Cy Twombly. Born in Lexington, Virginia, Twomblys work has left an indelible mark on the art world, and this exhibition, titled Cy Twombly, Morocco, 1952/1953, is a homecoming of sorts, celebrating his roots in Virginia.

The Artist: Cy Twombly

Cy Twombly, also known as Edwin Parker Twombly Jr., is widely hailed in Virginia as the preeminent artist to emerge from the state. His profound artistic legacy lies in his unique ability to bridge the realms of ancient art and literature with the artistic practices of the late twentieth century. Twombly skillfully translated historically distant references into a refreshingly contemporary artistic language.

At the core of Twomblys artistic expression is his abstract expressionist style, characterized by grand-scale canvases adorned with uninhibited, calligraphic, and graffiti-like markings. This distinctive approach has left an indelible mark on the art world, serving as a wellspring of inspiration for a generation of emerging artists. Notable figures such as Anselm Kiefer, Francesco Clemente, Julian Schnabel, and Jean-Michel Basquiat have all drawn influence from Twomblys groundbreaking work.

Twomblys artistic inspiration often stemmed from the rich tapestry of poetry, classical myths, and allegorical tales. He wove these literary references into his art, paying homage to poets like Stephane Mallarme, Rainer Maria Rilke, and John Keats through his captivating creations.

The impact of Twomblys art extends far beyond Virginias borders, as his works have found permanent homes in prestigious collections around the globe. Notable institutions like the Menil Collection in Houston, the Tate Modern in London, New Yorks Museum of Modern Art, and Munichs Museum Brandhorst proudly display his masterpieces, ensuring that his artistic legacy endures for generations to come.

Untitled (Cy, North Africa), Robert Rauschenberg (American, 19252008), 1952, gelatin silver print,  Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, New York

The Exhibition: Cy Twombly, Morocco, 1952/1953

Presented exclusively in the United States at VMFA, this pioneering exhibition originated at the Musee Yves Saint Laurent in Marrakech and offers a unique glimpse into Twomblys early creative journey. It showcases the artists fascination with archaeology and the historic landscapes of Morocco through his sketchbooks, photographs, and two paintings. VMFAs Margaret R. and Robert M. Freeman Library adds depth to the exhibition by providing archival materials that contextualize Twomblys travels and interest in North Africa and the broader Mediterranean region. Additionally, a rarely exhibited painting from the artists son, brought from Italy, enriches the Richmond incarnation of the exhibition.

A VMFA Connection: Cy Twomblys Fellowship

The exhibitions ties to VMFA run deep, dating back to the Visual Arts Fellowship Programs establishment in 1940. Cy Twombly, a native of Lexington, Virginia, received funding from a VMFA Fellowship in the fall of 1952, which supported his transformative travels. These journeys greatly influenced Twomblys work and set the stage for his artistic legacy.

Cy Dear Documentary

Earlier in October the documentary Cy Dear, directed by Andrea Bettinetti was shown. The film takes viewers on a journey from Twomblys birthplace in Lexington, Virginia, to his second home in Gaeta, Italy, and through cities like Paris, Munich, New York, and Houston. It provides a comprehensive look at Twomblys life and work, offering insights into the spiritual and energetic aspects of his art.

Jeffery Allison, VMFAs director of statewide programs and exhibitions, emphasized the significance of Twomblys connection to VMFA, highlighting the artists two fellowships from the museum and their impact on his work. The documentary and exhibition provide visitors with a deeper understanding of Twomblys importance in the art world and VMFAs role in his artistic development.

Barbara Rothermel, a retired director of the Daura Museum of Art at the University of Lynchburg, shared her perspective on the film. She noted that even for those familiar with Twomblys work, the documentary offers a broader context and insight into the artists life and legacy. It becomes a valuable resource that brings Twomblys work to life.

Dont Miss Cy Twombly, Morocco, 1952/1953

The exhibition is a rare opportunity to explore the early works and influences of Cy Twombly. It will be on display at VMFA until January 7, 2023, and admission is free to the public.

More information can be found HERE
Why do people use VBA?

Introduction

Recently, I watched a video by YouTuber ThePrimeTime which details a devs frustrations with business culture. Prime is an ex-entrepreneur who currently works in software development at Netflix. His views in this video have been criticised for being jaded by FAANG business cultures he has worked in. I personally dont feel this way. Although there is some truth to the developers ( mataroa s) article, I think it misses the root causes of many issues raised.

I have mixed feelings about the article in question. Some areas I agreed with and others I disagreed with. However I did want to address one particular concern / statement:

I work on a platform that cost my organization an eye-watering sum of money to produce, over the span of two years, and the engineers responsible for it elected to use spreadsheets to control the infrastructure, so we now have a spreadsheet with 400 separate worksheets that powers but one part of this whole shambling mess.

Im speculating here, but Id imagine that the business/SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) are using VBA to some capacity to control their 400 worksheet collection. So this begs the question

Why do people use VBA?

In order to answer this question, we must first look at another question - who actually uses VBA in the first place? In 2021 I ran a poll on /r/vba where I asked redditors why they code in VBA.

From these data, we can clearly see that the majority of people who use VBA do so mainly because they have no other choice. Many organisations run their entire business processes with Excel, and when a little bit of automation is required VBA is usually #1 on the list.

The versatility of VBA

In the business I currently work for, in the engineering division, we have access to a variety of technologies (automation platforms):

OnPrem - PowerShell (No access to Install-Module )

) OnPrem - Excel (VBA / OfficeJS (limited access) / OfficeScripts / PowerQuery)

OnPrem - PowerBI Desktop

OnPrem - SAP Analysis for Office

OnCloud - Power Platform (PowerApps, Power BI, PowerAutomate (non-premium only))

SandboxedServer - ArcGIS (ArcPy)

SandboxedServer - MapInfo (MapBasic)

SandboxedServer - InfoWorks ICM (Ruby)

SandboxedCloud - ArcGIS Online

We also have a number of databases controlled by IT:

D1. OnPrem - Geospatial database

D2. OnCloud - Geospatial mirror

D3. OnPrem - SAP database

D4. OnCloud - SAP BW4HANA partial mirror

D5. OnPrem - Telemetry platform

D6. OnPrem - Sharepoint

D7. OnCloud - Sharepoint Online

D8. OnCloud - EDM Telemetry platform

D9. OnCloud - Large mirror database

D10. OnPrem - LotusNotes database

D11. OnPrem - IBM BPM database

D12. OnPrem - File System

D13. OnPrem - Hydraulic Model Information

D1 - D13 databases are summarised in the table below listing what types of data are stored in which systems, the importance of the data stored in each database, and whether the database is essentially a replica of OnPrem information:

Data Type D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 D10 D11 D12 D13 Customer Issues X X X X X Asset Data X X X X X X X X X Telemetry Data X X Risk Data X X X X X X Financial Data X X X Misc Data X X X X X X

Note: D6 would be C tier if it werent for the fact we continue to store a business critical spreadsheet on Sharepoint OnPrem for compatibility reasons. See the control of VBA for details.

And the datas importance / on cloud replication:

Data Type D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 D10 D11 D12 D13 Data Importance S S S S S S/C A B S S S S A Replica of N/A D1 N/A ~D3 N/A N/A N/A N/A ~D4 N/A N/A N/A N/A

Note: Online replicas are de facto replicas in terms of datas importance, although the reason we need to connect to them is diminished

Finally, lets examine how our Automation Platforms link to our Data Platforms. Links shown in the diagram are where the automation platform can access the data from the various data platforms/sources:

Note: Some of the links from VBA to OnCloud services are based on my attempts alone. There is no doubt in my mind that VBA can interface with SAP BW4HANA and our other cloud services, I just havent figured out the authentication requirements and protocols yet

Heres where you might start to see an issue. Looks like the only automation platforms which can connect to all the data sources we need is VBA and Powershell . Power BI Desktop has been introduced in our business but doesnt hit all the platforms which VBA does, and even if it did Power BI cannot be used for process automation where-as VBA can, so whats the point making the switch? Users who do use Power BI to target these other datasets usually generate CSVs of this other data and store these in cloud sharepoint system, but what generates those CSVs? VBA .

Now, wed love to use a higher level language in our organisation to handle this business automation. However, every request for a high level language to be installed across the team/business e.g. Python / Ruby / Node / Rust etc. has been rejected by CyberSecurity in favour of technologies like PowerAutomate , PowerApps which as you can see above barely touch any of the data we need. It is supposedly Against the technology strategic vision of the company to allow end-users access to high level programming languages. Now even if the data access was there in our business, PowerPlatform would still be insufficient to perform the majority of our processes because the algorithms required are so complex that a PowerAutomate solutions would become infuriating to maintain and incomprehensible to even IT folks (e.g. See projection algorithms).

Ultimately the stand-out technologies for us are Powershell v3 (doesnt even support class syntax and cannot install modules), and VBA , purely from a versatility standpoint. As a result of this monopoly on technology I and others have spent hundreds of hours building open source VBA libraries which augment VBA promoting it to a reasonable language by modern standards.

The maintenance guarantee of VBA

D10 and D11 above are intimately linked. In 2000s many of our systems were built on top of IBM Lotus Notes databases. In 2019 Lotus Notes was acquired by HCL, and since then longevity of support has been wavering. Support will officially die in June 2024. As a result, since 2019, technology teams have been trying to migrate many of our systems to new technologies. The business spent an eye watering amount of money developing a system using IBM Business Process manager to supercede one of these Lotus Notes databases. The anticipation was that D11 would be backfilled with all the data from D10 , once fully built, and D10 would be archived.

Its now 2023:

We are 8 months away from official support dying.

Technology teams have thrown away their support contact for IBM BPM.

There is no replacement in sight for both IBM BPM and Lotus Notes databases.

IBM BPM solution is poorly maintained

IBM BPM solution has numerous issues and doesnt function as needed

Solution has been shoehorned into IBM BPM, despite the platform not being fit for purpose i.e. while IBM BPM does come with a REST API, this REST API is borderline useless to Technology teams and SMEs Some REST calls use javascript encoded as strings Others require html embedded in json embedded in xml Database tables arent queried by name but by GUID. Theres no documentation of which GUID relates to which table/process.

The data from D10 was never actually transferred to D11 , meaning the business is now using 2 systems instead of 1. D11 data model doesnt really support the data in D10 either.

was never actually transferred to , meaning the business is now using 2 systems instead of 1. Technology teams appear to be ignoring waning support contracts. This could be due to lack of resources, finances and/or priority.



SMEs use these tools on a daily basis, and ultimately it is SMEs who determine changes that need to be made to the system. If SMEs use VBA, they can control and maintain the system as needed. They have a maintenance guarantee, something that should be said for IT systems too, but cant be.

The control of VBA

In a recent project we are building a new all encompassing IT system to supercede a business critical spreadsheet. This would ultimately demote D6 to C tier importance. The spec for this system was initially simple - Give us a NodeJS server with a MySQL database. Use React for the UI. Give admins/SMEs (subject matter experts) access to the codebase with access to git for code control. IT and SMEs will collaborate to build the system.

Technology teams demanded that admins/SMEs will not have access to the code.

that admins/SMEs will not have access to the code. Technology teams demanded that FrontEnd be built in Microsoft PowerApps, to comply with Strategic Vision.

that FrontEnd be built in Microsoft PowerApps, to comply with Strategic Vision. Technology teams demanded that BackEnd be built in Microsoft Azure Pipelines, to comply with Strategic Vision.

Unfortunately, as an admin/SME with more development knowledge than many people in technology, these demands do not sit well with me:

Technology teams do not understand work in the teams thus do not understand business logic and calculations Thus devs writing business logic is error prone.

Technology teams has frequently abandoned bespoke technology projects, leaving no resource to maintain and improve the system. Collaboration with SMEs will ensure that at least 1 team maintains resource to maintain system.

SMEs need to ensure that they have confidence in what is produced. How, without observing that the code doesnt work for all edge cases? Unit tests? Perhaps, but without seeing the code how can we verify these unit tests exist? And are ran frequently*.

SMEs improve and maintain the existing legacy system, and have unparalleled knowledge of how systems interact. Less knowledge can be shared in upskilling Technology teams where it is required.

SMEs need to ensure all data is transferred and represented correctly in new system. SMEs unable to do this without backend access.



Ultimately, as long as code stays in VBA it is controlled by the SMEs and the business. Technology teams rarely relinquish control to business teams. SMEs can ensure that software is developed properly in a modular fashion and doesnt end up as a cluster of barely working technologies loosely linked together.

The UX of VBA

This is a smaller one, because you can always make familiar feeling tools in any language, but there is something to be said about the fact that most engineers use spreadsheets in their day job, and how VBA is embedded within these spreadsheets and can improve on UX. Giving someone a foreign tool in a familiar environment, is often much more powerful to that user, than a foreign tool in a foreign environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, yes, we (and many others in businesses) do choose to use spreadsheets (and VBA) for many tasks within our organisations, there are many reasons for this, including:

Poor alternatives provided by IT due to security concerns.

Poor connectivity of alternatives to source systems, usually because they are still WIP.

Faults in IT strategy which dont account for certain use-cases.

Unwillingness to collaborate with SMEs due to security and maintenance concerns.

Lack of training for users/managers/SMEs in alternative systems.

Users/SMEs wanting some level of control over the business logic in these systems.

Its the only viable technology which is available to everyone, as its part of Office.

This does not mean that we are at all blind to VBAs weaknesses though:

Theres no doubt in my mind that there are some elements of truth to mataroas article. Sometimes management is poor, but more often than not I believe most people in organisations are trying to do the right thing, and are doing whatever they can with the tools that are available to them.

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Paul Pelosi, husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, recounted the traumatic events of October 28, 2022, when he was brutally attacked in his San Francisco home.

The testimony, part of the trial of David DePape, shed light on the harrowing night that left Pelosi with severe injuries and the nation in shock, as per Fox News.

Paul Pelosi's Testimony Reveals Chilling Attack

Pelosi described a seemingly ordinary evening that turned into a nightmare. After a quiet dinner and watching television, he retired to bed, only to be awoken by an intruder, David DePape, who had broken into his home.

DePape, armed with a hammer and ties, demanded to know the whereabouts of Nancy Pelosi, who was in Washington, DC at the time. Believing the gravity of the situation, Pelosi tried to remain calm despite the imminent danger.

Pelosi faced his attacker in the courtroom, maintaining composure as he narrated the events. However, the emotional toll of the incident was evident in his shaky voice. He expressed his efforts not to relive the trauma, avoiding discussions about the incident and media coverage related to the attack.

The testimony provided a chilling chronology of the attack. Pelosi described how he made a coded 911 call from the bathroom, trying to alert authorities without aggravating DePape. The situation escalated when police arrived, leading to Pelosi being struck with the hammer, an act captured on police body cameras.

The attack's background reflects America's deep political divisions and the dangerous impact of disinformation.

DePape, influenced by conspiracy theories like QAnon and Pizzagate, targeted Pelosi in an attempt to confront a perceived cabal of liberal elites. This radicalization highlights the alarming trend of violence fueled by extremist ideologies.

DePape, who faces federal charges of assault and attempted kidnapping, along with multiple felonies in state court, admitted to the crimes in police interviews and a jailhouse phone call, according to The New York Times.

Read Also: US, China Leaders Set To Meet in California for Diplomatic Talks To Stabilize Relations

Paul Pelosi Attack Trial

Paul Pelosi's defense team, led by Jodi Linker, does not dispute the attack but argues against the federal charges based on DePape's broader motivations unrelated to Nancy Pelosi's official duties.

The trial also delved into DePape's planning of the attack, revealing his online research and purchase of items used during the assault. This meticulous preparation underscores the deliberate nature of the crime.

Pelosi, still recovering from his injuries, spoke of the ongoing physical and psychological effects of the attack. He continues to undergo physical therapy and deals with the pain and trauma from that night. Doctors have advised him to avoid stimuli that could exacerbate his condition.

The trial against DePape, if convicted, could result in a life sentence. His not-guilty plea in state court adds another layer to the legal proceedings, with a scheduled trial date.

This case stands as a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of online radicalization and the growing threat of politically motivated violence.

It underscores the need to address the root causes of such extremism and the importance of robust legal and social responses to prevent similar incidents.

As the legal process unfolds, the nation watches closely, hoping for justice and a deeper understanding of the factors that led to this shocking act of violence, Mail Online reported.

Related Article: Louisiana Student Arrested, Charged Over Stabbing Attack on 4 People Dubbed 'Random Act of Violence'

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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
COLUMBIA, S.C.  The State Board of Education is considering a universal definition of age appropriate educational materials in South Carolina schools and libraries that would bar descriptions or visual depictions of what it deems sexual conduct, and items that are obscene or indecent.

The regulation is the latest effort from conservative policymakers to restrict public school students access to books covering topics of race, gender identity and sexual orientation.

A vote Tuesday to advance the policy is just the beginning of the process. Final approval is expected to be decided next year before the Republican-led state Legislature can then take up the proposal. A similar bill currently sits in a conference committee of state lawmakers.

People packed into a conference room in Columbia, South Carolina, on Tuesday afternoon. Some wore shirts for Moms for Liberty, a conservative group behind many book bans nationwide, while others donned buttons supporting local organizations that promote diversity in literature.

Patrick Kelly, a lobbyist for the Palmetto State Teachers Association, recommended that board members limit the complaint process to just students, their families and school employees. He said the current proposal will create untenable working conditions for educators forced to reply to complaints rather than focus on student needs.

Opponents decried the regulation as an overstep of local officials authority, which could jeopardize the availability of inclusive books that address sometimes sensitive subjects, and can resonate with students from marginalized backgrounds.

With all due respect, we do not want the state coming in and overriding what we have done locally, said Melinda Henrickson, the founder of Families Against Book Bans. Shes also a resident of Beaufort County, where the Post and Courier newspaper reports that students lost access to nearly 100 books, including Margaret Atwoods The Handmaids Tale.

Supporters called the proposal a necessary step to ensure that students statewide have curriculum that is unbiased and matches their cognitive development stage.

The policy takes its definitions of obscene and indecent from federal statutes and broadcast television regulations. It would prohibit officials from removing any existing materials based primarily on disagreement with their viewpoints.

Were not sweeping the baby out with the bathwater here, said Miles Coleman as he explained the policy to the board. Coleman is a partner at Nelson Mullins focused on First Amendment law and is listed as president of the conservative Federalist Societys chapter in Columbia, South Carolina.

The proposal also requires district boards to consider whether library shelves could be better filled by materials that it considers more rigorous or objective.

A Lexington County resident advocated for the regulations because his districts library contained books that he found objectionable. Among those texts was a feminist retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood fairytale recommended for ages 14-18, which includes descriptions of consensual sex. Other titles named were Rupi Kaurs milk and honey, a popular poetry collection about surviving abuse and violence, and George M. Johnsons All Boys Arent Blue, a memoir about growing up LGBTQ+ and Black.

At least seven states have adopted laws since last year prohibiting classroom instruction on gender identity or sexual orientation in lower grades, which has resulted in the removal of some books from classrooms and school libraries. The policies are in place in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky and North Carolina.

Iowas law specifically bars school libraries from having books that depict sex acts. A judge put on hold a separate Arkansas law that would have allowed criminal charges against booksellers and librarians for providing what it considered harmful materials to minors just before it was to take effect in August.

Pollard is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
President Joe Biden is less popular with voters ages 18 to 34 years old than former president Donald Trump, an NBC poll found.

The group of voters, who helped Mr Biden win the presidency in 2020, are now leaning more toward Mr Trump with 46 per cent of the groups support.

Although Mr Trump has a four-point lead over Mr Biden, the margin is still small enough to flip in the presidents favour as the country heads toward primary season.

While CNN has findings that reflect similar results, polling from Fox News, Quinnipiac and CBS show Mr Biden taking the lead over Mr Trump with younger voters.

But Mr Biden may be facing more trouble as one Republican candidate Nikki Haley beating Mr Biden in a matchup.

Across the board, voters have indicated they want another option for 2024 president besides Mr Biden and Mr Trump. Both candidates age has been a concern for voters  especially those 18 to 34 years old.

Key Points

Tim Scott drops out of 2024 race as polling numbers declined

Trump leads Biden in five out of six states likely to decide 2024

Voters indicate economy, immigration and gun policy are top issues

Democrat ahead in Arizona Senate race

Bidens approval rating falls to lowest level this year

Dates and venues for three 2024 presidential debates announced

01:50 , Mike Bedigan

The dates and venues for the three 2024 presidential debates have been announced.

The debates, which will take place in September and October will be staged at US university campuses in the states of Texas, Virginia and Utah.

The news was announced by the nonpartisan, nonprofit Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) on Monday.

Dates and venues for three 2024 presidential debates announced

Trump leads Biden in new poll as Israel conflict fuels criticism

18:30 , John Bowden

A new poll from NBC News this weekend shows President Joe Biden in his worst position yet  with no signs of clearer skies ahead.

The sitting president now trails his likely 2024 challenger, Donald Trump, among voters nationally; despite the ex-presidents ongoing legal escapades, Mr Biden trails his opponent 46-44.

Story continues

The reason for his continued slide is clear: Americans are quickly souring on the presidents handling of US foreign policy and Americas presence on the world stage. The spiraling conflict in Israel has only served to turn Americas youngest voters, long a Democratic-leaning demographic, against the president as seven in ten voters age 18-34 disapprove of Mr Bidens response.

His approval rating is now at 40 per cent  the lowest recorded by NBC at any point during Mr Bidens presidency. This poll also marks the first time Mr Biden has trailed Mr Trump in an NBC survey.

A massive generational divide in the US has grown in recent weeks amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. Older generations have largely favoured the status quo in Washington, where politicians have lined up in defence of Israels military actions in the Gaza Strip and elsewhere.

Younger Americans have split widely in favour of the US calling for a ceasefire in the region, and largely oppose the recent campaign of Israels military which has caused a steep civilian death toll in the Gaza Strip.

Where Democrats stand in the polls

17:30 , Ariana Baio

Polling, collected from FiveThirtyEight and RealClearPolitics shows that President Joe Biden is, as expected, leading the Democratic 2024 polls by a large margin.

So far, only two other candidates have declared their intent to run for president as a Democrat  self-help author Marianne Williamson and Congressman Dean Phillips.

President Joe Biden  Approximately 71 per cent

Marianne Williamson - Approximately 8.2 per cent

Dean Phillips - Approximately 4.7 per cent

DeSantis says both Trump and Biden are too old to run the country

16:30 , Rachel Sharp

Ron DeSantis has said he thinks both Donald Trump and Joe Biden are too old to run the country as the president celebrates his 81st birthday today.

Speaking to CNNs Jake Tapper on Sunday, the Florida governor and 2024 hopeful claimed that he is in the prime of my life while his two rivals are far from it.

I just think that thats something that has been shown with Joe Biden. Father Time is undefeated. Donald Trump is not exempt from any of that, he said.

Read more here:

DeSantis says both Trump and Biden are too old to run the country

Trump more popular with younger voters in NBC poll

15:52 , Ariana Baio

Former president Donald Trump is more popular with younger voters, polling from NBC shows.

When asking voters, aged 18 to 34, which candidate they would vote for in a matchup, 46 per cent said Mr Trump while only 42 per cent said Mr Biden.

The findings could pose a problem for Mr Biden, who was able to win the presidency in 2020 in part thanks to younger voters.

NBCs poll reflects similar results found by a recent CNN poll but shows opposite results to polling from Quinnipiac, New York Times, Fox News and more which indicate Mr Biden has a strong lead with younger voters.

Nikki Haley would beat Biden and DeSantis in New Hampshire, new poll finds

Friday 17 November 2023 21:59 , Gustaf Kilander

GOP presidential contender Nikki Haley would beat both Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and President Joe Biden in New Hampshire, according to a new poll.

While Ms Haley, the former UN Ambassador and governor of South Carolina, is still far behind her former boss, ex-President Donald Trump, in the Granite State, shes gaining support, an Emerson College survey found.

Ms Haley received 18 per cent in the poll of New Hampshire primary voters, compared to Mr Trumps 49 per cent, Mr DeSantiss seven per cent, and nine per cent for former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.

Ms Haley is the only GOP candidate who would beat Mr Biden in the state, the poll showed, with Ms Haley getting 45 per cent to Mr Bidens 39 per cent. Mr Trump, on the other hand, is five points behind Mr Biden in the poll.

The poll by Emerson College surveyed 917 registered voters between 10 and 13 November. Ms Haley is up 14 points compared to August, while Mr DeSantis is down 10 points since March.

Nikki Haley would beat Biden and DeSantis in New Hampshire, new poll finds

Trump first in New Hampshire, with Haley second and Christie in third place: CNN poll

Thursday 16 November 2023 21:14 , Gustaf Kilander

Donald Trump has a strong lead in the second 2024 contest and the first nation primary in New Hampshire.

A new CNN and University of New Hampshire poll shows the former president in pole position in the state's GOP primary, which follows the Iowa caucuses.

The poll also shows that Mr Trump's former UN ambassador, ex-South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, has nabbed the second spot in state at this stage of the race, with former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie also rising in the field, taking third place.

Mr Trump isn't doing as well in New Hampshire as he is nationally but still gets 42 per cent support in the state among likely GOP primary voters in New Hampshire.

Twenty per cent say they would back Ms Haley at this time, and 14 per cent are supporting Mr Christie.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who started out the race as Mr Trump's main rival, gets single-digit support, coming in fourth at nine per cent.

Biotech entrepreneur and anti-woke author Vivek Ramaswamy garnered the backing of eight per cent.

Ms Haley's support has grown by eight points compared to September, Mr Ramaswamy has dropped by about five points and the support for Mr Trump and Mr Christie has remained mostly steady.

Biden leads Trump by two points in head to head poll

Wednesday 15 November 2023 18:28 , Gustaf Kilander

A two-day poll that finished on Tuesday conducted by Reuters and Ipsos found that 51 per cent of the 1,006 adults polled across the country backed President Joe Biden, with 49 per cent supporting his predecessor Donald Trump.

About half of all Biden backers said they were voting for the president to keep Mr Trump out of the White House rather than to give Mr Biden another term.

Meanwhile, only 38 per cent said they would vote to support Joe Biden and his policies.

Among those backing the ex-president, 42 per cent said they were voting in support of Mr Trump and 40 per cent said they were voting against Mr Biden.

2024 Polls: RFK Jr gets 20 per cent in Biden-Trump three-way race

Wednesday 15 November 2023 18:20 , Gustaf Kilander

Anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist and independent presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr received 20 per cent in a three-way race with President Joe Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump in a poll conducted by Reuters and Ipsos.

Thirty per cent backed Mr Biden in the poll, with 32 per cent supporting Mr Trump.

The online poll collected the views of 1,006 US adults across the country.

Trump wins Electoral College but Biden wins popular vote

Monday 13 November 2023 19:44 , Gustaf Kilander

President Joe Biden would win the popular vote but narrowly lose the Electoral College to his predecessor Donald Trump if the election was held today.

The new research comes from Stack Data Strategy, showing that Mr Trump would win the Electoral College 292 to 246 with Mr Biden winning the popular vote 49 to 48 per cent.

Stack surveyed 15,000 Americans and used those results to make state-level projections, Politico notes.

Mr Trump winning is based on him winning four states Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. These were the states with the closest margins in the 2020 election. They all went from Mr Trump in 2016 to Mr Biden in 2020 and this poll sees Mr Trump take them back by small margins  1,4 per cent in Arizona, 3,3 in Georgia, 2,3 in Pennsylvania, and 0,9 in Wisconsin.

If other candidates are added to the mix  such as independents Robert F Kennedy Jr and Cornel West, and candidates from the Green and Libertarian parties  Mr Trump also manages to win Nevada and its six electoral votes. The additional candidates together picked up 10 per cent in that state.

The survey also showed Mr Trump beating Vice President Kamala Harris and California Governor Gavin Newsom.

But Mr Biden bested Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, winning the Electoral College 359 to 179.

In the four tight states projected to go to Mr Trump, when respondents are asked about other candidates, they pick up a smaller share of the vote  4 per cent in Arizona, 2,6 in Georgia, 3,1 in Pennsylvania, and 3.2 in Wisconsin.

But when respondents were asked specifically about Mr Kennedy, Mr West, and the availabilities of third parties, the support rose to between eight and 11 per cent.

Where the Republican candidates stand in the polls

Monday 13 November 2023 17:00 , Ariana Baio

After the third Republican debate last week, voters are re-assessing how they feel about the remaining GOP candidates.

Ron DeSantis is polling at approximately 14 per cent.

Nikki Haley is polling at approximately 8.8 per cent.

Chris Christie is polling at approximately 2.8 per cent.

Vivek Ramaswamy is polling at approximately 5 per cent.

Asa Hutchinson, Doug Burgum and Ryan Binkely are all polling below 1 per cent.

So far, former president Donald Trump remains far ahead of any other candidate in national polls with a +44 point average over his political opponents, according to RealClearPolitics and FiveThirtyEight.

Mr Trump did not participate in the third debate and instead hosted a rally nearby the venue where Republican candidates hashed it out.

Despite the ex-presidents opposition toward joining his fellow candidates on the stage, he has a strong lead in swing states over any other campaign  including Democrats.

Tim Scott staffers say he didnt tell them about dropping out of 2024 race

Monday 13 November 2023 16:00 , Ariana Baio

Sen Tim Scott (R-SC) announced on Fox News on Sunday evening that he would suspend his presidential campaign after he failed to gain traction in the Republican primary.

Mr Scott made the announcement on the programme of former congressman Trey Gowdy, who came to Congress the same year he did in 2011.

Eric Garcia reports:

Tim Scott staffers say he didnt tell them about dropping out of 2024 race

Tim Scott drops out of 2024 race as polling numbers declined

Monday 13 November 2023 15:11 , Ariana Baio

South Carolina Senator Tim Scott announced he would be suspending his 2024 presidential campaign on Sunday, saying it was not the time.

I think the voters, who are the most remarkable people on the planet, have been really clear that theyre telling me, not now, Tim. Mr Scott told Fox News.

For the months leading up to Mr Scotts suspension, his national polling numbers had struggled to materialize into something substantial.

The senators number consistently remained below 4 per cent throughout his entire campaign.

In June, Mr Scott saw the highest of his polling numbers, according to FiveThirtyEight and RealClearPolitics with an average of 3.5 to 3.9 per cent.

But they slowly declined from there.

In September, Mr Scott was under 3 per cent and dropping every week.

VOICES: Why Democrats should (and shouldnt) worry about Bidens low poll numbers

Wednesday 8 November 2023 23:00 , Ariana Baio

The latest case came on Sunday when The New York Times and Siena College released its survey showing that former president Donald Trump leads President Joe Biden in Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Nevada, the five major swing states.

Naturally, this set off alarm bells given that Mr Biden is running essentially unopposed, save for a quixotic run by Rep Dean Phillips (D-MN) and author Marianne Williamson. Running against an incumbent president would likely kill the career of any Democrat with some semblance of promise. So for now, it looks like Democrats are stuck with the president.

Eric Garcia writes:

Why Democrats should (and shouldnt) worry about Bidens low poll numbers

Bidens approval rating falls to lowest level this year

Wednesday 8 November 2023 20:00 , Ariana Baio

President Joe Bidens approval rating has hit its lowest point so far this year, with one poll from Reuters/Ipsos reporting the presidents approval rating is just 39 per cent.

Approximately two months out from the first primary election, voters faith in Mr Biden is sinking on key issues like the economy, crime and immigration  which a majority of voters say are their biggest concerns

Ariana Baio reports:

Bidens approval rating falls to lowest level this year

Voters indicate economy, immigration and gun policy are top issues

Wednesday 8 November 2023 16:30 , Ariana Baio

The economy, immigration, gun policy and voter rights are top issues for potential voters in 2024, a new CNN poll found.

Across age groups and races, the economy remains the number one concern for people. Nearly four years after the pandemic first occurred, the economy is still recovering from the devastating blow it took. Though Mr Biden has tried to reaffirm confidence in the economy with his Bidenomics package, voters are seemingly unconvinced its working.

After the economy, most people across age groups and races believe voting rights and election integrity are critical when casting their vote for president. Mr Trump is currently facing four criminal indictments, two of which are directly correlated to the January 6 attack on the Capitol and his alleged efforts to overturn 2020 election results.

Immigration is also a concern for all voters, with white non-college graduates listing it as a top issue.

For voters 18 - 24 years old, gun policy is the second-most important issue. The US has seen a large number of mass shootings this year. Gun violence is one of the leading causes of death in children in the US.

Climate change is also a top issue for young voters.

Trump leads Biden by two points in potential matchup

Wednesday 8 November 2023 15:31 , Ariana Baio

In a potential matchup between ex-president Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden, Mr Trump has a two-point lead.

Approximately 49 per cent of respondents said they would vote for Mr Trump over Mr Biden, who only received 45 per cent favourability, according to a new CNN poll.

The new survey also found that Mr Biden is losing steam with voters as his approval rating drops to 39 per cent  the lowest point this year. Potential voters indicated they are concerned about the economy, which they believe Mr Biden is doing a poor job of maintaining.

Lack of confidence in the economy and state of the US has led to issues with Mr Bidens credibility.

Even in matchups against other potential Republican candidates, like Ron DeSantis or Nikki Haley, Mr Biden falls short.

Trump leads Biden in five out of six states likely to decide 2024

Sunday 5 November 2023 13:25 , Gustaf Kilander

Donald Trump is ahead of President Joe Biden in five swing states with a year left to the 2024 election.

When Mr Biden won in 2020, he won so after pitching himself as the electable candidate in the Democratic primary  the man who could take down then-President Trump.

Nearly three years into his presidency, Mr Biden is trailing Mr Trump, not because his predecessor is surging in popularity, Mr Trump is as unpopular as ever with American voters, but because the oldest president in US history is seeing his ratings plummet.

In the six battleground states where the 2024 election is likely to be decided, Mr Biden only leads in one  Wisconsin, according to new polls by The New York Times and Siena College. Mr Trump is ahead in Pennsylvania, Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and Michigan, wins that would probably hand him the 270 electoral votes required for Mr Trump to return to the White House.

In the important swing states, Mr Biden is behind Mr Trump on average by four per cent, as Mr Trump receives 48 per cent and Mr Biden 44 per cent.

VIDEO: Nikki Haley mocks Ron DeSantis over rumours swirling around high-heels

Thursday 2 November 2023 14:35 , Gustaf Kilander

Nikki Haley doubles DeSantiss numbers but still trails Trump in South Carolina poll

Thursday 2 November 2023 13:43 , John Bowden

Nikki Haley has clearly taken second place in the 2024 GOP race, but remains a distant threat to Donald Trump in South Carolina, according to a new poll of the early primary state conducted by CNN/SRSS.

Ms Haley previously served as the states governor, and made a name for herself there as an early adopter of the conservative culture war agenda while also winning support from some Democrats for her response to a massacre at a historic Black church. As a presidential candidate, she has battled Ron DeSantis for the runner-up slot for months, and appears to have some momentum behind her campaign while the Florida governor slips in some polling.

At the same time, however, Donald Trump has seen his support grow, not shrink, while he remains the clear frontrunner for the nomination. That reality was also reflected in the CNN poll, which showed Mr Trump leading Ms Haley by a margin of 53-22. Mr DeSantis registered support from 11 per cent of respondents in the state.

Its a poll result that will have Ms Haley and her donors encouraged heading into the third GOP debate, while at the same time cognisant of the reality of the contest: This is Donald Trumps race to lose.

Mr Trump is giving his opponents no free opportunities to overtake him. He is not scheduled to attend the third Republican primary debate, set to be hosted by NBC News next week, as he continues to avoid the prospect of a direct face-off between himself and Ms Haley, Mr DeSantis or ex-New Jersey Gov Chris Christie, who has been publicly itching for a confrontation with his former ally. The tactic is a direct reversal of his 2016 strategy, when Mr Trump relied on his bullish and insult-slinging GOP primary debate performances to vault his campaign into the lead.

Democrat ahead in Arizona Senate race

Thursday 2 November 2023 02:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Democratic Rep Ruben Gallego is the polling leader in the Arizona Senate race which also includes possible GOP nominee, former gubernatorial nominee, and staunch election denier and Trump supporter Kari Lake and Independent incumbent Kyrsten Sinema, a former Democrat.

National Republican Senatorial Committee chair Sen Steve Daines revealed the national GOP polling during a presentation on Tuesday, according to Punchbowl News.

He noted that Ms Sinema is pulling votes from the Republicans and not from her former party.

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham said that Ms Lake is set to win the GOP nomination and that they should get behind her as a party.

The poll showed Mr Gallego at 41 per cent, Ms Sinema at 17 per cent, and Ms Lake at 37 per cent.

Trump far ahead in South Carolina

Thursday 2 November 2023 00:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Donald Trump is leading in the early primary state of South Carolina, with the states former Governor Nikki Haley nabbing the second spot even as she remains far behind the former president.

A new poll by CNN and SSRS revealed that 53 per cent of likely GOP primary voters said that Mr Trump was their top choice, with Ms Haley supported by 22 per cent, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis backed by 11 per cent.

South Carolina Senator Tim Scott comes in at six per cent support ahead of the 24 February primary in the Palmetto State following contests in Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada.

Trump files lawsuit to keep his name on Michigan ballot in 2024

Wednesday 1 November 2023 21:00 , John Bowden

Donald Trump has filed suit against Michigans secretary of state as he hopes to thwart a growing left-leaning legal movement aimed at blocking him from appearing on the 2024 ballot.

The effort, which draws its legal grounds from the 14th Amendments ban on supporters of a rebellion or insurrection from taking part in elected office, is a historic effort which could seriously challenge Mr Trumps ability to win the Electoral College were it to succeed in even a single state.

Mr Trump is facing lawsuits aimed at blocking him from the ballot in a number of states, several of which were filed by the Washington-based ethics watchdog Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). The Michigan suit, filed on Monday and first reported by The Detroit News, comes despite the Democratic secretary of state, Jocelyn Benson, stating that she would allow Mr Trump to be on the ballot unless a court were to intervene and prevent it.

A court hearing another suit in Colorado with the same goal began hearing arguments on Monday after the former president sought unsuccessfully to see that case dismissed.

How Trumps 2024 presidential bid is under threat over insurrection clause

Wednesday 1 November 2023 16:44 , John Bowden

As Donald Trump looks increasingly likely to be the 2024 Republican nominee for president, it continues to look more and more plausible that there could be a serious effort to keep him off the ballot entirely.

Following his presidency ending in a bloody battle on Capitol Hill, Mr Trump remains the de facto leader of the Republican Party, at least among its primary voting electorate.

Recent polls show the ex-president supported by as many as six in 10 of GOP primary voters nationally, while he also continues to hold commanding leads in early primary and caucus states like Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

But winning a primary election is one thing; winning a general election is another. And as Mr Trump consolidates his support within the GOP, some politicians and constitutional law experts alike are growing more vocal about the possibility of simply denying the Republican Partys candidate from appearing on the ballot next November at all.

Biden sees dramatic plummeting of Arab American voter support amid Israel-Hamas conflict

Tuesday 31 October 2023 20:42 , Gustaf Kilander

Support for President Joe Biden among Arab Americans is dropping amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza as Mr Biden strongly supports his top ally in the Middle East.

A poll from the Arab American Institute (AAI) has revealed that not only has support for the president dropped, but the number of reported incidents of discrimination has gone up.

After the 7 October attacks, more than 1,400 people in Israel have died, while 8,000 people have died in Gaza following Israeli counterattacks.

Mr Bidens rock-solid and unwavering support for Israel has led to the dramatic plummeting of Arab American voter support for President Biden among the 3.7 million Arab Americans in the US, according to AAI.

Support among Arab American voters for Biden has plummeted from 59% in 2020 to 17% today, the institute noted.

For the first time in the 26 years that the AAI has conducted polling, a majority of Arab Americans didnt prefer the Democratic Party  and 40 per cent said they would back former President Donald Trump in 2024. Thats a five-point increase compared to 2020 and the highest percentage ever in polling shows Arab American support of the GOP.

According to The Guardian, the president and co-founder of AAI, James Zogby, said: Its important for our organizing that we know how the community is positioning itself in this. And its important for us to let the administration know  youre at risk of losing this particular component group of the community.

The most unpopular senator has officially been crowned

Tuesday 31 October 2023 20:23 , Gustaf Kilander

West Virginia Democratic Senator Joe Manchin has been named as one of the most unpopular senators in the US.

Mr Manchin is part of a dying breed of politicians on either side of the aisle who are able to win statewide in states where the presidential nominee of the opposite party usually wins by a large margin. In 2020, former President Donald Trump received nearly 69 per cent of the vote in the state.

Mr Manchin, a former governor, has declined to say if hell run for senate re-election next year as the states popular current governor, Republican Jim Justice, is gearing up to take him on. Mr Manchin has also not ruled out an independent bid for president.

Even as Mr Manchin is one of the most unpopular senators in the country, his approval rating in West Virginia increased by four per cent since the first quarter of this year and his disapproval rating declined by seven points, according to Morning Consult.

The boost in popularity mostly came from Republican voters, but as a group, theyre still much more likely to approve of rival Mr Justice.

Biden and Trump tied at 37 per cent, poll shows

Wednesday 25 October 2023 18:27 , Gustaf Kilander

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are tied at 36.5 per cent in a hypothetical four-way race including two independents  Robert F Kennedy Jr and Cornel West.

In a Suffolk University/USA TODAY poll shared on Sunday, in a survey that included a thousand registered voters, 366 said they would back Mr Biden and another 366 said they would support Mr Trump.

Mr Kennedy, the anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist who launched a bid to win the Democratic nomination before restarting his campaign as an independent, got 13 per cent, while Mr West, a professor who started out as a Green Party candidate but is now also an independent, received four per cent.

Eight per cent said they were undecided and two per cent declined to give an answer.

The support for independents is unusually high and can affect both Mr Bidens and Mr Trumps chances of winning the White House again.

Mr Kennedys policy stances overlap with both Mr Biden and Mr Trump  such as his support for the middle class for Mr Biden and his isolationist foreign policy and anti-vaccine stance, which has resonated with Trump supporters even as the former president has voiced support for vaccines.

Poll suggests RFK Jr campaign could help Biden beat Trump

Thursday 19 October 2023 17:46 , Gustaf Kilander

The independent presidential bid launched by anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist Robert F Kennedy Jr after dropping out of the Democratic primary may help President Joe Biden beat Republican frontrunner and former President Donald Trump in 2024, a poll has shown.

Democrats have previously shared concerns that the RFK campaign may harm Mr Biden.

In a national poll from NPR, PBS NewsHour and Marist, including only Mr Biden and Mr Trump, Mr Biden leads 49 to 46 per cent, a lead of three per cent.

When Mr Kennedy Jr is included, 44 per cent backed Mr Biden to Mr Trumps 37 per cent, giving Mr Biden a lead of seven per cent.

The director of Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, Lee Miringoff, said in a statement: Although its always tricky to assess the impact of a third-party candidate, right now Kennedy alters the equation in Bidens favour.

What this does speak to, however, is that about one in six voters are looking for another option, especially independents, the director added.

Biden beats Trump in new poll  but loses to DeSantis and Haley

Friday 13 October 2023 19:51 , Josh Marcus

No matter what seems to happen  heading to face a fraud trial in New York, skipping the Republican primary debates, facing pushback for praising Hezbollah  Donald Trumps lead in the GOP primary field only seems to grow more permanent.

A new Fox News poll, conducted earlier this month, shows that Mr Trump has four times the support of his nearest rival, Florida governor Ron DeSantis, among Republican primary voters.

Mr Trump is lapping the competition, leading with 59 per cent support among polled voters, compared with Mr DeSantiss 13 per cent support.

Nikki Haley, the former US ambassador to the United Nations, is the only other candidate to crack double digits, with 10 per cent support, while support for former vice president Mike Pence, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, and US senator Tim Scott is so minimal its mostly swallowed by the polls margin of error.

But its been this way for months, with Mr Trump leading and the occasional shifting of second and third place in the Republican race.

Fewer people think Biden won fairly in 2020 than Trump in 2016, poll shows

Thursday 12 October 2023 19:00 , Kelly Rissman

53 per cent of Biden voters said they could not think of anything that would make them not support the presidents re-election, compared to 17 per cent who said there could be something that could change their vote.

The poll participants were also asked about the rivals previous elections.

In this same voting group, 61 per cent said they think the former president won fair and square in 2016, while only 52 per cent say the same about Mr Bidens win in 2020.

Another poll this week showed Mr Biden and Mr Trump as head-to-head in Nevada. The CNN poll found that 46 per cent of voters back the current president while 45 per cent prefer his predecessor.

Despite facing federal and state legal challenges including four separate sets of criminal charges, Mr Trump has remained at the top of the GOP polls. He is vying for the Republican nomination in a crowded field, which also includes entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former Vice President Mike Pence, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, Florida Gov Ron DeSantis, South Carolina Sen Tim Scott, former New Jersey Gov Chris Christie, North Dakota Gov Doug Burgum, and former Arkansas Gov Asa Hutchinson.

Earlier this week, former Texas Congressman Will Hurd dropped out of the race, and endorsed Nikki Haley.

New poll places Trump nine points ahead of Biden in Pennsylvania

Thursday 12 October 2023 17:40 , Kelly Rissman

A new poll of Pennsylvania voters has put former president Donald Trump nine points ahead of President Joe Biden in the state.

The Emerson College 11 October poll revealed the former president had 45 per cent of the vote compared to Mr Bidens 36 per cent. Eleven per cent of the participants said they would vote for someone else while eight percent remained undecided.

Mr Biden won the state in 2020 by a slim margin, which prompted Mr Trump to challenge his loss, which ultimately was rejected in the courts.

According to the poll, 50 per cent of Trump voters said they cant think of anything the former president might do in the near future that would make them choose not to support him in 2024.

Meanwhile, 22 per cent said they can think of something he might say or do to sway their vote away from Mr Trump.

New poll places Trump nine points ahead of Biden in Pennsylvania

Nikki Haleys campaign raises $11m as poll puts her as Trumps closest rival

Tuesday 10 October 2023 18:54 , Mike Bedigan

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley raised over $11m from July to September, her campaign has said, further boosting her chances of being the person to take on current favourite Donald Trump.

The former South Carolina governor is vying for position with Ron DeSantis, having recently taken the lead in some polls with just over three months to go before the first GOP nominating contest in Iowa.

Despite her increased haul  up from $7.3m last quarter  Ms Haley still lags behind the Florida governor in terms of fundraising, and even further behind former president Trump.

Ms Haleys campaign said she had attracted nearly 40,000 new donors in the third quarter alone and that she had $9.1m cash on hand. It follows strong performances in both GOP debates and a tireless campaign schedule.

We have seen a big surge in support and have real momentum, Haley spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas said in a statement.

Biden and Trump essentially tied in Nevada, new poll shows

Tuesday 10 October 2023 18:23 , Gustaf Kilander

Donald Trump and Joe Biden are close to being tied in a new CNN poll of Nevada, revealing that the state is set to be a battleground yet again in 2024.

Nevada is also the first western state to hold its GOP primary contest in February, possibly strengthening Mr Trumps overwhelming lead.

The CNN poll, conducted by SRSS, found that 46 per cent of voters back the current president while 45 per cent prefer his predecessor.

Mr Biden won Nevada in 2020 by just two percentage points. Among those supporting the Democrat, more than half  55 per cent  said their vote would be more against Mr Trump than in support of Mr Biden. Forty-four per cent said their vote was motivated more by their support for the president.

Among those backing Mr Trump, 63 per cent their vote was a show of support for the former president.

The Nevada caucuses on 8 February next year are set to be the third GOP primary contest. Mr Trump currently has the support of 65 per cent of likely GOP voters.

Ron DeSantis claims Trump has poll lead because voters are undecided

Monday 9 October 2023 20:17 , Gustaf Kilander

Ron DeSantis told Fox News Digital that Donald Trump is so far ahead in most GOP primary polls because voters are still on the fence.

I dont think any of it matters, Mr DeSantis told the press at a recent event. Youve got to put yourself in a position to have the type of infrastructure needed to do well when the voting starts. But whats going to happen is none of the polls are going to matter when people start voting. Thats whats going to determine everything.

I think at the end of the day, a majority of people have not made a decision, he told Fox News Digital. So if youre polling someone, and you push them, well if theyre kind of on the fence and they know Trump more than anyone, theyre more likely to do that.

He added, If you really pull down, half the electorate is up for grabs in these states, and were going to earn the votes in all of those states. We have the organization, we have the work ethic, and we have the message to be able to get it done.

Almost half of all Americans expect another insurrection attempt after 2024 election

Monday 9 October 2023 18:26 , Gustaf Kilander

A new poll has revealed that voters are pessimistic about the state of American democracy and the peaceful transfer of power that faced the most serious attack in recent times on January 6, 2021.

Among the 2,700 registered voters polled by Survey USA, most say that democracy is threatened and most also expect further political violence in the future.

Almost half said they expect a similar incident to the 2021 insurrection to take place after the next election.

Forty-six per cent said violence is very or somewhat likely after the 2024 election  53 per cent of Democrats, 45 per cent of independents, and 42 per cent of Republicans.

Black and Latino voters Pennsylvania overwhelmingly back Biden

Monday 9 October 2023 15:08 , Gustaf Kilander

A Pennsylvania poll has revealed that Black and Latino voters strongly support President Joe Biden in a 2024 showdown with former President Donald Trump.

The Susquehanna Polling and Research Inc survey revealed that 80 per cent of Black voters would back Mr Biden, while 19 per cent said they would vote for Mr Trump.

Mr Biden won back Pennsylvania for the Democrats in 2020 by a margin of 1.2 per cent, with the president getting the support of 92 per cent of Black voters, according to a CNN exit poll.

Seventy-four per cent of Black voters said they would back Mr Biden to be the Democratic nominee in 2024, while nine per cent said they preferred anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist Robert Kennedy Jr. Mr Kennedy is expected to launch an independent campaign for president.

Eighty-one per cent of Latino Pennsylvanians said they would support Mr Biden, compared to 19 per cent who said they would vote for Mr Trump.

Nikki Haley emerges as Trumps top GOP rival in new poll

Friday 6 October 2023 20:00 , Graig Graziosi

Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haleys bid for the Republican nomination just got a little more real  shes beating Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the polls for the first time.

Mr DeSantis and Donald Trump have been the only two names to pull significant numbers in polling since the Republican presidential primary began. While Mr Trump commands a significant lead over Mr DeSantis, the Florida governor was still the clear favorite among candidates who sought to challenge the former president.

For a short time, the party seemed to be warming to anti-woke businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, but polling has cooled, and likely due in no small part to the lashing he received at the hands of Ms Haley.

A Suffolk University/Boston Globe/USA Today survey released on Wednesday shows Ms Haley beating Mr DeSantis, 19 per cent to 10 per cent. The voters in that poll were all from New Hampshire, where the first primary of election season sets the stage for the rest of the year and can provide a significant national boost to whichever candidate comes out on top.

Mr DeSantis was the favoured candidate to challenge Mr Trump, but his popularity has waned as the primary season continues. A Yahoo News/YouGov poll from the end of August showed an 11 per cent drop in Mr DeSantis support  from 23 per cent to 12 per cent.

Nikki Haley pulling ahead of DeSantis in two early states in battle for second place behind Trump

Thursday 5 October 2023 19:57 , Gustaf Kilander

Nikki Haley is beating Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in polls in two of the early primary states.

The former UN ambassador and South Carolina Governor is in second place behind former President Donald Trump in both her home state and New Hampshire.

In New Hampshire, a new poll of Republican primary voters by Suffolk University, The Boston Globe, and USA Today found that Ms Haley received the support of 19 per cent of likely primary voters, her highest numbers in the state so far in the 2024 campaign. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is in third place in the state at 10 per cent while all other candidates are in the single digits. Mr Trump is far ahead at 49 per cent.

In her home state, Ms Haley is pulling away from fellow South Carolinian Senator Tim Scott.

In Winthrop Universitys October poll of the state, Ms Haley got 17 per cent, Mr DeSantis 12 per cent, and Mr Scott 6 per cent.

Nikki Haley comes in behind Trump in New Hampshire primary poll

Wednesday 4 October 2023 13:13 , Gustaf Kilander

Nikki Haley has risen to second place behind Donald Trump in New Hampshire, according to a new poll of Republican primary voters by Suffolk University, The Boston Globe, and USA Today.

The former South Carolina governor and UN Ambassador received 19 per cent of likely primary voters, her highest numbers in the state so far in the 2024 campaign. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is in third place in the state at 10 per cent while all other candidates are in the single digits.

Most of Iowa and New Hampshire voters are considering candidates other than Trump

Saturday 30 September 2023 18:00 , Gustaf Kilander

While Mr Trump has a massive lead with the national Republican electorate, voters in the early-voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire are looking beyond the former president.

More than three-quarters of likely Republican voters in those states are either not even considering Mr Trump, or are considering him but are also looking at other options, according to a poll by CBS News and YouGov.

But when voters were asked who they would back right now, Mr Trump topped the poll by 30 points in Iowa and by 37 points in New Hampshire.

Ron DeSantis was supported by 21 per cent in Iowa and 13 per cent in New Hampshire.

Trump has biggest primary poll lead since George W Bush in 2000 election

Saturday 30 September 2023 17:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Donald Trump has the biggest primary poll lead since George W Bush in the 2000 election.

According to a CNN polling average of five national surveys conducted between 7 and 24 September, Mr Trump has the backing of 58 per cent of Republican voters.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is supported by 15 per cent  43 points behind Mr Trump.

At a similar time in the 2000 campaign, in September 1999, Mr Bush was a 62 per cent in the polls to Elizabeth Doles 10 per cent  a lead of 52 points.
BTS arrives at the 61st annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, in Los Angeles. (PHOTO: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

SINGAPORE  Even amid their upcoming hiatus due to military commitments, global K-pop sensations BTS have not forgotten about their massive fanbase in Singapore.

In fact, they have a surprise treat in store for them coming up: the BTS Pop-Up: Space of BTS programme and activities to be held at Orchard Cineleisure from 25 November to 21 January.

The pop-up event aims to engage BTS fans, catering to followers of each BTS member with dedicated spaces forming immersive Instagrammable experiences.

It will also showcase over 250 merchandise products, including apparel, accessories, stationery and lifestyle items from collections like In the Soop, SOOWOOZOO, Dalmajung, Butter, and the BTS x McDonald's collaboration.

Exclusive solo merchandise, concert memorabilia, and photo moments

Comprising seven members  RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook  BTS has captivated audiences globally with their catchy songs and electric performances, making them the best-selling artistes in South Korean history with over 40 million albums sold.

Fans in Singapore will have the opportunity to access solo merchandise from individual members at the pop-up, some of which are currently unavailable on other platforms.

The event also offers the chance to acquire coveted concert merchandise from SUGA's Agust D Solo Tour 'D-DAY' and BTS' previous concerts.

Beyond merchandise, the pop-up will provide photo opportunities with the latest 2023 BTS Festa family portrait and an LED-lit BTS logo.

BTS had announced last year that they will be taking a hiatus so that the members could complete their mandatory South Korean military service, with a reunion being planned for 2025. Jin, the oldest member at 30 years old, enlisted on December last year, followed by J-Hope on April and Suga on September this year.

In South Korea, mandatory military service is required for all male citizens aged between 18 and 28. This duty also applies to members of K-pop groups like BTS, as they take a hiatus from their careers to fulfil this obligation, typically serving for about 18-22 months.

Story continues

Do you have a story tip? Email: sgnews.tips@yahooinc.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Also check out our Southeast Asia, Food, and Gaming channels on YouTube.
A volcanic eruption could destroy the Icelandic town of Grindavik or lead to extensive ash clouds, experts have warned.

The country has been shaken by more than 800 small earthquakes, prompting fears that the tremors could disrupt the Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula in the southwest of the country. Scientists have said an eruption at some point is likely.

It comes as a Caterpillar D11 - said to be Icelands biggest bulldozer - has been dispatched to help build defences. The huge piece of equipment is constructing trenches to reduce the damage caused by any eventual disaster.

Almost 4,000 people were evacuated from Grindavik over the weekend as authorities feared that molten rock would rise to the surface of the earth and potentially hit the coastal town and a geothermal power station.

Ragga Agustsdottir, who lives close to Grindavik, said residents were fearful of what could happen if an eruption struck.

Scientists have warned Icelands south-western peninsula could face decades of volcanic instability following eruptions along the peninsula.

Key Points

Defence walls built around power plant

Fears over flights in and out of Iceland

Eruption fears as magma spreads underground and cracks appear in roads

Where is Grindavik?

More residents might be able to return

10:09 , Lydia Patrick

Viir Reynisson, director of Civil Defence, says more residents might be able to enter the danger zone to collect their belongings.

Mr Reynisson told RUV it would be clearer tomorrow if they could return.There is an assessment that will be done in the morning. Hopefully it will be possible to allow a little more tomorrow. We will start looking it in the morning when we receive a new risk assessment, Reynisson told RUV.

Its like a dystopian movie: Iceland residents describe apocalyptic scenes as they flee volcano threat

09:39 , Lydia Patrick

Residents from a small Icelandic town under threat from volcanic eruption have described apocalyptic existence as they fear for their future.

Story continues

Last Friday, thousands of Grindavik residents were ordered to leave as the town was rocked by hundreds of earthquakes. The small fishing town is 34 miles from Reykjavik and is home to the famous tourist attraction the Blue Lagoon.

Many have been unable to return to the danger zone to collect their belongings, as earthquakes continue to strike the town.

Iceland residents describe apocalyptic scenes as they flee volcano threat

High chance of volcanic eruption, scientists warn

07:54 , Alexander Butler

There is a high chance of a volcanic eruption in Iceland, scientists have warned.

The probability of an eruption is still considered high. Signs of shallowing micro-seismic activity and sudden slippage are being monitored, which may be signs that magma is making its way to the surface, the Icelandic met office said.

It comes as a Caterpillar D11 - said to be Icelands biggest bulldozer - has been dispatched to help build defences. The huge piece of equipment is constructing trenches to reduce the damage caused by any eventual disaster.

A police officer talks to a local resident on a road leading to the fishing town of Grindavik (REUTERS)

Over 50 cats rescued after residents asked to evacuate Grindavik

07:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

At least 52 cats have been rescued by an animal shelter in Kattholt after pets were left behind during the emergency evacuation of the Icelandic town of Grindavik.

Nearly 4,000 people in the small fishing town were evacuated last weekend amid fears of an imminent volcanic eruption.

Residents were told they could return the next day to pick up their pets, but that didnt happen.Since the evacuation, a total of 289 animals have been rescued, that is all animals from frogs to horses, Hanna Everson for the animal shelter told The Mirror.

And also a whole chicken farm with 15,000 chicks were rescued.

But charities said so far four cats, nine fish and four canaries were still stranded.

Iceland earthquakes: Huge cracks appear on roads in volcano-threatened town

07:00 , Tom Watling

Roads have begun to crack and buildings buckle under the pressure of underground magma as Iceland prepares for a possible volcanic eruption.

Around 900 earthquakes hit the south of the country on Monday 13 November, with tens of thousands of tremors reported in the region of Reykjanes in recent weeks.

All roads to Grindavik are closed and traffic on them is forbidden, the Road Administration of Iceland wrote on Facebook, sharing footage of the damage.

Huge cracks appear on roads in Icelands volcano-threatened town

No Iceland earthquakes above magnitude 3 recorded in past two days

06:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

While seismic activity continues in the affected region of Iceland, all the earthquakes that have hit the Reykjanes peninsula in the past two days were below magnitude 3 on the richter scale, according to state broadcaster RUV.

Due to the release of tension, it is likely that the magma will have an easy way to the surface, and therefore it cannot be assumed that eruption turbulence will be visible on the meters before the eruption begins, the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) said.

Iceland earthquakes: Are flights still running amid fears of volcano eruption?

06:00 , Tom Watling

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.

Iceland earthquakes: Are flights still running amid fears over volcano eruption?

Icelands famous Blue Lagoon spa temporarily shuts down

05:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Icelands famous Blue Lagoon spa has temporarily shut down, one week after a series of earthquakes led guests to vacate the hotel.

The Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa southwest of Reykjavik, will be closed until 30 November amid fears of an imminent volcanic eruption.

Thousands of alarming earthquakes since late October prompted 40 guests at the spa to reportedly leave the resorts premises earlier this month.

More here.

Icelands famous Blue Lagoon spa temporarily shuts down over volcanic threat

Its like a dystopian movie: Iceland residents describe apocalyptic scenes as they flee volcano threat

05:00 , Tom Watling

Residents from a small Icelandic town under threat from volcanic eruption have described apocalyptic existence as they fear for their future.

Last Friday, thousands of Grindavik residents were ordered to leave as the town was rocked by hundreds of earthquakes. The small fishing town is 34 miles from Reykjavik and is home to the famous tourist attraction the Blue Lagoon.

Many have been unable to return to the danger zone to collect their belongings, as earthquakes continue to strike the town.

Iceland residents describe apocalyptic scenes as they flee volcano threat

Grindavik could be obliterated if volcanic eruption strikes

04:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

A volcanic eruption could destroy the Icelandic town of Grindavik or lead to extensive ash clouds, experts have warned.

The country has been shaken by more than 2,000 small earthquakes in the past few days, prompting fears that the tremors could disrupt the Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula in the southwest of the country.

Thousands have been told to evacuate Grindavik as a precautionary measure, while a magma tunnel stretches below the surface. If an eruption occurs in or close to the town, the consequences will be devastating, volcanologist Armann Hoskuldsson warned.

He told state broadcaster RUV: This is very bad news. One of the most serious scenarios is an eruption in the town itself, similar to that in Vestmannaeyjar 50 years ago. This would be much worse.

Lydia Patrick reports.

Iceland earthquake: Town could be obliterated if volcanic eruption strikes

Biggest volcanic eruptions in the last decade as Iceland town faces devastation

04:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Iceland is highly susceptible to natural disasters because it lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge  a divergent plate boundary where the North American Plate and the Eurasian Plate are moving away from each other, leading to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

Three eruptions have taken place on the peninsula of Reykjanes near the Fagradalsfjall volcano in the last three years: in March 2021, August 2022 and July 2023.

However, previous eruptions did not cause damage, having occurred in remote valleys.

Maryam Zakir-Hussain has more.

Biggest volcanic eruptions in the last 10 years as Iceland town faces devastation

Massive cracks appear in Grindavik

03:55 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The land has reportedly sunk by five feet in the west of Grindavik, and risen by up to 3 feet to the east.

A police officer stands by the crack in a road in the fishing town of Grindavik (REUTERS)

Couple cling to each other during Iceland earthquake

03:00 , Tom Watling

A couple cling to one another as their house shakes violently in an earthquake during a volcanic eruption in Iceland.

Caitlin McLean, from Scotland, was visiting her boyfriend, Gisli Gunnarsson, 29, in Grindavik when they were forced to flee his home at midnight on Friday (10 November) as his house shook and locals frantically evacuated the area.

Ms McLean, 34, captured the moment the furniture and light fixtures shook violently in Mr Gunnarssons home when the volcano erupted.

Police evacuated Grindavik after seismic activity in the area moved south towards the town, with a corridor of magma, or semi-molten rock, now thought to be extending under the community, Icelands Meteorological Office said.

Couple cling to each other during Iceland earthquake

Iceland residents describe apocalyptic scenes as they flee volcano threat

02:55 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Residents from a small Icelandic town under threat from volcanic eruption have described apocalyptic existence as they fear for their future.

Last Friday, thousands of Grindavik residents were ordered to leave as the town was rocked by hundreds of earthquakes. The small fishing town is 34 miles from Reykjavik and is home to the famous tourist attraction the Blue Lagoon.

Many have been unable to return to the danger zone to collect their belongings, as earthquakes continue to strike the town.

Grindavik resident Andrea varsdottir, 46, told The Independent: Everything just seems so unreal, I feel like Im in a dystopian movie. Im just waiting to wake up from this nightmare.

Lydia Patrick reports.

Iceland residents describe apocalyptic scenes as they flee volcano threat

Iceland earthquakes: Huge cracks appear on roads in volcano-threatened town

02:00 , Tom Watling

Roads have begun to crack and buildings buckle under the pressure of underground magma as Iceland prepares for a possible volcanic eruption.

Around 900 earthquakes hit the south of the country on Monday 13 November, with tens of thousands of tremors reported in the region of Reykjanes in recent weeks.

All roads to Grindavik are closed and traffic on them is forbidden, the Road Administration of Iceland wrote on Facebook, sharing footage of the damage.

Huge cracks appear on roads in Icelands volcano-threatened town

Could an Icelandic volcano ground flights like in 2010?

01:00 , Tom Watling

Given the volcanic situation in Iceland, is it going to be another 2010 in aviation?

Simon Calder answers your questions on aviation, the land of ice and fire, and birthday in Albania.

Could an Icelandic volcano ground flights like in 2010?

Iceland earthquakes: Are flights still running amid fears of volcano eruption?

00:00 , Tom Watling

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.

Iceland earthquakes: Are flights still running amid fears over volcano eruption?

Biggest volcanic eruptions in the last 10 years as Iceland town faces devastation

Thursday 16 November 2023 23:00 , Tom Watling

Icelands town of Grindavik faces a catastrophic countdown to a volcanic eruption that could see its destruction, experts have warned.

Almost 4,000 people were evacuated from Grindavik over the weekend as authorities feared that molten rock would rise to the surface of the earth and potentially hit the coastal town and a geothermal power station.

It comes as the country has been shaken by more than 880 small earthquakes, prompting fears that the tremors could disrupt the Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula in the southwest of the country.

Biggest volcanic eruptions in the last 10 years as Iceland town faces devastation

Its like a dystopian movie: Iceland residents describe apocalyptic scenes as they flee volcano threat

Thursday 16 November 2023 22:00 , Tom Watling

Residents from a small Icelandic town under threat from volcanic eruption have described apocalyptic existence as they fear for their future.

Last Friday, thousands of Grindavik residents were ordered to leave as the town was rocked by hundreds of earthquakes. The small fishing town is 34 miles from Reykjavik and is home to the famous tourist attraction the Blue Lagoon.

Many have been unable to return to the danger zone to collect their belongings, as earthquakes continue to strike the town.

Iceland residents describe apocalyptic scenes as they flee volcano threat

Biggest volcanic eruptions in the last 10 years as Iceland town faces devastation

Thursday 16 November 2023 20:30 , Tom Watling

Icelands town of Grindavik faces a catastrophic countdown to a volcanic eruption that could see its destruction, experts have warned.

Almost 4,000 people were evacuated from Grindavik over the weekend as authorities feared that molten rock would rise to the surface of the earth and potentially hit the coastal town and a geothermal power station.

It comes as the country has been shaken by more than 880 small earthquakes, prompting fears that the tremors could disrupt the Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula in the southwest of the country.

Biggest volcanic eruptions in the last 10 years as Iceland town faces devastation

Could an Icelandic volcano ground flights like in 2010?

Thursday 16 November 2023 19:30 , Tom Watling

Simon Calder answers your questions on aviation, the land of ice and fire, and birthday in Albania.

Could an Icelandic volcano ground flights like in 2010?

Grindavik facing electricity outages

Thursday 16 November 2023 18:30 , Alexander Butler

The Icelandic town of Grindavik is facing electricity outages, according to the countrys civil defence authority.

HS Orkas electrical distribution equipment in Grindavik is damaged in several places due to constant earthquakes and ground deformation.

It is unclear if, and when, electricity will be back on in the area. An announcement via text message has been sent to users known to be affected by the power outages, it said.

[English below]... - Almannavarnadeild rikislogreglustjora

Foreign office issues advice to Brits travelling to Iceland

Thursday 16 November 2023 17:30 , Alexander Butler

The Foreign Office has issued advice for British nationals travelling to Iceland amid earthquakes and fears of an imminent volcano eruption.

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.

Icelands biggest bulldozer deployed to help

Thursday 16 November 2023 17:27 , Sam Rkaina

Icelands biggest bulldozer has been deployed to help build defences in the event of any volcanic eruption.

The Caterpillar D11 weighs more than 100 tons, is 15ft tall and around 36ft long.

It was dispatched to an area near the Svartsengi geothermal power plant on Thursday morning to help create trenches that would reduce the damage caused if Fagradalsfjall erupts.

The largest bulldozer in the country used for the construction of fortifications



Caterpillar D11, the largest bulldozer in the country, is being used for constructing of dikes at #Svartsengi.#Iceland #Grindavik #Selfoss #Kopavogur #Reykjanesbr #ReykjanesPeninsula pic.twitter.com/7Y2qSFquUY  Tay Austin (@Jasamsdestiny) November 16, 2023

Over one thousand tremors before 2pm

Thursday 16 November 2023 16:30 , Alexander Butler

There have been 1,200 tremors between midnight and 2pm today on the peninsula, according to scientists.

However, none of the micro-earthquakes have hit above three on the Richter scale for several days. But despite the reduced seismic activity, the risk of volcanic eruptions remains high.

Due to the release of tension, it is likely that the magma will have an easy way to the surface, the Icelandic Met Office said.

There will likely be an eruption, officials say

Thursday 16 November 2023 15:35 , Alexander Butler

There will be an eruption of some kind in Iceland over the coming days, despite one expert saying the chance of it happening is 30 per cent, Icelandic officials said.

Speaking to reporters, Kristin Jonsdottir, who is monitoring the seismic activity, said: No, we think there is still a chance that there will be an eruption.

When asked about micro-seismic activity underground, she said: Yes, we are very vigilant about that. And we see it in the last eruptions that it is precisely when these signals start to reduce that it starts to shorten to an eruption.

A member of search and rescue team jumps over the crack in a road in the fishing town of Grindavik (REUTERS)

Iceland teachers ask for time and space to process trauma of volcano threat

Thursday 16 November 2023 13:56 , Maira Butt

Iceland teachers have asked for time and space to process the trauma of evacuation amid an impending eruption.

The Icelandic Teachers Union issued a resolution urging privacy for Grindavik teachers affected, RUV reports.

The country is known to have one of the best education systems in Europe.

Red zone return going better than yesterday according to police

Thursday 16 November 2023 13:30 , Maira Butt

Police report that red zone returns are going well today and report the operation has gone much better than yesterday, according to Iceland news source RUV.

According to the police, there arent as many cars waiting at Grindavikurvegur checkpoints this afternoon.

Only one person per household is allowed to enter.

A police officer stands by the crack in a road in the fishing town of Grindavik (REUTERS)

Safety deposit boxes moved from Grindavik bank

Thursday 16 November 2023 13:04 , Maira Butt

Over 150 safety deposit boxes have been moved from Grindavik bank following threats of a major eruption that could obliterate the village.

Iceland news channel RUV reports the boxes have been moved to the banks branch in Mjodd in Reykjavik where they will be available to customers starting tomorrow, November 17th.In an announcement on the banks website, it is said that the transfer of the boxes went quickly and safely.

An aerial view of the town of Grindavik, which was evacuated due to volcanic activity, in Iceland (via REUTERS)

Cars are beginning to enter the 'red zone'

Thursday 16 November 2023 12:31 , Alexander Butler

Residents are being allowed to head into the so-called red zone in Grindavik, Iceland, which is the area considered to be the most dangerous part of the town.

Only people who have been spoken to are allowed to enter, while local media reports some residents have turned up anyway, on the off chance they may be allowed in.

For a brief window, residents of the town will be able to grab belongings and leave again. Everyone else has been asked to email officials for access, according to Sky News.

Cracks emerged in the town (REUTERS)

No change in the situation overnight, police say

Thursday 16 November 2023 11:10 , Alexander Butler

There has been no change in the situation in Grindavik overnight, police chief Ulfar Ludviksson has told local media.

My information is the situation has not changed since yesterday, he said.

Our agreement today is that we let people in from Grindavik and those who are allowed to enter the town are the residents we have contacted.

All the residents who have the opportunity to enter the most dangerous area of aathe town today have been called.

An aerial view of the town of Grindavik, which was evacuated due to volcanic activity, in Iceland (via REUTERS)

Thirty per cent chance of eruption, experts say

Thursday 16 November 2023 09:51 , Alexander Butler

There is a 30 per cent chance of a volcanic eruption in Iceland, according to experts.

Thorvaldur Thordarson, a professor in petrology and volcanology at University of Iceland, said the probability of an eruption was at 30 per cent.

He had previously estimated a 60 per cent chance over the weekend, and a 40 per cent chance on Monday.

A crack in the road following earthquakes in Iceland (via REUTERS)

Blue Lagoon to remain closed until 30 November

Thursday 16 November 2023 08:33 , Alexander Butler

The Blue Lagoon, one of Icelands most famous attractions, will remain closed until the end of this month due to fears of a volcanic eruption.

It was initially set to close until Thursday but it will now remain shut until 30 November. Its surrounding hotels, spa and restaurants will also be closed.

The situation will be regularly assessed, officials said.

The Blue Lagoon is a dream destination for hundreds and thousands every year (Atlas Photography)

Earthquake interrupts Grindavik mayors interview

Thursday 16 November 2023 08:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Iceland faces decades of instability, experts warn

Thursday 16 November 2023 07:43 , Alexander Butler

Icelands south-western peninsula could face decades of volcanic instability, the Icelandic Met Office warned.

We expect to see volcanic eruptions along the peninsula, not just repeatedly in the same location. This instability could last decades, the Icelandic Met Offices Matthew Roberts told the BBC.

It comes as almost 4,000 people were evacuated from Grindavik over the weekend as authorities feared that molten rock would rise to the surface of the earth.

A police officer stands by the crack in a road in the fishing town of Grindavik which was evacuated due to volcanic activity (REUTERS)

Are flights still running amid fears of volcano eruption?

Thursday 16 November 2023 07:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

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.

More here.

Iceland earthquakes: Are flights still running amid fears over volcano eruption?

Could an Icelandic volcano ground flights like in 2010?

Thursday 16 November 2023 06:45 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

In April 2010, the Eyjafjallajokull volcano erupted and caused a complete shutdown of aviation for a week. Anyone who has a flight booked imminently may be fretting about a possible repeat.

Thankfully, the circumstances are very different, writes Simon Calder.

Could an Icelandic volcano ground flights like in 2010?

Is it safe to travel to Iceland? Your rights if you have a holiday booked

Thursday 16 November 2023 06:15 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

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. There are 14 arrivals and departures planned for Saturday from and to the UK, with no signs of disruption to flights.

Simon Calder has more.

Is it safe to travel to Iceland? Your rights if you have a holiday booked

Reykjanes peninsula could face volcanic instability for decades

Thursday 16 November 2023 05:45 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Icelands southwestern peninsula of Reykjanes could face volcanic instability for decades, the Icelandic Met Office (IMO) warned amid fears of an imminent volcanic eruption.

We expect to see volcanic eruptions along the peninsula, not just repeatedly in the same location, IMOs Matthew Roberts told BBC, adding that the instability could last for decades.

It cut beneath the town of Grindavik, which was evacuated over the weekend, almost like an underground freight train, Dr Roberts said about the magma coursing into the ground that fractured rocks.

He told the broadcaster that residents would have to wait for weeks before they could return to the town. Were not expecting an explosive eruption, he said.

If that were to occur there would be lava flow to the south, possibly towards Grindavik, and also possibly north and westwards towards the Svartsengi power station and the Blue Lagoon, Dr Roberts added.

2,000 earthquakes hit Iceland in 24 hours

Thursday 16 November 2023 05:15 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Nearly 2,000 earthquakes have been recorded in the past 24 hours in the magma tunnel at Sundhnukagiga, according to state broadcaster RUV.

Sigriar Kristjansdottir, a natural disaster expert at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, said the situation remained the same as the last few days.

Authorities were struggling to work on repairs due to the lack of electricity in the eastern half of Grindavik, a town of nearly 4,000 people.

Massive cracks appear on roads in Grindavik ahead of volcano eruption

Thursday 16 November 2023 04:45 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

A police officer stands by the crack in a road in the fishing town of Grindavik (REUTERS)

An aerial view of the town of Grindavik, which was evacuated due to volcanic activity, in Iceland (via REUTERS)

A police officer stands by the crack in a road in the fishing town of Grindavik (REUTERS)

Some Grindavik residents briefly allowed to enter town

Thursday 16 November 2023 04:15 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

A small number of residents of Grindavik, the town evacuated due to fears of a volcanic eruption, will be allowed to go into the red zone to collect their belongings.

Officials will accompany each person, according to state broadcaster RUV.

Only one person from each family has been allotted a few minutes to collect basic necessities.

Iceland earthquakes: Huge cracks appear on roads in volcano-threatened town

Thursday 16 November 2023 04:00 , Tom Watling

Roads have begun to crack and buildings buckle under the pressure of underground magma as Iceland prepares for a possible volcanic eruption.

Around 900 earthquakes hit the south of the country on Monday 13 November, with tens of thousands of tremors reported in the region of Reykjanes in recent weeks.

All roads to Grindavik are closed and traffic on them is forbidden, the Road Administration of Iceland wrote on Facebook, sharing footage of the damage.

Huge cracks appear on roads in Icelands volcano-threatened town

Icelands famous Blue Lagoon to remain shut till 30 November

Thursday 16 November 2023 03:21 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Icelands famous Blue Lagoon spa will remain shut till 30 November amid fears of an imminent volcanic eruption.

The geothermal spa southwest of Reykjavik, which is one of the islands most popular tourist destinations, was closed on 9 November following a series of earthquakes that hit the region.

Considering disruptions to our guests experience and the sustained pressure on our employees, these precautionary measures were taken to ensure safety and wellbeing for all, it said in a statement.

The closure will remain in effect until 7am on November 30, at which point the situation will be reassessed, it added.

Grindavik couple fear losing their home after evacuating: Its a pretty grim situation

Thursday 16 November 2023 03:00 , Tom Watling

A man who evacuated from a town in Iceland after earthquakes put the region on alert for a volcanic eruption said he fears he might never see his home again.

Caitlin McLean, from Scotland, was visiting her boyfriend, Gisli Gunnarsson, in Grindavik when they were forced to flee his home at midnight on Friday, packing only a few essential items, to stay with Mr Gunnarssons mother in Reykjavik.

Police evacuated Grindavik after seismic activity in the area moved south towards the town, with a corridor of magma, or semi-molten rock, now thought to be extending under the community, Icelands Meteorological Office said.

Grindavik couple fear losing home after evacuating: Its a pretty grim situation

Couple cling to each other during Iceland earthquake

Thursday 16 November 2023 02:00 , Tom Watling

A couple cling to one another as their house shakes violently in an earthquake during a volcanic eruption in Iceland.

Caitlin McLean, from Scotland, was visiting her boyfriend, Gisli Gunnarsson, 29, in Grindavik when they were forced to flee his home at midnight on Friday (10 November) as his house shook and locals frantically evacuated the area.

Ms McLean, 34, captured the moment the furniture and light fixtures shook violently in Mr Gunnarssons home when the volcano erupted.

Police evacuated Grindavik after seismic activity in the area moved south towards the town, with a corridor of magma, or semi-molten rock, now thought to be extending under the community, Icelands Meteorological Office said.

Couple cling to each other during Iceland earthquake

Could an Icelandic volcano ground flights like in 2010?

Thursday 16 November 2023 01:00 , Tom Watling

Simon Calder answers your questions on aviation, the land of ice and fire, and birthday in Albania.

Could an Icelandic volcano ground flights like in 2010?

Is it safe to travel to Iceland? Your rights if you have a holiday booked

Thursday 16 November 2023 00:00 , Tom Watling

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.

Is it safe to travel to Iceland? Your rights if you have a holiday booked

Iceland earthquakes: Are flights still running amid fears of volcano eruption?

Wednesday 15 November 2023 23:00 , Tom Watling

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.

Iceland earthquakes: Are flights still running amid fears over volcano eruption?
Veteran Singapore actor Tang Hu has died at age 84. (PHOTO: Screengrab/8World)

SINGAPORE  Veteran Singapore actor Tang Hu died on Wednesday (15 November), after being admitted into hospital last Thursday with toe inflammation and fever. He was 84 years old.

The prolific supporting actor was a familiar face in Singapore-made drama serials such as Son Of Pulau Tekong (1985) and Painted Faces (1987), and last appeared in 2008's Folks Jump Over The Wall with Kym Ng and Bryan Wong. He was also a popular host of food shows on television.

The retired actor had suffered diabetes for years, and had to amputate the little toe on his right foot after a blood clot was found in 2020.

A year later, however, his condition worsened and his right leg had to be amputated below the knee. Chinese daily Lianhe Zaobao reported that Tang was subsequently fitted with a prosthetic leg after physiotherapy and had been resting at home since then.

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.
People with signs saying 'go home'

With xenophobia rising in South Africa, Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has announced plans to toughen asylum and immigration laws in a move that will have far-reaching consequences for foreign nationals who seek refuge in the country.

His proposals are contained in a document, known as a White Paper, which has been released for public discussion as the first step towards adopting legislation that will mark a decisive break with the more embracing policy that the government championed after it took power at the end of the racist system of apartheid in 1994.

In a sign of the extent to which he envisages changes, Dr Motsoaledi said the government had made a "serious mistake" about two years later when it signed up to international agreements - such as the UN's refugee convention - without seeking exemptions from certain clauses.

This was unlike many other countries, which opted out of clauses giving asylum-seekers and refugees the same rights as their citizens - including the right to employment and education for their children, he said.

Paddy Harper, a journalist with South Africa's Mail & Guardian newspaper, said Dr Motsoaledi's proposals were the latest sign that the government - led by the African National Congress (ANC) - believed it went too far after white-minority rule ended.

"South Africa had been a pariah during apartheid, and as the ANC led its integration into the world it opened up the country to immigrants and asylum-seekers, with many coming from other parts of Africa and Asia," Harper told the BBC.

"The ANC government also did this in the interest of pan-African and international solidarity because of the support it received from other countries during the struggle against apartheid," he said.

"The political and economic dynamics have changed considerably since then, which explains the shift in government thinking."

Foreign-owned shops have often been targeted in South Afria

Dr Motsoaledi is also pushing for people to seek asylum in the first safe country they enter, meaning they could be denied asylum if they came via other countries.

Story continues

His proposal would mostly affect those from other African nations, as they form the bulk of refugees and asylum-seekers fleeing conflict and persecution.

According to the UN, about 250,000 refugees and asylum seekers live in South Africa. These are separate from documented or undocumented foreign nationals in the country for other reasons, including those seeking better economic opportunities.

In a paper published in 2021, an academic at South Africa's University of the Free State, Khangelani Moyo, said that 25% of the refugees and asylum seekers came from Ethiopia, 23% from the Democratic of Republic of Congo, 11% from Somalia, 10% from Bangladesh and 6% from Zimbabwe.

Harper says the number of refugees and asylum-seekers may be small but it feeds into deeper hostility towards foreigners whose population has increased over the last three decades, while South Africa's unemployment rate has soared to around 32%.

"Immigrants - especially Somalis and Bangladeshis - are seen to be controlling the economy of townships, and are accused of taking the jobs of locals. It has led to attacks on migrants, and the emergence of anti-migrant groups, like Operation Dudula," he said.

With this in mind, Harper says that Dr Motsoaledi was looking to next year's elections when he unveiled his proposals.

"Some of the opposition parties are likely to make migration a major campaign issue. The ANC fears losing support, and wants to be seen to be doing something about it, " he said, adding that the governing party's focus on migration also helps deflect attention from its own failures in improving the economy and public services.

In June, senior ANC official Fikile Mbalula described undocumented immigrants as a "ticking timebomb" for South Africa.

"Illegal immigrants put a heavy strain on the fiscus, with adverse effects on service delivery, the overstretched health sector, high unemployment and poverty," he said.

South Africa's latest census recorded more than 2.4 million migrants last year, with the highest percentage coming from neighbouring Zimbabwe at 45.5%, followed by Mozambique and Lesotho.

They make up only around 3% of the total population of 62 million - though officials acknowledge the difficulty in counting foreign nationals, especially those who are undocumented.

Hundreds of border guards have been recruited by the new BMA agency

For Dr Mosoaledi, it is clear "no-one can account for all undocumented migrants" in South Africa and says the government was already trying to deal with them.

"Immigration Services deport between 15,000 and 20,000 illegal foreigners every year at a huge cost. This number is on the increase," he said, pointing out that the government was setting up a new law enforcement agency - known as the Border Management Authority (BMA) - to "significantly reduce the risk of foreigners entering the country illegally".

"New legislation must be introduced to strengthen the powers of immigration officers and inspectorate, and make continuing training compulsory," Dr Motsoaledi added.

He also called for the establishment of immigration courts, saying "the current legislative framework was untenable and leads to long delays in finalising immigration matters, including deportation".

Dr Moyo told the BBC that it was difficult to clamp down on undocumented migrants, as most were from neighbouring states.

"If you arrest and deport them, they come back the following week," he said.

"You can't stop the movement of people. It's better to create a mechanism to allow people to be documented."

Yet, with an election looming, the government is unlikely to drop its plans, especially as some opinion polls suggest that the ANC risks losing its outright majority in parliament for the first time since 1994.

As Dr Moyo noted, those parties that called for tougher immigration policies, including tighter border controls, performed "very well" in the 2021 local elections in South Africa's economic heartland of Johannesburg and the capital, Tshwane.
OMAHA  A Macy, Nebraska, man pleaded guilty Tuesday of shooting another man in the pinky.

Dante Stabler, 22, entered his plea in U.S. District Court in Omaha to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm.

According to terms of a plea agreement, he will be sentenced to six years in prison. Sentencing was scheduled for Feb. 9.

A charge of using, carrying or possessing a firearm during a violent crime will be dismissed at sentencing.

The victim confronted Stabler on Feb. 22 in Macy about his stolen vehicle. Stabler is accused of firing a shot from a pistol into the pavement. The victim then charged Stabler and grabbed the pistol. When the victim grabbed the gun, Stabler fired a second shot, striking the victim's finger.

While the victim was at the hospital in Winnebago, a nurse notified the FBI of the shooting, and the FBI began an investigation.
SIOUX CITY  On Election Day in November 2020, Andy Luu was heading to his polling site to vote for the first time, excited to get an "I voted" sticker and post a photo of it on social media.

On his way, he received a phone call informing him he didn't need to worry about it.

"My (now late) grandfather told me they'd already voted for me," Luu testified Wednesday.

Luu, who was 18 at the time, said he hadn't known an absentee ballot request and ballot had been filled out and signed in his name. Shown those documents in federal court, he said he didn't know whose handwriting was on the forms or on the signature line.

"That is not my signature," he said.

If it was a family member, he said, he didn't believe he had given anyone his consent to vote for him. He also did not remember Kim Taylor visiting the Sioux City home he shared with his grandparents, parents and his brother, and bringing voting documents during the 2020 election cycle and filling them out for his parents and grandparents, all of whom are Vietnamese immigrants who are not fluent in English. Andy and his brother, Anthony, both born in Sioux City, are fluent in English.

Taylor, a Vietnam native who met her husband, Jeremy, when he was teaching there, is charged in U.S. District Court in Sioux City with 52 counts related to voter fraud. Prosecutors say she operated a scheme in which she fraudulently filled out voting forms, including ballots, for other Vietnamese immigrants living in Woodbury County in order to score votes for her husband, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for a U.S. House seat in the June 2020 primary before he was elected to the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors five months later in the general election.

Jeremy Taylor has not been charged, and is named as an unindicted co-conspirator.

During the trial's third day Wednesday, Luu's father, Nhieu Huynh, who came to the United States in 1999 and said he speaks, reads and writes very little English, testified with the aid of an interpreter that Kim Taylor came to their home with voting documents, went over them and had them sign them.

"She told all of us about the election and then told us where to sign," Huynh said through an interpreter. "She filled them out, and I signed."

Among the documents filled out were absentee ballot request forms and voter affidavits in Andy and Anthony Luu's names. Viewing an April 2020 voter registration form in his name in which the political party affiliation had been changed to Republican, Anthony Luu said he's never changed parties, and the handwriting and signature on the form were not his.

"Any idea who filled out this form?" Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Evans asked him.

"I do not," Anthony Luu said.

Nguyen Huynh, a U.S. citizen born in Vietnam who immigrated here as a child with his family in 2007, said he's interested in voting, but has never registered.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Timmons showed him copies of a 2018 voter registration form, as well as absentee ballot requests and voter affidavits from 2020, all filled out and signed in his name.

"Do you have any idea who filled out this form and signed it?" Timmons asked him.

"No. No idea," Huynh said.

Huynh's father, Nhieu Huynh, who lives with his son and is not fluent in English, testified through an interpreter that he is not a registered voter, but Kim Taylor has come to their home three or four times with voting forms for others in his family. Late in the 2020 election, he said, Taylor came to his home to collect those forms. Nhieu Huynh said he gave her everything he had, but did not fill out or sign any documents because his son, who he said interprets all important papers for him, wasn't there.

"All this time, any paperwork at all, I don't sign anything unless my son told me," he said.

My Do, a Vietnam native who came to the United States in 2000, said she filled out election documents, including ballots, that Taylor brought to her home for herself and her two sons in the 2020 election. She signed her sons' names on all the documents, she said through an interpreter, because she believed it was her responsibility to vote for them. Taylor, she said, did not read her affidavits explaining the forms must be signed by the person whose name appears on the forms.

"She didn't explain. She just filled them out, and I signed," Do said. "I did not know I was violating the law when I did that.

"If I knew, I wouldn't dare sign it."

Taylor's mother, who has attended the trial since Monday's beginning, was warned by Chief U.S. Judge Leonard Strand Wednesday after Evans informed him she'd been seen talking with Andy and Anthony Luu and their mother during a break. According to Evans, Taylor's mother told them Kim Taylor was facing 200 years in prison if she was found guilty. Evans asked Strand to remove her from the courtroom.

Strand declined, but said any future confirmed conversations with witnesses would have consequences, including a contempt of court charge.

"Ms. Taylor's mother cannot have any contact with witnesses, and if it happens again, she will be punished," Strand said.

The trial will resume Thursday morning.
SIOUX CITY  Currently, all Sioux City Community Schools dismiss one hour early on Mondays. A proposed calendar will change that to a two-hour early out on Fridays.

Human Resources Director Jen Gomez presented proposed calendars for the 2024-2025, 2025-2026, and 2026-2027 school years on Monday.

The biggest proposed change is moving the weekly teacher professional development. Instead of a one-hour early out on Mondays, the district is proposing two-hour early outs on Fridays.

Gomez said the change is based on feedback received from district staff, parents and committees.

Superintendent Rod Earleywine said he has heard from other school districts in the state who have been making the same switch.

"I've heard really good things from those school districts that the parents are fine with it and the staff really likes it," he said.

He said of the more than 4,000 responses to a survey, 63 percent of the responses said they were in favor of Friday early outs.

A public hearing will take place on Nov. 27 for citizens to provide feedback on the proposed calendars.

Another change to the calendar is the timing of school conferences. For years the district has had parent/teacher conferences on Mondays and Tuesdays with no school on Mondays twice a year. The proposed calendar would switch the conferences to Tuesdays and Thursdays, with no school on Thursdays.

The district is continuing to base the school calendars on hours instead of days.

In Iowa, a school year must consist of either 180 days or 1,080 hours of instruction. Historically, the Sioux City Community School District follows the number of days, often resulting in more than 1,100 hours of instruction. This school year, the district changed the calendar to be based on hours.

The original 2023-24 calendar has 180 days of education, resulting in 1,132 hours of instruction. The current calendar has 178 days and 1,136 hours of instruction.

Gomez said the district received positive feedback about the change and plans to continue the format. The proposed calendar for next year has 178 days and 1,094 hours of instruction.
The mystery surrounding the identity of "Baby Jane Doe" has been unraveled nearly 35 years after the discovery of her remains in a rural area of Ware County.

The 5-year-old victim, now identified as Kenyatta Odom, met a tragic fate at the hands of her mother, Evelyn Odom, and her live-in boyfriend, Ulyster Sanders, in 1988, as per News4Jax.

Baby Jane Doe, Killer Finally Identified After 35 Years

The story began on December 21, 1988, when road workers in Ware County made a gruesome discovery: a container inside an old television cabinet that housed the remains of a young girl.

Kenyatta's body, wrapped in a blanket and encased in concrete within a duffel bag, was found just off Duncan Bridge Road. After years of being known as "Baby Jane Doe," Kenyatta Odom finally has her name back.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Jason Seacrist, in a Monday news conference, declared, "Baby Jane Doe is no longer unnamed, is no longer unknown.

The baby that was thrown out into a trash pile has been identified, and we're working to bring justice to her. Kenyatta Odom, that's the name we want out there, 'Keke.'"

Evelyn Odom, also known as Zmecca Luciana, and Ulyster Sanders are charged with aggravated battery-family violence, felony murder, conspiracy to conceal a death, and concealing an end, respectively, in the indictment.

On November 1, the grand jury indictment was submitted, bringing to a close an investigation that had lasted since the summer and culminated in their apprehension on November 9.

The shocking details of the crime emerged as the indictment revealed that Kenyatta was killed by being pushed into boiling water.

Subsequently, her mother and stepfather allegedly attempted to bury her body in cement and discard it in a trash pile. Road workers initially found the remains in December 1988, initiating an enduring quest for justice.

The identification of Kenyatta was made possible through DNA testing that began years ago and a crucial tip received by investigators in January. The young victim, who met her tragic end in her hometown of Albany, Georgia, was dumped 110 miles away outside Waycross and discovered among broken furniture and debris in the woods, according to Daily Beast.

Read Also: US, China Leaders Set To Meet in California for Diplomatic Talks To Stabilize Relations

Crimes Involving Kenyatta Odom's Mom, Boyfriend

Seacrist emphasized the significance of this breakthrough at the news conference streamed online, stating, "Baby Jane Doe is no longer unnamed, is no longer unknown. The baby that was thrown out into a trash pile has been identified, and we're working to bring justice to her."

The alleged perpetrators, Evelyn Odom and Ulyster Sanders, both remain in custody, indicted on charges that paint a horrifying picture of the crimes committed against Kenyatta.

As the legal process unfolds, the community grapples with the revelation of a young life lost to unspeakable cruelty. The case, which baffled investigators for decades, took a pivotal turn when a woman provided a critical tip in January.

This information contradicted the story by Kenyatta's mother, who claimed that the child had gone to live with her father. The end led investigators to finally identify Kenyatta, shedding light on a case that had haunted the community and law enforcement for over three decades.

As the case heads to trial, District Attorney Greg Edwards of the Albany-based Dougherty Judicial Circuit expressed confidence in the evidence gathered, stating, "We believe that there is evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that will lead to justice being found for Kenyatta."

The chilling story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of perseverance, advancements in forensic technology, and the role of the community in bringing justice to those who have long been denied it, NBC New York reported.

Related Article: Gaza's Al Shifa Hospital Surrounded by Israeli Forces

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SIOUX CITY  The Woodbury County Board of Supervisors approved hiring four new correctional officers and purchasing two new x-ray machines for the courtrooms in the new law enforcement center as well as the courthouse.

Woodbury County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Tony Wingert said the department was asked by the Iowa State Courts to provide security at the entrance of the courtrooms in the new jail, similar to the security the courthouse has.

The department is asking for two x-ray machines to replace the current machine at the courthouse as well as to install one in the new jail. The four new correctional officers will add $300,300 a year in expenses with the two new x-ray machines costing $55,750.

The courthouse utilizes part-time deputies to staff the secure entrance. Wingert said they do not want to utilize part-time employees in the LEC.

The plan is to have four correctional officers, split into pairs, working 12-hour shifts. Wingert said they can help with the morning headcount of prisoners, work the x-ray machine, and then finish their shift helping the jail staff.

Wingert said the current courthouse x-ray machine can no longer be serviced and will need to be replaced in the future if it breaks. The machines each cost $28,462 and by buying two, they get a $1,200 discount.

Board of Supervisors meeting Daniel Bittinger listens to proceedings during a Woodbury County Board of Supervisors meeting at the Woodbury County Courthouse in Sioux City,

Due to the unknown completion date of the law enforcement center, Sheriff Chad Sheehan said they will delay hiring these four correctional officers until one month before the jail opens.

The four new correctional officers will add to the 15 correctional officers, one jail sergeant, one jail lieutenant, and one warrant clerk the county had to hire to operate the new facility.

Currently, the jail is operating with 65 staff members, including correctional officers and administration. This costs the county $3.34 million each year. The 18 new employees added $1.3 million in salaries.

Sheehan said the sheriffs office will have significant savings due to the delay in the jail opening that can cover the four new positions for the remainder of this fiscal year.

The hiring of staff for the law enforcement center underwent much debate in January 2022. When the jail project was initially pitched to the community, it was said no additional staff would be needed. Sheehan said one decision that led to needing additional staff was stacking the jail cell pods to save roughly $1 million.

COVID funds allocated

The Woodbury County Board of Supervisors has decided to reallocate $470,000 in American Rescue Act funding to the law enforcement center project.

The move was made "due to unforeseen additional work, above and beyond what was originally anticipated at the start of the project," according to board documents. Supervisor Matthew Ung said the money would be used to pay a Hausmann Construction bill for the subcontractor's work. The board voted 5-0 to allocate the funding to the authority.

Supervisor Mark Nelson said $864,887 of the bill is work that has been completed by subcontractors that need to be paid to prevent a breach of contract. There are $1.46 million in bills being negotiated.

"We disagree with that amount," he said.

As of Nov. 9, the project had $68.7 million in revenues with a total contractual obligation of $68 million. Woodbury County Budget Director Dennis Butler said with a $34,176 change order approved on Monday, the authority has $614,143 in funding left.

Because the $614,000 is not enough to cover the new bill, the county has decided to allocate ARPA funding to cover it.

The funding was originally allocated to the jail project as part of the $10 million standard deduction given to the Authority for cost overruns. The COVID recovery funds allow the county to have a one-time $10 million allowance to be spent on government services.

Board of Supervisors meeting Matthew Ung listens to proceedings during a Woodbury County Board of Supervisors meeting at the Woodbury County Courthouse in Sioux City, Iowa

At the time, the Law Enforcement Center Authority was paying for the furniture as part of the lease agreement. In December 2022 the county decided to take over the purchasing of furniture for the facility and use different ARPA funding for the furniture.

Taking the furniture out of the authoritys responsibilities freed up $941,000 in project funds, which the county unallocated from the authority. They are now going to give half of that money back.

The new law enforcement center project was to be completed on Sept. 14, but it was discovered that 38 fire dampers were missing from the building, pushing the project completion date to a proposed April 9, 2024.

The added construction time is projected to add nearly $1.8 million to a project that's already cost nearly $70 million. The Authority is disputing that number, Nelson said.

Butler said with future change orders of more than $182,000, the Authority may see upwards of $2 million in additional expenses, not including other costs related to the project that have not yet been calculated.

With this new allocation, the authority will only have $1.5 million to cover the $2 million. Butler said depending on the outcome of negotiations, the county may have to come up with additional money for the project, but his calculations are the "worst-case scenario."

Additional expenses

On Monday, the Law Enforcement Center Authority approved a $34,176 change order due to missed wiring for the jail cell water systems. The water systems of each cell will be connected to a main control system so jail administrators can turn the water on and off in individual cells.

Nelson said the system is used in case a prisoner tries to flood their cell, for example. The wiring that connects the cells to the main control system was not installed, therefore it needs to be installed now.

Nelson said there was a discrepancy in the plans on what materials were needed for the project. He said Hausmann Construction and Goldberg Group Architects disagree on whether or not the aspect of the project was properly laid out in the plan.

Update on the LEC project

Nelson said all of the missing fire dampers have been installed and the 11 dampers that needed to be wired have been, but have not yet been connected to the control boxes. Even though the dampers have been installed, Nelson said other work related to the installation of the dampers needs to be completed, such as reinstalling the ceiling, painting, etc.

He said the building security electronics are being installed and construction is ongoing in all areas of the jail.

Nelson and Supervisor Dan Bittinger visited the jail on Nov. 6. He said significant progress has been made since his last visit in September.
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SIOUX CITY  Uri Goldflam, a veteran of the Israeli Defense Forces who worked as a tour guide in Israel prior to the outbreak of war with Hamas in October, gave an address in Sioux City Tuesday evening on the conflict.

"It's kind of a known fact in Israel that we always win the war in the battlefield, and then we lose the war of public opinion," said Goldflam, who spoke at the RE/MAX City Centre, formerly the Riviera Theatre.

In the service of public opinion, Goldflam has been on a speaking tour in the Midwest to make the case for Israel. Goldflam served as a combat platoon sergeant in a paratrooper unit in the IDF; he served three years conscripted service between the ages of 18 and 21 and did tours of duty in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. He then served 20 years in the reserves.

"I am now a bit older, too old to serve, but I'm trying to do my best serving my country here," he said of his speaking tour during press remarks before his lecture.

IDF veteran Uri Goldflam Uri Goldflam, veteran of the Israeli Defense Forces, describes the history of Israel during his address at RE/MAX City Centre in Sioux City, I

War broke out between Israel and Hamas on Oct. 7. Tensions have flared in the U.S. between those whose sympathies lie with Palestine and those who support Israel. Colleges and cultural institutions have found themselves embroiled in the battle for hearts and minds; Republicans have directed their ire to Palestinian supporters on campuses. In the third GOP presidential debate on November 8, multiple candidates supported deporting students who "sided with Hamas."

On Tuesday, tens of thousands of supporters of Israel gathered at the National Mall in Washington D.C. in solidarity with Israel. Monday night, hundreds of protesters led by Jewish peace activists staged a sit-in at a federal building in Oakland, California, to call for a cease-fire in Gaza.

Pro-Palestinian activists in the U.S. and elsewhere, Goldflam said, fall into one of three categories.

"Some of them are bona fide, honest-to-God, Hamas sympathizers and terrorist supporters. These are people who think that murdering children, decapitating babies, burning families alive, torturing children in front of their parents, raping and mutilating bodies of women, is a legitimate way of resistance. These are people who don't accept the existence of Israel anywhere between the river and the sea. They're terrorists, and should be dealt with as such," he said of the first group of the triad.

"There are those who think that they're only allies. They wouldn't do all these things themselves. But they must stand with whoever they think is the weak; and for years, for decades, the Palestinians have been painted as the victim, as the underdog. And they think the only right thing to do is to stand with the underdog. Of course that is not an accurate description of the reality," he said of the second grouping.

"And there's another, larger crowd, which I think is the majority of people, are simply ignorant. They don't know anything about the conflict, they're following a fashion, a fad. They're walking and marching, next to people who are supporting Hamas," he said of the third group.

IDF veteran Uri Goldflam Uri Goldflam, veteran of the Israeli Defense Forces, describes the history of Israel during his address at RE/MAX City Centre in Sioux City, I

Israel, and the Middle East will be permanently changed after the war ends -- whenever it ends -- Goldflam said.

"What has been will not be again. The events of Oct. 7 were a watershed moment. They were events of a magnitude that basically broke down every paradigm, all the presuppositions, all the assumptions that we had before Oct. 7, are no longer relevant after Oct. 7," he said.

Before the war began, Israel was dealing with internal divisions over the governing coalition of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. That's all over now, Goldflam said.

"The luxury that we've had before Oct. 7, to fight amongst ourselves, is a luxury we can't afford. Israeli society, until Oct. 6, if you looked up news about Israel, you'd hear news about the social discord, and demonstrations, and pro-government and anti-government, and it was really ripping the fabric of Israeli society apart. What Oct. 7 has shown is us that we can't afford that level of discord. We can't afford that level of polarization," he said.

IDF veteran Uri Goldflam Uri Goldflam, a veteran of the Israeli Defense Forces, speaks to the press before his address at RE/MAX City Centre in Sioux City, Iowa, Tuesd

Goldflam also applauded the Biden administration's handling of the situation. Biden has supported Israel, though more recently he has shown some concern over civilian suffering in Gaza and has asked Israel to rein in some of its military tactics.

"In Israel there's a great admiration for the steadfast and absolute moral clarity that the Biden administration has put forward, sending a show of strength of American power to the Middle East," Goldflam said.

IDF veteran Uri Goldflam Uri Goldflam, a veteran of the Israeli Defense Forces, speaks to the press before his address at RE/MAX City Centre in Sioux City, Iowa, Tuesd

IDF veteran Uri Goldflam Uri Goldflam, a veteran of the Israeli Defense Forces, speaks to the press before his address at RE/MAX City Centre in Sioux City, Iowa, Tuesd
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.
Proposed rules meant to provide guidance to Iowan physicians lack specific penalties they could face for performing abortions under a new law that remains tied up in court.

The Iowa Board of Medicine is set to meet Friday to consider proposed rules that include specific guidance on how medical providers are to implement the exceptions for rape, incest, fatal fetal abnormalities and medical emergencies contained in a new law that would prohibit the vast majority of abortions in the state.

The proposed rules, however, leave unanswered key questions as to whether doctors could face fines or licensing repercussions for performing abortions illegally. They simply state: Failure to comply with this rule or the requirements of Iowa Code section 146E may constitute grounds for discipline.

Existing administrative rules lay out the extent of the punishment the Board of Medicine can impose on physicians and licensees who violate board rules and state laws. The board may revoke, suspend or restrict someones license, or place them on a probation period or require additional education or training. The board also may impose a fine up to $10,000 and issue a citation and warning.

Republican lawmakers and supporters of the law say the exceptions allow medical providers to exercise judgment and provide abortions when they believe one applies. Opponents contend the uncertainty and worry among physicians of potentially losing their medical license could prompt providers to put off abortions if they're uncertain.

Abortion still legal in Iowa

A Polk County District Court judge in July granted a request from Iowa abortion providers to halt enforcement of the new restrictions until its constitutionality can be considered by the courts. Planned Parenthood North Central States, the Emma Goldman Clinic and the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa requested the injunction.

The judges ruling, however, left in place a provision directing the Iowa Board of Medicine to adopt rules to administer the bill.

In the wake of Iowa and U.S. Supreme Court rulings reversing a fundamental right to abortion, Republican leaders in the state, including Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, argued the district court decision to grant the injunction was in "error" and have asked the Iowa Supreme Court to lift it.

The Iowa Supreme Court agreed to hear the appeal back in July. Oral arguments in the case have not yet been scheduled.

"The injunction placed on Iowas Fetal Heartbeat Law has already led to the innocent deaths of children, Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a statement last week in response to a brief filed by Bird in the states appeal with the Iowa Supreme Court.

As the case continues, abortion in Iowa remains legal up to 20 weeks of pregnancy.

What the law does

The law, House File 732, would change the amount of time women have to seek an abortion from 20 weeks post-fertilization to as little as six weeks  before many women know theyre pregnant. The legislation prohibits abortions after cardiac activity is detected in an embryo.

The law requires doctors to perform an abdominal ultrasound on a patient seeking an abortion. If cardiac activity is detected, defined as the steady and repetitive rhythmic contraction of the fetal heart within the gestational sac  is detected, the abortion cannot be performed unless one of the exceptions has been met.

The bill includes exceptions for pregnancies that are the result of rape in cases reported within 45 days, and incest in cases reported within 140 days. It also includes exceptions for miscarriages, a fetal abnormality that would result in the infants death and for when the mothers life is threatened.

An attorney for Planned Parenthood Federation of America argued in court that the law unquestionably imposes an undue burden on Iowans access to abortion care and violates their constitutional rights to due process, dominion over ones body, the ability to have control over their lives and their futures and to make their own decisions about their health care. Planned Parenthood has said the ban would prohibit an estimated 98 percent of all abortions in Iowa.

While the ban contains some exceptions for abortions, some Iowa physicians have warned the restrictions do not account for complications that occur during pregnancy, and would hinder their ability to provide care and respond to time-sensitive issues.

What the proposed rules say

Under the proposed rules, to determine whether patients qualify for the ban's exceptions for rape and incest, Iowa physicians would be required to gather details from women to determine when and whether a sex act occurred, including if and when the act was first reported to law enforcement, a public or private health agency or a family physician.

Doctors would be required to document the information in the patients medical records and make a good-faith assessment that the woman is being truthful, and may require them attest the information was true and accurate to the best of her understanding.

As for determining whether a fetus has an abnormality that in the physician's reasonable medical judgment is incompatible with life, doctors would be required to document diagnostic tests and procedures performed and their results, along with a description as to why they support the diagnosis.

Doctor, opponents say exceptions too vague

Iowa Rep. Amy Nielsen, D-North Liberty, said exceptions for rape and incest may work in theory, but not in reality.

Nielsen said the rules make it unclear how a provider is supposed to validate a patient's accusation of rape or incest, and may feel scared to act due to fear they will be prosecuted if they act outside the law.

Additionally, women may be too scared to come forward when they've been raped. About two-thirds of victims do not report to law enforcement. Many know their abuser and worry about the consequences, according to national statistics compiled by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network.

Nielsen said the rules call for doctors to ask specific and invasive questions that could exposes women to additional trauma by having to relive the crime. And she argued the rules and exceptions are worded vaguely enough that doctors are going to be wary.

Dr. Emily Boevers, an obstetrician-gynecologist in Waverly, agreed, adding the Board of Medicine was put in a difficult spot of drafting rules for what she said is a deeply concerning law that mandates medically trained professionals to try to interpret legal concepts of what constitutes rape to provide standard medical care.

And in doing so, the law requires physicians to have patients recall horrific details to document the legal details of an assault to satisfy the curiosity of the government.

Thats not what the medical record is intended to for and thats not what physicians are trained for and thats not their role in our society, Boevers said.

She said doctors, fearing legal repercussions, risk grave patient harm to comply, including letting patients conditions deteriorate until they threaten the patients life.

What physician is going to want to come and practice in this environment? Where you stake your license on what constitutes rape appropriately and get called before the Board of Medicine to determine what your discipline is, Boevers said. And we dont know what those actions might cost us.  Its incredible.

And at a time, she said, when Iowa has the lowest number of OB-GYN specialists per capita of any state in the country, and infant mortality in the state has soared more than another other.

Rep. Shannon Lundgren, R-Peosta, who led floor debate on the bill in the House, did not respond to a message seeking comment Tuesday. A spokesperson for Iowa House Republicans also did not return a message Tuesday.

Whos making the decision

The Iowa Board of Medicine licenses and regulates physicians, acupuncturists, and other health care providers. The board is composed of 10 members: five practicing doctors of medicine, two practicing doctors of osteopathic medicine, and three members of the public. State law requires no more than five members may be affiliated with the same political party. Members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Iowa Senate.

If approved by the board, the rules then go before the Legislatures Administrative Rules Review Committee, which votes to approve or reject them. The 10-member committee of House and Senate lawmakers is comprised of six Republicans and four Democrats.

Once the committee approves the initial proposal, the board may make changes to the wording based on feedback, and can then adopt the rules.

Should the Board of Medicine vote to move head with the proposed rules, that would open a public comment period through Jan. 2. The draft rules, along with all comments received, would return to the board for review and consideration of a vote to adopt the rules at its Jan. 26 board meeting. The rules go into effect 35 days after the final review.

Caleb McCullough of The Gazette-Lee Des Moines Bureau contributed to this report.
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-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
In my earliest recollection from the story of my life as a human lab rat, Im 7 or 8 years old. Im sitting in an experiment room in Tolman Hall, a Brutalist building on the north side of the University of California, Berkeley, campus. In the room, there are two people: a man and me. For the past hour or so, he has been asking me questions about myself, my relationships with my family members, and who I imagine I might grow up to be.

Do you want some candy? he asks me. I eye the bowl of M&Ms on the table between us. In fact, Im starving. Its been hours since I ate my brown-bag lunch on the playground of the alternative grade school that I attend in the Berkeley flatlands alongside kids who have names like Sunshine and Storm. Sensing this is a test, I search the mans face for the right answer, but its a blank slate. Unsure what the correct response is or what Im being tested on, I hesitate.

At home, I am invisible. My parents, who are both English professors, my father at UC Berkeley and my mother at a private college in the East Bay, are preoccupied with their careers: teaching classes, grading papers, writing books. When my older sister isnt riding horses at an equestrian center in the Berkeley Hills, she ignores me or bullies me. Mostly left to my own devices, I retreat into my room, where I play with my dollhouse, escape into books, or arrange my stuffed animals into complex tableaux of domestic strife.

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Here, I am seen. In this sparsely decorated small room, I feel special. In Tolman Hall, to which I am periodically brought for reasons that have not been revealed to me yet, I am the center of attention. When I speak, these adults listen attentively, nod encouragingly, and take notes. It feels like love.

I dont want to say the wrong thing. If I do, I might not be able to come back again.

Playing it safe, I ignore my hunger and shake my head no.

To my relief, he changes the subject.

Oh, I forgot theres something I have to do, he announces a little while later. You can wait here while I take care of it. Is that all right, Susannah?

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As soon as the door closes behind him, I leap from my chair and dive across the table for the candy. Inadvertently, I knock over the dish. As I look on in horror, M&Ms bounce in all directions across the tabletop. Mortified Ill get caught making a mess, I grab handfuls of candy and stuff them in my mouth.

Suddenly, I freeze. In the large mirror on the opposite wall, my hot cheeks are pink, flushed with my embarrassment. Somehow I have surmised the truth: I am not alone. Someone on the other side of the mirror is watching me.

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Not long after I was born, my parents submitted an application for my enrollment in the Harold E. Jones Child Study Center, an exclusive laboratory preschool with a yearslong waiting list overseen by UCBerkeleys Institute of Human Development. Founded in 1927 with financial support from the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial, the preschool met two needs: faculty, researchers, and students studying early childhood development got young human subjects, and professors and staff got convenient, affordable, quality child care.

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In 1960, the Child Study Center was relocated from a rambling, dark wood house on the south side of campus to a newly constructed complex a few blocks south of campus that was designed by Joseph Esherick, a UCBerkeley architecture professor who liked to say: The ideal kind of building is one you dont see. The preschool was made for spying on children. In its T-shaped building, a hidden observation gallery was tucked between mirror-twin classrooms and outdoor play yards; across a maze of walkways, in a rectangular building, testing rooms were outfitted with one-way mirrors and eavesdropping devices.

When I arrived at the Child Study Center for the first day of preschool in the fall of 1972, I became one of a cohort of over 100 Berkeley children whose parents had enrolled us in a groundbreaking, 30-year longitudinal study of personality that would attempt to answer a simple question: If you study a child, can you predict who that child will grow up to be? Formally, the study is named Block and Block Longitudinal Study, 19691999. Colloquially, its referred to as the Block Study. Those of us who comprised its cohort knew it as the Block Project. The study was the brainchild of married UCBerkeley personality researchers Jack and Jeanne Block, who set out to demonstrate that, as the poet William Wordsworth wrote: The Child is father of the Man.

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At the preschool, researchers studied and assessed us, and our teachers shared their insights about us. Across three decades, we were assessed at nine key developmental stages: the ages of 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 14, 18, 23, and 32. Over the years, the Blocks collected L.O.T.S. of data on us: L-data, our life history, demographic information, and schooling; O-data, the observations of the studys examiners, our parents, and our teachers; T-data, the results of the many tests we were given (IQ tests, personality tests, galvanic skin response, and more); and S-data, our self-reported data (what we disclosed in interviews). Our report cards were considered. Psychologists analyzed us. At 6, we were studied at home. We were assessed one-on-one, with one parent, or with both parents. Our parents were asked about their child-rearing strategies, their marriages and divorces, and our relationships with our siblings, if we had any. Our personality traits and characteristics were quantified and cataloged; among them were our ability to delay gratification, our distractibility, our capacity for curiosity, our interest in risk-taking, our creative expression, our level of ambition, our moral development, and our egocentrism.

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As an observation, not a boast, Jack observed of us, their scientific progeny, sounding like a proud father, it is likely that there is not another sample in psychology so extensively, intensively, protractedly assessed.

From the first chapter, my life has been an open book. In the beginning, my parents consented for me to be studied. As I got older, I consented for myself. Somewhere along the wayI can no longer remember the who, or the how, or the whenI had learned that I was a research subject in an important study of personality. The Block Project gave me a higher purpose. My life was part of something that was bigger than I was. I was enlightening humanity.

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In time, our data informed over 100 books and scientific papers. Our lives proved that, among other things, you can foresee, to some degree, who a child will grow up to be; that teens who experiment with drugs are better adjusted than teens who abstain from drugs altogether and teens who abuse drugs heavily; and that, perhaps most controversially, self-reliant, energetic, somewhat dominating, relatively under-controlled, and resilient preschoolers are more likely to become politically liberal adults, while indecisive, fearful, rigid, inhibited, and relatively over-controlled and vulnerable preschoolers are more likely to become politically conservative adults.

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But in 1999, when I was in my early 30s, the Block Project ended, and our assessments stopped. After that, I didnt think about the study or my experiences in it too often. That I had grown up under a microscope had seemed perfectly normal to me; it was all I had ever known. I had no memory of a time in my life when I wasnt in the study. Then, in early 2010, I was reading the New York Times online when a headline caught my eye: Jack Block, Who Studied Young Children Into Adulthood, Dies at 85. I was one of those young children, I thought. In 1981, I knew, Jeanne had died at 58 of pancreatic cancer, midway through their project. Now Jack was gone too, due to complications related to a spinal cord injury suffered a decade prior. It appeared the final chapter of the Block Project had been written.

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Two years later, I found myself hooked up to a beeping IV stand and sitting in a blue armchair in a private room on a cancer ward in a hospital. At 43, I had been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. My oncologist had recommended a rigorous treatment protocol: a lumpectomy, 12 rounds of chemotherapy, infusions of a gene-targeting drug, 30 rounds of radiation. Moments before, another oncologist who worked on the same ward had knocked on the door, stuck in his head, and asked if he and a group of medical residents could come in and discuss my case. Now they stood in a half-circle around me, studying me. I experienced deja vu. I was a human lab rat again.

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Over the days, weeks, and months that followed, I thought of the Block Project with increasing frequency. Surely, the Blocks hadnt foreseen this part of my life, but what had they foreseen? Had they predicted I would become the person I was? What if there was someone else I was supposed to be? And who was she? The Blocks had maintained a file on me, filled with decades of my data.

All I had to do was find it.

If one casts a line only into the shallow waters of a nearby pond, only little fish will be caught, Jack writes in Venturing a 30-Year Longitudinal Study, a 2006 essay about the Block Project that appeared in American Psychologist. To catch the big fish, it is necessary to venture out into deep water.

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Initially, I worried what I might find if I started digging around in my past. What if I dug up something I didnt like? I couldnt rebury it and pretend I had never discovered it. As an investigative journalist, I had written stories in which I had exposed other people; the prospect of exposing myself filled me with dread. What I didnt know was that unearthing my curious history would change everything. As I recovered from breast cancer, as my marriage imploded, as I moved from one side of the country to the other, as I returned to Berkeley to live in an in-law apartment less than a mile from the house in which I was raised, as I went through archives, tracked down files, and interviewed researchers, I began to understand how the Block Project itself had shaped my identity.

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According to pediatrician and psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott, a child doesnt need a perfect mother, but a good-enough mother, who is neither good nor bad nor the product of illusion, but is a separate and independent entity. My mother was cool and detached, neither touchy nor feely; a feminist who graduated from Mount Holyoke College and claimed to have read Betty Friedans The Feminine Mystique while pushing a vacuum cleaner; a woman who might never have had children had she been born decades later. For my mother, motherhood was a tax being levied upon her. I dont want to be a mother anymore, she would say, oblivious to or disinterested in how I, who wanted a mother, would take this proclamation or what I was to do with it.

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For me, the Block Project was a good-enough mother. In my mind, it was always there, watching over me, keeping an eye on me. It made sure I was alive, thriving, and surviving. The study was deeply invested in my outcome, as it dedicated itself to constructing a nuanced portrait of who I was, who I wanted to be, who I would become. After my parents divorce, I was despondent, having been left with an unhappy mother and longing for my absent father. In my teens, I experimented with drugs, ran away from home, got drunk and disappeared into frat-row rooms with young men who were unaware I was underage and who, for all I knew, were my fathers students. My researchers knew me better than I knew myself, were my intimate companions with whom I shared my secrets, were father confessor and deliverer of absolution in contrast to my parents devout atheism. Even when I was in a dangerous place, I could feel a connection between the study and me, like a gossamer thread spun from inside of it and wrapped around me.

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Recently, as I was scrolling through Threads, Metas Twitter-killer social media app, I came across a post by a parent who was a writer: Cant wait for my kid to discover my social media accounts and find an unbroken series of complaints about being their parent, observations framed as humor, all shared plausibly in service of normalizing honest dialogue about parenthood, but truthfully in service of getting stupid little dopamine hits from strangers online.

When I read posts like this one, or watch a video on Instagram in which a child weeps at the sight of the stump where his amputated foot used to be as someone (its unclear who) films the scene, or see that the hashtag #touchedout, which is used by mothers who want their kids to stop touching them, is trending on TikTok, I think about my experiences as a research subject. In the 21st century, we are all research subjects in a global psychological experiment, one in which a childs life is digitized, downloaded, and distributed online without his or her consent. My researchers were benevolent, pioneers who aspired to solve the mystery of why we turn out as we do, true believers for whom understanding others was their lifes work. Today, the collectors of our digital data are multibillionaires with murky agendas and opaque ethics, whose interests arent in predicting future behavior but in steering it with algorithms designed to make our choices for us, founders and CEOs who, like Logan Roy on HBOs Succession, view people as economic units to be manipulated for the purposes of maximizing profits and increasing shareholder value. In our brave new world, in which parents abdicate parenting to digital devices, technology is not a good-enough mother.

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An economic order founded on the secret massive-scale extraction of human data assumes the destruction of privacy as a nonnegotiable condition of its business operations, Shoshana Zuboff, a Harvard Business School professor emeritus, asserts in You Are the Object of a Secret Extraction Operation. Privacy and data go hand in hand. Robbing adults of the right to privacy in the pursuit of surveillance capitalism profits is one thing. Robbing children of the right to privacy in the pursuit of those same profits is another. In fact, children around the world have a right to privacy, regardless of what parents, CEOs, and shareholders believe. According to Article 16 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child: No child shall be subjected to arbitrary or unlawful interference with his or her privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to unlawful attacks on his or her honour and reputation. With time, we may discover that with the loss of privacy, a child loses a piece of themself.

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Once upon a time, I was a canary in the coal mine of our modern-day surveillance society. In my case, a psychological experiment saved my life. (Having talked to others in my cohort, I know Im not alone in this regard.) Ultimately, as I began to write about my experiences as a research subject, I became my own observer effect, the phenomenon by which the act of observation changes that which is being observed. And, in doing so, I became the author of the story of my life.

Susannah Breslin is the author of Data Baby: My Life in a Psychological Experiment, published in November 2023 by Legacy Lit, an imprint of Grand Central Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.
This article was originally featured in Foreign Policy, the magazine of global politics and ideas. For news, expert analysis, and background on the conflict, read FPs latest coverage of the Israel-Hamas war.

As the United States tries to prepare for the day after Hamas is uprooted as the governing force in the Gaza Strip, it is once again courting a familiar Palestinian to assume responsibility for the enclave. The problem is that the would-be savior is also vastly unpopular.

On a visit to Ramallah last week, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Palestinian Authority must play a pivotal role in the future of Gaza and looked to its president, Mahmoud Abbas, to provide any future plan with legitimacy.

Abbas, who is now 88 years old, said that the PA was ready to step in, but only within the framework of a comprehensive political solutiona solution, he argues, that would necessitate creating an independent Palestinian state that includes all of the occupied West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and east Jerusalem in its entirety.

The West knows Abbas and believes that it can bank on him as a man of peace. His credentials were burnished during the second intifada, when he had the courage to warn his firebrand boss Yasser Arafat against instigating violence. (Although at the time, Abbas was known to cite pragmatic considerations rather than moral conviction, saying, We are losing control over the street.) Over nearly three decades as PA president, he has consistently opposed an armed rebellion as a means to pressure Israel and the West into obtaining statehoodbut he has also failed in securing lasting peace, including in the territories he oversees.

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On Thursday, I called a leader from Abbas party who was in Jenin, a restive locality in the occupied West Bank, only to discover he was in the midst of a raid by Israeli security forces. He said he was surrounded by guns and that he couldnt speak. The situation is very bad; the soldiers are everywhere, he managed to say before getting off the phone.

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Such raids are common in parts of the West Bank, particularly in Jenin, which is home to some militantsincluding members of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, the groups that carried out the Oct. 7 attack in southern Israel.

While Palestinians see such raids as a sign of Abbas collusion with Israel, the Israeli security apparatus sees them as a necessary compensation for his inability to contain radicalism in areas in which he is in charge. And yet, Israel is still hoping that it can count on Abbas and the PA to assuage the concerns of the wider Arab and Islamic world that Gaza will remain Palestinian territory. Hamas and Israels far right, which leads its government, may have thus cooperated in handing Abbas a date with destiny and a final chance to push for a two-state solution.

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Hassan Jabareen, the founder of Adalah, a legal aid nongovernmental organization for Arab Israelis, said that from Abbas viewpoint, he may be the last man standing. He thinks: I am now becoming the real card in negotiations, the politician the international community can speak with. He thinks that he didnt have Hamas army but because he is a peaceful person who chose a clear way of peace, he is the only person who remains. This is how he sees it, Jabareen said. Both [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahus Likud and Hamas weakened him, but the weak person became relevant now.

Palestinians may not agree. At a garment shop in the Muslim quarters of east Jerusalem down the stairs from Damascus Gate, which leads to the Old City, 73-year-old Yassir was furious at Abu Mazen, a nickname for Abbas.

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I want him gonehe shouldnt be Palestinian president, said Yassir, who gave only his first name, out of security concerns. Thousands have been killed in Gaza, and what has he done? He coordinates with Israel, he added, referencing the PAs security coordination with the Israel Defense Forces in parts of the West Bank.

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Yassir was 17 in 1967 and vividly remembers how Israeli forces rounded up Palestinian men and boys, including him. Since that day, he has waited for Israelis to leave or at least for the creation of an independent Palestinian state where he can live with his seven children and 17 grandchildren without frequent frisking by security forces. He feels let down by Abbas, as do many others who say that Israeli settlements have expanded under his nose and that the right to movement and family reunification remains limited, while the peace talkssold by Abbas as the panacea to all their problemshave yielded nothing.

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A few meters away, 54-year-old Riyad Deis stood in his spice shop, surrounded by jute bags packed to the brim with cinnamon, cardamom, and star anise, and expressed positive feelings about Hamas attack. He said he felt immense pride at the audacity of the attack even though he didnt support the killing of any civilians, although he refused to respond when asked if he mourned the death of Israelis.

We dont like PA or Abbas because we see ourselves as freedom fighters, and Abbas wants to negotiate, Deis said. (Nearly half of Palestinians believe that they can achieve their political goals only through the barrel of a gun, not through negotiations.) In a reflection of the internal conflict among Palestinians, Deis then contradicted himself. In a way he is wisehe wants a compromise. At the end of the day, even people from Gaza tell me that they want to live, love their children, and sleep next to their wives. The trouble is that his peaceit is an unjust peace.

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Palestinians such as Deis fear that Abbas may concede more than they are ready for. In a televised interview in 2012, Abbas seemed to have relinquished the right to return of Palestinian refugees scattered all over the world when he said he would not ask for a right to return to his ancestral home in Safed in the Galilee, which he, along with his family, was forced to leave back in 1948. He has also been criticized for clinging to power (he was elected in 2005 for a term meant to end in 2009) and not letting a second rung of Palestinian leaders gain experience and legitimacy while he is still alive.

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Abbas many failings have made him an immensely unpopular Palestinian president, with as many as 80 percent wanting him to resign, according to a recent poll conducted by the Ramallah-based Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research. The PA was founded as an interim body in 1994 under the Oslo Accords to govern Gaza and parts of the West Bank until an independent state was formed, but it has continued in the absence of a settlement, which irks Palestinians who find it redundant for not achieving its goal.

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And Israelis lack faith in him too. Eran Lerman, Israels deputy national security adviser between 2006 and 2015, rebuffed Blinkens comment that an effective and revitalized PA should ultimately run the strip. He said, in an interview with Foreign Policy, that if Blinken wants an effective PA, he may have to invent it.

The way the PA is currently constituted is simply not fit for the mission. They cannot survive a week in control. They are unable to manage security even in Area A [of the West Bank] without constant operations by the IDF against Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists, he said, referencing radicalism in the part of the West Bank that falls under full civilian and security control of the PA under the Oslo agreement. Their capabilities are not up to the challenge even in the West BankGaza is simply beyond their capacity, Lerman added.

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Blinken has perhaps factored that in, hence his recommendation that international institutions step in to provide basic services and security in the Palestinian enclaves.

Related From Slate What Gazas Future Might Look Like After the War Read More

But Israelis are not so keen on handing over security to peacekeepers from the United Nations. Netanyahu has said that Israel will be in charge of security in Gaza for an indefinite period. Many other Israelis doubt the usefulness of U.N. peacekeepers. They are in Lebanon, but they couldnt stop Hezbollah from firing into Israel, Lerman said. He added that one idea is to instead recruit a different multinational law enforcement force to maintain security, along the lines of the group operating in Egypts Sinai region to ensure the implementation of its 1979 treaty with Israel.

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But Palestinian experts and politicians dismiss all of that planning as wishful thinking. Ali Jarbawi, a former minister of the PA and a professor of political science, sardonically responded to the prospect of international security forces by saying Ahlan wa Sahlan, which means welcome in Arabic.

Jabareen, the founder of Adalah, instead envisaged a reconciliation between Hamas and the PA in the end, in the name of nationalist camaraderie. I think the decision will be that the PA will be in Gaza and in the West Bank, one authority for one people, and Hamas will make way for the PA [to] give it legitimacy in exchange for survival.

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Despite many of his failings, Abbas dismantled the military wing of his Fatah party, kept the West Bank relatively quiet, successfully avoided another uprising, and warned about Hamas repeatedly. In 2009 he quoted Hamas own leaders in arguing that they didnt care if Gaza was erased. The current state of affairs in Gaza may have proved him right.

Some, particularly in the West, argue that as the main architect of the Oslo Accords, Abbas is still the best bet to peacefully resolve the conflict instead of getting mired in another round of insurgency and even more bloodshed in the Gaza Strip. Others, including many Israelis and Palestinians, say they are happy to wait him out and deal with a new leadership whenever it emerges.
The Supreme Courts attempt to combat its recent scandals is not going so well. For one thing, the new official code of conduct is quite, er, lax. I have argued since 2005 that one important role of a Supreme Court code would be to let citizens know what they can expect of the justices, Steven Lubet writes. Unfortunately, it turns out that the justices do not expect very much of themselves. He explains why the courts new code is worse than toothless.

Plus: Dahlia Lithwick reflects on the real lesson to be learned from the ethical revelations of the past year.

Times of crisis and fear 

Israels war in Gaza may be far away, but it hits close to home.

On What Next, Aymann Ismail and Emily Tamkin sift through some of the toughest topics for American Muslims and Jews watching the war in Gaza.

Fight! Fight! Fight! 

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What is going on in Washington right now? Kevin McCarthy allegedly elbowed another Congressman right in the kidneys, and a Republican senator was ready to fight the president of the Teamsters in the middle of a hearing. Ben Mathis-Lilley captures the combative mood.

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Perhaps everyones been on edge because of the threat of a government shutdown looming over everything? Shirin Ali explains how House Speaker Mike Johnsons latest proposal would keep the lights on  for another couple of months, at least.

A lot is riding on this 

Over the past year, a series of incidents have plunged U.S.-China relations into a state of suspicion and hostility. On Wednesday, Biden meets with Chinas presidentand with wars raging in Europe and the Middle East, much is at stake. Fred Kaplan explains why this meeting is such a big deal.

Mamma mia! 

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Literally anyone can don a costume and busk for cash in Americas busiest plazaso Luke Winkie thought hed try his hand at one of the weirdest, least-regulated jobs in America. Come along as he spends an evening as a life-size Mario in Times Square.

Like Agatha Christie meets Elon Musk 

A new twisty murder series gives the Glass Onion formula a canny new spin. Laura Miller explains why A Murder at the End of the World would make Dame Agatha herself proud.

Today, Slate   SQUEAKS, SNARLS, CHIRRUPS, CHIRPS, GRUNTS, GROWLS, TRILLS

Yes, thats rightwere fluent in Cat. But if youre not, theres an app for that.

Thanks so much for reading! Well see you tomorrow.
This article is from Big Technology, a newsletter by Alex Kantrowitz.

Shortly after ChatGPTs release last year, a cadre of critics captured headlines and made noise on social media claiming that A.I. would soon kill us. As wondrous as a computer speaking in natural language might be, it could use that intelligence to level the planet. The thinking went mainstream via letters calling for research pauses and 60 Minutes interviews amplifying existential concerns. Leaders like Barack Obama publicly worried about A.I. autonomously hacking the financial systemor worse. And this month, President Joe Biden issued an executive order imposing some restraints on A.I. development.

That was enough for several prominent A.I. researchers to start pushing back hard after watching the so-called A.I. doomers influence the narrative and the fields future. Andrew Ng, the soft-spoken co-founder of Google Brain, said last week that worries of A.I. destruction had led to a massively, colossally dumb idea of requiring licenses for A.I. work. Yann LeCun, a machine-learning pioneer, eviscerated research-pause letter writer Max Tegmark, accusing him of risking catastrophe by potentially impeding A.I. progress and exploiting preposterous concerns. A new paper earlier this month indicated that large language models cant do much beyond the data they are trained on, making the doom talk seem overblown. If emergence merely unlocks capabilities represented in pretraining data, said Princeton professor Arvind Narayanan, the gravy train will run out soon.

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Worrying about A.I. safety isnt wrongheaded, but the doomers path to notability has insiders raising eyebrows. They may have come to their conclusions in good faith, but companies with plenty to gain by amplifying doomer worries have been instrumental in elevating them. Leaders from OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and Anthropic, for instance, signed a statement putting A.I. extinction risk on the same plane as nuclear war and pandemics. Perhaps these companiesthese A.I. companiesare not consciously attempting to block competition. But they surely wouldnt be that upset if that were a byproduct.

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All this alarmism makes politicians feel compelled to do something, leading to proposals for strict government oversight that could restrict A.I. development outside a few firms. Intense government involvement in A.I. research would help big companies, which have compliance departments built for these purposes. But it could be devastating for smaller A.I. startups and open-source developers who dont have the same luxury.

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Related From Slate What Elon Musk Misunderstands About His Favorite Philosopher Read More

Theres a possibility that A.I. doomers could be unintentionally aiding big tech firms, Garry Tan, CEO of the startup accelerator Y Combinator, told me. By pushing for heavy regulation based on fear, they give ammunition to those attempting to create a regulatory environment that only the biggest players can afford to navigate, thus cementing their position in the market.

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Ng took it a step further. There are definitely large tech companies that would rather not have to try to compete with open source [A.I.], so theyre creating fear of A.I. leading to human extinction, he told the Australian Financial Review.

The A.I. doomers worries, meanwhile, feel pretty thin. I expect an actually smarter and uncaring entity will figure out strategies and technologies that can kill us quickly and reliablyand then kill us, Eliezer Yudkowsky, co-founder of the Machine Intelligence Research Institute and one of the more outspoken doomers, told a rapt audience at TED this year. He confessed he didnt know how or why an A.I. would do it. It could kill us because it doesnt want us making other superintelligences to compete with it, he offered.

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After Sam Bankman-Fried ran off with billions while professing to save the world through effective altruism, its high time to regard those claiming to improve society while furthering their business aims with relentless skepticism. As the doomer narrative presses on, it threatens to rhyme with a familiar refrain.

Big Tech companies already have a significant lead in the A.I. race via cloud computing services that they lease out to preferred startups in exchange for equity in those companies. Further advantaging them might hamstring the promising open-source A.I. movementa crucial area of competitionto the point of obsolescence. Thats probably why youre hearing so much about A.I. destroying the world. And why it should be considered with a healthy degree of caution.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met today with Prime Minister Kaja Kallas of Estonia to reaffirm the strength of the bilateral relationship and our close coordination as NATO Allies.

READ ALSO: Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on the Bilateral Meeting Between President Joe Biden and President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of Mexico

They discussed a full range of challenges, including with respect to European security, cyber, the Middle East, and the People's Republic of China.

They also underscored their shared commitment to supporting Ukraine as it defends itself from Russian aggression, including the importance of sustained security, economic, and humanitarian assistance.

READ MORE: Statement from President Joe Biden on Senator Joe Manchin

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Are you looking for box truck business ideas? The trucking industry is competitive, but these businesses are becoming increasingly popular, thanks to the growing trend of online shopping.

And these trucks are among the most demanded commercial vehicle types. With a little creativity and imagination, you can come up with a variety of ways to make your business stand out from the competition in this competitive industry.

Drive Traffic to Your Website Discover the Zoho Ecosystem Sell Your Business Advertise Your Business Here

What is a Box Truck Business?

These small businesses use a truck with a large, square-shaped box on the back to transport goods. This type of truck is often used for delivering large items or multiple items at once.

The box on the back of the truck protects the goods from bad weather and keeps them from being damaged during transit. This is a great option for those who want to start their own small businesses but dont have a lot of money to invest.

These businesses can be started with a relatively small investment and can grow quickly. With the right marketing, this can become a very successful business.

Why You Should Start a Box Truck Business

Starting a box truck business can be a game-changer for aspiring entrepreneurs. The versatility of box trucks makes them a valuable asset in various industries, and the demand for their services is consistently high. Here are five compelling reasons to consider this venture:

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Low Startup Costs : Unlike many businesses that require a significant initial investment, starting a box truck business can be relatively affordable. Whether you already own a truck or decide to lease one, the operational costs can be manageable, allowing for a quicker return on investment.

: Unlike many businesses that require a significant initial investment, starting a box truck business can be relatively affordable. Whether you already own a truck or decide to lease one, the operational costs can be manageable, allowing for a quicker return on investment. Versatility and Diversity : A box truck can be utilized for numerous purposes, from moving services to advertising or even starting a mobile salon. This flexibility allows entrepreneurs to pivot their business model based on market demands.

: A box truck can be utilized for numerous purposes, from moving services to advertising or even starting a mobile salon. This flexibility allows entrepreneurs to pivot their business model based on market demands. High Demand : With the increasing need for delivery services, moving assistance, and more, the demand for box truck services remains high. This ensures consistent opportunities to generate revenue.

: With the increasing need for delivery services, moving assistance, and more, the demand for box truck services remains high. This ensures consistent opportunities to generate revenue. Opportunity for Expansion : Starting with one box truck doesnt mean youre limited to one. As the business grows, theres potential to expand the fleet, diversify services, or even franchise the business model.

: Starting with one box truck doesnt mean youre limited to one. As the business grows, theres potential to expand the fleet, diversify services, or even franchise the business model. Be Your Own Boss: Running a box truck business provides the freedom of self-employment. Entrepreneurs can set their own schedules, make strategic decisions, and reap the direct benefits of their hard work.

Our methodology for Deciding On the Best Box Truck Business Ideas for Small Business Owners

When it comes to choosing the right box truck business idea, there are several key criteria to consider. Well rate these criteria on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest importance and 1 being the lowest:

Market Demand (Rating: 5) : Assess the demand for box truck services in your target area or niche. A strong demand is essential for a successful box truck business.

: Assess the demand for box truck services in your target area or niche. A strong demand is essential for a successful box truck business. Type of Cargo (Rating: 5) : Decide what type of cargo you will transport with your box truck, whether its goods, equipment, furniture, or perishable items. This choice will impact your business significantly.

: Decide what type of cargo you will transport with your box truck, whether its goods, equipment, furniture, or perishable items. This choice will impact your business significantly. Licensing and Regulations (Rating: 4) : Ensure you understand and can comply with all the necessary licensing and regulatory requirements for the box truck business.

: Ensure you understand and can comply with all the necessary licensing and regulatory requirements for the box truck business. Fleet Investment (Rating: 4) : Evaluate the budget needed to acquire and maintain a box truck fleet. Your capital investment will play a significant role.

: Evaluate the budget needed to acquire and maintain a box truck fleet. Your capital investment will play a significant role. Insurance Coverage (Rating: 4) : Ensure you have the necessary insurance coverage to protect your box truck business and assets in case of accidents or damage.

: Ensure you have the necessary insurance coverage to protect your box truck business and assets in case of accidents or damage. Route Planning and Efficiency (Rating: 3) : Efficient route planning can save time and fuel costs. Consider technology solutions that aid in route optimization.

: Efficient route planning can save time and fuel costs. Consider technology solutions that aid in route optimization. Market Analysis (Rating: 3) : Conduct thorough market research to understand the competition and pricing in the box truck industry.

: Conduct thorough market research to understand the competition and pricing in the box truck industry. Marketing and Promotion (Rating: 3) : Develop effective marketing strategies to promote your box truck services and attract clients.

: Develop effective marketing strategies to promote your box truck services and attract clients. Budget and Expenses (Rating: 2) : Manage your budget wisely, keeping in mind initial setup costs, vehicle maintenance expenses, and operational costs.

: Manage your budget wisely, keeping in mind initial setup costs, vehicle maintenance expenses, and operational costs. Customer Relationships (Rating: 2): Build strong relationships with clients and establish a reputation for reliability and excellent service.

12 Box Truck Ideas That Earn Money

If youre a box truck owner operator or have a box truck lease and youre looking to be your own boss as a business owner or an independent contractor, then youre going to love this list. If you already know How to Make Money with a Pickup Truck , then youll love some of the options listed below.

1. Box Truck Owner Operator for Hauling Junk

A Box truck independent contractor will never have a shortage of customers who need their junk hauled away. Just think of all the people who need their old furniture removed before they move to a new house. Or the businesses that need to get rid of outdated equipment.

And lets not forget about all the folks who finally decide its time to clean out their garage or storage unit. Theres always someone who needs junk hauled away, which means theres always money to be made for box truck owners.

2. Provide Local Moving Services

If youre looking for a business idea thatll let you help your community while also making a profit, then consider starting a moving service.

The moving business doesnt only provide moving services as a great way to help people relocate, but its also an excellent opportunity for box truck drivers to make some extra cash on the side.

3. Advertise with Your Box Truck

Its no secret that businesses need to advertise in order to get their name out there and attract customers. However, many box truck business owners may not know that selling advertising on their trucks is a great way to generate additional income.

4. Cater and Deliver Food, Furnish Events

Starting a truck business that caters and delivers food and furnishes events can be a great way to earn extra income.

Catering businesses can be very profitable, especially if you are able to get regular clients. Furnishing events can also be a great way to make money, as there is always a need for event furniture rental businesses.

5. Partner with Reliable Logistics Companies

By forming a partnership, the box truck business can provide transportation for goods to and from reliable logistics companies, and in turn receive a commission for each delivery.

This is a great way to generate additional income, and it also helps to build relationships with other businesses in the community.

6. Deliver to Local Stores

One way that a box truck business can make money is by delivering to local stores. Local businesses often need products delivered quickly and efficiently, and your business can provide this service.

By delivering to local stores, a box truck business can build relationships with businesses and become their go-to delivery service.

7. Be an On-Demand Courier

On-demand couriers are businesses that provide same-day delivery services for their customers. This is a great service to offer for businesses that need items delivered quickly, and its also a great way to make money on the side.

To become an on-demand courier, youll need to have a vehicle that can transport the items youre delivering, and youll need to be able to navigate your way around town.

Youll also need to be customer service-oriented, as youll be dealing with customers who are expecting their items to be delivered in a timely manner.

8. Offer Package Delivery Services

If youre looking for a way to make money with your box truck, then consider offering package delivery services. With this type of service, youll be responsible for delivering packages to businesses and homes in your area.

To get started, youll need to create a list of businesses and residents who may be interested in your services. Once you have a list of potential customers, you can start marketing your delivery services to them.

To make sure that your package delivery business is successful, its important to provide excellent customer service. This means being on time with your deliveries, being polite and friendly to customers, and providing a tracking number for each package that you deliver.

If offering a package delivery service sounds right up your alley, then you should learn How to Start an Amazon DSP Business .

9. Provide Storage Services

If you have a large box truck, then you could start a business that provides storage services. This could be a great option for people who are moving and need somewhere to store their belongings.

You could also provide storage units for businesses that are looking to declutter their office space. Having flexible payment options can help owner-operators increase business.

10. Mobile Hair Salon

You could start a mobile hair salon using a box truck by purchasing or leasing a truck that has been outfitted with all of the necessary equipment.

This would include items such as sinks, countertops, mirrors, and storage cabinets. You would also need to stock the truck with supplies such as shampoo, conditioner, towels, and hairdryers.

11. Rent Box Trucks

Owner-operators renting their trucks can be a great way to start a business. They can be used for a variety of purposes, such as moving furniture or delivering goods. You can also rent them out to other businesses that need them for their own operations.

There are a few things you need to do in order to get started, such as obtain the necessary licenses and insurance. Once you have those things squared away, you can start marketing your business to potential customers.

12. Start a Food Truck

Using a box truck is a great way to get started with a food truck business. Youll need a truck thats large enough to hold all your equipment and supplies, but not too large that its difficult to maneuver.

Youll also need to outfit your truck with the appropriate cooking equipment. You could specialize in a certain type of food, such as Mexican or Chinese, or you could offer a variety of dishes.

Box Truck Business Ideas Summary

Type of Service What You Could be Doing Description Hauling Services Box Truck Owner Operator for Hauling Junk Assist customers in removing unwanted items such as old furniture or outdated equipment. Useful during relocations or cleaning out spaces. Moving Services Provide Local Moving Services Aid people during relocations by transporting their belongings. Advertising Advertise with Your Box Truck Generate additional income by selling advertising space on the truck. Event Services Cater and Deliver Food, Furnish Events Cater food and furnish events for various functions, which can be a profitable venture. Partnership & Logistics Partner with Reliable Logistics Companies Partner with logistics companies to transport goods, generating income and fostering business relationships. Store Delivery Deliver to Local Stores Provide quick and efficient product deliveries for local stores, becoming their primary delivery service. Courier Services Be an On-Demand Courier Offer same-day delivery services for businesses and individuals, requiring timely transportation and excellent customer service. Package Delivery Offer Package Delivery Services Deliver packages to homes and businesses in the local area, focusing on timely deliveries and good customer service. Storage Provide Storage Services Offer storage solutions for individuals and businesses. Especially useful for those in transition or decluttering. Beauty & Personal Care Mobile Hair Salon Convert the box truck into a mobile hair salon equipped with all necessary tools and equipment. Truck Rental Rent Box Trucks Rent out box trucks to individuals or businesses for various purposes, from moving to deliveries. Food Services Start a Food Truck Transform the box truck into a food truck business, specializing in specific cuisines or offering a diverse menu.

Is it Worth Starting a Box Truck Business?

A box truck business is one of the best Small Business Ideas for Beginners since its a relatively easy business to start and doesnt require a lot of capital.

There is a lot of variation in the average annual pay for a box truck owner-operator. Some people make less than others with their own box truck business, but its clear that there are opportunities out on those streets.

If this sounds like a good opportunity to you, then maybe its time to set up a limited liability company or sole proprietorship, get a box truck lease, and get a healthy cash flow going.

What do You Need to Make Money with Box Trucks?

A commercial drivers license is a requirement for anyone who wants to operate a box truck for commercial purposes. Obtaining a CDL requires passing a written test, as well as a skills test that demonstrates your ability to safely operate the vehicle.

There are different classes of CDLs, depending on the weight and type of vehicle you will be driving. For example, a Class A CDL is required to operate any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.

Having a fleet of trucks is the key to making money with them. You can either purchase your own trucks or get a box truck lease them from a trucking company.

How Much Does it Cost to Start a Box Truck Business?

Owning your own truck can be a very lucrative business with a stable income, but it does require money upfront to get started. The cost of purchasing a box truck varies based on its size, options, and where youre located in the world.

For example, the price of a Class 3 truck starts at about $30k, with class 4 trucks costing between $35k and $50k. As for Class 5 trucks, they usually run about $40k to $75k. The most expensive trucks are Class 6, which cost right around $50k to $100k.

The average annual pay for someone in the US owning and operating such a successful box truck business is between $93k and 186k, so there is potential to make a good living depending on your location and the box truck services you offer.

How do You Get a Box Truck Business Started?

Starting your own business is always a challenge, and starting a box truck business is no different. There are several things you need to do in order to get your business off the ground, and having a fleet of trucks can give you an advantage over your competition.

You need to create a business plan, obtain the proper permits and licenses, find a good location for your business and adhere to strict regulations. And make sure your legal papers are in order to avoid any unnecessary headaches down the road.

Conclusion

Embarking on a box truck business venture can be a transformative step for aspiring entrepreneurs. The versatility, low startup costs, and consistent demand make it an attractive choice for those looking to be their own boss and generate a stable income. Whether you already own a box truck or are considering a box truck lease, there are various profitable avenues to explore within this industry.

The 12 box truck business ideas presented in this article offer a diverse range of opportunities, catering to various interests and expertise. From hauling junk and providing local moving services to advertising on your truck and offering catering and event furnishing, the possibilities are vast. The key to success lies in identifying a niche that aligns with your skills and local market demand.

A box truck business not only provides financial opportunities but also offers the freedom of self-employment. Entrepreneurs can set their schedules, make strategic decisions, and directly reap the rewards of their hard work. However, its essential to adhere to all legal requirements, obtain the necessary permits and licenses, and maintain the integrity of your business.

Starting a box truck business may require some initial investment, but with dedication and a well-executed business plan, its possible to achieve a profitable return on investment. Owning and operating a successful box truck business can lead to a stable and rewarding career, with the potential for substantial earnings based on your location and the services you provide.

To get started with your box truck business, youll need to follow a series of steps, including obtaining the required commercial drivers license (CDL), securing permits and licenses, selecting the appropriate truck size and type, and creating a comprehensive business plan. Additionally, having a fleet of trucks can give you a competitive advantage and expand your businesss potential.

In the end, the key to success in the box truck business is a combination of industry knowledge, determination, and a customer-focused approach. By offering valuable services and consistently meeting the needs of your clients, you can build a thriving box truck business that provides financial stability and the satisfaction of being your own boss.
If you have good writing skills, that can be the base for a successful business. There are many industries and niches that require strong writers. Consider the following ideas for writers if youre looking to start your own business.

Why You Should Use Your Writing Skills to Start a Business

If youre looking for a way to put your good writing skills to use, here are some reasons to consider business ownership:

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Work from anywhere: Writing can often be done virtually. So you can connect with companies around the world or even travel while running your business.

Writing can often be done virtually. So you can connect with companies around the world or even travel while running your business. Enjoy time flexibility: Even if you stay in the same location, you can generally make your own schedule.

Even if you stay in the same location, you can generally make your own schedule. Share your expertise: There are tons of ways to help others through your writing, from marketing other businesses to helping job seekers or university students with their resumes.

There are tons of ways to help others through your writing, from marketing other businesses to helping job seekers or university students with their resumes. Grow a marketable skill: Since writing translates to so many industries and careers, starting a small business can be a great way to try something new. Then you can grow your business or pivot if you want to try a new career path.

Reasons to Use Your Writing Skills for Business Description Work from Anywhere Leverage the virtual nature of writing to operate your business from any location. Connect with companies globally and even maintain your business while traveling, providing flexibility and a global reach. Enjoy Time Flexibility Utilize the autonomy of a writing business to create your own schedule. Whether you remain in one place or move around, you can generally manage your work hours according to your preferences, enhancing work-life balance. Share Your Expertise Harness your writing prowess to assist others in various ways. From marketing services for businesses to aiding job seekers and university students with polished resumes and cover letters, you can use your skills to provide valuable guidance and support. Grow a Marketable Skill Recognize that writing is a versatile skill applicable across numerous industries and professions. Starting a small business centered on writing offers the opportunity to explore diverse fields. As your business evolves, you can adapt to new directions.

READ MORE: Small Business Ideas for Beginners

How to Choose the Perfect Business Ideas for Writers: Our Methodology

When it comes to selecting the best business ideas in the field of writing, we want to ensure that aspiring writers and wordsmiths have a solid foundation to build upon. Here are the key criteria to consider when choosing the right business idea in the world of writing, along with their importance on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the most important:

Passion and Expertise (5/5): The foundation of any successful writing business is a genuine passion for writing and expertise in a specific genre or style. Your enthusiasm will fuel your creativity and drive. Market Demand (4/5): Investigate the market demand for your chosen writing niche. Is there a demand for your type of content? Look for underserved or emerging niches. Monetization Potential (4/5): Consider how you can monetize your writing skills. Explore opportunities such as freelance writing, content marketing, copywriting, ghostwriting, or self-publishing. Portfolio Building (3/5): Building a strong portfolio is essential for attracting clients and customers. Focus on projects that will enhance your portfolio and showcase your skills. Target Audience (4/5): Identify your target audience or clients. Understanding who youre writing for will help you tailor your services and content effectively. Networking and Marketing (4/5): Networking and marketing play a significant role in a writing businesss success. Consider how youll promote your services and connect with potential clients or readers. Time Commitment (3/5): Assess the time you can realistically dedicate to your writing business. Some writing niches require more time and commitment than others. Resources and Tools (3/5): Determine the tools and resources youll need, such as writing software, research materials, and a workspace conducive to productivity. Competition Analysis (3/5): Analyze the competition in your chosen writing niche. Identify what sets you apart and how you can offer unique value. Diversification (2/5): Consider diversifying your writing services or content. Having multiple income streams or writing in various genres can enhance your opportunities.

Profitable Business Ideas for Writers

If youre ready to turn your writing skills into a new venture, here are some of the most profitable business ideas for writers.

1. Freelance Writing

A freelance writer can work for various publications or companies on a contract basis. You simply offer your writing services on a per-project basis and set up a freelance business to get paid as an independent contractor.

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2. Social Media Marketing Business

Start your own business writing social media posts for small business owners.

3. Business Proposal Writing

Business proposals are documents that businesses use to try and gain new business. Offer your services to local businesses looking to outsource this step.

4. Publishing Company

Start your own publication online or in print. You can even work with other writers to publish a variety of content under one brand.

5. Writing Workshop Business

As a writing workshop teacher, you can offer workshops that dive into various writing skills. Some may focus on professional skills like copywriting, while others may go into fiction writing.

6. Start a Blog

Starting your own blog is an ideal business idea to make passive income through advertising or affiliate links. You can also be a freelance blogger that writes for other blogs and websites.

READ MORE: 4 Tips for Using Your Blog to Start a Writing Business

7. Business Plan Writing Business

Help new entrepreneurs get their ideas and steps on paper as a business plan writer for hire.

8. Creative Writing Business

As a creative writer, you may publish books of your work or offer your creative writing work online and earn money through advertising.

9. Advertising Campaign Development

Advertising requires strong writers to consider everything from snappy headlines to search engine optimization. If youre a successful copywriter, offer your services to online businesses.

10. Song Writer

Work with musicians to create songs or release your own tracks through a label or your own YouTube channel and social media accounts.

11. Self-Publish Ebooks

If youve always wanted to write a book, online platforms like Amazon allow you to self-publish your own work in ebooks.

12. Market Research Service

If you have research skills, offer your services to small businesses, creating well-written summaries of your findings.

13. Ghostwriting Business

Authors and entrepreneurs often hire ghostwriters to create their content. Your work would be published under another name, but youd be paid for your writing abilities.

14. Newsletter Business

Start a newsletter that people can sign up for via email. Often, this is a free weekly newsletter that simply includes affiliate links, ads, or links to merchandise that supports your business.

15. Content Marketing Service

Help small businesses create digital content in various forms, from website copy to social media posts.

16. PR Company

You can also specialize in press releases, which are generally sent to publications to gain attention for a company or its products or services.

17. Resume and Cover Letter Service

Help people looking to enter the job market create well-written resumes and cover letters.

18. Speech Writer

Work with politicians, entrepreneurs, or speakers to create speeches that they can deliver verbally.

19. Online Writing Courses

Create courses that people who enjoy writing can take to hone their skills. For example, you may teach techniques for making money through writing or turning an idea into a novel.

READ MORE: Brush Up with These Online Copywriting Courses

20. Podcaster

Podcasts are audio, but they usually require writing during the planning stages. Start your own, or work with podcasters to create scripts or outlines.

21. Social Media Influencer

Start your own social media influencing business by creating and promoting your own accounts. Then, you can work with brands for sponsored campaigns. This type of business often requires well-written captions along with strong photos and design skills.

22. Travel Writer

If you especially love travel, start a travel blog or freelance for online publications that focus on this niche. This can be especially lucrative for those who live near travel destinations that are in high demand by consumers.

23. Comic Book Writer

Comic books require strong stories and snappy writing, along with quality illustrations. Many writers handle both the story and visuals, but you could also partner with an illustrator if that simplifies the process.

24. Technical Writer

A technical writing business focuses on a specific area of expertise. For example, you may be a professional writer with a law background who can write legal disclaimers. There are also technical writers who can write instructions or safety guides for specific types of processes or equipment.

25. Screenwriter

Turn your words into compelling stories with a screenwriting business. This specialty used to require partnering with large film studios. But today, you can transform scripts into web series or independent films.

26. Author

Though self-publishing is extremely popular, there are still traditional publishers that can help authors get books to a wide audience. This involves submitting proposals and meeting with multiple publishing houses.

Start Your Writing Business Today

If youre a good writer, theres no shortage of business ideas available to you. In fact, many startups and self-employed businesses require strong communication skills. Browse the list above to find the perfect writing business idea for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I consider using my writing skills to start a business?

Leveraging your writing skills for a business venture offers several advantages. You can work from anywhere, connect with global companies, and even travel while managing your business. Moreover, youll enjoy time flexibility and the ability to set your own schedule, regardless of your location. Your writing expertise can also be shared to help others, such as assisting businesses with marketing or aiding job seekers and students with their resumes. Additionally, starting a writing business allows you to cultivate a marketable skill that spans across various industries and careers, providing opportunities for growth and exploration.

What are some profitable business ideas for writers?

There are numerous lucrative business ideas for writers, each catering to different niches and interests:

Freelance Writing: Offer your writing services on a contract basis for publications and companies.

Offer your writing services on a contract basis for publications and companies. Social Media Marketing Business: Write engaging social media posts for small business owners.

Write engaging social media posts for small business owners. Business Proposal Writing: Assist local businesses by creating compelling business proposals.

Assist local businesses by creating compelling business proposals. Publishing Company: Start your own publication, collaborating with other writers for diverse content.

Start your own publication, collaborating with other writers for diverse content. Writing Workshop Business: Teach writing workshops on various skills like copywriting or fiction writing.

Teach writing workshops on various skills like copywriting or fiction writing. Start a Blog: Create a blog for passive income through advertising and affiliate links.

Create a blog for passive income through advertising and affiliate links. Business Plan Writing Business: Help new entrepreneurs shape their ideas through professional business plans.

Help new entrepreneurs shape their ideas through professional business plans. Creative Writing Business: Publish your creative work online or in print, earning through advertising.

Publish your creative work online or in print, earning through advertising. Advertising Campaign Development: Provide strong writing skills for advertising materials and campaigns.

Provide strong writing skills for advertising materials and campaigns. Song Writer: Collaborate with musicians to create songs or release your own music.

Collaborate with musicians to create songs or release your own music. Self-Publish Ebooks: Publish your books online through platforms like Amazon.

Publish your books online through platforms like Amazon. Market Research Service: Offer research services to small businesses, summarizing findings effectively.

Offer research services to small businesses, summarizing findings effectively. Ghostwriting Business: Ghostwrite content for authors and entrepreneurs, getting paid for your skills.

Ghostwrite content for authors and entrepreneurs, getting paid for your skills. Newsletter Business: Start a newsletter that includes affiliate links, ads, and merchandise.

Start a newsletter that includes affiliate links, ads, and merchandise. Content Marketing Service: Help small businesses generate digital content, from website copy to social media posts.

Help small businesses generate digital content, from website copy to social media posts. PR Company: Specialize in press releases to gain attention for businesses.

Specialize in press releases to gain attention for businesses. Resume and Cover Letter Service: Assist job seekers in crafting effective resumes and cover letters.

Assist job seekers in crafting effective resumes and cover letters. Speech Writer: Create speeches for politicians, entrepreneurs, and speakers.

Create speeches for politicians, entrepreneurs, and speakers. Online Writing Courses: Teach writing techniques or monetizing writing skills through online courses.

Teach writing techniques or monetizing writing skills through online courses. Podcaster: Develop scripts or outlines for podcasts.

Develop scripts or outlines for podcasts. Social Media Influencer: Use strong writing, photos, and design skills to collaborate with brands.

Use strong writing, photos, and design skills to collaborate with brands. Travel Writer: Write about travel experiences for blogs or online publications.

Write about travel experiences for blogs or online publications. Comic Book Writer: Craft stories for comic books, collaborating with illustrators.

Craft stories for comic books, collaborating with illustrators. Technical Writer: Write guides or instructions for specific processes or equipment.

Write guides or instructions for specific processes or equipment. Screenwriter: Transform scripts into web series or independent films.

Transform scripts into web series or independent films. Author: Self-publish or collaborate with traditional publishers to release books.

How can I start my own writing business?

To start a writing business, consider these steps:

Choose your niche or specialty based on your interests and skills.

Research potential target audiences and competitors.

Create a business plan outlining your goals, services, and strategies.

Choose a suitable business name and register your business.

Set up a professional website and social media profiles.

Develop a portfolio showcasing your writing expertise.

Establish pricing structures for your services.

Promote your business through networking, content marketing, and social media.

Provide excellent customer service and deliver high-quality work.

Can writers make a good income from their business?

Yes, writers can earn a substantial income through their writing businesses. Depending on your niche, skills, and marketing efforts, you can generate significant revenue. Many writers have turned their businesses into full-time ventures, enjoying financial stability and flexibility.

How do I choose the right writing business idea for me?

Consider your interests, expertise, and target audience when choosing a writing business idea. Focus on a niche that aligns with your skills and passion, ensuring you can provide valuable content to your clients or audience. Additionally, research the demand for your chosen niche and evaluate your competition to find a unique angle that sets you apart.
A food-based business could be a potential path if youre a foodie with an entrepreneurial streak. There are many types of restaurants that you can consider, and each one has something unique that customers could end up loving. If youre unsure about the different types of restaurants and what options are right for you, this article will help you understand whats out there and where your business could fit.

The U.S. Restaurant Industry in 2022

Although it looked like restaurants were having a tough time in the last few years, thats not entirely the case. Restaurants are a resilient type of business as long as theres a good product and customers like it.

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The number of fine dining establishments and casual dining restaurants has both gone up in recent years. Another trend that has recently emerged is the uptick in virtual restaurants that use delivery apps to deliver food, using ghost kitchens for prep rather than investing in a brick-and-mortar location.

READ MORE: Small Business Ideas for Beginners

Restaurant Categorization Factors

The basis for categorizing restaurants depends on the restaurant concept and the customer experience.

So what are the categories for places that serve food?

Food: This will largely depend on the type of cuisine offered and its preparation. The food type and the ingredients used will need to be considered.

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Formality: The other factor is the restaurants general ambiance and atmosphere. Fast food restaurants have a distinct type of feel compared to upscale restaurants, so think about the dining concept youre offering customers.

Price: The food prices will also determine the type of restaurant. What kind of dining experience do you want them to have? A casual atmosphere or an upscale atmosphere? Do the prices reflect that? Think about the average price points for restaurants in your area and how they categorize themselves. For example, a meal at a fast-casual restaurant will be priced differently than at a formal sit-down restaurant.

Categorization Factor Description Food Categorization is influenced by the type of cuisine and ingredients used in dishes. Cuisine offerings shape the restaurant's identity. Formality Ambiance and atmosphere play a role in categorizing. Distinct feel varies between fast food and upscale restaurants, impacting experience. Price Food prices dictate the dining experience. Casual or upscale atmospheres, reflected in prices, define the restaurant's positioning.

READ MORE: 18 Restaurant Design Tips

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Types of Restaurants to Open

The restaurant industry is diverse and competitive, offering a range of concepts to choose from. When considering opening a restaurant, its important to select a type that aligns with your vision, market needs, and operational capabilities. Heres a guide to help you evaluate the best types of restaurants to open:

Concept and Cuisine Uniqueness Importance: High

High Choose a restaurant concept that stands out. Whether its a unique cuisine, a novel dining experience, or a fusion of styles, distinctiveness can attract customers. Market Demand and Target Audience Importance: Crucial

Crucial Research the local market to understand what cuisines or dining experiences are in demand and who your target audience is. Location and Accessibility Importance: High

High The success of a restaurant often depends on its location. Consider factors like foot traffic, accessibility, and proximity to your target market. Startup Costs and Budget Importance: High

High Evaluate the startup costs, which can vary significantly depending on the type of restaurant. Align your choice with your budget and financial resources. Operational Complexity Importance: High

High Some restaurant types are more complex to operate than others. Consider your experience and the level of operational challenge youre willing to undertake. Scalability and Growth Potential Importance: Moderate

Moderate Assess the potential for scaling the business in the future. Can the concept be replicated or franchised? Supplier Availability and Ingredients Importance: High

High Ensure there is a reliable supply of necessary ingredients, especially if your concept requires specialty or seasonal items. Competition and Market Saturation Importance: High

High Analyze the level of competition. A less saturated market or a unique concept can provide more opportunities for success. Regulatory Compliance and Health Standards Importance: Crucial

Crucial Adhere to health and safety standards, and understand the regulatory requirements for operating a restaurant. Sustainability and Environmental Impact Importance: Moderate

Moderate Consider the environmental impact of your restaurant. Sustainable practices can appeal to environmentally conscious customers. Work-Life Balance and Lifestyle Fit Importance: Moderate

Moderate Reflect on how the restaurant type fits with your personal life and work preferences, as the restaurant business can be demanding.

By considering these factors, aspiring restaurateurs can identify types of restaurants that not only appeal to their culinary passions but also have the potential for success in the competitive food industry.

8 Different Types of Restaurants

So now that weve gone through the categories, well look at the different types of establishments that serve food. There are many different types you can opt for, so it depends on what youre most interested in and where there is the most demand for local restaurants in the market youre considering.

1. Fine Dining Restaurants

One of the main distinctions that set fine dining restaurants apart from others is the presence of table service and a formal dining room. That means staff members like hosts, servers, and even a formal dress code for patrons.

The type of ingredients used (e.g., fresh, seasonal), availability of alcoholic beverages, and the culinary experience of the chefs will also dictate whether a restaurant is considered fine dining. Food, drink, and service will be more expensive in these types of restaurants.

2. Casual Dining Restaurants

Casual dining restaurants tend to be trendier than their counterparts, with a more playful and exciting menu. A casual dining establishment tends to have a relaxed atmosphere, and there can be full table service as well, but it wont be as formal. Instead, a contemporary casual restaurant will likely have some creative menu item or a signature dish that attracts customers.

3. Fast Food Restaurants

As the name suggests, fast food restaurants provide quick service at low prices. A quick service restaurant like this one will offer counter service where customers order at the counter and take the food to their table. A fast food restaurant is about giving customers a simple, easy, fast food service, with some being open 24/7. There are many popular fast food chains that you can get inspiration from, like McDonalds, Taco Bell, Burger King, and more.

4. Pop-Up Restaurant

Pop-up restaurants are relatively new in the industry but have quickly gained popularity. This type of restaurant tends to be a temporary experience; thats why its considered a pop-up. It will usually be similar to casual dining establishments by renting a space or have outdoor seating in a unique setting.

Pop-ups tend to b centered around specific types of food, such as gourmet hot dogs, donuts, and other fried foods, street food, such as Thai or Indian food, and more. The food items are interesting and unique, and the popup element gives it a. bit more buzz and builds excitement with customers.

5. Fast Casual Restaurants

Fast casual restaurants are somewhere in between casual dining establishments and fast food restaurants. These restaurants generally have counter service, are at a lower fixed price compared to casual dining, and are known as quick service restaurants. For example, Chipotle could be considered a fast-casual dining experience. Business districts tend to be the best market for this type of restaurant since there are many people looking for reasonable and quick lunch options near the office.

6. Family Style Restaurants

Family-style restaurants differ from fine dining restaurants and casual dining restaurants because of the portion sizes served. There is usually table service at a family-style restaurant, but the portions are larger and meant to be shared among the table rather than individual plates. The menus are generally pretty simple, and pricing is moderate, with many food types and side dishes available, so theres something for everyone to enjoy.

7. Contemporary Casual Restaurants

A little bit niche, perhaps, but contemporary casual has become very popular over the last few years. This type of restaurant could include small neighborhood restaurants, ethnic restaurants serving spicy food, or fusion cuisine. These restaurants tend to be a bit more modern and relaxed and serve culinary trends and contemporary menu items.

8. Food Trucks

If youre looking for something that lets you move around rather than committing to a specific location, consider a food truck. Food trucks do not offer any seating space and park in different places depending on the city and whats allowed. Food trucks are usually found in urban and metropolitan areas with heavy foot traffic and park in one place so customers can order. Usually, food trucks are situated near parks or other areas where customers can find a place to sit, but thats not a requirement.

READ MORE: 11 Top Fast Food Franchises to Consider

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some potential paths for food-based entrepreneurs?

A food-based business offers an enticing avenue for entrepreneurial individuals who are passionate about food. There are diverse types of restaurants to consider, each with unique characteristics that can resonate with customers.

How can I understand the different types of restaurants available?

This article is designed to help you navigate the varied landscape of restaurant options. It provides insights into the different categories and types of restaurants, assisting you in finding where your business concept aligns.

How is the U.S. restaurant industry faring in recent times?

Despite challenges, the restaurant industry has demonstrated resilience. Restaurants thrive when offering a quality product that resonates with customers. The industry has seen a rise in both fine dining and casual dining establishments, along with the emergence of virtual restaurants utilizing delivery apps.

What factors categorize restaurants and determine their concept?

Restaurants are categorized based on the concept and customer experience. Key factors include the type of cuisine, ambiance, and atmosphere.

How are restaurants categorized based on food?

Restaurants are often categorized by the type of cuisine they offer and the ingredients used in their dishes.

What role does formality play in categorizing restaurants?

The formality of a restaurants ambiance and atmosphere is another categorization factor. It varies from fast food establishments to upscale restaurants, shaping the overall dining experience.

How do food prices influence restaurant categorization?

The pricing of food plays a significant role in determining the type of restaurant. The average price points reflect whether the dining experience is casual or upscale.

What are the different types of restaurants available?

There are several distinct types of restaurants catering to various preferences. These include fine dining restaurants, casual dining restaurants, fast food restaurants, pop-up restaurants, fast-casual restaurants, family-style restaurants, contemporary casual restaurants, and food trucks.

How is a fine dining restaurant distinguished?

Fine dining restaurants offer formal table service and a refined dining environment. Factors such as quality ingredients, alcoholic beverages, and culinary expertise contribute to their distinction.

What characterizes casual dining restaurants?

Casual dining establishments are trendy and offer playful menus. They provide a relaxed atmosphere and may offer unique signature dishes.

What defines fast food restaurants?

Fast food restaurants prioritize quick service at affordable prices. They usually offer counter service and are known for their convenience and efficiency.

What are pop-up restaurants, and why are they gaining popularity?

Pop-up restaurants are temporary dining experiences often centered around specific food types. They offer unique and interesting dishes, often in distinctive settings.

How do fast casual restaurants differ from others?

Fast casual restaurants blend elements of casual dining and fast food. They offer counter service, affordability, and cater to busy individuals seeking quality options.

What characterizes family style restaurants?

Family style restaurants offer larger portions meant for sharing. They provide table service and a simple menu with a variety of options.

What defines contemporary casual restaurants?

Contemporary casual restaurants are modern and relaxed. They often serve innovative cuisine and cater to culinary trends.

What are food trucks, and where can they be found?

Food trucks offer mobility and flexibility. They park in various locations and serve customers on-the-go, often situated in urban areas with heavy foot traffic.

Which types of restaurants tend to be the most popular with customers?

Restaurants that prioritize food quality and create unique flavor profiles tend to be popular and can become destination spots for customers.

Which restaurant types are typically the most profitable?

Established fast-food chains are often among the most profitable due to their recognized brands and efficient operations. However, profitability can also stem from offering culinary trends and high-quality food in the casual dining space.
Leading international technology company Zoho reports a 45% increase in its Zoho Finance Platforms global customer base. The impressive platform has over 230 marketplace extensions and a new enterprise-grade developer portal.

Zoho also released Zoho Practice, a comprehensive management application designed for accounting professionals to further improve the platforms ecosystem. This helps companies optimize their operations by allowing them to communicate with accountants and personalize applications successfully.

Chief Evangelist at Zoho, Raju Vegesna:

Discover the Zoho Ecosystem Sell Your Business Drive Traffic to Your Website Advertise Your Business Here

Over the last 15 years, our Finance Platform has grown from a single app to a unified suite, then a comprehensive platform. Our continued investments in building a powerful ecosystem have enabled businesses of all sizes to access the best enterprise-grade tech available. The expanded Zoho Finance Platform ecosystem offers full customization, ensuring the software continues to meet their business needs with unparalleled efficiency, even as they evolve. Moreover, accountants, being one of the vital part of our ecosystem, have been going beyond their traditional role by supporting their clients in their path to success. Zoho Practice will serve as an all-in-one solution, helping them manage their firm and their clients, spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time delivering value-added services

Presenting Zoho Practice: A State-of-the-Art Instrument for Accountants

In the ever-changing corporate landscape of today, accountants must provide more than just standard services. They must offer strategic organizational insights that promote business growth, new income streams, and cost-cutting tactics. With features like task management, timesheets, billing, and client and document management, Zoho Practice is designed with modern accounting businesses in mind.

A single platform for client service administration, integrated communication tools, and AI-powered anomaly detection in customer records are some of the special features. It functions as a central hub for smoothly managing client finances and firm operations and is integrated with Zoho Books and Zoho Expense.

IDCs Kevin Permenter, Director of Research for Financial Applications, outlines the difficulties accounting companies encounter in managing their clientele. He says, Today, one of the more challenging aspects of running a successful accounting firm is client management, and how varied each client request can get in terms of volume and complexity. Zoho Practice offers users the opportunity to consolidate all these aspects into a single platform, leveraging the depth and breadth of Zohos financial operations management software portfolio.

Small Business Deals

Venessa West, a business consultant specializing in bookkeeping and auditing, highlights the innovative features and user-friendly design of Zoho Practice. She goes on to say:

Zoho Practice is nothing short of a game-changer, not only for Zoho but also for the accounting community. This tool brings an accessible, user-friendly approach to managing your clients, their requests, and your daily tasks. What sets Zoho Practice apart is its intuitive design, making it incredibly easy for accounting professionals to navigate and utilize its powerful features.

The Zoho Finance Platforms Ongoing Growth

Recently, Zoho released an improved version of its corporate tax capabilities for enterprises in the United Arab Emirates, a free student edition of Zoho Books in India, and the Finance Platform in Germany. Last year, the platform saw a 63% increase in its global accounting partner network and the debut of Zoho Billing, designed for expanding enterprises.

Third-party developers can now provide extensions in the Zoho Marketplace, automate procedures, and create custom solutions with the recently released Developer Portal. This gives companies the ability to create custom extensions for internal usage.

The Zoho Marketplace now has over 230 extensions for the Finance Platform, allowing it to provide more sophisticated solutions than just its built-in functionality. These include integrating local payment gateways, confirming contacts email addresses and bank accounts, syncing automatically with business intelligence tools, and adding pin locations for vendor or customer addresses on maps.

Price and Availability

Accounting firms can start using Zoho Practice right away at no cost for up to three users. For more than three users, an additional fee of $2.50 per user each month is applicable.

For Zoho Finance Platform users, the extensions available in the Zoho Marketplace can be installed directly from their current applications. The cost of these extensions varies and is determined by the pricing model chosen by the extensions developer.
Farhad Babaei faced censorship, interrogation, at home.

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Bratislava has joined the International Cities of Refuge Network (ICORN), an independent network of cities and regions that offer refuge to persecuted and threatened artists.

The first person to be provided temporary refuge is Iranian writer Farhad Babaei.

In his homeland, he faced censorship, was interrogated several times, and arrested. He was also put on a Culture Ministry blacklist and some of his books were banned.

Related article

Related article Bratislava reminds me of Bangladesh, says exiled writer Read more

"Despite many threats, I have refused any censorship of my books. I want to continue my work freely, which is why I asked ICORN for a temporary refuge in 2019," said Babaei.

The writer's works have been published in foreign cultural magazines, on literary websites and via an Iranian underground publishing house. Anglo-Persian publishers in London and Germany recently published some of his novels.

Babaei's temporary refuge status in Slovakia does not mean he has been given asylum, only that he has been granted residency for one or two years. The goal is to cover basic necessities, including housing.

The Milan Simecka Foundation and literarnyklub.sk civic association, which has coordinated the residency, are behind the capital's involvement in ICORN.
If you ask someone what is famous about Taiwan, tea would be one of those words that first pops out, not coffee. In fact, most people dont even know that there are coffee plantations in Taiwan. As a coffee enthusiast, I remember visiting a very famous cafe in Taipei named Fika Fika back in 2019, and I was in awe to see a 68-hour anaerobic fermentation coffee from Baisheng village, Nantou County, on the retail shelves. Before that, I had no idea that people grew coffee in Taiwan.

Coffee production in Taiwan is very limited due to the high labor cost and expensive land prices, and most coffee produced is consumed in-country. But low quantity does not equal low quality. Taiwan is already producing some of the highest-quality coffee in the world. Take a look at the Taiwan Private Collection Auction 2022, a green coffee competition and auction program hosted by the Alliance for Coffee Excellence. You will see that the top lots all scored 86.04 and above, with the winning coffee, a washed Gesha from Royal Bean Geisha Estate, receiving a score of 89.59 and selling for a whopping $183.50 per pound.

So it is no coincidence that the ACE is launching a full Cup of Excellence in Taiwan this year under the name of Best of Taiwan COE Pilot. Over the past two years of working with Taiwan Coffee Laboratory for the Private Collection Auction program, weve consistently seen really high quality coffee come out of Taiwan, says Alex Pond, COE Head Judge and Education Manager. Taiwanese coffee is very well known in Taiwan and in the specialty coffee community in East Asia, but outside of that, I dont think many people know how great and special Taiwanese coffee can be.

Following my interview with Mikael Jasin about the Indonesian coffee production industry, I wanted to take readers to another coffee-producing country in East Asia, to Taiwan. While researching the topic, I had a chance to talk to Krude Che-Hao Lin from Taiwan Coffee Laboratory, one of COEs in-country partners for Taiwan PCA, and now, COE pilot. Lin is a Coffee Quality Institutes Q Instructor, a Specialty Coffee Association Authorized Trainer, and he also takes on many roles in the Taiwanese coffee industry, including being a director for the Taiwan Coffee Association, Principal Investigator for Taiwan Coffee Laboratory, and Chairperson of Coffee Industrial Alliance of Taiwan. In simple terms, he is one of the masterminds behind the recent developments of the Taiwanese coffee industry and an expert when it comes to the countrys coffee production industry, its heritage, and future.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

For those who dont know, could you tell us about yourself?

I first started working in the coffee industry as a barista back in 2004, during the early days of the modern Taiwanese coffee industry. Our domestic coffee industry was still very small at that time, and most people didnt know what specialty coffee was. In fact, it was the same situation worldwide, so we were quite fortunate to learn everything about specialty coffee at the same pace as the world.

In 2008, I opened my first businessit was not about coffee, but instead about high-quality marmalade made from fresh fruits sourced from Taiwanese farmers. The name of the company was Red on Tree, and the business still exists today, 15 years later. Red on Tree was a tremendous success because our marmalade was of outstanding quality. On the other hand, we highlighted the variety, processing, origin, and farmers behind each of our products, much like what the specialty coffee industry does with coffee nowadays. The success of Red on Tree led to numerous media attention and connections, which came in handy four years later when I founded Taiwan Coffee Laboratory.

In 2009, one of Red on Trees partner farmers, who primarily grew peaches, sent me some coffee samples out of the blue. Initially, I was skeptical about Taiwan as a coffee origin, but I decided to taste it and shared it with friends in the coffee industry without revealing its origin. To my surprise, everyone who tasted it agreed that it was pretty good, with flavor notes resembling peachessomething that I didnt understand at the time because I did not believe coffee could taste like that. Word spread quickly, and afterwards, I received numerous phone calls from friends and others interested in trying out the coffee. This incident also led to an influx of people jumping into the coffee production industry. It was then that I started to learn about coffee because I saw business potential and started visiting producers who were growing coffee in Taiwan under the radar.

But it was not until 2012 that I founded Taiwan Coffee Laboratory, at the time as the coffee department of Red on Tree. With my reputation and connections in the agriculture industry received from Red on Tree, I, along with David Han, an author of various Taiwanese coffee books and a pioneer in the Taiwan coffee industry, convinced the Tainan Countys local government to organize an in-county competition for green coffee, in which we invited international Q-Graders to be judges. The top three winning coffees of that competition were sent to the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) to be scored, and two of them received scores of 80 and 82, which I thought was good enough. The competition, which was named Tainan Coffee Evaluation, still remains today, providing opportunities for coffee producers to receive consultations and recommendations for their coffee while creating a connection between producers and coffee roasters. In the following years, other counties followed suit and hosted their own in-county competitions.

Providing coffee producers with feedback and knowledge had always been the main idea behind Taiwan Coffee Laboratory, and back in 2012, there was a knowledge gap regarding coffee in Taiwan at that time. I think there was no unbiased third-party information about coffeethey were all derived from green coffee importers, and sometimes this information was strange or misleading because what importers were trying to do was find ways to sell their green coffee. So Taiwan Coffee Laboratory wanted to fill in that information gap by being a venue for classes from SCA and CQI. We also provided consulting work for businesses and coffee producers. Around that time, I became a CQI Q-Grader and a Specialty Coffee Association of America and Specialty Coffee Association of Europe authorized trainer as well.

Could you tell me about the history of coffee production industry in Taiwan?

The history of coffee plantation in Taiwan dates back to the 19th century. It started in 1885 when a British company named Tait & Company Trading Company, one of the top five commodity trading companies in Taiwan at the time, carried out some experiments on planting coffee in northern Taiwan. However, these experiments were not successful. 10 years later, the Japanese took over Taiwan from the Qing Dynasty, and shortly after, they conducted extensive experiments on various tropical agricultural crops, including coffee, in Taiwan. These experiments were led by Hokkaido Empire University. Coffee, in particular, was planted in Puli town, Nantou County, in Central Taiwan. Unlike Tait & Companys previous experiment, coffee, especially Arabica, was proven to thrive there.

Around the 1920s, private Japanese companies such as Key Coffee, a well-known Japanese company that still exists today, began planting coffee in different regions of Taiwan. Key Coffee even had a farm in Taitung County, located on the eastern coast of Taiwan. This period marked the peak of coffee cultivation in Taiwan, with over 1,000 hectares of coffee plantations owned by various Japanese companies, supplying coffee for the Japanese market. I consider this era to be the first wave of coffee production in Taiwan.

After World War II, Japan lost the war, and four years later, the Republic of China took over Taiwan. That period was an economically challenging time for Taiwan, and coffee was considered a luxury item that few could afford. As a result, the Taiwanese coffee production industry virtually disappeared.

In the 1960s, the United States intervened and helped Taiwan replant some coffee with the intention of providing supply to the American market. However, Taiwans economic growth accelerated rapidly during that time, and agriculture was not the main priority of the government because other sectors were more profitable. Even until the 2000s, coffee production was not a focal point for the Taiwanese government. While our government did not prohibit coffee production, they also did not provide any policy support or subsidies.

However, in the last 20 years, the coffee production industry has gained significant momentum in Taiwan, driven by the rising domestic demand for coffee consumption. We currently have around 10,000 coffee shops in our small country, and we consume a significant amount of high-end specialty coffee from around the world. For example, we have been the biggest buyer of Panamanian coffee since 2015, and our buying power accounted for approximately one third of the annual total production from Panama. The growth in the consumption market has given rise to a wave of local coffee producers with the dream to compete in the high-end specialty coffee segment.

Could you tell me about the background of coffee producers in Taiwan?

The background of coffee producers in Taiwan is quite diverse. The majority of producers are what I call part-time farmers because coffee farming is not their bread and butter. Instead, they could be local policemen, blue-collar workers, or F&B specialists who maintain their coffee farms during weekends or holidays. Or they could be retirees.

On the other hand, there is a group of full-time coffee producers that comprises around the top 20% of Taiwanese coffee producers. I say top because they are usually very skilled farmers who dedicate their time and efforts to learning about everything coffee-related, and they invest heavily in their farms financially. They focus exclusively on coffee farming rather than other crops. And they are very good. I mean, these producers have a deep understanding of coffee. They know how to cup coffee and are updated with the latest trends in coffee farming. Interestingly, many of these full-time farmers do not have a family history of coffee farming, but they are rather first generation farmers who have entered the industry within the past five to fifteen years. Some of them can be considered pioneers in the field.

Unlike the situation in other countries, most coffee producers in Taiwan are financially stable, although not necessarily wealthy. Coffee farming is not a lucrative business where one can invest money and expect immediate returns, but it requires a long-term plan, lots of patience, and passion for coffee. Therefore, people who choose to become coffee producers in Taiwan do so because they have a genuine desire to produce high-quality coffee. I can safely say that coffee farmers in Taiwan all have dreams and aspirations for coffee farming, and they share a dream of contributing to the growth and reputation of the Taiwanese coffee industry.

If you look at the price, Taiwanese-grown coffee is considered expensive because coffee prices start at around $30 per kilo. There are reasons for these prices because $20-25 is paid to pickers and farm workers. Additionally, being a small island, land prices in Taiwan are very expensive, likely among the highest in the world, due to limited space and a dense population. So if our coffee price is already that expensive, we should rather make its quality match its price by focusing on producing only very high-quality coffee and trying to secure a market share in that sector. I think it is the direction we should pursue.

What are the main coffee growing areas?

Considering the big picture, we have four main coffee-growing areas, but what sets them apart is hard to determine.

I would say the most famous growing area is Alishan in Chiayi County (Shan means mountain in Mandarin Chinese), which was also a very famous tea origin. Alishan is situated at around 1,0001,400 MASL, which I think is perfect for Arabica because planting coffee at higher elevations, like 1,400 meters or above, could expose the coffee trees to the risk of frost. Thus, while growing coffee at higher elevations might bring about superior quality coffee, it would be a risky and unpredictable business for producers. What makes Alishan famous lies in its high altitude and also quality labormost of the coffee pickers there used to be tea laborers, and I think that picking tea leaves requires more attention than picking coffee cherries. So when the tea laborers shift to picking coffee, it was actually an easier job for them. People who own farms in Alishan are either locals whose families have been living there for generations or people who recently moved there because they believed it had the best conditions for growing coffee in Taiwan.

If Alishan were the Yirgacheffe of Taiwan, we also have areas like Guji and others. In Nantou County, there is coffee planted in Renai, Xinyi, and Guoxing at altitudes around 1,200 meters.

To the east, there is Hualien County, known for its topographical diversity with mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. And to the south, there is Pingtung County with Dawu Shan, which is a new origin that is not yet famous but has the potential to become a noteworthy origin. These are the areas with high altitudes suitable for growing coffee. There are also people who grow coffee at lower altitudes, around 200-600 MASL. These elevations can still produce some good Arabica, but it is costly due to the increased risk of coffee berry disease and coffee berry borers.

What are the main coffee varieties?

We have lots of SL34. In the beginning, the Japanese chose to plant Typica in Taiwan, so people might assume that most of the coffee trees we have now are Typica. However, after genetic testing, we discovered that it was indeed SL34. You know, Typica and SL34 actually look very similar. I think most of the SL34 was brought from Taiwan by the Americans during the 1960s because it was the only way the variety could exist in Taiwan.

In the past five to eight years, Gesha has gained a lot of global reputation, so producers are rushing into the variety. However, since replanting takes time, people have been grafting Gesha shoots onto the original SL34 roots. Gesha is usually imported from Panama or Central America by agricultural scholars who had a chance to travel around the world during their early education. Although it is rare, some producers also have Catimor and Caturra. We also have a few producers who possess Ethiopia Heirloom.

What do you think about Taiwanese coffee in terms of quality and potential?

Well, I think prioritizing coffee quality is the way to go for a sustainable Taiwanese coffee production industry. When I say quality, I dont just mean high-quality, but exceptional quality that can compete with other coffee-producing countries. Only then can our producers survive and cover their already high production costs. It is a feasible direction because, compared to other coffee production regions, Taiwan is a relatively developed country. The majority of our producers chose to work in coffee because they had a coffee dream. These coffee producers are well educatedabout 95 percent of people around my age or younger are university graduatesand their work is backed up by a strong presence of academia: scholars, institutes, or universities.

To make it more sustainable, we should follow sustainable development goals (SDGs) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. These are the ways to create a truly successful business model that can become a benchmark for other coffee origins to follow. Our coffee producers all have a dream, so why dont we make our dreams a universal one? In the process, we will have a chance to let the world know about Taiwans history, heritage, and culture, so people can have a better understanding of our country.

Thank you!

Tung Nguyen is the founder of Citric Meets Malic and a Sprudge contributor based in Hanoi, Vietnam. Read more Tung Nguyen for Sprudge.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/biden-us-ready-to-take-further-actions-to-address-threats-to-us-bases-in-middle-east-1114962909.html

Biden: US Ready to Take Further Actions to Address Threats Against Bases in Middle East

Biden: US Ready to Take Further Actions to Address Threats Against Bases in Middle East

US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that the United States is ready to take further actions to protect its military bases in the Middle East from attacks.

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The United States stands ready to take further action, as necessary and appropriate, to address further threats or attacks," Biden said in a letter to US Congress leadership. He accused groups affiliated with Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of attacking US personnel and facilities in Iraq and Syria, adding that attacks have placed under grave threat the lives of American personnel and Coalition forces.Biden pointed out that US forces bombarded two facilities used by the IRGC and related groups on November 12. 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. Earlier Tuesday, Defense Department spokesperson Sabrina Singh detailed that at least 59 US military personnel sustained not serious injuries during recent attacks on military bases in the Middle East."As of today, all 59 have returned to duty," Singh added.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.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231108/us-fires-self-defense-strikes-in-syria-after-repeat-attacks-against-american-troops-1114828241.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231109/pentagon-claims-no-us-forces-were-seriously-injured-in-mid-east-attacks-despite-reported-tbis-1114855126.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/lawmaker-sounds-alarm-over-us-failure-to-admit-nazi-units-still-fighting-in-ukraine-1114963358.html

Lawmaker Sounds Alarm Over US' Failure to Admit Nazi Units Still Fighting in Ukraine

Lawmaker Sounds Alarm Over US' Failure to Admit Nazi Units Still Fighting in Ukraine

US Rep. Paul Gosar has voiced concerns that the State Department fails to acknowledge the neo-Nazi Azov group's presence in Ukraine's armed forces.

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According to Gosar, last month the State Department responded to his inquiry from September requesting information about whether US aid was benefitting neo-Nazi Azov's in Ukraine. Gosar raised his concerns this week in a letter addressed to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken."Of major concern is the part of the State Department letter that alleges the Azov Battalion disbanded but was later established as the Special Purpose Azov Regiment under the National Guard of Ukraine," Gosar said in the letter obtained by Sputnik. Although the Azov Battalion went through a name change in 2015, evidence remains clear that Azov is still a "vicious" neo-Nazi group, according to Gosar. "The US should not provide any assistance to Azov, anything less than this is morally reprehensible," Gosar said in the letter to Blinken. Gosar said he found it more concerning that the State Department, in its response to his inquiry on the Azov, claimed it sees no evidence that the Azov Regiment, Ukraine's National Guard, or any Ukrainian armed forces systemically promote neo-Nazi ideology or use Nazi symbology. "Because there is overwhelming evidence to the contrary, this statement at best reflects poorly on the competency of the State Department and its ethics," Gosar said. Gosar called on Blinken and his team to be replaced if they are unaware about Nazi affiliations in Ukraine. The US lawmaker has called for the State Department, after reading his response, to clarify whether it still determines there are no Nazis affiliations in Ukraine and to clarify whether any US aid has gone to Azov groups.*banned as an extremist group in Russia

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/us-house-clears-stopgap-funding-measure-to-avert-government-shutdown--1114962430.html

US House Clears Stopgap Funding Measure to Avert Partial Government Shutdown

US House Clears Stopgap Funding Measure to Avert Partial Government Shutdown

Lawmakers in the US House of Representatives cleared a stopgap measure on Tuesday to avert a partial government shutdown after two-thirds of the lower congressional chamber backed the initiative.

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Lawmakers in the US House of Representatives cleared a stopgap measure on Tuesday to avert a partial government shutdown after two-thirds of the lower congressional chamber backed the initiative.The measure cleared the US House with a 336-95 vote, and will now head to the US Senate. US President Joe Biden would need to sign the measure by Friday night in order to avert the looming shutdown.Ninety-three Republicans voted against the bill, more than the number of Republicans who opposed the last continuing resolution (CR) passed in August and contributed to the ousting of then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). Two Democrats also voted against the bill, Reps. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) and Mike Quigley (D-IL). Quigley was the only Democrat to vote against the CR in September.The powerful House Freedom Caucus in the Republican party opposed the bill because it lacked spending cuts and failed to address the border.The lack of funding cuts was a feature for the Democratic party, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) saying that the proposal "will avert a shutdown and it will do so without making any terrible hard right cuts that the MAGA right-wing demand."Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) also signaled his support, suggesting the bill will pass the Senate easily.The staggered funding dates are designed to add urgency to pass a more comprehensive bill which Republicans hope will include funding cuts, funding for Israel and increased border security.Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) who voted against the bill, complained it didn't include any of the House Freedom Caucus' priorities. "I can in no way sell that to a single one of my constituents," he said.After the CR's passage in the House, Schumer said the White House agreed "it'll be a good thing" if they avoid a shutdown. The lawmaker did criticize the laddered funding of the CR, calling it "goofy" but still praised the bill.Johnson's decision to acquiesce to the demands of Democrats mirrored actions McCarthy took to pass the CR in September. While that move angered members of the House Freedom Caucus, it does not appear they have turned against him completely just yet.One of the contributing factors to McCarthy's ousting, besides his willingness to work with Democrats, was that many members simply did not like him and accused him of lying to them."Speaker McCarthy was ousted because theres an immature man child that happened to be elected to Congress from Florida. Thats why he was ousted. Lets just be frank," Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) said.The bill will now head to the Senate. Schumer has already pushed back his funding bill in anticipation of passing the House version.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231111/moodys-lowers-us-credit-rating-outlook-as-clock-ticks-for-new-government-shutdown-1114883345.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231101/threat-of-us-govt-shutdown-returns-amid-congress-row-over-israel-and-ukraine-aid-1114642568.html

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A new United Nations assessment showed that countries are wildly off track with their global warming targets.

The UN said that even if countries enact all of their current climate pledges, planet-heating pollution in 2030 would still be 9% higher than it was in 2010. The latest findings reveal a stark gap between the course that countries are currently on and what science says is needed to prevent the most catastrophic impacts of climate change.

Global Warming Targets

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said that the world needs to reduce emissions by 45% by the end of this decade compared to 2010. This would allow nations to meet the internationally agreed ambition of limiting global warming to only 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Scientists consider this temperature increase as a key threshold beyond which they argue that climate change's effects would become much more difficult for humans and ecosystems to adapt to, as per CNN.

The findings of the latest assessment were published on Tuesday by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It analyzes individual national plans to slash emissions every year of all the 195 countries that are signed up to the Paris Climate Agreement.

Emissions worldwide are still on the rise despite a dramatic increase in dire warnings from climate scientists. The NDC Synthesis report this year, however, offers a tiny glimmer of hope to call for action. The findings show that the rising trend in emissions is at least starting to slow down and could peak and start decreasing before the end of the decade.

The projections also showed that emissions in 2030 are expected to be 2% lower than they were in 2019 and 3% lower than the estimated levels for 2025. This is primarily because some countries recently boosted the ambition levels of their climate plans.

Unfortunately, the report found that half of the indicators are falling behind to an extent that is so large that efforts need to be expedited twice as quickly to get them back on track. It also showed that six indicators are moving counterproductively to the goal of limiting global warming temperatures, according to DW News.

Read Also: China's Foreign Business Partners Pull Out Money at Alarming Rate, But Why?

Limiting Temperature Rise Worldwide

A separate study from researchers based in Saudi Arabia found that the Middle Eastern country could face an "existential crisis." This would threaten food and water supplies along with the health of religious pilgrims during the Hajj.

This situation could be brought about by global average temperatures rising by three degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial times. That level of temperature rise is on the same level of warming that is projected if every country meets climate goals.

Saudi Arabia is one of the biggest oil producers in the world and it is known to burn oil and other fossil fuels that contribute to the warming of the planet. These release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

In the October report, the researchers said that Saudi Arabia faces a momentous choice, which is to either adapt and innovate or suffer the severe and potentially irrevocable consequences of inaction, said the New York Times.

Related Article: UK's Post-Brexit Chemical Regulations To Be Loosened

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/us-says-has-no-accurate-gaza-death-toll-but-far-too-many-innocent-palestinians-killed-1114961260.html

US Says Has No 'Accurate' Gaza Death Toll, But Far Too Many Innocent Palestinians Killed

US Says Has No 'Accurate' Gaza Death Toll, But Far Too Many Innocent Palestinians Killed

The US is unable to provide any accurate assessment of the death toll from the Palestine-Israel conflict but admits too many innocent Palestinians have been killed, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Tuesday.

2023-11-14T21:06+0000

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2023-11-14T21:04+0000

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"We don't have an accurate assessment or an assessment that we know to be accurate about the number of Palestinians who have been killed. But as the secretary said last week, we know that far too many innocent Palestinian civilians have been killed," Miller told a briefing. The death toll from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip has reached 11,240, including 4,630 children, Gaza's media office said on Tuesday. The United Nations previously said the figures provided by the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza have proven consistently credible in the past, and it sees no reason to challenge them. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said last week that the number of civilians killed indicates that "something is clearly wrong" with Israel's military operations.Tensions in the region hit a boiling point on October 7 after the Palestinian Hamas movement launched a surprise attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip, a move that prompted retaliatory strikes and a blockade of water, fuel and food supplies to more than 2 million people living in the area. Injuries and deaths have been reported on both sides.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231103/death-toll-of-journalists-covering-gaza-conflict-rises-to-36-highest-in-cpjs-history---committee-1114679274.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231115/chinas-xi-arrives-in-san-francisco-for-apec-summit-talks-with-biden---reports-1114966029.html

China's Xi Arrives in San Francisco for APEC Summit, Talks With Biden - Reports

China's Xi Arrives in San Francisco for APEC Summit, Talks With Biden - Reports

Chinese President Xi Jinping has landed in San Francisco to participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit and meet with US President Joe Biden, NBC Bay Area reported Tuesday.

2023-11-15T04:26+0000

2023-11-15T04:26+0000

2023-11-15T04:47+0000

world

joe biden

asia-pacific economic cooperation (apec)

apec

xi jinping

china

us

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Xi arrived in San Francisco on Tuesday afternoon, the report said. Earlier on Tuesday, Biden said he would consider his upcoming meeting with Xi, which is scheduled for Wednesday, successful if they could resume normal communications, including military-to-military communications. On Monday, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Biden expects to discuss the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and Ukraine during the meeting with Xi. Biden will also raise the issue of alleged threats posed by Iran, including its nuclear program and its activities that threaten Middle East stability, Sullivan added. APEC is a trade and economic forum of 21 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. This year's summit in San Francisco is taking place from November 11-17. Since its inception in 1989, APEC has been a crucial platform for the United States to promote equitable trade, investment and sustainable growth in the Asia-Pacific region.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231113/xi-biden-meeting-at-apec-wont-change-direction-of-china-us-relations--1114931394.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231115/from-hero-to-zero-zelenskys-military-moves-draw-criticism-and-chaos-1114977508.html

From 'Hero' to Zero? Zelensky's Military Moves Draw Criticism and Chaos

From 'Hero' to Zero? Zelensky's Military Moves Draw Criticism and Chaos

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's strategy has sent the Kiev regime's counteroffensive plunging into failure, Oleg Soskin, former adviser to Leonid Kuchma, said on his YouTube channel.

2023-11-15T15:40+0000

2023-11-15T15:40+0000

2023-11-15T15:40+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

volodymyr zelensky

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zaporozhye

donetsk

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According to the expert, the Ukrainian army not only failed to make any progress, but also hasn't been able to maintain control over its positions.Soskin added that Zelensky's personal decision to pick Rustem Umerov as defense minister has sparked an open rift between the political leadership and the military, headed by Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces, Valery Zaluzhny.Since June, the Ukrainian military has been struggling to carry out offensives in the areas of Zaporozhye, South Donetsk, and Artemovsk (Bakhmut), using units trained and armed by NATO. However, as President Vladimir Putin noted, they have not achieved any significant success on any front. According to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, the Ukrainian army has racked up over 90,000 dead or wounded soldiers, and lost about 600 tanks, and almost 2,000 armored vehicles during the counteroffensive.Given the current events, the US-led West has started to grow weary of the Ukraine conflict and support for Zelensky is plummeting, according to Western media. American and European officials are now already discussing the potential consequences of peace talks with Russia, including possible concessions Ukraine may have to make to reach an agreement. The Kremlin has reiterated that the sooner the Kiev regime acknowledges it has no chances of victory on the battlefield, the sooner prospects for resolving the situation will emerge.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231112/ukraine-should-eye-land-for-peace-deal-as-any-game-change-unlikely---ex-nato-admiral-1114900748.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231115/hungary-to-be-able-to-stop-importing-electricity-once-paks-2-nuclear-plant-launched-1114982858.html

Hungary to Be Able to Stop Importing Electricity Once Paks-2 Nuclear Plant Launched

Hungary to Be Able to Stop Importing Electricity Once Paks-2 Nuclear Plant Launched

Hungary will be able to stop importing electricity and possibly even to start exporting it to neighboring countries once the new power units of the Paks nuclear power plant (NPP), also known as Paks-2, are launched, the office of the NPP's general director told Sputnik on Wednesday.

2023-11-15T15:52+0000

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2023-11-15T15:58+0000

hungary

russia

rosatom

paks-2 nuclear plant

nuclear energy

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world

paks nuclear power plant

paks nuclear plant

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"After two more units with a capacity of 1,200 megawatts each are put into operation, energy imports can be stopped," office chief Pal Kovacs stated, adding that Hungary already had synchronized power grids with seven neighboring countries. Moreover, Paks NPP employees have begun preparatory work to extend the life of four operating units until the mid-2050s, while their service life was initially due to be 30 years, Kovacs said. The final decision on the issue will be made by the Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority, but the project is already believed to be implemented, he added. At the same time, Budapest is planning to stop the operation of the coal-fired power plant located in the valley of the Matra mountain range as early as in 2025, as it "is outdated and is significantly polluting the environment," Kovacs told Sputnik. In this regard, he also stressed that the Paks NPP could be expanded further in the future, given that Hungary had committed to the EU's decarbonization strategy and the only possible renewable energy option is nuclear power. Unlike solar and wind power, nuclear power, while being low-carbon, can be produced in sufficient amounts all year round, he pointed out. Hungary's only nuclear power plant, Paks, generates about a third of all electricity in the country, with the share expected to increase after the planned commissioning of the two new NPP reactor units. The Hungarian leadership has repeatedly emphasized that nuclear energy is a way to ensure the country's energy security. The four units of the 500-megawatt Paks NPP were built between 1982 and 1987, and their 30-year operating lifespan was extended by 20 years between 2012 and 2017, to allow for their closure between 2032 and 2037. In late 2014, Russia and Hungary signed an agreement on the construction of two additional advanced reactors. The parties agreed that Russia would allocate a $10.6 billion loan to finance the construction of the units. Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom said in February that construction was set to begin in 2024.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230821/russia-hungary-start-work-on-main-stage-of-paks-2-npp-construction-1112752404.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231016/hungary-will-not-replace-rosatom-with-another-nuclear-fuel-supplier--top-diplomat-1114222620.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231115/icelands-looming-eruption-linked-to-volcanic-pulses-dating-back-hundreds-of-years-1114963228.html

Iceland's Looming Eruption Linked to Volcanic 'Pulses' Dating Back Hundreds of Years

Iceland's Looming Eruption Linked to Volcanic 'Pulses' Dating Back Hundreds of Years

In a geological spectacle, Iceland braces for an impending volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula, marking the beginning of a 1,000-year cycle of volcanic activity.

2023-11-15T00:07+0000

2023-11-15T00:07+0000

2023-11-15T00:06+0000

beyond politics

science & tech

iceland

volcano

volcano eruption

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Iceland is on the verge of a volcanic awakening, as experts predict a prolonged era of eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula, lasting up to 500 years. The looming eruption, deemed part of a millennial volcanic pulse, has set the region on edge.A magma tunnel, stretching 9.3 miles beneath Sundhnukur and Grindavik, has formed, raising concerns of an imminent eruption. The Icelandic Met Office reports a high risk of the magma breaking through, with the greatest upwelling currently near Sundhnukur.Experts, including Edward W. Marshall from the University of Iceland's Nordic Volcanological Center, warn the anticipated eruption may surpass the 2021 Fagradalsfjall event in magnitude. The 2021 eruption marked the beginning of a new cycle, with geological records indicating that periods of inactivity last 600 to 1,200 years, succeeded by pulses of eruptions lasting 200 to 500 years.The Reykjanes Peninsula, situated above tectonic plates pulling apart, undergoes cycles of strain release through volcanic eruptions. "We are now in one of these pulses," David Pyle, a volcanologist and professor of Earth sciences at the University of Oxford, has explained.The outcome remains uncertain, as researchers debate whether the magma tunnel will result in an eruption. As the region holds its breath, Marshall predicts a waiting period of a few days to three weeks for a potential eruption.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231113/europes-tallest-volcano-mt-etna-erupts-spewing-fiery-lava-1114916199.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231115/iran-and-lebanon-have-no-desire-to-be-embroiled-in-palestine-israel-conflict---lavrov-1114972830.html

Iran, Lebanon Dont Want to Get Embroiled in Palestinian-Israeli Conflict - Lavrov

Iran, Lebanon Dont Want to Get Embroiled in Palestinian-Israeli Conflict - Lavrov

Tehran and Beirut do not want to get involved in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, they will not participate in it unless there are provocations, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said.

2023-11-15T10:25+0000

2023-11-15T10:25+0000

2023-11-15T10:41+0000

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sergey lavrov

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Tehran and Beirut do not want to get involved in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, they will not participate in it unless there are provocations, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said. These countries will not get involved in the conflict unless there are provocations, despite the presence of Hezbollah in Lebanon and pro-Palestinian movements in Iran, Lavrov added. Lavrov also said that the US possibly wants the crisis in Gaza to go beyond the region.The creation of a Palestinian state is inevitable in the historical aspect, head Sergey Lavrov said.According to him, this is the position that the Russian side is trying to convey to Israel.The US seems to be ready only for a humanitarian pause in the Palestinian-Israeli escalation without additional commitments, Lavrov said.The US does not want to tie Israel's hands in practical terms, Sergey Lavrov said. "Basically, in practical terms, Washington does not want to tie Israel's hands," Lavrov said, noting that Russia's resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict was twice rejected in the UN Security Council. The minister added that the US perceives all Russian initiatives as hostile.On October 7, the Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise large-scale rocket attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip and breached the border, killing and abducting people in neighboring Israeli communities. Israel launched retaliatory strikes and ordered a complete blockade of Gaza, cutting off water, food, and fuel supplies. On October 27, Israel launched a large-scale ground incursion into Gaza with the stated goal of eliminating Hamas fighters and rescuing the hostages. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people in Israel and over 11,000 in Gaza.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231113/us-calling-on-israel-to-speed-up-gaza-operation-behind-closed-doors---russias-intel-service-1114926067.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231103/lavrov-russia-to-support-arab-states-palestine-israel-settlement-solution-1114692244.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231115/january-6-shaman-says-no-investigation-opened-into-ukrainian-spy-at-us-capitol-riot-1114966177.html

January 6 'Shaman' Says No Investigation Opened Into Ukrainian Spy at US Capitol Riot

January 6 'Shaman' Says No Investigation Opened Into Ukrainian Spy at US Capitol Riot

There have been no investigations or arrests in connection with Ukrainian spy Serhiy Dybynyn who infiltrated the pro-Trump crowd at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021 alongside multiple other individuals in a clear "setup" aimed at the former US president, Jacob "Shaman" Chansley told Sputnik.

2023-11-15T04:45+0000

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2023-11-15T13:03+0000

americas

us

volodymyr zelensky

donald trump

ukraine

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fbi

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"Ukrainian spy Sergei Dybynyn... was there on that day with 1+1 media, a media organization tied to Ukrainian oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky, who largely was responsible for the rise of [Volodymyr] Zelensky ... And there's no investigation into that. There's no arrests being made there," Chansley said. Chansley said that various factions, including Antifa and Black Lives Matter, infiltrated the pro-Trump group to create the illusion that Trump supporters were violent. In addition, the Trump supporter said senior US politicians and intelligence leaders wanted to see chaos on January 6, including figures such as then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, FBI chief Christopher Wray and Joint chiefs chairman Mark Milley. Chansley said the January 6 Capitol breach is "not a black and white issue." "It is a gray issue. Yes, there was violence and chaos on that day. Was it a violent insurrection? No, it was not," Chansley said. Moreover, if the tapes from the US Capitol Hill rally get released, they will expose many lies, he added. "There are, I believe in many cases, federal agents or confidential informants, or even prosecutors that have lied about their case or about their testimony while under oath. And the release of that footage would open the government up to those lies being exposed," Chansley said. An FBI spokesperson, when asked about Chansley's allegations, told Sputnik the agency has "no comment."

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230905/ukrainian-spy-participated-in-us-capitol-breach-alongside-qanon-shaman--report-1113136979.html

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US Did Not Give Okay to Israel for Military Operations Around Gaza Hospital - Kirby

The United States did not green light Israel's military operations in and around the Al Shifa hospital in the Gaza Strip, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated on Wednesday.

"We did not give an okay to their military operations around the hospital," Kirby said. "These are Israeli military operations that they plan and they execute in accordance with their own established procedures. The United States is not involved in those procedures," the spokesman added.

Kirby pointed out that Washington does not expect Israel to advise or inform the United States before conducting tactical military operations.

"There's no expectation by the United States that they're gonna map it all out for us," he said.

The spokesman also emphasized that US officials are in touch with their Israeli counterparts and talk to them daily.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Israeli Defense Forces said that they were carrying out a "precise and targeted" operation against the Palestinian movement Hamas in the Al Shifa hospital, which is the largest medical facility in the Gaza Strip.

Also on Wednesday, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths stated that he was appalled by reports of Israel's military raids in the hospital, adding that hospitals are not battlegrounds.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231115/migrant-woes-prompt-germany--italy-to-mull-deal-to-tackle-crisis-1114973928.html

Migrant Woes Prompt Germany & Italy to Mull Deal on Tackling Crisis

Migrant Woes Prompt Germany & Italy to Mull Deal on Tackling Crisis

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reportedly to sign new agreement to tackle migrant crisis.

2023-11-15T13:32+0000

2023-11-15T13:32+0000

2023-11-15T13:40+0000

world

europe

olaf scholz

giorgia meloni

migration

migration policy

social democratic party

italy

germany

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The flaring migration crisis is reportedly prompting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to shelve their differences. A new bilateral agreement between the two countries is being touted as a way to tackle the challenge, according to media reports.Scholz, a member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), and Meloni, who heads the governing Fratelli d'Italia (Brothers of Italy) party, known for its nationalist stance and anti-immigration policies, previously traded barbs over migration policy. Ahead of the European Union summit in Granada, Spain, in October, Meloni had railed against Berlin's plans to finance two migrant NGOs operating in Italy, and suggested that rescued arrivals in the Mediterranean be taken to Germany.However, shared troubles sometimes make for odd bedfellows. Therefore, the two leaders are preparing to sign the new treaty in Berlin on November 22, sources were cited as saying. The said deal will ostensibly be penned as Meloni and her entourage visit Germany for high-level talks.The wording of the agreement is believed to be still a work in progress. However, as per insiders, Germany and Italy may pledge close cooperation on reducing new migrant arrivals utilizing a multi-pronged approach.Germany and Italy are in the same boat, so to say, when it comes to migration challenges. Arrivals in Germany have surged dramatically, with Scholz ineffectively trying to bring down the number of asylum seekers for months. Over three million refugees, including Ukrainians, are currently living in the country, with many of the overwhelmed municipalities railing against the burdens they face. And yet, Germany is predicted to accept ever more migrants, far surpassing the numbers witnessed back in 2015.Italy, whose island of Lampedusa has been hard-hit by the crisis, is also set to receive the biggest number of migrants since 2016. Italy, which has been seeking a solidarity approach from the EU in solving the migration problem, blamed the flow of undocumented immigrants on the ships of various NGOs, including German ones, involved in rescuing refugees in the sea straits closest to Italy. Besides announcing "extraordinary measures" to deal with an influx of migrants in October, Italy is currently building two new asylum-processing centers on Albanian territory: at the port of Shengjin and the Gjader area in the country's northwest. Italy, which is covering the project's costs, hopes the centers will host around 3,000 people once they open in 2024. Olaf Scholz commented recently that he was looking into Italy's mechanism.It should be noted that many migrants arriving in Italy often proceed to travel further on to Germany. The German Interior Ministry paused acceptance of new migrants who arrived in Europe via Italy in September, citing "high migrant pressure," but then backtracked.After Scholz met with Meloni on the sidelines of the EU summit, he was cited as saying:

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230914/germany-stops-admitting-migrants-from-italy-until-further-notice-1113378275.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230916/italian-pm-announces-extraordinary-measures-to-deal-with-migration-crisis-1113417532.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231115/nearly-7-in-10-americans-support-ceasefire-in-gaza-poll-finds-1114989603.html

Nearly 7 in 10 Americans Support Ceasefire In Gaza, Poll Finds

Nearly 7 in 10 Americans Support Ceasefire In Gaza, Poll Finds

A large majority of Americans want a ceasefire to be called in Gaza and oppose military aid being sent to Israel, but US President Joe Biden has consistently refused to pressure the Israeli government.

2023-11-15T22:01+0000

2023-11-15T22:01+0000

2023-11-15T22:00+0000

americas

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Nearly 7 in 10 Americans, 68%, believe the United States should call for a ceasefire in Gaza, including two-thirds of Democrats and half of Republicans, a new poll has found.The Reuters/Ipsos poll surveyed 1,006 American adults over two days, ending on Tuesday. It found that support for Israel is down across the board compared to a month ago, as the Palestinian death toll continues to rise and horrific images of death and destruction spread on social media.Only 32% of Americans say the US should support Israel a number down from 41% just a month ago. Meanwhile, more Americans are saying the United States should act as a mediator in the conflict, with 39% saying that should be the role of the United States. Last month, only 27% of Americans felt that way.Some 4% say Americans should back the Palestinians and 15% say the United States should not be involved at all. Those numbers are largely unchanged from a month ago.The change is most pronounced among older respondents, who had consistently supported Israel more vehemently than younger voters.Despite the war being less than two months old, it has already become less popular than NATOs proxy war in Ukraine, which has been ongoing for more than 20 months. Only 31% of those surveyed said they support sending weapons to Israel, while 41% support providing arms to Ukraine.Despite the popularity of calling for a ceasefire among the population and especially within the Democratic party, the vast majority of Democrats in Congress have not called for a ceasefire. On Tuesday, several Democrat and Republican lawmakers spoke at a pro-Israel rally, during which speakers spoke against a ceasefire and the crowd chanted no ceasefire.Meanwhile, more than 400 employees of the Biden administration signed an open letter on Wednesday demanding that the president call for a Gaza ceasefire. The same day, 24 Democratic lawmakers, led by New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, signed a letter calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities.More than 11,300 Palestinians, nearly half children, have been killed by Israeli strikes since October 7. The Israeli government says around 1,200 Israelis were killed in Hamas surprise attack.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231115/gaza-condemned-to-disease-and-famine-by-israeli-siege-and-bombing-1114983296.html

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Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, a Jewish organization, has requested the resignation of Bochra Manai, Montreal's anti-racism commissioner, denouncing her inexcusable behavior in recent weeks.

Manai's silence and response infuriated several Jewish communities and have been condemned by Quebec politicians.

Jewish Organization Requests Resignation of Manai

On Tuesday, Eta Yudin, the Quebec vice-president of CIJA, said that Manai's silence and negligence shocked them towards the notable week of antisemitic terrorism in Montreal.

"Ms. Manai's response to the Molotov cocktails tossed at Jewish institutions: silence. Her response to the bullets fired at Jewish schools: silence again," she said.

CIJA said Manai shared posts on her social media from groups that celebrated the October 7 attack instead of speaking up about the attack.

Yudin said they were currently at a crucial moment in Montreal's history, as the Jewish community has been under attack. She noted that Quebecers could demand an anti-racism commissioner who considers principles and practices healthy judgment.

Another Jewish organization, B'nai Brith Canada, denounced the behavior of Manai and called it outrageous and unacceptable. The organization asked for accountability to help combat the hateful events in Montreal over the past week.

Read Also: Canadian-Israeli Peace Activist Vivian Silver Found Dead, Killed in Hamas Attack

Manai's Response to Criticisms

On Sunday evening, Manai posted the situation on her LinkedIn account after her public silence last week regarding her inaction to antisemitic incidents in Montreal.

She wrote, "We are all extremely worried about the increase in incidents and hate crimes, Islamophobic and antisemitic, which are exacerbated by the daily atrocity seen over more than 30 days in Palestine and Israel."

Then, on Tuesday evening, the city's public relations department sent a statement by Manai in response to calls for her resignation.

Manai defended herself in the statement but did not directly comment on the call for her resignation and the criticisms of her social media posts. She said that her recent social media posts were due to joining demonstrations in Montreal supporting a request for a ceasefire.

She added that attending the demonstrations was one of her duties as a woman committed to peace. She said that the recent events disheartened her, and she was deeply concerned with the rising hate crimes in the state.

Manai has participated in at least one pro-Palestinian protest in Montreal, Le Devoir.

She said she condemned the recent Islamophobic and antisemitic acts in Montreal and that targeting Jewish schools and people was a form of crime and must be punished by the law as they have no place in the state.

Manai explained her role to the city of Montreal and said she does not have a role of public representation. Instead, she said she was assigned to work with the municipal system to advance the change of the administration to be free of racism and systemic discrimination.

Furthermore, she said she was ready to face all organizations and hear all their sentiments. She was also willing to meet the representatives of the Arab-Muslim and Jewish communities.

Aref Salem, interim leader of Ensemble Montreal, the opposition party at city hall, also called out Manai, questioning if she should still keep the job as a commissioner on Tuesday.

Related Article: Suella Braverman's Resignation Letter Accuses PM Rishi Sunak of Betrayal



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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231115/new-blow-to-sunak-as-court-rules-rwanda-asylum-seekers-policy-unlawful-1114972949.html

New Blow to Sunak as Court Rules Rwanda Asylum-Seekers Policy Unlawful

New Blow to Sunak as Court Rules Rwanda Asylum-Seekers Policy Unlawful

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made it one of his five pledges to voters at the start of 2023 to "stop the boats" carrying trafficked migrants from France and other countries. Now his policy to deter them is in limbo.

2023-11-15T12:59+0000

2023-11-15T12:59+0000

2023-11-15T12:59+0000

suella braverman

rishi sunak

rwanda

united kingdom (uk)

european court of human rights (echr)

supreme court

world

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The UK's Supreme Court has upheld the appeal court's ruling that the the government's policy of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda is unlawful.The unanimous decision delivered on Wednesday morning by the body, formerly the Law Lords, dealt a blow to a blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's pledge to stop the flood of people-trafficking in dangerous small boats from the European continent.The policy, announced 18 months earlier under former PM Boris Johnson, would see illegal immigrants who claimed asylum in the UK after crossing other safe countries sent to the east African nation to apply for resettlement there.The Court of Appeal had previously ruled the policy unlawful in light of the UK's commitments to several international treaties which do not allow 'refoulement' of asylum claimants and refugees to to their home countries if their is risk they will suffer harm.Lord Justice Reed reviewed those arguments and claimed that there were "serious and systematic defects" in the Rwandan asylum claims system. He cited previous warnings to travellers from the Foreign Office and claims by the Home Office that the President Paul Kagame's government had plotted to kill Rwandan residents in the UK as evidence that the country  now a member of the Commonwealth of Nations  had a "poor human rights record."The judgement also made issue of Rwanda's "surprisingly high rate of rejection of asylum claims" by applicants from Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen, when British authorities had accepted migrants from the same countries.Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo objected to the court's accusation that his country was unsafe for asylum-seekers. Protesters celebrated outside the court in London after the decision was read out.The result will leave the prime minister open to further attacks from the Conservative backbenches, just weeks after a string of by-election defeats days and after a controversial cabinet reshuffle that saw anti-Brexit former PM David Cameron returning to the cabinet as Foreign Secretary.Sunak said the ruling was "not the outcome we wanted," but insisted that: "we have spent the last few months planning for all eventualities and we remain completely committed to stopping the boats."Former home secretary Suella Braverman, who Sunak sacked on Monday morning, condemned the PM in an open letter on Tuesday for "wishful thinking" that the government could apply the policy without withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights and amending the UK Human Rights Act."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," she continued. "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."

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230627/sending-illegal-migrants-to-rwanda-could-cost-uk-over-215000-each-1111496549.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230815/leaked-memo-shows-eu-will-block-deal-to-send-trafficked-migrants-back-to-france-1112605366.html

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uk rwanda asylum seeker deal, people trafficking to the uk, rishi sunak five pledges stop the boats
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231115/pentagon-quietly-ramps-up-ammo-for-israel-1114970857.html

Pentagon Quietly Ramps Up Ammo for Israel

Pentagon Quietly Ramps Up Ammo for Israel

Pentagon has reportedly been tacitly boosting military aid to Israel.

2023-11-15T11:18+0000

2023-11-15T11:18+0000

2023-11-15T17:33+0000

palestine-israel conflict

us

weapons

world

palestine

gaza

joe biden

hamas

apache

iron dome

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As Israel continues its operation to eliminate Hamas in the Gaza Strip whatever the costs, the Pentagon has reportedly been tacitly boosting military aid to its biggest non-NATO ally.Despite publicly voicing concern over the surging civilian death toll in Gaza, Washington is maintaining a "weapons pipeline" to cater to Israels military aid requests, reported Bloomberg.Thus, Israel has asked for over 57,000 155 mm high explosive artillery shells, 20,000 M4A1 rifles, 5,000 PVS-14 night vision devices, 3,000 M141 hand-held bunker-buster munitions, 400 120 mm mortars, and 75 army vehicles, specifically, the Army and Marine Corps new Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. Israel has also ostensibly requested 200 armor-piercing Switchblade 600 dive-bombing drones made by AeroVironment Inc., which the US Army does not have in its inventory.All of this is contained in an internal Defense Department list seen by the outlet. The catalogue of weapons shipped to Israel is reportedly contained in a Pentagon document, Israel Senior Leader, dated late October. Some of the weapons are already being delivered, while others are in the process of being provided by the US Defense Department from both American and Europe-based stockpiles, it was added. The report underscored that the US is ready to acquiesce to Israels weapons demands far beyond the provision of Iron Dome interceptors and precision munitions manufactured by Boeing Co. that was publicly announced earlier. Two Iron Dome batteries are currently en route to Israel by sealift.One tally purportedly revealed that 36,000 rounds of 30 mm cannon ammunition, 1,800 M141 bunker-buster munitions, and close to 3,500 night-vision devices had already been delivered to Israel by late October. Another tally is described as including around 2,000 Hellfire laser-guided missiles produced by Lockheed Martin Corp. These are intended for AH-64 Apache helicopter gunships. Another 36,000 rounds of 30 mm ammunition to be fired by the Apaches cannon are also on the cited weapons list. A further 312 Tamir missile interceptors have also been donated to Israel by the US.When asked to comment on the report, a Pentagon spokesman said that it was leveraging several avenues  from internal stocks to US industry channels  to ensure Israel has the means to defend itself.The spokesperson added that Israel was being provided by the US with 155 mm artillery shells, small-diameter bombs, precision-guided munitions, along with "Iron Dome interceptors and medical support equipment."Since the start of Israels campaign to target Hamas in retaliation for the militant groups attack on October 7, Washington has staunchly supported Tel Aviv. The Biden administration did make a feeble attempt at shuttle diplomacy, but had nothing to show for it. As the Israel Defense Forces intensified their Gaza operation to eliminate Hamas, global protests have surged 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. However, Washington has rejected calls for a ceasefire in hostilities even as hundreds of thousands of pro-Palestine protesters have taken to the streets across the US. Instead, the Biden administration urged for a humanitarian pause in Israels assault. The Biden administration has faced censure from non-governmental organizations for its provision of artillery shells, along with other munitions, to Israel. Over 30 such organizations wrote to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday to call on him to refrain from sending the 155 mm shells, saying:More than 500 former Biden campaign staffers also urged US President Joe Biden to press for a ceasefire in the besieged Gaza Strip. In their letter published online and signed by former employees of Bidens 2020 campaign, as well as the Democratic National Committee and state-level Democratic Party organizations, they pointed out, We were and continue to be horrified by the devastating Hamas attack against Israeli civilians on October 7. The group of staffers, calling themselves Biden Alumni for Peace and Justice, wrote:

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/israels-intent-to-genocide-palestinians-in-gaza-is-very-clear---journalist-1114949285.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/chaos--power-vacuum-in-wh-is-why-israel-snubs-us-advice-on-gaza---sy-hersh-1114939951.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/us-says-has-no-accurate-gaza-death-toll-but-far-too-many-innocent-palestinians-killed-1114961260.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231109/500-former-biden-campaign-staffers-write-letter-urging-israeli-ceasefire-in-gaza-1114854844.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231115/russian-special-forces-crush-brazen-ukrainian-ifv-near-atremovsk-1114967513.html

Russian Special Forces Crush 'Brazen' Ukrainian IFV Near Atremovsk

Russian Special Forces Crush 'Brazen' Ukrainian IFV Near Atremovsk

After several days of 'hunting,' soldiers of the "Siberia" special forces of the Yug battlegroup have destroyed an enemy infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), which was firing daily at the Russian positions near Artemovsk (Bakhmut)

2023-11-15T10:59+0000

2023-11-15T10:59+0000

2023-11-15T10:59+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

russian armed forces

russia

defense ministry

infantry fighting vehicle (ifv)

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The Siberia special forces of Battlegroup Yug achieved a significant victory after successfully neutralizing an impudent enemy infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) that had been incessantly attacking the Russian Armed Forces near Kleshcheyevka in the direction of Artemovsk (Bakhmut). The commander of the detachment recollected the tireless efforts of his soldiers during the 'hunt', which culminated in the destruction of the brazen IFV.According to the commander, the detachment initiated a search for the IFV. After carefully analyzing the enemy's movements for several days, the command determined the optimal location to launch an attack using the anti-tank missile system.He also mentioned that the command had chosen the position based on intelligence data and personal experience with the enemy's operational methods. The Defense Ministry reported on Wednesday, that during the day the Russian military repelled five attacks by Ukrainian forces in the area of Kleshcheyevka and Maloilyinovka, destroying two armored combat vehicles and three pickup trucks. According to the military authorities, Kiev lost as many as 300 servicemen.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231110/ukraine-risks-losing-entire-fleet-of-leopard-tanks-1114870287.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231115/russias-second-arktika-m-satellite-to-be-launched-on-december-16---source-1114966765.html

Russia's Second Arktika-M Satellite to Be Launched on December 16 - Source

Russia's Second Arktika-M Satellite to Be Launched on December 16 - Source

The second Arktika-M satellite, necessary for monitoring the Northern Sea Route among other goals, will be launched into orbit from the Baikonur spaceport on December 16, a source in the rocket and space industry has told Sputnik.

2023-11-15T04:57+0000

2023-11-15T04:57+0000

2023-11-15T04:57+0000

russia

arctic

russia

baikonur

roscosmos

soyuz-2.1b

arktika

science & tech

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"According to the preliminary plan, the launch of the Soyuz-2.1b rocket with the Fregat upper stage and the Arktika-M satellite 2 is scheduled for 12.17 p.m. Moscow time [09:17 GMT] on December 16, 2023," the source said. Russian state space corporation Roscosmos earlier said that the satellite was delivered by rail from a facility of NPO Lavochkin, also known as the Lavochkin Research and Production Association, in the town of Khimki in the Moscow region to Baikonur on November 14, and its launch was scheduled for December. The Arktika-M satellites operate in a highly elliptical orbit, which allows them to explore the Arctic region. The two spacecraft would provide round-the-clock monitoring of the Earth's surface and clouds, as well as seas in the Arctic region. In the future, it is planned to have four Arktika-M in orbit. Alexander Sergeev, the former president of the Russian Academy of Sciences, has earlier said that this would make it possible to monitor the Arctic region every 15 minutes and receive up to two million images per year. It is planned that two more satellites will be added to the constellation by 2031.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231027/russia-launches-soyuz-21b-space-rocket-with-satellites-for-defense-ministry-1114521352.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231115/stopgap-bill-to-pass-senate-row-over-govt-shutdown-brinksmanship-1114977336.html

Stopgap Bill to Pass Senate, Row Over Gov't Shutdown 'Brinksmanship'

Stopgap Bill to Pass Senate, Row Over Gov't Shutdown 'Brinksmanship'

The government shutdown "is going to be averted", with the stopgap bill passing the Senate, Dr. Robert Hockett told Sputnik.

2023-11-15T16:48+0000

2023-11-15T16:48+0000

2023-11-15T16:48+0000

analysis

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us government shutdown

joe biden

mike johnson

ukraine

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democrats

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The looming threat of a US government shutdown has become a deja vu phenomenon, with lawmakers time and again clashing over spending as they pursue their parties agendas. On this occasion, the funding deadline expires on November 17, and to avert a federal shutdown a stopgap measure was passed in the House on Tuesday. Next, it needs to pass the Senate and be signed into law by President Joe Biden.A government shutdown "is going to be averted," Dr. Robert Hockett told Sputnik.And I also think that [Speaker Mike] Johnson might very well avoid being ousted by the Republicans, the professor of law and public policy said, adding:It's worth recalling that the former House speaker, Kevin McCarthy, was ousted after he presented his version of a stopgap bill on the House floor in late September. At the time some Republicans accused him of working with the Democrats on the bill, and a conservative revolt led to his removal.Robert Hockett also pointed out that the new House speaker, Mike Johnson, appeared to display savvy throughout his recent moves to try to avert a shutdown.The bill passed on Tuesday does not include US President Joe Biden's requests for Ukraine and Israel, or the border with Mexico, and lacks spending cuts. Furthermore, the continuing resolution (CR) differed from previous stopgap bills in that it features a two-tiered scheme. In line with this, it funds certain programs until January 19, while the Pentagon and other national security programs are funded until February 2. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) describes it as a "laddered CR" and argues it will "stop the absurd holiday-season omnibus tradition of massive, loaded up spending bills introduced right before the Christmas recess."While Democrats in the two chambers have reportedly commended Johnson's bill as one avoiding the spending cuts the GOP had argued for, Republicans of the House Freedom Caucus have railed against it specifically for this reason.Amid reports that the Democrats and Republicans in the Senate are in agreement to support the bifurcated CR, Robert Hockett voiced the opinion that the dominant take away at the moment is that the lawmakers have learned a lesson from the chaos earlier in the autumn.When it comes to the current stopgap funding measure, "There's no doubt that the Senate will not pass this as is. If it gets passed, they're going to do it in their own way and they're going to put their own spin on it," said economist Mark Frost.At the same time he suggested that the entire row over the looming government shutdown was basically brinksmanship and saber rattling.Looking ahead to when the stopgap bill will have expired, and bearing in mind the current discontent of the Freedom Caucus, the pundit nevertheless felt that Johnson's continued ability to serve as speaker would not be impaired.In Dr. Robert Hockett's opinion, even the Republicans unhappy with the current bill probably kind of figured out now that they're going to lose that majority in the midterms next November if present trends continue. That is to say, they were likely becoming aware that constantly tanking the government was not going to pay off in political terms, especially when getting close to an election.Regarding the fact that the stopgap bill omits Joe Biden's $106 billion overall supplemental funding request for Israel, Ukraine, and even the border issue, Mark Frost stressed that the US has already spent way too much money. Regarding aid to Ukraine and Israel, he underscored that he was troubled by Washingtons involvement in both conflicts.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/us-house-clears-stopgap-funding-measure-to-avert-government-shutdown--1114962430.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/countdown-to-shutdown-new-speaker-haunted-by-mccarthys-ghost-in-us-spending-bill-battle-1114942774.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231115/sunak-vows-to-start-transferring-migrants-to-rwanda-in-early-2024-despite-uk-court-ruling-1114990360.html

Sunak Vows to Start Transferring Migrants to Rwanda in Early 2024 Despite UK Court Ruling

Sunak Vows to Start Transferring Migrants to Rwanda in Early 2024 Despite UK Court Ruling

UK PM Rishi Sunak said on Wednesday that flights to transfer undocumented migrants from the United Kingdom to Rwanda would start in the spring of 2024 as planned, despite the Supreme Court's ruling that the measure is unlawful.

2023-11-15T22:28+0000

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Earlier in the day, the UK Supreme Court declared unlawful the removal of asylum seekers to Rwanda and therefore rejected the Home Office's appeal to revise a similar decision of a lower court. Sunak held talks with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, and the two leaders agreed to continue their cooperation on migration issues despite the court's ruling, the UK government said. The UK prime minister also pledged to introduce emergency legislation to make sure that the Rwanda plan is not blocked again. The UK government is working on a new migration agreement with Rwanda, Sunak said. A cabinet spokesman added later that the document would be presented for review in the coming days. Newly-appointed UK Interior Minister James Cleverly said the agreement would be upgraded to a treaty level. Undocumented migration has been a pressing issue for the UK for years and intensified after the country left the European Union in 2020. In April 2022, the UK and Rwanda signed a migration agreement, stipulating that people recognized by the UK government as undocumented migrants or asylum seekers will be deported to Rwanda for the processing of their documents, obtaining asylum, and relocation.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230629/uk-appeals-court-labels-rwanda-deportation-scheme-for-illegal-migrants-unlawful-1111548528.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231115/the-fighting-between-the-obamas-and-bidens-is-comical--1114962774.html

The Fighting Between the Obama's and Biden's Is Comical

The Fighting Between the Obama's and Biden's Is Comical

On todays episode of The Backstory, host Rachel Blevins discussed current events including team Obama attack on Joe Biden, RFK Jr's comments about America's... 15.11.2023, Sputnik International

2023-11-15T11:42+0000

2023-11-15T11:42+0000

2023-11-15T11:42+0000

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The Fighting Between the Obama's and Biden's Is Comical On todays episode of The Backstory, host Rachel Blevins discussed current events including team Obama attack on Joe Biden, RFK Jr's comments about America's loyalty to Israel, and President Biden to meet with President Xi in San Francisco.

In the first hour, Rachel spoke with international investigative journalist Vanessa Beeley about the recent US airstrikes on Syria, Syria fighting back against US aggression, and Hezbollah paying close attention to Israel's offensive in Gaza. Vanessa explained the recent US airstrikes in Syria and the reason for the airstrikes to keep Syria from helping fight against Israel.Rachel spoke with California attorney and former radio host Brian Wright about the upcoming APEC summit in San Francisco. Brian described his view of the US corporate media and how they don't cover the news anymore. Brian also talked about the news making a big deal out of Gavin Newsome's clean-up job in San Francisco.In the second hour, Rachel spoke with National Director of the America First PAC Tom Norton about the government shutdown deadline, Speaker Johnson's next move to keep the government open, and President Trump is the clear nominee for the Republican party in 2024. Tom explained why he believes Speaker Mike Johnson should pass a stop-gap measure and shut down the government.Rachel spoke with attorney, media relations specialist Tyler Nixon about the allegations of Donald Trump's refusal to leave the White House, hearsay statements from former Trump lawyer Jenna Ellis, and David Axelrod's attack on Joe Biden's 2024 Presidential run. Tyler discussed former President Obama's influence on the Democrat party and why David Axelrod would come out and attack Joe Biden now?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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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231115/thousands-rally-in-washington-dc-supporting-israel-demanding-no-ceasefire-1114964785.html

Thousands Rally In Washington DC, Supporting Israel, Demanding No Ceasefire

Thousands Rally In Washington DC, Supporting Israel, Demanding No Ceasefire

Thousands gathered in Washington to show their support for Israel's bombing campaign in Gaza and demand that a ceasefire not be granted.

2023-11-15T03:54+0000

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2023-11-15T03:54+0000

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Dubbed the March for Israel the event was organized by the Jewish Federations for North America, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, and other Jewish groups. They described the event as standing in solidarity with the Israeli people while demanding the immediate release of the remaining hostages and to condemn the rise in antisemitism.The event was also in response to protests nationwide that have called for a ceasefire in Gaza and condemning the indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas. On November 4, a protest in support of a ceasefire gathered between 100,000 and 300,000 people in Washington. More than 3,700 demonstration in solidarity with Palestinians took place between October 7 and 27.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) spoke at the event, which also featured leaders of Jewish organizations, celebrities and Christian televangelist John Hagee, who founded Christians United for Israel.Hagees invitation drew criticism from some Jewish groups because he claimed during a 1999 sermon that God sent Adolf Hitler to help Jews reach the promised land. The evangelical Christian would eventually apologize for the comment nearly a decade later. In 2006, he said Hurricane Katrina, which killed 2,000 people, was Gods punishment for a gay pride parade.After he was added to the speakers list, Amy Spitalnick, the CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs tweeted the organization's opposition. We can build broad coalitions against antisemitism and in support of the Israeli people without platforming bigots like Pastor Hagee  who promotes an apocalyptic, antisemitic worldview rooted in hate against LGBTQ, Muslim, and other communities, the tweet read.American political commentator Van Jones called for the crowd to take a stand against anti-Jewish bigotry, lets take a stand against Muslims, lets take a stand against hatred.Protesters carried signs with pictures of hostages taken by Hamas, as well as pleas to bring them home. Other signs were more aggressive, calling to Let Israel finish the job and Many Gazan civilians are Hamas or in training. One sign on social media stated From the sea to the river, Israel is forever a play on the Palestinian slogan From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free a statement that the Anti-Defamation League contends is an antisemitic slogan.The speakers were unified in their calls for Hamas to release the hostages. On Monday, it was reported that Hamas was willing to release 70 of the women and children hostages if Israel agreed to a five-day ceasefire and released some of its female and child prisoners.Schumer, Johnson, Jeffries and Ernst joined each other on stage, holding hands and proclaiming We stand with Israel, and Israeli President Issac Herzog addressed the crowd by video, saying that there was no greater cause than this.Organizers claimed that 290,000 people attended the event, though the crowd looked much smaller than protest events which were estimated at much lower. The aforementioned Palestine protest in DC was estimated to have been attended by 300,000 supporters according to its organizers, but images and videos of the event appeared to show a crowd multiple times larger than the pro-Israel event.The Israel on Campus Coalition, a Jewish advocacy group, was offering microgrants to reimburse Israeli students who attended the event. It claims on its website that it successfully allocated funding to help thousands of students attend the event. According to a Jewish site blog post from before the event, the Israel on Campus Coalition was offering $250 for students to attend the event.What looked to be a few hundred counter protesters gathered across the street from pro-Israel rally, both sides stayed peaceful during the event, according to reports.Early in November, UN experts warned that time is running out to prevent genocide and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Since that time, the conflict has only escalated, with Israel launching a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip and increasing involvement of Hezbollah in Lebanon.According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, roughly 11,400 Palestinians, more than one out of every 200 residents in Gaza, have been killed by Israeli strikes since October 7, including more than 4,100 children. More are suspected dead, with their bodies uncounted under the rubble.According to official numbers, roughly 1,200 Israelis died during Hamas October 7 attack.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231115/unicef-to-sputnik-hostilities-have-catastrophic-impact-on-gaza-children-1114950205.html

UNICEF to Sputnik: Hostilities Have Catastrophic Impact on Gaza Children

UNICEF to Sputnik: Hostilities Have Catastrophic Impact on Gaza Children

Over 4,600 children have reportedly been killed and over 8,600 injured, with more than 1,500 reported missing and presumed to be under rubble, UNICEFs Middle... 15.11.2023, Sputnik International

2023-11-15T12:28+0000

2023-11-15T12:28+0000

2023-11-15T12:28+0000

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UNICEF stated that the escalation of hostilities is having a catastrophic impact on children and families, while providing the new number of casualties in the enclave.In turn, Ammar Ammar, regional chief of advocacy and communication of UNICEF's Middle East and North Africa Regional Office told Sputnik that the organization does not have a list of children killed in the Gaza Strip, as only the Gazan Ministry of Health has it.As Gazans have no access to clean water, which poses a lethal threat to children, the UNICEF representative added:The current hostilities have already impacted the psychological well-being of Gaza's children, and as the UNICEF Office stressed, this "will be further impacted the longer the escalation of hostilities continues."UNICEF and its partners are providing "much needed lifesaving aid into the Gaza Strip" through the Rafah border crossing, including water, water treatment materials, health equipment and medicines, hygiene kits, and humanitarian cash assistance.However, the organization pointed out that this aid "is just a drop in an ocean of the immense and urgent needs of children and families in Gaza." UNICEF reiterated that its staff continues to respond to the critical needs of children across the Gaza Strip, but access is becoming increasingly difficult and dangerous.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231030/more-children-killed-in-gaza-in-three-weeks-than-in-wars-worldwide-since-2019-charity-1114598164.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231115/us-air-force-bases-to-face-unimaginably-worse-attacks-than-during-cold-war---pentagon-1114986280.html

US Air Force Bases to Face Unimaginably Worse Attacks Than During Cold War - Pentagon

US Air Force Bases to Face Unimaginably Worse Attacks Than During Cold War - Pentagon

US Air Force bases around the world will face "unimaginably worse" attacks in the future than during the Cold War, Air Force Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff Thomas Lawhead said on Wednesday.

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2023-11-15T17:44+0000

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"The scale and the capability of attacks that the force will see in the near- to mid-term future are unimaginably worse than what we experienced during the Cold War," Lawhead stated during a virtual Aerospace Nation event on Air Force Futures. Lawhead noted that the US military had learned how to prevent such attacks against its bases, but emphasized the importance of base defense, logistics under attack, and agile combat employment. Those measures would allow the United States to generate combat resources that the military needs, Lawhead added. The number of attacks on US airbases increased significantly between October 17 and November 6, with Islamic militia groups attacking US bases in Syria and Iraq 38 times, resulting in 46 soldiers being injured, according to the Defense Department.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231022/air-base-shelled-with-rockets-in-western-iraq-1114400064.html

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Princess Diana's biographer, Andrew Morton, anticipates that the upcoming series finale of The Crown will reopen emotional wounds surrounding the late Princess of Wales.

Scheduled for release on Netflix, the final installment of Peter Morgan's biopic will delve into the weeks preceding Princess Diana's tragic death and the subsequent fallout within the royal family, as per Mail Online.

The Crown's Emotional Finale, Princess Diana's Legacy

In an interview with Radio Times, Morton, known for his 'unauthorized, authorized biography' of Diana, shared his connection to the events portrayed in the series.

He vividly recalls the day he learned of Princess Diana's death and emphasizes the sensitivity with which The Crown team approached the portrayal of her untimely demise.

The emotional narrative of the first four episodes focuses on the tragic car crash in Paris that claimed Princess Diana's life, alongside her lover Dodi Fayed and their chauffeur Henri Paul.

The series also explores the Royal Family's reaction to the tragedy, providing a nuanced perspective on the events leading up to and following Diana's death. The Crown faces criticism for controversial scenes, including Charles tenderly conversing with an imaginary Diana on the royal plane and her apparition appearing to the Queen.

Series creator Peter Morgan clarifies that the intention is not to depict Diana as a traditional ghost but to showcase her continuing influence on those she left behind.

The filming process challenged the cast, especially in recreating Diana's last days with new love Dodi aboard his father's yacht. The difficulty of the time is portrayed as Charles breaks the news to William and Harry about their mother's death.

Laughter was also shared by the cast during set-piece banquets and other regal events held at Windsor Castle. The final six episodes of the series, which will premiere in December, will delve into the Royal Family's transition beyond Diana's passing.

The storyline proceeds to encompass the burgeoning romance between William and Kate during their time at St Andrew's, culminating in the matrimonial union of Charles and Camilla in April 2005. The decision to end the series at this point is explained as a cutoff to maintain historical rather than journalistic focus.

Dominic West, who plays Prince Charles, shares his admiration for the character and the challenges of portraying him. He emphasizes a compassionate and well-balanced portrayal, detailing how he and Olivia Williams, who plays Camilla, used "trigger phrases" to get into character, according to TDPel Media.

Read Also: Chrissy Teigen Suffers 'Hilarious' Wardrobe Malfunction at Baby2Baby Gala But Laughs It Off Anyway

Glimpse Into Princess Diana's Legacy

Imelda Staunton, who plays the Queen, highlights the importance of costumes in capturing the essence of her character. The handmade outfits and meticulous attention to detail contribute to an authentic representation of the royal family's history.

Meanwhile, Princess Diana's biographer reveals a behind-the-scenes story from the time of writing her biography. Andrew Morton shares how he paid off a photographer to keep Princess Diana's involvement a secret.

The photographer, Terence Donovan, had a photograph of Diana that could have exposed her cooperation with the biography. After negotiations, a settlement was reached to maintain Donovan's silence, preserving Diana's ability to navigate her future arrangements with her husband and the royal family.

As The Crown's final season approaches its release, fans eagerly anticipate the culmination of the series, re-creating critical moments in history and offering insights into the lives of the Royal Family.

We are provided with a glimpse into the diligent efforts made to accurately depict the characters and effectively convey the historical narrative. Elizabeth Debicki, the talented actress portraying the iconic role of Diana, opens up about the profound emotional impact of recreating the intense car chase in Paris.

Debicki candidly describes the experience as "completely unbearable," shedding light on the toll it took on her during filming. Netflix has announced that the highly anticipated final series will make its debut on November 16th. Following this, viewers can look forward to the next batch of episodes arriving on December 14th, Telegraph reported.

Related Article: Rare Century-Old 'Inverted Jenny' Stamp Sells for Staggering $2 Million at Auction

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231115/us-air-strikes-aimed-at-hindering-syrian-support-for-palestine-1114976537.html

US Air Strikes Aimed at Hindering Syrian Support for Palestine

US Air Strikes Aimed at Hindering Syrian Support for Palestine

Both Israel and the US have escalated their aggression against Syria since October 7, when Hamas staged a mass armed breakout from the besieged Gaza Strip. Vanessa Beeley said they were trying to provoke a military confrontation.

2023-11-15T16:29+0000

2023-11-15T16:29+0000

2023-11-15T16:29+0000

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The US is ramping up air attacks on Syria in a bid to end Syria's decades-long support for Palestinian liberation: investigative journalist Vanessa Beeley told Sputnik that the US was using its aircraft based in the Middle East, along with its proxy forces inside Syria, to destabilize the Arab republic.The response from President Bashar al-Assad's government has been to slowly increase pressure on the US troops illegally occupying north-east Syria's oil and gas fields.The US air raids have targeted border crossings used as a lifeline to the sanctions-hit country from its allies Iraq and Iran.The journalist said the US escalation may backfire on its small forces in Syria."What we've been seeing are in the Conoco American occupation base, 15 missiles launched by the Syrian Arab Army directly because the launching system is only used by the Syrian Arab Army," Beeley said. "So we can only conclude that now the Syrian Arab Army is changing the rules of engagement. It has shot down a US drone also in the last few days."The situation on Syria's disputed frontier with Israel has also heated up.The journalist said Israel's recent attacks on Damascus and Aleppo airports were part of an escalation of existing conflicts in the region.She noted that the two airports were now closed, more du to the risk of further air attacks than damage to the runways, as "Syria is not prepared to put civilian aircraft at risk."She argued that was in preparation for a looming military escalation. "They believe that is going to come between Israel and Syria at some point. So they've been probing Syria's defense."* Islamic State (ISIS or Daesh) is an international terrorist organization banned in Russia and by United Nation Security Council resolutions.For more in-depth analysis of world affairs, tune in to our Sputnik Radio show The Backstory.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231113/iraqi-militia-launch-drone-attacks-at-2-other-us-military-bases-in-syria-1114918497.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20231115/what-we-know-about-gazas-al-shifa-hospital-raided-by-israel-1114967021.html

What We Know About Gaza's Al-Shifa Hospital Raided by Israel

What We Know About Gaza's Al-Shifa Hospital Raided by Israel

What is known about the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza Strip.

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Amid its war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Israel has announced that its military is carrying out a "precise and targeted operation" at Al-Shifa Hospital. Israel has alleged that Hamas has its headquarters burrowed deep underneath the largest medical complex in the enclave, with the militant group denying the claims.Earlier in the day, it was reported that the Israeli military had officially notified the medical personnel of the hospital of its intention to storm the building. Huddled inside the largest medical facility in the besieged enclave, alongside hundreds of patients and staff, are reportedly several thousand people who have sought shelter there amid Israels relentless campaign.Sputnik takes a look at what is known about Al-Shifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip.Gaza's Largest HospitalThe sprawling complex that is the Dar al-Shifa Hospital comprises a group of buildings six stories high. This is the largest medical facility in Gaza, and before the Israeli campaign began, it was able to provide between 600 and 900 beds, and had thousands of staff. The hospital also became a shelter for Palestinians once Israel launched its strikes and then ground operation in retaliation for Hamas' attack on October 7. Besides the strikes on the enclave, Israel has imposed a total siege on Gaza, which is home to some 2.3 million people, cutting it off from deliveries of food, water, electricity, and fuel. Accordingly, conditions inside Gazas hospitals, including Al-Shifa, have deteriorated rapidly. According to local health authorities, the medical facility is no longer considered operational, with doctors describing the situation for those still inside as catastrophic.Over 11,000 people have died since Israel launched its operation targeting Hamas in Gaza, as per the enclave's health authorities, among them 4,650 children.Why is Israel Targeting Gaza Hospital?Under international humanitarian law, hospitals are protected against attacks in times of war. However, according to an Israeli statement, Hamas continued military use of the Shifa hospital jeopardizes its protected status.Gaza is alleged of being home to a vast network of Hamas tunnels, and Al-Shifa Hospital has long been singled out by Israel as sitting on top of the militant group's headquarters. Earlier in its campaign, the Israeli military released 3D-rendered footage showing the alleged extent of a Hamas headquarters ostensibly located deep underneath Al-Shifa. The video, published by COGAT, a unit of the Ministry of Defense tasked with coordinating civilian issues between the government, military, international organizations, and the Palestinian Authority, shows an alleged massive underground complex, including a vast network of tunnels, conference rooms, arms and fuel caches, and even a makeshift weapons factory.Alongside the rendered video, COGAT also published a map of the Shifa Hospital complex alongside what it says are underground Hamas facilities, including a command and control center.On Tuesday, the Pentagon echoed Israels claims, and stated that newly declassified intelligence showed Hamas was using hospitals, including Al-Shifa, to support their military operations.Kirby refrained from adding details, but claimed that a variety of intelligence sources had supported these allegations.Neither Israeli nor US claims have been independently verified.'Massacres Against Civilians'Hamas has dismissed the allegations. The group issued a statement blaming Israel and the United States for the raid on the Gazan hospital. The US had given Israel a green light  to commit more massacres against civilians" by supporting Israels false narrative, Hamas stated.It added:Three hours before the Israel-announced raid on the medical facility, Dr. Ashraf Al-Qudra, spokesman for the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, issued a statement saying that any international observers were welcome to inspect the medical facilities at Al-Shifa Hospital."There are 1,500 medical staff members and around 7,000 displaced people inside Al-Shifa Medical Complex. We appeal to all countries to take urgent action to save the patients inside, he added. Al-Qudra issued the statement while saying that Israeli military vehicles had surrounded the hospital complex, with shelling ongoing around the hospital.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/israeli-strikes-on-gaza-hospitals-should-be-investigated-as-war-crimes---hrw-1114941950.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231027/fact-or-fiction-idf-animation-shows-alleged-hamas-hq-underneath-gaza-hospital-1114533057.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/israels-intent-to-genocide-palestinians-in-gaza-is-very-clear---journalist-1114949285.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231019/hamas-labyrinth-idfs-nightmare-what-is-known-about-vast-tunnel-network-beneath-gaza-1114332904.html

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The Jordan Derue-trained Mixed Emotion, a three-year-old colt by Real Desire, put in a career-best performance on Tuesday afternoon (Nov. 14) at Saratoga Casino Hotel.

Derue sat behind Mixed Emotion, who drew the rail in his $8,000 pacing division of a non-winners of two races lifetime just two starts removed from winning while coming from off the pace. Following a second-place finish last Tuesday, Mixed Emotion was the 3-5 betting favourite this week as he sat the pocket to rival Four Foot Gimme (Billy Dobson), who was fresh off a four-race stint in the Gary Kamal Memorial Pacing Series.

Four Foot Gimme was strong on the lead throughout and even drew away from Mixed Emotion for a bit while heading to the three-quarter pole. Those two paced away from their rivals around the final turn and in the stretch, Mixed Emotion got the better of Four Foot Gimme en route to a career-best 1:55 score.

It was the third victory from 24 starts this season for Mixed Emotion, who is owned by Olivia Derue, Anthony Ciuffetelli, Kapildeo Singh and the FBP Racing Stable.

Four Foot Gimme was the runner-up to complete a $22.20 exacta while Yepyepyep (Phil Fluet) earned the show spot to wrap up a $69 trifecta.

Live harness racing resumes on Saturday evening with a first post time of 5 p.m.

(Saratoga Casino Hotel)
Deborah Warnick's homebred Royal Beep Beep ($2.20) solidified himself as a likely favourite in next week's Delaware Standardbred Breeders' Fund (DSBF) series final for two-year-old male trotters with a decisive 1:59.3 score in the first of two $20,000 second-round preliminary events on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at Bally's Dover.

In line to Tim Tetrick, Royal Beep Beep won a three-horse battle to the first turn, pushing through from the pole position to seat LGs Bluestone (Art Stafford Jr.) in the pocket through a :29.2 first quarter. The Yankee Royalty-Beep Beep Bye Bye gelding travelled uncontested through middle splits of :59.2 and 1:29.4 before gradually extending his margin of victory over LGs Bluestone to three lengths. Its Oliver Now (Corey Callahan) finished third.

After sweeping both of his preliminary divisions, Royal Beep Beep has won four of eight career starts for trainer Jason Skinner and has earned $61,368.

LGs Jaxon ($2.80) and driver Jim Morand also prevailed at odds-on, controlling fractions of :29.2 and 1:00 before parrying a challenge from Pretty Two (Carlo Poliseno) at three-quarters in 1:29.2 and edging clear to win by 2-1/2 lengths in 1:59.2. First-round winner Trout Master (Pat Berry) finished third.

Now a four-time winner in six starts, LGs Jaxon has earned $91,000 for Teresa Givens' Nanticoke Racing. Les Givens trains the Rolls Blue Chip-Miss Jocelyn gelding.

In addition to two-time preliminary winner Royal Beep Beep and single-leg winners LGs Jaxon and Trout Master, the following horses have qualified for the $110,000 DSBF series final, to be held next Tuesday, Nov. 21: LGs Bluestone, Pretty Two, Its Oliver Now, Pulsator and Workslikeacharm.

Black Hope and his 21-year-old reinsman, Cole Olsen, upset the field in the $25,000 Open Handicap Trot on Tuesday.

Crystal Fashion and JL Cruze left alertly as they approached the opening panel. Crystal Fashion designated himself the pacesetter as he posted an opening panel in :27.4 and half in :57.1. Black Hope moved off the rail from fifth in the front of the stands, picking up cover from Muscle Dynasty. With a misstep from his cover, Black Hope was left first-over on the outside en route to the three-quarters in 1:25.2. Olsen sent his charge into high gear on the attack for Crystal Fashion. In deep stretch, Black Hope broke away to win by a half length in 1:54.4. JL Cruze (Art Stafford Jr.) finished second with Crystal Fashion (Tim Tetrick) third.

Black Hope, a four-year-old Bar Hopping-Blacksirenpedia gelding, is owned and trained by Darren Olsen.

Tetrick had five driving wins on the card.

On Thursday, Nov. 16, there will be two divisions of the Progress Pace elimination races. The first four finishers in each elimination race will return for the $260,000 Progress Pace final on Wednesday, Nov. 22.

Dover Downs races Monday through Thursday with a first post of 4:30 p.m.

(With files from the Delaware Standardbred Breeders' Fund and Bally's Dover)
It was Moment Is Heres resemblance to his father, All Bets Off, that first attracted co-owner Frank Baldachino to the now three-year-old pacer. After watching Moment Is Here compete for two years, Baldachino has seen that the parallels go beyond looks.

Hes very similar to his dad, said Baldachino. Hes a good, honest, hard-hitting racehorse. He tries hard, hes got good gate speed and hes tactical so you can race him either way, on the pace or off. He gives you a hundred per cent every time he steps on the racetrack. Hes a consummate professional.

Moment Is Here has earned a paycheque in 28 of 31 career races, banking $694,371 in the process. Hes posted 23 top three finishes, including eight wins and 10 seconds. His victories include the Ontario Sire Stakes Super Final in October and an elimination of the Little Brown Jug in September.

The gelding, a son of All Bets Off-Breathtacular, was bred by Canadian Hall of Famer Bob McIntosh, who also co-owned and trained the horse for his first 30 starts. Following the Ontario Sire Stakes Super Final, Moment Is Here sold for $285,500 USD to Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, Baldachino, and Lombardo/Green Racing in an onGait.com auction. Baldachino is the only member of Moment Is Heres previous ownership group to retain a share of the horse.

When the horse was going up for sale, I told Ronnie [Burke] and Mark [Weaver] about the horse, said Baldachino. I told them we should try to acquire him if the price is right. Thanks to Mark and Ronnie, they kind of agreed with me and liked him enough. They bought in with some other partners.

The horse was in good hands [with McIntosh] and he will continue in good hands.

Of course, the Burke Brigade shares a strong connection to Moment Is Heres father. All Bets Off was trained by Burke after his first seven starts at age two and went on to earn more than $3.1 million during his six-year career. He won 12 times on the Grand Circuit, with his most lucrative score coming in the 2014 Messenger Pace, and also was a New York Sire Stakes champion.

For his career, All Bets Off hit the board in 70 of 123 races, winning 30. He earned a paycheque 100 times.

Every week All Bets Off was grinding, said Baldachino, who was among the owners of the stallion during his racing days. He wouldnt win all the time, but he would be right there at the wire. He wasnt flashy but he got the job done. The real flashy part about him was his bank account. Ill take that any day of the week.

All Bets Off earned just over $2 million after the age of three, which might bode well for Moment Is Here.

Hopefully, hell be a top-flight four-year-old for us, and more, going forward, Baldachino said about Moment Is Here. 'Bets' got better as he got older and, so far, everything else has translated over.

Moment Is Here will make his stakes debut for his new connections on Thursday in the second of two $35,000 eliminations of the Progress Pace at Ballys Dover. Moment Is Here, who was supplemented to the event for $25,000, will start from post seven in a seven-horse field with Tim Tetrick in the sulky. He is 6-1 on the morning line.

Tetrick has driven Moment Is Here four times, winning three. He won the horses most recent start, a conditioned race Nov. 3 at Harrahs Philadelphia, as well as the Ontario Super Final and Little Brown Jug elim. He finished fourth in the Jug final after getting the lead in a :25.4 opening quarter and remaining on top through three-quarters in 1:22.

I thought he stamped himself as a top colt in the Jug elimination, said Baldachino. Timmy got him right out to the lead and he kind of drew off from there [to win by 3-1/2 lengths in 1:50.1]. And he raced real strong in the final. He got run at pretty good and he still held on for fourth. That day stood out to me.

Cannibal, who has won 11 of 17 races this season, including the Adios, is the 5-2 favourite in the second elim. Milstein Memorial winner Seven Colors is the 7-2 second choice followed by Indiana Sire Stakes champ Why Not Now, another supplemental entry, at 9-2.

I expect [Moment Is Here] to race well on Thursday night in his elimination and, hopefully, if we get lucky enough, in the final, said Baldachino. His first start [for us] at [Philly] was real strong and hes trained well this week leading up to the race. Timmy gets along with him well, so were all pretty confident hell race well.

Millionaire Stockade Seelster is the 2-1 favourite in the first Progress Pace elimination.

The top four finishers from each elimination will return for the final on Nov. 22 at Dover.

Racing begins at 4:30 p.m. (EST) at Dover. For a free race program, click here.

(With files from USTA)
Following the devastating loss of 30 Standardbreds in a Tioga Downs barn fire last Thursday, Nov. 9, the global harness racing community has rallied in support of the horsepeople who have suffered unimaginable emotional and financial loss associated with the fire.

The 30 horses lost in the blaze, which investigators found to be a cruel and senseless act of arson, were trained by Allison Kolesar, Daniel Harvey, Edgar Clarke, Kevin Reynolds and Lee Morris. The horses have been given a proper burial near the backstretch of Tioga Downs and the stories of those horses have been shared in a tribute written by Jessica Hallett.

The outpouring of support for all those who suffered is being met by admirable contributions from all the wonderful people in the sport.

Donations from individuals, stables, businesses, racetracks and associations across the industry have poured in via various GoFundMe campaigns and fundraising efforts to aid in the recovery of the horsepeople that lost their beloved animals and livelihoods. In less than a week, as of Wednesday morning, Nov. 15, more than $167,000 USD has been raised through the Tioga Downs Horsemen campaign.

In addition to those contributions, Tioga Downs owner Jeff Gural pledged to match up to $100,000 of the money donated via the Tioga Downs Horsemen GoFundMe account from his tracks, which include The Meadowlands and Vernon Downs.

"It's just sad and senseless that this can happen so randomly," said Gural. "I have a farm 10 minutes away and I love my visits to Tioga for the racing and to spend time with the mares and foals at the farm.

"We're here to help and support these people who have suffered an unthinkable horror and must now rebulid their lives."

The United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA) has announced it will be making a $10,000 donation to the Southern Tier Harness Horsemens Association, designed to reach those directly affected by the senseless tragedy to start to rebuild their lives.

USHWA has a Welfare Committee, chaired by Treasurer Bill MacDonald and consisting of the president of each of the USHWA chapters, which usually reviews requests for aid by those touched by hardship. In this case, the loss was tremendous and obvious, and USHWA immediately initiated the poll within its Welfare Committee and executive members.

The membership of USHWA is devastated by the events taking place at Tioga, said Barry Lefkowitz, USHWA President. We stand behind the horsemen affected by this horrific incident and are trying to help them to make some headway into the incalculable damage as they try to bring some part of normalcy back to their lives, working with the horses they love so much.

The Standardbred Owners Association of New York's Board of Directors has also announced a donation of $5,000.

"This was a tragic incident for the Morris family, which took the lives of 12 of their beloved animals and will have a serious impact on the lives of this family," said Joseph Faraldo, SOA of NY President. "Hopefully, our donation will help ease their pain and assist them in recovering some of their losses and help rebuild their barn."

The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association (MSOA) announced its board voted on Tuesday to donate $5,000 to the relief effort.

A barn fire is the worst nightmare of horsemen and horsewomen, destroying beautiful animals who are at once beloved companions and sources of income, said Richard Gillock, MSOA President. We want that nightmare to end as quickly as possible for our Tioga brethren.

Gillock noted that MSOA members know first hand what the Tioga community is enduring, as The Meadows suffered a July 2001 barn fire that killed 28 horses.

Weve been in that situation, said Gillock, so we know that it will take support from our entire industry to help Tioga recover.

The Western New York Harness Horsemens Association (WNYHHA) announced on Friday, Nov. 17 that the organization will be donating $2,500 to support the affected individuals who are struggling with their loss, trying to recover financially and also move forward with their livelihoods.

Bruce Tubin, President of the WNYHHA, said, There is no bigger tragedy in our sport than a barn fire. We share the grief of our fellow horsemen and women and hope that through all the fundraising efforts, they can begin to rebuild.

Additional funds are being raised through stallion auctions via onGait.com and Preferred Equine Online.

Forty stallion breedings, including Confederate, Captaintreacherous, Tactical Landing, Tall Dark Stranger, Gimpanzee, Bettors Wish, Crazy Wow and Sweet Lou, were sold through onGait.com auctions on Tuesday with all proceeds -- more than $300,000 -- going towards the Tioga Fire Relief Fund.

Additional breedings to Jujubee (via OnGait) and Perfect Sting (via Preferred Equine Online) are being offered to support the fund.

Over the weekend, various regional racetracks also hosted memorials and tributes honouring the horses lost in the fire, including Vernon Downs, Batavia Downs, Saratoga Raceway and Northville Downs.

This story will be updated as recovery efforts continue.
CHADRON  Several Chadron State College committees have come together to host a Thanksgiving Tribute to Indigenous Peoples Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Center.

CSC President Ron K. Pattersons visit to three Pine Ridge Reservation schools in September with LuAnn Werdel, academic adviser, and Alex Helmbrecht, director of college relations, prompted the CSC event during Native American Month.

Werdel, chair of the committee organizing the event, said Patterson was in awe of the beauty of the landscape and the wonderful administrators, counselors, staff and students he met in South Dakota.

Chadron State College joins together to celebrate, with gratitude, a Thanksgiving Tribute to Indigenous Peoples. They have endured and thrived generation after generation. I am resolved to see that we work with our Native American partners toward providing access to higher education. This is the first step towards realizing that vision, Patterson said.

Traditional foods served by the cafeteria will include stew, fry bread and wojapi (pudding). CSC students with meal plans are invited and the public is invited to purchase a meal.

Among the cultural aspects of the program will be hoop dancer Tara Kingi of Rapid City, South Dakota. Student dancers from Lakota Tech High School in Pine Ridge will perform in the Dining Hall.

Art by the students will be displayed in the Student Center Ballroom along with educational posters and articles about a variety of topics including myths about Thanksgiving, food sovereignty and the three sisters of beans, corn and squash.

Sicangu Lakota artist Evans Flammond Sr., known for his ledger art, hide paintings and ceremonial and reproduction pieces, will be in the Ballroom demonstrating his work and will be available for discussions with students, faculty and staff.

Other tables in the Ballroom will feature CSC students working on native art, English students of Matt Evertsons who are reading Braiding Sweetgrass, and members of the Indigenous Recognition and Reconciliation Committee (IRRC) who will be available to discuss a land acknowledgment statement that is being developed.

Campus entities supporting the event include the administration, the START Office, Admissions, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, the IRRC, the Mari Sandoz Heritage Society, the Teaching, Learning and Professional Education Center, and Conferencing.
Gering High School students will soon leave a permanent mark at Northfield Elementary School through the construction of a preschool facility.

Preschool expansion has been a focus for Gering Public Schools in recent years, with programs started and expanded across the district. The Northfield expansion is particularly notable as it allows GHS Construction Trades Career Pathway students to gain valuable experience while also saving a significant sum of money for the district.

Gering superintendent Nicole Regan emphasized the importance of the high schools involvement in the project at a groundbreaking event on Monday, Nov. 13.

We want to thank Mr. (Travis) Gable and his amazing class here thats going to be part of a historic moment for Gering Public Schools, Regan said.

Regan also recognized the work of the districts business and finance director, Stacy Rodriguez, in planning the project in a creative and cost-effective way.

Northfield principal John Wiedeman reflected on the origins of the project, which date all the way back to 2019.

We sat down at a summer strategic planning meeting and set a goal for Gering Public Schools to have all 3- and 4-year-olds in Gering to have access to high quality early childhood education, with 50% of those in a GPS preschool, he said.

In 2019, Lincoln was the only Gering elementary school with a preschool program. Since then, programs have been added to both Northfield and Geil. During the 2023-2024 school year, each school is hosting two full preschool classrooms.

The new building at Northfield will house four classrooms, which Wiedeman said will be necessary as enrollment continues to increase.

We know the power of early intervention and early childhood education, and we want to continue to make that possible for our youngest students, Wiedeman said. Were excited to see the progress start being made here as the prep work gets finished.

Gable also spoke regarding the project and the involvement of his GHS students.

Typically, our program is involved in a residential type project throughout the surrounding areas. This year, we get the opportunity to help the district with a commercial type project. Its a little larger scale, but were able to use the same concepts we used in the residential setting, Gable said.

Gable described the structure as approximately 5,000 square feet with four classrooms, a common area, five bathrooms, an office area and maintenance area.

Its going to be an interesting project for this year, he said.

Gables students expressed their excitement for the project. Nevaeh Laeger said that working on a building for the school district would help them leave a mark on future Bulldogs.

Having seniors mostly build this project, I think its honestly an honor to be able to do that so we can give this opportunity to future Bulldogs who will be in our shoes one day, she said.

The preschool building project was included in the districts most recent budget, meaning it will impose no additional costs to taxpayers. Rodriguez said the total cost is around $900,000, some of which will be reimbursed by the Nebraska Department of Education through an expansion initiative.

Gable said that the project will hopefully be completed by the end of the school year, weather permitting.
The motorcycle bar shooting suspects in Denver have been identified by the Denver District Attorney's Office. It took the law enforcement authorities almost 10 days to have a lead to the shooters.

Now, the Denver District Attorney's Office provided new details about the shooting incident on Tuesday, Nov. 14, saying that the suspects were Todd Washington and Shon McPherson.

Denver: Motorcycle Bar Shooting Suspects Finally Identified

According to CBS News' latest report, McPherson and Washington allegedly started a shooting incident in the Park Hill neighborhood on Nov. 5.

The deadly shooting, which specifically happened outside a Hell's Lovers bar at 5514 33rd Avenue led to the death of 43-year-old Michael David and 39-year-old Joshua Batts. Aside from them, three other individuals were badly injured.

District Attorney Beth McCann claimed that the suspects did the senseless shooting just to solve disputes. They relied on their guns to resolve whatever issue they were facing at the bar.

However, their deadly actions accidentally killed and injured other people around them.

As of writing, McPherson and Washington are both facing numerous counts of first-degree murder and attempted murder. Authorities said that they saw the "PRIVET CLUB H.L. M.C." sign posted on the side of the bar's door, hinting that the establishment is owned by the notorious motorcycle gang Hell's Lovers.

However, they are unsure if the two shooters are members of this motorcycle club. More information about the incident is expected to be released as law enforcement continues their investigation.

Read Also: Georgia Couple Arrested in 1988 Death of Toddler Found Encased in Concrete; 'Baby Jane Doe' Identified as Kenyatta Odom

Other Details of Denver Motorcycle Bar Shooting

The Denver Post reported that gunshots were heard at around 3:00 a.m. on Nov. 5. Witnesses said that they saw people fleeing the area when the shooting happened.

Based on the arrest affidavit, Washington's daughter called him after she was kicked out of the club. The report added that one of the guards allegedly put his hands on the girl.

When the two suspects arrived at the motorcycle club and decided to scout the area. After that, they started confronting the security guards and started shooting.

The Hell's Lovers' club staff members also fired back to retaliate against the two shooters.

Police officers said that there was an AR-15 rifle, which had a large capacity magazine. Aside from this, they also discovered a bucket of handguns.

Related Article: [UPDATE] Louisiana Stabbing: Student Arrested, Charged Over Attack on 4 People in 'Random Act of Violence'

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A Statesville man has been charged with murder after his wife was brought to a hospital emergency room early Monday morning.

Clarence Edward Tyson, 60, of West Iredell Circle, was charged with first-degree murder after his 68-year-old wife, Rebecca Tyson, died at Iredell Memorial Hospital, said Iredell County Sherriff Darren Campbell.

Campbell, in a news release, said that around 2:30 a.m., deputies were called to the emergency room at the hospital concerning a woman who had been the victim of an assault. Deputies learned that Tyson had brought his wife to the hospital.

Despite life-saving efforts by the medical staff, Rebecca Tyson was pronounced dead.

After speaking with Clarence Tyson, deputies learned that a domestic altercation had occurred at their home, Campbell said. Deputies went to the Tyson residence on West Iredell Circle to process the home as a crime scene.

Detectives collected evidence, interviewed witnesses as well as Clarence Tyson, Campbell said.

Detectives obtained evidence from the investigation which showed Clarence Tyson had brutally assaulted his wife at their residence, Campbell said.

When Clarence Tyson found his wife was not responding he transported her to the hospital, Campbell said.

An autopsy showed Rebecca Tysons cause of death was strangulation, Campbell said.

Rebecca Tyson also had other severe injuries from assault which included several broken bones and severe bruising, he said. Detectives charged Clarence Edward Tyson, and a magistrate ordered him held without bond.
Moments before jury selection was set to begin in the trial for a man accused of killing a woman and setting fire to the downtown Marion home she was in, the case was continued to allow the defendant to undergo a second competency and sanity evaluation.

Defense attorney Jimmie Hess told the court on Tuesday that his client, 39-year-old Jason Emory Whittaker, didnt feel his 2022 evaluations were adequate. Hess also said he believed Whittakers mental state had decompensated since that time.

He doesnt say a lot, Hess told Circuit Court Judge Deanis Simmons.

Keith Blankenship, one of two deputy commonwealths attorneys prosecuting the case, noted there were multiple witnesses involved, at least one of whom had traveled from another state, and that the commonwealth was ready to proceed. But, he said, if Hess didnt believe Whittaker could assist in his defense, then he would not object to the evaluations.

Defendants must have sufficient mental abilities to participate in their defense to ensure a fair trial.

Saying that she did not believe Hess would present a matter to the court that wasnt in good faith, and noting that it had been more than a year since the last evaluations were performed, Simmons granted the request, postponing the trial until March 2024.

The motion for a new evaluation came after Whittaker requested that he be appointed a new defense attorney. However, saying that Hess was one of the more experienced attorneys in such serious matters, and noting all that had gone into the case in the two years since Whittaker was brought back to Virginia to stand trial, Simmons denied the request.

I would not refuse a motion to withdraw but for the circumstances here, she said, adding that I can think of no more experienced attorney in our circuit.

Whittakers trial, which has now been continued six times, was set to take place over the course of three days beginning on Tuesday. He was indicted in May 2021, two months after prosecutors say he killed 54-year-old Teresa Lynn Mathena Greer.

Following Greers killing, Whittaker was quickly identified as a person of interest and police launched a large-scale manhunt to locate him. A day later, he was arrested in Surry County, North Carolina, where police there said he attacked a man with a machete.

Whittaker was brought back to Virginia in November of that year to stand trial on murder, abduction and arson charges. He also faces a cruelty to animals charge stemming from the death of Greers pet dog, which was inside the home when it caught fire.

Held at the regional jail in Abingdon since his return to Virginia, Whittaker was deemed competent to stand trial in July 2022 following a psychological evaluation. For his second evaluation, he will be taken to the Southwestern Virginia Mental Health Institute in Marion, where mental health professionals will determine which state facility will perform the in-house evaluation.

Should he be found incompetent to stand trial, Whittaker will undergo treatment to restore him to competency.
Wytheville Community College saw an increase in student enrollment for the fall semester. Since Fall 2022, WCCs Full-Time Equivalent enrollment has increased by 10 plus percent, indicating significant growth.

WCC President Dean Sprinkle attributes the increase to a variety of reasons. Faculty and staff at WCC are committed to investing in our students and are continually striving to meet their needs. For example, we have implemented an innovative plan to ease our students transition into college, Sprinkle stated.

While FTE is up across the Virginia Community College System, WCC is one of three community colleges that are up by double digits.

By providing small group advising sessions, for instance, WCCs newest students are able to get one-on-one attention and time from WCC staff. Students become acquainted with the campus, courses, and programs. Academic advisors, financial aid advisors, scholarship managers, and program deans are on hand to assist with registration and with plans to make each students education affordable. Students in these small group sessions are provided lunch and are able to talk with their new classmates, meet several of their teachers, and participate in a campus tour.

Other contributing factors to enrollment increase include:

New and Revitalized Programs: WCC continually invests in program expansions for academic and workforce programs, ensuring that students can access a wide range of disciplines and courses that align with their interests and career goals. WCC recently hired a full-time education instructor to revitalize the education program with hopes of increasing interest in K-12 teaching careers.

Thanks to a grant and other funding, WCC is strategically implementing virtual reality and up-to-date equipment in our programs. With the growing need for healthcare workers, WCC has implemented advancements in all its healthcare programs that will assist in graduating highly trained healthcare providers. WCC is also in the process of building a new Pharmacy Technology lab that will provide students with the latest equipment that mimics a state-of-the-art working pharmacy.

WCC Workforce and Occupational Programs added a new facility in Marion, Virginia this year. WCC WEST (Workforce, Education, Skills, Training) houses new technical programs such as automotive technology and off-road diesel training.

High School Programs: WCCs Dual Enrollment Program has also seen significant increases this fall, with a 17 plus percent increase from 2020. Students can earn college credits or an associate degree while in high school through concurrent enrollment in high school and in college.

WCC also partners with the Wytheville Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce, Wythe and Bland County Public Schools, and area manufacturing and healthcare industries to provide a Manufacturing Excellence Program and a Healthcare Excellence Program. These programs are designed to introduce high school students to a variety of careers, either in manufacturing or in healthcare. As part of the two programs, high school students tour and interact with the colleges programs, as well as the regions healthcare and manufacturing facilities. Students gain practical experience and interact with professionals in their fields before participating in a graduation ceremony on WCCs campus.

Scholarships and Financial Aid: WCC is committed to making higher education accessible to students from all walks of life. Last year, WCC became one of the few community colleges in the state to offer promise scholarships to each high school, private school, or home school student in the region who qualifies. These last dollar scholarships contribute to WCCs status as the US Department of Educations seventeenth most affordable college in the nation (https://collegecost.ed.gov/affordability). Last dollar scholarships are applied after all other scholarships, financial aid, and grants are awarded.

WCC also offers over 200 privately funded scholarships for recent high school graduates as well as for returning adult students who qualify.

Community Involvement: WCC is engaged with our local communities. Students who receive the Wythe-Bland Foundation Scholarship, the Twin County Community Foundation Scholarship, or the Smyth Promise Program Scholarship give back to their communities who support them by volunteering at local nonprofit organizations.

WCC also supports a variety of community cultural events such as the WCC Concert Band, the WCC Community Choir, the WCC Theatre, and a monthly Old Time and Bluegrass Jamboree.

As enrollment numbers increase at WCC and across the Virginia Community College System, Sprinkle added, WCC will continue to invest in our students and in the communities that we serve. We are committed to finding innovative ways to enhance the educational experience and prepare students for success in an ever-changing world. It is our hope that these students will return to our area and continue to contribute to the regions economy.

WCCs spring semester begins on January 8, 2024, and registration is now underway. For more information about WCCs programs or financial aid opportunities, please visit www.wcc.vccs.edu., or call (276) 223-4700.
Virginia is facing a fiscal reckoning, as the spending needs of state government  especially for public education and Medicaid health care  begin to exceed the revenues available to pay for them in the next two-year budget, according to a sobering outlook presented to the House Appropriations Committee at its annual budget retreat on Tuesday in Richmond.

The state must find an additional $1.3 billion to pay the updated costs of public education in grades K-12 alone in the two-year budget that will take effect on July 1. That is significantly more than the $160.6 million that the Department of Planning and Budget, working with the Department of Education, estimated earlier this month. The eightfold difference in estimates stemmed from the treatment of a large amount one-time money for education included in the revised budget adopted in early September.

Medicaid will cost an additional $714 million in the next two-year budget, which Gov. Glenn Youngkin will present on Dec. 20. The program will produce $126 million in savings in the current fiscal year, with the expiration on Dec. 31 of enhanced federal funding that has brought Virginia an additional $3.1 billion since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic nearly four years ago.

The reality for Youngkin and Virginia lawmakers is that years of multibillion-dollar budget surpluses are about to end, the committees staff said, as base operating budgets for state agencies reach the limit of new revenues to pay for them.

The concern about structural imbalance expressed the past few years is finally here, Appropriations Director Anne Oman told the committee at the end of the 65-page Power Point presentation about the revenue and spending outlook for the General Assembly session that will begin in January.

Its not that the state wont generate more revenues. Staff estimates an additional $3.3 billion in the next two years, on top of $3.2 billion that it expects to carry forward from this two-year budget if Youngkin, as expected, captures $738 million in excess financial reserves and at least $520 million in funds that state agencies have not spent.

But base operating budgets  with no new spending  are expected to consume half of those additional revenues and mandatory spending increases, primarily for public education and Medicaid, require an additional $2.3 billion.

Less to spend

That would leave about $878 million for the governor and legislature to spend  either on additional tax cuts that Youngkin is expected to seek or nearly $1.5 billion in high priority expenditures that the budget committee staff identified.

Those high priorities include $80 million over two years to moderate college tuition increases to no more than 3%; $50 million each for the states business-ready sites program for economic development and a new site acquisition program; $25 million for the Virginia Housing Trust Fund; $35 million to help schools pay for 4th and 5th grade reading specialists; $124 million for 750 additional slots for support of people with developmental disabilities; nearly $50 million to pay for kinship and relative foster care; $14 million in aid to localities with police departments; $61 million for a potential 5% increase in state employee health insurance premiums; and $52 million for the health benefit exchange at the State Corporation Commission.

But Oman warned that while the state expects to have enough money carried forward from this year to meet its needs, the cost of core services such as public education and Medicaid will likely outstrip resources going forward.

While mandatory program increases can be met, high priority expenditures will have to be weighed and balanced against one another, she said.

House Appropriations Chairman Barry Knight, R-Virginia Beach, said Virginia is emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic in good financial shape. Because of our actions, Virginia has weathered the financial roller coats of COVID-19 and emerged in a stellar position to continue our AAA (bond rating) status as a national leader in fiscal stewardship, Knight said at the beginning of the retreat.

Secretary of Finance Steve Cummings, with one arm in a sling because of a rotator cuff injury, also expressed confidence in the states revenues, which currently are about 1.8% above projections, after setting aside tax payments received because of a new state pass-through entity tax that ultimately will be refunded to taxpayers through refunds.

Cummings acknowledged the possibility of a mild recession later next year, but he said, We feel good about where we are right now.

The Democratic-controlled Senate warned during a prolonged budget fight this year that Youngkins proposed $1 billion package of permanent corporate and individual tax cuts would actually cost the state $1.5 billion a year in the next two-year budget. The Senate prevailed in limiting almost all of the tax cuts to one-time rebates, which cost $907 million.

But the state will forfeit more than $200 million a year in revenue for three ongoing tax cutsan increase in the standard deduction for income tax filers, removing the age limit on an exemption for military retirement income, and a higher business interest deduction  and higher than expected costs from the $4 billion package of tax cuts the legislature adopted last year in Youngkins first year in office.

Even after Democrats won majorities in both chambers in elections last week, Youngkin has made clear that he will seek additional tax cuts in the budget he introduces next month for July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2026. The governors office confirmed recently that it is asking state agencies to look for potential reductions in spending that could make more money available for other budget priorities.

The challenge is restoring structural balance to the budget after three years of large year-end revenue surpluses that have carried forward into the next year. As a result, spending exceeded annual revenues by $3.8 billion in the last fiscal year and $3.3 billion in this year, which began July 1.

The staff estimates the base budget at $29.3 billion, or about $1.3 billion higher than the revenue forecast for the current year.

The result is a difference of just $11.6 million between total estimated revenues and the estimated base budget for the next two years.

You pretty much barely meet the spending thats in the current budget, Oman said.
A dog found shot and his muzzle duct taped shut will soon have a new home with the man who rescued him from the side of the road.

Cowlitz County PUD worker Dylan Shulda plans to adopt the roughly 2-year-old dog discovered in a ditch on the side of Spirit Lake Memorial Highway Nov. 2 near Mount St. Helens, said Cowlitz County Humane Society Executive Director Darren Ullmann.

Shulda discovered what experts believe is a blond golden retriever, weak, lying in the ditch with his muzzle duct taped while on a job.

The worker cut through the tape and brought him to the Cowlitz County Humane Society in Longview, Ullmann said.

X-rays at the shelter revealed the black spot on the retrievers forehead was a bullet hole, which fragmented when it hit his skull, nicking his right eye and lodging in his jawline, he added.

The ordeal has led to the dogs name: Trooper.

He has handled this whole situation like a trooper, Ullmann said, and the name has now stuck.

Ullmann said the humane society passed on the investigation to Cowlitz County Sheriffs Office, who are working to find who injured Trooper, who he described as a docile sweetheart that loves every person and animal he meets.

Ullmann said the shelter routinely sees examples of neglect where animals do not have enough food or water, or are injured by, for instance, a car when they are abandoned, but they never see such premeditated abuses.

This was a very planned, deliberate act, he said. Thats what makes this one so heinous.

The humane society reports the dog was found wearing a leather collar attached to a green Seattle Mariners leash.

To submit a tip about the incident, call 360-577-3092 or visit the sheriffs office web page at www.co.cowlitz.wa.us.

While Trooper has a new home, the shelter is at capacity with dogs, Ullmann added, and is looking for those triggered by Troopers story, to help others in need.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Dylan Shulda.
Recent shoppers at Longviews WinCo Foods had no idea they were in the midst of a sting operation to catch child predators.

Washington State Patrol reports troopers headed a coordinated operation with local law enforcement from October to last week that captured 15 men from across the state and one from Oregon seeking to engage in sexual activity with minors. At least five were detained after being asked to go to the Triangle Center WinCo to buy items for the children they thought they were meeting.

Police disguised as minors or parents of minors online to catch the suspects. Some of the charges range from second- and first-degree attempted rape of a child, attempted commercial sexual abuse of a minor, communication with a minor for immoral purposes, and sexual exploration of a minor.

The suspects came from various locations, including Olympia, Brewster, Vancouver, Puyallup, Lake Forest Park, Oregon, and a Washington state army base.

Two were from Cowlitz County.

Nikolay Mirgorodskiy, 35, of Kelso, thought he was meeting a 13-year-old for a sexual encounter. After being arrested on Oct. 28, police found a condom, lube, a plastic squeeze bottle, and three images of teenage boys engaged in sexual acts on his cell phone, according to his probable cause statement.

Braxton Hood, 23, of Longview, was detained on Oct. 29 after discussing with an undercover cop posing as a 13-year-old girl on a dating app who was staying with her grandmother. He agreed to meet her after his shift at Burger King. Once he arrived, he was taken in by the arrest team. Hoods next hearing is on Nov. 30.

The police action, nicknamed Operation Net Nanny, included not only the Longview Police Department and the Cowlitz County Sheriffs Office, but also the FBI, Homeland Security, various police departments and was spearheaded by the Washington State Patrol.

Probable cause statements say some suspects were interviewed at the Longview police headquarters.

Longview Police Department spokesperson Capt. Branden McNew told The Daily News the department was used because the office has the space, and it was nearby. He said capturing the suspects, most of which were from outside the county, was worth the additional inmates in Cowlitz County Jail.

Theres enough room in the jail for child sex predators, McNew said.

Arrested suspects  Theodore Dodge, 53, Brewster  Brandon Head, 26, Joint Base Lewis-McChord  Aaron Henderson, 31, Olympia  Braxton Hood, 23, Longview  Justin Gardner, 38, Olympia  Nikolay Migorodskiy, 35, Kelso  Robert Murray, 29, Lake Forest Park  Pedro Romero-Rivera, 35, Rochester  Travis Saban, 49, Vancouver  Phillip Thomas, 43, Puyallup  Oleem Tipikin, 30, Molalla, Ore.  Alec Bagley, 31, Renton  Christopher Doyle, 54, Burien  Reinaldo Cuadrado Jr., 22, Seattle  Christopher Johnson, 34, Seattle Source: Washington State Patrol

The operation

According to various probable cause statements related to the operation, the sting involved an undercover officer who assumed two different personas. In one scenario, the officer posed as a pubescent on a dating site, attempting to engage older men in compromising dialogue in hopes of sexual relationships. In another role, the officer portrayed a middle-aged mother offering her underage daughters for sexual purposes on online classified ads site.

During Operation Net Nanny, certain suspects were instructed to participate in a series of actions. This sequence included initial interactions with undercover agents via dating sites or online classified ads, photo sharing, driving to the Longview WinCo Foods parking lot or another location, bringing or obtaining condoms, for some purchasing a drink, and then proceeding to another site where they would be apprehended.

Among those apprehended is Brandon Head, a 26-year-old who journeyed from Joint Base Lewis McCord near Tacoma to the WinCo Foods parking lot. He unknowingly conversed with an undercover officer from the Seattle Police Department, posing as a 13-year-old girl named Taylor from Kelso.

Head responded to Taylors post titled Young cute free 2-night home alone...looking 4 grown company, saying that hes not only in the military but that hes clean and has the test results to prove it.

According to the document, Head sent a picture to Taylor while wearing shorts that had the word Army on the side with his penis exposed.

The undercover would send a photo of Taylor and asked him to meet her in Longview. During the time between Taylors arrival and their meeting, Head and Taylor exchanged messages. Head grew suspicious that he might be walking into a trap and asked, Pretty sure this is an operation, and r u a cop?

Fearing he might be conversing with a law enforcement officer; he requested pictures from Taylor. Nevertheless, he proceeded to the WinCo parking lot, where Taylor had asked him to pick up a Red Bull.

Police would find a U.S. government ID card, an Alabama drivers license, condoms and an unopened Blue Chew packet, which is similar to Viagra. He was later interviewed by FBI agent and said he was in Longview for a Halloween party.

Heads next hearing is on Dec. 7 in Cowlitz County Superior Court for a pre-trial management hearing.

Another individual ensnared in the operation was an Olympia man who responded to a classified ad on a website where people can buy items based on physical locations.

Aaron M. Henderson, 31, of Olympia, answered an ambiguous personal ad seeking a lover who thinks outside the box and doesnt like to be confined to the norms of society.

On Oct. 26, Henderson replied via email, stating, Go ahead and tell me, you might be surprised.

After some casual conversation, the undercover agent, acting as a middle-aged mother of two, exchanged phone numbers with Henderson  he would later send an unsolicited selfie of himself.

The faux mother texted Henderson that she was looking for a daddy for my bear cubs, and he replied that he had sexual relationships with underage girls in his past and agreed to rendezvous in Longview. He was asked to bring condoms and go to the WinCo Foods parking lot.

After exiting his vehicle, Henderson was detained by law enforcement.

According to a Washington State Patrol press release, since August 2015, the WSPs Missing and Exploited Children Task Force has made a total of 322 arrests and removed more than 30 children from danger across Washington state.

Im proud of the deputy prosecuting attorneys in my office who worked diligently to assist in this important operation to crack down on individuals who are online trying to victimize our youth, said Cowlitz County Prosecutor Ryan Jurvakainen said in the press release.

Read more:
Lebanese parliament speaker warns of conflict expansion as clashes with Israel escalate

Xinhua) 09:02, November 15, 2023

BEIRUT, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Tuesday warned of an expansion of Israel-Hamas conflict amid the ongoing clashes between the Israeli army and Lebanese militants in southern Lebanon, the National News Agency reported.

"The Israeli enemy's persistence in escalating its aggression, repeatedly targeting civilians, media professionals, and paramedics, with its attacks extending deep into southern Lebanon and its threats to attack the Lebanese capital Beirut, increase the risks of expanding the war in the region, contrary to international and Arab positions calling for adherence to international legitimacy," Berri said.

His made the remarks during a meeting in Beirut with Aroldo Lazaro Saenz, head of mission of the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL).

For his part, Lazaro expressed his deep concern about the situation in southern Lebanon and the potential for broader and more severe hostilities, adding that UNIFIL's priorities are to prevent escalation, protect civilians, and ensure the safety of peacekeepers.

Lazaro also met on Tuesday with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who reaffirmed "Lebanon's commitment to keeping UNIFIL forces in the south without any changes to their tasks."

Confrontations on the Lebanese-Israeli borders continued on Tuesday, during which two Hezbollah fighters were wounded, according to a Lebanese military source.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Xinhua that Israeli drones and warplanes carried out 12 airstrikes on southern Lebanon and used heavy artillery to attack 22 towns and villages in the region.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah said its fighters attacked several Israeli sites in southeastern Lebanon, an Israeli infantry force near the Baranit barracks, and another in the village of al-Dhahira in southwestern Lebanon.

The Lebanon-Israel border witnessed increased tension for over five weeks after Lebanese armed group Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets toward Shebaa Farms on Oct. 8 in support of the Hamas attacks on Israel the previous day, prompting the Israeli forces to respond by firing heavy artillery toward several areas in southeastern Lebanon.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun)
A Texas school board made headlines after reversing course and lifting its ban on a transgender student from singing in a lead role in a musical.

The school district in the conservative town of Sherman, Texas, last week stopped a high school production of the musical "Oklahoma!" after a transgender student was cast in a lead role. The district's administrators argued, and told parents, that the school would only allow students "born as females in female roles and students born as males in male roles."

Texas Transgender Rights

This caused several transgender and non-binary students to lose their parts as well as cisgender girls who were cast in male roles. The district publicly said that the main issue was the profane and sexual content of the 1943 musical.

The theater teacher who objected to the decision was at one point escorted out of the school by the principal. Officials also demolished the set, which was a sturdy mock-up of a settler's house that students spent two months building, as per the New York Times.

However, something even more perplexing happened afterward, the school district reversed its decision in a late-night vote on Monday. The school board unanimously voted to restore the original casting and the decision rebuked efforts to bring the fight over transgender participation in student activities into the world of theater.

The restriction of the district was considered to be exceptional as fights have erupted over the kinds of plays that students can present. However, there are only a few, if any, school districts that appeared to have tried to restrict gender roles in theater.

The National Conference of State Legislatures argued that while legislatures across the United States have adopted laws restricting transgender students' participation in sports, no such legislation has been introduced to restrict theater roles.

The transgender student in question was identified as Max Hightower who loved theater ever since he watched the musical "Hamilton." He was cast into the role of Ali Hakim, the Persian peddler in the show, according to USA Today.

Read Also: Why MIT Admins Will No Longer Suspend Pro-Palestine Student Protesters

Lead Role in a Musical

On top of recasting the original people into the roles of the musical, the school board also announced that it would produce an "age-appropriate" version of the play. There are two versions of Oklahoma! that are available from a firm that holds the licensing rights.

These are the original and a "youth" version that was billed as an "adaptation for pre-high school students. It was said to have content that was edited to better suit younger attention spans and the role that Max has was simply named "The Peddler" in that version.

Board member Wendy Vellotti was the one who put forward the motion to reinstate the original casting of the musical. One of the people who took to the stand in the meeting on Monday was Phillip Hightower, Max's father.

In a statement, he said that the decision by Sherman ISD Superintendent Dr. Tyson Bennett was ultimately made without the school board's input. He argued that it crushed all of the young kids who were part of the musical, said KCRG.

Related Article: United Auto Workers Union Strike Leads to Top Automakers Raising Employee Salaries

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The pallet homes at HOPE Village are looking more secure than ever after Longview City Council renewed Tuesday its contract with the Salvation Army to run the hosted emergency housing site through November 2025.

The council amended the contract to extend the agreement from one year to two years, and limited options for the city to back out of the agreement, a decision in opposition of newly elected council members who are set to replace three of the seven-member board in January.

The pallet homes were originally viewed as a pilot project and a potentially temporary step in addressing local homelessness after the shuttering of the unmanaged Alabama Street campsite. Councilman Mike Wallin said the programs success over its first 11 months had earned it a longer buy-in from the city.

(The Salvation Army) has made an investment in HOPE Village, as has the city of Longview and the residents and taxpayers of Longview. We need some consistency and continuity in this, said Wallin, who is set to lose his seat to incoming councilmember Kalei LaFave, his Nov. 7 opponent who ran objecting to the HOPE Villages lack of required drug and alcohol tests.

The Salvation Army contract now states the deal must be terminated with cause from either side and provide 90 days written notice for the termination. Councilmember Ruth Kendall said that whichever side wanted to end the deal should provide advanced notice so the city or Salvation Army can make other plans.

Part of the stabilization for HOPE Village also makes it tougher for the next City Council to dramatically alter the agreement in January. The two amendments and the full contract were passed 5-1, with Spencer Boudreau voting against each part.

The three incoming councilmembers  LaFave, Keith Young and Erik Halvorson  sent a joint letter to the City Council prior to the decision asking that the contract be limited to a six-month extension. The letter also states they would like to open bids to those interested in running HOPE Village  something that wasnt done before.

We firmly believe that proper channels, including the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a competitive bidding process, is essential to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and in the best interests of the community, the group wrote.

The Salvation Army was not selected through an RFP; the city formalized the deal during an emergency declaration for the site, allowing officials to sidestep the competitive bidding process. When the Salvation Army was selected to manage the site in October 2022, Longview City Manager Kris Swanson said the city was following the councils direction and working on an aggressive timeline to replace the Alabama Street camp.

The contract agrees to provide the Salvation Army up to $1.49 million in cost reimbursements per year, slightly more to the $1.4 million cap set in the current one-year contract. City Manager Kris Swanson said that because the cost was explicitly calculated for a 12-month budget, it was easily implied the max reimbursement would be the same each of the next two years.

There was extended public comment about HOPE Village at Tuesdays meeting. Many people who do not regularly attend City Council meetings came out to speak in support of HOPE Village, slightly outnumbering the critics of the project for the first time in several months.

Megan Richie said that while volunteering at the Radical Love meal service since HOPE Village was built, she saw improvements among the people who came through the church for meals.

They have found stability to a certain extent, more access to services, because HOPE Village has put together a team of outreach coordinators that are accessing services, Richie said.

According to the presentation the Salvation Army gave on Tuesday, HOPE Village has hosted a total of 205 people since opening last December. The nonprofit reported that 43 people had moved from the pallet homes into formal housing and 34 of those people had stayed in that housing.

Read more:
The Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild is hosting a meeting featuring a quilting technique used to create intricate designs.

The guild plans to meet Monday in the basement of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church's educational building, located at 2218 E. Kessler Blvd., in Longview.

The meeting will open with social time at 6:30 p.m. and convene at 7 p.m., and is salted to feature Carol Hatton, a certified Judy Niemeyer instructor, who will talk about foundation piecing and present Quiltworx quilts, a pattern company that also works to train quilters.

Members will also also be invited to register for an upcoming retreat in February 2024. Guests are welcome, and admission for nonguild members is $5.

For more information, contact Raelynn Heintz at 503-799-8061 or lolquiltguild@yahoo.com.
The Koth Gallery inside the Longview Public Library is hosting a reception Saturday to view and purchase local artist Shirley Baileys paintings.

The reception is set for 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at 1600 Louisiana St. in Longview, while the collection titled Colorful Moments will be featured in the gallery through Nov. 30. The reception and viewing are free.

Shirley Bailey brought her love for art to Cowlitz County in the 1980s, painting acrylics on paper until her death at age 92 in 2021. She and her husband Don opened the Longview framing store Teagues Interiors, which closed in July after 35 years.

All paintings on display will be available for purchase. Proceeds will go toward purchasing a Dale Chihuly glass art piece set to be housed in the Longview Public Library. This event is hosted by the nonprofit Art Renaissance Team.
As a punishing teacher strike at Portland Public Schools barrels into a third week unabated, the citys top elected leaders and their governments remain at arms-length from the stalemate.

During previous contract standoffs or financial crises at Oregons largest school district, Portlands mayor and the Multnomah County chair have at times ponied up millions of dollars, leveraged their bully pulpits and political muscle and even personally helped broker deals with the district and teachers.

The current occupants of those offices, Ted Wheeler and Jessica Vega Pederson, have thus far offered a more muted response and fewer resources, even as the strike  the first in the districts history  becomes increasingly dire by the day for 43,000 students and their families.

Portland Public Schools and its teachers union remained more than $200 million apart in the estimated costs of their proposals for a three-year contract Tuesday. A review of the latest proposal by the Portland Association of Teachers, and a cost analysis for it provided by the district, show areas where city and county governments could step in to help narrow the gap.

The ongoing shutdown, many concede, marks yet another wound for a city thats spent the last several years on the brink.

Its incredibly damaging. Theres no two ways about it, said Portland Commissioner Rene Gonzalez, whose first brush with public life came when he headed up a group dedicated to opening school buildings during the Covid era. Every responsible adult in the community  especially elected leaders  should be looking at ways to keep stable access to public education and promptly end these school closures.

CITY OFFERS SOME HELP

So far, Gonzalez and his Portland City Hall colleagues are only calling for chipping in money they committed to Portland schools months before the strike started Nov. 1.

They have zeroed in on up to $20 million earmarked by the City Council earlier this year for climate-friendly infrastructure improvements at Portland Public Schools from the citys clean energy program, overseen by Commissioner Carmen Rubio.

Some of that money, city officials believe, could be used by the district to upgrade heating and cooling systems at qualifying schools  that, in turn, could address union requests to eliminate ultra high and low temperatures inside some classrooms.

However, those dollars may not fully satisfy the unions demands for better building environments. For example, as approved, the city funding can be applied to only 30 of the districts 80-plus schools. That money is intended to also be used for transportation and green infrastructure projects outdoors to help schools reduce their carbon footprint or build climate resiliency.

In a statement Tuesday, Wheeler spokesperson Cody Bowman said the city had already notified the district of the available money and was prepared to fast track those investments, which were scheduled to be disbursed over the next five years.

Bowman said the mayor has received regular updates on the bargaining process and waived all in-person work requirements for city employees  to alleviate household burdens  until the strike is resolved.

The city has also provided space in the Portland Building for the bargaining teams to meet, including on Tuesday, and will continue to do so, according to Wheelers spokesperson.

It remains incredibly important to the mayor that both sides come to an agreement, Bowman said.

COUNTY STAYS ON THE SIDELINES

Other teacher demands fall squarely into social service areas where cash-flush Multnomah County has a mandate to operate. Union leaders have argued that unstable housing and behavioral health challenges their students experience make it more difficult for educators to do their jobs.

The unions latest proposal seeks an estimated $25 million to expand youth mental health services as well as housing support for students and their families and educators grappling with Portlands high cost of living.

Those include the creation of new mental health support teams across the district  at a cost of $17.5 million over the next three years  and an additional $745,000 to fund community representatives at schools with large numbers of students deemed to be in temporary living situations.

The proposal also asks for $200,000 a year for resilience funds aimed at keeping those students in their homes or from becoming homeless as well as annual stipends of $300 for educators living in the Portland metro area, at an estimated total cost of $3.9 million.

The county did not respond to questions from The Oregonian/OregonLive about these provisions in the unions proposal or whether it would offer any support for these services.

Instead, in a statement, Vega Pederson highlighted that the county has kept its student health centers at Portland Public Schools open during the strike, continued to operate school-based mental health clinics for impacted students and parents and launched pop-up food pantries.

The countys role is to continue providing youth and families with support during this challenging time, said Vega Pederson, who, like Wheeler, sends her children to private school. That is what our focus has been and will continue to be as long as the strike persists.

Echoing the mayor, she stressed that both the district and teachers needed to swiftly reach a settlement.

Our students and our families are straining under the impacts, and with students already scheduled to be out of school next week (due to parent teacher conferences and the Thanksgiving break), it is critical that we get them back in school this week.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

Dan Saltzman, a former Portland and Multnomah commissioner, said hes been surprised by how little the city and county have stepped up thus far.

We always regarded a healthy, vital public education system as essential to who we are as a city and to our overall prosperity, he said.

Saltzman added that it also seems as though both governments have faced less public pressure this time around to help seek a resolution.

I dont think theyre hearing the same clamor from everyday parents on this, he said. We definitely felt a great deal of urgency.

In 1996, the Portland Association of Teachers declared an impasse that drew the attention of then-Gov. John Kitzhaber, who spent time talking privately to teachers and leaders about forming a special panel to help settle the contract dispute.

Ultimately, then-Mayor Vera Katz delivered $9 million to the school district from city funds to help avert a strike.

In 2003, city and county leaders were back, playing an even larger role as the district faced the prospect of cutting 24 days from the school calendar amid a major blow to state school funding.

Using city and county money as leverage, Katz and then-Multnomah County Chair Diane Linn darted between rooms at City Hall to close a deal with the district and teachers, just hours before the union scheduled a strike vote.

The City Council voted to raise $20 million for schools by increasing the business license fee. That paid for 14 days of school and teachers agreed to work 10 days for free.

Multnomah County also referred a three-year, 1.25% income tax to voters that raised more than $100 million a year for county school districts.

It takes a village to run a school system, said Rebecca Levison, who served as president of the Portland Association of Teachers between 2008 and 2011 and is now an elementary school principal in San Francisco. Even though schools arent the purview of the county or city government, they always proved helpful in settling many of our contract disputes.
Jimmy Wales, the cofounder of the online non-profit encyclopedia Wikipedia, highlighted the limitations of generative artificial intelligence models such as ChatGPT during his session at the opening night of the Web Summit 2023 being hosted in Portugal. Speaking to a full house, Wales highlighted how he found ChatGPT an amazing thing to play with but also feels once you get serious with it, the realization sinks in that it is pretty bad. The opinion of the Wikipedia cofounder echoes many other researchers and entrepreneurs who are still not sold on the abilities of the large language model (LLM) and believe its mistakes make it an unreliable work assistant.

During the event, which can be watched on the official YouTube channel of the Web Summit, Wales was asked by Ryan Heath, senior journalist at Axios, Are generative AI companies getting the scrutiny they deserve? To this, Wales says, One of the things that we have seen is that once a new technology comes up, there is a lazy alarmism that happens.

Highlighting an example from the early days of eBay, Wales recounted how people would raise an alarm whenever a controversial ad came up, but slowly people understood that it could just be reported and taken down and no illegal business was being carried out. Similarly, he also gave an example of when Anna Nicole Smith, a US model and TV personality, died in 2007, and someone vandalized her Wikipedia page briefly, which led to multiple news publications calling Wales asking about the flaw in the Wikipedia model. Relating it to the original question asked, Wales says the scrutiny of generative AI is part of this alarmism for an emerging technology.

Jimmy Wales thinks ChatGPT is just not good enough

Further, addressing the AI chatbot and not shying away from sharing his opinions, Wales said, When we look at the emergence of ChatGPT, clearly it is not good enough. It is an amazing thing to play with but when you really start to use it, what initially seemed fantastic seems pretty bad. And it is getting a lot of scrutiny. I don't think there is anyone in this room who has not heard of even one story (involving its mistake) of ChatGPT.

Wales also highlighted that chatbots could be made more responsible and factually accurate, which can then be deployed into various fields if the data is heavily filtered and low-quality sources such as social media are avoided.
Paytm announced a partnership with global travel technology company Amadeus. Under this collaboration, for the next three years, the company will integrate Amadeuss expansive travel platform, enhancing the travelers experience from search to booking, and finally to payment. This partnership brings together Paytms extensive user base and Amadeuss expertise to provide travellers with a more seamless and efficient booking experience.

Paytm is one of the leading online travel aggregators in the country and this partnership with Amadeus will further solidify its position as the premier travel provider in India. Leveraging Amadeus advanced automation and New Distribution Capability (NDC) technologies will enable Paytm to secure precise results and establish a consistent and robust travel shopping ecosystem. Paytm will deliver hyper-personalized recommendations and dynamic pricing to offer a world-class experience to its users powered by Amadeus.

With Amadeus APIs, Paytm users will gain access to a vast inventory of global flight options, making it easier for them to find the best deals and book flights to destinations around the world, all within the Paytm app. This single API will provide the users with seamless access to diverse travel content, including Global Distribution Systems (GDS), Low-Cost Carriers (LCC), hotels, and more. This collaboration also paves the way for Paytm to offer a unified PNR solution in partnership with Indian national carriers.

Paytms integration with Amadeus APIs ensures that travellers have access to a diverse range of payment options, including the convenience of UPI, the flexibility of the Paytm Wallet and Postpaid, and the assurance of a safe and secure payment gateway. This comprehensive suite of payment choices guarantees that users can complete their transactions with ease and confidence, all within the trusted Paytm ecosystem.

Vikash Jalan, Chief Business Officer, Paytm Travel said, As Indias leading travel platforms, we have been constantly bringing innovations to ensure the best travel experience for our users. Our brand reach and simplified product has empowered users with best travel solutions. The synergy between Paytm and Amadeus aligns perfectly with our vision to further upgrade the customer experience. It will automate travel operations for users by enhancing efficiency and scalability by leveraging cutting-edge technology.

Ramona Bohwongprasert, Senior Vice President-India Subcontinent & Southeast Asia, APAC Inside Sales & Startups, Amadeus, said, At Amadeus, we understand that in todays ever-changing landscape, travellers expect more than just technological solutions; they demand reliable access to travel systems and simplified processes like ticketing and rebooking. In a world where disruptions can impact travelers at any moment, maintaining consistent and reliable access to these systems is paramount. Our deep understanding of these unique requirements has led us to collaborate with Paytm and provide them with next-generation, industry-specific, and fully integrated solutions. These solutions are designed to address their operational needs, instill confidence in travellers, and empower them to expand their businesses across geographies.
Themis Technologies launched its app, UKiPortal, aimed at simplifying and streamlining the UK visa application process. The UKiPortal app is set to transform the way individuals apply for visas, providing a user-friendly platform that navigates the complexities of various visa types, including Tourist, Working, and Family visas.

The current UK Government website has long been criticised for its complexity, often leaving applicants confused about required documents and fostering uncertainty. Themis Technologies recognizes the challenges applicants face and aims to address these issues with the introduction of UKiPortal. The apps primary goal is to empower users to submit their own visa applications with ease while offering human support for exceptional cases and keeping that in mind somethings are taken care of like-

User-Friendly Interface: UKiPortal boasts an intuitive design that guides users through the application process, making it simple to understand and complete.

Comprehensive Guidance: The app provides detailed information on visa requirements for various categories, ensuring users are well-informed about the necessary documents.

Document Verification: Themis Technologies team will verify the information provided by users and ensure all required documents are correctly uploaded, minimising the risk of visa refusal.

Data Privacy: The application adheres to strict data privacy guidelines, securely storing user information and documents for faster and more convenient future visa applications.

Upon achieving success in the UK market, Themis Technologies has ambitious plans to extend its services to other countries, with a particular focus on popular destinations for Indian travellers. The company aims to revolutionise the visa application process globally, making it more accessible and efficient for individuals around the world.

Themis Technologies encourages users to take advantage of the UKiPortal app, providing valuable feedback to help enhance the platform and improve the overall user experience.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has partnered with the Munch Museum (MUNCH) in Oslo to create immersive and interactive drawing experiences for local visitors and global audiences. Scientists from TCS Research will leverage their expertise in AI and Machine Learning (ML) to bring Edvard Munchs artworks and creative process to life through the power of digital innovation.

MUNCH contains the worlds most extensive collection of art dedicated to the renowned Norwegian artist, with 26,724 artworks, non-art objects, and writings, parts of which are spread across 11 galleries on 13 floors. The museum approached TCS to collaborate on creating the first-ever real-time drawing experience based on Munchs extensive collection as a way of honoring his inventive and inclusive spirit and engaging new audiences with this fascinating part of Munchs artistry.

TCS and MUNCH will work together on designing, developing, and testing pioneering AI and ML technologies connected to the museums database of approximately 7,000 original drawings. In addition to collaboration through pathbreaking research, TCS will also provide IT consultancy, collaborative workshops, and talent exchanges to help create immersive museum experiences that showcase the future of art. These experiences will allow museum visitors to get closer to Munchs unique worldview by immersing in the aesthetic quality of his paintings and drawings.

TCS will provide MUNCH access to its Research teams, partners from its Co-Innovation Network (COIN), tools, and methodologies. The collaboration will offer the museum an opportunity to work with TCS Pace Ports, a global network of co-innovation and research hubs to rapidly design and prototype next-generation digital solutions.

This partnership will also enable MUNCH and TCS to assess joint business opportunities for partners and clients by exploring strategic priorities and art technology use cases.

Tone Hansen, Director at MUNCH, commented: Edvard Munch was a restless innovator who explored the human condition through his experimental art, and we wanted to honor his dream of sharing his art with everyone. TCS has a reputation for digital innovations, and it has been thought provoking to see how powerful AI and ML technologies can be used to bring an artists work to life in ways they could never have imagined. We believe this partnership will help us further extend our work in engagin a global audience interested in experiencing our museum and the fascinating oeuvre of Edvard Munch.

Dr Harrick Vin, Chief Technology Officer, TCS, said, We are excited to be a part of MUNCHs futuristic vision, and the possibility of using generative AI in an area that is as personal and intimate as art appreciation. Applications such as this truly bring to life the scenarios that the current generation of AI systems have made possible. We are delighted to partner with the museum as it provides an intimate insight into Munchs worldview and by using AI, we make learning about art a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Across the nation, the transition to clean energy will require thoughtful conversation and robust planning for communities. In fact, many communities are already being asked to evaluate building proposals for a relatively new kind of utility infrastructure: battery energy storage systems (commonly called BESS).

To help this process, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) experts have assembled BESS resources that communities will need as they look toward their energy goals.

What are battery energy storage systems?

Batteries are a unique class of energy system infrastructure. Because the basic unit is smalleither a cell that is just a bit larger than a standard AA battery or a pouch that can be as small as your cell phone batteryBESS are modular and can be configured in virtually any size. Because this is a relatively new energy storage option, many communities don't understand the safety, zoning, and community outreach needed as installments become part of neighborhoodsboth in urban and rural areas.

Devyn Powell, an economist at PNNL, surveyed local zoning ordinances and regulators and believes these information gaps can make it difficult for communities and local land use planners to respond to proposed battery storage projects or develop zoning ordinances to guide future expansion. Additional researchers and subject matter experts at PNNL are using fact-based research and real-world experience to help inform near- and long-term planning for BESS, from land use to zoning standards.

Battery energy storage systemswhy now?

A new report, Energy Storage in Local Zoning Ordinances, prepared by a team of PNNL energy storage and battery safety experts, defines the potential community impacts of an energy storage project in terms relevant to local planners. It provides real-world examples of how communities have addressed these impacts.

"Local planners already have a lot going on and asking them to become energy experts in the short time frame of a zoning proceedingon top of everything elseisn't reasonable," said Jeremy Twitchell, a PNNL energy advisor and co-author of the report.

"This report provides local planners with objective information that can help them fill in those gaps by identifying questions they can ask and conditions they can craft to assure their communities receive the benefits of energy storage while being protected from its risks."

Several states, as well as the federal government, have aggressive decarbonization goals on which they must make progress. One way to meet those goals is by adding wind and solar energy to the grid. These energy sources are sometimes referred to as "variable" due to their dependance on the weather.

Many states have adopted policies to encourage or require the development of energy storage, which provides the flexibility to match wind and solar power to customer demand. These policies, coupled with the falling cost of energy storage technologies, have led to a boom in energy storage deployments.

Battery energy storage systemswhat do community members and planners need to know?

With relatively limited infrastructure requirements, needing just a concrete pad to sit on and a connection to the electric grid, BESS can be sited virtually anywhere, including near existing commercial and residential uses.

Since battery energy storage is accelerating quickly and the community need is apparent, planners are faced with several questions around safety, land use perspective, zoning implications, and project permitting. In fact, relatively few cities and counties appear to have zoning ordinances governing energy storage, further highlighting the need for local planning guidance.

So, how can communities be better prepared?

Most energy storage technologies are expected to use lithium-ion batteries to provide energy on demand for several hours. These types of batteries are most readily available and affordablegreat for consumers, community planners, and those focused on grid resiliency. As a modular-type battery, BESS can be customized to different needs. Like a build-your-own menu option, they are flexiblelarge-scale units can take up as much space as a few acres or as little as the corner of a garage.

Battery storage system failure or fire has been well documented and extensively studied; the PNNL report offers information and suggestions for risk mitigation strategies.

"As with any complex electrical appliance or piece of equipment, failures occasionally occur," said Matthew Paiss, a PNNL battery safety expert and report co-author. "In BESS, while this is rare, it must be considered in the planning process."

Key when preparing for battery installments is for planners to rely on the large body of battery safety information. Paiss cites several resources, including National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 855, the International Fire Code, and UL Solutions.

"A lot of community uncertainty is about safety considerations and how restrictive to be with BESS to balance aesthetic and safety concerns with deployment or policy goals," added Powell, the report's third co-author.

"Battery energy storage systems are still emerging technologies and unfamiliar to many local planners. By developing resources that describe key considerations and show what types of regulations have been adopted in other towns and counties, we hope that including common-sense regulations for BESS in local zoning codes will soon become as common as regulations for solar PV."

Zoning considerations, such as sound, odor, and visual and environmental emissions, need to be addressed. While these things might not seem as important as safety, they are still concerns for planners. Most BESS are in electrical enclosures, cabinets, or modified shipping containers.

PNNL researchers suggest that planners consider site locationwhether BESS will be housed in new or old facilitiesor whether they will they be placed outside, where planners might want to consider trees or other visual barriers. Looking holistically at the size and complexity of a system figures into guidance on sound and odor emissions to neighboring buildings.

And finally, environmental impacts should be considered in the rare event of a failure. Battery systems do not have emissions or environmental impacts during normal operations. During a fire, however, emergency response plans should address the strategy that will be used to mitigate the incident. For example, if water will be used for protecting any exposure, will containment of run-off be required? If smoke presents a potential risk to nearby occupancies, will a shelter-in-place or evacuation be issued?

Change is here for most communities. In fact, it's almost unavoidablespecifically as energy planners work closer with grid planners and other entities to ensure that energy is available when and where needed. However, by using the many tools at their disposal, like state, national, and international codes and standards, planners can help decrease the risk factors and increase understanding.

That's where PNNL's expertise comes in handy. Nora Hawkins, senior energy policy specialist for the Washington State Department of Commerce, Energy Office, said "Washington's Clean Energy Transformation Act commits our state to an electricity supply free of greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. As such, we are seeing an increase in proposed grid-scale battery energy storage systems and communities that would host these systems are raising important question and concerns.

"Working with PNNL has enabled the state's energy office to more effectively engage with communities, local planning departments, and emergency managers. We are grateful for PNNL's work in promoting national information sharing on how to safely incorporate energy storage into our rapidly transforming clean energy system."

More information: Jeremy B. Twitchell et al, Energy Storage in Local Zoning Ordinances (2023)
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The security vulnerability CacheWarp poses a risk for virtual machines based on AMD processors. Credit: CISPA

In the area of cloud computingon-demand access to IT resources via the internetso-called trusted execution environments (TEEs) play a major role. They are designed to ensure that the data on the virtual work environments (virtual machines) is secure and cannot be manipulated or stolen.

Researchers at the CISPA Helmholtz Centre for Information Security and Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) have now discovered a security vulnerability in AMD processors that allows attackers to penetrate virtual work environments based on the trusted computing technologies AMD SEV-ES and AMD SEV-SNP. This is achieved by resetting data changes in the buffer memory (cache), which gives the intruders unrestricted access to the system. They have chosen CacheWarp as the name for this software-based attack method.

The research team, led by Michael Schwarz from the CISPA Helmholtz Centre for Information Security, has created its own website to provide information on CacheWarp. The scientific paper titled "CacheWarp: Software-based fault injection using selective state reset" is available on the site and has already been accepted for the USENIX Security conference 2024.

CacheWarp turns back time in memory

AMD Secure Encrypted Virtualization (SEV) is a processor extension that provides secure separation between virtual machines and the underlying software, known as the hypervisor, for managing the required resources. AMD SEV encrypts the data on the virtual machine for this purpose. CacheWarp can be used to undo data modifications in this working environment and fool the system into believing it has an outdated status. This is problematic, for example, if a variable determines whether a user is successfully authenticated or not.

Successful authentication is usually marked with "0," which is the same value with which the variable is initialized. If a potential attacker enters an incorrect password, the variable is overwritten with a value not equal to "0." However, CacheWarp can be used to reset this variable to its initial status when it indicated successful authentication. This allows an attacker to establish an already authenticated session.

This is made possible by an unexpected interaction between CPU instructions and AMD SEV, through which the cache can be reset to its old state. Once the attacker has gained access in this way, they can subsequently gain the full access rights of an administrator to the data in the virtual machine. During their tests, the researchers were able to take all the data located there, modify it and spread from the virtual machine further into the user's infrastructure. They first bypassed the secure login and then overcame the barrier between normal user and administrator.

AMD provides update

As is usual in such cases, the researchers informed the manufacturer concernedin this case AMDabout the security vulnerability in advance so that it could take the necessary measures before the research results are published. AMD has identified CacheWarp under the identifier CVE-2023-20592 and is providing a microcode update that fixes the vulnerability. The manufacturer has published further information on this in the AMD Security Bulletin.

"Research in the field of microarchitectural attacks is fascinating because it very often reveals just how complex our modern computer systems have become," says Andreas Kogler from the Institute of Applied Information Processing and Communications (IAIK) at TU Graz.

"It's amazing how the interplay of several factors makes it possible to extract or change data from such systems. Our work on CacheWarp shows how an attacker can make write accesses to the memory of the affected processors virtually forgotten. You can think of it like older USB sticks. If you overwrote a document there, but removed the stick before the end of the writing process, you could find parts of the old version instead of the new one the next time you plugged in and read the document."

Paper authors are Ruiyi Zhang, Lukas Gerlach, Daniel Weber, Lorenz Hetterich, Michael Schwarz (all CISPA Helmholtz Centre for Information Security); Andreas Kogler (TU Graz) and Youheng Lu (independent).

More information: Ruiyi Zhang et al, CacheWarp: Software-based fault injection using selective state reset (2023).
The United States has extended a sanctions waiver, allowing Iraq to purchase electricity from Iran and giving the latter limited access to the proceeds to buy humanitarian goods.

President Joe Biden's administration has extended the waiver by four months and Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed it and it was transmitted to Congress on Tuesday. The decision is likely to draw criticism from Iran hawks on Capitol Hill as well as elsewhere who believe that such a move will reward Iran.

Waiver Extension

The arguments say that it comes at a time when the Middle Eastern nation is coming under increasing pressure to end its support for proxy groups, including the Hamas militant group. Currently, there are roughly $10 billion in Iraqi payments meant to Iranian electricity that is being held in escrow accounts in Iraq.

The extended waiver will allow Baghdad to maintain its energy imports without fearing penalties from the U.S. for violating sanctions on Iran. it would also maintain a provision under which portions of the electricity that is purchased can be transferred to accounts in Oman and then converted to euros or other widely traded global currencies, as per the Associated Press.

Under the condition of anonymity, officials spoke about the decision-making process around the decision. They said that Blinken signed the waiver primarily because the Biden administration did not want to cut off Iraq from a critical source of energy.

However, they noted that the administration is confident that Iran would not be able to use any of the funds for any criminal activity. They added that there exists a rigorous vetting process that would ensure that the money would only be used for food, medicine, medical equipment, and agricultural goods.

The secretary of state visited Baghdad on Nov. 5 where he met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. It was part of a Middle East trip that focused on the Israel-Hamas war and efforts to prevent the conflict from spreading into a broader regional conflict.

Read Also: US, South Korea Revise Bilateral Security Agreement To Counter North Korea's Threats

Electricity for Iraq

American officials noted that the waiver was similar to one in July that allowed Iraq for the first time not only to make payments into restricted Iranian accounts but also for the funds to be sent to similarly restricted accounts in third countries, according to Reuters.

They also sought to respond to criticism, mainly from Republicans in Congress, that giving Iran access to such funds frees up money that Tehran can then use on militias that target U.S. forces or on its nuclear program.

This comes as the United States has imposed a slew of sanctions on Tehran over its nuclear program and its support for militant organizations. These effectively banned countries that do business with Iran from doing business with the U.S.

A senior U.S. State Department official told journalists that the waiver extension would allow Iraq to use its own funds to render payment for Iranian electricity imports. In an effort to have Baghdad pay its arrears, Tehran regularly suspends its gas supplies which are considered essential for Iraq's power stations to cover a third of the nation's needs, said the Times of Israel.

Related Article: Poland's New Parliament Meets for First Time as Opposition Takes Power, Choses Speaker

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WImSy at work: (a) depicts the WImSy machine illuminating and photographing the surface of the paper, while (b) shows it capturing the transmitted light image with the bottom light sheet illuminated. Credit: Heritage (2023). DOI: 10.3390/heritage6070270

Leonardo da Vinci may have been a genius, but he was also a hot messat least in terms of organizing his works. When he died in 1519, the Renaissance master left behind 7,000 pages of undated drawings, scientific observations and personal journals, more or less jumbled up in a box. So, when his assistant collected da Vinci's papers, he did his best to collate them into journals, or codices, mostly based on subject matter. Ever since, art historians have used all sorts of techniques to make an accurate timeline of the various documents now held in museums and collections across the world.

A new system developed by a University of WisconsinMadison engineer could help in that centuries-long effort.

William Sethares, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at UWMadison, and Ph.D. student Elisa Ou are using a camera system and sophisticated algorithms to match the undated drawings and writings to others with established dates. And it's not just da Vinci's materials they're analyzing; the two are also working on a project dating the works of Rembrandt. Further, they believe their system is applicable to any artwork or document on pre-industrial paper.

Here's why. Prior to the middle of the 19th century, when industrial production began, paper was a handmade product. Paper makers poured a pulpy slurry onto mesh screens to produce large sheets of paper, which they then cut or folded and sold in bundles. Each of those screens was made of vertical chain wires and more delicate and numerous horizontal laid lines. Sometimes, paper makers also used fine wire to embed depictions of animals, flowers or other symbols, called watermarks, within their products.

"If you can find two pieces of paper that have the same chain lines and watermarks, then they came from the same mesh molds, and that puts them in proximity in time," says Sethares. "That's because these molds only lasted about six months or a year."

Using these idiosyncratic markings to group artworks from the same batch of paper, known as mold mates, makes it possible to date the works if at least one is firmly dated.

Seeing these chain lines and watermarks with the naked eye is difficult, howeverespecially on delicate paper covered with ink, paint or writing by some of the world's foremost artists. Comparing all those subtle marks in paper is also a tedious, inexact task when done by hand.

Marleen Ram, an art curator at the Teylers Museum in Haarlem, the Netherlands, places a drawing by Rembrandt under the watermark imaging system's camera along with Rick Johnson, an emeritus professor of electrical engineering at Cornell University (center), and Rob Fucci, an art historian at the University of Amsterdam (right). Credit: William Sethares

That's why Sethares helped design and develop a hardware and software system called the watermark imaging system, or WImSy, detailed in a paper in the journal Heritage. In the system, an artwork is placed on a light plate, which backlights the paper. A camera takes several photos with light coming from different directions to capture detailed images of the artwork and the paper itself.

Next, with the assistance of algorithms, WImSy augments the photos to peer past the surface image and extract information about the paper's internal structure, including its chain lines, laid lines and watermarks barely visible to the naked eye. Other algorithms then align and compare this internal image of the paper and any watermarks with others in a database to see if there is a match.

The team first tested the system on artworks at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. The system is now being used for significant projects. In 2022, for example, art historians used it to isolate watermarks to authenticate a newly discovered drawing by the German Renaissance artist Albrecht Durer.

It's also part of the da Vinci project, called LEOcode, which involves researchers from UWMadison, Cornell University and the Institute of Fine Arts at New York University. While Sethares has not yet had direct access to da Vinci's journals, he has used the algorithms to examine high-resolution photos of the Codex Leicestera collection of da Vinci's scientific writings owned by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundationto identify and catalog watermarks.

Some scholars of Rembrandtanother artist who rarely dated his artworkare also embracing WImSy. Sethares has photographed the Dutch master's drawings at the Teylers Museum in Haarlem, in the Netherlands; the machine is now at the Boijmans museum in Rotterdam and next goes to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Other institutions in Europe are also interested in trying out the system.

For the Rembrandt project, the team plans to photograph papers from the Dutch National Archivesamong them, deeds of sale, wills and other paper documents.

"This 'boring stuff' is almost always dated," says Sethares. "So if we can go through the archives and match those pieces of paper up with Rembrandt's, that will at least get us to within a couple of years."

Eventually, Sethares says he would like to build a second WImSy system and create a repository of papers photographed by the device that other researchers could access to date artworks and documents. He's still figuring out some of the finer details, though, like who owns the images taken with the system and who should have access to them. In the meantime, WImSy is making the rounds of European museums whose researchers are eager to experiment with the system before it returns to museums in the United States.

More information: Elisa Ou et al, The Watermark Imaging System: Revealing the Internal Structure of Historical Papers, Heritage (2023). DOI: 10.3390/heritage6070270
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Model schematic.(A) The input weather state(s) are defined on a 0.25 latitude-longitude grid comprising a total of 721  1440 = 1,038,240 points. Yellow layers in the closeup pop-out window represent the 5 surface variables, and blue layers represent the 6 atmospheric variables that are repeated at 37 pressure levels (5 + 6  37 = 227 variables per point in total), resulting in a state representation of 235,680,480 values. (B) GraphCast predicts the next state of the weather on the grid. (C) A forecast is made by iteratively applying GraphCast to each previous predicted state, to produce a sequence of states which represent the weather at successive lead times. (D) The Encoder component of the GraphCast architecture maps local regions of the input (green boxes) into nodes of the multi-mesh graph representation (green, upward arrows which terminate in the green-blue node). (E) The Processor component updates each multi-mesh node using learned message-passing (heavy blue arrows that terminate at a node). (F) The Decoder component maps the processed multi-mesh features (purple nodes) back onto the grid representation (red, downward arrows which terminate at a red box). (G) The multi-mesh is derived from icosahedral meshes of increasing resolution, from the base mesh (M0, 12 nodes) to the finest resolution (M6, 40,962 nodes), which has uniform resolution across the globe. It contains the set of nodes from M6 and all the edges from M0 to M6. The learned message-passing over the different meshes edges happens simultaneously, so that each node is updated by all of its incoming edges. Credit: Science (2023). DOI: 10.1126/science.adi2336

Google DeepMind researchers this week unveiled a highly accurate AI-based weather prediction model they say marks "a turning point in weather forecasting."

In an article published in Science, Remi Lam, a staff research scientist at DeepMind, said their program is faster and more accurate than current forecasting methods and can precisely pinpoint characteristics such as air pressure, temperature, humidity and wind up to 10 days in advance.

The model, GraphCast, "significantly outperforms the most accurate operational deterministic systems on 90% of 1,380 verification targets," Lam said.

The basis of weather forecasting for decades has relied on NWP (Numerical Weather Prediction) formulas, complex physics-based equations covering massive numbers of variables.

That approach sweeps through data collected by weather stations, satellites and ocean-based equipment to project trajectories of global heat, air and vapor trails. Additional input from expert analysts and constant updating of algorithms contribute to accurate output. But even with supercomputers, the entire process is time-consuming, energy-intensive and costly.

DeepMind improved on this approach by training machine-learning models with 39 years worth of weather data. Dispensing with physics-based equations, GraphCast's neural network crunches historical data at speeds 1,000 to 10,000 greater than conventional prediction systems.

Based on data from 2018, for example, GraphCast generated forecasts of the weather up to 10 days in advance in less than a minute; conventional methods would have required hours of computations. And GraphCast results were far more accurate.

"In the troposphere, which is the part of the atmosphere closest to the surface that affects us all the most, GraphCast outperforms [conventional systems] on more than 99% of measurements," Lam said.

It similarly bested conventional tools across all levels of the atmosphere in 90% of the predictions.

According to computer scientist Aditya Grover at the University of California, Los Angeles, "GraphCast currently is leading the race among the AI models."

Matthew Chantry, of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, told the Financial Times that AI weather forecasting improved "far sooner and more impressively than we expected even two years ago."

GraphCast doesn't perform better than current approaches when it comes to very local forecasts, such as the chance of rain in your neighborhood. But it excels at weather events over larger areas, such as tropical cyclones and unusual swings in temperature.

"Our approach should not be regarded as a replacement for traditional weather forecasting methods," Lam said. "Rather, our work should be interpreted as evidence that [AI-assisted weather predicting] is able to meet the challenges of real-world forecasting problems and has potential to complement and improve the current best methods."

For some time, weather forecastingas the comedian Rodney Dangerfield might have saidgot "no respect." As one skeptic once put it: "The trouble with weather forecasting is that it's right too often for us to ignore it and wrong too often for us to rely on it."

George Carlin frequently mocked forecasters in his routines: "Long-range weather forecast: It's gonna get real hot, then it's gonna get real cold, then it's gonna get real hot again."

GraphCast isn't batting 1.000 quite yet, and people may still poke fun at off-base forecasters, but with the jarring speed of progress in AI systems, one prediction is certain: The future is bright and clear for AI weather predicting.

The Science article is titled "Learning skillful medium-range global weather forecasting."

More information: Remi Lam et al, Learning skillful medium-range global weather forecasting, Science (2023). DOI: 10.1126/science.adi2336 Journal information: Science

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Examples of fake X posts communicating mental health research where the evidence-basis of the information is not clearly communicated in the post. Credit: Erin Madden et al.

The debate on how to combat social media misinformation is as relevant as ever. In recent years, we've seen medical misinformation spreading alongside COVID, and political misinformation impacting the outcome of elections and national referendums.

Experts have largely placed the impetus to stop misinformation on three groups: social media users, government regulators, and social media platforms themselves.

Tips for social media users include educating themselves on the subject, and being aware of the tactics used to spread misinformation. Government bodies are urged to work together with social media platforms to regulate and prevent the spread of misinformation.

But all of these approaches depend on social media content we can easily recognize as "reliable". Unfortunately, our new study just published in the Journal of Health Communication shows reliable content is not easy to find. Even weresearchers and subject matter expertsstruggled to identify the evidence base of the social media posts we analyzed.

Based on our findings, we have developed new guidelines to help experts create engaging content that also clearly communicates the evidence behind the post.

What did our study find?

We collected and analyzed 300 mental health research-related X (formerly Twitter) posts from two large Australian mental health research organizations, posted between September 2018 and September 2019. We chose this timeframe to avoid the influence of recent major events like the Australian bushfires (starting November 2019) or the COVID-19 pandemic (starting March 2020) on our findings.

We assessed the written content within each individual post, whether the post contained hashtags, mentions, hyperlinks and multimedia, and whether the post featured an evidence-based source, such as a peer-reviewed journal article, conference presentation, or clinical treatment guidelines.

Additional examples of fake X posts on mental health research where the evidence-basis of the information is not clearly communicated in the post. Credit: Erin Madden et al.

We found it was challenging to reliably establish the evidence behind the posts. Our team agreed on whether a post contained evidence-based information only 56% of the time. These chances are not much better than a coin flip.

When people with years of relevant training can't reliably identify evidence-based content, how can we expect everyone else to?

Although some posts appeared to be evidence-informed (for example, a researcher commenting on their area of expertise), the source of their statement was unclear in the majority of posts.

This raises further questions about the distinction between misinformation or disinformation, and "poor quality information". We would argue the latter happens when the level of evidence supporting a post is not recognizable even to those trained in the field.

While some posts contained links to evidence-based sources, such as peer-reviewed papers, most contained expert opinions only, such as news articles. To judge how reliable this content is, a user would need to put in significant extra workreading resources thoroughly and following up on sources.

It's not realistic to ask social media users to do this, especially when peer-reviewed sources use complex, technical language and often require payment to access.

How can researchers communicate evidence-based content?

Academics are encouraged to translate their research for the public, but there is limited guidance on how to balance audience engagement with evidence-based information.

A before and after post, taking into account the guidelines on best practice for sharing evidence-based information. Credit: Erin Madden et al., CC BY-ND

As part of our study, we aimed to create simple, evidence-based guidelines for researchers, on how to effectively disseminate mental health research via X. For example, we found that researchers can boost engagement by emphasizing the specific population group the research relates to (for example LBGTIQA+ or culturally diverse communities) and by using images and videos.

Our guidelines encourage experts to create engaging content that also clearly communicates "what" the information is, "where" the information is from, and "who" the information is for.

We outlined five main points:

Tell the audience what the information is, and where it came from.

Tell your audience who you're speaking to.

Use media that adds to the post, expanding on what the information is and where it came from.

Use hyperlinks to verify research information in the post.

Minimize over-use of hashtags.

We also created mock "before and after" posts inspired by the posts from the study dataset, which outline the use of the guidelines in practice.

The recent increased focus on tackling online misinformation points to a hopeful future for information quality on social media platforms. But we still have a long way to go to promote evidence-based research in an accessible manner.

Research organizations and experts have a unique opportunity to show leadership in this area. Academics can add their voices to the public discourse as trusted and reliable sources of content people want to engage withall while maintaining research integrity.

Additionally, in today's world where health information is often promoted, shared and re-shared by everyone, these guidelines also provide useful tips to help anyone share clear and reliable information, and empower people to effectively navigate health information on social media.

More information: Erin Madden et al, "What Do I Say? How Do I Say it?" Twitter as a Knowledge Dissemination Tool for Mental Health Research, Journal of Health Communication (2023). DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2023.2278617

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Facebook owner Meta said on Wednesday that it would appeal the inclusion of its Messenger and Marketplace products in tough curbs on digital giants that the EU unveiled in September.

Brussels is working through a dense legislative agenda to build tougher regulation of big tech, arguing it needs to protect European consumers online and to encourage competition in an industry dominated by US giants.

In early September, it announced a list of 22 companiesincluding Meta, Apple and TikTok parent ByteDancethat will face tough new curbs under the application of the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

The law will force the largest firms to change their ways under a checklist of dos and don'ts and, regulators hope, create a fairer market.

On Wednesday, Meta said it would appeal the inclusion of Messenger and Marketplace under the legislation.

"This appeal seeks clarification on specific points of law regarding the designations of Messenger and Marketplace under the DMA," said a Meta spokesperson.

"It does not alter or detract from our firm commitment to complying with the DMA, and we will continue to work constructively with the European Commission to prepare for compliance".

The European Commission did not immediately comment on the move when asked by AFP.

In September, the European Commission, the EU's powerful antitrust body, named 22 "core platform" services belonging to five US tech behemoths identified as "gatekeepers"Google parent Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoftand China's ByteDance.

The companies involved must fully comply with the DMA by March 6, 2024.

The "gatekeeper" status applies when a service has more than 45 million monthly active users and more than 10,000 yearly active business users established in the EU.

One of the DMA's main aims is to stop larger players crushing the progression of smaller companies that threaten to become rivals by gobbling them up through takeovers.

The EU has led the way globally for taking on big tech.

The DMA, alongside its sister law, the Digital Services Act (DSA), gives the commission sharper teeth against tech behemoths that critics say have for too long been given free rein to act to the detriment of users.

 2023 AFP
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This Feb. 12, 2015 file photo shows the logo of French car maker Renault seen in a press conference held in Paris, France. Renault is setting out ambitious goals for its new combined electric vehicle and software business, saying it will democratize the market for battery-powered cars in Europe by making them as affordable as gasoline- or diesel-powered models within the next several years. Credit: AP Photo/Jacques Brinon, File

Automaker Renault is setting out ambitious goals for its new combined electric vehicle and software business, saying it will "democratize" the market for battery-powered cars in Europe by making them as affordable as gasoline- or diesel-powered models.

Combining electric vehicles and software in the new independent company Ampere will mean shorter development times and lower costs as the company faces tough competition from U.S.-based Tesla and Chinese carmakers who are making rapid progress.

The company envisions a "software-driven car" by 2026 based on an overarching software package that can be used for different electric car models and combines scattered processors in a central architecture that remains constantly connected to computer networks, or "the cloud." That will enable over the air software updates and customer retention for servicing the vehicle, the company said at an investor day presentation Wednesday. The result should be a 40% cost reduction in production costs by 202728 for the successor models to its Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech.

All-electric models typically sell for more than gasoline- or diesel-powered equivalents, but the cost difference is expected to decline as battery technology improves.

The company also plans a small car selling for under 20,000 euros ($21,695).

Carving out electric cars and software will mean that technology and automotive engineers "will find a common language... and combine the best of tech and automotive," said CEO Luca de Meo during an investor day presentation.

He said Ampere would enable more independent decision making to respond to rapidly changing technology: "Those who stay light and agile, putting their people in a position to experiment and innovate, will come faster out of the curves," he said.

Renault is open to selling shares in Ampere, which was hived off on Nov. 1, through an initial public offering if conditions are right but says it will retain a majority stake. The company predicts Ampere will have revenue of 10 billion euros annually with four vehicles, reaching 25 billion euros in 2031 with seven vehicles.

 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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VASPs (Virtual Asset Service Providers) hold virtual assets in custody, transfer them, and facilitate their purchase and sale against fiat currencies and other virtual assets. Customers can interact with them by depositing or withdrawing cryptoassets through DLT-based transactions, or fiat currency via commercial banks. Credit: Complexity Science Hub

The collapse of FTX clearly highlights the importance of being able to evaluate the solvency of cryptocurrency exchanges. Currently, this is only possible to a limited extent. That's why researchers from the Complexity Science Hub (CSH), in collaboration with the Financial Market Authority (FMA) and the Austrian National Bank (OeNB), are now proposing a new approach.

Recently, a New York jury found Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX, guilty of money laundering and fraud, among other charges. FTX was one of the largest trading platforms for crypto-assets and was valued at $32 billion before unexpectedly filing for insolvency in November 2022.

The working paper "Assessing the Solvency of Virtual Asset Service Providers: Are Current Standards Sufficient?" has been published on the OeNB website and is available for download.

Among other things, Bankman-Fried is alleged to have diverted around $14 billion of FTX customer funds to Alameda Research, an investment fund he also founded.

Automated auditing procedures

"Events like the FTX insolvency demonstrate the need for new solvency assessment methods for cryptocurrency exchanges," says Bernhard Haslhofer of the Complexity Science Hub.

While traditional financial institutions adhere to established solvency assessment procedures, the evaluation of solvency among cryptoasset sector providers, known as Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), is conducted on an ad-hoc basis and lacks a systematic approach. This is partly because assets are held in pseudonymous wallets on different blockchains and are not or only partially disclosed in available reports, such as balance sheets.

"However, transactions that occur on blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum are publicly viewable, opening up potential new opportunities for improving and automating current solvency analysis and evaluation procedures," says Haslhofer.

Two key measures

Firstly, the researchers suggest that VASPs should disclose their crypto asset wallet addresses and provide additional metadata describing the use of these wallets. In this way, independent auditors could assess whether a VASP has access to the funds associated with its on-chain wallets.

Secondly, VASPs should separate their balance reports into crypto and fiat assets and report them at appropriate intervals, according to the study.

Inconsistent data

"We examined a total of 24 VASPs registered with the Financial Market Authority in Austria," explains Pietro Saggese from the Complexity Science Hub. The researchers compared three data sources: the VASP's known crypto asset wallets, balance data from the trade register, and information from regulatory authorities.

"When comparing the known crypto asset holdings with the balance data, we found that they were only partially consistent," explains Haslhofer.

Three causes

The researchers attribute this inconsistency to three main factors. Firstly, not all VASPs separate their balance sheets for crypto and fiat assets, making it impossible to assess the proportion of assets from traditional currencies and crypto assets. Secondly, VASPs manage their crypto asset transactions in different ways. Thirdly, the crypto asset holdings of VASPs are currently not easily visible to third parties.

"FTX has clearly shown that crypto companies can slide into insolvency, potentially resulting in substantial losses for customers," says Haslhofer. "We hope that this study will help improve the analysis and evaluation of VASP solvency in the future. From a global perspective, we are undoubtedly at the forefront of this issue."

More information: Assessing the Solvency of Virtual Asset Service Providers: Are Current Standards Sufficient? www.oenb.at/dam/jcr:91ee2032-1  38a68f3cd/wp-248.pdf
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.
Lee County resident and former ExxonMobil security advisor Tom Glass officially filed paperwork Wednesday to run for the GOP nomination to represent Texas House District 17, which includes Bastrop, Burleson, Caldwell, Lee and Milam counties.

Glass, who graduated from Texas A&M University in 1979, said he decided to run for the nomination again after District 17 incumbent Stan Gerdes voted for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtons impeachment.

The crystalizing event for deciding to run again was the vote by the incumbent to impeach Ken Paxton, Glass said in a press release announcing his campaign. My phone started ringing after that, with HD 17 voters asking me to run.

Glass missed the March 2022 GOP runoff for District 17 by less than 500 votes.

In his announcement, Glass touts his founding of the Texas Constitutional Enforcement, a conservative organization that promotes the enforcement of the U.S. and Texas Constitutions.
On Wednesday, Deja Taylor, the mother of a six-year-old boy, was imprisoned in Virginia after shooting a teacher with an illegal firearm, which was illegal under US law, and using marijuana.

Deja Taylor's son took her handgun and shot his teacher, Abby Swerner, in a first-grade classroom in January, resulting in severe wounds.

Mother of Six-Year-Old Boy Imprisoned

The investigators found nearly an ounce of marijuana in Taylor's bedroom and also saw evidence of the text messages that proved her frequent use of marijuana and firearm.

According to Toronto City News, the federal charges against Taylor were quite rare and occurred when marijuana was legal in Virginia.

Virginia prosecutors reported that some countries in the US ruled against a federal law that bans drug users from owning firearms. However, the law was still effective in other states and continued to charge people, including Hunter Biden, the son of President Biden.

The prosecutors claimed in the court filings that Taylor's chronic, persistent, and life-affecting abuse extends the case far beyond any occasional and recreational use.

The prosecutors would charge Taylor a 21-month prison sentence. Furthermore, Swerner sued the school for $40 million, as the administration allegedly ignored the warning of the teacher that the boy had a gun.

The prosecutors said the case was not a marijuana case. They said in the filing, "It is a case that underscores the inherently dangerous nature and circumstances that arise from the caustic cocktail of mixing consistent and prolonged controlled substance use with a lethal firearm."

Taylor acknowledged a negotiated guilty plea in June in the US District Court in Newport News in the state's southeast coastal region. She was guilty of using marijuana while owning an illegal firearm and also for lying about her drug use when she purchased the gun.

Taylor's attorneys requested a home confinement as they said Taylor was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, a condition that shares symptoms with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and needs counseling.

Furthermore, Taylor's attorneys also noted that she needs treatment for marijuana addiction. They said that addiction is a disease and imprisonment is not a cure.

Read Also: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul Increases NYPD Funding To Expand Social Media Surveillance Amid Rising Hate Crimes

Taylor Shows Remorse

Taylor's attorneys said, "Ms. Taylor is deeply saddened, extremely despondent, and completely remorseful for the unintended consequences and mistakes that led to this horrible shooting."

She would face a separate sentencing in December for felony child neglect. Taylor's son told the authorities that he picked up the gun at the top of the dresser inside Taylor's purse.

Taylor said the gun was locked with a trigger lock but failed to secure her weapon to his son. His father also said that this was not the first time the gun was fired since Taylor shot his father's son after seeing him with his girlfriend.

Taylor's sentence was the first measure of accountability for January's shooting. Furthermore, her sentence reintroduced national discussion about gun violence.

Related Article: Supreme Court Appears To Lean on Upholding Gun Ban Linked to Domestic Violence Restraining Orders



@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The last color had barely dried on the rainbow house in the Dundee neighborhood of Omaha, Nebraska, last weekend when owner Ryan Basye started receiving calls and texts.

Its been fun, he said. My girls think its the coolest thing ever.

Others have agreed, he said, including the people who live in the house near 49th and Davenport streets. It was converted into apartments decades ago.

A tenant called it freaking amazing and beautiful.

The building was painted in rainbow colors because thats the palette chosen by his three daughters, who are all under the age of 10.

To them its not the symbol it is to other people, he said. They would want to play Barbies or have Care Bears over.

But thats not the only reason for the bright hues, a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community.

Its also a response to a neighbors disparaging comments when some earlier work was being done at the house. Basye didnt want to repeat what was said.

It puts a smile on my face knowing that neighbor has to see it every day, he said.

Comments were overwhelmingly positive on a post about the house on the Dundee Memorial Park Neighborhood Association Facebook page, ranging from calling it fantastic to saying it reinforces that the Dundee neighborhood is the best in Omaha.

Midtown Omaha is laudable for being progressive, and that means respecting differences and supporting marginalized communities, resident Julien Wulfgar said.

Hate absolutely has no place, but you know that in midtown thats more than a slogan. Its a way of life for many of us, she said.

Basye, a real estate broker and landlord, owns around 15 properties in the Dundee area.

Its important to him that daughters Josephine, Louise and Cecilia know what he does for a living. Josephine, the oldest, often accompanies him on visits to his properties.

Their input led to the red exterior of an office building he owns near 64th and Pacific Streets. He also used to own a pink building at the corner of 38th and Dodge Streets.

After the office building was painted, his daughters suggested rainbow colors for the next paint job. They picked out the paint with their father.

The opportunity came up, and that is what we did, Basye said. They loved it. I like to get them involved in Dads work.

Jay Axelrod of Everything Axelrod painted the house, which used to be light green. It now includes perfect strips of black, purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, red, pink and white. Even the gutters match the color scheme.

The project was started the first week of October.

It took a lot of extra time and effort and energy to get it to come out that good. And money, Basye said. It probably doubled the cost.

Basye said the coolest thing about the rainbow house is that its instantly identifiable for guests of the tenants who live there, and its just one more thing hes done to improve the community.

There are no other colorful projects on the horizon.

I think its unique, he said and it makes me laugh, and it makes me smile.
A 37-year-old Nebraska man is being held in the Cass County Jail on $750,000 bail after being charged with severely beating his mother and holding his father captive.

Seth Ketelhut is charged in Cass County Court with kidnapping, false imprisonment, two counts of second-degree assault, use of a firearm during a felony and making terroristic threats. The charges stem from an attack on his father, Kevin Ketelhut, 67, at his rural Eagle, Nebraska home.

According to the arrest affidavit, Seth Ketelhut forced his father to sit in a chair for over 20 hours starting about 10:20 a.m. Nov. 5 and ending about 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 6. During that time, the son is alleged to have struck his father on the head with a PVC pipe and menaced him with a gun while asking over and over, Are you going to live or die?

Investigators from the Cass County Sheriffs Office and Nebraska State Patrol observed bruising to the fathers body and head. There were also visible bite marks on the elder Ketelhuts ears and head.

The younger Ketelhut was taken into custody at the scene and booked into the Douglas County Jail. His father has an active protection order against him.

A Dodge County arrest warrant charges Ketelhut, who is said to be homeless, with first-degree assault of his mother, Terri Maschka, 68, at her Fremont home on Nov. 4. He is also charged with abuse of a vulnerable adult and felony theft of his mothers 2021 Ford Escape.

According to the affidavit, Maschka was taken to a Fremont hospital and then transferred to the Nebraska Medical Centers intensive care unit due to suffering a cerebellar stroke and vertebral artery dissection from the assault. A hospital spokesman said Monday that Maschka remained in critical condition.

Ketelhut is wanted in Hall County for failure to appear on charges of breaking into an Episcopal church in Grand Island and causing thousands of dollars of damage. Other charges from Feb. 23 incident include being a felon in possession of a deadly weapon and resisting arrest. He engaged authorities in a standoff that lasted a little more than an hour that day.

He is also charged in Hall County with vandalism of the Grand Island Independent newspaper and damaging a vehicle parked outside the building by jumping up and down on the vehicles roof.
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.
Vietnam seeks WB soft loans for major traffic, climate projects

By Minh Minh Wed, November 15, 2023 | 10:07 am GMT+7

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has urged the World Bank (WB) to provide low-interest loans for key and large-scale traffic and climate-focused projects in Vietnam.

The potential projects stretch across a wide range of areas such as expressways, urban infrastructure, urban railways, a country-long high-speed railway, digital and energy transformation, low-carbon agriculture, and Mekong Delta climate change response.

The Vietnamese prime minister made the request at a Tuesday reception in Hanoi for WB regional vice president for East Asia and Pacific Manuela V. Ferro, International Finance Corporation (IFC) regional vice president for Asia and the Pacific Riccardo Puliti, and IFC vice president and treasurer John Gandolfo.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (right) shakes hands with WB regional vice president for East Asia and Pacific Manuela V. Ferro at a meeting in Hanoi, November 14, 2023. Photo courtesy of the government's news portal.

The event took place after a gathering between Chinh and WB President Ajay Banga in September to discuss game-changing projects in Vietnam, and follow-up meetings between Chinh and Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang and WB country director for Vietnam Carolyn Turk that aimed to speed up WB-funded projects.

For her part, Ferro affirmed that the WB will continue to accompany and assist Vietnam in achieving its goal of becoming a high-income country by 2045. She suggested greater efforts from both sides to accelerate the preparations and implementation of the projects.

The WB is actively coordinating with Vietnamese ministries and sectors to identify critical projects for future collaboration, with preferential loans for the areas aforementioned by the Vietnamese PM.

In interaction with IFC leaders, Chinh asked the IFC to continue to allocate resources and investments for Vietnam, particularly in forming funds serving the development of the private sector in emerging and high-tech fields such as semiconductors, clean energy, and electric vehicles.

The WB has committed some $25 billion for over 170 projects in Vietnam. The ongoing portfolio is funded with $3 billion while $2.4 billion has been allocated for 29 other projects under preparation.

At a meeting in mid-October, Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Thang and Carolyn Turk discussed loans of $5 billion-$7 billion to implement major railway and highway projects.
Microsoft has released a new patch that seeks to address dozens of security holes in its Windows operating systems as well as "zero day" vulnerabilities., marking potential risks to users and other entities.

The tech giant warned that these issues are already being exploited by nefarious individuals in active attacks. The zero-day threats are said to be targeting Microsoft this month and include CVE-2023-36025. This is a weakness that allows malicious content to bypass the Windows SmartScreen Security feature.

Microsoft"s New Patch

This is a built-in Windows component that attempts to detect and block malicious websites and files. Microsoft's security advisory for this particular flaw said that attackers could exploit it by getting a Windows user to click on a booby-trapped link to a shortcut file.

The senior director of threat research at Immersive Labs, Kevin Breen said that emails with .url attachments or logs with processes spawning from .url files should be a "high priority" for those who are hunting threats. This is given the active exploitation of this particular vulnerability in the wild, as per Krebs on Security.

The second zero-day that was identified this month is CVE-2023-36033, which is a vulnerability in the "DWM Core Library" in Microsoft Windows. It was exploited in the wild as a zero-day and publicly disclosed prior to patches being available.

It is said to affect Microsoft Windows 10 and later versions as well as Microsoft Windows Server 2019 and subsequent versions. The president and co-founder of the security firm Action1, Mike Walters said that this vulnerability can be exploited locally with low complexity and without the need for high-level privileges or user interaction.

He added that attackers who are exploiting this particular flaw could gain SYSTEM privileges, which makes it an efficient method for escalating privileges, especially after gaining initial access through methods such as phishing.

Read Also: China Allegedly Harassing Americans Using World's Largest Disinformation Scheme

Fixing Bugs and Exploits

While the new Microsoft patch was able to fix 14 remote code execution (RCE) bugs, the company only rated one as critical. There were also three critical flaws that were fixed and are an Azure information disclosure bug, an RCE in Windows Internet Connection Sharing (ICS), and a Hyper-V escape flaw, according to Bleeping Computer.

The total 58 flaws that were addressed in the recent patch did not include five Mariner security updates and 20 Microsoft Edge security updates that were released earlier this month. On top of the fixes, Microsoft also said that two other publicly disclosed zero-day bugs, CVE-2023-36413 and CVE-2023-36038, were addressed.

The manager of vulnerability and threat research at Qualys, Saeed Abbasi said that Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver, which was among the affected by the flaws, is a component that is essential to the functioning of cloud-stored files on Windows systems.

He noted that the widespread presence of this particular driver in nearly all Windows versions raises the risk and provides a broad attack surface, Abbasi said that it is currently under active attack and poses a significant risk, especially when it is paired with a code execution bug, said DarkReading.

Related Article: Michigan: McLaren Health Care Data Breach Exposes Info of Millions of Americans

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Expert Viewpoint

The Potential of High-Impact Tutoring

There's no shortage of alarming statistics about the state of K12 education these days. Research from NWEA found that students still need, on average, an additional 4.5 and 4.1 months of math and reading instruction, respectively, to catch up to where they would have been prior to the pandemic, which was too low even then. A third of all students struggle to make it to school regularly, and when they are there, less than half feel a sense of belonging.

Looking at these numbers, there's no denying that the status quo classroom instruction is failing to meet the needs of students, and the billions of dollars spent on solutions new and old to address COVID-related learning loss have not yet had the impact they were meant to have. This is why high-impact tutoring deserves our continued attention.

Research consistently demonstrates that high-impact tutoring can yield substantial gains in student achievement. Saga Education, which receives funding from Overdeck Family Foundation, has shown that its model can double or triple the amount of math high school students learn each year, increase student grades, and reduce math and non-math course failures. The real-world benefits of high-impact tutoring can be seen throughout the country. In Texas, Ector County Independent School District began offering high-impact tutoring in 2019 in both reading and math. Three years later, 18 schools showed double-digit increases on state assessments.

High-impact tutoring also has clear social-emotional benefits: An external evaluation of the New Jersey Tutoring Corps, launched in 2021 out of the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund and supported by Overdeck Family Foundation, found that 84% of students reported enjoying learning more now than they did before 20222023 school-year tutoring started. This is a critical benefit at a time when students need it most.

But not all tutoring is created equal, and the best tutoring is often the hardest to implement, a truth that has caused some schools and districts to pause existing efforts or hesitate to jump in at all. In New Mexico, for instance, the Department of Education canceled its contract with a virtual tutoring provider because the program fell short of expectations. Meanwhile, some districts are reluctant to invest in rigorous tutoring altogether, with close to one in five schools offering no tutoring whatsoever. According to a recent McKinsey survey, while more than 50% of district leaders hope to dedicate remaining ESSER funds to pandemic learning recovery, only 30% plan to invest in supports like high-dosage tutoring and intervention curricula.

To the educators who are navigating these real-time decisions about what's best for students: Don't give up on tutoring  but make sure you're investing in what works. There is evidence available to help you understand what kind of tutoring can best accelerate learning, and, importantly, there are new innovations underway to make effective tutoring easier to implement and more cost-efficient.

What makes high-impact tutoring work

We know tutoring is more likely to have a compelling impact when it is grounded in several key elements: embedded into the school day, aligned to classroom instruction, and delivered by highly trained tutors who stay consistent throughout the tutoring duration. Additionally, tutoring is most impactful when students attend sessions at least three times per week for more than 10 weeks.

These elements mean that impactful tutoring isn't an off-the-shelf solution. Specifically, effective implementation  from finding and training tutors to rethinking the school day schedule and securing funding  requires dedicated staffing to manage the program and strong relationships with providers, both of which can be a challenge for districts given resource and funding constraints.

Recognizing these challenges, organizations like Accelerate, funded by Overdeck Family Foundation, are working to build a stronger ecosystem to develop and scale high-impact tutoring, by investing in research, scaling promising practices, and supporting federal and state policy agendas that allow tutoring to occur at scale.

There are also a number of exciting innovations underway to lessen the implementation burden without sacrificing effectiveness, by adjusting the high-impact tutoring "formula."

Innovations on the horizon

When it comes to cost, opportunities exist to make in-person, high-impact tutoring more affordable. Research from the University of Chicago, funded by Overdeck Family Foundation and Arnold Ventures, shows that blended tutoring models where students receive instruction from trained tutors on some days and engage with high-quality, supplemental, online learning platforms on others can be impactful at a fraction of the cost of human-only tutoring.

Artificial intelligence is also unlocking the potential to train and provide ongoing support to tutors. Saga Education and the University of Colorado Boulder are working together to understand how generative AI tools can review tutoring sessions and provide feedback to tutors, which, if effective, can more efficiently increase tutors' efficacy. In Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University's PLUS initiative is leveraging AI to increase the ratio of students to tutors through a dashboard that offers real-time individualized suggestions, helping tutors identify which students need what kind of help, and when.
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COBDEN  Tuesday was a day of celebration at Cobden Junior-Senior High School. The small school in southwestern Illinois was announced as one of five new Illinois Democracy Schools on Sept. 17.

Illinois Democracy Schools are high schools recognized for school-wide commitment to promoting civic learning by all students. The schools foster participatory citizenship and emphasize the fundamental ideals and principles of our constitutional democracy.

As part of the celebration, former Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon spoke to seniors in Jamie Nash-Mayberrys classroom Tuesday morning.

Simon gave the class a short history lesson on her political service in Illinois.

She noted that she served on the Carbondale City Council, among other councils.

I liked the city council, but I disagreed a lot with the mayor, Simon said.

She ran for mayor in the next election and lost.

In 2010, Illinois elected its governor and lieutenant governor separately. The Democrats had initially picked Scott Lee Cohen as their lieutenant governor candidate to run alongside governor nominee Pat Quinn, but Cohen had ongoing issues in his personal life so he elected to drop out. When he dropped out, Simon said Illinois had an American Idol-like contest to decide a candidate, and she was chosen to run.

It was really cool being in on stuff, Simon said.

One of the things Simon was in on was abolishing the death penalty in Illinois.

The Illinois House and Senate approved a bill to abolish the death penalty in 2011. The decision of whether or not to sign the bill was left to Gov. Pat Quinn.

Simon, who served four years as a prosecutor, told the class there is a difference between guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and guilty beyond all doubt. During their time together in office, Simon had a discussion with Quinn about this. He asked her to put her view in writing and send it to him. She did, and he then decided to sign the bill.

Simon also gave the class some history about her fathers involvement in politics. Her father, Paul Simon, was a member of the United States Congress. The year Simon and her husband Perry got married, her father ran for president. She said they spent their honeymoon campaigning in Iowa.

Her father lost the election.

Im very proud of my dad and what he did, Simon said.

That led the class to a discussion about two kinds of democracies. One is a direct democracy, where everyone can go to a meeting a voice their opinion and vote on issues. The other is a representative democracy, in which the voters elect representatives who cast votes for them.

Simon gave the class a hypothetical, telling them to pretend that they were all on the Cobden School Board. In the hypothetical scenario Simon said that the building that houses their gymnasium, which is currently under construction, had a problem getting supplies and costs had doubled. They had to decide how they could raise money to complete the project.

They came up with several ideas, like fundraising, trying to get grant funding and sourcing materials locally and asking labor unions to donate time finishing the work. Their final idea was a loan. Simon told the students that the loan would be paid off with property taxes.

Simon then demonstrated a representative democracy through another hypothetical by dividing the class into groups to decide whether or not to fund weapons for Israel, something that's being heavily debated currently. Four students were "pro-Israel." Three were "pro-Palestine." They were instructed to come up with a plan.

While they discussed options, Simon went around the room putting other students into specific constituent groups. A few students were "supporters" of the pro-Israel representatives. A few more were "supporters" of the pro-Palestine representatives. Another group represented campaign donors.

The student representatives compromised by giving Israel money for weapons, but sending in American troops only to help evacuate citizens.

A whole lot of each side could hate, sometimes, a good democratic decision, Simon said.

Students Tess Brenner, Sam Ingold, Grace White and Kaylee Hall talked about how the school was selected as a Democracy School. They were on the democracy committee along with classmate Dora Funes, who was in nursing class, and team chair and social science teacher Jamie Nash-Mayberry, Spanish teacher Kevan Self, junior high social science teacher Ashley Taylor and Superintendent Edwin Shoemate.

During the 2022-23 school year, they had school-wide discussions concerning the civics in their school, performed a self-assessment on the 11 elements in the Democracy Schools model and surveyed staff and students. This data was then analyzed by the committee.

Students said the survey took longer than half of the school year. The whole process was a full year of work.

The students met with Mr. Shoemate and got rules in the handbook changed, Tess said.

Students were actually heard, Grace said.

We were officially named a Democracy School, but we have continued to work, Kaylee said.

We most definitely want this to continue and see changes brought to the school, Tess said.

The students say being named a Democracy School has to do with students having a voice and being heard by their teachers and the administration.

Its amazing how much school pride we have going on this year, Sam said.
SPRINGFIELD  A downstate lawmaker whose challenge of Illinois' semiautomatic weapons ban lost at the state Supreme Court earlier this year has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to review that decision.

State Rep. Dan Caulkins, R-Decatur, filed the request with the nation's highest court last week, arguing that the Illinois Supreme Court's 4-3 ruling upholding the ban, issued in August, denied plaintiffs their due process right to a fair hearing due to the participation of two justices with perceived conflicts.

Justices Mary Kay O'Brien and Elizabeth Rochford, both Democrats elected to the state's high court in 2022, received $500,000 from Gov. J.B. Pritzker's campaign and $500,000 from Pritzker's personal trust during the campaign.

The pair also received endorsements from gun control lobbying groups Gun Violence Prevention PAC and Giffords PAC.

"Given the size of the campaign contributions and who gave the contributions, there not only is a question of fairness and impartiality, there also is a question of the independence of the Justices which calls into question the validity of the state court decision," Caulkins said.

Lawmakers passed and Pritzker signed the legislation banning semiautomatic weapons and high-capacity magazines in January. It took effect immediately, making Illinois the ninth state in the country with a ban on the books.

It was quickly challenged in state and federal court.

O'Brien and Rochford both declined to recuse themselves from the case.

Rochford ended up writing the majority opinion, which dismissed Caulkins' claims that the ban constituted special legislation and denied equal protection to members of the public who weren't classified as exempt from it.

O'Brien, however, dissented, ultimately siding with Caulkins in his claim that the legislation in question violates the special legislation provision in the state constitution.

Caulkins' cert petition  or request that the high court take the case  has been placed on Supreme Court's docket. The Pritzker administration has until Dec. 14 to respond if it wishes to do so. A decision will likely be made next year.

"The Protect Illinois Communities Act is a commonsense law that will remove weapons of war from our streets," said Pritzker spokesman Alex Gough. "It has already been upheld before both state and federal courts, but it's not surprising that Rep. Caulkins and the gun lobby continue to put their extreme ideology over the safety of Illinoisans."

Gough referred questions about whether the state will file a response to Attorney General Kwame Raoul's office, which could not be immediately reached for comment.

The court typically receives about 6,000 petitions per term and about 60 to 70 are usually granted, meaning the chances of success are extremely slim.

Earlier this month, a federal appeals court upheld the state's semiautomatic weapons ban, declining to block the law as larger questions of its constitutionality remain unresolved.

The federal case is believed by many to be headed to the Supreme Court.

The 9 current justices of the US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts Justice Clarence Thomas Justice Samuel Alito Justice Sonia Sotomayor Justice Elena Kagan Justice Neil Gorsuch Justice Brett Kavanaugh Justice Amy Coney Barrett Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson
COLUMBIA  The South Carolina Department of Agriculture is preparing to take on some important regulatory duties that are currently handled by the Department of Health and Environmental Control, better known as DHEC.

Starting July 1, 2024, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) will handle all retail food safety inspection, including restaurant kitchens, school cafeterias, caterers, grocery stores, some convenience stores and more. SCDA is also taking over DHECs Manufactured Food Programs, including soft drinks, cheese and dairy, bottled water, and ice; as well as the Milk Inspection Program and Laboratory.

The South Carolina General Assembly entrusted SCDA with these new responsibilities as part of S.399, a bill that restructures DHEC and divides its oversight among new and existing agencies.

This food safety transfer is a natural fit. SCDA has regulated wholesale food manufacturing for nearly 50 years. The agency also regulates animal feed safety, specialty food producers, and produce farming, and has well-equipped specialized labs that conduct a variety of regulatory testing.

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture has a great reputation for protecting the public and working with South Carolina businesses, said Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers. These new duties will strengthen our ability to assure food safety while also streamlining services for businesses, some of which are currently regulated by both SCDA and DHEC. This is good news for farmers, too: Well have even more involvement in every step of the food system, from when its grown to where its eaten. We look forward to serving our state in new ways as we affirm our longstanding commitment to food safety and a strong agriculture industry.

Mind-altering ketamine becomes latest pain treatment, despite little research or regulation As U.S. doctors scale back their use of opioid painkillers, a new option for hard-to-treat pain is taking root: ketamine, the decades-old surgical drug that is now a trendy psychedelic therapy.

SCDA and DHEC are working together with the SC Department of Administration to assure a smooth transition for customers, employees and the public. SCDA will roughly double in size, with about 115 positions transferring over from DHEC. DHEC food safety staff will join SCDAs existing Consumer Protection Division, which includes all the agencys regulatory departments.

The food safety regulations arent changing, but the public will see some changes  and not just a new logo on the restaurant door, said Assistant Commissioner for Consumer Protection Derek Underwood. South Carolina consumers and the businesses we inspect can expect a responsive team dedicated to helping improve food safety. We look forward to continuing to earn public trust with these new responsibilities.

Tyson recalls 30,000 pounds of chicken nuggets New York (CNN)  Tyson Foods is voluntarily recalling about 30,000 pounds of its dino-shaped chicken nuggets after some consumers reported finding small metal pieces in their patties.

Over the next eight months, SCDA will post regular updates on the transfer at agriculture.sc.gov/dhectransfer.
(TBTCO) - Tai Hoi nghi Cong uoc khung cua Lien hop quoc ve bien oi khi hau lan thu 28, du kien dien ra tu ngay 30/11 en het 12/12/2023 tai Dubai. Ngan hang Phat trien Lien My (IDB) cho biet, se tang so tien tai tro tu 50 ty USD hien tai len 150 ty USD trong 10 nam toi cho cac du an phuc hoi va giam nhe nham giai quyet cac cuoc khung hoang khi hau o My Latinh va Caribe.
Technology has impacted our lives in so many ways that it would take a while to list them all, but a lot of people can tell you that it has been helpful when it comes to security and safety regarding crime. Here are technologies that help law enforcement.

1. CCTV

Closed-circuit television or CCTV is a way for people to keep an eye on a certain area at all times, whether it's being monitored live or recorded to be watched when needed. CCTV cameras can now be found in all big companies and even small stores.

While this has been the subject of privacy concerns out of fear of being watched constantly, it has no doubt been instrumental in identifying perpetrators in many cases. It is even installed in private residences for security purposes.

2. Facial Recognition

Just like CCTVs, facial recognition technology has also been helpful in determining the identity of a criminal caught on camera. The problem is that the facial recognition technology we have now could still use a few tweaks.

It's still not as accurate as it should be and sometimes misidentifies people. It has even been accused of racial bias in some cases. Still, the technology helps the authorities catch criminals faster, therefore preventing further crimes from being committed.

3. Robotics

Police and other types of law enforcers always put their lives on the line when they're on the job. While it's sometimes as simple as checking out a noise complaint, they can sometimes end up in the middle of shootouts or something as extreme as bombing situations

Through robotics, they have the tools to scout ahead without risking any human lives. For instance, drones are sometimes sent overhead to check on the situation before they enter. Some robots can even open a package in case they are too suspicious to be handled.

Read Also: Use of Live Facial Recognition by UK Police Violates Ethics, Human Rights: Here's Why

4. Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has been a convenience for law enforcement since they need to keep the records of millions of people such as photos, videos, police reports, important information for people of interest, and fingerprints.

With access to this source, authorities are able to quickly conduct analysis on several cases, as well as collect important data without having to browse through paperwork. With a centralized database, they can also access data gathered by other stations.

5. Social Media

Under digital technology, social media has been a valuable source of information. It can even hold public data that the police do not have in their database. In fact, a lot of crimes have already been solved with the help of social media users.

For instance, criminal Luka Magnotta who was guilty of murder was found mainly with the help of people from the internet. Social media companies are sometimes helpful with tracking IP addresses when the law requires them to provide such information.

Related: European Law Enforcement Helps More Than 1.5 Million People Decrypt Ransomware
Workers at a downtown Rock Springs massage parlor are believed to be human trafficking victims, the Sweetwater County Sheriffs Office announced Tuesday.

We believe the masseuses and others working there are trafficking victims forced or otherwise coerced to perform labor, including sex acts, as part of a larger network of organized criminal enterprise possibly operating throughout the region, spokesperson Jason Mower said in the statement.

The sheriffs office, in partnership with the Rock Springs Police Department, served the massage parlor with a search warrant Tuesday afternoon following a months-long human trafficking investigation, the statement said.

Earlier this year, officials started investigating alleged sexual acts at an Asian massage parlor located on the 600 block of Broadway St. the statement said.

Detectives uncovered information that indicated those involved with the purportedly legitimate business are, in fact, likely human trafficking victims, the statement said.

Illicit massage parlors often put on a front of legitimacy to hide in plain sight, Lieutenant Michelle Hall, lead detective on the case, said in the statement. These businesses, which are a growing trend, operate in every state across the United States and are a known issue.

Unfortunately, many of those engaged in commercial sex as part of these types of operations are actually labor and sex trafficking victims, Hall said.

No arrests have been made yet given the cases complexity, the statement said.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Hall at 307-922-5331.

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.
THE current financial imbalance, which has the potential to deplete the National Insurance Boards assets by 2035, is not rooted in investment issues but rather stems from the challenges posed by this countrys ageing population, the acting chief operating officer, Business Services at NIBTT, Andy Edwards has said.
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.
Amazon is always finding ways to increase its customer base, and it is doing so successfully as it is the top e-commerce company. In an attempt to expand its reach, people are no longer limited to shopping through their app or website as they can do so through social media as well.

Shopping Through Snapchat

Snap, the parent company of Snapchat, made a deal with the retail giant where users will be able to buy products through ads displayed on the short-form video site. Snapchat users won't even have to exit the app to do so.

The deal was beneficial to both companies as Amazon was able to capitalize on the frequent usage of social media, while Snap's shares increased by 9% after the news of the new feature broke, as reported by Reuters.

Even TikTok recognized this opportunity as it launched its own shopping features within the app. Principal analyst at Insider Intelligence Jasmine Enberg said that "the partnership will help Amazon compete in the more impulse-driven, serendipitous type of shopping that happens on social media."

It won't be the kind of general ads you usually see as well. Amazon ads will show real-time pricing, Prime eligibility, delivery estimates, and product details on certain Amazon products on Snapchat ads, which adds to the perk of not having to leave the app to shop.

The same deal was made with Meta, allowing shoppers to buy products on both Instagram and Facebook without having to leave the app as well. All customers have to do is click the promotion that appears on their feeds.

For Amazon, this can encourage more customers to buy products they are inclined to when they see them in ads but are too lazy to switch apps. As it is with Snapchat, buyers will also see the important details about the product such as price, delivery estimates, Prime eligibility, etc.

Digital marketing agency Disruptive Digital co-CEO Maurice Rahmey said that it was the most significant ad product of the year, to which Meta Client Solutions Manager for e-Commerce said was "a long process in the making and a huge deal," as per CNBC.

Read Also: Amazon's AI Tool Lets You Put Products on AI-Generated Backgrounds

Amazon's Improvements with Ads

The news about purchasing through ads on social media apps like Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook aligns with Amazon's new AI tool that is meant to help advertisers. The retail giant's new feature makes it easier to add backgrounds to products for ad display.

Amazon claims that 75% of advertisers had trouble with building ad creatives and that click-through rates can be 40% higher compared to ads with standard product images or plain white backgrounds.

To add more elements to an otherwise plain white background, advertisers may generate an appropriate background for the products through the beta feature. It can be found in Amazon Ad Console, where products that need editing can be selected.

All advertisers need to do is click on "generate" and choose from the images that the AI tool will provide. If the user chooses, they can even opt for themes. This eliminates the need to use third-party editing apps to create more enticing ads.

Related: Meta Allows Amazon Shoppers to Buy on Facebook, Instagram Ads Without Closing the Apps
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.
Ballet Tucson is bringing three iconic dance works to Tucson as part of its fall concert this weekend.

The company will open its mainstage season with two masterworks from George Balanchine, a legendary choreographer who is considered the father of American ballet.

Ballet Tucson will perform his ballet Serenade in its entirety, the company said in a news release. Its the first ballet Balanchine created in America in 1935 and is one of the signature works of New York City Ballets repertory. It is performed by 28 dancers donning blue costumes.

Serenade will be paired with the regional premiere of Balanchines Divertimento No. 15, which was created in 1956 to music by Mozart and has been performed around the world. The cast is made up of 16 dancers and features eight principal roles.

But thats not the companys only premiere of the night.

Ballet Tucson will perform the complete Klein Perspectives, a contemporary piece by Andrea Schermoly inspired by the art works of Yves Klein.

Klein Perspectives is an exploration of emotional tones, miscommunication and our relationships with ourselves and others, the news release said.

Schermoly is an acclaimed South African choreographer who most recently is credited with a new production of Romeo and Juliet for the Royal New Zealand Ballet.

You can catch the fall concert on Friday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 18, at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 19, at 2 p.m. at the Leo Rich Theater, 260 S. Church Ave.

Tickets are $30-$50 through ballettucson.org.
Hows it growing folks? Welcome back to Here Weed Go! Im your host Eddie Celaya, cannabis reporter here at the Arizona Daily Star and TucsonMarijuanaGuide.com.

In this episode, I have a very special guest: Hirsh Jain, the founder of Ananda Strategy, a consultancy that advises various cannabis businesses, brands and others in the industry across North America and Western Europe.

Hirsh also wears other hats in the cannabis industry worth mentioning: he is the vice chair of the California Cannabis Chamber of Commerce and on the Board of Directors of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) in California.

Because he has such a diverse background, this episode hits on nearly every big story happening in cannabis at the state level right now: from the state of Californias precarious recreational market, to what smaller states like New Mexico, Missouri and others can teach more established markets and others poised to make the recreational leap (like Ohio just voted to do!)

Of course, theres also huge things happening at the national level, and our discussion attempts to shed some light and clear the smoke around whats happening in D.C. when it comes to rescheduling cannabis from schedule 1 to 3 and if congress will ever get its act together and clear up SAFER banking and other issues they helped create.

But our conversation begins with a little bit of the personal, with Hirsh recounting what sort of impact his first time trying cannabis had on him

MORE INFO

More on Hirsh Jain: https://twitter.com/anandastrategy

More on Ananda Strategy: https://anandastrategy.com/

For more Here Weed Go! content, including links to social media and TucsonMarijuanaGuide.com: https://linktr.ee/hereweedgo
A border patrol agent died Tuesday night in Douglas after crashing an ATV into a utility pole, reports say.

The crash occurred behind the Walmart shopping complex center in Douglas, according to Sierra-based news outlet the Herald/Review Media.

"At this time all I can confirm is that the crash occurred and CBP is reviewing the incident," said John Mennell, a spokesman for the agency.

The agent "was in his 40s," according to the Arizona Republic.

Few details are available at this time.

"Our Border Patrol agents risk their lives everyday to keep our country safe," said Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), in a post to his official X account. "Laura & I are praying for this agent, their family, and fellow agents and officers."
Literacy Connects: Tucsons Literacy Connects is taking its Stories that Soar program nationwide thanks to a contribution from the Kautz Family Foundation. The expansion will allow young people across the United States to experience the power of creative writing, theater arts and collaboration. The Stories that Soar program has been built on 22 years of partnerships within 11 school districts across Southern Arizona, as well as with community partners, including Arizona Public Media, Childrens Museum Tucson, The Loft Cinema, University of Arizonas Poetry Center and the Pima County Public Library.

Tucson Water: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded Tucson Water with the WaterSense Excellence Award for outstanding work in promoting WaterSense and water efficiency in 2022. Tucson Water was one of 25 Excellence Award winners. WaterSense recognized Tucson Water for its Responsible Desert Dweller campaign to encourage residents to save water  including replacing plumbing fixtures with WaterSense-labeled products  and developing a new WaterSense fixture ordinance to garner additional long-term water savings for both residential and commercial new construction.

University of Arizonas Justin Dutram: The government of Mexico has recognized Justin Dutram, assistant vice president for Mexico and Latin American affairs in Arizona International, with its Ohtli award, the countrys highest recognition granted to recipients outside of Mexico. The award recognizes those who have distinguished themselves through their work over many years for the benefit of the Mexican nationals living abroad. Dutram has spent his career  more than 25 years  coordinating bilateral programs and initiatives with Mexico. He has been in his current role with Arizona International since 2017. Most recently, Dutram helped facilitate an agreement between the University of Arizona and the Universidad Autonoma de Tamaulipas to collaborate in research and education in the area of One Health, an interdisciplinary effort that addresses the nexus of human, veterinary and environmental health.
A locally-owned Vietnamese restaurant will be relocating its downtown Tucson eatery.

Miss Saigon, currently at 47 N. Sixth Ave., will move into the former MiAn Sushi & Modern Asian Cuisine spot at 88 E. Broadway, on the ground floor of the nine-story Tucson Electric Power building.

MiAn Sushi closed in 2019.

The Rio Nuevo board voted to provide Miss Saigon with up to $354,000 to remodel the former restaurant and add new seating, a new bar, flooring, wall coverings, chandeliers and cherry blossom trees inside.

The cherry tree is a sign of rebirth, said Bao Ma, who owns Miss Saigon along with his brothers.

He told the board that the menu will remain the same, but some special dinner dishes will be added at the new location.

Along with contributing toward renovations, the Rio Nuevo board agreed to take over the current lease on Sixth Avenue for the 22 months that will remain when its vacated, up to $200,000, or help find a new tenant for the location.

Miss Saigon hopes to vacate the current spot at the end of February and be open in the new Broadway location by March.

The restaurant has two other Tucson locations, at 1072 N. Campbell Ave. and 250 S. Craycroft Road.

Increased police patrols

At its November meeting, the Rio Nuevo board also voted to increase what it pays for off-duty police to patrol the downtown area, citing positive feedback from downtown business owners since the program began last year.

Rio Nuevo pays $500,000 a year for officers to monitor patrons downtown and agreed to increase that by $12,500 a month to extend the hours beyond the current 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. timeframe to as late as 3 a.m. at some locations.

The board also authorized an additional $90,000 for the police department to buy two ATV side-by-side vehicles for officers to patrol in a more efficient manner than solely on foot.

The police department will be responsible for the maintenance of the vehicles.
Authorities have launched a homicide investigation after the death of a man who showed up at the hospital on Tucson's south side late Tuesday with a gunshot wound, officials say.

Few details have been released, but the Pima County Sheriff's Department said in a news release Wednesday that "there are no outstanding suspects, and the investigation remains ongoing."

The incident started about 11:45 p.m. when the wounded man was taken in a private vehicle to Banner Hospital, South Campus.

The department took up the criminal investigation after it was determined the man was shot in an incident outside the Tucson city limits near West Valencia Road and South Camino de la Tierra, the news release said.

Individuals who might be involved in the incident were detained, the release said.
Tucson police are searching for a man they say assaulted a 73-year-old woman last week.

The attack happened Oct. 10th on the southeast corner of East Speedway and North Columbus Boulevard.

The attack was unprovoked and the man kicked the woman after shoving her to the ground, Tucson police said Wednesday in a news release. The woman is recovering from serious injuries sustained in the attack, police said.

The attacker is described as being in his late 30s to early 40s. He's about 5 feet, 10 inches tall and has long brown hair. He wore a blue bandana and blue backpack.

The man rode off on a bicycle after the assault, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to come forward and call 88-CRIME, the anonymous tips line.
There's no shortage of Pokemon content out there, whether it's shows, movies, or video games, but we haven't really had new content in a bit. However, thanks to Netflix, we'll be seeing a charming stop-motion series soon.

'Pokemon Concierge' Out Soon

For fans of the Pokemon franchise, the job of the protagonist would be a dream come true. The main character Haru has been employed as the new concierge at the Pokemon Resort, which serves as a "peaceful getaway for Pokemon to relax and have fun."

The trailer shows Haru arriving at the resort and already showing enthusiasm over her new job. You'll see Pokemon characters that are easily recognizable like Pikachu, Rattata, Mudkip, Psyduck, Snorlax, Magikarp, Bulbasaur, Dragonite, and more.

The funny thing is that Pikachu will not be in the spotlight this time as Psyduck will have more screen time than most. The little duck spends the most time with Haru such as hanging out by the campfire or eating ice cream with candy toppings.

The stop-motion animated series will be the first Netflix collaboration with The Pokemon Company, bringing Pokemon that look like plushies and toys to your screens. Haru will be voiced by Karen Fukuhura, who also did voice work in Studio Ghibli's "The Boy and the Heron."

For the Japanese dub, the voice actor for the protagonist would be Non, who also played a role in the animated film "In This Corner of the World." The series will be directed by Iku Ogawa with dwarf studios behind the production.

This might be disappointing for those who can't wait to binge Netflix's "Pokemon Concierge," but it will only be four episodes per season, and each episode will only be 14 to 20 minutes long. Still, we're just happy to see new Pokemon content, which will be released this December 28th.

Read Also: Netflix's 'Arcane' Season 2 is Not Coming Anytime Soon

Other Netflix Shows To Look Forward To

Netflix has a lot of projects on its way to release, whether it's a few months or a year from now. Aside from "Pokemon Concierge," there are several other titles you can expect from brand-new shows to the continuation of good ones.

One that's set to release in the early months of 2024 is "Avatar: The Last Airbender," which is the live-action adaptation of the beloved animated series that already has a huge fanbase. The show is set to be released on February 22, 2024.

Netflix has also posted an official trailer for the live-action series, and it looks like the streaming giant spared no expense to make it look good. After all, there is already a live adaptation of the animated series by M. Night Shyamalan, but it was heavily criticized for all the major innaccuracies.

Another show that already has a release window is "Arcane," which fans have been waiting for. However, it's not going to be released as soon as we'd hoped. The announcement revealed that we might be waiting around a year before we see the second season of the animated show.

Related: Netflix's 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Teaser is Out and It Looks Great
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

In 2020 I supported Laura Conover for Pima County Attorney. That support was a mistake.

Along with many of my colleagues in the office, in the 2020 election I supported Laura Conover, despite two of our colleagues in the office running as well. We all felt that Conover could bring a fresh approach to prosecution and we looked forward to a change. Unfortunately, the change we got was not what we had hoped for. It made things worse, not better.

Conover has now announced she intends to run for reelection.

Conovers lack of experience in prosecution and office management has proven too big of a hurdle to effectively manage an office of more than 300 employees and a budget in excess of $30 million. There is little evidence that her management skills over the past three years have improved.

Within weeks of Conover taking office in January 2021, the top attorneys in the civil division resigned after being told by Conover to take actions they felt were improper and unethical. They urged Conover to alter her position. When she refused, rather than comply with improper demands, these longtime public servants left their jobs in order to preserve their integrity. The civil division is a critical part of the office that defends the county from lawsuits that could cost taxpayers millions. The chief deputy, chief ethics counsel and another supervising attorney all resigned depriving the office of decades of experience. After their departure many cases had to be sent out to private law firms imposing a significant financial burden on the county and taxpayers.

In the criminal division, Conover quickly removed three female supervisors (two of them women of color) and replaced them with white males, mostly with less experience. This had a demoralizing effect as the women were highly respected both in the office and by judges. Over the next several months, even attorneys and staff members brought into the office by Conover resigned after disagreements with her. One of those attorneys signed a non-disclosure agreement requiring the attorney to refrain from making disparaging remarks about Conover. Such a document is remarkable and questionable for county government.

The office lost approximately one third of its staff including many experienced prosecutors. Today the office has several young, smart prosecutors, but the attorneys who could have been mentors and advisors are gone.

(Full disclosure: After I left the office two months into the new administration, Conover directed a bar charge to be filed against me. The Bar dismissed this charge as frivolous. Inexplicably, Conover told a Star reporter that she had never filed a complaint despite it being reported by the Star and it being a public record).

Without experience and institutional knowledge in the office it continues to flounder. Ive spoken to staff and attorneys who talk of low morale in the office. Ive talked to members of law enforcement who tell me of a rocky relationship with the county attorney. Judges report that the quality of work has suffered. We need a good, functioning and experienced county attorneys office to defend the county and prosecute crimes. We do not have that now.

The county attorney has had a decades-long national reputation for victim advocacy. Disturbingly, Ive talked to both victims of crime and victim advocates who feel that the office now all but ignores the plight of crime victims. This is the most shameful part of the current administration .

I dont know if anyone will run against Conover in 2024. Beating an incumbent, either in a primary or general election is difficult. After spending 40 years as a prosecutor in that office, I still care deeply for its people and how it runs. I know that my support, and that of many others from 2020, will be missing next year.
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

Re: the Sept. 24 article Staff at Tucson High demands safety upgrades.

A recently reported set of brawls at Tucson High and an anonymous list of demands for change are important points in understanding the consequences of the destruction of culture.

Authoritarianism can be defined as a belief of leadership through control. The destruction of Tucson Highs culture over the past two decades is a valuable model for the division we see in our wider world.

When I began teaching at Tucson High in 2001, I entered a campus that was proud of its character. Some of this was overconfidence, but there was a there, there. Tucson High was different and existed in a leadership role.

As a counter, I noticed a problem in my classes. Some issues were seen subtly, but also would boil to the top at times. It was not uncommon that a student frustrated with complex concepts would say something to the effect of I cant do science, Im Mexican. In my classroom that would pivot to a mini-lesson on the astronomy of the Maya. From a true teachers point of view, though, such a statement is heart-rending.

This trend diminished as a group of gifted educators at Tucson High and in the wider district began a system of elective classes in history and literature from a Hispanic historic perspective. Like all new ideas, there were certainly kinks to work out. With time, the results I saw in my classroom were not limited to an increased vigor for learning among all my students. There was something deeper and even more positive.

Understand that I was a Caucasian guy teaching science. I was seeing results that could be correlated to the teaching of History and Literature in my science classrooms. I was an outside observer, a control to the experiment.

Cutting to the chase here, our state Legislature would not have it. If you want to see an example of leadership through control, look to our state Legislature.

As a counter, one of the first matters for a new more liberal, governing board was to interview a list of 60 perspective TUSD Superintendents for further review. They picked only one, thus ending the search, and everything changed in the district and Tucson High.

Here we have in two bodies a non-partisan example of Lord Actons warning that power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Our principal was promoted to central administration, and we received a series of principals bent upon saving Tucson High. In the first year, our security detail, which took years to build, was demoted and reclassified. Ethnic Studies, as it came to be known, was removed, later a mere shadow replaced it.

These transitory principals took down the culture of teaching that was our hallmark. They were warned, as we had a strong teaching presence on campus. New principles elevated new hires to teacher leadership and thus used control to acquire leadership. Weak and allied leadership at our teachers association didnt help much. Basically, the campus folded.

The correlation that I saw through the eyes of my students reversed. We continued to warn our sets of newly installed administrators, but our inclusive leadership was seen as adversarial. Like western expansion, Tucson Highs personnel infrastructure was swept aside by outsiders who cared little about the existing culture.

The divisions at Tucson High were openly predicted and ignored. It is no wonder that cohesion on campus diminished as the district became more dedicated to administration as opposed to teaching.

What we should learn here is that inclusive culture is a delicate thing and must be nurtured or it will be replaced by a weaker alternative. Often, we dont see the importance until it is too late. Under past Tucson High tradition, we would have signed a letter seeking more than security measures as an open petition. I am sad for this new culture that must hide.
HONOLULU (AP)  A former patient at a Hawaii psychiatric hospital has been arrested in the stabbing death of a 29-year-old nurse at the facility, officials said.

Paramedics responded to the Hawaii State Hospital in Kaneohe on Monday where the nurse, a 29-year-old man with multiple stab wounds, was pronounced dead.

State Health Director Dr. Kenneth Fink identified the nurse as Justin Bautista and said he had worked at the hospital for four years.

Honolulu police said a 25-year-old former patient was arrested in the death.

According to the Hawaii Department of Health, the patient was discharged from the hospital in August and was participating in a community transition program that allowed him to leave the site briefly during the day.

That made him no longer a hospital patient, even though he was still on the campus, Dr. Kenneth Luke, the hospital administrator, said at a news conference.

No information was immediately available Tuesday on what the patient used to stab the nurse.

Luke called the stabbing an unanticipated and unprovoked incident.

A police arrest log identified the suspect as Tommy Kekoa Carvalho. Police said he was in custody Tuesday, but had not been charged.

The hospital primarily houses patients with significant mental health issues who have been ordered there by the courts after committing crimes. Courts may also order people to stay at the facility while they wait to be evaluated for their mental fitness to stand trial.

Luke said the patient appeared ready for discharge in August and noted that courts issue permission for patients to transition back into the community.

Luke added that it would a be a double tragedy if the death were to lead to patients remaining institutionalized longer.

We can not let this get in the way of appropriate transitions, he said, noting that a safety review of the facility is underway.
James D. Watts Jr. Tulsa World Scene Writer Follow James D. Watts Jr. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

Noche, the latest restaurant concept to take up residence in the Vast Bank Building in downtown Tulsa, will open to the public Friday, Nov. 17.

Hours for Noche, located on the ground floor of the building at 110 N. Elgin Ave., are 4 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Chef Sheamus Feeley, a native of Fayetteville, Arkansas, said it has long been his dream to establish a restaurant in Tulsa, which was always the cool big city when I was growing up in Fayetteville. It was where we came to go school shopping, ice skate or see a show at Cains Ballroom. Ive always dreamed of opening a restaurant here, and doing so now, when so much attention is focused on this city, and to be situated in the heart of the historic Greenwood District, is an absolute honor.

The menu at Noche is inspired by Feeleys love of another city  Mexico City, which he describes as among the most important culinary destinations in the world.

Mexico City boasts a dynamic food scene infused with the flavors and traditions of its earliest Indigenous inhabitants to later Spanish and other European settlers, as well as influences from Africa and Asia, Feeley said. Its a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant history that permeates everything from its architecture and food to its people and traditions.

At a soft opening event last week, guests were treated to samples from some of the dishes that will be on the menu, including ahi and avocado tostadas, shrimp aguachile, mushroom tamal and cochinita pibil, a whole pork shoulder that has been wrapped in banana leaves and cooked for 12 hours with garlic, oranges, chiles and spices.

The menu features snacks that include house-made guacamole and Hazels Crushed Tamale Queso; soups such as posole verde and a ramen-style dish made with beef birria; a variety of fajitas; a barbacoa-style lamb shank, plancha-seared sea bass, and a woodfire-grilled sea bass.

Brian Green, who has been executive chef for James Beard Award-winning chef Kevin Nashans La Tertulia and Peacemaker Lobster & Crab in Tulsa, and has worked with such internationally acclaimed chefs as Daniel Boulud and Dominique Ansel, is Noches executive chef.

Marco Herrera, himself a James Beard Award nominee as one of the creators of the local Tulsa favorite, Et. Al, is Chef de Cuisine. Luis Alfredo Aguilera Hernandez, a native of Tequila in the Mexican state of Jalisco, is Noches beverage manager.

Red Door Grille now open

Red Door Grille, the new Cajun-inspired restaurant from the owners of Bros. Houligan, opened Monday in the KingsPointe Village shopping center, 5964 S. Yale Ave.

The restaurants hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. It will be closed Sundays.

Red Door Grille (not to be confused with Red Door Grill, a Missouri-based chain) took over the space that had formerly housed a cupcake business and a restaurant specializing in nachos.

The menu features such Louisiana cuisine classics as red beans and rice, chicken and andouille sausage gumbo, and po boy sandwiches filled with shrimp, brisket, oysters or catfish.

Other choices include sandwiches such as the blackened chicken sandwich and the open-faced brisket sandwich au jus; five different burgers including the Dr. John, topped with Cajun chili, cheese and onions; seven salads, augmented with proteins that include chilled shrimp, grilled salmon and fried chicken; and baskets built around various deep-fried delicacies, from artichoke hearts to oysters.

Entrees include blackened red fish, grilled salmon topped with a bourbon glaze, shimp etouffee, pork chops with an apricot chutney, and short ribs in a red wine demi-glace.

Pat and Tim McMurchy, who founded Bros. Houligan, first came to Tulsa in 1984 to take over the Louisiane, which was one of Tulsas more venerable fine dining restaurants and featured Creole and Cajun dishes such as gumbo and red snapper.

After three years with the Louisiane, the McMurchy brothers decided to open their own restaurant, which was the original Bros. Houligan at 2508 E. 15th St. A second location opened in 2006 at 9701 E. 61st St.; it closed in 2015, when the South Yale restaurant opened at 4848 S Yale Ave.

The original Bros. Houligan location closed in January, when the owners accepted an offer from someone wanting to purchase the property.

Junipers Harvest Dinner to benefit Iron Gate

Juniper, the flagship farm-to-table restaurant of the Justin Thompson Restaurant Group, will host its sixth annual Fall Harvest Dinner, 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, at the restaurant, 324 E. Third St.

For each ticket purchased, Juniper will donate one turkey to Iron Gate, the nonprofit soup kitchen and food pantry for Tulsans dealing with food insecurity. The restaurants food supplier, US Foods, will match each turkey donation with one from its own stock.

The dinner will begin with passed hors doeuvres, followed by a butternut squash and sourdough panzanella salad, with pomegranate seeds, pickled fennel, and a parsley-sumac maple vinaigrette. The next course will be a pumpkin bisque with creme fraiche, herbed oil and croutons, followed by a wagyu beef short rib ravioli, served with tallow-sauteed kale. Dessert is butterscotch pudding with gingersnap crumbs and toasted meringue.

Cost is $60 per person for dinner only; dinner with wine pairings is $85 per person. Reservations are required. To reserve: 918-794-1090.

Ziggis Coffee launches holiday menu

Ziggis Coffee, which has locations at 6134 S. Memorial Drive and 9191 S. Mingo Road, will be offering a number of seasonal coffee drinks and baked good for the holiday season.

The 2023 holiday menu includes:

Eggnog Latte: espresso and real eggnog topped with whipped cream and nutmeg.

Candy Cane Crunch: peppermint bark latte topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.

Oatnog Pecan Latte: plant-based Oatnog combined with pecan and espresso.

Frostberry Energy Infusion: Ziggis Energy drink with flavors of almond, white chocolate and cranberry.

Holiday-themed baked good include Cinnamon Roll Cake Pop, Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread and Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread.

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Sharon Bishop-Baldwin Sand Springs Leader Staff Writer Follow Sharon Bishop-Baldwin Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

SATURDAY: The city will sponsor the annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony in Triangle Park at Main and Broadway streets downtown.

The event runs from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will include local vendors, performers, carriage rides and plenty of holiday spirit.

For more information, follow the citys Facebook page or call 918-246-2500.

DEC. 1: The Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the 40th edition of the annual Christmas Parade of Lights. This years theme is Peanuts Wonderland: A Merry Sand Springs Christmas Parade. The 1.1-mile parade, billed as Oklahomas longest-running nighttime Christmas parade, will step off at 7 p.m.

The deadline for entering the parade is coming up quickly  Friday. The entry fee is $20, and prizes will be awarded to the most festive Peanuts-inspired entries in the categories of Best Church, Best Use of Lights, Best Showmanship, Best Use of Theme and Best of Show.

For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 918-245-3221 or events@sandspringschamber.org.

DEC. 2-3: Sand Springs Community Theater will get into the Peanuts theme with its presentation of A Charlie Brown Christmas.

The play will be presented Saturday, Dec. 2, at 2:30 and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 3, at 2:30 p.m. in the former Central Ninth Grade Center Auditorium, Fourth Street and Garfield Avenue.

Admission is free, although cash donations for Sand Springs Community Theater or donations of canned food for Sand Springs Community Services will be accepted at the door.

For more information, contact Sand Springs Community Theater at 918-245-1355 or sandspringstheatre@gmail.com.

DEC. 16: The Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum will host the Jolly Old Elf himself as part of its annual Santas Workshop event, but Kris Kringle might be upstaged this year by another celebrity  Melanie Kohn, aka Lucy Van Pelt from the Peanuts cartoons.

Kohn voiced the Lucy character from 1974 to 1977 in Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown, Its a Mystery, Charlie Brown, Its the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown, Youre a Good Sport, Charlie Brown, and the full-length feature film Race for Your Life, Charlie Brown.

Kohn will read aloud a book about Lucy and sign autographs. Her appearance is sponsored by the children of longtime Sand Springs resident Janice Johnson.

Other Santas Workshop activities at the museum, at 9 E. Broadway St., will include ornament-making, as well as visits with Santa Claus and real-life Charlie Brown and Lucy characters. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, call the museum at 918-246-2509.

DEC. 16: The Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce will close its Santa Bucks campaign with a drawing for the winners of cash prizes at noon at Charles Page High Schools Memorial Stadium.

Winners must be 18 or older and must be present to win.

For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 918-245-3221 or info@sandspringschamber.org.

Through the end of the year, the Sand Springs Leader will publish a holiday events calendar each week. To have your holiday-related public event published in the calendar, please send an email to news@sandspringsleader.com at least 10 days before the event and include these things: the events name, date, time, location, cost (if any) and any other pertinent information. Please also include an email address or phone number where readers can get additional information.
Andrea Eger Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Andrea Eger 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

The Oklahoma State Department of Education released the 2022-23 school report cards on Wednesday.

Report cards for each school site are published on an interactive online dashboard at oklaschools.com.

At the state level, academic achievement was unchanged from the year prior with a C grade; academic growth fell from a B to a C; English language proficiency progress was unchanged at a B; chronic absenteeism fell from a D to an F; postsecondary opportunities was level at a C and graduation was unchanged at a D.

In a press release, State Superintendent Ryan Walters claimed that the data was from previous years, even though all of the academic achievement indicators are from state tests administered just seven months ago.

While these scores show data from previous years, they are simply unacceptable, Walters said in the written statement. I will not allow Oklahoma to continue to fail, thats why we are taking a Back to Basics approach. We are implementing robust school choice options for parents, have rolled out the greatest teacher recruitment program in the country, and are reinstituting accountability for discipline in the classroom.

The Oklahoma Legislature is investing record amounts to address education in our state, but for too long, our schools have focused on social experimentation rather than educational outcomes. My message to the people of Oklahoma is clear: we are righting this ship, and we will make Oklahoma a leader in education again.

Chronic absenteeism refers to students who miss 10% or more of the school year for any reason, including absences excused based on local school district policy, because chronic absenteeism places students at academic risk.

According to the state, the percentage of students in good attendance fell from 80.5% in 2021-22 to 79.96%.

National research has shown chronic absenteeism has soared in U.S. schools since the pandemic, and those trend lines have been reflected across Oklahoma, with data even worse at the local level in Tulsa Public Schools.

Statewide, reading proficiency showed a decline overall, from 27.2% to 26.3%  a net decrease of 0.9 percentage points from spring 2022 tests. In eighth-grade reading, only 19.3% of Oklahoma students were considered proficient in spring 2023 tests, a 5.7 percentage point decrease.

Math proficiency rates increased ever so slightly, from 24.9% to 25.1%

The state dashboard is meant to allow users to analyze and compare data among different student groups  such as students with disabilities, different races and ethnicities, and English learners  with schools across the state.

Oklahoma grades its public schools using a bell curve. That means every year, 5% of schools will receive an A, 25% will receive a B, 40% will receive a C, 25% will receive a D and 5% will receive an F.

In a written statement issued Wednesday afternoon, officials with Tulsa Public Schools said they were still reviewing the results.

We recognize that while the Oklahoma State Department of Education report cards are an important metric by which school progress is measured, the district continues to work toward improving all outcomes for students, the statement reads in part. As our teams carefully analyze the data reflected in the state report cards, our academic and teaching teams continue to align the urgent work already underway with the challenges highlighted by the State Department of Education.

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Barbara Hoberock Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer Follow Barbara Hoberock Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

OKLAHOMA CITY  The Oklahoma Supreme Court on Tuesday issued another ruling that goes against the Legislatures efforts to ban abortion.

The states high court directed a lower court to put a hold on enforcing three abortion laws.

The law created by House Bill 1904 would have required a doctor who performs an abortion to be board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology.

Those created by Senate Bills 778 and 779 put additional restrictions on medication abortions.

Abortion providers and others challenged the laws.

The chilling effect of these new laws is such that no physician would likely risk providing constitutionally protected care for fear of violating these statutes, the court wrote.

They put an undue burden on a womans right to terminate her pregnancy in violation of the state constitutions due process section.

That section says no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process.

The states high court had ruled previously that the constitution protects a limited right to an abortion when it is necessary to preserve a womans life.

The law requires a physician to determine to a reasonable degree of medical certainty or probability that continuing a pregnancy would endanger the womans life due to the pregnancy itself or due to a medical condition from which the woman is either currently suffering or likely to suffer during pregnancy, according to the ruling.

Absolute certainty is not required; however, mere possibility or speculation is insufficient, the court said.

The court didnt rule on whether the state constitution provides a right to an elective abortion.

The ruling vacates an Oklahoma County district judges decision not to issue a temporary injunction. The states high court previously put the laws on hold in 2021, but the order directs that stay to be lifted once the lower court issues an injunction.

We are grateful that the Oklahoma Supreme Court recognized how these laws are medically baseless and threaten grave harm, while ensuring that they remain blocked as this case proceeds, said Rabia Muqaddam, senior staff attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights.

This is welcome news, but the devastating reality is that Oklahomans still do not have access to the abortion care they need. The right to abortion is a human right, and Oklahomans deserve to access such essential healthcare without barriers.

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When Aberdeen Enterprizes II threatened to have her arrested over $1,200 in outstanding court fines and fees, Kendy Killman became a prisoner in her own home.

The mother of eight feared being arrested unexpectedly, so she avoided unnecessary trips to the grocery store or her childrens school. She said the third-party debt collector rejected her proposition to set up a monthly payment plan, wanting only a lump sum or nothing at all.

They would call once a week to threaten me, saying, Youre going to jail, and, Theyre going to come to your house and arrest you, Killman said. And I said, OK, theres nothing I can do about it. When you have no resources you have no resources. So I just kept waiting for them to show up.

Cleveland County deputies arrested Killman on a failure-to-pay warrant in June 2016 during a routine traffic stop. Her debt was finally settled in November 2018, nearly a decade after she was convicted of misdemeanor possession of marijuana in 2009.

Killman is one of seven plaintiffs in a 6-year-old class-action lawsuit challenging Oklahomas court debt collection processes, which remains pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma. The plaintiffs claim that Aberdeen threatened indigent debtors with jail time and worked with sheriffs across the state to get arrest warrants issued when payment did not come.

Federal law prohibits debt collection agencies from threatening arrest because of a lack of payment. However, Oklahoma law authorizes district courts to issue failure-to-pay warrants if defendants have not paid their fines and fees or made contact with the courthouse.

The lawsuit, which is in the written argument stage, is credited with prompting legislation reforming how Oklahoma courts determine a criminal defendants ability to pay court fines and fees. Despite the federal litigation, the Oklahoma Sheriffs Association continues to profit from a partnership with Aberdeen Enterprizes to collect unpaid court debt.

Since 2010, state law has authorized county sheriffs to refer unpaid debt cases to the sheriffs association, which over the past 13 years has compiled the information and forwarded it to Aberdeen Enterprizes II. The collection agency tacks on a 30% collection fee, which is split with the sheriffs association after payment is received.

Tax forms filed with the Internal Revenue Service show the Oklahoma Sheriffs Association, a 501(3) nonprofit that organizes training, offers administrative support and lobbies on behalf of 77 county sheriffs across the state, received more than $2 million from Aberdeen Enterprizes II between 2017 and 2021. The sheriffs association received more than $415,000 from the arrangement in 2021, accounting for nearly 40% of the organizations total revenue.

Reached by phone, Aberdeen Director Robert Shofner declined to comment. Ray McNair, executive director of the sheriffs association, did not respond to several telephone messages seeking comment.

In federal court filings, Aberdeen and the sheriffs association attest that their conduct did not violate federal or state law. John R. Woodard and Jennifer Struble, Tulsa-based attorneys representing Aberdeen Enterprizes II, wrote in a July filing that the company cannot be expected to be neutral because of how the debt collection industry works.

For the petitioners, the threat of arrest can be devastating. Killman, for instance, receives a monthly disability benefit to support her as she cares for her disabled son.

Some indigent defendants will see relief under a state law that took effect Nov. 1.

The law created by House Bill 2259, by Rep. Danny Sterling, R-Tecumseh, and Sen. Brent Howard, R-Altus, requires judges to notify defendants of their financial obligations at the time of plea or sentencing and allow them to present evidence that they are indigent. Those who are classified as totally disabled by a government entity, who receive state or federal nutrition or housing assistance, or whose income is below 150% of the federal poverty line will be presumed unable to pay court debt.

Using 2023 federal poverty guidelines, an individual with an annual income of less than $21,870 or a family of four earning less than $45,000 per year would qualify for relief.

The legislation also requires outside collections agencies, such as Aberdeen Enterprizes II, to notify individuals of their right to request a cost hearing if they are unable to pay the debt.

Sterling said the legislation will ensure that criminal defendants statewide are treated fairly. Some district court judges are overly harsh while others are too lenient, he said.

It was just not a very efficient system, Sterling said. It wasnt working. This is maybe not perfect, but we feel like its a step in the right direction.

Also taking effect this month is House Bill 2041, which authorizes law enforcement to give a verbal warning to individuals with outstanding misdemeanor warrants and advises them to contact the county clerk to resolve the issue. Rep. Monroe Nichols, D-Tulsa, and Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, sponsored the measure.

Criminal justice reform advocates have long criticized the states reliance on fines and fees to fund district courts and some state agencies. Since fiscal year 2007, between 66% and 90% of the states district court funding has come from fines and fees. Approximately 25% of court debt assessed is collected, The Frontier reported last year.

While Gov. Kevin Stitt and legislative leaders have indicated support for reducing some court fines and fees, several bills seeking to tackle the issue have fizzled out in recent legislative sessions.

A proposal filed this year aimed at reducing administrative fees placed on defendants cleared the House but did not receive a hearing in the Senate. In 2022, a bill that would have waived court costs after 48 to 60 months of on-time payments unanimously cleared the Senate but stalled in the House.

Killman, who secured stable employment and moved with her eight children from a two-bedroom apartment to a four-bedroom house after paying off her court debt, said shes hopeful that the state will continue to make strides in reforming its court fines and fees system. She said a good next step would be to outlaw third-party court debt collections.

That should not even be legal, Killman said. All it does is cause more stress and cause people to owe more than what they began with. It just makes it harder on a person.

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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

The Oklahoma Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a request from State Superintendent Ryan Walters and the Oklahoma State Department of Education to intervene in a lawsuit against the State Virtual Charter School Board over the creation of the nations first state-funded religious charter school.

In rejecting Walters request, the court invited Walters to instead file a friend of the court brief by Nov. 21.

Walters had sought to intervene in a lawsuit filed by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond regarding the legality of providing state funds to a religious charter school.

Drummond asked the Oklahoma Supreme Court on Oct. 20 to stop state funds from being used to pay for the St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual Charter School.

Drummond named the Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School and its members as defendants. Walters and the state Department of Education were not named as defendants.

The lawsuit follows the Oct. 9 approval by a split Virtual Charter School Board to contract with Catholic leaders in Oklahoma for what would be the nations first religious charter school.

In his lawsuit, Drummond asked the Oklahoma Supreme Court to enforce existing state law that he claims specifically prohibits charter schools from affiliating with religious institutions.

He has called the move to fund St. Isidore an irreparable violation of our individual religious liberty and unthinkable waste of our tax dollars.

Walters, in seeking to intervene in his official capacity as state superintendent of public instruction, said providing state aid to St. Isidore is not only lawful but required by the United States Constitution under the Free Exercise trilogy.

Drummond opposed Walters request, saying the superintendent for public instruction did not have a right to intervene because the lawsuit would not affect the agencys duties under the law.

Dependent on the outcome in this matter, according to the filing by the Attorney Generals Office opposing Walters request, the Board of Education will execute its duty by either:

1. Apportioning State Aid, pursuant to the legislative formula, to the SVCSB and ultimately to St. Isidore of Seville if the SVCSB is successful in invalidating 116-year-old provisions of the Oklahoma Constitution, or

2. Not apportioning St. Isidore State Aid if the efforts to invalidate the Oklahoma Constitution are stopped.

While rejecting Walters request, the Oklahoma Supreme Court did grant a request on behalf of St. Isidore to intervene in the lawsuit.

Oklahoma State Department of Education spokesman Matt Langston issued the following comment via email afterward:

The Attorney Generals hostility not only to the religious freedom of millions of Oklahomans but also his desire to shut down any representation of their views in our states highest court is deeply disturbing and not in keeping with Oklahoma values.

The Constitution and the Supreme Court are clear: we cannot discriminate on the basis of religion, and under Superintendent Walters watch, we will not. We look forward to continuing to defend the religious freedom of all Oklahomans at any time and in any venue.
Vietnamese exporters have seen hindrances to shipping tropical rock lobsters to China as the northern neighbor said that these lobsters are an endangered species and asked exporters to prove that their products are farmed.

The National Authority for Agro-Forestry-Fishery Quality, Processing and Market Development (NAFIQPM) has reported the results of its online working sessions with the General Administration of Customs of China to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

During these working sessions, the Chinese authorities informed that they added wild tropical rock lobsters to the list of endangered species in 2021.

In May this year, China amended its law on wild animal protection, banning the fishing, use, and trade of wild tropical rock lobsters.

The General Administration of Customs of China informed its local customs agencies of the new regulation.

The Chinese authorities required that countries which desire to export tropical rock lobsters to the Chinese market should show proof that their tropical rock lobsters are farmed and they do not use breeds directly caught from the sea.

They must use lobster larvae that are from at least the second generation removed from the wild.

Tropical rock lobster farming facilities must register with the Chinese side with their information attached.

The Chinese side will later launch online or direct inspections into these facilities and publicize the list of Vietnamese entities allowed to ship tropical rock lobsters to China on the portal of the General Administration of Customs of China.

Thus, the obstacle in tropical rock lobster exports to the neighboring market is evidence proving that the products are not wild caught. Requirements in food safety and customs procedures remain unchanged, NAFIQPM affirmed.

The authority proposed that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development direct the relevant units to remove bottlenecks facing domestic enterprises in exporting tropical rock lobsters to China.

Since August this year, they have encountered multiple hardships in shipping the product and cried for help.

Tropical rock lobster farmers are also in trouble as the tropical rock lobster prices have plunged by half.

Tropical rock lobsters which measure some 500 grams each earlier cost VND1.7-1.8 million (US$70.3-74.5) per kilogram, while those weighing 700-900 grams each are now priced at VND1.05 million ($43.5) per kilogram.

This is the lowest-ever price of tropical rock lobsters, a seafood company based in Ho Chi Minh City told Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper.

China is the key import market of Vietnams lobsters.

In the January-August period, Vietnam shipped $76 million worth of lobsters to the northern neighbor, tumbling 42 percent year on year, Thanh Nien reported.

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TikTok has been very influential when it comes to new song hits that will top the charts. It has even been used to revive old songs that have been forgotten. With some titles being used more than others, we grew to like them and added the songs to our playlists in music apps. That will now be easier with the new feature.

TikTok's 'Add to Music App' Feature

The short-form video app has become one of our sources of new music nowadays, whether it's through viral trends or simple background music. TikTok recognizes this influence and is making it easier for us to listen to these songs in music apps.

The new feature comes as a button you can tap which is situated beside the track title at the bottom of the video, or right beside "Add to Favorites" when you search for the title. You can add them to music apps like Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Spotify.

The choices will appear the first time a user taps on the button and will be the default music app after. It can be changed anytime under Settings. Upon adding the song to the music app of choice, it will be saved to a default playlist.

For Spotify, it will immediately be added to the Liked Songs playlist, while Amazon will place the track on the TikTok Songs playlist or one of your choice. For Amazon Music, the feature can only function for Prime members and Amazon Music Unlimited customers.

TikTok Global Head of Music Business Development, Ole Obermann said TikTok is "already the world's most powerful platform for music discovery and promotion, which helps artists connect with our global community to drive engagement with their music."

With the feature, the process is taken a step further as it creates a direct link between discovery on TikTok and consumption on a music streaming service, Obermann added. This way, listeners won't have to exit the app to save the music they like on their preferred music apps.

Spotify VP and Global Head of Consumer Experience Sten Garmark said that they want to create less work to get to the audio listeners love. Currently, the feature is only rolling out to the US and the UK. The company plans to release it to other markets soon enough.

Read Also: TikTok Shop's Launch Could Face 'Difficult' US Market

Other Platform Integration Features

TikTok has its own editing tools, but other content creators sometimes turn to professional editing software to create their videos. Knowing that fact, TikTok announced a new integration feature that allows creators to post directly from third-party editors.

The company has partnered with several platforms with their Content Posting API and introduced Direct Post. All they have to do is connect their TikTok account to the third-party platform and go through a vetting process to be granted access to the API.

The collaboration includes editors like Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Express, CapCut, DaVinci Resolve, SocialPilot, and Twitch. Content creators will receive a notification once the draft has been received, and they can continue to edit the video using TikTok's tools.

Related: TikTok Prepares to Improve Messaging Features
Phu Quoc, an island city off Kien Giang Province in southern Vietnam, is trying to find ways to crack down on bad behavior by service operators, vendors, and drivers, while removing some obstacles to bring back domestic and international visitors.

The municipal Peoples Committee on Tuesday held a conference on civilized behavior in a bid to create an ideal travel environment for tourists.

Several travel firms, waterway transport operators, and car service providers put forward a series of measures to deal with overcharging, high commissions, intense invitations for goods, and environmental pollution.

Tour operators expect Phu Quoc to roll out more unique festivals and distinctive tourism products to make the city more appealing to travelers.

Lam Kim Phuong, director of Vietravels branch on Phu Quoc, said that sellers are still bothering and forcing visitors to buy goods at the night market in the city, discouraging tourists from entering the place for sightseeing and food.

Phu Quoc authorities should take action to cope with the problem in order to impress visitors, Phuong said.

Truong Cong Tam, chairman of the Phu Quoc City Professional Tour Guide Association, said that paying commissions at high rates of up to 35 percent to tour guides and drivers would affect the tourism sector.

Meanwhile, multiple restaurants and eateries set sky-high prices for menus and products.

The city should launch regular inspections of catering service providers and tour guides, and impose harsh sanctions on violators.

These proposals were meant to make tourists feel safe and comfortable during their trip to Phu Quoc City, he said.

Doan Van Tien (standing), vice-chairman of the Phu Quoc City Peoples Committee, speaks at a conference on November 14, 2023 to table measures to entice tourists back to the island city. Photo: Chi Cong / Tuoi Tre

Since July last year, the city has received 10 calls from tourists complaining about travel firms bad behavior, said Huynh Thanh Minh, head of the municipal economic division.

The city asked firms active in tourism to build a behavioral etiquette code for tourism, while tour guides and drivers were told not to rip off tourists.

Minh said that the citys communes and wards would launch unannounced checks on prices to protect the benefits of tourists.

The city will examine the real value of products and the prices at restaurants and eateries, while encouraging tourists to report overcharging via the municipal administrations hotline.

The number of travelers to Phu Quoc City during the holidays celebrating Reunification Day (April 30), International Workers' Day (May 1), and National Day (September 2) plunged against the same periods last year, according to Doan Van Tien, vice-chairman of the Phu Quoc administration.

Phu Quoc is seeing a gradual rebound in tourist arrivals.

Over the past few days, some 24,000 travelers have visited the island city.

The local administration assigned the economic division to chair conferences discussing measures to develop tourism twice a year.

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A "weird puking bird" with a bizarre mating dance has won New Zealand's annual avian beauty contest, triumphing after British comedian John Oliver launched an unlikely global campaign.

The unfancied Australasian crested grebe soared to an unexpected victory in the Bird of the Century ballot on Wednesday, backed by voters from far-flung cities including Tokyo, London and Paris.

Oliver used his popular television show to meddle in New Zealand's beloved competition, urging viewers to back the species more commonly known by its Maori name "puteketeke".

Baffled organisers were soon in a flap as tens of thousands of votes poured in from countries across the globe, briefly crashing counting systems.

With a striking plumage of black, white and brown, New Zealand's online bird encyclopaedia celebrates the water-loving puteketeke as a "majestic and distinctive" species.

Oliver, meanwhile, less charitably dubbed it the "weird puking bird".

Puteketeke are known for eating their own feathers in an effort to trigger their gag reflex and throw up parasites, said competition organiser Nicola Toki from conservation group Forest and Bird.

"Puteketeke began as an outside contender, but was catapulted to the top spot thanks to its unique looks, adorable parenting style -- and propensity for puking," Toki said.

They are also known for a strange and elaborate mating ritual which they perform with gusto but apparently limited success -- it is believed New Zealand's puteketeke population has dwindled below 1,000.

It involves enticing a potential mate with weeds dangling from their beaks, before chest bumping them and engaging in a chorus of chirps that experts have called the "growling cat display".

"I have never identified with anything more," Oliver said.

'Alarmingly aggressive campaign'

Oliver, the star of US television show Last Week Tonight, hijacked the vote with his self-styled "alarmingly aggressive campaign" after discovering the competition was not restricted to New Zealanders.

He said he erected billboards imploring the people of Mumbai, Tokyo, Paris and London to have their say.

Organisers said they ended up tallying over 350,000 votes sent from almost every nation on the planet -- smashing the previous record of 56,000.

But Oliver's meddling and so-called "fowl play" has also upset many in the bird-proud nation, with organisers forced to discard tens of thousands of suspect votes -- including 40,000 cast by a single person for a penguin.

"We know birds inspire incredible passion, but we encourage people to channel that passion into productive efforts rather than trying to rig an election," Toki said.

Birdwatcher Michael Burton-Smith told local media the overseas votes "ruffled the integrity" of the campaign.

The good-natured competition is never short of controversy, with past polls plagued by suspicious numbers of Russian votes, and accusations that neighbouring Australians were trying to rig the competition.

The kakapo, a chubby flightless parrot resembling a green-feathered bowling ball, was disqualified from last year's competition because it had already won too many times.
Police in Lam Dong Province, located in Vietnam's Central Highlands region, apprehended a deputy director and two employees at the Cu Lan Village tourist area, a popular attraction in the province, for their involvement in an accident claiming the lives of four South Korean tourists in October, an officer said on Wednesday.

Police officers also launched criminal proceedings against a case of involuntary manslaughter that happened at Cu Lan Village in Lac Duong District.

The detainees include Ngo Thanh Nghia, a 55-year-old resident of Thu Duc City under Ho Chi Minh City, nearly 300 kilometers from the Central Highlands province; and Vo Tan Binh, 35, and Vo Le Thai, 30, both living in An Giang Province in the Mekong Delta region.

Nghia is deputy director at the Cu Lan Village tourist site, while Binh serves as a worker there.

Thai, who works as a driver there, was driving a jeep carrying the four South Koreans for sightseeing when the vehicle flipped over due to a flash flood, leaving all the foreigners dead on October 24.

The scene of a fatal incident in which four South Korean tourists were killed after a jeep carrying them flipped over due to a flash flood in Cu Lan Village, a tourist destination in Lac Duong District, Lam Dong Province, Vietnams Central Highlands region, October 24, 2023. Photo: M.V. / Tuoi Tre

The four deceased victims, including two men and two women, were identified as K.S.O., 79; K.J.H., 76; K.J.O., 74; and K.M.J., 68.

Thai suffered mild injuries after the incident, which took place at a shallow stream in Cu Lan Village, some 25 kilometers away from Da Lat City, a popular tourist destination in the upland province, at noon the same day.

The tourists were swept far away, while the driver was entangled in the roots of a tree.

After a search and rescue operation was carried out, staff members of the tourist site discovered the driver and two of the tourists.

One of the two tourists was found dead and the other was pronounced dead after being hospitalized for emergency treatment.

The bodies of the remaining two were recovered later at around 4:30 pm on the same day.

A worker at the tourist site said that traveling along the shallow stream using a jeep is among the favorite activities of visitors to Cu Lan Village.

This was the first time that a flash flood had hit the tourist site since it opened its door over 10 years ago, the staff member said.

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Read what is in the news in Vietnam today:

Politics

-- Vietnamese State President Vo Van Thuong, his spouse, and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation arrived in San Francisco on Wednesday morning, starting their participation in the APEC Leaders Week and bilateral activities at the invitation of U.S. President Joe Biden.

Society

-- Heavy rainfall reaching up to 800mm in Hue City of Thua Thien-Hue Province, central Vietnam on Tuesday night prompted local residents to hastily relocate their cars to escape the flooding.

-- A Vietnamese TikToker sparked widespread outrage by filming a video at Cambodias UNESCO-recognized Angkor Wat while juxtaposing an image of a Thai monarch and a Thai flag.

-- Doctor Trinh Hong Nhut, deputy director of Central Highlands General Hospital, on Tuesday said that the hospital recently received and effectively conducted emergency surgery on a 12-year-old patient from Dak Lak Provinces Ea Kar District who sustained a gunshot wound in the head.

-- A 17-year-old girl in Nghe An Province, north-central Vietnam was accidentally electrocuted to death as her silver bracelet fell into an electrical outlet while she was attempting to charge her phone, local authorities said on Tuesday.

-- Two girls were confirmed dead by drowning while two others remain unaccounted for after they swam in the Ba River in Phu Yen Province, south-central Vietnam on Tuesday afternoon.

-- The Peoples Court of Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday sentenced two Vietnamese Australians to six months in prison each for assaulting police officers.

Business

-- Ho Chi Minh Citys collection of special consumption tax amounted to VND16.9 trillion (US$693.2 million) in January-October, accounting for 70.4 percent of the estimate and reflecting an 86.2-percent increase over the same period last year, according to the citys tax department.

-- The Peoples Committee of Khanh Hoa Province in south-central Vietnam on Tuesday signed an agreement with South Koreas biotechnology and sustainable solution provider Eco & Tech Co. Ltd. to develop a high-tech park project for primate farming and import-export. The total investment for the project covering an area of 18.7 hectares is $11 million.

Education

-- The number of Vietnamese students studying in the U.S. reached 21,900 in the 2022-23 school year, marking a 5.7-percent increase compared to the preceding academic year. This places Vietnam among the top five countries with the highest number of students in the U.S., after China, India, South Korea, and Canada.

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A 17-year-old girl in Nghe An Province, north-central Vietnam was accidentally electrocuted to death when her silver bracelet fell into an electrical outlet while she was charging her phone, local authorities said on Tuesday.

The family of L.T.A.T., 17, has carried out her burial procedures.

T.s family members discovered the teenager lying motionless at their house in Nghe Ans Con Cuong District at around 9:00 pm on Monday.

They rushed her to a local hospital for emergency treatment but to no avail.

Inspecting the scene, authorities concluded that while charging her phone at around 8:00 pm on the same day, T.s silver bracelet inadvertently came into contact with the electrical outlet, resulting in the electrocution and death.

At that time, T.s younger sibling was at home with her, unaware that she had been electrocuted.

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Two 10-year-old children were confirmed dead by drowning while two others remain unaccounted for after they swam in the Ba River in Phu Yen Province, south-central Vietnam on Tuesday afternoon.

Colonel Bui Xuan Chien, head of the police in Tay Hoa District, Phu Yen Province, said the same day that local rescuers were striving to find the two missing victims.

Police officers informed that at 2:15 pm on Tuesday, six fifth graders, including D.H.L.M., B.Q.K., T.N.B.T., T.L.M.H., D.L.H., and Tr., all 10 years old and students of class 5C of Hoa Phu Elementary School in Tay Hoa District, reached their school to attend a physical education class.

As it was raining, the school did not run the class and allowed them to go home, but they went to the Ba River.

Four of them, namely M., K., T., and Tr., were swimming in the river when they were swept away by rushing water.

The remaining two onshore shouted for help but their four friends went missing.

By 5:00 pm on the same day, local authorities already found the bodies of M. and T. and were seeking K. and Tr., said secretary of the Tay Hoa District Party Committee Ngo Dinh Thien.

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Rescuers broke a house wall to pull two residents alive from the rubble on Wednesday after a landslide, following heavy floods, hit their house in Binh Tien Commune under Huong Tra Town in Thua Thien Hue Province, located in central Vietnam.

Ha Van Tuan, secretary of the Huong Tra Town Party Committee, said on the same day that the rescuers included officials, police officers, and locals.

Due to torrential rains, a flow of mud and rocks cascaded down a hillside onto Tran Dinh Minhs house in the commune at noon on the same day.

Minh, 51, and his wife, Nguyen Thi Thuy Tien, were buried by rocks after the unexpected slide.

After being notified of the incident, police officers in the commune approached his house for rescue efforts.

A huge volume of rocks and mud, paired with floods triggered by heavy rain, made it tough for rescue operations.

The rescuers used hammers to break a wall of the house to take them out safely one hour after rescue efforts began.

They were quickly rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.

Their health conditions are stable.

Rocks and mud crash into Tran Dinh Minhs house in Thua Thien Hue Province, central Vietnam, burying him and his wife. Photo: H.V.T. / Tuoi Tre

On Wednesday morning, many locals in some low-lying areas in Hue City were evacuated to safety.

Among them was Huynh Thi Ly, a pregnant woman, whose house was submerged by floodwater.

Rescuers evacuate an elderly man hit by floods to a safer place in Thua Thien Hue, central Vietnam. Photo: Supplied

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Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien, Miss Grand International 2021, denied involvement in a prostitution ring following the spread of photos of her and the mastermind of such prostitution ring on social media.

Tien wrote on her social media that speculations about her implication in a large prostitution ring led by make-up artist Huynh Thanh Thuan were baseless and those spreading the news had intentionally manipulated the public.

She added that the Criminal Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security had earlier announced that she was not related to the ring.

Early this month, the Criminal Police Department said it had launched legal proceedings against Thuan.

Photos of Tien and Thuan then spread on social media, prompting speculation that she might be involved in Thuans ring.

Tien explained that Thuan was a make-up artist so he worked with many celebrities, including her.

She added that her management company had worked with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Information and Communications to cope with the cyber-bullying targeted at her.

She expected the public's trust, given the contributions and achievements she has obtained and what she would do in the future, the beauty queen added.

Thuy Tien was crowned Miss Grand International 2021 at the pageants finale in Bangkok, Thailand, becoming the first Vietnamese to win the title.

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Investigators from the Department of Public Security in Thai Binh Province, northern Vietnam on Tuesday arrested Luu Binh Nhuong, deputy head of the Commission on Peoples Aspirations under the National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee, and filed charges against him for allegedly extorting assets.

Police also executed search warrants for his house and workplace in Hanoi.

These warrants had been passed by the Thai Binh Province Peoples Procuracy.

The arrest resulted from an expanded investigation into Pham Minh Cuong, a 37-year-old resident of Thai Thuy District under Thai Binh, for exacting money from sand-mining firms in the northern province, according to police officers.

Cuong has three previous convictions and was identified as a criminal.

During the search and arrest processes, investigators also confiscated several objects and documents showing signs of violating regulations.

The police forces are continuing their probe into the case.

A police officer reads an arrest warrant against Luu Binh Nhuong, deputy head of the Commission on Peoples Aspirations under Vietnam's National Assembly Standing Committee. Photo: Ministry of Public Security

Nhuong, 60, whose hometown is Hung Ha District under Thai Binh Province, served as an NA deputy in the Ben Tre Province delegate group during the 2016-21 tenure, and was also a member of the NA Committee for Social Affairs in the same period.

He is deputy head of the Commission on Peoples Aspirations under the NA Standing Committee and vice-president of the Vietnam-Switzerland Friendship Parliamentarians' Group.

Nhuong has a doctorate in law and worked as deputy dean of the economic law faculty at Hanoi Law University.

As of 2010, he had 22 years of experience lecturing at the university.

He dedicated several years to serving as chief of the office of the General Department of Civil Judgment Enforcement under the Ministry of Justice.

He is not an NA deputy in the current 2021-26 term.

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The administration of a Vietnamese province has signed an MoU with a South Korean company to build a high-tech farm dedicated to breeding non-human primates for scientific purposes.

Tran Hoa Nam, deputy chairman of the People's Committee of Khanh Hoa Province in south-central Vietnam, on Tuesday announced the signing of the MoU between the province, the Nha Trang Pasteur Institute, and the South Korean company Eco & Tech.

As per the memorandum, Khanh Binh Hi-Tech Park will be built in Khanh Vinh District under Khanh Hoa to house a state-of-the-art farm which will breed non-human primates for scientific purposes, establishing itself as a leader in scale and quality within Vietnam.

The collaboration aims to construct a high-tech center for breeding, importing, and exporting such primates.

The project, funded with $11 million, will occupy an expansive 18.7-hectare area.

The farm is poised to be Vietnam's first to meet Contract Research Organization (CRO) standards, essential for organizations providing studies and related services for pharmaceutical drug development, as outlined by Promedica International, Nam said.

An artist's impression of the Khanh Binh Hi-Tech Park project, which will become a primate breeding center with the largest scale in Vietnam. Photo: Eco & Tech

Upon full operation, the farm is expected to become a prominent source of high-quality primates (crab-eating macaques macaca fascicularis and rhesus macaques macaca mulatta) for medical research.

In the subsequent phase of the project, a complex for paraclinical research, adhering to CRO standards, alongside biotechnology and advanced technological laboratories, will be established.

The long-term vision for the project involves evolving into a comprehensive ecosystem encompassing the care of laboratory animals, subclinical tests, and the development of vaccines and medicines.

During the signing ceremony on Tuesday, Lee Seung-Hyuk, president of Eco & Tech, expressed confidence that the project would ensure the optimal supply of materials to the biotechnology industry.

He highlighted the meticulous selection and breeding of high-quality non-human primates, emphasizing the investment in a biological research complex in Khanh Hoa.

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K-pop supergroup Seventeen has addressed a UNESCO forum and delivered a message of solidarity and hope to young people around the world.

The 13-piece group attended a special session of the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum, a biennial event held in conjunction with the UNESCO General Assembly in Paris on Tuesday (Paris time).

Seventeen became the first K-pop act to be invited to address an entire session at a significant UNESCO meeting.

All members  excluding S.Coups, who is currently on a break due to a knee injury  took the podium in the packed main hall of the UNESCO headquarters, eliciting resounding cheers from the audience.

The group began the relay speech by introducing how the 13 members, who had grown up in various environments, came together to form Seventeen.

When it made its debut, people "liked to say that 13 members was too many for a boy band," Woozi, an in-house producer of the team, said. "Many also believed our average age, which was 17 at the time of our debut, made us too young that we wouldn't get along and that we would have a hard time finding and building our original sound."

The group, however, was not discouraged.

"We were too young to be discouraged," he said.

"Each of us had our own strengths, whether it was in our vocals, performing or hip-hop. And we learned from each other and came together as one, Seventeen's identity began to take shape. Our group's unique approach to teaching and learning from each other and having fun while we were at it, was our own special way of growing."

Jun, a Chinese member, said in his mother tongue, "We may not be perfect as individuals, but together, we are the best team, Seventeen.

"There are difficulties of the present and uncertainties of the future, but we believe we can overcome anything if we are all together," he added.

Mingyu spoke about the group's social sharing activities, which include donating 13 goats to children in Tanzania on its first debut anniversary in 2016.

He said these activities are important because they help give children in need hope for the future.

Joshua, a Korean American member, introduced the Going Together campaign, which the group launched last year with the Korean National Commission for UNESCO (KNCU) to promote the importance of education.

The campaign caught the attention of the UNESCO headquarters, which then offered to work in collaboration with Seventeen and the KNCU.

"That gave us the opportunity to expand the Going Together campaign to the whole world. Going forward, we plan to improve educational infrastructure in the least developed countries by building schools," Joshua said in English.

"We pledge to work as ambassadors to UNESCO to further raise awareness of the critical challenges in our time," he said.

After the speech, Seventeen performed on the stage in its first live performance in Europe.

The performance was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers from the audience, including youth representatives from 173 countries and 550 Seventeen fans chosen in a lottery. Some 20 journalists from local and overseas media also attended. (Yonhap)
Two red-headed cranes, also known as Sarus cranes, will be transferred from Thailand to Tram Chim National Park in Dong Thap Province, southern Vietnam early next month as part of a plan to revive and preserve Sarus crane flocks there.

Red-headed cranes are an endangered bird species listed in the International Union for Conservation of Natures Red List of Threatened Species.

The two cranes are expected to arrive at the national park before the province announces the crane recovery plan on December 14.

Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Le Quoc Phong on Tuesday led a delegation to inspect the crane farming area and items of a project to preserve and develop flocks of Sarus cranes at Tram Chim National Park.

Nguyen Van Lam, director of the national park, reported that a provincial delegation arrived in Thailand early this month to negotiate for the two cranes.

The Dong Thap Party Committee on Tuesday last week wrote to the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs asking for support in working with the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs to complete procedures to receive the cranes, Lam added.

A completed Sarus crane farming area. Photo: Tong Doanh / Tuoi Tre

Phong required the management unit of Tram Chim National Park to quickly complete infrastructure as well as crane care and preservation plans.

The national park must work out a detailed plan to transport the cranes by road and air late this month at the latest.

It should design an area where visitors can admire the cranes and ask for experts opinions to take care of the birds in order not to affect them after they are transported to Dong Thap, the provincial official noted.

On November 3, the administration of Dong Thap Province approved the plan to preserve and develop flocks of Sarus cranes at Tram Chim National Park in 2022-32 at a cost of nearly VND185 billion (US$7.6 million).

Of the total, nearly VND56 billion ($2.3 million) will be used for receiving and nurturing Sarus cranes and studying their reproduction to scale up flocks; nearly VND25 billion ($1 million) for the improvement and restoration of their ecosystem and habitat; VND36 billion ($1.5 million) for the development of an eco-agricultural production model; VND17 billion ($0.7 million) for communications; and some VND52 billion ($2.1 million) for infrastructure and equipment.

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New Stan drama Scrublands opens with a bang, literally, when a country priest shockingly opens fire on his own congregation outside his church.

Five parishioners are chillingly shot in cold blood with precision aim.

Welcome to Riversend, a small pastoral town in country Victoria on the edge of a dry, arid district.

Into the town arrives Sydney Morning Herald journalist Martin Scarsden (Luke Arnold), sent by his editor (Nicholas Bell) to do a puff piece on the recovery of the town, 12 months after local cop Const. Robbie Haus-Jones (Adam Zwar) was forced to shoot Father Byron Swift (Jay Ryan) dead in his vestibule.

Its a shameful incident not many locals are willing to discuss, especially given Fr. Swift was deemed to be a paedophile. But not everybody is convinced of such a smear, including local book store owner Mandy (Bella Heathcote). She only witnessed kindness, sparking the investigative instinct in our hero. For everyone who says he was a paedophile others consider him Mother Theresa

Across four episodes Martin will get to know the townsfolk, portrayed variously by actors including Martin Copping, Victoria Thaine, Ella Ferris, Fletcher Humphrys, Scott Major, Genevieve Morris, Alison Whyte and the enigmatic Robert Taylor as a patriarchal landowner and father to Mandy.

Martin will also begin to uncover secrets and lies, especially when engaging with rogue teens portrayed by Stacy Clausen and Zane Ciarma.

Director Greg McLean draws upon the stark landscape with cinematographer Marden Dean capturing all kinds of moody, haunting shots of a dying town which on your big screen TV are visually arresting. The violent moments will jolt you, and at times remind you of McLeans earlier Wolf Creek.

Jay Ryan as the hunky, brooding priest is terrific, whose story will unravel through flashback scenes. Adam Zwar beautifully underplays a benevolent, somewhat hapless, local cop, while Bella Heathcote and Robert Taylor are perfectly cast.

But this is Luke Arnolds series as the wily, determined journo. He continues to turn in solid performances, even if it will be hard to top his role as a young Michael Hutchence many moons ago.

I did keep wondering what on earth the original police investigation had been up to if all it takes is an SMH to get the bottom of the truth. Were they Keystone Cops?

The series, which draws upon the first of three novels around Martin Scarsden, is something of a slow-burn but remains engaging thanks to its fine ensemble. At just 4 episodes from hitmakers Easy Tiger, it doesnt outstay its welcome.

Stan continues to offer well made local dramas, a destination Nine is prioritising for its premium dramas.

Scrublands screens Thursday on Stan.
The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences reached a significant milestone as it hosted the 52nd Southwest Conference on Asian Studies (SWCAS), prompting a unique opportunity for collaboration, networking and discussion among scholars seeking to learn more about Asian culture. The event served as a vibrant melting pot, providing a fertile ground for exploring the contemporary issues faced by Asian countries and communities.

The annual conference, Voices and Visions: New Perspectives in Asian Studies, was hosted by SWCAS on Nov. 3-4 at the University of Houston, fostering a deeper relationship for the region and encouraging attendees to critically analyze and engage in interactive dialogue. Led by Melody Yunzi Li, Ph.D., assistant professor of Chinese Studies and 2022-2023 SWCAS president, the event was a resounding success.

Such distinctive events exemplify our efforts to connect creative artists, academic scholars and community partners, Li said. As we step out of the pandemic, we have the opportunity to step outside the confines of traditional academia, embracing new possibilities within and beyond our established disciplines.

At the opening ceremony, welcoming remarks were heard from CLASS Dean Dan OConnor and Karen Fang, director of Media and Moving Image. It took place on Friday, Nov. 3, featuring the very first joint performance by the University of Houston Mariachi Pumas and Houston Chinese Orchestra. A cultural fair followed, with local Asian community partners such as the Chinese Community Center, Korean Education Center, Japan American Foundation, Museum of Fine Arts, Filipino Student Association and UH Chinese Study Abroad Program Summer 2023 joining in.

We broke the historical record of the conference, Li said. Historically, it is a regional conference, and it hasnt been in Houston for two decades, last time with only 30-50 people.

Conference participants included more than 220 scholars who gave presentations online and in-person and engaged in thought-provoking discussions prompted by an array of panel sessions at the Student Center. A myriad of topics were discussed, ranging from the artistic expression of East Asia to political transformations in Southeast Asia to the social dynamics of South Asia.

An Educators Symposium and multiple pedagogy-focused panels examined innovative approaches for incorporating Asian visual cultures into K-12 and undergraduate curricula. For virtual conference attendees, Canadian fiction writer Ling Zhang discussed the English novel, Where Waters Meet. A captivating multigenerational saga, it brings much-needed attention to women's suffering during wartime and highlights their extraordinary resilience in extreme circumstances.

Beyond the academic discussions, SWCAS also spotlighted various aspects of Asian culture, art and music through captivating performances and exhibitions, exploring fresh perspectives that shed light on the rich tapestry of Asian studies. Scholars enjoyed a film screening of the documentary, Camellia Flowers, directed by Changhee Chun, professor of cinema and photography from UT Arlington, on Nov. 4 as well as a Q&A.

Jean Oi, Ph.D., president of the Association for Asian Studies, SWCAS mother conference, conducted the keynote speech. She is a William Haas Professor of Chinese Politics and Senior Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University.

This is a rare chance for many scholars in Houston and from out of town to get together for a big regional Asian studies academic conference, Li said. In a year of possibility and new beginnings, SWCAS celebrates local and global communities of Asian studies through connecting creative artists, academic scholars and community partners.

Her pioneering leadership ensured that the conference was a remarkable achievement, and the University of Houstons commitment to fostering cultural exchange and cross-disciplinary collaborations further solidified its standing as a frontrunner in Asian studies.

I think this years conference is the biggest and best its ever been, and I think that is entirely due to Dr. Melody Lis vision about what the conference is all about, said past SWCAS President Zack Smith. Her drive, connections and passion for Asian studies builds bridges between cultures  and it was contagious at the conference.
(Bloomberg) -- The US will lead a push at the COP28 climate summit to triple the amount of installed nuclear power capacity globally by 2050, marking a major turnaround for the controversial technology at the climate negotiations.

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The declaration will call on the World Bank and other international financial institutions to include nuclear energy in their lending policies, according to a document seen by Bloomberg News. The US will likely be joined by the UK, France, Sweden, Finland and South Korea in the pledge to be signed Dec. 1 in Dubai, according to people familiar with the matter.

That will be followed a few days later by a nuclear industry commitment to triple generation resources from 2020 levels, said one of the people, who asked not to be named because the information isnt public.

Nuclear is 100% part of the solution, John Kerry, the US special presidential envoy for climate, said at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum last week. Its clean energy.

The countries recognize the key role of nuclear energy in achieving global net-zero greenhouse gas emissions/carbon neutrality by or around mid-century, a draft of the declaration says. Nuclear energy is already the second-largest source of clean dispatchable baseload power, with benefits for energy security.

The declaration is the latest sign of shifting sentiment toward nuclear power, which doesnt produce carbon dioxide emissions, but has often been criticized over the waste it generates, the cost of building plants and potential security issues. Support has gained traction especially as clean back-up for renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. The countries will also commit to new technologies, such as small modular reactors.

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The US sees such technology as possibly helping slash Africas emissions, while also adding more flexible generation capacity. The US is discussing nuclear cooperation agreements with Kenya and Ghana, and renewing a pact with South Africa, according to Joshua Volz, the US Department of Energys deputy assistant secretary for Europe, Eurasia, Africa and the Middle East.

Read More: What Is COP28 and Why Is It Important?

The United Nations 28th Conference of the Parties, known as COP28, will take place in the United Arab Emirates, which is the only country in the Arabian Peninsula with a nuclear power program. Its not clear if the hosts will sign.

The two-week summit due to start on Nov. 28 will include a global stocktake to track how far off course the world is to keeping global warming below 1.5C and what more needs to be done to close the gap. A report from the UN Tuesday showed that emissions are set to rise 9% by 2030, compared to 2010, putting the world potentially on course for warming of 2.8C.

--With assistance from Paul Burkhardt.

(Updates with details on US seeing role for small modular reactors in Africa in seventh paragraph.)

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Elephants may be first non-human animals to call each other by names

Elephants may be the first non-human animals to have names for each other, according to a new study that sheds more light on the evolution of language across species.

The yet-to-be peer-reviewed research posted as a preprint in bioRxiv was carried out among African elephants living in the savannah ecosystem in Kenya.

Researchers found the elephants addressed one another using individually specific calls.

Scientists were particularly interested to know whether an elephants call for another mimicked the receivers own vocalisations similar to the phenomenon observed in dolphins and parrots.

They found this likely was not the case as the elephants were not imitating the receivers calls.

To our knowledge, this study presents the first evidence for vocal addressing of conspecifics [members of the same species] without imitation of the receivers calls in non-human animals, scientists, including those from Colorado State University in the US, wrote in the study.

This could have important implications for our understanding of language evolution, they said.

Scientists recorded 527 low-frequency elephant calls in the greater Samburu ecosystem in northern Kenya and 98 calls in the Amboseli National Park in southern Kenya.

They identified rumbles specific to individuals and found what seemed to be unique callers and receivers.

Analysing these individual sounds, scientists measured acoustic features specific to these calls and statistically tested if it was possible to predict the identity of the receiver from the call.

Interestingly, calls to the same elephant by different callers seemed to be similar.

Receivers of calls could be correctly identified from call structure statistically significantly better than chance, scientists said.

Overall, they could find 114 unique callers and 119 unique receivers.

The researchers played recordings of calls addressed specifically to 17 of the elephants to see how they responded.

This seemed to confirm the existence of vocal labels similar to names as subjects approached the speaker more quickly... and vocalised more quickly... in response to test playbacks than control playbacks, researchers said.

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This behaviour, observed in elephants for the first time, could be advantageous to them as even closely bonded members of the species tend to communicate and coordinate over long distances via rumbles.

Researchers believe having names allows elephants to attract the attention of a specific individual and enhance their coordinating ability for moving to and from resources when they are out of sight from one another.

In further studies, scientists hope to further understand what kind of pressures from the environment likely drove elephants to adapt to using names.
Korea's on-year employment grew at a faster pace for the third consecutive month in October, but jobs in the manufacturing sector fell for the 10th month in a row amid an economic slowdown, data showed Wednesday.

The number of employed people came to 28.76 million last month, up 346,000 from a year earlier, or 1.2 percent, according to the data compiled by Statistics Korea.

Monthly job additions had slowed down for four months in a row to tumble below 300,000 in July but made a rebound in August and recovered to the 300,000 level last month.

Hiring has logged on-year growth since March 2021.

The employment rate of people aged 15 and older rose 0.6 percentage point on-year to 63.3 percent last month, the highest for any October since the statistics agency began compiling related data in July 1982.

The country's jobless rate came to 2.1 percent, or the lowest level ever, compared with 2.4 percent from a year earlier, the data showed.

The growth was led by more jobs for senior citizens.

Jobs for those aged 60 and older had 336,000 new positions on-year. The hiring of those in their 30s rose 110,000.

But the number of jobs for those aged 15-29 dropped 82,000, the 12th consecutive on-year fall, amid the dwindling population of the age group, according to the agency.

People in their 40s also saw 69,000 fewer positions last month.

By sector, the manufacturing sector shed 77,000 jobs in October, extending the losing streak for the 10th month.

The real estate sector lost 26,000 jobs amid the industry slump.

But the wholesale and retail sector added 11,000 more jobs in October, which marked the first on-year growth since May 2019, the agency said.

The welfare and social service segment added 104,000 jobs, and the science and technology service sector had 76,000 new positions last month.

The hiring in the information and telecommunication sector went up 75,000, and the figure for the accommodation and dining field came to 52,000, the data showed.

"October's job growth came as demand for care and welfare services has risen, and people have returned to pre-pandemic normalcy," agency official Seo Un-joo said. (Yonhap)
Nepal has decided to ban TikTok because the popular short video app was disrupting social structures in the South Asian nation, government officials say.

A number of countries have placed restrictions on the use of Tiktok, which is owned by Chinese tech giant Bytedance and has more than one billion monthly active users, while India has banned it altogether.

Considering how TikTok is disrupting our social harmony, and the impact its having on our family and social structures, the cabinet has decided to ban TikTok for the moment, Rekha Sharma, Nepals minister of communication and information technology, told a press conference on Monday.

CNN has reached out to TikTok for comment.

On Tuesday, Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal defended the decision at an event in city of Bhaktapur.

After a long discussion on how to control the tendency to spread disharmony, disorder, and chaos in the society  a consensus was reached among all political parties, including both the ruling party and the opposition, he said.

Purushottam Khanal, chair of the Telecommunications Authority, has asked internet service providers to cut access to the app, the countrys state-run Nepal Television said in a Monday report.

WorldLink Communications, which bills itself as the largest internet service provider in the country, has complied with the order and other providers are expected to follow soon, the report added.

Reuters reported, citing local media, that more than 1,600 TikTok-related cyber crime cases had been registered over the last four years in Nepal, contributing to rising demand to control the app.

The ban comes more than three years after India blocked Tiktok and several other well-known Chinese apps, saying they posed a threat to sovereignty and integrity. At the time, TikTok had an estimated 120 million users in the country, one of the apps biggest markets.

The United States and its Five Eyes intelligence alliance partners  Australia, Britain, Canada and New Zealand  have placed restrictions on the use of TikTok on devices issued to government workers.

In February, the White House told federal agencies that they had 30 days to remove TikTok from all government-issued devices. Australia announced in April that the app would have to be removed from federal government devices.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Spain's Parliament is set to reelect Pedro Sanchez as prime minister after a contentious deal that granted amnesty to Catalan separatists in return for support of a new government.

Speaker Francina Armengol said Sanchez's candidacy will be discussed by party leaders on Wednesday and the vote will take place after the debate on Thursday.

Sanchez, who has been in office since 2018, is expected to be voted in with no problems given that his Socialist party has reached deals with a number of small parties to ensure he has the backing of 179 legislators, three more than the 176 majority required in Parliament in a first vote.

Spain's 23 July inconclusive elections left all parties without a clear path to form government.

The amnesty legislation has already been registered in Congress and will cover all crimes related to the Catalan separatist movement from 2012 onwards.

The text is also being studied to prevent the creation of legal loopholes and has been sent to Brussels for examination.

"I believe that there is an issue here that perhaps, from a legal perspective, needs to be taken into account, which is the possibility of the Spanish judges raising the famous preliminary ruling question before the Court of Justice of the European Union," said Leopoldo Abad, a Professor of Constitutional Law at CEU San Pablo University.

"The preliminary ruling would paralyse the application of the law until the Court of Justice rules on that preliminary ruling."

Law students at Madrid's Complutense University protest against acting Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's amnesty deal - AP Photo

Sanchezs Socialist Party hopes that people prosecuted during the independence movement will be able to return to Spain within the next six months.

Carles Puigdemont, the leader of the Catalan separatist party, fled to Belgium after leading the failed 2017 independence attempt for Catalonia.

Spains courts have since been trying to have Puigdemont extradited from Belgium. He is considered an enemy of the state by many Spaniards, and hundreds of thousands have already protested against the legislation.

Ahead of Sanchez's inauguration, officials blocked off access on Wednesday to Spain's Congress to prevent protesters from surrounding the building. The move came as the assault on the US Capitol or the invasion of Brazil's institutions by the followers of Jair Bolsonaro, remains fresh in the public's memory.

Some 1,000 police officers have been deployed to ensure that the democratic process in Spain runs normally.
Yorkshire has been named as one of the best places to visit in the world. Photograph for The Yorkshire Post by Tony Johnson. (Photo: Tony Johnson)

The authority on luxury travel has named its 24 best places to travel to in the world, with Yorkshire coming in third behind Budapest in Hungary and Cyclades in Greece. Gods Own County even ranks above places such as honeymoon-regular Mauritius and wildlife having Madagascar.

Conde Nast Traveller refereces the Dark Skies Festival, which is held in Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, as well as the Yorkshire Balloon Festival, which is being held at Castle Howard in 2024, as reasons to visit.

However, its the culinary masterpieces created by Yorkshires established and up-and-coming chefs that is the reason for its moniker as a must-visit, with the website sayinf the reason to visit is for star chefs leading a foodie revolution.

York itself has also been named as the top place to visit in the UK in the coming year, being described as a constantly evolving, wonderful UK city break and an old-age city break with new energy.

Conde Nast Traveller speaks of the incredible food in the city too, but also the York Ice Trail and Jorvik Viking Festival. York was named ahead of the Cairngorns, the Isle of Wight and Oxfordshire as the top place to visit in the UK.

The full review on Yorkshire says: For a bewitching break in 2024, go north. Yorkshire-born sculptor Henry Moore once said: The observation of nature is part of an artists life. And Yorkshire has some of the most seductive nature: sweeping landscapes like living oil paintings; undulating dales and peaks; deep-forested moors with big skies; heady lavender fields; lofty woodlands filled with birdsong; and golden sandy sweeps skirting the peppermint-blue sea.

"The Brontes romanticism is not lost. In 2024, go stargazing in Yorkshires national parks at the magical Dark Skies Festival. The Yorkshire Balloon Fiesta will return to its new home at Castle Howard in 2024, with rainbow-bright, early-morning mass balloon flights and night glows.

"There were plenty of Michelin mentions for the county in 2023, with keen eyes on the 2024 list, so restaurants with rooms are ramping up. Just up the road from The Black Swan in Oldstead, Michelin-lauded chef Tommy Banks latest outpost, The Abbey Inn, opened in May and its three luxurious bedrooms, care of Tommys mother, were launched in July.

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"For the ultimate culinary sleepover, stay two nights and eat at both restaurants. Newbie Myse, helmed by chef-and-sommelier couple Joshua and Victoria Overington, is a petite restaurant with rooms set among caramel-colored cottages in the sleepy village of Hovingham. Book in for its creative tasting menu, then retire upstairs to one of the cozy-cool rooms.

"In June, Middleton Lodge, a sustainable luxury retreat bordering the Yorkshire Dales National Park, launched the Forest Spa in the heart of a serenely wooded estate. Dont pass by honeycomb-hued Helmsley, with its emerging culinary scene and the recent opening of Pignut a restaurant with a sustainable focus and impressive casual and tasting-menu options.

"Expect plenty more magic in 2024.

The full review on York says: York is constantly evolving. And its a wonderful UK city break: its happening, small and (im)perfectly formed  and you can get everywhere on foot. There are mod-luxury stays, a mass of green parks and museums, an outstanding restaurant and street-food repertoire, and the freedom of getting to the countryside or coast within an hour.

"The York Ice Trail 2024 kicks off in February when magnificent ice sculptures will be scattered throughout the streets; the popular Jorvik Viking Festival returns, and the York Food Festival runs in September 2024.

"For a weekender, book into Yorks best, No.1 by GuestHouse in Bootham. The brainchild of the three Guest brothers, its a wonder-filled, luxury townhouse hotel with an excellent, buzzy restaurant, Pearly Cow, which opened in March  try the epic Sunday roast. For a roomy rental, stay at the Railway House in Holgate, which opened in July. The 1850s building has been reinvented by interior designer Lucy Seddon of Helston Street to create eight luxurious French-country-house-style apartments.

"To mix city and country, book a Blacksmiths Barn at Kip Hideaways, with sublime views of the North York Moors  the brand-new second barn is now available.

"On the food front, chef Andrew Pern launched York Minster Refectory in April, peering on to the citys crown jewel, York Minster. Theres Tommy Banks Michelin-starred Roots (just go there) and exceptional independents such as Cresci Pizzeria for delicious Neapolitan pizza or delicatessen sharing platters and wines at Pairings Wine Bar.

"In July Bishy Road brunch spot Robinsons was named as one of the UKs best places to eat by The Times  order the Turkish eggs  and much-loved local Dark Horse Espresso Bar has just launched its new cafe.

"York today is not just old anymore  watch out 2024.
The new headquarters of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in London

By Gergely Szakacs

BUDAPEST (Reuters) -The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is selling its 15% stake in Erste Group Bank's Hungarian unit back to the Austrian group after the Hungarian government's recent exit from the bank, a top EBRD official told Reuters.

In power since 2010, nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban has led a more than a decade-long campaign to bring Hungarian ownership in banking, media and the energy sectors above 50%.

However, Economic Development Minister Marton Nagy has recently flagged a review of non-strategic assets that could be sold as Orban's government aims to raise the required financing for the acquisition of Budapest Airport.

Austrian lender Erste said on Friday it was repurchasing a 15% stake in its Hungarian subsidiary, currently held by Hungarian state-owned Corvinus International Investments.

The deal valued the stake at 87.55 billion forints ($252.24 million), compared with the sale price of 38.9 billion forints in 2016, when the stake was sold as part of an agreement with the Hungarian government and the EBRD.

Francis Malige, EBRD managing director of financial institutions, said the investment had been designed to help the Hungarian bank recapitalise while supporting a positive relationship with the authorities.

"The government's recent exit from (Erste Bank Hungary) means that there is no more state ownership of subsidiaries of Western banking groups, which is good news for the sector's stability," Malige told Reuters.

"Our job as EBH's shareholder is done," he said. "We received a call notice from Erste last Friday and are proceeding with the sale of our stake to the group, based on terms agreed during our 2016 investment."

The deal was part of a landmark agreement between Orban and local banks in the hope that a cut in a hefty bank levy would trigger an increase in lending to businesses.

($1 = 347.09 forints)

(Reporting by Gergely Szakacs, Editing by Louise Heavens)
Horsham-born-and-bred Chloe Esme has launched a luxury Maldives travel business (Photo: Contributed)

Chloe, 39, with partner Ali Haneef has launched an independent Maldives travel business  Amazing Escapes.

The business, she says, is dedicated to providing personalised and unforgettable journeys, allowing our clients to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and luxury of the Maldives.

"We work with some of the most exclusive resorts in the archipelago and take pride in turning dreams into reality in this incredible destination. Ive gone from my humble beginnings in Sussex, to now selling dreams to clients from all corners of the globe, including the UK, US, Australia, and beyond.

Chloe Esme with partner Ali Haneef who have launched an independent Maldives luxury travel business - Amazing Escapes (Photo: Contributed)

Chloe grew up and spent her childhood at the family home in Pondtail Road, Horsham. She is a former Millais School and Collyers Sixth Form College student and started her travel career by clinching a job with Kuoni Travel in Dorking.

I absolutely fell in love with selling holidays to the Far East and Indian Ocean. I had found my calling, said Chloe. I was soon tasked to tour lead a Maldives familiarisation trip, taking 20 or so travel agents with me out to the Maldives to visit hotels for first-hand product knowledge.

"I absolutely fell in love with the destination, and later took the plunge to move out there and work as an overseas destination representative for Kuoni. My career then moved on to local tour operators and luxury resorts in the Maldives.

She and Ali officially launched their own Amazing Escapes business in March this year. We gave up our comfortable jobs in luxury Maldives resorts at the end of 2022 to turn our collective passion, experience and expertise into a business, helping others discover this idyllic paradise.

Now Amazing Escapes prides itself on ensuring its customers experience the very best of the Maldives. "We know the Maldives like the palm of our hand, and we share our expertise with customers all over the world to create unforgettable Maldives holidays. Our dedication lies in using only the highest quality products and services, committed to meeting every customers travel needs.
Peter Hook and The Light are embarking on a huge world tour in 2024 credit:Bang Showbiz

Peter Hook and The Light have announced a massive world tour for next year.

The veteran rocker and his band will perform the 'Substance' albums by Joy Division and New Order in full at the gigs, which kick off at the Opera House in Wellington, New Zealand on May 16 before heading to Australia. The North American leg begins in August in Toronto, Canada taking in cities including Boston, Chicago, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle before heading to the UK and Ireland in October and November.

Announcing the tour on Instagram, a message from the band read: "We are delighted to announce the return of our Substance live show to North America, the UK Ireland from August to November of 2024.

"We will perform both Joy Division New Order Substance LPs live and in their entirety at each show, alongside selected extra Substance era tracks."

Hook added in a statement: "It still amazes me how enjoyable it is to play the Substance LPs. The contrast between Joy Division and New Order is very apparent but both complement each other very well. My only frustration is not being able to play more of our records each night. I am totally looking forward to the next phase. So, lets enjoy some Substance and get ready for the future. Lots of love, Hooky."

Hook released 'Substance' as a collection of New Order's single in 1987 and it was following by the Joy Division singles compilation of the same name in 1988.

The tour concludes in Galway, Ireland on November 16.
By Eva Mathews and Shadia Nasralla

(Reuters) -West Africa-focused Tullow Oil on Wednesday trimmed its 2023 production forecast, but raised its annual cash flow outlook and moved to ease concerns about its debts by tendering to buy back some of its bonds.

The company raised its full-year free cash flow estimate to $150 million from $100 million, citing increased sales in Gabon and deferral of some capital expenditure in the country.

On Monday, Tullow signed a $400 million five-year debt deal with Glencore to help manage its senior notes maturing through 2026 and will also see the trading house take over marketing the crude from its flagship Ghana and Gabon oilfields.

On Wednesday, Tullow also launched tender offers to buy back $300 million of its 2025 bonds which amount to $633 million - using the Glencore facility - and $100 million of its 2026 bonds - using company cash - which stand at $1.6 billion.

"This is a key part of its upcoming refinancing strategy, and the company is on track to being a 'low debt company' by 2025 and is well positioned for a successful refinancing of the 2026 Notes in the near term," Investec analysts said.

Tullow forecast its net debt would fall to $1.6 billion at the end of this year from $1.9 billion at end-June, which compares with its market capitalisation of around $607 million.

Its shares rose around 4% in early trading to their highest in about two weeks, outperforming a broader index of European energy companies up 0.1%.

In September, the London-listed company lowered the upper end of its estimated production range for the year to 58,000-60,000 barrels per day (bpd) from 58,000-64,000 bpd.

It now expects this year's output to be marginally below these forecasts, also citing "reduced water injection" at its flagship Jubilee field in Ghana.

Tullow reiterated its outlook to make $800 million in free cash flow between this year and 2025 at oil prices of $80 a barrel.

(Reporting by Eva Mathews in Bengaluru and Shadia Nasralla in London; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Mark Potter)
Chinese Embassy donates goods to Chinese-aided orphanage in Zimbabwe

Xinhua) 09:30, November 15, 2023

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. 

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun)
The government will earmark 1 trillion won ($768.40 million) to implement extensive tailored programs to encourage more young people to join and stay in the labor market, the finance ministry said Wednesday.

Korea has seen growth in the number of young people neither in employment nor in education or training (NEET) recently, though the overall employment rate has risen to a record level.

During the first nine months of this year, the number of NEET youth came to 414,000, accounting for 4.9 percent of the total population of the 15-29 age group, according to government data.

Under the plan, the government will launch employment services for high school students next year and fully implement the program for college students, which was introduced this year on a trial basis.

The government will have 74,000 people take part in internships or other job-experiencing programs at private firms and in the public sector and launch an integrated platform in 2024.

For those who get a job, the government will provide onboarding programs, as well as education and consulting services, to help them better adapt themselves to their work, and give 300,000 won per person to a company that runs a shorter working hour program.

Various incentives, education and training programs, and counseling services will also be available for those who stay out of the job market to help them land a job starting next year, the ministry said.

Those who are forced to remain unemployed while caring for their family members will receive 2 million won per month, and more hiring opportunities will be available for disabled young jobseekers.

"Despite the improvement in the overall employment situation, some young people still have difficulties finding jobs that they want and stay out of the labor market. The government will extend tailored support that best meets their needs," Finance Minister Choo Kyung-ho said.

The government will set up a regular consultative entity next year to find vulnerable youth and provide needed support, according to the ministry. (Yonhap)
Nhat Hong

HA NOI  As carbon taxes and credits become more prevalent across markets around the world, Viet Nam is seeking ways to demonstrate its responsibility in decarbonisation and help local businesses adapt to change.

An official circular on measuring greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) is expected to be released this November, taking Viet Nam a step closer to its target of net-zero emission in 2050.

The circular, led by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), will be followed by training courses for businesses to comply with GHG control, in order to limit the carbon footprints throughout the supply chain.

The measurement, reporting and verification of GHG mitigation will be mandatory in 2025 for applicable industries including steel, cement, aluminium and fertiliser production, said deputy head of MoITs Climate Change and Green Growth Office Hoang Van Tam.

The move is seen as part of Viet Nams bigger response plan to changes in the carbon tax regulations already initiated across the world - one of the most notable being the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) introduced by the European Union (EU).

Viet Nams steel industry saw significant growth in exports to the EU, especially with the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) taking effect in August 2020.

According to the Vietnam Steel Association (VSA), as of June 2020, steel exports to the EU accounted for only 3.4 per cent of the total steel export turnover. After two years, this figure rose to 20.51 per cent.

In the first six months of 2023, Viet Nam exported nearly 1.4 million tons of steel to the EU.

The global carbon pricing policies, including the CBAM, signal to all businesses in Viet Nam, large or small and medium, that they have to think about reducing emissions and carbon footprints in their production and supply chain, said Tam.

The mechanism puts a price on the emissions released during the production of goods that are entering the EU, ensuring that the carbon prices of imports match those of production within the union.

The purpose of this tool is to prevent carbon leakage, which happens when EU-based companies relocate their carbon-intensive production to other locations with less stringent climate regulations.

Jennifer Pham, Regional Sustainability Advisor at the Danish Embassy in Viet Nam, explained the mechanism: It ensures that sustainability doesn't become a barrier for businesses that are operating in the EU where there are higher, stricter requirements on environmental friendliness, or become a negative factor in a business's ability to compete on the market.

There is also the hope that through measures used in CBAM, we are able to encourage local climate action and create incentives necessary for businesses or governments elsewhere to also implement similar targets, she added.

Pham also noted that a period of transition is necessary and there will be certain challenges in the administration behind CBAM compliance.

The type of carbon recording, for example, thats going to be required as part of CBAM is new not only to the companies in Viet Nam but also to many in the EU, she said.

That is definitely one of the challenges that we're looking into as we're moving forward with the implementation, said Pham.

Pham Ngoc Tien, Vice President of the Foreign Trade University in Ha Noi, said that the EU is the only one applying CBAM at the moment, and therefore, producers and exporters of carbon-intensive products may divert their supply to other markets to avoid the carbon taxes.

However, this will no longer be possible when CBAM or other similar mechanisms become more prevalent, then the impact will be massive, he said.

It is not only manufacturing businesses that are preparing for carbon reduction. The aviation industry, for instance, has seen several decarbonisation initiatives.

In October 2022, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) set out its long-term aspirational goals, that all the members agree to reach net-zero carbon emission in 2050.

Countries across the EU have also been taking action to limit short-haul flights where railway routes are available in an effort to reduce the regions carbon emissions.

France has banned flights where train alternatives of 2.5 hours or less are available, while Germany doubles the taxes on short-distance flights.

Aircraft manufacturer Airbus said that it commits to reducing carbon emissions by 63 per cent by 2030, and fuel emitted through flights by 43 per cent by 2035, according to Helene Burger, head of International Cooperation and Sustainability for Airbus Asia-Pacific.

Nguyen Quang Trung, corporate planning and development director of the flag carrier Vietnam Airlines, noted that new-generation aircraft can help reduce fuel consumption, but the high number of flights coupled with the amount of time needed for new technology to be widely available may hinder the effort.

The major contributor to reducing carbon emissions is expected to be sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which studies have found to contribute 60 per cent to decarbonisation innovations, he said.

Trung added: But we need a lot of research and innovation to reduce the cost of SAF production and to increase the quantity of SAF.

SAF now only makes up one per cent of aviation fuel, and the price of SAF is often two to four times higher than the current fuel.

SAF distribution and production are also not yet available in Viet Nam, he said.

Tam, the deputy head of MoITs Climate Change and Green Growth Office, believed that international resources, particularly technical support, are essential for Viet Nam in the future.

"I think the biggest issue here is about finance and technology, which provide businesses at the grassroots level opportunities for energy transition and decarbonisation in the short, medium and long term," said Tam.

Recent survey data from Viet Nam General Statistics Office revealed that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for over 97 per cent of the total number of businesses in Viet Nam.

Florian Beranek, executive board member of the Central and Eastern European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (CEEC), believes that whether the topic is called ESG (environmental, social, and corporate governance), CSR (corporate social responsibility) or business ethics, the core is all about integrity.

I would highly recommend everybody who is in business to first come back to your common sense, to your natural radar of morality of ethics, and then make your business decisions.

If you do so you don't have to worry about all these requirements, he said.

Beranek has been based in Viet Nam since 2009, when he came to the country as an advisor to a project of UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organisation) which helped local SMEs, mostly in textiles, footwear and electronics, adapt and adopt CSR.

I think it is so important that the EU is making efforts together with European and Vietnamese companies directly in supporting programmes to enable them to manage this channel of regulations.

It is a challenge, but at the end of the day its about doing things right, and then you don't have to fear that it's a burden.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) target of 6-6.5 per cent in 2024 is feasible, but the Government needs to make efforts to take comprehensive, drastic measures to realise the goal, said National Assembly (NA) deputies and socio-economic experts.

The NA last week approved the socio-economic development plan for next year, which sets the GDP growth target at 6-6.5 per cent and income per capita at US$4,700-4,730.

Chairman of the NA Economic Committee Vu Hong Thanh said that during the building and making adjustments to the draft resolution, some deputies held that amid the current situation, the goal of 6.0-6.5 per cent in GDP growth is relatively high, and recommended lowering the goal to 5-6 per cent.

However, he said that the GDP growth target was set on the foundation of analysis and forecast of the domestic and international situation, taking into account advantages and difficulties in 2024, and following the tasks and targets set in the five-year socio-economic development plan.

In particular, growth drivers of investment (private, FDI, public investment, State-owned enterprises), consumption, tourism, and export are strongly promoted. Many important and key national projects with pervasive impacts are being accelerated into operation, he said.

Tran Van Lam, deputy head of the Bac Giang Provinces NA deputy delegation, member of the NAs Finance-Budget Committee, said the GDP target is feasible given the current context and three growth drivers  export, investment, and consumption.

He said exports were suppressed but at the end of the year have recovered very well with good prospects. Increasing global market demand and recovering domestic market will push the recovery of exports.

Viet Nam will kick off comprehensive salary reform in 2024, which will create huge demand and boost economic growth, he said.

Viet Nam will also maintain the investment pace, he said, adding: Looking at all three factors  export, investment, and consumption, if there are no adverse or sudden factors, we can completely achieve and even exceed the goal.

NA deputy Hoang Van Cuong from Ha Noi said: "There are enough preconditions, both external and internal factors, to expect that we will achieve a high growth rate by 2024."

To achieve the GDP growth target of 6-6.5 per cent, he said Viet Nam needs to make great efforts to seize the opportunity.

First of all, it is necessary to drastically resolve institutional bottlenecks to free up resources so we can quickly grasp new opportunities, he said.

He also proposed new and supportive policies be put into place and, especially, added tax policy supporting the business sector. Viet Nam must also quickly grasp new market opportunities and market changes to expand consumption markets and restructure businesses.

Regarding the 12 solutions proposed by the NA to achieve the growth target, Cuong said the solutions are comprehensive and complete. However, the biggest bottleneck Viet Nam has faced today is institutions.

He cited overlapping legal documents inconsistent with reality as an example of institutional shortcomings.

Dr Nguyen inh Cung, former director of the Central Institute of Economic Management, proposed the Government and the NA extend socio-economic recovery support programmes until 2024 and 2025 to promote consumption.

There needs to be a support programme for service and tourism businesses to revive this industry, because tourism makes an important contribution to GDP, he said.

He also proposed the Government improve the business environment, eliminate procedures and conditions that are hindering business operations instead of simplifying processes causing difficulties.

He recommended the Government and Prime Minister list about five to 10 issues that are the most pressing and hindering, then assign tasks to specific units to address.

Economic expert Tran Du Lich, member of the National Financial and Monetary Policy Advisory Council, said given the headwinds that may last until 2024, "we need to build institutions and policies to create a foundation for recovery and stronger growth in the next period".

Amidst general global headwinds, Viet Nam has shown many positive signs. However, it is necessary to remove bottlenecks effectively when the businesses can still withstand, he said.

He emphasised the need to focus on solving problems in the real estate market on both the supply and demand sides, especially consolidating the financial market to create a solid foundation for the macro-economy.

Shanaka Peiris, Division Chief of Regional Studies at the International Monetary Fund (IMF)s Asia and Pacific Department (APD), said Viet Nam faces difficulties in export, real estate and financial sectors, but its economy is recovering.

When reform measures are implemented, Viet Nam will overcome "short-term headwinds" and will maintain growth momentum in the medium term, based on integration into value supply chains as well as foreign direct investment, he said.

ADB Country Director for Viet Nam Shantanu Chakraborty said that domestic consumption, export and public investment will be the main growth drivers of Viet Nams economy in 2024.

Maintaining the pace of public investment will be crucial to rejuvenate economic activity, generate employment, and enhance domestic consumption, he said.

By some estimates, there is about $30 billion of public investment that has been planned by Viet Nam, so concerted efforts need to be made to expedite spending the money. That will really boost demand in the market, lead to employment generation, and foster overall economic activities, he said.

Head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) 2023 Article IV Mission to Viet Nam Paulo Medas said that in the short term, downside risks to growth remain large. Further efforts to safeguard macro-economic and financial stability and accelerate reforms will ensure that the economy remains on a safe footing. The policy mix should be re-balanced with greater emphasis on fiscal support to the economy and the most vulnerable.  VNS
HCM CITY  Viet Nam's coffee export turnover reached US$4.08 billion in the 2022-23 crop year, a year-on-year increase of 3.4 per cent, driven by the highest coffee export prices in the last 30 years.

In a conference to review the 2022-23 crop year and launch tasks for the next one, Chairman of the Vietnam Coffee Cocoa Association (Vicofa) Nguyen Nam said the 2022-23 crop year (from October 2022 to September 2023) had more disadvantages than advantages, but Viet Nam's coffee export value hit the highest level in history, thanks in rising prices amid supply shortages, and the dynamism and efforts of local coffee farmers and businesses.

Viet Nam exported nearly 1.7 million tonnes of coffee in the 2022-23 crop year, a decrease of 4.5 per cent compared to the 2021-22 crop year.

However, the countrys average coffee export price reached $2,451 per tonne, up 5.5 per cent over the previous crop year.

The coffee industry mainly exports raw products. Deeply processed coffee accounts for less than 10 per cent of total output and is mainly consumed domestically.

Coffee exports are mainly still Robusta coffee at 1.5 million tonnes worth $3.2 billion. Arabica green coffee export reached 41,500 tonnes with turnover of $169 million, and decaffeinated green coffee export reached 36,000 tonnes with turnover of $136 million.

Roasted and soluble coffee exports were about 90,000 tonnes with turnover of $510 million, accounting for 5.4 per cent in volume and 12.5 per cent in value of total coffee exports in the 2022-23 crop year.

Nguyen Quang Binh, a coffee market expert, said coffee prices for the 2023-24 crop year are predicted to stay at a high level.

Roasters around the world are buying inventory and demand is expected to increase. Therefore, coffee prices have no chance of going down, especially Arabica coffee, he said.

The price of Arabica coffee has increased from 140 US cents per pound to 175 US cents per pound, and continues to increase.

In the 2022-23 crop year, Germany was the largest coffee export market of Viet Nam with 219,000 tonnes, followed by Italy with 156,000 tonnes, the US with 143,000 tonnes, Japan with 112,000 tonnes, Russia with 107,000 tonnes, Spain with 100,000 tonnes, Belgium with 73,000 tonnes, and Algeria with 64,000 tonnes.

According to Vicofa, the 2023-24 coffee crop year will be harvested later than the previous crop year.

Some localities, such as Gia Lai, Kon Tum and Son La provinces, will harvest coffee earlier in late October, early November and the last full harvest will be in December 2023.

Viet Nam mainly exported robusta in the 2021-22 crop year with a volume of 1.5 million tonnes, worth $2.97 billion.  VNS
SHANGHAI  During the official visit of the Secretary of the HCM City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen to Shanghai, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the sister city relationship between the two cities, Vietjet Air has opened direct service connecting the two economic and cultural centres of Viet Nam and China.

Politburo Member and Shanghai Party Committee Secretary Chen Jining, and Politburo Member and HCM City Party Committee Secretary Nguyen Van Nen jointly extended their congratulations to Vietjet on the airlines new route.

Vietjets Shanghai-HCM City route will commence from December 1, 2023, with seven round-trips per week. With a flight time of just over four hours per leg, these flights will offer residents, tourists and business people a convenient travel option between the two cities, with affordable fares.

Shanghai is Chinas most populous city and one of the four centrally administered municipalities of the second-largest economy in the world. Not only is Shanghai one of the largest economic and financial hubs in China, it also holds a major position on the global stage.

In 2022, Shanghai's GDP reached 4.465 trillion Chinese yuan (US$663 billion), with a population of 24.76 million people.

The connectivity between HCM City and Shanghai, the city ranked fifth in terms of billionaire numbers worldwide, will open up more opportunities for the development of high-end products, services, trade connections and investment attraction, Vietjet said in a statement.

Meanwhile, HCM City, home to nearly nine million people, is Viet Nams and Southeast Asias prominent economic, cultural and tourist centre. It boasts unique cultural features, a vibrant modern lifestyle, while offering seamless connectivity to a plethora of destinations within Viet Nam and internationally.

Vietjet has operated services between Viet Nam and China since 2014 with the very first routes facilitating travel for Chinese visitors to popular tourist destinations in Viet Nam, including Nha Trang, a Nang and Phu Quoc.

To celebrate this significant event, Vietjet is launching a large-scale promotional campaign with super discounted fares for easy travel to both cities, according to the airline.

It added that the new route will not only connect Shanghai to HCM City, but also continue expanding Vietjet's flight network covering Viet Nam, Australia, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Kazakhstan and beyond.  VNS
HA NOI  The southern economic hub of HCM City has been proactively cooperating with the United Kingdom in all aspects, offering businesses more opportunities to foster bilateral relationships.

On October 23 in London, the municipal People's Committee organised a seminar to gain experiences from the UK in developing international financial centres. The seminar featured financial and investment institutions, banks and major businesses in the UK.

During the event, delegates from HCM City raised many questions related to choosing a model to quickly build a financial centre that could attract many investors. At the same time, UK financial experts shared experiences and requirements to successfully establish an international financial centre for developing countries.

A day later, HCM City officials also teamed up with the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK to host a conference on promoting trade and investment collaboration between the UK and the city.

At the conference, organisations and businesses from the UK and HCM City offered valuable insights and recommendations for promoting investment and trade. They also expressed a strong desire to bolster cooperation among businesses in other potential sectors such as banking and finance, logistics, technology, green energy, education and technology.

Previously in mid-March, chairman of the municipal People's Committee Phan Van Mai said HCM City benefited from good relations between Viet Nam and the UK, and that the city wished to work together with the UK to step up trade activities to soon fulfil the target of raising bilateral trade to US$1 billion.

HCM City would coordinate with the British Consulate General in the city and British partners to implement the agreements, contributing to consolidating and promoting two-way relations, he said.

Over the past five years, HCM City and the British Consulate General have teamed up to organise many events such as a roundtable conference between the two countries' firms and a dialogue on customs procedures.

While hosting Mark Garnier, the British Prime Minister's Trade Envoy for Viet Nam, Thailand, Myanmar and Brunei, Mai said HCM City would coordinate with the British Consulate General in the city and British partners to implement the agreements, contributing to consolidating and promoting two-way relations.

Garnier said British firms were interested in and ready to cooperate with HCM City in materialising the plan of building the city into a regional financial centre that is competitive globally.

They were also fully aware of HCM Citys potential and demand in health care and drug research, and wished to step up cooperation with the city in this regard, and promised to support the southern metropolis in development, Garnier said.

He added that the UK was willing to cooperate and assist HCM City in high-quality personnel training in service of banking, financial and medical sectors, contributing to fostering the trade and investment ties between the two sides and the two countries at large.

HCM City is one of five cities that have been effectively exploring the UKVFTA beside Ha Noi, Hai Phong, a Nang and Can Tho. Last year, the trade turnover among the UK and the above-mentioned cities reached over US$2.63 million. Of which, exports hit $1.59 million, up 3.5 per cent year-on-year while imports saw a yearly decrease of 1.3 per cent to $1.04 million.  VNS


KIEN GIANG  Many Kien Giang Province's enterprises and provincial authorities are seeking ways on supportive policies in agriculture, access to loans, site clearance, resettlement, protection of natural resources and the environment, stimulation of tourism and tourism infrastructure.

During a meeting between Kien Giang enterprises and provincial authorities last week, leaders of Kien Giang Agriculture and Forestry Company said that rice production is the company's strength, but in recent times the company has not invested in high-quality specialised farming areas to increase the value of products and facilities.

An organic fertilizer production and trading factory is a key strategic investment project of the company, in line with the trend of developing clean and sustainable agriculture, but after many years of operation, the company still has not had access to capital to invest in upgrading properly.

Therefore, the company requests departments, units and the provincial People's Committee to create the most favorable conditions for the company to access support policies in the field of clean agriculture and forestry. At the same time, the company asked the province to support the company in accessing loans from banks.

Related to promoting Phu Quoc Island tourism, many businesses and investors in Phu Quoc recommend that relevant industries and units need to have policies to stabilise air ticket prices and open more international routes to Phu Quoc. They also recommended that the Phu Quoc government have training programs and campaigns on how to do tourism for local people in order to provide service quality commensurate with the price customers pay, and have solutions to overcome the problem of prices that are too high compared to other coastal cities.

Phu Quoc has a competitive edge compared to other key tourism destinations in Viet Nam because of its international visa policies. Travellers from all countries can enter the island without a visa, provided that the island is their sole destination.

Connectivity is a vital factor in the development of an international destination, and Phu Quoc faces significant obstacles in this matter.

Phuket and Bali are well-established destinations and enjoy excellent international connectivity with frequent and direct flights from major cities such as Singapore, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.

Phu Quoc has fewer direct flight routes and less frequent flights. Phuket offers 150 per cent more daily flights, while Bali has 430 per cent more daily flights compared to Phu Quoc.

Phuket and Bali have stronger links with local transport hubs, boasting significantly more flights to Bangkok and Jakarta. Phuket has 330 flights per week to Bangkok, and Bali has 400 flights per week to Jakarta. Phu Quoc has approximately 160 flights to HCM City and 90 flights to Ha Noi.

It is worth noting that there are currently no flights from Singapore, which serves as an important transportation hub in Asia. This puts Phu Quoc at a disadvantage when compared to destinations like Phuket and Bali, experts said.

Addressing the challenges of connectivity and infrastructure will be essential for Phu Quocs successful transformation into a world-class international destination. In addition, to affirm its position on the international tourism map, Phu Quocs tourism industry must promote itself by utilising communication activities and marketing channels properly and efficiently.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam has successfully connected to the ASEAN Compulsory Motor Insurance (ACMI) system, the Vietnam National Agency implementing Protocol No 5 on the ASEAN Compulsory Motor Insurance programme (VINABAI) announced on Wednesday.

Accordingly, motor vehicle owners from ASEAN member states transiting or travelling to Viet Nam must register for compulsory civil liability insurance of motor vehicle owners.

ACMI - the ASEAN compulsory motor insurance database system - is used as a data hub for member states participating in the system to issue insurance policies.

This system is officially used in 10 ASEAN countries, implementing Protocol No 5 on ASEAN's Compulsory Motor Insurance programme. This has paved the way for vehicles and goods transportation among ASEAN border gates.

In addition, ACMI will then be connected with the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) to create an electronic one-stop mechanism for goods in transit procedures, promoting the implementation of the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Facilitation of Goods in Transit (AFAFGIT).

Thanks to the successful connection to the ACMI system, Viet Nam is one of the leading countries in this activity, along with Thailand  the manager of the ACMI system, and Singapore  a developed country in ASEAN, the agency said.

Motor vehicle users can access this ACMI system to register for a blue card  proof that a motor vehicle has been issued an insurance policy that meets the minimum insurance requirements according to the regulation of civil liability insurance of motor vehicle owners in transit or destination countries in ASEAN.

Nguyen Anh Tuan, Chairman of VINABAI, said: "Viet Nams successful connection to the ACMI system has a very special meaning."

"In addition to affirming that ASEAN motor vehicles transiting into Viet Nam need to register for compulsory motor insurance, this connection will help effectively promote the transportation of vehicles and goods among ASEAN member states.

Tuan added that the insurance documents - hard or electronic copy - will have to be carried in the vehicle for inspection at the border by competent authorities of the countries involved in the transit movement. The competent authorities entrusted to enforce the insurance requirements can inspect the certificates along the designated routes.

Two years ago, a memorandum of understanding on officially applying the ACMI system among 10 ASEAN countries was signed, aiming to realise the contents of the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Goods in Transit (AFAFGIT) signed by the ASEAN finance ministers on April 8, 2001, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

AFAFGIT requires each member state to establish a national agency to issue insurance policies, namely blue cards, and assist in handling accidents (investigation, loss assessment, compensation settlement, and dispute resolution in accordance with the regulation) caused by a vehicle possessing a blue card in the territory of that member country.

This agency in Viet Nam is called the Vietnam National Agency implementing Protocol No 5 on the VINABAI.  VNS
HCM CITY  The annual Vietnam Festival of Creativity & Design (VFCD) will take place in HCM City and Ha Noi, celebrating its fifth anniversary in November and December.

Under the theme Mind & Machine, the festival will include a series of insightful events, such as workshops, exhibitions, talks, panels and performances, to explore the creative potential of technology and its tools, and consider the challenges and opportunities that they present for the creative industries.

The exhibition Mind & Machine opened the festival in HCM City on November 13 at Hai An Gallery, showcasing artists creative works that reflect the current and future perspectives of the relationship between machines and human minds.

This years festival highlights Viet Nam's creative power and recognises the positive impact of the human mind in a new era of technology," said Professor Julia Gaimster, Dean of RMIT School of Communication & Design.

"We will explore the theme of Mind & Machine, how they interact and influence each other in the creative industries, and the potential that comes from the pairing of human thought, artificial intelligence and other technological developments.

VFCD 2023 is organised by RMIT University Vietnam in collaboration with UNESCO, Viet Nam National Institute for Culture and Art Studies (VICAS) and other partners in the creative industries.

"I have trust and confidence in the importance of VFCD as the leading creative platform for individuals, organisations and communities in the areas of culture, arts and creativity in Viet Nam to accelerate the development of the cultural industries," said Associate Professor Dr Nguyen Thi Thu Phuong, director of VICAS.

This trust comes from the fact that this is the fifth year VFCD has continued to successfully shape and establish programmes, events, connections and creative partners, Phuong said.

Highlight of the festival will be an online talk with the MakerLab engineer team on November 15 to share about the process of applying technology in installing the audio and multimedia art project And They Die A Natural Death by Vietnamese artist Nguyen Trinh Thi.

This work was displayed at the notable international contemporary art event Documenta 15, held in 2022 in Kassel, Germany.

A live performance entitled Vinamix will be held on November 19, an audio-visual art event with VJ loops inspired by fascinating architectural styles, palettes, outfits and items, prominent figures and even Vietnamese street cuisine, aiming to celebrate the powerful influences of Vietnams street culture on digital media communications.

VFCD creates an open and interactive platform for creative individuals and organisations to keep abreast of the latest trends in creative industries.

Viet Nam is blessed with a vast pool of young talent, with more than 22 million individuals between the ages of 16 and 30 who are well-educated and technically savvy, according to Michael Croft, Officer in Charge of UNESCO Hanoi Office in Viet Nam.

"They provide the country with enormous potential for the cultural and creative industries, as young people are at the heart of the creative industry with their natural inclination to innovate, be creative and take calculated risks, especially through entrepreneurship.

"We have to continue to make the time and space for young people to play a leading role in optimising the creative economy's impact on the social and economic growth of the country. This has remained a key objective for the festival since day one of the first year.

Initiated in 2019, VFCD has contributed to driving partnerships and projects among organisations and individuals in the cultural-creative sector in Viet Nam.  VNS
Korea asked the European Union on Wednesday to recognize the country's own carbon credit certification system regarding the EU's new carbon border tax mechanism in an effort to prevent unnecessary burdens on companies, Seoul's finance ministry said.

Korea's First Vice Finance Minister Kim Byoung-hwan made the request during a meeting with Gerassimos Thomas, director-general in the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union at the European Commission, in Seoul.

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) calls for levying an import charge on steel, cement, electricity, fertilizer, aluminum and other related items equivalent to their carbon emissions from production.

The transition period for the new mechanism began last month before the full implementation in 2026.

Kim said Korea "shares the need for efforts to respond to climate challenges by implementing the CBAM and other regulations, but they should not add unnecessary burdens on companies."

He then called on the EU to recognize Korea's own carbon credit system, which will ease corporate burdens of double taxation.

Thomas said the EU will consider opinions from the Korean government and businesses, and will continue close consultations on the issue.

The two officials also discussed ways to boost cooperation on base erosion and profit shifting, or BEPS, which refers to multinationals' tax planning strategies to avoid taxes, according to the ministry. (Yonhap)
HA NOI  Human Act Prize, an annual award honouring organisations and individuals who have made many contributions to the community through prestigious, dedicated and long-term social projects, has announced its 33 finalists.

The entries will be assessed according to five criteria that embody the values promoted by the award - Commitment, Sustainability, Impact, Replication and Innovation.

The evaluation panel consists of journalists, social activists, individuals and representatives from reputable organisations across various fields. They are carefully selected to provide objective, accurate, and comprehensive assessments of the profiles participating in the prize.

According to Tran Mai Anh, founder and chairwoman of the TN&F Fund, also a member of the evaluation panel, all five criteria hold equal significance in reviewing projects. However, the aspect of Replication is considered particularly special as it involves inspiring and influencing the community. Without the element of Replication, the outcomes of the projects may not be sustainable or long-lasting.

Other practical and essential factors concerning the current community have also been taken into account, such as environmental issues, health, caring for vulnerable individuals in society, and creating a better and more civilised society.

Some of the finalists are GreenPlan Project of Traphaco Joint Stock Company, Net Zero Vinamilk of Vietnam Dairy Products Joint Stock Company, Hope Foundation, Salt Cancer Initiative and LOAN Foundation.

The entries have left strong emotion within the evaluation panel during the selection process.

"Sometimes, very ordinary individuals, a police officer, a civil servant, or students aged 19 or 20 have thought of something that not everyone would think of, which is thinking about others, Tran Huu Viet, Head of the Culture and Arts Department at Nhan Dan (People) newspaper, told kenh14.vn.

With enthusiasm and the application of technology, they have come up with numerous initiatives that have inspired not only the community but also the judging panel.

The first beneficiaries are the disadvantaged people. These projects are their source of support and comfort, providing them with resilience and reducing the burden on society while encouraging their will to overcome challenges. They also motivate more sharing and contribution to social activities.

The Human Act Prize final will take place on November 24 at the Temple of Literature in Ha Noi. The finalised projects will be showcased at Dau An Tien Phong (Pioneering Imprint) exhibition on Bai uong Courtyard of the Temple of Literature from November 24 to December 3.

The Human Act Prize is launched by Nhan Dan (People) newspaper in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Science and Technology and VCCorp Joint Stock Company.

This years event, with the theme Pioneering Imprint, has received 129 applications.  VNS
A NANG  The authority of Kanagawa Prefecture in co-operation with a Nang Citys foreign affairs department will host the Kanagawa Festival 2023 at the a Nang Mikazuki Japanese Resort & Spa on November 16, promoting the connection between the two localities on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Viet Nam-Japan diplomatic ties.

The department said about 400 Vietnamese students from six universities and colleges in central Viet Nam will take the opportunity to exchange opinions and feelings about Japanese culture, study, and job recruitment in Japan at the festival.

A speaking contest in Japanese entitled: Our Dream on the Viet Nam-Japanese connection will be organised at the festival among Vietnamese students, along with a Japanese job fair as well as experience-sharing sessions with current students in Japan.

Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture Yuji Kuroiwa and representatives of Japanese businesses in a Nang will talk about the relationship between Japan and Viet Nam, and the co-operation and investment from the two localities.

According to the department, the festival is one in a series of activities in the anniversary year of Viet Nam-Japan diplomatic ties, from early 2023.

a Nang has inked friendship and co-operation agreements with Kisarazu, Kawasaki, Sakai, and Yokohama localities in Japan, and it has hosted the annual Viet Nam-Japan Cultural Exchange Day since 2014.

Japan upgraded its Consular Office in a Nang City to the General Consulate just a year after it was established.

The city-based ong A University, which is the only high-quality human resource training centre for the Japanese market, established the first Japanese language studies and culture research faculty in central Viet Nam.

a Nang has been calling for stronger and deeper investment from Japanese businesses in Kisarazu, Yokohama, Osaka, Chiba, and Kanagawa.

Japanese investors have poured US$1.04 billion into 228 projects in a Nang, creating 40,000 jobs for provinces in central Viet Nam.

The Kanagawa Festival will help promote friendship between the two localities and other cities in Japan in the coming years, the department said. VNS
SAN FRANCISCO  President Vo Van Thuong, his spouse and the Vietnamese delegation arrived at San Francisco, the US, on November 14 morning (local time), starting their participation in the APEC Leaders Week and bilateral activities at the invitation of US President Joe Biden.

The President and his entourage were welcomed by Viet Nams Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung, Viet Nams Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador ang Hoang Giang, US Ambassador to Viet Nam Marc Knapper, and representatives from the APEC 2023 organiser.

The President will join leaders of APEC economies in discussing issues of key significance to the regional and world economy, outlining orientations for cooperation in trade, investment, science-technology, innovation and other fields.

Viet Nam will work together with other APEC member economies to promote the spirit of constructive and responsible dialogue, uphold multilateralism and cooperation and joint actions for sustainable and prosperous development in the region.

President Thuong is scheduled to attend and speak at the APEC CEO Summit, and attend dialogues between APEC Economic Leaders and partners and invited guests, and the high-level meeting of the Indo-Pacific economic framework.

He will hold bilateral meetings with leaders of APEC member economies, and leaders of countries and international organisations attending the APEC Leaders Week.

The President will have meetings with US leaders, attend and speak at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), and participate in a roundtable meeting on high technology. He also plans to meet executives of some leading US companies.  VNS
PARIS  As the Vice President representing the Asia-Pacific of the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference, Viet Nam will help build consensus and seek appropriate solutions to urgent issues of the Asia-Pacific and UNESCO, said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc.

Viet Nam was elected to the post at the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference, which is taking place in Paris from November 11 to 22. This is the first time the country has held this position at one of the two most important governing bodies of UNESCO, Ngoc, who is also Chairman of the Viet Nam National Commission for UNESCO, told the Vietnam News Agency.

He said the election holds importance in many aspects as it affirms the countrys stature and prestige in the world as well as the international communitys trust in its contributions and chairmanship capacity at global multilateral forums.

As the representative of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Asia-Pacific, which has a large number of members with varying development levels, politics, cultures, sizes, interests, and priorities, Viet Nam will continue bringing into play the soft power from its national prestige and the capacity of grasping common concerns, harmonising interest differences among members, negotiating, chairing, leading, and proposing initiatives to build consensus and seek appropriate solutions to urgent issues of the Asia-Pacific and UNESCO, Ngoc said.

The country will actively join in the shaping of the UNESCO cooperation in issues of shared concern, he noted, elaborating that it will propose policies and promote UNESCOs leading role in multilateral cooperation in education - training, culture, science - technology, and information - communications to maintain peace, respond to global challenges, and assist countries in augmenting efforts to realise the Sustainable Development Goals

Besides, it will contribute to the implementation of UNESCOs focal programmes such as the Medium-Term Strategy for 2022-29, the programme and budget for 2024-25, Open Science, the ethics of artificial intelligence, education for sustainable development, the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage values, climate change response, and the reform of UNESCO to enhance the organisations democracy and transparency, according to the Deputy Minister.

He noted that Viet Nams active and responsible contributions to promoting dialogue, cooperation, consensus, and appropriate solutions to issues of shared concern amid the highly complicated international situation have been welcomed by UNESCO leaders and countries.

That has not only affirmed the pioneering role of Viet Nams diplomacy but also demonstrated the countrys soft power and stature, he remarked.

Over 47 years of cooperation, Ngoc added, Viet Nam has continually been assessed as a dynamic and responsible member by UNESCO leaders, and described by the UNESCO Director-General as a model of effective cooperation with this organisation.

In particular, since the historic visits by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to the UNESCO headquarters in November 2021 and UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay to Viet Nam in September 2022, and with the implementation of the two sides memorandum of understanding on cooperation for 2021-25, the bilateral partnership has been lifted to a new level that is more substantive and effective, he said.

The official noted that for the first time, Viet Nam has concurrently held positions at four governing mechanisms of UNESCO, namely Vice President of the General Conference, Vice Chair of the Intergovernmental Committee of the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, member of the Executive Board, and member of the Intergovernmental Committee of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, reflecting the international communitys trust in Viet Nams contribution and chairmanship capacity at the multilateral organisation.

The high-level contributions to the shaping of strategic issues and global policies are another success of Viet Nam at UNESCO as seen in its ministers participation in international events of UNESCO.

Viet Nam has also successfully organised many important international activities, such as the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the World Heritage Convention, which was also attended by the UNESCO Director-General, the conference on science, ethics and human development, and the conference on volcano speleology and global geoparks in 2022; the ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the 2003 Convention in 2023, and especially the international conference on harnessing UNESCO designations for sustainable development in Viet Nam last July  the first on this topic held so far.

In addition, Viet Nam has received UNESCO recognition for 12 titles and heritage elements since 2021, including documentary, tangible and intangible cultural heritage, two world biosphere reserves, two global creative cities, one global learning city, and two world figures of culture.

The recognition has not only shown the international communitys high evaluation of the countrys heritage and cultural values, its peoples wisdom and virtues, and its contributions to UNESCO efforts in preserving heritage and cultural values and boosting sustainable and inclusive development, but also created more momentum for domestic socio-economic development, according to Deputy Minister Ngoc.  VNS
LISBON  Portugal always treasures bilateral ties and cooperation with Viet Nam at multilateral forums, President of the Assembly of Portugal Augusto Santos Silva told visiting Standing Vice Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly Tran Thanh Man during their meeting in Lisbon on November 14 (local time).

Viet Nam plays an important role in Portugals external policy, especially in the field of economy, he said, adding that Viet Nam can help Portugal expand its relations with Asian countries.

Portugal, despite its small population, is a gateway to the world thanks to its location in the meeting point of Europe, Africa and Latin America, said Silva.

He suggested that Viet Nam and Portugal can strengthen people-to-people exchange with a priority of opening diplomatic representative offices in each other countries.

Silva affirmed that Portugal will conduct a general election in March 2024, but whatever the result is, it will not affect the countrys relations with Viet Nam in multilateral forums.

He thanked Viet Nam for supporting the popularisation of Portuguese by establishing the Camoes Portuguese language centre at Ha Noi University in 2016.

Man affirmed that Viet Nam always values the relationship with the European Union (EU) and its members, including Portugal. He expressed his delight that the two countries have maintained regular delegation exchanges and meetings at multilateral forums.

The Vietnamese NA Vice Chairman hailed Portugals plan to open its diplomatic representative office in Viet Nam, pledging to create optimal conditions for and support this plan, which is expected to help foster bilateral ties and the exchange of information in many areas in the future.

He said that Viet Nam also plans to launch its embassy in Portugal, asking for Portugals assistance in the work.

Man proposed that the two sides coordinate closely to optimise opportunities brought about by the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to complete the target of US$1 billion in two-way trade.

He also asked for Portugals support in persuading other EU members to ratify the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) soon.

Man suggested that Portugal hasten the European Commission to remove the yellow card warning against Vietnamese seafood export taking into account Viet Nam's determination and efforts in fully and seriously implementing the EC's recommendations on sustainable fisheries development.

He proposed that Portugal continue creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community to settle down and integrate into the host society.

The two legislatures should increase delegation exchanges and consider the formation of friendship parliamentarians groups with each other to promote their partnership, while strengthening coordination and mutual support at regional and global inter-parliamentary forums, Man suggested.

Earlier the same day, NA Standing Vice Chairman Man had a meeting with former President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Duarte Pacheco.

Congratulating Pacheco on his successful performance in the IPU leader role, Man spoke highly of the important contributions that Pacheco has made to the IPU over the years. He expressed his belief that as a member of the Portuguese Parliament, Pacheco will continue to contribute to promoting external relations of the union.

For his part, Pacheco recalled his good memories during his trips to Viet Nam and showed his impression at the success of the 9th Global Conference for Young Parliamentarians in Ha Noi in September.

He underlined the high cooperation potential between the two countries, suggesting that they should send more business delegations to each other country to explore partnership opportunities.

He pledged that he always supports and will discuss with the new IPU President if Viet Nam wishes to host the World Conference of Speakers of Parliament.

Also on November 14, NA Standing Vice Chairman Man had a meeting with Filipe Leite de Sousa, a representative from the Vovinam Federation in Portugal (WFVV), during which Man lauded the federations activities to popularise the Vietnamese traditional martial arts. Filipe Leite de Sousa vowed to continue to work hard for stronger friendship and cooperation between Portugal and Viet Nam.  VNS
SAN FRANCISCO  President Vo Van Thuong had a meeting with representatives of the Vietnamese community in the US on November 14 (local time) on the occasion of his trip to the country to attend the APEC Leaders Week and bilateral activities at the invitation of US President Joe Biden.

Thuong emphasised the foreign policy of diversification and multilateralisation in international relations of the Party and State, noting that Viet Nam's foreign activities have contributed to elevating the country's role, position and reputation on the international arena.

He highly valued the contributions of the diplomatic sector, including Vietnamese representative agencies in the US, to those achievements.

The leader urged the Embassy and Vietnamese representative agencies in the US to strive to promptly concretise cooperation agreements between the two countries and ordered ministries, sectors and localities of Viet Nam to actively participate in this process.

He asked the Permanent Mission of Viet Nam to the UN to work harder to expand the ties between Viet Nam and international organisations, establish cooperative partnerships, and advance Viet Nam's position and prestige.

Vietnamese representative agencies in San Francisco and Houston were told to strengthen cooperation between Vietnamese and US localities, and encourage overseas Vietnamese to invest in the homeland.

Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung said Vietnamese representative agencies have worked hard on promoting political, economic and cultural diplomacy, and citizen protection, contributing to mobilising resources for national development and enhancing Viet Nam's position.

He highlighted the fruitful development of the Viet Nam-US relationship, saying Vietnamese representative agencies in the US have made efforts to adequately prepare for significant diplomatic engagements between the two sides.

According to the ambassador, about 30,000 Vietnamese students are studying in the US, ranking fifth in the world and first in Southeast Asia. Many US businesses are interested in Viet Nam and most large US companies have invested in Viet Nam.

Head of the Permanent Mission of Viet Nam to the UN, Ambassador ang Hoang Giang said the staff of the agency always strive to overcome difficulties and fulfil the multilateral diplomatic mission in line with the Party and the State's foreign policy.  VNS
HA NOI  President Vo Van Thuong and his spouse will pay an official visit to Japan from November 27-30 at the invitation of the Japanese State, spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said on November 15 in response to reporters' query about Japan's announcement on the visit by the Vietnamese President.

The spokeswoman said in the context of strong and comprehensive development of the Viet Nam-Japan extensive strategic partnership and on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of VIet Nam-Japan diplomatic ties, the visit of President Thuong will contribute to further deepening the two countries relationship, taking it to a new height with substantive, effective and long-term development in all fields, for peace, stability and development in each country as well as in the region and the world.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, during their stay in Japan, the Vietnamese President and his spouse will make a state call on the Emperor and Empress of Japan, and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio will hold a meeting with the President.  VNS
JAKARTA  The 17th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) took place in Jakarta, Indonesia on Wednesday, culminating in the adoption of the Jakarta Joint Declaration for Peace, Prosperity and Security.

A Vietnamese delegation led by Politburo member, Vice Secretary of the Central Military Commission and Minister of National Defence Gen. Phan Van Giang attended the event, proactively contributing to its success.

After approving the agenda, the meeting listened to the ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourns update on the recent developments in ASEAN, and passed the guidelines for the implementation of the observer mechanism for Timor-Leste in the ADMM, ADMM+ and related meetings.

Delegates heard a report on the outcomes of the ASEAN Defence Senior Officials' Meeting and adopted a number of key concept papers, including the ADMM Work Programme 2023-2026, the Implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and the Harmonising ADMM and ADMM+ Initiatives. They also took note of a discussion paper on the use of military assets to maintain food security in the region.

The head delegates approved the draft amendments to the Standard Operating Procedures of ASEAN - Our Eyes Initiative, evaluation of the current cycle of ADMM+ Experts Working Groups, and the Concept Paper on the US-ASEAN rising defence leaders programme.

The meeting approved the Jakarta Declaration for Peace, Prosperity and Security, which recognises security threats, geopolitical shifts, and the impact of competition among major powers that may affect ASEAN.

The declaration emphasises the importance of adhering to the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), the Bali Process, as well as international law, maintaining peace, prosperity and security in the region.

The document also underscores the importance of maintaining peace, stability and safety in the region and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea), pursuing peaceful means to settle disputes in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It called for exercising self-restraint and avoiding activities that could complicate or escalate tensions affecting peace and stability.

Additionally, it urges the early conclusion of an effective, practical and legally binding Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) that is in line with international law, including UNCLOS 1982, while implementing fully and effectively the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC).

It also welcomes current trust building measures such as the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES), the Guidelines for Air Military Encounters, the Guidelines for Maritime Interaction, the ASEAN Direct Communications Infrastructure, and activities within the DOC framework.  VNS
HA NOI  The draft Law on Citizen Identification ensured quality and achieved high consensus, said National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong inh Hue on Wednesday when chairing the meeting of the NA Standing Committee to give opinions on the draft law.

Presenting a summary report about revising the draft Law on Citizen Identification, Chairman of the NAs Committee for National Defence and Security (CNDS) Le Tan Toi said that some representatives proposed to change the laws name, because in recent times, many changes had been conducted in the form, content and name of the identity (ID) cards.

The CNDS believes that changing the form, content, and name of the ID cards is in line with the trend of digital society management, helping the State strictly manage citizens, and at the same time supporting the people in conducting their rights and obligations.

The people can use the ID cards to participate in convenient administrative and social activities and transactions. They are suitable for the digital environment and digital society.

In addition, the current Law on Citizen Identification only regulates the issuance of ID cards to Vietnamese citizens aged 14 and over.

The draft law adds that identification certificates, not ID cards, will be issued for citizens under 14 years old and people of Vietnamese origin with unknown nationality and living in Viet Nam.

Therefore, the law name as submitted by the Government is consistent with the scale and covers all content of the draft law.

Through discussion, the representatives basically agreed with the CNDSs report.

Regarding issuance and management of electronic ID cards (chapter four in the draft law), some delegates required further reporting on the security of chip-embedded ID cards because they are easily infiltrated and tracked.

The CNDS replied that the current ID cards are manufactured with advanced technology, have high security capabilities, and prevent card counterfeiting.

The electronic chip on the card has authentication technology through fingerprint or face matching to accurately authenticate the cardholder.

When a person uses a device to read information stored in an electronic chip, they must obtain the cardholder's consent through fingerprint and face authentication to gain access and retrieve data.

In addition, to exploit the information in the chip, specialised equipment must be used and these devices must be provided with a security code by the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) for information security.

In case other State agencies provide specialised equipment to read information in the ID cards, these devices must be checked by a specialised agency of the MPS and provided with a security code.

Concluding the discussion, NA Chairman Vuong inh Hue stated that after being debated at the first phase of the sixth session, based on the NA delegates opinions, the CNDS closely worked with the lead drafting agency  the MPS, the NAs Law Committee and concerned agencies to research and reached high consensus.

"The draft law ensures the quality of the requirements set out from the beginning when developing the law, and is qualified to submit to the NA for consideration and voting for approval," said Chairman Hue.

He requested the CNDS to complete the report in the direction of further emphasising and generalising the issues explained fully and reasonably by the NA deputies.

Speaking at the session, General To Lam, member of the Politburo and Minister of Public Security, said that the laws drafting agency had closely coordinated with other committees of the NA to complete the draft law.

The CNDS agreed with the representatives opinions, especially the conclusions of NA Chairman Hue.

Lam affirmed that the MPS would continue to coordinate closely with the CNDS to complete the draft law to submit to the NA for consideration and approval.  VNS
JAKARTA  Viet Nam will play a more active role in cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the US, especially within the framework of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM+), Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang affirmed on Wednesday.

Addressing in the ASEAN-US Defence Ministers Informal Meeting in Indonesia, Giang praised the US commitment to supporting ASEANs centrality and promoting comprehensive cooperation with the region, especially in economy, trade, investment, and science-technology.

The minister also shared the view that the region is facing many traditional and non-traditional security challenges, requiring the cooperation and contributions of all countries.

He and other ASEAN ministers affirmed that with its central role, ASEAN stands ready to cooperate with the US and other partners to handle these challenges.

For his part, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin recalled the attendance of all US Defence Secretaries at ADMM+ since 2010, which he said, demonstrates the importance the US attaches to ADMM+, an important cooperation mechanism in the regional security architecture.

He noted his hope for more effective, substantive defence cooperation with the grouping, for regional peace and security, through joint exercises or the US-ASEAN Emerging Defence Leaders Programme.

The official held that maritime security plays the most important role in regional security, and emphasised the significance of ensuring the freedom and openness of maritime routes in accordance with international law.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Giang and Austin met to discuss measures to promote bilateral defence cooperation, focusing on war consequences settlement and humanitarian aid such as bomb and mine clearance, dioxin remediation, and searching for soldiers missing during wartime in Viet Nam.

Giang said that Viet Nam will organise the second International Defence Expo in late 2024 and expressed his hope that US defence industry businesses will attend this event.  VNS
By Pyo Kyung-min

TOKYO, Japan  On Oct. 30, @cosme TOKYO, Japan's premier cosmetics and beauty platform located in the Harajuku shopping district of the Japanese capital, showcased top-selling cosmetics through a ranked display.

Notably, Korean cosmetics brand rom&nd's latest lip product, Glasting Melting Balm, secured second place in the Best Cosmetics Awards, an accolade presented by @cosme.

The popularity of Korean cosmetics in a Japanese store transcended categories, with diverse products, such as cushion foundations and sheet masks, earning places on the sales charts.

This trend was observable not only within specialized cosmetics stores, but also on the bustling streets of Tokyo, where Korean cosmetic brands are featured prominently.

At MEGA Don Quijote Shibuya Honten, an array of Korean brands, including Etude House, Peripera, Missha and Apieu, were readily available.

Even within a Lawson convenience store, rom&nd's export brand, &byromand, commanded a strong presence. The export brand is known to have made history in March as the inaugural Korean brand to secure shelf space in a Japanese convenience store.

In a video uploaded on Nov. 6, YouTuber Saerom Min, who is involved in developing rom&nd's products, asserted, "We successfully sold out a three-month inventory of 25 products from &byromand in just three days."

A20-year-old Korean college student and a cosmetics enthusiast also shared her experience during a visit to Fukuoka in August.

"I saw Korean makeup brands in almost every single drugstore I visited," she said.

"I assumed that Korea used to import Japanese products given their reputation for quality. However, it's remarkable to observe Korea transitioning into an exporter to Japan, emerging as a strong player in the Japanese market."

Sales of Korean cosmetics in Japan are on a consistent upward trajectory.

During the first nine months of this year, the amount of Korean cosmetics exports to Japan reached $600.8 million, surpassing 80 percent of last year's annual total of $746 million.

Remarkably, the growth is underscored by the comparison to 2019, when Korean cosmetics exported to Japan amounted to $402 million.

A survey jointly conducted by the Japanese market research company, Japan Trend Research, and beauty media outlet, amy, also highlight the appeal of Korean cosmetics in the country.

The survey, conducted in January, revealed that one in every four Japanese women aged 40 or below were users of Korean cosmetics.

The motivations behind the usage of Korean cosmetics varied, with respondents citing reasons such as "Korea's keen sensitivity to beauty and trendsetting," "reasonable pricing for high-quality products" and "abundance of products featuring excellent color and quality."

Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun attributed the surge in popularity of Korean cosmetics in Japan to the broader influence of the Korean wave and the competitive pricing strategies employed by Korean beauty brands.

"With the rising popularity of Korean idols, young people began to buy K-beauty products on the grounds that they were affordable and used by their favorite idols," its article read.

Indeed, there were clear instances that products featured in Korean dramas experienced a swift surge in popularity.

A prime example is the Korean drama "Crash Landing on You," (2019) which attained widespread popularity in Japan. The Korean cosmetics brand Witch Factory, advertised in the drama, achieved significant success in the Japanese market.

Sales of Witch Factory products in Japan surged remarkably since 2019, coinciding with the airing of the drama, with an annual growth rate of 164.48 percent through 2022.

Commenting on their market approach, the company said in a release, "We established a Japanese corporation in October last year and are expanding sales outlets through strategic alliances with local offline leaders to fortify offline marketing."

Despite the evident popularity, some voices in Japan have expressed concerns regarding Korean cosmetics.

The Yomiuri Shimbun pointed out issues such as, "certain ingredients in Korean cosmetics lacking approval in Japan, creating complications when individuals import and resell products online," according to its article.

"There is also growing skepticism about the prevalence of misleading advertising associated with K-beauty products," it added.








HA NOI  VietnamPlus, the e-newspaper of the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), was honoured with the first-class Labour Order at a ceremony held at the VNA headquarters in Ha Noi on Wednesday to celebrate its 15th founding anniversary (November 13, 2008).

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Vo Van Thuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, National Assembly Chairman Vuong inh Hue and Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang sent baskets of flowers to the event.

On behalf of the President, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan, who is also First Vice Chairwoman of the Central Emulation and Commendation Council, presented the first-class Labour Order to VietnamPlus.

On this occasion, the e-newspaper launched its new interface and products.

Addressing the function, VNA General Director Vu Viet Trang lauded the efforts and achievements of the e-newspapers staff, as well as their contributions to the agency, and noted her belief that they will successfully complete assigned tasks.

Over the past 15 years, VietnamPlus has optimised technologies to provide attractive products, thus helping spread the VNAs information online, she said, adding that the e-newspaper has proven its role as a pioneer in delivering digital journalism products, meeting the agencys expectations on its path towards a major national multimedia agency.

Pointing to challenges facing VietnamPlus and other VNA departments amid the evolving media landscape at home and globally, Trang urged VietnamPlus to carry forward its dynamism, creativity and solidarity, and promote its role and position as a national newspaper for foreign news service, which serves the Partys leadership, the States management and the people's interests, while stepping up the fight against fake news and wrongful allegations by hostile forces in cyberspace.

In his remarks, VietnamPlus Editor-in-Chief Tran Tien Duan said the e-newspaper has made big strides in digital transformation and perfected its digital ecosystem, adding it will step up AI application in both management and product development, and diversify information products in the time ahead.

On this occasion, many collectives and individuals of VietnamPlus were honoured with the certificates of merit of the Vietnam Journalists' Association and the VNA General Director.  VNS
HA NOI  Hungarian Justice Minister Bence Tuzson expressed his hope that Hungary and Viet Nam will make efforts to deepen cooperation in the fields of law and justice during talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Le Thanh Long in Ha Noi on Wednesday.

The talks took place within the framework of Tuzsons working visit to Viet Nam from November 13-16, also his first trip to the Southeast Asian nation since taking office in August.

On this occasion, Long briefed the guest on Viet Nam's socio-economic development in the first nine months of this year, as well as law and institution building in the country, and shared experience in some specific areas.

Mentioning the Viet Nam-Hungary agreement on mutual legal assistance in civil matters signed in 2018, Long noted his hope that the two sides will maintain their close coordination in the implementation of the agreement, contributing to spurring socio-economic development, and protecting State interests, and the legitimate rights and interests of agencies, organisations and individuals.

Following the talks, the two sides inked a letter of intent on personnel training, under which the Hungary Ministry of Justice will train from one to three Vietnamese judicial officials each year to sharpen their skills in law and justice within three months in Hungary.

In November 2012, the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice and the Hungarian Ministry of Public Administration and Justice signed a cooperation agreement, creating an important legal foundation for the two sides to strengthen their coordination in addressing common concern in legal assistance, and exchange experience in law building and consolidation, and international integration.

To realise the agreement, the two signed cooperation plans for 2013-2014, 2016-2017 and 2018-2019. Most recently, a cooperation plan for 2022-23 was inked on the occasion of Justice Minister Le Thanh Long accompanying National Assembly Chairman Vuong inh Hue on an official visit to Hungary in June 2022.  VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) expects that this year, Viet Nam can again reach a record number of workers being sent to work abroad, which was 153,000 set in 2009.

In the first ten months this year, the total number of Vietnamese people being sent to work abroad is 132,600, reaching 120.59 per cent of the yearly plan, and 117.40 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Japan is the leading market receiving Vietnamese labourers, with more than 67,500. Following it is Taiwan (China) with more than 50,800 labourers, and South Korea with nearly 6,000. Next are China, Hungary, Singapore, Romania, Poland, Saudi Arabia and other markets.

Nguyen Gia Liem, deputy director of the Department of Overseas Labour Management under the MoLISA, said: "We have achieved and exceeded the planned target. We hope that in the last months and in the following years, we can maintain the number."

He said that after the COVID-19 pandemic was controlled, many countries wanted to receive Vietnamese workers under new agreements.

Developed countries are in population declining and aging, and in addition, after the COVID-19 pandemic their need for economic recovery is very strong but they lack human resources. This is an opportunity for us to maintain and stabilise the foreign labour market, said Liem.

Currently, some countries are changing their policies, so they ask us to sign new cooperation agreements. European countries such as Romania, Germany, Russia, Bulgaria and Czech; and Middle Eastern countries such as Qatar, Kuwait and United Arab Emirates are also offering to sign cooperation agreements with us," he said.

Bring home benefits

Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs ao Ngoc Dung in the questioning session in front of the National Assembly stated that labourers abroad on average bring US$3.5-4 billion to the country on a daily basis.

On average each year, Viet Nam has about 120,000-143,000 people going to work in foreign countries.

This year alone, as many as 112,000 people work abroad, mainly in Japan and Taiwan (China).

Answering questions from National Assembly deputies last Wednesday, Dung said that promoting the overseas workforce was directed in the Government's resolutions.

The MoLISA has been focusing on a number of solutions for the labourers after returning from abroad.

The first is building a website and holding job exchange sessions for those workers.

The second is connecting Vietnamese workers with foreign businesses so that when workers return home, they can find work. For instance, workers returning home from Japan should continue to work for Japanese businesses in Viet Nam.

Another solution is applying different models such as short-term and seasonal labour to take advantage of the workers' abilities and strengths.

Another choice is lending capital to those workers to help them set up their own business.

Each year, about 1.6 to 1.7 million workers are given jobs, according to the MoLISA.  VNS
SOC TRANG  Soc Trang Province is increasing its spending on boarding schools for ethnic students to improve education quality in minority areas.

The Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta province has a population of 1.3 million with ethnic people, mostly Khmer and Hoa, accounting for 35 per cent.

But it has only 10 boarding schools for ethnic students with 3,352 students, according to its Department of Education and Training.

The Ke Sach District Ethnic Boarding High School has 270 students, 260 of them ethnic minorities.

It has recently built two new classrooms, a dining room and other facilities at a cost of VN7 billion (US$290,000).

Ngo Van, a teacher there, said the school lacked facilities in the past, limiting the education quality.

But now things have improved and education quality is ensured, he said.

Kim Ngoc Nhi, an ethnic student at the school, said with the improved facilities her learning has improved.

In Chau Thanh District, 49 per cent of the population is Khmer, and the district has invested in its ethnic boarding school.

o Van Nol, head of the Chau Thanh District Ethnic Boarding High School, said VN10 billion ($410,000) has been spent to upgrade 50 boarding rooms for students, five working rooms, a gym, a dining room, and seven classrooms.

With the investment, the school has improved its education quality to meet level 1 national education standard and targets level 2 by the end of next year, he said.

The provincial Peoples Committee plans to invest in facilities for boarding schools.

The Department of Education and Training has been instructed to renovate and upgrade a school each in Chau Thanh, Ke Sach, My Xuyen, Long Phu, and Thanh Tri districts starting last year at a cost of VN54 billion ($2.2 million).

Danh Hoang Nguyen, deputy director of the department, said boarding schools are steadily improving, and ethnic students and those in remote and rural areas and special economic difficulty areas have conducive conditions for studying, which would help develop human resources for socio-economic development.

The department would invest an estimated VN15 billion ($620,000) to improve boarding schools next year, he added.  VNS
In February this year, Singapore and Vietnam signed the Green-Digital Economic Partnership MoU. How has this been implemented thus far?

Gan Kim Yong

This MoU is critical, and both parties are pushing ahead with forceful collaboration on both fronts. Whether we have the agreement or not, the green economy and digitalisation are going to progress and develop, and these will be strong areas of focus for both countries.

We have a digital economy framework agreement among ASEAN members, and this will provide a basis for cooperation among ASEAN countries. We recognise that ASEAN members may not all be at the same level of progress in terms of digitalisation, and not all of them are ready to do the same thing.

Therefore, there is a diversity among the ASEAN members in terms of readiness and progress of development. While we have the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), we also encourage members to leverage bilateral exemplary ties to see how we can push ahead with the cooperation in digital economy development.

One area that we are keen to work with Vietnam and other countries is cross-border data flow - how we can ensure interoperability of digital systems, how we can link up with digital payment systems, and how we can use digital means to facilitate trade.

We also have the ASEAN Single Window initiative to facilitate regional trade and economic integration with our trading partners  one just needs to register with a single window and all members can then access it through a common database. This can only be done if it is digitalised. You cannot have a single window with a physical document.

And on the green economy, this is a very new and emerging area for bilateral cooperation. We want to encourage cooperation on various projects, including one on electricity export from Vietnam to Singapore. Perhaps 10 years ago, nobody thought it was possible to bring electricity from Vietnam to Singapore. But now we are seriously discussing how we can have green energy generated from Vietnam and sold to Singapore.

We are also looking at low-carbon solutions under the green economy. Low-carbon solutions will include, for example, reforestation and how we can decarbonise industries. These projects will then create carbon credits, and it also helps Vietnam to achieve their carbon emission targets as committed.

We also work together with Vietnam to develop many of these sustainability-related solutions for both countries, including the development of green technology. For example, the whole world is very keen on developing hydrogen technology. And we are hoping to explore new areas of collaboration in this space, such as how to ensure the safe transport of hydrogen.

The proposed DEFA will start negotiations soon. How will Vietnam and Singapore work together to benefit from it?

There is consensus among ASEAN members that this digital agreement is very critical. It will benefit our industries, particularly domestic ones. But there are also concerns that digitalisation may open up more competition from other countries to compete with local industries. The solution is not to close the door but cooperate and think about how we can help our businesses digitalise.

Digitalisation is unavoidable. Rather than go against it, it is better for us to help businesses be ready for the digital world. The DEFA actually provides the platform for countries to come together to work with one another. Two countries can kickstart the collaboration process and the rest can join in.

Vietnam will be one of the forerunners in digitalisation, and I am quite confident that Vietnam will find it very beneficial. From Singapores experience in the last few years, particularly helping smaller businesses digitalise, we need to look at it strategically and in a comprehensive way.

First is to help companies to digitalise their business and sales. During the pandemic, we rolled out digital platforms very rapidly. We wanted to help companies meet their sales targets for about one month or six weeks when we imposed lockdown measures. By diversifying into digital channels, companies now record higher sales volume compared to pre-pandemic when they relied solely on their physical shopfronts.

Secondly, we need to digitalise payment, as it does not make sense to sell digitally but pay in person. We helped companies with their digital payment systems and to train digitally skilled workers. We also quickly realised that we needed to educate the population and pushed out programmes to support our small- and medium-size enterprises and upskill our workforce.

Aside from supporting policies and an enabling ecosystem, is there any other key to making Singapore a successful innovation hub in the region?

Vietnam is growing very rapidly and we have a lot to learn from each other. One key is the importance of keeping our market open, so that Singapore remains open to new ideas and can access global talent.

You can see that many of our innovation projects are not just contained within Singapore. We have collaborations in many countries, and many parts of our research and development require collaboration across borders. For Singapore to become a successful innovation hub, we need to tap up global talent.

So it is important for us to cultivate an ecosystem that allows the two-way flow of research and innovation talent, where both our local researchers and scientists can tap into a global innovation network to scale out of Singapore, and where global talent can anchor themselves to access our world-class research facilities and deepen our ecosystem capabilities.

Singaporean interest in Vietnam flourishes Singaporean and regional investment in Vietnam is expected to thrive in the months to come, following a number of cooperation agreements and commitments reached by the two governments last week.

Singaporean developers retain throne in real estate Top Singaporean groups are continuing to make their mark in Vietnams real estate arena, from luxury apartments to industrial complexes.
The signing ceremony was attended by Tran Viet Truong, Deputy Secretary of Can Tho Party Committee and Chairman of Can Tho People's Committee, and Nitin Kapoor, chairman and general director of AstraZeneca Vietnam, as well as other representatives from the Can Tho People's Committee, Can Tho Department of Health, and AstraZeneca Vietnam.

The agreement outlines a five-year plan for 2023-2028, during which time Can Tho and AstraZeneca Vietnam will focus on disease prevention, early detection, research, and building a lasting healthcare system.

Tran Viet Truong said that the signing of the MoU marked a significant milestone in establishing a collaborative partnership between the two parties. He commended AstraZeneca Vietnam for its valuable initiatives and efforts in benefiting the city, and expressed confidence that the city authorities and AstraZeneca Vietnam would diligently implement the agreed-upon provisions, aligning with the outlined objectives.

To pursue the objective of providing healthcare coverage for all citizens, which is an integral part of the government's commitment to sustainable development, it is essential to bolster investment resources to improve capacity and operational effectiveness within Vietnam's healthcare system. This will ensure the provision of high-quality services that meet the needs of the population residing within the city and the Mekong Delta region, he noted.

Nitin Kapoor added, "Following our earlier agreement with the Ministry of Health, I am thrilled to see our partnership with Can Tho flourish today. We are wholeheartedly dedicated to supporting the city's efforts to look after its residents' health. Together, we will work to strengthen the skills of healthcare staff, aiding the growth and global engagement of Can Tho's healthcare sector and the broader Mekong Delta area."

This partnership focuses on educating the public about diseases and boosting healthcare quality in various areas, including cancer, respiratory illnesses, cardio-renal-metabolic issues, immunology, and rare diseases.

Notable joint efforts will include the Healthy Lung programme (2024-2026) to better diagnose and treat respiratory conditions and lung cancer, the CAREME  Love Yourself drive to support cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic health, the MUPS Academy scheme to improve gastrointestinal disease management, and a joint initiative with Can Tho Oncology Hospital for cancer care.

These programmes, along with efforts to increase healthcare access and sustainable practices, aim to benefit not only Can Tho city but the broader Mekong Delta region. The collaboration underscores AstraZeneca's commitment to public-private partnerships to enhance Vietnam's healthcare system.

On this special occasion, AstraZeneca and Can Tho City Oncology Hospital have formalised their partnership through a memorandum of cooperation, reinforcing their joint medical ventures in the city. The purpose of this agreement is to fast-track the hospital's research capabilities and global reach, thereby improving the standard of care for patients in the Cuu Long river delta.

The collaboration will unfold through a series of initiatives aimed at integrating Can Tho City Oncology Hospital into support programmes and exchanging professional knowledge to advance the expertise of its medical team, enhancing patient services to broaden access to cutting-edge treatments and pursuing long-term joint development efforts, particularly in conducting cancer research.

Dr. Vo Van Kha, director of Can Tho Oncology Hospital said, "With the objective of becoming a leading cancer hospital in the Mekong Delta region, we highly appreciate the collaboration of AstraZeneca and hope that in the future, both parties will engage in ever more extensive activities."

"Together, I believe that this collaboration will yield practical and long-lasting benefits for patients while contributing to the overall development of cancer care in Vietnam."

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company renowned for its expertise in researching, developing, and delivering innovative treatments in oncology, rare diseases, and other biopharmaceutical areas.

Throughout its history, it has shown a strong commitment to the Vietnamese healthcare sector, emphasising cancer diagnosis and improving the quality of cancer treatments. This commitment has played a significant role in mitigating the impact of cancer in Vietnam, as well as across Asia and around the world.

AstraZeneca Vietnam's unwavering efforts to advance Vietnam's healthcare have been recognised with Certificates of Merit from the Minister of Health on three occasions, for outstanding work in cancer treatment in 2019, for significant contributions to the prevention and control of the pandemic in 2020, and for achievements in communication campaigns, breast cancer screening, and support for cancer patients in 2022.

Additionally, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh awarded AstraZeneca Vietnam with a Certificate of Merit for its exceptional contribution to Vietnam's vaccine diplomacy in 2022.

MoH and AstraZeneca expand health partnership AstraZeneca has taken its long-term partnership with Vietnams Ministry of Health to the next level for a resilient and healthy local population.

AstraZeneca Vietnam honoured with special BritCham award AstraZeneca Vietnam has received the British Chamber of Commerce's (BritCham) first-ever 50th Anniversary Recognition award for the company's unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and its profound impact on Vietnam's healthcare sector.
In the five surveyed sectors, how does Vietnam differ from other countries?

Marc Woo

Vietnam has the fastest-growing digital e-commerce in Southeast Asia for the second year in a row and is forecast to hold this position in 2025 (tying with the Philippines). The countrys gross merchandise value (GMV) is expected to grow at a 20 per cent compound annual growth rate from $30 billion in 2023 to $45 billion in 2025.

Online travel and e-commerce will be the main drivers of GMV growth from now to 2025. One other notable thing about Vietnam is that this country had the fastest-growing digital payments in Southeast Asia in 2023.

This is what I observed in Vietnam. The first is tailwinds: Vietnam is the fastest-growing Southeast Asian country from a GDP perspective. Well-positioned to take advantage of supply chain shifts in manufacturing. Strong government focus on the digital economy. The second is headwinds: lower-than-expected external demand affecting near-term growth. Digital adoption growth is slow, potentially due to the broader economic situation

How can Vietnam attract high-value users (HVUs)?

We define high-value users as the top 30 per cent of spenders in the digital economy, based on their total spends across seven verticals: e-commerce, groceries, ride-hailing, food delivery, gaming, streaming, and travel. They account for around 70 per cent of spending in the region.

Its important to make the distinction that HVUs do not equate to affluent; only half come from the affluent segment, and 30 per cent come from smaller cities and towns.

HVUs are a core group of consumers who contribute to an outsized majority of the digital economys GMV. Serving the needs of this group will allow digital economy players to capture high lifetime value customers, which will be core to their ambitions of driving revenue and attaining profitable growth. In Vietnam, the group spends more than five-time other groups.

Most live in metropolises, but through the report, we see this group does exist beyond the big cities too. Different from other surveys and research, when it comes to HVUs, our report does not only look at the income base, as income does not always translate to high-value users. As we have repeatedly called out, its critical to aim for a more inclusive digital perspective, beyond the big cities.

On this, Vietnam has some advantages when looking at the digital participants across the country. In six Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam has more big cities that lead digital participation, with three cities from north to south: Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Other neighbouring countries have just one big city, while Singapore has reached internet saturation with a 100 per cent urban rate.

This means Vietnam still has a lot of potential to push forward, accelerating on a stronger foundation where it is easier to spread internet participation from three metropolises instead of one.

Online spending in Vietnam is slowing. Can you share more about this decline?

In general, there is a lower degree of digital spending accessibility in Southeast Asia compared to other regions, which largely inhibits online spending for households with lower expenditures.

We still believe that $45 billion in GMV is within reach for Vietnam if certain conditions are met. More people must engage in the digital economy; more businesses must cross the digital threshold; geographic digital coverage must expand beyond the major cities; there needs to be more interconnected regional activities through trade and digital agreements; and digital sectors must become more profitable individually.

Have Vietnamese businesses recognised the best way to develop is not to grow at all costs, but to focus more on sustainability?

Southeast Asia private funding has declined to its lowest level in six years after record highs, in line with global shifts towards high costs of capital and issues across the funding lifecycles. Investors want companies to achieve financial independence and generate cash by focusing on profitable unit economics, optimising operations, and scaling core services.

And as we shared in our report for 2023, Vietnam, as well as Southeast Asia businesses, have turned to profitable growth, and profitability can put short-term pressure on our growth in the long term if we dont put efforts into the digital headroom beyond the big cities.

We are at an inflection point. What we see is a natural tendency, to focus on monetising in the metros, but this is and can create a digital economic divide. For short-term prioritisation, businesses focus on HVUs, but growth opportunities are almost twice as high for people outside the big-spending group.

I believe most businesses in Vietnam know about the short-term and long-term opportunities, and if a few are not yet aware of this, we hope the report will put a spotlight on this through valuable insights to guide the planning for the short and long-term, as well as to debunk myths, like having internet access does not always translate to consumption in the digital economy sectors, or lower consumption does not necessarily mean theres lower demand.

The e-Conomy SEA Report 2023, published this month, provides in-depth analysis of the digital economy in Southeast Asia. The report covers a wide range of topics, including the size and growth of the digital economy, the key trends driving growth, and the challenges and opportunities facing the regions digital players. The report focuses on the top six countries in Southeast Asia with the largest and most influential digital economies to provide a robust representation of core sectors (e-commerce, online travel, transport and food, and online media) for GMV valuations and five core sectors (the previous four sectors plus digital financial services) for revenue sizing.
Some young people receiving their Luong Dinh Cua Awards

At the 2023 National Rural Youth Festival on November 13 in the Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang, 42 young farmers received the Luong Dinh Cua Award for their outstanding achievements in business, entrepreneurship, and production, contributing to creating numerous jobs and boosting socioeconomic development.

Nine excellent projects from the 2023 Rural Youth Startup Project competition were also named and honoured.

Nguyen Thi Thu Van, a representative of HCYU, said that the Luong Dinh Cua Award this year received 77 applications. Of these, there were five cases with a total annual income of VND100-500 million ($4,200-21,100), 17 with a total of VND500 million - 2 billion ($21,100-84,400), 30 reaching VND2-10 billion ($84,400-422,000), and 25 more that topped that figure.

These young people's businesses have created regular jobs for 1,031 full-time staff and 1,258 seasonal workers.

As an annual event organised by the HCYU since 2014, the National Rural Youth Festival included exhibitions, discussions, and honours. It was also a chance for young people doing business in rural areas to discuss and connect with each other, as well as with leading experts from various sectors.

This is the third consecutive year that SABECO has accompanied the HCYU to communicate positive examples of strong youth leadership in the industrialisation and modernisation of agriculture in rural areas, contributing to the National strategic goals on new rural development for the 2021-2025 period.

In August and September, SABECO and the HCYU also trained 300 young people who were planning to or had just started a business, aiming to improve their competitiveness, enable potential projects to develop more rapidly, generate economic value, and create jobs for the local workforce.

Contributing to the country's socioeconomic development is one of SABECO's commitments within its three-year strategic cooperation with the HCYU. Over the last two years, more than 500 young people have participated in entrepreneurship training programmes, and 75 outstanding cases have been honoured with Luong Dinh Cua Awards.

In addition, SABECO has joined forces with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism to implement an initiative to support Vietnamese athletes, improving their achievements at both regional and international levels.

SABECO's journey of building a confident and brave generation to manage and promote the country's development is continuing at pace. The business has committed to sustainable development with its 4C strategy, involving Country - Culture - Consumption - Conservation, to enhance Vietnam's brand position and contribute the best value to the nation.

SABECO supports community projects in Thai Binh and beyond Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and Saigon Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Corporation (SABECO) marked the completion of the first phase of their projects in Thai Binh province on August 5, focusing on sport and sustainable street lighting.

SABECO leads startup magic More than 300 young businesses and rural youth have found support for their startup models through a series of training programmes jointly organised by the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and Saigon Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Corporation.
A Russian government delegation has arrived in Pyongyang for talks on trade and science cooperation, the North's state media said Wednesday, as the two countries seek to strengthen ties following the rare summit between their leaders in September.

The delegation, led by its Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov, arrived Tuesday to take part in the 10th meeting of the Committee for Cooperation in Trade, Economy, Science and Technology between the two countries, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Working-level officials of the two sides were seriously discussing the "practical issues of realizing cooperation in various fields to be reflected in the protocol of the meeting," the KCNA said in an English-language article.

The delegation's visit came amid concerns over a suspected arms agreement between the two countries, with Pyongyang believed to be receiving technological support from Russia to put its spy military satellite into orbit after two botched attempts.

In a reception at the Koryo Hotel in Pyongyang the previous day, senior officials pledged to further promote their bilateral ties in a follow-up to the Sept. 13 summit, according to the KCNA.

Yun Jong-ho, the North's minister of external economic relations, said it is the North's stance to "further revitalize the bilateral relations in all fields and develop them onto a new high stage."

In response, Kozlov said the two countries are "fighting shoulder to shoulder in the forefront against the dominationist forces" and Russia is "desirous" of developing "substantial cooperation" in accordance with the agreements reached during the summit.

In a separate article, the KCNA said a delegation led by North Korean culture minister left for Saint Petersburg on Tuesday to attend a cultural forum. (Yonhap)
On November 8, Petronas and PetroVietnam signed a Memorandum of Cooperation that covers potential collaborations on decarbonisation efforts and the development of sustainable energy solutions, liquefied natural gas, and petrochemicals.

Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik, president and group CEO of Petronas said, "This collaboration signifies the shared aspiration of Petronas and PetroVietnam to provide more energy responsibly to fuel economic growth, moving us closer to a lower-carbon future."

"In fulfilling our responsibilities as national energy companies, we look forward to combining our technological capabilities and expertise to develop energy solutions in both hydrocarbons and clean energy. The ambition of both companies is to continue offering our respective countries and the region pragmatic solutions as part of a practical and responsible pathway towards a just energy transition," Taufik added.

Petronas made its first foray in Vietnam in 1991. As a pioneer investor in the countrys upstream sector, it forged strategic partnerships with the host authority and key industry players in advancing Vietnam's oil, gas, and petrochemical industries.

Le Manh Hung, president and CEO of PetroVietnam said, "As active members in ASEAN and the ASEAN Council on Petroleum, PetroVietnam and Petronas have been working closely to share information, knowledge, and best practices. With a close geographical connection and the strong relationship between Vietnam and Malaysia, it is expected that PetroVietnam and Petronas will continue to contribute significantly to a prosperous ASEAN community."

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Malaysia. The cooperative relationship between the two nations has developed strongly over the past 50 years in all fields, especially economic and trade cooperation.

As national oil companies, both PetroVietnam and Petronas have collaborated to contribute to bringing economic benefits to both countries. For more than 30 years, they have cooperated effectively in the oil and gas sector in both upstream and downstream, overcoming the ups and downs of the oil and gas industry and becoming reliable partners.

The two sides aim for long-term and deep cooperation as they explore new opportunities in the energy transition process.

Petronas, PetroVietnam extend PSC for 10 more years Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and Vietnam Oiland Gas Group (PetroVietnam) have extended the production sharing contract with their partners for offshore fields in the overlapping zone between Malaysia and Viet Nam.

Total drops deal to buy Petronas Vietnam LPG operations Totalgaz Vietnam Limited Liability Company (TGV), a subsidiary of French integrated oil and gas corporation Total, has terminated the agreement to buy Thang Long LPG Co., Ltd., the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage and bottling subsidiary of Malaysian oil and gas company Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas).
The event was an integral part of MB's long-term, annual initiative to infuse international expertise into the bank and its network. It saw the attendance of around 500 valuable partners and key personnel, all aiming to mobilise national resources to foster a sustainable digital economy.

Opening the event, MBs chairman of the Board Luu Trung Thai shared his vision for digital transformation success.

"Drawing from MB's successful digital transformation experience, we hope to see other organisations and businesses succeed on this path. This is why MB has organised this special international seminar to connect and spread digital transformation visions from world-renowned experts to Vietnamese businesses and individuals," he stated.

Vu Thanh Trung, a member of MB's Board of Management, also spoke about the bank's dedication to digital transformation and environmental sustainability.

"MB is unwavering in its commitment to digital transformation. We understand that the future of banking lies in harnessing technology to enhance the customer experience and operational efficiency," Trung told VIR.

Our partnerships with leading fintech firms, coupled with our own digitalisation efforts, position us at the forefront of these critical areas.

He further underscored MB's focus on the environment, "Our commitment extends beyond digitalisation to include a strong focus on green initiatives. We're already integrating sustainable practices into our operations and product offerings."

Meanwhile, renowned speakers including David L. Rogers, a member of the faculty at Columbia Business School, Sheena S. Iyengar, a professor of Business in the Management Division at Columbia Business School, and Paul J. Bailo, a senior advisor for top US companies with years of research and strategic consulting experience, shared practical methods and lessons to propel the national digital economy and implement related strategies at individual businesses.

Professor Rogers believes the digital transformation is a multi-year process of evolution, allowing businesses to thrive in an ever-changing environment.

"The core of digital transformation is not just technological change, it also requires a shift in mindset, applying new thinking within the organisation. Additionally, companies must focus on data, as it is a core asset for future growth," Rogers emphasised.

However, Rogers highlighted that digital transformation is not straightforward, with 70-80 per cent of campaigns in businesses failing to achieve the desired outcomes.

He identified the barriers to digital transformation as a lack of shared vision, insufficient discipline when setting priorities, the absence of experimentation, and inflexibility in management.

"For success, digital transformation must be a synthesis of two elements, strategy and self-transformation within the organisation. These two factors are critical for organisational success," Rogers advised.

Professor Rogers suggested a five-step roadmap for Vietnamese businesses' digital transformation, establishing a shared vision, selecting key issues, validating new experiments, managing large-scale growth, and continually building capabilities. He shared global enterprise transformation stories, such as Netflix, Amazon, and ChatGPT, as practical examples of his five-step approach to successful digital change.

Focusing on the theme of How to Think Bigger, Professor Iyengar recounted her family's journey from India to America to pursue the American dream, underscoring the pivotal role of choice in personal and organisational growth.

"Choice is our greatest control. It's instrumental in shaping both individual paths and organisational futures," she remarked.

Specialising in the study of the power of choice, Professor Iyengar spent over a decade developing the Think Bigger methodology, aiding transformation at individual, corporate, and community levels.

She highlighted examples like Pablo Picasso and healthcare initiatives during the pandemic to illustrate the transformative impact of choice and thinking big.

Iyengar advised a break from conventional thinking, outlining a six-step Think Bigger practice. This includes pinpointing critical issues, breaking them down, assessing desires, exploring within and beyond existing frameworks, mapping choices, and employing empathetic perspective-taking.

Regarding Vietnam's innovation potential, Iyengar commented, "Vietnam holds immense promise for creative innovation. The next step is building a future framework. The choice lies with you."

At the heart of the seminar, themed Digital Transformation: Dream Big, Think Big, Act Big, Bailo steered discussions, linking pertinent questions and answers for the Vietnamese audience.

Professor Iyengar highlighted relentless exploration and experimentation as keys to success and transformation. Recalling Steve Jobs' advice, Professor Rogers emphasised the importance of expansive thinking and creativity.

Discussing organisational change, Rogers stressed the need for an environment that is conducive to employee development and leaders simplifying ideas for effective implementation. Iyengar stressed the need to prioritise crucial decisions for action.

For practical innovation, Iyengar urged Vietnamese companies to prepare mentally, focus on understanding and prioritising changes, and align their goals and actions.

"Innovation should be user-centric, with customers validating the effectiveness of the entire effort," she stated.

Addressing the creation of an innovation DNA, Iyengar highlighted the importance of cultivating and spreading an innovative culture deep within every employee, with leadership playing a crucial role in this.

Rogers added, "Leaders must articulate clear objectives and resolve critical business issues. Defined goals give a unified direction for collective problem-solving," he advised.

The speakers encouraged Vietnamese companies to boldly and persistently embrace digital transformation and innovation for future success.

Growth within reach for forward-thinking enterprises From legacy banks to small enterprises, digital transformation is reshaping business at every level. David L. Rogers, a member of the faculty at Columbia Business School, and Paul J. Bailo, senior advisor for top US companies like Apple and Bank of America, told VIRs Luu Huong how businesses are finding new ways to innovate and collaborate.
Dung Nguyen, co-founder and COO of Hivebotics, and his team are building hardware and software infrastructure that will lead to a general-purpose AI robot for commercial automation of menial tasks.

Arriving in Singapore in 2014 when he was a young Vietnamese student, Nguyen graduated in Singapore and decided to begin his journey with AI robot two years ago, after seeing a lack of toilet cleaning staff during the pandemic and amid great support of the local government.

Nguyen was in Singapore as part of the Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH 2023). The event took place from October 31 to November 2, with LaunchPad from JTC  a government agency under Singapores Ministry of Trade and Industry  championing sustainable industrial development, and driving innovation in the building and infrastructure sector.

LaunchPad is an all-in-one platform and community that gives businesses the tools, network, and support to grow. It has become a home to startups of varying sectors at different maturity stages.

We chose to set up shop in LaunchPad Singapore thanks to its ecosystem of robotics startup as well as JTC support to provide us with testing space and domain knowledge in facility management, Nguyen said.

We are seeking opportunities in other markets outside Singapore. For the Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia market, we are looking for suppliers and manufacturing partners in our robotics domain. The pioneer application of our technology is an autonomous restroom cleaning robot for commercial buildings such as offices, malls, airports, hospitals, and hotels, he added.

Some companies are pioneering impressive machines for offices, hospitals, malls, and more

Regional magnet

Like Hivebotics, other tech startups are nurturing their dreams at LaunchPad Singapore and looking to venture into regional markets, with Vietnam being a target.

Founded in 2020, Zuno Carbon is an award-winning climate tech startup based in Singapore that helps businesses to track their emissions, report their environmental, social, and governance performance, and decarbonise their value chain. Its platform utilises optical character recognition, real-time optimisation, and generative AI to help companies manage their complex sustainability practices.

Tao Zhang, CEO of Zuno Carbon said that the company chose LaunchPad for its office location because of its thriving and vibrant startup scene. As the firm is entering a high-growth stage, it is fitting for it to find a place that shares its dreams and ambition.

We are eyeing our growth in Southeast Asia, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand due to the increasing demand for carbon emission management among businesses in the region. Many businesses in the region are heavy emitters within the agriculture, forestry, maritime, and manufacturing industries  some of the most highly regulated sectors due to their potential impact on the climate, he said.

With our solutions, we hope to enable better transparency and meaningful actions from key players in the region, so we can be on a better journey towards net-zero.

Seeing growth potential in the Vietnamese market, where there is a high prevalence of nasopharyngeal cancer, Vivo Surgical, a Singaporean medtech company, is dedicated to developing innovative healthcare solutions that have profound clinical impact both within and beyond the confines of hospitals.

Through strategic commercial and innovative partnerships across numerous international territories, our company is pioneering an endoscope robot, designed for advanced surgeries along the gastrointestinal tract. Complementing this technology is our portfolio featuring deep cavity surgical lighting and portable endoscopy solutions, said Dr. Kevin Koh, founder and CEO of Vivo Surgical.

In conjunction with its clinical collaborator from the Duke Global Health Institute in North Carolina, Vivo Surgical has embarked on a clinical partnership with senior clinicians at the National Otolaryngology Hospital in Hanoi. Its collective focus has been on the development and refinement of its portable endoscope, specifically tailored for the comprehensive screening of nasopharyngeal cancer within primary care settings.

Having successfully concluded clinical trials in the US, the device is now poised for evaluation across a network of more than 20 hospitals throughout Vietnam, with the objective of nationwide integration, Koh added.

Elsewhere, ION Mobility is a tech and automotive startup on a mission to create and deliver sustainable mobility and energy solutions. Its products combine advanced hardware and software technology with human-centred design to deliver smart electric motorbikes and energy charging and storage solutions.

ION Mobilitys vision is to lead the transition towards a low-carbon economy across Southeast Asia.

We have a 12-person team in Vietnam. We have a legal entity there, and are intending to establish a formal physical office in the country in the first half of 2024 to bring together our tech team and enhance collaboration, said Anthony Ho, associate vice president for Business at ION Mobility. We are also intending to commence vehicle approval with Vietnams Ministry of Transport in early 2024.

Next wave of innovation

According to Enterprise Singapore, even amid the present economic climate, Singapore continues to be an attractive fundraising spot in the region for investors to seize opportunities.

Consequently, Singapore managed to draw in 64 per cent of Southeast Asias deal flow by volume in the first three quarters of this year, an increase from 54 per cent from last year. This amounted to 410 deals valued at a total of over $4 billion. Moreover, 15,000 people attended SWITCH 2023, a 50 per cent increase from last year.

Startup Genomes Global Startup Ecosystem Report ranked Singapore second in Asia in 2023. In terms of global ranking, Singapore climbed 10 spots in 2023 to rank eighth in the world. Startup Blink ranked Singapore sixth globally and first in Asia.

Peter Ong, chairman of Enterprise Singapore said, Capital is still flowing into Singapore, with a large majority of committed capital from venture investors flowing into Singapore-based venture capitalists (VCs).

Today, Singapores 4,500 tech startups are supported by a vibrant network of over 400 VCs, 240 incubators and accelerators, as well as a strong base of scientific and research capabilities and corporate research and development labs.

Ong added that Singapore is becoming a deep tech hotspot for the region as the next wave of innovation. In recent years, interest in deep tech deals has been growing, with mRNA and AI becoming two game changers in this wave.

Deep tech accounted for more than a quarter of the regions total deal value in the first three quarters of 2023. This is the highest share compared to the same period in the past three years. And when compared with Southeast Asia, Singapore accounted for approximately three-quarters of the total deep tech deal volume, he said.

The achievement is attributed to Singapores dynamic startup community, government funding, and global talent hunt.

Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore Heng Swee Keat at SWITCH 2023 said, Given deep techs transformative potential, we must continue to broaden and deepen our ecosystem to support opportunities to make an impact. With the higher investment and longer gestation needed for deep tech, the promise of global reach and scale will not only enable deep tech innovations to pull in capital and talent, but also to achieve a global impact.
The campaign ceremony featured the Board of Directors and employees of Tokio Marine Insurance Vietnam, representatives of the National and Provincial Traffic Safety Committee, Binh Duong Education and Training Department, local administrative associations, the school management boards, and nearly 1,000 students.

Yasuhiro Takeda, general director and Hidehisa Iwamoto, branch director delivering helmets to children at the ceremony

Khuat Viet Hung, vice chairman of NTSC said, The National Traffic Safety Committee is pleased to coordinate with Tokio Marine Insurance Vietnam to organise the helmet awarding ceremony to students as well as disseminate education on traffic safety.

The programme aims to raise people's awareness about law obedience requiring children to wear helmets when riding motorbikes, mopeds, and e-bicycles, thereby minimising the consequences of traffic accidents causing to children, contributing to reaching the goal of all children wearing helmets meeting national technical standards for safe traffic participation."

Yasuhiro Takeda, general director of Tokio Marine Insurance Vietnam, giving remark at the helmet delivery ceremony

Road traffic accidents are on the rise worldwide and continue to be one of the leading causes of death and serious injury among children and adolescents in Vietnam for the past years, said Yasuhiro Takeda, general director of Tokio Marine Insurance Vietnam.

However, we believe that traffic accidents are completely preventable through prudent measures. We hope that the small gifts of helmets we deliver today not only serve as the protective gear safeguarding all the students during their journey to schools, but also nurture the practice of road safety behaviours as well as the values of responsible citizenship.

In its endless journey To Be a Good Company, Tokio Marine has conducted various CSR programmes annually to support the disadvantaged and contribute to the sustainable development of the local environment and community.

The company also presented 10 financial scholarships to students who have either suffered from traffic accidents themselves or lost a parent due to such unfortunate incidents in Binh Duong during the past year, hopefully to support students and families to overcome challenges and do better.

During the ceremony, the company teamed up with the schools and local traffic police to conduct a sharing session with all pupils and parents on the topic Traffic Safety Practice to help enhance awareness and habits among the children and their parents in daily life when travelling on roads.

Huynh Thi Ngoc Tam, headmaster of Hiep An Secondary School based in Thu Dau Mot City said, The school's teachers and students would like to thank Tokio Marine Vietnam Insurance for giving the students such meaningful gifts, which not only help them to raise awareness of safe traffic participation but also secure an assured mindset to study and strive to improve. The school is located near a national highway, so high-quality helmets will help the students feel secure when travelling every day.

Secondary students attending the ceremony, excited at their new helmets

The ceremony closed in a memorable and happy atmosphere with smiles from the teachers, pupils, parents and all the participants in Thu Dau Mot, Binh Duong province.

Founded in 1996, Tokio Marine Insurance Vietnam Co. Ltd. is the first foreign-invested insurance company in Vietnam. With diverse non-life insurance products and services of Japanese quality, the company has been providing domestic and foreign customers with safety and security against risks in business and life.

During the past 27 years, the company has served over 2,000 customers, more than half of whom work at Japanese corporations investing in Vietnam.

In its endless journey To Be a Good Company, Tokio Marine has conducted various Corporate Social Responsibility programmes annually to support the disadvantaged and contribute to the sustainable development of the local environment and community.

Quang Binh students gain scholarships from VIR Overcoming personal hardships, a number of talented students have strived to excel in their studies and gained significant achievements thanks to scholarships awarded through VIR's long-running Swing for the Kids charity campaign.

Shinhan Life Vietnam donates learning essentials to SOS Childrens Village Danang On November 12, Shinhan Life Insurance Vietnam Co., Ltd. delivered a sponsorship package valued more than $6,300 for the repair, renovation, and procurement of equipment for the multifunctional room at the SOS Children's Village in Danang.
NEW ORLEANS (AP)  A Louisiana lawyer who objected to the state bar associations public statements on several issues including health tips and LGBTQ rights can no longer be forced to join or pay dues to the association, a federal appeals court has ruled.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals order, dated Monday, blocks the Louisiana State Bar Association from forcing attorney Randy Boudreaux to join the LSBA or pay its dues, at least for now.

The ruling sends the case back to a federal district judge for further action. It appears to leave open the possibility that mandatory membership and dues could be imposed on Boudreaux, if the LSBA no longer takes public positions deemed non-germane" to the regulation of the legal profession.

Boudreaux's is one of more than two dozen cases playing out around the country challenging state requirements that attorneys join and pay dues to state bar associations. Organizations including the Goldwater Institute and, in Louisiana, the Pelican Institute, are challenging mandatory bar association membership as violations of free speech rights.

The 5th Circuit ruled in 2021  in cases out of Louisiana and Texas  that mandatory bar membership can be seen as constitutional under current law and Supreme Court precedent if the bar association is engaged in funding or lobbying for activities that are germane to the regulation of the legal profession or improvement of legal services.

Since then, Monday's ruling said, LSBA has failed to stay in its constitutionally prescribed lane.

To its credit, the LSBA has stopped much of its objectionable activity, Judge Jerry Smith wrote for the panel of three judges in the latest ruling. But despite the LSBAs scruples, Boudreaux has still identified some examples of non-germane speech.

Non-germane statements included posts on Twitter  now known as X  on topics including the possible health benefits of walnuts, the need for exercise and the promotion of charitable events, and more contentious issues. The association's promotion of an article on the effects of student loan debt on young lawyers was not germane, the court found. If anything, the thrust of the article is backhanded support for student-debt relief, a nakedly political position," Smith wrote.

The opinion also agrees with Boudreauxs objections to the bar association promoting a link to a History.com article about gay rights, along with a large rainbow flag icon that read LGBT Pride Month.

The association can promote inclusion of LGBT individuals in the legal profession  we held that Texas could do that, even if was controversial, Smith wrote. "But the LSBA may not promote LGBT causes generally, with no connection to the legal profession.

LSBA President Shayna Sonnier said the group was pleased that the appeals court recognized steps it has taken to meet constitutional standards. Our leadership is reviewing how best to address the issues identified by the court, she said.

It was unclear whether either side would appeal any part of the Monday appellate ruling sending the case back to the district court. Scott Freeman, an attorney with the Goldwater Institute, said efforts continue in multiple jurisdictions to fight mandatory bar association membership.

I expect that the LSBA will argue that it won't offend again if compulsory membership continues, New Orleans attorney Dane Ciolino, part of the legal team supporting Boudreaux, said in emailed statements. But it has said exactly that before and thereafter failed to comply with the First Amendment.

Smith was nominated to the 5th Circuit by former President Ronald Reagan. Also on the panel were Judge Carolyn Dineen King, nominated by former President Jimmy Carter, and Jennifer Walker Elrod, nominated by former president George W. Bush.
Kendrick Elementary School turned 71 on Monday, and former students, their friends and family and well-wishers turned out en masse to wish the old place goodbye and best wishes before it is replaced.

The 150 or so alumni gathered for a last look at the school found much changed but much the same. The cafeteria that once appeared cavernous to youngsters carrying lunchboxes or rushing to line up for square pizzas and oversized peanut cookies seemed snug now.

The cookies displayed Monday came courtesy of Waco Independent School District staffers, sweetening the experience for those attending the final walk-through at Kendrick Elementary before demolition beckons. Alumni perused scrapbooks dating to 1952, and some brought their own photos from the 1950s and 60s.

Probably the most talked-about item at the event was the tablecloth that is hand-embroidered with dozens of students names, Principal Isabel Lozano said in an email interview afterward. It is truly a labor of love and many guests were looking for their own names or names of their classmates. It was definitely a night I will always remember and cherish.

The new school that will rise on the site at 1801 Kendrick Ave. is funded by a $355 million bond issue passed in 2021. The new Kendrick Elementary, covering 93,000 square feet and costing $47 million, will open in fall 2025. It is the fourth school being rebuilt through the bond, along with Waco High School, Tennyson Middle School and G.W. Carver Middle School.

Kendrick will close to students and staff on Dec. 20 to prepare for demolition, with students sent to temporary quarters at the former Indian Spring Middle School downtown.

In price, the new Kendrick will dwarf the old one, built for $373,559. The original Kendrick was paid for through a $4 million bond, and its design was identical to Crestview Elementary School, the only difference being the material used in the driveways of the two schools, according to a Waco ISD press release.

The new Kendrick will accommodate 750 youngsters over two floors with prekindergarten and first-grade classrooms on the first floor along with the library, cafeteria, stage, music room, art classroom, computer lab, and two gymnasiums. The second floor will provide space for students in grades two through five, according to the press release.

A steady stream poured into the school between 6 and 7 p.m. Monday. Waco ISD staffers and Kendrick Elementary personnel were on hand to greet visitors and provide directions.

On a tour of the library, one alumnus wondered aloud if any of the books were around when they were classmates in the 1960s. The prevailing sentiment was that they were not.

A hallway poster advised that head librarian, Emily DeRosier, is reading Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun, and encouraged students to ask her about it. Another note proclaimed that Kindness Changes Everything. Author of the month was revealed as Eric Carle, a smiling, nearly bald man with a white beard and glasses, author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Grouchy Ladybug.

A cutting-edge feature, compared with the 1960s, was a book vending machine that silently suggested students make their choices from among titles such as Lucky Leprechaun, Nate The Great, Pout-Pout Fish or We Dont Eat our Classmates.

A prevalent sign reminded that hallway procedures include walking on the right in a single file line while keeping hands and feet to oneself and maintaining a zero voice level.

The mood was lively, and everyone seemingly had a good time. Laughter flowed, and conversation in English and Spanish spoke to the cultural evolution at Kendrick Elementary.

Lozano said the evening spent with alumni in a school building whose days are numbered was bittersweet.

The evening was provided to honor the past and celebrate the future, she said. It was such a blessing to hear the laughter in hallways, see our guests finding themselves and their classmates in past yearbooks, Facetiming with people they attended Kendrick with, and sharing their joy of the evening. It was truly heartwarming and I am so grateful that Waco ISD provided this opportunity for our community as we prepare for progress with our new state-of-the-art facility.
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.
Jeff Aguirre, a 28-year law enforcement veteran, filed Saturday to run against McLennan County Sheriff Parnell McNamara in the March Republican primary election.

McNamara, 77, will enter the last year of his third term in January, and he said Tuesday his top priority continues to be keeping our good citizens of McLennan County safe.

Aguirre, 50, said his top priority would be to instill operating practices across the board, where the rules apply to everyone in the sheriffs office. He also said it is important that promotions and assignments are based on merit and experience.

The challenger described himself Monday as a Hispanic kid from South Waco.

Im not running against anyone, he said. Im running for the people in the (sheriffs office) organization and the citizens of McLennan County.

Aguirre began his law enforcement career 28 years ago with two years in adult corrections and one year in juvenile corrections, all in McLennan County. Then he became a patrol officer in Hewitt Police Department for over a year.

Those years in corrections and on patrol were foundational to my career, Aguirre said. I know what the corrections officers in the jail are going through and I know what the deputies on patrol have to do daily.

Next, he worked in a multi-agency task force for counter-narcotics and special investigations for seven years. In the task force, he was still a Hewitt police officer, but he worked side by side with federal, state, county and other local agencies.

We wrote our own search warrants, and we did investigations and we did our own undercover work, Aguirre said. I learned how to read a room and how to deal with upset people, that we upset.

Aguirre said it was a common experience in his counter narcotics work to be undercover and have the dealer he was going to buy from take his money and not give him any product. He also said it was common to arrest a midlevel dealer and then have to turn the dealer to be an informant.

They could either be a witness in the case or a defendant, and we had to learn to calm them down and take them through that, Aguirre said.

He said learning to read a room prepared him well for the overseas work he did as a police advisor with the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Defense. He advised several Afghan police agencies for more than four years after his time on the task force. Then he went to Haiti for 27 months.

He said he and a team of advisors from around the United States set up a successful Afghan National Police headquarters in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. Then his team was picked up and moved to Kabul to set up the Kabul Capital Police Command.

In Kabul he worked alongside police leaders from the United States, Europe, Nepal, Romania and New Zealand to advise the Afghans. His team taught the Afghans to receive information, vet the authenticity of the information, process it and act on it.

In Haiti, Aguirre said he learned how to help people from diverse cultural, national, religious and language backgrounds believe they could work together under a common system to accomplish goals.

In 2013, he came back to McLennan County to live outside Crawford with his wife and children and work for Sheriff McNamara setting up multi-jurisdictional organized crime unit. Some of the same officers he worked with in the task force in his early career came back together to set up the organized crime unit.

Parnell brought us in to fight narcotics, and we were good at it, Aguirre said. He put the right people in the right positions years ago when he was first elected. The people that helped him create the greatness, theyve left and gone somewhere else to keep working in law enforcement.

Sixteen months ago, Aguirre himself left to join the Texas Anti-Gang Initiative in the McLennan County District Attorneys Office as an investigator.

Aguirre said that in his experiences in McLennan County and abroad he has seen what works and what does not.

I want to build something that my officers and deputies can be proud of, a legacy to pass on to the next generation, Aguirre said.

Getting that chance would require defeating McLennan County Sheriff Parnell McNamara in the March primary.

McNamara began his own law enforcement career in 1963 at the age of 16 working as a guard for his father, who was deputy U.S. Marshal in Waco, covering 13 counties. McNamara and his brother worked for their father, helping with arrests, prisoner transport and courthouse security through high school and college. In October 1970, he put on his own deputy Marshal badge.

In April 2003, one day after he reached the mandatory retirement age of 57, McNamara said he had to give up his federal badges and credentials. He said he ran a private investigations company for six years.

When I started with the Marshals Service, the government hired me, but when I ran for sheriff, the people hired me, McNamara said. The sheriff is the peoples voice in law enforcement.

McNamara remains proud of the special units he has created in the sheriffs office and the deputies, officers and investigators he created them with. The special units include the Fugitive Apprehension and Special Tasks unit, the organized crime unit, the human trafficking unit, the cold case unit and others. He also expanded the SWAT team, expanded the mental health unit and upgraded equipment for his officers and deputies.

Im so very proud of all my officers, deputies and investigators, good men and women who step up to the plate and make all this happen, McNamara said. They put their lives on the line daily for the good people of McLennan County, for their safety.

He said the cold case unit formed in 2018 has solved nine homicides going back to the 1980s. The human trafficking unit routinely conducts sting operations that will arrest up 70 men.

Last year, a sheriff in a county on the Mexican border called McNamara and he sent a helicopter with two pilots and a fuel truck to work with county, state and federal personnel to help close the open border, he said. He wants to send the helicopter again next year.

All police take an oath to protect and serve, McNamara said. We protect the people from criminals and we serve them in disasters, like the West explosion and the frozen roads this past February.

McNamara promised to continue riding herd on the lawless and to take a hard line on criminals.

No one had announced a campaign for the Democratic nomination as of Tuesday. Candidate filing will remain open through Dec. 11.

The last day for voters to register and be eligible for the March 5 primary elections is Feb. 5. Early voting will start Feb. 20.
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.

Scrap tire collection

Wacos 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.

Poverty simulation weekend

Mission Wacos next poverty simulation weekend will run from 8 p.m. Friday to 3 p.m. Sunday.

The 43-hour weekend retreat aims to bring Christian scripture to life and challenge adults, families and students to see the world through a different lens.

The cost is $95 per person.

To register, go to missionwaco.org/events/.

MCC Scholar Day

McLennan Community College will host Scholar Day from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday at its Learning Technology Center.

MCC students will present their accomplishments through poster displays, presentations, performances and demonstrations. Community members are invited to attend the event to learn more about students work in a wide array of academic disciplines.

For more information, email Mikken Canham at mcanham@mclennnan.edu.

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 Universitys 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.
North Korea has successfully conducted ground tests of newly developed solid-fuel engines for a new type of intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), Pyongyang's state media said Wednesday.

The first- and second-stage engines were tested Saturday and Tuesday to evaluate the technical specifications of the newly developed high-thrust solid-fuel IRBM engines, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

"The first ground jet tests of the first- and second-stage engines were very successful and the reliability and stability of the already-established Korean-style high-thrust solid-fuel engine designing and manufacturing technologies were clearly verified once again," the KCNA said.

"The test provided a sure guarantee for reliably accelerating the development of the new-type IRBM system," it said.

The KCNA said the North's General Missile Bureau attached "great significance" to the development at a time the country faces a "grave and unstable security environment" and "vicious" military collusion among its enemies.

Despite international condemnation, the North has been seeking to bolster its nuclear and missile capabilities that are banned under U.N. Security Council resolutions.

Analysts said the latest tests may be part of such attempts to advance its weapons system in the face of growing trilateral security cooperation among Seoul, Washington and Tokyo.

An IRBM, which can fly some 4,000 kilometers, goes beyond the Korean Peninsula and puts the U.S. territory of Guam within range.

"It appears to be attempting to develop its weak intermediate-range missiles to increase deterrence against the U.S," Hong Min, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification, said, noting how the North's intermediate-range missiles had been liquid-fuel types.

Solid-fuel missiles are known to be quicker to launch and harder to detect ahead of launch compared with liquid-fuel types.

With the North having announced the successful test of the first- and second-stage engines, the recalcitrant regime may attempt to test-launch a solid-fuel IRBM soon as it marks "missile industry day."

Earlier this month, the North designated a "missile industry day" to mark the anniversary of its test-firing of the Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile on Nov. 18 last year.

The North is also believed to be preparing to launch a military spy satellite, apparently with technological assistance from Russia following a rare summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in September.

After two earlier launches failed in May and August, the North said it would try again in October. But no such launch has happened, and the North has given no word as to why the launch has been postponed and when it will take place. (Yonhap)
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin  (November 13, 2023)  Five individuals who contributed greatly to recreational aviation were honored on November 9 as they were inducted into the EAA Sport Aviation Halls of Fame during a ceremony and dinner at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh.

The 2023 inductees include:

EAA Homebuilders Hall of Fame: Neal Loving (posthumous)

Neal Loving (posthumous) International Aerobatic Club Hall of Fame: Lew Shattuck of Yelm, Washington

Lew Shattuck of Yelm, Washington Warbirds of America Hall of Fame: Chuck Greenhill (posthumous)

Chuck Greenhill (posthumous) Vintage Aircraft Association Hall of Fame: John Parish Sr. of Tullahoma, Tennessee

John Parish Sr. of Tullahoma, Tennessee EAA Ultralights Hall of Fame: Paul Mather of Saint Elmo, Alabama

Vintage Aircraft Association Hall of Fame  John Parish Sr. (EAA 43943): Parishs pilot journey began in high school and college where he juggled being a student with learning to fly. In 1964, he bought his first airplane, a Cherokee 180 and began attending fly-ins across the country. Over time, Parish grew an affinity for one airplane in particular, the Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing. Parish was finally able to purchase one of his own in 1970. Parish became continuously more involved with the International Staggerwing Club and in 1973, John and his wife Charlotte helped establish the Staggerwing Museum Foundation, now known as the Beechcraft Heritage Museum, in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Parishs involvement with EAA has included serving on the organizations board for more than 30 years, and working as director and vice president of the EAA Aviation Foundation.

Warbirds of America Hall of Fame  Charles Chuck Greenhill (posthumous): Greenhills involvement in warbird restoration began soon after his time serving in the U.S. Army. His skills as a tool and die maker helped bring warbird aircraft back to life. Working alongside his wife Bev, they restored the warbirds back to their original condition. Notable among his numerous restoration projects is the only surviving Grumman J2F-4 Duck from the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Greenhills restorations frequently appeared at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh during the 2000s and 2010s, earning him the 2007 World War II Grand Champion, 2003 and 2005 Reserve Grand Champion, and the 2014 Preservation Award. He also used his aviation passion to inspire the next generation by attending fly-ins and letting children see his aircraft up close and learn about their importance in American history. Greenhill died in April 2022.

The EAA Sport Aviation Halls of Fame were established to honor the outstanding achievements of men and women in aviation who share the spirit of EAA and its community. Those inducted into the halls of fame are selected by their peers for myriad contributions made to their respective areas of aviation.

In addition, Jim Casper of Oshkosh received the Henry Kimberly Leadership Award that recognizes Oshkosh-area residents for volunteer service to EAA. Casper is a longtime volunteer EAA Aviation Museum docent and volunteer.

About EAA

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and embodies The Spirit of Aviation through the worlds most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAAs 270,000 members and 900 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org. For continual news updates, connect with www.twitter.com/EAA.v
On November 9, 2023, Georg Raab of Flying Legends GmbH purchased Chance Vought F4U-5NL Corsair BuNo 124541 (D-FCOR) from its previous owner, Max-Alpha Aviation. It will soon move from Bremgarten Airport to Flying Legendss base at Siegerland, where they also keep P-51D Mustang Frances Dell (44-74453/N51ZW) and Harvard Mk.IV (RCAF20286/D-FAME).

This Corsair, built as a winterized F4U-5NL night fighter variant, rolled off the factory line in Dallas, Texas on December 31, 1950. In May 1951, the U.S. Navy assigned it to VC-3 (Navy Composite Squadron 3) with the tail code NP. In late January, 1952, FASRON 11 (Fleet Air Service Squadron 11) ferried the aircraft to Japan, where it was initially assigned to a U.S. Marine Corps unit, MWSS1 (Marine Wing Support Squadron 1). On February 20th, about a fortnight later, BuNo.124541 joined the ranks of VMF-513(N), the famed Flying Nightmares. This Marine unit flew Tigercats and Corsairs on night attack missions over Korea. They had about 15 F4U-5NLs in service at the time, with 541 being one of them  making the aircraft a genuine Korean War combat veteran.

On December 10, 1952, BuNo.124541 returned to the States, having flown about 122 combat hours over the Korean peninsular. Flying a further 150 hours or so with subsequent units (both over Japan and the USA), the Corsair found itself surplus to requirements on August 5, 1956. However, despite the U.S. Navy striking the Corsair from their books, the fighters military service was not quite at an end. In 1957, the Argentine Navy acquired 541, initially assigning it the code 2-A-202 and later 3-A-204. The aircraft suffered a landing accident on November 6, 1964, ending up in storage. Withdrawn from use, it eventually went on display at the Argentine Naval Museum at Tigre, near Buenos Aires, remaining on site between 1972 and 1991.

A French consortium bought the now-very-tired Corsair in 1991. It finally arrived at their base in Le Castellet during June 1994, where it underwent an extensive restoration. The group rebuilt the aircraft as an F4U-7, a Corsair variant operated exclusively by the French Navy. She made her first post-restoration flight on March 9, 2000, in full French Navy colors, and sporting the markings of 133704/14.F.6.

Operating from Le Castellet, the magnificent fighter participated in numerous air shows, including major events such as La Ferte-Alais in France and Flying Legends at Duxford in England. Ramon Josa typically flew this combat veteran Corsair, which seems appropriate since the accomplished, former French Navy pilot had begun his military career flying F4U-7s. Interestingly enough, Josa had been responsible for locating this Corsair through his Argentine Navy contacts whom he came to know while instructing Argentinian pilots on the Dassault Etendard strike aircraft.

In 2009, after nearly a decade flying the Corsair, the French consortium sold their prize to Maxi Ganzia/Max Alpha Aviation, the aircraft flying to Bremgarten that December. It remained in its Aeronavale livery for the 2010 display season, participating at Flying Legends and other air shows. However, the Corsairs owner then commissioned Meier Motors to strip and repaint the aircraft while also performing a major inspection. The warbird shop had planned to refinish the Corsair in a typical gloss sea blue livery, but luckily aviation enthusiast Matthias Dorst (who works with Meier Motors) had looked into 541s history, getting hold of the airframes US Navy record card (via Corsair historian Rob Mears). The records revealed the whole story, that this aircraft had served in combat as a night fighter over Korea with VMF-513. Dorst of course told the aircrafts owner about what he had discovered, and the rest, as they say, is history. Not only did the owner decide to repaint the aircraft in its original matte black VMF-513 markings, but he also chose to return the aircraft into its F4U-5 configuration.

As no wartime photographs of BuNo.124541 could be found, the team decided to repaint it as BuNo.123176 Red 19, a Corsair which flew with VMF-513 at the same time, and of which photographs were available. The modifications and repainting were completed over the winter, with 541 flying again on May 5, 2011, albeit still on the French civil register, but just in time for that years Flying Legends air show. Over the winter of 2011/12, the aircraft received a new engine and had a few remaining jobs completed. It also finally received a German registration (D-FCOR), which it retains to this day. The aircrafts display appearances have been pretty thin over subsequent years, although it participate at Flying Legends in 2015. Hopefully, the new owners will fly it more frequently and take it to many more displays. We wish them much success in this endeavor!
At this time of year, employees are given the opportunity to enroll in benefits programs at work such as health insurance and retirement savings. Taking advantage of benefits at work can make a significant impact not only on your current finances but also on your ability to retire comfortably.

The following are some of the potential benefits that you should be considering carefully each year.

401(k) options

If your employer offers a 401(k) plan option  especially with an employer match  you should definitely make at least the minimum contribution necessary to receive the maximum employer match.

Even if it will stretch your budget, you should make sure you are receiving the highest contribution from your employer. The employer match is free money. Even if you are a conservative investor, there is no reason not to make the contribution that maximizes the employer match. Even if you have to borrow the money on a short-term basis to ensure the maximum employer match, it makes sense to do so.

If you are 50 or older in 2023, you may contribute up to $30,000 to a 401(k) plan in 2023. If you are younger than 50, the maximum contribution is $22,500 in 2023. Each of these limits will increase by $500 in 2024.

Medical spending accounts

If you enroll in a high-deductible health care plan, you are allowed to open a health savings account (HSA), which has significant tax advantages and is useful in retirement. With an HSA, your contributions are deductible from your federal taxes, and the income and growth are also tax-free if your withdrawals are used for medical expenses, which include copays, deductibles and health insurance premiums.

You are not required to spend your contributions, earnings or growth in one year; you are allowed to carry the balances forward from one year to the next, and even into retirement. Once you are eligible for Medicare, you can no longer make contributions, but you are allowed to maintain the account, and make withdrawals for medical expenses tax free.

If you make withdrawals for non-medical expenses, the withdrawals are taxable. Your spouse can inherit the account and use the funds for medical expenses tax free. So, the HSA has many advantages during your working life and into retirement. In 2024, the maximum contribution is $4,150 for an individual and $8,300 for family coverage. For 2023, the limits are $3,850 for individual coverage, and $7,750 for family coverage.

If you dont have a high-deductible health care plan, you can use a flexible spending account, or FSA. Contributions are tax free. However, there is a significant limitation in comparison to an HSA; you are required to withdraw the contribution, earnings and growth on a yearly basis. In 2023, you can contribute up to $3,050.

Student loan and tuition coverage

Tuition coverage for high school and college tuition are offered by many employers. Such coverage varies greatly; some employers offer assistance with student loan repayments. If the employer offers education benefits, any benefits over $5,250 are taxable to the employee.

Insurance assistance and other benefits

Many employers offer supplementary insurance coverage available to the employee at group rates that are significantly lower cost than individual rates would be. This insurance can cover disability, long-term care, critical-illness care and pet insurance. These sorts of coverage are voluntary to the employee.

Many employers offer wellness programs, assistance programs that cover alcohol addiction, substance abuse and mental health. Other options can include free or low-cost advisory services for financial and retirement planning, estate planning, divorce counseling, and college saving.

Bottom line: Employer services for employees cover a wide range. Many of these services are much more cost-effective than services available on an individual basis. Many of these services have significant advantages both while you are employed and in retirement. It is to your advantage to understand these options and to use them when it benefits you.
UPDATE: Trisha Carnicle was found safe around 5:44 p.m. Wednesday, according to Waterloo police.

Earlier report

WATERLOO  Authorities are seeking the publics help in locating a Waterloo woman who disappeared last week.

Trisha Leigh Carnicle, 33, formerly of Cedar Rapids and Dubuque, was last seen in the area of Park Lane near MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center around 3 p.m. on Friday. Police were contacted about her disappearance on Monday.

Caricle is described as a white female, about 6 feet 1 in tall and weighing 260 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing a summer dress with a yellow sweater and a gray hoodie, according to police.

If anyone has any information please contact the Waterloo Police Department at (319) 291-4340.

Photos: Missing children in Iowa Jade Colvin Fredrick Workman Benjamin Roseland Erin Pospisil Marc Allen Eugene Martin John Gosch Kimberly Doss Colleen Simpson Daquan Nelson Alivia Beeding
WATERLOO  Waterloo Community Schools will examine if the salaries of its non-bargaining employee groups are competitive.

The Board of Education on Monday approve a $26,350 contract with Carlson Dettmann Consulting, an educational consulting firm based in Madison, Wisconsin, to conduct the review.

The main reason for doing this is we want to make sure our district is compensating our employees fairly and equitably among our peers and the broader labor market, Anthony Spurgetis, the districts chief officer for human resources told the board. The other thing this will do for us is develop a total compensation program that should meet some of our objectives as a district and a board, create pay equity internally ... and really establish a structure for us to make salary decisions that are in line with areas of job responsibility.

Board member Sue Flynn said there is what could be perceived as inequity in slary structure currently. ... It will give us a beteter cross analysis of other districts and other programs that, I think, could make our workplace more competitive.

Other board members talked about ensuring transparency and objectivity in the wage system.

That really does create a feeling of equity within our staff, said board member Stacie Mills.

Board members also said that the work on compensation is needed to ensure the retention of current staff and the ability to attract new talent.

Board member, Jesse Knight remarked that theres definitely some positives by having this structure and system in place. Here we have better structure, better documentation and better process for how we establish movement within different groups.

The study should be completed between April and June of 2024. Spurgetis noted that recommendations will be made but we get to decide as a board and a district what we want to do with the end product.

Flynn, who didnt seek re-election to another term last week, said she would abstain from voting.

I am support of it but, since I have one more board meeting after this, I will be abstaining this evening because I wil not be able to see this through and see what happens. So I just feel that ethically that is better for me to do.

The board approved the item 3-0 with Flynns absention. Board members Janelle Ewing and Astor Williams were absent.
Proposed rules meant to provide guidance to Iowan physicians lack specific penalties they could face for performing abortions under a new law that remains tied up in court.

The Iowa Board of Medicine is set to meet Friday to consider proposed rules that include specific guidance on how medical providers are to implement the exceptions for rape, incest, fatal fetal abnormalities and medical emergencies contained in a new law that would prohibit the vast majority of abortions in the state.

The proposed rules, however, leave unanswered key questions as to whether doctors could face fines or licensing repercussions for performing abortions illegally. They simply state: Failure to comply with this rule or the requirements of Iowa Code section 146E may constitute grounds for discipline.

Existing administrative rules lay out the extent of the punishment the Board of Medicine can impose on physicians and licensees who violate board rules and state laws. The board may revoke, suspend or restrict someones license, or place them on a probation period or require additional education or training. The board also may impose a fine up to $10,000 and issue a citation and warning.

Republican lawmakers and supporters of the law say the exceptions allow medical providers to exercise judgment and provide abortions when they believe one applies. Opponents contend the uncertainty and worry among physicians of potentially losing their medical license could prompt providers to put off abortions if they're uncertain.

Abortion still legal in Iowa

A Polk County District Court judge in July granted a request from Iowa abortion providers to halt enforcement of the new restrictions until its constitutionality can be considered by the courts. Planned Parenthood North Central States, the Emma Goldman Clinic and the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa requested the injunction.

The judges ruling, however, left in place a provision directing the Iowa Board of Medicine to adopt rules to administer the bill.

In the wake of Iowa and U.S. Supreme Court rulings reversing a fundamental right to abortion, Republican leaders in the state, including Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, argued the district court decision to grant the injunction was in "error" and have asked the Iowa Supreme Court to lift it.

The Iowa Supreme Court agreed to hear the appeal back in July. Oral arguments in the case have not yet been scheduled.

"The injunction placed on Iowas Fetal Heartbeat Law has already led to the innocent deaths of children, Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a statement last week in response to a brief filed by Bird in the states appeal with the Iowa Supreme Court.

As the case continues, abortion in Iowa remains legal up to 20 weeks of pregnancy.

What the law does

The law, House File 732, would change the amount of time women have to seek an abortion from 20 weeks post-fertilization to as little as six weeks  before many women know theyre pregnant. The legislation prohibits abortions after cardiac activity is detected in an embryo.

The law requires doctors to perform an abdominal ultrasound on a patient seeking an abortion. If cardiac activity, defined as the steady and repetitive rhythmic contraction of the fetal heart within the gestational sac," is detected, the abortion cannot be performed unless one of the exceptions has been met.

The bill includes exceptions for pregnancies that are the result of rape in cases reported within 45 days, and incest in cases reported within 140 days. It also includes exceptions for miscarriages, a fetal abnormality that would result in the infants death and for when the mothers life is threatened.

An attorney for Planned Parenthood Federation of America argued in court that the law unquestionably imposes an undue burden on Iowans access to abortion care and violates their constitutional rights to due process, dominion over ones body, the ability to have control over their lives and their futures and to make their own decisions about their health care. Planned Parenthood has said the ban would prohibit an estimated 98% of all abortions in Iowa.

While the ban contains some exceptions for abortions, some Iowa physicians have warned the restrictions do not account for complications that occur during pregnancy, and would hinder their ability to provide care and respond to time-sensitive issues.

What the proposed rules say

Under the proposed rules, to determine whether patients qualify for the ban's exceptions for rape and incest, Iowa physicians would be required to gather details from women to determine when and whether a sex act occurred, including if and when the act was first reported to law enforcement, a public or private health agency or a family physician.

Doctors would be required to document the information in the patients medical records and make a good-faith assessment that the woman is being truthful, and may require them attest the information was true and accurate to the best of her understanding.

As for determining whether a fetus has an abnormality that in the physician's reasonable medical judgment is incompatible with life, doctors would be required to document diagnostic tests and procedures performed and their results, along with a description as to why they support the diagnosis.

Doctor, opponents say exceptions too vague

Iowa Rep. Amy Nielsen, D-North Liberty, said exceptions for rape and incest may work in theory, but not in reality.

Nielsen said the rules make it unclear how a provider is supposed to validate a patient's accusation of rape or incest, and may feel scared to act due to fear they will be prosecuted if they act outside the law.

Additionally, women may be too scared to come forward when they've been raped. About two-thirds of victims do not report to law enforcement. Many know their abuser and worry about the consequences, according to national statistics compiled by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network.

Nielsen said the rules call for doctors to ask specific and invasive questions that could exposes women to additional trauma by having to relive the crime. And she argued the rules and exceptions are worded vaguely enough that doctors are going to be wary.

Dr. Emily Boevers, an obstetrician-gynecologist in Waverly, agreed, adding the Board of Medicine was put in a difficult spot of drafting rules for what she said is a deeply concerning law that mandates medically trained professionals to try to interpret legal concepts of what constitutes rape to provide standard medical care.

And in doing so, the law requires physicians to have patients recall horrific details to document the legal details of an assault to satisfy the curiosity of the government.

Thats not what the medical record is intended to for and thats not what physicians are trained for and thats not their role in our society, Boevers said.

She said doctors, fearing legal repercussions, risk grave patient harm to comply, including letting patients conditions deteriorate until they threaten the patients life.

What physician is going to want to come and practice in this environment? Where you stake your license on what constitutes rape appropriately and get called before the Board of Medicine to determine what your discipline is, Boevers said. And we dont know what those actions might cost us.  Its incredible.

And at a time, she said, when Iowa has the lowest number of OB-GYN specialists per capita of any state in the country, and infant mortality in the state has soared more than another other.

Rep. Shannon Lundgren, R-Peosta, who led floor debate on the bill in the House, did not respond to a message seeking comment Tuesday. A spokesperson for Iowa House Republicans also did not return a message Tuesday.

Whos making the decision

The Iowa Board of Medicine licenses and regulates physicians, acupuncturists, and other health care providers. The board is composed of 10 members: five practicing doctors of medicine, two practicing doctors of osteopathic medicine, and three members of the public. State law requires no more than five members may be affiliated with the same political party. Members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Iowa Senate.

If approved by the board, the rules then go before the Legislatures Administrative Rules Review Committee, which votes to approve or reject them. The 10-member committee of House and Senate lawmakers is comprised of six Republicans and four Democrats.

Once the committee approves the initial proposal, the board may make changes to the wording based on feedback, and can then adopt the rules.

Should the Board of Medicine vote to move head with the proposed rules, that would open a public comment period through Jan. 2. The draft rules, along with all comments received, would return to the board for review and consideration of a vote to adopt the rules at its Jan. 26 board meeting. The rules go into effect 35 days after the final review.

Caleb McCullough of the Lee-Gazette Des Moines Bureau contributed to this report.

Abortion in America: How access and attitudes have changed through the centuries The evolution of abortion in America Pre-1850: Abortions in early America are commonplace Mid-1800s: Birth of the American Medical Association shifts abortion oversight from midwives to doctors; abortion is criminalized 1960s: 'Back-alley butchers,' birth control, and protests 1970s: Roe v. Wade protects women's right to abortion; politics shift 1980s-2000s: Legal challenges to Roe v. Wade introduce restrictions 2020s: Roe v. Wade is overturned; Postal Service allowed to mail abortion medication
The unification ministry said Wednesday it will push to discuss the issue of South Koreans abducted by North Korea as an official agenda item if the two Koreas resume dialogue.

The move is part of the fourth basic plan for the development of inter-Korean relations, a five-year blueprint for the government's policy on North Korea. Earlier in the day, Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho reported details of the 2023-27 basic plan to the National Assembly.

The ministry said it will seek to raise not only the issue of families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War but also that of South Korean detainees, abductees and prisoners of war in North Korea as an official agenda item for talks with North Korea.

The conservative Yoon Suk Yeol government views the issue of South Korean abductees and detainees as a pressing humanitarian one, saying it is a violation of human rights against South Korean citizens.

But as Pyongyang has not publicly acknowledged its abduction of South Koreans, it remains uncertain whether the North would be willing to discuss the issue during talks with the South.

Inter-Korean talks have been halted since December 2018, marking the longest-ever suspension, amid frosty ties between the two Koreas.

Of an estimated 3,835 South Koreans who were kidnapped by North Korea in the years after the Korean War, 3,310 people were sent back home and nine escaped the repressive regime, with the other 516 South Koreans having yet to return home, according to government data.

Currently, six South Koreans, including three pastors, are being detained in North Korea on charges of committing what Pyongyang claims are anti-North Korea crimes.

The ministry set up a task force in September to handle the issue of abductees, detainees and war prisoners. In a related move, the government held its first interagency meeting in 11 years Tuesday to explore ways to address the matter. (Yonhap)
Somoza may be a son of a bitch, but hes our son of a bitch . (phrase attributed to Franklin Delano Roosevelt)

American lawmakers are disrupting military funding for Israel and Ukraine this year.

The reasons are technical and not quite technical. It is clear that everything will resume in the new year. However, it is an important symptom of the development of the disease.

If the story with Israel is obviously technical, because this country is more important for the US Congress than its own, then with the Ukrainian regime everything is more complicated. As this channel has repeatedly noted, America easily betrays its sons of bitches when they become useless. It seems that this period is definitely coming for Kyiv. And its not just about the squabbles between Republicans and Democrats on the eve of the US presidential election. Just tired of it already.

Theyre fed up  they eat too much money, steal wildly and do not achieve military success. Plus the Israeli-Palestinian mess happened. In short, support for the untied son of a bitch is coming to an inevitable end. Of course, not all at once. There will also be a lot of money, and schizoid spells about democracy, and bravura assurances of impending victory on earth, and false beliefs in an alliance for all time, and so on and so forth. But the situation is clear: the time to go into oblivion for the next American son of a bitch is coming.

The problem is that Banderas son of a bitch never understood who he was

Medvedev

WtR
Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation (14 November 2023)

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation.

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 Peoples 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 Peoples Republic).

In addition, strikes were delivered at manpower and hardware of the AFU 30th Mechanised Brigade close to Vasyukovka and Kurdyumovka (Donetsk Peoples 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 Peoples 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 Peoples 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 Peoples 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 Peoples Republic), Lipovoye, Pervomayskoye (Donetsk Peoples 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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WtR
Prosecutors say a man who crashed his truck through a secure gate at La Crosse Regional Airport and drove circles around a private jet as it readied for takeoff Saturday before ultimately boarding it and threatening staff.

The bizarre series of events is detailed in a criminal complaint filed Monday in La Crosse County Circuit Court about how the 31-year-old Wallace, Idaho, man entered the jet more than once before he allegedly took it over and threatened to blow it up.

Cody A. Anderson faces felony charges of attempted armed carjacking, attempted armed robbery, making terror threats, making a bomb scare and failure to comply with an officer and a misdemeanor count of criminal damage to property.

According to the complaint, Anderson walked into the office at Colgan Air Services shortly before 3 p.m. He exited through a service door and walked toward an aircraft that was being prepped for flight.

A Colgan employee inside the aircraft told police Anderson was carrying bags and a backpack and was making a direct line toward the plane. The employee told police that Andersons presence was unusual because there were no other planes around but also said its not out of the ordinary for a passenger to board the wrong plane.

The employee told police that Anderson walked into the aircraft, muttered something about forgetting his charger, exited the plane and returned to the Colgan office. By that time, the employee said the aircraft was ready for takeoff. The employee told police he and another employee carried Andersons bags off the plane due to their unknown contents.

The complaint says Anderson noticed his belongings had been brought back inside the office. He picked up his bags and attempted to access the tarmac through a secure door but was denied. He then lit a cigarette and sat down before an employee asked him to leave and escorted him from the building. The employee then called police.

Anderson reportedly got into his truck and plowed through a secured gate and onto the tarmac. Two employees inside the aircraft attempted to exit but stayed inside after seeing Anderson drive circles around the plane. The complaint says Andersons vehicle came close to striking the wings several times.

Fast shutdown

An employee conducted a fast shutdown of the plane, and the two employees exited after Anderson drove away from the aircraft for an instant. Anderson then returned to the airplane, parked his truck and entered the unoccupied aircraft.

The complaint says an employee noticed the cockpit lights came on shortly after Anderson boarded the plane. When officers arrived, Anderson activated a button that pulls up the entrance/exit steps. Police observed Anderson sitting in the captains chair and determined he could have gained full control of the aircraft had he known how to start it.

An employee activated a switch under the nose of the plane that returned the entrance steps back to the ground. Anderson then pulled the steps back up and kept the steps closed for the next 8-10 minutes until the cabin switch could be overridden. The aircraft was later completely disabled when airport workers disconnected the main battery supply to the jet.

After police officers identified themselves, Anderson reportedly emerged from the cockpit and was armed with a fixed blade knife. When police told him to drop the knife, he reportedly responded by saying, Nope. He also reportedly said, Im a suicide bomber and I will cut you.

Police deployed a bean bag projectile to disable Anderson. He was taken into custody a short time later.

Anderson is being held in the La Crosse County Jail on a $500,000 cash bond with conditions of no contact with Colgan Air Services and no possession of any weapons, including knives. His next court date is a Nov. 17 calendar call.

Anderson also faces charges in Vernon County, where he reportedly drove through a cornfield Oct. 31 and damaged property. He was released on a $1,000 cash bond. Charges have yet to be filed in the case.
Lake Deltons budget will increase very slightly for 2024, as reduced expenses in a few areas are slated to offset a 22 percent increase in village employee health care costs.

The village unanimously approved a budget of just over $34.5 million for 2024 during its monthly meeting on Monday. General fund costs  which include salaries and benefits for village employees, services, legal fees and maintenance  will increase by just over $344,000, representing a roughly 4.5 percent jump.

Lake Delton residents will pay a tax levy just above $3.75 million in 2024, an increase of nearly $48,500 from last year, as a result of net new construction allowable levy increases. Owners of a $300,000 home in the village would pay about $723 in municipal taxes next year, very similar to what they paid in 2023.

We have to get creative in other places of the budget, village administrator Tim McCumber said regarding the increase in health care costs in relation to the small increase in allowable levy.

Room tax revenues were allowed to be used to offset those health care costs, according to McCumber, who said he was hesitant to use them due to the lack of increases in premier resort tax and Sauk County sales tax collections from 2022.

We dont want to get married to money that might not be there (in the future), McCumber said.

A much-awaited state shared revenue increase passed earlier in 2023, more than tripling that revenue for Lake Delton, from about $34,300 to just over $123,200. State transportation aid also increased by about $80,000 in the village.

The villages premier resort fund is slated for less revenues and expenses for 2024 with a balanced figure of just under $8.9 million. One key highlight of the premier resort funds budget is the Kay C. Mackesey Administration Building renovation being largely off the books for 2024 after more than $2.2 million was committed to it in 2023. The village is allocating $105,000 for capital improvements at the Baraboo-Dells Airport in 2024.

Room tax funds and allocations are increasing by exactly $1 million from 2023 to 2024. The village approved a slight increase from the fund to the Wisconsin Dells Parks and Recreation Department and an increase of roughly $1.8 million to the Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau.

Funds for water and storm water are set for 17 and 10 percent increases in 2024, respectively. The village is slated to spend just over $215,000 less on sewer services in the coming year than in 2023.

McCumber indicated that ordering snow plow vehicles has been stressful for the village due to delivery delays, including a truck that was ordered in November 2021 but was cancelled after being pushed to 2024 and going through three price increases. The village is ordering two trucks over the next two years.

New police vehicles also will likely arrive in 2024 after a delay due to the automobile employees strike this year.

Revenues from 2024 tax incremental finance district closures will be used over the next three years to help with the upcoming Wisconsin Dells Parkway and Olympus Road projects. Between $2.2 and $3 million will be paid for the project during that time, according to McCumbers estimates.
A deer hunter will not face charges after shooting a mountain lion over the weekend in western Wisconsin.

The Department of Natural Resources said Wednesday that the bow hunter was in Buffalo County and felt threatened by the animal. Also known as a cougar, the animal is the largest cat in North America and is listed as a protected species in Wisconsin.

The hunter reported the shooting on Saturday via the DNRs violation hotline. No injuries to the hunter were mentioned in a press release issued Wednesday morning.

Wardens conducted a thorough investigation into the shooting and provided the information to the Buffalo County District Attorney, the DNR said. After careful review and consideration, no charges will be filed.

The DNR collected the cougar carcass as part of the investigation. A photo of the cat was not available, according to the DNR.

Cougars are native to Wisconsin but were wiped out in the state in the early 1900s by humans. The DNR has not confirmed evidence of a breeding population of cougars but over the last 20 years observations of cougars have been increasing but are still considered rare, with an average of 15 to 20 reports verified by the DNR annually.

Significantly larger than a bobcat and with long tails, male cougars can weigh up to 160 pounds and females up to 110 pounds, according to the DNR.

Most, if not all, observations of cougars in Wisconsin are of dispersing individuals from established populations out west, the DNR said. Dispersing cougars, most likely from South and North Dakota, also do not tend to stay in one location for long and have been recorded traveling up to 1,600 miles, the DNR said.

Cougars also have been photographed through Snapshot Wisconsin, a citizen-science initiative to catalog wildlife that launched in 2016. About 1,800 volunteers host more than 2,100 trail cameras in all 72 counties and in one incident captured a cougar in Waupaca County.

The DNR uses the data to better understand animal populations and movements, estimate deer and elk populations, and inform wildlife management decisions.

In 2011, a town of Lemonweir man in Juneau County photographed a cougar with his trail camera a few miles north of Mauston. The animals identity was confirmed by the DNR, which had been receiving reports of farm animals in southwestern Juneau County being attacked. However, they were never confirmed as coming from a cougar.

Photos: see bears, bucks, and fighting foxes caught on Wisconsin trail cams
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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 Minister's Office in Jerusalem, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. The hostages, mostly Israeli citizens, were kidnapped during the Oct. 7 Hamas cross-border attack in Israel and have been held in Gaza since then. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
European Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton speaks with the media as he arrives for a meeting of EU foreign and defense ministers at the European Council building in Brussels, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. European Union nations on Tuesday acknowledged that they are well on their way to failing Ukraine when it comes to providing their promised part of ammunition that Kyiv so dearly needs to stave off the Russian invasion and win back its territory. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
Lawyer Tofique Hossain addresses the media outside the Supreme Court in London, Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. Britain's Supreme Court has ruled that the government's contentious plan to send some migrants on a one-way trip to Rwanda is illegal. Five justices on the country's top court said Wednesday that asylum-seekers would be "at real risk of ill-treatment" because they could be sent back to their home countries once they were in Rwanda.The ruling is a major blow to a key government policy that has drawn international attention and criticism.(AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
President Yoon Suk Yeol departed for San Francisco on Wednesday to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, where he is expected to call for stronger solidarity, promote trade liberalization, and discuss a response to military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.

Yoon and first lady Kim Keon Hee embarked on the three-day visit to San Francisco to attend the gathering of leaders from the 21 APEC member economies under this year's theme of "Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All."

During what will be his first attendance at an APEC summit, Yoon plans to address a leaders' session on Thursday and stress South Korea's commitment to contributing to the transition to clean energy and overcoming the climate crisis, according to Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo.

The following day he plans to attend the second session, or the leaders' retreat, and talk about the need for APEC members to work together to restore the multilateral trading system, strengthen regional supply chains and establish a digital moral code.

"I will urge the member economies to work together in the spirit of stronger solidarity and cooperation to advance trade and investment liberalization, innovation and digitalization as well as inclusive and sustainable growth," Yoon said in a written interview with the Associated Press (AP) published Tuesday.

Yoon will also attend a summit of the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) on the sidelines of the APEC gathering on Thursday.

IPEF is widely regarded as a U.S. initiative to counter China's growing influence in the region and the meeting's outcome will draw attention in the wake of a planned summit between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco the previous day.

Whether Yoon and Xi hold their own bilateral summit will also be watched closely, as the South Korean president has stressed his administration's commitment to increasing economic and people-to-people ties between the two countries through "mutually beneficial" cooperation.

If a Yoon-Xi summit materializes, it will be their second meeting after meeting for the first time on the sidelines of a Group of 20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, last November.

Also planned is a discussion led by Yoon and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at Stanford University on Friday, during which the leaders are expected to share ways South Korea and Japan, and the two countries together with the United States, can cooperate in the cutting-edge technology sector.

Other bilateral summit arrangements are currently in the works.

Yoon said in the AP interview that he plans to raise the issue of North Korea-Russia military cooperation in his meetings with other leaders.

"I will emphasize that the illegal cooperation between Russia and North Korea is a serious threat to security not only on the Korean Peninsula and in the region, but also in the world, and discuss ways to cooperate," he said in the interview.

In San Francisco, Yoon will also host a meeting with Korean residents, attend an APEC CEOs summit and meet with young Korean leaders working in the cutting-edge technology field.

"President Yoon's attendance at the APEC meeting will be an occasion to enhance the status of the Republic of Korea, which fulfills its responsibilities and contributions in terms of regional and global issues, and to deepen cooperation with members of APEC, which is the world's largest regional cooperation body," Kim, the deputy national security adviser, told reporters last week, referring to South Korea by its formal name. (Yonhap)


Brigg Vind, the offshore wind consortium of Vargrnn, A Energi and Corio Generation, has worked extensively on the pre-qualification application, and completed a detailed economic analysis, for the first phase of Srlige Nordsj II. After careful consideration of the prevailing cost structure, market conditions, timeline, Contract for Difference (CfD) terms and other regulatory factors, we have concluded that the commercial requirements to participate in the planned auction in February 2024 are not met.





We interpret the commitments associated with the pre-qualification to imply that consortia applying for pre-qualification should have a clear intention to submit a bid in the upcoming auction in February. As Brigg Vind will not submit a bid under current market conditions and frameworks, we believe it would be wrong to participate in the pre-qualification process. Consequently, we are not submitting our pre-qualification application on 15 November.

In the event that the framework conditions are substantially changed, or the auction is significantly delayed, we would expect a new pre-qualification process to be organized. If so, Brigg Vind will evaluate if conditions for prequalifying are met.





We are confident that Brigg Vind would have pre-qualified and delivered a strong offshore wind project. It has therefore been a difficult decision for the consortium not to advance in this first award process in Srlige Nordsj II.





Brigg Vind believes strongly in the long-term potential of commercially viable offshore wind projects in Norway, where offshore wind is uniquely positioned to generate vast amounts of renewable power, reduce emissions, and create new jobs and industry. We remain committed to playing a part in realising Norways significant offshore wind potential.

We appreciate the dialogue we have had with the authorities, suppliers, partners and other stakeholders in our work to date. We look forward to continuing that dialogue in relation to the Srlige Nordsj area and the offshore wind industry in Norway in general.





This decision will not impact other ongoing competitions in which Brigg Vind partners Vargrnn, A Energi and Corio Generation are engaged.

For more information about offshore wind farm projects across the globe,

click here

.
When it's weeknight drinks we want, nothing gets us like the dilapidated charm and cheap drinks at our neighborhood watering holes.

For no-frills libations, greasy bar bites, quirky decor, graffiti-scribbled bathrooms, analog photo booths and jukeboxes, these are San Francisco's most beloved dive bars.

Cheers, gang.

Li Po Cocktail Lounge (Courtesy of @lipo_lounge) Nestled on the edge of Chinatown, Li Po Cocktail Lounge exists as a dimly lit former opium den, where, instead of illicit drugs, now live bands and potent drinks fill the halls and basement. Their signature Chinese mai tais are the go-to libations here, which you can sip seated alongside the wraparound bar or atop a "well-loved" red leather booth. Ubiquitous, traditional Chinese lanterns hang from the celings for decoration and practicality. On your way out, feel free to send a silent offering to the gold-plated Buddha statue near the door. // 916 Grant Ave. (Chinatown), lipolounge.com

The Knockout (Courtesy of @theknockoutsf) The Knockout houses DJ dance parties, live punk bands, bingo and karaoke nights, happy hour shows, and an all around no-frill dive bar experience. Knockout's Sweater Funk Superfly dance parties (every first Saturday) are reason enough to bob and weave to Motown and Soul anthems after downing a bit of liquid courage. A word to the wise: Don't leave without striking a pose in the photo booth. // 3223 Mission St. (Bernal Heights), theknockoutsf.com

Kozy Kar Bar One of our favorite NSFW watering holes, Kozy Kar harkens back to the carefree '70s. The drinks are, as you'd expect, remarkably cheap for SF, and the ambiance is whatever you call a mashup of custom vans, eight track players, CB radios, waterbeds, and shag carpets. Leave any semblance of prudence at home, please. // 1548 Polk St. (Polk Gulch), kozykar.com

Zeitgeist (Courtesy of @zeitgeist_sf) The award for the most beloved of San Francisco dive bars probably has to go to Zeitgeist because, let's be honest, this is where we go for cheap drinks (preferably bloody marys) once we're already drunk enough to eat one of their greasy-ass burgers. And there's just nothing better, especially when you and your gang can crowd in at a picnic table on a sunny day to get sloshed. // 199 Valencia St. (Mission), instagram.com/zeitgeist_sf

The Cinch Saloon (Courtesy of @jonathanegreenwood) A haven for button-up gays in flannel and billiards enthusiasts, The Cinch exudes old-school dive bar vibes from every one of its weathered corners, albeit with a hella homo twist. The drinks are effusively slung and quite strong; the outside patio is intimate, and also smoke-friendly; pool and pinball machines fill the narrow lounge. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates on drag shows, community potlucks, and more. // 1723 Polk St. (Polk Gulch), facebook.com/thecinchsaloon

Aces Bar (Courtesy of @daxlorax) Sports fans know Aces as home base for NY Giants and Wisconsin Badgers game. Everyone else comes to the no-frills Polk Gulch hub for the friendly bartenders and the slurpee machine that stirs a frappuccino-like Irish coffee available from 6am to noon, making for a left-of-center morning coffee run. Inexpensive, straightforward cocktails fill the menu, and there's a keg table that can be reserved in advance. Jukebox tunes reverberate off the red walls round the clock. // 998 Sutter St., (Polk Gulch) acesbarsf.com

Hi Dive Bar (Courtesy of @_badoc) Waterfront views and nautical decor serve are a diving off point for bar bites and cheap(ish) libations. Brunch at Hi Dive (10am to 2pm weekends) centers around the famous spicy bloody mary, which pairs great with Mission huevos, chorizo scrambles, and more. Take your shot at the pool table in between drinks. // 28 Pier (Embarcadero), hidivesf.com

Zam Zam (Courtesy of @zamzambarsf) One of the oldest, best loved bars in SF, Zam Zam has been quenching thirsts in the Haight since 1941even Bourdain's been sloshed here. The Persian-inspired bar recognizable for its back bar mural specializes in the martinis of yesteryear. Take note, it's cash only. // Open daily; 1633 Haight St. (Haight-Ashbury), facebook.com

Louie's Bar (Courtesy of @louiesbar) Louie's Bar is a bit more unassuming than its sister Pour Guysowned watering hole Tempest. But behind the bar's bashful, brick facade is a former whalers' drinking establishment with roots dating to the 1930s. Louie's Bar splays its daily round of cocktails, mocktails, and other drinks across chalkboards. Upscale pub grub includes pork belly tacos, vegan cauliflower burger, you name it. // Open daily; 55 Stevenson St. (SoMa), pourguys.com

Tempest Bar & Box It's been around forever and it's still crazy popular: Tempest is a go-to for frugal drinks and live music with a bit of a vintage vibe and free WiFi. Don't miss bites from the Box Kitchen like mac 'n' cheese eggrolls, fried pickles, and burgers. // Open daily, 431 Natoma St. (FiDi), pourguys.com/tempest-bar
Rugs a little ratty? Throw pillows pilling? Bedding that says ick instead of ahhhh? There are smart ways to style up your decor without breaking the bank. A good place to start: discount home goods stores.



You can shop for stylish items at the big-name retail outlets  think HomeGoods, T.J.Maxx, Marshalls, etc.  without making a large investment, says Karen Otto, chief staging officer for Home Star Staging in Plano, Texas, who redecorates homes for sale to increase their appeal.

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Although there are plenty of cheap prices at discount home goods stores, a mix of high- and low-quality items means not everything is a bargain.

How do you figure out when its worth opening your wallet and whats best left on the shelf? We asked interior designers and home stagers what they look for when shopping for top-notch items on the cheap.

JackF/Getty Images

Lamps that light up your life  and wont wobble or crack

You can instantly and inexpensively update a room with new lamps. But before you buy, take a minute to evaluate their construction, says Artem Kropovinsky, founder of Arsight, an interior design studio in New York City.

Make sure a lamp is sturdy with a solid switch and a securely attached cord, Kropovinsky says. If any part of a lamp seems loose or wobbly, he says, its not worth it, whatever the cost.

That goes for the lampshade too, he adds. It needs to be well-stitched and made of durable material to withstand heat from the bulb.

Steer clear of lampshades with glue drippings or plastic liners that have chips or dents, says Diana Hathaway, founder of the interior design firm GorgeousColor.com in San Francisco.

If you absolutely love a lamp base, but the shade is poorly made or damaged, you can always purchase a shade separately, Hathaway says. Just be sure that it is a third of the bases height and covers the electrical elements, says Debbe Daley of Debbe Daley Designs.

Pro styling tip: Budget lamps look more expensive in muted colors and natural materials like wrought iron, wood, linen, glass or rattan, says Vannessa Rhoades, founder of Three Bears Home Staging in Katy, Texas, and the author of Just Right! Easy DIY Home Staging.

Look closely at the finish, Hathaway adds. Metal thats been painted to look distressed or aged can look cheap in your home when surrounded by higher-quality furnishings. Opt for a solid color instead.

Stephen Noulton/Getty Images

Rugs that refresh your room  and wont curl or fray

Rugs can transform any room by adding new colors and patterns, Hathaway says, but you want to inspect the quality before you roll it up and take it home.

First thing: Check the corners. Though it can be hard to get a complete look at a rug in a home store, Hathaway says, the corners of a rug tell you if its very lightweight and prone to curling or wrinkling.

A rugs binding can be another good giveaway when it comes to quality, Hathaway says. Run your hand along the edge to see if there are spots where it is already unraveling or missing completely. Thats a clue that its not well-made.

Density is another way to check a rugs structural quality. You do that by counting the knots or loops on the back of the rug  the higher the number of knots, the better the quality because the rug will be stronger, Kropovinsky says. Decent rugs should have 150 knots per square inch.

Look carefully at the fibers or strands of the carpet; they should be thick and plush.

If you can see a backing through them, its a cheap rug, and when it mats down, it will not look great, says Lisa M. Cini, president of Mosaic Design Studio in Columbus, Ohio. Look for a good edge binding that wont pull off and check for shedding; if its shedding now, it will continue to shed.

Pro styling tip: Be sure to buy a good-quality rug pad, which can enhance the look of an inexpensive rug that lacks weight while guarding against wear, Hathaway says.


Lake Resources Speaking at Benchmark Week 2023

Sydney, Nov 14, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Lake Resources ( ASX:LKE ) ( LK1:FRA ) ( LLKKF:OTCMKTS ) will be presenting on a panel on the opening day of Benchmark Week 2023, a flagship event hosted by Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, in Los Angeles on 14 November (PST) or 15 November (AEDT).



Benchmark Week is a premier gathering for the world's lithium-ion battery supply chain and the wider energy transition.



David Dickson, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at LKE will be participating on a panel on Tuesday 1:00 pm (PST) or Wednesday 8:00 am (AEDT), addressing the topic of whether lithium will replace oil as the key critical commodity of the new energy economy.



Joining him on the panel will be Salah Gamoudi, CFO of Standard Lithium and Roger Atkins, Founder of Electric Vehicles Outlook Ltd.





About Lake Resources NL





Lake Resources NL (ASX:LKE) (OTCMKTS:LLKKF) is a clean lithium developer utilising state-of-the-art ion exchange extraction technology for production of sustainable, high purity lithium from its flagship Kachi Project in Catamarca Province within the Lithium Triangle in Argentina among three other projects covering 220,000 ha.

This ion exchange extraction technology delivers a solution for two rising demands - high purity battery materials to avoid performance issues, and more sustainable, responsibly sourced materials with low carbon footprint and significant ESG benefits.

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Probanx Announces New Fintech FPS Aggregation Service

London, Nov 15, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - ISX Financial EU Plc's, wholly owned subsidiary, Probanx Solutions Ltd, a premier international banking software company, has announced the extension of its innovative CoreConnect aggregation service for Fintechs.



This groundbreaking service facilitates direct interaction with the Faster Payments Central Infrastructure via the CoreConnect gateway, offering a suite of benefits:



1.Cost-Effective Connectivity: Participants in the Fintech sector can now enjoy more affordable connectivity options. This development represents a significant step in reducing operational costs for our partners.



2.Assured Aggregator Capability: With this service, participants can be assured of the high capability and reliability of Probanx's aggregation solution. This assurance is vital for maintaining trust and consistency in financial transactions.



3.Reduced Dependency on Central Test Environments: Our service minimizes the necessity and associated costs of using central test environments. This efficiency is crucial for optimizing resource allocation and reducing time-to-market for new features and services.



4.Integration with Probanx CorePlus: Probanx is proud to announce that our CorePlus core banking service is already integrated with this aggregation service. CorePlus is known for its versatility and modern interface, allowing financial institutions to select functionalities and workflows tailored to their specific needs.



5.Inter-Connectivity with existing CoreConnect gateway to SEPA Instant, SEPA SCT and SEPA Direct Debit CoreConnect gateway, allowing Fintechs access to both Pound Sterling and Euros payment networks.



To view further details, please visit:

https://www.wearepay.uk/what-we-do/third-party-assurance/technical-aggregator-solution-providers-and-consultants/



Probanx Solutions Ltd, a ISX Financial EU PLC wholly owned subsidiary, has been a driving force in the development of entry level CORE banking software solutions since 2000, catering to banks and financial institutions globally.





About ISX Financial





ISX Financial EU PLC is a 'banktech' company that leverages its own technology to provide financial services to merchants across the EEA & UK. The company's combined payments stack and infrastructure provides a complete end-to-end transactional banking, FX, remittance and payment processing capability.

ISXMoney's multi-Currency IBAN accounts coupled with PaidBy Bank instant open banking provide merchants with a tailored payment solution to reach any UK or EEA bank account holders.

ISX Financial's consumer product "flykk" is a digital wallet that combines all its financial technology and infrastructure to create a retail product. flykk(R) is a two-sided network developed on ISX's own platform that links both merchants and consumers around the globe to facilitate the processing of payment transactions. flykk(R) allows customers to use their account for both purchase and paying for goods, as well as to transfer and withdraw funds, with the benefits of a Diners card for point of sale transactions.

ISX Financial's subsidiary Probanx(R) also develops payment infrastructure for third parties, and provides connectivity to central banks, banks around the world and major card schemes.

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Malibu, CA, Nov 15, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Skyharbour Resources Ltd ( CVE:SYH ) ( SYHBF:OTCMKTS ) Intersects Significant Uranium Mineralization in Inaugural Drill Program at the Russell Lake Project in Northern Saskatchewan and Announces Plans for a Follow-Up Winter Drill Program.



In this segment of The Ellis Martin Report we speak with Jordan Trimble, the President and CEO of Skyharbour Resources. Mr. Trimble is one of the most knowledgeable uranium experts in the junior mining space. He outlines current and possible future market conditions for uranium while reviewing all of the company's JV partnerships junior and major. Uranium prices have reached pre-Fukashima levels and equities such as Skyharbour have responded positively for shareholders.



To Listen to the Interview, please visit:

https://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/217N1D98







About Skyharbour Resources Ltd.





Skyharbour Resources (CVE:SYH) (OTCMKTS:SYHBF) holds an extensive portfolio of uranium exploration projects in Canada's Athabasca Basin and is well positioned to benefit from improving uranium market fundamentals with twenty-four projects, ten of which are drill-ready, covering over 518,000 hectares (over 1.2 million acres) of land. Skyharbour has acquired from Denison Mines, a large strategic shareholder of the Company, a 100% interest in the Moore Uranium Project which is located 15 kilometres east of Denison's Wheeler River project and 39 kilometres south of Cameco's McArthur River uranium mine. Moore is an advanced-stage uranium exploration property with high-grade uranium mineralization at the Maverick Zone that returned drill results of up to 6.0% U3O8 over 5.9 metres including 20.8% U3O8 over 1.5 metres at a vertical depth of 265 metres. Adjacent to the Moore Uranium Project is Skyharbour's recently optioned Russell Lake Uranium Project from Rio Tinto, which hosts historical high-grade uranium drill intercepts over a large property area with robust exploration upside potential. The Company is actively advancing these projects through exploration and drill programs.

Skyharbour has joint-ventures with industry-leader Orano Canada Inc. and Azincourt Energy at the Preston and East Preston Projects, respectively, whereby Orano and Azincourt earned majority interests in the projects through exploration expenditures, cash payments and share issuances. Skyharbour also has several active earn-in option partners including: ASX-listed Valor Resources at the Hook Lake Uranium Project; CSE-listed Basin Uranium Corp. at the Mann Lake Uranium Project; CSE-listed Medaro Mining Corp. at the Yurchison Project; Yellow Rocks Energy, a private Australian entity, at the Wallee and Usam Island projects; North Shore Energy Metals at the South Falcon Project; and TSX-V listed Tisdale Clean Energy at the South Falcon East Project which is host to the Fraser Lakes Zone B Uranium and Thorium Deposit.

Collectively, Skyharbour has now signed earn-in option agreements with partners that total to over $37 million in partner-funded exploration expenditures, over $28 million worth of shares being issued and over $19 million in cash payments coming into Skyharbour, assuming that these partner companies complete their entire earn-ins at the respective projects.

Skyharbour's goal is to maximize shareholder value through new mineral discoveries, committed long-term partnerships, and the advancement of exploration projects in geopolitically favourable jurisdictions.

About The Ellis Martin Report

The Ellis Martin Report (TEMR) is an internet based radio program showcasing potentially undervalued companies to an audience of potential retail investors and fund managers that comprise our listening audience. TEMR is broadcasted on the VoiceAmerica Business Channel and The Opportunity Radio Network. CEO and company interviews are paid for by those represented on the program.

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President Yoon Suk Yeol arrived in San Francisco on Wednesday to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, where he is expected to call for stronger solidarity, promote trade liberalization, and discuss a response to military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.

This year's gathering, which brings together the leaders of the 21 APEC member economies, will be held under the theme, "Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All." Yoon and first lady Kim Keon Hee will be here for a three-day stay.

During what will be his first attendance at an APEC summit, Yoon plans to address a leaders' session on Thursday and stress Korea's commitment to contributing to the transition to clean energy and overcoming the climate crisis, according to Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo.

The following day he plans to attend the second session, or the leaders' retreat, and talk about the need for APEC members to work together to restore the multilateral trading system, strengthen regional supply chains and establish a digital moral code.

"I will urge the member economies to work together in the spirit of stronger solidarity and cooperation to advance trade and investment liberalization, innovation and digitalization as well as inclusive and sustainable growth," Yoon said in a written interview with the Associated Press (AP) published Tuesday.

Yoon will also attend a summit of the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) on the sidelines of the APEC gathering on Thursday.

IPEF is widely regarded as a U.S. initiative to counter China's growing influence in the region and the meeting's outcome will draw attention in the wake of a planned summit between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco the previous day.

Whether Yoon and Xi hold their own bilateral summit will also be watched closely, as the Korean president has stressed his administration's commitment to increasing economic and people-to-people ties between the two countries through "mutually beneficial" cooperation.

If a Yoon-Xi summit materializes, it will be their second meeting after meeting for the first time on the sidelines of a Group of 20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, last November.

Also planned is a discussion led by Yoon and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at Stanford University on Friday, during which the leaders are expected to share ways Korea and Japan, and the two countries together with the United States, can cooperate in the cutting-edge technology sector.

Yoon and Kishida also plan to hold a separate bilateral summit Thursday, according to Japan's Kyodo News.

Other bilateral summit arrangements are currently in the works.

Yoon said in the AP interview that he plans to raise the issue of North Korea-Russia military cooperation in his meetings with other leaders.

"I will emphasize that the illegal cooperation between Russia and North Korea is a serious threat to security not only on the Korean Peninsula and in the region, but also in the world, and discuss ways to cooperate," he said in the interview.

In San Francisco, Yoon will also host a meeting with Korean residents, attend an APEC CEOs summit and meet with young Korean leaders working in the cutting-edge technology field.

"President Yoon's attendance at the APEC meeting will be an occasion to enhance the status of the Republic of Korea, which fulfills its responsibilities and contributions in terms of regional and global issues, and to deepen cooperation with members of APEC, which is the world's largest regional cooperation body," Kim, the deputy national security adviser, told reporters last week, referring to South Korea by its formal name. (Yonhap)


ISX Financial EU PLC Appoints New Board Director - Paul Barnes

Lefkosia, Nov 15, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - ISX Financial EU PLC ("ISX Financial"), a leader in electronic money services, is excited to announce the recent appointment of Mr. Paul Barnes as a new member of its board of directors. This appointment follows the approval from the Eurosystem Central Bank of Cyprus as ISX Financial's regulator.



With a rich career spanning over three decades, Mr. Barnes brings to ISX Financial a wealth of experience in international business, specifically in venture development across the financial services and technology sectors. His expertise in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activities is particularly noteworthy, positioning him as an asset to the company's strategic planning and growth initiatives.



Nikogiannis Karantzis, CEO of ISX Financial EU PLC said "ISX Financial is thrilled to have Paul Barnes formally join our board of directors, following the Central Bank of Cyprus's Approval. His exceptional track record and profound expertise in both financial services and technology align perfectly with our strategic direction. We are confident that Paul's broad experience and particular expertise will significantly contribute to our journey towards innovative excellence and robust growth."



Previously, Mr. Barnes has held significant roles including executive and non-executive director positions. Notably, he has been a part of Tristel PLC ( LON:TSTL ), a healthcare company listed on the LSE AIM market. His contributions there as Chairman of the Company and Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee have been instrumental.



In addition to his new role at ISX Financial, Mr. Barnes serves as an independent director with an ASX listed company specializing in cutting-edge wireless technology, including waveforms and public mobile radio solutions.



Mr. Barnes's professional credentials are equally impressive. He is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and a Member of the UK's Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment. His expertise in financial regulations and compliance is further underscored by his role as a director at the FCA regulated ISX Financial UK Ltd since September 2020.





About ISX Financial





ISX Financial EU PLC is a 'banktech' company that leverages its own technology to provide financial services to merchants across the EEA & UK. The company's combined payments stack and infrastructure provides a complete end-to-end transactional banking, FX, remittance and payment processing capability.

ISXMoney's multi-Currency IBAN accounts coupled with PaidBy Bank instant open banking provide merchants with a tailored payment solution to reach any UK or EEA bank account holders.

ISX Financial's consumer product "flykk" is a digital wallet that combines all its financial technology and infrastructure to create a retail product. flykk(R) is a two-sided network developed on ISX's own platform that links both merchants and consumers around the globe to facilitate the processing of payment transactions. flykk(R) allows customers to use their account for both purchase and paying for goods, as well as to transfer and withdraw funds, with the benefits of a Diners card for point of sale transactions.

ISX Financial's subsidiary Probanx(R) also develops payment infrastructure for third parties, and provides connectivity to central banks, banks around the world and major card schemes.

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Cover Images/Instagram/AdMedia/Media Punch Celebrity

The former flame of the 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' actor apparently was not invited to his 49th birthday celebration, which took place in Beverly Hills on Saturday, November 11.

Nov 15, 2023

AceShowbiz - Leonardo DiCaprio apparently did not include Victoria Lamas in the guest list of his recent party. Despite inviting many famous stars, the "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" actor seemingly left out his alleged former flame as she was denied entry to his birthday bash.

On Saturday evening, November 11, the 24-year-old model dressed to the nines for Leonardo's 49th birthday celebration, which took place in Beverly Hills. In pictures making their rounds online, it could be seen that she arrived at the venue with her female friend.

However, Victoria stayed outside the place and could not enjoy the fun with other well-known stars at the party. On the reason why, a number of sources spilled to Daily Mail that "the invitation noted that the guest list would be strictly enforced." She appeared shocked and confused in the photo as she was pictured with her mouth wide open while holding her smartphone in one of her hands.

Victoria opted to wear a nearly all-black ensemble for the special occasion. She showed off her legs in a pair of long see-through tights with black flower patterns all over it. She also donned a black corset top that came with a very low-cut design and unbuttoned long-sleeved matching blazer.

The daughter of 65-year-old actor Lorenzo Lamas and 52-year-old model Shauna Sand completed the look with a pair of black pointed-toe high heels, clear glasses, a number of rings and a small green handbag. She styled her long hair into loose waves and polished her fingernails in bright red color.

Victoria and Leonardo were romantically linked for the first time in December 2022. At that time, they were spotted grabbing dinner at Bird Streets Club. Later on, it was revealed that they were "not dating." Though so, the two continued hanging out together and even spent New Year's Eve in St. Barts. Around the same time, he reportedly was dating model Gigi Hadid. They were first linked in September 2022.

Leonardo is currently in a romantic relationship with Vittoria Ceretti. In September, a source told Page Six, "They've been spending quite a bit of time together over the past few months, and they're enjoying getting to know one another on a deeper level." The couple even packed on the PDA at his birthday party.

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Instagram Celebrity

Lauren Sanchez remembers her husband-to-be's surprise proposal and her reaction when the Amazon billionaire presented a multi-million dollar diamond ring to her.

Nov 15, 2023

AceShowbiz - Jeff Bezos' fiancee Lauren Sanchez almost fainted when he proposed with a $2.5 million engagement ring. The billionaire Amazon owner, 59, kept the box containing the giant sparkler hidden under the former news anchor's pillow before presenting it to her - and she nearly passed out.

"When he opened the box, I think I blacked out a bit," she said in a cover interview for Vogue magazine's December issue.

Jeff and Lauren, 53, have only been engaged since May, and are not entirely sure what kind of wedding they would like. She continued, "We're still thinking about the wedding, what it's going to be. Is it going to be big? Is it going to be overseas? We don't know yet. We've only been engaged five months."

However, her dress will likely be made by Christian Dior, Dolce and Gabbana, or Valentino. The bride-to-be said, "There's so many incredible designers. Once I get a minute, I'll slow down."

The pair have celebrated their engagement with their showbiz pals, including on Jeff'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 an "intimate" affair aboard the Bezos' beloved Kora in the breathtaking Positano, Italy, in August.

The week prior, Jeff and Lauren sailed around Capri in the luxury vessel - which features a sculpture on the bow that looks like his partner.

Jeff proposed to the former broadcaster aboard Kora off the coast of Cannes. The loved-up pair were sailing around the Mediterranean on the superyacht and Lauren was seen with the dazzling diamond ring on her wedding ring finger as they docked in Cannes and packed on the PDA.

Jeff and Lauren have been dating since 2019, but first met in 2016, while she was still married to Patrick Whitesell, who introduced the pair, and the business magnate was with the mother of his four children, MacKenzie Scott Tuttle.

Lauren previously gave an insight into their romance and gushed that he has a "goofy" sense of humour. The former reporter admitted it is always easy to find her partner if they get separated at parties because of his distinctive laugh and she's always found him "really funny."

She told the Wall Street Journal, "He's really funny. He makes me laugh all the time. He can be goofy. When I first heard his laugh, I was like, 'Whoa! What is that?' Now I love it. And if I'm at a party and we get separated, all I have to do is wait a second and he laughs and it's like, he's over there."

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Variety Movie

The 'Equalizer' actor is expected to re-team with Antoine Fuqua, who directed him in 2001 movie 'Training Day', for a new movie about the famous Carthaginian general.

Nov 15, 2023

AceShowbiz - Denzel Washington is cast to play Hannibal in a new film. The 68-year-old Hollywood legend is set to reunite with Antoine Fuqua - who directed him in 2001 movie "Training Day", for which Washington won an Oscar - for the upcoming Netflix production.

According to Deadline, Washington will also produce the film alongside Fuqua, Erik Olsen and Adam Goldworm, besides playing the ancient Carthaginian general - famous for riding an elephant into battle with the Romans. John Logan will pen the script, and Jeremy Lott and Frank Rodriguez Moll are to executive produce the movie.

Hannibal commanded the forces of Carthage in their battle against the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War - which took place from 218 to 201 BC - during which he invaded Italy on top of a North African war elephant across the Alps. Hannibal was also regarded as a master tactician when it came to defeating his opponents.

The movie is expected to be set after the battles between Hannibal's troops and the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War.

Washington was previously linked to the role of Hannibal more than 20 years ago. 20th Century Fox were set to produce at the time, but the actor didn't want to be away from his family for a long period.

Vin Diesel has also previously spoken of a desire to make a trilogy of movies about Hannibal, which he wants to direct and star in. In June 2021, he told Men's Health magazine, "My reality is, I wake up and go, 'I haven't done the Hannibal trilogy.' "

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Instagram Celebrity

Rumor has it that the 49-year-old socialite is upset and feels a bit jealous after her 'Real Housewives of Miami' co-star asked her boyfriend Marcus to take pictures of the former Russian model.

Nov 15, 2023

AceShowbiz - Larsa Pippen is having a rift with Julia Lemigova and it's all because of her boyfriend Marcus Jordan. The socialite is reportedly mad at her "Real Housewives" co-star after the latter asked the former's boyfriend to take pictures of her while they were at BravoCon.

Citing sources with direct knowledge to the situation, TMZ reports that the former model asked Marcus to snap a few photos of her during the convention in Las Vegas back in October, using his phone. They were innocent, smiling shots, but Larsa was apparently not having it.

While no one around thought Julia's request was odd or inappropriate, Larsa reportedly seemed a bit jealous. She allegedly started complaining about the incident to other cast members of "The Real Housewives of Miami", where she and Julia star on.

The 49-year-old was apparently convinced that the photos were Julia's way of trying to seduce her boyfriend Marcus. She reportedly wasn't cool with the Russian native asking her man to take the photos, especially on his own phone.

After BravoCon ended, Julia asked Larsa if she could get Marcus' pictures of her, but the former wife of Scottie Pippen allegedly did not respond. Amid the silent treatment, the other cast members told Julia what Larsa had been saying to them about the photos. Since then, Larsa and Julia's relationship reportedly has gone cold.

Sources say Julia is sick of Larsa's jealousy and she senses that Larsa is plotting a giant smear campaign against her. The 51-year-old eventually never posted photos that Marcus took of her, but she has shared other pictures from BravoCon. Some of the snaps included her group shots with her co-stars Guerdy Abraira and Nicole Martin, but none of them featured Larsa.

Neither Larsa nor Julia has spoken up on the report of their alleged beef. Both of them are starring in the currently airing season 6 of "RHOM", so it remains to be seen if their feud will be part of the storyline.

Meanwhile, Larsa and Marcus' relationship remains strong despite her jealousy. On Tuesday, November 14, the reality TV star shared a picture of her and her boytoy at Resorts World Las Vegas.

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In honor of the King's 75th birthday, the official Instagram account of the British royal family shares a video featuring a series of pictures of the British monarch's life.

Nov 15, 2023

AceShowbiz - King Charles III has included Prince Harry in a tribute post to celebrate his 75th birthday despite their rift. The official Instagram account of the British royal family shared a video featuring a series of pictures of the British monarch's life.

Shared on Tuesday, November 14, some of the throwback photos saw Charles and Harry in happy father-son moments during Harry's childhood. One snap was taken on the day when the Duke of Sussex was born.

Young Harry could be seen enjoying a ski trip with his father in one snap. Another picture, meanwhile, saw Harry flashing a smile while standing next to Charles at a 1996 royal event.

The video kicked off with a photo of late Queen Elizabeth II holding baby Charles on her lap. It continued flashing some big moments throughout his life, including his coronation in May. "Wishing His Majesty The King a happy 75th birthday," the caption read.

The birthday shout-out arrived after it was rumored that Harry turned down an invitation to King Charles' 75th birthday party. Insiders told Daily Mail that the British monarch's family and friends are set to attend the event. Harry, who also allegedly received an invite to the bash to celebrate Charles' milestone, decided to skip the soiree on November 14.

Harry, via his spokesperson, immediately shut down the claims. "In response to U.K. media headlines, there has been no contact regarding an invitation to His Majesty's upcoming birthday," the rep told The Messenger. "It is disappointing the Sunday Times has misreported this story."

A royal source also backed the claims. The insider told the outlet that the Buckingham Palace "never reached out" to Harry regarding the bash honoring Charles' milestone on November 14. A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace, meanwhile, declined to comment.

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Music

The new music video, which arrived on Tuesday, November 14, begins with a man sharing a hug with a female medical worker inside a dark hospital room before things go south between the two.

Nov 15, 2023

AceShowbiz - Tory Lanez won't let his incarceration stop him from entertaining his fans. On Tuesday, November 14, the Canadian rapper unleashed a creepy music video for the Yoko Gold and Trippie Redd-assisted track, "Hurts Me".

The video begins with a man sharing a hug with a female medical worker inside a dark hospital room. The woman, however, suddenly feels threatened by the man so she throws liquid onto the man's face.

The woman tries to escape, but the man keeps chasing her until they get stuck in an empty warehouse. Once she gets caught, a mysterious man shows up, hitting the previous guy's back several times. She later buries him, thinking he's already dad, but once she leaves, the man's hand emerges from the ground.

"Do you not realize that it hurts me?/ When I see you go out, uh/ 'Cause you have the time of your life/ Only when you know I'm not around," Tory raps in the opening verse. "You know, you really don't deserve me/ Looking for you in the crowd/ To see you dancing again/ Out of mind, out of sight."

Tory promoted the track via Instagram back on June 18. "Two and a half years ago my brother Yoko and I orchestrated this record for his project, we never thought nothing of it," he wrote alongside an audio clip of the tune. "It collected dust in a hard drive. Guess God had a different plan for it."

"Never thought I'd say this but I wanna thank the Umbrellas for LEAKING this record," Tory further noted. "Yoko it's your time. Hold the Umbrella down while I'm gone."

Tory, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of shooting Megan Thee Stallion, eventually dropped the song on several streaming services. However, it was once removed from platforms like YouTube and Spotify without a particular reason.

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As "Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela" completes a glorious decade, Bhansali Productions took to social media to commemorate this cinematic milestone. A special video, laden with nostalgia and the echoes of a decade-long journey, was posted, accompanied by a caption that resonated with the essence of the film, "To a decade of sizzling chemistry, fiery passion, and breathtaking characters. Celebrating the war of love between the Rajadi's and the Sanera's with #10YearsOfRamLeela."

The film, released in 2013, not only marked the beginning of a new era in Indian cinema but also set the stage for a series of mega successes for filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. With "Ram-Leela," Bhansali proudly showcased his expertise in bringing the rich tapestry and culture of India to the world, creating a cinematic masterpiece that celebrated tradition while embracing modernity.

As "Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela" completes a glorious decade, Bhansali Productions took to social media to commemorate this cinematic milestone. A special video, laden with nostalgia and the echoes of a decade-long journey, was posted, accompanied by a caption that resonated with the essence of the film, "To a decade of sizzling chemistry, fiery passion, and breathtaking characters. Celebrating the war of love between the Rajadi's and the Sanera's with #10YearsOfRamLeela."

"Ram-Leela" was not just a film; it was an immersive experience that unfolded against the backdrop of a passionate war of love between the Rajadi's and the Sanera's. Bhansali Productions' social media post aptly captured the essence of the film  sizzling chemistry, fiery passion, and breathtaking characters. The video, a montage of memorable scenes and glimpses, served as a nostalgic journey through the cinematic gem that continues to captivate audiences a decade later.

The success of "Ram-Leela" was multi-faceted, owing to the brilliance woven into every aspect of the film. The music, a soul-stirring symphony composed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali himself, the choreography orchestrated by Ganesh Acharya and the costume design, a vibrant canvas of colors and textures. "Ram-Leela" was a visual spectacle, a testament to Bhansali's ability to create grand sets that transported audiences into a world of cinematic splendour and the cinematography, under the keen eye of Ravi Varman, transformed every frame into a work of art.

At the heart of "Ram-Leela" was the electric chemistry between its lead pair, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone. Their on-screen magic not only brought the characters of Ram and Leela to life but also set a standard for cinematic pairings. A decade later, their chemistry remains etched in the memories of audiences, making "Ram-Leela" a timeless love story.

"Ram-Leela" wasn't just a film that entertained; it was a testament to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's role as the true inheritor of Indian cinema. His ability to tell Indian stories in the most authentic way, with a seamless blend of modernity and tradition, became a hallmark of his directorial prowess.
Google pays Apple 36% of its search advertising revenue from Safari under their search default agreement. This was revealed in an open court in the US during the ongoing anti-trust case against Google filed by the US Department of Justice.

The revelation, made by an Alphabet witness, Professor Kevin Murphy from the University of Chicago, was hitherto unknown to the world. And it is a testament to the financial gains for both companies, who have been reluctant to disclose such details due to potential anticompetitive concerns.

The revelation was unexpected and came as part of Alphabet's defense against the Justice Department's claims of Google illegally maintaining dominance in search and advertising markets.

According to a Bloomberg report, The Williams & Connolly antitrust partner, John Schmidtlein, reportedly reacted visibly when the figure was disclosed.

The focal point of the proceedings revolves around the search default agreement, with Judge Amit Mehta characterizing the Apple-Google deal as the case's "core."

Bernstein analyst Toni Sacconaghi estimates that Apple stands to generate $19 billion in revenue in 2023 through the search engine default deal with Google.

It was also revealed during the trial that Google has paid more than $26bn to companies like Samsung, Apple, Mozilla, etc. for making Google as the default search engine.

While testifying, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai tried to defend such agreements, but competitors, including Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, have expressed criticism, viewing the arrangement as harmful to their businesses.

According to Nadella, the ongoing discussions with Apple regarding a default search engine deal for Microsoft's Bing had not resulted in an agreement, even if it entailed short-term losses. He underscored that the notion of an "open web" is deceptive, contending that what truly exists is the "Google web."
The U.S. Department of State has approved a possible sale to South Korea of Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) shipborne missile interceptors and related equipment to help improve the Asian ally's security capabilities, a government agency said Tuesday.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) under the Department of Defense made the announcement on the potential government-to-government Foreign Military Sale estimated to cost $650 million.

The South Korean government has made a request to buy up to 38 SM-6 Block I missiles, vertical launch system canisters, training aids and other related equipment, according to DSCA.

"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region," the agency said in a press release.

"The proposed sale will improve the Republic of Korea's capability to meet current and future threats while further enhancing interoperability with the United States and other allies," it added.

The DSCA delivered the required certification notifying Congress of the possible sale earlier in the day as the sale requires congressional endorsement.

If introduced, SM-6 interceptors are expected to be installed on the South Korean Navy's 8,200-ton Aegis-equipped KDX-III destroyers to be deployed in the coming years.

To counter evolving North Korean missile threats, the South Korean Navy has been operating the SM-2 ship-to-air missiles on its existing fleet of Aegis destroyers, but it has been seeking more advanced, longer-range interceptors.

Manufactured by the U.S. defense firm Raytheon Technologies Corp., the SM-6 is known to have a range of up to 460 kilometers. (Yonhap)
Mindshare, the media services company that is part of GroupM and WPP and Scope3, the collaborative sustainability platform decarbonising media and advertising, have created a bespoke Emissions Scorecard to help clients understand the carbon emissions of their digital media campaigns.

For the first time, Mindshares clients will be able to gain insight into near real-time carbon emissions of their digital media activity at both a macro level (business category, brand, country and publisher) and micro level (creative format, media type, ad environment). Throughout the past year and a half, the joint efforts of the Mindshare and Scope3 teams have been focused on fine tuning how emissions are measured while creating a pioneering emissions reporting tool for brands.

Aligning with GroupM's carbon decarbonisation methodology, the Mindshare Emissions Dashboard was built with Scope3 to report emissions of digital media activity. This will enable marketers to make informed decisions when it comes to balancing the need for greener media with the need for positive business outcomes.

By giving marketers a 360-degree view of the carbon impact of their digital media activity, the dashboard enables change-making conversations and discussions with advertising and publisher partners, as stated by Dhruv Menon, Director at Mindshare. More importantly, it will also empower media practitioners to make sustainable media buying choices with a goal of eventually reducing 50% of all digital emissions by 2030.

The Emissions Dashboard was created as part of the Mindshare Report, Reduce, Remove Initiative, a sustainable step-by-step approach to optimise investment to greener choices across the media supply chain, while ensuring minimal disruption to business needs. Being the only group in the industry that is committed to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), it is essential to Mindshare as an agency to put into practice their reduction efforts without compromising on performance.

June Cheung, Head of JAPAC for Scope3 said that the collaboration with Mindshare to create the Emissions Scorecard was a great example of how Scope3s emissions data can be harnessed to drive meaningful change.

She noted; Scope3 emissions data pinpoints exactly where marketers can take simple, yet meaningful, actions to reduce the carbon footprint of their digital advertising. It simultaneously helps the industry more clearly see and de-fund waste across the ad ecosystem. This type of industry-wide change is only possible if marketers have the tools that allow them to make informed decisions. By being able to access emissions data directly alongside campaign data, like the Mindshare Emissions Dashboard, sustainability is no longer an afterthought, it becomes a valuable lever for improving campaigns.

According to Scope3s Q2 2023 State of Sustainable Advertising report, combined, digital display and streaming ads produce 7.2M metric tons of emissions every year. Broken out by channel, display advertising accounts for just over half3.8 million metric tonsand streaming contributes 3.4 million metric tons to the global number. As one of the worlds largest media investment agencies, Mindshare has taken the responsibility to address the impact of its digital media on the environment, and to lead the industry toward more sustainable media practices.

Scope3 has been a global partner of GroupM since <15th November 2022
Madhya Pradesh is all set to see a close-fitting electoral contest between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress. Shivraj Singh Chauhan ruled the state for a long period and there is definitely an anti-incumbency. Until the previous month, people, especially the business class and government employees, were not in favor of him, but somehow frequent Modi rallies and visits by Amit Shah have changed the scenario in favor of the BJP. The BJP has been in power for almost 20 years since 2003, except for a brief 15-month period between December 2018 and March 2020. Eighteen years and eight months is a pretty long enough period for developing anti-incumbency. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who has been Chief Minister for most of this period, is suffering from voter fatigue, as per analysts; this fact has been admitted by the party too, which is shying away from declaring him as its CM.

Four opinion polls conducted for the Madhya Pradesh elections so far have predicted contradictory outcomes for the political parties. While two have predicted a clear win for the Congress, two predict a repeat of the BJP government under CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The magic figure needed to form a government is 116. According to the ABP-CVoter survey, the Congress could win 108120 seats out of the 230 seats, while the BJP is projected to finish at a marginally lower tally of 106118. Another pre-poll survey conducted by IBC24 predicts that the Congress will appear as the clear winner, bagging 119 seats, while the BJP may end up with 101 seats, lower than its 2018 tally of 109.

In the meantime, according to a survey by Times Now, the BJP will have a landslide victory, winning 153 seats in the 230-member Assembly, and the Congress might just get 58 seats. The pre-poll survey by News Nation also gave a thumbs up to the BJP with a huge majority. While the BJP has maintained that it is going to contest the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections under the leadership of Shivraj Singh Chouhan, it remains unclear who will be the CM candidates for the other parties: Congress, BSP, Samajwadi Party, and Aam Aadmi Party. However, for the Congress, the name of former Chief Minister Kamal Nath is speculated. Earlier, BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya confirmed that Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will be the face of the party for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Kailash is aspiring to be a deputy, but this is a remote possibility. Kamalnath winning his seat is also very tricky because he has a very strong Congress contender to deal with. So, the mandate in his constituency is for Congress.

For the Congress, Rajya Sabha MP and former chief minister Digvijaya Singh had said that the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections will be fought under the leadership of state Congress president Kamal Nath, who will be the CM face. Digvijay Singh has given up his aspirations for the top post and is now rigorously making efforts to bring Congress to power. In 2018, when Nath took over as CM in December following the Congress victory, he was then a Lok Sabha MP from Chhindwara. To continue as chief minister, he had to become an MLA within six months. For this purpose, a by-poll to the Chhindwara assembly seat was held after its MLA, Deepak Saxena, a close lieutenant of Nath, resigned from the state assembly. The Chhindwara Assembly constituency by-poll was held along with the Lok Sabha elections, which Nath won and later took oath as an MLA.

In the last Assembly elections that were held in 2018, the Congress stormed to power in the state, along with two other statesChhattisgarh and Rajasthan. In the 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly, the Congress party emerged as the single largest party with 114 seats against the BJPs 109 seats, overthrowing the BJPs 15-year rule. The schedule for the 2023 Madhya Pradesh elections is yet to be announced by the Election Commission of India (ECI). As soon as the ECI announces the dates of the elections, the Model Code of Conduct will come into force with immediate effect. The last elections in Madhya Pradesh in 2018 took place in a single-phase for all 230 seats on November 28, 2018. The counting of votes took place on December 11, 2018. There are 230 assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh. In the 2018 elections, the Congress had bagged 114 seats, short of a majority of 116 seats, and the BJP finished a close second with 109 seats. The Bahujan Samaj Party had won two seats and the Samajwadi Party one seat. Four seats were bagged by independents. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had won his traditional Budhni seat by a margin of 58,699 votes, defeating Congress Arun Yadav.



Congress leader Kamal Nath was sworn in as the Chief Minister of the state in 2018. However, 15 months later, stumped by the resurgence of party colleague Jyodiraditya Scindia, who joined the BJP and the resignations of 22 Congress MLAs, Kamal Nath stepped down and resigned as the Chief Minister, following which BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan returned as the CM of the state for the fourth time. There are 74 seats in Madhya Pradesh that Congress hasnt won in the last three assembly elections, while the corresponding number of BJP seats is only 11. The weak organization in these 74 seats burdens Congress with having to win the remaining 156 seats at an unrealistically high strike rate. Along with that, the polls have suggested a very tough fight between the BJP and the Congress, Kamal Nath vs. Shivraj Singh Chauhan. But after the polls, the Chief Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, will have to look over his shoulder and perhaps see other potential chief minister candidates.



This year, Congress and BJP are locked in a close battle in Madhya Pradesh, with most surveys predicting a photo finish similar to the one witnessed in 2018, when the BJP won 109 seats and Congress 114 in a house of 230. This years MP assembly election will be very surprising because we will be able to see both major parties in the same light, according to the opinion polls. Lastly, one has to believe that jo jitega vahi sikandar (whoever wins, makes it to power).
Grantee Profile

Ayse P. Gurses, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.S. Founding Director, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Care Human Factors Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality Johns Hopkins Medicine

Ayse P. Gurses,

Ph.D., M.P.H., M.S.

My career pathway would be much different if AHRQ didnt exist....

A childhood of watching her physician parents care for patients in her native Turkey motivated Ayse P. Gurses, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.S., to ask, How can this be done better? This quest to understand healthcare processes led her to apply engineering principlesthinking of healthcare settings as complex systems in which social and technical factors interactto improve safety both for patients and healthcare workers.

Dr. Gurses credits AHRQ with recognizing that healthcare research extends beyond the study of human biology and fostering her interest in how work system design factors, such as information technology and organizational design, impact care. My career pathway would probably be much different if AHRQ didnt exist, she says. I will always be thankful to AHRQ for supporting our work in patient and healthcare worker safety.

However, she didnt initially pursue a career in healthcare. Dr. Gurses studied industrial and systems engineering at Middle East Technical University in Ankara, Turkey, then came to the United States to pursue degrees in the same field at Virginia Tech and the University of WisconsinMadison, followed by a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins.

As a principal or co-investigator on dozens of grants and contracts, including several from AHRQ, Dr. Gurses is a globally recognized researcher and educator in applying human factors engineering methods to healthcare. She is the founding director of the Johns Hopkins Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Qualitys Center for Health Care Human Factors and a professor in three Johns Hopkins University schools.

While she was working on her Ph.D. at Wisconsin, her advisor, AHRQ grantee Pascale Carayon, Ph.D., encouraged her to dig deeper into the field with which she had been familiar since childhood. Pascale told me, Go stand there in the ICU and figure out whats happening.

She found that healthcare organizations were intricate systems in which multiple internal and external inputs affect the outcome. These are complex, nonlinear, and open work systems, so its not straightforward to model them, she says. Its hard to predict what will happen next. Youve got individuals with a variety of educational levels and skillsets, teamwork, organizational culture, and physical environment, all interacting with sophisticated technologies. All of that needs to be designed, and often redesigned given the dynamic nature of work, so we can improve processes and, as a result, improve outcomes.

In 2004, at Dr. Carayons urging, Dr. Gurses applied for and received a 1-year grant for AHRQs Health Services Research Dissertation Program that allowed her to expand her study of intensive care units and understand the causes and consequences of nursing workload more broadly. It made the study much stronger, she says. I was able to publish five papers out of this grant, and it really supported me and started my career.

In 2010, Dr. Gurses applied for and received a 5-year AHRQ Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award to establish a research program to improve patient safety during transitions of care and handoffs.

This led to another AHRQ grant awarded in 2015 in which Dr. Gurses led a 6-year project to design health-information technology (IT) supported care transitions in pediatric trauma. Her team helped improve the understanding of pediatric care teams demanding cognitive work and identify design requirements for future health IT that supports team performance and safety of pediatric trauma care.

With another AHRQ grant awarded in 2015, Dr. Gurses co-led a team on a 4-year project to create a patient-centric risk model of medication safety focusing on older adults. In this project, the team developed and implemented a risk assessment tool to improve medication safety for patients as they transition from inpatient to outpatient care.

In 2019, Dr. Gurses received a 4-year AHRQ grant to understand diagnostic processes in emergency departments and identify improvement strategies using a human factors and systems engineering approach. Diagnostic error is a major public health problem, yet very few studies provide an accurate, in-depth understanding of the details associated with diagnosis in this setting. To achieve this, Dr. Gurses and her interdisciplinary team used cognitive task analysis and field studies in urban, suburban, and rural emergency departments.

Dr. Gurses was awarded a 4-year AHRQ-funded Patient Safety Learning Laboratory grant in 2023. The aim of the Resilient EMS Patient Safety Learning Lab is to enhance and support quality, safety, and equity within pre-hospital emergency care provided by emergency medical services. This project is expected to conclude July 31, 2027.

Currently, Dr. Gurses also is a multiple principal investigator on two other AHRQ grants: one developing an approach for measuring workload of nurses in the neonatal ICU, and another examining the usability and usefulness of electronic health records for critical care nurses and impact of this technology on clinical nursing processes and patient safety. These projects are scheduled to end on February 28, 2026, and May 31, 2027, respectively.

According to Dr. Gurses, it is the Agencys adaptability and openness to new ideas and innovative thinking that she finds appealing. AHRQ does not insist on randomized controlled trials. Those are important, but AHRQ also allows for mixed-methods studies that account for the complexities and realities of the healthcare system, she says. Were not dealing with one drug or one treatment at a time to make healthcare reliable and safe. Were dealing with thousands of drugs and treatments, complex technologies, different organizational structures and physical environments and interactions of all these factors with each other, all simultaneously. This is the crux of systems engineering.

Principal Investigator: Ayse P. Gurses, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.S.

Institutions: Johns Hopkins Center for Health Care Human Factors, Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Grantee Since: 2004

Type of Grant: Various

Related AHRQ Resources

Consistent with its mission, AHRQ provides a broad range of extramural research grants and contracts, research training, conference grants, and intramural research activities. AHRQ is committed to fostering the next generation of health services researchers who can focus on some of the most important challenges facing our Nation's health care system. To learn more about AHRQ's Research Education and Training Programs, please visit https://www.ahrq.gov/training.

Return to AHRQ Grantee Profiles
Small-batch craft doughnut and coffee shop Parlor Doughnuts is headed to downtown Birmingham and Gulf Shores.

Parlor Doughnuts has signed a lease with mixed-use development 20 Midtown but has not yet provided its plans to the development or with the city, said Dick Schmalz of RGS Properties, Inc.

Schmalz said he expects Parlor Doughnuts to open at 2038 Third Ave. South within the next six months.

Michael Bush, the majority owner of Parlors franchisee in Gulf Shores, signed a lease at 600 Gulf Shores Pkwy. in Gulf Shores. Bush has a targeted a January 2024 opening date.

Parlor Doughnuts lease at 20 Midtown comes on the heels of another tenant signing: Outback Steakhouse.

Were abut 75 percent leased in the retail portion of our current building and of course 100 percent of our first two buildings in retail, and were trying to be very, very selective now that were getting fewer and fewer spaces to lease, said Schmalz. So were excited to bring them and the other tenants that weve brought so far.

Parlor Doughnuts, founded in 2019 in Indiana, operates in 12 states, including Alabama.

The bakery has a shop at 2500 Clinton Ave. West in Huntsville.

It offers 20 varieties of layered doughnuts that come in vegan-, gluten- and keto-friendly options along with a Doggie Doughnut for mans best friend.
The Alabama Board of Education plans to make minor changes to its science course of study, but has no plans to remove a textbook insert, used since 1995, that calls evolution a controversial theory.

Board members reviewed science standards during Thursdays work session in Montgomery. There were few changes from the 2015 version and little to no discussion of what students will actually learn.

Statewide, science test results have inched upwards over the past three years, but proficiency remains low. Spring 2023 test results show 39% of students were proficient in science, up from 37% in 2022 and 35% in 2021.

The emphasis is on teaching science to every student every day, Dothan Superintendent Dennis Coe told board members about the new set of standards. Coe chaired the 40-plus member course of study committee that compiled and organized the standards.

Historically, the most controversial part of Alabamas science instruction hasnt been whats in the standards. Its been the questioning of the theory of evolution and ensuring textbooks - part of the curriculum, not the standards - describe macroevolution as an unproven idea.

Alabama Superintendent Eric Mackey told board members in September that he hasnt heard anyone talk about removing the insert. A spokesperson for the Department of Education told AL.com the insert will be included as has been previously provided.

The one-page insert is put in the front of every biology textbook used in the state. The third paragraph of the insert deals directly with evolution. It reads in part:

The theory of evolution by natural selection is a controversial theory that is included in this textbook. It is controversial because it states that natural selection provides the basis for the modern scientific explanation for the diversity of living things.

Longtime board member Stephanie Bell, who supported the insert in 1995, in September told board members she heard concerns about whether Alabama would continue placing an insert at the front of biology textbooks declaring evolution is a controversial theory.

Theres a lot of interest in keeping the insert, Bell said. According to reporting in The Birmingham News on Nov. 8, 1995, Bells proposal for the wording of the insert is the one the board adopted nearly word-for-word. The wording has changed through the years - heres the 2001 version - and its unclear when the current version was adopted.

The board voted to keep the insert in 2016 when they last adopted new science textbooks.

After approving a new science course of study, which is expected to happen in December, the next step for the board is to appoint a textbook committee, which could happen as early as January. New science textbooks will be adopted in December 2024, according to the schedule posted on the departments website.

The science standards

Alabama last updated science standards in 2015. The new standards are very similar, though a draft of the preface cuts a paragraph about the role theories have in scientific evidence and explanations. The draft science course of study is posted online for public comment until Nov. 27.

Alabama students will continue to learn science in three domains: Physical science, earth and space science and life science.

Standards are divided among grade levels - kindergarten through second grades, third through fifth grades, sixth through eighth grades, and ninth through twelfth grades.

Schools will have a full school year to consider how best to teach the new standards to students. Coe recommended the state department of education create a series of podcasts to help district officials, principals and teachers implement the new standards, which will be introduced to students during the 2025-26 school year.

The next set of standards Alabama will tackle are related to social studies. Mackey recently told board members there is a lot of interest in the social studies standards.
As Alabamas largest city continues to expand, officials at Alabama A&M University say that growth is putting an unexpected strain on its campus.

The way Huntsville is currently growing, its good for the city but its unfortunately bad for our students, Carlton Spellman, the universitys vice president of finance, said at a recent budget hearing. The housing market is really pricing our students out and its creating a real challenge for us.

AAMU, like many of the states HBCUs, is seeing a surge in its student population after a long enrollment decline. The college enrolled its largest freshman class this year  over 2,600 students  and saw a 10% overall jump in enrollment. It now enrolls 6,657 students.

But a shortage of affordable off-campus housing, combined with longstanding facilities needs, has created a demand that the college is struggling to meet, Spellman told higher education officials Tuesday.

Alabama A&M University is now asking for $217 million more in state funding  a 131% increase over its current budget of $165,100,131  to help fund new construction projects and address salary compression and maintenance needs.

The college joins 13 other state universities that asked for increases in state funding at a budget hearing before the Alabama Commission on Higher Education on Tuesday. AAMUs request, totaling $382,108,141 for the 2024-25 fiscal year, was the largest proposed budget increase reviewed by the commission.

Officials project, however, that just $5 to 6 million of the budget increase will fund recurring expenses, like salaries and utilities. The majority of those funds will go toward one-time costs, including $21 million in dorm renovations, a new $80 million STEM building and a $60 million student center.

As a land-grant institution, AAMU is supposed to receive the same amount of state funding as its peer institutions, like Auburn University and Tuskegee University. But historically, and recently, that hasnt happened.

A recent analysis by the United States Departments of Education and Agriculture found that in the last 30 years alone, the state has underfunded Alabama A&M University by at least half a billion dollars. And recent per-student funds continue to lag, federal data shows.

So far, state and federal funding has enabled the school to address about $18M in deferred maintenance projects, but the need still remains high, Spellman said.

Officials estimate that the 149-year old college would need at least $180 million more to address all of its maintenance needs.

The university is in dire need of electrical, plumbing and security upgrades, as well as erosion mitigation and roofing repairs, Spellman said. And more students means less lab space, less equipment, and a need for better broadband.

Spellman said the citys growth has also impacted the schools ability to retain staff. The college currently employs 778 full-time faculty and staff, but the school has recently lost several employees to higher-paying, non-academic jobs.

Theyre snatching up our accountants, our IT personnel, our police officers, our instructors and our engineers in particular, he said.

The University of Alabama at Huntsville is also struggling to compete with high-paying tech and research jobs, officials said. The school is asking for $3 million in additional appropriations from the state to go toward salary increases and bonuses. The school requested a total overall $70.2 million appropriation, for an 8% increase in current funding.

Huntsvilles growing big-time, UAH Vice President for Finance and Administration Todd Barre told the commission. So its just putting pressure on housing prices here, and theyre hiring anybody they can get their hands on.

UAH currently enrolls 8,743 students.

ACHE will review budget requests and present its final recommendation in December.
Chick-fil-A is starting to deliver food by drone in the Tampa Bay area  so far only from one location within Hillsborough County.

A Brandon-Valrico Chick-fil-A restaurant announced Monday on Facebook that it now has drone delivery service to locations within a 1.2-mile radius.

The drone delivery fee is free for a limited time, according to the social media post. The restaurant partnered with DroneUp, a Virginia Beach-based company that has also launched service with a Tampa Walmart store nearly a year ago.

The restaurant said online that it anticipates expanding within 2 miles soon.

Chick-fil-A did not share what other Florida locations its planning on expanding drone delivery service to.

We are in the early stages of testing drone delivery at a small number of Chick-fil-A restaurants, Chick-fil-A spokesperson Chelsea Lee said in an email.

Drone delivery is one of a few ways that the fast-food chain is piloting new technologies for deliveries. Chick-fil-A also announced it would start using autonomous robot vehicles.

So how does it work?

Food is put into a box, attached to the drone that a pilot directs to the drop-off point and the order will be slowly lowered to the ground with a cable.

Customers within the small range from the 1504 E Brandon Blvd. location can order off the Chick-fil-A app to get drone delivery. Its available from Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

2023 Tampa Bay Times. Visit tampabay.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A Hartselle man accused of poisoning his wife with lead from his Decatur chiropractic office has filed a second request in Morgan County Circuit Court to amend his bond conditions and remove the requirement that he report to jail every weekend.

Brian Thomas Mann, 34, was arrested in September 2022 after being indicted for the attempted murder of his wife. He was conditionally released from jail after posting a $500,000 bond in January. Since his release, hes been required to wear a GPS monitor and report to the Morgan County Jail every weekend.

Manns attorney, Britt Cauthen, had previously filed a motion to remove the weekend reporting requirement in May. Circuit Judge Charles Elliot resolved the motion in a one-word order: Denied.

On Friday, Cauthen filed another motion claiming Manns bond conditions are preventing him from finding employment. Two letters from prospective employers expressing an interest in hiring Mann were attached to the filing.

Mann has passed all his drug screens and has reported to jail each Friday in a timely fashion, according to Cauthen. Cauthen claimed almost every job Mann has interviewed for requires availability as early as 7 a.m. on Monday and as late as 7:15 p.m. on Friday.

Currently, Mann is required to report to jail no later than 4 p.m. on Friday through 8 a.m. Monday.

The defendant (Mann) has not been able to support himself and pay his child support in accordance with the order of this court in his divorce, Cauthen wrote.

The motion argues that Mann has complied with the no-contact order for his wife and children and that he is not a flight risk due to the GPS monitor.

A letter from Walker Snyder State Farm, of Huntsville, says the company would be pleased to offer Mann a position, but that they are unable to provide a formal job offer unless Mann can be available as late as 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Another letter from a hiring manager at BGIS in Huntsville expressed interest in adding Brian Mann to the team, but claims shifts require weekend availability.

Morgan County District Attorney Scott Anderson said on Tuesday that he is opposed to any amendments to Manns pretrial release conditions based upon his history.

According to a pending divorce case filed by his wife, Mann intentionally poisoned her with lead particles, leading to her hospitalization from Jan. 18, 2022, to March 3, 2022. Mann has denied the divorce allegations and pleaded not guilty in the criminal case.

Manns criminal trial on the attempted murder charge is set for May 13.

Mann is scheduled to give a deposition in his divorce case on Nov. 21. An attorney representing Manns wife, Hannah Pettey Mann, requested that he bring all bank statements during 2022 and 2023 showing deposits and withdrawals, an up-to-date mortgage statement for his residence, a closing statement reflecting the sale of his previous business premises, and all documents he expects to offer into evidence during his trial.

 david.gambino@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2438. @DD_DavidGambino

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(c)2023 The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Ala.)

Visit The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Ala.) at www.decaturdaily.com

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A man was sentenced Tuesday to serve nearly two decades in prison in a Fulton County cold case that happened 26 years ago, court records show.

Jerry Lee Sr. entered a negotiated guilty plea to charges of voluntary manslaughter, burglary and aggravated assault in the May 25, 1997, fatal shooting of Lorrie Ann Smith. The 66-year-old, who was initially also facing charges of murder, was sentenced to serve 18 years in prison, according to records.

For more than two decades, investigators worked to solve the cold case. It was only in 2018 that Lee was tied to the death and arrested after DNA from the crime scene matched his own, officials previously said.

On the day of the killing, the victims parents found the 28-year-old shot several times in the back at her home on Stonewall Tell Road. Fulton police said Smith, who was a youth counselor at a local church, fought back against her attacker.

Evidence from the scene was sent to a DNA testing company, Parabon NanoLabs, which found a similar strand in their system from someone who was trying to find out about their family ancestry, detectives stated. Investigators discovered it was one of Lees relatives.

Police obtained a warrant to get Lees DNA and it turned out to be a match.

It feels wonderful to finally bring some kind of closure to the family, Fulton police Maj. Twanesa Howard told Channel 2 Action News soon after Lees arrest in Alabama, where he was living at the time.

Channel 2 also reported that Lee was a correctional officer for the Atlanta Department of Corrections at the time of Smiths homicide and lived less than a minute from her home.

2023 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A Birmingham man convicted in the shooting death of Moody police Lt. Stephen Williams more than three years ago has been sentenced to death.

St. Clair County Circuit Judge Phil Seay on Wednesday followed the jurys 10- 2 recommendation and sentenced 31-year-old Tapero Carleone Johnson to die following his capital murder conviction last month.

Williams, who was a sergeant at the time of his death posthumously promoted to the rank of lieutenant, was killed June 2, 2020, while on duty.

The shooting happened shortly before 9:30 p.m. that Tuesday at the Super 8 motel on Moody Parkway when Williams, the night-shift supervisor, and other officers responded to the motel.

The call for service turned into a barrage of gunfire during which Williams was struck.

As Williams knocked on the door of Johnsons motel room, he was immediately met with gunfire from inside the room.

Authorities said Johnson fired 43 rounds through the wall and door of the motel and used four different weapons during the deadly assault.

A medical helicopter was sent for Williams, but the officer was instead taken by ambulance to UAB Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Johnson and the second suspect, 31-year-old Marquisha Tyson, also of Birmingham, were quickly taken into custody. Tyson is set to go to trial in March.

Authorities said Tyson had called 911 reporting that four men were outside their motel room door. Video showed no one was, or had been, at the motel door.

Johnson claimed that the shooting was accidental and, on Wednesday, apologized prior to sentencing.

Among the victim impact statements presented in court Wednesday morning was a letter that Williams, who wrote often, had written prior to the deadly shooting.

He also written another poem should he be killed in the line of duty that was read at his funeral.

Moody police Sgt. Stephen Williams

It was written as a general statement to anyone contemplating violence against a law enforcement officer.

The letter was addressed to Dear sir/maam and unwittingly, and eerily, addressed what would become a reality for Williams.

I felt obliged to write to you since I know what you are contemplating. You hate me. For whatever reason you hate me and want me dead, the letter read. Perhaps I arrested you and sent you away for a while. Maybe your lifestyle just cannot coexist with the idea of law and order.

Or is it you just have hate in your heart and feel emboldened by the recent swell of hatred in our country and think you be some kind of hero? Williams wrote. I want you to know what your future holds should you decide to harm for any reason.

We are really only talking about two possible outcomes, death and life behind bars, he wrote. The rest is just in the details. There is no escape. There is no freedom. There is no parade. You will not be a martyr for the cause.

They may think you are a hero in prison, but what they think doesnt matter does it? he wrote. You will still be either dead or in a cage That doesnt equal happily ever after.

Williams, a 50-year-old father of three, had been a police officer for 23 years, the last three of those at the Moody Police Department. He began his law enforcement career at the Bessemer Police Department and then served the Alabaster Police Department.

He had just been promoted to sergeant in the year before his death and was a recipient of the Officer of the Year award in memory of Keith Turner, who was shot to death June 27, 1998. Until Williams was killed, Turner was the last Moody officer killed in the line of duty.

Williams was born and raised in Mississippi and, after graduating from Mississippi State, served his county in the U.S. Air Force.

Nearly 1,000 mourners attended Williams funeral. His sons - both in the U.S. Coast Guard - had pinned his lieutenant bars on their fathers body, just as he pinned their bars on them when they were commissioned as officers.

One of his sons, Cole Williams, in his impact statement talked about growing up with Williams as a father.

My father is quite simply the greatest man Ive ever known, he wrote. I know that one day, if Im blessed to have children of my own, I stand a good chance of being a noble father who raises them into kind, compassionate and loving people. Because thats what my dad did for me.

Perhaps the biggest thing I will remember about my dad is how never let me say goodbye without saying, I love you, he wrote. My dad is nothing short of a hero. Hes my hero. I love him and I miss him every day.

Williams wife, Michelle, addressed Johnson in her impact statement.

Today, we are in this courtroom because of the choices that you, Mr. Johnson, made over three years agowhen you murdered my husband, Stephen, she said. What the consequences of your choices? Well, for you, Mr. Johnson, it is death.

Some might think that you are the only one here today that will face the penalty for any of the decisions you made on that fateful June night, Michelle Williams said. Unfortunately, that, in fact, is not the truth.

Michelle Williams talked about the past three years of court proceedings.

I sat quietly, listening, and watching. Searching for any sign of remorse or regret, she said. Nothing.

I will not ask, Why? because there is no answer to justify the heinous choices and actions that bring us to this courtroom today, she said. I simply cannot wrap my mind around such an evil act, and I am heartbroken because of it.

Harmon said his heart and prayers remain with the Williams family.

While Johnson received his sentence, they also received a sentence that will affect them for the rest of their lives with the murder of their father and husband, he said.

After three years of living the evidence and the murder of Stephen Williams, this sentence is just, Harmon said. Its an unfortunate situation that all of us now have to face, including the family of Tapero Johnson.

But not of this would have occurred, Harmon said, but for Tapero Johnsons decisions on June 2,
South Korea and the United States staged joint air drills Wednesday, involving two U.S. B-52H strategic bombers, over the Yellow Sea, Seoul's defense ministry said, in the latest show of force against North Korea.

South Korean F-35A, F-15K and U.S. F-35B and F-16 fighter jets escorted the nuclear-capable bombers during the drills, the ministry said, as the allies seek to bolster security cooperation against growing North Korean military threats.

The exercise marked the key U.S. military asset's return to the peninsula in less than a month after it made its first-ever landing at a South Korean air base on Oct. 17.

With the latest exercise, South Korea and the United States have staged seven combined air drills, involving the B-52H bomber, over the peninsula this year. They have staged 12 such exercises this year with U.S. strategic bombers in total, including the B-1B bomber, which is no longer nuclear-capable.

The frequent deployments of high-profile military assets this year come amid U.S. efforts to bolster its security commitment to South Korea against evolving nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.

During annual bilateral security talks Monday, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reaffirmed America's extended deterrence commitment to using the full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear weapons, to defend its ally.

"In line with this commitment, this exercise expands the frequency and intensity of the deployment of U.S. strategic assets to demonstrate an effect equivalent to constant deployment," the ministry said, describing the drills as "extended deterrence in action."

On Monday, Austin also hailed the B-52's first landing in South Korea as "a milestone" for the U.S. deterrence efforts and unveiled there will be "another carrier battle group that comes soon."

According to sources, the USS Carl Vinson nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is expected to dock at the Busan naval base early next week. (Yonhap)
The family of Mary Jean Robinson arrived at a Jackson, Miss., funeral home for her services, only to find another woman in the casket.

WLBT in Jackson reports that Georgia Robinson said she knew immediately after arriving for her sisters funeral something was terribly wrong.

Once we got in there and signed the books and everything, we were walking down to view her body, and I knew something was kind of off. I could tell that it wasnt her from far back, Georgia told the TV station.

Worse still, Georgia Robinson said the other woman in the casket was wearing the clothes and jewelry the Robinson family had brought for Mary Jean to wear.

No maam, this is not my sister, Georgia Robinson said. This is her casket, this is the outfit that we brought her, this is the jewelry that we brought her, and I said these are her flowers, but I didnt know who that is in the casket.

Georgia Robinson described the director of Peoples Funeral Home in Jackson as very rude and very uncaring, according to the report, telling the family they would have to pay for another service.

WLBT reported the funeral home ultimately reached an agreement with the Robinson family, including buying new clothes for Mary Jean, but used the same casket.

I feel terrible, Georgia Robinson said. Just to think, if we had a closed casket, we would have ended up burying someone elses loved one instead of ours.
A Mississippi coast man is accused of killing a judges dog in retaliation for the judge ordering the mans dog euthanized after it mauled a 6-year-old girl, according to the Biloxi Sun Herald.

Hancock County (Miss.) Justice Court Judge Desmond Hoda on Friday issued his order the pit bull be euthanized, after it severely injured the girl.

The following day, the dogs owner, 59-year-old Norman Archer Jr., reportedly broke into the Hancock County Animal Shelter and removed his pit bull before it could be euthanized.

Later that same day, Hodas dog, an 8-year-old German Shepard, went missing and was later found dead of what authorities suspect was poisoning, according to the report. Archer had reportedly been seen in the area of Hodas property on Saturday.

Archer, and presumably his dog, were on the run until Wednesday, when Hancock County deputies located and arrested him. Archer is charged with commercial burglary, larceny and retaliation against a public official.

The Sun Herald reported that Hoda and other judges have tried unsuccessfully over the past year to get Archer to keep his dog confined and to post warning signs on his property.

In issuing the order for the dog to be euthanized, Hoda noted the dogs repeated and unprovoked attacks, including the Oct. 20 mauling of the young girl, whose injuries were severe enough to require she be airlifted to a hospital for treatment.

The Hancock County animal control officer had witnessed Archers pit bull attacking other dogs, and in once instance had to use his Taser on the dog, according to the report.
The mother of a 16-year-old boy shot and killed by Mobile police during a predawn raid was allowed to see the police body camera footage, telling WKRG afterward I (viewed) the body cam today and my son was (murdered) by two officer(s).

Christine Adjessom and other family members of 16-year-old Randall Adjessom were allowed to see the footage despite the Mobile Police Departments longstanding policy of refusing to release body cam footage.

The City of Mobile said the footage could be shown to the family because it had yet to be submitted to a Mobile County Grand Jury, according to the report.

Just after 5:30 a.m. Monday, narcotics and SWAT team officers forced their way into a residence in the 3400 block of Sheringham Drive to execute a search warrant based off a report of marijuana being sold at the residence.

Once inside, officers encountered Randall Adjessom, who police say pointed a laser-sighted handgun at officers. At least one officer opened fire, striking the teenager at least once. The teen was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

In the aftermath, Mobile police announced one officer had been placed on administrative leave, suggesting only one officer fired his weapon. Christine Adjessoms statement to WKRG would seem to contradict that.

Randall Adjessom was not the subject of the search warrant.

Police were looking for another resident of the home where the raid took place, 18-year-old DeAngelo Lee Adjessom, who was not there at the time. He would later return to the home and was taken into custody, charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia and a weapons charge. He posted $6,000 bond and was released later the same day.

Monday afternoon, hours after the teenagers killing, Mayor Sandy Stimpson issued a statement in which he has asked for an independent review of the Mobile Police Departments use of force.

Stimpson also issued a ban on most predawn search warrants such as the one being executed in the Monday incident.

Stimpson also said the City has hired former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama Kenyen Brown to conduct a comprehensive review of the Mobile Police Departments policy, procedures and training related to officers use of force. His work will include a review of prior incidences of police use of force and full access to all evidence, including body camera footage.

Stimpson said he expects the report to be completed, with recommendations, within 90 days. The report will be made public.
When Dora resident Kelsey Hatcher went to her eight-week ultrasound to check on her fourth child, she let the ultrasound tech know about her rare condition, uterine didelphys, or double uterus. Hatcher said, Well, there is only one of them, right? The ultrasound tech responded with a laugh and said everything looked great, but shed check her other uterus.

As soon as she moved the ultrasound wand across my belly to the other side, I immediately saw it and exclaimed, Oh my gosh. Theres another one! The 32-year-old massage therapist and mother of three will have her two babies around Christmas at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).

Because this was her and her husband Calebs fourth (and now fifth) child, she knew the routine and didnt ask him to come along to get an ultrasound. He knew something was up when she called him within 15 minutes of the appointment time.

Youre kidding me, he told her. They started laughing together when she confirmed they were having a child in each uterus.

Her condition is rare. About 3 in 1,000 women have a double uterus and two cervixes, according to her OB/GYN and UAB associate professor Dr. Shweta Patel. Having a child in each uterus at the same time is extremely rare. Patel said it is a 1 in a million chance. Hatcher discovered the condition at age 17 and said that because she was a teenager, she wasnt especially concerned about raising a family at the time.

The Hatcher family includes children who are 23 months, 4 years old, and 6 years old. They were carried to full term and had no complications. They werent planning on having a fourth, let alone a fifth child.

We had gotten rid of all of our baby things, Hatcher said. So not only do we have to rebuy everything that weve gotten rid of, but we have to buy double. Its been a wild time. Hatcher said shes grateful for hand-me-downs and resources like the Facebook marketplace. Theyve done as much preparation as we can, but I think the biggest part of it will be just figuring out what life looks like when theyre here. Theyve started a GoFundMe donation page to help with expenses.

Despite all the changes, Hatcher said she feels blessed and confident. Hatcher has had children in both uteruses in the past and believes the delivery process will go smoothly.

I try not to dwell on it too much because it can get overwhelming and scary at times, she said. But I really do trust my OBs and the team that Ive been given at UAB. They have been wonderful, even with the lack of knowledge that there is out there for them to study. They have been prepared for every doctor visit that Ive been to and have made me feel very comfortable. They delivered my first and third child, and I just have great things to say about the team there. So I know Im in good hands.

I think the biggest thing for us is that although Im her primary OB, it is taking a team of people to help take care of her, Patel said. Shes working with the maternal fetal medicine team who assists with high-risk pregnancies. Its definitely going to be a collaborative and team support to take care of her and her babies. Patel is encouraged everything will go well, because Hatcher hasnt had any serious complications.

Hatcher said the plan is to try and induce labor around Dec. 22 to give her body time to go through the birthing process.

Currently, she and her team are planning to have the babies vaginally. If there are any complications, then she may need to have one or both babies via Caesarean section.

Hatcher said shes experienced typical pregnancy symptoms but noticed she felt a lot more tired in her first trimester and has been a lot more emotional.

Overall, Ive tried to keep a positive attitude and just know that this is a blessing and a miracle in itself and that well be taken care of, Hatcher said. So just stay positive, work hard and keep moving.
A copy of our newsletter is below the podcast player. Subscribe to the free email newsletter here.

A rare 2 for 1

Its a pretty rare thing for a woman to have a double uterus. So youre talking about a lottery-style longshot for her to have a baby in both.

Kelsey Hatcher of Dora has known for years that she had a condition known as uterine didelphys -- two uteruses, two cervixes. Only around 3 out of every thousand women have the condition. AL.coms Williesha Morris reports that, while Hatcher was getting her eight-week ultrasound, the tech checked each uterus and found both of them to be occupied.

Hatchers already had three kids. She said this pregnancy has been typical except that she has been more tired and more emotional.

Her OB at UAB is Dr. Shweta Patel. Patel said this is a one-in-a-million pregnancy and that theyre using a team to take care of Hatcher. They plan on inducing labor on Dec. 22.

More FBI debate

U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, an Ohio Republican, is again raising the option of moving the FBIs primary headquarters to Huntsvilles Redstone Arsenal, reports AL.coms Paul Gattis.

Jordan has raised the possibility before, although the FBI has reportedly said it wants to stay in the Washington D.C. area. And this time its coming a couple weeks after the FBI decided on a Maryland site.

Yet on Tuesday at a House Judiciary Committee meeting, Jordan was calling the Arsenal the ideal location. It already has an FBI campus thats described as the Bureaus second headquarters.

The Wall Street Journal has previously reported that Jordan is concerned about the liberal political influence over the FBI in Washington.

How conservative are we?

We have a ranking put together by Stacker thatll make some of you say, Thank God for Mississippi and the rest of you say, What is Mississippi doing that we aint?

Good and bad is subjective here, is what Im saying.

The ranking is of the most politically conservative states. And AL.coms Leada Gore reports that Alabama is second on the list, behind only Mississippi.

The data for the study was provided by Gallup. 45 percent of Alabama residents consider themselves conservative, and 34 percent of them consider themself moderate. And since 1964, Alabama has voted Republican in 13 of 15 presidential elections.

Rounding out the Top five are Wyoming, West Virginia and South Dakota.

Former sheriffs death

Blake Dorning, who served four terms as Madison County Sheriff ending in 2018, passed away Tuesday after a battle with cancer.

He was 61 years old.

More Alabama news

On the calendar

Its National Bunt Cake Day. So lets get out the pan.

The podcast
A north Alabama middle school student was taken into police custody after a handgun was found in a bag of Halloween candy they brought to the school Wednesday morning, officials said.

A Muscle Shoals Middle School administrator was notified that a gun was discovered in the bag of candy, said Muscle Shoals City Schools Superintendent Chad Holden.

The administrator and a school resource officer then went to the students classroom where they found an unloaded gun in the bag of candy, Holden said.

The administrator and the SRO detained the student and took possession of the gun while Muscle Shoals police officers were called to the school.

Police took the student into custody; charges are pending and the case will be turned over to authorities, Holden said.

The incident has been thoroughly investigated and the possibility of a threat or emergency was swiftly addressed by school administration and the School Resource Officer, the superintendent said. However, a minor in possession of a handgun and a handgun brought to campus both violate school policy and have legal consequences.

Holden commended the police departments support and the swift action taken by the school administration and the SRO.

We also appreciate the student who quickly notified school staff that a weapon was discovered on campus, he said. As we always say, safety is our top priority!
A Huntsville man who is part-owner of a Florida-based pharmacy was sentenced to more than two years in federal prison for his role in a $54 million bribery and kickback scheme that targeted the government health insurance program for current and retired military members and their families, the Justice Department said Tuesday.

James Wesley Moss, 60, of Huntsville, who pleaded guilty to kickback and fraud conspiracy, among other charges, was part-owner of Florida Pharmacy Solutions, or FPS, which specialized in compound prescription drugs.

Two others -- FPS part-owner and senior sales manager David Byron Copeland, 55, of Tallahassee, Florida and FPS lead sales representative Michael Gordon, 60, of Fort Myers, Florida -- engaged in what is known as test billing to develop the most expensive combination of compounded drugs to maximize their reimbursement from TRICARE.

The three men and their accomplices targeted doctors who treated TRICARE beneficiaries and paid bribes and kickbacks to the physicians and salespeople to encourage the referral of prescriptions to FPS, the Justice Department said, citing court documents and evidence at trial.

The bribes included lavish hunting trips and expenses dinners. FPS employees also used blanket letters of authorization that allowed FPS to change prescription components to make them more profitable, the agency said.

Moss paid Copeland and Gordon millions of dollars in kickbacks based on a percentage of the amount TRICARE reimbursed for the prescriptions, which provided an incentive to seek prescriptions for the most compounded drugs possible such as pain and scar creams.

Copeland facilitated the kickbacks through companies he set up to receive and funnel the payments, the Justice Department said.

The company billed TRICARE more than $54 billion from late 2012 through mid-2015, the agency said.

Copeland received a four-year, three-month prison sentence for his role in the scheme while Gordon was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

In April, co-defendant Edward Christopher White was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison after pleading guilty for his role in the scheme.
Students at B.C. Rain High School celebrated with Alabama State Rep. Barbara Drummond (D-Mobile) Monday, after she secured $350,000 in funding from the state for the schools aviation program.

Weve got an extraordinary aerospace program here, that will feed Airbus for our students to go on and become workable adults in our community, Drummond said Monday.

Drummond, who is the ranking member on the House Education Policy Committee and House Ways and Means Education Committee, secured the funding from the states Education Trust Fund. The money will be used to hire a professional instructor to assist students at the school in constructing an airplane, Mobile County Public School System spokesperson Rena Philips said. It will be used for other initiatives as well.

B.C. Rain was the first high school in Alabama where students fully constructed an airplane. The school works with Tango Flight, a Texas-based organization that teaches students how to build an airplane from scratch. Tango Flight also works at Gulf Shores High School and will be bringing their program to Satsuma High School next year.

Rain has had the Rain Academy of Aviation and Aerospace since 2013 and built their first plane in 2020. The program is part of MCPSS Signature Academy program, where each high school in the system has a vocational training program and students can choose which to attend. Other signature academies include the Bryant Academy of Coastal Studies at Alma Bryant High School in Bayou La Batre and the Montgomery Academy of Biomedical Sciences at Mary G. Montgomery High School in Semmes.
Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., said the Senate Rules Committee vote to advance a resolution that may end her Alabama counterparts months-long hold on military promotions sets a dangerous precedent for how the Senate operates.

Britt is a member of the Rules Committee and was among seven Republicans to vote against the resolution to allow the Senate to consider the military promotions en bloc, or in a large group, being held up by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala.

The measure passed along partisan lines in a 9-7 vote. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, voted no by proxy but his vote only counted for to note his stance and not in the official tally.

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.

Tuesdays vote means Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., can put the resolution up for a vote before the full Senate.

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, Britt said in a statement following Tuesdays vote. 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.

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.

Tuberville has held up more than 350 military nominations since mid-February over his opposition to Defense Department policies on abortion, including reimbursing service members who live in areas where abortion is illegal and need to travel to undergo the procedure.
Indonesian minister calls for closer economic cooperation with China's Zhejiang

Xinhua) 09:36, November 15, 2023

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.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun)
By Lee Hyo-jin

The remains of Chung Doo-ok, a Korean independence fighter who campaigned in Hawaii against Japans 1910-45 colonization, were laid to rest in Korea, Wednesday, a little over 50 years after his death on the U.S. island.

The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs held a ceremony for the repatriation and burial of Chung and his wife Lee Bong-ahs remains at Daejeon National Cemetery, after they arrived in Seoul through Incheon International Airport the previous day.

The burial ceremony took place just a day ahead of Patriotic Martyrs Day, which falls on Nov. 17.

Born in 1889, Chung immigrated to Hawaii in 1903 where he actively supported the Korean independence movement against Japanese colonization of Korea through various diplomatic activities in the United States.

In 1914, he served as a delegate for the Korean National Associations Wailua regional meeting, where he rallied for the establishment of the Korean Independence Army.

In May 1940, he was appointed as the chairman of the Hawaii branch of the Korean Independence Party, established in China, to support the Korean Independence Movement by providing financial assistance.

Following the establishment of the Korean National Association the following year, which was a coalition of Korean independence movement-related organizations across the U.S., Chung served as the director of the propaganda department in the Honolulu branch, actively leading diplomatic and propaganda activities in support of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea.

He passed away in September 1972 in Hawaii.

In 1995, the Korean government posthumously awarded Chung the Order of Merit for National Foundations Patriotic Medal in recognition of his contributions to Korea's independence.

"The 1945 liberation was achieved thanks to the sacrifice and dedication from noble figures like Chung, who devoted their entire lives to the independence movement even though they were living in distant regions away from their homeland," said Veterans Minister Park Min-shik in a statement.

He also expressed the significance of repatriating Chung's remains and the ministry's commitment to honoring the sacrifice of such patriots.
Over 2,000 sociologists (and climbing), from some of the worlds most prestigious universities, have proudly signed a letter of support for Gaza after the October 7 attack on Israel. They accuse Israel, not the Palestinians nor their Hamas gunmen, of genocide. Their letter states:

We are witnessing internationally supported genocide. This latest siege comes as a continuation and escalation of the daily violence Palestinians faced for decades from Israeli colonization; an apartheid regime whose occupation is in clear violation of international law, but persists with the support of powerful governments globally.

Perhaps these students of other societies should read up a bit on apartheid in South Africa before making such statements. They may be missing a few points on context.

The letters signatories assert that Israelis are committing wanton murder. Their letter continues:

As of writing, over 9,000 Palestinians have been murdered, including a staggering 3,600 children, and over 22,000 injured.

No mention was made that the Palestinian casualties resulted from a war they started or that many of those innocent deaths were caused by their own government, which was using them as human shields. Nor, did they refer to the Palestinians as casualties of war, but as victims of murder. Is the bias of these people of science contaminating their objective analysis?

In response to world outrage about the attack, these scholars cautioned against a rush to judgement. They write:

As educators, it is our duty to stand by the principles of critical inquiry and learning, to hold the university as a space for conversation that foregrounds historical truths, and that contextualizes this past weeks violence in the context of 75 years of settler colonial occupation and European empire.

Did you get that? The events of October 7 must be contextualized -- considering 75 years of Palestinian suffering since the establishment of Israel. Why did they limit their context to the most recent 75 years, and not the entire 3,800 years of Jewish history in the region? Perhaps that would have undermined their argument. Is it just a coincidence that the Holocaust ended three years before their selected period of context? Does that explain why the Palestinian pledge to succeed where Hitler failed isnt included in their contextual analysis?

When the sociologists talk of context, theyre saying that any assessment as it pertains to right or wrong, depends on circumstances. Things that appear evil to the uncredentialed are often found to be righteous after close sociological examination. For example: If a man shoots an unarmed woman in the head, most would consider that a criminal act. But if the woman happens to be trespassing while protesting an election, her execution becomes a justified application of law enforcement. The context matters, you see.

Okay. Ill play along. I dont have a degree in sociology, so perhaps some tenured university professor could enlighten me.

Under what context would the cooking of a baby alive in an oven not be considered an act of indefensible evil -- so bad that no sane person would even attempt to rationalize it? If the man who committed that act listens to the dying baby scream in agony and celebrates, is there any context under which he would be considered anything other than a soulless monster?

Under what context would the raping of women in the street and then setting them ablaze not be considered an atrocity? Does proudly posting video of such an event on social media somehow absolve the rapists  under the light of objective sociological analysis?

I understand the argument that bad things happen in war and that the Palestinians have decided to be at war with Israel since it declared statehood. Given that, did the actions of Hamas advance the cause of Palestinian statehood (which the Palestinians have repeatedly rejected) or was it just senseless violence? Were their actions in pursuit of an objective consistent with the precepts of righteous warfare, or would those actions more reasonably be considered war crimes? Under what sociological context would Hamas actions be considered the former rather than the latter?

Was Hamas tone deaf or simply bloodthirsty? Did Hamas believe that publishing pictures of a beheaded baby in its crib would rally world support for their river to the sea objective? Or was the infants execution done for the sheer satisfaction of it? If it was the latter rather than the former, under what context is deriving glee from the suffering of others not judged evil by the science of sociology? Or is the notion of evil outside the purview of their studies? If its outside their purview, on what scientific basis do they judge Israels morality?

I have a hypothetical question for our masters of moral superiority. How would they judge Israel if it were to nuke Berlin -- given the context of the Holocaust and all? Would they rationalize it the same way that theyve contextualized the Palestinian attack on Israel? If not, could they please explain why the hypothetical Jewish slaughter of innocents would be somehow different than the actual Palestinian actions? Or is the only context that applies, that Israel was established as a sanctuary for Jews -- who are unworthy of safety anywhere in the world?

Any human being who is unable to see the evil in the senseless infliction of suffering on the innocent is unqualified to make moral judgements about anyone else. Period. In doing so, the 2,000 have discredited their argument, exposed themselves as fools (or worse), and discredited their entire profession.

And yet, these are the scholars teaching our children, at institutions which no longer allow the open debate of ideas. Have you noticed that there hasnt been a massive sociologist signing of a rebuttal letter? Is that because all sociologists agree with the 2,000? Or could it be because academic disagreement is no longer allowed -- that doing so would be career suicide? Regardless of which it is, our academic institutions have become a dangerous place for impressionable minds.

The radicals promised that they would make a long march through our institutions. They even told us that the march would include a liberal dose of moral relativism. However, they never explained what that meant. They have marched our children into an alternate reality in which the definition of evil depends on the context of the approved narrative. It is a place where the victims become the monsters, and the monsters are celebrated as heroes.

John Green is a political refugee from Minnesota, now residing in Idaho. He is a staff writer for the American Free News Network and can be reached at greenjeg@gmail.com.

Image: Wafa (Q2915969)
Opinions abound regarding the conflict in Gaza. Many armchair analysts demand a two-state solution while Iranian-made rockets rain down on Israeli civilians. I am no stranger to Iranian rockets, having served at the U.S. Embassy Baghdad, where Shiite militias launched Iranian rockets on the Green Zone after Friday prayers. One even landed behind my apartment. If it had exploded, I would not be here today.

Few people recognize that the real issue is not Palestinians vs. Israel. It is Muslims vs. Jews. Muslims conquered present-day Israel and Gaza in the 600s, after which the territory has been considered by Muslims to be part of the Islamic House of Peace, where sharia rules the land. When the Crusaders reclaimed the Holy Land for Christendom, their existence humiliated Muslims because it meant that the infidels took back what was considered Muslim land. The Islamic world was determined to take back the Holy Land and remove the humiliation that infidel occupation represented, never mind that Christians had controlled that territory for hundreds of years before Islam ever existed.

History is now repeating itself, except that, instead of Crusaders, its Jewish infidels. As hard as Israel has tried to make peace with its Islamic neighbors (with some success in Egypt and Jordan), Hamas found a way to undo all this progress by calling for jihad against Israel, the supposed infidel colonizers of Muslim land, even though Jews had ruled that land for millennia before Islam existed.

Hamas leader Ghazi Hamad stated, Israel is a country that has no place on our land. ... We must remove it because it constitutes a security, military and political catastrophe to the Arab and Islamic nation. ... The Al-Aqsa Deluge [the October 7 onslaught] is just the first time, and there will be a second, a third, a fourth. ... We are called a nation of martyrs, and we are proud to sacrifice martyrs.

If we are to believe the Hamas Charters call for Israels eradication and its leaders own words, Hamas represents an existential threat to Israel as long as it exists. The only option for survival Israel has is to annihilate Hamas and its supporters.

If the Muslim nations of the world love the Palestinians and wish to rescue them from the depredations of Iran-funded Hamas, then why wont they offer refugee status to their brothers and sisters in Gaza? Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar all refused. If the Palestinian cause is just and the suffering is so bad, then surely those with similar ethnic and religious ties should gladly receive at least some of those suffering under Hamas oppression.

While this logic may seem obvious to Western minds, it barely registers with the Muslim world. Why? Because Muslims dont want to solve the problem; they want to eliminate Israel, even if arm-twisting by the West can establish cold peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan. While Arab nations learned that wars against Israel tend to end badly, they would be glad to keep using Palestinians as a proxy for venting their hostility until Israel finally succumbs. Those in America who chant: From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free are occasionally Palestinians, but they are nearly all Muslims or their leftist allies, and they want the same thing as the Palestinians: Israels destruction.

If the Arab world refuses to accept substantial numbers of Gazan refugees, then, despite the pleas of Representative Fire Alarm Bowman and anti-Semite Rep. Tlaib, under no circumstances should the U.S. accept any Palestinian refugees. While it may be true that not all Gazans are terrorists, the vast majority are rabidly anti-Semitic and do not recognize Israels right to exist.

We must also stop U.S. taxpayer money from going to Gaza, and this includes rescinding the Biden administrations ability to exempt itself from anti-terrorism laws. Any aid to Gaza will be diverted to Hamas.

Decisions have consequences. Gazans elected Hamas to represent them in 2007. They knew what they voted for. Given Hamass state of perpetual warfare ever since, Israels wisest move would be to take enough land from Gaza to enlarge its security buffer. Doing so would

permanently improve Israels security and

recognize that, in Islamic culture, only strength is respected when it comes to infidel nations, which means that there must be negative consequences for Hamass actions.

Increasing Gazas buffer zone would serve the same purpose as holding on to the Golan Heights. A larger buffer zone reduces the territory in which Hamas or its sympathizers can operate while increasing the distance between Hamas and Israeli citizens.

In this scenario, Arab nations, under the banner of Arab brotherhood, could help rebuild the remainder of Gaza. The message to those in Gaza would be that Gazans must be willing to live peacefully with Israel. Otherwise, each time the cycle of violence repeats, Gaza will become smaller and weaker as Israel increases the buffer zone until, willingly or not, Hamas sympathizers will no longer be a credible threat.

How small and weak will the territory of Gaza have to become before they are willing to accept Israel as a peaceful neighbor? Thats a decision for the Gazans to make.

To those who claim Gaza is too small to be viable economically, one need only look at Singapore. Singapore is not much bigger than Gaza, and in the 1960s, Singapore was a third-world fishing village. Today it is a high-tech economic powerhouse. Gaza too, with Arab investment, could develop its economy as well as its tourism industry. Gaza has 25 miles of beautiful Mediterranean beachfront. If Gazans focused on construction instead of destruction, it could become a thriving city-state along the lines of Singapore, Doha, Dubai, and Malta.

The world should let Israel dismantle and destroy Hamas. Humanitarian pauses and ceasefires only aid Hamas and allow future attacks and bloodshed. The Biden administration must stop attempting to direct Israels war and let it defend itself. How could any fair-minded person think Israel should give up power to a group that orchestrated the slaughter of more than a thousand civilians, including women and children? Pauses or ceasefires deny Israel its right to victory after being attacked, destroying its dream of lasting peace.

Hugh Iwanicki is a former Foreign Service officer and expert on Middle Eastern and Asian affairs. He is the author of Shock & Alarm: What It Was Really Like at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. Hugh brings attention to the plight of persecuted Christians throughout the world and can be reached at iwanickih@yahoo.com.

Image: scottgunn via Flickr, CC BY-NC 2.0.
Last week, over at Just the News, the headline blared: Trump leads Biden in 5 battleground states in New York Times poll.

Other than a feelgood rush, so what? The official date for the 24 elections is November 5, though Election Day has become a nugget surrounded by gobs of ballot-stuffing and electronic hijinks. November 5 is now less than a year hence. Whatever the polls report today wont necessarily reflect outcomes then, even if theyre honestly tallied.

Lets venture that next years elections are held (yes, you read that right). The results, either way, will inevitably be disputed -- and not civilly, not if Democrats manage to lose. Between Trump derangement syndrome and an unending hunger for power and money, Democrats simply cant lose to Trump and not go bonkers.

Suspending elections sounds like something out of a beach read. Maybe so. Never happened in the good old U.S. of A., you say. Check. But the world and country are headed for oversized calamities, theyre on our doorsteps now. Saying next years presidential contest is critical has become cliche.

The world is spinning out of control. Look no further than Ukraine, where the possibility of a wider war developing is real, though D.C. lifers are backing off some. Ukrainians have lost the war. The elites shiny new toy is the Middle East.

The Israeli-Hamas war is in full swing. U.S. Navy warships are parked off Lebanon. Turkeys Erdogan, Irans mullahs, and Hezballah have made noises about Hamas fate. Israel has a right -- indeed, a duty -- to strike Hamas in Gaza. Yet, its thinkable that this fight could trigger a regional war, with the U.S. embroiled.

The U.S. and Chinese economies are shaky. If those economies trip, a lot of others trip with them. Recessions loom.

No need to inventory the multiplying troubles here at home. You know them. They stem from dreadful policies and misgovernance compliments of Bidens handlers. Compounding woes, the miserable governance by Democrats of blue states and localities. Mass misery in less than three years.

Oh, and vast right-wing conspiracies bubble and brew, say Democrats. Trump poses an existential threat to democracy.

Joe Bidens good friend, autocrat Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has suspended elections in Ukraine, because no elections make democracy stronger. In Bidens borderless America, why shouldnt Joes handlers copy Volod?

Okay, Vegas odds are north of 50-50 that elections occur next year. But Hillary Clinton has sort of hinted that maybe the presidential contest needs to be scrubbed. Well get to that in a sec.

If theres a presidential election, the betting odds are that the outcome fails to legitimize the winner. Heres why.

Should Trump lose again -- by razor thin margins in battleground states -- the pall of cheating will hang in the air far heavier than 20. Another election where Trump leads the Democrat by hundreds of thousands of votes in, say, Pennsylvania, only to see that margin vanish overnight will be met with immense skepticism. RFK Jr. and Jill Stein are bound to bleed off a slew of votes from Joe, Gavin, or whoever the elite pick. Reliable runup polls likely show that. If Trump is leading significantly, his losing narrowly in overnight counts in battleground states will smell of rat.

Should Biden or the next-in-line lose, the allegations wont be cheating, of course, since key battleground states are either bluish or purple bastions. Hillary has teed up the charge, which clues us in to the Democrats 24 battle plan, if needed. She tipped her sides hand last Wednesday on The View.

Trump means to establish a dictatorship on a Hitlerian scale, declared Hillary. Trump, says she, will have his enemies perp walked into the D.C. jail, where theyll swap places with J6 martyrs. Hillary must wonder about her fate.

In fact, as president, Trump promises to clean out D.C. like theyre Augean stables. For D.C. lifers, Trump might as well pledge to drop a neutron bomb on the city.

Hillary continued: Future elections will be verboten under Trumps iron-fisted rule. Vox populi goes out the window once Der Fuhrer and his jackboots take control.

Topping things off, Hillary claims that corporate media will be ashcanned. Does Hillary want to convince us that dictatorship has a saving grace?

Hillarys signaling to blue America is an inadvertent alarm for red America. Shes providing the raison d'etre for -- well, lets say -- An outpouring of anti-fascist fervor.

Provided the lawfare being waged by Jack Smith, Fanni Willis, Letitia James, and Alvin Bragg goes down the toilet, how does the establishment make sure Trump never steps foot in the Oval Office again -- unless hes paraded there in leg irons in some ancient Roman display of triumph?

Surely, elites are now hatching other devilish ways to stop Trump. Their desperate 14th Amendment ploy to keep Trump off state ballots aint flying. It begs a SCOTUS slapdown.

In light of Hillarys comments, what does 24 look like?

2020 happens again, thats what, though worse. Antifa and BLM will stoke riots and bloodshed in cities, maybe accusing Jews of dastardly acts against Palestinians. Maybe its time to spread mayhem to the burbs? Maybe Democrats commit trademark infringement again, staging Kristallnacht II, sans inauguration day crowds. Then Biden is trotted out. He delivers a national address declaring martial law to quell insurrection.

If The Donald is Hitler with a nicer coiffure, and if his election brings dictatorship, then wont it be incumbent on Democrats to pull out the stops? If democracy hangs in the balance, isnt Zelenskyys way the only practical alternative? If Democrats are as cocksure as Hillary, how can they -- keepers of the public trust -- permit Trump winning?

Or maybe Democrats lose their nerve and Trump wins.

But post-election, Trumps imminent swearing in causes delusional Democrats to entirely unglue. D.C. is on fire with speculation about Gitmo and beheadings under Der Fuhrer.

Just the thought of Trumps DoJ letting subpoenas and indictments fly proves too much. Desperation sweeps through bluedom like a nasty case of COVID. The keepers of democracys flame decide that Trump must be denied the White House before January 20.

Democrats pull General Mark Milley -- the establishments Ted Baxter -- out of mothballs. Milley confirms that the PRCs general staff agrees that a Trump presidency is too risky. Hed nuke Beijing. Xis generals greenlight stopping Trump. Democrats intensify their Trump-as-Hitler rhetoric, which corporate media amplifies. Trumps filthy paws must never touch White House china again!

But theres a catch. Americans arent buying the Heil Hitler! nonsense. Democrat claims -- again echoed by corporate media -- that Trump colluded with Putin to win isnt washing. Protest marches and more riots fail to persuade a revulsed public. Trump is sworn in.

Yet, the establishment, more desperate than ever, hatch new schemes to get Trump. Americas roiling waters roil on, more dangerous than ever.

James Woods and a fellow called 2024 had this exchange at X the other day:

Opined 2024:

Next November will be chaotic. The losing side will cry foul and there will be blood in the streets. We are headed into troubling times like weve never seen before. And it is all due to a lack of confidence in our election process. God help us.

Replied Woods:

Once confidence in elections is dead, once the border no longer exists, once a dithering stooge sits in the White House you no longer have a country. You are right on the money, sir. I only pray you are armed and well-stocked.

Exaggerated fear? Fiction? Lets hope so. For those of us who cling to our bibles, lets drop to our knees and pray.

J. Robert Smith can be found regularly at Gab @JRobertSmith. He also blogs occasionally at Flyover. His X (formerly Twitter) handle is @JRobertSmith1.

Image: PickPik
After shucking his wife for a newer model, Washington Post and Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos threw a big engagement party for himself in Beverly Hills, invited hordes of Hollywood stars such as Barbra Streisand, and now tells the press he's now moving to Florida to ... spend more time with his family.

According to USA Today:

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's engagement party in Beverly Hills was a swanky affair attended by a who's who of Hollywood. Vogue reported that the party was held at designer Diane von Furstenberg and businessman Barry Diller's home in Beverly Hills. The magazine took exclusive photos of the soiree, showing celebs like Oprah Winfrey, Salma Hayek and Kris Jenner rubbing elbows with the couple. Theyre very in love with each other  theyre demonstrably in love, Diller told Vogue. Shes lit him up in the nicest ways. Shes a great stimulant.

Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez's engagement party was a star-studded affair in Beverly Hills https://t.co/BdtCgEVsb0  USA TODAY (@USATODAY) November 15, 2023

Just livin' a 'normal life,' he said. Fox News had some tart commentary on that here.

Jeff Bezos' fiancee insists 'our lives are pretty normal' in glowing piece about $200K dresses, trips to space https://t.co/3cebs1agAw  Fox News (@FoxNews) November 14, 2023

But buried deeper in the story, there was this:

Earlier this month, Bezos announced that he and Sanchez would be moving to Florida. He said he wanted to live in Miami to be closer to his parents and the Cape Canaveral operations of Blue Origin, his space exploration company. "I've lived in Seattle longer than I have lived anywhere else," Bezos wrote in an Instagram post. "As exciting as the move is, it's an emotional decision for me. Seattle, you will always have a place in my heart." The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Network, recently reported Bezos paid $79 million for a seven-bedroom, 14-bathroom mansion set on 1.8 acres in Indian Creek Village, a private neighborhood known as the "Billionaire Bunker."

Which, to say the least, is a little hard to believe. Bezos is filthy rich and can move his parents any place he'd like. That he's moving to Florida, around the same time lots of other billionaires and ordinary people are also moving to Florida, might just be more about escaping punitive taxation and punishing regulation, such as are found in the blue states they are fleeing.

Sure, it really could be his parents that is driving him to move there. His boob-jutting new new cookie should work out just fine on that front.

But more likely, he's moving there for the same reason other people are moving there -- to obtain the tax and regulatory benefits of living in a low-tax red state, such as is run by Florida's Gov. Ron DeSantis. He's probably saving millions in taxes. There's also the perk of living in "billionaire's bunker" which has a status of its own.

What's obnoxious here is that Bezos champions and advocates blue state policies. But here he moves to a red state himself, and claims it's just about family, and being near the family rockets and all. What he doesn't do is give DeSantis credit for running a better state than blue Washington and wherever else he has an escape hatch.

Oh, spare us. Coming from Bezos, that's rich.

Image: Twitter screen shot
Yesterday, almost 300,000 people were in Washington, D.C., to support Israel in its fight against the unrelieved evil that is Hamas. It was such an overwhelming turnout that the Washington Post had no option but to try to bury the story in its print edition lest it give people ideas. But teachers union boss Randi Weingarten did notice the rally, and she came out with one of the most strikingly ignorant pronouncements imaginable from a Jewish woman who claims to be deeply religious.

The rally was big. Although some potential attendees did not make it to D.C. because antisemitic bus drivers staged a sick-out to prevent them from traveling there, almost 300,000 people did show up to exercise their First Amendment rights. Unlike the pro-Hamas marches that were filled with covert and overt calls for a new Jewish genocide, the pro-Israel rally was distinguished by civility:

This is what a peaceful protest looks like:

Thousands gathered in Washington, D.C. today to rally in support of Israel and to bring home the people held hostage by Hamas.@ChayaRaichik10 | @libsoftiktok | @TPUSA pic.twitter.com/MWXCdX7Ajk  FRONTLINES (@FrontlinesTPUSA) November 15, 2023

Over 290,000 people attend #MarchForIsrael Rally in Washington.



BBC & NY Times probably: A pro-Israel march in Washington D.C. attracted only 45 marchers, relying on Gaza Health Ministry estimates. pic.twitter.com/Uf35sVHvu9  Arsen Ostrovsky (@Ostrov_A) November 15, 2023

Notably, people were also grateful for law enforcement:

My mothers friend asked a police officer in Washington how he found the crowd today.



His response:



I got a careers worth of thank yous in one shift today!



    Yaakov Langer (@jacklanger) November 15, 2023

Indeed, the rally was so successful that the Washington Post had no choice but to bury it:

290,000 people marched in support of Israel yesterday and the Washington Post buried it in their metro section. pic.twitter.com/MV88dLvuK8  John Ashbrook (@JohnAshbrook) November 15, 2023

Naturally, because this was a Jewish-themed rally, some attendees prayed:

Outside the White House this moment pic.twitter.com/6tT0rI67dM  Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) November 14, 2023

If you know anything at all about Judaismand, theoretically, someone Jewish wouldthere are a lot of giveaways that the men in the video above are Orthodox Jews. Its not just the kippahs or yarmulkes (i.e., skullcaps) theyre wearing. Even less religious Jewish men, along with feminists and lesbians, wear those.

Instead, the first hint that were looking at more conservative Jews is that almost all are wearing white tallits (i.e., the prayer shawl) with blue or black stripes. Wearing this cloth is a Biblical instruction direct from God, who tells Jews to wear a garment with fringes on the corner to help them remember all of Gods commandments. Orthodox and conservative Jews wear white tallits with blue or black stripes and are eventually buried in them. Leftist Jews wear New Age tallits, including gay pride versions. I doubt they wear them to the grave.

But the real giveaway that were looking at an Orthodox Jewish crowd is how many of the men are using tefillin (aka phylacteries). These are two black leather boxes that are carefully strapped to the body, one on the head and one on the arm. The boxes contain passages from the Torah (i.e., the Jewish Bible) so that the men praying carry Gods word with them. Reform Jews never wear tefillin unless theyre ardent feminists making a point not about faith but about feminism.

One of the things to know about conservative Judaism, especially Orthodoxy, is that men and women pray separately. The above scene of men at prayer does not mean that there are no women around. It just means that the women are not praying with the men.

Image: Randi Weingarten by AFGE. CC BY 2.0.

All of this gets us to Randi Weingarten, a childless lesbian who has a huge impact on your children. Since 2008, she has headed the American Federation of Teachers, one of Americas most powerful teachers unions and an economic mainstay of the Democrat party. Shes also, in her own words, deeply religious. To that end, shes married to a female rabbi and is a member of Congregation Beth Simchat Torah, a New York synagogue that focuses on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Jews, where her wife is the spiritual leader.

Before you think these credentials mean that Weingarten is actually religious, let me explain how LGBTQ+ synagogues work. These institutions drape themselves in the garments of religion. They have a Bimah, or elevated platform from which the Torah is read and behind which the Torah scrolls are kept.

Every week, attendees wearing kippahs get to hear the Torah read and the rabbi give a sermon. The participants say the prayers and, quite proudly, observe the High Holy Days. Barring the Gay Pride garments and the men in womens clothes (a grave sin, according to the Bible), they look like Jewish worshippers and, outside of the synagogue, they love throwing around Yiddish words.

However, this is a Potemkin faith village, for behind it there is a complete rejection of Biblical precepts. God, a He, is suddenly a She; the idea that God created men and women (a pure gender binary) is rejected; and the prohibitions against homosexuality are ignored. Those are just the most obvious abandonments of core Biblical precepts. Its enough to say that an LGBTQ+ synagogue is all form and no substance.

Incidentally, what is essentially a mockery of Judaism isnt confined to LGBTQ+ Jews. This is true for all leftist Jews. They are not the People of the Book unless the Book is Marxs Das Kapital.

Now that you understand Weingartens specific form of deeply religious Judaism, you can appreciate the ignorance and stupidity behind her much-derided tweet:

Where are the women? https://t.co/PgmjOaDcsI  Randi Weingarten  (@rweingarten) November 14, 2023

People need to point and laugh at Weingarten. She gives true Jews a bad name, and her Marxist-created ignorance guides her political ideology. Laughing, though, doesnt mean ignoring the danger she presents to Americas continued existence as a constitutional nation that embraces liberty, not tyranny. Shes a very powerful woman who has been using her toxic beliefs to control public education for many years and is a strong and profitable ally of the Democrat party.
On the 22nd and 23rd of Tishrei, 5784 according to the Jewish calendar, corresponding this year to October 7 and October 8, 2023 CE on the secular calendar, Jews around the world were celebrating the holiday of Simchat Torah , marking the annual completion of the reading of the Torah (The first part of the "Bible" in English) while starting again from the beginning.

In Israel itself, thousands of mostly young Israeli Jews, along with some Christians and Muslims and others from around the world, were joyously attending a music festival in the southern part of the tiny country when Total Evil in the form of citizens from neighboring Apartheid Gaza, which is 99% Muslim, (no Jews allowed) descended, brutally slaughtering over 1,100 unarmed attendees and residents of nearby Israeli small villages. Several hundred they didn't murder were violently taken captive, including babies and young children.

But...but...there was a "ceasefire"! Oh, that! Only Israelis, only Jews are supposed to obey mutually signed agreements! In 99% Muslim Gaza, the ruling Hamas set up military bases in hospitals. In schools. In residential apartment buildings. In office buildings, coexisting with reporters from the AP, the New York Times, the Washington Post, Reuters, who dutifully report the news, i.e., propaganda their Hamas rulers tell them. Or else.

Initially shocked, the Israelis fought back. While suffering painful losses they are succeeding in neutralizing Hamas. As a result, there are now Muslim refugees in 99% Muslim Gaza. And oh so suddenly there are shrieks calling for an Israeli "temporary ceasefire" so these displaced Gazan citizens, who never complained when their husbands, sons, and brothers joined Hamas in their posts in hospitals and schools and other "neutral" institutions, can safely escape to safe Gazan enclaves. Incidentally, neighboring Muslim-dominated Egypt doesn't want their Muslim neighbors, either.

And oh, not so by the way, this "ceasefire" is only applicable to Israel; apparently Gazans can continue their barbarous assault on unarmed Israelis with impunity.

Jews in general, Israelis in particular are accustomed to these hypocritical calls for "ceasefire" when they defy history by fighting back, refusing to die. And so, as Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin (Benjamin in English) Netanyahu explained to the world in an interview with Sean Hannity of FOX News, why Israel is opposing these suicidal "ceasefire" calls.

If we dont win now, then Europe is next, and youre next. We have to win...

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...

Netanyahu continued with a warning to the U.S.--and even to those complacent others in the U.N., who voted, as usual to condemn Israel for refusing to give up and die.

What the anti-Semites dont realize is, the attacks start with the Jews  on the Jews, but they never end there. 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 O.K. No, it wasnt, because it afflicted all of humanity, all of civilization. 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.

Understand that? For humanity's sake--understand that! Never again is now.

And always remember, no matter, through eternity, Am Yisrael Chai--the Jewish People Live!
U.S. domestic politics and elections have become dangerously globalized.

The internet and its social media platforms are the primary means of communication and political conversation. The internet and social media are global; however, U.S. users account for only 6% of global participants (Statista 1, 2).

The world is motivated to interfere in our elections and domestic politics. English is the international language of choice, but Google Translate lets in even people who do not speak English. Anybody in the world can participate in U.S. political life by liking, reposting, and linking to posts and articles he prefers. This helps his ranking and circulation. Anyone from any location can deploy bots.

When foreign actors are involved, distinguishing between private and government entities is impossible, and there is no practical difference. Other countries have significant incentives to intervene because of the United States unique position on the international stage.

Furthermore, U.S. domestic politics is now an open book to the rest of the world. Everything from mandated public disclosure of federal donations over $200 to details of legal procedures, including witness names and exhibits, is available to everybody.

In May 2018, under Democrat demand, Facebook began maintaining and publishing a registry of political advertising that appeared on Facebook in the United States. This enables even inexperienced foreign actors to engage in propaganda that precisely imitates Americans. It allows criminal and terrorist organizations worldwide to search for individuals who have mentioned them. They can then study those individuals. Facebook refers to this registry as a library, although a library used to be a place where people come voluntarily to read books.

On most social media networks, Americans are not simply the minority, but also a persecuted minority. According to the Twitter Archives, the DHS targeted almost only American speech, even though most posts were from abroad. The DHS and allied entities did nothing to stop the WHOs deadly COVID-19 propaganda.

On the internet and social media, foreign operatives have a significant advantage against Americans on American soil. They have the same access, including the ability to host websites in the United States and log in using American I.P. addresses, but they are not practically subject to American laws.

The internet is not the only place where it happens. The 2003 Campaign Finance Reform Act severely curtailed political contributions by Americans but had little practical effect on foreign entities outside of the investigative and judicial reach of the U.S.

The internet and social media allow foreign governments to conduct operations on the ground in the U.S. The sudden eruption of the internal offensive on October 8, immediately following Hamass surprise attack on Israel, is reminiscent of the instant mobilization following the assassination of General Soleimani. The rapid adoption of novel public messaging (from the river to the sea and so on) shows the presence of a foreign puppet master, probably in Tehran.

Furthermore, the Big Tech social media sites are not on our side. Foreign governments and political parties are not shy about publicly pressuring U.S. platforms to de-rank, deplatform, and even alter messages between their users. Big Techs ethics are so low that they violate the United States for the most insignificant perks from foreign governments, such as a visa for an employee to attend a conference.

The internet began with no boundaries. For some time, it was a Western institution. Other countries internet users tended to be Westernized. That gradually changed. Individuals and groups from around the world utilized the internet to meddle in the domestic politics of the United States under the Bush administration. Because this benefited the Democrat party, the media ignored the matter.

Then there was the Russia farce. Suddenly, everyone pretended that a St. Petersburgbased troll factory IRA, allegedly spending a few thousand dollars on ads during the 2016 elections and employing a few dozen trolls, was a huge threat, but thousands of government and non-government organizations, capable of deploying millions of times larger budgets and manpower, are not even a consideration. (The 2016 IRA activities seem unrelated to the elections, but Hillary Clinton was a net beneficiary.)

The internet structure, in which the U.S. loses sovereignty, but Big Tech gets money and power, is a design of the Obama administration, from Obamanet to ensuring a monopoly for social media platforms friendly to its agenda. This was the reason why Big Tech has rejected President Trump. Internet-enabled globalization is a process that we cannot stop, but to which we must adapt. The current government is surrendering the U.S.s sovereignty.

Image via Pexels.
San Francisco made sure to clean all the feces, needles, graffiti, and drug addicts from the sidewalks for all those fancy leaders before they rolled into town for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, a reality which Gavin Newsome went on television to confirmin fact, ATs own Monica Showalter wrote a great essay on the subjectand overnight, the city became literally unrecognizable.

But, it wasnt only the relatively clean streets in a Democrat-run city that caused us to do a double-take see below:

Is this San Francisco, USA or Beijing, China? pic.twitter.com/zwnlxjmn0t  ProudArmyBrat (@leslibless) November 15, 2023

This is not Beijing and its not Tiananmen Squareits an American city (or was), and there isnt an American flag in sight. Chinatown isnt just a cultural hub in San Francisco anymore, but apparently San Francisco itself! And I dont know if that music played aloud in the street, or if it was added to the video afterwards, but that is the Chinese national anthem, which includes a reference to building another Great Wall. Ironically, this isnt quite compatible with the open borders of the Democrats, but particularly California Democrats.

Back in August, I penned a blog on a particular press release from Newsoms office, which detailed how the governor had wed his state to a foreign communist province and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Vice Governor Chen Huaiyu of Hainan. It proved that anti-American actors have friends in the highest of places as Newsom had entered into an agreement with Chen regarding carbon neutrality plansominous much? As a friendly reminder, not that you need one, this is the nation that harvests organs from conscious humans, executes political and religious dissidents, and welds problematic people into high-rise buildings where they starve to death. I think the picture is pretty clear of how they intend to neutralize carbon.

You know what else is noticeably absent? All those Pride flags. Thats weird What about all that endless proud ally talk from city and state officials? I thought California, and especially San Francisco, boldly publicized their willingness to fight LGBTQ hate and discrimination even when it wasnt the popular thing to do But some anti-LGBTQ communist rolls into town and they unfurl the red carpet and rip down the incriminating paraphernalia? And, not that I have a problem with the removal of Pride flags at all (instead I applaud it), but it sounds about right for the virtue-signaling left.

The evolution from California to Commiefornia is complete.

Image from X.
A former senior police official was found dead Wednesday amid an investigation into suspicions of corruption involving him.

Police found the former senior superintendent general, the third-highest rank in the police, on a hill in Hanam, just southeast of Seoul, at around 10 a.m. while searching the area after his family filed a missing person's report the previous day.

Neither signs of foul play, such as wounds, nor a suicide note were found at the scene.

The former official had been under investigation in connection with a 62-year-old broker, surnamed Seong, accused of asking police officials to clear cases or making personnel affairs-related requests in return for money from clients.

Last week, prosecutors arrested a former police superintendent on charges of taking money from Seong and making investigation-related requests. Prosecutors also raided the Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency in the southern city of Gwangju and another police station in the region as part of the investigation. (Yonhap)
A sample of NVIDIAs unreleased RTX 4090 Ti GPU has supposedly surfaced, with images popping up online that showcase some design qualities that are generally unique to NVIDIAs Titan cards. In the leaked image you can see that the card carries that slightly gold color aesthetic. As of right now its not clear if NVIDIA actually plans to release a Ti version of the RTX 4090 graphics card. Though its been said as early as August that NVIDIA cancelled plans to release an RTX 4090 Ti GPU.

If this is the case and NVIDIA doesnt plan to release such a card, then the one in this image is most certainly a sample that wasnt intended to be used. And it may not even work without drivers.

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The sample images come from a user on Reddit named gamer2live (via VideoCardz) who says they received the sample from an NVIDIA employee directly. That being said details are next to nil on if the card operates. Gamer2live says when receiving the sample it came with a paper label that said RTX 4090 Ti on it. Worth noting though is that the card has the RTX 4090 etching on it. Sans Ti.

Sample or no, an RTX 4090 Ti GPU feels unnecessary

Lets pretend for a second that NVIDIA didnt reportedly cancel its plans for an RTX 4090 Ti GPU. Imagine a launch is in the works and NVIDIA is on track to sell one. This is likely a graphics card that is entirely unnecessary for gamers. The RTX 4090 that is available already delivers more than enough performance to power todays most demanding games at max settings. Even the laptop variant of an RTX 4090 is capable of running games like Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty with full ray tracing. Not to mention the newly added path tracing features. At 4K resolution with a steady 50-60 frames per second on a large display nonetheless.

With a Ti model, gamers would simply be looking at a money sink. All for the purpose of having a card that can deliver slightly better benchmark numbers. That arent needed in the first place. All of that said, its interesting to see that NVIDIA may have gotten as far as having a complete sample worked up.
Samsung has already announced the Exynos 2400 chipset for the Galaxy S24 series but it has yet to divulge its full spec sheet and features. Not everything is under wraps though, as leaks have revealed a lot. While the company may not share more details until the Galaxy S24 launch in January, a recent report has given us a new piece of information about the chip. It features the more efficient FOWLP (fan-out wafer-level packaging) technology.

Exynos 2400 features Samsungs FOWLP chip packaging technology

FOWLP is an advanced chip packaging technology that eliminates the need for a printed circuit board (PCB). In Samsungs current chip setup, featuring the FC-BGA (Flip Chip-Ball Grid Array) packaging technology, chips are stacked by attaching them to a PCB. However, with FOWLP, chips can be mounted directly on silicon wafers without requiring a PCB. This makes the chipset thinner, effectively reducing the power consumption.

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Compared to FC-BGA packaging, FOWLP is estimated to reduce the chips thickness by 30 percent and the overall size by 40 percent. It also brings a 15 percent boost in performance, while consuming less power. This makes the chip more efficient and helps extend the battery life of the device. TSMC is already using this chip packaging technology and Samsung is now following suit.

The Exynos 2400 wont be the first Samsung chip to feature the FOWLP technology, though. The Korean firms GDDR6W memory chips launched late last year also use the same packaging technology. It subsequently established a new Advanced Packaging (AVP) team in the semiconductor division to focus on the back-end process technology for its chips. FOWLP for the Exynos 2400 may be a result of these efforts.

Samsung may be looking to close the gap to TSMC with this move. Chips manufactured by the Taiwanese firm have always performed better than competing solutions from Samsung. They are superior at everything, from power efficiency and thermals to overall performance. It remains to be seen whether the new chip packaging technology helps the Korean behemoth gain some ground.

The new Exynos chip will compete against the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

The Exynos 2400 wont be the sole processor powering the Galaxy S24 series. Samsung is using Qualcomms Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (overclocked version) in the Ultra model globally. The other two models will feature the new Exynos chip in some markets, including Europe, India, and South Korea. Since TSMC is manufacturing the Qualcomm chip, Samsung has a point to prove with its Exynos 2400. Who comes out on top, time will tell.
Samsung has released new updates for a bunch of Galaxy smartphones. The Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Fold 3, Galaxy S20 FE, and Galaxy Note 10 Lite are all picking up new updates. While none are getting Android 14, the company is pushing the latest security patch to them. The November SMR (Security Maintenance Release) patches more than 60 vulnerabilities.

Samsungs November update reaches Galaxy Z Fold 5 and more devices

A few days back, Samsung released the November security update for its recent foldables in the US. The Galaxy Z Fold 5, Flip 5, Fold 4, and Flip 4 all picked up the new security fixes. The firm later expanded the update for the Flip 5 to international markets. The Fold 5 and Fold 4 are now following suit. The former is getting the update globally with firmware version F946BXXS1AWJ2, while the latter is picking it up in Europe with build version F936BXXS4DWJ2.

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Additionally, Samsung has released the latest security update for the Galaxy Z Fold 3. The 2021 foldable is getting the latest security fixes in Hong Kong and Taiwan with the firmware build number F9260ZSS4GWK2. The company will bring the update to other markets, including the US, in the coming weeks. Like its newer siblings, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 isnt receiving anything more than the November SMR here.

The Galaxy S20 FE and Galaxy Note 10 Lite are the other two Samsung smartphones that recently started picking up this months security update. The 4G/LTE model of the former is receiving the new SMR in Latin America with the build number G780FXXSDFWJ8 (via SamMobile). That for the latter is N770FXXS9HWJ1, with the update available widely in Europe, the UK, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The changelog is more or less the same as the foldables.

These two Galaxy phones wont get Android 14

As of this writing, Samsungs November update isnt available for the Galaxy S20 FE 5G. However, it shouldnt be long before the Korean behemoth covers all eligible units globally. The phone (including the LTE model) isnt eligible for Android 14 though, nor is the Galaxy Note 10 Lite. The five foldable smartphones mentioned above will all get the new Android version along with Samsungs One UI 6.0 custom skin.

The Korean firm is expected to push the big update to these phones and more before the end of the year. Newer models tend to get updates before the older ones, but this isnt a hard-and-fast rule. As usual, you can check for new updates from the Settings app. We at Android Headlines will also keep you posted with Samsungs Android 14 rollouts, so stay tuned.
The Google vs Epic Games trial has picked up a little bit today with testimony from Google CEO Sundar Pichai. Notably, Pichai took the stand and answered questions from Epic lawyers throughout an hour-long testimony that reportedly centered on Pichais involvement in Google allegedly destroying evidence that could be used against it in court.

Pichai says that he never tried to hide documents from lawsuits. But he did sometimes mark certain documents as privileged if they were deemed confidential. I supported all recommendations from our legal and compliance team, Pichai said when being asked by Epic lawyers about trying to prevent certain documentation from ending up as legal evidence that could be used against the company.

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Googles trial with Epic Games began the first week of November and rides on allegations that Googles Play Store is an illegal monopoly. Epic claims Google has worked to prevent any sort of competition for the Play Store in regard to in-app purchases. At the beginning of the trial Epic claimed that Google destroyed evidence that could help show this activity. Its also more recently been revealed that Google tried to offer Epic over $147 million over a three-year period to bring Fortnite to the Play Store. A deal which Epic rejected.

This entire court case stems from Epics discontent over the Play Stores 30% licensing fees. A complaint which its also had with Apples App Store on iOS. To which it was also in court over.

Epic vs Google: testimony from CEO reveals employees had discretion over chat history

Its not entirely clear how much control employees had. But according to Reuters, Pichai says that Google recently changed a policy with the internal chat. He notes that Google gave employees the go-ahead to decide if their internal chat history would be relevant to litigation.

Suggesting that there was less executive management. Pichai says the Google largely gave employees this discretion since 2008. Pichai does not appear to mention how recently this policy was changed though. Nor what the policy was changed to or if employees have the same kind of control in this matter.

Epics claim of Google destroying evidence nearly parities a complaint that Google has faced in its trial with the US Department of Justice. Where DOJ lawyers reference a similar document that show Sundar Pichai asking for chat history to be turned off.
Google One VPN is among the best VPN services you can have on your device to protect web traffic from prying eyes. However, users discovered that the Google One VPN has become incompatible with Android Auto. The issue causes frustration for many users who rely on both services.

In September, a user on the Google support website reported that Google One no longer allows the selection of Android Auto for the VPN App bypass. The issue prevents Android Auto from connecting wirelessly unless the VPN is disabled.

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Google One VPN incompatibility with Android Auto is fixed

Thankfully, Google acted swiftly to address the issue and released a fix for the compatibility problem, according to 9to5Google. In October, a Google support representative announced the issue was resolved, allowing users to use the Google One VPN with Android Auto once again without any issues. Users must also update the Google One to the latest version. Additionally, they need to manually add Android Auto to the VPN bypass list.

While the tech firm didnt explain what caused the issue, reports from users reveal it was related to the Android Auto update. Some users noted rolling back to the previous Android Auto version could fix the issue.

Google released the fix on October 26. You need to update the apps if your Google One VPN and Android Auto are still incompatible. However, some Pixel 8 Pro owners said on the same topic that the issue still persists despite updating the apps. Google must clarify if the problem isnt yet fully resolved on some Pixel-branded devices.

Android Auto lets users connect their Android device to the vehicles infotainment system to access navigation, music, and messaging. The feature works in both wired and wireless forms, and its found in almost every new car that launches on the market. Google is constantly improving apps and driving experience on Android Auto. The firm has recently redesigned the Map app for Android Auto with a sleek look and enhanced functionality.
Its no secret that ad revenues for media organizations have decreased in recent years, as people move to digital platforms. Big online platforms, like Google and Meta, now have ad revenue-sharing models with U.S. news organizations. However, a new study from the Brattle Group finds that this ad revenue-sharing model doesnt pay news organizations fairly, as reported by Deseret News. Its hard to gauge just how much revenue Google and Meta earn from content from news organizations.

The Brattle Group created a formula that would split the revenue 50-50 between publishers and online platform hosts. If tech giants like Google and Meta employed it, U.S. news outlets would be owed $14 billion each year, the formula estimates.

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News organizations and big online platforms have a mutualistic relationship. Publishers need search engines and social media platforms to disseminate their content. Similarly, online platforms need publishers content to stir conversation and come up in search results. Often, when search engines respond to use queries, they excerpt content from news articles. These excerpts and conversation starters drive up ad revenue for Google and Meta, among others. If U.S. news organizations were fairly compensated for their content, the Brattle Groups formula estimates Google would pay out $10-12 billion and Meta would pay out $1.9 billion annually.

The report argues that current ad revenue-sharing arrangements do not reflect the true value of news content. 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, the Brattle Group wrote. Additionally, the 50-50 revenue split hypothesized by the Brattle Group would only apply to revenue related to news content. As such, revenue earned by Google and Meta unrelated to news content would not be shared.

Could a new revenue split come from Google or Meta?

A revamped revenue split may be unlikely. Thats because news organizations need platforms like Google and Facebook, and might not be able to risk their relationships. However, news organizations are becoming increasingly frustrated with their content being used without fair compensation. For example, the New York Times updated its Terms of Service this summer to bar artificial intelligence scrapers from using its content to train AI models. The move came after Google revealed it would use web content to train its AI chatbot, called Google Bard.

So, while news publishers might not take action against online platforms for unfair compensation, they might try and restrict content scraping. However, once something is online, theres not much you can do to prevent misuse. If news publishers successfully contain AI scraping and secure their content, fair compensation from online platforms might be an unintended result.
Google News has dropped a bombshell for magazine enjoyers, announcing the discontinuation of all support for magazine content starting December 18, 2023. Subscribers of magazine content through Google News now face the challenge of finding alternative means to enjoy their favorite content. However, Google is offering a lifeline, allowing users a window of opportunity, just shy of a month, to export and save their purchased magazine content.

Ashwarya, a member of the Google News Team, shared this update:

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Support for magazine content in Google News is being discontinued beginning on December 18, 2023, which means if you previously purchased or subscribed to magazines, access from Google News apps or news.google.com to your library of magazines will be removed.

To continue to access previously purchased magazine content, we are providing the opportunity to export and save each purchased issue. In some cases, purchased magazines contain interactive elements that cannot be downloaded and saved for future access, and we are offering a refund for this content.

Google News has announced the discontinuation of all support for magazine content starting December 18, 2023

For context, Google News plays a pivotal role in the media landscape, supporting over 2300 news outlets. Monthly, it generates more than 24 billion clicks to publishers websites via Google Search and Google News. The abrupt demise of magazine support raises questions about evolving user media consumption habits.

To ease the situation, Google is allowing users to either download their purchased content or opt for a full refund, particularly for magazines with interactive features. Notably, this move follows Googles discontinuation of its print-replica magazine service in January 2020. The removal of all print-replica magazines was also accompanied by refunds for users with outstanding subscriptions.

The history of magazine content on Google News, dating back to 2012, now ends abruptly. However, this does not signal the demise of magazines; rather, it marks the conclusion of their distribution through Google News. Users can continue to support their favorite magazines through alternative channels, such as direct access via the magazines websites.

Does this decision predict the extinction of magazines? Not necessarily. Instead, the decision indicates a clear shift in user consumption patterns on the platform, signaling Googles reluctance to sustain a declining medium.
Details about Samsungs upcoming Galaxy Book 4 lineup have already started leaking. And now, we might have a glimpse at the specifications these flagship laptops are going to ship with. Samsung has been trying to make a name for itself in the laptop market for some time now with its Galaxy Books. It competes directly with Microsofts Surface laptops and Apples MacBooks.

If the Windows Report info is accurate, there are five new Galaxy Book laptops on the way, and they each pack some very impressive specifications.

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Samsung Galaxy Book 4

The Galaxy Book 4 is most likely going to be the cheapest product in the lineup. It comes with an Intel Core i5 120U that can go up to 5 GHz of processing power and has 12 MBs of Smart Cache. Graphical processing runs on integrated Intel Graphics, and the laptop has 8 GBs of LPDDR4x RAM. Storage is 512 GBs of NVMe Solid State, and the display is a 1080p 15.6 LED. The Galaxy Book 4 has a 720p camera and Dolby Atmos speakers as well. Samsungs Galaxy Book 4 is going to weigh 1.57 kg (3.46 lbs.).

Samsung Galaxy Book 4 360

The next laptop on the list is the Samsung Galaxy Book 4 360. It is somewhat identical to the Galaxy Book 4 in specs, with a few key differences. Its processor is the same as the Book 4, but the RAM is now 8 GBs of LPDDR5. The NVMe SSD storage is only 256 GBs compared to the formers 512, but the camera is now capable of 1080p and the 15.6 FHD display is an AMOLED touchscreen. Weighing in at 1.46 kg (3.22 lbs.) the Galaxy Book 4 360 is slightly lighter than the Galaxy Book 4.

Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Pro

This is where we see the first leap in specs. The Galaxy Book 4 Pro has an Intel Core i7 155U processor capable of 4.8 GHz of processing power and coming with 24 MBs of Smart Cache. For graphics it uses the much more powerful Intel Arc Graphics. It has a 14 WQXGA touchscreen display with a crisp 2880 x 1800 resolution. 512 GBs of NVMe SSD storage and 16 GBs of LPDDR5X RAM make it a very lucrative laptop worth considering. The speaker system is AKGs Quad Speakers with Smart Amp Dolby Atmos. It also has a much better 2M camera and, weighing at only 1.26 kg (2.78 lbs.), it is the lightest of the Galaxy Book 4 lineup.

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Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Pro 360

The Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Pro 360 has the same processor as the Book 4 Pro, and its display is has the same specs except its 16 instead. The storage has been upped to a Terabyte of NVMe, while the RAM is the exact same 16 GBs of LPDDR5X. This laptop also uses Intel Arc Graphics, making it a very capable machine for both gaming or editing. It is heavier than the Book 4 Pro at 1.66 kg (3.66 lbs.).

Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Ultra

As the name implies, this is the highest-end laptop in the lineup and Samsung pulled out all the stops for this one. It comes with a powerful Intel Core i9 185H processor capable of 5.1 GHz and 24 MBs of L3 cache. But that isnt all; there is also 32 GBs of LPDDR5X RAM and a Terabyte of NVMe SSD storage. The display is the exact same as the Book 4 Pro 360, but this time it is powered by an Nvidia RTX 4070 GPU. The camera and the speakers are the same as the Book 4 Pro and the Book 4 Pro 360. Understandably, the Book 4 Ultra weighs the most at 1.86 kg (4.10 lbs.).

The upcoming Samsung Galaxy Book 4 lineup is shaping up to be a premium choice of laptops. If Samsung continues along this trajectory of promising mobility with capability, it could very easily become a top choice of laptop in the coming years.
Alongside the Galaxy A25 5G, Samsung is working on a few more budget and mid-range smartphones for 2024. The Galaxy A15 is part of this lineup. The company plans to release two models of this budget handset, one with 5G connectivity. It recently popped up on a benchmarking platform, revealing some specs. The 4G/LTE model of the Galaxy A15 has now received the FCC certification, hinting at a nearing launch.

The FCC certifies Samsungs Galaxy A15 LTE

The US regulatory agency has certified the Galaxy A15 LTE with the model number SM-A155M, with SM-A155N confirmed to be a variant of the phone. Based on Samsungs convention, the latter should be the South Korean version. The device may also come in other variants such as SM-A155F. There wont be any major differences between them, except for some region-specific software features or changes.

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The listing doesnt give us any notable information about the upcoming budget phone from Samsung. Well, it confirms dual-SIM support, which was already expected. The FCC documents dont contain anything else. Thankfully, earlier leaks and benchmark runs have revealed some details. The Galaxy A15 LTE is powered by MediaTeks Helio G99 chipset. The 6nm octa-core SoC has two Cortex-A76 performance CPU cores clocked at 2.2GHz.

The chipset features the Mali-G57 MC2 GPU and MediaTeks HyperEngine 2.0 Lite gaming technologies. Samsung will pair the SoC with at least 4GB of RAM, potentially going up to 6GB. Storage options may include 64GB and 128GB, with support for up to 1TB microSD cards. The device has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and will run Android 14 out of the box, with Samsungs One UI 6.0 on top. The rest of the specs are still under wraps.

For a quick recap, the Galaxy A14 LTE features a 6.6-inch LCD screen with a 1080 x 2408 pixels resolution, a 50MP primary rear camera along with a 50MP ultrawide lens and a 2MP macro camera, a 13MP selfie shooter, a 5,000mAh battery with 15W wired charging, and USB Type-C 2.0. The 2024 model may keep most things unchanged, with the cameras potentially getting an upgrade.

The 5G model should arrive in the US

As of this writing, theres no evidence about the US versions of the Galaxy A15 LTE and Galaxy A15 5G (the global version recently appeared on Geekbench with the model number SM-A156B). However, if history is any indication, the latter should arrive in the US, bearing the model number SM-A146U. It should go official in the first quarter of 2024. Stay tuned for more information.
Reorganization of administrative divisions should be discussed in final stages

By Jung Da-hyun

As discussions continue regarding the incorporation of Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, into Seoul, experts caution that the talks on reorganizing administrative divisions are coming too hastily.

The megacity plan was disclosed by ruling People Power Party (PPP) Chairman Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon during a press conference addressing transportation system measures for new developments surrounding Seoul in Gyeonggi Province and Incheon.

In addition, a Nov. 6 meeting between Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and Gimpo Mayor Kim Byung-soo added fuel to the proposal.

However, experts unanimously stressed the need for clear justification for the reorganization of administrative divisions.

There isnt any clear reason why Gimpo should be included in Seoul, said Jang Jae-min, representative director of the Korea Institute for Urban Policy.

There are potential benefits for both Gimpo and Seoul following incorporation, but the underlying purpose of the plan remains ambiguous, he said. Questions remain as to whether it is being proposed to expedite city infrastructure development, boost housing prices or enhance the convenience of the transportation system.

To move forward with the plan, Jang insisted that the rationale behind selecting Gimpo from among the 28 cities and three counties in Gyeonggi Province should be more transparent.

Choi Eun-young, the executive director of the Korea Center for City and Environment Research, underscored the importance of proper justification in advancing megacity policies. She highlighted the considerable time and risks associated with reorganizing administrative districts, which necessitates clear reasons to persuade stakeholders.

Consider the megacity proposal of Busan, Ulsan and South Gyeongsang Province as an example. They demonstrated a clear intention for the balanced development of regions, she said.

Citing the example of Gunwi being incorporated into Daegu after a three-year process, Choi also highlighted that the reorganization of administrative districts needs time.

Gunwi was part of North Gyeongsang Province, but was incorporated into Daegu in July this year. The discussion of incorporation began in 2020, as part of the process of attracting Daegu International Airport, which is set to open in 2030.

The PPP argues that the plan aims to benefit Gimpo residents as it will increase convenience. According to Rep. Kim, Seoul serves as the main sphere of influence for Gimpo residents, with approximately 60,000 commuting to the capital each day.

This number of commuters accounts for 12.7 percent of the total population of Gimpo, which is about 474,000.

Kim Jin-yoo, a professor in the Department of Urban Planning and Transportation Engineering at Kyonggi University, pointed out that cities like Hanam, Gwangmyeong and Guri, which also border Seoul, boast higher numbers of commuters. According to the professor, the proposed justifications are insufficient to convincingly support the incorporation of Gimpo into Seoul.

"If the objective is commuter convenience, the focus should be on addressing transportation system solutions first, rather than jumping into the reorganization of administrative districts," he said.

Other experts also agreed that discussions should focus on transportation system solutions rather than administrative district reorganization.

Jang emphasized the necessity of developing transportation capable of accommodating large numbers of people, such as extending Seoul Metro Line 5 or creating the Great Train eXpress (GTX) D to connect Gimpo to Seoul.

Choi argued that the current discussion primarily views the issue as an administrative division matter, while the urgency of transportation issues should be addressed at the working level.

Before initiating the megacity plan, gathering diverse opinions also poses a significant challenge, given the varying interests of residents.

Kim suggests that only a small fraction of individuals residing near a new section of Gimpo, in close proximity to Seoul, may support the megacity concept. This raises the prospects of potential disagreements surrounding the proposed plan.

Residents in distant areas of Gimpo may not find the proposed evaluation plan significantly beneficial. This is because even if Line 5 is extended, it won't reach their location. Furthermore, if Gimpo is incorporated into Seoul, it could still be considered a potential site for undesirable facilities such as landfills.

Adding to these concerns, some individuals strategically relocated to Gimpo to capitalize on local advantages, such as special admission benefits at universities for farming and fishing villages. However, they might be at risk of losing these perks.

Above all, the experts expressed common concerns that incorporating Gimpo into Seoul could exacerbate the gap between regional areas and the capital. They believe that this megacity plan runs counter to the goal of addressing centralization issues in the metropolitan area, especially Seoul.

Seoul's administrative boundaries have remained unchanged since 1963. This fixity triggered a spillover effect, contributing to the development of Gyeonggi Province to its current state, marked by escalating housing prices and a growing population, encompassing areas like Seongnam and Gwacheon.

However, the experts worry that expanding Seoul's administrative boundaries may lead to other districts in Gyeonggi Province being incorporated, potentially worsening regional disparities between the capital and other regions.

They also analyzed that it is time to explore methods of redistributing the metropolitan transportation network and industrial functions, currently concentrated in Seoul, more evenly across various regions.

Meanwhile, discussions about expanding the capital have also expanded to other satellite cities neighboring Seoul. Guri Mayor Back Kyung-hyun discussed the megacity plan with the Seoul mayor, Monday. The two mayors agreed to launch a task force to conduct a comprehensive study on the inclusion of Guri into the capital, similar to the discussions with Gimpo.
Bitcoin, the trailblazing cryptocurrency, has come a long way since its enigmatic creation by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008. Initially viewed as a novel experiment, it has now become a global phenomenon, known to almost everyone. But what lies beneath the surface of this decentralized digital currency is a world of intrigue, controversy, and uncommon connections. In this article, we will delve deep into the secret life of Bitcoin, uncovering its ties to the dark web, geopolitics, cybercrime, unconventional uses, environmental concerns, and more. Selecting a secure trading platform, such as Immediate Alpha, is another key aspect of asset protection.

Bitcoins Underground Network

Exploring the Dark Web and Its Relationship with Bitcoin

Bitcoins early days saw it gain notoriety as the currency of choice on the dark web. Platforms like Silk Road, run by Ross Ulbricht, allowed users to buy and sell illegal goods using Bitcoin. The anonymity and decentralized nature of Bitcoin made it attractive to those operating in the shadows.

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The dark web continues to be intertwined with Bitcoin, serving as a marketplace for illicit goods and services. Bitcoins pseudonymity provides a layer of protection for those engaged in illegal activities, making it challenging for law enforcement to trace transactions.

Cryptocurrency Laundering and Its Role in Obfuscating Connections

Criminals have employed various techniques to launder Bitcoin and conceal its origins. Tumbling services and mixing techniques blend legitimate and illegitimate funds, making it difficult to trace the source of the coins. High-profile cases, such as the Mt. Gox hack and subsequent laundering of stolen Bitcoin, highlight the challenges of tracking illicit transactions.

Bitcoins Connection to Geopolitics

The Influence of Nation-States on Bitcoins Adoption

Bitcoins relationship with nation-states is complex. Some countries have embraced it, while others have imposed strict regulations. China, for example, cracked down on cryptocurrency mining and trading, impacting the global Bitcoin market. On the flip side, El Salvador became the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, signaling a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape.

Bitcoin as a Tool for International Sanctions Evasion

Bitcoin has emerged as a means for countries facing economic sanctions to bypass restrictions. Iran and Venezuela have turned to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to access international markets and evade sanctions. This raises questions about the effectiveness of traditional sanctions and the challenges of regulating a global, decentralized currency.

The Influence of Bitcoin on Cybercrime

Ransomware Attacks and Bitcoin Payments

Ransomware attacks have surged in recent years, with cybercriminals demanding Bitcoin as the preferred form of payment. High-profile incidents like the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack brought attention to the role of Bitcoin in facilitating cybercrime. The debate over regulating Bitcoin to curb such activities is ongoing.

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Hacking and Exploiting the Bitcoin Network

Bitcoin itself is not immune to cyber threats. Vulnerabilities in wallet software, exchanges, and individual user accounts have led to hacks and thefts. The cryptocurrency community continually works to improve security measures, but the evolving nature of cyber threats remains a challenge.

Unconventional Uses of Bitcoin

Bitcoin in the Art World

Bitcoins influence extends beyond finance, infiltrating the art world through Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). NFTs, built on blockchain technology, have revolutionized the way artists create and sell digital art. Creators now use Bitcoin and blockchain to establish provenance and ensure the authenticity of their work.

Bitcoins Role in Remittances and Financial Inclusion

In regions with limited access to traditional banking services, Bitcoin offers a lifeline for cross-border remittances and financial inclusion. Case studies in countries like Nigeria and Venezuela demonstrate how Bitcoin is used to send and receive money, providing access to the global economy.

The Environmental Controversy

Bitcoins Energy Consumption and Environmental Concerns

Bitcoin mining consumes a significant amount of energy, leading to concerns about its environmental impact. Critics argue that the energy-intensive Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus mechanism contributes to carbon emissions. The sustainability of such energy consumption is a pressing issue.

The Debate Over Long-Term Sustainability

The debate over Bitcoins environmental sustainability continues. Advocates believe that Bitcoin can drive innovation in renewable energy, while others call for a shift to more eco-friendly consensus mechanisms. Balancing the benefits of a decentralized currency with environmental responsibility remains a challenge.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving realm of cryptocurrency, Bitcoin stands as a multifaceted and enigmatic powerhouse. Its remarkable journey, from its origins in the dark web to its influence in geopolitics, cybercrime, and even the world of art, has left an indelible mark. Yet, Bitcoins environmental impact and the ongoing debate about its sustainability underscore its complex nature. As Bitcoin continues to adapt and redefine the financial and technological landscape, gaining a profound understanding of these intricate facets becomes imperative for those navigating the world of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.
(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 15 - President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday thanked Premier Giorgia Meloni for Italy's strong leadership in support for Ukraine against the Russian invasion.

"I spoke with Giorgia Meloni to express gratitude for her and Italy's strong support for Ukraine," Zelensky wrote on X.

"Italy is showing strong leadership and I anticipate that its G7 Presidency in 2024 will produce even more important results.

"We coordinated our joint efforts and began working on bilateral security guarantees following the Vilnius G7 declaration.

"We discussed our current defence cooperation and the need to speed up the adoption of the EU's 12th sanctions package against Russia". (ANSA).


(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 15 - An Italian psychologist was arrested in the Tuscan spa town of Montecatini Terme near Pistoia Wednesday on charges of sexually abusing minors in his care, judicial sources said.

The abuse was allegedly committed from 2013 to 2023 against 10 patients, seven of whom were minors (including four girls under the age of 16 at the time of the events).

The investigation, conducted by the police, originated from a complaint made in January 2023 by a victim, who was 14 years old at the time. (ANSA).


(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 15 - Italy's public debt is set to rise and Premier Giorgia Meloni and her government's 2024 budget are to blame, 5-Star Movement (M5S) leader Giuseppe Conte said after a meeting with Carlo Bonomi, the president of Italian industry association Confindustria.

"We agree with Confindustria that there is not a euro for investment in this budget," said ex-premier Conte.

"I think this has never happened before.

"Meloni will be the premier responsible for an increase in public debt.

"If the GDP does not grow, the public debt increases (in proportion to it) and she will not be able to respect the debt curve they have forecast.

"This is because that curve is built on a forecast GDP increase of 1.2% next year that no agency, institute or accredited body can go along with". (ANSA).


The land ministry said Wednesday it has selected five new sites to supply another 80,000 new homes, as part of its efforts to offset the lack of homes in the private sector.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said it has chosen Yongin, Guri, and Osan of Gyeonggi Province, as well as Cheongju of North Chungcheong Province, and Jeju Island to build the new homes.

"The government will continue to monitor the home supply markets. If necessary, the government may announce additional new sites for public homes next year," the ministry said in a statement.

It is the third time for the incumbent government to select new areas for public homes following the plan released in November last year to supply 46,000 public homes in Gimpo near Seoul, and the plan announced in June to supply 39,000 homes in Pyeongtaek, just south of Seoul, and Jinju of South Gyeongsang Province.

The government will focus on improving transportation infrastructure in the selected areas for better connections with the central part of existing cities, industrial complexes and neighboring residential towns, the statement said.

In September, the government announced a plan to supply 120,000 public homes in addition to the existing plan to deliver 2.7 million new homes by 2027.

Of the 120,000 homes, the government plans to provide 30,000 in large residential towns near the capital city of Seoul and 85,000 in newly developed areas.

In August last year, the government announced the 2.7 million public home supply plan for the 2023-27 period by easing regulations for redevelopment and reconstruction, and allowing the private sector to join downtown development projects. (Yonhap)
Sacked home secretary Suella Braverman has demanded that Rishi Sunak introduces emergency legislation blocking off the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) after the Rwanda policy was scuppered by the Supreme Court.

Less than 24 hours after her scathing attack on the Prime Ministers leadership, the former minister intervened again to tell the Government to bring forward new measures or admit defeat.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, she said the judgment was no surprise to people close to the process, adding: Given the current state of the law, there is no reason to criticise the judges. Instead, the government must introduce emergency legislation.

Measures to prevent both the ECHR and the Human Rights Act working as barriers to the scheme would need to be central to any Bill, Mrs Braverman said, echoing the demands made by other MPs on the Tory right.

Mr Sunak on Wednesday announced emergency legislation to enable Parliament to deem Rwanda a safe destination for asylum seekers, but it does not appear to go as far as the demands being made by the ousted ex-minister.

The Prime Minister is facing wider unrest in the Conservative ranks after the scheme to send asylum seekers to the east African nation was ruled to be unlawful by five of the UKs most senior judges.

The New Conservatives grouping of MPs said the judgment felt existential for the party, while deputy chairman Lee Anderson said ministers should ignore the law and start removing asylum seekers immediately.

Backbenchers on the right of the party are now calling for a drastic overhaul of the UKs rights and treaties framework, potentially going beyond their previous suggestion of overriding the European Convention of Human Rights.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was accused of being uncertain and weak (House of Commons/PA)

Other moves to disapply treaties such as the Refugee Convention should now be considered if necessary given the scope of the judgment, the New Conservatives have argued.

Mr Sunaks strategy is to seek an upgraded agreement with Rwanda that will address the concerns of the Supreme Court and to introduce emergency laws to empower Parliament to confirm that Kigali is safe.

But the measures have failed to fully appease the group, with co-chairs Danny Kruger and Miriam Cates saying the solution would need more than a declaration.

Glad PM is bringing forward emergency legislation, they said in a message posted on X.

But it will need more than a declaration that Rwanda is safe. We cant wait for ECHR to intervene: we must move now to ensure that this time, finally, there is simply no opportunity for rights-based claims against deportation.

The Bill must disapply the Human Rights Act and give effect to the policy *notwithstanding* the ECHR and Refugee Convention.

Ms Cates earlier did not say whether she maintained full confidence in the PM when asked by journalists after a meeting of the group in Parliament.

Mr Anderson described the Supreme Court judgment as a dark day for the British people and said ministers should just put the planes in the air now and send them to Rwanda.

Its time for the Government to show real leadership and send them back, same day. I think we should ignore the law and send them straight back the same day, he said.

Home Secretary James Cleverly resisted calls to withdraw from the ECHR and the international Refugee Convention (Leon Neal/PA)

The Prime Minister refused to condemn Mr Andersons suggestion that ministers defy the courts decision but insisted the rule of law is fundamental to the UKs democracy, saying he would respect and accept the judgment.

In a 56-page ruling, five of the UKs senior judges agreed that there had not been a proper assessment of whether Rwanda was safe for asylum seekers and that the countrys history cannot be effectively ignored or sidelined.

None of the 140 million the UK has already spent can be clawed back and a new upgraded agreement with Kigali announced by Mr Sunak is expected to add even more to the costs, with Labour accusing the Government of wasting taxpayer cash.

Jonathan Gullis, part of the New Conservatives grouping, had earlier said there was a range of options the Government could consider, including physically pushing small boats back into French waters in the Channel.

Following the Prime Ministers press conference later on Wednesday in which he announced emergency legislation but said the devil will be in the detail.

This seems to be a step in the right direction, but we will need to make sure we go as far as we need to go too, he told Times Radio.

Meanwhile, Brendan Clarke-Smith, another Conservative MP from the 2019 intake, posted a picture on social media of a 2016 Daily Mail headline suggesting judges were enemies of the people over a ruling on Brexit.

Weve been here before, he wrote.

He later insisted he had not been attacking justices of the Supreme Court but making a point about the democratic choices of British people, adding: Like we did then with Brexit, we solved the problem in Parliament and its my intention to make this happen again.

Former Cabinet minister Sir Simon Clarke said the Governments response to the legal setback would be a confidence issue in Mr Sunaks judgment as a Prime Minister.

He suggested emergency legislation would have to be put forward at a minimum to assert Parliaments sovereignty.

It comes after Mrs Braverman accused the Prime Minister of being uncertain and weak in an incendiary letter where she claimed she had agreed to be his home secretary on certain conditions, including a number commitments on migration.

Former deputy prime minister Damian Green offered support for Mr Sunak following his press conference.

Describing the proposals as perfectly measured, he said he was glad the Prime Minister was not heeding calls to ditch the ECHR.

I am a rule of law man. I think Government should obey the law. If we sign international treaties, we should stick to them, he told BBC Radio 4s PM programme.

In the Commons, Home Secretary James Cleverly resisted calls to withdraw from the European Court of Human Rights and the international Refugee Convention, telling Tory MPs: I dont believe those things are necessary.

He added that national governments cant just vote themselves out of international commitments and as a former foreign secretary he knew they were incredibly powerful tools as we try and do good around the wider world.

But the Prime Minister said that if it becomes clear that our domestic legal frameworks or international conventions are still frustrating the plans at that point, I am prepared to change our laws and revisit those international relationships.
In a unanimous Supreme Court ruling, five of the UKs most senior judges have ruled that the Governments plan to deport some asylum seekers to Rwanda is unlawful.

With a 56-page judgment on Wednesday, the UKs highest court rejected the Home Offices argument that problems past and present with Rwandas asylum system are not a reliable guide to how asylum seekers sent from the UK under the plans would be treated.

In their ruling, which the other justices agreed with, Lords Reed and Lloyd-Jones said Rwandas history cannot be effectively ignored or sidelined as suggested.

They said there was no dispute that the Rwandan government entered into its deal with the UK in good faith, with strong incentives to follow the terms of the arrangement.

Lords Reed and Lloyd-Jones continued: Nevertheless, intentions and aspirations do not necessarily correspond to reality: the question is whether they are achievable in practice.

The central issue in the present case is therefore not the good faith of the government of Rwanda at the political level, but its practical ability to fulfil its assurances, at least in the short term, in the light of the present deficiencies of the Rwandan asylum system.

The justices concluded there were grounds for believing that sending asylum seekers to Rwanda would expose them to a real risk of ill-treatment through being returned to their country of origin.

Lord Reed of Allermuir, president of the Supreme Court, delivered a summary of the ruling on Wednesday (PA)

The Supreme Court justices later said there was evidence of a culture within Rwanda of, at best, inadequate understanding of Rwandas obligations under the Refugee Convention.

At the start of the decision, the judges said they were not dealing with the political aspects of the controversial policy.

Lords Reed and Lloyd-Jones said: The court is not concerned with the political debate surrounding the policy, and nothing in this judgment should be regarded as supporting or opposing any political view of the issues.

In his summary of the decision, Supreme Court president Lord Reed said there were several international arrangements over the treatment of refugees, particularly protecting their right not to be returned to their country of origin.

These include the Refugee Convention, the UN Convention Against Torture, the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as the European Convention on Human Rights.

He continued: It is therefore not only the European Convention on Human Rights which is relevant to this case, as is sometimes thought.

There are other international treaties which also prohibit the return of asylum seekers to their countries of origin without a proper examination of their claims.

Lords Reed and Lloyd-Jones later said in their ruling that the High Court had wrongly dismissed the evidence of the UN Refugee Agency, the UNHCR, about problems with the Rwandan asylum system.

They said: UNHCRs evidence will naturally be of greatest weight when it relates to matters within its particular remit or where it has special expertise in the subject matter.

Its evidence in the present case concerns matters falling within its remit and about which it has undoubted expertise.

While the Supreme Court ruled the policy as it stands is unlawful, the court did not rule out plans being lawful in the future.

Former home secretary Suella Braverman has been outspoken with her support for the plans in the past (PA)

Lords Reed and Lloyd-Jones said: As matters stand, the evidence establishes substantial grounds for believing that there is a real risk that asylum claims will not be determined properly, and that asylum seekers will in consequence be at risk of being returned directly or indirectly to their country of origin.

In that event, genuine refugees will face a real risk of ill-treatment in circumstances where they should not have been returned at all.

The right of appeal to the High Court is completely untested and there are grounds for concern as to its likely effectiveness.

The detection of failures in the asylum system by means of monitoring, however effective it may be, will not prevent those failures from occurring in the first place.

Lords Reed and Lloyd-Jones added: The structural changes and capacity-building needed to eliminate that risk may be delivered in the future, but they were not shown to be in place at the time when the lawfulness of the policy had to be considered in these proceedings.
A tower block evacuated in Bristol due to structural problems was not constructed according to plans when it was built in 1958, the citys mayor has said.

Around 400 people who live in Barton House, in the Barton Hill area of the city, were told to pack a bag of clothes and leave on Tuesday evening.

Bristol City Council said surveys conducted on three of the 98 flats found a risk to the structure of the block in the event of a fire, explosion or large impact.

The authority told all tenants to leave immediately as a precautionary measure while more in-depth inspections, described as invasive, are carried out.

Documents from 2018 state that Barton House had undergone structural surveys during and shortly after 1970 but there were no records of any since.

The information was published in response to a freedom of information request (FOI), which confirmed that Barton House was one of five blocks in the city built with large panel system construction.

It added: We have no records of any structural surveys carried out of these blocks, although the 1970 records suggest that structural surveys were carried out at that time.

Marvin Rees, mayor of Bristol, said recent surveys on Barton House were undertaken as work to assess potential future options for the block given its age and method of construction.

A survey of three out of 98 of the flats has indicated that the building may not have been built to the specification set out in its design, he said.

A number of issues have emerged that suggest the buildings construction is sufficiently different to its blueprints that there is a material risk to the structure of the block in the event of a fire, explosion or large impact.

This includes the apparent lack of structural ties between the floors and the load-bearing external walls.

There is lower fire resistance of these structural elements and less concrete cover than set out in the original plans for the floors.

Even if there was concrete cover as thick as set out in the original plans, this would still be less than would be used in a building built today.

We are working at pace to complete further surveys now, to go deep into the structure and understand when it would be safe for residents to move back into Barton House.

Barton House is home to more than 400 people (Ben Birchall/PA)

Mr Rees, who is currently at a conference in Kigali, said there was no evidence of an immediate risk to life at the property.

He confirmed that 57 hotel rooms were provided to families, with four people staying at the councils rest centre at City Hall.

Nine households refused to leave Barton House, while people in 29 flats did not answer their doors and may not have been home at the time. Other residents stayed with friends and family.

Speaking to BBC Radio Bristol, Kye Dudd, cabinet member for housing services and energy, said the decision to evacuate the tower block followed information from a structural engineer and the fire service.

Mr Dudd said Avon Fire & Rescue Service had changed their operational note to crews that would attend a blaze there.

A spokeswoman for Avon Fire & Rescue Service said it supported the councils decision to ask people to leave the tower block, describing it as appropriate and proportional.

She added: I can confirm Avon Fire & Rescue Service will enter the building and respond if there is a fire or other emergency in the building.

Local residents and community groups described shock and panic following the evacuation on Tuesday evening.

Khalil Abdi, of Bristol Horn Youth Concern, said concern was being expressed by people living in other tower blocks in the city.

It is shock and panic, people finished work, picked up their children then they got the news from the media, Mr Abdi said.

The whole area is shocked, not only this building. I saw people having panic attacks and falling on the floor. It was very difficult for the residents and the community.

The work the council need to do today is to provide information  how long are people going to be away from their homes? How long are they going to be in temporary accommodation? They need assurances.

A survey reportedly found issues with the construction of the building (Ben Birchall/PA)

Nur Sharif, 42, who lives in Barton House with his wife and two children, said they had been placed in a single hotel room, which was uncomfortable and unclean.

He described how young babies had been among those evacuated last night with their mothers  some who had recently given birth by Caesarean section  were struggling.

When asked if he and his family would return to their home permanently if allowed, the taxi driver replied: No. I spoke to residents and no one feels safe. Imagine someone tells you that you have to move out. How can we come back?

One local resident, who gave her name as Lorraine, said she had been 10 years old when the building was erected in 1958.

I remember when it went up, the 75-year-old said.

It was supposed to be temporary. My sister was a baby when it started going up, she is 65 next week.

Ray Gregory, who lives in Barton House, returned on Wednesday afternoon to collect belongings and described the evacuation as total chaos.

There was no forewarning, nothing. It is very stressful, Mr Gregory said.

We need to know whats happening. I havent had any information sent to me, all I know is whats on the news. It was total chaos yesterday, absolutely chaos  there were kids in pyjamas in the car park.

Around 400 residents were evacuated after Bristol City Council found there is a risk to the structure of the block in the event of a fire, explosion or large impact (Ben Birchall/PA)

Im really disappointed. I want to know whats happening. Have I got a home? Is it still going to be here? If it isnt, where do I go?

Shaban Ali, a resident of Barton House and part of Acorn Bristol, said there was a lack of trust in the council.

They need to work really, really hard to build it up, Mr Ali said.

The good thing about living here is that we are a tight-knit community, we are all gearing up to help everyone.

Well-wishers donated items including food and drink, as well as nappies, clothing and toiletries to Cafe Conscious  a community hub close to Barton House.

Carla Denyer, co-leader of the Green Party and a councillor for Clifton Down, praised the generosity of local people as well as those working to help people affected by the evacuation.

She said it was the right decision to evacuate the building and acknowledged it was hugely disruptive and stressful for those living there.

Some residents learned they would have to leave through local news and social media, despite councillors being briefed on the situation hours before.

I appreciate its an urgent situation and its very difficult to do things in the right order but I do think that was a bit of a mistake of sequencing, Ms Denyer said.

The council didnt communicate with residents that early in the afternoon, it was kind of late afternoon, early evening before they knew what was going on and indeed the evacuation carried on until about 1am.
A number of Irish citizens and their dependents have been cleared to exit the Gaza Strip into Egypt.

Irish premier Leo Varadkar said arrangements are in place for staff from the countrys embassy in Cairo to provide consular assistance to them, including travel back to Ireland.

Speaking in the Dail, Mr Varadkar said: We expect additional Irish citizens and dependents in Gaza to be on the list in the coming days and were working tirelessly to ensure that all of those who wish to do so will be allowed to leave as soon as possible.

Around 35 to 40 Irish passport were in the enclave during the escalation in hostilities.

The Taoiseach was responding to a call from Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald for Ireland to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald (PA)

During Leaders Questions, Ms McDonald said a civilian refugee population in Gaza is being slaughtered en masse by one of the most ferocious military forces on Earth.

She said: A child killed every 10 minutes in full sight of the world. Gaza  a graveyard for innocent children. Israels bombardment has destroyed Gazas health infrastructure.

Hospitals are running out of fuel and electricity needed to power vital equipment  maternity, cancer care, all care decimated as the wounded and dying in hospitals trying to keep going to the sound of gunfire, tank fire, and air raids.

She added: The Irish Government must refer Israel to the International Criminal Court. Israel must be held accountable. There must be immediate ceasefires, this is the only thing that will transform this horrific situation.

Mr Varadkar said he agreed with the call for a ceasefire but said it would be important for all sides to honour one.

He said the proposal to refer Israel to the ICC is flawed as an investigation, which will include events since Hamass attack on October 7, has been in progress since 2021 and dates back to 2014.

Mr Varadkar said: Referring Israel to the International Criminal Court at this stage where the investigation is already underway would be akin to reporting an alleged crime to the gardai (Irish police) several years into an investigation.

It simply would have no practical effect or practical value. Also your proposal is flawed because your proposal is to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court and not the situation on the ground and that allows Hamas and Islamic Jihad off the hook.

Perhaps thats your intention, perhaps an omission  but it is not the correct approach.

Mr Varadkars comments were met with audible objection in the parliamentary chamber.

The Taoiseach said Ireland will instead give an extra three million euro to the ICC.

He added: For far too long, European countries and the European Union have been willing to aid the Palestinians and trade with the Israelis without pressing either side to do what they need to do.

When this phase of the conflicts over we need a more active approach of the European Union pushing for a two-state solution, saying to the Palestinians that were not going to continue to give you aid if you dont respect democracy and human rights and crackdown on terrorism, and saying to the Israelis that were not willing to continue to trade with you in the way that we do if youre not willing to be serious about a two-state solution and allowing the Palestinians the right to the state that they need and they deserve.

Ms McDonald said Mr Varadkar was disingenuous on the matter of the ICC.

She said: Israel doesnt care about international law. Why? Because Israel is never, ever, ever held to account.

She said there has correctly been multiple complaints to the ICC following Russias invasion of Ukraine.

She said: Why is Israel different? Why is it that the international community cannot state the truth that the world has seen within its own eyes as Palestinians are massacred? Why is it that Israel cannot be held to account?

Mr Varadkar replied: This is not the same as Ukraine and an investigation is already underway in relation to potential war crimes.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said he is very focused on Emily Hand, eight, who is feared to be a Hamas hostage in Gaza (PA)

Meanwhile, deputy premier Micheal Martin is in Egypt ahead of planned trips to Israel and the Occupied Territories.

Im very pleased that a number of our Irish citizens are on the list today, Wednesday, to come through the crossing at Rafah, he told RTE.

He said the Government will work on getting remaining Irish citizens through the crossing but said it is a fluid situation.

I cant give you precise numbers but it is good news that quite a number of Irish citizens are on that list, he said.

Mr Martins visit also has a focus on trying to secure the release of Israeli-Irish girl Emily Hand, eight, who is feared to be a Hamas hostage in Gaza.

He is due to hold talks with his Egyptian counterpart on the issue during his visit to Cairo.

Im very focused on that particular issue. As an Irish eight-year-old citizen I think its imperative that shes released, and indeed all the hostages, and particularly the children who have been abducted, Mr Martin said.

Emilys Dublin-born father Tom and her half-sister Natali have been in Ireland this week along with relatives of other hostages to raise awareness of the situation and ask for Irish support to secure their release.

They had a meeting with Mr Martin in Dublin and also met Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and President of Ireland Michael D Higgins.
A British former civil servant who has been described in Parliament as a pro-Russian propagandist is embroiled in a High Court fight with Foreign Office ministers after being sanctioned.

Graham Phillips was made the subject of an asset freeze in July 2022  a decision up on ministerial review in February, a judge has been told.

Lawyers representing Mr Phillips, who is based in Ukraine, have taken legal action against the Foreign Office and say the decision was unfair and should be quashed.

Ministers are fighting the claim.

Mr Justice Swift, who is overseeing a hearing at the High Court, in London, heard that Mr Phillips had expressed political opinions on YouTube and social media to a primarily UK domestic audience.

Mr Phillips was the first mono-British national to be subjected to sanctions by the British Government, a barrister leading his legal team told the judge.

He is not alleged by the defendant to have committed any criminal offence, nor is he alleged to be part of the Russian State apparatus or to be actively involved in advancing the Russian war effort or supporting the Russian economy, Joshua Hitchens told Mr Justice Swift, in a written case outline.

Instead, his designation stems entirely from political opinions expressed on YouTube and social media to a primarily UK domestic audience.

Mr Hitchens said Mr Phillips designation was disproportionate.

Sanctions are a central and regular feature of the UKs foreign policy response to a whole host of nations and issues around the world, added Mr Hitchens.

There are currently UK sanctions regimes applying to 27 other countries as well as nine themes as diverse as counter terrorism, anti-corruption and unauthorised drilling activities.

The extent to which this expansive statutory framework gives the Executive the power to curtail lawful political speech through the imposition of sanctions on British nationals is a matter of very considerable public importance.

Mr Phillips, who watched the hearing from Ukraine via videolink, was mentioned in a debate in the Lords in June 2022.

Labour former defence secretary Lord Browne of Ladyton asked whether the Government had launched an investigation into Mr Phillips.

He described Mr Phillips as a British former civil servant and pro-Russian propagandist.

The hearing is due to end later on Thursday.
Three Labour frontbenchers have defied Sir Keir Starmer to back calls for a ceasefire ahead of a crunch Commons vote.

Shadow ministers Naz Shah, Helen Hayes and Afzal Khan broke ranks with their party leader as they signalled plans to vote for an SNP amendment to the Kings Speech backing a ceasefire.

Labour frontbenchers are facing the sack if they back the amendment, as Sir Keir bids to avoid a damaging split in his parliamentary party.

Labour MPs have been ordered to abstain on the SNP move and have instead been told to back Sir Keirs position calling for longer humanitarian pauses rather than a ceasefire.

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has said Parliament must show moral leadership and vote in favour of backing an immediate cessation of hostilities.

Our amendment calls on the UK government to: Join with the international community in urgently pressing all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire. A ceasefire can save lives and promote progress for peace. MPs should vote yes and be on the right side of history. pic.twitter.com/8IkoDnXsLJ  The SNP (@theSNP) November 14, 2023

Labour frontbenchers who rebel to back a rival amendment would normally face the sack for breaking the party whip.

A shadow minister for crime reduction, Ms Shah said a humanitarian catastrophe is taking place in Gaza as she backed calls for an immediate ceasefire.

She told the Commons: I will be supporting the amendment which seeks an immediate ceasefire.

The Bradford West MP also invoked Robin Cook, who resigned from Sir Tony Blairs Cabinet over the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Make no mistake, this is a humanitarian catastrophe which is why I urge members to back an immediate ceasefire on all sides and push for the release of hostages, she said.

Ms Hayes, a shadow minister for children and early years, said her conscience told her she should back a ceasefire.

We must all of us be able to stand in front of our own constituents with integrity and at peace with our own conscience on the issues that matter most to them.

My conscience tells me that I must call for a ceasefire today, the Dulwich and West Norwood MP said.

Shadow business minister Afzal Khan, who represents Manchester Gorton, said: If we had a ceasefire yesterday 144 Gazan children would still be alive today. Israel has already crossed every red line imaginable and broken international humanitarian laws.

History has shown us that military action alone does not resolve conflicts and Israels use of force will not resolve this one.

We need to call an immediate ceasefire now. My constituents have demanded this and I will not refuse them. Supporting a ceasefire is the very least we can do.

Both Labours amendment and the SNPs one have been selected for a vote on Wednesday evening by Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle.

A party spokesman earlier said: This is a whipped vote and every MP knows what the consequence of that means.

The party position on the Middle East conflict has led to internal splits, 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 and dozens of councillors have resigned from Labour over its refusal to back a permanent halt to the violence.

In a letter to MPs, the SNPs Mr Flynn wrote: By refusing to join the United Nations in pressing for an immediate ceasefire, Westminster would be disregarding international law, condoning collective punishment and giving the green light to the continued bombardment of Gaza, which has seen thousands of innocent children and civilians killed.

People understand that the conflict in the Middle East is full of complexity. But amidst all that complexity, they also recognise a very human truth. People know that what we are all watching in Gaza is wrong and they want their MPs to do the right thing, show moral leadership and press for an immediate ceasefire.

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 by expressing support for a ceasefire in Gaza.

But the Labour spokesman said that space for debate did not extend to a vote in Parliament because that has a significance to it that everybody understands.
Landlords will be banned from refusing to rent properties to people who are on benefits or those with children under Government plans.

Amendments tabled on Wednesday to the Renters (Reform) Bill are aimed at ensuring families are not discriminated against and the vulnerable protected, the Government said.

However, landlords will still be able to carry out reference checks to establish rent affordability and have the final say on who they let their property to.

The measures will apply to England and Wales, with a further amendment at the report stage of the Bill extending them to Scotland.

A new decent homes standard will be applied to the rental sector for the first time, under Government plans (Daniel Lipinski/PA)

The Government has also announced that a decent homes standard, which has previously been applied to social housing, will be set for the private rented sector for the first time.

The new standard would provide clarity on what tenants should expect from their home and ensure it is safe, warm and decent, the Government said.

Quality requirements for homes will be set following a consultation and designed to meet the Governments target of reducing poor standards in rented homes by 50% by 2030.

Under the plan, local authorities will be also be given new enforcement powers to force landlords to bring properties up to standard, with fines of up to 30,000 available alongside banning orders for the worst offenders.

The period for which tenants can claim back rent for living in poor conditions will be extended from 12 to 24 months.

Councils will also be supported to improve their ability to investigate landlords who rent sub-standard homes, ensuring they can identify and take enforcement action against the criminal minority and help drive them out of the sector.

Housing Secretary Michael Gove said the measures will significantly reduce the unacceptable numbers of people currently living in poor conditions.

He added: As part of our long-term plan for housing we are improving housing standards across the entire private rented sector while also ending discrimination against vulnerable people and families who are being unfairly denied access to a home.

The amendments to the Bill will now be considered at committee stage in the House of Commons.

The Bill is described as a once-in-a-generation change to housing laws.

It includes a ban on no-fault evictions and the creation of a new ombudsman to resolve disputes between tenants and landlords more quickly.

The Government has confirmed abolition of no-fault evictions will not happen until reforms to the justice system have been implemented, leading to accusations of a lack of urgency.

The Bill will also strengthen the grounds on which landlords can bid to repossess properties, with the aim of making it easier for them to repossess properties where tenants are found to exhibit anti-social behaviour or accumulated regular rent arrears.

A housing minister spoke of her disappointment at being sacked as she makes way for the 16th person to hold the role since 2010.

Conservative MP Rachel Maclean was ousted as housing minister in the reshuffle on Monday and replaced by Lee Rowley, the 16th person to hold the role since 2010.

Some highlights from yesterdays Renters (Reform) Bill committee as experts and RRC members gave evidence. First: @DarrenBaxter from @jrf_uk explained why theres no need to delay this vital legislation. pic.twitter.com/YzUWuwpSNK  Renters' Reform Coalition (@RentersReformCo) November 15, 2023

Campaign group Renters Reform Coalition criticised the timing of the amendments to the Bill, saying publishing 111 pages of detail on the amendments while the committee stage is in full swing undermines scrutiny.

Campaign manager Tom Darling said: These proposals should have been available to comment on and pore over for weeks  its ridiculous that politicians and experts will be expected to scrutinise over 100 pages of amendments, with some giving oral evidence as soon as tomorrow.

It doesnt help that this is happening the day after the housing minister was sacked, and its still unclear which government minister is now actually responsible for this crucial Bill.

Homeless charity Shelter welcomed the substance of the amendments.

Chief executive Polly Neate said: Even when people can afford the rent, theyre ending up homeless because of this baseless prejudice.

Once it becomes illegal, the Government must not let more underhanded forms of discrimination take the place of blanket bans.
The Government will now have to consider the legal costs of any future asylum policies they develop, a lawyer representing some of the refugees in the Rwanda deportation case has said.

Toufique Hossain, head of public law at law firm Duncan Lewis  which represented six of the lead claimants  said that politicians will have to bear in mind the waste of taxpayers money if they try to make a new asylum deal before its tested in the courts.

Speaking to the PA news agency outside court, he said: I would argue at least now the Government has a blueprint in which to go about developing a new asylum policy.

They will have to bear in mind, whatever deal they make, the waste of taxpayers money, hundreds of millions of pounds, in going through a deal before its tested in the courts.

A number of groups involved in the initial High Court appeal also welcomed the Supreme Courts verdict (PA)

Theyll have to think carefully as to what deals they make with countries where they have serious concerns with those countries human rights records.

Public law solicitor Sophie Lucas, also from Duncan Lewis, said it was a victory first and foremost for their clients.

It is also a victory for the rule of law, she said.

It serves as an important reminder that no-one is above the law, including this Government.

A number of groups involved in the initial High Court appeal also welcomed the Supreme Courts verdict.

James Wilson, director of Detention Action, said that they are deeply relieved that asylum seekers will not be handed over to an authoritarian regime.

We are proud to have been one of the first claimants to bring this historic legal challenge, in solidarity with the thousands of people threatened with removal to Rwanda, he said.

We urge the new Home Secretary to abandon this policy altogether, rather than repeating this mistake by seeking a similar agreement with another country.

While Mark Serwotka, general secretary of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), said that their campaign was far from over.

It is not refugees that have driven down wages and starved public services of the resources they need, it is the fault of successive Tory governments that have overseen a sustained attack on living standards, he said.

The only way to protect human life and prevent people from drowning in the Channel is to give them safe passage  which we call on the Government to adopt.

Alison Pickup, director of Asylum Aid, said that the Government had shown a complete lack of humanity in pursuing the policy through the courts.

There is no evidence that this policy will work as a deterrent to people who have no choice but to flee their homes, she said.

Worse, it causes significant anxiety and harm to those already in the UK, living in permanent fear of removal to a country they dont know.

We call on the Government to re-evaluate its unworkable policy and to abandon the idea of forcibly removing people seeking asylum to third countries.
Climate campaigner Greta Thunberg has denied a public order offence after a protest in central London last month.

The 20-year-old, from Sweden, was arrested during a demonstration near the InterContinental Hotel in Mayfair on October 17 as oil executives met inside for the Energy Intelligence Forum.

She and four other Fossil Free London protesters pleaded not guilty at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning to breaching Section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986 by blocking the entrance to the hotel.

The activists had been ordered by a senior police officer to move the demonstration to another area, the court was told.

Court artist sketch of Greta Thunberg (second left) appearing with four other defendants at Westminster Magistrates Court (Elizabeth Cook/PA)

Thunberg confirmed her name and date of birth, but her address in Stockholm was not read out in court due to concerns over alleged threats she has received.

She was seen laughing and smiling as the hearing took place.

Thunberg ran from the gathered media after leaving the court building.

The protesters were granted unconditional bail ahead of a trial at City of London Magistrates Court from February 1 2024.

Greta Thunberg was arrested in Mayfair on October 17 during a protest (Yui Mok/PA)

A group of Greenpeace and Fossil Free London protesters gathered outside the court, chanting and holding banners reading Oily Money Out and Make Polluters Pay.

Police liaison officers were present in the court.

Five other people also charged over the protest all denied the same offence and will face trial at a later date.

Fossil Free London is campaigning against the use of fossil fuels by major oil and gas companies.

Thunberg has been an active environmental campaigner since the age of 15 and was fined by a Swedish court in July for stopping traffic during a protest at an oil facility.
Gov't to supply about 80,000 homes to 5 new sites

By Ko Dong-hwan

The government has chosen five sites nationwide to build new towns to house workers in Koreas key semiconductor clusters, the land ministry said Wednesday. The measure is also aimed at achieving balanced regional development by building around 80,000 new homes outside the greater Seoul area.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said it selected Yongin, Guri, and Osan in Gyeonggi Province, as well as Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, and Jeju Island as locations for the new towns.

"The ministry selected regions with the highest housing demands in the country and the biggest potential for balanced growth of the economy and community," the ministry said in a statement.

One of the new sites is the Segyo area of Osan, Gyeonggi Province. Around 31,000 housing units will be built in that area, which is the center of the country's strategic mega chip cluster around Hwaseong, Yongin and Pyeongtaek in southern Gyeonggi Province. It is the biggest in size among the new sites.

New Segyo will also contain new homes for workers in 10 neighboring industrial complexes, including Gajang in Osan, Jeongnam in Hwaseong and Seotan and Jinwi in Pyeongtaek. Segyo is also in the vicinity of a new KTX high-speed train station scheduled for completion in 2025 and a new GTX train station that covers the country's capital region.

Edong in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, is another new area that will contain new homes for IT workers in the Korean semiconductor industry. About 16,000 housing units will be built in the region where the government announced last March the construction of a new industrial complex to manufacture cutting-edge semiconductors.

The Bunpyeong area of Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, will also see the construction of 9,000 new housing units as a new industrial complex and new foundries are under construction in the Osong area of the same city. The fact that the city has been seeing a rising population also demonstrates the need for a new residential town, according to the government.

The Topyeong area of Guri, Gyeonggi Province, will be the site of 18,500 new housing units and 5,500 new units will be built in the Hwabuk area of Jeju Island, as part of the ministry's new housing project.

Guri, located just east of the capital, has seen a rising number of Seoul residents moving in and there is a surging demand for new homes. Hwabuk used to be the main entrance to the southern resort island from the mainland.

With the island's population increasing by 15 percent over the past decade, the construction of a new residential town in Hwabuk is expected to boost the supply of homes, according to the government.

The new residential towns will each have a park accounting for up to 30 percent of the whole area. To counter the country's low-birth problem, each town will have a daycare cluster consisting of child care centers, libraries, hospitals, cram schools and cafes.

Prior to announcing the new towns, the ministry held discussions with local governments to maximize the results. The government will finalize the designations of the new towns by 2025, obtain overall planning approved by 2026 and authorize the first housing construction projects by 2027.

This is the third housing project announced by the Yoon Suk Yeol administration. The administration has announced the construction of 165,000 new housing units since last year.
New Health Secretary Victoria Atkins has suggested she will take a fresh approach to dealing with NHS strikes and plans to find a fair and reasonable resolution.

In a video message to the NHS Providers annual conference in Liverpool, she told delegates she is an optimist.

Ms Atkins said she plans to work with staff to overcome the challenges in the health service and take the long-term decisions that will build a brighter future for our NHS.

She added: This is the approach I will take to industrial action.

Im acutely aware of how the strikes have disrupted patient care and Im committed to getting around the table, because I want to see a fair and reasonable resolution.

At the start of her message, she said she wanted to start by thanking you all for all the fantastic and vital work that you do.

She added: Im sorry I cant be with you in Liverpool, but Im really looking forward to getting to know you and working with you in the weeks and months ahead.

Its a genuine pleasure and a privilege to be your Health and Social Care Secretary.

My belief in our national health service and its founding principles is one of the reasons I came into politics.

Now I know you might hear this a lot, but for me, it is truly personal. Like families up and down the country, I owe our NHS a lot. It has cared for me and my family and bought my wonderful son into the world.

I want to make sure that its here in fighting fit form for our children and our grandchildren, just as its been here for us.

In the first of today's plenaries, we hear from the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Victoria Atkins, two days after she took office. @DHSCgovuk Follow this thread for highlights:#NHSP23 1/6  pic.twitter.com/PBsRoK8XGn  NHS Providers (@NHSProviders) November 15, 2023

She said there is a lot of work to do as Government reforms bed in and the NHS faces a tough winter.

We know winter will be challenging, but this year we have all started to prepare earlier than ever before, she said.

Using our recovery plan, we can continue to expand capacity, build resilience and deliver better care. This has to be our number one priority.

I recognise that this requires working collaboratively with other organisations and sectors  for example working with the police to support people suffering from mental health crises.

She told staff they have overcome a once-in-a-generation pandemic and are working to tackling waiting lists.

She finished off by saying her thanks to staff is sincere, adding: Lets roll up our sleeves and get on with the job. Nows the time to deliver for patients and deliver for our NHS.

Discussions between doctors leaders and officials at the Department of Health and Social Care are ongoing on the best way to resolve strikes.

NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard told the Providers conference about the first phone call she had with Ms Atkins after she became Health Secretary.

Asked what the first question she asked Ms Atkins was, Ms Pritchard said: I wonder if youd be interested to know the first question she asked me?

The first question she asked me was What can I do to help you?

We then had a very wide-ranging discussion, but it will be unsurprising to know that one of the first things we talked about was industrial action.

So weve been really clear, we have consistently talked about the impacts industrial action has had on patients, talked about the impact that its had on our own teams and colleagues, talked about the impact its had on finances, but also called on all sides to work together to find a resolution.

Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, told the conference resolving the strikes was critical.

So, resolving industrial action, absolutely critical, particularly critical for our workforce, she said.

The thing that we have been calling for on your behalf and will continue to call for until its resolved  is to see the industrial action behind us.

We know what an impact that has had on staff, on patients, on the ability to see people in a timely fashion, to really get through those very long waiting lists.

And I dont just mean in acute trusts or hospitals, I mean across all services whove been feeling the impacts of that, and that means mental health, community and ambulance services as well.

We really need to see that industrial action behind us and I was very heartened to hear Victorias approach there in the film, which really focused on coming to the table and negotiating, having a conversation and listening.

That feels so important and I think theres even more reason for hope than there has been over the last few weeks where we know that talks have been under way.

Professor Phil Banfield, chair of council at the British Medical Association, said: We welcome the new Health Secretarys commitment to joining us around the table with a clear mandate for a solution to the Governments dispute with doctors.

No doctor wants to strike  we would much rather be treating patients  but after years of our profession being constantly devalued while at the same time facing increasing pressures, it was becoming more and more difficult to give patients the care they need and we were seeing too many colleagues leaving for brighter futures abroad.

There are longstanding issues within the medical profession that urgently need addressing to ensure our health services are fit for the future and this must start with the Government concluding negotiations as soon as possible with credible offers we can put to our members.

Only by valuing doctors expertise properly can we begin to address the workforce crisis and stop them leaving for better pay and conditions elsewhere.

Meanwhile, the HCSA union announced that its consultant and SAS (specialist, associate specialist and specialty doctors) members have voted in favour of strike action should the talks fail to yield results.

It comes as Ms Pritchard announced that NHS staff have diagnosed 475,573 people with dementia in September  up more than 52,000 on the same time last year. Diagnosis rates are now at a three-year high.

NHS England launched pilots last December to increase diagnosis, with health professionals going into care homes to assess older adults who may have missed checks during the pandemic.
A motion in the Irish Parliament calling for the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador has been defeated.

The vote came as more than a thousand protesters calling for the expulsion of the ambassador staged a demonstration outside the Oireachtas.

The motion proposed by the Social Democrats called for a range of economic and diplomatic sanctions against Israel, including that the diplomatic credentials of Israels ambassador in Ireland, Dana Erlich, be revoked.

The motion also called for Ireland to use its influence in Brussels to seek a suspension of the EU-Israel trade deal, invoking a human rights clause in the agreement, and suspend Israel from participation in the Horizon Europe research funding initiative.

Menna Abdelfadeel joins a pro-Palestinian protest at Leinster House, Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA)

The party additionally said Ireland should also refer Israel to the International Criminal Court.

Tabling a counter-motion that removed the calls for sanctions, Minister of State James Browne told the Dail parliament that maintaining diplomatic links with Israel was vital

The government amendment to the motion was voted for by 85 votes to 55.

A motion by Sinn Fein calling for Ireland to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court  that was debated in the Dail on Tuesday evening  was also defeated.

Throughout the evening protesters outside the parliament waved large Palestinian flags as they also called for a ceasefire in the conflict.

The demonstrators chanted Free Palestine, Israeli ambassador, out, out, out, and from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.

The demonstrators also erected a large sign which spelled out Gaza in lights.

People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett was among the demonstrators.

Sinn Fein TDs Pearse Doherty and Matt Carthy, as well as Social Democrat leader Holly Cairns and party TD Gary Gannon were also in attendance.

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said actions not words were needed from the Government (Brian Lawless/PA)

Earlier Mr Browne told the Dail that maintaining diplomatic links with Israel was vital.

There is a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza and there is a real risk of regional spillover of conflict, he said.

At the same time, I regret that the motion proposed by the Social Democrats seeks to push Ireland to the margins of international opinion, he said, claiming such a move would undermine the countrys influence in the Middle East.

It underplays the value of international and multilateral engagement.

Ireland must continue to work with our international partners in responding to this crisis.

The Government has made its position clear regarding proposals to expel the Israeli ambassador  cutting off diplomatic relations with a country means cutting off communication channels.

Diplomacy is not always or only about friendly relations, and nor is it an endorsement of the policies or actions of a given country. It is precisely at times of conflict and tension that diplomacy is most useful and most needed, and it is vital to maintain communication links.

James Browne warned that Ireland would be pushed to the margins of international opinion if it expelled the Israeli ambassador (Brian Lawless/PA)

Ms Cairns insisted words of condemnation are not enough as she opened the debate on the motion.

Accusing Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza, Ms Cairns criticised the Government for proposing amendments that she claimed would replace the demand for tangible sanctions against Israel with platitudes and zero actions.

The refusal of most western leaders to shout stop and demand a ceasefire has led to thousands of deaths, Ms Cairns told the Dail.

Israel is killing with impunity. According to the World Health Organisation, Gaza is now a graveyard for children.

She added: I recognise that the Irish government has done more than most of the EU to advocate for a ceasefire, but thats just evidence of how low the bar is.

Words of condemnation are not enough. We need action.

There must be consequences for the crimes perpetrated by Israel on a captive civilian population in Gaza.

Later responding to Mr Brownes warning of Ireland being pushed to the margins, she said: Given the majority of western leaders opinion, Im happy for Ireland to be an outlier.

Mr Carthy said he was ashamed at the international communitys response to the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.

I am ashamed of the international communitys response to what we have seen in Gaza and particularly ashamed by the response of the EU, he said.

I think EU leaders have ensured that the European Union no longer has any credibility to be a voice for peace, international law and for the basic rules of humanity for so long as they refuse to take a stand.

Sinn Fein TD Matt Carthy criticised the governments failure to back sanctions and said the world was turning a blind eye (Liam McBurney/PA)

Mr Carthy told Mr Browne that the world was turning a blind eye and the EU, worse still, is providing cover.

He criticised the Governments failure to back the call for economic and diplomatic sanctions against Israel.

Every single possible action that might help pressure Israel to stop the slaughter of innocent Palestinians is met with pathetic excuses, he said.

Its not good enough, minister. It is well past time that Ireland shows leadership, not to follow the lead of a European Union that clearly isnt willing or capable of providing the leadership thats much needed in this instance.

Minister of State Sean Fleming also addressed the Dail during the two-hour debate.

It is clear that deputies across the house are deeply and genuinely concerned at the horrific situation that has unfolded in Israel and in the occupied Palestinian Territory over the past three weeks. The Government shares this deep alarm at the situation and its continued rapid deterioration, including the grave humanitarian situation that now exists within the Gaza Strip, he said.

He added: The Irish Governments position on this is clear. Israel has the right to defend itself and its people from attack. But this is not an unfettered right.

International humanitarian law applies, the principle of proportionality applies, and the Israeli military has a duty to ensure the protection of citizens. A humanitarian ceasefire for Gaza is an essential, basic step now.
Labour is to put forward an amendment to the Kings Speech to reaffirm its position on the conflict in the Middle East while the SNP has urged MPs to demand a ceasefire.

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has said Parliament must show moral leadership and vote in favour of backing an immediate cessation of hostilities.

Labour said it is not going to be engaging with the amendment put forward by the SNP to the Kings Speech, but is to seek its own motion addressing concerns on both sides of Middle East conflict.

A party spokesman suggested the amendment would include reference to the lack of action by Hamas to release about 240 hostages and the scale of civilian casualties in Gaza.

The Opposition has not said what the repercussions would be of defying the party line to vote in favour of calling for a cessation of violence, but shadow ministers could potentially face the sack for doing so.

The party position on the Middle East conflict has led to internal splits, 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 and tens of councillors have resigned from Labour over its refusal to back a permanent halt to the violence.

A number of amendments demanding a total cessation of hostilities 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.

Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle will decide whether a motion on Gaza is voted on during a debate on the Kings Speech (UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor)

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.

In a letter to MPs, Mr Flynn wrote: As Members of Parliament, it is also important to be crystal clear in terms of what failing to vote for a ceasefire means. Because by refusing to join the United Nations in pressing for an immediate ceasefire, Westminster would be disregarding international law, condoning collective punishment and giving the green light to the continued bombardment of Gaza, which has seen thousands of innocent children and civilians killed.

People understand that the conflict in the Middle East is full of complexity. But amidst all that complexity, they also recognise a very human truth. People know that what we are all watching in Gaza is wrong and they want their MPs to do the right thing, show moral leadership and press for an immediate ceasefire.

According to the Daily Telegraph, Sir Keir is preparing to fire those who vote in favour of the SNPs motion, should Sir Lindsay put it to a division.

Some Labour shadow ministers have called for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)

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.

Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchel is in Cairo on Wednesday to hold talks with Egyptian counterparts and other partners on how to get more humanitarian aid into Gaza.
More than 20 Irish citizens have left the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing into Egypt.

Irish premier Leo Varadkar said arrangements are in place for staff from the countrys embassy in Cairo to provide consular assistance to them, including travel back to Ireland.

He told a meeting of Fine Gaels parliamentary party on Wednesday night that diplomatic relations are being maintained with all countries and ambassadors to ensure Irish people get out of Gaza safely.

Mr Varadkar said he was glad to see this has resulted in up to 30 Irish citizens and their dependants gaining entry to Egypt from today.

He said every effort is ongoing across Government to ensure the safety of all Irish people in Gaza, the release of Irish-Israeli girl Emily Hand from Hamas and the security of 450 troops in the region.

Twenty-three Irish citizens had crossed the border by mid afternoon.

Around 35 to 40 Irish passport holders were understood to be in the enclave prior to Wednesdays crossings.

Irelands deputy premier Micheal Martin confirmed the crossings on Wednesday.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said it was a fluid situation in terms of the number of citizens who were yet to exit through the crossing (Brian Lawless/PA)

We will bus them from there to Cairo, our diplomatic team are on the ground there at Rafah, and then for onward transport to Dublin or wherever the citizens may wish to go. It is good news, he told RTE.

Mr Varadkar said calls to expel the Israeli ambassador to Ireland will not be helpful and in turn, will lead to the Irish ambassador to Israel being expelled.

He told the meeting of his parliamentary party that those calls from Opposition parties are not common sense or responsible politics, adding they are each trying to outflank each other.

Mr Varadkar added that recent remarks by world leaders on ceasing fighting near hospitals, explicitly calling for a ceasefire by all sides and adhering to international law were somewhat encouraging.

Meanwhile Mr Martin met his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry and secretary general of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit in Cairo on Wednesday and will have talks with senior representatives from Israel and the Palestinian Authority in the coming days.

He said it was a fluid situation in terms of the number of citizens, and their dependants, who were still to come out through the crossing.

Were continuing to work on that with the Israeli authorities in terms of finalising lists and so forth, he said.

Mr Martin said Irelands diplomatic network had been engaging with the authorities in Israel and Egypt to secure safe passage for the Irish citizens trapped in Gaza.

We had concerns that they hadnt come out earlier, if Im honest, and Im more relieved today now than I have been for a while because of course the situation in Gaza is very serious, very dangerous, he said.

Mr Martin said he had been engaging with authorities in Qatar in a bid to secure the release of Emily Hand, eight, who was believed to be a hostage of Hamas in Gaza.

Its very traumatic to have an eight-year-old young girl in captivity with no next of kin, so were very focused on that, he said.

Mr Martin is in Egypt ahead of other planned trips in the region.

Emilys Dublin-born father Tom and her half-sister Natali have been in Ireland this week along with relatives of other hostages to raise awareness of the situation and ask for Irish support to secure their release.

They had a meeting with Mr Martin in Dublin and also met Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and President of Ireland Michael D Higgins.
The Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussexs relationship is beyond repair and there is no going back, royal writer Omid Scobie has said.

The journalist, ahead of the publication of his new book Endgame which is due out on November 28, told People magazine that William sees Harry as a defector, and some in the institution view him as a threat to the Crown.

Scobie said that absolutely nothing has changed in the brothers rift since the release of Harrys autobiography Spare at the start of the year, although there is now an element of indifference.

The Duke of Cambridge and Duke of Sussexs rift has long been documented (Yui Mok/PA)

The writer claims heir to the throne William is prioritising his loyalty to the Crown and quietly co-operating with the UK press to undermine Harry, People magazine reported.

In excerpts, Scobie also writes that Harry was crushed at having to learn the news of the late Queens death from a BBC news report.

Scobie claims palace sources later briefed that the King shared the news with Harry personally in a bid to save face.

He wrote how Harry was described by a source close to the Sussexes as being completely by himself as he tried to make plans to fly to Balmoral on the day of the Queens death, and said he remained in the dark about his grandmothers health in her final moments.

Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace and Archewell all declined to comment.

The claims come a day after Harry called his father to wish him a happy 75th birthday, with the Telegraph reporting the warm conversation marked a turning point.

Harry, Meghan, Kate and William at the Royal Foundation Forum in 2018 (Chris Jackson/PA)

The newspaper said the father and son plan to speak again next week, and that Charles also spoke to Meghan, while Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet recorded a video to sing happy birthday to their grandfather.

Scobie is also the co-author of Finding Freedom, a biography of the Sussexes, which claimed the duke was angered by what he perceived as Williams snobbish attitude to his bride.

Meghans lawyers previously denied she collaborated with the book.

But in November 2021, the duchess apologised to the High Court for not remembering that she agreed an aide could provide information to Scobie and fellow writer Carolyn Durand for the biography.

Relations between William and Harry have long been strained, and worsened after the accusations Harry publicly levelled at his brother in double tell-alls: his memoir Spare and his Netflix documentary.

In Spare, released just months after Elizabeth II died, Harry accused William of physically attacking him and pushing him into a dog bowl in a row over Meghan.

The Duke of Sussexs memoir Spare on display at a branch of Waterstones in London (James Manning/PA)

He also alleged it was William and the now-Princess of Wales who encouraged him to wear a Nazi uniform to a fancy dress party in 2005 and howled with laughter when they saw it.

Scobie described Spare as Harrys last attempt to tell his family how he has felt for a long time.

The writer said of Endgame: I was talking to a source quite early on in the process, and they called Harry a defector and said that was Williams view.

He added: In the eyes of some within the institution, Harry is a threat to the crown.

He said of the brothers relationship: Theres no going back.

The brothers on Williams wedding day in 2011 (Gareth Fuller/PA)

The books full title is Endgame: Inside The Royal Family And The Monarchys Fight For Survival, and its chapters include Race and the Royals: Institutional Bigotry and Denial, and another called Gloves On: Prince William, Heir to the Throne.

It also recounts Harrys experience on the day the late Queen died when he claims William did not respond to his texts as he tried to arrange to travel to Balmoral.

It was upsetting to witness, a source close to the Sussexes told Scobie. (Harry) was completely by himself on this.

His grandmother died at 3.10pm on September 8 2022. The duke travelled separately up to Scotland from William and other members of his family with his flight leaving at 5.35pm.

The news of the late Queens death was announced by Buckingham Palace at 6.30pm while he was in the air.
More than a thousand people have staged a protest outside the Irish parliament in a call for the Israeli ambassador in Dublin to be expelled from the country.

It came as a Government minister warned such a move would push Ireland to the margins of international opinion.

Protesters waved large Palestinian flags as they also called for a ceasefire in the conflict.

The demonstrators chanted Free Palestine, Israeli Ambassador, out, out, out, and from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.

The demonstrators also erected a large sign which spelled out Gaza in lights.

People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett was among the demonstrators.

Sinn Fein TDs Pearse Doherty and Matt Carthy, as well as Social Democrat leader Holly Cairns and party TD Gary Gannon were also in attendance.

The protest came ahead of a vote on a motion proposed by the Social Democrats calling for a range of economic and diplomatic sanctions against Israel.

The party has demanded that the diplomatic credentials of Israels ambassador in Ireland, Dana Erlich, be revoked.

The motion also called for Ireland to use its influence in Brussels to seek a suspension of the EU-Israel trade deal, invoking a human rights clause in the agreement, and suspend Israel from participation in the Horizon Europe research funding initiative.

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said actions not words were needed from the Government (Brian Lawless/PA)

The party said Ireland should also refer Israel to the International Criminal Court.

Tabling a counter-motion that removed the calls for sanctions, Minister of State James Browne told the Dail parliament that maintaining diplomatic links with Israel was vital.

There is a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza and there is a real risk of regional spillover of conflict, he said.

At the same time, I regret that the motion proposed by the Social Democrats seeks to push Ireland to the margins of international opinion, he said, claiming such a move would undermine the countrys influence in the Middle East.

It underplays the value of international and multilateral engagement, he added.

Ireland must continue to work with our international partners in responding to this crisis.

The Government has made its position clear regarding proposals to expel the Israeli ambassador  cutting off diplomatic relations with a country means cutting off communication channels.

Diplomacy is not always or only about friendly relations, and nor is it an endorsement of the policies or actions of a given country. It is precisely at times of conflict and tension that diplomacy is most useful and most needed, and it is vital to maintain communication links.

Minister of State at the Department of Justice James Browne warned that Ireland would be pushed to the margins of international opinion if it expelled the Israeli ambassador (Brian Lawless/PA)

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns insisted words of condemnation are not enough as she opened the debate on the motion.

Accusing Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza, Ms Cairns criticised the Government for proposing amendments that she claimed would replace the demand for tangible sanctions against Israel with platitudes and zero actions.

The refusal of most Western leaders to shout stop and demand a ceasefire has led to thousands of deaths, Ms Cairns told the Dail.

Israel is killing with impunity. According to the World Health Organisation, Gaza is now a graveyard for children.

She added: I recognise that the Irish Government has done more than most of the EU to advocate for a ceasefire, but thats just evidence of how low the bar is.

Words of condemnation are not enough. We need action.

There must be consequences for the crimes perpetrated by Israel on a captive civilian population in Gaza.

Later responding to Mr Brownes warning of Ireland being pushed to the margins, she said: Given the majority of Western leaders opinion, Im happy for Ireland to be an outlier.

Sinn Feins Matt Carthy said he was ashamed at the international communitys response to the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.

I am ashamed of the international communitys response to what we have seen in Gaza and particularly ashamed by the response of the EU, he said.

I think EU leaders have ensured that the European Union no longer has any credibility to be a voice for peace, international law and for the basic rules of humanity for so long as they refuse to take a stand.

Sinn Fein TD Matt Carthy criticised the Governments failure to back sanctions and said the world was turning a blind eye (Liam McBurney/PA)

Mr Carthy told Mr Browne that the world was turning a blind eye and the EU, worse still, is providing cover.

He criticised the Governments failure to back the call for economic and diplomatic sanctions against Israel.

Every single possible action that might help pressure Israel to stop the slaughter of innocent Palestinians is met with pathetic excuses, he said.

Its not good enough, minister. It is well past time that Ireland shows leadership, not to follow the lead of a European Union that clearly isnt willing or capable of providing the leadership thats much needed in this instance.

Minister of State Sean Fleming also addressed the Dail during the two-hour debate.

It is clear that deputies across the house are deeply and genuinely concerned at the horrific situation that has unfolded in Israel and in the occupied Palestinian Territory over the past three weeks. The Government shares this deep alarm at the situation and its continued rapid deterioration, including the grave humanitarian situation that now exists within the Gaza Strip, he said.

He added: The Irish Governments position on this is clear. Israel has the right to defend itself and its people from attack. But this is not an unfettered right.

International humanitarian law applies, the principle of proportionality applies, and the Israeli military has a duty to ensure the protection of citizens. A humanitarian ceasefire for Gaza is an essential, basic step now.

TDs will vote on the motion and the Government amendment later on Wednesday.

They will also vote on a Sinn Fein motion, which was debated on Tuesday evening, calling on the Government to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip had great faith in the abilities of their son, now the King, according to the former monarchs top aide.

Lord Young of Old Windsor, the late Queens private secretary, paid tribute to his former boss in his maiden speech in the House of Lords.

The independent crossbench peer described how he learned about the nature of public service, of decency and duty from Britains longest-serving sovereign  and said he thought his choice of title would have appealed to her.

Lord Young spent 20 years in the Royal Household, serving as the late Queens assistant, then as her deputy private secretary and finally as her private secretary from 2017 until her death.

Upon the Queens death in 2022, he served as joint principal private secretary to the King until May this year.

He told peers in Westminster, during the fifth day of debate on the Kings Speech: I come to this House as Lord Young of Old Windsor.

The village of Old Windsor has happy family connections for me. As children, we had Sunday excursions there led by my late parents  my mother an NHS nurse, my father a consultant anaesthetist at the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

But the title also I think would have appealed to my late bosss crossword-solving mind. Old can also mean former, and so Old Windsor can mean  well, you get the gist.

He went on: I learned so much from Her late Majesty about the nature of public service, of decency and duty and indeed about the stability and sanctity of our constitutional settlement, and the part played by this House in ensuring the tripartite balance of Commons and Lords and Crown in Parliament.

I came to understand the great faith that Her Majesty and indeed Prince Philip had in the abilities of their son, now our King, a faith well justified, as illustrated by his first 14 months as our sovereign, including, of course, his most recent visit to this House, where Commons and Lords were assembled together to receive The Gracious Speech.

He added that the Commonwealth was one of the things closest to the heart of our late Queen and indeed our King, and noted an increasing appetite for fresh and equitable relationships with Commonwealth countries in areas such as trade, peace and security, climate, and culture.

He added that there is widespread public confusion about Commonwealth realms versus Commonwealth member countries, and that more should be done to educate people.

Finally, he expressed concern about the fate of the Commonwealth Games amid news that Australia has been given three months to find a host city for the 2026 event.
Irelands deputy premier has expressed confidence that a significant number of Irish citizens will be able to leave Gaza on Wednesday via the Rafah crossing into Egypt.

Around 35 to 40 Irish passport holders remain in the enclave.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin is in Egypt ahead of planned trips to Israel and the Occupied Territories.

Im very pleased that a number of our Irish citizens are on the list today, Wednesday, to come through the crossing at Rafah, he told RTE.

This is very welcome news. Obviously, it is still a very fluid situation. Were very hopeful that a number of our citizens can make it through.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said he is very focused on Emily Hand, eight, who is feared to be a Hamas hostage in Gaza (PA)

We will continue to work on the remaining citizens to get them through.

I cant give you precise numbers but it is good news that quite a number of Irish citizens are on that list.

Mr Martins visit also has a focus on trying to secure the release of Israeli-Irish girl Emily Hand, eight, who is feared to be a Hamas hostage in Gaza.

He is due to hold talks with his Egyptian counterpart on the issue during his visit to Cairo.

Im very focused on that particular issue. As an Irish eight-year-old citizen I think its imperative that shes released, and indeed all the hostages, and particularly the children who have been abducted, Mr Martin said.

Emilys Dublin-born father Tom and her half-sister Natali have been in Ireland this week along with relatives of other hostages to raise awareness of the situation and ask for Irish support to secure their release.

They had a meeting with Mr Martin in Dublin and also met Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and President of Ireland Michael D Higgins.
Scotlands energy minister has called on the UK Government to reduce energy prices for struggling people.

The Scottish Government has long pushed for a so-called social tariff, which would see those on means-tested benefits pay less.

In a letter to the UK Governments minister for energy consumers, Amanda Solloway, Gillian Martin pushed for the measure to be introduced, using the proceeds of a windfall tax on oil and gas companies when prices are unprecedently high, as opposed to a levy on energy bills.

A UK Government spokesman said all measures to help those in need are being kept under review.

Ms Martin wrote: The Scottish Government has called repeatedly on the UK Government to deliver a social tariff mechanism for those who need it the most, and our call has been supported by partners across the energy industry and the third sector.

Gillian Martin has called for a social tariff on energy bills (PA)

The Scottish Government believes that a social tariff should be funded primarily though the Energy Profits Levy (or a similar mechanism) when energy prices are unprecedentedly high, with recourse to general taxation as prices fall.

A specific levy on energy bills to fund and deliver a social tariff will not only place undue hardship on priority consumers, but also disincentivise energy savings in the same way that high standing charges currently do.

I would also like to reiterate my previous offer to work with the UK Government on the design of a social tariff mechanism.

As well as automatically including those currently on means-tested benefits, the tariff should also make efforts to help those who are narrowly ineligible for benefits, are on low incomes and are now in or at risk of living within fuel poverty and readily available data already retrieved through existing UK Government support schemes could help achieve this.

Social tenants and those who have high energy use due to medical or life-saving equipment should also benefit, Ms Martin said.

A spokesman for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said: We recognise the cost-of-living challenges families are facing and we spent 40 billion paying around half a typical households energy bill last winter.

Ms Martin said a social tariff could be funded by the proceeds of the windfall tax on oil and gas companies (PA)

Energy prices are falling and our Energy Price Guarantee remains in place to protect people until April next year.

Were also continuing to support the most vulnerable, with three million households expected to benefit from the 150 Warm Home Discount, 900 for those on means-tested benefits, and an extra 150 for disabled people.

We continue to keep all options under review for those most in need.

Hazel Knowles, the energy lead at Advice Direct Scotland, said it has witnessed significant demand from people across Scotland for its services, adding: With bills still significantly higher than they were before the energy crisis began, we know far too many Scots face a challenging winter ahead, forced to choose between heating and eating.

Although there are regulations for suppliers to provide support, the current situation means this does not go far enough to support those struggling to pay and getting into unaffordable debt.

Energy affordability is a long-term problem that needs a long-term solution. A social tariff would protect people from spending excessive amounts on their bills.

But any social tariff, she said, will need to consider the unique challenges facing Scotlands energy landscape, with criteria based on household income and energy efficiency.
The Scottish Conservatives have failed in their attempts to compel the First Minister and his deputy to refer themselves for investigation relating to their handing over of WhatsApp messages to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.

The party tabled a motion in its own debating time on Wednesday that, if passed, would have seen the Scottish Parliament agree Humza Yousaf and Shona Robison should refer themselves over a potential breach of the ministerial code.

The motion was voted down by 63 votes to 53 with one abstention.

Mr Yousaf and Ms Robison have been under fire in recent weeks after the Scottish Government was forced to publish a timeline of its dealings with the inquiry, which showed it had been asked for messages in February as opposed to September, as previously stated.

Douglas Ross said he believes the ministers deliberately misled the Scottish Parliament (Jane Barlow/PA)

The senior ministers accepted the Government had interpreted the initial request too narrowly.

If either was found to have knowingly misled Parliament, the ministerial code says they would be expected to resign.

Speaking in the debate on Wednesday, Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross urged MSPs across the chamber to back the motion, saying it was not about partisan politics, but about truth in politics.

What is said here does and must matter, he said.

Thats why the question before us today should be above the usual partisan considerations.

This is not a battle of ideas, its not a debate about how we best govern our country, its a simple consideration of the facts and the evidence, of what was said and whether there was as deliberate attempt to mislead.

Shona Robison said she rejected the motion and its premise (Jane Barlow/PA)

Mr Ross was warned by Deputy Presiding Officer Liam McArthur after accusing the countrys most senior ministers of having deliberately misled this Parliament, with Mr McArthur saying he should be steering clear of such accusations in the Holyrood chamber.

But Mr Ross said the statements were not a slip of tongue, they were a product of a concerted effort to confuse and muddle the timeline to make it seem as though the SNP Government were not dragging their heels in getting evidence to the inquiry.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said the debate was about the SNP Government being held accountable for their decisions and conduct during the most tragic event in living history.

He told MSPs people deserve the truth about how life and death decisions were made during the pandemic.

The least Scots could have expected was their Government would make getting the truth as easy as possible, he said.

But that has clearly not been the case.

He claimed there had been attempts to withhold vital evidence from the inquiry, with ministers changing the excuse every time the stories fell apart.

Mr Sarwar continued: The true scale of the cover-up many fear is taking place is still unclear, because this SNP Government has repeatedly refused to answer some of the most basic questions.

The First Minister has still failed to tell Parliament of the 70 ministers and officials, how many have failed to comply with the do-not-destroy notice and how many have deleted messages. Still no answer.

Anas Sarwar said there is still no answer from ministers on how many Government officials failed to comply with a do-not-destroy notice (Jane Barlow/PA)

The First Minister has lost control of his Government and in my view he requires to be referred for an investigation into misleading this Parliament and trying to cover it up.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: This is a governing party afraid of the light. Afraid of the truths they conceal.

And afraid of the judgment that would surely be rendered by the people of Scotland should those truths ever come to light.

But in her speech, Ms Robison said she rejects not only the motion but its premise that either she or Mr Yousaf knowingly misled Holyrood.

I want to start by repeating the acknowledgement of the First Minister last week  that in hindsight we recognise that the Scottish Government interpreted the earlier requests for messages from the UK inquiry in a way that was too narrow, she said.

Like the First Minister last week, I want to offer my unreserved apology to families who have been bereaved by Covid for any distress that our actions, as a result of that interpretation, has caused them.

Ms Robison went on to pledge the Scottish Government would do all we can to help both the UK and Scottish Covid inquiries carry out their work at pace.

She added: That is in all our interests and we owe nothing less, not only to those who lost their lives or lost their loved ones in the course of the pandemic, but also to all those affected, including the many public sector workers that pulled together during this difficult time and whose work made it possible for our society to return to the normality enjoyed by us all.

A Labour amendment to the motion, which also fell, sought to compel the Scottish Government to lay out a timeline for it to hand over unredacted legal advice to the inquiries.

In a note to the inquiry last month, lead counsel Jamie Dawson KC said a request had been made to the Scottish Government to waive legal privilege over advice given by law officers during the pandemic in August, with the request discussed on a number of subsequent occasions, but no formal answer has been forthcoming to date.

Ms Robison said the Scottish Government was currently in talks with both inquiries to hand over materials that are privileged.
About half a million students took the college entrance exam across the country Thursday, Korea's most important annual academic event during which airplane takeoffs and landings will be temporarily banned for noise control.

A total of 504,588 high school seniors, graduates and others signed up to take this year's state-administered College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), a nine-hour, five-session exam that began at 1,279 test sites nationwide.

For the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, CSAT takers with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 symptoms are allowed to take the test in the same room as others without the virus.

In the three previous consecutive CSATs since the pandemic, students with COVID-19 had taken the exam in separate rooms.

Mask-wearing, which had been mandatory for CSAT takers for the past three years, was also lifted for this year, although those with confirmed or suspected coronavirus symptoms are strongly recommended to wear a mask to prevent infections.

Exam takers with COVID-19 are also recommended to move to separate rooms to eat during the lunch break.

The CSAT, held on the third Thursday of November each year, is one of the nation's most important academic events, deemed the culmination of years of hard work for many students anxious to enter top universities.

Results from the once-a-year test are widely regarded by students and parents as one of the major factors determining one's university entrance and career path throughout their lifetime.

To control noise during the listening evaluation of the English test session, all aircraft takeoffs and landings will be prohibited between 1:05 p.m. and 1:40 p.m. across the country.

All aircraft in flight, excluding those in emergency situations, must also remain in airspace at an altitude of 3 kilometers or higher during the restriction time. The operating schedules of 94 flights will also be adjusted during the period, the transportation ministry has said.

The morning rush hour for increased subway services in Seoul was expanded to cover 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. from the current 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. time period to help exam takers reach their test centers on time, while bus services were also enhanced.

Police cars and regional government officials also stood by to help tardy students reach their test sites on time. Government institutions and ward offices in Seoul began work an hour later than normal, starting at 10 a.m., to reduce traffic congestion.

The operating hours of South Korea's stock exchange and the foreign exchange market will also be delayed by an hour, starting at 10 a.m., officials said. (Yonhap)
Rishi Sunak has vowed to do whatever it takes to stop small boat crossings after the Supreme Court ruled his flagship policy of removing asylum seekers to Rwanda unlawful.

The Prime Minister insisted on Wednesday that his Government has spent the last few months planning for all eventualities as he comes under huge pressure to set out a Plan B.

Five justices at the UKs highest court unanimously rejected the Governments appeal over its policy of removing asylum seekers to the east African nation if they arrive by unauthorised means.

Expulsion flights to Kigali will stay grounded despite the UK handing over more than 140 million for a policy that has been stalled during more than a year of legal challenges.

Supreme Court President Lord Reed ruled there would be a risk of Rwanda returning genuine asylum seekers to face ill treatment in the country they had fled.

In a statement, Mr Sunak said: We have seen todays judgment and will now consider next steps.

This was not the outcome we wanted, but we have spent the last few months planning for all eventualities and we remain completely committed to stopping the boats.

He said that, crucially, the courts have ruled the principle of sending migrants to a third country is lawful.

Illegal migration destroys lives and costs British taxpayers millions of pounds a year. We need to end it and we will do whatever it takes to do so, he said.

He will face scrutiny at Prime Ministers Questions before holding a Downing Street press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

Suella Braverman warned there would be no credible Plan B if the Supreme Court rejected the Government appeal (Andrew Matthews/PA)

After being sacked as home secretary this week, Suella Braverman said Mr Sunak had no credible Plan B if the Supreme Court rejected the Government appeal.

She alleged ministers will have wasted a year on the Illegal Migration Act only to arrive back at square one if they lose.

Mr Sunak is now expected to faces calls from Mrs Braverman and the Tory right to withdraw Britain from the European Convention on Human Rights.

But Lord Reed made it clear in his summary of the judgment that it is not the only international treaty relevant to the courts decision, which also took into account domestic law.

New Home Secretary James Cleverly insisted the bold and ambitious Rwanda scheme is just one part of a vehicle of measures to stop the boats and tackle illegal migration.

Lord Reed agreed with the Court of Appeal decision earlier this year that there are substantial grounds to believe there is a real risk of refugees being returned to their home countries.

But he made it clear the judgment was only based on the current failure to eliminate the risk in Rwanda and said the changes needed to reduce this may be delivered in the future.

The flagship policy was first announced by Boris Johnson in April 2020 but not one migrant has been removed to Kigali during a series of legal challenges.

Campaigners welcomed the verdict, with the Freedom From Torture charity hailing it as a victory for reason and compassion.

Steve Smith, chief executive of the Care4Calais refugee charity, said: The Supreme Courts judgment is a victory for humanity.

Todays judgment should bring this shameful mark on the UKs history to a close.

Dover Tory MP Natalie Elphicke said a deal with France is now the best way to stop small boats crossing the English Channel, conceding the Rwanda policy is effectively at an end.

The rulings were based on evidence that Kigali has a poor human rights record, citing British police warning Rwandans in the UK of credible plans by the nations government to kill them.

Concerns of political and media freedom were also raised, as was the inability of the Rwandan courts to act independently of the government.

Evidence from the UNHCR, the United Nations refugee agency, cited Rwandas 100% rate of rejection of claims from countries in conflict zones such as Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan.

This is despite the UK authorities often finding the claims are well-founded.

The body also presented evidence of more than 100 cases of refoulement  the process of returning refugees to their origin countries  that have taken place after the UK agreed its deal with Rwanda.

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said Mr Sunaks flagship policy has completely failed as she accused him of failing to have any serious plan to tackle dangerous boat crossings.

Labour argued from the start this plan is unworkable and extortionately expensive; now it has been confirmed as unlawful because the Government failed to ensure they had a robust and workable policy, she said.

Downing Street has in recent days conceded that the policy is crucial to Mr Sunaks promise to the nation of stopping the boats.

More than 27,300 migrants have been detected making unauthorised crossings of the English Channel so far this year, according to official figures

Whereas Mrs Braverman repeatedly signalled she wanted out of the ECHR, Mr Cleverly said, while foreign secretary in April, that he was not convinced the move is necessary.

He said the European countries that are not signatories to the Convention  Russia and Belarus  are a small club, adding: I am not convinced it is a club we want to be part of.
The Supreme Court will deliver its judgment on whether Rishi Sunaks Rwanda policy is lawful after Suella Braverman warned he has no credible back-up to stop the boats.

Justices at the UKs highest court will on Wednesday hand down their verdict on the Prime Ministers legislation to remove asylum seekers to Kigali if they arrive by unauthorised means.

Defeat for the Government will further frustrate what Downing Street admits is a crucial part of his plans to halt Channel crossings and will inflame the row with the sacked home secretary.

In an excoriating letter to the Prime Minister, Mrs Braverman warned he has no credible Plan B if the High Court ruling that the policy is unlawful is upheld.

She claimed that even if it gets the go-ahead then Mr Sunaks 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, 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, but Mrs Braverman warned of a betrayal of Mr Sunaks promise to do whatever it takes to stop the crossings regardless.

The sacked home secretary wrote in the letter 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.

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.

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.

Leaving the European Convention on Human Rights was not discussed at Tuesdays Cabinet 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.
Three people have been arrested after activists targeted the Stone of Destiny at Edinburgh Castle in a protest against food poverty.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) said there was some damage caused to the protective glass housing the stone.

The Crown Room and Royal Apartments at the castle were closed following the incident, which happened shortly before 11am on Wednesday in the Crown Room.

The activists claimed to have spray-painted the words Is Treasa Tuath Na Tighearna  Gaelic for The People Are Mightier Than A Lord  on to the glass, alongside the logo of protest group This is Rigged.

The group said the incident echoed the history of the Stone of Destiny, which was repatriated from Westminster Abbey to Scotland by a group of University of Glasgow students 700 years after the stone was stolen in the Wars of Independence.

Police Scotland said two women aged 20 and 24 and a 20-year-old man were arrested in connection with the incident on Wednesday.

This is Rigged issued two demands  that supermarkets reduce the price of baby products by a quarter, and that the Scottish Government fully funds a community food hub per every 500 households, providing three meals a day to anyone who needs them.

The Stone of Destiny was used in the Kings coronation earlier this year (PA)

It cited the right to food, which is part of the International Covenant on Social, Cultural and Economic Rights, part of the International Bill of Human Rights.

In a statement, the group said: Food is a human right. Hunger is a political choice. The times we live in are defined by crisis, by instability, by greed.

We are already facing a crisis in every basic human need  housing, energy and food  leaving us massively unprepared and under-resourced for the impacts of climate breakdown.

Food is revolutionary  community is a necessity. When our crops are failing, our water sources dry up, and the land on which we live is decimated, the real revolutionary thing is to take collective responsibility and stand with one another.

The stone is referred to as part of the wider Honours which include the Crown of Scotland and other regalia and they are displayed together at the castle in the same case.

An HES spokesperson said there was a small disturbance in the Crown Room and police were called to the scene.

The spokesperson added: There has been some damage to the protective glass housing the Honours, however the casing was not breached and the Honours themselves were not damaged.

The castle remains open, however we have temporarily closed the Crown Room and Royal Apartments.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: Around 10.45am on Wednesday, we were called to a report of a small protest within Edinburgh Castle.

Officers attended and two women aged 20 and 24 and a 20-year-old man were arrested in connection with damage caused.

Inquiries are ongoing.
Rishi Sunak is facing unrest in the Tory ranks over the Supreme Courts ruling that the Governments Rwanda scheme is unlawful, with backbenchers warning his future could be decided by his response to the decision.

The New Conservatives grouping of MPs said the judgment felt existential for the party while deputy chairman Lee Anderson said ministers should ignore the law and start sending asylum seekers to the east African nation.

Backbenchers on the Tory right are now calling for a drastic overhaul of the UKs rights and treaties framework, potentially going beyond their previous suggestion of overriding the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR).

Other measures to disapply treaties such as the Refugee Convention should now be considered if necessary given the scope of the judgment, the New Conservatives have argued.

Speaking after a meeting of the group with other Tory MPs on Wednesday, co-chair Danny Kruger said: The Government should immediately announce an intention to do what is necessary to insist on our sovereignty.

That means legislation to override the effect of the European court, of the ECHR itself and of other conventions including the Refugee Convention if necessary.

Co-chair Miriam Cates did not say whether she maintained full confidence in the PM when asked by journalists.

He has said he will do whatever it takes to stop the boats. The next few days will show whether weve got the legislative power and the political will to do that.

Ms Cates added: We will support him to do whatever it takes.

Tory Party deputy chairman Mr Anderson suggested the Government defy the ruling of the court and remove migrants the same day they arrive in the UK.

Miriam Cates said the coming days will show whether there is the political will to move past the Supreme Court ruling (Danny Lawson/PA)

He described the Supreme Court judgment as a dark day for the British people and said ministers should just put the planes in the air now and send them to Rwanda.

My take is we should just put the planes in the air now and send them to Rwanda and show strength, he said.

Its time for the Government to show real leadership and send them back, same day. I think we should ignore the law and send them straight back the same day.

Downing Street refused to condemn the Tory deputy chairman for suggesting ministers ignore the judgment.

Mr Sunaks press secretary said: I think we appreciate that our MPs have strong views on this because, frankly, the country cares about this.

Jonathan Gullis, part of the New Conservatives grouping, said there was a range of options the Government could consider, including physically pushing small boats back into French waters in the Channel.

Todays ruling from the Supreme Court against on our deal to offshore illegal migrants to Rwanda is very disappointing, and will leave many across our country frustrated. We must do all we can to stop the boats. Failure to do otherwise will be existential for the Conservative  Jonathan Gullis MP (@GullisJonathan) November 15, 2023

Obviously disappointing, the decision today for the Government, but crucially we need to make sure that a plan B is quickly enacted in order to retain the trust of voters and to make sure that we do deliver on that pledge to stop the boats, he said.

Something that myself, Danny Kruger and Bill Cash pushed before which was a notwithstanding amendment, maybe bring that in as a notwithstanding Bill to disapply all conventions and treaties that weve signed up to, which have been a blocker, clearly, from the judgment of the Supreme Court in enabling to enact such policies.

He said another option would be to literally push boats back into French territorial waters  or if not, take more direct action and actually start returning people to the French shores rather than bringing them back over to British shores, regardless of any conflict that may end up with the French government.

Meanwhile, Brendan Clarke-Smith, another Conservative MP from the 2019 intake, posted a picture on X, formerly Twitter, of a 2016 Daily Mail headline suggesting judges were enemies of the people over a ruling on Brexit.

Weve been here before, he wrote.

He later insisted he had not been attacking justices of the Supreme Court but making a point about the democratic choices of British people, adding: Like we did then with Brexit, we solved the problem in Parliament and its my intention to make this happen again.

Former Cabinet minister Sir Simon Clarke said the Governments response to the legal setback would be a confidence issue in Mr Sunaks judgment as a Prime Minister.

He suggested emergency legislation would have to be put forward at a minimum to assert Parliaments sovereignty.

Former home secretary Priti Patel said that ministers have had the opportunity to address some of these practical measures and means thus far prior to todays judgment.

In the Commons, Home Secretary James Cleverly resisted calls to withdraw from the ECHR and the international Refugee Convention, telling Tory MPs: I dont believe those things are necessary.

He added that national governments cant just vote themselves out of international commitments and as a former foreign secretary he knew they were incredibly powerful tools as we try and do good around the wider world.

Mr Sunaks strategy is to seek a new treaty with Rwanda that will address the concerns of the Supreme Court.

But the Prime Minister said that if it becomes clear that our domestic legal frameworks or international conventions are still frustrating the plans at that point, I am prepared to change our laws and revisit those international relationships.
A train has been given new livery to encourage passengers its okay to talk.

TransPennine Express (TPE) unveiled the message on one of its Class 185 trains to raise awareness of mens mental health ahead of Sundays International Mens Day.

The design was developed with suicide prevention charity Andys Man Club, which has more than 120 free support groups across Britain where men can talk about issues affecting them.

TPE managing director Chris Jackson said: Charities such as Andys Man Club are life-savers for so many, and were extremely proud to work with them ahead of International Mens Day to unveil the new livery on our train.

If just one person sees the train and it gives them the confidence to talk about the problems they are facing, then our train wrap will have made a difference.

TPE serves cities across northern England and into Scotland.

The operator said its staff have made more than 300 interventions in the past year, where they have recognised and supported vulnerable people on the railway.

More than 750 of its employees have completed safeguarding training related to transport.

Mark Haigh, a train driver with operator Northern, was at the controls of a service that struck and killed a man on the tracks in West Yorkshire in 2022.

He urged men to feel more comfortable talking about their mental health.

He said: There are an increasing number of groups, services and helplines out there dedicated to helping them deal with their emotions, anxieties and other struggles.

When I think about the guy that stepped in front of my train, it breaks my heart to think he felt there was no other option available to him.

Office of Rail and Road figures show there were 300 suspected suicide attempts on the mainline railway in the year to the end of March, of which 236 involved fatalities.

Andys Man Club says it aims to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health and create a judgment-free, confidential space where men can be open about the storms in their lives.

For anyone who needs help, visit https://andysmanclub.co.uk to find your nearest group.
Rishi Sunaks promise to the British public was a straightforward one, he vowed to stop the boats as thousands of asylum seekers crossed the Channel without authorisation.

But as crossings continued, that pledge has been complicated by legal challenges arguing that forcibly removing migrants to Rwanda is against their rights and the law.

The Supreme Court delivered the Prime Minister a blow on Thursday by ruling that his policy was indeed unlawful.

Five of the UKs most senior justices ruled the scheme could not go ahead as is.

They cited a long list of concerns with Rwanda as they concluded there was a real risk that genuine refugees could be sent back to their country of origin, where they would face ill-treatment.

 What is Plan B?

First, Rishi Sunak is pinning his hopes on soothing the courts concerns by agreeing a new legally binding treaty with Rwanda.

He wants the deal to bind Kigali into not sending failed claimants to any other country in order to prevent refoulement  removing asylum seekers back to the country where they face persecution.

But it is unclear what legal status people who fail the process will have if they remain in Rwanda, but not as a refugee.

Mr Sunak said the treaty will commit the UK to bring back anyone if ordered to do so by a court, meaning some migrants sent to Kigali could then be returned to the UK.

He will go further to reduce the chances of a court blocking the new treaty, by bringing forward emergency legislation to ask Parliament to confirm it believes Rwanda is a safe country.

Protesters gathered outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday (Stefan Roussaeau/PA)

Supreme Court President Lord Reed and his four justices ruled there were substantial grounds to believe there was a real risk of refugees being returned to their home countries.

Inheriting the Rwanda headache as the new Home Secretary, James Cleverly said that anyone removed to Rwanda could not be sent to another country than the UK, but officials made clear they did not anticipate people being returned to Britain.

Elevating the deal from a mere memorandum of understanding to a treaty that has been ratified by Parliament could strengthen it in the courts minds.

But not a single penny of the 140 million already paid to Kigali can be clawed back, and the new treaty is expected to end up adding to the cost.

 What problems must the treaty overcome?

The Supreme Court judgment highlighted a series of grave concerns about Rwanda that would need addressing before they could consider the policy lawful.

Home Secretary James Cleverly said the judgment was not contingent on the European Convention on Human Rights (House of Commons/PA)

Refoulement was the chief concern, which the justices said was seen in a similar deal Rwanda had with Israel, and was continuing to this day.

Evidence from the UNHCR, the United Nations refugee agency, showed there was 100% rejection for nationals from three war-torn countries between 2020 and 2022.

Home Office figures from that same period showed that the UK granted 74% of cases from Afghanistan, 98% from Syria and 40% from Yemen.

The Supreme Court said there was evidence of a culture within Rwanda of, at best, inadequate understanding of Rwandas obligations under the Refugee Convention.

Evidence was presented that Kigali had a poor human rights record, citing British police warning Rwandans in the UK of credible plans by the nations government to kill them.

The Supreme Courts judgment was delivered by its president Lord Reed (PA)

Concerns of political and media freedom were also raised, as was the inability of the Rwandan courts to act independently of the government.

The UNHCR suggested there had been more than 100 cases of refoulement that took place after the UK agreed its deal with Rwanda.

 So, Plan C?

Facing calls from the Tory right to pull out of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), Mr Sunak offered a vague glimmer of hope.

He said he was prepared to change our laws and revisit those international relationships if they were still frustrating his plans.

But Mr Cleverly told the Commons that he did not believe disregarding the ECHR or the Refugee Convention was necessary.

The Home Secretary made clear that Wednesdays judgment was not contingent on the ECHR.

Todays Supreme Court judgment is no surprise. It was predicted by a number of people close to the process. Given the current state of the law, there is no reason to criticise the judges. Instead, the government must introduce emergency legislation. 1/3  Suella Braverman MP (@SuellaBraverman) November 15, 2023

Delivering the courts ruling, Lord Reed made clear it was not just the ECHR that was relevant to the case, but other treaties such as the UN conventions against torture and its covenant on civil rights.

He cited three pieces of domestic legislation as binding the UK on the principle of non-refoulement and said the Human Rights Act gave effect to the ECHR.

 How soon will flights be?

Even if the simpler treaty route was successful, it could take more than 40 sitting days to be ratified in Parliament. No 10 said the agreement could be laid in the House in the coming days.

But further legal challenges could halt flights once again.

Navigating the legal minefield of amending multiple domestic laws would take months, at least, and disregarding international commitments could create an almighty row with allies.

Downing Street was unable to say whether flights to Kigali would take off before the next election, which is expected within a year.

Mr Sunak said ministers are working extremely hard to make sure that we can get a plane off as planned in the spring.

But he repeatedly refused to commit that the first flight would take off before the next election, which is expected within a year.
A 22-year-old Alabama inmate was left brain-dead following a brutal prison assault and died the day he was supposed to have been released, leaving his family demanding answers and justice.

Daniel Terry Williams, a father to two young children, was serving a 12-month sentence for second-degree theft when he was attacked Oct. 22 in a possible inmate-on-inmate assault at Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore County, the state Corrections Department said.

He was found "unresponsive in his dorm and was transported to the Health Care Unit," the Corrections Department said in a statement. He was then transferred to an area hospital for further evaluation and treatment, officials said.

Alabama inmate death (via GoFundMe)

Terry Williams, Daniel's father, said he was told by someone incarcerated at the jail that three other inmates beat and sexually assaulted his son.

My buddy told me that they got him up, shot him up with a hotshot," Williams said, referring to heroin.

The Corrections Department did not respond to queries about the drug and sexual assault allegations.

Williams said that his son was assaulted for three days and that his son's girlfriend was notified Oct. 25 that he was in the hospital. The Corrections Department did not disclose how many days the assault lasted or the day he was transferred to the hospital.

He had bruises, cuts; there was indentions in his head, looked like a mop handle went across his head a couple of times. Before he even got to the hospital, he was already gone, Williams said. At the hospital, Williams said, the family requested that a rape examination be completed.

Daniel Williams' girlfriend, Amber Williams, said she was shocked by the extent of his wounds.

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, she told NBC affiliate WVTM of Birmingham.

Williams' family said doctors told them Daniel Williams had 10% of his brain function.

That 10% thats left, all that does is Daniel could breathe and he could open and close his eyes. But he has no clue hes there; he has no clue youre there. He cant see nothing, his father said.

The family said medical professionals told them that Williams could stay on life support but that he would be bedridden and require around-the-clock care for the rest of his life.

The family decided to take him off life support Nov. 5, his father said.

We pulled the plug on him on Sunday. The following Wednesday they were giving him palliative care. On Wednesday night is when the warden called and had them move him back to the prison, and when he got back to the prison, he died, apparently, he said.

The Corrections Department said Williams was transported for long-term comfort care to Kilby Correctional Facility, where he died. It did not specify the date.

It is not clear, though, why he was moved to the facility instead of staying in the hospital.

He died Thursday  the day he was supposed to have been released, his father said.

Terry Williams said he has retained a lawyer and wants answers about what happened to his son. He said that he believes the facility's correctional officers and warden were negligent in failing to stop the attack and that they did not keep his family properly notified about what had happened.

I want to see the warden, and the COs sitting in a cell, and the guys that did that, I want to see them in a chair, electric chair, he said. I couldnt save my son, but I want to save the next person. I want this crap to stop.

He said he hasn't gotten any answers  or condolences  from the Corrections Department and has been told only that the matter is under investigation.

The department's Law Enforcement Services Division is investigating Williams' death. An autopsy will be conducted through the department, officials said.

Terry Williams employers have created an online fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses and an independent autopsy.

He said his son, who has three brothers and a sister, ran track in school and was easygoing and friendly to all.

Hes a good person; he got along with everybody. I didnt know anybody that he didnt get along with. Hes got two kids, both a year old, a girl and a boy, he said.

I dont think its hit me yet, to be honest. I feel like its all a dream. Why? I just cant picture this. I feel like Im just asleep and I havent woke up yet he said. Im going to go to my grave with this. Thats my son.
President Joe Biden and China's President Xi Jinping on Wednesday held their first face-face meeting in more than a year amid tensions in the U.S.-China relationship.

For security reasons, the two leaders held the talks at a private location -- the historic Filoli Estate in Woodside, California, outside San Francisco -- near where the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit is being held this week.

The two men smiled and shook hands after Biden walked out to greet his Chinese counterpart and then the leaders immediately walked inside.

With the delegations seated around a large conference table, Biden said, "I value our conversation because I think it's paramount that you understand each other clearly, leader-to-leader, with no misconceptions or miscommunication. We have to ensure that competition does not veer into conflict."

Noting their personal history, Biden expressed his appreciation for their "straightforward and frank" discussions in the past.

PHOTO: U.S. President Joe Biden shakes hand with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, in Woodside, Calif., on Nov. 15, 2023. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

PHOTO: President Joe Biden meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Filoli estate on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, in Woodside, California, Nov. 15, 2023. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

"We haven't always agreed, which was not a surprise to anyone, but our meetings have always been candid, straightforward and useful. I've never doubted what you've told me in terms of your candid nature in which you speak," Biden said.

He ended his remarks by telling Xi, "Welcome back."

"For two large countries like China and United States, turning our back on each other is not an option," Xi, speaking in Mandarin, told Biden in return, according to a translation.

"It is unrealistic for one side to remodel the other, and conflict and confrontation has unbearable consequences for both sides," Xi continued, according to translation.

"It is an objective fact that China and the United States are different in history, culture, social system and development paths," he said. "However, as long as they respect each other, coexist in peace and pursue win-win cooperation, they will be fully capable of rising above differences and find the right way for the two major countries to get along with each other. I firmly believe in a promising future of the bilateral relationship."

"I look forward to having an in-depth exchange of views," Xi said.

PHOTO: President Joe Biden meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' week in Woodside, California on November 15, 2023. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

Just before cameras and reporters were then led out of the room, ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Selina Wang asked Xi several times in Mandarin: "President Xi, do you trust Biden?"

Xi took out his translation earpiece to hear her question, looked at her and smiled slightly, but did not respond. She then asked both leaders in English: "Do you trust each other?"

Neither answered and Xi does not normally engage with the press.

MORE: Expectations low for high-stakes Biden-Xi summit amid tensions: ANALYSIS

Later, he and Biden took a walk around the estate after their working lunch.

Biden told Selina Wang that his meeting with Xi was going "well" when she asked.

PHOTO: U.S. President Joe Biden walks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Filoli estate on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, in Woodside, Calif., on Nov. 15, 2023. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

Details of four-hour meeting

Fentanyl, artificial intelligence, climate change, the Middle East and Taiwan were among the topics discussed in Biden's four-hour meeting with Xi, according to a senior Biden administration official who briefed reporters afterward.

On fentanyl, an ultra-deadly synthetic opioid that has become pervasive in parts of the U.S., "The president basically said, 'Look, this is one of the worst drug problems the United States has ever faced,'" the official said.

A plan has been drafted between the U.S. and China in order to curb Chinese companies who produce "precursors" to fentanyl and to restrict access to necessary supplies, the official said.

The official noted that the U.S. will continue to monitor China's follow-through on these measures but touted them as important.

The official also said China has agreed to a series of steps that would allow for better communication about each country's armed forces, including what is likely to be contact between senior commanders on both sides.

Biden was very direct with Xi, according to the administration official, and Xi responded with his own concerns, such as what he called undue negativity surrounding China's ruling Communist Party.

The official described the meeting as more personal than the two leaders' previous sit-down, with time for each of them to talk about their spouses -- and a moment where Biden reminded Xi about Xi's wife having an upcoming birthday, since she and Biden have the same one.

Taiwan, the administration official said, is seen by Xi as potentially the biggest and most dangerous issue that could undermine China's relationship with the U.S.

China regards Taiwan, a self-governing island, as a breakaway province.

The official said that Biden told Xi the U.S. is committed to the status quo and asked China to respect Taiwan's election process, but Xi signaled that some larger resolution was needed.

As the administration official described it, Xi indicated that China was not preparing to invade Taiwan despite its ongoing military preparations. The U.S. is focused on deterrence, the official said.

Chinese officials, in their own readout of the Xi-Biden meeting, said that Xi stressed that the two countries could either pursue cooperation in order to promote global order -- or could focus on their own interests over the other.

Xi also detailed how he sees China's ongoing development and modernization. According to the Chinese readout, the two countries should focus on cooperation and managing their differences rather than descending into conflict.

Xi criticized what he called U.S. efforts to suppress Chinese development, including through economic restrictions.

PHOTO: Supporters of Chinese President Xi Jinping gather outside a hotel where the Chinese delegation is staying during the APEC Summit in San Francisco, Calif., on Nov 14, 2023. (EyePress New via Shutterstock)

In a news conference after the meeting, Biden said, "I welcome the positive steps we've taken today."

"I believe they're some of the most constructive and productive discussions we've had," he said.

Biden stressed how the U.S. and China want to find areas in which to cooperate while noting that major differences remain -- but a goal for both countries continues to be to avoid outright antagonism.

At the top of his remarks, he highlighted agreements on dealing with fentanyl and resuming military contact.

"We're taking action to significantly reduce the flow of precursor chemicals and pill presses from China to the Western Hemisphere. It's going to save lives," Biden said, "and I appreciate president Xi's commitment on this issue."

"Secondly -- and this is critically important -- we're resuming military-to-military contact, direct contacts. As a lot of you press know who follow this, it's been cut off," Biden continued. "That's been worrisome. That's how accidents happen, misunderstandings."

Going forward, Biden and Xi will "preserve and pursue high-level diplomacy ... in both directions," Biden said.

"I think I know the man, I know his modus operandi," Biden said of Xi. "He has been -- we have disagreements, he has a different view than I have on a lot of things. But he's been straight. I don't mean that as good, bad or indifferent. He's just been straight."

Pressed by reporters about whether he trusted Xi in light of China's commitment to take steps to limit fentanyl production, Biden said: "'Trust but verify,' as the old saying goes. That's where I am." (He was quoting what's known as a Russian proverb made popular in the U.S. by President Ronald Reagan.)

"We weren't going to solve all of the military tension between their army and ours here in a four-hour meeting," National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on "Good Morning America" on Thursday.

But the re-opening of military communications could have "a very significant" effect on relations between the two countries, he said.

"Now we'll have a chance to pick up the phone, talk to them about what we're doing, hear what they're doing, and try to deconflict any tensions," he said.

Biden also said he does not expect any Chinese interference in Taiwan's upcoming presidential election, saying the pair discussed the matter as Xi was leaving the summit.

Asked as well about the unfolding Israel-Hamas war in the wake of Hamas' Oct. 7 terror attack, he said he was committed to seeking to free hostages that are thought to be held by Hamas and said he doesn't want Israel to re-occupy the Gaza, the Palestinian territory currently controlled by Hamas and under siege by Israel.

PHOTO: President Joe Biden speaks during a press conference after meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' week in Woodside, Calif., on Nov. 15, 2023. (ABC News)

MORE: China's 'moderately optimistic' view ahead of Biden-Xi meeting: ANALYSIS

Before leaving Washington, Biden had said his goal was "to get back on a normal course of corresponding, being able to pick up the phone and talk to one another when there's another crisis, being able to make sure our militaries still have contact with one another."

Officials have said a key objective was to restore military-to-military communication that the Pentagon said essentially stopped amid incidents involving the two nations' ships and planes, with tensions around Taiwan especially concerning.

Other items on the summit agenda, U.S. officials had said, included Biden being expected to press China to use its leverage with Iran to persuade Tehran to stop its proxies from attacking U.S. forces in the Middle East and escalating the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Biden has also called on China not to supply weapons to Russia to aid in its invasion of Ukraine -- and to press North Korea not to do so.

ABC News' Sarah Kolinovsky, Molly Nagle and Karson Yiu contributed to this report.

Biden and Xi talk fentanyl, Taiwan, military communication and more in 4-hour meeting originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
DES MOINES, Iowa  Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson says he has no plans to drop out of the 2024 presidential race, even though he said in September he should re-evaluate his campaign if he was not polling at 4% by Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is next week. Hutchinson is still scraping around 1% in GOP primary polls like the October NBC News/Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll of Iowa.

But in an interview with NBC News, the Republican pointed to the Israel-Hamas war as enough reason to continue his campaign. And he called for the GOP to adopt more compassionate messaging on abortion in the face of a revolt by voters against their brand on the issue.

In the last month, just think about how the world has changed, with Hamas killing so many Israelis and invading, in an atrocious way, that country, Hutchinson said. And now were at war in the Middle East, theres more regional conflict. Theres a greater need for me to be in this race for president now than even 30 days ago.

Hutchinson blamed his low poll numbers on being outspent on TV advertising. He added that he thinks voters in Iowa and New Hampshire wont decide who to vote for in their January contests until after Thanksgiving, if then.

Were planning the campaign for Jan. 15 and leading up to that, Hutchinson said, adding that he thought he could distinguish himself because everybody else is just slinging mud at each other right now.

When asked about pressure to drop out, following former Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Tim Scotts decisions to end their campaigns, Hutchinson sidestepped.

Despite his strong criticism of former President Donald Trump throughout the campaign, he said that theres no rush to consolidate support behind an anti-Trump candidate and that Iowa, the first-in-the-nation caucus state, should have a choice of candidates with a breadth of experience.

The argument is that somehow, if we consolidate, thats going to make it tougher on Trump. In Iowa, Trump is down to 43% of the vote  that means 57% is looking for alternatives. Theyre going to have the opportunity to choose. No one thinks that this field should be consolidated before Super Tuesday, Hutchinson said. They ought to let the first four states vote and lets see, you know, where the strength is then. And theres certainly adequate time to make sure that we have the organized opposition to a Donald Trump presidency.

In order to avoid more losses in 2024, Hutchinson said Republicans need to focus more resources on maternal health care and adoption services as well as abortion  and they need to adopt different language and policies to highlight.

Republicans need to express this in more compassionate terms, because these are problem pregnancies and thats why the woman is considering different options, Hutchinson said. And so what are we putting into maternal health care? What resources are we putting into making sure that theres adequate adoption services that are available in support for these challenges that women face?

Weve got to talk about this, he continued. And not just in terms of, you know, what your view is, but also in terms of compassion for these difficult circumstances that women find themselves in.

Hutchinson also said Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders called him to explain her endorsement of Trump, her former boss, before announcing it publicly. He said he wasnt surprised by her choice, but he also suggested theres pressure on politicians to endorse the former president  at least partially motivated by the backlash awaiting those who dont.

Theres a lot of congressional support and part of it is they worry about the consequences and retribution if they dont do that, Hutchinson said.
Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung on Wednesday slammed the government's budget cut in research and development (R&D) as an "extremely strange" decision and vowed to restore the reduced amount.

The chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) made the pledge during a party meeting held in the city of Daejeon, about 140 kilometers south of Seoul, which is home to many of the country's top research centers.

"This is an extremely strange, unimaginable thing to happen in an advanced economic power nation in the 21st century," Lee said, noting the government's double-digit percentage cut in the R&D budget has threatened the livelihoods of young researchers.

"In an era of cutting-edge sciences and the fourth industrial revolution, the importance of investment in sciences and technology can never be overemphasized. The DPK will restore the budget for R&D ... no longer dampen the hopes of young researchers and build a foundation for continual growth," Lee said.

Lee also criticized the government's plan to relax the maximum 52-hour workweek for certain business sectors, saying the plan is an outdated strategy to boost the economy, and vowed to improve labor productivity by implementing a 4.5-day workweek. (Yonhap)
A long time ago, Uzbekistan was the beating heart of the world.

It sat at the center of the Silk Road, collecting and dispersing luxuries for trade to lands from China and India to the Mediterranean. More importantly, it sent rills of knowledge flowing through its web of trade, everything from algebra to Arabic to astronomy.

However, trade along the Silk Road had long declined when its splintered khanates  Khiva, Samarkand, Bukhara, Kokand, etc.  buckled to the Russians one by one in the 20th century.

Fortunately, theres so much more to the Central Asian country than the Silk Road.

Buddhist monks scudded through its southern fringes, carrying the freight of their newfound faith from India to the Far East. Synagogues were nourished here. Today as you travel through Uzbekistan, you will find ripples of all this history and more.

Get taken for a ride on the metro

Tashkent is marbled with drab, blocky Brutalist Russian architecture that soars towards the heavens.

But the city isnt just vertical; it pushes downwards too. Deep into its bedrock, the Tashkent metro, opened in 1977, is an extraordinary example of Russian invention.

Each underground journey is bookended by exquisitely-designed stations  in one, hoary vaulted ceilings are blazoned by baroque chandeliers; in another, the face of Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space flames to life; a third is lit with extravagant murals of cotton, Uzbekistans cashcrop introduced by the Russians (that is now leeching the lifeblood from its soil).

Up until 2018, all photographs were forbidden (thanks to its role as a nuclear bomb shelter and military site), but that rule has happily been upended.

Tip: If you dont have time to ride around the city, take the tube from Mustaqillik Maydoni (Independence Square station) to Pakhtakhor for a glimpse of the system.

Up your starch intake with non and plov

Across Uzbek kitchens, the clay or brick tanoor takes pride of place. From within emerge wedges of somsa, lambs meat or pumpkin or potato shelved into flaky savory pastry or smokey hunks of meat, stabbed through with a skewer.

Non is ubiquitous and it will follow you across every meal in every province of the country; a facsimile of the sun, the bread is seen as life itself. - Meher Mirza

But these are all supporting acts when it comes to the flatbread, non. Sloped into a clay or brick tanoor, a disc of non emerges blistered, stretched flat in the center, girdled by a springy hem and impressed with custom designs (courtesy of a stamping tool called a nonpar), each of which is leashed to its own bakery.

It is an edible advertisement; sometimes, even a phone number is baked into it. Non is ubiquitous and it will follow you across every meal in every province of the country; a facsimile of the sun, it is seen as life itself.

But in fact, it is plov that is Uzbekistans national dish. A spice-spare cousin of its south Asian cousin pulao, plov is a fortifying rice dish striped with carrots, onions, berberries (small, tart berries) and cumin crowned with a cockscomb of mutton pieces, but can swell to include quince, beef, peppers, horsemeat, boiled eggs and chickpeas cooked in sheep fat or cottonseed oil.

Many ingredients in plov, Uzbekistan's national dish, can be found in the markets. - Meher Mirza

Plov can be an everyday dish, but also a dish meant for gorging, for tippling, for ebullience, one often offered up at wedding feasts. Luckily for tourists though, its also available everywhere, from the littlest eateries to the fanciest restaurants.

Tip: For a proper plunge into plov, try the Central Asian Plov Center in Tashkent, one of Uzbekistans biggest cities, where it is the only item on the menu.

Swig vodka!

The Soviets left Uzbekistan a rather uneven legacy. They carved borders from a disjointed scatter of caravanserai towns. They imprinted Cyrillic on the country. They sucked dry the Aral sea, an environmental catastrophe of incalculable proportions.

They attempted to peel away the peoples religious ways (the Russians purportedly stuffed the Fergana Valleys 15th Kok-Gumbaz mosque with bottles of alcohol). Yet the most insidious was their culinary footprint (i.e., the introduction of vodka to the local table). Its quite possible the drink has done more to loosen the stays of Uzbekistans Islam than anything else.

Vodka is the beverage of choice across Uzbekistan and is a part of nearly every meal. - Meher Mirza

No matter where in Uzbekistan you travel to, all but the most devout nurse a bottle of okchai (white tea, a euphemism for vodka). Noon or night, the correct way to drink is by flagging each glass with a toast.

Stroll through a dazzling Necropolis

Gales of tourists blow through mausoleum-heavy Samarkand every day: to peer at the Bibi Khanum mosque, to ogle at the exquisite Registan complex.

But perhaps the most extraordinary of all is the Shah-i-Zinda, a cobblestoned corridor of cobalt domes, minarets, pillars jostled into a crowded necropolis.

Although legend pegs the Shah-i-Zinda as the burial grounds of Prophet Mohammeds cousin, Qusam ibn Abbas, its more likely that the earliest monument cropped up a mere millennium ago.

Each mausoleum in Samarkand is disparate, but the whole melds together in a sparkling jigsaw of a jewel box, brocaded with glossy turquoise and aquamarine tiles. - Meher Mirza

As the centuries passed, more and more mausoleums were added (the most beautiful being the 14th century resting place of Timurs niece Shadi Mulk and sister Shirin Bek Ata). The area serves as a pilgrimage for both Samarkand residents and visitors: a living monument to death.

Each mausoleum is disparate, but the whole melds together in a sparkling jigsaw of a jewel box, brocaded with glossy turquoise and aquamarine tiles that intensify to purple and midnight blue, as though the sky has lent its blue to the earth.

Gawp at The Karakalpakstan State Museum of Art

While the Soviet Union juddered under Stalinist rule, an art collector was leading a gentle rebellion under his very nose. In the middle of the scrubby hinterlands of the semi-autonomous republic of Karakalpakstan, Igor Savitsky toiled to amass a grand collection of Soviet (Russian and Uzbek) avant garde paintings that might have been lost forever under the bloody regime.

See works by Vladimir Lysenko and Alexander Volkov in The Karakalpakstan State Museum of Art. - Meher Mirza

It was not a task for the faint-hearted. Under Stalins narrow lens, anything other than social realism was shrugged away as Formalism and liable for imprisonment, while Savitskys collection was a shrine to cubism, impressionism and futurism, radical in its rebuke to totalitarianism.

In 1966, he opened his museum. Its remoteness both served and saved him, keeping him away from the eye of Stalins gibbering generals, while forcing the museum to languish in obscurity up until a few years ago.

Today, the work displayed is indeed staggering, including work by Vladimir Lysenko and Alexander Volkov cheek by jowl with that of contemporary local artists, across several floors. Downstairs, a cafe serves decent burgers and crisped fries, a gentle reprieve after an afternoon of heavy viewing.

Visit a Silk Road oasis come to life

Once even the most buccaneering travelers shuddered at the mention of Khiva; the caravan town had a reputation glutted with mercurial, bloodthirsty khans known to torture and slaughter visitors at whim.

Today of course, buses disgorge tourists from around the world into the old town, Ichan Kala, that sits aloof from the rest of the trafficked city.

The caravan town of Khiva is now on the tourist trail. - Meher Mirza

It is now a UNESCO-stamped repository of Uzbek history brimming with formidable architecture  pale sand-colored tombs singular in their simplicity, sit cheek-by-jowl with madrassehs and museums cloaked in a tumult of teal. The buildings have all been painstakingly restored by the Russians, its cobblestone streets corridored by sanitized stalls selling all manner of touristy bric-a-brac.

It resembles, almost, the set of a film. Still, it is all very charming and carnival-esque, and perhaps the only place in Uzbekistan in which you can sink yourself properly into a caravanserai of yore by staying at the Orient Star.

Gaze at a 15th century observatory

At a time when Europe was still moldering in the dark ages, Uzbekistan was soaring into its renaissance. From here came algebra, thanks to Muhammad al-Khwarizmi. Medicine and philosophy came via Avicena in the 10th century. Al-Biruni, a man of astonishing talent, wrote treatises on mathematics, anthropology, astrology and geography in the 11th century.

Centuries later, Ulugh Begh, grandson of Timur and sultan of Samarkand, drew on this ferment of knowledge to found a cutting-edge astronomical observatory on top of a hill in Samarkand.

Unfortunately, his mind bent little to political affairs  he was murdered in 1449 by his own son, and his observatory later destroyed, but visitors can still see the ribs of a mighty sextant curling down a trench, the largest meridian instrument of its time.

(Among other astonishing things, it discovered almost 200 new stars, and predicted, almost to a minute, the exact length of a year.) Close by, a modest museum archives what little knowledge remains of Ulugh Begh and his scientific advances.

Buy silk from the last traditional silk-makers in Margilon

Although camels once lurched across the Silk Road carrying everything from paper, furs, spices, gunpowder, animal skins and gold, there is no single material that paints a picture of the Silk road as succinctly as  well  silk (the Uzbeks muscled out the knowledge of silk-making from the Chinese).

Meher Mirza

Silk was a booming part of Margilon (and Uzbekistans) history, with bolts of shimmering fabric carried to Russia, Persia, Constantinople, India, Syria, Arabia, Italy, even the Horn of Arabia.

But when the Soviet Union invaded the country in the 19th century, artisan was usurped by industry, and driven to near extinction. Silk-work was funneled into industries and factories whirred out millions of meters every year.

But the old knowledge stuck, and once the Russians were ousted, a few artisans of Margilon traded the factory for their old ways of weaving and patterning (the ikat style is heavily favored, the colors drawn from alum, walnut skin, peels of onion and pomegranate).

Today, this is maybe the last center of traditional silk-making in Uzbekistan, and it forms a vital part of the citys economy and cultural discourse.

UNESCO has listed it under its Intangible Cultural Heritage icons. Kumtepa market (5 kilometers from the city center) is thick with bales of silk. Yodgorlik, a silk-making factory is a tremendous tourist attraction, and shops selling silk clothes and skull caps are everywhere. Perhaps this then is the dawn of a new Silk Road.

Explore ancient Buddhist monasteries

A sun-ripened stupa stands on the banks of the Amu Darya.

The stupa is part of a large complex of Buddhist structures in Termez, a city that curls round the south-eastern fringe of Uzbekistan.

The sun-ripened stupa is part of a large complex of Buddhist structures in Termez, in Uzbekistan's southeast. - Meher Mirza

And although the countrys Buddhist history is seen only as a caption within its epic history, Termez is veined with stupas and monasteries scattered pell-mell, a sort of flotsam village stranded in time: Fayaz Tepa, a dun-coloured mud-brick monastery; Kara Tepa, a labyrinth of hollowed-out rooms cloistered into rock.

And squatting in a dill field is Zurmala tower, breaded by sand as if the soil was reasserting itself over the structure. All of these were built more than 2,000 years ago in the Kushana period by Buddhist monks drifting through the land, carrying their religion with them from India to the Far East.

The stupas are etched with holy scriptures, but not much else remains  all artifacts have been peeled off and deposited into museums across the country. Nevertheless, they are extraordinary, forgotten links to a fascinating age.

Retreat to a lost world

In the flatlands of the Republic of Karakalpakstan lies a portal to another era, that of the glorious Zoroastrian Persian empire, maybe the worlds first superpower, whose demesne once stretched from the Indus River to the Balkans in Europe.

Visit Karakalpakstan and see ancient ruins with storied histories. - Meher Mirza

Karakalpakstan is crossed with desperate ruins touched with majesty  the roofless honeycomb of a castle, a fire altar breached long ago, a whaleback of a fort rising from the solitude of the desert. The best preserved of all is Chilpik, a Zoroastrian funerary tower in which the dead were lain prone to be consumed by vultures, perhaps the best way for death to collaborate with the ecosystem (the remains were swept into ossuaries).

The way to this landscape is via Nukus  the Tashkent hotel offers a very comfortable stay. If, however, you are tight for time, meander through Afrasiyab in Samarkand instead, a sweep of citadel with an excellent museum fringing it; or explore Ming Urik, a sandy relic of a fortress, hidden down a quiet side street in Tashkent.

Ogle at the ancient town of Bukhara

The entire old town of Bukhara is a UNESCO-recognized masterpiece of medieval Muslim architecture - Meher Mirza

There is much to do in Bukhara: ramble around the 10th century tomb of Ismail Samani at Samonids Recreation Park, with its intricately-fretted walls; wander through the Ark, a fifth century fortress whose glowering ramparts are now snarled with traffic; gaze at the sombre Kalyan minaret, spared by Genghiz Khan when he razed the city in 1220; marvel at Chor Minor Madrassah with its nest of domes enameled in sapphire.

The entire old town is a UNESCO-recognized masterpiece of medieval Muslim architecture. It is as beautiful as a hallucination.

Tip: An excellent place to break your ramble through the old town is the Lyabi-Hauz  travelers and locals alike gather round the lucent waters of this pool for a cup of coffee or an ice cream.

Travel tips: Know before you go

Uzbekistan has several international airports but most of them only cater to flights from Russia. If youre flying in from anywhere else, your first port of call will, by necessity, be Tashkent.

For those who are strapped for time, a day in Tashkent should suffice before pushing off to Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. But if you can slice, say three weeks out of your life, do extend your itinerary to cover Nukus and the Karakalpakstan region, Termez, and Margilon with day trips to Andijon and Kokand. The best way to travel between cities is by train, but if that doesnt float your boat, at least take the speedy Afrosiyob Express from Tashkent to Samarkand (tea is free!).

Spring and fall are the best times to visit.

Meher Mirza is an independent writer based in Mumbai, with an interest in exploring the anthropology of Indian food and culture through a postcolonial lens.





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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
By Peter Henderson, Anna Tong and Trevor Hunnicutt

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Just blocks from where U.S. President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping will meet other Asia-Pacific leaders this week in San Francisco is a neighborhood where it is commonplace to see people using and selling drugs.

While the leaders are unlikely to see the blunt reality of the U.S. opioid crisis as they attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, it will be a topic of discussion when Biden and Xi meet one-on-one on Wednesday.

The United States wants China's cooperation to stop an illicit flow of "precursor" chemicals that are used to make fentanyl, which is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and is increasingly mixed with other drugs - often with lethal results.

In the first nine months of this year, 619 people died of an opioid overdose in San Francisco, most related to the synthetic opioids, compared with 647 such deaths in the whole of 2022, according to the city's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

"It's out of control," said Mike Odeh, 36, a salesperson at a liquor store near where APEC leaders will meet.

He said that while the city had been cleaning up the streets ahead of APEC, he normally sees people using fentanyl while walking his son to the park and to school, adding: "You can see it all over. Not this week of course."

Across the country the rate of drug overdose deaths involving fentanyl more than tripled from 2016 through 2021, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Tens of thousands of people die annually from synthetic opioid overdoses, government statistics show.

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said on Tuesday that Washington hoped the Biden-Xi summit would result in action to combat the fentanyl trade. A source familiar with plans said the U.S. was ready to remove restrictions on the Institute of Forensic Science, part of China's Ministry of Public Security.

Washington put the institute on the Commerce Department's "entity list" in 2020 over alleged abuses toward Uyghurs and other minority groups - effectively barring it from receiving U.S. exports. China has long questioned why the U.S. would expect cooperation on fentanyl while targeting the institute.

CHINA, MEXICO, US STANCES

China's embassy in Washington declined to comment on the fentanyl issue. Chinese state media has repeatedly said addiction and demand for the drug are U.S. domestic problems.

U.S. officials say that small chemical businesses in China make precursor chemicals that are shipped to Mexico to produce illicit fentanyl, which is often mixed with other illegal drugs, sold as powders and nasal sprays, and increasingly turned into pills that look like legitimate prescription opioids. These are then smuggled into the United States, the officials say.

Last month, the United States imposed sanctions on 28 people and entities involved with the international proliferation of illicit drugs, including a large China-based network.

"We know that this global fentanyl supply chain, which ends with the deaths of Americans, often starts with chemical companies in China," said U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland.

Advocates have also accused pharmaceutical companies and related businesses of fueling the crisis through downplaying the risks of opioids and lack of regulation. Landmark settlements since 2021 have set compensation at a total of more than $50 billion nationwide.

Biden is also due to meet with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in San Francisco. Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena said talks would include how to better control the arrival from Asia of precursors used to make fentanyl.

In San Francisco, state and local officials have tried to clean up drugs from the city's streets, with limited success. The crisis has drawn sharp criticism from residents in the city, where drug-fuelled crime has forced some businesses to leave.

San Francisco's new district attorney, Brooke Jenkins, has made prosecuting drug dealers a cornerstone of her agenda. The city recently formed a law enforcement task force to investigate opioid-linked deaths and poisonings.

The city's Mayor London Breed has pushed to prioritize treatment for drug users, talked of police action as a way to solve the problem, and has called on the federal government to boost its drug trafficking enforcement.

"We know San Francisco - and cities across the United States - will benefit from more targeting of the trafficking and production of fentanyl worldwide," a spokesperson for Breed said in a statement.

(Additional reporting by Michael Martina; Writing by Sayantani Ghosh and Michelle Nichols; Editing by Josie Kao)
A band of House conservatives tanked a procedural vote to advance an appropriations bill Wednesday, underscoring the problems Republicans are having in the government funding process.

Shortly after the failed procedural vote Wednesday morning, the office of House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) announced that no additional votes would be expected in the House following the current series until Nov. 28. The chamber was initially scheduled to hold another vote series Wednesday afternoon.

Congress has been in session for 10 weeks, and tensions had been starting to show. Just a day earlier, Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) accused former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) of elbowing him in the back  a charge McCarthy denied.

Nineteen hard-line conservatives joined with Democrats in a 225-198 vote opposing the rule for legislation funding Commerce, Justice, Science and related agencies, and a separate Iran-related bill, blocking the chamber from considering the measures.

The failed vote came just one day after the chamber cleared a two-step stopgap bill that several hard-liners voted against. The legislation, which the Senate will now consider, would extend funding at current levels for some agencies and programs until Jan. 19, and all others through Feb. 2. It would also extend the authorization of programs and authorities in the farm bill until Sept. 30.

The chamber approved the bifurcated continuing resolution in a bipartisan 336-95 vote, with significantly more Democrats  209  backing the bill than Republicans, 127. Ninety-three Republicans opposed the legislation, a number of whom are hard-line conservatives.

Wednesdays failed procedural vote is a blow to newly minted Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who crafted the continuing resolution the chamber passed Tuesday and has sought to advance the appropriations process since assuming the top job last month.

Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.), a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, told reporters following the failed procedural vote that the GOP opposition to the rule was in response to concerns over the continuing resolution, the decision to consider an Iran bill under a closed rule, and the Commerce, Justice, Science appropriations bill.

Votes on rules  which govern debate on legislation  are typically routine and predictable. But conservatives this Congress have used the procedural vote as a way to retaliate against GOP leadership.

Aris Folley contributed.

Updated at 12:03 p.m. ET

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Learn more about this classic, cool surface. Experts share how it's made, how it's installed, and how to maintain it.

wuttichaijangrab/Getty Images

Youve probably seen this type of speckled flooring your whole life without really thinking about it, but if youve noticed an uptick of terrazzo applications in commercial buildings as well as residential, its not in your head! The old-school material is working its way back into the mainstreamand not just in flooring. You mightve noticed it on walls and countertops, too. We started seeing it trending in 2018. Slowly, we saw it coming back with retro vintage style, as well as mid-century modern style, observes Laura Grilli, the director of product design at Daltile, a leading manufacturer and distributor of porcelain, stone, and ceramic materials.

New York City-based Isabella Patrick, the principal designer of Isabella Patrick Interiors, Inc., agrees, saying she noticed the rise in terrazzo surfaces a few years ago as well. Its certainly a trend now, but for me, its a forever thing, she says. Patrick also adds, though, that its a New York City Classic. Youll find it in many pre-war buildings, especially in art deco style buildings.

Regardless of your homes style, you might be considering the material for your next remodel. Here's everything you should consider before you decide terrazzo is for you.

Related: 12 Kitchen Countertop Ideas That'll Make You Want to Remodel

What Is Terrazzo?

Terrazzo is a man-made material composed of various materials, typically chips of marble, granite, quartz, or glass, set in a binder material such as cement or epoxy resin, explains Corbin Clay, custom home builder and CEO of Wayhome, a service that offers virtual expert advice for home improvement, repair, and DIY projects. The concept of terrazzo stems back to 15th century Venice, Italy, when Venetian workers would use scrap marble particles from their upscale project for their own homes, specifically terraces. (Surprise! Terrazzo means terrace in Italian.)

According to Clay, the process of creating terrazzo involves mixing the chosen materials (like crushed glass or ground stone) with the binder, pouring the mixture into a mold or in-place (think a hotel lobbys floor), and then grinding and polishing the surface to create a smooth and shiny finish. Youll often see terrazzo in the form of flooring, walls, and countertops.







Fun Fact

Terrazzo is often considered a sustainable material because it was originally premised on the idea of reducing waste and can be made using recycled materials. In fact, brands like Vetrazzo use glass from royal blue vodka bottles and bright green beer glass bottles.









Durability

Terrazzo is highly resistant to wear-and-tear, making it a popular choice for high-traffic areas such as airports, schools, hospitals, and office buildings. According to Clay, with regular cleaning and the occasional sealing (if necessary), terrazzo flooring will last for decades. Plus, even if the terrazzo is worn down, it can be re-finished and polished.

When it comes to countertops, Clay says terrazzo is fairly heat-resistant, but not entirely impervious. Likewise with staining, though it is often sealed during production to help prevent any damage caused from staining or moisture.

Maintenance

Because its a man-made material, theres a lot of variability with terrazzo. How much effort you need to put into maintaining your terrazzo depends on the manufacturer and what materials you selected. Some do, in fact, need sealing to maintain the water and stain resistance. Its a good idea to confirm exactly what maintenance is needed for your specific color and brand, says Clay. As for cleaning, terrazzo does not generally require any special cleaners. Regular soap and water will usually do the trick!

Pricing

Theres a fairly broad range when it comes to the cost of terrazzo. It varies depending on whether or not its a true terrazzo or a printed-on porcelain version, Patrick says. There are ballpark figures though. According to Angi, terrazzo countertops can cost, on average, about $4,000 for about 30 square feet, while terrazzo flooring costs $9 to $35 per square foot, with the average homeowner spending about $22 per square foot. Tile is typically more affordable than poured.

Installation

How long it takes to install your terrazzo somewhat depends on the application. If its in countertop form, it can take about an hour for something small like a bathroom vanity to a few hours for a kitchen. (The bulk of the work for terrazzo countertops is done at the manufacturers facility.)

However, the timeline might be a little different for flooring, and this has to do with whether youre using pre-cast terrazzo (like tile and countertop slabs) or poured-in-place terrazzo.The former is installed like tile, with similar prep and installation times. This can be as little as several days for a small bathroom floor, to several weeks for an entire home, Clay says. He adds that poured-in-place terrazzo can be installed in several days, provided the requisite materials are available. Curing for both the mortar used in pre-cast, and the binder for poured-in-place, can then take an additional week to properly cure.

Getting the Terrazzo Look on a Budget

Because terrazzo can get so pricey (the cost of labor is what really adds up), people are now opting to get-the-look without buying true terrazzo. People are instead choosing the confetti look on tileDaltile produces porcelain versions with the patterns printed onto them. And because theyre tile, you can easily install them on countertops and walls, says Grilli. It has all the advantages of porcelain tile. You can put them everywhere. Theyre not going to scratch, theyre not going to stain. You dont need to seal them, she adds. Because theyre digitally printed, the patterns and color combinations are virtually endless.

Another alternative is wallpaperthere are plenty of peel-and-stick options now that mimic the appearance of terrazzo and can quickly get installed or replaced once youre ready for a change. The other option if you really are a die-hard terrazzo fan? Mixing up the materials. For example, if you have a kitchen island, make that the focal point of your space by installing terrazzo on it, then selecting a more affordable, neutral option for the rest of your countertop surfaces. If youre wondering what makes a nice statement piece, Patrick gives her advice for the selection process, saying she loves either white ground with colorful or tonal flecks or dark ground, like a deep purple, with those same flecks. Purple always makes a statement!

Related: How to Design a Kitchen You'll Never Regret, According to Real Simple Home Designer Delia Kenza

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Don't let one word convince you to splurge on a bottle before you've done a little extra research.

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Its one of the most vexing and widely asked questions in the world of wine: If the label says reserve, is the liquid inside actually better? And does that liquid actually justify the usually higher cost?

Many of the classic wine-producing countries of Europe make determining the answer to this question easy, mainly because of the range of specific and highly detailed rules and regulations regarding use of the word reserve  or reserva and riserva  in Spain and Italy, for example.

In Rioja, red wines labeled Reserva must be aged for a minimum of three years, including at least one in oak, before hitting the market. Gran Reserva wines are aged for at least five years prior to hitting shelves, two of which, at a minimum, have to be in oak.

Wines from Tuscanys Chianti region may be labeled as either Chianti Classico or Chianti Classico Riserva, the latter of which indicates that theyve been aged for at least two years in barrels and then another three months in bottle before being sold. Chianti Classico can also be labeled as Gran Selezione, which tells you that its entirely estate-grown fruit thats been aged for 30 months in oak, and has also passed muster with a group of tasters who determine whether its worthy of the label.

Related: 15 Rules for Great Food and Wine Pairing

Its all a bit confusing, of course, but at least there are specific rules that need to be followed. On this side of the Atlantic, and in many other parts of the so-called New World of wine, thats not the case  which is where the confusion often results.

For many larger brands, the determining factor is grape sourcing; its not uncommon to find a producer that offers a California Cabernet Sauvignon alongside a reserve Cab thats labeled as having come from a more specific part of the state, like Paso Robles or North Coast, as is the case with Josh Cellars. Its also not uncommon to find that reserve-labeled wines have seen more time in oak barrels, or are made in a more concentrated style.

There are others that bring another set of variables to the reserve equation. Taylor Family Vineyards, for example, a top producer in Napa Valleys Stags Leap District, released a 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and a Stags Leap District Estate Reserve Cab from the same vintage.

What sets these two examples apart? Our use of the [word] reserve on our label originated with our Estate Cabernet, Sandy Taylor, president of her familys estate (and the sixth generation of it in Napa Valley), explained in an email, primarily to denote the specific source of the fruit within our SLD vineyard. When we established our brand back in 2002, it quickly became evident that our hillside grapes needed a clear distinction from those grown in deeper soils. The hillside vines face considerable challenges, thriving in rocky soils that yield only a limited number of clusters and very small berries. Both our winemaker, Gustavo Brambila, and ourselves firmly believe that where the fruit is situated within the vineyard makes a significant difference.

The Napa Valley Cabernetrepresents the archetypal Napa Cabernet, typically cultivated on the valley floor, she added. It's intended to possess a pleasing tannin structure, a robust body, a rich mouthfeel, and a slightly more fruit-forward profile compared to our single-vineyard AVA Cabernets, such as our Diamond Mountain and Atlas Peak Cabernet. Typically, there is no Stags Leap District Cabernet in our Napa Cabernet blend. That estate fruit stands on its own in the Reserve.

Simon Family Estate, another fantastic producer in Napa Valley, uses a somewhat different calculus to determine their use of the word reserve. Their 2019 Estate Cab, for example, is based on fruit from the appellations of St. Helena, Oakville, and Coombsville. The wine is aged in 70% new French oak for 18 months, and is intended to be enjoyed both in its youth while also having the potential to age. Their 2019 Reserve Cab, on the other hand, leans more heavily on St. Helena and Oakville, sees 21 months in 100% new French oak, and is built to age for the long-haul.

There are other brands that use the term reserve more or less as a marketing strategy, with little difference in terms of the flavor and aroma of the wine itself. So how are you to know which is which, and whether any of them are worth an extra outlay of money?

The key to differentiating between reserve and non-reserve wines is to know the rules that dictate the use of the term where the wine is being grown and made (if youre talking about Europe) or how the individual producer is defining it if youre dealing with wines from much of the so-called New World (the United States, Australia, etc.).

Not all reserve wines are the same; some of them are little more than attempts to extract a bit more money from the consumer. Others, like the unique Gran Selezione bottlings from Barone Ricasoli, or the reserve Cabs from Taylor Family Vineyards and Simon Family Estate, respectively, offer the fascinating (and delicious) opportunity to explore geological and geographical differences from one particular place to another, or how different winemaking or aging techniques impact it all. In those cases, the spend is worth it.

Just dont assume that reserve translates to better, because it doesnt necessarily. I love the non-reserve Cabs and standard Chianti Classico bottlings from the producers mentioned above, as well; they are not inferior in any way. All of them have a place in any collection or at the table, and all of them have something to teach us. No matter what the label says.

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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.
The cast of Young Sheldon is weighing on the series fast-approaching end date.

As previously reported, the Big Bang Theory prequel will conclude with Season 7, kicking off Thursday, Feb. 15 (CBS, 8/7c) and culminating in a one-hour series finale on May 16.

Shortly after the news broke, leading man Iain Armitage addressed the news on Instagram.

In case you wondered, I love my family, he said, alongside a throwback photo with TV siblings Raegan Revord and Montana Jordan, all seated on Leonard and Sheldons couch. Theres about 200 more people who make Young Sheldon happen and Im grateful for each of them.

We will make the best seventh season we can possibly make, Armitage promised fans. And behind the scenes there will be lots of laughter and lots of tears because I love all of these people so much.

Revord, who plays Sheldons twin sister Missy, was among the first to comment on her TV sibs post. Cant stop crying, she wrote. My family forever!

After seven fabulous, hilarious, fulfilling years, Young Sheldon will say goodbye, Annie Potts (aka Meemaw) added in her own Instagram post. Its a bittersweet moment. I have loved every moment of this work and loved every person who has made this wonderful show possible. I have been awed by the talent of my fellow cast members who feel more like family than colleagues. I am beyond grateful to all the Young Sheldon viewers and fans who made us #1. So, while Ill miss the day-to-day business of making Young Sheldon, I celebrate seven wonderful years of laughter and love. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of it.

Executive producers Chuck Lorre, Steve Molaro and Steve Holland addressed the final season in a joint statement Tuesday. Being able to tell the origin of Sheldon Cooper, and expanding the story to include the entire Cooper family has been a wonderful experience, they said. We are grateful to our fans for embracing this chapter of the Coopers these past six seasons, and on behalf of the entire Young Sheldon family, were excited to share this final season with you.

Additional cast statements will be added if/when theyre made available.

Young Sheldon Final Season 7 Wish List

Young Sheldon Final Season Wish List

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Assuming the prequels narrative keeps at a steady pace, Sheldon will turn 14 in Season 7  the age at which, per Big Bangs previously established timeline, the future Nobel Prize winner moves from Medford, Texas, to Pasadena, Calif., to begin his graduate studies at the California Institute of Technology.

That same year, Sheldons older brother Georgie  who recently put a ring on Mandys finger  marries for the first time, and family patriarch George meets his maker, setting up Young Sheldon for a bittersweet sendoff not unlike early 90s classic The Wonder Years. But time will tell if the spinoff remains true to canon. As Holland previously warned TVLine, just because [something happened on Big Bang] doesnt mean its a story [our narrator] has to tell.

The Young Sheldon news comes as Lorre and Warner Bros. are readying a second Big Bang spinoff for streaming service Max  though Lorre recently said that development is still in the prenatal stage.
Ireland would be pushed to the margins of international opinion if it expelled Israels ambassador in Dublin, a Government minister has warned.

Minister of State James Browne was speaking in a debate on a motion proposed by the Social Democrats calling for a range of economic and diplomatic sanctions against Israel.

The party has demanded that the diplomatic credentials of Israels ambassador in Ireland, Dana Erlich, be revoked.

The motion also called for Ireland to use its influence in Brussels to seek a suspension of the EU-Israel trade deal, invoking a human rights clause in the agreement, and suspend Israel from participation in the Horizon Europe research funding initiative.

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said actions not words were needed from the Government (Brian Lawless/PA)

The party said Ireland should also refer Israel to the International Criminal Court.

Tabling a counter motion that removed the calls for sanctions, Mr Browne told the Dail parliament that maintaining diplomatic links with Israel was vital.

There is a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza and there is a real risk of regional spillover of conflict, he said.

At the same time, I regret that the motion proposed by the Social Democrats seeks to push Ireland to the margins of international opinion, he said, claiming such a move would undermine the countrys influence in the Middle East.

It underplays the value of international and multilateral engagement, he added.

Ireland must continue to work with our international partners in responding to this crisis.

The Government has made its position clear regarding proposals to expel the Israeli ambassador  cutting off diplomatic relations with a country means cutting off communication channels.

Diplomacy is not always or only about friendly relations, and nor is it an endorsement of the policies or actions of a given country, it is precisely at times of conflict and tension that diplomacy is most useful and most needed, and it is vital to maintain communication links.

Minister of State at the Department of Justice James Browne warned that Ireland would be pushed to the margins of international opinion if it expelled the Israeli ambassador (Brian Lawless/PA)

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns insisted words of condemnation are not enough as she opened the debate on the motion.

Accusing Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza, Ms Cairns criticised the Government for proposing amendments that she claimed would replace the demand for tangible sanctions against Israel with platitudes and zero actions.

The refusal of most Western leaders to shout stop and demand a ceasefire has led to thousands of deaths, Ms Cairns told the Dail.

Israel is killing with impunity. According to the World Health Organisation, Gaza is now a graveyard for children.

She added: I recognise that the Irish Government has done more than most of the EU to advocate for a ceasefire, but thats just evidence of how low the bar is.

Words of condemnation are not enough. We need action.

There must be consequences for the crimes perpetrated by Israel on a captive civilian population in Gaza.

Later responding to Mr Brownes warning of Ireland being pushed to the margins, she said: Given the majority of Western leaders opinion, Im happy for Ireland to be an outlier.

Sinn Feins Matt Carthy said he was ashamed at the international communitys response to the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.

I am ashamed of the international communitys response to what we have seen in Gaza and particularly ashamed by the response of the EU, he said.

I think EU leaders have ensured that the European Union no longer has any credibility to be a voice for peace, international law and for the basic rules of humanity for so long as they refuse to take a stand.

Sinn Fein TD Matt Carthy criticised the Governments failure to back sanctions and said the world was turning a blind eye (Liam McBurney/PA)

Mr Carthy told Mr Browne that the world was turning a blind eye and the EU, worse still, is providing cover.

He criticised the Governments failure to back the call for economic and diplomatic sanctions against Israel.

Every single possible action that might help pressure Israel to stop the slaughter of innocent Palestinians is met with pathetic excuses, he said.

Its not good enough, minister. It is well past time that Ireland shows leadership, not to follow the lead of a European Union that clearly isnt willing or capable of providing the leadership thats much needed in this instance.

Minister of State Sean Fleming also addressed the Dail during the two-hour debate.

It is clear that deputies across the house are deeply and genuinely concerned at the horrific situation that has unfolded in Israel and in the occupied Palestinian Territory over the past three weeks  the Government shares this deep alarm at the situation and its continued rapid deterioration, including the grave humanitarian situation that now exists within the Gaza Strip, he said.

He added: The Irish Governments position on this is clear. Israel has the right to defend itself and its people from attack. But this is not an unfettered right. International humanitarian law applies, the principle of proportionality applies, and the Israeli military has a duty to ensure the protection of citizens. A humanitarian ceasefire for Gaza is an essential, basic step now.

TDs will vote on the motion and the Government amendment later on Wednesday.

They will also vote on a Sinn Fein motion, which was debated on Tuesday evening, calling on the Government to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court.

A pro-Palestinian protest is planned outside the Dail to coincide with the votes.
Andre D. Wagner

Andre D. Wagner

Joey Anton rolls his 1992 Mustang notchback into the burnout box. A pair of goggle-eyed starting lights floats unblinking above the cars massive cowl induction hood. With a blast of V-8 engine sound, Anton lights up the Mustangs slicks in a puddle of water. Spectators cheer. Its just a matter of time.

This story originally appeared in Volume 19 of Road & Track.

Car trailers line Westwinds Road; its a straight shot to the starting line, where Trent Diazs Nova cuts a sinister figure. A fierce tangle of forced-induction plumbing juts from its engine compartment, and the low-slung, coal-black racing car skulks into the lane next to Antons. Diaz preps the Novas slicks with more hellacious sound, smoke, and cheers from the crowd. Then, he pulls up beside the Mustang on a bumper line laid down by a slash of orange spray paint.

Andre D. Wagner

This is the Bar Nunn Cash Days, a street-racing event held on a public roadway in Bar Nunn, a tiny suburb of Casper, Wyoming. Its a legal version of No Prep, a raw form of drag racing force-multiplied by the hit cable television show Street Outlaws. Referring to the unprepared track surface on which most street racing occurs, No Prep was born from surreptitious meetups on remote highways. Its since grown into a nationwide drag-racing movement. This event is but one example.

Nowadays, a number of No Prep events are staged legally, held on airfields and drag strips around the U.S., providing a national circuit of sorts in which the best No Prep racers can compete without losing their cars to Johnny Law. The central principle of No Prep racing is that participants must adapt to any surface, varyingjust as public streets dofrom flat and grippy to cracked and gritty. Bar Nunn Cash Days is one of the few No Prep racing events that is both legal and held on public streets.

Andre D. Wagner

Westwinds Road, the Bar Nunn racing grounds, is a 10-minute drive from a good steakhouse and a chain hotel. Its not exactly the middle of nowhere but not quite the middle of somewhere eitherjust two lanes of concrete pavement running pin straight through the grasslands. Carbon-black burnout marks streak the road at one end; at the other, theres a cul-de-sac. Overhead, its just an American West dome of cobalt sky. At the starting line, Anton and Diaz sit in their highly prepped street-legal racing cars while, one-eighth of a mile down the road, local photographer Kyle Cleary trains his Nikon on the finish line. With cash at stake, photographic evidence is crucial, so Cleary sets the camera to shoot eight frames per second as the cars roar by.

Race organizer Balor Zigmont watches nearby and explains the rules. Simply put, its a tournament-style shootout for street-legal cars, with a cash pot awarded at the end. Theres a $100 buy-in for small-tire cars like Antons and Diazs, meaning their racing slicks can only be up to 28.5 inches tall and 10.5 inches wide, a standard size for No Prep racing. Its $50 for cars on street tires. Theres a guaranteed $2000 payout. Setting a maximum size for racing slicks limits the cars traction, a kind of equalizer in this run-what-you-brung-style race that spotlights skill over unbridled horsepower.

Andre D Wagner

According to No Prep canon, the Cash Days format was introduced by Texas street racer Chris Limpy Collins, a bearded mountain of a man for whom racers hold deep reverence as the movements godfather. The tournament, as in just about any sport in the world, involves a series of contests between competitors vying for an overall prize. In this case, its not badminton matches; its drag races. Anyone whos competed in a Cash Days event, or watched one of the numerous videos on YouTube with Cash Days in the title, knows the drill: mainly performed after dark, illuminated by headlamps, and with spotters watching for the five-0.

Its chip-draw style, Zigmont says. If weve got 20 racers, well have 40 chips, half of them red, half of them blue. These are poker chips, and according to lore, the standard procedure going back to Limpys original rules is that theyre drawn out of a Crown Royal whisky pouch.

Andre D Wagner

Everybody draws a chip, he says. Whoevers numbers match race each other, red chip in the right lane, blue chip in the left lane. Horsepower doesnt matter. You can have whatever car you want. Then the cars race, untimed; the winner moves on, and the loser is out.

Organized mainly through private chats and social-media posts, No Prep racing has attracted a younger generation of fans and racers with its desperado vibes, camaraderie, and purity of winner-take-all competition. Like the illegal events, legal No Prep racing happens on any available unprepared surfacefrequently on the backside of a drag strip, from the shutdown area toward the starting line, for example. Such races are primarily heads up, meaning both cars leave the starting line simultaneously, defying the sophisticated handicapping schemes used in bracket racing to even up competition in events sanctioned by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA).

Andre D Wagner

At the Bar Nunn starting line, things are happening quickly. Ryen DeClue, his straw hat bearing up against the brutal prairie rays, gives each driver the five-second signala come-here motion like a hype man bidding them to applaud louder. The engines jump to launch revs, filling the big sky with deep V-8 rage and turbine whistle. DeClue thumbs a button on the starting fob and ducks. The bulbs light, and the cars charge out of the gate. The nose of the Mustang leaps as the slicks hook up, and the cars tear away, blasting down Westwinds Road toward an infinite horizon.

If youre an angler, you know Casper for blue-ribbon troutthere are around 4000 catchable browns per mile, according to the Wyoming Office of Tourism, feeding in the riffles of the North Platte River. To a visitor from out East, Casper also appears to punch above its weight in drag racing. According to research by Insurify, an insurance comparison-shopping site, there is often a negative correlation between a states street-racing rate and its population density. Wyoming, the second-least densely populated state in the U.S. after Alaska, with around six people per square mile, has 42.4 drivers per 100,000 with a street-racing violation, coming in second (after North Dakota) on the companys list. Idaho, meanwhile, with 8.3 such drivers per 100,000, is 10th.

Andre D Wagner

At a glance, its not hard to see reasons why Wyoming might over-index in street racing. As a small city, Casper has a tight-knit car community. Theres engineering and mechanical talent drawn from the oil and gas industry, plus long, cold winters devoted to wrenching. And you cant beat the locationtravel a few minutes out of town, and youve got endless stretches of straight road with few other motorists. Racers looking to throw down need only drive to a quiet stretch of highway, set a few spotters, and maybe take a low-speed pass for pronghorns. Then, the race is on. Even if youd rather not think about wrecks, the nearest hospital is minutes away.

On any given night, not far from Bar Nunn, Caspers illegal Cash Days scene plays out somewhat contradictorily under cover of darkness on Amoco Road. Anecdotally, such races are so prevalent that its almost as if no one seems to mind.

Andre D Wagner

The police know about it, Zigmont says. Sometimes it gets out of hand a little bit. Theyll just do a drive-by and flip their lights on, and then everybodys got to kind of spool up and move to another location to finish the races. Sometimes a racer will get a ticket, other times just a warning, unless theres another legal issue. A number of local participants recounted stories of unfortunate racers busted for something other than street racingexpired registration, taillight out, outstanding warrant.

In July 2020, a Street Outlaws crew filmed three episodes of its Fastest in America spinoff in Casper, making minor celebrities (or major ones, depending on ones perspective) of local talent, including Anton. Its a feather in the cap of the local scene and may have even greased the wheels for the Bar Nunn event.

Andre D Wagner

After Street Outlaws came here and filmed, Zigmont says, the local municipalities really took notice of how many people were interested in it. So I just put one and one together, went over to Bar Nunn, and said, Hey, would you mind if we tried to do this here? And they were very interested in going forward with it.

Anton has raced on a bunch of Street Outlaws episodes, including franchise spinoffs Fastest in America, Mega Cash Days, and Locals Only. His wife, Courtney, was a main racer in Street Outlaws: Gone Girls. The Antons may be in other episodes, but with the shows TV universe seeming to grow orthogonally year after year, its hard to say. No doubt, Street Outlaws, which now promotes its own live, legal racing events called No Prep Kings, is in no small way the nexus of the No Prep racing movement. With several Wyoming racers in the shows orbit, Caspers scene has kicked into something that feels like the big time.

Andre D Wagner

About 15 minutes west of town, in a workshop at the top of a long driveway off Poison Spider Road, Colton Smithey shows a few visitors around Prodigy Motorsports, a hot-rod and race shop thats had its hands on too many of Caspers local cars to count. A look around the shop reveals a two-tone 1955 Chevy 210 that produces around 4000 hp. It belongs to shop owner Shawn Fink, one of 10 Wyoming racers who competed on Street Outlaws: Best in America. His orange and black 1963 Chevy II station wagon from the show is up on a lift. Below is a drag-prepped C5 Corvette, a retirement gift from the cars owner to himself. Theres also a Sixties-era front-engine slingshot dragster, a.k.a. a digger, in the corner. Its chromed V-8 is capped with an old-school Roots-type blower.

Rail thin, of average height, and topped with a shock of curly blond hair, Smithey looks like the nerdy kid from any skate park in the country. As a teenager, he took on the kinds of slam-it-to-the-ground heavy-truck builds that would intimidate a seasoned wrench. Despite his hoodie-and-Vans demeanor, Smithey, now 23, grew up on a ranch nearby and just finished explaining what its like to run 100 head of cattle.

Andre D Wagner

Now hes talking about his approach to wiring and packaging, how he likes to make everything clean and symmetrical in an engine bay, and his love for Fifties cars. He and his friends would drive a 55 DeSoto sedan after school to the Hamburger Stand, a local fast-food joint and the center of the towns street-racing scene. Asked how many cars from the Bar Nunn Cash Days he and the shop have touched, he casually says, At least a little bit of most of them.

Back at Bar Nunn, Antons Mustang and Diazs Nova blast across the finish line. Clearys camera fires enough frames to stitch together a stop-action video, capturing the winner of the small-tire class. Its Antons Mustang by a car length. While not as loud as a nitro-burning Funny Car at an NHRA strip, these cars make an impression when it comes to moving air.

Andre D Wagner

The noise issue was one of the big hurdles that I had to clear with the town of Bar Nunn and the citizens, Zigmont says. The Street Outlaws were out there doing their test hits. Those were 2000- to 4000-hp cars. And they are exceptionally noisy. Everyone expected all that noise again. Were running 600- to 1200-hp cars here, so youre not going to hear that during the race. We got zero noise complaints.

Still, according to Zigmont, the local governments seem to understand that their constituents have particular interests, and thus officials are willing to entertain them. At the council meeting last night, I requested the town of Bar Nunn start helping out a bit, and they were onboard completely, he says. Theyre going to close an additional road for me in September, and theyll do additional road closures and are also looking into finding some bleachers for me to use.... My hopes are to get this thing up on its feet and then have the town of Bar Nunn say, All right, we want to take the reins on this, and we want to build a track, and we want to get something permanent.

A couple of hours after Bar Nunn wraps, word comes down that an illicit Cash Days is happening that evening in Casper. Smithey fires up the DeSoto and, with his girlfriend Leland Mooren and sister Samantha onboard, leads a caravan to the Hamburger Stand to wait for racers to drive through. At dusk, a line of thunderstorms rolls off Casper Mountain. By the time the convoy saddles up and heads out to Amoco Road, lightning bolts fork across the darkening sky, and a cloudburst pummels the blacktop with endless sheets of prairie rain. Theyll be back tomorrow.

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By Chun In-bum

On Sept. 19 2018, North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang Chol and South Korean Defense Minister Song Young-moo signed an Agreement on Reconciliation, Non-Aggression, Exchanges and Cooperation, known as the Agreement on the Implementation of the Historic Panmunjom Declaration in the Military Domain, or more commonly known as the Comprehensive Military Agreement (CMA). The purpose of the CMA was to decrease military tension between both North and South Korea along the line of contact and a possible future arms control. The agreement called for the removal of landmines, guard posts, weapons, and disarming the personnel in the Joint Security Area (JSA) from both sides of the North-South Korean border. The agreement also called for the creation of joint military buffer zones.

The DPRK agreed to dismantle its nuclear complex in the presence of the international community if the U.S. takes correlative action. The DPRK also agreed to complete its dismantling of the Sohae Satellite Launching Station, which started in July 2018, and that the dismantling of Sohaes missile engine test site and launch pad would be observed by the international community as well. Kim Jong-un also pledged to visit Seoul in the near future.

Critics of the CMA did not trust the North Koreans and were especially concerned that the CMA would significantly cripple the South Korean militarys ability to provide warnings of North Korean provocations and thus weaken readiness. Supporters accepted the fact that it would limit both North and South surveillance capabilities, but because South Korea has more advanced capabilities, whatever was lost would be easily compensated.

Whether one trusts North Korea or not, a stable DMZ and Northern Limit Line (NLL) was an imperative for a peace process to proceed. It is very unfortunate that the hoped-for peace regime was not achieved but supporters still point to the fact that there were no significant armed clashes along the DMZ and the NLL in this time period. This is probably because North Korea felt it was in their best interests to keep this area stable and not because of the CMA itself.

With the failure of the peace process, North Korean missile advances, drone incursions and a few minor infractions along the DMZ and NLL, and especially the war in Ukraine and the recent surprise attack on Israel by Hamas, the Yoon government has called for a cessation of the CMA. Although this is a matter of policy and political view, there are a few concerns to this action.

First, the justification and support is not shared by the Korean public as well as the international community. North Korean actions have been disappointing, to say the least, but the threshold of totally renouncing the CMA should be a violent action by North Korea.

Secondly, tensions are already high on the Korean Peninsula. Throwing out the CMA might actually make South Korea look like the perpetrator of a future military provocation. International support is critical and controlling the narrative is hard as it is. South Korea should be very careful not to lose the moral high ground.

Finally, the CMA is not the root cause of the military problem that South Korea must solve: it is readiness. The peace mood created by the CMA caused most mediocre commanders to neglect training. COVID-19 gave a great excuse to not train as well. Instead of trying to find every possible way to train, in spite of COVID-19, most units focused on preventing infection. In other words, units quarantined rather than trained.

The final straw was a sudden focus on human rights in the military. The Korean military had a long tradition of strict discipline that was based on a society that also had its roots in authority of the family and school. Under a progressive government, these traditional social values changed for the better but this caused social clashes that impacted the military. The military was not prepared to confront soldiers who started asking questions and second-guessing their superiors. Korean commanders are not accustomed to explaining to a person, who doesnt want to be in uniform in the first place, why he has to stand guard duty in the cold.

A peacetime army struggles to remind itself why it must train. Nobody can dispute safety but the fact is the military handles weapons that are designed to explode and are big. Civilians complain about noise and accidents but it is a matter of either inconvenience or national survival. As of now, we will pay a dear price if we do not fix this problem immediately and no one should think that nullifying the CMA is going to solve these problems.

The issue of renouncing the CMA can be dealt with later. The real issue is training and equipping the Army and gaining public support.

Chun In-bum (truechun@naver.com) served as a lieutenant general of the ROK Army and commander of Special Forces Korea.
EAST PROVIDENCE  Rhode Island Democrats have elected a woman, for the first time, to chair the state's ruling party: Elizabeth "Liz" Beretta-Perik.

The handpicked choice of House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, Beretta-Perik won the no-pay but high-prestige job at the helm of the state's dominant party without competition when the members of the state Democratic committee gathered at the Teamsters Hall in East Providence on Wednesday night.

Beretta-Perik succeeds state Rep. Joseph McNamara of Warwick who, after nine years as state Democratic Party chairman, announced he would not to seek another term in the job.

"I want to say how grateful I am that I have the opportunity to have a little piece of the Democratic party history," Beretta-Perik told the Democrats who packed the hall. "We are the party of the future ... [the] party that takes us into the next generation. And we're going to keep doing that for Rhode Island.

The Rhode Island Democratic Party elected Elizabeth Beretta-Perik as its new party chairman Wednesday night.

"And I promise you that ... our firsts are going to become norms ... and I promise you that I will raise the money that we need to have strong campaigns. We will be organized, we'll have a clear message."

Who is Elizabeth Beretta-Perik?

The Periks  Elizabeth and her husband, Michael  have opened their Jamestown home, and their checkbooks, to dozens of local and national politicians, from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi in 2017 when Democrats were battling to win back the U.S. House to Rhode Island's term-limited Attorney General Peter Neronha this last summer.

Over the years, the Periks have each given more than $100,000 to Rhode Island politicians, from the governor on down.

Along the way, Michael Perik and his companies have been dogged by controversies.

He is currently embroiled in hotly litigated lawsuits accusing him of fraud for withholding crucial information in the $120-million sale of his former business, Student Resource Center LLC. His lawyer asserts the lawsuits are meritless.

Beretta-Perik comes from a well-known Rhode Island family. Her brother is lawyer-lobbyist Richard Beretta. The late District Judge Victor Beretta was a second cousin, and Joseph Beretta, of Robinson Green Beretta Corporation, is her uncle.

Until now, however, little was known about Elizabeth Beretta-Perik's life beyond the political sphere where she has, in recent years, been the state Democratic Party treasurer and national committeewoman.

She was routinely listed as "unemployed"  or, on occasion, as "homemaker"  on political contribution filings on the Board of Elections' website.

She sought the job of lieutenant governor when Gov. Dan McKee rose from that job to governor in 2021. While others submitted detailed resumes, Beretta-Perik sent a two-paragraph letter.

More: A prolific RI fundraiser is poised to take the helm of the state's Democratic Party. What to know.

In her letter she expressed interest in the job, which would have placed her next in line to the governor, and said she would welcome a chance to tell McKee, in person, about her "background and professional experience." (McKee opted to appoint then-Providence City Council President Sabina Matos.)

In a more recent letter to the voting members of the Democratic state committee, Beretta-Perik wrote:

"At a time when our party and our democracy are being challenged, I believe my professional, personal and political experience can help us meet these challenges ... After years of helping at all levels in our party, I am eager to get to work to ensure our Democratic Party is well-funded and well-organized to win."

What is Beretta-Perik's background in politics?

According to her resume:

She graduated with a B.A. in economics from the College of the Holy Cross and a Master's in finance from Boston College. She was a Fleet Bank vice president in Boston from 1994-99.

She is the current state Democratic Party treasurer and Democratic National Committeewoman for Rhode Island, a past member of the "Speakers Cabinet for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee" and co-chair of the Biden Harris Rhode Island Finance Committee 2020.

She was also a Rhode Island Presidential Elector in 2020; host of the Obama-Biden Rhode Island Fundraiser 2008; Obama Delegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention and finance chair for Neronha from 2018-2023

Among her many philanthropic involvements, she has been a Rhode Island Hospital Foundation Trustee and recent presidential appointee to an advisory committee on the arts.

Beretta-Perik's involvement with campaigns started at a young age

In a 2019 interview with a local weekly, Beretta-Perik said: The first campaign I ever worked on was when I was about 10 years old."

Thats when her uncle, Norm Beretta, helped his friend Dennis Lynch run for mayor of Pawtucket and she worked alongside her uncle, according to the Jamestown Press. "The experience campaigning for Lynch, who wound up serving five terms as mayor, sparked an interest."

An eye-opening moment for her came during Barack Obamas keynote address during the 2004 national convention when he rejected the idea of America being divided into blue states and red states.

That was it, she told the Jamestown Press. Thats when I was hooked. He was such a gentleman, so thoughtful and so smart. Everything about him was exactly what the first African-American president should be."

In Fall 2017, the Periks hosted then House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi at their Jamestown home. The fundraising dinner to benefit the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which assists Democrats running for the U.S. House, according to an invitation.

Tickets to the fundraising dinner to benefit the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee ran as high as $33,900 to attend a VIP reception along with dinner; donors who give that amount are dubbed members of the Speakers Cabinet.

More recently, the Periks hosted a fundraiser for Neronha at their home. The co-hosts included: former IGT Chairman Don Sweitzer and Marc Crisafulli, the former top gambling industry executive in Rhode Island appointed by McKee to chair the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI Democratic Party elected new chair Wednesday night. What to know.
The same storm responsible for torrential downpours and flash flooding in South Florida will swing northward along the East Coast and eye the mid-Atlantic before bringing drenching rain and gusty winds to New England Saturday, AccuWeather meteorologists say.

The storm brought over a foot of rain to parts of southeastern Florida into Thursday before setting its sights farther north in the United States late this week.

"As the storm gains latitude, it will gain some strength as well," AccuWeather Storm Warning Meteorologist Joseph Bauer said.

"This storm is likely to track just far enough to the east to avoid bringing much rain to the mid-Atlantic region from Friday to Saturday," Bauer added. Latest data suggest the bulk of the storm will also swing to the east of western and central New England as well.

AccuWeather meteorologists also do not expect the storm to evolve into a blockbuster in the Northeast but rather a more typical rainstorm that causes disruptions to outdoor activities and leads to travel delays associated with wet and windy conditions in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, which has weathered many potent nor'easters over the years.

Early this week, forecasters were analyzing how quickly the storm might merge with an approaching cold front, noting that a quick merge could lead to a powerful nor'easter and spread heavy rain and high winds over New England and much of the mid-Atlantic. Instead, it appears the storm and front will come together for a potent system over Atlantic Canada this weekend.

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"Because of the track of the storm being a bit weaker and farther to the east, and that moisture along the approaching cold front may get wrung out over the Appalachians little, and in some cases no, rain may fall from the entire event from Friday to this weekend in parts of the mid-Atlantic," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Dombek said.

New York City is among other metro areas along Interstate 95 in the mid-Atlantic, where little rain is likely to fall. A couple of showers are in the offing around the metro area from Friday night to Saturday morning.

Meanwhile, the Boston area will be on the edge of the Atlantic storm's rain and wind zone on Saturday, which will be the worst of the two weekend days. Some minor incidents of coastal flooding are possible. Atlantic Ocean water will be pushed toward the shoreline of eastern Massachusetts by north winds.

Just enough cold air may sneak into the storm at the last minute over northern New York state and northwestern New England to allow rain to end as a period of snow Saturday.

Brisk and chilly conditions will sweep across the Northeast after the storm spanning Saturday night and Sunday. The change in air will replace temperatures from 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit above the historical average on Thursday and Friday with temperatures of 5-10 degrees below the historical average later this weekend.

On Sunday, temperatures may fail to reach the freezing mark in northern Maine and may be no better than the mid-50s around the Chesapeake Bay.

A trailing disturbance in the chilly air may help set off spotty snow showers from southern Ontario to upstate New York, northeastern Ohio and northwestern Pennsylvania on Sunday.

Monday will bring dry conditions across the Northeast, but the push of chilly air will help pave the way for a new storm that will ramp up over the South Central states.

That storm will likely grab some moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and produce a zone of rain and thunderstorms over the lower part of the Mississippi Valley, which will then spread into the Ohio Valley and central and southern Appalachians Tuesday morning.

The contrast of cool air in the Northeast and warm air in the South should boost the intensity of the rain so that some areas may receive a thorough soaking.

The first half of November has been very dry in much of the region. Many locations have received less than one-quarter of their average rain for the first two weeks of the month. In New York City, there has been less than 0.10 of an inch of rain so far this month, compared to a historical average of 1.62 inches.

While the rain is needed, it will come at a potentially disruptive time. The rain will expand eastward on two of the biggest travel days of the year: the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving. More than 55 million people are projected to travel by road, sky or rail during the days surrounding Thanksgiving, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).

The rain will expand to the mid-Atlantic and New England regions during Tuesday afternoon and night. Since the storm is likely to keep moving along, some improvement is possible during Wednesday afternoon and night, but the rain and associated poor visibility earlier on may have ripple effects on later flights at a number of the airports.

As colder air pours in behind the storm next week, places closer to Lake Erie and Lake Ontario may have to contend with lake-effect snow on Wednesday, which could be heavy enough to bring wintry travel and reduce visibility at times.

Conditions look to be mainly dry in the Northeast on Thanksgiving Day.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
As weve watched the 72-year-old widower Gerry Turner's journey to again find love as the lead of The Golden Bachelor," he's showing up at a plethora of places beyond the typical talk-show circuit.

The Indiana resident and avid pickleball player was a presenter at the Nov. 8 2023 Country Music Association Awards, then he was seen at the USA Pickleball National Championships.

Meanwhile, ABC made social media posts of him watching "The Golden Bachelor" with the Kar-Jenners and being in Costa Rica.

His journey started with 22 women (including Nancy Hulkower, who grew up in Warsaw, Indiana).

For viewers watching along, he's down to two  Leslie Fhima, 64, a fitness instructor from Minneapolis, and Theresa Nist, 70, a financial services professional from Shrewsbury, New Jersey.

Jerry? Gary? It's neither: We've all been saying the Golden Bachelor's name wrong.

Before America sees him head for the fantasy suites starting this week and making his selection on Nov. 30, Turner gave IndyStar the lowdown his life as a reality TV star, including how his soulmate is likely to be a woman who enjoys stargazing from a pickup truck; why he loves the Indy airport; and how haters give him a bit of glee. (Seriously, leave the orange juice narrative alone.)

His perfect Indianapolis date involves a steak dinner and a pickup truck.

That would definitely be a drive down to the middle of town. Id pick one of the good steakhouses. Then after dinner, I always had this thing I like to do on a date. I like to take the pickup truck and put the back down and ask if they would like to do a little tailgate sitting; usually look at the stars and so forth. If a date wants to do that, I know theyre probably the right gal to continue to pursue. If not, maybe its time to keep looking.

Since he mentioned it: These are some of the best steakhouses in downtown Indianapolis

That great skin isnt from a bottle.

The whole skincare regimen is well water rubbed on my face in the morning. I shower at night, and that's about it. There's nothing else. You know, genetics doesn't come in a bottle.

Turners natty fashion sense leans to color.

It really is a lot of ABC, but they asked me how I like to be dressed and they have a person who does a really, really great job. I told them don't bother with a black suit. I won't wear it. So we looked for colors and something a little bit edgy because that's kind of how I like to dress  a little bit edgy where somebody might look at it and go, Ooh, I think I kind of liked that, but I wouldn't wear it. That's the reaction I kind of look for.

Hes in a better place today than he was before being revealed as the Golden Bachelor  and his family is along for the ride.

Im happier today, by far. Theres so much more opportunity and I've gotten to know so many great people. I've had great experiences; and my family has had great experiences along with me that they would have never been afforded. So there's so many positive things.

I was able to be a presenter at the CMA Awards. My daughter got to go with me. Another one is you'll see the upcoming episodes are at a very exotic location. And my family was there; my daughters and granddaughters.

He laughs at the haters.

I love finding the marginal negative, questionable comments. They are the best entertainment. I love it. And the one I think I like the most is when on the show. I had a glass of orange juice. And they said, Oh, look, he's a recovering alcoholic. It's like, no, there's vodka in there. And the only reason it isn't my normal drink is because I had temporary caps on my teeth, and the dentist said you can't drink cranberry juice because it will stain those temporary caps. So there's this stuff going on and somebody reads into it that I'm an alcoholic. It cracks me up. Those things are really funny.

The Golden Bachelor on the fly: Westfield fan gets a close encounter with the reality star

Fans spotting Turner at the airport should absolutely approach. He loves the interaction.

"The Indianapolis airport is the best. People know me here more than anywhere else. And the Indianapolis airport is also set up for walking. There's a great big loop that I can do in that terminal. I'll be going to either New York or Los Angeles, and so I get to walk, and over and over and over again, people do that doubletake: 'Are you that guy? And every once in a while, someone will just get off a plane and the timing will be coincidental and they go, Oh my god, are you kidding me?' And it's just really fun because everybody's joining in the joy of it. And I wouldn't give that up to the world. It's not just for me, it's for everybody, finding their own piece of happiness with it.

Golden Bachelor: Keep the pocketbooks closed, ladies. Facebook scam targets show cast wannabes

Gerry Turner, the star of ABC reality television series "The Golden Bachelor," takes a selfie with reporters, from left, Ko Lyn Cheang, Kayla Dwyer and Rachel Fradette on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, in Indianapolis.

Hes found a lady love. Hes still with his show selection.

I picked the greatest woman in the world.

Well have to wait and see whats what on the marriage front.

"There's a lot of possibilities out there. And we have many roads to travel before we get to that. But I'm open to all possibilities today as I was open to all possibilities at the very beginning of this journey.

What the residency situation with Turner and the potential next Mrs. Turner?

That's a good question, and I think I've resolved it with my person. We've had good conversation about it, and there are a number of options, and we haven't come to a final conclusion on that. I really like where I live. She really likes where she lives. But we also are financially able to have a third home if we want to. So there's just a lot of ways we could go about it."

Hell watch the next episode with his Hudson, Indiana, neighbors.

"I have neighbors that are watching the house and neighbors that are getting my mail and all that, so Ill catch up with all of them. I've already gotten texts from friends who are going to go to the local bar and grill on Thursday and they want to know if I'll be there finally. Were in the seventh week and I've yet to make it to a watch party with my lake friends. I've made it to one with my family and I've made it to pickleball and I've made it to another charity. But this will be the first one that I get with the group of people on the lake.

Hudson, Indiana: Here's what it's like in the hometown of 'Golden Bachelor' Gerry Turner

Gerry Turner, star of ABC reality television series "The Golden Bachelor," answers questions during an interview with IndyStar on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, in Indianapolis.

His holiday plans are similar to those in prior years.

Theyre pretty generic. My oldest daughter (Jenny and hubby John) always hosts Thanksgiving and she lives in Yorkville, Illinois, which is around the west side of Chicago. I'll be over there, probably Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at least And then at Christmas, we're at my youngest daughter's, and that tends to be an extended stay because her birthday is the 27th.

Turner called on his background as a mediator in Iowa to help him on the show.

After I retired from a food business, I knew that I couldn't stay retired, and I went back to school and got certified as a mediator. So I did civil court, small claims court, and I did civil rights and divorce mediation and so forth. So learning how to get consensus from people, learning how to listen, I think those things were very helpful on the show.

Theres a secret to dating as a senior.

If you have confidence about it, and you're willing to be rejected, I don't think it's that tough. You know, if you go into it thinking, Oh, my god, I'm gonna be rejected and I'm scared and I don't want to feel it then yeah, it'll be a really hard deal. But if you go, OK, if they don't like me, somebody else will, and you just go on about it that way, you'll be OK.

Hes proud of the way his female castmates represented for older singles.

Thats an honest representation of their relationships. They were very caring with each other, very supportive of each other. And that's representative of our generation, too. That was nice to see.

"The Golden Bachelor" airs at 8 p.m. Thursday on ABC and streams next day on Hulu.com.

Contact IndyStar reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cheryl.jackson@indystar.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on X.com: @cherylvjackson.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Golden Bachelor talks the perfect date, fans and alcoholism rumors
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.
A GOP senator who nearly started a fight during a committee hearing on Tuesday proudly took a victory lap on Sean Hannitys show after the incident.

Sen Markwayne Mullins attempt to physically brawl with a union boss who had called him a clown on social media captured the attention of many on Tuesday and left some questioning the seriousness of the United States Congress.

The moment played out during a meeting of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labour and Pensions (HELP) as members of the Senate heard from Teamsters president Sean OBrien. Mr OBrien was in Washington to testify on issues including ongoing collective bargaining efforts in America for a hearing chaired by Senator Bernie Sanders which also touched on Americas spike in EV production.

Mr Mullin ignored the hearings premise entirely and instead focused on a series of tweets Mr OBrien had aimed at the senator following the committees last meeting with union leaders. He stood up and challenged Mr OBrien to a fight, before Mr Sanders stopped the confrontation and admonished him.

If you want to run your mouth, we can be two consenting adults. We can finish it here, the senator told Mr OBrien.

He remained unrepentant about the display on Hannity later that evening, explaining that his right-wing constituents in Oklahoma expected no less from him.

When I stood up, he was scared out of his mind. Because he was very thankful that Bernie Sanders stopped us after he said, Okay, we can do it now. I thought, Great, this is going to be a great day. I mean, no offense, but I really wasnt worried about the fight itself. I was ready to shut his mouth up! the senator said on Fox News.

What do people want me to do? If I didnt do that, people would be pretty upset at me.

Mullin says if he didnt challenge Senate witnesses to fist fights, the people of Oklahoma would be upset with him pic.twitter.com/VdfKs8MYud  Acyn (@Acyn) November 15, 2023

The senators conduct was widely circulated on social media on Tuesday after the incident transpired, and earned him some mockery from his usual critics.

One of those critics was fellow Republican Matt Gaetz, who took aim at the senator on his podcast. Mr Mullin is known to be a close ally of Kevin McCarthy, whom Mr Gaetz ousted from the speakership last month.

Markwayne Mullin beating some guys a** who doesnt like him in a Senate Committee room isnt going to help his constituents, Mr Gaetz declared. The hero of that entire exchange was Bernie Sanders.

But Hannity appeared to shrug off any concern the Oklahoma senators constituents may have over the confrontation.

Ive gotta be honest, I dont think this is going to hurt you with the people of Oklahoma, he said. I think your pop popularity probably will go up tenfold as a result.
The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed Republican House Speaker Mike Johnsons government funding bill, averting a government shutdown  for now.

209 Democrats joined in to help the bill pass 336 to 95, with 93 Republicans in opposition.

Mr Johnson released his plan on Saturday to avoid a partial shutdown and to extend funding for a number of agencies and programmes until 19 January and continue the funding for other government areas until 2 February.

The two-step plan is novel for a stopgap funding bill  legislators usually extend funding for all programmes at the same time and until the same date.

Senate leaders say they want to pass the bill as soon as possible.

Both of us agreed, the White House and myself, that if this can avoid a shutdown, it will be a good thing, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters.

In a statement, Mr Johnson said: This two-step continuing resolution is a necessary bill to place House Republicans in the best position to fight for conservative victories.

Key Points

More House Democrats than Republicans vote to keep the government open

You have to choose fights you can win

VIDEO: House to vote on preventing government shutdown amid GOP infighting

VIDEO: Speaker Mike Johnson says Congress 'addicted' to deficit spending

You cant assume my vote on any bill, Chip Roy says

George Santos campaign staffer pleads guilty to wire fraud

13:00 , John Bowden

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.

Jimmy Kimmel renames Capitol live-stream UFC-SPAN after GOP fights

11:30 , Rachel Sharp

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel renamed the Capitol Hill livestream C-SPAN UFC-SPAN after a series of fights between members of the Republican party this week.

On Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday night, Mr Kimmel poked fun at a fight that broke out between Senator Markwayne Mullin and Sean OBrien, the president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, during a Senate Committee hearing earlier in the day.

In the dramatic moment, Mr Mullin  a former cage fighter  took to his feet to challenge Mr OBrien to a physical fight.

Branding Mr OBrien a moron, he challenged him to stand your butt up, to which the union leader replied you stand your butt up.

Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders, the chairman of the hearing, was forced to intervene and play peacemaker, yelling at Mr Mullin to sit down and banging his gavel several times.

Read the story here:

Jimmy Kimmel renames Capitol live-stream UFC-SPAN after GOP fights

Marjorie Taylor Greene blasts GOP colleagues who voted against Mayorkas impeachment

11:00 , Kelly Rissman

Marjorie Taylor Greene is not happy about the Houses vote to shelve her articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, specifically naming her GOP colleagues who voted against the articles in an email and in numerous tweets.

The Georgia Republican forced the impeachment vote on 13 November. Eight Republicans joined to support the Democrats motion  in a vote of 209-201  to send the resolution to the Homeland Security Committee.

Ms Greenes team sent an email blast, calling out her Republican colleagues who joined the Democrats to KILL my Articles of Impeachment by naming each of them: Reps Ken Buck, Darrell Issa, Tom McClintock, Patrick McHenry, John Duarte, Virginia Foxx, Cliff Bentz and Mike Turner.

She then took to X to livestream her gripes about the vote. Rep Greene said the vote sent her resolution back to committee, where articles of impeachment go to die.

Weve seen how bad it is at the border but we cant get Republicans to impeach Secretary Mayorkas? This is outrageous, she continued. Ms Greene also accused Mr Mayorkas of willfully breaking our laws and allowing the invasion to happen.

Congress needs nap and a bottle as if they were infants in a daycare centre

09:00 , Josh Marcus

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 longer than normal.

With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching and a deal on funding in the books, the best thing now might be to allow Congress to go home for a nap and a bottle as if they were infants in a daycare centre.

Today is another example of why Congress shouldnt be in session for 5 weeks straight'

07:00 , Eric Garcia

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 shouldnt 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.

You look like a Smurf'

05:00 , Eric Garcia

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.

Senate Republicans got the memo that it was fight club day

04:00 , Eric Garcia

Senate Republicans 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 youre very interested in the important issues facing America.

Mad love turns to bad blood in the House

03:00 , Eric Garcia

Reps Tim Burchett and Kevin 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.

Fights, shouting matches and chaos: Time to put Congress down for a nap

02:00 , Eric Garcia

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.

Its nice to see us working together to avoid a government shutdown'

01:00 , AP

The Senate, where Democrats have a slim majority, has signaled its willingness to accept Johnsons package ahead of Fridays 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 Bidens 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 GOPs 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 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.

Extreme MAGA Republicans have repeatedly demonstrated that they cannot govern without House Democrats'

00:45 , Josh Marcus

Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said he remained concerned about the two-part approach. Veteran lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have called it cumbersome, unusual and unworkable.

Nevertheless, 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.

Extreme MAGA Republicans have repeatedly demonstrated that they cannot govern without House Democrats, Jeffries said on NPR. That will be the case this week in the context of avoiding a government shutdown.

With the House narrowly divided, Johnson could not afford many defections from his Republicans, which is forcing him into the arms of Democrats.

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.

Johnson compares spending negotiations to drinking from Niagara Falls'

00:15 , Josh Marcus

Whats it like being House Speaker at this contentious moment in US history? Well, sounds like there might be some more appealing jobs out there, at least according to Mike Johnson.

Ive been drinking from Niagara Falls for the last three weeks, he told reporters on Tuesday of the recent spending bill. This will allow everybody to go home for a couple of days for Thanksgiving, everybody cool off  members have been here for, as [House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.)] said, for 10 weeks, this place is a pressure cooker. And so I think everybody can go home, we can come back, reset, were gonna get our group together, were gonna map out that plan to fight for those principles.

Schumer calls House bill a good thing'

00:00 , Josh Marcus

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer offered measured praise on Tuesday of the Houses recently passed spending bill to avoid a government shutdown.

Both of us agreed, the White House and myself, that if this can avoid a shutdown, it will be a good thing, he told The New York Times.

He added he hopes to see the House bill get a vote in the Senate as soon as possible.

Hakeem Jeffries on why Democrats backed the GOP spending bill

Tuesday 14 November 2023 23:41 , Josh Marcus

Congress was able to pass a temporary funding bill on Tuesday to temporarily avoid a government shutdown, with a large volume of Democrats helping Speaker Mike Johnson get the proposal over the finish line in the House.

From the very beginning of the Congress, House Democrats have made clear that we will always put people over politics and try to find common ground with our Republican colleagues wherever possbile, while pushing back against Republican extremism whenever necessary, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement going into the vote.

The continuing resolution before the House today meets that criteria and we will support it.

Are Republicans already plotting revenge against Mike Johnson?

Tuesday 14 November 2023 23:36 , Josh Marcus

Kevin McCarthy lost his position as House Speaker not long after he helped pass a controversial government funding bill with partial Democratic support.

The GOP may be plotting a similar punishment for the new House Speaker, Mike Johnson, after he took the same tactic to avoid a government shut down.

Some in the Republican party are considering holding up future legislation in protest of the conciliatory strategy.

There is a sentiment that if we cant fight anything, then lets just hold up everything, Ralph Norman of South Carolina told Politico.

More House Democrats than Republicans vote to keep the government open

Tuesday 14 November 2023 23:00 , Josh Marcus

More Democrats than Republicans voted in the US House of Representatives for a temporary stopgap spending bill to avert a government shutdown.

Some 209 Democrats voted for the bill while 127 Republicans opposed the legislation for a laddered continuing resolution that would keep parts of the government funded until 19 January 2024 and other parts until 2 February 2024.

The vote is a win for newly-elected Speaker Mike Johnson, who proposed the two-tiered approach as a means to avoid passing an omnibus spending bill, but rather to pass 12 individual spending bills, a demand from right-wing members of the House Republican conference.

Eric Garcia has the full story from Washington for The Independent.

More House Democrats than Republicans vote to keep the government open

A bizarre two-part process

Tuesday 14 November 2023 23:00 , AP

Under his proposal, Johnson is putting 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.

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.

The House Freedom Caucus announced its opposition, ensuring dozens of votes against the plan.

I think its a very big mistake, said Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, a member of the hard-right group of lawmakers.

Its wrong, said Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn.

It all left Johnson with few other options than to skip whats typically a party-only procedural vote, and rely on another process that requires a two-thirds tally with Democrats for passage.

You have to choose fights you can win

Tuesday 14 November 2023 22:00 , AP

The new Republican leader faces the same political problem that led to McCarthys ouster angry, frustrated, hard-right GOP lawmakers rejecting his approach, demanding budget cuts and determined to vote against the plan. 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.

Were not surrendering, Johnson assured after a closed-door meeting of House Republicans, 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.

House prepares for vote to prevent government shutdown

Tuesday 14 November 2023 21:30 , AP

The House prepared on Tuesday for a vote to prevent a government shutdown, with new Republican Speaker Mike Johnson forced to reach across the aisle to Democrats when hard-right conservatives revolted against his plan.

To keep the federal government running into the new year, Johnson was willing to leave his right-flank Republicans behind and work with Democrats  the same political move that cost the last House speaker, Kevin McCarthy, his job just weeks ago.

This time, Johnson of Louisiana appeared on track for a temporarily better outcome as some Republicans showed signs of unrest but stopped short of threatening to remove the speaker, who has been on the job for just three weeks. The Senate would act next, ahead of Fridays shutdown deadline.

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 at a news conference at the Capitol.

VIDEO: James Comer throws smurf insult at Rep. Moskowitz in heated House hearing argument

Tuesday 14 November 2023 21:00 , The Independent

VIDEO: House to vote on preventing government shutdown amid GOP infighting

Tuesday 14 November 2023 20:30 , Gustaf Kilander

VIDEO: Speaker Mike Johnson says Congress 'addicted' to deficit spending

Tuesday 14 November 2023 20:00 , The Independent

You cant assume my vote on any bill, Chip Roy says

Tuesday 14 November 2023 19:30 , Gustaf Kilander

Rep Chip Roy appeared on Fox, saying, you cant assume my vote on any bill, if the speaker is going to roll us.

I dont like playing the ultimatum game, I will simply say that. I dont want anybody to try to sell me something and call it border security if its not, he added.

GOP rep claims Kevin McCarthy physically shoved him amid shutdown spat

Tuesday 14 November 2023 19:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy is reported to have 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 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.

No poison pill policies found in two-step funding plan

Tuesday 14 November 2023 18:30 , Gustaf Kilander

The lack of spending cuts in the proposed two-step funding plan is the reason why its likely to attract bipartisan support even as rightwing Republicans vote against it.

Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries said no poison pill policies have been found in the legislation that would prevent Democrats from backing it, adding that there are concerns about the two-step plans implementation.

We continue to express concerns with the bifurcated deadlines that seem to be somewhat unprecedented, he said, according to The Messenger.

It will take substantial Democratic votes to get it passed, but it will pass'

Tuesday 14 November 2023 18:00 , Gustaf Kilander

The two-part funding bill looks set to pass the House with substantial Democratic support amidst divisions among the Republicans.

It will take substantial Democratic votes to get it passed, but it will pass, Rep Kevin Hern said on Tuesday, according to The Messenger. Mr Hern is set to vote against the bill.

VIDEO: Congress to vote on funding the government

Tuesday 14 November 2023 17:30 , Gustaf Kilander

Republicans are left funding the government on autopilot

Tuesday 14 November 2023 17:00 , AP

If approved, passage of another continuing resolution would be a stunning capstone to the House GOPs 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% 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% 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.

Johnson cannot afford many defections from Republicans

Tuesday 14 November 2023 16:28 , AP

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 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.

The Senate, where Democrats have a slim majority, has also signaled its willingness to accept Johnsons package ahead of Fridays 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 Bidens 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.

You have to be wise about the fights you choose, speaker says

Tuesday 14 November 2023 16:00 , Gustaf Kilander

House Speaker Mike Johnson held a press conference on Tuesday morning as the chamber prepares to vote on avoiding a government shutdown.

Were not surrendering, were fighting. But you have to be wise about the fights you choose, the speaker told ABC News.

Ive been at the job less than three weeks, right? Mr Johnson said. I cant turn an aircraft carrier overnight.

VIDEO: What are the chances of a government shutdown?

Tuesday 14 November 2023 15:45 , Gustaf Kilander

We will not accept any extreme right-wing policy provisions, Jeffries says

Tuesday 14 November 2023 15:30 , AP

Under his proposal, Speaker Mike Johnson is putting 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 are demanding. It also fails to include President Joe Bidens request for nearly $106 billion for Ukraine, Israel, border security and other supplemental funds.

I think its a very big mistake, said Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, a member of the hard-right Freedom Caucus.

Roy said theres 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.

Live: Mike Johnson and GOP officials speak ahead of government shutdown vote

Tuesday 14 November 2023 15:29 , The Independent

New speaker seems to be on track for better outcome to avoid shutdown

Tuesday 14 November 2023 15:15 , 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 Fridays shutdown deadline.

The new Republican leader faces the same political problem that led to McCarthys 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.

Speakers funding plan likely to need Democratic backing

Tuesday 14 November 2023 14:00 , Gustaf Kilander

The speakers funding plan will likely need Democratic support amidst opposition from five House Republicans.

The spending bills lack of cuts is dividing the House GOP with at least five members having shared their opposition as of Monday morning  Reps Chip Roy, Warren Davidson, Bob Good, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and George Santos.

The Republicans can only lose four votes to pass a bill without Democratic support.

My opposition to the clean CR just announced by the Speaker to the @HouseGOP cannot be overstated, Mr Roy wrote on X. Funding Pelosi level spending & policies for 75 days - for future promises.

I am opposed to the CR that has been proposed, because it contains no spending reductions, no border security, & no policy wins for the American people. I am committed to working with Speaker Johnson & my House colleagues to chart a better path forward for our country, Mr Good said.

But including cuts rightwing Republicans want would make the spending bill dead on arrival in the Democratic Senate and White House.

Texas rep says funding bill provides Pelosi level spending & policies for 75 days'

Tuesday 14 November 2023 12:00 , AP

My opposition to the clean CR just announced by the Speaker to the @HouseGOP cannot be overstated, Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, tweeted on X. Funding Pelosi level spending & policies for 75 days - for future promises.

The White House, meanwhile, panned the plan as unserious, unworkable and a threat to national security and domestic programs.

This proposal is just a recipe for more Republican chaos and more shutdownsfull stop, said press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, pointing to opposition from members of both parties. 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.

VIDEO: Government shutdown deadline nears once again

Tuesday 14 November 2023 10:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Bill excludes funding requested by Biden for Israel, Ukraine, and US border

Tuesday 14 November 2023 08:00 , AP

The bill excludes funding requested by President Joe Biden for Israel, Ukraine and the U.S. border with Mexico. Johnson said separating Bidens request for an emergency supplemental bill from the temporary, stopgap measure places our conference in the best position to fight for fiscal responsibility, oversight over Ukraine aid, and meaningful policy changes at our Southern border.

Hardline conservatives, usually loathe to support temporary spending measures of any sort, had indicated they would give Johnson some leeway to pass legislation, known as a continuing resolution, or CR, to give Congress more time to negotiate a long-term agreement.

Republican admits Johnsons plan is similar to what got Kevin McCarthy in trouble'

Tuesday 14 November 2023 06:00 , Gustaf Kilander

GOP Rep Carlos Gimenez said on Fox Business that Speaker Johnsons government funding plan is similar to what got Kevin McCarthy in trouble.

I think youll get some Democrat votes ... Youll get some Republicans not to vote for it, he said.

I think you'll get some Democrat votes ... You'll get some Republicans not to vote for it.



 Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), who also concedes that Speaker Mike Johnsons proposed continuing resolution to avoid a govt. shutdown is similar to what got Kevin McCarthy in trouble pic.twitter.com/1J5uMdLhE5  The Recount (@therecount) November 13, 2023

Republicans have no earthly idea what they are doing, ex-GOP staffer says

Tuesday 14 November 2023 04:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Kurt Bardella, a former Republican Capitol Hill staffer whos now a Democratic strategist, wrote on X on Monday that Republicans in Congress seem determined to remind the American people every single day that they have no earthly idea what they are doing.

@SpeakerJohnson is in over his head. The result will be yet another government shutdown courtesy of the GOP, he added.

Republicans in Congress seem determined to remind the American people every single day that they have no earthly idea what they are doing. @SpeakerJohnson is in over his head. The result will be yet another government shutdown courtesy of the GOP.



via @AymanMSNBC pic.twitter.com/KdYQpVxsPA  Kurt Bardella (@kurtbardella) November 13, 2023

GOP cannot negotiate with itself- and its leaders refuse to negotiate with anybody else'

Tuesday 14 November 2023 02:00 , Gustaf Kilander

David Frum, a former speechwriter for President George W Bush, wrote on X on Monday: With two US carrier groups poised for action to deter Iran, we are 4 days from a US government shutdown because the majority in the US House of Representatives cannot negotiate with itself- and its leaders refuse to negotiate with anybody else.

McCarthy booted after previous continuing resolution passage

Tuesday 14 November 2023 00:00 , AP

The federal government is operating under funding levels approved last year by a Democratic-led House and Senate. Facing a government shutdown when the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, Congress passed a 47-day continuing resolution, but the fallout was severe. Kevin McCarthy was booted from the speakership days later, and the House was effectively paralyzed for most of the month while Republicans tried to elect a replacement.

Republicans eventually were unanimous in electing Johnson speaker, but his elevation has hardly eased the dynamic that led to McCarthys removal  a conference torn on policy as well as how much to spend on federal programs. This past week, Republicans had to pull two spending bills from the floor  one to fund transportation and housing programs and the other to fund the Treasury Department, Small Business Administration and other agencies  because they didnt have the votes in their own party to push them through the House.

Speakers funding plan likely to need Democratic backing

Monday 13 November 2023 22:00 , Gustaf Kilander

The speakers funding plan will likely need Democratic support amidst opposition from five House Republicans.

The spending bills lack of cuts is dividing the House GOP with at least five members having shared their opposition as of Monday morning  Reps Chip Roy, Warren Davidson, Bob Good, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and George Santos.

The Republicans can only lose four votes to pass a bill without Democratic support.

My opposition to the clean CR just announced by the Speaker to the @HouseGOP cannot be overstated, Mr Roy wrote on X. Funding Pelosi level spending & policies for 75 days - for future promises.

I am opposed to the CR that has been proposed, because it contains no spending reductions, no border security, & no policy wins for the American people. I am committed to working with Speaker Johnson & my House colleagues to chart a better path forward for our country, Mr Good said.

But including cuts rightwing Republicans want would make the spending bill dead on arrival in the Democratic Senate and White House.

Texas rep says funding bill provides Pelosi level spending & policies for 75 days'

Monday 13 November 2023 20:00 , AP

My opposition to the clean CR just announced by the Speaker to the @HouseGOP cannot be overstated, Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, tweeted on X. Funding Pelosi level spending & policies for 75 days - for future promises.

The White House, meanwhile, panned the plan as unserious, unworkable and a threat to national security and domestic programs.

This proposal is just a recipe for more Republican chaos and more shutdownsfull stop, said press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, pointing to opposition from members of both parties. 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.

VIDEO: Government shutdown deadline nears once again

Monday 13 November 2023 18:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Bill excludes funding requested by Biden for Israel, Ukraine, and US border

Monday 13 November 2023 16:27 , AP

The bill excludes funding requested by President Joe Biden for Israel, Ukraine and the U.S. border with Mexico. Johnson said separating Bidens request for an emergency supplemental bill from the temporary, stopgap measure places our conference in the best position to fight for fiscal responsibility, oversight over Ukraine aid, and meaningful policy changes at our Southern border.

Hardline conservatives, usually loathe to support temporary spending measures of any sort, had indicated they would give Johnson some leeway to pass legislation, known as a continuing resolution, or CR, to give Congress more time to negotiate a long-term agreement.
CONCORD, N.H.  New Hampshire on Wednesday announced Jan. 23 as the date of its presidential primary, setting up the second GOP contest of 2024 eight days after the Iowa caucuses  and defying President Joe Biden and the Democratic National Committees plans to give South Carolina the partys first primary contest.

The move means the Granite State will remain first on the primary calendar, but it faces punishment from the DNC, including but not limited to the potential loss of delegates to the Democratic convention, for not following the partys new order, which was recommended by Biden.

The conflict between New Hampshire and national Democrats means Bidens name will be missing from the New Hampshire presidential primary ballot this year.

New Hampshire has held its first in the nation primary status for more than a century. And in 1975, the state enacted a law that required the primary to take place at least seven or more days before any other state.

Jan. 23 "complies with our state statute, requiring our presidential primary to be at least seven days before any similar event, and it preserves the position of the traditional Iowa caucus," New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan said at a press conference Wednesday.

Scanlan told NBC News ahead of his announcement that he waited to set the date until he was comfortable that New Hampshire will hold the first in the nation presidential primary. Iowa Democrats, who were also stripped of their early slot in the DNCs approved 2024 calendar, shifted their traditional in-person caucuses to a mail-in system this year  which Scanlan had said risked triggering New Hampshires law requiring him to move ahead of another state primary. But in early October, Iowa Democrats announced they will release their results on March 5, which is Super Tuesday.

The official date clarifies the road to the GOP nomination for the candidates seeking to challenge Biden in the general election. They will compete in the Iowa caucuses on Jan. 15 before turning to New Hampshire, followed by the Nevada caucuses on Feb. 8 and South Carolinas primary on Feb. 24.

David Scanlan leans against a door frame in his office (Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK)

For Democrats, South Carolinas primary will be on Feb. 3, followed by Nevadas on Feb. 6.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison, a former South Carolina Democratic Party chair, said in February that changing the calendar to put South Carolina first puts Black voters at the front of the process. In July, during an interview on MSNBCs Inside with Jen Psaki, Harrison said that South Carolina has been the best indicator of who the eventual nominee will be. The state was the first contest Biden won in the 2020 Democratic primaries.

Scanlan fired back at that line of reasoning in his press conference.

"Using racial diversity as a cudgel and an attempt to rearrange the presidential nominating calendar is an ugly precedent," Scanlan said. "At what point does the state become too old or too wealthy or too educated, or too religious to hold on early primary? The truth is, there is no individual state that truly reflects the makeup of America and no state is more American than any other state."

President Joe Biden speaks at podium at the Amtrak bear maintenance facility. (Andrew Harnik / AP file)

In a letter to New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley, Biden campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez said Biden was obligated as a Democratic candidate for President to comply with the Delegate Selection Rules for the 2024 Democratic National Convention promulgated by the Democratic National Committee.

But New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, a Republican, believes delegates really dont matter in this case.

New Hampshires power of this process is in its ability to allow candidates to come in and be themselves, he told NBC News.

During a talk at Saint Anselm College in October, Scanlan made his case for why New Hampshire should go first.

Its a small state geographically. It has a small media market compared to other states in the country, especially the large ones. We are a purple state politically. We have regular high voter participation. And it is very easy for any United States citizen who qualifies to run for president to actually try and make it happen, he said.

This is not the first time New Hampshire has faced challenges to its status as the first primary. In 1995, then-Secretary of State Bill Gardner had to fend off a challenge from Delaware, which passed a state law putting its primary on the same date as New Hampshires.

Scanlan told NBC News he thinks the DNC and other states will continue to pose challenges until they get tired and give up. We wont.

Sununu agreed. Weve had our process, weve always gotten first, and so I imagine that will continue, he said.
Health Secretary Michael Matheson

The Scottish Parliament has released a breakdown of Michael Matheson's data usage on a trip where he racked up an 11,000 data roaming charge on his parliamentary iPad.

The document reveals Scotland's health secretary was billed more than 7,000 of fees in one day during a holiday to Morocco last year.

He has agreed to pay the fees back.

Mr Matheson is expected to seek to make a personal statement to Holyrood on Thursday to address the row.

The parliament said it has launched an urgent review into mobile devices and data roaming charges.

It came shortly after First Minister Humza Yousaf gave his "100% backing" to Mr Matheson, who is facing a vote of no confidence.

The data charges incurred by Mr Matheson, which were due to a failure to replace an old Sim card, included 7,346 on 2 January 2023 for using 3.18GB.

A further 1,320 charge was listed as a separate entry for 2 January. It is not yet known if the fee could relate to a previous day due to a lag effect in the billing system but there is no figure listed for 1 January.

The next largest fee was on 28 December 2022, when the minster was charged 2,249 for using 1.26GB.

In total, he used more than 6GB of data over the course of a week between 28 December and 3 January. Parliament was in recess throughout that period.

Michael Matheson data usage. . .

Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser suggested the charges incurred by Mr Matheson, who is a big football fan, could be related to a Rangers-Celtic match on 2 January. Tory MSP Stephen Kerr noted that Hibernian-Celtic was played on 28 December.

SNP president Michael Russell responded: "Unspeakable horrors in Gaza, impending cease fire vote, their party planning to leave ECHR and plenty more around that should engage & absorb all those charged with representative responsibilities - yet this is where the Tories in Holyrood prefer to wallow."

Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone announced the review, instructed by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB), will include options on disabling sim cards, a mandatory opt-in to data roaming bundles and personal liability for MSPs where parliament's procedures have not been followed.

She said: "We must be in a position where we have reviewed and tightened all policies to ensure the present situation cannot happen again."

The presiding officer added: "The SPCB recognises that members are the elected representatives of their constituents and privacy and confidentiality is fundamental to that relationship."

The Scottish Tories have threatened a no confidence motion if Mr Matheson does not hand in the iPad to Holyrood authorities, which he has so far refused to do - arguing that the matter had already been investigated by parliament.

Mr Matheson agreed with parliament in January that the bill would be paid out of the public purse, with the first minister describing the charge as a "legitimate expense" when the story was first reported last week.

However, the health secretary announced on Friday that he would pay back the bill in full.

'Honest mistake'

Speaking to the media shortly before the Scottish Parliament released a breakdown of Mr Matheson's data usage, Mr Yousaf said: "He has made an honest mistake in relation to the Sim card and the Sim card not being updated when it should have been done.

"As far as I am concerned that is the end of the matter."

Mr Yousaf said he had known Mr Matheson for 20 years, and described him as a "person of integrity and character" and an "excellent health secretary".

He added: "Because that integrity and character is being called into question is why he has chosen to pay back the entire amount."

First Minister Humza Yousaf has backed the health secretary

It was put to the first minister that the parliament had taken the health secretary at "his word" over assurance the iPad was used for constituency work.

Mr Yousaf responded: "I also absolutely take Michael at his word."

Mr Matheson ran up the 10,935.74 bill during a week-long visit to Morocco with his family around Christmas last year.

A Sim card in the device should have been changed after parliament officials switched a mobile contract from EE to Vodafone in December 2021.

Holyrood officials accepted the assurance that it had been used for parliamentary and constituency work and agreed to cover the cost, with 3,000 to come from the health secretary's own expense budget, and the rest from Holyrood's.

Mr Matheson told BBC Scotland News that the matter had already been investigated by a parliamentary IT manager, who had "access to all of the data" associated with the device.

The parliament said IT officials checked the iPad to see if it was working. They also examined the mobile data usage, but were only presented with a cumulative total and did not see the browsing history.

Analysis box by Glenn Campbell, BBC Scotland political editor

Six gigabytes is what the actor Kevin Bacon might have described in adverts for Holyrood's previous mobile provider as a "shed load of data".

Using that amount on a Scottish Parliament iPad while on holiday in Morocco, Michael Matheson has also incurred a shed load of expense.

He is personally refunding the parliament almost 11,000 to pay the bill in full.

The trouble is he was initially happy for parliament to pick up the tab on the basis that all the data was used for parliamentary business.

His opponents struggle to believe that he could have done that much work on behalf of his constituents over the New Year period.

For context, Netflix says 6GB is enough to stream their service for 24 hours. Michael Matheson has yet to spell out how much office work he had to do to consume a similar amount of data.

Scottish Tory chairman Craig Hoy described the data usage document as "utterly jaw-dropping".

He said: "Speculation will now go into overdrive as to how Michael Matheson racked up this 11,000 roaming bill and whether he was viewing non-political material, particularly on January 2 - a public holiday - when the usage sky-rocketed.

"The only way he will allay the suspicion and rumours is by handing over his iPad so that the browser history can be examined and his claim that the charges were accrued only on parliamentary work can be verified.

"Serious questions remain too for parliamentary authorities as well when they took Michael Matheson at his word over this eye-watering bill. These charges clearly go against guidelines on expenses delivering best value for money."
Did Apple and Jon Stewart part ways over China? Members of Congress would like to know.

The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party on Wednesday sent a letter to Apple chief executive Tim Cook asking that he explain why the company will no longer produce The Problem With Jon Stewart for its streaming service  AppleTV+.

The bipartisan letter  signed by Chairman Rep. Mike Gallagher, a Wisconsin Republican, and Ranking Member Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat from Illinois  asked that Apple provide the committee with a briefing by Dec. 15, 2023, so that they can better understand the reason for the shows cancelation. The letter also asked Apple to make a public commitment that content potentially viewed as critical of the Chinese Communist Party would be welcome on the companys services.

CNN previously reported that Stewart was approached by Apple executives who were concerned about the shows discussion of China and artificial intelligence, according to multiple show staff members with whom Stewart discussed the matter. Apple executives told Stewart they both needed to be aligned regarding the topics, which he declined, instead saying that he wanted full creative control over his show. Apple then threatened to cancel the show, after which Stewart walked away.

If these reports are accurate, it potentially speaks to broader concerns about indirect Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence over the creative expression of American artists and companies on CCP-related topics, the committee said in the letter. It also highlights an additional reason, beyond the traditionally-cited national security rationales, why we encourage Apple to accelerate its efforts to reduce its dependence on the [Peoples Republic of China] in its core business.

While companies have the right to determine what content is appropriate for their streaming service, the coercive tactics of a foreign power should not be directly or indirectly influencing these determinations, the lawmakers added.

Representatives for Apple and Stewart did not immediately respond to CNN requests for comment.

The letter added that while Stewart, a high-profile comedian, can likely find another home for his show following his exit from Apple, lesser-known comedians may struggle to find a platform to express their views on matters related to China. While China has a long track record of retaliating against companies that fail to walk the Partys line, the committee said in the letter, the incident raises concerns over the Xi administrations coercive tactics on U.S. companies.

To avoid such coercion, the letter encourages that Apple urgently work to diversify supply chains and reduce overall technological dependencies on China, which provides the Chinese Communist Party with economic leverage.

China represents nearly a fifth of Apples sales and is by far the companys fastest-growing region.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
By Ko Dong-hwan

POSCO International has pledged to help rebuild war-torn Ukraine by initiating modular construction projects to repair the country's critical infrastructure, according to the country's top steelmaker, Wednesday.

Its Vice Chairman Jeong Tak visited Ukraine from Monday to Wednesday and met Mykolaiv Governor Vitaliy Kim. The two signed a memorandum of understanding to build new steel modular manufacturing facilities in the province.

POSCO said it has chosen modular construction as a first step in its rebuilding process because its block-building method can save time on construction work and is thus effective for rebuilding Ukraine's key infrastructure  housing, schools and hospitals  fast.

"The modular construction can save project duration by up to 60 percent," said an official of the company based in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province.

The project will demonstrate POSCO's comprehensive construction capabilities, according to the firm. The company's steel products will be put together by POSCO A&C, the company's engineering subsidairy that can design, manufacture and build modular structures.

"The fact that Kim is of Korean origin also helped with the MOU," the official said.

Prior to signing the MOU, Jeong met Ukraine Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Rostyslav Shurma and First Deputy Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development Yurii Vaskov in Kiev to discuss POSCO's role in the rebuilding process.

Jeong requested Ukraine's key government officials to support in the rebuilding process, which will involve the company's technological assets in the fields of steelmaking, energy, construction and IT. Shmyhal said the Ukraine government highly anticipates the firm's initiative and hopes the country will recover fast.

Jeong also met Vicor Ivanchyk, CEO of Ukraine's agro-industrial company Astarta, and discussed how the company can assist the country's food exports using a grain export terminal in Mykolaiv which the company has invested in. Starting operation in 2019, the terminal had exported about 2.5 million tons of Ukrainian grain to countries in Asia, the Middle East and Africa until Russia's invasion began in February 2022. Despite halting operations briefly at the onset of the war, the terminal hasn't sustained damage and is currently in operation, according to the company.

Jeong proposed to Ivanchyk that using the terminal might help resume the country's grain exports that have been put on hold due to the war.

Following his Kiev visit, Jeong heads to France on Thursday to help promote Busan's bid to host the World Expo in 2030.
By Andrew Goudsward

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden on Wednesday sought a federal court's permission to subpoena documents from former President Donald Trump and top Justice Department officials in his administration as part of his defense against federal gun charges.

The younger Biden's lawyers in a filing in U.S. District Court in Delaware cited public reporting suggesting "incessant, improper, and partisan pressure" applied by Trump to then-Attorney General William Barr and senior Justice Department officials Richard Donoghue and Jeffrey Rosen to investigate Biden.

Barr declined to comment. Rosen, Donoghue and a spokesperson for Trump did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Hunter Biden, 53, in October pleaded not guilty to charges that he lied about his drug use while buying a handgun, in the first-ever criminal prosecution of a sitting U.S. president's child.

Special Counsel David Weiss brought the charges against Hunter Biden after a proposed plea deal unraveled under questioning from a judge.

The president's son has been the subject of relentless criticism from Trump and Republican lawmakers, who have set his foreign business dealings at the center of an impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden by Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The White House argues the impeachment probe is politically motivated and unsubstantiated by evidence of wrongdoing by the president.

Hunter Biden's lawyers argued in their court filing that political pressure by Trump during his administration tainted the investigation.

The filing cities instances in which Trump reportedly raised the Hunter Biden investigation with Justice Department officials, including conversations where Trump was reportedly rebuffed. In his memoir, Barr wrote that he told Trump in an October 2020 conversation that he would not discuss the younger Biden.

Hunter Biden's lawyers are seeking the documents by Dec. 1, arguing that may be relevant to pretrial legal motions he plans to file.

(Reporting by Andrew Goudsward; Editing by Scott Malone and Jonathan Oatis)
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.
Israeli forces said they uncovered weapons and other evidence that "totally confirm'' Hamas was using Gaza's largest hospital for covert military purposes after an early Wednesday raid that brought an extra level of chaos to a medical facility lacking electricity and other basic needs for days.

The Israel Defense Forces posted a seven-minute, one-take video from inside the Al-Shifa Hospital's MRI wing showing rifles, grenades, ammunition, and fighting vests with the Hamas logo, which the IDF says it found during its incursion.

Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, an IDF spokesman who demonstrates the weapons and other military equipment in the video, said the items "totally confirm, without any doubt, that Hamas systematically uses hospitals in their military operations in violation of international law.''

The findings could not be independently verified. The video did not show any tunnels or the command center the Israeli military says Hamas maintains at the hospital.

In a statement blaming Israel and President Joe Biden for a raid based on a "false claim," Hamas said the White House and Pentagon had given the Israelis a free pass "to commit more massacres against civilians."

The U.N. estimates at least 2,300 staff, patients and displaced Gaza civilians have taken refuge at the sprawling Al-Shifa complex as Israeli forces have been rolling through Gaza since Hamas militants' violent border rampage on Oct. 7.

After storming through the hospital earlier in the day, the Israeli military maintained an imposing presence at nighttime with tanks stationed outside and snipers on nearby buildings, Munir al-Boursh, a senior official with Gazas Health Ministry inside the hospital, told The Associated Press.

Patients, women and children are terrified, he told the AP by phone.

Israeli officials said in a statement the military brought medical teams, incubators, baby food, and medical supplies into the hospital incursion to ensure that "no harm is caused to the civilians being used by Hamas as human shields." Lt. Col. Richard Hecht also told CNN that no exchange of gunfire had taken place on hospital grounds.

Israel has claimed for weeks that Hamas was hiding militants and assets in Al-Shifa and other Gaza hospitals. The White House said this week it had intelligence confirming the claim, which Hamas leaders have repeatedly denied.

IDF enters Gaza hospital: Hamas targeted; thousands in D.C. rally for Israel

Developments:

 The U.N. Security Council approved a resolution Wednesday calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors in Gaza. Such resolutions are legally binding but often ignored.

 Reuters, citing three unnamed sources, reported that Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently told Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh that Iran will not enter the war in support of the militant group. That is encouraging news for the U.S. and Israel, which have worked to keep the war from spreading.

 The head of UNRWA, the U.N. relief agency for Palestinian refugees, confirmed Wednesday it has received 6,000 gallons of fuel that crossed into Gaza via the Rafah crossing but said much more is needed.

 Only about 10 of the 36 hospitals in Gaza are still operating, as a lack of fuel and damage from the war has forced nearly 75% of them to close, the World Health Organization said Wednesday. The WHO's Gaza representative, Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, said more than 80 bodies from Al-Shifa hospital were buried in a mass grave Wednesday and another 80 were left unburied.

 Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau's plea to Israel to stop "the killing of women, of children, of babies" in Gaza drew a sharp rebuke Wednesday from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on social media: "@JustinTrudeau, It is not Israel that is deliberately targeting civilians but Hamas that beheaded, burned and massacred civilians in the worst horrors perpetrated on Jews since the Holocaust."

 More than 11,200 Palestinians  two-thirds of them women and minors  have been killed since the war began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. And about 2,700 people have been reported missing.

A Palestinian boy stands among the destruction after Israeli strikes on Rafah, Gaza Strip, on Nov. 15, 2023.

Biden to Israel: 'It's a big mistake' to maintain occupation of Gaza

President Joe Biden said Wednesday that he did not think the fighting between Israel and Hamas would end until there's a separate Palestinian state.

Biden said at a news conference that he advised the Israeli government against the reoccupation of Gaza once the war ends.

"I'm not a fortune teller, I can't tell you how long it's going to last. But I can tell you, I don't think it ultimately ends until there's a two-state solution," Biden said. "I made it clear to the Israelis I think it's a big mistake for them to think they're going to occupy Gaza and maintain Gaza. I don't think that works."

Biden, who spoke to the press after a summit in San Francisco with Chinese President Xi Jinping, also commented on Israel's operation to root out Hamas militants at Al Shifa hospital in Gaza.

He said Hamas committed a war crime by hiding its fighters under a hospital. He said Israel did not go in with a large number of troops.

We discussed the need for them to be incredibly careful, he said. This is not the carpet bombing. This is a different thing."

 Francesca Chambers and Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY

White House: No prior approvals for Israeli military operations

Israeli military operations in Gaza, including at Shifa hospital, are planned and executed without prior approvals from the Biden administration, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday. He said the U.S. believes hospitals should be protected. That means no attacks from the air and redoubled efforts to keep civilians, patients and medical staff from becoming victims of crossfire between Hamas and Israeli forces. But Kirby said he understands Israel's urgent need to push forward.

"We know that Hamas uses hospitals like Al Shifa for command and control for storage facilities, even sometimes, as a barracks of sort for their fighters," Kirby said.

 Francesca Chambers

'Do they want us to die?' Refugees still bombed in south Gaza

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have fled the heavily embattled north of Gaza for the south at Israel's urging. They haven't necessarily found a peaceful refuge.

Besides jam-packed shelters and a scarcity of fuel and other necessities, the refugees are finding battered buildings and streets subjected to frequent bombardment that still continues. Israel has said there are Hamas targets in the south it needs to hit as part of its campaign to dismantle the militant group, and that it tries to limit impact to civilians.

Egyptian Mohammad al-Abdallah has been trying to leave Gaza since the bombing started. They asked us to come from the north,'' he said. "And when we arrived, we stayed in an apartment here, and we were bombed. Do they want us to die? This is enough.

FBI: Terrorists inspired by Hamas could attack US

Hamas or another foreign terrorist organization may exploit the current conflict in Gaza to conduct attacks on U.S. soil, FBI Director Christopher Wray said Wednesday. Wray, testifying before the House Committee on Homeland Security, cited a "rogues gallery" of foreign terrorist organizations including Hamas calling for attacks against Americans and U.S. allies since Oct. 7. Immediate concerns include "lone wolf" individuals or small groups inspired by events in the Middle East, he said.

"While this is certainly a time for heightened vigilance, it is by no means a time to panic," Wray said. "Americans should continue to be alert and careful, but they shouldnt stop going about their daily lives."

Israeli forces began their assault on Gaza hours after Hamas militants stormed into Israeli border communities Oct. 7 on a violent rampage that left more than 1,200 people dead, most of them civilians, and more than 240 people taken hostage, according to the Israeli military. The Gaza Health Ministry says more than 11,000 Palestinians have died in the Israeli offensive aimed at freeing the hostages and crushing Hamas.

UN humanitarian chief joins calls for cease-fire

The U.N.'s top humanitarian affairs official, Martin Griffiths, issued a statement urging the combatants to respect international law and engage in an immediate cease-fire. Israeli officials have repeatedly said they won't stop fighting until all 240 hostages have been released. Griffiths also wants both sides to support efforts to bring a continuous flow of aid convoys into Gaza.

"As the carnage in Gaza reaches new levels of horror every day, the world continues to watch in shock as hospitals come under fire, premature babies die, and an entire population is deprived of the basic means of survival," Griffiths said. "This cannot be allowed to continue."

Jewish students sue NYU claiming antisemitism

Three Jewish students filed an antisemitism lawsuit against New York University accusing the school of civil rights violations that created a hostile educational environment in which Jewish students are subjected to "pervasive acts of hatred, discrimination, harassment and intimidation." The "latest and worst outbreak" has occurred since the start of the war in Gaza, the suit says, with numerous students and faculty "enthusiastically endorsing" the deadly Oct. 7 rampage of Hamas militants in Israel.

NYU spokesperson John Beckman said in a statement the school has worked to combat antisemistism and provide a peaceful environment for Jewish students. NYU "looks forward to setting the record straight, to challenging this lawsuits one-sided narrative," he said.

Humanitarian aid staffers imperiled in Gaza

The global humanitarian aid organization Mercy Corps says it is concerned for the safety of 70 staff members and their families in Gaza, spokesperson Milena Murr says. In an email to USA TODAY, Murr said staffers report an "increasingly desperate situation" that includes empty grocery stores, five-hour lines for bread that costs $30 for five pieces, cooking on wood or coal because there is no fuel. Internet and communication services could come to a halt as soon as tomorrow, Murr said.

"Our colleagues are making great effort to share their stories and the humanitarian catastrophe they are witnessing and experiencing," Murr said.

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Israel Hamas war updates: IDF says weapons were found at Gaza hospital
Israel said its military launched a targeted operation against Hamas early Wednesday morning inside Gazas largest hospital, where thousands of Palestinians are believed to be sheltering.

Conditions at Al-Shifa Hospital, which has run out of fuel and is no longer considered operational, have deteriorated rapidly in recent days amid intense fighting, with doctors warning of a catastrophic situation for patients, staff and displaced people still inside. Wednesdays raid sparked international criticism.

In a statement posted online, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had begun a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in the Shifa Hospital.

Khader Al-Zaanoun, a reporter for the Palestinian news agency Wafa, described scenes of heavy fighting to CNN.

Explosions are shaking the buildings of Al-Shifa Hospital  which is besieged from all four directions, following the launching of rocket and artillery shells in the vicinity of the hospital, he said in a text message.

Al Zaanoun said Israeli forces had invaded the hospital with large numbers of soldiers and military vehicles, including tanks, armored vehicles, troop carriers, and bulldozers, adding they were preventing anyone from leaving.

A senior Israeli defense official, speaking with journalists earlier on Wednesday, said Israeli soldiers were in the buildings conducting search and interrogation operations with the young men amidst intense and violent gunfire inside the hospital. He added that the Israeli army is calling on the young men through megaphones to raise their hands, come out, and surrender themselves.

Hamas government media office has since claimed that Al-Shifa is under the control of Israeli forces. We hold the Israeli occupation fully responsible for the lives and safety of medical personnel, the wounded, the sick, premature children, and the displaced, it said in a statement.

However, IDF spokesperson Daniel Haggard said later, in his daily briefing Wednesday, that the military operation at the hospital was still underway and will take time.

Its a complicated area, which still has many people. We need to conduct (it) in the right pace, he said.

Israeli radio said in a report earlier in the day that the army has so far found no indication of hostages inside the hospital.

But in a briefing delivered almost 12 hours into the raid, a senior Israeli defense official said soldiers had uncovered weapons at the hospital, and the IDF later released a statement saying it had found an operational command center belonging to Hamas in one of the hospitals departments.

Hamas dismissed the claim as a blatant lie and cheap propaganda.

CNN is trying to contact the hospital to speak to doctors there, but phone calls are not going through.

Mark Regev, senior advisor to the Israeli Prime Minister, told CNNs Wolf Blitzer on Wednesday that more information that he says justifies the IDFs operation in the hospital would be released in the coming hours and days.

The operation is still ongoing and weve released some preliminary information, but more will come, Regev said.

Israel is under significant international pressure to prove its claims about Hamas infiltration of the hospital, in order to justify some of its military decisions, which could otherwise constitute a possible serious violation of international humanitarian law.

There is no indication yet that troops have uncovered a multi-level tunnel structure with underground chambers of the kind illustrated in an animation presented by the army spokesman at a briefing almost three weeks ago.

Israel accuses Hamas of using the large hospital complex for military purposes which, it claimed in a statement Wednesday, jeopardizes the hospitals protected status under international law.

Hamas and hospital officials have consistently rejected Israels claims that Hamas has built a command center under the hospital.

Hours before the raid, the White House and the Pentagon said Hamas is storing weapons and operating a command center from the hospital.

The Pentagon said the US has newly declassified intelligence that claims to show that Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad were using hospitals  including Al-Shifa  as a way to conceal and support their military operations and hold hostages.

However, John Kirby, a National Security Council spokesman said later that Washington had not signed-off on the specific operation around Al-Shifa Hospital and nor did it approve any of Israels military plans. It was not a focus of US President Joe Bidens phone call on Tuesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Kirby said.

He reiterated that the US believes Israel should not target hospitals in Gaza from the air and that civilians should be protected from the crossfire.

Human rights bodies fiercely condemned Israels raid on Al-Shifa, as the World Health Organization and Palestinian health officials warned they have lost communication with staff inside the hospital.

International pressure on the Israeli government has hardened in recent days amid accounts of dire circumstances at Gazas other fuel-starved hospitals, and severe shortages of food and water.

On Wednesday, the UN Security Council approved a resolution calling for humanitarian pauses and corridors in Gaza, in what amounted to a long-awaited diplomatic breakthrough after weeks of bitter negotiations. Twelve countries voted to approve the measure, with the United States, the United Kingdom, and Russia abstaining.

The United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths said he was appalled by reports of military raids in Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza.

The protection of newborns, patients, medical staff and all civilians must override all other concerns. Hospitals are not battlegrounds, Griffiths said on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Meanwhile, the Ramallah-based Palestinian Minister of Health, Mai Al-Kaila, said the Israeli militarys storming of Al-Shifa was a crime against humanity; the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called it a violation of international humanitarian law; and Qatar described it as a war crime and a blatant violation of international laws.

30-minute warning

The IDF said in a statement on Wednesday that it had warned for weeks that Hamas continued military use of the Shifa hospital jeopardizes its protected status.

It said it had also notified the relevant authorities on Tuesday that all military activities within the hospital must stop within 12 hours.

But a doctor inside Al-Shifa told CNN they were given just 30 minutes warning before the Israeli operation began.

We were asked to stay clear of the windows and the balconies. We can hear the armored vehicles, they are very close to the entrance of the complex, Dr. Khaled Abu Samra said.

Neonatal babies in Al-Shifa hospital are in severe danger as conditions deteriorate further, Gaza hospitals director general Zaqout said.

On evacuating the hospitalwe have said numerous times there is no place to move 40 incubators outside the hospital, Zaqout said.

CNN could not independently confirm his assessment of the situation. But CNN previously reported on pictures released by Al-Shifa that showed newborn babies taken off failed incubators and wrapped in foil in a desperate bid to keep them alive after oxygen supplies ran out.

In this handout from the Israel Defense Forces, troops can be seen pictured at Al-Shifa medical complex, in Gaza. The Israeli military raided the hospital on November 15, sparking international criticism as hundreds of displaced civilians and medical workers try to shelter. - Israeli Defense Forces via Reuters

Hundreds of staff and patients are still inside Al-Shifa, according to the most recent reports from the hospital, along with several thousand who have sought shelter from Israels air and ground offensive.

The Israeli statement said, The IDF is conducting a ground operation in Gaza to defeat Hamas and rescue our hostages. Israel is at war with Hamas, not with the civilians in Gaza.

A statement from Hamas blamed both Israel and the United States for the Israeli army raid on the hospital. By supporting what it called Israels false narrative  that Hamas was using Al-Shifa as a command and control base  it said the US had given Israel, a green light  to commit more massacres against civilians.

Israel declared war on Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that controls Gaza, and launched a complete siege of the enclave following Hamas terror attacks in Israel on October 7. An estimated 1,200 people were killed in Hamas attacks, and about 240 taken hostage, most of whom remain captive in Gaza.

Since then, the Israeli response has killed at least 11,255 Palestinians  including 4,630 children  according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah, which draws on medical sources in Gaza.

Screams of older people and cries of children

People inside Al-Shifa have lost contact with other buildings in the complex, jeopardizing efforts by humanitarian workers and Palestinian officials to receive updated information about the catastrophic conditions faced by terrorized patients and medical staff.

Omar Zaqout, the supervisor of the ER department, said people were sheltering inside the buildings and staying away from windows and doors.

We dont know what is going on outside, all were hearing are explosions, gunfire, screams of older people and cries of children, Zaqout added.

He said Israeli soldiers were present in buildings around the ER and that he had earlier witnessed people handcuffed, stripped from their clothes and blindfolded. CNN is not on the ground and cannot independently verify his account. CNN has also reached out to the IDF for comment on these allegations but has yet to hear back.

Zaqout, the director general of hospitals in Gaza, alleged the IDF interrogated medical teams, patients and their escorts.

Some of the escorts were forced to take their clothes off, said Zaqout, who is not at the hospital but spoke to the doctors inside.

IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari claimed Israeli 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. CNN cannot verify Hagaris claims.

For his part, Zaqout insisted that all the people inside the hospital are civilians. The situation is currently horrific.

Earlier this week, doctors and journalists described desperate efforts to keep premature babies alive and limited procedures taking place by candlelight, as food, milk and water runs out.

Hospital director Mohammad Abu Salmiya told Al Jazeera there are plans to bury more than 150 bodies, but he was worried the grave would not be large enough. Al-Zaanoun, the Wafa reporter told CNN, the smell of dead people is unbearable, most of the bodies are of women and children.

In recent days, 15 patients have died at Al-Shifa, among them six newborns, due to power outages and a shortage of medical supplies, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah, which draws its figures from the Hamas-controlled territory.

Egyptian health minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar said Tuesday they are working to bring 36 newborns from Al-Shifa to Egypt, though such a transfer would be dangerous.

The World Health Organization has recorded at least 137 attacks on health facilities in Gaza, which it said resulted in 521 deaths and 686 injuries.

Other protected sites, like schools, civilian shelters, and United Nations facilities have already been damaged or destroyed in over a month of Israeli airstrikes. On Monday, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) announced that over 100 UN staffers had been killed in Gaza since fighting began  the most in the United Nations history.

This is a developing story and is being updated.

CNNs Celine Alkhaldi, Eleni Giokos, Sahar Akbarzai, Jomana Karadsheh, Andrew Carey and Kevin Liptak contributed reporting.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
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.
Hov opened up about his middle school experience in a recent 'JAY-Z and Gayle King: Brooklyn's Own' special on CBS and Paramount+

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images JAY-Z

JAY-Z has always been ahead of his time.

During the hour-long CBS interview special JAY-Z and Gayle King: Brooklyn's Own earlier this week, the rap icon recalled earning praise from a teacher in middle school for his ability to read at a high school student's level.

"So, Miss Loudon was my sixth-grade teacher. In the sixth grade, I was readin' on a 12th-grade level," said JAY-Z, 53. "That excited me, 'cause everyone was excited, and Miss Loudon, she was excited."

Related: JAY-Z Says Beyonce's Renaissance World Tour Is 'Her Best' and Talks Feeling 'Proud' of Blue Ivy on Stage

Related:

Hov continued, "It felt like me riding my bike at four, the way people reacted to that."

In the special, the "99 Problems" rapper also opened up about growing up in Brooklyn, New York's public Marcy Houses complex and watching the development become popular from his association.

"The fact that people go there and, like, take pictures in front of this is just amazing to me cause this, you know, the Marcy Houses that I grew up, it was not a tourist attraction," JAY-Z told host Gayle King.

Related: JAY-Z Settles Debate over Whether $500K or Lunch with Him Is Worth More: 'You Gotta Take the Money'

Courtesy CBS Mornings Gayle King and JAY-Z

The interview took place in the Brooklyn Library's new Book of HOV exhibit centered around the rapper's music, business ventures and philanthropic work. He spoke to King about how the focus of his career has shifted since he's gone from simply a rap musician to a mogul.

"I think what matters most is, today, is, being a beacon and helping out  my culture. People of color. I think I pull the most satisfaction from that," said JAY-Z.

He noted that music was his "first love" and explained how his creative approach inspired some of the work he does today, such as co-founding REFORM Alliance, an organization focused on probation, parole, and sentencing reform in the United States.



Related: JAY-Z Shares the Name That He and Beyonce Initially Picked Out for Daughter Blue Ivy

Shareif Ziyadat/Getty JAY-Z

"[Music] consumed me. Just finding words and figuring out words and how to say this and different ways to say that and different pockets and melodies and how to write this song," said the Grammy winner. "Thats why my pace was so fast. I had so much material."

JAY-Z continued, "I think now, you know, the idea of taking that platform and reproducing it for others or doing something like REFORM ... I think I derive the most joy from that."

JAY-Z and Gayle King: Brooklyn's Own is currently available to stream on Paramount+.

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Read the original article on People.
Salem-Keizer Public Schools officials said Kalapuya Elementary School principal Jennifer Neitzel was "not professional" when she and her husband confronted a neighbor who criticized her on a Facebook post about a Statesman Journal story on a lawsuit against the school's music teacher, Joshua Rist.

This story was updated at 3 p.m.

Kalapuya Elementary School principal Jennifer Neitzel acted in a manner not consistent with her typical professionalism in response to criticism of her leadership last month, district officials said Tuesday in a written response to a formal complaint about her actions.

Neitzel was under stress and distraught, Sara LeRoy, Salem-Keizer Public Schools elementary level director, said in response to complainant Butch Dunn, who lives near Neitzel.

In a complaint to the district and the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission, Dunn alleged Neitzel and her husband came to his home to confront him about a comment he made on a Facebook post linking to a Statesman Journal story about a lawsuit against Kalapuya's music teacher, Joshua Rist.

Two former McNary High School students filed the lawsuit Sept. 27, alleging Rist, 35, groomed and abused them while they were high school students. Rist was moved to Kalapuya last school year.

Following the lawsuit filing, hundreds of West Salem parents organized to try to get Rist removed from the classroom. More than a dozen Kalapuya parents told the Statesman Journal that Neitzel originally defended Rist to them, saying he was a good teacher.

Rist was put on paid administrative leave on Oct. 2 after another student filed an abuse complaint against him.

Dunns Facebook comment criticized Neitzels response to parents.

His complaint alleged that, while at his house, Neitzels husband began yelling in a very angry, menacing and intimidating manner.

Dunn provided the district and the Statesman Journal with security camera footage showing the incident.

Their interaction with you that evening was not professional, LeRoy wrote to Dunn, noting that Neitzel was under a tremendous amount of stress.

That said, regardless of stress levels, we expect our principals to act in a dignified and respectable manner in public and after work hours, she wrote. We have addressed this with Mrs. Neitzel.

District officials did not respond to the Statesman Journals questions about the specific actions it took toward Neitzel.

On Tuesday, Dunn said he wasnt entirely satisfied with the districts response.

My concern and advocacy for the safety of our children was first and foremost for me when I expressed my original opinion and subsequent filing of my complaint, he said. In addition, open communication and transparency from the district are needs that should be addressed and acted upon for the betterment of the entire community. The days of just saying trust us should be in the rearview mirror.

Lawsuit alleges grooming and abuse

The $10 million lawsuit alleges that Rist, who was then the choir teacher at McNary, groomed and abused the two women between 2015 and 2020.

It alleges the district failed to protect them from Rist.

The district had placed Rist on paid administrative leave more than two years ago, on May 28, 2021.

In June 2021, district officials sent a formal misconduct report to the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission. TSPC also received an Oregon Department of Human Services report alleging the same misconduct. The Keizer Police Department also investigated.

Rist returned from leave on Aug. 18, 2022, and was moved from McNary to Kalapuya. He was again placed on paid administrative leave on Feb. 9.

On June 8, Rist and TSPC stipulated certain facts, meaning Rist agreed that evidence would support the commission's findings that Rist established inappropriate personal relationships with the two women while they were students at McNary.

TSPC concluded Rist had engaged in gross neglect of duty.

As part of the stipulation, Rist received a 60-day license suspension and three years' probation. He served his suspension during the summer break while he was paid by the district, according to the lawsuit.

He returned to Kalapuya at the beginning of this school year.

Rist was put on paid leave again on Oct. 2 following the second complaint against him. He remains on leave, and an investigation into that complaint still is underway, district officials said Tuesday.

The district has hired a new music teacher at Kalapuya for the remainder of the school year.

Tracy Loew covers education at the Statesman Journal. Send comments, questions and tips: tloew@statesmanjournal.com or 503-399-6779. Follow her on Twitter at @Tracy_Loew.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Kalapuya principal 'was not professional' in response to Facebook post
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.
By Lee Yeon-woo

Coupang reappointed CEO Kang Han-seung for another term, three years after his initial appointment in November 2020. Kang's leadership in attracting substantial investment and driving robust performance during economic downturns was considered a key factor in his reappointment.

With this decision, Kang's term is now extended until November 2026. He is currently serving as both the chairman of Coupang's board of directors and the representative director of business management.

"Kang has been instrumental in leading the company's innovative growth in the distribution industry and overseeing its listing on the New York Securities Exchange. He has also significantly contributed to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and promoting balanced regional development," the company noted.

Coupang's robust performance since the third quarter of 2022, which includes achieving its highest-ever quarterly revenue of 8.1 trillion won ($6.2 billion) and an 11 percent increase in operating profit to 114.6 billion won, is considered the key reason for Kang's reappointment as CEO.

Kang also played a pivotal role in raising substantial capital and spearheading the expansion of the company's domestic logistics network. The company invested $1.2 billion in 2021 and an additional $700 million in the following year in its logistics centers. His extensive background and network in the legal industry played a significant role in successfully securing these investments.

Another accomplishment is the focus on revitalizing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and local economies. In 2021, the company set up a 400 billion won fund to bolster the digital market presence of small businesses, including farmers and those in the fishing industry, nationwide.

There is some speculation that among the executives of the top three retail companies, Kang might be the only one to secure reappointment this year.

Shinsegae and E-mart have faced stagnation in their quarterly financial performance and have recently responded by replacing 40 percent of their executive team. Additionally, there are expectations that Lotte Shopping might implement changes to its executive lineup before the end of the year, indicating a broader trend of executive reshuffling in the industry.
Gundam Evolution sniper mech

Gundam is on the verge of making it big in the West, after decades of popularity in Japan. Part of that push has been increased availability of Gundam model kits  commonly called Gunpla  and Gundam anime series coming to streaming services like Netflix. Now, Gundam is hitting the road in the US, and you could win some free stuff if youre lucky.

Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America has announced the Gundam Base Mobile USA Tour, where a caravan kitted out with all sorts of Gundam goodies will be touring the US and hosting events. Bandai Namco says that fans will be able to participate in Gunpla workshops, purchase exclusive model kits not found anywhere else, play video games, and more.

The Gundam Base is decked out with everything a Gundam fan would ever want. Bandai Namco

There will also, apparently, be giveaways, though the company doesnt elaborate on these  just know that if you turn up to one of these events, you may be able to score yourself something cool. Maybe its a model kit, maybe its an actual real-life Gundam robot, theres just no way of knowing for sure.

The tour will kick off in Las Vegas from tomorrow, November 16, at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where an Italian racing team put Gundam on an F1 car. After that, were not really sure where the Gundam-mobile will head next  full stops and dates have not yet been announced.

We do know where its journey will come to an end though. Bandai Namco says that the final stop in the tour will be in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center between January 5 and January 7, 2024. Those unable to make it to an event arent entirely out of luck either  some new model kits will be available on the events official website too, where you can also find tour dates when they become available.

The event comes after it was revealed that one of Gundams most popular anime series is making a return, with a spinoff film based on Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron Blooded Orphans.
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador will meet with his Chinese and Canadian counterparts on Thursday in San Francisco during an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, Mexico's foreign ministry said on Tuesday.

Lopez Obrador, who seldom travels outside Mexico, will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping before the inauguration of the APEC meetings and will meet with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau later that day.

The Mexican leader is scheduled to attend a dinner Thursday evening hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden before a previously announced meeting with his U.S. counterpart on Friday, the foreign ministry said in a press release.

Earlier Tuesday, Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena told a press conference that Lopez Obrador and Xi would discuss trade as well as how to improve bilateral supply chains for what she said would be their first meeting in person.

"It's a very important meeting," said Barcena, noting that China had always wanted close relations with Mexico.

Barcena said Mexico's economic relations with the United States would be at the heart of the U.S.-Mexico talks, pointing to billions of dollars in U.S. investment coming to Mexico.

Immigration and border security, as well as efforts to curb drug trafficking would also be prominent, she said, noting the two sides would look at how to better control the arrival of precursors from Asia used to make deadly opioid fentanyl.

(Reporting by Raul Cortes Fernandez; Additional reporting by Dave Graham and Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise and Stephen Coates)
USS Thomas Hudner in the Gulf of Oman.

The USS Thomas Hudner shot down a drone over the Red Sea, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Defense late on Wednesday.

It marks the second time in recent weeks that a U.S. Navy warship has downed a drone believed to have originated from Yemen. The Pentagon confirmed the drone was downed on Nov. 15, and said the U.S. crew shot it down while crossing international waters. The DoD said the drone was headed in the direction of the U.S. military ship and said it was downed to "ensure" U.S. personnel safety. The Pentagon confirmed there were no U.S. casualties involved in the incident and said there was no damage to the U.S. military ship.

It was unclear who exactly launched this latest drone.

A U.S. official told the Associated Press the other drone launched last week came from Houthi rebels in Yemen.

SEE MORE: US drone shot down by Yemen's Houthi rebels, officials say

The Houthis are a Zaydi Shiite movement that has been battling the Sunni-majority government in Yemen since 2004, according to the Wilson Center.

In October, a U.S. Navy warship intercepted missiles launched from Yemen. The U.S. believes the missiles were launched by Houthi rebels, potentially targeting Israel.

Tensions are high in the Middle East as Israel strikes Gaza in retaliation for a surprise attack on Oct. 7 that led to about 1,200 Israeli deaths. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry has reported that more than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of this latest conflict.
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.
CHANCAY, Peru  Life in this centuries-old fishing town on Perus Pacific coast is about to be transformed.

A massive deep-water port for container ships is being built in Chancay, about 45 miles north of Lima, and it is being financed largely by China, Perus largest trading partner. The port will host some of the biggest cargo ships in the world and serve as an economic beachhead for China in Latin America, a region historically dominated by the United States where Beijings investment and influence is growing.

The megaports builder and Chinese and Peruvian government officials say it will supercharge the local and regional economy and reshape global shipping routes. But residents of Chancay, which has a population of about 60,000, say they are worried about the economic and environmental impact and annoyed that they have had little say in the $3.6 billion project.

The port is 4,500 miles from San Francisco, where President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet Wednesday on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference, but geopolitically Chancay is on Americas 20-yard line, as Gen. Laura Richardson, head of the U.S. Southern Command, described it.

The $3.6 billion megaport is 60% owned by the Chinese state-owned company Cosco, one of the worlds biggest shipping companies. (Florence Goupil for NBC News)

U.S. officials have reportedly raised concerns with Peru that Chinese investment in the port could have national security implications, given Xis oft-mentioned ambition of turning China into a maritime superpower. The ports builder says it is for commercial use only.

Miriam Arce, a community leader whose father was a fisherman, has a different concern: that the fishing boats from her childhood will disappear, replaced by freighters amid the intensifying competition between the U.S. and China, the worlds two biggest economies.

Both countries are in conflict, said Arce, a 52-year-old artist. We are in the middle of this conflict. And Chancay is very small.

A faster route to Asia

NBC News was granted extensive access to the sprawling Chancay Port complex, which is 60% owned by the Chinese state-owned company Cosco, one of the worlds biggest shipping companies, and 40% owned by the Peruvian mining company Volcan.

During a recent tour, diggers and trucks were removing sandy brown earth while others were building berths for cargo ships. Several hundred workers brought in from China  mainly specialists, engineers and machinery operators  worked side by side with Peruvians, their combined numbers totaling about 2,200, according to Cosco.

Several hundred workers brought in from China are building the port with Peruvians. (Florence Goupil for NBC News)

Signs on the construction site are displayed in both Spanish and Chinese. (Florence Goupil for NBC News)

The company hopes the first phase of the megaport  part of Xis signature Belt and Road infrastructure initiative  will be complete by the time the Chinese leader visits Peru for the next APEC conference in late 2024.

I think the port will change the life of a lot of people in Peru and will promote development and will increase trade, said retired Adm. Gonzalo Rios Polastri, deputy general manager of Cosco Shipping Ports in Chancay.

Perus trade minister, Juan Carlos Mathews, says the port will greatly reduce shipping time from South America to Asia, making Peru more competitive in foreign trade and cutting costs for exporters around the region.

This new infrastructure is not just a spectacular asset for Peruvian companies but also for those in Chile, Colombia, Brazil and other regional countries conducting business in Asia, he said in London last week.

The Chinese ambassador to Peru, Song Yang, says Chancay could become Perus version of Shanghai, the worlds biggest port city.

Chancay residents say they are worried about the impact of the ports development on local wetlands. (Florence Goupil for NBC News)

Rios downplayed Chinas role in financing the project.

Its not countries, its companies, he said. This is the investor that arrived to the project after a search with an investment bank, and they make the project successful and they make it real.

But the port in Chancay is set to create an economic umbilical cord connecting South America with China, its biggest trading partner, and Asia more broadly. Though Cosco operates 38 ports around the world, the one in Chancay is its first in South America.

The company is promising a smart port that runs on automation and the latest digital technology, helping to reduce shipping times from South America to Asia by 10 days or more and removing stopovers in the U.S. and Mexico from the equation.

The trans-Pacific journey currently takes at least 35 days and includes stops at ports such as Long Beach, California. Once the port opens, Rios said, goods could travel from Chancay to Shanghai in as little as 20 days.

The port is only one of multiple infrastructure projects involving Chinese companies in mineral-rich Peru. Chinese companies own or have a stake in at least five mines, and there are concerns that two Chinese companies could soon control 100% of the electricity supply in Lima if a sale by Italian energy firm Enel goes through.

The mile-long tunnel that leads to the Chinese megaport in the city of Chancay. (Florence Goupil for NBC News)

Responding to U.S. security concerns, Mathews, the trade minister, said Peru is open to investment from different parts of the world.

We are not married to China, but we are developing a relationship with them, he said.

Rios, who was a commander in the Peruvian Navy before his current role, dismissed the national security concerns, including that the Chancay port could one day be used by Chinese naval ships.

In Peru there are very strict laws about coming with armed forces to ports or to any part of Peru, even for a single soldier with a rifle, he said.

He said there are no provisions in the Cosco contract ruling out military use because that is not what the port is for.

If youre renting a car, youre not told, Please dont use it to attack a building, he said.

A thin green fence separates Arces neighborhood from the port construction site. (Florence Goupil for NBC News)

We are poorer every day

Arces home on La Puntilla Street, which her grandfather bought in 1967, is now bordered by a huge green tarpaulin. On the other side is the Chancay Port construction site.

From her artists studio at the top of the house, she can hear the detonations and the diggers. Dust blankets everything. A painting of the fishing bay below has to be covered to protect it.

I dont agree with the new port from China because its very, very near our houses, said Arce, who added that the consultation did not include the people who live here.

Residents say they are concerned about the impact on local wetlands and artisanal fishing. They also point to a 1.1-mile underground tunnel that aims to streamline the entry of trucks into the port.

Rios said the tunnel was designed to minimize the ports impact on the city, but residents say that is far from the case.

In May, a partial landslide at one of the tunnel construction sites damaged several houses and streets in the nearby community of Peralvillo and forced Cosco to suspend work. The Peruvian prosecutors office is investigating.

Peralvillo residents like Margarita Munoz, 67, are worried about the cracks that have formed in their homes since tunnel construction began.

Margarita Munoz, 67, says her home in the community of Peralvillo has been damaged by the construction of a tunnel for the megaport. (Florence Goupil for NBC News)

They have only evacuated the family in the house that collapsed, said her neighbor Angeli Yufra, an environmental activist. But 200 others live in the immediate village and 2,000 more are at risk.

Cosco did not reply to a request for comment.

Yufra, 48, has lived in Chancay all her life and is raising three children here. She says at times residents no longer have running water in their homes, and that they get no answers from Cosco.

We are poorer every day, Yufra said. There is no work. The businesses and markets are leaving, too.

Residents of Peralvillo in Chancay, whose houses have been severely affected by the tunnel construction. (Florence Goupil for NBC News)

Rios defended the port project, saying local property values had soared up to threefold and that it was being constructed with environmentally friendly methods.

He said he was proud it was being built.

Peru needs investment, Rios said, adding that the U.S. is welcome to invest in Peru.
By Essi Lehto

HELSINKI (Reuters) -Further groups of asylum seekers arrived on Wednesday at Finland's southeastern border via Russia, part of a sudden surge that the president said appeared to be Russian revenge for his country's defence cooperation with the United States.

Finland, a European Union country whose accession to the NATO alliance earlier this year after decades of non-alignment angered Moscow, shares a 1,340-km (833-mile) border with Russia that also serves as the EU's external border.

Finland's government on Tuesday accused Russia of funnelling asylum seekers to crossing points along the frontier and said it might limit access unless Russian authorities reverse course.

"I don't see the border traffic ending in any other way than with very clear Finnish action," President Sauli Niinisto told a news conference on Wednesday.

He said he believed Russia, which normally stops people without valid EU visas from crossing, had begun letting them through in response to Helsinki's plans to soon sign a defence cooperation agreement with Washington.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova dismissed his statement as "absolutely groundless". Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow deeply regretted that the Finnish leadership had chosen to distance itself from what it said were previously good bilateral relations.

Last year, Finland adopted legislation that would allow crossing points stop receiving asylum applications if they experienced mass immigration orchestrated by another country.

Arrivals are far from mass levels but Finnish Border Guard Lieutenant Colonel Jukka Lukkari said they were rising, with 55 recorded on Tuesday and 66 by Wednesday afternoon; most people crossing are originally from Iraq, Yemen, Somalia and Syria.

"I assume many more will come today," he said.

Jukka Laine, a border studies professor at the University of Eastern Finland, said Helsinki was overreacting to a Russian attempt to exert pressure, which was just what Moscow wanted.

"This is hybrid-influencing machined by Russia and a key element in it is to create havoc and panic," he said. "If this is what they are aiming at, I would say they got it with very little effort."

The Finnish Refugee Council said the right to seek refuge should be respected, regardless of where applicants came from or how they accessed the border.

(Reporting by Essi Lehto and Moscow newsroom; editing by Anne Kauranen, Mark Heinrich and Philippa Fletcher)
The Senate has overwhelmingly passed a deal to avoid a government shutdown, a day after Democrats helped the deal pass he House of Representatives.

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 avoid a shutdown.

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 the new speaker.

The Swamp won and the speaker needs to know that, Mr Roy told the network. 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 Democrats joined in to help fund the government, with the package passing 336 to 95, with 93 Republicans voting against.

Key points

House passes GOP funding bill  averting government shutdown

Today is another example of why Congress shouldnt be in session for 5 weeks straight'

House votes to prevent a government shutdown as GOP Speaker Johnson relies on Democrats for help

A lot of those yes votes for werent very happy about it

We cant afford it shut the government down

GOP rep claims Kevin McCarthy physically shoved him amid shutdown spat

Tuesday 14 November 2023 19:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy is reported to have 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 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.

You cant assume my vote on any bill, Chip Roy says

Tuesday 14 November 2023 19:30 , Gustaf Kilander

Rep Chip Roy appeared on Fox, saying, you cant assume my vote on any bill, if the speaker is going to roll us.

I dont like playing the ultimatum game, I will simply say that. I dont want anybody to try to sell me something and call it border security if its not, he added.

VIDEO: Speaker Mike Johnson says Congress 'addicted' to deficit spending

Tuesday 14 November 2023 20:00 , The Independent

VIDEO: House to vote on preventing government shutdown amid GOP infighting

Tuesday 14 November 2023 20:30 , Gustaf Kilander

VIDEO: James Comer throws smurf insult at Rep. Moskowitz in heated House hearing argument

Tuesday 14 November 2023 21:00 , The Independent

House prepares for vote to prevent government shutdown

Tuesday 14 November 2023 21:30 , AP

The House prepared on Tuesday for a vote to prevent a government shutdown, with new Republican Speaker Mike Johnson forced to reach across the aisle to Democrats when hard-right conservatives revolted against his plan.

To keep the federal government running into the new year, Johnson was willing to leave his right-flank Republicans behind and work with Democrats  the same political move that cost the last House speaker, Kevin McCarthy, his job just weeks ago.

This time, Johnson of Louisiana appeared on track for a temporarily better outcome as some Republicans showed signs of unrest but stopped short of threatening to remove the speaker, who has been on the job for just three weeks. The Senate would act next, ahead of Fridays shutdown deadline.

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 at a news conference at the Capitol.

You have to choose fights you can win

Tuesday 14 November 2023 22:00 , AP

The new Republican leader faces the same political problem that led to McCarthys ouster angry, frustrated, hard-right GOP lawmakers rejecting his approach, demanding budget cuts and determined to vote against the plan. 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.

Were not surrendering, Johnson assured after a closed-door meeting of House Republicans, 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.

A bizarre two-part process

Tuesday 14 November 2023 23:00 , AP

Under his proposal, Johnson is putting 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.

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.

The House Freedom Caucus announced its opposition, ensuring dozens of votes against the plan.

I think its a very big mistake, said Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, a member of the hard-right group of lawmakers.

Its wrong, said Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn.

It all left Johnson with few other options than to skip whats typically a party-only procedural vote, and rely on another process that requires a two-thirds tally with Democrats for passage.

More House Democrats than Republicans vote to keep the government open

Tuesday 14 November 2023 23:00 , Josh Marcus

More Democrats than Republicans voted in the US House of Representatives for a temporary stopgap spending bill to avert a government shutdown.

Some 209 Democrats voted for the bill while 127 Republicans opposed the legislation for a laddered continuing resolution that would keep parts of the government funded until 19 January 2024 and other parts until 2 February 2024.

The vote is a win for newly-elected Speaker Mike Johnson, who proposed the two-tiered approach as a means to avoid passing an omnibus spending bill, but rather to pass 12 individual spending bills, a demand from right-wing members of the House Republican conference.

Eric Garcia has the full story from Washington for The Independent.

More House Democrats than Republicans vote to keep the government open

Are Republicans already plotting revenge against Mike Johnson?

Tuesday 14 November 2023 23:36 , Josh Marcus

Kevin McCarthy lost his position as House Speaker not long after he helped pass a controversial government funding bill with partial Democratic support.

The GOP may be plotting a similar punishment for the new House Speaker, Mike Johnson, after he took the same tactic to avoid a government shut down.

Some in the Republican party are considering holding up future legislation in protest of the conciliatory strategy.

There is a sentiment that if we cant fight anything, then lets just hold up everything, Ralph Norman of South Carolina told Politico.

Hakeem Jeffries on why Democrats backed the GOP spending bill

Tuesday 14 November 2023 23:41 , Josh Marcus

Congress was able to pass a temporary funding bill on Tuesday to temporarily avoid a government shutdown, with a large volume of Democrats helping Speaker Mike Johnson get the proposal over the finish line in the House.

From the very beginning of the Congress, House Democrats have made clear that we will always put people over politics and try to find common ground with our Republican colleagues wherever possbile, while pushing back against Republican extremism whenever necessary, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement going into the vote.

The continuing resolution before the House today meets that criteria and we will support it.

Schumer calls House bill a good thing'

Wednesday 15 November 2023 00:00 , Josh Marcus

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer offered measured praise on Tuesday of the Houses recently passed spending bill to avoid a government shutdown.

Both of us agreed, the White House and myself, that if this can avoid a shutdown, it will be a good thing, he told The New York Times.

He added he hopes to see the House bill get a vote in the Senate as soon as possible.

Johnson compares spending negotiations to drinking from Niagara Falls'

Wednesday 15 November 2023 00:15 , Josh Marcus

Whats it like being House Speaker at this contentious moment in US history? Well, sounds like there might be some more appealing jobs out there, at least according to Mike Johnson.

Ive been drinking from Niagara Falls for the last three weeks, he told reporters on Tuesday of the recent spending bill. This will allow everybody to go home for a couple of days for Thanksgiving, everybody cool off  members have been here for, as [House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.)] said, for 10 weeks, this place is a pressure cooker. And so I think everybody can go home, we can come back, reset, were gonna get our group together, were gonna map out that plan to fight for those principles.

Extreme MAGA Republicans have repeatedly demonstrated that they cannot govern without House Democrats'

Wednesday 15 November 2023 00:45 , Josh Marcus

Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said he remained concerned about the two-part approach. Veteran lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have called it cumbersome, unusual and unworkable.

Nevertheless, 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.

Extreme MAGA Republicans have repeatedly demonstrated that they cannot govern without House Democrats, Jeffries said on NPR. That will be the case this week in the context of avoiding a government shutdown.

With the House narrowly divided, Johnson could not afford many defections from his Republicans, which is forcing him into the arms of Democrats.

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.

Its nice to see us working together to avoid a government shutdown'

Wednesday 15 November 2023 01:00 , AP

The Senate, where Democrats have a slim majority, has signaled its willingness to accept Johnsons package ahead of Fridays 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 Bidens 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 GOPs 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 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.

Fights, shouting matches and chaos: Time to put Congress down for a nap

Wednesday 15 November 2023 02:00 , Eric Garcia

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.

Mad love turns to bad blood in the House

Wednesday 15 November 2023 03:00 , Eric Garcia

Reps Tim Burchett and Kevin 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 got the memo that it was fight club day

Wednesday 15 November 2023 04:00 , Eric Garcia

Senate Republicans 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 youre very interested in the important issues facing America.

You look like a Smurf'

Wednesday 15 November 2023 05:00 , Eric Garcia

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.

Today is another example of why Congress shouldnt be in session for 5 weeks straight'

Wednesday 15 November 2023 07:00 , Eric Garcia

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 shouldnt 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.

Congress needs nap and a bottle as if they were infants in a daycare centre

Wednesday 15 November 2023 09:00 , Josh Marcus

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 longer than normal.

With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching and a deal on funding in the books, the best thing now might be to allow Congress to go home for a nap and a bottle as if they were infants in a daycare centre.

Marjorie Taylor Greene blasts GOP colleagues who voted against Mayorkas impeachment

Wednesday 15 November 2023 11:00 , Kelly Rissman

Marjorie Taylor Greene is not happy about the Houses vote to shelve her articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, specifically naming her GOP colleagues who voted against the articles in an email and in numerous tweets.

The Georgia Republican forced the impeachment vote on 13 November. Eight Republicans joined to support the Democrats motion  in a vote of 209-201  to send the resolution to the Homeland Security Committee.

Ms Greenes team sent an email blast, calling out her Republican colleagues who joined the Democrats to KILL my Articles of Impeachment by naming each of them: Reps Ken Buck, Darrell Issa, Tom McClintock, Patrick McHenry, John Duarte, Virginia Foxx, Cliff Bentz and Mike Turner.

She then took to X to livestream her gripes about the vote. Rep Greene said the vote sent her resolution back to committee, where articles of impeachment go to die.

Weve seen how bad it is at the border but we cant get Republicans to impeach Secretary Mayorkas? This is outrageous, she continued. Ms Greene also accused Mr Mayorkas of willfully breaking our laws and allowing the invasion to happen.

Jimmy Kimmel renames Capitol live-stream UFC-SPAN after GOP fights

Wednesday 15 November 2023 11:30 , Rachel Sharp

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel renamed the Capitol Hill livestream C-SPAN UFC-SPAN after a series of fights between members of the Republican party this week.

On Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday night, Mr Kimmel poked fun at a fight that broke out between Senator Markwayne Mullin and Sean OBrien, the president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, during a Senate Committee hearing earlier in the day.

In the dramatic moment, Mr Mullin  a former cage fighter  took to his feet to challenge Mr OBrien to a physical fight.

Branding Mr OBrien a moron, he challenged him to stand your butt up, to which the union leader replied you stand your butt up.

Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders, the chairman of the hearing, was forced to intervene and play peacemaker, yelling at Mr Mullin to sit down and banging his gavel several times.

Read the story here:

Jimmy Kimmel renames Capitol live-stream UFC-SPAN after GOP fights

George Santos campaign staffer pleads guilty to wire fraud

Wednesday 15 November 2023 13:00 , John Bowden

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.

More House Democrats than Republicans vote to keep the government open

Wednesday 15 November 2023 14:00 , Eric Garcia

More Democrats than Republicans voted in the US House of Representatives for a temporary stopgap spending bill to avert a government shutdown.

Some 209 Democrats voted for the bill while 127 Republicans voted for a laddered continuing resolution that would keep parts of the government funded until 19 January 2024 and other parts until 2 February 2024.

The vote is a win for newly-elected Speaker Mike Johnson, who proposed the two-tiered approach as a means to avoid passing an omnibus spending bill, but rather to pass 12 individual spending bills, a demand from right-wing members of the House Republican conference.

The vote came after House Democratic Leadership  including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Minority Whip Katherine Clark and House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar  announced their support for the legislation. Democratic leaders said they supported the legislation because it did not include any steep cuts.

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, they said in a joint statement. The continuing resolution before the House today meets that criteria and we will support it.

Speaker Mike Johnson says Congress addicted to deficit spending

Wednesday 15 November 2023 15:00 , Josh Marcus

The reason the US is in such trouble with federal debt is because Congress is addicted and obsessed with deficit spending, speaker Mike Johnson said on Tuesday, 14 November.

Speaking at the Capitol, the Republican said his recently passed clean spending bill is the best solution.

I think this whole idea of a two-part process is ridiculous, but at least were not shutting down government'

Wednesday 15 November 2023 16:00 , Eric Garcia

Rep Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), the chairwoman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, told The Independent that she appreciated the fact that the bill did not include any spending cuts.

I think this whole idea of a two-part process is ridiculous, but at least were not shutting down government and theres no spending cuts and theres no poison pills, she said.

The legislation now goes to the Senate, where Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed openness to the bill despite his criticisms. Mr Schumer said during his press conference on Tuesday that Mr Johnson agreed to the parameters that Mr Schumer requested.

One, not making the heartbreak cuts that the MAGA right demands, he told reporters. And second, making sure that if theyre going to do this sort of goofy ladder, that defence is in the second part of the ladder, not the first.

VIDEO: Government shutdown likely averted

Wednesday 15 November 2023 17:00 , Gustaf Kilander

House goes home for Thanksgiving as Johnson is one strike away from far-right action

Wednesday 15 November 2023 17:02 , Gustaf Kilander

The House of Representatives has closed down until after Thanksgiving with no votes until 28 November after Speaker Mike Johnson failed to pass another spending bill following the passage of a funding passage to likely avoid a shutdown with the help of the Democrats.

Texas Rep Chip Roy told CNN that going ahead with the spending bill without cuts and passing it under suspension with the help of hundreds of members from across the aisle was strike one and strike two.

The Swamp won and the speaker needs to know that, Mr Roy told the network. 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.

The Texan told CNNs Manu Raju that the third strike would be moving ahead with a border security measure that he doesnt think is good enough alongside Ukraine aid.

Rightwing Republicans join Democrats in taking down spending bill

Wednesday 15 November 2023 17:17 , Gustaf Kilander

Members of the House GOP took down their own partys spending bill on Wednesday just a day after Speaker Mike Johnson enlisted hundreds of Democrats to pass a bill that will likely avert a shutdown ahead of the 17 November deadline pending senate passage and a signature from President Joe Biden.

The Republican leadership cancelled the rest of the votes for this week and sent the chamber home early ahead of Thanksgiving recess.

About 20 Republicans sided with the Democrats and voted against debating a funding bill for the Commerce and Justice departments.

Rightwingers said that voted against the measure after Mr Johnson looked to Democrats to help pass a short-term funding bill and opposition to amendments, according to Politico.

We had concerns about the bill itself  in addition to concerns relative to what happened yesterday, Rep Bob Good told the outlet.

I think it gets bumpy from here on out'

Wednesday 15 November 2023 17:29 , Gustaf Kilander

The bill set to fund the Departments of Justice and Commerce that was taken down by around 20 House Republicans and the Democrats on Wednesday faced opposition as it funds the FBI  an agency targeted by the GOP as they claim it has been politicized.

But Republicans also discussed blocking bills as a payback after Speaker Mike Johnson enlisted Democrats to pass a funding package without massive cuts to avert a shutdown, Politico notes.

As Democrats are not helping Mr Johnson on straightforward governing votes, he needs almost unanimous support from his party to begin debate on any legislation.

I think it gets bumpy from here on out, Rep Andy Ogles told the outlet. Anything and everything is on the table.

VIDEO: Chip Roy lashes out at Speaker Johnson

Wednesday 15 November 2023 17:52 , Gustaf Kilander

Roy: I didn't come here to have the speaker of the house assume the position and in 17 days pass a continuing resolution off the floor of this house through suspension of the rules. pic.twitter.com/IhD3kUaMxf  Acyn (@Acyn) November 15, 2023

We cant afford it shut the government down

Wednesday 15 November 2023 18:00 , Eric Garcia

Many Republicans from swing districts and districts that voted for President Joe Biden voted for the legislation.

Well, we cant afford it shut the government down, Rep Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) told The Independent. We need to pay our border patrol agents we need to keep our government running. We need more time.

Rep Mike Lawler said that the passage showed Mr Johnsons skill.

Obviously, its an important step for him as speaker to be able to show that we can govern and that you know, when it comes time to do big things, like this, that hes able to do it, he said.

Many right-wing Republicans criticised the approach, but refrained from criticising Mr Johnson personally. Rep Ken Buck (R-CO), who voted with seven other Republicans to depose Kevin McCarthy as speaker, said Mr Johnson faced a different set of circumstances.

What happened with Kevin was he knew that we werent on schedule with the appropriations bills, he told The Independent. Now, Johnson inherits that mess, and Johnsons got to do something about it.

GOP rep hints Nancy Mace has dirt on Kevin McCarthy after elbow saga

Wednesday 15 November 2023 18:30 , Kelly Rissman

The saga between Tim Burchett and Kevin McCarthy has rumbled on into its second day, with the TennesseeRepublican now suggesting that South Carolina congresswoman Nancy Mace has dirt on the former House Speaker.

Speaking on Newsmax on Wednesday, Mr Burchett said that Mr McCarthy has $17m in an account, before accusing him of plotting to use the cash to mess with a lot of people like my and Nancy Maces campaigns, Im sure.

I dont know if he does that with Nancy Mace. She could come back with some stuff that he doesnt want out there in the public, I think. If you know what Im saying, Newsmax co-host Rob Finnerty said.

Rep Burchett responded: Shes already told me. She said, I hope he does that with me. And shell take care of him.

Ms Mace and Mr Burchett were among the eight Republicans who voted to oust Mr McCarthy as House speaker last month.

Today I voted for the Motion to Vacate and remove the Speaker. This isnt about left vs right. This isnt about ideology. This is about trust and keeping your word. This is about making Congress do its job, Ms Mace said in a statement at the time.

VIDEO: House passes continuing resolution to prevent govt shutdown. Whats next?

Wednesday 15 November 2023 19:00 , Gustaf Kilander

A lot of those yes votes for werent very happy about it

Wednesday 15 November 2023 20:00 , Eric Garcia

Rep Chip Roy (R-TX) told reporters he did not appreciate the way the bill passed.

We should move at a bill that has overwhelming Republican support, he said. This had majority Republicans support but barely and I can promise you a lot of those yes votes for werent very happy about it.

The bill now heads to the Senate, where Mr Schumer said it could have a quick passage.

House votes to prevent a government shutdown as GOP Speaker Johnson relies on Democrats for help

Wednesday 15 November 2023 21:00 , 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.

Johnsons 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.

VIDEO: House passes bill to avert government shutdown

Wednesday 15 November 2023 22:00 , Gustaf Kilander

VOICES: Why Mike Johnson succeeded where Kevin McCarthy failed  for now

Wednesday 15 November 2023 22:30 , Eric Garcia

Amid all of the unrest, something interesting happened on Capitol Hill on Tuesday: The House of Representatives passed a government funding bill with no spending cuts.

More surprisingly, however, House conservatives did not revolt against Speaker Mike Johnson for doing the same thing that former speaker Kevin McCarthy did at the end of September, even though they hated the idea of a clean spending bill.

On top of that, even though Democrats think that Mr Johnsons two-tiered spending bill is less than ideal, they are pretty satisfied with it and the Senate will likely take it up either Wednesday or Thursday.

I think this whole idea of a two-part process is ridiculous, but at least were not shutting down government and theres no spending cuts and theres no poison pills, Rep Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), the chairwoman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, told The Independent.

Hardline conservatives confronts speaker

Wednesday 15 November 2023 23:00 , AP

The new Republican leader faced the same political problem that led to McCarthys 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.

Johnsons 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.

Were 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.

VIDEO: House approves plan to prevent government shutdown

00:00 , Gustaf Kilander

Its crap'

01:00 , AP

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.

GOP package met Democratic demands to keep funding at current levels

02:00 , AP

The opposition from hardline conservatives left Johnson with few other options than to skip whats 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.

Whats the point in throwing out one speaker if nothing changes?'

03:00 , AP

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 Johnsons package ahead of Fridays deadline to fund the government.

Its nice to see us working together, McConnell says

04:00 , AP

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 Bidens 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 GOPs 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.

Senate passes temporary spending bill to avert government shutdown

04:55 , Phil Thomas

The US Senate overwhelmingly passed a stopgap spending bill to avert a government shutdown on Wednesday, teeing off major fights about spending bills in the coming year.

The continuing resolution passed with all but one Democrat supporting the bill while 10 Republicans opposed it. The House of Representatives passed the bill on Tuesday evening.

The legislation  pushed by newly-elected House Speaker Mike Johnson  would keep parts of the government open until 19 January 2024 while other parts would be open until 2 February 2024.

Eric Garcia has the full story: https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/government-shutdown-senate-spending-bill-b2448087.html

04:56 , Phil Thomas

1% automatic cuts despised by all sides

05:00 , AP

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.

More House Democrats than Republicans vote to keep the government open

07:00 , Eric Garcia

More Democrats than Republicans voted in the US House of Representatives for a temporary stopgap spending bill to avert a government shutdown.

Some 209 Democrats voted for the bill while 127 Republicans voted for a laddered continuing resolution that would keep parts of the government funded until 19 January 2024 and other parts until 2 February 2024.

The vote is a win for newly-elected Speaker Mike Johnson, who proposed the two-tiered approach as a means to avoid passing an omnibus spending bill, but rather to pass 12 individual spending bills, a demand from right-wing members of the House Republican conference.

The vote came after House Democratic Leadership  including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Minority Whip Katherine Clark and House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar  announced their support for the legislation. Democratic leaders said they supported the legislation because it did not include any steep cuts.

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, they said in a joint statement. The continuing resolution before the House today meets that criteria and we will support it.

I think this whole idea of a two-part process is ridiculous, but at least were not shutting down government'

09:00 , Eric Garcia

Rep Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), the chairwoman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, told The Independent that she appreciated the fact that the bill did not include any spending cuts.

I think this whole idea of a two-part process is ridiculous, but at least were not shutting down government and theres no spending cuts and theres no poison pills, she said.

The legislation now goes to the Senate, where Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed openness to the bill despite his criticisms. Mr Schumer said during his press conference on Tuesday that Mr Johnson agreed to the parameters that Mr Schumer requested.

One, not making the heartbreak cuts that the MAGA right demands, he told reporters. And second, making sure that if theyre going to do this sort of goofy ladder, that defence is in the second part of the ladder, not the first.

We cant afford it shut the government down

11:00 , Eric Garcia

Many Republicans from swing districts and districts that voted for President Joe Biden voted for the legislation.

Well, we cant afford it shut the government down, Rep Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) told The Independent. We need to pay our border patrol agents we need to keep our government running. We need more time.

Rep Mike Lawler said that the passage showed Mr Johnsons skill.

Obviously, its an important step for him as speaker to be able to show that we can govern and that you know, when it comes time to do big things, like this, that hes able to do it, he said.

Many right-wing Republicans criticised the approach, but refrained from criticising Mr Johnson personally. Rep Ken Buck (R-CO), who voted with seven other Republicans to depose Kevin McCarthy as speaker, said Mr Johnson faced a different set of circumstances.

What happened with Kevin was he knew that we werent on schedule with the appropriations bills, he told The Independent. Now, Johnson inherits that mess, and Johnsons got to do something about it.

A lot of those yes votes for werent very happy about it

13:00 , Eric Garcia

Rep Chip Roy (R-TX) told reporters he did not appreciate the way the bill passed.

We should move at a bill that has overwhelming Republican support, he said. This had majority Republicans support but barely and I can promise you a lot of those yes votes for werent very happy about it.

The bill now heads to the Senate, where Mr Schumer said it could have a quick passage.

Senate passes temporary spending bill to avert government shutdown

14:00 , Eric Garcia

The US Senate overwhelmingly passed a stopgap spending bill to avert a government shutdown on Wednesday, teeing off major fights about spending bills in the coming year.

The continuing resolution passed with all but one Democrat supporting the bill while 10 Republicans opposed it. The House of Representatives passed the bill on Tuesday evening.

The legislation  pushed by newly-elected House Speaker Mike Johnson  would keep parts of the government open until 19 January 2024 while other parts would be open until 2 February 2024.

Hopefully its a good sign, but keep in mind, weve got two deadlines now that we have to deal with, Sen Thom Tillis (R-NC) told The Independent after the vote.

Sen Jon Tester (D-MT), the chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee who is running for re-election next year, said he was happy Congress avoided a government shutdown.

Thats a good news, he told The Independent. Bad news is we should have got this work done at the end of September.
Israeli forces have raided Gazas largest hospital, with doctors saying the gunfire has left it a gamble to move between the buildings.

The decision to send troops into the hospital is an escalation of the military offensive and may increase calls for a ceasefire, which Israel has so far resisted.

Witnesses said troops were searching wards and questioning people inside, having surrounded the complex where more than 2,000 patients, staff and people sheltering have been trapped without electricity and supplies.

Israels military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said that troops were carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in Shifa Hospital which the military claim sits atop a command centre and a network of militant tunnels. It is an accusation Hamas denies. Israeli forces were still inside the hospital complex on Wednesday afternoon, more than 15 hours after the raid started.

On Wednesday evening Israel said it found weapons and combat gear at the hospital. The army released a video that it said showed some of the material recovered from an undisclosed building within the complex, including automatic weapons, grenades, ammunition and flak jackets.

Hamas dismissed the announcement as lies and cheap propaganda.

Rear Admiral Hagari said the search would continue in a precise way and in accordance with intelligence ... in order to gather more details and to discover more assets.

Prematurely-born Palestinian babies in al-Shifa (Supplied)

Speaking to The Independent from inside al-Shifa during the raid, Dr Ahmed Makhalati, head of the hospitals burns unit, said: The situation is very difficult  the Israel army broke into the Shifa complex after various battles at the gates of the hospital.

The soldiers are still inside the complex... the Israelis appear to be in one section of the hospital, Dr Makhalati said, as gunfire could be heard behind him, but that it was difficult to see properly as it is dangerous to take a look from the window [and] its a gamble to move between the buildings.

We cannot move from building to building [and] the situation is really tense, he said. The Israeli military is not in all the buildings. He said that staff havent heard about arrests, detentions or evacuations.

International attention has been focused on the fate of hundreds of patients and more displaced civilians trapped inside the sprawling complex as electricity and supplies dwindle. Gaza officials say many patients including newborn babies have died in recent days as it has run out of fuel, leaving incubators without power.

Israeli soldiers in al-Shifa on Wednesday evening (AFP)

The World Health Organisation, a UN agency, also said it was urgently exploring the possibility for evacuating patients and medical staff from the facility, alongside other partners.

To make sure this can be enabled, of course there is a need for safe passage and also for fuel for the ambulances, said Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative in the occupied Palestinian territories. Mr Peeperkorn said that according to their latest information, 34 of 39 premature infants in the hospital were still alive.

Mohammed Zaqout, the director of hospitals in Gaza, said that Israeli tanks were inside the medical compound and that soldiers had entered buildings, including the emergency and surgery departments which house intensive care units.

The IDF says it found a weapons cache in the hospital (Reuters)

Israel stormed the buildings, he told the Associated Press, adding that patients, including children, were terrified. They are screaming. Its a very terrifying situation ... we can do nothing for the patients but pray.

A senior Israeli military official said Israeli forces engaged in gun battles with Hamas operatives outside of the complex but not within the hospital buildings, and a number of militants had been neutralised.

The military confirmed Palestinian reports that its forces had interrogated individuals inside al-Shifa, but would not comment any further.

Our soldiers are making a slow and deliberate progress based on our intelligence. We are in direct contact with the health authorities in the hospital, and IDF spokesperson said.

A view inside al-Shifa hospital on Wednesday (Gaza health ministry via Reuters)

Israel is at war with Hamas, not with the civilians in Gaza, the official added.

The Israeli military said that the operation continued, with troops where they were conducting searches for Hamas terror infrastructure an weapons as well as hostages taken by Hamas during their deadly 7 October attack on southern Israel in which 1,200 were killed and around 240 were taken hostage back into Gaza. The Israeli army said their soldiers were accompanied by medical teams and had brought medical supplies and baby food as well as incubators and other equipment.

Rear Admiral Hagari said that military had repeatedly publicly warned Hamas against its continued military use of al-Shifa  an accusation Hamas denies.

We gave ample time to stop this unlawful abuse of the hospital. The IDF has also facilitated wide scale evacuation of the hospital and maintained regular dialogue with hospital authorities, he added.

Dr Makhalati said that around 1am [local time] the Israeli military issued a warning to staff inside to move away from the doors and gates of the hospital as they will break in.

But there were various airstrikes and bombardments around Shifa hospital shortly before, causing a half metre hole in one of the departments where I think the soldiers entered, he added.

IDF soldiers during the raid on Tuesday (Israeli Defence Forces/AFP)

The senior Israeli official said that they were still prepared to evacuate newborn babies to a different hospital within Gaza, Egypt, or Israel.

This offer is still on the table, he said, adding that they had provided the incubators to the hospital.

He said that Israeli troops left humanitarian supplies outside of the front gate of the hospital and had notified the hospital it was there.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organisation (WHO), said: Israels military incursion into al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City is totally unacceptable.

France, whose president Emmanuel Macron has urged for a ceasefire, expressed serious concern about Israeli operations inside al-Shifa

The Palestinian population should not be made to pay for Hamass crimes, even less so the vulnerable, injured or sick and the humanitarian workers who courageously continue their work in extremely dangerous conditions, the French foreign ministry said in a statement.

Martin Griffiths, the UNs chief of humanitarian affairs said he was appalled by reports of the raid on al-Shifa. The protection of newborns, patients, medical staff and all civilians must override all other concerns. Hospitals are not battlegrounds, he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

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. However national security spokesperson John Kirby said the US does not support striking a hospital from the air.

A truck carrying fuel crosses into Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip (AFP via Getty Images)

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, he added.

In a press statement released on Tuesday night, Hamas rejected US administration claims about al-Shifa hospital and called for the establishment of an independent international committee to inspect all hospitals in Gaza.

Israel has vowed to crush Hamas. In response to the attack on 7 October, it launched its heaviest ever aerial bombardment of Gaza, with airstrikes continuing. Israeli tanks and ground troops were subsequently sent into northern Gaza, and in the last two-and-half weeks have claimed control of several key buildings and a central area in Gaza City.

Since Israels operations began 11,200 people, two-thirds of them women and children, have been killed, according to the Palestinian health ministry in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank. Two-thirds of Gazas 2.3 million people have fled their homes.

About 2,700 people have been reported missing, with most believed to be buried under the rubble. The ministrys count does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths.

Egyptian security sources said that on Wednesday the first truck of fuel entered Gaza since Israel imposed a total siege on the enclave on 7 October.

The delivery was made possible by Israel giving its approval for 24,000 litres (6,340 gallons) of diesel fuel to be allowed into Gaza for use by UN aid distribution trucks, but not for use at hospitals, according to a humanitarian source.

Limited deliveries of humanitarian aid have been crossing from Egypt into Gaza since 21 October, but Israel had refused to allow in fuel, saying Hamas held plentiful stocks.

The head of the UNs Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA), confirmed that it has received fuel that crossed into Gaza via the Rafah crossing, but called for more to be allowed to enter the besieged territory.

This fuel cannot be used for the overall humanitarian response, including for medical and water facilities or the work of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini said in a statement. UNRWA needs 160,000 litres of fuel each day to complete basic humanitarian operations, he added.

The UN had warned in recent days that it would soon have to halt humanitarian operations, including the distribution of relief within Gaza, as its fuel stocks became fully depleted.
Expectations raised for stabilizing relations between China and US

China Daily) 09:37, November 15, 2023

Intensive high-level engagements between Beijing and Washington have raised expectations among the international community for stabilizing relations between China and the United States, despite challenges that remain, observers said.

The interactions demonstrate the two countries' intention to steer their relationship back onto the right track to serve as a window of opportunity to manage divergences and prevent bilateral relations from spiraling downward, the observers added.

Speaking at the sixth annual Bloomberg New Economy Forum in Singapore on Wednesday, Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng said the significant interactions between the two countries have sent positive messages about improving China-US ties. A stable and better China-US relationship is the common aspiration of people from both countries as well as the international community, he added.

Since May, the world has witnessed a discernible acceleration in high-level exchanges between China and the US.

Following visits to China by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo this year, high-level contacts between the two countries have increased recently. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited the US at the end of last month, while Vice-Premier He Lifeng also visited the country from Wednesday to Sunday.

Meanwhile, the first meeting of the China-US Economic Working Group, conducted on Oct 24 via video link, helped strengthen economic and trade ties, and minimize macroeconomic and financial policy miscommunications. To restart military contact with China, the Pentagon sent delegates to the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, a high-level security and defense platform for international exchanges, which was held from Oct 29 to 31.

Imran Khalid, a freelance columnist on international affairs, said this accelerated pace of interaction is proving to be a stabilizing force, at least plugging the deterioration of the two countries' crucial bilateral relationship.

Ongoing developments in China-US relations show that an encouraging shift has been steadily building between these two global players, and demonstrate an increasing commitment from both sides to foster mutual understanding and enhance cooperation, Khalid said.

Increased engagement

Last month, California Governor Gavin Newsom paid a weeklong visit to China, focusing on topics such as climate change and economic collaboration. His visit followed US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's trips to Shanghai and Beijing earlier last month, further underscoring the increased engagement between the two nations.

Diao Daming, a professor of international relations at Renmin University of China, said China hopes to stabilize its relations with the US through communications and interactions, but the US must meet China halfway and return to the consensus that the two heads of state reached during their meeting in Bali, Indonesia.

"The US needs to readjust its judgment about China and Sino-US relations, and return to a normal, rational and correct approach for the bilateral relationship to truly remain stable and get back on the right track," Diao said.

Beijing has persistently urged Washington to reconsider its position on several pivotal issues, including the repeal of supplementary tariffs levied on Chinese goods, the revocation of sanctions against Chinese enterprises, the relaxation of technological restrictions, and adherence to the one-China principle on the Taiwan question.

In an article published on the China Global Television Network website, Lawrence H.Summers, former US treasury secretary, said China and the US can work together for common prosperity.

"I find it difficult to imagine scenarios in which the United States succeeds, China does not, and the world works out well, or to imagine scenarios in which China succeeds, the US does not, and the world works out well. That means that the US and China are engaged in what mathematicians would call a positive-sum game," the article said.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun)
Korea's foreign minister has sought support for the country's bid to host the World Expo 2030 in the latest diplomatic push, just two weeks ahead of the announcement of a winner.

Park Jin stressed that the expo in the southeastern port city of Busan will serve as the ideal venue for discussions on climate change, the digital divide, inequality and other global challenges, the foreign ministry said Wednesday.

He made the appeal at a ministerial meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco.

In 2005, Busan hosted Korea's first APEC summit.

The Bureau International des Expositions, the international body in charge of overseeing the World Expo, is due to announce the winner on Nov. 28. Korea is competing against Italy and Saudi Arabia. (Yonhap)
Many recently arrived Venezuelans celebrated when the Biden administration granted those who were eligible the chance to work in the United States. Consuelo Martinez said she felt deep sadness.

Martinez, originally from Mexico, and her husband have worked in the U.S. for 27 years, without permission and in constant fear of being caught by immigration officers, she said by phone in Spanish.

When I heard that my Venezuelan brothers and sisters, the president, overnight, gave them permission to work, I became sad. I became very, very sad, Martinez said. I cried. I cried because I am 27 years waiting in line, 27 years, so that they can give me permission to work, so I can go to work without fear, I can work calmly, without stress.

Martinez had traveled to Washington from Chicago on Tuesday along with hundreds of other immigrants, employers and advocates. Organizers said 2,219 people were bused in. They marched to Lafayette Square across from the White House to ask President Joe Biden to use his executive powers to give them a chance to get work permits, as well.

The rally comes amid a lack of any congressional legislation on immigration and decades of Republican legal challenges to expanding work permits and deferred deportations for immigrants who lack legal status but have spent decades living and working in the U.S.

In September, Biden extended Temporary Protected Status to Venezuelans here since before July 31, which authorizes them to work.

Biden was responding to pressure from New York and other cities that have been struggling to house, clothe and feed the hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan migrants who have left political and economic upheaval in their country.

While the action opened a relief valve for cities and immigration advocates, it left undocumented immigrants who have been in the U.S. for a long time  and who have been hoping for Congress or one of multiple presidents to give them a similar privilege  to wonder, what about us?

But Biden cannot extend Temporary Protected Status, which is granted to people whose countries have experienced disasters or political upheavals, to all immigrants, said Muzaffar Chishti, a senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute and the director of its New York University School of Law office.

Biden has allowed Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans into the U.S. through humanitarian parole because of situations in their countries and the rising numbers of people from them arriving at the border. But Republicans are challenging the action in court, making an extension to another group risky, Chishti said.

Advocates also propose providing work permits to immigrants through a program like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, which allowed younger immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children to work and study in two-year intervals. But Republicans have also challenged DACA, and a separate program President Barack Obama created for parents of undocumented children, known as DAPA, was short-circuited by the courts.

"One supports this as a moral issue, but there's no legal basis for doing it," Chishti said. "The president cannot give authorization unless he has an underlying authority for the category that is eligible for compensation."

Groups that participated in the rally, including business groups, point out that the country is experiencing labor shortages that could give Biden the justification to expand work permits to immigrants who lack legal status.

For many of our employers, trying to legalize the undocumented workforce is a North Star, said Rebecca Shi, the executive director of the American Business Immigration Coalition, and seeing the president is able to grant work permits to the new migrants has really excited us  can you also extend that to the long-term undocumented immigrants who have been picking our crops, cooking delicious meals, designing and constructing homes and even semiconductors?

More than any other administration, Shi said, Biden's has provided work permits to new migrants  Venezuelans, Cubans, Ukrainians and others.

"This has shown us, including the employers, that there is broad legal authority from the president," said Shi, whose group was leading the "Here to Work" march and campaign.

About 11.2 million people lived in the U.S. without legal permission in 2021, having either entered the country without permission or stayed after visas expired, said the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan think tank. The majority are adults. While that was a slight increase over 2019, the undocumented population has hovered at about 11 million for 15 years, it reported.

Of those, 63% had been in the U.S. a decade or more, 43% for 15 or more years and about 22% for 20 or more years.

Congress has, over almost the same time, become increasingly divided over immigration and allowed the undocumented workforce to grow, stymied by groups' differences and unable to reconcile itself with the always changing dynamics of immigration.

Meanwhile, in the last couple of decades, the numbers of people arriving at the border have spiked, with more arrivals from countries other than Mexico than in the past. In addition, more migrants are surrendering to immigration officials and asking for asylum.

Shi said the permits are doable if Biden deals with the undocumented population in buckets, giving the chance to work first to the approximately 1.1 million undocumented people married to U.S. citizens, the same way the government already allows spouses of members of the military to work and become citizens.

Then he could allow work permits and deportation deferrals for 1.2 million immigrants who have been in the country since they were children, often called Dreamers, who do not have DACA status and are graduating from high school and college but cannot work legally. He could also provide permits to hundreds of thousands of agriculture workers, and so on.

Sergio Suarez, an entrepreneur with 14 businesses of various types, said some migrants have worked 30 years in the U.S. and still do not have Social Security cards to permit them to work. Suarez is an immigrant from Mexico who has lived in the U.S. for 47 years.

Some in Congress had pressed the administration for worker permits for Venezuelans and are pushing for the same for others. At the rally, Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia, D-Ill., insisted Biden had the authority to provide the work permits for immigrants who have been here for years.

"We recognize that immigration reform has eluded Congress for 36 years," Garcia said at the rally, reminding the crowd he is the son of braceros, the name for mostly Mexican immigrants who worked in the U.S. from the 1940s to the 1960s, largely in agriculture, to ease labor shortages beginning in World War II.

"People want to continue to work in peace. They want to be able to go to work without fear of deportation or being apprehended," he said. "Those are the asks that we make of President Biden and this White House."

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CHICAGO  Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, widely considered a contender for a future White House run, is bulking up hiring at a nonprofit committee he launched that combats abortion restrictions and political extremism.

Pritzkers Think Big America has hired Christina Amestoy as its communications director after she previously worked at the Democratic Governors Association for four years. At the DGA, she was a top communications strategist in competitive governor's races, including campaigns in Arizona, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nevada and Illinois.

Bringing in Amestoy is a signal Pritzker is looking to push a more national narrative with his group come 2024. He has stepped up his advocacy for the Democratic Party and President Joe Biden's re-election, particularly in recent months. That has included holding a fundraiser for the Democratic National Convention, which will be held in Chicago next year.

Last month, Pritzker headlined an event for Wisconsin Democrats and argued that Biden, much maligned because of his age, should instead be praised because it was an asset. Last week, Pritzker traveled to Florida, where he took part in counterprogramming during the Republican presidential primary debate in Miami.

After that, Pritzker joined Biden during his visit to an auto plant in Belvidere, Illinois.

"My buddy," Biden said of Pritzker at a fundraising reception after the auto plant visit. "The governor is as responsible for my being behind this podium as anybody. Hes helped me so much. I didnt even realize how much he helped until about a year after I got elected. But thank you, Gov. Appreciate it."

Pritzker has long defended abortion rights and held up Illinois as a beacon of reproductive freedom in the Midwest, welcoming women from red states.

Amestoy joins Think Big America as it ramps up its 2024 efforts. The group is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization, which does not have to disclose its donors. But as of now, Pritzker is the only donor, according to the group.

Pritzker, a billionaire, has sunk his personal money into the group to fund efforts in competitive races. That includes the group's donating $250,000 to Ohioans United for Reproductive Rights in the states ballot measure vote last week, when voters chose to add protections for reproductive health decisions to the state constitution. Members of Think Big worked as strategists in the Ohio effort, and Pritzker gave $750,000 personally to the effort to defend abortion.

In the Virginia elections, Think Big also gave $250,000 to a combination of the state Democratic Party and support in four state Senate districts that could have been decisive, the group said.

The group has also invested $1 million in Nevada, which is pursuing a 2024 ballot initiative to protect abortion in the state. And according to Amestoy, the group is in conversations to possibly assist the on-the-ground effort in Arizona.

Asked whether the Think Big effort telegraphed Pritzkers future prospects as a presidential contender, Amestoy said: The governor is extremely happy being governor right now.  Hes looking at whats at stake. He sees himself as having a role.

In a launch video last month, Pritzker described Think Big America as a vehicle to battle extremism, with a particular initial focus on supporting abortion rights. In addition to laws overturning reproductive rights, he referred to book bans, a rollback of voting rights and erosion of trust in government institutions as the results of a more extreme Republican Party.

That will be our permanent reality if we dont act now, he said.

Mike Ollen, a senior adviser for Think Big America, wrote in an email: We were honored to work alongside champions for reproductive rights in Ohio to reverse the states abortion ban and to support leaders in Virginia who prevented right-wing extremists from eliminating the Souths last oasis for abortion access. We will continue to defeat extreme policies across the country because, at Think Big America, we trust women. Period.
Luis Diaz has been reunited with his father, who was released by rebels after being held hostage in Colombia for 12 days.

The Liverpool striker and his father, Luis Manuel Diaz Jimenez, cried as they embraced each other for the first time since the kidnapping ordeal.

Armed men on motorcycles abducted Diazs parents from a gas station in the small town of Barrancas on 28 October.

His mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was rescued within hours by police, but his father was held by the National Liberation Army (ELN) for 12 days.

Diaz, who returned to Colombia on international duty this week, was reunited with his father in an emotional moment shared by the national team on social media.
The Department of Justice Building.

United States prosecutors have charged 11 people for their alleged roles in an international drug trafficking conspiracy that involved the movement of fentanyl and other deadly drugs across the Ohio Valley.

According to federal prosecutors, 43-year-old Brian Lumbus Jr.  who is currently serving a 10-year sentence  led an elaborate international and interstate drug ring from the confines of an Ohio prison from 2016 until November of this year. Lumbus allegedly ordered hundreds of pounds of dangerous synthetic drugs from Italian resident Giancarlo Miserotti to be imported into the U.S. and distributed by co-conspirators in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Tennessee and elsewhere.

SEE MORE: Scripps News Investigates: Fentanyl, child labor and Chinese spying

According to court records, some of the illicit substances were imported from China to Italy and then to the U.S., in attempt to avoid attracting the attention of American customs officials. Some of the drugs were also imported from India and Mexico, according to the indictment.

Investigators with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction discovered evidence of the drug operation in their institution and immediately alerted the Ohio State Highway Patrol and federal investigators about the criminal activity. It was determined that U.S.-based co-conspirators had received foreign shipments of the drugs after paying Miserotti in Bitcoin cryptocurrency.

SEE MORE: Scripps News Investigates: The silent toll of the fentanyl epidemic

"As alleged in todays indictment, the defendants orchestrated an international conspiracy to peddle fentanyl and other deadly drugs across the Ohio Valley, with complete disregard for the lives of their victims," Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco said in a statement. "Alongside our law enforcement partners across the country and around the world, the Justice Department will relentlessly pursue all those who seek to profit from poisoning Americans  including when they try to exploit international boundaries and digital currencies to disguise their illicit trade."

In the 34-count indictment, all 11 defendants face charges including possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, interstate racketeering and international money laundering conspiracy.
MANILA (Reuters) - A United Nations expert on climate change and human rights urged the Philippines on Wednesday to "disband" its anti-communist task force, which he said was "operating with impunity" and sought an independent investigation into its operations.

U.N. Special Rapporteur Ian Fry was referring to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict or NTF-ELCAC, which then Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte created in 2018 to end half a century of communist insurgency that has stunted development in some parts of the country.

Human rights groups have repeatedly accused the task force of "red-tagging," the practice of accusing rivals or critics of supporting or joining rebels, as a pretext to silence, arrest or even kill them. The government denies that.

The task force, under the order creating it, is chaired by the Philippine president, and is composed of cabinet officials, including the military and police chiefs.

"It is clear that ELCAC is operating beyond its original mandate, and is red tagging people from the community and indigenous peoples and it appears as though private financial interests are driving ELCAC to do this," Fry told reporters at the end of his 10-day visit to the Philippines.

"It's moved beyond its mandate and its usefulness and needs to be disbanded outright, and the government needs to develop another approach to deal with terrorism issues, but it's clear that this unit is operating with impunity," Fry said.

The task force said in response it "takes strong exception to the call" made by Fry and assured the U.N. official that it "is a working and effective human rights mechanism."

(Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
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.
File US president Joe Biden, left, speaks as South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol listens during a news conference at the People's House inside the Ministry of National Defense last year (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

South Koreas intelligence agency said it has identified 38 Korean-language news websites that are suspected of being run by Chinese companies with some allegedly spreading pro-China and anti-US content.

South Koreas National Intelligence Service (NIS) said two Chinese public relations firms were involved in creating fake websites in the country masquerading as members of the Korea Digital News Association.

It said these fake websites used domain names similar to companies in South Korea and published articles from local news outlets without permission.

An unidentified organisation also tried to influence public opinion of people in Korea by spreading pro-China propaganda and anti-US content through websites and NewsWire  a Seoul-based press release distributing platform  reported Yonhap news agency.

These reports praised the Chinese government for its handling of the Covid pandemic and argued how South Koreas involvement in the US-led Summit for Democracy brought "more harm than good.

The NIS said all the websites were exposed by the intelligence agency along with cyber security firms.

It vowed to closely monitor the activities of Chinese firms aimed to extend its cyber influence in South Korea and said it will collaborate with relevant government agencies to close down counterfeit news sites.

It comes as South Koreas president Yoon Suk-yeol arrived in the US on Wednesday to attend the high-stakes Apec summit while South Korean and Chinese officials are in talks for a possible meeting between the leaders, Seouls foreign ministry said.

Mr Yoon has also said that he plans to seek support from other leaders for a coordinated response to growing military ties between North Korea and Russia amid the Ukraine war, which he has condemned as a serious threat to regional security.

The US has previously warned against the Chinese disinformation campaign, saying it could eventually sway how decisions are made around the world and undermine Washingtons interests.
MADRID (Reuters) -Spanish lawmakers started debating a new term on Wednesday for acting premier Pedro Sanchez, whose offer of an amnesty to Catalan separatists in return for support has roused protests.

Having won the backing of Catalan separatist parties Junts and Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC), and other regional parties, Sanchez's Socialists (PSOE) say he has enough support to win a vote scheduled for Thursday.

"There is no prosperity in discord, we have to make a push for coexistence and forgiveness," Sanchez told lawmakers in Madrid.

He defended the amnesty bill, which the opposition labelled unconstitutional.

"We are convinced that a united Spain is a better Spain," he said, causing visible discomfort among some of the Catalan separatists, who still hope for independence for the wealthy region via a referendum.

Right-wing opposition lawmakers called out "shameless" and "liar" as Sanchez spoke, causing the house speaker to intervene.

The new premiership bid of Sanchez, who has governed since 2018, is expected to garner 179 votes in favour and 171 against in the 350-member assembly.

PROTESTS

The amnesty deal prompted a wave of protests across Spain. Authorities said 80,000 people gathered in Madrid on Sunday, while tens of thousands attended demonstrations in Granada and Seville.

More than 500 protesters gathered in Madrid on Wednesday, officials said.

"We are Spaniards worried about Spain," said one young protester draped in the country's flag.

Another banged on a saucepan while others held signs with slogans such as "Pedro Judas Traitor".

A bus with a large image depicting Sanchez as Adolf Hitler on its side, organised by ultra-conservative activist group Hazteoir.org, circulated in the streets nearby.

Esteban Gonzalez Pons, vice secretary of the conservative People's Party, on Tuesday compared the amnesty deal with violations of rule of law by Eastern European countries such as Hungary or Romania and suggested the European Union could intervene.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected an injunction by the far-right party Vox to suspend the investiture vote.

After PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo failed in his attempt to become prime minister following an election in July that produced no outright winner, PSOE spent weeks negotiating support with smaller parties to back him in the investiture vote and on key pieces of legislation.

Hard-left Sumar is set to become the junior partner in the coalition government.

Several crimes such as terrorism or acts that resulted in death were not included in a draft of the amnesty bill.

(Reporting by Belen Carreno, Miguel Gutierrez, Emma Pinedo and David Latona; Writing by Charlie Devereux and Andrei Khalip; Editing by Aislinn Laing, Emelia Sithole-Matarise and Bernadette Baum)
Landmark multicultural review also underway for more inclusive society

Editors note This is the third article in a four-part series on Korea's policy for immigrants as the country grapples with an aging and shrinking population. The series, funded by the Korea Press Foundation, features articles, photographs and short documentary films as well as digital interactive content.

By Kim Bo-eun

SYDNEY  Sydneys Chinatown in the central city suburb of Haymarket bustled with visitors on the Sunday before the Moon Festival (also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival) that started in late September this year, as shoppers came to stock up on mooncakes, Chinese pastries that are enjoyed during the holiday celebrating the harvest. Many of these people are also Chinese nationals who immigrated to Australia and have traveled to Australia's most populous city from other places around the country, during the two-week school holiday period.

Rong Zeng, who immigrated to Australia from China and now lives in Brisbane where she is employed as a teacher, was with her parents, also immigrants, on a five-day visit to Sydney.

"Compared to Brisbane, Sydneys Chinatown is bigger," she said, mentioning that it has an "authentic Chinese atmosphere."

"My parents come from China and they are not really interested or used to eating Western food so I usually just bring them to Chinatown to have dinner.

Zeng, who left China 13 years ago with her Australian husband, is part of Australia's China-born population that makes up the third-largest migrant community in the country after those from the U.K., and India.

As a country of immigrants, Australias overseas-born population accounts for almost 30 percent of the total population and almost 50 percent of the population has a parent that was born overseas. Australia has seen its population grow over the past decades, driven by the continued influx of migrants. The country's population grew by 2 percent to 26.27 million in 2022 from the previous year.

But amid heightened efforts by developed economies around the world to attract migrants as they see their populations age and a diminishing number of births, Australia is also taking some drastic steps.





Competing for skilled migrants





While a migration strategy is set to be released before the end of this year, measures will center on attracting highly skilled professionals and enabling more temporary skilled visa holders to apply for permanent residency.

In addition, as part of efforts to tackle the issue of migrant worker exploitation, the government in July introduced an income threshold of $70,000 AUD ($44,527 USD) that companies must guarantee before the government issues temporary skilled visas. The new Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) was last adjusted in 2013.

While such measures could trigger a backlash from employers as this would raise costs for them, the Australian Department of Home Affairs said recent visa application numbers do not reflect such a scenario.

While there was an expected peak in applications in the last week of June 2023, before the TSMIT was raised, recent visa nomination application numbers suggest that employers continue to use the Temporary Skill Shortage visa to address labor shortages, by bringing in skilled workers where they can't source an appropriately skilled Australian worker, a departmental spokesperson said.

Along with these measures to facilitate entry and settlement of migrants, Australia has taken a landmark step to become a society more embracing of cultural diversity.

In Australia, the Multicultural Framework Review, marking 50 years of multiculturalism, is underway. The review invited the public to submit ideas on how to improve multicultural policy. The review has been promoted in 35 languages other than English, to reach out to those who have limited English proficiency.

It is timely to consider the existing institutional and policy framework, noting immigration will continue to drive increasing diversity across Australian society. The institutional settings that support Australias multiculturalism havent been reviewed in almost a generation, the spokesperson said.

Based on the review, a final report will be published in March next year.

The report will identify potential areas for reform, action and further exploration, the spokesperson said.

Multiculturalism in Australia

In Australia, the term multicultural was first officially used in 1973 under the Gough Whitlam government, to envision a future of equality and inclusion.

Australia became more multiethnic and diverse from the mid-1970s onwards, as the White Australia Policy  a set of discriminatory policies aiming to restrict people of non-European ethnic origin from immigrating to Australia  was abolished.

The Racial Discrimination Act was enacted by the Australian Parliament on June 11, 1975. Australia then ratified the United Nations International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination on Sept. 30 of the same year signifying the major cultural shift that had been occurring in Australian society since the end of World War II.

Certainly, Australia has better integration of its migrants than many other countries, economically and socially. But there are also some areas of emerging concern, said Anna Boucher, a global migration expert and associate professor at Sydney University.

I think this review that's being done right now by Home Affairs is indicative of the fact that we need a kind of reappraisal of how successful multicultural policies have been.

Tasks ahead

Experts point to the need for legislation and institutions that help execute laws on multiculturalism, as well as better representation of minorities in leadership.

Andrew Jakubowicz, emeritus professor of sociology at the University of Technology Sydney, said one problem witnessed over the decades as governments have changed is that the policy of multiculturalism has been inconsistent, given the incumbent Australian Labor Party and the main opposition Liberal Party of Australia have different stances on the matter.

Jakubowicz noted that currently, there is no legislation and there are no laws on multiculturalism on a national level that can prevent such shifts in policy.

We need to have a new Australian legislation, a multicultural act like the one in Canada, Jakubowicz said.

We need a national multicultural commission which is created by the act and is put into practice to support multicultural and intercultural development. And we need a research institute to undertake an expansive and continuing research program.

Boucher said increasing diversity in leadership is also a key step.

Whether that be an organization, the Parliament, the public service, we know that Australia, despite its multiculturalism, is more Anglo-Celtic in those institutions than other comparable countries, she said.

Once people of visible minority background are in positions of power, they might lead differently, they might raise issues that someone of Anglo-Celtic background wouldn't necessarily.

She added that diversity in leadership is important also in that the public will be able to equate the visible minority with being powerful, leading the country.
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.
Climate US National Assessment (Ethan Swope 2023)

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.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  North Korea said Wednesday it successfully tested new solid-fuel engines designed for intermediate-range ballistic missiles as it works on enhancing its nuclear-capable arsenal with more powerful, harder-to-detect weapons that can potentially target U.S. military bases in Guam and Japan.

North Koreas official Korean Central News Agency said the countrys military scientists tested the first-stage and second-stage missile engines on Saturday and Tuesday. The report did not say when the new missile system was expected to be completed.

The tests extend a torrid run in North Koreas weapons development efforts, which some analysts say could be boosted by an alleged arms cooperation with Russia as they align in the face of separate, intensifying confrontations with the United States.

Tuesdays test came as Russias natural resources minister, Alexander Kozlov, arrived in North Korea for talks over unspecified trade and technology exchanges, as the countries continued to build on a rare summit in September between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian Vladimir Putin.

Kims trip to the Russian Far East, where he also visited major rocket and military sites, sparked concerns about a potential arms alignment between the countries, in which North Korea provides munitions for Russias war in Ukraine in exchange for Russian technology transfers that would upgrade Kims military nuclear program.

The Norths existing intermediate-range missiles, including the Hwasong-12 that may be able to reach the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam, are powered by liquid-fuel engines, which need to be fueled before launch and cannot stay fueled for long periods of time.

Missiles with built-in solid propellants can be made ready to launch faster and are easier to move and conceal, which theoretically makes it harder for adversaries to detect and preempt the launch in advance.

The recent tests were an essential process for further enhancing the strategic offensive capabilities of (North Koreas) armed forces in the light of the grave and unstable security environment facing the country and the future military situation in the region, in which the enemies will get more vicious in their military collusion and nexus, KCNA said.

North Koreas claims that the engine tests were successful suggest the country will flight-test the new missile in the coming weeks, said Cheong Seong-Chang, an analyst at the private Sejong Institute in South Korea. The missile could pose a potential threat to Guam, a major U.S. military hub, and to American military bases in Japan, which may add to Japans urgency to upgrade its military and further expand three-way security cooperation with Seoul and Washington, Cheong said.

When asked about North Koreas missile engine tests, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said the North is clearly trying to improve its sneak attack capability. We think North Korea possibly takes further provocative actions, including missile firings and nuclear tests, and the Japanese government will do its utmost for information gathering, analysis and reconnaissance, he said.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are at their highest point in years 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 perceived Pyongyangs top leadership to be under threat.

South Korea has responded by expanding its combined military exercises with the United States, which Kim has condemned as invasion rehearsals, and enhancing trilateral security cooperation with Japan. Seoul is also seeking stronger public assurances from Washington that it would swiftly and decisively use U.S. nuclear weapons to protect the South in case of a North Korean nuclear attack.

In the allies latest show of force, the United States deployed at least one nuclear-capable B-52 bomber and F-35 and F-16 fighter jets to train with South Korean warplanes on Wednesday above the Souths western seas, Seouls Defense Ministry said. The ministry said in a statement that the joint exercise was aimed at demonstrating the allies capabilities to instantly, overwhelmingly and decisively respond to any North Korean provocations.

During their annual security talks this week, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik signed an updated bilateral security agreement with the aim of more effectively countering North Koreas evolving nuclear and missile threats.

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 would be 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.

North Korea earlier this year revealed its first solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-18, which has the potential ability to reach deep into the U.S. mainland.

Analysts say the North has to clear further technological hurdles to have a viable nuclear arsenal that could threaten the United States.

All of North Koreas ICBM tests so far were done at high angles to avoid the territory of neighbors, so its not yet clear whether the country has mastered the technology to ensure its warheads would survive atmospheric reentry well enough to precisely hit their targets.

The North also has a variety of shorter-range solid-fuel missiles that are designed to be fired from land vehicles, silos or submarines. Some of these missiles are designed to be maneuverable and fly at low altitudes, theoretically giving them a better chance of defeating missile defense systems in South Korea.

U.S. and South Korean officials have repeatedly raised concerns that North Korea could receive Russian technological support to enhance the threat of its nuclear and missile programs in exchange for providing munitions and military equipment to boost Russias warfighting capabilities in Ukraine.

South Korean intelligence and military officials have said North Korea may have shipped more than a million artillery shells to Russia beginning in August, weeks before Kims meeting with Putin. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied U.S. and South Korean claims about the alleged arms transfers.

Separately, KCNA reported the visit by a Russian delegation led by Kozlov. The report said the two sides were engaged in talks over trade, science and technology exchanges, but it did not elaborate further.

The Associated Press had reported he arrived in Pyongyang on Tuesday. __ Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to the report.

___

Follow AP's Asia-Pacific coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific
Scene of a multi-vehicle crash in Ohio.

An Ohio high school is mourning the lives of students, parents and a teacher who were killed in a multi-vehicle crash on Tuesday that left six dead and 18 injured.

More than 50 students and chaperones from Tuscarawas Valley High School had been traveling on a charter bus for a band trip when it became entangled in a fiery wreck involving two other commercial vehicles and two passenger vehicles.

All six people who died were connected with the school.

The deceased included three students and band members who were on the bus. The Ohio State Highway Patrol identified them as John W. Mosely, 18, Jeffery D. Worrell, 18, and Katelyn N. Owens, 15.

Three adults  high school teacher Dave Kennat, 56, and parents Kristy Gaynor, 39, and Shannon Wigfield, 45  were also killed. They had been following the bus in a car that became entangled in the collision.

Superintendent Derek Veransky addressed the community in a prayer vigil on Tuesday night.

"Today began as an exciting day as our high school band would travel to Columbus to present at the Ohio School Boards Association conference  a once-in-a-lifetime event," Veransky said. "And then it quickly turned into the darkest day, one of the darkest days in our district's history and the worst day of my life."

SEE MORE: 6 dead, 18 injured after semi crashes into bus carrying students in OH

During the vigil, Mark Murphy, district director of operations at the school, praised two of the district's band directors, Merri Gensley and Stephen Tripp, whom he said acted as "heroes" in the aftermath of the crash, helping rescue students from the bus "one-by-one."

Following the crash, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ordered the flags of the U.S. and the State of Ohio be flown at half-staff on select public buildings from sunrise on Nov. 15 until sunset on Nov. 18.

In honor of the lives of those killed in the Tuscarawas Valley Local School District bus crash, I have ordered the flags of the United States of America and the State of Ohio to be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout Tuscarawas and Stark counties,  Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) November 15, 2023

"This is our worst nightmare when we have a bus full of children involved in a crash. It's certainly the worst nightmare that families can endure or a school can endure," the governor said at a news conference held near the crash site. "Our hearts go out, our prayers to all the families, all those who were on the bus, everyone who was involved in the accident."

Schools are open on Wednesday, but students and staff may stay home if they need to, Veransky said. Counseling services, support staff and other community organizations are available at the school.

An investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
Palmyra Borough Council members rejected a controversial liquor license transfer, citing lack of credibility, available parking in the area, and the landlord's racial incident from 2017 as reasons for their decision.

Council members voted unanimously to pass a resolution to reject the transfer of a liquor license owned by Ninkovich LLC to 1 East Main Street. The license was last used at The Samler Taphouse on 800 Cumberland St., which closed in June 2018 after five years of business.

Derek Ninkovich, the only member of Ninkovich LLC and former owner of the Samler Taphouse, said he wants to open up a crab house bar and restaurant. Ninkovich and his attorney were not at Tuesday night's meeting.

Council president Beth Shearer said council members did not think Ninkovich's testimony during an Oct. 24 public hearing on the transfer was credible.

"We thought it was in the best interest of the borough not to approve it," she said. "The other big issue was that there is not parking, and there's the issue of the unpaid sewer and trash bill."

Palmyra Borough Council members reject a controversial liquor license transfer to 1 East Main Street Tuesday, citing lack of credibility as part of their decision.

Ninkovich is the brother of Chris Behney, founder of Just Wing It restaurants in Annville and Lebanon. According to the Pennsylvania Department of State website with records filed in February 2011, Ninkovich is listed as a co-owner of the name "Just Wing It."

Behney is the only person who contacted the borough council about the liquor license transfer, according to borough solicitor Josele Cleary. Behney did not attend the Oct. 24 public hearing on the transfer or send representation.

At the hearing, Ninkovich testified that his brother would not be on his liquor license, running his business or a member of his company. When asked at the hearing why his brother applied to the borough, Ninkovich testified, "I was just very busy, and he helps me out from time to time."

"That's part of the credibility issue that we were having," Shearer said to the Lebanon Daily News Tuesday. "The brother saying he's not involved, but he's the one filling out the application. He's the one calling the borough. He's the one who owns the property but not paying the bill ... So, they're saying he's not going to be involved, but he is."

Behney purchased the East Main Street property on Oct. 5, 2022. According to Assistant Borough Manager Brenda Pera during the October public hearing, Behney has a delinquent sewer and refuse balance of $1,768 to the borough and owes $3,099 in county and borough real estate taxes. Behney has also not reimbursed the borough for $329 for advertising in the Lebanon Daily News for Wednesday's hearing.

Transfer public hearing: Palmyra officials consider controversial liquor license transfer for East Main Street site

Just Wing It Incident

In 2017, Behney was investigated by Annville Township Police after then Lebanon Valley College student Ricky Bugg Jr., a Black man, who said Behney used racial slurs toward him and allegedly denied him service.

Annville Township Police said at the time they would not be filing criminal charges against Behney.

Just Wing It LLC was sued by Bugg in 2018, and in April 2020 U.S. Middle District of Pennsylvania Judge Jennifer P. Wilson entered a default judgment against Just Wing It in the total amount of $40,000 with interest in damages, with an additional payment ordered of $72,552.50 in attorney's fees and $885.60 to Bugg.

As of Wednesday morning, Behney has not complied with this order.

Residents that attended the Oct. 24 public hearing said that the incident, along with high traffic and little parking on the corner of East Main Street and Railroad Street, were some of the reasons council should reject Ninkovich's request.

Shearer said Tuesday the incident was one of the factors council considered in their decision to reject the transfer.

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Council's decision

After the October hearing, council members had a brief executive session, then voted on a resolution to extend the decision of the liquor license transfer while they consider the issue. Shearer said the session involved council members preparing with their solicitor the resolution to deny the transfer.

"She wanted to redo the denial resolution, and actually put in that resolution more definition of why we were denying it," she said. "So that's why she advise us to take an extension, which we did."

Matthew Toth is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at mtoth@ldnews.com or on Twitter at @DAMattToth.

This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Controversial liquor license transfer rejected by Palmyra officials
"These were two men who once upon a time were firmly aligned in their outlook," says Omid Scobie, author of the new book 'Endgame'

Prince William and Prince Harry

Prince Harry laid bare the painful rift between himself and his family in the pages of his memoir Spare last January  and the world learned the extent of the division between Harry, 39, and his brother Prince William, 41.

But nearly a year after Spares publication, absolutely nothing has changed, author Omid Scobie, whose new book Endgame is out Nov. 28, tells PEOPLE in this weeks cover story.

In fact, the hurt and anger between the two brothers  one, the Prince of Wales and future King and the other, the Duke of Sussex and Californian  has now hardened into something colder and more immovable, says Scobie: indifference.

I saw Harrys release of Spare as his last attempt at telling his family how hes felt for years, says Scobie, who chronicles both the breakdown of the royal family and the weakening of the modern monarchy in Endgame. Because clearly theres never been an open enough forum to have these conversations or share these feelings.

Related: Prince Harry Completely by Himself amid Queen Elizabeths Death: Exclusive Book Excerpt

Getty Images Prince Harry and Prince William attend the unveiling of a statue of their mother, Princess Diana at The Sunken Garden in Kensington Palace, London on July 1, 2021.

The royal family, of course, is not known for its focus on feelings. But in Endgame Scobie writes that perhaps more than at any other point in history, the family is ignoring its internal fractures at its own peril, because part of the buy-in from the [British] public is that the royal family is the nations family. And yet, Scobie says, heir-to-the-throne William has prioritized his loyalty to the monarchy, even quietly cooperating with the U.K. press to undermine Harry. (Kensington Palace had no comment when reached by PEOPLE about the allegations.)

In writing Endgame, I was talking to a source quite early on in the process, and they called Harry a defector and said that was Williams view, says Scobie. These were two men who once upon a time were firmly aligned in their outlook. One of them had to move on to also protect the crown.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

But will there be a crown left to protect decades from now? Theres a real chance here to learn and adapt to modern society and also make up for mistakes of the past, says Scobie. Its their move.



Endgame: Inside the Royal Family and the Monarchy's Fight for Survival

Even if the monarchy endures, the question remains of whether sacrificing brotherly bonds was worth it. These are probably sad realizations that will be had far too late in the journey, says Scobie. In the eyes of some within the institution, Harry is a threat to the crown. His freedom to exert his own thinking outside of the confines of the institution has made him the enemy.



Which is why for the brothers, he says, theres no going back.

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Read the original article on People.
WAYNE TWP.  His Excellency Andrei Muraru, Romanian ambassador to the United States, visited the Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration Monday.

In an email announcing his visit, Silvia-Magdalena Florescu-Ciobotaru, minister-counselor, wrote, "The Transfiguration Monastery is an iconic place, with a special symbolism in Romanian contemporary history, which the ambassador wanted to visit in his capacity of ambassador of Romania, but also as a professor specialized in the history of Romanian Communism."

His Excellency Andrei Muraru, Romanian ambassador to the United States, (center) recently visited the Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration in Lawrence County.

After welcoming the ambassador and his entourage, Abbess Mother Christophora and Mother Paula took the guests on a tour of the monastery.

The focus of Muraru's visit was to learn more about Mother Alexandra, the founder of the Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, the first English-speaking monastery, and her role in fighting communism.

Mother Alexandra was born Princess Ileana of Romania, she was the great-granddaughter of Emperor Alexander II of Russia and Queen Victoria of England. She married, had children and lived the royal life until she had to flee Romania due to the communist takeover.

Founder honored: Monastery celebration to close with play honoring founder

From 1950-61, she lectured against communism. In 1961, she became an Orthodox nun, and in 1967 she came to the Ellwood City area and founded the monastery.

"She is a great story. People who know little about Romania know about Mother Alexandra," Muraru said.

On their tour of the monastery, Muraru and his entourage looked at the pictures and artifacts, took photos and asked questions and also visited Mother Alexandra's grave site at the monastery cemetery.

When Muraru became ambassador to the United States in September 2021 he said he was on a mission to visit all 50 states.

"My mission was '50 States One Community' and I've been to 20 so far," Muraru said.

Lifetime of service: Mother Elizabeth - A lifetime of service in God

He spoke briefly about the war in Ukraine, their neighbor to the north.

"We have taken in 6 million refugees from the Ukraine and now they come and go about 10,000 a day. There is a saying 'A friend in need is a friend in deed,' so we do what friends do. We help," Muraru said.

Accompanying Muraru was Silvia-Magdalena Florescu-Ciobotaru, minister-counselor; Marius Florescu-Ciobotaru, diplomatic counselor; the Rev. Gheorghe Neagu, pastor at St. Andrew Church in Pittsburgh; and Mihaela Nastac of Pittsburgh.

Muraru has a doctorate in history and MA and BA from the University of Alexandru Ioan Cuza in Iasi. His extensive government experience includes working at the Institute for the Investigation of Communist Crimes and the Memory of the Romanian Exile., holding different offices from expert researcher to executive president.

Between 2006 and 2009, Muraru acted as a counselor within the chancellery of the prime minister and also personal advisor to the general director of the National Archives of Romania. In 2014, he was a member of the administrative board of the Romanian Television and was personal advisor to the president of the National Liberal Party, Klaus Iohannis. Muraru became senior advisor to the president of Romania, also Iohannis, serving as head of the Department of Relationship with Public Authorities and Civil Society.

A university lecturer at the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration, Muraru is a scientific researcher at The Elie Wiesel National Institute for the Study of the Holocaust in Romania.

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Transfiguration Monastery in Ellwood area welcomes Romanian ambassador
PROVINCETOWN  Walking into Salvatore Del Deos studio, canvases of all sizes fill every inch of the room. Sal, who sits in front of an easel wearing a paint-covered smock, greets me with a smile.

At 95, Sal is as dedicated to his craft as ever. Across from my chair, his painting of the day  a small still life of a vase of dead flowers painted in hues of red, purple and blue  reflects where his art is at now: he claims hes just now learned how to paint.

I think I'm painting better than I ever have, he said. At least I like to think. It's my own personal self-appraisal. I'm doing what I want to do. Not that I ever was dictated to do something else  Now I don't give a damn and I just do what I want to do."

"Salvatore Del Deo: 75 years in Provincetown" will remain open until Nov. 26 at the Provincetown Art Association and Museum at 460 Commercial St.

Self-portrait with Sunflowers (2023) by Salvatore Del Deo.

Sal has become one of Provincetown's greats in his 75 years of residence. Through his art, hes captured the changing social landscape of what was once a Portuguese fishing town.

I always thought Oh, he's got this whole gorgeous landscape why does he always paint the radar domes? (But) to him, they're people and animate beings in the landscape, Romolo Del Deo, Sals son, said, describing a revelation he had about his fathers work. That's also the way he treats the lighthouses and the (boats). A lot of the things, I realized, that he paints are actually for him semi-animate . He personifies everything so even his paintings that arent of people are people.

Provincetown found Sal in a serendipitous way. When he was around nine, his brother, Silvestro, came home from a weekend away with artist Edgar Corbridge, gushing about the wonders of the seaside town.

He said, Sally, I went to a town today, right on the water with the fishing boats,' Sal recalled. They bring them up on the shore and they scrape the barnacles off the boat, the hull, and they paint them. Then all of a sudden theres a bunch all around them painting pictures of them doing their work on the boat. It's so beautiful like Europe. And he said Someday you're gonna go there.

Sal wouldnt see it for himself until he was 17.

Breakwater Barges (1970) by Salvatore Del Deo.

As a student at the Vesper George School of Art in Boston, famed Cape Cod painter Henry Hensche taught a painting demonstration for his class  a day that would change Sals life.

Sals face lit up as he explained how in four hours, Hensche somehow made a portrait of his friend and classmate, Marjorie Rita (Osborne) Whorf, with six blobs of paint and no beforehand sketches.

Following the demonstration, Sal leapt up onto the stage to ask Hensche if he had a school. Hensche said he did, in a place called Provincetown on Cape Cod, and to find him if he was serious about studying with him.

That winter, Sal and his friend Charles Couper piled into Coupers 1930 Studebaker Commander and drove for six hours from Providence, Rhode Island to Provincetown.

He talked from 12 noon to 12 midnight, Sal said, of Hensche. He never gave us a cup of coffee  a glass of water. Nothing. He just talked about painting and socialism.

The Cape Cod School of Art would be Sals home for the following three summers where he would learn from Hensche about his way of painting, largely influenced by Charles W. Hawthorne. From there, he would leave town for New York and the Arts Students League only to return and set down roots in the seaside town soon after.

In the years that followed, the town has seen him run two successful restaurants, launch the Fine Arts Work Center with fellow artists in 1968, assist his wife, Josephine, in her work creating the Cape Cod National Seashore, and build and almost lose his dune shack  among almost a lifetime of other things.

But above all, Sal was and still is the painter of Provincetown.

Sal Del Deos 75 years in Provincetown

In light of his milestone, the Provincetown Art Association and Museum debuted Salvatore Del Deo: 75 Years in Provincetown curated by Executive Director Christine McCarthy for her 2023 directors choice show.

This was probably one of the most complex curation projects for me because there was so much work, she said.

Over a year and a half of visits to Sals studio, McCarthy worked to create a show that displayed their commonalities as she likes to make her directors choice shows personal to her.

Sal and I, we have a lot in common, she said. I love to go clamming. I'm on the shellfish commission in Provincetown  and I'm Italian despite my last name.  So there's definitely shared experiences that I wanted to convey through this exhibition.

The Shepherd of the Clam Flats (2017) by Salvatore Del Deo.

When all was said and done, McCarthy created a show displaying snapshots of Sals Provincetown throughout the years.

It's almost like his work is just visionary, she said. It's not just painting a picture . recording a place or a person, it's taking it to the next level because they're so personal. I think it was really trying to convey the personal connections that Sal had to not just the landscape, but to the people and parts of Provincetown.

When it came time for Sal to see it, McCarthy said the pair shared a moment in the gallery, admiring the work he had created and she had curated.

I was standing next to him and he looked at me  he calls me Christina  and he said, Christina, I can't believe I made all this work, she recalled. I said, You did and you made a lot more than this. He was visually moved by the exhibition and the pairings  I felt like I was so successful in my curation because it moved him in a way that he hadn't been moved about his work before.

Sitting with Sal, I asked him about the exhibition. He said McCarthy did a wonderful job but he'd like to see a show of the conceptual works he's producing now before he goes.

"That and Speranza and the Patricia Marie painting, a big six by six ... and the one I'm working on now," he said. "I'd like to see those shown."

Ghost Wharf (2023) by Salvatore Del Deo.

The "that" in question is a larger-than-life painting of St. Anthony of Thebes sitting on a back wall of Sal's studio.

Inspired by Gustave Flauberts The Temptation of St. Anthony, Sal began painting the piece in his forties, only to finish last year as part of his New Years resolution. St. Anthony, a slightly gruesome green-hued man, sits center surrounded by biblical and personal figures.

Instead of the three graces, theres only two and one of them has a butterfly on its butt, he said. That's my answer to today's craze for tattoos. On the opposite side, there's a young lady with a flower in her hand. That's my wife and she's looking at the man next to herA victim of the pandemic. He's got a mask on, he's more dead than alive. That's another statement about today.

As for whats next, Sal plans to keep painting, saying that his best is yet to come.

I still have to paint that last picture, he said. I'm very optimistic. I think that my best days are ahead of me if I could stay well. Homemade wine. Moderation. That's the key.

Frankie Rowley covers entertainment and things to do. Contact her at frowley@capecodonline.com.

Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: A talk with artist Provincetown Salvadore Del Deo: 75 years painting
picture alliance - Getty Images

Travis Kelce opened up about his trip to see Taylor Swift last weekend, telling his brother Jason Kelce on New Heights, "I went down to Argentina and it was a whole bunch of fun."

Travis confirmed that he "got there Friday and left Sunday" and said he was "blown away" by the "electric crowd." Naturally, Jason wasted no time asking how it felt to be ~the guy on the Chiefs~ and Travis gave some BTS details on Taylor changing those "Karma" lyrics.

| Travis Kelce and Scott Swift's reaction to the lyric change "Karma is the guy on the chiefs coming straight home to me" by Taylor #BuenosAiresTSTheErasTour pic.twitter.com/AqdnshNArr  Taylor Swift Updates  (@swifferupdates) November 12, 2023

"I had no clue," he said, quickly adding "Well, I might have had a little bit of a clue. But definitely when I heard it come out of her mouth it still shocked me. It blew me away. I was like, oh she really just said that."



Meanwhile, Jason went ahead and called his brother out for leaving Scott Swift's high five hanging, prompting Travis to say "Mr. Swift, I apologize big guy. I missed that. I never miss a high five too, big high five guy. It's the most electric thing you can do at an event. So, sorry, Mr. Swift."

He also admitted that he convinced Scott to wear that Chiefs lanyard to the show, saying "I might have persuaded him at dinner the night before when I met him."

Oh, AND there's this nugget: "For those of you who haven't seen all the videos of me on your TikTok and your Instagram feed, I was enjoying myself down there in Buenos Aires, the show was even more electric knowing that I had a little bit more to enjoy for. And yeah, Taylor absolutely ripped it, she killed it. And it looked like she was having some fun up there."

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President Joe Biden said Tuesday that the United States is not trying to "decouple" from China, but pursuing better relations with its assertive rival, as he prepares for a summit with the Chinese leader this week.

Biden's remarks apparently set an amicable tone ahead of the summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping slated to take place in San Francisco on Wednesday on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

"As I told you, we are not trying to decouple from China," he said during a press conference on efforts to address climate change. "What we are trying to do is change the relationship for the better."

Asked about how he would define success with the upcoming summit with Xi, Biden said it would mean the normalization of bilateral communication.

"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 militaries still have contact with one another," he said in response to the question.

But Biden staked out his position against China's trade practices.

"I am not going to continue to sustain the support for positions where if we want to invest in China, we have to turn over all of our trade secrets," he said.

In recent months, Washington has been hammering away at the mantra of "de-risking" the relationship with Beijing as it is striving to elicit international cooperation on climate change, public health, global security threats and other challenges.

U.S. officials have said that Biden and Xi are expected to discuss a "whole range" of issues, including bilateral relations, North Korean threats, Taiwan, the war between Israel and the Hamas militant group, and Russia's protracted war in Ukraine, according to them.

This week's meeting between the leaders will be their second in-person summit following their last talks during the Group of 20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, last November. It will also mark their seventh interaction since Biden took office in January 2021. (Yonhap)
Fun fact: Emily in Paris, which films all across the city of Paris and throughout France, was originally slated to film in New York. The idea was to shoot the majority of the Netflix series in the U.S. and head to France for a few weeks to film exteriors of iconic locations. Upon discovering showrunner Darren Starrs plans, director and executive producer Andy Fleming exclaimed, This is crazy, you have to shoot [in Paris].

Referencing the charmingly worn doors in Parisian apartments that would be difficult to recreate in the States, Fleming talked about how he pushed for production to cross the ocean. I thought, if the writers go over there, they will get in a taxicab going the wrong way around the Louvre, and they will be embarrassed in a restaurant and they will do all of the things that Emily would do, and [that] will inform the writing, said Fleming. The decision would give the Lily Collins show a unique and playful vibe impossible to recreate anywhere else as well as provide a degree of authenticity.

Partnering with the French Film Commission, Variety hosted U.S. Filmmaking in France: Living the French Experience, a series of panels with directors, producers and executives who discussed their experiences filming in the European country. The event took place on Tuesday at the 1 Hotel in West Hollywood.

The panels included The Making of Emily in Paris,' Understanding the French Tax Rebate for International Productions, The Making of The Veil,' MacGuffs Face Engine Demo, The Making of The Nun II,' Choosing France for Your VFX and TSFS New Studios and Streets of Paris Backlot.

During the The Making of Emily in Paris panel moderated by Variety chief production officer Claudia Eller, Fleming and producer Raphael Benoliel spoke about the practical benefits to the Parisian setting as well.

Our rates are slightly lower for the crew [in Paris], Benoliel explained regarding the difference between filming in New York and Paris. On Emily, after running the analysis, we were like 20% less expensive by shooting the entire show in France than by splitting the show between two countries.

The first season that we did, the show had a very small budget. People thought it was a very big-budgeted show because you could just take a very simple dialogue scene and put it out on the street and see the Arc de Triomphe in the background, and it looks like a million bucks, Fleming added. Being there really made it look richer than if we had been in New York trying to fake things.

With the end of the SAG-AFTRA strikes, Emily in Paris season four is expected to begin shooting Jan. 22.

In a panel moderated by Eller, executive producer Denise Di Novi and producer Xavier Roy of The Veil, an upcoming FX international spy thriller starring Elisabeth Moss, discussed their experience shooting in Paris.

When asked about whether she faced language barriers shooting in France, Di Novi said it was not too difficult since all of the crew spoke English. Roy added, The French crew, the British crew, the supervising director  for example, is American  and they really worked well together. It was a great experience for everybody, everybody enjoyed working together, so no language barrier, no cultural barrier.

Di Novi said she was nervous going into shooting, given that the U.S. has different working regulations than France. She sat down with Roy and asked, Is it true that the French crew wont work overtime? Is it true that we have a cut off? However, Di Novi realized she did not have to worry because the Frenchs work ethic is at such a high level, and everyone is dedicated to making something great on an artistic level.

She then gave her advice for others looking to film projects in France: I think people make a mistake when they try to stay 100% American when theyre going there  You really need the local crew and the local producer like Xavier. You need that expertise, and you need to trust that person and rely on them.

The Making of the Nun II panel saw The Nun II director Michael Chaves, line producer John Bernard and Varietys EVP of Content, Steven Gaydos, sitting down to discuss filming the horror film. France inspired the films core aesthetic.

We really looked at the locations, and the script originally was set in more like a town  we just kind of retooled and we found this great old [structure], Chaves said of finding a convent-turned-school in Aix-en-Provence that was later abandoned. It had so much great character  it became our central shooting location. Honestly, thats totally changed my outlook of looking at other productions, you gotta really try and use the location.

When you go to France, they have such a love of cinema, they have such a love of art. Its embedded. They love making art, and they love making film. They love film, Chaves emphasized. They bring that passion. Everyone on the crew had it.

Laurens Ehrmann, founder and visual effects supervisor of The Yard VFX, and Benoliel, producer of Emily in Paris and founder of Firstep, discussed the benefits of working on visual effects in France in a conversation moderated by Varietys senior artisans editor Jazz Tangcay. The duo has collaborated on several projects together, including Enola Holmes 2, John Wick: Chapter 4 and Murder Mystery 2.

Ive been lucky enough over the years to work on huge blockbusters as well as smaller, indie movies. I love what I do, and so for me, every project has its specific thing. Its a passion, Benoliel said.

When asked about what the future holds for visual effects work in France, Ehrmann said he hopes to have more international vendors coming to France and bigger projects. From my point of view, the key thing is the relationship, and the way you discuss with the studio, the way you understand what they need, he said.

Ehrmann also offered his advice to French visual effects students: Doing movies is a tough game because even if we are doing a great job, it could be tough everyday. To continue and to stay longer in the business, you need to be passionate.

The duo were then asked about their thoughts on how AI will effect visual effects. While they said some of its use should be controlled, they both agreed it is a tool.

We cannot be afraid of something that is going to help us, and we cannot be against it because you know we cannot stop it. A better way to see the future is to say, how are we gonna deal with the new tools? Benoliel said.

Laurent Kleindienst of the French rental house TSF showed off his companys brand new studio and backlot facility opening east of Paris, totaling about 130 acres.

The new facility includes brand new facades of Paris streets in addition to an old airfield once utilized by Germany during wartime, which Kleindienst described as so destroyed you can use it as it is. He shared that The Walking Dead will be filming their upcoming season there, a fitting location for the post-apocalyptic show.

Although the backlots Paris facades are not far from the city itself, Kleindienst said that filming on the backlot offers control to filmmakers.

Theres going to be the Olympics in Paris very soon. Then again, any big city is becoming tougher and tougher to shoot in. Its the same in New York, its the same everywhere, he said. So if you want to shoot the Eiffel Tower, or the obelisk or whatever you will have to come to Paris. But if youre shooting and you just need a pair of streets, you can come here and you will have full control, and thatll be better for you. So 3000 linear feet of streets is quite big.

The facades also span three different time periods, with medieval elements to be added in the future.

TSF also offers an airbus liner that can simulate takeoff. There will also be a facility consisting of 12 stages, the largest of which is 43,000 square feet.

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The Windsor Framework did not correct an underlying mistake in the Northern Ireland Protocol, a Westminster committee has heard.

The House of Lords European Affairs Sub-Committee on the Windsor Framework heard the claim during a public evidence session in its inquiry into regulatory divergence.

It also heard criticism around the amount of information given to businesses trying to work with the post-Brexit trading arrangements.

Unionists in Northern Ireland strongly criticised the protocol, with the DUP withdrawing from the Stormont Assembly in protest.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak earlier this year re-entered negotiations with the EU and agreed the Windsor Framework.

But DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson is maintaining his partys protest, and seeking further action from the UK government on unionist concerns at trading arrangements, and the separation of Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK.

James Webber, a partner at the legal firm Shearman and Sterling, said he was pessimistic about what the Windsor Framework had achieved.

He said he believed the framework embeds a fundamental analytical error that was made when the Northern Ireland Protocol was first conceived.

The practical effects of that error will worsen I think, over time, he told peers, describing Northern Ireland as a no-mans-land not exactly replicating either Great Britain or the EU.

This fundamental analytical error Im referring to is to accept as the Windsor Framework does, and as the protocol did before it, the application of foreign law and foreign courts over parts of the United Kingdom.

He went on: Much of the work of the Windsor protocol is in easing east/west trade flows.

None of it actually alters the fact that EU law, essentially a foreign system of law, is applying to the production of goods inside Northern Ireland, and I think the deadweight costs of trying to work out which rules apply to you and in which direction divergence is affecting your business is likely to discourage investment and reduce trade volume and favour those incumbents who are finally able to thread the needle and work out how the system works over new entrants, and that will over time reduce competitiveness, productivity, economic and wage growth.

So Im a pessimist Im afraid in respect of what the Windsor Framework has achieved, doesnt mean its achieved nothing, but I think it reflects an underlying mistake, which remains uncorrected.

In the same session, Anton Spisak, head of political leadership at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, said the regulatory divergence was now a fact of life simply because the UK has left the European single market and the customs union, and it is not under an obligation to follow EU legislative changes.

The committee was being chaired by Lord Jay of Ewelme (PA)

In an earlier session, Joel Reland, research associate at UK in a Changing Europe, was asked about the capacity of a future Stormont Executive to align when there are rules changes in either the UK or the EU.

Theres currently no Executive, which means that were not really able to make any assessment of it, he said.

So when the Executive, at some point presumably comes back to power, it is going to have to learn how to make policy if it wants to maintain alignment with Great Britain and that is a really, really, really hard thing to do.

Committee chair Lord Jay of Ewelme agreed with that point, adding: I think your last point is something which has bothered the committee quite a lot over the last few months.

Meanwhile, there was also criticism of government over the amount of information for businesses.

Mr Reland said there were some flagship pieces of divergence, such as new state aid and procurement regimes where government had engaged with businesses.

But when in more everyday policy-making, things are happening and there is a potential divergence element Im not sure business has been consulted anywhere near as much as it should be, he said.

Dr Lisa Claire Whitten, a research fellow in post-Brexit governance at Queens University Belfast, said the process of dealing with regulatory diversions had been reactive rather than strategic.

To date, it is piecemeal and ad hoc in terms of how its being dealt with, she said.

From a Northern Ireland perspective, there isnt even an official comprehensive record of what law is applicable under the protocol and framework because thats not a service that legislation.gov.uk are providing at present.

She added: But were at a point now when we have got relative legal certainty on the arrangements and on the wider UK/EU relationship so now is the time to develop that strategy and address this issue so that it doesnt get worse, and there is possibility for that.


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The Israeli military said it was carrying out a raid on Wednesday against Palestinian Hamas militants in Al Shifa Hospital, the Gaza Strip's biggest hospital, and urged them all to surrender.

Less than an hour earlier, around 1 a.m. local time (2300 GMT), a Gaza health ministry spokesman said Israel had told officials in the enclave that it would raid the Shifa hospital complex "in the coming minutes."

Dr. Munir al-Bursh, director-general of the Gaza health ministry, told Al Jazeera television that Israeli forces had raided the western side of the medical complex. "There are big explosions and dust entered the areas where we are. We believe an explosion occurred inside the hospital," Bursh said.

The fate of Al Shifa has become a focus of international alarm because of worsening conditions in the facility in recent days with global calls for a humanitarian ceasefire after five weeks of an Israeli assault on Gaza.

In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said: "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 military added: "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."

Israel has said that Hamas has a command center underneath Al Shifa and uses the hospital and tunnels beneath it to conceal military operations and to hold hostages. Hamas denies it.

The U.S. said on Tuesday that its own intelligence supported Israel's conclusions.

Israeli forces have waged fierce street battles against Hamas fighters over the past 10 days before advancing into the centre of Gaza City and surrounding Al Shifa.

Israel has sworn to destroy Hamas in retaliation for the militants' cross-border assault into Israel on Oct 7. Israel says Hamas killed 1,200 people in the rampage and took more than 240 hostage.

In the West Bank, a separate Palestinian enclave not controlled by Hamas, Palestinian Authority Health Minister Mai Alkaila said Israel was "committing a new crime against humanity, medical staff and patients by besieging" Al Shifa.

"We hold the occupation forces fully responsible for the lives of the medical staff, patients and displaced people in Al Shifa," Alkaila said in a statement.

Dire conditions

Hamas says 650 patients and 5,000 to 7,000 other civilians are trapped inside the hospital grounds, under constant fire from Israeli snipers and drones. Amid shortages of fuel, water and supplies, it says 40 patients have died in recent days.

Thirty-six babies are left from the neo-natal ward after three died. Without fuel for generators to power incubators, the babies were being kept as warm as possible, lined up eight to a bed.

Palestinians trapped in the hospital dug 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.

Qidra said there were about 100 bodies decomposing inside and no way to get them out.

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.

International law

Israel's move toward Shifa hospital has raised questions about how it would interpret international laws on protection of medical facilities and the thousands of displaced people sheltering there, U.N. human rights officials have said.

Hospitals are protected buildings under international humanitarian law. But allegations that Shifa is also being used for military purposes complicated the situation because that would also breach international law, U.N. officials have said.

Medical units used for acts harmful to the enemy, and which have ignored a warning to stop doing so, lose their special protection under international law.

Omar Shakir, Israel and Palestine director for Human Rights Watch, said before Israel's raid 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."

Israel said in its statement on Wednesday that it had given Gaza authorities 12 hours to cease military activities within the hospital. "Unfortunately, it did not," the military statement said.

International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan said in an Oct. 30 statement on attacks on protected sites such as hospitals that Israel would also "need to demonstrate the proper application of the principles of distinction, precaution and of proportionality".

Although protection under international law could be lost, he said, "the burden of proving that the protective status is lost rests with those who fire the gun, the missile or the rocket in question." (Reuters)
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS. On November 13 in London, following the first meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between Armenia and the United Kingdom, a joint statement was adopted. The full text of the statement is presented below.

ARMENIA-UNITED KINGDOM STRATEGIC DIALOGUE

Joint statement

13 November 2023, London

On the occasion of the official visit to London of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, H.E. Mr Ararat Mirzoyan, the inaugural Strategic Dialogue between the United Kingdom and Armenia was held on 13 November 2023.

This Strategic Dialogue was an opportunity to mark the strong cooperation and friendship between our two democracies. With the increase globally in threats to democratic values, human rights, rule of law and the freedoms we strive to protect our citizens, working together on issues of mutual concern it is more important than ever not only to build trade and stability, but also to protect our shared core values. We reaffirmed the aspiration to build our partnership over the coming years.

During the dialogue, the Ministers discussed a range of global and regional issues of mutual concern, and ways in which Armenia and the UK can work together going forward. These included:

Governance and rule of law, where through its programming in Armenia the UK is supporting the digitalisation and streamlining of public services, the improvement of gender equality in the police force, and will soon begin working to support Armenias border management capacities to tackle security and migration issues.

Armenia-UK defence cooperation, which continues to expand with increased numbers of personnel from the Armenian military and Ministry of Defence, and police (MOIA) personnel receiving English Language training instruction, as well as places on UK senior and junior command and leadership courses, and multi-national peace-keeping and mine-awareness packages. Both parties looked forward to the sixth round of Armenia-UK Staff Talks later this month.

Trade and economic ties, notably the recently held Armenia-UK Business Forum in London, where Armenias Minister for the Economy, Vahan Kerobyan and the Minister of State for Regulatory Reform, Earl of Minto welcomed an audience of Armenian and British businesses to discuss the wide range of trade and investment opportunities between our countries.

The Ministers agreed on the absolute necessity of the establishment of peace and stability in the South Caucasus based on the mutual recognition of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders on the basis of the Alma Ata 1991 Declaration, and the opening of regional connectivity links based on full respect of each countries' sovereignty and jurisdiction.

Minister for Europe emphasised the UKs commitment to supporting those affected by the long-running conflict, including through 1 million of funding to the International Committee of the Red Cross announced in September.

Finally, both parties looked forward to continuing to enhance the relationship between Armenia and the UK beyond this inaugural Strategic Dialogue, including through the upcoming visit by the Minister for Europe to Armenia, and through the agreement of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which we collectively hope to conclude in the coming months.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS. Finance Minister Vahe Hovhannisyan has presented the assistance programs envisaged under the 2024 state budget for the forcibly displaced persons of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Hovhannisyan told lawmakers during the parliament session that the budget envisages 50,000 drams for each forcibly displaced person for accommodation and utility expenses for January, February and March.

The additional expenditures for pensions and benefits, requiring additional 30 billion drams, are envisaged. The additional expenditures for education and healthcare are also envisaged. At this moment the apartment and employment assistance programs are not envisaged under the budget because they could be developed and confirmed in the end of December. Nevertheless, significant amounts will be envisaged in the reserve fund in order not to have financial issues as soon as the programs are finalized, Hovhannisyan said.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS. China's oil imports from Iran have hit record highs as Iran ramps up output despite the threat of further U.S. sanctions, Reuters reported.

China, the world's largest crude importer and Iran's top customer, bought an average 1.05 million barrels per day (bpd) of Iranian oil in the first 10 months of 2023, according to shiptracking data from Vortexa. According to the source, this is 60 percent above pre-sanction peaks recorded by Chinese customs in 2017.
Delhi chief secretary Naresh Kumar finds himself embroiled in a fresh controversy

In the never-ending tussle between the Narendra Modi Sarkar and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi chief secretary Naresh Kumar finds himself embroiled in a fresh controversy. While his previous headline-grabbing act involved sending files directly to lieutenant governor V.K. Saxena on service matters, bypassing the CMs office, this time, the storm is over a dispute over the valuation of land earmarked for the Dwarka Expressway, and his alleged role.

The plot under scrutiny was set to be acquired from two Delhi businessmen, one of whom shares a marital connection with the promoter of a real estate firm that employs Mr Kumars son. Despite concerns regarding a potential conflict of interest, Mr Kumar denies any wrongdoing.

According to sources, the dispute centres around the substantial increase in compensation awarded by the district magistrate of southwest Delhi, Hemant Kumar, which shot up from Rs 41.52 crores to Rs 353 crores for the same parcel of land.

Despite the chief secretarys attempts to distance himself from the controversy, doubts persist about this failure to declare the potential conflict of interest when the National Highway of India (NHAI) raised concerns.

For Mr Kejriwal, who is back against the wall after the arrest of deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and other senior leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for what he calls a witch-hunt unleashed by the Modi Sarkar, this episode may be a chance to hit back. Mr Kejriwal has referred the matter to the vigilance department, and minister Atishi Singh has initiated an inquiry. Mr Kumar, meanwhile, denies the allegations and attributes them to a political agenda aimed at tarnishing his reputation. Meanwhile, some in the bureaucracy are also questioning Mr Kejriwal for signing off on the transfer of district magistrate Hemant Kumar. Hemant Kumar was among the 21 IAS officers to be recommended for posting, in his case, to the administrative reforms department.

Which way this will go is anybodys guess. But in all this, Delhis bureaucracy has split down the middle, which is not a good sign for administrators. Public trust is at stake.

Election dynamics? Unpacking strategic babu changes

In a significant move, the appointments committee of cabinet (ACC) recently gave the nod to a major reshuffle of IAS and IRS officers, elevating several to the rank of additional secretary. As the dust settles on these appointments, observers cannot help but ponder the motivations behind the move, particularly in the middle of five critical state elections.

The list of newly appointed additional secretaries includes seasoned babus from various cadres, each entrusted with crucial responsibilities across diverse ministries. Notable among them are Anurag Agarwal, now additional secretary and financial adviser at the ministry of external affairs (MEA) and Rupinder Brar, assuming the role of additional secretary at the ministry of coal.

The reshuffling extends to key domains such as health, petroleum, textiles and rural development, with officers like Deepti Gaur Mukerjee, Pallavi Jain Govil, and Carolyn Khongwar Deshmukh taking up key roles. Furthermore, the appointment of Amit Kumar Ghosh as additional secretary in the department of social justice and empowerment underscores Modi Sarkars focus on key issues facing marginalised communities.

The question that arises is: what could be the underlying rationale behind these appointments, especially at a juncture when the stakes are high for the Central government in the states that are having elections? Is this a routine babu reshuffle or does it carry deeper political implications?

Notably, officers have been upgraded in situ to the rank of additional secretary, signifying recognition of their capabilities and the need for experienced hands in crucial positions. Only time will reveal the full picture behind these recent appointments.

Cadre distribution confusion lands in court

Almost a decade after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and the creation of Telangana in 2014, babus in the state continue to grapple with the cadre distribution at that time. Current proceedings in the Telangana high court shed light on the enduring confusion surrounding the allocation of cadres, particularly for six IAS/IPS officers.

The Centre, however, reiterated its stance to the high court that the judgement pertaining to former Telangana chief secretary Somesh Kumars case should be applied to the pleas filed by these six officers. The governments primary argument appears to be a straightforward one  there is nothing more to discuss! However, the officers in question, including director general of police Anjani Kumar, vehemently oppose this assertion, contending that their cases are distinct from the precedent set by the Somesh Kumar judgment.

The legal tussle is unfolding as the high court navigates through the contentions of 13 officers who express grievances regarding the Central governments decisions and cadre distribution process. While the Centres counsel maintains that the cases of six officers align with the Somesh judgement, seven others necessitate further deliberation. The divergent claims of officers caught in the web of cadre confusion will need a nuanced approach to the issue.
Indias position on the Hamas-Israel confrontation is quite different from that of its stance on the Russia-Ukraine war

Mr Modi must have realised that his impromptu response to Hamas October 7 attack was right in his own eyes and that of his party, and even in the eyes of the Western world, but India cannot afford to take an overtly partisan position. (File Image: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi went all out to condemn Hamas attack on Israel on October 7. It reflected the ideological bias of the Bharatiya Janata Party, and Mr Modi was conforming to the partys long-standing position, which goes back to the days of the BJPs predecessor, the Bharatiya Jan Sangh. The right-wing Hindutva party saw the Palestine-Israel question as one between Muslims and Jews, and it came from its domestic anti-minority stance, which really translates into anti-Muslim. It was also less complicated for Mr Modi to stand up and stand with Israel because the attack came from Hamas, an Islamist group that has started out as a Palestinian wing of Egypts Muslim Brotherhood, and Hamas was also a terrorist organisation in the American list.

The BJPs doctrinal preference for Israel over Palestine was strengthened by Hamas attacking civilians in southern Israel, which included women, children and old people, and also taking more than 200 of them hostage. There could not have been a clearer case for righteous indignation of the right-wing folk in India. The spectre of Islamic terrorism came alive once again, well over 20 years after the 9/11 terror attacks in New York and Washington, attributed to Al Qaeda, and almost 15 years since the Lashkar-e-Tayyabas 26/11 attack on Mumbai. Hamas is being seen as the return of the ghost of Al Qaeda.

Mr Modi must have realised that his impromptu response to Hamas October 7 attack was right in his own eyes and that of his party, and even in the eyes of the Western world, but India cannot afford to take an overtly partisan position. So, the external affairs ministrys spokesman issued a statement on the civilian deaths and injuries on the Palestinian side in Israels retaliatory response. It was a plain fact that ever since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2006 after it won the majority of seats in the Palestinian elections, the armed fight that Hamas carried out against Israel resulted in the death of civilians in Palestine even as Israel has responded to Hamas guerrilla tactics. It was also evident the violence unleashed by Israels military might was disproportionate.

Mr Modi tried to balance his vocal support for Israel, and he counts Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu as a close friend, who is hugely unpopular in his home country, with calls to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. There was also a tacit understanding that many of the Arab countries in the region, including Egypt and the UAE, did not much like Hamas. Despite their secret dislike for Hamas, however, the Arab governments could not ignore the plight of Palestinian civilians caught in the war between Hamas and Israel. The Indian government then made a tepid announcement of token humanitarian aid to the civilians in Gaza in late October.

In the 2+2 India-US meeting of the foreign and defence ministers in New Delhi last Friday, India followed the American line of supporting Israels right to defend itself, which included its latest depredations in Gaza, and refusing to call for a ceasefire. While US secretary of state Antony Blinken said that too many Palestinians have died, India chose to remain silent.

Indias position on the Hamas-Israel confrontation is quite different from that of its stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, which broke out in February 2022. India had consistently refused to condemn Russias invasion of Ukraine because it felt that the issue was complicated. And external affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar displayed a mix of candour and abrasiveness when he lectured European leaders, mainly those of the European Union, on why Europes war was not the worlds war, and that India was more concerned about the situation in the Indo-Pacific. But this position was in contrast to the BJPs generally leaning towards the West, and how it has been trying to move away from Russia. The old BJP/Jan Sangh position was against Russia during the Cold War, when Russia was under Communist rule.

But the Narendra Modi government could not shake away the fact how economic interests bound India to Russia, especially in the import of oil. India benefited too by keeping its oil imports from Russia alive despite the Western economic sanctions.

The Modi government is more in alignment with the West on the war in Gaza because it knows the fault lines in the Palestinian territories and in West Asia generally. The Palestinian Authority is in the hands of Fatah, and its leader Mahmoud Abbas, the President of Palestine. Fatah is no friend of Hamas. Egypt did not want refugees from Gaza to find shelter in Sinai, the territory that Israel had seized in the 1967 war and returned to Egypt after the Camp David peace accord between the two countries. The Arab governments have not condemned the Hamas attack and they had been seeking a de-escalation from the beginning, but they are not condemning Israel outright. This gives a lot of wiggle room for India and the BJP government of Mr Modi. The Hindutva whisper campaign about Islamic terrorism in the wake of the Hamas attack is alive on the social media. Mr Modi and the BJP will derive maximum mileage out of it in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

The ingrained Islamophobia of the BJP and of Mr Modis government will have a field day in the weeks and months to follow. India might get into the top three economies of the world by the end of the decade, but it will remain a political pygmy in global affairs because it fights shy of giving a moral tinge to its foreign policy, which will mark it out as a global leader. India should have said openly that Ukraine was a sovereign country and Russia was wrong in attacking it. It should be saying that Hamas attack was unacceptable, but Israels position vis-a-vis Palestine was also unacceptable. It would only enhance Indias position but then Mr Modi is busy moulding a Hindu India. Even as a Christian West has realised that it has to look beyond its religious identity to be able to influence the world, India under Mr Modi will have to realise that they have to break out of the Hindutva cocoon if it wants to make the country a big player in the world. The size of the economy will not help. Japan is a good example of a country which has a powerful economy but which has remained a marginal player in global affairs. Is India preparing to be a new Japan, an economic giant but nothing more.
The United Nations is holding a conference in Uzbekistan to deal with this rapidly growing problem, which has a serious impact on health. Northern and Central Asia are among the most affected areas in the world, with the dried-up Aral Sea as a major source. According to experts, human activities are an important cause, and for this reason mitigation becomes essential.

Samarkand (AsiaNews/Agencies)  Every year two billion tonnes of sand and dust enter the atmosphere, an amount equal to the weight of 350 Great Pyramids of Giza, contributing to the loss of almost 1 million square kilometres of healthy and productive land every year in the world.

Sand and dust storms (SDS), a rapidly growing problem and still largely underestimated, was at the centre of the 21st session of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) currently underway in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

The location is not coincidental. More than 80 per cent of Central Asia is covered by deserts and steppes which, together with climate change and long-lasting droughts, represent an important natural source of sandstorms and dust.

The Aral Sea, now dried up, is one of the main sources of SDS with more than 100 million tonnes of dust and poisonous salts, impacting the health not only of people living nearby, but also in much more distant lands, generating damage estimated at US$ 44 million per year.

According to the UNCCD, dust and sand storms are an underappreciated problem that is becoming "dramatically" more frequent in some areas of the world, with at least 25 per cent attributable to human activities.

The sight of rolling dark clouds of sand and dust engulfing everything in their path and turning day into night is one of natures most intimidating spectacles, said Ibrahim Thiaw, UNCCDs Executive Secretary.

In source areas, they damage crops, affect livestock, and strip topsoil. In depositional areas atmospheric dust, especially in combination with local industrial pollution, can cause or worsen human health problems such as respiratory diseases, said Feras Ziadat, a FAO official who chairs the UN Coalition on Combating Sand and Dust Storms.

Communications, power generation, transport, and supply chains can also be disrupted by low visibility and dust-induced mechanical failures, Ziadat added.

Sand and dust storms present a formidable challenge to achieving sustainable development. However, just as sand and dust storms are exacerbated by human activities, they can also be reduced through human actions, Thiaw explained.

This explains the importance of monitoring and early warning systems, impact mitigation interventions, interventions on anthropogenic sources at local, national, regional and global levels. All these interventions are at the centre of the debate currently underway in Uzbekistan.
Gazas small Christian community lost at least two members in the past few days. A well-known elderly woman was killed while trying to retrieve personal effects from home, and an elderly ill man died from the lack of medical care. The Israeli army raided the al-Shifa hospital. Tragic stories continue to arrive from the Anglican al-Ahli Hospital. Anglican Archbishop Hosam Naoum appeals for peace.

Jerusalem (AsiaNews)  Israels all-out war against Hamas in Gaza is also affecting Christians as senior members are killed, churches surrounded, hospitals raided and more "collateral" damage caused by ground and air attacks, this according to a Protestant website that reports the "encirclement" of a church in Gaza, citing sources within the community.

The death of an 84-year-old Baptist woman, who sought refuge in the Holy Family Catholic Church during an Israeli air raid, is still raw with many people who remember her, paying tribute to her life on social media as a way to say farewell.

The death of an elderly Christian man was also reported on social media today; he was sheltering in the church but was ill and could not be transported to hospital for medical treatment.

The daughter of a well-known Palestinian poet, Elham Farah also died on Sunday when she was shot by a sniper. Local sources say that she had left the area where the church stands to retrieve some personal effects from her home in the al-Rimal neighbourhood, in Gaza City, and to check on its state after days of intense bombardment.

She was hit by a bullet and seriously injured in the leg, but no one could help her for fear of soldiers deployed in the area, and so bled to death. According to a witness, a tank also ran over the body, which was recovered only a day later.

Before the war, she taught music and is remembered by Christians in Gaza for her smile, the joy expressed right in her surname, which is the Arabic word for "joy".

Among the first to break the news of her death was her niece, Carole. She was so cute and nice, and continued to send me Bible verses and worship songs this week with what little electricity she had, Carole posted on X (ex-Twitter).

I dont think theres anyone in Gaza who hasnt met her on the street. She would always stop people, smile at them, and start talking to them, wrote another social media user.

She was an icon of Gaza in terms of culture, knowledge and awareness. We will continue praying for you and talking about you. The only consolation is she lived her life playing music.

A former student remembers Farah performing. We loved listening to her music; it was one of the most beautiful classes.

Meanwhile, Israel is continuing its military operation around Gazas main hospitals, like the al-Shifa Hospital, targeted overnight, and the Anglican al-Ahli Arab Hospital because Hamas fighters allegedly use it as a shelter or is thought to have a Hamas base.

The atmosphere inside the Anglican Hospital is heavy. A place of "care and coexistence", it was hit last month, with the Israeli military and Hamas blaming each other.

At present, doctors are making repeated appeals for the immediate provision of medical aid and staff (surgeons, nurses, radiology and operating room technicians) to cope with the rising number of patients and civilians seeking shelter.

The facility returned to operation in late October and is trying to make up for the ongoing humanitarian and health emergency as best it can, with a serious shortage of everything.

Fr Fadel Naim, head of orthopaedic department, points to staff shortages. "Right now, the only functioning hospital is Al-Ahli Hospital, so we are receiving [a] huge number of people with complicated injuries," he said in a statement reported by some media outlets on Monday.

His words were interspersed with explosions related to bombings in progress. Ours," he added, "is a small hospital, it is not ready to be a trauma hospital," but "we are modifying it to meet needs."

A blogger, Dr Ghassan Abu Sitta is among the most active in reporting from the hospital, posting videos of bombings near the facility and highlighting the daily challenges.

We have received over 20 chest and neck gunshot wounds fired from Israeli Quadcopter drones. This is a low-flying sniper drone. When it comes to killing, they are so innovative, reads one of his latest posts on X.

Bits and pieces of information are also coming out of the al-Shifa hospital, which was raided overnight, amid a large-scale operation that is still underway.

According to some eyewitnesses, soldiers ordered all men between the ages of 16 and 40 to leave the building, with the sole exception of those engaged in emergency rooms and operating rooms.

Some soldiers allegedly fired shots into the air to force people inside to get out, installing scanning and detection devices inside for people to go through.

So far, such claims have had no visual confirmation nor any independent verification in a situation of great tensions and confusion.

Deeply worrisome is how WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus describes the situation on X. WHO has lost contact with its focal points in Al-Shifa Hospital and is gravely concerned about the safety of health workers, hundreds of sick and injured patients.

A video posted on Telegram by the activist website Eye on Palestine reported bombardment near the Indonesian hospital, which Israel says is being used by Hamas as a base and shelter.

The Anglican Archbishop of Jerusalem, Hosam Naoum, also spoke about the situation of Christians in Gaza, sending a video message to the General Synod of the Church of England in which he stresses how hard and contentious the task of seeking peace and reconciliation in the Holy Land can be.

He urged the international community to work towards a resolution of the conflict and implement an immediate ceasefire to set up humanitarian corridors and ensure the protection of civilians.

Language of reconciliation, trying to speak a word that brings people together can be difficult, and it can be controversial. But I believe that here in the Holy Land we need that language of peace and reconciliation more than ever.
At the general audience, Francis relaunches the message of his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, published ten years ago. He makes a fesh appeal to the faithful to "take time to pray for peace for the tormented Ukraine, in the Holy Land, Palestine, Israel. And let us not forget Sudan, which suffers so much and everywhere there is war'.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - "Even the civilization of programmed disbelief and institutionalized secularity" awaits the Gospel. Indeed, "that leaves the spaces of religious meaning deserted," is a "favorable moment for the announcement of Jesus," said Pope Francistoday while addressing the faithful present in St. Peter's Square for the Wednesday audience.

The meeting was once again marked by concern for the many wars that are bloodying the world. Let us take some time to pray for peace, invited the pontiff in a special way for the tormented Ukraine, which suffers so much and then in the Holy Land, Palestine, Israel. And let's not forget Sudan which suffers so much and there is war everywhere."

After presenting a gallery of witnesses to apostolic zeal in recent weeks, in his catechesis Pope Francis has begun to summarize the message through some points inspired by his apostolic exhortation Evangelii gaudium, which turns ten this month.

Today, in particular, he focused on the theme of the joy of the evangelizer. What is the reason for this great joy? he asked himself. Not simply "good news, a surprise, a beautiful event", but "a Person: Jesus. He is our Gospel, the source of a joy that never passes".

The question  he added  is therefore not whether to announce it, but how to announce it, and this 'how' is joy. This is why a discontented, sad, dissatisfied or, even worse, resentful and resentful Christian is not credible. The Gospel is not an ideology: the Gospel is a proclamation, a proclamation of joy."

Citing the episode of the two disciples of Emmaus, he recalled how the encounter with the Risen One led them to deal "with their immature faith, with an earthly way of believing, linked to expectations of worldly success. With their hearts set afire by the Word of God that he proclaimed to them, they then recognized him in the breaking of the bread and joyfully returned to Jerusalem to announce his resurrection to the others".

The first to be evangelized  the Pope added  The first who to need to be evangelized are us: we Christians. And this is very important. Immersed in todays fast-pace and confused environment, we too indeed may find ourselves living our faith with a subtle sense of renunciation, persuaded that the Gospel is no longer heard and no longer worth striving to proclaim. We might even be tempted by the idea of letting others go their own way. Instead, this is precisely the time to return to the Gospel to discover that Christ is forever young, he is forever a constant source of newness" (Evangelii gaudium, 11). And that "humanity abounds with brothers and sisters waiting for a word of hope".

Hence the invitation to everyone to stop and think: "Jesus, you are within me. I want to encounter you every day. You are a Person, you are not an idea; you are a travelling companion, you are not a programme. You, Jesus, are the source of joy. You are the beginning of evangelization. You, Jesus, are the source of joy!."
U.S. President Joe Biden meets Chinese leader Xi Jinping for the first time in a year on Wednesday, for talks that may ease friction between the adversarial superpowers on military conflicts, drug-trafficking and artificial intelligence.

However, deep progress on the vast differences separating the world's economic superpowers may have to wait for another day.

Officials on both sides of the Pacific have set expectations low as Biden and Xi are set to discuss Taiwan, the South China Sea, the Israel-Hamas war, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, North Korea, and human rights, each of them areas where the leaders have been unable to resolve long disagreements.

Biden and Xi arrived in San Francisco on Tuesday, where they were set to hold their meeting on the sidelines the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

Leaders from the 21-member country group - and hundreds of CEOs in San Francisco to court them - meet amid Chinese economic weakness, Beijing's simmering territorial feuds with neighbors and a Middle East conflict that is dividing the United States from allies.

Efforts to carefully choreograph Xi's visit may be upended in the restive Northern California city, despite efforts to drive homeless people from the streets. The route from the airport to the conference site was lined with demonstrators for and against China's ruling Communist Party, an unusual sight for Xi who last visited the United States in 2017.

Biden has sought direct diplomacy with Xi, betting that a personal relationship he has cultivated for a dozen years with the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong might salvage bilateral ties that are increasingly turning hostile.

Xi and Biden are expected to meet far from the conference location at a vast estate miles outside of San Francisco carefully chosen for its security, serenity and remoteness.

"The table has been set ... over the course of many weeks for what we hope will be a very productive, candid, constructive conversation," said John Kirby, a White House spokesperson, to reporters traveling aboard Air Force One.

Iran, election interference

During the meeting, which could last hours, Biden is expected to press Xi to use China's influence to urge Iran not to take provocative action or encourage its proxies to enter the fray, to avoid regional escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

He is also expected to raise Chinese "influence operations" in foreign elections and the status of U.S. citizens that Washington believes are wrongly detained in China.

U.S. officials expected concrete steps to restore staff-level conversations between the two countries on a specific issues from military-to-military communications to reducing the flow of fentanyl, managing the growth of artificial intelligence technologies, managing trade and climate. Many of the chemicals used to make fentanyl come from China, U.S. officials say.

Biden, 80, presides over an economy that has outperformed expectations and most rich nations after the COVID-19 pandemic. Unpopular with voters at home, he is seeking a second term in office amid concerns about the stability of U.S. democracy.

He has corralled the nation's traditional allies from Europe to Asia to confront Russia in Ukraine, although some have differences over the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Xi, a decade Biden's junior, has tightened control over policy, state leaders, the media and military and changing the constitution. Recently, compounding economic challenges have thrown the country off its three-decade, rocket-propelled growth trajectory.

Government officials across the region expect Beijing to test Washington in coming weeks, taking advantage of the United States' perceived shift in focus on Ukraine and Israel, as it pursues its own ambitions in the Indo-Pacific.

Biden is expected to tell Xi that U.S. commitments in the Indo-Pacific are unchanged. China has worried its neighbors in recent years with steps in the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea and East China Sea, areas of international dispute. Biden will also express a specific commitment to the security of the Philippines, one of the U.S. officials said. (Reuters)
Today's news: Taiwan's opposition parties have formed an alliance ahead of the next elections; Amnesty accuses Cambodian government of threatening relocation of Angkor Wat families; The Asean Defence Ministers' summit in Indonesia starts today, looking at tensions in the South China Sea; Russia criticised Kazakhstan over decision to open secret KGB archives.

CHINA  USA

Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in the United States to participate in the Apec summit: today he will meet American President Joe Biden in Filoli, a city 45 km south of San Francisco, according to Voice of America. Despite several attempts to make the meeting appear friendly, yesterday the Beijing press agency, Xinhua News Agency, published a comment in which it invites the United States to "learn from the mistakes of the past" and not to waste this opportunity to mend the ties.

TAIWAN

Taiwan's two main opposition parties that have promised to renew talks with China (while the ruling party continues to highlight Beijing's interference) have teamed up ahead of elections on January 13. However, so far Vice President Lai Ching-te, the presidential candidate of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, has continued to lead in the polls, leaving Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang and Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People's Party in second place.

CAMBODIA

Amnesty International yesterday accused the Cambodian government of violating international law with the eviction of 10,000 families from the Angkor Wat temple complex, a well-known tourist destination and UNESCO world heritage site. Over the past year, Phnom Penh has stepped up the relocation of families, moving them to a new community under construction on former rice paddies 25km away from the site. Officials have long argued that families move voluntarily, but a report published by the organization said the threats of relocation received were "direct and subtle."

INDONESIA

The summit between ASEAN defense ministers begins today, in which some challenges for global security will be discussed. In addition to the war in Ukraine and Gaza, countries in the region are facing increasing Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea, especially towards the Philippines which is an ally of the United States and is seeking to deepen defense relations with Japan as well . Representatives from Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, India, New Zealand and Australia will also take part in the talks tomorrow.

THAILAND

After the outcry caused by previous statements, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said there were no plans to recruit Chinese police officers to patrol the country's most popular tourist spots. Bangkok wants to collaborate with the Chinese police only to exchange information on criminal networks that could be active in Thailand, the prime minister underlined.

GAZA  ISRAEL

The Israel Defense Forces entered al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City and took control of it. The White House said patients must be protected, while US intelligence confirmed Israeli claims that there was a Hamas command center underneath the facility.

RUSSIA - UKRAINE

Russia is trying to rebuild the Verkhnaja Khakovka dam destroyed during the fighting last summer, to restore supplies of drinking water to Crimea, which is in a phase of acute drought, with serious inconvenience for the population, but despite the proclamations of the governor Sergei Aksenov, the solution has not yet been found.

KAZAKHSTAN

On the occasion of the commemorations for the victims of the Stalin period, Kazakhstan decided to open the secret archives of the KGB linked to the republic, arousing criticism from Moscow, which considers these initiatives as disrespectful forms of relationship with the Soviet era, especially from of Central Asian countries, custodians of very burning memories.
Volvo introduced its first modern MPV in late 2023 for the 2024 model year and tried to convince customers that minivans were worthy thanks to their vast interiors and increased level of comfort.

As part of the Geely Chinese industrial giant, Volvo had access to new platforms and technologies that allowed the Swedish automaker to dodge the bullet of bankruptcy and become another dormant automaker. In 2022, the Chinese brand Zeekr introduced the 009 minivan as a luxurious people carrier. Zeekr, as part of the same Geely company, shared its MPV underpinnings with Volvo, who adapted the vehicle to suit its brand image. But even if it was a badge-engineered product, the EM90 was different in many aspects, raising the bar in terms of luxury and image.

Volvos first people carrier vehicle was the PV445 Duett during the 50s, followed by the P210 Duett in the 60s. After that, the Swedish automaker focused on sedans and station wagons more than on anything else, so the EM90s was the first minivan made by Volvo in more than half a century. Its front fascia features a panel crossed by small illuminated elements and the automakers backlit badge. On its upper sides, the automaker installed its signature design element, Thor hammer, for the daytime running lights, and underneath them, it placed the main LED headlights.

The big front fascia continued downward with an apron that sported a trapezoidal-shaped air intake that cooled the electronic components behind it and a pair of side scoops. From its profile, the EM90 boasted a silhouette with a short front end followed by a steep panoramic windshield. The double A-pillars reduced the blind spots for the driver and allowed the automaker to install front-hinged front doors. Volvo installed sliding doors for the rear passengers, while at the back, the car featured a vertical tailgate adorned by a small roof spoiler that incorporated the third braking light.

Inside, the EM90 was a true luxury home with tall-mounted seats for the front passengers and a wide center console that separated them where Volvo installed the drive selector and a storage compartment. The Swedish automaker created a minimalist design in the cabin, so the dashboard was uncluttered by buttons and switches. It moved most of the controls on the 14.5 infotainment screen that sat on top of the dashboards center. Fronting the driver was the main instrument panel shown on a display. For the second-row seated passengers, the car manufacturer created two comfortable reclining and sliding armchairs with an incorporated folding table into their armrests. Access to the third row of seats was rather difficult since the second row had to be slid forward.

Under its skin, at the launch, the EM90 featured a 200 kW (268 hp) electric motor that drove the rear wheels. It was fed by a 116 kWh battery pack that ensured a range of up to 738 km (459 miles) under CLTC (Chinese standards).
Israeli forces raided Gaza's largest hospital early Wednesday, where hundreds of patients, including newborns, have been stranded with dwindling supplies and no electricity, as the army extended its control across Gaza City and the north.

Shifa Hospital has become a symbol of the widespread suffering of Palestinian civilians during the war between Israel and Hamas, which erupted after the militant group killed some 1,200 people and seized around 240 captives in a surprise Oct. 7 attack into southern Israel.

The hospital is also at the heart of clashing narratives over who is to blame for the thousands of deaths and widespread destruction in the besieged territory. Israel accuses Hamas of using Palestinians as human shields, while Palestinians and rights groups say Israel has recklessly endangered civilians as it seeks to eradicate the group.

Mohammed Zaqout, the director of hospitals in Gaza, said Israeli tanks had entered the medical compound and that soldiers had entered buildings including the emergency and surgery departments, which house intensive care units.

The occupation forces stormed the buildings, he said angrily over the phone. He said the patients, including children, are terrified. They are screaming. Its a very terrifying situation ... we can do nothing for the patients but pray.

The Israeli military said it was carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in the Shifa Hospital. It said the soldiers were accompanied by medical teams and had brought medical supplies and baby food as well as incubators and other equipment.

Israel says Hamas has a massive command center inside and beneath Shifa, but has not provided visual evidence, while Hamas and the hospital staff have repeatedly denied the allegations. Hours before the raid, the United States said it had its own intelligence suggesting Hamas used Shifa and other hospitals  and tunnels beneath them  to support military operations and hold hostages.

The military said that the forces raiding Shifa are also searching for hostages. The plight of the captives, who include men, women and children, has galvanized Israeli support for the war, and families and supporters of the hostages are holding a protest march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Two and a half weeks after sending tanks and ground troops into northern Gaza, Israeli forces also claimed control of several key buildings and a downtown neighborhood in Gaza City.

Most of the hundreds of thousands of people living in Gaza City and surrounding areas have fled after weeks of Israeli bombardments. Hardly any aid has been delivered to the the north, which has been without power or running water for weeks.

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, and two thirds of the territory's 2.3 million people have fled their homes. About 2,700 people have been reported missing, with most believed to be buried under the rubble. 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.

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees said Tuesday that its fuel depot 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 severely overcrowded 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.

COGAT, 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 made in response to a request from the U.S.

Thousands of displaced people who had been sheltering at Shifa, along with patients who were able to move, had fled the medical compound in Gaza City through a corridor established by Israeli forces in recent days as Israeli troops encircled the complex and battled Hamas militants outside its gates.

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.

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.

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 White Houses national security council spokesperson, John Kirby, said Tuesday that 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 U.S. independently collected the information from multiple sources, a U.S. official said on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

Israeli troops have extended their control across northern Gaza, capturing the territorys legislature building and police headquarters. But independent accounts of the fighting in Gaza City have been nearly impossible to gather, as communications with 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, and are moving about freely in the city as a whole.

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.

The military says its forces have found weapons and eliminated fighters in government buildings, schools and residential buildings.

Israel says it has killed several thousand fighters, including important mid-level commanders, while 46 of its own soldiers have been killed in Gaza. (AP)
SUV

Electric Vehicle

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When the Japanese automaker started teasing its roster for the upcoming 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show (November 17-26), we were worried that its snippets of information pertained to the same model. Luckily, Toyota stepped in to clarify the situation, and now we are prepared to witness a double premiere in front of the Californian audience.The company is preparing to wrap the automotive fall season with two significant premieres after it worked hard to present its goodies during the first-ever Japan Mobility Show (formerly known as the Tokyo Motor Show for almost seven decades) at home and then the 2023 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The LA Auto Show will feature not just the ninth iteration of the global Camry, a best-selling mid-size sedan, but also the introduction of the second body style for the latest Crown series.Toyota indeed marks the Crown's return to the United States with all the positive aspects of a flagship  it stands out in any crowd with the quirky crossover-sedan and now also has a 'traditional' crossover in the first-ever Crown Signia. The new model will arrive a little later across nationwide dealerships, though  Camry comes first during the spring of 2024 , followed by the Crown Signia over the summer.The Crown nameplate is long-running, as it has almost seven decades of Toyota history behind it, but this is the first time it has joined the SUV club. The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia "takes all of the exceptional attributes of the Toyota Crown name and shapes them into a functional, sophisticated package that customers will adore," said TMNA Group Vice President David Christ at the product debut. "It's the first-ever entry into the crossover SUV category for Toyota's longest-running nameplate, and it showcases how we continue to elevate our designs, deliver premium quality, and take Hybrid efficiency in versatile new directions."Naturally, the all-new Crown Signia will feature just one powertrain option  the Toyota Hybrid(HEV) system with standard On-Demand) and will become available to customers in XLE and Limited grades. The stylish exterior design is very close to the regular Crown and also features the distinctive monochromatic grille treatment, plus stuff like optional 21-inch alloy wheels. Now, there are three Toyota models with the new signature 'Hammerhead' design  Crown, Camry, and Crown Signia.The CUV also features five "fashion-forward" colors outside - Storm Cloud, Finish Line Red, Oxygen White, Black, and Bronze Age, plus a choice of Saddle Tan or Black on both grades inside. The cockpit has bronze-finished trim touches, a center console with a vertical wireless charger, a big full-color driver's display, and a floating 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen. The standard powertrain for the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia has the 2.5-liter inline-four mated to a couple of electric motors with a total system output of 243 horsepower.The rating is slightly higher than on the regular Crown (236 hp) or all-new Camry (225 or 232 foror AWD versions, respectively). It also brings with it a preliminary manufacturer-estimated 36 combined MPG rating. The Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive is standard, and the max towing rating is up to 2,700 pounds. Speaking of practicality, according to the Japanese carmaker, there's a "roomy second-row seating that folds flat to reveal a 6.5-foot-long cargo area."
The infotainment system has become a battlefield for carmakers, as most companies want to claim back control after previously giving it in to Google and Apple.

EV

Android Auto and CarPlay have become the top choices in the majority of cars, but as the world is moving to a subscription-based model, carmakers believe the infotainment system could become a money-making machine.It all culminated with General Motors moving to Android Automotive and blocking CarPlay and Android Auto in its cars despite the system supporting the phone projection software. Android Auto and CarPlay can run on top of Android Automotive if the carmakers allow them.General Motors offers Android Automotive as the exclusive option in its EVs, but Volvo CEO Jim Rowan believes this isn't the right approach.Speaking in a recent interview, Rowan explained that giving customers the power of choice is critical. It's why Volvo allows them to choose between the native infotainment system, Android Auto, and CarPlay.Volvo also adopted Android Automotive, but unlike General Motors, it also allows drivers to connect their mobile devices to the head unit and run Android Auto and CarPlay.Rowan admits that Apple and Google developed great software that won the infotainment war, so investing in alternative solutions that would eventually create more frustration in the customer base isn't the right approach. "I think you've got to pick your battles," he said, adding that most people are permanently connected to their smartphones, so forcing them to leave the mobile device behind when driving is wrong.Rowan also emphasized that investing in technology to compete against solutions from Google and Apple makes no sense. It's why a digital assistant isn't part of Volvo's long-term strategy, as Rowan admits that the "7 billion people on the plane have an iPhone or an Android," and these mobile devices already come with a digital assistant.It's not the right way to "spend your engineering dollars," Rowan explains , so letting Apple and Google do what they know best is the right approach.Meanwhile, General Motors seems to think otherwise. The American carmaker expressed no intention to undo its decision, and starting with the 2024 Blazer, all its new electric vehicles will come with Android Automotive and without Android Auto and CarPlay.The strategy has already backfired, as customers threatened to change brands if their next GM car doesn't have Android Auto and CarPlay. The carmaker promises a significantly upgraded experience with Android Automotive, emphasizing that the deeper integration into the vehicle allows features not otherwise available on Android Auto and CarPlay.Android Automotive can read more vehicle data , allowing its services to offer advanced functionality. Google Maps has access to battery information, suggesting charging stops along the route. Google Assistant offers more voice commands than in an Android Auto vehicle, including support for adjusting the climate control settings.
If it weren't for a handful of smaller international aviation firms, chances are good the world's civil jetliner sector would be a complete two-horse race between the monolithic titans of Airbus and Boeing. There are a couple of different airliner manufacturers you could point to as the most important protectorates against an ethically dubious duopoly in the civil aviation space. But today, let's put a focusing lens on Embraer in particular. Without their E-Jet family, Embraer may have never arrived hot on the global scene in the way it did.

Photo: Embraer

Photo: Embraer

The story of the Embraer E-Jet family is one of a perpetual underdog. One of Brazilian national pride that'd go on to define South America's largest economy in a way that highlights a remarkably adaptable aviation sector. Indeed, Embraer was a very different company in the days before the ERJ program. Founded out of a desire by the Brazilian military dictatorship then in power, Embraer's genesis in August 1969 was meant to be a profound statement to the US and Western Europe. One decreeing that before long, the global civil airliner space wouldn't be split evenly between two continents in the Northern Hemisphere for much longer.Embraer's first product, the 18-passenger, twin-engine EMB 110 Bandeirante, set the precedent for what the rest of the company's range of aircraft would one day look like. A platform that lent well to small sizes with minimal passenger capacity but the same respectable flight performance and high standard of build quality that American or European light aircraft took for granted. From the proverbial rib of the Bandeirante spawned the military transport-darling EMB 121 Xingu, using the same wing and engine layout but with a sleeker, more VIP-friendly fuselage.From there, Embraer built off their first meager successes with their second wholly bespoke airframe, the twin-turboprop, 30-passenger, three-abreast EMB 120 Brasilia. As one of Embraer's first airframes to be sold primarily in the United States and elsewhere outside Brazil, the Brazilia was Embraer's triumphant arrival at airport terminals across the United States, Canada, and Europe. All-time-great aircraft manufacturers like Cessna and Piper built billion-dollar empires selling primarily light aircraft no larger than the EMB 120 Brasilia, but Embraer had much larger ambitions as the 80s gave way to the 90s.In the same vein as more established regional jets from European firms like Fokker and British Aerospace , the ERJ Family in its 37-passenger 135 forms, 44-passenger ERJ140, and 50-passenger ERJ 145, used the Brasilia's three-abreast seat arrangement and took it up a notch with Rolls-Royce AE 3007 to whisp their passengers along at nearly 80 percent the speed of sound. Through the Embraer Legacy 600 business jet that shares an airframe with the ERJ-145, the top one percent of society could have the same attributes applied to a first-class large business jet.But puddle-jumper regional jets alone wouldn't put Embraer in the same regard as Airbus or Boeing. Only a fully-fledged narrow-body airliner with the capacity for triple-digit passengers and the range to cross the continental U.S. would make the established civil aviation aristocracy sweat. With three decades of R&D at their backs, Embraer made its first public announcement of a narrow-body, long-range jetliner in March 1997. At first, the concept was intended to accommodate 70 passengers, leading to the development name EMB 170.When that was deemed insufficient, the project was reworked into a larger, more elongated airframe that was formally announced in February 1999 before its big reveal at the Paris Air Show in June of that year under the name E-Jet. In front of a Parisian crowd so used to runways flanked by endless variations of the Boeing 737, the sight of a scrappy Brazilian newcomer to a sector dominated by two titans was a remarkable spectacle. With its first flight on February 19th, 2002, Embraer was officially a force in the full-size, narrow-body airliner sector.The first-generation E-Jet family was divided into four variants tailored to different segments of narrow-body jetliner work. The introductory variant, the E170, can accommodate up to 78 passengers if arranged in its high-capacity configuration. With a length of just under 30 meters (98.4 ft) and a wingspan of just over 26 meters (85.3 ft), the E170 and its slightly lengthened E175 counterpart were the most regional-friendly of the E-Jet family. But with the lifting potential of a full-sized airliner owed to two General Electric CF34-8E engines, smaller members of the E-Jet family can haul more cargo than a true-to-form regional jet over similar routes.With 14,200 lbs (63 kN) of thrust to work with, up to 88 passengers could cruise at 75 percent the speed of sound in the E175, ditto on the speed for the E170. On its deployment in March 2004, the E170 soon found success with smaller airlines unable to afford big Boeing and Airbus jets. Its first launch customer was Poland's flag-carrier airline, LOT Polish Airlines, and the type remained popular with smaller Western airlines like Alitalia, the former largest airline in Italy, and the US Airways subsidiary MidAtlantic Airways. With crisp, responsible fly-by-wire controls on par with anything from Boeing or Airbus, pilots had little to complain about when it came to flying Embraer's first non-regional jetliner.It was a reputation that followed the E-Jet into its first launch customer for the stretched E175, Air Canada, in 2005. Soon after, lucrative orders from Republic Airways for 62 E170 airframes cemented the type's place in North American skies. A further 193 orders for the E175 by SkyWest Airlines really drove the point home, while the larger, re-engined E190 and E195 were prepped for their operational debuts soon afterward in September 2006. With more powerful 10E variants of the GE CF34 engine jetting 20,000 lbs of thrust each, key factors like time to climb numbers and maximum range were marginally boosted in the E190/195 on top of a bump in passenger capacity from 114 to 124 people depending on the model and seating layout.With the acquisition of 47 E190s by JetBlue , Embraer aircraft were now in service under the same corporate banner that'd been dominated by Airbus products up to that point. With a form factor that slides so smoothly in between the Boeing 747 and the Airbus A320, the E190 is the goldilocks point that's not too big nor too small for a breadth of large and small airlines. Over 1,700 first-generation E-Jets have been sold, according to data from Ebraer's commercial aviation website. That's without counting sales from the positively "Ridonkulous" E190 business jet conversion, the Lineage 1000, or the E-190F freighter variant.That's without discussing the original E-Jet's contemporary descendants, the E-Jet E2 family. With new and improved variants of the Pratt & Whitney PW1900G turbofan optimized for each of the three E-Jet E2 jets in service, smaller E175-E2s produce 15,000 lbs (67 kN) of thrust while the larger E190-E2 and E195-E2 can make up to 23,000 lbs (102 kN) on takeoff. It allows the E Jet E2 line to do everything its ancestor jets could do, all while saving fuel and reducing operating costs thanks to an entirely new layer of refinement added to an already flexible and potent airframe.Today, both the E1 and E2 lines of Embraer E-Jets are still in production in Brazil, with orders for the former still waiting to be filled in accordance with airline contracts. Though JetBlue intends to ditch their E190s by 2025 in favor of newer Airbus A320 derivatives, chances are still good the type will remain a relevant platform in the international airliner sector for at least a few more years to come. In the meantime, it's important to appreciate how Embraer's spent the last 20 years acting as a safeguard against a duopoly in the narrow-body airliner sector that nobody, be it analysts or industry insiders, wants to see come to pass in our lifetimes.
A Canadian hiker who believed Google Maps would help him find the right path on Mount Fromme learned the hard way that the application does its magic only on public roads.

The man was hiking from the Kennedy Falls area, using a trail that appeared on Google Maps for guidance. He eventually got stranded on a cliff in a place where rescuers already found other hikers and also recorded a fatality.The North Shore Rescue revealed in a post on Facebook that a non-existent trail appeared on Google Maps, leading some hikers to dangerous regions. The trail has already been removed, but the rescuers explain that using Google Maps for hiking is not recommended. Google Maps is only good for what the rescuers described as "urban street map" navigation , and hikers should spend more time planning their trips without relying solely on navigation apps.The rescue operation was challenging, especially because the man was stranded in a place full of trees, so spotting him from a helicopter was hard.Two rescue experts scanned the area from the air and eventually spotted the man, bringing him to safety hours later.People misusing Google Maps has become a major concern for authorities across the world, as many people trust what the application says blindly and follow its directions without even paying attention to road signage.Google Maps does not include step-by-step guidance of all activities and is specifically aimed at drivers while also offering walking and motorcycle support. However, the walking mode primarily focuses on urban navigation, such as when you need directions to find a restaurant in an unfamiliar region. The application can come in handy for tourists, but using it for hiking is extremely dangerous.Additionally, Google Maps lacks support for truck navigation, despite many lorry drivers relying on the app to find faster routes to their destinations. However, it doesn't take into account the vehicle size and the cargo dimensions, so Google Maps can send drivers on narrow roads where only a standard passenger car would fit.This critical detail has already led to incidents where lorries got stuck on small residential roads after the drivers used Google Maps to find the destination.Not long ago, the driver of a 33-tonne Amazon lorry relied on his sat-nav to find an address, following the guidance on the streets of a small road in Great Britain. The vehicle got stuck in a place where the cargo couldn't fit, and the driver needed hours to get out without damaging the historical buildings on the side of the road.The NSR recommends everyone hiking in the area always carry spare batteries if they rely on mobile devices for navigation information and region exploration.
As the transportation industry is accelerating its efforts toward a greener future, legacy brands are also jumping on the electrification bandwagon. Lambretta, a prominent name in the scooter world with a big community of fans, has unveiled its vision for an electric future with the new Elettra scooter.

Photo: Lambretta

Photo: Lambretta

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Photo: Lambretta

The recent International Motorcycle and Accessories Exhibition (EICMA) 2023 in Milan was the perfect opportunity for the iconic Italian brand to return to the spotlight and showcase its first electrified transportation solution.Paying homage to Lambretta brand's heritage, the sleek Elettra e-scooter borrows design cues from previous models produced by the company and combines them with the latest electric vehicle technology to provide riders with an emissions-free, retro-inspired way to explore the city.If you're not familiar with Lambretta's history, the company was founded in 1947, and its products became true cult vehicles, being associated with European post-war mobility. After a few successful decades, it ceased production in 1972 and was resurrected in 2017 via Switzerland-based Innocenti S.A. Lugano. Amazingly, even after more than 40 years, there are still a lot of enthusiasts around and the brand's models still excite and stir up nostalgia.It should be noted from the get-go that Lambretta pointed out that the Elettra scooter they unveiled at EICMA 2023 is not a production model yet, but it isn't a concept either. It's a real product that has already passed the testing phase and should soon join the company's existing scooter range.In terms of construction, the new Lambretta Elettra is built with a cast aluminum and steel bodywork and an aluminum swingarm, while from an aesthetics point of view, it channels the brand's legacy designs into a futuristic cyber-city scooter with silver electric livery, decent performance, and good range for urban rides . It boasts its ancestors' distinctive sharp lines at the front but innovates with futuristic details like T-shaped handlebars with integrated turn signals, a hexagonal white front light, and a strip of blue LED lighting that surrounds the body of the scooter and makes it glow in the dark.The cushioned seat, as well as the rims of the wheels, share the same light blue color, adding unity to the overall design.Further enhancing the modernized approach is a softer, more refined rear bodywork. Moreover, the hydraulic rear tilts up automatically to reveal the mechanicals, the battery, and some storage space.Lambretta also endowed the new scooter with quite impressive specs, stepping away from the current trend of slower urban scooters. The newly unveiled Elettra takes power from a four-permanent magnet synchronous motor placed at the hub of the back wheel and is capable of outputting 11(15 hp) at peak power.Backed by its lightweight build of just 135 kg (just under 298 pounds), the Elettra promises to be nimble and easy to maneuver. It is capable of a top speed of 110 kph (68 mph), with a claimed torque of 258 Nm or 190 lb-ft. This is higher than many other scooters currently available on the market, so it will offer a zippy riding experience regardless of whether you use it for city commutes and leisure rides.The electric motor is assisted by a 4.6lithium battery. Charging time is approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes using a 220V outlet and just 35 minutes when plugged into a fast-charging station (from 20% to 80%). The fact that the scooter is equipped with a single fixed battery might be seen as a downside by prospective customers, though, as this means owners would not be able to charge the batteries remotely from the scooter. And since most scooter users typically live in a city apartment, this could be an issue.As for range, the e-scooter will offer up to 127 km (79 miles) on a single charge if you cruise at an average speed of 40 kph (25 mph). According to the company, the production Elettra will offer three riding modes - Eco, Ride, and Sport - in order to offer an adaptable riding experience. Depending on the selected mode, the range will change, catering to the diverse needs of city riders.It will ride on a set of 12-inch wheels, using a traditional trailing link suspension up front. Seat height is an accessible 780 mm (approx. 30 inches).While the exact pricing details and official release date are yet to be announced, Lambretta has assured EICMA attendees that the Elettra is poised to hit the streets in the near future. And one thing is certain - the company is looking to the future and aligning its offering with the current electrification trend.The new Elettra is not just another electric two-wheeler in the already crowded electric mobility market; it's a statement of style and sustainability, modernizing the decades-long history of the Italian company and offering fans of the brand a stylish and practical urban commuter with eco-friendly performance.
We've all seen what rust does to a car, and unfortunately, we're reminded of this painful outcome occasionally when people worldwide come across vehicles abandoned for decades in places away from humanity.

Barn finds are great, and I enjoy exploring them, as they're typically a second chance a forgotten gem receives to return to the road. Yard finds are intriguing, too, but they usually exhibit bigger problems, including massive rust.The 1959 Corvette you can't see in these pictures is something different.eBay seller mccomase posted the "car" online earlier this week, looking for a new owner who wants a 1959 Corvette body for restoration. The owner describes it as a project car, but it's a Corvette body with the rear clip and several fiberglass body panels, all requiring major repairs.It's not hard to figure out this Corvette has been sitting for a while, and by a while, I mean decades. What's worse is that it looks like the pile of metal and fiberglass has been sitting under the clear sky, possibly as the original Corvette, where everything was sitting together nicely, served as a donor for another project.The owner says the car comes with a different VIN frame underneath it, but the year is unknown. The factory original VIN tag is still present, and I believe this is the best part of the entire Corvette pile.You won't get any extra parts, so if you were hoping for an engine, that's not going to happen this time.If you've been in the restoration business for more than a few years, you probably know already that 1959 Corvettes are pretty rare, so finding the necessary parts for an incomplete project is an even bigger challenge. Chevrolet produced only 9,670 units for this model year, despite the 1959 release not exhibiting too many changes from the previous model.Despite the horrible shape of this Corvette "project," the owner still expects to get a lot of money for the car, as they listed it on eBay with a $6,500 price tag. However, because a 1959 body is very rare, the listing has already caught the attention of many people online, so eBay says 69 users are already watching the Corvette.The owner also enabled the Make Offer option, so if you're interested in the body, maybe you could get a better deal.Meanwhile, anyone who wants to see what's left of a once-gorgeous Corvette must travel to Huntsville, Alabama. The owner emphasizes that no other extra parts are available, so what you see in the photos is precisely what you get, and the available parts will only sell as part of the complete package. The car sells with an unnotarized bill of sale.
Ask anyone you want, and they will all tell you driving or riding any kind of vehicle doesn't mix at all with drinking. Yet this has never stopped carmakers and bike makers from linking their names (and that of their products) with companies and brands in the alcohol business. It doesn't mean these companies endorse drinking and riding/driving, but they do it anyway, in a bid to get a bit more exposure.

The latest to do so is Super73. It's the name of an American startup that makes, among other things, electric bicycles and (soon enough) motorcycles. And some of these products are so good they routinely enter the media's lists of best of their kind - see the case of the upcoming C1X , possibly the best electric motorcycle of its kind when it comes to charging times: we're promised ten to 80 percent charge in just 15 minutes.The company said this week it struck a deal with tequila brand JAJA to put together no less, no more than three custom e-bikes, all of them inspired by the "rich and vibrant landscapes" of Mexican state Jalisco, where this brand of the beverage is made.All three bikes are based on the S2, something the company describes as the "iconic urban cruiser." That would be a ride made with a frame in aluminum alloy, riding on fully adjustable air suspension, and capable of providing four speed levels. The S2 bikes can travel in electric mode for as much as 120 km (75 miles), or virtually an unlimited distance under foot power, provided your legs hold.All of that is achievable with the custom bikes presented this week as well, only the trips are done on very colorful two-wheelers: special hues have been applied to the frames and chainguards, and there are special decals all around. Each of the three bikes has been painted in such a way as to pay tribute to one of three types of JAJA tequila: Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo.If you were about to head over to the Super73 website to see how much one of these babies costs, read on for a while: they are free, but for just three people, the winners of a sweepstake that opened on November 14 and will run for the next couple of weeks or so. Yes, that means you are not looking at some kind of limited production version of the S2, but just three examples that are to be used for promotional purposes.To take part in the sweepstakes and have a shot at winning one of these rides, you have to be over 21 years of age and be a resident of the United States (minus Rhode Island). Both Super73 and JAJA warn that no alcohol prizes will be awarded.
In 2012, this was supposed to become the greatest private superyacht ever built in the United States. A decade later, after several twists of fate, Liberty has almost regained its original worth, and perhaps, it will also become as famous as it was meant to be.

Photo: Merlewood & Associates

Photo: Ocean Independence

Photo: Ocean Independence

Photo: Merlewood & Associates

Liberty did not succeed in becoming the number one American-built superyacht of all time, but it's certainly one of the most fascinating. Custom-built for a visionary American couple back in 2012, this Trinity vessel flaunts an interior like no other. It's also one of the few to have an entire book dedicated to it. In 2013, a former reporter for The Wall Street Journal, G. Bruce Knecht, published "Grand Ambition: An Extraordinary Yacht, the People Who Built It, and the Millionaire Who Can't Really Afford It."When a lavish 187-footer (57 meters) is a downgrading option, you know you're talking about millionaires and passionate yacht owners . Liberty, launched as Lady Linda, was a step down only in terms of size and for a very practical reason. Doug and Linda Von Allmen needed a pleasure craft that could fit better behind their Florida mansion and make its way smoothly to the Bahamas.Their jaw-dropping 197-footer (60 meters) named Linda Lou had turned out to be impractical. The stunning Lurssen delivered to them in 2006 had an inconvenient 11.6-foot (3.5-meter) draft. As a result, the millionaire couple decided to go for a shallow-draft yacht that could easily be docked in Fort Lauderdale and cruise in the Bahamas while also keeping the grandiose style of the Lurssen behemoth.That's how construction for the Trinity yacht Lady Linda began in 2006. Due to the 2008 economic crisis and other bumps in the road, it would take six long years to complete. At the time, Doug and Linda had owned five large yachts, three of which were built by Trinity. Even though it was their third Trinity, Lady Linda was only their second custom project in collaboration with the American shipyard, making it extra special.Lady Linda was designed by Geoff Van Aller and styled by the UK-based Evan K Marshall. Connoisseurs might find it similar to prestigious European designs, and that's because the owners wanted it to resemble their Lurssen yacht, Linda Lou. Despite its considerable size, Lady Linda boasted a shallow draft of eight feet (2.4 meters) as per the owners' request. The generous 782 GT volume allowed luxurious accommodations for 12 guests and a huge 14-person crew.Doug and Linda specifically wanted their future guests to enjoy equally luxurious accommodations, hence the yacht's atypical layout. Instead of smaller cabins of different sizes, Lady Linda boasted no less than four king-sized suites on the lower deck, in addition to the master suite on the main deck. Plus, a sixth smaller cabin was added on the bridge deck behind the pilothouse. It was set up as a gym but could easily convert to an extra suite.While Lady Linda's all-white exterior didn't particularly stand out, its interior turned out to be outrageously sumptuous, especially when compared to today's ultra-minimalistic trend. It could be described as a classic style with Art Deco accents, but that would hardly be enough to capture its uniqueness.The foyer is perhaps the most grandiose area on board, with a complex story behind it. A backlit Lalique panel reveals a majestic mural that follows along the entire staircase. It was hand-painted by a Florida artist, Karen Wagner, and it was meant to recreate one of the most famous Art Deco reliefs  the Chariot of Aurora, found onboard the iconic French liner SS Normandie. It was a real challenge to recreate this work of art in a vertical direction, and the result is truly a work of art in itself.The upper salon is another jaw-dropping display of opulence. The unusual floors feature a wood floor inlay by Czar Floors. It was specifically designed to mimic the curvature of the seating area. The Art Deco-style panels with silver-leaf and gold-leaf accents were hand-carved by a Florida artist, Ken Salowe. Deep blue tapestry, leather furniture, and lacquered surfaces added a touch of glamour.Although you could hardly tell judging by its palatial look, this is "just a TV lounge, one where the screen rises from a cabinet that's designed to seem like it's made of mother-of-pearl. The same room can easily be transformed into a cozy cinema room. Lady Linda also flaunts an abundance of bespoke stonework. In other words, there's marble everywhere, starting with all the en-suite bathrooms and continuing inside the upper salon, the foyer, and even the exterior deck area. The main salon feels more like a palace, boasting an enormous dining area, ultra-sumptuous seating, and a caramel-colored bar covered in precious onyx.The Von Allmens wanted a superyacht that would be unlike any other. And that meant an outrageous use of precious materials such as burl wood for the walls, onyx for the floors, and different types of marble throughout. Plus, each piece of furniture was custom-made, and the owners added works of art that were specially commissioned for the yacht.The sundeck is as stunning as you'd expect, complete with a large spa pool, a fully equipped bar, and a generous area for al-fresco dining. It doubles as a touch-and-go helipad and can also turn into a fabulous dancing floor with ample room and disco lights.Due to the unusual cabin configuration with equally-sized staterooms, the yacht's main tenders had to be stowed on the sundeck. Usually, they're housed inside a dedicated tender garage, but there was no more room for one. Lady Linda originally came with a seven-meter (23 feet) Novurania and a 3.9-meter (12.7 feet) rescue tender launched by a small crane. At the same time, the yacht was equipped to easily move away all the water toys when it was time to use the sundeck as a party stage.The Von Allmens did not hold on to their custom masterpiece forever. The 2012 Trinity vessel was purchased by another Florida millionaire, Steven M. Mariano, in 2015. That's when the yacht became Lady Sara. Unfortunately, it wasn't a good move for the American vessel. Mariano had to make a $32 million loan in order to afford Lady Sara and would end up losing the yacht just two years later because he wasn't able to repay the loan.Lady Sara was arrested by the U.S. Marshall and eventually got auctioned off for much less than its original worth. Prior to this, the yacht had been listed for sale with an asking price of $36 million. After being put up for auction, Lady Sara was sold for just $15 million, according to court documents. It was sold to the same bank that had filed the lawsuit against Mariano. The bank then instructed Luke Brown Yachts to find a private owner.After this dark phase in its history, Lady Sara was renamed Liberty and underwent a comprehensive refit in 2018. Today, it's once again a stunning superyacht asking for nearly $25 million. It also operates as a successful charter yacht with weekly rates starting at $350,000. Last year, Liberty completed its ten-year survey, and its twin Caterpillar engines are as ready as ever to propel it at 20 knots (37 kph).
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According to a joint statement issued by the parties following the first session on November 13, it was an opportunity to mark the strong cooperation and friendship between our two democracies.

With the increase globally in threats to democratic values, human rights, rule of law and the freedoms we strive to protect our citizens, working together on issues of mutual concern it is more important than ever not only to build trade and stability, but also to protect our shared core values. We reaffirmed the aspiration to build our partnership over the coming years, the statement said.

Among the ways in which Armenia and the UK can work together in the future the parties indicated several major areas, including governance and rule of law, defense cooperation, trade and economic ties.

According to the statement, the UK will soon begin working to support Armenias border management capacities to tackle security and migration issues.

[It is] Armenia-UK defense cooperation, which continues to expand with increased numbers of personnel from the Armenian military and Ministry of Defense, and police (Ministry of Internal Affairs) personnel receiving English Language training instruction, as well as places on UK senior and junior command and leadership courses, and multi-national peace-keeping and mine-awareness packages, the statement said.

The Ministers agreed on the absolute necessity of the establishment of peace and stability in the South Caucasus based on the mutual recognition of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders on the basis of the Alma Ata 1991 Declaration, and the opening of regional connectivity links based on full respect of each countries sovereignty and jurisdiction, it added.

Apart from holding talks with British Minister for Europe Leo Docherty, as part of his November 13-14 visit Armenian Foreign Minister Mirzoyan also attended the inauguration of a new Armenian embassy building in London. Speaking at the ceremony, Mirzoyan described it as 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, the Armenian minister said.
The United States and China both promised action on climate change on Wednesday, ahead of a planned meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping aiming to stabilize the strained relations between the two powers.

The climate crisis is "one of the greatest challenges of our time," the two sides said in a joint statement published by China's official news agency Xinhua.

Washington and Beijing both reaffirmed the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement, a treaty aiming to hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 degrees Celsius - and if possible 1.5 degrees - above pre-industrial levels.

The move to expand cooperation between China and the US on climate issues comes ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference, known as COP 28, to be held in Dubai later this month.

China is by far the largest emitter of greenhouse gases worldwide, followed by the US, though when it comes to per capita emissions, the US is ahead of China.

China is only planning to gradually reduce its emissions from 2030, a strategy seen as incompatible with the goals of the Paris agreement.

Cooperation on climate is a ray of hope in the strained relations between the two powers, but the first personal exchange between Biden and Xi in about a year is set to take place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Community (APEC) summit in San Francisco.

Biden and Xi have not seen each other in person since the G20 summit on the Indonesian island of Bali a year ago.

The US side said that the aim of the talks was to organize competition between the two countries in a responsible manner, secure channels of communication, and avoid a drift into military conflict.

In Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said this week that China wanted relations to be put back on a "stable path."

The meeting is expected to last several hours. A trade fight, accusations of espionage, tensions surrounding Taiwan and China's stance in the Ukraine war have frayed ties.

The two sides are also due to discuss the fight against drug smuggling into the United States at their meeting, the White House said on Tuesday.

Illicit drugs coming out of China are on the agenda, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said. The US government accuses China of being a key contributor to the country's drug epidemic through the production of fentanyl, which is being smuggled into the US in large volumes.

The synthetic opioid is 50 times stronger than heroin and has led to a devastating drug crisis in the country.

Spokeswoman Mao warned that Beijing was unwilling to budge when it came to Taiwan and its territorial claims in the South China Sea - two points of contention that has raised the spectre of war.

Sill, in recent months both sides have endeavoured to revive dialogue with each other. The presidential meeting was preceded by numerous meetings between high-ranking members of government from both countries. (DPA)
During a Tuesday press briefing in Washington a journalist asked Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, to give a preview of what would be discussed during a congressional hearing on the future of Nagorno-Karabakh that was planned for the next day, November 15.

The correspondent, in particular, said: You have Azerbaijan on [the] one hand celebrating the victory in a town surrounded by [the] Russian army. You have Armenia [that] is being bullied by Russia every single day, saying that [it] wont go anywhere So is there any happy ending there, in your opinion?

According to the State Departments official website, Miller replied: I will just say what I said before. I dont want to talk about tomorrows hearing, but I will say that we continue to believe that people who left Nagorno-Karabakh have the right to return home if they want to do so, and that right must be preserved.

More than 100,000 ethnic Armenians fled Nagorno-Karabakh in the days that followed Azerbaijans offensive on September 19-20. According to different estimates, a couple of dozen ethnic Armenians currently remain in Nagorno-Karabakh that is under full Azerbaijani control now.

Despite scaling back its peacekeeping mission, Russian servicemen still remain in the region where they were first deployed under the terms of a Moscow-brokered ceasefire agreement that stopped a six-week war between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh in the fall of 2020. Under that tripartite deal the Russian peacekeeping force would stay in the region at least until 2025.

After the exodus of the local Armenian population and before that, in conditions of an effective blockade imposed by Azerbaijan, Armenia has repeatedly criticized Russia for failing to fulfill its main mission, that is to protect Nagorno-Karabakhs Armenian population.

Officially Azerbaijan does not object to Armenians returning to Nagorno-Karabakh and living under Bakus jurisdiction as Azerbaijani citizens, but authorities in Yerevan and representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh point to the absence of security guarantees for such returnees after what happened in the region during the past several years and months.

Azerbaijan, at the same time, promotes the idea of the return of tens of thousands of ethnic Azeris to the places where they lived in Armenia before the conflict began in the late 1980s. In doing so Azerbaijani officials and media often use the term Western Azerbaijan, suggesting that Azeris who left Armenia lived in their historical lands.

Speaking at the Paris Peace Conference on November 10, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian charged that the concept of Western Azerbaijan promoted by Baku is preparing a new war against the Republic of Armenia.

Pashinian also stressed that about 360,000 ethnic Armenians were forcibly displaced from Azerbaijan since the conflict began over three decades ago.
In an interview with Public Television aired on Tuesday evening Secretary of Armenias Security Council Armen Grigorian reminded that Azerbaijan had refused to attend a meeting of the two countries leaders that was planned to be held with the European Unions mediation in Brussels in late October.

We are ready to continue negotiations in this [Brussels] format to finalize the peace treaty and sign it by the end of the year if it is possible. There is also a possibility of continuing such negotiations at another level, for instance, in Washington. Armenia is ready, and lets hope that such a meeting will take place, Grigorian said.

The official reminded that Louis Bono, a U.S. special envoy for Armenian-Azerbaijani peace talks, recently visited the region.

He was discussing possible meetings. Of course, it is not final, but one of the goals of the visit was to organize a meeting, Grigorian said.

Asked why such a meeting could not be organized in Moscow, Grigorian said: We go where we consider it important, where we see an opportunity at the moment and from where we have received clear offers. I am not aware of any offers from Moscow.

Commenting on a series of decisions by official Yerevan to skip major gatherings of Russia-led groupings, including the latest decision by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian not to attend an upcoming summit of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in Minsk, Grigorian emphasized that Armenia had been asking help from the CSTO since May 2021, but did not receive the necessary assistance to protect its sovereign territory against Azerbaijani aggression.

We have had numerous questions to the CSTO, answers to which we have not received till now. And this is also the reason why Armenia does not participate in the CSTO [sessions], the secretary of Armenias Security Council said.

Earlier this year Armenia also refused to participate in CSTO military drills, while hosting joint military drills with the United States in Yerevan.

Pashinian also declined to attend a summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), a wider and looser grouping of ex-Soviet states, in Kyrgyzstan on October 13.

These and other similar moves by Yerevan have increasingly been seen in Russia, which dominates the CSTO, as unfriendly. Russias Foreign Ministry last week accused Pashinians administration of systematically destroying Russian-Armenian relations, a claim dismissed in Yerevan.

Tensions between Armenia and Russia rose further after Azerbaijans September 19-20 military offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh that led to the exodus of the regions virtually entire ethnic Armenian population. Armenia, in particular, blamed Russian peacekeepers deployed in Nagorno-Karabakh under a 2020 ceasefire agreement between Moscow, Baku and Yerevan for failing to protect the local Armenians.

The Kremlin said on Tuesday that it regrets Pashinians latest decision not to attend the upcoming CSTO summit, while a spokesperson for Alyaksandr Lukashenka, the formal host of the gathering in Minsk, said that during their phone call earlier this week the Belarusian leader warned the Armenian prime minister against making hasty decisions, suggesting that he should seriously think over his next steps that could be aimed at disintegration.

Despite the deepening rift in relations between Yerevan and Moscow, Pashinian has so far announced no plans to pull his country out of the CSTO or demand the withdrawal of Russian troops stationed in Armenia.

In the November 14 interview with Armenias Public Television Security Council Secretary Grigorian repeated what Pashinian and other Armenian officials have said before, saying that it is not Armenia that is quitting the CSTO, but it is the CSTO that is quitting the region.
The EUMA published photographs showing Kviens visit, saying that it was facilitated by the missions Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ijevan.

The 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.

Since its deployment the mission has carried out more than a thousand patrols along the restive Armenian-Azerbaijani border. The EUMA operates from six FOBs situated in towns of Armenias Syunik, Vayots Dzor, Gegharkunik and Tavush provinces.

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. Azerbaijan has also publicly raised the issue of Soviet-era exclaves in Armenia.

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.

EU foreign ministers on Monday gave the green light to a proposal to beef up the border-monitoring mission in Armenia. When the measure is submitted to the European Commission it will need to come up with a proposal on how the EUMA can be expanded. The decisions of the European Commission, in turn, must be ratified by the 27 EU member states.
Apparently implying Russias ongoing war against Ukraine that admittedly consumes a vast amount of armaments and resources from Moscow, Pashinian said that the absence of arms supplies from partners was also due to objective reasons.

We are looking for other security partners. And we are looking for and finding other security partners, we are trying to sign contracts, acquire some armaments. This is our policy, the Armenian leader said in parliament on Wednesday.

Armenia recently signed military cooperation deals with France for the acquisition of such weapons as armored personnel vehicles, radars and short-range missiles.

Reports in media have also indicated that Armenia has signed contracts for the purchase of several types of armaments from India, including multiple-launch rocket systems, artillery, anti-tank rockets and ammunition, as well as mostly recently anti-drone military equipment.

During the question-and-answer session in parliament today Pashinian again refused to be drawn into the discussion of whether Armenia plans to formally quit the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a Russian-led defense alliance of several post-Soviet countries of which Armenia is a member, nor would he speak about any security alternatives to membership in this organization.

We are not planning to announce a change in our policy in strategic terms as long as we havent made a decision to quit the CSTO, Pashinian said in reply to a question from an opposition lawmaker.

On Tuesday Pashinian announced that he would not attend a CSTO summit scheduled to take place in the Belarusian capital of Minsk later this month. Earlier this year Armenia also declined to participate in CSTO military drills, while hosting joint exercises with the United States military in Yerevan. This and several other moves by Yerevan drew angry reactions from Russia that has accused the Pashinian administration of systematically destroying relations with Moscow.

Officials in Yerevan have not concealed their frustration with the CSTO, considering that the Russia-led bloc has failed to fulfill its obligation to Armenia to secure its borders and protect its sovereign territory against incursions by Azerbaijan.

Our most important note concerning the processes taking place in the CSTO and our positions in this regard is that unfortunately the CSTO, with its de-jure mandatory obligations, did not provide a proper response to Armenias security challenges, and this has happened time and again, Pashinian said, adding that the absence of the CSTOs proper response was also not understandable for our society.

The Armenian prime minister said that the fundamental problem was that the CSTO was refusing to de-jure fixate its area of responsibility in Armenia. In these conditions this could mean that by silently participating we could join the logic that would question Armenias territorial integrity and sovereignty. We cant allow ourselves such a thing, and by making such decisions [not to attend CSTO gatherings] we give the CSTO and ourselves time to think over further actions, Pashinian said.

Tensions between Armenia and Russia rose further after Azerbaijans September 19-20 military offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh that led to the exodus of the regions virtually entire ethnic Armenian population. Armenia, in particular, blamed Russian peacekeepers deployed in Nagorno-Karabakh under a 2020 ceasefire agreement between Moscow, Baku and Yerevan for failing to protect the local Armenians.

The Kremlin said on Tuesday that it regrets Pashinians latest decision not to attend the upcoming CSTO summit, while a spokesperson for Alyaksandr Lukashenka, the formal host of the gathering in Minsk, said that during their phone call earlier this week the Belarusian leader warned the Armenian prime minister against making hasty decisions, suggesting that he should seriously think over his next steps that could be aimed at disintegration.
During the hearing on The Future of Nagorno-Karabakh held by the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committees Subcommittee on Europe, the high-ranking diplomat noted that the subject of investigation is not only what happened in Nagorno-Karabakh during September when the regions virtually entire ethnic Armenian population fled their homes within a matter of days after a lightening military operation launched by Azerbaijan, but also during the months preceding it.

We have commissioned independent investigators, we have our own investigators working in the field. There is information available from international non-governmental organizations and other investigators. And as we develop the record of what happened, we will be completely open about what we are finding. I cant put a timeline on this investigation, but we will inform you as we go forward, OBrien said.

The second thing we are working on is support for Armenia I am very impressed by the Armenian governments commitment to reforms and diversifying relationships that it has  economic, political, energy and security  particularly in the Trans-Atlantic community. And I think we owe it to the people of Armenia to help them through this difficult situation so that those choices they have made very bravely are able to help them to make them have a more secure, stable and prosperous future, the U.S. diplomat added.

Speaking on behalf of the Department of State, OBrien said that Washington insists that Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians have complete access to the territory, on the protection of the property and culture and that they receive adequate information so that they can make real choice about their future.

Members of the Subcommittee also talked about the settlement of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, emphasizing that the countries hindering the process, including Russia, should be kept away from the negotiations.

Presenting what happened in Nagorno-Karabakh, Congressman Bill Keating said that despite months of diplomatic talks that had led to significant progress, in September 2023 Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev decided to break with the internationally accepted and lawful diplomatic path, instead opting for the use of military force in Nagorno-Karabakh.

As a result of Azerbaijans unacceptable military action over 100,000 ethnic Armenians have fled Nagorno-Karabakh, resettling in Armenia and leaving their personal belongings and their livelihoods behind them. I strongly believe we must provide humanitarian and economic assistance to displaced people in Armenia and ensure accountability for any potential crimes committed against those fleeing Nagorno-Karabakh or those who are choosing to remain there, Keating underscored.
15 November 2023 19:30 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

Armenian vandalism continues with the arson of a Jewish synagogue in Yerevan. In video footage spread on the social network, it can be seen how local residents set fire to the door of the synagogue with a combustible mixture.

This also shows once again that no cultural, religious, or other values are important for Armenian society. Armenian aggression is ready for genocide, not only against people but also against all cultures.

Note that this is not the first case of anti-Semitism in Armenia, Azernews reports.

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15 November 2023 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

The conflicts of recent years between countries are moving to a new frontier. Western democracy, as well as European democracy, have accelerated in a short period of time to achieve its goals of promoting its values and preparing the world for a new impending wave of reforms, both social and political.

Today, the concept of democracy has lost its meaning so much that the principles of democracy promoted by the West have gone far beyond their norms and principles. After the Second World War, when the UN and other similar organizations and alliances were formed, there were great hopes that a new world order would be established. However, over time, these hopes did not bear fruit, and it was revealed that these organizations and associations have secret diaries that comprise some dangerous moments.

Some Western European countries, trying to clean up the blood they shed in the colonized territories, and trying to compensate for the losses in World War II, are now trying to influence the economically weaker countries that once swam in the pool of the former Soviet regime under the name of "democracy". However, the mentioned "democracy" actually means a disaster in itself.

In this case, Azerbaijan also felt all the chaos and terror imposed from abroad after the collapse of the USSR, where genocide was carried out against Azerbaijanis by the hands of a neighbouring country to eradicate the nation of Turkic origin from the territory of Independent Azerbaijan. It was as if the bloodthirsty imperialist forces were implementing their goals against others with the help of those small so-called states. Because for 30 years, having strengthened itself at the world level and knocking at the doors of Western European organisations to achieve justice, Azerbaijan did not get it. It had to do everything on its own.

After the Second Garabagh War and the anti-terrorist measures that Azerbaijan conducted on its territory, it managed to break the separatist leech controlled by some Western European powers in less than 24 hours.

Nevertheless, those Western powers and European states with colonialist spirit, which could not recover from the disease of imperialism, could not come to terms with the realities. They decided to redeploy and regroup their forces in response to the defeat of Armenia, where Yerevan was being prepared to come out of the shadow of the Russian Federation. Thus, the West decided to meddle in the South Caucasus. As bases were once built around Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, etc., the Western powers are planning to use the same method on the territory of Armenia.

Literally, France continues to arm Armenia at a time when it wants to integrate Yerevan into the EU in order to soon withdraw from the CSTO and from Russia's influence, thus aggravating the peace treaty with Azerbaijan. The West decided to use the tactic of "playing in the shadows" on the territory of Armenia, increasing the mission of observers from the EU and the US. Peaceful coexistence in the South Caucasus depends on the actions of all those living in the region.

According to Mikhail Zernov, Director of the International Fund for Cooperation and Partnership of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, who commented for AZERNEWS, without a strong pro-Russian leader in Armenia, Russia and Iran will be forced to temporarily come to terms with what is happening.

"One should understand that by 'helping' Armenia, the West aims to destabilise the situation in the region, and further conflicts become inevitable." the expert said.

Armenia has announced plans to increase the number of EU observers on its territory and expand their capabilities, which "will allow for more active work related to 'observation', submitting relevant reports to Brussels and member states", which will definitely serve for EU's clandestine plans but in a word it is just for "strengthening the borders". Yerevan's Foreign Ministry said that work in this direction "will start soon, and there will be no delays."

No longer surprisingly, the European Union is loudly warning Azerbaijan, saying that "any violation of Armenia's territorial integrity and sovereignty is unacceptable and will lead to serious consequences".

The West, unwilling to see the suffering Azerbaijan has endured for three decades, dares to immorally declare and warn against "attacking" Armenia under their control. Didn't Azerbaijan call for a peaceful solution to the conflict? Didn't Azerbaijan call on international organisations for a conscientious solution to the conflict? Didn't Azerbaijan call on Armenia to withdraw its troops from its territory?

These consequences of Erivan's actions are fraught with a desire to leave the CSTO, EAEU, and CIS and join the side that will "take under guardianship". According to Zernov, leaving the CSTO, EAEU, and CIS may eventually lead to the loss of Armenia's sovereignty in the long run, where the country can eventually turn into a battle zone for the anti-Russian Western powers.

"The EU is now a new Reich, Adolf Hitler's dream of uniting Europe has come true. It is clear that the supplied weapons will be put into action, most likely against Azerbaijan. If this happens, the consequence will be an ignominious war that will end with the fall of Armenia's ruling regime."

Despite the difficult relations between Russia and Armenia, Yerevan continues to help Russia circumvent sanctions, where Yerevan uses the Batumi (Georgia)-Novorossiysk (Russia) sea route to re-export sanctioned goods to Russia. Armenian Shipping Company transports 600 containers weighing 6 tonnes weekly. It is noteworthy that immediately after the outbreak of war in Ukraine, in the first half of 2022, the bilateral trade turnover between Yerevan and Moscow increased by 42%.

Iran, in turn, is ready to sharply increase gas supplies to Armenia, where Mahdi Sobhani, the Islamic Republic's ambassador to Yerevan, told Civilnet. According to him, it may be a question of increasing exports 3-4 times within the framework of the "Gas for Electricity" programme, which has been in effect since the late 2000s and in August was extended until 2030. Under this agreement, Armenia imports 300-500 million cubic metres of Iranian gas annually, in exchange for which Yerevan CHPP supplies electricity to Iran at a "rate" of 3 kWh per 1 cubic metre. At the same time, about 2.5 billion cubic metres are purchased in Russia, which allows Gazprom to occupy about 85% of the Armenian market.

Thus, against the background of what is happening both on the political and economic levels, it is revealed once again how false the goals of the Western forces are. The West, which supposedly imposes sanctions on Russia for the sake of Ukraine, turns a blind eye to the continuation of many dirty businesses at times that actually benefit themselves. Just as it is trying to apply one of its similar goals to the South Caucasus.

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Abbas Ganbay is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @Noend33

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15 November 2023 16:45 (UTC+04:00)

Elnur Enveroglu Read more

The Garabagh problem is finally over, but Western politicians are faced with a new crisis syndrome: the so-called repatriation of a group of Armenians who voluntarily left Garabagh is what becomes a big concern for the western pro-Armenian politicians. The point is that as the laws are manifested, the West stimulates the emergence of a new conflict with its more aggressive attitude towards those laws.

Some pro-Armenian politicians from France, the United States, and Western countries tried to occupy the agenda by intensifying their rhetoric. But this time, what they wanted was not possible, and as usual, the failure was again in their destiny.

Luis Gabriel Moreno-Ocampo, who strains his throat every time due to the financial support he receives from the Armenian lobby, says that "putting pressure on Azerbaijan is not enough; we need to get Garabagh back". Ocampo, who once worked at the International Criminal Court, thinks that conquering Garabagh is as easy as drinking a sip of water for him and the lobbyists he defends. However, he does not think that sometimes even a sip of water, which they think is very simple, can get stuck in the throat. Just like on September 20, the Azerbaijan Army watered down the dreams of separatist lobbyists in less than 24 hours.

Ocampo knows the issue of crime very well because he himself witnessed and, who knows, participated in one of them during his time in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Middle East. The acquittal of political criminals who once threatened to bombard Azerbaijan's Ganja and Barda districts, burned people alive in Meshali village in 1992, and the one who was parachuted into Garabagh by the order of the West and with the mediation of Russia, and other political criminals like them, is unacceptable by law.

According to Ocampo, they are victims of genocide. It is interesting what or who the "genocide" mentioned by a deranged "law" expert is related to. Ocampo and even Adam Schiff, or, for that matter, all members of the senate, know very well that the last time the UN sent a representative to study the situation in Garabagh, it noted that no human rights had been violated. Then why do representatives of Armenian lobbyists come to this conclusion?

Matthew Miller, the spokesman for the US State Department, noted that Armenians living in Garabagh have the right to return. Mr. Mathew knows very well that Azerbaijan has been registering the residents who have the right to live in Garabagh for two months now, and once again, their citizenship rights have been restored according to both local and international laws.

A Californian member of the Senate, Adam Schiff, who does not understand what he says himself, is still talking about 120,000 Armenian refugees. I wonder if it is possible to believe every number that is roughly said on no legal basis. I do not believe that human rights should be protected under such a mechanism in American laws. But as for the thesis of Armenian lobbyists, these corrupt politicians receive more money, for which they go the extra mile to invent a story. Adam Schiff simply forgets to learn from his predecessors. He forgets that Robert Menendez used to love using those phrases very often, as did Armenian lobbyists. But he also faced a bad fate because he betrayed his love for some gifts.

While the total number of Armenians who left Garabagh did not exceed 20,000, exaggerating the number of 120,000 people should be considered a crime. If there is any evidence to support these figures, then let the so-called heroes confirm it according to their claims.

Luis Moreno Ocampo tries to show the leadership of Azerbaijan as corrupt, using the example of the former leader of Iraq, Saddam Hussein. But the question arises: for what interests does Ocampo love Armenians so much? I wonder what the force is that makes a person who is paid hourly for legal services so zealous for Armenians. If Ocampo had as much dignity and conscience as Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, he would not have made himself so cheap. Of course, the fact that a cheap politician like him does not deserve to even mention the name of the Azerbaijani leadership is a completely different matter.

Today, Armenia is silent, but Western politicians, bathed in the financial rain of Armenian lobbyists, play the role of mouthpiece. Azerbaijan lowered the voice of such mouthpieces long ago. Their voice is good for nothing but deafening their own ears. So, there is a message for them from Azerbaijan: look ahead; you still have a lot to see...

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Elnur Enveroglu is AzerNews Deputy Editor-in-Chief, follow him on @ElnurMammadli1

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15 November 2023 22:45 (UTC+04:00)

Elnur Enveroglu Read more

In France, Macron's government has once again witnessed the impracticable state of its policy, which is spiraling towards bankruptcy. There is a saying that goes goodness of evil will result in evil.

The point is that although French President Emmanuel Macron announced his support for Palestine a few weeks ago following the Israel-Hamas conflict outbroke, it ended in vain. Even in reaction to this, the ambassadors of France in the Arab countries made a joint appeal to express their protest and sent it to the French Foreign Ministry because their country did not show a balanced position in the Israel-Hamas war. Journalists who learned about this promptly publicized the issue and created a kind of conditions for the exposure of the fraudulent position of the French authorities.

In fact, France had no intention of defending Palestine. Then why did Macron pretend to defend Palestine?

Recall that Macron promised 100 million euros in aid to Palestine a week ago. Even though Macron was not welcomed by the people in the West Bank, when he met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah on October 24, Macron said that the life of every Palestinian is as valuable as French and Israeli. However, since Macron could not get out of his political ampoule, his fake attitude was soon exposed.

After a very short time passed, another fresh news spread in the press. French President Emmanuel Macron promised to stand by Israel until the end of the war. This meant that Macron also undermined his credibility in front of the Arab states. Because Macron does not have the courage to fully support either the state of Israel or Palestine. First of all, Macron's stay in the chair as president depends on the anti-Semitic Armenian community, which is over his head like a shadow in France, right around the Elysee Palace. On the other hand, the French state, which has lost its influence in Africa, does not want to spoil its relations with the Arab states. For this reason, he tries to show himself as a compassionate leader in the Palestinian issue.

Apparently, playing this role is not for Macron. Therefore, even French diplomats object to France's imbalance-creating policy.

Today, France's enigmatic policy is also manifested in supporting Armenia. In general, Macron's policy creates confusion among his diplomats as a result of which they protest against him. How is it that Macron, who supports Palestine, now initiates a coalition against Palestine? ...or the French government, which arms Armenia and supposedly wants to strengthen its military potential, throws it into the fire without thinking about its future fate in the region?

First, by militarizing Yerevan, official Paris aggravates the situation in the South Caucasus rather than stimulating peace in the region, and this directly worries not only Azerbaijan but other regional states and countries neighboring the South Caucasus.

Secondly, while France is a military-political ally of Russia and without taking into account the current conditions, France is not only arming Armenia but also trying to involve it completely in the European Union. Macrons government forgets that the borders of Armenia are still under the control of Russia, and at the same time, the military base No. 102 belonging to Russia is valid until 2044 according to the agreement signed between Armenia and Russia in 1995.

Armenia is putting its country and even the region in great danger just by being deceived into the warm arms of the devil. This, of course, creates a natural environment for the realization of the deadly plan of Macron's policy regarding the South Caucasus.

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Elnur Enveroglu is AzerNews Deputy Editor-in-Chief, follow him on @ElnurMammadli1

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15 November 2023 11:57 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

The relevant protocol was signed between the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Agency for Innovation and Digital Development, and the Electronic Security Service regarding IT equipment purchased by the Korean government, Azernews reports.

The protocol was signed between the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of Azerbaijan within the framework of the grant project "Small ODA" for the purchase of digital technological equipment, citing the Electronic Security Service.

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U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to resume bilateral military communications and curb illicit fentanyl production during a summit in California on Wednesday, in a display of their desire to stabilize the taut relationship between the two superpowers.

It was their first in-person summit in a year at the Filoli estate in Woodside, south of San Francisco, after a period of growing tensions between the United States and China over security, trade and technological leadership to name a few.

The four-hour-long summit took place on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in San Francisco as Washington has been pushing to "de-risk" the relationship with China to prevent any misunderstanding from "veering into conflict."

Casting a set of outcomes from the summit as "some important progress," Biden highlighted his vision for competition and cooperation between the rival powers.

"The U.S. will continue to compete vigorously with the PRC, but we will manage that competition responsibly so (that) it does not veer into conflict," he told a press conference, referring to China by its official name, the People's Republic of China.

"Where it's possible, where our interests coincide, we're going to work together, like we did on fentanyl. That's what the world expects of us," he added.

Biden portrayed the agreement to resume direct military-to-military contacts as "critically important."

"So, we are back to open, clear, direct communications on a direct basis," he said. "Vital miscalculations on either side can cause real trouble with a country like China or any other major country and so I think we are making real progress there as well."

Military communications between the two sides were suspended after former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in August last year. Tensions escalated further in February after the U.S. shot down what it called a Chinese spy balloon over its territorial waters.

On the fight against fentanyl, Biden said that the two sides reached a "new" understanding to take action to "significantly" reduce the flow of precursor chemicals and pill presses from China to the Western Hemisphere.

"It's going to save lives, and I appreciate Xi's commitment on this issue," he said. "President Xi and I (will) task our teams to maintain a policy and law enforcement coordination going forward to make sure it works."

Another outcome from the summit was to get experts from the U.S. and China together to discuss risk and safety issues associated with artificial intelligence (AI), Biden said.

"These are tangible steps in the right direction to determine what's useful, what's not useful, what's dangerous and what's acceptable," he said.

Washington has been pushing to foster international norms for a "responsible" use of AI in the military domain, as concerns have persisted that the technology can be exploited to undermine human rights and other values.

Wednesday's summit covered a wide range of issues, including Russia's war in Ukraine, the war between Israel and the Hamas militant group, human rights and the South China Sea, as well as Taiwan, a self-ruling democracy that China regards as its territory.

In a press release later, the White House said that Biden emphasized the U.S.' "enduring" commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight, adherence to international law, maintaining peace and stability in the South and East China seas, and the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

On human rights and the South China Sea, Biden said there were "no agreements."

Biden also said he stressed the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

In the months ahead, Washington and Beijing will continue to pursue "high-level" diplomacy to keep lines of communication open, including at the leadership level, Biden said.

With both leaders noting their relationship spanning more than a decade, the summit started off on an amicable note.

"I value our conversation because I think it's paramount that you and I understand each other clearly, leader to leader, with no misconceptions or miscommunication," he said.

Casting U.S.-China ties as the "most important bilateral relationship in the world," Xi underlined the need to develop them in a way that "benefits our two peoples and fulfills our responsibility for human progress."

"For two large countries like China and the U.S., turning their backs on each other is not an option," he said through an interpreter. "It is unrealistic for one side to remodel the other, and conflict and confrontation have unbearable consequences for both sides."

He added, "I am still of the view that planet Earth is big enough for the two countries to succeed, and one country's success is an opportunity for the other."

The meeting between Biden and Xi was their second in-person talks following their last summit during the Group of 20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, last November. It also marks their seventh interaction since Biden took office in January 2021.

Meanwhile, the APEC summit brought together representatives from 21 APEC member economies under the theme of creating a "resilient" and "sustainable" future for all. Participants include Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Formed in 1989, APEC, a group of Pacific Rim countries, represents 40 percent of the world's population, nearly half of global trade and over 60 percent of the global economy. The U.S. last hosted the APEC summit in Honolulu in 2011. (Yonhap)
15 November 2023 11:39 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

The Space Agency (Azerkosmos) under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport has signed a cooperation document with the United Nations (UN) Office in Azerbaijan on joining the UN Global Compact initiative. This is reported with reference to "Azerkosmos", Azernews reports.

According to the report, by joining the Global Compact, the agency will have the opportunity to plan and implement sustainable development in the field of space activities, strengthen its internal capabilities, and share its experience with the wider business community and other stakeholders at the international level. It is also planned to exchange experiences between Azercosmos and the UN and to discuss the "Azercosmos Report on the Assessment of the Impacts of Global Climate Change".

"Azercosmos" as a participant in the UN "Global Agreement," will adapt its activities to the country's sustainable development priorities, directions for "green" development, policies, and commitments, including the "framework for cooperation in the field of sustainable development" covering 20212025 and the UN's experience on 17 goals related to sustainable development.

The role of space technologies is of particular importance in the UN document "Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," consisting of 17 goals. The use of space technologies in the economic, social, and environmental spheres, which are integrated with each other, is now very relevant. From this point of view, we see the direct and indirect benefits of space technology in these areas.

For example, if a satellite image helps a farmer increase his productivity, that is a direct contribution and result. If it affects more global goals, such as poverty reduction, it is considered an indirect effect of improving agricultural efficiency. In short, the power of space is being harnessed to address the big problems and global challenges facing the world.

The Global Compact, founded in 2000 at the initiative of the United Nations, is the world's largest corporate sustainability network, with more than 20,000 business and non-business partners in over 160 countries. The main goal of Global Compact participants is to adapt their strategies and activities to internationally recognised principles of human rights, labour rights, environmental protection, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

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15 November 2023 13:31 (UTC+04:00)

A meeting was held between Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov and a delegation led by Minister of Mining and Energy of Serbia Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic, who is on a visit to Azbaijan, Azernews reports, citing the ministry.

The important role of friendly relations between the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Serbia in the comprehensive development of relations based on strategic partnerships between the two countries was emphasised at the meeting. Extensive cooperation opportunities in the fields of natural gas and electricity were evaluated. It was noted that energy cooperation is of exceptional importance for the development of bilateral relations at a new level, and in this regard, Azerbaijan and Serbia attach great importance to partnerships in the field of natural gas.

Within the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Mining and Energy of the Republic of Serbia on promoting cooperation between SOCAR and Srbijagas, as well as an agreement on gas sales between SOCAR and Srbijagas was signed.

Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov said: "With the documents of strategic importance we signed today, we are laying the foundation for multifaceted cooperation in the field of gas, including gas supplies from Azerbaijan to Serbia for the first time. Serbia is Azerbaijan's new partner in diversifying the gas market in Europe. With the supply of up to 400 million cubic metres of gas per annum to Serbia, the number of countries supplied with Azerbaijani gas will reach 8. This is a clear indication of expanding Azerbaijan's mission as a reliable energy partner and its growing role in energy security. Today's agreements also pave the way for the sustainability of our gas supply partnership with long-term contracts and Azerbaijan's contributions to Serbia's energy security.

The Minister of Mining and Energy of the Republic of Serbia, Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic said: "Today, Serbia and Azerbaijan have opened a new chapter in their economic and bilateral cooperation by signing a contract on the volumes of gas that Azerbaijan will supply to Serbia. After the supply of Azerbaijani gas to Serbia via the Bulgaria-Serbia Interconnector, which is expected to be commissioned in the near future, we are going to achieve our strategic goal of diversifying our sources of supply for this energy source and further bolstering our role as a transit country for gas distribution to Central Europe. The signed contract outlines the delivery of 400 million cubic metres of gas in the next year, and we expect these volumes to increase further in the coming years."

SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf stressed that the gas contract will open a new page in cooperation between SOCAR and Srbijagas. He noted the importance of successful implementation of the contract in strengthening Serbia's energy security, as well as relations between the two countries and companies.

It should be noted that, in addition to gas supplies, the Memorandum of Understanding provides for the supply of LNG to Serbia, cooperation with SOCAR in gas storage areas, the company's participation in gas trading operations, as well as the construction of gas power plants.

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15 November 2023 12:16 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Co-organized by Shusha City State Reserve Department and TURKSOY, Culture Days of Shusha have kicked off in Ankara, Turkiye.

Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in Shusha Aydin Karimov, TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev, Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli, the Azerbaijani Ambassador to Turkiye Rashad Mammadov and other officials participated in the event, Azernews reports.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Culture Minister Aydin Karimov emphasized that the city of Shusha hosted many events in 2023 highlighting the culture and rich history of the Turkic people.

The event also featured paintings by Shusha artists reflecting the history, unique nature and beauty of the city.

Note that Shusha has been declared the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World 2023.

A number of events of cultural significance, including the Kharibulbul International Folklore Festival, the Vagif Poetry Days, the International Festival of Children's Creativity, Wonderland Shusha 2023 International Scout Camp, and other events were organized in Shusha in accordance with the Action Plan.

The city's rich legacy continues to unite people through a shared appreciation for the art and culture.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr

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15 November 2023 12:52 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

The National Carpet Museum has achieved great success not only in preserving and promoting examples of national cultural heritage but also in enriching its collection.

The 17th-century Khatai carpet has been presented in the museum within the 100th anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, Azernews reports.

Co-organized by the Culture Ministry and National Carpet Museum, the event was timed to coincide with the inclusion of Azerbaijan's traditional carpet weaving art in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage as well as the birthday of Latif Karimov, an acclaimed scientist and carpet artist who initiated the creation of the Carpet Museum.

The Carpet Museum director, Shirin Malikova, who spoke at the event, stressed the significance of the Khatai carpet for Azerbaijan's cultural legacy.

Chairman of the Academic Committee of the International Conference on Oriental Carpets (ICOC), Italian collector and world-famous carpet expert Alberto Boralevi recalled his first visit to Azerbaijan forty years ago and especially emphasised the renewal of the museum's concept over these years.

Honoured Artist Mammadhuseyn Huseynov said that the dragon depicted on the carpet symbolises not only the warlike spirit of the people but also the revival of nature.

Stylized floral and zoomorphic ornaments typical for Karabakh carpets are reflected in the composition of the new exhibit, which is influenced by the palace carpets of the Safavid era. Between the khatai ornaments crossed sleeves on the carpet with a rich pattern design, there are images of dragons that adorn many monuments of art of the Turkic peoples. Dragon images widely used in Azerbaijani carpet weaving are known as Khatai composition. This name is derived from the name of Khata/Khatai tribe, one of the tribes standing at the ethnogenesis of Azerbaijani people.

Khatai carpets of the 17th century were once woven in Garabagh and exported to foreign countries. Now they are among the pearls of the world's leading museums and private collections.

A small tactile fragment of the new exhibit for visually impaired individuals was also presented by the Traditional Technology Department.

In recent years, the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum has made great strides in the preservation and promotion of national heritage samples, as well as in the enrichment of its collections.

The return of Khatai carpet to Azerbaijan is an important event of historical and cultural significance not only for the museum, but for the entire country.

Founded in 1967, the National Carpet Museum holds more than 14,000 exhibits of the finest Azerbaijani carpets.

Initiated by eminent carpet artist Latif Karimov, the museum is beautiful inside and out.

The museum's new building is designed in the form of a rolled carpet. Now, the museum hosts multiple events, including international symposiums, conferences, and various exhibitions.

In 2019, the museum received national status for its significant contribution to popularising and promoting Azerbaijani carpet weaving art.

In 2020, the Carpet Museum enriched its collection with a beautiful pile of carpets purchased by the Culture Ministry at the Sartirana Textile Show in Italy.

The 19th-century Guba carpet "Ugakh" was donated to the Carpet Museum, while the Garabagh carpet "Chelebi" enriched the collection of the museum's Shusha branch.

Moreover, the Carpet Museum won the Travellers' Choice Awards for the fourth time in a row last year.

The award proves once again that the professional activity of the National Carpet Museum is highly appreciated by visitors from all over the world.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr

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15 November 2023 14:33 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Azerbaijani and Russian writers have discussed the prospects of cooperation.

The meeting between members of the Azerbaijan Writers' Union and Russian writers Afanasy Mammadov, Alexey Salnikov and Dmitry Danilov was held as part of the 9th Baku International Book Fair, Azernews reports.

Chairman of the Azerbaijan Writers' Union, People's Writer Anar Rzayev welcomed the Russian writers.

The writers highlighted the current issues in the literature of Russia and Azerbaijan, including features of Soviet prose and poetry that unify both countries. Russian writers handed over their books translated into Azerbaijani.

The 9th Baku International Book Fair is co-organized by the Culture Ministry with the support of the Caspian Event Organisers to promote book reading in the country, establish new contacts, and develop the book market in general.

The book fair provides a great opportunity for literary figures to demonstrate and sell their printed products and to negotiate and sign lucrative contracts with both local and foreign publishers and authors, including national publishing and printing companies.

The event brings together Azerbaijani poets and writers, young authors, and honorary guests.

A diverse program has been prepared by Turkiye, especially for the 9th Baku International Book Fair.

Russia also holds a series of events in various formats in the exhibition hall and in a number of cultural institutions with the aim of presenting the book art and literary and cultural heritage of the honorary guest country.

Over 30 foreign organisations from 11 countries, 109 local publishing houses, as well as bookstores and cultural centres, are taking part in the 9th Baku International Book Fair.

More than 220 events are being held within the book fair. Among them are master classes for children and adults, book presentations, autograph sessions, conferences, symposiums, hours of reading, etc.

Within the book fair, Azerbaijani publishing houses offer 3050 percent discounts on books.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr

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15 November 2023 14:14 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

A book titled "Susa  zirvdn uca" (Shusha-Higher than the Peak) has been presented at Turkish Presidential Library.

Turkish state and public figures, including chief adviser to the Turkish President Yalcin Topcu, head of the Friendship Group for Turkish-Azerbaijani Inter-Parliamentary Relations and other guests attended the book presentation, organized by Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, Azernews reports.

A video showing the restoration and reconstruction works carried out in Azerbaijan's Shusha city was screened as part of the event.

It was brought to the attention that the book contains facts and photos related to the city's ancient history, cultural life, monuments, destruction and liberation during the occupation.

Then the participants of the event got acquainted with the Azerbaijan corner in the Turkish Presidential Library.

In order to enrich the corner, the Culture Ministry donated books on Azerbaijan's history and culture.

Next, the guests of the event viewed the exhibition of photographs depicting the history, monuments, occupation and liberation of Shusha city, as well as the restoration and construction works carried out here by the Azerbaijani state.

Considering its historical and cultural significance, 2022 was declared the Year of Shusha in Azerbaijan.

Many projects were successfully implemented in Azerbaijan and other countries within the Year of Shusha.

In 2023, Shusha was declared the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World.

Numerous events of cultural significance, including the Kharibulbul International Folklore Festival, the Vagif Poetry Days, the International Festival of Children's Creativity, Wonderland Shusha 2023 International Scout Camp, and other events were organized in Shusha in accordance with the Action Plan.

By unanimous decision, the city was declared the Cultural Capital of the Islamic world for 2024.

With its diverse cultural heritage, Shusha is a true testament to the Islamic world's legacy.

The city is dotted with historical mosques, mausoleums that demonstrate the Islamic world's architectural brilliance.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr

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Vadoud Moazzen's solo exhibition Mystical Worlds will be held at Baku Museum Center's Exhibition Gallery on November 17-21.

The event is timed to the 100th anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, Azernews reports.

This exhibition, featuring 40 works by the artist, portrays the beauty of forests, the essence of horses, the profoundness of human portraits, and the captivating landscapes of Azerbaijan.

Notably, this marks the fourth exhibition hosted in the gallery of the Baku Museum Center, following those in November 2013, May 2018, and May 2019.

Born in Ardabil, Iran, in 1960, Vadoud Moazzen has nurtured his passion for painting since childhood. He has showcased his artistic prowess in numerous global exhibitions, participating in solo and group displays in cities such as America (California), Canada, and Europe (Munich and Paris), contributing significantly to the global art scene.

The inaugural exhibition in Azerbaijan took place in Baku in 2002 with the generous support and participation of the esteemed leader Heydar Aliyev. Beyond his artistic endeavors, Moazzen has also been actively involved in teaching and has collaborated on the creation of several exquisite sculptures.

Moazzen's canvases vividly depict mysterious forests, quivering leaves, and ethereal light, breathing life into nature. His work invites viewers into a world where fairy tales speak and secrets are whispered through every masterful brushstroke.

The rebellious horses portrayed by Moazzen are an inseparable part of his art, capturing their timeless grace and untamed vitality in each stroke, beckoning viewers to journey into the heart of the wild. In Moazzen's portraits, the human soul is laid bare, with each gaze carrying untold stories, and every brushstroke revealing the intricate tapestry of human experience.

These depictions encourage viewers to explore their own narratives and contemplate the profound beauty of existence.

With his brush serving as a conduit for beauty and culture, Vadoud Moazzen delicately captures the essence of the Azerbaijani woman with the Azerbaijani Kalagayi.

The Kalagayi adorns her with grace, emphasizing her boundless elegance, symbolizing not just an element but a living testament to the enduring spirit of Azerbaijan. Untitled 2 "Mystical Worlds" extends an invitation to explore the vibrant tapestry of life's deepest elements, crafted by the enchanting strokes of Moazzen's brush. His art urges us to transcend the ordinary, embracing the urban while delving into the poetry of nature. Step into this captivating realm where artistic finesse seamlessly merges with the beauty of nature, allowing Vadoud Moazzen's works to transport your soul to a place where the city reigns, and the wonders of nature emerge.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, Milli.Az.

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15 November 2023 19:00 (UTC+04:00)

ADA University continues its activities in the direction of internationalisation.

According to Azernews, after participating in the International Education Fair held in Delhi last year, this year ADA University visited the International Education Fair held in Mumbai, India. At the exhibition organised at the St.Regis Mumbai Hotel, ADA University represented Azerbaijan along with about 30 leading higher education institutions from fifteen different countries, including Finland, Germany, Switzerland, Great Britain, and the United States. More than five thousand local students, parents, and education specialists have registered to participate in the International Education Fair.

The delegation of ADA University - Shafaq Mehraliyeva, director of the Communication and Digital Media program, and Laman Huseynli, an employee of the Student Admission and Registration Departmentnoted the high interest of Indian students and their parents in Azerbaijan University. According to them, Mumbai currently knows Azerbaijan more as a tourist destination. The presence of a world-class higher education institution such as ADA University in Baku and the conditions created here for local young people were a surprise for them. In particular, parents were inclined to send their children to study in Azerbaijan, where they have cultural similarities. Among the 15 bachelor's and 10 master's degrees currently offered at ADA, International Education Fair attendees reported a preference for majors related to information technology and engineering, as well as public administration. In the ADA corner of the exhibition, Indian students got acquainted with the brochures about the Alimardan Bey Topchubashov International Scholarship program offered by the university for foreign students and expressed their desire to visit the country by taking advantage of the direct flights between India and Azerbaijan.

As part of a business trip to India, the delegation of ADA University held meetings in local schools and higher education institutions and held discussions with representatives of the diplomatic corps operating in Mumbai.

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15 November 2023 09:58 (UTC+04:00)

The visit of the delegation led by the Azerbaijan Defense Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov to the UAE is underway.

As part of the visit, the leadership of the Azerbaijan Defense Ministry met with the Chairman of the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Air Vice-Marshal Nadeem Akhtar Khan, Azernews reports, citing the ministry.

During the meeting, issues of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan in military, military-technical and other fields were discussed.

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15 November 2023 10:57 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

On November 14, the fourth periodic report of the Republic of Azerbaijan was considered within the framework of the 44th session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Azernews reports.

Azerbaijan was represented at the event by a delegation headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Samir Sharifov, the Press Service of the Foreign Ministry said.

It should be noted that the UPR review, which is held every five years, assesses the state of fulfillment by a UN member state of its international obligations in the field of human rights protection and makes recommendations to the state whose report is heard by other states.

Speaking within the framework of the Periodic Report, the Deputy Minister spoke about the work carried out in Azerbaijan, cooperation within international human rights mechanisms, the state program "Great Return", the problem of refugees and IDPs encountering Armenian aggression, the issue of missing persons, etc. He provided detailed information on the UPR review of Azerbaijan.

Within the framework of the UPR review of Azerbaijan, representatives of about 120 UN member states spoke and presented their recommendations on the human rights situation in Azerbaijan.

The overwhelming majority of member states highly assessed the reforms carried out in the sphere of human rights in Azerbaijan and recommended the continuation of positive dynamics in this sphere.

Most of the speakers highly appreciated the use of information technologies in the protection of civil, economic, and cultural rights, sustainable economic and social development, further improvement of the living standards of the population, as well as the provision of public services in Azerbaijan. The important role of the Azerbaijani model of multiculturalism and promotion of intercultural and interreligious dialogue was underlined. Azerbaijan's active chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement was welcomed.

The voluntary, safe, and dignified return of internally displaced persons to the liberated territories, large-scale reconstruction and restoration works carried out in these territories, and reconstruction of destroyed settlements in accordance with the concepts of "smart city" and "smart village" were highly appreciated.

The speeches also drew attention to the work done by Azerbaijan in the direction of demining and eliminating environmental damage in the Azerbaijani territories liberated from occupation.

Steps taken in the fields of science and education, as well as towards ensuring the rights of women and children in our country, were welcomed.

In general, besides Azerbaijan, reports from 14 countries are planned to be considered from November 6 to 17.

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China has beaten a global deadline, launching the world's first next-generation internet service  more than 10 times faster than existing major routes  two years ahead of industry predictions.

The backbone network  so called because it forms a principal data route between cities  can transmit data at 1.2 terabits (1,200 gigabits) per second between Beijing in the north, central China's Wuhan and Guangzhou in the southern province of Guangdong.

The line, which spans more than 3,000km (1,860 miles) of optical fibre cabling, was activated in July and officially launched on Monday, after performing reliably and passing all operational tests.

The achievement  a collaboration between Tsinghua University, China Mobile, Huawei Technologies, and Cernet Corporation  smashes expert forecasts that 1 terabit per second ultra-high-speed networks would not emerge until around 2025.

Most of the world's internet backbone networks operate at just 100 gigabits per second. Even the United States only recently completed the transition to its fifth-generation Internet2 at 400 gigabits per second.

The Beijing-Wuhan-Guangzhou connection is part of China's Future Internet Technology Infrastructure (FITI), a project 10 years in the making and the latest version of the national China Education and Research Network (Cernet).

China starts large-scale testing of its internet of the future

FITI project leader Wu Jianping from the Chinese Academy of Engineering said the superfast line was "not only a successful operation", but also gives China the "advanced technology to build an even faster internet."

Huawei Technologies vice-president Wang Lei told the same press conference at Tsinghua University on Monday that the network was "capable of transferring the data equivalent of 150 high-definition films in just one second."

Tsinghua University's Xu Mingwei compared the new internet backbone to a superfast train track that had replaced the 10 regular tracks that used to carry the same amount of data. This made it much cheaper and easier to manage, he said.

Backbone networks are pivotal to national education and research, as well as the rapidly growing need for data transfer from applications such as connected electric vehicles and mines that use industrial 5G technology.

"The FITI project is unprecedented across the world," Wu told a work meeting in May. "It is open to society and is capable of supporting experimental trials of innovative network structures."

From AI to IoT, 4 areas where China's smart cities are making a difference

He told the same meeting that FITI  which started in 2013 and is supported by the government, managed by the Education Ministry, and built with the help of Tsinghua University and 40 other universities - would be ready by the end of this year.

The new backbone network marks another advance for China, which has been concerned about its reliance on the US and Japan for routers and other components of internet technology.

All of the system's software and hardware has been domestically produced, with the technical research team making advancements in everything from routers and switches to optical fibre connections.

Wu and his team developed their own superfast router, capable of handling more data than ever before. The team also proposed technology to aggregate multiple optical paths to increase the upper limits of data transmission. (SCMP)

Read the full story at SCMP








15 November 2023 10:18 (UTC+04:00)

Two round tables were held at the London office of the well-known audit and consulting company BDO, organised by the British-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce.

According to Azernews, one of the events was held for British businessmen who are interested in setting up business in Azerbaijan, and the other was held for Azerbaijani businessmen who want to set up business in Britain.

John Patterson, co-chairman of the British-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce, made an opening speech at the event. During the speech, information was given about the establishment of the Chamber of Commerce, its current activities, and its future plans. It was noted that such events are planned to be held on a regular basis, and the main goal is to help businessmen find new partners and get detailed information about business opportunities.

During the event, Peter Jelfs, the head of the tax and investment department of the British Ministry of Business and Trade, and Scott Knight, the head of the audit and insurance department of the BDO company, made presentations for Azerbaijani businessmen.

Later, the representative of the BDO Baku office, Yunis Salayev, made a presentation for British businessmen about the economic opportunities of Azerbaijan and the legal procedures required to establish business in our country.

Elin Suleymanov, the ambassador of Azerbaijan to Britain, who also spoke at the event, emphasised the importance of holding such events in terms of the further development of trade and economic relations between Azerbaijan and Britain. He drew attention to favourable business opportunities created for foreign investors in Azerbaijan, especially in our territories freed from occupation.

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15 November 2023 11:20 (UTC+04:00)

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"Our countries are prone to natural disasters. To be ready for the challenges of climate change that the world will experience, the hydrometeorological services of our countries should complement each other with innovative technologies and act within the framework of mutual cooperation," Azerbaijani Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Mukhtar Babayev, said at the II Meteorological Forum of the Turkic World held in Baku, Azernews reports.

The Minister noted that environmental problems, especially such factors as water, air, and climate, know no boundaries.

"As in various regions of the Northern Hemisphere, our countries are also prone to natural disasters, especially extreme weather and climate events. In order to minimise these impacts as much as possible, it is important to establish effectively coordinated preparedness and response mechanisms in line with the World Meteorological Organisation's Early Warning for All initiative." Azerbaijan was ready to contribute to regional cooperation in this endeavour and to share the information obtained from modern observation systems applied in our country on one platform."

Moreover, the minister added that during the period when the territories of Azerbaijan were under occupation, observations at the hydrometeorological posts located in the liberated territories were stopped, and the entire infrastructure, including observation instruments, was put out of operation. Minister Babayev noted that environmental assessment and restoration work continues in these areas.

According to the minister, eleven automatic hydrological stations and six automatic meteorological stations have been installed on the flowing rivers. According to the relevant decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the I State Programme on the Great Return of the Territories Liberated from the Occupation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, this observation network will be further expanded in the coming years.

"The application of green technologies in reconstruction works will turn these territories into a high-quality ecological environment and a space of green energy. These measures will reduce the effects of climate change and make it more sustainable," the minister concluded.

Recall that the I Meteorological Forum "Turkish World" was held in Ankara (Turkiye) on February 19, 2021.

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15 November 2023 11:28 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter to President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas.

Dear Mr. President,

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my heartfelt congratulation and best wishes to you and through you, your entire people on the occasion of the national day of the State of Palestine.

Establishment of Azerbaijans diplomatic mission in Palestine last year was a positive step to develop bilateral relations. Construction of a school by our side in Palestine is also on the agenda.

We hope for the soonest de-escalation of tension in Gaza. Azerbaijan has always demonstrated solidarity with respect to the Palestine issue and advocated for the two-state solution of a problem based on the UNs respective resolutions and decisions. Our country will continue to provide support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

I believe that friendly relations and cooperation based on good traditions between our countries will continue to successfully develop.

On this festive day, I wish you the best of health, happiness, success in your endeavors, and the brotherly people of Palestine peace and prosperity.

Respectfully,

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, 13 November 2023

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15 November 2023 12:47 (UTC+04:00)

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Today, the Turkish Grand National Assembly will discuss a draft law on the extension of the mandate of Turkish servicemen in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

According to the draft law, the term of stay of Turkish servicemen in Azerbaijan will be extended for one more year, starting on November 17, 2023.

The bill was sent to parliament and signed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

It was noted that Turkiye will continue to contribute to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region: "Turkiye, through the joint Turkish-Russian monitoring centre, contributes to the security of the region and the creation of an atmosphere of trust between the parties".

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15 November 2023 12:36 (UTC+04:00)

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Baku hosts the II Meteorological Forum of the Turkic World. The II Meteorological Forum "Turkic World" is organized by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources in Baku, Azernews reports.

The forum is attended by ministers of environment and climate change from Turkic-speaking countries, heads of hydrometeorological services, representatives of state structures, and experts.

The forum is aimed at coordinating activities in the field of climate change and the expansion of experience exchange on the creation of an early warning system for extreme weather conditions.

The Forum, held within the framework of the 100th anniversary of national leader Heydar Aliyev, is supported by the UN Development Programme.

The first forum was held two years ago in Ankara, Turkiye.

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15 November 2023 13:55 (UTC+04:00)

The delegation led by the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov got acquainted with the weapons, vehicles, and military equipment exhibited at the booth of the UAE company EDGE within the Dubai Airshow 2023 international exhibition, Azernews reports, citing the ministry.

During the meeting held with the head of the company within the framework of the exhibition, the sides exchanged views on the prospects for the development of military-technical cooperation as well as other issues of common interest.

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15 November 2023 15:18 (UTC+04:00)

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"Georgia's main goal is to ensure peace and stability in the region together with two brotherly countries - Armenia and Azerbaijan," Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili stated with reference to Georgian media, Azernews reports.

According to him, Georgia has been quite successful in playing the role of an unbiased player in this process.

"Thanks to the special efforts of the Prime Minister and his personal relations with the leaders of the two countries, we have achieved a concrete result in the form of a mutually beneficial agreement for both countries," Darchiashvili said.

According to him, Armenia and Azerbaijan have started talking openly about the need for peace and signing a peace agreement, and their rhetoric is fully focused on peace.

"Together with our two friends and brotherly nations, our main goal is to ensure peace and stability in the region," he noted.

The Foreign Minister said that Georgia gives both countries the opportunity to use the transit function on equal terms.

Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili earlier commented on arms deliveries from France to Armenia through the territory of Georgia.

The Minister noted that Georgia gives Azerbaijan and Armenia an opportunity to use the transit function of the country on equal terms.

Darchiashvili said that every country has the right to have defense forces. He added that countries have the right to acquire conventional weapons and ammunition that are not prohibited by international agreements.

"Georgia's position is to give both countries the opportunity to use our transit function on equal terms," the minister said.

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15 November 2023 16:25 (UTC+04:00)

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The 18th International Aerospace Exhibition Dubai Airshow-2023 continues in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). On the second day of the exhibition, Azerbaijani Defence Industry Minister Madat Guliyev met with Mohammed bin Ahmad Al Bovardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Azernews reports.

The Ministry of Defence Industry reports that the meeting discussed prospects of military-technical cooperation between the two countries.

Then M.Guliyev met with the management of Leonardo (Italy) and EDGE (UAE) companies (Italy) and EDGE (UAE).

During the meetings, extensive information was provided on the aircraft produced by both companies, and opinions were exchanged on other issues of mutual interest.

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15 November 2023 17:20 (UTC+04:00)

First Lady of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva addressed the participants of the "One Heart for Palestine" meeting of first ladies in Istanbul on November 15.

Azernews presents the address of First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva.

- Dear Mrs. Erdogan,

Dear meeting participants,

First of all, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the First Lady of the Republic of Turkiye, Honorable Emine Erdogan, for her invitation to participate in this event.

I would like to specifically note and highly appreciate Mrs. Erdogans activities in the humanitarian and social fields, including her contribution to the provision of assistance to civilians, women and children suffering from military conflicts.

The Republic of Turkiye, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, is a powerful state that has made important achievements in all fields and enjoys a great reputation in the international world. Brotherly Turkiye always stands by peace and justice and makes an important contribution to ensuring stability and security in the region and the world. The Azerbaijan-Turkiye brotherhood and unity are at their highest level today.

Dear meeting participants,

It is causing a serious concern that the scale of tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict zone is growing by the day, causing an enormous human tragedy. Each of us is deeply moved by the unbearable human suffering we are watching with a heartache. It is very sad that civilians, especially women and children, are the ones who suffer the most from this armed conflict. It is necessary to observe international humanitarian law during military operations. I offer my condolences to the relatives of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery.

Azerbaijan supports calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and voted in favor of a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly in October regarding the latest tensions. Our country supports the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two states solution in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions. Since 2019, during our chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, we have constantly paid attention to the issue of Palestine. I believe that the opening of the Representative Office of our country in the city of Ramallah this year will stimulate the development of Azerbaijan-Palestine relations.

Over the past 10 years, our country has repeatedly provided humanitarian and financial assistance through the UN Middle East Agency for Relief and Affairs to Palestinian Refugees. At the same time, Azerbaijan has hosted a number of international events to attract political and financial support to Palestine. Among them, I would like to mention the founding conference of the Islamic Financial Security Network to help the State of Palestine and the donor conference to support the development of the city of Jerusalem. Palestinian youths are receiving higher education in our country on the basis of scholarships provided by the state of Azerbaijan. The school to be built by Azerbaijan in Palestine will be another manifestation of our support of the Palestinian people.

The current crisis facing international institutions with broad powers is preventing the resolution of important issues. This deep-rooted crisis is another topic of discussion. I would like to note that the failure to resolve military conflicts in modern times is largely due to the selective application of international law. Double standards and bias make this crisis worse.

False stories are circulated by biased media platforms to mislead public opinion and manipulate international law. Even more dangerous are cases of abuse of moral values for the purpose of manipulation.

As a result of 30 years of Armenia's aggression against Azerbaijan, our territories were occupied, nearly one million of our compatriots were displaced from their ancestral homes, more than 300 cities and villages were destroyed, and our religious and cultural heritage was destroyed. Sixty-five out of 67 mosques in our occupied lands were destroyed.

I would like to note with regret that the four resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council in 1993 remained on paper for 27 years. In 2020, Azerbaijan freed its lands from occupation in the 44-day Patriotic War. In September this year, by carrying out an anti-terror operation, we completely restored our sovereignty by ending the existence of the remnants of the Armenian armed forces and separatism.

At the end of my address, I would like to emphasize that even in the most difficult moments, humanity should not lose its sense of compassion. Therefore, I once again express my deep gratitude to Mrs. Erdogan for organizing this important event.

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15 November 2023 17:24 (UTC+04:00)

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Romania is ready to supply gas from Azerbaijan to Moldova or other countries in the region in the cold season.

According to Azernews, this was stated by Romanian Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja in his comment to the Agerpres agency.

"If we have special requests from Moldova or other states in the region, we are ready to activate the option with Azerbaijan secured by Romania last spring, through which we have access to 1 billion cubic metres of gas," he said. If even this volume is not enough, we have the possibility to import liquefied natural gas via the Greece-Bulgaria-Romania or Turkiye-Bulgaria-Romania route."

Until 2021, Moldova bought gas only from Russia's Gazprom. Now gas supplies are provided by the state-owned company Energocom, which buys them on the market. It uses Romania's commodity exchange platform and direct contracts with companies from Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria.

The Moldovan government has tasked Energocom with purchasing and storing at least 450 million cubic metres of gas in Romania and Ukraine for the heating season. As of October 7, Energocom has purchased a total of more than 500 million cubic metres of gas and continues to purchase more in order to fully cover Moldova's consumption during the cold season.

Further to the report, Moldova consumes about 1.3 billion cubic metres of gas per year.

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15 November 2023 20:35 (UTC+04:00)

The tourism agencies of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan plan to develop cooperation in several directions, Azernews reports, citing Kun.uz News Agency.

Jamshid Abdusalomov, the first deputy head of the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan, met with Abilqasim Sherniyazov, the president of the Kyrgyz Tourism Development Fund. Opportunities for cooperation in the field of transport were discussed at the meeting.
15 November 2023 22:10 (UTC+04:00)

The work on a new Russian space station is in full swing at the Energia Rocket and Space Corporation, Roscosmos General Director Yury Borisov said, Azernews reports, citing Interfax.

"The work on its creation is in full swing," Borisov said at the Manned Space Flights international scientific and practical conference on Wednesday.

Russia plans to build a national space station as a replacement for the International Space Station. The project's first stage is due in 2027-2030, with the construction scheduled for completion in 2032.

On October 27, Borisov said the station project had been approved, and about 609 billion rubles would be assigned for it before 2032.

On November 7, Energia General Designer, Deputy General Director Vladimir Solovyov said the station's service life in orbit could exceed 50 years.

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15 November 2023 23:15 (UTC+04:00)

Georgian producers debuted at the US Private Label Trade Show, a fair enabling access to markets of the private trade industries of the United States and Canada and hosted in Chicago between Sunday and Tuesday, the Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia said on Wednesday, Azernews reports, citing Agenda.

Nuts, juices, cheese, tea, jams, bay leaves and spices were presented at the Georgian stand, with the majority of companies participating in the exhibition beneficiaries of state programmes, the body said.

Our goal is to raise the awareness of quality Georgian agricultural products on the world market, so that entrepreneurs benefiting from state support in all components of the value chain can position themselves in diversified markets", said Deputy Agriculture Minister Tengiz Nasaridze, who also attended the exhibition.

The Ministry said more than 1,500 companies from 55 countries participated in the fair where Nasaridze also met Anthony Aloia, the Vice President of the Private Label Manufacturers Association, to discuss supporting Georgian companies in the US market.

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15 November 2023 23:50 (UTC+04:00)

For nine months of 2023, Kyrgyzstan exported 9.9 tons of gold worth $619.7 million. The data provided by the National Statistical Committee says, Azernews reports, citing 24.kg News Agency.

In just a month, the figure increased by 1.2 tons. At the same time, during the same period in 2022, only 69.4 kilograms of gold were delivered for $905,600.

Switzerland accounts for the main volume of precious metal exports. At least eight tons were supplied there for $502.8 million. Data for eight months of 2023 showed exports at 7.1 tons. It turns out that in a month the Kyrgyz Republic exported almost 882.2 kilograms of gold to Switzerland.

In addition, the republic supplied 984.3 kilograms of precious metal for $60 million to Hong Kong and 908.8 kilograms worth $56.7 million to the United Arab Emirates.

In 2022, almost the entire volume of gold for the first nine months of the year was exported to Turkiye. There were no deliveries to this country this year.

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Lois Henry is the CEO and editor of SJV Water, a nonprofit, independent online news publication dedicated to covering water issues in the San Joaquin Valley. She can be reached at lois.henry@sjvwater.org. The website is sjvwater.org.
BC undergraduates play an important role in the portal program by curating sessionsassisting BC groups in getting used to the portal, introducing them to the remote participants, and helping initiate conversations. Olivia Absey-Allen 27 led a discussion in which students from the BC Sustainability Council spoke with a representative from an ecological preserve in Barbados and learned about her work. She also curated a session in which teaching assistants from the Lynch School of Education and Human Development talked with IT experts in Mexico City.

Said Absey-Allen, It can be a bit challenging to get the conversation flowing in the beginning, but as the session goes on, I can see both groups getting comfortable with each other. It was so interesting to talk with the Mexico City group about technology, especially how it both divides us and connects us. Without technology, we wouldnt be able to participate in these dialogues with people from around the world.

Assistant Professor of the Practice of Theology Joshua Snyder, director of BCs Faith, Peace, and Justice minor, and his students interacted with representatives from an organization in South Africa that focuses on empowering young adults through creative expression, art, and culture. Snyder said his group heard about the pervasive legacy of apartheid in South Africa and the challenges young adults face: The crippling levels of poverty, unemployment and HIV rates were shocking for our students.

In my courses we talk a lot about the power of solidarity through proximity, which is the ability to see anothers cause as your own by meeting with others and listening to their lived experiences, said Snyder. The essential first step is for students to have an encounter with another culture. Through listening and mutual dialogue, they are then in a better position to take up the causes and concerns of others by being allies and advocates. I think the students had a powerful experience. This is obviously only a first step, but through encounter their perspectives and worldviews become more expansive.

Sometimes, the revelations these talks yield are more personal, but no less deeply felt, as Vincent Sablich 24 found when speaking with two Congolese refugees in Uganda about Maitre Gims, a musical artist from the Congo of whom Sablich is an avid fan. Music allows people from all backgrounds and experiences to connect heart to heart and soul to soul. I think this highlights what it means to be a global citizen.

The Global Engagement Portal is presented as part of Boston Colleges observance of International Education Week. Visit the IEW website for more information.
Vigilance called for as peak flu season starts

China Daily) 09:41, November 15, 2023

Health commission stresses improved monitoring as respiratory illnesses spread

China is seeing the circulation of multiple infectious respiratory illnesses this winter, with surging cases of mycoplasma pneumonia, rising cases of influenza flu, but a downward trend in COVID-19 cases in recent days, health authorities and experts said on Monday.

They added that people can recover from most respiratory infections without special treatment, but the elderly, children aged 5 and under and immunocompromised groups should visit hospitals promptly and take therapies as guided.

Mi Feng, spokesman of the National Health Commission, said during a news conference that as winter approaches, China has entered the peak season for respiratory illnesses, and different viruses or pathogens are circulating simultaneously.

"Efforts should be made to monitor the spread of mycoplasma pneumonia, COVID-19, influenza flu, as well as dengue fever and norovirus infections, to step up surveillance and early warnings so as to understand the spread of these viruses and their mutations," he said.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae  a pathogen that commonly causes sore throat, fatigue, fever and a lingering cough that can last for months in children aged 5 and above  has drawn heightened attention this winter as hospitals nationwide have seen young patients swarming there to seek treatment.

Tong Zhaohui, vice-president of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University and head of the Beijing respiratory disease research institute, said that regional epidemics of mycoplasma pneumoniae infections emerge every three to seven years.

The pathogen tends to spread quickly among kindergartens, schools and family members, he added.

"This year, the disease also inflicts children aged under three, but their condition is not more severe compared to previous years," Tong said.

At his hospital, Tong said, the positivity rate for the pathogen stands around 5.6 percent for adults and 40.3 percent among children.

He added that the increasing activities of the pathogen and other viruses are not unexpected.

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, the spread of acute respiratory diseases appeared to be mild due to strict personal protection measures," he said.

"With the ease of virus containment measures, the circulation of these diseases has returned to pre-pandemic status, which is normal."

Wang Dayan, director of the China National Influenza Center administered by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said that flu activities across the nation have been rising, with H3N2 the dominant strain.

In past years, the flu season for winter and spring usually runs from about mid-October to early March and peaks in January, she said.

Wang stressed that an effective way to prevent flu infections and reduce related serious cases and deaths is expanding vaccinations. Arrangements have been rolled out to facilitate flu immunization among medical workers, the elderly, people with chronic diseases, staff members at nursery and elderly care centers, schools, as well as children aged from six months to five and family members of infants.

She added that flu vaccine supplies this year have risen compared with last year and are sufficient to meet demand.

Regarding COVID-19, Wang said that the number of domestic cases has been on a downward trend since late August and the positivity rate of the disease at fever clinics and hospitals is declining consistently.

China reported 209 severe COVID-19 cases and 24 related deaths in October, according to the China CDC.

However, Zhong Nanshan, a prominent respiratory illness expert, said during a conference on Friday that modeling shows that small spikes of COVID-19 infections will likely appear this month through to January.

Zhong suggested the public, especially vulnerable groups, obtain updated vaccines as soon as possible.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Xian Jiangnan)
This post appears here courtesy of ECU News Services . The author of this post is ECU News Services The North Carolina heat isn't melting the spirits of East Carolina University's class of 2027 as they move in this week. Trucks, vans and trailers were scattered around campus as students began filling the residence halls during early move-in Tuesday. Approximately 5,400 students are expected to move into residence halls this week at ECU, the highest number since 2019.Students started at Minges Coliseum to collect room keys, get move-in details and take a quick photo with family and friends before heading out to their home for the next year.Jodi McKay has two sons in the ECU Honors College, a senior and a freshman, so the family is familiar with move-in day.she said.McKay said she and her husband were Hokie fans until her older son was accepted in the Honors College and offered a scholarship.she said.Her incoming freshman is interested in the five-year Master of Business Administration program and a minor in entrepreneurship.McKay said.Phyllistine Simmons waited on her daughter, Malay Simmons, a freshman from Murfreesboro, who was picking up the key fob for her residence hall in the West End neighborhood. Phyllistine picked a shady spot at a table in the courtyard behind Garrett Residence Hall.Phyllistine said.Malay comes to ECU with a high school diploma and associate degree after completing her studies at Hertford County Early College in Ahoskie. She plans to major in nursing.To help students with their boxes and carts, volunteers from organizations at ECU and the community help families carry items to rooms and navigate campus. ECU Women's Club Ultimate Frisbee team members Rachel Bruns, Caroline Herring and Ryley Tabor were helping residents move into Jarvis Residence Hall Wednesday. The club helps every year.said Herring, a graduate student from Bowie, Maryland.said Tabor, a sophomore from Pittsboro.From storage organizers to bedding, students and their parents moved cart after cart into ECU's residence halls. Some brought something special to remind them of home.said Haylee Dorsey, an elementary education major moving in for her second year in Ballard Hall.Dorsey said she's excited about starting a new job in the Neighborhood Service Office.Emily Ricci of New Jersey brought along a childhood keepsake.she said.Her father, Mike Ricci, said it was a day of mixed emotions.he said.For Mia Taylor, an intended nursing major moving into Greene Hall, there was one thing she couldn't do without in her new room.she said.Sadie Lang, an Honors College freshman from Greenville, was moving into Greene Residence Hall where the D.H. Conley High School graduate will be rooming with a friend, Kemorah Ullah, who graduated from J. H. Rose. Lang plans to major in speech and hearing sciences with plans to get a master's degree and become a speech language pathologist.Lang said. She said she's looking forward toMaking new friends is also something that Andrea Barban, a freshman from Hudson, is looking forward to this fall. Her uncle, Julio Lopez, helped load items into a cart to take up the Jarvis Residence Hall elevator. Barban plans to major in nursing, and the program's reputation was a big reason she wanted to attend ECU.Lopez said.Dr. Brandon Frye, vice chancellor for student affairs, said there is a variety of programming throughout the year that will help students build a sense of community on campus. That includes ECU's Pirate Experience events centered around introducing new students to Pirate Nation including opportunities to meet other students and learning how to get engaged with campus organizations.Frye said.Pirate Experience events include Pirate Palooza, Raid the Rec, New Student Welcome event and organization fairs.The first day of class is Monday, Aug. 21.
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
Three men have been sentenced for their roles in a $54 million bribery and kickback scheme related to fraudulent prescriptions.

David Copeland, 55, of Tallahassee, Fla., James Moss, 60, of Huntsville, Ala., and Michael Gordon, 60, of Fort Myers, Fla., were sentenced for their roles in the scheme following guilty pleas, according to a Nov. 15 news release from the Justice Department.

Mr. Moss and Mr. Copeland were part owners of a Florida based pharmacy and Mr. Gordon was a lead sales representative. The trio engaged in a practice to develop the most expensive combination of drugs to maximize reimbursements from Tricare. From 2012 through 2015, the pharmacy billed Tricare more than $54 million for its compounded pharmaceuticals.

Additionally, they targeted physicians who treated Tricare beneficiaries and offered bribes and kickbacks to encourage referrals. Mr. Moss paid his co-conspirators millions in kickbacks based on percentages of the TriCare reimbursements, the release said.
Beginning Jan. 1, Blue Cross Blue Shield Massachusetts will no longer cover the use of monitored anesthesia for certain gastrointestinal patients undergoing endoscopic, bronchoscopic, or interventional pain procedures.

It will no longer consider the use of monitored anesthesia "medically necessary" for these procedures unless a patient receives documentation by the operating physician or anesthesiologist/certified registered nurse anesthesiologist that specific risk factors or significant medical conditions are present, according to the new policy published in November.

Patients classified as class I or class II patients, meaning they have no or few comorbidities, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists' definitions will no longer receive coverage.

"The use of monitored anesthesia care for routine screening and diagnostic colonoscopy in ASA Class I patients is not medically necessary," BCBS claims in the report.

Prior authorization will be required for all monitored anesthesia cases performed in the inpatient setting, and prior authorization may be required in the outpatient setting.

BCBS cited a study from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy published 10 years ago as the basis for the change, according to a gastroenterologist who spoke with Becker's.

While this change will just impact patients in Massachusetts, gastroenterologists and industry specialists are concerned about a potential nationwide ripple effect.

"This is not a regional issue. The policy is written in the BCBS national care plan, and if successfully implemented in Massachusetts will surely roll out elsewhere," Max Tilson, MD, a physician with Integrated GI Consultants, told Becker's. "This will obviously have a substantial ripple effect on access, efficiency and acceptance of colonoscopy as the preferred screening tool as anesthesia provided care is used in the majority of outpatient endoscopy centers here."
Many leaders are worried about the impending physician shortage amid healthcare's "Great Resignation."

Here are three numbers about the shortage making leaders nervous.

71,309. The number of physicians that left the workforce from 2021 to 2023, according to Definitive Healthcare's "Addressing the healthcare staffing shortage" report.

124,000. The shortage of physicians the country could reach by 2034, according to Physician Thrive's 2023 compensation report.

12,500. The projected shortage of anesthesiologists by 2033, according to a 2021 American Medical Colleges report.
Mass General Brigham said the capacity for primary care patients is limited on the main campuses of Brigham and Women's Hospital and Mass General Hospital in Boston, but there is availability within the system.

"While capacity for new primary care patients is limited at select practices at Brigham and Women's and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, there is availability in the Mass General Brigham system for new primary care patients," the organization said in a statement shared with Becker's.

The health system said there is primary care availability in practices associated with its community hospitals, in its suburban community physician practices, and with its affiliated practices throughout the region, including One Medical.

Mass General Brigham is offering new patients appointments with advanced practice providers. It said it is also working urgently to increase and expedite access to primary care at its Boston hospitals by hiring more providers and staff, offering primary care appointments to new patients as they become available, and through solutions like virtual urgent care.

The limited capacity for primary care patients at some Mass General Brigham locations comes amid a shortage of primary care physicians to meet demand nationwide. The Association of American Medical Colleges projects a shortage of between 37,800 and 48,000 primary care physicians by 2034.








Hospital executives told Becker's that the key to a successful and affordable EHR implementation is creating a thorough plan, utilizing all your resources and looking to the future.

"It's important to get the implementation right the first time," Cleveland-based University Hospitals CIO Robert Eardley told Becker's. "The most important step in the process is developing a solid, comprehensive cost model. This way you can gain confidence with senior leadership and the board that varied costs are accounted for in the budget plan."

Hospital leaders are caught between the tension of needing to digitize their operations and the rising cost of software. With EHRs being perhaps the most expensive software investment a hospital will make, an over-budget installation can be disastrous.

In October, Gardner, Mass.-based Heywood Healthcare cited a "lengthy electronic medical record transition" as part of its decision to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Broward Health announced its transition to Epic will cost $250 million.

CIOs are working closely with their finance departments to ensure there is room for a new EHR on the balance sheet. Pittsburgh-based UPMC is switching from nine EHRs to Epic. UPMC CIO Ed McCallister said he is working to make the health system's transfer of 6 million patient records "as cost-effective as possible."

"We align with finance and are intentional to validate that together we have a common understanding that these initiatives are necessary to drive UPMC forward, while not losing sight of the costs associated with these activities," said Mr. McCallister. "To accomplish this, together we leverage common tools and methodologies to plan and deploy technology investments across the organization. More specifically, we utilize a cost transparency budgeting tool to have data-driven discussions with our customers to meet their needs in the most valuable and cost-effective way."

To keep costs down during the installation and make sure that care isn't affected, some CIOs have had success turning to outside help. Mr. McCallister has created a "three-legged stool" that brings together Epic's expertise, internal UPMC talent and external workers. Methodist Le Bonheur has also brought in external workers to help keep the costs of its Epic installation down.

"We wanted to ensure that we had an experienced implementation partner who would work with other large health systems similar to ours, who were used to coming in on time, on budget and on benefit," said Methodist Le Bonheur COO Monica Wharton. "Deloitte has been a tremendous partner, as well as Epic, and we've set up the appropriate governance models to really help ensure we are moving in the right direction for this initiative."

Despite the lofty installation costs, hospital executives said it is important to view a new EHR as a long-term financial investment.

"We see it as 'no margin, no mission.' We don't drive ourselves to deliver care based on revenue, but it is an important piece of the business," said New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health CIO Sophy Lu. "The investment is significant, but the outcomes that you get out of it are also significant. It leaps you into the future and allows you to do different things because now your building blocks are set to integrate on top."
Grantsburg, Wis.-based Burnett Medical Center converted its EHR system to Epic on Nov. 12.

The hospital says that the Epic system will allow them to more efficiently provide care to patients who have been at other facilities that have an Epic EHR. Burnett Medical Center did warn patients that they may experience delays as staff get accustomed to the new workflow, according to a Nov. 15 Burnett Medical Center news release.

"The conversion to Epic will greatly benefit our patients. We will be able to seamlessly communicate with other Epic facilities, ultimately delivering better patient care no matter where you are," Burnett CEO Gordy Lewis said in the news release. "Our staff have been diligently training to prepare for this transition. They already love what they see, and they are excited to roll out the benefits to our community."
Johnson City, Tenn.-based Ballad Health, which is under examination from the Tennessee attorney general's office, said it is meeting certain legal requirements related to the care it provides both in the state and in Virginia, where it also operates.

The 21-hospital system operates in Tennessee under a certificate of public advantage agreement and in Virginia under a cooperating agreement. Both agreements oblige Ballad Health to invest in certain initiatives to ensure affordable access to healthcare.

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has asked for a full monitoring of operations at the system's facilities in Northeastern Tennessee after residents there complained about such healthcare provision.

"It is clear that Ballad Health's efforts through its ACO, and through value-based contracting, and in partnership with private physician groups aligning with the value-based model, have significantly decreased low acuity admissions, reduced risk of harm to Medicare beneficiaries, and reduced the cost of health care," Ballad said in a statement. "This success comports with Tennessee and Virginia law which requires under the COPA and CA that Ballad Health demonstrate 'improvements in the utilization of hospital resources and equipment,' demonstrate 'population health improvement of the region,' and also which mandates 'gains in cost containment and cost-efficiency' and 'avoidance of duplication of hospital resources.'

Ballad Health reported an operating loss of $18.6 million on revenue of $586.7 million for the quarter ending Sept. 30. Its overall loss totaled $55.5 million.
Arkansas lawmakers gave preliminary approval for four more rural hospitals to receive federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, Arkansas Advocate reported Nov. 18.

The four hospitals would split more than $12.5 million, according to the report. If approved, it would bring the total number of rural Arkansas hospitals receiving aid to 10, and the amount of funding distributed would reach $40 million.

Last year Arkansas lawmakers set aside $60 million in emergency relief funds for struggling rural hospitals, according to the report. The state hired consulting firm Alvarez and Marsal to identify 18 rural hospitals that were eligible for relief.

If finalized Nov.17, the four hospitals that would receive funds in the latest round, plus their awards, are:
In the coming two years, key investment areas in patient engagement will center around facilitating easier patient access through features like self-scheduling and self-registration, addressing preferences expressed by patients, a Nov. 15 survey from KLAS found.

KLAS surveyed 93 healthcare executives, mostly CIOs, about patient engagement and where they're looking to invest in the next one to two years and found:
In an online survey conducted by HealthDay-Harris Poll, almost 63% of physicians and nurses across the nation reported experiencing a moderate or significant level of burnout in their workplace. To combat this, healthcare organizations have been making systemic changes to reduce administrative burdens on their providers with the help of technology.

AI-aided documentation

Heavy workloads, long working hours and administrative burdens are often cited as major contributors to burnout among healthcare professionals.

The increasing use of electronic health records has also been associated with higher levels of stress and burnout, with 57% of providers agreeing that excessive EHR documentation is one of the contributing factors leading to burnout.

"Across the country, doctors are being inundated with messages, and it's a real problem we need to solve," Christopher Longhurst, MD, chief medical officer and chief digital officer at UC San Diego Health, told Becker's.

But artificial intelligence could be a technology that proves to be crucial in addressing and diminishing the burdens associated with the EHR.

For example, UC San Diego Health and Chapel Hill, N.C.-based UNC Health are using generative AI, built from Epic Systems and Microsoft, to help physicians respond to patients' questions in online portals. These health systems are hoping the technology will be a game-changer for care teams.

"I'm just really excited about what I think this can mean to our physicians in terms of giving them time back to interact with their patients," UNC Health CIO Brent Lamm told Becker's.

Mr. Lamm told Becker's that he's hopeful the technology will not only enable physicians to reclaim time for patient interactions but also provide them with more quality time with their families. With the use of AI, Mr. Lamm anticipates a reduction in time spent on administrative tasks, responding to patient messages and documentation, leading to a better work-life balance for physicians and less concern about work-related responsibilities during their evenings at home.

Alternative channels for care

Healthcare organizations have been expanding their utilization of virtual care initiatives such as virtual nurses and virtual sitters to maximize the efficiency of their staff by automating routine tasks, enabling them to focus on more complex and critical aspects of patient care.

Healthcare institutions such as CommonSpirit Health in Chicago; Community Health Systems in Franklin, Tenn.; OSF HealthCare in Peoria, Ill.; and Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., have all been adopting virtual nursing and seeing positive return on investment.

For example, CommonSpirit reported significant improvements in patient and nursing satisfaction scores, as well as positive impacts on metrics such as length of stay, infections and falls.

The virtual initiatives have also helped alleviate the strain on traditional nursing staff, especially in the context of nursing shortages, by providing additional support and resources.

The Guthrie Clinic, based in Sayre, Pa., recently established a virtual care command center known as the Pulse Center. The facility combines technology and human resources to support and augment its nursing staff in delivering clinical care.

The Pulse Center has been able to supplement the organization's nursing workforce and reduced its transfers from 50 per month to 19 per month.

By investigating alternative channels for providing healthcare and doing daily work, healthcare organizations have been making progress in alleviating the strains on their workers.
As the winds of financial challenges buffet healthcare organizations, many are turning to technology for enhanced automation and efficiency. With this technological convergence, CIOs are being urged to go beyond their traditional roles and emulate the language of their financial counterparts.

In December 2021, a Gartner survey revealed that organizations with robust CFO and CIO collaborations had a 51% higher chance of securing funding for digital initiatives effortlessly, a 39% higher likelihood of maintaining digital spending within budget constraints, and an 18% greater probability of attaining intended business outcomes.

Despite these advantages, only 30% of CFO and CIO relationships were perceived as strong partnerships.

According to Aaron Miri, senior vice president and chief digital and information officer at Jacksonville, Fla.-based Baptist Health, it is the CIO's job to talk like a CFO.

"It is my job to make sure that I'm sitting down with our CFO and talking like a CFO," Mr. Miri told Becker's. "The reality is, I have to know enough to be dangerous. If you can't do that, you can't be in the seat in the future."

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the symbiotic relationship between CFOs and CIOs emerges as a linchpin for organizational success, demanding a recalibration of communication and collaboration strategies at the intersection of finance and technology. And according to Mr. Miri, for a health system to function seamlessly, the CIO must primarily act as an operator before being a technologist.

"Understanding the intricacies of the healthcare business is now paramount for the role," he said.
Elizabeth Wako, MD, is now the permanent president and CEO of Seattle-based Swedish Health Services after fulfilling the role in an interim capacity since May.

Providence Swedish announced Dr. Wako's appointment on Nov. 15, effective immediately. Dr. Wako stepped in to head up the organization as interim CEO in May, succeeding Guy Hudson, MD, after his 16-year tenure with the organization.

Dr. Wako will continue to report to the Swedish Board of Trustees and to Rod Hochman, MD, president and CEO of Renton, Wash.-based Providence.

"This is an exciting moment for the organization as Dr. Wako's appointment represents a number of historic firsts for Swedish," R. Omar Riojas, chair of the Swedish Board of Trustees, said in a news release. "She is the first woman and first African American to lead the organization since it was founded by Dr. Nils Johanson 113 years ago. As a nurse, physician, woman of color, wife, and mother of four, she brings a unique perspective that is critical in shaping health-care delivery of the future."

Dr. Wako previously served as chief executive of Providence Swedish's Central Service Area. She joined Swedish in 2011, fulfilling a number of executive roles since, including chief medical officer, COO and chief executive for Swedish First Hill campus in Seattle.

Providence and Swedish affiliated in 2012. Providence Swedish today is the largest healthcare delivery system in Western Washington, with 22,000 caregivers, eight hospitals and 244 clinics.
About a year after retiring as the CEO of Providence, R.I.-based Care New England Health System, James Fanale, MD, is sharing his story of a stage 4 cancer diagnosis and the power of empathy in medicine, The Boston Globe reported Nov. 13.

A nagging cough spurred Dr. Fanale, who practiced as a geriatrician, to undergo a CT scan. He expected the results to be normal, but the scan showed a mass in one lung and other signs of advanced cancer.

"This may have been the first time in my life when my knowledge as a physician did not serve me well, because I knew exactly what I was seeing," Dr. Fanale wrote in an upcoming article in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, according to the Globe.

"I've taken care of patients for 40 years. Now I'm on the other side of it," Dr. Fanale told the Globe. "I never realized what people go through, their feelings, or what caregivers really go through. I think it's just an important and powerful story to tell."

He recently self-published a book entitled "ONWARD: A Teaching, and a Love Story  For Physicians, and Everyone." The book tells the story of his cancer journey with the hopes of educating other healthcare workers on supporting caregivers as well as their patients.

Dr. Fanale, who is one year into his biweekly treatments at the Boston-based Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, said his diagnosis taught him the full extent of what cancer patients and their caregivers go through.

"I think what all of this taught me was that you shouldn't make the one phone call," he told the Globe. "You need to continue to keep in touch. I get that we [as providers] have a lot to do. But goddamnit, this is the best job in the world. You actually get to impact people's lives. You should never take that for granted."

All of the proceeds from "Onward" will go toward a new caregivers fund at Dana-Farber.
Salem (Mass.) Hospital is notifying some patients who may have been exposed to infection as a result of the improper administration of an intravenous medicine, Boston 25 News reported Nov. 15.

The hospital alerted about 450 endoscopy patients that IVs were administered "in a manner not consistent" with its procedures over a course of two years, according to ABC affiliate WCVB.

The patients were potentially exposed to HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, according to Boston 25 News.

"Once identified, the practice was immediately corrected, and the hospital's quality and infection control teams were notified," a spokesperson for Mass General Brigham, which owns Salem Hospital, told Boston 25 News.

The hospital also set up a free clinician hotline to answer patients' questions and is providing free screenings to affected individuals. To date, there have been no reported infections tied to the error, and the hospital said the risk of infection is extremely small.

"We sincerely apologize to those who have been impacted and we remain committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate health care to our community," Mass General Brigham said.
San Francisco-based Dignity Health is suing several patients in California for trespassing after they allegedly refused to be discharged, KFF Health News reported Nov. 15.

The unusual legal strategy is grounded in a California law intended to prevent anti-abortion demonstrators from obstructing entry to healthcare facilities.

Dignity has filed three lawsuits against patients and their advocates, accusing them of "commercial blockage" for "unreasonably and unlawfully" refusing to be discharged once they were deemed medically and legally eligible. Dignity claims the actions hindered its ability to care for other patients during COVID-19 surges.

Family members and advocates argue the patients were asserting their right to be discharged to a post-acute facility they could afford, rather than being simply sent home without the means to care for themselves, according to the report.

"It could be a watershed case if it goes in either direction," Tony Chicotel, senior staff attorney with the California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform, told KFF Health News. "If it's a defense verdict, we'll know our laws are somewhat protective of patients. And if it's a plaintiff's verdict, patients around the state could be dumped and us advocates will have to figure out what we can talk about without getting sued."

Dignity told KFF Health News it does not comment on pending litigation. Dennis McPherson, an attorney representing Dignity, said the health system made the decision to sue after serious deliberation.

Read the full article here.



Editor's note: Becker's has reached out to Dignity for comment and will update the article if more information becomes available.
A patient who sued the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics for allegedly sharing medical information with Facebook might seek to settle after a judge threw out the case, Iowa Capital Dispatch reported Nov. 14.

Eileen Yeisley filed a lawsuit against the Iowa City-based system in April alleging two sets of code on their websites tracked the online activity of visitors and shared that information with Facebook. The social media company then linked that activity to their personal accounts and sold the information to third-party marketers to tailor ads to their medical issues.

The University of Iowa Health Care system released a statement that said, "University of Iowa Health Care is committed to protecting patient privacy. We do not share protected health information of our patients with Meta or Facebook."

On Oct. 18, a judge granted the system's motion to dismiss the case but allowed for an amended complaint to be submitted within 14 days. The plaintiffs have requested a deadline and are reportedly entering settlement negotiations.
Columbia University and its affiliated hospital in New York City have released an apology and response plan after an obstetrician/gynecologist affiliated with the institutions was sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexually abusing patients.

Robert Hadden, MD, was arrested in September 2020 and convicted in July 2023 for inducing four victims to travel interstate to his medical offices in Manhattan so that he could sexually abuse them. Dr. Hadden carried out the abuse for approximately 25 years from 1987 to 2012 as an obstetrician/gynecologist employed by Columbia University Irving Medical Center. He left the hospital in 2012 and has not worked there as a physician since.

"We owe it to the courageous survivors and the entire Columbia community to fully reckon with Hadden's abuses," said Minouche Shafik, president of Columbia University and Katrina Armstrong, MD, CEO of Columbia University Irving Medical Center. "Columbia failed these survivors, and for that we are deeply sorry."

Under the response plan, Columbia University and Columbia University Irving Medical Center will notify nearly 6,500 former patients of the crimes for which Dr. Hadden was convicted and sentenced; offer survivors the opportunity to participate in a new $100 million settlement fund that will open in January 2024; and launch a center for patient safety and engage with outside experts to review the hospital's current quality and patient safety programs, policies and protocols.

The organizations also said they will undergo an external investigation to examine the circumstances and failures that allowed Dr. Hadden's abuse to continue. Prosecutors said Dr. Hadden honed the techniques of his abuse over the 25 years he practiced and "exploited the power differential inherent in the doctor-patient relationship" to further his abuse under the guise of medical examinations.

More information about Columbia University and Columbia University Irving Medical Center's survivors' settlement fund and investigation can be found here. Columbia University has previously settled claims with more than 220 survivors of Dr. Hadden's abuse through settlement funds.
Michael Joyner, MD, a physician who was suspended by Mayo Clinic after publicly criticizing the National Institutes of Health, filed a lawsuit against the Rochester, Minn.-based system for allegedly violating his protected speech.

The lawsuit, filed Nov. 13, claims Mayo Clinic violated his protected speech rights by disciplining him after he "had two problematic interviews," the lawsuit said.

Dr. Joyner is principal investigator on a government-funded study on convalescent plasma. When being interviewed by CNN in January for a story related to the study, he said he was "frustrated" with the National Institutes of Health's "bureaucratic rope-a-dope," criticizing the agency's COVID-19 treatment guidelines convalescent plasma and the NIH's hesitancy to make it available to patients. Dr. Joyner is also under scrutiny for comments made to The New York Times and his alleged mistreatment of co-workers.

Between 2020 and 2023, he alleges Mayo Clinic retaliated against him and fabricated reports of problematic behavior that it used to justify firing him in 2023. He also alleges that in 2020 he filed a whistleblower complaint regarding a Mayo Clinic business partner's "attempt to unlawfully access and use protected patients' data." He claims leaders at the system called his report "unprofessional" and retaliated against him for whistleblowing.

In a statement shared with Becker's, a Mayo Clinic spokesperson said Dr. Joyner's claims are unfounded.

"Dr. Joyner's lawsuit is yet another manifestation of his refusal to recognize or accept responsibility for his inappropriate behaviors," the statement said. "Mayo intends to show that in 2020  Dr. Joyner gave Mayo an ultimatum, demanding that Mayo agree to give him a seven-figure payment within 48 hours. At the same time, he was found to have consistently engaged in rude and disrespectful communications toward co-workers and outside partners. Dr. Joyner alleged that his discipline was retaliation, similar to the retaliation claims in his lawsuit. Mayo hired an outside attorney to investigate these concerns. The attorney, who is now a federal judge, found there was no retaliation and that Dr. Joyner had engaged in a pattern of asserting inflammatory allegations grounded almost entirely in speculation."

Dr. Joyner's lawsuit comes five months after 33 professors from Cambridge, Mass.-based Harvard University, New Haven, Conn.-based Yale University, New York City-based Columbia University and other institutions wrote a letter to Mayo Clinic protesting the decision to suspend him.
Drones, robots and automated technologies are increasingly deployed across the healthcare landscape to speed workflows and improve efficiency. For pharmacists, amid a nationwide staffing shortage, tech is allowing them to work at the top of their license and serve more patients.

ChristianaCare's Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del., St. Elizabeth Fort Thomas (Ky.) Hospital and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., are three systems now utilizing new technology to free up pharmacists' time, according to a Nov. 14 news release from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

At Christiana Hospital, the pharmacy shares a task robot with other departments, including nursing. When its services are needed, like for delivering prescriptions across the hospital, a pharmacist can request it using an iPad. To date, the bot has been used to make more than 7,000 prescription deliveries, according to the release.

In Fort Thomas, Ky., the hospital pharmacists are also using a robot to assist with drug deliveries across departments. In its first 12 months of use, it delivered 24,185 prescriptions.

"The big thing for us is that its allowed us to keep an extra body in the department," R.J. Frey, PharmD, pharmacy coordinator at St. Elizabeth Fort Thomas Hospital stated in the release. "Instead of that person being out walking around, just dropping off drugs, they can stay down here and do the physical tasks that a robot cannot do."

Pharmacists at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center echo the above and noted in the release that they have seen the biggest benefit using medication delivery robots and technologies in how much time it saves  even allowing its staff to take advantage of their breaks.

"Its hard to step away to deliver something and then come back and pick up that task again," Pranati Kuchimanchi, PharmD, lead clinical pharmacist for medication systems and operations at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center stated. "It allows our staff to focus, and even frees up their time to take a break."

Systems are also beginning to deploy new technology to aid with prescription deliveries outside hospital walls. In recent weeks, other health systems including Cleveland Clinic, Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Health, and even Amazon's pharmacy service have made headlines for using drone technology to test prescription deliveries directly to patient homes in local regions.
Tristin Kate Smith, an emergency room nurse, was 28 years old when she died by suicide in August. Five months prior, she wrote a letter comparing the healthcare industry to an abusive partner that has grown to resonate with exhausted clinicians across the country.

Ron Smith, Ms. Smith's father, found the letter on her laptop after her death and submitted it as a letter to the editor in the Oakwood Register, a local newspaper.

"Our nation's healthcare system is broken, and it broke our girl," Mr. Smith wrote in a foreword to his daughter's letter. "Her passion for nursing had turned into a nightmare. Tristin was in trouble."

The letter, titled "Letter to My Abuser," details Ms. Smith's experience working in the emergency room. She begins by stating that her interest in healthcare began at a young age, and described her subsequent devotion to studying and to her patients in the early days of her nursing career.

"I told you I would be there through the good and the bad, but you have taken my heart and slowly crushed the goodness it had," Ms. Smith wrote. "You love-bombed me with affection, and you told me I was going into a career that matters. I could make a difference."

Over time, the thank-you letters and compliments lost their meaning, and her concerns surrounding staffing levels and safety began to grow.

"In your eyes, these staff were 'unnecessary,' but it came at a high cost for the advertised 'quality care' provided to our patients by those of us who were left," Ms. Smith wrote. "You asked my colleagues and me what we needed to help patients and improve satisfaction scores, and we told you the truth. But then you sent us to online courses that taught us to just smile more and be friendlier to the patients. That's when I began to understand your true cruelty and manipulation."

The letter recalls an environment of fear and blame at the unnamed hospital, and Ms. Smith's concerns for her own safety amid rising patient violence. She wrote that she could now see beyond the pizza parties and free pens doled out to "healthcare heroes" in place of the love and support they needed.

"I so desperately want to continue to help people, but I cannot stay in this abusive relationship. Each day, you ask me to do more with less. You beat me to the point that my body and mind are black, bruised, and bleeding out," Ms. Smith wrote. "I'm only sorry to my patients and colleagues. You deserve so much better, but my abusive partner is relentless."

"If I stay, I will lose my sanity  and possibly my life  forever," the letter concludes.

The letter has gained national attention since its initial publication, sparking outrage among healthcare professionals and the general public alike. Nurses have taken to TikTok, X and media outlets to express their frustrations with unsafe working conditions, which are driving more and more clinicians away from the profession. When nurses finally call it quits, those who stay behind find themselves with an increased burden, and the vicious cycle continues  often leaving young nurses like Ms. Smith to handle situations on their own.

"So they're afraid of making mistakes. They're afraid to lose their licenses. They are afraid of killing somebody," Taccara Durrett, RN, a nurse since 2009, told USA Today. "This is the worst that I've ever seen healthcare and nurses are so stressed and burnt out. This is crazy, and no one is listening to us."

Mr. Smith recalls his daughter as an "upbeat and confident" person, with a love for animals (including her cat Sphinx and dog Calypso); a green thumb; and a knack for baking, writing and the arts. She made a significant impact on her friends and patients alike.

"Some people go into nursing for many different reasons, but this was a calling for Tristin," Mr. Smith told USA Today. "She loved caring for people."
Ryan Molli, DO, said he hopes more orthopedic surgeons will lean into private practice in the future.

Dr. Molli, founder and CEO of Whole Health Orthopedic Institute in Meadville, Pa., discussed his journey into private practice and what young orthopedic surgeons should know.

Note: This conversation was lightly edited for clarity.

Question: Can you tell me what you're most proud of from this past year?

Dr. Ryan Molli: It would say it's the growth of our practice. I started my private practice in 2018 from scratch and started out with 14 employees. We are now the sole owner and have well over 30 employees. It was myself when I first started, and now we have five orthopedic surgeons and five [advanced practice] providers.

Q: A lot of independent orthopedic practices have considered consolidation. What strategies have helped your practice thrive on its own?

RM: Around April 2020, I left an acute care hospital, and I partnered and became a physician owner at a physician-owned surgical hospital. That partnership has really blossomed over the past three and a half years. All of our surgeons are now operating there, and we've been able to take 100% of our cases out of standard acute care hospitals. We have 10 inpatient beds, and it's nice that we have the ability to keep our patients overnight if need be. But still, 95% of our patients are going home the same day with joint replacements.

Q: Can you talk about some of the biggest trends that you've been following in health care lately?

RM: I'm disappointed that the pendulum has swung so far toward hospital employment, and one of my main goals is to swing that back toward private practice and hopefully encourage young orthopedic surgeons that it is very possible to start private practices and thrive. It's all about partnerships and making sure that you're creating the ultimate patient experience. I truly believe if you put your patient's experiences and needs and desires first, the rewards will come.

Q: What advice would you have for experienced orthopedic surgeons to best set things up well for younger surgeons to help swing that pendulum back?

RM: In my area, we're the last private practice in Northwest Pennsylvania, and the physicians that sold to the hospitals are now extremely dissatisfied and wishing and regretting those decisions. I would say don't make quick decisions based upon pressures from hospitals and institutions. Try to maintain your independence as much as possible, and reach out to those around that have been able to successfully navigate the waters of private practice and maybe look to partner with them as well.

Q: What are you excited for in 2024?

RM: I started a podcast about three and a half months ago, and I'm starting a second podcast with one of my good buddies. It's called "Red Carpet Healthcare Solutions," and it is essentially the vehicle upon which I'm trying to help swing that pendulum back. We'll have monthly podcasts that will bring different guests from different areas of the country and the world that are in the private practice setting, or maybe physician-owned hospitals or ASCs to really give young physicians the opportunity, knowledge and hopefully the confidence that they can move to private practice.
Bloomington, Minn.-based Twin Cities Orthopedics and Waconia, Minn.-based Ridgeview have partnered to open the Orthopedic Institute on Ridgeview's Chaska (Minn.) Campus.

The value-based partnership is the first-of-its-kind orthopedic-focused expansion for the hospital, according to a Nov. 15 press release sent to Becker's.

To house the Orthopedic Institute, a fifth floor was added to the medical center and the fourth floor was renovated to expand clinical and support services for the facility.

A total of 54,000 additional square feet was added between the two floors.

"There continues to be that focus on transitioning care into the ASC setting. The orthopedic specialty hospital partnership with Ridgeview is a value-based partnership. It adds another option for expanding our already successful value-based program, providing more concierge care. People want that convenient specialty care, and we're looking to add it however we can," TCO's Chief Operating Officer Janet Benton told Becker's.
A 93,386-square-foot medical building in Oak Brook, Ill., 99% leased to Rush University System for Health has sold, according to a Nov. 15 report from Boston Real Estate Times.

The three-story building and ASC was built in 2018 and has a long-term lease with Rush and Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush.

The building also houses 20 other outpatient specialties, including pain management, gastroenterology and neurosurgery.

The building's ASC comprises six operating rooms, two procedure rooms and 28 patient bays. The facility was acquired by joint venture partners Remedy Medical Properties and Kayne Anderson Real Estate.
The issue of false soil samples being used in planning applications came to light last year

The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) has said the falsification of soil samples in planning applications for animal sheds is completely unacceptable and harms the reputation of Northern Irelands agriculture sector.

Since 2015, farmers seeking to build new sheds for their livestock have had to submit soil samples in planning applications to show they can deal with slurry without harming the environment.

Investigations have been launched after it emerged that 108 (87%) applications submitted for pig, poultry and cattle sheds between 2015 and 2022 used fabricated soil sample results in an effort to bypass environmental legislation.

However, an investigation by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA)  which spotted the fake samples  does not extend to the 108 planning applications identified.

Read more No plans to dredge NI river after local businesses devastated by floods

In recent months slurry run-off has been blamed for the toxic algae blooms which hit Lough Neagh and other waterways.

The Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) has initiated a review into how government departments and councils are addressing the issue of fake soil samples.

The NIAO said it has been told that councils are investigating the circumstances of each case and are taking legal advice on the potential implications.

According to a Department for Infrastructure memo, soil sample results were either fabricated in their entirety or had been changed by a planning agent without the laboratorys knowledge.

Following the submission of some soil samples, a spot check of the field of one farmer showed the levels of polluting chemicals were significantly higher than had been stated.

Nine of NIs 11 councils have been affected by the scandal.

The problem was spotted by the NIEA last year. A spokesperson from the NIEA said its investigation into applications for environmental authorisation is currently ongoing.

However, it does not include the 108 fake sample, as NIEA has no investigative, regulatory or enforcement powers in relation to the planning process.

"A more detailed commentary is not possible at this time, in the interests of not prejudicing the integrity of the investigation or potential subsequent actions, they added.

The NIEA said it has told councils to introduce new measures for planning applicants to follow.

The person who lifted the soil samples should submit a signed declaration, along with their name and contact details, confirming that they obtained the samples from the field locations identified, it said.

"NIEA recommend that the applicant instruct their analysing laboratory to send the soil sample analyse results directly to the planning authority for publication on the NI planning portal.

The PSNIs economic crime unit is reviewing a complaint into the matter, but no overarching probe have been launched to date.

A spokesperson for the UFU said it was not aware of any farms using false information to gain planning permission until it was reported in the media.

It is completely unacceptable and only harms the reputation of Northern Ireland agriculture, the spokesperson added.

It is critical that this matter is dealt with appropriately and we are aware that an investigation is underway.

James Orr, director of Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland, branded the scandal the most alarming and significant scandal to hit the agri-food industry to date.

The business-as-usual approach is obviously totally broken, he said.
Katherine Maher, CEO of Web Summit during the first day of the Web Summit 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. Pic: Rita Franca/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Technology entrepreneurs from Northern Ireland have brushed off the controversy around this years annual Web Summit as they advocate for the conferences overall purpose.

Founded in Dublin, Web Summit is the worlds largest tech conference which regularly attracts tens-of-thousands of guests all of whom pay for the chance to be in the same room as industry giants such as Google, Meta and Microsoft.

It also is best-known for its A-list speakers  Elon Musk, Sir Tony Blair, Eric Cantona have all chaired events at the conference over the years  however the 2023 event descended into chaos after founder Paddy Cosgrave weighed in on the on-going Israel-Gaza conflict on social media weeks before it was set to begin.

In a post on the website X, formerly Twitter, Cosgrave attacked Western support for Israel after the Hamas attacks, which has killed more than 1,000 Israelis, began on October 7.

War crimes are war crimes even when committed by allies, he posted.

He later issued a lengthy apology and resigned from his role as CEO of the event earlier this month, to be replaced by former Wikipedia CEO Katherine Maher.

However, his comments led to a mass exodus of speakers from the event, which is currently ongoing until Friday.

The X-Files actress and wellness drink founder Gillian Anderson, US comedian Amy Poehler, former deputy Prime Minister and now Meta senior executive Nick Clegg, podcast host Scott Galloway, actors Joseph Gordon-Levitt and LL Cool J, alongside Northern Ireland magician and presenter Joel M all pulled out of involvement, leaving organisers scrambling to fill a once-packed high profile schedule.

Tech giants Google, Intel, Siemens, Stripe and Meta, who own Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp also pulled their presence.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph in Lisbon, three Northern Ireland tech entrepreneurs all said they never considered pulling out of the event despite the controversy.

Co-founder of talent management company MonRae, Bronagh Monahan, who is originally from Newtownards and is now based in London, said shes at Web Summit because of the opportunity the conference means for her company.

Elspeth Rae and Bronagh Monahan founders of MonRae Management

We work with a PR company who is across our management so set up the invitation to Web Summit, there was quite a few conferences this year and this was just one of them that we were put forward to. Its really exciting because they wanted to speak to Tom (YouTuber TommyInnit) and myself about all of his ventures beyond what he creates on YouTube and Twitch, she said.

Bronagh also took part in a talk on one of Web Summits stages about the management and dynamics of YouTube and being an internet personality.

When asked if she ever considered her participation in Web Summit due to the controversy, the talent manager responded with a resounding No.

We didnt. They made a decisionand to be honest Im not fully up-to-date with the controversy and we have a great relationship with the event producer and weve always seen Web Summit as a brand that has uplifted digital voices.

Online marketing strategist, Google partner and founder of leading Northern Ireland marketing agency, SQC Digital Jonathan Rogan also said he never considered not coming to Lisbon, with 2023 marking his third year at Web Summit.

Jonathan Rogan, founder of SQC Digital (pictured at Web Summit)

Em, no, said Jonathan, who is from Glenavy and whose companys clients include Belfasts Victoria Square.

I did however think it was maybe going to be a flop, and there would be no stands, but no, I never considered it.

Jonathan is in Portugal to grow Northern Irelands image in the tech world on an international level, and even expressed some frustrations at a lack of representation of Northern Ireland at previous years events.

What I have been trying to organise for the past year is actually bringing private NI companies over here, because there is actually no-one here selling Belfast at all. Last year, there was the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team, but Northern Ireland wasnt mentioned and had no representatives for NI here. This is why Im here, he added.

Award-winning tech leader and entrepreneur Jemma Simpson is the founder and CEO of Diverse Talent, an artificial intelligence-linked recruitment platform which seeks to remove biases from the job application process. A Web Summit die-hard, she also praised the conference and said its events like it which aid NI start-up companies.

Jemma Simpson founder of Diverse Talent.

No, I had already booked and paid. Im here with my whole team, and we have friends and everything here. Now last year was different, and there does seem to have been better representation last year (from groups in Northern Ireland), who really made a mark on things and organised lots of different events.

This year is very much us taking the lead ourselves. I do think its really worth it to come here, for the international experience. We talk a lot in Northern Ireland about how difficult it is to sell there, to get on the phone with people is difficult.

But start-ups need to get out of the Northern Ireland to grow, and you can do it all here in four days in Lisbon. You can grow your business in Northern Ireland right here. Ive run into CEOs of companies with bases in Northern Ireland and spoke about how difficult it is to get a hold of anyone in the company in Belfast.

She also said she sees a bright future for Northern Ireland tech, and is watching it unfold from her eyes.

I think sometimes people back home can be small-minded, which of course is understandable, Northern Ireland is a unique culture. But things like the manufacturing and the rural culture is going to eventually fade out, and tech is going to take over, particularly artificial intelligence. Look at the US visits from Mr Kennedy, they are interested in us, she said.
Belfast-made TV quiz show The Finish Line is returning to our screens for a second series, the BBC has confirmed.

After a successful first series, Roman Kemp accompanied by Sarah Greene will see another set of eager contestants compete for a cash prize.

The show sees contestants compete in quickfire question-fuelled races across a unique racetrack with the tagline the more you know, the further you go in a bid to win a 5,000 cash prize.

Roman Kemp previously told the Belfast Telegraph he fell in love with Northern Ireland while filming the first season of the show.

He said: I love it. I really love it. Do you know what, weirdly Ive spent a lot of time out there, filming documentaries like the suicide documentary, the last one that I did.

I spent a lot of time out there and that was really nice because that was understanding the community and stuff like that.

So this time around, dont get me wrong, it was a bit of a slog to record, but it was nice doing the show and then getting to go and have some champ and sausage!

Read more Game of Thrones prequel could be heading to Northern Ireland

The Capital radio presenter said he is excited to return to NI to record the shows second series.

The first series was so much fun; I had such a laugh filming, and we had some great contestants. There were some shocking answers, but thats what happens when your adrenaline is pumping and youre under a time pressure. Im so excited to be hosting again and returning to Northern Ireland.

I love that its done so well with the audience, its challenging and unpredictable; we know that viewers will be hooked once again! he said.

Sarah Greene said she is also excited to begin filming the shows second series. Making the first series of The Finish Line was like being part of a big warm

family, where we felt involved in a fantastic idea and format. Best of all? As soon as The Finish Line went to air, our viewers joined us in their droves.

I know I speak for all of us on the show when I say we cant wait to get back into the studio for more quickfire questions, nail-biting finishes and lots of laughs on Series 2 of The Finish Line!

If you enjoyed the show last year, and want to give it a go, applications are now open to apply via the BBC Shows and Tours website.
Author of new book childrens book Sweet Dreams, Samantha Porciello, is the founder and artistic director of a Place to Wonder  an organisation that creates immersive storytelling experiences in Belfast and beyond, designed to lower anxiety and increase wellbeing and connection.

Originally from Canada, Ive been living in Northern Ireland since I was ten and absolutely love it, Samantha says.

Its so rich in mythology, music and storytelling, Im sure it inspired me to develop a career dressing as a fairy who tells stories that connect families to the everyday wonder all around them.

The storyteller launched Place to Wonder seven years ago in response to the mental health crisis in Northern Ireland to encourage parents to play and co-regulate alongside their children.

I use the magic of storytelling to translate mindfulness tools into a child-centred language, for example, breathing love to the moon, listening to the heartbeat of a tree, or breathing in dream flowers with essential oils, the founder explains.

After years of developing our storytelling methodology, we realised that adapting the stories and relaxation tools into books would empower parents to use these tools at home. With support of local play therapist Fiona Lovely in 2019, we adapted Place to Wonders tools into a relaxation book called Dream a Little Dream for children aged four plus.

The organisations latest initiative, Sweet Dream, follows the story of Teddy. Struggling to fall asleep, children and grownups accompany Teddy on adventures like stomping up a mountain and breathing their way up to the sky in a hot air balloon.

An extract from Sweet Dreams

After the pandemic Jane Turnbull, who is an educational consultant based in Whitehead, did an evaluation of the age group most impacted by the lockdown and it was early years children who were experiencing developmental delays, Samantha explains.

We then worked with Belfast Sure Start to create a tailor-made programme using storytelling, music, yoga and mindfulness tools to support early years children to lower anxiety and develop speech and language skills.

The Sweet Dreams immersive workshop has been adapted into a childrens book with all the tools from the workshop for the parents to take home, empowering them to use the tools in their daily lives.

A QR code inside Sweet Dreams connects parents with a lullaby, audio book and an extra meditation with music and visualisations to use at bedtime alongside the book.

An extract from Sweet Dreams

Samantha is grateful to the skilled local creatives who helped her to turn her vision into reality: Yoga teacher Siri Meylahn from Whiteabbey; Lisburn artist, illustrator and designer Ali Parks AKA Ali-P Art; and composer and musician Dave Marks.

It was important to me that the artistic team was high quality, so the experience and book was something that would inspire children in their early formative years and make a lasting impact, Samantha says.

Siri is an incredibly passionate yoga teacher. She did the yoga consultation on the book and she also co-facilitates the Sweet Dreams workshops.

Dave has worked with artists like Bonnie Tyler and Robert Plant. He produced the lullaby, audio book and music that underpins each activity.

Ali did absolutely stunning illustrations. Not only did she bring the relaxation techniques to life in such a vibrant way, but she has also woven in some hilarious visual moments that all ages will enjoy. She is passionate about creating, with a huge emphasis on colour. Her work is bold and vibrant, often with a sense of fun.

So far, Sweet Dreams has already been delivered to over 400 children in Sure Starts across Belfast, thanks to funding support from Belfast City Council, Halifax Foundation NI, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the National Lottery Community Fund, and Samantha hopes to expand the reach further.

We plan to take Sweet Dreams to Sure Starts across Northern Ireland, she says.

Sure Start provide life changing early years support for children aged 0-4 in the top 25% most deprived areas of Northern Ireland.

This year Sure Start in Northern Ireland almost lost their funding which would have had a detrimental impact on the families they support. Its really important to Place to Wonder that our work is delivered to the families who need it most, this is why we partner with essential services like Sure Start.

Samantha Porciello

Mother to Sonny (10) and Willow (1), Samantha hopes the books will help other parents deal with challenging situations.

I think the most powerful tool to support a child with anxiety, is to be calm in your own nervous system, she says.

I know as a busy mum myself, when Im calm things go much better and I can problem solve with my child. Children truly model how you cope in times of stress. When a parent is calm, the child feels safe to be calm, but it is not easy as there are so many unrealistic demands on parents, especially mums.

Using this book can be a small help or inspiration you can keep in your toolbox for when things are hard at night for example. Nighttime is when I find it hardest to stay grounded, as your energy resources are depleted after the multitasking we have to do as mums. When you are depleted at night, its hard to remember to stop and take a deep breath when you feel totally frazzled.

Sweet Dreams has been designed to support parent and child to breathe and co-regulate together. The book begins with high energy activities which then start to subtly become gentler, focusing on breathing as the story continues. By the end, the main character has nodded off into a peaceful sleep.

The biggest compliment to me is when participants yawn in the workshops, Samantha says. Thats when I know the magic is happening.

Sweet Dreams

Sweet Dreams (12.50) is available to purchase online at www.placetowonder.com/sweet-dreams
Eight-year-old Jimmy Mc Queen from Craigavon and two-year-old Amelia Coffey from Strabane are featuring in a new Family Fund photo research project which was recently presented at Stormont.

Window to our World brings together poignant family stories and images of daily life, in addition to research that highlights the challenges and joys of raising disabled children.

Led by the grant-making charity as part of the organisations 50th anniversary celebrations, Family Fund invited families theyd supported via a grant for a break, day trip or equipment, to capture and share some of their most memorable moments.

Local parents Jodie Mc Queen and Natasha Coffey participated in the project.

Jimmy Mc Queen at Stormont

Single parent and classroom assistant Jodie Mc Queen (36) from Richill, Armagh, is mum to Jimmy. A student of Sperrinview Special School, he has autism, epilepsy and developmental delay.

Jimmy has low muscle tone, particularly in his mouth and tongue, so I used to actually blend everything up until four or five because he couldnt chew it, Jodie says.

He absolutely loves water and swimming classes as a young toddler, but as his autism developed, our very busy, noisy local pool began to cause him sensory meltdowns. There were also absolutely no swimming lessons in children with additional needs either. So the one activity that brought Jimmy so much joy and helped with strengthening his muscles was taken from him following his diagnosis.

Jodie reached out to Family Fund for much-needed support.

When I applied to Family Fund, to my surprise one of the options available to us was an inflatable hot tub, which I immediately listed as our first choice, she says.

It arrived within weeks and it has been the best thing Jimmy ever received, which is why I chose the picture of him in it for the Window to our World digital report.

It offers relaxation, a chance to build muscle tone and to learn water safety. Autistic children are three times more likely to drown than those without autism.

The hot tub not only enhanced Jimmys quality of life, but it also gave his mother peace of mind.

The world got so small around us during the pandemic, his meltdowns were frequent and he was so unsettled, Jodie recalls.

That changed for him when he could get in the water, turn on the bubbles and just let his little body float.

As a mum, seeing your child peaceful and relaxed in such uncertain times was priceless. I felt we had to get involved with the project to show the public just how huge a difference Family Fund has made to my little boy. You can see the pure joy on his face when hes in the water.

To Jodies surprise, Jimmys photo was used on the front cover of the Family Fund report, and within it.

Jimmy Mc Queen having fun in his hot tub

I think in this picture you can just feel his energy and how happy he is, the proud mum says.

Every parent out there would love to see their child as happy as Jimmy was in that moment and I think that picture demonstrates, without question, just how positive an impact this hot tub has had on his day-to-day life.

Lack of understanding from the general public is one of the challenges that Jodie faces as a parent of a child who has autism, she explains:

When I go out and about with Jimmy, sometimes he is in good form and full of the craic, other times he gets overwhelmed easily and his behaviour becomes unpredictable; he may shout or sit down in a shop. Ive had strangers approach me and say things like: A good smack would do him good. Its deplorable.

I work as a classroom assistant in a special needs school, Im training to become a special needs teacher, I have training and strategies and confidence to handle meltdowns, but there is no training on how to handle the lack of empathy of other human beings toward your child.

So many parents of children with special needs choose to stay home to avoid these encounters, and its so sad to think our society is so unaccepting of children who are different that they have to stay home just to avoid abuse.

As hard as those situations can be, Jodie feels immensely grateful for the lifeline that is her local community: The charities, the staff at the school, the other parents you meet, their children and siblings.

Even the politicians that we met at Stormont who were so patient and accepting of Jimmy and his many questions about their age. There are so many amazing people out there advocating for children and young people like my own, and I am so thankful that Jimmy and I get to be part of a community of such loving, hardworking and resourceful people.

Jodie concludes:

I would like to say a huge thank you to Family Fund for all their hard work. To think of all the children and families they have helped over the past 50 years is amazing. I know the positive impact one grant has had for Jimmy and his quality of life, it makes me so happy to think of all the deserving children out there having great experiences with the help of Family Fund.

Thank you to Robbie Butler MLA, Robin Swann MLA, Nicola Brogan MLA and Deborah Erskine MLA for sponsoring the event at Stormont and being such welcoming and accepting hosts to Jimmy who just loved being at Stormont and having the opportunity to represent and advocate for his peers.

After years of being non-verbal, he now has his voice and he wants to use it.

The Coffey family in Butlin's

Full-time mum Natasha Coffey (36) is mother to Jason (6), and Amelia who will be three in January and is on the pathway to an autism diagnosis.

Having received financial help from the charity to go on their first family holiday, Natasha decided to show her support and appreciation for Family Fund by participating in their photo report project. She submitted an image of her two children having fun during their stay at Butlins, Skegness.

Natasha says the photo represents an aspect of the holiday that Amelia and Jason were able to enjoy together, and it captures childhood memories that the siblings hopefully will remember for years to come.

Family Fund has been amazing, without them I don't know what I what I would have done, she says. [Approaching them] has been the best decision ever.

Amelia Coffey

Like Jodie, Natasha says she has encountered a lack of understanding at times when her child is dysregulated in public.

You should be able to go anywhere with a child without having people judge you, she says.

When a child is in discomfort rather than looking, judging, either help or be part of understanding. Its hard to explain because to us its still raw, were still understanding. Like its heart breaking for us, having to watch her go through the meltdowns and its more heartbreaking having people looking at you.

Natasha and her husband Darren are in the early stages of learning how to best support their daughter.

Basically because we're still learning how to manage Amelia and how she is, we can't really go places in a crowd because if she breaks down and goes into an overstimulated mode, it feels like we're being judged, Natasha says.

The Coffey family in Butlins

We did do a second holiday and we were on a plane and Amelia did take a massive meltdown and as soon as got off the plane, one parent came up to me and said: You know you do get medication to keep them under control.

So I have found it very hard and its not fair, we can't really do anything as a family  go out for dinners and stuff because I'm paranoid that someone is going to say something to me. So I'm still trying to learn how to manage and how not to take it badly that someone is saying something about my own child. It is hard but we will get there, its all learning.

Family Funds research report can be downloaded at: www.familyfund.org.uk/impact/research-reports/window-to-our-world/. Families raising disabled or seriously ill children in Northern Ireland on lower incomes are urged to apply for support from Family Fund today.
A Belfast man appeared in court on Wednesdady accused of stealing nearly 3,000 of Lego in a three-month shoplifting spree

A Belfast man appeared in court today accused of stealing nearly 3,000 of Lego in a three-month shoplifting spree.

Standing in the dock of Newtownards Magistrates Court, 32-year-old Peter Stewart from Ballyhackamore in east Belfast confirmed he understood the 12 charges against him  11 of theft and one of attempted theft.

According to the charge sheets, Stewart allegedly stole 2,858 of Lego and tried to steal another 527 of the popular childrens toy from a range of shops including Tesco, B&M Bargains and Smyths toy shop on dates between August and October this year.

The biggest single alleged theft was 595 worth of Lego from Tesco on October 4.

The smallest sum involved was 150 worth of Lego, allegedly stolen by Stewart from Home Bargains on October 8.

A police officer gave evidence that he believed he could connect Stewart, from Houston Court, to each of the charges and freeing the alleged thief on bail, District Judge Mark Hamill adjourned the case to next Wednesday, November 22.
A serial domestic abuser who broke into his partners home in a fit of jealousy believing there was another man inside was handed a 27-month jail sentence today.

In addition to the jail sentence, to be served equally between prison and supervised licence conditions, Judge Peter Irvine KC also imposed a five-year restraining order on 33-year-old Daryl White.

The Newry Crown Court judge told White there were multiple aggravating features to his offending including the fact the offences occurred in the victims home where she was entitled to feel safe, and his record which has previous offences for domestic violence towards ex-partners.

He added that at the time, White was subject to a suspended sentence and a probation order.

White, from Cairnmartin Crescent in Belfast, had entered guilty pleas to offences of burglary, theft and domestic abuse all arising from events on July 13 last year.

Judge Irvine told the court there was an incident on July 12 where White demanded money from his ex and smashed the front of the cooker by kicking it, storming from the property with her mobile phone.

The actual offences were committed the early hours of the July 13 when the victim was lying in bed and could hear White shouting and banging outside and although she initially ignored it, she heard him climbing through an unlocked downstairs window.

Judge Irvine said she was so fearful of what might happened that she locked herself in the bathroom and contacted the police.

White was shouting and banging at the bathroom door to get in but the victim was able to talk to police through the window, warning officers that he was still inside.

When police did get in, officers saw extensive damage throughout the house and chillingly, they also found three knives outside the bathroom door.

Arrested and interviewed, officers asked White what was the plan? if he had gotten into the bathroom and he replied: I just wanted to see if there was another man there  if there had been, then I dont know.

In total the damage White caused amounted to 784 and the court heard the defendant has already paid 1,000 in compensation, but Judge Irvine revealed that White has 54 previous convictions including multiple entries relating to domestic violence.

You have a history of domestic violence, the judge told White.

You have been afforded a number of opportunities by the courts by way of suspended sentences, community service and probation in order to deal with his problems but to no avail.

Jailing White the judge said while the victim was not physically hurt she was clearly extremely frightened by what occurred.
She has quite a network in that area and is the head of an organised crime group in Newry, said the officer

The PSNI has told a court that the daughter of a drug dealer shot dead last year is the head of an organised crime group.

Mark The Chicken Lovell was gunned down in Newry in December  a killing believed to have been ordered by a local drug gang.

Lovells daughter, Whitney Hughes (31), who faces a series of drug charges, was released from prison on compassionate bail to attend his funeral.

She is now on bail in connection with the alleged offences.

Hughes was back in court last week seeking a variation of her bail conditions so that she could travel to Dublin for the weekend with her partner.

However, the application was opposed by the PSNI.

A police officer told Newry Magistrates Court they would object to Hughes being allowed to visit Dublin.

She has quite a network in that area and is the head of an organised crime group in Newry, said the officer.

The application to change Hughes bail conditions was refused by a judge.

Mark Lovell.

Lovell (58) was shot a number of times at close range inside his car while he was parked outside the home of a relative at Ardcarn Park in Newry on December 1, 2022.

He had survived another murder attempt at his home in Dundalk, Co Louth, shortly before he was killed.

Two men were arrested in connection with the murder following searches of a number of properties in Newry.

However, no one has been charged with Lovells killing.

Local sources have claimed he was gunned down by members of a local drugs gang.

In the weeks before the murder, a number of houses in Newry were attacked as part of a feud.

Whitney Hughes

Speaking in the wake of Lovells murder, PSNI District Commander for Newry, Mourne and Down, Norman Haslett, described the attack on a defenceless man as brutal and senseless.

We believe those responsible went to great lengths to plan this attack and that they lay in wait for their victim to come home and essentially ambushed him and executed him, he said. The victim was a husband, a father and a son. He was shot multiple times at close range.

The level of violence used was reprehensible, particularly given the time of the day  tea-time on a week night in a busy residential area of Newry with people coming home from work.

Hughes is out on bail awaiting trial on a number of drug offences, along with charges of possessing criminal property and trading in counterfeit products.

In court this week, an application was made on her behalf to vary the bail conditions to allow her and her partner to travel to Dublin later this month for a two-night stay in a hotel.

However, in objecting to the application, a police officer told the court that Hughes was already in breach of two of the five bail conditions in place.

These related to obtaining details of PINs of a phone seized by police.

Hughes solicitor said his client told police she did not remember the PIN to the phone, and when she did provide one, it was wrong. The solicitor said this was now being held against Hughes.

He added: My client has been on bail for quite a considerable length of time.

This case started over a year ago and since her release from custody, Hughes had adhered to her bail conditions.

She simply wants to go away for a weekend with her partner.

Refusing the application to vary the bail conditions, District Judge Eamonn King said: This young lady has made certain lifestyle choices and she must live with those consequences.

The charges against Hughes arose from a search police carried out on a storage container on July 4 of last year.

Read more Prison officer denies plot to smuggle drugs and illicit items into Maghaberry

In this container, police discovered a significant quantity of class A and class B drugs which included four to five kilos of cannabis, as well as mobile phones.

A quantity of cocaine was also in the drugs haul.

Initial estimates put the value of the drugs in excess of 100,000.

The court heard there are a different ties between Hughes and the container, including that quite a substantial amount of paraphernalia for a business she was running at the time was found.

Hughes is due to appear in court later this month in connection with the alleged offences.
After the results of Argentinas general elections last month, the two leading candidates, Peronist Sergio Massa and far-right Javier Milei, will contest the presidency in a run-off election on 19 November. The prospect of a run-off election, a device of bourgeois democracy that is meant to force working-class voters to support one of two capitalist candidates who do not represent their interests, has revealed enormous confusion among Argentinas largest left parties.

On the one hand is the Peronist candidate Massa. He represents the openly class-collaborationist current of Peronism. As sitting Minister of Economy, he has been desperate to keep the economy from going over the brink, at least until after the election. He has deployed a slew of short-term measures to maintain a sense of stability, paid for by printing money. This short-term strategy consists of putting out fires whenever an issue arises, while the underlying contradictions of Argentine capitalism continue to accumulate.

Masa is firmly committed to managing capitalism in Argentina in the interest of the ruling class. There is no doubt that he will implement the counter-reforms demanded by the Argentinian bourgeoisie and imperialism to try to restore economic stability. To this end, he is preparing a government of national unity with Argentinas traditional right-wing parties, an idea first suggested by US Ambassador Marc Stanley a year ago. The Financial Times notes that: Argentinas financial and economic plight has become so dire that a president Massa would probably lack the option of continuing to defer its most pressing structural problems, such as overspending despite the further short-term pain that addressing these issues would cause for the population.

Argentina is not yet in a recession and already the economic situation is incredibly difficult for most of the working class. Measures to restore economic equilibrium at the cost of pain to the working class are a recipe for intense class struggle. As president, Massa and his government of national unity will try to apply a programme of austerity as carefully as possible to avoid a social explosion, but the crisis of capitalism in Argentina will leave them with very little room to manoeuvre.

On the other hand is Milei, the far-right populist proposing a brutal anti-worker programme. His political team contains open sympathisers of Argentinas last military dictatorship, most notoriously his vice-presidential candidate Victoria Villarruel. These naked enemies of the working class would not waver in unleashing the most brutal physical repression against the working class if the balance of forces permits it.

Massa, a veteran opportunist and cunning politician, exploits the real fears of the working class over a Milei presidency to distract from his own programme and to win back some of the votes that his Peronist coalition has lost over the course of Alberto Fernandezs presidency. Presenting the election as a choice between democracy on one side and fascism on the other is an intentional misrepresentation of the political situation for the benefit of the candidate who is already preparing to carry out IMF-dictated counter-reforms against the working class. In fact, a significant section of the ruling class in Argentina and abroad is backing Massa as the candidate that can best guarantee stability (read: the defence of the interests of capitalists and imperialism).

While Milei is a dangerous reactionary, fascism is not around the corner in Argentina. The same argument was used prior to the election of Trump in the US and Bolsonaro in Brazil, and in both countries bourgeois democracy is still intact.

Communists must be clearly against a vote or any kind of support for either of these two capitalist candidates. This is the position taken by the Argentine section of the IMT.

How to fight the far right

For communists, it is clear that we cannot fight against the far right by supporting a bourgeois politician like Massa. We stand for a mass movement of the working class against Mileis provocations. The history of the Argentinian workers movement is full of examples of marches, strikes, and factory occupations. These are the methods that can stop the offensive of the ruling class and demonstrate that it is the working class that holds the real power in society.

The working class will need to take action to defend their standard of living no matter which candidate wins the presidency. Relying on Massa to stop Milei would politically disarm the working class and only cause confusion when workers have to enter into struggle against Massas own government. The class-collaborationist strategy of supporting the lesser evil blurs class lines and is a recipe for defeat. The workers can only rely on their own forces in the battles to come and their class-independence is the best guarantee of success.

In an age of worldwide capitalist crisis and political polarisation, we do not need to look far to see the fruits of the policy of supporting the lesser evil. In France, where voters reluctantly voted for Macron to stop the ultra-reactionary Marine Le Pen, what are the results? Macron resorted to undemocratic measures to pass a hated pension counter-reform in the face of overwhelming opposition by the mass of workers, and now has banned demonstrations in solidarity with the Palestinian cause. In both cases Macron violently repressed protests. In the United States, Biden was elected as a lesser evil than Trump, but almost four years later it appears that Trump has every possibility of taking back the presidency as Biden has implemented a capitalist policy at home and abroad. Over the four years of a Massa presidency, Milei would be waiting patiently on the sidelines, feeding off the discontent that Massas counter-reforms would generate.

Unfortunately, the main left parties in Argentina have failed to learn these lessons. The parties of the Frente de Izquierda y de los Trabajadores  Unidad (FIT-U) could not produce a unified position on the run-off. The leadership PTS and the MST issued very confused statements calling on members not to vote for Milei while on the other hand giving no support to Massa. Both parties give their members and voters the freedom to vote, while polls show that most FIT-U voters will cast their ballot for Massa in the run-off. These parties try to have it both ways. They want a semblance of independence from Massa but happily supply him with de facto electoral support. Even worse is the position of the Izquierda Socialista, which blatantly calls for a critical vote for Massa to stop Milei. Massa should not be overly bothered that they claim to give him no political support. Only the Partido Obrero called not to vote for either candidate. The so-called Communist Party of Argentina, which has long ago forgotten about class independence, is part of the Peronist-led Union por la Patria coalition that Massa leads.

All the main trade unions are led by Peronists and support Massas candidacy. During Peronist presidencies the bureaucratic trade union leaders seek to maintain governability by stifling the class struggle. This layer is long overdue to be shaken off of the workers organisations.

The working class of Argentina will have to fight against either the frontal attack of a Milei government or the democratic austerity of a Massa government. But beyond that, it must do away with the conditions that make it possible for reactionary demagogues to find a base in society. This means taking control of production and of society to guarantee health, education, decent wages and pensions permanently, and to end the scourges of hunger and unemployment that haunt the working class today.
A chef jailed for killing his former fiancee should have been acquitted because it could not be certain she was dead, the Court of Appeal heard today.

Johnny Miller is attempting to overturn his conviction for murdering 34-year-old Charlotte Murray at their home in Co Tyrone 11 years ago.

With her body never recovered, Millers barrister claimed the trial in 2019 wrongly continued without proof she was no longer alive.

Senior judges were told alleged subsequent sightings of Ms Murray have been made, and that she could also have been killed by someone else in the intervening period.

Desmond Hutton KC disputed the strength of the circumstantial evidence against 53-year-old Miller, contending there were reasonable alternative explanations for what might have happened to his ex-partner.

That related to simply whether the court could be satisfied at the close of the prosecution case it was proven that she was dead, he said.

Even if one accepted she was dead then in 2019, there were other possibilities between 2012 and 2019.

Charlotte Murray

She may have met that fate without having befallen her on that night that the applicant was alleged to have assaulted and killed her.

Ms Murray, who lived with Miller at Roxborough Heights in Moy, was last seen alive at Halloween in 2012.

He denied killing her and claimed she vanished after leaving him to start a new life.

When police launched a missing person inquiry Miller posted an appeal for information on Facebook, asking: Someone must know where she is, please help.

But the prosecution argued that he had sent text messages to Ms Murray to create a false impression she was still alive.

Mobile cell site analysis also showed her phone never left him following her alleged disappearance.

After a jury found him guilty of murder, Miller was ordered to serve a minimum 16 years of his life sentence behind bars.

Police later drained a quarry near Benburb to search for Ms Murrays body but nothing was found.

Last year detectives also urged Miller to break his silence and reveal the location of her remains.

However, the Court of Appeal was told that his conviction is unsafe.

Defence counsel claimed Millers trial for murdering Ms Murray should have been halted at the closing of the prosecution case.

If the judge looks at the evidence and says there is a prospect that no jury would be able to exclude reasonable doubt that she is dead, died on that date or whether the applicant killed her it is his duty to stop the case at that stage, Mr Hutton submitted.

He contended there were limits to what could be achieved by police attempts to establish if Ms Murray was still alive.

Inquiries were mainly restricted to within the United Kingdom, judges heard, where travel documents are not required and border authorities do not monitor all flights.

Further checks made with local authorities in England and Wales were of limited value, according to the defence.

All one has to do to evade that search is use a middle name or a sisters name, Mr Hutton suggested.

Describing Ms Murray as having a feisty temperament, the barrister insisted other potential causes of death could not be ruled out.

She had the capacity, if she had left Roxborough Heights that night unsullied, to have got herself into a scrape with someone in the intervening 12 years, he said.

There was evidence of contact with other persons who might have been candidates for having done something to her.

There were other scenarios that could be considered.

Alleged sightings of Ms Murray after the night she was said to have been killed were also raised as part of the appeal.

Although 10 reports made in 2013 were investigated and discounted by detectives, Mr Hutton argued that some had been particular and detailed.

Objectively speaking, if witnesses had seen Charlotte Murray after the Crown say she died, that is entirely inconsistent with its case, he told the court.

The appeal continues.
Police at the scene of a shooting incident in the Divismore Crescent area of west Belfast in September (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

A Belfast priest has called for a dedicated police unit to be set up aimed solely at tackling paramilitary-style attacks in Northern Ireland.

Fr Martin Magill was speaking after new figures revealed that there were 48 paramilitary-style shootings and assaults in Northern Ireland in the year to October 31, compared to 36 over the previous 12 months.

Earlier this year the Belfast Telegraph revealed that there have been more than 3,000 paramilitary-style attacks since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.

PSNI figures show that, in the year to October 31, some 19 people were injured in shootings, compared to seven the previous year. There were also 29 people injured in paramilitary-style assaults over this period, which is the same figure compared with the previous 12 months.

PSNI figures have also revealed a rise in security-related arrests under the Terrorism Act, with 123 in the year to October 31, a year-on-year increase of 11.

Of the 123 arrests, some 27 people were subsequently charged.

Fr Martin Magill

Fr Magill works with a pressure group called Stop Attacks, which is aimed at putting an end to paramilitary-style assaults and shootings.

He branded the latest figures appalling and said there needs to be a renewed focus on tackling the problem.

I honestly think there should be a dedicated unit set up within the PSNI working solely on this issue, he said.

More attention needs to be given to this area. It is not normal behaviour for any civilised society, but it has become normalised because of how frequent these attacks happen.

Too many of us just shrug our shoulders when one of these attacks takes place.

The PSNI does have its paramilitary crime taskforce, however it is not dedicated solely to the issue of paramilitary attacks.

In April this newspaper reported on the extent of paramilitary attacks here since the signing of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

Some 3,260 such attacks took place between April 10, 1998 and February 14 of this year, with victims ranging from children to pensioners. In one case a 24-year-old woman was shot nine times.

The majority of the attacks (2,064) were attributed to loyalists, while 1,196 were attributed to republicans.

Due to coercion and fear, perpetrators of these attacks are rarely brought to justice.

Police have previously said that, in some cases, parents of children set up to be attacked by appointment have given them alcohol or painkillers in order to lessen the pain.

An academic report published earlier this year featured interviews with some victims of these attacks. The report, entitled The Pains of Paramilitarism, found that the overwhelming number of participants had experienced difficult childhoods, including spending time in care and drug abuse at home.

It also said that victims experience trauma as a result for years afterwards.

Last month it also emerged that the number of threat to life notices, which often originate from paramilitaries, issued by the PSNI has almost doubled in the last three years.

Why does NI society tolerate paramilitary-style appointment attacks?

Known as TM1 notices, they are served to people by police if they have received intelligence that they are at risk of attack.

In 2020, 66 TM1 notices were issued, compared to 120 last year.

In response Detective Chief Superintendent Andy Hill, Head of the Police Services Organised Crime Branch, said: Paramilitary groups prey upon individuals and their families  those who are in any way vulnerable, or temporarily struggling.

Paramilitary-style shootings are nothing but despicable and unacceptable acts of violence.

He added that there were no paramilitary-style shootings last month and said that it is important to note there were no victims of paramilitary assaults in the under-18 age group during recent years  both the 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years.

Indeed, overall attacks across Northern Ireland have significantly decreased since the 2018/19 financial year, DCS Hill said

While its a welcome reduction, theres no room for complacency. The fact remains that such actions are brutal, theyre cowardly, and have no place whatsoever in our society.
15/11/2023 Daragh Meredtih in the ladies toilet at The Bridge House in Belfast. Credit: David Webb

A Belfast pub has received a gold rating in the Loo of the Year Awards 2023.

The Bridge House, a Wetherspoon pub, in Bedford Street has won acclaim for the quality and standards of its toilets.

Loo of the Year Awards are aimed at highlighting and improving standards of 'away from home' toilet provision.

The awards are owned and run independently and since their introduction in 1987 the annual Loo of the Year Awards competition has strived to focus the spotlight on recognising and rewarding the very best washrooms throughout the UK and Ireland.

Inspectors make unannounced visits to thousands of toilets at sites in order to judge them.

All of the toilets are graded silver, gold, platinum, platinum plus or diamond with unacceptable toilets not graded at all.

The toilets are judged against numerous criteria, including decor and maintenance, cleanliness, accessibility, hand washing and drying equipment and overall management.

Businesses in Northern Ireland have previously been acknowledged at the Loo of the Year awards, with Buttercrane Shopping Centre in Newry and Foyleside Shopping Centre in Derry both received multiple acknowledgments in the Loo of the Year Awards 2022.

The Bridge House received a gold standard, something, manager Phil Annett is proud of.

He said: "We are delighted with the award. Staff at the pub ensure the toilets are in excellent condition at all times and it is great that this has been recognised by the inspectors."

The Loo of the Year Awards 2023 managing director, Becky Wall, said she was impressed by the toilets in The Bridge House.

"The toilets at The Bridge House have been designed and fitted out to a very high standard and are both clean and well maintained.

"The pub deserves its gold award.
A Belfast woman got the shock of her life when she was hit with a bill for almost 2,000 after drinking a cocktail in London.

Lynsey Bennet from Belfast shared the tale on TikTok.

She is one of three Belfast sisters who developed the very successful luxury tanning brand, Lusso Tan.

They also run two busy beauty salons  The Secret Day Spa in east Belfast and Sistine Beauty in Holywood.

While on a trip to London in late December Lynsey and her husband went to the theatre and for dinner before returning to the hotel a bit tipsy where they decided to visit the bar.

The guy behind the bar had just started, and he was from Toronto, and we had been there in the summer so we were having a great chat, Ms Bennet said.

I always drink Champagne, I rarely drink cocktails. And I thought you know what? Im gonna order something a little bit different, Im gonna order a cocktail.

Bennet ordered a cocktail which was called 1890, which she thought was a nod to the price of 18.90.

So the young chap brought out a bottle of Cristal, popped it open, gold leaf, 30-year-old Cognac, gave me this huge book to sign, and there we were just thinking we were the bees knees, she explained.

And then they presented the bill for 2,000, and I was like uh oh, I cant afford to pay that.

In a follow up TikTok, Bennet shared that her husband was furious at her for making the costly mistake and left the bar.

Bennet explained to the barman that she thought the gap between the 18 and 90 on the price was a decimal point.

The manager then said that the mistake would be sorted out and told her to enjoy the rest of her stay at the hotel.

Having avoided the bar for a few nights, on New Years she returned and, upon chatting with the manager, heard that the barman had been sacked for the error.

So I burst into tears, I was so terribly, terribly upset, she said.

It turned out the manager was joking and had not sacked the barman, though training had been provided to avoid a similar occurrence in future (as it had apparently happened in the past).

Bennet also shared that she didnt even enjoy the cocktail because it was whisky-based, and I dont like whisky.

I will forever check the price of cocktails from now on, she concluded.
Oscar-winning actor Seamus OHara has said its a national shame that Womens Aid NI has lost its funding, as the important charity has been used and continues to be needed by so many people within this country.

The Co Antrim star played Turlough in An Irish Goodbye, which picked up an Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film earlier this year.

Seamus O'Hara

The Northern Ireland Federation of Womens Aid is set to become the only UK grouping without local government support, the organisations Chief Executive recently said.

The Department of Health informed the charity that the funding  around 148,000 per year  would be reduced by 50%, with the end of September marking the six-month mark.

Women's Aid is the lead voluntary organisation in Northern Ireland addressing domestic abuse and providing services for women and children.

Mr OHara was speaking about the extreme crisis facing the organisation at a volunteering event today where he and others helped pack Christmas cards designed by local artist Sara O'Neill.

Im here to help pack all of Saras beautiful postcards and all of the proceeds from them are going to Womens Aid who have just lost all of their funding, which is quite an extreme crisis in this country, Seamus continued.

Its a national shame that this is what we have to do. However, were having fun doing it.

The youngest Women's Aid volunteer, Emmi!

Sara, an award-winning artist who lives on the north coast, has already raised 9,000 for Women's Aid NI this year through selling the cards.

Seamus and his An Irish Goodbye co-stars were also spotted wearing her designs at the Academy Awards red carpet in March.

I think this is such a beautiful project to work on because a lot of my art is inspired by the beautiful women of this place [Belfast] and so to me, it just made so much sense to want to give back to the women of here, the celebrated designer told this newspaper.

For me, the best way to do that is through Womens Aid. They are such an amazing team and they do amazing stuff with the women and young people that they work with.

This is such a lovely, joyful project to work on and this is our second year of doing it. I'm hoping this is something we build on every year and hopefully it becomes a wee Christmas tradition for people.

Sara first became involved with Womens Aid last year while she was working on a print called The Dreamer featuring a character inspired by the textile workers of Belfasts mills  Millie  and the character also appears on the 2023 Christmas card design.

The original Millie print went on to be displayed in the Ulster Museum and a sample of the design raised more than 5,000 for Womens Aid at auction.

Derry Girls star Tara Lynne ONeill is also a huge fan of Millies, and she too joined volunteers at the Allstate NI Belfast offices on Wednesday to pack up the charity cards as part of a cross-sector group effort.

Tara Lynne O'Neill

Womens Aid is a hugely underfunded organisation and it is vital. Sara has supported them and so many artists, so I feel that whatever Sara wants to do, I will support it, explained the Belfast native.

By doing something so cheerful, and showing positive images of Northern Ireland  to get these Christmas cards is beautiful. Its a picture of my hometown, I love it.

For all these proceeds to go to a charity that has lost any kind of funding, is what Christmas is all about. Its everybody doing their bit.

The PSNI have consistently warned of potential spikes in domestic abuse over Christmas in recent years, with statistics revealing officers dealt with a call every 16 minutes in December 2021 and January 2022

On New Year's Day 2022, police received reports of and 100 crimes of domestic abuse, an increase of 17 on the year before.

Volunteers from a range of sectors join Women's Aid workers, Allstate NI staff and actors Seamus O'Hara and Tara Lynne O'Neill to help package Sara O'Neill's Christmas cards with all proceeds going to the organisation

Womens Aid have also been centrally involved in helping to draw up the End Violence against Women and Girls strategy for Northern Ireland, which remains the only part of the UK and Ireland to be without such a plan.

However, without a functioning government here, the strategy cannot yet be legally implemented, and the lack of powersharing further means no governmental support for Womens Aid.

It angers me so much that people here are let down constantly by our politics, it really, really annoys me that we have no assembly, added Sara.

I don't think that the assembly, I don't think Stormont, can fix everything, but I do think it could do something.
A weather warning for ice remains in place with commuters being warned to allow extra time for their journey on Friday morning.

It comes as Translink workers begin their strike over pay conditions.

There are no bus or rail services on Friday as the unions GMB, Siptu and Unite all take the industrial action. School buses are also affected.

A Met Office yellow weather warning for ice is also expected to add to a busy rush hour on Friday. The weather warning remains in place until 10am.

Northern Ireland woke up to frosty conditions as icy patches were expected to develop, particularly on untreated roads, increasing the chance of injuries and accidents.

Meanwhile, a broken down lorry has been reported on the A2 Belfast Road in Cultra - close to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. Knock-on delays stretch back to Ballyrobert.

In the Greater Belfast area, traffic is busy on the following routes:
PSNI refuses to reveal amount recovered from security firm after backfill required to cover shifts

Police said release of the information may jeopardise future tenders

Limavady enquiry office experienced a four-day closure last month

Liam Tunney Wed 15 Nov 2023 at 07:20

The PSNI has refused to reveal how much money it has recovered from a security firm after being forced to deploy police officers to cover civilian shifts at enquiry offices  despite admitting it would facilitate accountability and transparency.
Arlene Foster: People will say Boris Johnson is a failed politician, as they do with me

Ahead of Dame Arlene Fosters trip to Africa to empower women, the ex-DUP leader talks to Gail Walker about the former PM and her role as a presenter

Dame Arlene Foster. Picture: Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Gail Walker Wed 15 Nov 2023 at 07:40

Dame Arlene Foster will fly to Ghana this week to embark on a step towards achieving one of her goals after stepping away from frontline Northern Ireland politics  helping to empower women in Africa.
Claire Hanna has said that David Camerons appointment as Foreign Secretary shows that the Government is running on empty with little fresh talent to offer.

Reacting to Rishi Sunaks dramatic Cabinet reshuffle, the SDLP MP said: Suella Braverman getting the sack can only be a good thing.

Even by current low standards, she was a particularly cynical, malicious and incompetent minister who had far more interest in division and headlines than problem solving.

She demonised the vulnerable and undermined the law.

It was the sheer weakness of the government that kept her in post so long. The appointment of David Cameron is a further sign that the Tories are running on empty with little fresh talent to offer.

However, Ms Hanna did not welcome the new Foreign Secretarys appointment.

Cameron is a politician who presents as competent by virtue of having a certain accent and an expensive education, she said.

But his political decisions  austerity, failure to plan in the Brexit referendum, and greedy lobbying for Greensill  show that he is anything but.

Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie said: I was surprised by the Cabinet reshuffle, particularly by the appointment of Lord Cameron, but these are issues for the Prime Minister.

We need a government which is leading this United Kingdom and which is focussed on this United Kingdom, including on Northern Ireland.

What we dont need is instability in government. We need a stable government at Westminster.

TUV leader Jim Allister said: David Camerons appointment is a sign of desperation by a Prime Minister who is so running out of ideas and road that he has to turn to a failed prime minister of the past because he feels there is no one capable in the House of Commons.

I do not welcome the appointment of an avid Remainer as Foreign Secretary who will now have control over the UKs relationship with the EU.

That doesnt bode well for any prospect of the UK seeking to recover sovereignty over the territory of Northern Ireland. If that is so, then Cameron will be a further signatory to the death warrant of Stormont.

Rishi Sunaks reshuffle: Suella out and Cameron in

Read more Braverman was a sorry excuse for a Home Secretary  she revels in waging culture wars

Alliance MLA Eoin Tennyson said: Appointing David Cameron as an unelected bureaucrat Foreign Secretary is an affront to democracy.

His legacy as prime minister is political chaos, a weakened economy and destroyed relationships with our European neighbours.

People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll said: The sacking of Suella Braverman is just deserts for her attempts to silence pro-Palestine voices.

We still have a score to settle with the government while the slaughter in Gaza continues.

Bravermans tenure was a symbol of the depravity at the heart of the Tory party and Britains ruling elite. Vile attacks on refugees, the homeless, and on the democratic right to protest are the hallmarks of her time in office.

Like many across these islands, we say good riddance to Suella Braverman.

David Cameron might seem like a safe pair of hands for this ailing administration, but we know his appointment will not ease the crisis it faces.
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.
Britain's Home Secretary Suella Braverman is out. Former Prime Minister David Cameron is back. The crisis of the Tory Party is deepening. The massive movement in solidarity with Palestine is revealing the capitalist establishments weakness. It is time to overthrow their system.

Lenin once remarked that revolutions begin at the top, when the ruling class is split and unable to govern as before. Such cracks, in turn, become fissures, through which the radicalised masses will move, as the anger building up in the depths of society bursts to the surface, like the molten lava that accompanies a volcanic eruption.

In this respect, explosive events  in Britain and internationally  are increasingly highlighting and widening the rifts and divisions within the establishment.

For over a month now, hundreds of thousands have mobilised week after week in solidarity with the Palestinian people, and in protest against Britains role in the horror playing out in Gaza.

Last Saturday saw the biggest demonstration yet. Even official, conservative estimates say that 300,000 were in attendance. Others have suggested that this was the largest protest in over 20 years, since the mass movement against the US-UK invasion of Iraq, with over a million people on the streets of London.

The precise number present on these marches is not relevant. What is important is what these huge protests represent.

The issue of Palestine  and particularly the catastrophe in Gaza  has become a lightning rod for all the seething discontent that has accumulated amongst workers and youth, in Britain and across the world, against the capitalist system and its cynical representatives.

It is clear that the ruling class has been paralysed like a rabbit in the headlights in the face of this mighty movement.

Despite their best efforts to intimidate and silence protestors, through smears, threats, and outright repression, the British establishment has proved powerless to stop these demonstrations from growing in size and strength, as the death count in the Gaza Strip soars.

And with the sacking of Suella Braverman from her position as home secretary, the Tories have now been hoist by their own petard, as their reactionary and repressive efforts backfire and blow up in their faces  revealing their weakness and fragility for all to see.

Losing control

The rabid Tory MP was removed from the Cabinet yesterday, after she picked a fight with Number 10 by publishing an unauthorised article in The Times, in which she accused the Metropolitan Police of going soft on Palestine protestors.

This follows other recent inflammatory remarks by the ex-minister, such as her descriptions of Palestine solidarity demos as hate marches.

Such comments, by themselves, were not the problem. Rishi Sunak himself has regularly slandered demonstrators, and has consistently called for a tough police response. The issue was Bravermans defiance of Downing Street, and the unruly forces that she had conjured up with her endless tub-thumping.

After far-right thugs marauded around Westminster and Whitehall on Saturday  nominally performing their patriotic duty of protecting the Cenotaph on Armistice Day, but in reality looking to beat up Palestine supporters, and ending up in skirmishes with the police  the Prime Minister was forced to take action against his former home secretary, in order to reassert his (and the Mets) authority.

Sunak and the Tories have clearly lost control of the situation. They may now scapegoat Braverman for encouraging Tommy Robinson and his nationalistic band of vigilantes. But the truth is that the entire establishment  including their mouthpieces such as the BBC and the Telegraph  has spent weeks whipping up a frenzy against pro-Palestine activists, with baseless accusations of antisemitism and glorifying terrorism.

And for years, prior to the latest conflict in the Middle East, the ruling class has actively stirred up hatred against Muslims and Arabs: from the Tories xenophobic Prevent programme; to their hostile environment against migrants and refugees.

But with outrage growing against Israels wanton murder and destruction, and against the complicity of Britains hypocritical political leaders, the more intelligent wing of the ruling class has realised that bullying and repression alone will not quell the mass movement in support of Palestine.

Indeed, the risk they now face is of reckless figures like Braverman pouring petrol on the flames  and bringing the whole rotten establishment into disrepute  through their myopic, self-serving actions. Hence Sunaks decision to jettison the renegade home secretary, and bring the reliable David Cameron back into the fold.

Champion of reaction

The problem that the Tory leader faces, however, is that Suella is only a symptom of his governments malaise, not the root cause of the crisis. And rehabilitating Lord pig lover Cameron is certainly not the cure.

Braverman is the latest in a long line of prominent Tory headbangers, but she is far from being a solo voice in the party / Image: UK Home Office, Flickr (altered)

Braverman is the latest in a long line of prominent Tory headbangers; the loudest voice amongst the Brexiteer brigade. But she is by no means a solo artist. A cacophonous Conservative chorus accompanies her on stage at every turn, with the rabid right-wing press providing the orchestral backing and echoing every reactionary motif that she sings (or shouts).

Sunak and the serious people might hope to silence Braverman by banishing her from the Cabinet. But they must also be bracing themselves for a potential backlash from the frothing Tory ranks, who see Suella as their champion.

Exiled to the backbenches, meanwhile, the former home secretary will no doubt become even more vocal, as she lines up a possible leadership bid  either in the wake of a bruising Tory defeat at the next election, or maybe even earlier.

Already, for example, Tory MP Andrea Jenkyns has submitted a letter of no confidence in Rishi Sunak, calling on him to be replaced by a real Conservative party leader.

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

And Braverman could well get a boost this week from the UK Supreme Courts decision over the governments Rwanda deportation plan, which she previously helped to craft. If judges strike down this racist policy, on the grounds that it breaches human rights, then the ex-head of the Home Office will likely lead the charge against such legal restrictions.

Far from restoring any semblance of stability, therefore, giving Braverman the boot could well open up a new chapter in the Tory Partys long-running civil war and meltdown.

Labour divided

The mass movement in support of Palestine has not only impacted the Tories, however. On the other side of the aisle, Keir Starmer is facing his own internal crisis over this issue.

From the outset, the Labour leader has fallen over himself to prove what a reliable representative of British imperialism he is. But this has led to an outcry amongst a section of the partys members and councillors, horrified by Starmers support for Israels siege of Gaza.

The fallout of the Gaza war and the mass mobilisation against it has not just thrown the Tories into crisis. Labour has also faced a collapse in its Muslim vote, and rifts over Starmer's bloody, pro-imperialist stance / Image: Socialist Appeal

In turn, Labour has seen a massive drop in its support amongst Muslim voters, giving rise to fears of a repeat of the fallout the party experienced under Blair in the wake of the Iraq war.

Pressure is therefore growing on Starmer to back a ceasefire  a demand that he has explicitly stated he will not countenance, on the mealy-mouthed grounds that this would embolden Hamas.

And matters could soon come to a head, with the SNPs Westminster group submitting a parliamentary motion calling on the UK government to join with the international community in urgently pressing all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire.

Unfortunately for Starmer, opposition to his jingoism is not confined to the usual left Labour MPs. Even senior party figures  such as mayors Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham, and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar  and a swathe of shadow frontbenchers have publicly registered their support for a cessation of the war.

Sir Keir Starmer, the establishments knight in shining armour, therefore, will also be dented and damaged by the powerful Palestine solidarity movement.

Decay and decline

The liberal wing of the Tories, and the serious strategists of capital that they represent, are gloating about Bravermans departure, and the accompanying return of David Cameron.

The former PM  along with City of London golden boy Rishi Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt  is seen as one of the adults; a safe pair of hands compared to those who have occupied Downing Street and successive Conservative cabinets in recent years.

But far from being a sign of strength, Camerons comeback only underlines how weak and riven with crises the establishment is  and how degenerate the Tory Party has become.

The 'liberal' wing of the Tory party are gloating about the return of 'sensible' pairs of hands like David Cameron. But far from being a cause of celebration for the Tories, this political exhumation indicates what an exhausted force they have become / Image: Socialist Appeal

As prime minister, whilst implementing a brutal austerity agenda (a mantle that Sunak and Hunt are more than happy to now carry), Cameron suggested that his followers should hug a hoodie. Subsequently, however, his successors have waged a war on woke.

Since leaving Number 10, meanwhile, the stench of scandal has continued to follow the ex-Tory leader, with allegations that Dodgy Dave used his Westminster connections to partake in extensive corporate lobbying on behalf of (now defunct) financial services firm Greensill Capital.

And most importantly, lest anyone forget, it was Cameron who gambled the fate of British capitalism with the Brexit referendum, all in order to shore up his own political support against the rising UKIP threat at the time.

This opened up a Pandoras Box for the ruling class, leading to years of political chaos, with each new Conservative leader proving to be even more short-sighted, irresponsible, and ill-fated than the last  culminating in the destructive antics of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss.

But Sunaks latest reshuffle will do nothing to halt the Tories decline, which ultimately stems from the decay and deepening crisis of British capitalism.

Similarly, a Starmer government will be no saviour for the ruling class either, but will be plagued by all the same instability and turmoil.

Overthrow their system

For workers and youth, the task is clear. All of these representatives of the establishment are living on borrowed time. They and their system have nothing to offer but attacks on the working class and the oppressed  both at home and abroad.

The massive movement in support of the Palestinian people has revealed a fact of history: nothing can stop the working class when it is organised and mobilised.

The fall of Braverman is a victory won through the mass mobilisation on the street against the policy of our own imperialist ruling class and government. Now we must push this home by extending the action, and bolstering it with class struggle methods / Image: Socialist Appeal

On the other hand, this huge movement has widened all the cracks in the ruling class, revealing the Tory government and the British state to be like the Wizard of Oz: all smoke and mirrors; all bark and no bite.

Forcing Braverman out should be scored as a victory for the movement, giving confidence to those out on the streets protesting against injustice.

The next step is to broaden the movement; to bolster it with class struggle methods, such as strikes, walkouts, and mass workers action; and to link it to a clear revolutionary programme  aimed at kicking out all the Tories, and ending war and imperialism by overthrowing their entire decrepit system.
Ian Paisley has said other parties should help the DUP to find a solution to the political impasse.

Northern Ireland has been without a functioning government since February 2022, when Paul Givan resigned as First Minister as part of the DUPs protest over post-Brexit trading arrangements.

Since then talks aimed at restoring power-sharing have been ongoing between the DUP and the Government.

Last week DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said there are still gaps in the negotiations that need to be closed.

Read more Supreme Court rules Governments Rwanda asylum policy is unlawful

Speaking on the BBCs Nolan Show on Wednesday, Ian Paisley said Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris needs to act to end the political stalemate.

The government could have fixed this a lot quicker, he said.

Gavin Robinson, the deputy leader of our party, many months ago said the ball is at the toe of the Secretary of State - he still hasnt kicked it.

I know there are efforts to persuade him to do things and were working hard on it, but the issue is, and the hopeful aspect of all of this is that were working to get solutions.

I would say to the other parties, all the parties who spend their time attacking us, Why dont you help us?

Its in all of our interests to get a solution, so instead of just attacking us, help us find a way in and make this work.

Last week Sir Jeffrey shot down claims by Tanaiste Micheal Martin that the negotiations to restore the Stormont institutions had more or less come to a conclusion.

The talks have not come to a conclusion, no one in government has said that to me, and in fact were hoping to meet with the government later this week again. Those talks continue, Sir Jeffrey said last week.
Israels Ambassador to Ireland Dana Erlich at the Israeli Embassy in Dublin. Picture date: Tuesday November 7, 2023.

Ireland would be pushed to the margins of international opinion if it expelled Israels ambassador in Dublin, a Government minister has warned.

Minister of State James Browne was speaking in a debate on a motion proposed by the Social Democrats calling for a range of economic and diplomatic sanctions against Israel.

The party has demanded that the diplomatic credentials of Israels ambassador in Ireland, Dana Erlich, be revoked.

The motion also called for Ireland to use its influence in Brussels to seek a suspension of the EU-Israel trade deal, invoking a human rights clause in the agreement, and suspend Israel from participation in the Horizon Europe research funding initiative.

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said actions not words were needed from the Government (Brian Lawless/PA)

The party said Ireland should also refer Israel to the International Criminal Court.

Tabling a counter motion that removed the calls for sanctions, Mr Browne told the Dail parliament that maintaining diplomatic links with Israel was vital.

There is a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza and there is a real risk of regional spillover of conflict, he said.

At the same time, I regret that the motion proposed by the Social Democrats seeks to push Ireland to the margins of international opinion, he said, claiming such a move would undermine the countrys influence in the Middle East.

It underplays the value of international and multilateral engagement, he added.

Ireland must continue to work with our international partners in responding to this crisis.

The Government has made its position clear regarding proposals to expel the Israeli ambassador  cutting off diplomatic relations with a country means cutting off communication channels.

Diplomacy is not always or only about friendly relations, and nor is it an endorsement of the policies or actions of a given country, it is precisely at times of conflict and tension that diplomacy is most useful and most needed, and it is vital to maintain communication links.

Minister of State at the Department of Justice James Browne warned that Ireland would be pushed to the margins of international opinion if it expelled the Israeli ambassador (Brian Lawless/PA)

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns insisted words of condemnation are not enough as she opened the debate on the motion.

Accusing Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza, Ms Cairns criticised the Government for proposing amendments that she claimed would replace the demand for tangible sanctions against Israel with platitudes and zero actions.

The refusal of most Western leaders to shout stop and demand a ceasefire has led to thousands of deaths, Ms Cairns told the Dail.

Israel is killing with impunity. According to the World Health Organisation, Gaza is now a graveyard for children.

She added: I recognise that the Irish Government has done more than most of the EU to advocate for a ceasefire, but thats just evidence of how low the bar is.

Words of condemnation are not enough. We need action.

There must be consequences for the crimes perpetrated by Israel on a captive civilian population in Gaza.

Later responding to Mr Brownes warning of Ireland being pushed to the margins, she said: Given the majority of Western leaders opinion, Im happy for Ireland to be an outlier.

Sinn Feins Matt Carthy said he was ashamed at the international communitys response to the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.

I am ashamed of the international communitys response to what we have seen in Gaza and particularly ashamed by the response of the EU, he said.

I think EU leaders have ensured that the European Union no longer has any credibility to be a voice for peace, international law and for the basic rules of humanity for so long as they refuse to take a stand.

Sinn Fein TD Matt Carthy criticised the Governments failure to back sanctions and said the world was turning a blind eye (Liam McBurney/PA)

Mr Carthy told Mr Browne that the world was turning a blind eye and the EU, worse still, is providing cover.

He criticised the Governments failure to back the call for economic and diplomatic sanctions against Israel.

Every single possible action that might help pressure Israel to stop the slaughter of innocent Palestinians is met with pathetic excuses, he said.

Its not good enough, minister. It is well past time that Ireland shows leadership, not to follow the lead of a European Union that clearly isnt willing or capable of providing the leadership thats much needed in this instance.

Minister of State Sean Fleming also addressed the Dail during the two-hour debate.

It is clear that deputies across the house are deeply and genuinely concerned at the horrific situation that has unfolded in Israel and in the occupied Palestinian Territory over the past three weeks  the Government shares this deep alarm at the situation and its continued rapid deterioration, including the grave humanitarian situation that now exists within the Gaza Strip, he said.

He added: The Irish Governments position on this is clear. Israel has the right to defend itself and its people from attack. But this is not an unfettered right. International humanitarian law applies, the principle of proportionality applies, and the Israeli military has a duty to ensure the protection of citizens. A humanitarian ceasefire for Gaza is an essential, basic step now.

TDs will vote on the motion and the Government amendment later on Wednesday.

They will also vote on a Sinn Fein motion, which was debated on Tuesday evening, calling on the Government to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court.

A pro-Palestinian protest is planned outside the Dail to coincide with the votes.
Irelands deputy premier has expressed confidence that a significant number of Irish citizens will be able to leave Gaza on Wednesday via the Rafah crossing into Egypt (Omar Aziz/AP)

Irelands deputy premier has expressed confidence that a significant number of Irish citizens will be able to leave Gaza on Wednesday via the Rafah crossing into Egypt.

Around 35 to 40 Irish passport holders remain in the enclave.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin is in Egypt ahead of planned trips to Israel and the Occupied Territories.

Im very pleased that a number of our Irish citizens are on the list today, Wednesday, to come through the crossing at Rafah, he told RTE.

This is very welcome news. Obviously, it is still a very fluid situation. Were very hopeful that a number of our citizens can make it through.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said he is very focused on Emily Hand, eight, who is feared to be a Hamas hostage in Gaza (PA)

We will continue to work on the remaining citizens to get them through.

I cant give you precise numbers but it is good news that quite a number of Irish citizens are on that list.

Mr Martins visit also has a focus on trying to secure the release of Israeli-Irish girl Emily Hand, eight, who is feared to be a Hamas hostage in Gaza.

He is due to hold talks with his Egyptian counterpart on the issue during his visit to Cairo.

Im very focused on that particular issue. As an Irish eight-year-old citizen I think its imperative that shes released, and indeed all the hostages, and particularly the children who have been abducted, Mr Martin said.

Emilys Dublin-born father Tom and her half-sister Natali have been in Ireland this week along with relatives of other hostages to raise awareness of the situation and ask for Irish support to secure their release.

They had a meeting with Mr Martin in Dublin and also met Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and President of Ireland Michael D Higgins.
Sir Keir Starmer has backed the UK Governments position in calling for humanitarian pauses but stopping short of backing a ceasefire (PA)

Labour is to put forward an amendment to the Kings Speech to reaffirm its position on the conflict in the Middle East while the SNP has urged MPs to demand a ceasefire.

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has said Parliament must show moral leadership and vote in favour of backing an immediate cessation of hostilities.

Labour said it is not going to be engaging with the amendment put forward by the SNP to the Kings Speech, but is to seek its own motion addressing concerns on both sides of Middle East conflict.

A party spokesman suggested the amendment would include reference to the lack of action by Hamas to release about 240 hostages and the scale of civilian casualties in Gaza.

The Opposition has not said what the repercussions would be of defying the party line to vote in favour of calling for a cessation of violence, but shadow ministers could potentially face the sack for doing so.

The party position on the Middle East conflict has led to internal splits, 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 and tens of councillors have resigned from Labour over its refusal to back a permanent halt to the violence.

A number of amendments demanding a total cessation of hostilities 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.

Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle will decide whether a motion on Gaza is voted on during a debate on the Kings Speech (UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor)

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.

In a letter to MPs, Mr Flynn wrote: As Members of Parliament, it is also important to be crystal clear in terms of what failing to vote for a ceasefire means. Because by refusing to join the United Nations in pressing for an immediate ceasefire, Westminster would be disregarding international law, condoning collective punishment and giving the green light to the continued bombardment of Gaza, which has seen thousands of innocent children and civilians killed.

People understand that the conflict in the Middle East is full of complexity. But amidst all that complexity, they also recognise a very human truth. People know that what we are all watching in Gaza is wrong and they want their MPs to do the right thing, show moral leadership and press for an immediate ceasefire.

According to the Daily Telegraph, Sir Keir is preparing to fire those who vote in favour of the SNPs motion, should Sir Lindsay put it to a division.

Some Labour shadow ministers have called for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)

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.

Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchel is in Cairo on Wednesday to hold talks with Egyptian counterparts and other partners on how to get more humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Olivia Pratt-Korbels killer, Thomas Cashman, is planning an appeal against his conviction, a lawyer has said(Merseyside Police/PA)

Olivia Pratt-Korbels killer is planning an appeal against his conviction, a lawyer has said.

Thomas Cashman, now 35, who was found guilty of murdering the nine-year-old schoolgirl at her home in Liverpool in August 2022, failed in a bid to challenge his 42-year minimum jail sentence on Wednesday.

Three appeal judges refused to give him permission to challenge that minimum term after concluding, at a Court of Appeal hearing in London, that he did not have an arguable case.

But a lawyer representing Cashman, and a court official, said after the hearing that an appeal against conviction is pending.

The court official said an application has been lodged but has not yet been considered by an appeal judge  and no appeal hearing date has been fixed.

Olivia Pratt-Korbel was shot dead at her Liverpool home by Thomas Cashman in August last year (Family handout/PA)

Cashman was given a mandatory life sentence  and told by trial judge Mrs Justice Yip that he will not be eligible for release until he is in his 70s.

His written application for permission to challenge his 42-year minimum jail term was rejected by an appeal judge, without a hearing, earlier this year.

A barrister representing him renewed that appeal bid at a Court of Appeal hearing in London on Wednesday.

John Cooper KC told appeal judges Dame Victoria Sharp, Mrs Justice McGowan and Mr Justice Chamberlain that aggravating features were too heavily relied on when Mrs Justice Yip passed sentence.

But the three judges ruled against Cashman and dismissed his appeal bid.

Cashman did not appear at the appeal hearing.

The shooting of Olivia happened while Cashman, of Grenadier Drive, West Derby, Liverpool, was chasing convicted drug dealer Joseph Nee, who tried to run into the schoolgirls home in a bid to escape.

Cashman opened fire, hitting Olivias mother, Cheryl Korbel, in the wrist as she tried to keep the door shut against Nee, with the same bullet killing her daughter.

Olivias mother, Cheryl Korbel, was also shot in the incident (Peter Byrne/PA)

Mr Cooper argued that the planning of the crime was given too much emphasis by Mrs Justice Yip.

He also said the trial judge had not placed enough emphasis on the age Cashman would be when eligible for release.

And he told appeal judges there had been an over-emphasis on Cashmans lack of remorse.

Cashman was jailed at Manchester Crown Court in April.

He had admitted being a high-level cannabis dealer, but told jurors: Im not a killer, Im a dad.

Jurors found him guilty of Olivias murder, the attempted murder of Nee, the wounding with intent of Ms Korbel, and two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Dame Victoria said on Wednesday, when dismissing Cashmans bid to challenge his 42-year minimum jail term, that the notorious killing of Olivia had not only shocked Liverpool but the nation.

She said Mrs Justice Yips sentencing remarks had been immaculately structured.

It cannot sensibly be argued that overall sentence imposed was excessive, let alone manifestly excessive, said Dame Victoria.

Olivias mother and family are left with a life-long sentence.

She said it was true to say that Cashman will be well into his 70s by the time he is eligible for release.

But she added: That, however, is a consequence by the commission by him of these terrible crimes, rather than any error by (Mrs Justice Yip).

She went on: The application for leave is refused.
Queen Camilla talks to guests as she attends the Commonwealth Women Leaders event (Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA)

The Queen has met women leaders from across the Commonwealth at an event in London dedicated to addressing domestic violence.

Camilla said it was so important for her to attend the event on Wednesday afternoon at Marlborough House focused on safeguarding women and children from domestic violence.

The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Baroness Scotland, greeted Camilla as she arrived at the headquarters of the Commonwealth in central London.

Baroness Scotland said one in three women in the world will be affected by domestic violence at some stage in their lives, adding that women were disproportionately affected in every form of crisis.

She said that having the support of Camilla was wonderful, adding that the Queen had a great care for people.

Baroness Scotland, the first woman to serve as attorney general for England and Wales, told the PA news agency: So many people would like to be silent, and its not necessarily a comfortable thing to talk about.

But Her Majesty has been absolutely adamant that she would be a spokesperson for all those women who think they have no voice.

The Queen and Baroness Scotland during the Commonwealth Women Leaders event (Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA)

Camilla, dressed in a forest green blazer, attended a reception of dignitaries which included the British-Ghanaian entrepreneur and actress Lady Dentaa Amoateng.

She also met the leaders of the Mirabel Centre, Nigerias first referral centre to provide free medical and psychosocial support to survivors of rape and sexual assault.

Itoro Eze-Anaba, the founder of the centre, said having the patronage of Camilla had helped people to speak up as it brought credibility to the centre.

She added that the centre had helped more than 8,200 survivors of rape and sexual assault  with the youngest of the centres clients being just three months old and the oldest 82 years old.

Ayotola Jagun, director at the Mirabel Centre, said having the backing of Camilla as patron had done wonders for the confidence of the centres staff.

Camilla also met Maya Kirti Nanan, the winner of the Commonwealths young person of the year award for 2023.

The 20-year-old from Trinidad and Tobago established an autism centre called Rahuls Clubhouse, named after her brother Rahul who was diagnosed with autism.

The Commonwealth Secretariat said the event at Marlborough House would help form an alliance engaging all sectors and professions to work to protect women and children from domestic violence.

It added that it would also help inform the Commonwealths strategy at Cop28 to advocate for the needs and interests of women and girls, including calling for an inclusive loss and damage fund.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is under growing pressure from the Tory right (House of Commons/PA)

Rishi Sunak vowed to sign an upgraded deal with Rwanda after his promise to stop the boats was plunged into fresh jeopardy by the Supreme Court ruling his flagship asylum policy is unlawful.

The Prime Minister was resisting pressure from some Conservatives to quit the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) but hinted he could change UK laws if necessary and may reconsider international relationships.

Sacked home secretary Suella Braverman demanded on Wednesday that Mr Sunak introduces emergency legislation blocking off the ECHR, Human Rights Act and other routes of legal challenge.

Five justices at the UKs highest court unanimously rejected the Governments appeal over its policy of removing asylum seekers to the east African nation if they arrive by unauthorised means.

Downing Street was unable to say whether the expulsion flights to Kigali that have been grounded for more than a year during the legal challenges will take off before the next election.

None of the 140 million the UK has already paid to Rwanda can be clawed back as the new treaty is expected to add even more to the costs as negotiations are under way.

New Home Secretary James Cleverly said the Rwanda deal would be increased to a legally-binding treaty as soon as possible to alleviate the concerns to make it consistent with international law.

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To alleviate the Supreme Courts concerns that Rwanda could send genuine refugees back to the countries they have fled, he said new plans being drawn up mean that anyone removed to Kigali cannot be sent to another country than the UK.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer demanded an apology to the nation from Mr Sunak for wasting millions of pounds of taxpayers cash on the ridiculous, pathetic spectacle.

The Prime Minister vowed to do whatever it takes to end Channel crossings, as he set out how the first step will be to finalise a new treaty with Rwanda.

He focused on the Supreme Court suggesting changes there to prevent genuine asylum seekers being sent back to the countries they have fled could render the plans lawful.

There are further elements that they want additional certainty on and noted that changes can be delivered in the future to address those issues, Mr Sunak said at Prime Ministers Questions.

The Government has been working already on a new treaty with Rwanda and we will finalise that in light of todays judgment.

But he dangled an offer to the Tory right by suggesting he could go further, as sacked home secretary Mrs Braverman waited in the wings to challenge his authority.

If it becomes clear that our domestic legal frameworks or international conventions are still frustrating the plans at that point, I am prepared to change our laws and revisit those international relationships, the Prime Minister said.

The British people expect us to do whatever it takes to stop the boats and that is precisely what this Government will deliver.

Mrs Braverman demanded that the Prime Minister changes the law to prevent legal challenges, arguing there is no chance of curbing illegal migration within the current legal framework.

We must legislate or admit defeat, she wrote on social media.

Supreme Court president Lord Reed ruled there would be a risk of Rwanda returning genuine asylum seekers to face ill treatment in the country they had fled.

Mrs Braverman said after her ousting this week that Mr Sunak had no credible plan B and would be back at square one in the event of legal failure, as she took aim at his approach to the ECHR.

But Lord Reed made it clear in his summary of the judgment that it is not the only international treaty relevant to the courts decision, which also took into account domestic law.

Suella Braverman warned there would be no credible plan B if the Supreme Court rejected the Government appeal (Andrew Matthews/PA)

In the Commons, Mr Cleverly said that in the last few months, ministers have been working with Rwanda to provide the certainty that the court demands.

We have been working with Rwanda to build capacity and amend agreements with Rwanda to make clear that those sent there cannot be sent to another country than the UK, he said.

The Home Secretary told former prime minister Theresa May she made an incredibly important point when she said the ruling on Rwanda came regardless of the ECHR.

Mr Sunak told Rwandan president Paul Kagame in a call that he remains firmly committed to their asylum partnership.

Boris Johnson urged the Prime Minister to change the law to designate Rwanda a safe country, arguing it is the only one way to end the legal blockade on Rwanda.

Mr Sunak will hold a Downing Street press conference on Wednesday afternoon as his more hardline MPs grow increasingly frustrated at his leadership.

Mr Johnson urged a change in the law (Yui Mok/PA)

Lord Reed agreed with the Court of Appeal decision earlier this year that there are substantial grounds to believe there is a real risk of refugees being returned by Rwanda to their home countries.

But he made it clear the judgment was based only on the current failure to eliminate the risk there and said the changes needed to reduce this may be delivered in the future.

The Supreme Courts ruling, though, made clear the challenges ministers must overcome, saying there was evidence of a culture within Rwanda of, at best, inadequate understanding of Rwandas obligations under the Refugee Convention.

The flagship policy was first announced by Boris Johnson in April 2020, but not one migrant has been removed to Kigali during a series of legal challenges.

Campaigners welcomed the verdict, with the Freedom From Torture charity hailing it as a victory for reason and compassion.

Steve Smith, chief executive of the Care4Calais refugee charity, said: The Supreme Courts judgment is a victory for humanity.

Todays judgment should bring this shameful mark on the UKs history to a close.

The legal rulings were based on evidence that Kigali has a poor human rights record, citing British police warning Rwandans in the UK of credible plans by the nations government to kill them.

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Concerns of political and media freedom were also raised, as was the inability of the Rwandan courts to act independently of the government.

Evidence from the UNHCR, the United Nations refugee agency, cited Rwandas 100% rate of rejection of claims from countries in conflict zones such as Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan.

This is despite the UK authorities often finding the claims are well-founded.

The body also presented evidence of more than 100 cases of refoulement  the process of returning refugees to their origin countries  that have taken place after the UK agreed its deal with Rwanda.

More than 27,300 migrants have been detected making unauthorised crossings of the English Channel so far this year, according to official figures.
On the weekend of 4 and 5 November, der Funke, the Swiss section of the International Marxist Tendency (IMT), held its 2023 Marxist Autumn School. The theme of this years school was The Road to Communism, and the weekend proved that communists have a plan and are bursting with drive.

[Originally published in German at derfunke.ch]

As Marxists, we always take the side of the oppressed. So we unconditionally defend the oppressed Palestinian people in the face of the massacre of the Zionist state. For this we have been dragged through the mud by various outlets of the capitalist media. And so, at the last minute, the premises we had reserved six months earlier for this year's autumn school were taken away from us for political reasons.

But as communist fighters, we were not intimidated by these actions  on the contrary. We did everything we could to find premises anyway and finally organised the school in Biel. With 238 registrations, it was the largest and most enthusiastic communist school that Switzerland has seen for decades!

In an article from 6 November, the Bieler Tagblatt reported on the school, claiming: There is no debate at the annual autumn school  but no real fighting either, a doubly false, as the two were packed with lively debate to reinforce the combativity of our organisation. It was a school, precisely, of communist struggle.

We have doubled the size of our organisation in recent months, growing from 18 local groups in six cities to 39 local groups in 15 cities and regions. The schools purpose was to train all these new members in the path to communism.

The Russian Revolution

More and more people in Switzerland and internationally are fed up with capitalism and want to know how to build communism. The good news is that history has already answered this question with the Russian Revolution!

As Marxists, it is essential for us to learn the lessons of history, and so we dedicated a session to studying the lessons of the Russian Revolution, which proved a highlight of the school. Unlike in the other revolutions of the 20th century, the Russian Revolution led to the successful seizure of power by the working, followed by the expropriation of the capitalists and establishment of a planned economy.

This was only possible because the Bolsheviks had patiently built up the backbone of a revolutionary party over decades as part of the struggle, in the course of which they gained a great deal of experience. This gave them the necessary clarity of vision, the correct programme and a tightly organised revolutionary cadre organisation in October 1917. Through this lengthy, difficult preparatory work, the Bolsheviks were able to win over the working class to the revolutionary programme. And only on the basis of such a programme could the working class overthrow capitalism and take power. That is the path to communism.

A wide range of sessions

Meanwhile, the negative lessons of the German Revolution were brought out in another workshop. The German proletariat was no less heroic, no less willing to fight than the Russian proletariat, but its leadership, the German Social Democratic Party, betrayed the revolution.

The communists were too late to improvise a revolutionary organisation in the heat of the battle, and ultimately this led to the failure of the revolution. This session proved, once again although in the negative, the necessity of building a revolutionary leadership on the model of the Bolsheviks  and we must start as early as possible!

Many other workshops followed, including: perspectives for the world revolution today; the role of the revolutionary newspaper; Marxist economics and imperialism; the Marxist understanding of history (i.e. historical materialism); the revolution and the civil war in Spain of 1931-1937; a very important session on the revolutionary way forward for Israel and Palestine; and the central role of women in the Russian Revolution.

In the session on Stalinism, we clarified the question of why it was that the Russian Revolution degenerated. Trying to build without clarifying this question would be like trying to drive with the handbrake on. The tradition of the IMT, going back to Leon Trotsky, has always been one of defending the USSR without conditions. After all, the planned economy on which it was based represented gigantic progress. But why did Stalins totalitarian regime develop?

The ruling class tells us that there is a straight line from Lenin to Stalin. The fact that Stalin physically liquidated all the Bolsheviks exposes this lie. But on the basis of Marxist theory, we understand that Stalinism did not come about because of the Bolsheviks  on the contrary. The revolution degenerated because it remained isolated, and it remained isolated because (among other things) there was no Bolshevik leadership in the aforementioned German Revolution. The communists answer to the danger of the degeneration of the revolution must be: let us build a Bolshevik organisation on a world scale!

The will to learn, the will to act

The Marxist Autumn School was imbued with the will to learn. Lively discussions and exchanges of experience took place in all the sessions, in which our international guests from Britain and Austria also participated. We sold Marxist literature worth CHF 4,000, illustrating the comrades clear thirst for theory.

But it was not out of a desire to acquire mere book learning that the comrades purchased so much literature. As communists, we learn the lessons of the past in order to apply them in practice; in order to build a powerful communist organisation modelled on the Bolsheviks. What characterised this school above all else was that it glowed with a yearning for action!

The proof of this came on the Saturday, when a delegation from Der Funke travelled to the Palestine demonstration in Bern to carry our communist slogans into the movement: Intifada until victory! and For a socialist federation of the Middle East! On the back of the intervention, several attendees of the demos came to the autumn school on the Sunday.

Bolshevism

The last session underlined the schools purpose: to equip us for the struggle. It was dedicated to Bolshevism and the practical struggle for a victorious revolution.

Particularly inspiring in this session were the contributions of Alex and Giuseppe, two young workers who have been members of the IMT for several months. Alex fought in his vocational school, against the resistance of his teacher, to give a talk at school on the situation in Palestine and the way forward: I didnt care what the teacher or the other students thought about me  it was all about finding the next potential communists!

Giuseppe has been with us for three months and has taken a 60 percent cut in his hours (and wages) in order to carry out as much political work as possible, and to train himself to become a leading comrade. Both comrades have sacrificed comforts of life to build up the forces of revolution.

To quote Giuseppe: I am ultra-excited. Id rather be in the audience right now. But the communist organisation needs this speech  so of course I'm on stage!

During this last session, all the comrades nailed down the practical tasks of the coming days and weeks: speeches at universities, actions at vocational schools, interventions at demonstrations, etc. Comrade Michelle inspired the whole school with her boldness. She built up an entire local group from scratch by identifying herself as a communist wherever she went; by standing on walls and shouting into the crowds: Whos a communist here? This attitude, illustrated by Giuseppe, Alex and Michelle, is exemplary for the whole school.

At the end of the school, around CHF 20,000 were collected for the construction of the IMT. This is practical proof of the degree of understanding and resolve, that we know how we can play a role in history; that we know the path to communism. All of us are ready to organise the next ten, hundred, and thousand communists. When we achieve this, it will place us on the map as a communist organisation everywhere in Switzerland!

Do you want to fight side by side with us for a communist revolution all over the world? Then organise with us now and build up the Marxist forces where you are.
A new study found that the diabetes programme is so successful it also reaps other health benefits (PA)

The flagship NHS diabetes prevention programme is so successful that patients could be reaping further health benefits when they take part, according to a new study.

As well as achieving the main goal of helping people reduce their blood sugar levels, the English programme also appears to help patients lose weight and reduce blood pressure.

While type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, type 2 is largely preventable through lifestyle changes.

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People at risk of developing type 2 diabetes are offered the chance to sign up to the programme, called Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.

The programme lasts for nine months and people are supported to manage their weight, eat healthier foods and be more physically active.

They can either sign up to face-to-face support or a digital service which includes the use of wearable technologies which monitor exercise, apps and digital support groups.

The new study, published in the journal Nature, examined the effectiveness of the programme by looking at GP records from patients across England.

During the study period, from January 2017 to June 2020, some two million patients had their blood sugar measured.

Of these, 26,513 were referred to the programme.

Among the patients referred to the programme, only 3.3% (882 people) were subsequently prescribed diabetes medication in the year after treatment.

The international team of experts, including academics from the University of Birmingham, found that blood sugar levels reduced on average by 1.26 millimoles per litre (mmol).

As well as reductions in blood sugar levels, the team also found improvements in other areas.

The average BMI score for each patient fell by more than one point while patients lost an average of nearly 3kg each.

They also found that the programme appeared to have a positive effect on cholesterol and blood pressure.

Study co-author Professor Justine Davies, from the University of Birmingham, said: Our findings clearly demonstrate the huge benefits of intensive lifestyle counselling for improving the health of patients with prediabetes.

The evidence also suggests a promising route for improving population health more broadly.

The positive effects observed in the programme may also extend to other non-communicable diseases such as cancer, which is increasingly thought to be connected to unhealthy lifestyle habits and environments.

Prof Davies told the PA news agency: With other non-communicable diseases  cancer, mobility diseases, especially osteoarthritis  often, the risk is massively increased in people who have a larger BMI and actually, we found that this programme reduced BMI. It didnt reduce BMI massively, but it did reduce BMI.

It also had some effect on blood pressure.

Whilst we havent tested it for its ability to reduce other non-communicable diseases like cancer, like osteoarthritis, it possibly does have an effect on those via its effect on BMI.

She said that among medics working in the community there is a bit of scepticism about the programmes, adding: What weve done is weve proven for certain that this works, which may lead to GPs accepting that it works and referring people to it, so it may help to improve the referral rates.

It may also help to sustain the programme if it is a consideration for being cut.

Pascal Geldsetzer, assistant professor of medicine at Stanford University and the senior author of the study, added: We found that intensive lifestyle counselling for prediabetes, when implemented at scale in routine care, has beneficial effects on health measures that we know are important for cardiometabolic health.

This is important evidence for health systems and clinicians because it implies that counselling by itself can be effective, at least in the short to medium-term, if done intensively and in a structured programme.

Commenting on the study, Professor Partha Kar, NHS Englands national specialty advisor for diabetes, said: This important study provides further evidence that our world-leading NHS prevention programme is changing lives, supporting hundreds of thousands of people to make sustainable healthy lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes remains a growing problem that can cause long-term health issues including blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and many common types of cancer. If youre concerned about your health, you can easily check your risk through the Diabetes UK Know Your Risk tool and come forward for support.
Humza Yousaf said the vote was a chance to put humanity before politics (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Scotlands First Minister Humza Yousaf has said he is beyond angry with MPs who refused to back an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and warned they were on the wrong side of history.

SNP leader Mr Yousaf, who was recently reunited with his Palestinian in-laws after they returned to the UK from the warzone in Gaza, said the vote was a chance to put humanity before politics.

He said one child has been killed every 10 minutes in Gaza, a statistic sourced from the World Health Organisation.

Mr Yousaf said the death toll of 4,500 children killed in a month during the Israel-Hamas war was senseless, and urged the public to speak out against the bloodshed.

First Minister and SNP leader Humza Yousaf and his wife, councillor Nadia El-Nakla, whose parents were trapped in Gaza (Jane Barlow/PA)

The First Minister said: Today at Westminster MPs were presented with the chance to vote in favour of the SNP ceasefire. This was a plea to put humanity before politics by endorsing a ceasefire.

Too many parents have had to bury their children in Gaza. Too many children have become orphaned. Too many have suffered. And for far too long.

A ceasefire would enable a humanitarian corridor and the crucial delivery of immediate aid to those in desperate need. I am beyond angry that Scottish Labour MPs and others refused to back the calls for an immediate ceasefire.

They are on the wrong side of history, which is unforgivable.

Over 4,500 innocent children have been killed in Gaza. The World Health Organisation has reported a heartbreaking statistic a child has been killed every 10 minutes.

Let that sink in and know there are haunting images of tiny premature babies who have been removed from the incubators because the situation is so dire.

This cannot continue. Humanity must prevail through collective international pressure. A path to ending the senseless violence can and must be found.

We cannot allow the silent screams of the innocent to go unanswered. In the face of such profound sorrow, let all of our voices join the rallying cry of human solidarity. Take action.

Use your voice and I can promise you that I will continue to raise my voice to demand an immediate ceasefire.

We cannot allow this humanitarian catastrophe to go on for a second longer.
The King celebrated his 75th birthday by chatting to hundreds of NHS nurses at Buckingham Palace (Toby Melville/PA)

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.
Palestinians displaced by the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip have gathered at a tent camp in Khan Younis (Fatima Shbair/AP)

The UN Security Council has approved a resolution calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip after four failed attempts to respond to the Israel-Hamas war.

The vote was 12-0 with the US, UK and Russia abstaining.

The final draft watered down language from a demand to a call for humanitarian pauses.

It also watered down a demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups.

The resolution makes no mention of a ceasefire.

It also does not refer to Hamass surprise attack on Israel on October 7, during which the militants killed around 1,200 people and took some 240 others hostage.

Nor does it cite Israels retaliatory air strikes and ground offensive in Hamas-ruled Gaza, which Gazas health ministry says has killed more than 11,000 Palestinians, two thirds of them women and children.

Russia proposed an amendment to the resolution before the vote that would have called for durable humanitarian pauses leading to a ceasefire. But it was rejected by a vote of 5-1 with nine abstentions because it failed to get the minimum nine yes votes.

But the resolution, sponsored by Malta, did bring the 15 members of the UNs most powerful body together in a first response to the ongoing war that is having catastrophic humanitarian consequences in Gaza.

The resolution asks that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians, especially children.

Palestinians in a tent camp in Khan Younis (Fatima Shbair/AP)

UN Security Council resolutions are legally binding, but in practice many parties choose to ignore the councils requests for action.

Richard Gowan, UN director for the International Crisis Group, said the Security Council has called for ceasefires in wars from the Balkans to Syria with little or no impact.

The Security Council, which has the responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, has been paralysed since the war began by its internal divisions.

This is especially the case between China and Russia, which want an immediate ceasefire, and the US, which has called for humanitarian pauses but objects to any mention of a ceasefire, which its close ally Israel strongly opposes.

The resolution calls for humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip for a sufficient number of days for unhindered access by the UN, Red Cross and other aid groups to get water, electricity, fuel, food and medical supplies to all those in need.

It says the pauses also should allow for the repair of essential infrastructure and enable urgent rescue and recovery efforts.

In the four previous tries for Security Council approval, a Brazil-drafted resolution was vetoed by the US, a US-drafted resolution was vetoed by Russia and China and two Russian-drafted resolutions failed to get the minimum yes votes.

After the fourth failure, frustrated Arab nations turned to the 193-member General Assembly and succeeded in getting wide approval for a resolution calling for a humanitarian truce in Gaza meant to lead to a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas.

It was the first United Nations response to the war. But unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, though they are a barometer of world opinion.

The vote was 120-14 with 45 abstentions. Of the five veto-holding Security Council members, Russia, China and France voted in favour, the United States voted against and Britain abstained.

The General Assembly resolution was adopted on October 27, and Israel agreed on November 9 to four-hour pauses. But only very limited aid has been delivered to Gaza through the Rafah crossing from Egypt, and a humanitarian catastrophe has been brewing.

Mr Gowan said US opposition to a ceasefire is a gift that keeps on giving for Russia diplomatically.

He said that while many diplomats think Russia is demanding a ceasefire for largely cynical reasons to make the Americans look bad, Moscows position is closer to the mainstream of council thinking, and the US looks isolated.

A UN ceasefire call would embarrass but not really constrain the Israelis, he said. But the US clearly feels that even such a symbolic move is too much of a political risk.
Ukrainian forces have crossed the Dnieper in small groups to create a foothold near the Kherson bridge (Alex Babenko/AP)

A top Ukrainian official said the countrys troops have established a beachhead on the eastern bank of the Dnieper River near Kherson, an important advance in bridging one of Russias most significant strategic barriers in the war.

Andriy Yermak, head of the presidents office, provided no details but confirmed the development that has been widely discussed in military forums over the past month.

Against all odds, Ukraines defence forces have gained a foothold on the left bank of the Dnieper, Mr Yermak told the Hudson Institute, a conservative Washington think tank.

Ever since Russian forces left the city of Kherson and the territory around it in November 2022, the only area they controlled on the west bank of the Dnieper, the river became a natural dividing line along the southern battlefront, preventing Ukrainian troops from advancing further into the Kherson region and towards Russian-annexed Crimea.

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The barrier also allowed Russia to concentrate more troops in the heavily mined and fortified Zaporizhzhia region and eastern Ukraine.

Since the summer, Ukrainian forces have crossed the Dnieper in small groups to create a foothold near the Kherson bridge and more recently sought to expand their presence in nearby villages on the east bank, including Krynky.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in Washington said Mr Yermaks comments confirm its own assessments over the past month that Ukraine was conducting larger-than-usual ground operations on the eastern bank of the river and appeared to be holding its positions and supplying troops in the Russian-controlled Kherson region.

Satellite imagery from Monday showed forces advancing on Krynky, one of the areas on the eastern bank of the Dnieper about 22 miles north-east of the city of Kherson, the ISW said.

Russian military bloggers have reported intense fighting near Krynky.

The Moscow-appointed governor for the Russia-occupied part of the Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, said Ukrainian forces lost up to two battalions crossing the Dnieper and trying to maintain their foothold on the left bank.

On his Telegram channel, he claimed that Ukrainian forces holed up in Krynky were facing a fiery hell of intense bombardment and were being destroyed on a large scale.

The Ukrainian forces have long established positions in several areas on the eastern bank of the Dnieper and sought to expand them, using boats to ferry supplies.

Two boats of Ukrainian marines navigate along a river close to the front line near Kherson (Alex Babenko/AP)

Ukraine lost control over almost the entire Kherson region, including the city of Kherson, in March 2022, right after the full-scale invasion started.

Russian troops advanced from the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014, facing almost no resistance even though the Ukraine border was supposed to be heavily guarded.

Crossing the Dnieper could allow Ukraine to outflank Russia without having to break through the heavily mined and fortified front line in the Zaporizhzhia region.

It would also provide the most direct land route to Crimea, where Armiansk, one of the two gateways to the peninsula, lies about 50 miles to the south without any significant fortifications in the way.

In other developments, at least two civilians were killed and 14 wounded in Ukraine in the past day, the presidents office said.

In the eastern Donetsk region, Russians launched a massive missile attack on Selydove that wounded three people and damaged eight high-rise buildings and others.

In the Kherson region, seven people were wounded during shelling of residential areas of Beryslav and the city of Kherson.

Drones killed a 26-year-old man in Nikopol, on the opposite bank of the river from the area near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

In the Kharkiv region, shelling near Izium struck a car and killed a 33-year-old driver and wounded a passenger.
Rishi Sunak reshuffles the deck, dumps Suella, brings back CameronSuella Braverman sacked after right-wing mobs storm the cenotaphNew Minister for Common Sense created to get to grips with wokeryEx-PM back in government in shock move

Suella Braverman has been accused of inciting Right-wing riots this weekend after an Op-Ed in The Times - PM Sunak has sacked her, but we have not seen the last of the former Home Secretary (PA)

(Left to right) Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden and Home Secretary James Cleverly during a meeting of the new-look Cabinet (PA)

Rishi Sunaks reshuffle of his cabinet earlier this week took many by surprise.

Suella Braverman lost her position as home secretary after defying the Prime Minister when she accused the police of bias and compared Pro-Palestine protests as hate marches that are disturbingly reminiscent of Ulster.

Ex-PM David Cameron makes his return to government as foreign secretary, having said he believes in public service, despite disagreeing with some individual decisions by the government.

And Esther Mcvey has been appointed to a new position as the Minister for Common Sense to fight left-wing wokery.

What is going on in the Tory Party?

With a right-wing mob storming the cenotaph was Rishi Sunak left with no choice but to sack Suella Braverman as home secretary?

And what approach is David Cameron likely to take as Foreign Secretary?

Ciaran Dunbar is joined by TRT World Presenter Enda Brady.
Adobe Stock

I grew up in a loving middle-class family in Lubbock, Texas, a farming and ranching community famous for raising cotton, corn, peanuts, and cattle.

As a five-year-old, I experienced a severe trauma while walking to school with a classmate after eating lunch together in my home. Stopping by my friends house to say hello to her mom, we were shocked at her mother lying motionless on her bed. She was dead. Several years later, my best friend in fourth grade died of cancer. Because of these tragic events, I carried an unhealthy fear of death into my young adulthood.

At some point between ages nine and ten, I began experimenting with pot and alcohol. Serious Texas-style partying followed in high school. On weekends teenagers hopped into pickup trucks and drove along back roads to homes, barns, and fields away from town. We drank and laughed, danced to country music, and got high on cocaine.

Schoolwork was a breeze. Even with partying, I earned high grades and honors. I ran cross country and was active in the chess, math, and science clubs. Yet I was insecure, standing at just over five feet tall and weighing no more than 100 pounds. Alcohol and drugs made me feel powerful and fearless.

Big dreams filled my 17-year-old mind as I stepped into my dorm room at Angelo State University (ASU) in San Angelo, Texas, where I was enrolled on a pre-med scholarship. I imagined a bright future helping people as a caring ob-gyn physician. It never happened.

Vanishing hopes

During my first ASU semester, I joined the uncontrolled world of sororities and fraternities. I drank hard liquor daily and did ecstasy and LSD. The new freedom away from home and the cool social life excited me.

For a few hours at a time, ecstasy provided feelings of euphoria, high energy, intense happiness, and peace. Any constraining inhibitions melted away. Many times, I would pass out and wake up in different places the next morning, not remembering what had happened the previous night.

At a frat house Halloween party, I almost overdosed after a bad hit of ecstasy. In and out of consciousness, I hallucinated and woke up hearing evil voices saying, Kill yourself, life is not worth living, you are worthless. Over the next few months, the voices in my head trapped me in cycles of hopelessness.

Meanwhile, I stopped attending classes. While I was home for Christmas break, my parents received a letter listing my failing grades and revealing that I was officially on academic probation. They were livid.

Even though I had grown up in the Bible Beltand made a public show of getting saved and resaved, baptized and rebaptizedwhatever personal faith I had was dwindling close to zero. I still believed in God, but I was miles and miles away from him.

With no money and no permanent place to live, I quit college the following January. Any hopes I had for my future had vanished. The next three years turned into a nightmare.

After pawning all my jewelry, I still needed more money to live and to pay for drugs. I found temp worksecretarial and receptionist jobs and waitressing. However, I would often get fired after staying out all night and not showing up the next morning. Or after drinking alcohol at my desk and falling asleep.

For a time, I refused all offers of help to get sober. My family tried intervening, but I pushed them away. Their nagging bugged me.

Meanwhile, I moved around to different apartments. When, inevitably, eviction notices came, I would cajole people into letting me bunk on their couches. Sometimes I slept on the back seat of my car. Former friends disappeared.

Between jobs, I resorted to crime. I stole petty cash from employers, shoplifted, and cashed stolen checks, a more serious bank-fraud offense. Sometimes I returned shoplifted items to the stores I had stolen them from, exchanging them for cash or gift cards.

In 1992 I tried to kill myself for the third time, mixing ecstasy and cocaine with huge amounts of alcohol. I tried rehab programs that did not help and spent time in locked-down psyche units. There, I was medicated into a trance-like state where I drew pictures with different colors to calm me. I knew I was crazy just like the other patients. Most of us just sat around for hours staring at the ceiling.

Life felt hopeless.

Standing on the brink

During my final admission to a state mental hospital for a failed suicide attempt, my grandmother asked the youth pastor from my old church to visit me. He told me there was hope, and he provided phone numbers for two faith-based drug and substance abuse rehab programs: Adult & Teen Challenge in Dallas and the Hoving Home in Garrison, New York.

Teen Challenge in Dallas was full. In desperation, I placed a collect call to the Hoving Home, which had an opening. My former church provided a one-way plane ticket to New York. I took a calming medication to make it through the flight and wore my favorite Texas cowgirl boots to boost my confidence.

But deep down, I felt totally alone, scared, and unsure of ever recovering from addiction and mental illness. At the age of 21, I stood on the brink of being institutionalized for life.

Hoving staff members met me at Newark Airport in New Jersey. The van ride to Garrison, New York, an upscale community, took a little over an hour. I was numb from the plane ride and my mind was clouded. I heard voices again in my head whispering, You will never make it. Death is the final solution.

As we pulled into the Hoving Home driveway, passing through the massive stone entrance posts, my eyes focused on a sign nailed to a tree: Speed Limit 15, We Love Girls . A tiny spark of hope appeared. For a moment I thought this time might be different. And it was.

Founded in 1967 by John and Elsie Benton, the Hoving Home is located on a 39-acre former estate overlooking the Hudson River. It is named after Walter Hoving, the former chairman of Tiffany & Co., who helped arrange the financing for the original purchase of the property. Five additional campuses now operate in New York, New Jersey, California, Nevada, North Carolina, and Massachusetts, ministering to 140 women.

Adjusting during my first month was rough. The home assigned me a Big Sister to help me cope with the new Christian environment. I was a difficult student and cried often. I had trouble sleeping from nightmares and hated getting out of bed at 6 a.m. every morning to attend classes and do chores like mowing grass, raking leaves, and shoveling the snow in the winter.

At first, I was no fan of memorizing Scripture. Nevertheless, I started leaning on Luke 1:37For nothing will be impossible with God (ESV)as my go-to lifeline. And slowly, the Lord started changing my heart. The Hoving staff demonstrated kindness, patience, and a willingness to love me at my worst. Finally, I repented of my sins and rebellion and surrendered to Jesus.

God delivered me from the crazy voices in my head when the staff encircled me, praying and reading Scripture over me. Yet I continued carrying a lot of baggage. I had a strong-willed, independent spirita prideful inclination to go my own way rather than yielding to Gods control. And I was still grieving over the wasted years.

At one point about three weeks into the program, I broke down, thinking I couldnt handle it anymore. I was ready to give up and run away. I poured out my soul to Debbie Jonnes, the program director, in her office. She looked me straight in the eyes and said, You may not believe me now, but I want you to hold on to my faith because I believe that Jesus can change your life.

Her confident faith and mercy caused me to stay another day. Then more and more days, until I completed the program in June 1993. It had taken 18 months, 6 months longer than usual.

Deliverance stories

I learned, however, that deliverance from bondage takes time. The Holy Spirit provided the power to overcome the next phase of my journey, a prison term for a bank fraud conviction.

I spent the next eight months in the womens high security unit at the Federal Correctional Institution in Lexington, Kentucky, now a mens facility. Fortunately, the judge shortened my sentence, which could have been much longer.

Prison life was lonely, but I stayed away from trouble by reading the Bible in our pod, spending time in the prison library, and attending chapel services.

During my prison term, I received a letter from John Benton, the Hoving Home founder and president. He invited me to join the Hoving staff as an entry level associate. I accepted and left prison with a one-way bus ticket to New York.

For the first year and a half, I worked in the homes outreach crisis center in Times Square in Manhattan. I shared my testimony with broken women hanging out on the streets and in parks and invited them to the program. Afterward, back in Garrison, I did clerical and administrative work and was appointed business manager in 1995. God blessed me over the years through a series of promotions, and in 2016 I was chosen to lead the organization.

I never tire of telling my story to our residents. When I see women struggling, I try to encourage them and pray with them as I walk through the facility. I recall meeting a recovering addict plagued by voices in her head. I told her how God had touched my life and delivered me. She completed the program and now leads a homeless ministry in her church.

These and many other deliverance stories have left me in awe of Gods redeeming power. The only reason I do what I do is because Jesus saved me and enables me every day. I trust Romans 8: There is no condemnation for me in Christ Jesus. And only through him I am more than a conqueror.
Police stop Islami Andolan Bangladesh party activists as they march toward the election commission office in Dhaka to protest the announcement of the Jan. 7 general election, Nov. 15, 2023.

Bangladesh will hold national polls on Jan. 7, the Election Commission announced Wednesday, despite a tense atmosphere marked by rolling anti-government protests and mass arrests of opposition activists.

The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) denounced the plan and called for a two-day strike next week, while the ruling Awami League, which has held power for 14 years, welcomed the decision and mobilized celebratory processions in Dhaka.

On behalf of the Election Commission, I urge all political parties to avoid resorting to conflict and violence and seek a political resolution, Kazi Habibul Awal, Bangladeshs chief election commissioner, said as he announced the date in a televised address.

Its not impossible to reach a compromise and resolution through dialogue by avoiding mutual distrust and vengeance.

Awal noted that the government repeatedly vowed to ensure free, fair, neutral, inclusive and peaceful elections.

Reacting within minutes of the announcement, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, BNPs senior joint secretary, called it ridiculous.

The government must shoulder the responsibility of the serious conditions, he said. The government has been pushing the country toward confrontation. The peoples movement will march on and the government must step down.

As recently as Monday, a U.S. State Department officials letter encouraged Bangladeshs major political parties to engage in dialogue without preconditions.

However, Obaidul Quader, the Awami Leagues general secretary, told reporters after meeting with U.S. Ambassador Peter Hass on Wednesday that the time for dialogue was over.

We did say we would consider holding dialogues if the BNP dropped all demands, he said. But that time has passed now.

For months, the BNP has organized protest rallies and, following the disruption of its grand rally on Oct. 28 by deadly clashes with the police, has called for repeated strikes and transportation blockades.

The party has demanded that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who leads the Awami League, resign to make way for a neutral interim government to shepherd the election.

Throughout the protests, clashes between the police, ruling party activists, and opposition activists led to the deaths of at least 10 people.

Police also conducted mass arrests of thousands of opposition activists, including the partys secretary general and other top officials, according to local media reports.

On Wednesday, supporters of both parties clashed in the northern district of Bogura, injuring at least 20, said Babu Kumar Saha, police chief in the districts Sherpur area.

In the immediate aftermath of the election commissions announcement, BNP supporters mobilized rallies in several other districts and clashed with the police.

A leftist alliance, Democracy Platform, called for a half-day strike on Thursday.

In a similar vein, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, an Islamic party not aligned with the opposition, organized a rally heading toward the commissions headquarters.

Kazi Habibul Awal, Bangladeshs chief election commissioner, announces the general election will be held on Jan. 7 during a televised address from the Election Commission headquarters in Dhaka, Nov. 15, 2023. [BenarNews]

The election schedule that was announced without having a neutral government in place will never be accepted by the people of this country, Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, a cleric and the partys chief, told reporters.

In contrast, hundreds of Awami League supporters mobilized a celebratory procession in front of the party headquarters and elsewhere in Dhaka.

Sheikh Hasina need not be afraid, they chanted in Bengali. We have not abandoned the streets.

Jatiya Party, another major party previously aligned with the government, repeatedly called for dialogue to break the current impasse. Its leaders have yet to announce whether they will participate in the elections.

Nizam Uddin Ahmed, a former professor at Chittagong University, told BenarNews the formal announcement shows the government wants to proceed with the election while preserving the status quo.

Now that the election schedule is announced, the scope for a political settlement is very slim unless the government unexpectedly offers something acceptable to the opposition, he told BenarNews on Wednesday.

If the government fails to gain the oppositions confidence, it could lead to another election without the main opposition parties, which would be detrimental for the country.

He also warned that continued strikes, blockades and violence could precipitate an economic collapse, with the general public bearing the brunt of the suffering.

Election-time government

Bangladeshs current political stalemate centers around the oppositions demand for the resignation of the Awami League government ahead of the election so a non-partisan government could organize the polling functions.

But the ruling party rejected the suggestion of an interim government, calling it unconstitutional.

The caretaker government  a technocratic government normally led by a former Supreme Court chief judge with the exclusive mandate to hold elections  was introduced in Bangladesh after the end of military rule in the early 1990s and subsequently inserted into the constitution in 1996. The four elections held under a caretaker system were considered by independent observers to be relatively free and credible.

In 2007, however, a military-backed caretaker government not only extended its term beyond the standard 90-day election period to over a year but also jailed many politicians from both parties, including leaders of both parties, Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia, on alleged corruption charges.

After the Awami League returned to power in 2009 with a supermajority in the parliament, it abolished the system from the constitution, citing its potential for abuse, following an order from the Supreme Court. Critics say the government hurriedly moved to implement the verbal court order while ignoring a temporary exception that the court ruling granted for two terms.

The next two elections during Hasinas tenure have been called controversial.

In 2014, the opposition boycotted the polls, leaving the ruling party to win more than half of the parliamentary seats uncontested.

In 2018, despite the oppositions participation under a grand alliance of left- and right-wing parties, the ruling party and its allies secured over 95% of the seats amid widespread reports of fraud.

The story has been updated to include more context about the caretaker system and its abolition by the Awami League government.
Philippine Rep. France Castro (right) leaves the building after filing a criminal complaint against former President Rodrigo Duterte at the Office of the Prosecutor in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Oct. 24, 2023.

A Manila prosecutor has formally summoned ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to answer questions about alleged death threats he made against a congresswoman who had questioned how his daughter, who is the vice president and education secretary, was using state funds.

A copy of the summons, issued by Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Ulric Badiola and publicly made available Wednesday, directed Duterte and House of Representatives member France Castro to appear on Dec. 4 and 11.

Badiola ordered both to submit their sworn statements related to the case and to present their witnesses.

The complainant/s and their witnesses, if any, are likewise directed to re-affirm before the undersigned on the same date the veracity and truthfulness of the allegations in their given statement, the summons read.

Castro had filed a criminal complaint Oct. 24 seeking redress for Dutertes grave threats during a television program he hosted from Davao City, his political base, on Oct. 3. The congresswoman represents the Alliance of Concerned Teachers, a special interest group represented in the House.

During the program, Duterte defended his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, who was being questioned in a congressional inquiry over her use of state funds that she had sought to keep confidential, Castro said.

The lawmaker had questioned the allocation of 650 million pesos (U.S. $11.4 million) in funds for the Offices of the Vice President and the Department of Education.

The former president urged his daughter to be straightforward with lawmakers, particularly with Castro, about the necessity of confidential funds to combat the communist insurgency.

But your first target there, using your intelligence funds, is you, France, you communists who I want to kill, Duterte had said on the show, according to transcripts made public.

I asked her [Sara] to tell them that, but she refused, saying, You know Pa, if I did that, they might harass the PMTs (Philippine Military Training institutions), he said.

Critics have said Dutertes threats should not be taken lightly, considering that more than 8,000 suspected drug addicts and dealers were killed during his term as president from 2016 to 2022, according to government figures.

Castro on Wednesday said she was glad the case was progressing.

I hope that former President Duterte will face the charges and participate in the preliminary investigation, Castro said in a brief statement.

If this will take a while, I am willing to wait but I really want to get justice so I will still not lose hope that our judicial system will rule in my favor.

Duterte, who lives in the southern city of Davao after his six-year term as president ended last year, could not be reached for comment immediately.

This is the second legal battle where the ex-leader has faced a setback this week.

On Monday, his arch-nemesis, former human rights commissioner and ex-Sen. Leila de Lima, was granted bail after nearly seven years behind bars for what she has claimed were fake charges orchestrated by Duterte.

Gerard Carreon and Basilio Sepe in Manila contributed to this report.
United Nations human rights expert Ian Fry calls on the Philippine government to disband the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict during a news conference at the U.N. House in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Nov. 15, 2023.

UPDATED at 7:04 p.m. ET on 2023-11-15

A visiting United Nations expert on human rights called on the Philippines on Wednesday to stop totally unacceptable attacks on activists, as he urged the government to disband an anti-communist task force accused of torturing and killing people.

During his 10-day tour of the nation, Ian Fry, the U.N.s special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change, said he heard accounts about alleged abuses committed against environmental defenders and other by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

I met with a number of civil society organizations and indigenous peoples organizations who told me horrific stories of how theyve been treated, Fry said during a press conference in Manila as he wrapped up his visit to the Southeast Asian country.

It is clear it is operating beyond its original mandate and is red-tagging people from the community and the [indigenous peoples groups]. It appears as though private financial interests are driving ELCAC to do this, he said without naming those funding sources.

Fry said he heard stories of torture, disappearance and extra-judicial killing of people.

This is totally unacceptable. It seems the government has lost control of this military organization and is moving beyond what is considered reasonable, he said.

Red-tagging refers to baselessly accusing someone of being a communist sympathizer. During his time in office (2016-22) then-President Rodrigo Duterte often branded his critics without offering any proof.

It is very evident that the [task force] is using it powers to protect key economic interests the country. This has nothing to do with anti-terrorism or anti-communism. The military's gross overreaction to people trying to defend their right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment is totally unacceptable. The NTF-ELCAC should be disbanded.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano said the government rejected Frys call, adding that the U.N. official was allowed to travel freely in teh Philippines and meet with groups on matters related to his mandate.

In the interest of fairness and justice, he should have raised his concerns with us to ensure that he has full appreciation of the bodys mandate, operations and over-all directions. Sadly, even if he had issues that are relevant to his report, he did not find time to do so, Ano said in a statement.

We wish to assure him that the agency is a working and effective human rights mechanism founded on the principles of good and inclusive governance and we could have helped him define it in his study, he said.

Strategy to end communist insurgency

Duterte created the task force in 2018 ostensibly to implement the governments strategy to end the communist insurgency, which began in 1969. It was supposed to implement economic programs and offer amnesty to guerrillas even as military operations continued.

His successor, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., maintained the inter-agency organization. Fry said he heard testimonies that atrocities were still happening.

Along with his call to abolish NTF-ELCAC, Fry also questioned the Anti-Terrorism Act. Signed into law by Duterte in 2020, it gives authorities sweeping powers to arrest suspected terrorists without warrants and detain them for about a month.

Protesters outside the Armed Forces of the Philippines national headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, call for the National Task Force to End Local Communist Insurgency and Armed Conflict to be abolished, Aug. 5, 2023. [Jojo Rinoza/BenarNews]

Critics have said the law is meant to stifle dissent after Duterte faced widespread accusations of rights abuses in connection with his war on illegal drugs that resulted in more than 8,000 deaths, according to government figures.

Fry told reporters that Manila should establish a process to deal with the harm that has been caused by the military in the community.

People should have the right to freedom of expression without the fear of being killed or intimidated by the military. I call on the Philippines government to respect this right and establish a truth and reconciliation process to investigate the unlawful killings by the military, hold those accountable for these killings and provide reparations for those who have suffered, he said.

Moreover, Fry said, the Philippines ranks second only to Brazil as the worst place in the world as far as the treatment of environmental rights defenders is concerned.

Thats a serious problem and I think thats going to seriously affect the international reputation of the Philippines if that continues and if they dont initiate a process to resolve that rapidly, he said.

The NTF-ELCAC has caused a public furor over its accusations that certain lawmakers, journalists and even some celebrities were actively supporting the Communist Party of the Philippines and its military wing, the New Peoples Army.

In February 2021, an NTF spokesman accused a journalist, Tetch Torres-Tupas, a reporter for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, of being a communist propagandist after she reported about indigenous tribesmen petitioning against the Anti-Terrorism Act. The NTF later apologized for the statement.

This report was updated to add one more comment from Ian Fry.
Chinese family tourists rent traditional Thai costumes and take selfies at Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn, in Bangkok, Thailand, on Jan. 12, 2023.

UPDATED at 04:50 ET on 2023-11-15

The Thai government has ruled out a proposal for Chinese police to be stationed at tourist hotspots around the kingdom amid a public backlash.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) on Sunday said the country was in talks with China about introducing joint police patrols as a way to appease Chinese visitors fears about safety.

But the announcement sparked an outcry and earned pushback from the national police chief, Gen. Torsak Sukvimol, who said having Chinese officers on Thai soil was a breach of sovereignty.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who is in San Francisco for the APEC summit, said Monday there was no plan to station Chinese police in the country for joint patrols.

Thailand only wanted to exchange information with China on criminal gangs operating in the Southeast Asian nation, Srettha said, according to a report from Bloomberg News.

In Bangkok, Tourism Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol echoed the prime ministers comments, saying there was no policy to bring Chinese police to Thailand.

The Thai police are already adequate  and are working hard to ensure tourist confidence, he told reporters on Tuesday.

TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool apologized the same day for the misunderstanding and any negative sentiment stirred up by her comments.

Chinese tourists accounted for a quarter of nearly 40 million tourist arrivals in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. But visitor numbers from the worlds No 2 economy have been slower to bounce back than anticipated after Beijing lifted its hardline pandemic rules in January.

Thailand expects between 4 million and 4.4 million Chinese visitors this year, the TAT said.

On Wednesday, Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Han Zhiqiang paid a courtesy visit to Sudawan to stress the importance of the bilateral relationship.

Chinas government supports Chinese tourists visiting Thailand, he said in a video posted by the tourism ministry. This helps stimulate the economy, the tourism industry and, moreover, brings the two countries closer together.

The countrys image as a safe tourist destination for Chinese has been knocked by a spate of recent kidnap-for-ransom cases and reports of people being tricked into being trafficked as workers at scam call centers in nearby Myanmar.

A shooting spree that left three people dead, including one Chinese national, at a popular Bangkok shopping mall last month has also raised safety concerns.

The presence of Chinese police on foreign soil has become a sensitive issue worldwide after it was revealed by Spain-based Safeguard Defenders group in a September 2022 report that China was carrying out transnational policing operations across five continents, without the approval of the jurisdictions they were operating in.

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.

This story was updated to add comments from TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool and the Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Han Zhiqiang.
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Partly cloudy early then becoming cloudy with periods of rain this afternoon. High around 50F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%..

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Rain showers this evening with overcast skies overnight. Low 37F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
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A motorist was trying to help two men that appeared to have a disabled vehicle in Washington. The men robbed him and fled
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Two and a half weeks after sending tanks and ground troops into northern Gaza, Israeli forces have entered a hospital that they claim Hamas operates out of
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For Berkshire residents, it was a time to stand and be counted at the March for Israel in Washington, D.C.
Kyodo - Dec 01

Princess Aiko, the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, on Friday turned 22 amid her final year of university in which she is balancing her studies with a wide range of official duties as a member of the Japanese imperial family.
To make greater contributions to Asia-Pacific's stability, prosperity

09:41, November 15, 2023 By Yu Yichun, Cao Shiyun ( People's Daily

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the first Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting. Over the past 30 years, China's deepening reforms and expanding opening up have gone hand in hand with the continuous expansion of Asia-Pacific economic cooperation.

Since 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping has attended or chaired APEC Economic Leaders' Meetings and delivered important speeches.

Photo shows a busy scene of the Qingdao area of the China (Shandong) Pilot Free Trade Zone in east China's Shandong province. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Jin'gang)

From "building an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future" to "creating and fulfilling an Asia-Pacific dream," and from "forging an Asia-Pacific partnership" to "building a high-quality Asia-Pacific connectivity network," Chinese ideas and proposals have sparked strong resonance in the Asia-Pacific region, making significant contributions to the stability and prosperity of the region.

China's opening up and development are closely related to the Asia-Pacific region. China has always been a staunch supporter and active promoter of Asia-Pacific regional economic cooperation, integrating its own development with regional development and driving the opening up of the whole region through its own opening up.

In 2022, China's trade volume with Asia-Pacific economies reached $3.1 trillion, a year-on-year increase of 19.2 percent, accounting for 36.8 percent of China's total foreign trade.

During the same period, China's high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) resulted in a total of 12.95 trillion yuan ($1.78 trillion) in imports and exports to other RCEP members, growing 7.5 percent from a year ago.

According to the Asian Economic Integration Report 2023 by the Asian Development Bank, Asia's economic recovery is driven particularly by China, which accounted for 64.2 percent of total growth.

China has been making continuous and concrete efforts to deepen trade and investment cooperation with regional economies, contributing its part to building an open economy in the Asia-Pacific.

It pushed for the launch of the process to build a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific at the 2014 APEC meeting in Beijing, and actively worked to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement. Furthermore, China has been actively promoting the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 with ASEAN members.

People visit the sixth China International Import Expo on Nov. 6, 2023. (People's Daily Online/Long Wei)

The 30th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, with the theme of "Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All," conveys the significance of green development and innovation for the Asia-Pacific region.

Under the active promotion by the Chinese government and the vigorous participation of Chinese enterprises, cooperation platforms such as the APEC Sustainable Energy Center and the China-Pacific Island Countries Climate Change Cooperation Center have gradually been established. Green development projects, including the Dzilam State Reserve located in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, have commenced, contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to building a clean and beautiful Asia-Pacific region.

APEC Secretariat Executive Director Rebecca Sta Maria noted that China has demonstrated its determination to achieve sustainable development through practical actions and has fulfilled its international commitments in the field of sustainable development.

Leveraging the digital twin technology, Chinese scientists are providing more solutions for the protection of marine biodiversity in Latin American countries. By introducing technologies such as 5G, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence, Chinese companies are helping Thai hospitals achieve comprehensive intelligent transformation in their services. With the assistance of the China-ASEAN Information Harbor, the level of cross-border trade and economic services between China and ASEAN countries continues to improve.

China not only leads the world in technological innovation and digital economic development, but also actively promotes digital transformation in the Asia-Pacific region and even the world at large.

Working with its partners to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, China is improving the connectivity level in the Asia-Pacific region. It proposed to establish the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, aiming to provide financial support for regional infrastructure development.

China has hosted a series of international exhibitions such as the China Import and Export Fair, China International Fair for Trade in Services, and the China International Consumer Products Expo at high standards, collaborating with various parties to write stories of open cooperation and mutual benefit.

The just-concluded sixth China International Import Expo achieved fruitful results, with tentative deals reaching a new high of $78.41 billion, a 6.7 percent increase from the previous year.

China is committed to advancing high-level opening up, continuously providing new opportunities for the Asia-Pacific region and the world through its new development, and contributing Chinese strength to the construction of an open world economy.

A Chinese engineer (middle) takes Philippine staff members to adjust solar panel racks in a solar farm built by Chinese enterprises in San Marcelino, the Philippines. Upon completion, the solar farm will become the largest of its kind in the Philippines. (Photo by Yang Huoran)

Major countries should shoulder great responsibility. The United States is the host of the 30th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. China and the United States are the world's top two economies, accounting for over 1/3 of the global economic output, nearly 1/4 of the world's population, and approximately 1/5 of global bilateral trade. They play a unique and important role in driving economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region and promoting regional cooperation.

The wide globe is fully capable for the two countries to develop themselves and prosper together. Stabilizing and improving China-U.S. relations not only serves the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples, but also contributes to peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and even the world.

The world is once again at the crossroads of history. Under the new situation, Asia-Pacific economies need to learn from past experiences and lessons, respond to the challenges of the times and steadfastly advance Asia-Pacific regional economic integration, so as to jointly break new ground in development and build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future. They will contribute wisdom and strength to world peace and development with the stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
acs.org - Nov 23

Japans three biggest chemical companies are seeing their earnings suffer from a slump in basic chemicals. All three experienced a sharp drop in profits in the first half of fiscal 2023, which ended Sept. 30, and one of them, Sumitomo Chemical, is forecasting a loss of $655 million for the full fiscal year.
The true essence of what makes something a prophecy that came from God is if what was said came true. This is the dividing line that separates true prophecy from false prophecy.

As God was preparing Israel to go into the promised land, he knew those lands were inhabited by nations of people who practiced sorcery or divination. This was and is one method of how people who do not know God look for direction and instruction. For Israel, they were not allowed to engage in these evil practices, they were to look only to God and listen to the prophets that he would send, which created a dilemma. If someone spoke prophetically, how would they be able to tell if someone was speaking on Gods behalf or if they were speaking out of their own minds. Here is the test God gave them:

But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, is to be put to death. You may say to yourselves, How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the Lord? If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously, so do not be alarmed (Deuteronomy 18:20-22).

As you can see this was a simple test, but there was a dire consequence in those days for speaking presumptuously: you were put to death. Another reminder of how serious it is to stand and proclaim that something is what the Lord is saying.

Do People Still Prophesy Today?

You may be wondering if people still prophesy today. The answer is yes, especially when you remember that to prophesy is to declare something that God has said. There are many people doing that today. The reason I can say with certainty that people are still prophesying today is because Jesus said this would happen. This is one of the signs of the end of the age.

And many false prophets will appear and deceive many people (Matthew 24:11).

Jesus declared there will be many who will stand up and prophesy, unfortunately many of them will be false prophets and they will lead many people astray. We are living in a day and age where lots of people are making prophetic declarations and even calling themselves prophets. I am by no means calling all these people false prophets, but if you are going to believe Jesus, then some of them are.

Photo credit: Getty Images/diego_cervo
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Dr Shuklas research has established a new understanding of G-protein coupled receptors

Infosys Science Foundation (ISF) has announced the winners of the Infosys Prize 2023 in six categories  Engineering and Computer Science, Humanities, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Social Sciences.

The Infosys Prize 2023 in Life Sciences is awarded to Arun Kumar Shukla, Professor, Biological Sciences and Bioengineering (BSBE), IIT-Kanpur, for his outstanding and far-reaching contributions to the field of G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) biology. Dr Shuklas research has established a new understanding of GPCRs, which are one of the most important classes of drug targets. His work has opened up previously uncharted avenues for designing novel and effective therapeutics.

Dr Shukla obtained M.Sc. in Biotechnology from the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi and pursued his Ph.D. with Prof. Hartmut Michel at the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics in Frankfurt, Germany.

He subsequently joined the laboratory of Prof. Robert J. Lefkowitz at Duke University as a Research Associate and worked in a very close collaboration with Prof. Brian Kobilka's laboratory at Stanford University. Prior to joining the BSBE faculty in April 2014, he was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at Duke University, North Carolina, USA.

Since its inception in 2008, the Infosys Prize has honoured the accomplishments of the recipients and awarded them for their contributions to scientific research and scholarship impacting India. The prize for each category comprises a gold medal, a citation, and a prize purse of $100,000. The event was hosted at Infosys Science Foundations office in Bengaluru.

The laureates of Infosys Prize 2023 were shortlisted from 224 nominations by an international panel of jurors comprising world-renowned scholars and experts.
Medical curriculum of the Indian National Medical Council delves into various cancer and tumour types

Breast cancer (BC) is the most diagnosed type of cancer claiming the lives of more than 0.5 million women every year globally. Breast Cancer has become so common in India that we are bound to know a friend or a family member suffering from it. Thanks to the scientific and technological advances in oncology, early detection and treatment have helped increase survival to almost 95%, reduce morbidity and lower cost of care.

However, even literate people are unaware of this or shy about accessing early breast cancer detection methods. Constant efforts are needed to increase breast cancer awareness among doctors as well as women and the public.

Breast Cancer Disparities in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that countries commit to a holistic, 3-pillar public health approach, including health promotion, timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment, and supportive care. Mortality due to breast cancer has dropped by 40% in high-income countries because of access to early detection and treatment facilities.

Yet, this is not the case in low- and middle-income countries like India, pushing several families to poverty and financial hardships, social instability, and suffering. For countries with dense/remote populations with limited resources, cancer awareness and early detection of breast cancer are sustainable ways to reduce incidence and mortality.

The National Cancer Control Programme was started by the Government of India in the 1970s. However, breast cancer screening is yet to become a part of national health monitoring systems in every district.

Early Detection and Diagnosis

Early detection methods (EDM) mainly include breast awareness, clinical breast examination and mammography. Imaging techniques including MRI, PET, ultrasound, molecular markers and traditional tissue pathologies are further employed for confirmation and staging. Research on newer digital imaging techniques and molecular diagnostics is underway to provide affordable and accessible diagnostic methods. Studies on cultured, ex vivo and in vivo breast cancer cells are contributing to furthering fundamental understanding of the erratic behaviour of cancer cells. Emerging Artificial Intelligence-based solutions for breast cancer are awaited.

Early detection methods (EDM) can be classified as those that can be handled at the individual or community level and others that require access to a facility or an expert. Trained ANMs (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife) and ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers, and physicians (Medical, AYUSH) play a pivotal role in early detection and referrals at the community level. Studies have shown that creating awareness among the public about breast health and risk factors, and training women in self-examination, had a significant increase in the early-stage BCs reported. This in turn helps in quick and effective management.

Medical Education and Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The medical curriculum of the Indian National Medical Council delves into various cancer and tumour types including BC. Continuous medical education and skill-based fellowships can provide doctors and students of medical and allied professions the necessary exposure and skills to adapt to the changing S&T scenarios. Innovative early detection methods can be arrived at through the trans-disciplinary collaboration of medical doctors, health scientists, technologists, and sociologists. Government policies and programmes that prevent environmental damage and enable lifestyle improvement are long-lasting solutions to reducing breast cancer cases.

Dr Padma Venkat, Dean, School of Health Sciences & Technology, UPES, Dehradun
The recent announcement that the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) plenary has officially passed the flawed Copyright Amendment Bill has disheartened the creative industry.

Source:  123rf 123rf The recent announcement that the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) plenary has officially passed the flawed Copyright Amendment Bill has disheartened the creative industry

In this article, the Copyright Coalition of South Africa (CCSA) expresses its concerns.

The Coalition is a broadly representative group mainly comprised of local trade and industry associations representing hundreds of local companies that drive investment into SAs creative and education sectors, creating jobs and opportunities for tens of thousands of SAs creatives in the publishing, music, film, animation, and other industries, seeks to protect the rights of content creators and campaigns for the redrafting of the Copyright Amendment Bill.

The over-broad Fair Use provision

The Bill, which still includes the over-broad Fair Use provision, is now with the National Assembly, raising concerns about establishing common ground that addresses the interests of all parties involved.

Furthermore, revised versions of the remitted Copyright Amendment Bill, passed by the NCOP on 26 September 2023, have been sent back to the National Assembly's Trade & Industry Committee for concurrence.

The creative industry had sincerely hoped that the Bill would face serious opposition given the impassioned plea for common sense to prevail, and numerous engagements conducted along the depth and breadth of the entire stakeholder universe.

We have consistently advocated for fair copyright legislation by engaging policymakers and legislators about our reservations on certain inclusion in the bill, such as the over-broad Fair Use provision and its potential impact on copyright owners.

A critical juncture

This development represents a critical juncture in the path towards the potential enactment of the Bill, marking a significant step towards it potentially becoming law, creating a multitude of unintended consequences and leading to unprecedented legal uncertainty.

It raises concerns about the potential for an erosion of South Africa's creative industry, which may have lasting repercussions for future generations.

The impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI)on its creative sector

Notably, South Africa has yet to undertake a comprehensive study to assess the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI)on its creative sector.

AI threatens in combination with the flawed bill to degrade the high-quality value-add creative and cultural sectors to being the next commodity to be appropriated and exploited by foreign predominantly big tech players who do not pay taxes or add value beneficiation to South Africa.

The creative industries have long struggled to achieve financial stability, and with the passage of the Bill despite numerous objections from industry leaders, it seems that the final blow has been dealt to an industry already hanging on by its fingernails.

As industry representatives, we have continuously called for thorough engagements with all stakeholders.

No longer sufficiently protected

The Bill in its current form, will result in the works of creatives no longer being sufficiently protected under the hybrid Fair Use provision.

Although educators and academics laud the inclusion of the Fair Use provision, they fail to consider the broader perspective.

While no learner, student, or academic will be negatively impacted, the copyright owners and creators will bear the brunt of the consequences.

Every qualifying student in South Africa in theory already enjoys fully funded access to learning material by the state through NSFAS.

Thus, in theory the creative industrys objection to the over-broad Fair Use might seem over-blown and pro-biller interests claim that there will be harm to our education system are unfounded.

Additionally, the impact on the South African publishing sector will greatly diminish the options and choice available to South African authors to find outlets for their creativity.

The result will be that South Africa will have to rely on foreign textbooks, a bit like Canada now relying entirely on US textbooks instead of Canadian home-grown materials.

Creative industry remains open to dialogue

We are witnessing an alarmist position taken by people with a singular agenda to promote one narrow interest at a great expense to the rest of our creative society: the narrow interest is most closely associated with big tech sector that looks to copyright works as free (gratis) click-bait and driver for foreign offshore advertising revenue.

Although the over-broad Fair Use provision may seem like a way to encourage the free sharing of ideas or increase access to creative works, it's important to consider the possible adverse effects on the creative industry and individual creators who will have no other avenue but to litigate to be remunerated for the use of their copyright.

The creative industry remains open to dialogue with lawmakers and all other stakeholders whose views are contrary to the creative industrys position.

The continuous use of the findings and recommendations of the Farlam Commission in the working models of collecting management agencies are simply outdated.

Over the years, several initiatives have been implemented to address these concerns, raising those issues now in defence of the Copyright Amendment Bill is an underhanded attempt to weaponise the Farlam Commission report.

A serious threat to SA creative industry and economy

We represent hundreds of thousands of people in the creative industries gravely concerned about the provisions within the Copyright Amendment Bill, which, if signed into law in its current form, will pose a serious threat to South Africas creative industries and economy.

However, the industry is determined to soldier on and will continue to endeavour to bring clarity to the many perilous provisions in the Bills.

We simply do not have a choice; we want to engage in good faith with those who have concerns should it come to it, we are prepared to go all the way to the Constitutional Court to oppose the path currently pursued by lawmakers and those who appear to be steadfastly lobbying for the Bill to pass into law.
Today's business landscape is characterised by complexity, uncertainty, and volatility. South African companies face an overwhelming array of challenges, from rising costs to erratic power supply and shifting consumer behaviours and in such an unpredictable environment, conventional strategies are no longer enough to manage fluctuating tides of demand and supply.

Tennille Bell, general manager of sales at PPO

A critical aspect of business survival lies in customer satisfaction, which hinges almost entirely upon an effective and efficient supply chain management.

As we approach 2024, tighter budgets will force South African businesses to reassess their strategies and make even harder choices to ensure their survival. One of the most effective strategic decisions businesses can make is to optimise their resources across the entire supply chain and drive efficiencies, agility, and resilience by establishing a partnership with a reputable Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) provider.

The power of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)

To compete successfully, organisations must become leaner, faster, smarter, and more cost-effectiveall while maintaining uncompromised quality. This delicate balance can be struck through a strategic partnership with a reputable BPO provider that adopts a robust productivity-focused approach.

BPO is a business model through which an organisation forms a contractual relationship with a third-party specialist provider to handle their essential but non-core business functions. The BPO provider takes charge of these outsourced processes, bringing with them the necessary expertise, management, tools, equipment, insurance, systems, regulatory compliance, and technology to optimise the function effectively and reliably.

The primary motivations for engaging a BPO provider are usually manifold: businesses want to improve efficiencies and effectiveness, mitigate risks, enhance agility and flexibility, optimise costs, improve visibility while gaining access to specialised skills and technology, all of which allows business management teams to return focus to their core strategic and critical business tasks.

The business of managing compliance and risk mitigation

The benefits of BPO partnerships are extensive and can revolutionise supply chain efficiency and effectiveness. This is because BPO, at its core, focuses on improving efficiency and output, facilitating continuous improvement through a "leaner, faster, and smarter" philosophy.

Beyond efficiency gains, BPO providers ensure compliance with occupational health, safety regulations, and labour laws, reducing business liability and managing risks associated with the outsourced processes. This allows the client in turn to focus on business growth without being bogged down by compliance concerns.

Achieving flexibility and agility through optimisation

Visibility across the supply chain is crucial, and BPO providers allow for greater visibility through effective system implementation, while providing the agility necessary to navigate supply chain disruptions. End-to-end transparency and the ability to track every stage of the product journey from origin to retail, are key for optimisation and real-time responses.

The right BPO provider can offer its clients access to specialised skills that include industry experts, HR/IR/Legal specialists, process, and industrial engineers.

For example, in a warehousing environment, a BPO provider will examine production capacity versus actual production output and determine where inefficiencies exist. This requires many specialisations, such as process engineering, industrial psychology, and data analytics, which typically dont exist as in-house skills.

Scaling up for productivity, scaling down on costs

Additionally, BPO partnerships offer businesses the flexibility to quickly adjust their resource allocation in accordance with market demands, thereby reducing the inefficiencies typically associated with permanent hires or inexperienced temporary labour.

When it comes to cutting costs, interestingly, the most effective cost reduction strategy isn't spending less but rather improving efficiency. BPO transforms fixed costs into variable costs, which are directly tied to performance outputs and tracked against contractual KPIs.

This translates to cost-effective resource management, reducing wastage, and increasing productivity through incentivised remuneration models.

A case study in efficiency: BPO by numbers

How effective is BPO at optimisation within the supply chain?

By way of example, in 2016, an e- commerce company employed a TES provider to assist with Black Friday peak and managed to produce 4,900 units within a 24-hour shift, employing 350 workers.

However, by leveraging a BPO provider during the same shopping period the following year, production output saw a significant boost, reaching 11,000 units in a 24-hour shift.

Fast forward to 2022, the same company is now using only 168 resources within a 24-hour shift, to achieve a remarkable increase in output, reaching an astounding 212,923 units per shift.

This equates to an impressive rate of 17,743 units produced per hour, maintaining a stellar 99% efficiency within SLA. These numbers unequivocally demonstrate the immense value proposition of a BPO provider committed to driving efficiency, as it effectively reduces a clients headcount and operational hours while exponentially increasing productivity.

Building resilient, future-forward supply chains

Selecting the right BPO partner is pivotal for success. The partner chosen should be financially sound and should align with the organisation's values while prioritising transparency and communication, as such a partnership will be a long-term relationship built on trust and collaboration.

As businesses within supply chains gear up to face the challenges of an ever-evolving market, embracing BPO as a strategic tool to optimise their resources, enhance efficiency, and drive growth is critical to survival.

Through strategic BPO partnerships, businesses can then move beyond survival mode, and thrive in the face of uncertainty by steering the supply chain towards a leaner, more efficient future.
Dire Tladi, from the University of Pretoria, recently secured a nine-year term as a judge on the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This historic appointment marks the first time a representative from South Africa assumes a role on the esteemed court.

Heide Hackmann, director of Future Africa, welcomed Tladi's appointment as a milestone in the pursuit of global peace and justice. We are extremely proud of Prof Tladi," she said, "and congratulate him on this remarkable achievement.

Prof. Dire Tladi.

His appointment as the first South African judge at the ICJ will undoubtedly raise the important voice of Africa and contribute to shaping a safer and more equitable world for all. We look forward to witnessing the positive influence his expertise will have and commit our support to him in taking on this important international role."

President Ramaphosa extended his congratulations to Tladi last Friday, 10 November, acknowledging the nomination made by the South African government back in May.

In addition to holding the Future Africa Research Chair, Prof Tladi is also the recipient of the National Research Foundation South African Research Chairs Initiative of International Constitutional Law.

He has also held several key positions within the field of international law, including serving as the Chair of the International Law Commission, an organ of the United Nations renowned for its contributions to the International Court of Justice. He has provided his invaluable expertise as the legal adviser of the South African mission in New York and as a special adviser to the South African foreign minister.

Located at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, The International Court of Justice plays an important role in settling legal disputes between states and offering advisory opinions on international legal matters.

The Court comprises 15 judges selected by the UN General Assembly.
A research initiative undertaken by Inyathelo, the South African Institute for Advancement, has unveiled a noteworthy rise in philanthropic contributions to South African universities. Nevertheless, the study also brings to light persistent inequalities in the allocation of funding, highlighting ongoing challenges within the higher education sector.

Beverley Thaver, Professor in Higher Education Studies, University of the Western Cape | image supplied

South African universities saw a remarkable increase in philanthropic income in 2020, valued at R2.31bn, nearly double 2019 funding. When Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) income is also included (funding from skills development and training organisations), the total reached R2.66bn.

Now in its eighth edition since it was launched in 2013, the Annual Survey of Philanthropy in Higher Education (ASPIHE) provides comprehensive data and analysis on philanthropic support to South African universities.

To ensure continuity with previous research, the latest study is based on philanthropic funding during 2020, a year marked by the global Covid-19 pandemic. It sheds light on the challenges faced by universities in South Africa at that time, as well as the resilience they showed in navigating the crisis.

This upward trend in giving highlights the commitment of donors in addressing pressing pandemic issues such as emergency relief, medical research and digital technology support, says Professor Beverley Thaver, Professor in Higher Education Studies, University of the Western Cape, and lead researcher, ASPIHE.

Key findings from the ASPIHE 2020 report include:

More donors: Some 11 244 donors contributed to 10 institutions in 2020, compared with 4,355 donors in 2013.

Parity in giving: The proportion of income from international donors, 50%, was matched by South African sources. This suggests robust levels of civic responsibility by South Africans, says Professor Thaver.

Shift in allocation: Unlike previous years, when student funding received the bulk of philanthropic support, the pandemic caused a significant shift. Some 40% of funds were directed to infrastructure, such as vaccination stations, and less than 30% to student funding.

Greater staff investment: The 10 participating universities employed 178 full-time and part-time staff in fundraising, development and alumni relations by 31 December 2020. This was just below 2019 and 2018 figures, and an increase from the total of 136 staff in the 2013 sample.

The numbers suggest that the more an institution spends on attracting philanthropic income, the higher the income amount. That is, the more fundraising, alumni relations and associated support staff an institution has, the higher its philanthropic income. Nonetheless, the higher the income received, the greater cost. Three institutions had expenditure ratios ranging from 18% to 40%, way above the international benchmark of between 8% and 12%.

South African universities are divided into three types: traditional universities which offer theoretically-oriented university degrees; universities of technology which offer vocational-oriented diplomas and degrees; and comprehensive universities which offer a combination of both types of qualification.

Shift in Seta strategy: Non-traditional universities have generally been more successful at attracting Seta funding. The top earners of Seta income in 2020, however, were traditional universities, a reversal from the previous year. This suggests traditional institutions increasingly target Setas for funding

Skewed income distribution: Traditional universities received a disproportionate share of philanthropic income. In 2020, traditional universities accounted for 99% of total donor income, leaving non-traditional institutions with just 1%.

The stark inequality in the donor income totals between traditional and non-traditional universities has been persistent and the gap is growing. Previous reports have pointed to deep and complex historical, political, and structural factors that continue to disadvantage most institutions that are not classified as traditional by the South African Department of Higher Education, says professor Thaver.

The hard question here is whether this is not in effect reproducing past discriminatory legacy practices. Perhaps international philanthropy might consider collaborative joint strategies aimed at greater, collective social impact. This could leverage resources in ways that can strengthen as well as grow all institutions to deliver on their mandates.

It might also be worthwhile to reflect on internal environmental and contextual factors that enhance or possibly limit higher educations ability to function and operate optimally, she says.

The 10 universities that participated in the latest research were the Durban University of Technology (DUT); Tshwane University of Technology (TUT); University of Cape Town (UCT); University of the Free State (UFS); University of Johannesburg (UJ); University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN); University of Pretoria (UP); Stellenbosch University (SU); University of the Western Cape (UWC); and University of the Witwatersrand (Wits).
Japan, the fourth-largest economy in the world, plays roulette with both its economy and environment. There is an ongoing housing crisis, with a larger-than-economic impact. The potential danger of moving into bigger cities is easily ignored by the government. Instead of solving the problem, they expand the cities, but at what cost?
This move represents a significant leap forward for Eduvos as it continues to expand and shape the future of education in Africa. In 2023, Eduvos saw a surge in first-year student enrolment, surpassing many of its public university counterparts. The new campus, located against the scenic backdrop of Cape Towns mountains, will help Eduvos meet the growing demand for higher education.

The Mowbray campus is one of two Eduvos campuses in the Western Cape along with Tyger Valley. The Mowbray campus will embody Eduvos's forward-thinking "campus-of-the-future" model, where cutting-edge technology merges with academic excellence to create a holistic learning environment for Eduvos students, who are referred to as Vossies. These campuses are crucial to Eduvoss goal of becoming Africas leading meta-university by 2027.

Billy de Beer, campus general manager at Eduvos Claremont, underscored the significance of this milestone, stating, "Our new Mowbray campus is a testament to our commitment to redefining education. We envision this campus as a vibrant hub where technology and learning meet to provide our students with unique educational experience."

This state-of-the-art campus will be fully equipped with cutting-edge technology, furthering Eduvos's partnership with EON Reality to introduce Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its teaching methods. By embracing these innovations, Eduvos is giving its students an immersive and dynamic learning experience and equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

The new location was strategically chosen to not only accommodate more students but also not disrupt current Claremont students learning. The Mowbray campus is conveniently located near public transportation routes and is situated in a secure office block.

Eduvos's new Mowbray campus promises to revolutionise the higher education landscape by offering an advanced, technology-driven learning environment that aligns with its mission to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

For media enquiries contact Kara van der Berg at moc.sovude@grebdv.arak

Find Eduvos Online

Website: eduvos.com

Twitter: @edu_vos

Instagram: @eduvoseducation

YouTube: noitacudEsovudE@/moc.ebutuoy
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are widely recognised as the backbone of an economy, with SMEs contributing over 90% of all formal businesses in South Africa, according to the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Walkers wear their support as they walk in unity for the same cause.

The Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer, presented by Isuzu Motors South Africa assumes a pivotal role in bolstering the local economy through its support of these small businesses in the radio stations broadcast region. Within the event's value chain, 75 local SMEs benefit at various stages, ranging from the event's inception to its execution in Gqeberha, East London, and George. The value of services and goods procured by service providers exceed R1.2m.

Lesley Geyer, the marketing manager at Algoa FM, underlines the multifaceted nature of the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer, which involves diverse elements like marketing, advertising, merchandise, infrastructure setup, outdoor event facilities, registration, safety, security, catering, and numerous other services. Geyer emphasised their reliance on local service providers across all three cities, highlighting the event's significant impact on both the fight against cancer and the local economy. Algoa FM is committed to the cause and purpose for hosting this event and we hope to grow the participation across the broadcast region and further afield through virtual participation. Our suppliers have delivered efficiently, and the event achieved remarkable success, even in the face of inclement weather in all three cities, said Geyer.

Steve Durmalingam, owner of Steves Hire in Malabar in Gqeberha said his family business which supplies and erects marquees, was able to grow due to the support by local events such as the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer. We are honoured to be a part of this event and grateful to be recognised as a supplier to such a huge charity initiative, said Durmalingam.

This year, the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer drew nearly 12,000 participants, of which the majority participated in Gqeberha where the walk has a 25-year history. Post-walk, many attendees frequented the shops and restaurants in Summerstrand, where the five-kilometre walk unfolded. Kirsty Dolinschek, the marketing manager at Boardwalk Mall, noted the substantial surge in business, as the mall bustled with participants wearing their pink T-shirts, affirming the positive influence of the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer on businesses. The mall was a sea of pink. The shops and restaurants were remarkably busy, she said.

Jethro Barnard, general manager of Something Good restaurant on the beachfront said he looks forward to the pink stream that flows into his eatery. The Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer brings a vibrant atmosphere of unity and accomplishment to the beachfront. Something Good is happy to offer a rest point for walkers and it is heartwarming to serve the diverse clientele, all achieving the same purpose, said Jethro.

Over the years, the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer has contributed significantly to cancer related charities. This year the beneficiaries are Wings and Wishes and Reach for a Dream, which both play a critical role in supporting children who fight life-threatening illnesses.
As civilisation evolves, cities have become the driving force of the global economy, contributing more than 85% of the global GDP. From Shanghai to New York to London, megacities have become global hubs for technology, culture, fashion, financial services, and innovation, attracting capital and talent from all over the world.

Mary Ephraim-Egbas

Cities, especially urban environments, are the drivers of innovation and economic development. As the world becomes wealthier and more technologically advanced, the importance of cities to the economy is increasing even further. This is because people living close together in these environments have been the driving force behind these developments since the beginning of civilisation.

Future growth, however, is expected to come from emerging markets. With the majority of the populations of Asia and Africa still living in rural locations, the forecast is that we can expect to see up to two billion new urban citizens by 2040. Therefore, there is a pressing need to build modern cities across these regions.

Benefits of building modern cities

Building modern cities brings a plethora of benefits. First, cities attract more businesses, thereby boosting their economies and reducing unemployment. This is because businesses tend to flock to cities due to the availability of resources and infrastructures needed to thrive.

Second, cities serve as the bedrock of industrialisation. Historically, cities grew because of the influx of people who desired to take advantage of the factory jobs available in urban areas. This extended industrialisation as more industries were established to cater to the growing population's needs.

Furthermore, cities play multifaceted roles in all societies. They are drivers of economic growth and development. Additionally, cities tend to attract the best talents due to improved public transport, a mix of cultures, job opportunities, and easy access to shops and amenities.

Building sustainable cities

The case of Dubai: Dubai provides an excellent case study of how tourism can contribute to building a sustainable city. Within two and a half decades, Dubai has emerged as the most influential and popular destination in the tourism industry.

Structures like the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab, coupled with gorgeous beaches, high-end hotels, and a robust transportation system, have made Dubai a favoured destination for tourists. The city has also invested heavily in infrastructure to encourage more visitors. In 2019 alone, Dubai hosted 14.9 million overnight visitors, contributing significantly to its revenue.

The case of Cross River State: Cross River State in Nigeria, for example, has been involved in the tourism business since the pre-colonial era. Despite several strides and developments, it has also receded in growth in the last few years. However, the state remains a preferred destination due to its alluring green canopies of trees, excellent hotels, great food, diverse culture, and hospitable people.

One of the key drivers of tourism in Cross River State is the Carnival Calabar, which serves as a catalyst for the state's economic growth and development.

Repositioning the Carnival Calabar

The Calabar Carnival is a yearly celebration held in Cross River State, Nigeria, in December. It was established by the former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, as a way to celebrate Christmas.

Considering the economic impact of the Carnival, there is a need to reposition the brand to deliver more value. The current content of the Carnival Calabar and festivals, for example, has the capacity to meet this target, but some gaps need to be addressed.

Some of the strategies to be adopted include:

 Identifying revenue areas of the event,

 Positioning the event as an international event held in the state,

 Getting strategic partnerships in the private sector by ensuring their ROI and

 Designing programs for events to deliver quality presentations that can attract an international audience.

Investing in carnivals and festivals

Investing in carnivals like Carnival Calabar and its festivals, for example, is a strategic move towards promising returns. With an estimated asset worth a staggering 2 billion dollars, the carnival offers a secure foundation for investments. It has demonstrated consistent growth and success over the years, attracting both local and international audiences.
The Ford Ranger has come a long way in South Africa since its introduction in the country.

In the present year, the Ranger has become the first bakkie to win the coveted Car of the Year Award. Adding to the success of this vehicle, Ford has smartly added more models to the local Ranger lineup.

The Ranger Widtrak X launched locally this year, and just recently Ford announced that the Ranger Tremor and Platinum models will join the lineup in 2024.

We drove the Ranger Wildtrak in the double cab body style with 4WD over a period of seven days, testing it in urban locations as well as on surfaces that require more capability. We like to factor in the ease with which bakkies and bigger vehicles can move around urban areas where there are narrow roads and sometimes tight parking spots.

So with the Wildtrak, we made sure to try out parking in the CBD of Cape Town. Parking wasnt difficult, and this is largely thanks to the 360-degree camera, which can honestly feel like a lifesaver when you are pressed for time and quickly need to squeeze a large bakkie into a parking bay.

Next, we tested what its like to drive in urban surroundings and found that the 3l V6 diesel provides more than enough power (the WIldtrak outputs are 184kW of power and 600Nm of torque). The suspension is softer and more supple than its more adventurous Wildtrak X brother. Using its 4WD setting, the Wildtrak was able to handle driving on sand and gravel roads with dexterity, which confirms that it's not only luxurious but also adventure-ready when needed. Its 10-gear automatic gearbox is quick to shift and is responsive in higher revs, particularly when doing an uphill climb at a pace.

The exterior of the Wildtrak is much the same across the lineup, only subtle nuances differentiate each other. Our test unit in Cyber Orange is a standout, quite literally. We like the colour, it's eye-catching in a good way. Other than the monstrous Raptor, the Willdtraks are the only other model in the range that gets people looking and talking.

The C-shape headlamps that flank the Blue Oval emblem are ever-present, especially at night when the lights are switched on. It has 18-inch alloy wheels in grey and flared-out wheel arches. At the back 'Ranger' is indented in bold letters.

The inside of the Wildtrak is refined. Cyber Orange stitching is found throughout the cabin which stands out against the black dashboard and seats. 'Wildtrak' is also written in Cyber Orange colour on the two front seats.

The focal point of the interior is the massive 12-inch LED touchscreen. To the right of this is a high-definition-looking 8-inch digital cluster. Below the touchscreen is an area for wireless charging. The build quality of all components is decent.

When it comes to features and safety, the Wildtrak is equipped with pre-collision assist, post-collision braking, blind spot information system with trailer coverage, cross traffic alert and lane keeping system with road edge detection.

Additional features include evasive steer assist, reverse brake Assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go and lane centring, as well as Active Park Assist 2.0. Maximum towing capacity 3,500kg braked.

Overall, the Wildtrak is a worthy contender for best the double cab bakkie in the local market. It's a refined bakkie definitely, hence the price tag. Matching the refinement is pure power and great driving capability for both off-road and on-road.

Included as standard with the Ford Willdtrak is a four-year/120,000km warranty, four-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and a five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. The recommended service interval is 15,000 km or annually, whichever occurs first.

Customers have the option of purchasing service or maintenance plans for up to eight years or 165,000 km. The warranty can be extended up to seven years or 200,000 km, while the roadside assistance can be extended for an additional one or two years.
South Africa has had a number of outbreaks of animal diseases in recent months that suggest there are weaknesses in the country's biosecurity system - the measures in place to reduce the risk of infectious diseases being transmitted to crops, livestock and poultry.

Source: senivpetro via Freepik

The outbreaks pose a major challenge for South Africas domestic animal farming sector. Fears of weaknesses in the system have been raised by agribusiness for some time, suggesting that pressures and concerns are mounting.

Biosecurity breaches are not unique to South Africa. They have become a significant challenge globally. Its not easy to put a monetary figure on it, but reports of disease outbreaks across the world, and indeed in South Africa, suggest the problem has intensified.

In South Africa, reports about foot-and-mouth disease in cattle, African swine fever in pigs and avian influenza in poultry have become frequent. But few countries have had to deal with these disease outbreaks almost simultaneously, as South Africa has.

In 2022, six of South Africas nine provinces reported foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks. This was the first time in the countrys history that the disease had been spread this wide.

The situation remains critical.

All these outbreaks have had a notable impact on South African agricultural exports, and the growth prospects of the sector. For example, South Africas beef exports for 2022 were down by 12% year-on-year, according to data from Trade Map. This decline was primarily due to the temporary closures of various export markets following the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in South Africa. Farmers are being hit hard.

Livestock and poultry account for roughly half of agricultures gross value added.

Based on this history and the experiences of the agricultural sector, there is concern that South Africas biosecurity breaches signal serious capacity challenges in farm biosecurity measures and the countrys veterinary and related support services (mainly the laboratories) that control the movement of livestock and vaccine production.

The South African government, organised agriculture and industry bodies should work together closely to address the countrys biosecurity challenges.

Disease outbreaks

On 4 November this year, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development announced it was investigating a suspected outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in one district.

This means the issue that was identified a year ago remains a challenge. These outbreaks weigh heavily on the cattle industrys fortunes. The beef industry accounts for a sizable share of the South African agricultural economy, and is positioned to absorb new entrant farmers in the sector. Beef exports were about 1% of agricultural exports, valued at US$151 million, in 2022, according to Trade Map.

The sheep industry was also affected by the 2022 outbreak. China, a significant market for South African wool, suspended imports. This resulted in a 21% year-on-year decline in the export value of wool in 2022, to US$337m, according to Trade Map data. Wool still made up 3% of South Africas record agricultural export value of US$12.8 billion in 2022.

Chinas official reason for the suspension was the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. But it might not be all that clear-cut. China may also have had capacity issues at its ports at the time because of the tail-end effects of COVID-19 and the restrictions there.<

China has a unique protocol to handle wool shipments and avoid any contamination during a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in South Africa. This was agreed in 2019 after an outbreak.

In 2022 South Africas pig industry was put under fresh pressures. Towards the end of the year outbreaks of African swine fever were reported. The disease remains a challenge.

Most recently, the focus has been on avian influenza. More than a hundred commercial poultry facilities have reported cases. There are major losses for breeders of layers and broilers. As a result, there has been a spike in imports of fertilised eggs to rebuild the parent stock flock. This is key for stabilising the industry.

Major producers have announced serious losses. Consumers are also seeing a rise in the price of eggs.

Policy considerations

The growth prospects of farming businesses remain at risk if there are no material improvements in biosecurity. This is particularly true for sub-sectors that are crucial for inclusive growth. For example, the National Agricultural Marketing Council estimates suggest that black farmers account for 18%, 13% and 34% of wool, mohair and cattle production, respectively.

The Department of Land and Agriculture should consider earmarking a share of its annual budget for emergencies to deal with biosecurity risks. These funds should be used only in the case of notifiable animal disease outbreaks and under strict rules and in concurrence with the South African National Treasury. This will be necessary to control animal movements, procure vaccines and permit vaccination in certain areas, employ additional staff and compensate producers when animals must be culled.

Notably, the government should also work the private sector on vaccine manufacturing as national laboratories have experienced failures in the recent past, thus weakening disease control efforts. Additionally, government should increase the number of veterinarians and animal health technicians.

Also necessary is the repair and maintenance of international fences, which fail to keep wild animals and infected animals from neighbouring countries out of South Africa. Collaboration between Public Works and the National Treasury in this respect is critical.

In essence, most interventions require better management, coordination, restructuring of departments, and investment in fencing, new laboratory equipment and vaccine production.

Beyond the technical matters, the relationship between the regulators and farmers should also be improved so that disease outbreaks can be managed collaboratively with no hostility.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
With Generation Z starting to populate the workforce, issues such as the environment, diversity and inclusion, and privacy are more important considerations to them than to their predecessors.

Source:  123rf 123rf With Generation Z starting to populate the workforce, issues such as the environment, diversity and inclusion, and privacy are important considerations

Employees, such as Gen Z, are important stakeholders in businesses. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) is a crucial element that stakeholders can use to engage with businesses.

Against this backdrop, it becomes essential for employers to consider what ESG looks like in the workplace.

Environmental

For an employer, the environmental aspect of ESG would mean assessing the businesss impact on the environment, creating policies, and adopting practices that promote sustainability.

Such policies and practices should, among other things, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote efficient use of energy and the sustainable use of natural resources.

The environmental element would also involve addressing and mitigating occupational risks that can arise from exposure to hazardous substances, poor air or water quality, inadequate pollution and waste management, and other environmental factors.

This approach would simultaneously ensure adherence to regulations like the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 (OHSA).

Adopting such policies and practices is not only good for the environment but employers can derive incentives and allowances for taking environmentally friendly action and implementing measures to combat issues such as climate change.

In terms of the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962, a business can derive allowances and incentives for investing in the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency savings, among other things.

Social

The social aspect of ESG is the biggest consideration for employers as it deals with the relationship between the employer, their employees and the society at large.

Diversity and inclusion In our multicultural society, diversity and inclusion are imperative in the workplace. In the South African context, diversity and inclusion are promoted in the Constitution and legislated in terms of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 (EEA). The EEA sets out the framework for promoting diversity and equity in the workplace by providing equal opportunity and fair treatment in employment. This is achieved by eliminating unfair discrimination and implementing affirmative action measures to redress the disadvantages in employment representation experienced by designated groups. This is done by mandating employers to design employment equity plans to achieve reasonable progress towards employment equity. Failure to adhere to EEA requirements may result in fines and reputational risks.

Prevention of harassment and bullying Early last year, the Code of Good Practice on the Prevention and Elimination of Harassment in the Workplace (the Code) came into effect. The Code places an obligation on employers to take proactive steps to eliminate and prevent all forms of harassment in the workplace, beyond just its employees, but also of customers, suppliers, contractors, and any other persons having dealings with a business. This the employer ought to do by conducting assessments, implementing policies, and procedures related to harassment, and training employees on the issue of harassment in the workplace. Failure to do so leaves employers vulnerable to being held vicariously liable for the harassment perpetrated.

Fair labour practices Employers need to ensure general fair labour practices in the workplace as guaranteed by the Constitution and adherence to other legislation such as the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997, which give effect to fair labour practices.

Occupational Health and Safety In the terms of the OHSA, employers have an obligation to ensure and promote the health and safety of their employees through policies, procedures, and practices. Included under the umbrella of health and safety, and a growing global health concern, is the issue of mental health. Employers can promote mental health care awareness and provide access to mental health resources. Once an employer becomes aware of mental illness or vulnerabilities suffered by an employee, they must take action and thoroughly investigate the matter, and reasonably accommodate the employee, as failure to do so would amount to unfair discrimination. Dismissing an employee who suffers from a mental condition may be deemed an automatically unfair dismissal.

Governance

Traditionally, the governance aspect of ESG would focus on various factors such as ethical and accountable leadership, corporate governance, and board composition, among other things.

However, also included in the governance aspect of ESG are data privacy and cybersecurity; in other words, ensuring the protection of data and having strong cybersecurity measures in the workplace.

The move towards digitisation and the data-driven economy has heralded the need for data privacy and cybersecurity and, as such, has become a material part of the governance aspect of ESG.

A business must ensure that the fundamental rights to privacy and data protection of employees and those who engage with the employer, such as customers, are observed when processing their personal data.

In South Africa, the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA), regulates the processing of information.

An employer, as a responsible party, is entrusted with ensuring, among other things, that data is safeguarded from unlawful and unauthorised access and processing, used for its intended purpose, stored safely and securely, and when the purpose of collecting such information is exhausted, it must be disposed of safely and appropriately.

Failing to comply with PoPIA may result in fines up to R10m or even imprisonment.

A legal foundation

ESG continues to grow and has an impact on an employers business.

Employers are to consider ESG not only for investment purposes or reputational reasons.

But it also becomes clear that the legislation and the law provide the ESG principles with a legal foundation.

ESG therefore aligns and reconciles with the employers duties and obligations and provides a framework for an employer to follow.
Sorbet-Preneur, a thriving initiative powered by Bidvest Bank and Sorbet, aimed at providing entrepreneurs with the chance to become franchise owners has successfully handed over three of the four announced winners their own stores.

On 1 November, the Sorbet and Bidvest Bank partnership celebrated its third opening in the North West with a grand ribbon-cutting ceremony in Sun City. The event marked the achievement of their latest winner Palesa Kouakou.

The first salon, located in Johannesburg, was handed over to Sharon Dikgale. In September, the Cape Town store was opened with Zimkita Yeki as the recipient.

Kouakou, a true humanitarian at heart, is not just a successful entrepreneur, but a role model for young women and men, a dedicated wife, and a loving mother of three handsome boys. Kouakou is a force to be reckoned with, and her journey from a diploma holder in beauty to a successful entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring.

Her entrepreneurial journey began in 2012 after completing her studies in beauty. She founded her own business called Depalesa Therapeutic House Spa, which initially focused on company wellness events. Kouakou's commitment to excellence led her to open her first store in Auckland Park, which later expanded to Megawatt Park.

Kouakou's desire to own a Sorbet store one day drove her to join the Sorbet Group, recognising it as a tremendous learning opportunity in the field. Her journey truly took off when she became a part of Sorbet Rivonia Village in November 2018, where she not only unleashed her skills but also refined and acquired new ones.

The pivotal moment in Kouakou's journey was her participation in the Sorbet-Preneur programme, with the invaluable support of her franchise partner, Devon Murphy. Murphy believed in Kouakou's vision and extended unwavering support from the very beginning to the fruition of her dream  owning her very own Sorbet Salon in Sun City.

Palesa Kouakou is excited about the future and looks forward to growing alongside her awesome team. With their dedication and determination, they aim to take Sorbet Sun City from strength to strength.

Join us in celebrating the journey of this remarkable entrepreneur, mentor, and humanitarian, Palesa Charlotte Kouakou. Her commitment to empowering women and her relentless pursuit of excellence serve as an inspiration to all.
A recent study has revealed that the fallout from the depleted uranium explosion in Ukraine reached England with a rise of approximately 600 ng/cubic meter in uranium levels in the air in southeast England due to particles released from the Khmelnitsky explosion.

On May 19th, an article was written about the Khmelnitsky explosion, analyzing gamma radiation data from detectors positioned to the North West of the attack site. The data indicated heightened radiation levels in areas of Poland near the Ukraine border and extending through Germany. The conclusion drawn suggested the possibility that a warehouse, purportedly storing Uranium weapons supplied by the UK, had been impacted. It was hypothesized that the Uranium exploded, generating a substantial fireball, and the resulting particles from the explosion dispersed with the prevailing wind across Europe at the time.

The article sparked significant debate on the internet, with numerous self-proclaimed fact-checkers and experts disputing the conclusions. This illustrates the current state of internet discourse. The article was dismissed as a Russian Fake (e.g., fakenews.pl).

However, its crucial to note that while Uranium emits weak gamma radiation, the daughter element Thorium-234 can contribute to increased gamma signals. Additionally, natural radioactive gas, radon, can elevate gamma signals during rainfall and low-pressure systems. A Polish laboratory attributed the heightened signal to radon, specifically reporting the presence of the radon daughter Bismuth 214, seemingly dismissing the claim of a Uranium cloud over Poland. Nevertheless, it was pointed out that there were no concurrent low-pressure systems that could explain the abrupt increase in gamma signals, leaving the matter unresolved.

Uranium levels in the air across Europe are generally not systematically monitored. Available data on Uranium in the air is derived from the High Volume Air Samplers (HVAS) at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) in Aldermaston, Berkshire. These samplers were established in the early 1990s following a public inquiry into a child leukemia cluster near the site. Legal obligations mandate AWE to regularly measure Uranium, Plutonium, and Tritium at various locations, both near and far from the weapons factory. This data has been previously used to identify Depleted Uranium from the Iraq wars that had dispersed to England.

In relation to the Khmelnitsky incident, recent Uranium data from AWE was obtained through a Freedom of Information request. The data, presented in an Excel file, was graphically represented using Excels functions. Figure 1 illustrates the filter levels for three offsite locations during the period from May 15th to June 15th, coinciding with the explosion. The results confirm an increase in Uranium levels during that timeframe. Data from onsite locations also reflects a similar rise.

Jay Van Rein, a spokesperson for the California Department of Food and Agriculture, revealed that millions of flies harvested at military bases were to be dropped over Los Angeles to sterilize an invasive species of Asian fruit fly.

Challenges observed in the scientific peer-review process mirror those in media. Two journals, namely the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health and Conflict and Health, either declined to consider or publish the paper on Uranium increases during the Ukraine war, despite the provision of raw data. The paper was subsequently shared on a preprints site where it gained attention.

Figure 1 depicts a rise of approximately 600ng/cubic meter in Uranium levels in the air in South East England due to particles released from the Khmelnitsky explosion. While seemingly inconspicuous, considering the mean size of a Uranium particle is below 1 micron, individual inhalation of about 24 cubic meters a day results in an average lung intake of 0.432mg over a month. This translates into 200 million particles per person in the area and along the plumes trajectory in the UK. Considering findings in Fallujah, a 2010 study demonstrated a substantial increase in cancer and congenital malformations in babies, indicative of genetic damage, following the use of Uranium weapons in the second 2003 Iraq war.

Subsequent identification of excess Uranium in the mothers of birth defect children using hair samples and mass spectrometry further supports the long-term effects of Uranium exposure. This study, resembling a historic ice core examination, traced the increases back to the 2003 exposures. Research in Iraq underscores the significant genetic and cancer health effects of Uranium particles, potentially a primary cause of cancer in the Hiroshima victims exposed to Uranium particles in the black rain.

LEVELS IN POLAND, GERMANY, AND EVERYWHERE ELSE ON ITS JOURNEY TO ENGLAND, WILL HAVE BEEN MUCH HIGHER. BUT THERE ARE NO MEASUREMENTS AVAILABLE.

Figure 1: Four-weekly air filter results for Uranium from offsite samplers at Aldermaston, Tadley, and Reading. The Khmelnitsky Ukraine explosion occurred on May 14th, 2023 (1805-1506). The normal background is 200.
The "Israel on Campus Coalition" offered college students $250 "microgrants" to attend the "March for Israel" event in Washington, DC on Tuesday.



"The 'Israel on Campus Coalition' is funded by 'pro-Israel' billionaires such as Bernie Marcus, founder of Home Depot, and Jan Koum, founder of WhatsApp," Michael Tracey reported.





A group called "Israel on Campus Coalition" gave "microgrants" for people to attend yesterday's "March for Israel" event in DC



The "Israel on Campus Coalition" is funded by "pro-Israel" billionaires such as Bernie Marcus, founder of Home Depot, and Jan Koum, founder of WhatsApp pic.twitter.com/vV7EBu5DjA  Michael Tracey (@mtracey) November 15, 2023



The Israel on Campus Coalition's website says they "allocated all funding" for the event to pay for "thousands" of students to go to the event and encouraged young people to check back later as they pay for students to take part in other "pro-Israel initiatives" on college campuses.











Whereas Americans are getting canceled for attending pro-Palestine events (and immigrants are getting threatened with having their US visas canceled), you can get paid to attend astroturfed pro-Israel events.



An undercover Al Jazeera documentary from 2016 found that pro-Israel groups were paying tens of thousands of dollars to shills to take part in pro-Israel protests on American college campuses:







They were specifically targeting the Students for Justice in Palestine, which was recently banned by Gov. Ron DeSantis in Florida as well as Brandeis University and Columbia University (First Amendment be damned).







The most viral moment from Tuesday's event was when Van Jones, after giving a speech praising Jews for leading the civil rights movement in America, got booed and chanted down for saying he's a "peace guy" and "prays for peace" on all sides.



"I pray for peace -- no more rockets from Gaza and no more bombs falling down on the people of Gaza. God, protect the children," Van Jones said before being drowned out by the crowd chanting, "No Ceasefire!"





Van Jones is at the DC 'March for Israel' rally. He notes the FBI says hate crimes against Jews have increased by 400% in the past 3 weeks.



"If you don't know that, it's because your social media algorithm isn't telling you that."pic.twitter.com/lgDKNwvJ9p  Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) November 14, 2023

Van Jones at the March for Israel: Im a peace guy, I pray for peace. No more rockets from Gaza, and no more bombs falling down on the people of Gaza.



The crowd breaks out into a NO CEASEFIRE chant shortly after pic.twitter.com/2gHEXicK9b  philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) November 14, 2023

The calls for a ceasefire are outrageous, says House Speaker Mike Johnson  prompting crowd to chant no ceasefire. pic.twitter.com/00TVpQ0fPK  Jacob N. Kornbluh (@jacobkornbluh) November 14, 2023



Tracey shared more highlights from Tuesday's astroturfed event:





Court historian Deborah Lipstadt addresses today's "March for Israel" on behalf of the Biden Administration. She offers no distinction between anti-Semitism and criticism of Israel, instead vowing that the full weight of the Federal Government will deployed to combat "Jew hatred" pic.twitter.com/dodqPTQZ4U  Michael Tracey (@mtracey) November 15, 2023

Chuck Schumer, alongside Speaker Mike Johnson and others, delivers a rousing speech at the "March for Israel" today in DC. Leads bipartisan chants of "We Stand With Israel," "USA! USA!" and "Never Again!"



"We will not rest until you get all the assistance you need!" Schumer vows pic.twitter.com/mu7UAT6nwz  Michael Tracey (@mtracey) November 15, 2023

Hakeem Jeffries gives a history lesson on the expulsion of Jews starting in the ancient times of the Roman Empire. He pledges to "crush anti-Semitism" and declares the US must always be a "safe space" for the "Jewish community" pic.twitter.com/ZRY0RhY9yN  Michael Tracey (@mtracey) November 15, 2023

Pastor John Hagee, who preaches that Christ will soon return to rule over Earth from Jerusalem, at the "March for Israel" today in DC:



"The Bible says, he that keepeth Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps... Israel is the Apple of God's eye... There is no substitute for victory!" pic.twitter.com/xjBkpIgU0s  Michael Tracey (@mtracey) November 15, 2023

Maybe Israel really is in trouble if the best celebrities they could get for their big pro-Israel rally in DC were Michael Rapaport and Debra Messing  pic.twitter.com/9aMaCeWjqZ  Michael Tracey (@mtracey) November 15, 2023

Who paid for their chartered flight? https://t.co/ghgr4i9SEe  Michael Tracey (@mtracey) November 15, 2023



A leaked document from the Israeli Intelligence Ministry and a column from two powerful Israeli Knesset members in the Wall Street Journal both confirmed that Israel plans to foist all their refugees on the West after completing their ethnic cleansing operation in Gaza.



Follow InformationLiberation on Twitter, Facebook, Gab, Minds and Telegram.
TOKYO, Nov 16 ( Reuters ) - A former top Japanese financial official said on Wednesday yen weakness might be caused not only by interest rate differentials between Japan and the United States but also by structural factors such as a worsening fiscal position.

Under such circumstances, any currency intervention by authorities would not help turn around the market tide to sustain impacts, although smoothing operations may be acceptable, a former vice finance minister for international affairs, Rintaro Tamaki, told Reuters.

"Confidence in Japan's public finances, falling competitiveness, ageing population and dwindling labour force may be depriving Japanese authorities of the will to conduct bold policy," Tamaki said, referring to investor concerns.

"I wonder whether overseas investors may be thinking what's in it for investing in Japan."

Asked about the possibility of dollar-selling, yen-buying intervention in the foreign exchange market by authorities, Tamaki said a market foray may have psychological impacts but it would not change underlying structural issues. ...continue reading
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.

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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. Photo: Mark Bourdillon/Love Productions/Channel 4.

Cristy said on the show: It has been such a crazy, fast-paced experience.

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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.

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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.

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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.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Great British Bake Off (@britishbakeoff)

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.
The cast of Ridley Scott's biopic "Napoleon" flocked to Paris for the film's global premiere on Tuesday night, taking to the red carpet just days after strikes ended in Hollywood.

Joaquin Phoenix plays the role of Napoleon, a historical figure both revered and criticised in France, who is portrayed in the film as a ruthless military tactician with a softer, vulnerable side, uncovered by his wife the empress Josephine de Beauharnais, played by Vanessa Kirby.

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Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group Chairman and chief executive officer Tom Rothman said he was relieved the movie's release came after the SAG deal to end the months-long strike.

"I feel very fortunate the strike ended in time," Rothman told Reuters.

Joaquin Phoenix and director Ridley Scott attend the "Napoleon" World Premiere at Salle Pleyel on November 14th, 2023 in Paris, France. Photo: Marc Piasecki/Getty Images

Kirby, who was cast as Josephine after Jodie Comer bowed out due to scheduling issues, said her performance took cues from various descriptions of the aristocrat, eventually divorced by Napoleon for failing to produce an heir for the empire.

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Kirby said she learned about the challenge of being "the feminine in that extremely masculine world," and appreciated Beauharnais for "remaining dignified," even through her public divorce.

Filmed during the pandemic, Scott and Dariusz Wolski, his frequent collaborator for cinematography, orchestrated elaborate battle scenes that recounted Napoleon's conquests in Austerlitz and Moscow, and his famous defeat in Waterloo.

Napoleon might have been a tyrant and a "man of power", but he was "still a man, crazy in love with a woman", said French actor Tahar Rahim, who plays the role of Revolutionary-era politician Paul Barras.
More than 12,000 households reached out to a charity last year over fears they would be made homeless, an increase of 12 per cent on the previous year.

Housing non-profit Threshold said in its annual report for 2022 that it dealt with more than 47,000 phone calls, 9,400 webchat queries, around 6,800 emails, and almost 200 video consultations.

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Around 10,000 people in 4,500 homes considered to be at risk were saved from homelessness, it claimed.

Threshold chairman Liam Reid said: Despite the housing crisis in Ireland receiving so much attention over recent years, we have yet to see major in-roads in terms of its resolution. The number of people contacting our advisors for assistance continues to grow.

Through our advocacy and campaigning in 2022, we saw essential policy changes introduced to provide additional protection to those at risk of homelessness, including an extension of the notice periods and a temporary ban on evictions in the latter part of the year.

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For the sixth year in a row, tenancy terminations remain the largest issue facing private tenants, the organisation said.

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Nearly 40 per cent of its queries related to rental terminations.

Out of 18,684 households helped in 2022, almost 11,000 households contacted Threshold for the first time.

Many clients had multiple issues, the organisation said.

Some 455 households that contacted Threshold entered homeless services, while 259 were forced to stay with family and friends, according to chief executive John-Mark McCafferty.

This points to the significant decline in the availability of homes to rent and the lack of alternative housing options for people, he said.

Mr McCafferty said that rents remain stubbornly high while the number of landlords selling and exiting the market remains a major problem.
Seagulls may be put on contraception in an attempt to control the population.

Former Lord Mayor of Drogheda Frank Godfrey has said the birds are wreaking havoc on the Co Louth town and a contraceptive is probably the only way of reducing the gull numbers.

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The proposed initiative takes inspiration from a similar programme in Brussels, in which pigeons were fed contraceptive corn pellets.

Public meetings were held in Drogheda during the summer after local residents and business owners complained about the number of gulls.

[Seagulls] can become very dangerous. People are frightened, Mr Godfrey told The Irish Times earlier this year. They are nesting in council and private estates, and it is a nightmare.

The birds are protected by European and national wildlife directives and legislation, though derogations can be granted.

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Balbriggan in north Co Dublin is, according to the Department of Housing, the only place in Ireland where gull nests or eggs can be removed.
Ireland would be pushed to the margins of international opinion if it expelled Israels ambassador in Dublin, a Government minister has warned.

Minister of State James Browne was speaking in a debate on a motion proposed by the Social Democrats calling for a range of economic and diplomatic sanctions against Israel.

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The party has demanded that the diplomatic credentials of Israels ambassador in Ireland, Dana Erlich, are revoked.

The motion also called for Ireland to use its influence in Brussels to seek a suspension of the EU-Israel trade deal, invoking a human rights clause in the agreement, and suspend Israel from participation in the Horizon Europe research funding initiative.

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said actions not words were needed from the Government (Brian Lawless/PA)

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The party said Ireland should also refer Israel to the International Criminal Court.

Tabling a counter motion that removed the calls for sanctions, Mr Browne told the Dail that maintaining diplomatic links with Israel was vital.

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There is a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza and there is a real risk of regional spillover of conflict, he said.

At the same time, I regret that the motion proposed by the Social Democrats seeks to push Ireland to the margins of international opinion, he said, claiming such a move would undermine the countrys influence in the Middle East.

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It underplays the value of international and multilateral engagement, he added.

Ireland must continue to work with our international partners in responding to this crisis.

The Government has made its position clear regarding proposals to expel the Israeli ambassador  cutting off diplomatic relations with a country means cutting off communication channels.

Diplomacy is not always or only about friendly relations, and nor is it an endorsement of the policies or actions of a given country, it is precisely at times of conflict and tension that diplomacy is most useful and most needed, and it is vital to maintain communication links.

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Minister of State at the Department of Justice James Browne warned that Ireland would be pushed to the margins of international opinion if it expelled the Israeli ambassador (Brian Lawless/PA)

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns insisted words of condemnation are not enough as she opened the debate on the motion.

Accusing Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza, Ms Cairns criticised the Government for proposing amendments that she claimed would replace the demand for tangible sanctions against Israel with platitudes and zero actions.

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The refusal of most Western leaders to shout stop and demand a ceasefire has led to thousands of deaths, Ms Cairns told the Dail.

Israel is killing with impunity. According to the World Health Organisation, Gaza is now a graveyard for children.

She added: I recognise that the Irish Government has done more than most of the EU to advocate for a ceasefire, but thats just evidence of how low the bar is.

Words of condemnation are not enough. We need action.

There must be consequences for the crimes perpetrated by Israel on a captive civilian population in Gaza.

Later responding to Mr Brownes warning of Ireland being pushed to the margins, she said: Given the majority of Western leaders opinion, Im happy for Ireland to be an outlier.

Sinn Feins Matt Carthy said he was ashamed at the international communitys response to the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.

I am ashamed of the international communitys response to what we have seen in Gaza and particularly ashamed by the response of the EU, he said.

I think EU leaders have ensured that the European Union no longer has any credibility to be a voice for peace, international law and for the basic rules of humanity for so long as they refuse to take a stand.

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Sinn Fein TD Matt Carthy criticised the Governments failure to back sanctions and said the world was turning a blind eye (Liam McBurney/PA)

Mr Carthy told Mr Browne that the world was turning a blind eye and the EU, worse still, is providing cover.

He criticised the Governments failure to back the call for economic and diplomatic sanctions against Israel.

Every single possible action that might help pressure Israel to stop the slaughter of innocent Palestinians is met with pathetic excuses, he said.

Its not good enough, minister. It is well past time that Ireland shows leadership, not to follow the lead of a European Union that clearly isnt willing or capable of providing the leadership thats much needed in this instance.

Minister of State Sean Fleming also addressed the Dail during the two-hour debate.

It is clear that deputies across the house are deeply and genuinely concerned at the horrific situation that has unfolded in Israel and in the occupied Palestinian Territory over the past three weeks  the Government shares this deep alarm at the situation and its continued rapid deterioration, including the grave humanitarian situation that now exists within the Gaza Strip, he said.

He added: The Irish Governments position on this is clear. Israel has the right to defend itself and its people from attack. But this is not an unfettered right. International humanitarian law applies, the principle of proportionality applies, and the Israeli military has a duty to ensure the protection of citizens. A humanitarian ceasefire for Gaza is an essential, basic step now.

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TDs will vote on the motion and the Government amendment later on Wednesday.

They will also vote on a Sinn Fein motion, which was debated on Tuesday evening, calling on the Government to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court.

A pro-Palestinian protest is planned outside the Dail to coincide with the votes.
More than 20 Irish citizens have left the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing into Egypt.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said arrangements are in place for staff from the Irish embassy in Cairo to provide consular assistance to them, including travel back to Ireland.

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Speaking in the Dail, Mr Varadkar said: We expect additional Irish citizens and dependents in Gaza to be on the list in the coming days and were working tirelessly to ensure that all of those who wish to do so will be allowed to leave as soon as possible.

Some 23 Irish citizens had crossed the border by mid-afternoon.

Around 35 to 40 Irish passport holders were understood to be in the enclave prior to Wednesdays crossings.

The Taoiseach was responding to a call from Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald for Ireland to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

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Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald (PA)

During Leaders Questions, Ms McDonald said a civilian refugee population in Gaza is being slaughtered en masse by one of the most ferocious military forces on Earth.

She said: A child killed every 10 minutes in full sight of the world. Gaza  a graveyard for innocent children. Israels bombardment has destroyed Gazas health infrastructure.

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Hospitals are running out of fuel and electricity needed to power vital equipment  maternity, cancer care, all care decimated as the wounded and dying in hospitals trying to keep going to the sound of gunfire, tank fire, and air raids.

She added: The Irish Government must refer Israel to the International Criminal Court. Israel must be held accountable. There must be immediate ceasefires, this is the only thing that will transform this horrific situation.

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Mr Varadkar said he agreed with the call for a ceasefire but said it would be important for all sides to honour one.

He said the proposal to refer Israel to the ICC is flawed as an investigation, which will include events since Hamass attack on October 7th, has been in progress since 2021 and dates back to 2014.

Mr Varadkar said: Referring Israel to the International Criminal Court at this stage where the investigation is already underway would be akin to reporting an alleged crime to the gardai (Irish police) several years into an investigation.

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It simply would have no practical effect or practical value. Also your proposal is flawed because your proposal is to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court and not the situation on the ground and that allows Hamas and Islamic Jihad off the hook.

Perhaps thats your intention, perhaps an omission  but it is not the correct approach.

Mr Varadkars comments were met with audible objection in the Oireachtas chamber.

The Taoiseach said Ireland will instead give an extra 3 million to the ICC.

He added: For far too long, European countries and the European Union have been willing to aid the Palestinians and trade with the Israelis without pressing either side to do what they need to do.

When this phase of the conflicts over we need a more active approach of the European Union pushing for a two-state solution, saying to the Palestinians that were not going to continue to give you aid if you dont respect democracy and human rights and crackdown on terrorism, and saying to the Israelis that were not willing to continue to trade with you in the way that we do if youre not willing to be serious about a two-state solution and allowing the Palestinians the right to the state that they need and they deserve.

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Ms McDonald said Mr Varadkar was disingenuous on the matter of the ICC.

She said: Israel doesnt care about international law. Why? Because Israel is never, ever, ever held to account.

She said there has correctly been multiple complaints to the ICC following Russias invasion of Ukraine.

She said: Why is Israel different? Why is it that the international community cannot state the truth that the world has seen within its own eyes as Palestinians are massacred? Why is it that Israel cannot be held to account?

Mr Varadkar replied: This is not the same as Ukraine and an investigation is already underway in relation to potential war crimes.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said he is very focused on Emily Hand, eight, who is feared to be a Hamas hostage in Gaza (PA)

Meanwhile, Tanaiste Micheal Martin is in Egypt ahead of planned trips to Israel and the Occupied Territories.

Im very pleased that a number of our Irish citizens are on the list today, Wednesday, to come through the crossing at Rafah, he told RTE.

He said the Government will work on getting remaining Irish citizens through the crossing but said it is a fluid situation.

I cant give you precise numbers but it is good news that quite a number of Irish citizens are on that list, he said.

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Mr Martins visit also has a focus on trying to secure the release of Israeli-Irish girl Emily Hand, eight, who is feared to be a Hamas hostage in Gaza.

He is due to hold talks with his Egyptian counterpart on the issue during his visit to Cairo.

Im very focused on that particular issue. As an Irish eight-year-old citizen I think its imperative that shes released, and indeed all the hostages, and particularly the children who have been abducted, Mr Martin said.

Emilys Dublin-born father Tom and her half-sister Natali have been in Ireland this week along with relatives of other hostages to raise awareness of the situation and ask for Irish support to secure their release.

They had a meeting with Mr Martin in Dublin and also met Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and President Michael D Higgins.
A transatlantic flight was forced to turn around over the North Atlantic and return to Shannon Airport after a passenger was reported to be unruly and abusive.

Aer Lingus flight EI-135 had taken off from Shannon at around 2.45pm today bound for Boston in the US The Airbus A321-neo jet was almost two hours into its journey when the crew made the decision to turn around.

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Its understood that a male passenger was reported to have been abusive towards cabin crew members. Its also understood that the man in his 50s was intoxicated.

The flight crew contacted the airline's operations centre to advise them of the situation on board. Staff there in turn alerted local gardai in Shannon and advised them that an aircraft was returning to the airport. Authorities at Shannon Airport were also alerted.

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The flight crew also made contact with air traffic controllers here and requested permission to turn around and return to Shannon.

Members of Shannon Airports Police service and gardai were waiting at the airport when the flight landed safely at 5.36pm.

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After taxiing to the terminal building, passengers were requested to remain seated until the offending traveller had left the aircraft. Airport Police officers boarded the aircraft and the man left the plane without incident.

The man was then met by gardai in terminal building where he was interviewed. Gardai also took statements from the crew about what had occurred on board.

Its understood that the man was not arrested and that a family member was due to travel to the airport to collect the man and take him home.

A garda spokesperson confirmed that a 'public order' incident occurred on board a flight that returned to Shannon.

A garda investigation into all the circumstances of what is alleged to have occurred on board will now be carried out.

The flight resumed its journey to Boston shortly after 7.30pm.
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A legal executive at Michael Lynn's former practice has denied a suggestion from his defence that she is not telling the truth when she said she gave a loan of 80,000 to the former solicitor.

Mr Lynn (55), of Millbrook Court, Redcross, Co Wicklow is on trial accused of the theft of around 27 million from seven financial institutions.

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He has pleaded not guilty to 21 counts of theft in Dublin between October 23rd, 2006 and April 20th, 2007.

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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The cross-examination of former legal executive with Michael Lynn & Co solicitors, Liz Doyle, continued on Wednesday.

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Email

Paul Comiskey-O'Keeffe showed Ms Doyle an email from January 2007, which stated a profit of 2.9 million from a project in Portugal.

He put to Ms Doyle that she is not telling the truth when she said she gave 80,000 to his client in January 2007 as he was struck for money.

That was my understanding, she replied.

Ms Doyle was brought through a mixture of documents, including statements of affairs, emails and memos. She agreed that she was an authorised signatory on cheques for Michael Lynn & Co solicitors, alongside solicitor Fiona McAleenan at one stage.

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Ms Doyle agreed that she forwarded some emails to Ms McAleenan.

She also accepted that the firm compiled weekly conveyancing reports and whoever read them would get updates about this aspect of the business.

She agreed with Mr Comiskey-O'Keeffe that Ms McAleenan would have received these reports, but told him she couldn't say if they kept Ms McAleenan abreast of the position of the conveyancing files.

Cross-examination

Referring to her cross-examination on Tuesday when he put it to her that there was a culture in the firm where people were signing each other's names on documents, Ms Doyle accepted tha the content of one email referred to her looking for permission from Ms McAleenan to sign a letter.

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She told Mr Comiskey- O'Keeffe that she couldn't agree there was generally a practice that you would sign each others signature as the need arose in the practice.

She agreed that another email showed she had no difficulty asking Ms McAleenan if she could sign her name.

She said Ms McAleenan never said no, but added that she could not recall if Ms McAleenan ever refused permission for her to sign her name.

You are more than capable of speaking up or sending an email when you have any concerns, Mr Comiskey-O'Keeffe asked after showing Ms Doyle correspondence about the practice's process for signing cheques.

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Thats what it says on the email, Ms Doyle said.

Ms Doyle agreed with Mr Comiskey-O'Keeffe that it is her position that Ms McAleenan was made a partner in the firm.

She was also shown a proposed organisational chart dated April 2007 which described Ms McAleenan and Mr Lynn as partners in the firm.

Ms Doyle told Mr Comiskey-OKeeffe she was not aware of the difficulties in her own husbands company until January 2006 or that Mr Lynn had invested in the business.

She said she met Mr Lynn in Portugal by chance during a two-year period when she was living there around 2009.

Mr Comiskey-O'Keeffe suggested to Ms Doyle that she is being untruthful. That's not the case, she replied.

The court heard on Tuesday that Irish Life And Permanent took a civil case against Ms Doyle and Ms McAleenan.

She told defence counsel on Wednesday that she did not recall the content of text messages between her and Ms McAleenan which were disclosed as part of civil case.

Mr Comiskey-O'Keeffe noted that Ms McAleenan alleged in the civil case that Ms Doyle was part of the fraud. Ms Doyle said at that time I was very unwell and she had no knowledge of anything at that stage.

She made allegations against you, and you defended yourself by saying she was aware you were signing her name, Mr Comiskey-O'Keeffe asked.

Correct, Ms Doyle replied, adding that her husband dealt with these proceedings in 2008.

Judge Martin Nolan asked Ms Doyle if it is her evidence that she never disguised the content of any document she asked Ms McAleenan to sign.

I did not, no, Ms Doyle replied.

The trial continues before Judge Nolan and the jury.
A young Wicklow man who posed as a teenage girl on Facebook to sexually exploit over 60 young children by getting them to send him naked photos of themselves has been sentenced to five years in prison.

Lorcan Tracey (26), of The Commons, Rathnew, Co Wicklow, appeared before a sitting of Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court in relation to a total of 190 charges of sexual exploitation and child pornography offences.

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Judge Patrick Quinn said Tracey had adopted the online persona of a 12-13 year-old girl to get his victims to send them naked photos of themselves and on one day alone had targeted 20 young people online.

The court heard that there were a total of 64 victims of the accused including one boy who was aged just 8 years.

Judge Quinn said Tracey had engaged in cruel and intrusive behaviour of young children whose ages he knew and had exploited their personal vulnerabilities and frailties.

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The judge remarked that the offences contained a strong element of depravity.

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However, he acknowledged that Tracey had never physically met any of his victims and had made no commercial gain from distributing some of the photos he had been sent.

The judge also noted that there was no suggestion that the accused was part of a paedophile ring.

Many of his victims lived in Ireland but others were based in the UK, the US, Australia and Belgium.

Naked photos

The court heard Tracey had sent naked photos of a teenage girl to his victims via Facebook, purporting to be photos of the sender, in order to get them to send similar photos back to him.

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In some cases, he asked young boys for photos of themselves engaging in sexual activity with another child.

Tracey urged one victim to take a picture of the penis of his three-year-old cousin but the boy refused.

He faced 142 counts of the sexual exploitation of a child contrary to Section 3 of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998 as well as 37 counts of the possession of child pornography and 11 counts of distributing child pornographic images.

Tracey pleaded guilty to 26 sample charges relating to offences committed in 2015 when he was aged 17-18 years.

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At a sentencing hearing on Wednesday, Judge Quinn said Tracey had used coercive and threatening language with some of his victims.

The judge noted the accused, while posing as a teenage girl, warned many of his victims that he would take his own life or engage in self-harm unless they sent him naked photos of themselves.

He also observed that Tracey had suggested to some of his victims that they had special needs, while some of his victims were so young that they were unaware of the sexual nature of what they were being asked to do.

US involvement

Detective Garda Georgina Earley of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau had previously told the court that gardai were alerted about the offences by the US National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children in October 2015.

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Det Garda Earley gave evidence that Tracey had asked one of his young victims if he was horny and to prove it by forwarding a photo of his penis.

He asked the same victim to also send him nude photos of his two younger brothers who were aged 12 and 10.

The court heard the accused had persuaded three young siblings based in the UK, for photos of their genital areas. They included a young girl aged 10, whose photos he redistributed online.

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When her eight-year-old brother indicated he would not send him a photo of his penis, the accused told him to get a photo of his older brother sucking it instead.

Det Garda Earley said the accused threatened the same boy that he would not send any more nude photos of a purportedly naked teenage girl if he did not do as requested.

She said he ultimately sent 12 images to the defendant via Facebook.

When another victim with a moderate learning disability who had already sent him naked pictures refused to comply with a request, the accused warned him: Tell me to f**k off one more time and Ill put them on Facebook for everyone to see.

Det Garda Earley said he threatened another 13-year-old victim who had autism that he would tell his mother, whom he had added as a friend on Facebook, if he did not comply with his instructions.

When the same boy asked, whom he thought was a girl, if she wanted a relationship, the accused texted back: No. Youre a handicap.

The court heard that at one stage, the accused pretended to be a 13-year-old girl from Wales who wore a wig as a result of chemotherapy and threatened victims that she would self harm if they did not respond to her requests.

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In another case, he tried to persuade an 11-year-old boy to send him a photo of his sperm via Instagram.

At the same hearing in October, the accuseds father, Kevin Tracey, gave evidence that he only fully understood the gravity of his sons offending for the first time after what he had heard in court.

Asked if he was surprised, the man replied: Shocked.

He added: I apologise for what he has done. Honestly, I dont know what was going on in his mind.

Deception

Judge Quinn said IP addresses were identified and traced to Tracey who originally denied all knowledge of the Facebook accounts used to commit the offences when he was arrested in January 2017.

The judge noted that the accused had refused to give a PIN number for his computer to gardai, while he had also tried to blame his brother for operating one of the accounts.

Judge Quinn said Tracey had engaged in multiple incidents of intimidating, inducing and coercing young people to send him naked photographs of themselves for his personal pleasure.

He claimed the accused had engaged in a wholly unacceptable level of deception and cruel duress.

Judge Quinn assessed Traceys offending at slightly short of the higher range.

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The court heard that many of the victims did not engage with the criminal investigation as they would have found it too upsetting.

Judge Quinn also observed that Tracey, who left school at the age of 16, had a dysfunctional family history and suffered from a number of health issues including a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The judge gave him credit for pleading guilty to the offences and saving the State a criminal trial that could have lasted up to two months.

He acknowledged that Tracey had apologised to his victims and had expressed deep remorse and recognised the gross effect his actions had on them.

However, the judge also took into consideration that a probation report found him at a high risk of re-offending.

Sentencing Tracey to six years in prison for the offences relating to the sexual exploitation of children, Judge Quinn suspended the final 12 months on condition that he places himself under the supervision of the Probation Service for a period of five years upon release and follows all referrals relating to counselling and treatment.

He sentenced the accused to three years and 18 months for the distribution and possession of child pornography respectively to run concurrently.

Judge Quinn also directed that Traceys name be placed on the register of sex offenders.
Minister for Media Catherine Martin has welcomed a plan to cap salaries for all RTE employees at 250,000, the salary of the director-general.

It comes after RTE director-general Kevin Bakhurst outlined his plan for cost savings at the organisation, including the salary price cap and cuts of up to 400 staff members over four years.

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Mr Bakhurst said that high salaries paid to RTE presenters has been a toxic, corrosive issue for the broadcaster.

He also said that he would aim to alleviate uncertainty for staff in the wake of planned reforms.

RTE director-general Kevin Bakhurst leaves his office in Donnybrook (PA)

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RTE digital stations and plus-one TV channels are due to be axed, technology will be updated and there will be a greater reliance on independent productions.

Around 10 million in spending by the broadcaster will be cut next year.

Ms Martin said on Wednesday that Mr Bakhursts plan shows a welcome renewed commitment to public-service broadcasting and to cost efficiencies.

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Speaking to reporters in Dublin, she said: I think it is only right that no-one would earn more than the leader of an organisation.

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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, resulting in a drop in the number of people paying their annual 160 TV licence fee compared to last year.

Prior to the controversies, RTE had submitted a request for 34.5 million in additional interim funding.

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The Government approved 16 million in extra funding for this year, based on analysis from the States financial advice body, NewERA.

Following the rolling controversies at the broadcaster, a further request for funding was made, which the Government said would come if certain conditions were met by the broadcaster.

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Following RTE submitting its future plan for the organisation, the Government on Tuesday approved 56 million in funding  16 million for this year and a further 40 million next year.

Ms Martin said that a dedicated unit would be established in her department to oversee the allocation of 40 million, which is contingent on the outcome of two reports into RTE.

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The first tranche of [the remaining] 40 million will not be released until we see the recommendations from the two expert advisory committees that the Government commissioned, she said on Wednesday morning.

Those committees will take account of all findings of any internal or external reviews and wed be looking at  before we released that first tranche  that were seeing progress on the reforms already announced.

So, for example, were expecting the register of interests in January 2024, were expecting the register of external activities in January 2024 and they have signalled a corporate governance framework by the end of this year, so we need to see the progress is continuing.

Catherine Martin speaking to reporters at Dublin Castle (PA)

So, the first tranche will be then and the second tranche in the second half. NewERA will also be engaging with that, so for example, the 10 million in cost efficiencies to make sure that that is being delivered upon.

Mr Bakhurst and union representatives stressed the importance of a Government decision to be made on a long-term funding option for RTE to provide security for the broadcaster and its staff.

Ms Martin said she is hopeful a decision on the future funding model for RTE will be taken early in the new year.

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Asked when clarity on the future funding model for RTE will be provided, Ms Martin said: Im absolutely determined to be the minister and that this is the Government that will take the decision.

She said she would like to follow through as quickly as possible following the recommendations of two expert groups examining the broadcaster.

Asked if she would rule out exchequer funding, she said: I believe everything should be on the table.

So although the technical working group was looking at options, including the media charge, I suppose alternatives to exchequer funding, I believe  and Ive said this to committee in recent weeks  that everything should be on the table for those discussions.
More than a thousand people have staged a protest outside the Dail in a call for the Israeli ambassador in Dublin to be expelled from the country.

It came as a Government minister warned such a move would push Ireland to the margins of international opinion.

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Protesters waved large Palestinian flags as they also called for a ceasefire in the conflict.

The demonstrators chanted Free Palestine, Israeli Ambassador, out, out, out, and from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.

The demonstrators also erected a large sign which spelled out Gaza in lights.

People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett was among the demonstrators.

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Sinn Fein TDs Pearse Doherty and Matt Carthy, as well as Social Democrat leader Holly Cairns and party TD Gary Gannon were also in attendance.

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The protest came ahead of a vote on a motion proposed by the Social Democrats calling for a range of economic and diplomatic sanctions against Israel.

The party has demanded that the diplomatic credentials of Israels ambassador in Ireland, Dana Erlich, be revoked.

The motion also called for Ireland to use its influence in Brussels to seek a suspension of the EU-Israel trade deal, invoking a human rights clause in the agreement, and suspend Israel from participation in the Horizon Europe research funding initiative.

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Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said actions not words were needed from the Government (Brian Lawless/PA)

The party said Ireland should also refer Israel to the International Criminal Court.

Tabling a counter-motion that removed the calls for sanctions, Minister of State James Browne told the Dail that maintaining diplomatic links with Israel was vital.

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There is a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza and there is a real risk of regional spillover of conflict, he said.

At the same time, I regret that the motion proposed by the Social Democrats seeks to push Ireland to the margins of international opinion, he said, claiming such a move would undermine the countrys influence in the Middle East.

It underplays the value of international and multilateral engagement, he added.

Ireland must continue to work with our international partners in responding to this crisis.

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The Government has made its position clear regarding proposals to expel the Israeli ambassador  cutting off diplomatic relations with a country means cutting off communication channels.

Diplomacy is not always or only about friendly relations, and nor is it an endorsement of the policies or actions of a given country. It is precisely at times of conflict and tension that diplomacy is most useful and most needed, and it is vital to maintain communication links.

Minister of State at the Department of Justice James Browne warned that Ireland would be pushed to the margins of international opinion if it expelled the Israeli ambassador (Brian Lawless/PA)

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns insisted words of condemnation are not enough as she opened the debate on the motion.

Accusing Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza, Ms Cairns criticised the Government for proposing amendments that she claimed would replace the demand for tangible sanctions against Israel with platitudes and zero actions.

The refusal of most Western leaders to shout stop and demand a ceasefire has led to thousands of deaths, Ms Cairns told the Dail.

Israel is killing with impunity. According to the World Health Organisation, Gaza is now a graveyard for children.

She added: I recognise that the Irish Government has done more than most of the EU to advocate for a ceasefire, but thats just evidence of how low the bar is.

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Words of condemnation are not enough. We need action.

There must be consequences for the crimes perpetrated by Israel on a captive civilian population in Gaza.

Later responding to Mr Brownes warning of Ireland being pushed to the margins, she said: Given the majority of Western leaders opinion, Im happy for Ireland to be an outlier.

Sinn Feins Matt Carthy said he was ashamed at the international communitys response to the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.

I am ashamed of the international communitys response to what we have seen in Gaza and particularly ashamed by the response of the EU, he said.

I think EU leaders have ensured that the European Union no longer has any credibility to be a voice for peace, international law and for the basic rules of humanity for so long as they refuse to take a stand.

Sinn Fein TD Matt Carthy criticised the Governments failure to back sanctions and said the world was turning a blind eye (Liam McBurney/PA)

Mr Carthy told Mr Browne that the world was turning a blind eye and the EU, worse still, is providing cover.

He criticised the Governments failure to back the call for economic and diplomatic sanctions against Israel.

Every single possible action that might help pressure Israel to stop the slaughter of innocent Palestinians is met with pathetic excuses, he said.

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Its not good enough, minister. It is well past time that Ireland shows leadership, not to follow the lead of a European Union that clearly isnt willing or capable of providing the leadership thats much needed in this instance.

Minister of State Sean Fleming also addressed the Dail during the two-hour debate.

It is clear that deputies across the house are deeply and genuinely concerned at the horrific situation that has unfolded in Israel and in the occupied Palestinian Territory over the past three weeks. The Government shares this deep alarm at the situation and its continued rapid deterioration, including the grave humanitarian situation that now exists within the Gaza Strip, he said.

He added: The Irish Governments position on this is clear. Israel has the right to defend itself and its people from attack. But this is not an unfettered right.

International humanitarian law applies, the principle of proportionality applies, and the Israeli military has a duty to ensure the protection of citizens. A humanitarian ceasefire for Gaza is an essential, basic step now.

TDs will vote on the motion and the Government amendment later on Wednesday.

They will also vote on a Sinn Fein motion, which was debated on Tuesday evening, calling on the Government to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court.
The Tanaiste has expressed confidence that a significant number of Irish citizens will be able to leave Gaza on Wednesday via the Rafah crossing into Egypt.

Around 35 to 40 Irish passport holders remain in the enclave.

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Micheal Martin is in Egypt ahead of planned trips to Israel and the Occupied Territories.

Im very pleased that a number of our Irish citizens are on the list today, Wednesday, to come through the crossing at Rafah, he told RTE.

This is very welcome news. Obviously, it is still a very fluid situation. Were very hopeful that a number of our citizens can make it through.

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Tanaiste Micheal Martin said he is very focused on Emily Hand, eight, who is feared to be a Hamas hostage in Gaza (PA)

We will continue to work on the remaining citizens to get them through.

I cant give you precise numbers, but it is good news that quite a number of Irish citizens are on that list.

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Mr Martins visit also has a focus on trying to secure the release of Israeli-Irish girl Emily Hand, eight, who is feared to be a Hamas hostage in Gaza.

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He is due to hold talks with his Egyptian counterpart on the issue during his visit to Cairo.

Im very focused on that particular issue. As an Irish eight-year-old citizen I think its imperative that shes released, and indeed all the hostages, and particularly the children who have been abducted, Mr Martin said.

Emilys Dublin-born father, Tom and her half-sister Natali have been in Ireland this week along with relatives of other hostages to raise awareness of the situation and ask for Irish support to secure their release.

They had a meeting with Mr Martin in Dublin and also met Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and President of Ireland Michael D Higgins.
Biomass boilers bought as part of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme in Northern Ireland have been left to gather dust after cost controls were introduced to limit subsidies for their use, MPs in London have been told.

A representative from the agriculture industry told the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee that 30 per cent of businesses and farmers have now turned the boilers off, with many going back to burning fossil fuels.

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MPs were told that more than 800 participants in the botched green energy scheme have abandoned it, although officials from Stormonts Department for the Economy disputed those figures.

The committee also heard calls for the Northern Ireland scheme to be merged with the RHI scheme operating in the rest of the UK, which pays higher subsidies.

From left: Roger Pollen of the FSB, Andrew Trimble from the Renewable Heat Association NI and Christopher Osborne from the Ulster Farmers Union give evidence to MPs (UK Parliament/PA)

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The RHI scheme, set up in Northern Ireland in 2012, incentivised businesses and farmers to switch to the eco-friendly boilers by paying them a subsidy for the wood pellet fuel needed to run them.

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But mistakes in its designs saw the subsidy rates set higher than the actual cost of the wood pellets, with applicants finding themselves able to burn to earn.

With Stormont facing an overspend bill of hundreds of millions of pounds, cost-control steps were taken in 2019.

In 2021 a public inquiry identified a multiplicity of mistakes in the running of the scheme.

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Earlier this year the UK Court of Appeal ruled that the payment cuts were lawfully made to prevent a crisis in public finances.

Senior judges accepted boiler owners who signed up to the initiative had a legitimate expectation that tariff rates were guaranteed for 20 years.

But they held that this belief could be legitimately frustrated due to the wider public interest in protecting the Northern Ireland budget.

The committee is investigating the implications of the Court of Appeal ruling.

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Andrew Trimble, executive chairman of the Renewable Heat Association NI, told MPs there has to be equity between those in the Northern Ireland scheme and those who participate in the UK-wide scheme.

He said that more than 800 out of 2,128 participants have left the Northern Ireland scheme.

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He said: There is an overwhelming argument that the scheme should never have been established in Northern Ireland.

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Christopher Osborne, senior policy officer at the Ulster Farmers Union, said: The very clear message is that Northern Ireland is currently at an environmental and economic disadvantage.

We do not have any decarbonisation schemes in Northern Ireland to help us meet any targets that are coming.

Since these tariff reductions have been in place in relation to RHI we have had it from one of the major gas suppliers in Northern Ireland that the use of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) has increased by 20 per cent. Fossil fuel use has increased by 20 per cent.

Roger Pollen from the Federation of Small Businesses said there is a lot of merit in Northern Ireland joining the scheme in Great Britain.

He said: There is recognition that we didnt do it well when we went solo.

Mr Osborne said: It has been brought to our attention that 30% of boilers were turned off (after tariffs were reduced) and between a third and a half of those are poultry. There has been no choice but to go back to burning fossil fuels.

DUP MP Carla Lockhart asked about the difference in payments in the Northern Ireland scheme and the one in the rest of the UK.

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Mr Trimble said: In Larne, 2,200. In Stranraer, 50,000.

Andrew Trimble said payments in the GB RHI scheme were higher than in Northern Ireland (UK Parliament/PA)

Mr Osborne said: There are boilers out there, we are hearing, people have put them on Gumtree and they are not getting anything. They are gathering dust.

In the 21st century for an industry to be seen to be increasing its fossil fuel use by 25 per cent by no fault of their own is unbelievable.

The committee later heard evidence from Department for the Economy officials who were asked if they are concerned about people leaving the RHI scheme and going back to fossil fuels.

A biomass boilers on a poultry farm outside of Moira, Co Down (Liam McBurney/PA)

Permanent secretary Mike Brennan said: One of the witnesses said that 800 participants had left the scheme. That is not our figures.

The departments head of energy policy Richard Rodgers said: The official number is that 230 participants out of just over 2,000 have left the scheme.

One hundred have left since the new tariff was put in place in 2019.

It is fair to say there has been a reduction in usage because effectively the tariff incentivises people only to use the heat that they need. That was part of the cost-controls that were put in.

Referring to the agriculture sector, he said: It is no surprise to hear that there has been an increase in LPG because there has been an increase in chicken production.

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It would have been great to have seen a lot more of that being in biomass or renewable fuel but we stopped it (at) around 2,300 participants. It was the intention that it would have been far more but the scheme closed and the legacy is there.

Acting committee chairman Robert Buckland asked if it would not be simpler to use the GB model in Northern Ireland.

Mr Brennan said: That is a question internally we have often thought has a lot of merit, not just for equity and fairness reasons but for simple administrative reasons.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has accused Sinn Fein of having a policy of shouting down or suing the media and other political parties.

Sinn Fein has faced criticism in recent weeks after party TD Chris Andrews took legal action against Irish Times journalist Harry McGee.

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The partys leader Mary Lou McDonald has previously defended the right of individual Sinn Fein politicians to take action against the press in a manner they deem appropriate, including suing the media.

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Ms McDonald has also been accused of mounting a strategic lawsuit against public participation (Slapp) against members of the media, a claim she has rejected.

Slapps are often characterised as lawsuits, sometimes disguised as defamation actions, initiated with the intention of silencing or draining the resources of a journalist or publication.

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On Wednesday, Mr Varadkar told the opposition party that he would not let it take away our democracy through threats.

After being interrupted by Sinn Fein TD Matt Carthy during Leaders Questions, Mr Varadkar said: May I speak? May I speak? Its a very clear and consistent approach with Sinn Fein towards the Government, towards other opposition parties, towards the media: Shout them down or sue them.

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The Taoiseach was interrupted by Sinn Fein TD Matt Carthy during Leaders Questions (Liam McBurney/PA)

This is a parliament, this is a democracy, and Im going to be heard.

The Taoiseach had been responding to a question from Ms McDonald on the Governments approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict when he was interrupted.

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He said: It is a serious issue, so may I be heard without being threatened legal action or being shouted down, would that be possible?

This is still a democracy, deputy, and were not going to let you take away our democracy through threats or your activities, I can guarantee you that.

Mr Varadkar also accused Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns of hectoring people (Brian Lawless/PA)

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In a follow-up exchange, Mr Varadkar also appeared to accuse Ms McDonald of hectoring him.

Ms McDonald interrupted the Taoiseachs response to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns who said Ireland could use its influence to persuade the EU to suspend a trade deal with Israel.

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Mr Varadkar said: There is an opportunity for us to play a role in making sure the European Union has a more active policy in this area but we have to be credible in that regard. We have to work with our allies and not hector them.

The deputys approach again is to hector me. That is how she would behave at a European Council meeting, she would go in there, shed hector people, shed point the finger, shed leave already, shed do a press release, big press conference, make herself look good but ultimately achieve nothing for, nothing for Ireland, nothing for the Palestinians.

Moving the debate on to the next speaker as members from the Sinn Fein benches continued to make comments, Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail said: Can we have a little order and can we please, please show a little respect?
Updated at 08:10

It is believed that as many as 30 Irish people could be released from Gaza today.

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Speaking after landing in Cairo in the early hours of Wednesday morning, Tanaiste Micheal Martin said it is good news to see the first Irish citizens included on the evacuation list since the Israeli bombardment of the enclave began last month.

Obviously it is still a very fluid situation, but we're very hopeful that a number of Irish citizens will get through, and we will continue to work on the remaining Irish citizens to get them through, Mr Martin said.

As the Irish Examiner reports, those on the list were making their way towards the Rafah border last night after being informed that they had been officially sanctioned to leave on Tuesday evening.

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The Department of Foreign Affairs said it understands that some Irish citizens may be listed for a departure from Gaza on Wednesday.

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It said: We remain in contact with our citizens in Gaza as this complex situation evolves.

President Higgins today met with 8 year old Irish-Israeli citizen Emily Hand's father and sister Thomas and Natali Hand; as well as Maya Lambroso, Tal Yeshurun and Eylon Keshet, relatives of all of whom are being held hostage in Gaza. Full statement: https://t.co/hxW9a7xWzM pic.twitter.com/V9oYTSnCS8  President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) November 14, 2023 Advertisement

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.

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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.

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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.

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"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 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.

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 said: We have been engaging intensively internationally through political, official and security channels in a bid to secure Emilys safe return.

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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, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said it was important not to forget Emilys case.

He said he met Ms Erlich with 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.
Irish national Ayman Shaheen, along with his wife Suha, daughter Rawan (19) and son Ibrahim (12) is hopeful of getting through the Rafah crossing into Egypt today.

The family, which has been in the Rafah area since October, told RTE radios Morning Ireland that they were contacted by the Department of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday night that they are on the list to leave today.

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We are so lucky. We kept checking, twice a day. We are lucky to be alive. It is a great feeling that we are leaving.

Mr Shaheen thanked the Department of Foreign Affairs they did a great job.

His family was lucky to be leaving, he said. But 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza will continue under the nightmare. The terrible war. But for me and for my family, as I said, we are so lucky to be able to go to cross the border.

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The family is four kilometres from the border crossing at present. Mr Shaheen said he has a friend with a car who will drive them to the crossing. It was dangerous, but we have to do it.

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He anticipates that it will take an hour to cross through the border station and once they are on the Egyptian side they will be met by officials from the Irish embassy in Cairo.

It's an excellent feeling. Finally, we'll do it. We will cross the border. You feel like God has chosen you to survive. It's a great feeling we are leaving.

Everything in Gaza is upside down. It is hell to be honest. It is hard to find food, hard to find water. It's hard for everyone. I am lucky. I am so happy that I am going to leave."
Israel has become a country blinded by rage waging a war on children, Simon Harris has said.

The Minister for Higher Education slammed the attack by Hamas on Israel in October as despicable.

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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 Dail 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 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.

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He said he is proud of the stance of the 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 territories.

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

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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.

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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.
US President Joe Biden and Chinas Xi Jinping opened their first face-to-face meeting in more than a year with a solid handshake ahead of talks with far-reaching implications for a world grappling with economic cross-currents, wars in the Middle East and Europe, tensions in Taiwan and more.

The two leaders, meeting at a country estate outside San Francisco, are looking to get communication back on track after a tumultuous year and to show the world that while they are global economic competitors, they are not locked in a winner-takes-all face-off.

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Mr Biden arrived first and awaited Mr Xi, who got out of a black car and took Mr Bidens hand before the two leaders walked a red carpet through the estates grand entrance with a China flag on one side and a US flag on the other. Five Marines stood in formation.

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The two kicked off talks discussing how important and necessary the relationship is between the two nations, particularly as the world recovers from the global pandemic.

Mr Biden said the goal of the summit was for the leaders to understand each other, and Mr Xi said they bear heavy responsibilities for the world.

For two large countries like China, United States, turning their back on each other is not an option, Mr Xi said through a translator. Planet Earth is big enough for the two countries to succeed.





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Mr Biden noted that the two leaders have known each other for years but have not always agreed, and stressed how important their in-person meeting was on Wednesday.

Its paramount that you and I understand each other clearly, leader to leader, with no misconceptions or miscommunication, Mr Biden said.

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Since they last met, already fraught ties have been further strained by the US downing of a Chinese spy balloon that had traversed the continental US and by differences on the self-ruled island of Taiwan, Chinas hacking of a Biden officials emails and other incidents.

Mr Biden is expected to let Mr Xi know that he would like China to use its sway over Iran to make clear that Tehran or its proxies should not take action that could lead to an expansion of the Israel-Hamas war.

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The Biden administration also sees the Chinese, a big buyer of Iranian oil, as having considerable leverage with Iran, which is a major backer of Hamas.



President Joe Biden and Chinas President Xi Jinping (Doug Mills/The New York Times via AP)

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Ahead of the meeting, senior White House officials said Mr Biden would walk away with better, more concrete outcomes compared with their last meeting, in November 2022 in Bali, Indonesia, on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

There will be agreements from China to help stop the flow of chemicals used in the production of illicit fentanyl, and to revive communications between the militaries  increasingly important particularly as unsafe or unprofessional incidents between the two nations ships and aircraft have spiked.

Mr Biden on Tuesday billed the meeting as a chance to get Washington and Beijing back on a normal course corresponding once again.

But White House National Council spokesman John Kirby said Mr Biden was not going to be afraid to confront where confrontation is needed on issues where we dont see eye to eye.

Were also not going to be afraid, nor should we be afraid, as a confident nation, to engage in diplomacy on ways which we can co-operate with China  on climate change, for instance, and clean energy technology, Mr Kirby said.

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With American and Chinese flags flying, people watch as the motorcade carrying President Joe Biden drives past in San Francisco (Evan Vucci/ AP)

Mr Biden will be focused on managing the countries increasingly fierce economic competition and keeping open lines of communication to prevent misunderstandings that could lead to direct conflict between the two powers.

While he is expected to defend US expansion of export controls on semiconductor chips, he also will assure Mr Xi that the US is not trying to wage economic war with Beijing amid continuing signs that Chinas economy is struggling to recover from the disruptions of the pandemic.

Mr Xi, meanwhile, is looking for assurances from Mr Biden that the US will not support Taiwan independence, start a new cold war or suppress Chinas economic growth. He is also keen to show the US that China is still a good place to invest.

Even before their meeting, there were some signs of a thaw: the State Department on Tuesday announced that the US and China  two of the worlds biggest polluters  had agreed to pursue efforts to triple renewable energy capacity globally by 2030, through wind, solar and other renewables.

They are in California for the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation forum, but they met one-on-one at Filoli Estate, a country house and museum about 25 miles south of San Francisco.
US president Joe Biden on Tuesday attacked former president Donald Trump for using the word "vermin" to refer to his political enemies, saying it echoed the language of Nazi Germany.

At a recent rally in New Hampshire, Mr Trump repeated his false claim that fraud cost him the 2020 presidential election and told the crowd he would "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."

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Mr Biden said Mr Trump's comments echoed language heard in Nazi Germany in the 1930s.

"In just the last few days, Trump has said if he returns to office he's gonna go after all those who oppose him and wipe out what he called the 'vermin...in America'... it echoes language you heard in Nazi Germany in the 30s. It isn't even the first time," Mr Biden said at a fundraiser in San Francisco.

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"Trump also recently talked about quote, 'the blood of America is being poisoned'... Again, echoes the same phrases used in Nazi Germany." Mr Biden said.

Mr Trump's comments drew immediate criticism online, with some historians saying his language mirrored that of autocrats who have sought to dehumanise their foes.

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Donald Trump yells to the crowd before delivering remarks during a campaign event on November 11th, 2023 in Claremont, New Hampshire. Photo: Scott Eisen/Getty Images

Mr Trump, the frontrunner for the Republican nomination to challenge Mr Biden in November 2024, has a long history of using incendiary rhetoric to describe his perceived enemies. He told a right-leaning news site recently that immigrants who entered the country illegally were "poisoning the blood of our country".

Steven Cheung, a Trump campaign spokesman, has previously rejected the comparisons to Nazis, Hitler and Italy's Mussolini.

"Those who try to make that ridiculous assertion are clearly snowflakes grasping for anything because they are suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome and their sad, miserable existence will be crushed when President Trump returns to the White House," Mr Cheung said.

Snowflake is a term used to dismiss a person as easily offended or overly sensitive.
Suella Braverman said she struck a deal with Rishi Sunak during the leadership contest that paved the way to him becoming British prime minister when his opponents dropped out.

In a scathing letter following her sacking as home secretary, Mrs Braverman told Mr Sunak he had no personal mandate to lead the UK after losing the 2022 Conservative leadership contest to Liz Truss.

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But the Leave campaigner said, despite that, she agreed to serve in his Cabinet because of firm assurances he gave her on key policy priorities after Ms Trusss premiership quickly unravelled.

Mrs Braverman said she agreed to come back as home secretary  having been forced out by Ms Truss  on certain conditions.

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The right-wing politician said they included a commitment to reduce net migration into Britain and efforts to tackle international blocks on deporting those who arrive across the English Channel via small boats.

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She said her support for him, as a result of their alleged backroom pact, helped him secure the keys to Downing Street.

Mrs Braverman told him that it was generally agreed that my support was a pivotal factor in winning the leadership contest and thus enabling you to become Prime Minister.

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In her letter to Mr Sunak, published on X  formerly Twitter  on Tuesday: 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;

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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;

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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.

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My letter to the Prime Minister pic.twitter.com/7OBzaZnxr2  Suella Braverman MP (@SuellaBraverman) November 14, 2023

She said the supposed deal amounted to a document with clear terms to which you agreed in October 2022 during your second leadership campaign.

The MP for Fareham went on to describe how she trusted him as British prime minister to deliver on the alleged pledges, but that he had repeatedly failed to deliver on every single one of these key policies.

Mrs Bravermans first spell heading up the Home Office under Ms Truss culminated in her effective dismissal for leaking confidential cabinet papers to right-wing backbencher Sir John Hayes, a long-serving MP reported to have significant sway over her.

A subsequent inquiry found she had sent confidential papers to her personal email account on a number of occasions.

But she was brought back as home secretary by Mr Sunak just days after she left office in what was reported to be a deal to ensure she would support his leadership campaign following Ms Trusss resignation.

He became Tory leader and subsequently prime minister after his rivals, including former prime minister Boris Johnson and Penny Mordaunt, stepped aside.

Mr Sunak decided on Monday to dismiss Mrs Braverman as home secretary  her second sacking from the same role in 13 months  following a series of controversies.

In the days before being fired, Mrs Braverman had described rough sleeping as a lifestyle choice and refused to water down an opinion article for a newspaper in which she attacked the Metropolitan Police over its handling of pro-Palestinian protests.

Her position was taken by James Cleverly in a reshuffle, with his sideways move making way for former prime minister David Cameron  now Lord Cameron  to make a return as Foreign Secretary.

Downing Street, in its reply to the former home secretarys letter, thanked Mrs Braverman for her service but did not touch on her suggestion a deal had been done ahead of Mr Sunak entering No 10.
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.

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In her first solo statement since the death of Perry on October 28th, Cox shared a video of the pair filming the London scene in which the studio audiences unmistakable reaction could be heard.

View this post on Instagram Advertisement A post shared by Courteney Cox (@courteneycoxofficial)

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.

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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.

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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.

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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 3rd, according to US reports.

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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. Photo: Ian West/PA.

Entertainment Matt LeBlanc says some of his favourite times we... Read More

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.
French authorities have issued international arrest warrants for Syrian president Bashar Assad, his brother and two army generals, alleging their involvement in war crimes and crimes against humanity including in the chemical attack in 2013 on rebel-held Damascus suburbs, lawyers said.

In addition to president Assad, the arrest warrants were issued for his brother, Maher Assad, the commander of the fourth armoured division, and two Syrian army generals, Ghassan Abbas and Bassam al-Hassan.

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Jeanne Sulzer and Clemence Witt, lawyers at the Paris Bar who represent the plaintiffs, and NGOs behind the complaint, hailed the decision by judicial authorities on Wednesday.

It marks a crucial milestone in the battle against impunity, Ms Sulzer told The Associated Press.

Douma, the site of a suspected chemical weapons attack, near Damascus, Syria (AP)

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It signifies a positive evolution in case law recognizing the grave nature of the crimes committed.

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The Paris prosecutors office has not publicly commented on the arrest warrants that remain secret under French law amid an ongoing investigation.

Legally speaking, this is a procedural act as the investigation into the 2013 attacks in Eastern Ghouta and Douma continues, Ms Sulzer said.

The four individuals named in the arrest warrants can be arrested and brought to France for questioning by the investigative judges, she added.

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More than 1,000 people were killed and thousands were injured in the August 2013 attacks on Douma and Eastern Ghouta.

The investigation into the two chemical weapons attacks has been conducted under universal jurisdiction in France by investigative judges of the Specialised Unit for Crimes against Humanity and War Crimes of the Paris Judicial Court.

The warrant relates to attacks in 2013 on rebel-held Damascus suburbs, lawyers for Syrian victims said (AP)

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The investigation was opened in March 2021 in response to a criminal complaint by the survivors, and filed by the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM).

Mazen Darwish, the SCMs director, said the issuing of arrest warrants is a new victory for the victims, their families and survivors of the 2013 attacks.

Mr Assads government was widely deemed by the international community to be responsible for the August 21 2013 sarin gas attack in the then-opposition-held Damascus suburb of eastern Ghouta.

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The Syrian government and its allies have denied their responsibility and claimed the Ghouta attack was carried out by opposition forces trying to push for foreign military intervention.

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The United States threatened military retaliation in the aftermath of the attack, with then-president Barack Obama saying Mr Assads use of chemical weapons would be Washingtons red line.

However, the US public and congress were wary of a new war, as invasions in Afghanistan and Iraq had turned into quagmires.

In the end, Washington settled for a deal with Moscow for Syria to give up its chemical weapons stockpile.

Syria says it eliminated its chemical arsenal under the 2013 agreement. However, watchdog groups have continued to allege chemical attacks by Syrian government forces since then.
Israeli troops have stormed into Gazas largest hospital, searching for traces of Hamas inside and beneath the facility filled with hundreds of patients, including newborns, who have gone for days without electricity and with little food as fighting raged around them.

Details from the raid remained sketchy, but officials from Israel and Gaza presented different narratives about what was happening at the hospital.

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The Israeli army released video footage showing soldiers carrying boxes labelled as baby food and medical supplies, while Gaza health officials talked of terrified staff and patients as troops moved through the buildings.

After encircling the Shifa Hospital for days, Israel faced pressure to prove its claim that Hamas had transformed it into a command base, using the patients, staff and civilians sheltering there to provide cover for its militants  part of Israels broader accusation that Hamas uses Palestinians as human shields.

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Israel released a video late Wednesday of weapons it said it found in one building, but so far its search showed no signs of tunnels or a sophisticated command centre.

The video released by the military from inside Shifa showed three duffel bags it said it found hidden around an MRI lab, each containing an assault rifle, grenades and Hamas uniforms, as well as a closet that contained a number of assault rifles without ammunition clips.

These weapons have absolutely no business being inside a hospital, Lt Col Jonathan Conricus, a military spokesman, said in the video, adding that he believed the material was just the top of the iceberg.

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The raid drew condemnation from the UN, Jordan and the West Banks Palestinian Authority, which called it a violation of international law.

Separately, the UN Security Council approved a resolution calling for humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout Gaza after four failed attempts to respond to the Israel-Hamas war.

Israeli troops taking part in a ground operation in the Gaza Strip (AP)

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Hamas and Gaza health officials deny militants operate in Shifa, and Palestinians and rights groups say Israel has recklessly endangered civilians as it seeks to eradicate Hamas.

The war between Israel and Hamas erupted after the militant group killed some 1,200 people and seized around 240 captives in a surprise attack on October 7. Israel has since killed thousands of Palestinians and unleashed widespread destruction in Gaza.

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More than 11,200 people, two thirds of them women and children, have been killed in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah.

About 2,700 people have been reported missing, with most believed to be buried under the rubble. The ministrys count does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths.

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As Israeli forces tighten their hold on northern Gaza, Israeli leaders have increasingly talked of expanding their ground operation into the south to root out Hamas.

Already, most of Gazas population of 2.3 million has crowded into the territorys south, where a worsening fuel shortage on Wednesday threatened to paralyse the delivery of humanitarian services and shut down the mobile phone and internet network.

A Palestinian wounded in Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip is brought to a hospital in Khan Younis (AP)

Israeli forces launched their raid into the large Shifa compound at around 2am and appeared to remain there more than 15 hours later. It was not possible to independently assess the situation inside.

Munir al-Boursh, a senior official with Gazas Health Ministry inside the hospital, said Israeli forces ransacked the basement and other buildings, including those housing the emergency and surgery departments.

Patients, women and children are terrified, he said by phone to the Associated Press. Another doctor there, Adnan al-Bursh, told Al-Jazeera TV that the troops removed displaced families who had been sheltering in the basement.

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Neither the Palestinians nor the military reported any clashes inside the hospital during the raid. The military said its troops at the start of the operation killed four militants outside the hospital.

Throughout days of fighting in the surrounding streets, there has been no report of militants firing from inside Shifa.

The Israeli military said it was carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in the hospital, adding that it was separate from where patients and medical staff are located.

An explosion rocks the Gaza Strip (AP)

The military said the soldiers were accompanied by medical teams bringing in incubators. It shared footage of them unloading equipment inside the hospital compound.

It added that forces are searching for hostages. The plight of the captives, who include men, women and children, has galvanised Israeli support for the war, and families and supporters of the hostages are holding a protest march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

The raid drew condemnation from Jordan and the internationally recognised Palestinian Authority, which called it a violation of international law.

UN aid chief Martin Griffiths said he was appalled by the raid, saying the protection of civilians must override all other concerns.

At one point, tens of thousands of Palestinians seeking safety from Israeli bombardment were sheltering at the hospital, but most left in recent days as the fighting drew closer. A few thousand remained behind, along with patients, including premature babies, whose fate has drawn particular concern.

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The Health Ministry said 40 patients, including three babies, have died since Shifas emergency generator ran out of fuel on Saturday. Another 36 babies are at risk of dying because there is no power for incubators, according to the ministry.

Hours before Israels raid, the United States said its own intelligence indicated militants have used Shifa and other hospitals  and tunnels beneath them  to support military operations and hold hostages.

"Inside the Strip, there is nowhere safe for Gazas one million children to turn."



Full statement by @unicefchief on her visit to Gaza: https://t.co/oALD4WR80Z  UNICEF (@UNICEF) November 14, 2023

With its troops inside Shifa, the burden will shift to Israel to prove its claim that the facility was being used by militants and that it was a big enough military target to justify the battle that isolated its patients for days and a fuel embargo that eventually shut down incubators and other life-saving equipment.

Hospitals can lose their protected status if combatants use them for military purposes, but civilians must be given ample time to flee, and any attack must be proportional to the military objective.

The deteriorating conditions at Shifa reflect the broader deprivations across the besieged territory, which has been without central electricity or running water for weeks.

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Hardly any aid has been delivered to the north. About two thirds of the territorys 2.3 million people have fled their homes  and most are now squeezed into the southern part of the narrow coastal strip, where conditions are also deteriorating as the bombardment there continues.

After refusing to allow fuel into Gaza for weeks, Israeli defence officials changed course early Wednesday to let in some 24,000 litres, but the fuel will only allow the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, known as the UNRWA, to continue bringing limited supplies of food and medicine from Egypt.

The agency is providing basic services to the more than 600,000 people sheltering in severely overcrowded UN-run schools and other facilities in the south.

Thomas White, director of the UNRWA in Gaza, said that under Israeli restrictions the fuel would only be used for transporting aid from Egypt.

I'm appalled by reports of military raids in Al Shifa hospital in #Gaza.



The protection of newborns, patients, medical staff and all civilians must override all other concerns.



Hospitals are not battlegrounds.  Martin Griffiths (@UNReliefChief) November 15, 2023

No fuel for water or hospitals, he said, adding that the amount is equivalent to only 9% of what we need daily to sustain lifesaving activities.

Israeli troops, meanwhile, have extended their control across northern Gaza, capturing the territorys legislature building and police headquarters.

The military says Israeli forces have completed the takeover of the Shati refugee camp, a densely built district, and are moving about freely in the city as a whole.

The military says its forces have found weapons and eliminated fighters in government buildings, schools and residential buildings. Israel says it has killed several thousand fighters, including important mid-level commanders, while 46 of its own soldiers have been killed in Gaza.

Inside some of the newly captured buildings, soldiers held up the Israeli flag and military flags in celebration.

Defense minister Yoav Gallant said on Wednesday the ground operation will eventually include both the north and south, adding: We will strike Hamas wherever it is.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed the plans, saying Israels goal is a complete victory over Hamas in the south and the return of our hostages.

Israel told residents of northern Gaza to evacuate south, saying it wanted to get civilians out of the path of its ground assault, and hundreds of thousands fled.

If Israeli troops move south, it is not clear where Gazas population can flee, with Egypt refusing a mass transfer onto its soil.
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.

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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.

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The inquiry said it had not seen evidence that Mr Adams was involved in trying to hold back the murder investigation.

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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. Photo: Victoria Jones/PA.

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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.

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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.

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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.
The UK's Supreme Court has ruled that the Rwanda asylum policy is unlawful, in a major blow for Rishi Sunaks promise to stop the boats.

Justices at the UKs highest court rejected the British governments appeal over its policy of removing asylum seekers to the east African nation if they arrive by unauthorised means.

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Flights forcibly removing migrants to Kigali are unlikely to take place any time soon after the ruling on the flagship policy that has been stalled by more than a year of legal challenges.

David Cameron and James Cleverly with fellow members of the UK cabinet (Kin Cheung/PA)

In a summary of the judgment read out by Supreme Court President Lord Reed on Wednesday, the justices found there would be a risk of genuine asylum seekers being returned by Rwanda to the home country from where they fled.

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The flagship asylum policy was first announced by Boris Johnson back in April 2020, but not a single migrant has been removed to Kigali after a series of legal challenges.

Mr Sunak will deliver his verdict on the ruling at prime ministers questions, before new home secretary James Cleverly gives further details.

Suella Braverman warned after her sacking as UK home secretary that there is no credible Plan B if the court rejects the government appeal.

In a unanimous decision by the five top justices, they agreed the High Court was entitled to rule that there is substantial grounds to believe there is a real risk of refugees being returned home.

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But Lord Reed made clear the judgment was only on the current risk in Rwanda and said that the changes needed to reduce the risk may be delivered in the future.
Rishi Sunak is facing unrest in the Tory ranks over the UK supreme courts ruling that the British governments Rwanda scheme is unlawful, with backbenchers warning his future could be decided by his response to the setback.

The New Conservatives grouping of MPs said the judgment felt existential for the party, while deputy chairman Lee Anderson said ministers should ignore the law and start sending asylum seekers to the east African nation.

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Backbenchers on the Tory right are now calling for a drastic overhaul of the UKs rights and treaties framework, potentially going beyond their previous suggestion of overriding the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR).

Other measures to disapply treaties such as the Refugee Convention should now be considered if necessary given the scope of the judgment, the New Conservatives have argued.

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Speaking after a meeting of the group with other Tory MPs on Wednesday, co-chair Danny Kruger said: The government should immediately announce an intention to do what is necessary to insist on our sovereignty.

That means legislation to override the effect of the European court, of the ECHR itself and of other conventions including the Refugee Convention if necessary.

Co-chair Miriam Cates did not say whether she maintained full confidence in the PM when asked by journalists.

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He has said he will do whatever it takes to stop the boats. The next few days will show whether weve got the legislative power and the political will to do that.

Ms Cates added: We will support him to do whatever it takes.

Tory Party deputy chairman Mr Anderson said the Government should ignore the laws and send migrants back the same day they arrive in the UK.

He described the supreme court judgment as a dark day for the British people and said ministers should just put the planes in the air now and send them to Rwanda.

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I think the British people have been very patient, Ive been very patient, and now theyre demanding action. And this has sort of forced our hand a little bit now, he said.

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My take is we should just put the planes in the air now and send them to Rwanda and show strength.

Its time for the government to show real leadership and send them back, same day. I think we should ignore the law and send them straight back the same day.

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Miriam Cates said the coming days will show whether there is the political will to move past the Supreme Court ruling (Danny Lawson/PA)

Jonathan Gullis, part of the New Conservatives grouping, said there was a range of options the Government could consider, including physically pushing small boats back into French waters in the Channel.

Obviously disappointing, the decision today for the Government, but crucially we need to make sure that a plan B is quickly enacted in order to retain the trust of voters and to make sure that we do deliver on that pledge to stop the boats, he said.

Something that myself, Danny Kruger and Bill Cash pushed before which was a notwithstanding amendment, maybe bring that in as a notwithstanding Bill to disapply all conventions and treaties that weve signed up to, which have been a blocker, clearly, from the judgment of the Supreme Court in enabling to enact such policies.

He said another option would be to literally push boats back into French territorial waters  or if not, take more direct action and actually start returning people to the French shores rather than bringing them back over to British shores, regardless of any conflict that may end up with the French government.

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Meanwhile, Brendan Clarke-Smith, another Conservative MP from the 2019 intake, posted a picture on X, formerly Twitter, of a 2016 Daily Mail headline suggesting judges were enemies of the people over a ruling on Brexit.

Weve been here before, he wrote.

He later insisted he had not been attacking justices of the Supreme Court but making a point about the democratic choices of British people, adding: Like we did then with Brexit, we solved the problem in Parliament and its my intention to make this happen again.

Former cabinet minister Simon Clarke said the British governments response to the legal setback would be a confidence issue in Mr Sunaks judgment as a prime minister.

He suggested emergency legislation would have to be put forward at a minimum to assert Parliaments sovereignty.

Mr Sunak has said Wednesdays ruling is not the outcome we wanted but that his government will consider next steps and has prepared for all eventualities.

Crucially, the Supreme Court  like the Court of Appeal and the High Court before it  has confirmed that the principle of sending illegal migrants to a safe third country for processing is lawful. This confirms the Governments clear view from the outset, he said.

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Illegal migration destroys lives and costs British taxpayers millions of pounds a year. We need to end it and we will do whatever it takes to do so.

Because when people know that if they come here illegally, they wont get to stay then they will stop coming altogether, and we will stop the boats.
A top Ukrainian official said the countrys troops have established a beachhead on the eastern bank of the Dnieper River near Kherson, an important advance in bridging one of Russias most significant strategic barriers in the war.

Andriy Yermak, head of the presidents office, provided no details but confirmed the development that has been widely discussed in military forums over the past month.

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Against all odds, Ukraines defence forces have gained a foothold on the left bank of the Dnieper, Mr Yermak told the Hudson Institute, a conservative Washington think tank.

Ever since Russian forces left the city of Kherson and the territory around it in November 2022, the only area they controlled on the west bank of the Dnieper, the river became a natural dividing line along the southern battlefront, preventing Ukrainian troops from advancing further into the Kherson region and towards Russian-annexed Crimea.

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Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  15 November 2023.



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/QEOsaicDO4



 #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/Lcs64e1wDO Advertisement  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) November 15, 2023

The barrier also allowed Russia to concentrate more troops in the heavily mined and fortified Zaporizhzhia region and eastern Ukraine.

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Since the summer, Ukrainian forces have crossed the Dnieper in small groups to create a foothold near the Kherson bridge and more recently sought to expand their presence in nearby villages on the east bank, including Krynky.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in Washington said Mr Yermaks comments confirm its own assessments over the past month that Ukraine was conducting larger-than-usual ground operations on the eastern bank of the river and appeared to be holding its positions and supplying troops in the Russian-controlled Kherson region.

Satellite imagery from Monday showed forces advancing on Krynky, one of the areas on the eastern bank of the Dnieper about 22 miles north-east of the city of Kherson, the ISW said.

Russian military bloggers have reported intense fighting near Krynky.

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The Moscow-appointed governor for the Russia-occupied part of the Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, said Ukrainian forces lost up to two battalions crossing the Dnieper and trying to maintain their foothold on the left bank.

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On his Telegram channel, he claimed that Ukrainian forces holed up in Krynky were facing a fiery hell of intense bombardment and were being destroyed on a large scale.

The Ukrainian forces have long established positions in several areas on the eastern bank of the Dnieper and sought to expand them, using boats to ferry supplies.

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Two boats of Ukrainian marines navigate along a river close to the front line near Kherson (Alex Babenko/AP)

Ukraine lost control over almost the entire Kherson region, including the city of Kherson, in March 2022, right after the full-scale invasion started.

Russian troops advanced from the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014, facing almost no resistance even though the Ukraine border was supposed to be heavily guarded.

Crossing the Dnieper could allow Ukraine to outflank Russia without having to break through the heavily mined and fortified front line in the Zaporizhzhia region.

It would also provide the most direct land route to Crimea, where Armiansk, one of the two gateways to the peninsula, lies about 50 miles to the south without any significant fortifications in the way.

In other developments, at least two civilians were killed and 14 wounded in Ukraine in the past day, the presidents office said.

In the eastern Donetsk region, Russians launched a massive missile attack on Selydove that wounded three people and damaged eight high-rise buildings and others.

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In the Kherson region, seven people were wounded during shelling of residential areas of Beryslav and the city of Kherson.

Drones killed a 26-year-old man in Nikopol, on the opposite bank of the river from the area near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

In the Kharkiv region, shelling near Izium struck a car and killed a 33-year-old driver and wounded a passenger.
Lord Of The Strings - "Stone By Stone" | Pinecastle Records

Nashville, Tenn. - Bluegrass mainstays Tony Wray, Tim Crouch and Dennis Parker are excited to announce the formation of their new collaborative studio ensemble, Lord Of The Strings. The idea behind the group is to bring together three music veterans, all with the purpose of releasing future recordings. The first offering is the latest single, Stone By Stone which is out today via Pinecastle Records. Bluegrass enthusiasts can download and/or stream the full song HERE.



All three musicians have been friends for years and frequently recorded together. The latest venture will only be to work on new studio material, as Wray currently tours with Dale Ann Bradley and The Dillards, Parker is a member of Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, and Crouch is a full-time session musician. While each member has a very busy schedule, their paths will cross on upcoming music to come, as Lord Of The Strings looks to continue to capitalize on the magic theyve created over the years, with even more exciting things to come.



On the new single Stone By Stone, it sees Tony Wray performing lead and harmony vocals. He also showcases his world-class musicianship tackling nearly every instrumental alongside Tim Crouch who plays fiddle. The tune may sound familiar to some listeners, as it was originally released as a Country song in 1990 as the title-track from Tim Mensys debut album. The newly invigorated version showcases a different side of the cut, but with a must-hear Bluegrass twist.



With the holidays right around the corner, Lord Of The Strings have several surprises coming up, including new Christmas music. Theyre also in the studio working on new material that will come out in 2024. Stay tuned for more exciting news to come!
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 Youve never seen a tree quite like this. Its almost impossible to stand in front of this digitally created projection of an enormous kapok tree from the Colombian rainforest and ever look at the natural environment in the same way again. You can peer through the layers of nutrient networks being absorbed by its roots and see the almost mystical process of photosynthesis that produces the oxygen we all breathe, demonstrating the trees role as a living bridge between the soil and the sky. To stare at this five-metre-high screen, whether in total darkness and silence or surrounded by others, brings a remarkable sense of wonder and a reminder of the deep link between humans and nature. Art has a great resonant power to take complex issues, distil them into relatable feelings, and make them tangible, says Ersin Han Ersin, a partner and creative director at London-based experimental digital art collective Marshmallow Laser Feast, who spent weeks mapping the tree in early 2020. Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature, 2023. Credit: Eugene Hyland To create this giant digital tree, Sanctuary of the Unseen Forest, the group travelled to the Colombian Amazon to conduct a series of Lidar scanning sessions, ambisonic field recordings, and interviews with indigenous leaders and ethnobotanists to identify species and their stories.

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The trees heartbeat reverberates through the room as we visualise the invisible  the flow of nutrients, Ersin says. This pulsing draws the audience in on a journey from the crown to the soil. There they meet the woven mycelial bridge between land and the sky. As the visitors breathe with the tree, the installation becomes a sanctuary, a place to reflect and contemplate our place within the wider systems of nature. It is just one of the five major digital artworks that make up Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature in an awe-inspiring world premiere exhibition at Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI). Marshmallow Laser Feast, Distortions in Spacetime, 2018. Credit: Courtesy of the artists The collectives cutting-edge work has mesmerised audiences across the globe  from Sundance and Tribeca Film Festivals to Londons V&A Museum and beyond  using immersive technology to deepen our understanding of, and connection to, the world around us. Viewers can struggle for words in the minutes immediately after viewing their creations. In the New York screening of one of the five works in the ACMI exhibition, some visitors cried. Marshmallow Laser Feast co-founder Ersin Han Ersin: The installation becomes a sanctuary. Via guided meditation and transcendent, interactive large-screen experiences, visitors evolve from droplets of water to majestic and ancient trees, cells and black holes  gaining a deeper understanding of the natural world, and their place within it. The collective has collaborated with biologists, geologists, gaming specialists and spatial audio engineers as well as creatives including filmmaker Terrence Malick,actress Cate Blanchett, poet Daisy Lafarge, and Radioheads Jonny Greenwood.

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Founded in 2012, a fascination with all things intangible has led the collective to tackle one of the most complex issues of our time: the climate crisis. It hopes that the installations will encourage people to connect with the natural world and in turn protect it. The more we fall in love with the natural world, the more evident it has become to put our creative expression in service of bettering this relationship, Ersin says. For us, as an artist collective, combining scientific knowledge, emerging immersive technologies, and experiential art to tap into a world beyond the limits of human senses is essential. While their work spans a range of mediums, deciding on the right one for each project is vital if they want their storytelling to resonate with audiences. We tend to set creative boundaries that are often pointing at a small group of potential mediums, and as we progress into the research phase they are loosely decided, leaving enough room for experimentation with different mediums for happy accidents, Ersin says. Marshmallow Laser Feast, Evolver, 2020. Credit: Paul McGeiver Evolver, a virtual reality exhibit about human breath, takes visitors on a voyage through the body, following the flow of oxygen to its origin as a single living cell. Originally devised as a VR experience, the work has been reimagined for ACMI. It includes a meditation space with narration from Blanchett, who murmurs in your ear about the relationship between your body and the world beyond it. Its a visual journey of the breath, and a hypnotic sequence that connects the birth of a cell with the cosmos. Visitors have the option of experiencing it in the original VR format with a headset add-on.

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It was through the collaboration with Malick that the collective was able to link up with the Blue Jasmine actress. Ive got no idea how all that happened, says MLF co-founder Barney Steel. It was like a synchronicity tsunami  one thing led to another and, yeah, we were pinching ourselves. Marshmallow Laser Feast, Evolver, 2023. Credit: Courtesy of the artists and Wave Museum Loading Steel, who produced U2 music videos in a previous life, says this will be the first time Evolver has been seen with full-scale projections and multichannel sound installations. Its not just virtual reality, but also thinking about screens as windows into the virtual world, he says. So this will be the  fullest expression of it. Visually, human breath streams and swirls around you like the Milky Way; blood vents as explosively as lava. The path of the molecules that appear to surround you can be modestly altered by swooping your hand across your body.

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ACMI chief executive Seb Chan describes Works of Nature as an unforgettable experience that could inspire everyone to work towards a better future. This exhibition reflects the power of large-scale moving image works and creative use of projection technologies to produce immersive experiences that demonstrate how our bodies and the natural world are so intrinsically connected, he says. Marshmallow Laser Feast, Distortions in Spacetime, 2018. Credit: Courtesy of the artists. Other works include Distortions in Spacetime, an interactive audiovisual installation that helps us grasp the connection between human life and the cosmos; The Tides Within Us, large-scale images that map the passage of oxygen from our lungs to our heart and body; and We Live in an Ocean of Air, a 20-minute meditation on the out-breath that uncovers further connections between plants and people. Steel hopes the experience will give the audience a newfound sense of awe and wonder, or simply the feeling of just being alive. You might come in with a certain idea of what a tree is, or what a tree is in relationship to you, but the artwork will let you experience how your out-breath flows into a tree, and then how the trees out-breath flows into your body, Steel says. Simply put, in order for you to exist and breathe in the first place, youre woven into a relationship with the plant kingdom. Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature is at ACMI, November 23 until April 14, 2024.
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 comedian Steve Martin who first mined laughs at the expense of the museum antiquity blockbuster 45 years ago. Then a Saturday Night Live regular, Martin dressed as King Tutankhamun to send up a travelling exhibition of pharaonic treasures making a six-city, 2-year tour across the United States. As Americans queued for hours for a look-see, Martin mocked the sale of trinkets, toys, posters, and T-shirts while thanking the boy king for giving his life for tourism. The Gold Gilded mask from the coffin of Pharaoh Amenemope is installed at the Australian Museum. Credit: Steven Siewert The roadshow that Martin skewered, Treasures of Tutankhamun, is widely regarded as the first of the modern-day blockbuster  those packaged exhibitions with mass appeal and a souvenir shop at the exit. Its the granddaddy of three international treasure shows opening across Australian east coast capital cities from November 18. The Australian Museum kicks off the year of ancient Egyptian mania with Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs, endorsed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. At the launch on Friday, the Australian Museum announced that it had pre-sold 100,000 tickets for its new blockbuster, an unprecedented public response.

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The Egyptian head of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Dr Mostafa Waziry has boldly predicted a million visitors by the shows end, which would be an attendance record for the museum. A month later, the National Museum of Australia opens Discovering Ancient Egypt, an exhibition of more than 220 objects from the Rijksmuseum Van Oudheden (National Museum of Antiquities) in the Netherlands  one of the finest collections of Egyptian antiquities outside of Egypt. And come June, the British Museum is making its most ambitious international loan of ancient Egyptian artefacts to the National Gallery of Victoria. Ramses IIs coffin will be making the journey to Australia for a blockbuster exhibition about one of ancient Egypts greatest Pharaohs. The arrival of these three shows in quick succession is mostly a consequence of the havoc wrought by COVID-19 which sidelined global museum loans for two years and disrupted museum schedules. These things do happen, NGVs senior curator of international programs, Miranda Wallace, says of the rush. Its like buses: theres nothing for ages, then three come along. Beyond Tutankhamun

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The worlds obsession with the ancient Egyptians began with Napoleons military campaign in Egypt and kicked off again with British archaeologist Howard Carters 1922 discovery of the royal tomb of Tutankhamun. Egyptology is now deeply enmeshed in popular culture and mythology: the gold, precious gems, secret burial chambers, coded script, treasure hunters and the ancients quest for immortality play into almost every storybook fantasy and Hollywood film trope. Australian Museum chief executive Kim McKay first observed the audience pulling power of Ancient Egypt while working at National Geographic as a senior vice president. Its that human interest, that curiosity to go back in time, she says. Its the same level of curiosity an adventurer might have exploring a new ocean or a new shore, a new country. Five years ago, the Australian Museum received a $57.5 million renovation to cope with the nine visitors every minute it was expecting to rush to an upcoming Tutankhamun blockbuster. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, the Egyptian government recalled the show, and in Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs, McKay says the museum has found a superior replacement.

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Ramses is a cut above Tutankhamun, says McKay. Ramses II is a much more intriguing figure. He stayed on the throne for 67 years, and hes called Ramses the Great because of his military conquests and the many monuments he erected in his own honour. That man certainly had a healthy ego. He fathered 100 children and was an incredible individual in his own right. Ramses boasts all the bells and whistles Australia has come to expect of an imported blockbuster, setting a high value on exclusivity and the rare display of the sarcophagus of Ramses II, its star attraction. A bust of Ramses the Great. This show comes to Sydney from Paris, the fourth stop on a 10-city international tour packaged by promoters World Heritage Exhibitions and Neon Global, creators of the Jurassic World: The Exhibition at Olympic Park. Ramses leans heavily on digital technology to tell the story of the pharaohs reign including a virtual reality tour of two of Ramses most impressive monuments: the rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel and the Tomb of Queen Nefertari, Ramsess favourite royal consort. In cinematic motion chairs, visitors will fly through sandstorms and the 1275BC Battle of Kadesh  Ramses greatest military achievement  to come face to face with Ramses mummy. This is the nature of the blockbusters for an audience with two feet in the internet age, says McKay. They are fun, entertaining and educational.

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In Paris, where Ramses has spent the past five months, the exhibition drew more than 820,000 people. In Sydney, the Australian Museum has predicted 600,000 visitors, more than the 323,300 who rushed the countrys first Egyptian blockbuster at the Art Gallery of NSW in 1988. Some of the treasures that will be heading to the NGV. The modern antiquity blockbuster is designed for such mass appeal  to drive people through the doors of the museum who are not the regular gallery crowd. Costs are going up everywhere, as we know, McKay says. Its an unusual government that keeps throwing money at you, so we have to be more entrepreneurial to generate more income. The more people we get in who see these facilities, see our exhibitions, eat at our cafe, buy something at the shop, the better programs and facilities  all these things add up over time. Its a big reason why the NGV in Melbourne has shifted pace from its usual painterly offerings of 19th and 20th century masters for its first deep dive into the world of ancient Egyptian rulers as part of the Winter Masterpieces series. We want to bring new people into the gallery to introduce them to art and the gallery as a place to visit multiple times and to learn about artistic and creative expression, says Wallace, the gallerys senior curator of international programs. Its only part of a diverse exhibition program, but its an important part.

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Eating outRestaurant news Are these the best falafel in Sydney? Palestinian eatery Khamsa opens beside Sydney Park Try home-style Palestinian food, passed down through the generations, at this family-run cafe. Bianca Hrovat November 15, 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

Family run cafe Khamsa has reopened today in St Peters with an extensive menu of Palestinian dishes, including the best falafel in Sydney. Khamsa originally opened on King Street in 2019 as a plant-based Palestinian eatery, but this move comes with a larger 50-seat space and an extended menu, offering traditional meat dishes alongside vegan favourites. The new space is modern, with floor to ceiling windows overlooking Sydney Park and around 20 seats on the dog-friendly footpath. The Jerusalem bowl with the Shaweesh familys famous falafels. Rhett Whyman Co-founder and chef Sarah Shaweesh says the family (including parents Eman and Issa Shaweesh and husband Fares Hassan) are bringing new ideas to the table, developing dishes such as a herbaceous Palestinian omelette and planning a dinner service (set to begin mid-December).

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But the famous falafels will remain the same: crunchy on the outside, fluffy and verdant green on the inside, made with a secret family recipe. Im trying to be humble but really, we do have the best falafel in Sydney, Shaweesh says. Peppermint tea at Khamsa. Rhett Wyman All of the recipes are passed down from people in my family. Culturally, food is a very important part of our lives. Our grandmothers teach us, our aunties teach us, and my mum [Eman] is here with me in the [Khamsa] kitchen.

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Im trying to be humble but really, we do have the best falafel in Sydney. Co-founder and chef Sarah Shaweesh Community demand for specific Palestinian dishes encouraged the family to include animal products such as eggs, meat and milk on the new menu, though it remains mostly vegetarian. I want to share more of our cultural food and to be more accessible to the wider community, Shaweesh says. [Palestinian cuisine] is very much farmers food, so there are naturally lots of fresh vegetables, everything is homemade every day, and we use a lot of herbs and spices like sumac, zaatar, cinnamon, coriander and garlic. Khamsas previous location at King Street. Roger Stonehouse

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The menu features home-baked Palestinian bagels (with labneh and zaatar, or falafel, tahini and pickles); a selection of pastries (like musakhan fatayer, a hand pie stuffed with silverbeet, herbed salsa and sumac) and wraps. There are also share plates, with options like coconut labneh with house-made shatta (Middle Eastern hot sauce). The drinks list is similarly extensive, offering their signature Nablus coffee (with rosewater, milk and maple syrup) alongside house-blended chai, made-to-order juices, teas and smoothies. Open 7.30am-2.30pm Mon-Sun



Shop 1/655 King Street, St Peters khamsa.com.au
Serious dog attacks will be punishable by up to three years jail for irresponsible owners, and maximum fines of more than $100,000, under new laws to be introduced into Queensland parliament on Thursday.

Almost a year after a meter reader was killed by dogs south of Brisbane, the Palaszczuk government has detailed its response to a taskforce it established to review animal management laws in Queensland.

The Queensland government is set to announce a crackdown on dangerous dogs.

The proposed laws will include a statewide ban on owning certain breeds of dog  the American pit bull terrier or pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, dogo Argentino and Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario  with concessions for existing owners.

Legal processes around seized dangerous animals will also be streamlined to provide certainty to authorities and owners.
A Parkwood mother accused of stabbing her daughters secret boyfriend after finding him in her bedroom has had the charge against her upgraded.

Jennifer Mui Len Chin made a brief appearance in Armadale Magistrates Court on Wednesday over allegations she chased the 14-year-old around her home with a knife on October 17 before stabbing him four times in the chest and back.

Jennifer Chin leaving Armadale Magistrates Court on Wednesday after being granted bail. Credit: 9 News Perth

The 47-year-old accountant allegedly launched the attack after discovering the boy in her daughters bedroom, which was the first time she became aware of his existence.

Chin, who arrived at the courthouse flanked by family members and covering her face with a mask, had been charged with one count of unlawful wounding with a circumstance of aggravation.
A cheap ploy for political gain has brought on an ugly fight that parliament did not need to have and Australians did not need to hear.

Peter Dutton saw a chance to provoke Anthony Albanese on border protection, but ran so hard towards his big political moment that he tripped over himself with his angry, bellicose claims.

The result was an inflammatory attack that tried to whip up a sense of domestic panic over the war in the Middle East at the very time that the head of our peak security agency warns about the need for calm language.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton laid into the PM for being as weak as water. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Dutton went too far with a foolish attempt to link the release of 83 asylum seekers, as a result of a High Court decision, with the threat of antisemitism across Australia as a result of conflict in the Middle East, and claim that both proved the prime ministers weakness.
Sydney teal MPs Kylea Tink and Zali Steggall are sparring over changes to the borders of their electorates in a battle that could spell the end of one of their political careers.

One of their north Sydney seats could be abolished as part of an Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) redistribution of NSW electorates, to reflect population changes.

Sydney MPs Zali Steggall and Kylea Tink are arguing over which of their seats should be abolished. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

NSW needs to lose one of its 47 electorates, with a seat in Sydneys northern suburbs or inner west the most likely to be scrapped.

Tink, who represents North Sydney, and Steggall, who represents Warringah, have made conflicting suggestions to the commission that would protect the existence and shape of their own seats at the expense of the others.
The finalists in The Age/Dymocks Essay Prize, a new competition designed to encourage young writers to have their voices heard, have been selected.

Launched in August, the award aims to highlight the talent and skill of young writers across Victoria. Entrants between the ages of 14-18 and 19-24 were invited to respond to one of the following essay topics: What makes you optimistic about the future of Melbourne or Victoria?; How is Victoria different from the rest of the country, and how have those differences been established?; or What is the one law you would change and why?

Finalists have been announced in The Age/Dymocks Essay Prize. Credit: Aresna Villanueva

The judges were looking for original, compelling content, paired with exceptional writing skills, an engaging voice and style, and the ability to form a solid argument that is both thought-provoking and timely.

Thirteen finalists have been shortlisted in the 14-18 category, while four have been selected in the 19-24 category.
Linda said the decision for Wednesdays action had come from parents chatting after school about the distressing images theyd seen coming from Gaza. We dont have any sort of political connections. Were just people who have been watching and been horrified, she said. The fake bodies outside Immigration Minister Andrew Giles electorate office in Thomastown. Linda said No More Bodies in Gaza was calling for an immediate ceasefire and for the occupation of Gaza and the West Bank to be ceased and for the lives of Palestinians to be held in the same regard and with the same sense of importance as every other human being. She said the group included Jewish members and that they didnt seek to inflame tensions between any of Melbournes multicultural communities.

This is not about Jewish people, this is about the Israeli military. Im sorry for anyone who is disturbed, but it is disturbing, Linda said. Philip Zajac, from the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, said the protests were unsettling. The electorate office of Housing Minister Julie Collins in Tasmania was targeted in the protest. It was a very targeted protest  very meaningful. And it shows how bad war is. Its a terrible thing, he told Nine News. Australia Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni told 3AW he didnt know the group responsible, but he thought their act was a legitimate form of protest while acknowledging it could be triggering for some.

He later agreed that cooling the temperature in Australia was necessary and said the protest sits uncomfortably with me. But thats the job of protest, he added, to make the place uncomfortable, for discussion to be had. Why are people more enraged about this action than they are about seeing the genocide of the Palestinian people, televised live, each and every day? Mashni said in statement to this masthead. Actions like this one outside MP offices are designed to promote conversation, provoke thought and spark action  the call for an immediate ceasefire  by our elected representatives.

No More Bodies in Gaza also called for the government to withdraw diplomatic and economic support for the state of Israel along with the supply of arms. The bodies we have laid at the offices of the parliamentarians are equal to the number of Palestinian deaths per hour in Gaza, the group said in a statement. Loading These deaths are not just numbers  these were living, breathing human beings with families and aspirations ... A ceasefire alone will not end the occupation, and without an end, the cycle of violence will continue as it has done for the last 75 years. The groups statement said activists would not stop rallies, actions, letters and phone calls until the federal government responded to their requests.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has called for steps towards a ceasefire in Gaza, which the Israeli government has bombed in response to Hamas terror attack on October 7. About 1200 people died when Hamas fighters attacked sites inside Israel. More than 11,000 people have died in Gaza since the war began. Last month, about 100 pro-Palestine protesters called for a ceasefire outside Khalils electoral office in Coburg. All Labor MPs targeted in Wednesdays protests were contacted for comment, but none responded.

On Tuesday  before the fake bodies were placed outside his electorate office  Shorten told ABC that he recognised the distress of pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian groups, including during heated clashes in Caulfield on Friday night. But he urged groups to dial it down a bit. I respect that people have a point view and  I recognise that, and I do share the distress and all the scenes from October 7 onwards, he said. But I think as community leaders in Australia weve got to dial it down a bit, I actually think that we shouldnt be importing conflicts  to our own streets. With Olivia Ireland
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 If youve been jealously watching your friends overseas jaunts on social media, inwardly cursing them for having the finances or time to do the thing you wish you were, fear not. There is a way to turn this envy  along with our weak Australian dollar and current cost of living pressures  into a positive: holiday at home. We tend to overlook domestic travel, but it can help us widen our aperture for awe, leaving us better able to take in the magic in our own backyard. It can help us understand and more fully appreciate our own culture and extraordinarily diverse landscapes, which ultimately leads us to better custodianship. Not to mention the added benefit of lowering our carbon footprint. Loading While our wide brown land may not boast the urban cultures of Europe or Asia, we more than compensate with grand geographical wonders and unpeopled, unmodified beauty. Famous paintings in the Louvre or iconic structures like the Taj Mahal that you might glimpse over the shoulders of 15 or 150 other tourists, can pale in comparison with the 20,000-year-old artworks decorating the rock walls of Kakadu and the complexity of the landscape surrounding them. Meanwhile, the burnished cliffs of Western Australias Cape Leveque, or the otherworldly stalactites and stalagmites found in Victorias Buchan Caves, are as arresting as landscapes we might seek out in Namibia or Turkey. Below, weve rounded up a batch of these tantalising places and experiences you can only have in Australia. Youll find a mix of natural wonders and active experiences, charming towns and mysterious places abundant with Indigenous art and wisdom  from the bush to the beach, and everywhere between.

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This list is proof that ours is mostly a continent of wild and empty places, that reminds us theres always something older and greater than ourselves to acknowledge that can give our bodies and brains the space required to be restored. And its this, during discombobulating times, that is perhaps the ultimate gift of travelling on our island home. Western Australia Camp at Cape Leveque, Dampier Peninsula, The Kimberley Cape Leveque is Australia at its unpeopled best. Good for Adventure seekers who appreciate isolation.

Worth staying home for because Flaming crimson cliffs set against the turquoise Indian Ocean? Cape Leveque is Australia at its unpeopled best. Europes architectural delights will fade from mind after a day spent snorkelling and fishing, then stargazing from bed.

Dont miss A bush tucker tour with Bardi man Brian Lee. See brianleetagalong.com

Make it happen Visit during the dry season, April to October. Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm offers safari tents and shacks, a 30-minute drive across the peninsula. See visitbroome.com.au Hike in the Pinnacles Desert, Nambung National Park The Pinnacles: Youd be hard-pressed to find a more surreal landscape.

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Good for Wilderness lovers and photographers.

Worth staying home for because Youd be hard-pressed to find a more surreal landscape than these thousands of limestone pillars, formed up to 500,000 years ago, rising from the golden desert sands.

Dont miss Picnicking at nearby Nilgen lookout with views of the surrounding sand dunes and ocean.

Make it happen Visit year-round, at sunrise or sunset for enhanced otherworldliness. Camp inside Nambung National Park, stay in nearby Cervantes town, or drive two hours to Perth. See westernaustralia.com Northern Territory Hot-air balloon over Alice Springs (Mparntwe) The Red Centre from above. Good for An alternative to ballooning in Turkeys Cappadocia region.

Worth staying home for because The tranquility of drifting silently over the West MacDonnell Ranges at sunrise is obvious, and the reliable desert weather makes for one of the lowest ballooning cancellation rates in the world.

Dont miss Desert Song Festival each September, when singers and musicians from across Central Australia and the world perform and run workshops over 10 days. See desertsong.com.au

Make it happen For ballooning, accommodation and tour bookings, see northernterritory.com Canoe at Edith Falls, Nitmiluk National Park

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Enjoy a dip in the natural swimming holes of Nitmiluk. Good for Adventurers who might travel to New Zealand or Alaska for paddling.

Worth staying home for because You canoe past spectacular waterfalls in an ancient sandstone gorge and hike through surrounding bushland and enjoy dips in natural swimming holes.

Dont miss A soak in Katherine hot springs on the banks of the Katherine River.

Make it happen The most comfortable hiking months are May to September. Camp in Nitmiluk campground or go luxe at Cicada Lodge; see cicadalodge.com.au See old and new art in Darwin Laundry Gallery, Darwin. Good for Who needs the Met? Darwins galleries are where its at for art enthusiasts.

Worth staying home for because With its impressive street murals, galleries and museums, Darwins art scene shows how ancient Indigenous stories are being expressed today. Check out Laundry Gallery, set in a reimagined 1970s laundromat. See laundrygallery.com.au

Dont miss Taking the 2.5-hour boat trip to Wurrumiyanga community on Bathurst Island, one of the two major Tiwi Islands, to visit art centres including Tiwi Designs.

Make it happen See northernterritory.com Queensland Explore Paronella Park, Mena Creek

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The abandoned Spanish castle in Paronella Park. Good for Seekers of the unexpected.

Worth staying home for because Discovering an abandoned Spanish castle in the North Queensland rainforest is as quirky as it comes. Built by Spanish immigrant Jose Paronella in the 1930s, the moss-covered riverfront castle is a reminder of the power of vision and determination.

Dont miss The evening tour, when the castle comes alive with music and lights.

Make it happen Camping and cabins available on-site. See paronellapark.com.au Escape to Magnetic Island Out and about on Magnetic Island. Good for Those saving Tahiti for another year.

Worth staying home for because When you have slow island life mixed with 23 coral-fringed bays and beaches, hikes past snoozing koalas, snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef and a thriving food scene, why would you go further afield?

Dont miss Hiring a topless Jeep (ideally a hot pink one) so you can zip around the island.

Make it happen Maggie is a 20-minute ferry ride from Townsville. Accommodation options include villas, cabins and glamping. See thisismagneticisland.com.au Hinterland adventure in Kin Kin, Noosa Kin Kin is a 40 minute drive from Noosa.

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Kyiv: Ukrainian police and prosecutors have accused two politicians and a former prosecutor of treason, saying they colluded with a Russian spy agency in aiding an effort by Rudy Giuliani 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, US 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.

Rudy Giuliani was charged alongside Donald Trump and 17 others accused of scheming to subvert the will of Georgia voters to keep the Republican president in the White House. Credit: Fulton County SHeriffs Office

The three were charged with treason and belonging to a criminal organisation. The charges refer to information-subversive activities and focus on actions in 2019 before the US presidential election. They do not say if or when the activity stopped.
The Kerala government on Wednesday decided to provide financial assistance of Rs five lakh each to the families of those who had lost their lives in a blast at a religious gathering in Kalamassery near Kochi last month.

A cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, decided to grant the relief amount from the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund, a CMO statement said here.

Additionally, support will be extended to cover medical expenses for the injured persons receiving treatment, even in private hospitals, it said.

Five persons were killed and over 50 were injured, some seriously, during the multiple blasts at a religious gathering in an international convention centre in Kalamassery, on October 29.

They had gathered for the final day of a three-day-long prayer meeting of the Jehovah's Witnesses.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has sent to Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena the vigilance minister's report alleging "prima facie complicity" of Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar in the Bamnoli land acquisition matter, government sources said on Wednesday.

The report, which was submitted to Kejriwal by Vigilance Minister Atishi on Tuesday, has recommended Kumar's removal from the post for alleged corruption in acquisition of 19 acre of land in South West Delhi's Bamnoli village.

The chief minister has instructed the vigilance minister to send the report to the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate as well, sources said.

The compensation for land acquisition was raised from Rs 41 crore to Rs 353 crore but the report has claimed that the "scale of undue benefits" in the deal was over Rs 897 crore.

Chief Secretary Kumar has denied any wrongdoing in the matter and termed the allegations against him as "mudslinging" by people with vested interests against whom vigilance action was taken in corruption cases.

The vigilance minister's report was an outcome of an inquiry into a complaint that alleged that the chief secretary's son was employed by a person who was relative of benefited landowners in Bamnoli.
Umno was thrashed once again the other day. It won only 19 of the 108 seats contested in the six state elections. Fourteen of the seats won by the party ...

3 months ago
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minster Narendra Modi and political leaders on Wednesday expressed shock and sadness over a bus accident in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda that has killed at least 36 people.

"I am deeply saddened by the news of the unfortunate death of several passengers in a bus accident in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. I express my condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured," Murmu said in a post in Hindi on X, formerly Twitter.

At least 36 people were killed and 19 injured when the bus carrying passengers skidded off the road and rolled down into a 300-foot deep gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the bus accident was distressing. "My condolences to the families who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest," Modi said on X.

He announced that an ex gratia amount of Rs 2 lakh each would be given to the next of the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to the injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed pain and anguish over the loss of lives in the bus accident and urged authorities to speed up the relief and rescue work.

"Pained and anguished to hear about the terrible bus tragedy in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir which has resulted in loss of many precious lives. We urge the authorities to expedite the rescue and relief work," he said in a post on X.

"In this hour of grief, our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. May they get the strength to overcome their losses," he said.

Officials said the bus bearing registration number JK02CN-6555 was reportedly carrying around 40 passengers. They said it skidded off the road near Trungal-Assar on the Batote-Kishtwar national highway and fell 300 feet downhill.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and three former chief ministers of the erstwhile state expressed condolences over the loss of lives.

"Extremely pained by the loss of lives in a tragic bus accident in Assar, Doda. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families & wishing for a speedy recovery of those injured in the accident. Directed Div Com & Dist Admin to provide all necessary assistance to affected persons," Sinha posted on X.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti also expressed grief over the loss of lives. "Deeply shocked & saddened about the tragic road accident at Assar in Doda. Deepest condolences to the families of those feared dead & hope the administration expedites rescue operations," she posted on X.

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and vice president Omar Abdullah also expressed sadness over the loss of lives.

"JKNC President Dr Farooq Abdullah and VP @OmarAbdullah are extremely shocked and saddened to hear about the road accident at Assar near Trungal in Doda district in which several are feared dead. They have implored the administration to provide all possible help to the injured. In this moment of immense grief, their thoughts and prayers lie with the families of the deceased, the National Conference posted ion X.
With the demand and need of the passenger numbers on regular trains and in light of regular comfort, the East Coast Railway of Indian Railway has chosen to work a special train route between Puri and Patna during the upcoming Chhath Puja festivity.

Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu celebration dedicated to the Surya Dev and Shashthi Devi. Chhath Puja is celebrated after Diwali for four days. It is mainly celebrated in Jharkhand, Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh in India and a few parts of Nepal. Chhath Puja is also called Chhath Mahaparv, Chhath Parv, Surya Shashthi, Dala Puja, Pratihar, and Dala Chhath.

Chhath 2023: Special train



This special train service on each Monday and Wednesday leaving from Puri will be assigned as the 08449 Puri-Patna Special Train , with departures from Puri scheduled at 11:30 PM.

Alternatively, the train departing from Patna will be known as the 08450 Patna-Puri Special, leaving Patna at 6 PM each Tuesday and Thursday.

Chhath Special 2023: No platform tickets at NDLS, Anand Vihar railway stations





Also Read: Railways ply 1,700 special trains to ease Diwali, Chhath festival rush

The Chhath celebration is set to occur on November 19-20. So, the sale of platform tickets at New Delhi and Anand Vihar railway stations has been briefly suspended to deal with the rise of passengers and manage crowd control during the Diwali and Chhath Puja celebrations.

According to the Northern Railway division of Indian Railways, this suspension will remain in place until November 18. Recently, the Delhi department of the Northern Rail route revealed plans for 327 special train services during the festive season.

Chhath Special services 2023: Additional

People visiting the stations exclusively to help elderly, illiterate, and female passengers incapable of going freely will be exempted from this limit.



Platform tickets access to railway station platforms, however not train services, are given by many railway stations. They permit people to go with their loved ones to the passenger car, especially at stations where the overall population is restricted from getting to platforms. These tickets are legitimate for a term of 2 hours from the hour of issuance.
MSCI Global Standard Index has decided to add 9 Indian stocks including IndusInd Bank, Tata Motors DVR, Suzlon Energy and One 97 Communications, according to the announcement by the index provider.

The other stocks to be added to the index include Tata Communications, APL Apollo Tubes, Macrotech Developers, Persistent Systems and Polycab India.

IndusInd Bank may attract $290 million in inflows. Suzlon might receive $264 million, Persistent Systems may see an inflow of around $258 million, One97 Communications may get around $163 million, and APL Apollo might get $227 million worth of inflows, according to a report by Nuvama Alternative & Quantitative Research.

MSCI has decided not to delete any stocks from the India index at the moment.

Recently, Suzlon Energy posted over 81 per cent rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 102.29 crore for September quarter 2023-24 mainly due to decline in expenses. The stock has zoomed over 35% in one-month period.

The changes in MSCI Global Standard Indexes' constituents will be effective at the close of November 30 trading day.

Shares of IndusInd Bank are up 4 per cent in one month and 23 per cent in six months. The Benchmark Nifty50 is down 1.5 per cent in the past one month and has gained 6 per cent in the past six months. Similarly, shares of Suzlon have gained 37 per cent in the past one month and have zoomed over 4.5 times in six months. However, the rise solely cant be attributed to index inclusion.

Close to two domestic dozen stocks are seen getting added to the MSCI Small Cap Index. Some of these include Gokaldas Exports, SJVN, Hindustan Construction, and PTC India. About a dozen stocks could get excluded from the index and these include Vodafone Idea, Dalmia Bharat, and Indian Bank.
By Chiranjivi Chakraborty

Chinese equities are set to outperform Indian peers next year as their battered valuations suggest significant upside potential once sentiment turns, according to UBS Group AG.



Stocks in China have currently priced in lots of negatives, making them poised for a sharp rebound when catalysts arrive, said Sunil Tirumalai, UBS global emerging market strategist. Meanwhile, earnings-based valuations for Indian shares are already at fairly extreme levels.





Additional stimulus measures from Beijing and improving geopolitical relations can provide positive sustained market reaction for China, he said in an interview last week. So probabilistically speaking, I think the chances of China outperforming India are high.

Tirumalais stance is a contrarian call, running counter to Wall Streets deep-rooted pessimism on China and rosy outlooks on India. Just this week, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. downgraded its recommendation on Hong Kong-traded China shares, while touting the South Asian market as having one of the best structural growth prospects in the region. Morgan Stanley had a similar take, highlighting hurdles for a sustainable recovery in the Chinese market.

The MSCI China Index has lost about 9% so far 2023, set for its third year of losses, dragged down by the countrys slowing economic growth and geopolitical headwinds. The MSCI India gauge, on the other hand, is poised for its fifth annual gain, buoyed by solid corporate performance.

But for Tirumalai, that remarkable win streak is a reason for caution. While shares on the China gauge are trading 9.5 times their forward earnings estimates, the ratio for India stands at above 20.

Shares in the South Asian nation have gotten too expensive, with earnings growth expected to be very ordinary compared to emerging market peers over the next few years, he said. The NSE Nifty 50 Index is 8% above his year-end target of 18,000 as of Mondays close. Local markets were closed Tuesday.





Indias macro is looking good but the micro isnt really so strong, he added.

In an August 2021 interview with Bloomberg, the strategist said investors pulling out of China due to Beijings regulatory crackdowns will overlook India as stocks there look pricey. In 2022, India saw a record outflow amid tightening global rates, though the benchmark continued to climb.

Tirumalai is also concerned that a slowdown in retail participation will weigh on Indian markets next year. Individual investors bought 111 billion rupees ($1.3 billion) of stocks on a net basis in 2023 through September, markedly lower than the 1 trillion rupees invested during the same period last year, according to National Stock Exchange of India Ltd.s data.

He also recommends clients go long Korea and short Indian equities in 2024, driven by optimism in technology sector earnings. He also favors extremely cheap Brazilian stocks, along with Malaysian, Philippine and Polish shares.




Nothing is the first mobile company to offer a solution to one of the biggest frustrations between Android and iOS users. Nothing Chats, powered by Sunbird, allows you to directly message other phone users from your Nothing phone via blue bubbles, Nothing said on its website.

British Consumer electronic brand Nothing has announced it will soon roll out the Nothing Chats app that will support iMessage chats on its Android flagship - Nothing Phone (2) . The application has been developed in partnership with Sunbird, which also has an app that provides iMessage compatibility.Nothing is the first mobile company to offer a solution to one of the biggest frustrations between Android and iOS users. Nothing Chats, powered by Sunbird, allows you to directly message other phone users from your Nothing phone via blue bubbles, Nothing said on its website.

Blue bubble on Nothing Chats app (Source: Nothing)





The Nothing chats app will also offer RCS messaging, apart from iMessage features like Live typing indicators, voice notes, and full-resolution media sharing. Read receipts, message reactions, and replies will not be available at the launch, but the company has promised that such features will be available in the coming months.

Nothing said that setting up the chats app with iMessage will require users to log in using their Apple ID. It added that the chats will be encrypted end-to-end for privacy.

The company has confirmed that the app is still in its testing phase and will be rolled out for Phone (2) on November 17 only in the US, the UK, and the EU via Play Store. However, it is expected to feature on other Nothing devices and in other regions including India in the coming months.

Recently, Google, along with other European telecommunication companies, has written to the European Commission to label the iMessage service as a core platform service under the EUs new Digital Markets Act (DMA). Google has repeatedly criticised Apple for not adopting RCS that allows cross-platform messaging support. Currently, iMessage is limited to Apples ecosystem and does not allow sharing high-res media, voice notes, etc, with other platforms.
Southeast Asian defence ministers called Wednesday for the fighting in Gaza to cease immediately and for the world to collaborate on setting up humanitarian aid corridors in Gaza, but they struggled on how to address the prolonged civil strife in Myanmar.

The Myanmar crisis was high on the agenda when defence chiefs from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations met in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta. The 10-nation bloc includes Myanmar, but its defense minister was again barred from attending this week's meetings due to the military government's failure to comply with a five-point emergency plan drafted to ease the violence.

We are saddened with a deteriorating situation in Myanmar, Indonesia's Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto said in an opening speech. Indonesia encourages other ASEAN member states to support Myanmar to find a peaceful and durable solution to the current situation.

ASEAN has been trying to enforce the plan it forged with Myanmar's top general in 2021, which calls for an immediate end to the violence, the start of talks brokered by a special envoy among contending parties, and the delivery of aid to displaced people. But Myanmar's military government has done little to enforce the plan.

The defense ministers on Thursday will be meeting with ASEAN's eight dialog partners, with the territorial disputes over the South China Sea expected to be raised.

Subianto in his speech also touched on Israel's war with Hamas. Indonesia is deeply saddened by the deteriorating situation in Gaza, particularly the horrid humanitarian conditions, he said, adding violence against civilians must stop.

Conversely, efforts to achieve a cease-fire must continue and the safe passage of humanitarian aid must be wide and accelerated," he said.

ASEAN has not made a formal statement about the Israel-Hamas war, which is not surprising given each member of the bloc sees the conflict differently.

Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei the three ASEAN members with Muslim-majority populations where religion is significant in domestic politics have long been strong supporters of the Palestinians' struggles. None of them has diplomatic relations with Israel.

Malaysia's Defense Minister Mohammad Hasan in his speech on Wednesday condemned the bombings of civilians, homes and hospitals in Gaza and the consequential massacre of innocent lives, children, women and men.

Conversely, Singapore took a firm position against Hamas and strongly condemned the attacks the militant group launched inside Israel on Oct. 7, starting the war. Singapore has close defense relations with Israel, and its strong stance against Hamas leaves it out of step with its larger Muslim-majority neighbours.

The more important lesson for us is that peace can be stolen or lost very quickly, said Ng Eng Hen, Singapore's defense minister. "While we are now a relative area of peace and security, we can lose it if we as leaders in our nations do not pay attention to the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and Asia.

U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu were set to join the meetings, but there is little likelihood of a talk between them.

Austin made earlier stops in Asia aimed at showing unity over Russia's war in Ukraine and preventing differences on the Israel-Hamas war from deepening. He also met with South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik and others in Seoul to discuss boosting nuclear deterrence against North Korea.

China is represented at the meetings by Jing Jianfeng, the deputy chief of staff of China's Central Military Commission, but it is unlikely he will meet with Austin on the meeting sidelines. China's previous defense minister, Li Shangfu, was ousted last month, and Beijing has not named his successor.

Military contacts between the U.S. and China were largely severed after then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August 2022, prompting China's military to hold unprecedented exercises near the self-governed island.
A Cabinet minister from Afghanistan's Taliban-led government attended a trade meeting in Pakistan despite tensions over the expulsion of Afghans living in the country illegally, officials said Wednesday.

Around 300,000 Afghans have returned home since last month, when Pakistan launched a nationwide crackdown on undocumented foreigners. The crackdown mainly affects about 1.7 million Afghans who fled during the 1979-1989 Soviet occupation of their country and after the Taliban takeover in 2021.

The Taliban-led administration in Afghanistan has denounced the crackdown.

However, this week the Taliban government sent Commerce and Industry Minister Nooruddin Azizi to Islamabad for a meeting of commerce and trade ministers from Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Pakistan. Aziz met separately with Pakistani officials to discuss trade issues and the expulsion of Afghans.

In a statement on X, previously known as Twitter, the Afghan Embassy in Islamabad said the three sides agreed to expand trade, improve transit facilities, increase joint investments and enhance transportation.

Pakistan this week opened three more border crossing points to expedite the deportation of Afghans, many of whom are unable to take their belongings with them.

The embassy and the Taliban government have accused authorities in Pakistan of seizing their property and money, a charge Pakistan denies.

The Taliban-led government has set up camps in Afghanistan for the returnees.
Entrepreneurs called on to join hands in advancing cross-Strait cooperation

China Daily) 09:44, November 15, 2023

The 2023 annual conference of the summit for entrepreneurs across the Taiwan Strait kicks off in Nanjing, Jiangsu province on Nov 14, 2023. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called on entrepreneurs on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to join hands to promote the peaceful and integrated development of cross-Strait relations.

The entrepreneurs were also encouraged to safeguard the overall interests of the Chinese nation and keep pace with the trends of history in an effort to realize China's reunification and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a congratulatory letter sent 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, Jiangsu province.

As a crucial platform for communication and cooperation between enterprises and businesspeople from both sides of the Strait, the summit has played an important role in fostering economic cooperation and deepening integrated development across the Strait, he said.

Xi said it is hoped that the summit can unite business communities from both sides of the Strait to further contribute to the growth of the economy of the Chinese nation, the improvement of compatriots' well-being and the advancement of national reunification.

He stressed the need for compatriots across the Strait to make joint efforts to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, thus opening up broad prospects for cross-Strait economic cooperation.

Xi said more efforts will be made 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.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun)


UP ATS, Bihar Police arrest suspect in terror funding case from West Champaran 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.




Nord France Invest  the investment promotion agency for Northern France - will return to India for the second time in two years on a visit led by Artus Galiay, Hauts-de-France Representative to the United Kingdom/Ireland/India. In recent years, Nord France Invest has been working with Indian business partners to show the potential of Northern France for Indian companies to access their markets in France and Europe smoothly.



A response to Indian companies new challenges



This is particularly relevant for Indian companies who used to rely on the United Kingdom. Brexit implied



Tougher and more time-consuming administrative processes

Delays at the border

New regulations

Additional costs



As such, an alternative is needed.



On top of that, Indian companies are rapidly expanding, due to the dynamism of the Indian economy, now is the right time to explore opportunities in Europe.



Northern France, the UKs closest continental neighbour, appears to be a smart choice for companies looking to relocate on EU soil.



Companies looking to deve lop in Europe, lets meet.



To show how Northern France could help Indian companies in successfully accessing the European Market, Nord France Invest will be in India from 4th to 8th December.



Here is the programme



December 4-5  NFI in Chennai



The day will be dedicated to meeting local companies in the automotive industry as well as the South Indian Chamber of Commerce (who brought a delegation of 30 members in Northern France earlier this year)



December 6-7  NFI in Mumbai



Nord France Invest is proud to sponsor the Business France India - Investor Day 2023, an exclusive networking event for Indian businesses looking to expand their operations in France. On top of that, companies will also be able to meet us at the event organised between Business France and the Federation of Indian Export Organisations.



December 7-8  NFI in Ahmedabad



This day will be dedicated to meeting with pharma and tech companies.



For Indian companies eager to connect with Artus Galiay at the specified cities and dates to explore opportunities in Hauts-de-France, kindly reach out to us at [email protected] . Its a great chance to unlock business opportunities in Europ e.



Unlocking Success in Hauts-de-France: A Gateway to European Business Excellence



Over the years, Indian giants such as Tata Steel, Tata consultancy services, ArcelorMittal and Samvardhana Motherson have trusted the Hauts-de-France Region to settle their operations.



It benefits from



A strategic location



Hauts-de-France is located a stones throw away from 5 major European capitals (Paris, London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Koln). It is also the closest continental neighbour to the United Kingdom . It is 1 hour and 20 minutes away from London, 35 minutes away from Brussels and 50 minutes away from Paris by train.



Access to talent and skills



Hauts-de-France provides the other advantage of broader access to French and European talents for the skills companies might need. Here are the numbers of workers immediately available in different sectors As such, an alternative is needed.On top of that, Indian companies are rapidly expanding, due to the dynamism of the Indian economy, now is the right time to explore opportunities in Europe.Northern France, the UKs closest continental neighbour, appears to be a smart choice for companies looking to relocate on EU soil.To show how Northern France could help Indian companies in successfully accessing the European Market, Nord France Invest will be in India from 4to 8December.Here is the programmeThe day will be dedicated to meeting local companies in the automotive industry as well as the South Indian Chamber of Commerce (who brought a delegation of 30 members in Northern France earlier this year)Nord France Invest is proud to sponsor thean exclusive networking event for Indian businesses looking to expand their operations in France. On top of that, companies will also be able to meet us at the event organised between Business France and the Federation of Indian Export Organisations.This day will be dedicated to meeting with pharma and tech companies.Over the years, Indian giants such as Tata Steel, Tata consultancy services, ArcelorMittal and Samvardhana Motherson have trusted the Hauts-de-France Region to settle their operations.It benefits fromHauts-de-France is located a stones throw away from 5 major European capitals (Paris, London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Koln). It is also the closest continental neighbour to the United. It is 1 hour and 20 minutes away from London, 35 minutes away from Brussels and 50 minutes away from Paris by train.Hauts-de-France provides the other advantage of broader access to French and European talents for the skills companies might need. Here are the numbers of workers immediately available in different sectors

43K job-seekers in industry

70K job-seekers in logistics

53K job-seekers in services



It also guarantees a wide range of schools, universities and training institutions

7 universities

More than 40 specialized training centres. Among them, 21 engineering schools, 16 business schools and last but not least, 67 specialized schools (in art, design, communication, journalism, architecture and multimedia)

Getting a site up and running quickly with the help of Nord France Invest

Nord France Invest is the investment promotion agency for Hauts-de-France and provides free-of-cost and confidential services to foreign-owned companies looking to develop on European territory.



Here is the type of support Nord France Invest can provide to companies


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AUCKLAND, 15 November 2023: NZME Limited (NZX: NZM , ASX: NZM) (NZME) has today released its revised three-year strategy, with digital transformation at its core across its three divisions: Audio, Publishing and OneRoof. The strategy has been released ahead of NZMEs annual Investor Day virtual event at 10am today.

Michael Boggs, NZME CEO, says NZMEs central objective is to relentlessly pursue a digital led strategy across its three key platforms. This work is being delivered by NZMEs dedicated team of more than 1200 people.

Digital revenues have shown strong growth over recent years, reflecting the strength of NZMEs strategy and platforms. We remain committed to growing digital revenues - it is core to the future improved profitability and sustainability of our business, and to delivering value for our shareholders, he says.

Boggs says across NZME, digital revenue is forecast to be 29 percent of NZMEs total revenue in 2023, more than doubling as a percentage of total revenue since 2019.

We are pleased that across the business we are growing the digital mix of revenue. In digital audio we have more than 70 percent market share* versus our key audio competitor, and we believe there is potential for rapid growth.

Digital revenues within publishing advertising and reader revenue have now significantly changed the mix of print versus digital revenues. NZMEs publishing division is now organised into separate digital and print units  a true digital first model. Given this, a profitable digital publishing business is now visible from an operational and profitability perspective and it is now funding the leading journalism produced by NZME.

Finally, a transformational change is happening at OneRoof due to the growth in our digital property platform, which is setting that division up for future success, says Boggs.

NZME also released its revised three-year strategic priorities across its Audio, Publishing and OneRoof divisions.

 To be Number One in Audio

 To be New Zealands leading news destination

 To be Your essential property platform

Number One in Audio

NZMEs Audio business includes its many radio brands, digital audio platform iHeartRadio, and its high-performing podcast network.

The newly released strategic priority to be Number One in Audio includes a strong focus on three key pillars:

 Create the most listened to and loved content

 Deliver customer solutions to grow revenue share

 Grow podcast engagement and monetisation

New Zealands leading news destination

NZMEs Publishing business covers its digital platforms including NZ Herald Premium, BusinessDesk and VIVA Premium, as well as its national, regional and community print products.

The newly released strategic priority to be New Zealands leading news destination includes a strong focus on three key pillars:

 Scalable digital audience and advertising news platform

 Expert journalism that grows subscriber lifetime value

 High quality and efficient print business

Your essential property platform

NZMEs OneRoof business covers its online platform OneRoof.co.nz which houses property listings, valuations, as well as property and real estate industry news.

Its newly released strategic priority is to be Your essential property platform, and includes a strong focus on three key pillars:

 Superior listings experience and performance

 Grow listings revenue

 Accelerate non-listings portfolio

Boggs says he is proud to reveal a digital-led strategy that is focused on delivering superior returns.

We believe this strategy sets us apart from our competitors and we expect it to deliver returns for shareholders. Our Audio business has significant opportunities that are already improving our profitability, in Publishing we are currently investing heavily in our digital publishing platform and a new business of journalism operating model, and OneRoof is at a tipping point and we are confident that significant shareholder value can be created from the very large profit pool that it operates in, he says.

The full NZME Investor Day 2023 presentation is attached to this announcement.

ENDS

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CDL Investments New Zealand Limited (CDI) acknowledges the determination and public announcement released by the NZ Markets Disciplinary Tribunal (the Tribunal) today, regarding breaches relating to disclosure of certain governance matters and the historical composition of its Audit Committee between 2018 and 2020.

CDI accepts responsibility for the breaches and fully complied with NZ RegCos investigation.

CDI has been ordered to pay a financial penalty of $50,000 in respect of these breaches, and to meet the NZ RegCos and the Tribunals costs in connection with the matter.

In its determination, the Tribunal acknowledged that CDI was well-intentioned when including only Independent Directors on its Audit Committee, thereby reducing it to two members rather than three as required under Rule 2.13.2(b). CDI notes that this breach was historical in nature (occurring over three years ago) and had been identified and self-corrected by the company in 2020.

CDI is disappointed by the amount of the penalty, particularly given the historical nature of the Rule 2.13.2(b) breach. CDI notes that the Tribunal found that NZRegCo had not presented evidence that the breaches have caused actual loss.

CDI is committed to ensure that no such breaches occur in the future and will be taking appropriate steps in this regard including obtaining external assistance where necessary.

-ENDS-

Issued by CDL Investments New Zealand Limited

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Photo: Family photo

A 37-year-old man is in a medically induced coma fighting for his life in a Saskatoon hospital after a violent attack Saturday night.

The brutal attack against Andre Grey lasted about 20 minutes and his cries for help went unheeded, his mother Alice El Khirani told Glacier Media Tuesday.

Its terrible, I really want people in Rosetown to know that as a small community, when you hear someone screaming Help me, help me, dont just sit there and listen to that, phone the police right away. If you hear somebody yelling or screaming, for goodness sake phone the police.

It was after the fact that someone said I heard someone screaming, she added.

El Khirani urged the community to be more proactive and emphasized the importance of immediate action when hearing distress calls.

After the assault, Grey was able to walk to a nearby friends house and she texted his mother. El Khirani was about a block away and rushed over. Having worked years in the health field, she recognized the signs of a possible brain injury in her son and immediately took him to the Rosetown hospital. After a doctor saw him at the Rosetown hospital, he was transported right away to the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon by ambulance.

El Khirani, along with her husband and other son Dustin, followed in a vehicle behind the ambulance.

We chased after the ambulance, she said.

At RUH, Grey's situation worsened with a brain bleed and he started going into seizures. He was placed into a medically induced coma and doctors inserted a tube to drain blood and fluid from his brain. From the assault, one of his many injuries include a broken skull.

On Wednesday, the doctors at RUH are scheduled to bring Grey out of the coma.

If he does good overnight, they are going to wake him up tomorrow, El Khirani said on Tuesday. Thats going to be scary. We dont know if hes going to have seizures again.

She spends her days at the hospital sitting beside her son but feels helpless.

I cant do anything. I cant make him heal fast. I cant.

The last three to four days since the attack have been a blur for El Khirani who buried another one of her sons two years ago after he died in Rosetown from cancer. But she appreciates the support she has received from the community of Rosetown.

My co-workers are sending me messages, the nurses, our pastor, and there is a lot of praying from the church.

A couple from the Rosetown church recently moved to Saskatoon and have been at the hospital supporting Greys family as well.

El Khirani praised how the Rosetown RCMP handled the assault against her son.

The police in Rosetown were really, really on the ball and quick to getting these people.

She said that two men approached her son while he was walking with an old female friend who is five months pregnant. She said they had a gun, pointed it at them and stole her phone. She said the woman was punched before her son was attacked.

El Khirani emphasized that nobody deserves such a vicious attack, and especially someone with Grey's kind-hearted spirit.

Things like this shouldnt happen to anybody. Nobody. Nobody. Nobody deserves that. There was no reason to do that to him.

Andre has the biggest heart, she added. He was homeless at one time in Oregon so he knows what its like to be homeless. Whenever we come to the city and he sees someone who is homeless, he always says mom you have any change? and hell grab the change from the coffee cup holder and give it to whoever is standing there. Thats how Andre is.

El Khirani knows her son has a long road of rehabilitation ahead.

She is concerned about how difficult Grey's situation is for her 85-year-old mother, who lives in Saskatoon, and for Greys six-year-old son who keeps asking to see his father.

Its so sad. Hes always asking can we call my dad, can we call my dad?

Rosetown RCMP charged 33-year-old Corey Rushkewich and 29-year-old Randy Rushkewich, with aggravated assault. Corey Rushkewich is additionally charged with pointing a firearm and robbery.

RCMP say that their investigation determined there was an altercation between a group of individuals in the 1st Street West area in Rosetown just before midnight on Nov. 11. A man stole a cellphone from a woman and pointed a firearm at several individuals during the incident. A male victim was then assaulted and is now being treated in hospital for serious injuries.

On Tuesday morning, El Khirani and her sister, who lives in Saskatoon, went to the first court appearance of the two men charged in connection to her sons attack. She said she was appalled with what she perceived as their lack of remorse.

That Corey guy came in and his girlfriend was sitting in the front and hes smiling at her and blowing her kisses and shes blowing him kisses back.

The Crown is opposed to their release and they were both remanded in custody after their Nov. 14 appearance in Saskatoon Provincial Court.

Corey and Randy Rushkewich's social media profiles depict them making Terror Squad Killers and Indian Posse street gang hand signals.
Materials scientists call for wider adoption of low-carbon cement

15 November 2023

Convening at a symposium in Paris hosted by Ecocem, Europes leading low-carbon cement technology business, scientists shared latest research papers on low-carbon cement technologies, and focussed on ideas and materials which can accelerate decarbonisation of the sector. The meeting called for the cement and construction sectors to urgently adopt low-carbon cement technologies to radically reduce CO 2 emissions.

The scientists concluded that adopting the latest developments in low-carbon cement technology is the quickest and most scalable way to make substantial emission reductions across the cement and construction industries by the end of 2030. During the two-day event, the scientists reviewed new evidence on the use of alternative materials that reduce the volume of clinker, replacing it with a wide variety of locally-sourced filler materials and natural supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs).

In a call to action, the 11 scientists, representing a range of institutions from around the world (a full list of the academics and their institutions can be found in the editors notes), said that It is no longer possible to say that we lack the technology or that the costs are prohibitive. Materials science has advanced to a point where rapid decarbonisation of cement without excessive cost is now a reality.

Mohend Chaouche, CNRS research director, ENS Paris-Saclay, Laboratoire Mecanique de Paris-Saclay, and director of the CNRS-Ecocem joint laboratory MCE, said: The urgency of developing and deploying low-carbon cements is no longer up for debate. ENS Paris-Saclay is very proud to have contributed to the birth of the ACT technology [Manufactured by Ecocem], which reduces the carbon footprint of cement by 70 per cent. The intense years of R&D have paid off.

Martin Cyr, university professor at University of Toulouse, Laboratory of Materials and Sustainability of Constructions, and director of the joint LMDC-Ecocem ORISON laboratory, added: Low-clinker technologies developed and validated in the laboratory can now be deployed without scientific or technical barriers. These technologies represent a significant step towards reducing CO 2 emissions, ahead of the industry's 2030 roadmap.

Donal O'Riain, founder and MD of Ecocem, concluded: I urge the cement sector to move quickly. We have opportunity to be the first industrial sector to comply with a 50 per cent reduction in emissions by the end of 2030. The technology is available to decarbonise the whole cement sector in line with limiting global warming to 1.5C. It is now our responsibility to ensure this happens.

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MPS urges UK government to invest

15 November 2023

Ahead of the UK Governments Autumn Statement on 22 November 2023, the Mineral Products Association (MPA) has written to the chancellor of the exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, urging the government to invest in Britains infrastructure rather than accepting a managed decline.

Prompted by the governments decision to cancel Phase 2 of the rail project, HS2, compounding already poor delivery of UK infrastructure projects (including Road Investment Strategies 1 and 2), the MPAs letter sets out how the mineral products sector relies on the UK being a competitive place to invest.

But the MPA expresses concern that poor delivery of UK public infrastructure projects is significantly affecting investor confidence. With a turnover of GBP22bn (US$27.5bn), the UK construction materials and industrial minerals sector represents the biggest flow of materials in the UK economy. Beyond project delivery, the MPA is also calling on the government to set the right policy framework to support continued investment in the essential UK mineral products sector. For example, a top priority in this Autumn Statement is a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which the MPA wants to see come into force in 2026 to match the EUs equivalent policy, providing a level playing field on carbon cost for materials like cement.

Jon Prichard, MPA chief executive, said, Our industry has the potential to grow  and to support growth in other UK sectors  while at the same time responding to the challenges of decarbonisation and leading the transition to net zero. We also make a significant contribution to levelling up the economy across the UK. We have great capability and we stand ready to deliver the essential materials required for the modern infrastructure, buildings and homes that Britain needs as part of a growing economy. We therefore urge the chancellor to show commitment to investing in the infrastructure that underpins and supports growth, rather than accepting a managed decline.

Published under
The main entrance gate of Ho Chi Minh City's People's Court. Vietnam has some of the toughest drug laws in the world
Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg on Wednesday denied a public order offence, after she was arrested at a demonstration against the energy industry in central London.
US warplanes carried out a strike on an Iran-linked weapons storage facility in eastern Syria on Wednesday in response to attacks against American personnel, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said.
The County Officials Association of Tennessee named Marc Gravitt of Hamilton County as the recipient of this years Outstanding Register of Deeds Award. He was recognized at the COAT Annual Conference Awards Banquet.

Mr. Gravitt first entered public service in 2012, serving as the East Ridge city councilman and vice mayor. In 2018, Mr. Gravitt was elected as the Hamilton County Register of Deeds, a position he continues to serve in today. During his time as Hamilton County Register, he has served his fellow Registers for the last four years as the Legislative Committee Chair.

Additionally, Mr. Gravitt was elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives serving District 30, which included the Missionary Ridge, East Ridge, Brainerd, East Brainerd, Apison and Collegedale areas in the 108th, 109th, and 110th General Assemblies. During his time at the capital, he was a member of the Local Government Committee, Business & Utilities Committee, member of the Veterans Caucus and served as chairman of the Republican Caucus Bill Review Committee.

Each year, the Tennessee Registers Association selects one person to receive the Outstanding Register of Deeds Award. Mr. Gravitt was selected from a pool of every Register of Deeds in the State of Tennessee  one from each of the 95 counties.

COAT Executive Director Rodney Archer said, Marc has demonstrated his dedication to our Association, Hamilton County, and the State of Tennessee. He is a significant asset to our organization.

The County Officials Association of Tennessee is a prominent advocate, voice, and resource for county officials from all counties across the state. COAT membership is comprised of State Court Clerks, County Clerks, Registers of Deeds, and County Trustees in Tennessee. The Association was founded in 1968 and continues to be a strong support for local government.


Craig Clinton Hancock passed away on November 11th, 2023, aged 69.

He was born May 16th, 1954 to Marjorie and Clinton in Fort Myers, Florida. He was a beautiful man whose heart of gold could only be outshone by his selflessness, even once seeing a barefoot man at the roadside and choosing to go home barefoot himself, leaving his own socks and shoes with someone he felt needed them more. He was honest and kind, cherishing his family down to the very fiber of his being. To him, a moment couldnt possibly have been better spent than with his bride and love of his life, Susan, and his grandchildren. It brought him such joy to share his wisdom and passion for life, the outdoors, or the sport of shooting with his grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and anyone else who would listen. The world will surely feel an aching void in his absence.

I will love you for the rest of my life.

- Love Always,

Susan Anne

Craig is survived by his beloved wife Susan Anne; sons, Matthew and Vincent; daughter, Joanie; seven grandchildren, Gregory, Thomas, Grayson, Bailey, Brenlyn, Samuel, and Maxwell; as well as his father, Clinton; brothers, Leslie, Donald, and Dave; and sister, Marilyn. He is preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie.

Craigs Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Nov. 18th 10:00 am - 10:45 am at First Independent Methodist Church, located at 107 Imperial Church Rd. NW in Eatonton, Georgia, after which, the family will receive friends in the fellowship hall until 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, Craigs family asks that you please kindly consider donating to their GoFundMe at the following link: https://gofund.me/f5f22056. You may share your condolences and your memories with Craig's family by going to www.jimrushfuneralhomes.com
Hamilton County Schools and AGC East Tennessee are partnering to present a Construction Career Expo on Friday, Dec. 8 for 10th grade high school students interested in exploring career opportunities in the construction industry. The parents of attending students are also invited to the Expo. Students can register for one of two time slots, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. or 12:30-3:30 p.m.The Expo will be held at the Construction Career Center with fun hands-on demonstrations and interactive activities led by construction employers.Students will be able to test drive construction equipment and tools while gaining insight into various career pathways, including electrical, plumbing, heavy equipment operation, carpentry, masonry, construction management and more.In addition to these immersive experiences, attendees will have the opportunity to connect withindustry experts, experienced professionals and educators who are passionate about fosteringthe next generation of construction leaders.For students interested in construction, Hamilton County Schools offers several vocationalprograms to equip students with the training needed to start construction careers directly outof high school.With construction jobs in demand and excellent salaries, construction is a tremendous careerpath that is often overlooked, said Nic Cornelison, president of P&C Construction. Werehiring students right out of high school who can start immediately earning great wages on acareer track without incurring college debt.The Construction Career Center offers hands-on vocational training for 11th and 12th gradestudents in Hamilton County Schools. We are so excited to announce that students from anyschool in Hamilton County can now attend the Construction Career Center, said Gerald Harris,principal of the Construction Career Center. From intensive skills training to career counseling, this dual enrollment program gives students the support they need to be employment readyupon graduation.Registration for the Construction Career Expo is required by Nov. 30. For more information about the Construction Career Expo, including registration details and a full schedule of activities, visit ConstuctionCareerCenterTN.com.
ClearStory Arts is back with their Cold Turkey: Fall Art Market. Hosted outdoors in the parking lot at 1673 S. Holtzclaw Ave. in Chattanooga, they will have over 50 local artists and makers set up, live music and lots of food.



The market will go from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25.



RSVP either on their website or on their Facebook event to receive updates about the market as they come out.
Dolores Cornett Phillips was born on January 12, 1929 in Roda, Virginia. She was a loving sister to four brothersHarold, Don, Carl, and Robertall deceased. She was the apple of her Daddys eye, and grew up in a loving, hard-working family.

After graduating from Dobyns-Bennett High School in 1947, she was determined to go to college, believing that God had called her to a purpose in life that would require further education. She worked and saved for a year and left home to pursue that calling at Carson Newman College in Jefferson City, Tn.

While there, she met Nat Phillips, the man she would love unwaveringly for 75 years and until she took her last breath. Together they went to Louisville, Kentucky and Fort Worth, Texas while Nat attended Southern and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminaries, then pastored several Southern Baptist churches during the 1950s and 60s. They had two children, Stephen, in 1953, and Michele, in 1956.

Along the way, they both continued their education and in 1968 moved to Chattanooga to begin teaching at Tennessee Temple College, Dolores in the Psychology department and Nat in the History, Philosophy, and Bible departments. They taught at Tennessee Temple for 30 years, while also ministering in various area churches.

Dolores was a devoted wife, mother, Nana, teacher, pastors wife, and friend whose kindness and encouraging, supportive nature was rooted firmly in her Christian faith. Her trust in Christ and love for Jesus grew throughout her life and was the distinguishing characteristic recognized by all who knew her. She was also intelligent, curious, witty, and interested in others. Dolores noticed the best in those around her and always managed to see a way to affirm and highlight the positive in a situation or a person, even in the midst of their worst moments. She was always ready to listen and all those who encountered her left feeling loved and enriched. She saw the best and believed the best in us. She made us want to do better, to be better. Words cannot adequately express the impact she has had on the lives of her family and so many others. Her fingerprints are on us. We can only hope to live up to what she saw in us.

Dolores is survived by her husband, Nat Phillips; her children, Stephen Phillips and Michele Cole; their spouses, Sharon Phillips and Tim Cole; six grandchildren, Greg, Scott, and Lori Phillips (Neal), and Jared, Zachary, and Seth Cole; and 10 great-grandchildren. Her loving family, her legacy.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 21, at Cornerstone Baptist Church with Pastor Todd McElyea officiating. Interment will follow the service at Chattanooga Memorial Park.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday, Nov. 21, from 12 p.m. until time of service at the church.

Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, Tn. 37343.
Daughters of the American Revolution's mission is to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. This year, DAR members are challenged to promote education through literacy within the community. ProLiteracy estimates 48 million adults in the United States cannot read above a third-grade level. In the spirit of literacy promotion members of the Chief John Ross Chapter presented a Literacy Champion award to Kelsey Paulson, author of children's books. Mrs. Paulsons books promote encouragement, self-love and embracing individuality.Her books feature baby animals that learn feelings are normal and embrace their uniqueness. The next book is already in the works and is titled ABC Affirmations.Jennifer Harvey, regent, and Carol Anne Mingle, Chapter literacy chair, presented the Literacy Champion award to Mrs. Paulson at the Chattanooga Regent Council November luncheon. The luncheon was held on Nov. 8 at Calvery Baptist on Broad Street, and attended by DAR members from across the state. Mrs. Paulsons books have been donated to Elevate Behavior Services, LLC, and non-profits that work with children."Chief John Ross Chapter in Chattanooga has grown steadily in membership since its founding over 100 years ago and is proud now to be the third largest chapter in the state of Tennessee with 181 members," officials said. "Any female 18 years or older who can prove that a Revolutionary War patriot is in her direct line is eligible and welcome to join the Chief John Ross Chapter, NSDAR."
conferences, attracting hundreds of national experts, K12 and higher education practitioners, leading researchers, policymakers and philanthropic leaders who will have the opportunity to discover and experience the latest rural innovations, best practices and research.



NREAs executive director, Allen Pratt, also is interim co-director of the UTC School of Education.



UT System President Randy Boyd will welcome participants on the conferences opening day. Of three grand challenges statewide that Boyd has identified as areas of need that UT campuses can support, the focus of the conference addresses two: advancing K-12 education and strengthening rural communities.



Conference organizers plan to release the biennial Why Rural Matters report on the events opening day.

Against the backdrop of a national conference focused on overcoming challenges in rural K-12 education, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Chancellor Steven R. Angle will highlight an upcoming UTC initiative to address those and other K-12 challenges.When Mr. Angle greets those in attendance at the National Forum to Advance Rural Education happening Nov. 16-17 in Chattanooga, he will discuss UTCs new Center of Excellence and Innovation in Education.Our goal is to build one of the best teacher education programs in the South, Mr.Angle said, and the Center of Excellence and Innovation in Education will be the foundation for achieving our goal.Plans for the new initiative call for five strategic focus areas: educator and leader preparation; literacy instruction; innovative school models; policy and technical support; and rural education.We are poised to be a leader in areas such as innovative school models, literacy, leadership and rural education. This is important work, and our partnering school systems, community and students are counting on us to get this rightand we will, Mr. Angle said.I look forward to discussing this initiative with the exceptional gathering of experts at this conference and welcome the possibility of hearing about their ideas for further innovation.The event, organized by the National Rural Education Association (NREA), is described as one of the nations leading rural education
Community members are invited to join Southern Adventist University for a festive evening tokick off the Christmas season on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. in front of Wright Hall at 4881 Taylor Circle and Iles P.E. Center in Collegedale.The evening will begin with a welcome from President Ken Shaw, a brief jazz concert conducted byKen Parsons and the lighting of the Taylor Circle tree.Afterward, visitors are invited to cross the street to Iles P.E. Center for warm refreshments and the family-friendly Irish Christmas in America show.In its 18th season, the performance will showcase seasonal Irish traditions and tunes on fiddle, flute, uilleann pipes and harp.This holiday event is free and open to the public.For more information, visit southern.edu/southernevents or call 423-236-2814.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and GO2 for Lung Cancer in collaboration with Olivet Baptist Church Health Ministry hosted an event, Shine a Light on Lung Cancer, focusing on preventive education and early detection of lung cancer by screening."Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer related deaths in both men and women," organizers said. "If you are age 50 and above, have a history of smoking currently, or quit 15 years ago and smoked at least a pack a day, contact your healthcare provider to get a low dose CT scan.Early detection saves lives."Special thanks was expressed to the participants Elder Chantelle Robinson, Ava Johnson, Deborah Johnson, William Thomas, a lung cancer survivor, Lemont Harris, CHI Memorial Lung Cancer Screening Team, Angela Criswell and Kathy Levy of GO2 for Lung Cancer.
Hamilton Countys new voting machines will be delivered Dec. 4. A $2 million grant from the Secretary of State is funding the 130 Election Systems and Software machines. Other big counties in Tennessee use the same ES&S DS300 model. Ballots are marked by hand and fed into the scanner.

The old Dominion Voting Systems equipment will be returned to Dominion because it contains proprietary election data.

Dominion never recovered after it was blamed for fraud in the 2020 presidential election. Tennessee did not re-certify the company, but commission Chairman Mike Walden said Hamilton County never had problems with Dominion.

We had a good working relationship with them and their equipment, he said.

The Hamilton County Election Commission voted to approve the Hamilton County List Maintenance Program in line with Tennessee code, which allows the election commission to compare voter rolls state-to-state and with commercially available data such as credit bureaus to spot duplicates.

The measure will help prevent the same person from voting in more than one city, county or state, and prevent the same person from voting more than once in a presidential election. It also will check people receiving public assistance in more than one place illegally. HCEC Administrator Scott Allen said the duplicates are identified using authoritative sources and high-quality matches only, not bits and pieces.

The election commission approved nine new polling places for the March 5, 2024 scheduled election, which differ from 2022 election locations:

East Lake to East Lake Community Center, 3610 Dodds Ave., 37407

Collegedale A & B to Chestnut Hall in Collegedale Commons, 4750 Swinyar Dr., 37363

Northwoods to Chattanooga Church of the Nazarene, 6310 Dayton Blvd., 37343

Silverdale to Chattanooga First SDA Church, 7450 Standifer Gap Road, 37421

Summit to Chattanooga First SDA Church, 7450 Standifer Gap Road, 37421

Ooltewah-Ringgold to Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 3067 Ooltewah-Ringgold Road, 37363

Eastside to New Life SDA Church, 2099 E. Main St., 37404

Ridgedale to New Life SDA Church, 2099 E. Main St., 37404

Sequoyah to The Ridge Church, 9400 Hixson Pike, 37379

The election commission will approve new early voting locations at its January meeting. Early voting is Feb. 14-27, 2024.
Southern Adventist Universitys School of Music invites the community to an evening of festive Christmas music presented by the Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensemble and Steel Band. Conducted by Ken Parsons and Keith Lloyd, the concert will be on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 8 p.m. in Iles P.E. Center on campus.

The ensembles will play a variety of Christmas carols and classics, including O Come, All Ye Faithful and Sleigh Ride. Also featured is The Pursuit of Happiness composed by Southerns own Matthew Kimbley, junior music major.

This free event is open to the public and will be livestreamed.

For additional details, visit southern.edu/musicevents or call 236-2880.




Detective Stephen Bulkley said members of the family of Antonio Sparks, who was killed in the earlier shooting, "had a lot of understandable frustration and anger" with another person involved in the earlier shooting - Vincent Mayes Jr.



He said one of those was Nautica Goldthreat. He said he was told that Goldthreat is the uncle of Sparks and was very close to him.



Charges were bound to the Grand Jury against Goldthreat of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, and unlawful possession of a weapon.



Goldthreat is charged with shooting Mayes on the Taylor Funeral Home parking lot. Mayes was hit, but survived the shooting.



Detective Bulkley said in the earlier shooting that Mayes and Sparks went to shoot up a house on Cannon Avenue. He said someone in the house began shooting back and one bullet hit Sparks in the head and killed him. A detective testified in General Sessions Court that a shootout on the parking lot of a local funeral home on Dec. 18, 2021, related to an earlier Chattanooga shooting.Detective Stephen Bulkley said members of the family of Antonio Sparks, who was killed in the earlier shooting, "had a lot of understandable frustration and anger" with another person involved in the earlier shooting - Vincent Mayes Jr.He said one of those was Nautica Goldthreat. He said he was told that Goldthreat is the uncle of Sparks and was very close to him.Charges were bound to the Grand Jury against Goldthreat of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, and unlawful possession of a weapon.Judge Lila Statom increased his bond.Goldthreat is charged with shooting Mayes on the Taylor Funeral Home parking lot. Mayes was hit, but survived the shooting.Detective Bulkley said in the earlier shooting that Mayes and Sparks went to shoot up a house on Cannon Avenue. He said someone in the house began shooting back and one bullet hit Sparks in the head and killed him.

He said Mayes did not stay around to help Sparks or summon aid, but left the scene.



In the funeral home shooting that happened at 11:35 a.m., the detective said he found 45 caliber shelling casings at one spot on the parking lot and 40 caliber casings on another.



He said video from the funeral home showed Goldthreat wearing a red hat and an Angels t-shirt. He said Goldthreat has distinctive tattoos, some of which could be seen in the video. He said those included a vertical tattoo next to his right eye and a shamrock tattoo on his right cheek.



The witness said Mayes could be seen walking away from the shootout and then running. He said there was a blood trail from one of the group of shell casings that led to the front door of the funeral home, to the service area, and up some steps to the left of the stage. He said Mayes wound up in a room up the stairs prior to being taken to the hospital.



Chattanooga Police Department's Fugitive Unit had been pursuing Goldthreat for almost two years and, through innovative investigative techniques, they discovered his location in Richmond, Va. The Fugitive Unit relayed the location of Goldthreat to federal partners at the United States Marshals Service.



The United States Marshals Service located Goldthreat in Richmond on Sept. 21, and arrested him on the outstanding warrants.
Non-toxic and scalable water-based flow batteries would be a good solution for storing renewable energy in urban areas  if it weren't for their very low energy density. Empa researcher David Reber wants to remedy the situation with clever materials design.

Two colored liquids bubbling through tubes: Is this what the battery of the future looks like? Empa researcher David Reber has set out to answer this question over the next four years with the support of an Ambizione grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF).

So-called redox flow batteries have been known since the 1970s. Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, they store energy not in solid electrodes but in tanks containing liquid electrolyte solutions. The charging and discharging process does not take place in the tanks themselves; the electrolytes are pumped through an electrochemical cell instead.

Liquid batteries are impractical for cell phones, laptops or cars. But they are very promising for stationary storage solutions. Since the energy is stored outside the actual cell, flow batteries can benefit from a simple and targeted scaling. A larger electrochemical cell makes the battery charge and discharge faster, larger electrolyte tanks allow it to store more energy.

"As we use more renewable energy, we will need energy storage on a large scale  even in urban areas," Reber says. Another point for flow batteries: If water-based electrolytes are used, they are basically non-flammable, unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries.

Outsourced energy density Nevertheless, the technology has not yet caught on. Reber knows the main problem: "Flow batteries have an energy density around ten times lower than batteries made of solid storage materials," he explains. The more storage material can be dissolved in the electrolyte, the higher the energy density of a flow battery. "However, high concentrations thicken the solution, and you need a lot more energy to pump it through the cell," the researcher says.

Reber now wants to solve precisely this problem in his work in Empa's Materials for Energy Conversion laboratory  with an unusual approach. While most projects on flow batteries focus on better solubility of the storage materials, he wants to completely decouple energy storage from the electrolyte solution. "My vision is to develop a hybrid of sorts of a flow battery and a lithium-ion battery," he says. To do this, Reber wants to add solid storage materials, such as those used in cell phone batteries, to the flow battery's tank. "If the dissolved material and the solid storage material are precisely matched, they can transfer energy between each other," Reber elaborates. "This allows the scalability of flow batteries to be combined with the high energy density of batteries with solid storage materials."

Wanted: suitable materials But first, the researcher needs to find suitable pairs of materials that enable the energy exchange while also remaining stable over an extended period of time. "Ideally, a redox flow battery should be able to operate for about 20 years," he says.

Whether a pair of materials fits together depends on what is known as the redox potential of the substances: at what voltage they donate or accept electrons. "I already have several possible pairs in mind," Reber says. And if a promising pair doesn't quite match, its redox potentials can be manipulated with certain chemical tweaks. One of Reber's ideas is to use a chelate as the dissolved storage material: a multi-armed organic molecule that "wraps" around a metal ion. Depending on how many arms the organic molecule  the ligand  has, the redox potential changes. Reber already conducted research on chelate-based redox flow batteries during his postdoctoral period at the University of Colorado Boulder, for which he will receive the prestigious Battery Division Postdoc Award at the annual meeting of the Electrochemical Society in Gothenburg in October.
Former Cherokee Nation Attorney General Sara Hill and Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner after a nomination hearing for a federal judgeship for Hill.
At Kebara Cave in northern Israel, archaeologists have found evidence of the earliest use of vegan dye. The bright red dye discovered in the cave was made from the roots of a plant called Rubiaceae over 15,000 years ago.

In some areas, the plant is known as woodruff or madder. It grows throughout Europe and Asia and features small white blossoms.

The plant-based pigment was used to dye ten beads made out of shells. The beads were unearthed in an excavation that took place in Israel in 1931.

Hunter-gatherers who were associated with the early Natufian culture were the first people to figure out that a bright red dye could be created from a plant with white flowers. The beads found at Kebara stood out from all the other Natufian beads in that they were much more vibrant in color.

The Natufians lived around 15,000 to 11,500 years ago. They supported a sedentary population even before the introduction of agriculture. They did not have any domestic crops or animals except for dogs. Evidence of their sedentism includes the fact they had mice in their homes and the presence of animal remains from all seasons.

Before the discovery of the bright red dye derived from Rubiaceae, the earliest-known plant dye dated back to 6,000 years ago.

Furthermore, plants from the Rubia family are not edible. Therefore, their use reveals previously unknown information about the Natufian society.

Laurent Davin, a researcher at Hebrew University, noted that the plants had antioxidant properties, so the Natufians must have used them for medicinal purposes. In fact, the plants are still used in traditional medicine to this day as an aphrodisiac. After some experimentation, the Natufians eventually realized that the roots could serve as a colorful dye.

According to Davin, the red on the beads looks nearly like blood. At other Natufian sites, beads of this nature were absent, which indicated that it couldve been a local practice or they were artifacts that were heavily guarded due to their impressive, bold hue.

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Theres a lot to love about Christmas. In the United States, we have many traditions that have stood the test of time, like baking cookies, singing Christmas carols, and exchanging gifts.

But what makes the holiday even more special is the fact that other countries around the world have developed their own unique Christmas traditions.

As the Christmas season draws closer, lets dive into some of the ways that places such as Sweden celebrate Christmas. If youve ever been curious about how our friends from up north ring in the holidays, youll find that their winter festivities are as interesting as their other cultural habits.

A TikTok creator named Holly Lindberg (@hollylindyyy) is talking about one Swedish Christmas tradition that shes not really a fan of. However, her husband is Swedish and likes to follow the customs of his home country.

In Swedish tradition, youre not allowed to take down any Christmas decorations, especially the Christmas tree, until January 13th, which is called St. Knuts Day, said Holly.

St. Knuts Day is a traditional festival that is celebrated in Sweden and Finland. It marks the end of Christmas and the holiday season. People usher out Christmas by discarding the tree and dancing around it. Additionally, a feast may be held for the children.

The day is named after Canute Lavard, or Knut Levard, a Danish duke assassinated by his cousin, Magnus Nilsson, who wanted to take over the throne. After Knuts death, there was a civil war, which led to him being later declared a saint.

Although Holly would much rather take down her decorations right away, she admits that this Swedish tradition does allow you to prolong the magical feel of Christmas.

In the comments section, several TikTok users dropped a few other traditions that Swedes practice during the Christmas season.

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We have now had years of headlines talking about new research into using psychedelic drugs for therapy and, along with it, an increase in spiritual seekers.

Studies about the use of psychedelic drugs for therapy have been growing for years, with increased institutional involvement from universities, Congress, and the US Department of Defense to name just a few.

Outside of clinical trials, psychedelic use among young adults has nearly tripled in the past decade. Religious leadersincluding hospital chaplains and religious psychotherapistsare also exploring the use of these drugs, as recently reported by NPR and Esquire. Ordained clergy are even conducting underground retreats that blend psychedelics with Christian worship with an emphasis on healing.

While I believe there are likely legitimate-use cases for psychedelic therapy that will bear out in time, I want to raise awareness of the many psychological risks of psychedelics that are often underemphasized in the research. And as a pastor, I feel an urgency to inform Christians of the serious spiritual risks of psychedelicsincluding the idolatry of spiritual experience.

Im not speaking about this as an outsider. More than a decade ago, psychedelic experiences felt more real to me as a young ex-Christian than God did. For years, I was a recreational psychedelics user who became involved in the movement to medicalize psychedelics, also working for their use in non-Christian religious contexts. I promoted the healing potential of psychedelics, but I was even more interested in their spiritual power.

Over time, however, I grew deeply disenchanted and ultimately left the movement behind.

The psychedelic industry is plagued with many of the same problems rife in other institutional science such as research biases, funding pressures, and blatant corruption. The primary goal of recent research has been to manufacture cultural consent and build societal legitimacy, trafficking in hope to produce enough positive press to keep the funding pipeline growing.

What it hasnt seemed to care much about is researching and raising awareness of the risks of psychedelic usesome of which are unavoidable even in a therapeutic environmentuntil they threaten public perception, such as the headlining case of an off-duty pilot who tried to take down an Alaska Airlines flight.

Yet one recent study showed that beyond immediate effects, these compounds can cause prolonged debilitations that can sometimes last months or years.

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Just like in the 1960s, the psychedelic research of the 2020s is permeated with a religious fervor that is whitewashed with the language of secular therapy. This does not tend to lend itself to trustworthy science. As one bioethicist described it, sometimes psychedelic research is akin to the Catholic church studying the efficacy of holy water. There are certainly psychedelic researchers who do not share these motivationsthose who pursue rigorous research and who do seriously care about harmsbut their careers are often made much more difficult by this environment.

Yet I specifically became disturbed about the way psychedelics can make people highly vulnerable to suggestion and cult-like power dynamics, which has led to numerous abuses of psychedelic trial participants. Ive spoken out about these issues and other serious potential ethical violations during a trial conducted by Johns Hopkins University, perhaps the worlds most famous and pioneering academic psychedelic research center.

In one case, a psychedelic guide allegedly told the clergy research subject, Youre about to meet God. According to the subject, the guide then laid hands on the subjects head like an ordination while the subject was under the influence. Afterward, the guide allegedly said the subject had experienced the Holy Spirit, and with funding from a Hopkins researcher, the subject later changed careers to promote psychedelics for religious use with continued influence from multiple Hopkins researchers.

This is just one episode pointing to the psychedelic industrys overarching mission. I believe researchers are advancing their spiritual beliefs in what amounts to a kind of psychedelic theology through a Trojan horse of scientific research over 30 years in the making. Often, these beliefs are tied up in utopian visions of a spiritualized humanity  in a world free from trauma.

The field of psychedelics has been dominated by non-Christian worldviews centered on exploring consciousness, which often reduce all religion into a universal oneness. But some leaders interests go even further in their efforts to liberate Christianity from its fundamentalism. They believe traditional religious people do not have rich spiritual livesat least not compared to the so-called mysticism of psychedelic experiences.

Several Johns Hopkins researchers have claimed that psychedelics can produce legitimate and meaningful spiritual encountersindeed, many regular psychedelic users would say the same from their anecdotal evidence. Many users have reported their psychedelic trips as among the most meaningful experiences of their lives, often rivaling the birth of a child or death of a parent. And while this is touted as a spiritual proof-of-concept, I believe this is also a significant underappreciated risk.

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One question that is not asked enough is whether such an experience should be considered meaningful. Is the meaning and profundity genuine or simply simulated? How can we even trust our meaning-making system under the influence of psychedelics?

As Protestant Reformer John Calvin noted, humans are idol-making machinesand psychedelic experiences can create fertile ground for our idolatrous tendencies. Because a psychedelic trip can feel so profound, theres a tremendous risk of making idols out of our own spiritual experiences. This is a particular danger in engineered environments, such as an underground psychedelic religious ceremonywhere some clergy regularly administer the Eucharist while under the influence, believing they are saving Christianity from itself in the process.

Fashioning God based on our own experience is part of what Catholic monk Thomas Merton called illuminism, a phenomenon he witnessed in abundance in the psychedelic 60s:

[There is a] danger of attaching an exclusive importance to what we ourselves experience and of believing that every intuition comes to us from God. The worst errors can be taken for truth when a man has forgotten how to criticize the movements that arise in his heart dressed in the light of inspiration.  [The popularization of psychedelics] would run the risk of organized and large-scale illuminism. This would mean that an easily available spiritual experience would be sought for its own sake. But this kind of attachment is just as dangerous, if not more dangerous, than any other.  What matters is not what one feels, but what really takes place beyond the level of feeling or experience.  The experience, the vision, the intuition, is only a sign and is, furthermore, capable of being dissociated from any reality and being a mere empty figure. The illuminist is one who attaches himself to the sign, the experience, without regard for the invisible substance of a contact which transcends experience.

And as Merton once wrote to psychedelic proponent Aldous Huxley, to say psychedelics can invoke an experience of God takes away Gods freedom, for a true mystical experience depends on the liberty of that Person [of God]. He continues:

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And lacking the element of a free gift, a free act of love on the part of Him Who comes, the experience would lose its specifically mystical quality.  From the moment that [a mystical] experience can be conceived of as dependent on and inevitably following from the casual use of a material instrument, it loses the quality of spontaneity and freedom and transcendence which makes it truly mystical.

What Merton is saying is that the notion that we can reliably produce an encounter with God implies that we have some kind of power over God. To create any kind of transactional equation with Gods grace is to remove Gods authority in the matter.

Scripture also gives us plenty of reason to be suspicious of anything that presupposes we can control God or that he has granted us a power that was meant only for him.

The most obvious scriptural overtures against psychedelics are the negative associations with pharmakeiathe Greek root word of our modern English word pharmacywhich is often translated as witchcraft or sorcery. The biblical issue here seems to be combining the use of drugs with magicthat is, a manipulation of spiritual power often associated with other idolatrous practices and abuses of power (see Gal. 5:20; Rev. 9:21; 18:23; Isa. 47:912, just to name a few).

Author Lewis Ungit further notes that in many instances, the biblical authors seem to associate pharmakeia with human sacrifice. He also points to early Christian sources like the teachings of St. Ignatius and the Didacheone of the earliest Christian documents we have, containing liturgical practices, catechism, and other doctrine used by church fathersthat prohibited the practice.

Some Christians remain unconvinced of the pharmakeia argument, believing there must be some missing context behind biblical prohibitions against such sorcery. Such believers insist their psychedelic experiences have truly connected them with God and continue to advocate for the spiritual power of psychedelics alongside their healing potential.

I believe it is wholly compatible with our faith to acknowledge potential legitimate medical usage of psychedelics. I personally know many people who have found healing from treatment-resistant ailments by using such drugs. I also believe in the value of religious freedom, for I am grateful that God found me in a non-Christian setting and that a group of non-Christian psychonauts supported me in my return to Christ.

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But in our Christian discernment, and before we place our trust in psychedelics medical efficacy, we should wait and call for higher-quality researchwhich I believe could take decades to better weigh their value and risks. As of now, I do not trust the psychedelic industrial complex, which remains overly concerned with public relations and utopian spiritual missions.

I would not want to deny anyone who might find physical healing in psychedelics. Yet its important to note that the Bible teaches that healing can itself be made into an idol.

For instance, the bronze serpent (Nehushtan) erected by Moses at Gods command was a divinely ordained method of healing Israelites who were afflicted with sickness (Num. 21:49). But as we see later, King Hezekiah does what is right in the Lords eyes by smashing the serpent into pieces (2 Kings 18:34). Why? Because the Israelites began burning incense before itworshiping it rather than the God who provided it. They made an idol out of their healing.

Many people today are hungry for hope and healing, desperate for a solution to impossible situations. Even more are seeking spiritual meaning wherever they can. Psychedelics seem like a tempting path to both. Yet believers promoting psychedelics as a Christian practice are advocating for an idol. Humans often worship idols because they give us something we want at first. But the idol eventually demands greater sacrifice in our service to it, which can include harming other people.

Like Merton, I am sympathetic to anyone who feels alienated from God, as I felt for many years. I also know of many younger people who gained a renewed interest in Christianity after a psychedelic experience, as I once did. In some ways, this phenomenon echoes the Jesus People movement recently portrayed in the movie Jesus Revolution.

I believe our society is longing to see and be closer to Godwhich is, of course, a holy desire. But this yearning can open us up to unholy temptations and lead us to surrender ourselves to dangerous spiritual forces. Such misguided attempts to pursue God can lead to all manner of evil.

When they are guided by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, contemplative practices play an important role in a Christians spiritual life. But as important as the inner experience is in a persons walk of faith, trying to manufacture a divine encounter through such experiences can easily remake God into our own narcissistic images.

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Humans are experiential creatures, but Jesus did not preach a gospel of consciousness exploration. Christ warns us not to sacrifice others for the sake of our own ecstasy but to take up our crosses out of selfless love for one anotherlearning to trust him as the Way, the Truth, and the Life more day by day.

Rev. Joe Welker is the pastor of East Craftsbury Presbyterian Church in Craftsbury, Vermont. He is the author of the newsletters Indwelling and Psychedelic Candor.
Tiago Cavaco loves pushing the envelope.

No need to look further than the titles of the Portuguese evangelical pastors books: Ferias de fornicacao e outras murmuracoes de um moralista (A Vacation of Fornication and Other Murmurings of a Moralist) and Seis sermoes contra a preguica (Six Sermons Against Laziness).

Or the names of his biggest hits as a punk rock musician: O Judas Aperta o Laco (Oh Judas Tighten the Noose) and A Isabel e Intelectual (Porque Perdeu a Virgindade na Feira do Livro) (Isabel Is Intellectual (Because She Lost Her Virginity at the Book Fair)).

Everything I do is clickbait, says Cavaco, who previously worked in television for a decade before he became a pastor at Segunda Igreja Evangelica Batista de Lisboa, better known as Igreja da Lapa. But he insists hes not just trying to entertain, amuse, or troll people.

The provocation should be read with a sense of humor, something that evangelical Christians often lack. There is no room for surprise.

Cavaco imbues everything he createswhether sermons, works, songs, or newspaper articleswith a Christian worldview.

Ive almost built a theology of provocation, he said. Jesus often tries to provoke his audience through his teachings. He often gives as an example things that people consider to be bad  so that those who think they are very holy dont count on their own benevolence and [instead] open their eyes to what, at first glance, seems wrong, but could perhaps teach us something.

Cavaco recently spoke with Christianity Todays Portuguese editorial director Marisa Lopes about the difficulties of being an evangelical in a traditionally Catholic country, how to hold Christian convictions without rejecting culture, and why Portuguese people are so pessimistic. This interview has been translated from Portuguese and edited for length and clarity.

What is the evangelical church like in Portugal?

In a country with a Catholic tradition like ours, evangelical churches are viewed with some suspicion. Historically, evangelical churches have been seen as the daughters of the Protestant Reformation. With the arrival of neo-Pentecostalism, this perception has changed.

Today, when someone introduces themselves as an evangelical, people think of something more Latin American or even African. The evangelical movement is associated with something typical of poor countries and there is a certain social prejudice toward evangelicals here. Portuguese evangelicals struggle both to be part of a culture that does not fully accept them and also to differentiate themselves from whatever images people have of Brazilian evangelical churches.

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Like other evangelicals in Europe, Portuguese evangelicals are creatures of resistance. The European evangelical is used to feeling that the world is against them. At the same time, because we are a minority, we are more united amongst each other and there are good relationships between evangelicals of different denominations.

Portuguese evangelicals are also a bit fatalistic. They want to see good things happen, but they are doubtful they will.

I picked up on this fatalism reading your memoir, A Vacation of Fornication.

I find the strangeness with which Brazilians still react to Portuguese skepticism very natural.

Im not surprised that Brazilians find Portuguese skepticism strange, though I find it a little funny.

We can never change what is part of our culture. When I interact with other Europeans, I realize that this weight of destiny is a very Latin thing. Due to the greater influence of Catholicism and the few traces of Protestantism in our history, we think that life only happens when it is tragic. If everything goes well, Portuguese people think, This wont last long.

If someone with a more optimistic view arrives, our people look at that person with suspicion. As a pastor and believer, its always a struggle to abandon these feelings.

How do you reconcile your Christian convictionsfor example, the certainty that one day God will wipe away all tears and there will be no more death or painwith your pessimism?

This conviction is for an eternal future, which is yet to come. Pessimism makes us focus more on the not yet than on the already.

In 2 Timothy 4:911, Paul says that he has been abandoned by many people. Because this was the last letter the apostle wrote, some people might say, Come on, Paul; dont write something so discouraging in your final message.

The thing is, we need space to express sadness. At times, evangelical culture seems to have no space for this. Therefore, it is true that the Portuguese people need to free themselves from excessive sadness and pessimism, but I would also say, for a culture like Brazil, which often obsesses over joy, this can also result in idolatry.

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This is the good thing about the multiculturalism of the body of Christ. When we get to know other cultures, we realize that they understand some things better than us, and vice versa.

In your most recent book, you wrote: When we believe in causes that dont threaten anything or anyone, we do not really believe in causes. How can we realize that we are living a too-comfortable Christianity?

In the story where Jesus calms the storm, first, the disciples are afraid of the storm; then, they become more afraid of the man that calmed the storm.

The presence of Jesus does not necessarily guarantee peace. When God acts in peoples lives, often the first emotions felt are fear, panic, and pain because, in the same way that demons recognize Jesus, our fears recognize the presence of a higher power.

We tend to think that the expression of our faith has to be a kind of calming, an anxiolytic, but it is not always like this, because the conquest of the kingdom of God is a mutiny against darkness.

There is a blessedly aggressive power in holiness. It is not aggression in an evil sense, and those who retreat are not the believers. Believers have lost this destabilizing dynamic in affirming their faith. It is obvious that Christians are in favor of peaceafter all, we follow the gospel of peace. But often, stating the truth destabilizes, scares.

We are so eager to bring peace that we forget that the light offers a contrast when Christians suffer, when they are sincere in the face of darkness. To reach those who are in darkness, the Christian does not need something beautiful but something true, which is truly combative in relation to the power of evil, sin, and darkness.

Many claim that Portuguese society is a mix between conservative Catholic tradition and modern secularism. How do you see it? Do you see some bridges to the gospel in it?

Since the pope is a Jesuit, associating conservatism with Catholicism is still possible. However, it is no longer so linear. Today Catholicism seeks to be at peace with the world. In Portuguese society there is a certain conservative Catholicism, but there is also an ongoing process of secularization.

All this confusion makes the place of the evangelical believer very unique. One of the advantages they have is they do not fear their own strangeness.

At the beginning of my ministry, I tried to escape this. Then I realized that I had to take this strangeness as an opportunity for witness. This very resistance can help create bridges. Sometimes being an outsider can be the ministry God has given us.

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Do you think this strangeness works as a bridge to the gospel for a younger, more countercultural Portuguese audience?

I hope so. It is a temptation to want to be a pastor who is intellectually respected by the Portuguese media. In the past, this attracted young people to the church more due to an intellectual emphasis than due to the gospel itself. Some ended up returning to Catholicism.

The pastor who seeks public recognition will attract people not because of the gospel he or she preaches, but because of the approval he or she generates in the culture. In the past, I distanced myself from evangelicals considered less respected; I wanted to be an intellectually enlightened evangelical. Then I realized that this was vanity. Today I look at this crazy diversity of the evangelical movement not as a problem to be solved but as a virtue.

Several things contributed to my change of perspective, especially during a more difficult period in my ministry when I felt exhausted. Today I prefer the freedom of being strange and faithful to the Word, rather than the prison of being respected and the slavery of being accepted.

You have previously noted that before some people become Christians, they use their talents in music and theater, they love reading, and so on. But after, theyre only interested in church activities and criticize everything that is part of culture at large. Is it possible to be evangelical and open to culture?

I used to have a pretty negative perspective on evangelicals. Today Im a little less pessimistic, having talked through this with my pastor friends in Brazil.

People are so serious; they always say everything so correctly, they are so holy that it seems like they dont even need a Savior. It looks as if they were born saved.

Im sorry that so many evangelical preachers and writers in Brazil are so serious in this way. I think they need a little madnessin the sense of sinceritya little holy chaos, a dose of humanity. Sometimes mediocrity sets in like a kind of false holiness, something that edifies by inertia.

I am not encouraging immorality or misconduct. This mediocrity is a fear of existing, of being sincere. When we fail, the best thing to do is to repent, not to live some kind of precocious perfection. There is an excess of precocious perfection and that is why there is so much mediocrity among evangelicals.

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As Christians on social media, sometimes we may be tempted to say one thing or another to gain followers or fame. How do we deal with the temptation to people please?

This is a big struggle for me. The internet offers us Christians the promise that we might attract a number of people to Christianity through our posts and content but also the possibility that we might become attached to the medium and not to the Creator. The internet can be both a blessing and a curse if a Christian influencer becomes more a slave to the impact they have through it than a servant to the message they bring.

How do you explain your statement, If in the past the saint was afraid of the profane, in the present the profane has taken what is holy as a blasphemy?

Today true holiness goes in the opposite direction of the world, and thats why its frightening. For example, apologies on social media have become mandatory if your posts displease certain groups of people, but these apologies are not motivated by true repentance. They are just the devil imitating God.

There is a good and crucial repentance for salvation, given by the Holy Spirit. And then there is this imitation by Satan, which is this new kind of need for apologies that is not related to truth or repentance, but rather to the persons need to submit to the crowds in order not to be canceled.

New holiness spreads the false idea that says, Either I apologize or Im canceled. But true holiness may actually seem wrong according to these standards and may also mean that Christians will have to resist and not apologize if they havent done anything wrong. This strange dynamic turns things upside down. And that is why today, our profane culture takes what is holythat is, apologizingand turns it into blasphemy.

Marisa Lopes is editorial director of Christianity Today em portugues.

[ This article is also available in Portugues. ]
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 Max Lucado on returning to the true meaning of Christmas, pastoral burnout and a health update (exclusive)

As the world grapples with unprecedented challenges, pastor and bestselling author Max Lucado is calling for a return to the foundational truths of the Christmas season, urging believers and the broader community to rediscover the peace and resilience found in the story of Jesus Christ's birth.

This year has been tough, Lucado, leader of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, told The Christian Post.

We've got the war in Ukraine, and now we've got Israel and Gaza, which has just turned into such a complicated and horrible bloodbath. And then coming out of COVID and now heading into an election year, we need a good Christmas. We need to refocus on Christ, on what He did, and realize that He was born in the midst of chaos, so He can come through the chaos of our world and be born anew.

The pastor emphasized that the circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ mirror many of the hardships people face today, from displacement to financial struggles.

He drew comparisons between the inconveniences faced by Joseph and Mary on their journey to Bethlehem and those encountered by individuals today, underscoring the difficulties of traveling and the burden of taxation that the couple bore.

Every element of the first Christmas can be found in this Christmas, he said. Joseph and Mary were terribly inconvenienced. The whole reason they were in Bethlehem was to pay a tax. Who wants to travel, and then who wants to pay a tax, nine months pregnant when you're heavy with child?"

Highlighting the atrocities committed by King Herod upon hearing of the birth of Jesus, Lucado noted the similarity to current news dominated by the actions of oligarchs and terrorists. The initial Christmas, he pointed out, was marked by bloodshed and turmoil, contrasting sharply with the often idyllic depictions of the holiday.

We're living in a day of oligarchs and terrorists. Theyre on the news every day. Well, Herod was all of that. He heard about the baby Jesus, the King being born, and he set out to kill him. The result was a bloodbath, he said.

It's wonderful to think about Christmas as presents under the tree or Hallmark movie channel, but the truth is, Christmas, for many people, is just the opposite of that. And that's why we need to retell the real story of Christmas. It was, Jesus was born in a time of global upheaval and personal challenge. And for people who find themselves facing the same, they'll find a friend in the story of Jesus.

Just ahead of Christmas, Fathom Events and K-LOVE On Demand is bringing a Christmas concert event, Max Lucados Because of Bethlehem, to theaters nationwide. The event, which Lucado described as a Christmas Eve concert with a twist, features a star-studded lineup with artists like Matt Maher, CeCe Winans, Matthew West and Evan Craft, set to perform in a grand Nashville theater.

This limited three-night theatrical event scheduled for Dec. 5, 6 and 7, is based on Lucados bestselling book, Because of Bethlehem: Love is Born, Hope is Here. The event will include teachings from the Bible, music, and interactive elements with a live audience.

I hope people will take advantage of this as an opportunity to either kickstart or amplify their Christmas experience because we all need a lot of Christmas this Christmas. It has not been an easy year. And I'm hoping that this theater event will encourage people, Lucado said. It's a wonderful family event. I think it'll serve an important purpose in helping us.

In a society consumed with commercialism, especially around the holiday season, Lucado emphasized the importance of storytelling in preserving the true meaning of the holiday. He encouraged parents to use various methods, from church services to this theatrical event, to impart the essence of Christmas to their children.

As a parent, I just want to use everything I can  church services, candlelight services, songs in the car  to help them see the real meaning of Christmas, he said. There needs to be some discipline exercised by parents in limiting the number of gifts  I'm not a Grinch, I'm not a Scrooge, I'm all for giving kids presents, but the challenge is not letting the presents under the tree eclipse the presence of Jesus.
Home World 'Bless the nation of Israel': Nearly 300,000 rally in support of Israel, Hamas hostages

WASHINGTON  Nearly 300,000 interfaith people rallied in Washington on Tuesday for the March for Israel, calling for the release of the hostages held by Hamas and declaring that never again is now in response to the terrorist groups Oct. 7 invasion.

Organizers of the rally, the Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, coordinated the event to express [their] support for Israel, to free the hostages and combat anti-Semitism.

We have indeed made history today with over 290,000 of us gathered here on the National Mall. This is the largest pro-Israel gathering in history, William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, told the crowd Tuesday.

Attendees who went in-person to the event came from all over the country, with some traveling in groups while others went by themselves to show solidarity for the Jewish State. According to Daroff, an additional 250,000 virtually tuned in to watch the march.

While President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris decided not to attend the march, other Democrats, including Sen. Jon Fetterman, D-Pa. and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., were in attendance. Newly-elected House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., was also in attendance with other Republican leaders.

When Hamas says from the river to the sea, they mean all the present-day Israel should be a Jewish-free land, Schumer told the crowd. We stand with you, and we will not rest until you get all the assistance you need.

Marna Meyer, the community events and Israel engagement director for the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, was one of many attendees with a connection to Israel, having lived there previously before moving to the United States 30 years ago. She told The Christian Post that around 70 to 80 members of her family still live in Israel.

Members of her Israeli son-in-laws family were killed on Oct. 7, the day Hamas launched attacks against Israel that resulted in the deaths of at least 1,400 people, a majority of them civilians, and the abduction of 240 hostages, including Americans. Hamas also murdered one of Meyers former neighbors in Israel and his son.

How can you have a ceasefire when terrorists have murdered people in the way that [Hamas] has? Meyer asked. I dont think there can be a ceasefire until at least the hostages get released, which is not happening.

View Photos

Another event attendee, Andi Kahclamat, who converted to Judaism a year ago, told CP that, while her ties to Israel are new, she has many friends who live there or serve in the Israel Defense Forces.

Kahclamat attended the March for Israel representing the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, where she serves as the director of marketing and communications. The organization has a membership of around 600 synagogues in North America, and it also has partnerships with around 80 synagogues in Israel, according to Kahclamat. Following Hamas surprise attack against Israel, the group compiled various resources for synagogues.

We put together a solidarity Shabbat for our synagogues to be together, and they prayed for the release of the hostages, Kahclamat said. And we've just been doing everything we can to support our colleagues in Israel as well.

Kahclamat said her group attended the event not only to call for the release of the 240 hostages held by Hamas and condemn anti-Semitism but also to stand in solidarity with the people of Israel.

A representative of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, Kelsey Olguin, also attended the March for Israel. Olguin serves ICEJ as a special projects administrator and a tour coordinator.

According to its website, ICEJs vision is to reach every segment of Israels society with a Christian testimony of comfort and love that represents the support of denominations, churches and believers from every nation on Earth.

Olguin told CP that its absolutely vital that Christians stand with Israel and support the Jewish people, especially during the ongoing war.

Its a proclamation from the Lord Himself to bless the nation of Israel, and you'll be blessed, she said. And to comfort the people and to let them know that we love them, especially those of us who are believers in Jesus, who have given our lives to a Jewish Messiah, to honor everything that they've given us through the Word, through the prophets, through the promises that God made to them.
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 U.S. Neighbors shocked after man is fatally stabbed inside Alexandria church

Updated 5:50 p.m. ET, Nov. 14: The Alexandria Police Department has identified the victim in the homicide that occurred on Sunday, November 12, 2023, as Emmanuel Negatu, 38, of Centreville, Virginia.

Original report:

Residents in an Alexandria, Virginia, neighborhood known to be safe and family-oriented were left in shock Sunday after a man died from stab wounds he suffered inside a church.

The church was identified as the Apostolic Church International Ministry building located in the Del Ray neighborhood. A news release from the Alexandria Police Department said they were called to the scene of the stabbing inside at approximately 4:27 p.m. on Sunday, where they found the victim, identified only as a 38-year-old male.

Neither the church nor police in Alexandria immediately responded to requests for comment from The Christian Post on Tuesday. In court papers cited by NBC Washington a suspect in the killing, identified as 35-year-old Bisrat Shaga, has so far been charged with malicious wounding, a class 3 felony in Virginia that comes with a possible prison sentence of five to 20 years and a fine of up to $100,000.

Shaga, who fled the scene of his alleged crime, was reportedly apprehended by police at gunpoint at 4:56 p.m. at the corner of Mount Vernon and East Monroe Avenues, less than a mile away from the church.

It's hard to kind of put into words knowing that someone lost their life so close to home within this neighborhood, Katie Waynick, president of the Del Ray Citizens Association, told NBC Washington.

Another neighbor, Ilia Karas, told the news outlet that the community isnt known for violence.

It's a safe neighborhood, he said. There's kids walking around in the evening time. And it's a very family-oriented neighborhood. So definitely nothing like this has ever happened.

Police say Shaga does not have an official address. He is currently being held without bond and is expected to make his first court appearance on Dec. 19.

The Alexandria Police Department is actively investigating the killing and is urging anyone with information to contact Detective Matthew Kramarik via phone at 703.746.6650, email at Matthew.Kramarik@Alexandriava.gov, or call the departments non-emergency line at 703.746.4444.
Home U.S. North Carolina woman arrested for allegedly setting fire to church, food bank serving 900 families

A North Carolina woman was arrested and charged earlier this week for allegedly setting fire to a church and local food pantry during a barbeque festival last month.

Aimee Lakey, 42, is being held on $25,000 bond after being arrested Sunday in connection with the Oct. 28 fire at the church building owned by Jesus Comes First (JCF) Ministries in Lexington, according to a statement from the Lexington Police Department.

Officials noted that the fire occurred during the Lexington Barbeque Festival in Lexington, which is a town of approximately 20,000 people about an hour north of Charlotte.

The arrest comes weeks after local law enforcement deemed the two-alarm fire at the church to be "suspicious in nature," according to local WXII 12. The fire caused a massive column of smoke and tore through the rear porch area of the church, causing damage to the portion of the building that contained large amounts of perishable food items for the needy.

There were no victims, but the incident caused extensive smoke and water damage to the structure, rendering it uninhabitable. The Lexington Fire Department was able to extinguish the blaze and helped church staff to salvage what food items they could.

Chrissy Little  the daughter of JCF Ministries Pastor Eric Murph  explained on a GoFundMe page that not only did the fire "disrupt our food pantry, but it also is causing us not to be able to have our church services and our music ministry program."

"Any donations or help is greatly appreciated, as we will need new freezers, new flooring, electricity fixed, food shelves, a ramp, our porch, and much more," Little wrote on the GoFundMe, which has raised $875 of its $15,000 goal as of Wednesday.

Little told local CBS affiliate WFMY that before the fire, the pantry had served about 900 families monthly. Local woman Opal Cogar told the outlet that she has found the food bank to be "a blessing" amid rising grocery costs and her husband's costly medical bills.

"It's nice to know that they have someone, but it's sad at the same time that someone would deliberately do that knowing that this is a church," Little said about the arrest of Lakey, whom she does not know. "It's saddening that someone would do that."

Pastor Eric Murph told WXII 12 that he was out of town when he got the call that the church he has pastored since 1992 was on fire.

"That's one reason it's so vitally important we get back up and get operational again. Our biggest thing is what comes in goes out. We're a very small ministry, but we all work really hard," he said, adding that they are now asking for help after having provided help to others for so many years.

"There's a lot of need here, and whenever the Lord laid it on our hearts to do this, we tried to be faithful with it, and He supplied. And we're looking for Him to take care of us here, too," he said.

Lakey's arrest came following an investigation into the blaze by the Davidson County Fire Marshals Office, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, as well as the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.
Home Church & Ministries Over 44K people sign petition standing with Bishop Strickland following his ouster

More than 40,000 people have signed a petition standing with an ousted Catholic bishop days after he was removed from his post.

Bishop Joseph Strickland, who oversaw the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tyler, Texas, until his dismissal by the Vatican over the weekend, has received support from Catholics in the form of a LifePetition. The petition, launched Saturday and titled Stand with Bishop Strickland as Pope Francis removes this faithful shepherd who loves the Church, has accumulated nearly 44,513 signatures as of Wednesday morning.

The petition amounts to a pledge to pray for Strickland as well as a prayerful response to the merciless attack on Catholic orthodoxy by Pope Francis. LifeSiteNews, which spearheaded the LifePetition, added that it will be "presenting Bishop Strickland with your prayer pledges."

Bp. Strickland has led the diocese for over ten years and has been lauded by faithful Catholics for his promotion of love for Christ in the Eucharist and traditional Catholic teachings, the petition continued. But he is now being cancelled for, among other things, defending the Catholic Church against terror. The Vatican has had Bp. Strickland in their crosshairs for quite some time, not least because, like St. Paul corrected St. Peter, Strickland publicly corrected several heterodox statements from Pope Francis.

The petition praised Strickland as Americas bishop and Americas most faithful shepherd in addition to lamenting that he was cruelly removed from his diocese by Pope Francis. It noted that he has been outspoken in defending life and family, and has insisted that Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament be respected, which led him to refuse to give pro-abortion politicians Holy Communion.

We stand with Bishop Joseph Strickland, his love for Christ in the Eucharist, his devotion to Our Lady and the selfless work he has undertaken to foster greater fidelity among the clergy and even the Pope, the petition concluded. His unwavering dedication to promoting Jesus Christ and His Truth has had a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals.

As the petition repeatedly suggested, Stricklands dismissal follows an ongoing feud between the pontiff and the ousted church leader. Specific areas of disagreement include the ability of pro-abortion Catholic politicians to receive communion and the degree to which outreach to the LGBT community is acceptable in the church. Like the LifePetition, the Diocese of Tyler called for prayers for Strickland as it announced his ouster Saturday.

In an interview with LifeSiteNews six hours after he was removed from his position, Strickland expressed confidence that the Lord is with me and assured concerned Catholics that he was strong in the Lord. According to Strickland, those who worked to advance his dismissal want to be rid of the truth that is gloriously not going to go away.

Strickland, like other critics of Pope Francis, sees some of the pontiffs actions as an affront to traditional Catholic teaching. Most recently, the Vatican made headlines for approving a document explaining that trans-identified people can be baptized and serve as godparents in some cases.

The document also asserted that children of homosexual couples, including those conceived via surrogacy, can be baptized if there is a well-founded hope that he or she will be brought up in the Catholic religion. At the same time, the guidance stressed that trans-identified people should not have the ability to become godparents if there is a danger of scandal, undue legitimization, or confusion in the educational sphere of the ecclesial community.

Following Stricklands removal from his post, Bishop Joe Vasquez of the Diocese of Austin has become the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Tyler. Vasquez will serve in that role until a permanent replacement for Strickland is named.

Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, another critic of Pope Francis, derided Stricklands dismissal as a cowardly form of authoritarianism. While the Vatican initially asked Strickland to resign Thursday, his refusal to do so prompted his ouster two days later.
LOBAMBA - The physical fitness test ended in tears yesterday for some, as 21 female aspiring firefighters chances of taking part in the race was short-lived.

This was after they failed to meet the stipulated height standard of 1.6 metres. As a result, they were automatically disqualified. According to the rules of Eswatini National Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (ENFRES), participants must be 1.6 metres or taller for them to qualify for the recruitment exercise.

Applications

Yesterday was the last day for ENFRES to conduct the physical fitness test. Initially, over 15 000 emaSwati submitted their applications but later on, above 7 000 took part in the physical fitness test. The dejected aspiring firefighters pleaded with fire personnel to allow them to try their luck in the 5-kilometre race as they were desperately in need of the job. Some indicated that they had been sitting at home for years without employment. Some of these female aspiring firefighters tried to reason with fire personnel to allow them to partake in the exercise, but their efforts were futile. After their futile pleas with the fire personnel, they collected their belongings and left the premises, dejected.

One of the disqualified aspiring recruits, Sindi Dlamini, who obtained a teaching qualification at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) in 2017, was of the view that the fire personnel should have applied leniency when checking their height. She said her chances of getting a job had come to an end after being disqualified, even before the start of the 5-kilometre race.

This is unfair to some of us. We should have been told about their expectations, in as far as the height is concerned, rather than being taken by surprise. This is really painful, she said.

Noncedo Sibandze of Kubuta said she was filled with grief, sorrow and pain as she had hopes of making it through to the next phase of the exercise, but things did not go as planned.

Eish! Kwalile. I will try some other time, she lamented.

On another note ENFRES Acting Divisional Officer Maurice Simelane, said they were happy with how the exercise was conducted. despite a few issues of those who tried to cheat. He said they were waiting for their superiors to give them new directives. The number of aspiring firefighters who came to take part in the exercise increased yesterday when compared to other days. It was a battle of the titans from the 5-kilometre race up to the exercises.

Climbing

Aspiring firefighters underwent various exercises, which included push-ups, ladder jack which is simply lifting up the ladder. Another exercise was climbing a 10.5-metre long ladder, as well as the climbing drill tower. They were also tested on hose lay, which is to unfold the hose pipe and quickly fold it back. They were also made to run while carrying two 25-litre containers with water. Within a minute, they should have done five laps of a 20-metre distance with the containers.
Home U.S. Practicing Christians give more to charity than non-Christians: study

Practicing Christians are far more likely to give to charity than non-Christians, according to a newly released study as part of the American Bible Society's State of the Bible USA 2023 report.

Released Tuesday, chapter eight of the ABS' report, titled Generosity, examines charitable giving patterns based on peoples religiosity and level of Scripture engagement.

Overall, 68% of American households donated to charity in 2022. This represents an increase from 2021 when only 62% gave their money to charitable causes. While charitable giving rose from 2021 to 2022, it still remains behind the 69% measured in 2019.

The latest data from ABS shows that a much higher percentage of churched people donated to charity last year than their unchurched counterparts.

The research defines a churched person as someone who has attended at least one church service other than a funeral or a wedding in the past six months, while an unchurched person is someone who has not.

Ninety-one percent of respondents living in a churched household gave to charity in 2022, while 52% of the unchurched made charitable donations last year.

On average, the churched also gave a higher amount of money to charity than the unchurched. The average amount donated by a churched household was $4,749, while unchurched households gave an average of $3,338 to charity.

Additionally, the research revealed that those who attend online church services are more likely to donate to charity than those who go to in-person church services. Ninety-five percent of online churchgoers and 87% of in-person church attendees gave to charity. Those who go to online services gave an average of $5,223 to charity. The average amount donated to charity by respondents who attend in-person church services was measured at $3,330.

When breaking down respondents into practicing Christians and non-practicing Christians, those who fell into the category of practicing Christians gave more to charity than their non-practicing counterparts. Practicing Christians were defined as those who identify as Christian and attend church at least once a month, in addition to viewing their faith as very important in their lives.

Respondents who either do not go to church monthly or see their faith as very important are categorized as non-practicing Christians. Those who did not identify as Christians were labeled non-Christians.

Ninety-five percent of practicing Christians donated to charity, followed by 68% of non-practicing Christians and 51% of non-Christians. The average amount of money donated by practicing Christians amounted to $5,350. That figure dropped to $3,806 among non-practicing Christians and $3,163 among non-Christians.

The research also classified respondents based on their level of Scripture engagement or the extent to which the Bible impacts their lives. The term Scripture engaged refers to those who score 100 or higher on the Scripture engagement scale. The term movable middle encompasses those who score between 70 and 99 on the Scripture engagement scale, while the Bible disengaged consists of those who score less than 70.

The Scripture engaged had the highest frequency of charitable giving (92%), followed by the movable middle (76%) and the Bible disengaged (54%). The Scripture engaged gave an average of $6,230 to charity, more than double the $2,882 donated on average by the Bible disengaged. Those in the movable middle gave an average of $4,805 to charity.

The data contained in the State of the Bible USA 2023 report is based on 2,761 responses collected Jan. 5-30. The survey had a margin of error of +/-2.59 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

In a statement reacting to the findings, ABS Chief Ministry Officer John Farquhar Plake remarked that it will not "come as a surprise that people who are invested in their Christian faith give back.

Overall, Americans are generous, he added. More than two-thirds of us supported charities in some capacity in 2022! The question for ministry and NGO leaders is how to best channel that generosity for positive impact for the communities that need it most.

One more installment of the State of the Bible USA 2023 report is slated for release in December.
Home Opinion America, dont give up on Gen Z

Freedom is a fragile thing and its never more than one generation away from extinction, Ronald Reagan declared in his 1967 inaugural speech as California governor. It is not ours by way of inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people.

And that brings us to the current generation: Gen Z. Is it fated to be the last generation to live in freedom?

Its hard to be overly optimistic given all recent news headlines. Here are just a few examples:

Gen Zers make difficult employees, managers say.

Is Gen Z the most undateable generation ever?

Gen Z has a 1-second attention span.

Over 60% of Gen Z have an anxiety disorder.

Gen Z has good reason to be angry. Will they burn it all down?

This is just a small selection of whats being put out there  the point being that many have seemingly given up on Gen Z. This is my generation, and Ill admit that even I have wanted to write us off as a result of these continuous, pessimistic declarations. Theyre plastered everywhere.

Giving up appears to be the most suitable option in todays climate. However, before conceding, I urge you to consider this question: Is Gen Z really a lost cause, or might my generation actually be a reason to have renewed hope in Americas future?

The state of Generation Z

So who, exactly, is Gen Z? Generation Z is comprised of all Americans born between the years 1997 and 2012, so their ages currently range from 11 to 26. In 2023, there were 69.58 million Gen Zers in the U.S., which makes them the second largest generation group behind Millennials.

Nicknamed digital natives, Gen Z is the first generation to be immersed in Internet technologies from birth. These Zoomers have never known a world outside of computers, unlike Millennials who experienced the development of new tech.

With 57% of eligible Gen Zers enrolled in college, they are on track to become the most educated generation in history. The concerns of Generation Z also lean heavily towards social causes, most notably healthcare, mental health, economic security, civic engagement, race equity, and the environment.

Each of these characteristics double as both their greatest strength and their greatest weakness.

As a Gen Zer myself, I can assure you that all hope is not lost. In my 18 years of life, I have been blessed with many opportunities, but none have compared to the weight of being called to be a representative of my entire generation. Since my graduation from Delmarva Christian High School in May, I have appeared on Fox News five times as a member of a Gen Z Voter Panel.

Coming out of these interviews, I have been filled with abundant hope for our nation  and not just from the fact that Gen Zers are passionate and educated. It stems from much more than that.

A Zoomers most influential trait is their awareness  an awareness that breeds motivation and motivation that yields action. At the same time, this motivation loathes manipulation. When Gen Z feels as though they are being used unfairly, they often withdraw themselves from both the situation and the system manipulating them. In terms of Americas future, this is the worst-case scenario. The United States needs Gen Z to engage in civic discourse. We may be the generation that deeply cares about making a difference in this world, but this enthusiasm is greatly stifled when manipulation is a force.

The fact of the matter is: Gen Z will either make or break us. They are the next generation, the future of America. We must accept that and rally behind them  while also standing firm in biblical truth.

In the upcoming 2024 election, Millennials and Gen Z will represent nearly 50% of all eligible voters. The question is not whether Gen Z will respond to their newfound civic duty but how.

National headlines suggest Gen Z is essentially an ideological copycat of its generational predecessor, Millennials: liberal and progressive. However, recent studies suggest otherwise.

Among Gen Z males, the future appears to be conservatism. The last three classes of 12th-grade boys  graduates from 2020 to 2023  have been the most conservative of the last 40 years. This is progress. The current is changing, and it is pushing young men to the right.

The same cannot be said about Gen Z women, who lean heavily towards liberalism; only 12% identify as conservative.

Our society cannot thrive if only men are championing conservative ideals. Its no secret that male audiences are drawn to male voices and female audiences are drawn towards female voices. This is a fact. So, lets lean into it.

In todays world, young people do not watch cable TV or listen to the radio. We gain much of our information online. We watch YouTube videos. We listen to podcasts. The most influential conservative leaders on these platforms, however, are men  Ben Shapiro, Charlie Kirk, Dennis Prager, Steven Crowder, Jordan Peterson, and Tucker Carlson. Hence, the reason its men who are mainly reached.

We cannot afford to give up on Gen Z females. A society without conservative women will only yield a society infiltrated with radical feminists, sexual rebels, and uninvolved mothers. None of these will benefit culture in the end. However, this is exactly where we find ourselves today.

The simple solution is that more women need to step up and engage other women with conservative ideas. Women must be reached, as women reach other women the best. This has nothing to do with ignoring traditional gender roles or promoting progressive ones. It has everything to do with reaching women for the sake of preserving conservatism, biblical values, and in turn, America.

We need role models  of both genders  who are committed to engaging their personal connections and online followers in politics. If you are a young conservative woman, be a voice of reason for your fellow female Gen Zers. Build your foundation on biblical truth. Record a video. Create content. Post it online. Tell others why you believe in conservatism as opposed to liberalism. Educate yourselves  so you can educate others. Though this may start out slow, it is bound to gain steam in due time.

To continue seeing noteworthy change, we must reach the unreached and those who have withdrawn due to having their feelings manipulated. Though this is a very real problem, thankfully, it is one where each one of us can contribute to the solution.

Gen Z, you must decide

If Gen Z chooses to take the easy way out  by blindly accepting the words of others as truth instead of intentionally searching for the Truth  they will follow in the footsteps of progressive Millennials, and the point of no return will arrive, much sooner than later. Why? Because America is in the if we can keep it moment, as Benjamin Franklin predicted. Time and time again, history suggests this. The greatest empires have lasted, on average, 250 years. In 2023, America celebrated its 247th birthday.

The great Roman Republic came to its demise due to corruption in all spheres of life, polarizing division, and foreign invasion. Sound familiar?

Although our nation may be falling apart and yearning for immediate cultural intervention, economic relief, social rejuvenation, and spiritual revival, Gen Z can help turn things around. We cant do it by giving up on ourselves, as many have done on our behalf. We must choose to get involved.

Gen Z has a decision to make. We can agree with the seeming majority and say, America is a lost cause. Or we can refute that narrative and insist, We have a republic which we must keep. I urge Gen Z to choose the latter.

How can we Gen Zers make a difference? For starters, we must focus on the issues, not the candidates. Start with building your worldview upon the objective, infallible Truth  the Word of God.

Next, find an issue you are passionate about and step out of your comfort zone: educate yourself, study the issue(s), and talk to others about it. Gen Z needs to hear from fellow Gen Zers. Nobody wants to feel alone in the fight. Everyone craves comfort in their community.

Thats why Gen Z must surround themselves with a network of like-minded young patriots  both male and female. This not only provides a means of encouragement, but it is also a way to keep each other accountable in the highs and lows of political engagement.

I have done this in my own life. By finding individuals I can trust, rally together with, and debate and refine ideas, I have been blessed with the refreshing realization that I am not in this alone. There are indeed others out there who are burdened for the same causes and truly want to see change. I am thankful for the connections Patriot Academy, Turning Point, Leadership Institute, and Liberty University have each provided me.

But as much as Gen Z needs each other, Gen Z needs you too, America.

America, you must confide

If we are going to make any positive difference in the broken world we live in, Gen Z needs help. Grandparents, parents, and mentors: You each have a part to play.

We need your wisdom. We need your advice. We need your leadership. Just as your parents and mentors did for you, we need you to pour into us, so that we can turn around and invest in our nation. As you once received, now you must give. You must keep the cycle going. How? Three things:

Confide in the young people around you. Have a conversation with them. Get to know them and invest in them.

Dont let the negative headlines define your perception of them. Ask questions. Learn how they think. Share your wisdom with them.

Encourage them in the fight for freedom by expressing your love of America and recounting stories of Americas greatness and great Americans you have personally known.

This is the best way to activate Gen Z  hearing from loved ones and trusted friends and family like you. We flock to you for a reason. We trust you. Use your influence to impact us, so we can change the course of our nations future.

Church, you must also take advantage of this opportunity. Step in and reach out to Gen Z. A healthy congregation is not comprised of only one or two generations. It is full of generational diversity  from crying toddlers to rebellious teenagers to newlywed couples all of the way to the marriage veterans and those in their sunset years. The church must have members of all ages. Use this window as an open door to give the greatest gift you ever received yourself  the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Seize the moment. Fulfill the Great Commission. Train up the next generation. Serve your Savior. Leave a legacy defined by your love for freedom in Christ and country.

Christian, speak life

Dr. Jerry Falwell Sr. famously said:

Train the next generation of Young Champions for Christ in every imaginable vocation, who would take the Christian worldview and Gospel in the marketplace, the ministry and all of America, and would oppose political liberalism and economic socialism in favor of the Judeo-Christian ethic and political conservatism.

This begins with the family. Families first must instill biblical values in the lives of their children. Passing on a biblical worldview must be a priority. As each child grows up and begins to understand the world we live in, these biblical principles will translate into conservative views on issues and, in turn, votes for the candidates that align most with their biblical values.

Train your kids to be Champions for Christ in hopes that one day they too will train those who come after them to be Champions for Christ. Our nation depends on champions training new champions.

This is exactly what a broken America needs right now: Champions for Christ who are ready to enter all spheres of life, politics included, to fulfill the Great Commission by reaching and training others to be Champions for Christ in all they do.

So, Gen Z, I urge you to take up this call to action. Be a Champion for Christ. Inspire and train others to do the same. Take the stand for freedom now, or you will one day bow your knee before tyranny. Its your choice. Stand today, and your nation will thank you tomorrow. Your nation needs you. Your fellow Gen Zers need you.

But we need you, too, grandparents, parents, and mentors. Because, ultimately, as much as you need us for the future of our nation, we first need you. Lead the way today, so we can lead the way tomorrow.

After all, isnt it Christians who are called to speak life instead of death? If we choose to speak death over a whole generation  and, in turn, over our nation  who will speak life? It surely isnt the side advocating for the murder of innocent babies.

So, I ask again: Do you believe in Gen Z, or have you already given up on us? Remember, Proverbs 18:21 tells us that death and life are in the power of the tongue. Speak wisely.

I urge you, America, dont give up on Gen Z. If you do, they will surely give up on you too. And if that happens, everyone will lose.

Originally published at the Standing for Freedom Center.
Home Opinion It's time schools stop failing our children

Amid endless debates about what schools shouldnt be teaching, a generation of kids are leaving school unable to read, write, calculate, and critically think. Weve lost sight of what schools should be offering in the classroom. With budgets stretched thin, we simply dont have time or resources for revisionist histories, gender ideologies and critical race theories. Instead, its time for a refresher course on what schools should be teaching our children.

Schools need to build on a solid foundation: Christian-inspired principles of charity, love for all, and respect for self and others. The greatest lesson schools can impart to our students is that they are more capable than they realize. The goal is for students to be provided with the means to excel beyond their instructors and leave school with the means to prosper throughout life.



As a president of a university that educates educators, I propose the following rudimentary standards for all schools:



Reading: Phonics-based: Master decoding the written word by sounding out letters. This is the core of literacy, which in turn is the core of learning.



Math: Accuracy by the individual in addition, subtraction, times tables, long division, percentages, and fractions. Without these basics in place, students will forever be crippled from moving on to advanced mathematics necessary for science, engineering, business, and personal finance.



Writing: In clear, concise standard English, to empower the precise expression of ideas, regardless of subject.



Civics: Understanding our Constitutional form of government, our guaranteed civil liberties, and our responsibilities as voters to evaluate whether government policies will support, or erode, our God-given rights and freedoms.



Science: Emphasizing the Scientific Method, with its reliance on repeatable results, as the basis for valid science.



Breadth: Exposing students to the great history of human accomplishment, the great books of history, occupations, and artistic endeavors.



Discipline: Espousing the importance of completing tasks accurately and in a timely manner.



Coping: Encouraging students to accept the world as it is, and not a place which will bend to their will. That there is an objective reality, and it is their challenge to engage with it productively.



Managing: Recognize and maximize the talents within ourselves, while applying extra effort in areas we dont excel.



Learning how to learn: To continue to independently learn how to improve ourselves throughout life.



None of these are radical proposals. Time-tested methods exist for all of them. Lets clear out the countless consultants and their endless proposals to re-invent the wheels of learning. We should be providing our students with the means to think for themselves, not telling them how to reimagine history, claim victimhood, or explore multiple genders.



As president of a university enrolling high school graduates  public, charter, private, religious private, and homeschooled  across this great country, I cannot imagine any need nor benefit in erecting a wall between my adult students and their parents. Certainly, there should never be a need to block parents from engaging in whats taught in class or stocked on library shelves before their minor children.



Lets bear in mind that educators are employees; they hold no special powers or enlightenment. Private school teachers and administrators report to those who donate and pay tuition. Public school board members, administrators, and teachers are employees of our representative government. They are answerable to the agencies they work for, which in turn are answerable to us, the people.



As we are children of a loving God who enjoys dominion over us, it is parents, and not professional educators, who hold dominion over our children. It is our sacred role, our duty, and our mission, to instill in our children positive values, morals, and a sense of responsibility to themselves, their community, and to the greater society.

It is time this countrys educational system returned to a moral and ethical pedagogy  lets return the power of quality education to the parents in America.
Home Opinion The antisemitism of the university double standard

A central feature of antisemitism is the application of a double standard by treating Jews differently from how other groups would be treated in similar circumstances. By this definition, antisemitism is a common practice at universities.

My recent experience at the University of Arkansas helps illustrate the problem. When Donald Trump was elected president in 2016, I was the head of an academic department there.

We were told by senior administrators that this election result might be traumatizing to faculty, staff, and students who were not U.S. citizens, so we were instructed to reassure foreign nationals that the university cared about them.

To accomplish this, senior administrators provided us with funds to take these foreign nationals out for lunch to listen to their concerns. The irony that we were using the money of Arkansas taxpayers to buy lunch for people who might feel unsafe because of the democratic decision of those same taxpayers didnt occur to the universitys leaders.

If buying a group lunch to comfort them over an election result is how the University of Arkansas shows that it cares about foreigners, then its recent actions suggest that the university manifestly does not care about its Jewish faculty, staff, and students.

In the wake of the worst atrocity committed against Jews since the Holocaust during World War II, which was followed by mass protests on college campuses nationwide in support of that mass slaughter, rape, and kidnapping, the University of Arkansas didnt offer to take its Jewish affiliates out to lunch.

Instead, the university organized a panel to discuss the Israel-Hamas war that featured two professors from the schools King Fahd Center for Middle East Studies who are stridently anti-Israel. One professor praised the chanting of the genocidal slogan From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. The other says another Iran-backed terrorist organization, Hezbollah, shouldnt be considered as one because it provides social services.

Do you see the double standard? The university buys lunch for foreign nationals to address the imaginary trauma of a democratic election result, but Jews who are experiencing actual physical threats get treated to a university-organized hate rally.

The differential treatment of Jews isnt confined to the University of Arkansas. It is pervasive in higher education.

Following the May 2020 death of George Floyd in the custody of Minneapolis police, universities across the country canceled classes and exams  sometimes particularly exempting black students  for fear that the event was too traumatizing to expect students to focus on their studies.

At UCLA, a professor actually was removed from teaching and placed on leave for failing to agree to a request that he postpone an exam for black students in his class.

By contrast, Jewish students currently are walking past protests, often involving faculty members, to attend classes and take exams in courses taught by those same professors who were just chanting for intifada, or the Palestinian uprising.

Some of the heavily armed Hamas terrorists piloted paragliders to invade Israel on Oct. 7.

After one flyer promoting a pro-Palestinian rally featured the image of a paraglider, the executive director of the Jewish student organization at Cal State Long Beach, Chaya Leah Surfin, colorfully put it this way: Look at what my Jewish students on campus have to deal with. Those paragliders were used to murder 300 Jewish young people. Only the Jews have to put up with this s.

When she asked university administrators for help protect Jewish students, they recommended counseling services.

The double standard in how universities treat Jews isnt characterized only by a refusal to protect Jewish students from real threats that might legitimately interfere with their studies. It also is marked by the excessive coddling of other groups who are imagined to be completely incapable of managing even remote sources of stress.

Universities expect too much of Jewish students to handle genocidal chants and physical assault, too little of foreign nationals to handle an election result,and black students to handle police misconduct in a city across the country.

Of course, no group of students should have to experience distress. But when these incidents happen, universities should respond to them consistently. Subjecting Jewish students to harsher treatment and expressing little concern for their difficulties is precisely what antisemitism looks like.

Higher education has an antisemitism problem and its about time that colleges and universities address it by developing consistent policies and practices for all groups of students on campus.

Originally published at The Daily Signal.
Church of England General Synod backs trial of standalone services for same-sex blessings

Today the General Synod of the Church of England voted for a motion which encourages the House of Bishops to commend Prayers of Love and Faith and introduce liturgy for standalone services of blessing for same-sex couples.

It will now be down to the House of Bishops to implement the will of Synod, probably after their meeting in the middle of December.

The vote was very close, and reflected the deep concern felt by a very large minority of Synod. In the House of Bishops, 23 voted for, 10 against and 4 abstained. Among clergy, there were 100 votes for and 93 against, with one abstention. Within the laity, 104 voted in favour and 100 against, with no abstentions.

Mrs Alianore Smith, who was attending her first Synod, said she would vote against the motion because, "It did not seem wise or prudent to vote on something as important as this when there is incomplete pastoral guidance and a lack of transparency around legal advice."

This was also the view of Rev Kate Wharton, one of two leaders of the House of Clergy, who described passing the motion as "pastorally irresponsible, practically irresponsible, theologically irresponsible and collegially irresponsible".

In February, those voting in favour of the motion were warned by Archbishop Shamy Shehata, Archbishop of Alexandria, of the global consequences of their action. This time, members of Synod spoke of the consequences for the Church of England.

Echoing words which were first used of the Anglican Communion, Rev Vaughan Roberts, the rector of St Ebbe's, an evangelical church in Oxford, told Synod, "If this motion is passed there will be a tearing of the fabric of the Church of England at the deepest level  in every parish, deanery and diocese."

Adrian Clarke, a vicar of a vibrant multi-ethnic congregation in London, spoke on behalf of his congregation: "A good number of my congregation have put their family's lives on the line in Pakistan, Afghanistan, China and many more would be willing to do so to defend the Scriptures, the very Word of God ... and consequently they are saying to me that if these prayers are passed, either we leave the CofE or they will leave this church."

Last month the House of Bishops agreed to commend the Prayers of Love and Faith for use in existing church services. Synod heard that that is likely to take place by mid-December.

Several speakers recognised that the debate about introducing same-sex blessing was a proxy for far deeper disagreements about the authority of God's word, ecclesiology and salvation.

Benjamin John, the son of evangelist Canon J John, observed, "We have lost confidence in the Bible and what it teaches. We doubted if this is what the Lord really teaches: 'Did God really say'?"

He went on to quote the Apostle Paul's first letter to the Thessalonian church, "For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God."

But 23 bishops, 100 members of the clergy and 104 members of the laity ignored these warnings and voted in favour of the motion. Some even described the warnings as "threats" and Rev Simon Butler accused the Church of England Church of Council of "advocating schism".

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said: "We have heard loud and clear, through an extensive debate over two days, the depth of feeling across the Church on these hugely important questions.

"In particular, we have heard deep and heartfelt concern about the way the bishops have sought to implement Synod's earlier decision on the Prayers of Love and Faith.

"So while this motion was passed, narrowly, we do not underestimate the depth of feeling and will reflect on all that we have heard as we seek to move forward together."
Is it too late for the Church of England?

Last night, after three hours of debate about the introduction of prayers of blessing for same-sex couples, the Bishop of Sheffield, Pete Wilcox, summed up the "intractable trickiness" Synod faced in the need to answer two questions.

"Will the House of Bishops maintain, or will we relax, the discipline which currently prohibits clergy from entering into same-sex civil marriage?"

And, "Will we maintain, or will we relax, the frequently stated position of the House of Bishops that the only proper context for sexual intimacy is heterosexual marriage?"

These are two questions which go to the heart of whether or not these prayers can be introduced without changing the doctrine of the church.

Those in favour of introducing these prayers are convinced the bishop must relax both discipline and practice, whatever theological and legal questions remain. For them, it is a matter of justice, an outworking of God's grace and a change that is desperately needed if hatred, homophobia and oppression are to be challenged.

In the words of Mr Paul Robson, who spoke just before the bishop, "We must go forward in order to stop the abuse and the harm continuing," and Rev Canon Andrew Dotchin, who spoke after him, "We can wait no longer."

Others are equally convinced that the House of Bishops should maintain the current discipline and teaching. They are not persuaded by either the legal or theological evidence provided for change.

Dr Ros Clarke told Synod, "It is not progress to be presented with a motion that relies on legal advice most of us have not been allowed to see and which has divided those who have seen it."

Rev Will Pearson-Gee described the motion as "a tragic suicide note", saying, "We are being walked towards a cliff-edge  we know it is not really about same-sex marriage  it is instead about the authority of Scripture."

In her opening speech, the Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, warned against trying "to bully other people into life changes that we know will be good for them".

It remains to be seen whether she, and others at General Synod, will allow the time and space for these two key questions to be answered before allowing same-sex blessings or whether they will vote to drive through change, whatever the temporal, global or eternal consequences.

The debate will continue today.

Follow live on the General Synod Livestream from 9am - 4.45pm.
Muslim husband sets wife on fire for accepting Christ

A woman in eastern Uganda has been hospitalized with serious burns after her Muslim husband discovered she had converted to Christianity and set her on fire, area sources said.

Hajara Namwase, a 32-year-old mother of three children in Kenkebu village, Budaka town, is still receiving hospital treatment for third-degree burns after her husband, 42-year-old Musa Kalele, on Oct. 17 threw gasoline and a lit match on her, a friend of the victim told Morning Star News.

After accepting Christ on May 3 while her husband was away on business in South Sudan, Namwase regularly attended a small group fellowship in Budaka with the friend who had introduced her to the gospel and other Christians. She returned home from the cell group meeting on Oct. 17 to find her husband had returned from a trip to South Sudan.

"I got scared upon seeing him, because I had some gospel tracts and a small New Testament Bible which I could not hide," Namwase told her friend, whose identity is withheld for security reasons.

Upon seeing the Bible and other Christian literature, Kalele became furious, left the room and returned with a container of gas, she said.

"He took some bedsheets, covered them around my body and then removed me out of the house," Namwase told her friend. "He forced me to lie down. He took the petrol, then poured it on me and thereafter took a matchbox, lit it, and the fire began burning me up."

Her daughter alerted neighbors who rescued her and took her to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. Namwase's sister later arrived to help her get admitted to the hospital, and on Oct. 24 she was transferred to a hospital in Kampala for more specialized treatment.

Her husband has fled to South Sudan, a relative of Namwase told Morning Star News.

Namwase said she is worried about where she will stay after her release, as all her relatives are Muslims, and what will become of her children, ages 4, 6 and 9, who have come under the care of their paternal grandmother.

Still hospitalized in Kampala, Namwase has third-degree burns on much of her body, with nerve damage and multiple red spots on her skin, Christian sources in the area told Morning Star News.

The attack was the latest of many instances of persecution of Christians in Uganda that Morning Star News has documented.

Uganda's constitution and other laws provide for religious freedom, including the right to propagate one's faith and convert from one faith to another. Muslims make up no more than 12 percent of Uganda's population, with high concentrations in eastern areas of the country.

 Morning Star News
Traditionalist bishops commended over opposition to CofE's same-sex blessing plans

The orthodox Anglican movement, Gafcon, has commended 11 bishops in the Church of England for opposing plans to introduce prayers for same-sex couples.

The Prayers of Love and Faith are being debated this week by the Church of England's parliamentary body, General Synod.

The House of Bishops commended the prayers in October but 11 bishops publicly dissented, including the Bishop of Blackburn, Philip North, the Bishop of Lancaster, Jill Duff, the Bishop of Chichester, Martin Warner, and the Bishop of Sheffield, Pete Wilcox.

The Gafcon Primates Council issued a statement ahead of the Synod and following its meeting in Uxbridge, England, last week in which it said, "We especially commend those English bishops who have distanced themselves from the egregious recommendations of the House of Bishops."

The council lamented "the slow, but relentless, moral decay in parts of the Anglican Communion where the world's values have been endorsed and embraced, replacing the clear teaching of God's word written".

Gafcon provinces are being urged to consider withdrawing all links with English dioceses whose bishops support the proposals.

"We also extend the right hand of fellowship to and support all bishops, clergy and laity who oppose these revisionist doctrines and courageously uphold the teaching of Christ on the sanctity of marriage as God has ordained it (Matthew 19:4-6)," said the council.

Gafcon leaders reiterated that they have no plans to leave the Anglican Communion but instead remain committed to "the task of resetting the Communion" in partnership with another traditionalist body, the Global South Fellowship of Anglicans (GSFA).

The statement added that Gafcon leaders will not be attending the 2024 Primates Meeting convened by the Archbishop of Canterbury in Rome "given the failure of the so-called Instruments of Communion".

They "encourage all orthodox Primates to join us in this stand against those who support a revisionist agenda".
Emily M. Olson is the community editor for the Torrington Register Citizen, the New Haven Register and the Middletown Press.

She is a 1997 graduate of Western Connecticut State University with a degree in English and a minor in journalism.

She started her career at the Patent Trader newspaper in Westchester County in 1998. After a brief period as a reporter with the Register Citizen in 1999, she joined the former Housatonic Publications group as a reporter. She was managing editor of the former Litchfield Enquirer and helped run the weekly newspapers at Housatonic and the Litchfield County Times. She returned to the Register Citizen in 2009.
MANZINI  The composition of the new Cabinet team is rich and exhibits diverse strengths and backgrounds.

Some commentators appreciate the diverse composition. The commentators have appreciated the various backgrounds of the different ministers, as they said this would enable them to complement each other. There was appreciation of the strengths that shall be brought by those who were in the private sector, as they were more result-driven and abided to extreme timelines, which would complement those who were from government. Economist Thembinkosi Dube said: The appointments look great to me as it has people from public office and those from the private sector, which would enable them complement each other. It would have been a challenge if it was only one sector.

Anticipation

Dube said his anticipation was that the Cabinet would work and deliver as envisaged in the 11th Parliament, where the composition of Cabinet was similar to the current. He said what was key was also individual discipline, in terms of adhering to the collective goals that shall be set in Cabinet. Dube appreciated the continuity approach in Cabinet, as this, he said, would assist in ensuring that what was started in the previous Cabinet was achieved with minimal hindrances. Senator Tony Sibandze also said the King and his advisors had delivered an excellent team, who were needed to deal with the submissions of Sibaya. He appreciated the blend which would assure continuity and also bring speed, those who would be having their first term in Cabinet. The DPM (Deputy Prime Minister) Thuli Dladla is also a seasoned politician, who will assist the PM in ensuring smooth delivery of the policies the country seeks to implement with speed, Sibandze said. He said the continuity was essential for ensuring that economic recovery and other policies were implemented with speed, as the skills and competencies complemented each other.

Leadership

Sibandze said leadership did not dictate that one needed to be a specialist in the portfolio they led, as that was available to the politicians through the personnel at the ministry. He said ministers strengths was understanding leadership, being analytic thinkers and understanding social impacts of decisions taken. Also, Sifiso Dlamini said seeing old faces who were very industrious in the 11th Parliament was reassurance which ensured consistency. Sifiso said the new Cabinet ministers were selected to ensure a value addition to Cabinet and deliver on the issues of concerns raised by the nation at Sibaya. He said the blending of the Cabinet ministers would help team complement each other in terms of pursuits, such as the advancement of technology as well, which was poised to bring job opportunities to the country.
Hong Kong: Education chief to visit Guizhou

Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin will lead a delegation to Guizhou tomorrow morning, where she will tour multiple destinations with students and call on the provinces Department of Education representatives.

It will be the first Mainland study tour outside Guangdong Province for students of the senior secondary subject of Citizenship & Social Development.

The education chief will also meet local students in Guizhou.

Ms Choi will return to Hong Kong on Saturday afternoon. During her absence, Under Secretary for Education Sze Chun-fai will be Acting Secretary.

This story has been published on: 2023-11-15. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Family celebrates Gongbo New Year in Suosong Village, Xizang

Xinhua) 09:53, November 15, 2023

Tsering Toinzhub (2nd R) and Lhagba Zhoima (1st L) drink buttered tea with their family in Suosong Village of Nyingchi, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Nov. 14, 2023.

Locals in Nyingchi follow the tradition to celebrate their special New Year, known as the Gongbo New Year, on Oct. 1 by the Tibetan calendar, which fell on Nov. 14 this year. Tsering Toinzhub and Lhagba Zhoima have run a homestay since 2013, bringing in more than one million yuan (about 137,187 U.S. dollars) every year. For their family, the traditional Gongbo New Year is still the most important festival. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan)

Tsering Toinzhub (L) and Lhagba Zhoima prepare chema, a two-tier rectangular wooden box containing roasted barley and fried wheat grain, in Suosong Village of Nyingchi, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Nov. 13, 2023.

Locals in Nyingchi follow the tradition to celebrate their special New Year, known as the Gongbo New Year, on Oct. 1 by the Tibetan calendar, which fell on Nov. 14 this year. Tsering Toinzhub and Lhagba Zhoima have run a homestay since 2013, bringing in more than one million yuan (about 137,187 U.S. dollars) every year. For their family, the traditional Gongbo New Year is still the most important festival. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan)

Lhagba Zhoima is pictured in Suosong Village of Nyingchi, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Nov. 14, 2023.

Locals in Nyingchi follow the tradition to celebrate their special New Year, known as the Gongbo New Year, on Oct. 1 by the Tibetan calendar, which fell on Nov. 14 this year. Tsering Toinzhub and Lhagba Zhoima have run a homestay since 2013, bringing in more than one million yuan (about 137,187 U.S. dollars) every year. For their family, the traditional Gongbo New Year is still the most important festival. (Xinhua/Huang Yaoman)

Tsering Toinzhub (1st L) and Lhagba Zhoima (3rd L) pose for a photo with their family in Suosong Village of Nyingchi, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Nov. 14, 2023.

Locals in Nyingchi follow the tradition to celebrate their special New Year, known as the Gongbo New Year, on Oct. 1 by the Tibetan calendar, which fell on Nov. 14 this year. Tsering Toinzhub and Lhagba Zhoima have run a homestay since 2013, bringing in more than one million yuan (about 137,187 U.S. dollars) every year. For their family, the traditional Gongbo New Year is still the most important festival. (Xinhua/Huang Yaoman)

Lhagba Zhoima (1st R) feeds cattle in Suosong Village of Nyingchi, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Nov. 14, 2023.

Locals in Nyingchi follow the tradition to celebrate their special New Year, known as the Gongbo New Year, on Oct. 1 by the Tibetan calendar, which fell on Nov. 14 this year. Tsering Toinzhub and Lhagba Zhoima have run a homestay since 2013, bringing in more than one million yuan (about 137,187 U.S. dollars) every year. For their family, the traditional Gongbo New Year is still the most important festival. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

Tsering Toinzhub (1st L) and Lhagba Zhoima (2nd L) enjoy traditional food with their family in Suosong Village of Nyingchi, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Nov. 14, 2023.

Locals in Nyingchi follow the tradition to celebrate their special New Year, known as the Gongbo New Year, on Oct. 1 by the Tibetan calendar, which fell on Nov. 14 this year. Tsering Toinzhub and Lhagba Zhoima have run a homestay since 2013, bringing in more than one million yuan (about 137,187 U.S. dollars) every year. For their family, the traditional Gongbo New Year is still the most important festival. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

This aerial photo taken on Nov. 13, 2023 shows a homestay run by Tsering Toinzhub and Lhagba Zhoima in Suosong Village of Nyingchi, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.

Locals in Nyingchi follow the tradition to celebrate their special New Year, known as the Gongbo New Year, on Oct. 1 by the Tibetan calendar, which fell on Nov. 14 this year. Tsering Toinzhub and Lhagba Zhoima have run a homestay since 2013, bringing in more than one million yuan (about 137,187 U.S. dollars) every year. For their family, the traditional Gongbo New Year is still the most important festival. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan)

Tsering Toinzhub (3rd L) and Lhagba Zhoima (4th L) pose for a photo with their family in Suosong Village of Nyingchi, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Nov. 14, 2023.

Locals in Nyingchi follow the tradition to celebrate their special New Year, known as the Gongbo New Year, on Oct. 1 by the Tibetan calendar, which fell on Nov. 14 this year. Tsering Toinzhub and Lhagba Zhoima have run a homestay since 2013, bringing in more than one million yuan (about 137,187 U.S. dollars) every year. For their family, the traditional Gongbo New Year is still the most important festival. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan)

Lhagba Zhoima prepares chema, a two-tier rectangular wooden box containing roasted barley and fried wheat grain, in Suosong Village of Nyingchi, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Nov. 13, 2023.

Locals in Nyingchi follow the tradition to celebrate their special New Year, known as the Gongbo New Year, on Oct. 1 by the Tibetan calendar, which fell on Nov. 14 this year. Tsering Toinzhub and Lhagba Zhoima have run a homestay since 2013, bringing in more than one million yuan (about 137,187 U.S. dollars) every year. For their family, the traditional Gongbo New Year is still the most important festival. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

Lhagba Zhoima feeds a dog in Suosong Village of Nyingchi, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Nov. 14, 2023.

Locals in Nyingchi follow the tradition to celebrate their special New Year, known as the Gongbo New Year, on Oct. 1 by the Tibetan calendar, which fell on Nov. 14 this year. Tsering Toinzhub and Lhagba Zhoima have run a homestay since 2013, bringing in more than one million yuan (about 137,187 U.S. dollars) every year. For their family, the traditional Gongbo New Year is still the most important festival. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

Tsering Toinzhub's mother checks highland barley wine in Suosong Village of Nyingchi, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Nov. 14, 2023.

Locals in Nyingchi follow the tradition to celebrate their special New Year, known as the Gongbo New Year, on Oct. 1 by the Tibetan calendar, which fell on Nov. 14 this year. Tsering Toinzhub and Lhagba Zhoima have run a homestay since 2013, bringing in more than one million yuan (about 137,187 U.S. dollars) every year. For their family, the traditional Gongbo New Year is still the most important festival. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

Lhagba Zhoima and her son pose for a photo with chema, a two-tier rectangular wooden box containing roasted barley and fried wheat grain, in front of their house in Suosong Village of Nyingchi, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Nov. 14, 2023.

Locals in Nyingchi follow the tradition to celebrate their special New Year, known as the Gongbo New Year, on Oct. 1 by the Tibetan calendar, which fell on Nov. 14 this year. Tsering Toinzhub and Lhagba Zhoima have run a homestay since 2013, bringing in more than one million yuan (about 137,187 U.S. dollars) every year. For their family, the traditional Gongbo New Year is still the most important festival. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan)

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun)
MBABANE  Of the 19 ministers who were announced by the Prime Minister, Russell Mmiso Dlamini on Monday, five are relatively new in politics.

While others have been serving government as civil servants, others have been in the private sector, while others have worked outside the country. Those who have been serving government include Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Simelane, who has spent most of her working years at the deputy prime ministers office.

Assignment

The Mbabane West MP served government for over three decades, kicking off her career under the Ministry of Agriculture and her last assignment as a civil servant was working as Under Secretary in the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development. Another one is Minister of Housing and Urban Development Appolo Maphalala, who has been serving under the same ministry for many years in different town boards. Prince Lonkhokhela, who was appointed Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, has been serving as the Chief Executive Officer at the Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF). The royal appointee Senator had never been active in the political sphere until now.

Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka, who is Mkhiweni MP, was in the private sector and served at the Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation for over three decades. Minister of Information, Communication and Technology Savannah Maziya and Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, who is also Sandleni MP, had their operations outside the borders of Eswatini. The former is a businesswoman who is a member of the C200 Group. Nzima was also in the corporate sector serving in Geneva, Switzerland, as well as countries such as Sudan and Armenia.

While making his submissions before the King at Mandvulo Grand Hall recently, he revealed that his passion was to improve the welfare of the youth in the country. All the other ministers have been in the political sphere and have previously served as parliamentarians or part of the Cabinet team. Ministers who are new in Cabinet but have served a term as MPs include Minister of Health and Siphocosini MP Mduduzi Matsebula, as well as Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, who is Nkwene MP.
NHLANGANO  Nsalitje Primary School head teacher was discovered dead after he was allegedly kidnapped by unknown people.

The incident happened around A1, an area under Matsanjeni South, in the Shiselweni Region. It was said that the deceased Head teacher, Sikelela Mkhweli, left the school on Monday, at around 11am, on his way to a meeting. Community sources said he never made it to the meeting, but was later discovered dead. Suspicions are that he might have given a lift to strangers along the way to the main road, as he was travelling alone when he left the school. According to his elder brother Sandile Mkhweli, he last spoke to the deceased at around 11:38am, as he was headed to the meeting. He said they started getting suspicious after he did not return home and his phone was not available on local networks. It was said the silence was strange because the deceased usually communicated his moves. The deceaseds brother said he then contacted his brothers wife, who was also worried about his whereabouts.

Convinced

It was established that at first, he was believed to have crossed the border to neighbouring South Africa, but at around 9pm, they were convinced this was not the case, because the border had closed by then. Several calls were made to different family members, who were asked if they had information about his whereabouts but no one knew where he was. It was said that the deceased stayed at Hluthi, with his wife, and would travel to his workplace and back on a daily basis. Even the teachers were called and they all confirmed to have seen him when he left for the meeting at around 11am on Monday, narrated the source. It was gathered that some of the border post police officers shared with one of the people who were searching for the late head teacher that there was a man who was found dead, though they were not certain it was him.

It was gathered that the head teacher was killed within the boundaries of a farm called Mpandisane. According to reliable sources, a security guard there heard the noise coming from a man shouting for help inyandzaleyo but was scared to get to the scene as he heard people talking. It was said that the security guard heard voices saying ugangelani, while another was constantly apologising and shouting inyandzaleyo.

Stumbled

Sources revealed that after sometime, the guard went to the scene, where the noise was coming from, and found a shoe. He then followed a trail and stumbled upon the lifeless body of the head teacher. He then raised the alarm to the police. It was said that the deceased was found with a wound on the head and had his hands tied at his back. The deceaseds car is currently missing. His brother said he was taken by the police to the scene and he saw his brothers lifeless body from a distance as he had been instructed not to touch it. At this point, I wish someone can erase the images of what I saw from my memory, he said. Shiselweni Regional Education Officer Siboniso Gumbi said they received the information but were not going to comment about it, as it was not confirmed by the family. He said the community went to their offices to report the incident, adding that they were going to address it after they had been informed by the family. Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed that a 46-year-old man was found dead and his car and is still missing. She requested members of the public to assist in locating the car and with information leading to the death of the man.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a permanent fixture for consumers and enterprises as the world becomes more and more interconnected. By 2027, the global number of connected IoT devices is projected to exceed 29 billion, a significant increase from the 16.7 billion devices reported in 2023.

While the connected device landscape continues to expand and evolve, so do the opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit IoT vulnerabilities. IoT gives businesses many advantages: enhanced efficiency, data-driven insights, reduced costs, and faster innovation. It also introduces new security challenges that demand our attention, especially as IoT is integrated into operational technology (OT) environments.

In this article, well explore the risks associated with IoT and OT connectivity and the measures that organizations need to take to safeguard enterprise networks.

6 IoT vulnerabilities to watch out for

Security risks are a significant concern for businesses using LoT and OT technology. Lets delve into some key loT vulnerabilities that must be addressed:

Limited built-in security features: While many loT devices have some security features, they typically are not sufficient to protect against sophisticated attacks. Their vulnerabilities can serve as gateways into the enterprise network for malicious actors.

2. Weak authentication and authorization: One of the foremost vulnerabilities in IoT deployments stems from inadequate authentication and authorization practices. Weak or default passwords, a lack of multi-factor authentication (MFA), and insufficient access controls can pave the way for malicious actors to infiltrate networks and devices. These issues are akin to leaving the front door to your digital infrastructure unlocked.

3. Lack of visibility into devices and connections: In a world where countless devices connect to the corporate network, blind spots and gaps in visibility are a major security weakness. Without comprehensive visibility into your network, you might not even know which devices are connected, let alone what they are doing. Your network becomes a breeding ground for threats to go undetected.

4. Excessive implicit trust: Too much trust in IoT devices is yet another vulnerability, particularly concerning shadow IoT devices. Unsanctioned devices often lack essential security controls and dont adhere to corporate security policies. By allowing these devices to access the network freely, organizations open additional entry points for potential threats, putting critical systems and data at risk.

5. Not keeping up with patching: The failure to regularly update and patch IoT devices is another Achilles heel. Unpatched devices are inherently more susceptible to attacks, as cybercriminals commonly exploit known vulnerabilities.

6. Ignoring encrypted traffic: Encryption is a common security measure, but it can also provide cover for cybercriminals to hide threats and evade detection. Failing to inspect encrypted traffic means missing the chance to detect and prevent attacks. Attackers commonly exploit encrypted channels to compromise systems, rendering your IoT network less secure than it might seem.

While the risks coming from these vulnerabilities are abundantly clear, its important for organizations to understand the IoT/OT threat landscape in order to effectively protect their networks.

Malware is the top threat to IoT/OT

With so many vulnerabilities plaguing IoT devices, these devices are attractive and relatively easy entry points into corporate networks for attackers. From there, they can move laterally and gain access to other connected devices, servers, and sensitive data.

IoT devices are often co-opted into IoT botnets, which are networks of compromised devices controlled remotely by threat actors. These botnets are then leveraged to carry out more extensive and impactful cyberattacks, such as distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, where a multitude of compromised devices simultaneously flood a target with traffic, overwhelm and exhaust its resources, and potentially cause significant disruption and financial losses.

In fact, two notorious botnets, Mirai and Gafgyt, are major contributors to a recent surge in IoT malware attacks. In the first half of 2023, the Zscaler ThreatLabz research team observed approximately 300,000 attempted malware attacks by known IoT threat actors based on data from the worlds largest inline security cloud. This represents a staggering 400% increase in IoT malware attacks compared to the previous year (January to June 2022), and the Mirai and Gafgyt botnets accounted for 66% of all blocked payloads.

Threats like IoT malware can have serious implications for critical infrastructure industries like manufacturing. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting smart technology and converging IoT devices into existing OT systems in order to meet modern demands for faster supply chain fulfillment and innovation. But manufacturing faces more than triple the number of IoT malware attacks compared to other sectors. Our research showed that manufacturing experienced 54.5% of the total number of attempted IoT malware attacks.

This surge in IoT malware attacks against manufacturing is not an isolated incident. It is an alarmingly real trend in the IoT/OT threat landscape, as attackers strategically capitalize on increased IoT adoption and convergence with OT environments.

Zero trust is an IoT/OT necessity

It is imperative that all organizations and all industries evolve their cybersecurity measures and take proactive steps to tackle this increasingly complex IoT/OT threat landscape.

Best practices like multi-factor authentication, IoT security frameworks, and employee training are important steps. But it is most critical to modernize your security strategy. Traditional approaches and tools are inadequate in meeting the demands of protecting IoT and OT devices.

The following measures are vital to establishing an effective security strategy and reducing the risks associated with IoT/OT threats.

Implement a zero trust architecture: Operating with a trust no one and no device, inspect and verify every connection mindset is fundamental to ensuring the security of IoT/OT devices. Organizations must eliminate implicit trust for IoT and OT and enforce segmentation with least-privileged access to ensure users and devices can access only what they need, limiting lateral movement opportunities for potential attackers

Maintain visibility into all devices: Visibility is a fundamental element in a zero trust security architecture. Securing IoT/OT devices begins with knowing what devices are connected to your network and what those devices are doing. Gain visibility into all devices, including unmanaged devices, and leverage AI/ML capabilities to automatically classify and identify device types based on activity and behavior.

Proactively identify vulnerabilities: To stay ahead of potential threats, organizations should aim to identify vulnerabilities before they turn into problems. Conducting regular security assessments, patching, and continuous monitoring is key to achieving this goal.

Inspect all traffic: Ensure that all traffic, both encrypted and unencrypted, goes through inspection. Any unsanctioned shadow IoT devices that require internet access should go through traffic inspection and ideally be blocked from corporate data via a proxy.

Be ready to disrupt attacks at any stage: The organization should embrace a multi-layered security strategy, with multiple lines of defense to disrupt IoT/OT attacks at any stage, from reducing your attack surface to preventing initial compromise, stopping lateral threat movement, and preventing exfiltration of data

IoT and OT adoption offers significant advantages for businesses today, but it comes hand-in-hand with substantial risks. A modern zero trust approach is necessary to effectively and securely manage IoT and OT devices at scale and the right solution can ensure success.

The Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform provides a holistic zero trust approach to securing IoT/OT. It verifies identity and context, applies access controls, and enforces policies before establishing a secure connection between a device and an application, regardless of location or network.

To learn more about how organizations gain a powerful defense against IoT and OT attacks with Zscaler, download the Zscaler ThreatLabz 2023 Enterprise IoT and OT Threat Report.
New Zealands most impactful technology executives and their teams have been acknowledged at the 2023 CIO50 Awards.

The CIO50 Awards program celebrates the achievements of the top senior technology and digital executives in New Zealand who are driving innovation, rapid change, building great cultures, and influencing leadership teams across their organisations.

The CIO50 2023 List was unveiled at an exclusive, invite-only event in Auckland on Wednesday night.

The number one ranked CIO for 2023, Nicholas Fourie. Foundry

Nicholas Fourie, Vice President ICT at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, took out the CIO50 top spot for 2023. Over the past two years, Fourie and his team have undertaken 38 large-scale strategic digital projects, aligning with the companys sustainable growth strategy. Under his guidance, ICT has become a driving force in the organisation, contributing significantly to F&P Healthcares success and positioning the company as an industry leader in digital transformation and inclusive workplace practices.

Ranked No. 2 in this years CIO50 list is Angela Nash, former Chief Information and Technology Officer at NZ Rugby. Among the many initiatives Nash and the NZ Rugby technology team delivered included the launch of a data centre of excellence, a new fan engagement system, an integrated Teams in Black app, a new OTT/streaming platform NZR+ and a Roblox activation, that all run off a completely re-architected and re-built data warehouse and SSO solution.

And coming in No. 3 on the 2023 list is Simon Kennedy, Chief Digital Officer at Foodstuffs North Island. Kennedy and his team were recognised for the innovative solutions they delivered to keep the business and stores operational in the wake of three destructive weather events  the East Cape Cyclone Hale, followed by the Auckland floods and then finally Cyclone Gabrielle. The impact of these provided an early post-Covid reminder that the grocery industry is an essential service in the lives of New Zealanders. The technology team were front and centre in FSNIs response to each of these events, using the cumulative learnings from innovations developed through Hale and the Auckland floods to underpin a decisive response to Gabrielle.
HelpAge International contracteaza experti sau companii de consultanta pentru instruiri in domeniul comunicare, marketing si sustenabilitate a activitatilor generatoare de venit pentru varstnici
UK charity regulators have called on banks to improve their substandard services for charities, some of which are having their accounts closed or suspended suddenly and are experiencing poor customer service and administrative delays.

Today, chief executives of the Charity Commission, Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator and Charity Commission for Northern Ireland wrote to the UKs main high street banks to demand urgent action to help hard-pressed charities.

They said that the longstanding banking issues faced by the sector mean that many charities have been experiencing disruption to their operations and, in some cases, have been unable to pay their staff.

The Charity Commission previously said that there was a  growing sense of worry about banking services  among charities, citing difficulties in accessing accounts and finding new accounts and having their accounts suddenly closed or frozen.

These issues are of concern to us and should be of concern to banks

In the letter, the regulators said that while charities help beneficiaries deal with the cost-of-living crisis, they themselves face financial difficulties and stresses that are heightened by avoidable frustrations at the availability of bank accounts and substandard service from banks.

They said they are aware of charities having their accounts closed or suspended for long periods of time, facing a reduction in bespoke banking services, experiencing poor customer service and administrative delays and finding that online banking is not designed to match the way they operate.

Adequate banking provisions and control over cashflow are critical to robust financial governance procedures, and that underpins the sustainability of the sector, they wrote.

Charities need banking providers to support them in ensuring funds are appropriately and transparently managed.

If inadequate provision drives charities to rely on unsafe practices  such as trustees using their own bank accounts, or keeping large cash reserves unsecured  public trust in charities may become eroded. Those impacted most tend to be smaller local organisations. These issues are of concern to us as charity regulators and should be of concern to banks.

Processes must be more straightforward for charities

The regulators said that some work is underway to address banking issues, but added that there is much more that banks could be doing to make this easier for charities.

They urged banks to improve the process for setting up a charity bank account by making it more straightforward and to ensure banking employees are trained adequately so that they understand how charities operate and what their needs are.

Training materials would ensure bank staff are aware of the different charity structures and how they are governed, so they request correct documentation and prevent avoidable delay driven by misunderstanding within banks, they said.

The action needed can only happen with support and leadership from UK banks. Working with charities is key to acting as a responsible business within our society, and the best way that banks can do so is by streamlining services to help charities operate in a way that does not create serious governance issues for them.

At the Charity Commissions annual public meeting in Liverpool today, chief executive officer Helen Stephenson said that the letter makes clear that we consider the service charities experience is unacceptable.

The scale of the response from banks needs to improve, now, and at pace.

Muslim Charities Forum: This issue has not been addressed sufficiently until now

Fadi Itani, chief executive of the Muslim Charities Forum (MCF), said: Muslim-led charities in particular have been disproportionately affected with sudden bank account closures under banks' de-risking processes.

Banks opt to de-bank charities in order to appease their risk appetite, rather than seeking to understand their clients operations and the relevant safeguarding policies charities have in place.

Often this process is not communicated nor explained to charities who have fulfilled all legal and financial obligations and who can be left without access to vital banking facilities. These place public trust and support in jeopardy and most importantly, disrupt charities' operations, and can stop vital aid reaching people in desperate need.

We welcome the statement from the Charity Commission, as many charities have been struggling for years and are concerned that this issue has not been addressed sufficiently until now.

As MCF, we call for a complete review of banking practices, including full transparency on how internal decisions are made, and how they use third-party data to inform their decision-making.

We believe this is an area that the Treasury and FCA can lead on to introduce better governance and regulations to deter banks from de-banking charities without consequences, offering stronger protection for charities from such practices.

Charity Finance Group: Progress slower than we would like

Clare Mills, director of policy and communications at the Charity Finance Group (CFG) said: CFG welcomes this action by the Charity Commission.

We have been working closely with the regulator and other infrastructure bodies since early 2022 to improve access to banking for charities, voluntary organisations, faith and community groups, all of which need to have a straightforward and secure way to manage and protect money.

Although there has been some progress behind the scenes, with positive input from some of the banks and UK Finance, this has been slower than we would like.

There are two aspects of risk in this situation. Theres the risk to individual charities and social purpose organisations which are struggling with access to banking services, which can include having accounts closed suddenly. This can mean charities being unable to operate and support their beneficiaries, and creates a significant amount of work to unpick what's happened and return to business as usual.

If charities are unable to operate effectively and maintain good governance, then there is also the wider risk to the sector as a whole.

This cumulative impact of access challenges is equally concerning. We dont want to see the high levels of trust in the sector undermined by the loss of access to banking services.

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,
Employees of a womens charity in Scotland have voted to strike after raising bullying concerns and being asked to stay at home while the charity investigates their allegations.

Workers union Unite announced this week that 13 members of staff working at Glasgow East Womens Aid (GEWA) had voted to take part in industrial action.

The union also said five of these employees had been dismissed during the ballot period and that it was taking legal action on their behalf.

It claimed that the dismissals were unfair and linked to the workers trade union activities.

GEWA would not confirm whether employees had been dismissed and said that strike action was not justified.

A spokesperson for Scottish charity regulator OSCR said that it was in contact with the charity and understand[s] the current situation.

Charity: Strike action is not justified

A spokesperson from GEWA said: The board instructed an external HR investigation in September that is still ongoing.

The employees are now expressing that the investigation is not moving as fast as they would like despite it only having been around two months.

This may seem like a while; however, it needs to be understood that it will take time to complete a comprehensive independent HR investigation into over 15 individuals, over a course of complaints that they have brought to the forefront, referring to alleged behaviour that is many years old.

Strike action is not justified and ironically could delay the investigation.

The board has made every possible effort to resolve issues and continue to support employees through external counselling, but employees are ignoring our attempts at resolution.

We are now at a highly regrettable stage where we are trying to resolve matters with our employees, but they refuse to communicate with us directly. Therefore, we are at a loss as to how else we can resolve matters with these valuable workers.

Union considering next steps

Sharon Graham Unite general secretary, said: Unite will not tolerate any of our members at Glasgow East Womens Aid being targeted and dismissed due to raising legitimate concerns about their workplace.

These dismissals shockingly took place during an industrial action ballot, and there is no doubt this move was designed to undermine the ballot process.

Unite has launched unfair dismissal claims on behalf of our five members. Be in no doubt we will be holding the organisations management to account for its disgraceful behaviour and potentially illegal attitude to its staff.

Unite industrial officer Linda Wilson, said: We believe our members have been targeted for attempting to raise legitimate concerns about the service, and for exercising their rights by involving their union in this dispute.

We will now consider our next steps following our members emphatic support for strike action.

Unite would not confirm when the strike action would take place.

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,
In the 2010s, Max Freedman, Emily Bell, Asaf Calderon, and Ilana Levinson met through a shared connection to a group called If Not Now, a collective of American Jewish activists that, in its own words, advocates for ending US support for Israels apartheid system, and for equality and justice for all Palestinians and Israelis. Spurred by that organizations work and the podcast boom of the mid- to late 2010s, they decided to start their own show to tell stories they felt were missing from discussions about Israel and Palestine. They called it Unsettled.

The cofounders of Unsettled knew that they wanted it to be a journalistic, rather than an advocacy, podcast. It is now part of a group of outlets, also including +972 Magazine and Jewish Currents, that cover Israel and Palestine in depth, primarily through the work of Jewish and Palestinian journalists. It is quite difficult for anybody, but especially for non-Jewish people, to speak up, because the Jewish establishment has put so much political capital into really stigmatizing criticism of Israel and labeling all of it as anti-Semitic, Freedman told me recently. People are really afraid not just to speak up but to even ask questions. Freedman believes that the founders perspectives as American and Israeli Jews (Calderon is from Israel) can help listeners feel less daunted as they navigate fraught events in the region.

Since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7 and Israel responded by bombing Gaza, the team behind Unsettled have found that the shows listeners have spent time going through its archives, in search of deeper context for the current conflict. In 2019, Unsettled produced Hamas, Explained, an episode that was part of a series focused on Gaza and featured an interview with Tareq Baconi, a policy analyst and author of the 2018 book Hamas Contained: The Rise and Pacification of Palestinian Resistance. (In May 2021amid Israeli air strikes that killed more than two hundred Palestinians in Gaza, according to the United NationsUnsettled republished the episode with an updated epilogue from Freedman.) Baconis remarks in the episode were prescient: Until there is a major tipping point, something thats unexpected, which there will be of coursethe current reality is one that is likely to persist, he said. The episode has since become Unsettleds most downloaded ever.

Since October 7, Unsettled has followed up with many of its past guests, including Baconi; according to Freedman, that interview and the 2019 and 2021 iterations of the Hamas episode have now been downloaded nearly twenty thousand times between them. Last week, I spoke with Freedman about the Hamas episode, the work of delving deep into difficult topics, and the narrative gaps that Unsettled seeks to fill. Our conversation has been edited for length and clarity.



FM: What is the target audience for Unsettled?

MF: In the beginning, it was Jewish people. There are a lot of Jews in the United States and elsewhere in the diaspora who were taught certain narratives about Israel-Palestine; probably certain narratives about Israel that dont really include Palestine. A lot of people are like, I only know one set of information and I dont know who to trust or where to go to get other information.

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What we have found is that our audience is definitely not Jews like us, and thats exciting. There are a lot of people in generaland particularly in the United States, where so much taxpayer money goes to fund the Israeli militarywho are like, I need to know more about this. I think weve tried to walk a really important line, where [the podcast] is journalism. We are really rigorous with our reporting and careful in who we speak to. What were trying to demonstrate is that its possible to be rigorous without losing moral clarity.

How do you draw the distinction between a journalistic podcast versus an advocacy one? And how do you select guests?

We go by our interests and our instincts. Our approach to October 7 and the month since has mostly been to follow up with people that weve interviewed on the podcast before and see how theyre dealing with all this, and then to try to fill gaps that we see in either the coverage or the discourse, so to speak.

We certainly want to make sure that we have a balance of Jewish and Palestinian voices; probably more Palestinian voices to Jewish voices. We dont necessarily give more airtime to people who believe things that we think are totally wrong or abhorrent, or who are going to spread falsehoods. In the seven or eight episodes weve done since October 7, one of them was with Ilana [Levinson]s old camp counselor, who lives in Israel. I would say that I disagree with his perspective quite a bit. But we thought it was important to represent the perspective of somebody who is Jewish and lives in Israel, and some people in our audience may listen to that guy and be like, Oh, yeah, I totally get where youre coming from. What were doing, through a lot of different episodes, is trying to give you a sense of the fabric of whats happeningwe weave together all these different perspectives and you get a sense of the whole picture.

Lets discuss the 2019 episode Hamas, Explained. Thats a tough subject to discuss for so many reasons. What was the thought behind it?

We had been doing the show for a year at that point, and everything we had done was pretty much about the West Bank or Israel. The four of us being who we are, which was young Jews in Brooklyn, we were like, Well, we dont really know as much about Gaza. Gaza is less, it seems, accessible to usboth physically, literally less accessible to us, but also the perspectives of Gazans. So we did a series and we were like, We cant do a series about Gaza without talking about who governs Gaza. And we got lucky: Tareq [Baconi] had published his book in 2018. I dont know of another book exactly like it. He interviewed leaders of Hamas. He read every newspaper that theyve ever published going back to the eighties.

The public is frequently encouraged not to engage with Hamas as anything other than absolute evil. And they have done evil things. The things that were done on October 7 are horrific. But theres nothing to do with absolute evil except to exterminate itand thats how you get ten thousand dead Gazans. And Im not satisfied with that; Im not satisfied with that intellectually, either. Where do they come from? Why do they exist? Why do they do the things they do? Why do they govern Gaza? I wanted to know, I wanted to learn. I think a lot of people want to learn, not so that they can excuse their actions, but just so they can understand and have some context. The evil things that they have done do not preclude them from serious study and reporting.

At the beginning of that episode, you talk about being on a train reading Baconis book and being nervous about people seeing you. That felt very representative of how we feel about information about Hamas. Obviously journalism plays a part in that

This is something Tareq said: what it does is it makes it easier for everybody to accept actions that the Israeli government does that are not morally acceptable. I was surprised to learn, as people are continually surprised to learn, about the tacit agreements between Netanyahu and Hamas over the years. [Analysts and journalists alike have long discussed ways in which the relationship between the administration of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas has, at times, been symbiotic; in 2019, Netanyahu reportedly said that anyone who wants to thwart the establishment of a Palestinian state has to support bolstering Hamas and transferring money to Hamas.] My dad was like, Really? Its very hard for people to incorporate into their understanding of reality. But its true and its documented. Its not a conspiracy theory.

How do you think journalists could improve their coverage of Hamas and of Israel and Palestine?

I would say the same thing that I would say about the way journalists engage with the police. Journalists should not just repeat military talking points the same way they shouldnt just repeat police talking points; the military, just like the police, has incentive to lie. The same goes for Hamas: you shouldnt repeat Hamas talking points; if you do, say that these are Hamas talking points. I think in general that, because Israel is a state and the Israeli military is a military, their talking points are treated as more official than Hamas talking points, because Gaza is not a state and the militant wing of the movement is not a state military. But this is tricky territory. By virtue of Israel being a state and Palestine not, the Israeli military has a monopoly on state power and the narratives that state power is allowed to perpetuate.

The most obvious thing I can say is that things didnt start on October 7. People have been calling it an unprovoked attack, which on some level it was; I was surprised as much as anybody about what happened. But to say it was not provoked in an immediate sense does not mean that it doesnt have context. Of course it has context.

Can you say more about the gaps that you see in media coverage, that youve tried to fill?

Theres a great two-part episode that we did with Asaf [Calderon] and his parents, who are old-school Israeli leftists. Hes just talking to his parents, but its about a divide between different generations of people on the Israeli left and how they understand the issues differently, how they move apart in certain ways, whats happened to the left of his parents generation. Thats a nuance about internal Israeli life that you dont [see] much in the mainstream media. We [also] did an episode about the immense influence of Christian Zionist organizations on what happens in Israel and Palestine today. Were doing a follow-up about that issue next week. Thats incredibly important, and it gets very little attention. There are so many more Christian Zionists than Jewish Zionists in the world, and they are very organized and very influential.

I dont think its very well understood that so many people who live in Gaza actually consider themselves refugees from whats now Israel. An episode that has not gotten as much attention as the Hamas episode is the episode right before that in the [Gaza] series, called Refugees. Its an interview with Isam Hammad [an organizer of the 2018 Great March of Return, a series of demonstrations by Palestinians in Gaza demanding that Israels blockade of the area be lifted and that Palestinian refugees have the right to return to their homes in what is now Israel] and his father, Hilmi. Hilmi talks about the village in which he lived in what is now Israel, and being expelled from that village in 1948, and how hes lived in Gaza ever since.

The first episode in the [Gaza] series was about the Great March of Return. Isam was one of the organizers; we interviewed him and another guy named Ahmed Alnaouq. Ahmed Alnaouqs entire family has been killed in this [current conflict]some twenty members of his family. We followed up with Isam. Hes still in Gaza with his elderly father. They have been told to evacuate, and they cant go anywhere. These are the people in Gaza right now. They have deep roots, not just to Gaza but to Israel. The Hamas stuff is important. But I want people to listen to those stories.



Other notable stories:

In other news about the conflict in the Middle East, a group of journalists touring a site of Israeli bombardments in southern Lebanon said that they were themselves targeted by strikes from across the border on Monday; no one was killed, but Al Jazeera said that its photographer was lightly wounded. Elsewhere, a team from NPR recounted how Israeli soldiers confronted them while they were interviewing a Palestinian farmer in the occupied West Bank, then detained the farmer. (He was later released.) And overnight, Israeli forces raided a hospital in Gaza that they say is on top of a Hamas base (the US has backed this claim; hospital staff and Hamas have denied it). The IDF said it brought medical workers and Arabic speakers to the hospitala claim the BBC erroneously reported as Israel saying it was targeting those groups. The broadcaster apologized.

The Washington Posts Michael Scherer and Josh Dawsey examined how the influential Spanish-language network Univision has shifted in its approach to Donald Trump, culminating in a prime-time interview last week that was notable for its gracious tone and for Trump hosting a trio of network executives during filming, in addition to Univision journalists. During the 2020 presidential race, Trumps campaign dismissed Univision as a mouthpiece for liberalsbut the network has since changed owners following a 2021 merger with a Mexican TV company, and Democrats and some Univision staffers fear that its new bosses are cozying up to Trump. One network source countered that Univision is merely trying to reflect Latino viewers diverse perspectives.

In media-jobs news, Henry Blodget, the cofounder of Business Insider, is stepping down as its CEO; Barbara Peng will succeed Blodget, who will remain on the publications board. (The publication also confirmed that Business Insider is its nameaborting an effort to rebrand as Insider.) Elsewhere, the Knight Foundation, a significant philanthropic donor to journalistic causes, tapped Maribel Perez Wadsworth, a longtime former executive at Gannett, as its new president and CEO, succeeding Alberto Ibarguen, who is retiring. And the supermodel and entrepreneur Karlie Kloss acquired i-D Magazine, a culture publication, from Vice Media, and will serve as its CEO.

The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and Paper Trail Media are out with Cyprus Confidential, an investigationbased on a trove of leaked data and conducted in collaboration with dozens of newsrooms worldwideshowing how financial firms in Cyprus have helped Russian oligarchs to shelter their wealth. One of the stories in the project details how Hubert Seipel, a German journalist who has written extensively on Russia and Vladimir Putin, received significant sums in sponsorship from a shell company linked to one sanctioned Russian oligarch. (Seipel denies any impropriety.)

And a Russian detective who was convicted of the murder of Anna Politkovskayaan investigative journalist for the independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta, who was shot in her apartment building in 2006has been pardoned by Putin after fighting as a soldier in the war in Ukraine, where he remains on duty. Politkovskayas familywho have criticized Russian officials for failing to prosecute the mastermind of her killingcalled the pardon a monstrous fact of injustice and a desecration of her memory.

ICYMI: David Cameron is back. Will noughties spin come back with him?

Feven Merid is CJRs staff writer and Senior Delacorte Fellow.
MANZINI  The non-appointment of the 10 elected senators into Cabinet is said to be a good thing.

The 10 senators, who comprise five of each gender, were caught in the crossfire, when allegations of corruption marred the Senate elections by members of the House of Assembly. The controversy which engulfed the election of senators by Members of Parliament (MPs) had allegations that votes were sold for cash, and as such, some of the candidates during the Senate elections supposed to have been robbed. Last month, this publication reported that some aspirant senators, who eventually lost in the Senate elections, purported to have spent over E1 million in seeking some members of the House of Assembly to vote for them with an original vote, during the elections on October 12, 2023.

Elections

Subsequent to the elections, those who crashed out started making an array of allegations, with some demanding their money back from some of the MPs as they claimed that they had breached their gentlemens agreement. Their claims resulted in the Clerk to Parliament, Benedict Xaba, through a press briefing, informing the public that he had reported to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and also the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), the allegations of some legislators selling their original votes to those who were nominated. As the investigations into the claims continue, some social commentators suppose it was a great precedent to omit those who were allegedly implicated in the supposed corruption up until everything was concluded.

Decision

One of the people supporting this, is Senator Tony Sibandze. He said in his understanding, it was a great decision to have the Cabinet appointed outside those whose election into Senate was still under investigation. Sibandze said: Despite that these are mere allegations, whose veracity is yet to be established; having any of the affected who are indirectly linked to the investigation could compromise the integrity of Cabinet. He said public office demanded a person with integrity, which was beyond reproach. Sibandze said Cabinet was not a fish and chips business, which could be handled anyhow. The senator said what was essential was to guarantee the dignity of Cabinet as public perception needed to be managed. Sibandze said for now, the politicians who did not form part of Cabinet could still serve the country diligently in Parliament.

If there are ongoing investigations, let them be concluded and should they prove negative, then if need be for replacements, should there be a reshuffle, then if they meet what the country needs in Cabinet, then they could be considered, Sibandze emphasised. Also, Senate hopeful in the 11th Parliament Sifiso Dlamini said: If the omission of the elected 10 senators was calculated and intentional, it is a bold statement by the PM that he will not tolerate any accusation and or traits of corrupt practices. Dlamini also said the pressing question which begged an answer was; Were the elected senators Cabinet material?

Accusations

He said apart from the accusations of corruption, they would probably make excellent senators and not necessarily good Cabinet ministers. Dlamini said in any case, the prerogative to appoint Cabinet lied with His Majesty King Mswati III, following the advice of the Prime Minister (PM), who in the 12th Parliament is Russell Mmiso Dlamini. Conversely, Economics Scholar Thembinkosi Dube said it was hard to pronounce much on the issue as investigations were ongoing. However, he said if it was true that they were omitted due to the ongoing investigations, then it was a great precedent. It is usually best to conclude investigations and establish if the allegations hold water or not before any person is assigned to a public office, Dube said. On the other hand, University of Eswatini Lecturer and Human Rights Lawyer Thabiso Mavuso said: If it was consistent, it would be fair because any person assuming political office or a leadership position should be a person of unquestionable integrity. Mavuso said, even if the allegations into the sale of votes for Senate were nothing but allegations, it would not be proper to have any person embroiled in such allegations in public office.

Positions

He said it would be great if all people who had allegations against them were not included in positions of leadership, as this meant that their integrity was questionable. The human rights lawyer said the challenge was that there was no specific criterion specifying the quality of people needed in Cabinet. Despite this, he said it was key, in his understanding, to have relevance to a particular portfolio a minister shall lead. Worth mentioning is that during Sibaya, corruption was one of the issues which the nation raised concerns about and it was highlighted that it derailed the pursuit of the First World status. The 10 elected senators are: Fezeka Dlamini, Lizzie Nkosi, Sicelo Qedusizi Dlamini, Ndumiso Mdluli, Linda Nxumalo, Celumusa Mndvoti, Majaha Mkhonta, Tony Sibandze, Lindiwe Ngwenya and Lorraine Nxumalo.
Texas Mutual Appoints VP for Claims

Texas Mutual Insurance Co. has promoted Peppia Sherrouse to vice president of claim operations.

Sherrouse has served as vice president of regional operations in Houston for the past five years, the insurer said in a press release. Chief Executive Officer Jeanette Ward said the company chose Serrouse for the position because of her compassionate leadership style and interest in providing advancement opportunities for her employees.

Sherrouse joined Texas Mutual in 2013 as senior manager of regional claims. Previously, she served as a branch manager for Corvel Co. and as southern region claims manager for SeaBright Insurance Co., the carrier said. She has a total of 30 years experience in workers compensation in multiple states and maritime jurisdictions.

Chris Dowling will take Sherrourses previous position as vice president of regional operations in Houston. Dowling has served as a territory management specialist in Austin Since February 2020, Texas Mutual said.

Criterion Appoints Major Loss Head

Criterion Adjusters, which specializes in serving high net worth claimants, has appointed Neil Stephens as director  head of major loss and operations.

The London-based company said Stephens will be responsible for the operational leadership of the claims team. He has 20 years of claims adjusting experience, specializing most recently in major loss claims in the United Kingdom and overseas, the company said in a press release.

Stephens began his insurance career in 2001 as a claims technician, according to a biography on the Criterion website. He moved to a field adjusting role managing large and complex marine cargo losses throughout the world. Stephens moved to Gibraltar to handle commercial property losses throughout the Iberian peninsula for the London market, the company said.

Goldberg Segalla Adds Attorney to Insurance Group

Goldberg Segalla has hired Jillian B. Saputelli to is Global Insurance Services Group in Philadelphia.

Saputelli represents insurance carriers in complex insurance coverage matters, including commercial general liability, construction defect, homeowners and bad faith claims, the law firm said in a press release.

Before joining a private practice, she served as a law clerk to Superior Court Judge Samuel J. Ragonese in Gloucester County, New Jersey.

Before joining Goldberg Segallia, Saputelli was with the Connell Foley law firm in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  A stretch of Interstate 10 in Los Angeles that was seriously damaged in an act of arson does not need to be demolished and can be repaired in three to five weeks, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday.

Newsom announced the finding after analysis of core samples taken from the freeway, a vital artery that hundreds of thousands of vehicles use daily. About 100 columns were damaged in the Saturday fire that officials say was started by arson. No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.

I dont want to see that five-week mark hit, Newsom told reporters as he outlined the repair plan.

Newsom said Monday that investigators are trying to determine if more than one person was involved in the arson but gave no other details.

I have to stress that we have determined what started the fire, he said.

Critical questions still unanswered include whether the structure can be repaired or must be knocked down and rebuilt, and how long it will take to reopen the stretch of freeway that normally carries 300,000 vehicles a day.

The fire erupted at 12:20 a.m. Saturday in two storage lots under an elevated section of Interstate 10 where pallets, vehicles and other materials combusted quickly and the fire spread over 8 acres (3 hectares). No injuries were reported but at least 16 homeless people living under the freeway were taken to shelters.

The blaze 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.

The I-10 runs east-west across the heart of the metropolis and connects with other major freeways. Monday brought the first weekday test for commuters navigating new freeway routes or surface street detours around the closed section south of downtown.

The result was both encouraging and a reminder of the significant challenges we face for the foreseeable future until the 10 can be safely reopened, Laura Rubio-Cornejo, general manager of the city Department of Transportation, said as Tuesday`s commute began.

There was little congestion during the Monday morning commute, indicating drivers heeded warnings, but the evening commute was much more congested, Rubio- Cornejo said. Surface street detours had a 14.7% increase in traffic volume and traffic engineers adjusted signal patterns to deal with the load, she said.

Beyond a massive traffic headache, the closure is expected to be felt well beyond the metropolis, including possibly slowing the transportation of goods from the twin ports of LA and Long Beach, federal officials said. The ports handle more than half of the goods coming into the country. President Joe Biden was briefed on the fire.

Officials have said the damage is reminiscent of the 1994 Northridge earthquake that crumpled elevated sections of I-10. It took more than two months to repair I-10 after the quake, and that was considered significantly fast.

Newsom said early tests show 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 nationwide.

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 closure also raised concerns for downtown businesses.

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.

California Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant said investigators have identified where the fire started and what caused it after sorting through the rubble for evidence, but did not specify what they found. He had no information on a suspect and that investigators 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.

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 has 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, Newsom said.

Mainak DAttaray, an attorney for Apex Development, confirmed the lawsuit in an email to The Associated Press.

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.

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.

Top photo: A portion of Interstate 10 freeway in Los Angeles between Alameda Street and Santa Fe Avenue in empty, on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023. A large fire broke out under the 10 freeway Saturday after midnight, fully engulfing multiple pallets, vehicles, and trailers and causing extensive damage to the freeway. (Dean Musgrove/The Orange County Register via AP)
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Cleveland is one of two Ohio cities considered among the least safe in the U.S., according to an analysis released Tuesday.

The results from the study by Scholaroo, a website that helps college students with scholarships, likely isnt surprising to Cleveland residents, with the city combating a surge in violence in 2023. Cleveland is expected to come close to its record of 195 homicides in a year, which was set four decades ago.

In the ranking of 150 cities, Cleveland is at No. 142. Cincinnati is at No. 147. Detroit, Michigan, finished last.

St. Paul, Minnesota, is the safest large city in the U.S. according to the analysis.

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Both Cleveland and Cincinnati finished in the bottom five for highest rates of robbery, while Cincinnati finished next to last for highest rate of house burglaries. Cincinnati finished last for larceny and theft.

Scholaroo says its study analyzed crime and safety indicators per capita. Metrics such as number of police officers, murder rate, robberies, assaults and shootings were given a ranking on a 100-point scale. The scores were used to rank the cities.

The 10 safest cities, according to the study:

1. St. Paul, Minn.

2. Port St. Lucie, Fla.

3. Cranston, R.I.

4. Provo, Utah

5. Naperville, Ill.

6. Meridian, Idaho

7. Allentown, Pa.

8. Montgomery, Ala.

9. Yonkers, N.Y.

10. Boise, Idaho

The 10 least-safe cities:

141. Las Vegas, Nev.

142. Cleveland

143. Birmingham, Ala.

144. New Orleans, La.

145. St. Louis, Mo.

146. Jackson, Miss.

147. Cincinnati

148. Baltimore, Md.

149. Memphis, Tenn.

150. Detroit, Mich.
WASHINGTON, D. C. - U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Cleveland Democrat, on Wednesday said the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) thats being negotiated between 14 countries lacks adequate labor standards and enforcement provisions, so hes pushed President Joe Bidens administration to drop trade from the agreement.

Its been negotiated behind closed doors without input from workers or Congress, Brown said of the IPEFs trade provisions. The pending agreement also aims to set supply chain, clean economy and fair economy standards for the involved countries: Australia; Brunei Darussalam; Fiji; India; Indonesia; Japan; the Republic of Korea; Malaysia; New Zealand; Philippines; Singapore; Thailand; Vietnam and the United States.

Brown told reporters the United States needs stronger safeguards to keep China from routing its products through other countries, like Vietnam, to get around U.S. laws.

Brown said the Biden administration should proceed with agreements on the other three sections of the deal, but hold off on trade until it can bring labor to the table. He said that was done successfully when the United States, Mexico, and Canada (USMCA) Agreement updated the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 2020.

Brown, whose 2024 reelection is key to Democrats hopes of retaining Senate control, noted he fought against bad deal after bad deal negotiated by presidents of both parties, including NAFTA, the Central American Free Trade Agreement, normalizing trade relations with China and the Trans-Pacific Partnership. He also wrote a book called Myths of Free Trade: Why American Trade Policy Has Failed.

James Proctor, a senior vice president at McWane, Inc., an ironworks manufacturer with a plant in Coshocton, said his company can compete with anyone on a level playing field, but too often has to compete against illegally dumped Chinese products that are routed through other Southeast Asian countries.,

We all recognize its important to build trade relationships that will counter China, but China uses many of the same countries that are involved in these IPEF discussions to fraudulently trans ship their products and circumvent U.S. duties and laws, which put U.S. industries and jobs at risk in the process, said Proctor. This has been a real problem in our industry. Its undermined our American operations and the investments that we make them. And it puts an unfair thumb on the scale against American companies and our team members.

Brown said that until he spoke out, the Biden administration was moving forward with rolling out the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework  which included a trade pillar with no enforceable labor standards  this week at the Asia Pacific Economic Forum in San Francisco. After Brown raised concerns, the Biden administration announced that it would not move forward with the trade pillar while Biden is in San Francisco this week to discuss the deal.

Jason Clark, who serves as political representative of the Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters union, which represents 18,000 workers in Ohio said decades of bad trade agreements have led to factory closures in Ohio, which devastate workers, their families and entire communities.

People are sick of watching their life work disappear because of trade deals written behind closed doors, without the input of those of us whose jobs and livelihoods are on the line, said Clark.

Sabrina Eaton writes about the federal government and politics in Washington, D.C., for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer.
The Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), along with representatives from the financial services sector, kick off their participation at the 8th edition of Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) showcasing investment opportunities in Bahrain's fintech sector.

Taking place from November 15 to 17 at the Singapore EXPO, SFF will bring together the global fintech community to engage, connect and discuss trending topics related to the development of financial services, public policy and technology.

Alongside several speaking opportunities and strategic investor meetings planned with high level representatives from the Bahrain EDB, led by its Chief Executive Khalid Humaidan, senior officials from the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), Bahrain Fintech Bay, and several other leading international and local businesses operating in Bahrain will attend the pivotal fintech event in Singapore.

Additionally, the Bahrain Pavilion is hosting representatives from the Kingdoms financial services ecosystem to connect with global fintech experts and key decision makers, enabling the growth and innovation of the financial services and fintech sectors.

The participation at SFF coincides with the opening of Bahrain's EDB's new office in Singapore  its first in Asean, in a move that expands its global footprint and bridges the gap with Singapore and Asean-based financial and fintech firms interested in tapping into the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) market.

Representatives from Singapore Gulf Bank, which is currently gearing up for its launch in Bahrain, additionally attended, joining the business delegates from Bahrain. The project led by the Singapore-based family office Whampoa Group secured a milestone earlier this year as one of the inaugural set of projects to be granted a Golden License.

"As the financial services industry continues to be a priority sector to drive investments into Bahrain as part of the national Economic Recovery Plan, we look forward to promoting Bahrain's value proposition to future-focused global financial and fintech firms, which stand to benefit from Bahrain's innovative investment climate and progressive regulatory framework," said Dalal Buhejji, Executive Director of Business Development for Financial Services at Bahrain Economic Development Board.

She added: "In addition to the strategic location of our island nation, which enables businesses operating in Bahrain to springboard into the Gulf markets and beyond, businesses operating in Bahrain gain access to a future-ready workforce that combines highly skilled, bi-lingual, driven Bahraini nationals with a diverse expat talent pool offering global perspectives."

Bahrain's well-established financial services sector, fast-growing diversified economy and strategic location at the heart of the Arabian Gulf make it an ideal destination for investment. Bahrain's financial services sector, has overtaken oil and gas as the largest contributor to real GDP, standing at 17.5%, actively supporting economic diversification. - TradeArabia News Service
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
Q Properties has awarded a construction contract worth AED584 million ($159 million) to Trojan General Contracting for work on Phase I of Reem Hills 302 townhouses and 110 twin villas all of which are sold out.

The elegantly designed homes boast modern design features and are spacious, with plenty of outdoor space, making them ideal for families. The townhouses have three bedrooms, while the twin villas have four bedrooms. The total BUA (built up area) of both types is 118,000 sq m.

Situated at the heart of the capital, Reem Hills stands as the only gated community on Abu Dhabi's prestigious Al Reem Island, focusing on exclusivity and well-being.

Important step

"This contract award is another important step towards completion of this prestigious and exciting project, as we continue to adhere closely to the schedule. We chose Trojan General Contracting after careful deliberation for the calibre of their team, impressive industry experience, and commitment to excellence. I eagerly look forward to seeing these already sold properties come to full fruition," said Majed Odeh, GCEO of Q Holding.

Mohammed Mahmoud, CEO of Trojan General Contracting, said: We're thrilled to have been awarded this contract to build exquisite Reem Hills Phase 1 twin villas and townhouses. We have an unwavering commitment to turning our clients' vision into reality and can't wait to bring these beautiful homes to life; work will begin in December 2023.

Reem Hills further delivers on Q Properties commitment to contribute to the economic development of Abu Dhabi and support the global ambitions of the UAE.--TradeArabia News Service
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), one of the worlds largest aluminium smelters, has scooped two major awards at the 2023 Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA) Annual Conference and Awards, held this week at the Four Seasons Hotel  Bahrain Bay.

The MEIRA 2023: From ESG to Sustainable Capital Markets was hosted by Bahrain Bourse in collaboration with the Central Bank of Bahrain, and featured a diverse lineup of discussions and panels that explored the GCC market's structure, growth potential, regulatory environment, and emerging trends, ESG landscape, and IR developments.

Alba won the Leading Corporate for Investor Relations (IR) in Bahrain as well as the Best Investor Relations Professional  Bahrain; awards.

Commenting on this win, Albas Chief Executive Officer Ali Al Baqali said: We are proud to have been recognized as the top Investor Relations Lead Corporate in Bahrain. What made this recognition more meaningful is that this time, we have collected it from our home - the Kingdom of Bahrain. Scooping this award for the 12th year in a row is a strong vote of confidence for everything we do in Investor Relations, and I thank Director Investor Relations and her team for going above and beyond to set the benchmark in IR best practices as we navigate the dynamic business landscape.

Adding further, Albas Director  Investor Relations, Insurance & Corporate Secretary, and recipient of the Best Investor Relations Professional  Bahrain Award, Eline Hilal, said: I am incredibly humbled to receive this award as the top Investor Relations lead in Bahrain and the region for more than a decade. Transparent, strong governance and proactive communication are the cornerstone of everything we do in IR. Our aim is to continue shaping the Companys narrative, foster trust with our investors and build strong relationships with our financial community as to why they should own Alba stock.

Hilal was a key panelist on the topic of Integrating ESG into IR at the Conference on November 13 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel - Bahrain, alongside investment, sustainability and IR professionals from well-known companies in the region.  TradeArabia News Service
CNBC's Alex Sherman reports on the inside story of a CEO succession plan gone awry at Disney  a cautionary tale of how good intentions clashed with ego and hubris at the highest levels of corporate America. Sherman spoke with more than two dozen people who worked closely with Disney's last two CEOs, Bob Iger and Bob Chapek, between 2020 and 2022. His report features many never-before reported details about Chapek's tenure, how and why he was fired, and Iger's plan to revive Disney now that he's CEO once again. To read the full article go to https://cnb.cx/3Pr3kEd
College students and their families will see a newly redesigned Free Application for Federal Student Aid when they apply for financial aid in the coming months.

The updated FAFSA  which is slated to be available by the end of December  will not only streamline the process and make it easier for families to apply for aid, but also expand eligibility for federal aid, including Pell Grants.

Under the changes, 610,00 more students nationwide will become eligible for Pell Grants and nearly 1.5 million more students will receive maximum Pell Grant eligibility, the Department of Education said in a press release on Wednesday.

The maximum Pell Grant award was $7,395 for the 2023-24 aid year. The maximum amount for 2024-25 has not been set by Congress yet.

"More students are going to get Pell Grants, they're going to get larger Pell Grants, and it's going to be easier to navigate the financial aid system as a whole," James Kvaal, Under Secretary of Education, tells CNBC Make It.

Here are a few highlights.
Atmosphere Core, a dynamic hospitality company with three distinctive lifestyle brands, The Ozen Collection, Colours of Oblu and Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts in the Maldives, has announced key new hires and redeployments within its team of general managers.

These movements come as a part of the companys overall business strategy as well as an ongoing commitment to nurturing and developing leadership talent, it said.

Rikard Nilsson, a Swedish national, was appointed as the Vice President for Culinary at Atmosphere Core in August 2023. He is responsible for the companys culinary strategy across three brands and eight resorts. Rikard is an award-winning, progressive culinary professional with over 35 years of experience in establishments, including world-class restaurants, culinary advisory boards, competitions, and culinary consulting.

Christopher Baker joined Atmosphere Core as the General Manager of Oblu Select Lobigili & Oblu Xperience Ailafushi in August 2023, bringing with him over 25 years of international experience. An in-depth knowledge of all business activity phases, along with a proven expertise in maintaining the highest performance standards ensure Christopher brings alive the Colours of Oblu brand experiences at both resorts, it said.

Four key internal movements have also been implemented this year at Atmosphere Core:

* Philippe Claverotte is now an integral part of a Special Task Force overseeing upcoming projects. He moved to this tactical corporate role after serving as the Vice President & General Manager of Varu By Atmosphere. Under his sharp leadership, Varu By Atmosphere has received multiple accolades, including the Maldives leading resorts at the World Travel Awards (WTA) 2023.

* Mei P Pun, hailing from Malaysia, took over the baton from Philippe Claverotte, joining as the General Manager of Varu By Atmosphere. She has 20 years of international experience, and previously served as the General Manager of Atmosphere Kanifushi. Under her stewardship Atmosphere Kanifushi won multiple accolades including Maldives' Leading Family Resort at WTA 2023. Passionate about nature and conservation, Mei feels fortunate to spend her days surrounded by sand and sea. She is an empathic leader who believes that happy colleagues always lead to happy guests and defines success as bringing out the best in her team.

* Ram Bhoyroo switches brands, taking over as the General Manager of Atmosphere Kanifushi. Prior to this, he served as the General Manager of Oblu Select Lobigili & Oblu Xperience Ailafushi. A passionate leader hailing from Mauritius, Ram brings years of successful international experience and believes that extending gracious hospitality is the highest form of service. During his tenure, Oblu Select Lobigili was recognised as the Number 1 new resort in the world by Trip Advisor Travelers Choice Award 2023.

* Lisa Gerosa assumed the mantle of General Manager at Oblu Select Sangeli moving from Oblu Nature Helengeli, as a part of the initiative to develop internal talent. Hailing from Italy, Lisa has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry and for the last 9 years she has held managerial positions with leading companies across the globe, sharpening business analysis, budgeting, and operations management expertise. This puts her in a strong position to deliver on financial objectives along with exceptional guest experiences.

* Ashwin Handa, the Senior Vice President of Operations at Atmosphere Core, says: Honing on our culture of cultivating internal talent, we have over this year strategically redeployed our general managers across resorts, aiming to develop operational expertise by immersing senior management in new challenges and new brands. In addition, we have also brought in key talent. These changes align with our overarching vision to fortify the team, supporting our expansion plans, achieving business goals, and upholding an impeccable service standard." - TradeArabia News Service
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during his press conference at the Konstantin Palace on July 29, 2023 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Contributor | Getty Images News | Getty Images

There was more than a hint of schadenfreude in the Russian state media ahead of the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden in San Francisco on Wednesday, with Russia accentuating the geopolitical gulf between the two superpowers. Russia will be watching the talks closely, given its alliance with China, and any signs of a rapprochement between Beijing and Washington is likely to earn a frosty response from Moscow. Russian media have already reveled in pouring cold water on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit where Xi and Biden are due to meet Wednesday. A reporter for Russia's state-run RIA Novosti news agency on Tuesday reported that a plenary meeting of the APEC summit chaired by U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai took place "in a half-empty hall." "Despite the presence of most of the meeting participants at the table, including the representative of the Russian Federation, some of the chairs with signs remained empty. Dozens of chairs are also empty for event guests," the news agency said, according to a Google translation. With more than a hint of glee, RIA Novosti contrasted its image of a half-empty conference hall with the U.S. Trade Representative Tai emphasizing to delegates "how important this event is for the United States." Most world leaders and high-profile guests at the APEC summit are not due to attend the event until Wednesday, while lower-ranking ministerial meetings have already been held in the last few days.

Xi Jinping, China's president, right, arrives at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco, California, US, on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. Xi arrived in San Francisco for a high-stakes meeting with his American counterpart Joe Biden on Tuesday, as the Chinese leader's first trip to the US in six years drew crowds of protesters and supporters onto the city's heavily policed streets. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Although arguably one of the biggest events to take place at the summit  Biden and Xi's encounter on Wednesday will be the first face-to-face meeting between the leaders in a year  it is being played down, with the main aim of talks being to reduce tensions and conflicting interests across a range of global issues. These include significantly different positions over Russia and the war in Ukraine, the latest conflict in the Middle East and other areas of tension and rivalry in the geopolitical and economic arena, with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region.

Russia keen to stress differences

Russian news agencies were keen to emphasize those differences and the gulf between the superpowers ahead of the Xi-Biden meeting, as well as focusing on what China and Russia see as Western hegemony and attempts by the U.S. to maintain its dominance in global affairs. They were also keen to focus on competing pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel protests taking place in the U.S. as the summit geared up for the arrival of dozens of world leaders and hundreds of CEOs from the 21 member economies in the Pacific Rim. Russian President Vladimir Putin was not invited due to U.S. sanctions so Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk is representing Russia at the summit. The Kremlin gave a muted comment on the forthcoming talks between Xi and Biden with Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov saying the meeting is not on the Kremlin's agenda but that it planned to monitor it. "The two countries, in fact, are building bilateral relations. This is their right, so this is not a topic that is widely on our agenda," he said at a briefing, state news agency Interfax reported. "But, of course, each such meeting  after all, of the two largest economies in the world  is important for everyone, so one way or another, we will monitor the messages that will accompany this meeting," he added.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 14: Supporters of Palestine march to the city's iconic Merchant Exchange Club where U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were attending a fundraiser November, 14, 2023 in San Francisco, California. Nearby, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), drawing dozens of world leaders and hundreds of CEOs from 21 member economies in the Pacific Rim, is being held through November 17. Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images) Kent Nishimura | Getty Images News | Getty Images

State news agency Tass noted Tuesday in a Google-translated report that the APEC summit had kicked off "against the backdrop of protests," and that while "the normalization of political and economic relations and the situation around Taiwan" could be discussed, Washington and Beijing "place different emphasis on the agenda of the upcoming negotiations, and expectations of their results." Other points of contention aside from tensions over Taiwan include U.S. export controls and investment restrictions on Chinese tech and matters of national security after the suspected "spy balloon" incident, the agency noted.

A range of Russian newspapers including Kommersant, Izvestia, Argumenty i Fakty, Nezavisimaya Gazeta and Komsomolskaya Pravda did not feature any news on the APEC summit or Xi-Biden talks. A lone mainstream media voice, the business newspaper Vedomosti, featured an article summarizing niche areas where there could be specific agreements, such as efforts to combat the illegal trade in fentanyl and the restoration of military communication channels. Russia has an interest in playing down any rapprochement between the U.S. and China and will view improvements in the relationship with concern. China is one of Russia's few remaining powerful allies, with Beijing refusing to condemn Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Putin and Xi have met numerous times in recent years  Xi said last month that he had met with Putin "42 times in the past 10 years"  with the most recent engagement taking place in October, when Putin travelled to Beijing for an economic summit. Russia and China are aligned in their distrust of the Western world, which they see as trying to impose a U.S.-led international order, and in opposing Western sanctions and what they see as economic coercion. While tensions continue in the background, the lines of communication remain open, however. APEC, to which the U.S., China and Russia belong, promotes free trade throughout the Asia-Pacific region, and the group pledged at its last summit to promote and uphold a rules-based multilateral trading system.

This pool photograph distributed by Russian state owned agency Sputnik shows Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping shaking hands during a meeting in Beijing on October 18, 2023. Sergei Guneyev | AFP | Getty Images

Nonetheless, Beijing is believed to feel a deep-seated uneasiness over the economic disruption caused by Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine. Last month, Xi said Beijing would not engage in "ideological confrontation, geopolitical games or bloc confrontation," in an apparent reference to the West. Analysts believe both the U.S. and China have an interest in improving ties after a prolonged period of tension. "The world's two most powerful countries neither like nor trust each other. and their relationship is structurally deteriorating as we move into a new phase of "de-risked" globalization, but both countries are also geopolitical adults, preferring stability to chaos and accordingly unwilling to get too close to rogue states," Ian Bremmer, president and founder of Eurasia Group, said in emailed comments Monday.

China's President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden at the G20 Summit in Nusa Dua on the Indonesian island of Bali on Nov. 14, 2022. Saul Loeb | Afp | Getty Images
The GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index, produced by S&P Global and GEP, tracks supply chain orders which show rising spare supplier capacity as a result of a pullback in global demand. Transportation costs were also a factor.

According to GEP's Global Supply Chain Volatility Index, Asia's suppliers are seeing the largest rise in idle capacity since June 2020 as the region's economy remains soft, and amid sluggish demand from the U.S. market where consumers are pulling back on spending .

As President Biden meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco, the Asian manufacturing sector is experiencing a slowdown not seen since the 2020 peak of the Covid pandemic.

Some recent data coming out of China has shown economic improvement, from third quarter GDP to retail sales , and the International Monetary Fund recently raised its outlook for the economy based on new support measures from the government amid real estate sector debt issues and high youth unemployment. But trade, which is a forward-looking indicator of a country's economic health, is fueled by manufacturing. The GEP index shows a depressed level of demand for raw materials, components, and commodities since manufacturing orders are down.

According to GEP, conditions remain negative and global purchasing activity fell again in October, at a pace similar to what was recorded mid-year. An increase in supplier spare capacity can also be seen rising modestly in North America.

The data is in line with other recent checks on manufacturing orders for the remainder of 2023 and 2024, including the CNBC Supply Chain Survey , in which logistics companies warned of a continuing freight recession until at least the middle of 2024.

U.S.-China talk on trade and tariffs

John Piatek, vice president of supply chain consulting at GEP, said trade tensions between the U.S. and China will further impair demand and create lose-lose scenarios.

"Business leaders are watching to see if the two leaders signal smoother times ahead," Piatek said of the Biden-Xi meeting planned for Wednesday. "A positive meeting would go a long way to pausing or slowing some of the growing re-shoring trends. A negative meeting would signal that firms may need to act faster to get in front of an evolving and changing U.S.-China relationship by adjusting their supply chain strategies."

Piatek said among other issues to be covered by the world leaders, the U.S. and China are expected to focus on kickstarting demand by removal of trade barriers and sanctions, and lowering the cost of doing business with each other.

Tariffs on select Chinese goods were imposed in three stages between 2018 and 2022. China retaliated quickly in 2018 with both sides sharply increasing tariffs. The initial round saw average U.S. tariffs increase from 3.8 percent to 12 percent, and China's average tariffs increased from 7.2 percent to 18.3 percent.

Presently, 66.4% of U.S. imports from China are under tariff. The average U.S. tariff on Chinese exports is set at 19.3%. That is more than six times higher than before the trade war began. Chinese tariffs cover 58.3% of U.S. exports at an average of 21.1 percent.

"As much as business leaders talk about re-shoring, the reality is that China is a huge, reliable, and cost-effective partner," Piatek sad. "Business leaders want to see a positive meeting between Biden and Xi as this partnership is a safer bet than ripping out manufacturing assets and moving supply chains to riskier parts of the world."

Jon Gold, vice president, supply chain and customs policy at the National Retail Federation, said the ongoing trade dispute continues to have an impact on retailers of all sizes. The NRF continues to call on the Biden Administration to restart a dialogue with China about the tariffs and ultimately remove them.

"The uncertainty surrounding the Section 301 tariffs, and especially the exclusions, poses a challenge for retailers who are planning months and sometimes years in advance," Gold said. "The tariffs contribute to additional costs that retailers are either forced to absorb or pass along to consumers. While many retailers have been looking to diversify their supply chains, it takes significant time to shift sourcing."
Jane Fraser, CEO of Citigroup Inc., during an interview for an episode of "The David Rubenstein Show: Peer-to-Peer Conversations" at the Economic Club of Washington in Washington, D.C., March 22, 2023.

Citigroup will soon begin layoffs in CEO Jane Fraser's corporate overhaul, CNBC has learned.

Employees affected by the cuts will be informed starting Wednesday, with new dismissals announced daily through early next week, according to people with knowledge of the situation.

Those impacted will include chiefs of staff, managing directors and some lower-level employees, said the people. The cuts will spread to more rank-and-file staff by February, they added.

The move tracks with a timeline set by Fraser in a Sept. 13 memo. She announced five new divisions whose heads report directly to her, resulting in the departure of a handful of senior executives. The next phase of disruption will be "communicated and implemented by the end of November," and "final changes" will be done by the end of March 2024, Fraser said at the time.

Fraser is under pressure to improve Citigroup, which has been mired in a stock slump as headcount and expenses have ballooned in recent years. The CEO, who took over in March 2021, is at a pivotal moment as she faces deep investor skepticism that the bank can hit performance targets she outlined last year.

Employees who have lost their roles may be able to apply for other positions, and Citigroup will offer severance pay where eligible, the company's human resources chief told workers last month.

The full extent of job cuts is still being determined, but managers and consultants working on the project  known internally by its code name, "Project Bora Bora"  have discussed dismissals of at least 10% of workers in several businesses, CNBC reported last week.

New Citigroup organizational charts have been created, and managers are now deciding which employees they will retain and who will be left out, said one of the people.

Workers have flocked to internal chat platforms with questions about the impending cuts, according to the people, who declined to be identified speaking about personnel matters.

A Citigroup spokeswoman declined to comment Wednesday beyond the statement it offered to CNBC previously:

"We've acknowledged the actions we're taking to reorganize the firm involve some difficult, consequential decisions, but they're the right steps to align our structure to our strategy and deliver the plan we shared at our 2022 Investor Day."

Don't miss these stories from CNBC PRO:
Cruise founder and CEO Kyle Vogt has resigned from his role at the autonomous vehicle venture owned by General Motors, according to a company statement sent to CNBC on Sunday.

Cruise, General Motors ' embattled driverless car unit, said Tuesday it will pause all public road operations  both supervised and manual  in an expansion of last month's pause of driverless operations.

"This orderly pause is a further step to rebuild public trust while we undergo a full safety review," Cruise wrote in a blog post. "We will continue to operate our vehicles in closed course training environments and maintain an active simulation program in order to stay focused on advancing AV technology."

The self-driving car unit has faced a barrage of safety concerns and incidents since it received approval in August for round-the-clock robotaxi service in San Francisco. Last week, Cruise announced it would recall 950 robotaxis after a pedestrian collision. In October, the California Department of Motor Vehicles suspended Cruise's deployment and testing permits for its autonomous vehicles, effective immediately.

"When there is an unreasonable risk to public safety, the DMV can immediately suspend or revoke permits," the California DMV said in a statement at the time.

Federal auto safety regulators are also investigating Cruise following multiple reports about pedestrian injuries.

The decision to suspend all trips on public roads comes after a board meeting Monday at Cruise's headquarters in San Francisco. The company also announced a reorganization and more oversight from GM : Craig Glidden, GM's EVP of legal and policy, will become Cruise's chief administrative officer, with Cruise's legal and policy, communications and finance teams as direct reports. Glidden will also work closely with CEO Kyle Vogt and senior leadership to "oversee the workstreams around Transparency and Community Engagement," according to Cruise.

The company also announced that it will hire an independent "safety expert" in coming weeks to assess Cruise's safety operations and culture, building upon its decision to hire a chief safety officer, announced last week. In addition, Exponent  the engineering consulting firm Cruise hired to analyze an Oct. 2 crash that led to a pedestrian's critical injuries  will now be expanding its probe into a full review of Cruise's tech and safety systems, according to the blog post.

Cruise did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The suspension is rippling through the company. Last Thursday, Cruise announced a round of contractor layoffs.

"Cruise has made the difficult decision to reduce a portion of the contingent workforce that supported driverless ridehail operations," a company spokesperson told CNBC Thursday in a statement. "These contingent workers were responsible for work such as cleaning, charging and maintaining the fleet, and we're grateful for their contributions."

One Cruise contractor, who worked for the company through Unifi and requested anonymity, told CNBC that on paper, that may have been the job description, but in actuality, they were also often in charge of reprogramming cars, physically updating cars after a software update, offloading data and more. The contractor also said that some of their coworkers found out via a sign posted about shifts being canceled, along with an email.

Cruise told CNBC on Thursday that the layoffs reflected its temporary suspension of driverless activities, and that the company planned to "continue supervised operations without passengers." However, as of now it has suspended those operations as well.

In GM's third-quarter earnings update, the company said it had lost roughly $1.9 billion on Cruise through September of this year.
Germany's constitutional court ruled on Wednesday that the government's re-allocation of 60 billion euros ($65 billion) of unused debt from the pandemic era to a climate fund was illegal, dealing a blow to Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition.

This is a key decision as it sets a precedent for fiscal responses in future crises in Europe's biggest economy, while it could also trigger tensions in the coalition in a key week for budget negotiations.

The budget maneuver agreed in December 2021 by the center-left Social Democrats (SPD), pro-spending Greens and fiscally cautious Free Democrats (FDP) in their coalition deal, allowed the parties to make the most of a temporary, pandemic-related suspension of borrowing limits in the constitution.

This was done with the Second Supplementary Budget Act 2021, which retroactively amended the Budget Act for 2021. The constitutional court ruled that this act was incompatible with Germany's Basic Law and so was void.

In addition, the government changed the accounting principal by which borrowing counted against the budget deficit in the year the borrowing was actually done. Therefore, the 60 billion euros transfer counted only as a deficit in 2021, but not in the years 2023 and 2024 when most of the spending was supposed to occur.

This enabled Germany's finance minister Christian Lindner to return to the debt brake rule this year. The rule restricts the German public deficit to 0.35% of GDP but was suspended due to the pandemic from 2020 to 2022.

"The court ruling has far-reaching consequences for fiscal policy in Germany," said Clemens Fuest, President of the Ifo economic institute.
Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, departs federal court after a plea hearing on two misdemeanor charges of willfully failing to pay income taxes in Wilmington, Delaware, July 26, 2023.

Lawyers for Hunter Biden raised the prospect that he is the victim of "vindictive" prosecution Wednesday as they asked a federal judge to issue subpoenas demanding documents from former President Donald Trump, his ex-attorney general Bill Barr, and two other former top Department of Justice officials.

Biden's attorneys said the documents are needed for the son of President Joe Biden to prepare his defense in the criminal case where he is charged with possessing a handgun while being a drug user.

The information that Hunter is seeking could answer "whether this investigation or prosecution arose" because of any executive branch official, such as Trump or Justice Department officials, "placing undue pressure on government officials" to probe Hunter, the filing said.

"Mr. Biden seeks specific information from three former DOJ officials and the former President that goes to the heart of his defense that this is, possibly, a vindictive or selective prosecution arising from an unrelenting pressure campaign beginning in the last administration, in violation of Mr. Biden's Fifth Amendment rights under the Constitution," the filing said.

The criminal probe of Hunter that led to the pending case in Delaware federal court began in late 2018, during the Trump administration.

That investigation was originally focused on Hunter's income taxes and foreign business dealings.

In addition to requesting a subpoena for Trump and Barr, Hunter's lawyers also want a judge to issue subpoenas to former acting U.S. Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, and to Richard Donoghue, who ended up serving as Rosen's deputy AG after holding other DOJ positions.

"Public reporting reveals certain instances that appear to suggest incessant, improper, and partisan pressure applied by then President Trump to Messrs. Rosen, Donoghue, and Barr in relation to an investigation of Mr. Biden," the court filing says.

"For example, on December 27, 2020, then Deputy Attorney General Donoghue took handwritten notes of a call with President Trump and Acting Attorney General Rosen, showing that Mr. Trump instructed Mr. Rosen and Mr. Donoghue to 'figure out what to do with H[unter] Biden' and indicating Mr. Trump insisted that 'people will criticize the DOJ if he's not investigated for real."

Hunter for years has been the focus of attention and criticism by Trump and his Republican allies in Congress and elsewhere who accuse him of being involved in corrupt activities that have allegedly implicated President Biden.

That criticism grew after David Weiss, the U.S. Attorney for Delaware, negotiated a plea deal with Hunter's lawyers that would have seen Hunter plead guilty to misdemeanor tax charges while accepting a pre-trial diversion agreement that eventually was expected to lead to the dropping of any gun-related charge.

That plea deal, which included a recommendation of no jail time for Hunter, fell apart during a court hearing this summer when a judge questioned its terms.

Weiss soon afterward was appointed special counsel in the case by Attorney General Merrick Garland.

Weiss dropped the tax charges against Hunter with the understanding that those charges and other similar ones might be filed in another federal court. And he obtained an indictment against Hunter on gun-related charges.

The prosecutor has been criticized by Trump and his allies for the initial plea deal and for not charging Hunter with more serious crimes.

Hunter's lawyers, in turn, argue that the current gun charges are barred by the diversion agreement.
Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, at a press conference at the IMF Headquarters on April 14, 2023.

SINGAPORE  Central bank digital currencies have the potential to replace cash, but adoption could take time, said Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund on Wednesday.

"CBDCs can replace cash which is costly to distribute in island economies," she said Wednesday at the Singapore FinTech Festival. "They can offer resilience in more advanced economies. And they can improve financial inclusion where few hold bank accounts."

CBDCs are the digital form of a country's fiat currency, which are regulated by the country's central bank. They are powered by blockchain technology, allowing central banks to channel government payments directly to households.

"CBDCs would offer a safe and low-cost alternative [to cash]. They would also offer a bridge to go between private monies and a yardstick to measure their value, just like cash today which we can withdraw from our banks," the IMF chief said.

The IMF has said that more than 100 countries are exploring CBDCs  or approximately 60% of countries in the world.

"The level of global interest in CBDCs is unprecedented. Several central banks have already launched pilots or even issued a CBDC," the IMF said in a September report.

According to a 2022 survey conducted by the Bank for International Settlements, of the 86 central banks surveyed, 93% said they were exploring CBDCs, while 58% said they were likely to or may possibly issue a retail CBDC in either the short or medium term.

But as of June, only 11 countries have adopted CBDCs, with an additional 53 in advanced planning stages and 46 researching the topic, according to data from the Atlantic Council.
Israel 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."

The Israel Defense Forces said the incursion is "based on intelligence information and an operational necessity." The military further reported locating a Hamas training encampment containing tunnel shafts, classrooms, intelligence materials and weapons.

The head of the World Health Organization condemned the incursion as "totally unacceptable," noting that the situation at the al-Shifa hospital has grown increasingly dire and that a cease-fire is necessary to preserve civilian lives.

Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan struck a bellicose tone against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing Israel of a strategy of "total destruction" in the Gaza Strip.

"Israel is implementing a strategy of total destruction of a city and its people. My heart is at ease, I say openly that Israel is a terror state," Erdogan said in Google-translated comments reported by Turkish state agency Anadolu.
Smoke rises in Gaza which is seen from the Sderot city as the Israeli airstrikes continue in Sderot, Israel on November 05, 2023. Mostafa Alkharouf | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images

Every day in the Gaza Strip brings desperate uncertainty as the war intensifies, Palestinian residents told CNBC. In late October, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed a ground operation had begun in Gaza with forces pushing deep into the territory in recent weeks. This follows the terror attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas on Oct. 7 in southern Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people and saw more than 240 taken hostage. "The nights are the scariest and longest as the bombs rain over Gaza continuously. We don't know when our turn is, but we expect to get bombed any minute," Shouq Al Najjar, a 28-year-old development worker in Gaza, told CNBC. Najjar had to flee her neighborhood with her husband after their home was bombed, heading to Khan Younis in the south of Gaza  a city where Israeli forces told Palestinian civilians to evacuate to. Despite this, Israeli bombings have continued in several parts of southern Gaza, including Khan Younis. Najjar is currently staying with her husband in a crowded house with several other relatives and children, and food and water is running out. "We are witnessing the unimaginable. We're living in constant fear, and survival feels uncertain," she told CNBC. Home to 2.3 million people and roughly twice the size of Washington, D.C., the Gaza Strip is considered one of the most densely populated areas in the world. It's been subject to a land, air, and sea blockade imposed by Israel for over 16 years which has severely restricted residents' freedoms, and led Human Rights Watch and the United Nations to call it an "open-air prison." Israel imposed the blockade after the Palestinian militant group Hamas took over the territory in 2007, saying it was doing so for the safety of Israelis. Hamas has not held an election in Gaza since its initial victory in 2006. The U.N. classifies Israel as an occupier state over the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza.

Mounting deaths

With the death toll rising by the day, the Israeli government has warned this will be a "long war" against Hamas. Over 11,000 Palestinian people have been killed in the besieged enclave, according to the Hamas-run health authority. More children have been killed in Gaza in just four weeks than in any other global conflict since 2019, according to Save the Children. Netanyahu has said its military will not stop until it eradicates Hamas, and he has rejected international calls for a cease-fire. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says it does not target civilians, and accuses Hamas of building an underground network of tunnels below critical civilian facilities and of using Palestinians as human shields. "After the first five days of the aggression, the [Israeli] army ordered everyone in Gaza City and North Gaza to evacuate to the south. Then they targeted the areas which Palestinians evacuated to," 58-year-old Sami Zakout, deputy director at the Mezan Centre for Human Rights, a non-partisan, non-governmental human rights organization based in the Gaza Strip, told CNBC. He was speaking via voice note in Rafah, near the single exit point out of the Gaza Strip that is not controlled by Israel. Zakout and his family fled their home in Gaza City to Rafah, which borders Egypt. He said that other people who tried to escape were killed, although CNBC could not verify that information. "It's the first time that I witness this kind of genocide. It's really a genocide. Especially when they are using warplanes and huge bombs that target civil buildings and civilians," Zakout said. An IDF spokesperson responded to CNBC saying Israel follows international law and takes feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm. Zakout argued that Israel's justifications for targeting Hamas in civilian areas were untrue. "They say there is a Hamas leader hiding with us, but the people in Gaza know it's a lie. There is no position for Hamas on the ground. They are underground in tunnels and nobody knows where they are." The IDF says it warns civilians to leave ahead of its bombings, and that it targets areas based on where Hamas positions are located. Zakout is one of around 1.5 million people in Gaza to have been displaced, according to the World Health Organization. "A humanitarian ceasefire is needed now to bring some respite to people, to help scale up our humanitarian operations and to continue to respond to the huge and immense population," Juliette Touma, director of communications for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees, told CNBC.

Medical treatment by cell phone light
Microsoft on Wednesday announced a slew of new capabilities coming to the Copilot artificial intelligence add-on for its Microsoft 365 productivity applications.

In the year since Microsoft-backed OpenAI introduced the popular ChatGPT virtual assistant, companies have expressed interest in how AI might make their workers more efficient, and several other software makers, including Adobe , Google and Salesforce , have also come out with tools.

There are concerns about whether Copilot for Microsoft 365 is worth $30 per person per month. Many analysts expected a lower price when Microsoft announced its decision in July. Now Microsoft is responding by extending the feature list while maintaining the price.

Until this point, Copilot could show personalized action items from missed meetings in Outlook, prepare draft PowerPoint presentations, create illustrations of information in Word documents and generate forecasts based on existing data in Excel files. A chat feature informed by internal organizational data could summarize unread email messages, recommend changes to files and come up with highlights for documents.

A new Copilot Studio service will give corporate workers an easy way to enrich Copilot's knowledge with newly integrated data from business software such as ServiceNow and Workday . Copilot Studio is "tucked into the $30 price point, so it really bolsters the value," said Jared Spataro, a Microsoft corporate vice president, told CNBC in an interview.

Here are some of the other enhancements coming for those with Copilot licenses:

In Teams, Copilot will be able to answer questions about meetings as they happen, even if it doesn't create a transcription or recording. People who wish to save AI-generated content during meetings will have to copy it and save it elsewhere.

If at least one person in a Teams meeting has a license, Copilot can record notes live, and participants will be able to ask it to follow instructions such as, "Write down what Dana said as a quote."

Copilot will be able to create Teams chat messages and come up with tone changes.

During Teams meetings, the Whiteboard tool can automatically create visualizations of ideas that people discuss.

In Outlook, the Copilot can help plan meetings, proposing attendees, agendas and lists of recommended documents to share with participants.

In PowerPoint, Copilot will be able to create slides that include AI-generated images based on brand assets, with the help of the Microsoft Designer app.

People will be able to enter formatting and style preferences for the assistant's output in Word and PowerPoint.

Some early users of Copilot were already content with what it could do before this week's updates, which Microsoft executives are discussing at the company's Ignite conference in Seattle.
Microsoft is not focused on China as a domestic market, though the company has notable Chinese customers with operations outside the world's second most-populous country, CEO Satya Nadella said on Wednesday.

"We are mostly focused on the global market ex-China," Nadella told CNBC's Jon Fortt during Microsoft's Ignite conference in Seattle. "A lot of the Chinese multinationals operating outside of China are our bigger AI customers, perhaps."

Microsoft provides artificial intelligence services to electric vehicle maker Li Auto and consumer electronics company Xiaomi, among others.

Nadella's remarks come as business leaders gather in San Francisco alongside U.S. President Joe Biden and China's President Xi Jinping. The world's two biggest economies have a fraught business relationship, particularly when it comes to technologies like networking equipment, semiconductors and internet services. In October the U.S. Commerce Department said it would impose additional export restrictions on AI chips for China.

Microsoft has a more visible presence in China than some of its peers. Meta's Facebook and Instagram apps don't officially work in China, nor does Google's search engine. Amazon closed its online marketplace in China in 2019.

According to Microsoft's web page about its presence in China, the company has operated there since 1992, including through its largest research and development center outside the U.S. The Bing search engine has been accessible in China since 2009.

For a few months this year, following the launch of an AI chatbot in Bing, it became the top desktop search engine in China. However, Beijing-based Baidu has since reclaimed leadership, according to StatCounter data. Earlier this week, Microsoft's advertising division announced a partnership with Baidu.

Still, Nadella acknowledged on Wednesday that the U.S. government has important restrictions to follow when it comes to doing business in China.

"It's clear that the United States has a particular set of policy decisions that they're making on what it means to both have trade and competition and national security," Nadella said. "Obviously, we are subject to what the USG decides" and will be compliant, he added.

Just over half of Microsoft's sales in the third quarter came from clients in the U.S. The U.S government uses Microsoft Azure cloud services and Microsoft 365 productivity apps.

While Microsoft doesn't rely on China for much revenue, the company has depended on the country for manufacturing, in part for its Surface PCs.

"At least for us, today, the majority of our business is in the United States and in Europe and in the rest of Asia, and so we don't see this as a major, major issue for us, quite frankly, other than any disruption to supply chain," Nadella said.

Microsoft has recently encountered some challenges in China.

In August, LinkedIn stopped operating its InCareer app for professional users in mainland China, citing "fierce competition and a challenging macroeconomic climate." The move came two years after Microsoft announced plans to shut down a localized version of its main app for users in China.

Last year, China reportedly told its government agencies and government-backed companies to turn in PCs from foreign countries and replace them with machines made domestically and running local operating systems. That came after Microsoft developed a special version of its Windows 10 operating system for the Chinese government.

WATCH: Microsoft will have a great position in AI in the long term, says Deepwater's Gene Munster
Former US ambassador to the UN and 2024 Republican Presidential hopeful Nikki Haley speaks at the Republican Party of Iowa's 2023 Lincoln Dinner at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa, on July 28, 2023.

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley appeared to add a caveat to her proposal that all social media users should be verified by name, suggesting Wednesday that Americans should still be allowed to post anonymously online.

Haley, one of the top contenders behind former President Donald Trump in the 2024 GOP primary race, reiterated on CNBC's "Squawk Box" that "we need our social media companies to verify everybody."

The former United Nations ambassador, who is also calling for social media companies to reveal their algorithms, argued that the spread of misinformation by anonymous bad actors poses a national security threat to the U.S.

"Russia, Iran and China, North Korea too, know that the cheapest form of warfare is to spread misinformation," she said.

"Look at what happened with Israel. You want to know where all this pro-Hamas information is coming from? It is coming from foreign actors that are sowing chaos and division," she said.

She had laid out her stance a day earlier in a Fox News interview in which she said users' names should be visible on social media. "You're going to get some civility when people know their name is next to what they say," she said on Fox.

She doubled down in a podcast appearance that also aired Tuesday. "They need to verify every single person on their outlet," Haley said, "and I want it by name."
Siemens Energy has secured 7.5 billion euros ($8.15 billion) in project-related state guarantees from the German government, hours before announcing a nearly 5 billion euro loss for its fiscal year.

The German economy ministry announced late on Tuesday that it had granted the backstop as part of a wider package of 15 billion euros in guarantee lines agreed with banks and other stakeholders, following talks with private lenders and the company's largest shareholder, Siemens AG .

Private banks will grant a guarantee line totalling 12 billion euros, while Siemens Energy will secure a further 3 billion from negotiations with other stakeholders, the ministry confirmed, according to a Google translation. The federal government will provide a proportional backstop of 7.5 billion to underwrite a significant portion of those guarantee lines.

Problems with manufacturing faults at its wind turbine subsidiary Siemens Gamesa led Siemens Energy to scrap its profit forecast earlier this year. The guarantees are intended to insure the company's customers on prepayments and execution of contracts in order to shore up its huge 112 billion euro order book.

On Wednesday, the company reported an annual net loss of 4.6 billion euro for its fiscal year, compounded by a fourth-quarter net loss of 870 million euros. It said it would review the structure of Siemens Gamesa after the beleaguered wind turbine unit exacerbated this result.

The company denied the fiscal guarantees constitute "state aid," with Siemens Energy CEO Christian Bruch telling CNBC on Wednesday that there is no cash involved.

The business will "pay money for these back guarantees, so it is like an insurance package," he stressed.

"These guarantees are meant to back-secure customers in terms of prepayments, execution of contracts and so forth, so it's a relatively normal instrument in the industry," Bruch said, adding that the scale of Siemens Energy's 112 billion euro order book meant the market was naturally concerned about "cluster risk."

"This is why this package was needed and we are very grateful for the government for structuring it together with the banks and Siemens AG support, but it's also I think [it is] really really important that people understand that this is not cash and this is also under European law, this is not state aid or anything like this," Bruch told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe."

"It is important to continue the growth and the guarantees will largely go to the grid business, to the other non-wind businesses to secure this enormous growth that comes with the energy transition."
A judge on Tuesday sided with Paramount Global on certain claims after Warner Bros. Discovery sued earlier this year over streaming rights to long-running animated series "South Park."

New York state Supreme Court Justice Margaret Chan said that Paramount did not violate state consumer protection laws after its streaming platform, Paramount+, hosted "South Park" specials. The decision follows a February lawsuit, where Warner alleged that Paramount deceptively withheld the specials and other "South Park" content to bolster Paramount+ offerings.

Paramount did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment, while Warner Bros. declined to comment on the matter.

Warner paid $500 million to Paramount in 2019 for the rights to the over-20-season back catalogue of "South Park" episodes to stream on HBO Max, which is now known as Max. Paramount proposed sharing the rights between each of the company's streaming platforms at the time, which Warner rejected. The series is a staple of Paramount's Comedy Central channel.

Paramount would later release "South Park: Post Covid" in 2021 and "South Park: The Streaming Wars" in 2022, exclusively on Paramount+. The releases triggered the lawsuit, in which Warner is seeking hundreds of millions of dollars. Warner also alleged that Paramount caused it to overpay under the agreement.

Paramount countersued in April, seeking $50 million in unpaid fees from Warner and denying allegations that the company breached the agreement. The counterclaim would later be dismissed by Chan in October, ruling that Paramount did not make false statements in its description of specials in the original 2019 agreement.

Warner also alleged in its suit that Paramount's conduct misled customers and created confusion over which streaming platform had rights to the animated series.

Chan threw out this claim by Warner on Tuesday and said the allegation was merely a "private contract dispute" and did "not harm consumers." Chan added that the complaint or materials offered by Warner failed to prove "deceptive practices" by Paramount.

Warner's claims of breach of contract, tortuous interference and unjust enrichment are still in play.

Chan ordered a preliminary conference between the two parties on Dec. 13.
(L-R) Eric Chu, Taiwan's main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) chairman, Hou Yu-ih, KMT presidential candidate, Ma Ying-jeou, former Taiwan president and Ke Wen-je, presidential candidate from the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) pose following a meeting in Taipei on November 15, 2023. (Photo by Sam Yeh / AFP) (Photo by SAM YEH/AFP via Getty Images)

The KMT and TPP have been in acrimonious talks since last month on a united presidential bid, but had failed to agree how to decide who should be the presidential candidate and who should be the running mate.

Vice President Lai Ching-te, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) presidential candidate, has almost consistently led opinion polls, leaving candidates of the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT), Hou Yu-ih, and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), Ko Wen-je, to battle it out for second place.

The issue of China, which views Taiwan as its territory, looms over the Jan. 13 parliamentary and presidential elections. China has stepped up military and political pressure to press the island to accept its sovereignty claim, which Taiwan rejects, including high-profile war games.

Taiwan's two main opposition parties, which have vowed to renew talks with China, agreed on Wednesday to make a decision on a joint presidential ticket for January's elections, as the front-running ruling party decried interference from Beijing.

After talks hosted by former president Ma Ying-jeou, also a senior KMT member, the two parties said they had agreed to use opinion polls conducted between Nov. 7 and this Friday to decide the make-up of the presidential bid with the result to be announced on Saturday.

"No matter what, whoever is the lead and whoever is the deputy, everyone will work together," Hou told reporters, referring to who gets the presidential candidate spot and who the gets the vice presidential one.

"The cooperation isn't only just between the KMT and the TPP. It will unite Taiwan," Hou told business leaders after the talks.

China cut off routine talks with Taiwan after President Tsai Ing-wen of the DPP took office in 2016. The two opposition parties have vowed to pursue dialogue with China, on an equal and dignified basis, and "restore peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait".

OPPOSITION CHALLENGE

Chen Yi-fan, an assistant professor of diplomacy and international relations at Taiwan's Tamkang University, said if Hou and Kou did not work together then Lai would certainly win.

"The U.S. and China both want stabilized Taiwan Strait relations. Lai may not be the ideal person for this," Chen said.

As the talks got underway, the DPP accused Ma, who last week came out in support of using opinion polls, which the KMT had previously opposed, of taking his instructions from China, given the head of Ma's foundation, Hsiao Hsu-tsen, had visited Beijing this month.

"It is not baseless to say, as Vice President Lai has repeatedly done so, that it is China's communist party which most wants to take down the DPP," the party said in a statement.

Hsiao rebuffed that, telling reporters he had been in Beijing purely for an academic forum.

China detests Lai, believing he is a separatist. Lai says only Taiwan's people can decide their future and has repeatedly offers talks with Beijing, which has rejected the offers.

The DPP champions Taiwan's separate identity from China.

Some opinion polls have shown that if Hou and Ko teamed up, in whatever combination, they would beat Lai and his presumptive running mate, Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwan's envoy to the United States. The DPP has not confirmed Hsiao will join the campaign.

The KMT has far larger representation than the TPP, controlling 38 of 113 seats in parliament to the TPP's five.

A fourth candidate is also running for president - Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of major Apple supplier Foxconn.

Gou, who has called for the opposition to unite to take on the DPP, has lagged in the polls and the KMT and TPP made no mention of him in announcing their decision to work together.

Candidates have until Friday of next week to register with the election commission.
First Lady of New Jersey Tammy Snyder Murphy speaks as Governor Philip D. Murphy sworn in for his second term in office as the 56th Governor of the State of New Jersey at War Memorial Building in Trenton, New Jersey, United States on January 18, 2022.

Menendez and his wife were indicted in September on federal charges of bribery, conspiracy and extortion. Prosecutors allege that the state's senior senator used his political clout to illegally assist the Egyptian government, several patrons and other allies, in exchange for lavish gifts of gold, cash and a luxury car.

She also spoke of officials in Washington who she said were "more interested in getting rich or getting on camera," as images of Sens. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., Rand Paul, R-Ky. and Menendez played in the background.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Murphy introduced her campaign with a video that highlighted her work on maternal healthcare and education reform.

Tammy Murphy, the wife of New Jersey Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, launched a primary campaign Wednesday to unseat the state's indicted Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez.

Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., is seen after introducing Edward Sunyol Kiel, nominee to be U.S. District judge for the District of New Jersey, during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on judicial nominations in Dirksen Building on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

Dozens of members of Congress in both parties have called on Menendez to resign in the wake of the charges. But Menendez has refused those calls, pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and has not ruled out a bid for reelection in 2024.

Still, polls showed Menendez's approval rating in the single digits last month, suggesting he faces a steep path to reelection.

Tammy Murphy joined several other New Jersey democrats already vying for the Menendez seat.

One day after the charges against Menendez went public, Rep. Andy Kim announced his entrance into the senate race.

"Not something I expected to do, but N.J. deserves better," Kim wrote in an X post launching his campaign.

So far, Kim is leading the field with roughly 40% of voter support, according to initial polling. Murphy was next with 21% and Menendez with 5%. Larry Hamm, a progressive activist who founded the People's Organization for Progress, also filed to run for the seat in September.

Murphy met her husband while working for Goldman Sachs in the 1980s. She voted as a Republican up until the mid-2010's, when she shifted her party affiliation because, she says, she disagreed with where the Republican party was headed. If elected, she would become the first woman to serve as a U.S. senator from New Jersey.
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As Target tries to fight theft at its stores, it has left customers frustrated to find many everyday items locked up. Still, the retailer's CEO, Brian Cornell, claimed many shoppers are actually grateful to see their body wash, toothpaste and deodorant behind a glass panel. On a media call with reporters discussing Target's fiscal third-quarter earnings, CNBC asked Cornell if the retailer can quantify the sales lost from shoppers who are frustrated with waiting for employees to unlock cases in-store. He said the shopper response to the policy has been "positive." "Courtney, just in the last week I've been on the East Coast and on the West Coast in many of those stores that you've talked about where, items have been locked up," he said. "And actually what we hear from the guests is a big thank you, because we are in stock with the brands that they need when they're shopping in our stores. And because we've invested in team member labor in those aisles and make sure we're there to greet that guest, open up those cases and provide them the items they're looking for."

Target CEO Brian Cornell. Scott Mlyn | CNBC

CNBC again asked Cornell to confirm that Target hasn't seen a measurable drop in sales or traffic in those stores because of the inconvenience of having to wait for items. "Courtney, in many cases, it's just the opposite. The fact that we're in stock is what's most important for the guests," he said. "And they understand the fact that we've had to make some changes to ensure the safety of the product and the fact that they have product in stock when they're shopping the stores."

Theft continues to pressure Target's financial results, company executives have said. The retailer has repeatedly said stolen items have hurt its profits, at a time when sales have stagnated and the company struggles to recapture the growth it saw during the Covid pandemic. Target blamed theft for its decision to close nine stores during the third quarter in New York City, the Bay Area in California, Seattle and Portland, Oregon. Like other retailers, Target has put many items in locked cases in stores where theft is a bigger problem.

Locked up merchandise, to prevent theft in Target store, Queens, New York. Lindsey Nicholson | Universal Images Group | Getty Images
Investors don't need to abandon the themes that worked in 2023 just because the calendar is about to change, according to BlackRock. The asset management giant released its 2024 thematic outlook on Wednesday, highlighting some top ideas that have already proved successful. They include artificial intelligence and health care, two themes that have produced bright spots in what has been a bifurcated market over the past 10 months. "With $6 trillion sitting on the sidelines, clearly investors are happy to take 5% yields on cash and have been a bit hesitant to take on thematic exposures. But what we look for in our thematic outlook is not just what are the most compelling long-term themes, but what are the most compelling long-term themes that are going to reach new catalysts in 2024," Jay Jacobs, the U.S. head of thematics and active equity ETFs at BlackRock, told CNBC. AI Excitement around AI has fueled big years for megacap tech stocks, like Nvidia and Microsoft . Jacobs said that 2023 could prove to be a "year of training" for AI but that the benefits could broaden out going forward. "What we're looking more towards is what are the small and midcap pure-play AI names that are involved in that AI ecosystem but haven't yet enjoyed that same high level of return," Jacobs said. That could include other semiconductor and networking stocks to help build out technological infrastructure, and other areas where AI is allowing new economies to be built, Jacobs said. IShares has a broad AI fund  the iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF (IRBO)  that is up 26% year to date. The Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ) , which has a higher weighting for Nvidia and some other megacap stocks, has gained more than 44%. IRBO YTD mountain This broad iShares ETF focused on AI and automation has outperformed the S & P 500 year to date. Jacobs said investors could also look at sector funds, such as those that focus on semiconductors, to get more targeted exposure. Health care Health care is another area that has produced some big winners in 2023, with pharmaceutical companies delivering breakthroughs in treatments for weight loss and Alzheimer's. The business impacts of those new developments should become more clear next year, Jacobs said. "We see 2024 as really the mass commercialization of those drugs as we see aging populations really starting to take hold in the United States," he said. But while individual stocks like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have soared, many health-care ETFs have struggled in 2023. The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) is down about 10% this year. The VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF (PPH) is roughly flat in 2023. Emerging markets Another area of focus of the BlackRock outlook is emerging markets  especially those that benefit from the "rewiring of supply chains," Jacobs said. Two markets that the firm highlighted were Mexico and India. BlackRock's report shows that investors have less than 1% exposure to the themes of Mexico and India, based on an analysis of more than 20,000 investor portfolios. Mexico stocks, as measured by the iShares Mexico ETF (EWW) , has been a strong performer this year with a total return of 25%, according to FactSet. The iShares MSCI India ETF (INDA) has lagged behind that, with a total return of about 8%. A competitor fund, the WisdomTree India Earnings Fund (EPI) , has performed better in 2023 with a total return topping 15%.
Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak speaks during the London Defense Conference, at King's College, in central London, on May 23, 2023.

Britain's Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that the government's scheme to send asylum seekers to Rwanda was unlawful, dealing a crushing blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak before an election expected next year.

Under the plan, Britain intended to send tens of thousands of asylum seekers who arrived on its shores without permission to the East African country in a bid to deter migrants crossing the Channel from Europe in small boats.

But the top court on Wednesday unanimously rejected the government's appeal against an earlier ruling that migrants could not be sent to Rwanda because it could not be considered a safe third country.

President Robert Reed said the five judges involved agreed there were "substantial grounds for believing that asylum seekers sent to Rwanda would be at real risk of refoulement", meaning being sent back to their country of origin where they could be at risk of ill-treatment.

The Rwanda scheme was the central plank of Sunak's immigration policy as he prepares to face an election next year, amid concern among some voters about the numbers of asylum seekers arriving in small boats.

Sunak, whose Conservatives are trailing by about 20 points in opinion polls, had made a promise to "stop the boats", one of the five key pledges of his premiership.

This year more than 27,000 people have arrived on the southern English coast without permission, after a record 45,755 were detected in 2022.

Sunak said the government had been planning for all eventualities and would do whatever it took to stop illegal migration.
A Georgia judge said Wednesday he will issue a protective order barring the public release of sensitive evidence exchanged between prosecutors and lawyers representing former President Donald Trump and his co-defendants in their election interference criminal cases in that state.

"Until we decide what's going to be relevant and admissible, this case should be tried and not in the court of public opinion," Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee said at a hearing on the proposed order.

The order was sought by prosecutors, and agreed to by most of the defense teams on Wednesday, after the leak this week to media outlets of videos containing confidential interviews that four co-defendants, among them attorneys Jenna Ellis, Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro, gave prosecutors as part of their agreements to plead guilty.

At Wednesday's hearing, attorney Jonathan Miller, who is representing defendant Misty Hampton, told McAfee that he gave the videos to "one media outlet." He did not say which one.

Miller said the public had the right to know what the four co-defendants had told the Fulton County District Attorney's Office, arguing that the statements they made "help my client."

ABC News had first reported statements that Ellis and Powell made in their so-called proffer videos, while The Washington Post first reported statements made by Chesbro and bail bondsman Scott Hall in their own proffer sessions.
Head of Gaza hospitals: Israeli forces seized Shifa hospital, 'attacked patients'

Gaza, Nov 15 (UNI) Mohammad Zaqout, the director general of hospitals in the Gaza Strip, told Beirut-based Al Mayadeen channel on Wednesday that the Israeli forces had seized the emergency room of the Shifa hospital and attacked patients.

"[Israeli military] carried out several raids on the Shifa hospital, stormed the emergency room and attacked patients," Zaqout said.

Earlier in the day, Al Arabiya broadcaster reported that the Israeli army had officially notified the medical personnel of the Shifa hospital of its intention to storm the hospital in the coming minutes.
Former US President Donald Trump appeared in court on Tuesday for the third week of a civil fraud trial in New York, on October 17, 2023.

Donald Trump and his co-defendants asked a judge Wednesday to grant a mistrial in the $250 million civil business fraud case that threatens the former president's business empire.

In a court filing, attorneys for Trump, his two adult sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, the Trump Organization and its top executives argued that "the evidence of apparent and actual bias" in the case is "tangible and overwhelming."

The 30-page filing in Manhattan Supreme Court targeted the presiding judge, Arthur Engoron, as well as his principal law clerk, claiming their conduct has "tainted these proceedings" and that "only the grant of a mistrial can salvage what is left of the rule of law."

The focus on the clerk comes after Engoron barred defense attorneys from commenting on his staff, citing a wave of threats and harassment that have "inundated" his office since the trial began last month.

Trump himself was already bound by that same gag order, which Engoron imposed after the former president repeatedly attacked the law clerk online and at the courthouse.

The office of New York Attorney General Letitia James, who brought the sweeping fraud case, accused Trump of "trying to dismiss the truth and the facts" by throwing out the trial.

"The numbers and evidence don't lie," a spokesperson for James' office said in a statement. "Donald Trump is now being held accountable for the years of fraud he committed and the incredible ways he lied to enrich himself and his family. He can keep trying to distract from his fraud, but the truth always comes out."

James accuses Trump and the other defendants of fraudulently inflating his net worth by billions of dollars in order to obtain financial perks including tax benefits and better loan and insurance terms.

She seeks about $250 million in damages and wants to permanently bar Trump and his sons, who took over the Trump Organization after their father became president in 2017, from running a New York business.

Before the trial even began, Engoron had found the defendants liable for fraudulently misstating the values of Trump's real estate properties and other assets. The judge in that pretrial ruling ordered the cancellation of the defendants' business certificates, but an appeals court has temporarily paused that order from taking effect.

Engoron will deliver additional verdicts in the trial, which is being held without a jury to determine penalties and resolve six other claims in James' lawsuit.

The defense lawyers in Wednesday's court filing accused Engoron and his clerk of creating an "appearance of impropriety" that feeds a "public perception of bias in this case."

They pointed to articles shared by Engoron in his alumni newsletter, which they say are "disparaging" to the defendants and their counsel. Those articles, most of which are news stories from major publications including NPR and The New York Times, were shared before the trial began.

The lawyers also decried the alleged "co-judging" by Engoron and his clerk. Their filing, which includes pictures of the two seated next to each other in the courtroom, argued that the clerk has "unprecedented and inappropriate latitude" over the case.

They also accused the clerk of engaging in "partisan activities," citing her contributions to Democratic groups that they say are supporting James, the attorney general.

The clerk has "engaged in prohibited partisan political activity with respect to the parties before the Court, while their case is pending before the Court," they argued.

Trump's lawyers had previously told the court that they would seek a mistrial, the latest in a series of efforts to either halt or scrap the fraud case. Trump lost a bid to stay the trial days after it began in early October, and an appeals court rejected a request from Ivanka Trump's defense lawyer to pause the entire trial while she fought a subpoena for her testimony.

Defense attorneys have also repeatedly asked Engoron to grant a directed verdict that would throw out James' claims in the case. Engoron has rejected each of those requests.
Sergio Ermotti, CEO of UBS gestures during a panel discussion at the Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce in Zurich, Switzerland January 18, 2019.

UBS Group CEO Sergio Ermotti says the "incredible" market demand for the bank's recent issuance of AT1 (additional tier one) bonds is a "signal to the Swiss banking system."

The Swiss lender last week began selling the bonds  which were at the heart of controversy during its emergency rescue of Credit Suisse earlier this year  for the first time since the takeover.

Ermotti told CNBC on Wednesday that he was "more than encouraged" by the massive oversubscription received for last week's return to the market.

"The AT1 demand was incredible  $36 billion of demand for what happened to be $3.5 billion of placements  and in my point of view, it was probably the highlight in a sense of the confidence is restoring not only for UBS, I would say also it is a signal to the Swiss financial system," Ermotti said.
Russian forces are pummeling Ukrainian units that have crossed over the Dnieper River to the Russian-occupied left (or eastern) bank of the river in Kherson, an official said Wednesday.

The Kherson area, in southern Ukraine, is partially occupied by Russian forces after an offensive to take the city of Kherson last year prompted Russian forces to withdraw to the eastern bank of the river.

Ukraine reported Tuesday that its forces had established a foothold on the eastern bank of the river. The announcement could herald the start of an advance toward Russian-occupied Crimea, with Ukraine saying on Wednesday that it was starting to push back against Russian forces on the eastern bank.
Here are Wednesday's biggest calls on Wall Street: Jefferies upgrades Holley to buy from hold Jefferies said it sees sales ramping up for the auto manufacturing company. "We upgrade HLLY to Buy as we expect sales and EBITDA ramp in Q4 against easier compares and see enhanced focus on expanding product offerings to non-legacy markets reaching a wider customer base LT." Wells Fargo initiates BioMarin as overweight Wells said it sees margin expansion for the biotech company. " BMRN: We See Value, Which the New CEO and Activist Involvement Could Help UnlockInitiate at OW." UBS reiterates Apple as neutral UBS said its survey checks show wait times for Apple's iPhone Pro have subsided. "Utilizing UBS Evidence Lab data that tracks iPhone availability across 30 countries, wait times for the iPhone 15 Pro across the US, China, Europe, and Japan are considerably below the iPhone 14 Pro by just over 3 weeks, with an average wait time of 4 days or 2 days stripping out Japan." Wells Fargo initiates Matador Energy as overweight Wells said the energy company has a "strong track record of growth." " MTDR offers a unique investment case based on strong production growth coupled with robust FCF generation capability, with the company achieving a ~20% CAGR in production growth over the past 5 years while maintaining financial discipline." Citi upgrades Vipshop to buy from neutral Citi upgraded the e-commerce company after its earnings report. "Into 2024, VIPS aims to maintain stable growth and given its relatively smaller scale, mgmt believe there is still room for it to grow user base thru investment in merchandising." Morgan Stanley downgrades Energizer to underweight from equal weight Morgan Stanley downgraded the stock after its earnings report and said it sees too much risk. "We see visibility as lower and topline risk as higher at ENR than its peers, along with muted LT growth potential (and LT EPS risk)." Bank of America upgrades American Eagle to neutral from underperform Bank of America upgraded the stock ahead of earnings next week. "We are upgrading AEO to Neutral from Underperform and see near-term momentum for upward est revisions driven by stronger than expected revenues." Barclays initiates American Express as overweight Barclays said the credit card company's shares are compelling. "We see the most compelling value in AXP and rate the shares Overweight. Bears will argue the company's 10%-plus revenue growth target for 2024 and beyond could be at risk. We think those targets are achievable, particularly after AXP revenue growth stabilized at 12-13% y/y the past two quarters." Bank of America adds Netflix to the US1 list Bank of America added the stock to its top ideas list. "We are adding Netflix Inc (NFLX), Sealed Air Corp (SEE), and Vertiv Holdings Co (VRT) to the US 1 List. Wells Fargo initiates Warner Music Group as equal weight Wells said it needs more clarity to become constructive on the stock. "We view WMG as a company in transition with new leadership developing a tech focused strategy. While the cadence of new releases has improved, we remain on the sidelines until we see sustained share recovery and get more clarity on tech investments. JPMorgan upgrades V.F. Corp to neutral from underweight JPMorgan said after a series of meetings with management that investors should buy the dip in shares of the owner of brands like Vans. "We hosted VF Corps CEO Bracken Darrell, Chief Financial Officer Matt Puckett, and VP of Investor Relations Allegra Perry at our 5th Annual Global Luxury & Brands Conference in Paris." Redburn Atlantic Equities downgrades Raytheon to neutral from buy Redburn said in its downgrade of the stock that it sees too many risks. "Despite its valuation discount to peers, RTX will remain grounded until it can effectively demonstrate that the Geared TurboFan engine risks are starting to recede. We downgrade the stock to Neutral." JPMorgan downgrades Canadian Solar to underweight from neutral JPMorgan said in its downgrade of the solar company that it's waiting for near term visibility to improve for Canadian Solar. "While the solar industry clears channel inventory over the coming quarters in certain markets (Europe, US), we expect other areas of the value chain which have relatively more pricing power (e.g. trackers, inverters) to recover sooner than modules, leading us to a relatively less favorable view towards CSIQ near-term." Mizuho reiterates Affirm as buy Mizuho said Affirm is on track to become the "Tesla of payments." "Like Tesla's beginning, AFRM currently enjoys a small penetration of a massive TAM rapid product innovation & adoption like the Affirm Card and transactional accounts, and a clear plan to more than doubling GMV [gross merchandise volume] over the medium-term." Cantor Fitzgerald downgrades Bristol-Myers to hold from buy Cantor said in its downgrade of Bristol that it sees too many risks. "We've been hoping things would turn around for a while now, but the new launch thesis just hasn't materialized - and there's no line of sight to restoring investor confidence in the new product launches/pipeline." Bank of America upgrades Generac to neutral from underperform Bank of America said channel destock risks have played out for Generac. "Side-stepping as the channel destock looks mostly played out  upgrade to Neutral." Deutsche Bank reiterates Disney as buy Deutsche lowered its price target on the stock to $115 per share from $120 but said it's standing by its buy rating. "We remain Buy-rated on Disney and believe the company has turned a corner, shifting from four consecutive quarters of flat to down OI growth, to solidly positive OI growth in F4Q that should continue in F2024 and F2025." Citi reiterates Nvidia as buy Citi said it's bullish heading into earnings next week. "Going into earnings, we believe investors are focused on a) the US restrictions of AI chips to China and its impact on NVDA's data center sales outlook in FY25/26 b) overall data center sales' sustainability and early data points from Gen AI applications/products; and c) NVDA's new AI hardware roadmap." Barclays upgrades Wix.com to overweight from equal weight Barclays said in its upgrade of the Israeli website company that "AI tools could help WIX take price in 2024." "We upgrade WIX to OW from EW. Partners is scaling well; few competitors address this channel effectively." UBS reiterates Dollar Tree as buy UBS said it's standing by its buy rating on the stock heading into earnings later this month. "Overall, we think DLTR's 3Q print will help re-establish some credibility with the market. Until now, the retailer's transformation has moved in fits and starts. Morgan Stanley reiterates DraftKings as overweight Morgan Stanley said it sees more upside for the stock after its investor day. " DKNG' s Investor Day outlined EBITDA targets above consensus, with details affirming our more positive view. Importantly, the outlook was built off of several assumptions that could prove conservative or provide flexibility to reinvest: structural hold, market share, and promos."
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LISBON  Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales slammed X, formerly known as Twitter, after its takeover by Elon Musk, saying the social media service is losing users and has been "overrun by trolls and lunatics." The comments continue a war of words between the two high-profile technology figures that goes back to last year. Responding to a question about what Musk's $44 billion acquisition of Twitter means for the social media landscape, Wales responded on Tuesday: "It's a huge problem." "I think a lot of people are fleeing Twitter, a lot of thoughtful and serious people are fleeing Twitter," Wales told CNBC at the Web Summit tech conference in Lisbon.

"Twitter was, and now I guess X sort of is, in a way, the default public square for the world. And if it's being overrun by trolls and lunatics, it's not good for any of us." X did not respond to a request for comment when contacted by CNBC. Research from analytics firm Similarweb shows engagement metrics are down for X compared to last year. Wales' comments come after Musk offered Wikipedia $1 billion if it changes its name to "Dickipedia." The spat between the two goes back to last year when Musk alleged Wikipedia has "a non-trivial left-wing bias." That was in response to Wikipedia editors debating whether to remove the platform's entry on the Twitter Files. These are a set of files Musk said support claims that the company's prior management handled content moderation in a way that was biased against conservatives. Wikipedia did not end up deleting the entry. Wikipedia relies on a community of volunteers to keep its content updated. "I mean, he's had a war of words with me, I just ignore him. So I didn't really respond to that," Wales said, referring to Musk's $1 billion dollar offer for a name change. "What he refers to as censorship, we refer to as thoughtful editorial judgement, which is a very different matter. So, you know, Elon will be Elon." Earlier this year, Wales launched his answer to X, called Trust Cafe. Wales described it as a "pilot project" with the aim of creating a "community of trustworthy people."

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Wales said he is trying to built a platform that has "content based on its trustworthiness rather than its viral likability." It's not ad supported but rather based on voluntary membership. "It's got to be a really quality experience, something that they feel enhances their lives," Wales said, explaining how he plans to get people to pay for the service. Trust Cafe allows people to post X-style posts and others to comment. You can search for posts by topic such as technology or world news. "I don't know if I've got the answers, but I'm trying," Wales admitted in regards to Trust Cafe.
BEIJING  U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping met Wednesday outside of San Francisco in their first face-to-face encounter in a year.

The summit, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference, followed efforts between the U.S. and China to increase high-level communication amid continued tensions.

"We have to ensure that competition does not veer into conflict," Biden said at the start of the summit. "Critical global challenges we face, from climate change to counternarcotics to artificial intelligence, demand our joint efforts."

Biden and Xi were widely expected to discuss issues such as curbing fentanyl flows into the U.S., safe use of artificial intelligence, and U.S. restrictions on Chinese access to high-end tech.

"For two large countries like China and the United States, turning their back on each other is not an option," Xi said in his opening remarks. "Planet Earth is big enough for the two countries to succeed."
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  After over a decade, Grammy-winning pop icon Janet Jackson will finally return to the Philippines for Together Again concert in 2024.

Live Nation Philippines on Wednesday announced that the concert is set for March 13 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Jackson also announced her concert tour on Instagram.

"And even more exciting newsIm so happy to announce that in addition to Hawaii, weve added TOGETHER AGAIN dates in Manila and Japan. Cant wait to see you."

Fans can get first dibs on their seats during the ticket presale on Nov. 24. The general onsale is on Nov. 25. No announcements have been made so far on ticket prices and seat plan.

Jackson last performed in Manila in 2011. She won Grammy, Billboard, and American Music awards, as well as an Academy Award nomination for "Again" as Best Original Song in 1994.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines)  If youve spotted a humongous bag associated with your favorite store, atop a building somewhere in the metro, no, your eyes arent playing tricks on you!

That is the inflatable replica of the FRAKTA tote bag, the iconic blue essential item for shoppers of Swedish home furnishings company IKEA. Throughout its 30-year history, the bag has embraced the same principles that guide all of IKEA  the idea that function, quality, good design, and sustainability should not just be for the wealthy.

Fittingly enough, the FRAKTA bag replica is introducing everyone  from pedestrians, motorists, and bystanders  to the liberty of shopping for quality home items at IKEA, regardless of social stature and location.

IKEA billboard at North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). Photo from IKEA

This is in line with its "IKEA Everywhere" marketing campaign, telling the everyman that the store is accessible in the city, in their homes, and even on their phones.

Apart from the eye-catching giant FRAKTA bag, IKEA is also making heads turn with peculiar ads plastered on trucks, GRAB cars, e-jeeps, and various stores and restaurants. Each tells that "This is an IKEA store" with a QR code pedestrians and motorists can scan to shop for products at IKEA.ph.

Photo from IKEA

By visiting IKEA.ph, the only official online store of IKEA in the Philippines, Filipinos from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao can now shop for products online through parcel delivery. With this, Filipinos can shop home furnishing accessories and small to medium-sized furniture items from IKEA for up to a weight of 30 kg and a maximum length per item of 1.8 meters.

That includes a FRAKTA bag you can use even in other stores during the Christmas rush. Make sure to check out and checkout a FRAKTA bag, a classic item you would need to carry the items for your holiday shopping, with style and function.

Photo from IKEA

Parcel delivery is available nationwide starting at 170, with lower truck delivery fee at 600 flat rate within Metro Manila starting November 6.

Shop IKEA online from anywhere in the Philippines today, visit www.ikea.ph or download the IKEA Shopping app on Google Play or App Store. For more details on delivery and other services, visit https://www.ikea.ph/delivery.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines)  Epicureans are in for a gastronomic celebration that features the rich flavors of Argentinian and Asian-fusion cuisine this holiday season. All while supporting the noble cause of the Hapag Movement, a Globe-led initiative combatting involuntary hunger.

Prepare to be whisked away on a delectable journey with La Cabrera and Your Local for Gourmet Giving Series: A Fine Dining Experience for the Hapag Movement, where indulgence meets benevolence, and every meal makes a difference.

As part of the Thanksgiving dining event, both establishments will be donating a portion of their proceeds to fund the supplementary feeding and livelihood training activities of the Hapag Movement.

Known for its rustic ambiance and massive flavorful grilled steaks that go with a smorgasbord of side dishes, La Cabrera, will offer a 5-course gourmet extravaganza paired with the finest wines for 5,500+ per person on Nov. 22. Distinguished by the Tatler Best Restaurants List 2023 and Esquires Essential Steakhouses, the restaurant promises an authentic Argentinian experience steeped in tradition and communal joy.

Photos from La Cabrera

We, Filipinos, share a common history and culture with Argentinos because both our countries were once under Spanish rule. So, eating habits in terms of closeness of family and friends intertwining at the dining table is fundamental. Thats why food in La Cabrera is always good for sharing among family and friends, said restaurateur Carlo Calma Lorenzana, who brought La Cabrera to Manila.

Following this, Your Local will dazzle diners on Nov. 29 and 30 with a 7-course tasting menu for 4,950+ per person. Under the guidance of the celebrated Chef Patrick Go, this long-standing Makati favorite redefines modern Asian cuisine with dishes that are as visually arresting as they are gastronomically intriguing. This culinary artistry has earned Your Local a place among the world's best in Conde Nast Travelers list.

Photos from Your Local

We at Your Local are excited to contribute to the Hapag Movement through a special tasting menu for our diners. We are grateful for this opportunity to give back to our kababayans in a meaningful way, said Go.

These exquisite dining events show the commitment of Globe and our partners to #UniteForHapag, creating moments of joy and giving back to those in need. Together with the Fine Dining Club Philippines Facebook community, we invite you to join us in this celebration of good taste and goodwill, making strides towards a #GlobeOfGood, said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

Gourmet Giving Series: A Fine Dining Experience for the Hapag Movement is a collaborative initiative between Globe and Fine Dining Club. It features several fine dining events showcasing some of Metro Manila's most sought-after restaurants dedicated to social change.

"At Globe, we have always believed that big things happen when passions align and collective action follows," said RG Orense, Globe Digital and Social Channels Head. "With the help of the participating restaurants and Fine Dining Club Philippines, we are thrilled to bring together two passions: that of elevated dining, and helping others."

To learn more about the Gourmet Giving Series, visit glbe.co/globegourmetgiving.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 14)  The Office of the Ombudsman will make ends meet with a million-peso confidential fund for next year, the countrys chief graft buster said Tuesday.

Yan yung sinasabi ng mga matatanda mamaluktot ka 'pag maiksi ang kumot 'di ba? [That's what old people say... you'll curl up if the blanket is too short, right?] Ombudsman Samuel Martires told reporters right after his offices proposed 5.347 billion budget breezed through the Senates plenary deliberations with no questions.

The Ombudsman was initially granted a 51 million confidential fund under the National Expenditure Program submitted by the Department and Budget and Management, but the office itself agreed to reduce it to 1 million.

Asked by the media if this would suffice, Martires said: Idaan mo sa ngiti baka matulungan ka ng iba, idaan mo sa pagma-Marites. [Pass it with a smile, maybe others will help you, pass it with being Marites (gossip)]

In fact, I'll be honest with you, kung minsan nakakapulot ako ng impormasyon dahil sa inyo eh [sometimes I get information because of you]," he added. "With that, all I have to do is to validate the information I got from the members of the press."

Martires said the Office of the Ombudsman will use its confidential fund for its various probes and surveillance activities, as well as to ensure the safety of its personnel.

Meanwhile, he said his office will look into the possibility of launching a motu proprio investigation on the proliferation of Philippine birth certificates, passports and various government IDs to foreign nationals.

Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri is pushing for stiff penalties for government officials and employees involved in the scheme.
Offshore gas field strengthens country's energy security

Xinhua) 10:27, November 15, 2023

A view of the Bozhong 19-6 offshore natural gas field in China's Bohai Bay area. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Bozhong 19-6 offshore natural gas field was put into operation on Tuesday, underscoring the substantial growth and market potential of China's offshore oil and gas industry, experts said, as the country seeks to harness more energy from offshore sources.

The gas field, the largest such resource in China's Bohai Bay area, has an average water depth of about 20 meters and is expected to achieve peak production of around 37,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2024, according to its operator China National Offshore Oil Corp.

The project is the first condensate gas field, with a proved in-place volume of over 200 billion cubic meters of natural gas, that has been put into operation in Bohai Bay. The gas field will supply stable, clean energy to the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and is greatly significant for ensuring China's energy security and optimizing the country's energy structure, CNOOC said.

Domestic oil and gas companies have been stepping up their efforts in upstream exploitation and exploration in recent years to reduce market volatility and maintain price stability against a backdrop of energy shortages globally, said Li Ziyue, an analyst with BloombergNEF.

The Bozhong field is the seventh-largest natural gas deposit in China and the largest offshore. Commissioning of the project will enhance gas supply and further accelerate the decarbonization process in China's northern region, Li said.

Domestic gas output is expected to play an even more important role in the years ahead as gas imports become more uncertain and volatile, she added.

The major production facilities of the project include a new central processing platform, three unmanned wellhead platforms and a natural gas processing terminal. It plans to put into production 65 development wells with a peak daily oil and gas production of more than 5,000 metric tons of oil equivalent, the company said.

According to CNOOC, the development of the first phase of the Bozhong 19-6 gas field was completely designed, constructed and operated independently by China, with a number of technological breakthroughs filling technological gaps in the development of domestic offshore oil and gas fields.

All 65 production wells adopt remote intelligent control for real-time monitoring of equipment and the operational status of its facilities, ensuring safe production control of unmanned platforms, it said.

CNOOC has ramped up efforts to increase domestic gas output in recent years, which is also in accordance with the government's goal to ensure domestic energy security.

The company has set a production target of a record 650 million to 660 million BOE in 2023, as part of its medium-term goal of a 6 percent increase in average annual production by 2025.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun)
Fort Johnson, LA (71446)

Today

Areas of patchy fog early. Cloudy this morning. 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%.
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.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  A fish kill was monitored off the coast of a barangay in Cavite City on Nov. 13, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Wednesday.

The PCG reported that most of the fish in the vicinity waters off Barangay 61 were tilapia.

The PCG also said the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has already conducted a water sampling to determine the possible cause of the fish kill.

The collected fish were transported to the Material Recovery Facility of Cavite City for proper disposal, the agency added.

The monitoring is ongoing.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  The Department of Justice (DOJ) is working to bring back expelled Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. to the Philippines and bring him to trial through a request for rendition with the government of Timor-Leste, where the congressman has sought asylum.

In an interview with CNN Philippines The Source on Wednesday, Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla was asked how the government plans to bring Teves, who was designated as a terrorist in August, back to the country from Timor-Leste since both states have no extradition treaty.

Rendition. Under the United Nations agreement on terrorism, theres a duty of host states to turn over to the states of jurisdiction those who have pending cases of terrorism in their countries so that they can be held for trial, he explained.

Rendition is an alternative to extradition, where a person is transferred from one jurisdiction to another, following specified legal proceedings.

The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 defines extraordinary rendition as the transfer of a person, suspected of being a terrorist or a supporter of a terrorist organization, association, or group of persons to a foreign nation for imprisonment and interrogation on behalf of the transferring nation.

The law says this may be done without framing any formal charges, trial, or approval of the court.

Extradition, meanwhile, is when a person who committed a criminal offense is surrendered by a state where he was found, to the state where he was proven to have done the crime. This is governed by a treaty between the two states.

A case should be filed first before the extradition process starts. The offense committed by the individual should also be considered a crime in both states involved.

Remulla said the Philippines may be the first country to request for a rendition. He said the state counsel and the DOJs legal team have been working to file the request very soon.

Probably its a good Christmas gift to Mr.Teves, Remulla added.

As of now, Remulla said Teves is waiting for the decision on his appeal after his request for political asylum was denied by Timor-Leste. If the appeal is rejected, the former congressman will be deported to his point of origin, the justice secretary said.

Teves is also facing a warrant of arrest for allegedly orchestrating the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others in March.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on Wednesday handed down a preventive suspension order to Task Force Special Operations Unit Head Bong Nebrija after an early morning incident where a vehicle which claimed to be part of the convoy of Sen. Bong Revilla was allowed to use the EDSA bus carousel lane.

Present at the briefing were MMDA acting chairman Don Artes, Revilla, and Nebrija.

"Ang decision and we discussed it kanina, we will suspend Col. Nebrija pending the investigation sa nangyari," said Artes. The suspension would be for a maximum of 30 days.

[Translation:The decision, and we discussed it earlier, is we will suspend Col. Nebrija pending the investigation into the incident.]

Artes said the preventive suspension order would begin on Nov. 16 and aimed at ensuring a fair investigation into the incident. He added they already had footage of the vehicle involved.

"Ite-trace po namin yung may ari ng sasakyan and irereport namin sa inyo once ma-find out namin kung sino. At irereklamo yan sa LTO para ma issue ang show cause order at mapatawan ng kaukulang parusa," he said.

[Translation: We will look for the owner of the vehicle and report it to you as soon as we find out who it is. We will file a complaint with the Land Transportation Office for a show cause order and for enforcement of proper penalties.]

MMDA said part of the investigation will involve the enforcers who will have to explain why they said Sen. Revilla was involved "when hindi naman pala [that wasn't the case]." The driver of the vehicle involved will also need to explain why he mentioned Sen. Revilla in the incident.

The traffic enforcers in the incident are not included in the preventive suspension.

On Thursday, Artes said the two drivers involved in the incident appeared before him and were given citation tickets and fined P5,000 each. They were positively identified by the traffic enforcer.

He said they mentioned Revilla's name after they were flagged down, and that the lawmaker did not own the vehicle. It would be up to Revilla whether or not he would pursue a case against the drivers, he added.

Nebrija, meanwhile, said he merely acted upon the information he received, saying the incident happened in an area where he and other MMDA enforcers were located some distance from each other.

"Widely distributed kami and we are just relying on communication. Yun ang fineedback sa akin, and I made my decision on the information that was given to me," he said. "Kung mali 'yon, I accept that responsibility."

[Translation: We are widely distributed and just relying on communication. That was the feedback I received and I made my decision on the information that was given to me. If that was wrong, I accept the responsibility.]

He said the enforcer in the area could have been intimidated by the motorist's claim that he knew Revilla and was unable to verify whether the senator was in the vehicle.

"Apparently the information was wrong and that made me make a wrong decision also. But then, as the commander of the task force, the buck stops with me. I accept that responsibility. Kung isuspend ako ng [If I will be suspended by the] chairman, so be it." added Nebrija.

Earlier, Revilla issued a statement clarifying he was not involved in the incident.

"My daily commute is from the south to the Senate and there is no possibility I will be on EDSA in Mandaluyong. When attending to official functions in the north, I take the skyway from and back to the south," Revilla said, adding he would ask the MMDA to explain why his name was being mentioned in the incident.

Artes personally apologized to Revilla for the incident, saying a probe would happen to determine who was responsible for what happened and to identify the motorist who claimed to be affiliated with the lawmaker.

"I accept the apology. I'll leave it to you chairman kung ano ang maging desisyon kay [on the decision for] Col. Bong Nebrija," he said.

Revilla explained that he was caught up in the moment and therefore issued the statement.

Also on Thursday, the Department Transportation set the record straight on who could use the bus lane. On-duty emergency and response vehicles, government vehicles performing tasks within the busway are among those allowed.

Del Rosario emphasized that private vehicles who have an emergency are not allowed to use the busway.

Artes said in a briefing that authorities will strictly implement the bus lane policy on Nov. 20, Monday.

Artes said they met with the Department of Transportation on Tuesday who maintained only three types of vehicles were allowed to use the bus lane: public utility buses, emergency vehicles, and clearly marked government vehicles.

"In-extend po nila yan upon our recommendation to include yung convoy ng president, bise presidente, Senate president, House speaker, at chief justice of the Supreme Court," he said.

[Translation: With our recommendation, they will extend it to include the convoy of the president, vice president, Senate president, House speaker, and the chief justice of the Supreme Court.]

Artes mentioned they would need to discuss whether they would include vehicles with 6, 7, and 8 protocol plates as they would need to see how this would impact the mobility of buses.

Revilla also said the budget of the MMDA will remain despite what happened.

"No. Hindi kasalanan ng isang tao, dalawa, tatlo para irecall natin, pahirapan ang buong MMDA," he said.

[Translation: No. The fault of a few people does not justify making the rest of the MMDA suffer.]

The Office of the Secretary General of the House of Representatives, meanwhile, issued a statement saying they would be working with the Land Transportation Office and the MMDA to apprehend drivers bearing the number 8 as their plate numbers as the House has not released nor authorized the use of official plates for its members.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Wednesday said former Senator Leila de Lima will likely be acquitted in her remaining drug case as she was granted bail.

Chances are she will be acquitted because that is a very strong statement when you say that the prosecution was unable to fulfill that burden of proof that is necessary for them to keep her in detention, Remulla, who is also a lawyer, told CNN Philippines The Source.

The Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 206 on Monday allowed De Lima to post bail for her remaining drug case, giving her temporary freedom after nearly seven years of detention. Judge Gener Gito pointed out that the prosecution was unable to sufficiently establish De Limas guilt due to lack of substantial evidence.

READ: De Lima: I have to go back to law practice, teaching

Remulla noted that the drug case is non-bailable. Despite this, he said the bail was granted, so the momentum is very much in favor of the defense.

The justice chief also stressed that De Limas case shows the independence of the judiciary.

We cannot really interfere with the way that the prosecution runs this. If we try to micromanage everything that the prosecution did throughout the country then well be left with nothing to manage, it will be too much for us, he explained.

Remulla said he leaves the decision to the panel of prosecutors handling the case if they want to question the granting of bail to respect institutional continuity.

In a briefing, reporters asked for his comment about the supposed weakening of cases filed during a previous administration when a new government comes in.

The justice secretary answered: "Wala akong nakikitang ganong epekto dito. Basta ito, normal na takbo ng pagliliitis ang ating nakita, mabagal lang."

[Translation: I'm not seeing this kind of an effect here. We saw the proceedings as normal, although slow.]

He gave assurance the DOJ is undertaking reforms to finish case proceedings quickly.

De Lima was detained in 2017 for allegedly benefitting from the illegal drug trade in the New Bilibid Prison when she was the justice secretary. She allegedly used the drug money to fund her senatorial bid in 2016.

She has consistently denied this, saying detention was the Duterte administrations way to silence her for her criticisms of its bloody war on drugs.

The former senator already won her first two cases in 2021 and in early 2023.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  One of the suspects in the disappearance of beauty queen Catherine Camilon admitted having an affair with her, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Wednesday.

The PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group said Major Allan de Castro of PNP Calabarzon revealed to authorities that he is in a relationship with Camilon despite being a married man.

He admitted na mayroon silang relasyon with Ms. Camilon. But doon sa involvement niya ay he invoked his right to remain silent, PNP-CIDG chief Major General Romeo Caramat told CNN Philippines.

[Translation: He admitted that he had a relationship with Ms. Camilon. But with regards to his involvement in the case, he invoked his right to remain silent.]

We respected yung karapatan niya na manahimik dahil sabi nga niya, nakasampa na yung kaso laban sa kanya at sasagutin na lang niya in the proper forum, he added.

[Translation: We respected his right to remain silent because he pointed out that a case was already filed against him, and he will answer everything in the proper forum.]

De Castro and three other suspectstwo of them are unidentifiedare facing kidnapping and illegal detention charges.

The PNP-CIDG said De Castro met with PNP chief General Benjamin Acorda Jr. on Wednesday to apologize for dragging the PNPs name.

Sabi lang po ng ating chief PNP, since nasangkot ka sa ganitong problema, personal na problema, you have to face the consequences or you have to face the court to prove your innocence, Caramat said.

[Translation: The PNP chief told him since he got involved in this kind of problem, which is a personal one, you have to face the consequences or you have to face the court to prove your innocence.]

Meanwhile, the forensics team of the Batangas CIDG collected samples from the parents and sister of Camilon on Tuesday afternoon. The samples will be subject to DNA comparison to know if the hair strands and blood samples from a recovered Honda CRV match Camilon's.

Camilon has been reported missing since Oct. 12.

She was last contacted by her mother on the same night, saying she was at a gasoline station in Bauan town.

Her sister has been asking the public to contact their family if they saw the beauty queen.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 16)  Former Senator Leila de Lima has gained temporary liberty after posting bail for her last drug case before a Muntinlupa court.

On CNN Philippines' Politics As Usual, she talked about what life was like while she spent nearly seven years in detention.

Whether or not she sets an alarm, De Lima said she always begins her day at 4:30 a.m., when the sun has yet to pass through the "very small" window of her tiny room that "really lacks ventilation."

"Since it's still dark outside my detention room, I stay in, I start with my prayers, I start with reading the bible and also writing either letters, other communications, and reflecting," she shared.

When the sun is up, De Lima would go out of her room to do some chores like feeding the cats and birds at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame.

"Then the breakfast comes. After the breakfast, I read newspapers because I'm allowed newspapers, and then I'd resume my reading of books and writing," she added.

De Lima said she usually sends out all her letters through her staff before she takes her lunch, and resumes more reading and writing until evening.

"From Day 1, I've been writing my journals, my reflections of the day, the important happenings of the day, if any," she said. "I have now a collection of thick notebooks of my daily journals."

She would repeat feeding the 20 cats in the detention facility, around 5 of which she said she brought with her when she stepped out on Monday.

"I had to bring them out, I brought them  the five cats. If only I could bring all of them," De Lima said. "They gave me company especially during the pandemic. They're practically my soul companions so I talk to them once in a while."

The 64-year-old former senator said she grew fond of the cats to the point of giving them names: Avatar, Duchess, Doll, Lily, and Pluto.

"I sleep within 10 to 11 p.m. I don't have any problem sleeping. I read until I fall asleep," she said.

De Lima shared that all breakfast, lunch, and dinner would come from her home, relatives, and friends.

"I don't accept food from the custodial center," she said. "It's for security reasons that my friends advised me not to accept food there.

Since the beginning of her detention in 2017, De Lima said her "rule of thumb" has always been "don't beg, don't fear, don't trust."

Nevertheless, she said she was treated well inside the detention facility.

"They treated me with professionalism. They kept a distance but always with respect and courtesy. Nobody has ever maltreated me there or in any way disrespected me," she said.

De Lima, one of the most vocal critics of Duterte, was detained in 2017 for allegedly benefitting from the illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison when she was the justice secretary. She allegedly used the drug money to fund her senatorial bid in 2016.

She has consistently denied the allegations, saying her detention was the Duterte administration's way to silence her for her criticisms of its bloody war on drugs.

A Muntinlupa court on Monday allowed De Lima to post bail for her third and remaining drug case, giving her provisional liberty.

The former senator had been acquitted in the two other cases in February 2021 and in May this year.

READ: De Lima: There has to be a day of reckoning
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  The influence of the Dutertes in Congress is waning, according to a party-list lawmaker.

"Siguro na-realize din ng kaniyang mga kapartido na hindi na siya presidente, at wala na siyang influence rin," ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro told CNN Philippines' The Final Word on Wednesday.

[Translation: Maybe his party members have realized he's no longer president, and that he no longer wields influence.]

From 65 at the start of the 19th Congress in 2022, former President Rodrigo Duterte's Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) now has just 15 members in the House of Representatives.

Castro said this was mainly because of the controversy surrounding the confidential and intelligence funds (CIFs) of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd)  both headed by the former leader's daughter, Sara Duterte.

READ: Dong Gonzales resigns from PDP-Laban over ex-Pres. Duterte's 'rotten' remark vs. House

Castro also said scrutinizing the CIFs of the OVP and DepEd prompted the elder Duterte to come out and attack her.

"I think he was very hurt doon sa pagtatatanggal [by the removal], or the realignment of the CIFs of the OVP and DepEd," she said.

"Itong mga Duterte na 'to mukhang sanay sila sa discretionary funds through confidential funds kaya talagang galit na galit," she added.

[Translation: It appears the Dutertes are used to having discretionary funds through confidential funds, so they are really angry.]

In 2022, the Commission on Audit found out that the former president used 4.5 billion for confidential and intelligence funds during his last year in office.

On Wednesday, Quezon City Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Ulric Badiola issued a subpoena ordering Duterte to appear before the Office of the City Prosecutor on Dec. 4 and 11.

The subpoena was in relation to the threats he made against Castro on national television.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 16)  A large-scale smuggler responsible for bringing in 30 containers of onion was arrested Wednesday morning, Sen. Cynthia Villar said during Senate budget deliberations on Wednesday.

"They have arrested him this morning -- large-scale smuggler [of] onions," Villar said, adding that the DA has filed 15 cases against onion smugglers but five were dismissed by the courts.

"You can see that everything is dismissed by the court," Villar, the sponsor of the Department of Agriculture's (DA) 2024 budget, said. "I want them (smugglers) to be non-bailable para at least i-dismiss man ng court, nakaranas na siyang makulong."

[Translation: I want them to be non-bailable so that at least if the court dismisses the case, he has already experienced imprisonment.]

Villar also mentioned that the department is trying to file a case against Lilia "Lea" Cruz, another supposed big-time onion smuggler who owns six companies.

Cruz allegedly engineered the artificial spike in onion prices late last year until the early part of 2023.

EXPLAINER: Why onions in PH are now more expensive than meat

Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo earlier said Cruz operates the biggest onion cartel in the country through Philippine VIEVA Corporation.

Citing DA's data, Villar said the farmgate price of onion is currently at 49 per kilo while its retail price is pegged at 120 to 200 per kilo (local red onion) and 100 to 170 per kilo (local white onion).
Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur (CNN Philippines, November 15)  Four police patrol vehicles crashed on Wednesday while on their way to the Philippine National Police Regional Headquarters in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

They were traveling from the Toyota Sentro Warehouse in Marilao, Bulacan when they got into an accident in Barangay Bauk Bauk, Balingoan town in Misamis Oriental.

PMaj. Stephen Benbian Latar said seven vehicles were traversing the national highway at around 8 a.m., but upon reaching the site, the fifth patrol car bumped the rear portion of the fourth patrol car.

As a result, Latar said the third and second car on convoy were pushed forward and incurred damage on their rear and front portions.

He said no drivers were hurt and they have yet to determine the cost of the damage.

All patrol cars involved are now in the custody of the Balingoan Municipal Police Station.

Pagadian City-based stringer Leah Agonoy contributed to this report.
While many CC students participate in convergence classes  combined class meetings between several CC classes  students in Moving Together: The Power of Art, Health, and Wellbeing had the opportunity to participate in combined class sessions with students from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, giving students from both schools the chance to discuss and practice the art of movement together.

The class traveled to the UCCS campus twice for creative workshops, where CC students got to collaborate on movement techniques with a UCCS undergraduate class of students within the Health Sciences Department.

The workshops at UCCS were really interesting and fun, says Andrew Han 25. Almost no one knew what to expect, so the UCCS students especially were surprised when we started doing intimate movement exercises. The exercises each had different metaphors that could be applied to healthcare and caregiving. It was interesting to see the UCCS students perception of CC and the Block Plan. Their classes seemed far more focused on lecture, and had less interdisciplinary aspects than CC.

While the two schools are less than five minutes apart, students dont always get the chance to collaborate together, making this class even more special.

Collaborating with the UCCS class was a unique opportunity to engage with students we normally do not work with, says Haley Strom 24. Our class had a strong sense of community, and it felt nice to share our traditions for connecting with each other with the UCCS students.

My favorite part of the class was the movement, says Han, a Neuroscience major and Biochemistry minor. It is just a fun way to express yourself artistically and to get the heart pumping. Han is considering a career in the healthcare field, and he likes to dance, so he says that this class was the perfect fit for him.

From my point of view, one has to take responsibility and be engaged as a partner in how one stays healthy, says class instructor Suzanne M. Costello, a Theatre and Dance Department block visitor, who previously taught at CC in the 1980s. This changes the concept from disease intervention to wellness engagement, so the thought of how to take care of ourselves before there is a problem.

Costello rarely lectured in the class, instead choosing to focus on movement and class discussions, where students connected readings and discussions through movement.

For example, we did mutual support activities where we pulled/pushed on a partner to keep ourselves supported, or an activity where we moved together with a partner and neither of us were leading, but we did what was mutually decided on non-verbally, Han says.

One thing I appreciated about this class is how we sat in a circle, says Strom, a Psychology major and Journalism minor. It is uncommon to be in a space that is built for making eye contact with every student. When we were not dancing, we were often engaging in self-reflection and sharing out. This reflection took many forms: journaling, drawing, poetry-writing, and even choreographing performances that reflect our personal stories.

Costello taught students different self-care practices they could engage with as ways for them to take responsibility for their own wellness and health, both physical and mental. Students also discussed how the principles of arts, health practices, and wellbeing relate to other disciplines, such as education, economics, and psychology.

Exploring the power of movement and touch relates to any other discipline that requires interpersonal interaction, says Jimmy OConnell 27. Education, health sciences, and even economics in some instances require intimacy skills that are becoming more and more underdeveloped. Cultivating our sense of connection and meaningful relationships will lead to much healthier work environments and increase patient satisfaction, which research has already shown.

The class was diverse in terms of class year and major, ranging from first-year students to seniors, and majors all the way from Molecular Biology to Sociology and Anthropology to Computer Science. This allowed students from all backgrounds to practice and discuss wellness engagement.

Movement explorations, especially those that involve collaboration, are relevant to every discipline, says Strom, who took the class because she is interested in alternative forms of therapy and enjoys dancing, specifically swing dancing. While we normally practiced self-expression through sharing ideas through verbal communication, using movement is an opportunity to utilize a more spontaneous form of expressionand encourages students to observe rather than judging to respond immediately.

Costello also had students discuss the concept of empathy and how that shows up in the way students engage with the world.

When we go to a physician or a therapist, we are asking them to care about us, which is an empathetic engagement, Costello says. Its always interesting to me that we have to think about, consciously, how do we practice empathy towards one another. And if we are in a caring profession, we have to think about how we demonstrate that we care about one another. For example, how do I know that when I go to this nurse practitioner, that he or she seems interested in me?

Stroms favorite part of the class was the time dedicated to sharing their self-reflections. I am accustomed to professors asking how I am doing at the start of class, but less so to being in an academic space like this where we actually listen to how people respond, she says. This part of the class has been crucial to not just knowing the people I am sitting next to, but also to feeling excited about sharing ideas.

Costello hopes that students left the course with a better understanding of wellness and how to take care of themselves, both mentally and physically, which is a goal that seems to have been achieved, as multiple students reflected on the positive experiences they had learning the mindfulness and wellness exercises.

This is the first time the class was offered at CC, and it was such a success that Costello was asked to teach it again next year in Block 3.
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Once upon a time, I loaded and ran software from 360-kilobyte floppy disks on my KayPro computer  and I was happy. At the time, I could install software on a huge 10MB hard drive and run from it there. Good times!

The years passed, and my hard drive grew ever larger. But I still "owned" my programs. Well, the End User License Agreements (EULA)s would technically disagree, but the applications were on my computer and under my control.

That was then. This is now.

Over the last few years, software-as-a-service (SaaS) has begun to totally dominate the end-user software market. By 2019, for example, you couldn't buy a "permanent" version of any Adobe program. Instead, you had to subscribe to Creative Cloud if you wanted to run Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro. Rather than paying once for the whole suite, it will now run you $60 a month.

That said, in the world of Linux, we still have "our" software. I'm writing this on LibreOffice; when I need to work with images, I use GIMP; and instead of Outlook for e-mail, I use Evolution. Of all the major software vendors in the Windows world, only Microsoft has continued to offer standalone software.

Well, it did anyway.

Mind you, Microsoft doesn't really want you to buy those programs. When Office 2019 came out, Microsoft urged everyone not to buy it. Recently, the company has taken another step to closing the door to PC-based programs for good.

As first reported by Office Watch, an independent publication covering all things Microsoft Office, "Microsoft has stopped supporting connections from Office 2019 and Office 2016 to their Microsoft 365 online services. Its another passive aggressive move to get customers off older versions of Office and onto Microsoft 365."

Really, Microsoft?

I mean, this comes as no surprise. A year ago, Microsoft warned that as of Oct. 10, 2023, it would no longer support Office 2016 and 2019's connectivity to Microsoft 365.

What's that, you say? It's still working for you? Good to hear. Just don't count on it continuing to do so. Maybe it will, maybe it won't, "but those connections wont be supported and could experience performance or reliability issues over time."

Adding insult to injury, "improvements to Microsoft 365 services will no longer be tested with these Office versions."

This means if you're still running old-school Office, you can't depend on being able to connect with services such as Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, and OneDrive for Business.

Now, if you read your contract and EULA closely, you might have noticed, as Office Watch did, that Microsoft promised Office 2019 and Office 2016 would have support for another two years. Now, they find "that they have no guarantee that they can connect to Microsofts own services for two years less than what they paid for."

Oh, and by the way, there will be no Extended Security Update (ESU) program. Your Office 2016 and 2019's lifespan is now up in the air.

Instead, Microsoft recommends, well, go ahead and guess what it recommends.

Yes, that's right, Microsoft suggests you "upgrade" to Microsoft 365 E3. For a mere $36 a month, you can still have a Microsoft 365 app for your desktop. If you can live with a pure web-play take on Office, you can subscribe to Office 365 E3 for $23 a month.

Maybe I'm just old-fashioned, but I still like having my own applications on my own machines. Yes, I'm a big Chromebook fan. But on every Chromebook I own, I also have Debian Bullseye Linux installed along with my assortment of must-have Linux applications. That way, if my Internet goes out, I'm still in business.

I have another concern beyond worrying over my net connection. I dislike paying monthly subscriptions for software. Always have, dating back to when I had to deal with enterprise programs on IBM mainframes and DEC minicomputers, and always will. I want to pay once, and then run it into the ground. If it were up to me, I'd still be running WordStar 3.3 for word processing!

Alas, those floppy disks are long dead and even my MS-DOS version, still preserved on a local server, no longer runs on any modern operating system.

Alas, except for my Linux programs, I doubt I'll ever run PC-based programs again. The future belongs to the cloud.
Apple is under pressure to open up its messaging platform. Now, Nothing says it has found a way to let people get iMessage support on its Android-based devices  but theres a catch that seems to mean users must take a dangerous leap of trust.

The Nothing solution certainly fills a gap.

Apple has consistently refused to make iMessage completely compatible with non-Apple devices, even though it offers business messaging. Most users only notice the difference in the color of the message bubble. Some experience other problems, such as when people in group chats share really low-resolution images due to iMessages limited compatibility.

Nothing doing

Nothing doesnt want it to stay that way, saying, Bring on the blue bubbles. We believe in windows, not walls. If messaging services are dividing phone users, then we want to break those barriers down.

What the company promises is that with its system, Nothing device users will gain iMessage compatibility on their device. That means blue bubbles and support for many Apple-only features (eventually). The company promises support for other iMessage features, such as group chats and read receipts will be coming soon. Once live, the Nothing system will be available in the US, EU, UK, and Canada.

How it works

People who want to use iMessage on their Nothing phone will have to sign up to join the beta for a service called Nothing Chat.

During the sign-up process, theyll be asked to login with their Apple ID. If they do not have an Apple ID, they will be able to create one during sign-up.

Once logged-in using the ID, messages sent from their Nothing device using the service will appear as blue bubbles on Apple devices.

It is possible the system will be made available via other Android devices, as Nothing is working with a third-party service called Sunbird to achieve this.

What's unclear is whether Apple will change iMessage or find some other way to prevent the service.

What about security?

The company says it is certain the system is secure.

Nothing Chats is based on the Sunbird platform and all messages are protected by end-to-end encryption, it wrote. This means that neither we nor Sunbird have access to the messages you send and receive. It claims messages are delivered without being stored at any point, meaning messages can only be recovered locally and are not available to Nothing or to Sunbird.

All the same, I have suspicions. The service means that you get to blue bubble your conversations, but it also means youre just one hack away from having your entire Apple ID in the wild  including all your data, images, payment details, file, and everything else.

If that sounds crazy, heres why this is the case:

Nothings iMessage support relies on the Sunbird messaging app. That app lets people use any messaging service, even if they dont have the relevant device. But, in order for this to work, the user must sign in with their Apple ID on Sunbirds Mac servers. Those servers then intercept messages sent to your account and send them to the chat app youre using with your Nothing device. The service doesnt store the Apple ID username or password, but does log your ID, and saves a login token. That token can potentially be used to access anything associated with your Apple ID.

Marques Brownlee took a preview of the service, and says it works by literally signing in on some Mac mini in a server farm somewhere, and that Mac mini will then do all of the routing for you to make this happen.

A few concerns

Now, Im sure that both Sunbird and Nothing mean well here. I'm confident the idea of abusing their access to your Apple ID token is far, far, far from their mind. But its not going to be too far from less salubrious characters. To those people, the Apple ID tokens stored on those servers become natural targets, and securing those servers will cost money.

Apple has a lot more money than Sunbird or Nothing, which means the company can employ and equip highly experienced security teams to protect Apple ID information on its servers. I expect Apples authentication servers experience frequent probes and attacks, but seem to have remained secure so far.

This raises a lot of questions, including: Can Sunbirds Mac servers ever offer the same degree of security? How long will the company commit to protecting them? When those Mac servers reach EOL what commitment is there that the data on those servers will be deep wiped? What level of insurance does either company offer users in the event they are hacked? Where does the information sit in terms of GDPR and the various territorial data sharing and storage agreements that exist between nation states? What data protection policy is applied to this information, and to what extent can a user choosing to risk Nothing ensure that any information they share (including Apple ID authorization tokens) is removed from those servers when they quit?

Some questions already have answers (maybe)

We have a few answers. Sunbird has servers in the US and in Europe, which may assure some elements of data retention. And a Nothing representative told The Verge that after two weeks of inactivity, Sunbird will delete the account information.

The messaging provider (which is Sunbird) also has what appears in the context of things a fairly concise privacy policy, which you can explore here. That privacy policy says that any personal information it does choose to retain is kept according to a series of criteria, and it describes your rights under various national and regional privacy policies, such as GDPR. Obviously, any IT admin, security expert, or company that has Apple or Android devices in their fleets will need to explore that policy to figure out whether the service meets with their privacy/security requirements.

For me, while its easy to concede that making messaging more compatible between platforms makes sense, I wouldnt recommend any enterprise user or IT admin permit employees to make use of this service on any managed device  certainly not those using any form of managed Apple ID. While Nothing has certainly shown a relatively easy way through which interoperability could be accomplished, it doesnt yet seem sufficiently market-tested for anyone using sensitive data.

Time will tell, of course, and it does seem plausible that Apple may take its own steps toward interoperability (albeit in response to regulatory pressure) during the coming months. If nothing else, Nothing has raised the level of conversation. Though I wouldnt share my Apple ID with anyone in any circumstances.

Please follow me on Mastodon, or join me in the AppleHolics bar & grill and Apple Discussions groups on MeWe.
Singapores Bird Paradise grand opening hatched, six months after soft opening and 600K visitors

Singapores Bird Paradise hatched a grand opening today with a giant egg and hatchlings, six months after the new bird park took flight in a soft opening.

Mike Barclay (far left), Group CEO of the Mandai Wildlife Group, with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong at the grand opening of Bird Paradise. Event attendees include S Dhanabalan (seated), Chairman of Mandai Park Holdings; Chaly Mah (back row, right), Chairman of Singapore Tourism Board; Chong Siak Ching (back row, left), Board Director, Mandai Park Holdings; and Neo Su Yin, SingPost CEO (not in the picture). Photo courtesy: Mandai Wildlife Group

Todays milestone event was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong, who was joined by around 1,000 guests, including Bird Paradises partners and sponsors, as well as community residents from the neighbouring Northwest and Southeast Community Development Councils (CDCs). All guests received a commemorative stamp collection set, which was specially unveiled in conjunction with Singapore Post Limited (SingPost).

Since it soft opened on May 8 this year, the park, located at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, has welcomed more than 600,000 local and international visitors.

Delivery of a postcard with Bird Paradise Commemorative Stamp by Sassy, the Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo, to DPM Lawrence Wong. Photo courtesy: Mandai Wildlife Group

Mike Barclay, Group CEO of Mandai Wildlife Group, said, I would like to thank our partners and key sponsors for journeying with us to deliver this outstanding bird park, together with a best-in-class avian hospital and extensive bird breeding facilities.

He added, Bird Paradise and the Mandai Wildlife West public space outside of this park are amongst the first features to open as part of our Mandai Rejuvenation Project. We have a long-term vision to transform the Mandai Wildlife Reserve into a world-leading nature and wildlife destination, to be a jewel in the crown of our City in Nature.

DPM Lawrence Wong and S Dhanabalan at the Breeding and Research Centre next to Winged Sanctuary. Photo courtesy: Mandai Wildlife Group

The Mandai Wildlife Group has launched several new initiatives that will enrich the learning experience of park-goers and create more immersive opportunities for people to connect with the parks animal residents and their carers.

Mandai Park Holdings Chairman S Dhanabalan and Singapore Tourism Board Chairman Chaly Mah at the opening ceremony, assisted by park personnel. Photo courtesy: Mandai Wildlife Group

 Todays grand event also marked the opening of a new Breeding and Research Centre located next to Winged Sanctuary, which features species of high conservation value. Park-goers can have a glimpse behind-the-scenes to learn what goes into caring for the parks feathered residents. Over at the nursery, guests will get a chance to see chicks being hand-raised to maximise their chances of survival.

 Making its debut, Glamping with the Penguins is an all-new, two-day-one-night glamping experience. For the first time, guests will spend a night in Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove in glamping bell tents.

Glamping with the Penguins: Each tent is suitable for a family of four. Photo courtesy: Mandai Wildlife Group

Guests will begin their journey with reserved seating to watch the exciting Wings of the World presentation, followed by a scrumptious dinner, before winding down with the penguins. Each tent is suitable for a family of four who can cosy up together. They will also get to enjoy a special showcase of the breathtaking Southern Lights in hues of blues and greens that light up the penguins exhibit.

The next morning, glampers will set out to Nyungwe Forest Heart of Africa for a guided tour of the aviaries. There will also be special access to off-exhibit facilities like the nutrition centre and avian hospital to learn about avian care at Bird Paradise, before winding up the glamping stay with a hearty lunch at Crimson. More information on this glamping experience can be found on the Bird Paradise website.

 The Mandai Wildlife Group, in partnership with SingPost, also unveiled a limited-edition commemorative stamp set. Three of the stamp designs feature some of the parks most threatened species  the Negros Bleeding-heart Dove; Philippine Eagle; and the Knobbed Hornbill.

Bird Paradise first day cover. Photo courtesy: Mandai Wildlife Group

The remaining three designs were inspired by the parks most iconic aviaries: the Hong Leong Foundation Crimson Wetlands; Kuok Group Wings of Asia; and Nyungwe Forest Heart of Africa, highlighting the captivating avian residents that call these habitats home.

Bird Paradise postcard set. Photo courtesy: Mandai Wildlife Group

 To celebrate the grand opening of Bird Paradise, local residents can look forward to a suite of activities and promotions under the opening campaign theme of Invitation to Paradise from now till December 31, 2023.

Invitation to Paradise campaign runs till Dec 31, 2023

Travel through different habitats of the avian world and discover colourful plumages and melodious vocals. Uncover the Secrets of Paradise as you explore the immersive aviaries, complete your unique Paradise Passport, and send Greetings from Paradise to friends and families.

ACTIVITIES AND DETAILS

 Ticket to Paradise

Gather your flock and enjoy 2-to-go @30 per cent off* Bird Paradise admission.

*Valid for same ticket type for new and existing WildPass holders only. T&Cs apply.

Promo Period: 15 Nov  17 Dec 2023

Visit Period: 15 Nov  17 Dec 2023

 Secrets of Paradise Trail

Explore the park with your Paradise Passport* and uncover the Secrets of Paradise. Complete your Paradise Passport by collecting all 5 unique location stamps to redeem an exclusive Grand Opening pin*.

*While stocks last. T&Cs apply.

Date: 15 Nov  31 Dec 2023

Time: 9am  6pm

Venue: Around the park

Collection & Redemption Details

Date: 15 Nov  31 Dec 2023 (daily)

Time: 9am  6pm

Venue: Park Entrance

 Be a Friend of Wildlife

Sign up for the Friends of Wildlife / Friends of Wildlife Plus membership (Individual/Family) to receive an exclusive Bird Paradise Commemorative stamp set*.

*Limited to first 200 sign-ups. T&Cs apply.

Promo Period: 15  19 Nov 2023

Find out more at www.mandai.com/en/memberships

 Taste of Paradise

Be spoilt for choice with a mouth-watering buffet lunch and enjoy 50 per cent off* 2nd diner with 1 full paying diner till 31 Dec 2023.

*T&Cs apply.

Date: 15 Nov  30 Nov 2023

 Bring Home a Piece of Paradise

Add colours and spread happiness, with an exclusive range of colour changing and reversible merchandise in store. Check out exclusive bundles* at attractive prices!

*While stocks last. T&Cs apply.

Date: 15 Nov  31 Dec 2023

 Mandai App 100K Promotions

Look out for exclusive Mandai App promotions from your favourite retail and F&B outlets.

T&Cs apply.

Date: 15 Nov  31 Dec 2023

 Photography in Paradise

Participate in workshops* by Sony Alpha Creators & Professionals and pick up new tips and tricks. All budding and seasoned photographers are welcome to join a contest to stand a chance to win a Sony camera and other prizes.

*Additional charges for workshops apply, public sign-ups open 19 Nov.

Date: 15 Nov  31 Jan 2024

 Green Giftmas in Paradise

In collaboration with Pass It On, shop from a range of local sustainable gifts, crafts and accessories.

Date: 1  3 Dec 2023

Time: 11.30am  6.30pm

Venue: Bird Paradise Learning Centre (beside Membership & Experiences Centre)

 Bird Paradise Commemorative Stamps

Get your hands on the exclusive Commemorative stamp set that was designed in partnership with SingPost.

Venue: Bird Paradise Shop

 Greetings from Paradise

Pick up a complimentary postcard* and send greetings to your loved ones directly from Paradise. Enjoy free local and international postage by dropping them into the respective slots.

*While stocks last.

Time: 9am  6pm, daily

Venue: Outside Bird Bakery

 Paradise AR Filter

Strike a pose against the interactive photo wall of Bird Paradise and share your memories of Paradise on Instagram and Facebook. Tag your post with #MandaiWildlifeReserve and #BirdParadise for a chance to be featured on the parks social page.

Venue: Central Plaza
Steve Carell is set to make his Broadway debut this spring as the title character in Uncle Vanya, which will be performed at the Vivian Beaumont Theater in the iconic Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Through his first foray into serious stage acting, Carell is gearing up for his next Dan in Real Life-style dramatic turn.

There is an immortal principle at play in the intersection of comedy and drama that most performers who get categorized in either genre eventually follow  every comedian wants to do drama, and every dramatic actor mistakenly thinks that theyre funny. But for every Robin Williams who pulls off a Good Will Hunting, theres a Dane Cook who does a cringey child abduction movie  and Brad Pitts surprisingly solid comedy performance in Burn After Reading was as good as Leonardo DiCaprios lame attempt at self-effacement in Dont Look Up was uncomfortable. Very few actors can excel equally in both sides of storytelling, but, for my money, comedians have a higher probability of getting the best of both worlds.

Leading a cast that contains the likes of Alfred Molina and his Vice co-star Alison Pill, Carell seems poised to position himself as the next great double threat as he tackles one of Anton Chekhovs many masterworks. The Emmy and Oscar nominee may even be angling for Tony nod with the high-profile production, which would put Carell just one Grammy loss away from an its-an-honor-just-to-be-nominated EGOT.

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Carells career in serious roles would be impressive even if it didnt follow an all-time great run in TV and movie comedy  starting with a well-received role in the 2006 indie film darling Little Miss Sunshine, Carell spent the last two decades finding spots in the casts of critically acclaimed movies that featured ample opportunities to show emotional range. He's appeared in many of Adam McKay's more serious and less Anchorman-y films, including Vice and The Big Short. Carell also earned his lone Oscar nomination for his performance as real-life millionaire murderer John Eleuthere du Pont in the 2014 true crime drama film Foxcatcher.

Nevertheless, can anyone say that theyve ever seen Carell really disappear into a role to the point where it didnt sort of feel like youre watching Michael Scott in his Threat Level Midnight follow-up film? Even in Foxcatcher, the infamous fake schnozz that the films prosthetic department bolted to Carells face took top billing in the conversation about his transformation. Carell's dramatic characters come across as different flavorings of the same Carell, and, though plenty of actors make careers out of essentially playing themselves in every movie  looking at Jeff Goldblums chiseled chest  that kind of performance is usually only successful in screen acting. No ones paying $500 for floor seats to see Vince Vaughn play Richard III.

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In Uncle Vanya, Carell will play the embittered manager of an estate run by his late sisters widower, who returns home with a young wife at the start of the story. Vanya falls in love with his hosts new bride as he mourns his past potential and what he feels to be a life squandered over servitude to a greater man. Considered one of the most iconic and culturally significant leading roles in the history of Russian theater, Carells new character will be his biggest dramatic challenge yet, and, with no Adam McKay behind the camera or an outrageously ambitious makeup artist on duty, his success or failure in the role will be utterly and entirely his own.

Critically, however, the works of Chekhov have an underlying quality that isnt immediately obvious to those absorbing the stories outside of their native Russia  the legendary playwright is a comedy writer above all else. In many ways, Chekhovs sense of humor was an early progenitor of the kind of cringe comedy Carell would later make a career from on The Office, as stark realism, subtle characterization and the awkward honesty of everyday conversation create immensely relatable and quietly comic situations wherein only the most skilled actors thrive. Though Uncle Vanya could hardly be considered a laugh-out-loud affair, its staging requires an undercurrent of comedy to survive translation.

For those reasons, Carell could very well be the perfect choice to play Vanya. Or, without an editing room, an all-time great film director and military-grade makeup technology, his stage debut will go about as well as the time he made that sequel to a Jim Carrey movie sans Jim Carrey.
During his days as a live performer, Nick Offerman was known as the go-to guy to strip down onstage should a production call for some extra skin  the saxophone wasnt the only horn Duke Silver liked to show off.

To some demographics  specifically, older women, bear hunters and Megan Mullally  the Parks and Recreation star is the apotheosis of masculine sexuality. His burly physique, famously furry upper lip and magnificently manly disposition ooze traditional charm as if Clark Gable was an able carpenter. Offerman is a veritable and virile sex symbol to those who like their meat red and their whiskey neat.

And, during his time acting in the Chicago theater community, Offermans offerings were for-rent and in-demand. As the actor revealed during Monday nights Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where he, Paul Dano and Seth Rogen promoted their most recent film Dumb Money, Offerman and his south-of-the-border Swanson were both beloved guns for hire long before he was a household name.

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In Chicago theater, I was known as, if you need a guy to get naked, call Offerman, the actor recalled when the subject of nude scenes became the topic of conversation. In Dumb Money, Dano and his co-star Pete Davidson supposedly strip down for a nude run  but, with all due respect to those two, Offermans full monty is a more intriguing affair, given that Davidsons dongle has already been seen by half the women in Hollywood.

When Offerman made the move to the West Coast, his expertise in exposure quickly landed him new work. My first play I did in Los Angeles was on a thrust stage, Offerman explained with explicit phrasing. (It was) a Mike Leigh Play, and the lights come up at the top of the show and Im down center naked, and I guzzle two cans of Guinness to start the show. And opening night, the lights come up, and I drink my Guinness, and (theres) two little old ladies in the front row, one says to the other, I have to get my glasses!

Thats all you can hear in the silent theater, Offerman remembered. And I said, Its about breadth, lady!
Defendant Was Influential Member of the Ranfla Nacional, MS-13's Board of Directors that Directed Transnational Criminal Operations

At the conclusion of a removal hearing, a federal court in Houston, Texas ordered Elmer Canales-Rivera, aka Crook de Hollywood, a high-ranking leader of La Mara Salvatrucha, aka MS-13, to be transferred in custody to the Eastern District of New York where he and 13 other high-ranking MS-13 leaders were indicted in December 2020 on terrorism offenses relating to their direction of the transnational criminal organization's criminal activities in the United States, El Salvador, Mexico, and elsewhere over the past two decades.

On Nov. 9, Canales-Rivera was arrested by members of the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) when he arrived at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas. Specifically, Canales-Rivera has been charged with conspiracy to provide and conceal material support to terrorists, conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries, conspiracy to finance terrorism and narco-terrorism conspiracy.

"We allege that Elmer Canales-Rivera, a founding member of MS-13's 'Twelve Apostles of the Devil,' bears responsibility for the gang's efforts over decades to terrorize communities, target law enforcement, and sow violence here in the United States and abroad," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "The arrest of this high-ranking, long-time leader of MS-13 should serve as a warning to MS-13's other leaders that the Justice Department will hold you accountable for your crimes."

"This arrest makes it clear that there is no hiding place for leaders of criminal syndicates that threaten our communities," said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. "Through the dedication and investigative abilities of HSI agents and our federal partners, we are taking on criminal organizations like MS-13 and helping to bring all those who perpetrate transnational crimes to justice."

"With determination and coordinated effort, the FBI and our law enforcement and foreign partners successfully apprehended a violent criminal that directly threatened the safety of our communities," said FBI Director Christopher A. Wray. "This pursuit exemplifies the FBI's commitment to safeguard the American public and continued promise to dismantle criminal networks like MS-13."

"The defendant's appearance in a federal courtroom today in the United States is a giant step in holding him accountable for his significant role as an alleged member of the MS-13 gang's leadership body known as the 'Twelve Apostles of the Devil' and later renamed Ranfla Nacional," said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. "As alleged, Canales-Rivera along with his co-defendants acted as a board of directors, directing acts of violence, intimidation, and material support of terrorists in El Salvador and throughout the United States, including in the Eastern District of New York where he will appear next in a federal courtroom in Central Islip to answer these charges."

As set forth in the indictment, which was returned on Dec. 16, 2020 and unsealed on Jan. 14, 2021, and related court filings, Canales-Rivera and his co-defendants are part of MS-13's command and control structure, consisting of the Ranfla Nacional, Ranfla en Las Calles, and Ranfla en Los Penales. They play significant leadership roles in the organization's operations in El Salvador, Mexico, the United States, and throughout the world. In total, 27 of the highest-ranking leaders of MS-13 have been charged in the Eastern District of New York in this indictment and the related indictment of United States v. Arevalo-Chavez, et al.

As further alleged, in approximately 2002, Canales-Rivera, his co-defendants, and other MS-13 leaders began establishing a highly-organized, hierarchical command and control structure as a means to effectuate their decisions and enforce their orders, even while in prison. They directed acts of violence and murder in El Salvador, the United States, and elsewhere, established military-style training camps for its members and obtained military weapons such as rifles, handguns, grenades, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and rocket launchers. Further, beginning in approximately 2012, Canales-Rivera and other members of the Ranfla Nacional negotiated with officials from the government of El Salvador (GOES) and obtained benefits and concessions from the GOES. In order to extract those benefits and concessions from the GOES, MS-13 engaged in public displays of violence to threaten and intimidate civilian populations, targeted GOES law enforcement and military officials, and manipulated the electoral process in El Salvador. Canales-Rivera played one of the most prominent roles in MS-13's negotiations and agreements with the GOES.

Additionally, as alleged, the Ranfla Nacional directed the expansion of MS-13 activities around the world, including the United States and Mexico, where several high-ranking leaders were sent to organize operations, make connections to obtain narcotics and firearms from Mexican drug cartels such as the Zetas, Gulf Cartel, Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) and Sinaloa Cartel, and engage in human trafficking and smuggling. The Ranfla Nacional also directed MS-13's large membership in the United States to engage in criminal activities, such as drug trafficking and extortion, to raise money to support MS-13's terrorist activities in El Salvador and elsewhere.

Finally, the Ranfla Nacional and MS-13's transnational leadership structure is alleged to have directed members in the United States to commit acts of violence, including murders, to further its goals and implemented rules that enabled MS-13 to entrench itself in parts of the United States, including within the EDNY where, under the defendants' leadership and rules, MS-13 has committed numerous acts of violence - including murders, attempted murders, assaults, kidnappings, drug trafficking, extortion of individuals and businesses, obstructed justice and sent dues and the proceeds of criminal activity by wire transfer to MS-13 leaders in El Salvador. For example, this the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York's Long Island Criminal Division has prosecuted hundreds of MS-13 leaders, members, and associates for carrying out more than 65 murders in the Eastern District of New York between 2009 and the present.

When the indictment was unsealed in January 2021, Canales-Rivera was in custody in El Salvador serving a prison sentence, and the United States lodged an INTERPOL Red Notice and submitted an extradition request for Canales-Rivera to the GOES. However, in or about November 2021, Canales-Rivera was released from custody by the GOES and then unlawfully entered Guatemala. Canales-Rivera remained a fugitive until Nov. 7 when he was apprehended by Mexican authorities.

Further, in addition to requesting Canales-Rivera's extradition, in 2021 and 2022, the United States requested the extradition of 11 of his co-defendants, including Borromeo Enrique Henriquez, also known as "Diablito de Hollywood," who is widely recognized as the most powerful member of the Ranfla Nacional. To date, the GOES has not extradited any of those defendants.

Two of Canales-Rivera's co-defendants, Fredy Ivan Jandres-Parada, aka Lucky de Park View and Lacky de Park View, and Cesar Humberto Lopez-Larios, aka El Grenas de Stoners and Oso de Stoners, and three related defendants from the Arevalo-Chavez indictment, Jorge Alexander De La Cruz, aka Cruger de Peatonales; Juan Antonio Martinez-Abrego, aka Mary Jane de Hollywood, and Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales, aka Veterano de Tribus, remain at large. Members of the public with information concerning their whereabouts are strongly encouraged to contact the FBI's toll-free MS-13 tip line, 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713), or HSI's tip line at 866-347-2423 or http://www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form. Together, FBI and HSI have offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the fugitives.

This case was brought by Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV), which was created to combat MS-13, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Durham of the Eastern District of New York, and comprised of U.S. Attorneys' Offices across the country, including the District of New Jersey; the Northern District of Ohio; the District of Utah; the District of Massachusetts; the Eastern District of Texas; the Southern District of New York; the Southern District of Florida; the Eastern District of Virginia; the Southern District of California; the District of Nevada; the District of Alaska; and the District of Columbia, as well as other government agencies and offices have been essential partners in JTFV, including the Justice Department's National Security Division and the FBI's Criminal Division; HSI; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); USMS; Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP); and U.S. Agency for International Development, Office of Inspector General.

The FBI Los Angeles Field Office spearheaded JTFV's MS-13 leadership investigations, with critical support provided by the Criminal Investigative Division's Safe Streets Gang Unit, along with HSI's National Gangs and Violent Crime Unit and HSI's New York and Houston Field Offices. Additionally, the FBI Legal Attaches in Mexico City and San Salvador, FBI Houston Field Office, HSI Attache Mexico City, USMS Legal Attache in Mexico City, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston provided critical support in connection with the arrest, as well as the U.S. Attorney's Office and the USMS for the Southern District of Texas for coordinating the initial appearance in Houston.

Numerous Justice Department components that contributed to this indictment, including: the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section; the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Executive Office; the Justice Department's Office of International Affairs; and the Criminal Division's Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training. In addition, the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) have provided valuable assistance for JTFV's mission.

If convicted, Canales-Rivera faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys John J. Durham, Paul G. Scotti, Justina L. Geraci, and Megan E. Farrell for the Eastern District of New York's Long Island Criminal Division are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Donnelly for the District of New Jersey, Matthew Shepherd for the Northern District of Ohio, and Stewart Young for the District of Utah from JTFV.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond
Marlene Kennedy is a freelance columnist. Opinions expressed in her column are her own and not necessarily the newspapers. Reach her at marlenejkennedy@gmail.com.
Winter is creeping in and bringing with it the dreaded seasonable blues - meaning many Brits are dreaming of jetting off somewhere sunny to escape the UK's grey skies.

For those unable to book time off work, and are working with a tight budget, a day trip abroad could be the perfect solution.

Sounds impossible? It's not - it's an increasingly popular trend known as 'extreme day tripping' - and it's exactly what Londoner Ehteshan Hanifa, 29, decided to do.

His verdict? He 'couldn't recommend it enough' to others.

Ehteshan, who goes by @EttyTweets on X (formerly known as Twitter) shared his experience online last week, prompting others to want to do the same thing.

While it may seem impossible, its a real concept called 'extreme day tripping' and it's exactly what Londoner Ehteshan Hanifa, 29, decided to do

For just 27, the Brit jetted off to Milan at 5:45am and enjoyed a day out, before flying back to London at 8:30pm

For just 27, the Brit jetted off to Milan at 5:45am and enjoyed a day out, before flying back to London at 8:30pm.

He crammed in a relaxing spa day and some sightseeing, before enjoying some pasta and a pistachio pizza, with gelato to finish.

Ehteshan's post about his day abroad quickly racked up more than a million views, with people flooding the replies section with questions.

His post detailed how he first visited the QC Termemilano spa, which features a cinematic pool room that simulates a thunderstorm, complete with dramatic stormy sound effects.

The wellness retreat made waves on TikTok earlier this year - it's housed in an Art Nouveau complex in the heart of the Italian city and also features saunas, hot tubs, a waterfall room and an outdoor pool.

It describes itself as a 'multi-sensory experience', with the base admission fee including a robe, a towel, a pair of slippers and an 'exclusive' aperitif.

In his rundown from the day, Ehteshan also included a picture of what looks like lots of beds in a room within the spa. He shared a snap of the Duomo di Milano, a tourist hotspot, as well as the delicious pizza he tucked into from Ristorante Galleria.

Metro reported that the whole day cost him just 156 - the flight was 27 and the bus to and from London Stansted was 14.

He first visited the QC Termemilano spa which features a cinematic pool room that simulates a thunderstorm, complete with dramatic stormy sound effects

He shared a snap of the Duomo di Milano, a tourist hotspot, as well as the delicious pizza he tucked into from Ristorante Galleria

In terms of his chosen activities, the spa was 60 and food and drinks totalled 40. He then spent 15 on trains while he was in the city.

It's not the first time Ehteshan has tried something like this. He told MailOnline: 'I did something similar in July 2022.

'I managed to find cheap flights to Cologne for a day on my birthday, 30 return, and six of us travelled.

'I would love to do a day trip abroad again. If I can find cheap flights that leave early in the morning and come back late evening.

'I couldn't recommend it enough to others. It's so much cheaper than a night out in London and you get to experience way more.

'In Cologne, I visited the cologne cathedral, the Lindt chocolate museum and I travelled around the city on a Lime Scooter.

'Some cities in Europe are really small so you can see the main sights in a few hours so yes, I recommend end encourage everyone to go on day trips abroad.'

The travel fanatic said it was TikTok that inspired his last minute decision.

He explained: 'I was on TikTok and a video of the QC Termemilano spa appeared on my page and I decided to go to it.'

It prompted others to plan a similar excursion, with one user asking: 'I really want to do this exact thing, any tips please?'

He advised: 'Go on skyscanner or kayak to check for flights, use city mapper to get around and use tiktoks on things to do and see during the day.'

Describing the spa to another curious X user, he said: 'You just go in and relax. They have soothing music playing and have many incense bottles places in the room to just get you relaxed.'

Ehteshan recommends Skyscanner or Kayak for finding the best deals on flight, with another user joking 'I bet it was cheaper then a night out in London.'

Others were inspired by the spontaneous trip, with one penning: 'Need to try these day trips one day', and another adding: 'I need friends I can do this with!!'

The man, who goes by @EttyTweets on X, formerly known as Twitter, shared his experience last week, prompting others to want to do the same thing

One user said: 'I need this level of spontaneous', meanwhile another added: 'I need to do this! WTH!!,' alongside fire emojis.

Someone who has already given extreme day tripping a go, concluded: 'I done this last month and it was sooooo exhausting but also one of the best things ive ever done.'

Another added: 'Omg I done this too to Milan in the summer.

'Not exactly the same activities but a 7am-ish flight there, ate, sightseeing, museums, spaghetti and gelato and then a 8pm-ish flight back.

'One of the best spontaneous things Ive done to date.'
The Princess of Wales has revealed how her youngest son Prince Louis and his classmates use a 'feelings wheel' to express their emotions.

Hosting a symposium where the findings of new research from her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood were unveiled, Kate, 41, told TV's Fearne Cotton, who presented the event, about Lambrook School's technique.

The royal mother-of-three, dressed in an elegant Emilia Wickstead purple suit, revealed her five-year-old son has taken part in her study for early years and said: 'Louis' class, they came back with a feelings wheel, it's really good.

'... These are five or six-year-olds, and going with names or pictures of a colour that represents how they feel that day, so there is a real keenness in school particularly to get involved in conversations.'

A feelings wheel is often a circle that displays colour-coded 'core' emotions - ones that are more easily expressed - at the centre, with more complex or 'secondary' emotions around these. Children are encouraged to try and pinpoint their feelings.

Kate, who launched her early years Shaping Us campaign in January, later delivered a keynote speech at the occasion at the Design Museum in London, attended by child and adult specialists and global thinkers.

The Princess of Wales delivers her keynote speech at the Shaping Us National Symposium reception at the Design Museum in London

The Princess of Wales speaks with Fearne Cotton, broadcaster at the Shaping Us National Symposium reception

The Princess of Wales arrives at a symposium where the findings of new research from her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood will be presented

The Princess of Wales has revealed how her youngest son Prince Louis (pictured at a Big Help Out event together in May 2023) and his classmates use a 'feelings wheel' to express their emotions

In her address, she said: 'We must acknowledge and address the root cause of some of todays toughest social challenges and work together to find better answers.'

Ahead of the speech, she told TV's Fearne, a Shaping Us champion, that she felt 'nervous' but 'excited'.

Said to be Kate's 'life's work', the Shaping Us project aims to highlight the significance of the formative years of a child's life. She hopes it will influence attitudes towards children in the early years period of their lives.

Looking effortlessly elegant, Kate paired her power suit - which she previously wore to Northern Ireland in September 2021 - with dazzling sapphire and diamond earrings as well as purple heels.

She styled her hair in bouncy waves and opted for a smattering of glamorous makeup to complete her sophisticated look following a late night at King Charles' 75th birthday party at Clarence House.

During the event, ex Prime Minister Tony Blair joined former leader of the Conservative Party William Hague, who is Chair of the Board of Trustees of The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, on stage.

While the pair use to face off each other at Prime Minster's Questions as Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition respectively, they joined forces for the good cause today.

Blair, who was prime minister from 1997 to 2007, was invited to join the gathering to discuss how politicians can create change, ITV News reported.

Kate is all smiles ahead of making her keynote speech at the event at the Design Museum in London

Having a giggle: The Princess of Wales was full of laughter during one moment at today's occasion

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair and former leader of the Conservative Party William Hague share the stage as they speak at the Shaping Us National Symposium

The Princess of Wales appeared to be in deep concentration when focusing on the event

In her address, the Princess of Wales (pictured) said: 'It isnt enough therefore to simply wish for a better world.'

The Princess of Wales speaks with Fearne Cotton upon her arrival at the Design Museum in London

The Princess of Wales met TV presenter Fearne Cotton, a Shaping Us champion, who presented the event

The Princess of Wales appeared relaxed as she addressed the crowd during her speech

Kate appeared professional during her keynote speech at the Shaping Us outing this morning

A happy welcome! The Princess of Wales is greeted by Fearne Cotton at The Design Museum in London

TV presenter Fearne (pictured speaking with Kate) opted for a ruffled blouse and a statement blazer for today's event

The Princess of Wales, dressed in an elegant purple blazer and trouser combo, delivers her keynote speech

British politician William Hague, who is Chair of the Board of Trustees of The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, takes his seat in the audience during the Shaping Us National Symposium

The royal mother-of-three, 41, delivered the keynote speech at the event at the Design Museum in London , attended by child and adult specialists and global thinkers

He set up Labours Sure Start scheme to offer parents better childcare options - but a royal source is said to have acknowledged the 'policy lever' is not available to Kate,

During her keynote speech, Kate said: 'People often ask me why I focus my time on early childhood.

'The answer is because I care deeply about making a positive difference, in helping the most vulnerable and supporting those who are most in need.

'This is not just about the youngest children in our society, who are, by their very nature, vulnerable. It is also about the many young people and adults who are suffering.

'We must do more than simply meet the short term needs of these individuals. We must also look at creating long term, preventative change. And that takes us right back to the beginning.'

She added: 'It isnt enough therefore to simply wish for a better world. We must acknowledge and address the root cause of some of todays toughest social challenges and work together to find better answers.'

The royal called for 'action at every level' to help to rebalance and restore society's social and emotional skills - saying the skills were the 'human wiring we need'.

Kate also stressed the importance of the early years development of children and said those she had met at a 'crisis point' in their lives had said for others to avoid their journey, a safe and loving childhood was needed.

She said: 'Nurturing skills that enable us to know ourselves, manage our emotions, focus our thoughts, communicate with others, foster positive relationships, and explore the world are just as valuable to our long-term success as reading, writing or arithmetic.

'These skills are the bedrock, not only for helping children to thrive, but also for restoring, protecting and investing in humankind.

'So, to rebalance and restore, calls for new thinking and action at every level. Because the future for our children is something we all build together; through the actions each of us takes every day.'

Kensington Palace said the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood has conducted a global listening exercise, involving experts from 21 countries to unite the thinking and agree on the key foundational skills laid in early childhood, but continue to grow beyond it, that help establish happy, healthy adult lives.

These social and emotional skills are described as fundamental to our future mental and physical wellbeing, shaping everything from our ability to form positive relationships to our capacity for learning, working and coping with adversity.

Kate, who launched her early years Shaping Us campaign in January, appeared elegant in a purple power suit as she stepped out at the event following a late night with Prince William at King Charles' 75th birthday party at Clarence House

The Princess of Wales appeared radiant at today's event as she opted for a smattering of glamorous makeup

Kate's power suit included slim trousers and a double-breasted blazer with pockets either side

Kate looked relaxed as she arrived ahead of delivering a keynote speech at the event today

Adding a touch of glitz to her ensemble, Kate opted for a pair of dazzling sapphire and diamond earrings

The Princess of Wales shakes hands on arrival at the Shaping Us National Symposium at the Design Museum

Kate styled her hair in bouncy waves and opted for a smattering of glamorous makeup to complete her sophisticated look

Beaming: The Princess of Wales was all smiles as she arrived at the event this morning

The Princess of Wales appeared fresh-faced after her late night at King Charles' 75th birthday party at Clarence House

Kate shakes hands with those waiting for arrival when stepping out at the Shaping Us National Symposium

Kate chats to those waiting to greet her upon her arrival at the Shaping Us National Symposium

Looking effortlessly elegant, Kate paired her power suit - which she previously wore to Northern Ireland in September 2021 - with purple heels

During the event, ex Prime Minister Tony Blair joined former leader of the Conservative Party William Hague, who is Chair of the Board of Trustees of The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, on stage

The pair, who were political foes in the late 1990s, joined forces to support the Princess of Wales today

Blair (centre) and Hague speaking at the Shaping Us National Symposium at the Design Museum today

The Shaping Us National Symposium shared the findings from this exercise and focused on the action needed to make social and emotional skills a greater priority.

Fearne Cotton, a Shaping Us champion, presented the event and the day also featured talks from a range of thought leaders to outline the scientific, economic and human cases for prioritising early childhood.

These thought leaders in attendance included Professor Jack Shonkoff, Director of the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard whom Kate previously met during a visit to Boston last year.

Sara Rajeswaran, Chief of Staff at Aviva, a key member of the Business Taskforce for Early Childhood which The Princess launched in March, also featured in the event, alongside Professor Robert Waldinger, Director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies of adult life ever conducted.

The findings were presented and discussed at the event by a panel of experts covering their professional and personal experiences.

Chaired by Professor Eamon McCrory, the panel included broadcaster Ashley John-Baptiste, clinical psychologist and author Sophie Mort, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, Neil Leitch and Beverley Barnett-Jones, Associate Director of the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory.

During the afternoon, Symposium attendees will join a series of workshops to look at what action can be taken at every level to protect and strengthen these skills for current and future generations across disciplines and across sectors.

The event and the research that has been carried out by The Centre for Early Childhood is a key milestone for The Centres Shaping Us campaign.

The Princess looked effortlessly elegant in a maroon suit as she rehearsed her speech at a National Symposium reception

The royal delightedly chatted with guests at the event as the National Symposium reception kicks off

The Princess was all smiles as she prepared for her keynote speech at the reception yesterday

Kate Middleton , 41, who will be speaking at the event taking place at The Design Museum in London , can be seen dramatically approaching the stage entrance as her 630 (549.02) Gianvito Rossi heels click against the floor

The Princess sported one of her favourite looks - a maroon 750 blazer from Roland Mouret teamed with matching 450 wide-leg trousers

Earlier today, the Princess of Wales made a quite the entrance in a slick promo video for the Shaping Us National Symposium taking place today.

Kate can be seen gliding towards the stage entrance as her 630 Gianvito Rossi heels click dramatically against the floor.

The royal's silhouette, clad in a chic burgundy power suit, is stylishly contrasted with the white walls surrounding her as she prepares for her keynote speech.

The short clip, shared on the Prince and Princess of Wales's X account last night, is also interlaced with shots of the preparations taking place ahead of the event.

Kate opted for an effortlessly elegant, business-savvy ensemble worth 1,940.02. The Princess sported one of her favourite looks - a maroon 750 blazer from Roland Mouret teamed with matching 450 wide-leg trousers.

Adding a pop of brightness, the mother-of-three donned a 119 white shirt bodysuit from Holland Cooper clothing. To accessorise, she opted for 72 pearl earrings from Shyla.

Kate styled her voluminous brunette tresses in a blowout, keeping her make-up chic and simple with dark eyeliner and pink lipstick.

'Tomorrow we are hosting The #ShapingUs National Symposium,' the video caption from last night read.

The short clip, shared on the Prince and Princess of Wales's X account, is also interlaced with shots of the preparations taking place ahead of the event

The Princess stood at a podium as she delivered her keynote speech at a reception for the symposium last night

Kate appeared in high spirits as she chatted with guests at the reception last night. The event is taking place at the Design Museum today

The royal grinned as she chatted with Justin Welby at the Shaping Us National Symposium reception

The pair appeared engrossed in conversation during the evening, where Kate had a chance to rehearse her speech

'We will bring together cross-disciplinary leaders, child and adult specialists, and global thinkers for the first time to consider how we grow, think, and behave throughout life, in order to build resilience for the future.'

Yesterday evening, Kate was also snapped at a reception for the symposium, where she got the chance to prepare for her keynote speech.

Snaps from the event show the Princess rehearsing at the podium as she gets ready for the big day.

She also grinned while chatting with guests, including Justin Welby - the Archbishop of Canterbury - yesterday.

The multi-media campaign is part of a major push by the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, set up by the princess in June 2021, to raise awareness of how our early years mould our lives.

It is set to run for at least five years, and has in past been described by a Kensington Palace spokesman as the princess's 'life's work'.

Earlier this year, the princess spoke passionately about the campaign in an open letter published in the Mail on Sunday, in which she set out her plan for Shaping Us.

Reports produced by the Early Childhood centre have revealed that the first five years shape future wellbeing more than any other stage of development, with our brains growing faster than at this time then any other.

It also hopes to 'break the cycle' of parents who experienced difficult childhoods themselves. Palace aides say the idea for the project began even before Kate became a mother.
Lady Susan Hussey was all smiles when attending King Charles's glittering 75th birthday bash at Clarence House last night.

Dressed in a dazzling cobalt blue gown, the former lady-in-waiting to the late Queen Elizabeth II appeared to be well and truly back in the royal fold as she arrived in a taxi to the monarch's London residence.

In a humorous moment, a beaming Lady Susan, 84, who was once referred to as Her late Majesty's 'head girl' and was kept on in the Palace by the King following his mother's death, leant out of the vehicle to sneak a peek of her surroundings.

Dressed to impress, Lady Susan teamed her gown with a pearl necklace and a smattering of glamorous makeup as she stepped out for the event, months on from a race row last November.

This isn't the first Royal Family occasion the late Queen's friend has been included in - she attended the Coronation, suggesting she was back in the royal fold six months after Ngozi Fulani, a black woman who ran domestic violence charity Sistah Space in Hackney, said she had asked her: 'What part of Africa are you from?' during a domestic violence reception at Buckingham Palace.

Lady Susan Hussey was all smiles when attending King Charles's glittering 75th birthday bash at Clarence House last night

Responding to the allegations made by Ms Fulani on Twitter, Buckingham Palace said it took the situation 'extremely seriously', adding Lady Susan Hussey had offered a 'profound apology' for her words.

However, after appearing at Westminster Abbey to attend King Charles's Coronation, it seemed Lady Susan, while no longer employed by the Palace, had been welcomed back into royal circles.

Lady Susan was welcomed into The Firm in 1960, around the time Her late Majesty gave birth to her third child, Prince Andrew, when she was employed to help answer letters addressed to the Royal household.

She is the youngest daughter of the 12th Earl of Waldegrave and the widow of Marmaduke Hussey, former chairman of the BBC who passed away in 2006.

After assuming her role and becoming closer to the monarch, she soon became known as one of the late Queen's 'Head Girls' as a lady-in-waiting.

Before long, she was reportedly nicknamed the 'Number One Head Girl' as she continued to provide support to the late Queen.

In a humorous moment, a beaming Lady Susan, 84, who was once referred to as Her late Majesty's 'head girl' and was kept on in the Palace by the King following his mother's death, leant out of the vehicle to sneak a peek of her surroundings

Throughout her time as a close confidante of the British Royal Family, Lady Susan grew close to King Charles. So close, in fact, that he asked her to be godmother to his eldest son, Prince William.

By the 1980s she was an expert in the inner workings of the Royal Family and royal convention, and is thought to have been one of the key figures in showing Princess Diana the ropes when she married into The Firm.

When Diana appeared in the notorious BBC Panorama interview with Martin Bashir in 1995, Marmaduke Hussey was BBC chairman.

Her closeness with members of the royal family including Diana led her to be portrayed briefly in series five of The Crown by actress Haydn Gwynne. Marmaduke Hussey, who is reported to have objected to the Bashir interview, is portrayed by Richard Cordery.

Lady Susan Hussey, who had once been dubbed the late Queen Elizabeth's 'head girl' as a lady-in-waiting for more than 60 years, chatted to King Charles at Royal Ascot this summer

Lady Susan was present at King Charles's Coronation at Westminster Abbey, signalling she was back in the royal fold following the race row

She is also reported to have played a similar role in helping the Duchess of Sussex acclimatise to life within the Royal Family.

Although her role within the Royal Family has largely gone under the radar, eagle-eyed fans will have spotted her presence alongside several senior members over the years, accompanying them while out and about, but also standing in for the Queen when she was unable to attend an event such as a funeral.

Lady Susan has been present at Remembrance Sunday proceedings at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, where she has appeared on the balcony alongside Sophie Wessex, the Princess of Wales and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, Princess Anne's second husband.

She was also pictured alongside the King and Queen Consort at Royal Ascot this year, where the trio appeared glued to a race, with King Charles using binoculars to take a closer look.
Her death was announced on social media in a post that she had written

Casey McIntyre, 38, from New York, passed away from stage four ovarian cancer

A mother has announced her own death in a heartbreaking social media post written during her final days to assure her friends she knew how 'deeply' she was loved.

Mother-of-one, Casey McIntyre, 38, from New York, passed away from stage four ovarian cancer on 12 November.

Casey's death was announced on Instagram via a post that she had penned before she passed away, which was then shared by her husband Andrew, alongside a carousel of images of his wife throughout her life - as a child, at their wedding, and with their daughter.

'A note to my friends: if youre reading this it means I have passed away. I'm so sorry, it's horses*** and we both know it,' the statement began. 'The cause was a recurrence of my previously diagnosed stage four ovarian cancer.'

To 'celebrate' her life, the mother-of-one planned a touching tribute to pay off people's medical bills. Pictured: Casey with her husband Andrew and their daughter Grace

Casey McIntyre (pictured) tragically passed away on 12 November from stage four ovarian cancer

'I loved each and every one of you with my whole heart and I promise you, I knew how deeply I was loved.'

Prior to her passing, Casey, who worked in publishing, spent five months in home hospice in Virginia, Rhode Island, and New York, surrounded by her family and friends - a time she described as 'magical'.

Tragically, Casey did not have the opportunity to complete her post before she died, with her husband Andrew adding an 'editor's note' in which he paid tribute to his wife and shared his 'heartbreak' that she did not get the opportunity to finish her final goodbye.

'Casey meant to finish this post with a list of things that were a comfort & a joy to her during her life, and I am heartbroken that I will never see that list,' he wrote.

'As she grew sicker, she couldnt finish it.

'I imagine it wouldve included our daughter Grace, whales, ice cream, her beloved friends, being at the beach, her niece and nephews she incorrigibly doted on, reading 10 books on a weeklong vacation, her beloved parents and sister and their amazing extended family, swimming, a perfect roast beef sandwich, and me, her sweet, sweet honey.'

He added: 'Oh Casey! I don't know how we will do it without you but we will.'

Casey described her final months as 'magical' in heartbreaking final post written before her death, which was shared by her husband

Andrew then asked for Casey's loved ones to share 'a note that was a comfort or joy that you shared' with her, before sharing details about her memorial service, before revealing that his wife had come up with a plan to 'celebrate' her life by setting up a fundraiser for money to pay off others' medical debt.

'We will celebrate her life by anonymously purchasing medical debt and then anonymously forgiving it, hopefully with a bonfire if they will let us,' he wrote.

'If attending [her memorial service], please wear something that expresses your deep sorrow at our loss, as well as something that expresses the joy you feel for having ever known Casey.'

Taking to X, previously called Twitter, Casey shared further details about the initiative, writing: 'To celebrate my life, I've arranged to buy up others' medical debt and then destroy the debt.

'I am so lucky to have had access to the best medical care at @MSKCancerCenter and am keenly aware that so many in our country don't have access to good care.'

Titled: 'Casey McIntyre's Memorial and Debt Jubilee', each donation on has been made anonymously, per Caseys request.

With a target of $20,000, Casey's goals for the fundraiser have been exceeded in less than a week, with the current total standing at $20,908.50, sparking a new goal of $30,000.

Casey's sweet sentiment was welcomed support on social media, with the tribute touching many.

Casey maintained a positive outlook while battling the disease, and even ran a cancer-inspired fashion account

Social media users took to the comment section to share their thoughts on Casey's heartwarming fundraiser

WHY OVARIAN CANCER IS CALLED A 'SILENT KILLER' About 80 percent of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed in the advanced stages of the disease. At the time of diagnosis, 60 percent of ovarian cancers will have already spread to other parts of the body, bringing the five-year survival rate down to 30 percent from 90 percent in the earliest stage. Its diagnosed so late because of its location in the pelvis, according to Dr Ronny Drapkin, an associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania, who's been studying the disease for more than two decades. 'The pelvis is like a bowl, so a tumor there can grow quite large before it actually becomes noticeable,' Dr Drapkin told MailOnline. The first symptoms to arise with ovarian cancer are gastrointestinal because tumors can start to press upward. When a patient complains of gastrointestinal discomfort, doctors are more likely to focus on diet change and other causes than suggest an ovarian cancer screening. Dr Drapkin said its usually not until after a patient endures persistent gastrointestinal symptoms that they will receive a screening that reveals the cancer. Ovarian cancer is often said to be a silent killer because it doesnt have early symptoms, when in fact it does have symptoms, theyre just very general and could be caused by other things, he said. One of the things I tell women is that nobody knows your body as well as you do. If you feel something isnt right, somethings probably not right. Advertisement

One said: 'What a beautiful and strong last gift to grant to someone. Rest in peace Casey.'

Another wrote: 'I can't breathe around the lump in my throat. What a legacy. This will be a change in my will when I update it.'

A third said: 'I did not know you, Casey but your very generous gift to buy up others medical debt as a memorial moved me.

'You wont get to see the impact of your legacy, but your family will, & so will the families of all the people you help. I didnt know you, but wish I did! Fly high.'

A fourth added: 'This is perfect and an amazing idea and a tribute to a beautiful fierce warrior.'

Another said: 'This is so beautiful. Sending so much love to the family. What an amazing woman she clearly was.'

Before her passing, the mother-of-one had maintained a positive attitude while battling with the disease, and regularly shared pictures of her everyday outfits to a fashion account on Instagram, under the username cancer but make it fashion.

The last post shared on her personal account before her posthumous statement saw her sharing a series of images from her family's time spent in Rhode Island, including sweet snaps of her daughter Grace on the beach.
A 'geriatric' mother has revealed how she was judged for her decision to have a baby in her 40's - and she's worried people will do the same to Tana Ramsay.

Gordon and Tana Ramsay became parents again last week, after welcoming their sixth child into the world, Jesse James Ramsay.

At 57 and 49, the pair kept Tana's latest pregnancy a secret - the average mother in the UK is 30 years old, making Tana almost 20 years older.

While she's been inundated with support, there have also been negative remarks made about her age, something that Lucy Baker from Lincolnshire, is sadly familiar with.

She told Metro that when she had a baby at 43, she was 'subjected to negativity' because of her age and insists 'this age-bashing has to stop'.

A 'geriatric' mother has revealed she got judged for her decision to have a baby in her 40's - and she's worried people will do the same to Tana Ramsay

The mother had her third child in her 40s, with her husband Dan, 39 - the couple were met with criticism and she noticed the midwife wrote down 'older mother' in her notes.

Lucy is a speaker and blogger who goes by the moniker 'Geriatric Mum' online, aiming to reclaim the term because it's still thrown around - despite no longer being used by the NHS.

She aims to be 'a source of inspiration for mothers who find themselves in the later stages of motherhood and embracing midlife' - she shares her story to connect with others.

'Risk' and 'geriatric' were two words that cropped up during her pregnancy journey, and even her friends asked if she got pregnant by accident.

Lucy said: 'We need to remember, collectively, that there are many different reasons for women having babies later in life, and sometimes there has been a lot of sadness to get to the point of bringing your baby home.

'So lets park the idea that women are too old and lets champion new mums regardless of age.'

Back in September, speaking to Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett on the Dish podcast, Gordon Ramsay confessed he was reluctant to have another child.

He said: 'It's like going to school, going out for dinner in two buses. And secondly, I'm going to be the oldest f***er at school. [It's like children will be asking] "who's your grandad?".'

'Risk' and 'geriatric' were two words that cropped up and even her friends asked if she got pregnant by accident

Lucy is a speaker and blogger who goes by the 'Geriatric Mum' online, aiming to reclaim the term after it's still thrown around despite no longer being used by the NHS

The positive mother says her one piece of advice to Gordon and Tana would be to question those who judge them by asking 'why do you care about my age so much?'

She added that it's 'nobody's business' and it's not 'wrong' or 'bad'.

Despite experiencing some negative comments from others, aged 47 now and with her little boy starting school in September, Lucy loves being an older mum and has never felt more confident in herself.

She said: There are many positives to having a baby in my 40s.

'I feel I look after myself a lot now, exercising, sleeping and making time for self-care.

Gordon and Tana Ramsay became parents again last week, after welcoming their sixth child into the world, Jesse James Ramsay - but Lucy is worried about Tana falling victim to criticism due to her age

'I also feel that I have more clarity and confidence, which really helps.'

Lucy speaking out about diversity in pregnancy comes after the shocking news that an Alabama woman who was born with two uteruses is now pregnant in both of them, in 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.

She is now expecting twin girls who are developing normally - because they are in two different uteruses, they could be born hours, days, or even weeks apart.
As the long-anticipated sixth and final series of The Crown lands on Netflix tomorrow, it marks the debut of a young actress who is surely destined for the bright lights of Hollywood.

But as 21-year-old Meg Bellamy hits small screens in the role of a student Kate Middleton, she is also hot property for fashion houses around the world who are tripping over themselves to style her.

Since she was announced for the role as the royal fashion icon last year, Meg has been making appearances at fashion shows and glitzy events, showing off her style prowess in statement outfits.

From Cartier suits to becoming the face of Dior, the actress who hails from Wokingham has taken a leaf out of her on-screen character's book in upping the style stakes as she becomes a household name.

However, while she may be following in the Princess of Wales's footsteps as a style icon, Meg is carving out her own sleek image - opting for simplicity with chic black outfits and the occasional pop of colour.

Meg Bellamy, set to play style icon Kate Middleton in The Crown series 6, is carving out her own style as her star continues to rise

The Daily Mail revealed this week that the 21-year-old star on the rise has recently signed a deal to become the new face of Dior - a position that was falsely linked earlier this year to Meghan Markle.

That's not all: Cartier, Valentino and Jaguar are all deeply enamoured with Meg Bellamy. In further signs that her lifestyle has become fit for a princess, she's been a guest at some of society's most glittering events.

A Netflix insider told the paper: 'They have been queuing up for Meg, she is playing the most famous woman in the world in a globally famous television drama, so many labels and brands want some of that.

The 21-year-old actress from Wokingham is hot property among high-end designers since she was announced for the role. Pictured at the BAFTAs 2023 in an Eudon Choi suit

As she attended the LA premiere of The Crown series 6 this week, Meg stunned in a Stella McCartney dress with a plunging neckline

'She is a total unknown, but she is being treated like Kate, an A-list princess.'

This year, Meg has been spotted at some very exclusive events wearing show-stopping outfits, as top fashion brands scramble to hang their clothes on Netflix's new star.

She opted for a dazzling Stella McCartney cocktail dress to attend the premiere of the sixth series of The Crown in LA this week, in a show-stopping look that firmly announced her entrance onto the world stage.

The black gown featured a plunging neckline and a touch of sparkle from diamond-encrusted straps.

She also sported some stunning looks at Paris Fashion Week in September, where she was a guest of French fashion house Dior.

Sitting in the front row of the shows, she opted for all black outfits including a tailored suit with sharp lines and a full-skirted black dress.

The stunning starlet may be following in her on-screen character Kate Middleton's footsteps - but she's carving out her own style along the way

The young actress who hails from Wokingham occasionally adds a pop of colour to her wardrobe (pictured at Goodwood Festival 2023)

Meg also kept up her monochrome theme with an oversized white suit featuring wide-leg trousers and a double-breasted jacket.

Perhaps one of her most chic looks was a black Galvan dress featuring a bardot neckline, paired with strings of pearls and black gloves as she channeled Audrey Hepburn in a Jaguar shoot.

Although Meg definitely favours simplicity in chic black outfits, she also opts for a pop of colour here and there, and sported an elegant summer look as she attended Goodwood Festival earlier this year.

The actress opted for a jade green Cartier suit, featuring wide-leg trousers and a tailored jacket.

With the new role under her belt and designers scrambling to dress her, Meg Bellamy's rise is set to be meteoric.

But the actress comes from humble beginnings, and she was plucked from obscurity to land the role in The Crown after self-taping her audition and sending it to the makers of the show after seeing the casting call on social media.

Announcing the casting on Instagram last September, she wrote: 'Pinch me please... So excited to announce that I will be playing Kate Middleton in Series 6 of Netflix's The Crown.

'It is such an honour to be joining the most incredible cast and crew and I will strive to do Kate justice.'
The heartbroken mother and step-father of a teenager killed while working underage for Deliveroo have spoken out, calling for tighter restrictions on ID checks when 'substitute' riders are used - saying 'he just wanted to earn money'.

Leo, whose surname his family are reluctant to reveal for fear of reprisals in their local community, died aged 17 while riding a borrowed motorbike he was using to deliver food.

The minimum age to deliver for the firm is 18 but Leo was working for the company after getting the job via a rented Deliveroo account, which he first signed up for two years earlier at just 15.

The teenager's step-father Patrick and mother Petra were interviewed following a BBC investigation into how underage children are sold delivery jobs on the online black market - and are able to do so because major food apps let riders nominate a 'substitute' to cover for them if they can't make a shift. Currently, a stand-in employee isn't subject to the same ID checks.

Account holders on apps such as Uber Eats, Just Eat and Deliveroo are leasing out access to their profiles, using the '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.

Leo's stepfather Patrick told the BBC that Deliveroo hadn't contacted them after his death, saying: 'Well, they wouldn't would they? They wouldn't even know he existed.'

He added: 'No-one's accountable, they just take the money. It's not right.'

Patrick added that the prospect of earning up to 200-a-night was tempting for underage teenagers.

His step-father said: 'Leo wanted to be a millionaire, whatever it took.

'Whatever it took, he just wanted to earn money and deal and hustle.'

The family and the government have now 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.

A food app driver may be delivering takeaways on a motorcycle or moped with L plates but this is no indication of their age or whether they have their own rider account or are using someone elses.

Leo, whose surname has been withheld by his family for fear of reprisals, say he was just 15 when he first rented a Deliveroo account - he was killed while working for the company at 17 on a borrowed motorbike

The 'substitute' loophole - which enables riders to nominate a stand-in if they can't do a delivery job - is being exploited, Leo's family say. Substitute riders are not subject to the same age and ID checks as named riders (Leo pictured with his mother Petra)

Leo's step-father Patrick (pictured) and mother Petra says Leo was attracted to the money he could earn - up to 200 a night working for the food delivery app

Deliveroo is one of the UK's biggest food delivery platforms, but families claim lax security checks are allowing those under 18 to make deliveries

Its understood that in most cases, the person selling their account to another person to use is just providing their profile and not a bike for the underage person to use. They will often use their own bike, but an L plate doesnt help customers identify whether or not the delivery driver is under 18 or not.

The current UK law means it's legal in the UK to ride a moped or motorbike with an engine up to 50cc at 16, or up to 125cc if you're over the age of 16, provided the rider has passed compulsory basic training (CBT), known as a DL196 certificate. Riders must then display L-plates and pass a full motorcycle test within two years.

Two separate accounts on social media purported to offer access to accounts on the Just Eat and GoPuff delivery platforms for 60 a week

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.

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.'
Louis Vuitton has been slammed for its latest luxury range for babies, which includes a 1,140 rattle and a 875 teddy bear.

The French fashion house has released its first baby collection in time for Christmas, and its fittingly geared towards the colder months.

The brand has injected luxury to typical baby items - and a couple of zeros to the price tag. Babies can shake a Louis Vuitton silver rattle for 1,140, with the classic monogram stamp emblazoned across the bottom.

If parents like the sound of the collection, they best be quick since though, as the rattle appears to be sold out online.

Despite the apparent popularity of the brand's latest release, members of the public have taken to social media to slam the collection and its jaw-dropping price-tags.

Louis Vuitton have released their luxury range for babies, which includes 'Louis' the teddy bear for 875 (pictured)

Elsewhere, the brand has taken on the classic teddy bear - and quite literally, added their own stamp.

The Louis Vuitton monogram is embroidered into the 100 percent cotton material of 'Louis' the bear.

Customers can get their hands on the bear, which features leather pads on its 'paws', for 875.

At the top of the range is a 61,000 baby wardrobe, which is modelled off a classic Louis Vuitton brown leather suitcase.

The item, which also featured on Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop Christmas gift guide for children, turns into a self-standing wardrobe when opened, fit with small drawers, compartments, and a mirror.

According to the Louis Vuitton, the wardrobe is a reinterpretation of one of their most favoured products: 'The Wardrobe', which was first created in 1875.

Despite the jaw-dropping price tag, the trunk is said to last a lifetime as owners can repurpose the item.

The brand - which is famed for its leather luggage range - has also released a mini suitcase for babies.

At 1890, the suitcase is, yet again, covered in Louis Vuitton logos, along with a cotton exterior and leather trim.

In addition to clothing items, the range includes a luxury pillow and blanket for 1610 collectively and porcelain utensil set for 950

At the top of the range in terms of price is a baby wardrobe, which costs a jaw-dropping 61,000

The brand - which is famed for its leather luggage range - has also released a mini suitcase for babies

Priced at 1890, the suitcase covered in Louis Vuitton logos, along with a cotton exterior and leather trim

The Louis Vuitton suitcase for children includes a leather handle with the words 'Louis Vuitton Paris' on

Elsewhere, the designer brand has even welcomed utensils into the range, with a 950 Gold Porcelain set, including a bowl, mug, and plate, each decorated with monogram flowers.

Additionally, a solid silver spoon has also been presented for 285.

To match, parents can purchase a silver tumbler for 805, which can be engraved for a personal touch.

The collection has, however, divides social media users - with many being concerned about the price tag.

One said: 'The Louis Vuitton baby range is ending me'

Babies can shake a luxury silver rattle for 1,140, with the classic Louis Vuitton monogram stamp emblazoned across the bottom

The exterior of the the luxury wardrobe featured on Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop Christmas gift guide for children this year

The item turns into a self-standing wardrobe when opened, fit with small drawers, compartments, and a mirror

Parents can purchase a silver tumbler for 805, which can be engraved for a personal touch in desired

Like most of the Louis Vuitton's latest collection, the silver tumbler includes the classic monogram print

The Louis Vuitton monogram is embroidered into the 100 percent cotton material of 'Louis' the bear

Individuals took to X, formerly Twitter, to share their thoughts on the collection, but opinions were divided

A third said: 'We have a new arrival coming in August. I just received a Louis Vuitton marketing email recommending their baby range. This little suit is 900. NINE HUNDRED POUNDS!!

'Uhhh... no. My brain cells are not outnumbered by my teeth.'

A fourth remarked: 'Louis Vuitton has a range for babies now,' a long with a laughing crying emojji.

A fifth took a different stance and said: 'It's sooo cute I want that Meli-Melo blanket for my first born.'

Another agreed and said: 'Louis Vuitton releasing a baby collection does not help my baby fever.'
Online searches for the axed Caramac bar have soared by a staggering 3,497 per cent for one grocer, following fans' heartbreak at the chocolate being discontinued.

Ocado - the UK's largest online supermarket - has seen a huge rise in interest from passionate shoppers since the week after Nestle's controversial announcement to axe the sweet treat.

Customers are desperate to get their hands on the chocolate bar while also hunting for alternatives to satisfy the loss of their beloved delicacy, which has been around since 1959.

Sales of Cadbury 'Caramilk' have also more than doubled at 184 per cent, whereas M&S' Golden Blond Chocolate sales have risen by 185 per cent.

The supermarket's Senior Buyer for Confectionery, Rich Sharpe, said this reflects a growing interest in blonde chocolate.

Online searches for the axed Caramac bar have soared by a staggering 3,497 per cent for one grocer, following fans' heartbreak at the chocolate being discontinued (stock image used)

'[It] is increasingly popular with our customers,' he added. 'So it's no surprise that the news of Caramac's discontinuation has caused a flurry of searches on site. Luckily, we have plenty of other options to satisfy cravings.'

Nestle UK last week confirmed that it will be discontinuing a popular chocolate bar due to declining sales - sending fans into uproar.

A petition to save the chocolate bar from being discontinued had since garnered the support of over 27,000 people in less than a week.

The fan favourite sweet treat was axed because the brand claims 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'.

Ocado - the UK's largest online supermarket - has seen a huge rise in interest from passionate shoppers since the week after the controversial announcement (stock image used)

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 flavour have made it a favourite 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.

'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!'

Nestle UK last week confirmed that it will be discontinuing a popular chocolate bar due to declining sales - sending fans into uproar. Stock image used

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. Caramac is my treat and means I dont feel left out when others are eating chocolate'.

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'.
He's just five-year-old but young Prince Louis is certainly in touch with his feelings.

The son of the Prince and Princess of Wales, often steals the show at royal events with his expressive faces and poses.

And his emotions may well be due to his work with a feelings wheel at school.

Speaking today, Kate Middleton told The Shaping Us National Symposium at The Design Museum in London that he has been 'working with a feelings wheel'.

Hosting a symposium where the findings of new research from her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood were unveiled, Kate, 41, told TV's Fearne Cotton, who presented the event, about Lambrook School's technique.

Speaking today, Kate Middleton (centre back) told The Shaping Us National Symposium at The Design Museum in London that Louis (centre) has been 'working with a feelings wheel'. Louis is often expressive on the Buckingham Palace balcony. Picture in June with George, Charlotte and William

Hosting a symposium where the findings of new research from her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood were unveiled, Kate, 41, told TV's Fearne Cotton , who presented the event, about Lambrook School's technique. Kate is pictured today

'Louis' class, they came back with a feelings wheel, it's really good.

'... These are five or six-year-olds, and going with names or pictures of a colour that represents how they feel that day, so there is a real keenness in school particularly to get involved in conversations.'

A feelings wheel is often a circle that displays colour-coded 'core' emotions - ones that are more easily expressed - at the centre, with more complex or 'secondary' emotions around these.

Children are encouraged to try and pinpoint their feelings.

The emotions wheel was originally designed for adults by American psychologist Dr Robert Plutchik in 1980 but is very much back in vogue.

Although humans are said to experience around 34,000 different emotions, Dr Plutchik believed they all stem from eight primary ones: anger, fear, sadness, disgust, surprise, anticipation, trust and joy.

These basic feelings can then intensify, or become milder, and each emotion has a polar opposite.

He created a wheel that captured all of this as a tool to help us improve our 'emotional intelligence'  a concept that today, four decades on, is winning hundreds of thousands of Instagram hits and a cohort of celebrity fans.

A feelings wheel is often a circle that displays colour-coded 'core' emotions - ones that are more easily expressed - at the centre, with more complex or 'secondary' emotions around these

Simplified versions, such as the one pictured, are used in primary schools

With actresses such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston encouraging us to be more aware of our feelings in order to conquer difficult ones, the wheel's ability to help us identify and measure them is bang on-trend.

Although there's no hard and fast way to use his wheel, Dr Plutchik's pretty diagram is intended to help us take a spot-check of our emotional temperature.

By working out precisely what we feel at any given moment, we can watch to see if, over time, any regular patterns emerge and then understand what the triggers are so we can modify our behaviour accordingly, rather than react in a state of stress.

Simplified versions of the wheel are now popular in primary schools across the UK.

According to Mentally Healthy Schools, which the Princess of Wales works with, the feelings wheel is used for children aged 4-11.

Before using the wheel, the children are taught it's okay to feel happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, nervousness, and scale of emotions that all humans experience in relation to different experiences and situations.

In Kate's address, she said: 'We must acknowledge and address the root cause of some of todays toughest social challenges and work together to find better answers.'

Ahead of the speech, she told TV's Fearne, a Shaping Us champion, that she felt 'nervous' but 'excited'.

Louis has gained royal fans for his expressive looks at royal events (pictured at the late Queen's jubilee in 2022)

The Princess of Wales met TV presenter Fearne Cotton, a Shaping Us champion, who presented the event

Said to be Kate's 'life's work', the Shaping Us project aims to highlight the significance of the formative years of a child's life. She hopes it will influence attitudes towards children in the early years period of their lives.

Looking effortlessly elegant, Kate paired her power suit - which she previously wore to Northern Ireland in September 2021 - with dazzling sapphire and diamond earrings as well as purple heels.

She styled her hair in bouncy waves and opted for a smattering of glamorous makeup to complete her sophisticated look following a late night at King Charles' 75th birthday party at Clarence House.

During the event, ex Prime Minister Tony Blair joined former leader of the Conservative Party William Hague, who is Chair of the Board of Trustees of The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, on stage.

While the pair use to face off each other at Prime Minster's Questions as Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition respectively, they joined forces for the good cause today.

Blair, who was prime minister from 1997 to 2007, was invited to join the gathering to discuss how politicians can create change, ITV News reported.

Louis, the youngest of the Wales children, has become known for his expressions on the royal balcony

No poker face here! The fiver-year-old, pictured with his mother, late great-grandmother and sister, often strikes funny poses

Louis appeared to be copying planes while watching the flyover during the Trooping of the Colour in June

Louis isn't afraid to show his emotion, pictured with his grandfather King Charles

He set up Labours Sure Start scheme to offer parents better childcare options - but a royal source is said to have acknowledged the 'policy lever' is not available to Kate,

During her keynote speech, Kate said: 'People often ask me why I focus my time on early childhood.

'The answer is because I care deeply about making a positive difference, in helping the most vulnerable and supporting those who are most in need.

'This is not just about the youngest children in our society, who are, by their very nature, vulnerable. It is also about the many young people and adults who are suffering.

'We must do more than simply meet the short term needs of these individuals. We must also look at creating long term, preventative change. And that takes us right back to the beginning.'

She added: 'It isnt enough therefore to simply wish for a better world. We must acknowledge and address the root cause of some of todays toughest social challenges and work together to find better answers.'

A happy welcome! The Princess of Wales is greeted by Fearne Cotton at The Design Museum in London

TV presenter Fearne (pictured speaking with Kate) opted for a ruffled blouse and a statement blazer for today's event

The Princess of Wales, dressed in an elegant purple blazer and trouser combo, delivers her keynote speech

The royal called for 'action at every level' to help to rebalance and restore society's social and emotional skills - saying the skills were the 'human wiring we need'.

Kate also stressed the importance of the early years development of children and said those she had met at a 'crisis point' in their lives had said for others to avoid their journey, a safe and loving childhood was needed.

She said: 'Nurturing skills that enable us to know ourselves, manage our emotions, focus our thoughts, communicate with others, foster positive relationships, and explore the world are just as valuable to our long-term success as reading, writing or arithmetic.

'These skills are the bedrock, not only for helping children to thrive, but also for restoring, protecting and investing in humankind.

'So, to rebalance and restore, calls for new thinking and action at every level. Because the future for our children is something we all build together; through the actions each of us takes every day.'

Kensington Palace said the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood has conducted a global listening exercise, involving experts from 21 countries to unite the thinking and agree on the key foundational skills laid in early childhood, but continue to grow beyond it, that help establish happy, healthy adult lives.

These social and emotional skills are described as fundamental to our future mental and physical wellbeing, shaping everything from our ability to form positive relationships to our capacity for learning, working and coping with adversity.
China's Yunnan develops mango planting industry according to local conditions

People's Daily Online) 10:46, November 15, 2023

Southwest China's Yunnan Province has vigorously developed its mango planting industry in its dry and hot valleys, where mountain slopes once suffered from soil and water erosion, based on local conditions in recent years.

Once barren slopes are now filled with mango trees in Lanping Bai and Pumi Autonomous County, in Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture.

The landscape has changed a lot since the county launched a program to relocate people from inhospitable areas, aiming to improve their living environment.

Given the ecological fragility of the dry, hot valley, Zhang Haiqiu, deputy director of the county's bureau of agriculture and rural affairs, suggested establishing a modern agricultural industrial park to integrate the ecology and development, and improve peoples living standards.

Photo taken on July 24, 2023 shows mangoes on the tree in an orchard in Huaping county, Yunnan Province. (Xinhua/He Runxian)

In 2019, the county introduced a company to build a mango planting base covering 5,000 mu, or about 333.3 hectares.

"The valleys are suitable for growing tropical fruits. Mango trees are drought-resistant and deliver good economic returns, which can increase people's incomes while protecting the ecology," said Li Yongping of the Yunnan Green Food Development Center.

Thanks to the planting base, farmers receive wages, land rental income, and dividends. Now, I receive a monthly salary of 4,500 yuan ($614), and my annual income reached nearly 70,000 yuan," said Chu Xiaochang, a local farmer who works in the planting base.

Yunnan's vast yet scattered dry and hot regions feature a fragile ecology and are now full of vitality. In 2022, the province's mango plantation area reached 1.84 million mu, ranking first nationwide. The tropical fruit planting industry represented by mango cultivation led to the better use of land in the dry and hot valleys.

"Yunnan has the longest mango supply period, which lasts from mid-May to early December, in China," said Li, adding that four types of mangoes, including early-season mangoes, in the province reach the market at the proper time, ensuring the stable supply of the fruit.

In Yuanjiang Hani, Yi and Dai Autonomous County of Yuxi city, Su Yongren, head of a fruit cooperative, took the lead in grafting early-season mango trees to make them suitable for dry and hot valleys.

After three years of efforts, early-season mangoes hit the market in May. As mangoes in other places of China are not yet commercially available during the period from early May to late June, Yuanjiang's early-season mangoes are in high demand.

"The price of our early-season mangoes can reach up to 30 yuan per kilogram, compared to 4 yuan per kilogram for other varieties," Su said, adding that the county's mangoes are sold to northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and northeast China.

Driven by good market feedback, an increasing number of mango growers in the county have taken the initiative to plant early-season mangoes.

Today, the county is home to nearly 240,000 mu of mango plantations, with annual output reaching 230,000 tonnes, and annual output value approaching 1.2 billion yuan.

Mango germplasm resources are the key to the development of the mango industry, said Guo Xuehong, director of the organic and late-season mango research center of Huaping county in Lijiang city.

Huaping county has established a mango germplasm repository. Guo has led a team to collect 330 mango germplasm resources from home and abroad, and plant over 3,000 mango trees of various varieties, making the repository one of the mango germplasm repositories with the largest number of varieties in China.

Having engaged in the mango planting industry for 30 years, Guo has witnessed the growth of the sector in Huaping. "Before 2017, the planting area of mango trees in the county was less than 200,000 mu, compared to over 400,000 mu now," Guo said.

In Huaping county, 80,000 people are engaged in the green industry centered around mangoes, with an average household income of 186,000 yuan.

Over the past more than 20 years, the Institute of Tropical and Subtropical Cash Crops at the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences has preserved over 1,000 mango germplasm resources from home and abroad, laying a sound foundation for mango cultivation in the province.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Princess Eugenie contacted Prince Harry while the Queen's health declined in the hours before her death, a new book has claimed.

Details from Endgame, the new book about the Sussexes and the royal family by royal biographer Omid Scobie, claims the daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, 33, reached out to her cousin to try and understand more about their grandmother's condition.

The contact came as the Duke of Sussex raced against time to Balmoral Castle, where the Queen had been in residence, to try and make it to her side before she passed away. Sadly, Her late Majesty died before Harry arrived.

Scobie writes in his book that Eugenie, who is a close friend of the Sussexes and has maintained a relationship with them since their move to Montecito, wanted to know if he had any more information on the Queen's condition than that which had been shared with her.

The biographer writes that Eugenie had heard it was 'time', but didn't have much more information, in a snippet of Endgame shared with People magazine.

A new book about the Sussexes and their rift with the Royal Family claims Princess Eugenie reached out to her cousin Prince Harry for more information when their grandmother Queen Elizabeth's health began to decline

Harry and Eugenie have always shared a close relationship, and she has remained close with him and Meghan Markle in recent years despite his deepening rift with his brother Prince William and father King Charles.

In September, after the Sussexes had spent the week in Dusseldorf to host the Invictus Games 2023, they took a detour on their way back home to California to visit Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank in Portugal.

It was reported at the time that they had a 'lightning romantic escape to the village of Melides in the Alentejo region of the country - where Eugenie and Jack have a home.

Prince Harry, 39, and Princess Eugenie, 33, have always shared a close relationship, and Scobie's book claims the royal mother-of-two turned to her cousin for trusted information. Pictured: Queen Elizabeth's grandchildren at a vigil at the Palace of Westminster

Princess Eugenie is known to still enjoy a close relationship with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Now Scobie's book gives further details into their close relationship as he claims Eugenie turned to her cousin for trusted information as their grandmother's health declined.

Elsewhere, as the book recounts the day Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away, it claims Harry was largely 'kept in the dark' about what was happening with his grandmother in the days leading up to her death.

Mr Scobie recounts how the Sussexes had visited the UK for a series of engagements in September 2022 when the palace announced that Queen Elizabeth had been advised by her doctors to rest.

The book Endgame recounts how the royal family assembled in the hours leading up to and just after the Queen's death

He writes: 'By the next morning, the Sussexes had no idea that Buckingham Palace was already planning for the Queen's final hours and the first days of the monarchy's new era  until the duke's phone started ringing. An unknown number. He usually ignored those.'

Meghan told her husband to pick up the phone and he accepted the call 'just before it stopped', the author wrote.

He continues: 'Harry hadn't spoken to his father much that year, but this was not the time for any father-and-son tension. Charles told him he and Camilla were about to leave Dumfries House for Balmoral, where Princess Anne was already by the Queen's side. He told Harry to make his way to Scotland immediately.'

Harry sent a text message to his brother William asking how he and Kate planned to Scotland and whether they could travel together but got no response, Mr Scobie claims.

He was later told Harry had managed to secure a flight with his uncles Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.

'It was upsetting to witness,' Mr Scobie claims he was told by a source close to the Sussexes. '[Harry] was completely by himself on this.'

Mr Scobie alleges that Palace 'sources' briefed certain newspapers that Charles had personally shared the news of the Queen's illness with his son. He quoted a friend of the duke who said this left Harry 'crushed'.

The journalists makes fresh claims about the damaged relationship between William and Harry.

Mr Scobie even alleges that William 'doesn't want to know' his younger brother, who he feels has been 'brainwashed an army of therapists'.

He writes: 'I was talking to a source quite early on in the process, and they called Harry a 'defector' and said that was William's view.

'These were two men who once upon a time were firmly aligned in their outlook. One of them had to move on to also protect the crown.'
The Duke of Kent's granddaughter was once called world's most beautiful royal

Lady Amelia Windsor stepped out looking effortlessly chic today as she attended the launch of Jo Malone London's festive ice rink.

The Duke of Kent's granddaughter donned a black and brown long-line, oversized winter coat for the event - which took place at Battersea Power Station.

The stylish royal, 28, paired her winter ensemble with a forest green and white over-the-shoulder bag, as well as a pair of grey, wide-leg trousers and chunky boots.

Once dubbed the 'world's most beautiful royal', Amelia kept natural makeup for the outing and wore a pair of sunglasses on top of her head.

She was pictured at the opening of the Jo Malone Glide, London's only riverside ice rink, alongside British models Lady Mary Charteris and Cheyenne Maya Carty, and actress Rose Williams.

Lady Amelia Windsor stepped out looking effortlessly chic today as she attended the launch of Jo Malone London 's festive ice rink

The Duke of Kent's granddaughter donned a black and brown long-line, oversized winter coat for the event - which took place at London's Battersea Power Station

She was pictured at the opening of the Jo Malone Glide, London's only riverside ice rink, alongside British models Lady Mary Charteris (left) and Cheyenne Maya Carty (centre)

The festive launch attended by the royal also involved an immersive gingerbread pop-up experience.

Charteris, the daughter of the 13th Earl of Wemyss, also donned her winter-wear for the occasion, sporting a teddy-style cream coat.

She also wore a black sweater with white fluffy bobble tassels and completed the outfit with black casual trousers, a pair of trainers and a small brown, leather handbag.

Amelia is known for her stylish ensembles, such as her sleek all-black outfit at last month's launch of the debut Camille Charriere x Stripe & Stare collection.

Lady Amelia Windsor and Rose Williams attend the launch of Jo Malone London Presents Glide

The stylish royal, 28, paired her winter ensemble with a forest green and white over-the-shoulder bag, as well as a pair of grey, wide-leg trousers and chunky boots

Charteris (pictured with Amelia), the daughter of the 13th Earl of Wemyss, also donned her winter-wear for the occasion, sporting a teddy-style cream coat

At the October event she opted for a lace-trimmed camisole, high-waisted jeans and ankle boots for the occasion and added a chunky chain necklace, statement earrings and rings on every finger.

Whether she's stepping out on the catwalk, posing on the cover of a glossy magazine or gracing the latest society knees-up with her fashionable presence, it's clear that Lady Amelia Windsor belongs to one of the most fortunate clubs in Britain.

Amelia is the granddaughter of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, making her a third cousin of the Prince of Wales and 43rd-in-line to the throne.

Much like her Windsor cousins, and the grandchildren of Princess Margaret, Lady Amelia is what you might call a 'satellite royal' - impossibly well-connected, an occasional guest on the Buckingham Palace balcony and yet free to do mostly as she chooses.

Charteris also wore a black sweater with white fluffy bobble tassles and completed the outfit black casual trousers, a pair of trainers and a small brown, leather handbag

Lady Amelia Windsor attends the launch of the debut Camille Charriere X Stripe & Stare collection on October 26

Since graduating from the University of Edinburgh, where she studied Italian, Amelia has pursued a mixed career of modelling, fashion design and writing for publications such as Tatler - having also appeared on the magazine's cover.

Signed to Storm Model Management, once the agent for Kate Moss, Amelia has modelled for brands including Dolce & Gabbana.

She is a big fan of social media and regularly shares glimpses of her glamorous life with followers.

Amelia regularly posts style tips on her Instagram page, along with news of her latest collaborations, such as fine jewellery specialist Alice van Cal.
ikTok star the Original Dubai Housewife reveals how she keeps her man happy

Firstly Lauren, let me congratulate you on your engagement to Amazon founder, multi-billionaire and the world's third richest man, Jeff Bezos  and on those fabulous Annie Leibovitz pictures in this month's American Vogue.

Yes, some people have been unkind about how, shall we say, posed the two of you look together.

You with your arms awkwardly stretched around him, hanging on for dear life, him staring moodily at the camera at the steering wheel of a 4X4, clad in a cowboy hat with one pumped-up bicep on show.

Others have questioned why Vogue is featuring you at all. One bitchy comment on social media ran as follows: 'Omg, imagine telling your billionaire bf that your dream is to be in Vogue and all it takes is a phone call and a card swipe.'

However, I'm afraid it won't be the first time people make horrible asides. I know from experience how hard it is to be married to a super-rich man, so I wish you luck.

Linda congratulates Lauren Sanchez on her engagement to Amazon founder, multi-billionaire and the world's third richest man, Jeff Bezos

As a TikTok star called the Original Dubai Housewife, I've been called everything from a 'trophy wife' to a 'gold digger' (happy to admit to the former, but I'm definitely not the latter!)

I met my husband, businessman Ricky Andrade, long before he made his millions working as a day trader, and if he were to lose everything it would be hard on me, but I'd be there for him because I love him.

I hope you'd feel the same way about Jeff although, admittedly, he'd have a way to go to lose a 133 billion fortune.

As the wife of a wealthy man, it can be hard to trust the people around you. One of my closest friends, who I've known for six years, messaged my husband saying, 'I want to be your second wife'.

After I confronted her, she claimed it was a joke, but I wasn't laughing. When you're rich, people want a piece of your lifestyle, and while multiple marriages might be the norm in Dubai, that's not what we're planning.

It's no surprise that people lust after my lifestyle. If Jeff is anything like my husband, he'll be giving you gifts all the time  and I doubt he's buying them on Amazon.

Ricky showers me with presents; he bought me a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon for 153,000 and my engagement ring  my third  cost him 40,200.

When we have a fight, Ricky will go on a 2,400 shopping spree buying me trinkets to apologise and, one time, he hired out an entire cinema in Dubai, where I ordered all the sweets on the menu. If I upset him, I might treat him to a sandwich as an apology!

To maintain her appearance, Linda spends about 4,000 a month on beauty treatments. Every six weeks she'll do 'baby Botox' and a little filler (Stock Image)

He thinks nothing of buying me elaborate jewellery  and he'll only buy 24 carat gold or brand name diamonds from stores such as Cartier or Boucheron, because he likes to pay for the name.

I get to spend at least 3,200 a month on clothes and up to 12,000 a month on jewellery, shoes and bags. I have so many clothes and accessories now, I had to turn a spare bedroom into a closet.

Date nights with a wealthy husband are great, too. We have three homes  a condo in Orange County, California, a home in Las Vegas and an apartment in Dubai.

Date nights in Dubai are especially fun. We've taken helicopter rides over the city and a yacht to the World Islands  private islands set in the shape of a world map with mansions that are open to the public.

We've also gone to the top of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower in the world, for dinner. That date night cost about 1,600 because we ordered the seven-course menu at the restaurant.

But while date nights are fun, be warned  they might not be as frequent as you would like. A lot of the time your man will be too busy.

On Valentine's Day this year, Ricky was working so he gave me 16,000 to go shopping. That upset me because it felt like I was being paid off. Going to the mall to shop by myself wasn't much fun  I wanted to be with him.

Money may never be an issue with a rich man, but getting to see him is. You just have to take whatever time you can get.

Linda takes dance classes, which are very feminine and sensual and, as she feels beautiful doing them, that also translates to the bedroom (Stock Image)

Wealthy men can also be quite controlling, so you may need to get used to that. My husband never lets me drive, for example, even when he's not feeling 100 per cent.

I believe that your romance with Jeff blossomed after you piloted him on helicopter rides, so you might not have that problem.

Ricky doesn't like me to swear  he thinks it lacks class  and he doesn't like things to be messy, so I never leave any stuff lying around. If the maids can't come to clean the place, I'll do it myself.

Like Jeff, my husband is a yacht man. He loves the movie The Wolf Of Wall Street, in which the stockbroker Jordan Belfort, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, buys his wife a yacht and names it after her. Ricky has promised me that he'll do the same for me and will call the yacht La Linda.

We've been married for five years  I'm 24 and he's 28  and I'm now six months pregnant with our first child, so I think the yacht will be my future 'push present' for giving birth.

We've travelled all over the world  to Saudi Arabia, the Turks and Caicos, the Maldives, Europe and the Dominican Republic  and while we only fly first or business class, it can get tiring packing for all the trips and getting to and from airports.

I'll have to fly to Dubai alone soon as my husband will be working in Las Vegas and I find the prospect scary. Carrying my own bags worries me due to the thought of being robbed.

Our home in California was burgled and they stole about 320,000 of Chanel bags, shoes and my two previous engagement rings, so that threat always preys on my mind.

Linda Andrade, a TikTok star called the Original Dubai Housewife, is married to millionaire businessman Ricky Andrade

I'm sure you and Jeff have bodyguards, but you will know that being wealthy comes with its own set of risks.

It also comes with considerable perks, too, like the ability to do crazy things. One time my husband was craving tacos, so he hopped on a flight to Mexico to find the real thing.

Whenever we want to dine at Gordon Ramsay's restaurant in Las Vegas, we'll book a flight and be home in Orange County the same night if we don't feel like staying over.

Another time, Ricky suddenly felt like pasta and said: 'Let's go to Italy  I want some authentic Italian food.' I thought he was joking but he booked the flights, only for Covid to strike, meaning we had to cancel.

While I enjoy cooking, like you and Jeff we love to go out to eat, and in Dubai the food is lavish.

My husband loves gold, so he'll order the gold steak  steak encrusted in 24-carat gold leaf which costs 965. I prefer the caviar.

When we go to the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, we'll order the gold coffee  a coffee sprinkled with gold flakes, which costs 64 a cup. Sometimes though, the opulence is too much and you just want a pizza at home!

While we dine out a lot, I'm lucky I haven't put on weight in the time we've been married.

As you'll appreciate, Lauren, the pressure to stay beautiful for your wealthy husband is huge. People are always telling me: 'He will leave you for someone younger', which would be hard since, at 24, I'm pretty young anyway.

I wonder Lauren if, at 53, you've heard the same, too? You clearly work hard on your figure.

Linda reminds Lauren that women will be after her man and will be persistent about it. She advises Lauren to make sure she's never slacking in any department

To maintain my appearance I spend about 4,000 a month on beauty treatments. Every six weeks I'll do 'baby Botox' and a little filler. I'll have lymphatic drainage every two weeks, which gets rid of fluids and swelling, and I work out with a personal trainer every other day at a cost of 160 a time.

I never wash my own hair, which sounds crazy I know; I spend about 600 a month on blow dries, scalp massages and hair maintenance.

About 900 will go on skincare and I buy up to 15 perfumes a month, which even my husband, as generous as he is, says is too much.

I also get massages for when I need to relax and have manicures and pedicures every two weeks, which costs 720 a month.

At this level, you need to make sure that your man isn't bored of you or your appearance, and even when I'm at home I make sure that Ricky sees me at my best.

I like to dress beautifully in robes and what I call my 'house high heels'  fluffy black fur Saint Laurent mules.

I have my own weight loss clinic called Flip Your Look, which does fat freezing and skin tightening, among other procedures.

So far, I've only had veneers fitted on my teeth  no surgeries. Although you've never admitted anything, Lauren, people have speculated that you've had a few nips and tucks, including a facelift and boob job.

If true, good for you, because here's something not many wives of rich men will admit to  we need to raise our game to keep things interesting sexually.

I take dance classes, which are very feminine and sensual and, as I feel beautiful doing them, that also translates to the bedroom.

I don't believe my husband would leave me, but the fact is that women will be after your man and will be persistent about it. You have to make sure you're never slacking in any department.

Mostly, Lauren, you have to have confidence in yourself, because people will dismiss your achievements and elevate his. Never forget you are a strong, talented woman.

My husband did help me with my beauty business, but I was the brains behind it.

Like you, I came from humble beginnings  my parents, Fouad and Lulu, moved to Los Angeles from Jordan when I was three and my three brothers, Mum and Dad and me all lived in a one-bedroom apartment until my father was able to expand his business.

Linda tells Lauren that she must have confidence in herself, because people will dismiss her achievements and elevate those of partner Jeff Bezos

When I met Ricky he was a personal trainer and dishwasher technician earning 3,200 a month and now with his eight businesses, he can make 80,400 a day.

So he knows I didn't marry him for his money, which is why he trusts me and why we had no pre-nup. I don't know if you'll get a pre-nup, but just as you need to be careful not to be too financially dependent on him, he'll need to be careful that you don't take him for what he's got.

As I said before, trust is important and gets harder to acquire the more money you have.

I remember as a young girl seeing my mum stressing over bills. She told me: 'Linda, one day you're going to stress about bills, too', but I manifested I would never have to and that has come true for me.

I feel so grateful for how my life has turned out that I'm starting an academy for women to give them guidance on how to attract high quality men  and keep them interested.

Any time you want some tips, I'd be happy to share them, Lauren. And I'm sure you could teach me a few things, too.

Love Linda
Classic as a Chanel 2.55 quilted handbag, and as recognisable as a Louis Vuitton travel trunk, the Gucci Horsebit loafer may eclipse both when it comes to fashion status.

For 70 years, Guccis leather flats have been worn by everyone from Jackie O to Kendall Jenner  and are the original It shoe.

In the 1960s the loafers were sported by Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot; in the 1970s they found favour with Hollywood favourites such as Jodie Foster and Francis Ford Coppola, as well as then CIA Director George H. W. Bush.

In the 1980s and 1990s, they were known as the deal sled on Wall Street, where the classic black version was as ubiquitous as the pinstripe suit.

Today, fans include Sienna Miller, Brad Pitt and Katie Holmes. And Normal People star Paul Mescal is fronting the brands new campaign to mark the slip-ons 70th anniversary.

Sienna Miller looks stylish in red Gucci Horsebit loafers paired with cropped jeans and a loose shirt

Audrey Hepburn wore black Gucci Horsebit loafers in the 1957 musical romance Funny Face

Loafers have been in vogue for a few seasons now. But to stay relevant for 70 years? Thats no mean feat.

The secret may lie in their unique appeal, being simultaneously casual and smart, genderless and flattering. Eschewing the in-your-face branding of competitors, they look as pitch perfect with an evening dress as with jeans and a loose shirt.

Aldo Gucci, son of brand founder Guccio Gucci, created the Horsebit loafer in 1953. He based the style on penny loafers that he had noticed were popular with preppy Americans.

It was an astute observation, coinciding as it did with Guccis plans to expand to the U.S. And when the Italian luxury leather goods firm opened its first store on New Yorks 5th Avenue, it brought over the Horsebit loafer.

The shoe, launched first for men, then for women, was an instant hit  in part due to the jet set, who famously travelled to the Gucci flagship shop on Via Condotti in Rome to buy its bags and luggage.

But it also offered something completely new. here was a black leather shoe that elegantly toed the line between dressy and casual.

Up until then black leather shoes were seen as formal wear, worn to the office or for evenings out, while the penny loafers Aldo had spied on young Americans were mostly brown. Guccis straddled the best of both.

Whats more, Guccis loafer was sleeker, with a longer, deeply flattering almond-shaped toe, and came with the crucial addition of a gold-plated horsebit  a nod to Guccis roots as a maker of top-end saddles and riding boots. The shoe was at once luxury and low-key. In short, it was revolutionary.

The shoe, launched first for men, then for women, was an instant hit - in part due to the jet set, who famously travelled to the Gucci flagship shop on Via Condotti in Rome to buy its bags and luggage

Leonardo DiCaprio wore a black leather pair in almost every scene of The Wolf Of Wall Street

Since then the Horsebit loafer has had numerous incarnations: fur-lined, backless, chunky-soled and in numerous colours, with prices starting at 675. But in all forms it is a celebrity staple.

Some of cinemas most iconic characters have worn them: Fight Clubs Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) wore chestnut brown ones; Leonardo DiCaprio wore the black leather pair in almost every scene of The Wolf Of Wall Street.

Off-duty stars such as Jennifer Aniston and Gigi Hadid team theirs with cropped jeans (ankle length is perfect to showcase the Horsebits elegant shape).

Starlets such as Hailey Bieber, who has them in fur-lined pink and the classic black, show their fashion smarts by wearing them with white socks.

As designer Sabato de Sarno takes over as creative director of Gucci, things will almost certainly change. The brand will need to reinvent itself from the maximalist fun house it became under Alessandro Michele.

But if the new campaign is anything to go by, its clear de Sarno understands at least one thing: that the secret to the brands future lies in one of its oldest heroes.
The Spanish royal stepped out for an event aimed at combating digital poverty

Queen Letizia was the picture of elegance in a floaty white blouse and a pair of chic green trousers as she attended a tech and finance event in Madrid today.

The Spanish royal, 51, was seen arriving for an event organised by the BBVA Microfinance Foundation - which is aimed at combating digital poverty.

Pairing nude stilettos with a collared blouse she let her brunette hair hang in loose waves around her shoulders.

She later gave a speech at the event - which has the slogan 'Technology to close gaps. Creating without limits' and focuses on digital tools shown to improve the lives of millions of vulnerable entrepreneurs.

The queen chose minimal make-up for the event, donning a brown smokey eye and pink lip gloss.

Queen Letizia looked the picture of elegance as she attended a tech and finance event in a floaty white blouse and a pair of chic green trousers

The Spanish royal, 51, was seen arriving for an event organised by the BBVA Microfinance Foundation today - which is aimed at combating digital poverty

For the outing, mother-of-two Letizia's stylish ensemble featured a collared white blouse with a neck-tie feature, as well as high-waisted tailored trousers

Keeping jewellery to a minimum, Letizia wore green stud jewel earrings and a simple gold ring on her index finger.

Her appearance at today's finance event comes after she cut a glamorous figure in a red power suit as she attended the opening of a Picasso exhibition in Madrid yesterday.

Letizia attended at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia with her husband King Felipe, 55.

Her 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.

Taking a leaf out of the Princess of Wales's book, Letizia again styled her glossy brown hair in loose waves for the occasion.

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 queen chose minimal make-up for the event, donning a brown smokey eye and pink lip gloss

Letizia turned heads as she paired the outfit with nude stilettos and her chocolate brown tresses hung in loose waves around her shoulders

Letizia also wore green stud jewel earrings and a simple gold ring on her index finger

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.

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.

Pictured: Queen Letizia and King Felipe inaugurate the exhibition Picasso 1906: The Great Transformation at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia

Letizia, 51, paired her statement red jacket with an oyster-coloured silk blouse with slight ruching around the neckline

Before she met Felipe of Spain, Letizia was married to high school literature teacher Alonso Guerrero Perez, who was nine years her senior.

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.
Australian shoppers have named their favourite products of 2023, with Coles and Woolworths groceries claiming multiple top spots.

Product of the Year is the world's largest consumer-based awards program designed to guide shoppers towards tried and tested buys.

More than 5,000 Australian shoppers voted for their favourite supermarket products through a NielsenIQ survey, with major brands including Ferrero, Tassal, and Nestle celebrating victory.

The cost of living crisis has changed how Australians spend their money - with 45 per cent of people switching to home brand products in order to stretch their budgets further.

As shoppers turn to bargain buys, the leading winners were supermarket chains Coles and Woolworths for their home-brand, deli, and bakery products, with Coles taking 19 award wins and Woolworths claiming 10 of the 44 product groups.

Australian shoppers have decided on their favourite products for 2024 with Coles and Woolworths groceries claiming their spots on the top

PRODUCTS OF THE YEAR FOR 2024 Baby product: Freestyle Hands-free Double Electric Wearable Breast Pump Baking mix: Coles Gluten Free Ultimate Choc Chip Cookies Baking Mix 500g Bedroom furniture: Koala Kirribilli Bed Base Beverages: LeVeL Lemonade Aluminium Can Breakfast drinks: Coles Dairy Free Chocolate BOM Burgers: Coles Finest Thick & Juicy Beef Burgers 2 Pack 300g Cakes/cupcakes: Dreams Crumb True Lemon Meringue Cupcake 2pk Cheese: Coles Finest Spanish Truffle 3 Month Matured Cheese 140g Cheese Coffee: Nescafe Original Choc Mocha Inspired by Tim Tam Chilled packaged seafood (prawns): Tropic Co Australian Tiger Prawns 475g Chilled packaged seafood (salmon): Tassal Tassie Salmon Lemon Infusions 300g Crumbled poultry: Woolworths Chicken Kyiv Bites With Creamy Garlic Filling 400g Confectionery: Coles Finest Belgian Dark Chocolate range Convenience meals: Coles Perform Build Chicken Filled pasta 360g Condiments: Coles Grilled Burger Sauce 360g:360 Gram Dog treats: Woofin' Good Peanut Butter Dog Treat Biscuits 800g Eggs: Macro Pasture Raised Carbon Neutral Eggs Eye care: Systane Complete Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops Fresh meat: Woolworths Thick Cut Beef Eye Fillet 320g Fresh salad bags: Woolworths Smokey BBQ Slaw Kit Frozen sides: Coles Sweet Potato Waffle Fries 500g Fresh poultry: Woolworths Slow Raised Whole Chicken Gluten free cookies: Coles Ultimate Gluten Free 4096 Choc Chip Cookies 252g Healthy snacking: Joyful Protein Bar Range Haircare: Koi Hydrating Shampoo Bar Ginger & Lemongrass 100g Hand soap: Koi Foaming Handwash Starter Kit Hot food to go: Coles Express Hot Pocket Household cleaning: Strike Pro Mould Killer Spray 500ml Laundry: Clean Laundry Liquid Tropical Bloom 21 Marinated meat: Coles Finest Australian Lamb Shanks with Massaman Curry Marinated Meat Marinated poultry: Macro Free Range Chicken Boneless Butterflied Chicken Mattress over $1,500: Emma Zero Gravity Mattress Pantry: Woolworths Lemon & Herb Panko Crumbs 200g Pasta sauce: Cucina Matese Triple Cheese Pasta Sauce 550g Sweet biscuits: Nutella Biscuits Sofa bed: Koala Stunner Sofa Bed Savoury biscuits and crackers: Coles Finest All Butter Puff Pastry Cheese Mini Twists 75g:75 Gram Sausages: Coles Finest Beef with Margaret River Shiraz Sausages 500g Sausages Vitamins and supplements: Hydralyte Plus Wellbeing support: Bioglan Muscle Protect HMB+D3 Yoghurt: Woolworths Greek Pot Set Yoghurt 1 kg Advertisement

The Koala Kirribilli Bed Base (from $1,290) was awarded best bedroom furniture - with customers around the country praising its excellent quality and sleek design

Home brand buys also remained prominent in cheese and confectionery categories, with shoppers reaching for Coles brand Spanish truffle cheese ($11.45) for their charcuterie needs or the Joyful Protein Bar range for mid-morning pick-me-ups

Notable mentions include the Koala Kirribilli Bed Base (from $1,290) being awarded best bedroom furniture - with customers around the country praising its excellent quality and sleek design.

Three-in-five shoppers are also turning to healthier options and removing indulgent snacks like chocolates and premium nuts from their shopping lists in order to cut down costs.

As a result, many have flocked to Coles' Joyful Protein Bar range ($6 for five) that offers various flavours including chocolate and peanut butter with 8.5g protein per serve.

Home brand buys also remained prominent in cheese and confectionery categories, with shoppers reaching for Coles brand Spanish truffle cheese ($11.45) and Belgian dark chocolate ($2.30) for their charcuterie needs.

Woolworths lead the charge for household cleaning and laundry buys, with their Strike Pro Mould Killer Spray ($2.95) earning a five-star review online and home brand laundry liquid following closely behind.

Woolworths took home ten product of the year awards - including 'fresh meat' with its popular thick cut beef eye fillet

Shoppers voted for the Cucina Matese 'triple cheese' flavour as their favourite pasta sauce, and the Coles Koi 'ginger and lemongrass' shampoo bar won the best haircare award

Product of the Year Director, Sarah Connelly said: 'The rising cost of living has definitely changed the landscape, with affordability and ease being the leading driver behind the way Aussies shop.

'Whilst treats were commonplace in the shopping trolley before living expenses started to increase, these are now classed as luxury items, with many shoppers viewing snacks as a low priority when it comes to feeding the family.'

Connelly also noted that Australians are more focused on health and sustainability than ever, shown by high rankings of the Coles Joyful Protein Bar Range, and Woolworths macro pasture raised carbon neutral eggs.
A traveller has noticed a 'unique' phrase all Australians say that no one else uses - and he's obsessed with it.

Josiah Hein, from Canada, is travelling around the world and has recently come across strange differences between his home country and Australia - including the bizarre thing all Aussies do at the airport.

He was walking down a street in Sydney when he accidentally bumped into someone and apologised - only for the man to say 'you're right' in response.

'I'm in Australia and I'm walking down the street - and there's this cool guy walking towards me in a suit,' he explained in a video. 'And both of us stop and I apologise - because Canadians apologise 7.8 times a day.'

But the stranger's response shocked Josiah.

Josiah went on, 'He didn't say 'that's all good, bro' or 'that's okay' - the guy said 'you are all right' to me.'

He explained that because of the man's Australian accent it sounded like 'you are right' meaning he was correct or 'got the answer right'.

'It's a very different way of saying things - I don't think Canadians or Americans think like that,' he said.

He said people back home usually respond 'you're sweet' or 'you're good' after being accidentally bumped into.

'I like that 'you're right' is unique,' the traveller went on. 'It's not very warm, but it has that Aussie swag about it.'

Some Australians shed light on the popular phrase.

'As a statement, it means that you don't need to be sorry and that you are right in what you were doing, and you weren't doing anything wrong,' a woman said.

'Basically the same as 'no apologies necessary mate',' another added.

While some noted the distinction between 'you're right mate' and 'you right mate?' - the latter of which signifies trouble.

Josiah Hein, from Canada, is travelling around the world and has recently come across strange differences between his home country and Australia; he was also shocked to come across the word 'fortnight' in an Australian calendar

Josiah was also shocked to come across the word 'fortnight' in an Australian calendar, admitting he only thought characters in Harry Potter used the term.

He recently saw a calendar educators use to teach children how to measure time, but was stumped when he landed on a particular word.

He pointed at the calendar and said, 'Here in Australia, look at this - there are 60 minutes in an hour, 24 hours in a day, seven days in a week, 14 days in a fortnight, and 12 months in a year.'

'Fortnight? Has anyone else ever heard of this word? What is this, Harry Potter?' he asked.

READ MORE: British expat reveals surprising things about Australia - including delivery times and the lack of supermarket snacks Advertisement

Josiah was extremely suspicious of Australians measuring time in fortnights, and while he agreed it sounded better than 'bi-weekly', he still couldn't wrap his his around the concept.

'No way do you actually say fortnightly,' he wrote in a comment.

'I know the word because they used it at Hogwarts in Harry Potter - but it being on par with 'week' or 'month' is amazing.'

The Anglo-Saxons used fortnights to measure the length of time between a new moon and a full moon.

The term was common in North America and Canada until the 1880s, after which it was phased out.

Thousands of Aussies were shocked the rest of the world didn't use 'fortnights' to measure two weeks.

'I worked for a South African finance company and they said bi-weekly instead,' a woman shared. 'It drove me nuts!'

'It's really far more bizarre that you don't use fortnight,' another wrote.

'I can't believe there are places in the world that don't use it - it's so convenient!' one said.
READ MORE: Doctor slams study saying Long Covid is more disabling than CANCER

Rinsing your mouth out with salt water when you have Covid could reduce your chance of ending up in the hospital.

In a study presented last week, researchers measured the effect of gargling and nasal rinsing with a saline solution on symptoms and hospitalization rates in patients with Covid.

They found hospitalization rates for people who gargled or nasal rinsed salt water were up to 40 percent lower than those who did not.

Dr Jimmy Espinoza, study author and professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive services at the University of Texas, said that the goal was to see if gargling and nasal rinsing could improve respiratory symptoms associated with Covid.

He said: 'We found that both saline regimens appear to be associated with lower hospitalization rates compared to controls in SARS-CoV-2 infections.'

In findings presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) annual meeting last week in Anaheim, California, researchers showed gargling salt water resulted in up to 40 percent fewer hospitalizations

Between 2020 and 2022, the team evaluated 9,398 adults between 18 and 65 years old who had tested positive for Covid via a PCR test. Of those, 58 were selected to follow either a low-dose or high-dose saline regimen mixed with eight ounces of warm water.

The low-dose regimen was 2.13 grams of saline - about one-third a teaspoon - and the high-dose was six grams - about one and one-quarter a teaspoon. Participants gargled and did nasal rinsing four times a day for 14 days.

Nasal rinsing involves moving a saline solution through the nasal passages to clear our mucus and allergens. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), this is done by tilting your head sideways to the left over a sink or tub and gently pouring or squeezing the solution through the nostril.

The control group that hadn't been instructed to gargle salt water or nasal rinse had a 58.8 percent hospitalization rate.

The researchers found the hospitalization rate for participants on the low-dose regimen dropped to 18.5 percent, and the rate for the high-dose group was 21.4 percent.

This was up to 40 percent lower than the control group.

Dr Zach Rubin, an allergist and spokesperson for the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), told Medscape: 'This is a type of intervention that is low risk with some small potential benefit.'

The researchers did not explain why the saline regimens resulted in fewer hospitalizations, but Dr Rubin said gargling and rinsing could help clear the virus from the sinuses and reduce the chance of it seeping into the lungs, which could result in pneumonia, a major cause of hospitalization.

He said: 'It can help reduce symptoms such as nasal congestion, [runny nose], postnasal drip, and sinus pain and pressure.'

The study excluded patients with chronic hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, since they could accidentally swallow some of the salt, and excess salt can narrow and stiffen blood vessels, further raising blood pressure.

The patients were also all nearly obese, with BMIs ranging from 29.6 to 31.7, which increases the likelihood of complications that would land them in the hospital. The control and study groups had 'similar rates of vaccination,' the researchers stated.

The findings are consistent with other smaller studies that have tested the effects of gargling and nasal rinsing.

A June review in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, for example, found this practice could relieve common colds, upper respiratory infections, and Covid by flushing out the viruses.

It's unclear if gargling and nasal rinsing would have the same effect on mostly vaccinated patients or those with more normal BMIs, the researchers said.

The study was presented last week at the ACAAI Annual Meeting in Anaheim, California.
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Nearly everyone suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) doesn't receive a proper diagnosis, which can increase their chances of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life.

Two recent studies found 92 percent of people experiencing MCI - a condition in which someone has mild problems with memory and decision-making - which can develop into dementia over time, are not being diagnosed at early stages, which could prevent people from accessing new treatments that may be able to delay cognitive decline if caught early enough.

In the first study, researchers used data from the Health and Retirement Study, a long-term survey of 20,000 people in the US, to build a model using a wide range of health and age factors that predicted the number of anticipated MCI diagnoses among people over 65 years old. The team determined 8million people would have the condition.

Then, they analyzed data from Medicare enrollees 65 and older in the program between 2015 to 2019 to determine how many people were actually diagnosed with MCI.

Comparing their data, they found MCI was missed in 92 percent of cases. Only eight percent of people whom their model predicted would develop MCI were actually diagnosed with the condition - indicating approximately 7.4million people were cognitively declining but unaware of it.

Ying Liu, a statistician at the University of Southern California and a researcher on both studies, said: 'We knew it was bad, but we didn't know it was that bad.'

The scientists also discovered the percentage of missed cases was even higher among Black and Hispanic enrollees.

The second study, also published by Liu and her team, examined Medicare claims from 226,756 primary care doctors with patients 65 and older and compared MCI diagnoses to their model.

Again, they found only eight percent of their predicted cases were actually diagnosed with MCI. Additionally, they found only 0.1 percent of doctors diagnosed the condition as often as the team calculated they should.

People with MCI have minor problems with their mental abilities, like memory and thinking. In these people, the difficulties are worse than what is normally expected for a healthy person of their age, but are not severe enough to be classified as dementia.

The Alzheimer's Society estimates between five percent and 20 percent of people 65 and older live with MCI.

While it is not a type of dementia, people with MCI are more likely to develop dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, later in life. However, if people are diagnosed with MCI early, they may be able to implement lifestyle changes to reduce their risk.

Dementia affects an estimated 7million people in the US, while approximately 5.8million Americans have Alzheimer's disease.

And autopsies often reveal people who die in old age have some kind of impaired cognition, including amyloid plaques - a hallmark sign of Alzheimer's disease.

While people who experience trouble remembering family members or who get lost can undergo cognitive testing, brain scans and blood work to diagnosis dementia or Alzheimer's, diagnosing MCI is more difficult.

People may notice something is not right, but symptoms not be severe enough to cause alarm - and they most likely are still able to function independently. Because of this, many people experiencing MCI often only visit their primary care doctor, rather than memory care specialist clinics.

General practitioners may not see a lot of dementia patients or have experience with MCI, leading to a person's condition to be missed.

A separate study reported a patient's cognitive state was formally assessed in less than one-third of doctors visits. However, recent guidelines recommend a cognitive assessment be conducted at annual wellness check ups.

The researchers of the two recent studies said: 'Increased efforts to detect MCI earlier are dearly needed, especially for socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, which have a higher risk of missed diagnosis.'

Previous research has shown older Black Americans are twice as likely to have Alzheimer's disease or other dementias than older whites. Older Hispanics are about 1.5 times more likely to have the disease than their white counterparts due to confounding factors of comorbidities and social aspects, such as racism and discrimination.

Dr Keith Vossel, the Alzheimers Disease Program Director in the department of neurology at the University of California Los Angeles, previously told DailyMail.com education and communication are two major hurdles to overcome with the minority population and healthcare community when it comes to Alzheimer's diagnosis and treatment.

While mistrust leads to a lack of communication, Dr Vossel said people in minority groups often ask why there are no doctors 'that look like them' that work with dementia patients.

He added: 'Unfortunately there aren't enough neurologists and dementia specialists from underrepresented groups. Doctors need to be able to identify with their community.'

In addition to a lack of minority doctors, there is also a lack of access to doctors and healthcare facilities in general.

Addressing the high rates of dementia in minority populations will require a multi-faceted approach and Dr Vossel said it will require everything from establishing a stable educational system that meets the needs of all its students, developing measures to combat heart disease and diabetes - comorbidities that may contribute to dementia - implementing dementia screenings at routine doctors visits and allowing for doctors to be reimbursed for those screenings.

There may be hope, however, for people developing dementia. An experimental Alzheimer's drug developed by Eli Lilly slows cognitive decline by more than a third, the company announced in May.

In a Phase 3 trial, the drug, donanemab, slowed down the decline in patients' ability to think clearly and perform daily tasks by 35 percent compared to a placebo.
Dr Jane Hornsey, was caught drink-driving in 2018. She escaped jail but was banned from getting behind the wheel for three years and fined 120

A GP convicted of a string of alcohol-fuelled offences  including one where she bit a police officer  has avoided suspension, MailOnline can reveal.

Dr Jane Hornsey, in her 60s, was caught drink-driving in 2018. She escaped being sent to jail but was banned from getting behind the wheel for three years and fined 120.

Regulators wanted to suspend her, considering the medic's history of offending and seriousness of the latest incident.

But she avoided being struck off after arguing that she was already punished by the courts and 'didn't deserve' another sanction.

Instead, Dr Hornsey, previously dubbed 'Britain's worst GP', and who local press reported previously worked in the town of Keighley in Yorkshire, was given a series of conditions to abide by.

In a review of those conditions last week, Dr Hornsey argued she could make a 'positive contribution' to Britain's overstretched GP services.

'She also feels that she has a useful role to play,' according to documents submitted to the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS).

'She said that she has discussed with GP colleagues the stresses and difficulties GPs currently face.'

The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) gave her a fresh set of conditions to meet for the next 12 months.

This includes making Dr Hornsey, a mother-of-four who qualified in 1982, undertake an approved GP returners scheme to ensure her clinical skills were up to date.

Other conditions include a limit on the number of hours she can work and that she must be supervised at work at all times.

Dr Hornsey, previously dubbed 'Britain's worst GP', and who local press reported previously worked at North Street Surgery in Keighley

But the MPTS added the decision between conditions and a full-blown suspension was 'finely balanced'. Dr Hornsey's conditions will be reviewed in a year.

She wasn't worked as a GP since 2016 and has had limitations imposed on how she could work since 2014 following a drunk and disorderly conviction.

An 'intoxicated' Dr Hornsey's entered an A&E department the previous year and launched abusive 'rants' at staff and police. She also spooked members of the public by 'going into the cubicles of other patients declaring yourself to be a doctor'.

Dr Hornsey herself called her conduct 'disgraceful' and said it had made 'resolute not to drink again'.

The MPTS at the time issued her a three-year conditions of practice order, noting anything further would be 'disproportionate'.

READ MORE: Alcoholic A&E doctor who was jailed for string of violent attacks on nurses and police officers struck off despite pleading to go back to NHS The medic has previously detailed how she battled an alcohol addiction and previously pleaded for another chance 'to demonstrate how much medicine is to me' Advertisement

Dr Hornsey's first drink related offence occurred in 2009 in an incident involving a violent altercation with a police officer.

On October 18 that year, she crashed her car, and was then seen to be 'clearly intoxicated and staggering around'.

After a call from a passing motorist, police attended the scene but upon asking Dr Hornsey to do a breath test she refused. When an officer tried to restrain her, she bit him on his forearm.

Bradford Crown Court heard in 2010 how the police officer was forced to strike her twice in the head and use capsicum spray to eventually restrain her.

It was also noted that the officer even needed hospital care for his injuries.

Dr Hornsey was convicted of both assault and drink driving in relation to the incident.

Her most recent conviction related to an incident on July 20, 2018

She arrived at a Tesco in Skipton, North Yorkshire and purchased a bottle of wine. However, Dr Hornsey stank so strongly of alcohol that staff, noting she had arrived by car, made the decision to call police.

Upon questioning by officers, she admitted to consuming two to three glasses of wine following an argument with her mother before driving to the store. A blood sample, taken at the time, later revealed she was nearly twice over the legal limit.

She was subsequently charged and convicted for drink driving.

Subsequent MPTS regulatory proceedings were held in 2020 where the tribunal heard the medic 'could easily have killed someone whilst driving'.

The tribunal at the time said Dr Hornsey 'did not seem to appreciate the seriousness of her actions' and that she became 'irritated and hostile' during questioning as well as expressing 'no apology or remorse'.

In the latest round with the MPTS, Dr Hornsey acknowledged she had not sought employment since the 2020 tribunal due to Covid and personal reasons heard behind closed doors.

But she said she still wanted to work as a GP, stating 'being a doctor is part of her identity.'

GP workforce data, represented in this graph up to May 2023 shows there are 27,200 fully-qualified GPs in England. This is down from 27,627 one year earlier. GP numbers peaked at 29,537 in March 2016

The tribunal noted Dr Hornsey still did not apologise for the events that led up to her 2018 conviction, and instead 'appears to attribute responsibility for her actions to NHS England'.

They also noted that, save for 10-month period of part time work in 2016, she had not worked as medic since 2009, and her clinical skills may have deteriorated in that time, something they said she didn't appear to appreciate.

NHS data show there were 27,302 fully qualified GPs working in England as of September this year, the latest figures available.

This is 2,000 fewer than the figure recorded in the same month in 2018.

GPs themselves report being overwhelmed by patient demand.

Some family doctors are now responsible for up 2,600 patients each in some areas, up from an average 1,900 in 2016.

Under recommendations implemented by the BMA and European Union of General Practitioners, GPs today should not deliver more than 25 appointments a day to ensure safe care.

But some doctors are reportedly having to cram in nearly 60 patients per day.

Ministers have also silently binned a promise to hire 6,000 more GPs, which was a major part of Boris Johnson's election-winning manifesto.

Patient satisfaction with GP services has, as a result of the appointment crisis, also plunged to its lowest level on record.
Experts said a 'fundamental reset is required' to reverse the cancer crisis

The paper also calls for the creation of a UK-wide National Cancer Control Plan

Cancer care must undergo a 'fundamental reset' to improve care and stop more patients from dying, leading doctors have warned.

The group of senior clinical cancer specialists are calling for the development of radical cancer control plans to make the system 'fit for the future'.

They estimate there will be up to 2,000 extra cancer cases per week by 2040 but warned the UK was already failing to keep pace with other countries.

Writing in the Lancet Oncology, they said the UK's poor performance compared to other countries shows that our approach to cancer care contradicts international consensus and is 'not working'.

With all UK nations in the bottom half of cancer league tables, they team argued a fundamental reset is needed to reverse the problem.

The group of senior clinical cancer specialists are calling for the development of radical cancer control plans as they anticipate a need for a cancer service 'fit for the future'. According to Cancer Research UK, 10-year cancer survival rates for many common cancers have now reached above the 50 per cent mark, and experts say further improvements could be made in the next decade

Writing in Lancet Oncology, they said the UK's poor performance compared to other countries shows our approach to cancer care contradicts international consensus and is 'not working.' With all UK nations were in the bottom half of cancer league tables, they said a fundamental reset is needed to reverse the problem

The paper outlines a 10-point plan to improve cancer care and calls for the creation of a UK-wide National Cancer Control Plan, along with a prevention programme for smoking, obesity and alcohol consumption.

This includes establishing a National Cancer Research Institute and broaden cancer research and delivering on the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan to boost staff levels.

They said delivery of the main 62-day treatment target is vital to ensure patients are given care in a timely manner and urged integration of hospice care into the NHS.

It comes after the Government revealed plans to integrate its national cancer control plan into the Major Conditions Strategy, which was launched in January 2023.

The blueprint will aim to improve health outcomes over the next five years and will cover cancer, heart disease, musculoskeletal disorders, poor mental health, dementia and respiratory diseases.

Read more: Bowel overtakes lung to becomes THIRD most common type of cancer amid UK's obesity crisis Advertisement

Mark Lawler, chairman of the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership, said it was akin to 'abandoning' a national cancer, describing it as 'an incomprehensible decision not in the best interests of people with cancer'.

Professor Richard Sullivan, joint senior author and director of the Institute of Cancer Policy at King's College London, said: 'Cancer needs to be a top political priority for the whole of the UK.

'We need care that is clinically led and truly personalised. The failure to deliver specific and properly resourced cancer plans with a research agenda that is fit-for-purpose is also leading to widening patient inequalities, healthcare staff burnout and poor outcomes.

'All the ingredients are there to address these issues. But we need political will.'

Pat Price, visiting professor at Imperial College London and joint senior author, said cancer care is 'fast becoming a monumental crisis' with 'no realistic plan'.

She added: 'A cancer plan is not just a strategy, it is a lifeline for the one in two of us that will get cancer. Cancer patients are consistently being failed, with UK cancer survival outcomes remaining near the bottom of cancer league tables.

'We need to address the cancer workforce crisis, deliver treatments on time and stop the situation that sees us lagging behind on cancer technologies in key areas, like radiotherapy.

'The urgent need for a cancer specific control plan is clear, and it beggars belief that clinicians are finding themselves having to produce one instead of the Government.'

The authors estimate there will be between 457,000 and 564,000 cancer patients each year in the UK by 2040, a 30 per cent increase.

Earlier this month, data published by NHS England showed there had been 257,702 urgent cancer referrals by GPs in September, down 4 per cent on 267,555 in August but up 1 per cent year-on-year from 254,455 in September 2022.

However, the proportion of people seeing a specialist within two weeks of an urgent referral fell from 74.8 per cent to 74.0 per cent remaining below the target of 93 per cent.

Of the cancer patients who had their first treatment in September after an urgent GP referral, 59.3 per cent had waited less than two months, down from 62.8 per cent in August and behind the 85 per cent target.

While the level of progress for cancer survival for some forms of the disease has been rapid, such as for breast and prostate cancers, others, like those for lung and pancreas have only improved at a snail's pace

In August, the Government and NHS England confirmed plans to streamline cancer waiting time targets.

Officials said the new standard, implemented in October, will move away from the 'outdated' two-week wait target and be replaced by the Faster Diagnosis Standard.

The 10 previous targets will be consolidated into three, with patients with suspected cancer expected to have the disease diagnosed or ruled out within 28 days.

Elsewhere, the 62-day referral to treatment will ensure patients who have been referred and diagnosed with cancer should start treatment within that timeframe, while patients with a diagnosis who have had a decision made on their first or subsequent treatment, should start it within 31 days.
People have been urged to 'treat antibiotics with respect' amid concerns over deaths from complaints that should be treatable.

The number of people dying of infections resistant to antibiotics increased last year, with experts warning of 'concerning rises' in drugs that are used to tackle the likes of sepsis not working.

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) boss Dame Jenny Harries warned that common ailments could one day become untreatable amid the superbug crisis.

It comes after figures showed a recent sharp increase in the number of prescriptions for antibiotics following years of decline.

According to the UKHSA, 58,224 people in England had an antibiotic-resistant infection in 2022, up four per cent on 2021.

Figures showed a recent sharp increase in the number of prescriptions for antibiotics following years of decline. According to the UKHSA, 58,224 people in England had an antibiotic-resistant infection in 2022, up four per cent on 2021

Data released by UKHSA showed the use of antibiotics in England declined from 2014 to 2020, with a steep drop in 2020. However this trend has reversed, with an 8.4 per cent hike in prescriptions last year

Some 2,202 people died as a result, up from 2,110 in the previous 12 months.

Data released by the body showed the use of antibiotics in England declined from 2014 to 2020, with a steep drop in 2020.

However this trend has reversed, with an 8.4 per cent hike in prescriptions last year.

Dr Colin Brown, deputy director for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at UKHSA, attributed the drop in antibiotic-resistant infections from 2018 onwards to the Covid pandemic and changes it sparked in people seeking healthcare and spreading infection.

He added: 'Unfortunately, we have once again seen a rise in antibiotic-resistant infections in 2022 compared to what we've seen previously.

WHAT IS ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE? Antibiotics have been doled out unnecessarily by GPs and hospital staff for decades, fueling once harmless bacteria to become superbugs. The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously warned if nothing is done the world is heading for a 'post-antibiotic' era. It claimed common infections, such as chlamydia, will become killers without immediate solutions to the growing crisis. Bacteria can become drug resistant when people take incorrect doses of antibiotics or if they are given out unnecessarily. Former chief medical officer Dame Sally Davies claimed in 2016 that the threat of antibiotic resistance is as severe as terrorism. Figures estimate that superbugs will kill 10 million people each year by 2050, with patients succumbing to once harmless bugs. Around 700,000 people already die yearly due to drug-resistant infections including tuberculosis (TB), HIV and malaria across the world. Concerns have repeatedly been raised that medicine will be taken back to the 'dark ages' if antibiotics are rendered ineffective in the coming years. In addition to existing drugs becoming less effective, there have only been one or two new antibiotics developed in the last 30 years. In 2019, the WHO warned antibiotics are 'running out' as a report found a 'serious lack' of new drugs in the development pipeline. Without antibiotics, C-sections, cancer treatments and hip replacements will become incredibly 'risky', it was said at the time. Advertisement

'We've not yet made a dent in the proportion of infections that are resistant  that remains quite resolute, about one in five bloodstream infections  and we are seeing concerning rises in resistance linked to some antibiotics that are used to tackle bloodstream infection and sepsis.'

The chance of dying due to an antibiotic resistant infection in 30 days increased from 19 per cent to 20 per cent in 2022, compared with drug-susceptible strains, which had a rate of 16 per cent.

People over the age of 64 had the highest rate of bloodstream infections caused by resistant pathogens, followed by babies under one.

UKHSA data also showed those in the lowest socioeconomic groups were more likely to have an antibiotic-resistant infection compared with those in wealthier groups, while Asian and British Asian people were more likely to be affected.

Dr Brown said: 'We are currently working to understand the factors behind this and what we can do to tackle any trends that we've identified.'

Dame Jenny added: 'Antimicrobial resistance is not a crisis of the future, but one that is very much with us right now.

'We expect that if we get a bacterial infection, an antibiotic will be available to treat us but, sometimes, already, that is simply impossible.

'Unless action is taken, the availability of life-saving treatments will only diminish and our ability to drive down infections will decrease, most likely impacting those in the poorest social circumstances worst.'

Dame Jenny urged people to reduce the spread of infections by avoiding vulnerable people if you feel ill, washing hands regularly and keeping rooms ventilated.

'This isn't just about protecting your own health, it's about helping everyone in our communities,' she added.

'Second, only take antibiotics if you have been told to do so by a healthcare professional. Do not save some for later or share them with friends and family.

'Antibiotics will not work for viruses such as cold, flu or Covid.

'Treat antibiotics with respect and they will be there to help us all in the future.'
NHS consultants are being made to complete tick-box training 'an eight-year-old could do' while patients languish on waiting lists, MPs have heard.

NHS leaders were grilled on why staff in times of crisis are being sent on mandatory training courses, such as on computer and fire safety.

Dr Caroline Johnson, an MP who was a health minister during Liz Truss's brief premiership, said she has had to do 29 mandatory training programmes  some annually.

At yesterday's Commons health committee meeting, the consultant paediatrician questioned whether this was a good use of her time when the waiting list had reached 7.7million.

NHS consultants are being made to complete tick-box training 'an eight-year-old could do' while patients languish on waiting lists, MPs have heard (Stock Image)

She explained: 'We will be asked things like 'What must you do if you receive a phishing email? Choose the correct option: reply, open the attachments, forward it to your colleagues or follow your organisation's procedures?'

'Another question we have received: 'It is important to lock your computer or mobile device when you're not using it, true or false?' There are consultants doing these training programmes. I read them to my eight-year-old and he could answer them.'

Other examples included videos on petrol being poured on a bonfire and whether defibrillator pads placed on the abdomen were 'in the right place'.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England's medical director, said there was clearly 'a balance to be struck', adding: 'We can discuss the quality of the questions and how it is delivered, but I don't think anybody would disagree that cybersecurity is one of the greatest risks that we face within the NHS and of course wider public bodies.

A consultant paediatrician questioned whether this was a good use of her time when the waiting list had reached 7.7million (Stock Image)

'So ensuring that staff are aware of some of the risks around cybersecurity, I think, is perfectly legitimate and I think it is correct that that is part of mandatory training.'

Meanwhile, Amanda Pritchard, NHS England's chief executive, said the waiting list would have fallen substantially had it not been for a series of strikes by medics. More than a million patient appointments have been rescheduled as a consequence of industrial action.

Ms Pritchard added: 'It is patients that are bearing the brunt of this.'
A woman has told how she was diagnosed with a brain tumour after her symptoms were put down to a migraine.

Natalie McKenna-Mounty, from Ramsgate in Kent, suffered from a three-day severe headache in April 2020, just after the UK was plunged into its first Covid lockdown.

The 47-year-old visited her GP who said she had likely suffered a migraine.

However, she went to hospital shortly after being left unable to talk and with a drooping mouth, believing she had suffered a stroke.

Scans revealed that she had glioblastoma  a fast-growing brain tumour.

Natalie McKenna-Mounty, 47, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma in 2020, after experiencing what she thought was a stroke

Ms McKenna-Mounty said: 'I had a severe headache for about three days, and then it felt as if I'd had a stroke.

'I couldn't talk, and my mouth drooped.

'I was taken to hospital, scanned, and diagnosed with a glioblastoma. Because this all happened during lockdown, I was on my own when I heard the news.'

After being diagnosed, she had surgery at King's College Hospital in London where 70 per cent of her tumour was removed.

Six weeks later, she started a six-week programme of radiotherapy followed by a six-month course of chemotherapy.

The tumour was then stable for three years.

After going through chemotherapy and surgery to remove the tumour it eventually grew back, now she is exploring different clinical trials to help with her treatment

WHAT IS A GLIOBLASTOMA? Glioblastomas are the most common cancerous brain tumours in adults. They are fast growing and likely to spread. Glioblastomas' cause is unknown but may be related to a sufferer's genes if mutations result in cells growing uncontrollably, forming a tumour. Treatment is usually surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible, followed by a combination of radio- and chemotherapy (chemoradiation). It can be difficult to remove all of the growth as glioblastomas have tendrils that extend to other regions of the brain. These are targeted via chemoradiation. Glioblastomas are often resistant to treatment as they are usually made up of different types of cells. Therefore, medication will kill off some cells and not others. The average survival time is between 12 and 18 months. Source: The Brain Tumour Charity Advertisement

However, her health took a turn for the worse in June 2023, when the tumour started to grow again.

She had surgery in August to remove her tumour but surgeons were unable cut it out entirely because of its awkward location.

Ms McKenna-Mounty is now considering joining a clinical trial in the hopes of beating the cancer.

Around 2,500 people are diagnosed with glioblastoma every year in the UK, while the figure is 12,000 in the US.

Headaches, seizures, nausea, drowsiness, problems with sight and personality changes are key symptoms. These are caused by the tumour increasing pressure inside the skull as it grows.

Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are go-to treatments.

There can be a life expectancy of just 12 to 18 months from glioblastoma diagnosis and in many cases it comes back, even after being treated, according to The Brain Tumour Charity.

Ms McKenna-Mounty said the resurgence of her tumour has left her unable to work, drive or travel abroad as she is quick to lose concentration and get tired.

'My life has changed dramatically,' she said.

Since her diagnosis, Ms McKenna-Mounty has required constant support and finds social situations more difficult.

She said: 'I find it hard to do all the things I used to do  like going to places that were normal before my illness, like the cinema, the pub or the gym.

'I find some social situations hard. I've lost my independence, and now have to accept help from other people.'

Ms McKenna-Mounty (right) and her mum (left) both have Carpe Diem tattooed onto their wrists, to remind them to stay positive and live life in the moment

However, since the second surgery to remove her tumour, she has learned to 'slow down' and take things easy.

She said: 'I've had to teach myself to be mindful of my body, how to cope with stress  to accept the changes in my life and make them positive not negative.

'I had to learn to slow down, to put the past in the past and seize the day  Carpe Diem.'

Ms McKenna-Mounty said: 'Research into brain tumours is not as well funded as other cancers. It needs a higher profile.

'There needs to be more treatment options for people like me because right now there is no cure, so I am making the most of every day.'

Dr Spencer Watson, lead researcher for The Brain Tumour Charity's Junior Fellows grant said: 'A glioblastoma diagnosis is the most devastating diagnosis and brain tumours are arguably the most difficult group of tumours to study and treat.

'This research gives us a new avenue to explore in the search for new and better treatments - and that is very exciting.

'Knowing that scarring caused by glioblastoma treatment can help tumour cells survive gives us a new direction to develop novel treatments.

'Understanding the mechanisms and how to exploit them will take time so we are also looking at ways to improve current treatments as this will benefit the people that need it most more quickly.

'We're learning how to take the negative side effects from a lot of effective cancer treatment and exploit them to improve the benefits people can receive from their brain tumour treatment.'
READ MORE: Doctor claims that shopping carts are dirtier than TOILETS

It's obvious that certain areas of your home or office are dirtier than others, like toilet seats and trash cans.

However, your phone, a pile of laundry in your bedroom, and even the carts at the grocery store are covered in bacteria that can lead to infections and other lasting health issues.

We touch our phones nearly 100 times a day - but experts warn the devices harbor 10 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat.

That coffee cup sitting in the office could be crawling with E. coli, which sickens more than 250,000 Americans every year.

And even blowing out the candles on your birthday cake spreads more than 1,000 strains of germs.

Below, DailyMail.com reveals several of the dirtiest surfaces you touch every day.

Shopping carts

Grocery store carts could be covered in fecal matter and have more bacteria than a toilet seat.

Dr Kunal Sood, an acute and chronic pain doctor in Maryland, shared a TikTok to his two million followers warning about the dangers of shopping carts.

Dr Sood claimed grocery store carts could be a source of infections like hand, foot and mouth disease, which causes mouth sores and a rash on the hands and feet.

He cited a study from the University of Arizona, which found that more than 75 percent of shopping carts tested positive for fecal bacteria.

'The study even showed the shopping carts were even dirtier than toilets because toilets were more likely to be cleaned than the shopping carts,' Dr Sood said.

He recommended using a disinfecting wipe on the cart before using it.

Cell phones

We pick up our phones nearly 100 times a day, but they harbor 10 times more bacteria than toilet seats

Data from career firm Zippia found the average American checks their phone about 96 times a day, or once every 10 to 12 minutes.

This could leave you vulnerable to several types of bacteria, including Staphylococcus, which causes staph infections and MRA, a largely antibiotic-resistant infection that can spread to the bloodstream, lungs, heart, bones and joints if left untreated.

A study published in the journal Germs found the cell phones of high school students were crawling with 17,000 bacterial gene copies.

And research from the University of Arizona showed cell phones have 10 times more bacteria than most toilet seats.

Washing your hands and keeping your phone out of the bathroom, which tends to have more bacteria, can help reduce germs.

Toothbrush holder

Though toothbrushes are meant to keep your teeth clean, toothbrush holders themselves rarely get cleaned, which makes them breeding grounds for germs.

This is because the holder comes into contact with a wet toothbrush at least twice a day, and that moisture allows yeast and mold to grow.

Findings from independent public health organization NSF International showed more than one-quarter of toothbrush holders harbor bacteria like E. coli.

E. coli are bacteria typically found in the intestines of animals such as cattle, goats, sheep and deer. While most are harmless, some can cause a host of gastrointestinal symptoms, including stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting.

Exact numbers vary, but it's estimated E. coli infections cause about 265,000 illnesses and 100 deaths per year.

Office coffee cups

That coffee cup you keep in the office may get rinsed out at the end of the day, but it's still a haven for germs.

A study from the University of Arizona suggested this could be due to communal kitchen sponges that rarely get changed. These can carry coliform bacteria, which includes E. coli.

Dr Jeffrey Starke, an infectious disease physician at Texas Children's Hospital, told the Wall Street Journal adding sugar and creamer to your coffee could lead to more bacteria lurking because 'standing liquid can encourage environmental pathogens, especially mold, to grow.'

Bringing the mug home and running it through the dishwasher can kill that bacteria due to the steam and high heat.

Birthday cake

Blowing out birthday candles can spread more than 1,000 types of bacteria

Blowing out candles on your birthday seems innocent, but when a whole group helps out, it could lead to massive amounts of bacteria.

A 2017 study in the Journal of Food Research found when you blow out the candles, it spreads 1,400 percent - 15 times - more bacteria on the frosting than if they weren't extinguished.

Dr Paul Dawson, food safety expert at Clemson University who conducted the study, told CNN: 'The amount of bacteria varies a lot from person to person based on how sloppy someone is when blowing their candles out, but it does occur.

'I dont know the chance of this occurring, but in fact, if someone is sick, carrying a disease, and blows on the birthday cake, there is going to be bacterial transfer.'

However, Dr Dawson said it's likely not dangerous to eat this cake unless you are immunocompromised, elderly, or have an underlying disease.

Laundry

Several viruses, including rotavirus, have been shown to survive the wash cycle. Doing laundry on higher heats can kill these

Though laundry is meant to remove dirt and contaminants from clothes, research published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology showed several viruses can survive the spin cycle.

The researchers found adenovirus, rotavirus, and hepatitis A all lived through washing and drying.

Adenoviruses are a group of respiratory illnesses that lead to cough, fever, runny nose, and pneumonia.

Rotavirus is highly contagious and usually affects children under age five. It leads to severe diarrhea, vomiting, and black stool. However, it's much less common in the US than in other countries, killing 20 to 40 children a year compared to 600,000 worldwide.

If clothes are left wet for more than 30 minutes, it is best to do another cycle on high heat to kill the remaining germs.

Also, if you are folding clean clothes on a surface, be sure to wipe it down first.
Millions more Americans got hooked on marijuana last year and some 100,000 teenagers tried it for the first time, anti-pot activists say about the latest official data.

Kevin Sabet, a former White House drugs tsar who now campaigns against breakneck legalization, said the government's annual survey of substance abuse revealed 'more users and more addiction.'

The number of teens and adults suffering from cannabis use disorder jumped 14 percent to 19 million, he warned.

Meanwhile, the 12.5 million stoned drivers who got behind the wheel marked a 15 percent rise on the previous year, he added.

Worse still, the number of teenagers who saw smoking weed as dangerous fell slightly, and 100,000 more of them started using the drug in the past 12 months, he said.

Some 100,000 American teens started using cannabis this past year

The driver of this vehicle in this fatal accident in New York was charged with homicide while under the influence of weed

The new data is based on responses to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, a survey conducted annually by the federal government's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

White House Drug Policy Director Dr Rahul Gupta

'This is what billions in lobbying, marketing, and product development buy  more users and more addiction,' said Sabet, president of the group Smart Approaches to Marijuana.

The survey comes after Ohioans this month voted to legalize recreational weed for adults, making it the 24th US state to do so, as has Washington DC. Several other states allow it for medical uses.

Advocates say pot has health and social benefits, but critics say widespread use leads to higher rates of mental health problems, substance abuse and even more stoned drivers causing car crashes.

Researchers found that nearly a quarter of American teens and adults had used an illicit drug in the past year, with pot far and away the most popular, with 61.9 million people using it at least once.

More than 17.3 percent of survey respondents had a substance use disorder, meaning they were addicted to it or unable to control their use. The most common problem was with alcohol.

Addiction and substance abuse was causing serious health problems, federal officials warned. A quarter of adults suffered from a mental illness last year, and a fifth of adolescents had a major depressive episode.

A counselor suggests healthy alternatives to smoking pot at a teen therapy session

Two dozen teens discuss cannabis, school and stress at a groups session in Charlestown, Maryland

'These drugs aren't safe and they're not medicine,' says Kevin Sabet

White House Drug Policy Director Dr Rahul Gupta said America was affected coast to coast.

'This is not a red state or a blue state issue,' he said.

Poll Do YOU think the federal government should lift its ban on cannabis? Yes No Do YOU think the federal government should lift its ban on cannabis? Yes 529 votes

No 306 votes Now share your opinion





'There are currently more than 48 million Americans struggling with substance use disorder, and three out of every four are not getting the treatment that they need.'

Legalization across growing swathes of America comes as scientists increasingly sound alarms about the drug.

Researchers from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety say the number of car crash injuries has risen by nearly six percent in states that have legalized recreational cannabis use.

The group's study last year showed a 5.8 percent rise in traffic crashes in Colorado Washington, Oregon, California, and Nevada after those states legalized cannabis and 'pot shops' sprang up.

Experts from Stanford University revealed in February that cannabis users are up to a third more likely to suffer a heart attack than others.

Researchers backed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse in May warned that pot may be driving a 30 percent surge in schizophrenia cases among young men.

Joshua Jimenez died by suicide in December 2021 at the age of 22. Josh had been using marijuana since age 14 and was hospitalized three times for psychosis linked to weed

The above shows cannabis use across American states. Twenty-four states and DC have legalized it for recreational use in addition to medicinal use, while most allow it for medicinal purposes

That same month, relatives of three people who abused cannabis told DailyMail.com about how their lives had been turned upside down by pot.

Sonia Jimenez, from Houston, Texas, lost her son Josh, 22, to suicide in December 2021, which she believes was caused by chronic cannabis use.

Josh started smoking and vaping the drug in 9th grade and soon formed a habit that resulted in three bouts of hospital stays for psychosis.

After he began using weed, Josh's grades started slipping. He also became extremely paranoid, saying that his friends had been trying to kill him, adding that he was seeing 'some really scary stuff like dark, almost like demonic beings,' according to his sister.

At one point, he fell asleep behind the wheel, going about 100 miles per hour, and was in a severe car crash. Another time, he fell asleep after smoking or lighting a candle, according to his sister, which caused a massive fire.

Josh's sister Alex said he had borrowed money from family members before running away in the night to California. When he ran out of cash, Josh's family paid for a bus to bring him back to Texas. But he never made it home. Josh got off the bus in Pecos, Texas, and jumped in front of a train.

His family blame the extremely potent strains of cannabis Josh was smoking. THC, particularly in high doses, has been associated with the development of different psychiatric disorders from depression to schizophrenia and psychosis.

Anti-pot campaigner Sabet agrees about the perils of high-strength weed.

'The normalization and industrialization of today's high potency THC drug products is bad for Americans of all ages, especially our next generation,' he said.

'Big Marijuana has set its sights on hooking a new generation of users by telling people their products are safe and even beneficial.'
New Health Secretary Victoria Atkins has revealed she is an 'optimist' who will adopt a different approach to negotiating with doctors in a bid to end strikes.

She told health bosses at the NHS Providers' annual conference in Liverpool that she will 'get around the table' to find a 'fair and reasonable resolution'.

In a pre-recorded video message, Ms Atkins said she plans to work with staff to overcome the challenges in the health service and 'take the long-term decisions that will build a brighter future for our NHS'.

She added: 'This is the approach I will take to industrial action.

'I'm acutely aware of how the strikes have disrupted patient care and I'm committed to getting around the table, because I want to see a fair and reasonable resolution.'

She told health bosses at the NHS Providers' annual conference in Liverpool that she will 'get around the table' to find a 'fair and reasonable resolution'. In a pre-recorded video message, Ms Atkins said she plans to work with staff to overcome the challenges in the health service and 'take the long-term decisions that will build a brighter future for our NHS'

Official figures also show waiting lists for routine NHS procedures also shot up to a a new record high, with around 6.5million patients in England waiting for 7.77million appointments and procedures in England. But the Treasury has refused to fully bailout the health service, forcing managers to scale back plans to clear the backlog

NHS strikes have led to the cancellation of over 1million appointments and operations and cost around 1billion.

The Treasury has refused to fully bailout the health service, forcing managers to scale back plans to clear the backlog of 7.8million.

At the start of her message, Ms Atkins said she wanted to 'start by thanking you all for all the fantastic and vital work that you do'.

She added: 'I'm sorry I can't be with you in Liverpool, but I'm really looking forward to getting to know you and working with you in the weeks and months ahead.

'It's a genuine pleasure and a privilege to be your Health and Social Care Secretary.

'My belief in our national health service and its founding principles is one of the reasons I came into politics.

'Now I know you might hear this a lot, but for me, it is truly personal.

Like families up and down the country, I owe our NHS a lot.

'It has cared for me and my family and bought my wonderful son into the world.

'I want to make sure that it's here in fighting fit form for our children and our grandchildren, just as it's been here for us.'

Ms Atkins said there is 'a lot of work to do' as Government reforms 'bed in' and the NHS faces a tough winter.

'We know winter will be challenging, but this year we have all started to prepare earlier than ever before,' she said.

'Using our recovery plan, we can continue to expand capacity, build resilience and deliver better care.

This has to be our number one priority.

'I recognise that this requires working collaboratively with other organisations and sectors  for example working with the police to support people suffering from mental health crises.'

She told staff they have 'overcome a once-in-a-generation pandemic' and are working to tackling waiting lists.

She finished off by saying her thanks to staff is sincere, adding: 'Let's roll up our sleeves and get on with the job.

Now's the time to deliver for patients and deliver for our NHS.'

Discussions between doctors' leaders and officials at the Department of Health and Social Care are ongoing on the best way to resolve strikes.

NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard told the Providers' conference about the first phone call she had with Ms Atkins after she became Health Secretary.

Asked what the first question she asked Ms Atkins was, Ms Pritchard said: 'I wonder if you'd be interested to know the first question she asked me?

Official data released last month shows more than 100,000 hospital appointments in England were rescheduled due to walkouts by British Medical Association (BMA) consultants and junior doctors in October. Radiographers also joined the picket lines

'The first question she asked me was 'What can I do to help you?'

'We then had a very wide-ranging discussion, but it will be unsurprising to know that one of the first things we talked about was industrial action.

'So we've been really clear, we have consistently talked about the impacts industrial action has had on patients, talked about the impact that it's had on our own teams and colleagues, talked about the impact it's had on finances, but also called on all sides to work together to find a resolution.'

Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents trusts, told the conference resolving the strikes was 'absolutely critical'.

She added: 'We really need to see that industrial action behind us and I was very heartened to hear Victoria's approach there in the film, which really focused on coming to the table and negotiating, having a conversation and listening.

'That feels so important and I think there's even more reason for hope than there has been over the last few weeks where we know that talks have been underway.'

Professor Phil Banfield, chair of the British Medical Association council, said: 'We welcome the new Health Secretary's commitment to joining us around the table with a clear mandate for a solution to the Government's dispute with doctors.

'We hope Victoria Atkins' appointment and words are followed by swift action, which is not something we have always experienced with previous Health Secretaries.'
Researchers have also found hospital mortality increases when the ER is busy

Patients who stayed in the ER before hospital admission were more likely to die

Patients who spend one night in the emergency room before being admitted to the hospital are more likely to die.

Researchers in France looked at data from patients over the age of 74 from 97 emergency departments around the country between December 12 and 14 in 2022.

They compared two groups: patients who were admitted straight to a hospital room before midnight and those who spent at least midnight to 8am in the ER.

The researchers found patients who stayed overnight in the ER were around 40 percent more at risk of an in-hospital death than patients who were able to be immediately placed in a room.

French researchers found patients who stayed one night in the ER had around a 40 percent higher risk of dying in the hospital than patients who were admitted to the hospital straight away

Inpatient mortality within 30 days among people who spent one night in the ER was 15.7 percent compared to 11.1 percent in the hospital-admitted group, the study, published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, found.

The researchers also looked at adverse events that occurred while in the ER and the hospital.

They found those who stayed in the ER were more likely to have falls, an infection, bleeding, a heart attack, stroke, blood clots, bedsores and low sodium levels, which 'partially explained' why the patients were more likely to die.

Researchers partially attributed this to 'a night on a hard cot and potentially insufficient monitoring and care.'

Patients not being able to sleep in the ER may also contribute, as sleep deprivation is particularly dangerous in older people and can cause or increase memory loss, confusion or depression.

Patients at highest risk were those who needed help with daily functions, the researchers said.

They concluded: 'Older adults should be prioritized for admission to a ward.'

A separate study from 2022 also found that emergency room conditions contributed to mortality throughout the hospital.

Researchers from Pennsylvania State University and the University of California, San Francisco, discovered the hospital-wide mortality rate was 5.4 percent greater on days when the emergency room was busy.

And because of a law called EMTALA (Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act), hospitals are not allowed to turn anyone away, meaning patients can continue to fill ERs even if there are no beds available.

Dr Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at New York University Langone Medical Center, who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital: 'There is more that can potentially go wrong with older adults in the emergency room.

'Older patients may have less medical reserve and more comorbidities and they could become more easily stressed and disoriented, which can worsen outcomes.

'Its also easier to pick up additional medical problems in the hospital, including infections.'
Cannabis could help the millions of women suffering from endometriosis combat the pain associated with the debilitating condition.

Endometriosis is a chronic disease that affects 6.5 million women in the US. It causes extreme pain during periods and sex, as well as chronic pelvic pain, abdominal bloating, nausea and infertility.

There is currently no cure and treatment, aimed at controlling symptoms, includes invasive surgery.

Research has suggested the microbiota - collection of bacteria in the gut- and neurons called endocannabinoids bind to receptors in the central nervous system that play a role in the development and progression of endometriosis.

Endocannabinoids, as well as cannabinoids, which come from outside sources like ingesting marijuana, have pain-relieving effects that suppress the processing of pain signals to the brain.

The gut constitutes part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which has been found to influence pain levels, making it a promising target for treating chronic pain associated with endometriosis, researchers said.

An imbalance of these three things can trigger inflammation and increase the presence of bad bacteria in the body, which contributes to the worsening of endometriosis.

The condition affects women of all ages and can lead to pain, heavy periods, nausea and diarrhea. It is also a cause of infertility: 30 to 50 percent of women who struggle to get pregnant have endometriosis (stock image)

The uterus is lined with endometrial tissue called the endometrium. The body generates a new endometrium with every menstrual cycle to prepare for a fertilized egg but in cases of endometriosis, that tissue grows on the outside of the uterus

In the female reproductive organs, endometrial tissue called the endometrium lines the uterus. The body generates a new endometrium with every menstrual cycle to prepare for a fertilized egg. But in people with endometriosis, that tissue grows outside of the uterus.

As the tissue builds up, it increases the risk of painful cysts, scarring, inflammation, and tissue that connects organs and binds them together.

This tissue build up can block fallopian tubes - the tubes eggs travel down to reach the uterus - or form scar tissue, which make it harder to become pregnant.

There is currently only one trial investigating the use of cannabis for endometriosis pain, specifically involving CBD  which does not get you high  and vaporized THC, the psychoactive chemical in cannabis.

The latest study by researchers from Australia and New Zealand builds on findings from more than 140 journal articles that have suggested circulating blood levels of endocannabinoids are correlated with endometriosis pain, with low levels of endocannabinoids associated with increased pain.

Endometriosis has been described as an endocannabinoid deficiency by some researchers. In people with endometriosis, too-low levels of CB1 receptors have been linked to disruptions in the ECS and appear to affect the regulation of endometriosis-associated pain.

Activating specific receptors in the brain  CB1 and CB2  with endocannabinoids found in the body or cannabinoids from elsewhere through smoking or vaping THC can reduce the brains perception of pain signals and initiate a pain-relieving effect.

Experimental models of endometriosis studied in mice have found repeated exposure to cannabis interfered with the growth of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus.

A similar study showed exposing mice to CBD decreased the diameter, volume, and area of uterine lesions, showing an ability to counteract free radicals in the body that can damage cells.

The researchers suggest, therefore, using cannabis could help women manage pain levels associated with the severe disorder.

But evidence of whether cannabis can actually decrease pain is mixed.

Advocates of marijuana claim the drug has a myriad of health benefits, including being able to soothe aches and pains.

But a US government-backed analysis of 25 trials has concluded there is 'very little scientifically valid research' to support marijuana as an effective pain killer.

The authors of the latest report from the researchers in Austalia and New Zealand said: These promising findings highlight the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD and THC for endometriosis-associated pain, warranting the need for human studies.

Their report was published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.

While more than 176 million women suffer from endometriosis worldwide, many struggle to get a diagnosis despite the pain interfering with daily life.

There are three types of endometriosis, according to its location.

The most common is superficial peritoneal endometriosis, which affects the peritoneum, or the thin membrane that lines the abdomen and pelvis. This is found in 80 percent of women diagnosed.

A second kind of endometriosis also affects the ovaries to cause endometriomas. These are dark, fluid filled cysts, or chocolate cysts most commonly found on the ovaries which affect 17 to 44 percent of patients.

Deeply infiltrating endometriosis, which causes extreme pelvic pain in one to five percent of endometriosis sufferers, refers to endometrial tissue that has penetrated organs including the bowel and bladder. It can grow into nerves, typically the sciatic nerves, which run down each leg.

It is possible to have more than one type of endometriosis and its not clear if they all behave in the same way.

Doctors are not entirely sure what causes endometriosis, but some believe genes play a role, as well as a condition called retrograde menstruation, in which menstrual blood containing endometrial cells pass through fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity where they stick to organs.
Tens of thousands more sufferers are being diagnosed with dementia each month after the NHS sent specialist teams into care homes to assess residents.

The experts identified 475,573 patients with the condition in September  up more than 52,000 compared with the same time last year, with rates now at a three-year high.

Health chiefs have set a target of diagnosing two thirds of people over 65 with dementia in the next 12 months. The current rate is 64.3 per cent, according to latest figures.

Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England, said she is committed to continuing the diagnosis drive so that more sufferers can get the help they urgently need.

Trials earlier this year showed the new drug donanemab can slow early Alzheimer's progression by up to 60 per cent in a breakthrough hailed as a 'turning point' in the fight against the disease.

Health chiefs have set a target of diagnosing two thirds of people over 65 with dementia in the next 12 months (File Photo)

NHS England launched a pilot scheme last December to increase diagnosis rates with specialist nurses going into care homes to assess older adults who may have missed checks during the pandemic.

The programme has led to the North West and North East of England exceeding the national diagnosis target with 69.1 per cent and 66.9 per cent respectively  their highest levels since before the pandemic

Speaking at NHS Providers annual conference, a networking event in Liverpool, yesterday, Ms Pritchard said: 'A dementia diagnosis can be incredibly daunting for people and their families, but an early diagnosis can ensure that they get the support they need as quickly as possible.

'We will press on with our efforts and I am determined that by next year we will reach our ambition of diagnosing two thirds of people.'

NHS guidance encourages anyone who is worried about signs of dementia or has concerns about a loved one to contact their GP for an assessment.

Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England, said she is committed to continuing the diagnosis drive so that more sufferers can get the help they urgently need

Earlier this year, health chiefs established a national taskforce to prepare for the potential arrival of new Alzheimer's treatments, if they are approved by regulators.

The NHS Long Term Plan also committed to offering better support for people with dementia through more community schemes and personalised care.

Fiona Carragher, of Alzheimer's Society, said: 'Nine in ten people told us they benefited from receiving a diagnosis, as it allows them to plan for their future, and get vital support.

'However, dementia is the UK's biggest killer and there is still much work to be done.'
The Renault Twingo will be reborn as an affordable electric city car with a starting price under 17,000, the French manufacturer has announced.

The quirky compact car that was first launched in Europe in 1992 will be reborn as a major rival to Chinese brands as Renault looks to stir up competition at the budget end of the electric vehicle (EV) market.

Luca de Meo, Renault's chief executive, unveiled the car in concept form during a presentation in Paris, promising it will deliver 'best-in-class efficiency' when it goes on sale in 2026.

Here's what we know about it so far...

Renault Twingo to be reborn as an affordable EV for 2026: Prices will start from under under 20,000 (around 17,000) without grants and incentives

The Twingo concept was unveiled by Renault's chief exectuive Luca de Meo in Paris on Wednesday (pictured)

Price is certainly the biggest talking point of the new Twingo, with Renault execs guaranteeing it will start from under 20,000 (around 17,000) without grants and incentives.

For customers using finance, it should be available from less than 100 per month (approximately 87).

That could make it the cheapest passenger EV on the market, though Dacia's new Spring EV arriving in the UK next year is also predicted to be priced around the same.

It will sit below the new all-electric Renault 5 hatchback and Renault 4 compact SUV - both due around 2025 - in the brand's new-look battery-powered line-up.

A newly-formed spin-off design team will fast-track its development from its current concept form to a full-production car to be built in Europe in just two years, matching the progression of Chinese rivals, de Meo said.

He added that the next-generation Twingo will 'be a game changer once again like it was 30 years ago' and promises it to be a 'fit for purpose urban vehicle, state-of-the-art EV with no compromise' that will be around 20 per cent smaller than models that currently sit in the smallest passenger car segment.

He said it will be a 'silver bullet for sustainability mobility' and a key product in the car maker's quest for an affordable EV.

De Meo told those in attendance at the Capital Markets Day event hosted in Boulogne-Billancourt - one of the wealthiest and most prestigious communes in Paris - that the Twingo EV will offer 6.2 miles per kWh and, over its lifetime, produce 75 per cent less CO2 emissions than the average European car with a combustion engine sold in 2023.

Bosses said it should be available on finance for less than 100 per month (approximately 87), making it an affordable option

The EV version will be the fourth-generation Twingo available and will hark back to the original's quirky look

The Twingo will sit below the new all-electric Renault 5 hatchback (right) and Renault 4 compact SUV (left) - both due around 2025 - in the brand's new-look battery-powered line-up

Renault's design team will fast-track its development from the current concept form to a full-production car that will be built in Europe in just two years to match Chinese rivals

Twingo EV concept is a tribute to the 1992 original

In terms of looks, the concept harks back to the original Twingo launched in 1992 - a car that was sold in mainland Europe but not introduced to the UK market with its steering wheel on the right-hand-side.

Britain's had to wait until the arrival of the second-generation in 2006 if they wanted to get their hands on a Twingo, while the mk3 version also came to the UK in 2014 with the unique selling point of having its engine at the rear under the boot floor.

Sales were not good, though, with 2018 seeing just 877 examples sold to customers in Britain. Bosses axed it from UK showrooms a year later.

The design of the Twingo EV concept shares the mk1 car's headlight shape and the three-slot air vent in the bonnet

In the Twingo concept, those bonnet vents are actually used to externally display the EV's remaining battery charge. One big problem is, this setup can only go up to '99%'

The diminutive Renault Twingo 1 was launched in France and mainland Europe in 1992 but was never offered in the UK market

The mk1 Twingo was fondly remembered by French owners for its Tardis-like packaging, with a relatively spacious interior for such compact dimensions, as showcased here in the 'Sumo edition'

Two generations of the Twingo have previously been sold in the UK. The mk2 (left) was introduced in Britain in 2006 - and they even made hot RenaultSport and Gordini versions. The third-gen Twingo (right) came in 2014, though its USP of having the engine under the boot floor wasn't popular and it was pulled from showrooms in 2019

During a presentation in Paris on Wednesday afternoon, de Meo said Twingo will 'be a game changer once again like it was 30 years ago'

Twingo will be a 'fit for purpose urban vehicle, state-of-the-art EV with no compromise' that will be around 20% smaller than current models in the segment

Other elements of the design that go back to the original are the door handles, which have a circular indent like the 1992 car. However, unlike the 3-door mk1, Renault showcased the Twingo EV as a five-door model

The mk1 Twingo - on which the concept is loosely based - was fondly remembered by Parisian owners for its Tardis-like packaging, with a relatively spacious interior for such compact, city-friendly dimensions.

Styling wise, the concept carries-over a few touches from the early nineties car, including oval headlights - this time in LED-strip form - and three air scoops in the bonnet lid.

Those vents were designed to cool the Twingo's hard-working small engines, which ranged from 1.0 to 1.2-litres in capacity in the original car. But that's not the purpose in the concept.

Instead, the vents display the level of battery charge remaining. For what reason you would want to tell people outside the vehicle how little range you have remaining, we don't really know. And another issue is the fact it can't go up to '100%', given it only has space for three characters.

While the car will carry its familiar Renault badge, it will be designed, engineered and produced by Ampere - a new division confirmed at the event today that will focus primarily on small EVs.

Speaking ahead of the reveal of the new Twingo concept, de Meo said: 'In the true spirit of Renault, Ampere is engineered to make electric and connected cars affordable for all, addressing the imperatives of energy transition and seizing the growth opportunities on the market.'

He added: 'The uniqueness of Ampere is based on an open and horizontal approach with best-in-class partners, ensuring low-risk, flexibility, and smart capital allocation to navigate a fast changing and competitive environment.'
Glencore has set the clock running on the break-up of its business after signing a multi-billion pound deal for the coal arm of Canadian rival Teck Resources.

The FTSE 100 miner and resource trading giant had been pursuing Teck for months, having tabled an initial 18.7billion bid for the entire group in April, which was rebuffed twice by the Vancouver-based firm.

But yesterday Glencore announced it had struck a deal with Teck to buy 77 per cent of the latters steelmaking coal business for 5.6billion in cash. The rest will be owned by Japanese corporation Nippon Steel and South Korean group Posco.

The offer came after the group was forced to pare back its ambitions to take over all of Teck amid opposition from major shareholders and Canadian politicians.

But the groups hand was strengthened when Tecks own plans to split its coal business off from its metal mining arm were opposed by its investors earlier this year.

FTSE 100 miner Glencore has struck a deal to buy 77% of Tecks steelmaking coal business for 5.6bn in cash

The deal allows Glencore to take control of several prized assets, including four metallurgical coal mines in the Canadian province of British Colombia.

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, said Glencore boss Gary Nagle.

The shares rose 4.5 per cent, or 19.55p, to 450p in response. The company also said that following the merger, which is expected to be completed in the third quarter of next year, it still planned to split off the combined coal business into a separate entity within two years.

Glencore plans to list the separate coal arm on the New York stock market while its large metals business would remain on the London Stock Exchange. It is not yet known what will happen to its highly lucrative energy trading division.

The decision to relentlessly pursue Tecks coal arm comes amid a conviction by Nagle that the heavily polluting fossil fuel will continue to play a major role in global energy and industrial production despite a drive to lower emissions.

But plans for a spin-out also come as the firm looks to move away from associations with the dirty fuel and instead pivot more towards rising demand for metals such as copper as countries look to electrify and increase green energy usage.

The acquisition of the Teck business still faces hurdles as it requires approval from Canadian competition regulators.

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 AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould.

But he noted the deal was for steelmaking coal mines, rather than coal burned to produce energy, and as such the tie-up and demerger plans makes business sense.

He added: If it is successful in executing its spin-off plans, the remaining Glencore businesses would be free of the stink of coal and would likely attract a higher valuation.
Iceland Foods suffered an 'unprecedented' 94million increase in annual energy costs last year as the ripple effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine weighed on profits.

The frozen foods specialist's accounts for the year to 24 March, published this week, show annual adjusted earnings before nasties fell by nearly 17 per cent when compared to 2021, to 105.8million.

Demonstrating the impact of the energy price spike, Iceland's adjusted EBITDA rose by 72.3million to 269million when excluding these costs.

Bright lights and full freezers: Iceland's energy costs soar

Iceland said the ex-energy improvement reflected 'strong progress' on growing sales and 'protecting' its buying margin, while keeping prices competitive at a time of cost cutting measures across the business.

The group, which was founded by co-owner Sir Malcolm Walker, said it had achieved a 'substantial reduction' in its cost base, notwithstanding energy costs, putting it on course for profit growth in the years ahead.

But the company also incurred exceptional expenses of 24.3millon, mainly comprising business restructuring costs and the disposal of Iceland Stores Ireland in February this year.

The result was a financial loss for the year of 17.1million, up from 3.6million the previous year.

It said 'a record-breaking Christmas' and 24 new store openings helped to drive sales of 3.86billion for the year, up from 3.61billion in 2022.

However, Iceland also closed 18 stores in the financial year, taking its total to 997, and it has been forced to close more and shelve planned openings since March.

Iceland currently holds a 2.1% UK market share

It will also not go ahead with its Christmas tv advert, as the firm said it was a 'no-brainer' to plunge the 'millions' of pounds it would have spent on a festive marketing campaign into slashing prices.

Ahead of the retail 'golden' period, Iceland currently holds a 2.1 per cent market share in the UK, according to research from Kantar.

Deeside, Wales-headquartered Iceland was in 2020 returned to full British ownership under Walker and the Dhaliwal families, whom made the 108.5million acquisition of South African Brait SE's stake in the business.
A parliamentary committee inquiry heard on Wednesday that progress on tackling sexism and misogyny in the City of London has stalled.

Harriet Baldwin MP, chair of the Treasury Committee examining sexism and misogyny in the City, said she had been 'quite surprised' by evidence given in the inquiry to date, which suggested 'nothing has really changed since 2018', with the issue 'having flatlined'.

Baldwin, who serves as the Tory MP for West Worcestershire, said it could still be a struggle for people, particularly women, to progress to the 'highest echelons' of the finance sector.

Cahir: Harriet Baldwin MP, is chair of the Treasury Committee examining sexism in the City

'There continues to be a very wide gender pay gap' within the [financial] sectors,' Baldwin claimed.

The UK's financial services sector had an average gender pay gap - the difference between mens and womens median hourly pay, as a percentage of mens pay - of 22 per cent in the 2022-23 financial year, just below the previous year's rate and the highest of any sector other than education.

A review of City firms in 2018 also found only a smattering of women in executive roles across the finance sector.

But one witness, Sarah Boon, managing director of UK Finance, disagreed with Baldwin's belief that little had changed.

Boon told the Treasury Committee: 'I don't think it's fair to say that nothing has changed since 2018.

'There is a greater focus on flexible working, which was not the case in 2018. There is also a much greater understanding of issues that affect women, like the menopause. There is more that can be done, but there has been some change.'

Karen Northey, a director at The Investment Association, said it was difficult to measure progress on issues like inclusion and diversity across the investment management sector.

But, speaking ahead of a report being published by The Investment Association on Thursday, Northey said there had been 'change in the pay gap' within the sector.

Northey, while recognising more progress needed to be made, said 'the mean on pay has changed from 31 per cent to 24 per cent between 2018 and 2022' across the investment management sector 'so there is a smaller pay gap there'.

Speaking out: In October, Baroness Morrissey said sexism remained 'endemic' across the financial services sector

Meanwhile, witness Yvonne Braun, a director of the Association of British Insurers, said the representation of women at board level in the insurance and long-term savings sector had increased from 19 per cent in 2018 to 32 per cent in 2022.

She said the gulf remained 'pretty poor', but recognised there had been 'a shift'.

Adam Jacobs-Dean, managing director of the The Alternative Investment Management Association, said the picture at senior level in the hedge fund sector was 'not as good' as it could be, but suggested some progress had been made.

Jacobs-Dean said only around 20 per cent of people in senior roles within the hedge fund sector were women.

He added: 'Men are in the majority in our sector, but we as an industry body are well-placed to be able to showcase the success a number of women have had forging careers in our industry.'

From the inquiry, the Treasury Committee said it wanted to 'gain insight' on how the banking, insurance, investment management and hedge fund sectors are trying to tackle the issue of sexism in their sectors.

In October, speaking as the Treasury committee launched its sexism in the City inquiry, Baroness Morrissey, chair of the Diversity Project, an initiative in the UK investment and savings industry, said sexism was endemic across the financial services industry.

She called for independent reviews into how firms deal with complaints of sexual harassment, adding that the Financial Conduct Authority could better use its powers to tackle the problem  including penalising firms for failing to act.

Morrissey said there were 'big pockets' in the sector where no improvements had been made since 2018.

The FCA must have 'real teeth' and issue clear guidance for firms on what is unacceptable. Independent investigations may also be needed to ensure adequate action is taken, Morrissey said.
The UK's three charity regulators have criticised big banks for 'suddenly closing or suspending' charities' bank accounts.

The Charity Commission for England and Wales, the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland and the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator are urging high street banks to improve services for charities, which they have blasted as 'substandard'.

It comes days after we revealed that a raft of community bank accounts, including those of charities, have been 'debanked' by Barclays without warning or explanation.

Debanking hit the headlines with a row between Nigel Farage and NatWest after it closed his Coutts account, but This is Money's investigations revealed the scale to which it is happening to organisations, including a parish council, male voice choir and steam train enthusiasts group.

The UK's charity regulators have criticised high street banks for suddenly closing and freezing the bank accounts of charities

In an open letter sent today to the chief executives of major high street banks, the charity regulators said that charities are having their accounts closed or suspended suddenly, and have been experiencing 'poor customer service and administrative delays'.

In one case, the letter said a charity had its bank account frozen with little notice after asking for scanned identification from more than 60 trustees, many of whom were elderly with no access to internet banking.

Another charity had its account frozen after a bed bound trustee suffering with cancer was unable to sign a document, despite having the signatures of dozens of other trustees.

The charity regulators said they had found that charities were experiencing disruption to their operations and in some cases left unable to pay staff.

The letter to the banks outlined other challenges charities face, including the reduction of bespoke banking services, poor customer service, and unsuitable online banking services.

The regulators warned that 'inadequate banking provision drives charities to rely on unsafe practices, such as trustees using their own bank accounts, or keeping large cash reserves unsecured - and public trust in charities may become eroded.'

Nigel Farage claimed NatWest debanked him for political reasons

Now, the regulators are calling on the banks to:

Improve the process of setting up a charity bank account, to make it more straightforward for trustees.

Improve staff training at banks on how charities are run, so that so they request correct documentation from trustees and prevent avoidable delay and unnecessary account freezes.

At the Charity Commission for England and Wales's annual public meeting, CEO Helen Stephenson said: 'Charities are on the frontline of the current cost-of-living crisis, providing vital support to people across the country at this challenging time. Many are themselves facing financial difficulties.

'The current stresses for charity trustees are heightened by avoidable frustrations at the availability of bank accounts and substandard service from banks.

'Too often, charities experience accounts being closed or suspended suddenly for long periods of time with poor customer service and administrative delays.

'This letter makes clear that we consider the service charities experience is unacceptable.

'The scale of the response from banks needs to improve, now, and at pace.'
Cashed-up Chinese buyers are taking private jets to Melbourne to purchase luxury mansions in the city's most expensive suburb, an Australian buyer's agent reveals.

Buyer's agent and property developer Alex Bragilevsky says 90 per cent of his buyers now come from China.

In the last six months ,the buyer's agent has facilitated a whopping $135 million in real estate deals - and all were Chinese buyers.

Mr Bragilevsky said some of the international buyers arrive in Melbourne on a private jet and will pay over asking for a luxury home they want.

Buyer's agent and property developer Alex Bragilevsky in Melbourne's affluent suburb of Toorak (pictured) said 90 per cent of his clientele are Chinese buyers

One sale facilitated by Mr Bragilevsky was a 1930s mansion on Ottawa Road sold to Chinese buyer Xin Zhang for $21.5million (pictured)

'They come to Melbourne on a private jet, and I'll meet them at the airport with a nice car. Then we go out and look at real estate,' he said the Australian Financial Review.

He added that the 'Chinese will pay over the odds for single dwellings,' in the neighbourhood as it secures them a family home located near prestigious schools for their children.

One sale facilitated by Mr Bragilevsky was a 1930s mansion on Ottawa Road sold to Chinese buyer Xin Zhang for $21.5million.

He also sold a modern mansion earlier in the year to Chinese client and chief executive of UK-based clothing manufacturer Yunhan Jin Du.

The mansion, located on Whernside Avenue, set a record price for the street after it was sold for $33.5 million.

Mr Bragilevsky (pictured) said foreign clients arrive on private jets to Melbourne and are willing to pay over asking for a luxury home

Mr Bragilevsky said his Chinese clients typically write cheques or deposit money on the spot to purchase a home, while about 10-15 buyers pay cash for a luxury home.

Foreign buyers are playing an increasingly important role in the country's housing market, according to NAB's latest quarterly Australian Residential Property survey.

The data showed foreign shares have increased for the fourth straight quarter and now account for 10 per cent of the market - marking a five year high.

Chinese buyers made up the greatest proportion of foreign investors, with some figures suggesting they spend on average $8 million a day.

Treasury figures showed, China was the largest source of investment in Australian residential real estate from January 2022 to March 2023.

During those nine months alone, Chinese investors spent $2.3billion, which would equate to $8.4million a day, snapping up 1,775 properties.

After China, the largest sources of residential investment were from Hong Kong and Vietnam - both with $400million.

India, where Anthony Albanese is now trying to attract investment, is in sixth place.
The rumours surrounding the mysterious disappearance of a man who police believe was murdered have been aired out in court, including whether he'd had his arm chopped off, was put in an acid bath or killed by bikies.

David Lee Tans, Billy Bornstein, Francesco Giorgi and Filip Grbavac are each charged with the murder of Lachlan Griffiths.

The 34-year-old man was reported missing by his mother in late January 2022.

His body has never been found.

Police charged four men over the murder of Lachlan Griffiths despite his body never being found

He was known to be residing in different hotels in the Brisbane area, with police alleging he was last seen alive at Slacks Creek in November 2021.

During a committal hearing in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday, Mr Griffiths' friend Sarah Scaini said she'd secretly recorded a conversation she had with his girlfriend, Amy Turner, on November 15, 2022.

The court heard Ms Turner had also previously been in a relationship with Mr Grbavac but that they were still on good terms when their relationship ended. Ms Turner is not accused of any wrongdoing.

Ms Scaini was asked by Mr Grbavac's barrister, Simon Lewis, about the secret recordings she'd made.

The court heard Ms Scaini was discussing what she'd heard had happened to Mr Griffiths in the recording, including that his arm had been cut off, there was a video, acid was involved or potentially it was bikie related.

Ms Scaini was also discussing in the secret recording that Mr Griffiths had 'robbed Asians' and his disappearance might have had something to do with that.

'I wasn't referring to anyone in particular,' Ms Scaini told the court on Tuesday.

'I heard a lot of things.

'It's just what I've heard ... (from) lots of different people.'

He was known to be residing in different hotels in the Brisbane area, with police alleging he was last seen alive at Slacks Creek in November 2021

During a committal hearing in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday, Mr Griffiths' friend Sarah Scaini said she'd secretly recorded a conversation she had with his girlfriend, Amy Turner, on November 15, 2022

She said everything she said was based on 'rumours' she'd heard from other people.

During his cross-examination, Crown Prosecutor Christopher Cook asked Ms Scaini whether her knowledge of what happened to Mr Griffiths was 'mostly gossip, speculation or hearsay.

Ms Scaini agreed and said she wasn't aware of the evidence police did have against the four men charged with his murder.

Ms Turner also told the court on Tuesday she was only referring to things she'd heard on the news during the recorded conversation with Ms Scaini.

'I think that was just assumptions', Ms Turner said when asked about whether Mr Griffiths was shot or chopped up.

Jamie Lee Allen, who owned a property on Musgrave Road in Coopers Plains where police had searched for Mr Griffiths' body, told the court carpet had been replaced in the boardroom of the building.

Mr Allen said he wasn't sure why the room had been cleaned.

'It had been tidy, there was less rubbish was everywhere,' Mr Allen said.

'Some carpet tiles had been changed because they'd had some chemicals spilled on them.'

Mr Allen is not accused of any wrongdoing.

Mr Allen said he had been told there had been a fight in the boardroom but told the court he didn't ask any further questions.

When asked whether he knew about an alleged fire at the property, Mr Allen said 'sometimes it's best to not ask questions'.

The hearing continues on Wednesday.
'Porch pirates' who prey on unguarded parcels are set to pose a major headache for shoppers across Britain in the run up to Christmas, with the problem growing year-on-year, MailOnline can reveal.

Opportunistic thieves are making off with goods potentially worth hundreds of pounds at a time after spotting boxes dropped off at homes by couriers during the day when their recipients aren't in, postal industry experts say.

Freedom of Information requests sent to police forces reveal some constabularies are receiving multiple reports of parcel theft each day, with one in 10 households reporting the loss of a package last year.

The problem also gets worse at this time of year, with a quarter of all theft reports in the year to August made in November and December.

Of the forces that responded, Hertfordshire Constabulary reported the greatest number of parcel thefts per head of population: 73 per 100,000, or 877 throughout the year - equivalent to more than two thefts a day.

Have you had a delivery nightmare? Tell us about it: jon.brady@mailonline.co.uk

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Parcel theft is on the rise, according to a postal industry firm that collated data on reports to British police forces

The moment a thief stole Amazon packages from a home in Hampshire in September. The constabulary area has the highest rate of parcel theft

The map shows parcel theft data from the least affected areas (yellow) to the worst (blue)

Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, West Mercia and Lancashire also reported high rates of parcel theft, each reporting at least one parcel theft per day on average.

Cheshire, North Wales, Gwent, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire constabularies reported the lowest rates of parcel theft of the forces that responded to the request.

Some police services also detailed the estimated value of stolen parcels - with the highest average value of a lost package reported by central Welsh force Dyfed-Powys at 251.62.

READ MORE: Doorbell footage shows shocking moment brazen thief steals an Amazon parcel from front door in broad daylight Advertisement

Cambridge and Northumbria also reported the average value of a lost parcel to be over 100 - causing financial headaches for their true recipients.

Tech firm Quadient, which requested the numbers, estimates that parcel theft has surged 500 per cent since 2019.

Estimates it has produced based on data it received from the police suggest over 16,000 reports of parcel theft have been made in the UK in the year to August, up from 2,707 for the same period four years ago.

It hasn't requested the data for nothing; the firm produces parcel lockers that people can send post to if they can't be in to collect it during the 9-to-5 hours that most parcel companies operate in - and claims these would stamp out the problem of 'porch pirates'.

Katia Bourgeais-Cremel, executive vice-president of Quadient's parcel locker division, says the problem has been exacerbated recently by the cost-of-living crisis, with desperate thieves keen to make a quick buck.

But it has also been worsened by the fact that many people who would have stayed in to wait for parcels during the coronavirus pandemic. It says 22-34-year-olds - many of whom are now returning to offices - were most likely to report lost packages.

Ms Bourgeais-Cremel said: 'The plague of porch piracy has intensified during the cost-of-living crisis, with nationwide parcel theft increasing more than 500% since 2019.

'Unattended items on doorsteps are just waiting to be stolen. The number reported to the police could have increased in part due to better awareness of the importance of reporting.

'However, when you consider more than one in ten households had a parcel stolen last year, porch piracy is clearly a big problem for businesses and consumers across the UK.'

Experts believe the cost of living crisis, combined with a return to 9-5 office work, is driving a rise in parcel theft

It has been suggested that delivery firms consider using parcel locker services to give people flexibility when it comes to picking up their packages

She added that shoppers deserve better from parcel companies, which need to embrace people's work-led lifestyles and consider offering locker drop-off services.

Some couriers do offer drop-off services, whether at lockers or corner shops, but others will simply reattempt delivery until they give up and send parcels back to their senders.

She concluded: 'This is leaving retailers and couriers spending time and money replacing stolen deliveries and adding strain to customer services.

'In households that do their Christmas shopping online, retailers' brand perception could take a serious knock if people are left without a present to unwrap on Christmas morning.'

MailOnline has reported on a number of incidents of brazen parcel theft in recent months, often committed in broad daylight.

Earlier this year a man and a woman were caught on camera in Holland Park stretching through a locked gate to drag a Victoria's Secret package across the ground before wrenching it over the fence.

In September, Amazon customer Ben Palmer watched via his doorbell camera as a man brazenly ran to his doorstep, picked up packages and ran away.

Mr Palmer said at the time: 'I thought it was brave that someone in broad daylight would do that. That they would jump out of a van and steal a parcel like that.'
DailyMail.com asked service workers in New York City how they feel being on the other side of the screen

It's no secret that American consumers are fed-up with 'tipflation' - and resent that they can no longer even walk into a coffee shop or convenience store without being confronted with trendy touchscreens bombarding them with prompts for gratuities.

Most people are happy to tip in a traditional setting such as a sit-down restaurant or bar, but feel they are increasingly being asked to give too much at at time when they are already struggling to make ends meet.

Indeed, nearly three quarters of Americans say tipping is now expected in more places compared to five years ago, according to a new poll by Pew Research Center.

But what's it like for staff on the other side of the ever-present tipping screen?

DailyMail.com took to the streets of New York City to find out, asking cafe and store employees to weigh in on whether they feel it's fair to ask customers to tip in these types of venues - or if the new trend is a step too far? And their reactions may surprise you...

DailyMail.com took to the streets of New York City to find out, asking cafe and store employees to weigh in on tipping culture

Many agreed that iPad tip prompts put too much pressure on customers and are often too uncomfortable to even look at the screen themselves

Many agreed that iPad tip prompts put too much pressure on customers and often feel too uncomfortable to even look at the screen themselves during the payment process.

At Bluestone Lane, an Australian cafe chain in the United States, employee Izzy Goussen said: 'I feel like it kind of pressures you in a way. I feel like when it comes to cash tips or change tips, I feel like that's just on you, you know, it's whether you want to pull it out of your wallet or not.'

Goussen also agreed that the tip prompting screen can create an embarrassing interaction and said customers should not fear being judged because the cashiers only see that the transaction was completed, not how much was left.

'They [workers] literally can't see it,' she said. 'The anonymity behind it kind of helps out both people. Don't feel too pressured if you press no tip.'

'It just comes in like, a lump amount, we don't get to see who tipped us or anything like that or what order it was or what percentage,' said Goussen.

'If you really wanna show like an act of kindness, something that speaks beyond words, I feel like a cash tip is a little bit of a better way to say that because if you do it right here and you don't tell us, we don't know,' she added.

But other servers are more in favor of tips as a thank you for good service and rely on this extra cash themselves.

Coffee shop employee at Irving Farms New York, Jacob McKinney, said: 'For the most part, yeah, because you're paying for not just the stuff that you're getting but also like the experience and like any quality, I would say that's in the tip very much.'

'Not that we like on our end, try to strive for, "if you tip more, then you get better service" or anything like that, it's just like a kind of innate kind of response,' McKinney added.

Americans are frustrated by 'tipflation,' the rise of automatic gratuity prompts

Some service employees believe their tips are deserved but prefer cash because they understand the tip screens make customers uncomfortable

But with prices rising across the board, and basics such as gas and milk still stubbornly high, it makes the pressure to leave gratuities all the more painful - and staff understand this.

'It's equally frustrating, I would say, just because you wanna be empathetic and you wanna be understanding of other situations like financially but also considering yourself,' said McKinney.

'So it's kind of hard to strike the line of like I understand you don't want to tip if you can't or for whatever reason, but I still appreciate it and rely on it.'

McKinney also acknowledged how awkward it can be showing customers the tip screen and saying 'if you don't mind, just fill this out would greatly appreciate it.'

At I Smoke and Vape shop, a vaporizer and convenience store, employee Mourya Thallapally said the checkout tablets have made work easier, but he does not judge anyone that does not tip.

'We want tips, but it's their wish. If they are happy to give, we are happy to take it,' Thallapally said.

Manager of Warehouse Wine and Spirits manager, Holden Greene, said: 'We have like little tip cups if they want to leave something, but it's not a pressurized thing at all.

'It ruins the experience, like come in, shop, find what you like, if you like the service leave a tip, but that should be up to the customer, it shouldn't be expected.'

Greene added: 'I think it's kind of scummy. I think the companies might be benefiting from it. I do think that workers in general should just make more of a wage to offset tipping.'

TikTok users were quick to weigh in on a video of the interviews by DailyMail.com, with many outraged at the idea coffee shop employees think they should be tipped for the experience they provide.

'The experience bruh? I'm not getting a seven course meal,' The Yakuza Man said.

'Paying for the "experience" you mean the job you're already being paid to do,' said another user.

Commenters also questioned what experience they are supposed to be tipping for when they are the ones taking the increasingly expensive items off the shelves then waiting in long lines to pay for them.

One user said, 'Tip? For the experience? You mean the lines and already high price water bottles. You mean constantly trying to find the cheapest water bottles?'

'I'm gathering my own stuff, waiting in line, and paying... what did you do besides scan it,' said another.

Even other service workers noted on the video that tipping culture has grown out of control.

'I work as a cashier. I scan items, help people bag them, run around and help people find items, and still don't expect a tip,' said Henning Unstad.

The iPad and tablet checkout screens boomed during the pandemic when retailers stopped accepting cash due to fears bills could spread Covid-19 germs.

And according to The Wall Street Journal, businesses saw how tipping changed post-2020, and started to rely on it.

Earlier this year, DailyMail.com revealed how billionaire Jack Dorsey's tech firm Square - which sells software that powers many of these iPad payments - made an eye-watering $3 billion profit last year alone.

But surveys suggest Americans are not as happy about the new trend.

One DailyMail.com poll found that some 38 percent of the 2,000 shoppers surveyed said they disliked iPad check-outs, and one in five felt the machines had caused them to accidentally tip too much.

Americans also say it is not always clear when and how much they should tip - and 72 percent said tipping is expected in more places than it was five years ago, according to a new survey by Pew Research Center poll.

The poll, conducted between August 7-27 among 11,945 U.S. adults with a margin of error of plus or minus 1.4 percentage points, asked people their thoughts on 'tipflation,' the growth of automatic gratuity prompts.

Pew Research Center found 25 percent of people always tip at a coffee shop

Pew Research Center found 34 percent of Americans said it is 'extremely' or 'very' easy to know what services to tip for, and 33 percent said the same about knowing how much they should give.

They found only 12 percent of people will always tip at a restaurant where there are no servers, 25 percent of people always tip at a coffee shop, 70 percent always tip when buying a drink at a bar and 92 percent always tip at a restaurant where there are servers.

Meanwhile, a Bankrate survey of 2,500 people reveals that shoppers are tipping less across the board for eating out, taxis, food delivery, haircuts and their daily coffee.

According to the survey, the number of people who always tip for servers at a sit-down restaurant has declined by 12 percent in the last four years - from 77 percent in 2019 to 65 percent in 2023.

And less than half of diners - some 44 percent - said they always tip at least 20 percent at restaurants.
For villagers in tiny Bunchrew, the 15-minute drive to nearby Inverness for essentials is usually a simple enough trip.

But some locals say they have been trapped at home for days by rail works which have closed off the only access road for many residents.

The vital route was shut down this week because of a 1.2million upgrade to the level crossing, which is expected to last seven days.

Villagers who need to brave the journey from the Englishton and Kirkton Muir areas are forced to take detours  with queues of up to two hours to access their homes.

The only other route in and out of the area involves driving along an eight-mile forest path and a single-track road with a locked gate, which locals say would be difficult even for 4x4 vehicles.

The level-crossing at Bunchrew, near Inverness, which has been closed for essential repairs, cutting off residents who now need to make a detour through a local forest to reach the main road or wait for a short window when the crossing opens to let the traffic through

Residents are in favour of the essential works but windows when the crossing is open have been beset by difficulties.

Villager Bill Bryan said the few occasions it was open only lasted for up to 55 minutes at a time.

He added: Personally speaking, the biggest problem has been the medical situation.

My wife was due for an appointment at the doctors in Beauly yesterday, but she couldnt make it.

Margaret Harkins wrote on Facebook: I find it very hard to understand how Network Rail and Highland Council thought it was a good idea to close the one and only road and footpath out of a sizable community of residents in the Highlands without due notice.

One desperate local considered walking through a forest and crossing a burn in the dark to get home from work on Monday. Helen Hutchinson said: There is no path. It would be like Indiana Jones going through a forest.

Resident David Gordon described sitting in a two-hour queue on Monday along with 25 others who were trying to leave Bunchrew, adding: None of us had been given any prior notice to this.

Councillor David Fraser said there had been a lack of communication over the works.

He added: Households close to the level crossing were made aware of the work, but families further up the road werent and there have been problems.

Highland Council said the works had been agreed on the understanding a consultation would take place with the community.

A spokesman added: The council is aware of comments made by residents and will review the permit for works if a level of access cannot be maintained.

A Network Rail spokesman apologised for the inconvenience, adding: The crossing is open during certain times, and outside of the arranged crossing times, well work to allow those needing access to cross when possible.
Every week for the past year or so, Ive spent an hour at one of my local secondary schools as a volunteer for the brilliant Glasgow-based charity, MCR Pathways.

The idea behind the organisation is simple: you are twinned with a pupil who needs some support and are asked to act as their mentor.

Ive found it a challenging but rewarding experience (though whether my mentee has found my advice helpful is something Ill leave for him to say).

Impressions from an hour a week spent fighting my way through the schools packed corridors are fleeting, but Ive seen enough to take away an obvious lesson around our tortured national debate on Scottish education.

What makes a great school? What delivers top quality education? Good teachers, duh.

Jenny Gilruth, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills

And a high-quality classroom experience for the pupils they teach.

Its not rocket science.

Its something that came back to mind last week after watching Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth set out the SNPs progress on plans to reform Scottish education.

There is no greater a strength in our education system than excellent learning and teaching, she declared, rightly.

But the pace of reform her government is enacting to support this excellence is, as opposition parties put it, glacial.

A plan to scrap the Scottish Qualifications Authority has been put back. A separate move to reform the exam system has also been delayed.

There will be  you guessed it  a further consultation.

Scottish education is suffering from paralysis by analysis and a government that dreams up policy plans on the hoof, before dithering over whether to follow through on them or not.

Its a stasis that needs to end.

The roots of this inertia and lack of direction go deep. It is more than 20 years since Scotland adopted the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE), which sought to change the way education was delivered.

Numerous education secretaries have come and gone. None has ever quite managed to work out how to implement the plan properly.

On the front line, teachers have found themselves drowning in the ever-rising tide of bureaucracy and incompetence, most of it emanating from Edinburgh.

Famously, after asking for help with how to put the high-minded theories behind CfE into practice, teachers claimed to have received guidance amounting to more than 20,000 pages, most of it baffling.

Neil McLennan, one of Scotlands foremost education experts, recalls being told by one headteacher how the big green folder from the Education Scotland quango finally found a use either as a door-stop or  better still  as a punishment: pupils who had misbehaved were told to stay behind class and copy it out.

The bureaucracy reached lunatic levels. Another leading educational expert, Keir Bloomer, remembers telling a conference of teachers in Norway about what CfE involved.

Thanks to the bureaucratic changes it had introduced, teachers in Scotland, he said, were now required to understand four capacities, 12 attributes, 24 capabilities, five levels, seven principles, six entitlements, ten aims, eight curriculum areas, three inter-disciplinary areas, four contexts for learning, and 1,820 experiences and outcomes.

The Norwegian teachers all fell about laughing.

As one SNP education secretary has followed another, a tried and trusted method has become discernible.

Big plans to reform the new system are announced (remember John Swinneys plan to give headteachers more autonomy?).

These then tend to be sandpapered down or dumped altogether.

Finally, to demonstrate that at least some action is going to take place, yet another report or review is ordered to update the reports from five years ago that said much the same thing.

Stick with me on this one, but here is the summary of whats been produced in the past three years alone: a report by the OECD into the roll-out of CfE; a report into secondary assessments by Professor Gordon Stobart; a National Discussion on education (which gathered in an impressive 28,000 responses); a review of educational infrastructure by Professor Kenneth Muir; and, finally, a report into qualifications and assessments by Professor Louise Hayward.

Come to think of it, I forgot to mention the reports of another body, the International Council of Education Advisers which has also been producing papers at an alarming rate.

Amusingly, its latest report concluded the time for commissioning reviews is now over. You dont say.

Ms Gilruths defence is that with schools still reeling from the aftershocks of Covid, she needs to take the process of reform gradually.

There may be something to that, and as a former teacher, Ms Gilruth was initially seen as something of a breath of fresh air.

But, among some teachers and her former supporters, the frustration with the lack of change is boiling over.

Mr McLennan tells me: She had a good start but is at risk of the returning issue of Scottish education  ideas rich, but implementation poor.

Its a perennial problem. But Humza Yousaf and Ms Gilruth now need to get a grip. Scotland has been consulted to death over education. What about some concrete action?

There is an urgent need to get on with a plan to tackle school discipline. Post-Covid, there is alarming evidence that behavioural standards in schools have fallen and that, even in primary schools, violence is commonplace/

Teachers want extra support to deal with unruly pupils who are wrecking lessons.

So far, ministers have organised the predictable summits to discuss the matter.

An action plan is promised; its time for government to act before teachers vote with their feet and quit for easier work.

There is the question of scrutiny. Its welcome that the Government has taken Scotland back into international surveys which monitor progress, but the level of accountability is still lacking: according to figures obtained by the Scottish Tories more than 40 per cent of schools north of the Border havent been inspected for a decade.

More needs to be done. Schools and teachers should have more independence; in return, we should have a rigorous inspection regime to examine progress.

Finally, there needs to be a reset towards improving standards.

So if some National 5 exams are to be withdrawn, as proposed, lets see those that remain give pupils the kind of challenge and test that sets them up for the far tougher challenges to come.

For years, weve had government thats got in the way, hampering the ability of teachers to do their job.

Its time for ministers to set the tone, show leadership, and give teachers the resources and the direction to get on with the job.
There is growing pressure on the Albanese Government to act decisively to deal with a crisis created by the High Court ruling that's seen 81 asylum seekers released into the community.

Sunrise host Natalie Barr confronted the Albanese Government on the program after three murderers and a number of sex offenders were among those released into the community following the landmark High Court decision.

'So far, political debate has focused on who to blame rather than to fix it,' Barr said before a tense interview with Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil.

Ms O'Neil pointed out that in an ideal world, these criminals would never have been released.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the Prime Minister should cancel his scheduled overseas trip to San Francisco to introduce new legislation to put the 81 asylum seeker back behind bars.

While Mr Albanese's attendance at the APEC summit was confirmed months ago, the Opposition leader said he needed to 'do whatever it takes to get these people back into custody, where they belong' and that Parliament 'should not rise until the government comes forward with legislation.

'We will sit down with the government, we will sit additional hours through the night,' he said on Wednesday.

Mr Dutton describes those released by the ruling as 'hardcore criminals'.

The High Court decision was out of the government's hands and stridently opposed by Mr Albanese and his ministers.

As a result, 81 asylum seekers in indefinite detention - deemed too dangerous to be on the streets and with no other country to be deported to - have been released.

Sunrise host Natalie Barr says political debate has centred around who's to blame for the issue, rather than fixing it

'Clare, a paedophile who raped a 10-year-old boy, a hitman who murdered a pregnant woman, do we know where they are?' Barr asked.

O'Neil said: 'Nat, can I say before I answer your question, those crimes and those people are absolutely despicable.

'I'm raising three children in this country and I can tell you that if there was anything in my power to keep these people in detention, I would absolutely do it.

'Yes, we do know where those people are.'

READ MORE: 2,005 asylum seekers sought protection visas in just 30 days Advertisement

Ms O'Neil said the government was releasing people under 'the strictest possible visa conditions'.

This includes notifying authorities about their location, in-person daily reporting and restrictions on working in certain types of industries.

'It includes us continuously monitoring things like social media and email addresses and phone numbers and the like,' she said.

Deputy prime minister Richard Marles said the government is focused on keeping Australians safe and had argued against the High Court's decision.

'I remind Australians that we argued against this in the High Court,' Mr Marles told Sunrise on Wednesday.

'This is not our decision. But in the decision having been made by the High Court, these people have been released.

'They've been put on bridging visas with the strictest possible conditions. That was something that the Government did straightaway.

'We are continuing to assess what option we have here, which include potential legislative responses and we'll be working on that very quickly.'

Ms O'Neil said the government was releasing people under 'the strictest possible visa conditions'.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton went so far as to suggest Prime Minister Anthony Albanese should cancel his scheduled overseas trip to San Francisco in order to rush through new legislation to put 81 offenders back behind bars

Mr Marles noted the High Court has yet to release its full judgement, which makes the 'situation more difficult'.

However, he explained the government will be placing the 'strictest' conditions on those released to ensure community safety.

'Obviously the difficulty of the situation is much greater now that these people have been released and, again, this is not what we wanted,' Mr Marles said.

'The strictest possible conditions have been placed upon these people and we are wanting to make sure that the steps we take are legally robust and that they endure.

'But, what the community needs to understand is first and foremost, our number one criteria, our number one focus is community safety.'

The opposition has accused the Albanese government of taking its eye off the ball, claiming they knew the courts decision was coming and were unprepared

But Opposition Senator Jane Hume argued courts made decisions 'all the time' that overturn or override government decisions.

The government had taken its eye off the ball because they knew the court's decision was coming and were unprepared, she said.

'Now we have 80 very dangerous, potentially, offenders out in the community,' she said.

'They knew a High Court decision was coming yet there is no legislative or regulatory response ready to go.'

Ms O'Neil said Senator Hume's reasoning was 'garbage'.

'The idea that it is open to the Australian government to simply legislate away a High Court decision is not the way our Constitution works,' she said.

The Australian Federal Police commissioner has briefed his state and territory counterparts about the decision, and a joint operation with the Australian Border Force has been established to co-ordinate their release.

Asked why the government didn't have legislative or regulatory frameworks in place to deal with the issue, Labor minister Anika Wells said the High Court was yet to hand down the reasons for its decision.

'So for us to capture and make sure this doesn't happen again, we need to know the reason before we draft any legislative or regulatory measure for the house,' she told Nine's Today show.

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles has said the government sought prior advice about its options depending on a variety of outcomes of the court's decision and continued to look at 'all regulatory and legislative options'.
Murdered Mei Haskell told friends for years that she wanted to divorce her husband, but feared his powerful Hollywood agent father would persuade courts to give him custody of their three children.

Friends of 37-year-old Mei, who is presumed dead along with her parents, told DailyMail.com she had repeatedly said that she wanted to leave Samuel Haskell IV for at least four years.

'Mei first brought up a divorce when I was getting one in 2019,' one friend named Jenny exclusively told DailyMail.com. 'I told her she could do it, but she just felt like she couldn't risk losing her boys.'

Haskell, 35, a director of low budget slasher movies, was charged in court on Monday with the murder of his wife and her parents.

Friends of Mei Haskell told DailyMail.com that she told them for years she wanted to leave her husband Samuel Haskell IV, 35.

Samuel Haskell IV, 35, was arrested last week on suspicion of murder after a dismembered female torso was found near his California office

Samuel and Mei are pictured together in a photo from 2013. 'Mei first brought up a divorce when I was getting one in 2019,' one friend named Jenny exclusively told DailyMail.com

The headless body of one woman was discovered in a dumpster near his office in Encino, California, while the others are still missing.

'Mei felt trapped. She said she couldn't leave because of the boys. She was afraid that her husband would take away the kids with the help of his very rich and influential father,' said longtime friend Jenny who would only give her first name in fear of retaliation from the prominent Haskell family.

Haskell is the son of former top Hollywood agent Samuel Haskell III

'She said it wasn't happening. That there was no way she could get a divorce.

'Maybe she brought it up again and then he snapped.

'There was also physical abuse,' added Jenny. 'She told me that he had hurt her. He had hit her.'

Jenny also claimed that Mei had told her that her husband did not get along with her mother YanXiang Wang, 64, and father Gaoshan Li, 72. The parents had moved into their home in Tarzana, 25 miles north of Los Angeles, about five years ago to help look after the couple's three young sons aged 6, 8 and 12.

'She said he was rude to them and ignored them. That they made him angry,' one friend said.

'They couldn't speak English, but he made no effort to interact with them.

'When Mei's youngest son was born, her parents moved from China to help take care of the baby. They were very helpful with the kids.

'Mei doesn't have any other family here except for her parents.'

Haskell is charged with killing the three on November 6. The woman's torso was found two days later. He faces a possible death sentence if found guilty.

Mei's tight-knit group of friends first suspected something was wrong when Haskell took the children to school  something his wife nearly always did  on November 8.

'I thought it was odd,' said one friend who asked to remain anonymous.

'He even confirmed a playdate for our kids for this past Sunday,' said the visibly shaken friend.

Jenny said she became concerned when she didn't hear back from Mei after reaching out to her numerous times on Sunday night, November 5.

'I knew something was wrong because she wasn't replying to my text messages. She always responds right away,' she said.

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

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. The judge ruled that his face could not be pictured

Friends of Mei Haskell arrive for the appearance of her husband on murder charges at Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday

Haskell is the son of Samuel Haskell III, a former 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's brother, Prince Edward.

He quit in 2004 and went on to found Magnolia Hill Productions.

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.

Mei's friends described her husband as 'weird'.

'He would make these sudden moves with his arms and just blurt things out,' said one.

'When I first met him, I immediately thought of Jeffrey Dahmer, that same creepy vibe. He would walk really fast with his head down, rarely looking up and never make eye contact.

'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.

'Mei was the one we would all go to if we needed help or advice. She was always there for us. She was always so positive. She never complained. Her boys were her everything and the boys loved her so much.'

LAPD officers returned to the Haskell home in Tarzana Tuesday as the search for more bodies continues. They also went to his office in Encino, DailyMail.com has learned

DailyMail.com revealed that Haskell, the son of a Hollywood agent, had an 'obsession with weapons' and kept a collection in the family home.

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 Haskell's office

Authorities charged Haskell with the three murders on Monday.

'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 while announcing them.

The investigation is still ongoing. LAPD officers returned to the Haskell home and his office on Tuesday.

When straggly-haired blond Haskell appeared in court on Monday afternoon he was bare-chested under a blue suicide vest, showing off his heavily tattooed arms.

Judge Kimberley Baker Guillemet allowed a DailyMail.com photographer in the court  but then ordered that Haskell's face could not be photographed.

She ordered him held without bond and pushed his arraignment back to December 8.

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.

Neighbors of Haskell claimed he 'seemed weird' as they reacted to his arrest after a woman's torso was found in a dumpster near his California home

The men then returned the bags and the 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.'

Neighbor Elle Benami told DailyMail.com that Haskell 'had an obsession with weapons.'

'He had a samurai sword and a crossbow. He did martial arts.' She said. I think he was a black belt and he would go to Japan to do martial arts.'

Benami said she would not allow her children to go to the Haskell home because of the guns she knew were in the house.

'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, she added, noting that Mei did not like the weapons in the home.

'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.
An apartment in a popular Sydney beachside location has sold for a massive $800,000 less than the suburb's average.

The studio apartment at 209/29 Newland Street in Bondi Junction, in Sydney's east, sold for just $400,000.

The median apartment price in Bondi Junction is $1.2million, while for houses it is $2.65million.

The surprise sale was finalised on October 31, which was ahead of the scheduled auction.

A studio apartment at 209/29 Newland Street in Bondi Junction, in Sydney's east, sold for just $400,000

It was the nation's cheapest sale for the weekend of results, according to Domain.

Bondi Junction is adjacent to the famous beachside suburb of Bondi, where the median house price sits at a whopping $3.76million.

Real estate agent Andrew Kalaizis, from Ray White Park Coast East, told Daily Mail Australia that the low sale price was due to the substandard condition of the property.

'It's a studio without parking and to be honest it was in poor condition,' he said.

Mr Kalaizis said another similar property in the complex sold last year for $356,000.

The apartment complex features a generous roof-top deck and swimming pool

The 4.9m by 6.1m second floor apartment is situated at the back of a block of flats and comprises combined sleeping and living areas.

The kitchen is designed in galley style and features a full-size oven, four-plate cooktop and a generous sink.

The modest bathroom includes a shower, a vanity and yellow-coloured tiles on the floor and inside the shower.

There are polished floorboards throughout the property and a sizeable mirrored-cupboard is fitted for storage.

The address, which did not come with a car parking space, is close to parks and the major shopping precincts of Westfield and the Eastgate mall.

The apartment complex boasts a roof-top pool and sundeck for residents to enjoy.

The record price for a flat in Bondi Junction is $5.6million paid in 2022 for a five-bedroom apartment (stock image pictured)

Ray White Park Coast East, the agency that sealed the deal, estimated the rental income at $400 to $450 per week.

'Here is an outstanding opportunity for both first home buyers and astute investors to enter the property market in a very respectable price range,' the agents said on the property's listing.

The apartment sale was one of 579 sales in Sydney reported to Domain for the weekend of November 11, contributing to the city's 64.9 per cent clearance rate, which was an improvement on the 53 per cent recorded this time last year.

The record price for a flat in Bondi Junction is $5.6million paid in 2022 for a five-bedroom apartment fitted with a cocktail bar and panoramic Sydney harbour views.

According to PropTrack data, the median home value in Sydney was $1.07million last month, 7.51 per cent higher than a year ago and 31.7 per cent more than in March 2020 when Covid first hit the economy.

Melbourne's median at $815,000 was 3.9 per cent lower than 12 months ago and 16.6 per cent above the pre-Covid level.

Overall, national house prices crept 0.36 per cent higher in October, bringing the rise to just under 5 per cent for 2023, according to PropTrack.
President Joe Biden approved release of another $10 billion in frozen payments to Iran as its government continues to fund Hamas terrorists and other proxies attacking American troops in the Middle East.

Rage ensued from Republicans furious over the payments to Iran, especially in the midst of Hamas' war with Israel  and reporters pressed State Department spokesman Matt Miller on how the transfer is justified.

'The Biden Admin has cleared the way for $10 billion to go to Iran,' Sen. Eric Schmitt posted Wednesday to X, formerly known as Twitter. 'Keep in mind - Since January 21, Iran and its proxies have attacked American troops in the Middle East at least 135 times.'

The $10 billion release comes after critics already blamed a $6 billion payment to Iran earlier this year for the release of hostages as the means used to embolden Hamas to carry out its deadly attack on Israel on October 7.

Democrats insist the previously frozen funds were not accessed ahead of the attacks  but Republicans claim just the knowledge the payments were incoming was enough to go forward with the terrorist actions in Israel.

Biden's administration this week issued a four-month extension of a sanctions waiver allowing Iraq to continue to purchase electricity from Iran.

This would provide Iran's government an avenue to purchase humanitarian goods with the money earned from those purchases.

President Joe Biden's administration is extending by four months a sanctions waiver allowing Iraq to purchase up to $10 billion in electricity from Iran to allow purchase of humanitarian goods in the midst of Hamas' war with Israel

Notably, the latest extension keeps in place a provision where portions of the electricity proceeds can be transferred to accounts in Oman, converted to euros or other widely traded currencies and used by Iran to buy non-sanctioned products outside of humanitarian goods.

Miller said Tuesday that Iran would use the money it already has to engage in 'destabilizing activities' and assured the limited access to new funds would only be used for humanitarian goods so Iranian people don't suffer further from the nefarious actions of its leaders.

Kari Lake, who is running for U.S. Senate in Arizona after a failed gubernatorial bid, wrote: '32 Americans are dead. At least 11 of our citizens are held hostage by Hamas & Joe Biden is sending $10 billion more to Iran.'

'This money isn't going to be used for 'humanitarian aid,' it will end up in the hands of terrorists AGAIN,' the pro-Trump candidate lamented.

The attacks by Hamas terrorists operating out of the Palestinian stronghold of Gaza last month led to the death of 1,400 Israeli people and the largest single-day massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust.

In the fallout, the U.S. has plunged into a heated debate, sometimes getting violent, between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian activists and demonstrators.

Thousands descended on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday for a pro-Israel March.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed the 120-day waiver extension and it was transmitted to Congress on Tuesday, according to U.S. officials.

The move is already drawing criticism from Iran hawks on Capitol Hill and elsewhere who believe the extension will reward Iran at a time when it is coming under increasing pressure to end its support for proxy groups, including Hamas, that are destabilizing the Middle East.

Conservative radio host Tammy Bruce wrote on X: 'More than madness, it would be the deliberate funding of terrorism and mass murder. Considering Iran is an enemy of this country, its proxies are attacking our troops, this would be treasonous.'

There is roughly $10 billion in Iraqi payments for Iranian electricity currently being held in escrow accounts in Iraq, and the waiver approved by the U.S. this week will allow Baghdad to maintain its energy imports without fear of penalties from the Biden administration for violating sanctions on Iran.

U.S. officials told the Associated Press that Blinken signed the waiver mainly because the administration doesn't want to cut Iraq off from a critical source of energy.

But they said the administration is confident Iran will not be able to use any of the money for nefarious purposes, claiming a rigorous vetting process is in place to ensure that the cash can only be used for food, medicine, medical equipment and agricultural goods.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed the extension waiver and it was transmitted to Congress Tuesday. Pictured: Blinken returns to Baghdad International Airport after meeting Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Sunday November 5 as American forces in the region face a surge of attacks by Iranian-allied militias in Iraq and elsewhere

Blinken visited Baghdad on November 5 and met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani during the course of a Middle East trip focused on preventing the Israel-Hamas war from spreading into a broader regional conflict.

The officials added that only a small amount of the money held in Iraq had been transferred to Oman during the past 120 days and that none of the money now held in Omani banks had yet been spent.

The waiver is similar to one signed by Blinken earlier this year, which freed up some $6 billion that South Korea had paid to Iran for oil imports in exchange for the release of Americans held prisoner by Tehran.

Under that waiver, the money held by South Korea was transferred to banks in Qatar and is also restricted for the purchase of humanitarian supplies.

However, Iran hawks point out that the waivers can allow Iran to free up domestic revenue it would have otherwise spent on humanitarian goods to fund proxies like Hamas, Lebanon's Hezbollah and the Houthis in Yemen.

'The world witnessed what happened after Biden unfroze $6 billion for Iran. Why on earth would we free up $10 billion more??' questioned Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.). 'All while Iranian-backed militias continue attacking U.S. troops.'

'The Biden admin's foreign policy is lighting the world on fire.'

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) added in a post on X that 'Biden should never even consider fueling another cent of Iranian-backed brutality.'

'American lives are on the line and our servicemembers are being targeted,' she added. 'End the appeasement. Enforce sanctions now.'

Meanwhile, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise told Fox News: 'This is crazy. It's insanity.'

'Iran is the largest state sponsor of terrorism, they are the funder of Hamas,' the Louisiana representative added. 'If you want to support Israel in their war against Hamas, which we're all in for, why would you dare give Iran a dime, let alone $6 billion dollars, $10 billion?'

'These sanctions being eased  that money will end up straight in the hands of Ayatollah,' Scalise alleged.
The mothers of two little boys who died after getting trapped in a disused car were about five hours away at the time of the accident.

Relatives found a two-year-old in the vehicle in the backyard of a home in Woorabinda, south-west of Rockhampton, at about 6.30pm on Friday.

They called paramedics to take him to hospital, but he could not be revived.

Almost three hours later, at about 9.15pm, police were inspecting the car and found a three-year-old in the rear footwell. He was rushed to hospital but was also declared dead.

The younger boy was from Cherbourg, about 500km south-east of Woorabinda, but was visiting family in the remote town with his father.

It is understood the boys' mothers were in Cherbourg when their son's bodies were pulled from the vehicle.

The tight-knit community has suffered through ten deaths in the last two months - four of which happened in between Friday and Monday.

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

At about 3am on Saturday, six hours after the toddlers were found, 19-year-old Miriam Grace Kemp died when her car ploughed into a tree.

The accident happened in Kawana, but her family live in Woorabinda - which is about two hours south-west from where she died.

Miriam was behind the wheel of a Holden Berlina with her friend, 17, when the vehicle crashed.

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.

On Monday, beloved community member Kathryn Williams, who used to work at Wadja Wadja High School in Woorabinda, died in hospital.

Locals said she lost consciousness last week and showed signs of life in hospital on Saturday, but she sadly passed away two days later.

A loved one wrote on social media: ''We all love you Kathryn Williams make sure you come and visit us sometimes cause I know I'll be visiting you everyday if I could.'

'[We were] supposed to grow old together, [I don't know] who I'm gonna yarn with anymore.'

The grieving family of the older boy who died after becoming trapped in a car paid tribute by collecting his favourite things

Two boys, aged three and two, died after being left inside a car in Woorabinda (above), a small Indigenous community west of Rockhampton

While most Woorabinda locals are grieving, Detective Acting Inspector Luke Peachey said four young community members allegedly overpowered a 60-year-old teacher on Saturday and stole his white Kia.

They allegedly drove it to Rockhampton and around the Capricorn Coast, committing property offences at various pubs in the area and stole 'a quantity of alcohol'.

'We are working very closely with [the toddlers'] family in this tragic event and we will continue to do so,' Mr Peachey said.

'Most people are in mourning and that's why it's really disappointing four residents have taken it upon themselves to steal a car and commit further offences.

'Most of the good people out there in Woorabinda are really disgusted by the behaviour of these four residents and that's why we are asking now for assistance so we can locate these people and make them answer for their crimes.'

He said the alleged assailants had been spotted in public a number of times, but had not yet been arrested.
IKEA confirms it too will begin phasing out the deadly product

Her husband Ben, 34, was diagnosed with silicosis in 2019

EXCLUSIVE

A wife whose stonemason husband is dying of a terminal illness has issued a backhanded compliment to Bunnings after the hardware chain 'finally' banned a highly toxic material from its stores.

Cristale Harrison's husband Ben, 34, was diagnosed with the dust disease silicosis in 2019 and the Tasmanian couple have since been advocating for man-made stone to be banned in Australia - accusing Bunnings in particular of 'profiting off death'.

Man-made or engineered stone is increasingly popular in Australian kitchens but has been linked to silicosis due to its high silica content.

Tradies breathe in the silica dust during the cutting process and it becomes trapped in the lungs, where it can cause deadly cases of chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Safe Work Australia recently endorsed a national ban on the popular product and Bunnings 'proactively' followed suit, this week announcing that it would no longer stock any products containing the stone from December 31.

Newlyweds Cristale and Ben Harrison have delivered a backhanded compliment to Bunnings for 'finally' announcing a ban on man-made stone from December 31

Mr Harrison was diagnosed with silicosis the day before his 30th birthday after inhaling silica dust while cutting into silicon-based kitchen benchtops over several years

READ MORE: Sweethearts tie the knot before it's too late A young tradie dad-of-three who is dying from a terminal illness has tied the knot with his long-time fiancee - a day they feared would never come. Advertisement

In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, Ms Harrison praised the hardware giant for 'eventually doing the right thing'.

Ms Harrison said Bunnings' decision to stop selling man-made stone would have 'excellent' results as it was 'costing tradesmen and women, and their families, their health'.

'Thank you Bunnings for feeling the pressure and eventually doing the right thing and pulling these highly toxic, deadly bench tops from their shelves,' she said.

The mum and dad-of-three finally tied the knot on October 14 after years of delays caused by Mr Harrison's diagnosis - and are continuing to lobby for action on manmade stone, pushing alongside the CFMEU for a federal ban.

'To our Australian Government who is delaying the process, this is a reminder that you are costing tradesmen and women and their families their health while you procrastinate,' Ms Harrison said.

'We want and will not stop pushing till Australia becomes the first country in the world to ban engineered stone.

'We need an importation ban on the use of engineered stone products, and ensuring there is nationally consistent legislation for the monitoring and health surveillance of workers exposed to silica dust across all affected industries.

'Please look at the evidence and do the right thing and save generations of tradesmen and women and their families, and look after the people that have become victims of silicosis so far.'

IKEA Australia CEO Mirja Viinanen told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday that it too will follow Bunnings' lead and phase out products which contain man-made stone.

'IKEA Australia will begin the process of phasing out engineered stone products from our local range, ahead of government action. Engineered stone benchtops form just part of the IKEA range and many alternative materials are available,' she said.

'We have been monitoring the issue, including the recent analysis and recommendation from Safe Work Australia on the risks associated with engineered stone products.

'We strongly support a nationally aligned approach from governments to provide clarity and ensure coordinated action across the country.'

On Tuesday, Bunnings refuted the CFMEU's claim that its pressure campaign had forced the home improvement store to ban man-made stone products.

CFMEU national secretary Zach Smith claimed that 'the only reason Bunnings finally sided with workers' health was grassroots pressure from CFMEU members'.

However, Bunnings director of merchandise Jen Tucker said the CFMEU had been more harmful than helpful in making the decision.

'The safety of our team and customers is our biggest priority which is why the aggressive behaviour shown by some CFMEU protesters 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.'

After years of delays caused by Mr Harrison's diagnosis, the couple finally tied the knot on October 14 as they were campaigning with the Lung Foundation against the use of man-made stone

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 (respirable crystalline silica) 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.'

Mr Harrison's condition leaves him constantly fatigued and needing to go to the doctor's between one and three times a week

Cells taken from the lungs of a patient with silicosis - notice the speck of silica dust shining brightly

Ms Harrison had previously said that the hardware giant was 'profiting off of death' by continue to sell products like kitchen benchtops which contained man-made stone

Silica has been referred to as the 'asbestos of our generation' and its ban has been an issue of public debate for years.

Caesarstone, a major manufacturer of man-made stone, recently launched its own awareness campaign with the Australian Engineered Stone Advisory Group.

They claim that a ban on engineered stone will not make stonemasons safer at work and have instead endorsed a 'complete silica safety plan'.

Mr Harrison spent 10 years working as a stonemason on the Gold Coast before being diagnosed with silicosis.

The Harrisons are now going through a compensation process to secure a settlement from stone-making companies who have profited off of those who have been affected by silicosis.

'Anyone who has been affected needs to be looked after with treatment and research and legal advice and compensation,' Ms Harrison said.
Three students have sued NYU for failing to protect them against 'festering Jewish hatred permeating the school' that has accelerated amid the Israel-Hamas war.

Jewish pupils Bella Ingber, Sabrina Maslavi and Saul Tawil have accused their college of 'egregious civil rights violations' by allegedly allowing other students to chant anti-Semitic slogans like 'gas the Jews' and 'Hitler was right' without repercussions.

Their lawsuit, filed in New York federal court, says the college has been giving 'mobs of students carte blanche to harass and intimidate NYU's Jewish population' through its 'actions and inactions' over the past month.

It alleges 'the age-old virus of antisemitism is alive and well at New York University' and has grown worse after Hamas' horrific October 7 incursion into Israel brought tensions to a boiling point.

Ingber, Maslavi and Tawil blasted the university for allegedly violating the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin.

They say they tried to address their concerns, but administrators brushed them off and said they should call a hotline for students with 'emotional challenges.'

Three students have sued NYU for failing to protect them against 'festering Jewish hatred permeating the school' which has accelerated amid the Israel-Hamas war. Pictured: NYU staff and students during a walkout and protest in support of Palestine in Manhattan November 9

The plaintiffs say antisemitism has been a 'growing institutional problem' on American university campuses for decades - and NYU is 'among the worst'. Pictured: an agitator holding a sign outside an NYU building - who joined in on a November 2 protest

NYU has contested their claims, telling DailyMail.com they 'do not accurately describe conditions on our campus,' and that it 'looks forward to setting the record straight' in court.

But the plaintiffs say antisemitism has been a 'growing institutional problem' on American university campuses for decades - and NYU is 'among the worst.'

'This case arises from NYU's egregious civil rights violations that have created a hostile educational environment in which plaintiffs and other Jewish NYU students have been subjected to pervasive acts of hatred, discrimination, harassment, and intimidation,' the lawsuit reads.

'For years, NYUacutely aware of ongoing and disgraceful acts of anti-Jewish bigotryhas reacted with, at best, deliberate indifference, refusing to enforce its own anti-discrimination and conduct policies that it readily applies to protect other targets of bigotry, and instead fostering an environment in which students and faculty members are permitted to repeatedly abuse, malign, vilify, and threaten Jewish students with impunity.

'Regularly confronted with such genocidal chants as, 'Hitler was right,' 'gas the Jews,' 'death to kikes,' and 'from the river to the sea,' and other abuse, plaintiffs not only have been deprived of the ability and opportunity to fully and meaningfully participate in NYU's educational and other programs, but they have suffered and have been put at severe risk of extreme emotional and physical injury.'

Inger, Maslavi and Tawil say antisemitism on university campuses increased by 40 percent and that NYU has long been aware of the 'festering Jewish hatred permeating the school.'

They claim the increase in alleged issue was allowed to happen because rather than implementing 'urgently needed protective and disciplinary measures to restore campus order and safety', administrators have 'gaslighted the Jewish students.'

Jewish pupils Bella Ingber (left), Saul Tawil (center) and Sabrina Maslavi (right) have accused their college of 'egregious civil rights violations' by allegedly allowing other students to chant anti-Semitic slogans like 'gas the Jews' and 'Hitler was right' without repercussions

According to their lawsuit, college officials have insisted that Jewish students' fears have been 'exaggerated' and told them 'they should just call the Wellness Exchange, a hotline for students coping with emotional challenges'.

In the wake of the terror attack and as Israel hit back with airstrikes on Gaza, NYU students clamored to support Palestine through mass protests.

Many demonstrations turned toxic with anti-Semitic banners and chants making an appearance. A handful of youngsters even brandished signs saying 'keep the world clean' with an illustration of a trash can with the Star of David inside.

The school has found itself in headlines for numerous incidents, including students removing posters plastered around campus for kidnapped Israeli victims.

Another incident was when Ryna Workman, an NYU law student who was ousted as the bar association's president over a newsletter she wrote describing the Hamas attack as 'necessary.' NYU has said it's investigating the incident.

NYU spokesperson John Beckman has rejected the claims made in the lawsuit - saying in a statement sent to DailyMail.com the college takes all forms of hate 'extremely seriously.'

'The assertions in this suit do not accurately describe conditions on our campus or the many steps NYU has been taking to fight antisemitism and keep the campus safe,' Beckman said.

'Antisemitism violates our rules; we take the issues of antisemitism and any other forms of hate extremely seriously, and we are committed to safeguarding our community and providing an environment in which all students can live and learn in peace.'

Beckman said the university was 'among the first in the US to publicly condemn Hamas' terrorist attack on Israel' and that it 'maintains what is arguably the largest academic presence in Israel of any major US university' through its Tel Aviv program.

Their lawsuit, filed in New York federal court, says the college has been giving 'mobs of students carte blanche to harass and intimidate NYU's Jewish population' through its 'actions and inactions' over the past month. Pictured: NYU protest on October 25

NYU has contested their claims, telling DailyMail.com they 'do not accurately describe conditions on our campus,' and that it 'looks forward to setting the record straight' in court. Pictured: A handful of youngsters brandished a sign saying 'keep the world clean' with an illustration of a trash can with the Star of David inside at one NYU pro-Palestine protest

He added NYU has 'communicated repeatedly to our community about our efforts to ensure safety,' including increased Campus Safety Officer and NYPD presence.

The university has also let students known 'about expectations for proper conduct' and about 'the fact antisemitism violates our rules and transgressors will face discipline', according to the statement.

It has 'promptly reviewed and opened investigations into reported complaints of antisemitism and related misconduct'.

'NYU looks forward to setting the record straight, to challenging this lawsuit's one-sided narrative, to making clear the many efforts NYU has made to combat antisemitism and provide a safe environment for Jewish students and non-Jewish students, and to prevailing in court,' Beckman said.

The three students say NYU has not followed its procedures to stop discrimination and when they enrolled, they fully expected to be able to express their identity and ancestry.

The lawsuit asks a judge to force NYU to protect the students, including firing deans and administrators responsible for the alleged atmosphere. They also ask for an unspecified amount of money.
Gilgo Beach murder suspect Rex Heuermann has signed over his run-down family home, worth $530,000, to his soon-to-be ex-wife for $0.

The 60-year-old filed a transfer deed on September 22 and named Asa Ellerup as the sole owner of the property in Massapequa Park on Long Island, New York, according to The US Sun.

Property records show he bought the home from his parents for $170,000 in 1994 but it has now more than tripled in value.

His wife filed for divorce six days after Heuermann was charged with the murder of three sex workers whose bodies were among 11 found on the desolate stretch of coastline close to their Long Island Home between 2010 and 2011.

Ellerup, 60, visited him in jail for the first time since he was arrested on July 13 and spent up to an hour with him on November 8. She is preparing to film a documentary with a major streaming service about the case.

Gilgo Beach murder suspect Rex Heuermann has signed over his run-down family home, worth $530,000, to his soon-to-be ex-wife for $0

The 60-year-old filed a transfer deed on September 22 and named Asa Ellerup (pictured) as the sole owner of the property in Massapequa Park on Long Island, New York

Paperwork for the property transfer was finalized on October 5 and is subject to a $495 fee in administration fees but it is not clear who paid this

Property records show he bought the home from his parents for $170,000 in 1994 but it has now more than tripled in value

Paperwork for the property transfer was finalized on October 5 and is subject to a $495 fee in administration fees but it is not clear who paid this.

Ellerup lives in the home with her and Heuermann's children Christopher and Victoria. He is not contesting the terms of the divorce which remains sealed.

At the time the divorce was filed, her attorney said it was a precautionary measure to protect her from future liability in case the families of Heuermann's alleged victims sue.

Heuermann has been charged with killing Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Lynn Costello, who disappeared in 2009 and 2010.

Authorities said he is also the 'prime suspect' in the killing of Maureen Brainard-Barnes.

Ellerup visited the Manhattan architect in jail last week and her attorney said she will attend court to see for herself if there is evidence he committed the atrocities he is accused of.

Standing outside the family home in Massapequa Park on Friday, Robert Macedonio confirmed the visit with DailyMail.com and said she would be attending her husband's trial.

'She wants to hear and see how it is played out in court. Not what the media has put out. Not what the podcast people are saying,' he said.

'Certainly, not what John Ray is saying, she wants to hear and see for herself what is presented in court,' Macedonia added in reference to John Ray who is a lawyer for the families of two women found dead on the east New York peninsula.

The home Ellerup legally owns was extensively searched for 12 days and investigators excavated the backyard and hauled out truck-loads of evidence.

She has not been accused of any wrongdoing by the police but attorney Ray has called for her to be investigated alongside her husband and questioned her innocence.

He claimed her visit to the jail was evidence of their 'illicit cooperation'.

Asa Ellerup (seen on Friday) visited the Manhattan architect in jail for the first time since he was arrested on July 13 and spent up to an hour with him on November 8

Ellerup lives in the home with her and Heuermann's children Christopher (left) and Victoria (right)

The house sits directly north of Gilgo Beach across the South Oyster Bay

Melissa Barthelemy, top left, Amber Costello, top right, Megan Waterman, bottom left, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes. Authorities on Long Island are vowing to continue investigating the Gilgo Beach murders after charging an architect in the deaths of three of the 11 victims

'Its evidence of their unified interest, because theyve been unified in everything that has occurred, and shes not going there because theres a conflict of any kind, and I can prove that,' he told The US Sun.

On the property transfer, Ray accused the pair of coming up with a 'scam' to defraud creditors which could include families of the victims who later choose to file lawsuits.

'Its a scam up their ears, and they know it,' he said. 'Thats a presumptive fraud of creditors of Rex Heuermann.

'So, they conspired together for that to happen. And it's of course during the matrimonial, so there'll be a pretend claim that it's a settlement of the matrimonial asset issues, but it's actually a fraud on creditors, and she's engaging voluntarily in that.

'She's not the person at all that is portrayed as someone who is abused and broken - that's just not the case.

'So was it a surprise? No, it's no surprise at all that she's going to visit him at the jail to talk to him about God knows what else.

'She hadn't been visiting him at all, but now she does after she's been given the house.'

Ellerup was at the home with her two children on Friday and what appeared to be a television or production crew. Sources told News 12 Long Island that she is working with an unknown major streaming service on a documentary about the case.

Her son Christopher was seen leaving the home to walk the dog and her daughter surfaced outside as well.

Ellerup who was dressed in a beige cardigan and black pants, did not want to speak to the media but her attorney spoke on her behalf.

She is doing fine. She is holding up well, Macedonio said. She had a visit with Rex on Wednesday afternoon and spent about an hour with him.

'I did not get into discussion what the content of the conversation was.'

He added: 'She hadnt seen him in person since the day before his arrest. Other than that, she is doing okay.

Asked if she was supporting Heuermann, Macedonio said: 'She wants to see and hear for herself what evidence they have that he did this.'

Macedonio added: 'The media and everyone around has convicted him. In situations like this, you're guilty until proven innocent.

He revealed that Ellerup went to the prison alone on Wednesday and that her two children did not accompany her.

Standing outside the family home in Massapequa Park on Friday, Ellerup's attorney Robert Macedonio (pictured) confirmed the jail visit with DailyMail.com and said she would be attending her husband's trial to see if he is guilty of the crimes

She has no future plans to see Heuermann in jail and her attorney said her 'life is on hold until this trial plays out'

Members of a production crew were walking around the family's property and at one point were in the backyard

Macedonio said she is adjusting to her new life without Heuermann. 'Every day this becomes the new normal. Since July 13 this is what the new normal is,' he said.

'You are adjusting...every day gets a little bit better to being what the new normal is. Its like after the death of somebody in the beginning. She and the kids are okay.

He insisted that her prison visit was just like anyone else visiting a loved one.

It is the same as every other visitor she has to go through the same routine, one hour visit, there is no special treatment for Rex as another prisoner,' he said.

She made her reservation for the visitation just like everyone else does through the sheriffs office policy at the Riverhead Correctional Facility.

Macedonio said Ellerup has no future plans to see him in jail and that 'life is on hold until this trial plays out.

'You have to survive. You go into survival mode. You have your children to take care of. You have a life to rebuild,' he added.

'Whatever it's going to be, it's never going to be what it was and move forward. It's never going to be what it was. And maybe that's a good thing. I don't know.'

But he said his client 'doesnt seem angry at all'.

Police found eleven bodies dumped by the Gilgo Beach shore as the searched in 2010 and 2011

'You are in survival mode. There is no time for anger. You have to survive,' the attorney said.

Members of a production crew were walking around the family's property and at one point were in the backyard.

They were seen loading some type of equipment into a vehicle.

When approached and asked what was taking place, a woman apologized and said we are not allowed to say I am sorry.

Heuermann's next court date is scheduled for Wednesday but there is not believed to be any hearings.
A mock sick note that has been made available to students so they can wag school and protest for climate action has sparked outrage among teachers.

School Strike 4 Climate is calling on students to take to the streets and have what it calls 'a sick day for a sick planet' on Friday.

The sick note has been developed by climate scientists, University of Melbourne professor Dr David Karoly and ANU College of science professor Dr Nick Abel.

The document claims the student is 'unfit' to attend school as the government's inaction on climate change has caused 'increased anxiety' among other 'symptoms'.

'Elevated stress on seeing the impacts of the climate emergency now in Australia and worldwide,' it reads.

'Feelings of despair due to the disregard of leaders who won't have to endure the future they'll leave behind.'

Teachers and schools across the country are not amused by the stunt, with a spokesperson for the NSW Department of Education saying: 'It is not a legitimate medical certificate and would not be accepted by schools.'

After a four year break due to Covid, the school students climate strike is back on Friday, November 17. A School Strike 4 Climate Change protest in Byron Bay, NSW on March 15 2019 is pictured

School Strike 4 Climate is calling on students take to the streets and take what it calls 'a sick day for a sick planet'

Dr Karoly does not agree, though, telling Daily Mail Australia: 'When the planet is sick, associated with human-caused climate change, the best experts to diagnose the symptoms are climate change experts.'

READ MORE: Australia on track for hottest summer on record This year is 'virtually certain' to be the hottest in 125,000 years. Advertisement

He said he became involved because governments were not acting fast enough to limit greenhouse emissions.

'We need stronger action if we're to avoid the worst of dangerous impacts affecting younger people as well as affecting people when they become adults in 20 year's time,' he said.

School Strike 4 Climate spokesperson, Joey Thompson, 16, explained the reasons behind his involvement.

'As we hurtle towards a summer of dangerous heat waves, the federal Labor government is failing young people by approving new coal and gas projects,' he said.

'They are just pouring more fuel on the fire. We need to take action to make sure our voices are heard and continue to fight for a fossil fuel-free future, instead of empty promises and continued degradation of our planet's health.'

Dr Karoly said: 'This fight is the most important one that we'll fight in this lifetime or next.

'We've left a mess for the younger generations, and we all need to do our part to support them in ensuring there's hope in the future that lies ahead of them.

'That's why I've put my name down as a signatory of the climate doctor's certificate, and why I'll be side-by-side with these incredible students on November 17.'

A sick note (pictured) says the pupil's 'symptoms include increased anxiety'

Dr David Karoly (pictured) describes himself as a 'ghost' - a gray haired older scientist

School Strike 4 Climate spokesperson, Joey Thompson, 16, said the Australian government is 'just pouring more fuel on the fire'

The country's education departments say they will not accept the downloadable sick note as a reason for a pupil's absence on Friday.

'Any student not at school or in class without an explanation will be marked absent,' a Queensland Department of Education spokesperson said.

'For the safety and wellbeing of students, parents and carers will be contacted on that day and asked to provide a reason for the absence.

'This is standard procedure for any unexplained student absence,' they said.

The department has also warned that there could be consequences for students wearing their school uniforms at climate rallies.

'If a state school student is wearing their school uniform in public, there is an expectation that they will behave responsibly,' the spokesperson said.

'State schools set out clear standards of behaviour that they expect from their students in their student code of conduct.'

Dr Karoly, who did his PhD on understanding climate variability and its impacts around the world, is adamant the strike is a worthwhile use of students' time.

Primacy school children are pictured at a School Strike 4 Climate Change rally

Thousands of students are pictured at a rally demanding action on climate change in Sydney

A child is pictured holding up a sign at a rally of school students protesting about climate change in Sydney

School students march up King William Street after attending the global #ClimateStrike rally at South Australia's Parliament House in Adelaide

'It is as appropriate as going to a museum or an art gallery or to Parliament House or a field trip to experience the natural environment,' he said.

'Those are really valuable and they're taking them outside of school. This opportunity (is for them) to leave school and go on an experience to hear speakers from their peers, from other school students.'

The academic, who refers to himself as a 'ghost' - a gray haired older scientist - will not be addressing a rally on Friday as all the speakers are school students.

But he will be taking his granddaughter to one 'to give her some experience because she's concerned about the environment and what she wants to do is to try to be involved in understanding and preventing (climate change)'.
A complex range of troughs across western, central and eastern Australia will bring thunderstorms to almost every state in the coming days.

Weatherzone meteorologist Stephen King told Daily Mail Australia three systems could bring damaging winds, hail and heavy rain to several areas.

The worst storms were hitting southern Western Australia on Wednesday morning, bringing heavy rain and wind between 25 to 40km/h.

'There's one bunch of storms currently between Esperance and Eucla,' he said.

'Those are severe and will likely last through to the end of the day.'

Storms are expected to hit almost every state this week with three systems developing over the east coast, central Australia and south Western Australia

However, Perth will avoid the system with partially cloudy skies clearing on Thursday for a sunny end to the week.

Later on Wednesday, storms over northern New South Wales and southeastern Australia are forecast to develop.

'The system will affect areas between the Hunter Coast and Brisbane,' Mr King said.

'Storms are expected to develop after lunch today and could be severe between Grafton and Brisbane causing damaging winds, hail and heavy rain.

'Similar areas will be affected tomorrow.'

Brisbane is set to feel the full effects of the eastern system with possible storms forecast on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

That rain will be accompanied with high temperatures in the low 30Cs.

While the storms aren't expected to reach down to Sydney, the city is forecast to see a cloudy day ion Wednesday ahead of showers on Thursday and Friday.

Canberra is looking similarly grey with partially cloudy skies on Wednesday and showers on Thursday.

Melbourne and Sydney are set to see showers on Thursday while Brisbane faces a possibly severe thunderstorm

READ MORE: Mystery of Sydney man who disappeared 70 years ago is solved Advertisement

Melbourne's cloudy weather on Wednesday is expected to develop into showers on Thursday alongside southwesterly winds travelling 15 to 25km/h.

Another wet weather system is set to rain to central Australia in coming days.

'There's rain across central Australia between the Northern Territory and South Australia but currently no severe systems,' Mr King said.

'There's rain up around Alice Springs and Uluru that extends down to northern SA, basically smack-bang in the middle of the country.'

Adelaide isn't forecast to see any rain from the system with partially cloudy weather forecast on Wednesday and Thursday ahead of full sunshine on Friday.

Darwin can expect storms and showers through to Saturday as its wet season continues.

Regions between Grafton, in northern NSW, and Brisbane are expected to see possibly severe thunderstorms from midday Wednesday

Mr King explained the series of storm systems have been caused by a trough in central Australia.

'An inland trough is fairly typical for this time of year, the effects of it were seen last week when we similarly saw storms across Australia,' he said.

Clouds over Hobart on Wednesday are expected to develop into showers on Thursday before partially clearing on Friday.
A teacher who waved a placard showing Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman as coconuts at a pro-Palestinian march has been interviewed under caution by police.

Marieha Mohsin Hussain was pictured with a banner depicting the Prime Minister and the former Home Secretary as coconuts, which is a racist term used to imply that someone has betrayed their race.

A Met Police spokesperson told MailOnline: 'A 36-year-old woman was interviewed under caution on Tuesday, 14 November on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order act offence in relation to a placard depicting the Prime Minister and the former Home Secretary as coconuts.'

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.

Marieha Mohsin Hussain (pictured centre) 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

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'.

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.

The teacher is being interviewed under caution, which means she is suspected of an offence.

Under the rules, a suspect will almost always be interviewed under caution if detectives wish to gather further evidence, elicit information revealing further lines of inquiry or give the suspect an opportunity to answer the allegations.

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 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.

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

Several people were detained by police at the march in central London on November 11

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.

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.

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

Counter-protesters clash with police in Parliament Square in central London, during pro-Palestinian protest march

'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.
Damian Hinds signed off on controversial guidance as Education Sec in 2019

The newly-appointed schools minister has been urged to scrap 'harmful' rules he previously drew up on sex education lessons.

As Education Secretary in 2019, Damian Hinds signed off on controversial guidance stating secondary pupils should learn about 'sexual orientation and gender identity'.

The regulations, which said 'young people may be discovering or understanding their sexual orientation or gender identity', insisted pupils should be taught in an 'age-appropriate and inclusive way'.

But the Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) framework has been blamed for paving the way for schools to expose children to sexually explicit material or teach them that there are 100 genders.

Damian Hinds (pictured) signed off on controversial guidance as Education Secretary in 2019

Tory MP Nick Fletcher (pictured) said 'RSHE teaching, with its promotion of gender ideology and pseudoscience to school children... has directly harmed thousands of children'

Rishi Sunak ordered an urgent review in March. But now the Prime Minister has put Mr Hinds back in the Department for Education as schools minister, raising fears over the outcome of the review.

One Government source said last night: 'Hearing lots of concerns that Damian Hinds is back in DfE.'

Tory MP Nick Fletcher, who sits on the education select committee, said 'RSHE teaching, with its promotion of gender ideology and pseudoscience to school children... has directly harmed thousands of children'. He added: 'I look forward to Damian getting a grip on this issue fast and restoring science and common sense to the school curriculum.'

Tanya Carter, of the Safe Schools Alliance, said she hoped Mr Hinds will 'acknowledge the harms that he has inadvertently been a part of and work to correct them'. She added: 'Anyone without a thorough understanding of safeguarding is unsuitable to be schools minister.'
He moved two months ago to find work in the city

A Queenslander who moved from the regions to Brisbane in search of a job now spends his days living in a tent next to a highway after he couldn't even find a house.

David has been living in the Brisbane bush next to a major motorway for more than two months in a cheap tent that leaks during storms.

The struggling middle-aged man works from time to time but has yet to find a stable job to get him off the streets but even so, has not been able to find a suitable place to rent.

Queensland has been described as 'severely unaffordable' by National Shelter in its new Rental Affordability Index which found that rent in regional Queensland is even worse than in the state's metropolitan areas.

David has been living out of a tent next to a Brisbane motorway after moving from regional Queensland in search of work

He said he works from time to time but has yet to find fulltime employment after more than two months of being homeless: 'I thought that it would never happen... but it has,' he said

READ MORE: The suburbs where there are no rentals at all More Australians in the grip of a tightening housing crisis are turning to single rooms to keep a roof over their head, but there are now several suburbs across major cities without a single spare room available. Advertisement

David never pictured himself living out of a tent but when Brisbane's job market was less welcoming than expected he had no other choice.

'I thought that it would never happen but it has,' he told 9News.

'It's harder than living in a (house) but it is somewhere safe.'

His tent is held down by several large sticks sat atop a tarp beside a chain-link fence which is the only thing protecting him from oncoming cars.

He carries his belongings around in a trolley that sits outside the tent.

Rental prices have skyrocketed in the state amidst the national housing crisis and in some areas welfare recipients simply can't afford rent.

According to the affordability index, anyone living in the greater Brisbane area typically loses 28 per cent of their income to rent and in regional areas that figure increases to 30 per cent.

The report also found that pensioners put 64 per cent of their income towards rent and for those on Jobseeker, a roof over their head puts them in deficit.

An entire welfare payment is still not enough in some areas of Queensland where job seekers are expected to fork over 106 per cent of their weekly income.

On the Sunshine Coast in suburbs like Tewantin, Cooroy, Noosa Heads and Eumundi, rent is now considered severely unaffordable by National Shelter's standards.

This trend follows suit in suburbs along the Gold Coast like Helensvale, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.

Regional areas such as Toowoomba, Bundaberg, Rockhampton and Townsville have also shifted from a 'very affordable' rating to an 'acceptable' one.
A United Nations expert on Palestine has said she doesn't blame Hamas for the conflict in Gaza, comparing it to her children misbehaving - and said the terror attacks were a 'natural' response to Israeli rule.

Italian lawyer Francesca Albanese, 46, the UN's Special Rapporteur on Palestinian Territories, made the comparison as she addressed the National Press Club in Canberra on Tuesday.

In a speech to journalists, she admitted the surprise October 7 Hamas attack on Israel was a 'war crime' after it killed 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals, and injured 5000 more.

However she said Israel's emphatic military reaction was based on a 'non-existent right to self-defence' and it had 'embarked on an unrelenting bombardment of Gaza'.

The comment is just one of several that has raised eyebrows around Canberra - with some of her more controversial remarks including claims Australian media is as 'manipulative' as Italy's.

She also fiery clashes with journalists while answering questions from media outlets such as Sky News Australia and The Guardian.

United Nations expert on Palestine Francesca Albanese (pictued) has said she doesn't blame Hamas for the conflict in Gaza and compared it to her children misbehaving

Ms Albanese admitted the surprise October 7 Hamas attack on Israel was a 'war crime ' after it killed 1200 Israelis and foreign nationals, and injured 5000 more. A hostage is pictured being captured and taken away by Hamas

Francesca Albanese said Israel's military reaction to the attack was based on a 'non-existent right to self-defence' and it had 'embarked on an unrelenting bombardment of Gaza'

Ms Albanese said in the last 38 days, Israel had killed 11,078 people, including 4,506 children, and Gaza health officials were no longer able to keep count of the dead.

But when asked if she blamed Hamas for increasing the death toll by militarising civilian areas, she said: 'Blame is not legal language so I don't blame anyone.

'I blame my children when they do something wrong, but other than that...'

Under pressure from Sky News Australia political reporter Tom Connell, the mother-of-two then quickly added: 'I condemn, I condemn... of course, of course.'

But she said Palestinians had been subject to 'decades' of war crimes and a 'violent structure of dispossession, confiscation of land, and forcible displacement.

'When it is widespread and systemic is not just a war crime, it is a crime against humanity,' she said.

'There were already war crimes being committed before October 7.'

Ms Albanese said the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory 'must end' and was 'apartheid by default'.

'I would like to see Gaza living in peace like the rest of the occupied territory, and Israel meaning living in peace,' she said.

'But this cannot happen under an illegal occupation imposed on the Palestinian people.

'I'm not justifying this, but this is a natural force of nature. They will resist their jailer. They will resist the people who keep them subjugated.'

Ms Albanese clashed frequently with journalists during a question and answer session after her speech, and branded Australian media as 'manipulative' as Italy's.

She refused to answer one question which was based on a report which 'has been completely distorted', she said to applause from National Press Club members.

She denied telling one journalist that it should be 'up to Palestinians to decide who governs in Gaza, and that Israel should be open to making a peace deal with Hamas'.

Ms Albanese added: 'I said something else - that the military response cannot be war, it must be peace and the peace must be done with the Palestinians.

'I'm also speaking of a non-legal peace, a reconciliation with the idea Palestinians have same humanity and same entitled to rights, freedom and dignity as Israelis.

'It was a very beautiful 55-minute conversation and this is what the journalist got. I mean, I'm sorry, but this is not what I said. It's been completely distorted.'

Ms Albanese said in the last 38 days, Israel had killed 11,078 people, including 4,506 children, and Gaza health officials were no longer able to keep count of the dead

But when asked if she blamed Hamas for increasing the death toll by militarising civilian areas, Francesca Albanese said she didn't blame anyone as 'blame was not legal language'

She said the attacks on Israel by the Palestinians were a 'natural' response to the Israeli rule

She also clashed with Sky's Connell - who was acting as NPC host and moderator - over whether Israel was targeting civilians in Gaza if it warned them to evacuate areas before they came under fire.

'I beg your pardon?' she said. 'I mean, I don't mean to be rude, but can you really keep a straight face as you asked me this question?

'I will answer the question - there is nowhere to go. Gaza Strip is a 300sq km strip of land - it is the most crowded place on earth.

'It has been carpet-bombed [with] 6000 bombs a week in an area which is so crowded.'

She also took issue with a question from a Guardian reporter who grilled her about her saying an end to 'Israeli-Jewish domination' would be 'humanising' for Palestinians.

Daniel Hurst asked if that was a helpful comment 'in the current climate' and called the idea of 'domination' a 'trope', but Ms Albanese fired back: 'What do you mean?'

'It is really real. You seem not to understand what I'm saying. There is an apartheid regime. I'm serious. This is not a trope. This is international law.

'I encourage you to read the apartheid convention because it talks about racial domination. And this is what I'm talking about.

'It might be a trope in the way you interpret it, but I'm using domination in a strictly legal sense.'

Ms Albanese said there was a very real concern that Israel 'might commit the crime of genocide against the Palestinian people'.

'In the face of all of this, the international community is almost completely paralysed,' she said.

'I am being generous when I say the UN is experiencing its most epic political and humanitarian failure since its creation.'

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Peter Wertheim slammed the UN legal expert's claim Israel had no right to defend itself under international law.

Ms Albanese said the UN's self-defence laws only apply in war when a country comes under threat from another state.

'Israel cannot claim the right of self-defence against a threat that emanates from a territory it occupies, from a territory that is under belligerent occupation,' she said.

'What Israel was allowed to do was to act to establish law and order, to repel the attack, neutralise whomever was carrying out the attacks and then proceed with law and order measures... Not waging a war.

'What is being done is wrong. How many more people need to die?'

Ms Albanese called for an urgent ceasefire, for the return of all Israeli hostages, and an arms embargo and humanitarian corridors to be set up.

The 239 Israelis taken hostage by Hamas on October 7 have yet to be returned, and Israel is unlikely to comply with any ceasefire demands until they are released.

She also clashed with NPC moderator Tom Connel over whether Israel was targeting civilians if it warned them to evacuate areas in Gaza before they came under fire

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Peter Wertheim slammed the UN legal expert's claim Israel had no right to defend itself under international law

Ms Albanese said the UN's self-defence laws only apply in war when a country comes under threat from another state

Mr Wertheim said it 'beggars belief' a UN official would deny Israel its right to defend itself 'against armed attacks of the savagery and scale of those carried out by Hamas on October 7.

'Did Ms Albanese expect Israel to simply sit back and allow Hamas to continue its murderous rampage in Israel unimpeded, or to return to Gaza and regroup for repeat attacks, as its leaders have openly threatened?' he said.

'Both the UN Charter and customary international law clearly affirm the inherent right of a State to use force in response to an armed attack, whether that attack emanates from another State or a terrorist organisation like Hamas.

'Ms Albanese's assertions to the contrary are the lowest kind of legal sophistry.

'Her bizarre claim that Israelis have no right to defend themselves is as spurious as the array of legal epithets she habitually directs at Israel without even the pretence of an impartial testing of the facts.'
Peter Nygard was found guilty of assaulting four women at his Toronto home

Prince Andrew is facing renewed calls to meet FBI investigators after the Duke of York's friend and fashion mogul Peter Nygard was convicted on four counts of sexual assault.

Nygard - who once hosted Andrew in the Bahamas - was found guilty of assaulting four women at his Toronto home after luring them into a room without a door handle.

The Canadian designer, 82, was convicted on Sunday after a six-week trial.

Now victims of Prince Andrew's friend, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, have accused the prince of being dishonest over his claim to want to help them get justice.

Spencer Kuvin, who represents several women abused by Epstein, told The Mirror: 'If Prince Andrew is innocent, he should provide a full interview to the FBI.

Prince Andrew (pictured) is facing renewed calls to meet FBI investigators after the Duke of York's friend and fashion mogul Peter Nygard was convicted on four counts of sexual assault

Peter Nygard (pictured) - who once hosted Andrew in the Bahamas - was found guilty of assaulting four women at his Toronto home after luring them into a room without a door handle

'His continued silence in the face of multiple close friends being convicted of sexual assault  Ghislaine Maxwell and now Peter Nygard  reeks of a guilty conscience.'

Another victim of Epstein's abuse, 35, said: 'Andrew's words were just hollow. It is clear to many he never had any intention of helping any of us.'

Andrew reportedly agreed to a 12million payout to Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she was 'Epstein's sex slave' and said the Duke slept with her. Andrew denied the claims and admitted no liability.

Nygard appeared emotionless as the verdict was handed down after the jurors' fifth day of deliberation.

Prosecutors said he used his 'status' to attack five women aged 16 to 28 in a series of incidents from the late 1980s to 2005. Nygard denied the charges and his defense lawyers branded his accusers 'gold diggers.'

But he was found guilty on four counts of sexual assault. He was cleared of one count of sexual assault and one count of forcible confinement.

Throughout the month-and-a-half trial, the jury heard graphic testimony from all five complainants, four whom said they were in their late 20s when they were assaulted, and one who said she was 16 when the alleged attack took place.

Each of the women ended up in Nygard's private bedroom suite.

Some of the women testified there was a mirrored door leading into Nygard's bedroom and it had no handle on the inside and that two of the doors leading to the outside of his bedroom needed to be unlocked and opened by pressing a button inside the room, or by punching a security code.

Peter Nygard, clockwise from bottom left, Justice Robert Goldstein, defense lawyer Brian Greenspan, the jury, Ana Serban and Neville Golwalla attend Nygard's sexual assault trial in Toronto

Peter Nygard leaves court in a police van, after being found guilty of four counts of sexual assault, in Toronto, on Sunday, Nov., 12, 2023

Two of the complainants told the court they felt trapped inside that room because they believed there was no way out.

One of the women told the court she repeatedly pleaded with Nygard to let her out of the room and that he eventually relented. It was that allegation which led to the forcible confinement charge.

The disgraced mogul testified in his own defense over the course of five days. He said he could not recall four of the five of the women, nor did he remember interacting with any of them.

He additionally claimed any of the allegations of sexual misconduct against him could not have happened because he would never engage in such behavior.

Nygard contradicted some of the complainants' testimony, arguing there was a handle on the inside door of his private bedroom and denying a person could get locked or trapped inside.

Prosecutors closed their case by arguing that Nygard's testimony was inconsistent, unreliable, lacked credibility and should be rejected.

In contrast, the prosecutor argued, the testimony of the five women was consistent, and the similarities of their stories defied coincidence, thereby proving Nygard's guilt.

Nygard's attorney, however, argued that it was the testimony of the five women that lacked credibility.

Brian Greenspan - Nygard's lawyer - told the jury that they needed to carefully consider all the evidence and reflect on the 'fatal flaw and lack of testimonial trustworthiness' of the five women.

This undated handout picture provided by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on October 4, 2023, shows fashion mogul Peter Nygard's Toronto offices, including a top floor bedroom suite where five women say he raped them

Seen through a police vehicle window, Finnish-Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard leaves a Toronto courthouse in Toronto on November 12, 2023 after being found guilty of four counts of sexual assault

Nygard, 82, was arrested on sex trafficking charges in December of 2020 - he is the founder of one of the largest clothing brands in Canada

Crown attorneys Neville Golwalla (L) and Ana Serban address media outside the Toronto courthouse in Toronto on November 12, 2023 after former fashion mogul Peter Nygard was found guilty of four counts of sexual assault

Kai Bickle-Nygard, son of former fashion mogul Peter Nygard, addresses media outside the Toronto courthouse in Toronto on November 12, 2023 after his father was found guilty of four counts of sexual assault

In addition to the trial that ended Sunday, Nygard is also facing a civil lawsuit in New York that is currently on hold - it involved 57 women and the allegations date back as far as 1977, some of whom claim they were assaulted when they were as young as 14 or 15.

He is fighting extradition to the US for the charges in New York.

He faces a slate of other charges across Canada stemming from other alleged acts of sexual misconduct and assault.

Nygard was born in Finland and raised in Canada and was the founder of Nygard International, which was at one time Canada's largest women's clothing manufacturer.

Before the mogul was arrested, his business employed 1,450 people and operated more than 150 stores in North America and more than 6,000 shops inside department stores.

In 2020, the company began to fall apart when ten unnamed female plaintiffs filed a lawsuit in federal court in Manhattan accusing the elderly businessman of raping women and underage girls at his estate in the Bahamas.

The suit was then expanded to include 57 unnamed accusers.

The Duke of York visited the Canadian businessman at his Bahamas home in 2000, shortly after Nygard settled out of court with three employees who had accused him of sexual harassment.
Tourism bosses have warned MPs that Britain is losing its competitive edge because it lacks a VAT-free shopping scheme.

MPs questioned chief executives on the impact of Rishi Sunak's decision to remove the 'tourist tax' refund policy for holidaymakers in 2021.

Marks & Spencer, Harrods and Mulberry are among more than 400 prominent businesses that have backed the Mail's campaign calling for the Government to scrap the levy.

Foreign visitors are opting to spend more time and money in rival destinations, such as France and Italy, tourism bosses told the culture, media and sport committee.

MPs questioned chief executives on the impact of Rishi Sunak's decision to remove the 'tourist tax' refund policy for holidaymakers in 2021

Pictured: Harrods as London prepares for the Christmas season (File Photo)

Marks & Spencer, Harrods and Mulberry are among more than 400 prominent businesses that have backed the Mail's campaign calling for the Government to scrap the levy

Shoppers walk in London's Oxford Street as the Christmas lights are switched on

Pictured: Cartier store in Bond Street, Mayfair

Paul Barnes, of the Association of International Retail, which represents Bicester Village and Heathrow Airport, said Britain is 'falling back' as a top tourist destination.

He said Britain is facing a 'spiral of decline' and that retailers are investing more in Paris, where there is tax-free shopping, rather than London.

READ MORE - Britain's tourist tax is pushing shoppers to spend in Paris rather than London, small businesses warn Advertisement

Patricia Yates, chief executive of VisitBritain, said: 'This isn't just about retail shops on Bond Street, this is about supply chains across the UK. It is seen as a tax break for wealthy people, it's not.

'We want people to buy British brands while they are in Britain.'

Retail destination Bicester Village is seeing 'a significant deflection of spend' to Europe, according to Hayley Beer-Gamage, chief executive at tourism board Experience Oxfordshire.

She said: 'Destinations offering tax-free schemes are being very aggressive with it. We are seeing European destinations advertising on the London Underground and regional airports.'

Business chiefs are holding their breath for a sign in Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's Autumn Statement next week that he has listened to them.
A luxury car owner was left horrified after finding out his mechanic had taken his vehicle for dangerous joyrides.

The owner of an Audi S5, which sells for more than $130,000, made the shock discovery after picking his car up from a Brisbane mechanic where he had put it in for a roadworthy test.

'Brought my Audi S5 into small mechanic in Brisbane for a roadworthy,' the owner told Dashcam Owners Australia.

'He took it home for the night and did lots of joyrides with friends and family. Lots more footage. 102km in a 50 zone.'

Dashcam footage shows the car flying along a series of suburban streets in the state's capital.

At one point the car sails though an intersection and at another moment takes on a corner at terrifying speed.

Social media users who witnessed the footage reacted with shock at the alarming incident.

'This is one of the dumbest things I've seen in a long time!' one comment read.

'You'd like to think this is a one off, but I'm guessing it happens on the regular.'

Another asked: 'Did he fill up afterwards. That would be the decent thing to do after doing this.'

Shocking dashcam footage shows a Brisbane mechanic driving at 102km in a 50km/h zone

The owner of an Audi S5, which sells for more than $130,000, made the shock discovery after picking his car up from a Brisbane mechanic (stock image pictured)

'A Current Affair should be shown this! Would be good advertising for the mechanic,' another joked, followed by a laughing face emoji.

Others related to the owner of the Audi, sharing stories of similar occurrences.

'I had one happen at a tyre shop,' one said.

'Cant remember what it was in for, whether mechanical or alignment, but they took it for a quick test drive after it was done.

'Assistant manager was test driving and hit 120km/h in an 80 zone after slapping his way through the gears off the line.'

In Brisbane the maximum speed on roads in built up areas is 50 km/h unless signed otherwise

Some commentators suggested the car owner should 'name and shame' the mechanic and take the matter to police.

'He needs reporting to police. This is a charge at that speed,' one said.

'It will happen again if you dont (and) next time could hit a child at the side of the street or an innocent person head on. It's your chance to do the right thing. Its 40kmph over, its serious.'

In Brisbane, the maximum speed on roads in built up areas is 50 km/h, unless signed otherwise.

Queensland police has been contacted for comment.
A woman with six family members being held hostage by Hamas said she was serving as 'their voice' alongside the 200,000 pro-Israel protesters marching in Washington Tuesday.

Alana Zeitchik, who lives in New York, said a half-dozen of her cousins were snatched from a kibbutz and has been speaking out since the week of the attack. She was one of the speakers at the march.

Zeitchik told DailyMail.com her life has been 'a nightmare' and 'absolutely awful' as her cousin Shahan, Shahan's husband David, their twin 3-year-olds, Emma and Yuli, Shahan's sister Danielle and her 5-year-old daughter have been held captive.

'Every day I have to wake up and remember that six of my family members, six people I love the most in the world,' she said. 'So it's a living nightmare. It's like the worst thing you could ever imagine.

Zeitchik has made several posts about her missing family on her Instagram account and across several networks demanding they come home.

Alana Zeitchik, who lives in New York, said a half-dozen of her cousins were snatched from a kibbutz and has been speaking out since the week of the attack . She was one of the speakers at the march

Zeitchik told DailyMail.com her life has been 'a nightmare' and 'absolutely awful' as her cousin Shahan, Shahan's husband David, their twin 3-year-olds, Emma and Yuli, Shahan's sister Danielle and her 5-year-old daughter have been held captive

She spoke at the march because she felt she had to represent her family in an attempt to bring them to safety.

'I have a very big family in Israel and my family isn't here. I'm here in the west. And so it is my duty to be their voice here and to advocate for them so that the world will know what's happening to us.

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.'

In a rare show of bipartisanship, new Speaker of the House Mike Johnson spoke after Schumer.

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.'

'Every day I have to wake up and remember that six of my family members, six people I love the most in the world,' Zeitchik said. 'So it's a living nightmare. It's like the worst thing you could ever imagine.

She spoke at the march because she felt she had to represent her family in an attempt to bring them to safety

'I have a very big family in Israel and my family isn't here. I'm here in the west. And so it is my duty to be their voice here and to advocate for them so that the world will know what's happening to us, Zeitchik told DailyMail.com

Signs of kidnapped Israelis were held along with slogans saying 'NO TRUCE WITH TERRORISTS' at the march

Jacob Mitrani, 11, from New Jersey, waves Israeli flags during a March for Israel rally on the National Mall

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

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 Israeli 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!'

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.'

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

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 were 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.

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 greatly disrupted traffic in DC, with parking restrictions and closures in placer for much of the day.

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 traveled to the 'March for Israel' at the National Mall

People pray on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House before the rally

In the weeks since the attack, 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.

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.
Coles has announced a low sensory shopping hour will be introduced on every weekday to accommodate customers on the autism spectrum.

Quiet Hour, as it's known, will now run between 6pm and 7pm from Monday to Friday in supermarkets across Australia.

During these times the Coles Radio will be turned down to its lowest volume, the register and scanners will also be turned down and the PA system will be turned off except for in emergencies.

Quiet Hour was set up for those who find high sensory environments challenging, and to give them a more comfortable environment to buy their groceries in.

Coles was the first major supermarket to introduce Quiet Hour in 2017.

Coles has announced a low sensory shopping hour will be introduced for one hour every week day to accommodate customers on the autism spectrum (stock image of Coles checkout)

Select stores continue to reduce their sound and lighting between 10.30am to 11.30am on Tuesdays.

Coles head of diversity and inclusion, Katie Wyatt, said the company was committed to making sure every shopper feels welcome.

'At Coles, we are always looking for new ways to serve our customers with disabilities and their carers, and we are privileged to have many active voices of people with disability in our feedback channels,' she said.

'Up to 70 per cent of autistic people experience sensitivity to sounds, with autistic adults reporting that these symptoms worsen with stress and anxiety therefore, Quiet Hour promotes increased opportunity and enhances the shopping experience for thousands of customers.'

The supermarket giant has also made changes to its mobile app to make it more accessible for all Aussies.

Text sizes can be tailored, while the screen can be used in portrait or landscape formats.

The move comes after Coles was among several supermarkets and retail giants to be called out over its self-serve checkouts.

An Australian shopper declared he was fed up with using them because he's 'not interested' in doing the job of a cashier.

The man shared a post onto Facebook which went viral last year from one customer who complained about staff checking her receipt after she used the self-serve checkout.

Coles head of diversity and inclusion, Katie Wyatt, said the company was committed to making sure every shopper feels welcome.

The woman who made the original post said a female worker stopped every customer who had used a self-checkout machine and made them line-up to have their receipts looked at.

The furious shopper skipped the line and left, arguing if the store didn't trust them to scan their items honestly, then they should bring back manned cashiers.

'Dear Kmart, Coles, Woolworths etc etc and all other stores that have self checkout. You are almost exclusively self-checkout now,' the post, which resurfaced earlier this month, read.

'You can either trust me to do self-checkout, or you can put your cashiers back in place like it used to be.

'I'm not interested in proving that I did your job for you. You want me to be a cashier with no training then that's your problem not mine.

'You do not pay me to scan my own shopping. You don't give me staff discount for working for you.'
Eight teenagers have been charged with murder after the fatal beating of a fellow student, who agreed to fight the group in a row over stolen wireless headphones.

Jonathan Lewis, 17, was set upon by a mob of 10 on November 1. He died in hospital on November 7, and on Tuesday the charges were announced.

Lt. Jason Johansson of Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said all the people involved  believed to be 10  were students of Rancho High School.

Johansson described a viral video showing the beating as 'void of humanity'.

Lewis's father said he 'can't watch' the clip.

Johansson said that a citizen found Lewis unresponsive after the beating, which happened in an alleyway near the school, and brought him back to the school.

Lewis was then taken to UMC where doctors determined that he had suffered 'non-survivable head trauma,' Fox 5 Vegas reported.

Johansson said that the fight was over a pair of stolen wireless headphones and possibly a vape pen, which were taken from friends of the victim. All parties involved agreed to meet in the alley to fight, according to police.

Jonathan Lewis, 17, died on November 7 in hospital, following the November 1 fight

'As soon as a punch is thrown, ten subjects immediately swarm him,' he said.

He added that the department was able to identify approximately ten subjects that were involved in the murder and eight of those have been 'positively identified' as suspects.

Johansson said the process is underway for the eight to be charged as adults.

LVMPD will be releasing photos of two individuals who they want to find, who participated in the beating but have not yet been identified.

Johansson appealed for anyone else with video of the fight to come forward.

'There's a high likelihood that there's additional video out there that we don't have,' he said, urging parents to talk to their children about what happened and not 'put your head in the sand'.

Lewis' father, Jonathan 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.

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.

Jonathan Lewis Sr said his son was involved in the fight to fend off bullies

Jonathan Lewis Sr condemned the brutal attack

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 mother's and father's families.

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.

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.'

The family, writing before his death, said: '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!'
The alleged miracle is said to have happened at a church in El Canal, a community in the state of Colima

A statue of the Virgin Mary was filmed 'crying' from its eyes in Mexico

Worshippers in Mexico were left in awe after witnessing the real-life 'miracle' of a statue of the Virgin Mary 'crying' - and the stunning scene was caught on film.

The alleged miracle is said to have happened at a church in El Canal, a community in the state of Colima.

Hundreds of believers and spectators have flocked to the spiritual statue in hopes of witnessing the tearful Virgin Mary for themselves.

A video that was posted to social media showed water droplets falling from the statue's eyes and flowing down her face.

The statue was caught with tears streaming down its face in Mexico. The tearful statue appeared to get red around its eyes after it cried

Some locals have gone on to associate Mary's tears with the persistent violence in the state of Colima this year

Some have even said the statue's eyes became red as the tears came dripping down.

'Similarly, when we cry, and our eyes become red, the same happens to the image,' local resident Victor Ramos said.

Other locals have gone on to associate Mary's tears with the persistent violence in the state of Colima this year.

As of October, there have been 702 intentional homicides confirmed by the Colima Prosecutor's Office.

The statue's tears have made spectators believe she is trying to signal peace in the violence-filled community.

Though the so-called miracle has astonished many, it didn't impress Professor Luigi Garlaschelli who talked about the science behind the statue. He noted some statues have the ability to absorb water based on their materials.

'You need a hollow statue made of plaster or ceramic,' Garlaschelli said.

In April the Pontifical Mariana International Academy set out to investigate 'mystical phenomena' around the world including 'weeping' statues of the Virgin Mary, along with stigmata and ghost sightings

The Pontifical Mariana International Academy, which describes itself as a scientific institution of the Holy See, has set out to uncover 'around a hundred ongoing phenomena' in Italy alone. Pictured: St Peter's Square, Vatican City

He added the outside of the statue is typically accompanied by a waterproof layer.

Once the hole at the top of the statue is filled with water then the 'porous material will absorb it', but if there is even a slight crack in the structure it could cause water to drip out.

In April, a Vatican academy in Italy set out to investigate 'mystical phenomena' around the world including 'weeping' statues of the Virgin Mary, stigmata and ghost sightings under plans for a new dedicated observatory.

The Pontifical Mariana International Academy, which described itself as a scientific institution of the Holy See, has hoped to uncover 'around a hundred ongoing phenomena' in Italy alone.

On top of delving into the mysterious weeping Virgin Mary all over the world, they have also dedicated themselves to investigating ghost sightings, interior locutions and stigmata - which believers see as bodily marks, scars or pains corresponding to the crucifixion wounds of Jesus Christ.

In 2018, another Virgin Mary, this time in Argentina, was seen 'weeping' tears of blood for what was reputed to be the 38th time

The Virgin Mary herself is know as the patron saint of all human beings as she watches them with motherly care and is known as the most noteworthy female figures in Christianity

In September 2019, other worshipers said that they saw 'tears' streaming down the face of a painting of the Virgin Mary is a 'sign of God' in a church facing bankruptcy.

A caretaker first noticed the 'miracle' phenomenon as she prepared for one of the last services in the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago.

Reverend Nicholas Jonas was told she witnessed tears pouring from the Virgin Mary's eyes, leaving behind a long streak on the painting, the Chicago Tribune reported.

In 2018, another Virgin Mary, this time in Argentina, was seen 'weeping' tears of blood for what was reputed to be the 38th time.

The statue of the Virgin of the Mystic Rose has been linked to several 'miracles', such as a woman who had a three-inch tumor that reportedly disappeared after she visited it.

The Virgin Mary herself is most commonly known for being the mother of Jesus Christ. She is also known as a symbol of motherhood, purity, obedience, humility and faithfulness.

Mary is also known as the patron saint of all human beings as she watches them with motherly care and is known as the most noteworthy female figure in Christianity.
Pro-Palestine group No More Bodies in Gaza takes credit

Seven MPs had 15 fake corpses left at their offices

Mock dead bodies are being dumped on the doorsteps of Labor MPs by a group that is demanding Australia support a ceasefire in Gaza.

The group, No More Bodies in Gaza, put 15 fake corpses outside seven Labor MPs' offices in Victoria and Tasmania on Wednesday.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Immigration Minister Andrew Giles, Government Services Minister Bill Shorten and Housing Minister Julie Collins were some of the politicians who were targeted in the demonstration.

Bloodied body bags in the shape of adults and children were placed at the entrance of each office accompanied by signs in support of a free Palestinian state.

A spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that the group is demanding an immediate ceasefire, no more armament shipments to Israel and a complete withdrawal of Australia's diplomatic and economic interests from the state.

Government Services Minister Bill Shorten was among seven Labor MPs who were targeted by a pro-Palestinian activist group

The group, No More Bodies in Gaza, put 15 mock corpses at government MPs offices in Victoria and Tasmania, including Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles

Housing Minister Julie Collins was also targeted by the group, who are demanding a ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli aid and a complete diplomatic withdrawal from the state of Israel

READ MORE: Pro-Palestine jet skiers block Israeli ship at Sydney dock 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. Advertisement

The spokesperson said that the group had purposefully targeted MPs with electorates in Geelong, Melbourne and Hobart for their demonstration.

'To protest the number of Palestinian civilians being killed per hour in Gaza, activists have laid 15 bodies each at the offices of seven parliamentarians,' the spokesperson said.

'The Labor government has many members in parliament who in the past professed support for the Palestinian cause.

'Now, in the face of the mounting atrocities, they are silent.

'The bodies we have laid at the offices of the parliamentarians are equal to the number of Palestinian deaths per hour in Gaza.

'These deaths are not just numbers  these were living, breathing human beings with families and aspirations, who were murdered by a genocidal settler colonial project.'

The group, which is mostly made up of parents and health professionals, also left signs reading 'Free Palestine', 'end the occupation' and another carrying the group's hashtag.

They specifically slammed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in particular for his previous support of Palestine.

Other politicians who woke up to find the body bags included Cooper MP Ged Kearney, Jagajaga MP Kate Thwaites and Wills MP Peter Khalil.

A child's toy was left outside Mr Khalil's office nestled among the bodies.

Wills MP Peter Khalil had a stuffed toy bear left amongst the fake-blood-stained corpses

Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission whose cousin was murdered in a terrorist attack in Tel Aviv in August slammed the group's 'disgusting' public displays.

'These disgusting shock tactics, taken out of the Hamas playbook, that were meant to intimidate, harass and threaten our elected representatives, are tearing apart the shared values that have been the foundation of our life here,' he said.

'At a time of skyrocketing antisemitism, when the Jewish community feels under siege, this latest incident by the anti-Israel forces, will only increase tensions.

'I hope that police are able to prosecute the perpetrators of this unvarnished expression of hate.'

No More Bodies in Gaza has been rapidly sharing photos of their demonstration online, where they also shared a photo of graffiti on a brick wall in Melbourne reading 'Hate Zionism Love Jews'.

'We stand in solidarity with anti-Zionist Jews globally who say Not In Our Name and Never Again,' the post's caption read.

'This is an anti racist struggle, with no room for antisemitism or Islamophobia.'

The group's leadership has pledged to continue with rallies, phone calls, letters and further demonstrations until the demands are met.

Cooper MP Ged Kearney had her entrance blocked off by the dozen-plus fake corpses

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles' humble roller door entrance was lined with fake dead bodies and plastered with pro-Palestinian signs

Jagajaga MP Kate Thwaites was also targeted with the fake dead bodies on Wednesday

The closest Australia has come to meeting the demands came when Foreign Minister Penny Wong called for steps to be taken towards a ceasefire during Question Time on Monday.

Her comments were swiftly and widely slammed by both sides of the debate who claimed that she said too much and not enough at the same time.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton said that Ms Wong was 'reckless' and insisted that Israel had the right to defend itself after Hamas' surprise attack in early October.

Meanwhile Green's senator Mehreen Faruqi accused the Foreign Minister of using 'weasel words' which 'are not going to stop war crimes'.

More than 1,200 people died when Hamas launched their invasion into Israel and another 240 were kidnapped and taken back into Gaza, many of whom remain unaccounted for.

Since then 11,000 Palestinians have died as a result of the ensuing battle between the terrorist group and Israel's defence force.

Pro-Palestine rallies have drawn thousands to the streets of Australian cities every weekend since Hamas' initial attack as calls for a ceasefire grow.
A publicly-educated entrepreneur has revealed the three crucial advantages he believes are only accessible to those who attended private schools.

Zane Marshall, founder of marketing agency Lux Social, claimed that 70 per cent of the CEO's who ran the nation's top 100 companies were privately educated.

Mr Marshall said private schools offered their students three things - a good education, a high level of self-worth and exclusive networking opportunities.

'When you look at the difference between public and private schools there's a huge difference, despite what people say,' he said in a TikTok video.

'Where I think private school students get the biggest advantage is it's who you know, it's the network that you are exposed to. Obviously the level of education plays a huge part but it's the network that is the most important.

'When I compare my friends that went to private schools, they all went off into really high paying jobs or got these amazing opportunities early on through their network from the private school.

'Whether it was from the sporting team, whether it was from a friend of a friend that they went to school with, someone's uncle, someone's dad, they all got really good opportunities through the network in the school.'

Mr Marshall said the level of self-worth instilled in students at private schools was the most important ingredient for future success.

'The level of confidence and the high level of self-worth that is instilled in private school students by their teachers. I didn't get that at public school,' he said.

Zane Marshall, founder of marketing agency Lux Social, claimed that up to 70 per cent of the CEO's who ran Australia's top 100 companies attended private school

Viewers were divided over the video, with some public school students saying they were able to earn success without any help or connections.

'I went to a public school - absolutely killing it with zero connections,' one said.

'Great doctors, engineeers, scientists all have come from public schools. Maybe our money into public schools more. Give equal education to all,' a second wrote.

However, others agreed private school students had an advantage.

'So a private education is LinkedIn without the app,' one wrote.

'This an absolute truth. The networking is more valuable than anything. Also due to the cost, parents are much more invested,' a second said.

A third wrote: 'Mainly applies to the elite private schools. Not just network, you learn the mannerisms, social etiquette, faux pas and insight to global old money.'

'Probably because they already have generational wealth as well?' a fourth shared to which Mr Marshall replied: 'Absolutely. That's normally a strong factor too.'

One commenter said they had excelled at private school but 'failed at life'.

'I was set up to fail by the massive expectations put on me,' they said.

'Doesn't matter if you go to a private school because the elite guard their networks. These positions are filled due to nepotism, not 'who you know',' another said.

Mr Marshall (pictured) said private schools offered students three things - a good education, a high level of self-worth and exclusive networking opportunities

Atlassian co-founder, Mike Cannon-Brookes, graduated from Cranbrook in Sydney's east - which also boasts casino magnate James Packer and his father Kerry in their alumni

Atlassian co-founder Scott Farquhar and his wife Kim Jackson have children at Cranbrook, an exclusive private school in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

However, Mr Farquhar - whose net worth exceeds $18billion - attended the government-funded James Ruse Agricultural School in Carlingford.

His Atlassian co-founder, Mike Cannon-Brookes, graduated from Cranbrook - which also boasts casino magnate James Packer and his father Kerry in their alumni.

Former prime minister Scott Morrison attended the public Sydney Boys High School while his successor, Anthony Albanese, went to St Mary's Cathedral College.

In 2014, an AFR Weekend review found that two thirds of Australia's chief executives of the nation's biggest 100 companies attended private schools.

Woolworths chief Grant O'Brien was found to be the only publicly educated chief executive in the top 10 companies.

At the time, 65 per cent of Australian children attended government-run schools.
A leading economist has called for Australia to reduce the number of immigrants coming in to ease the 'spectacular failure of housing supply to meet demand'.

Chris Richardson, who has worked for the Australian Treasury and the International Monetary Fund, said 'housing affordability is the worst it's ever been' and capping immigration 'for a time' may be the best way to ease the crisis.

He said Australia's record-high migration under the Labor government - 500,000 people in the 12 months to September - was heaping pressure on already strained real estate and rental markets.

In a column for the Australian Financial Review, Mr Richardson wrote that while migration was adding to the problem, the root cause was the fact 'our overly regulated and high-cost [housing] supply side has spectacularly failed demand'.

'Although a strong migration intake can make great sense, Australia's mounting failures on all the other policies that need to accompany that mean we're in a hole,' he wrote.

Top economist Chris Richardson has called for Australia to reduce the number of immigrants coming in to ease the 'spectacular failure of housing supply to meet demand'

Immigration soared to 500,000 people in the last 12 months under the Albanese government

Mr Richardson explained the main bottleneck to housing supply was that every housing development - from a single house, to a subdivision, to a block of units - must be approved by local councils.

'The decades of dumb we've chalked up in housing have been as simple as local councils saying 'no' to things to which they should have said 'yes',' he wrote.

'And, on the few occasions that councils do say 'yes', the attached conditions burden our construction sector with crippling costs.'

In New South Wales alone, state government data shows council development approval timeframes have blown out when housing supply is desperately needed.

It took councils on average 111 days to determine an application this financial year, compared to 83 days in 2021-22.

This is despite building plans submitted to NSW councils dropping 20 per cent over the same period from 81,158 to 64,980.

Sydney and Melbourne will need to build at least another 1.3 million homes over the next 18 years to accommodate an extra three million residents, according to a report last month by The Sydney Morning Herald.

Building approval periods in NSW have ballooned despite the desperate need for housing

MacroBusiness chief economist Leith van Onselen pointed out the highest immigration in a single year under the previous government was 260,000.

He said the numbers this year show 'population growth is off the charts.'

'This is happening at the same time new dwelling constructions are collapsing - last financial year Australia only added 170,000 homes,' he told Sky News.

'In the year to September this year, we only approved 164,000 homes.

'The Albanese government is ramping up immigration to levels we've never seen before, so we're going to have an even deeper housing crisis.'

'The federal treasury loves immigration because they collect most of the tax revenue it brings in - but the costs like infrastructure, health and education fall on the states.'

Economist Dr Leonora Risse, from RMIT, said 'migration intake needs to be accompanied by an appropriate set of well-designed and supportive policies.

'This involves providing adequate infrastructure and services as our population grows, as well as ensuring fair and inclusive economic opportunities for new migrants, in relation to education, employment, access to business opportunities and other essential services such as safe and affordable housing.'
A father in Florida has died after he held his two children hostage during an 18-hour standoff where shots were exchanged with a SWAT team and their house caught fire.

Sonny Ray Holland Senior, 43, barricaded himself in his Venus home with the children, aged three and four, overnight and only let them go on Tuesday afternoon.

Police responded to a domestic violence call on Oliver Road at 9.40pm on Monday and the victim had escaped. Holland refused to come out and crisis negotiators failed to persuade him to surrender or release the couple's children.

Polk County's SWAT Team eventually took control of the situation after more than 12 hours and the children were let go unharmed at 4.25pm on Tuesday.

Gas canisters were thrown inside to force Holland to leave but a gunshot was heard and the house caught on fire. He came out and shot at the SWAT Team before he went back inside and died because he could not be rescued from the blaze.

Sonny Ray Holland Senior, 43, has died after he held his two children hostage during an 18-hour standoff where shots were exchanged with a SWAT team and their house caught fire

The father from Florida barricaded himself in his Venus home with the children, aged three and four, overnight and only let them go on Tuesday afternoon

Police responded to a domestic violence call on Oliver Road at 9.40pm on Monday and the victim had escaped. Holland refused to surrender and crisis negotiators failed to persuade him to come out or release the couple's children

Sheriff deputies initially tried to establish a perimeter and tried to convince him to come outside over concerns of what he would do to the children if they entered forcefully.

Detectives had obtained a search and arrest warrant for the property and Holland who is a three-time convicted felon.

Crisis negotiations were joined by the Highlands County Sheriff's Office SWAT team to get the suspect to come outside or release the children but he repeatedly refused.

Polk County's SWAT Team took control after the standoff lasted more than 12 hours and the children were quickly released.

Liquid-based gas canisters were then thrown into the property to force Holland out.

But deputies heard a gunshot and the mobile home began smoking and started to burn.

Gas canisters were thrown inside to force Holland to leave but a gunshot was heard and the house caught on fire. He died because he could not be rescued from the blaze

The Highlands County Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday that a person had barricaded themselves and was holding children hostage in Venus

Holland walked out and fired at the SWAT Team, who returned shots, before immediately going back inside, according to the sheriff's office.

The property was fully engulfed in flames at this point and first responders were not able to enter and Holland died. An autopsy will determine the exact cause of his death.

The children have been placed in protective custody and were taken to a local hospital to be examined.

Sheriff Paul Blackman said: 'I want to commend our deputies, SWAT Team and Crisis Negotiators for giving their all for 12 hours on this incident.

'I also want to thank Sheriff Grady Judd and the Polk County Sheriff's Office for allowing us to utilize their resources and give our deputies a much-needed break.

'Our prayers are with the children and the rest of the family whose lives were forever changed today.'

The incident is being investigated by the 10th Judicial Circuit Officer Involved Deadly Incident Task Force.

DailyMail.com has contacted the Highlands County Sheriff's Office for comment.
Cranick is currently being held on a $500,000 bond in Connecticut

She turned herself in on Tuesday after the incident was reported in September

An educator has been arrested on rape charges after she had sex with an 11-year-old boy in a car outside of his Connecticut school.

Alyson Cranick, 42, was charged with two first-degree counts of sexual assault and three counts of risk of injury to a minor.

She allegedly had a two-month sexual relationship with a young boy when he was 11 and 12 years old in 2022. The incident was first reported in September 2023.

The boy told police the two 'had sexual intercourse in her vehicle' at Horace Porter School - a pre-K through eight grade school - and that he 'snuck out of his house on at least 14 occasions' during the night to meet with Cranick.

State Troopers said Cranick turned herself in on Tuesday and appeared at Rockville Court.

Alyson Cranick was charged with two first-degree counts of sexual assault and three counts of risk of injury to a minor after she had sexual intercourse with an 11-year-old

Cranick is pictured after a mud-run race. She is a married mom and frequently posts to social media about her life

The arrest warrant revealed the victim told police that he and Cranick communicated on iMessage and SnapChat.

Police obtained hundreds of flirtatious and sexual text messages exchanged between Cranick and the minor.

NBC Connecticut reported the warrant also revealed that Cranick made the boy a bracelet that read 'BFFLWB,' which stands for 'Best Friends for Life With Benefits.'

The boy told police that during the overnight hours she either waited for him by 'hiding behind a bush on a neighbor's property- or walking up to his house.'

During an interview with the former educator, Cranick told authorities that she did not initiate sexual contact with the minor and that she 'downplayed any inappropriate reasoning for communicating' with the boy.

She went on to say that she only comforted the child because he was fearful about family issues.

According to school officials, Cranick was a paraprofessional in the Columbia school district and was most recently an administrative assistant at E.O. Smith High School in Mansfield.

She was later fired from the high school after the state finished the investigation.

The minor told police that Cranick and him 'had sexual intercourse in her vehicle' outside of Horace W. Port School in Columbia, Connecticut

During an interview with the former educator, Cranick told authorities that she did not initiate sexual contact with the minor and that she 'downplayed any inappropriate reasoning for communicating' with the boy

In a statement released by the Columbia School District, Interim Superintendent Barabara Wilson said: 'It is with great regret that I must share this information with you today. As educators, we are entrusted to protect and educate all of our students.'

'Maintaining appropriate faculty-student relationships and providing for the safety and wellbeing of our students at all times are critical,' Wilson said.

Parents of students from the school were too distraught to comment on the situation when asked by Eyewitness News 3.

Cranick has a son and daughter (pictured) who she frequently posts on social media

'Maintaining appropriate faculty-student relationships and providing for the safety and wellbeing of our students at all times are critical,' school officials said

Cranick's parents were told by the judge that they had to pay 10 percent of the $500,000 bond. They wanted to take her back to her home state of Pennsylvania, but were told that she cannot leave Connecticut.

Cranick is a married mother of two who frequently posts pictures of her son and daughter on social media.

In the letter to parents Wilson went on to say that anyone with concerns in regard to the matter are 'encouraged' to contact her, law enforcement, or the state's Department of Children and Families.

'My hope is that this horrific and appalling situation will not cast a shadow over the important work carried out by the Columbia School District's teachers and staff members, who provide an outstanding education and safe environment for our students every day.'
The 400 fruit pickers living at a holiday park in a small beach town are expected to be gone within the next fortnight following complaints about their unruly behaviour.

Locals living in Arrawarra, near Coffs Harbour on the NSW mid north coast, say their home has been turned into a 'feral breeding ground' from migrant fruit pickers following the alleged rape of a teenage girl.

The 17-year-old girl was walking home near Arrawarra Beach at about 7.30pm on Friday when she was confronted by a man and allegedly sexually assaulted.

A 34-year-old man has since been charged.

The man charged with sexual assault is understood to be a worker from the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme who had been working as a season fruit picker and had been staying at the Arrawarra Holiday Park.

The man was taken to Coffs Harbour Police station where he was later charged with sexual intercourse without consent, refused bail and remanded in custody to appear in court next year.

It follows another incident 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 living in Arrawarra, near Coffs Harbour on the NSW mid north coast, say their home has been turned into a 'feral breeding ground' from migrant fruit pickers following the alleged rape of a teenage girl. (pictured is rubbish strewn around the beach town)

The holiday park began housing fruit pickers during the Covid pandemic, with as many as 400 living at the accommodation site at a time.

Member for Coffs Harbour, Gurmesh Singh, said on Wednesday morning he believes the workers will soon be relocated.

'The residents up there have been raising their concerns for quite a while now and it's unfortunate to see that an (alleged) incident like this has brought it to a head,' he told Triple M's Moffee in the Morning.

'My understanding is the police have been very responsive to residents in that park.

'Ultimately, my understanding is the PALM scheme workers won't be there for too much longer and hopefully in a week or two they'll be gone.'

Mr Singh said he'd set up a meeting earlier in the year trying to get residents, the holiday park and stakeholders to 'try and talk it out'.

'There was a fair bit of animosity between residents and the park, and it didn't lead to very conducive outcomes,' he said.

One local claimed there has been 'antisocial behaviour' in Arrawarra for a long time.

'What was once an untouched piece of paradise for families all year round to make amazing memories for life is now a feral breeding ground,' they wrote in a Facebook group.

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 (pictured is Arrawarra Beach)

'There has been so many times that we have tried to let council and police know that this place is unsafe.

'Not a dry area. Alcohol and antisocial behaviour for a long time'.

One local claimed his 13-year-old daughter couldn't go to the beach alone anymore as she'd allegedly been approached by some of the fruit pickers.

Locals had complained earlier this year that the workers were turning the coastal paradise into a 'shanty town'.

Some have claimed 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.

Locals have complained about fruit pickers staying in the area leaving rubbish behind

Locals describe the migrant workers as 'lovely people', but say they are being housed in squalid quarters with six or more grown men inside a cramped shanty house with dangerously 'shoddy' electrics.

One local had earlier accused residents of being prejudiced against Pacific Islanders, who make up the bulk of the fruit pickers.

'These are human beings, they work really hard, they are wonderful people. They are building a future for their families and countries and our nation depends on them to support the farm,' he said.

'The berry pickers appreciate the beauty of the location, it makes them feel at home coming from the islands.

'It would be great to see some more support from government and other stakeholders for the Pacific Islanders.'
Residents of a Massachusetts town yesterday raised a Palestinian flag over their common after a 'heated' debate involving some 600 residents in what critics are calling a cowardly show of defeat to an 'anti-Israel' mob.

The flag was raised at 9.30am on Tuesday after the Democrat-led town gave its approval the previous night following furious arguments.

Pro-Palestinian supporters have argued for weeks that it is only fair that their flag should be raised, after an Israel flag was hoisted up after the Hamas terror attack on October 7.

The Israeli flag was flown from October 7 until November 9th.

On October 16, student Selma Khayal requested that the Palestinian flag be flown from November 7th until December 7th.

The issue was debated on Monday night for an hour before the town's select board voted unanimously in favor of raising it.

The Palestinian flag was raised above North Andover's town common on Tuesday

The flag was raised after a 'heated' meeting on Monday night

Residents of North Andover are seen on Monday night lining up to speak in favor or against flying the Palestinian flag. Each person was given three minutes, and remarks were limited to an hour

Jenna Khayal, whose sister filed the permit for the flag, said: 'Palestine is still under siege. The people in Gaza are still suffering, they are still being bombarded.

'This flag represents its people. It represents the culture. It is not a terrorist flag, and we will not let it be misconstrued that way.'

But the local Jewish community was deeply disturbed by the decision.

Rabbi Idan Irelander, who leads Congregation Ahavat Olam, told NBC: 'As a Jewish community, we are very disappointed. Unfortunately, today the Palestinian flag represents hatred, represents war, represents anti-Semitism.

'The raising of the Israeli flag was obviously in solidarity to an American ally.'

Some people needed to be removed from the room, and at times people chanted slogans including 'From the river to the sea' - which many consider a genocidal chant about erasing the Israeli nation.

While the meeting had been scheduled for last week, it was postponed due to 'threats of litigation as well as public safety concerns'.

Local resident Brian Buzby said he was in favor of the Palestinian flag flying, saying his wife's sister-in-law had lost 14 members of her family in Gaza since the war started - four of them being children.

Buzby said the meeting was tense, telling Boston 25 News: 'It was pretty heated.'

'There are those that look at the Palestinian flag as a symbol of hate.'

Salma Boula, who also attended the meeting, told the channel there was 'a lot of tension, a lot of opposition.'

She supported the proposal to fly the Palestinian flag.

Brian Buzby said he supported the request to fly the Palestinian flag over North Andover town common

'If Israel gets their flag to fly in the North Andover common then Palestinians deserve that same right,' she said.

There was a large police presence at the meeting as a precaution.

The proposal to fly the Palestinian flag was submitted on October 16 - hours before the town updated its policies, in line with a U.S. Supreme Court decision.

Under the new policies, now in place, Melissa Rodrigues, the town manager said flags could no longer be flown.

But as the request was made under the old policy, it went to a board vote, and the town did not want to face litigation by denying the request.

Marc Freedman, president of the Congregation Ahavat Olam in North Andover, told Fox News Digital he was disgusted and horrified by the decision.

'The town was a coward,' Freedman said.

'I don't believe the flag should have been raised because today it is a symbol of hatred and antisemitism.'

North Andover residents are seen on Monday night streaming out of the board meeting

North Andover is not alone in Massachusetts in raising the Palestinian flag in the public square.

The state's second-largest city, Worcester, flew the flag in front of City Hall, according to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.

North Andover's representative in Congress' lower house, Seth Moulton, has said the Israel-Hamas war would 'probably' not have begun had Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not been in power.

Moulton said Netanyahu was a 'total disaster', but said he did not back calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, saying it would only give Hamas more time to regroup.

Moulton, an ex-Marine who served four tours in Iraq, and sits on the House Armed Services Committee, told Mass Live on Monday that he wanted more humanitarian pauses, to allow for hostages to be released and civilians evacuated.
Tennessee Congressman Tim Burchett is standing by his story that deposed Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy elbowed him in the hallways of the Capitol on Tuesday during a heated clash.

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.

McCarthy denied elbowing colleague Burchett in a press scrum later Tuesday, claiming the Tennessee congressman would 'know it' if he did because he'd be 'on the ground.'

However, speaking to Fox Tuesday evening, Burchett doubled down and not only confirmed the story but called it another example of McCarthy's political career going down the drain and why he and his colleagues had enough of him as speaker.

'I'm afraid it's just a sad asterisk on the end of his career as he spirals out of control,' Burchett said.

Tennessee Congressman Tim Burchett is standing by his story that deposed Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy elbowed him in the hallways of the Capitol on Tuesday during a heated clash

EXCLUSIVE: Congressman Tim Burchett alleges Kevin McCarthy elbowed him in the kidneys. He tells Primetime what happened next. pic.twitter.com/1h0eI0orof  Jesse Watters (@JesseBWatters) November 15, 2023

He said he doesn't know why McCarthy attacked him but believes it had to do with being one of the eight Republicans who helped take him out of power.

'This is just indicative... really, shows America the reason the eight of us chose to vote out Kevin McCarthy,' he said.

He went on to criticize McCarthy's attempt to pass a 'pork-filled' budget, leaving new speaker Patrick Johnson - whom Burchett called 'an honorable man' - with less than two weeks to pass a new one.

Earlier Tuesday, 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.

McCarthy responded by telling CNN that Burchett would've felt it if he'd actually hit him.

'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.'

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.

McCarthy denied elbowing colleague Burchett in a press scrum later Tuesday, claiming the Tennessee congressman would 'know it' if he did because he'd be 'on the ground'

Speaking to Fox Tuesday evening, Burchett doubled down and not only confirmed the story but called it another example of McCarthy's political career going down the drain and why he and his colleagues had enough of him as speaker

News  Kevin McCarthy denies sucker punching Tim Burchett in kidneys. Says it was a crowded hallway and accidentally bumped into him. Said Burchett would know if it were intentional. Dismisses Burchett saying he was still in pain after the incident pic.twitter.com/3WkrU6lnkr  Manu Raju (@mkraju) November 14, 2023

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?'
Calls for ABC Q&A program to be ditched in 2024

Calls have mounted for ABC's low-rating program Q&A to be scrapped for good as the show is slammed as 'one-sided, uninteresting and rarely funny'.

Political commentator Peter Van Onselen said the program would not be missed if it didn't return to ABC's roster in 2024.

In an opinion piece for The Australian, Van Onselen said Q&A - currently hosted by Patricia Karvelas - had received 203,000 views nationally on Monday night.

The program received 59,000 viewers in Sydney, 81,000 in Melbourne, 25,000 in Brisbane, 25,000 in Adelaide and just 19,000 in Perth.

Media Watch aired immediately before Q&A and was watched by 374,000 people, while Channel Nine's afternoon news bulletin had 240,000 viewers.

Van Onselen said it was time for Q&A to be 'scrapped altogether'.

Political commentator Peter Van Onselen said the program would not be missed on Australian screens if it didn't return to ABC's roster in 2024

'With numbers this woeful coupled with how out of touch with mainstream Australia the program has become, it really needs to be put out of its misery,' he wrote.

'There have been enough failed reboots to justify finally axing it.'

The commentator said cracks started to appear after Tony Jones stopped hosting after a decade in the role from 2008 to 2019.

Poll Do you think Q&A should be scrapped in 2024? Yes No Do you think Q&A should be scrapped in 2024? Yes 293 votes

No 27 votes Now share your opinion





'It wasn't all that long ago that the program was vibrant and interesting, with discussions well led by former host Tony Jones,' Van Onselen wrote.

'I remember appearing on it at the time. Ratings regularly hit the one million mark, which precipitated the discussion about changing its time slot.'

Van Onselen lashed the show for not being informative enough and hosting discussions that were 'one-sided, uninteresting and rarely funny'.

He claimed it was the ABC's 'stubbornness' that was saving the show from being axed for good but that a replacement would be welcomed.

Hamish MacDonald replaced Jones as a host in 2020 but resigned in July 2021 after overwhelming personal abuse and trolling on social media.

In May 2021, Q&A returned to its original timeslot of Thursday at 8.30pm and saw views plummet from 600,000 to 200,000 in five major capital cities that April.

David Speers hosted Q&A from 2021 to 2023 alongside Virginia Trioli and Stan Grant

Hamish MacDonald (pictured) replaced Jones as a host in 2020 but resigned in July 2021 after overwhelming personal abuse and trolling on social media

Virginia Trioli, the co-host of ABC News Breakfast, also hosted Q&A in 2021 and 2022

Calls have mounted for ABC's lowest rating program Q&A to be scrapped for good as the show is slammed as 'one-sided, uninteresting and rarely funny' (pictured, former host Stan Grant)

The program now airs at 9.30pm on Monday nights and features a panel of five public figures such as politicians, media personalities and academics.

After Macdonald resigned in 2021, Q&A was presented by three rotating hosts - Stan Grant, David Speers and Virginia Trioli until July, 2022.

It was later announced Stan Grant would permanently host the show from August 1.

However, less than a year later the host resigned in May 2023 after receiving 'grotesque racist abuse' and threats to his safety.

The abuse came after Grant criticised the monarchy while on an ABC panel discussion that preceded the coronation of King Charles III.

Grant was disappointed by the lack of support he received from the ABC.

He said that during the May 6 panel discussion 'no one shouted over anyone, no one abused anyone' and that it had been a healthy, respectful and constructive debate about the history of the monarchy.

'If a white person had been on air... if they talked about invasion of the land, they just would not have been abused in the way that I was,' he said.

'It wasn't just what I was saying, it was the fact I was saying (it). The racial abuse and attacks began before I had even uttered a word.'

Q&A is currently hosted by ABC breakfast radio presenter Patricia Karvelas (pictured)

Q&A is currently hosted by ABC breakfast radio presenter Patricia Karvelas.

A discussion on the deepening crisis in Israel and Palestine didn't make it in to the top 20 rated programs for Monday night.

Twitter users debated whether Q&A should be scrapped in 2024.

'The problem is the hosting the last few years. Pre-2020, when Tony Jones was the host it was a show worth watching,' one said.

'I liked it better without the audience. Watched it on ABC iView the next morning. Though I rarely watch it,' a second tweeted.

'The ABC spent a lot of effort getting the tone right in last nights Q&A. They did well,' a third wrote.

'Q&A rates better than anything on Sky News after 6pm, even with a captive rural audience,' a fourth tweeted.

'If only ratings matters on TV it'll just end up being gambling & porn.'

On Tuesday, Channel 10 announced it was scrapping Studio 10 after a decade on TV.
Anthony Albanese's voice quivered with rage as he defended his government's approach to Israel and Palestine and the fallout from a High Court decision that freed 83 asylum seekers from detention.

The Prime Minister's fury boiled over during Question Time on Wednesday - with Mr Albanese shouting at the Opposition Leader in a way rarely seen since he became PM.

Mr Albanese told Peter Dutton he 'didn't think he could go this low' in a scathing takedown, after the leader of the Opposition tried to move a motion through the House tying together two of the big issues of the week.

Mr Dutton accused the government of failing to stand up for Jewish Australians and displaying weakness over the crisis in the Middle East.

Mr Dutton also railed against Mr Albanese's plan to fly to the United States for the APEC summit on Wednesday evening, days after the landmark High Court decision resulted in the release of asylum seekers including a paedophile who raped a 10-year-old in western Sydney and a murderer.

In response, an impassioned Mr Albanese said Mr Dutton's Coalition had been responsible for the country's immigration system for more than a decade - including six years with Mr Dutton as the home affairs minister.

Since its inception, APEC has only ever been missed by one PM, Julia Gillard, when her father died.

'The opportunism of the leader of the Opposition has been exposed for all to see here today,' Mr Albanese said.

'I didn't think he could go this low as to link these two issues, to try to link these two issues.'

Anthony Albanese 's voice has quivered with rage as he defended his longstanding support of Palestine and a two-state solution in Parliament

The Prime Minister's fury boiled over during Question TIme, noting he 'didn't think [Opposition Leader Peter Dutton ] could go this low'

Mr Albanese yelled that he made 'no apologies for standing up against anti-Semitism' and noted that 'Jewish Australians are fearful at the moment'.

'The sort of activity that is occurring is scaring them - and I stand with them. No-one, no-one should threaten people because of their religion or race in this country.

'But it is also the case that Arab Australians and women wearing hijabs in the streets of Sydney and Melbourne are being threatened and I stand against them again.

'The idea of selective human rights is one that I stand against - so I'm opposed to any innocent life being lost, whether it be as a result of the terrorism of Hamas in Israel... Innocent babies, I'm against being killed in Gaza.'

Mr Albanese said he would continue to stand up for the rights of both Palestinians and Israelis during his trip to San Francisco for the APEC summit.

Mr Dutton on Wednesday repeatedly urged the PM to cancel his travel plans in order to ram through legislation to detain the 83 people released after the High Court decision. (The number released by the government increased from 81 to 83, the government announced today).

The Opposition leader's calls came as a surprise to some insiders, given the Coalition have long considered APEC one of the most important summits for Australian leaders to attend.

In 2007, prime minister John Howard described APEC as 'an unrivalled opportunity for bilateral exchanges'.

Later that year, he said 'APEC is hugely significant to Australia, both from an economic point of view and also from a strategic and security point of view.'

And in 2018, then-prime minister Scott Morrison said APEC was an ideal opportunity for independent sovereign states to 'keep getting on with each other'.

'Under APEC, we have seen more than a doubling in the real GDP of these participating economies. This is an organisation that has got some good results, that has really increased the prosperity of our region.'

After calling time on Question Time, the PM was pictured making a dash to the airport, where he was seen boarding his plane to San Francisco.

After calling time on Question Time, the PM was pictured making a dash for the airport, where he was seen boarding his plane to San Francisco

Mr Albanese said he would continue to stand up for the rights of both Palestinians and Israelis during his trip to San Francisco for the APEC summit

Mr Albanese took particular issue with Mr Dutton's apparent attempt to conflate multiple separate issues

Mr Dutton said that the Opposition would work through the night with the government to get any legislation over the line.

'Prime Minister, don't leave Canberra and don't leave this parliament until legislation has been passed which will give effect to providing safety to the Australian people,' he said.

Shadow Immigration Minister Dan Tehan added: 'Were prepared to stay here Friday, Saturday, Sunday, to make sure that this legislation is brought.'

Mr Albanese took particular issue with Mr Dutton's apparent attempt to conflate multiple separate issues.

He said: 'The opportunism of the leader of the Opposition has been exposed for all to see here today, but I didn't think he could go this low as to try to link these two issues.'

The motion was also slammed by Teal MP Allegra Spender, who said the Coalition should have focused solely on issues concerning anti-Semitism.

'To watch the Opposition deliberately try and politicise this issue and conflate it with the Prime Ministers travel schedule, in order to score political points, is disgraceful,' she said.

'I sought to amend the motion to focus purely on antisemitism, which would have been wholly appropriate.'

Meanwhile in the Senate, the government confirmed it is working on a quick turnaround solution to the High Court's controversial decision.

The widespread criticism of the Labor government in the wake of the decision has sparked deep frustration for the government.

Until now, ministers have felt their hands were tied - as the High Court has not released the specific reasons for its decision, which could take months.

Without this information, the government will find it tricky to address the court's decision and introduce legislation to detain the asylum seekers.

But Senator Wong revealed in Question Time on Wednesday 'the government intends to introduce legislation shortly to further respond to the decision of the High Court.

'We look forward to the Opposition assisting with passage of that legislation as soon as possible.'
The family of a teenage tradie who died at work earlier this year has slammed the government for failing to protect young workers.

Tyler Whitton, who had just turned 17, was working as an apprentice builder in Brisbane when he fell about three metres at a West End building site in September.

He was rushed to the Royal Brisbane Hospital and placed in an induced coma but could not be revived.

His devastated family attended a protest organised by the Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union on Wednesday, where they called for tighter safety regulations.

Just days after Tyler's death, the union revealed it had visited the worksite where he died in June and found a 'huge fall from heights' was a major safety concern.

Tyler Whitton, 17, was killed while working as a apprentice at a Brisbane construction site

Tyler's family (left to right: brother Lucas, grandfather Jack Whitton, grandmother Joanne Crisp and sister Chelsea) attended a union-organised rally in Brisbane on Wednesday

His grandparents Liz and Jack Whitton said there were 'obvious' and 'atrocious' dangers at the site when they visited following Tyler's fall.

'There needs to be something done about industrial manslaughter,' Mrs Whitton told the Courier Mail.

'Tyler was 17; he didn't know that was going to happen on that day. If there had been a barrier there, he'd still be enjoying Christmas with his family,' she said.

His other grandmother, Joanne Crisp, described the effect of Tyler's death on the family as 'shattering'.

'I am here for Tyler. We want to raise his blood from the concrete,' she said.

'[His mother] still cries for her son to come home.'

Workers at the rally yelled, 'Annastacia [Palaszczuk] you can stop it, workers' lives are not for profit' and demanded 'safe sites now'

Tyler's family attended the rally 'to raise his blood from the concrete' and demand more safety

Hundreds of frustrated workers attended the rally in Brisbane on Wednesday and called for the government to overhaul Workplace Health and Safety Queensland's inspection policies.

CFMEU state secretary Michael Ravbar accused the state government of 'failing to modernise' its safety regulations, exposing workers to the 'greed' of employers.

'They have ignored repeated warnings about deteriorating safety standards and refused to cut out the cancer at WHSQ,' Mr Ravbar said.

'Our members are sick of seeing Labor politicians cry crocodile tears for dead workers and then do nothing to help prevent the next tragedy from occurring.'

CFMEU assistant secretary Jade Ingham added: 'We are not going to be treated like numbers on a spreadsheet anymore, like a cost of doing business.'

CFMEU state secretary Michael Ravbar (centre) accused the state government of 'failing to modernise' its safety regulations during a rally in Brisbane on Wednesday

At the rally, attendees yelled, 'Annastacia [Palaszczuk] you can stop it, workers' lives are not for profit' and demanded 'safe sites now'.

In an earlier statement in parliament, Minister for Industrial Relations Grace Grace described Queensland's workplace safety laws as 'some of the best in the nation'.

'We will never stop our efforts to protect Queensland workers,' she said.
President Joe Biden attacked 'loser' Donald Trump for invoking Nazi Germany with his call to get rid of 'vermin' in the United States at a San Francisco fundraiser on Tuesday night.

Biden tore into his predecessor for his comments on how he would deal with political rivals using 'language you heard in Nazi Germany in the 30s'.

He also ripped Trump for saying undocumented migrants were 'poisoning the blood of our country'.

'There's a lot of reasons to be against Donald Trump but damn he shouldn't be president,' Biden said. The president also said that Trump wanted to get back in theb White House for 'revenge and retribution'.

Several polls have shown Trump leading Biden in a head-to-head match up in the 2024 president election. Biden bashed Trump by name multiple times before the crowd of 2,500 wealthy donors at the so-called 'super event.' They repeatedly cheered the president on.

Pro-Palestine protesters are seen in San Francisco on Tuesday night marching to where Biden was attending a fundraiser

Activists are seen in San Francisco on Tuesday night, demanding that Joe Biden seek a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war

The activists marched to the city's iconic Merchant Exchange Club where Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were attending a fundraiser

Pro-Palestine demonstrators confront police in San Francisco on Tuesday night

President Joe Biden repeatedly went after Donald Trump at a fundraiser in San Francisco after he arrived in the city for the APEC meeting

Trump, in a rally in New Hampshire over the weekend, said, if re-elected, '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.'

Biden condemned the comments in one of his most direct remarks about his potential 2024 general election rival.

The president rarely mentions Trump by name, but stepped up his rhetoric.

'And in just the last few days, Trump has said it returns office he's gonna go after all those who oppose him and wipe out what he called the vermin in America, quote the vermin in America - a specific phrase because it's just a specific meaning,' Biden said.

'It that goes language you heard Nazi Germany in the 30s. That isn't even the first time.

'Trump also recently talked about blood of America has been poisoned. The blood in America has been poisoned. Again, echoes the same phrases used in Nazi Germany.'

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke at the reception, hosted by California Gov. Gavin Newsom. It was expected to bring more than $3 million for the president's reelection campaign, Politico reported, and is being billed a 'super event' for the Biden campaign.

In his short remarks, Biden didn't hold back.

He called out Trump for his verbal attacks on Nancy and Paul Pelosi. Paul Pelosi has been in court this week as the trial of the man who attacked him with a hammer.

The crowd booed as Biden talked about the former speaker, who lives in San Francisco and represents the city in Congress.

'On more than one occasion in recent weeks, he's made a joke about the assaults on Nancy Pelosi's husband,' Biden said of Trump. 'There's no place in America for political violence.'

Biden also cited Tuesday's election results - including winning the abortion fight in Ohio, Gov. Beshear's victory in Kentucky, and Democrats' legislative wins in Virginia.

'But since I came off the sidelines to go toe to toe with Donald Trump, we haven't stopped winning and he hasn't stopped losing,' he aid.

'You remember Trump told us he was going to win so much we'd get get tired of winning,' he said, adding: 'Oh man, I shouldn't get started.'

'Let me tell you one thing that's true. We got tired of Trump. The truth is the guy can't get tired of losing,' Biden said as the crowd roared in applause.

Donald Trump, in a rally in New Hampshire over the weekend, said, if re-elected, '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'

President Biden is in San Francisco for a four-day trip. His meeting with China's President Xi Jinping is the main event in the city, where leaders from the 21 economies that make up the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum are gathering for their annual summit.

Biden and Xi will sit down Wednesday at Filoli, a secluded estate along Northern California's coastal range.

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 we've got the wind at our back here,' said White House national security spokesman John Kirby on the flight west.

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.

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 - Newsom hosted the fundraiser

Supporters await the arrival of China's President Xi Jinping next to Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit

'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.
A politician has called for an investigation into the parents of the current Miss Universe Australia after it was revealed their failed businesses owe creditors tens of millions of dollars.

In a statement to Victoria's parliament on Tuesday night, shadow transport minister for Victoria and former opposition leader Matthew Guy called on the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to reopen investigations into the parents of Moraya Wilson, Anton and Melinda.

Moraya won the Australian leg of the Miss Universe pageant in Melbourne on September 1. Just a day later her parents' debts and her title as director of 10 companies owing thousands of dollars in tax were revealed.

Anton Wilson has been banned by ASIC from managing corporations until 2027, while his ex-wife Melinda was disqualified from managing corporations for five years in March last year.

The lengthy bans stem from their failed businesses owing more than $45million, about $21million of which is reportedly owed to the Australian Taxation Office.

A politician has called for an investigation into the parents of Miss Universe Australia, Moraya Wilson (pictured), after their businesses were revealed to be owing more than $45million

During his statement to the state's parliament, Mr Guy said that a number of his constituents had contacted his office concerned about the 'actions of Mr and Ms Wilson'.

'I do note that there is a lot of money in this issue that is owed and has been at play, and many Victorians have been financially hurt and seek rightful redress,' Mr Guy said.

'It is not right that a number of companies linked to these individuals continue to operate while tens of millions of dollars in unpaid debts remains outstanding.'

The MP revealed that ASIC had previously investigated the couple but the inquiries had been 'bizarrely' concluded 'with no serious attempt to seek financial redress or assist those who are seeking to obtain justice'.

'How can it be that our federal regulatory authorities cannot commence or reopen investigations into people who owe so much money to so many?' Mr Guy asked.

Mr Guy requested the state assistant treasurer contact to contact his federal counterpart, Stephen Jones, to 'immediately reopen an investigation' into Mr and Ms Wilson.

He also called on Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan, to put pressure on the 'feds' to conduct an investigation promptly for the sake of 'Victorians involved who have been financially hurt'.

During his statement Mr Guy also touched on Ms Wilson's status as the sole director of 10 of the family's businesses that are also in the red, owing tens of thousands.

Daily Mail Australia has approached Moraya Wilson for comment.

She has previously denied having any knowledge of the companies nor that she is an active director of any of them.

Victoria's shadow transport minister, Matthew Guy (pictured), called on the state's assistant treasure to contact his federal counterpart to promptly investigate the business dealings of Anton and Mellissa

Moraya recently shrugged off a petition calling for her to relinquish her title due to her family ties and is currently in El Salvador to represent Australia in the international leg of the pageant

It is the latest hit for the 21-year-old after a petition was launched last week calling for her to abdicate her crown as Australia's top model.

Willy Bagatcholon, who describes himself as a human rights advocate, is behind the petition and has called for signatories to 'strip Moraya Wilson of her crown' as Miss Universe Australia.

'In light of the recent reports that Moraya Wilson and her parents are involved in an alleged tax evasion of about $100million, her actions do not align with the Miss Universe message,' the petition read.

'This is why I believe Moraya Wilson should step down from her position as Miss Universe Australia.'

While Moraya said she was aware of the petition, she also said she intends to compete in the international competition nonetheless, news.com.au reported.

'I intend to fulfil my duties as Miss Universe Australia to the best of my ability with the full support of The Miss Universe Australia management,' she said.

Moraya is currently in El Salvador to represent Australian in the international leg of the Miss Universe competition.
A cheap motel on a highway in Sydney's west is the new home for nine asylum seekers freed from detention by a controversial High Court decision.

Last weekend the men were driven from Villawood Immigration Detention Centre to the drab three-storey building near a service station and fast food outlet.

They are among 83 asylum seekers who have been let out into the community after the High Court found on November 8 that their indefinite detention was unlawful.

They will support themselves with at least $550 a fortnight from the government's Status Resolution Support Service as well as being provided with free Medicare.

Three of those released are murderers, one of whom killed a pregnant woman in Malaysia, and another was previously jailed for raping a 10-year-old boy in Sydney.

Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil will now introduce a raft of strict new visa conditions for the released detainees including ankle tracking devices and curfews.

'If I had any legal power to do it, I would keep every one of those people in detention,' Ms O'Neil said on Thursday. 'Some of these people have committed deplorable, disgusting crimes.'

Daily Mail Australia approached several residents at the western Sydney motel who were wandering freely around the grounds on Wednesday and was met with a barrage of abuse.

A resident of a Sydney motel where asylum keepers who have been freed from immigration detention after a High Court ruling abused Daily Mail Australia when he was approached on Wednesday. 'Get the f*** out of here,' the man (above) yelled. 'What the f*** are you doing?

Nine immigration released detainees from from Villawood detention centre last weekend have been taken to a motel in Sydney's west. A room at the motel is pictured

It is not suggested that everyone pictured is a criminal or asylum seeker, only that they were all going in and out of the motel on Wednesday.

One heavily-tattooed man wearing a singlet and rolling a cigarette did not say whether he had been released from detention but made it clear he did not wish to be interviewed.

'Get the f*** out of here,' the man yelled. 'What the f*** are you doing?

'Get the f*** out. I call the police. We are all innocent people here. Why are you trying to talk to us? What are you doing?'

Two police officers had earlier spent at least half an hour inside the motel, which can only be entered with a swipe card or after talking with reception via an intercom.

Asked whether she could comment on the Villawood detainees, a woman behind the front desk said: 'No we can't, thank you.'

One man who spent much of the day outside on his mobile phone confirmed he had been a detainee but twice declined to discuss his situation.

'I am from Villawood,' he said. 'I am talking to family. Afterwards, please.'

Another young man wandering around with his mobile phone said: 'I don't want to speak to you.'

One heavilly tattooed man at the motel who was rolling a cigarette did not say whether he had been released from detention and made it clear he did not wish to be interviewed. We are all innocent people here,' he said. 'What are you doing?'

This man spent much of the afternoon outside the motel on his mobile phone confirmed he had been a detainee but twice declined to discuss his situation. 'I am from Villawood,' he said. 'I am talking to family. Afterwards, please'

The motel rents rooms as cheaply as $99 a night and has an average score of 2.5 out of five from Tripadvisor reviewers.

Staff at the nearby Ampol service station and Red Rooster restaurant were unaware of the released detainees' presence at the motel.

Other asylum seekers released from detention since the High Court determination are being housed in temporary accommodation across the country.

The court's finding that indefinite immigration detention was unlawful overrode a legal precedent which had stood for 20 years and was understood to directly affect 93 asylum seekers.

Many of them had been convicted of serious criminal offences and had failed a good character test or were feared to be threats to national security but for various reasons could not be deported.

Among those freed was hitman Sirul Azahr Umar, who was sentenced to death in Malaysia for the 2006 murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu, the pregnant girlfriend of a political operative.

The motel rents rooms as cheaply as $99 a night and has an average score of 2.5 out of five from Tripadvisor reviewers. This man was on his phone at the motel on Wednesday

When this young man was approached at the motel on Wednesday he said 'I don't want to speak to you'. An older man than approached Daily Mail Australia and yelled a torrent of abuse

Umar, who had been a bodyguard for the Malaysian prime minister, was let out of Villawood detention centre on Saturday and is understood to be staying in a Canberra apartment complex.

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 by the pseudonym NZYQ, was the subject of the High Court case which led to last Wednesday's ruling.

Gus Kuster, who was born in Papua New Guinea but claims Torres Strait Islander heritage, was also released after spending five years in immigration detention

Kuster has been in and out of jail for the past 20 years for domestic violence, drug, motor vehicle and weapons-related offences.

Afghani sexual predator Aliyawar Yawari, who has a history of attacking elderly women, is also among the wave of refugees to benefit from the decision.

Two police officers spent at least half an hour inside the motel, which can only be entered with a swipe card or after talking with reception via an intercom

Detainees released into the community are subject to conditions which include notifying authorities about their location, in-person daily reporting and restrictions on working in certain types of industries

Yawari served jail time for assaulting three women including one he hit with her walking stick and has been described by a judge as a 'danger to the Australian community'.

Since his release from Western Australia's Yongah Hill detention centre, Yawari has been staying at a motel in Thornlie on Perth's eastern outskirts.

Asked on Monday how he felt about being allowed to leave detention, Yawari said: 'Yeah good.'

Western Australian premier Roger Cook revealed this week that 32 refugees were released from the Yongah Hill and Perth detention centres over the weekend.

'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.'

Asylum seekers released from detention since the High Court determination are being housed in temporary accommodation across the country. This man was pictured on his mobile phone at the motel on Wednesday

Four of the asylum seekers now on Perth's streets had a 'history of significant family violence offending', Mr Cook said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong told the Senate on Wednesday the federal government was considering an urgent fix after the High Court judgment.

'The government intends to introduce legislation shortly to further respond to the decision of the High Court,' Ms Wong said.

'We look forward to the Opposition assisting with passage of that legislation as soon as possible.'

Ms O'Neil told Sunrise on Wednesday if she had the power to keep the asylum seekers in detention she would use it.

She said the government, which had opposed NZYQ's appeal to the High Court, was releasing detainees under 'the strictest possible visa conditions'.

That included notifying authorities about their location, in-person daily reporting and restrictions on working in certain types of industries.

'It includes us continuously monitoring things like social media and email addresses and phone numbers and the like,' Ms O'Neil said.
A New South Wales real estate agent has been slammed for making shocking jokes in a property listing about the prospective occupant murdering their spouse.

A listing for a house at Tottenham, 140km west of Dubbo, asked prospective buyers, 'Does the sound of your husband/wife's voice irritate you enough to fantasise about their possible murder?'

The listing went on to say the property 'has a large, shady back verandah area to lock them out on so you can have wine in peace'.

It also boasted about a massive yard that has 'plenty of space to bury a body', and that a fireplace could be used to 'burn the evidence'.

A property listing for a house in Tottenham made jokes about murdering a partner and that the house 'has a large, shady back verandah (sic) area to lock them out on  so you can have wine in peace'

The property listing, which has since been changed, has been slammed by domestic violence advocates

Domestic violence advocates have blasted the 'inappropriate' comments.

Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon, Director of the Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre, questioned how the listing was allowed to be published.

'It's terrible. I'm honestly shocked. Men's violence against women is a national crisis in Australia,' she told Yahoo News.

'That fantasising about killing your wife (or husband) and burying their body in the backyard is still pitched in 2023 as a funny one-liner highlights how far we have to go in achieving a safe community for women and girls.'

The listing has since been altered, omitting the controversial remarks.

The property listing attempted to joke that the house had a fireplace to 'burn the evidence' of murdering a spouse

Listing agent Averill Berryman of ABC Property said there had been a strong response to the listing due to the 'creative' description.

'It did not even enter my mind that it would be something people would get upset about,' she said.

'It was supposed to be cheeky. It was a tongue-in-cheek throwaway line.

'No harm was intended and there was definitely no intention to incite any kind of domestic violence or anything like that. If it has offended some people, then I apologise for that'.

Ms Fitz-Gibbon said that six women had been killed in Australia in the last month and that the property listing promoted 'violence pitched as a joke'.

'Community attitudes that condone and excuse violence are highly problematic and contribute to breeding the disrespect and inequality that drives violence against women,' she said.

1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732

NSW Domestic Violence Line - 1800 656 463
Nikki Haley sparked a firestorm on Tuesday by saying that the way to reduce antisemitism and misinformation online was to force social media users to reveal their true identity - a proposal some said was fascist.

Haley appeared on Fox News, and was asked what she would do to combat hate speech online.

She said the social media companies must do more to combat fake accounts, trolls and bots.

'Anti-Semitism was always bubbling underneath the surface, but now we're seeing this massive exaggeration of it, but no one is talking about why,' she said.

'The truth is, if you look at social media, the misinformation and the dramatic sides of social media are instigating this. Why? Because it's being pushed by Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.'

Nikki Haley on Tuesday said she would end anonymity on social media

Haley said ending anonymity would make social media users more civil, and reduce the spread of hate speech

She said she would prioritize making social media companies lift the lid on their users.

'When I get into office, the first thing we have to do: social media companies, they have to show America their algorithms. Let us see why they're pushing what they're pushing,' she said.

'The second thing is every person on social media should be verified by their name.'

She said it was 'a national security threat' to allow anonymous accounts.

'When you do that, all of a sudden people have to stand by what they say, and it gets rid of the Russian bots, the Iranian bots, and the Chinese bots,' she said.

'And then you're gonna get some civility when people know their name is next to what they say, and they know their pastor and their family member's gonna see it. It's gonna help our kids and it's gonna help our country.'

Her proposal was met with howls of outrage on all sides, with journalist Yashar Ali saying it was 'an outrageous and dangerous proposal'.

He added: 'It's the kind of change that a fascist demands but she's doing it under the guise of civility and getting rid of bots.

'What this sort of change will get rid of is Iranian, Chinese, and Russian dissidents. The brave people who speak out and organize against authoritarian and totalitarian regimes.'

Her Republican rivals for the presidency, Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy, also condemned the idea.

DeSantis, who has seen Haley close in on him for second place behind Donald Trump, said it was 'dangerous and unconstitutional'.

The Florida governor said: 'You know who were anonymous writers back in the day? Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison when they wrote the Federalist Papers.

'They were not 'national security threats,' nor are the many conservative Americans across the country who exercise their Constitutional right to voice their opinions without fear of being harassed or canceled by the school they go to or the company they work for.'

Ramaswamy accused Haley of promoting censorship.

'@NikkiHaley is *openly* pushing for the government to use private tech companies to censor speech,' he said.

'This is a flagrant violation of the Constitution and straight out of the Democrats' playbook. Any politician who thinks it's OK for the government to use the private sector as its censorship bureau shouldn't be allowed anywhere near the White House.'

Charlie Kirk, founder of the pro-Trump youth group Turning Point USA, said that anonymity was a vital aspect of free speech.

'Nikki Haley says 'every person on social media should be verified by name' for the sake of 'national security.'

'Nice try, Nikki. Anonymous speech is a core part of free speech  which the founders would know, since many of them (including Alexander Hamilton and James Madison) wrote anonymously.'
Peter Dutton fears a 'significant act' to harm Australian Jews is brewing as emotions rise over the Israel and Hamas conflict.

The opposition leader wrote to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese proposing a meeting with premiers and chief ministers to crack down on anti-Jewish behaviour and promote social cohesion.

'I fear that there will be a significant act within our country which will cause harm to people in the Jewish community, or the community more broadly, at a time when temperatures are rising,' he told reporters.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton says he fears a 'significant act' to harm Australian Jews is brewing

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In his letter, Mr Dutton said Jewish Australians feared for their personal safety.

'Many are scared to display religious symbols or wear religious garments and many Jewish Australians are so concerned for the safety of their children they are refusing to allow them to wear school uniforms which identify them as pupils of Jewish schools,' he said.

In parliament on Wednesday Mr Albanese responded with fury to Mr Dutton's suggestions the government was not doing enough to ensure the safety of Jewish Australians.

Mr Albanese yelled that he made 'no apologies for standing up against anti-Semitism' and noted that 'Jewish Australians are fearful at the moment'.

'The sort of activity that is occurring is scaring them - and I stand with them. No-one, no-one should threaten people because of their religion or race in this country.

Tensions have been running high over the war in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas

'But it is also the case that Arab Australians and women wearing hijabs in the streets of Sydney and Melbourne are being threatened and I stand against them again.

'The idea of selective human rights is one that I stand against - so I'm opposed to any innocent life being lost, whether it be as a result of the terrorism of Hamas in Israel... Innocent babies, I'm against being killed in Gaza.'

Meanwhile manikin 'dead bodies' were dumped on the doorsteps of Labor MPs on Wednesday by a group demanding Australia support a ceasefire in Gaza.

The group, No More Bodies in Gaza, put 15 mock corpses outside seven Labor MPs' offices in Victoria and Tasmania on Wednesday.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Immigration Minister Andrew Giles, Government Services Minister Bill Shorten and Housing Minister Julie Collins were some of the politicians who were targeted in the demonstration.

Cabinet minister Ed Husic, one of two Muslim ministers in the government, said too many Palestinians had died.

'The numbers absolutely are causing people deep concern. I have been worried for quite some time that Palestinians would shoulder the burden,' Mr Husic told ABC TV on Wednesday.

Government Services Minister Bill Shorten was among seven Labor MPs who were targeted by a pro-Palestinian activist group

'Hamas should be held to account. But I've got to say, 4000 children losing their lives, they are not Hamas.'

Mr Albanese met with the Israeli ambassador in Canberra on Tuesday and is expected to discuss the war on the sidelines of the APEC summit later this week.

Tensions between Israeli and Palestinian supporters have led to a number ugly scenes around the country with the Melbourne suburb of Caufield being a particular flashpoint after a well-known burger shop burnt down in a suspected case of arson.

Burgertory burned down about 4am on Friday with CCTV footage showing a white-hot flash as an explosion appears to go off inside the store before two figures in hoodies can be seen running off down the street.

Hash Tayeh, who transformed his business into Australia's largest independently-owned burger chain after founding it in 2018, has prominently led cries of 'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free' at a Melbourne rally a fortnight ago.

Hash Tayeh (pictured) vehemently denies that he holds anti-Semitic views and has repeatedly called for 'peace and unity, an end to killing and suffering on both sides'

Hours after the fire, pro-Israel and pro-Palestine supporters clashed outside a nearby convenience store before huge protests involving about 400 people erupted on Friday night.

Police in Melbourne are also investigating an incident where a man on a bicycle was chased by a woman who tried to grab an Israeli flag he was displaying.

Cyclist Ronen Martin-Cohen said he was accosted by a woman who tried to grab his Israeli flag before two other men assaulted him at 8pm on Sunday night in the inner southeast Melbourne cafe and restaurant thoroughfare of Chapel St.

Footage of the incident shows a woman chasing Mr Martin-Cohen and grabbing at the flag on the back of his bicycle, leading the pair to wrestle for control of the bike.

Two men then run towards Mr Martin-Cohen as he kicks out at one of them.

The fracas continues in the middle of the road until bystanders move to break it up, leaving Mr Martin-Cohen curled up on the asphalt.

'It was first a lady that approached me,' Mr Martin-Cohen told Nine news.

During Friday night's protest, pro-Palestine supporters and pro-Israel crowds stood on opposite sides of Hawthorn Road hurling abuse at each other

A pro-Palestine rally descended into chaos in Caulfield in Melbourne on Friday night

'Started to argue 'why do you support Israel?'.

'I was pushed to the ground and then they kicked me mainly in the chest and back.'

Police are also investigating a shocking incident captured in video on Saturday night of a Toyota HiLux ute seemingly swerving onto a footpath narrowly missing Israel supporters.

Footage of the incident in Caulfield, east Melbourne, was shared by Jewish advocate Menachem Vorchheimer on Monday.

The short clip shows a man and woman jumping from the side of the road as the vehicle veers towards them and mounts the curb where a group of protesters were holding Israeli flags on Friday.

Police are investigating an incident where a woman tried to grab an Israeli flag from a cyclist on Sunday night in Melbourne's Chapel St

Shocking footage captured the moment a Toyota HiLux ute seemingly swerved onto a footpath narrowly missing Israel supporters

A Victoria Police spokesman confirmed to Daily Mail Australia it received reports about the incident on Saturday.

'Officers were told a HiLux ute, half mounted a kerb on Hawthorn Road, Caulfield and drove at a man and a woman on 10 November, about 7.05pm,' he said.

'A 46-year-old Armadale man and a 55-year-old St Kilda East woman, who were standing on the footpath at the time, moved out of the way of the HiLux to avoid being struck before the vehicle drove away.

'The pair were uninjured during the incident.

'Anyone who witnessed the incident, with CCTV or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.'
A massive police raid of a Lebanese crime syndicate led to the seizure of jet skis, $8,000 watches, luxury cars and more than a dozen firearms.

The blitz involved over 450 NSW Police officers executing 43 warrants across Sydney's west and south on Tuesday, leading to the arrests of 28 people linked to a Lebanese crime syndicate.

The underworld gang is alleged to be responsible for numerous money-laundering offences and the movement of over $1billion in drugs, guns and tobacco.

The raids resulted in the seizure of two tonnes of drugs, 25 firearms, 60 encrypted devices, a jet ski, designer jewellery, high-end vehicles and large amounts of cash.

Some of the watches seized included an $8,000 Breitling Chronomat Evolution, a $3,000 U-Boat and a fake Richard Millle.

With the help of Lebanese officials, police were also able to secure the arrest of one of Australia's most wanted men, Bilal Haouchar, 37, and four of his associates overnight in Beirut.

NSW Police have carried out a series of massive raids across Sydney targeting a Lebanese crime syndicate that had 'plagued Sydney' for a decade (pictured, a 31-year-old man is arrested in Glen Alpine)

The raids resulted in the seizure of two tonnes of drugs, 25 firearms, 60 encrypted devices, a jet ski (pictured), designer jewellery, high-end vehicles and large amounts of cash

Some of the watches seized included an $8,000 Breitling Chronomat Evolution, a $3,000 U-Boat and a fake Richard Millle (pictured)

The Australian Federal Police are yet to receive confirmation from Lebanese officials of Haouchar's arrest.

It is unsure if Haouchar will be brought back to Australia, wanted on kidnapping and drug offences, as the two countries do not have an extradition treaty.

Deputy Commissioner of NSW Police, David Hudson, praised the efforts of police to produce arrests in countries that criminals once fled to.

'There used to be a time in our state's history when individuals who were wanted by us for particularly criminality left our shores thinking they were going to a safe haven,' Deputy Commissioner Hudson told reporters.

'There are no safe havens left.'

Cops also seized drug manufacturing equipment (pictured)

24 people were arrested after police executed 43 warrants across Sydney's Western and Southern suburbs over Monday and Tuesday, leading to a total of 69 charges being laid (pictured, a man arrested in Chipping Norton)

The gang is alleged to be responsible for numerous money-laundering offences and the movement of over $1billion in drugs, guns and tobacco, with raids uncovering 25 firearms

Haouchar had been on the run in Lebanon after fleeing Australia in 2018 when he was placed on a two-year correction order for pleading guilty to being involved in a fatal shooting.

The first man arrested in the sweeping blitz was Haouchar's brother Nedal, 40, who was stopped at Sydney International Airport on Sunday as he was about to leave the country.

He appeared in Downing Centre Local Court on Monday facing nine charges including the supply of a commercial quantity of drugs, directing the activities of a criminal group and five counts of deal with property proceeds of crime in excess of $4.4million.

The 28 arrests of people aged between 23 and 46 years old now face a total of 69 'significant' charges ranging from driving offences to the distribution of large amounts of prohibited drugs.

All but three of those arrested have faced courts across Sydney and were refused bail.

Pictured: an alleged criminal sits in his underwear as police raid his home

The raids also led to the seizure of about two tonnes of drugs and their precursors, as well as large amounts of cash, jewellery, high-end vehicles, and about 60 encrypted devices

Deputy Commissioner of NSW Police David Hudson (pictured) indicated the raids had resulted in the syndicate being 'significantly disrupted if not eliminated'

While speaking to the media on Wednesday, Assistant Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald said the syndicate had 'plagued Sydney for the past decade' while having 'tentacles throughout... New South Wales'.

While celebrating the hard work from police, Assistant Commissioner Fitzgerald claimed the syndicate had been 'dismantled'.

'They will no longer be a problem for New South Wales,' he said.

The head of the investigation, Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, said 'every resource of the NSW Police Force' had been used during reconnaissance.

These included 'covert operations' into the gang and police blockchain specialists to trace over $1.5billion worth of cryptocurrency transactions made by the gang.
The owner of a rival jumping castle operator in Western Sydney has received death threats and abusive phone calls, after her business was incorrectly identified as the company who refused a booking from a Jewish school.

On Tuesday it was revealed the owner of Western Sydney Jump refused a booking from Masada College in St Ives, writing in an email: 'There's no way I'm taking a Zionist booking. I don't want you blood money. Free Palestine'.

Shortly after the story broke that night, Rebecca Locker-Cole, who operates a business called Western Sydney Jumping Castles & Face Painting, received hundreds of threatening phone calls and abusive messages from strangers.

Rebecca Locker-Cole (pictured), a Sydney business owner faced a barrage of abusive phone calls and messages from strangers after her company was wrongfully identified as the business which had earlier refused a booking from a Jewish school in Sydney

The Instagram account for Western Sydney Jump which has since been deleted shared a message refusing the booking made by the Jewish school recently

One man sent a Facebook message that read: 'I'm going to come and jump up and down all over your Nazi face'.

Ms Locker-Cole believes she has been incorrectly targeted an onslaught of hate, decimating her business' hard won social media following, and leaving her fearing for her family's safety, because Western Sydney Jump has deleted their social media profiles and temporarily disabled their website.

'Since last night we've had over 100 phone calls. We've had people say to us: 'You Nazi, you fat pig, we know where you live,'' she told NCA NewsWire.

'I've been breaking down all day, and crying. We've worked so hard on our business for the past seven years.'

Receiving the first message on Tuesday night at about 7pm, Ms Locker-Cole and her husband Michael initially thought it was a scam, however by Wednesday morning they were contacting police, and working fast to remove their home address from the website.

While the business normally receives 20 inquiries a day, on Wednesday they had none.

'It's just not worth the risk - we've got so many trailers in our front yard for advertising, and for the safety of our two children. It's just been too hard,' she said.

Ms Locker-Cole has also since made multiple posts on Facebook and Instagram emphatically stating the business does 'not support any hate towards other humans'.

'Please understand that these comments where made by another company called Western Sydney Jump,' it read.

Ms Locker-Cole received a threatening message from one man on Facebook (pictured) after her business was wrongfully identified as the company which refused to accept a booking from Masada College, in Sydney's north shore

Following the online abuse, Ms Locker-Cole has also since made multiple posts on Facebook and Instagram indicating they are not the business that refused the booking to the school and denounced hatred towards others

'This was not created by our company Western Sydney Jumping Castles and Face Painting. Different companies all together.'

The actions of Western Sydney Jump have been denounced by politicians and Jewish groups, with NSW Police attending the St Ives school to conduct inquiries.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the messages were 'appalling, despicable and disgraceful'.

'I can't condemn them any more than that. They have no place in a modern Australia,' he said.

'I find those comments, not only offensive, but highly racist. They should be called out for what they are.'
Piers Corbyn has sparked fury by venting a vile conspiracy theory about last month's Hamas atrocities in Israel being a 'false flag operation' - after his brother Jeremy repeatedly refused to call the group terrorists.

The 76-year-old was asked by the Campaign against Antisemitism (CAA) for his opinion on the attacks on October 7, which saw Hamas terrorists break into Israel and murder 1,400 people, mainly civilians, including revellers at a music festival.

Footage showed civilians being shot, stabbed, tortured and kidnaped, with one girl hiding behind a desk gunned down at point blank range. The horror of the attack saw Israel strike back against Hamas, leaving to a land invasion of the Gaza Strip.

Asked about the attack, Piers said: 'I was suspicious from the start because the gates were clearly opened for soldiers to come in and they were let out. So the whole thing was done with the connivance of the government of Israel which used whatever happened as a pretext.

'People died as a consequence because the Israeli government wanted it to happen. It was a false flag operation. That operation on that day was agree at the highest level of the Israeli government because they let in these soldiers.'

Piers Corbyn vented the vile theory after being asked by the Campaign against Antisemitism (CAA) for his opinion on the attacks on October 7

It comes after his brother Jeremy refused to answer whether Hamas is a terrorist group fifteen times during a fiery interview with the presenter

He went on to talk about 'baby beheadings that didn't happen' before wondering if the Israeli hostages - who include children - are paid actors. He even suggested Israel had invaded Gaza 'for oil', before comparing October 7 to Pearl Harbour - which he bizarrely claimed was also faked.

The CAA called Piers Corbyn's comments 'grotesque' while Piers Morgan said he was guilty of 'vile antisemitism'.

It comes after his brother Jeremy refused to answer whether Hamas was a terrorist group fifteen times during a fiery interview with the presenter.

Mr Corbyn was embroiled in an explosive interview on Talk TV, where he was grilled by Mr Morgan for 18 minutes about his views on Hamas and his decision to join pro-Palestine marches in London.

Things became heated as Mr Morgan condemned the barbaric slaughtering of 1,400 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 pointed his finger and asked: '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 slumped back in his chair and folded his arms before saying: 'If you want to have a discussion, fine. But if you want to shout at me that's your prerogative  your TV. Your show.'

Mr Corbyn fell silent and asked Mr Morgan 'are you done yet?' as the former Good Morning Britain host asked the 'critical question' again if Hamas should stay in power.

A woman filmed screaming 'death to all Jews' is among those being hunted by the British Transport Police following protests on Saturday

The Met Police are also 'actively seeking' two men pictured wearing Hamas-style headbands

The heated interview took an extraordinary turn when Mr Corbyn was asked if he agreed that Hamas is a terrorist group.

Mr Corbyn said 'I do not approve, support or welcome Hamas' but refuses an astonishing fifteen times to directly say they are a terrorist group in a back-and-forth exchange for more than a minute as Mr Morgan continually pushes him for a yes or no answer.

READ MORE - Jeremy Corbyn drops another hint he will run AGAINST Labour at the next election with blast at Keir Starmer Advertisement

At one stage, Mr Corbyn folded his arms and looked to the ceiling in what appeared to be an apparent pose of frustration.

Mr Morgan said it 'is very telling' Mr Corbyn wouldn't answer whether Hamas should stay in power or if they are a terrorist group.

'And you wonder why people think you had a problem with Jewish people,' Mr Morgan says.

The interview was posted on Piers Morgan Uncensored's X page.

Mr Corbyn was among the 300,000 people who attended the pro-Palestine march on Armistice Day on Saturday.

The hard-Left icon revealed ahead of the protest that he would be marching against Israel's bombardment of Gaza.

In a message to supporters, Mr Corbyn said: 'With the Home Secretary stoking division and calling these peace marches 'hate marches', it is more important than ever to stand up for the right to protest and a peaceful way forward.'

The MP for Islington North spoke at the rally where he said 'the only march of hate I've seen recently is the far-Right trying to divide and destroy our communities'.
A London bus passenger yelled 'only Jews eat at McDonald's' in a sickening anti-Semitic rant on Armistice Day after interrupting a couple who were discussing the fast food chain's chips.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed it was probing the shocking video taken in Kentish Town, Camden, as they warned: 'There is no place in London for hate.'

The woman, who was wearing a black bandanna launched into the 'distressing' tirade on Saturday, November 11, when 300,000 people marched through central London in a pro-Palestine protest.

Did YOU see what happened? Email jack.wright@mailonline.co.uk

As brave have-a-go heroes filmed her and called out her abusive rant, she continued to be aggressive and took a violent swipe at a woman's phone despite shouting to others: 'Don't touch me.'

Pro-Palestinian activists have widely called for people to boycott McDonald's after they reportedly donated free meals to IDF soldiers at the start of the Israel-Hamas war.

A woman wearing a black bandanna and ripped blue denim jeans launched into the 'distressing' tirade on the day 300,000 people marched through central London in a pro-Palestine protest on Armistice Day

As other passengers started filming the 'anti-Semitic attack' on the bus, the woman was seen confronting someone by asking: 'Are you a Jew?'

She then spots she is being filmed and tries to knock the phone out of a woman's hand before directing her anger at another passenger as he tries to stop her walking towards another man.

'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 also threatens 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 the air, saying: 'Get me off the bus, bro.'

The Met Police said no arrests have been made but inquiries are ongoing.

The witness who took the footage in the 'distressing anti-Semitic attack' said: 'It is not safe to be a Jew in London right now. 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 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.

A spokesman for the Met Police said: 'We are aware of a video circulating showing an incident that we believed to have taken place on a bus in Kentish Town, Camden.

'We have reached out to the person who shared the video to obtain further information.

'Further enquiries are ongoing. There have been no arrests at this time.

'Police have been clear that there is no place in London for hate.

'Anyone who has information that could assist police should call 101 ref CAD 6095/12 Nov.'
David Cameron's return to government has been warmly received by Chinese state media, judged an opportunity to 'breathe new life into the China-UK relationship'.

An op-ed published by The Global Times on Tuesday highlighted Xi Jinping's 'highly successful' state visit to London in October 2015, when Cameron was Prime Minister.

It described the 'dawn of a golden era' of warm relations between China and the UK', relations disrupted, they say, in part 'due to the malign influence of Washington'.

The article also warned of a 'Sino-phobic hard right-wing element within the UK's ruling Tory party' and pointed to inconsistent policy under Sunak, which has seen the relationship 'deteriorate'.

But with Cameron's return as Foreign Secretary, the author claims 'it is reasonable to speculate whether the warm relations will get back on track'.

David Cameron with Chinese President Xi Jinping at The Plough Inn at Cadsden in Princes Risborough, near to Cameron's country retreat at Chequers

David Cameron and Xi Jinping share drinks at The Plough at Cadsden, dubbed 'The Pub of Prime Ministers' - situated near Chequers

David Cameron (R) shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a commercial contract exchange at the UK-China Business Summit in Mansion House, central London

David Cameron has returned to the frontbenches of government as Foreign Secretary for the first time since leaving office in 2016.

As Prime Minister, his premiership was defined by Britain's decision to leave the EU, but also saw significant twists in foreign policy, including interventions in Libya and Syria, and cuts to defence.

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The more abstract warming of relations with China was a significant shift in foreign policy, marked by Xi's 2015 visit to London and reciprocated in kind when Cameron visited Beijing in 2017.

It was hoped at the time the new 'golden era' would make China Britain's second-biggest trading partner within a decade.

According to The Global Times, however, the plans were summarily dashed, partly due to the 'malign' influence of Washington and partly due to a 'Sino-phobic hard right-wing element' in the Tory party.

'They view any engagement with China as a sign of weakness, or even treachery,' the article suggests.

It also notes Rishi Sunak's historic reservations towards China; the Prime Minister's first major foreign policy speech in November 2022, after all, was used to signal the end of the 'golden era' built up under Cameron.

Sunak called China a 'systematic challenge to our values and interests', reiterating his campaign claim from July 2022 that China 'is our number one threat'.

At the time, The Global Times points out, Sunak vowed to shut all of Britain's 30 Confucius institutes, citing the 'promotion of Chinese soft power' in British universities.

'This was later quietly dropped,' observes The Global Times.

Tensions were eased slightly at the start of this month with the controversial decision to invite China to Britain's AI safety summit at Bletchley Park, framed as the first global gathering to discuss the potency and risks of the latest artificial intelligence.

The decision drew ire from certain factions within the Conservative Party - among them former Prime Minister Liz Truss, who said she was 'deeply disturbed' that representatives of the Chinese Communist Party had been asked to attend.

'Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has spun so often and so rapidly between pragmatic engagement with Beijing and demonization of Beijing, leaving uncertainty about his stance,' concludes the author.

Others within the party have seen greater space to cooperate with China. The Global Times suggests in its article that Cameron's predecessor as Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, 'laid the foundations for an improved relationship during a visit to China in August'.

'Although his approach was clumsy and at time contradictory, it was a tentative first step toward thawing the frosty diplomatic atmosphere between the two countries and developing a productive rapport,' the article claims.

'He spoke of the need for a constructive relationship. This is a path which is sure to antagonize Washington, as the UK seeks engagement with China.'

David Cameron treats Xi Jinping to Fish and Chips, October 22, 2015 in Princes Risborough

Xi Jinping stops for fish and chips with David Cameron at a pub in Buckinghamshire in 2015

Xi Jinping meets with Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero and David Cameron during his October 2015 trip to the United Kingdom, heralded as the 'dawn of a golden era' of relations

Then Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, (R) meets with China's President Xi Jinping at Buckingham Place in London on October 20, 2015, on the first official day of a state visit

Relations between the United States and China remain frosty, the Israel-Hamas conflict becoming the latest challenge for officials either side of the North Pacific.

While Chinese diplomats claimed to be neutral in the conflict, official state media channels have presented the United States as a warmonger, supporting Israel's devastating bombardment of the Gaza Strip and saying less of Hamas' incursion into Israel.

In June, China introduced a new educational app for its journalists with tutorials entitled things like 'ensure that the politicians run the papers...'. Another spoke of how to 'correctly guide public opinion'.

China imprisons more journalists than any other country, and gatekeeps the profession with rigorous testing on 'political correctness and allegiance to China's rulers'.

A new exam system, introduced earlier this year, now promises to turn away trainees found to have a history of 'unhealthy newsgathering and editing practices' in the eyes of the State - and requires journalists retake their exams every five years.
An elderly US tourist has died after a ferry sank while carrying cruise ship passengers to the private Blue Lagoon island in the Bahamas.

Terrifying footage shows dozens of anxious passengers wearing thick orange life vests as the two-deck ferry, which departed from Paradise Island in Nassau on Tuesday morning, leans over to one side.

The waterline of the sea goes as far as the first set of windows on the ferry, before the video cuts to another shot of the ferry leaning over to the left at a steep angle.

Passengers are then seen jumping out of the ferry and swimming towards a nearby boat.

Another video shows passengers screaming as abandoned life-rings float past.

Dozens of passengers were seen with thick orange life vests

The crew were reportedly unhelpful, and were seen crying and screaming by passengers

Local media reported that a 75-year-old American passenger died during the sinking, though the exact timing and cause of their death has not yet been revealed. Local police are said to still be investigating.

The tour operator told The Maritime Executive that two more passengers were taken to a hospital for further care.

One tourist, American woman Kelly Schissel, claimed the ferry's staff did little to calm passengers or help them.

'One of the crewmembers who was downstairs ran upstairs and was crying, absolutely bawling, and grabbing a life jacket. That's when everybody was like "this is real, something's happening",' Schissel said in a TikTok video.

'We were kind of waiting for staff to tell us what to do, which they never did because they were too busy crying and freaking out.

@sarahplourde8 Our ferry capsized while going to blue lagoon. Absolutely traumatizing. We were on the bottom level and had to climb out a window while being almost vertical So scary trying to save my parents, babies, children, and elderly people from drowning. Sadly one elderly woman didnt make it. #nassaubahamas #royalcaribbean #bluelagoon  original sound - Sarah Plourde

Local media reported that a 75-year-old American passenger died during the sinking, though the exact timing and cause of their death has not yet been revealed

'One of the crewmembers who was downstairs ran upstairs and was crying, absolutely bawling, and grabbing a life jacket,' Kelly Schissel, who was on the boat, said

'I also heard the captain was laughing because he was showing off. He was trying to whip the butt-end around, I just don't think it worked out the way he wanted it to.'

Schissel said that the crew's inaction continued as passengers tried getting off the sinking boat.

'Once it got to the point where one guy jumped in, everybody else said "s***, we might as well get in".'

She added that the ferry's passengers were forced to endure 'pretty rough waves' as they went to the few available rescue boats.

'I got on a fisherman's boat that was just driving by.'

The ferry's sinking comes weeks after a 64-year-old man was rescued by the Coast Guard after being stranded on a Bahamas island for three days.

The 64-year-old got into trouble last week 135 miles from the coast of the Bahamas when his boat failed to mobilize and he was forced to signal for help.

He fired flares from his disabled sailboat off the coast of Cay Sal, an island located between Florida, Cuba, and the Bahamas.

MailOnline has contacted Blue Lagoon Island for comment.
Iceland's looming volcano blast is just the beginning of a new era of volcanic eruptions that will last for centuries, with the build-up of magma beneath the coastal town of Grindavik signalling that more is to come, scientists have warned.

The Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula is threatening to erupt, with Iceland's Met Office saying that the 'likelihood of a volcanic eruption is high' and could happen at anytime in the coming days.

After 800 years of inactivity, a 2021 eruption marked the start of a new cycle of volcanic activity, and now Cambridge volcanologist Clive Oppenheimer, says that blast may have kicked off 'a new eruptive phase' which could last centuries.

'Time's finally up,' Edward W. Marshall, a researcher at the University of Iceland's Nordic Volcanological Center told Live Science. 'We can get ready for another few hundred years of eruptions on the Reykjanes.'

The region has been rattled by around 1,100 new earthquakes since midnight, with experts warning that magma is rising ever closer to the earth's surface fueling fears of an imminent volcanic eruption.

Huge cracks across the main road in Grindavik, southwestern Iceland, have opened up

Homes have been ripped from their foundations by ongoing seismic activity around Grindavik

Mother-of-four Magga Huld AfaOmmudottir said her family was left homeless after terrifying earthquakes completely wrecked their house

Lava flows on active volcano Mount Fagradalsfjall, Iceland (file image from 2021)

Thousands of quakes over the past few days have turned the fishing community of Grindavik into a 'ghost town', with 4,000 residents forced to evacuate.

Those who were allowed to return to their properties with emergency services to collect belongings were ordered to evacuate yesterday after the Icelandic Met Office said its meters had detected increased levels of sulphur dioxide - a possible indicator of an eruption.

Videos have shown apocalyptic scenes in the deserted town, with homes torn apart and gaping chasms opening up in roads.

Mother-of-four Magga Huld AfaOmmudottir, who was only given seven minutes to gather things from her house on Monday, said her family was left homeless after terrifying earthquakes completely wrecked their property.

'Friday was terrible, the earthquakes did not stop for many hours, but we left our house Friday night at 9pm with clothes for two days and two boxes of photo albums, then just planned to come the next day to pick up more,' Magga told MailOnline.

'I feel ok, but get scared and jump at the slightest sound, and then we are homeless in one minute - I've got all kinds of emotions going on,' said the 50-year-old.

'We got to go inside the house on Monday. We had seven minutes to pick up what we wanted to save, but the emphasis was on personal things from my family - my mother, grandmother and grandfather - and clothes.'

Sharing the video from inside her home, Magga described her devastation at losing the house she and her husband worked years to buy.

Footage shows how her home was ripped from its foundations by the force of relentless quakes, forcing the family to flee on Friday taking just a few belongings.

Around 4,000 residents were evacuated from Grindavik on Saturday morning, hours after Iceland declared a state of emergency.

The southwestern Reykjanes Peninsula has been shaken by thousands of quakes since a seismic swarm hit on October 25, with Iceland 'on edge' as it anticipates Fagradalsfjall, just a few kilometres from Grindavik, will erupt.

Mother-of-four Magga Huld AfaOmmudottir said her family was left homeless after terrifying earthquakes completely wrecked their property

Grindavik resident Magga was only given seven minutes to gather things from her house on Monday

Pictures show how her home was ripped from its foundations by the force of relentless quakes

Hundreds of small quakes and tremors were registered around Grindavik

A huge nine-mile long magma intrusion, just northwest of Grindavik, has formed and is growing, according to experts, with magma thought to be as close as 500 metres from the surface.

Just a few days ago, experts were saying that magma was accumulating three miles below ground, but it has now risen much closer, if estimates are correct.

'At this stage, it is not possible to determine exactly whether and where magma might reach the surface,' the Meteorological Office said.

The Icelandic Met Office informed police on Tuesday that their new meters had detected increased levels of sulphur dioxide, prompting the police chief to evacuate Grindavik.

Benedikt Ofeigsson, a geophysicist at the met office, said that while the amount of SO2 detected is not high, the increase points to magma coming closer to the surface.

A 'seismic swarm' hit Iceland on October 25, with a huge leap in the number of earthquakes recorded

A member of search and rescue team walks past the cracks in a road in the fishing town of Grindavik today

A police officer and a member of search and rescue team stand by steam rising from the crack in a road

Two police officers look down a whole created in the middle of the road in fishing town of Grindavik

Steam rises from the many cracks emerging in Grindavik, which was evacuated due to volcanic activity

'SO2 is not released from magma until very close to the surface. It just means the top kilometre,' he said.

The last measurements, from this weekend, had measured magma at a depth of about 800 metres, but Mr Ofeigsson now expects it is even shallower.

'We are talking about maybe 500 metres. It's unclear, it's so high pressure, it's pressure dependent when it comes up. So it's not possible to tell the depth directly, but it [the magma] must be very shallow for us to see SO2 '.

Mr Ofeigsson yesterday told Icelandic broadcaster RUV that there was no indications on other devices that an eruption was starting, but that they still did not want to rule it out, explaining that SO2 does not appear in this way unless magma is very high in the earth's crust.

Sulphur dioxide is a toxic gas released by magma as it rises to the surface, and high exposure is deadly to humans. If detected at a non-erupting volcano, it could be a sign that it will erupt soon.

While the number of quakes has reduced and tremors are less violent than in previous days, experts have said that this could indicate that magma is closer to the surface and indicate an eruption might be imminent.

Roads near Grindavik have been completely torn open amid the volcanic activity, with a digger seen making repairs today

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

Local residents wait in their cars to get access to their homes in the fishing town of Grindavik

The fishing town was evacuated due to volcanic activity and residents (pictured waiting above) hoped to go back to collect their belongings

A member of search and rescue team jumps over the crack in a road in Grindavik

The cracks evolved into massive craters, like here in the middle of the road in Grindavik

'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.

In case the worst happens, authorities are preparing to build defence walls around a nearby geothermal power plant which they desperately hope will protect it from lava flows.

Iceland's justice minister Gudrun Hafsteinsdottir told RUV on Tuesday that a large dike has been designed to protect the Svartsengi geothermal power plant, located just over six kilometres 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 disruption would not impact power supply to the capital Reykjavik.

A member of the emergency services walking near a crack cutting across the main road in Grindavik

A member of search and rescue team takes pictures of a steam rising from the crack in a road

An aerial view of the town of Grindavik, which was evacuated due to volcanic activity and has many cracks in roads and buildings

Massive cracks cut through roads and buildings in Grindavik

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?'

Fears have also 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 as huge an ash cloud if it blows.

The eruption 13 years ago 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 Radio 4'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.

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)

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

'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'.

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.
Do YOU send your chickens to hen hotels?

Middle-class families are paying to have their pet birds pampered in 'hen hotels', where animals are serenaded by classical music and given luxury spa treatments.

Companies looking after chickens and hens while their owners are on holiday have sprung across the UK as demand for animal boarding firms has skyrocketed.

The quirky 'hennels' charge owners anything from 2 to 13 a night look after their birds. In return, the pets are given luxury roosts to relax in, are fed and receive treatments similar to those normally associated with dog groomers.

Self-confessed animal nut Katriona Shovlin set up her hen hotel near Maidstone, Kent, in September, after looking after her friend's flock which she later inherited.

The 31-year-old animal sciences graduate offers her 'customers' spa treatments, from blowdrys to luxury baths, while playing soothing tunes from Mozart. The mother-of-one told MailOnline: 'I am clucking mad and I love it. I have always been animal mad.

Do YOU send your chickens to hen hotels? Email tom.cotterill@mailonline.co.uk

Self-confessed animal nut Katriona Shovlin set up her hen hotel near Maidstone, Kent, in September

The 31-year-old animal sciences graduate offers her 'customers' spa treatments, from blowdrys to luxury baths

Chickens at her Hen Weekend farm are also played classical music to help them to relax (Katriona is pictured)

'Hens are so special. They are like small dinosaurs. You wouldnt think a bird would crave attention or love or affection but they do. They really enjoy being around humans. Theyre so busy, they always have something to do. Theyre just so interesting to watch.'

As well as stays at her Hen Weekend company, in Upchurch, Katriona also offers 'chick inn' services where she pops in to look after larger flocks for a day or two, and she runs hen keeping courses for beginners.

She added: 'My partner Wayne always tells me I spend more time with those hens than I do with him. But he doesn't bat an eyelid anymore.

'Its not abnormal for him to come home from work and a chicken is being blow-dried in the sitting room. Sometimes there are little ducks swimming around in baths.'

Also making a nest egg from looking after chickens are former bank workers Peter and Glenda Stoneman.

They set up their Cosy Hen Company in Earlswood, Monmouthshire, south east Wales, in 2008, starting with five coops. They have since expanded to 16 and have noticed a massive increase in demand over the past five years.

Also making a nest egg from looking after chickens are former bank workers Peter and Glenda Stoneman. The run the Cosy Hen Company (pictured are chickens at the company)

They set up their Cosy Hen Company in Earlswood, Monmouthshire, south east Wales, in 2008, starting with five coops.

The chickens at the Cosy Hen Company are on a 50-acre farm shared by alpacas (pictured)

Grandfather-of-two Peter, 67, told MailOnline: 'We never knew thought it would take off like this when we started over 10 years ago. But over the years its grown and grown and grown.

'We can now look after about 45 birds. We give them a secure accommodation in a house and run and provide all the food and bedding.'

Peter, who also looks after about 140 alpacas on his 50-acre farm, charges 2 per bird per night.

He added the idea for his 'hennel' came after a few of the chickens he sold to local customers were killed by foxes.

'We had chickens of our own and kept them as part of our farm. We sold some chickens to a young couple and after a while they came to buy some more.

'They told us their neighbour looked after them for one night while they were away but a fox came in and killed them all. Then a few weeks later someone we sold chickens too previous came to us with almost the same story. Thats how it was formed,' he added.

Retired teacher Hilary Gaskin, 77, started The Hen Hotel in Hampshire seven years ago, after a friend asked her to look after her birds for a week.

Retired teacher Hilary Gaskin, 77, started The Hen Hotel in Hampshire seven years ago

The mother-of-four took up looking after chickens following the death of her husband Bob, 12 years ago. Since then, business had boomed.

Running from April to October each year, she already has 10 chickens booked for stays at her 'Hen Hotel' in the leafy village of Bishop's Waltham between Portsmouth and Southampton, and charges 7.50 a day for up to three birds for six-night stays.

She added: 'I fell into this completely by accident. A friend of mine asked me if I would I look after her chickens while she went to Spain.

'I thought hang on she cant be the only one out there who needs to find a place for their chickens to stay while their away.

'Ive had chickens and hens for years and years. It seemed a good idea. I was on my own. My husband had died. It seemed like something to keep me going in the morning. It gives me a reason to get up in the morning. I love it.'

Hilltops Hen Hotel, in Boquhan, Stirlingshire, Scotland, also run boarding services for chickens and ducks, with birds staying in 'luxury Omlet Coops with secure runs'. Prices range from 9 per night to 13.

Hilltops Hen Hotel, in Scotland, also run boarding services for chickens and ducks

Marlow Poultry, in Buckinghamshire, charges 5 per night for one to three hens and houses some chickens in its 'Green Frog "Eco" hen houses', made from sustainable materials.

Its website says 'each hen house has a spacious run' and are 'cleaned regularly' with 'fresh shavings laid down', adding that 'hens will be fed high quality layers pellets'.

The pet day-care and overnight boarding market is expected to grow by 6.9bn during the period between 2020 and 2024, supported by the boom in pet ownership during the pandemic, according to market researchers Technavio.

Do YOU send your chickens to hen hotels? Email tom.cotterill@mailonline.co.uk
When Lynne Pinches approached the pool table on Saturday night, wearing a shirt with the jokey 'Barry's sister' printed on the back, there was nothing to suggest what would follow.

But as she shook hands with opponent Harriet Haynes - a trans woman - then refused to play, putting her handbag on her shoulder and walking off, she sent a shockwave through the sport.

No one watching could have known Lynne had been up all night, two days in a row, crying herself to sleep after tournament organisers U-turned on transgender being allowed to play in the women's category.

And as her family had rallied round her ahead of the English Pool Association event, it was something her son Tommy - another player - had said which prompted her to act.

Lynne, 50, disclosed: 'The devastation I have felt, I can't even explain. I didn't eat or sleep properly for two days. I was crying until 3am. I was devastated. My son Tommy, who plays on the Ultimate Pool Challenger Series, messaged me and said, "I know you must be absolutely devastated mum, because I know that you've you've hated this since the beginning".

The family-oriented mother is also keen on positive thinking, with a slew of memes urging herself on

The mother-of-three says she has transgender friends and is only concerned with fairness in sport

Her jokey red t-shirt is a reference to brother Barry, a professional player and former top 32 and ranking-event quarter-finalist

'He really wanted to write it on his Facebook but he was worried he'd get banned. And that's what pushed me over the edge to be honest. I thought "you've silenced me for years. You're not silencing my child as well". I'm not putting up with that.

'I don't care about the money or the title or the trophy. I care about fairness. If they hadn't done that U-turn, we wouldn't be here now. We were all so elated when they originally said they were going to have a strict category for biological females,' she told the Telegraph.

Lynne is the matriarch of a big pool playing family, her sons Alex and Tommy Lewis are elite players.

And her jokey red t-shirt is a reference to brother Barry, a professional player and former top 32 and ranking-event quarter-finalist.

Lynne, who lives in Norwich, has been on incredible form around the pool table in recent years.

She gave up drinking completely in 2020 and is now strictly teetotal.

The mother-of-three says she has transgender friends and is only concerned with fairness in sport.

She has played competitively for 30 years and Saturday marked the first ever time she had quit a game.

Her public social media profile appears to show a life full of pets - with a dog, bird and even an iguana featured.

Lynne's social media features a number of animals that appear to be pets including this dog

Lynne has played competitively for 30 years and Saturday marked the first ever time she had quit a game

Lynne's brother Barry Pinches, right, alongside Ronnie O'Sullivan back in February 2016

One of the inspirational Lynne has placed on her social media to invoke positivity

And the family-oriented mother is also keen on positive thinking, with a slew of memes urging herself on.

One declares: 'Strong women never give up. We might need a coffee, a cry, or even a day in bed but we come back stronger.'

And on Saturday, Lynne will have felt that she did just that.

Her brother, Barry, took to social media to praise his sister for 'taking a stand' and voiced his opinion that it was 'unfair' for her to be drawn against a trans player.

'Full credit and great respect to my sister Lynne Pinches yesterday for taking a stand and not playing in the biggest match of her pool playing life because she feels it's so unfair to have to compete against a trans woman,' he said.

Lynne Pinches (left) refused to face Harriet Haynes on Sunday, with her opponent left stunned

Haynes was awarded the Women's Champions of Champions title by default after Pinches' withdrawal

A female pool player reportedly refused to compete against a trans-identified male opponent at the Womens Champions of Champions Final in Denbighshire, Wales, yesterday.



Lynne Pinches walked away from the table after being matched to play against Chris "Harriet" Haynes. pic.twitter.com/vLofQALosk  REDUXX (@ReduxxMag) November 13, 2023

'I completely agree with her view that it is totally unfair to expect women to compete against trans women in pool or any other sport for that matter.'

Lynne had been among a host of top female players to speak out over transgender women being allowed to compete against them in elite competitions.

The controversy now rocking the top levels of women's professional pool began on October 24 when the sport's international governing body, the World Eightball Pool Federation (WEPF), changed the rules over trans players' participation in female tournaments.

Initially, in August, with increasing numbers of trans players applying to play in women's tournaments, the WEPF had put out a joint statement with its main sponsor the Ultimate Pool Group ruling that 'these events will be exclusively open to individuals who are born female.'

Lynne Pinches stayed on site to pose with her runners-up trophy despite her retirement

Haynes was also crowned the 2023 Ladies Masters Champion in what has been an impressive 2023

But just eight weeks later there was a shock reversal in this decision, which a number of women players have suggested was made under pressure of legal threats from trans competitors.

The WEPF and Ultimate Pool issued an update on 'competition eligibility for transgender and non-binary players' stating that there would be no discrimination on the grounds of gender identity.

They stipulated that they would operate a gender 'self-identification policy' for competitors, but added that they reserved the right to test that testosterone had been suppressed to the levels required of trans athletes by the International Olympic Committee.

Within a week of this announcement more than 60 professional female pool players joined forces through a WhatsApp support group to oppose the changes, the Mail on Sunday was told.

After his sister's walkout on Sunday, Barry said that the sport would look back in years to come and conclude that it is 'grossly unfair on women who have practised hard and are competing in their chosen sport'.

Barry added: 'For the record, this post is about fairness in women's sport, that is all. I have no problem whatsoever if somebody wants to identify themselves as whatever they want to be and I have nothing against Harriet Haynes.'

Pinches had defeated the England captain in the semi-finals 5-4 in a game that her son, Tommy, has claimed was 'her final'.
A former minister today claimed six more Tory MPs are joining her in submitting a letter of no confidence in Rishi Sunak amid the fallout from the Rwanda flight decision.

Dame Andrea Jenkyns, who was skills minister for a few months last year, handed her own letter in yesterday after Mr Sunak sacked Suella Braverman.

And the Brexiteer hardliner claimed today that half-a-dozen of her Right-wing allies were following her example, though she named no names.

Under current party rules letters from 15 per cent of the parliamentary party  currently 53  would need to be submitted to backbench supremo Sir Graham Brady to trigger a confidence vote.

Dame Andrea admitted on GMB today that toppling another leader so soon after the defenestration of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss could leave the party looking 'very stupid'. But she added: 'We've got to bite the bullet now.'

It came as allies of Ms Braverman, the former home secretary, threatened a 'grid of sh**' to topple the PM, as the Tories descend into chaos after the reshuffle.

But one Sunak loyalist minister told MailOnline said that Braverman had thrown her toys out of the pram with her lengthy letter attacking the PM after she was removed.

If things were that bad why didnt she resign, why did she hang around so long?

Dame Andrea Jenkyns, who was skills minister for a few months last year, handed her own letter in yesterday after Mr Sunak sacked Suella Braverman.

Suella Braverman's allies are threatening a 'grid of sh**' to topple Rishi Sunak as the Tories descend into chaos after the reshuffle. Pictured, Ms Braverman leaving home today

Mr Sunak is facing a storm after the sacked Home Secretary penned an excoriating letter accusing him of 'betraying' a secret deal they made when she withdrew from the party leadership contest

Mr Sunak is facing a storm after the sacked Home Secretary penned an excoriating letter accusing him of 'betraying' a secret deal they made when she withdrew from the party leadership contest.

She raged that the premier was 'weak' and merely pretended to want to tackle issues such as the Channel boats crisis and high immigration.

In another blow for Mr Sunak ahead of a tumultuous PMQs session, the Supreme Court has unanimously ruled against allowing the government to proceed with its Rwanda deportation plans.

How could Rishi Sunak be ousted by Tory MPs? Conservative Party rules allow MPs to force a vote of no confidence in their leader. This would be triggered if 15 per cent of the 350-strong parliamentary party submit a letter of no confidence to Sir Graham Brady, the chair of the powerful 1922 Committee. This means 53 MPs are currently needed to submit letters to Sir Graham. Rishi Sunak was immune from a no confidence vote in the first year of his Tory leadership. But he passed 12 months in the role on October 24, meaning he could now be at risk of a move against him. If a vote is triggered, at least 50 per cent of Tory MPs must vote 'no confidence' in a secret ballot for the Prime Minister to lose. Should this happen, the Tory leader would be forced to resign and barred from standing in the leadership election that follows. If they win, they remain in office and are rewarded with a years immunity from another no confidence vote. Advertisement

There are claims that Ms Braverman has a 'smoking gun' of written evidence proving the agreement they struck over the leadership last year.

One Right-winger said a 'grid' of interventions had been drawn up for the coming week  a reference to the government's system of timetabling big announcements. 'It's a grid of s*** for the government,' they said.

Mr Sunak, who shocked Westminster by bringing back David Cameron as Foreign Secretary at the same time as axing Ms Braverman, has tried to rise above the brutal claims that he is 'weak' and failing as PM.

But Conservative former leader Lord Howard was dispatched to studios this morning to slam Ms Braverman.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that politicians had to put the country above 'personal ambition and a sense of pique'

'I think that Suella Braverman will be forgotten. And I think Rishi Sunak will continue to do his level best to confront the challenges that the country faces,' he said.

Lord Howard said even if Mr Sunak had struck a deal with Ms Braverman it would not be a betrayal. 'You can't always do what you would like to do,' he said.

In her scathing three-page letter, Ms Braverman accused Mr Sunak of having 'manifestly and repeatedly' failed to deliver on his promises and warned him bluntly: '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.'

Jeremy Hunt rejected the criticism of Mr Sunak's approach on illegal immigration as he was interviewed about falling inflation figures.

He said: 'What the British people are interested in is not the dramas in Westminster, but whether the Government is actually delivering.

'And control of our borders is something that is non-negotiable.

'What we have seen this year is the toughest legislation ever on illegal migration, small boat crossings down by a third.

'The Prime Minister and the Government will remain relentlessly focused on delivering our pledge to stop those crossings.'

Downing Street declined to respond in detail to Ms Braverman's letter which threatened to trigger another debilitating round of Tory infighting.

In a statement, a No 10 spokesman said the Cabinet reshuffle in which Ms Braverman was removed had created 'a strong, united team focused on delivering for the British people'.

The spokesman added: '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, he will continue that work.

'The Prime Minister thanks the former Home Secretary for her service.'

Privately, allies of the PM were equally searing about Ms Braverman, pointing out that a statement from her supporters yesterday was signed by just two Tory MPs.

One ally of the PM 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.'

But sources on the Tory Right indicated that the former home secretary and her supporters plan to step up their attacks in the coming days as she tries to build support for a future leadership bid.

The former home secretary 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.

She said that although he had 'no personal mandate', she agreed to support him because of the 'firm assurances you gave me on key policy priorities'.

These included: cutting legal immigration, which has instead been allowed to soar; legislation to prevent human rights laws impacting on efforts to stop the boats; delivering key Brexit legislation, which has been watered down; and issuing 'unequivocal guidance' to schools on trans rights, which has yet to appear.

'I trusted you,' she wrote. 'It is generally agreed that my support was a pivotal factor in winning the leadership contest and thus enabling you to become Prime Minister.'

She claimed her efforts to raise the issues later with the PM were met with 'equivocation, disregard and a lack of interest', adding: 'I must surely conclude now (that) you never had any intention of keeping your promises.'

Ms Braverman also twisted the knife on the PM's position on pro-Palestine marches, saying she had 'become hoarse' trying to persuade him to tighten legislation to clamp down on displays of anti-Semitism.

A senior Tory source denied Mr Sunak had agreed a formal 'deal' with Ms Braverman, saying only that he had agreed to 'work with her' on issues she had prioritised.

A source close to Ms Braverman insisted the PM had 'agreed her terms' and taken a copy of them away with him following their meeting.

The row came ahead of the Supreme Court today ruling that the Rwanda deportation scheme was unlawful.

In her letter last night, Ms Braverman accused the PM of 'wishful thinking' and refusing to take the 'hard choices' needed to make the scheme a success, such as specifically excluding the scheme from existing human rights laws.

'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 wrote.

She warned that even if the courts approve the deal, deportations will not proceed 'as swiftly as I proposed' because of a reluctance to remove any potential role for the European Court of Human Rights.

Government sources pointed out that Mr Sunak had taken personal charge of the efforts to stop the boats - chairing two cabinet committees a week - because he was unconvinced by Ms Braverman's efforts.

One source said that 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.

Mr Sunak, who shocked Westminster by bringing back David Cameron (pictured) as Foreign Secretary at the same time as axing Ms Braverman, has tried to rise above the brutal claims that he is 'weak' and failing as PM

In a separate move, supporters of Ms Braverman accused the PM of 'abandoning' Conservative voters.

In a strongly-worded statement, the leaders of the New Conservatives group of around two dozen Tory MPs, accused the Prime Minister of using the reshuffle to impose a 'major change in the policy direction of the government'.

Miriam Cates and Danny Kruger said the PM appeared to be 'deliberately walking away from the coalition of voters who brought us to power with a large majority in 2019'.

The suggested the PM was trying to focus efforts on saving Tory seats in the south at the expense of abandoning seats won in the Red Wall in 2019.

'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,' they said.
A 'jealous' man who beat his friend to death after catching him having sex with his ex-girlfriend in a children's playground has been pictured.

Kyle Morley, 30, had been out for drinks with friends including father David Bettison, 43, in Hugglescote, Leicestershire, before the violent encounter on February 24.

On his walk home at around 2am, Morley - who was high on cocaine - came across Mr Bettison and his ex-girlfriend, Katie Lamb, 23, involved in a consensual sexual act in a village park.

Morley flew into a jealous rage and punched his ex-girlfriend unconscious, before fatally attacking Bettison by kicking and stamping on his head.

After the attack, Morley ran away leaving his 'genuine friend' for dead and ex-partner seriously injured, but later returned and told police he intervened after suspecting Bettison was forcing himself on Miss Lamb.

Despite denying murder, yesterday Morley was jailed for life with a minimum term of 18 years and six months following a trial at Leicester Crown Court.

Following Morley's sentencing, Mr Bettison's daughter, Gracie Mae Brown, 15, said: 'I know my dad was not perfect, but he didn't deserve what happened to him and neither do his family.

'He was taken from us so cruelly and way too soon and we now have a lifetime of living without him.'

Kyle Morley, 29, (pictured) was jailed for life yesterday after he brutally 'punched, kicked and stamped' on David Bettison, killing the 43-year-old in a park in Hugglescote, Leicestershire, on February 24

Speaking out after the conviction, the family of Mr Bettison (pictured), known as Did, admitted they are 'living a nightmare'

Mr Bettison's mother, Jackie Haines, said: 'When Did died something inside me died with him. There is no pain like a mother losing a child.

'Only people who have gone through this devastation can really understand how it feels.'

She continued: 'I have restless nights imagining his last moments and what he went through.

'I have nightmares and I wake and wish this whole thing was just one big nightmare, but it's not, we are living the nightmare.'

During Morley's trial, the court heard that the father-of-four had been out for drinks with Mr Bettison and two other friends on the night of the murder.

Shortly before 1am, Morley's ex-partner arrived in Hugglescote and the pair had been arguing and fighting.

For nearly an hour, along with Mr Bettison, the three were in the area of Crescent Road before the two victims headed into the park at around 1.45am.

A few minutes later, Morley walked in the same direction. He was in the park for around 10 minutes before briefly leaving and then returning minutes later.

It is then when Morley charged at the pair, punching Miss Lamb in the face and 'knocking' her out.

Morley then attacked Mr Bettison, who made no attempts to fight back at the time.

He repeatedly 'punched, kicked and stamped' on Mr Bettison causing severe facial injuries.

Police were called just after 2am after a resident close to the park in Ashburton Road was woken by the sound of a woman in distress.

Officers responded and discovered Morley standing over Miss Lamb with Mr Bettison unresponsive nearby, both having sustained significant facial injuries.

Police cordon at Ashburton Road Recreation Ground in Hugglescote, Leicestershire where Mr Bettison was found dead

They immediately began CPR while urgent calls to the ambulance service were made. But due to the severity of his injuries, Mr Bettison was pronounced dead at the scene.

The official cause of death was detailed as 'blunt force trauma to the face.'

Ms Lamb suffered severe bruising and swelling to her face as a result of the attack but was discharged from hospital after treatment.

Following his arrest, Morley gave Leicestershire Police a prepared statement in which he said he accepted assaulting Mr Bettison but denied intending to cause him serious injury.

He added in his statement that he was 'heavily intoxicated' and had been taking class A drugs.

Prosecutor Michael Brady KC previously told the jury: 'The defendant ran to them and punched her with sufficient force she was rendered unconscious.

'She remembers being on the ground, watching the defendant punching David Bettison, who was also on the ground. Mr Bettison was not fighting back and his face was covered in his blood.

'She heard David Bettison making 'rattling noises' which, from her experience working in an old folks' home, made her think that he was going to die.'

The jury delivered an unanimous guilty verdict on Tuesday morning, finding Morley guilty of murdering Mr Bettison.

After the jury foreman announced the guilty verdict, Morley, of Whitwick, near Coalville, sat with his head in his hands, sobbing loudly.

Judge Timothy Spencer KC sentenced Morley to a life in jail, with a minimum term of 18 years and six months.

Passing down sentencing, the judge said: 'The brutality of your attack rendered David Bettison unconscious, if not dead.

'You stamped on his head multiple times with devastating consequences. It was an attack that was as ferocious as it was merciless.'

DI Parish said: 'When discovering the two victims together Morley punched his ex-partner in the face, knocking her to the floor, before carrying out a sustained attack on Mr Bettison.

'Unfortunately, his injuries were so severe he never regained conscious and died at the scene.

'In the initial few days officers worked around the clock to gather as much information and evidence as possible in order to be able to charge Morley with both offences.

'Since this time our work to build a strong a case as possible has continued and I am pleased that the strength of the investigation has helped to secure a conviction at court.

'At the heart of this investigation is a family who continue to grieve the loss of a loved one and a victim who is still dealing with the trauma of the events of that night.

'My thoughts remain with those affected by the actions of Morley and I hope they can now take steps to move forward knowing the man responsible faces many years in prison.'
A millionaire tech tycoon has accused his ex-boyfriend of trying to 'destroy' his business by 'leaking sensitive details about him' to clients.

Mark Pearson, creator of 55million MyVoucherCodes empire, has sued his former partner Aaron Harpin for allegedly launching a 'damaging' anonymous email campaign against him.

Mr Pearson has accused Mr Harpin, 34, of sending four emails to contacts of his tech venture capital business during the 'particularly sensitive time' when he was raising funds for its investments.

The case reached the High Court in London court last week as Mr Pearson, 44, applied for an order to force his ex to hand over his laptop and any information he might hold about him.

But Judge Susie Alegre dismissed the 'delivery up' application this week and the fight is set to continue to a full trial of the allegations.

Mr Harpin has 'strongly' denied the allegations that he deliberately leaked sensitive details about his ex and has accused his Mr Pearson of 'controlling' behaviour.

Mark Pearson, creator of coupon website MyVoucherCodes, (left) has sued his former partner Aaron Harpin (right) for allegedly launching a 'damaging' anonymous email campaign against him. The pair are pictured with their two children

Mr Pearson has accused Mr Harpin, 34, (pictured) of sending four emails to contacts of his tech venture capital business during the 'particularly sensitive time' when he was raising funds for its investments

Mr Pearson launched MyVoucherCodes in 2006 and become one of Britain's richest people in 2016 after selling the website in a deal worth up to 55million.

He met his now-ex in 2008, about two years after he launched the savings site, while Mr Harpin was a student working at Zara and the pair began a romantic relationship.

Together the pair raised their two children, twins born through surrogacy, and maintained a jet-set lifestyle with homes in London and Monaco, property in Barbados and a fleet of luxury cars.

They also worked together in Mr Pearson's businesses after Mr Harpin quit his fashion job. Mr Harpin also ran a business, having set up HushHush.com, an online marketplace for the megarich, selling yachts, diamond-encrusted watches and other high-end luxuries, and dubbed 'Amazon for billionaires' in the press.

But the couple split last year and are now fighting a High Court battle over four anonymous emails which were sent this summer to contacts of Mr Pearson's venture capital company Fuel Ventures Ltd and consultancy services firm Fuel Studios Ltd.

His barrister, Charles Newington-Bridges, said the emails were particularly damaging as they had been sent during the 'particularly sensitive time' when Mr Pearson was raising funds for its investments.

The damaging information contained in the emails could only have come from Mr Harpin, he claimed, as he was the only person who had access to all of the details in them.

Mr Pearson launched proceedings to end the email campaign, suing Mr Harpin for an order forcing him to hand over his laptop, all information he has about Mr Pearson and a witness statement saying what is stored on the computer.

The case reached the High Court in London court last week as Mr Pearson, 44, (pictured outside the court) applied for an order to force his ex to hand over his laptop and any information he might hold about him. But Judge Susie Alegre dismissed the 'delivery up' application this week and the fight is set to continue to a full trial of the allegations

If Mr Harpin had sent the information, it was in breach of the settlement agreement the couple had signed after they split, dealing with financial issues between them, the barrister argued.

He argued the cost of the damages to Mr Pearson's business - allegedly to the tune of 'tens of millions' - if the emails continued would be much greater than the prejudice to Mr Harpin if he were not allowed to keep his laptop.

'This is a claim which involves a very serious breach of a settlement agreement,' said the barrister. 'The financial damage, according to Mr Pearson, is huge, potentially tens of millions.'

But Mr Harpin fought the application, denying he was behind the emails and arguing that he needs to keep his laptop in order to defend claims made by his ex in the proceedings.

Mr Harpin's barrister Katherine Boucher told the judge that her client claims Mr Pearson has an 'ambitious management style' and has made 'many enemies' by 'riding close to the edge of the rules' in business.

'Mr Harpin doesn't know who sent the emails,' she told the judge. 'He strongly denies being behind these emails.

'He has maintained as part of his defence that, although he didn't send the information, it is likely to be true and that it is important for him to keep in his defence at trial.'

She said the application was 'unnecessary and unfounded in circumstances where the claimants have conducted extensive research and have no evidence at all that Harpin is responsible.'

Ms Boucher further argued that the couple's relationship was often a difficult one and accused the tech tycoon of being 'controlling'.

'The relationship was close, but also strained at times,' she told the judge. 'Mr Pearson was the main breadwinner and Mr Harpin did work for them. Mr Pearson controlled much of what he did at work and in his private life.'

Mr Harpin has 'strongly' denied the allegations that he deliberately leaked sensitive details about his ex and has accused his Mr Pearson of 'controlling' behaviour. The former couple are pictured with their two children

Mr Pearson (pictured) launched MyVoucherCodes in 2006 and become one of Britain's richest people in 2016 after selling the website in a deal worth up to 55million

In a witness statement which she described to the court, Mr Harpin had described Mr Pearson as 'always very controlling' in their relationship.

'I had set rules I was supposed to follow and going outside those would result in punishment,' he said.

Ms Boucher said that following their split, Mr Pearson had taken over Mr Harpin's Fuel Ventures email address and transferred some shares in a company from his ex's name to his own.

It meant that by the summer of this year, Mr Harpin was in 'serious need of funds' and signed a settlement agreement which would see shares transferred back to him.

The agreement also resolved outstanding issues between the former couple over funds in their joint bank account and included covenants banning Mr Harpin from revealing any information about Mr Pearson.

Ruling, the judge said there is an 'extremely acrimonious' background to the case, but declined to order delivery up of the laptop and documents sought by Mr Pearson.

'It's impossible to take a clear view of the likely outcome at this stage,' she said.

'It's for the claimants to build their case. They say Mr Harpin was the only person who had the information in the anonymous emails.

'Both parties allege breach of the settlement agreement. There is clearly a lot of mutual distrust.'

But she added: 'The only evidence that Mr Harpin was behind the anonymous emails which triggered the proceedings is inferential.

'The balance of convenience lies in not granting a mandatory order for delivery up. I find that granting order for delivery up would add unnecessary hurdles to him in his defence.'

Mr Pearson grew up in the poor Liverpool suburb of Huyton, where his single mother struggled to make ends meet, working nights in a petrol station and cutting coupons. He has said the experience inspired him to set up MyVoucherCodes. He is pictured with his mother

Mr Pearson grew up in the poor Liverpool suburb of Huyton, where his single mother struggled to make ends meet, working nights in a petrol station and cutting coupons.

He previously said the experience inspired him to set up MyVoucherCodes in 2006, starting with a 300 payment for the website, which he initially ran from a laptop in his one-bed flat in Croydon.

Mr Pearson, who prior to setting up the site had worked as a chef under Gordon Ramsey, recalled how he would spend hours scouring news websites and magazines for vouchers.

They were then posted on MyVoucherCodes, with Mr Pearson going on to secure commission payments from the companies themselves for each time a voucher was downloaded.

The business was a huge success, reportedly turning over 300,000 in its first year, making 10million in its first four years and earning him the Ernst and Young 'Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year' in 2011.

Eventually, its success led to him becoming one of the country's richest people when it was sold in a deal worth up to 55 million in 2016.

The case will continue to a full trial of the allegations at a later date.
Thriving shiitake mushroom industry boosts rural revitalization in county of China's Henan

People's Daily Online) 13:17, November 15, 2023

Songxian county in Luoyang city of central China's Henan Province has turned small shiitake mushrooms into a prosperous industry that boosts rural revitalization.

Located in a mountainous area, Songxian used to be one of the four most impoverished counties in the province.

Photo shows shiitake mushrooms. (Photo/Wang Bo)

Now, it's one of the top 10 counties in terms of edible fungus cultivation in Henan and the largest summer shiitake mushroom planting base in the province.

"Among the varieties of edible fungi, Songxian focuses on shiitake mushrooms," said Wang Shusen, director of the county's bureau of agriculture and rural affairs.

Wang added that the county is a "golden zone" for growing shiitake mushrooms and has been cultivating shiitake mushrooms for over 30 years.

Shiitake mushrooms grown in Songxian are of high quality and have high nutritional value.

Songxian began to develop the edible fungus industry in the 1980s. Gradually, the county has made edible fungus cultivation a leading industry for poverty alleviation. In May 2018, the Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences offered pairing assistance to the county and launched a project on new varieties and standardized cultivation technologies of edible fungi, giving a boost to the county's shiitake mushroom industry.

Songxian has rolled out incentives for the shiitake mushroom industry for five consecutive years. It has invested 120 million yuan ($16.4 million) to build eight modern large-scale mushroom stick plants, five standardized mushroom spawn plants, and over 80 standardized shiitake mushroom cultivation bases.

Over 100,000 people from 7,500 households in 167 administrative villages of the county are engaged in shiitake mushroom cultivation, which increases the yearly income of each household by an average of more than 20,000 yuan

Songxian now has 74 standardized edible fungus cultivation bases and 241 cold storage warehouses. The county's annual edible fungus output reaches 150,000 tonnes, with the output value and comprehensive benefits hitting 1.6 billion yuan and 4 billion yuan, respectively.

The shiitake mushroom industry has emerged as a pillar industry for the county to boost rural revitalization.

Aerial photo shows the mushroom base of a company in Songxian county, Luoyang city, central China's Henan Province. (Photo/Wang Shiguang)

Songxian was recognized by Henan as an area with the most suitable conditions for growing distinctively local agricultural products (shiitake mushrooms) in 2020. A year later, the Songxian shiitake mushroom was put on the list of national famous, special, high-quality and new agricultural products.

Scientific and technological support is key to the county's thriving shiitake mushroom industry.

Kang Yuanchun, president of the Henan Edible Fungi Association and head of the edible fungus team of the Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, led a team to Songxian in 2018 and came up with a development plan for the county's edible fungus industry in three months.

Kang's team organized over 50 technical training sessions from 2018 to 2019. As a result, a large number of shiitake mushroom growers improved their cultivation techniques and strengthened their concepts of standardized cultivation.

Kang's team carried out the trial planting of 52 superior shiitake mushroom varieties in places like Baihe town and Huangzhuang township in the county. The team succeeded in the trial planting of shiitake mushrooms in summer in Checun town of the county in mid-July 2019, ending the history of only producing shiitake mushrooms in winter and spring.

A local company introduced equipment and advanced production technologies from the Netherlands. Smart mushroom growing rooms, intelligent temperature control, and cold chain logistics with whole-process traceability have been adopted, enabling year-round mushroom farming. The company has provided jobs for over 300 local people.

"By 2025, we aim to achieve an edible fungus output of 180,000 tonnes worth 2 billion yuan, and strive to cultivate one corporate brand and three agricultural product brands," said Xin Junfeng, Party chief of Songxian county.

Xin added that the county will further develop the edible fungus industry to constantly consolidate the industrial foundation for increasing rural incomes, and accelerate steps to realize rural revitalization.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
The 'evil' head of a paedophile cult who preyed on young children for more than a decade could be freed in a parole hearing earmarked for the new year.

Sexual predator Colin Batley, then 48, was given an indeterminate sentence with a minimum 11-year tariff in 2011 after being found guilty of 35 offences, including multiple rapes.

The type of sentence means that Batley has to be recommended for release by the Parole Board. At his trial, the judge warned his offences in the quiet town of Kidwelly, south west Wales, were so serious that the monster could die in jail.

Now aged 59, MailOnline has discovered that Batley has recently been referred to the Parole Board for a new hearing. It is likely to be listed early in the new year. This will be his third appeal.

A spokesperson for the Parole Board said: 'We can confirm the parole review of Colin Batley has been referred to the Parole Board by the Secretary of State for Justice and is following standard processes.

Colin Batley, then 48, was given an indeterminate sentence with a minimum 11-year tariff in 2011 after being found guilty of 35 offences, including multiple rapes

'Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community.

'A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims.

'Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to an oral hearing.

'Evidence from witnesses such as probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison as well as victim personal statements may be given at the hearing.

'It is standard for the prisoner and witnesses to be questioned at length during the hearing which often lasts a full day or more. Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.'

If successful, Batley could be released on licence early in 2024. MailOnline has discovered that the other jailed members of his evil sex cult have already been quietly freed after serving just a few years of their sentences.

At Swansea Crown Court in March 2011, Jacqueline Marling, then 42, described as Batley's 'right-hand woman', was jailed for 12 years, while Batley's wife Elaine, 47, was jailed for eight years.

Shelly Millar, 35, described during the trial as Batley's 'sex slave', was jailed for five years.

Vincent Barden, 70, of Kempston, Bedfordshire, who was not a cult member, was jailed for three years after admitting two counts of sexual assault on an underage girl.

MailOnline can reveal that Marling, now 53, was released in 2017 after serving just six years. Elaine Batley, now 58, was freed in 2014 after less than four years or half her sentence.

Millar, now aged 46, was also released in 2014 after three years in jail, whilst Barden, now 81, was freed in 2012, just over a year into his three year sentence. It is not known if he is still alive.

The case caused shockwaves across the UK when the sordid details emerged with Batley - a former security guard at Tesco - being revealed as a monster practising in plain sight.

Shelly Millar, 35 at the time, described during the trial as Batley's 'sex slave', was jailed for five years

Elaine Batley, now 58, was freed in 2014 after less than four years or half her sentence

Jacqueline Marling, then 42, described as Batley's 'right-hand woman', was jailed for 12 years

At a five-week trial, the court was told Batley ran a 'Satanic' sex cult from his home in the small town of Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire.

The court heard that Batley moved from London to Kidwelly in the 1990s, where the cult operated from a series of homes in a cul-de-sac. The sex abuse was said to have already been taking place.

He set up what was described in court as a 'black magic sex cult', of which he was the self-appointed 'high priest'.

The jury heard Batley psychologically terrorised and coerced vulnerable children into performing sexual acts, by using death threats and brainwashing.

He conducted occult ceremonies and indicated cult membership with an ancient 'Egyptian eye' tattoo of Horus, a hawk-headed god on their arms.

Batley forced a number of his victims into prostitution and claimed 25% of their earnings.

Who Is Aleister Crowley? Aleister Crowley Born in 1875 into a wealthy British family

While studying at Cambridge, became interested in obscure religious rituals

Joined the Golden Daw - an exclusive organization with secret rituals - in 1898 - was barred two years later

Claimed he and his first wife, Rose Edith Kelly, had a spiritual experience in which a messenger named Aiwass described a new phase of human history

Edited and published these teachings in The Book Of Law (1909)

This is the central sacred text of Thelema, the religion founded by Aleister Crowley

Religion's rituals often involved drugs and sexual activity

The 'do as thou wilt' doesn't excuse illegal activity or harming others

Stories about Crowley's behaviour led the English tabloid press to dub him 'the wickedest man in the world.'

In the 1960s-1970s, rock musicians name dropped or referenced Crowley's ideas, from David Bowie to Led Zeppelin

Crowley's former home, Boleskine House, which overlooks Loch Ness, was gutted by a fire in 2015.

The house was badly damaged in the blaze before another fire ripped through the site in July 2019.

Musician Jimmy Page bought Boleskine House in the 1970s because of the Crowley connection, before later selling it in 1992. Advertisement

In one instance, the trial heard, Batley tried to force a pregnant schoolgirl to give birth. The girl, who had been raped by a cult member, was told that all children conceived within the cult belonged to it.

New cult members, often deeply troubled children, were forced to go through an elaborate initiation ceremony. At its heart would be sex with an adult, with anyone unwilling to take part warned they risked being killed by a cult assassin.

A victim explained after the verdict: 'Colin knew how to manipulate you, to make you believe anything he said.'

Judge Thomas detailed how Batley darkened Kidwelly when he moved to the seaside town.

He said: 'What happened thereafter has besmirched the unsuspecting town of Kidwelly.'

He added: 'You formed a community within a community, you were described as evil. That, in my view, is an entirely accurate statement of your character.

'It is likely that you have dedicated your life since you were 12 years old to satisfying your sexual urges by whatever means at your disposal.'

The judge also attacked the works of occultist Aleister Crowley, which inspired the Kidwelly cult.

Batley and the others were said to have used Crowley's The Book Of The Law  which praises prostitution and free sex  as a guide for their own action.

Judge Thomas told Batley he had used the occult to manipulate and control his victims.

Batley was found guilty of offences including 11 rapes, three indecent assaults, causing prostitution for personal gain, causing a child to have sex and inciting a child to have sex.

Passing sentence, the judge made it clear that Batley would be eligible to seek parole only once it was determined he no longer represented a danger to the public.

A major part of that process is to admit his guilt, something he vehemently denied throughout the trial, the court heard.

His wife was found guilty of three counts of indecency with a child and one of sexual activity with a child.

Marling was found guilty of one count of aiding and abetting rape, one of causing prostitution for gain and one of inciting a child to engage in sex.

She was also found guilty of three separate counts of indecency with a child. Millar was found guilty of indecency with a child and inciting a child to engage in sex.

PC Lynsey David, of Dyfed-Powys Police, read out a statement agreed by all the victims after the verdict: 'It has been a nightmare journey for each and every one of us and we hope that this can be the start of a new beginning.

'We have experienced the worst that life can throw at us and all we want to do now is move forward with our lives.

'The victims urged anyone who may have suffered similar abuse in their own lives to come forward and report it to police.'

Head of the Crown Prosecution Service's complex case unit for Wales, Tom Atherton, said: 'The prosecution was able to show that Colin Batley was at the centre of this activity and it is right that his sentence reflects this.

'However, all of those sentenced today are guilty of horrific crimes and therefore it is also right that they have received lengthy sentences.'

He added that the physical, emotional and psychological impact of the crimes on the victims should not be forgotten.
An ABC host has quit live on air saying he was 'too spicy' for the job and that he wanted 'uncomfortable conversations' that did not fit with the broadcaster's limitations.

Josh Szeps announced he is giving up his ABC Radio Sydney Afternoons show midway through his Wednesday shift, just before the 3pm news bulletin.

Szeps said he will continue until the end of the ratings year but would not be signing a contract to resume next year.

During a lengthy monologue, Szeps said he could 'spin a lot of PR guff' but 'if you know me you would know I don't do bulls***, I am a straight shooter'.

'I am bit too spicy for this gig, aren't I?' he asked.

While he said he loved the ABC, along with his colleagues and listeners, what he enjoys most 'above all else is having uncomfortable conversations about the evocative issues we face'.

'Having truly rational, bulls***-free conversations about controversial issues is risky these days,' he said.

'The penalties for speaking bluntly, the penalties for trying to coax people out of their thought silos and their echo chambers are very high.

'The fact that it's risky only makes it more important to me. The fact I have found a way of doing it independently that is financially viable leads me to the question that I have been mulling over ever since chatter about the 2024 [ABC] line-up began.'

Szeps, who is known in the United States as a former host of Huff Post Live, has appeared on the world's biggest podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, seven times and famously got into a heated debate about Covid vaccines.

READ MORE: Josh Szeps praises Joe Rogan and dismisses ABC host who calls him a 'conspiracy theorist' Fact-box text Advertisement

The two clashed in January last year when Szeps fact checked Rogan's claim young men who receive the Covid jab had a higher risk of heart inflammation.

Despite the clash, Rogan thanked Szeps for appearing on his show, and the pair remain friends.

The broadcaster admitted during his monologue that he thrives on more hard-hitting conversations and has become somewhat of a 'misfit' at the ABC.

'I'm a child of refugees, but I'm a white Australian. I'm a gay guy, but I hate Mardi Gras.

'I have Holocaust-surviving grandparents but I'm conflicted about Zionism. I'm an ABC presenter but I don't like kale.'

Szeps clashed with hugely popular US podcaster Joe Rogan over whether young boys were at greater risk of myocarditis from the Covid jab or the virus

He said regular listeners would know he is 'the kid who gets invited to Christmas lunch and then starts talking to people I'm advised not to talk to'.

'Like Uncle Herbie who might have voted for Pauline Hanson,' he said.

'As that old codger farts his way through the potato salad I will have an uncomfortable conversation with him.

'Maybe all I do is make the prim and proper partygoers uncomfortable, but that is not my intention.

'Maybe there's values in consciously defying bubbles of conversational safety.

'I don't want to be at a Christmas lunch where everyone talks in ways to reassure everyone else they are on the correct side of worthy issues.'

Szeps said journalists couldn't be 'team players' and should be 'contrarians'.

'The way to expand the conversation is to expand the people having the conversation, not just in ways that prioritise superficial diversity but in ways that reward true idiosyncrasy.'

Szeps indicated he would be concentrating on his podcast Uncomfortable Conversations and will be creating a YouTube program with the team behind the satirical Betoota Advocate in 2024.

'My podcast has become a place where I have having nonsense free conversations about the most controversial challenges we face,' he said calling it 'one of the most successful Australian interview shows in the world'.

Szeps indicated he would be concentrating on his podcast Uncomfortable Conversations and will be creating a YouTube program with the team behind the satirical Betoota Advocate in 2024

There were also potential book and TV deals in the pipeline.

He noted that during his stint Sydney's afternoons had been competitive with commercial rival 2GB and took a small dig at the Melbourne version, which he noted hadn't done as well.

'I have loved spending my afternoons with you,' he said.

'I am so privileged to have had this show, it's an incredible honour to have a show on the ABC.'
Sir Keir Starmer is facing a major challenge to his authority as Labour leader tonight as his shadow ministers rebel to demand a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Three frontbenchers have said they will defy his orders and back a Commons vote for a permanent end to fighting, even if it costs them their jobs.

Labour shadow ministers were warned they would face 'consequences' if they support an SNP motion calling for Israel to end its bombing in Gaza, which has left thousands of civilians dead.

Sir Keir wanted them instead to vote for a bland Labour amendment calling for a pause in fighting to allow in humanitarian aid.

But shadow crime reduction minister Naz Shah, shadow education minister Helen Hayes and shadow business minister Afzal Khan indicated they would vote for a full ceasefire.

MPs are on a three-line whip, which means that any frontbencher who votes for a ceasefire should expect to be sacked, with a Labour spokesman saying: 'This is a whipped vote and every MP knows what the consequence of that means.'

Shadow crime reduction minister Naz Shah, s hadow education minister Helen Hayes and shadow business minister Afzal Khan indicated they would vote for a full ceasefire.

Sir Keir Starmer is locked in last-gasp talks with members of his top team this afternoon amid fears that up to a dozen could quit in order to back an immediate, permanent end to fighting bitter fighting between Israel and Hamas.

The possibility of a Commons vote comes as Israeli forces entered Gaza's Shifa hospital.

Sir Keir was this afternoon locked in last-gasp talks with members of his top team this afternoon amid fears that up to a dozen could quit.

The SNP has been given permission to put its call for a ceasefire to a vote tonight, with the party's Westminster leader Stephen Flynn saying Parliament must 'show moral leadership'.

But Sir Keir has ordered his MPs to sit out the vote and instead back a softer Labour motion backing time-limited humanitarian windows.

It urges Israel to 'protect hospitals and lift the siege conditions allowing food, water, electricity, medicine and fuel into Gaza' but also asserts the country's 'right to defend its citizens from terrorism' in the wake of Hamas's October 7 terror attack.

Ms Shah, who represents Bradford West, told the Commons a 'humanitarian catastrophe' is taking place in Gaza, adding: 'Our values push us to do better and this is why despite all the risk to our personal positions we must do what is right.

Ms Hayes, who represents Dulwich and West Norwood in South London, said her 'conscience' told her she should back the ceasefire, adding: 'We must all of us be able to stand in front of our own constituents with integrity and at peace with our own conscience on the issues that matter most to them.'

Mr Khan, the MP for Manchester Gorton told the Commons: 'If we had a ceasefire yesterday 144 Gazan children would still be alive today. Israel has already crossed every red line imaginable and broken international humanitarian laws.

'History has shown us that military action alone does not resolve conflicts and Israel's use of force will not resolve this one.

'We need to call an immediate ceasefire now. My constituents have demanded this and I will not refuse them. Supporting a ceasefire is the very least we can do.'

A growing number of Labour MPs are backing a cessation of hostilities in the besieged territory, where more than 11,000 people have been killed in the IDF onslaught.

Many are still prepared to put their roles at risk by siding with the SNP's amendment calling on the UK to join the international community in pressing for an immediate ceasefire.

Last week levelling up spokesman Imran Hussain resigned so he could 'strongly advocate for a ceasefire' from the backbenches.

Other frontbenchers have so far chosen to stay in their posts and try to shift the leadership from within.

Shadow cabinet minister Pat McFadden said there was 'no need' for any Labour MP to support the SNP's amendment.

He told LBC that his party's position had been set out 'comprehensively' in its own King's Speech amendment.

'It deals with the three critical aspects of this, which are: how this began on October 7 with the greatest slaughter of Jews since the end of the Second World War; it deals with the current humanitarian situation unfolding in Gaza, calling for pauses in the fighting for more aid for more electricity, water, medicine to get into help the people there; and, critically, it also deals with the future.

'And in setting it out in a comprehensive way, just as Keir Starmer did in his Chatham House speech a couple of weeks ago, we have given a position that Labour MPs can vote for.'

A party source said: 'Mass resignations or sackings could well happen. It makes frontbenchers look silly if they've been calling for a ceasefire all this time then don't support the motion.'

Another insider added shadow ministers either 'want a free vote or for the party to turn round and back a ceasefire'.

Shadow cabinet minister Pat McFadden, Labour's national campaign co-ordinator, today told Sky News: 'Like every frontbencher, I serve at the pleasure of the leader.'

Last week levelling up spokesman Imran Hussain resigned so he could 'strongly advocate for a ceasefire' from the backbenches

The possibility of a Commons vote comes as Israeli forces entered Gaza's Shifa hospital.

The Israeli army had surrounded the facility as part of its ground offensive against Hamas, claiming the militant group conceals military operations in the complex.

But with hundreds of patients and medical personnel inside, the move has risks of civilian casualties.

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 Aviv's forces have killed more than 11,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry.

Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell is in Cairo on Wednesday to hold talks with Egyptian counterparts and other partners on how to get more humanitarian aid into Gaza.
A grinning Greta Thunberg was seen running through London this morning moments after denying committing a public order offence while at an environmental protest in London last month.

The 20-year-old pleaded not guilty after being charged over a protest near the InterContinental Hotel in Mayfair on October 17. The building had been hosting a meeting of oil executives at the time.

Thunberg and the group were arrested, and 26 people were later charged with public order offences after allegedly refusing to leave the highway and continue their demonstration on the pavement.

On Wednesday morning the Swedish climate campaigner and four other Fossil Free London protesters pleaded not guilty to breaching Section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986 at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

The eco-activist, who gave her address as 'Dorset', confirmed her name and date of birth. She was seen laughing and smiling inside the court.

Following the hearing Thunberg was mobbed by photographers who had gathered on the court steps, with the campaigner seen smiling as she sprinted away from them.

The protesters were granted unconditional bail ahead of a trial at City of London Magistrates' Court from February 1, 2024. Five others from the same protest denied the offence at a later hearing and were also bailed.

Greta Thunberg is seen smiling as she is mobbed by photographers outside Westminster Magistrates' Court after her court hearing

Greta Thunberg grins as she runs though central London to escape the press after Wednesday's court hearing

The Swedish activist is guided away from the crowd as she tries to get away this morning

A court sketch showing Greta Thunberg (second left) with other defendants in court on Wednesday

The eco-activist had been seen smiling and made the 'shaka' gesture - a signal of friendly intent associated with surfer culture - at fans outside the building before the court hearing.

She had also been mobbed by photographers as she was escorted into the building with police liaison officers, while fellow eco-activists outside chanted and held banners reading 'Oily Money Out' and 'Make Polluters Pay'.

In the hearing prosecutor Luke Staton said 'This offence arises out of a protest occurred at the InterContinental Hotel in Park Lane.'

He said 'Energy Intelligence Forum 2023', which ran from 17 to 19 October, brought together 'various decision makers and innovators and other stake holders form energy, finance, and business industries in order to discuss sustainable solutions'.

'On the first day, 17 October a large number of protesters attended that location, police remained aware of this.

'At approximately 7:15am there were stickers and promotional material relating to 'Fossil Free London'.

'The protesters began taking up positions around the entrance to the hotel thereby effectively preventing people from coming in and out, some had managed to climb onto roof and abseiled down and others sat in the road attempting to block the particular access to that location.

'These defendants are charged in relation to section 14 conditions ultimately imposed by Superintendent (Matt) Cox.

'The [protesters] were allowed to continue for approximately 5 hours until 12:32 pm where superintendent Cox imposed the conditions under section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986 that condition being the protest must continue on the pavement on the south of Intercontinental Hotel.'

Greta Thunberg was seen smiling as she arrived at Westminster Magistrates' Court to face a public order charge

The climate activist made the 'shaka' sign - also known as 'hang loose', which is meant to be a gesture of friendly intent

Thunberg arrived at court with a group of young people early on Wednesday morning

Protesters chanted and held signs saying 'Oil Money Out' and 'Make Polluters Pay' ahead of the court appearance

The Swedish environmental campaigner was mobbed by photographers as she arrived at court

A protester holds up a placard that says 'Stop Stat Oil' outside the court ahead of Thunberg's arrival

After failing to move onto the designated protest area, Thunberg and others were subsequently arrested and taken to the police station, the court heard.

The EIF was due to hear from the chief executives of Aramco, Repsol, Shell, TotalEnergies and the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation.

Supporters of Thunberg laughed from the public gallery as Mr Staton claimed the aim of the conference was to discuss 'sustainable solutions'.

They were warned by District Judge John Law to be quiet or they would be removed from court.

Thunberg, of Dorset, appeared in court today alongside Joshua Unwin, 31, of Hitchin, Herts, Peter Barker, 59, of Powys, Lars Kebbon, 19, of Dorset, and Jeff Rice, 56, of Nottinghamshire.

They all denied one count of failing to comply with a condition imposed under Section 14 of the Public Order Act.

The five were released on unconditional bail ahead of their trial at City of London Magistrates court on February 1 next year.

Another five protesters appearing at a court hearing later in the day also denied one count of failing to comply with conditions following the protest outside the InterContinental Hotel.

Audley Burnett, 67, of Carmarthenshire, Bas Sprudrit, 27, of Belgium, Craig Vaz, 60, of Somerset and Leon Edwards, 57, of Dorset, will stand trial at City of London Magistrates Court on February 5.

Richard Baxter, 62, of Bristol, will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court with two other protesters on November 29.

They were all released on unconditional bail.

At the protest on October 17, which was organised by the Fossil Free London, Thunberg had urged eco-activists to 'reclaim the power' and slammed 'spineless' politicians for failing to act on global climate change.

Demonstrators gathered to protest the Energy Intelligence Forum (EIF) - formerly the Oil and Money conference - which was taking place inside the building.

It featured speakers including COP28 President-delegate Dr Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber, net zero minister Graham Stuart, former climate change minister Charles Hendry and senior figures from energy firms BP, Shell, Repsol and ExxonMobil.

Its agenda included a discussion on whether the COP climate change gathering is 'still relevant'.

Outside activists from Fossil Free London banged drums and chanted 'oily, oily money, out, out, out' as they blocked the hotel entrance.

Members of Greenpeace later dramatically rappelled down the side of the building to unfurl a banner reading: 'Make big oil pay.'

Thunberg was seen smiling as she was detained by officers and led to a waiting police van, with video shared on social media showing her being frogmarched to the van as other protesters were told to stand back.

Thunberg spoke at the Fossil Free London protest outside the Energy Intelligence Forum conference in central London on October 17

Thunberg was charged with failing to comply with a condition on public assemblies after being detained on October 17

Other protesters were told to stand back while Ms Thunberg smiled from the back of the police van during the Mayfair protest

Thunberg was later charged with failing to comply with a condition imposed under Section 14 of the Public Order Act.

Officers said they asked the protesters to move from the road onto the pavement which would have allowed them to continue protesting legally.

They said they had imposed conditions to 'prevent disruption to the public'.

She was bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court, where she appeared this morning.

A Met Police spokesman said: 'We have charged 26 people after a protest outside a hotel in central London.

'Officers responded to the protest on the morning of Tuesday October 17 and imposed conditions to prevent disruption to the public.

'The protesters were asked to move from the road onto the pavement, which would enable them to continue with their demonstration without breaching the conditions.'
A British tourist has been charged with murder after allegedly stabbing his wife to death with a screwdriver in their Turkish hotel room following a row.

The 26-year-old woman was found dead at around 12:30pm local time on Tuesday, allegedly at the Ulubat Castle Hotel in Istanbul's Fatih Mevlanakap District.

Hotel staff reported hearing 'sounds' coming from a room and found the victim 'lying in a pool of blood'. Medical teams arrived later and pronounced her dead.

The woman was discovered with lacerations on her throat and across her body, examiners concluding she had been killed with a screwdriver.

Turkish police launched an investigation and promptly found her husband, 28, reportedly wearing a bloodied white T-shirt after trying to taking a taxi away from the scene.

The suspect allegedly confessed to the murder and said that he threw the screwdriver into the toilet in the hotel room.

According to Turkish media, the suspect was 'sent to prison by the court on charges of intentional murder against his wife'.

Picture shared by Sabah, Turkish media, purports to show the suspect's arrest

CCTV footage from the hotel showed the suspect leaving before getting into a taxi, Turkish media said

Upon his arrest, the suspect was interrogated at the Homicide Bureau.

He claimed that the victim gave him drugs on the day of the attack, leading to a row, according to Turkish media.

The couple argued, he allegedly said, before he repeatedly stabbed his partner with the screwdriver, killing her.

In a statement to the police, he said he was using medication due to 'psychological disorders'.

He allegedly admitted to fleeing the scene after hiding the evidence.

Police managed to catch the suspect by contacting the taxi driver and asking them to go to the nearest police station or police enforcement point

The suspect was seen being led away from the Istanbul Police Department after his arrest, pictured in Turkish media in handcuffs and with his head held down.

CCTV footage also purported to show the suspect leaving the hotel alone in the same outfit.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The couple were reported to have arrived in Turkey on November 11, having flown to Sabiha Gokcen Airport.

They reportedly settled into their hotel on November 14, where the victim was later found dead.

The Foreign Office told MailOnline in a statement: 'We have not been approached for consular assistance, but our staff stand ready to support British nationals abroad 24/7.'

MailOnline contacted the Ulubat Castle Hotel, alleged to be the scene of the attack, for comment.

A still from a video shared by Turkish media showing the hotel in Turkey where a British woman was murdered

The historic gates of Istanbul in Mevlanakapi district

In August last year, a British woman was ruled innocent after being accused of throwing her boyfriend 100ft to his death from a hotel balcony in Turkey.

Kayley Myers, from Newcastle, spent months behind bars in the Mediterranean country after her partner, Reece Pegram, was found dead at their resort last year.

Prosecutors alleged that the 32-year-old had thrown her boyfriend off the balcony sparking a 16-month nightmare where she faced the prospect of being locked up for life.

But after a judge ruled there was 'no definite and convincing evidence' to convict her she has finally been allowed back to the UK bringing an end to one chapter of her 'living nightmare', she told The Sun.
Chinese state media has hailed David Cameron's comeback as Foreign Secretary after Tories raised alarm at his previous push for a 'golden era' in relations.

The ex-PM has a 'unique understanding of the Asian giant and his appointment could 'breathe new life' into ties, according to an opinion piece run in the Global Times.

The warm welcome could fuel concerns on the Conservative benches about Lord Cameron's return, even though Rishi Sunak has insisted that the 'golden era' was 'naive' and is 'over'.

Since Lord Cameron's time in Downing Street links have deteriorated dramatically with tensions over China's human rights abuses and aggressive stance towards Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Chinese state media pointed out that Lord Cameron led a business delegation to China in 2013, and famously drank beer with President Xi at a pub during his state visit to the UK in 2015 (pictured)

Chinese state media has hailed David Cameron 's comeback as Foreign Secretary after Tories raised alarm at his previous push for a 'golden era' in relations

Lord Cameron attending the first meeting of Mr Sunak's new-look Cabinet yesterday

The article in the English-language Global Times noted that the China-UK relationship 'has in recent years experienced some serious setbacks'.

It pointed out that Lord Cameron led a business delegation to China in 2013, and was famously pictured drinking beer with President Xi at a pub during his state visit to the UK in 2015.

The article added: 'Because of the continuous internal political fighting within the ruling Tory party, it is also possible that China will become the focus of negative attention from critics who will use his unique understanding of China to attack him,' the article said.

'As a former British prime minister whose administration focused positively on fostering closer and mutually beneficial ties with Beijing, he is well positioned to engage with a country he came to comprehend well during his time in Downing Street.'

Ex-Cabinet minister Iain Duncan Smith, who is among a group of MPs and peers who have been sanctioned by China for criticising human rights abuses, said it was 'astonishing' to see Lord Cameron back.

'The appointment of David Cameron to the Foreign Office is deeply disappointing because he has been so heavily involved with China  he was the architect of the so-called Golden Era and he's been working with China ever since,' he said.

'It does feel like the Government is signalling a new approach of 'China or bust' and that does not bode well for this country.'

In his first major foreign policy speech last year, Mr Sunak said: 'Let's be clear, the so-called 'golden era' is over, along with the naive idea that trade would lead to social and political reform.'
Vladimir Putin has pardoned one of the killers of a leading Kremlin critic - because the murderer fought in Russia's illegal war against Ukraine.

Sergei Khadzhikurbanov, 55, a Moscow police officer, was convicted in 2014 of organising the murder of prominent journalist Anna Politkovskaya.

She was shot dead in her apartment block on Putin's birthday  October 7  in 2006, aged 48.

A strong Kremlin critic and human rights campaigner, her death was seen as a warped 'gift' for the dictator from a mastermind.

She was especially strong in her criticisms of Putin's actions in war-ravaged Chechnya.

Her killing provoked an international outcry and was one of several shocking murders of Putin critics, another being former deputy premier Boris Nemtsov who was gunned down near the Kremlin, a death which also had links to lawless Chechnya.

Sergei Khadzhikurbanov, 55, a Moscow police officer, was convicted in 2014 of organising the murder of prominent journalist Anna Politkovskaya

Anna Politkovskaya was shot dead in her apartment block on Putin's birthday - 7 October - in 2006, aged 48

Putin pardoned the killer because he fought in Russia 's illegal war against Ukraine

Khadzhikurbanov was one of five convicted of Politkovskaya's killing, but the question of who masterminded her murder has never been solved, although suspicions have focused on Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov and his senior henchmen.

Putin denied ordering her killing.

Khadzhikurbanov was not due to leave prison until the year 2034, but in 2022 was freed from jail to take part in Putin's war.

He was rapidly promoted to become a frontline battalion commander.

Initially he 'repeatedly went behind enemy lines' as an intelligence operative.

After six months, he was pardoned by Putin, and his murder conviction was expunged.

He currently remains as a commander with Russian forces in Ukraine.

Politkovskaya's family denounced the decision to release and pardon the killer in a statement issued by her newspaper Novaya Gazeta.

Russian President Vladimir Putin denied ordering the killing of the prominent Kremlin critic

Khadzhikurbanov was not due to leave prison until the year 2034, but in 2022 was freed from jail to take part in Putin's war

Khadzhikurbanov was rapidly promoted to become a frontline battalion commander

'For us, this pardon is not evidence of the redemption and remorse of the murderer,' they said.

Her work on Chechnya was continued by Natalya Estemirova who was murdered three years later.

Putin has released thousands of murderers, rapists and other hardened criminals to fight in Ukraine, giving them a blanket pardon if they stay alive for six months in the war.
A newly appointed Home Office minister sparked fury on the Tory right today after pictures were unearthed showing her taking the knee during the Black Lives Matter protests.

Laura Farris, the MP for Newbury, said how it was important MPs and other public figures 'are there with the community showing their support' in the fight against racism in 2020.

She attended the event in the Berkshire town in June 2020 in a mask during the Covid pandemic, less than a month after the murder of George Floyd by police in the US city of Minneapolis sparked worldwide protests.

But her actions have caused disquiet with Tories on the Right of the party. One MP told the Daily Mail: '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.'

Laura Farris (centre left) attended the event in the Berkshire town in June 2020 in a mask during the Covid pandemic, less than a month after the murder of George Floyd (below) by police in the US city of Minneapolis sparked worldwide protests.

The MP for Newbury, said how it was important MPs and other public figures 'are there with the community showing their support' in the fight against racism in 2020.

Ms Farris is a supporter of Mr Sunak who voted against Boris Johnson in a Commons confidence vote last year, after accusing the then prime minister of presiding over a culture that facilitated 'unethical and disastrous parties' in lockdown.

The 45-year-old mother of two, who once worked for US democrat presidential challenger Hillary Clinton, joined 'hundreds of others to take a stand against racism and inequality' at the event in a Newbury park.

told the Newbury Weekly News she had 'enjoyed' the event in her constituency and urged others 'to take a stand'.

She said: 'I thought it was a great event and very well organised.

'There was appropriate social distancing in place and overall I think it had a very respectful tone.

'I think it's really important that public representatives are there with the community showing their support'.
The mother of a schoolgirl who was killed when a Land Rover crashed into an end-of-term tea party at a prep school in Wimbledon has said she 'blames herself' for her daughter's death.

Nuria Sajjad was severely injured when the vehicle ploughed through a fence at The Study Prep school in south-west London on July 6 this year and into a crowd of children and adults.

Fellow pupil Selena Lau, 8, was also killed in the crash, while several others were injured, although all have since been discharged from hospital.

Nuria, eight, had been taking a photo with her mother, Smera Chohan, when both were hit by the car. She received fatal injuries while Ms Chohan was left in hospital with no memory of the incident.

Speaking for the first time since the tragedy, Ms Chohan told the BBC she thinks every day about whether she could have done something differently and remains heartbroken 'she didn't save her girl'.

Nuria Sajjad (pictured) was killed when a Land Rover crashed into an end-of-term tea party at her school in Wimbledon

Nuria (centre) was fatally injured, while her mother Smera Chohan (left) was left seriously hurt. Her father Sajjad Butt (right) helplessly witnessed the incident

When trying to recall the moment of the crash, Ms Chohan said: 'My mind goes blank. I didn't see anything come at me. Because if I had, I would have protected my girl.

'I would have. And I didn't. So I wake up every morning thinking 'Could I have picked her up and done something?' I didn't see the car come. I didn't save my girl.'

However, her husband Sajjad Butt, who was also at the tea party saw every detail and remains haunted by the terror he witnessed.

Nuria's father recalled how he had gone to get some coffee and was speaking with another parent when the serene summer morning was tragically brought to and end with the sound of a crash.

He turned his head and saw a Land Rover 'hurtling' into the school grounds before hitting multiple people, while he was left 'screaming' and desperately trying to find his wife and daughter.

When he did, it was like a scene from a horror movie, with Nuria 'physically, visibly, severely' hurt, before having to make the gut punching choice about whether to stay with his wife or go with his daughter.

He said: 'At some point the police arrived, at some point the paramedics arrived, at some point the air ambulance arrived and it was clear Nuria was a high priority.

'And I had to make a very difficult decision to leave Smera in the care of the paramedics.'

Tragically Nuria was unable to recover from her injuries, and her passing has left a gaping hole in the lives of her parents.

Nuria (pictured) was described as being 'full of joy' and a 'perfect girl' by her heartbroken parents

The Land Rover crashed through a fence at The Study Prep school in south-west London at around 10am on July 6

'We are not coping', said Ms Chohan, as she paid tribute to her 'perfect girl' who was 'the light of our lives'.

She said: 'She was eager for her future, she wanted to live, she wanted to grow up.'

Ms Chohan said instead of fulfilling her dream of having her cousins - who Nuria called her brothers - walk her down the aisle, they instead had to carry her coffin and lower her into her grave.

Mr Butt said the day had gone from 'what should have been one of the happiest days of my daughter's life, to absolute horror'.

He said his daughter was 'full of joy' and had a 'generosity and zest and zeal for life'.

He added: 'The two people most dear to me in the world, one was taken away and the other thinks it was their fault.'

Inquests into the deaths of Nuria and Selena were opened and adjourned at Inner West London Coroner's Court on July 12.

The couple have raised concerns about the length of time it has taken for the police to investigate the incident.

Eight-year-old Selena Lau (pictured) was also killed in the crash, while a number of other people were seriously hurt

In the aftermath of the crash a 46-year-old woman from Wimbledon was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. She has since been bailed until January.

READ MORE HERE: Female Land Rover driver who crashed into Wimbledon prep school in tragedy that killed two eight-year-old girls is bailed again Advertisement

The Metropolitan Police said it was carrying out a 'thorough and extensive investigation' into what happened.

Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland, in charge of policing for south west London, said: 'Our thoughts remain with the families of Nuria and Selena who we know are greatly loved and missed.

'This was a tragic incident and we understand that the families want and need answers as to what happened. We are continuing to give them specialist support through our dedicated family liaison officers who are providing updates on the investigation where they can.

'Specialist detectives are working tirelessly to establish the circumstances of that day, including analysing CCTV and examining the expert report from forensic collision investigators.

'The incident involved the large scale deployment of joint resources from the Met, LAS and LFB and we are working closely with them, as well as the Crown Prosecution Service, as part of our investigation.

'We recognise that the time taken can cause further distress but it is only right and fair to all involved that we carry out a thorough and extensive investigation.'
A landlord stabbed his girlfriend and two of his live-in tenants inside their home in Queens, New York, and turned himself into police custody after claiming they had not paid rent since the start of the pandemic.

David Daniel, 54, showed up at the 113th Precinct, just north of Rochdale in Queens, at around 7:15am on Tuesday and confessed to doing 'something bad' in a 'matter of fact' way, but 'didn't appear to be bloody', according to a senior police officer.

The landlord 'said that he killed three people and he gave the location and that he left the backdoor open,' NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told reporters on Tuesday.

After 'calmly' telling cops the address of his home on Milburn Street, in the St. Albans neighbourhood, NYPD officers rushed to the scene and found three bodies across the home.

Cops said they found the body of the alleged killer's girlfriend in an upstairs bedroom, while the two live-in tenants, a man and a woman, were found together face-up in a basement bedroom.

David Daniel (pictured) 'said that he killed three people and he gave the location and that he left the backdoor open', according to a senior NYPD officer

Cops said they found the body of the alleged killer's girlfriend in an upstairs bedroom, while the two live-in tenants, a man and a woman, were found together face-up in a basement bedroom

Kenny said that Daniel, who has since been arrested and charged with murder, told detectives 'that he had problems with his girlfriend and that the two [people] in the basement had not been paying their rent.'

He has no criminal record, and police said that there was no history of emergency services being called to the property in the past.

Police are still investigating the triple-murder. Kenny said: 'We're still executing search warrants. We're still making notifications to victims' families and that's where we're at right now.'

He added that the murder weapon has not yet been found.

The families of the victims, who have not yet been publicly identified, are being contacted by NYPD officers.

Police found three bodies in the home in the St. Albans neighbourhood of Queens, New York

Daniel has since been arrested and charged with murder

Several of Daniel's neighbours expressed shock upon hearing the allegations that he had killed three people.

One neighbour told the New York Post: 'I'm completely shocked by this. I never heard about any disputes he had with his tenants.

'He doesn't seem like that kind of person. He just bottled up his anger really well, but eventually it escaped and now three people are dead.'

Another said that he got a 'strange vibe' from the landlord.

'He is friendly to some people, not friendly to others. I'm in the second category and I don't know why. He's just very standoffish to me.

'I don't interpret this to mean that he'd kill somebody. But let's put it this way. If you told me one person on the block has the capacity to kill someone and I had to guess who, my guess would be him.'
Funnyman Jimmy Kimmel poked fun at the 'extraordinary moment' when Ohio Republican Markwayne Mullin offered to fight Teamster union boss Sean O'Brien during an explosive Senate Committee hearing on Tuesday.

Kimmel remarked that Chairman Bernie Sanders, 82, took on the role of 'Grandpa Bernie' as he slammed the gavel in an attempt to stop the pair from bickering.

Ex-MMA fighter Mullin, 46, told O'Brien, 50, to stand up as he adjusted his wedding ring and looked ready to lunge during the wild Committee on Education, Labor and Pensions hearing.

'Grandpa Bernie is about to turn this car around, and then nobody is going to Six Flags,' Kimmel joked while adding that the recent altercations on Capitol Hill had created 'UFC-SPAN.'

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, Labor and Pensions hearing

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'

Senator Bernie Sanders interrupted and demanded Mullin sit down

Kimmel also spoke about the alleged confrontation between former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy and Tennessee Congressman Tim Burchett.

It's reported that McCarthy elbowed Burchett in the back following a vote.

Kimmel said it was 'presumably as some kind of payback for voting to remove McCarthy as speaker last month.'

McCarthy has denied the report, prompting Kimmel to joke that '[McCarthy] also denies the election so he's probably lying.'

Kimmel went on to joke that Sanders has played peacekeeper previously, notably between Alexander Hamilton and the man who shot him dead, Aaron Burr, in 1804.

'That isnt the first time Bernie Sanders was forced to play the role of peacemaker. You know, when he was originally elected to the Senate, he tried to convince Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton to hug it out, and that didnt work, either. That didnt end well at all,' the late night host joked.

While over on CBS, Stephen Colbert did his patented Bernie Sanders impression for laughs.

'Zip it, Bunson Honeydew! Sit down, or I will come over there and redistribute the top 10 percent of my fist to 99 percent of your face! I will split your lip like pea soup! Dont make me take off my mittens!,' the former Colbert Report host quipped.

Kimmel said the antics on Capitol Hill this week could see the creation of UFC-SPAN

Ousted House Speaker has been accused of elbowing colleague Rep. Tim Burchett in a physical altercation in Congress

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...'

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 Oklahoma. He was elected to the Senate in 2022 after serving as a House member since 2013.
This is the shocking moment a man brutally kicked a police officer in the head before he was Tasered.

Police were trying to hold another man down to the ground as he appeared to try and resist arrest at the time of the incident.

As the officers wrestled with the man on the ground, the second man came running over and kicked one of the officers.

Dramatic footage shows how police Tasered the culprit, leaving him motionless on the floor, and then threatened to Taser the man they had been trying to detain - who eventually gave in and dropped to his knees with his hands in the air.

The incident happened at a bar and snacks area of the Manchester Arena on September 2 before footage emerged on X, formerly Twitter, yesterday.

Crowds gathered in shock as the drama unfolded, with those who watched the video saying they could not believe what police had to deal with.

Greater Manchester Police have since confirmed a 42-year-old man and 18-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of common assault of an emergency worker and taken into custody for further questioning. The men have since been bailed pending further investigation as police continue to appeal for information and witnesses.

The shocking moment a man kicks a police officer in the head while he is trying to detain another man

Police appeared to be trying to arrest a man when the drama unfolded

In the year ending March 2022 there were just over 41,000 assaults on police officers in England and Wales, including British Transport Police officers, showing the true extent of the problem.

During the same period there were 1,498 assaults on officers in the Greater Manchester Police area.

Some said the video , which has 2.5 million views on X, shows exactly why officers need to carry Tasers and that police have an 'impossible job'.

Others said anyone who attacks an officer should receive an immediate custodial sentence.

'Prison only place for him,' one said, while another wrote: 'It should be but there seems to be lack of judges with a backbone.'

'Gonna be a long prison sentence for the punt on the officer,' another said, to which one replied: 'Good no more than the t*** deserves!'

But one added: 'Lucky if he even sees a courtroom, the courts don't see assaults on the police as a crime.'

The man police were trying to hold down eventually gives up resisting and holds his hands up

'I never knew the UK is so lawless,' another commented.

'Sad to see police in UK take so much risk,' another chipped in.

And one said: 'People have zero respect for police now.'

Another said he believed officers should be better protected, saying: 'British Police need to be armed with more than Tasers.'

An ex police officer said he was glad he had retired as one wrote: 'Top police work by the officers. Straight Taser activation after the kick without hesitation. I hope they get a commendation for this.'

'They need to gain the respect of the public again after all this recent palaver. I'd still jump on to help though if I thought they were struggling like any one should.'

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police told MailOnline: 'On Saturday 2 September 2023 at around 11:50pm, officers were called reports of disorder at the AO Arena in Manchester City Centre.

'One of the attending officers whilst responding to the incident was assaulted by a man believed to be involved in the disorder.

'The officer then used proportionate force and deployed a taser to safely detain the man and two men were arrested at the scene.

'A 42-year-old man and 18-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of common assault of an emergency worker and taken into custody for further questioning.

'The two men have since been bailed pending further investigation.'

Superintendent Phil Spurgeon of GMP's City of Manchester district added: 'This kind of behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Our officers were deployed to this incident and was confronted with a challenging situation in which one officer was assaulted by a male while he was simply doing his job. Since then, the officer continues to be supported by us.

'Officers at the scene used appropriate force and tactics to maintain public safety amidst the disorder. We are still carrying out enquiries regarding the incident and would ask that anyone who attended the event and witnessed the event or has any information that would help our investigation, please do report this to us.'

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log number 4043 of 02/09/2023. You can also report information using our Live Chat service on our website: www.gmp.police.uk

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Israel should not have retaliated after Hamas launched a wave of attacks and instead should have called in the United Nations to 'demilitarise' the terror organisation, a UN expert has claimed.

Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territory, appeared on The Project on Wednesday evening where she was grilled by the hosts.

Ms Albanese, a 46-year-old human rights lawyer, claimed that Israel had no right to claim self-defence because Gaza is under its 'belligerent occupation'.

'It could have relied on the United Nations to demilitarise Hamas if this was the target,' Ms Albanese said.

Host Waleed Aly appeared momentarily stunned by the suggestion, before asking: 'To be clear, are you saying Israel should have asked the United Nations to send in its own force to demilitarise Gaza and to remove the military capacity from Hamas, and the United Nations would have undertaken that task?'

Francesca Albanese (pictured), the UN Special Rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territory, appeared on The Project on Wednesday evening where she was grilled by the hosts.

Poll Should Israel have called in the UN to demilitarise Hamas after the October 7 terror attacks? Yes No Should Israel have called in the UN to demilitarise Hamas after the October 7 terror attacks? Yes 96 votes

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Ms Albanese likened the situation to the Bataclan terror attacks in Paris in 2015, arguing that the French state did not launch bombs on Belgium when it was discovered the terrorist cell had been based in Brussels.

Instead, she claimed, they used law enforcement agencies to route out the masterminds.

However, she did finally acknowledge the incredulity in Aly's voice.

'You have a legitimate question there, would have the United Nations agreed?', she said.

'The thing is that it has never been asked but I think it would have because its the UN responsibility to ensure the maintenance of peace and security.'

She then called for a peace-keeping operation in Gaza with Israeli airstrikes killing 11,000 Palestinians.

'It might help dilute tension and the further loss of life,' Ms Albanese said.

Ms Albanese, a human rights lawyer, claimed that Israel had no right to claim self-defence because Gaza is under its 'belligerent occupation' (pictured: Palestinians pick through rubble after Israeli strikes on Rafah)

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

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

At Al-Shifa in Gaza, doctors said patients and people taking shelter were stranded in horrific conditions in the facility

The lawyer also questioned the Israel Defence Force's claim that Hamas has been operating from a lair in the basement of Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, repeatedly claiming the 'burden of proof' lay on Israel.

'We have gone through five major wars before this one and Israel has attacked hospitals and ambulances, claiming that they were being used by Hamas for military purposes and most of these cases the allegations proved false  just saying, precedence,' Ms Albanese said.

She went on to condemn the attack by Hamas on October 7, claiming it entailed 'war crimes'.

But she claimed it was 'preventable' because there were no peace-keeping missions and the attitude of the international community which has 'left carte blanche to Israel to continue its violations of international law against the Palestinian people'.

The October 7 terror attack by Hamas claimed the lives of around 1,200 Israelis, while 240 are still being held as hostages in the terror organisation's tunnel networks underneath Gaza.

Meanwhile, the death toll in Gaza has exceeded 11,000 people since October 7, including over 4,500 children - the equivalent of one every 10 minutes, according to the World Health Organisation.

On Tuesday, Ms Albanese said she didn't blame Hamas for the conflict in Gaza, comparing it to her children misbehaving - and said the terror attacks were a 'natural' response to Israeli rule.
rdogan said Turkey will work to ensure Israel's leaders recognised as terrorists

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan today said Israel was a 'terror state' committing war crimes and violating international law in Gaza, while repeating his view that Hamas gunmen are not terrorists but a 'political party elected by Palestinians'.

In a fiery speech to members of his party, Erdogan said Turkey would work to ensure that Israel's political and military leaders are recognised as 'terrorists' and brought to trial in international courts.

A ranting Erdogan said Israel was a 'terrorists state' intent on destroying Gaza along with the thousands of people who live in the besieged territory.

In contrast the Turkish leader described Hamas gunmen, who rampaged through southern Israel and slaughtered 1,200 Israelis on October 7, as 'resistance fighters' trying to protect their lands and people.

He said Hamas was a political party that had been elected by Palestinians, while failing to mention there hasn't been an election in Gaza since 2006 when Hamas beat Fatah, a secular movement. Since then, Hamas has essentially seized control and imposed authoritarian rule over the territory.

Speaking to lawmakers in parliament, Erdogan also called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to announce whether Israel had nuclear bombs or not, and added that the Israeli premier was a 'goner' from his post.

Relations between NATO member Turkey and Tel Aviv have rapidly soured amid Israel's relentless bombardment of the Gaza Strip, where the Hamas-run health authorities say over 11,000 people have now been killed since October 7.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan today said Israel was a 'terror state' committing war crimes and violating international law in Gaza , while repeating his view that Hamas gunmen are not terrorists but a 'political party elected by Palestinians'

Palestinian children, injured in Israeli attacks on the city of Jabalia, Gaza are seen at Indonesia Hospital where they were brought for treatment on Wednesday

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

But today, Erdogan increased his criticism of Israel as the IDF continued its bombardment of the Gaza Strip and stormed Gaza City's main hospital where thousands remain trapped.

'Israel is implementing a strategy of total destruction of a city and its people,' Erdogan said. 'I say openly that Israel is a terrorist state.'

More than 11,000 people have been killed in Gaza amid withering Israeli airstrikes in retaliation for Hamas's massacre of 1,200 civilians in southern Israel. The IDF have accused Hamas of using civilians as 'human shields' as they hide in tunnels underneath hospitals and homes.

Erdogan's withering criticism was followed by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez who today urged Israel to end the 'indiscriminate killing of Palestinians' in Gaza, in his sharpest criticism of Israel since since war against Hamas broke out over a month ago.

The Socialist premier reiterated he 'stood with Israel' in 'its response to the terrorist attack' carried out by Hamas in October, and promised his new government would 'work in Europe and in Spain to recognise the Palestinian state'.

Meanwhile, Erdogan's speech will further inflame tensions with Israel, after he declared last month: 'Hamas is not a terrorist organisation, it is a liberation group, 'mujahideen' waging a battle to protect its lands and people' - comments which sparked outrage among Israelis.'

He has also accused the West of ignoring 'international law in Gaza because the 'blood being spilled is Muslim blood'.

Erdogan asked last month what more needs to happen for the West to call for a ceasefire, noting that Western countries are providing unconditional support for Israeli attacks instead of calling for restraint.

He said at the time that Israel's attack on Gaza had 'reached the level of a massacre' and added that 'the international community's silence about what is happening is a shame for humanity'.

Erdogan's latest fiery speech comes after it emerged Israeli troops had stormed Gaza City's main hospital this morning to root out the Hamas terrorists they say are hiding beneath the medical facility in an underground command centre.

Turkish President and the leader of the Justice and Development (AK) Party Recep Tayyip Erdogan attends his party's group meeting at the Turkish Grand National Assembly in Ankara on Wednesday

Palestinians wounded in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip are brought to a hospital in Deir al-Balah on Wednesday

Palestinians look at destruction after Israeli strikes on Rafah, Gaza Strip, on Wednesday

A mobile artillery unit fires on the Israeli side of the Israel-Gaza border amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas on Thursday

An Israeli tank passes by camels near a fence during the Israeli military bombardment of the northern Gaza Strip on Wednesday

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.

'I'm appalled by reports of military raids in Al Shifa hospital in Gaza,' UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said on X, formerly Twitter. 'The protection of newborns, patients, medical staff and all civilians must override all other concerns.'

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.

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

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

: Injured Palestinian people sit in front of a destroyed building, belonging to Abu Jazar family, following the Israeli attacks in Rafah, Gaza, on Wednesday

He continued: 'That is as strong a statement under humanitarian law, as is the statement that the hospitals should not become a war zone.

'I understand the Israelis' concern for trying to find the leadership of Hamas. That's not our problem. Our problem is protecting the people of Gaza from what's being visited upon them.'

Griffiths said his agency's main concern was 'for the welfare of the patients of that hospital, which is, of course, in great peril at the moment'.

'We have no fuel to run it. The babies have no incubators, newly born. Some are dead already. We can't move them out. It's too dangerous,' he said.

'Our concern is for the patients of a hospital that doesn't function.'

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus agreed, saying 'reports of military incursion into Al-Shifa hospital are deeply concerning.'

He warned that the UN health agency had 'lost touch again with health personnel at the hospital'. 'We're extremely worried for their and their patients' safety,' he said.

The International Committee of the Red Cross said in a statement that it was 'extremely concerned about the impact on sick and wounded people, medical staff, and civilians'.

'All measures to avoid any consequences on them must be taken,' it said, insisting that 'patients, medical staff, and civilians must be at all times protected'.

The ICRC added that it was 'in contact with all concerned authorities and we continue to closely monitor the situation'.

Israel vowed to crush Hamas after the terrorists launched unprecedented cross-border attacks that Israel says left 1,200 people dead with another 239 taken hostage.

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says Israel's ensuing air and ground offensive have killed 11,320 people, mostly civilians, including thousands of children.

Al-Shifa is a key target in Israel's campaign.

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 horrific conditions inside the hospital, 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.
Olivia Pratt-Korbel's killer has launched an appeal against his conviction for gunning down the nine-year-old as he lost a fight to have his 42-year sentence cut.

Thomas Cashman, 35, was given a mandatory life sentence after being found guilty of murdering Olivia in her own home last August in Dovecot, Liverpool - with the coward refusing to come to the dock to hear his fate.

He lawyers sought to challenge the sentence on the basis that it was too harsh, but their case was thrown out today by three appeal judges.

However, after the hearing, a court official and a lawyer representing Cashman said an appeal against conviction had now been lodged. They said the application had yet to be considered by a judge and no hearing date had been fixed.

The news threatens more heartache for Olivia's mother, Cheryl Korbel, who was also shot when Cashman barged into the family home while hunting his target, convicted drug dealer Joseph Nee.

Thomas Cashman, now 35, was given a mandatory life sentence after being found guilty of murdering nine-year-old Olivia at her home in Dovecot, Liverpool, in August 2022

Olivia died on August 22 last year after she was shot by Cashman as he was pursuing a drug dealer

The news threatens more heartache for Olivia's mother, Cheryl Korbel, who was also shot when Cashman barged into the family home

Cashman was chasing Nee on August 22 last year when he tried to run into Olivia's home in a bid to escape.

He opened fire, hitting her mother in the wrist as she tried to keep the door shut on Nee, with the same bullet then killing her daughter.

The gangland killer was branded a 'coward' for his refusal to come into Manchester Crown Court to be sentenced and face Olivia's family.

Cheryl is among those campaigning for a change in the law to allow judges to force offenders to attend sentencing hearings.

In August, she met with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to hear the news that the government has pledged to introduce new laws requiring offenders to appear in court to be sentenced.

The authorities will also be able to use 'reasonable force' to make those convicted appear in court - demonstrating to victims and relatives that justice has been done.

The announcement comes after neo-natal nurse Lucy Letby refused to attend her own sentencing for murdering multiple babies.

Many other criminals, including Cashman, have also shunned key hearings.

Cheryl joined the families of Elle Edwards, Zara Aleena and Sabina Nessa in demanding a law change to stop 'cowardly' offenders from 'hiding' when they are sentenced.

In August, Cheryl met with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to hear the news that the government has pledged to introduce new laws requiring offenders to appear in court to be sentenced

An artist's sketch of Cashman in the dock at Manchester Crown Court on March 30

The grieving mother said she hoped that Olivia was 'proud of what we've done'.

'Because at the end of the day, it's in her name, it's why we've done this. And not only in her name, it's for every other family out there that has gone through it.

READ MORE - Criminals WILL be forced into court for sentencing under new powers given to judges Advertisement

'We just hope it gets changed so no one else has to go through it,' she told ITV.

Cashman's trial heard how he 'lay in wait' with two guns to attack 36-year-old Nee.

After shooting Nee, his victim tried to escape, running towards the Korbels' front door, opened by Cheryl who had gone outside to see what was happening.

As she tried to block the door on Nee, frightened Olivia ran from her bed to the stairs, shouting, 'Mum, I'm scared!'

Cashman fired again, hitting Cheryl in the wrist as she tried to keep the door shut on Nee.

The same bullet hit and killed her daughter, who was hiding behind her.

Jailing him, Mrs Justice Yip said the killer was 'not of previous good character', had made it clear he was a criminal and had 'demonstrated no remorse' during his trial.

She added: 'His failure to come into court is further evidence of that.'
A woman has been arrested after a wealthy school teacher was identified as the protester carrying a placard showing Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman as coconuts.

Marieha Mohsin Hussain was seen holding the banner depicting the Prime Minister and former home secretary as coconuts, a racist term used to imply that someone has betrayed their race.

She held the sign during Saturday's pro-Palestinian march in London where police made more than 120 arrests.

Today the Met said officers had interviewed a suspect.

'Yesterday a woman attended a police station, after a picture on social media showed a placard depicting two politicians as coconuts,' a statement read. 'The 36-year-old was interviewed under caution on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.'

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

Ms Hussain, who grew up in her family's 2million detached home in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, attended several other protests, including one accusing the BBC of pro-Israeli bias.

But a friend said 'there is not a malicious bone in her body'.

Her mother confirmed 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 after being pictured waving an antisemetic placard on the pro-Palestine Armistice Day march.

Today the Met said officers had interviewed a suspect over the incident on Saturday

Kate Varnfield, 66, was pictured attending the rally with a sign 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 Met as a possible hate crime.

Ms Varnfield's 73-year-old husband, Terry, told the Mail that the signs had been 'taken out of context' and were an innocent reference to a 1970s UFO religion.

Today, the Met confirmed a man and woman are being questioned at a Sussex police station in connection with the picture.

Mr 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.

Commander Karen Findlay, who is 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.'

Scotland Yard said they are continuing to review footage and will take action if there is a hate crime.

A counter-protester is detained by police in Parliament Square in central London on Saturday

More than 1,300 officers were on duty on Saturday but officers reported an increase in violence against them.

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.'
He said he was targeting five mosques

Christchurch mosque shooter Brenton Tarrant told the police who arrested him he was one of 10 gunmen and had planned to target three more places of Islamic worship.

Police also believed the Australian killer had bombs in his car when they arrested him on March 15, 2019 after his shooting rampage at the Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre left 51 worshippers dead.

The evidence was presented by Senior Sergeant Roy Appley on Wednesday as part of a six-week inquest being held into the atrocity at Christchurch's Coroners Court in New Zealand's South Island.

Tarrant sits in the dock on the final day of his sentencing hearing in Christchurch

Sergeant Abbley, who was the incident controller at the Southern Communications Centre on the day of the attack, read out a transcript of radio conversations he had with officers at the scene.

At 2.02pm one of the officers reported: 'We've got one offender', according to NZ news website Stuff.

'We've got bombs in the car, he's armed up, we've got him out of the car,' the officer said.

'We crashed into him  like I said, looks like we've got bombs in the back. I don't know what's going on'.

Tarrant reportedly told the officers he had intended to target five mosques in Christchurch.

Later another arresting officer said Tarrant had told them he was one of 10 shooters in the Canterbury region that day, and all had military or police training.

Sergeant Abbley said once Tarrant had been identified from his vehicle's registration officers searched for his name on the dark web to find out more about him.

The court also head evidence on why it had taken St John ambulance paramedics 15 minutes before they entered the Al Noor Mosque at around 2:15pm.

An Australian police officer previously told the Coroners Court that he and an Auckland-based officer had spent most of that time trying to convince the reluctant Special Emergency Response Team paramedics to hurry to the scene.

The Masjid Al Noor Mosque was the scene of a terrorist rampage by Australian Brenton Tarrant

The inquest heard a vehicle carrying police and two specialist St John paramedics stopped for more than six minutes on the way to the mosque.

One of the paramedics, Karen Jackson, testified that she disagreed with the Australian officer's recollection of events.

She said she spent most of the six minutes out of the vehicle, getting her ballistic equipment and speaking to a woman who wanted to go to the mosque because her husband and baby were there.

'There was no reluctance or refusal, or I don't actually recall any discussions to that point,' she said.

'Both of us needed to get our equipment on, which we did, and we were approached by a woman and that took some dialogue both with me and the police speaking to her.

'But in that time, I don't recall any further urging. I just recall being told we can proceed to the mosque.'

Jackson told counsel for families and victims Nikki Pender that the stop was necessary.

'There's no way it would have been safe for us to proceed without our equipment on. It would have been foolish for us to go straight into a scene which could be a scene of live fire,' she said.

Armed police officers patrol near the Al Noor Masjid Mosque following the shooting in 2019

Ms Jackson said when she arrived at the mosque she helped a patient who was given IV fluids and later taken to hospital by ambulance.

She believes the police who arrived at the scene before her had done 'life-saving work' to control major bleeding.

Ms Jackson said ideally more ambulances would have been at the mosque, so each patient had someone looking after them on the way to hospital, but there were plenty of medically trained people involved and police helped with transport.

Tarrant was given a life sentence in 2020 after pleading guilty to 51 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder and one count of terrorism.

The inquest continues.
This is the moment an anti-Ulez campaigner was struck by a security car guarding one of Sadiq Khan's hated camera vans.

Driving instructor Heather Watts was standing in front of the car on Biggin Hill, Bromley, when it appeared to drive into her, leaving her legs with severe bruising.

She was left on crutches because of the crash and said she thought she was going to go beneath the car.

Footage showed anti-Ulez campaigners screaming and hitting the security car as it appeared to hit Heather's legs before driving after her as she hobbled away.

One of the protesters begged for the car to stop before he shouted for the police and asked passers-by to call an ambulance.

This is the moment an anti-Ulez campaigner was struck by a security car guarding one of Sadiq Khan 's hated camera vans

Driving instructor Heather Watts (pictured) was standing in front of the car on Biggin Hill, Bromley, when it appeared to drive into her, leaving her legs with severe bruising

Footage showed anti-Ulez campaigners screaming and hitting the security car as it appeared to hit Heather's legs before driving after her as she hobbled away

Heather was left on crutches because of the crash and said she thought she was going to go beneath the car

Meanwhile, the car drove off without stopping to check on Heather's condition.

Claire Dyer, who was driving past when she saw the incident unfold, said Heather and her husband were 'no threat' and 'just normal people'.

She told MailOnline the Ulez security guards are 'roaming our streets on a daily basis'.

Claire added: 'You have thuggish security - they don't need to be behaving the way that they are.

'Everybody is opposed to [Ulez].'

Heather said the car hit her legs and pushed her onto the bonnet. She is reportedly still shaken by what happened to her

She told ITV News: 'I was hobbling to try and get away. I thought I was going to go under the car and with that they just went'

Heather said the car hit her legs and pushed her onto the bonnet.

She is reportedly still shaken by what happened to her.

She told ITV News: 'I was hobbling to try and get away. I thought I was going to go under the car and with that they just went.'

Transport for London said: 'We are investigating exactly what happened, but it was our understanding that no one was seriously injured.'

Susan Hall, the Conservative candidate for Mayor of London, said: 'This is completely unacceptable.

'Sadiq Khan has serious questions to answer about what his ULEZ enforcers have been doing. For TfL to be downplaying the injury is a disgrace.'

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: 'Any injury is of course a serious matter and the Met and TfL are investigating the circumstances of this incident.'

Susan Hall, the Conservative candidate for Mayor of London, said: 'This is completely unacceptable'

She added: 'Sadiq Khan has serious questions to answer about what his ULEZ enforcers have been doing. For TfL to be downplaying the injury is a disgrace'

The Met said: 'Police are investigating the circumstances of an allegation of criminal damage and a road traffic collision in Biggin Hill.

'Officers were initially called at approximately 4.30pm on Sunday, November 12, to reports of criminal damage to a vehicle in Buckhurst Road, Westerham.

'A further call was received stating a woman had been injured after being in collision with a vehicle as it attempted to leave the scene; she was not seriously hurt.

'All parties involved were spoken to and an investigation into both incidents remains ongoing.

'Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or 'X' @MetCC and quote CAD4481/12Nov.'
Controversial liberal Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib is a 'long-time member' of a Facebook group where members of terrorist organization Hamas were 'glamorized,' according to a shocking new report.

The group in question, the Palestinian American Congress, is not accessible to non-members, reports Fox News.

The report details that the group's founder Maher Abdel-qader has been a friend and fundraiser of Tlaib's for a while. In the past, he has been accused of making social media posts discussing the holocaust in a negative light.

On October 12, five days after Hamas' brutal assault on Israel, a member wrote in the group: 'We don't want to throw you in the sea...we want you to ride it back from where you came,' a reference to the anti-Semitic phrase 'from the river to the sea.'

The message was accompanied with a picture of an elderly Jewish woman with a Hamas terrorist. On October 19, a message championed the deaths of Israeli soldiers in northern Gaza at the hands of Hamas gunmen.

While another poster took aim at the US media calling it 'the problem' and alleging the media played a part in the creation of the state of Israel. DailyMail.com has reached out to Abdel-qader for comment.

Maher Abdel-qader with Rep. Rashida Tlaib soon after her midterm election win at the U.S. Capitol

One of the posts that celebrates the Hamas attack on Israel and deaths of Jewish soldiers in the aftermath

Another poster told Jewish people to go 'back from where you came'

'You consider Hamas a terrorist organization and I am not going to argue with you at the same time you have been broadcasting that they have been killing women and children, guess that is what terrorists do at the same time no mention to the killing of Palestinian women, children and entire families killed on a daily basses (sic) by the [peace-loving] state of Israel using American gifts of weapons and jet fighters,' the same poster added.

'Yesterday I didn't see Hamas I saw the grand kids (sic) of the refugees that ethnically cleansed from their homeland attacking the grand kids (sic) of the colonists whom sent them to diaspora,' it went on.

Even prior to October 7, pro-Hamas messages were prevalent on the page, the Fox report details.

According to Fox News, Tlaib has been a member of the group since 2018.

Tlaib represents Michigans 12th Congressional District district, which includes the cities of Detroit, Dearborn, Southfield and surrounding suburbs. The House voted to censure her on November 7 for comments she made online in response to the conflict between Hamas and Israel.

Tlaib was born in Detroit to Palestinian immigrant parents and has family living in the West Bank.

Over the years, Abdel-qadar has been at the center of several anti-Semitic controversies, including previously questioning if those who identify as Jewish today are actually Jewish, and Holocaust denials, something he later walked back.

Abdel-qader is the Chairman of the Board of the National Arab American Association of Engineers and Architects.

In 2018, he donated $6,500 to her congressional campaign. That same year, Tlaib awarded him a medal to celebrate his achievements in fundraising for her campaign.

In March 2021, he shared an image of Tlaib, a member of the so called 'squad' of progressive Democrats, joining a Zoom call for what he described as a 'great successful fund raiser' for a candidate running to become lieutenant governor of Virginia.

At the time of her 2018 election, Tlaib distanced himself from his positions.

Abdel Qader posed for a photograph with Tlaib at the United Nations headquarters in New York, posting it to Instagram in January 2019

'It is unfair to be held responsible for the statements of others, especially when my actions  including votes as a Michigan legislator and leading the Take On Hate campaign  make clear that I oppose all forms of hate and condemn those who dehumanize others,' she told the New York Times in a written statement.

Screenshots saved by the Daily Caller showed cartoonish images of Jews surrounded by cash that were featured in a video posted in his Facebook group in 2021.

'Research the truth about the Holocaust, and you'll definitely start to question what you thought you knew,' the video's narrator reportedly says.

Tlaib has been a constant critic of Israel in recent years, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of committing 'war crimes'.

And, along with other leftwing Democrats including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, she has frequently described Israel as an 'apartheid state' for its treatment of Palestinians.
A couple who mercilessly treated a young girl as their plaything have been jailed for 40 years as a judge told them their abuse 'ran the gamut of depravity'.

Simon Parsons, 44, and Rebecca Dow, 39, both of south Wales, were convicted of a chain of serious sex offences against the victim when she was under the age of 13.

Cardiff Crown Court heard how the couple used drugs to subdue the girl before subjecting her to horrific ordeals of rape and sexual assault.

Today, their victim bravely told of her 'dream to be normal' in a moving impact statement as the pair were sentenced.

She said: 'You have traumatised me for the rest of my life. I dream to be normal.

'I had my life torn apart and turned upside down. I never had a childhood. I never deserved this.

'I carry the feeling of guilt and shame every day. I am a messed up kid and that's not my fault.

Rebecca Dow, 39, of Newport, was found guilty of multiple charges including aiding and abetting the rape of a child and was jailed for 16 years

Simon Parsons, 44, of Cardiff, was found guilty of multiple charges including child rape and the sexual assault of a child and was jailed for 24 years

'This is not the life I dreamed of as a girl. I have tried to put it to the back of my mind, but it's me who has to live with it 24/7.

'You have tortured, humiliated and destroyed me. I don't live, I survive.'

Cardiff Crown Court heard the offences against the victim 'ran the gamut of depravity'.

Parsons was said to have an 'unhealthy relationship' with sex and and a 'museum-grade collection' of sex toys.

Both used drugs to 'bring the victim to their level'.

The court heard 'promises of reward' were made in exchange for sexual activity  and Parsons told her he would 'kill her' if she told anyone about the abuse.

But the girl herself has attempted suicide as a result of her ordeal.

Parsons, of Llanrumney, Cardiff was found guilty of multiple charges including child rape and the sexual assault of a child.

Dow, of Rogerstone, Newport, was found guilty of multiple charges including aiding and abetting the rape of a child.

The pair have been jailed for a total of 40 years - Parsons to 24 years and Dow for 16 years.

David Elias KC, defending Dow, said: 'She continues to deny the offences. There is nothing I can say to minimise them.'

Judge David Wynn Morgan told them: 'In the pursuit of your perverted sexual gratification you were treating her as some kind of animated sex toy.

'So far as the offences on the indictment are concerned, they run the full gamut of depravity.'

Addressing Parsons, Judge Wynn Morgan said: 'The evidence disclosed in your case Parsons, is that you have a most unhealthy preoccupation with sex.'

Both were given indefinite restraining orders to not contact their victim who cannot be named to protect her identity.
It comes as eight high schoolers are charged with Lewis' murder

'Team Jonathan' will fight the disturbing surge in bullying seen across America

The family of Las Vegas teen Jonathan Lewis who was allegedly beaten to death by a gang of bullies outside his school has launched an anti-bullying foundation in his memory.

Named 'Team Jonathan', the foundation appears set to partner with other anti-bullying campaigns including Choose Love and Dads in Schools, to combat a recent surge in bullying across America.

The teen's father, Jonathan Lewis Sr, has claimed the mob that attacked his son have were involved in similar incidents previously - and locals claim the school district has a widespread bullying problem.

It comes as eight alleged members of the group are charged with Lewis' murder, with Las Vegas police saying they are still searching for two others believed to have participated in the melee.

Jonathan Lewis, 17, was allegedly beaten to death on November 1 by a gang of 10 bullies. On Tuesday, eight accused members were charged with his murder, and two remain on the run

The teenager's father, Jonathan Lewis Sr, has launched a foundation named 'Team Jonathan' to combat bullying and help students with 'conflict and trauma resolution training'

Team Jonathan is set to partner with other anti-bullying charities at a time when bullying reports are surging across America

According to the newly-set-up foundation's website, the organization intends to combat bullying in a number of ways, including building a social media mentoring and safety app.

The app will include a safety alert system, and has a 'Love Protector' that it says will 'allow all community members to be able to get together to stop bullying and spread love.'

It will also work with students directly, demand the Clark County School District bring accountability to bullying incidents, and help set up after-school programs.

Through its work with Choose Love, teens will also receive conflict and trauma resolution training, at a time when experts warn young people in the US are suffering unprecedented mental health challenges.

Bullying incidents have been gaining more and more attention in recent years, with a report from the RAND Corporation earlier this year finding that teachers are more concerned by bullying than drugs and even school shootings.

A PEW Research Center survey of parents in 2022 found that almost three-quarters are very or somewhat concerned that their child could be bullied at school, a figure that stood at 60 percent in 2015.

Jonathan's father told NewsNation that the group who attacked his son has been involved in similar assaults before at Rancho High School - just a few blocks away from where the incident took place.

Footage of the violence that allegedly led to Lewis' death saw a group of around a dozen students fly into a frenzy after the fight began

All out chaos ensues as Lewis is beaten until he is unconscious

The footage of the incident went viral and was viewed by millions of people, sparking outrage as cops took two weeks to bring any charges

After the bullying incident shocked the nation, officials urged parents to use Jonathan's attack as an example to speak to their children about bullying and 'not put your head in the sand'

Eight teenagers have been charged with Lewis' murder, who cops said agreed to fight the group in a row over stolen wireless headphones.

Lt. Jason Johansson of Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said all the people involved  believed to be 10  were students of Rancho High School.

Johansson described a viral video showing the beating as 'void of humanity', while Lewis's father said he 'can't watch' the clip.

Revealing further details of the attack which has shocked the nation, Johansson said that a citizen found Lewis unresponsive after the beating, which happened in an alleyway near the school, and brought him back to the school.

Lewis was then taken to UMC where doctors determined that he had suffered 'non-survivable head trauma,' Fox 5 Vegas reported.

'As soon as a punch is thrown, ten subjects immediately swarm him,' he said, noting that investigators were able to identify ten subjects, with eight of those 'positively identified' as suspects.

Johansson said the process is underway for the eight to be charged as adults.

LVMPD will be releasing photos of the two additional individuals they want to find, who participated in the beating but have not yet been identified.

As the footage was caught on camera and shared to social media, officials believe there may be other angles of the attack that they are urging to be brought forward.

'There's a high likelihood that there's additional video out there that we don't have,' Johansson said, urging parents to talk to their children about what happened and not 'put your head in the sand'.

Jonathan's heartbroken family 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.'

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 have topped $100,000 - will be split between Jonathan's mother's and father's families.

The funds are to be used 'for healing', the GoFundMe page says, as well as setting up the foundation.

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.

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.'

The family, writing before his death, said: '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 deputy chairman Lee Anderson today urged Rishi Sunak to 'ignore' the Supreme Court's block on the Rwanda migrant deal and 'just put the planes in the air now'.

The Ashfield MP put pressure on the Prime Minister to send asylum seekers to east Africa 'the same day' they arrive in Britain despite judges ruling the policy to be unlawful.

Mr Anderson led Tory Right-wing fury at the judgment by the UK's top court after it unanimously rejected a Government appeal.

He described the decision by five justices as a 'dark day for the British people' and said ministers should 'just put the planes in the air now and send them to Rwanda'.

The backlash against the Supreme Court saw similar demands from other Conservative MPs for Mr Sunak to take 'very tough' action.

Some backbenchers even suggested the PM's future in Downing Street could be in jeopardy if he fails to take a hardline stance on illegal migration after the judgment.

One claimed seven letters of no confidence in Mr Sunak's leadership had now been submitted, in a week when the PM carried out a divisive reshuffle of his Cabinet.

Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson urged Rishi Sunak to 'ignore' the Supreme Court's block on the Rwanda migrant deal and 'just put the planes in the air now'

The Ashfield MP put pressure on the Prime Minister to send asylum seekers to Africa 'the same day' they arrive in Britain despite judges ruling the policy to be unlawful

A group of people thought to be migrants crossing the Channel in a small boat traveling from the coast of France and heading in the direction of Dover, Kent

In the wake of Mr Anderson's comments, Justice Secretary Alex Chalk felt compelled to stress the Government's commitment to abide by court rulings

Lee Anderson's history of controversies Lee Anderson has been no stranger to controversy since entering the House of Commons in 2019. Here are some of the rows the Ashfield MP has been caught up in... Taking the knee Ahead of the 2020 European Championships, Mr Anderson vowed to boycott England games during the football tournament due to the side's decision to 'take the knee' before matches. He said, by performing the anti-racism gesture which has become linked to the Black Lives Matter movement, the players were supporting a 'political movement' and risked alienating 'traditional supporters'. Mr Anderson watered down his boycott of England games when Gareth Southgate's side reached the final. He revealed he would allow himself to keep tabs on the score via his phone. Food banks Mr Anderson sparked fury last year after suggesting Britons are only using food banks because they 'can't budget' and 'can't cook a meal from scratch'. He also claimed there was not a 'massive use for food banks' in Britain. Following criticism of his remarks, Mr Anderson offered 'proof' that meals can be cooked for 30p each. This saw him dubbed '30p Lee'. Support for the death penalty Shortly after he was appointed Tory deputy chairman by Rishi Sunak this year, Mr Anderson faced a storm of criticism over his support for the return of the death penalty. 'Nobody has ever committed a crime after being executed,' Mr Anderson told the Spectator magazine. 'You know that, don't you? 100% success rate.' Downing Street was forced to clarify that Mr Anderson does not speak for the Government in his party role. Row with Game of Throne star's dad In April, Mr Anderson told the father of Game of Throne star Rose Leslie to 'come outside' in a bust-up in Parliament. He was claimed to have been 'aggressive' towards Sebastian Leslie, whose daughter played Ygritte in the hit TV series, during a row in a House of Commons dining room. The altercation was said to have been prompted by the explusion of North West Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen from the Conservative Party. But Mr Anderson said it had been Mr Bridgen who was 'rude and aggressive' during the altercation. MPs' second jobs In March, Mr Anderson was revealed to be earning 100,000 a year from his TV role with GB News - less than 18 months after he had blasted MPs who need 'an extra 100,000 a year' on top of their parliamentary salary. In the wake of the Owen Paterson lobbying row, Mr Anderson had said: 'If you need an extra 100,000 a year on top then you should really be looking for another job.' He later signed up to GB News where he devotes eight hours a week to his role as a presenter and contributor. The Commons sleaze watchdog recently launched a probe into Mr Anderson's filming of a promo video for his weekly show from Parliament's roof. MPs are subject to strict rules over the taxpayer-funded services provided to them by the Commons in support of their parliamentary activities. Eddie Izzard Mr Anderson came under fire last October when he questioned whether female representation would 'increase or decrease' if Eddie Izzard was elected as an MP. He claimed he 'would not follow him into the toilets' if Izzard, who identifies as a woman with she/her pronouns, came to Parliament. At the time, Izzard was attempting to become Labour's candidate in the Sheffield Central constituency. Mr Anderson was accused of making 'transphobic' comments. 'F*** off back to France' In August, Mr Anderson told asylum seekers refusing to board the Bibby Stockholm barge they should 'f*** off back to France'. He delivered his blast after 20 people declined to get on the vessel in Portland Port, Dorset. Lawyers claimed some had a 'severe fear of water' after traumatic experiences. 'If they don't like barges then they should f*** off back to France,' an irate Mr Anderson said. Despite outrage at the comments, Justice Secretary Alex Chalk supported Mr Anderson's 'salty' indignation as 'well placed'. Downing Street also backed Mr Anderson amid a furious row. Advertisement

The Supreme Court this morning ruled there would be a risk of Rwanda returning genuine asylum seekers to face 'ill treatment' in the country they had fled.

Judges agreed with the Court of Appeal decision earlier this year that there are 'substantial' grounds to believe there is a 'real risk' of refugees being sent back to their home countries.

The ruling is a massive blow to Mr Sunak's hopes of meeting his pledge to 'stop the boats' amid the Channel migrant crisis.

It also put the PM under further pressure from the Tory Right in the wake of his sacking of Suella Braverman as Home Secretary.

In response to the Supreme Court ruling, Mr Anderson said: 'I think the British people have been very patient, I've been very patient, and now they're demanding action.

'And this has sort of forced our hand a little bit now. My take is we should just put the planes in the air now and send them to Rwanda and show strength.

'It's time for the Government to show real leadership and send them back, same day.'

He added: 'I think we should ignore the laws and send them straight back the same day.'

Downing Street declined to slap down Mr Anderson for his suggestion that the Government act in defiance of the law.

Mr Sunak's press secretary said: 'I think we appreciate that our MPs have strong views on this because, frankly, the country cares about this.'

Later, the PM himself defended Mr Anderson telling a Downing Street press conference: 'I think what Lee's comments and indeed the comments of others do is reflect the strength of feeling in the country on this issue.

'And I absolutely share actually in the frustrations that my colleagues and indeed people across the country have about this issue. Everyone should understand the strength of feeling.'

But Home Secretary James Cleverly, asked in the House of Commons if he would disassociate himself from Mr Anderson's comments, said: 'This country prides itself on being a law-abiding country.

'To hear the Government's position on things, listen to the statements from Government ministers.'

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk also felt compelled to stress the Government's commitment to abide by court rulings.

He posted on Twitter: 'Respecting the rule of law means respecting the impartial judgments of our independent courts.

'Judges apply the law without fear or favour - a longstanding principle of our democratic constitution.

'This Government is absolutely committed to stopping the boats, and we will continue to work to deliver on this promise for the British people.'

The New Conservatives, a group of MPs on the Tory Right, met in Westminster in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling and put forward a series of options for Mr Sunak to pursue.

This included the introduction of legislation to 'immediately' override the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) in dealing with Channel migrant boats.

Speaking after a meeting of the group with other Tories who share the same view, New Conservatives co-chair Danny Kruger said the Supreme Court judgment felt 'absolutely existential' for the party.

Tory MPs were also said to have discussed the possibility of 'pushback' tactics to physically push small boats back into French waters in the Channel.

Asked whether she had confidence in Mr Sunak, fellow New Conservatives co-chair Miriam Cates said: 'Let's see what happens.'

'He has said he will do whatever it takes to stop the boats. The next few days will show whether we've got the legislative power and the political will to do that.'

She added: 'We will support him to do whatever it takes.'

Former Cabinet minister Sir Simon Clarke told Sky News there was an 'onus' on Mr Sunak to 'respond quickly and decisively' to the Supreme Court ruling.

On Mr Sunak's future as PM, he also warned that immigration 'is a confidence issue in his judgment and leadership of the Conservative Party'.

Former education minister Dame Andrea Jenkyns said, as of last night, six other Tory MPs had pledged to join her in sending letters of no confidence in the PM.

'I spoke to several colleagues and I know six who have said to me that they're putting letters in today, so that's seven we now know about,' she told GB News.

Tory ex-minister Jonathan Gullis played down the threat to Mr Sunak's position in No10.

But he warned the PM would have to take 'very tough and uncomfortable decisions'.

He told the BBC's Politics Live programme: 'The Prime Minister I think should remain the Prime Minister and the leader of the Conservative Party to the next election.

'But the Prime Minister did also say he was going to do everything he needed to do to stop the boats.

'That means making very tough and uncomfortable decisions.'

Mr Gullis added: 'In 2016, the largest ever electoral mandate in the history of this country voted for us to take back control of our laws and our borders.

'We therefore have to deliver.'

The Supreme Court ruling came just a day after Mrs Braverman sent a blistering letter to Mr Sunak in which she poured scorn over the PM's record in No10.

She accused the 'unelected' PM of 'betrayal' over a series of broken pledges on migration, the Rwanda deal, Brexit and gender protections.

Mrs Braverman claimed Mr Sunak had failed to prepare a 'credible Plan B' should the Government lose the Supreme Court case on the Rwanda plan.

She accused the PM of ignoring her 'multiple' pleas to draft alternative measures.
A 'grateful' pet owner has been reunited with his cat after it went missing almost two years ago.

Marc Boote's cat Mozart was found by police officers at Government House, just four kilometres from Mr Boote's home in Norwood in Adelaide on November 6.

Staff at the RSPCA managed to track down Mozart's owner thanks to a microchip fitted to the cat before he went missing.

Marc Boote (pictured centre) was reunited with his missing cat Mozart after he disappeared almost two years ago

Mr Boote had missed Mozart dearly since he disappeared in December 2021 and said he's relieved the cat is safe and well.

He is now working on 'cat proofing' his pergola so that Mozart doesn't escape again.

'I'm just so grateful he's OK and home again and I urge people to make sure their cats are microchipped because I'd never have got Mozart back if he didn't have that means of identification.' Mr Boote told Nine News.

Nalika van Loenen from RSPCA Rescue located Mozart through the dogs and cats online (DACO) database.

The register allows locals in South Australia to search for stray dogs and cats.

Rescuers from the RSCPA traced Mozart (pictured) back to his owner through a microchip that was fitted into the cat before he went msising

Carolyn Jones from the RSPCA said rescuers are more likely to return dogs to their owners than cats as more dogs are microchipped.

'Half the stray dogs that come to us are microchipped and therefore able to be returned to their owners, only around four per cent of the stray cats have microchips,' Ms Jones said.

Ms Jones said unless missing cats are spotted on the RSPCA's stray animal's page, there is usually a five day period for the pets to be claimed by the rightful owner.

The agency looks to find a new home for the animals if they are not returned to their owners during this time.
The royal family is facing new bombshell claims from Harry and Meghan's biographer Omid Scobie just hours after the Duke of Sussex reportedly had a 'warm' phone conversation with King Charles to mark his 75th birthday.

The Duke of Sussex is believed to have phoned his father on his special day yesterday to wish him Happy Birthday - in a call thought to be the estranged royals' first phone chat in six months.

Meghan Markle is also said to have spoken to her father-in-law to pass on her wishes from California. And the couple's children Archie and Lilibet recorded a video of themselves singing happy birthday to their grandfather, the Telegraph newspaper reported.

The report claimed Charles and Harry will speak again next week after their call marked a 'shift' in tone and a 'turning point' between the pair.

But now, Mr Scobie has shared an extract of his new book, Endgame, making explosive claims including that Prince Harry was 'kept in the dark' about the Queen's health in the hours before she died.

Mr Scobie, who previously released a biography on the Sussexes titled 'Finding Freedom,' said Harry, 39, and his 42-year-old wife Meghan had 'no idea' the Royal Family were preparing for the Queen's death last year.

The author also suggests William and Harry's relationship is beyond repair because the Prince of Wales sees his brother as a 'defector'.

And in the extract shared with People, he claims 'there is no going back' for the brothers and 'absolutely nothing has changed' since the Duke of Sussex released Spare earlier this year.

It is not known how the new book could affect any rapprochement. Buckingham Palace has refused to comment on the extract.

King Charles celebrating his 75th birthday alongside Queen Camilla - together they officially launched The Coronation Food Project at The South Oxfordshire Food and Education Alliance

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle with King Charles and Queen Camilla at the late Queen's funeral last year. Harry had reportedly not spoken to his father for a long time

Omid Scobie's new book is expected to make further attacks on the Royal Family

An emotional Harry travels in an official car to Balmoral after the Queen's death was announced to the nation

The Prince and Princess of Wales join the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for a walkabout at Windsor to meet mourners after the Queen's death in September 2022

Prince Harry and Prince William on July 1, 2021 during an unveiling of a statue of their mother at Kensington Palace

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.

Omid Scobie's claims from his new book, Endgame William ignored Harry when he asked how he was planning to get to Scotland;

Eventually, he booked a 30,000 charter flight to Aberdeenshire from Luton;

Charles told him to come without Meghan. Source claims she 'wasn't wanted';

Harry had 'no idea' about what was going on in Balmoral when his plane took off;

But 'sources' briefed newspapers that Charles had personally informed son;

William believes Harry has been 'brainwashed by an army of therapists'. Advertisement

Harry and Meghan previously said they had 'no contact' from Buckingham Palace about an invitation to Charles' 75th evening birthday event.

The Sunday Times reported that Prince Harry had turned down an invitation to the birthday bash.

But a source close to the Sussexes told MailOnline they were not invited to Charles's party.

'They had not received any invitation and were unaware of any celebrations until the stories came out,' the insider previously 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'.

Buckingham Palace previously refused to discuss the King's plans.

Buckingham Palace refused to comment on reports the father and son spoke for the King's birthday and are due to speak again next week when contacted by MailOnline. MailOnline has also contacted representatives for Prince Harry for comment.

Meanwhile 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 last night.

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.

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.

Reports claimed Archie and Lili recorded a happy birthday song for their grandfather

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were not spoken to about Charles' party by Buckingham Palace, a spokesman for the pair previously said

Prince William and Kate are seen leaving the event after celebrating the King's birthday

They enjoyed a late night out after attending the King's birthday bash

Looking effortlessly elegant, Zara Tindall, pictured with husband Mike, also attended

A source close to Harry and Meghan claimed they were not invited to Charles's party (pictured attending the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games)

The celebrations came just a day before Mr Scobie revealed an extract of his new book.

In Endgame, Mr Scobie recounts how the Sussexes had visited the UK for a series of engagements in September 2022 when the palace announced that Queen Elizabeth had been advised by her doctors to rest.

He writes: 'By the next morning, the Sussexes had no idea that Buckingham Palace was already planning for the Queen's final hours and the first days of the monarchy's new era  until the duke's phone started ringing. An unknown number. He usually ignored those.'

Meghan told her husband to pick up the phone and he accepted the call 'just before it stopped', the author wrote.

He continues: 'Harry hadn't spoken to his father much that year, but this was not the time for any father-and-son tension. Charles told him he and Camilla were about to leave Dumfries House for Balmoral, where Princess Anne was already by the Queen's side. He told Harry to make his way to Scotland immediately.'

Charles was presented with a cake at Highgrove House in honour of his birthday

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

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.

Harry sent a text message to his brother William asking how he and Kate planned to Scotland and whether they could travel together but got no response, Mr Scobie claims.

He was later told Harry had managed to secure a flight with his uncles Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.

'It was upsetting to witness,' Mr Scobie claims he was told by a source close to the Sussexes. '[Harry] was completely by himself on this.'

Mr Scobie alleges that Palace 'sources' briefed certain newspapers that Charles had personally shared the news of the Queen's illness with his son. He quoted a friend of the duke who said this left Harry 'crushed'.

The journalists makes fresh claims about the damaged relationship between William and Harry.

Mr Scobie even alleges that William 'doesn't want to know' his younger brother, who he feels has been 'brainwashed an army of therapists'.

He writes: 'I was talking to a source quite early on in the process, and they called Harry a 'defector' and said that was William's view.

'These were two men who once upon a time were firmly aligned in their outlook. One of them had to move on to also protect the crown.'

Endgame, published on November 28, is likely to cause further disquiet at Buckingham Palace.

A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace refused to comment on Endgame when approached by MailOnline.
A campaign has been launched to remove hundreds of padlocks left by loved-up couples on a bride named after a 18th-century slave, as they are 'symbols of oppression'.

Pero's Bridge in Bristol Harbour was named after Pero Jones, who was brought to live in the city by his 'owner' after he was purchased at the age of 12.

The 'Lovelocks' have been visible on the bridge ever since its construction in 1999, copying the tradition best known from the Pont des Arts bridge in Paris.

While the locks are technically not allowed, Bristol City Council have never enforced a ban on the practice - instead removing the locks every few years.

But now, city resident Helen Tierney says that Pero was never granted his freedom - and the thousands of 'hideous' love locks dishonour his memory.

Pero's Bridge in Bristol Harbour was named after Pero Jones, an 18th century slave brought to live in the city by his 'owner' after he was purchased at the age of just 12

The 'Lovelocks' have been visible on the bridge ever since its construction in 1999, copying the tradition best known from the Pont des Arts bridge in Paris

While the locks are technically not allowed, Bristol City Council have never enforced a ban on the practice - instead removing the locks every few years

In a petition on 38 Degrees, she is calling on Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees to remove the locks from the bridge which is 'weighed down by the very symbols of oppression'.

She wrote: 'To Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol. In the heart of Bristol is a pedestrian bridge crossing the harbour.

'The City Council agreed the name Pero's Bridge to honour a young enslaved African, Pero Jones, who in the 18th century was sold into slavery aged 12 & brought by his 'owner' to live in Bristol.

'Pero was never granted his freedom & died enslaved. A tiny plaque by the bridge tells this story.

'Pero's Bridge is now defaced with thousands of padlocks, so called 'lovelocks' locked on to its structure.

'The keys most likely dropped into the water below. Only a few steps from the bridge is the place where, in 2020, the statue of slave trader Edward Colston was thrown into the harbour.

'I call upon the Mayor & City Councillors of Bristol to remove these hideous padlocks, not symbols of love at all but of oppression down the centuries, of enslaved people chained & padlocked with the keys thrown away, those people disrespected still today in the very place where they should be honoured.'

The pedestrian bridge linking Queen Square and Millennium Square also sits a matter of meters from the site of controversial Black Lives Matter protests in 2020.

In that protest, campaigners famously threw a statue of Bristol slave trader Edward Colston into the city harbour just meters from the bridge.

The statue was later recovered and put on exhibition from June 4 to September 5 2021 at the M Shed museum in Bristol.

Pero's bridge can be seen in the background as BLM protesters later dragged the statue into the harbour, spray painted it and then threw it into the water

The activist who helped mastermind the protest which led to the toppling of the statue was jailed for fraud in October.

Xahra Saleem spent more than 30,000 in donations earmarked for charity to fund her lifestyle.

Saleem admitted fraud following a police investigation into a GoFundMe page called 'BristBLM' set up before the protest.

The BLM organiser received 32,344 in donations raised from 558 individual contributions.

She went on to spend the money earmarked for local charities to fund her lifestyle - from her rent, hair and beauty appointments, and takeaways, to a new iPhone, iMac and Amazon purchases.

Bristol Crown Court heard that she even splurged nearly 6,000 on Uber rides.

Saleem, of Romford, Essex, was jailed for two-and-a-half years at a sentencing hearing.
The BBC has been forced to apologise today after it sparked uproar for incorrectly reporting that Israeli soldiers were 'targeting medical teams and Arab speakers' in a raid on Gaza's main hospital.

As IDF forces stormed into the Al-Shifa hospital this morning, newsreader Monica Miller misquoted a report about the raid which the army is calling a 'targeted operation against Hamas'.

Miller previously sparked controversy after she mistakenly said former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was connected with the far-right British National Party and not the Scottish National Party.

Reporting the arrest in June, Miller said it was 'in connection with an investigation into the finances British National Party'. She later apologised for any confusion.

Speaking about today's unfolding incident in Gaza, Miller misread the initial report made by Reuters news agency, telling viewers: 'We are hearing from Reuters that Israel says its forces are carrying out an operation against Hamas in Gaza's al Shifa hospital.

'And they are targeting people including medical teams as well as Arab speakers.'

The newsreader then went on to repeat the claim again, stating that Israel was 'targeting Arab speakers as well as some of the medical staff there'.

BBC newsreader Monica Miller misquoted a report about what the IDF is calling a 'targeted operation against Hamas

The IDF said Israeli troops delivered medical supplies to the Al Shifa hospital as pictured here

Smoke rises as displaced Palestinians take shelter at Al Shifa hospital, after the IDF raided the building this morning

Meanwhile the campaign Against Antisemitism said: 'The BBC has become a parody of itself'

Reuters had in fact been quoting a statement from the Israeli military that said Arab speakers and medical staff had accompanied its soldiers into the sprawling medical building as the raid began.

Who is BBC Newsday presenter Monica Miller? Monica Miller has worked as a senior broadcast journalist for the BBC since September 2016, and is currently based at the corporation's Asia hub in Singapore. The American reporter studied at George Washington University in DC and got her masters in journalism from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She worked for NPR in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia from 2001 to 2015, and as a New Jersey correspondent for CBS Radio from 2004 to 2015 before becoming a freelance international correspondent in Singapore from 2015 to 2016. Miller then got her job at the BBC in 2016. Miller previously sparked controversy after she mistakenly said former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was connected with the far-right British National Party and not the Scottish National Party. Reporting the arrest in June, Miller said it was 'in connection with an investigation into the finances British National Party'. She later apologised for any confusion. Advertisement

Britain's largest Jewish community body today slammed the mistake, claiming 'this shows a staggering lack of care when reporting on a highly volatile situation'.

Another organisation working against antisemitism accused the BBC of becoming a 'parody' of itself.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews called for an immediate apology from the broadcaster adding that 'incidents like this make a mockery of the BBC's oft-stated dedication to professionalism and impartiality'.

Meanwhile the Campaign Against Antisemitism said: 'The BBC has become a parody of itself.

'It baselessly accuses Israel of "targeting health workers and Arab speakers" only to acknowledge it should have said the very opposite: that the Israeli teams included health workers and Arabic speakers, in order to minimise harm to local civilians.'

The raid on the huge hospital could be a pivotal point in the bloody war. Around 1,000 male Palestinians were led out with their hands over their heads and some stripped naked as soldiers checked them for explosives or weapons, AFP reported.

It comes as both the IDF and US have insisted Hamas are hiding underground in tunnels beneath the hospital, using vulnerable patients as human shields. The terrorist group has denied this.

The statement from the Board of Deputies added: 'We are absolutely appalled by BBC News footage which appears to show a newsreader misquoting a Reuters report which cited the IDF saying it was taking 'medical teams and Arabic speakers' into Al-Shifa hospital to help patients.

'The BBC Newsreader quoted the Reuters report as saying that the IDF was 'targeting medical teams as well as Arab speakers'.

'The Corporation must issue a public apology without delay for this egregious misreporting.'

'At best, this shows a staggering lack of care when reporting on a highly volatile situation, which can have a knock-on effect all over the world, including in Britain, where antisemitic attacks have risen by more than 500 per cent since October 7th.

In a statement on X, the BBC said: 'As BBC News covered initial reports that Israeli forces had entered Gaza's main hospital, we said that 'medical teams and Arab speakers' were being targeted.

'This was incorrect and misquoted a Reuters report. We should have said IDF forces included medical teams and Arabic speakers for this operation.

'We apologise for this error, which fell below our usual editorial standards. The correct version of events was broadcast minutes later and we apologised for the mistake on air later in the morning.'

Last month the broadcaster sparked backlash over its coverage of the Israel-Hamas war after a reporter speculated that a rocket that hit Gaza was an 'Israeli air strike', adding that it was 'hard to see' what else it could be.

Israeli soldiers inside a military vehicle are seen on their way to storm the Al Shifa hospital in this picture released by the IDF

Last month following an explosion near the al-Ahli Hospital reporter Jon Donnison speculated that it had been caused by an 'Israeli air strike'

Growing evidence suggested that the explosion at the al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City was caused by Islamic Jihad.

The incident, which the broadcaster apologised for and insisted it was wrong to speculate, led an Israeli official to say its government could take action if the BBC continued 'crossing the line in accordance with our wars'.

It came after Israel's president Isaac Herzog said its policy of referring to Hamas as militants was 'atrocious'.

The corporation then quietly dropped the reference, instead referring to Hamas as a 'proscribed terrorist organisation' by the UK Government and others.

MailOnline has contacted the BBC.
A London restaurant owner has been forced to defend his 'cheeky' menu after offended customers accused it of 'guilt-tripping' them for only ordering water with their meal.

Jane Breeds and her boyfriend visited Danish steakhouse Kod in north-east London, on Sunday, November 12, to take advantage of their all-you-can-eat roast dinner.

But they were stunned to find a note on the 30-per-head menu warning 'you can have tap water* but please remember we're running a restaurant, not a charity - wink, wink'.

It goes on to add 'if you want to have just tap water, we encourage you to donate 1 to Red Cross. Everybody wins'.

The 27-year-old claims she and her partner 'made a point' of not buying a drink because of it and instead ordered a jug of tap water.

Jane Breeds and her boyfriend visited Danish steakhouse Kod London, north east London, on Sunday, November 12, to take advantage of their all-you-can-eat roast dinner

They were stunned to find a note on the 30-per-head menu warning 'you can have tap water* but please remember we're running a restaurant, not a charity - wink, wink'

Despite paying a 15 per cent tip due to the 'great service' Jane still took to social media later that night to slam the message as 'wild behaviour'.

The civil servant has since labelled the request for a donation 'guilt tripping' and 'cheeky' given they'd spent 60 at the swanky venue.

THE FULL NOTE ON THE KOD'S SUNDAY MENU 'Yes, you can have just tap water... but please remember - we're running a restaurant, not a charity - wink, wink, we need to make money. 'You know who is running a charity, though? Red Cross is! If you want to have just tap water, we encourage you to donate 1 to Red Cross. Everybody wins. 'All jokes aside, our founder, Morten P. Ortwed, proudly serves as a Red Cross ambassador. 'Each year, the Red Cross selects entrepreneurial individuals to launch exciting and profitable projects to raise funds. 'We would be absolutely delighted if you could support this cause. Please inform your waiter, and thank you immensely.' Advertisement

However Kod owner Morten Ortwed has hit back at the criticism, claiming his restaurant wouldn't be able to run the 'great' Sunday-exclusive deal if nobody bought drinks.

He adds the note is 'Danish humour' and admits he has 'things to learn' about it working in the UK.

The chain founder only opened the London branch in March following more than a decade in Denmark and Norway.

Morten, 38, and Jane locked horns on Twitter yesterday afternoon [Nov 12] where he attempted to explain the joke but she insisted his 'snarky' message was putting customers off buying drinks.

Jane, from Southend-on-Sea, Essex, said: 'It's a bit cheeky to imply that I'm treating the restaurant as a charity when I'm spending 60.

'When I first saw the menu I laughed and told my boyfriend that we're not ordering any drinks.

'He asked why and I passed him the menu. He found it funny too and agreed to just stick to tap water.

'I was given a jug and I didn't request for it to be refilled but I'm sure they would have done so.

'[The donation] is a nice idea but I don't think I should be guilt-tripped into donating to charity just because I only wanted to drink tap water.

'I didn't make a donation but I did happily pay the 15 per cent tip that is automatically added on though as the staff were great.

'They didn't say anything about us only drinking tap water and gave great service.'

Kod owner Morten Ortwed has hit back at the criticism, claiming his restaurant wouldn't be able to run the 'great' Sunday-exclusive deal if nobody bought drinks

Jane's tweet, accompanied by a photo showing some of the message

Another X user also agreed with Jane on the tone of the message

Despite the issues with the menu message, Jane was happy to recommend others to the restaurant

Restaurant owner Morten is an ambassador for Red Cross and the menu's message ends by revealing that to customers and asking them to inform waiters if they wish to donate.

The father-of-two was keen to emphasise that Kod isn't forcing customers to buy drinks or donate but believes it would be a nice thing to do.

Morten, from Skanderborg, Denmark, said: 'It's a really good offer that people like but it's not possible to make an offer like this if everyone just has free tap water.

'This is a way in Danish humour to tell people to also buy something to drink so we can continue to have this great offer.

READ MORE: Embarrassed party of four pensioners accused of being dine and dashers settle the bill after telling owner they thought each other had already paid Advertisement

'We're not forcing people to buy drinks. They can have free tap water.

'I understand [they find it cheeky] but to come to a restaurant and have tap water I think it would be nice to also donate something. That shouldn't be a bad thing.

'It's the first time I saw something critical about it. I will of course think about it for the future but I don't think we should change something because one person doesn't agree.

'There are still some things we need to learn about Danish humour working in the UK.'

Jane's tweet, accompanied by a photo showing some of the message, said: 'Made a point of not ordering drinks at Kod steakhouse by Liverpool Street after seeing this on the menu. Wild behaviour lol.'

Morten replied and said: 'Thanks for [the] attention. You forget to say this is only for our Sunday special where we offer an all-you-can-eat roast for 30.

'We can't do that if everybody only do tap water. We try to add humour, not offence. Tap water is still free, Red Cross donation [is] optional!'

Jane hit back: 'I guarantee that you are turning more people off ordering drinks with your snarky messaging than you are encouraging people to order more drinks.'

Morten added: 'We are a Danish restaurant and maybe it's too much Danish humour, maybe it's not.

'We'll see. So far, you are the first we have heard a negative comment from.. But we will take it into consideration in our evaluation. Thank you for the feedback.'

One user commented: 'Are they really expecting to turn a profit by selling water? Just close down the restaurant at this point bro.'

A second added: 'I was ordering the malbec, but having read that. Tap water please?'

A third wrote: 'That's a long-winded way of saying your business model doesn't work.'
The number of illegal border crossings by Venezuelans has dramatically dropped since the Biden administration began deportations back to the crisis-stricken nation.

Arrests of Venezuelans plummeted 45 percent in October - to 29,637 from a record high of 54,833 in September, when Venezuelans replaced Mexicans as the largest nationality appearing at the border.

Arrests of Venezuelans fell even more, by 74 percent in the second half of October from the same period of September. These tallies do not include migrants who have entered legally with an asylum appointment obtained through the CBP One mobile app.

Mexicans are back as the largest nationality crossing the border illegally, with Venezuelans now in second place, followed by Honduran, Guatemalan, Colombian, and Chinese migrants.

The Biden administration began deporting Venezuelans on October 18 for the first time in years after the Nicolas Maduro regime made a deal with the US government to start allowing the flights back to the socialist country.

Overall illegal border crossings decreased last month - Border Patrol apprehended fewer than 189,000 migrants in October, down from nearly 219,000 in September.

The number of illegal border crossings by Venezuelans has dramatically dropped since the Biden administration began deportations back to the crisis-stricken nation

Mexicans are back as the largest nationality crossing the border illegally, with Venezuelans now in second place

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.

Border Patrol said: '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.'

Earlier this year Biden approved Temporary Protected Status to nearly 500,000 Venezuelans who arrived before July 31, while pledging to deport those who come illegally after that date and fail to get asylum.

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.

The dangerous 575,000-hectare jungle connects Colombia and Panama and serves as a route to the US for desperate migrants. More than a quarter million asylum seekers have crossed through the treacherous Darien Gap this year to get to the US.

The jungle is dominated by Colombian paramilitary groups and migrants are preyed upon by corrupt officials, gangs, thieves and sexual abusers throughout the crossing.

The migrants often stay in transit countries for weeks or months while they make money to continue their journey. These migrants have filled refugee camps in countries like Costa Rica, Panama and Mexico.

Tens of thousands of the migrants who have made the perilous trek to the US from South America have ended up in northern liberal cities after crossing the US-Mexico border.

Cities like New York and Chicago have been overwhelmed by a surge of migrants, with local governments running out of shelter space and spending millions of their budget funds setting up new shelters.

The Biden administration started deporting Venezuelans on October 18 for the first time in years

Venezuelans are the largest external displacement crisis in the world - followed by Ukrainians and Syria

According to Panama's National Immigration Service, more than 200,000 Venezuelans crossed the Darien Gap this year on their way to the United States

The historic The Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan - dubbed 'the new Ellis Island' by one city official - has become the registering point for the migrants and is currently housing 3,000 asylum seekers.

Mayor Eric Adams has signed $5,056,744,415 in nearly 200 contracts for migrant services since last year, when he declared a state of emergency.

Many of the migrants have been bused north by Texas governor Gregg Abbot in a campaign to call out what he calls open-border policies by Democrats. They have arrived without housing or jobs, forcing NYC to erect emergency shelters and provide various government services, with an estimated cost of $12billion over the next few years.

According to Panama's National Immigration Service, more than 200,000 Venezuelans crossed the Darien Gap this year on their way to the United States. They are seeking asylum as they say they are fleeing the social and economic collapse of the socialist nation.

Of the 248,000 migrants who traveled through the jungle last year, 40,438 were minors, UNICEF data showed. The agency also noted that more than 4,800 children and adolescents trekked through the dangerous rainforest in January, a seven-fold increase compared with the same period a year ago.

Venezuela plunged into a political, economic and humanitarian crisis over the last decade, pushing more than 7 million people to leave. They initially settled in nearby countries in Latin America but began coming to the United States in the last three years, settling in New York, Chicago and other major cities.

Venezuelan migrants are pat-down before boarding a repatriation flight as a part of an immigration enforcement process, at the Valley International Airport, in Harlingen, Texas

A migrant family from Venezuela reacts after breaking through a razor wire barricade into the United States

Migrants from Africa, Mexico, and Venezuela line up outside the Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan in August. The hotel has been dubbed 'Ellis Island' as it's where the migrants are being processed

Venezuelans are the largest external displacement crisis in the world - followed by Ukrainians and Syrians. It's a rare case of massive migration from a country that is not at war but has seen one of the most extreme fortune reversals in recent history after the socialist takeover over 20 years ago.

The U.S. has struggled for years to deport people to countries with which it has strained diplomatic relations, including Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua. After a hiatus of more than two years, Cuba allowed for the resumption of U.S. deportations in April, with deportation flights there operating only about once a month.

For decades, Mexicans accounted for the vast majority of illegal crossings but flows shifted over the last decade to Central Americans and, more recently, to people from South America, Africa and Asia.

The Biden administration proposed about $14 billion for the border in a $106 billion spending package announced Friday and has insisted that any long-term solution requires help from Congress.

The administration has adopted a carrot-and-stick approach of new legal pathways to seek asylum with restrictions on those who dont adhere to them.

About 43,000 migrants entered the country at land crossings with Mexico in September using a mobile app called CBP One, bringing the total to nearly 278,000 since the online appointment system began in January. Also, more than 265,000 people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela entered through September at airports after applying online with financial sponsors.

Including those legal pathways, the number of crossings hit a new all-time monthly high of 269,735 in September and a new budget-year high of nearly 2.5 million.
It's not clear if the theft got away with cash, but he mainly stole lottery tickets and cigarettes, worth around $7,000

Surveillance footage captured a shocking moment as a burglar broke into a smoke shop through the ceiling, rifling through lottery tickets and cigarettes in Los Angeles, California.

The burglar had cut a hole in the roof then dropped down a bag and descended slowly using a rope at M&M Smoke and Gift Shop on Colorado Boulevard in Eagle Rock around 7am on Monday.

The thief was seen filling up the bag, spending between five to ten minutes in the store.

They then attached the rope to the bag and climbed the rope back the way they entered, making off with lottery tickets and cigarettes, the footage obtained by KTLA shows.

Store owner Roy Hanna said the burglar's loot is worth around $7,000. He has filed a police report with the Los Angeles Police Department.

A burglar broke into a smoke shop through the ceiling, rifling through lottery tickets and cigarettes in Los Angeles, California

The burglar cut a hole in the roof, dropped down a bag, and descended slowly using a rope at M&M Smoke and Gift Shop on Colorado Boulevard in Eagle Rock

They then attached the rope to the bag and climbed the rope back the way they entered, making off with lottery tickets and cigarettes

As of Wednesday, it remains unclear whether the LAPD has identified the person in the video and made an arrest.

The unusual burglary took place in the 1500 block of Colorado Boulevard in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles.

Hanna said: 'I just came in the morning at 10 o'clock and I saw that somebody broken in.'

Surveillance footage shows the masked burglar, dressed in a black hoodie, broke in from the ceiling by climbing down the rope at 7am.

When he jumped on the ground, he swiftly started searching through the shelves behind the counter and loading up his bag.

He knelt down and lingered at the checkout counter for a few seconds, but it remains unclear from the video whether he took any cash.

The burglary occurred in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, at around 7am Monday

As of Wednesday, it remains unclear whether the LAPD has identified the person in the video and made an arrest

A video circulating on social media reveals the aftermath of the store break-in: a gaping hole and a dangling rope left by the brazen thief.

'I have to figure it out, it's weird that they came in for scratchers,' Hanna said, adding that they also got away with cigarettes.

The owner said that the burglar primarily targeted scratchers and cigarettes. He's uncertain about whether and how much cash might have been taken.

Hanna assessed the value of the stolen lottery tickets and cigarettes at approximately $7,000.

He also estimated that the damage to the ceiling would cost $9,000 to repair, according to the police report he filed.
Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has filed a motion in federal court asking the judge who presided over his trial to toss his conviction and order a new trial.

In the motion filed Monday, Chauvin argues he never would have pleaded guilty to murdering George Floyd had he known about the theories of a Kansas pathologist.

The former cop says Dr. William Schaetzel, of Topeka, believes that Floyd died not from asphyxia as the result of Chauvin's applied force, but from complications of a rare tumor called a paraganglioma that can cause a fatal surge of adrenaline.

The pathologist, with whom Chauvin began communicating in February of this year, did not examine Floyd's body, but did review autopsy reports.

He told the Associated Press: 'I can't go to my grave with what I know. I just want the truth.

Chauvin, who filed the motion without an attorney, is asking for a new trial or at least an evidentiary hearing.

Former police officer Derek Chauvin is asking a federal judge to throw out his conviction in the death of George Floyd

His motion presents an alternate theory for the cause of Floyd's death, which Chauvin accepted blame for in a 2021 plea deal

The convicted former officer is serving a 21-year sentence at a federal prison in Arizona.

Chauvin further alleged that Schaetzel attempted to contact his trial attorney, Eric Nelson, in 2021, as well as the judge and the proseuction in his separate state-court murder trial.

He says Nelson never mentioned the pathologist or his theory. He also says that Nelson failed to challenge the constitutionality of the federal charge.

In his 2021 plea deal, Chauvin admitted that on May 25, 2020, he 'willfully violated Mr. Floyds constitutional right to be free from an officers use of unreasonable force.'

Specifically, he said that he held his left knee across Floyd's neck, back and shoulder, and his right kneww on Floyd's back and arm.

The plea agreement said that Floyd remained restrained, prone and handcuffed on the ground for about 10 minutes and that Chauvin continued to use force even though he was aware that the suspect had stopped resisting, speaking, or moving.

'Chauvin admitted that his willful use of unreasonable force resulted in Mr. Floyds bodily injury and death because his actions impaired Mr. Floyds ability to obtain and maintain sufficient oxygen to sustain Mr. Floyds life,' read a memo from the DOJ's Office of Public Affairs.

He added that he failed to render medical assistance to Floyd, though he knew the victim was in serious medical need. He admitted that his 'failure to render medical aid resulted in Mr. Floyd's bodily injury and death.'

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.
The US has released footage showing President Joe Biden's latest airstrikes against Iranian proxy forces in Syria, in an escalating tit-for-tat that follows a wave of drone and missile attacks on US forces in the region.

The strikes, carried out by Air Force F-15E fighter jets on Sunday, targeted an Iranian Revolutionary Guard training facility in North Abu Kamal, and a militia safe house in Mayadin, the Pentagon said.

A senior US defense official told DailyMail.com that as of Monday, US and coalition troops have been attacked at least 55 times in Iraq and Syria since October 17, injuring 59 Americans, though all have returned to duty.

The Iran-backed militant groups claiming responsibility for the missile and kamikaze drone attacks have said they are in response to US support for Israel in its war against Hamas in Gaza.

The escalating violence in Syria and Iraq is raising concerns that the Israel-Hamas conflict could widen into a regional conflict, with US troops at bases throughout Middle East becoming targets.

US strikes on Sunday targeted an Iranian Revolutionary Guard training facility in North Abu Kamal, and a militia safe house in Mayadin

The US still has about 900 troops in Syria, and 2,500 more in neighboring Iraq, to advise and assist local forces trying to prevent a resurgence of Islamic State, which was defeated after seizing large swathes of both countries.

In recent weeks, US forces in Iraq and Syria have come under nearly daily bombardment from Iran-backed militants, who operate under the umbrella brand of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq.

Sunday's airstrike against Iranian assets in Syria was the latest such US counterstrike to degrade and deter Iran's proxy forces.

In a statement, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Biden had ordered Sunday's strikes.

'The President has no higher priority than the safety of US personnel, and he directed today's action to make clear that the United States will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests,' said Austin.

While prior strikes have hit unoccupied facilities, including weapons storage depots, the US believes up to seven people were killed in Sunday's strikes, a US official told Reuters on Tuesday.

The official said most of the people were killed during one of the strikes on the training facility near the city of Abu Kamal, and that the strike on the Mayadin safe house may have killed one additional person.

The US military assesses that no women or children were killed in the strikes, the official said.

US and coalition troops have been attacked at least 55 times in Iraq and Syria since October 17, injuring 59 Americans, though all have returned to duty

For years, Iran has supplied its Qasef-1 drones (above in a file photo) and other UAV munitions to its proxies in the region, including militant groups in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and Gaza

America strikes back: US warplanes conducted airstrikes against Iranian proxy forces in Syria in retaliation for attacks against US troops in Middle East

At the Pentagon, spokesperson Sabrina Singh said an assessment was ongoing.

'We are aware that there were IRGC affiliated members in the proximity of the facilities that were struck by our aircraft. But I don't have more on casualty numbers or anything else to read out,' Singh told reporters, using an acronym for Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

The American strike Sunday is the third since October 26 as the United States attempts to quell wave after wave of drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq, triggered by the Israel-Hamas war.

Two weeks earlier, the US sent two F-16 fighter jets to attack a weapons storage facility and an ammunition plant near Abu Kamal.

Both sites were run by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Pentagon said.

On November 8, the US also carried out a retaliation airstrike on a weapons warehouse in Maysulun, allegedly used by Iranian forces and their proxy militias.

Defense officials said the strikes were not directly connected to the Israel-Hamas war, but analysts said they were designed to send a warning to Iran not to take advantage of the regional turmoil to widen the conflict.

Iran's Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, said at the United Nations last week that if Israel's offensive against Hamas does not end, the United States will 'not be spared from this fire'.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi (center) and Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad (right) are seen Saturday during a bilateral meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Iran-backed forces established a foothold in Syria while fighting in support of Assad during the country's civil war

Biden has warned Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei not to attack US forces in the region, and said there would be consequences.

'My warning to the Ayatollah was that if they continue to move against those troops, we will respond,' said Biden.

Since the Israel-Hamas conflict erupted, the United States has deployed additional air defenses and sent warships and fighter aircraft to the region, including two aircraft carrier groups, to try to deter Iran and its proxy forces.

Hamas on October 7 launched an unprecedented sneak attack on Israel that left 1,400 dead, most of them civilians.

Israel has responded by pummeling the Gaza strip with airstrikes, and launching a ground assault on the Palestinian enclave in an attempt to remove Hamas from power there.

Gaza's Hamas-controlled health ministry, which does not differentiate between combatant and civilian casualties, says more than 11,000 Palestinians have died in the war.
Harry was 'kept in the dark' about the Queen's health in the hours before she died, the prince's biographer has claimed.

Omid Scobie, who is a close friend of the Duke of Sussex, said Harry, 39, and his 42-year-old wife Meghan Markle had 'no idea' the Royal Family were preparing for his grandmother's death last year.

The allegations come amid a deep rift between Prince Harry and his relatives, including Prince William and King Charles, following explosive attacks on them in his memoir, Spare.

In his new book, Endgame, Mr Scobie suggests William and Harry's relationship is beyond repair because the Prince of Wales sees his brother as a 'defector'.

In an extract shared with People, he claims 'there is no going back' for the brothers and 'absolutely nothing has changed' since the Duke of Sussex released Spare earlier this year.

Buckingham Palace has not yet commented on the extract.

In the extract of Endgame revealed today, Mr Scobie claims:

William ignored Harry when he asked how he was planning to get to Scotland;

Eventually, he booked a 30,000 charter flight to Aberdeenshire from Luton;

Charles told him to come without Meghan. Source claims she 'wasn't wanted';

Harry had 'no idea' about what was going on in Balmoral when his plane took off;

But 'sources' briefed newspapers that Charles had personally informed son;

William believes Harry has been 'brainwashed by an army of therapists'.

Prince Harry and Prince William on July 1, 2021 during an unveiling of a statue of their mother at Kensington Palace

The Prince and Princess of Wales join the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for a walkabout at Windsor to meet mourners after the Queen's death in September 2022

An emotional Harry travels in an official car to Balmoral after the Queen's death was announced to the nation

In Endgame, Mr Scobie recounts how the Sussexes had visited the UK for a series of engagements in September 2022 when the palace announced that Queen Elizabeth had been advised by her doctors to rest.

He writes: 'By the next morning, the Sussexes had no idea that Buckingham Palace was already planning for the Queen's final hours and the first days of the monarchy's new era  until the duke's phone started ringing. An unknown number. He usually ignored those.'

Meghan told her husband to pick up the phone and he accepted the call 'just before it stopped', the author wrote.

He continues: 'Harry hadn't spoken to his father much that year, but this was not the time for any father-and-son tension. Charles told him he and Camilla were about to leave Dumfries House for Balmoral, where Princess Anne was already by the Queen's side. He told Harry to make his way to Scotland immediately.'

Harry sent a text message to his brother William asking how he and Kate planned to get to Scotland and whether they could travel together but got no response, Mr Scobie claims.

He was later told Harry had managed to secure a flight with his uncles Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.

'It was upsetting to witness,' Mr Scobie claims he was told by a source close to the Sussexes. '[Harry] was completely by himself on this.'

Mr Scobie alleges that Palace 'sources' briefed certain newspapers that Charles had personally shared the news of the Queen's illness with his son. He quoted a friend of the duke who said this left Harry 'crushed'.

The journalists makes fresh claims about the damaged relationship between William and Harry.

Mr Scobie even alleges that William 'doesn't want to know' his younger brother, who he feels has been 'brainwashed an army of therapists'.

He writes: 'I was talking to a source quite early on in the process, and they called Harry a 'defector' and said that was William's view.

'These were two men who once upon a time were firmly aligned in their outlook. One of them had to move on to also protect the crown.'

Prince Harry, pictured with Meghan and the late Queen in 2018, was allegedly 'kept in the dark' about her health in the hours before her death

Prince Harry boarding a plane at Aberdeen airport after leaving Balmoral following the Queen's death

Harry wrote about him and William's relationship in Spare, going so far as to call his brother his 'arch-nemesis'.

The duke kept nothing back when writing about his very complex feelings about his older sibling - laying bare his bitter frustrations over his role as the 'spare' to William, who is the heir to the throne.

The Duke described his sibling as both his 'beloved brother' and his 'arch-nemesis' in the book.

Her further delved into the difficulties he experienced as a result of the 'heir/spare' relationship in an interview with Good Morning America.

Speaking to GMA anchor Michael Strahan - who questioned 'what [Harry] meant by referring to William as 'his beloved brother and arch-nemesis'' - the Duke admitted that he has always felt there's been 'this competition' between the two siblings, which he blames on their respective positions in the line of succession.

'There's a quote in the book where your refer to your brother as your 'beloved brother and arch-nemesis'. Strong words. What did you mean by that?' Strahan asks in a teaser for the interview.

Harry then responded: 'There has always been this competition between us, weirdly. I think it really plays into or always played by the 'heir/spare'.'

In Spare, the duke infamously described a stand-up argument which he says ended with William grabbing him by the collar and throwing him to the floor, shattering a dog bowl with his back.

The furious row allegedly broke out in the kitchen of his London home, Nottingham Cottage, in the grounds of Kensington Palace in 2019.

William is said to have branded Meghan 'difficult', 'rude' and 'abrasive' and insisted he was trying to 'help' his younger brother during a meeting about 'the whole rolling catastrophe' of their failing relationship and Harry's rows with the press.

Harry accused his brother of 'parroting the press narrative' about his American wife before a screaming match ensued, ending in a physical altercation, the book claims.

He claims he then gave the heir to the throne a glass of water and said: 'Willy, I can't speak to you when you're like this.'

Describing what he claims happened next, and insisting he was scared, the former soldier said: 'He set down the water, called me another name, then came at me. It all happened so fast. So very fast.

'He grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and he knocked me to the floor. I landed on the dog's bowl, which cracked under my back, the pieces cutting into me. I lay there for a moment, dazed, then got to my feet and told him to get out.'

Harry says that William had then urged him to fight back, writing that is what would happen when they scrapped as children.

But the Duke of Sussex says he refused, claiming that William left, before returning, looking 'regretful, and apologized'.

According to Harry, William then 'turned and called back' that he 'didn't need to tell [Meghan] about this', prompting Harry to question whether his brother meant he shouldn't tell his wife that his sibling had 'attacked him'.

'I didn't attack you, Harold,' Harry says his brother retorted.

Prince Harry walks alongside Meghan and the Princess of Wales at the lying-in-state of the Queen last year

Harry also used Spare to open up about the death of his grandmother.

In the memoir, he described how he whispered to her that he 'hoped she was happy' and would be reunited with Prince Philip, who died a year earlier. He also told her that he admired her for having carried out her duties until the end.

The prince scrambled to Scotland to see the Queen - Britain's longest reigning monarch - on September 8 last year after Buckingham Palace announced that she was gravely ill. However, he failed to reach the estate before she passed away aged 96.

In a moving passage, the duke describes how he learned of the Queen's passing after checking the BBC news website. Upon arriving at Balmoral, he was greeted by Anne, the Princess Royal, who then took him upstairs to a room where the late Sovereign was lying.

He writes: 'I advanced with uncertainty and saw her. I stayed still, watching her carefully for a good while.

'I whispered that I hoped she was happy and that she was with Grandfather now. I said that I admired her for having carried out her duties until the end. The [Platinum] Jubilee, the welcoming of the new Prime Minister'.

Mr Scobie covered the Sussexes in his 2020 bestseller Finding Freedom, and is now considered the couple's unofficial mouthpiece.

Promotional material for Endgame suggests it will be equally hostile to the remaining members of the Royal Family as his previous work.

A breathless description on Amazon calls it as 'a penetrating investigation into the current state of the British monarchy  an unpopular king, a power-hungry heir to the throne, a queen willing to go to dangerous lengths to preserve her image and a prince forced to start a new life after being betrayed by his own family'.

A source told The Mail on Sunday: 'I've been told this is bad, very bad. It is unlikely that Royal aides will comment, but if there are charges of racism, they will, of course, be robustly rebutted.'

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex famously told US TV host Oprah Winfrey that when Meghan announced her pregnancy an unnamed member of the Royal Family had questioned which skin colour their son Archie was likely to have.

The Sussexes repeatedly denied co-operating with Scobie and his co-author Carolyn Durand on Finding Freedom, but Meghan was later forced to admit in the High Court that she authorised an aide to brief the pair secretly.

Omid Scobie, the unofficial mouthpiece for the Sussexes, is set to use his new book to launch a salvo of attacks on the Royal Family

Endgame, published on November 28, is likely to cause further disquiet at Buckingham Palace. It is unknown whether the Sussexes had any input this time, although the author boasts that he interviewed family members.

The book, subtitled 'Inside the Royal Family and the Monarchy's Fight for Survival', is billed as an 'explosive' look into events surrounding the Queen's death.

The Amazon sales pitch states: 'Queen Elizabeth II's death ruptured the already-fractured foundations of the House of Windsor  and dismantled the protective shield around it.'

READ MORE - How Harry and Meghan's pals are reluctant to distance themselves from King Charles despite the couple's deepening rift with the royal family Advertisement

Scobie claims to have interviewed 'current and former Palace staff, trusted friends of the Royals and even the family members themselves'.

The Mail on Sunday has learned that the book will be serialised in a major US magazine, but not in the UK.

It was due to be published in August, but this was pushed back to include events surrounding the Coronation.

A publishing source in America said: 'The word is this is going to have bombshell after bombshell. Some are even speculating it may name the person who questioned what colour Archie's skin would be.

'Everyone knows Omid is the Sussexes' unofficial mouthpiece, so it's fair to say there will be a huge deal of interest in this book on both sides of the Atlantic.'

Chapter headings include: 'Shaky Ground: The Queen is Dead, the Monarchy Faces Trouble', 'The Fall of Prince Andrew: Scandal, Shame and Silencing Jane Doe', 'Race and the Royals: Institutional Bigotry and Denial', 'Gloves On: Prince William, Heir to the Throne', and 'Gloves Off: Prince Harry, Man on a Mission'.

In the promotional material, Mr Scobie said King Charles is 'unpopular' and Queen Camilla is 'willing to go to dangerous lengths to preserve her image'

Publisher HarperCollins has previously said that the book will 'have the world talking', and Scobie has warned it will reveal moments the Royals should be 'ashamed of'.

Earlier this month, Scobie wrote in detail about the first night Meghan and Harry spent together and recounted seemingly verbatim conversations between the Sussexes and senior royals.

READ MORE - Meghan Markle's half-sister Samantha fires off barbed comments outside court Advertisement

He has continued to be a favoured mouthpiece for the Sussexes and is often the first to post information about their charitable endeavours and awards on social media.

This week, he took yet another dig at the King and Queen for walking along a red carpet laid out for them over bare ground in Kenya during their State Visit last week.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, he said: 'Even if this was a choice made by the hosts (and it probably was), the optics of the King and Queen walking on a red carpet to avoid soil at Nairobi National Park are pretty ridiculous and out of touch.

'A clued-up Palace aide could have easily asked for it to be removed.'

But Scobie was criticised for his comment, including by Kenyan journalist Joseph Wakhungu, who wrote: 'I can tell you that's just how all visiting heads of state and government are treated when they land in Kenya.'

Responding to a fan on social media who wrote of Endgame, 'I hope it goes further and deeper than Finding Freedom', Scobie responded: 'They're worlds apart.'
Six Nigerian passengers were busted with cocaine capsules in their stomachs before they attempted to board a flight in Brazil on Tuesday.

Federal Police agents were performing routine checks of passengers waiting to board a flight for Ethiopia at Guarulhos International Airport in the southeastern city of Sao Paulo when they notice that one of the suspects was behaving strangely.

Authorities searched the man and his hand luggage, and then subjected him to a test through a drug and explosive trace detection device which showed that he had come into contact with cocaine.

The individual confesses to having swallowed the small plastic bags containing the Type-A party drug.

His five accomplices, all males, underwent the same test, confirming that each had contact with the powdery narcotic.

X-ray images taken of three of the six Nigerian men who were arrested at Guarulhos International Airport in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Tuesday for carrying cocaine capsules in their stomachs

A police office inspects luggage belonging to one of the six Nigerian passengers who were arrested for drug trafficking at an airport in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Tuesday

The drug mules were all taken to a local medical facility, where x-rays revealed dozens of capsules were in their stomachs and then had procedures done to expel the cocaine.

Some of the suspects concealed between 100 to 150 capsules in their abdomens.

Upon arriving in Ethiopia, three of the suspects had connecting flights to the northern Nigeria city of Kano.

They are expected to appear before a federal court judge and face international drug trafficking charges.

Authorities said that the six Nigerian men were listed on the National Migrant Registry.

Three of the suspects had previously entered Brazil requesting asylum and one was apprehended at Guarulhos International Airport in 2017 on an arrest warrant.

According to data obtained by Brazilian outlet Globo News, authorities at Guarulhos International Airport have apprehended 43 people carrying cocaine in capsules since 2019.

At least 23.5 kilos of cocaine were seized as part of the inspections.

Despite the number of busts, the airport's Federal Police chief Dennis Cali acknowledged that it is difficult to pick up passengers who may be carrying drugs in their stomachs because they do not have the necessary x-ray machines.

'We don't have the body scan system here at the airport,' Cali said. 'So it's a very detailed analysis of the passenger's profile, ticket purchase profile. There are many analysis to be done until we (detect) the suspicious person.'

Cali said the suspects were immediately rushed to the hospital over concerns that one of the small balloons could have broken and exposed any of them to an overdose that could have killed them.

In April, a 21-year-old Colombian man died at a hospital in Santo Domingo de la Cazada, Spain after two of the 93 cocaine capsules he swallowed burst in his stomach. An autopsy showed the packages contained 1,200 grams of cocaine.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin is unrepentant about his behavior during a Tuesday congressional hearing when he challenged a Teamster boss to a fight.

Afterwards he even said his constituents would have been disappointed if he'd backed down and that he was plenty ready to use unconventional tactics.

'I'm not afraid of biting. I will bite,' said Mullin, 46, a former mixed martial arts fighter, during an interview with 'Undaunted Life: A Man's Podcast.'

'I don't care where I bite, by the way.'

And he told Fox News that his constituents in Oklahoma would have been 'pretty upset with me' if he had not backed his words with action.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin defended his behavior during a Wednesday congressional hearing, when he challenged a Teamster boss to a fight, saying his constituents would have been disappointed if he'd backed down

He was explaining his extraordinary actions when an angry confrontation with Sean O'Brien, the president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, who was appearing as a witness before a Senate committee, almost erupted into violence.

The two have sparred on Twitter in the past.

And it did not take long for them to get into it again after Mullin read a series of critical posts O'Brien had made about him, apparently challenging him to a fight.

'This is the time, this is the place,' Mullin said. 'If you want to run your mouth, we can be two consenting adults. We can finish it here.'

O'Brien shot back: 'I'd love to do it right now.'

Mullin replied: 'Well, stand your butt up then.'

'You stand your butt up,' O'Brien said.

When Mullin stood up from his chair, Sen. Bernie Sanders, who was chairing the session, yelled at him to sit down and banged his gavel.

'This is a hearing, and God knows the American people have enough contempt for Congress, lets not make it worse,' Sanders said.

Mullin drew himself up to his full height and threatened to fight O'Brien, even removing his wedding band as Sen. Bernie Sanders tried to maintain order

'You stand your butt up,' said O'Brien as Mullin tried to goad him into a fight

.@MarkwayneMullin on Union Boss: You Shouldve Seen the Fear in His Eyes When I Stood Up pic.twitter.com/CIXDthRMKp  Sean Hannity  (@seanhannity) November 15, 2023

Yet Mullin was unrepentant.

'I'm a guy from Oklahoma first, and in Oklahoma you don't do this. Maybe you run your mouth in New Jersey, I don't know I'm not from New Jersey,' Mullin told Fox News host Sean Hannity.

'But this is a mob boss, and you're supposed to be intimidated because he's the boss of the Teamsters.

'You're not going to run your mouth at me and expect me to sit there. And you should have seen the fear in his eyes when I stood up, I'm not joking.

'I'm not looking for a fight, I used to get paid to fight professionally, but I'm not going to sit back and let somebody do that and not call them out on it.'

Mullin has been a frequent critic of union leaders.

And O'Brien has used X, formerly known as Twitter, to punch back, calling the Republican a 'moron' and 'full of s***' after Mullin had accused him of intimidation during a previous hearing.

That was what sparked their Tuesday showdown.

O'Brien told Mullin: 'You challenged me to a cage match, acting like a twelve year old schoolyard bully.'

They traded insults for several minutes and at one point the senator suggested they hold a fight for charity

O'Brien instead said they should meet for coffee to talk through their differences.
A 'beautiful' dancer was strangled to death by her boyfriend who then took his own life later that day, an inquest has heard.

Georgia May Brooke died in hospital on February 4 last year after she was found to be in cardiac arrest as a result of 'manual strangulation' at a home in Bradford, a hearing was told.

The 26-year-old dancer had been in a relationship with Luke James Cannon, who was found dead later that day.

A previous inquest was told that Georgia had died at Bradford Royal Infirmary as a result of 'manual strangulation' in association with 'party drug' GHB and cocaine. Details of the circumstances around their deaths were heard at two pre-inquest reviews at Bradford Coroner's Court ahead of full inquests, which are due to be held next year.

Georgia May Brooke died in hospital on February 4 last year after she was found to be in cardiac arrest as a result of 'manual strangulation' at a home in Bradford, a hearing was told

The 26-year-old dancer had been in a relationship with Luke James Cannon, who was found dead later that day

The first pre-inquest review focused on questions to be raised about the death of Georgia.

Senior coroner Martin Fleming described Georgia's death as a 'terrible tragedy' and outlined some of the issues and evidence that would be heard at Georgia's inquest.

He said the inquest would look at events in the days and weeks leading up to Georgia's death, including who she was with and she was doing. It would also look at her relationship with Luke, how they met, messages they had sent one another and the reason she was at his home before she died.

The inquest will review evidence relating to what happened in the bedroom, whether the pair had consensual sex and if Georgia had been under the influence of drugs.

Mr Fleming said the inquest would consider if there was any evidence that Luke had intended to cause Georgia serious harm or to end her life, and whether he was under the influence of drugs at the time.

Harry Laidlaw, a lawyer representing Georgia's family, said the 'critical question' related to 'how' she had died, the medical cause of death and the events leading directly to her death. He said there were 'ten or so minutes before consciousness was lost.'

Oliver Thorne, representing West Yorkshire Police, said that in relation to consent, a new offence had been created 'after these terrible events' and said one possible 'short form' conclusion for the coroner would be 'unlawful killing'.

Mr Fleming ruled that the inquest would not be addressing relationships that Georgia had before Luke.

The first pre-inquest review focused on questions to be raised about the death of Georgia

Evidence will also be heard from a friend of Georgia who, said Mr Laidlaw, talked about the 'change in Georgia after having met Luke.'

A second pre-inquest review was held into the death of Luke, who died on February 4, 2022. The review, held straight after Georgia's hearing, was attended by members of both families. The two inquests will he held on separate days next year.

Georgia was described as a 'beautiful, bright shining star' and a talented dancer. An obituary published last year said: 'On 4th February 2022, tragically, Georgia May was taken from us. She was beautiful, a bright shining star, a talented dancer, a wonderful daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend.'

A service of celebration was held at The Minster Church of All Saints, Dewsbury. Donations in memory of Georgia have been used to support dancers at the Sarah Sutton School of Dance.

Members of both families were present in court, along with legal representatives.

For help, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org
A mob of 40 people who looted a FedEx truck while it was stopped at a red light in Memphis also ransacked two Tennessee gas stations less than two hours later.

The same group are believed to be responsible for the series of burglaries on Saturday night, Memphis police told Local Memphis.

Around 10pm on Saturday thieves stole $2,000 worth of items from the Exxon at 3483 Airways Boulevard.

At least $15,000 worth of merchandise was then stolen from the Fill-N-Go gas station at 3084 South Third Street, a ten-minute drive from the first business. It is estimated around $9,000 in damage was caused.

The lootings took place less than two hours after a 53-foot trailer was ransacked while it sat in traffic at the intersection of Riverport Road and West Mallory Avenue, about seven miles from the first gas station.

A mob of 40 people ransacked two gas stations over the weekend, just an hour after they looted a FedEx truck in Memphis, Tennessee

They allegedly got away with over $17,000 worth of merchandise from two convenience stores at gas stations, with a clerk reporting that a suspect pointed a rifle at him

They swarmed the store and took merchandises including candies, chocolates, clothing, and even an electric sign

Three men have been detained who are believed to be linked to the incident, according to the New York Post.

'Nobody is in custody, and there haven't been any charges. This is an ongoing investigation,' the Memphis Police Department told DailyMail.com Wednesday.

Video from WREG shows the group wreaking havoc inside the store, and at one point, a thief is seen ripping an illuminated sign from its base at the door.

Looters, some wearing hoodies and masks, while others were bare-faced, swarmed the store and took merchandises including candies, chocolates, and clothing.

Suspected can be seen taking time deciding which chocolate bars and T-shirts to take, with one carrying what appeared to be a rifle around.

Members of the group are seen knocking over stands and carrying out boxes of goods, many of them slipping as they exit through the door.

Some of the loot was too heavy or numerous to grab, and goods can be seen scattered on the ground.

Staff and customers appeared to be in shock and disbelief as the suspects walked away with merchandise and loaded them into their vehicles.

One victim said a suspect was wearing a black Nike ski mask, a black pullover hoodie, blue jeans, and a black bag across his chest.

Police also released information on the individual responsible for the aggravated assault. The suspect was in a newer model white Mitsubishi Outlander, possibly with a woman wearing a black pullover, green T-shirt, black tights, and black slides.

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland made a statement expressing his anger towards the overnight robbery.

'I mean it's similar to videos I've seen across the country. Those convenience store owners are small business people. I've met with them. They have to work there, themselves a lot, just to earn a living,' Mayor Strickland said.

'The court system needs fundamental change to adjust to what's going on out in the community. The police are arresting them. The courts won't keep them.'

The brazen looters managed to break open the back door of the truck with an unknown tool before they took the packages. Authorities reported that $10,000 worth of damage occured

The large group of thieves stormed the FedEx truck and take random boxes from the back of the trailer

Before storming the two businesses at gas stations, the mob ransacked a FedEx truck at the intersection of Riverport Road and West Mallory Avenue.

After the driver reported the theft, the Memphis police arrived and saw vehicles speeding away recklessly along with a number of boxes thrown across the road.

The truck driver told the police that cars blocked the intersection just before a group of men broke open the sealed back door and looted the trailer.

Three men have since been detained after the raging group caused nearly $10,000 in damages - and stole numerous items such as Kicker Speakers, a box of air liners and three DirectTV cable boxes.

A video of the theft starts with the large group grabbing random packages from the partially open back door of the truck.

A mountain of brown boxes stacked on top of each other are quickly stolen by the thieves, some taking more than one at a time. As the thieves run away with the merchandise, some of it falls to the ground in front of cars stuck in the traffic jam created by the scene.

Nearly every looter has a hood or face covering on as drivers nearby watch in amazement and some even laugh at the incident.

The savage group soon gets the entire back door open as boxes spill out of the tractor-trailer and contents are revealed.

The video then cuts to one of the robbers walking toward cars with a package in each hand as the person behind the camera laughs.

'Man, now he trying to move,' the man behind the camera says as the truck driver tries to escape the mayhem.

As the video ends, the driver manages to move forward but looters keep on taking from the truck.

A large mob of looters broke into the back of a FedEx delivery truck. Some of the thieves hoped in the truck and stole multiple packages at a time

The road where the incident occurred was left with black tire marks (pictured) covering the pavement

The thieves managed to break through the truck's safety latch with an unknown tool.

Fox 13 revealed around 2.30am Sunday officers received a call from Breezy Point Apartments security who said that they had detained three people.

The security guards told Memphis police that while the apartment complex was on lockdown, they noticed the men inside a white Chevrolet.

They added the vehicle smelled of marijuana as security asked the men to identify themselves just before they searched the car.

Security then told police the three men reportedly confessed to taking items from the FedEx truck just hours before.

When police arrived at the complex, the men told them that the items they had were taken from the street and not directly from the truck.

Reports revealed that the items found in the car consisted of four Kicker Speakers 6X9, one 14-piece pot and pan set, one vehicle headlight, along with a box of air liners and three DirectTV cable boxes.

County Commissioner Charlie Caswell told WMC Memphis that his daughter was caught in the chaos on Saturday night on her way to his house.

He said that 'she got trailed through Frayser to Raleigh and hit in the back, spun her car around' just before a woman and man started to beat on her windows and tried to pull her out of the car.

Caswell's daughter got away and drove to the local fire station where she tried to get someone to help, but nobody responded.

The FedEx truck driver managed to get away from the scene, but the thieves kept on taking from the trailer

Some of the looters managed to hop inside the truck. Piles of brown boxes set to be delivered were quickly snatched up by the robbers

'She had to drive through the grass and jump the curb to get away from these people to make it to my house last night because of this attempt of snatching her,' Caswell said.

The Commissioner also told police a majority of the people involved were kids from the Frayser and Raleigh area.

In response to the frightening situation FedEx told DailyMail.com: 'The safety of our team members and the security of our customers' shipments are top priorities, and we are grateful there were no serious injuries as a result of this incident.

'We are cooperating fully with investigating authorities and taking appropriate steps to address this matter.'

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.
Brits who own second homes in Spain may soon be able to stay longer than the post-Brexit 90-day limit, with the Spanish government joining calls to axe the unpopular rule.

Under the law, Britons can stay in their holiday homes for just 90 out of every 180 days. In order to stay longer, they must apply for a long-stay visa of up to six months.

Now, the Spanish government has admitted that the rule, which limits how long British travellers can spend in European Union countries without a visa, is having a negative impact.

'Unfortunately, the rule is not something Spain has established by itself or can get rid of,' the country's acting Minister of Tourism, Hector Gomez said. 'It is in our interest to lobby and convince the EU that we can try to work an exception with them. But the solution must come from them.'

It comes after France's senate voted through an amendment to the immigration law that will give British second homeowners the automatic right to a long-stay visa, after politicians there said UK tourists had been 'punished by Brexit'.

Under current rules, Britons can stay in their holiday homes for just 90 out of every 180 days

Spain's acting Minister of Tourism, Hector Gomez said: 'It is in our interest to lobby and convince the EU that we can try to work an exception'

Andrew Hesselden, Campaign Director and founder of '180 Days in Spain', which campaigns for Brits' free movement in the country, told the Majorca Daily Bulletin that he is 'delighted to see French senators recognise the injustice of the situation that British part-year residents have found themselves in since Brexit'.

He added that his campaign's members 'remain hopeful of similar recognition in Spain for everyone affected'.

Now developments appear to be happening in Spain, with Gomez confirming earlier this week that he had held an 'important meeting' with the UK's Director of Consular Affairs and Crisis, Jennifer Anderson, at the Foreign Office.

The pair 'discussed issues of interest regarding the stays of British tourists in Spain and discussed collaboration projects for future seasons,' he said. This is understood to have included the 90-day cap.

The UK is Spain's biggest and most profitable tourism market, with almost double the number of Brits visiting the country than German tourists last year.

Data from Spain's National Institute of Statistics (INE) shows that two million people travelled to Spain from the UK last year, constituting 23.8 per cent of the total number of visitors.

Under Schengen Area rules, non-EU citizens, including those from the UK, entering the territory under the visa-free regime can only stay for a maximum of 90 days out of every 180 days.

Those who overstay, be it intentionally or unintentionally, can face hefty penalties in Spain, including fines of up to 10,000 and jail terms.

France 's senate voted through an amendment to the immigration law that will give British second homeowners the automatic right to a long-stay visa (file image)

They could also be subject to deportation and entry bans, with the post-Brexit restrictions proving a nightmare for thousands of Brits with properties across Spain and France.

Martine Berthet, a French senator who represents the Savoie in the southern Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, has now put forward a 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.

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, and is being opposed by Emmanuel Macron's government.
The wife of New Jersey's Democratic governor announced Wednesday that she will run for U.S. Senate next year, setting up a challenge against the state's Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, who has been indicted on a slew of bribery and corruption charges.

Tammy Murphy, the spouse of Gov. Phil Murphy, rolled out her campaign with a video on X highlighting her work on maternal and infant mortality and climate change while serving as New Jersey's first lady.

But she also took a subtle slap at Menendez, who's been accused of accepting bribes from three New Jersey businessman in the form of cash, gold bars and a luxury car, and also being an unregistered foreign agent on behalf of Egypt.

'Right now Washington is filled with too many people more interested in getting rich or getting on camera than getting things done for you,' Murphy said in the video, as an image of Menendez flashed on-screen.

Menendez has yet to say if he'll run for reelection in 2024 but on the heels of his indictment said he was 'not going anywhere.'

Tammy Murphy, the wife of New Jersey's Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, announced Wednesday she would seek the U.S. Senate seat currently belonging to the indicted Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez

The New Jersey first lady announced her bid on X Wednesday with a video message highlighting her work on maternal and infant mortality and climate change

Democratic Rep. Andy Kim previously said he planned to seek the Senate seat, doing so a day after the fresh criminal charges against Menendez were announced.

On the Republican side, the mayor of Mendham, New Jersey, Christine Serrano Glassner, plans to run in the race.

New Jersey has never elected a female U.S. senator.

Murphy, 58, is a prominent fixture in the state alongside husband Phil, who was first elected in 2017 and won a close race for reelection against Republican Jack Ciattarelli in 2021.

Phil Murphy was the first New Jersey governor to win a second term since 1977.

He's term limited so will be in the last two years of the governorship during his wife's run for office.

In her opening message for office she talked about her career as a successful businesswoman - meeting Phil while they both worked for Goldman Sachs - and becoming a mother.

Murphy's video message also took a dig at her potential rival, Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez (left), photographed with wife Nadine (right), who's been indicted on a number of corruption and bribery charges

The couple have four kids.

'And when I was pregnant, and even after they were born, I worried about a million things like all moms do, but I never worried if I'd survive childbirth or if my babies would get the care they needed. I didn't have to,' Murphy said. 'The money in our family's bank account and, frankly, the color of my skin meant I could get the best care available.

'But that's not the case for a lot of women. So when I got here, I realized I had a platform to help moms who aren't nearly as fortunate as I am,' she said, noting how women and babies were dying in New Jersey at a higher rate compared to most states in the country 'almost exclusively in our black and brown communities.'

Murphy also highlighted her work as first lady combating and educating young people about climate change.

A native of Virginia, Murphy is also a former Republican, and changed her voter registration to Democrat before her husband's first gubernatorial run.

While her video smacked Menendez, it called out GOP senators too - flashing images of Republican Sens. Josh Hawley and Marsha Blackburn as she warned voters of 'extreme politicians who want to defund Planned Parenthood and ban abortion in all 50 states, including New Jersey.'
President Joe Biden's son Hunter on Wednesday asked a federal court to subpoena documents from former President Donald Trump and senior Justice Department officials as part of his defense against gun charges.

In their filing, his lawyers claim the former president applied political pressure to a criminal investigation of him.

Biden, 53, pleaded not guilty last month to violating laws against drug users owning guns when he bought a revolver in 2018.

He has acknowledged struggling with addiction at that time.

On Wednesday his legal team filed papers with Delaware federal court requesting subpoenas for Trump, his Attorney General Bill Barr and two other former senior Justice Department figures, Richard Donoghue and Jeffrey Rosen.

They want documents, including journal entries, discussing Hunter Biden.

Hunter Biden, 53, is charged with violating laws against drug users owning guns when he bought a revolver in 2018. His defense team made a bold move on Wednesday

Lawyers asked a federal court for permission to subpoena documents from former President Donald Trump and senior Justice Department officials as part of Biden's defense

His lawyers cited public reporting alleging 'incessant, improper, and partisan pressure' applied by Trump to his three officials.

The subpoena for Trump includes a demand for: 'All personal records (including diaries, journals, memoirs, memoranda, or notes) from the relevant time period discussing or concerning Hunter Biden, including, but not limited to, reference to any formal or informal decision, discussion, or request to investigate or prosecute Hunter Biden.'

The move is another blockbuster twist in a case that has already generated mountains of coverage.

It is the first-ever criminal prosecution of a sitting U.S. president's child.

But the documents filed Wednesday show how his defense is starting to take shape.

'Mr. Biden seeks specific information from three former DOJ officials and the former president that goes to the heart of his defense that this is, possibly, a vindictive or selective prosecution arising from an unrelenting pressure campaign beginning in the last administration, in violation of Mr. Bidens Fifth Amendment rights under the Constitution,' his lawyers wrote to the judge.

Barr revealed in his memoir how he became irritated by Trump for pushing him over the status of the probe into Hunter Biden.

And in 2020, after Trump had lost the election to Hunter's father, the then president blasted Barr for not revealing the existence of the investigation before polling day.

He said Barr was a 'big disappointment' in a series of tweets saying the revelation would have given Republicans a boost in the election.

In 2020, Trump blasted his then attorney general for not going public with details of the federal tax investigation into the son of his election opponent

The subpoena for Trump includes a demand for: 'All personal records (including diaries, journals, memoirs, memoranda, or notes) from the relevant time period discussing or concerning Hunter Biden'

The president's troubled son has long been the focus of attacks by Trump and his allies in Congress. They accuse him of corrupt business practices and have tried to link his father to his activities.

The allegations are at the heart of an impeachment inquiry led by House Republicans. The White House dismisses the investigation as politically motivated.

The criminal probe into Hunter Biden began in 2018, when Trump was in power.

It began with scrutiny of his income taxes and foreign business dealings, but expanded to include his purchase of a gun in 2018.

Federal prosecutors accuse him of making two false statements, saying he was not addicted to or using illegal drugs, in paperwork to complete the purchase.
Four gunshots were fired in 30 seconds, hitting both children in the head

She allegedly told a detective that she 'would never do anything like this unless someone manipulated me'

Tiffanie Lucas, 32, has been charged in the shooting death of her sons, 6-year-old Maurice Baker Jr. and 9-year-old Jayden Howard

A Kentucky woman accused of fatally shooting her two young sons appeared in court for the first time on Tuesday.

Tiffanie Lucas, 32, is accused of murdering Maurice Baker Jr., 6 - affectionately known as 'Peanut' - and Jayden Howard, 9, in a bedroom last week.

The day after the shooting, Lucas was arraigned by video and without a lawyer present. Judge Jennifer Porter entered a not guilty plea on her behalf and jailed the woman in the Bullitt County Detention Center.

In setting the $2 million bond, Judge Porter described Lucas as 'a danger to others.'

At Tuesday's hearing, Bullitt County detective Richard Beahl shared more details about the grisly murder as well as the suspect's alleged remarks.

Tiffanie Lucas, 32, is accused of murdering her sons, 6-year-old Maurice Baker Jr. and 9-year-old Jayden Howard

She appeared in a courtroom for the first time on Tuesday, flanked by attorneys

A judge described Lucas as 'a danger to others' when setting the $2 million bond

He said four gunshots were fired in 30 seconds and that both children were shot in the head.

When questioned, Lucas reportedly said 'I'm in such a bad spot' and chalked the shooting up to an accident.

'Im so stupid,' she added. 'I would never do anything like this unless someone manipulated me.'

Beahl testified that Lucas 'made statements that she was being manipulated through Facebook, through the internet or through Wi-Fi...into doing what she did.'

The crime was discovered on November 8, when Bullitt County Sheriffs Office received reports of a shooting with injury at a home in Shepherdsville.

When Lucas's neighbor pulled into his driveway, he saw the 32-year-old walking down the stairs of his porch before collapsing.

She told him that her 'kids were dying.' When the man entered her home, he discovered the boys' bodies in a bedroom. A gun lay on the bed.

The neighbor called 911 and stayed with the boys until EMS arrived and rushed them to Nortons Children's Hospital in Louisville.

They were taken into surgery but ultimately succumbed to their injuries.

Maurice and Jayden were half-brothers, and Jayden's father died in 2019

Lucas allegedly told a detective 'I'm so stupid' and 'I would never do anything like this unless someone manipulated me'

The 32-year-old mother also claimed the shooting was an accident

Lucas said she was manipulated through the internet or Wi-Fi into committing the murders

On November 8, Lucas collapsed in a neighbor's driveway after shooting her two boys, leading to the discovery of their bodies

Police recovered Ring camera footage from a nearby home. In the video, four shots ring out before Lucas walks outside and shouts for help.

Lucas told detectives that she left the gun in the bedroom and that someone had given it to her. She admitted that no one else had been to the house that day.

In initial statements after the shooting, Col. Alex Payne shared that the boys were half-brothers. Jaydens father died in 2019.

Lucas once served a month in jail in a drug possession case, and family members claim they reached out to Child Protective Services on several occasions, to no avail.

Michelle Rice, Maurices stepmother, told WLKY that she believes drug abuse also played a role.

'Nobody can manipulate you to do such a horrific thing,' Rice said.

'So many other people really loved them and could have been there to help them, but she wouldn't allow that. She was too selfish, and now they're gone.'

Speaking to the outlet, Payne said: 'Whether you think it's mental illness, just pure evil, a combination of both, it could be substance abuse....Pick your poison. None of it's good. The result is horrific.'

Lucas has been charged with two counts of murder.

Capital punishment is legal in the state of Kentucky, but rarely used. The most recent execution was that of Marco Allen Chapman, who was convicted of two murders.

Lucas reportedly once served a month in jail in a drug possession case

Maurices stepmother said she believes drug abuse also played a role in the murders

Lucas posted heavily edited photos of herself on Facebook and wrote several posts celebrating her sons

In 2022, she wrote: 'I will always use any excuse to celebrate them and show them how special they are'

On Facebook, 32-year-old Lucas posted heavily edited photos of herself and her two boys.

'I love my babies everyday of the year, I will always use any excuse to celebrate them and show them how special they are,' she wrote on Valentine's Day 2022.

In another post, she proclaimed: 'I love my kings different and thats why Jayden & Peanut are different types of children. They are GOD SENT & every wrong I have ever done or any hurt I have ever caused I am so focused on correcting and loving them longer and deeper.'

She continued: 'I can not guarantee a lot of things in life BUT I can guarantee the mother I will always be, the love I will always share, and the best I can ever give and do will be PROMISED to you my love, Jayden & Peanut!'

A vigil was held over the weekend to honor the two boys.
Rosario's defense claimed he met the girl on Tinder and she claimed she was 21

His case has been referred to a court-martial, and arraignment is scheduled for Thursday

A United States marine charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl on a California military base will face a court-martial - as his defense claims he met the girl on a dating app where she lied about her age.

Private First Class Avery L. Rosario was charged by military prosecutors after the teenage girl, who had been missing for 18 days, was found at Camp Pendleton in June.

Now the case will head to a general court-martial to be tried in military court, according to a spokesperson for the 1st Marine Logistics Group, reported NBC San Diego.

Rosario's defense said he met the girl on Tinder and her profile said she was 21 years old.

His court-martial arraignment is scheduled for Thursday where he will be read the formal charges, enter his plea and then trial dates will be scheduled.

Private First Class Avery L. Rosario is seen escorted to an August hearing over the charges alleging he sexually assaulted a teenage girl at Camp Pendleton

Rosario, seen handcuffed in July, claimed he met the girl on Tinder and that her profile said she was 21 years old

Rosario was first made aware of the charges on August 17 at an Article 32 hearing, which is the military equivalent of a civilian preliminary court hearing.

The defendant can be seen being escorted between two other service members taking him to the military courtroom.

At the hearing, his lawyers emphasized Tinder is for casual sex and said their interaction began on June 26 when Rosario matched with the girl who created a profile under the pseudonym 'Kayla,'

They said the two began messaging and the teen suggested they move their conversation to Instagram and even proposed they get a hotel room.

Rosario claimed he drove to pick up the girl and the two had consensual sex at the barracks.

The next day, Rosario left her at the barracks and she spoke with two other people, one of them a lance corporal, the defense said.

He will face charges including sexual assault of a child who has attained the age of 12 years. He is also facing separate charges of violating liberty restrictions, which limit where service members are allowed to go.

Attorney Gary Barthel, who is not representing Rosario but attended his August hearing, said the defense is trying to prove he did not know the girl's age.

'It is a legal defense if he reasonably believed that she was of age, and I think that's what the defense pointed out, not only that he believed she was of age, but there were other witnesses who also thought she was of age,' Barthel told CBS 8.

The unnamed girl went missing on June 10 and her family has claimed she was sold to a Marine stationed at the base as a sex slave.

Officials previously confirmed Rosario was the same male seen in a video posted to social media that showed a soldier being led away in handcuffs by military police outside one of the camp's barracks on July 2.

That video was recorded less than four days after the unnamed girl was found at one of the barracks, sparking the investigation.

The unnamed girl was missing for 18 days when she was found at Camp Pendleton in California

A leaked photo online shows what appears to be a handwritten logbook from Camp Pendleton that states that an 'underage female' was found in room 343

Casaundra Perez, the girl's aunt, claimed investigators have tried to lay blame on the minor and get the incident 'swept under the rug.'

'[Investigators] were accusing [my niece] of communicating with the Marine, and saying that he was her boyfriend, but she doesn't even know the Marine's name,' Perez told the Los Angeles Times.

A leaked photo posted online showed what appeared to be a handwritten logbook from the San Diego-area base that states that an 'underage female' was found in room 343. It mentions, however, that the girl was 13.

It is unclear why the ages differ. DailyMail.com could not verify the authenticity of the page.
The transgender CEO of an endometriosis charity had to be pressed today into using the word 'woman' and admitted the disease affected women in a car-crash BBC interview.

Steph Richards, 71, told presenter Emma Barnett - who has the condition herself - that '29 men' also suffered from it during the heated row.

And in another excruciating moment the trans activist insisted the widely used slur Terf - used frequently to attack the likes of author JK Rowling - was embraced by some people and seen as 'really positive'.

In the exchange on Radio 4's Woman's Hour both the controversial CEO and the Endometriosis South Coast charity founder Ms Hughes defended the appointment.

But the flashpoint occurred when Ms Barnet pointed out Ms Richards had not used the word woman in a statement.

She asked her: 'There is a concern that as a trans activist, now running, being the CEO of an endometriosis charity for women, that you will not preserve the importance of things like the word "woman" and that experience because in your statement on X, 10% you say of those assigned female at birth suffer from this awful disease. Is the word you are looking for there, woman?'

Critics have labelled Steph Richard's appointment as 'an insult to women' and 'an absolute disaster' (pictured is Ms Richards)

Woman's Hour host Emma Barnett, seen here attending the Women of the Year Lunch & Awards at The Royal Lancaster Hotel on October 16, 2023

The CEO hit back: 'I look at woman, but also look at the issue of trans men and non-binary people. Theres something like 5,000 trans men who have endometriosis who probably feel absolutely rather left out. Theres also non-binary people'.

Ms Barnett cut in 'but the vast majority are women', before Ms Richards then insisted 'yes of course the vast majority are women, does that mean we should leave behind trans men Emma?

'Im happy to use the word woman, I realise the vast majority of endometriosis affects women. Youll also know theres 29 cases of endometriosis found in men.'

Ms Richards was then challenged on her use of the word Terf - which is an acronym for Trans Exclusionary Radical Femnists.

The activist insisted: 'The term Terf can be seen by some as a slur, and others actually embrace it as being something really positive.

'I was brought into Endometriosis South Coast to raise the awareness of endometriosis full stop and also raise the profile of Endometriosis South Coast. Its pretty amazing that in five days Ive achieved that and the vehicle thats done that is transphobia.'

Endometriosis South Coast was this week condemned by women's rights campaigners after the organisation - which offers support to sufferers of the agonising womb condition - named Ms 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 broken her silence and accused her critics of 'transphobia'.

In a lengthy statement released on X, formerly Twitter, a defiant Ms Richards insisted: 'My birth sex doesn't come into it - my CV does.'

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

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.

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.'

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 was 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 Ms Hughes, who was diagnosed with Endometriosis at the age of 29.

She 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 looked 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 ESC'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'.
Bodycam footage shows federal agents shooting a wheelchair-bound man 11 times without identifying themselves in Idaho in May

A homeless man who was left paralyzed after a group of plain clothes federal officers shot him 11 times as they tried to arrest him and his family for overstaying on public land is suing officials for $50 million.

The shooting, which occurred in May 2023, was recorded on one of the officer's body cameras in Payette National Forest, 50 miles from the Oregon border.

The clip shows officers arresting Brooks Roberts' brother, Timber, and holding him close to the disused school bus where the brothers lived with their mother, Judy, in the Idaho wilderness.

Timber, 35, calls out for help and just seconds later, Brooks, 39, appears on the screen, in a wheelchair and holding his arm out towards the officers. The footage then moves as officers duck for cover.

From there, 11 shots can be heard, all from guns of the federal agents. In the aftermath, Brooks can be heard apologizing and telling the officers that he did not know they were cops. His lawyers say that one of those bullets is now lodged in his spine permanently.

The shocking moment a plainclothes officer shot a homeless disabled man was captured on bodycam footage

Brooks Roberts, 39, was shot 11 times in the incident, and is suing for $50 million

The officers do not identify themselves to Brooks. The shooting saw him hospitalized for five months. He was released in September. He is now paralyzed from the waist down and uses diapers.

The shooting part of an elaborate sting operation which saw two of the officers approach Timber and say that they needed help with their RV. When he came to help, they attempted to arrest him.

'I thought he was being carjacked and that they either could have stabbed or shot him. I thought they were carjackers,' Brooks told local news station KTVB7.

In the shocking footage, Brooks can be heard telling the officers: 'I'm sorry, I thought my brother was being attacked. I didn't know you guys were cops.'

Brooks was permitted to be armed under Idaho's open carry laws.

At the time of his arrest, Timber was wanted on disorderly conduct charges.

In an interview with the Idaho Statesman, the family's lawyer said that they had been forced to live off the grid in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

'Federal police officers planned in secret to arrest this homeless family on minor misdemeanor offenses by preying on their good graces. Officers knew that the family would help two people that they thought were stranded motorists,' family attorney Craig Durham told The Intercept in September.

'Its a shame that in the wealthiest nation on earth, our federal government will expend so many resources to hassle a homeless family, botch an arrest so badly, and permanently injure someone, rather than just help them find a place to live,' he went on.

The clip shows officers arresting Brooks Roberts' brother, Timber, and holding him close to the disused school bus where the brothers lived with their mother

The shooting part of an elaborate sting operation that left, although the officers did not immediately identify themselves

Brooks and his family were left homeless by the Covid-19 pandemic and were living in rural Idaho

When the situation escalates, the bodycam footage shows the officers unleashing a barrage of bullets at the homeless man

Lawyers say the family is seeking $50 million due to pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life and trauma.

The family began battling hard times in 2020 when Judy lost her job while recovering from a car accident and Brooks was injured while working at Walmart, forcing him to regularly use a wheelchair.

According to the Idaho Statesman, Judy had provided for her two sons who suffered from mental problems and never graduated high school.

The hard times saw them resorted to living on public lands after they were told that there was no space in emergency shelters.

In 2021, Judy was forced into a double amputation after her feet froze thanks to living cold floor of the school bus. This forced Timber, who had been living with a woman, to move back to the school bus.

During their time living on public land, they regularly quarreled with law enforcement. Officials allege that Timber once told law enforcement that the home was booby trapped and that trespassers could be majorly injured.

A local resident, Randy Hickman, of McCall, Idaho, told KTVB that Timber once threatened him with a knife.

'I see a guy standing outside my vehicle. He wants something, I dont know what it is. So, I open the door, get out and say what do you need?,' Hickman said.

'He walked back over to a Chevy pickup [...] and picked up a knife off the tailgate," he added. "He shook the knife and started back toward me. That made it pretty easy for me to see I needed not to be here.'

The homeless man and his family are seeking $50 million dollars due to pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life and trauma

This past May, authorities decided to move on the Roberts family as multiple misdemeanor charges were filed.

All three have agreed with prosecutors to plead guilty and will not face any further jail time.

There are around 2,000 homeless people in Idaho. Rules state that people can only stay on state land for 14 days and then have to move 25 miles away, waiting four weeks before returning to the original spot.

The family said that the complied with that order until they ran out of places to go.
Israel claimed to have found military equipment and 'terror infrastructure' during their search of Gaza's largest hospital today.

'We have discovered weapons and other things. We entered the hospital on the basis of actionable intelligence,' Mark Regev, an advisor to the Israeli Prime Minister announced on Wednesday after nearly a week spent encircling the facility.

The news broke as Israeli troops finally began to withdraw from the beleaguered hospital, according to a journalist trapped inside. Israel alleges that al-Shifa is sat on top of a secret underground Hamas base, claims Hamas and the hospital deny.

A senior Israeli official made similar claims without providing evidence, saying 'IDF soldiers have already found weapons and other terror infrastructure' earlier today.

'In the last hour, we saw concrete evidence that Hamas terrorists used the Shifa hospital as a terror headquarters,' the official said.

Hamas has rubbished the claims, saying in a statement on behalf of the group: '(This claim) is nothing but a continuation of the lies and cheap propaganda, through which (Israel) is trying to give justification for its crime aimed at destroying the health sector in Gaza.'

The withdrawal also came as the United States dismissed claims it had given Israel the green light to launch military operations into al-Shifa.

'We did not give an OK to their military operations around the hospital,' National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Wednesday after Hamas said President Joe Biden was 'wholly responsible' for the raid on al-Shifa.

Israeli soldiers walk at the Al Shifa hospital complex, amid their ground operation against Hamas in this still image from handout video obtained November 15, 2023

Video grabs appear to show medics evacuating patients from Al Shifa hospital during raid

Israel has said for years that Hamas has used Al Shifa, the largest hospital in Gaza, as a cover for their operations. Hamas and hospital staff have repeatedly denied this.

Officials have also suggested that some of the 240 captives seized by Hamas after the initial incursion into southern Israel on October 7 might be held under the Gazan hospitals.

But military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hecht said the raid on al-Shifa, which has been encircled since Friday, was not focused on hostages.

'We were focused on bringing intelligence and dismantling certain capabilities that we had intelligence on,' he said.

An anonymous military official told Reuters that four gunmen, ostensibly with Hamas, were killed in a firefight outside the hospital as Israeli soldiers sought to enter.

He added that soldiers had interrogated individuals found in the area they were searching.

'I have an understanding that one of them is Hamas,' he said.

Dozens of Israeli soldiers, some wearing face masks and firing guns in the air, entered the sprawling al-Shifa hospital earlier today in what the IDF called a 'precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area' of the facility.

They ordered around 1,000 male Palestinians seeking refuge in the hospital to enter the vast courtyard outside, where some were stripped naked by Israeli soldiers checking them for weapons and explosives, a journalist trapped inside said.

Scores of corpses lay on the courtyard outside the hospital, local footage has shown, including the charred corpse of a child caught up in the violence.

Inside, too, Palestinian doctors urged they were pinned down by Israeli snipers, unable to get essentials into the facility.

'We are under siege,' said Munir al-Boursh, a doctor who is also a Palestinian health ministry undersecretary, speaking from inside Dar al-Shifa hospital earlier this week.

Only yesterday, a Hamas spokesperson said there were about 100 bodies decomposing inside the hospital 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,' Al-Qidra, Gaza's health ministry spokesman, said on Tuesday.

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

Earlier today, Hecht appeared to backtrack on Israel's earlier insistence that the Hamas headquarters are definitely located in tunnels underneath the hospital.

'[Hamas infrastructure] is potentially under the hospital, and it's something we're working on. It'll take us time. This war is a complex war,' Hecht said.

Hamas terrorists had already denied the claim that soldiers had found weapons and 'other terror infrastructure' in the hospital.

'(This claim) is nothing but a continuation of the lies and cheap propaganda, through which (Israel) is trying to give justification for its crime aimed at destroying the health sector in Gaza,' Hamas said.

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.

But 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.

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.

Hecht said the Israeli forces went into a specific area inside the hospital during the raid, adding: 'There wasn't an all-out attack'. He said fire was exchanged before the Israeli soldiers moved into the hospital but insisted there was 'no engagement whatsoever' once they entered.

Hecht said the raid at al-Shifa was not focused on rescuing hostages. Israeli officials have previously suggested that some of the 240 hostages seized by Hamas terrorists when they went on the rampage in Israel on October 7 might be located underneath Gazan hospitals.

'We were focused on bringing intelligence and dismantling certain capabilities that we had intelligence on,' he said.

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.

This morning, Israeli tanks 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.

Israeli soldiers inside a military vehicle are seen on their way to storm the Al Shifa hospital in this picture released by the IDF

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

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'.

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.

Hours after the raid began, a senior official with Gaza's Hamas-controlled Health Ministry said Israeli soldiers were still operating inside al-Shifa hospital.

Speaking by phone from the hospital, Munir al-Boursh said Israeli soldiers ransacked the basement and other buildings, including those housing the emergency and surgery departments.

'They are still here... patients, women and children are terrified,' he said. He said doctors vowed to stay with their patients 'till the end.'

Al-Boursh called for the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross to secure a safe corridor for patients, medical staff and displaced families trapped in the facility to leave.

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.

International concern over the fate of the people inside the hospital has been steadily increasing, especially as the civilian toll in Gaza has climbed during the war.

'The protection of newborns, patients, medical staff and all civilians must override all other concerns,' UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said on X, formerly Twitter. '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.

The White House reiterated its concerns for the safety of civilians shortly after the raid began.

'We do not support striking a hospital from the air and we don't want to see a firefight in a hospital,' a National Security Council spokesperson said.

Earlier, the White House had said that US intelligence sources corroborated Israel's claim that Hamas and another Palestinian militant group, Islamic Jihad, had buried an operational 'command and control node' under Al-Shifa.

Citing the Hamas-run health ministry, UN humanitarian agency OCHA said 40 patients had died in Al-Shifa on Tuesday, while hospital director Abu Salmiya said 179 bodies had been interred in a mass grave inside the complex.

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 condition

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.

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.'

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 father of Hamas hostage Emily Hand wept as he voiced fears his eight-year-old will be 'broken' in the tunnels of Gaza by conditions he compared to the Holocaust.

Emily was snatched from her bed at the Kibbutz Be'eri while visiting a friend for a sleepover when thousands of armed terrorists swarmed across the nearby Gaza border on October 7.

Her father Thomas Hand rejoiced when he was initially told she was among the 1,400 killed in the attack, given the horrors awaiting the 240 hostages dragged back to Gaza.

And he fought back tears ahead of her ninth birthday on Friday as he admitted he still cannot imagine what she is going through, but he insisted he 'can't let my feelings interfere with getting her back'.

'You know, she is not going to come back, none of them are going to come back the way they went in,' he told CNN today.

'I don't want to think of what conditions she's in. Could be like the cattle, train carts in the Second World War.

Thomas Hand wept as he imagined the conditions his eight-year-old daughter Emily is being held in the tunnels under Gaza after being kidnapped by Hamas on October 7

Emily, who turns nine on Friday, found herself among 240 Hamas hostages after she was snatched from her bed at the Kibbutz Be'eri while visiting a friend for a sleepover

Hamas fighters have spent decades digging tunnels under the Gaza enclave where the hostages are thought to be held in unknown conditions

'They were just all in a cattle car and pee and poo where you stood.'

But he promised to 'give her the world' in a bid to repair the damage if she returns as backchannel negotiations over the hostages' fate take place in Qatar.

'They are going to be mentally and physically and emotionally broken, and that's going to take a lot of fixing.

'I'm not going to send her to school for at least a year. We're going to give her the world. Just happy times. And fix her.'

He said a trip to Disney World was among his plans as he campaigns to secure her release.

'I don't watch the news. I haven't got time for it. It's just full on get Emily back,' he added.

The Irish-born dad reflected on how he felt when Israeli authorities told him his 'exceptional' daughter was among the thousands caught up in the Hamas attack.

'They said "We found Emily. She's dead", and I just went "Yes!" I went "yes", and I smiled, because that is the best news of the possibilities that I knew.

'She was a little angel and she actually looked like an angel,' Emily's father told the Irish Times, 'she was very, very sociable and she loved music'

Dublin-born Thomas Hand with his daughters Emily and Natali

'I'll spend all my money, every penny I've got to give her fun to make up for everything that she's lost and everything she's going through,' he told one newspaper

The Israeli 401st Brigade Combat Team claims to have uncovered this entrance to a Hamas tunnel near the Rantisi hospital in Gaza

'I actually keep her in a special place, and I don't want to imagine what she's going through,'

'She was either dead, or in Gaza. And if you know anything about what they do to people in Gaza, that is worse than death.

'They'd have no food. They'd have no water. She'd be in a dark room filled with Christ knows how many people, and terrified every minute, hour, day, and possible years to come.

'So death was a blessing. An absolute blessing.'

Today he said he cannot cope with the realization that his little girl is being held hostage at the heart of Hamas's underground terror network as the battle rages around her.

'I can't. I actually keep her in a special place, and I don't want to imagine what she's going through,' he said.

'Every day, 38 days now. I can't think about it. It would be too painful.

'She is down in the tunnels of Gaza with Hamas. I don't want to think of what conditions she's in. How she is being treated. How she is being fed. How she is -- if she has been given water. Just has she got a toothbrush?'

President Joe Biden raised hopes on Tuesday that a deal could be struck between Israel and Hamas to free the hostages in exchange for a pause in the Israeli attack on Gaza which has claimed over 11,000 Palestinian lives.

And Hamas's military wing, the Qassam Brigades, said in a statement last night that negotiations were focusing on the possible release of 70 women and children in exchange for a five-day pause in the fighting, as backchannel talks continue in Qatar.

But Hand said he had 'very, very little' information on his daughter or what chances there are for her release.

'I know for a fact that she's not dead,' he said.

'You know for a fact that she was led away by Hamas terrorists. There are eyewitness accounts of it.

'Someone saw her being led away. Her and her friend and her friend's mother.'

'You know, America has a lot of influence all over the world. If he (Biden) says that, obviously, he knows more than I do, and every little bit of information gives us hope that we can get Emily and at least the children and babies out of Gaza.'

'We have been working non-stop to put pressure on all the governments all over the world to do their best to get, particularly my little Emily, back home,' Hand said.

'She is an Irish citizen, so we put a lot of pressure on the Irish government.

'We are doing everything that we possibly can to get her home, and all the hostages. At least the children.

'They could start off with the babies and the children.

'They've got babies being kidnapped over there.'

He said the support he has received from well-wishers across the world has been 'tremendous' and 'we just keep moving forward'.

'Yeah, the campaign is viral, I suppose you'd called it, and it's been great, the support that we're being given,' he said.

'I don't have time to look at the interviews. I don't watch the news. I haven't got time for it. It's just full on get it Emily back.'
A reckless driver who crashed into a retired nurse at 118 miles per hours while driving in a 30mph zone has been jailed for seven years.

Trent Simm, 25, was sentenced yesterday to seven years and four months in prison after admitting he caused the death of Doris Bridgehouse by dangerous driving.

He also pleaded guilty to causing serious injury to her daughter Amanda Holmes and his passenger Aaron Scott in the crash in Littleborough, Lancashire, on May 13.

In emotional scenes at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court, Judge Neil Usher heard testimony that Simm drove at speeds which victims said 'were liable to kill someone.'

The father-of-one was also slapped with a five year driving ban when released.

Trent Simm, 25, was sentenced yesterday to seven years and four months in prison after admitting he caused the death of Doris Bridgehouse by dangerous driving

Doris Bridgehouse, 82, was driving her daughter and grandson in her Kia Venga at 27mph when Trent Simm lost control of his Audi S3 at 118mph on a nearside bend and swerved into her path

The court heard Mrs Bridgehouse had been out that evening visiting her grandson's university presentation; and had driven her daughter and grandson Max for the special occasion.

Grieving daughter Ms Holmes said: 'It has changed my family and I forever, given my son Max the most dreadful, shocking, and incomprehensible memories and had a catastrophic impact on both my sons' lives.

'You have robbed me and my sons of [saying] "goodbye" to mum and nan; and me of the being the mum that I want to be to my sons right now.

'This is very difficult, and you are going to have to live with your actions for the rest of your life.

'As much as you have destroyed the dynamics of our family, I think that you have also destroyed a part of your own. I do not feel sorry for you at all.

'Driving at those speeds, you are liable to kill someone and you did. So actions have consequences and here we are. Rest in peace, mum.'

Greater Manchester Police was called to a serious collision on Halifax Road in Rochdale on May 13 last year at around 10.55pm.

Officers attended and enquiries revealed that Simm was driving an Audi S3 at excessive speed when he lost control on a nearside bend.

His car crossed over onto the opposing carriage way and collided with a Kia Venga travelling in the opposite direction.

Emergency services inspected the Kia and found Mrs Bridgehouse, who was the driver, dead at the scene. Her daughter and grandson, who were passengers in the vehicle, survived the crash.

Mrs Bridgehouse's Kia Venga was almost completely destroyed in the crash. Mrs Bridgehouse died at the scene while her daughter Amanda and grandson Max were lucky to survive

Simm's Audi S3 was also a write-off after the horrific collision

CCTV evidence shows the Kia was travelling at an average speed of 27 mph when it was struck by the Audi S3, which was going at around 118 mph.

Sgt Louise Warhurst, from Greater Manchester Police, said: 'What had started out as a special celebratory occasion for Doris and her family ended in tragedy when through no fault of her own, she encountered Trent Simm driving his Audi S3 at manifestly dangerous speeds.

'Trent Simm was treating the public highway as his personal racetrack, reaching astonishing speeds of 118mph in a 30mph residential area.

'He had no regard whatsoever for the safety of all other members of the public using the roads in Rochdale that evening.

'I would like to thank all the members of the public that tried to assist Doris and her family at the scene of this collision and everyone that came forward to assist the police with their investigation.

'I would like to thank the family, friends and loved ones of Doris, who have conducted themselves with dignity throughout this investigation.

'I would also like to remind those who think they can ignore the speed limit to think twice before using their car at high speeds.

'Your actions can devastate innocent members of the public in a split second and no one deserves to lose a loved one this way.

'Dangerous drivers will not be tolerated in our communities.

'Greater Manchester Police will deal with them robustly to keep people safe from illegal and irresponsible drivers.'
A former New York Public Defender caught tearing down posters of murdered and kidnapped Israelis claims she is 'under attack' and is receiving support from a GoFundMe page.

Victoria Ruiz resigned from her post after footage of her pulling down the posters at a Pro-Palestine vigil was circulated online.

Now friends of Ruiz have raised more than $20,000 to 'help out with legal fees' and 'living costs between jobs' the New York Post reported.

'Our incredible friend is under attack' organizer Joey La Neve DeFrancesco, who is one of Ruiz's bandmates in the well-known punk rock band Downtown Boys, wrote on the page.

By Wednesday morning, the campaign, which was verified to The Post by GoFundMe staff, had raised over $21,500 of its $30,000 goal.

Victoria Ruiz stepped down as a New York Public defender after shocking footage of her ripping down posters of murdered and kidnapped Israelis circulated online

Friends of Victoria Ruiz established a GoFundMe page to support her legal and living costs

The fundraiser's top donors included several anonymous individuals who contributed between $500 to $1,000, according to the Post.

Ruiz 'apologized' after being condemned online for her brazen actions.

'I apologize to anyone who was hurt or confused by my actions at a vigil last week that were depicted in a video that went viral over the weekend,' she said in a note obtained by 1010WINS.

In her resignation statement Ruiz claimed the video, that was seen by more than 10 million people, 'misrepresented' her actions and led to 'false accusations.'

'This viral video misrepresented my actions and has led to false accusations. I regret taking down two posters that had egregious depictions and words justifying killing children,' she wrote.

'I was deeply offended by the statements on the posters, and went over to take that poster down,' she continued.

'At that point, the individual from the group approached me and started recording the video, verbally misrepresenting on the video what I was doing and what I was taking issue with.'

The footage shows Ruiz smirking while tearing down the flyers, before she is interrupted by someone who asked: 'Why are you taking down pictures of missing children? Why are you taking down pictures of babies?'

The video quickly went viral, with viewers identifying Ruiz as a Trial Attorney from Brooklyn who works at the New York County Defender Services office

The former New York County Defender released a statement after facing backlash, saying they 'strongly condemn' Ruiz's actions and called her behavior 'highly insensitive'

Ruiz refused to respond and instead walks away, still smirking in the video posted by the StopAntisemitism X account.

Video of Ruiz quickly went viral, with viewers identifying her as a Trial Attorney from Brooklyn who works at the New York County Defender Services office.

The New York County Defender services released a statement after facing backlash, saying they 'strongly condemn' Ruiz's actions and called her behavior 'highly insensitive.'

'We strongly condemned the highly insensitive action,' the organization said in a statement.

'It has come to our attention that one of our attorneys, Victoria Ruiz, recently attended a public vigil solely in her capacity as a private citizen, NYCDS spokesperson Lupe Todd-Medina told 1010 WINS.

'Some of her actions at the event have drawn sharp criticism and we strongly condemn them as highly insensitive.'

In addition to her job defending Manhattan suspects, Ruiz is also a member of 'The Downtown Boys,' an American punk rock formed in 2011 in Providence, Rhode Island

The group, which the Rolling Stone dubbed as 'America's Most Exciting Punk Band' performed on the news show Democracy Now! in the past

He added that Ruiz had 'apologized to those who were hurt or confused by her actions.'

'After an internal review, and a pledge by all involved to do better, we accept this apology and now refocus on the vigorous pursuit of our mission: achieving justice and dignity for every individual we represent.'

Ruiz's profile has since been removed from the NYCDS website.

In addition to her job defending Manhattan suspects, Ruiz is also a member of 'The Downtown Boys,' an American punk rock formed in 2011 in Providence, Rhode Island.

The group, which the Rolling Stone dubbed as 'America's Most Exciting Punk Band' performed on the news show Democracy Now! in the past.
A transgender activist who went topless at the White House after meeting Joe Biden at a Pride parade claims she was 'slut-shamed' and 'received death threats daily.'

Rose Montoya, 27, unhooked the top of her dress and grabbed her chest on the South Lawn as someone shouted, 'are we topless at the White House?' in June. She was one of thousands invited to a Pride Month concert on the South Lawn.

In a new opinion piece, Montoya claims the US has a problem with oversexualizing the female body - including when women want to 'bare their chests' in public - as she did at the presidential helm in Washington DC.

Montoya - who started her transition in 2015 - made clear that she thinks criticizing people for showing off their chests during 'moments of joy and pride' or 'in protest' is wrong and is sexist.

She called for the end of the over-sexualization of trans women, after adult site PornHub reported a 75 percent increase in searches for trans explicit content.

Writing on social media, Montoya said: 'Everything I posted in June was met with over-sexualized comments, transphobic rhetoric, and hateful vitriol.'

Rose Montoya, 27, claims the US has a problem with oversexualizing the female body - including when women want to 'bare their chests' in public - as she did at the White House

The 27-year-old unhooked the top of her dress and grabbed her chest on the South Lawn as someone shouted, 'are we topless at the White House?' in June

She added: 'I found it paradoxical how the same people could slut-shame me for being a woman, while simultaneously calling me a man.'

In a letter published by TIME, Montoya wrote: 'In a society where only about four in 10 Americans personally know someone who is transgender, most people are left with only depictions of us, with millions of those being pornographic.

'This is paired with a political system where our healthcare and our right to exist often gets weaponized for votes. As a result, trans people are too often limited to being seen as sex objectsrather than people worthy of dating, falling in love, marrying, or creating families.

'Oftentimes, cisgender males are afraid that their interest in trans women calls their manhood and sexuality into question. In other words, they fear that being attracted to us makes them gay and to be gay, in their worldview, is to not be a "real" man.

'In my personal life, ex-partners have sold and leaked my private photos without my consent to other men shortly after I broke up with them or when they feared the relationship ending.

'Cisgender and transgender alike, men I trusted and who I thought loved and respected me, chose to violate my privacy and my body for profit.'

Montoya is seen with Joe Biden, and declaring: 'Trans rights are human rights'

Montoya will not be invited to future White House events, said the press secretary

The Idaho-born model, who began transitioning in 2015, often films herself online in her 'Trans 101' segment, explaining things like how to be an ally.

Montoya has been open about her September 2020 breast augmentation, November 2020 trachea shave - to remove an Adam's apple, and March 2021 genioplasty, which makes the chin more feminine. Montoya has not undergone bottom surgery.

She said about baring breasts in public: 'While its no secret that the U.S. has a historic problem with oversexualizing the feminine body...

'The public shaming of celebrities and athletes who embrace moments of joy and pride by baring their chests, to the demonization of feminist activists who have removed their tops and bras in protest...

'Sexism has always been most amplified among those with intersecting marginalized identities. As a result, the over-sexualization of trans women is that much harder to grapple with and undo.

'People have shamed me for having a large chest and curves and celebrating my bodily experience of womanhood, while simultaneously alleged Im a man lying about being a woman."'

'We must put an end to the over-sexualization [of] trans women.'

At the time of her stripping down in June, White House spokesperson said in a statement to DailyMail.com: 'This behavior is inappropriate and disrespectful for any event at the White House.

'It is not reflective of the event we hosted to celebrate LGBTQI+ families or the other hundreds of guests who were in attendance. Individuals in the video will not be invited to future events.'
Do YOU know the driver of the car?

Shocked motorway cops have revealed the moment they pulled over a car to find 15 people, including four children, packed inside - all not wearing a seatbelt.

Police stopped the 'overloaded' seven-seater Vauxhall Zafira as it travelled through Cheshire this morning.

North West Motorway Police posted about the incident after spotting the motor on the M62 with two people for every seat in the motor.

The driver and 10 other adults not wearing seatbelts in the cramped car were issued Traffic Offence Reports.

In a Tweet the motorway cops wrote: 'This vehicle was stopped by a Cheshire motorway patrol on M62 as the vehicle looked overloaded. They were shocked to find 15 people in the vehicle (including children), all unrestrained.'

Do YOU know the driver of the car? Email tom.cotterill@mailonline.co.uk

Police stopped the 'overloaded' seven-seater Vauxhall Zafira as it travelled through Cheshire this morning.

Cops later tweeted about their 'shock' after finding the packed motor

A spokesman for Cheshire police told MailOnline: 'At around 11.30 officers stopped a black Vauxhall Zafira on the M62 near to junction 9, Winwick.

'Upon approaching the vehicle officers found that there were 15 people inside the car (11 adults and four children) who were not wearing seatbelts.

'Officers escorted the vehicle off the motorway and all the adults were issued with Traffic Offence Reports.'

News of the bizarre pulling over left people on social media astonished, with one saying the officers' actions 'may well have save a lot of innocent lives'.

Another person wrote: 'How on earth did 15 fit in that!?! I can't fathom how it was possible!!'

'15!!!!! How? Like one of those Russian dolls?' wrote anther on X, formerly known as Twitter, while a third added: 'Zafira or a clown car? How on earth do 15 people fit in that?'

Others appeared to see the lighter side of things, with one person joking: 'You should notify the Guinness book of records!'

Another added: 'They need to go on Britains Got Talent with that trick.'

Do YOU know the driver of the car? Email tom.cotterill@mailonline.co.uk
Caerphilly and Barry could be renamed as language campaigners push for 'Welsh names for Welsh places'.

Snowdonia has already been renamed and Brecon Beacons ditched but more 'English-sounding' place names in Wales could be axed.

A petition calling for 'Welsh names for Welsh places' has won sympathy from a Labour Government minister to end English spellings of well-known tourist towns.

It would mean that Caerphilly cheese would become Caerffili Cheese - and TV comedy Gavin and Stacey's beloved seaside home town would switch from Barry to Barri in the latest English purge.

A 1,300 petition presented to the Cardiff-based Senedd by linguist Mihangel ap Rhisiart called for the use of 'only Welsh names for places in Wales'.

He also hit out at the 'cultural oppression' by the English against Welsh speakers.

Campaigners are pushing to axe English spellings of Welsh places which would see Gavin and Stacey's seaside town change from Barry to Barri

While Caerphilly cheese would become Caerffili Cheese. A 1,300 petition has been presented to the Cardiff-based Senedd by linguist Mihangel ap Rhisiart

Labour's Welsh Language Minister Jeremy Miles - a contender to take over from First Minister Mark Drakeford - said there was 'a strong argument' for using just the Welsh in some cases.

Mr ap Rhisiart said it would show 'respect for Wales as its own nation with its own history and culture; and as a mark of acknowledgement concerning some of the cultural oppression that has historically been inflicted on Wales and her language and culture'.

He added: 'English names might initially continue to be used by some out of habit but in all official avenues and in both spoken and written media, the original Welsh names for places in Wales should be used'.

Minister Mr Miles said: 'We should aim for one spelling when there are only a few letters of difference between the Welsh and English versions'.

It would mean that places with distinctive English names like Cardiff, Swansea or Newport would not be automatically changed to Caerdydd, Abertawe or Casnewydd because of the differences.

But Caerphilly would be changed to Caerffili, Merthyr Tydfil to Merthyr Tudful and Treorchy to Treorchi to fit in with Welsh as the only official name.

It would mean road signs and other official documents being altered over time.

Brecon Beacons national park has already rebranded itself as Bannau Brycheiniog. But Conservative Welsh Secretary David TC Davies says it'll always be known as Brecon Beacons

The crackdown follows a campaign for Anglesey to only be known by its Welsh name of Ynys Mon - despite a backlash from locals.

Mr Miles warned of local battles with people objecting to place names being changed.

Lawyer Mr Miles said: 'We've seen in the past how changing only one letter in the name of a town or village, or adding a hyphen in order to standardise orthography can lead to strong disagreements in local communities.

'I therefore continue to believe that we need to find a way of reflecting the wider range of perspectives and implications which exist.'

Snowdonia officially became known as Eryri and the Brecon Beacons national park rebranded itself as Bannau Brycheiniog.

But it faced huge opposition - with even Prime Minister Rishi Sunak saying he would use the old name of the Brecon Beacons.

National park bosses were accused by both UK Government ministers and Welsh Conservatives for attempting to look 'trendy' with the move.

The park's management said the decision was made because of links to wood-burning, carbon-emitting blazing beacons - which are not eco-friendly.

Conservative Welsh Secretary David TC Davies said he had 'no prior notice' of the name change.

Snowdonia has officially became known as Eryri. National park bosses were accused by both UK Government ministers and Welsh Conservatives for attempting to look 'trendy'

He said: 'What concerns me is the fact there was no consultation and people who live and work in the national park were not given the opportunity to voice their opinion. It would be somewhat alarming if this was an entirely executive decision.

'The Brecon Beacons has a long-standing international identity and that is the name it will always be known by to so many around the world.

'I do question the cost and feel this is money that could have been used to encourage tourism in a better way. As a bilingual country, I fail to understand why the Welsh name cannot be used alongside the English name.'

Bannau means peaks in Welsh while Brycheiniog refers to the kingdom of the fifth-century king Brychan. Mount Snowdon is also officially called Yr Wyddfa as part of the Eryri mountain range.
Some weather presenters landed their jobs for simply being 'deemed attractive enough to be on TV' despite having no experience in meteorology or journalism, BBC weather's Sara Thornton claimed.

The degrading 'weather girl' stereotype has come under fire this week after Sam Fraser, who has worked as a stand-in presenter for BBC South Today since 2012, revealed her shock at how 'fetishised' the job had become online.

The presenter said the 'dangerous stereotype', fueled by years of misogyny and sexism, had created 'a culture of permission to demean, humiliate and objectify', noting how her bottom was even given its own fan club when she started the job.

While most weather presenters land their roles on prime television because of their experience in meteorology or presenting, it has been claimed that looks played a larger bigger role than their skill when some individuals were hired for the difficult job.

Ms Thornton told Business Insider last year: 'Normally, they've been a journalist or a meteorologist, but sometimes, you get people who are neither. They were just deemed attractive enough to be on TV.

Last year Sara Thornton - a fellow BBC weather presenter - spoke of the trials of being a female weather presenter

Sam Fraser has worked as a stand-in presenter for BBC South Today since 2012

'But it's an incredibly difficult job. We have to take an extremely complicated field of science and explain it in a way in which the layperson at home will understand and make it relevant to them.'

The weather presenter, who started her training with ITV in 2002, spoke of the obstacles she has continued to face over her career, pointing out that her qualifications were often 'questioned' more than that of her male counterparts.

Ms Thornton even claimed that one of her female superiors had told her to not take on the job, adding that 'it'll be the biggest mistake you ever make'.

The presenter, who now works at the BBC, said that female weather presenter's looks are always commented on - and not just on social media. She said that people would come up in the street candidly speaking about her weight or height.

'That doesn't happen to men,' the presenter added as she remarked that people would think she was pregnant if you 'put the tiniest bit of weight on'.

The comments reflecting the sexism within the field have resurfaced after Ms Fraser revealed she was investigating the fields stereotypes for a in new Radio 4 documentary, Scorchio! The Story of the Weather Girl.

'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, who started her training with ITV in 2002, spoke of the obstacles she has continued to face over her career, pointing out that her qualifications were often 'questioned' more than that of her male counterparts

Sam Fraser said she was initially flattered by comments about her appearance but they quickly became tiresome

'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.'

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.

BBC has been contacted.
A Chicago family who were attacked and robbed by carjackers in their driveway earlier this month have been targeted again by thieves.

Chicago police confirmed they responded to a call of a stolen vehicle at the 9300 block of South Pleasant at 7.30am on November 14.

The car was later recovered near the 9700 block of South Merrill. Police have yet to confirm if the thieves are the same men who attacked and stole the Pettiford family's first car only 12 days earlier.

Pettiford had been returning from a volleyball event with her daughter when they were held at gunpoint by two unidentified men on November 2.

After terrorizing Pettiford, the men managed to steal Pettiford's car and run away.

The Pettiford family was targeted again by thieves who stole their second car in Chicago on November 14

While the family has not commented on the news themselves, Chicago Alderman Matt O'Shea confirmed that they had been robbed

While the family has not commented on the incident, Chicago Alderman Matt O'Shea confirmed that they had been robbed a second time.

After the first incident, the family spoke out about their terrifying encounter to spread awareness among other residents in the area.

Footage recorded on the family's Ring camera showed one of the attackers pushing Pettiford to the ground and demanding her car keys while snatching her purse. The other one is seen running behind her daughter, who got inside their house and called the police.

'I thought that they might have been my sons friends because they had hoods up and they looked young and they were kind of lanky,' Pettiford said.

'And I started to kind of like, almost go towards them, because he wasnt home at the time, and then they started, like, running at me with guns.'

Michele Pettiford and her 12-year-old daughter were returning from a volleyball event when two unidentified men targeted them

Video then shows the attackers continuing to threaten Michele and rummaging through her purse while her husband, Jeff, walks out of their back door.

'The feeling and the sound; I'll never forget any of it, but that is probably going to stick around the longest,' Jeff told WBBM.

'She [the daughter] ran upstairs, used her phone, dialed 911. By the time we came back in, she was on the phone with 911; she handed it to me,' the distressed father said.

At one point, Michele is heard telling the carjackers the keys were in her purse while they feverishly searched for them.

Jeff is then seen trying to de-escalate the situation and pointing at his car parked in the driveway with the keys inside but one of the thieves manages to find Michele's keys and start her car.

The two suspects eventually jumped into her Audi A7 and drove off, leaving the traumatized parents on the ground in their own backyard.

Footage shows the attackers continuing to threaten Michele and rummaging through her purse while her husband, Jeff, walks out of their back door

At one point, Michele is heard telling the carjackers that the keys were in her purse while they feverishly searched for them

'I thought that I wasn't going to be here anymore,' Michele told the outlet.

'A carjacking isn't just somebody stealing a car,' Jeff said. 'When you see something like that and the trauma it causes a family, a wife, a daughter... then it becomes more real.'

'I looked at how they treated my wife and daughter  a 12-year-old  and I know that they will hurt and kill people, and they're out there now doing the same thing.'

Police earlier said two people were in custody for the November 2 carjacking but have not confirmed if both incidents are related.

As of early November, the Chicago Police Department has reported 25,269 motor vehicle thefts this year, which is a 56 percent increase from 2022 and a 193 percent increase from 2021.

The number is expected to rise as the year ends. Sources close to CPD say the department de-emphasizes solving these crimes to devote more resources to more serious crimes.
Hundreds of anti-oil, pro-Palestine protesters clashed with riot police outside the APEC summit in San Francisco ahead of president Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping's widely anticipated meeting on Wednesday.

A motorcade of around ten vehicles was stuck in front of a human barricade as police officers in riot gear tried to control the crowd of demonstrators on Fifth Street near Mission.

The demonstrators, wearing yellow vests, tried to block people from attending the CEO summit at the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum but were unsuccessful as attendees entered through an alleyway.

'We won't allow genocide to be normalized,' an organizer with the No APEC Coalition told the the San Francisco Standard.

The protesters chanted: 'Biden, Biden telling lies, you dont care if the planet dies' and 'Shut down APEC.'

The group is protesting corporate profits, environmental abuses, poor working conditions, the Israel-Hamas war and capitalism at large.

Protesters clashed with riot police as thousands of people descended into the streets of San Francisco to 'shut down' the APEC summit on Wednesday morning

The protesters have been yelling at summit attendants as they head inside the event for CEOs

The protesters chanted: 'Biden, Biden telling lies, you dont care if the planet dies'

'We won't allow genocide to be normalized,' an organizer said

The protesters have been yelling at summit attendants as they head inside the event for CEOs, telling them not to enter.

The CEOs of Microsoft, Google, ExxonMobil and Salesforce are some of the high-profile guests at the summit today.

Meanwhile Biden and Jingping are scheduled to meet at the Filoli country estate in San Mateo county, about 25 miles from San Francisco.

The two leaders, who last spoke a year ago, are hoping to stabilize U.S.-China relations after a period of tumult. Biden has said he is also prepared to confront his counterpart on difficult issues such as trade, Beijings burgeoning relationship with Iran and human rights concerns.

The outcome of the talks between two leaders who have known each other for decades could have far-reaching implications for an anxious world that is grappling with global economic cross currents from the pandemic, wars in the Middle East and Europe, upcoming elections in Taiwan and more.

The protesters have been yelling at summit attendants as they head inside the event, telling them not to enter

Protesters taunt people in suits during a rally in opposition to the summit

Police line up as they keep an eye on demonstrators outside of the APEC Summit Wednesday

The No APEC Coalition has described the summit as 'an exclusive and elitist country club of the rich representing the interests of big business,' as reported by SF Gate.

The group said on its website: 'We oppose APEC as a forum for corporations and institutions to push so-called "free trade" to exploit their workers and put the benefits of corporations over the rights of nations and peoples.

'APEC promotes so-called "free trade," which in reality means driving down wages, stealing land from peasants and indigenous people, driving forced migration, destroying the environment, plundering natural resources, and pumping up corporate profits.'

San Francisco officials conducted a massive clean-up in the lead up to the event so world dignitaries don't have to interact with the homeless during the APEC trade summit.

The unprecedented measures were designed to present a clean and shiny image during the summit, the city's biggest gathering of global leaders since 1945, and prevent the sorts of street spectacles that have battered the city's reputation.

The conference kicked off on Saturday and will run through November 17.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, his wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen greeted Chinese leader Xi Jinping as he exited his airplane on Tuesday.

Things are getting tense out here between protesters and riot police. Follow more via @sfchronicle pic.twitter.com/mH0kygwSrF  Aldo Toledo (@aldot29) November 15, 2023

The CEOs of Microsoft , Google and Salesforce are some of the high-profile guests at the summit today

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and his wife Jennifer wait to greet President Joe Biden at San Francisco International Airport as he arrived for the APEC summit on Tuesday

California Governor Gavin Newsom (R) and his partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom (L) look on as Chinese President Xi Jinping (C) greets guests at the airport

Activists protesting corporate profits, environmental abuses, poor working conditions and the Israel-Hamas war also marched in downtown San Francisco on Sunday.

Theyre opposed to the framing of 'supposed "clean" and "green" economies that are really propping up corporate profits,' said Nik Evasco, an organizer with the climate block of the No to APEC coalition.

'Any time there are so-called free trade deals, what weve seen historically is that its really about opening up pristine lands that go toward making money for corporations,' Evasco said.

APEC, a regional economic forum, was established in 1989 and has 21 member countries, including the worlds two largest economic superpowers  China and the U.S  as well as Mexico, Brazil and the Philippines.
A man is being hunted by police after being filmed launching a racist tirade at a pro-Palestinian protester travelling home following Saturday's demonstration.

The man is heard in the video calling protesters 'scumbags' and saying they need 'eradicating' after confronting a Muslim protester and grabbing her sign whilst travelling on the same train.

Onlookers are seen stepping in to protect the woman, who had been wearing a hijab, when the pair both disembarked at a railway station in Kent on Armistice Day.

The man, who is heard asking others in the video, 'Do you know what day it is?', is now being sought by the British Transport Police following the incident on Saturday.

The woman who recorded the video, who has asked not to be named, had been travelling from St Pancras International in central London after taking part in the protest calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.

The man (pictured) is heard in the video calling protesters 'scumbags' and saying they need 'eradicating' after confronting a Muslim protester and grabbing her sign whilst travelling on the same train

Whilst on the train home from London, the man in the video she filmed suddenly grabbed the homemade placard she had taken to the protest and screwed it up

Whilst on the train home from London, the man in the video she filmed suddenly grabbed the homemade placard she had taken to the protest and screwed it up.

The placard had borne a message from a former lecturer of hers, which read: 'Palestinians are not begging the world to acknowledge our humanity, it is the world's we are questioning - Rafeef Ziadah'.

On the message written on her placard, the woman explained: 'Rafeef was my former lecturer and she taught me so much about Palestine so I was proud to parade her words.'

She added she had been 'shocked and mortified' by the man's actions, and shouted after him asking why he had damaged her placard, but got no response.

After being comforted by a fellow passenger at Folkestone Central, the woman soon realised the man who had damaged her sign had also disembarked at the same station.

'We waited by the barrier in case the man had got off at the same stop,' she explained.

'It soon became clear that he had as he was shouting as he came down the platform.

'Luckily I had a group of people form a barrier around me to obstruct his view. I started filming for my safety.

'He proceeded to shout obscenities at me such as 'eradicate 'em all' and 'kill 'em off'.

'After he'd passed the barrier a bystander told him to leave me alone and the aggressor started swearing at him, shouting: 'Do you know what day it is?'.

'I was so mortified and terrified. Two lovely ladies escorted me to my dad's car who I had called because I did not feel safe walking home. I am still shaken up and can't believe speaking up would garner this much hatred.

'I am visibly Muslim. I recently started wearing hijab and it's sad that I was clearly targeted for following my religion.

Thousands of people attended the pro-Palestinian march in London last Saturday, November 11

Protesters marched through central London towards the US Embassy in solidarity with the Palestinian people

'But thankfully this has not shaken my faith and I intend to continue wearing hijab hopefully more regularly in the future and still fight for the liberation of Palestinians.

'I still have faith in humanity despite this and hope people can see me speaking up for this cause and be inspired to do the same.'

The woman added that she had gone to protest in order to exercise her freedom of speech in calling for a ceasefire in Palestine.

'I went through all of this for a ceasefire in Palestine and an end to the brutal occupation,' she said.

'I still can't believe speaking up against a genocide garners this much hatred, but I have faith in humanity that we can bring an end to this violence which has killed 11,000 Gazans including 6,000 children.

'I also hope my voice and my perseverance in speaking up can inspire others to do the same in pressuring our local MPs to vote for a ceasefire.

'If I have inspired one voice to speak out then what I went through would have been worth it.

'I want children to stop dying. Freedom of speech is important for me and I'll never ever stop using my voice so I hope to inspire others to use theirs too despite these lunatics and their incitement of violence.'

The British Transport Police have since released an appeal to locate the man in the video, relating to a 'racially aggravated altercation'.

They also attached a screenshot of the video, showing the man they are seeking, dressed in a white Samurai rugby top.

'Do you recognise this individual?', the appeal asked.

'The BTP are releasing this image following a racially aggravated altercation at Folkestone Station yesterday, 11 November.

'Detectives want to speak with the person in the image as they believe he may have information that could help their investigation.'
A handful of local politicians in a small Massachusetts town have stoked outrage by agreeing to a request for the Palestinian flag to be flown over the town common out of fear of upsetting a 19-year-old college student who demanded it.

The North Andover town select board agreed on Monday night to a request by student Selma Khayal, who appealed to them six hours before the town changed its rules to prevent anyone from requesting any flag to be flown over the common.

But out of fear of saying no to her and risking a lawsuit, and despite the protests of local Jewish residents, the board agreed.

Now, the flag will remain there for an entire month.

The North Andover town select board agreed to the request after much public debate

University student Selma Khayal submitted the request in writing on October 16

The Palestinian flag was raised above North Andover's town common on Tuesday

The flag was raised after a 'heated' meeting on Monday night

Selma's sister Jenna spoke at the town hall meeting where the issue was debated on Monday night.

She said the flag was neither hateful nor a 'terrorist flag'.

'Nobody should be protesting any other people's flag. We live in a free country, this is our first amendment right.

'We won't let anyone take that from us and we won't take that from anyone else,' Jenna told NBC Boston.

Selma, a finance student at Bentley University, has not spoken publicly since submitting the request.

Selma's sister Jenna spoke on her behalf at the town meeting on Monday night

Jenna said the flag would not be 'misconstrued as a terrorist flag'

Her sister spoke on her behalf at the town meeting, insisting the flag represents nothing but 'peace' and the Palestinian people.

The select board, in its concession, said they had to agree to the request because it was filed before a change in local laws.

Before the rule change on October 16, residents could request - and have approved - any flag to be flown over the town common. It was viewed as a public forum.

The rules were changed on October 16 to only allow any 'governmental' flags to be flown.

Rather than enforce the new rule, the select board granted Khayal's request.

While making up its mind, it said it had received threats of 'litigation', though it's unclear who had threatened the lawsuit.

The select board did not respond to DailyMail.com's inquiries.
It has taken the visit of a dictator to clean the mean streets of downtown San Francisco.

Once able to lay credible claim to the title Americas most beautiful city, since the pandemic it has degenerated into the poster child of American inner-city degradation, with iconic neighborhoods like the Tenderloin and South of Market swamped by the tented encampments of the homeless and the attendant rampant drug use, shootings, stabbings, ubiquitous street filth and general lawlessness, while city authorities and police have looked the other way.

Suddenly the squalor has gone  at least for now.

Chinas President Xi is in town. So are other Asian leaders and the worlds media, for this weeks grandly titled Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Conference, the biggest international jamboree hosted by San Francisco since 50 nations gathered there in 1945 to establish the United Nations.

Why, even President Biden is paying a visit, primarily for talks with Xi. This hardcore Democratic city just had to put on its best face  and its most recent face has been an embarrassment to city, state, party and country.

Chinas President Xi is in town. So are other Asian leaders and the worlds media, for this weeks grandly titled Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Conference, the biggest international jamboree hosted by San Francisco since 50 nations gathered there in 1945 to establish the United Nations. (Pictured: Xi arriving in San Francisco on Tuesday).

Why, even President Biden is paying a visit, primarily for talks with Xi. This hardcore Democratic city just had to put on its best face  and its most recent face has been an embarrassment to city, state, party and country. (Pictured: Xi meets California Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday after arriving in San Francisco).

So, before the Monster of Beijing touched down on Tuesday in the City by the Bay, the homeless were rounded up and herded into shelters. Streets and sidewalks were steam-cleaned, public spaces tarted up, police patrols multiplied. Public defecation ceased, needles no longer littered the streets. Legal impediments previously cited as a block to doing any of this mysteriously evaporated, like San Francisco fog when a strong sun comes up.

There is something hugely comical about all this, something distinctly third world for a city  for a country  which is meant to be one of the most sophisticated, prosperous, and high-tech on the globe.

For decades squalid capitals in developing nations carted off the poor and gave their street fronts a fresh lick of paint before visiting US presidents and other world leaders cast their eyes on them. The communist bloc was a dab hand at doing the same before the Berlin Wall came down in 1989. And now San Francisco has joined their ranks.

Comical. But also pathetic.

Why should it take the imminent arrival of a global gathering and a communist dictator to clean up streets that should never have been allowed to descend into squalor in the first place?

Is it a fresh start for the city? Or just for this week? After all, look at the precedents: in the capitals of the developing world, once the dignitaries have gone the poor soon return and the paint quickly peels.

San Franciscans must be wondering if that same fate awaits their city too.

The citys mayor, the increasingly ludicrous London Breed, who rightly faces a re-election struggle, claimed last week that the recent urban blight was just a snapshot in time. Quite a snapshot.

The unrestrained lawlessness under her watch, especially shoplifting and carjacking, has provoked a flight of retailers (Nordstrom, T-Mobile, Whole Foods, Anthropologie), undermining the downtown economy. They will not be easily lured back, without proof positive that this weeks changes are permanent.

Concerned citizens in other US cities  Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York  might be wondering what global party they could throw to entice a visit from President Xi and get their dilapidated streets cleaned up too. They should wait til they see the state of San Francisco by next spring before going to the expense of issuing invitations.

It is thought that one of the few positives that might come out of the Biden-Xi confab Wednesday is a Chinese agreement to crackdown on the export of compounds that go into fentanyl, the opioid to which so many Americans are addicted, which is way more powerful than heroin and which now claims the lives of more than 150 a day in the US.

So, before the Monster of Beijing  touched down on Tuesday, the homeless were rounded up and herded into shelters. Streets and sidewalks were steam-cleaned, public spaces tarted up, police patrols multiplied. Public defecation ceased, needles no longer littered the streets. (Pictured: President Biden meets Xi in Bali last year).

There is something hugely comical about all this, something distinctly third world for a city  for a country  which is meant to be one of the most sophisticated, prosperous, and high-tech on the globe. (Pictured: Xi drives through streets of San Francisco on Tuesday).

Comical. But also pathetic. Why should it take the imminent arrival of a global gathering and a communist dictator to clean up streets that should never have been allowed to descend into squalor in the first place? (Pictured: San Francisco before the summit).

It is Chinese business which supplies these compounds to the Mexican cartels who use them to make the opioids which they then ship north to create so much human misery on Americas streets.

So it might have been more effective if, instead of sweeping San Francisco clean, President Biden had taken President Xi on a tour of the citys homeless encampments to show him first hand the human toll to which his countrys evil drug trade is contributing.

I doubt it would have swayed the heartless dictator but it would have been a good point dramatically made. It would, however, have required a strong, confident president to make it  and Biden has been neither when it comes to foreign affairs.

That is why little will come out of the Biden-Xi meeting.

Xi, like many of the worlds dictators (especially President Putin) sees Biden as weak, soft and easily swayed, so why make major concessions?

Despite a supposedly tougher line on Beijing (inherited from President Trump) he has dispatched his leading cabinet members, from Secretary of State Blinken to Treasury Secretary Yellen to Commerce Secretary Raimondo, to coo in Beijings ear. A Chinese spy balloon was allowed to traverse the breadth of continental USA before it was shot down off the coast of South Carolina.

Even if Xi agrees to curb the export of fentanyl, the price will be to rein back on criticisms of Chinas appalling human rights record. That is not a price America should be prepared to pay.

Ahead of their meeting there was also the usual film-flam about climate change. China and the US pledged to do more to reduce emissions of methane and other greenhouse gases besides carbon dioxide.

For those of you inclined to take such promises seriously, let me just point out that in April 2021 Xi pledged to strictly control [new] coal-fired power generation projects in China. Two years before that pledge, China had approved 127 new plants capable of producing 54 gigawatts of coal power. Two years after, the number rose to 182 new plants, with 131 gigawatts of coal power.

So much for strict control.

The Biden administration deals with Beijing as if Chinas continued rise was inevitable and unstoppable. In fact, China is in serious trouble.

The bloom is off its economy, rapid growth replaced by more pedestrian progress. Investors are fleeing as Xi becomes ever more authoritarian. Illicit capital flows leaving the country are now large enough to unsettle the yuan, Chinas currency. The oversupplied real estate market  the biggest asset bubble in world history  is broken and awash with scandals. As a result, local governments are mired in debt.

China no longer generates enough revenue to pay for its massive military build-up, the burgeoning social welfare costs of its aging population or the funds it funnels (in expensive debt) to developing countries that sign up for its belt and road initiative. Something will have to give.

Xi, like many of the worlds dictators (especially President Putin) sees Biden as weak, soft and easily swayed. Biden's administration deals with Beijing as if Chinas continued rise was inevitable and unstoppable. In fact, China is in serious trouble. (Pictured: Drug users on the streets of San Francisco).

So this is a time for Washington to deal with China from a position of strength. America is an established world power seeking to protect and prolong its global dominance. China is an aspiring world power seeking to challenge American dominance  and even replace it in the Indo-Pacific region.

Of course, there always has to be some give and take between incumbent power and challenger. But that should not make America a supplicant. Too often the Biden administration deals with China as if it was.

President Xi has a nose for weakness and an ability to exploit it, as befits a ruthless dictator. San Franciscos spruce up will have raised a wry smile.

He knows its a Potemkin Village for his benefit.

His media have already been churning out propaganda describing the city as in a death loop and hell on earth. No amount of steam-cleaning will change that impression in China.

The citys taxpayers will also take some convincing that its no more than a PR stunt.

Californian Governor Gavin Newsom has already admitted its all been done to create a good impression among this weeks visitors. The truth is the truth, he said, in one of his blinding insights.

For San Franciscos weary inhabitants the truth is not how their city looks now  but how it will look in three to six months time. For the rest of America, which polls show now regards China as a critical threat, a robust response to that threat will have to await another administration.
Top GOP Senator Steve Daines says President Biden should skip his meeting with China's Xi Jinping and head down to witness the crisis at the southern border instead.

Daines, R-Mont., said that he has 'great concerns' about Biden's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco later today because the president 'projects weakness everywhere he goes.'

'This will be another moment where he will project weakness on the global stage,' Daines told DailyMail.com during an exclusive interview Wednesday ahead of the highly anticipated Biden-Xi meet-up.

He called the 'appeasement strategy' toward China enacted by Biden and the Senate Democrats has resulted in a 'failed Middle East and a dangerous world as Iran now continues to exert its influence and its force pf terror around the world.'

'President Biden should skip the meeting with Xi, head down to the southern border, and take a look what's happening there,' the senator who chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) said to DailyMail.com.

'That's a major national security threat. And that is all because of Joe Biden's policies.'

President Joe Biden shakes hand with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, in Woodside, California, U.S., November 15

Daines, R-Mont., said that he has 'great concerns' about Biden's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco later today

'So why is he going to San Francisco to meet with Xi Jinping when he could go down to the southern border and see firsthand what's going on with now 8 million encounters since he took office - of illegals coming into our country.'

Before entering Congress, Daines worked in the private sector and spent 13 years working for Procter & Gamble. During that time, he lived in Hong Kong for six years launching brands to compete with Chinese businesses.

This week, Biden approved release of another $10 billion in frozen payments to Iran as its government continues to fund Hamas terrorists and other proxies attacking American troops in the Middle East.

Daines called the move by the Biden administration 'jaw dropping' especially as Iran backs Hamas terrorists who killed over 1,400 in a slaughter in Israel last month.

'Iran respects one thing: maximum pressure and strength,' the Montana senator stated.

He explained that maximum pressure campaigns were working under former President Trump's administration, but not anymore.

He warned that the Biden administration's lifting of Iran oil sanctions, handover of $6 billion to Iran in a recent hostage exchange, and efforts to renew the Iran nuclear deal does not signal strength to the Ayatollah.

'This will be another moment where he will project weakness on the global stage,' Daines told DailyMail.com during an exclusive interview Wednesday ahead of the highly anticipated Biden-Xi meet-up

'Iran respects one thing: maximum pressure and strength,' the Montana senator stated

Biden meets with Chinese officials in San Francisco, California, on Wednesday

'I mean, really, can you look at a camera with a straight face and say the Iranians want to have nuclear power for power generation? Give me a break,' Daines said sarcastically.

He said Biden must decide to draw a hard line between the 'good guys' and the 'bad guys' including by calling out Iran for being a primary sponsor of terror.

'This is a very important moment,' he continued. 'And it's unbelievable to think that President Biden will continue to pile on by helping and enabling Iran.'

Rage has ensued from Republicans furious over the payments to Iran, especially in the midst of Hamas' war with Israel  and reporters pressed State Department spokesman Matt Miller on how the transfer is justified.

'Make no mistake, Xi has noticed Biden's appeasement of Iran, his debacle in Afghanistan, and his failure to deter Putin,' Senator Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, told DailyMail.com in a statement about the Biden-Xi meeting.

'Biden must not take Beijing's bait. China has shown it is not a trustworthy negotiator, and the Biden administration's willingness to turn a blind eye to the CCP's hostility and continue engaging sends another dangerous message of appeasement to our adversaries.'
A British Airways crew who had claimed they were mugged in Brazil had allegedly spent the whole night drinking, forcing the flight to be cancelled.

The crew members aged 40, 39 and 31, were scheduled to fly back to Heathrow Airport in early September, but claimed they were robbed, causing the flight to be rescheduled to the day after.

A police investigation now reportedly found that they 'did not tell the truth and didn't say what actually happened that morning'.

The Special Tourism Support Police (Deat) believes the crew members invented the robbery story to avoid getting punished by British Airways, according to local media reports.

'What is surprising is how a crew that has such an important role spends the whole night drinking and using drugs, knowing that the next day they would have the responsibility of taking care of dozens of people who would travel for hours,' Patricia Alemany, head of Deat, told Brazilian newspaper Globo.

A police investigation now reportedly found that they 'did not tell the truth and didn't say what actually happened that morning'. CCTV images from the night (pictured here) appear to show the trio on a night out

A British Airways flight (file photo) heading for London was delayed for a day after its crew claimed to have been robbed in Rio de Janeiro

The allegedly 'invented' robbery happened minutes after the members of the crew hailed a taxi and were taken to an abandoned gas station in Vaz Lobo where they were robbed.

But police have now said the crew lost their phones after a night drinking large amounts of alcohol, before inventing the robbery to cover their tracks.

CCTV footage from the night out reportedly shows the three crew members out and about at 4.50am in Rio de Janeiro.

The crew had been on an overnight stay in the city and were heading back to their lodgings in Copacabana before they were due to operate a flight home to Britain the next day, according to local media.

Two crew members said they were robbed by three men who followed them from Pedra do Sal. They allegedly took two mobile phones, but the pair managed to hide one they later used to call another car service.

The crew had been waiting for another cab on the street in Penha, a tough neighbourhood miles from their hotel in Copacabana.

The terrified crew had been on an overnight stay in the city and were heading back to their lodgings in Copacabana (pictured, file photo) before they were due to operate a flight home to Britain the next day, according to local media

Rio's North Zone is the site of frequent and violent clashes between police and drug trafficking gangs fighting for territorial control.

Drug trafficking gangs have historically controlled the territory, but clashes with the police have resulted in civilian deaths.

On their way back to their accommodation, they said they were robbed again - this time by a man on a motorcycle - and the third phone was taken.

Meanwhile the third crew member claimed he had been drinking at Pedra do Sal and met a woman who he talked to at a bar. He said he went to the bathroom and when he returned, he took a sip of his drink.

He claimed to not have any memory after that until he woke up lying in the middle of a road, insinuating his drink was spiked.

Assistant police chief Danielle Bullus said: 'They created these stories to try to justify probably inappropriate behaviour outside of company rules.

Rio's North Zone is the site of frequent and violent clashes between police and drug trafficking gangs fighting for territorial control. Pictured: Rio de Janeiro's Military Police in Penha, 2023

'But we found out that there was a theft of a cell phone from the pair who were in Vaz Lobo.'

Police believe the third crew member became separated from his colleagues due to excessive drinking 'to the point of becoming unconscious'.

They said construction workers had to revive the man and called for an ambulance. While waiting for it to arrive, the man allegedly showed a pin of white powder, which the police to be cocaine.

Once in hospital, the man allegedly admitted that he spent the night drinking and taking drugs with two women.

The case was reported to the 27th Police Station (Vicente de Carvalho) and forwarded to the Special Tourism Support Police Station (Deat).

British Airways told MailOnline: 'This is a matter for the police.'

A BA representative added the crew members were not due to operate a flight the next day as alleged'
China's President Xi Jinping will be staying at a luxury five-star hotel in San Francisco's financial district - with a decked-out bar, a fine-dining American restaurant and palatial amenities.

Jinping is the Bay Area to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, where he will meet President Joe Biden for the first time in over a year - and walls have been put up on the street ahead of his visit.

At the St Regis Hotel, where he is staying, there is a 3200sqft presidential suite on offer - with a 24/7 butler service, a king-size bed, and 1.5 luxurious bathrooms.

Opulent signature suites, with two bedrooms inside, will cost people as much as $7,200 a night.

Inside the presidential suite, there is a bathtub with spray jets, as well as a luxurious living area, dining area, a study, and walk-in closet - fit with a 55inch plasma TV.

Xi is in San Francisco 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 - and walls have been put up on the street ahead of his visit

Supporters standing outside the St Regis, waving Chinese flags, as Xi comes past in a convoy

Inside the presidential suite, there is a bathrub with spray jets, as well as a luxurious living area, dining area, a study, walk-in closet and a separate dining room - fit with a 55inch plasma TV

In terms of panoramic views, people who stay in the top suites will have gorgeous views of San Francisco from their bedroom windows.

St Regis say that their butler service 'has been a treasured hallmark of the St Regis experience for over one hundred years.

'From a perfectly pressed suit ready for an important meeting, to a favorite book at hand for an evening read, to a thoughtful, last minute gift for a loved one, no request is too small or unattainable no matter what the hour of the day.'

The hotel also states: 'The St. Regis San Francisco provides an unforgettable experience and exquisite luxury in each of our spectacular San Francisco suites, ranging in size from a spacious 700 square feet to a lavish 3,200 square feet.'

Inside, the hotel boasts of a 'discerning art collection' featuring exquisite works by local artists that have been carefully curated to show off 'timeless elegance and luxury.'

St. Regis is housed within the Williams Building - which is a 20th century landmark that is also home to the Museum of the African Diaspora and nearby San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

The San Francisco hotel is therefore the ideal destination for 'art aficionados and connoisseurs' - it's unknown if socialist Xi Jinping fits into that category.

In terms of views, people who stay in the top suites will have gorgeous views from their windows of San Francisco

St Regis say that their butler service 'has been a treasured hallmark of the St Regis experience for over one hundred years'

Inside, the hotel boasts of a 'discerning art collection' featuring exquisite works by local artists that have been carefully curated to show off 'timeless elegance and luxury'

Some rooms at the luxury hotel can be up to $7,000 a night

There is also the St Regis Bar for people to have a beverage at, and Astra, an elevated American dining experience which offers 'the freshest seasonal ingredients California has to offer.'

People staying at the hotel can also have English tea time at the Tea Salon. The website states: 'Indulge in the timeless tradition of Afternoon Tea in downtown San Francisco. Sip exquisite teas paired with delicacies from by our pastry chef.'

Democrat-run San Francisco, meanwhile, erected steel security walls in the downtown area and booted out the vagrant tent-dwellers for the Communist ruler's visit.

Biden, like his San Francisco liberal allies, campaigned heavily against walls, in particular Donald Trump's 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.'

The inside of one of the deluxe suites at the St Regis, San Francisco

One of the stunning bedrooms inside the presidential suite at the hotel

There is also the St Regis Bar for people to have a beverage at, and Astra, an elevated American dining experience which offers 'the freshest seasonal ingredients California has to offer'

DailyMail.com reported Friday that city officials are shooing the homeless out of the downtown and to other parts of the city ahead of the summit, with the mess likely to return once APEC leaves town.

The Chinese government, meanwhile, is posting 100 private security guards around the luxury St. Regis hotel where their diplomats and business executives are staying to bolster its safety in the city.

The unprecedented measures are designed to present a clean and shiny image during the APEC summit, San Francisco's biggest gathering of global leaders since 1945.

The city expects the conference, which kicks off Saturday, to draw more than 20,000 people and generate upwards of $50million in revenue.

The area also saw several protests on Sunday, with anti-capitalists joining forces with pro-Palestinian marchers.

Others, however, blasted Xi as a dictator and demanded he free Tibet, chanting slogans such as: 'Your time is up!'

Chinese President Xi Jinping greets California Governor Gavin Newsom

Supporters and well-wishers of Chinese President Xi Jinping await his motorcade to arrive for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), at the St. Regis Hotel

APEC, which pulls together dozens of world leaders and hundreds of CEOs from 21 member economies in the Pacific Rim, runs through November 17. U.S. President Joe Biden and Xi are scheduled to meet

An American flag is placed between two China flags

Biden and Xi are expected to discuss the Israel-Hamas war, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, North Korea, Taiwan, human rights, fentanyl, artificial intelligence, as well as 'fair' trade and economic relations, administration officials said.

'Nothing will be held back; everything is on the table,' one senior Biden administration official told reporters.

'We're clear-eyed about this. We know efforts to shape or reform China over several decades have failed. But we expect China to be around and to be a major player on the world stage for the rest of our lifetimes,' he said.

Officials declined to offer details about the location of Biden's and Xi's meeting, citing security concerns. Thousands of protesters are expected to descend on San Francisco during the summit.

The two men last met at a G20 meeting in November 2022 in Bali. They have not spoken since.
Campaigners have heaped praise on BBC Woman's Hour host Emma Barnett for her interview with the new transgender CEO of an endometriosis charity after she repeatedly challenged her for not using the word 'woman' in her new role.

On X, formerly Twitter feminist campaigners commended the BBC presenter for her quizzing of Steph Richards, 71, with one author saying: 'Thank you Emma Barnett for defending biological reality and the word "woman".'

Ms Richards had to be pressed today into using the word 'woman' and admitted the disease affected women in the car-crash BBC interview. At one she astonishingly told presenter Emma Barnett - who has the condition herself - that 29 biologically-born men also suffered from it during the heated row.

And in another excruciating moment the trans activist insisted the widely used slur Terf - used frequently to attack the likes of author JK Rowling - was embraced by some people and seen as 'really positive'.

In the exchange on Radio 4's Woman's Hour both the controversial CEO and the Endometriosis South Coast charity founder Jodie Hughes defended the appointment.

But the flashpoint occurred when Ms Barnet pointed out Ms Richards had not used the word woman in a statement.

She asked her: 'There is a concern that as a trans activist, now running, being the CEO of an endometriosis charity for women, that you will not preserve the importance of things like the word "woman" and that experience because in your statement on X, 10% you say of those assigned female at birth suffer from this awful disease. Is the word you are looking for there, woman?'

Critics have labelled Steph Richard's appointment as 'an insult to women' and 'an absolute disaster' (pictured is Ms Richards)

Woman's Hour host Emma Barnett, seen here attending the Women of the Year Lunch & Awards at The Royal Lancaster Hotel on October 16, 2023

The CEO hit back: 'I look at woman, but also look at the issue of trans men and non-binary people. Theres something like 5,000 trans men who have endometriosis who probably feel absolutely rather left out. Theres also non-binary people'.

Ms Barnett cut in 'but the vast majority are women', before Ms Richards then insisted 'yes of course the vast majority are women, does that mean we should leave behind trans men Emma?

'I'm happy to use the word woman, I realise the vast majority of endometriosis affects women. Youll also know there's 29 cases of endometriosis found in men.'

Ms Richards was then challenged on her use of the word Terf - which is an acronym for Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminists.

The activist insisted: 'The term Terf can be seen by some as a slur, and others actually embrace it as being something really positive.

'I was brought into Endometriosis South Coast to raise the awareness of endometriosis full stop and also raise the profile of Endometriosis South Coast. Its pretty amazing that in five days I've achieved that and the vehicle thats done that is transphobia.'

Later in the interview Emma Barnett asked: 'What's the issue with the word woman? You have to have a womb.' Charity founder Jodie Hughes replied: 'You do not have to have a womb to have endometriosis... endometriosis is a tissue inflammatory condition. We need to move away from the gynecological side of things. You don't have to be born with a womb to have it.'

Barnett replied: 'You don't have to be born with a womb but predominantly you are. These are facts. Are there alternative facts?'

Ms Hughes answered: 'Endometriosis are cells that are similar to those that line the womb, meaning it's not a reproductive disorder. It being seen as a gynecological disorder is maybe the reason the past 200 years research and medicine isn't progressing.'

Feminist campaigners applauded Ms Barnett's interview, with author Milli Hill saying: 'That interview was absolutely brilliant. Thank you @Emmabarnett for defending biological reality and the word "woman".'

Campaigner Maya Forstater said on X: '@Emmabarnett was good at pushing back on some of the ridiculous statements Jodie from @EndoSouthC and @PompeySteph but as Helen says just because this wasn't a fawn-fest doesn't mean it was normal journalism.'

Julie Bindel wrote: 'I think @Emmabarnett is doing an excellent job of the interview re endometriosis.' Dr Kathleen stock replied that she thought Ms Barnett was doing a 'cracking job'.

Feminist writer Dr Karen Ingala Smith tweeted: 'Respect to @Emmabarnett @BBCWomansHour. She's doing a great job of highlighting a ridiculous and offensive example of erasure of women's health issues.'

Endometriosis South Coast was this week condemned by women's rights campaigners after the organisation - which offers support to sufferers of the agonising womb condition - named Ms 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 broken her silence and accused her critics of 'transphobia'.

In a lengthy statement released on X, formerly Twitter, a defiant Ms Richards insisted: 'My birth sex doesn't come into it - my CV does.'

Ms Richards' issued a statement on X following the backlash against her appointment as CEO

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.

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.

Ms Richards, who uses the pronouns she and her, has undergone 30,000 in treatment and surgery to transition

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'.
A mother-of two has been killed by a lightning strike during a family trip to the beach in Colombia.

Froilanis Maireth Rivas Roman was engulfed in a fireball for a split second before falling backwards as an onlooker filmed the horrifying moment on their mobile phone.

Ms Roman, 34, was seen walking along the shoreline in the distance as a uniformed official came off the beach.

The footage then shows a long streak of lightning extending from the sky, hitting the tourist.

The official is seen ducking down in shock at the sound of thunder but doesn't look back to see the electrocuted woman.

Meanwhile, a nearby beachgoer drops to the sand in shock before running over to help her - but tragically, Venezuelan national Froilanis died on the spot.

According to the authorities, she died of cardiorespiratory arrest after being struck by the lightning bolt yesterday.

Froilanis Maireth Rivas Roman was killed by a lightning strike yesterday

Ms Roman, 34, (pictured) leaves behind a son and a daughter

Ms Roman was seen walking along the shore in the distance shortly before the lightning hit

Filmed by a shocked onlooker, footage shows a streak of lightning from the sky hitting her

She was visiting Boquilla Beach in Cartagena, Colombia, with family members at the time and they had arrived in the coastal city earlier that day.

Froilanis leaves behind a son and daughter, and she regularly shared posts about her joy at being a mother to two young children on her Facebook page. She also ran her own clothing company on Instagram.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the odds of being struck by lightning in a given year are one in one million, however nearly 90 per cent of victims will survive.

There is a high number of deaths caused by lightning strikes in Colombia due to its geographical conditions.

According to the Industrial University of Santander, the country's large number of mountains and open plains make it prone to electrical discharges.

The university stated: 'These conditions mean that Colombia is the region with the highest lightning activity in the world, which increases the number of deaths and injuries due to this phenomenon, especially in rural areas.'
Disgruntled hardline Republicans got revenge on Speaker Mike Johnson by tanking an appropriations bill the day after Democrats helped him pass stopgap measure to avoid a government shutdown.

Nineteen Republicans voted down an effort by Johnson to advance the Commerce, Justice and Science (CJS) Appropriations bill as well as Iranian sanction legislation. The group mostly consisted of hardline Republicans, along with four moderates from New York.

Members of the Freedom Caucus said they opposed the bill because it did not include provisions to defund the FBI headquarters and or what they called an 'unconstitutional' gun registry, referring to a new ATF database.

'We are done with the failure theater here,' said Freedom Caucus Chair Scott Perry. 'This bill is very, very weak.'

The conservative hardliners that tanked the CJS bill stopped short of criticizing Johnson personally, offering him leeway since he's been on the job three weeks.

The new speaker called the House a 'pressure cooker' Wednesday before sending the lawmakers home for an extended Thanksgiving break.

On Tuesday, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., may or have gotten in a physical altercation, Oversight Chair James Comer called Democrat Jared Moskowitz, Fla., a 'smurf' and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., said Rep. Darrell Issa has no balls and called him a 'p***y.'

House Republicans failed to advance a spending bill one day after Speaker Mike Johnson notched a win on a stopgap funding plan to avoid a government shutdown

After Johnson bought himself an extra couple months to work through the appropriations process, Wednesday's failure to move forward the spending bill could spell trouble for that process.

The rule failed 198-225 vote, blocking the chamber from considering the measures.

This is the fourth rule vote to fail since the start of the 118th Congress in January, showing just how free-wheeling this Republican conference is. Before this year, a rule vote has only failed eight times in the last 20 years.

In past congressional terms, the party in power is typically responsible for passing the rule. Members of the majority party often vote for the rule even if they oppose the final bill.

Conservative Republicans were upset that they did not get votes on their amendments - and also at the continuing resolution, CR, that passed on Tuesday and will fund the government through the new year at fiscal year 2023 levels - without the spending cuts they've demanded.

The CR passed with more Democratic votes than Republican, but buys Congress more time for each chamber to pass appropriations bills then negotiate them together.

The Republicans who voted down the rule Wednesday blamed the House appropriators who write spending bills.

'The appropriators are holding this process hostage,' said Perry.

'We want to support our speaker and bringing the change that needs to be brought on behalf of American people,' said Rep. Bob Good, R-Va.

On Johnson, Luna said: 'We like him a lot. He's a nice guy, but we're gonna make sure that he follows through on what you said he was gonna do.'

'Speaker Johnson is widely supported in the conference,' said Good. 'He's admired for his integrity.'

There's a question of how long that good will for the new speaker will last.

'That is performance based,' Good told DailyMail.com. 'We expect him to keep his word that he will not do another CR. We expect him to keep his word that we're gonna pass our remaining five spending bills, that he's gonna put tough negotiators on the conference committees with the Senate, that he's gonna fight for the best possible outcome, that we're gonna change the process next year.

'Our support for him is contingent upon that.'

No one is talking about bringing forth a motion to vacate, like when McCarthy put a CR on the House floor.

'That's a ridiculous question, he's been on the job 20 days,' Perry said of the possibility.

Conservatives were also upset that the bill to consider an Iran bill under closed rule. That bill would have directed sanctions on any foreign entity that facilitates the transfer of $6 billion in Iranian assets currently being held in a Qatar bank.

The group mostly consisted of Freedom Caucus members, along with four moderates from New York

'Today, they tried to pass a closed rule on Iran, which while it was a bill that was targeted towards the $6 billion, it paled in comparison to amendments that we have that would have actually checked Iran the way they need to be checked,' Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, told reporters.

He called for amendments to stop the Biden administration's authority to waive sanctions on entities that do business with Iran and to stop funding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

'What on earth is going on?,' said Roy. 'Israel is under attack. And we're funding through the CR yesterday Hamas through dollars that go to the United Nations through UNRWA that is unacceptable.'
The gunman who killed a Texas SWAT officer was armed with a rifle, was wearing body armor and barricaded in a bedroom, according to a search warrant that revealed authorities also believed he might have been making bombs.

Ahmed Mohamed Nassar, 35, was identified as the shooter Wednesday, by the Austin Police Department Wednesday afternoon.

'Cutting instruments, body armor, and any tactical gear to include firearms were all said to be worn or used by the suspect,' the search warrant obtained by Austin TV station KXAN states.

Officers were called to the home November 11 just before 3 a.m. when a woman who managed to escape the house called 911 'screaming for help' and sharing she had been stabbed and that two others were still trapped inside.

The first officers to arrive at the home were shot at, and they requested SWAT be called in.

Senior Officer Jorge Pastore, who'd been with the Austin Police Department for three years and decided to become a cop after serving as a paramedic in the Parkland school shooting in Florida, was killed in the rampage.

Senior patrol officer Jorge Pastore was killed Saturday in Austin, Texas while responding to a deadly hostage situation

Cops were called to the home November 11 just before 3 a.m. when a woman who managed to escape the house called 911 'screaming for help'

The woman claimed she had been stabbed and that two others were still trapped inside, who were later found dead

When SWAT members arrived, they went inside the home where Nassar was holed up in a bedroom.

After breaching the bedroom door, Nassar began shooting, killing Pastore and wounding a second officer, the cops say.

The gunman was killed by three members of SWAT who returned fire.

Two other victims, Nassar's brother and mother, were found in the house.

They were identified as Eyman Ahmed El Nemr-Nassar, 63, and Riad Mohamed Nassar, 32, by members of Austin's Islamic community.

A candlelight vigil was held at City Hall in downtown Austin to honor Pastore, who was killed in an officer-involved shooting on November 11

Police warrant reveals cutting instruments, body armor, and tactical gear including firearms were found in the home

Residents of the neighborhood where the shooting happened told CBS Austin FBI agents have been speaking to neighbors about the family involved in the hostage situation

The DailyMail.com exclusively revealed that the FBI had previously visited the home before Saturday's hostage situation took place and that the suspect was on the terror watch list.

Five people associated with the home were named in the search warrant as 'suspected parties.'

Neither their names or roles in the incident were included in the document.

'It is not uncommon for people with gun, body armor, or night vision to make homemade explosives,' the warrant reads.

Investigators listed the following as items they were looking for:

Body armor and protective plates to include ballistic helmets as well as arm or leg protection

Night vision goggles

Firearms and ammunition

Targets that have been shot by a firearm

Explosive devices or bomb-making materials

The search warrant did not include what a search at the home yielded.

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

Pastore, who is survived by his wife and two step-children, will be buried Friday. The police department is planning to honor the elite cop with a procession through the streets of Austin starting at 7am, followed by a funeral service.

'He embodied the very best of this profession and of this department-- that your job and your role is to be able to fight for other people no matter what the danger may be,' Michael Bullock, president-elect of the police officers' association said.

'To show up to that scene, to know that other officers had already been shot at and that someone is actively seeking to harm and kill other people...with no hesitation, to go through and try to face that evil. That's the most honorable way that anyone in this profession can probably go.'
She was taken to a local medical facility, where doctor attempted to revive her for 45 minutes before she was pronounced dead

The 34-year-old was with her family when the jolt sent her into cardiac arrest

Venezuela native Froilanis Rivas died after she was struck by lightning at a beach in Cartagena, Colombia on Tuesday

A family outing at a beach ended in tragedy when a Venezuelan woman was struck by lighting and killed in the Colombian Caribbean coast province of Cartagena.

Froilanis Rivas, 34, was standing near the shore of a beach in the town of La Boquilla on Tuesday when she was jolted, footage filmed by a bystander showed.

A man could be seen walking near and falling to the sand upon the impact of the lighting bolt.

He subsequently rose to his feet and ran several yards before he stopped and looked back.

Froilanis Rivas was killed after she was struck by lighting at a beach in Cartagena, Colombia on Tuesday. The 34-year-old went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to a local hospital, where doctors attempted to revive her four 45 minutes before she was pronounced dead

A bystander captured the moment lighting struck Froilanis Rivas on a beach in Cartagena, Colombia on Tuesday

Paramedics rushed Rivas, a mother of two children, to Serena del Mar Hospital and spent 45 minutes attempting to resuscitate after she had gone into cardiac arrest. She was later pronounced dead.

The tragic incident comes nearly two months after a Mexican woman and a hammock seller were killed by lighting at a beach in Michoacan, Mexico.

Elvia de Jesus was walking behind her husband after they came out of the water when she and the seller, Felix Andres, were hit by a bolt of lightening on Maruata Beach on September 15.

While de Jesus' husband managed to seek refuge under the canopy from the incoming storm, she was struck by lighting.

Andres, was walking several feet to the left when he was shocked less than a second later.

Venezuela native and mother-of-two Froilanis Rivas falls to the sand just moments after she was hit by lighting at a beach in the Colombian Caribbean coast province of Cartagena

Froilanis Rivas went into cardiac arrest after she was struck by lightning at a beach in Colombia and was rushed to a hospital, where doctors tried to resuscitate her before she died

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data shows that at least 40 million lightning strikes hit the ground in the United States each year.

The chances of being struck by lightning each year are less than one in a million, and at least 90 percent of the victims do survive.

National Weather Service data shows that in 2023, 13 people have been killed by lightning strikes in the United States, including three people in separate boating and swimming incidents.

In comparison, 19 people died after they were struck last year, an increase from 11 in 2021.
The USS Thomas Hudner, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, shot down a drone launched from Yemen while operating in the Red Sea on Wednesday.

A Pentagon official told DailyMail.com that the Hudners crew 'engaged and shot down the drone to ensure the safety of US personnel,' adding that there were no US casualties or any damage to the ship.

The official confirmed that the drone originated in Yemen and was heading toward the ship, which was operating in international waters. It's unclear whether the drone was armed or how close it came to the ship before being shot down.

The incident follows a wave of drone and missile attacks against US forces in Iraq and Syria, launched by Iran's proxy militias in retaliation for America's support of Israel in its war against Hamas.

In Yemen, Iran backs and supplies the Houthis, a Shiite faction that has been at war against a Saudi-led Sunni coalition in the country since 2015.

The USS Thomas Hudner (above), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, shot down a drone launched from Yemen while operating in the Red Sea on Wednesday

Mock Houthi drones and missiles are displayed at a square in Sana'a, Yemen earlier this month

The Houthis have emerged as a major military force in the Arabian Peninsula, with tens of thousands of fighters and a huge arsenal of ballistic missiles and armed drones.

Wednesday's incident is only the second time the United States has brought down projectiles near its warships since the Israel-Hamas conflict began.

Last month, another US warship intercepted four cruise missiles and 15 drones launched by the Houthi movement from Yemen towards Israel.

Yemen's Houthi leader said on Tuesday his forces would continue its attacks on Israel, and that they could target Israeli ships in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

Last week, the Houthis shot down a US military MQ-9 drone while it was in international airspace.

The US has sent a significant amount of naval power to the Middle East in the past month, including two aircraft carrier strike groups and thousands of US troops.

The USS Thomas Hudner is part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group and is currently operating in the Middle East after reportedly transiting the Suez Canal over the weekend.

US and coalition troops have been attacked by missiles and drones at least 55 times in Iraq and Syria since October 17, injuring 59 personnel, though all have returned to duty, a defense official told DailyMail.com on Wednesday.

The Iran-backed militant groups claiming responsibility for the attacks have said they are in response to US support for Israel in its war against Hamas in Gaza.

US and coalition troops have been attacked at least 55 times in Iraq and Syria since October 17, injuring 59 Americans, though all have returned to duty

The Gerald R. Ford and Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Groups are seen conducting joint operations in the Eastern Mediterranean last week in a show of US naval force

A pro-Palestinian demonstration is seen in Houthi-dominated Sanaa, Yemen earlier this month

Two Air Force F-35A Lightning II fighter jets fly alongside amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (background) and guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (foreground) in a file photo

The escalating violence in Syria and Iraq is raising concerns that the Israel-Hamas conflict could widen into a regional conflict, with US troops at bases throughout Middle East becoming targets.

The United States has so far carried out three sets of air strikes against Iran-linked militia in Syria in response to a series of attacks against U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria.

The latest strikes, carried out by Air Force F-15E fighter jets on Sunday , targeted an Iranian Revolutionary Guard training facility in North Abu Kamal, and a militia safe house in Mayadin

The US still has about 900 troops in Syria, and 2,500 more in neighboring Iraq, to advise and assist local forces trying to prevent a resurgence of Islamic State, which was defeated after seizing large swathes of both countries.

In recent weeks, US forces in Iraq and Syria have come under nearly daily bombardment from Iran-backed militants, who operate under the umbrella brand of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq.

Sunday's airstrike against Iranian assets in Syria was the latest such US counterstrike to degrade and deter Iran's proxy forces.

In a statement, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said President Joe Biden had ordered Sunday's strikes.

'The President has no higher priority than the safety of US personnel, and he directed today's action to make clear that the United States will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests,' said Austin.
Sir Keir Starmer suffered a huge Labour revolt in the House of Commons tonight as 56 of his MPs defied him and backed calls for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The Labour leader saw vast swathes of his parliamentary party ignore his orders and vote in favour of an SNP-led demand for an 'immediate ceasefire' in the Middle East.

Sir Keir also lost 10 Labour frontbenchers - including former leadership contender Jess Phillips - after they broke ranks with their party leader and disregarded a three-line whip he had imposed.

Their challenge to Sir Keir's authority came despite the Labour leader having told his MPs to abstain from the vote on the SNP amendment to the King's Speech.

He had instead ordered his parliamentary party to vote for a bland amendment he tabled himself, which supported 'humanitarian pauses' in the conflict. The revolt is the largest the Labour party has suffered under Sir Keir's leadership.

The Labour leader said he 'regret[s] that some colleagues felt unable to support the position tonight' but that he wanted to be 'clear about where I stood and where I stand'.

This evening's vote was held as pro-Palestinian supporters staged a large demonstration outside Parliament.

The crisis in the Middle East, sparked by the Hamas terrorist atrocities on 7 October, had already caused weeks of discomfort for Sir Keir as he battles with the huge divisions within his party.

But, despite the major Commons rebellion against him tonight, Sir Keir stuck to his stance on wanting humanitarian 'pauses' - rather than a full ceasefire - as he declared 'leadership is about doing the right thing'.

The Labour leader also reiterated his support for Israel's right to self-defence in the wake of the Hamas attacks.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps swiped that those MPs voting for a ceasefire were 'essentially voting to give Hamas the green light to commit further terrorist atrocities'.

Sir Keir Starmer suffered a huge Labour revolt in the House of Commons as 56 of his MPs defied him and backed calls for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas

Jess Phillips (pictured) quit the Labour front bench after she broke ranks with her party leader Sir Keir and disregarded a three-line whip he had imposed on the ceasefire amendment

In a resignation letter to Sir Keir, which she posted on Twitter, Ms Phillips wrote: 'This week has been one of the toughest weeks in politics since I entered Parliament'

Thousands of pro-Palestine protesters gather in Parliament Square, Westminster this evening

There is a heavy police presence at the pro-Palestine protest in Westminster this evening

This evening's vote was held as pro-Palestinian supporters staged a large demonstration outside Parliament

MPs voted 293 to 125, majority 168, to reject the SNP's King's Speech amendment calling for 'all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire' in Gaza.

Along with the 56 Labour MPs, it was supported by 39 SNP MPs, 15 Liberal Democrats and independent MPs Jeremy Corbyn, Diane Abbott and Andy McDonald.

There are a total of 198 Labour MPs, which means more than one-quarter of Sir Keir's party rebelled against him this evening.

Those 10 Labour MPs who left Sir Keir's front bench tonight after backing a ceasefire included eight shadow ministers.

They were Ms Phillips, Paula Barker, Rachel Hopkins, Afzal Khan, Sarah Owen, Yasmin Qureshi, Naz Shah and Andy Slaughter.

Dan Carden and Mary Foy also left their roles as parliamentary private secretaries.

Shortly after tonight's vote, Ms Phillips announced she had quit as shadow minister for safeguarding and domestic abuse.

In a resignation letter to Sir Keir, which she posted on Twitter, she wrote: 'This week has been one of the toughest weeks in politics since I entered Parliament.

'I have tried to do everything that I could to make it so that this was not the outcome, but it is with a heavy heart that I will be leaving my post in the shadow Home Office team.

'On this occasion I must vote with my constituents, my head, and my heart which has felt as if it were breaking over the last four weeks with the horror of the situation in Israel and Palestine.

'I can see no route where the current military action does anything but put at risk the hope of peace and security for anyone in the region now and in the future.'

Yasmin Qureshi announced her resignation as shadow minister for women and equalities in order to vote for the SNP amendment

Fellow Labour shadow ministers (left to right) Naz Shah, Helen Hayes and Afzal Khan also backed calls for a ceasefire

The Labour rebellion came despite Sir Keir having told his MPs to abstain in a vote on the SNP amendment to the King's Speech

The Labour leader had instead ordered his parliamentary party to vote for a bland amendment he tabled himself, which supported 'humanitarian pauses' in the conflict.

Ms Qureshi had already announced her resignation as shadow minister for women and equalities prior to tonight's vote, as she criticised Sir Keir's support for humanitarian 'pauses' rather than a ceasefire.

In a letter to her party leader, she wrote: 'The situation in Gaza desperately requires an immediate ceasefire to address the humanitarian catastrophe and to advance moves towards a political solution that brings freedom, prosperity, and security.

Who quit the Labour shadow cabinet? Eight shadow ministers quit the Labour front bench: Paula Barker

Rachel Hopkins

Afzal Khan

Sarah Owen

Jess Phillips

Yasmin Qureshi

Naz Shah

Andy Slaughter Two parliamentary private secretaries also quit the shadow government: Dan Carden

Mary Foy Advertisement

'Only through a humanitarian ceasefire can aid be reliably delivered into Gaza. Along with the UN and other humanitarian agencies, I believe that the scale of need is so high that 'pauses' cannot offer the time and security needed to meet even basic civilian needs.

'Anything short of a ceasefire will lead to the loss of more lives.'

Mr Khan also resigned as a shadow trade minister just ahead of tonight's vote, posting on social media: 'With 11,000+ Gazans killed, supporting a full & immediate ceasefire is the very least we can do.

'In order to be free to do so, I have stepped down as Shadow Minister for Exports.'

Ms Foy left her role as a parliamentary aide to Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner after she backed a ceasefire.

In the Commons debate prior to voting on the King's Speech, Ms Shah said a 'humanitarian catastrophe' is taking place in Gaza as she backed calls for an 'immediate ceasefire'.

The shadow Home Office minister told the Commons: 'I will be supporting the amendment which seeks an immediate ceasefire.'

The Bradford West MP also invoked Robin Cook, who resigned from Sir Tony Blair's Cabinet over the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

'Make no mistake, this is a humanitarian catastrophe which is why I urge members to back an immediate ceasefire on all sides and push for the release of hostages,' she said.

Ms Hayes, a shadow minister for children and early years, said her 'conscience' told her she should back a ceasefire.

'We must all of us be able to stand in front of our own constituents with integrity and at peace with our own conscience on the issues that matter most to them.

'My conscience tells me that I must call for a ceasefire today,' the Dulwich and West Norwood MP said.

Sir Keir's stance on the Middle East conflict has led to deep internal splits within his party. He has backed the Government's position of pushing for humanitarian pauses in the fighting to allow aid to reach Palestinians trapped in Gaza.

But Sir Keir has stopped short of calling for a total cessation of hostilities and repeatedly backed Israel's right to defend itself in the wake of the 7 October attacks.

Several shadow ministers had already openly called for a ceasefire and dozens of councillors have resigned from Labour over Sir Keir's refusal to back a permanent halt to the violence.

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf has said he is 'beyond angry' with MPs who refused to back an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and warned they were 'on the wrong side of history'.

And as the SNP amendment fell, Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf has said he is 'beyond angry' with MPs who refused to back an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and warned they were 'on the wrong side of history'.

SNP leader Mr Yousaf, who was recently reunited with his Palestinian in-laws after they returned to the UK from the warzone in Gaza, said the vote was a chance to 'put humanity before politics'.

He said one child has been killed every 10 minutes in Gaza, a statistic sourced from the World Health Organisation. Mr Yousaf said the death toll of 4,500 children killed in a month during the Israel-Hamas war was 'senseless', and urged the public to speak out against the bloodshed.

Labour MP John McDonnell said that Sir Keir Starmer would 'not necessarily' face long-term damage from the ceasefire vote 'as long as he learned lessons from it'.

Mr McDonnell said MPs should have been allowed a free vote and he did not understand the basis for Sir Keir's position. 'I think he is going against the stream, both in terms of what people want but also the basis within the Labour Party as well,' he told ITV's Peston programme.

Ex-Labour MP Diane Abbott hit out at Sir Keir and the vote against supporting a ceasefire, saying: 'Keir Starmer said this evening "Leadership is about doing the right thing". But the right thing tonight was voting for a ceasefire.'

She added: 'Tonight parliament could have voted for a ceasefire. Sadly, it chose not to. The clear implication is that many are content to let violence continue and let the bodies pile higher. I voted for a ceasefire. I am pleased to say over 120 MPs voted the same way.'

Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting said he voted with Sir Keir 'without hesitation', saying that calls for an immediate ceasefire 'melt under scrutiny when asked how such a ceasefire might be achieved'

Ex-Labour MP Diane Abbott hit out at Sir Keir and the vote against supporting a ceasefire, saying: 'Keir Starmer said this evening "Leadership is about doing the right thing". But the right thing tonight was voting for a ceasefire'

She criticised the Labour leader's stance in support of a humanitarian pause, adding: 'I did not vote for a "humanitarian pause" as it provides no real relief from the violence. The vote means Britains voice will not be added to the growing clamour for a ceasefire. But we can say that the peace party in this country has found its voice and continues to grow.'

SNP First Minister 'beyond angry' with MPs who refused to back Gaza ceasefire Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf said: 'Today at Westminster MPs were presented with the chance to vote in favour of the SNP ceasefire. This was a plea to put humanity before politics by endorsing a ceasefire. 'Too many parents have had to bury their children in Gaza. Too many children have become orphaned. Too many have suffered. And for far too long. 'A ceasefire would enable a humanitarian corridor and the crucial delivery of immediate aid to those in desperate need. I am beyond angry that Scottish Labour MPs and others refused to back the calls for an immediate ceasefire. 'They are on the wrong side of history, which is unforgivable. 'Over 4,500 innocent children have been killed in Gaza. The World Health Organisation has reported a heartbreaking statistic a child has been killed every 10 minutes. 'Let that sink in and know there are haunting images of tiny premature babies who have been removed from the incubators because the situation is so dire. 'This cannot continue. Humanity must prevail through collective international pressure. A path to ending the senseless violence can and must be found. 'We cannot allow the silent screams of the innocent to go unanswered. In the face of such profound sorrow, let all of our voices join the rallying cry of human solidarity. Take action. 'Use your voice and I can promise you that I will continue to raise my voice to demand an immediate ceasefire. 'We cannot allow this humanitarian catastrophe to go on for a second longer.' Advertisement

But former Labour former Foreign Secretary Dame Margaret Beckett supported Sir Keir's stance, saying there is a gap between calling for a ceasefire and an end to violence. She told the Commons: 'Tragically, to some people, calling for a ceasefire means that Israel should stop fighting but not that anybody else should cease.'

In response to tonight's vote, Sir Keir said in a statement: 'On 7 October, Israel suffered its worst terrorist attack in a single day at the hands of Hamas.

'No government would allow the capability and intent to repeat such an attack to go unchallenged. Since then, we have also seen an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Gaza. At every stage during this crisis, my approach has been driven by the need to respond to both these tragedies.

'To stand by the right to self-defence of any nation which suffers terrorism on this scale, alongside the basic human rights and dignity of innocent Palestinians caught, once again, in the crossfire.

'Alongside leaders around the world, I have called throughout for adherence to international law, for humanitarian pauses to allow access for aid, food, water, utilities and medicine, and have expressed our concerns at the scale of civilian casualties. Much more needs to be done in this regard to ease the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding in Gaza.

'And in addition to addressing the present, every leader has a duty not to go back to a failed strategy of containment and neglect, but to forge a better and more secure future for both Palestinians and Israelis.

'I regret that some colleagues felt unable to support the position tonight. But I wanted to be clear about where I stood, and where I will stand. Leadership is about doing the right thing. That is the least the public deserves. And the least that leadership demands.'

Shadow Science Secretary Peter Kyle defended the stance taken by Sir Keir Starmer, after several frontbenchers lost their jobs after backing the SNP amendment calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

'It's an issue of Labour policy. And actually, just because it's an international policy doesn't mean that it's not a policy that we should stick together on as a team.'

He said that it was 'not acceptable' to back the SNP amendment. He said: 'We have a coherent policy. Keir is leading it and it's in step with our G7 partners. And that's what we need to do because to have any influence in this area we've got to stick together as an international community.'

Mr Kyle said that Sir Keir had allowed frontbenchers to speak out on Gaza, but that indiscipline could not be allowed on a 'key' vote. He said: 'We've seen Keir engaging with people from all communities, all traditions within the Labour Party. He has allowed people to speak out on these issues. So we have allowed as a party a very broad debate.

'But there are key times, if you are the party that seeks to run the country and you want to be the prime minister of our country standing on the international stage, where you have to show that we are a united party that can resolve itself in Parliament and the government.'

Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting said he voted with Sir Keir 'without hesitation', saying that calls for an immediate ceasefire 'melt under scrutiny when asked how such a ceasefire might be achieved'.

He told his constituents: 'At best, we might see a successful Qatari-led initiative to secure the release of hostages in exchange for an extended pause or ceasefire over a period of days, which would allow aid in and civilians out.

'I hope such an initiative is successful. This would be consistent with Keir Starmer's calls for longer humanitarian pauses to save as many lives as possible, as quickly as possible.'

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps slammed those who voted to support a ceasefire, tweeting: 'Voting for a ceasefire is essentially voting to give Hamas the green light to commit further terrorist atrocities.

'If Britain had been attacked on October 7, and we knew exactly where the murderers were, would any MP seriously be voting not to go after them?

'Israel must target Hamas proportionally & within international humanitarian law to protect civilians, de-escalate tensions in the West Bank & go ahead with meaningful humanitarian pauses to ensure aid is distributed.

'But Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorism.'
The former editor-in-chief of the left-leaning news website The Recount has been charged with multiple counts of child pornography.

Slade Sohmer, 44, is accused of possessing and distributing hundreds of child abuse material, including images depicting the rape of a child who was around four years old.

The Otis, Massachusetts, resident was arrested on Friday at his home after police obtained a search warrant for his devices.

He was released on Monday on $100,000 bail after pleading not guilty to two counts of possession of child pornography and two counts of dissemination of child pornography.

The journalist was ordered to have no access to the internet, engage in location notifications with a parole officer and avoid contact with minors.

Slade Sohmer, 44, is accused of possessing and distributing hundreds of child abuse material

Sohmer was also allegedly filmed instructing a minor to perform sex acts

Investigators said in court documents they found footage showing boys as young as four being raped and forced to perform oral sex acts by adults.

The probe reportedly started after the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children reportedly informed the Massachusetts State Policy Cyber Crime Unit that someone had shared a suspicious video on Snapchat in September, 2022.

Police say they then traced the IP address to Sohmer's home.

The Berkshire Eagle reported the footage showed an 11-year-old boy masturbating.

Sohmer was also allegedly filmed instructing a minor to perform sex acts.

He previously worked as a camp counselor for a nonprofit in New York, per his LinkedIn, which says he has worked as a co-director at Camp Power since 2010.

Sohmer was the head editor at The Recount for four years, until last month. He was removed from his position after the probe began, as reported by Fox News.

He also had stints at Mic and SiriusXM radio and co-founded Hyper Vocal news site.

Assistant District Attorney Marianne Shelvey said the case is one of the 'most egregious' she has seen, as reported by The New York Post.

Buzzfeed appears to have removed a 2018 article about Sohmer titled 'People Are Touched By This Writer's Conversation With A Bunch Of Fourth Graders'

'We went from just dissemination of child pornography to production of child pornography,' Shelvey said in court.

Fox News noted that Buzzfeed has removed a 2018 article about Sohmer titled 'People Are Touched By This Writer's Conversation With A Bunch Of Fourth Graders.'

The article saw Sohmer highlighting questions asked by children in a classroom taught by his mother.

Sohmer is scheduled back in curt on December 21.

He faces a mandatory sentence of 15 years if convicted of all charges.

The Recounts parent company The News Movement told The Post in a statement that Sohmer 'is no longer editor-in-chief following a company restructure exercise in early October to focus on our editorial and commercial plans.'
Rishi Sunak has defended Tory Party deputy chairman Lee Anderson over his comments that the Government should 'ignore' the Supreme Court ruling about the Rwanda migrant plan because they 'reflect the strength of feeling in the country'.

Mr Anderson said the Government should simply 'ignore the laws' and 'just put the planes in the air now and send them [migrants] to Rwanda'.

It comes after Supreme Court judges dramatically ruling the plan was illegal.

Mr Anderson described the judgment as a 'dark day for the British people' and said ministers should 'just put the planes in the air now and send them to Rwanda'.

'I think the British people have been very patient, I've been very patient, and now they're demanding action. And this has sort of forced our hand a little bit now,' he said.

'My take is we should just put the planes in the air now and send them to Rwanda and show strength.

'It's time for the Government to show real leadership and send them back, same day.'

Rishi Sunak has defended Tory Party deputy chairman Lee Anderson over his comments that the Government should 'ignore' the Supreme Court ruling about the Rwanda migrant plan

Mr Anderson said the Government should simply 'ignore the laws' and 'just put the planes in the air now and send them [migrants] to Rwanda'

He added: 'I think we should ignore the laws and send them straight back the same day.'

Speaking at a press conference in No10, Mr Sunak said he 'absolutely' shared the 'frustrations' of colleagues and people across the country over the situation.

Asked whether he would sack Mr Anderson over the remarks, Mr Sunak told a press conference at Downing Street: 'I think what Lee's comments and indeed the comments of others do is reflect the strength of feeling in the country on this issue.

'And I absolutely share actually in the frustrations that my colleagues and indeed people across the country have about this issue. Everyone should understand the strength of feeling.'

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged Mr Sunak to get Parliament to designate Rwanda a 'safe' country.

He highlighted a Daily Mail column in which he argued that the Asylum and Immigration Act 2004 include powers to make the change.

In his press conference, Mr Sunak vowed to end the political and legal 'merry-go-round' on the plan, pledging a new treaty with the East African country and emergency legislation allowing Parliament to declare that it is safe for asylum seekers.

And in a nod to the fury of the Tory Right he insisted if that failed he is ready to ignore the European Convention on Human Rights rather than let 'foreign courts' stand in the way of action.

Planes should start leaving for Rwanda next Spring, he said - although he would not guarantee the timetable. That would potentially be just months before a general election.

Suella Braverman shared a series of posts online criticising the Government

Suella Braverman stepped up her attack on the government's policy chaos today

At a press conference in No10, the PM pledged a new treaty with the country and said Parliament will declare that it is safe for asylum seekers

The Tories pumped out slick graphics insisting the government 'will deliver' as the PM spelled out his new strategy

'Let me tell everyone now  I will not allow a foreign court to block these flights,' Mr Sunak said.

'If the Strasbourg Court chooses to intervene against the express wishes of Parliament I am prepared to do whatever is necessary to get flights off.

'I will not take the easy way out.'

The premier said he disagreed with the decision, but 'respected' it.

What is the PM's plan for finally getting Rwanda flights going? 1. Ratify a new Treaty with Rwanda that will guarantee asylum seekers sent there from the UK are not returned to danger in their country of origin. 2. Parliament passes 'emergency legislation' formally designating Rwanda as a safe country. 3. If 'foreign courts' are still posing a problem the government is ready to ignore, water down or force reforms to the European Convention on Human Rights and UN Refugee Convention. 4. Flights carrying asylum seekers should start taking off by the Spring, although the PM refused to guarantee that timetable. Advertisement

He said once Parliament approved a new Treaty that will guarantee people sent to Rwanda are not returned to danger in their country of origin that must be the end of the matter. He warned that Brits' 'patience has worn thin' with the failure to tackle the Channel boat situation.

The comments were immediately dismissed by Suella Braverman's allies as just another version of the previous strategy.

In a statement, New Conservative co-chairmen Danny Kruger and Miriam Cates said: 'The Bill must disapply the Human Rights Act and ... restate the power of government to disregard interim rulings from Strasbourg.

'We have no time left. This Bill - which must come to Parliament within weeks - must have everything in it to ensure that flights are in the air within months.'

It came after the Supreme Court concluded unanimously that the scheme to deport arrivals immediately would break the law. It is a crushing blow to the government, which has already handed Rwanda 140million.

The decision - which ministers had feared for weeks was coming - immediately sparked Tory demands to loosen protections under the ECHR so the policy can go ahead.

However, critics pointed out the judgment suggested it would have been struck out on other grounds anyway. The case hinged on whether asylum seekers sent to Rwanda would be at 'real risk' of being returned to their country of origin and subject to mistreatment.

Mr Sunak denied that the government's handling of illegal immigration was a 'shambles'.

'We've made more progress in the past year than any Government has in any year since this small boats phenomenon came upon us, and I'm confident that we will keep making progress,' he said.

'But getting Rwanda working is an important part of completing the job, having the deterrence effect that we need. And as I said, legislation will help us do that. We are responding to the Supreme Court. As I said, I don't agree with the decision, but I respect it and accept it. Rule of law is fundamental to our democracy.'

A hostel in Kigali that was due to be used by asylum seekers sent to Rwanda from the UK

A stock image of migrants arriving on the Kent coast after crossing the Channel

Supreme Court president Lord Reed passing his judgment on the Rwanda deal today

At a PMQs session earlier, Mr Sunak tried to put a brave face on the Supreme Court's ruling, stressing that the principle of deporting asylum seekers to a safe third country had been upheld.

But Home Secretary James Cleverly risked further enraging right-wingers by insisting is it 'not necessary' to ditch the European Convention on Human Rights or UN Refugee Convention in order to 'take back control of our borders'.

READ MORE: Rishi Sunak announces 'emergency legislation' to deem Rwanda a safe country so that flights filled with asylum seekers WILL go ahead - and vows to scrap international human rights rules if foreign courts object At a press conference in No10, the PM pledged a new treaty with the country and said Parliament will declare that it is safe for asylum seekers Advertisement

Making a statement to MPs after PMQs, Mr Cleverly said the ruling was a 'temporary setback' and the upgraded treaty with Rwanda - which could come before Parliament in days - would toughen rules against repatriating asylum seekers.

During bruising clashes shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper swiped that ministers knew the policy was 'batsh**'.

Mr Cleverly's predecessor Ms Braverman has already launched an excoriating attack on Mr Sunak's failure to do what it takes to tackle the Channel crisis, warning he has no 'credible Plan B'.

An ally of Ms Braverman said: 'This is a treaty which he's putting in legislation - it's just another version of Plan A. He'll be stuck in the courts again. More magic tricks from Rishi's magical thinking.'

Even if the government is able to tweak the plan to the satisfaction of the courts MPs fear it could not happen in time to take effect before the election next year.

Justices at the UK's highest court upheld an earlier High Court judgment on legislation announced 18 months ago to send asylum seekers who arrive in the UK by unauthorised means to Kigali to have their claims heard there.

In a summary of today's momentous ruling, President of the Supreme Court Lord Reed said there would be a risk of genuine asylum seekers being returned by Rwanda to the home country they fled from.

Ministers have vowed to press on with the scheme regardless of the result today, with options including elevating the Rwanda deal to a treaty ratified in parliament - making it harder for the courts to block - and passing emergency legislation to disapply human rights laws.

Making a statement to the Commons, Mr Cleverly said: 'Nothing in the Supreme Court judgment today dims our commitment.

'The Supreme Court has said there are issues with Rwanda's asylum system which could create the possibility of someone being returned to a country where they could face persecution.'

The Tory graphics included the claim that they will 'put Parliament back in charge'

Mr Sunak committed to 'emergency laws' that can get returns to Rwanda started

Sacked Home Secretary Suella Braverman has warned he has no credible back-up to 'stop the boats'

A group of migrants are brought ashore in Dover after crossing the Channel last month

Mr Cleverly added the UK Government has a plan to address the concerns raised, noting: 'We anticipated this judgment as a possible result and for the last few months have been working on a plan to provide the certainty that the court demands.

'We have been working with Rwanda to build capacity and amend agreements with Rwanda to make clear that those sent there cannot be sent to another country than the UK.

What is the European Convention on Human Rights? 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 UK's obligations. The European Court of Human Rights, in Strasbourg, makes binding judgments on the Convention. Advertisement

'Our intention is to upgrade our agreement to a treaty as soon as possible. That will make it absolutely clear to our courts and to Strasbourg that the risks laid out by the court today have been responded to, will be consistent with international law and ensure that Parliament is able to scrutinise it.'

Ex-minister Jonathan Gullis challenged Mr Cleverly on whether he was 'willing to disapply international treaties and conventions such as the ECHR and the Refugee Convention in order to take back control of our borders, yes or no?'

Mr Cleverly responded: 'I don't believe those things are necessary.'

Tory MP Caroline Johnson said her constituents were disappointed by the court's ruling, adding: 'I understand his plan is to upgrade the treaty with Rwanda, can he advise the House how long will that take? Will that be potentially subject to legal challenge? And if so, how long could those legal challenges take?'

Mr Cleverly said he was not able to give certainty on timelines, and added: 'I wish that I could.'

Tory MP David Jones said: 'He's told the House that his department had anticipated the decision of the Supreme Court that was announced today, that being the case can he tell the House if he's made an assessment as to whether legislation will be necessary in order to remedy the problems that have been identified? And if so, when would he anticipate being in a position to introduce that legislation?'

In response, the Home Secretary said: 'We have already set in place the work to turn the MoU (memorandum of understanding) into a treaty, thus by addressing some of the concerns of their Lordships.

'The Prime Minister and I have made it clear if there needs to be legislative work domestically in order to ensure we do this, we are unafraid of bringing that forward.'

Ex-PM Theresa May pointed out that the 'fundamental judgment' made by the Supreme Court on the Rwanda policy was made 'regardless of the ECHR'.

Downing Street said a new treaty with Rwanda would be laid in Parliament in the 'coming days' that the UK Government believes 'addresses concerns raised by the court'.

The Supreme Court today delivered a blow to Rishi Sunak by ruling against his Rwanda policy

Protesters outside the Supreme Court today chanted 'hands off refugees' and 'Rishi Sunak, shame on you'

Another woman held a sign saying 'Rishi Sunak, Priti Patel, Suella Braverman - hands off Africa'

However, it could take more than 40 sitting days to be approved, meaning that would happen well into next year at best.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'We will lay the treaty in Parliament in the coming days so that flights can commence as soon as possible.

'Obviously the text will be set out when it is published. I'm not going to pre-empt the text itself.

'But we believe it will provide the reassurances that the court has asked for.'

How Rwanda flight plan was grounded The Supreme Court judgment on the Government's plan to removal asylum seekers to Rwanda comes more than 18 months after it was first announced. 2022 April 14: Following a drastic increase in the number of people crossing the Channel in small boats, then-prime minister Boris Johnson announces a 140million plan to deport migrants arriving in small boats to Rwanda for their claims to be processed. Then home secretary Priti Patel travels to Kigali to sign the deal (pictured) June 15: The first flight is cancelled just minutes before take-off following a ruling by a judge at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. August 23: The Ministry of Defence says 1,295 migrants crossed the Channel in 27 small boats, still the daily record. November 14: New home secretary Suella Braverman signs an agreement with French interior minister Gerald Darmian allowing British officers to join French beach patrols. November 23: Mrs Braverman admits the Government has 'failed to control our borders', but tells MPs they are determined to 'fix' the problem, following criticism of overcrowding at the Manston processing centre in Kent. December 14: Four people die while 39 others are rescued after their dinghy capsizes in the Channel. December 19: The High Court rules the Government's Rwanda policy is lawful, but orders the cases of the first eight deportees to be reconsidered. December 31: A total of 45,755 migrants made the Channel crossing over the course of the year, according to Government figures. 2023 January 4: Rishi Sunak announces legislation to tackle the migrant crisis is one of five key priorities for his premiership. March 7: Mrs Braverman tells MPs the Illegal Migration Bill will impose a legal duty to remove those arriving in the country illegally, barring them from claiming asylum in the UK. March 12: Chancellor Jeremy Hunt does not rule out the prospect of children being detained under the new plans, which would see those crossing the Channel eligible for asylum only in a 'safe' third country such as Rwanda. March 13: Former Tory PM Theresa May says it is 'not enough' to send people to claim asylum in Rwanda and warns the UK is 'shutting the door' on victims of modern slavery. March 14: A High Court judge rules that asylum seekers facing removal to Rwanda can appeal against Home Office decisions over alleged errors in considering whether it poses a risk to their human rights. March 17: Mrs Braverman doubles down on the deportation policy on a visit to Rwanda, saying it will be a 'powerful deterrent' to those attempting to cross the Channel. March 29: The Government unveils plans to house asylum seekers on disused military bases, ferries and barges in a bid to cut spending on hotels. May 25: Figures show the asylum backlog has hit a new record high with more than three quarters of claims made by people who crossed the Channel since 2018 still awaiting a decision. June 18: The number of Channel crossings for the year so far tops 10,000. June 26: Estimates in a Home Office assessment reveal 169,000 could be spent on every asylum seeker forcibly removed to a third country such as Rwanda. June 29: The Home Secretary lashes out at 'phoney humanitarianism' hindering efforts to stop Channel crossings as the Government loses the latest legal battle over its plans to send migrants to Rwanda after a Court of Appeal ruling. July 3: A new record is set for migrant crossings, with 3,824 arrivals in June - the highest total for that month since records began in 2018. July 13: The Government is given the go-ahead to take the legal battle over its Rwanda deportation policy to the Supreme Court. July 20: Sweeping asylum reforms under the Illegal Migration Bill become law. The number of migrants crossing the Channel tops 14,000 for the year so far. July 21: Officials insist the Bibby Stockholm barge, due to house migrants in Portland off the Dorset coast, is not a 'floating prison' as they give reporters a tour of the facilities. July 27: Mrs Braverman buys marquees to sleep 2,000 asylum seekers on disused military sites in a bid to avoid using hotels. August 1: Figures show the average number of migrants crossing the Channel per boat in July (52) was the highest on record for any month since records began in 2018. August 7: The first group of asylum seekers finally boards the Bibby Stockholm after weeks of setbacks and delays. August 10: Fresh arrivals of people on lifeboats take the number of Channel crossings since 2018 past the 100,000 mark. August 11: Asylum seekers who arrived on the Bibby Stockholm barge are removed after Legionella bacteria was found in the water. August 12: Six people are confirmed to have died after a boat carrying migrants sank in the Channel. August 19: More than 25,000 asylum seekers are said to have arrived in Britain via small boats since Mr Sunak became Prime Minister, according to figures analysed by the Labour Party. August 24: The UK's asylum backlog hits a a new record high, with 80 per cent of people waiting longer than six months for an initial decision. The bill for the taxpayer almost doubles in a year to nearly 4 billion. September 3: The highest number of small boat migrant crossings in a single day of 2023 is recorded, with some 872 people crossing on 15 small vessels. September 19: The Home Office is paying 'around 8 million' per day for asylum seekers to be put up in hotels, according to the department's annual accounts. September 26: Mrs Braverman uses a speech in the United States to advocate for the United Nations' Refugee Convention to be overhauled. September 27: Asylum seekers pretend to be gay to 'game the system' and to get 'special treatment', the Home Secretary says. October 3: Small boat arrivals in 2023 pass 25,000, figures confirm. At the Conservative Party conference, Mrs Braverman warns that a 'hurricane' of mass migration is coming. October 9: The start of a three-day hearing at the Supreme Court of the Government's challenge to the Court of Appeal's ruling that the plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda are unlawful. November 13: Mrs Braverman is sacked. November 15: The Supreme Court confirms Appeal Court decision that that the Rwanda flights plan is unlawful. Advertisement

The No 10 official added: 'The court set out a number of issues around refoulement.

'We plan to lay a treaty which seeks to address the concerns raised by the court. At the same time, as the Prime Minister set out, if necessary we are prepared to revisit our domestic legal frameworks and international conventions as necessary.'

Mr Sunak spoke to Rwandan President Paul Kagame this morning following the judgment.

The PM 'expressed his disappointment at the overall outcome and recognised that there are challenges we must overcome', according to a No10 readout.

'He thanked President Kagame for his Government's work over the last 15 months and the extra assurances we have already agreed as they said they would continue to work together to address the Court's concerns,' the readout said.

'Both leaders reiterated their firm commitment to making our migration partnership work and agreed to take the necessary steps to ensure this is a robust and lawful policy and to stop the boats as soon as possible.'

Outside the Commons, former Cabinet minister Sir Simon Clarke told Sky News that the UK should now consider leaving the ECHR.

'Today is a really serious challenge to who governs Britain and whether Parliament can deliver, when we say we want to address what is clearly, by anyone's standards, an unsustainable level of illegal immigration,' he said.

'For my part I think the gauntlet has now been thrown down and we are going to have to pass emergency legislation  at a minimum  to set out that the will of parliament will apply, notwithstanding the ECHR and the associated conventions that the justices referenced. But we may also have to consider, if that is not legally viable, withdrawal from the ECHR.'

He added: 'This is about whether Britain as a nation state can control who comes to this country and on what terms. It is a fundamental element of whether we are in practice able to govern Britain properly. And if our human rights framework makes that impossible then I am afraid it is the human rights framework that is going to have to change, rather than the policy.'

The New Conservatives group of Tory MPs said ministers must introduce legislation 'immediately' to override the ECHR.

Speaking after a meeting of the group with other Conservatives who share the same view, co-chair Danny Kruger said the Supreme Court judgment felt 'absolutely existential' for the party.

Options being suggested by the New Conservatives are a 'notwithstanding clause' to disapply the ECHR or initiating complete withdrawal from the ECHR.

He said the scope of the ruling meant that the UK's involvement in other treaties and conventions also needs to be considered.

'The Government should immediately announce an intention to do what is necessary to insist on our sovereignty. That means legislation to over-ride the effect of the European court, of the ECHR itself and of other conventions including the Refugee Convention if necessary.'

He added: 'This feels absolutely existential for our party  if this Government will not step up to do whatever it takes to do what the Prime Minister has promised he will, there is no reason for the public to trust us again.'

Dover's Tory MP Natalie Elphicke has said a deal with France is now the best way to stop small boats crossing the English Channel.

She said the Supreme Court's ruling on Rwanda 'means the policy is effectively at an end'.

'No planes will be leaving and we now need to move forward,' she said.

'With winter coming, the timing of this decision couldn't be worse. Be in no doubt, this will embolden the people smugglers and put more lives at risk.

'A fresh policy is now needed: a new cross-channel agreement with France to stop the boats leaving and return those that do to the safety of the French coast. That should be David Cameron's top foreign policy priority.'

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said he hoped the Supreme Court ruling would cause the Government to 'reflect and reconsider its approach'.

Mr Welby said the Church of England had 'been clear in our profound concerns  moral and practical  about outsourcing our obligations to refugees to Rwanda'.

He added: 'We have been clear that the inefficiencies of our asylum system and its failure to treat all people with compassion and dignity must be addressed. Today's decision by the Supreme Court leaves our response to desperate people fleeing conflict and persecution in a state of limbo. I hope this judgment will give the Government the opportunity to reflect and reconsider its approach.'

Unveiling the judgment, Lord Reed said the 'legal test' in the case was whether there were 'substantial grounds' for believing that asylum seekers sent to Rwanda would be at 'real risk' of being sent back to the countries they came from where they could face 'ill treatment'.

He said: 'In the light of the evidence which I have summarised, the Court of Appeal concluded that there were such grounds.

'We are unanimously of the view that they were entitled to reach that conclusion. Indeed, having been taken through the evidence ourselves, we agree with their conclusion.'

Reacting to the news, Mr Sunak said today: 'We have seen today's judgment and will now consider next steps.

'This was not the outcome we wanted, but we have spent the last few months planning for all eventualities and we remain completely committed to stopping the boats.

'Crucially, the Supreme Court  like the Court of Appeal and the High Court before it  has confirmed that the principle of sending illegal migrants to a safe third country for processing is lawful. This confirms the Government's clear view from the outset.

'Illegal migration destroys lives and costs British taxpayers millions of pounds a year. We need to end it and we will do whatever it takes to do so.

'Because when people know that if they come here illegally, they won't get to stay then they will stop coming altogether, and we will stop the boats.'

In their ruling, which the other justices agreed with, Lords Reed and Lloyd-Jones said Rwanda's history 'cannot be effectively ignored or sidelined' as the Home Office suggested.

The justices said there was 'no dispute' that the Rwandan government entered into its deal with the UK in good faith, with strong incentives to follow the terms of the arrangement.

They continued: 'Nevertheless, intentions and aspirations do not necessarily correspond to reality: the question is whether they are achievable in practice.

'The central issue in the present case is therefore not the good faith of the government of Rwanda at the political level, but its practical ability to fulfil its assurances, at least in the short term, in the light of the present deficiencies of the Rwandan asylum system.

'In agreement with the Court of Appeal, we consider that the past and the present cannot be effectively ignored or sidelined as the Secretary of State suggests.'

In a 56-page judgment dismissing the Home Office's appeal, Lords Reed and Lloyd-Jones said the High Court had wrongly dismissed the evidence of the UN Refugee Agency, the UNHCR, about problems with the Rwandan asylum system.

They said: 'UNHCR's evidence will naturally be of greatest weight when it relates to matters within its particular remit or where it has special expertise in the subject matter.

'Its evidence in the present case concerns matters falling within its remit and about which it has undoubted expertise.'

The Supreme Court justices said there was 'evidence of a culture within Rwanda of, at best, inadequate understanding of Rwanda's obligations under the Refugee Convention'.

Lord Reed added that changes needed in Rwanda's asylum system to 'eliminate the risk' of refugees being returned to their countries of origin where they could face bad treatment 'have not been shown to be in place now'.

He said there was a legal rule that 'refugees must not be returned to their countries of origin, either directly or indirectly, if their life or freedom would be threatened in that country'.

'That rule is called the principle of non-refoulement,' he said.

The president of the UK's highest court added: 'We accept the Home Secretary's submission that the Rwandan government entered into the agreement in good faith and that the capacity of the Rwandan system to produce accurate and fair decisions can and will be built up.

How can Parliament declare Rwanda a 'safe' country? Rishi Sunak tonight promised to bring forward emergency laws in the wake of the Supreme Court's block on the Rwanda migration plan. The Prime Minister said the 'extraordinary step' would allow Parliament to declare Rwanda a 'safe' country to send asylum seekers to, once he has agreed a new treaty with Kigali. Mr Sunak said: 'It will ensure that people cannot further delay flights by bringing systemic challenges in our domestic courts and stop our policy being repeatedly blocked.' The PM's plan seems to be based on a detail included in the Court of Appeal's initial ruling, back in June, that the Rwanda scheme is unlawful. Judges noted how Schedule 3 to the Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants) Act 2004 allows the Government, as long as it obtains Parliamentary approval, to designate particular countries as safe. But ministers did not do so in its efforts to send migrants to Rwanda. Former PM Boris Johnson, who first announced the Rwanda plan in April last year, highlighted this in the wake of the Court of Appeal's ruling. He wrote in a Daily Mail column in June: 'As the judgment points out, the Government has the power, under Schedule 3 of the Asylum and Immigration Act 2004, to ask Parliament to deem Rwanda a safe country. 'That has not so far been done and it should now be done  immediately. Yes, of course there would be a row. 'The House of Lords might well be difficult  but we have been here before. It is time for the Government to settle the legal position.' Mr Johnson urged Mr Sunak to follow his advice after the Supreme Court upheld the Court of Appeal's decision. 'There is only one way to end the legal blockade on Rwanda  and that is to do exactly what this piece proposes  and do it NOW,' Mr Johnson posted on Twitter, as he shared a link to his past article. 'If you want to know what the government of 2019-2022 would have done, here is your answer. Its the only way.' Advertisement

'Nevertheless, asking ourselves whether there were substantial grounds for believing that a real risk of refoulement existed at the relevant time, we have concluded that there were.

'The changes needed to eliminate the risk of refoulement may be delivered in the future, but they have not been shown to be in place now.'

Lord Reed said in his summary that the European Convention on Human Rights was not the only international treaty that was relevant to the Rwanda case.

He added: 'There are other international treaties which also prohibit the return of asylum seekers to their countries of origin without a proper examination of their claims.'

These included the the United Nations (UN) Refugee Convention, the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment and the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, he said.

Following this morning's ruling, the Liberal Democrats urged the government abandon the 'immoral, unworkable and incredibly costly' Rwanda scheme and 'get on with fixing the broken asylum system'.

Major of London Sadiq Khan said: 'The Government's Rwanda policy isn't just cruel, callous and morally reprehensible, the Supreme Court has today confirmed its unlawful too.'

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf said the Rwanda scheme was 'morally repugnant' and 'should be scrapped'.

Human rights groups including Amnesty International and The Refugee Council hailed the Supreme Court's decision.

Sonya Sceats, chief executive at charity Freedom from Torture said: 'This is a victory for reason and compassion. 'We are delighted that the Supreme Court has affirmed what caring people already knew: the UK Government's 'cash for humans' deal with Rwanda is not only deeply immoral, but it also flies in the face of the laws of this country.'

Steve Smith, CEO of refugee charity Care4Calais, said: 'The Supreme Court's judgment is a victory for humanity. This grubby, cash-for-people deal was always cruel and immoral, but, most importantly, it is unlawful.'

He added: 'Today's judgment should bring this shameful mark on the UK's history to a close.

'Never again should our Government seek to shirk our country's responsibility to offer sanctuary to those caught up in horrors around the world.

'All the architects of the Rwanda plan may be gone but unless the Government changes course and introduces a policy of safe passage, then the rest should follow them out the door. There can be no more time wasted attacking the vulnerable when all they seek is our help.'

In an excoriating letter to the Prime Minister yesterday, Mrs Braverman warned he has no 'credible Plan B' if an earlier High Court ruling that the policy is unlawful is upheld.

As of November 12, 27,284 people had crossed the Channel.

Meanwhile, the 'legacy' backlog of UK asylum applications stood at 33,253 as of October 29, down nearly a half (47%) from 62,157 on July 30, according to new figures from the Home Office.

Mrs Braverman's replacement, James Cleverly , 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

Mrs Braverman tours a building site on the outskirts of Kigali during her visit to Rwanda in March

Mrs Braverman's replacement, James Cleverly, 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 had wargamed responses to a defeat, but Mrs Braverman warned of a 'betrayal' of Mr Sunak's promise to do 'whatever it takes' to stop the crossings regardless.

Asylum backlog falls by half - but 16,630 applications would need to be cleared each MONTH to meet ministers' deadline The 'legacy' backlog of UK asylum applications stood at 33,253 as of October 29, down nearly a half (47%) from 62,157 on July 30, according to new figures from the Home Office. Asylum applications made before June 28 2022 are counted as legacy cases. The Government has pledged to clear the legacy backlog by the end of this year. To do so, around 16,630 applications would need to be cleared per month before December 31. Some 12,620 were cleared between September 24 and October 29, and 9,604 cleared between August 27 and September 24, figures show. The non-legacy backlog of UK asylum cases - covering applications made on or after June 28 2022 - stood at 89,332 on October 29, up 20% from 74,622 on July 30. The overall backlog of applications awaiting a decision, including both legacy and non-legacy cases, is 122,585: down 10% from 136,779 on July 30 and down 12% from a record 138,782 at the end of February. One asylum application does not always equal one individual, as an application can cover a group of people. Advertisement

The sacked Home Secretary wrote in the letter 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.

Downing Street has 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 Braverman's declaration of political war.

Leaving the European Convention on Human Rights was not discussed at yesterday's Cabinet 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 argued 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.

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.'

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 Right of the Tory party has insisted Britain must leave the European human rights treaty regardless of today's outcome.

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.

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.'
Anthony Albanese is heading to the United States for the APEC summit where all eyes will be on a highly anticipated meeting between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping.

Trade, climate and the digital economy are expected to be key topics for the Australian prime minister at the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation leaders' meeting hosted by US President Joe Biden in San Francisco.

Mr Albanese left Canberra on Wednesday. It's his second trip to the US within a month and follows recent visits to China and the Cook Islands.

The theme of the APEC summit is 'Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All'.

Anthony Albanese (pictured) has headed off overseas again, this time to the US

'Engagement with APEC partners is critical for seizing the opportunities to create the jobs of the future, to expand our economic growth, and to take advantage of our location  on the doorstep of the fastest growing region in human history,' Mr Albanese said in a statement on Wednesday.

Free and open rules-based trade, supply chain resilience and sustainable and inclusive economic growth would be Australia's priorities, he said.

One of the most closely watched aspects of the summit will be Mr Biden's meeting with President Xi, their second in-person since the US president took office in January 2021.

The two leaders are expected to discuss what the White House described as 'advancing the ball' on military-to-military communications with China, as well as the Israel-Hamas war and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Mr Albanese told parliament on Wednesday he would be making the point to other leaders that 'democratic nations must stand up consistent with the international rule of law'.

The prime minister recently noted the Chinese president's participation in APEC and said talks with Mr Biden would be important.

'What we need to do is to have more dialogue and discussion because out of that comes greater understanding and it can also avoid mistakes.'

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has spent much of the last month overseas. He's pictured arriving at Hongqiao Airport, Shanghai in China, earlier this month

President Xi will meet President Biden for the second time since the US leader took office.

The visit is expected to include a meeting with Microsoft chairman and CEO Satya Nadella who in October announced a $5 billion investment in cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure in Australia, as well as training and cybersecurity programs.

This year marks 30 years since US president Bill Clinton hosted the first APEC leaders' meeting, at Blake Island, Washington.

Mr Clinton also began the colourful tradition of providing the leaders with themed clothing, handing out bomber jackets to his visiting counterparts.

The 21 APEC member economies account for nearly 40 per cent of the global population, almost half of global trade, and 60 per cent of global GDP.

The leaders will discuss trade and investment, the digital economy, health, gender equity and equality, clean energy and climate, anti-corruption and food security.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton called on Mr Albanese to cancel his trip to deal with pressing domestic issues.

Mr Dutton said the prime minister should instead convene a meeting with premiers and chief ministers to discuss growing anti-Semitism and civil unrest in Australia, amid the escalating conflict in Gaza.

The Liberal leader also called for Mr Albanese to address security concerns in the wake of criminals being released into the community following a High Court decision on immigration detention.

U.S. President Joe Biden and Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese will meet again at the APEC Summit

The US is pressing for APEC-wide action on mitigating emissions in the transport sector, including cleaner fuels in the aviation and maritime industries, and leading the world on adopting zero-emissions vehicles.

Leaders are also expected to discuss progress on the 14-nation Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which involves Australia.

The IPEF covers four pillars of work: trade, supply chains, clean energy and tax.

APEC's members are: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.
A food factory worker was strangled unconscious on a carrot baton machine when his hood jacket got tangled in the roller.

Remigiusz Cyrek, 37, was injured after being dragged into the machine and trapped by a giant roller while he was carrying out a deep clean on the specialist machinery.

The Fife-based vegetable producer faces a substantial fine after it admitted responsibility for the accident which left Mr Cyrek unable to work for six months.

Kettle Produce - which has a 150million turnover - admitted failing to ensure the health, safety and welfare of staff at its Orkie Farm production centre near freuchie between 21 August 2017 and 22 June 2018.

Fiscal depute Gail Adair told Dundee Sheriff Court that the conveyor belt and rollers should have been isolated and completely switched off before the weekly clean.

Kettle Produce - which has a 150million turnover - admitted failing to ensure the health, safety and welfare of staff at its Orkie Farm (pictured) production centre near freuchie between August 21, 2017, and June 22, 2018

She said: 'Mr Cyrek is a Polish national who has been living in the UK since 2011. He has been employed as a hygiene operative with the company since 21 August 2017.

'He was undertaking the weekly clean of the carrot baton line. He began pressure washing the line. It was running at the time and the driven roller was turning.

'This was a rotating power roller. The hood of his waterproof jacket got caught in the roller, causing it to tighten round his neck and lead to a loss of consciousness.

'The other hygiene operative found him unconscious under the conveyor, with the hood of his jacket tangled in the roller. Others became aware of that operative screaming at them.

'They ran to the central cabin and switched off the line. They freed him by manually feeding the roller to free his clothing.'

The prosecutor told the court that Mr Cyrek was treated by paramedics and taken to hospital with severe swelling and bruising to his neck. He suffered a loss of feeling in his fingertips.

'He was off work for six months and then returned to light duties. He continued to have pain in his hand. The accused had failed to have a safe system of work.'

Counsel for the company, Barry Smith, said: 'All of those at Kettle Produce very sincerely regret this accident occurred, and caused injury to Mr Cyrek, who was a valued employee.'

Fiscal depute Gail Adair told Dundee Sheriff Court (pictured) that the conveyor belt and rollers should have been isolated and completely switched off before the weekly clean

He said the company, which was founded in 1976 and has 1,100 staff, was a market leader in the prepared vegetable sector and was a 'large company' in terms of turnover.

'It is accepted there was a failure to ensure a safe system of work was properly implemented. There was a system, and had it been followed properly, it would have ensured safety.

'Clear instruction was not universally understood and followed. It is accepted the company fell short of the required standard.'

He urged the court to take Covid-affected losses of over 4 million over the last two financial years into account when deciding the scale of the fine to impose.

Sheriff Jillian Martin-Brown deferred sentence for consideration of the level of fine to impose and said: 'I think the injured person in this case has been very fortunate.'
Harper Collins have already slashed the price of Meghan Markle's friend Omid Scobie's new book on the British monarchy - weeks before it goes on sale.

Endgame, which promises to give readers an inside look at 'the Royal Family and the monarchy's fight for survival,' has already been discounted on the publisher's official website.

The book was meant to be priced at $32, but it is now $25.60.

This is despite it only being on preorder, and not hitting shelves until November 28.

Dey Street Books, an imprint of Harper Collins, has been contacted for comment.

Harper Collins have already slashed the price of Meghan Markle 's friend Omid Scobie's new book on the British monarchy - weeks before it goes on sale

On the official website, Endgame, which is set to give readers an inside look at 'the Royal Family and the monarchy's fight for survival,' has already been reduced

Endgame is described as a 'explosive book and a penetrating investigation into the current state of the British monarchyan unpopular king, a power-hungry heir to the throne, a queen willing to go to dangerous lengths to preserve her image, and a prince forced to start a new life after being betrayed by his own family.'

Scobie also penned Finding Freedom - about his friend Meghan and her husband Prince Harry's step down from the Royal Family.

The description of the $25.60 book explains: 'Queen Elizabeth IIs death ruptured the already-fractured foundations of the House of Windsorand dismantled the protective shield around it.

'With an institution long plagued by antiquated ideas around race, class and money, the monarchy and those who prop it up are now exposed and at odds with a rapidly modernizing world.

Omid Scobie, the author, also penned Finding Freedom - about his friend Meghan Markle and her husband Prince Harry's step down from the Royal Family

Omid Scobie's claims from his new book, Endgame William ignored Harry when he asked how he was planning to get to Scotland;

Eventually, he booked a 30,000 charter flight to Aberdeenshire from Luton;

Charles told him to come without Meghan. Source claims she 'wasn't wanted';

Harry had 'no idea' about what was going on in Balmoral when his plane took off;

But 'sources' briefed newspapers that Charles had personally informed son;

William believes Harry has been 'brainwashed by an army of therapists'. Advertisement

'Relying on his vast experience as a royal reporter and over a decade of conversations and interviews with current and former Palace staff, trusted friends of the royals and even the family members themselves, Scobie pulls back the curtain on an institution in turmoil to show what the monarchy must change in order to survive.'

One chapter of the book will be called 'Race and the Royals: Institutional Bigotry and Denial' and is likely to tackle claims of racism within the institution.

This comes as the royal family is facing new bombshell claims from Harry and Meghan's biographer Scobie just hours after the Duke of Sussex reportedly had a 'warm' phone conversation with King Charles to mark his 75th birthday.

The Duke of Sussex is believed to have phoned his father on his special day yesterday to wish him Happy Birthday - in a call thought to be the estranged royals' first phone chat in six months.

Meghan is also said to have spoken to her father-in-law to pass on her wishes from California. And the couple's children Archie and Lilibet recorded a video of themselves singing happy birthday to their grandfather, the Telegraph newspaper reported.

The report claimed Charles and Harry will speak again next week after their call marked a 'shift' in tone and a 'turning point' between the pair.

But now, Mr Scobie has shared an extract of his new book, Endgame, leaking explosive claims including that Prince Harry was 'kept in the dark' about the Queen's health in the hours before she died.

Harry and Meghan pictured attending the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games

The Sussex family together - Harry, Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet

Scobie said Harry and Meghan had 'no idea' the Royal Family were preparing for the Queen's death last year.

The author also suggests William and Harry's relationship is beyond repair because the Prince of Wales sees his brother as a 'defector'.

And in the extract shared with People, he claims 'there is no going back' for the brothers and 'absolutely nothing has changed' since the Duke of Sussex released Spare earlier this year.

It is not known how the new book could affect any rapprochement. Buckingham Palace has refused to comment on the extract.
The Paris policeman charged with murdering an ethnic minority teenager and triggering mass rioting across France was today released on bail.

Florian M., a 38-year-old traffic control officer, shot dead Nahel Merzouk, 17, from a French Algerian-Moroccan background, in the suburb of Nanterre on June 27.

There were immediate claims of a racist killing, as thousands of people took to the streets, causing some 600million worth of damage to property.

Buildings and cars were set alight, while police and gendarmes during nightly battles with protestors, 1800 of whom were arrested.

Rioters rammed a burning car into the home of a mayor of a town outside Paris, injuring his wife and child in what he has branded as an 'assassination attempt' in July, and a 45,000-strong nationwide police operation was launched to regain control of the streets amid widespread rioting, looting and protests following Nahel's death.

A police officer has been handed a preliminary charge of voluntary homicide and placed in provisional detention following killing of Nahel on Tuesday

black-clad protester is seen perched atop a traffic sign, as people take part in a march in the memory of 17-year-old Nahel

Left: A picture of smiling Nahel released by his family, along with the words: 'The love of my life'. Right: A picture published in French media of the victim

Clashes continued following his funeral in July with thousands arrested on the streets of Paris.

Florian M., whose full surname is not being revealed, was held in custody from June 29 pending trial, but on Wednesday legal sources confirmed he was at home in the Paris area.

'He was released under judicial supervision on Wednesday,' said one of the sources. 'His lawyer has repeatedly made bail appeals, and the latest was last Thursday.'

Investigating judges believe that after four-and-a-half months on remand, the policeman can safely stay out of prison.

There were initially serious fears that he a serving police officer accused of murder would be vulnerable to attack.

Bail conditions include 'paying a bond' and staying away from parties to the case, including witnesses, said the source.

Florian M. is also banned 'from appearing in Nanterre' and from 'holding a weapon', said a prosecuting source.

Laurent-Franck Lienard, the motorcycle policeman's lawyer, has always pleaded his client's innocence, saying the detention was 'illegal.'

The defence claim that Florian M. feared he was about to be run over by Merzouk, who was at the wheel of a Mercedes car, during a traffic control stop.

However, video evidence that appeared later appeared to contradict the policeman's initial statement.

In turn, Merzouk's mother, Mounia, said: 'I don't blame the police, I blame one person - the one who took the life of my son.'

Merzouk's mother, Mounia, said: 'I don't blame the police, I blame one person - the one who took the life of my son.'

Mounia, mother of the French teenager killed by police, attends a memorial march for her son

Protesters clash with police, following the death of Nahel, a 17-year-old teenager killed by an officer during a traffic stop

Burned cars line the street at the foot of the Pablo Picasso estate in Nanterre, west of Paris on June 30, 2023

People attend a march in tribute to Nahel, a 17-year-old teenager killed by a French police officer during a traffic stop, in Nanterre

She said the officer 'saw an Arab face, a little kid, and wanted to take his life'.

'A police officer cannot take his gun and fire at our children, take our children's lives,' she previously said.

Nahel, who did not have a criminal record, was suspected of reckless and underage driving in the car, which did not contain anything illegal.

Lawyers for Nahel's family have also described the circumstances of his death as 'an execution' and called for an enquiry into police racism against ethnic minorities.

Race was a taboo topic for decades in France, which is officially committed to a doctrine of colour-blind universalism.

In the wake of Nahel's killing, French anti-racism activists renewed complaints about police behaviour.

Thirteen people who didn't comply with traffic stops were fatally shot by French police last year.

This year, another three people, including Nahel, died under similar circumstances.

The deaths have prompted demands for more accountability in France, which also saw racial justice protests after George Floyd's killing by police in Minnesota.

The protests echoed the three weeks of rioting in 2005 that followed the deaths of 15-year-old Bouna Traore and 17-year-old Zyed Benna, who were electrocuted while hiding from police in a power substation in Clichy-sous-Bois.
A serial armed robber has escaped a mandatory 15-year prison sentence for illegally owning a gun after a Chicago judge said convicted felons are also protected by the Second Amendment.

Glen Prince, 37, already had three armed robberies and the aggravated battery of a police officer on his record when he was arrested for robbing three men on a CTA train in September 2021.

Police found cocaine, a stolen credit card, a cache of bullets and a fully loaded 9mm Smith and Wesson on him when they arrested him, despite the federal law banning felons from possessing handguns.

But Judge Robert Gettleman threw out the charge, citing statutes of the Revolutionary War and a momentous Supreme Court ruling last year that insists modern gun control laws must have 'historical analogues' to survive a legal challenge.

'Although there are strong policy reasons for doing everything possible to keep guns off our streets and out of our communities, this court can find no such historical analog,' he said in his judgement.

Serial armed robber Glen Prince, 37, was freed by a court which ruled the federal ban on felons possessing firearms is unconstitutional after a Supreme Court decision last year

Judge Robert Gettleman (left) said prosecutors had failed to prove that felons are excluded from 'the people' protected by the Second Amendment and cited the Supreme Court ruling delivered last year by Justice Clarence Thomas (right) which demands 'historical analogues' for gun control laws

Hundreds of convicted felons are due to face trial for illegally owning guns in Chicago alone.

But Gettleman claimed the ban on felons owning guns was a greater threat to liberty than the 1791 law which took guns from colonists who would not declare their loyalty to the new republic.

He said he had searched rulings dating back to Rhode Island in 1677 and New Netherland in 1639 without finding a satisfactory precedent for the ban.

And he said prosecutors had failed to prove that felons are excluded from 'the people' protected by the Second Amendment.

State gun control laws have started toppling across the country since the Supreme Court's Bruen case last year which was brought by the New York Rifle and Pistol Association to challenge the state's restrictive concealed carry law.

Despite New York's law dating back to 1911, Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas ruled that gun control laws must be 'consistent with the Nation's historical tradition'.

The decision was hailed as a 'watershed win' by the NRA, which insisted 'the right to self-defense and to defend your family and loved ones should not end at your home.'

But it prompted outrage from gun control advocates including President Joe Biden who said he was 'deeply disappointed' in a ruling that 'contradicts both common sense and the Constitution, and should deeply trouble us all'.

California Governor Gavin Newsom said it marked a 'a dark day in America', while New York Mayor Eric Adams said it 'opened an additional river that is going to feed the sea of gun violence in our city and in our nation'.

'We cannot allow New York to become the wild, wild West,' he added.

But dozens of state laws have since been overturned including bans on people facing domestic violence restraining orders, limits on guns at summer camps and churches, and even a law requiring guns to have serial numbers.

The administration hit back last month demanding the Supreme Court overrule a Philadelphia Court decision that the ban could not apply to a man convicted of food-stamp fraud.

'Many aspects of Second Amendment doctrine rest on the premise that the amendment protects only law-abiding citizens, not felons,' Justice Department lawyers wrote.

The 6-3 Supreme Court ruling came along ideological lines, with the court's conservative majority all voting in favor of striking down the New York law

Judge Gettleman admitted that his decision was finely balanced because 'violence plagues our communities and that allowing those who potentially pose a threat to the orderly functioning of society to be armed is a dangerous precedent.'

And he admitted that guns have become more powerful, and violence more pervasive, since the 1790s, but he insisted it did not 'justify a different result'.

'This nation's gun violence problem is devastating, but does not change this result under Bruen, which this court finds rests on the severity of (firearm law) rather than its categorical prohibition,' he wrote.

The US Attorney General's office immediately appealed the ruling, and Prince was immediately rearrested by Chicago Police on separate charges.
Warner Bros. Discovery boss David Zaslav has said striking writers might now be overpaid, but he has no regrets as they were 'right about almost everything'.

The writers and actors strikes brought the industry to a standstill over the summer with production halting on all projects.

On September 24, studio bosses finally reached an agreement with union representatives - giving into their demands on almost all fronts.

And now, in an interview with The New York Times Magazine, Zaslav said he does not regret anything about the deal, but suggested the writers may be overpaid.

'They are right about almost everything. So what if we overpay? Ive never regretted overpaying for great talent or a great asset,' he said.

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has said writers were 'right about almost everything'

The industry ground to a halt over the summer as the unions and studio bosses struggled to reach an agreement

The suggestion that writers may now be being overpaid might not be looked upon kindly in the industry after it emerged that Zaslav himself was paid $246 million in compensation in 2021.

WGA board member Adam Conover called out Zaslav on his salary on his own network, CNN, at the time saying: 'Thats about the same level as 10,000 writers are asking him to pay us collectively, all right?'

Eventually studios agreed to minimum staffing requirements for writers rooms, viewership-based residuals for streaming shows and limitations on the use of artificial intelligence in the writing process.

The writers received an immediate 5 per cent pay rise, with further annual increases of 4 per cent and 3.5 per cent in subsequent years.

The estimated value of the entire agreement with the AMPTP is $233 million per year.

And despite Zaslav now asserting the writers were 'right' to ask for those things, it took the industry 148 days to reach the agreement with increasingly bitter negotiations.

In May, as the strikes ramped up Zaslav was booed and met with chants of 'pay your writers' while speaking during Boston University's commencement ceremony.

Video from the graduation shows Zaslav, speaking to the large crowd while loud boos and jeers ring out from the crowd throughout his 20-minute speech.

One clip in which Zaslav - a Boston University law school alum in 1985 - is introduced shows the crowd screaming as some faculty clap behind him.

Overhead, a plane carrying a banner reading 'DAVID ZASLAV - PAY YOUR WRITERS' circled over the commencement ceremony throughout the event.

Zaslav was booed and met with chants of 'pay your writers' while speaking during Boston University's commencement ceremony on Sunday

Video from the graduation shows Zaslav, 63, speaking to the large crowd while loud boos and jeers ring out from the crowd throughout his 20-minute speech

On the Monday after the Warner Bros. Barbie film was released in July, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joined a crowd of protesters at a SAG-AFTRA rally outside Warner Bros. global headquarters in Manhattan.

This is a fight against the endless pursuit of more wealth. How many private jets does David Zaslav need?' she said.

In August, Zaslav said he was 'hopeful' that the end of the strikes was near, saying: 'We're in the business of storytelling.

'Our goal is to tell great stories, stories with the power to entertain and, when we're at our best, inspire with stories that come to life on screens big and small.

'We cannot do any of that without the entirety of the creative community, the great creative community. Without the writers, directors, editors, producers, actors, the whole below-the-line crew.

'It's critically important that everybody, the writers, the directors, the actors and producers everyone needs to be fairly compensated and they need to feel valued and feel that they're fairly compensated in order to do their best work.'
It comes as the FBI probes mayor Adams' campaign fundraising

A top aide of New York City mayor Eric Adams has been accused of promising a job to a campaign volunteer in exchange for renovating her kitchen - in a new blow for the Democrat as the FBI probes his campaign fundraising.

Winnie Greco, 61, the city's current director of Asian affairs, asked the volunteer, an unidentified 33-year-old tech worker from Queens, to work on the kitchen in her Bronx home in 2022, according to a report by The City.

The outlet reported on Wednesday that around the same time Greco also asked for a $10,000 donation from a Chinese executive in exchange for access to a Chinese-focused government event at Gracie Mansion.

The two volunteers spoke to The City before the FBI raided the home of Adam's chief fundraiser as part of an investigating into an alleged kickback scheme.

The tech worker claimed he took up Greco's offer and she helped him land interviews with the Mayors Office of Immigrant Affairs two months after he began working on her house.

Winnie Greco, 61, the city's current director of Asian affairs, has been accused of promising a job to a campaign volunteer in exchange for renovating her kitchen

It's a new blow for mayor Eric Adams as the FBI probes his campaign fundraising

Adams poses with advisor Winnie Greco at the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in August

The man was hired as a program coordinator in July 2022, and says Greco continued asking him to help clean her kitchen and remove debris from her home.

He told The City: 'I felt obligated to help her. Two weeks after I began working at MOIA, she said to me, "Do you know how much effort I made to get you hired?"'

According to the report, he was fired in June following a three-month warning. The man claims things turned south after he began refusing to help Greco.

When he was give the warning, he was allegedly told by his bosses to 'Be good to Winnie.'

The Chinese executive, on his part, told The City Greco asked that the donation go to a nonprofit she founded and claimed she has asked the same of at least five other donors.

Greco, who has a salary of $100,000, has denied the reports, according to The New York Post.

A spokesperson for City Hall described the former campaign volunteer as a 'disgruntled former employee.'

A campaign spokeswoman for Adams told The Post: 'Ms. Greco did not have a formal role on the campaign and has no authority to make promises to volunteers. A number of assertions made by The City in their article are simply incorrect.'

The serious allegations come after the FBI seized Adams' electronic devices following a raid on the home of his top fundraiser and longtime confidante Brianna Suggs, 25.

Suggs' house in the Crown Heights neighborhood was searched while Adams was on his way to meetings in Washington DC, forcing him to abruptly cancel and return to 'deal with a matter.'

The agents seized three iPhones, two laptop computers, papers and a 'manila folder labeled Eric Adams,' The New York Times reported. They also took seven 'contribution card binders.'

The agents also wanted records of travel to Turkey by any employee, officer or associate of the campaign; and documents related to interactions between the campaign and the government of Turkey, 'including persons acting at the behest of the Turkish government.'

Agents searched the home of Brianna Suggs , a campaign consultant who has helped Adams raise $2.5million for his 2025 election

Agents in FBI vests were among those who removed boxes from the home

After news of his devices being seized broke, Adams told CNN 'he has nothing to hide.'

'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 exactly that,' he added.

Authorities are investigating whether the campaign conspired with a Brooklyn construction company and the Turkish government to funnel foreign money into the campaign's coffers, apparently through a straw donor scheme.

Neither Adams nor anyone in his campaign have been charged with any crimes.

Suggs has worked for Adams since 2017, when she joined his staff in the Brooklyn Borough presidents office as a teenager, reporting directly to her godmother, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, a longtime Adams ally who now serves as the mayors chief advisor.

When Adams, a Democrat, ran for mayor in 2021, Suggs served as a chief fundraiser and director of logistics, helping to organize events and solicit money from donors. Records show she has been paid more than $150,000 for her work on his previous campaign and his current reelection bid.
A Texas judge declared a mistrial in the case of a 2020 fatal shooting of an unarmed man by an Austin cop after a jury failed to reach a verdict.

Austin police officer Christopher Taylor shot Michael Ramos, an unarmed Black and Hispanic man, on April 24, 2020, when he attempted to drive away as police were arresting him.

Judge Dayna Blazey announced the mistrial after jurors were unable to reach a verdict following five days of deliberations.

Police body camera footage showed Ramos announced he was unarmed and had his hands above his head before he was shot dead.

Taylor was called to the scene when a resident reported to police a man in the parking lot of the Oak Valley Apartments was doing drugs in his car and saw a gun.

A judge declared a mistrial in the case against Austin police officer Christopher Taylor in the fatal shooting of an unarmed man

Police body camera footage shows the victim, Michael Ramos (pictured), had announced he was unarmed and had his hands above his head before he was shot dead

Another officer, Mitchell Pieper, had deployed a beanbag impact at Ramos, prompting him to try and drive away; Taylor then shot into Ramos' car three times.

Initially, Ramos got out of the car with his hands up and his shirt raised as if to show he had no gun in his waistband, but then ignored officers' orders to remain outside the car and was shot first with a beanbag.

Ramos then tells officers 'don't shoot' several times as officers continue to tell him to turn around.

He begins to question why officers approached him and why weapons have been drawn.

'What's going on, man?' Ramos shouts, as officers aim their guns at him.

'I'll explain it in a second,' one officer says. 'I can't explain it right now, Michael.'

Ramos responds: 'What the f*** did I f******do, man? ... I ain't got no gun. ... Why all of y'all got guns? What the f*** you trippin' on, dog?'

When Ramos got back into the car and started to drive away, Taylor shot him with a rifle.

A search of the car failed to turn up a gun, police said later.

Christopher Taylor is accused in the April 24, 2020 shooting death of Michael Ramos, pictured

Taylor (right) has been on administrative leave since the Ramos shooting and is awaiting trial for a second murder charge in a separate shooting

The woman who said she made the call to police, Meko Scott, testified during Taylor's trial that she wishes she could take back saying she saw a man with a gun.

She said she never saw a gun and reported what other bystanders had said and apologized to Ramos' family.

Prosecutors have not said if they will re-try Taylor of the charges.

'This mistrial will leave just about everyone frustrated, but we can't let this outcome divide our city,' Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said.

Black and Hispanic community activists reacted to the shooting with outrage, protest demonstrations and calls for then-police chief Brian Manley to resign.

Demonstrators in Austin invoked Ramos' name when they took to the streets to protest that May after the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police.

Then-Austin Mayor Steve Adler called the shooting 'disturbing' after viewing a video captured by a bystander. Adler said Ramos did not appear to pose a threat to police.

At the time of the incident, Taylor had been with the department for five years.

He has been on administrative leave since the Ramos shooting and is currently awaiting trial for a second fatal shooting.

Taylor and another officer Karl Krycia, were both charged with first-degree murder and a third-degree felony count of deadly conduct in the fatal shooting of Navy veteran Mauris DeSilva, 46, who was reportedly suffering from a mental health crisis when he was killed.

Austin Police Officers Christopher Taylor (left) and Karl Krycia (right) were charged with first-degree murder and a third-degree felony count of deadly conduct in the fatal shooting of Navy vet Mauris DeSilva, 46

DeSilva was reportedly suffering from a mental health crisis when the two officers shot and killed him on July 31, 2019

DeSilva, who grew up in Sri Lanka, reportedly had severe mental illness, and had been holding a knife to his neck and banging loudly on emergency exit doors when people in his condominium complex called 911 on July 31, 2019.

Both the officers shot him simultaneously in the chest and DeSilva was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Taylor's lawyers argue he was protecting himself after DeSilva refused to drop the knife and came within three to four feet of the officer.

A pre-trial hearing for Taylor in this case is scheduled for December 20.
Chris Christie isn't worried about national polls because the U.S. has 'doesn't have a national primary' as he said his focus is on performing state-by-state.

The former New Jersey governor is polling at the back of the Republican primary pack  but boasted of his 6 percent showing in first-in-the-nation caucus state of Iowa despite having 'not spent one hour in Iowa since the beginning of this campaign.'

Christie sarcastically quipped at Fox News host Sandra Smith that he should 'just drop out' of the race because of RealClearPolitics national polling putting him at 2.4 percent.

Repeatedly, Christie pointed to surveys in New Hampshire, which is the early primary state where the 2024 hopeful is putting all of his weight for the January 23 elections.

'I don't care where I am in national polling,' Christie shot-back at Smith when she asked how he thinks he is really performing nationally versus the polling.

'It doesn't matter, we don't have a national primary, Sandra,' he continued, clearly frustrated by the narrative. 'If we had a national primary I would be in desperate, horrible straits  but we don't. We have primaries state by state.'

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said he isn't worried about national polls because the primary election is state-by-state as he dismissed his dismal showing in national surveys

A RealClearPolitics national average shows Christie in fifth place with 2.4% now that Sen. Tim Scott has suspended his presidential campaign

Looking at the RealClearPolitical national average of polls, Christie is in fifth place  bumped up a level because Sen. Tim Scott suspended his campaign over the weekend.

Christie, however, jumps to a tie for third place with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis  both with 8.3 percent  in a separate RealClearPolitics average for New Hampshire polls.

'What do you do now, what is your strategy?' Smith asked Christie in regards to his poor national showing.

'Geez, I guess from that I should drop out,' the candidate sarcastically replied.

'RealClearPolitics average is not worth anything,' he clarified. 'We don't have a national primary. And if you look at what's going on in New Hampshire, I'm in double digits. As is Ambassador Haley. And Donald Trump is well below 50 percent in those places.'

But Christie lamented that the 'real problem' is that if other candidates besides him don't start going after former President Trump, the entire primary race is for naught because it will truly be a race for second place.

'The fact is  here's the problem, Sandra, this is all a play for second place if you don't go after Donald Trump,' he said on Fox during a Wednesday interview.

'And Nikki Haley said the other night 'he's the right president for the right time.' Well, I don't know that somebody who got indicted four times based on conflict in office turned out to be the right president for the right time,' the former Trump ally said.

'And you know, I look at the way they cuddle up to Donald Trump  well, good, if you are content with second place then don't take on the front-runner. I've been taking on the front-runner from the beginning because I want to win the race.'

A New Hampshire poll shows Christie in third place in the early primary state with 9% support

Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel told Fox news that she's 'really sick of this in-fighting' between Republican candidates.

But Christie says it's necessary for the process.

'It's called a primary,' he said when asked if he's worried in-fighting will ultimately damage the GOP. 'And so, that's the way it goes.'

'We are going to be critical of each other and we should be. But, what unites us is much greater than what divides us,' Christie continued. 'And if we get an appropriate nominee for president, I'm sure you will see them unite to defeat Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.'

'But let's face it, we did not have any primary in 2020 because we had an incumbent president but there was still plenty of infighting going on, on Capitol Hill and many other places. So that's part of politics,' he explained.

'I don't mind arguing with folks, as long as we are arguing towards an end that will be productive for the party and for the country.'

The first primary contest is in Iowa on January 15 where voters will caucus for their preferred candidates.

Christie isn't expected to perform well as, he admitted, has not stepped foot in Iowa during the 2024 primary campaign.
The driver and his attendant, who is also his wife, were arrested and on Wednesday were granted their provisional release after appearing in court

A two-year-old boy died after he was left in an overheated school van by a driver and attendant who forgot to drop him off at a daycare center in Brazil on Tuesday.

Apollo Rodrigues was picked up at his home in the southeastern city of Sao Paulo around 7am and was discovered unconscious around 3:30pm when the driver went to pick up the vehicle at a garage and noticed it was locked.

The driver, Flavio Robson, 45, and his assistant, Luciana Coelho, 44, who is also his wife, rushed Rodrigues to Vereador Jose Storopolli Muncipal Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy is pending.

Robson and Coelho were arrested on intentional homicide charges. They appeared before a judge on Wednesday and were granted their provisional release as they await their legal process to play out.

Two-year-old Apollo Rodrigues died in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Tuesday after a school van driver and his assistant, who is also his wife, forgot to escort him out of the vehicle and to his daycare center. The Civil Police believes the intense heat inside the van may have contributed to the boy's death on a day temperatures reached 99.8 Fahrenheit

A two-year-old boy was pronounced dead at a hospital in the southeastern Brazilian city of Sao Paulo on Tuesday after the driver of a school van (pictured) and his assistant forgot to take the child out of the vehicle while taking him to his daycare. Police said that the high temperatures in the city combined with the heat in the vehicle could have contributed to his death

Under the court terms, they are not allowed to work providing school transport service for children and have to relinquish their driver's license. The are required to appear in court every month and are prohibited from leaving their homes between 10pm and 6am.

In addition, they are barred from talking to witnesses and the victim's family, and are prohibited from traveling outside Sao Paulo for more than eight days without telling the court.

Civil Police investigators believe that the heat inside the car contributed to the boy's death.

Temperatures in Sao Paulo soared to 99.8 Fahrenheit on Tuesday, making it the hottest day in history since the National Institute of Meteorology started keeping data. The heat wave continued Wednesday, rising to 104 Fahrenheit.

Rodrigues' mother, Kaliane Rodrigues, told Brazilian television station TV Globo that he was crying when she walked up to the bus because he did not want to go to the daycare, which he had been attending for four months.

'He cried, he didn't want to go,' she said.

The distraught mother said that Coelho would always make sure that her son sat in the front of the bus.

'Today she put him in the back seat and forgot my son,' she said.

Kaliane Rodrigues with her two-year-old son Apollo Rodrigues, who died Tuesday after he was left inside an overheated van

Kaliane Rodrigues felt something was off when she returned from work and her son had not arrived from the daycare.

'Whenever I arrived, my son was there. Today I arrived and my son was not there,' she said. 'And I will never see him again. I will never see my son again.

'I never thought about going through this, it's very difficult knowing that I left my son in the station wagon thinking he was safe and went to work,' she added. 'But, you know, a mother's feeling. My day wasn't good and when it was 4pm I said, ' Mom, has Apollo arrived?'

Online news outlet G1 and TV Globo had access to a police report, which indicated that Coelho always checked the bus to make sure that all of the children had gotten off.

Coelho told authorities that she had been suffering from a migraine headache and that it may have impaired her attention span.

Apollo Rodrigues was found lying down on the second to last bench in the bus.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is being sued by a woman who claimed that she was left 'permanently disabled' when they collided in a car crash earlier this year.

The Terminator star was hit with the lawsuit on Wednesday over his alleged reckless driving on Sunset Boulevard and Allenford Avenue on January 21, 2023

He is accused of 'negligently, wantonly, unlawfully, wrongfully, and recklessly' slamming into the plaintiff's car with his GMC Yukon.

The plaintiff, Cheryl Augustine, filed the suit in the Los Angeles County Superior court.

The lawsuit, seen by Radar Online, claimed Augustine suffered 'injury to her body and shock and injury to her nervous system and person all of which have caused and continue to cause plaintiff great physical and nervous pain suffering.'

Schwarzenegger's representatives have been contacted for comment.

Arnold Schwarzenegger was hit with the lawsuit on Wednesday over his alleged reckless driving on Sunset Boulevard and Allenford Avenue on January 21, 2023

Schwarzenegger is seen standing next to his SUV following a crash in January this year. Today, a lawsuit was filed against him by plaintiff Cheryl Augustine

The former governor, 76, was driving his GMC Yukon SUV and was about to turn onto busy Sunset Boulevard, about half-a-mile from his home in the Brentwood, when he smashed into a red Toyota Prius at 4:35pm

DailyMail.com previously reported that Schwarzenegger was involved in a car crash in January in Los Angeles. It involved four vehicles and left his enormous black SUV perched on top of another car, leaving one other driver with a head injury.

The former governor, 76, was driving his GMC Yukon SUV and was about to turn onto busy Sunset Boulevard, about half-a-mile from his home in the Brentwood, when he smashed into a red Toyota Prius at 4:35pm on January 21.

The Prius was said to have been making a U-turn in the road when the collision occurred.

The impact of the crash was so severe that the Prius' airbags deployed as a result of the collision as did those in Schwarzenegger's vehicle.

Schwarzenegger SUV then started to roll onto a white Porsche Taycan that was directly behind Schwarzenegger's.

Law enforcement conducted a full investigation into how the accident occurred.

Plaintiff Augustine claims in the lawsuit that the accident stopped her from working. She is suing for 'general damages,' including all medical and incidental expenses and loss of earnings.

Schwarzenegger's enormous black SUV was perched on top of a Prius, leaving one other driver with a head injury

Police told TMZ at the time of the crash that Schwarzenegger was making a left turn while the arrow for a left turn was still red. He was not ticketed by police and uninjured in the crash.

He was concerned about the woman who was injured, checked on her and spoke to police officers and firefighters who were quickly on scene.

Officer Drake Madison of the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to DailyMail.com that no arrests were made and the crash did not appear to involve any form of DUI.

'Neither alcohol or drugs are suspected as a factor in this collision. All parties remained at scene. No further information will be made available,' police said in a statement.

Images posted to social media showed the tire on the passenger's side of Schwarzenegger's SUV firmly on the hood of the Prius, smashing its headlights and sending debris into the road.

The female driver was hurt in the crash and was seen to be bleeding heavily from her head. She was taken by ambulance to hospital.

It is not clear if this woman is the plaintiff of the lawsuit.

Schwarzenegger's friend Jake Steinfeld was in the car at the time of the crash and could be seen in some of the pictures taken in the moments after the collision.

Pictured: Arnold Schwarzenegger is being sued by a cyclist he accidentally struck with his car in LA in February (pictured)

This fresh lawsuit comes one week after Schwarzenegger was sued by a cyclist he accidentally struck with his car in LA in February.

He was driving around the city when a bicyclist 'suddenly swerved into his lane and made contact' with his car before he had a chance to slow down, TMZ reported at the time.

According to the lawsuit obtained by the outlet, a woman named Joanne Flickinger claims she was the cyclist who collided with the star's SUV in West LA.

Flickinger alleges Arnold was driving 'with excessive speed and failed to keep a proper lookout' and claims the collision caused her severe injuries.

The cyclist was taken to hospital after the crash with the star taking the bike to a shop for repairs.

The actor spoke to a group of police officers who asked for further details regarding the accident.
Members of China's oppressed Uyghur minority have slammed President Joe Biden for reportedly agreeing to lift sanctions against China in exchange for 'empty promises' about staunching fentanyl flows into the US.

Louisa Greve, advocacy director for the Uyghur Human Rights Project, said Biden's deal with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping would further hurt her repressed ethnic group without getting America any help in return.

Greve spoke with DailyMail.com as Biden met Xi on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in San Francisco, where they discussed their deal over sanctions and Chinese-made precursor chemicals.

'It'd be a screaming shame for the American government to give concessions to China, selling out its own ideals and actions in its fight against Uyghur genocide and getting nothing out of it,' said Greve.

China's Uyghurs say they're being sold out in Joe Biden's fentanyl deal with Xi Jinping

The US wants China's help to stop an illicit flow of 'precursor' chemicals that are used to make fentanyl, which are often mailed to Mexican drug cartels and smuggled and sold across America  often with deadly results.

The agreement reportedly involves lifting US sanctions against the Institute of Forensic Science, part of China's Ministry of Public Security, which has been blacklisted for alleged abuses against Uyghurs and others since 2020.

Louisa Greve expects 'empty promises' from China

Greve says the deal would undermine the cause of the Uyghurs, a mostly Muslim, Turkic-speaking group in the northwestern region of Xinjiang, which has seen been subject to forced labor, sterilizations and other abuses in a crackdown from Beijing.

Washington put the institute on the Commerce Department's 'entity list' in 2020 over alleged abuses toward Uyghurs and other minority groups  effectively barring it from receiving US exports.

China has long questioned why the US would expect cooperation on fentanyl while targeting the institute.

'It would send the wrong message to lift sanctions on the forensic institute, which has been implicated in the involuntary collection of DNA of Tibetans and Uyghurs,' said Greve, an author of several books who has testified before Congress.

Worse still, added Greve, Biden is likely being sold 'empty promises.'

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

Homeless San Francisco denizen Travis Hayes, 65, holds up a bag believed to be fentanyl

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates there were 109,673 overdose deaths in the year to April 2022  a new record. Many were due to fentanyl, pictured

'China's word on international agreements cannot be trusted,' she added.

'Like how it violates foundational UN agreements on atrocity crimes, this deal on fentanyl could turn out to be empty promises.'

China's embassy in Washington declined to comment on the fentanyl issue.

Chinese state media has repeatedly said addiction and demand for the drug are US domestic problems.

Still, US officials say that small chemical firms in China make precursor chemicals that are shipped to Mexico to produce illicit fentanyl.

The opioid, which is 50-100 times stronger than heroin, is often mixed with other illegal drugs, sold as powders and nasal sprays, and increasingly turned into pills that look like legitimate prescription opioids.

These are then smuggled across the US-Mexico border, the officials say.

DEA officers seized a million fake pills containing fentanyl at a home in Inglewood, California. The drug is so potent that users can easily take a lethal dose

Drugs and paraphernalia recovered from a bust in New York in September 2016, in which officers made a record seizure of 33 kilograms of heroin and 2 kilograms of fentanyl from a drug ring encompassing New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Arizona and New Jersey

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

Last month, Washington slapped sanctions on 28 people and entities involved with the international proliferation of illicit drugs, including a large China-based network.

The US rate of drug overdose deaths involving fentanyl more than tripled from 2016 through 2021, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Tens of thousands of people die annually from synthetic opioid overdoses, government statistics show.

'We know that this global fentanyl supply chain, which ends with the deaths of Americans, often starts with chemical companies in China,' said US Attorney General Merrick Garland.

Ahead of the summit in San Francisco, state and local officials have tried to clean up drugs from the city's streets, with limited success.

The crisis has drawn sharp criticism from residents in the city, where drug-fuelled crime has forced some businesses to leave.

With Reuters.
Ankle tracking devices and strict curfews will be imposed on serious criminals released from indefinite immigration detention, under new emergency laws being fast-tracked by the federal government.

The opposition had been pushing the government on the potential threat posed by criminals, including three murderers and a number of sex offenders, who were released into the community after the High Court found indefinite detention was unlawful.

In response, Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil will introduce a raft of strict, new visa conditions as part of the government's emergency response to the decision.

This will allow the Commonwealth to enforce ankle monitoring bracelets and curfews on the 83 detainees released in the last week.

For the first time, criminal sanctions could also be used against those who break the visa conditions, which means they could face jail time.

Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil (pictured) will introduce a raft of strict, new visa conditions as part of the government's emergency response to the decision

Ankle tracking devices and strict curfews will be imposed on serious criminals released from indefinite immigration detention. Sirul Azahr Umar, who was released last weekend, was sentenced to death in Malaysia for a 2006 murder

Nat Barr tells Albanese Government to deal with the issue of foreign murderers and paedophiles being released There is growing pressure on the Albanese Government to act decisively to deal with a crisis created by the High Court ruling that's seen 81 asylum seekers released into the community. Advertisement

'If I had any legal power to do it, I would keep every one of those people in detention,' Ms O'Neil told reporters on Thursday.

'Some of these people have committed deplorable, disgusting crimes.

'And that is why our government is managing the mandatory impact of this law and doing everything that we can to keep the community safe.'

The changes are expected to be introduced to parliament on Thursday.

Prior to Ms O'Neil's announcement, the Coalition had indicated it would support the government's legislative response to the issue.

'At this stage, the Coalition hasn't received any draft form of legislation from the government and we're yet to understand how it proposes to deal with this particular issue,' Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price told Nine's Today show on Thursday.

Asked if the opposition would support it, Senator Price said: 'Look, absolutely. We are hoping to support it. That is for sure.'

'The community, the Australian community is at the core of this, and the Australian community's safety is what is most important,' she added.

Last week's decision by the High Court forced the government to release 83 immigrants after ruling indefinite detention - with no other country willing to take them - was illegal.

Among those released 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, whom he killed and then blew up the body.

Independent NSW MP Dai Le said she was shocked by the ruling.

'The High Court decision surprised everybody, but I think we need to find a way to ensure that law experts get together to find a way to draft the law. That is my perspective,' she told Nine.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton told parliament on Wednesday he would be willing to keep coalition MPs in Canberra for as long as necessary to pass the laws.

The High Court of Australia (sign pictured) found indefinite detention was unlawful

The Australian Federal Police commissioner this week briefed his state and territory counterparts about the court's decision and a joint operation with the Australian Border Force has been established to co-ordinate the release of the detainees.

Those released were already under strict visa conditions, which included notifying authorities about their location, in-person daily reporting and restrictions on working in certain types of industries.

The High Court is yet to release the reasoning for its decision.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is out of the country for the next few days while he attends the APEC economic leaders' summit in San Francisco.
Worst Fight Club ever.

On Tuesday, both Houses of our august Congress featured the threat of fisticuffs.

In the end, the only black eye delivered was to the institution itself.

The undercard took place in the upper body. Bull-necked Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin accused an equally intimidating Teamsters President, Sean O'Brien, of slandering him in a tweet.

So naturally, in the ultimate 'Sir, this is a Wendy's' moment, Mullin challenged O'Brien to a bare knuckles brawl in the middle of a Senate hearing.

'You want to run your mouth? We can be two consenting adults. We can finish it here,' threatened Mullin, who is  believe it or not  a former MMA fighter.

'Ok, that's fine. Perfect,' O'Brien snapped back, like a bit character in a Scorsese picture.

Then - more stirring dialogue.

'Stand your butt up,' said Mullin.

'You stand your butt up, big guy,' O'Brien replied.

Who writes this trash?

Mullin shot out of his seat. I have no doubt that visions of viral videos and internet clout were dancing through his head.

Mercifully, referee Bernie Sanders, chair of the committee, had seen enough.

'Sit Down!' he admonished. 'You are a United States Senator!'

Indeed, he is.

For now.

Bull-necked Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin (above) accused an equally intimidating Teamsters President, Sean O'Brien, of slandering him in a tweet.

Mercifully, referee Bernie Sanders (above, middle), chair of the committee, had seen enough. 'Sit Down!' he admonished. 'You are a United States Senator!' Indeed, he is.

Meanwhile, the main event was held over in the House of Representatives.

In the right corner was former Republican House leader Kevin McCarthy who lost his speaker's belt last month.

And in the far-right corner, Tennessee's Tim Burchett, one of the 8 Republicans behind the knockout blow that bumped McCarthy from power.

Burchett accused McCarthy of elbowing him from behind  landing a 'clean shot to the kidneys'  as he spoke to an NPR reporter.

Burchett lurched forward, a chase ensued and sharp verbal jabs were thrown.

'Why'd you walk behind me and elbow me in the back?'

The former speaker responded: 'I didn't elbow you in the back.'

'You got no guts, you did so,' whined Burchett, to which any self-respecting schoolyard bully would have replied, na-na na-na boo-boo.

'This is wild,' barked Florida man Matt Gaetz, ever the instigator, from the sidelines. 'McCarthy resorting to pushing people in the halls. What a weak, pathetic, husk of a man.'

What in God's name is wrong with these people? It is tempting to brush aside these tough guy shenanigans as isolated incidents of idiocy, but they betray a far deeper dysfunction that Americans have a right to resent.

Burchett (above) accused McCarthy of elbowing him from behind  landing a 'clean shot to the kidneys'  as he spoke to an NPR reporter.

'This is wild,' barked Florida man Matt Gaetz, ever the instigator, from the sidelines. 'McCarthy resorting to pushing people in the halls. What a weak, pathetic, husk of a man.' (Above) Congressman Kevin McCarthy

Take the normally steady Republican Rep. James Comer, who also lost it on Democrat Jared Moskowitz during a hearing on Tuesday.

'You look like a Smurf,' Comer shouted at Moskowitz, who's hair actually more closely resembles that of a troll.

'Gargamel was very angry today,' Moskowitz later quipped on Twitter  a rather witty reference to the villainous Smurf-eating cartoon monster.

Well played, Congressman Smurf.

Look  this is a complete joke and that's the problem, isn't it?

When duly-elected members of Congress aren't arguing like toddlers they're pulling fire alarms or getting caught on movie theater surveillance cameras smoking vapes and groping their dates.

On Wednesday, it was revealed that Squad Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, who has already been censured by the House for spreading pro-Hamas propaganda, is reportedly a member of a secret social media group that regularly praises terrorists.

Honestly, at this point, nobody is the least bit surprised.

Across town, the White House isn't faring much better.

Our Commander-In-Chief reportedly called Obama's ex-political guru a 'prick,' after David Axelrod suggested that our sleepy-eyed old President drop out of the 2024 race.

Biden's granddaughter said Axelrod was a 'jerk,' which is marginally more polite.

And this week, the American public was treated to the first images of that baggie of cocaine  courtesy of a DailyMail.com exclusive  found in the seat of executive power back in July.

Mind you, we still have no idea whose coke it was. Maybe it was the same person who leaked the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision? The only thing that is for certain is that we will never know.

Our Commander-In-Chief reportedly called Obama's ex-political guru a 'prick,' after David Axelrod (above, right) suggested that our sleepy-eyed old President drop out of the 2024 race.

When duly-elected members of Congress aren't arguing like toddlers they're pulling fire alarms or getting caught on movie theater surveillance cameras smoking vapes and groping their dates. (Above) Rep. Lauren Boebert caught in surveillance video

This CVS receipt of horribles just keeps pouring out the trash register.

It feels like we're just a few Twitter insults away from a 1856-style, Preston Brooks caning of abolitionist Charles Sumner in the well of the Senate.

And we all know what happened four years after that.

Civil War!

What are we facing four years from today?

Yes, there has always been bad behavior by the narcissists who prowl the halls of federal power, but, really, this is too much.

Can any sane person look at the current trajectory of American political and see anything other than a nosedive into an unsightly brawl?

On Tuesday, after the testosterone subsided, Senator Markwayne Mullin went on a podcast to set the record straight  he wasn't sorry.

'By the way, I'm not afraid of biting,' Mullin told the podcast host unprompted. 'In a fight, I'm gonna bite. I'll do anything, I mean, I'm not above it.'

No, Senator. You're definitely not.
Joe Biden showed a 'desire to dominate' Xi Jinping as he greeted the Chinese leader, according to a body language expert.

Biden seemed like he wanted to come out on top in his talks with Xi as he greeted the Chinese leader on a red carpet outside the Filoli luxury estate near San Francisco.

It started out as a normal handshake but then Biden took out his left hand and placed it on Xis top down, showing his strength and desire to dominate, body language expert Patti Wood told DailyMail.com

The author Snap: Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language, and Charisma, noticed that Xi took his right hand and adjusted his cufflink, showing a hint of anxiety and a sense he was ready for conflict.

Biden set out to dominate Xi in their handshake, a body language expert says

Xi then patted the side of his hand to admonish Biden for a bad boy move, suggesting he should stop it

Biden looked to show strength, the expert said

Xi then patted the side of his hand to admonish Biden for a bad boy move, suggesting he should stop it.

The Chinese premier smiled throughout the exchange, which was not necessarily a sign of pleasure.

In China, many smile as a mask to hide their true feelings.

When the pair walked up the red carpet to the steps to pose for photos they stood further apart than other world leaders might do, Wood said.

But it was not necessarily deliberate, and may have been to accommodate Chinese culture where people leave more space during meetings.

When sat at the negotiating table, Biden and Xi were not sat directly across from one another.

But Wood noticed Xi orienting his body towards Biden as they began negotiations.

Biden looks at Xi at the table

Xi hunched slightly over his notes

That was an indication that he wanted to be engaged and in alignment with the U.S. president.

Xi also bent and rounded his body down over his notes and placed his hands on top of the table indicating that he wanted to say everything precisely, without realizing it looked less powerful than Biden did.

Meanwhile, Biden seemed ready to be more spontaneous and kept laughing.

Wood says the way Biden put his elbows on the table with his hands up and fingers interlocking shows he wanted to be anchored and have power and control over the situation.

Wood says she was looking for signs of fear and worry in Biden throughout the meeting, but didnt see it.
Feature: San Francisco expects APEC week to woo back int'l visitors, particularly Chinese

13:19, November 15, 2023 By Yang Shilong, Wu Xiaoling ( Xinhua

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- In the heart of the international media center of the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Week at the Moscone Center, the largest convention complex in San Francisco, lie two unique exhibits catching sight of reporters who gather to cover the leading forum on regional cooperation.

One is "Love Letters to SF," an art installation consisting of hundreds of shimmering golden cards on which residents and visitors handwrote their responses to the question "What makes San Francisco shine?"

The other is Car 62, a classic symbol of the Golden City and one of a few real cable cars converted into a motor vehicle, which boasts the world's last remaining, manually operated cable car system.

The APEC week, gathering political and business leaders from 21 member economies accounting for nearly 40 percent of the global population and nearly 50 percent of global trade, is the largest convening of world leaders in the U.S. city in nearly 80 years.

As host, San Francisco is not at all hiding its intention to take the opportunity to revigorate its tourism economy by having APEC meeting visitors rediscover its rich tourism assets.

It is estimated that the event can generate around 55,000 hotel stays and more than 50 million U.S. dollars in revenue for the city.

"We're happy to welcome people from all over the world to really celebrate in our city, to celebrate what APEC means to the world, to our economy, to our business relationships, to tourism," said Mayor London Breed during her brief tour to the media center on Monday morning.

She encouraged reporters to download a local tourism app and step outside the complex to explore various neighborhoods in San Francisco.

"I am hopeful people bring home just good vibes, good relationships and good times here in our city. And then we want people to want to come back to San Francisco and visit with their families, with their friends," said Breed.

In particular, Breed said she hopes "APEC will be an important part of making sure that (the Chinese) people remember San Francisco is the gateway to China."

A 2022 report by online news organization San Francisco Standard found that over a fifth of San Franciscans, or about 180,000 people, had Chinese roots in 2021, which "aligns with the city's rich Chinese history."

"There are a lot of residents of Chinese descent here, lots of people who have emigrated from China as well. We've got a lot of family relationships, history and communities (related to China)," Breed said.

According to the city's statistics, in 2019, 518,000 of San Francisco's 4.3 million international visitors were from China, who contributed significantly to local tourism revenues.

Breed was confident about pulling an increasing number of Chinese visitors to the city by the end of this year, especially with the gradual restoration of nonstop flights between China and the San Francisco International Airport.

With its dynamic Chinese communities and rich Chinese cultural heritages, the city has a strong edge in regaining the hearts of Chinese visitors, she added.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun)
A New York landlord who owned up to murdering his girlfriend and two tenants over unpaid rent has been walked out of the police precinct where he confessed.

David Daniel, 54, was seen hanging his head while wearing a boiler suit as he was walked outside Queen's 113th Precinct, telling reporters he committed the slayings due to 'a lot of pressure.'

The landlord was arrested at the same precinct at 7am Tuesday, after showing up moments after he committed the murders.

He is facing charges of both first- and second-degree murder for the murders of his girlfriend Coleen Fields, 51, and tenants Wayne Thomas, 57, and Evette Sweeney, 55.

The admission on Wednesday came a little more than a day after his jailhouse confession, during which he told officers he was 'having issues with his tenants' and that 'he did something bad.'

Officer said he told cops yesterday 'that he had problems with his girlfriend and that the two [tenants] in the basement had not been paying their rent.'

David Daniel, 54, was seen hanging his head while wearing a boiler suit as he was walked outside Queen's 113th Precinct, and currently is facing charges or both first- and second-degree murder

He was arrested at the same precinct at 7am Tuesday morning, after showing up moments after he committed the murders, which police said was, at least in part, over unpaid rent

Cops Tuesday rushed to the St. Albans section of the borough to an address he had given them, where he had lived upstairs with 51-year-old girlfriend Coleen Fields. She was found dead in an upstairs bedroom, while the tenants were found in the basement where they lived

On Wednesday, a reporter from The New York Post asked Daniel 'Why did you do it?' as several clamored around the suspect - who was seen wearing a suit presumable to stop him from hurting himself.

'A lot of pressure,' he answered, in a similar manner to the one that yesterday, during his confession, had left officers perplexed.

'Did you say a lot of pressure?' they asked again, shortly before the suspect was shoved into a squad car that brought him to a hearing elsewhere in Queens.

'Yeah,' he coolly replied before he was carted off. 'Pure pressure.'

The admission was Daniel's second in a day-and-a-half, after he showed up to the precinct Tuesday morning what's thought to be minutes after he did the grisly deed.

Surprisingly curt and calm given the circumstances, he gave cops the address of his Milburn Street home that he for the past few years had been living and also renting out, before coyly telling them that 'he left the backdoor open.'

Two of the victims, Sweeney and Thomas, were then discovered in the single-family unit's basement, while Fields - confirmed Wednesday to be Daniel's live-in girl - was in a room upstairs.

All were stabbed multiple times, and all were pronounced dead at the scene. Daniel's live-in girlfriend was found with her throat slashed and several unspecified stab wounds.

After Daniel was walked, he appeared for an arraignment hearing at the Queens Criminal Court.

'Why did you do it?' reporters asked Daniel as they clamored around the suspect, who was seen wearing a suit presumable to stop him from hurting himself. 'A lot of pressure,' he said

Given the extent of his crimes, he is being held without bail, a day after he turned himself in to confess, and after cops said he may have been motivated by a rent dispute that dates back to the pandemic

After Daniel was walked, he appeared for an arraignment hearing at the Queens Criminal Court

There he exhibited a different demeanor from the 'calm' one NYPD Assistant Chief Kevin Williams said he sported during his talk with cops - breaking down in tears as a judge read the charges that have been leveled against him.

Seen with bloodshot eyes and still in the boiler suit, he was told that he faces charges of both first- and second-degree murder - as well as criminal possession of a weapon - in connection with the slaying.

Given the extent of his crimes, he is being held without bail, a day after he turned himself in to confess, and after cops said he may have been motivated by a rent dispute that dates back to the pandemic.

The triple murder happened just before 7am, and David turned himself to the 113th Precinct minutes later.

It was there that he told officers he was 'having issues with his tenants', NYPD Assistant Chief Kevin Williams revealed to reporters Tuesday, and after further interrogation, that 'he did something bad.'

The top cop delivered the statement directly outside the three-bedroom home, which was overrun with cops most of Tuesday.

At the time, Williams recalled David's bizarre state of mind immediately after the triple murder, revealing 'he came in as calm as we thought he could be when he engaged the officers.'

The landlord gave cops the address of his home,' NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said later Tuesday, as he recounted how the suspect 'said that he killed three people' before providing even more information.

Daniel, 54, is now facing murder charges after turning himself over to police Tuesday. Police said he may have been motivated by a rent dispute dating back to the pandemic

During Daniel's alleged confession, he told cops 'that he had [been having] problems with his girlfriend (seen here) and that the two [people] in the basement had not been paying their rent'

The triple stabbing happened in the St. Albans section of Queens sometime before 7am, and left two women, ages 51 and 55, and one 57-year-old man dead

Two of the victims, the man and reportedly the 55-year-old, were tenants at the single-family home where the killings occurred - which is owned by Daniel and had been rented out for years

Police proceeded to descend on the single-family, three bedroom home around 7:16am, where they found the bodies and pronounced all dead.

During Daniel's alleged confession, he told cops 'that he had [been having] problems with his girlfriend and that the two [people] in the basement had not been paying their rent,' Det. Kenny said.

Several law enforcement sources have since confirmed the suspect's account - revealing Wednesday the two tenants had not paid rent since the start of the COVID pandemic, though some months have since been repaid.

A reneging on those repayments may have spurred the stabbing, one insider told The Daily News, as several neighbors - and relatives - offered insight into the landlord's personal life and possible state of mind before the murders.

One person who spoke to The New York Times said that Daniel periodically cut his neighbors' grass often stopped to say a hello.

'It was a shock,' the woman said, telling the paper she had lived across the street from the house David owns for 20 years.

Another neighbor told DailyMail.com that Daniel had lived at the residence for at least two years, and that he saw him outside just last week blowing leaves.

During Daniel's alleged confession, he told cops 'that he had [been having] problems with his girlfriend and that the two [people] in the basement had not been paying their rent'. He's currently being held on charges of first- and second-degree murder

The triple murder happened just before 7am, and Daniel turned himself to the 113th Precinct minutes later to own up to slayings

'The officer inquired further, and the male stated that 'he did something bad,'' cops said of the suspect - who also lived at the residence and once looked at a neighbor as if he was 'ready to kill'

Daniel's live-in girlfriend, was found in a second-floor bedroom with her throat slashed and multiple stab wounds, cops said

Cops then rushed to home on Milburn Street near 122nd Avenue after he told them the address, and found the three victims stabbed to death

Cops found the tenants in a basement bedroom, and the suspect's girlfriend in a bed upstairs

A resident, also a neighbor, who spoke to the News recalled how the accused was initially friendly when he first moved in, but quickly turned cold.

'He was kind of OK and never a problem,' said the 62-year-old man, who gave his name as Mike.

'He was kind at first,' he continued. 'We was talking together and all of the sudden he stop.

'He don't talk to nobody around the neighborhood.'

Another person who spoke to The New York Post said they got a similar 'vibe' from the suspected killer.

'He is friendly to some people, not friendly to others,' the man, who asked to remain anonymous,' told the paper.

'I'm in the second category,' he continued, 'and I don't know why.

'He's just very standoffish to me.'

Footage from Tuesday morning showed the department's stark response - with dozens of lawmen gathered at the home less than an hour after they received word of the murders

Several law enforcement sources have since confirmed the suspect's account - revealing Wednesday the two tenants had not paid rent since the start of the COVID pandemic, though some months have since been repaid

One resident said that Daniel - currently facing charges of first- and second- degree murder - periodically cut his neighbors' grass often stopped to say a hello

Another neighbor told DailyMail.com that David had lived at the residence for at least two years, and that he saw him outside just last week blowing leaves

Another person who lives on the tree-lined street recalled how Daniel once got angry at him for waving at his girlfriend, who was often seen around the neighborhood.

'He had this awkward look like when you're ready to kill somebody,' the man recounted to the News, also asking to go unnamed.

'I'm like, 'Bro, what's up, bro? Why you staring at me? You got a problem?'' he continued.

'He said his girlfriend said that I waved, being flirtatious. But it was more of a neighborly, "Hey."

'He said, "My girlfriend told me that you waved at her and you were smiling."'

Yet another neighbor painted a different picture of the landlord, revealing he was a family man who 'loved his daughters.'

'They were his life,' St Albans' Stacey Brown, 34, told the News.

One resident, also a neighbor, recalled how the accused was initially friendly when he first moved in, but quickly turned cold and withdrawn

Another person said they got a similar 'vibe' from the suspected killer, telling reporters: 'He is friendly to some people, not friendly to others'

Another person who lives on the tree-lined street recalled how Daniel once got angry at him for waving at his girlfriend, who was often seen around the neighborhood

She also revealed that in addition to renting out his residence, he also owned a wholesale grocery company. She described the suspect as 'very business minded.'

Brown told the paper: 'He was so nice and gentle. He was a very nice person who loves to go out.

'He used to post pictures of him and his girlfriend at restaurants and clubs.'

Speaking about the suspect Tuesday, Kenny recalled how Daniel 'didn't appear to be bloody' when he showed up at the stationhouse, while describing his demeanor as 'very matter of fact.'

'He just wanted to tell his story,' the detective said, adding that his statements were captured on officers' body cameras and were devoid of emotion.
Certain dog breeds will be banned and irresponsible owners could be jailed over serious attacks under laws to be tabled when Queensland parliament resumes.

The government gave Queenslanders until August 24 to respond to community consultation into a crackdown on irresponsible dog owners and maintaining community safety from dangerous dogs.

Proposals for a new offence that warrants jail time of up to three years for serious attacks, and a state-wide requirement for all dogs to be effectively controlled in public places form part of the bill.

Owners could also be fined up to $100,000 in the most serious offences.

The crackdown comes after several attacks in April left three people hospitalised.

Dog owners could be jailed or fined up to $100,000 if their pets seriously attack or kill someone under new laws in Queensland (stock image)

Five breeds of dog that are expected to be banned in the legislation are Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, American pit bull terrier or pit bull terrier and Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario.

READ MORE: Man seriously injured and three others hurt after canine mauls group in Brisbane Advertisement

Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said earlier this year that a grandfather period for people who own those dogs prior to the legislation passing will allow them to keep the animal.

'There is strong support for individual responsibility when it comes to dangerous dogs and under our updated laws owners will continue to bear that responsibility,' he said.

'There needs to be a strong deterrent in place to prevent irresponsible behaviour that can put the community at risk.'

Last year, Queensland meter reader Kane Minion, 42, was mauled to death by three dogs.

He was set upon by three large mixed breed dogs - including a Bullmastiff and Rhodesian Ridgeback - while visiting a house on Ison Road in the Logan suburb of Greenbank in December.

The government will also table a bill to proactively allocate land and streamline approval processes for major projects where land use decisions by the government have already been made.

On Thursday, a condolence motion will be held for Tom Barton, the former member for Waterford from 1992 to 2006.
Suella Braverman yesterday led demands by furious Conservatives for Britain to override human rights laws in order to launch deportations to Rwanda.

Tory MPs insist more far-reaching action is needed than Rishi Sunak's proposal of a new treaty with the east African nation.

Recently sacked home secretary Mrs Braverman urged the Government to pass 'emergency legislation' in the wake of the Supreme Court's verdict that sending asylum seekers abroad was unlawful.

She said the ruling was 'no surprise' and that the justices could not be blamed given the 'current state of the law'.

Her solution was to introduce a Bill that would 'block off' as routes of 'legal challenge' both the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)  the basis of judgments by the Strasbourg court that grounded the first planned flight  and the Human Rights Act (HRA) that enshrined it in UK law.

Recently sacked home secretary Mrs Braverman (pictured) urged the Government to pass 'emergency legislation' in the wake of the Supreme Court's verdict that sending asylum seekers abroad was unlawful

She said the ruling was 'no surprise' and that the justices could not be blamed given the 'current state of the law' (Braverman pictured during her visit to Rwanda in March)

Her solution was to introduce a Bill that would 'block off' as routes of 'legal challenge' both the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)  the basis of judgments by the Strasbourg court that grounded the first planned flight  and the Human Rights Act (HRA) that enshrined it in UK law (pictured: Braverman meeting builders in Rwanda)

Mrs Braverman posted: 'This will give Parliament a clear choice  control illegal migration or explain to the British people why they should accept ever greater numbers of illegal arrivals settling here.

'Those who, like me, believe that effective immigration control is vital must understand that they cannot have their cake and eat it. There is no chance of curbing illegal migration within the current legal framework. We must legislate or admit defeat.'

READ MORE: Suella Braverman drew up an alternative Rwanda plan to avoid legal hurdles but was blocked by Rishi Sunak, allies of the former Home Secretary claim Advertisement

Her bombshell resignation letter to the Prime Minister on Tuesday claimed they had agreed on this approach and that it would involve 'notwithstanding clauses'.

It would mean a Bill stating deportations could take place regardless of any court judgments, existing laws or international treaty obligations stating otherwise.

Her approach of a stronger way forward than Mr Sunak's Plan B was echoed by that of Neil O'Brien, who resigned as a junior health minister on Monday.

He said: 'I am very sceptical that a tweaked treaty, or whatever, will make this deal work well enough, fast enough, and at such a scale as to deter the boats. We will just get bogged down in endless court cases.

'Though overriding the HRA etc is quite strong medicine and not to be done lightly, we have (reasonably) tried the alternative route and it simply hasn't worked. The PM was right to say we have to do 'whatever it takes'  but it's now clear that what it will 'take' is more than a reheat of this or a new treaty.'

Former Cabinet minister Sir Simon Clarke warned that the Government's response would be a 'confidence issue' for the PM.

In the Commons debate on tackling illegal migration, he backed Mr O'Brien's suggestion as the 'only tool' now available.

Mrs Braverman posted: 'This will give Parliament a clear choice  control illegal migration or explain to the British people why they should accept ever greater numbers of illegal arrivals settling here' (Pictured: Mrs Braverman touring a building site in Rwanda)

It would mean a Bill stating deportations could take place regardless of any court judgments, existing laws or international treaty obligations stating otherwise

Yet the PM (pictured) claimed he was 'prepared to change our laws and revisit those international relationships' if they continue to frustrate his plans after the new treaty is agreed

'We cannot keep relitigating this question to achieve what seems an ever-moving target in what the courts want us to achieve.

'Our constituents sent us here with a very clear message  sort the small boats issue. Parliament has passed legislation to sort the issue.'

The New Conservative group, led by MPs Danny Kruger and Miriam Cates, said: 'We are glad the PM is bringing forward emergency legislation but it will need more than a declaration that Rwanda is safe.

'We can't wait for ECHR to intervene, we must move to ensure there is no opportunity for rights-based claims against deportation.

'The Bill must disapply the Human Rights Act and give effect to the policy 'notwithstanding' the ECHR and Refugee Convention. It must restate the power of government to disregard interim rulings from Strasbourg. We have no time left. This Bill, which must come to Parliament within weeks, must have everything in it to ensure that flights are in the air within months.'

Tory vice-chairman Lee Anderson said ministers should simply 'put the planes in the air now and send them to Rwanda'.

He added: 'It's time for the Government to show real leadership. I think we should ignore the law and send them straight back the same day.' But new Home Secretary James Cleverly resisted calls for the UK to pull out of the ECHR, telling backbenchers in the Commons: 'I do not believe those things are necessary.'

He said the judgment made it clear it was 'not just about the ECHR' and there are 'no silver bullets'.

Yet the PM claimed he was 'prepared to change our laws and revisit those international relationships' if they continue to frustrate his plans after the new treaty is agreed.
Suella Braverman drew up an alternative Rwanda scheme in a bid to short-circuit legal problems but was blocked by the Prime Minister, it was claimed last night.

The former home secretary, who was sacked by Rishi Sunak on Monday, wanted to send Channel small boat migrants to Rwanda for processing by British officials under British asylum laws.

Her proposals would have allowed most migrants ultimately to return to the UK.

But it would have deterred a 'huge proportion' of Channel arrivals from coming here in the first place, because they would have wanted to avoid spending months, possibly as long as a year, in Africa while their case was processed, her supporters believe.

An ally of Mrs Braverman said: 'Suella repeatedly proposed a plan when she first came in as home secretary to have the option to carry out UK asylum offshoring in Rwanda, which would have insured against this loss in the courts.

The former home secretary, who was sacked by Rishi Sunak on Monday, drew up an alternative Rwanda scheme but was blocked by the Prime Minister, it was claimed

Suella Braverman had drawn up the alternative Rwanda scheme in a bid to short-circuit legal problems, according to claims

'But it was blocked by the magical thinkers in No 10.

'They played roulette with the British public and just blindly banked on winning in the court.'

The offshoring scheme was first proposed to Downing Street in writing in January, it is understood.

'Irregular' migrants including those who arrived in Britain by small boat would have been flown to Rwanda and housed there.

Migrants who won asylum would be allowed to return to the UK. If they were refused asylum, they would be offered the chance to come to Britain or remain in Rwanda.

The scheme differed significantly from the existing Rwanda programme, which was unveiled by Boris Johnson in April last year. It involves illegal migrants being given a one-way ticket to Rwanda to claim asylum under the country's own rules.

Mrs Braverman's predecessor at the Home Office, Dame Priti Patel, said ministers 'have had the opportunity to address' issues raised by the Supreme Court and 'should work with the government of Rwanda on the practical and operational delivery of this policy'.
Meghan urged Harry to answer his phone before he accepted the call, just as it stopped ringing, when he got the dreaded news that the Queen was dying, according to the prince's biographer.

In his new book, Endgame, Omid Scobie, who is a close friend of the Duke of Sussex, claims that the Sussexes were not in the loop when Buckingham Palace began preparing for the Queen's death.

It is not known how the new book could affect any rapprochement. Buckingham Palace has refused to comment on the extract.

In the bombshell claims, Harry is said to have received a call from an unknown number, which he would routinely ignore, only to accept the call in the last few seconds at the behest of his wife, Meghan.

'You should answer it,' Meghan reportedly told the Duke in the excerpt shared with People.

The call came from his father, King Charles, who urged the prince to leave for Scotland immediately as he and Camilla made their way to Balmoral from Dumfries House to join Princess Anne at the Queen's side.

In the bombshell claims, Harry is said to have received a call from an unknown number, which he would routinely ignore, only to accept the call in the last few seconds at the behest of his wife, Meghan

Omid Scobie, who is a close friend of the Duke of Sussex, claims that the Sussexes were not in the loop when Buckingham Palace began preparing for the Queen's death

Prince Harry, pictured with Meghan and the late Queen in 2018, was allegedly 'kept in the dark' about her health in the hours before her death

Prince Harry walks alongside Meghan and the Princess of Wales at the lying-in-state of the Queen last year

Prince Harry boarding a plane at Aberdeen airport after leaving Balmoral following the Queen's death

The prince's biographer claims that with his messages to his brother grieving the loss of their grandmother ignored, Harry booked the first available British Airways flight to leave

King Charles PICTURED celebrating his 75th birthday alongside Queen Camilla

King Charles urged the prince to leave for Scotland immediately as he and Camilla made their way to Balmoral from Dumfries House to join Princess Anne at the Queen's side

Harry turned to his brother, William, whom he understood to be arranging travel, to ask via text whether they could make their way to the Queen together, according to Mr Scobie. But did not receive a response.

During the period in the leadup to the late Queen's final hours, the Sussexes were engaged in numerous engagements in the UK but were not made privy to the Queen's deteriorating health, according to the new book.

Mr Scobie writes: 'By the next morning, the Sussexes had no idea that Buckingham Palace was already planning for the Queen's final hours and the first days of the monarchy's new era  until the duke's phone started ringing. An unknown number. He usually ignored those.'

He continues: 'Harry hadn't spoken to his father much that year, but this was not the time for any father-and-son tension. Charles told him he and Camilla were about to leave Dumfries House for Balmoral, where Princess Anne was already by the Queen's side. He told Harry to make his way to Scotland immediately.'

Omid Scobie's claims from his new book, Endgame William ignored Harry when he asked how he was planning to get to Scotland;

Eventually, he booked a 30,000 charter flight to Aberdeenshire from Luton;

Charles told him to come without Meghan. Source claims she 'wasn't wanted';

Harry had 'no idea' about what was going on in Balmoral when his plane took off;

But 'sources' briefed newspapers that Charles had personally informed son;

William believes Harry has been 'brainwashed by an army of therapists'. Advertisement

Mr Scobie further claims that Prince William had already secured a flight with his uncles, Andrew and Edward, as well as Edward's wife, Sophie, but was shut out from joining his family on their travel arrangements.

Harry had sent his brother another desperate text to join his family on the flight, but despite there being seats available on William's chartered Dassault Falcon private jet, Harry was met with silence, according to the claims.

King Charles called his son, Harry, to request that he attend Balmoral alone, without his wife Meghan, adding that Kate would also be absent from attending the Royals' darkest hour, as per 'protocol'.

Tragically, the Queen had passed away at 3.10 pm on the 8th September 2022, and Harry was much too late to be able to say his final goodbye to his grandmother, after Harry's plane had only just taken off at 5.35pm.

It wasn't until he'd finally landed, and was able to get service back on his mobile phone, that Harry learned that the Queen had passed away at the age of 96, after getting a text from Meghan to ring her back immediately and a BBC News notification announcing the sad news at 6.30pm.

The prince's biographer claims that Harry managed to get a private moment to pay his last respects, but with his messages to his brother grieving the loss of their grandmother ignored, and no invitation to join the rest of his family in mourning, Harry booked the first available British Airways flight to leave.

The author also suggests William and Harry's relationship is beyond repair because the Prince of Wales sees his brother as a 'defector'.

And in the extract shared with People, he claims 'there is no going back' for the brothers and 'absolutely nothing has changed' since the Duke of Sussex released Spare earlier this year.

Omid Scobie, the unofficial mouthpiece for the Sussexes, is set to use his new book to launch a salvo of attacks on the Royal Family

During the period in the leadup to the late Queen's final hours, the Sussexes were engaged in numerous engagements in the UK but were not made privy to the Queen's deteriorating health

'It was upsetting to witness,' Mr Scobie claims he was told by a source close to the Sussexes. '[Harry] was completely by himself on this.'

Mr Scobie alleges that Palace 'sources' briefed certain newspapers that Charles had personally shared the news of the Queen's illness with his son. He quoted a friend of the duke who said this left Harry 'crushed'.

The journalists makes fresh claims about the damaged relationship between William and Harry.

Mr Scobie even alleges that William 'doesn't want to know' his younger brother, who he feels has been 'brainwashed an army of therapists'.

He writes: 'I was talking to a source quite early on in the process, and they called Harry a 'defector' and said that was William's view.

'These were two men who once upon a time were firmly aligned in their outlook. One of them had to move on to also protect the crown.'

Harry wrote about him and William's relationship in Spare, going so far as to call his brother his 'arch-nemesis'.

The duke kept nothing back when writing about his very complex feelings about his older sibling - laying bare his bitter frustrations over his role as the 'spare' to William, who is the heir to the throne.

The Duke described his sibling as both his 'beloved brother' and his 'arch-nemesis' in the book.

Her further delved into the difficulties he experienced as a result of the 'heir/spare' relationship in an interview with Good Morning America.

Speaking to GMA anchor Michael Strahan - who questioned 'what [Harry] meant by referring to William as 'his beloved brother and arch-nemesis'' - the Duke admitted that he has always felt there's been 'this competition' between the two siblings, which he blames on their respective positions in the line of succession.

'There's a quote in the book where your refer to your brother as your 'beloved brother and arch-nemesis'. Strong words. What did you mean by that?' Strahan asks in a teaser for the interview.

Harry then responded: 'There has always been this competition between us, weirdly. I think it really plays into or always played by the 'heir/spare'.'

Tragically, the Queen had passed away at 3.10 pm on the 8th September 2022, and Harry was much too late to be able to say his final goodbye to his grandmother

Mr Scobie alleges that Palace 'sources' briefed certain newspapers that Charles had personally shared the news of the Queen's illness with his son

It wasn't until he'd finally landed, and was able to get service back on his mobile phone, that Harry learned that the Queen had passed away at the age of 96

The Duchess of Sussex and Queen Elizabeth II pictured at a ceremony to open the new Mersey Gateway Bridge on June 14, 2018

King Charles and members of the royal family followed behind the coffin of Britain's Queen Elizabeth, draped in the Royal Standard with the Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign's orb and sceptre

Harry wrote about him and William's relationship in Spare, going so far as to call his brother his 'arch-nemesis'

In Spare, the duke infamously described a stand-up argument which he says ended with William grabbing him by the collar and throwing him to the floor, shattering a dog bowl with his back.

The furious row allegedly broke out in the kitchen of his London home, Nottingham Cottage, in the grounds of Kensington Palace in 2019.

William is said to have branded Meghan 'difficult', 'rude' and 'abrasive' and insisted he was trying to 'help' his younger brother during a meeting about 'the whole rolling catastrophe' of their failing relationship and Harry's rows with the press.

Harry accused his brother of 'parroting the press narrative' about his American wife before a screaming match ensued, ending in a physical altercation, the book claims.

He claims he then gave the heir to the throne a glass of water and said: 'Willy, I can't speak to you when you're like this.'

Describing what he claims happened next, and insisting he was scared, the former soldier said: 'He set down the water, called me another name, then came at me. It all happened so fast. So very fast.

'He grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and he knocked me to the floor. I landed on the dog's bowl, which cracked under my back, the pieces cutting into me. I lay there for a moment, dazed, then got to my feet and told him to get out.'

Harry says that William had then urged him to fight back, writing that is what would happen when they scrapped as children.

But the Duke of Sussex says he refused, claiming that William left, before returning, looking 'regretful, and apologized'.

According to Harry, William then 'turned and called back' that he 'didn't need to tell [Meghan] about this', prompting Harry to question whether his brother meant he shouldn't tell his wife that his sibling had 'attacked him'.

'I didn't attack you, Harold,' Harry says his brother retorted.

Endgame, published on November 28, is likely to cause further disquiet at Buckingham Palace.

A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace refused to comment on Endgame when approached by MailOnline.
But Burnley came out at bottom of the table, with house prices averaging 10K

Market snapshot reveals Kensington and Chelsea is most expensive place to live

The leafy royal London borough of Kensington and Chelsea has been revealed as the most expensive place in the country to buy a house with the average property in the area costing 1,203,055.

This sky high sum has fallen somewhat in the past year when house prices were 1,351,747 as part of a larger trend that has seen the value of UK properties drop by 0.1 per cent since last year.

The most expensive area of the country to buy a property outside of London is Elmbridge in Surrey with average prices of 705,022.

By contrast, the cheapest area of the country to get a foot on the property ladder is the Lancashire town of Burnley.

In the town, the average price of a property is almost twelve times cheaper than Kensington and Chelsea - costing just 104,626.

How much has the value of YOUR house changed over the last month and year? Use our interactive map to find out. Scroll over your local region to see the current average value, and how much it has changed.

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The leafy royal London borough of Kensington and Chelsea has been revealed as the most expensive place in the country to buy a house

This modern Putney home is on the market for just under 1.4million

By contrast, the cheapest area of the country to get a foot on the property ladder is Burnley

This small home is on the market in Burnley for just 90,000

The new figures come from the Office for National Statistic's latest House Price Index which tracks the average value of property in the country each month.

The government claims that if you were to take the complete national average of a property it would be 291,000.

The second most expensive area to buy a property in the UK is the city of Westminster with prices ranging around 967,277.

Also included amongst the most expensive places to live were Camden and the City of London with average prices of 810,578 and 807,475 respectively.

On the other side of the scale, the ten cheapest areas to live in the country are all found north of London.

The cheapest area to live in Wales and the second cheapest overall is Blaenau Gwent with rates around 118,142.

Areas of Scotland, including North Ayrshire and Inverclyde also have low prices, coming in at 126,543 and 131,694 respectively.

Most expensive places to live in the UK

The second most expensive area to buy a property in the UK is the city of Westminster with prices ranging around 967,277

This three bedroom apartment in Westminster is on the market for 875,000

The average price of a property in Camden is a cool 810,578 - making it the third most expensive in the UK

This cluttered four bedroom maisonette is on the market for 850,000

The average price of a home in the city of London is 807,475 (Pictured: the 71 Bondway development)

This one bedroom apartment in the city of London is on the market for 900,000

The fifth most expensive place to buy a property in the UK is Hammersmith and Fulham were property costs 797,211

This two bedroom apartment in West Kensington is on sale for 775,000

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Jonny Magill, Chief Sales Officer at Purplebricks, said: 'It's perhaps not surprising that most of the top 10 most expensive places to live are in London according to whole market data  you could buy around a dozen properties in Burnley, with the lowest average property price, for the cost of one in Kensington & Chelsea, by far the most expensive.

'Although it's interesting to note that alongside the highest average property price comes a significant drop in value compared to most of the country, so it might not be the best time to buy there  assuming you can afford to do so of course, which many of us can't.

'At the lower end of the list are some terrific places to live in England, Scotland and Wales which represent incredibly good value, well below the current UK property average of 291,000, and which haven't seen as much of a drop in value.

'While the mortgage market is still tricky and rumours that prices will fall further are not going away, at Purplebricks we believe it's actually an excellent time to put down roots as long as you don't spend more than you can afford.'

Least expensive places to live in the UK

Blaenau Gwent is the second least expensive place in the country to buy a house

This three bedroom semi-detached house in Abertillery is on the market for 135,000

The average cost of a property in Hyndburn is 122,572 making it the third cheapest spot in the UK

This two bedroom terraced house in Accrington is on the market for 120,000

The average house price in North Ayrshire is 126,543 - the fourth cheapest area in the UK

This three bedroom apartment in Largs is on the market for just 139,000

This three bedroom semi-detached house in Blackpool is on the market for just 130,000

The average house price in Blackpool is just 127,192 - the fifth cheapest in the UK

Meanwhile, more than 70 local areas have bucked the national house price downturn and seen prices rise over the last year, according to Halifax.

Some areas have even seen double digit growth, despite the average UK house price falling 3.9 per cent year-on-year, according to the mortgage lender.

Powys was the top riser, with homeowners in the Wales district seeing their homes go up in value by 17.4 per cent compared to this time last year.

This was despite average prices in Wales falling 3.6 per cent.

East Lindsey, which flanks the east coast of Lincolnshire and includes seaside towns such as Skegness, Ingoldmells and Chapel St Leonards, has recorded annual house price gains of 13.3 per cent.

That's despite house prices in the East Midlands falling 4 per cent on average.

Moray in Scotland has seen the biggest increase in house prices in Scotland over the last year with typical prices up 10.7 per cent.

That's despite the average Scottish property falling 0.8 per cent during that time.

Outliers: More than 70 local authorities have bucked the national house price downturn and seen prices rise over the last year, according to Halifax

While every region in the UK has seen prices fall on average by between 0.2 per cent and 5.7 per cent year-on-year, there are local areas in every region that have bucked the downward trend

The analysis is based on data from the Halifax House Price Index, which looked at typical house prices in more than 300 local authority areas across the UK in the three months up to September this year, and compared them to the equivalent figures from 2022.

While every region in the UK has seen prices fall on average by between 0.2 per cent and 5.7 per cent year-on-year, there are local areas in every region that have bucked the downward trend.

Even in London, where annual prices are down 4.8 per cent, there are pockets of the capital that have seen prices rise significantly, according to Halifax.

Ealing, in West London has recorded average house price gains of 7.5 per cent, according to Halifax, while the City of Westminster and the City of London have seen prices grow by 7.4 per cent equating to an average of 53,108 per property over the past 12 months.

Kim Kinnaird, director of Halifax Mortgages, said: 'There are multiple factors which can impact house prices in your local area, ranging from the mix of properties available and the extent of any new housing, to the quality of schools and abundance of job opportunities.

'What's clear is that the UK housing market is not a single entity that performs in a uniform way across the country, there are differences.

'While at a national level the current squeeze on mortgage affordability has seen property prices fall over the last year, in many regions there remain pockets of house price growth.

'While a limited supply of properties for sale could be a factor, this also suggests in some areas, local market activity  and demand among buyers  remains strong.'
Now a new study explains why the controversial figure may have been mistaken

A Harvard physicist ruffled feathers in the scientific community this year when he claimed to find the first ever objects from outside our solar system on Earth.

Professor Avi Loeb said that small, round 'spherules' recovered from the Pacific Ocean were from an 'interstellar' meteor.

The expert even analysed the spherules, alleging that their composition of elements had 'never been seen before', and that they could be remnants of an alien spacecraft.

However, the claim was met by criticism from other members of the scientific community, with one saying there was a lack of 'conclusive evidence'.

Now, a new study has cast even further doubt on the claim by saying the fragments are just coal ash resulting from industrial activity.

The remnants came from a meter-size object that crashed off the coast of Papua, New Guinea in 2014, which Professor Loeb claims was an alien craft

Harvard's Professor Avi Loeb (pictured) has proved a controversial figure in the world of astronomy and astrophysics

READ MORE Sceptics wait for 'convincing evidence' that ocean fragments are alien The remnants came from an object that crashed into the Pacific in 2014 Advertisement

Loeb commented in a Medium post about the new study, saying: 'Our 'BeLaU'-type spherules have a much higher iron abundance than coal ash.'

'Our team member, Dr. Jim Lem, head of the Department of Mining Engineering at the University of Technology in Papua New Guinea, noted: 'The region where the expedition was carried should have no coal mineralization. In addition, coal is non-magnetic and cannot be picked up by the magnetic sled that was used.''

Study author Patricio A. Gallardo, a physicist at the University of Chicago, says the fragments  codenamed CNEOS 2014-01-08  point to 'contamination from terrestrial sources'.

'The meteoritic origin is disfavored,' Dr Gallardo says in his new paper, published in Research Notes of the AAS.

'Few comparisons to contaminants have been conducted to discard the null hypothesis of terrestrial contamination.'

Gallardo admits that the spherules, recovered from the ocean in June, are rich in three elements  beryllium, lanthanum and uranium.

The lanthanum and uranium were 500 times more plentiful than in earthly rocks and beryllium hundreds of times so.

Beryllium, which is the second-lightest solid material on the periodic table, is produced by a violent reaction called spallation which involves high-energy cosmic rays, which Loeb said is a 'flag of interstellar travel'.

However, Dr Gallardo claims there's a consistency between these three elements (as well as nickel) with the beryllium, lanthanum, uranium and nickel that arises in the ash from the burning of coal.

'Contents of nickel, beryllium, lanthanum and uranium are examined in the context of a known anthropogenic [human-made] source of contamination, and found to be consistent with coal ash,' he said.

Dr Gallardo also draws comparisons to a naval expedition in the Gulf of Mexico in 1976 that found large numbers of magnetic spherules from human-made sources in seawater.

Small round fragments (known as spherules, pictured) recovered from the waters have a composition of elements from 'outside the solar system, never seen before', Professor Avi Loeb said

Contents of nickel (Ni), beryllium (Be), lanthanum (La) and uranium (U) in the samples are found to be consistent with coal ash, says Patricio A. Gallardo

READ MORE 2014 meteor 'was indeed an interstellar object' US Space Command says According to NASA, the meteor soared through skies near Papua New Guinea at more than 100,000 miles per hour and impacted near Manus Island on January 8, 2014 (concept image) Advertisement

'Chemical composition analyses revealed consistency with coal fly ash, a waste product of the combustion of coal in power plants and steam engines,' he said.

Professor Chris Lintott, an astrophysicist at the University of Oxford Department of Physics who was not involved with the new study, said Professor Loeb's claims are 'likely nonsense'.

'There's no convincing evidence that what's been found is interstellar,' Professor Lintott, told MailOnline.

'There's loads we can learn from studying meteorites and we've even spotted a couple of interstellar objects passing through the Solar System in the last few years but this isn't the way to do it and it's certainly not aliens.'

Olivier Hainaut, an astronomer at the European Southern Observatory who was not involved with the new study, called Professor Loeb an 'interesting character'.

'He has fantastic ideas, and is super-fast in implementing them,' Hainaut told MailOnline.

'The latter is part of the problem  he has been found rather sloppy in some of these quick-and-dirty papers, missing some issues that are obvious for someone working in that particular field.

'The second problem is that he tends to reject these issues.'

The origins of the whole saga date back nearly a decade ago when a meteor  also known as a shooting star  slammed into Earth's atmosphere.

According to NASA, the meteor, known as IM1, lit up skies near Manus Island, Papua New Guinea on January 8, 2014 whilst travelling at more than 100,000 miles per hour.

One of Professor Loeb's images released in August following his recovery mission show the spherules in detail

According to NASA, the meteor lit up skies near Manus Island, Papua New Guinea on January 8, 2014 whilst travelling at more than 100,000 miles per hour. It may have showered the ocean with interstellar debris, according to scientists

An interstellar origin? According to Professor Avi Loeb, the sperules represent 'a new class' because they're unusually rich in three elements - beryllium, lanthanum and uranium. Although these elements are found on Earth, Professor Loeb said the patterns do not match the alloys found on our planet, moon, Mars or other natural meteorites in the solar system. The lanthanum and uranium were 500 times more plentiful than in earthly rocks and beryllium hundreds of times so. The latter is significant because beryllium, which is the second-lightest solid material on the periodic table, is produced by a violent reaction called spallation which involves high-energy cosmic rays. 'That is a flag of interstellar travel,' Professor Loeb says, because it cannot occur at such a high level in our solar system as the solar wind protects us from the bulk of the radiation that causes it. Advertisement

Scientists thought at the time it may have left interstellar debris in the South Pacific Ocean, which, if recovered, could reveal more about the rocky object's origin.

In an official memo last year, it was confirmed by US Space Command as the first known interstellar object, with '99.999 per cent confidence', based on velocity measurements by US government satellites.

The memo referred to a 2019 study by Professor Loeb and colleagues that acknowledged the meteor's existence and argued it had come from outside our solar system.

Determined to find the debris, Professor Loeb recruited a team  and the help of expeditions company EYOS  to venture out into the Pacific to find the meteor in June 2023.

The mission  funded by cryptocurrency entrepreneur Charles Hoskinson to the tune of $1.5 million  involved dragging a deep-sea magnetic sled along the fireball's last known trajectory and completing 26 runs of the sea floor.

To their delight, they found about 700 tiny metallic spheres during the expedition, and the 57 that have been analysed as yet contain compositions that do not match any natural or man-made alloys.

Professor Loeb's research was detailed in a pre-print paper, meaning it's yet to be peer reviewed, but according to members of the scientific community are now refusing to engage with Professor Loeb's work and so it may never be peer-reviewed.

Astrophysicist Steven Tingay, of Curtin University, told MailOnline: 'Generally scientists would go through that peer review process first, before making massive claims.

They recovered 50 unusual iron spheres after tracking down the unidentified object, known as IM1, off the coast of Papua New Guinea as part of a $ 1.5 million underwater search mission

A memo from March 2022 signs off findings from US Space Command chief scientist Dr Joel Mozer. It agrees the object is of an interstellar origin - with '99.999 per cent confidence'

Throughout their two-week Pacific voyage, the Galileo team scoured the seabed for signs of IM1 debris, dragging a deep-sea magnetic sled along the fireball's last known trajectory. Pictured is Loeb (right)

'Avi does things differently and that clearly annoys a lot of people.

'It is interesting that both Avi and his opponents each claim that the other is ignoring proper scientific process.

'My view is that Avi's approach is not inherently terrible, because at the end of the day all the evidence has to be presented, tested, independently reviewed and, at some point, the scientific community will come to a majority view on the claims.

'That's how science works. The loud minority can still exist, if it wants to, at that point.'

Interstellar objects are exciting to astronomers because they may provide an insight into other solar systems that we cannot reach.

Only three such objects have been observed, including the first (IM1 in 2014), the second, 'Oumuamua, discovered in October 2017, and the third, Comet Borisov, discovered in August 2019.

Professor Loeb got himself a reputation for adventurous theories when he suggested Oumuamua could have been artificially constructed by aliens.
Experts say this was meant to scare off evil spirits and protect from the evil eye

Archaeologists have uncovered a very cheeky Roman wind chime featuring a magical flying phallus.

Discovered in the Roman settlement of Viminacium in Serbia, scientists believe this bizarre object dates back to the second century CE.

The wind chime, or tintinnabulum, would have been proudly displayed outside a shop or home in the wealthy part of town.

While it would likely be seen as an erotic symbol today, the phallus served a very different purpose back then.

Experts say that this magical phallus' jingling bells and unusual appearance were designed to scare away the evil eye and 'penetrate' malicious spirits.

While damaged, archaeologists could still see the bells, legs, and prominent phallus of this magical wind chime

The Roman city of Viminacium, where the wind chime was found, is 30 miles east of Serbia's capital Belgrade and has never had any modern settlement built over its ruins

Why was the Roman City of Viminacium so important? Viminacium was the capital of Rome's Upper Moesia province. The city was huge, with a population of 40,000 at its height. Roman legions also used the city as a base to defend the Empire. To this day, no modern settlement has been built on the site which means the ruins are almost perfectly preserved. Only three to four per cent of the city has been excavated and looters have stolen many of the important artifacts. Advertisement

While the artifact has been broken into a number of pieces, the bronze has been well preserved, allowing its shape to be determined.

The amulet depicts a creature called a fascinum, which is a phallus with legs, wings, and multiple phalluses of its own.

The tintinnabulum also features four bells which would have caught the wind and made a noise believed to ward off evil.

Archaeologists say this may have also worked as a form of doorbell, ringing when someone entered.

Ilija Dankovic, an archaeologist at the Institute of Archaeology in Belgrade who discovered the wind-chime, told MailOnline that there was nothing erotic or unusual about these symbols.

Instead, he says that the phallus was 'a symbol of good fortune and protection.'

'The phallus was omnipresent in the Roman world,' Dankovic told MailOnline.

'You had children with amulets of phalluses, it was painted on walls of homes and shops, you even find it drawn on Hadrian's wall.'

Phallic amulets, and the tintinnabulum in particular, were also believed to ward off the evil eye, which was one of the Romans' main concerns.

Since tintinnabulum are usually found in centres of Roman culture such as Rome, Pompeii, and Herculaneum, the discovery of one is an indication of a very Romanized society

The fascinum, from which we get the word 'fascinate', was a supernatural living phallus with legs, wings, and multiple phalluses of its own

READ MORE: Archaeologists map entire Roman CITY buried underground using radar Advertisement

Romans believed the evil eye could come from people you passed on the streets, your enemies, or more abstract forces like evil spirits.

'The phallus was usually a weapon, because it is a penetrating object it could penetrate the evil eye,' Dankovic explained.

'This object was meant to attack the evil eye and chase it away, it would protect the house from all kinds of entities and from people who meant to make harm.'

What remains of the Roman city of Viminacium is near the Serbian town of Kostolac, around 30 miles (50km) east of the capital Belgrade.

At its height, the city was home to 40,000 people including legions of the Roman army and was the capital of Rome's Upper Moesia province between the first and fifth centuries.

The Roman city of Viminacium was the capital of the Upper Moesia province and was once one of the biggest settlements in the Balkans with a population of 40,000

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The city was sacked by Attila the Hun in 441 CE before being rebuilt by the Byzantine emperor Justinian and ultimately destroyed by the Slavs in 553 CE.

The discovery of the wind chime was made just off the city's main high street in a pile of burned rubble and beams.

Dankovic says it is not yet clear if just this one house had burned down or if this is evidence of a bigger fire that might have destroyed more of the city.

The experts excavating the site say that this discovery is particularly significant for understanding the culture of Viminacium.

'Every bit of information is another piece of the mosaic that helps us understand everyday life,' Dankovic said.

'It is the kind of object you would find in highly Romanized parts of the Empire, it is significant because it shows that the city of Viminacium belonged to Roman cultural circles.'

Dankovic also says that the tintinnabulum was likely important from elsewhere in the Roman Empire, showing that Viminacium was home to rich social elites willing to pay a lot for such an item.

This is the second such tintinnabulum to be discovered at Viminacium, although the first remains in the hands of a private collector.

Previous excavations at Viminacium have also uncovered fragile gold and silver scrolls buried with the dead believed to contain spells.

These mysterious artifacts were written in Aramaic and experts say they may have been used to invoke good and evil spirits, as well as allowing the dead to perform magic in the afterlife.
With its 'fluffy' atmosphere and clouds made of sand, WASP-107b sounds more like a world from a science fiction movie.

But it is actually a Jupiter-sized exoplanet just over 200 light-years from Earth that possesses one of the more bizarre atmospheres ever discovered.

Not only does it have silicate sand clouds and water, astronomers were surprised to find sulfur dioxide present  which on Earth can produce acid rain.

More amazing still, the experts said, is that NASA's $10 billion (7.4 billion) James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) detected no trace of the greenhouse gas methane.

This is significant because it suggests that WASP-107b has an intriguing, as yet unknown mechanism for moving heat around what is a dynamic atmosphere.

Peculiar: Astronomers have discovered an exoplanet with a 'fluffy' atmosphere and clouds made from sand. WASP-107b, which is about the size of Jupiter, is depicted above

It also has a similar system of cloud formation to Earth, according to researchers from the Institute of Astronomy, KU Leuven in Holland, albeit one which produces droplets of sand rather than water.

Although clouds have been detected on exoplanets before, this is the first time their chemical composition has been analysed by astronomers.

It was made possible thanks to Webb, which possesses a Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) that is helping to provide groundbreaking observations of exoplanets.

WASP-107b is a warm gas giant which orbits a star slightly cooler and less massive than our own sun.

It has a mass similar to Neptune and a 'fluffiness' which allows astronomers to look roughly 50 times deeper into its atmosphere than has been possible with Jupiter much closer to home.

This was vital because it meant they could better pick apart the complex chemical composition of it.

For example, the researchers were able to establish that sulfur dioxide was likely present thanks in part to the exoplanet's host star.

Despite being cooler than our sun, the high-energy photons it produces are able to reach deep into WASP-107b's atmosphere because of its fluffiness  enabling the chemical reactions needed to produce sulfur dioxide.

'JWST is revolutionising exoplanet characterisation, providing unprecedented insights at remarkable speed,' said lead study author Professor Leen Decin, of KU Leuven.

Analysis: Not only does it have silicate sand clouds and water, astronomers were surprised to find sulfur dioxide present  which on Earth can produce acid rain

'The discovery of clouds of sand, water, and sulfur dioxide on this fluffy exoplanet by JWST's MIRI instrument is a pivotal milestone.

'It reshapes our understanding of planetary formation and evolution, shedding new light on our own Solar System.'

On Earth, we all know that water freezes at low temperatures.

However, when it comes to gas giants where temperatures reach around 1,000C, it is possible for silicate particles to 'freeze' and form clouds.

As WASP-107b has a temperature of about 500C in its outer atmosphere, it had been expected that these silicate clouds would form much deeper within the planet, where temperatures are far higher.

Not only that, but sand clouds at high altitudes don't tend to remain in place very long, which is why WASP-107b and its atmosphere left astronomers somewhat stumped.

Their search for an explanation led them to a rather familiar conclusion, however.

'The fact that we see these sand clouds high up in the atmosphere must mean that the sand rain droplets evaporate in deeper, very hot layers and the resulting silicate vapour is efficiently moved back up, where they recondense to form silicate clouds once more,' said fellow lead author Dr Michiel Min.

'This is very similar to the water vapour and cloud cycle on our own Earth but with droplets made of sand.'

The research is significant because it reveals fascinating new insights into the intricate interplay of chemicals and climatic conditions on distant worlds such as WASP-107b.

The hope, researchers say, is that with Webb they can continue to 'unravel new worlds' and make new discoveries about the internal make-up of these faraway planets.

The new study has been published in the journal Nature.
China has smashed the record for the fastest internet connection, launching a blisteringly fast service that can transfer 150 high-definition movies every second.

The 1,864-mile (3,000km) fiberoptic cable stretches almost the entire length of the country, connecting Beijing, Wuhan, and Guangzhou.

Capable of transferring 1.2 terabytes of data per second, the ultra-highspeed internet backbone is three times faster than the US's fastest connection and 10 times faster than most major routes.

The launch also beats industry deadlines by two years, with terabyte speed services not expected to launch until at least 2025.

While the network was activated on July 31, it was only officially launched during a press conference held on Monday after performing well in tests.

The ultra-highspeed cable connects the North and South of the country with 1,864 miles (3,000km) of fibre optic cable that passes through Beijing, Wuhan, and Guangzhou

China's network offers transfer speeds of 1.2 terabytes per second - quick enough to download 150 high-definition movies per second (stock image)

China's Great Firewall In China, internet users face a strict regime of censorship which restricts access to Western news outlets and limits discussion of sensitive topics. Its 'Great Firewall' prevents users from accessing sites like Facebook, Google, Instagram, or Wikipedia. The search engines which operate in China have 66,000 rules to control access to content that might be deemed politically sensitive according to a report by Citizen Lab. Likewise, ChatGPT has now been banned in the country for producing responses that the Chinese Communist Party would otherwise censor. Advertisement

Tsinghua University, one of China's leading academic institutions, collaborated with China Mobile, Huawei and the China Education and Research Network (CERNET) to develop the network.

As a 'backbone' connection, the ultra-highspeed service will form part of the internet's core connections which transfer vast quantities of data between different computer networks.

Only last year the US upgraded its internet backbone service, Internet2, to reach speeds of 400 gigabytes per second.

Around the world, however, most backbone services are over 10 times slower than China's new connection and only transfer around 100 gigabytes per second.

Speaking at the press conference, Wu Jianping, dean of the Network Research Institute of Tsinghua University said that the backbone would give China the 'advanced technology to build an even faster internet'.

Mr Jianping added that the backbone 'provides important technological reserves and will surely become China's important contribution to the development of the global next generation Internet.'

Backbone networks like this one are essential for the rapid growth of data-driven industries, and support 5G networks that allow for self-driving cars and industrial vehicles.

Wu Jianping, of Tsinghua University, said that the updated internet backbone would provide important technological reserves for China

Xu Mingwei of Tsinghua University compared the network to a superfast train which replaces 10 regular tracks used to carry the same amount of cargo.

This single network would be cheaper and easier to manage, Mr Mingwei claimed.

Importantly for China, the network only uses Chinese-made components and software.

China has become concerned about its reliance on the US and Japan for components such as routers.

Everything in the new backbone, however, is domestically produced with the research teams having made advances in a broad range of areas.

In particular, Mr Jianping and his team created their own superfast internet router, which is capable of handling more data than any previous model.

In China, internet users face a strict regime of censorship which restricts access to Western news outlets and limits discussion of sensitive topics.

China's 'Great Firewall' prevents Chinese internet users from accessing sites like Facebook, Google, Instagram, or Wikipedia.

The search engines which operate in China have 66,000 rules to control access to content that might be deemed politically sensitive according to a report by Citizen Lab.

Likewise, ChatGPT has now been banned in the country for producing responses that the Chinese Communist Party would otherwise censor.
NASA and local professors are analyzing footage from the mysterious event

A sonic boom and streak in the sky were seen over Minnesota on Monday

Minnesota residents across a 50-mile radius reported seeing a bright flash and a thunderous 'sonic boom' in the sky over Beltrami County Monday night  and now a NASA astronomer and a local astrophysics professor are on the case.

The American Space Agency analyzed footage from an airport that captured a 'horizontal' object streak across the sky when the boom rattled windows and shook homes.

And a meteorites specialist believes the object was the size of a refrigerator and hit the atmosphere at a speed between 30,000 to 130,000 miles per hour.

DailyMail.com spoke with Beltrami County Emergency Management, which revealed that the sonic boom was too close to the ground to be a meteor - 'at least not ones that dont cause regional devastation.'

NASA analyzed footage from an airport that captured a 'horizontal' object streak across the sky when the boom rattled windows and shook homes

DailyMail.com obtained an email from Juan Cabanela, a local physicist studying Monday's mysterious event, which states the timing of the boom suggests the object was, at least, no ordinary meteor.

'I still dont know what it was,' Professor Cabanela shared in the email, 'but I was fairly confident it couldnt be a meteor.'

Aside from the local witnesses to the bright flash and the thunderous boom, three videos were obtained by Chris Muller, director of Beltrami County Emergency Management.

The first was a security video from a private residence in Nymore, south of Lake Bemidji.

Muller told DailyMail.com the video 'clearly shows a very bright white/blue flash over the sky,' followed by the thunderous boom 2.95 seconds later.

The second video, which came from the Bemidji Regional Airport four miles to the northwest of Nymore, shows what appears to be a blindingly fast white streak zoom past the airport.

'This video was provided to an astronomer and a scientist from NASA,' according to Muller.

The one key video, which came from the Bemidji Regional Airport four miles to the northwest of Nymore, shows what appears to be a blindingly fast white streak zoom past the airport

'They analyzed the video frame by frame and determined the object is too horizontal to indicate it was a meteor,' he said. 'It is undetermined if the two videos are related.'

Beltrami County Emergency Management is also actively exploring the possibility of an exploding transformer in the power grid, but local utilities have yet to report such an incident days later.

Muller has reviewed additional footage from the airport's camera, from Monday night and at times during the day, and now suspects the object could be prosaically explained.

'There's nothing that would have been interfering with the video camera, such as a wire or something like that reflecting light,' the emergency management director told DailyMail.com in a telephone interview.

'But one obvious thing is that bugs were flying around,' he said.

'And there were other bugs before that one. And it just so coincided that the timestamp on that was the exact same time as the other reports.'

Running the video at one-quarter and one-tenth playback speed, Muller assessed that the airport streak could very likely be an insect made visible by a bright spotlight closer to the camera.

'You'll notice it does not go past the pole,' Muller said. 'So it's probable that that bug just landed on that pole.'

Chris Muller, director of Beltrami County Emergency Management, has reviewed additional footage from the airport's camera, from Monday night and at times during the day, and is now suspects the object could be prosaically explained. 'There were bugs flying around,' he said.

But while emergency management continues to pursue a terrestrial explanation, Craig Zlimen, the owner of science collectibles company Minnesota Meteorites, believes that the meteorite theory can't yet be ruled out. Zlimen said such a meteor could sell for 'thousands' per gram

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The timing of the apparent flight path seen at Bemidji Regional Airport, compared to the security footage in Nymore, was still another sign that the event was likely not a meteor on a consistent trajectory and acceleration  according to Muller's consultation with NASA astronomer and others.

While that does not rule out the controlled maneuvers of a controlled craft, Muller said that Beltrami County Emergency Management is not investigating the incident as a flying saucer case.

'I don't think it was a UFO in the sense of aliens,' Muller told DailyMail.com, 'and don't want to sound that I do.'

The multiple reports of the flash bright in the sky Monday night, he said, have not yet been corroborated with evidence of a flying object, despite his best efforts.

'If it was anything that would have been airborne, it should have been picked up by radars,' Muller said. 'We did check with the [National] Weather Service, and they didn't have anything on the radar. They also did not have any lightning detected.'

'So, we're actually leaning towards that this was something that was on or near the ground.'

And, the third video, an 'all sky cam' stationed about 15 miles west of Bemidji 'saw no indication of meteor,' according to the local resident who operates it, David Bainbridge, bolstering the ground-based explanation for now.

But while emergency management continues to pursue a terrestrial explanation, Craig Zlimen, the owner of the science collectibles company Minnesota Meteorites, believes that the meteorite theory can't yet be ruled out.

Zilmen told the local CBS affiliate WCCO-TV that he thinks a meteor hit the atmosphere somewhere above Minnesota.

It would be a valuable rarity if true, he told CBS.

'Minnesota only has nine confirmed meteorites ever found in the state,' Zlimen said.

'Depending on the size,' he estimated, 'they could go anywhere from a few dollars a gram up to thousands of dollars per gram.'
About 300 million people in the United States would be put at risk of death from exposure to radioactive fallout in the four days following a nuclear attack, according to a new report that models the possible effects of such a grim event.

If the US is attacked with nuclear weapons, an adversary would most likely concentrate all fire on the country's intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch facilities (silos).

Any retaliatory attack from the US would come from these silos, located in Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming - and taking them out would be an enemy's first priority.

This is the assumption scientists used to model the fatalities from a nuclear strike, with the 450 ICBM silos in these states serving as the epicenter.

The population density in these states is low, but winds could carry the radioactive material far and wide.

This map predicts the worst-case scenario following a nuclear strike on the 450 ICBM silos in the western United States. This level of radiation would kill 300 million

Their maps are part of a special report on the US's nuclear program published Wednesday in Scientific American.

And the results are grim: Depending on weather conditions, 90 percent of the population of the lower 48 U.S states, as well as people living in Mexico's northern states and the most populous regions of Canada, would be at risk of receiving lethal doses of radiation.

Using weather patterns recorded through 2021, scientists simulated the aftereffects of an 800-kiloton warhead hitting every one of the 450 silos at once to cripple the US arsenal. First, they mapped how wind patterns would have carried the fallout on each day of 2021.

For the map above, they recorded the worst possible outcome for each location. In this scenario, three million people living in communities around the silos would risk receiving eight grays (Gy) of radiation in the four days following the attack, resulting in certain death - one Gy is enough to cause radiation sickeness.

One gray (Gy) is the international system of units (SI) equivalent to 100 radiation units (rads), which is equal to an absorbed dose of 1 Joule/kilogram - a thermal heat capacity.

The annual limit for radiation is 0.001 Gy

Researchers used the 2021 weather data to compute a more conservative estimate: the average risk of radiation exposure on a hypothetical day. 'They thereby averaged the impact of shifting winds on radioactive fallout across the continent,' according to the report.

This estimate is more conservative than the first, but it still predicts that 'most inhabitants of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Minnesota would get average doses greater than 1 Gy, causing fatalities from acute radiation syndrome, especially among children'

Even in this scenario, millions would be at risk of death from radiation.

The symptoms of radiation syndrome depend on the dose a person receives, and they can include nausea, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, skin damage, seizures, and even coma.

At high enough doses of penetrating radiation, these symptoms can start within minutes and can be deadly.

The editors of Scientific American commissioned the special report because the US government is in the midst of a $1.5 trillion project to refresh its obsolete nuclear weapons, including the ones stored at these silos in the western states.

Their message is unambiguous: 'We should rethink this miserable folly rather than once again squandering our wealth while driving a new arms race.'

This report is not the magazine's first but the most dire to date.

Similar estimates conducted in 1976 and 1988 underestimated the possible extent of fallout-related deaths from a nuclear attack on the US, according to the new report's authors.

Newer weather modeling techniques enable scientists to assess the spread of fallout across the continent more accurately.

These land-based ICBM silos were initially intended to deter a nuclear attack from Russia or other foreign powers. The thinking was that the possibility of a catastrophic retaliation would prevent a nuclear attack.

They also present ideal targets for a preemptive nuclear strike. And if this report's predictions hold true, such an attack would forever alter the population of North America and beyond.
It was a holiday not to remember.

A disgruntled traveller has told of how a 30th wedding anniversary trip with Tui went wrong at almost every turn.

John Salter, a 56-year-old who lives in Merseyside, was travelling with his wife from Manchester recently in the hope of enjoying a sunny package holiday in Lanzarote.

But the couple arrived on the Spanish island 14 hours later than planned, experienced severe delays on the way home. And had to wait six days for their luggage to be returned to them.

The first-time Tui traveller said the company 'ruined' their trip.

A disgruntled traveller has told of how a 30th wedding anniversary trip with Tui went wrong at almost every turn

Explaining the September ordeal in a letter shared with MailOnline Travel, John said that Tui first informed them of changes to their 7:10am flight via email at 3:41am, revealing that their flight would be operated by SmartLynx on behalf of Tui.

The couple said they arrived at the airport at 4:25am, with 'plenty of time' to spare and were told the original flight had been divided into two separate aircraft. At 8:20am, John said passengers had boarded his aircraft, but were then told there would be delays 'due to a problem with the on-board toilets'.

At around 10:00am, John said they were 'advised that anyone who needs to use the toilet will be transferred back to the gate'.

After enduring 'one of the worst flights' he'd ever taken, operated by GetJet, Tui customer John arrived in Lanzarote (pictured) 14 hours later than planned. He said he and his wife spent most of their second day 'recovering'

FOUND YOURSELF IN A SIMILAR SITUATION?FOLLOW THE ADVICE OF WHICH? TRAVEL... To help travellers stuck in similar situations, Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, shared some key advice to MailOnline. FLIGHT DELAYS Which? says passengers are entitled to compensation for delays of three hours or more. Rory says: 'Unfortunately, if the cause is deemed an extraordinary circumstance - that could be because of extreme weather or a natural disaster for example - then compensation won't be due. Things like staff illness and broken toilets though are pretty everyday occurrences, so passengers should still be compensated when minor issues like these lead to major delays. 'If you're not convinced by the reason given for the hold-up, challenge the airline - and if you're not satisfied with their response, you may want to consider escalating your claim to an Alternative Dispute Resolution body. 'You should also bear in mind that whatever the cause of the delay, your airline should be taking care of you, and making sure you have vouchers for meals and refreshments while you wait. 'If your delay drags on for more than five hours, then more options are available to you, as you have the same rights as if your journey had been cancelled. This means you have the right to ask to be rerouted, meaning you can be put on another flight if others are operating, or request a full refund.' DELAYED LUGGAGE According to Rory, airlines must make 'every possible effort' to get a passenger's luggage back to them as soon as possible. He adds: 'If you need to purchase some basics to tide you over until you're reunited with your luggage, your airline should let you know how much you can claim back per day - though if you're on your return journey, the amount may be less, or nothing at all, as the assumption is you'll have most things you need at home. 'Make sure you keep receipts so you can make a claim at a later date, and submit this to your airline. If all else fails, your travel insurance should also prove a useful backstop for recouping your costs.' CLAIMING COMPENSATION FROM PACKAGE HOLIDAY PROVIDERS Which? advises travellers to book their holiday as a package as they'll have 'better protection'. Rory says: 'That means if your holiday is cut short, or you turn up and there's a car park where the pool should be, the onus is on your holiday provider to make it right. 'So, if for example you've missed a day of your holiday through no fault of your own - and with it the opportunity to use the all-inclusive facilities you've paid for - you may have grounds to make a claim against your provider. If you don't think the amount you're offered measures up, the first step is to pursue an appeal using their internal complaints process. 'If you're still unhappy, you may want to consider escalating your complaint to a trade body if your provider is a member. Both ABTA and AITO have arbitration routes - but bear in mind costs can be attached and in the case of ABTA, pursuing a claim this way means that you won't be eligible to take your case to the small claims court in future.' For more expert advice, visit Which? Travel. Advertisement

John and his wife disembarked to use the bathroom facilities, but returned to the news that his aircraft was being taken out of service 'due to the onboard issues'.

They were then asked to wait for further updates.

After several delays and changes in flight times throughout the day, John said they flagged down a 'confused-looking' Tui staff member and asked him if they could go home.

John continued: 'He said that we were free to leave the airport and go home but as we were breaking our contract with Tui, we'd be entitled to nothing back in regards to our holiday cost. He also advised us that a further update would be sent at 4pm.'

Finally, at 8:55pm, the pair boarded a flight operated by GetJet.

John said: 'The plane looked quite old, and I have to say this was probably one of the worst flights we've taken. There was very little space between seats and it was a very uncomfortable journey.'

He continued: 'Considering the fact that this should have been operating as a Tui flight, there was no evidence of Tui staff anywhere on the aircraft.'

Having completely missed their first day of holiday, the couple arrived at the hotel the next morning at 2:40am, and said they spent most of their second day 'recovering' from the journey.

After spending just under a week at the all-inclusive hotel, John claimed his last night was 'ruined' by a Tui email regarding their flight home.

He explained: 'Due to operational issues our inbound flight was now being divided onto two aircraft. Straight away our last night had been ruined, as we were worrying about our flight home and what could go wrong.'

The couple arrived at the airport for their 12:41pm Tui flight, operated by SmartLynx again.

John said all seemed to be 'going well', and boarding commenced at 1pm.

However, two hours later, the captain announced that Tui would remove all luggage from the plane and transport it at a later date in an attempt to 'reduce fuel'.

At this point, John claimed that some passengers left the flight as they 'refused to leave their luggage behind'.

Meanwhile, John and his wife stayed aboard the flight as they were told that Tui staff would be at arrivals to 'help'.

Three hours later than scheduled, he said the plane 'finally took off'.

The couple arrived in Manchester at 7:40pm and claimed there was no sign of any Tui staff members, so eventually they left the airport without their luggage.

It was finally returned to them six days later, with the pair having to buy various items that had been packed in their cases.

Speaking to MailOnline Travel, John said he received compensation from Tui, which included 1,400 for both flight delays, 48 for seat changes, 150 for the six-day delay in their suitcases being returned, and 88 for out-of-pocket expenses caused by the delay in luggage.

This was after Tui offered them 24 for the 14-hour delay, which he 'refused to accept'.

Despite the compensation, John slammed Tui for its 'appalling' customer service and declared he would never fly with the company again.

Tui also sent the couple 200 worth of vouchers, which John said they 'will not be using'.

In his letter, John said: 'I cannot put into words the disappointment and frustration we have experienced from Tui', adding that he and his wife have been 'daunted by the dishonourable service' and were given a 'holiday not to remember'.

Tui declined MailOnline's request for comment.

The names have been changed by request.
These eerie photographs are said to have captured ghostly goings on in the most haunted small town in America.

Alton, in Southwest Illinois, has a long roll-call of ghostly residents, from phantom nuns to a bank robber who haunts the local Irish pub and hotel guests... who can never leave.

The spooky snaps we present here were taken at McPike Mansion, one of the town's most popular attractions.

It's owned by Sharyn Luedke and her husband, George. They bought it as a bed and breakfast but then turned it into 'a historical and paranormal destination'.

One picture shows what appears to be a dark figure standing in the open doorway. Mrs Luedke told MailOnline Travel that it was taken in 1995 with a 35mm camera by a previous owner called Rick Dixon.

This image shows what appears to be a dark figure standing in the open doorway of McPike Mansion in Alton, Southwest Illinois - known as the most haunted small town in America. Owner Sharyn Luedke believes it's the original owner of the 19th-century mansion, Henry Guest McPike

LEFT: 'Energy' flying through the air. RIGHT: This image, according to Mrs Luedke, shows Henry Guest McPike 'looking out the window'

She believes the figure in the doorway is the original owner of the 19th-century mansion, Henry Guest McPike, adding: 'Rick and his wife Sugie were the last people to live in the house.'

Another image, said Mrs Luedke, shows Mr McPike looking out of a window, while a third window image shows a 'little African boy we believe is called Zach, perhaps a child of domestic help'.

A fourth picture, meanwhile, taken in the mansion grounds, shows 'energy flying through the air'.

This photo shows a 'little African boy we believe is called Zach, perhaps a child of domestic help', said Mrs Luedke

McPike Mansion (above) is a popular historical and paranormal destination

Mrs Luedke said: 'We absolutely had no idea the mansion was haunted when we purchased it. One of my first experiences was when I saw a man in the window seven weeks after we bought the house. He had a shirt and tie on and I had not seen any pictures of anyone at that point. I later saw a picture of the family that lived there and I identified one as the man I had seen in the window.

'I have seen many spirits in the cellar including Henry McPike as a dark shadow.

'One time I was in the cellar with some young adults and family and heard loud banging on the door, and inside I thought "I'm out of here!" But I did my best not to show that I was afraid to the guests.

'The spirits here like people and like to communicate with people that visit the mansion.

'One time I took a friend to the house and she asked if I felt the floor moving. I did not, but then I heard the spirits shouting, "How could you bring her here!" She must have reminded the spirit of someone from their past. My friend then later heard them say to her, "Don't covet my house."

Alton has a long roll-call of ghostly residents. As well as the McPike hauntings there is a bank robber who haunts the local Irish pub and hotel guests... who can never leave

'My husband was outside in front of the house and saw two women running at him so he stood out of the way and they vanished inside the house. He went to look for them inside but did not find them.

'When I asked them how they were dressed, he said like native Americans. This makes sense because there were tribes that inhabited the area.'

Mrs Luedke added: 'Our visitors on our tours often capture images of people in the windows of the home that they will share on our Facebook page.'

For more information on Alton and its spooky attractions visit www.riversandroutes.com/things-to-do/haunted.
Below are several ways to snag a seat, after years of COVID and staffing issues

Frightening footage ahead of the holiday travel season shows Orlando International Airport completely overrun - leading many to ask, is two hours really enough to make your flight?

The short answer, sadly, is, no.

After years of COVID-era restrictions and short-staffed airlines, air travel this winter is set to resume with a bang - with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on Monday saying it is expecting the upcoming season to be '[its] busiest ever.'

Numbers supporting this assertion don't lie. In the past ten months, the TSA recorded seven of its 10 highest volume travel days since it was created in 2001.

Given this stark increase - and the historic rise in bookings around the holidays - experts advise to arrive earlier than the usual two hours for domestic journeys and three for international, for ample time to check in and make it through security.

Other tips - such as making sure you're up-to-date on the status of your flight, using software such as FlightAware and checking the weather in the city where your aircraft is coming from - will also help you secure a seat. Here are some of the best.

Scroll down for video:

Frightening footage filmed Tuesday ahead of the holiday travel season shows travelers at Orlando International Airport clogged in a line outside a TSA checkpoint

It comes after the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said on Monday it is expecting its 'busiest [travel season] ever,' after years of COVID-era restrictions and short-staffed airlines

Do your best not to check a bag

Good news for those who travel light - and bad news for everyone else - but checking a bag can only slow you down.

The process not only briefly halts your progress, but is especially problematic during the holidays, when TSA workers are bombarded with an unusual amount of bags.

Usually, when checking baggage, travelers are expected to account for an extra 15 minutes - a timeline that should be at least doubled given the current circumstances.

Moreover, it not only slows you down on the front end, but it will also add time to the end of your journey, to wherever it may be.

If you do need to check, try to do so at curbside, if it's offered - the lines are generally shorter.

If you do need to check a bag, do so at curbside - since the lines are generally much shorter. Travelers are seen waiting to check their baggage over the weekend in Orlando

Account for busier travel times

A bit obvious, but accounting for busier travel times - especially during the hectic holiday season - could make or break your airport visit.

If you want to make your plane and not have to arrive hours early, the travel days to avoid are, of course, Thanksgiving, and the entire week of Christmas.

Given that such a fate is sometimes unavoidable, be sure to arrive especially early those days - a minimum of three hours for in-country flights and four hours for those overseas.

Since those travel times are a bit obvious, try to set off at less sought-after, more random weeks throughout the winter - and be sure to still arrive early to avoid an unforeseen mishap.

Weekends are also usually harbingers of death when it comes to clogged entryways and checkpoints, so try to pick a random Tuesday to embark on your travels.

And, as always, come with a plan.

Accounting for busier travel times could make or break your airport visit this holiday season. If you want to make your plane, the travel days to typically avoid are Thanksgiving and the entire week of Christmas

Use a backpack instead of a rolling bag

More of a random factoid - but a still markedly useful one - is to elect for a bag that straps to your back rather than the oh-so-common cases that are rolled on wheels.

While useful for carrying a lot of weight, they also slow you down, and due to their prevalence, you will likely need to weave your suitcase through a mass of several others - often the difference in making or missing a flight.

Access is also an issue, with wheeled baggage often more difficult to get in and out of if you suddenly have to rush to a soon-to-be crowded gate.

It's also a lot easier to run if you aren't toting a roll-on, and with the right kind of backpack, you'll be surprised at how much stuff you can easily - and sometimes, not so easily - pack in.

With this in mind, try to bring only what you need and not overburden yourself, staying streamlined is almost always recommended even during the regular travel season - so leave those 'just in case' items at home.

More of a random factoid - but a still markedly useful one - is to elect for a bag that straps to your back rather than the oh-so-common cases that are rolled on wheels. A traveler at Orlando International Tuesday is seen toting a backpack

Check weather in city your craft is coming from

Checking the weather in the city your aircraft is coming may seem like a no-brainer, but is almost always overlooked by eager travelers.

It could not only save you a headache if your plane is delayed, but can also provide you with a hint on when you should show up.

A Florida-based stewardess, who is also a TikTok influencer, recently offered such advice in an interview with Insider, telling fans how it important it was to look at the weather for the cities that you're flying to and from, as well as the area that your aircraft visited prior to your journey.

She explained that if the plane had a delay in the city it was at before yours, that would likely result in your own flight taking off late.

'Having that extra knowledge puts you in the right mindset,' she explained.

'For me,' she added, 'having an understanding of what you're getting into before you get to the airport is 90 per cent of the battle.'

Checking the weather in the city your aircraft is coming may seem like a no-brainer, but is almost always overlooked by eager travelers. A wind vane moves at a small airport in Wehrheim near Frankfurt, Germany, earlier this month

Have the airline app downloaded

Since it's the age of information, travelers should be willing to take new, more technological steps to ensure a timely trip.

And apps for Airlines like American, United, and Southwest often offer an answer.

While it may be overkill to download every single airline app out there, be sure to at least tap your favorites - as it makes check-ins easier and you'll also get alerts about your flight.

The app will tell you when it's time to check in, and is tasked with keeping you up to date with the status of your flight, any gate changes, and other things that otherwise might throw a monkey wrench into you plans.

On Sunday, flight attendant Cici - who has amassed a massive social media following thanks to her insider airline knowledge - praised airline apps and their benefits.

'You can communicate so much more effectively directly through the app as opposed to waiting on the phone or waiting in line,' she said.

For those who want to take it a step further, use apps like Flightview to determine arrival gates, and websites like FlightAware for real-time plane location.

Airline apps are always useful for keeping up with the status of your flight - but for those who want to take it a step further, you can use websites like FlightAware for real-time plane location

Have the necessary documents ready

Another suggestion that one might assume is already apparent is to show up with all the necessary documents needed to travel.

This includes a valid ID and, for international flights, a passport.

Be sure none of those documents are expired, and try to keep in mind that different destinations often require different validity and requirements of passports.

For example, some countries, such as Italy and Spain, require a three-month validity, while others may have more strict requirements.

With this in mind, be sure to check the specific requirements of your destination country - with the US Department of State's international travel data page often an excellent resource.

Another suggestion that one might assume is already apparent is to show up with all the necessary documents needed to travel

Be aware of your gate number

Something that could save you a great deal of time - and another potential headache - is double-checking and, ideally, keeping track of your gate number.

While already indicated on your ticket, the gate you're to depart from is always subject to change - and as seasoned holiday travelers already know, those changes can happen quite suddenly.

If you make the mistake of not keeping an eye on the screens overhead, you could end up at your old gate - and you could end up completely missing your flight.

Travelers often make the mistake of not double checking their gate number.

With that said, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for altering departure numbers, and, again, download an airline app to keep you in loop if and when it changes.

Don't relax after arriving at your designated terminal, though, and keep in mind the propensity for security delays.

This is especially true when traveling internationally, so be sure to arrive at your gate around 30 to 40 minutes early to avoid losing your seat.

Also keep in mind that the latest time to board a plane is ten minutes before takeoff, and that recommended boarding time versus departure time is a difference of 10 minutes.

Tack on an extra ten or so given the craziness of this particular holiday season, and you should be golden.

Something that could save you a great deal of time - and another potential headache - is double-checking and, ideally, keeping track of your gate number as it is subject to change

Consider TSA PreCheck

For those willing to fork over a little extra dough, signing up for the TSA's resident PreCheck service is highly recommended.

It costs $85 - nothing to sneeze at - but you'll save in both terms of time and stress

While others spend upwards of a half hour removing shoes, belts, and items from their luggage, you'll be laughing your way to the gate.

The expedited checking service last holiday season helped travelers, on average, achieve roughly one-third the wait time of their traveling counterparts, and help travelers speed through security checkpoints at more than 200 U.S. airports.

Generally, it will cut around a half hour from the front-end of your journey.

For those willing to fork over $85, signing up for the TSA's PreCheck service is recommended. Generally, it will cut around a half hour from the front-end of your journey, and help you breeze through lines such as this one

Double-check your luggage

Brain-farts are perhaps most common during times of stress, and what's more stressful than traveling during the holidays?

So, don't be to hard on yourself if you find yourself stopped over a half-eaten sandwich or unfinished Mountain Dew in your carry-on.

That said, such a stoppage more than likely will make you miss your flight.

Tubes of toothpaste are also problematic, as if they are too big, you could end up being held by security.

Generally, such a stoppage would delay you around 15 minutes per item, but this holiday season, you may be looking at closer to a half hour.

A quick scan could save you not only face, but another several hours in the airport. Be sure to check before you're being searched.

Be sure to check what's inside your checked bags - as a stoppage could delay you around 15 minutes to a half hour per item

Be polite

Last but not least, be sure to speak with your airline officials with respect.

This can also decide your journey, especially when all else fails and you still - somehow - show up late.

So, kill them with kindness.

If you find yourself a few minutes late, profusely apologize.

If the doors are closing in front of you, ask to board nicely. Agents - at least sometimes - could be flexible, though for the most part, they are pretty neutral.

Still, be sure to not charge forward and demand to be to board all frustrated.

First say sorry, and explain your situation.

You may, of course, still might miss your flight, but the gate agent is much more likely to help if you treat them like a person. Plus, it's the polite thing to do.

Be sure to speak with your airline officials with respect, especially when arriving to your gate late and in a fit

Useful tips about disruptions

Cancelled Flights

In the event of a cancellation, for instance, be sure to turn down a voucher, as under federal law you are entitled to a full cash refund.

Unlike the European Union, the United States does not have any regulations that protect passengers if their flight is called off- however, if you are flying to any where in Europe, you could earn a voucher of up to $700 on top of your refunded ticket.

If there were multiple stops on the flight, you would get a refund for the legs you had yet to fly.

A cancellation voucher is still possible to obtain in the States, but would not be guaranteed and likely be markedly less than the aforementioned amount.

Keep in mind that if the voucher is worth more than the flight you purchase, most airlines will not let you use the remaining balance like you would a gift card.

Delays

You are entitled to a refund for 'significant' changes or delays to your original flight schedule, meaning you should also turn down a voucher if it means getting cash in hand.

What constitutes a significant delay is often decided on a case-by-case basis and varies from airline to airline, but a good rule of thumb is two hours or more.

Damaged luggage

In the event you arrive to your destination and find your luggage damaged, typically, the airline will fork over the full cost of its contents to a flier - sometimes with a voucher on top of it.

Be wary, however - if the contents of your suitcase amount to more than $3,500, you may need to convince the airline to compensate you further, as the Department of Transportation has set that amount as a cap for its maximum liability.

Airlines can compensate more in a case-by-case basis, at their own discretion.

Delayed baggage

When your luggage is delayed, airlines will try to reunite you with your luggage as soon as it arrives - and will placate you with between $25 and $50 a day until such a reunion occurs.

However, these companies could also owe you up to $3,500 in liability for a domestic US trip, if you can prove to them that you needed the contents of the misplaced luggage for an event such as a wedding before it could be delivered.

As long as you've got receipts to prove to the relative value of what was in the bag - and an explanation as to why it was needed immediately - you are entitled to cash compensation, even after the bag is returned to you.

In the event that it has to be delivered to you after you leave the airport, the airline may also offer a travel voucher that you can put towards travel with the same airline - but that is not guaranteed.

Lost luggage

Similar to the previous two instances, in the event an airline loses your luggage and it cannot be located, you could be entitled to up to $3,500 in cash.

For international flights, the Montreal Convention states that an airline can give up to $1,600 - though airlines are free to provide more.

To get this compensation, you typically have to file a claim with the airline, which could take few weeks and even months to resolve.

Companies will require receipts for any sort of reimbursement - as well as record of any fees you paid out to the airline to transport your luggage, which you will then also be paid back.

Overbooked flights

If you board a plane only to find yourself without a seat because the flight has sold more tickets than there are seats, staffers will first ask if a Good Samaritan would like to voluntarily give up their place on the plane.

In the likely event that does not occur, you could likely be involuntarily bumped from the flight and removed completely at random.

If this is the case, the airline may offer you a voucher - but do not accept. Due to this being solely the airline's mistake, by federal law your are entitled to a cash refund.

Conversely, if you so happen to be a thoughtful traveler that doesn't mind getting off a flight, the airline will offer you a travel voucher and also place you on the next available flight to your destination.

You can also request to be placed on a 'bump list' upon reaching your departure gate. A bump list is a tab of confirmed-ticketed passengers on a flight that will not be allowed to board or will be asked to deplane in the event a flight is oversold.
She also recommends staying loyal to one hotel chain to get trip upgrades

A travel influencer has revealed her five hacks to make every trip 'a lot easier.'

According to Grace C Cheng, who spends her days documenting her luxury trips across the globe, her tips and tricks are all things that 'no one talks about' - but are guaranteed to make any traveling experience more enjoyable.

In a video posted to her TikTok, Grace made five suggestions for stress-free jet-setting, including bringing a frozen bottle of water through security and having a universal power adapter.

The US-based content creator - who has visited a total of 36 countries - also highlighted the importance of staying loyal to one hotel chain, so that you can get rewarded, better customer service and upgrades.

Grace C Cheng posted a TikTok video with her suggestions including bringing a frozen bottle of water through security and having a universal power adapter

The US-based content creator also stressed the payoffs of staying loyal to one hotel chain so that you can get rewarded, better customer service and upgrades

She also suggested asking for the aisle seat when flying economy and to be the last person to enter the plane so that you can opt to sit in any available seating

Ready, set, jet! A travel influencer's hacks for an easy trip Bring a frozen bottle of water through security Tape a hair at the bottom of the door frame to see if anyone entered your room unauthorized Ask for the aisle seat when flying economy and be the last person to enter the plane so that you can opt to sit in any available seating Stay loyal to one hotel chain so that you can get rewarded, better customer service and upgrades Bring along a universal power adapter Advertisement

Grace's video started off with a clip of her enjoying a drink on the plane before launching into her tips, beginning with her hack for sneaking a full bottle of water through security.

'First off I know a lot of people don't know this, but you can actually take a full bottle of water through security, only if it is frozen because, yes, ice is solid and water is liquid,' she revealed.

'All you gotta do is freeze the water before you leave for the airport and before you hit security, just drink whatever has melted and to me personally, I think that's the biggest hack ever.'

She then showed clips of her elegant hotel rooms - and explained her top tip for ensuring that you remain safe while traveling, particularly if you're staying alone.

'Second, if you're staying at a hotel and you wanna see if anyone has entered the room unauthorized, all you gotta do is tape a hair at the bottom of the door frame and when you come back to your room, you'll see if the hair has been broken or not and then you'll know if someone has come in or not,' she advised.

Grace's video then transitioned to show the inside and outside of the plane - in order to accompany her advice for those who aren't fortunate enough to have snagged a seat in first or business class.

'When you're flying economy ask for the aisle seat and be the last person to enter the plane,' she said.

'And now that you're the last person to enter you'll get to see all the empty seats on the plane.

'In this case you can just opt to choose whatever is available and hopefully you'll get a row all to yourself so you can just lay down the entire flight.'

'If you're staying at a hotel and you wanna see if anyone has entered the room unauthorized, all you gotta do is tape a hair at the bottom of the door frame,' she said

While announcing her last hack, Grace showed herself and her friends on a safari trip. 'Last, when you're traveling internationally, always carry a universal power adapter'

Her video then transitioned to show her hotel's lobbies, pools and seating areas, with Grace saying: 'This one is important if you are a frequent traveler, but it's a better idea to always stay with one hotel chain.

'That way you're able to collect points and with your loyalty you'll get rewarded and better customer service with a ton of upgrades.'

While announcing her last hack, Grace showed herself in a hotel's mirror and then and her friends on a safari trip.

'Last, when you're traveling internationally, always carry a universal power adapter,' she said.

'You never know when you're gonna need it because when I started traveling, this is actually one of my biggest issues and I had to keep rebuying it.

'So these are just some hacks to make your trip a lot easier.'

She captioned her video: 'What are some other great hacks?'

Grace's video got more than 210,100 views and lot of mixed commentary.

Grace's video got more than 210,100 views and lot of mixed commentary. Some followers were thankful for her hacks

She captioned her video: 'What are some other great hacks,' and the comments came flooding in

Some followers were thankful for her tips.

One person wrote: 'These are the best travel hacks omg!!'

'Wow thank you for these tips. They amazing,' added another person.

A third person chimed in: 'Great advice!'

However, other weren't immediately sold on Grace's recommendations, especially when it came to her hack of bringing a frozen water bottle through security.

One person wrote: 'Or just bring an empty bottle through TSA and use their water refilling stations.'

'If you freeze the water make sure it's not in your favorite water bottle, cause it depends on the TSA officer and they may not let it through,' another person added.

A third person chimed in: 'Not all international airports have refilling stations!'

'Is this a joke lol, these are all terrible. Don't do it. [Especially] number one, bring an empty bottle. All airports have water fountains. Fill it up after you get in,' added a fourth person.

One person wrote: 'I had ice only in my tumblr and they didn't let me go through security like that. I had to throw the ice away.'

'Nope wrong. I have asked, I can't bring ice. No water. Insulated bottle. Can only fill up at [the] security check,' another person wrote.

Others weren't sold on Grace's recommendations, especially when it came to her hack of bringing frozen water through security

Grace has traveled to 36 countries ranging from Japan, Thailand to Turkey (pictured)

Some commentators disagreed about her seating advice.

'Do not sit in any empty seat just because it's open! Ask a flight attendant. Airline employee and family could be getting on the flight to fill those up,' one person wrote.

Another person added: 'To be fair, the aisle seat hack won't work 60 to 90 per cent of the time, because they could make you pay for it.

'If you really want to bag the bargain, buy premium economy (worst flights) or buy premium flexibility (Qatar Airways) and they let you upgrade for free.'
The pilot thanked his passengers, many of whom were his family members

Jeff Fell addressed passengers at the top of his final flight with American Airlines

A pilot's emotional two-minute speech during his last flight before retirement has left plane passengers in tears.

In a TikTok video, Jeff Fell is seen taking to the aisle to address his passengers one final time before takeoff.

'First of all, good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome aboard American's Flight 2561 to the Chicago O'Hare International Airport,' he began in the clip, captured by Justin Harrison, before introducing himself and stating the expected flight time and weather conditions.

'I normally don't stand up in front of everybody like this. I usually just stay on the cockpit and talk on the PA.

Pilot Jeff Fell made an emotional speech before takeoff on his final flight before retirement

The pilot had been flying for American Airlines for 32 years

The TikTok creator also captured the moment the plane taxied through a 'water salute' - traditionally performed in honor of a retiring pilot

The second video revealed the view from the passenger's window as the exterior of the plane was doused in water from the 'water salute'

As it taxied under the archway of water, the plane appeared to be headed into an idyllic sunset

'And if I get a little emotional, please forgive me for that,' he continued, adding: 'I'd like to take just a few moments of your time before we take off to Chicago tonight.'

He then said he wanted to 'acknowledge a group of very important people to me that are on board the flight. Most of them are in the back of the airplane, and they're the majority of my family, who have come along with me on my retirement flight.'

'They're on board with me for my retirement flight after 32 years with American,' he further stated, his voice cracking.

'Thank you all for coming along with me tonight and celebrating this very memorable time in my life. I love all of you. And also, I didn't want to get emotional, but goodness gracious.'

Jeff then publicly thanked his wife, Julie, saying she'd 'been at my side for the majority of my 32 years at American: She has been the rock, 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,' he said.

Still tearing up, he concluded: 'I love you and look forward to the next chapter in our lives. And welcome aboard, everybody.'

Commenters likewise became misty-eyed watching the clip.

Commenters admitted to also getting misty-eyed while watching the speech and a follow-up video depicting the plane during a 'water salute' performed in honor of the pilot's retirement

'Him thanking his wife I'm SOBBINGGGGG,' one wrote.

'As a pilot's daughter this made me cry... I'll lose it when it's my dad's retirement flight,' a second echoed.

'Oh I would start balling my eyes out,' a third agreed.

'Think about all the people he's transported from one place to another,' a fourth reflected.

'To think of the amount of families, people, and cultures he has single handedly connected throughout the world. Thank you!' another added.

A follow-up video shared by the same account revealed a view from a passenger window of a plane as nearby firetrucks executed a water salute - a practice in which two firetrucks parked on either side of a runway create an archway of water that the aircraft passes under as a tradition to honor a retiring pilot.

The clip captured the moment the fire hose spraying from one side of the plane doused the passenger's window with water - before cutting to a clip of an idyllic exterior shot of the aircraft as it taxied under the two jets of water, seemingly headed into a gorgeous sunset on the horizon.

'Not me crying over a stranger,' one viewer gushed on the water salute post.
Actor Luke Arnold has revealed his new Australian Stan Original Series Scrublands is a gripping 'whydunnit' which will turn the mystery show format on its head.

The Black Sails star, 39, plays investigative journalist Martin Scarsden in the thrilling four-part series based on the best-selling 2018 novel by Aussie author Chris Hammer.

Arnold told Daily Mail Australia he was thrilled to bring Hammer's story to life on the screen as it is a 'great whydunnit' which investigates the reasons behind a shocking crime.

'It is about motive, history and what people are going through. There's tragedy, romance, action, it's got everything and deeper layers than your usual mystery,' he said.

He said part of the reason the show is so good is it had such a supportive cast and crew working on it, who were all committed to bringing a singular vision to life.

The Stan Original Series Scrublands premieres November 16, all episodes at once and only on Stan.

'It is a great Australian drama which moves at a great pace. Hammer's writing is so great and we had a great team, Wolf Creek director Greg McLean and [Underbelly writer] Felicity Packard.'

Luke added another good thing about the show is it has an all-star cast of popular Australian actors who light up the screen together.

'I had a few days with Adam Zwar who plays a cop and a chunk of time with Bella Heathcote. There were all these different energies, all these actors coming in and out,' he said.

Actor Luke Arnold (pictured) has revealed his new Australian Stan Original Series Scrublands is a gripping 'whydunnit' which will turn the mystery show format on its head

The Black Sails star, 39, plays investigative journalist Martin Scarsden in the thrilling four-part series based on the 2018 best-selling novel by Australian author Chris Hammer

Arnold then said author Chris Hammer realised that TV is a very different medium to reading and gave the crew his blessing to take the show in its own direction.

'Chris was happy to hand over the story to us, you have to make it its own thing. That was very generous of him to trust us, he was very happy to allow us to do what needs to be done to bring it to life.'

Luke added fans of the book will be in for some exciting surprises when watching the show.

Arnold told Daily Mail Australia he was thrilled to bring Hammer's story to life on the screen as it is a 'great whydunnit' which investigates the reasons behind a shocking crime

'Some things have been left out, some characters have been either amalgamated or split, things happen when taking it from a novel into a visual medium,' he said.

Scrublands stars Luke Arnold (Black Sails, Never Tear Us Apart: The Untold Story of INXS), Bella Heathcote (C*A*U*G*H*T, Relic) and Jay Ryan (It Chapter Two, Top of the Lake).

The series is set in the isolated and struggling country town of Riversend in regional Victoria, where young priest Byron Swift  played by Ryan  kills five of his parishioners.

'It is about motive, history and what people are going through. There's tragedy, romance, action, it's got everything and deeper layers than your usual mystery,' Luke said

A year passes and investigative journalist Martin Scarsden (Arnold) arrives in the town to write a feature story on the anniversary of the tragedy.

But Martin discovers locals are still deeply scarred from the event and have grown hostile to journalists  local bookstore owner Mandy Bond (Heathcote), Constable Robbie Haus-Jones (Zwar) and widow of one of the massacre victims, Fran Landers (Thaine) give him the cold shoulder.
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Many great filmmakers have tried to tackle the life of Napoleon Bonaparte, yet have been thwarted, just as the little Corsican was when he invaded Russia, by the vastness of the enterprise.

Charlie Chaplin and Stanley Kubrick were both defeated, and in a way Sir Ridley Scott is, too.

There is much about his latest epic that is enjoyable. Some of the battle scenes are truly spectacular and Vanessa Kirby is astutely cast as the beguiling Josephine, who is the second great love of Napoleon's life  after himself.

However, Joaquin Phoenix in the title role gives an enigmatic, mumbling performance that leaves you wondering, even after two and a half hours, just what makes Napoleon tick. We get that he's a military genius. We get why he is crowned emperor.

Many great filmmakers have tried to tackle the life of Napoleon Bonaparte, yet have been thwarted, just as the little Corsican was when he invaded Russia

Pictured: Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby starring in Napoleon

Joaquin Phoenix in the title role gives an enigmatic, mumbling performance that leaves you wondering, even after two and a half hours, just what makes Napoleon tick

And we get, from scenes of weird psychosexual intensity, that he's captivated by his alluringly sexy, decidedly naughty wife.

But beyond all that he seems like a peculiarly empty vessel for David Scarpa's uneven script, which puts a few lines in his mouth that made yesterday's audience laugh out loud.

'You think you're so great because you have boats,' he snaps at an envoy from England. Petulant children have been sent to the naughty step for less.

As parents of small children also know, you have to pick your battles. Scott picks his with due care. Napoleon masterminded more than 60 victories but the most defining of his battles, certainly on this side of the Channel (where we conspicuously have no railway stations called Austerlitz), are those he lost.

His most crippling defeats came during his disastrous Russian campaign and above all in 1815 at Waterloo, which gets the full blood-and-thunder treatment in this film, with Rupert Everett as a splendidly imperious Duke of Wellington.

The narrative begins in the aftermath of the French Revolution, with Napoleon, still an anonymous young soldier, in the crowd watching the execution of Queen Marie Antoinette. Soon afterwards he shows his tactical nous and personal bravery by routing the English at the Siege of Toulon.

He seems like a peculiarly empty vessel for David Scarpa's uneven script, which puts a few lines in his mouth that made yesterday's audience laugh out loud

Vanessa Kirby and Joaquin Phoenix in a scene from Napoleon

There is much about his latest epic that is enjoyable. Some of the battle scenes are truly spectacular and Vanessa Kirby is astutely cast as the beguiling Josephine, who is the second great love of Napoleon's life  after himself

The narrative begins in the aftermath of the French Revolution, with Napoleon, still an anonymous young soldier, in the crowd watching the execution of Queen Marie Antoinette

I don't know how accurate it is that the English troops were well and truly sozzled at the time of the Siege of Toulon but it rings uncomfortably true

I don't know how accurate it is that the English troops were well and truly sozzled at the time of that attack but it rings uncomfortably true.

Plenty of other moments, by contrast, do not. I expect some academics will stick a firm Wellington boot into this film, doubtless goaded by Scott's comment: 'When I have issues with historians I ask 'Excuse me, mate, were you there? No? Well shut the **** up then'.'

READ MORE - Napoleon first official trailer: Joaquin Phoenix is seen as the military wizard as he pushes his way to become the emperor of France Advertisement

That's all very well, but an English officer finding Napoleon in his sights at Waterloo is another laugh-out-loud moment, given that the French are about a quarter of a mile away and the long-range sniper rifle, so far as I'm aware, has yet to be invented.

Still, cinematic epics and historical exactitude have rarely been on more than vague nodding terms.

And Scott's film does at least explain Napoleon's passion for Josephine, even if it doesn't seem to be fired by anything more than uncontrollable lust. This is further inflamed when he learns, while on one of his distant campaigns, that she's taken a lover.

Indeed, she is still able to torment him from afar even after he has the marriage annulled because of her failure to bear him an heir, carrying on with the Tsar of Russia, no less.

But can it truly be the case that a newspaper reported her promiscuity with the headline 'Boney's Old Bird Caught Out of the Nest Again'? If that's dramatic licence, it should be immediately revoked.

This movie is gaining more than an hour of material when it moves to the small screen, so perhaps that will help us better grasp the complexities of Napoleon's character. But as epics go, Scott and Phoenix teamed up to much greater effect in the wonderful Gladiator, 23 years ago.

For me, though it is marginal, this one gets a thumbs down.

Napoleon opens in cinemas on November 22 and shows later on Apple TV+
BBC viewers have described Pete Doherty's often emotional interview with Louis Theroux his 'best ever' after giving the documentarian an insight into his life as a reformed hellraiser.

The Libertines' star, 44, features as the celebrity subject for episode two of Louis Theroux Interviews, filmed almost entirely at the French boltholke he shares with wife Katia de Vidas and their five month old daughter Billie-May.

And fans were immediately struck by his instant connection with Theroux as they waded through the key moments that have defined Doherty's colourful life and career.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one impressed viewer wrote: 'Absolute tv gold. My favourite documentary maker and interviewer with one of my favourite pop stars. Just wonderful chemistry.'

While a second added: 'Just watched the @louistheroux interview with @petedoherty, was brilliant but about 3 hours too short! So much more to his story.'

High praise: BBC viewers have described Pete Doherty 's often emotional interview with Louis Theroux his 'best ever' after giving the documentarian an insight into his life as a reformed hellraiser

My turn: The Libertines' star features as the celebrity subject for episode two of Louis Theroux Interviews, filmed almost entirely at the French boltholke he shares with wife Katia de Vidas

A third commented: '#PeteDoherty #LouisTherouxInterviews was so good. There is something so endearing about him, his authentic and unpretentious and its refreshing.'

Evidently in agreement, a fourth added: 'Great interview by #LouisTherouxInterviews with #PeteDoherty.. that man's got some demons.'

Another enthralled fan posted: '@louistheroux interview with Pete Doherty was fascinating, couldnt look away for a moment.'

While a sixth wrote: 'Pete Doherty on Louis Theroux: what a lovely gentle soul.'

Featuring in the latest instalment of Theroux's second Interviews series, Doherty gave the documentarian a guided tour of his self-styled 'Atelier,' a dusty back room filled with mementos from his colourful life and times with The Libertines and, later, Babyshambles.

The charismatic musician, now three years clean after overcoming well publicised addictions to crack cocaine and heroin during the pandemic, revealed he still owns one of Kate's personalised suitcases.

Designed by British luxury goods brand Asprey, the brown leather case featured an interior leather embellishment bearing the words 'KATE MOSS - DO NOT TOUCH.'

'That caught my eye,' said Louis, commenting on the personalised branding.

Mesmerised: Fans were immediately struck by his instant connection with Theroux as they waded through the key moments that have defined Doherty's colourful life and career

Opening up: Doherty reflected on his relationship with Kate Moss in a new BBC documentary with Louis Theroux

'Oh my God, and mine,' added Pete. 'It's an old suitcase that had loads of stuff in it. I hadn't opened it for ages and bang! When I opened it, do not touch. It is quite a strange thing to have on your suitcase.'

'Especially inside your suitcase,' observed Louis. 'By the time you've got it open, it's too late.'

Among the piles of photos and preserved newspapers, some of which document his high-profile, drug-related arrests, Doherty also discovered an old photo of himself posing alongside a collage of Kate at the National Portrait Gallery.

'You're starting to make me look like I've got this locker full of Kate Moss memories or something,' he joked. 'That's complete chance.'

Doherty went on to reveal he's recently seen the supermodel in a TV commerical, and admitted it was a reminder of why he went cold on their three-year relationship.'

'I saw her in a Coca Cola ad the other day,' he said, mimicking the model's south London twang. 'That's what she'd say in the morning, to her assistant, and then I learnt Donald Trump does the same thing and it put me off a bit.'

'What, drinking Coke?' asked Louis.

'Well, ordering it from her assistant all the time,' he replied.

Remember this? Doherty also discovered an old photo of himself posing alongside a collage of Kate at the National Portrait Gallery

Iconic couple: Their tumultuous relationship played a significant part in the rock and roll excesses that defined Pete Doherty 's chaotic life in the mid-2000s

Doherty and Libertines bandmate Carl Barat also recalled a difficult period in the group's history as Theroux visited them on tour.

Doherty said he was 'in the honeymoon period with crack and heroin' which led to him being excluded from the band before breaking into Carl's flat.

Telling Louis: 'They were doing these gigs without me, they did Glastonbury without me and I went round [to his home] to beg him to say "I know you are worried about the drugs but please don't carry on without me"'.

Barat then revealed how his pal's spiralling addiction had made it impossible for him to continue with the band's schedule and commitments.

Doherty, who is now healthy and happily married to filmmaker Katia de Vidas, explained how he had kicked open his friend's front door in a desperate bid to stay in the group, only to discover nobody was home.

During that period Barat was performing in Japan in what he called the 'guilt tour' without Doherty, and suffering from his own addiction issues.

'People kept saying to me, your friend is going off the rails, he needs help, "You can't let him do this" "You can't let him do that" but you've seen the man, he's a law unto himself'.

He added: 'But I knew I had to keep the band together and I knew we had these commitments, and Pete was running round with this new crew and I felt like he was getting away from me'.

'I felt like I was breaking out bond, our pack, everything we had sworn in blood together and although Pete says he got kicked out the band that was never the case, but of course he didn't see it that way'.
Vanessa Kirby looked sensational as she joined Rooney Mara at the Napoleon world premiere in Paris on Wednesday.

Walking the red carpet at Salle Pleyel, the actress, 35, who plays Napoleon Bonaparte's wife Empress Josephine in the film, wore a backless gown from Alexander McQueen.

She made sure to turn heads in the dramatic number that featured a thigh-high leg slit and a small train with metallic gold embellishment.

Joining her at the event Rooney, 38, opted for an elegant Dolce&Gabbana silk top and bustled skirt with fringe detailing from the Fall/Winter 1993 collection.

She elevated her height with a pair of black stiletto heels and pulled her hair back into a sleek bun.

Glamorous: Vanessa Kirby (L), 35, looked sensational as she joined Rooney Mara (R), 38, at the Napoleon world premiere in Paris on Wednesday

Stunning: Walking the red carpet at Salle Pleyel, the actress wore a black backless gown

Rooney stepped out to support her fiance Joaquin Phoenix, who stars as the eponymous leading role in Sir Ridley Scott's upcoming epic, which is set for release on November 22.

Joaquin, 49, joined his co-star Vanessa for a photo, putting on a smart display in a black suit and tie.

The Oscar-winning actor has been praised for his work in the epic, with The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw hailing him for 'a performance as robust as the glass of burgundy he knocks back: preening, brooding, seething and triumphing.'

The Times' Kevin Maher wrote that 'the captivating power of Phoenixs performance, delivered in his American vernacular, is that it hovers in a twitchy, shifty, grey zone between imperious outbursts, wounded vulnerability and puckish charm.'

The Independent's Clarisse Loughrey compared Joaquin's performance to his predecessors, saying: 'His Napoleon is one of the finest in a long line of petulant baby men that can be traced back to his star-making turn as Emperor Commodus in Scotts own Gladiator.

Robbie Collin at The Telegraph says the role is 'played with startling blunt-force charisma', while BBC's Nicholas Barber praises Vanessa's 'coolly charismatic' charm.

Empire's Catherine Bray praises Ridley for a 'take on Napoleon distinctively deadpan: a funny, idiosyncratic close-up of the man, rather than a broader, all-encompassing account.'

The Daily Mail's Brian Viner pointed out the 'spectacular' battle scenes and 'astute' casting of Vanessa but was underwhelmed by the overall film.

Incredible: She made sure to turn heads in the dramatic number that featured a thigh-high leg slit and a small train with metallic gold embellishment

Sophisticated: Vanessa, who plays Napoleon Bonaparte's wife Empress Josephine in the film, carried a matching clutch bag

Pretty:Joining her at the event Rooney, 38, opted for an elegant Dolce&Gabbana silk top and bustled skirt with fringe detailing from the Fall/Winter 1993 collection

Radiant: She elevated her height with a pair of black stiletto heels and pulled her hair back into a sleek bun

Napoleon: What did the critics say? The Daily Mail Rating: 'For me, though it is marginal, this one gets a thumbs down.' Empire Rating: 'This is a historical epic which is constantly on the lookout for subtle ways to undercut historical epics.' The Guardian Rating: 'Ridley Scott dispenses with the symbolic weight attached to previous biopics in favour of a spectacle with a great star at its centre.' The Times Rating: 'Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby are the double act from heaven trapped in a marriage from hell in this new eye-gouging spectacular historical epic.' The Independent Rating: 'This is a two-and-a-half-hour spectacle that translates brutal history through Scotts brawny, cannily modern style.' The Telegraph Rating: 'The directors 28th feature is a magnificent slab of dad cinema, with Phoenix a startling emperor and Vanessa Kirby brilliant as his wife.' Advertisement

The premiere comes as Ridley Scott has slammed TV historian Dan Snow for criticising his upcoming historical epic Napoleon.

Snow, 44, picked out historical inaccuracies in the $200million film which stars Joaquin Phoenix as the French military commander.

The historian pointed out that Napoleon did not fight at the pyramids nor did he ever witness Marie Antoinette's execution.

Snow also took issue with the film's tagline, 'He came from nothing, he conquered everything,' because Napoleon never conquered Britain.

'I love historical epics. I love Ridley Scott. But if youre watching this movie, it aint a documentary,' Snow said.

Ridley did not have much time for Snow's criticisms however, as he told him to 'get a life' in an interview with The New Yorker.

While Snow may not have been impressed, Ridley's military adviser on the film, former paratrooper Paul Biddiss insisted the director put much care into the project.

'Uniformity is very important with Ridley  right down to the guys, making sure their hats are straight,' he said.

Napoleon Bonaparte, later known by his regnal name Napoleon I, was a Corsican-born French military commander and political leader.

VIPs: Rooney stepped out to support her fiance Joaquin Phoenix, who stars as the eponymous leading role in Sir Ridley Scott's upcoming epic (Joaquin pictured with Vanessa)

Star: Joaquin, 49, joined his co-star Vanessa for a photo, putting on a smart display in a black suit and tie

He gained fame during the French Revolution and led successful campaigns during the Revolutionary Wars.

The film explores Napoleon's climb to power through his relationship with his wife Josephine.

It will see Phoenix star opposite Vanessa Kirby, who played Princess Margaret in The Crown, after Killing Eve star Jodie Comer was forced to pull out.

It is also the first time Phoenix has been reunited with director Sir Ridley Scott since starring in Gladiator in 2000.

The film was previously titled Kitbag which referred to the saying: 'There is a general's staff hidden in every soldier's kitbag.'

The expression means it is possible for any soldier to become a general.

Speaking about the film, Sir Ridley said: 'Napoleon is a man I've always been fascinated by.

'He came out of nowhere to rule everything but all the while he was waging a romantic war with his adulterous wife Josephine.

'He conquered the world to try to win her love, and when he couldn't, he conquered it to destroy her.

'No actor could ever embody Napoleon like Joaquin.'

Napoleon opens in theatres on Wednesday November 22.

Pose: Director Ridley Scott was joined by his wife, producer Giannina Facio, and Vanessa on the red carpet

Drama: The premiere comes as Ridley Scott has slammed TV historian Dan Snow for criticising his upcoming historical epic Napoleon
Irina Shayk was spotted while spending time with her daughter Lea in New York City on Tuesday morning.

The 37-year-old supermodel donned an all-black outfit as she left a park with her child, six.

The runway regular whose former partner Bradley Cooper has been rumored to have started a relationship with Gigi Hadid, wore a hooded puffer jacket on top of a pair of slim-fitting pants.

Shayk also donned a pair of sneakers and kept a sizable bag slung over her right arm while carrying a backpack.

She also accessorized with a pair of silver earrings, as well as sunglasses that matched the dominant tone of her outfit.

Doting mom: Irina Shayk was spotted while spending time with her daughter Lea in New York City on Tuesday morning

The supermodel's gorgeous brunette hair fell onto her chest and paired well with the dark tone of her clothing.

The fashion industry mainstay shares her daughter with her former partner, Bradley Cooper.

The model and the 48-year-old performer initially began their relationship in 2015, and they welcomed Lea two years later.

The former couple remained together until 2019, when they went their separate ways.

Shayk and Cooper have remained on amicable terms ever since their split and co-parent their daughter.

The actor has been linked to various figures ever since his split from the model, and he has most recently been spotted with Gigi Hadid.

The fashion industry figure spoke about co-parenting with her former partner during an interview with Elle, where she expressed that she was glad to have welcomed a child with the actor, with whom she remains in close contact.

'He's the best father Lea and I could dream of. It always works, but it always works because we make it work,' she said.

Standing out: The runway regular whose former partner has been rumored to have started a relationship with another figure in the fashion industry, wore a hooded puffer jacket on top of a pair of slim-fitting pants

Proud parents: The fashion industry mainstay shares her daughter with her former partner, Bradley Cooper; she is seen with Lea earlier this month

In the past: The model and the 48-year-old performer initially began their relationship in 2015, and they welcomed Lea two years later; they are seen in 2018

Moving on: The former couple remained together until 2019, when they went their separate ways, and they have remained on amicable terms ever since then; they are seen in 2019

Shayk also stated that she and Cooper had agreed to instill a solid work ethic in their child.

She said: 'We want her to know the value of stuff. We want to show our daughter, "You have to work hard to get something."'

The supermodel then admitted that she had already introduced her child to other figures in the fashion industry.

'Two days ago...we went to the Michael Kors fitting. She met all the girls. Michael gave her a bag,' she stated.
Secrets Of The Aquarium

Rating:

Drugs Map Of Britain

Rating:

El Diablo is innocent! Justice for El Diablo! Free the Fishtank Felon now!

The 5ft-long nurse shark at Devon's National Marine Aquarium has a bad reputation. He's the hooligan of the aquatic world, already expelled from two sealife tourist attractions  and now he's the chief suspect in an unexplained attack on a turtle.

Curator Marcus Williams, guiding a film crew around the giant saltwater tanks in Plymouth on Secrets Of The Aquarium (BBC2), admitted El Diablo (Spanish for 'the Devil') was on his final warning. 'He was a very good shark for years,' he said, 'but unfortunately his mate died. And at that point, he became a bit of a monster.'

I didn't know such a thing as nurse sharks existed, but this one is clearly more Nurse Ratched than Nurse Nightingale. To make it worse, the mysteriously injured turtle was a favourite with the public. Friday is a green turtle, the species seen starring in spectaculars such as Planet Earth III. Honestly, El Diablo couldn't have made himself more unpopular if he'd taken a bite out of Sir David Attenborough himself.

But even a shark deserves a fair trial. This entertaining and lighthearted six-part documentary shows how much planning goes into looking after the denizens of Plymouth's deeps.

This entertaining and lighthearted six-part documentary shows how much planning goes into looking after the denizens of Plymouth's deeps

When El Diablo was moved from one tank to another, a team of about 20 scientists, vets and assistants were enlisted, to sedate him and wrap him in plastic sheeting like a giant sushi takeaway. Then he was transported in a stretcher, up stairs and along corridors, to his new home.

Friday proved even harder to move. As he was lifted from the water to have his wounds inspected, he lashed out with a flipper and sent a vet sprawling. James Herriot had his challenges, but he was never knocked over by a turtle.

Not all the aquarium's inhabitants were so grumpy. Marcus went diving with a giant grouper, a sort of sulky-looking sea bass from the Indian Ocean, with the temperament of an affectionate Labrador.

Groupers enjoy having bubbles blown into their gills, apparently, and this one liked a cuddle too. In one of the loveliest and most improbable moments we're likely to see on telly all week, Marcus swam with the fish in his arms, as though they were rehearsing an undersea routine for Strictly.

Thanks to advances in forensic fish criminology, experts were able to match up the teeth mark on Friday's forearm and...it wasn't El Diablo! There must be another submarine psychopath on the loose.

In fact, our naughty nurse shark has settled down since moving into his new tank, with some female company to distract him. Turns out he's a lover not a biter.

Thanks to advances in forensic fish criminology, experts were able to match up the teeth mark on Friday's forearm and... it wasn't El Diablo!

The more dangerous and depressing lawless behaviour in Plymouth was flaunted in the open on Drugs Map Of Britain (BBC3), as a brazen dealer drove around the city delivering bags of a white powder called 'ket'  the horse tranquiliser ketamine.

He showed the cameras how he was able to smuggle 1,000-worth of the stuff past security guards at a music festival, by concealing it in a lager can.

At the other end of the country, a teenager called Sky gave the film crew a tour, with Enid Blytonish jolliness, of the best places in Fife to get wasted. 'You can get half a gram here quicker than you could get a taxi,' she assured them.

This short but excellent series should be compulsory viewing for anyone who wants to understand the state we're in. One young man, twitching for his next ketamine hit, was counting the minutes till a Disability Living Allowance payout: 'That's a free session right there.'
Nicky Hilton was pictured as she went for a walk in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan on Tuesday morning.

The 40-year-old entrepreneur layered up in a comfortable outfit as she took a call while making her way along the city's busy sidewalks.

The social media personality, who recently attended a fashion-forward event in the Big Apple, wore an oversized light brown overcoat, which covered up her sculpted upper body.

Hilton also donned a pair of slim-fitting blue jeans and sported a pair of bright white sneakers.

The sister of Paris Hilton accessorized with a chic brown purse, which she kept slung over her left wrist.

Out and about: Nicky Hilton was pictured as she went for a walk in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan on Tuesday morning

Her beautiful blonde hair fell onto her shoulders and paired well with the light tone of her outerwear.

Hilton's outing took place just a few days after she responded to the criticism concerning the appearance of her nephew, Phoenix Barron Hilton Reum.

According to Page Six, the child, one, became the subject of concern from online individuals regarding the size of his head in a photo that was shared by his mother, Paris, this past October.

The 42-year-old reality television personality's sister told the media outlet that she was greatly concerned about the actions of those who voiced their concerns about her nephew's appearance.

'I think that if you are bullying an infant then you have serious issues and you really take a look at yourself,' she said.

She also added that the criticism of her nephew's appearance was 'so demented.'

Hilton shares three children of her own with her husband, James Rothschild.

The happy couple initially met in 2011, and they went on to tie the knot during a wedding ceremony that took place in London in 2015.

Staying warm: The social media personality, who recently attended a fashion-forward event in the Big Apple, wore an oversized light brown overcoat

Coming to his defense: Hilton's outing took place just a few days after she responded to the criticism concerning the appearance of her nephew, Phoenix Barron Hilton Reum

Happy family: Hilton shares three children of her own with her husband of several years, James Rothschild

Making it official: The pair started a family with the birth of their daughter Theodora, seven, in 2016, and they added another named Lily-Grace, five, to their family the following year

The pair started a family with the birth of their daughter Theodora, seven, in 2016, and they added another named Lily-Grace, five, to their family the following year.

Hilton went on to welcome a son, whose name has not been revealed to the public as of yet, the following July.

The socialite recently spoke to People and stated that her children had already grown close to their new cousin.

'My kids are having playdates with her kids every day after school. They don't visit New York often so it's fun to have all the cousins together,' she said.
Carey Mulligan stunned in a Balmain ensemble at the Los Angeles premiere of Saltburn, which was held at The Theatre at Ace Hotel on Tuesday evening.

The 38-year-old actress appeared to be enjoying her time at the event, during which she posed for photos with several of her cast mates, including Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi.

The performer, who recently promoted her new film Maestro alongside her costar Bradley Cooper, wore a jet-black jacket-esque top that exposed her shoulders and upper chest.

Mulligan also stood out while wearing a sparkling maxi skirt and high-heeled shoes during the star studded event from the luxury brand's Fall/Winter 2023 collection.

The Academy Award-nominated performer's gorgeous blonde hair fell towards her shoulders.

In attendance: Carey Mulligan stunned in a Balmain ensemble at the Los Angeles premiere of Saltburn, which was held at The Theatre at Ace Hotel on Tuesday evening

Mulligan portrays Pamela, also known as Poor Dear, in Saltburn, which made its debut earlier this year.

The feature is centered on an Oxford student who embarks on a summer getaway at his mysterious friend's family estate.

In addition to the actress, the film's cast was rounded out by performers such as Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant and Archie Madekwe.

Development on the Emerald Fennell-directed feature was revealed to the public in January of last year.

It was revealed that Mulligan had signed on to appear in the project last December.

The actress collaborated with Fennell on her directorial debut, Promising Young Woman, which was released in 2020.

She was put up for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the feature, although it ultimately went to Frances McDormand.

Saltburn made its debut during the 50th Telluride Film Festival, which commenced this past August.

Not alone: The 38-year-old actress appeared to be enjoying her time at the event, during which she posed for photos with several of her castmates, including Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi

Standing out: The performer, who recently promoted her new film Maestro alongside her costar Bradley Cooper, wore a jet-black jacket-esque top that exposed her shoulders and upper chest

Pairing it well: Mulligan also stood out while wearing a sparkling maxi skirt and high-heeled shoes during the star studded event

Beautiful: The Academy Award-nominated performer's gorgeous blonde hair fell towards her shoulders

The movie also served as the opening film of the 67th BFI London Film Festival, which kicked off last month.

The feature was received positively by critics, and it currently holds a score of 80% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Saltburn will be made available to moviegoers in select cinemas on Friday, and its wide release is scheduled for November 22.

The feature was originally set to be released later in the month, although its debut date was pushed up after it received rave reviews at Telluride.
Ines de Ramon cut a stylish figure while running errands in Los Angeles, California on Monday afternoon after recently celebrating her first anniversary with Brad Pitt.

Amid reports that she and the actor, 59, 'are very happy and very much together,' the jewelry designer, 33, looked radiant as she displayed her chic sense of style in a structured blazer and light-wash flared jeans.

The University of Geneva graduate, who split from her ex-husband Paul Wesley after nearly five years of marriage last year, completed her look with a pair of gold aviator sunglasses, a new Chanel bag and black combat boots.

Her sighting comes after reports that the Hollywood heartthrob, 59, introduces Ines to others as 'his girlfriend.'

Out and about: Ines de Ramon cut a stylish figure while running errands in Los Angeles, California on Monday afternoon as she approaches her first anniversary with Brad Pitt

Getting serious: Her sighting comes after reports that the Hollywood heartthrob, 59, introduces Ines to others as 'his girlfriend' (Pitt seen in February, 2023)

'This is Brads first proper relationship since the divorce,' an insider told People. 'He introduces [Ramon] as his girlfriend.'

The source added: 'Its great to see him in a good place. Ines makes him very happy.'

The couple recently attended LACMAs 12th annual Art+Film Gala together in Los Angeles, where they had a 'great time.'

'They are hot and heavy,' a source said of the pair.

'They enjoy each other's company and had a great time at the gala together,' the insider shared.

The pair did not pose for photos together at the event, but were 'super loving, laughing and joking with everyone around them' inside.

Another source added, 'They seemed to be having a good time.'

Ines and Brad - who will will soon mark their first year dating anniversary - were first romantically linked in November 2022.

The jewelry designer looked radiant as she displayed her chic sense of style in a structured blazer and light-wash flared jeans

They 'spend almost all their free time together', a source previously revealed to Us Weekly.

Furthermore, the insider claimed de Ramon  who was spotted showing off her sentiment for the Fight Club star and wearing a 'B' necklace just months earlier  has notably 'become very close' with Pitt's 'inner circle of friends'.

It has been seven years since Pitt split with his wife Angelina Jolie, 48, with whom he raised six children. They have since been involved in a very public and contentious custody feud.

The former couple  who split in 2016  are parents to Maddox, 22, Pax, 19, Zahara, 18, Shiloh, 17, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 15.

It's also been reported that Pitt 'isn't in a rush' to introduce his girlfriend to his six kids.

While 'things between them are going great', the insider claimed to Us Weekly that Pitt isn't ready yet to fully bring de Ramon into his family.

'It's not that he doesn't love Ines, it's just that he wants to ensure this relationship Is going the distance before he takes the major step,' the source added.

The insider also noted that he had not introduced any of the women he previously dated over the years to his kids.

Pitt 'isn't in a rush to push things unless it unfolds organically', the source continued.
The Real Housewives of Potomac star Ashley Darby claimed that Adriana de Moura did not tell the truth when she recently alleged to have made out with Captain Jason Chambers.

The reality star, 35, appeared on the new Mention It All podcast, where she said that Below Deck star Captain Jason, 50, contradicted Adriana's, 57, kissing claims.

'It is not true. He told me that is not accurate,' she shared when host Dylan Hafer mentioned The Real Housewives Of Miami's comments about making out with Chambers.

Hafer admitted that he thought Adriana's story was 'giving fiction', to which Ashley replied, 'yes.'

'He literally sent me - and you know, he doesn't want any drama, he doesn't want the mess - and he asked me not to give any mess, so I won't. But he broke it down for me, how it really happened. And that wasn't it.'

'Not true': The Real Housewives of Potomac star Ashley Darby, 35, claimed that Adriana de Moura, 57, lied when she alleged to have made out with Below Deck's Jason Chambers, 50

Recollections may vary: 'It is not true. He told me that is not accurate,' she shared on the new Mention It All podcast; Captain Jason pictured in a promo image for the show

Making a splash! Adriana claimed she had a brief romance with Captain Jason during his recent work trip to Florida

'How was your connection with Captain Jason?' Hafer then inquired.

'It was - we're friends. For the record. We had a really good time,' she answered.

'The final night, Sunday night, we went out. It was Sheanna Shay, Whitney Rose, Shep from Southern Charm, Jason. We had a time! Literally till like four in the morning. We were just dancing, and dancing.'

'And Captain Jason and I, we talk a lot about spirituality, you know, about his breath work journey, all that stuff. And that's what really gets me. Yeah, he's cute and all but,' she said, before trailing off.

'So, I still have my crush, but we are friends.'

It comes after Adriana claimed she had a brief romance with Chambers during his recent work trip to Florida.

Adriana stunned everyone at last week's BravoCon Live with the revelation, claiming they 'kissed under the moonlight' - but her 'four month rule' kept them from going any further.

'I made out with Captain Cutie,' Adriana began during a panel with other housewives.

'Fiction': Host host Dylan Hafer admitted that he thought Adriana's story was 'giving fiction', to which Ashley replied, 'yes'

Not what happened: 'He broke it down for me, how it really happened. And that wasn't it,' the reality star stated

Connection? When asked about her own connection with Captain Jason, she replied, 'I still have my crush, but we are friends'

'A couple of months ago he came to Miami, he some charter job in Miami, and then he was like in the DMs, and then we connected, and then I gave him my number and then he came over for dinner,' she explained of Jason, who recently struck a pose with Lala Kent.

'So then we talked and we walked to the water and we kissed under the moonlight, and then he was like "What else?" I was like, "I have my four month rule." He's like, "With me?" I was like, "Especially with you!"'

Adriana shocked the audience further revealing she went out two more times with Jason - but things didn't go any further after she suggested he sleep on her couch.

'We had two more dates after that, and the second time we went dancing, he took me to the Brazilian spot, it was great.

'The third date he came back to my house and then it was getting late, we were drinking, I was like, "Do you want to spend the night? But you'll have to sleep on the couch." And then he goes, "I'd rather go back to the yacht!" Like okay, fine!'

The other housewives weren't totally convinced that was all that happened between Adriana and Jason.

'We think something else went down,' Darby said.

'She's not denying it!' RHSLC star Lisa Barlow said.

'We went dancing': Adriana shocked the audience further revealing she went out two more times with Jason

'I'd rather go back to the yacht': She recalled Chamber's response after she suggested he sleep on her couch after a late night of drinking

Leaving anything out? Andy Cohen asked Marysol Patton: 'Do you believe it?'

Not convinced! She hilariously shouted 'No!' after Cohen asked if she believed Adriana was being truthful

Andy Cohen asked Marysol Patton: 'Do you believe it?' She hilariously shouted 'No!'

Jason also got fans talking when he took a photo with fellow Bravolebrity Lala Kent, a star on the hit series Vanderpump Rules.

Fans were left a buzzing after Lala and Jason posted snaps of their BravoCon meet-up to their Instagram accounts, with many hoping they would get together in real life.

'give us lala & jason the way we get taylor and travis,' one fan commented.

'With a daughter named Ocean, a captain is the only option,' another wrote.

A source told The Messenger: 'They were touchy-feely when they met and took the Instagram pic.

'It was flirty and cute. She's having fun with it. They are still talking.'

The mom of Ocean, two, posted the pic on her Instagram on Sunday, captioning it, 'Day 3' and adding a yawning smiley face emoji and a checkmark.

'Give us Lala and Jason': Jason also got fans talking when he took a photo with fellow Bravolebrity Lala Kent, a star on the hit series Vanderpump Rules

Making waves! Chambers has left many fans and Bravo stars swooning

The yacht captain, meanwhile wore a pair of black pants with a blue dress shirt and black shoes as he leaned into Lala. He captioned the post, 'Awesome day 3 @bravoconready @lalakent.'

Jason told the publication the pair 'had a great chat.'

'I got to know her a little bit, I think,' he said, and pointed out that Lala also has a young kid, and mentioned he's 'at that age' where he likes single moms.

Apparently, he and Lala did not exchange phone numbers but when he was asked if he'd like to he coyly said, 'I hope for everything.'
Reese Witherspoon's son Deacon Phillippe gave a tour of his college apartment in New York City's pricey West Village neighborhood this week.

The actor, 20  who is currently studying music at prestigious New York University  allowed TikTok star Caleb Simpson to film the interior for his latest video.

He shares the two-level abode with two roommates, both of whom are also NYU students.

Deacon kept coy when asked just how much he pays for rent in a prime location loved by the likes Taylor Swift and Sarah Jessica Parker.

'West Village prices, man,' he replied, before welcoming Simpson inside.

Come on in! Reese Witherspoon's son Deacon Phillippe gave a tour of his college apartment in New York City's pricey West Village neighborhood this week

Exclusive: The actor, 20  who is currently studying music at prestigious New York University  allowed TikTok star Caleb Simpson to film the interior for his latest video

The front door opens into the kitchen, which is upgraded with stainless steel appliances.

A black spiral staircase is located at the center of the apartment that comes with dark wood floors and a trendy brick accent wall.

High-ceilings give the apartment a spacious feel.

Deacon was proud to show off the vinyl records on display in the living area as well as his plant 'Darryl' that sits in a bright yellow pot beside a comfy chair.

There's plenty of funky artwork and furniture that give the apartment a retro vibe.

Deacon then moved the tour upstairs so he could give Simpson a look at his room that doubles as his music studio.

He has a giant bed and plenty of music equipment lining the walls.

Deacon  whose father is actor Ryan Phillippe  has a full size keyboard, a recording setup, a Mac computer and more to help bring his music to life.

He gave a brief look at the kitchen, which included a peek at the items in the fridge.

After Simpson shared the video to TikTok on Tuesday, Deacon joked that filming the tour 'made me late to class.'

Deacon graduated from Mountain High School in June 2022 and began studying music at NYU that fall.

For his first year, Deacon live in a dorm on campus, which he frequently showed off on his Instagram at the time.

NYU has an excellent music department in their secondary school, The Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development.

Wow! A black spiral staircase is located at the center of the apartment

Display: Deacon was proud to show off the vinyl records on display in the living area

There are dark wood floors and a trendy brick accent wall

Funky: There's plenty of funky artwork and furniture that give the apartment a retro vibe

Kitchen: The front door opens into the kitchen

It is upgraded with stainless steel appliances

Groceries: He stopped to take a peek at the items in the fridge

Deacon's space: Deacon then moved the tour upstairs so he could give Simpson a look at his room that doubles as his music studio

He has a giant bed and plenty of music equipment lining the walls

Bathroom: The bathroom is small but sufficient for a college student

Deacon kept coy when asked just how much he pays for rent in a prime location loved by the likes Taylor Swift and Sarah Jessica Parker

Proud mom: Earlier this year, Reese told PEOPLE that dropping her kids off at college means she 'did [my] job right'

Last year, Deacon's dad Ryan gushed to ET about how 'proud' he is of Deacon for pursuing higher education.

'He's about to go to college for music. That's his primary focus. The acting thing he likes to do, and he will do according to what his appetite for it is, but his focus is primarily music,' shared the Cruel Intentions star.

His mom Reese shared a similar sentiment earlier this year as she told PEOPLE that dropping her kids off at college means she 'did [my] job right.

'And I'm so proud of my kids. They're thriving in the world and I'm so happy for them,' she said.

Deacon's sister Ava, 24, is also at college on the West Coast at the University of California, Berkeley.
Jacob Elordi was dapper wearing a three-piece suit as he made an appearance at the star-studded premiere of his latest film, Saltburn, in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

The Euphoria star, 26 - who recently revealed that he turned down to read for Superman - joined other celebrities at the iconic Ace Hotel for the special screening, including Margot Robbie and Carey Mulligan.

The Australian-born actor dressed to impress in a pair of sleek, brown satin slacks as well as a matching suit jacket and waistcoat that was buttoned at the front.

Underneath, he opted for a white dress shirt as well as a black tie to complete his overall look for the big night. For a finishing touch, Elordi slipped into black dress shoes.

Saltburn is a dark, comedic thriller that is slated to hit theaters later this week on Friday, November 17 in the U.K. and also in select theaters in the U.S.

Dapper: Jacob Elordi, 26, was dapper wearing a three-piece suit as he made an appearance at the star-studded premiere of his latest film, Saltburn, in Los Angeles on Tuesday

Red carpet ready: The Australian-born actor dressed to impress in a pair of sleek, brown satin slacks as well as a matching suit jacket and waistcoat that was buttoned at the front

During a quick photo session on the red carpet, The Kissing Booth alum crossed paths with his co-star, Barry Keoghan, and the two stopped for a few snaps together.

The Banshees Of Inisherin star donned a pair of black trousers as well as a white button up that was partially unfastened around the collar.

He added a black, leather vest on top which he chose to leave open and slipped into a pair of black shoes that were secured with laces.

Alongside Jacob - who tackled the role of Felix - others stars that were cast in the project include Keoghan, Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant, Carey Mulligan as well as Alison Oliver.

The premise of the film follows, 'A student at Oxford University finds himself drawn into the world of a charming and aristocratic classmate, who invites him to his eccentric family's sprawling estate for a summer never to be forgotten,' per IMDB.

The movie was written and directed by actress and filmmaker, Emerald Fennell, who notably also directed the 2020 thriller, Promising Young Woman.

She has also appeared in front of the camera on various occasions, such as portraying Camilla Parker Bowles in the hit Netflix series, The Crown.

Fennell also co-produced Saltburn with other A-listers, such as Margot Robbie and her husband Tom Ackerley.

Striking a pose: Underneath, he opted for a white dress shirt as well as a black tie to complete his overall look for the big night. For a finishing touch, Elordi slipped into black dress shoes

Thriller: Saltburn is a dark, comedic thriller that is slated to hit theaters later this week on Friday, November 17 in the U.K. and also in select theaters in the U.S.

Anticipated: The movie was written and directed by actress and filmmaker, Emerald Fennell, who notably also directed the 2020 thriller, Promising Young Woman

Crossing paths: During a quick photo session on the red carpet, The Kissing Booth alum crossed paths with his co-star, Barry Keoghan, and the two stopped for a few snaps together

Star-studded cast: Alongside Jacob, who tackled the role of Felix, others stars that were cast in the project include Barry Keoghan, Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant, Carey Mulligan as well as Alison Oliver

During an interview with Vanity Fair, Emerald opened up about casting Elordi in Saltburn and recalled his audition.

'He just gave this unbelievably potent, relaxed, real performance of a person that could so easily not be real,' she expressed to the outlet.

Before its release in theaters, the movie premiered at the 67th BFI London Film Festival last month in October as well as the 50th Telluride Film Festival back in August.

Jacob has been filtering through a busy schedule, and recently celebrated the release of the film, Priscilla, which he starred in as Elvis Presley.

The biographical movie - which was directed by Sofia Coppola - is based on the 1985 memoir titled, Elvis And Me, written by Priscilla Presley.

During a recent interview with GQ, Elordi revealed how he tried to add on weight to portray the King of Rock and Roll.

Having fun: The Banshees Of Inisherin star donned a pair of black trousers as well as a white button up that was partially unfastened around the collar

Making memories: Jacob and Barry later had the chance to reunite with the director, Emerald Fennell, while at the glamorous premiere in Los Angeles

Recent role: During a recent interview with GQ , Elordi revealed how he tried to add on weight to portray the King of Rock and Roll; seen in October in NYC

'It was the first time in my life that I ever had a gut,' the actor explained. 'Bacon. It was about a pound of bacon every day. And then when I'd go to Canada it was poutine and hamburgers...'

'It's really my pleasure. I could order Uber Eats and be like, "Should I get that burger after I've just had Italian? Yeah. Yeah, I will,"' he recalled.

While talking to the outlet, he also reflected on his past role in The Kissing Booth franchise, where he had played the character of Noah Flynn, and called the movies 'ridiculous.'

'I didn't want to make those movies before I made those movies. Those movies are ridiculous. They're not universal. They're an escape,' he stated.
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Chrissy Teigen was joined by the likes of Jenna Dewan and Shay Mitchell at the star-studded Cult Gaia runway show in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

The mother-of-four, 37  who attended the Baby2Baby gala over the weekend  wowed in a shiny green dress that hugged her curves.

It had skinny straps and a statement floral accent on the chest.

She was joined by her longtime husband and EGOT winner John Legend, 44.

Chrissy strutted her stuff around the venue in gold heels that matched her gorgeous clutch.

Star-studded: Chrissy Teigen was joined by the likes of Jenna Dewan and Shay Mitchell at the star-studded Cult Gaia runway show in Los Angeles on Tuesday

Plus one: The mother-of-four was joined by her longtime husband and EGOT winner John Legend , 44

Her cropped brunette hair was worn straight and she accessorized with large gold hoop earrings.

As for makeup, the Cravings founder rocked a glossy lip, a radiant complexion and soft brown shadow on the eyes.

John looked handsome in high-waisted tweed trousers and a furry zip-up jacket over a white shirt.

Jenna Dewan made jaws drop as she modeled a strapless cream dress with tan floral embroidery.

The Step Up star, 42, styled her chic shift with metallic gold sandals and a purse with a bead handle.

Her silky dark down hair tumbled down her back in loose curls and Jenna, like Chrissy, wore hoop earrings.

Shay Mitchell looked every bit the fashionista in a retro double denim look for the occasion.

The Pretty Little Liars star, 36, teased her toned tummy by going topless over a cropped jacket.

She stood on sky-high platform shoes and threw on a pair of orange-tint shades.

Glam in green: Chrissy, 37  who attended the Baby2Baby gala over the weekend  wowed in a shiny green dress that hugged her curves

Golden girl: Chrissy strutted her stuff around the venue in gold heels that matched her gorgeous clutch

Jaw-dropping: Jenna Dewan made jaws drop as she modeled a strapless cream dress with tan floral embroidery

Jenna was seated front row with Chrissy and John

Retro: Shay Mitchell looked every bit the fashionista in a retro double denim look for the occasion

Shay was spotted mingling with celebrity hairstylist Travis Ogletree

The influencer  whose boyfriend Jacob Elordi was across town attending the premiere of his new film  slipped on transparent sandals and carried a gold stud-adorned purse

Radiant: Lori Loughlin's daughter Olivia Jade stunned in a yellow satin minidress that made her bronzed complexion pop

Olivia Jade was also among the stars to snag a front row seat to the show

Effortless: Model Christine Burke  who was previously linked to KUWTK alum Scott Disick, 39  looked effortlessly chic in a feminine coord

Busty: Brittany Hampton showed off her ample cleavage and curvaceous legs in a low-cut blouse and skintight leggings

Lori Loughlin's daughter Olivia Jade stunned in a yellow satin minidress that made her bronzed complexion pop.

The influencer  whose boyfriend Jacob Elordi was across town attending the premiere of his new film  slipped on transparent sandals and carried a gold stud-adorned purse.

Model Christine Burke  who was previously linked to KUWTK alum Scott Disick, 39  looked effortlessly chic in a feminine coord.

Brittany Hampton showed off her ample cleavage and curvaceous legs in a low-cut blouse and skintight leggings.

Cult Gaia is a luxury ready-to-wear brand with a focus on merging art with utility.

'Cult Gaia is inspired by nature and women. This is where the brand's name comes from,' the official website reads.

'Great brands are cult-like, uniting like-minded people in their aesthetic ideals. Gaia is the goddess of Mother Earth and the daughter of chaos, the most creative force there is.'
Joan Smalls sizzled in a barely there black leather bra while gracing the Drive with Swizz Beats Hulu screening in New York on Tuesday.

The Puerto Rican bombshell, 35, turned up the temperature in her small studded bra coupled with a sleek leather blazer.

The former Victoria Secret model showcased her enviable frame in the slightly oversized leather blazer co-ord, elongating her famously toned legs.

She smouldered with her glamorous take on a 90s look, pairing a glossy nude lip and a warm-toned cat eye - really making her doe brown eyes pop.

But Smalls, born Rodriguez, left little to the imagination with the tiny leather bralet, partnering the outfit with dazzling diamante earrings and a simple single stone necklace.

Bringing the heat! Puerto Rican bombshell Joan Smalls graced the Drive with Swizz Beats screening in small leather bra at the Classic Car Club on Tuesday night

The supermodel who flaunted her torso on the black carpet.

Joan told WSJ. Magazine in 2021: 'It's mostly resistance training with my own body. I'll do planks, I'll do different types of sit-ups, anything that's for my core because I have scoliosis.

'I do a lot of glute work - kickbacks, squats, fire hydrants. Cardio, I'll do maybe three times a week. When I was in Puerto Rico, I'd run outside because it gave me a nice view to be outdoors and running in between palm trees.

'I haven't done Muay Thai in over a year now, and I'm starting to miss it. I believe a girl should always be able to throw a good punch. It's a good self-defense.

Joan wasn't the only star shinning at the New York Hulu screening for Swizz Beatz's new project.

The glitzy event drew out a myriad of stars to New York's Classic Car Club, including famed New York DJ Angie Martinez, as well as man of the hour - Swizz Beatz himself.

The new docuseries all about cars, culture and community is set to hit the streaming platform on November 16, 2023.

Stunning: The former Victoria secret star showcased her fit frame in a slightly oversized black leather co-ord, elongating her famously toned legs

The show will accompany hip-hop icon and car connoisseur and his son, Nasir Dean, with the two venturing across the globe, in a bid to learn about different cultures through cars.

The iconic music producer told ABC7 New York: 'We wanted to showcase not only cars; we wanted to showcase community.

'We wanted to showcase family, travel, and understand 'what are other people's drives?''

Nasir quipped: 'The show is about family. The show is about adventure. The show is about expanding your horizons and finding who you really are through your craft.'
The stars of Made In Chelsea have swapped the chilly streets of London for the sunny climes of Sydney as they film a new spin off show.

And Yasmine Zweegers made the most of Australia's balmy weather as she stripped down to tiny bikini for a day at Bondi Beach on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old reality star looked sensational in a tiny floral bikini top that flashed underboob while a skimpy thong brief showed off her peachy bottom.

It was no wonder that Sam Prince, 26, couldn't keep his hands off her, with the pair seen hugging and smooching on the sand.

Confirming that they were back on track after Sam briefly rekindled things with ex Inga Valentiner, the pair looked happier than ever.

Fun in the sun: Made In Chelsea's Yasmine Zweegers made the most of Australia's balmy weather as she stripped down to tiny bikini for a day at Bondi Beach on Tuesday

Packing on the PDA: It was no wonder that Sam Prince, 26, couldn't keep his hands off her, with the pair seen hugging and smooching on the sand

Also seen filming on the day were Tristan Phipps and Reza Amiri-Garroussi, who showed off their muscles as they strolled along the beach in swimming trunks.

A spin off from the original E4 show, Made in Bondi will follow the lives and loves of Sydney's party set who call the seaside city home.

Daily Mail Australia understands that the special winter series is set to air in December in the UK, before heading to Channel Seven in 2024.

Earlier this year, houseplants business owner Sam called time on his two-year romance with Inga Valentiner and proved he had no regrets with his new girlfriend Yasmine during their romantic beach date.

Despite breaking down in tears after losing his 'dream girl', within days of their romance ending, Sam moved on by kissing co-star Yazmin.

Speaking to MailOnline at the time, his ex Inga confessed: 'It was a savage breakup. It was really heartbreaking. I was really sad, and it was very dramatic.

'You go through a breakup... you go through all those things and then you move on but when it comes out everyone is talking about it again and you have to relive it.

'It is bizarre to watch these quite sad events in your life happen again... it is weird to watch you break up with someone and watch the sadness.'

Looking good: The 24-year-old reality star looked sensational in a tiny floral bikini top that flashed underboob while a skimpy thong brief showed off her peachy bottom

Fun in the sun: The stars of Made In Chelsea have swapped the chilly streets of London for the sunny climes of Sydney as they film a new spin off show

Layering up: Yasmine donned a pair of black hotpants and carried a small black handbag as she prepared to leave the beach with Sam

Wow: Also seen filming on the day were Tristan Phipps and Reza Amiri-Garroussi, who showed off their muscles as they strolled along the beach in swimming trunks.

Shortly before their split, Sam claimed that he wanted to propose to his girlfriend, but now admits he was acting on 'impulse.'

He said: 'We moved into our flat very quickly and we still have the flat today which she's living in. I wasn't 100 per cent in the relationship... there's a bit of an age gap, it just didn't feel right.

'I saw her as my dream person to be with and we shared so many happy memories, but it was an impulse thing. I was speaking about a dream world.'

Yet he had another change of heart when he briefly rekindled things with Inga, only to end up back with Yasmine once again.
Jamie Dornan looked smitten with wife Amelia Warner as they cosied up at London's Twenty Two on Tuesday night.

The pair looked in good spirits as they hosted a private dinner at the lavish restaurant in honour of director Matthew Heineman's latest project, American Symphony.

Fifty Shades Of Grey star Jamie, 41, cut a cosy yet stylish figure in a navy bomber jacket layered over a brown sweater.

He completed his outfit with cream trousers and white sneakers, as he beamed while posing for the camera.

Amelia, 41, also looked stylish as she donned a pair of wide-leg grey trousers and white ballet shoes.

Cute couple: Jamie Dornan looked smitten with wife Amelia Warner as they cosied up at London's Twenty Two on Tuesday night

Looking good: Fifty Shades Of Grey star Jamie, 41, cut a cosy yet stylish figure in a navy bomber jacket layered over a brown sweater

Pals: Jamie hosted a private dinner at the lavish restaurant in honour of director Matthew Heineman's (pictured) latest project, American Symphony

She sported a ribbed grey sweater and added a navy blazer jacket, carrying her essentials in a nude crossbody bag.

The composer appeared in great spirits as she flashed a huge grin as she headed to the car.

In September, Jamie and his beloved wife treated themselves to HAIM's concert at Shepherd's Bush Empire in London.

The actor cut a casual figure for the evening as he sported a grey shirt which he wore over a black T-shirt and matching trousers.

Music composer Amelia opted for a sleeveless white top which she wore with a pair of matching jeans.

Jamie's partner proved she is a big fan of the three-piece rock band as she was seen throwing her hands in the air and dancing during their performance.

Amelia is a former actress-turned musician, born on June 4, 1982 in Merseyside as the only child of acting duo Annette Ekblom and Alun Lewis.

Following in her parents' footsteps at first, she started an acting career as a member of the Royal Court's youth theatre group, and in 2000 she featured in a BBC adaptation of Lorna Doone.

Model: He completed his outfit with cream trousers and white sneakers, as he was captured striking a slew of poses for the camera

Photoshoot time: He was more than happy to pose up a storm for the cameras at the event

Heartthrob: The Fall star showed off his model good looks as he beamed for the cameras

Beaming: Amelia kept it comfortable for her outing in a pair of wide-leg grey trousers and flat white shoes

Keeping it simple: The composer sported a ribbed grey sweater and added a navy blazer jacket, carrying the essentials in a nude crossbody bag

Looking good: Jamie appeared in good spirits as he headed to the car with his wife after the lavish dinner

However, she moved into music and hit the UK charts in 2011 with a cover of The Smiths' Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want - reaching number 31.

By 2015, Amelia was self-releasing original music with her first EP called Arms.

Jamie and Amelia met in 2010, and Jamie told the Belfast Telegraph in 2015: 'I was smitten with her from the start, I really was. I'm more in love with her today than I was at the start.'

They married in 2013, after getting engaged the previous year.

Amelia had previously 'married' another actor in Tahiti back in 2003 - Colin Farrell.

However it was not a legal ceremony, which proved convenient as they ended the relationship four months later.

Jamie and Amelia have three daughters together - Dulcie, Elva and Alberta - but are very private about their family life.

Jamie told the Sunday Times Magazine: 'Being a dad is the best. I feel a healthy and lovely duty to provide for my kids, and I really like it.

'It suits me. Making my kids happy is a good thing for my wife and me to be driven by.'
Bruce Willis' daughter Tallulah has opened up about her father's dementia battle after she shared a heartfelt post on Instagram on Wednesday.

Last year the Die Hard star withdrew from showbiz amid his battle with the brain condition 'aphasia,' which causes the patient's language abilities to deteriorate.

And it has now been revealed that the 68-year-old is losing his 'joie de vivre' and 'language skills' after developing frontotemporal dementia (FTD) back in March.

Tallulah, 29, posted a selection of pictures of her and her father in the sweet snaps as she beams with her father's arm around her as they cosy up together on a sofa chair.

The actress captioned the post: 'Damn, these photos are hitting tonight. Youre my whole damn heart and I'm so proud to be your Tallulah Belle Bruce Willis.'

'You're my whole damn heart': Bruce Willis' daughter Tallulah, 29, has shared a series of emotional snaps with her father amid his dementia battle

Tragic: Last year the Die Hard star withdrew from showbiz amid his battle with the brain condition 'aphasia,' which causes the patient's language abilities to deteriorate

Tallulah also shared a picture of her driving license, revealing that 'Bruce' is also one of her middle names, giving her an even closer bond to her father.

In another snap, the star shared a photo of Bruce in his younger days as he beamed while taking to the stage in a pair of dark shades and fez hat.

Fans and friends rushed to send their support to the star as they sent their love in the comments.

While many penned a simple love heart emoji, friend and actress Kate Beckinsale wrote: 'In it together I will always be here for you.'

It comes after Bruce's wife Emma Hemming opened up about struggling with guilt over having resources that others don't amid her legendary actor husband's battle with dementia.

The 45-year-old opened up about being the support system to her other half and revealed that even though 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.'

Throwback: In another snap, the star shared a photo of Bruce in his younger days as he beamed while taking to the stage in a pair of dark shades and fez hat

Strong bond: Tallulah also shared a picture of her driving license, revealing that 'Bruce' is also one of her middle names, giving her an even closer bond to her father

Support: Fans and friends rushed to send their support to the star as they sent their love in the comments, including a sweet comment from friend and actress Kate Beckinsale

Support system: Emma Heming, 45, recently opened up about struggling with guilt about having access to resources that others don't amid the legendary actor's health battle (pictured in August 2010)

Opening up: Tallulah recently revealed why her family has been very open with her father's 'aggressive' dementia diagnosis while also giving a new health update on the retired actor

Update: Drew Barrymore asked the actress what 'state' Bruce is currently in, with Tallulah replying with, 'He is the same...which I think, in this regard, I've learned is the best thing that you can ask for'

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.'

Tallulah has also discussed why her family has chosen to be very open with her father's health.

Speaking on The Drew Barrymore Show earlier this month, the youngest daughter of Bruce and Demi Moore stated, 'Well, I think it's twofold.'

'On one hand, it's who we are as a family, but also, it's really important for us to spread awareness about FTD...'

She added, 'If we can take something that we're struggling with as a family, and individually, to help other people, to turn it around to make something beautiful about it, that's really special for us.'

'And part of whats been a really beautiful way for me to heal through this is becoming like an archeologist to my dad's stuff - his world - to his little trinkets and doo-dads,' Tallulah stated.

The beauty also recalled how music is important to Bruce and was a big part of growing up with her sisters.

'It's a huge part of also how I spent time with him now, is playing music and just kind of sitting in this energy of love. It's really special.'
Legendary Australian rock band Jet was inducted into the Hall of Fame during the 37th ARIA Awards on Wednesday night.

Known for their 2003 international hit Are You Gonna Be My Girl?, Jet soared up the charts that same year with their acclaimed debut album Get Born.

The veteran hitmakers - frontman Nic Cester, drummer Chris Cester, bass player Mark Wilson and guitarist Cameron Muncey - took to the stage to accept the honour.

'There are some truly tragic, atrocious things taking place around the world,' Nic, 44, said during his acceptance speech.

'It's often in moments like this I'm reminded of the importance of art and music. Music has always been an antidote in our lives during troubled moments.

Legendary Australian rock band Jet was inducted into the Hall of Fame during the 37th ARIA Awards on Wednesday night. (Pictured L-R: Jet's Nic Cester, drummer Chris Cester, bass player Mark Wilson and guitarist Cameron Muncey)

'A place of refuge where thoughts, feelings and emotions can be processed and sometimes shared in a way that can bring people together.'

Later the band set the house rocking when they played a six-minute medley of some of their biggest hits including Are You Gonna Be My Girl and Look What you've Done.

'With [our 2003 album] Get Born, we were able to capture lightning in a bottle and I dont know how we did it,' Nic Cester told the Sydney Morning Herald in September, soon after ARIA announced Jet as an inductee into the Hall of Fame.

Later the band set the house rocking when they played a six-minute medley of some of their biggest hits including Are You Gonna Be My Girl and Look What you've Done (pictured)

Earlier this year Jet celebrated the 20 year anniversary of their debut album Get Born which was released in 2003

He added: 'To be here, 20 years later, feels like a moment of planetary alignment. Its a real privilege to be considered part of the fabric of Australian music.'

Jet, who were formed in Melbourne in 2001, celebrated the success of Get Born with an Australian tour earlier this year.

The band went to win six ARIAs (2004) including Album of the Year, and Single of the Year, in the wake of Get Born's success.

Meanwhile, Are you Gonna Be My Girl scored two APRA Awards over two consecutive years - 2006, 2007, as the Most Performed Australian Work Overseas.
Blac Chyna displayed her honed curves in a bold look as she stepped out to buy a new camera in Van Nuys, Los Angeles, on Tuesday.

The American socialite, 35, rocked an eye-catching fuchsia co-ord including a crop top and flared trousers, matching it with pink squared shades by Dolce&Gabbana.

The social media model completed her look with a black and leopard print bomber jacket, and donned white sneakers with a maxi platform.

The TV personality look radiant and in a high mood after purchasing a camera at Best Buy.

She was seen busy chatting on the phone as she held her new treat in other other hand.

Pretty in pink: Blac Chyna displayed her honed curves in a bold look as she stepped out to buy a new camera in Van Nuys, Los Angeles on Tuesday

Hey there! The American socialite, 35, showed off her perky bottom in her form-fitting trousers as she flashed a peace sign

The star - born Angela Renee White - flashed a cheeky grin and a peace sign to the camera.

The star spoiled her daughter, Dream Kardashian, with a lavish seventh birthday bash over the weekend, shortly after Khloe Kardashian threw her adorable niece a spa-themed party.

Blac shares Dream with her ex Rob Kardashian and King Cairo, 11, with rapper Tyga.

They ensured her little girl's weekend was one to remember by inviting their loved ones to gather at the event venue, Famecast, in Santa Monica to enjoy with horse riding sessions and photo-ops with Princess Tiana.

One of the ponies had a pastel rainbow mane to resemble a magical white unicorn.

Guests, including her half-brother King, who were treated to a dessert buffet, a Princess and the Frog-theme cake and gifted party bags on their way out, according to TMZ.

The celebration comes just two days after Dream's aunt Khloe threw Dream a lavish birthday bash.

In photos from the party, uploaded to her Instagram, she documented the many sweet treats that Dream and her small group of gal pals shared.

The Kardashians star, 39, also posted photos ahead of her daughter, True Thompson, five, getting her hair and 'makeup' touched up by a glam team to get ready for the party.

She also shared pictures of all of the girls wearing pink bathrobes and matching terrycloth headbands with a cute bow at the top.

Chyna is battling it out with Tyga, 33, for legal and physical custody of their son King, as the Ayo rapper has recently requested sole custody of their child.

The ex-couple dated for three years after meeting on the set of Tyga's Rack City music video in 2011.

She recently completed Our Children First, a court-mandated parent education course, according to court documents obtained by Page Six.

The exes welcomed their son, King Cairo Stevenson, in 2012, and were briefly engaged, before calling it quits in 2014.

The latest development comes after her finances were revealed amid her ugly custody battle.

Back-to-back parties: She spoiled her daughter, Dream Kardashian, with a lavish seventh birthday bash over the weekend, shortly after Khloe Kardashian threw her niece a spa-themed party over the weekend

Doting aunt: Her aunt Khloe shared a sweet clip as Dream is seen enjoying herself at a lavish, spa-themed birthday bash

Bitter: Chyna is battling it out with Tyga, 33, for legal and physical custody of their son King, as the Ayo rapper has recently requested sole custody of their child

Checking off a box: She recently completed Our Children First, a court-mandated parent education course, according to court documents obtained by Page Six (pictured with her son King)

Over the past year the ex-stripper has overhauled her life, finding religion, quitting OnlyFans, having her plastic surgery reversed and going on the wagon.

Earlier this year, the TV personality documented her sixth treatment to have fillers dissolved from her face with her 17.3 million Instagram followers.

She has undergone reversal processes to many previous procedures.
A supermarket has caused online hilarity after writing an 'open letter' to the Great British Bake Off threatening to sue them after the show's quarter-finalists were asked to make a caterpillar cake.

Aldi jokingly claimed the Channel 4 show breached copyright by asking bakers to make the cake - which resembles their Cuthbert the Caterpillar cake.

A Facebook post shared by the supermarket stated the show had 'violated Cuthbert's rights' and asked them to 'cease and desist' any unlawful reference to the cake.

Aldi famously found itself at the receiving end of a copyright claim in 2021 when M&S accused the German retailer of copying its own Colin the Caterpillar cake to create Cuthbert.

The open letter has generated tens of thousands of 'likes' and thousands of comments with some describing the post as 'hilarious'.

Last night - during the technical challenge on The Great British Bake Off - contestants were asked to bake a caterpillar cake.

Aldi jokingly claimed Channel 4's Great British Bake Off breached copyright by asking bakers to make the cake - which resembles their Cuthbert the Caterpillar cake.

Marks & Spencer settled an intellectual property claim with Aldi in February 2022 after it accused them of copying the design of its famous Colin the Caterpillar cake (pictured) to create rival Cuthbert

Details of the 'confidential' deal were not revealed but commentators said the case was never likely to go to trial (Pictured: Aldi's Cuthbert the Caterpillar cake)

A Facebook post shared by the supermarket stated the show had 'violated Cuthbert's rights' and asked them to 'cease and desist' any unlawful reference to the cake

The open letter has generated tens of thousands of 'likes' and thousands of comments with some describing the post as 'hilarious'

Many supermarkets have their own version of the infamous cake - which was not mentioned by name on Bake Off.

In response to its use, Aldi posted an open letter on Facebook addressed to Channel 4.

The post read: 'We are intellectual caterpillar counsel to Aldi UK.

'We write to you regarding Channel 4's violation of Cuthbert's rights. Aldi has always been a big fan of the Great British Bake Off, and we've long craved a Hollywood handshake* But tonight's episode really took the biscuit.

'Aldi is prepared to protect its caterpillar and pursue this matter to the fullest extent of the law.

'We certainly think a legal challenge would be a piece of* well, we think it would be easy. Therefore, we demand that you cease and desist from all further use of, and agree to permanently refrain from, any unlawful reference to, or use of, Cuthbert, including, without limitation, use of the image unless the team crown Aldi Star Bakers for the rest of the series (whilst Paul is dressed as a caterpillar).

'Hopefully this isn't a case of us trying to have our cake and eat it, and we can avoid a Great British Face Off. Kind regards, Cuthbert's legal team.'

Commenters found the post 'hilarious' and one Facebook user responded by saying: 'Watching Aldi UK socials was the only way to watch GBBO tonight and it didn't disappoint. Love you guys (and us for the comments).'

A spokesperson at Aldi has confirmed there is no current legal action against Channel 4, but suggested amateur bakers might want to consider buying a caterpillar cake before they attempt to make one at home.

In May 2021, M&S took legal action against Aldi - accusing the German discounter of copying the design of its famous Colin the Caterpillar cake with their Cuthbert the Caterpillar offering.

Lawyers were brought in on the intellectual property claim, which even made it to the High Court.

But in February last year, both supermarkets confirmed an agreement had been struck to resolve the conflict.

Details of the 'confidential' deal were not revealed, but Cuthbert reappeared on shelves in a slightly different format.

The product is now listed as 'Holly Lane Cuthbert Cake' and its price has risen to 5.49.

Speaking after the deal was struck, Alex Watt, Partner at Howard Kennedy LLP law firm, observed: 'It always seemed like this was an unlikely case to go all the way to trial.

'The fact that there was a well-developed PR campaign by M&S launched at the same time suggests that - perhaps typically given the subject matter - this was always intended for public consumption.'

M&S has three trademarks relating to Colin, which the retailer believes means Colin has acquired and retains an enhanced distinctive character and reputation.

Nevertheless, the M&S original has spawned a range of imitators since its launch, such as Sainsbury's Wiggles, Tesco's Curly, Morris by Morrisons, the Co-op's Charlie, Cecil by Waitrose and Asda's Clyde.
The devastated wife of former rugby star Danny Cipriani has declared her forthcoming divorce as 'one of the worse times of my life.'

Victoria Rose Cipriani, 42, who revealed she has split from her former rugby pro husband after discovering text messages on his phone, said she would be taking a hiatus from social media.

But she told her 11,000 Instagram followers: 'I want to take a moment to express my vulnerability. The media coverage surrounding me has been overwhelming, and I want to be transparent and admit that I never desired any of this attention.

'Writing about one of the worst times in my life online, especially in an Instagram caption, is not something I genuinely want to do. The experience of being ridiculed has been heartbreaking to read, but I understand that this is the reality of the world I find myself in.'

Mail Online revealed she yesterday met with divorce lawyers and both she and her husband accept their two-and-a-half year marriage is over.

The devastated wife of former rugby star Danny Cipriani (pictured) has declared her forthcoming divorce as 'one of the worse times of my life

Victoria, 42, who has two children from another relationship, said she would be taking a hiatus from social media

It followed the claim that she had discovered text messages on his cell phone which led to a series of rows and the split.

She added in her post: 'Approaching the age of 43, I reflect on my decisions throughout my life, and I must take full accountability for them. Right now, I am hurting profoundly.

'If I have ever wronged any of you in any way, I sincerely apologise. Life is a learning journey, and I was navigating through it, trying to understand what it means to be a human being with emotions.

'If you have ever felt my love then you know how deeply my heart is connected to the power of love itself. I strive to be a good person, and I keep reminding myself of this truth during this incredibly vulnerable time.

'I need to step back from social media, allowing myself the space to recover, recuperate, and reconnect with my true self.

'During this period of reflection, I will focus on healing and rediscovering who I am. The hurtful experiences I have endured have reminded me of the importance of self-care.

'Love has always been a guiding light in my life, and I believe it is the answer to many of our struggles. I hope that, in due time, I will emerge stronger and wiser.

'While I take this hiatus from social media, remember that love is always the answer..'

Victoria posted a picture of a Banksy print T-shirt alongside the lengthy caption

But she told her 11,000 Instagram followers: 'I want to take a moment to express my vulnerability. The media coverage surrounding me has been overwhelming, and I want to be transparent and admit that I never desired any of this attention'

Sources told Mail Online that she had told her inner circle that she needed 'time and space to reflect and regain my strength.'

She said she had entered into marriage believing it would last her lifetime and has been left shattered by the break-up.

Victoria and her husband announced the end of their marriage earlier this week.

She married the former England rugby ace in April 2021, but the couple parted a fortnight ago and have jointly acknowledged their marriage is at an end.

Their marriage had hit a stormy patch after she discovered messages on his phone, which caused a series of rows.

A friend of the couple told MailOnline: 'It is pretty devastating for both of them and that is putting it mildly.

'Both are heartbroken and want to keep everything regarding the divorce as private as possible.

'But a group of us met with Victoria last week to give her loads of hugs. She was inconsolable and said her heart was in smithereens.

'She cried a lot and said when she married Danny she believed it would be forever. She said she hoped he would be okay too.'

Danny released a statement the split yesterday, telling his 221,000 Instagram followers that he 'only wished the best' for his ex.

But in a blunder, he claimed they were separating after four years of marriage - when their wedding day was two years ago.

He shared: 'Victoria and I sat together this weekend and agreed to separate after 4 years of marriage.

'Whilst we've had some wonderful times together, we've also recognised we're on different journey's and whilst this is sad news, it's also a new chapter for us both to pursue our own happiness. I only wish the best for Victoria and her children.'

But Victoria hit back immediately telling her 11,000 Instagram followers: 'I'm not sure why Daniel needs to tell Instagram of his relationship status. I don't wish for the invasion. Could I ask for some privacy, while navigating through this fragile time.'

On Sunday, she posted a video on her Instagram stories featuring an old woman dancing on a beach with a bird on her head alongside the caption 'Me in the middle of another existential crisis'.

The couple started dating in June 2020 and Danny proposed to the mother-of-two Victoria weeks after they first met.

Victoria last shared a picture with Danny in October as she penned a cryptic caption about life 'having its ups and downs.'

Danny Cipriani and Victoria Rose pictured together in September after a BBC Breakfast interview discussing Danny's new book, Who Am I?, in which he detailed his sex life

Victoria shared a cryptic Instagram post in October in her last post featuring Danny - a month later, the couple announced that their marriage was over

It has been suggested that the more lurid aspects of Danny Cipriani's autobiography played a part in the breakdown of the couple's relationship

She shared: 'Lately, I've been feeling a little highly strung, but I wanted to take a moment to share with you all that it's okay. Life has its ups and downs, and right now, I'm welcoming this as a time of growth and learning. Every challenge and obstacle that comes my way is just another lesson in disguise, guiding me towards becoming a better version of myself.

'Amid it all, I'm reminded of the importance of gratitude. So, here's a list of things I'm incredibly grateful for: 1. My family is always there for me. 2. My fantastic friends who bring joy and laughter into my life. 3. The roof over my head provides me with comfort and safety. 4. Good health, allowing me to pursue my dreams and passions.'

She continued: '5. The beauty of nature never fails to inspire and awe me. 6. The opportunities that come my way help me grow. 7. The simple pleasures in life that bring a smile to my face. 8. Lessons learned from both successes and failures, shaping me into a stronger individual.

'9. The acts of kindness I've received remind me of the goodness in people's hearts. 10. The unique strengths and talents I possess empowering me to make a difference.

'Amidst the chaos and challenges, there's always something to be grateful for. What are you thankful for today?'

The couple's friend added: 'This has hit all of us, her family and friends, like a bombshell.

'They were so much in love. You only have to look inside Danny's book and the tribute that you paid her.

'He said she was the 'most beautiful and special woman' he had ever met and that 'God sure did take his time with her'.

'Their friends like me are just wondering how such a special love can die so quickly? We are all completely shocked.'
Call The Midwife star Olly Rix was seen reuniting with his ex Natasha Fagri at a Notting Hill cafe four months after it was revealed they had split.

The actor, 36, was pictured with his ex-girlfriend at the west London spot, days after his on-screen wife Helen George was spotted leaving his house.

The former couple, who split in July after seven years together, put on an amicable display as they greeted each other with a hug and chatted inside the cafe.

Olly could also be seen cuddling Natasha's golden Cocker Spaniel, who she was later seen walking out of the eatery with.

Meanwhile, Olly left their meeting alone, holding a takeaway coffee in his hand and listening to his Apple AirPods.

Meet up: Call The Midwife star Olly Rix was seen reuniting with his ex-girlfriend Natasha Fagri at a Notting Hill cafe after it was revealed they had split up

Fancy seeing you here! The actor, 36, was pictured with his ex-girlfriend at the west London spot, days after his on-screen wife Helen George was spotted leaving his house

Casual: Natasha wrapped up in a burgundy coat, which she wore over a jumper with leggings and a pair of grey trainers

It is unclear whether Olly and Natasha had arranged to meet or if they had bumped into each other by coincidence.

Olly was dressed casually in a green padded jacket which he wore with a white T-shirt and blue jeans, teaming the look with trainers and a Billabong cap.

Natasha wrapped up in a burgundy coat, which she wore over a jumper with leggings and a pair of grey trainers.

She wore her blonde locks in loose natural waves and added a pair of square sunglasses to the low-key look.

It comes after Helen George was snapped leaving Olly's home last weekend, sparking rumours of a growing connection following their recent breakups.

Helen, 39, and Olly are said to be supporting each other as they navigate through their heartbreak.

The actors are known for their roles as on-screen married couple Trixie Franklin and Matthew Aylward in BBC drama, Call The Midwife.

Olly was spotted outside his home before returning with two coffees, with Helen emerging a few hours later.

Warm reception: The former couple, who split in July after seven years together, put on an amicable display as they greeted each other with a hug and chatted inside the cafe

Catching up: Olly could also be seen cuddling Natasha's golden Cocker Spaniel, who she was later seen walking out of the eatery with

Chatting: It is unclear whether Olly and Natasha had arranged to meet or if they had bumped into each other by coincidence

Windswept: She wore her blonde locks in loose natural waves and added a pair of square sunglasses to the low-key look

Hello: Olly wrapped an arm around his ex-girlfriend

Animated: Olly spoke using his hands as the former couple caught up

She cut an effortlessly stylish figure in a bright red top teamed with a button-up navy blue midi skirt.

She wrapped up from the cold with a beige coat and wore a pair of comfy looking brown platform boots.

Helen carried a large bag out with her and was accompanied by her dog Charlie, as she made her way back to her own house - ten miles away in East London.

An onlooker told The Sun on Sunday how Olly 'looked relaxed' and when Helen left the premises, she looked a 'little dishevelled'.

The sightings have fuelled speculation about a budding bond between the two co-stars who share a close connection, despite Olly's character reportedly being written out of the show.

An insider said: 'It's been a tricky year for both Helen and Olly. They have been spending a lot of time together on set, walking their dogs together and chatting a lot.

'They both have respect for each other as actors and they are supportive of each other and dedicated to their roles on the drama. The changes in their relationships have caused a lot of upheaval.'

A spokesperson for Helen said: 'Yes, she went to visit a friend for a cup of tea - like all friends do - and as we have always said, there is nothing more to this.'

Mail Online contacted Olly's representatives for further comment.

Onscreen romance: The actors are known for their roles as onscreen married couple Trixie Franklin and Matthew Aylward in the BBC drama (pictured on show)

Olly recently split from his makeup artist girlfriend Natasha after seven years together in July after allegedly drifting apart due to work commitments.

A source said at the time to The Sun: 'Olly and Natasha were very happy together for a long time, but eventually drifted apart due to work commitments.'

'They have a lot of respect for each other and share custody of their pet dog. They are both busy with work and focusing on their future and different projects.'

Meanwhile, Helen split from her partner Jack Ashton the same month, after they first met on the set of Call The Midwife seven years prior.

She has played Trixie on the show since 2012, while Jack joined the series two years later as Tom Hereward.

The pair's characters embarked on a romance on screen and Tom proposed to Trixie, before she ended their relationship.

In real life, the couple were said to have fallen for each other after travelling to South Africa to film the show's 2016 Christmas Special.

A year later, they welcomed their first child Wren, before their second daughter Lark was born in November 2021.

In May 2021, Helen gave a rare insight into her relationship with Jack and told how both of them working in the same industry helped their romance.

The pair are now focusing on co-parenting their two children.

Call The Midwife is set in the 1950s and 1960s in London's East End - and focuses on a group of midwives in a nursing convent.

Separate ways: Olly split from Natasha after seven years together in July after allegedly drifting apart due to work commitments (pictured together)

Break up: Meanwhile, Helen split from her partner Jack Ashton the same month, after they first met on the set of Call The Midwife seven years prior (pictured together in 2022)
Mia McKenna-Bruce has revealed that she almost quit acting for good as she was so stricken by panic attacks, which made auditions a nightmare.

The former child star, 26, who found fame on CBBC drama The Dumping Ground, even dropped her agent and took a job in a call centre after deciding she was done with acting.

But after doing an U-turn, she has gone on to win rave reviews for her role in the new movie How To Have Sex, which follows a group of teenage girls on a rite-of-passage holiday.

Mia said: 'It was really hard. I was putting so much pressure on myself and I wasn't enjoying it anymore.

'I was like, "Why am I doing this to myself?"

Traumatic: Mia McKenna-Bruce has revealed that she almost quit acting for good as she was so stricken by panic attacks that made auditions a constant nightmare

Opening up: The former child star, 26, dropped her agent and took a job in a call centre after deciding she was finished with acting but after doing an U-turn, she has gone on to win rave reviews for her role in How To Have Sex

'Before auditions I would get myself in such a state I would think, why am I putting myself through it?

'The actual audition would be fine - I would be in there and I would be loving it - but I would come out and have a panic attack because of how much I had worked myself up before.

'I took myself away from it and went travelling. I got a job in a call centre and thought, maybe I have had that part of my life.

'But I did that for a couple of months and then was like, no actually I remember what I love about it now, take me back.

'My agents were great and were really supportive saying take your time. But it did get to a point where I didn't think I wanted to act anymore and I left my agent then.

'I thought, I don't want to do this, there's no point in taking up someone else's space.

'I was convinced I was done with it, but I very much wasn't. For me it was taking a break and figuring out what I wanted to do.'

How To Have Sex is director Molly Manning Walker's debut film and has been billed as the movie that will get 'everyone talking about consent.'

The plot follows three teens out on the lash in party town Malia, Crete, as they celebrate the end of their GCSEs.

Mia said: 'It was really hard. I was putting so much pressure on myself and I wasn't enjoying it anymore. I was like, "Why am I doing this to myself?"

Plot: The film follows three teens out on the lash in party town Malia, Crete, as they celebrate finishing their GCSEs. Mia plays Tara who finds herself in uncharted territory during a night out

Mia plays school leaver Tara who finds herself in uncharted territory during one night out.

The idea for the story came from a 'formative memory' the director had of seeing a man being given oral sex on stage during a bar crawl when she was younger.

Manning said: 'We spent a bit of time in Malia doing research. We really tried to engage with real life and what was going on.

'And then we did some workshops where we talked to 16-year-olds and their concept of consent, and it was quite wild what came out of that.'

Mia is now being hailed as the next big thing and she has already been nominated for the Best Lead Performance gong at this year's British Independent Film Awards.

Having played minor roles on The Bill and EastEnders, she first came to public attention for playing Tee Taylor on the CBBC drama The Dumping Ground for eight years.

But Mia, from Bexley, Kent, said the role meant that she missed out on a 'huge chunk' of her childhood as she spent half the year filming.

Then, after she left the show in 2015, adult parts weren't as easy to come by.

Speaking on Charlie Brooks' 'I AM PRO' podcast, she said: 'It's weird, I went through a phase post Dumping Ground.

'Obviously, I had been so lucky to have this job to go to every year, I hadn't thought of a life after that.

'When I left, I was auditioning as an adult and not a child. I would be asked, "Tell us what you think about the character?" And I would be like, "What?"

Amazing: Mia is now being hailed as the next big thing and she has already been nominated for the Best Lead Performance gong at this year's British Independent Film Awards

Throwback: Mia found fame for playing Tee Taylor on the CBBC drama The Dumping Ground for eight years. But Mia said the role meant that she missed out on a 'huge chunk' of her childhood

'It was stuff that you don't necessarily think about as a child.

'The further I went along the more pressure I would put on myself and the more nervous I would get and then I had to strip it back and think, why am I doing this?'

Mia is engaged to actor Tom Leach and she gave birth to their first child  a baby boy - in August.

She is now trying to find more balance in her working life.

She said: 'It's a really small world (acting) and within two days on set they are your family and your life.

'I go into a bubble and that's something I still need to work on because I completely throw myself into it, which is good to some degree, but I forget about my life back home.

'Once it's over and I come back home, I'm like two different people. It's a lot. It's like the post-holiday blues and you don't know what you are doing with yourself.

'Every job you do, you can never fully share that experience with someone unless they were on it, so it's really hard.

'I'm working on being able to combine it all and keep in touch with my regular life at home when I'm on a job.'
Dakota Johnson headed to a star-studded New York City restaurant on Tuesday, the eve of the trailer release for her film Madame Web.

Via Carota, an Italian eatery in the West Village, played host to an array of boldface names that night including Michael Kors and his husband Lance LaPere.

One of the celebrities who patronized the restaurant Tuesday was Dakota's fellow 'nepo baby' Emma Roberts, who is also of her co-stars in Madame Web.

Defying the plummeting autumn temperatures, Dakota and her party settled down to an alfresco table, catching Marc and Lance's eye.

Marc and Lance headed over to the Fifty Shades Of Grey star's table to mingle, and she glowed as she chatted cheerfully to them.

On the town: Dakota Johnson headed to a star-studded New York City restaurant on Tuesday, the eve of the trailer release for her film Madame Web

Stars galore: Via Carota, an Italian eatery in the West Village, played host to an array of boldface names that night including Michael Kors and his husband Lance LaPere

Out and about: One of the celebrities who patronized the restaurant Tuesday was Dakota's fellow ' nepo baby ' Emma Roberts, who is also of her co-stars in Madame Web

Dakota, the daughter of Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson and the granddaughter of Tippi Hedren, could also be seen talking animatedly to her dinner companion.

She was decked out that evening in her inimitable style, a boyfriend-fit blazer thrown over a fashionably oversized white dress shirt.

Evidently she has a long-running friendship with Michael, having attended the opening of his flagship store in Tokyo as long ago as 2015.

Meanwhile Emma made her entrance with a brace of gal pals, hoofing it to the restaurant on a knee-length pair of black leather boots.

In a concession to the November weather, she bundled up in an anorak, which she wrapped over an ensemble that testified to her winning street style.

She wore a sleek little dark cardigan and a checked, pleated miniskirt, playing up her vertiginous legs in a pair of dark hose.

The niece of Julia Roberts swept her signature blonde hair back into a ponytail, accentuating her features with naturalistic makeup.

One day after that dinner, a rollicking new trailer dropped for Dakota and Emma's film Madame Web, which is due for release two days after Valentine's Day.

At table: Defying the plummeting autumn temperatures, Dakota and her party settled down to an alfresco table, catching Marc and Lance's eye

Having a ball: Marc and Lance headed over to the Fifty Shades Of Grey star's table to mingle, and she glowed as she chatted cheerfully to them

Details: She was decked out that evening in her inimitable style, a boyfriend-fit blazer thrown over a fashionably oversized white dress shirt

By the way: One day after that dinner, a rollicking new trailer dropped for Dakota and Emma's film Madame Web, which is due for release two days after Valentine's Day

History: Evidently she has a long-running friendship with Michael, having attended the opening of his flagship store in Tokyo as long ago as 2015

Euphoria bombshell Sydney Sweeney is also part of the cast, which features such names as Adam Scott and Girls alum Zosia Mamet.

Dakota stars as the title heroine, a paramedic called Cassandra Webb who has a near-death experience that mysteriously endows her with superpowers.

Meanwhile Emma plays Mary Parker, whom comic book fans will recognize as the mother of the original Spider-Man Peter Parker.

The new movie was created for Sony's Spider-Man Universe, which is not to be confused with the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Spider-Man franchise.

Dakota's latest sighting comes one month after she was treated to a star-studded birthday party thrown by her longtime beau Chris Martin.

Chris, who shot to international superstardom as the frontman of Coldplay, assembled a guest-list dotted with celebs for his flame.

Jodie Turner-Smith, fresh off her divorce filing from her steamy ex Joshua Jackson, was just one of the boldface names in attendance.

Leslie Mann, who acted with Dakota in the 2016 film How to Be Single and last year's Cha Cha Real Smooth, swung by the knees-up with her husband Judd Apatow.

On the move: Meanwhile Emma made her entrance with a brace of gal pals, hoofing it to the restaurant on a knee-length pair of black leather boots

Cozy: In a concession to the November weather, she bundled up in an anorak, which she wrapped over an ensemble that testified to her winning street style

Legging it: The niece of Julia Roberts swept her signature blonde hair back into a ponytail, accentuating her features with naturalistic makeup

Who's who: In Madame Web, Emma plays Mary Parker, whom comic book fans will recognize as the mother of the original Spider-Man Peter Parker

Incidentally: The new movie was created for Sony's Spider-Man Universe, which is not to be confused with the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Spider-Man franchise

The Bear heartthrob Jeremy Allen White also made an appearance, as did the birthday girl's 27-year-old half-sister Stella Banderas.

Melanie Griffith welcomed Stella with her third ex-husband Antonio Banderas, whom she split from in 2015 after nearly two decades of marriage.

Although Dakota and Chris have been together more than a half-decade, they generally prefer to keep their romance private.

'Weve been together for quite a while, and we go out sometimes, but we both work so much that its nice to be at home and be cozy and private,' she explained to Elle UK a couple of years ago. 'Most of the partying takes place inside my house.'

Throughout his relationship with Dakota, Chris has been amicably co-parenting his children Apple, 19, and Moses, 17, with his ex-wife Gwyneth Paltrow.

When Chris and Gwyneth split up in 2014, she inspired widespread mockery by calling their breakup 'conscious uncoupling.'
Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe's son Deacon Phillippe has gotten a rough reception after giving a tour of his pricey New York City apartment.

The 20-year-old actor  who is currently studying music at the prestigious New York University  allowed TikTok star Caleb Simpson to film the interior of his apartment for his latest video.

But viewers were turned off by the size and presumed price of the unit, which Deacon deflected questions about.

Some commenters also assumed that the apartment was expensive enough that his parents would have to pay for it.

Fans and critics alike called the celebrity offspring a 'nepo baby,' a term in vogue that refers to the children of celebrities and powerful people.

'Nepo baby': Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe's son Deacon Phillippe was slammed by social media commenters for his opulent NYC apartment after he played coy about it's price, leading them to assume his wealthy parents pay his rent

Deacon shares his two-level abode with two roommates, both of whom are also NYU students, but he was coy when asked just how much he pays for rent in a prime location loved by the likes Taylor Swift and Sarah Jessica Parker.

'West Village prices, man,' he replied, before welcoming Simpson inside.

Simpson captioned his post with, 'Location: West Village. Occupation: Student,' referring to Deacon.

However, Instagram users were annoyed that Simpson didn't highlight Deacon's unusual position as the son of two successful actors, and the extreme family wealth that would have come with his position in life.

'Occupation: rich,' wrote one mocking commenter.

Another reminded Simpson: 'Ummm this is Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe's son. Please don't try to paint him like a normal college student.'

Another person wasn't as concerned and said it was 'nice' to see a celebrity's son in a 'somewhat normal apartment.'

'Yes it's nice, but it's not crazy extravagant or huge and he has roommates,' they added.

Not a 'normal college student': Several viewers of the clip were outraged that TikTok star Caleb Simpson didn't reference Deacon's famous parents or the family wealth that may have paid for the apartment

On easy street: Others noted that his mother Reese has been named the 'richest self-made actress' in the world by Forbes

However, that analysis appears to downplay the multi-story unit's size and ignores the fact that Deacon's apartment is located in New York City, which has one of the most expensive real estate markets in the world.

He appeared to have his own bedroom in the video, and if his two roommates each have separate bedrooms as well, the apartment would have at least three bedrooms.

Three-bedroom apartments in the area easily cost over $5,000 per month on the low end (after broker fees, security deposit, rent for the lease's final month and moving costs), but several apartments of comparable size and opulence to Deacon's rent for as much as $20,000  or more  according to various rental websites.

'I want to be a nepo baby [crying emojis],' whined another commenter.

One person found it comical that Deacon only described his rent vaguely as 'West Village prices...,' rather than giving a more specific sense of his monthly commitment.

But another person suggested he wasn't trying to be coy, but instead was ignorant.

'He doesn't even know how much his parents pay that's crazy,' they wrote.

Another person described him as a 'trust fund baby,' while one commenter urged Simpson to 'add' to his 'caption' that Deacon was 'the kid of the richest actress in Hollywood.'

Earlier this year, Forbes named Reese the 'richest self-made actress' in the world due to her $440 million fortune.

One viewer of the clip suggested Simpson should have instead asked Deacon, 'How much does Reese Witherspoon pay for your rent?'

Come on in! Reese Witherspoon's son Deacon Phillippe gave a tour of his college apartment in New York City's pricey West Village neighborhood this week

Exclusive: The actor, 20  who is currently studying music at prestigious New York University  allowed TikTok star Caleb Simpson to film the interior for his latest video

In the apartment tour video, Simpson and Phillippe entered via the front door into the kitchen, which is upgraded with stainless steel appliances.

A black spiral staircase is located at the center of the apartment that comes with dark wood floors and a trendy brick accent wall.

High-ceilings give the apartment a spacious feel.

Deacon was proud to show off the vinyl records on display in the living area as well as his plant 'Darryl' that sits in a bright yellow pot beside a comfy chair.

There's plenty of funky artwork and furniture that give the apartment a retro vibe.

Deacon then moved the tour upstairs so he could give Simpson a look at his room that doubles as his music studio.

He has a giant bed and plenty of music equipment lining the walls.

Deacon  whose father is actor Ryan Phillippe  has a full size keyboard, a recording setup, a Mac computer and more to help bring his music to life.

He gave a brief look at the kitchen, which included a peek at the items in the fridge.

After Simpson shared the video to TikTok on Tuesday, Deacon joked that filming the tour 'made me late to class.'

Deacon graduated from Mountain High School in June 2022 and began studying music at NYU that fall.

For his first year, Deacon live in a dorm on campus, which he frequently showed off on his Instagram at the time.

NYU has an excellent music department in their secondary school, The Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development.

Wow! A black spiral staircase is located at the center of the apartment

Display: Deacon was proud to show off the vinyl records on display in the living area

There are dark wood floors and a trendy brick accent wall

Funky: There's plenty of funky artwork and furniture that give the apartment a retro vibe

Kitchen: The front door opens into the kitchen

It is upgraded with stainless steel appliances

Groceries: He stopped to take a peek at the items in the fridge

Deacon's space: Deacon then moved the tour upstairs so he could give Simpson a look at his room that doubles as his music studio

He has a giant bed and plenty of music equipment lining the walls

Bathroom: The bathroom is small but sufficient for a college student

Proud mom: Deacon kept coy when asked just how much he pays for rent in a prime location loved by the likes Taylor Swift and Sarah Jessica Parker. Earlier this year, Reese told PEOPLE that dropping her kids off at college means she 'did [my] job right'

Last year, Deacon's dad Ryan gushed to ET about how 'proud' he is of Deacon for pursuing higher education.

'He's about to go to college for music. That's his primary focus. The acting thing he likes to do, and he will do according to what his appetite for it is, but his focus is primarily music,' shared the Cruel Intentions star.

His mom Reese shared a similar sentiment earlier this year as she told PEOPLE that dropping her kids off at college means she 'did [my] job right.

'And I'm so proud of my kids. They're thriving in the world and I'm so happy for them,' she said.

Deacon's sister Ava, 24, is also at college on the West Coast at the University of California, Berkeley.
Emily Ratajkowski and Stephane Bak proved their burgeoning romance is still on this week as they shared a hug in New York City.

The supermodel, 32, who was seen passionately kissing French actor Bak, 27, in exclusive DailyMail.com pictures last month, looked smitten with her beau as they warmly embraced and chatted during their date.

The star looked glamorous in a red leather coat worn over a black sweater with a cowl neck and a pair of straight leg slacks.

The cover girl wore a pair of square toed pumps and wore her dark hair styled straight.

She sported a radiant palette of make-up and accessorized with gold hoop earrings.

Still on! Emily Ratajkowski and Stephane Bak proved their burgeoning romance is still on this week as they shared a hug in New York City

Having fun? The supermodel, 32, who was seen passionately kissing French actor Bak, 27, in exclusive DailyMail.com pictures last month, looked smitten with her beau

Back then: Emily debuted her romance with Stephane last month in an extremely passionate PDA in Paris

Stephane wore a blue padded jacket over a black hoodie, paired with jeans and sneakers.

She and the French entertainer were first spotted together in Paris as they engaged in a steamy public makeout session.

But according to insiders, the date and public display of affection was 'nothing serious' and Emily is simply 'having a good time' with a 'normal dude.'

'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 told DailyMail.com exclusively.

Bak shot to fame in 2012 aged 16 as 'the youngest comedian in France' thanks to his stellar stand-up routines in small clubs in Paris, including Le Palace and Theatre Trevise.

The Franco-Congolese star was expelled from high school in 2011 and was later authorised by the French Department of Social Affairs to start working at the age of 14 - leading to his comedy career.

His acting roles include Christopher Barratier's Team Spirit, David Moreau's Alone, and Paul Verhoevens Elle.

His most notable role came in Wes Anderson's 2023 film Asteroid City as a student alongside A-listers Scarlett Johansson and Tom Hanks.

Smile: The star looked glamorous in a red leather coat worn over a black sweater with a cowl neck and a pair of straight leg slacks

Hug: The pair looked delighted as they reunited for a date in NYC

Glamorous: The cover girl wore a pair of square toed pumps and wore her dark hair styled straight

Fun times: The pair looked happy as they headed out together

Exes: Emily got married to her now-ex-husband Sebastian Bear-McClard (pictured in March 2018) in 2018 and they welcomed a son Sylvester, two, before their split in July 2022

Back in March Emily shocked fans when she was seen kissing Harry Styles, 29, on the streets of Tokyo in the wake of his split from Olivia Wilde.

However that romance fizzled out with Harry now dating actress Taylor Russell.

Harry previously dated Olivia Wilde; Harry and Olivia split in November of last year, after almost two years together.

Emily filed for divorce in September 2022 from Sebastian Bear-McClard after four years of marriage, according to Page Six, after he allegedly cheated on her. They share a son Sylvester, two.

News of the cheating allegations came in July, with a source close to the outlet claiming he's a 'serial cheater,' 'gross' and a 'dog.'

She married actor and producer Sebastian in 2018 on February 23, 2018 in a New York City courthouse.

Emily has enjoyed a dating hot streak in the midst of her divorce as after being seen with Orazio, she was seen enjoying a steamy kiss with artist Jack Greer outside her apartment in New York back in December.

She was also rumored to be first dating SNL alum Pete Davidson in November when they were spotted on a dinner date in the Big Apple.

Soon after was their first public sighting as Pete and Emily were seen together at a New York Knicks versus the Memphis Grizzlies on November 27.

Then in January of this year she was seen on a date with comedian Eric Andre who she dated for a month.
Love Island's Tanyel Revan is engaged to her property developer beau Ediz following a romantic yacht proposal.

The reality star, 27, said yes to her handsome partner, 31, after he got down on one knee during a romantic trip to Turkey.

It comes just 10 months after she starred on the 2023 winter series of Love Island in South Africa where she failed to find love.

But shortly after leaving the villa she met Ediz and they have gone from strength to strength since.

She looked beautiful for the proposal boat ride in a sheer white lace dress that showed off her figure as she showed off her dazzling ring and huge bouquet of white roses.

Love: Love Island's Tanyel Revan is engaged to her property developer beau Ediz following a romantic yacht proposal

Happy: The reality star, 27, said yes to her handsome partner, 31, after he got down on one knee during a romantic trip to Turkey

Tanyel told The Sun of getting engaged: 'It was crazy. I feel like this is the quickest that anyone has gotten engaged after Love Island. It's very mad, but it's really exciting.

'Obviously I said yes. I was really excited. I couldn't believe it. I was so excited. My ring is yellow gold. It's exactly how I wanted it. The clarity is so good, it's amazing.'

She continued: 'I am over the moon. I feel like it's natural. I felt it was coming, I knew it was time for it to come. When you know you know. There's no way I could've been with anyone else.'

Tanyel and Ediz first got together when she was 20 but they drifted apart but then reconnected once she left Love Island.

She first teased she was in a new relationship in March during the reunion show where she told how she was dating someone.

Since leaving the villa, Tanyel has returned to normal life and work at her hair salon in North London.

While on Love Island Tanyel was paired with Kai Fagan briefly before he ended up winning with show with his partner Sanam Harrinanan.

The reunion show saw Tanyel accuse some of the Islanders of 'influencing' Jordan Odofin's decision to recouple with Spencer, which left her single and dumped from the show.

Moving on: It comes just 10 months after she starred on the 2023 winter series of Love Island in South Africa where she failed to find love

Journey: But shortly after leaving the villa she met Ediz and they have gone from strength to strength since

Thrilled: She looked beautiful for the proposal boat ride in a sheer white lace dress that showed off her figure as she showed off her dazzling ring and huge bouquet of white roses

Support: Her pals were quick to congratulate her as they took to the comments section of her Instagram post

She was one of the first singletons to enter the villa on day one, before being sent packing on day 23.

Blaming Olivia Hawkins, Shaq Muhammad and Tanya Manhenga, Tanyel said: 'I wish things were addressed to me, it could have been dealt with better.'

Meanwhile, Olivia accused Tanyel of 'lying about her for fame' as she discussed their ongoing feud.

Appearing on radio show Access All Areas, Olivia gave her thoughts on who was acting 'differently' on the outside world compared to how they were on Love Island.

She said: 'For me personally, maybe Tanyel. I thought we really got on in the villa. We had our ups and downs but when she left I thought we were good.

'I've been seeing a lot said on podcasts and things, so I'd have to say Tanyel.

Down to earth: Since leaving the villa, Tanyel has returned to normal life and work at her hair salon in North London

No connections: While on Love Island Tanyel was paired with Kai Fagan briefly before he ended up winning with show with his partner Sanam Harrinanan

'I think she thinks that myself, Shaq [Muhammad] and Tanya [Manhenga] were the ones setting her up to leave but that absolutely was not the case.

'She had said multiple times that her and Jordan [Odofin] weren't really more than friends and with Spencer [Wilks] as well.

'I guess she's had the chance to meet with both of them on the outside and she hasn't so that just says it all. I just think to put other girls down to boost your lie is just not on.

'We haven't spoken. I saw her at the finale and I gave her a hug just to say hi but we haven't really spoken.'
Rachel Zegler put her best fashion foot forward on Wednesday as she promoted Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes in New York City.

The 22-year-old actress  who was in LA for the film's premiere on Monday  donned a dark beige trench coat.

The dark-haired beauty wore the slouchy, textured, double-breasted coat over a gray turtleneck.

She loosely tied a matching belt around her waist while pushing the movie, which comes out on Friday, November 17.

The star wore her raven locks in an off-center part and sleek, straight style while working in the city.

Fashionista! Rachel Zegler put her best fashion foot forward on Wednesday as she promoted Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes in New York City

Her look: The 22-year-old actress  who was in LA for the film's premiere on Monday  donned a dark beige trench coat

Details: The dark-haired beauty wore the slouchy, textured, double-breasted coat over a gray turtleneck

Rachel teamed her look with a pair of pointy-toe black high heels that added height to her petite frame.

She flaunted a glossy burgundy manicure on her short nails and she looked stunning in a face of immaculately applied makeup.

The silver screen siren happily interacted with her excited fans as she signed autographs in the Big Apple.

Also in the city for a day of press was her co-star Tom Blyth, who tucked an olive green shirt into black trousers and signed autographs for admiring supporters.

On Wednesday morning they were spotted arriving at JFK Airport with co-star Josh Andres Rivera, who is Rachel's boyfriend.

For her flight from the west to east coast, she dressed comfortable in a black sweatsuit and matching tank top.

She was makeup-free as she bustled through the airport in a pair of gray sneakers.

Zegler, who hails from New Jersey, also toted a tan coat over her arm, at one point swapping out her sweatshirt to wear it.

Style maven: She loosely tied a matching belt around her waist while pushing the movie, which comes out on Friday, November 17

Personable: The silver screen siren happily signed autographs for eager fans

Busy: Also in the city for a day of press was her co-star Tom Blyth

Superstar: Tom tucked an olive green shirt into black trousers and signed autographs for admiring fans

Her belongings were kept in a green and purple Christian Dior tote that she carried in one hand.

Zegler recently opened up about having Rivera around as they worked on Hunger Games together.

The two also acted together on West Side Story.

'Having a familiar face on any set, I think any young actor can attest, is the biggest form of comfort,' the actress told People on Tuesday.

In the latest installment of the sci-fi franchise, she plays Lucy Gray Baird, while Rivera portrays a mentor named Sejanus Plinth.

They confirmed their romance on Valentine's Day 2022.

'And also as [Riveras] girlfriend, his friend, and his coworker, it's amazing to see the trajectory of his career, and to witness his rise to stardom. I love him so much,' she dished to the publication.

Travel: On Wednesday morning Zegler was spotted arriving at JFK Airport with costars Tom Blyth and Josh Andres Rivera, who is also her boyfriend

Comfortable look: Blyth wore jeans and Adidas sneakers for the travel day

Traveling in style: Her belongings were kept in a green and purple Christian Dior tote that she carried in one hand

Josh echoed the sentiment as he stated, 'I feel really lucky. It was a really great source of comfort for me to have her with me so far away from home.

'We were in a different country. We got to explore that country together. It was absolutely lovely. I feel very fortunate.'

'Never been prouder of someone in my life lemme tell you,' Zegler wrote on her Instagram Story over the summer when she shared the news of her boyfriend being hired for the prequel.

Peter Dinklage, Hunter Schafer, Jason Schwartzman, and Viola Davis also star in the forthcoming feature.
Jodie Turner-Smith turned heads on Wednesday evening as she arrived at the star-studded GQ Men of the Year Awards in London.

The actress, 37, pulled out all the stops as she posed on the red carpet at the Royal Opera House's Paul Hamlyn Hall.

She showed off her long legs in a black distressed leather minidress, which boasted a lace-up front that barely contained her ample cleavage.

Her edgy number was adorned with stitch detailing, lace ties at the straps and zips that reached from the top of the dress and down the sides to the hem.

Jodie added a pair of semi-sheer black tights and boosted her already impressive height with a pair of black leather heeled boots.

Looking good: Jodie Turner-Smith turned heads on Wednesday evening as she arrived at the star-studded GQ Men of the Year Awards in London

Sensational: The actress, 37, showed off her long legs in a black distressed leather minidress, which boasted a lace-up front that barely contained her ample cleavage

She accessorised with several colourful bangles and a silver chain choker, while also sporting small silver hoops and a septum ring.

Her hair was plaited into neat braids and pinned back from her face and she completed the striking look with dramatic black and silver winged eyeliner.

Her glamorous appearance comes after Jodie split from her actor husband Joshua Jackson after four years of marriage.

Sources exclusively revealed to DailyMail.com that the Dawson's Creek star, 45, 'isn't thrilled' about the termination of his marriage - while insisting that there was no foul play involved and that their union had simply 'run its course.'

The couple - who share three-year-old daughter Juno Rose Diana - noted their date of separation as September 13, according to TMZ.

However, it wasn't until last month that Jodie filed for divorce, citing 'irreconcilable differences.'

An insider said: 'Joshua is heartbroken over the impending divorce, he always thought that he would be married and grow old with his family, and everything would be happily ever after.

'He had the dream scenario in his mind, and Jodie was his person and the person he thought he would be with forever.'

Separated: Her glamorous appearance comes after Jodie split from her actor husband Joshua Jackson after four years of marriage (pictured together in 2022)

Split: The couple - who share three-year-old daughter Juno Rose Diana - noted their date of separation as September 13, according to TMZ, but it wasn't until last month that Jodie filed for divorce (pictured together in 2019)

The source added that Joshua's primary concern is his young child as the Canadian actor now looks ahead to a life of co-parenting.

The insider continued: 'He never wanted this for their daughter. They both are great parents and will continue to be, he just hates that they won't be together as a couple for their daughter anymore. They will always be connected through her.'

The insider claimed that Joshua would love nothing more than to reunite with his estranged wife, adding: 'He would have loved nothing more than to still be with Jodie and in a perfect world would probably even take her back if she were to stop the divorce, but now that they have got to this place, he is going to have to accept it.'

The source also insisted that there had been no bad behaviour on either side, saying that the relationship had simply reached a natural end.

They said: 'Nothing horrible happened between the two like infidelity, the relationship just went its course, and it is just a sad time.

'Joshua isn't thrilled about it, but as we all know, life doesn't always work out the way you'd like it to work out.'
It has noted the doubling and quadrupling of two different types of scams

Americans are excited for the upcoming holiday season, but so too are scammers.

As Amazon gears up for its Black Friday sales and subsequent holiday spending, it has warned customers to be extra alert to prominent scams.

Increasing number of transactions offer fraudsters more opportunities to profit and ways in which they impersonate Amazon to extract valuable information.

The first scam is referred to as an email attachment scheme. According to Amazon, they have doubled in the second half of 2023 and are expected to ramp up ahead of Amazon's annual pre-Black Friday promotion, which starts on Friday.

They involve emails from a scammer pretending to be an Amazon sales representative. Included in those emails are attachments claiming their accounts will be suspended if they don't take action.

Scammers are emailing Prime members suggesting that they will need to forfeit details to rectify some issue with their account, Amazon has said

Amazon has suggested scammers will make the most of holiday shopping by calling, texting and emailing customers and asking for their personal information

The email will then direct customers to log into their Amazon accounts using a false website which the scammers can use to capture log in information.

'The bad thing isn't opening the attachment,' Scott Knapp, Amazon's director of worldwide buyer risk prevention, told CBS MoneyWatch.

'It's clicking on the link in the attachment, which goes straight to their website, where they start collecting all kinds of information.'

Another scam Amazon has warned of involves more rudimentary phishing, and has quadrupled in frquency this year.

An Amazon Prime delivery worker is seen sorting packages in an Amazon van in Queens, New York

Scammers are also calling, texting and emailing Prime members suggesting that they will need to forfeit details to rectify some issue with their account, such as an incorrect order or an account fee.

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'Coming into the holiday with big deals, they send out notices that there's problem and say contact us to straighten things out. Give us your credit card information or bank account info to verify it,' said Knapp.

He advised that customers should never follow those instructions.

'That's something we would never do. We'd never ask for that,' he said. 'People should be careful or wary when somebody is trying to make them pay for something only with a gift card. No legitimate transaction is going to require you to use gift cards. So be on the lookout for that.'

Earlier this year, an online marketplace selling millions of sets of stolen personal information for less than a dollar each was blown open as part of a sting led by FBI and Dutch investigators.
AI is one of the biggest technical advancements in recent times but it can pose a great danger to humanity by unleashing misinformation and deepfakes

After its launch last year, the generative AI tool with astoundingly diverse capabilities, the ChatGPT, has taken the world by storm. Despite its immense capabilities to improve our lives and solve humanitys problems, it has made data scientists and governments deeply worried about its potential to create a tsunami of misinformation and an atmosphere of distrust. More ominously, it may endanger democracy itself by its potential to manipulate elections through fake news and false propaganda, making it difficult to distinguish truth from falsehood, and elections in the two largest democracies are due only next year.

In March 2023, a thousand technology leaders warned in an open letter that AI posed a profound, existential threat to humanity that needed immediate regulation. The letter called for a six-month moratorium in developing powerful AI systems and called for a pause in AI development, urging that, "Powerful AI systems should be developed only once we are confident that their effects will be positive and their risks will be manageable." The pause would provide time to introduce shared safety protocols for AI systems and governments should step in to institute a moratorium, it added.

Swift government action was a slim possibility, as politicians have very little understanding of AI. However, this time at least some governments have taken the threats rather seriously. On 1st and 2nd November 2023, delegates from 27 governments around the world, as well as the heads of top artificial intelligence companies, gathered for the worlds first AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park in the UK, a picturesque venue north of London whose symbolism cannot be missed - it was home to Alan Turing during World War-II where machines devised to decode the Nazis Enigma Code formed the first blueprints for programmable computers. Among the attendees were delegates from the UN, the USA, China, the EU, and India and tech leaders from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind, Microsoft, Meta and XAI.

In 2021, European Union policymakers proposed a law, yet to be passed but designed to regulate AI technologies that might create harm including facial recognition systems, and requiring companies to conduct risk assessments of AI technologies to determine how their applications could affect health, safety and individual rights. In 2022 alone, 37 regulations mentioning AI were passed around the globe; Italy went so far as to ban ChatGPT, but little global coordination was visible otherwise. This time, the conference delegates from different countries agreed to share a common approach to identifying risks and ways to mitigate them. The "Bletchley Declaration" issued on 1st November recognised the short-term and longer-term risks of AI, affirmed the responsibility of the creators of powerful AI systems to ensure that they are safe, and committed to international collaboration on identifying and mitigating the risks.

The proceedings were held in camera, but the British PM said that on 2nd November, the USA, EU and other "like-minded" countries had reached a "landmark agreement" with select cutting-edge AI companies that models should be rigorously assessed before and after they are deployed  an agreement not signed by China, which signed the "Bletchley Declaration" the previous day. The AI companies at the Summit have agreed to give governments early access to their models to perform safety evaluations. Details are still sketchy, and the only thing we know is that both the UK and the USA would set up permanent bodies called AI Safety institutes to carry out safety evaluations and develop risk assessment guidelines for AI systems. The progress seemed to be limited, but global coordination seen at this level for the first time is a welcome feature to ensure that humanity can come together to counter the threats posed by the unlimited capabilities of AI.

At the end of the Summit, the UK which chaired the Summit, issued a statement summarising the discussions on various objectives. The major objectives of the Summit included developing a shared understanding of the risks posed by frontier AI technologies and the need for concerted action, triggering a process for international collaboration on the safety of frontier AI technologies and development of new standards to support AI-governance.

The consensus emerged on developing common and measurable international standards for safety and on governments role in testing models, not just pre- and post-deployment, but earlier in the lifecycle of the model, including in training runs of Large Language Models. Delegates also shared the ambition to unlock the significant potential of frontier AI technologies with their potential to transform economies and societies  especially in improving healthcare, education and handling environmental problems inclusively.

Currently, a fragmented and incomplete understanding of frontier AI technologies marks their development in different countries. Inclusivity means equitable realisation and distribution of the benefits of AI for all countries and across all groups, including minorities and marginalised ones; failure in this will create extreme inequality with disastrous consequences for the future. To mitigate risks, there is also a need for shared principles and codes and their standardisation. Some progress has already been achieved in this, like the 2019 OECD Recommendation on AI, and the G7-initiated Hiroshima Process under the presidency of Japan, especially the Hiroshima Process International Guiding Principles and International Code of Conduct for Organisations Developing Advanced AI Systems.

However, ensuring AI safety would require the convergence of multiple branches of activity, including skills, talent, and physical infrastructure. These are presently monopolised by advanced countries and tech giants, and without shared benefits and inclusivity, the risks cannot be mitigated. Presently there is a huge concentration of AI power within a handful of companies unwilling to let go of their stranglehold.

Profit-driven companies monopolising AI research are likely to lead to bad outcomes, and there is a raging debate about the open-sourcing of codes to address this problem. There are contrary views on this, with some pointing to the dangers of open-sourced codes in the hands of rogue state and non-state players, while others say that open-sourcing of models can accelerate safety research. In regulating AI, there are different approaches followed by different countries which are competing with each other with different objectives. While the US wants self-regulation by tech companies to promote innovation, the EU wants a risk-based approach. For China, socialist values, meaning political control, remain at the forefront of regulation. The EUs General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), effective from 2018, focuses on the privacy of personal data, and how that data can be used by AI systems. The Digital Markets Act, which has also passed, focuses on competition and will target the largest cloud players, which are essential for AI systems. US regulation is focused primarily on containing China.

Given the breakneck speed at which AI is evolving, there is also the question of what to regulate. Tech firms want only a narrow regulation, limiting scrutiny to the most powerful frontier models.

Microsoft is calling for a licensing regime requiring firms to register models that exceed certain performance thresholds. Some are advocating controlling the sale of powerful chips used to train the LLMs. The best option, as suggested by many experts, is to create a new global, neutral, non-profit international regulatory agency like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) with adequate regulatory authority to guide, coordinate and control the development of frontier AI technologies with mandatory safety standards.

Such a body must be represented by all governments with equal voting powers. That would mean involving all stakeholders, and the biggest obstacle to this would be the advanced countries and their tech companies which can make unlimited profits only so long as the others remain excluded from the cutting-edge AI technologies.

(The author, a former Director General at the Office of the Comptroller & Auditor General of India, is currently a Professor at the Arun Jaitley National Institute of Financial Management; views are personal)
A beginning can be made by providing gig workers with EVs. The Govt must support them and acknowledge their contribution to the economy

The electrification of mobility has been one of the most dominating themes of any strategic planning aimed at environmental protection and combating climate change. Yesterday, the Government of Delhi announced in principle clearance for the Delhi Motor Vehicle Aggregator and Delivery Service Provider Scheme that aims at 100% conversion of all bike taxis and electric bikes/2-wheelers deployed in last-mile delivery services to electric vehicles. Indias EV transition

There are close to 9 million formal gig workers in India (2022 data), and Niti Aayog predicts that this number will rise to 23.5 million by 2030. A rising number of people eligible to work, and lack of employment opportunities for people in the corporate world as well as considerations such as lifestyle choices, work-life balance, flexible work hours etc are leading to a surge in the gig workforce in India. These are the people who constitute the extensive last-mile delivery community for large e-commerce providers such as Amazon, and Flipkart, and food delivery apps such as Zomato and Swiggy etc. Every day millions of packages are delivered by these personnel across almost every part of the country. Whether it is a package to deliver to a customer, food to deliver, medicines, or even sending a gift to a loved one in another part of the town, or providing a bike ride home to someone, these last mile logistics warriors play a multitude of roles for the service providers and consumers alike.

It is the reliance on these gig drivers that has enabled e-commerce and food delivery platforms to build their business models. Since they are informal, and contractual hires, most of the gig drivers dont have regular employee privileges such as fixed salaries, medical benefits, Provident Fund, paid leaves and insurance etc. In most cases, they are the owners of the bikes they use for the delivery work and get paid for fuel and effort as per the companys terms and conditions. Essentially, they run the growth of these businesses, but they are the least protected, and the first to be exposed if the company decides to cut operational costs, or the authorities take restrictive positions such as banning bike-taxis in Delhi and Bengaluru etc.

Caring for the drivers

The majority of the millions of gig workers operating in the bike taxi and last-mile delivery segments have purchased the vehicles out of their own pockets or by taking vehicle loans. They need to pay EMIs, pay for fuel, and then hopefully make enough money to earn a good living for themselves and their families. In such a scenario, the ongoing bike-taxi ban and the proposal to compulsorily convert all these vehicles to EVs can cause a major concern for the millions of existing and upcoming gig drivers. Environmental benefits notwithstanding, we could essentially be driving millions of gig workers out of their only source of employment if they are forced to pay up for acquiring EVs at a time when they are already paying EMIs for their existing vehicles that they cant even use for work.

Companies like Amazon, Swiggy, Zomato, Flipkart, Uber, Ola and others need to bring the gig workers under the coverage of certain employment benefits such as health and life insurance, and easy lending/financing for the EVs they are asked to purchase.

When the gig workers are assured of getting steady incomes, and freed from the burden of paying higher EMIs, they will find it more viable to make the switch. The state and central governments also need to acknowledge the contributions and the critical nature of these gig workers. Laws and policies mandating minimum wages, and legal protection of their rights at par with other skilled or unskilled workforces covered under Indian labour laws, must be provided.

(The writer is CEO and Co-founder of Chargeup; views expressed are personal)
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju will represent India at the oath-taking ceremony of Maldivian President-elect Mohamed Muizzu on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced. The Maldives had invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the ceremony.

Widely seen as a pro-China leader, Muizzu will take charge as the Maldivian president on Friday.

At the invitation of the President-elect of Maldives Mohamed Muizzu, Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Earth Sciences will visit Maldives from 16-18 November to represent India at the inaugural ceremony of the presidency, the MEA said.

It said the high-level ministerial representation at the inaugural ceremony underscores Indias commitment to further deepening the substantive cooperation and robust people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Maldives is Indias key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean region and occupies a special place in the prime ministers vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the Neighbourhood First Policy, the MEA said in a statement.

Widely seen as a pro-China leader, Muizzu defeated incumbent President Ibrahim Solih in the presidential runoff in September. Modi had attended the swearing-in ceremony of incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in September 2018. His visit to the Maldives had laid the foundation for strong ties between the two countries.

After winning the election, Muizzu has maintained that he will keep his election promise of evicting Indian military personnel from his country.

The Maldives is one of Indias key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region and the overall bilateral ties including in areas of defence and security have been on an upward trajectory in the last few years. Solih had been consistently focusing on boosting ties with India and was pursuing an India First policy.

In May, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Maldives during which he handed over a fast patrol vessel and a landing craft to the island nation.

In August last year, Prime Minister Modi and Solih kick-started the India-funded Greater Male connectivity project, billed as the largest infrastructure initiative in the island nation.

Under the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) project, a 6.74-km-long bridge and causeway link will be built to connect the capital city Male with adjoining islands of Villingli, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi. The Maldives is also one of the biggest beneficiaries of Indias Neighbourhood First policy.
Memories of the chilling horror in Bagtui resurfaced, this time in Baluakhali village of Jainagar block in South 24 Parganas. At least 16 houses belonging to CPI(M) workers were set ablaze, and their properties, including livestock and cash, were looted. Inmates, including women, were beaten and molested, leaving many of them injured and homeless. This incident occurred hours after a local Panchayat-level Trinamool Congress leader was shot dead by unknown miscreants. One of the murderers was also chased, caught and lynched by the alleged TMC in front of a large posse of police force that allowed the incidents to take place before conducting raids.

Things started in the small hours of Monday when Saifuddin Laskar, a TMC Panchayat member and a local party strongman was shot dead.

According to sources, Laskar (43) was on the way to a local mosque when miscreants opened fire at him. He died enroute to hospital, sources said.

Soon after the firing incident local TMC men gathered and chased the assailants catching two of them. While one of them was arrested the other was lynched, sources said adding they confessed to having been paid for the murder.

While the incident took place at 5.30 am by 7.30 am about 300 people attacked Baluakhali village 5 km away looting and burning properties, molesting women beating and stealing away their livestock and cash, locals said adding they were poor people who knew nothing of the murder and who were being targeted because we are CPI(M) supporters.

Even as TMC MP Shantanu Sen called it a public outrage where people spontaneously came out of their houses and attacked the miscreants ...the party is not involved in this act, adding the murder was a CPI(M) handiwork to regain its toehold in the area. Joynagar MLA Biswanath Das too lashed out at the CPIM, accusing the party of bringing back violence in politics. Laskars father too accused the CPI(M) for the murder saying, my sons only fault was that he was in the TMC.

However Baruipur MLA Bivas Sarkar who was one of the first senior leaders to rush to the spot said, some armed miscreants murdered him while he was going to offer his namaz.

But accusing the TMC and Laskar of running a mafia raj in the area CPIM leadership said this murder is the result of one of their numerous intra-party rivalries ... this was a murder to get control over the mafia empire much like Bagtui where 10 people were burnt to death after a similar murder of a TMC leader ... The TMC men are fighting for their shares in the booties ... we want a thorough investigation into the matter, CPIM central committee member Sujan Chakraborty said, adding the TMC were trying to frame the poor villagers for their CPI(M) leanings.

State ADG Law and Order who later visited the area said investigations are on ... and the guilty from both the sides will be apprehended soon. District SP Palash Dhali rejected the allegations that police were mere onlookers as the raiders torched the houses.
Israeli forces raided Gazas largest hospital early Wednesday, where hundreds of patients, including newborns, have been stranded with dwindling supplies and no electricity, as the army extended its control across Gaza City and the north.

Shifa Hospital has become a symbol of the widespread suffering of Palestinian civilians during the war between Israel and Hamas, which erupted after the militant group killed some 1,200 people and seized around 240 captives in a surprise October 7 attack into southern Israel.

The hospital is also at the heart of clashing narratives over who is to blame for the thousands of deaths and widespread destruction in the besieged territory.

Israel accuses Hamas of using Palestinians as human shields, while Palestinians and rights groups say Israel has recklessly endangered civilians as it seeks to eradicate the group.

Mohammed Zaqout, the director of hospitals in Gaza, said Israeli tanks had entered the medical compound and that soldiers had entered buildings including the emergency and surgery departments, which house intensive care units.

The occupation forces stormed the buildings, he said angrily over the phone.

He said the patients, including children, are terrified. They are screaming. Its a very terrifying situation ... We can do nothing for the patients but pray.

The Israeli military said it was carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in the Shifa Hospital. It said it warned relevant authorities in Gaza that all military activities within the hospital must cease. Unfortunately, it did not.

Israel says Hamas has a massive command center inside and beneath Shifa, but has not provided visual evidence, while Hamas and the hospital staff have repeatedly denied the allegations. Hours before the raid, the United States said it had its own intelligence suggesting Hamas used Shifa and other hospitals, and tunnels beneath them, to support military operations and hold hostages.

The military said the forces raiding Shifa have medical teams and are searching for hostages as part of the operation. Israeli forces also claimed control of several key buildings and a downtown neighborhood in Gaza City.

Most of the hundreds of thousands of people living in Gaza City and surrounding areas have fled after weeks of Israeli bombardments.

Hardly any aid has been delivered to the the north, which has been without power or running water for weeks.
With precious time ticking away to save the lives of 40 labourers stranded in the under-construction tunnel in Silkyara of Uttarkashi since Sunday morning, the authorities have intensified the rescue operation.

After the drill machine involved in the plan to insert a steel pipe of 900 mm diameter in order to create an escape conduit for the trapped workers developed a snag the authorities have now decided to induct heavy equipment capable of drilling through the debris at a faster pace.

This equipment was airlifted by three C1-30 aircrafts of Indian Air Force (IAF) to the Chinyalisaur airstrip located on India China border in Uttarkashi district on Wednesday afternoon.

The equipment is now being transported to the accident site and is expected to reach there on Wednesday night.

A team of experts has also reached the spot to operate the heavy but state of the art drilling equipment.

The director of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) Anshu Manish Khalkho told media-persons at the accident site that the machine will speed up the task of drilling.

He said the pipe has already been inserted into the debris. The officer supervising the operation said once installed the heavy drill machine will be able to drill at a rate of four to five meter in an hour.

He expressed hope that the machine will be able to push the steel pipe (which is broad enough for the workers to come out) in ten to twelve hours.

He said the rescuers are in contact with the trapped labourers by two pipes through which food and oxygen is being infused.

The officer said the rescue team is working round the clock to save the precious lives.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh has said the incident is a major challenge for the authorities. In a statement to the officials he said we should face the challenge successfully with courage and patience.

Khalkho, however, said it was not possible to specify a definite time frame for the evacuation of the trapped labourers but effort was on to make a headway at the earliest and rescue them all safely. Constant communication is being maintained, he added.

On Sunday, November 12, debris trapped 40 labourers in the under construction 4531 meter long tunnel in Silkyara between Dharasu and Badkot on Yamunotri national highway.

According to a list of the trapped workers issued by the emergency operation centre, 15 are from Jharkhand, eight from Uttar Pradesh, five from Odisha, four from Bihar, three from West Bengal, two each from Uttarakhand and Assam, and one from Himachal Pradesh.

Tuesdays landslide and slow performance of the drilling machine deployed earlier hampered efforts to insert steel pipes through the tunnels debris to create the passage, the NHIDCL director added.
In the wake of a stern rebuke from the Supreme Court, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab Government has taken decisive action by formally requesting the prorogation of the Budget session of the Punjab Assembly, held in March this year. The move comes following the Apex Courts criticism of the Governments persistent adjournment of the session sine die, instead of adhering to the constitutionally-mandated prorogation.

The Supreme Court had expressed dissatisfaction with the delay in seeking prorogation and underscored the seriousness of the situation, emphasizing that the Governor Banwarilal Purohit was indefinitely sitting over certain bills passed by the Assembly.

The court had also raised concerns about the Governments repeated adjournment of the Budget session sine die, urging adherence to established parliamentary norms. Despite this criticism, the Court had acknowledged the Speakers supremacy in managing the House's proceedings.

Following the Supreme Court's rebuke, the AAP Government has now swiftly moved to address the concerns raised by formally writing to the Governor, urging the prorogation of the Budget session. The official communication from the Vidhan Sabha secretariat to the Governor came after the government provided the necessary approval for this significant procedural step.

Under parliamentary rules, an assembly session is adjourned sine die by the Speaker, signifying the conclusion of the session without specifying a date for the next sitting. Typically, this is succeeded by the Governors formal prorogation of the session. The decision to prorogue the Budget session aligns with the constitutional imperative to streamline legislative processes and navigate the complex legal landscape arising from the impasse between the Punjab Government and the Governor.

The move to prorogue the session is seen as a strategic maneuver to break the deadlock and pave the way for a more effective functioning of the legislative machinery in Punjab.

The winter session of the Punjab Assembly, anticipated to convene in the last week of November, is expected to set the stage for crucial legislative deliberations.

The Supreme Court's intervention has not only brought attention to the procedural irregularities in the adjournment of the Budget session but has also underscored the need for adherence to established parliamentary norms.

The legal tussle between the Punjab Government and the Governor over the assent to bills passed by the assembly has been deemed a matter of serious concern by the Apex Court, further emphasizing the significance of resolving the impasse for the effective functioning of the legislative process in Punjab.

The development unfolds against the backdrop of the Budget session, initially convened in March, which was adjourned sine die without subsequent prorogation. The state Government's efforts to navigate this constitutional deadlock have included convening special sessions as extensions of the Budget session, leading to the passage of crucial bills.

However, Governor Purohit has withheld assent to several bills, citing the sessions illegality. The legal wrangling reached its peak during a two-day session in October, which the Governor deemed bound to be illegal. The State Government, in response, decided to move the Supreme Court against the Governor for withholding approval to three significant bills slated for tabling during the session.

After the Government approached the Supreme Court, Governor Purohit subsequently gave approval to two of the three bills, underscoring the intensity of the legal and political tensions surrounding legislative processes in Punjab.

After the Marchs budget session, the State Government had convened a special session on June 19 and 20 which was the extension of the Budget session. Four bills  the Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2023; the Punjab Universities Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023; the Punjab Police (Amendment) Bill, 2023; and the Punjab Affiliated Colleges (Security of Service) Amendment Bill, 2023  were passed, but are yet to be approved by the Governor who called the June session patently illegal.

In October, the State Government again called a two-day session  also projected as an extension of the Budget session. At the time, Purohit had declared that the October 20-21 session was bound to be illegal, and any business conducted during it unlawful. During the session, the Government was to table the Punjab Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (Amendment) Bill, 2023; the Punjab Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023; and the Indian Stamp (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2023, but the Governor withheld his approval to the three money bills.

BOX

The prorogation of a legislative body, such as the Vidhan Sabha (State Legislative Assembly), involves a formal procedure. Following is a step-by-step explanation of the process:

 The Speaker initiates the prorogation process after adjourning the Vidhan Sabha sine die (means 'without day')

 The Assembly is adjourned without setting a date for the next meeting

 The Speaker communicates the adjournment decision to the Governor, recommending prorogation

 The Governor formally approves the prorogation based on constitutional norms

 A formal notification is issued, officially declaring the prorogation of the Vidhan Sabha

 Prorogation signifies the end of pending legislative business from the previous session
In the backdrop of severe air quality in the national Capital, Delhi Congress president Arvinder Singh Lovely on Wednesday charged the Central and Delhi Governments with deliberate neglect of the people of the city. Moreover, leaders of both these Governments were busy in election campaigning in other states, instead of tackling Delhis woes, he said.

The State Congress president made these claims after convening a meeting of Delhi Congress Shadow Cabinet, consisting of former Ministers of the Congress Government, at the DPCC office here to discuss air pollution in Delhi.

Two resolutions were also unanimously passed at the meeting. The first resolution requested the Lt. Governor and the Delhi Chief Minister to convene an all-party meeting to discuss air pollution. Second resolution sought setting up of a high-powered monitoring committee headed by a Supreme Court judge, and consisting of Environmental experts and Civil Society.

Addressing a press conference, Lovely said it was the duty of the Delhi Congress, as a responsible Opposition party, to wake up the sleeping BJP and AAP Governments, as the Central and Delhi Governments lacked a holistic policy to tackle air pollution. He said even the Delhi Cabinet did not bother to discuss the matter, and Congress did not want to leave the people to their own fate, but come up with a solution.

Lovely said the primary reason for Delhis air pollution was the Delhi Government's failure to expand the DTC bus fleet and its failure to ensure last mile connectivity to metro, because of which more two-wheelers hit the roads in large numbers, boosting the air pollution levels.
There is no love lost among the INDIA bloc partners, as Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav fired a fresh salvo against the Congress, questioning why the previous Congress-led governments did not conduct a caste census when they were in power.

Yadavs comment highlights the differences between the two parties that are part of the mega Opposition front, seeking to put up a united fight against the Bharatiya Janata Party in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Akhilesh Yadav while campaigning for the Madhya Pradesh state assembly elections said that previous Congress governments did not act on this due to their faulty policies. He taunted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his X-ray remark over the caste census demand. At a rally in Madhya Pradesh, Rahul Gandhi reiterated his call for caste census and termed the exercise an X-ray that would give details of various communities in the country. Asked about this, Yadav said the Congresss demand for a caste census was a miracle.

X-ray was necessary at that time. Now, we have MRI and CT scans. The disease has already spread. If this problem had been solved back then, such a gap wouldn't exist in society today, he said.

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, he quipped.

Akhilesh Yadav slammed the Congress for not conducting caste census after India attained independence. When Netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav), Sharad Yadav, Lalu Prasad Yadav and parties from South India raised the demand in Lok Sabha, the Congress refused to accept it, he said.

Why do they want to conduct caste census today? Because they know that their traditional vote bank is not with them. But the backward classes, Dalit and adivasis know that Congress had betrayed them after Independence, he added.

Lately, Akhilesh Yadav has been training his guns on the Congress, asserting that the grand old party did not wish to ally with his outfit after their relations soured over seat-sharing for the November 17 Madhya Pradesh elections.

Earlier, Akhilesh Yadav had alleged that the Congress did not implement the Mandal Commission recommendations and had opposed the caste census.

In another rally he said that neither Congress nor BJP had done anything for the poor and farmers when they were in power in the state. A poster war had also erupted between the two parties after a poster claiming Akhilesh Yadav as the countrys future prime minister was put up outside a Samajwadi Party office. Soon after, a similar poster describing Rahul Gandhi as the 2024 prime minister surfaced outside a Congress office in Lucknow.

Caste census has become a major political issue with the Opposition getting more vocal over it ahead of the general elections next year. Even the BJP, which earlier opposed a national caste census, has now hinted at softening its stand. Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently said BJP never opposed the idea of a caste census, but would take a decision after extensive consultations. The Bihar government last week tabled the full report of its contentious state-wide caste survey. Incidentally, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, another key contender in the INDIA bloc, had blocked a call for caste census by her Bihar counterpart Nitish Kumar at a meeting of Opposition parties in Mumbai earlier this year.
Delhi Water Minister Atishi on Wednesday inspected the underground water reservoir and floodplain project in Palla. The Kejriwal government is establishing an 8 MGD MGR that will ensure a water supply of 40 MGD of water daily at its full capacity in Palla.

During the inspection, Atishi directed officials to conclude the pending work promptly and initiate the operation of this reservoir. The Kejriwal government's Palla Floodplain Project has been successful for the fourth consecutive year, resulting in an increase of up to 1.2 meters in the groundwater level. Under this project, a pond spread across 26 acres recharged 740 million gallons of groundwater in the fiscal year 2022-23, the government said in a statement.

The Palla Floodplain Project spans 40 acres, featuring a pond on 26 acres designed to collect floodwater, utilized to enhance groundwater levels in Delhi. Under this project, the pond, spread across 26 acres, recharged 740 million gallons of groundwater in the fiscal year 2022-23. The Water Minister added.

Atishi shared that almost every year during the monsoon, the Yamuna River, which flows through the capital, experiences flooding, leading to millions of liters of water flowing from the Yamuna.

In response, the Kejriwal government initiated the environment-friendly Palla Floodplain Project 4 years ago to collect the excess flood water from the river during the monsoon season, located near the Yamuna River in flood-prone areas. Under this initiative, a pond spanning 26 acres was created to collect floodwater. This water is being utilized to augment the groundwater in the capital, it said.

The Water Minister said, To determine the quantity of the rise in groundwater levels, 33 piezometers have also been installed. The primary objective of the Palla Floodplain Project is to accumulate floodwater, allowing the year-round utilization of the stored water to enhance the groundwater level. The successful outcomes of this project demonstrate the rapid recharge of groundwater, affirming its effectiveness. This project will not only benefit Delhi but will also serve as an excellent example for states grappling with drought and water scarcity across the country.

Project to install 200 tube wells in the Palla flood-prone area, with 60 tube wells already in place, will help alleviate water shortage in various parts of the city.
Last date for enrolling as SGPC voter extended to Feb 29, 2024

Chandigarh: The last date for enrolling as a voter to vote in the SGPC elections has been extended from November 15, 2023, to February 29, 2024. While releasing the revised schedule on Wednesday, Gurudwara Elections Commissioner Gurkirat Kirpal Singh said that following directives received from Gurudwara Elections Chief Commissioner Justice (Retd) SS Saron, the schedule has been released, and the respective Deputy Commissioners of all the districts would ensure publication of preliminary rolls by March 21, 2024; while the last date for receiving claims and objections is April 11, next year. The date of final publication of the rolls would be May 3, 2024.

Appointment letters given to 13 newly-appointed candidates of PWRMDC

Chandigarh: Punjab Water Resources Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer on Wednesday handed over the appointment letters to the newly-appointed 13 candidates of the Punjab Water Resources Management and Development Corporation (PWRMDC). They included five junior engineers, two Ziledar, four clerks, and two tubewell operators. Congratulating them, Hayer said that this is the result of their hard work and now they should work diligently in the Department. The State Government has provided jobs to more than 36,000 youth, so far, and providing employment to the youth is the top priority of the government.

Majithia demands SC-monitored probe into allegations against DSGMC ex-president Sirsa

Chandigarh: SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia on Wednesday demanded a Supreme Court monitored probe into the allegations against Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) former president Manjinder Singh Sirsa regarding misuse of gurdwara funds and indulging in money laundering. Majithia, answering a media query, said: This is a very disturbing development. It is for the first time ever that such an allegation has been made about misuse of guru ki golak and the matter needs to be probed impartially. With Sirsa being BJPs national secretary and close to both the Prime Minister and the Home Minister, central agencies may not be able to conduct a free and fair probe in the case. Thus, the SC should monitor the investigation into these allegations and bring out the truth in the case in a time-bound manner, he said.

Augmented reality exhibition gets underway at Alliance Francaise

Chandigarh: The Alliance Francaise de Chandigarh, an official French language and culture centre in Chandigarh, in partnership with the Embassy of France in India, will be presenting an extraordinary digital spectacle embracing modern art and technology to Chandigarh people until November 21. Exhibitions curator Aurelien Jeanney said that via Midi Minuit, an augmented reality exhibition, people will witness 11 posters. Meanwhile, there will be a conference with Aurelien (Lets talk with Aurelien Jeanney) on November 15 in the evening at 5:30 pm and a guided tour with virtual reality, Paris Behind the Scenes from 12 noon to 1 pm from November 16 to 21.
On the third day of his election campaign in Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister 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.

Criticising Congress for its failure in providing security and development, Yogi questioned the value of carrying the burden of such a party. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shivraj Singh Chouhan for the development that transformed Madhya Pradesh from a BIMARU state to a developed one in the last 20 years.

The chief minister urged the public to support the Bharatiya Janata Party candidates emphasising the accomplishments of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Referring to the Deepotsav in Ayodhya, he asserted that in Congress rule, such festivities and the construction of the Ram temple would not have been possible.

Yogi highlighted the historical alliance of the Kol community with Lord Ram during the crisis, accusing Congress of misleading various communities. Emphasising Modis inclusive development approach, he accused Congress of deception, stating that there is no need to give them importance.

Yogi, campaigning for BJP candidates Arvind Pataria from Rajnagar and Dilip Ahirwar from Chandla, expressed satisfaction with the Municipal Council being named after Lav Kush. He highlighted the shift in global perception towards India since 2014, noting the countrys emergence on a new path.

With only one MLA for Bahujan Samaj Party and two for Congress out of 403 seats in Uttar Pradesh, Yogi said that the people of UP had understood them, advocating against letting the parties open their accounts in Madhya Pradesh.

Now, extortion and hooliganism are non-existent. 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.

The chief minister also held a rally in support of BJP candidate Arvind Singh Bhadauria from the Ater assembly constituency and Narendra Singh Kushwaha, the candidate from Bhind. He said: If you take them to Bhopal, they will bring you to Ayodhya.

Yogi Adityanath reiterated the commitment to fulfill the promise of bringing Ram Lalla and removing the structure of slavery, which had been accomplished. He also announced the date of January 22, 2024, for the grand installation of Maryada Purushottam Prabhu Shri Ram in his temple.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met a group of children from Digvijaynath Taekwondo Training Centre on the occasion of Childrens Day at a programme held in Gorakhpur on Tuesday and wished them a bright future.

The children presented roses to the CM while the latter gave them chocolates. The chief minister also expressed Childrens Day greetings through social media platform X. Happy Childrens 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, he wrote.

Earlier in the day, he held a Janata Darshan for the second consecutive day and listened to the problems of around 200 people. Assuring them prompt and satisfactory solutions, the CM told them not to worry or feel distressed about anything.

Quick aid should be provided to every affected person. Take strict legal measures against encroachers. Try to resolve family disputes based on mutual understanding, he said.

For those seeking financial aid for treatment of diseases, CM Yogi instructed the officials concerned 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 Ministers Discretionary Fund for their treatment.

Earlier on Monday, Yogi instructed the police and administration officials to listen to public issues with seriousness and sensitivity and ensure satisfactory solutions. He also assured people that the government would provide effective solutions to every problem.

After celebrating Diwali with members of the Vantangiya community on Sunday, the chief minister met about 300 people at the Janata Darshan in front of Mahant Digvijaynath Smriti Bhawan at the Gorakhnath temple in Gorakhpur. Yogi was all ears to the problems of all the visitors and gave necessary directions to the officials concerned for prompt and satisfactory solutions.

Yogi referred the prayer letters to the authorities concerned and assured people that no injustice would be done to anyone during his tenure.

In response to the complaints related to crime and land grabbing, the chief minister instructed the officials to take stern action against criminals and land mafia. He further said that stringent action should be taken against the mafia grabbing others land.

The CM assured help to all those seeking financial assistance from the government. Handing over their applications to the officials concerned, he said the estimated treatment costs should be made available to the government as soon as possible.

A woman had come with cataracts in both the eyes of her daughter. The CM assured the woman that the government would ensure her daughters treatment. He directed the officials concerned to make arrangements for free cataract surgeries in a district hospital or medical college.
The Gurugram Cyber Police Station of Haryana Police have arrested 53 persons for their alleged involvement in cyber fraud cases during the month of October. The Police official spokesperson said that 12,669 complaints have been filed against these accused across various states in India, including Haryana. The investigation has revealed a widespread network of cyber fraudsters utilizing 74 SIM cards to perpetrate fraudulent activities amounting to a staggering Rs 56 crore.



Deputy Commissioner of Police Gurugram, Siddhant Jain said that during Cyber Crime Awareness Month, a concerted effort resulted in the arrest of 53 accused across 22 distinct cases, showcasing the proactive approach of the Cyber Police in safeguarding the digital realm.



Out of the 12,669 complaints received, 469 cases have been registered nationwide, with 22 cases specifically in Gurugram. The Gurugram Cyber Police, has successfully unraveled a total defrauded amount of Rs 55,86,46,215, he added.



DCP further said that the investigation is currently underway, meticulously scrutinizing the devices recovered from the arrested cybercriminals. Gurugram Police is collaborating closely with the Indian Cyber Crime Co-ordinate Center (I4C) to share crucial information related to mobile phones, SIM cards, laptops, or other electronic devices. This collaborative effort plays a vital role in identifying the extent of fraud incidents, the affected states, the amount defrauded, and the number of victims.



Jain urged the public to exercise extreme caution and avoid sharing personal information related to their bank accounts under any circumstances. Such preventive measures are essential to safeguard individuals from falling prey to cyber fraud, contributing significantly to the collective effort to curb cybercrimes.



As part of this ongoing effort, Haryana Police is intensifying its crackdown on cybercriminals through enhanced collaboration with bank nodal officers, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring the security of individuals and their financial assets, he added.
With the nationwide commencement of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra- a transformative initiative aimed at reaching the unreached and ensuring effective outreach of government schemes- the Governor Lt General ( Retd) Gurmit Singh flagged of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra van from Raj Bhavan in Dehradun on Wednesday. Addressing the programme, he said that that the government has taken a pledge to make India a developed nation by 2047 and this sankalp yatra is meant to make a route for developed Bharat by 2047. Notably, in Uttarakhand, the Viksit Bharat Yatra has been inaugurated in two districtsDehradun and Udham Singh Nagar-which have substantial tribal population. The Governor further said that the yatra was being launched on the day observed as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas marking the birth anniversary of Adivasi legend Bhagwan Birsa Munda. He spoke of the monumental role played by Munda in the tribal awakening movement. Referring to the speech of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jharkahnds Khunti, the Governor said that women, farmers, youth and middle class and poor of India are the principal pillars on which developed Bharat would be founded. He also wished the people of Jharkhand on their statehood day.

In Udham Singh Nagar, the State cabinet minister Ganesh Joshi flagged off the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra van from Sitarganj. While addressing those gathered at the programme, he said that this yatra would reach the last man of the society so that people are aware of the welfare schemes being rolled out and run by the government of India. He further said that this yatra is meant to pave the path for developed Bharat by 2047.

While dwelling on the significance of this yatra, a senior State government officer said that its focus is reaching out to people and creating awareness about the slew of welfare schemes dished out by the government like 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 so as to enable them to derive benefits from them. He further said that the yatra aims to ensure saturation and publicity of the governmentlaunched welfare schemes in 18 gram panchayats in Dehradun district and 38 gram panchayats in Udham Singh Nagar districts.
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva and MP Manoj Tiwari on Wednesday accused the Arvind Kejriwal Government of disrupting the arrangements of Chhath festival, a symbol of faith and culture.

Sachdeva said in the name of preparations for Chhath Puja, a symbol of faith and tradition, the Arvind Kejriwal government is trying to do appeasement. Since the formation of the government of late Madan Lal Khurana in 1993, Chhath Puja started being celebrated with great pomp in Delhi, but after the Arvind Kejriwal government came to power it has been playing with Purvanchali sentiments. Sachdeva said in the name of cleaning Yamuna river, Delhi Government has committed corruption and today the condition of Yamuna River is worse than before.

The BJP president said the Kejriwal government is playing with the faith of Hindus and especially the Purvanchalis. He said on one hand Arvind Kejriwal's ministers are making new announcements regarding the preparations for Chhath Puja, while on the other hand the Kejriwal government has given an affidavit in the court saying that Yamuna can get polluted due to Chhath festival.

State Vice President Dinesh Pratap Singh said the Arvind Kejriwal government starts worrying about pollution in Delhi as soon as Diwali starts and it continues till Chhath Puja, whereas the people of Delhi remain troubled for the whole 12 months due to pollution.
Loyola Junior School marked the 23rd Jharkhand Diwas on Wednesday, with a jubilant celebration that not only commemorated the formation of the state but also coincided with the birth anniversary of the revered tribal leader, Birsa Munda. The school campus was adorned with enthusiasm and pride as students showcased the rich cultural tapestry of Jharkhand.

The festivities commenced with a captivating introduction to the various tribal communities that enrich the diverse landscape of Jharkhand. Students meticulously curated an exhibit that brought to life the indigenous people's lifestyle, traditions, and unique customs. The vibrant display served as a visual testament to the cultural wealth embedded in the state's tribal heritage.

Adding a melodic touch to the celebration, the school's choir group enthralled the audience with a soulful tribal song, filling the air with musical sounds that set the stage for a cheerful ambiance. The cultural extravaganza continued with a mesmerizing tribal dance, offering a glimpse into the rituals, festivals, and daily activities of the indigenous communities.

The programme aimed to provide students with a profound insight into the significant contributions made by Jharkhand's tribal communities. It shed light on their crucial roles in the growth and development of society. The event concluded with a thoughtful address by Vineeta F. Ekka, vice principal of the Junior Section, underscoring the importance of preserving and honoring the state's diverse cultural heritage.

In the senior school assembly, Resham Raj of Std XII delivered a stirring speech, recounting the struggles of tribal leaders in their fight for the statehood of Jharkhand. Raj spoke with pride about the rich and diverse culture of the Adivasis, emphasizing the state's abundant mineral resources. Jayanthi Sheshadri, Vice Principal of the senior section, expressed her pride in belonging to such a unique state and urged students to work towards making Jharkhand proud through their endeavors.

The celebration at Loyola Junior School not only paid homage to the formation of Jharkhand but also instilled a sense of pride and responsibility in the students to carry forward the legacy of their unique cultural heritage.
In an apparent move aimed at polarisation of the community ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind president Maulana Syed Arshad Madani has urged the Muslim community to establish separate schools for Muslim girls in India.

Maulana Madani said that the Muslim girls were being targeted deliberately and that they need to go to separate Muslim schools.

He was speaking at a conference held in Deoband in Saharanpur district, organised by Jamiat, an organisation of Muslim clerics. Over 1,000 Muslim clerics from 17 districts of western Uttar Pradesh participated in the one-day conference.

During the conference, Maulana Arshad Madani made controversial statements on a variety of issues, including the Israel-Palestine conflict and rising communalism.

Madani said that communalism in India had increased due to the Israel-Hamas war.

The Palestinian people are fighting for their freedom while Israel wants to enslave them. Freedom of any country is not achieved just like that but by making sacrifices, he said.

The maulana said that innocent people were dying as a result of Israels barbaric actions and even innocent children were not being spared.

Maulana Arshad Madani, however, cautioned the community from raising provocative slogans on the ongoing war in West Asia. He added that people who raise communal slogans should consider that they are only working against the national interests.
Police took out procession of the miscreant who attacked the supervisor and security guards of Hamidia Hospital with a knife.

The accused was arrested with a sharp edge weapon near the VIP guest house soon after the incident. During the procession, the miscreant said that committing Apradh Karna Paap, Police Hamari Baap' (crime is a sin, the police our father).

Notorious criminal Laiq alias Pehalwan (40) is the watch list goon of Talaiya police. On Tuesday evening, Laiq reached Hamidia Hospital and argued with the security guards. When the guard and supervisor protested against this, he attacked him with a knife. Three guards including the supervisor were seriously injured in this attack. The police had registered a case of attempt to murder against the accused.
In a disturbing turn of events, the Sirhind Railway Station in Fatehgarh Sahib witnessed a wave of chaos and vandalism as hundreds of passengers expressed their frustration by vandalizing the station premises. The upheaval ensued after a Chhath special train, bound for Bihar, was abruptly canceled.

According to the Northern Railways, the cancellation was attributed to a delay in the arrival of the connecting rake, causing the train to be put back at 3 in the morning. The railway authorities asserted that regular announcements were made at the station to keep passengers informed.

The Chhath special train was introduced by the Railways to facilitate travel for the upcoming Chhath Puja festival, predominantly celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Uttar Pradesh. The special trains aimed to provide a convenient journey for residents working in other parts of India to return home for the festival, discouraging unreserved and roof-traveling practices.

One of these special trains, originating from Punjabs Sirhind and destined for Bihars Katihar, was scheduled to depart on Tuesday.

Reports suggest that irate passengers resorted to stone-pelting at Sirhind Railway Station following the cancellation of the special train. The video footage captured the chaos, with travelers gathered on platforms and railway tracks, throwing stones at railway police and some parked passenger trains.

The incident comes merely three days after a tragic episode at Surat railway station in Gujarat, where a Bihar-bound special train for Chhath witnessed chaos during boarding, resulting in the death of a 40-year-old man and hospitalization of two others.

In response to the escalating situation at Sirhind Railway Station, a sizable contingent of Government Railway Police (GRP) was dispatched to regain control. Despite the widespread agitation, the Railway managed to arrange for the Chhath Puja special train, which departed from Sirhind at 3 am, heading for Bihar. No legal cases have been registered in connection with the incident.

The disgruntled passengers, bound for Bihar, staged a protest against the non-arrival of the Chhath Puja special train on Tuesday night, venting their frustration by pelting stones at a passenger train stationed at Sirhind Railway Station. Passengers expressed disappointment with the railways, stating that despite purchasing tickets at premium rates, they were not provided with adequate facilities. Railway officials assured the passengers that their tickets remained valid and could be utilized on the train scheduled for the following day.

Sirhind GRP police station in-charge Gurdarshan Singh clarified that the passenger unrest stemmed from rumours about the train's cancellation. He affirmed that a special train did eventually arrive at Sirhind Railway Station at 3 am, and all passengers successfully boarded. The situation has been brought under control, and no formal case has been registered.
Agriculture and rural development can alleviate poverty by creating jobs, increasing incomes, ensuring food security, and promoting social development.

Rural development does not mean merely infrastructure and agriculture development of the rural areas, it should encompass healthcare, education, farm inputs, and market access as well, said Dr Davish Jain, National President of the Center for Education Growth and Research, New Delhi, while addressing a technical session on Rural Development and Agriculture during a national workshop on `Indian Development Model' organized by the NITI Aayog in association with EGROW.

He said India's economy heavily relies on agriculture, with 60% of the population dependent on it, though it contributes only 20% to the GDP.

Progress has been made in rural development and agriculture in the last decade, including increased agricultural GDP, food grain production, and reduced rural poverty. However, despite encouraging progress in the agriculture sector and rural development in the country, India's agro sector is still facing challenges like low productivity of agriculture produce, small land holdings, lack of modern technology, and post-harvest losses.

To overcome these challenges, we need increased investment in research, promote land consolidation, improve technology access, to reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance market linkages, Dr Jain added.

To boost soybean and oil seeds productivity in the country, Dr Jain, who is also the Chairman of the Soybean Processors Association of India, underlined the need for promoting research and development for development of high-yielding and climate-resilient soybean and oil seed varieties, providing training, technical assistance to farmers on modern soybean and oil seed.

and promoting the use of certified seeds and fertilizers to improve soybean and oil seed productivity. He said that addressing these challenges can drive India's economic growth and self-reliance. The workshop was also addressed by eminent academicians, bureaucrats, and the Government of India.
In view of recent reports of illegal transactions (Sale/Lease/License) involving properties of SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP), falsely representing themselves as either the property owners or agents of SAIL-RSP, the authorities have cautioned against engaging in any such transactions.

The public have been informed and cautioned against engaging in any transactions related to Properties (Land/Building/Houses) with the Lessee/Licensee of Steel Authority of India Limited, Rourkela Steel Plant (SAIL-RSP) without its explicit consent.

The General public is also strongly advised to exercise caution and refrain from entering into any dealings with such individuals. In the event that anyone occupies SAIL-RSP properties through such transactions, legal action under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act 1971 will be initiated against the trespasser at their own cost and risk.

Moreover, it has been observed that some unscrupulous persons are engaging in unlawful activities on RSP Land, including: Encroachment on RSP Land and Vacant Quarters, Placing unauthorized Kiosks and Thelas, Erecting Flex Posters, Hoarding, etc., in the RSP area without any authorization.

All individuals involved in such activities are hereby cautioned to cease their illegal activities immediately. Failure to comply will result in strict penal action in accordance with the law and/or Company Policy, and the individuals will be held liable at their own risk and cost.

The SAIL, RSP authorities urge the public to verify the authenticity of any transaction or dealing related to its properties and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has said that the state government is preparing to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) soon in Uttarakhand. He said that the government has taken effective steps in the direction of implementing UCC in the State. The CM said that 3,500 acres of government land has been freed from the illegal encroachment in Uttarakhand. He was addressing a programme organised by the natives of Uttarakhand in Indore Madhya Pradesh.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is providing a new direction to the world. Dhami said that many such works were done in Uttarakhand with the guidance of PM Modi and help of the union government which were earlier considered impossible.

He said that in the last five years projects of more than Rs 1.50 lakh crores were approved by the union government for Uttarakhand. The CM said that the reconstruction of Kedarnath and beautification of Badrinath are the best examples of the vision, leadership and commitment of PM Modi. The Dehradun airport Jollygrant is being upgraded to international standards while a Greenfield airport will be developed in Udham Singh Nagar. Dhami said that with the setting up of a satellite centre of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Rishikesh, everything is clear in the way of two AIIMS in the State. Heliports are being constructed in 13 places in the State and emphasis is being given on construction of ropeways. The government is planning to connect every village with a highway and the long cherished dream of rail in mountains will be realised with the completion of Rishikesh-Karanprayag rail project.

Dhami said that the State has enacted a stringent anti-copying law after which all the competitive examinations were conducted in a transparent manner. He said that the government is working in the direction of ensuring that the third decade of the 21st century belongs to Uttarakhand.

Expressing happiness for being among the Uttarakhandis, the CM said that Uttarakhand Sanskritik Sanstha is engaged in many works in social service. He said that when he meets people of Uttarakhand in different parts of the country then there is a feeling of Shrestha Uttarakhand.
The University of Patanjali will host a two-day international conference on November 18 and 19. The international conference will be held on naturay for holistic healing in the university in association with the Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN). This conference will be held in the auditorium of the university. University officials said that Patanjali Yogpeeth is organising the international seminar on naturopathy for the second time, in association with CCRYN, NIN ad the World Naturopathic Federation. Students, educators, researchers and businessmen along with experts from across the nation and abroad will participate in this two-day event in Haridwar. They will deliberate on the opportunities and challenges in the field of naturopathy while also discussing a way for the development of this sector.Naturopathy nutrition, spa, naturopathy in public health, medicinal value of food items and other related subjects will be discussed during the conference. A workshop on research system for young researchers will also be organised by the Centre for Chronic Disease Control, New Delhi, during the conference.
Kalimati Road resonated with the spirited slogan of "Bhagwan Birsa Munda Amar Rahe" as a grand yatra, led by Amarpreet Singh Kale and joined by youth, women, and dignitaries, unfolded on the birth anniversary of the revered revolutionary, Lord Birsa Munda. The procession, organized by the Naman family, commenced from the Naman office and culminated at the Birsa Memorial at Sakchi Roundabout.

Kale, the visionary leader and founder, paid heartfelt tribute to Lord Birsa Munda by garlanding his statue and reflecting on the indomitable spirit of the great hero who sacrificed his life for the freedom of the country. Kale emphasized that Lord Birsa Munda not only valiantly opposed British rule but also instilled a remarkable consciousness within the tribal society, leaving an enduring legacy of inspiration for all.

Expressing profound respect for the tribal communities, Kale acknowledged their significant contributions to the freedom struggle and emphasized the pivotal role of known and unknown tribal freedom fighters. He saluted the brave warriors and revolutionary sacrifices that have become an integral part of India's history.

Speaking on the occasion, Kale highlighted the ongoing contribution of tribal people to the country's development journey post-independence, extending his best wishes for their continued growth and prosperity on 'Tribal Pride Day.'

The event saw the enthusiastic participation of members from the Naman family, including Brijbhushan Singh, Jaiprakash Rai, PN Pandey, Raghavendra Sharma, and many others. Hundreds of youth joined the march, paying their respects to Lord Birsa Munda and embracing the spirit of unity and reverence for the great leader's legacy.
WestRock (NYSE:WRK  Free Report)  Seaport Res Ptn issued their Q2 2024 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for WestRock in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday, November 10th. Seaport Res Ptn analyst M. Weintraub expects that the basic materials company will post earnings per share of $0.47 for the quarter. The consensus estimate for WestRocks current full-year earnings is $2.48 per share. Seaport Res Ptn also issued estimates for WestRocks Q1 2025 earnings at $0.67 EPS.

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WRK has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on WestRock from $37.00 to $42.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, August 4th. Truist Financial dropped their price objective on WestRock from $44.00 to $40.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on WestRock from $38.00 to $40.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Friday, November 10th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on WestRock in a report on Wednesday, November 8th. They set a hold rating for the company. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, WestRock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $37.57.

WestRock Stock Performance

NYSE WRK opened at $38.47 on Monday. The company has a market cap of $9.86 billion, a PE ratio of -5.96 and a beta of 1.10. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $36.06 and its 200-day simple moving average is $32.23. WestRock has a 1-year low of $26.84 and a 1-year high of $39.30. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 1.42 and a quick ratio of 0.95.

WestRock (NYSE:WRK  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 9th. The basic materials company reported $0.81 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.75 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $5 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.11 billion. WestRock had a positive return on equity of 7.52% and a negative net margin of 8.12%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 7.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.43 earnings per share.

WestRock Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, November 21st. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 13th will be paid a dividend of $0.3025 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 10th. This is an increase from WestRocks previous quarterly dividend of $0.28. This represents a $1.21 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.15%. WestRocks dividend payout ratio is currently -18.76%.

Institutional Trading of WestRock

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Lazard Asset Management LLC raised its stake in WestRock by 62.4% during the 3rd quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 28,045 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,004,000 after acquiring an additional 10,779 shares during the last quarter. Hudson Portfolio Management LLC acquired a new position in WestRock during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $207,000. Waverly Advisors LLC acquired a new position in WestRock during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $270,000. Pentwater Capital Management LP acquired a new position in WestRock during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $61,378,000. Finally, AQR Arbitrage LLC acquired a new position in WestRock during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $5,939,000. 85.51% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About WestRock

(Get Free Report)

WestRock Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides fiber-based paper and packaging solutions in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. It operates in four segments, Corrugated Packaging, Consumer Packaging, Global Paper, and Distribution. The Corrugated Packaging segment produces containerboards, corrugated sheets, corrugated packaging, and preprinted linerboards to consumer and industrial products manufacturers, and corrugated box manufacturers.

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Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its position in shares of LyondellBasell Industries (NYSE:LYB  Free Report) by 11.1% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 234,351 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock after purchasing an additional 23,391 shares during the quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co. Ltd.s holdings in LyondellBasell Industries were worth $21,520,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in LYB. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of LyondellBasell Industries by 161.5% during the second quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 4,474 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $411,000 after purchasing an additional 2,763 shares during the period. Jacobi Capital Management LLC increased its position in LyondellBasell Industries by 6.5% during the 2nd quarter. Jacobi Capital Management LLC now owns 3,647 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $335,000 after purchasing an additional 222 shares in the last quarter. Aveo Capital Partners LLC lifted its stake in LyondellBasell Industries by 18.0% in the 2nd quarter. Aveo Capital Partners LLC now owns 2,605 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $239,000 after purchasing an additional 398 shares during the last quarter. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC boosted its position in LyondellBasell Industries by 0.6% in the second quarter. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC now owns 30,940 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $2,841,000 after buying an additional 181 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wrapmanager Inc. grew its stake in shares of LyondellBasell Industries by 22.5% during the second quarter. Wrapmanager Inc. now owns 7,272 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $668,000 after buying an additional 1,334 shares during the last quarter. 91.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Buying and Selling at LyondellBasell Industries

In related news, EVP Jeffrey A. Kaplan sold 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $97.56, for a total value of $975,600.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 49,876 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,865,902.56. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Insiders own 0.12% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms recently weighed in on LYB. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price objective on LyondellBasell Industries from $121.00 to $116.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, August 9th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $100.00 price objective on shares of LyondellBasell Industries in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. Citigroup raised shares of LyondellBasell Industries from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $104.00 to $106.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Bank of America raised shares of LyondellBasell Industries from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and raised their price target for the company from $99.00 to $107.00 in a research note on Wednesday, October 18th. Finally, KeyCorp upgraded shares of LyondellBasell Industries from an underweight rating to a sector weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $102.07.

Read Our Latest Analysis on LyondellBasell Industries

LyondellBasell Industries Stock Performance

LyondellBasell Industries stock opened at $96.38 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.77, a quick ratio of 1.19 and a current ratio of 1.89. LyondellBasell Industries has a fifty-two week low of $79.20 and a fifty-two week high of $102.04. The stock has a market cap of $31.26 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.81, a PEG ratio of 1.35 and a beta of 1.19. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $94.16 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $93.29.

LyondellBasell Industries (NYSE:LYB  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 27th. The specialty chemicals company reported $2.46 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.03 by $0.43. The business had revenue of $10.63 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.10 billion. LyondellBasell Industries had a return on equity of 22.15% and a net margin of 5.53%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 13.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.96 earnings per share. As a group, analysts expect that LyondellBasell Industries will post 8.71 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

LyondellBasell Industries Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 5th. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 28th were issued a $1.25 dividend. This represents a $5.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.19%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 25th. LyondellBasell Industriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 71.63%.

About LyondellBasell Industries

(Free Report)

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. operates as a chemical company in the United States, Germany, Mexico, Italy, Poland, France, Japan, China, the Netherlands, and internationally. The company operates in six segments: Olefins and PolyolefinsAmericas; Olefins and PolyolefinsEurope, Asia, International; Intermediates and Derivatives; Advanced Polymer Solutions; Refining; and Technology.

Further Reading

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Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its stake in shares of Coterra Energy Inc. (NYSE:CTRA  Free Report) by 6.6% in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 692,010 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 42,849 shares during the quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co. Ltd.s holdings in Coterra Energy were worth $17,508,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of CTRA. Fisher Asset Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Coterra Energy by 2.9% in the second quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 13,982 shares of the companys stock valued at $354,000 after buying an additional 398 shares during the last quarter. Insight Wealth Strategies LLC lifted its position in shares of Coterra Energy by 0.7% in the second quarter. Insight Wealth Strategies LLC now owns 61,570 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,558,000 after buying an additional 400 shares during the last quarter. Meitav Investment House Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Coterra Energy in the second quarter valued at approximately $213,000. MONECO Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Coterra Energy by 2.4% in the second quarter. MONECO Advisors LLC now owns 17,375 shares of the companys stock valued at $440,000 after buying an additional 404 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Rothschild Investment Corp IL lifted its position in shares of Coterra Energy by 0.7% in the second quarter. Rothschild Investment Corp IL now owns 58,678 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,485,000 after buying an additional 417 shares during the last quarter. 90.54% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms have recently issued reports on CTRA. UBS Group raised their price objective on Coterra Energy from $25.00 to $33.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, August 17th. Truist Financial raised their price objective on Coterra Energy from $29.00 to $30.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 8th. Morgan Stanley increased their target price on Coterra Energy from $26.00 to $27.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, August 18th. Piper Sandler upgraded Coterra Energy from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and increased their target price for the stock from $30.00 to $35.00 in a research note on Monday, August 14th. Finally, Raymond James upgraded Coterra Energy from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $34.00 target price on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 24th. Eleven investment 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, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $31.93.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Coterra Energy news, Director Dan O. Dinges sold 68,275 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $27.22, for a total transaction of $1,858,445.50. Following the transaction, the director now owns 3,152,392 shares in the company, valued at approximately $85,808,110.24. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Coterra Energy news, Director Dan O. Dinges sold 68,275 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $27.22, for a total value of $1,858,445.50. Following the sale, the director now owns 3,152,392 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $85,808,110.24. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Dan O. Dinges sold 400,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, September 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $26.60, for a total value of $10,640,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 3,302,392 shares in the company, valued at approximately $87,843,627.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 1.70% of the companys stock.

Coterra Energy Price Performance

Coterra Energy stock opened at $27.20 on Wednesday. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $27.67 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $26.53. Coterra Energy Inc. has a one year low of $22.25 and a one year high of $29.89. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a current ratio of 1.04 and a quick ratio of 1.01. The firm has a market cap of $20.46 billion, a PE ratio of 9.35, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.22 and a beta of 0.34.

Coterra Energy Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, November 30th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 16th will be paid a dividend of $0.20 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 15th. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.94%. Coterra Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 27.49%.

Coterra Energy Profile

(Free Report)

Coterra Energy Inc, an independent oil and gas company, engages in the development, exploration and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States. The company primarily focuses on the Marcellus Shale with approximately 183,000 net acres in the dry gas window of the play located in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania.

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Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its stake in shares of Hormel Foods Co. (NYSE:HRL  Free Report) by 14.4% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 448,898 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 56,550 shares during the quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co. Ltd.s holdings in Hormel Foods were worth $18,055,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC bought a new position in shares of Hormel Foods during the first quarter worth about $26,000. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd bought a new position in shares of Hormel Foods during the first quarter worth about $41,000. Global Retirement Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Hormel Foods by 60.5% during the second quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 878 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 331 shares during the last quarter. Exos TFP Holdings LLC raised its position in shares of Hormel Foods by 270.0% during the first quarter. Exos TFP Holdings LLC now owns 962 shares of the companys stock worth $38,000 after acquiring an additional 702 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Orion Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Hormel Foods during the first quarter worth about $42,000. 41.15% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on HRL. StockNews.com began coverage on Hormel Foods in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on Hormel Foods from $36.00 to $31.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 16th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their target price on Hormel Foods from $33.00 to $29.00 and set a sell rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 13th. Finally, Piper Sandler lowered their target price on Hormel Foods from $41.00 to $35.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 13th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and five have assigned a hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $40.00.

Hormel Foods Trading Up 1.5 %

Shares of HRL stock opened at $32.92 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a current ratio of 1.40. Hormel Foods Co. has a fifty-two week low of $30.70 and a fifty-two week high of $49.73. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $35.11 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $38.28. The company has a market cap of $17.99 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.45, a PEG ratio of 3.75 and a beta of 0.28.

Hormel Foods (NYSE:HRL  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 31st. The company reported $0.40 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.41 by ($0.01). Hormel Foods had a net margin of 7.20% and a return on equity of 12.20%. The firm had revenue of $2.96 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.04 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.40 EPS. The companys revenue was down 2.3% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts forecast that Hormel Foods Co. will post 1.64 earnings per share for the current year.

Hormel Foods Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Investors of record on Monday, October 16th will be given a dividend of $0.275 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, October 13th. This represents a $1.10 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.34%. Hormel Foodss payout ratio is 68.32%.

Insider Activity at Hormel Foods

In related news, SVP Kevin L. Myers sold 5,200 shares of Hormel Foods stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.93, for a total transaction of $160,836.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 38,937 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,204,321.41. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In related news, SVP Kevin L. Myers sold 5,200 shares of Hormel Foods stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.93, for a total transaction of $160,836.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 38,937 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,204,321.41. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, SVP Pierre M. Lilly bought 1,454 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, September 6th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $37.25 per share, for a total transaction of $54,161.50. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 1,454 shares of the companys stock, valued at $54,161.50. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 0.81% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Hormel Foods Company Profile

(Free Report)

Hormel Foods Corporation develops, processes, and distributes various meat, nuts, and food products to retail, foodservice, deli, and commercial customers in the United States and internationally. The company operates through four segments: Grocery Products, Refrigerated Foods, Jennie-O Turkey Store, and International & Other.

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Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co. Ltd. grew its position in Laboratory Co. of America Holdings (NYSE:LH  Free Report) by 11.4% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 75,897 shares of the medical research companys stock after purchasing an additional 7,779 shares during the period. Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co. Ltd.s holdings in Laboratory Co. of America were worth $18,316,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in LH. Roundview Capital LLC increased its holdings in shares of Laboratory Co. of America by 1.6% during the first quarter. Roundview Capital LLC now owns 7,793 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $2,055,000 after purchasing an additional 124 shares during the period. LSV Asset Management increased its stake in Laboratory Co. of America by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 34,800 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $9,175,000 after acquiring an additional 400 shares during the period. Synovus Financial Corp raised its holdings in Laboratory Co. of America by 105.7% in the 1st quarter. Synovus Financial Corp now owns 1,654 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $441,000 after acquiring an additional 850 shares in the last quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Laboratory Co. of America during the 1st quarter valued at $213,000. Finally, Sei Investments Co. grew its holdings in shares of Laboratory Co. of America by 18.9% during the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 89,167 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $23,543,000 after purchasing an additional 14,186 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 89.37% of the companys stock.

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Laboratory Co. of America Stock Performance

Shares of LH stock opened at $208.04 on Wednesday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $202.89 and its 200-day moving average price is $213.09. Laboratory Co. of America Holdings has a 12 month low of $174.20 and a 12 month high of $222.33. The company has a current ratio of 1.36, a quick ratio of 1.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57. The firm has a market capitalization of $17.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.81 and a beta of 1.07.

Laboratory Co. of America Announces Dividend

Laboratory Co. of America ( NYSE:LH Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The medical research company reported $3.38 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.37 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $3.06 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.99 billion. Laboratory Co. of America had a net margin of 4.88% and a return on equity of 14.09%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 6.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $4.68 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Laboratory Co. of America Holdings will post 13.58 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 12th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 8th will be given a dividend of $0.72 per share. This represents a $2.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.38%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, November 7th. Laboratory Co. of Americas dividend payout ratio is currently 38.50%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research analysts recently commented on LH shares. Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on Laboratory Co. of America from $285.00 to $260.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, August 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on shares of Laboratory Co. of America from $290.00 to $270.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, August 14th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Laboratory Co. of America in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. TheStreet lowered Laboratory Co. of America from a b- rating to a c rating in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Finally, UBS Group dropped their price objective on Laboratory Co. of America from $255.00 to $250.00 in a research report on Monday, September 18th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $242.09.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on LH

Laboratory Co. of America Profile

(Free Report)

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings operates as a life sciences company that provides vital information to help doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, researchers, and patients make clear and confident decisions. It operates in two segments, Labcorp Diagnostics and Labcorp Drug Development.

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Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Entergy Co. (NYSE:ETR  Free Report) by 12.8% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 189,090 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 21,497 shares during the period. Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co. Ltd.s holdings in Entergy were worth $18,412,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Fairfield Bush & CO. bought a new stake in shares of Entergy during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Aspire Private Capital LLC bought a new stake in shares of Entergy during the first quarter worth $30,598,160,000. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL acquired a new position in shares of Entergy during the first quarter worth $39,000. Jones Financial Companies Lllp bought a new position in shares of Entergy in the 1st quarter valued at $42,000. Finally, Clear Street Markets LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Entergy by 93.2% during the 1st quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 398 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $43,000 after acquiring an additional 192 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.52% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

ETR has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Guggenheim upped their target price on Entergy from $99.00 to $103.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, November 3rd. Royal Bank of Canada downgraded Entergy from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and set a $117.00 price objective for the company. in a research note on Wednesday, November 8th. BMO Capital Markets cut their target price on shares of Entergy from $120.00 to $114.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, August 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on shares of Entergy from $124.00 to $117.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 17th. Finally, Barclays lowered their price objective on Entergy from $98.00 to $94.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 24th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $110.17.

Entergy Trading Up 3.4 %

Shares of Entergy stock opened at $98.35 on Wednesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $20.80 billion, a PE ratio of 14.13, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.43 and a beta of 0.67. Entergy Co. has a 52 week low of $87.10 and a 52 week high of $120.78. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $94.87 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $97.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.80, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a current ratio of 0.91.

Entergy (NYSE:ETR  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 1st. The utilities provider reported $3.27 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.97 by $0.30. Entergy had a net margin of 11.56% and a return on equity of 10.77%. The business had revenue of $3.60 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.22 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $2.84 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Entergy Co. will post 6.72 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Entergy Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 1st. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 14th will be issued a dividend of $1.13 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, November 13th. This is a boost from Entergys previous quarterly dividend of $1.07. This represents a $4.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.60%. Entergys payout ratio is 64.94%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, EVP Marcus V. Brown sold 13,500 shares of Entergy stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $95.40, for a total value of $1,287,900.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 9,251 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $882,545.40. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Insiders own 0.37% of the companys stock.

About Entergy

(Free Report)

Entergy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production and retail distribution of electricity in the United States. The company operates in two segments, Utility and Entergy Wholesale Commodities. The Utility segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power in portions of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, including the City of New Orleans; and distributes natural gas.

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Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co. Ltd. reduced its holdings in shares of Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS  Free Report) by 17.2% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 287,074 shares of the casino operators stock after selling 59,765 shares during the quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co. Ltd.s holdings in Las Vegas Sands were worth $16,650,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Las Vegas Sands by 1.5% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 35,537,902 shares of the casino operators stock valued at $1,381,358,000 after buying an additional 519,620 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. grew its holdings in Las Vegas Sands by 1.4% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 23,298,767 shares of the casino operators stock worth $1,338,514,000 after acquiring an additional 330,221 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its holdings in Las Vegas Sands by 2.9% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 13,898,679 shares of the casino operators stock worth $540,242,000 after acquiring an additional 394,616 shares during the last quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Las Vegas Sands by 3.5% during the 2nd quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 9,567,353 shares of the casino operators stock valued at $554,906,000 after purchasing an additional 325,348 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its stake in shares of Las Vegas Sands by 8.6% during the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 8,391,096 shares of the casino operators stock valued at $482,068,000 after purchasing an additional 666,588 shares in the last quarter. 39.16% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Las Vegas Sands Trading Up 3.9 %

Las Vegas Sands stock opened at $49.47 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.50, a quick ratio of 1.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.82. The stock has a market cap of $37.82 billion, a PE ratio of 56.22, a P/E/G ratio of 3.54 and a beta of 1.19. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $47.09 and a 200 day moving average price of $53.98. Las Vegas Sands Corp. has a 52 week low of $41.42 and a 52 week high of $65.58.

Las Vegas Sands ( NYSE:LVS Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 18th. The casino operator reported $0.55 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.55. Las Vegas Sands had a return on equity of 21.05% and a net margin of 7.81%. The firm had revenue of $2.80 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.72 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted ($0.27) EPS. Las Vegas Sandss revenue for the quarter was up 178.1% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts predict that Las Vegas Sands Corp. will post 1.91 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Las Vegas Sands announced that its board has authorized a share buyback program on Wednesday, October 18th that permits the company to buyback $2.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization permits the casino operator to repurchase up to 5.5% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are generally a sign that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued.

Las Vegas Sands Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 7th will be paid a dividend of $0.20 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, November 6th. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.62%. Las Vegas Sandss dividend payout ratio is currently 90.91%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research analysts have recently issued reports on LVS shares. Barclays dropped their target price on shares of Las Vegas Sands from $70.00 to $69.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. Argus lowered their price objective on shares of Las Vegas Sands from $72.00 to $68.00 in a research report on Friday, July 21st. Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on shares of Las Vegas Sands from $68.00 to $64.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 13th. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price objective on shares of Las Vegas Sands from $69.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on shares of Las Vegas Sands from $71.00 to $69.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $69.12.

Read Our Latest Research Report on Las Vegas Sands

Las Vegas Sands Company Profile

(Free Report)

Las Vegas Sands Corp., together with its subsidiaries, develops, owns, and operates integrated resorts in Macao and Singapore. It owns and operates The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, the Londoner Macao, The Parisian Macao, The Plaza Macao and Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip, and the Sands Macao in Macao, the People's Republic of China; and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

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Trending in ChinaThe art of traditional Chinese flower arranging

(People's Daily App) 13:34, November 15, 2023

Simply placing flowers into a container does not constitute flower arrangement. Flower arrangement is an art that originates from the deep love for flowers that people have cherished since ancient times. Traditional Chinese flower arrangement dates back to roughly 1046 BC, the practice of which has been passed down through subsequent generations. Historical records reveal its significance as temple offerings, palace decorations and artistic expressions in homes. It plays a vital role in enhancing living spaces, and exceptionally skilled Chinese flower arrangements can be as captivating as a beautifully crafted painting.

(Video source: Kuaishou)

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun)
Seeing as the ECHR, an EU court, controls Britain even after the so-called Brexit that never happened. The UK government has no control over their own fucking borders, so what to do? We present 5 great ideas that could solve the problem of illegal migrants crossing the Channel helped by the French navy and human traffickers to come to the UK.

5 Great Ideas to Solve the Illegal Migrant Problem

Forget about sending migrants to Rwanda, send them to Scotland. Put them all in some Glasgow sink estate where the heroin runs like water and no one gets to see the sun 11 months of the year and the life expectancy is 23. Get an offshore barge and put a few of them in there. (oh, theyve done that already) If you cant send them to Rwanda, how about the moon? Establish an off world prison colony on the moon. Yes, this would come at immense cost, but the ECHR cannot overrule it. Send them back to France. Simply put the illegal migrants into a ship, sail it to France, dock, let the illegal migrants off, then leave. The UK can build a flotilla of craft to do this day in, day out. Torture them for days on end until they agree to return to France. This would be done by putting them in a dark room where they will be strapped into a chair, and their eyes will be forced open to watch endless re-runs of the Harry and Meghan Netflix series. After 24 hours of that shite, they will be begging to go back to France. BONUS  Solve Britains economic problems by using the millions of illegal migrants as forced unpaid workers. Whether it is manufacturing widgets in some Northern factory or assembly line work in Grimsby, why not harness the illegal migrant force for profit? The government could also hire out the workers to companies who would pay the government a reasonable amount for the nearly free labour. Britain could become the next China or Taiwan in manufacturing, catapulting its economy to the stratosphere.
The GHMC officials on Tuesday dump heaps of mud to cover the dangerous inflammable chemical from fire hit building in Red Hills, Bazarghat that has been flowing on the road. (Pix by S. Surender Reddy)

Hyderabad: A probe into the Balaji Residency fire tragedy, in which nine died and 16 were injured in a chemical-catalysed inferno on Monday, revealed that the owner of the building, Purni Ramesh Jaiswal, was present on the premises at the time of the fire.

Eitnesses said that Ramesh  who also owns Sri Balaji Enterprises and stored highly combustible chemicals in the apartment basement  and his workers were washing the godown when the fire started due to a short circuit in the main panel board, adjacent to the lift.

One of Jaiswals associates said that while he informed the occupants and raised the alarm, the building owner and his workers concentrated on removing the stored chemicals from the premises.

When they began to become breathless due to the smoke, and realising that the fire had grown beyond their control, Jaiswal escaped from the scene.

The source, who did not wish to be named, said: "Ramesh sat on my bike, complaining that he had a breathing problem. He was holding his head with both hands when he fell unconscious. Before that he said yeh kya ho gaya (what has happened?)."

When questioned about Jaiswals health condition and alleged heart stroke, the source said: "I am not sure what exactly happened to him. After he gained consciousness, he spoke to some police officials at the scene. He received a call from someone, then he vanished from the scene. We got busy rescuing victims and later we came to know that Ramesh was in the ICU of a private hospital in Lakdikapul. I am not the right person to speak about what exactly happened to him; maybe the doctors know."

A close friend, a Bazarghat local, said Jaiswal that was an influential person, with political connections.

Nampally inspector Begari Abhilash said the police were waiting for Jaiswals recovery to take the process forward. "We have posted two policemen at the hospital," Abhilash said.

He said that the doctors had determined that Jaiswal had inhaled carbon monoxide, and was undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU). "At this moment we cannot arrest him or take his statement. Once he recovers we will take him into custody," Abhilash told Deccan Chronicle.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the Birsa Munda Museum on 'Janjatiya Gaurav Divas', in Ranchi, Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. (PTI Photo)

New Delhi/Khunti: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched the "Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra" and the Pradhan Mantri Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PM PVTG) development mission. In Jharkhand, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth Rs 7,200 crores in multiple sectors like rail, road, education, coal, petroleum and natural gas. He also released the 15th installment of the PM-KISAN scheme.

Addressing the programme marking the celebrations of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas in Khunti, Jharkhand, after launching a series of schemes, the Prime Minister said, "Tribals had contributed significantly for the country but did not get due recognition."

Earlier, the Prime Minister visited Ulihatu Village, the birthplace of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, as well as the Birsa Munda Memorial Park and Freedom Fighter Museum in Ranchi.

Paying tribute to the contributions of the tribals, the Prime Minister said that the country will always remain indebted to tribal warriors.

In his address, Mr Modi highlighted the governments momentous achievement in uplifting more than 13-crore people out of poverty. "Our seva kaal began when our government came to power in 2014," he said, pointing out that a large population of the country was deprived of basic amenities.

Mr Modi noted that the poor had lost all hope due to the careless approach of the then governments. "The present government began work with a spirit of service," he remarked as he highlighted that the poor and the deprived became the top priority of the government by delivering the amenities to their doorstep.

The Prime Minister said that 70 per cent of the population has been covered under the Jal Jeevan Mission, 100 per cent have been immunised and there has been full LPG coverage since 2014.

"Modi has made the deprived his priority," he remarked.

The Prime Minister further noted that true secularism comes only when all possibilities of discrimination against any citizen of the country are eliminated.

He mentioned that social justice is ensured only when the benefit of all government schemes reaches everyone in the same measure. "This is the spirit behind the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra. Starting today on the Jayanti of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the yatra will continue till January 26 next year. In this journey, the government will go to every village of the country in mission mode and will make every poor and deprived person a beneficiary of government schemes," the Prime Minister emphasised.

Launching the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, a nationwide programme aimed at reaching out to citizens who are eligible for various Central schemes but have not benefited so far, Mr Modi flagged off five specially designed IEC (information, education and communication) vans from Khunti. Similar vans were flagged off from other districts across the country with significant tribal populations. The campaign to reach out to beneficiaries of the Centre's flagship programmes both in rural and urban areas will culminate on January 25, 2024.

The yatra will cover 2.7-lakh gram panchayats and around 15,000 urban locations where ground-level activities will take place using these automated IEC vans.

The Prime Minister credited the overall development of Jharkhand for the reduction in naxalite violence in the state.

Underling that the state will complete 25 years of formation soon, the Prime Minister urged people to work towards the target of saturation of 25 schemes in Jharkhand.

He said that it will give new impetus to the development of the state and boost ease of living. "The government is committed to expanding education and providing opportunities to the youth," Mr Modi said as he highlighted the modern national education policy, which enables students to study medicine and engineering in their mother tongue.
Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao waves to supporters during the Praja Ashirwada Sabha organized in Ibrahimpatnam constituency. (X.com)

Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on Tuesday said that the Congress, if elected to power, would end all welfare schemes and appealed to the public to "think wisely if you want welfare schemes to continue", in a campaign for Errabelli Dayakar Rao in Thorrur town of Palakurthy Assembly segment in Jangaon.

Addressing a massive public rally, he said: "TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy was criticising the BRS for supplying 24 hours of power. But, he had suggested that three hours of power supply was enough for the farming sector and asked the farmers to use 10 HP motors (to decrease power supply). There are around 33 lakhs agricultural motors used by farmers, who mostly have 3 HP or 5 HP motors. Who is going to buy them 10 HP motors?"

He said that 10 years ago, people from Palakurthy had to migrate in search of livelihood, which was ended by the BRS government, as evidenced by people from other regions currently moving to Palakurthy and earning a living by undertaking crop cultivation.

"During the separate Telangana movement, I came to Palakurthy many times. Several weeds were seen growing in the SRSP canal, without any water. People never dreamt of water flowing through the canal, but under the rule of the BRS government, by completing the Devadula project, water was supplied from Kaleshwaram to Palakurthy," he said.

"People started calling Dayakar Rao Check-Dam Rao since he constructed several check dams and supplied water for irrigating over 1.3 lakh acres in the Palakurthy constituency," Rao said.

The Chief Minister said that during the Congress regime in erstwhile undivided Andhra Pradesh, tribals faced problems due to a lack of administrative support. He said that the BRS transformed Thandas into panchayats and handed over power to them.

"After coming to power, the BRS government will implement Girijan Bandhu and uplift the ST community. We will also sanction 100 houses to each village and distribute them to the shelter-less," he said.

Later in the day, speaking at a public meeting in Haliya of Nagarjunasagar, Rao alleged that during the reign of Jana Reddy as the R&B minister, he did not take up any developmental work besides laying new roads. If people elect him, the constituency will remain the same, without any development, Rao said.

"If people elect the BRS candidate Nomula Bhagat, who is the son of Communist leader Narsaiah, then justice will be done to all sections of people along with enormous development in the constituency," Rao said.

Addressing a Praja Ashirwada Sabha, held under the leadership of Manchireddy Kishan Reddy in Ibrahimpatnam of Rangareddy district, Rao highlighted how the BRS candidate resolved farmers woes.

"Many farmers are dependent on power supply to run motors. When the lake in Ibrahimpatnam dried up, Kishan Reddy took initiative for filling the lake with Hyderabad metro water and also cleaned the 36-metre channel for free flow of water into the lake. Because of Kishna Reddy, the lake is now overflowing with water," he said.

Rao also promised to take the initiative in supplying water from the Krishna River to Rangareddy, Mahbubnagar and Vikarabad districts, including Maheshwaram and Ibrahimpatnam constituencies.
The Congress has delivered on the promise of Telangana statehood to enable the youth to become professionals like doctors, engineers, scientists and IAS officers to steer the state on the path of progress, he added. X.com

KAMAREDDY: TPCC chief A. Revanth Reddy, hitting back at Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Raos claims about power supply, on Wednesday said he was ready to quit the poll battle in Kamareddy and Kodangal segments if Rao could prove that farmers were supplied powers round-the-clock for 24 hours a day.

Daring Rao to visit Kamareddy along with log books of power supply early in the day, Revanth Reddy said he would withdraw his nominations by 3 pm, the deadline, if the Chief Minister could prove his claims.

"I will come along with former power minister Shabbir Ali and you (KCR) will come with your energy minister G. Jagadish Reddy for debate," he said.

Revanth Reddy, who has decided to go up against Rao in the Kamareddy constituency, began his election campaign on Tuesday and stayed the night in Kamareddy. He interacted with Congress leaders and discussed poll strategies.

Addressing a meeting of party activists, along with Mohammad Ali Shabbir, he alleged that the BRS government failed to provide uninterrupted and quality power supply to the agriculture sector. He said that after coming to power, the Congress government would provide round-the-clock uninterrupted power supply.

Hitting back at the Nadu-Nedu (Then and Now) campaign of the BRS, the TPCC chief accused Rao and his family of amassing wealth illegally over the past 10 years. He said that ministers K.T. Rama Rao and T. Harish Rao, as well as MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha, all of whom came from poor backgrounds, currently possessed enormous amounts of wealth accumulated through ill-gotten means.

On the day, election officials checked the vehicle of Revanth Reddy on his way to a helipad in Kamareddy.
TPCC president A.Revanth Reddy cooperated with election teams while checking of his vehicle in Kamareddy town on Wednesday. (Image: DC)

Hyderabad: TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy on Wednesday promised to adopt Adilabad district and ensure all-round development of the district, if the Congress was elected to power in the ensuing Assembly elections.

Addressing public meetings in Boath, Nirmal and Jangaon districts on Wednesday, Revanth Reddy promised to upgrade Boath as a 'revenue division' within December 31, if people elect the Congress in the Boath constituency.

Terming Adivasis and Lambadas as the 'two eyes of the Congress', Revanth Reddy said the party will work for the social and economic upliftment of these sections, if it was voted to power.

Revanth came down heavily on the BRS government for failing to deliver on the poll promises which it made before the 2014 and 2018 Assembly polls.

"Even 10 years after the BRS came to power in Telangana state, why didn't Boath get drinking water? Why are the people here not given the title on Podu lands? How many panchayats have buildings been built by Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao who claims to have made Thandas as panchayats? The government did not pay the dues of thousands of crores to the sarpanches and incited them to commit suicide," Revanth said.

Referring to the Kaleshwaram project, Revanth Reddy said the Medigadda barrage has "collapsed" and Annaram barrage developed cracks.

He alleged that Chandrashekhar Rao was responsible for not getting water to the Boath. "If the the Kufti project here is to be completed, the Congress must come to power. To build a new degree college for Boath, the Congress must win," he said.

Speaking in Nirmal, Revanth Reddy said the 'Nirmal Master Plan' hangs like a sword on the necks of people and alleged that the master plan has been temporarily postponed for elections.

"If BRS wins again, your lands will be acquired in the name of the master plan. If the Congress comes to power, we will cancel the master plan," Revanth declared. He also lashed out at minister A. Indrakaran Reddy for failing to deliver on the promise of 2BHK houses to the poor.

Speaking in Jangaon, Revanth Reddy said Jangaon is known as Congresss bastion, the party will wrest this seat from BRS with a bumper majority.

"The Jangaon people have a special place in the Telangana movement and armed struggle. The Congress has done a lot for former TPCC chief Ponnala Lakshmaiah for decades. But Ponnala cheated the cadre and joined the BRS. He joined hands with our enemy. He shook hands with Chandrashekhar Rao after negotiations in America," Revanth alleged.

Alleging that Chandrashekhar Rao wants legislators who act like his slaves, Revanth said it was for this reason that the BRS fielded Palla Rajeshwar Reddy in Jangaon. He appealed to voters to defeat Palla Rajeshwar Reddy and send a clear signal to the BRS that Telangana people will not accept slavery.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives a memento from Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren during Jan Jatiya Guarv Diwas' and Jharkhand Foundation Day celebrations in Khunti, Jharkhand, Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. (PTI Photo)

Bhopal: As the high pitched campaigns for Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh ended on Wednesday afternoon, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his last message to the voters of the two poll-bound states, said that "people are angry with Congress, but have faith in BJP".

In his X post, Mr Modi appealed to the voters of Madhya Pradesh to elect a BJP government in the November 17 assembly elections to ensure development of the state as well as the country.

"People have this unbreakable faith that only the BJP can make a developed state belonging to the 21st century", he said.

Mr Modi said that people in Madhya Pradesh have witnessed the benefits of the double-engine government and felt its necessity.

The PM said that he has witnessed in the public meetings their deep anger with dynastic politics and negativity of Congress.

"The Congress has no vision or roadmap for the development of Madhya Pradesh", he said.

Mr Modi cited his observations and experience during his campaign across the two states, exuding confidence that people supported BJP and rejected Congress.

The women voters particularly have made up their mind to return BJP to power in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh as BJP has set its goal for their empowerment in these two states, he said.

In his message to the voters in Chhattisgarh, he said that "The Congress is facing a rout in the elections. People have trust in the good governance of BJP and not the hollow promises of Congress".

He said that the new generation are aligning their next 25 years with the countrys next 25 years and have been coming forward to make India a developed country.

Describing his experience during the campaign in Chhattisgarh as wonderful and unprecedented, he said that people of the state are full of new expectation and energy to make it better and know that the BJP can pull Chhattisgarh out of corruption and misrule.

The way OBC, SC and ST youths are joining BJPs development model is very encouraging, he said.

In his campaigns in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Modi had termed the poll promises made by BJP for the two states as Modis guarantees to sell them to the voters.

Meanwhile, the high-voltage campaign in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh for November 17 assembly elections ended on Wednesday afternoon with several star campaigners of the two principal contenders for power in the two states, BJP and Congress, making last ditch efforts to woo voters till the dying hours of electioneering.

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah had steered the nearly a month-long campaign of BJP in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and AICC general secretary had campaigned extensively for the party in the two states in the last four weeks.

Besides, Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia were among the prominent star campaigners of BJP who campaigned extensively in Madhya Pradesh.

Similarly, Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel anchored the campaign of Congress in his state.

First phase of polling in Chhattisgarh in which 20 out of 90 assembly seats went to polls was held on November seven.

The second and final phase of polling in the state would be held on November 17.
Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao addresses the gathering during the Praja Ashirvada Sabha in Bodhan on Wednesday. (Image By Arrangement)

NIZAMABAD, MEDAK: BRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on Wednesday came down heavily on the Congress and the BJP, predicting a coalition government at the Centre in 2024 in which regional parties will play a key role as "people do not believe in national parties anymore."

Speaking at a series of Praja Ashirvada Sabha meetings in Bodhan, Nizamabad Urban, Yellareddy, and Medak Assembly segments, Rao said that the BRS would emerge as a strong force in national politics by winning the majority of MP seats in Telangana state.

Rao was accompanied by MLAs Shakil Amer, Bigala Ganesh Gupta, Jajala Surender and Padma Devender Reddy in their respective Assembly constituencies, while MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha joined Rao in Bodhan, and minister T. Harish Rao joined the meeting in Nizamabad Urban.

Holding the Congress solely responsible for what he called the misery of people in Telangana state, Rao said: "With a new face, Congress is trying to rule the people of Telangana as if it was not responsible for 58 years of misery due to the merger of Telangana with Andhra."

"If the Congress government throws Dharani portal into Bay of Bengal as said by Rahul Gandhi, farmers will be automatically drowned in Arabian Sea," he said, accusing Congress leaders N. Uttam Kumar Reddy and A. Revanth Reddy of objecting to Rythu Bandhu and 24x7 power supply without any reason.

"People in Karnataka state regretted electing the Congress government; it should not be repeated in Telangana. It came to power promising 20-hour power supply but now fails to give even three hours of power supply in Karnataka. BRS is the only government in the country to give pension for beedi workers, as they were present in 16 states. Telangana tops in implementation of welfare schemes and GDP," he said.

He claimed that the people in adjoining districts of Maharashtra wanted to be merged with Telangana due to its welfare schemes.

The Chief Minister also called on the electorate to question BJP leaders during their campaign. "Of 157 new medical colleges sanctioned across the country, the BJP government failed to allot a single college for Telangana. It is mandatory to set up a Navodaya School in every district, but the Central government failed to do so. BJP divides people on communal lines, but BRS is a secular party and it has succeeded in preventing communal clashes," he said.

Listing out BRS accomplishments, Rao said the state government restored the Nizamsagar project to its previous glory after utter neglect in erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh.

He appealed to voters to exercise their franchise with caution, by observing the character of the contesting candidates. "The vote will decide your future for the next five years and political maturity is needed among people," he said.
Cactus (NYSE:WHD  Get Free Report) had its target price lowered by Piper Sandler from $59.00 to $55.00 in a research note issued on Monday, Benzinga reports. The firm presently has a neutral rating on the stock. Piper Sandlers price objective would indicate a potential upside of 19.85% from the companys previous close.

Other equities research analysts have also issued reports about the company. Bank of America lowered Cactus from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $46.00 to $47.00 in a research report on Monday, October 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. began coverage on Cactus in a research report on Wednesday, September 13th. They set a neutral rating and a $60.00 price objective for the company. Barclays raised Cactus from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and upped their price target for the company from $48.00 to $60.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. Benchmark restated a buy rating and set a $60.00 price target on shares of Cactus in a research report on Tuesday, August 8th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on Cactus from $61.00 to $68.00 in a research report on Thursday, August 10th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $57.00.

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Cactus Stock Up 4.6 %

WHD opened at $45.89 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.01, a quick ratio of 1.63 and a current ratio of 2.78. Cactus has a one year low of $31.36 and a one year high of $57.40. The businesss fifty day moving average is $49.19 and its two-hundred day moving average is $45.68. The company has a market cap of $3.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.87, a PEG ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 2.03.

Cactus (NYSE:WHD  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 8th. The company reported $0.80 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.81 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $287.80 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $288.20 million. Cactus had a net margin of 14.97% and a return on equity of 23.99%. Cactuss quarterly revenue was up 56.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.52 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Cactus will post 2.87 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, President Joel Bender sold 141,300 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $55.41, for a total value of $7,829,433.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the president now directly owns 114,982 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,371,152.62. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In other Cactus news, President Joel Bender sold 141,300 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, September 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $55.41, for a total value of $7,829,433.00. Following the completion of the sale, the president now directly owns 114,982 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,371,152.62. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO Scott Bender sold 108,700 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $56.18, for a total transaction of $6,106,766.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 219,320 shares of the companys stock, valued at $12,321,397.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 298,870 shares of company stock worth $16,514,803 in the last quarter. Insiders own 17.72% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Cactus

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC lifted its position in Cactus by 13.5% during the third quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 8,979 shares of the companys stock valued at $451,000 after purchasing an additional 1,071 shares during the period. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Cactus in the third quarter worth $856,000. Natixis Advisors L.P. increased its stake in shares of Cactus by 13.8% in the third quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 15,122 shares of the companys stock worth $759,000 after purchasing an additional 1,829 shares in the last quarter. Algert Global LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Cactus in the third quarter worth $1,099,000. Finally, Northern Trust Corp increased its stake in shares of Cactus by 0.4% in the third quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 696,317 shares of the companys stock worth $34,962,000 after purchasing an additional 2,553 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.11% of the companys stock.

Cactus Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Cactus, Inc designs, manufactures, and sells a range of wellheads and pressure control equipment in the United States, Australia, China, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The company's principal products include Cactus SafeDrill wellhead systems, Cactus SafeLink monobore, SafeClamp, and SafeInject systems, as well as frac stacks, zipper manifolds, and production trees.

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The United States Pentagon has officially named the five U.S. service members who lost their lives in a military aircraft crash during a training operation in the eastern Mediterranean. The MH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, assigned to the first battalion in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, crashed on Friday night during routine flight training, leaving the nation mourning the loss of its heroes.

The fallen heroes

The service members were identified as Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes, Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone, Sgt. Andrew P. Southard and Sgt. Cade M. Wolfe. All five were special operations aviation soldiers serving in the Armys 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, which is based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

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The Department of Defense revealed that the fatal crash occurred during aerial refueling training when the MH-60 Blackhawk experienced an in-flight emergency, leading to the tragic incident. Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, commander of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, expressed the profound sorrow felt across the Special Operations community, emphasizing the familial nature of service to the Nation.

Honoring their service

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin conveyed his condolences, highlighting the dedication and sacrifice of the brave men and women who defend the nation. The crash, deemed purely related to training with no indications of hostile activity, serves as a stark reminder of the daily risks undertaken by those who safeguard the country.

Dwyer, Barnes, Southard, Wolfe, and Grone had distinguished careers in the Army, receiving awards for their exemplary service. Col. Roger P. Waleski Jr., commander of the soldiers aviation regiment, referred to them as the embodiment of what it means to be a Night Stalker, a term recognizing soldiers for their proficiency in operating at night. The priority now is ensuring complete support for the families of the fallen warriors as the nation copes with this tragedy.

Military response and investigation

The Pentagon had recently increased its force presence in the Middle East following an attack by Hamas militants on Israel. While the USS Gerald R. Ford and its strike group were deployed to the eastern Mediterranean, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and its strike group were sent to the Persian Gulf. Defense Secretary Austin also reinforced the region with additional air defense systems. The investigation into the nature of the crash is underway.

This is the second fatal helicopter crash involving a unit based at Fort Campbell this year. In March, two HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters assigned to the 101st Airborne Division collided during a nighttime training flight, claiming the lives of all nine soldiers aboard. Fort Campbell, home to multiple Army aviation units, is now grappling with the loss of the elite soldiers from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.

Personal stories of heroism

Each fallen soldier had a unique story of heroism. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer, a pilot and instructor, received awards, including the Bronze Star Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes, also a pilot, was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor device. Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone, a flight instructor and MH-60M crew chief earned accolades such as the Air Medal with Combat device. Sgt. Andrew P. Southard, a UH-60 repairer, completed a 13-month rotation to Task Force Sinai and received Army Commendation medals. Sgt. Cade M. Wolfe, a UH-60 repairer, was awarded two Army Commendation medals and an Army Achievement medal.

Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, commander of the Army Special Operations Command, described the fallen soldiers as a national treasure with deep military service ties spanning multiple generations. Their sacrifice echoes through the Special Operations community, emphasizing the familial nature of their commitment to the nation.
Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER  Get Free Report) was the target of unusually large options trading on Tuesday. Stock traders purchased 140,438 call options on the stock. This is an increase of 34% compared to the average daily volume of 105,115 call options.

Analyst Ratings Changes

UBER has been the subject of several analyst reports. KeyCorp raised Uber Technologies from a sector weight rating to an overweight rating and set a $60.00 price objective for the company in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. Loop Capital increased their target price on Uber Technologies from $48.00 to $58.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, August 14th. DA Davidson restated a buy rating and issued a $62.00 price target on shares of Uber Technologies in a report on Monday, July 31st. Needham & Company LLC reiterated a buy rating and set a $60.00 target price on shares of Uber Technologies in a report on Wednesday, September 27th. Finally, BTIG Research increased their target price on Uber Technologies from $55.00 to $60.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, August 1st. Thirty equities research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Uber Technologies currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $56.44.

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Uber Technologies Stock Performance

Insider Transactions at Uber Technologies

UBER opened at $53.88 on Wednesday. Uber Technologies has a 1-year low of $23.90 and a 1-year high of $54.31. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $45.83 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $43.69. The company has a market capitalization of $110.88 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 106.61 and a beta of 1.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.91, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 1.14.

In other news, insider Tony West sold 18,750 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $51.40, for a total transaction of $963,750.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 181,339 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,320,824.60. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, insider Tony West sold 18,750 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $51.40, for a total value of $963,750.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 181,339 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,320,824.60. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi sold 50,016 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $50.00, for a total value of $2,500,800.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,266,227 shares of the companys stock, valued at $63,311,350. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 168,766 shares of company stock valued at $7,969,550. 3.84% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Uber Technologies

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of UBER. Ritter Daniher Financial Advisory LLC DE raised its stake in Uber Technologies by 2,545.5% during the 3rd quarter. Ritter Daniher Financial Advisory LLC DE now owns 582 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 560 shares during the period. OFI Invest Asset Management acquired a new stake in Uber Technologies during the 3rd quarter valued at $26,000. Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC acquired a new stake in Uber Technologies during the 3rd quarter valued at $28,000. JFS Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in Uber Technologies by 319.4% during the 3rd quarter. JFS Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 650 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 495 shares during the period. Finally, Raleigh Capital Management Inc. raised its stake in Uber Technologies by 66.5% during the 2nd quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 651 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 260 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.07% of the companys stock.

Uber Technologies Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Uber Technologies, Inc develops and operates proprietary technology applications in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia excluding China and Southeast Asia. It operates through three segments: Mobility, Delivery, and Freight. The Mobility segment connects consumers with a range of transportation modalities, such as ridesharing, carsharing, micromobility, rentals, public transit, taxis, and other modalities; and offers riders in a variety of vehicle types, as well as financial partnerships products and advertising services.

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'The latest death toll in Gaza has surpassed 11,000 people, including more than 4,000 children. The Al-Shifa Hospital, the main hospital in Gaza, has been severely damaged by Israeli attacks and is not functioning.'

The Derry branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) is urging people in Derry and the North West to join the March for Palestine in Dublin.

The March for Palestine is taking place on Saturday, November 18.

The IPSC Derry spokesperson, Catherine Hutton said: "The March for Palestine in Dublin has been organised by the IPSC and supported by a wide range of groups. It will demand an end to the Israeli aggression and siege on Gaza and an immediate ceasefire.



"The IPSC Derry has organised a bus to Dublin, leaving from Foyle Street at 8:30 am on Saturday. The bus will return to Derry at around 6 pm. The cost of the bus is 20 per person, and places can be booked by contacting the IPSC Derry on Facebook.

"We appeal to everyone who cares about justice and peace in the Middle East to join us on this vital march. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic, with Israel continuing to bomb and kill civilians, destroy homes and infrastructure, and block humanitarian aid.



"The latest death toll in Gaza has surpassed 11,000 people, including more than 4,000 children. The Al-Shifa Hospital, the main hospital in Gaza, has been severely damaged by Israeli attacks and is not functioning.The international community has failed to stop Israel's war crimes, and the Irish government has been largely silent and therefore complicit in supporting Israel's apartheid regime.



"We need to show our solidarity with the Palestinian people and demand action from our government and the UN to end this massacre and lift the siege on Gaza," said Ms Hutton.



For more information: https://PalestineDerrytodublinbus.eventbrite.
A man has appeared at Derry Magistrates Court charged with breaching his bail conditions regarding his former partner.

The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the alleged victim in the case, was charged with, on November 9, creating social media content regarding his former partner.

He was released on a 28 day charge on the condition that he doesn't make further videos talking about the victim, a condition he was said to have broken within two days.

The man has previous convictions for domestic violence.

The court heard how the incidents on TikTok have left the victim feeling very anxious and distressed.

When interviewed by police, the man declined a solicitor, claiming he was sober when he made the videos but admitted that he should've been taking his antipsychotic medication.

He also claimed that his ex had made a false report of sexual assault against him.

In the video in question that was said to have been created after he was released on bail does not specifically mention his ex by name, but the court heard that it makes it very clear who he is talking about.

Police objected to bail as they said there was a very real risk of reoffending.

District Judge Barney McElhom said that he was 'trying to be smart but got it wrong' and refused bail.

The man will appear again on December 7.
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A man and a woman have been sentenced for a number of drug-related charges at Derry Crown Court today (Wednesday, 15th November).

Michael Miller, aged 36, and Michelle McGinley, aged 36, were arrested in the city on 10th December, 2021 by officers from Waterside Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Their arrests followed a postal interception and searches of properties on both the Cityside and Waterside of the city, which resulted in the seizure of suspected Class B drugs with a total estimated street value of between 8,500 and just over 13,000. A sum of cash, just under 2,500, was also seized as part of enquiries under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Miller and McGinley were later charged with a number of drug-related offences.

Miller was sentenced to 28 months' custody, half in custody and the remainder on licence for attempt to possess Class B controlled drug, attempt to possess Class B controlled drug with intent to supply, possession of Class B controlled drug and possession of Class B controlled drug with intent to supply.

McGinley was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment, suspended for three years for obstructing powers of search for drugs, being concerned in an offer to supply Class B controlled drugs and possession Class B controlled drugs.

Detective Constable Kane said: Targeting drugs supply is a priority for the Police Service. We are committed to tackling the scourge of illicit drugs, and will continue to investigate those who profit from the misery and harm they cause our community.

We will continue to work tirelessly to tackle every aspect of drug supply and misuse across the country. Its a vicious cycle that we need to collectively break, and we all have a part to play. If you have information, or concerns, about the illegal use or supply of drugs please contact us on 101.

Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
HIGHLIGHTS Nothing has introduced the 'Nothing Chats', which will allow you to text on iMessage.

Nothing is working with Sunbird to make 'Nothing Chats'.

It's great news that Nothing will allow Android to text on iMessage, but that raises so many questions about privacy.

Apples iMessage is a widely known app for texting and calling, and its quite fun too. However, many Android users want to use iMessage on their Android smartphones, which was not possible, until now. Nothing has introduced the Nothing Chats, which will allow you to text iMessage, which is no longer Apple exclusive, I guess. This means from an Android smartphone, you will be able to text to an iPhone in Blue Bubble!

However, this move has been creating a lot of doubts, concerning security and privacy. The biggest of them is about the Apple ID credentials. I have an Apple iPhone, which has almost all my details, from my bank account to my birth. Now we all trust Apple with this information, which I think is not good either, but anyway, we dont have an option. However, I am not ready to trust another brand with my information, especially a brand that is working with a not-so-popular company, Sunbird.

Also read: Google trolled Apple over SMS feature yet again: Heres why

What is Sunbird?

So Sunbird is basically a company that has been trying to get into Apples iMessage from Android for a long time now. In addition to that, Nothing is working with Sunbird to make Nothing Chats. Coming to the main part now, Sunbird has its own history. The company has been on this mission ever since its launch in December 2022.

Ron, a Reviews Editor from ArsTechnica, went to attend the launch of Sunbird. During the event, he asked questions about how this will work and how will they ensure security and privacy. Unfortunately, the brand didnt respond, leaving even more suspicions. Speaking of the chats, it is yet not confirmed whether they will be end-to-end encrypted or not.

Now what will be Apples next move on this? Its pretty obvious that a tech giant like Apple would never allow another brand to get into one of its features (without an agreement), and that too with the help of a third-party client.

Also read: Sunbird lets Android users to text with iMessage: Heres how it works

Will Apple stay quiet?

Well, I dont think so. If this happens, Apple will come after Nothing, locked and loaded. Apple believes that iMessage on Android would not bring any good to the company. Just because some people dont want an iPhone but want to use the advantages of an iPhone on an Android without Apples permission doesnt seem like a convincing enough reason.

Interestingly, Nothing and Sunbird, both seem way more relaxed than they should be. According to a report by the Washington Post, Nothing CEO Carl Pei said, Theres nothing illegal about this setup. I think whatever we do is gonna be passed along within Cupertino, but were so small that it will look really bad if Apple takes any action. Further, Sunbird CEO Danny Mizrahi added, We dont see a scenario where Apple tries to, or can, block these messages. Apples focus has openly been on providing the best experience to their end users and both Nothing Chats and Sunbird help with that.

This shows that they are definitely expecting some tension from Apples side.

This is great news that Nothing is now able to offer iMessage for Android but that raises so many questions. Will the security and privacy be its concern? Will this also work on iPads, iMacs, and Macbooks? Will my Apple ID credentials be safe? Will Nothing and Sunbird store the data on their servers?

Sadly, we are not sure about any of the questions mentioned above, yet. So stay tuned for more updates on the same.
HIGHLIGHTS A Samsung executive has confirmed that Google has a million-dollar deal with it.

James Kolotouros revealed how Google signed deals with Samsung and many other smartphone companies.

Google has agreed to pay a sum of $8 billion to have its app store on Samsungs smartphone.

No matter what smartphone we use, Apple or Android, Google is our go-to browser. Am I right? Most people use Google primarily as it is the key browser on most smartphones and even other devices. It cannot be a sheer coincidence that big competitive brands choose Google, sometimes even over their in-house browsers, and give it all the fame. Right? Because its business and in business, everyone falls for money.

Coming to the point, sometime back we heard how Apple and Google have a hefty deal to make Google their primary browser. Now, a Samsung executive has confirmed that Google has a million-dollar deal with it too.

Samsung is one of the biggest Smartphone companies in the world. Just like most Android smartphones, Googles services such as the app store, assistant, search engine, and other services are the default options on Samsungs smartphones. During the currently ensuing Google vs Epic Games trial, it was revealed that Google paid billions of dollars to get this done.

Also read: Samsung and Google announce partnership on cross-platform compatibility for smart devices

Further, Googles Vice President for Partnerships, James Kolotouros revealed how Google signed deals with Samsung and many other smartphone companies to make the Google App Store readily available on their devices. Out of these deals, half of the money that Google earns through them comes from Samsung users, as revealed during the trial. Kolotouros also shared how Google had planned to share the revenue it generates from listing its Play Store with the smartphone makers, according to a Bloomberg report.

Reports further revealed that Google has agreed to pay a sum of $8 billion ( approximately 66,500 crore) to have its app store on Samsungs smartphones, along with Samsungs own app store.

Not just Samsung, Alphabet CEO Sunder Pichai recently revealed about its payments to Apple for listing Google as the default alongside its in-house Safari.

Also read: Gauss AI: Samsungs own ChatGPT alternative will power S24 Ultras Generative AI features

I know you might have a question as to why they are revealing their business deals. Epic v/s Google case is currently on trial. Epic is trying to find evidence and build a case against the Google Play Store. Epic claims that Google established its Play Store and earned a load of profit, which according to it was over $12 billion (approximately 99,700 crore) in 2021. Epic claims that they did this by stopping the spread of alternative, or third-party app stores.

Now lets see how this case uncovers.
HIGHLIGHTS With the Honor 90 5G, the brand did really well in terms of looks.

Both smartphone features unique camera modules.

The Honor 100 Pro features a capsule-shaped notch.

In September, Honor came back to India with its smartphone after almost three long years. The Chinese brand launched the Honor 90 5G in India with a beautiful design. However, the Honor 100 series has been in the talks on the internet for a long time. But the wait is over now as the brand finally reveals the China launch date of the Honor 100 series. The lineup is going to include two smartphones, which are the Honor 100 and Honor 100 Pro.

The Honor 100 series is going to land in China on November 23, which is just a week away now. Further, the brand could bring the smartphone lineup to India in the coming months.

Also read: Honor 100 series appears on 3C certification with 100W charging support

Apart from the launch date, the brand has also revealed the looks and design of the Honor 100 series and I have to say, its looking attractive. With the Honor 90 5G, the brand did really well in terms of looks and now it seems that the Honor 100 series will continue the legacy. Lets check out the three best design features of the Honor 100 series.

Honor 100 series design

Speaking of the back first, we get to see unique camera modules in both smartphones. The Honor 100 has a rectangular housing and then theres a secondary semi-circle module that holds a dual camera setup on the back and an LED flash. It was revealed in the White colour that has a patterned back. Now the Honor 100 Pro, has an oval-shaped camera module for a triple camera setup and an LED flash. The brand has revealed its Lilac colour with a dual-toned texture on the back. Next is the display. The Honor 100 and Honor 100 Pro are going to be equipped with a curved display. Lastly, the notch of these smartphones. The Honor 100 features a simple punch-hole cutout, while the Honor 100 Pro features a capsule-shaped notch. Why? Well, because it has a dual camera setup on the front too.
HIGHLIGHTS The Honor 100 Pro smartphone model will offer SLR-level photography experience.

It is expected to house a 50MP primary camera with OIS support and a telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom.

It could come packed with a 5,000mAh battery.

In September, Honor came back to India with its smartphone after almost three long years. For quite some time, there have been several rumours about the Honor 100 series. Now, a company executive has revealed that the Honor 100 Pro smartphone model will offer SLR-level photography experience.

Honor executive Yang Yang shared a statement on the Chinese micro-blogging website Weibo, claiming that the upcoming Honor 100 Pro smartphone model will offer SLR-level photography experience, reports Gizmochina.

Also read: Here are best 3 features of Honor 100 series design: Revealed along with launch date

Credit: Gizmochina

The Honor 100 Pro smartphone is expected to house a 50MP primary camera with OIS support and a telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom.

Also read: Honor 100 series appears on 3C certification with 100W charging support

The Honor 100 Pro smartphone will likely be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC. This device is expected to feature an AMOLED display that offers 1.5K resolution and 3849Hz PWM dimming support.

Also, the Honor 100 Pro is expected to come packed with a 5,000mAh battery.

Recently, the company revealed the China launch date of the Honor 100 series. The Honor 100 series is going to land in China on November 23, which is just a week away now. Further, the brand could bring the smartphone lineup to India in the coming months.

The Honor 100 will feature a rectangular housing, and a secondary semi-circle module that holds a dual camera setup on the back and an LED flash. It was revealed in the White colour that has a patterned back. On the other hand, the Honor 100 Pro will come with an oval-shaped camera module for a triple camera setup and an LED flash. This smartphone was revealed in Lilac colour with a dual-toned texture on the back.
HIGHLIGHTS The Vivo V30 smartphone has appeared on Geekbench.

The device is expected to be equipped with the unannounced Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset.

It could pack an Adreno 720 GPU.

Qualcomm recently unveiled its latest flagship chipset the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3- and Xiaomi 14 series and iQOO 12 series have already been released in China, utilising this new chip. There are indications that Qualcomm is preparing to launch two Snapdragon 7-series chipsets. One of them, possibly the next-gen Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, is anticipated to be unveiled either later this month or in early December. Now, the rumoured Vivo V30 equipped with the unannounced Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 has appeared on Geekbench.

According to a report by Gizmochina, the Vivo V30 smartphone model has appeared in Geekbenchs Vulkan test database, which assesses GPU performance.

Also read: Vivo V29 Pro review: Most complete V-series phone so far

Vivo V30 Geekbench listing (Credit: Gizmochina)

In the Vulkan test, the Vivo V30 smartphone model achieved a score of 4167 points.

Also read: vivo V29 redefines elegance and photography in its segment  Heres what makes it a game changer!

The benchmark listing revealed that the Vivo V30 runs on a Qualcomm chip, seemingly the anticipated Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, with 12 GB of RAM and the Android 14 operating system.

Regarding the chips specifics, the listing revealed that the SD7G3 incorporates a high-performance core running at 2.63GHz, three performance cores operating at 2.40GHz, and four efficiency cores clocked at 1.80GHz. Furthermore, it is expected to pack an Adreno 720 GPU.

The Vivo V30 series is expected to debut in the first quarter of 2024 in certain global markets, including India.

There is currently no information about the launch date for the Vivo V30 series, but its anticipated that Vivo could soon introduce the Vivo S18 and Vivo S18 Pro smartphones in China. While the Vivo S18 model might feature the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, the S18 Pro could be equipped with the Dimensity 9200 Plus chipset. The Vivo V30 smartphone model is expected to be a tweaked version of the S18.
HIGHLIGHTS Indias wearable market grew 29.2% year-over-year (YoY) to 48.1 million units.

In the third quarter of 2023, Boat and Noise dominate the Indian wearable market.

Smart rings became prominent in 3Q23.

In recent years, India has witnessed a rapid adoption of wearable technology, marking a significant shift in how individuals manage their health, interact with technology, and embrace convenience in their daily lives. According to a new report, Indias wearable market grew 29.2% year-over-year (YoY) to 48.1 million units with Boat and Noise leading the market.

According to a report released by International Data Corporation (IDC), the wearable market in India shipped 48.1 million units during the third quarter of 2023 (July-September), marking year-over-year growth of 29.2%. This achievement contributed to a total shipment of 105.9 million units in the initial three quarters of 2023, surpassing the 100.1 million units shipped throughout the entirety of 2022.

Also read: Samsung beats Apple as smartphone shipments decline by 8-percent: Counterpoint

Lets check out five interesting facts about Indias wearable market.

Boat remained a dominant force in the overall wearable market, securing a 29.7% market share, which reflects a growth of 19.4%. Also, in the True Wireless Stereo (TWS) segment, boAt maintained its leadership position with a commanding 37.9% market share, marking a 33.3% YoY growth. Noise secured the second position in the overall wearable market, holding a 10.8% market share, despite experiencing a stagnant 0.6% YoY shipment growth. In the overall Indian wearable market, Boat holds the leading position, followed by Noise, Fire-Boltt, Oppo(including both Oppo and OnePlus) and Boult Audio. In addition to the introduction of new smartwatch and earwear models, the emergence of smart rings gained prominence during the third quarter of 2023. The Indian wearable market recorded shipments of 105.9 million units within the initial three quarters of 2023, surpassing the total of 100.1 million units shipped throughout 2022.

Its important to note that this report by IDC specifically gives information about the third quarter of 2023.
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Geographical challenges emerge as Vietnam semiconductor industry grows, according to DIGITIMES Research

Vietnam has emerged as a prime contender as the US seeks a more diversified semiconductor supply chain, reducing dependence on China. DIGITIMES Research notes that relatively well-established semiconductor manufacturing supply chains are established in northern Vietnam, while IC designers have formed clusters in the south. The geographical distance between these regions may challenge the chip ecosystem to achieve optimal synergy in Vietnam.

DIGITIMES Research analyst and project manager Chou Yen observed that the semiconductor industry in Vietnam exhibits a clustering distribution, with the northern region specializing in memory ATMP, while the southern region focuses mainly on IC ATMP and design. However, there is no significant and extensive clustering from upstream to downstrem due to limitations in economies of scale, land transportation, internet policies, and other factors.

Chou highlighted that the IC design industry in southern Vietnam mainly comprises US-based companies like Semicon and Microchip, which can be traced, in part, to historical factors, as Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, exhibited a greater openness to Western culture before the unification of Vietnam.

Moreover, Ho Chi Minh City, the most populous city and a major economic hub in Vietnam, is a focal point for economic and consumption activities. In contrast, in the north, Hanoi serves as the political center. Consequently, IC designers focusing on applications strategically position themselves in southern Vietnam close to the vibrant market with significant economic and consumption activities.

Meanwhile, northern Vietnam became a memory manufacturing stronghold initially thanks to Samsung Electronics' decision to pick Vietnam as a major hub for handset manufacturing, and later thanks to the US-China geopolitical tension that led to a diversification trend, which benefits northern Vietnam as an emerging manufacturing hub, with Korea-based companies involved in memory, SSD assembly and testing, such as Hana Micron, expanding their investment in northern Vietnam. After 2016, a renewed wave of semiconductor investments began moving to Vietnam, including Amkor and Samsung's R&D center for semiconductors in Hanoi.

Semiconductor clusters in Taiwan thrive on the proximity of chip designers and manufacturers, fostering seamless communication. Conversely, Chou said that the transportation challenges between northern and southern Vietnam pose a potential communication barrier within chip ecosystems. Presently, air transport is the most convenient and predominant mode of business travel. Despite plans for constructing highways and high-speed railways, the extended timelines for completion, often exceeding 15 years, present logistical challenges. Fortunately, the burgeoning use of internet applications, coupled with the introduction of 5G services in Ho Chi Minh City in June 2020 and their subsequent availability in at least 18 provinces, indicates that digital communication methods could be a viable alternative.

According to Chou, a notable and apparent constraint lies in power supply, particularly given the energy-intensive nature of the semiconductor industry. Vietnam's power infrastructure is not as advanced as China's, necessitating swift improvements to align with the demands of the semiconductor sector.

In the past 1-2 years, the US has actively supported the semiconductor industries in Vietnam and India. Chou said that in the early stages, Vietnam and India may find themselves in potential competition. Thanks to the enormous market, much larger than Vietnam's, and various applications that may arise, semiconductor companies may be more interested in investing in India in the near future. On the other hand, those investing in Vietnam may have an eye on the broader Southeast Asian market and China. Chou said that due to their different and expansive market opportunities, Vietnam and India may attract investments in different ways. In the case of the US market, Chou believes that semiconductor investments in Vietnam and India may capture a portion of the US market.

Chip investments in Vietnam Location Company Entity Product Establishment Hanoi Samsung Samsung Hanoi R&D Campus 5G, AI 2023 Toshiba Toshiba Software Development Vietnam IC design, software development 2007 Thai Nguyen Samsung Samsung Electro-Mechanics Vietnam FCBGA substrate 4Q23(f) Bac Ninh Amkor Amkor Technology Vietnam Memory ATMP 2023 Hana Micron Hana Micron Vietnam Memory ATMP 2016 Bac Giang Hana Micron Hana Micron Vietnam Memory ATMP 2019 Phu Tho Hanyang Digitech Hangyang Digitech Vina Memory ATMP 2019

Source: DIGITIMES Research

About the analyst

Yen Chou received a master's degree from the Graduate Program for Political Economy at National Cheng Kung University. He worked as an assistant researcher at the Institute for Physical Planning and Information and as an analyst at DIGITIMES Research. His research focuses on Samsung's global investment and operation, the electronics industry in Vietnam, and the display industry in South Korea.

Credit:DIGITIMES Research
Supply Chain Summit: India rolls out red carpet for Taiwan to accelerate semiconductor success

India is aggressively recruiting Taiwanese partners for its semiconductor dream. Not only aiming to produce mature-node semiconductors for its 1.4 billion population market, it also sends out a clear message to IC design houses  come design for India and make for India, don't miss out on the chance.

In a closed-door interview with reporters, Ajai Chowdhry, co-founder of HCL Group, chairman of EPIC Foundation, and now an adviser to India's National Semiconductor Mission, shared the country's vision.

India is trying to replicate China's success and become a Product Nation, and semiconductor is a key part of that plan. "That is why we need Taiwan. You have already done it for China. You did it in 10 years, you must go to India and do it in three years," said Chowdhry, emphasizing it will be of mutual benefit.

"India's goal is that with this program, in the next two years, we should have all the investments closed. And within five years, we should be producing. So that's phase one." Chowdhry said India has already drawn up a 25-year plan for its semiconductor industry development. "And then we will come for more advanced chips in the second phase of development."

In Chowdhry's presentation during the opening ceremony of the 2023 DIGITIMES Supply Chain Summit, he specifically pointed out that the Indian central government is providing a 50% incentive upfront for capital expenditures made by companies to produce CMOS chips, panels, and compound chips. The state government will provide another 20% afterward.

The expenditure for building fabs and buying equipment for mature node chips are much lower than advanced ones, and it takes fewer years to break even. But even so, India has hired global semiconductor experts to make strict evaluations of applications and approve only those that have the highest opportunity to succeed.

Vast opportunity in the 1.4 billion population

India imported nearly US$6 billion worth of semiconductor devices in 2022, and that number is expected to grow in the years to come. As a result of several initiatives taken by the Indian government and efforts of the industry, the domestic production of electronic goods has increased substantially from US$60 billion in 2017-18 to US$101.9 billion in 2022-23 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 16.28%, according to the Economic Times.

One would guess that India wants to build chips to meet domestic needs because many electronic supply chains have migrated there to produce notebook PCs and smartphones. But Chowdhry said India is specifically targeting silicon chips processed by 28nm and more mature node technologies. "That market already exists in India because the automobile market and the white goods market (refrigerators, air conditioners, TVs, toasters, etc.) need mature chips. So, that market is huge in India because we have a 1.4 billion population."

A McKinsey Report with the title "India's Urban Awakening" projects that India will have 68 cities with a population of 1 million by 2030, up from 41 now. Urbanization will require a huge amount of investments in infrastructure, including power grid, Internet, smart city planning, etc, which all require semiconductor devices.

"India's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2027 will be US$7 trillion, and we plan to be a US$30 trillion economy by 2047; whichever comes first gets maximum benefit," said Chowdhry, urging Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturers to take action fast.

Why India?

Although many analysts see the challenges of inadequate infrastructure for semiconductor industry development, Chowdhry argues that it is no longer the case, because India has made tremendous progress in public infrastructure in recent years.

Chowdhry built trust in partnership with Taiwanese companies from decades of cooperation in getting electronic components for manufacturing HCL computers. The geopolitical tension between China and India also made Taiwan a preferred partner for collaboration. Taiwanese products will have less competition in India from low-priced products from China, which is not trusted by consumers in India.

India ranked fourth in automobile sales in 2022, up 23% from a year ago, with local brands taking up over half of the market share. The robust growth of the Indian automobile market would also be an attractive source for automotive IC demand.

The abundant engineer supply in India can also be a solution to Taiwan's talent shortage. According to Manharsinh Yadav, director general of the India-Taiwan Association, 625 Indian colleges have adopted curricula to train semiconductor industry engineers and are also collaborating with good institutes across the world, including those in Taiwan. "By 2025-26, we'll have more than 85,000 semiconductor industry-ready manpower," said Yadav.

Chowdhry pointed out that India exports close to about US$39 billion worth of engineering services in 2022, but that's on transfer pricing. However, if calculated by end user value, it would be close to US$100 billion dollars of just engineering and R&D exports. "Meanwhile, India's engineering R&D capability is phenomenal. Not just make in India, you can design in India." Chowdhry pointed out that there are already 1,600 multinational companies that have established design centers or research and development (R&D) centers in India.

"Why have the Indian engineers to work in Taiwan? Then you have to pay them the Taiwan wage." Chowdhry said, Taiwanese companies should build fabs and design centers in India and have local managers to supervise those Indian engineers to produce the best results. "We produce more engineers than the population in Taiwan. So, you can imagine the capability that you can create."

Currently, around 600 Indian nationals live in the Hsinchu area, with over 300 being employees of the Hsinchu Science Park, while the other 200 or so and their dependents are studying at National Tsing Hua University and National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University. In 2004, MediaTek set up a design center by acquiring a company in Noida, India, that specializes in man-machine interface software/firmware technology. While Foxconn is still trying to get a partner to produce semiconductors in India, it is determined to achieve the goal and has promised to establish a Foxconn University there, according to Chowdhry.

To attract IC design firms to invest in India, the government has announced the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme in 2023, pledging financial incentives as well as design infrastructure support across various stages of development and deployment of semiconductor design(s) for Integrated Circuits (ICs), Chipsets, System on Chips (SoCs), Systems & IP Cores and semiconductor linked design(s) over a period of 5 years.
Washington Department of Ecology

Zenk

Washington Department of Ecology Director Laura Watson has named Jeff Zenk as director of the Office of Chehalis Basin. This office oversees the state's efforts to reduce catastrophic flood damage and restore aquatic habitat in the Chehalis River Basin, the state's second-largest river basin.

Zenk has worked at Ecology since 2019, serving as the agency's Southwest Region communications manager and supporting its air quality and climate programs. His past experience includes working as a legislative analyst with the Washington Senate and running his own public affairs firm.

The Legislature created the Office of Chehalis Basin within Ecology in 2016 to address severe flooding and aquatic habitat degradation in the watershed. Over the past 30 years, the basin suffered its six largest floods in recorded history, resulting in millions of dollars in damage. At the same time, fish resources in the basin have been in steep decline.

As Office of Chehalis Basin director, Zenk will work with the Chehalis Basin Board, a seven-member legislatively mandated board, and five ex officio members, tasked with developing the Chehalis Basin Strategy and implementing its budget.

The strategy involves a network of partners working to reduce flood-related damage and restore and protect aquatic species habitat.




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Photo from Renton School District [enlarge] Most of Hazen High School was built in 1967.





Renton School District's board recently approved awarding a general contractor/construction manager contract to Forma Construction Co. to renovate Hazen High School at 1101 Hoquiam Ave. N.E. in Renton.





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Photo from NWSA [enlarge] With $54.2 million in BIL funding, Husky Terminal in Tacoma will be reconfigured for better cargo flow.





Today marks the second anniversary of President Joe Biden's signing of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Since then, the law has delivered about $7.9 billion to Washington state, including $5.3 billion for 1,192 road, bridge, transit and climate resilience projects.





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SEATTLE  An apartment building at 5253 15th Ave. N.E. sold last week for a little over $6.7 million, according to King County records.

The seller was 5253 VD 1 LLC, associated with local developer Vekst, which acquired the land in 2017 for $2.1 million, then developed it.





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A double rapist who cold-called twice to the home of a 15 year old girl in County Louth, in breach of a court order, has been jailed for 12 months at Dundalk Circuit Court.

The Defence barrister told the sentencing hearing that the 50 year old man deals in cars and had spotted a UK-import parked outside the girl's home, when his wife called to a next door neighbour who had a washing machine and dryer for sale on Facebook.

The court heard last Friday that he had been sentenced to 12 years with the last four years suspended in 1998 for the rape of a 13 year old girl and in 2009 was sentenced to 21 years with the final two years suspended for the rape of a woman in her 80s.

The detective garda appointed as his case worker, told Judge Dara Hayes the defendant's m-o involved cold calling to identify victims, "under the guise of doing maintenance work or work of some sort".

He was released from prison in September last year and "immediately started calling to people again", which resulted in a Circuit Court order being made last December which prohibited from engaging in a number of activities including cold-calling.

The 50 year old was captured on a doorbell camera on both occasions in August this year.

He knocked on the front door the first time, but the 15 year old didn't answer and he spoke to the teen on his second visit, when he left his mobile phone number for her mother, asking if a car was for sale.

Her mum contacted the gardai after receiving a text warning her to be careful about who called to her home, with a link to a newspaper report.

The Defence barrister stressed that his client had spotted a UK import when his wife called to the house next door to inquire about buying a washing machine and dryer and he had called to the 15 year old girl's home two days later, when his wife went back to collect them.

The lawyer argued it was a technical breach of the order, and stressed there was no malice or intentional disregard of the order by his client, who's been in custody since August 17th last.

He added that his current incarceration has drilled home to him the importance of strictly abiding by the court order.

Judge Dara Hayes imposed concurrent 12 month sentences for both offences, and remanded him in custody to appear before the Central Criminal Court in respect of the suspended portion of the 21 year sentence.
St. Josephs Redemptorist Church in Dundalk will host Ollies Encore, a traditional Irish music concert in aid of the North Louth Hospice and Samaritans on Sunday November 26th.

The concert will feature music by the Oriel Traditional Orchestra and Scale Force, two of the most popular traditional Irish music ensembles in the region. They will be joined on the night by special guests.

Ollies Encore is a special concert held in memory of Ollie McCloskey, a beloved member of the Dundalk community who passed away in 2020. Ollie was a passionate supporter of the North Louth Hospice and Samaritans.

He played banjo with both the Oriel Traditional Orchestra and Scaleforce whose members have come together to organize a concert to honour his memory and to raise money for these important charities.

The concert will begin at 7:00pm and tickets are 15 per person. Children under 15 free when accompanied by an adult.

Tickets can be purchased in advance from the Redemptorist shop, Terry Kellys paint shop Dundalk, the Tipsy Cow Bar Dundalk or by calling 086 2564 788 and at the door on the night of the concert.

We are so excited to host Ollies Encore and raise money for two such important charities, say the concert organizers.

Ollie was a wonderful man, and we know he would be thrilled that this concert is being held in his honour.

We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy a night of traditional Irish music and support these worthy causes.

The concert will conclude with all groups joining together for a final set of tunes that Ollie played regularly.

The Oriel Traditional Orchestra is a cross-border, intergenerational community orchestra whose members come primarily from Louth, Meath, Monaghan and Armagh.

The OTO concentrates on Irish traditional music repertoire from the Oriel region arranged especially for the orchestra.

Scale Force is a traditional Irish music group based in North Louth and South Armagh which fosters adults playing and performing Irish Traditional music.

The North Louth Hospice is a palliative care unit that provides care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses. The hospice is funded through donations and fundraising events like Ollies Encore.

Samaritans is a charity that provides emotional support to people who are struggling to cope. The Samaritans offer a confidential listening service and can be reached 24/7 by calling 116 123.
Debt package of up to 100 million for major property developer BIG CEE

Company to develop, upgrade and/or acquire retail parks, shopping centres in the region

Buildings financed by the EBRD to be energy efficient and achieve green certification

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is boosting the development of green commercial real estate in the Western Balkans, with a debt package of up to 100 million to be used by CEE BIG B.V. for the companys regional expansion.

The company will use the loan to finance the development, upgrade and acquisition of modern retail parks and shopping centres across the Western Balkans. The developer is also committing to securing BREEAM international sustainability certification for all buildings financed by the EBRD.

Austria provided technical assistance through its Delivering Resource Efficiency Investments (DRIVE) programme, helping the company to carry out market, technical, and sustainability assessment of this transaction.

CEE BIG B.V. is a leading developer and owner of open-air retail parks and shopping centres operating in the region. The first two projects financed by the Banks debt envelope will be two modern retail parks in Stara Pazova and Cacak in Serbia.

To date the EBRD has invested more than 8.7 billion in Serbia through 340 projects, of which nearly 70 per cent supported the private sector. The Western Balkans is a priority region for the EBRD, where the Bank remains one of the largest institutional investors.
THE Mayor of County Cork has praised a Cork business which he said has played an integral part in the life of Corks Deaf community over the past three decades.

Deaf Enterprises, which is located in Ballinlough, was founded in 1987 by Father Bill Clarke, and in its time it has earned a reputation for furniture repair, re-upholstery, French polishing, and renovation of the highest quality.

The Cork charity is Irelands only dedicated employer of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

Every year Deaf Enterprises repairs, re-upholsters and restores an estimated 150 tonnes of furniture that might otherwise end up in landfill.

Last year, the business expanded in an environmentally friendly direction as some of its employees trained to become qualified bicycle mechanics as they recycle and repair used bikes.

Mayor of County Cork, Cllr Frank O'Flynn (centre) with Steve Flint, general manager Deaf Enterprises, and Jessica Bartak-Healy, secretary of the board of Deaf Enterprises.

The charity currently employs 35 staff, 28 of whom are deaf or hard of hearing, or identify as having a disability.

The company offers training and placements, as well as full-time employment, for members of a community that has suffered for years from high levels of unemployment.

Since Deaf Enterprises began, over 100 deaf people have taken part in employment, training or work experience initiatives in the company, with most going on to further employment.

Last week saw the formal launch by the Mayor of County Cork, Councillor Frank OFlynn, of a recently installed new floor in Deaf Enterprises Sundrive Park workshop. Cllr OFlynn said it had been a joyous occasion to attend the official launch, and he was delighted to note that the charity had received support from both the HSE and the Department of Rural and Community Development, backing which he said had been instrumental in breathing new life into this wonderful establishment.

Expressing his heartfelt gratitude to all the dedicated employees of Deaf Enterprises, Mr OFlynn said it was their unwavering commitment and hard work which had made the charity the success it was.

It is their sweat, toil, and passion that have made all the achievements we see today possible. The facilities in Ballinlough have been a beacon of hope, narrowing the divide between those who are deaf or hard of hearing and employment opportunities, he said.

As I toured the workshop earlier, I was truly mesmerised by the remarkable craftsmanship on display. From furniture restoration to upholstery, polishing, and bicycle repair, it was an artistic feast for the eyes.

Many of us have cherished old pieces of furniture in our homes, rich with history and nostalgia. Witnessing these pieces being lovingly restored to their former glory is nothing short of heartwarming, Mr OFlynn said.

Commending the mission and values of Deaf Enterprises, he added that its commitment to breaking down the barriers facing deaf and hard-of-hearing people in Cork was truly remarkable, and he extended a warm invitation to the local community of Ballinlough and beyond to embrace the mission of Deaf Enterprises and avail of the services it provides.

Together, we can create a more inclusive, vibrant, and harmonious community, Mr OFlynn said.

Also in attendance at the launch was Tony Lehane, owner and managing director of Floortech, which oversaw the re-flooring project, as well as children from St Columbas school, staff of Deaf Enterprises, associates and friends.

Later that evening a Mass was celebrated in memory of Fr Bill Clarke and in recognition of the work done by Deaf Enterprises, the charity he founded over 35 years ago.
FRESH calls have been made for Cork City Council to consider a meanwhile use' for a landmark site on Sullivans Quay which was previously earmarked for the development of a hotel.

The calls come amid uncertainty over the future of the site where a 2018 grant of planning for a hotel and offices has expired.

The former tax office had been earmarked for the mixed-use development after BAM Property Limited was granted conditional planning permission by Cork City Council in November 2017.

The decision was later appealed by a third party, but in June 2018 An Bord Pleanala ruled to uphold the councils decision.

Last month, BAM said it was reviewing its options for the site, prompting fears that the riverside site could remain vacant and unused for several more years.

Green Party councillor Dan Boyle proposed a motion that the council acquire the former government buildings site to be developed as a city park.

Mr Boyle said there is an opportunity for the Council to look at the City Development Plan as to how it might be able to identify this particular site close to the city centre which he said would add to the quality of life in our city if we were to reconfigure it as open space.

Sinn Fein councillor Mick Nugent supported Mr Boyles motion and also questioned how BAM could just leave a site like that, a prime spot, vacant.

Speaking to The Echo, he said: It was tied in with progress, or lack of, in terms of the event centre and if the event centre was there or nearly there, it might make some sense in a hotel there but for now its a vacant site.

[BAM] obviously own the property so its not going to come into public hands unless the council presses that issue but the council could contact the owners and see if it can be used for what they call meanwhile use and see if it is possible for it to be used to benefit the public, whether thats a park or a recreation area.

'EYESORE'

Socialist councillor Brian McCarthy said during the meeting that while people in the city were glad to see the eyesore that used to be on that site demolished, they were not enthusiastic about the news that a hotel would be built on the site.

Its an absolutely stunning location with panoramic views over the river and across the Grand Parade so I think a hotel would be a complete waste of the potential of that site, he said.

He said that while he would not be opposed to a park on the site, consideration could be given to using the site to showcase Corks history, given its close proximity to the medieval quarter, St Fin Barres Cathedral, Elizabeth Fort and Nano Nagle Place.

Instead of a place for people to stay, we should have a place for people to go, to visit, to enjoy, not just for tourists but for everyone who calls this city their home, he said.

In the past, Ive said we need more open green spaces and I still firmly believe that and I wouldnt be opposed to a park on this site, but I think we could be looking at a range of options. It should definitely take public ownership. A site like that should be used for the benefit of the public.

Speaking following the council meeting, Director of Strategic and Economic Development Fearghal Reidy said: Cork City Council is pursuing a number of options including Residential Zoned Land Tax and Derelict Sites Levies for vacancy and dereliction across the city. The City Council will consider meanwhile uses for these sites.
A then-teenager who armed himself with a 21cm knife and murdered Cork college student Cameron Blair by plunging the weapon into his neck has appealed his life sentence, arguing that the sentencing judge did not sufficiently take his immaturity and "dysfunctional background" into account.

Mr Blair had told a friend: Dont worry lad, I dont want to be fighting moments after the teenager had stabbed him in the neck as the victim acted as a peacemaker outside a house party in Cork City three years ago.

The Central Criminal Court also heard how Cameron had "extended the hand of friendship" to his murderer earlier in the night when he suggested the teenager and his friends be allowed come into the party.

In a preliminary hearing last May, the Court of Appeal found that, should it find a lower court has made an error in sentencing a juvenile, it would not be able to impose a new sentence once the appellant has turned 18.

The issue arose as the appeal court is confined to imposing a sentence which was open to the court where the trial took place, in circumstances where children are sentenced to detention and cannot be sentenced to imprisonment, while an adult cannot be sentenced to detention.

Karl Finnegan SC on Tuesday submitted to the three-judge court that while Mr Justice Paul McDermott delivered "detailed" reasons when passing sentence on the then-17-year-old defendant, the judgment took into account the accused's age more than his maturity or immaturity.

The now 21-year-old appellant, who cannot be named as he was a child at the time of the murder, was sentenced to detention for life by the Central Criminal Court in April 2020 with a review after 13 years after he pleaded guilty to murdering Mr Blair (20) by stabbing him in the neck at a house party on Bandon Road in Cork City on January 16, 2020.

LIFE IN DETENTION

The defendant was sentenced to life in detention at Oberstown Children Detention Campus in Lusk, Co. Dublin, with the sentence backdated to January 24, 2020, when the then-teenager was taken into custody.

He was transferred to an adult prison after his eighteenth birthday.

A review of the sentence is to be conducted by the court on November 15, 2032, and an earliest release date of January 24, 2033 was ordered. The court further ordered that a probation report be furnished to the court every three years.

Mr Finnegan submitted to the court that the sentence imposed on his client was "disproportionate and excessive in light of the circumstances of the case and his client's difficult personal circumstances".

Mr Finnegan further submitted that the trial judge had acknowledged that the appellant did not leave his home with a knife on the night of the murder and that it was "likely the appellant formed the relevant intention very shortly before the incident".

"It is submitted that the offence was without such aggravating factors as might in other circumstances justify a minimum period of incarceration of 14 years. Such factors, it is submitted, include a lack of any real or significant premeditation or planning, callous disregard for the victim or an unremorseful attitude," said counsel.

Mr Finnegan submitted:

Furthermore, it is submitted that the impulsivity, immaturity and a serious lack of judgement by which the offence was characterised, bring it into a lower category than that for which the sentence actually imposed would be appropriate.

Mr Finnegan also submitted that the trial judge failed to attach appropriate weight to the mitigating factors, which included his client's "dysfunctional background and family life, his early guilty plea, his youth and immaturity and lack of previous convictions".

Counsel said the trial judge appeared to have taken a view that his client benefited by his age alone, rather than sufficiently taking into account his immaturity, in that he was to be sentenced under a different regime than an adult person.

"It is submitted that this was an error of principle and that it was incumbent on the trial judge to have regard to the specific youth and level of maturity displayed by the appellant on the information available to him," submitted Mr Finnegan.

Counsel said "immaturity was raised in the very first probation report from the sentencing hearing and that still is something that is a factor". Mr Finnegan said the trial judge referenced his client's immaturity but "ultimately, more emphasis was on the appellants age. There was less emphasis placed on the question of maturity".

REVIEW

Mr Finnegan also submitted that the trial judge erred in setting any review of the sentence for his client at 13 years from the date of incarceration, when the Parole Act 2019 entitles his client to apply for a parole review after 12 years.

Anne Rowland SC, for the DPP, said the trial judge took "significant" account of mitigating factors in a case where the accused armed himself with a 21cm bladed knife taken from a kitchen and then hid it on his person and also down the side of a sofa at the house party.

Ms Rowland submitted that the trial judge noted that while alcohol had been consumed by the appellant, he "had not been very intoxicated" on the night. Ms Rowland further submitted that the appellant took the knife from the house and went to an off-licence before returning and entering into an altercation.

Counsel said that the appellant had also initially denied the stabbing of Mr Blair to gardai before handing over a different set of clothes for analysis.

"The learned sentencing judge opined the fatal blow was 'vicious, deliberate and cowardly on a man who was, with great difficulty and restraint, trying to calm people down and was unarmed'," submitted Ms Rowland.

Ms Rowland said the sentencing judge also noted that the appellant "fully understood the nature and likely consequence of what he was doing".

"The appellant armed himself with a very large knife approximately one hour before he inflicted the fatal wound on the deceased. Although he was on the periphery of matters in the lead-up to the fatal stabbing, he was watching events as they played out and was observed tapping the knife off his knee before he engaged with the deceased. The appellant thrust the knife into the deceased's neck," submitted Ms Rowland.

Ms Rowland noted that the appellant, then aged 17 years and eight months, was at a more advanced developmental stage when he stabbed Mr Blair than someone at a younger stage of around 13 to 15 years and benefited from being convicted as a child, as opposed to an adult.

Counsel submitted that at "no point" was the issue of a parole review raised during the appellant's sentence hearing and that if a review was granted after 12 years then it would mean an outright life sentence would have had to be imposed, as it might be on an adult.

President of the Court of Appeal, Mr Justice George Birmingham, said the court would reserve its judgement in the matter and adjourned the appeal to December 5, when parties are also invited to make their submissions on any issues regarding the ongoing anonymity of the appellant.
THE impact of Storm Babet flooding during October in the north Cork community of Rathcormac has prompted a renewed call for a promised flood relief scheme for the village.

Cllr William OLeary told this weeks meeting of Cork County Council that there appeared to be no prospect of 130 flood relief schemes around the country, including a number in Cork, moving forward anytime soon.

Rathcormac was one of several Cork communities named as locations for proposed flood relief schemes in 2018 under the Catchment Flood Assessment and Management Programme (CFRAM), the largest ever flood risk study carried out in the State which investigated 300 areas believed to be at significant risk.

Under CFRAM there were to be 118 schemes carried out around the country and, in the initial phase, there would be five larger schemes and 31 schemes for under 1m. Other schemes, including the scheme for Rathcormac, would get the green light to go ahead in the latter half of the 10 years from 2018-27.

Adding that he empathized with everybody across the county who had been impacted by flooding, Cllr O'Leary said his motion was unapologetically parochial.

In terms of north Cork, there was nowhere worse off than Rathcormac as regards the level of flooding and damage that occurred, said the Fianna Fail councillor, pointing out that there had been significant flooding in the village exactly a week previous to the Storm Babet flooding.

Were still trying to get to the bottom of how and why that happened, said Cllr O'Leary.

In the aftermath of the flooding which followed Storm Babet, Cllr OLeary wrote to the Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Patrick O'Donovan, to ask him to expedite the flood relief scheme for the village in light of the damage caused.

He told his fellow councillors that the Minister, in his response, had tried to put it back on Cork County Council and said that the authority had advised that it was currently assessing with a view to the implementation of any interim measures that can be put in place to provide some benefit in this case to Rathcormac.

Mr O'Leary said the response to his motion from the county council engineering department was vague.

Its no good to me to go back to people at home in Rathcormac and say theyre looking at it, he said.

Mr O'Leary added that he knew he wasnt going to get what he was looking for at Mondays meeting but he wanted to know what council engineers were doing, were they compiling a report, evaluating interim measures or what was being considered.

He also asked about how quickly the council would move in respect to Rathcormac.

Seconding the motion, Cllr Frank O'Flynn said he recalled when an exhibition had been put on display in Rathcormac demonstrating how the flood relief scheme would work seven-years-ago and proposed that the council would write again to the Minister to seek the prioritization of the scheme once again.
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 books and 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 order 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.
A MAN who stole a bottle of perfume from a pharmacy drank it as a substitute for alcohol.

Vladimir Suncev, a Russian now living in Skibbereen in West Cork, admitted the offence as he pleaded guilty at Skibbereen District Court to a charge of theft.

Sgt Tom Mulcahy told Judge John King that gardai had received a call from James Hamilton of Hamiltons pharmacy in Skibbereen on November 24 last year, claiming that property worth 44.99 had been taken from the store.

Gardai checked CCTV footage and identified Mr Suncev, of Flat 1, Regal Estate in Skibbereen, as the offender.

The court heard that the man had made certain admissions when interviewed subsequently by gardai.

The court also heard that Mr Suncev had two previous convictions - one for a public order offence and the other for having had possession of a realistic imitation forearm in a public place.

The mans solicitor, Flor Murphy, told the judge that Mr Suncev was a divorced father-of-two whose children were living in Lithuania. He has been living in Ireland for 10 years and more recently for five years in Skibbereen, Mr Murphy said.

The court also heard that Mr Suncev is in receipt of a disability payment.

Mr Murphy said: The perfume was stolen and was used as a substitute for alcohol. Judge King queried whether this indicated that the defendant had a serious problem, to which Mr Murphy replied: I suspect there is. The court was told that Mr Suncev had worked as a fisherman but now had a stomach complaint which was related to his disability.

A stomach complaint? Judge King said. I wonder why. He ordered that a probation report by prepared and that it be submitted to the court on January 23 next, when the matters of compensation and penalty will also be finalised.
FORMER deputy chair of An Bord Pleanala Paul Hyde was successful in his appeal against a two-month jail term today as his lawyer declared that Mr Hyde was not involved in any corruption despite what keyboard warriors say.

Judge Colin Daly increased the overall sentence to three months but suspended it in full.

In addition he imposed fines totalling 6,000 at Cork Circuit Appeals Court.

The judge said, In dishonesty offences involving a breach of trust by professional people the principle of deterrence must be an important consideration. It is necessary to maintain high standards of transparency and trust. But the principle of transparency must give way to the principle of proportionality particularly when he made no material benefit.

Judge Daly said he was also taking into consideration the personal, professional and reputational consequences of his actions for Mr Hyde.

The judge said that in two declarations of interest by the accused no reference was made to a small strip of land beside common ground owned by a local authority  a strip which eventually sold for 20,000. Other properties undeclared on one occasion in 2019 were not declared because they were in receivership at the time but Judge Daly said that a simple check by Mr Hyde with his legal advisers would have told him that he was obliged to declare the list of properties  even after they had gone into receivership.

I have to conclude that his culpability falls at the higher end of the range. As regards the harm done to society it is extremely important that there is a lack of perception of bias and a lack of bias the harm and risk to society must be considered to be very high. But I dont find there are any aggravating factors.

In mitigation, he voluntarily cooperated with the inquiry (by senior counsel Remy Farrell) and equally with the gardai. He entered a plea at the earliest opportunity. He is of previous good character and has a clean record. He did not gain materially from the breaches. He lost his job, his salary and most importantly his reputation, Judge Daly said.

APPEAL

Mr Hyde was appealing a sentence of two months in jail imposed on him at Bandon District Court by Judge James McNulty after he pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to declare his interests in a number of properties when an officer of An Board Pleanala in breach of planning law requirements.

51-year-old Paul Hyde of Castlefields, Baltimore, County Cork, was sentenced on two breaches of Section 147 of the Planning Development Act 2000 which required him as an officer of the Bord to declare all properties registered to him.

His senior counsel Tom Creed said, None of these properties (which were not declared) were subject to a determination by the Bord. There was never any conflict of interest that arose. No benefit or gain arose from his failure to declare.

When the receiver took over the properties Mr Hyde took the view he was no longer the owner. But of course technically there was a benefit that arose where loans were defrayed by the sale of the properties. But there was no benefit by the misdeclaration.

In a wider context, An Bord Pleanala withdrew from an appeal because of a perception of objective bias but there was no actual bias shown, Mr Creed said.

Mr Creed stressed that the investigation of the matter by Remy Farrell senior counsel found that there was no bias involved I think it is important to put that out there.

Mr Hyde resigned from the Bord. There was huge reputational damage to Mr Hyde. He was financially compromised at the time. It is unfortunate that digital media  not mainstream media, I should say  portrayed him as corrupt in some fashion Mr Hyde was not involved in any corruption despite what these keyboard warriors say He did not declare those properties because he felt the receiver had control.

One has to declare interest in properties  he failed to declare but there was no material benefit or interest This is simply a failure to declare properties. This is not an appropriate case where a prison sentence should be imposed. Prosecution barrister John Berry called Detective Sergeant Shane Curtis of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau to outline the background to the case where he had been appointed to investigate Mr Hydes declaration of interest after two articles about him and An Bord Pleanala were published by The Ditch website and Village magazine.

Detective Sergeant Curtis said, in his 2018 return, Mr Hyde failed to include all the properties that he had listed in 2015 save for one of the properties in Douglas and the property in Baltimore, both of which were exempted anyway as they were principal properties, and this amounted to a breach of the regulations.

Mr Berry said that under the Planning and Development Act 2000, failure to declare an interest in properties when an officer of An Bord Pleanala was a summary offence that carried a maximum penalty of six months in jail or a fine of 5,000.

When Judge McNulty sentenced Mr Hyde at Bandon District Court he said, Openness, transparency and accountability in governance, together with independence, impartiality and integrity among decision makers, are among the important pillars on which a modern democracy and a prosperous economy are built and maintained.

What makes these offences so serious is that the work of An Bord Pleanala is quasi-judicial in nature, and at the high end of quasi-judicial. It is the appeal forum for citizens who may be dissatisfied, for whatever reasons, with the decisions of local planning authorities nationwide. An Bord Pleanala is also the decision maker, first and last, in a range of important matters.

But if those who are in leadership and authority are lax and careless and non-compliant, what will those in the ranks do? They will be lax and careless too, almost as if compliance was an option.
CORK MEP Deirdre Clune has become the latest senior Fine Gael politician to announce she will not be running again for election, it was confirmed today in a statement.

Twenty seven years after walking through the doors of Dail Eireann, the former Cork South Central TD announced on Wednesday that she wouldn't be putting her name forward as the partys candidate in the June elections to the European Parliament.

Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar was among the first to pay tribute to Ms. Clune following her announcement.

I was sorry to hear from Deirdre that she has decided not to contest next Junes European Elections.

Her distinguished career of more than 26 years speaks for itself as she has served her constituents proudly and admirably in the European Parliament, Dail, Seanad and as Lord Mayor of Cork and a city councillor, said Mr. Varadkar.

Not many politicians have achieved this feat of being elected to almost every possible chamber at local, national and international level by the electorate. The MEP, an engineer and daughter of former Fine Gael Minister for Foreign Affairs, Peter Barry, was first elected to the Dail in 1997 and lost her seat in 2002 before regaining it in 2011. She served as Lord Mayor of Cork in 2005/6 and served as a Senator between 2011 and 2014.

Ms Clune becomes the latest in a litany of senior Fine Gael figures to announce their decision to step back from front-line politics, a list which includes her Cork colleagues, David Stanton TD in Cork East, and Michael Creed TD of Cork North West.

In her statement announcing her decision, the MEP thanked party colleagues in Cork South Central for placing their trust in her over the years and her husband, Conor and four sons, for their constant encouragement and support since she first sought election in 1997.

Politics is demanding, she said. It requires much sacrifice, not least from close family members.

There is absolutely no doubt that without the support of my family, I would not have had the privilege to serve in public office.

I have been most fortunate to work alongside some very talented, trustworthy and earnest people in my career, whose commitment has been invaluable.

For the past nine and a half years, I have represented the people of Ireland South in the European Parliament.

Working in Brussels and Strasbourg, I have seen first-hand how Europe has played a defining role in Irelands emergence as a modern, open society and economy.

Irelands EU journey has been nothing less than transformational.

Europe has given us reach and influence in the world. It has facilitated our peace process.

It has delivered on equality, opportunity and freedom.

Europe has also taught me that the ability to compromise is not a weakness.

It is the essence of a healthy democracy. She said that she would serve the remainder of her European Parliament term before looking forward to the next chapter of her life. She said she would remain a Fine Gael activist and would support the next generation of public representatives from the party.

TRIBUTE

In his tribute to the departing MEP, An Taoiseach said she had been at the forefront of consumer protection and the rights of cancer survivors.

Deirdre was recently appointed as the European Parliaments lead negotiator for Customs Reforms which will be the most ambitious and comprehensive reforms of the EU Customs Union since its establishment in 1968.

I know Deirdre will continue to work diligently in Europe for her constituents.

A proud Corkwoman, Deirdre and her family can look back with great pride on her achievements.

We in Fine Gael are extremely grateful for all that Deirdre has done for her country and party.
A Cork man driving back from Dublin with a 130,000 stash of cocaine threw it out the car window onto the central median of the motorway as two unmarked garda cars pursued him, Cork Circuit Criminal Court heard.

Andrew Maher, aged 40, of St. Declans Rd, Gurranabraher, was sentenced to three and a half years with the last year suspended.

Defence senior counsel Elizabeth OConnell said his actions were being controlled and directed as he was in the grips of addiction and a substantial drug debt.

Judge Colin Daly said he could depart from the mandatory minimum 10-year sentence, but that a custodial term had to be imposed.

Detective Garda Robert Kennedy outlined the background to the detection of the crime.

On July 12 2021 an operation was put in place by the Cork city divisional drug unit. The information was that he was transporting large quantities of drugs from Dublin to Cork.

On this day he was seen driving a black Hyundai IX35. Two unmarked official patrol cars operated blue lights and sirens signalling for him to stop. He failed to stop. He swerved his vehicle in a very dangerous manner, discarded a large plastic bag and contents in the central median of the motorway. This was retrieved and found to contain 1.85kg of cocaine with a street value of 130,000.

Andrew Maher was stopped a couple of kilometres further down the road. He admitted he had travelled from Dublin where he was told to bring them to a location in Cork. He was told to do these runs to clear up a debt of 10,000, Det. Garda Kennedy said.

The case against Mr Maher was that he was operating as a courier for large amounts of cocaine for this organised crime gang.

Defence senior counsel Elizabeth OConnell said The facts of the case are grave in that the amount is not insignificant. The role of Mr Maher was not simply holding the drugs.

At the time he was fully in the grip of his addiction. He had descended to the point where he was selling and making no money from it. He had a debt which was being used to control and direct his actions leading him to something that was entirely unpredictable for people who had given him a good upbringing.

At that time he was living in his car and barely hanging on to his employment. The cause of this was drug addiction. The feature that is outstanding is not just that he engaged with rehabilitation but did it so early.

He has returned to live with his supportive parents and he is in a long-term relationship. He has grappled with his addiction since July 2021. He recognises he cannot take his sobriety for granted.
Explainer: Why upcoming Xi-Biden meeting is so critical

Xinhua) 13:56, November 15, 2023

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- In the iconic cityscape of San Francisco, a meeting of global consequence is set to unfold soon as Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden are going to have their first vis-a-vis sit-down since their last meeting in Bali, Indonesia, a year ago.

The international community watches with bated breath, recognizing the weight of this meeting against the backdrop of a complex global landscape and the challenges of post-pandemic economic recovery.

"China-U.S. relations are arguably the most important bilateral relationship on the planet," Jon Taylor, professor of Political Science at the University of Texas at San Antonio, told Xinhua.

"Irrespective of differences in our political systems and approaches to policy, healthy and respectful China-U.S. relations are vital to maintaining political, economic, and national security stability," said Taylor.

PROMOTING PROSPERITY IN ASIA-PACIFIC

Examining the map, one grasps the essence of Xi's statement that "the broad Pacific Ocean is vast enough to embrace both China and the United States, as well as other countries."

The Asia-Pacific region is also the most economically prosperous region globally, remaining on track to contribute about two-thirds of global growth in 2023, the International Monetary Fund said in October in its report on the economic outlook for Asia and the Pacific.

China and the United States are the two giants of the Asia-Pacific region. While the United States is renowned for its prowess in technology and finance, China commands a substantial economic scale and market space.

A recent report, titled Asian Economic Integration Report 2023 from the Asian Development Bank, underscores China's pivotal role, noting that Asia's economic recovery is driven particularly by China, which accounted for 64.2 percent of total growth.

This indicates that China and the United States serve as the "stabilizing anchor" and "engine" of the Asia-Pacific region. When China-U.S. relations are good, the region benefits; when relations sour, the region suffers.

"Cooperation between the United States 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."

The goal of achieving global development and mutual prosperity "transcends anything else," said Paul Frimpong, executive director of the Ghanaian think tank China-Africa Center for Policy and Advisory.

"They (the United States and China) should cooperate to bring development to the world," Frimpong said.

COOPERATING FOR COMMON INTERESTS

As Xi has repeatedly said, "Major countries should act like major countries," thus China and the United States, the two global economic heavyweights, bear the responsibility of guiding the world into the future and must exhibit a spirit of responsibility.

Addressing global issues such as climate change requires cooperation between China and the United States. It is imperative to recognize that the challenges of an interconnected world demand a departure from unilateral approaches.

It is critical that the United States and China bridge their differences and cooperate to address major issues, such as climate change and green transition, said Lucio Blanco Pitlo, research fellow at the Philippine think tank Asia-Pacific Pathways to Progress Foundation.

It is also "very important to help developing economies catch up to transition away from polluting forms of fuel, to greener and more sustainable forms of energy," Pitlo said.

A stable China-U.S. relationship demonstrates that even amidst differences, nations can find common ground for the greater good, said Joseph Mutaboba, a Rwandan expert in International Relations and Diplomatic Affairs.

"This stability is vital for addressing pressing global issues, from climate change to public health crises, and for promoting a harmonious international order," he added.

Amid geopolitical tensions, such as the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, cooperation between the two countries is more urgently needed than ever before.

"The latest war in Gaza not only serves as a reminder to Americans that China is not a threat to America or world peace, but also offers an opportunity for Washington and Beijing to work together on common global challenges, including the conflict in the Middle East," said an opinion piece published in The Hill. "It's time to reboot America's China policy."

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun)
Minister for Finance Michael McGrath met with participants from Northside Community Enterprises (NCE) Outreach programme as he assisted with the launch of the NCE wellness programme.

The programme was developed by NCE Outreach to further assist those in recovery from addiction by offering them outdoor and leisure activities, as well as helping them to develop skills to assist with living independently.

NCE Outreach is a community employment project that works in partnership with local addiction treatment centres, Cuan Mhuire and The Tabor Group, and the Probation Services of Ireland, to provide training, further education, and work experience for people recovering from addiction.

The projects aim is to promote social inclusion and provide training opportunities to allow for the reintegration of participants into their communities. Mr McGrath unveiled a plaque to launch the programme, which was developed in partnership with the support and funding of the Department of Social Protection and Cork Education and Training Board (ETB).

Speaking about the launch of the wellness programme and NCE Outreach, the sponsor and chairperson of the NCE board of management, Fr John ODonovan, said: Our programmes focus on developing the confidence and self-awareness of our participants, while assisting them in identifying their next steps in relation to retraining, upskilling, re-entering education, and employment.

We have witnessed how, through a supportive, collaborative environment, the untapped potential of many individuals can be harnessed in a positive and productive manner.

Over the past three years, NCE Outreach has had 400 participants in our programmes, with over 50% progressing to either employment or further education.

It is the feedback of these 400 participants that provided the initial framework for the NCE Wellness Programme. Their feedback gave us invaluable insights into what our participants visualised from such a programme.

Fr John said that since it began in 2022, the initial feedback from participants on the NCE Wellness Programme had been extremely positive, with plans firmly in place for further expansion in the future.

He thanked the Department of Social Protection and Cork Education and Training Board for funding the programme and also acknowledged the NCEs Board of Management, management and staff.
By Rebecca Black, PA

The Government has been urged to take action to allow flood defences to be completed.

It comes after the island has been battered by heavy rain and flooding in recent weeks following a number of named storms.

Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice welcomed financial support for those impacted by the flooding but called for a flood-relief scheme at Lough Funshinagh in Co Roscommon to be finished.

Work was halted amid a legal challenge by an environmental charity.

Simon Harris, Minister for Further and Higher Education. Photo: PA.

The challenge was won, with a judge finding that work had not been subjected to assessments under EU directives on habitats and environmental impact assessments.

During leaders questions in the Dail on Tuesday, Mr Fitzmaurice said: We need heavy hitters to go to Europe.

He said he wants the definition of an emergency to be reviewed and added: The problem is the habitats directive, the way its been enforced here  or the way Europe is pushing on enforcing it upon us.

While we welcome the funding given by all the different ministers, thats basically a stopgap  its not going to stop the water coming next year or the year after.

Minister for High Education Simon Harris said it has been an extraordinarily difficult time in terms of flooding right across our country.

He said a new national adaptation plan is needed, as is the acceleration of a number of flood-relief schemes.

Government is fully committed in relation to that. Weve seen three storms in a month, and if that doesnt give us an indication (of) the type of winter were looking at, and indeed the climate change that were seeing in the world, Im not sure what will, he said.

On Lough Funshinagh, he said he will take Mr Fitzmaurices comments in relation to European legislation and the risks to life and land to colleagues.

He said: I take the point in relation to to urgency because we have seen in areas where we put flood relief schemes in really, really good results.
Fiona Magennis

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

She said the man who was in the toilets put on the taps so they could try to get water into their mouths.

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.

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.

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.
Alison O'Riordan

A husband accused of murder described to gardai how he "waited in the long grass" for his wife before slitting her throat and choking her with his "bare hands", a Central Criminal Court jury has heard.

"I didn't stop, there was nothing to stop. It was black and nasty," James Kilroy told gardai in interview.

A psychiatrist, called by the defence, also gave evidence today that Mr Kilroy - who admits killing his wife at their rural Co Mayo home - had a long history of cannabis use and was regularly consuming the drug therapeutically in the three years leading up to her death.

The expert witness said the accused had purchased a high-THC strain of cannabis called 'AK-47' in 2018, of which he had slightly increased his use in the week prior to his wife's death. The witness also gave evidence that THC can make certain people with a predisposition experience substance-induced psychosis.

Mr Kilroy (50), has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to murdering occupational therapist Valerie French Kilroy (41) at their rural home at Kilbree Lower, Westport, Co Mayo, between June 13th 2019 and June 14th 2019.

The jury heard last week that after he was brought to Mayo University Hospital, Mr Kilroy asked to speak to gardai to make a confession and said: "I killed my wife". The trial heard that, up until this point, gardai had no suspicion of the accused having done anything criminal.

Gardai were dispatched to the defendant's home at Kilbree Lower at 3pm on June 14th, where they discovered the body of Ms French Kilroy in a green campervan parked facing a wall in a shed.

At the outset of the trial on Monday, Mr Justice Paul McDermott told the jury they would have seen from looking at the accused that he had suffered an injury.

The judge said Mr Kilroy, who was sitting in the dock with a black eye, had been the subject of an assault when he was in custody in prison. "He wasn't the source of that, he was the victim of the assault," he added.

The next witness, Garda Declan Sweeney from Castlebar Garda Station told Michael D Hourigan BL, prosecuting, that on June 14th 2019 the accused was brought to Castlebar Garda Station where he was interviewed by gardai.

Garda interviews

During the first interview on June 15, the accused said he remembered his first exposure to cannabis as it was cheaper than drinking. He elaborated to gardai on smoking a lot of cannabis and said he was once "into acid and ecstasy".

The accused reflected on writing letters to his "first love" Valerie, who he had met on holidays, and said she had shown him "the brighter side of life". He said the couple had a "budding romance getting to know each other".

He added: "What I did to her was indescribable, I proposed to her, I loved her, she loved me. Where she went I went, she was my soulmate". He said the couple didn't have sex until they were married.

Mr Kilroy said they moved to east Mayo in 2013 around the time he had also started smoking and drinking heavily. The accused said they found the house at Kilbree Lower in 2015 and "fell in love with it".

When asked by gardai to tell them what had happened to his wife, Mr Kilroy said he had taken cannabis for some time and successfully grown two cannabis plants at his home for his own use after reading it would help his anxiety. "I've been feeling strange for some time, I stopped taking cannabis seven days ago," he continued.

Being watched

The accused said his wife had gone out with friends on the night of June 13th and that was when things "went south". He said he was feeling watched at the time and "felt 20,000 people were watching my every move".

In the second interview, Mr Kilroy said he had jumped out of the bathroom window that night and "waited in the long grass". He then jumped into an unlit bonfire at the back of Kilbree Lower.

He added: "A car came up and it was Valerie. I heard her say 'James is that you'. I didn't say anything. I pushed her up against the door, slit her throat, we had battle.... there was kicking, blood everywhere, it was crazy. I choked her. I tried suffocating her. I didn't stop, there was nothing to stop. It was black and nasty. I killed her with my bare hands, I smashed her head three times".

Occupational therapist Valerie French Kilroy (41) was murdered at her rural home at Kilbree Lower, Westport, Co Mayo

The accused said after the "Valerie murder attack" he went into the bathroom, where he jumped out the window again. He said he had attacked his wife opposite the driver's door in the shed.

When it was put to him by gardai that he had slit her throat, the accused said Valerie had come out towards the shed, that they had run into each other and that was where he slit her throat.

"I'm not defending my action," he said, adding that he had used a black serrated 12 inch "bendy knife", which was left beside the campervan.

He said he had smashed her head off the ground. "I was in the zone and had no bearing. As soon as I flicked the switch it was just mad, mad. It was surreal, something you do in the comic book".

He said Valerie was groaning and that he had no plan to kill her "but something on that night just boom".

Frenzy

Asked how many times he had struck his wife with the knife, the accused replied: "I think from throat down to belly, it was a frenzy".

He said he had not taken an intoxicant that day and had been off cannabis and alcohol "the whole week".

The jury has heard that Ms French Kilroy died from strangulation with a ligature as well as blunt force trauma to the head and a stab wound to the neck.

In the third interview, the accused was asked by gardai why he hadn't told them what had happened to Valerie when they found him in a field. "Nobody asked, I was having trouble, no fit state, I was on a different planet," he replied.

The trial previously heard that gardai detained Mr Kilroy under the Mental Health Act after finding him naked in a field in Derrygorman outside Westport, where he told officers that he was on a pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick and "that God had put him on this path".

Mr Kilroy told gardai that there was a bit of friction between the couple on June 13 but that they didn't row very much. Asked whether he had gotten physical in the past with Valerie, the accused said he would never raise his hand to any woman.

In the final interview, the accused said he didn't use a ligature on Valerie "just his hands". Gardai put it to him that a knife was used on the deceased's neck to which Mr Kilroy replied: "It was dark, frenzied, I had a knife, yes".

He said he had put his wife's body inside the campervan, closed the door and walked away. When the officers put it to the accused that it was a frenzied and sustained attack, the accused said: "She was alive when I left her, she was talking when I left. I had to get out, she morphed into a zombie".

Detective Sergeant Michael Doherty agreed with Dean Kelly SC, prosecuting, that the accused told gardai when he was detained in the garda station that he had not consumed alcohol or drugs.

After this evidence, Mr Kelly informed the court that the prosecution's case was now closed.

Psychriatric evidence

Consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Ronan Mullaney from the Central Mental Hospital, who was called by the defence, told Patrick Gageby SC that he interviewed the accused on two occasions in June 2019 at Cloverhill Prison and on a third occasion at Castlerea Prison in January 2020.

Dr Mullaney said Mr Kilroy told him his family had moved from the UK to Ballymena in Northern Ireland six months after he was born and that he went to boarding school at Headfort School until he was 13 years of age. The accused went to agricultural college after leaving school and then studied Game and Wildlife Management, he said.

The witness said the accused began working at Connemara National Park in 2000, at which point he was diagnosed with paranoia.

Referring to the accused's past medical history, Dr Mullaney said the accused told him that he first became mentally unwell in 2001 and had got very anxious after taking ecstasy at a party.

The witness said the accused was admitted to a psychiatric hospital in Bantry in Cork in 2001, when he believed he was under surveillance and at risk of being kidnapped by 'President Bush' and handed over to Osama Bin Laden to be tortured. He was discharged after three nights and lived with his parents for three months.

His GP in Meath then sent the accused to a psychiatrist in Navan where he was treated with the antipsychotic medication Risperidone. Records at the time stated the accused had a history of drug use in college and used the hallucinogenic drug LSD, said the witness.

Referring to the accused's history of intoxicant use, Dr Mullaney said the accused told him that he had a long history of cannabis use which began in 1991 and had been regularly consuming the drug therapeutically rather than for pleasure in the three years leading up to the death of his wife.

Cannabis

The expert witness said the accused told him that he had purchased cannabis named 'AK-47' (a cannabis strain with a high THC content) in 2018 and that his wife was aware of his consumption of cannabis in cookies. He said he had used three quarters of an ounce of AK-47 cannabis over 12 months.

Mr Gageby asked the psychiatrist what was the effect of THC in cannabis and he replied: "It is what is thought to be the active ingredient that produces a feeling of being high and [for] certain people with a predisposition can make them experience substance-induced psychosis".

Dr Mullaney said the accused told him that from April 2019 he began to consume AK-47 cannabis by smoking it in rolled cigarettes rather than consuming it through cookies. "He stated in the week prior to Valerie's death that he slightly increased his use, taking a drag of the joint every second day instead of every second or third day," said the witness.

The psychiatrist said the accused told him that he had felt anxious and under surveillance at an anti-Trump protest at Shannon Airport on June 5th 2019. The accused thought his friend may have poisoned him in a cafe outside Tuam on their return.

When Dr Mullaney asked the accused about the events of June 13, Mr Kilroy said he had picked up a knife in the shed that night when he felt three bodyguards approaching "in order to kill or harm him". He said the accused heard a car driving up to the house and took care to remain still and not move.

Mr Kilroy said he ran out of the shed saying 'you're one of them, I knew they were coming for me' when he heard his wife calling his name three times in the darkness.

The psychiatrist said the accused told him that he had attacked Valerie because she was on a mission to have him captured and tortured. The accused said he slashed her with the knife several times before they both fell on the ground and then attempted to strangle her, but it didn't subdue her.

Dr Mullaney went on to say the accused told him that he was convinced his wife would rise from the dead as a zombie and attack him once again so he put a child's seat over her body inside the campervan to prevent this from happening.

The trial continues tomorrow in front of Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of seven women and five men.
By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

Updated at 08:10

It is believed that as many as 30 Irish people could be released from Gaza today.

Speaking after landing in Cairo in the early hours of Wednesday morning, Tanaiste Micheal Martin said it is good news to see the first Irish citizens included on the evacuation list since the Israeli bombardment of the enclave began last month.

Obviously it is still a very fluid situation, but we're very hopeful that a number of Irish citizens will get through, and we will continue to work on the remaining Irish citizens to get them through, Mr Martin said.

As the Irish Examiner reports, those on the list were making their way towards the Rafah border last night after being informed that they had been officially sanctioned to leave on Tuesday evening.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said it understands that some Irish citizens may be listed for a departure from Gaza on Wednesday.

It said: We remain in contact with our citizens in Gaza as this complex situation evolves.

President Higgins today met with 8 year old Irish-Israeli citizen Emily Hand's father and sister Thomas and Natali Hand; as well as Maya Lambroso, Tal Yeshurun and Eylon Keshet, relatives of all of whom are being held hostage in Gaza. Full statement: https://t.co/hxW9a7xWzM pic.twitter.com/V9oYTSnCS8  President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) November 14, 2023

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 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.

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 said: 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, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said it was important not to forget Emilys case.

He said he met Ms Erlich with 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.
THE annual Ballymaloe Craft Fair makes its return to East Cork over the weekends of November 17 and 24, with hundreds of makers showcasing their work.

The fairs mission is to provide a platform for local artisans to showcase and sell their creations, champion Irish-made products and promote sustainability. Therell be more than 150 exhibitors offering different shopping experiences each weekend, including textiles, glassware, sculptures, art, woodwork, jewellery and leather goods.

Shoppers looking for unique Christmas gifts from local makers at the Ballymaloe Craft Fair.

Operations manager at Ballymaloe Grainstore, Bree Allen, said the event is a must for those who want to shop locally this Christmas: The sheer scale of products available and the breadth of talent among the makers is phenomenal and its wonderful to know that, by doing your Christmas shopping here, youre supporting your friends and neighbours.

Its never been more important to buy Irish, and the Craft Fair is the perfect opportunity to do this, while also enjoying a great day out in a beautiful surrounding.

Laura Behan, general manager of Ballymaloe House Hotel, said: Its wonderful to think of the amount of beautiful and sustainable products by Irish makers that are sold at the Craft Fair every year, it makes us very proud to be part of the shop local movement at Christmas time.

A shuttle bus will run daily from Midleton train station, via Cloyne to Ballymaloe and onto Ballycotton and back.

Entry to the Craft Fair is 8 per day with children under 12 free. Theres also the option of a three-day weekend pass for 16.. For more, see www.ballymaloegrainstore.com

Laura McCarthy, By Hook or By Crochet

What do some of the exhibitors have to say...

Laura McCarthy, By Hook or By Crochet

WHEN Laura McCarthys nan passed away and some wool was discovered in her belongings, her mum suggested she should use it to try her hand at crocheting.

That was in 2012, and the Youghal woman admits she had never even heard of crocheting  but fast forward to today and she runs her own successful crafting business By Hook or By Crochet.

With the help of YouTube, I got started and was instantly hooked (no pun intended .. or is it?).

When I was younger, I was taught the absolute basics of knitting and never took to it and I was expecting the same with crochet but Im now rarely anywhere without wool and a hook in my hands.

"I have three dogs that Im obsessed with and I have even crocheted them their own birthday hats! she said.

Laura suffers from anxiety and says being able to crochet helps: Its great having a creative output.

Events like the Ballymaloe Craft Fair are so important, she said.

Its a great way for people to see your work. I also love getting to know other stall-holders, I have made a good few friends through doing craft markets and its great talking to those who know what its like.

The handmade community is so supportive, and one of the things I love about going to craft markets is seeing how creative people are.

One of the highs of her business is the reaction people have to her pieces: It always brings a smile to my face seeing people fall in love with what Ive made. I have had a few people tell me they have sent my makes to their families or friends around the world. Its so weird to think that my makes are in places Ive never been to! Even after all this time, I still cant believe the items I have made are actually made by me.

In the run up to Christmas, Laura reminds consumers how important it is to shop small and to support those who have small businesses.

It validates the effort they put into their products. It always makes me smile when I sell a product  it really makes all the behind the scenes work worth it.

Sarah Ward Hendry, Ruxx

Sarah Ward Hendry, Ruxx

SARAH Ward Hendry remembers buying a lamp from a woman who had a stall at the first Ballymaloe Craft Fair she attended in 2019.

It was made from some old nautical maps she had been given and I use it every day. The light glows through lines on the map and is a thing of beauty. It is unique, it reminds me of the day I bought it, who I was with and the delight on the smallholders face when my friend and I both bought one. That is priceless! she says.

"Buying something from a local source that has been handmade, be it for yourself or as a gift, boosts your local economy but also gives it a sense of worth, added Sarah, who founded her business Ruxx in 2010 out of a desire for a funky rucksack.

The collection has moved on since to include all sorts of bag shapes, including crossbody bags, totes and bumbags, all of which carry their signature silver lining, which was inspired by her time as a photographer and the use of silver reflectors.

Having made some stock for my first Ballymaloe event in 2019 gave me the opportunity to test the market and see the response here in Ireland.

I was amazed at how women in Ireland were far more adventurous about style and colour which gave me an open brief and the confidence to look for premises to open a shop in Kinsale.

I moved my production facilities over, opened a pop-up shop just as the pandemic hit and then went on to open our current shop on Main Street in Kinsale in 2021, she said.

Just like sustainability is part of the craft fairs mission, its also at the core of Ruxx.

Keeping overheads low and margins tight is vital to stay in business but sustainability is also important. Leather is one of the oldest sustainable materials as it is a by-product of the meat industry and the tanneries are all making big changes to cleaner, more sustainable processes to the tanning and dying of hides. Being the manufacturer of my own product reduces waste considerably too, as I design many products that use all of the hide so that nothing (or very little) goes to waste, said Sarah.

Events like Ballymaloe Craft Fair and craft markets, she said, are where you get the chance to research your market and test reaction to your product and prices.

It also gets your brand recognised in a local area and loyal buy local customers create word of mouth marketing, the strongest form of advertising in my mind.

Martyna Potocka, The Little Big Moments

WHEN Martyna Potockas sister was pregnant with her first baby, she spent weeks searching for the perfect gift for the soon-to-be mum and baby.

I wanted it to be something truly special, something with value beyond the price tag, but also something stylish and timeless. None of the baby gifts I came across during my search quite met my criteria. Most were practical items, which are undoubtedly great, but they lacked a sentimental element.

Hence, I decided to create the perfect gift myself and designed and handcrafted a baby milestone book - a journal designed to record a babys first year of life.

"That book eventually grew into a collection of items, and thats how my business The Little Big Moments started in 2022.

Originally from Poland, Ireland has been her home since she moved here with her parents and siblings in 2005, and she lives in Carrigtwohill.

Im a graphic designer with a passion for crafting, and I combine these two skills to create memorable items that mark special life events, she said.

Starting and running your own business comes with its ups and downs, she admits.

There will be days when you feel on top of the world and days when you feel like giving up - both are allowed and completely normal. Starting a business can be difficult with many highs and lows. When things get tough, its important to remember why you started, and if youre doing it for the right reasons, youll have the resilience to persist through the challenges, she said.

In-person events like Ballymaloe Craft Fair are crucial for small craft businesses, she says.

Most of us operate from our homes or studios with no business premises open to the public, so attending events like Ballymaloe Craft Fair is a great opportunity for us to be seen by more people, as well as giving our customers the chance to see our products in real life.

Most small businesses are built out of pure passion for what they do. The amount of love and dedication that goes into creating our products cannot be compared to mass-produced items.

When supporting a small business, youre not just helping the local economy, but youre also helping small business owners bring their dreams to life.
(Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth - Courtesy WCC)A woman walks through Shejaiya, a Gaza neighborhood which bore the brunt of some of the most intense Israeli air attacks during the 2014 war. Throughout Gaza, members of the ACT Alliance have supported health care, vocational training, rehabilitation of housing and water systems, psycho-social care, and a variety of other humanitarian activities. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth

The World Council of Churches executive committee, meeting in Abuja, Nigeria has called for "an immediate ceasefire," the release of all hostages and the opening of humanitarian corridors in Palestine and Israel.

The WCC body meeting from Nov. 8-14 joined the Catholic Caritas MONA group which operates in the Middle East, North Africa and the Horn of Africa during the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel and the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

On Nov. 15 Qatari mediators sought a deal between Hamas and Israel that included the release of around 50 civilian hostages from Gaza in exchange for a three-day ceasefire, an official briefed on the negotiations told Reuters news agency.

The deal, under discussion and coordinated with the U.S., would also see Israel release some Palestinian women and children from Israeli jails and increase the amount of humanitarian aid allowed into Gaza, the official said,

'UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE'

It, however, falls short of the uncondtional release of all the hostages.

The WCC statement demands "the immediate unconditional release and safe return of all hostages" as well as "an immediate ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors."

It also "calls for guarantees of the unimpeded distribution and delivery of vital humanitarian assistance, including water, food, medical supplies, and fuel, and the reinstatement of electricity and internet services in Gaza."

The Geneva-based WCC is a grouping of of 352 churches from more than 120 countries, representing nearly 600 million Christians mainly from Anglican, Orthodox and Protestant Chrisitans worldwide.

'YEARNING FOR PEACE'

"We yearn for peace and for justice, for an end to the seemingly endless cycle of violence and suffering, and for its fundamental root causes to be addressed," reads the WCC statement.

"We lament the abject failure of the international community and of political leaders in the region who did not persist in the search for a sustainable peace founded on justice and mutual respect for the equal human dignity and rights of all, and who kept the cycle of violence turning."

The executive committee appealed for respect by all parties for the God-given life and dignity of every human being, as well as respect for the principles of international humanitarian law.

It specifically cited the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure  including hospitals (such as the al-Ahli, al-Shifa, and al-Quds hospitals), places of worship and holy sites (such as the St. Porphyrios Greek Orthodox Church), and UN premises.

ACCOUNTABILITY

The WCC also called for full and impartial legal accountability for all violations of these principles by whomsoever committed.

The statement demands "the immediate unconditional release and safe return of all hostages" as well as "an immediate ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors."

The text also "calls for guarantees of the unimpeded distribution and delivery of vital humanitarian assistance, including water, food, medical supplies, and fuel, and the reinstatement of electricity and internet services in Gaza."




US cattle beef organisation opposes USDA's allowance of beef imports from Paraguay

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) in the United States has expressed strong opposition against the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) decision to allow Paraguayan beef imports starting next month.

NCBA has repeatedly raised concerns with USDA over Paraguay's history of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and the outdated information used to justify Paraguay's access to the US market, the association said.

USDA based their decision to allow beef imports from Paraguay on a deeply flawed risk assessment that uses old data from site visits that were conducted more than nine years ago," said NCBA executive director of government affairs Kent Bacus. Paraguay has a history of FMD outbreaks, and it is unclear if their inspection system can provide an equivalent level of safety for animal health to prevent a possible FMD outbreak on US soil.

"Paraguay heavily relies on private sector funding for most of its FMD mitigation measures, and USDA did not consider the risk associated with Paraguay's economic downturn over the last several years.

"Gaining beef access to the US market has been the top priority for Paraguay in multiple rounds of trade discussions. Unfortunately, this is not the first time that a foreign country's beef access to the United States was a pre-determined outcome and used as a bargaining tool for other US interests. The dismissal of legitimate concerns from US cattle producers is unacceptable and USDA should halt this unscientific, unsafe rulemaking. While winning friends and allies in South America may be part of the long-term interests of US diplomacy, it should not be done on the backs of US cattle producers or by putting at risk the health and livelihood of the safest and most efficient cattle and beef production system in the world."

- NCBA
Isle of Man Energy threatening to cut households off

A single mum from Ramsey has voiced her concerns regarding Isle of Man Energy (formerly Manx Gas) threatening to cut her off.

Leah Garrett explained in a Facebook post that three weeks ago she received a letter from Isle of Man Energy that informed her that rather than taking her monthly direct debit of 50, itd be taking an additional 62, making her future bills 112 per month.

Although she had set up a standing order through her bank for 60 a month to go straight to the company, she then received a letter informing her that if her outstanding bill of 300 was not to be paid within 7 days of the letter her gas was to be cut off.

Garrett said: I currently owe Manx gas 300, now yes this is a lump sum, which as of 3/4 years ago, this price would have come down hugely in the summer months, to the point they would owe me money back.

The past two years Ive kept next to no heating on and not used my water half as much as I usually do to ensure my bill remains low. We have all been doing this.

She has contacted Isle of Man Energy directly informing it about her current living situation, to be told Im sorry but theres nothing I can do about it.

Having worked on the Island since 14, Garrett questions as to why how much we invest to our island, nothing is given back.

She added that: Christmas is next month, and the road ahead looks cold and dark for families facing these issues.

Leah is aware she is not alone with this situation, as many of her friends and family have received the same letter.

She said: I have a 3 year old child to heat and keep warm, to keep clean and make sure she is well health wise.

Over 100 people have commented on the Facebook post, many of which are in agreement with Leah and are in the same position as her.

Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK, Jason Moorhouse has also been outspoken regarding Isle of Man Energy stating that Isle of Man Energy appear to be on the verge off disconnecting an additional 90 people in the coming days.

He wrote a post about Isle of Man Energy cutting off people's gas and was shocked by the amount of emails, messages which he received.

Moorhouse will be asking the Chair of the Office of Fair Trading following Urgent Question in Tynwald next week:

What discussions have taken place with Isle of Man Energy about any plans they may have to turn off peoples gas in the coming days; how many people are likely to be affected; and what power the OFT has to ensure that people either remain connected or can be reconnected.

We have contacted Isle of Man Energy for comment.
Google is experimenting with a feature that would allow people to add their own notes to search results for anyone to see. In theory, this would make results more helpful, providing a bit of human perspective  like feedback on recipe links or tips relating to travel queries  so people can better find the information thats relevant to them. Notes are available now as an opt-in feature in Googles Search Labs.

Search Labs is where Google tests new features that may or may not eventually make it to its flagship search engine. For those who are enrolled and have opted in for the Notes experiment, a Notes button will appear in Search and Discover, and tapping that will pull up all the insights other people have shared about a given article. You can also add your own, and dress it up with stickers, photos and, down the line (for US users only), AI-generated images.

A Note on a recipe from Google Search (Google)

While community-sourced notes sound a bit like a recipe for disaster in an age of rampant misinformation and trolling, especially with the inclusion of AI imagery, Google says it will use a combination of algorithmic protections and human moderation to make sure notes are as safe, helpful and relevant as possible, and to protect against harmful or abusive content. The company is also looking into ways to let site owners add notes to their own pages.

Its still just a test, and users will have the opportunity to submit feedback based on their experiences with Notes. The experimental feature has started rolling out for Search Labs on Android and iOS in the US and India.
Meta has called for legislation that would require app stores to get parental approval before their teens download any app. That would effectively put more onus on parents, as well as Google and Apple, to protect younger users from apps that have the potential to cause harm.

"Parents should approve their teens app downloads, and we support federal legislation that requires app stores to get parents approval whenever their teens under 16 download apps," Antigone Davis, Meta's global head of safety, wrote . The company is proposing a plan that would see app stores notifying parents when their teen wants to download an app, in a similar way to how they are alerted when a kid wants to make an in-app purchase . The parent would then approve or deny the request.

Meta says its approach would let parents verify their teen's age when they set up a phone, rather than requiring everyone to verify their age multiple times across various apps. The company suggests legislation is needed to make sure all apps that teens use are held to the same standard.

It notes that states are enacting "a patchwork of different laws," some requiring teens to get parental approval for different apps and others mandating age verification. However, "teens move interchangeably between many websites and apps, and social media laws that hold different platforms to different standards in different states will mean teens are inconsistently protected," Davis wrote.

Under current proposals, Meta argues that parents would need to navigate different signup methods and provide "potentially sensitive identification information" for themselves and their teens "to apps with inconsistent security and privacy practices." Indeed, experts say that such age verification practices threaten the privacy of all users .

Utah is enacting legislation that will require social media apps to obtain parental content before a teen can use them. That state and Arkansas both passed social media age verification laws. Following a lawsuit from tech companies, a federal judge struck down the Arkansas legislation a day before it was set to take effect in September. The Utah laws are scheduled to come into force in March.
Microsoft is rebranding Bing Chat and is now simply calling it "Copilot," giving its generative AI assistant a consistent identity across its products. Similarly, Bing Chat Enterprise will also just be known as Copilot, and it will be generally available starting on December 1. It will still be free for specific Microsoft 365 licenses, which will include F3 accounts for frontline workers, though the $5-a-month standalone subscription will be available that day, as well.

Copilot is based on OpenAI's latest models, GPT-4 and DALL-E 3, and the company says it will not save prompts and responses. Microsoft will not see interactions happening within Copilot at all, and it will not use customers' chats to further train the underlying models. In addition to announcing Bing Chat's rebranding, Microsoft has also revealed at its Ignite AI event that it's giving Copilot for Microsoft 365 more personalization options. Users will be able to set their preferred formatting, style and tone, starting with Word and PowerPoint, and then later on with other apps.

In Teams, Copilot will gain the ability to take notes throughout the meeting starting sometime next year. Users will even be able to tell the assistant specific information to include  they can, for instance, ensure that a co-worker's remarks are in the meeting notes by asking Copilot to "Quote [the co-worker's name]." They can also have Copilot assist in a meeting to provide answers on the fly when needed without enabling transcription. The assistant can even list and visualize Teams discussions in a collaborative space in Whiteboard that all participants can access. In Teams channels, users will be able to use Copilot to synthesize long posts or review key happenings throughout the day.

In Outlook, Copilot will be able to comb through invitation details, related emails and pertinent documents to build a summary of events that users can review quickly starting in spring next year. A feature that's "coming soon" to Word will allow users to be able to easily discern the latest changes to a document simply by asking Copilot a question, such as "How do I see what has changed in this document?" And in PowerPoint, users will be able to use corporate brand assets and easily reimagine them using AI-generated visuals. These are but a few of Microsoft's announcements at Ignite, which also include its two new in-house AI chips, the Azure Maia AI Accelerator and Azure Cobalt CPU.

Update, November 15 2023, 1:20PM ET: This story originally contained references to "Copilot Pro" as the new name for Bing Chat Enterprise, but Microsoft has since let us know that it's using Copilot to refer to all its offerings.
Anuradha Chenoy writes:

As the world watches the relentless bombing on Gaza in what has become a live televised horror show, the great, regional and other powers calibrate their positions and plan the next steps. The people on whose blood these lines are being drawn are largely absent from this geopolitical management. The most urgent issue is for a humanitarian ceasefire so that the besieged population of Gaza can get humanitarian assistance for basic life necessities like water, food, and medicines, which have been blocked by Israel for almost a month.
The Essex Reporter is a daily digital news website covering the Town of Essex and City of Essex Junction, Vermont. Our beat reporters are on the ground every day covering local government, schools, sports, business and culture.
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"
Trauma is a strong physical and emotional response to a terrible or life-threatening event, such as a natural disaster, accident, or sexual assault. When someone experiences a traumatic event, their brain and body often go into survival mode. In the short term this can lead to symptoms like shock, intense sadness or anger, anxiety, or emotional numbness.

Prolonged trauma responses that last well beyond the time of the trauma can be seen as a hypervigilant and overfunctioning nervous system that is always on edge and preparing for fight-or-flight to save the person from danger, explains Kelsey Latimer, PhD, a licensed psychologist who treats depression and PTSD in private practice in Stuart, Florida. That is exhausting to one's system over time and can lead to physical and mental burnout, she says.

Although many people will recover and return to their normal daily life following a trauma, others go on to develop other health issues, such as depression, according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA).

In addition, some people who experience trauma go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which research shows is also closely linked to depression.

Why Trauma Can Lead to Depression

So, why does trauma sometimes lead to depression?

When you are subjected to adverse life events or trauma in general, your body attempts to adapt to it in the form of a combined physical and emotional response, says Eric Chaghouri, MD, a licensed psychiatrist in Los Angeles.

Some people may initially respond to trauma by feeling stunned or disoriented or have difficulty processing what happened, according to the American Psychological Association (APA). Once these initial reactions wear off, people may experience many different types of thoughts or behaviors, such as depressive symptoms like sadness or grief or other intense feelings. They also may not feel like interacting with people, per the APA.

More research is still needed to better understand the relationship between trauma and depression, but certain factors may make you more prone to developing depression after experiencing trauma, one study shows. They include:

Younger Age Younger patients, especially those who experienced trauma, are prone to depression because [some] have yet to learn coping mechanisms and their young minds arent yet able to adapt to brain chemistryaltering trauma, explains Dr. Chaghouri.

Younger patients, especially those who experienced trauma, are prone to depression because [some] have yet to learn coping mechanisms and their young minds arent yet able to adapt to brain chemistryaltering trauma, explains Dr. Chaghouri. Female Gender There are higher rates of depression among women who have experienced trauma and those who have experienced multiple traumatic events, says Chaghouri. Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression than men, and 2 to 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD than men, due to reasons including that women are more likely than men to experience certain traumas (such as sexual abuse or assault) that frequently lead to PTSD.

There are higher rates of depression among women who have experienced trauma and those who have experienced multiple traumatic events, says Chaghouri. Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression than men, and 2 to 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD than men, due to reasons including that women are more likely than men to experience certain traumas (such as sexual abuse or assault) that frequently lead to PTSD. Self-Medicating Trauma Symptoms With Alcohol Misuse of alcohol is a risk factor for depression, according to Mayo Clinic. Its also a potential complication of PTSD, per Mayo Clinic.

Misuse of alcohol is a risk factor for depression, according to Mayo Clinic. Its also a potential complication of PTSD, per Mayo Clinic. More Types of Trauma Experienced

Trauma Symptoms That Interfere With Their Ability to Function

How PTSD and Depression Overlap

Most people who live through trauma will experience a temporary period of difficulty coping and adjusting to life in the aftermath. But some people who experience trauma may find they cant stop thinking about what happened.

If youre experiencing trauma symptoms that persist for over a month and interfere with your ability to go about your day, you may have PTSD, according to the APA. Approximately 1 in 11 people are diagnosed with PTSD in their lifetime, per the APA.

The symptoms of PTSD, according to Mayo Clinic, include:

Intrusive Memories These are recurrent and unwanted thoughts, memories, or distressing dreams associated with the traumatic event

These are recurrent and unwanted thoughts, memories, or distressing dreams associated with the traumatic event Avoidance Symptoms People with PTSD may avoid people, places, and things that remind them of the trauma, as well as trying to avoid thinking or talking about it.

People with PTSD may avoid people, places, and things that remind them of the trauma, as well as trying to avoid thinking or talking about it. Negative Thoughts and Feelings People may start to feel bad about themselves, may blame themselves for what happened, may not find pleasure in things they once enjoyed, may stop trusting people, or may feel detached from family and friends.

People may start to feel bad about themselves, may blame themselves for what happened, may not find pleasure in things they once enjoyed, may stop trusting people, or may feel detached from family and friends. Arousal Symptoms These changes in physical and emotional reactions may include being on high alert all the time, startling easily, having difficulty sleeping, irritability, or having a short temper.

Although they are two distinct diagnoses, symptoms of major depression and PTSD can overlap and sometimes you can be diagnosed with both, per the aforementioned research. Depression is 3 to 5 times more common in people with PTSD than in people without PTSD, according to the National Center for PTSD.

Overlapping symptoms between depression and PTSD, according to the National Center for PTSD, may include:

Irritability

Trouble sleeping

Problems concentrating

Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy

Social withdrawal

Sometimes it can be difficult to differentiate between the two, says Chaghouri. However, whats unique in patients with PTSD is that there is a hallmark symptom of reliving the traumatic experience or having flashbacks, avoiding the environment or circumstances by which the event happened, and being always on edge, which can lead to agitation and violent outbursts.

Whether someone with trauma goes on to develop PTSD, depression, or both depends on each persons unique risk factors, Chaghouri explains. Some people may be more or less likely to develop depression based on their coping mechanisms, resilience, and personal support systems, he says

Those who have preexisting mental health disorders can experience more intensified symptoms of depression or PTSD, Chaghouri adds.

How to Cope With Trauma and Depression

If your symptoms impact your day to day life, or you find that you cant function like you did before the trauma, you should reach out to your doctor or a mental health professional for help, says Chaghouri.

Psychotherapy (aka talk therapy) and antidepressant medication are the most effective treatments for depression, according to Mayo Clinic. For PTSD, the main treatment is psychotherapy, but may also include antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication, per Mayo Clinic.

I recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to my patients with depression and PTSD because it aids them in processing their thinking in a way that helps them understand and cope with the traumatic experiences, says Chaghouri. CBT is a type of talk therapy with a goal of changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns to more constructive ones.

For PTSD, CBT is usually done alongside exposure therapy, a type of therapy that allows you to safely face memories or situations you find alarming so you can learn to cope with them, per Mayo Clinic.

Along with therapy and medication, some complementary approaches that could help improve your symptoms include:

Mindfulness This form of meditation is a simple but powerful tool that can help bring you back to the present moment when youre experiencing a flashback or calm your body when youre feeling anxious, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It can involve exercises like deep breathing or smelling something with a soothing scent, for instance.

This form of meditation is a simple but powerful tool that can help bring you back to the present moment when youre experiencing a flashback or calm your body when youre feeling anxious, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It can involve exercises like deep breathing or smelling something with a soothing scent, for instance. Resilience When it comes to managing both trauma and depression, resilience  the ability to adapt to challenging life experiences  can be very helpful. One way to build resilience is by developing effective coping strategies  such as journaling, building a social support system of friends and family, or reframing negative thoughts  to manage your symptoms.

When it comes to managing both trauma and depression, resilience  the ability to adapt to challenging life experiences  can be very helpful. One way to build resilience is by developing effective coping strategies  such as journaling, building a social support system of friends and family, or reframing negative thoughts  to manage your symptoms. Exercise Regular physical activity can do a lot of good for anyones mental health, including people with depression, trauma, or PTSD. Exercise has been shown to lessen symptoms of depression and anxiety. Most adults should aim to do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise each week, as well as muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week.

*If you are experiencing thoughts of death or suicide, please reach out to your local emergency department, crisis line, or call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.
Take an inside look at the war in Gaza, straight from Hamas' own cameramen. Why is Hamas fighting the war while wearing t-shirts and jeans? Hamas, just like every other terrorist organization around the world, tries to blend in with civilians to protect themselves from being targeted -- and so that when they're killed in combat, the Hamas-run Ministry of Health can count them as "civilian deaths." Fighting a war in civilian clothes is just one more tactic from the Hamas handbook to manipulate the world while further endangering the actual civilians in Gaza.
The role British farmers play in producing the nation's food alongside caring for the countryside was showcased on the streets of the City of London at the Lord Mayor's Show.

The historic event took place again on Saturday 11 November, with the Worshipful Company of Farmers, supported by the NFU, Case IH, Red Tractor and Surrey Docks Farm, participating.

The farming presence in the long-standing procession aimed to remind the importance of the industry to those who are less frequently exposed to it  reinforced by the theme of this years float, feeding the nation.

By reminding those detached from food production and farming of how closely its involved with day-to-day life, the Worshipful Company of Farmers aimed to highlight the importance of the industry.

Taking centre stage in the farming section of the parade was the impressive state-of-the-art Quadtrac 620 AFS Connect supplied by agricultural machinery firm Case IH.

This was accompanied by a Farmall 120C tractor, first introduced in 1923 and now celebrating its 100th anniversary.

NFU President Minette Batters said she was thrilled to have the opportunity be part of the show this year.

Speaking before the event, she said: Despite the challenges faced this year, farmers and growers are still doing what we do best  producing great tasting homegrown food alongside the vital role in protecting and caring for the environment.

We appreciate and value the publics support and on Saturday we will be saying a massive thank you to everyone for continuing to back British farming.

Walking alongside the float were the NFUs cohort of Student and Young Farmer Ambassadors, along with representatives from Red Tractor and Surrey Docks City Farm, ranging from eight to 25 years old.

Prior to the day, Surrey Docks City farm manager Gemma Hooper said: We are thrilled to have been invited to take part in the Lord Mayors Show, thanks to our long-standing relationship with the Worshipful Company of Farmers.

We are thrilled to have been invited to take part in the Lord Mayor's Show, thanks to our long-standing relationship with the Worshipful Company of Farmers.

NFU student ambassador Amanda and Freya from @surreydocksfarm have just handed a hamper full of British food to the @citylordmayor by Mansion house.

If you see us give us a wave or high five ?? #BackBritishFarming pic.twitter.com/eONqb3Cuol  National Farmers' Union (@NFUtweets) November 11, 2023

Neil Macer, Marketing Manager UK & ROI at Case IH, shared how the display gives the opportunity to feature a nod to farming technology past and present.

This event is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate British farming and the essential role farmers play in feeding the nation, making the most of the latest technology and engineering.

Red Tractor CEO Jim Moseley said the Lord's Mayor Show allowed the industry to "bring our story to the heart of the city."

He said: At Red Tractor, we take pride in our commitment to working with farmers who produce food which is safe, traceable and farmed with care.

"Being a part of the Lord Mayors Show is a celebration of our members hard work and relentless efforts to produce quality food for the nation. The show allows us to bring our story to the heart of the city.
The new Defra Secretary Steve Barclay has been urged by animal welfare campaigners to prioritise a new bill that will ban the live export of animals.

Mr Barclay's appointment as environment secretary comes just days after plans for an Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill were included in the King's Speech.

However, the proposed ban has already hit the buffers once during this parliamentary term - after the government binned its Kept Animals Bill, which was anticipated to be the cornerstone of its animal welfare agenda.

Now the new Defra Secretary, who was appointed this week after the prime minister's reshuffle, has been urged by animal welfare groups to ensure a new bill is 'at the top of his in-tray'.

Kerry Postlewhite, assistant director of campaigns at the RSPCA, said it was 'imperative' that the government banned the live export of animals.

"While we were bitterly disappointed when the Kept Animals Bill was dropped, last week's King's Speech was a real moment of celebration for our 50 year campaign to end live exports.

"We urge the new Secretary of State to get this issue at the top of his in-tray and ensure this law finally becomes a reality."

Mr Barclay has previously shown strong support for the need to legislate against the live export of animals.

In 2019, he posted on Twitter, now X, that leaving the EU would allow live animal exports to be banned, and said his party wanted to "get on with the job of protecting animal welfare once we leave the EU".

The following month, he said that the "Conservatives have pledged to stop this cruel practice once we leave the EU".

However, farming groups have frequently warned that any significant regulatory changes to live exports could potentially have a major impact on the UK food supply chain.

The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) said the ban could cause an oversupply in UK markets, resulting in lower demand and therefore prices farmers receive for their stock.

And the Ruminant Health & Welfare (RH&W) group  whose members represent the breadth of the supply chain  said Defra must take responsibility for the impact of the ban on businesses.

It comes after New Zealand banned live exports earlier this year and Australia has committed to phasing out exports.

And in April, a Brazilian court banned the export of live cattle from all the country's ports.

The last live export to leave the UK was on 31 December 2020, but the RSPCA's Kerry Postlewhite said that with no law in place, a live export could 'start again at any time'.

"It's time the outdated and cruel export of live animals is finally consigned to the history books, protecting animals at home and sending a big statement about this practice internationally too."
Cumbria YFC has been commended by the King for its outstanding work undertaken by its young farmer volunteers.

The Kings Award for Voluntary Service 2023, the equivalent of an MBE, is the highest accolade that a UK voluntary group can receive.

Cumbria YFC, founded in 1937, is included in the first cohort of voluntary organisations to receive the award.

The YFC is a prolific fundraiser, raising almost 400,000 over the last 12 years for both local and national charities.

Members also take part in the annual Club Community Challenge, carrying out good works in their local communities.

William Longmire, county chair of the YFC, said the organisation 'couldnt be more proud' of this award.

"For Cumbria YFC to be recognised in this way is an incredible achievement and means so much to us all," he said.

"The commitment and enthusiasm of our volunteers is what makes Cumbria YFC so special and we are grateful for their dedication and support which has helped us achieve so much as an organisation.

Cumbria YFC is one of 262 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.

The award highlights the work that volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.

Cumbria YFC chief officer, Joanne Mills said: Our members today do not all work in farming or agriculture, but our young farmers do all have an interest in rural affairs and are passionate about their local communities and their county.

"Our volunteers are the people who mentor and support our members, helping them to develop and grow into confident and resilient adults who will go on to play a major part in the future of Cumbria.
A legally established UK Food Security Committee is needed to give food security the prominence it deserves, a major new report has said.

The independent committee would shore up the UK agri-food sectors floundering productivity and sustainably bolster the nations food security.

This is according to the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC), which has published the findings of its report today (15 November).

It warns that the unprecedented supply chain shocks of recent years have exposed the fragility of the UKs food supply and its 'deeply concerning' lack of security.

Chaired independently, the statutory body would advise the UK and devolved governments on the drivers of food security.

It would report to parliament on progress made in enhancing the productivity and resilience of the UKs entire agri-food supply chain.

The report says that much like the Independent Committee on Climate Change, it would take a cross-UK view of the legislative direction, aiding policy development and collaboration in support of our nations food security.

Robert Sheasby, AICs chief executive, said productivity in the agri-food industry was complicated and no singlepolicy or innovation spearheaded its progression.

"It is the sheer breadth and complexity laid out by this report which has led AIC to call for the establishment of an independent UK Food Security Committee.

"The oversight of such a body for the agri-food industry will significantly enhance our national food security for the long term, well beyond short-term parliamentary cycles."

He warned: There is an open and serious question as to where our nation will find itself in the next 20 years if we fail to act now.

Responding to the report, the Tenant Farmers Association's (TFA) chief executive, George Dunn said it was 'about time' that the government 'paid more than lip service' to the delivery of the nations food security.

"Unlike the legal targets that exist for environmental outcomes, there is nothing equivalent targeting food security," he said.

"A legally established UK Food Security Committee would give food security the prominence it deserves as part of delivering a healthy and resilient nation".
The Welsh government has been told to review the costs and administrative burdens on farmers resulting from the current TB testing regime following the confirmation of new testing requirements.

The industry call follows an announcement by the Minister for Rural Affairs, who outlined additional testing requirements for the Low and Intermediate risk areas of Wales.

The changes come as part of the Welsh government's 5-year Delivery Plan, published earlier this year.

From February 2024, pre-movement testing will be reintroduced into the Low TB Area of Wales (LTBA).

And cattle moving into the Intermediate TB Area from the High TB area of Wales, the High Risk Area of England and from Northern Ireland will need a post-movement test.

Farmers can still move cattle that have tested clear at a government funded routine surveillance test, such as the annual herd test.

In the announcement, Minister Lesley Griffiths said that new incidents have decreased by over 18% in the 12 months to June this year, when compared to the same period five years ago.

And the number of animals slaughtered for TB control has also decreased by almost 5%.

The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) said the announcement of further testing requirements for cattle would 'be of little surprise' to many farmers given the proposals contained in the last Welsh government TB consultation.

Dr Hazel Wright, FUW deputy head of policy, said: In our response to this consultation we outlined that the expected impact on cattle welfare and human health and safety due to the increased gathering and handling required to comply with additional testing proposals should be determined prior to any additional testing requirements.

"However we are yet to receive this information despite todays announcement.

As part of its consultation response, the union stated that the priority for such herds should be protection against disease but only in a manner which was proportionate to the risks conferred by a given activity and the benefits gained by a given policy.

Whilst the FUW said it recognised the need to protect the Low Risk Area from further disease spread, the cost-benefit of increased testing 'must be fully considered'.

According to data provided by the Welsh government, between 2017 and 2022 there were over 860,000 pre-movement tests.

Of these, just 576 reactors and 610 inconclusive reactors were disclosed. In the LTBA, there were just 2 reactors over this time period - one in 2020 and one in 2021 - but more than 43,000 pre-movement tests conducted.

Over the same time period in the Intermediate Mid Risk Area, no reactors were disclosed from post movement testing.

Dr Wright said the increased costs of these new policies came at a time when the industry faced potential reductions to the compensation paid to cattle keepers following the compulsory slaughter of cattle infected with bTB.

She said the the financial and emotional costs of bTB were 'tremendous', as FUW analysis shows that the estimated total cost of TB pre-movement testing borne by cattle keepers was more than 2.3m, a 129% rise in industry testing costs since 2006.

Sadly, testing costs are just a fraction of the costs borne by the industry in relation to this disease," Dr Wright said.

"No compensation is offered for the additional costs incurred such as lost revenue, loss of milk production, loss of breeding lines, delays to re-stocking and movement restrictions.

"These consequential losses suffered by a producer whose animals are compulsorily purchased can be significant and can run into tens of thousands of pounds."

She added: We are therefore calling on the Welsh government to properly analyse the cost-benefit of such proposals and to take a more rounded view of the overall impact on farm businesses prior to implementation.
October in Bollywood was a dynamic month, offering a diverse array of trending releases spanning various genres to captivate audiences across the spectrum. From intense espionage thrillers like Vishal Bhardwaj's Khufiya, to the heart-touching biographical drama of Mission Raniganj, recounting the valiant rescue of miners, the month catered to those seeking adrenaline-pumping action and inspiring true stories. Additionally, the futuristic dystopia depicted in Ganapath, featuring stellar performances by Tiger Shroff, Kriti Sanon, and Amitabh Bachchan, brought a sci-fi edge, captivating audiences with its visually stunning sequences. Rhea Kapoor's Thank You For Coming added a refreshing perspective, candidly exploring the nuances of female experiences, making October a month where Bollywood effortlessly catered to the varied tastes and preferences of its diverse audience base.

Khufiya, Vishal Bhardwaj's long-awaited project, showcases a powerhouse cast including Ali Fazal, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Tabu. This espionage thriller, adapted from Amar Bhushan's Escape to Nowhere, delves into the world of a R&AW operative tasked with rooting out a mole within the unit. Notably, Gabbi's stunning entry sequence, her second collaboration with Bhardwaj this year, stands out amidst stellar performances.

Mission Raniganj, a 2023 biographical drama, recounts the true story of Jaswant Singh Gill, the mining engineer who heroically rescued 65 miners trapped in a flooded Raniganj coal mine in 1989. Initially named Capsule Gill and later retitled 'The Great Indian Rescue,' the film stars Parineeti Chopra alongside Akshay Kumar, highlighting Gill's courage leading a daring 48-hour rescue mission.

Ganapath, helmed by Vikas Bahl, joins Bollywood's expanding array of sci-fi films. Featuring Tiger Shroff, Kriti Sanon, and Amitabh Bachchan, the movie unfolds in a dystopian future. The narrative follows Ganapath, a relentless vigilante, on a mission to dismantle a menacing criminal empire. Laden with captivating shots and adrenaline-pumping action, the film marks the on-screen reunion of Kriti and Tiger, resonating with their previous collaborations.

Thank You For Coming



Thank You For Coming, Rhea Kapoor's film, gained attention after premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival before hitting theatres. With an ensemble cast comprising Bhumi Pednekar, Shehnaaz Gill, Kusha Kapila, Shibani Bedi, and Anil Kapoor, the movie boldly explores the female perspective, openly discussing the journey of Kanika, a woman seeking her first orgasm, navigating the intricacies of womanhood with her friends.

12th Fail is adapted from the best-selling novel written by Anurag Pathak of the same name. It starred Vikrant Massey in the lead who will be essaying the role of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma and IRS officer Shraddha Joshi. The film also touches bases with the reality of millions of students who appear for the toughest competitive exam in the world - UPSC in an attempt to pass. This film was much appreciated by critics and fans alike.


Zeenat Aman, the evergreen Bollywood actress, continues to captivate her Instagram followers with a delightful mix of personal stories and throwbacks from her illustrious career. In her most recent post, the veteran actress reminisced about a humorous incident involving her sons, Azaan and Zahaan, back in 1995.





Sharing the anecdote, Aman wrote, In every parents life there inevitably comes a time when your child embarrasses you. The year was 1995 and we were off on a family holiday to Mauritius. I had been invited as a state guest to attend an event, and had decided to make the most of my visit by taking the boys along and extending our stay. It was a summer holiday par excellence. The resort was plush, the food was delicious, the waters were crystal clear, and the boys ran amuck. They spent the better part of each day in the swimming pool, and sure enough, by day five Azaan picked up an ear infection."



Recalling the incident, she further added, Fortunately there was a pristine white infirmary, with a little waiting room and a clinic, attached to the resort. Since I didnt have a nanny, 5-year-old Zahaan had to tag along with us to his older brothers doctors appointment. I left him seated in the waiting room with a colouring book to keep him busy, while I accompanied Azaan in to see the doctor. We couldnt have been gone for more than 20 minutes. It was a relatively minor issue, and the lovely, rather serious doctor, attended to it swiftly. So imagine our surprise when we re-entered the waiting room to find that Zahaan had taken it upon himself to do a little redecorating. He had discovered the clinics stamp and an ink pad at the vacant receptionists desk and had proceeded to furiously stamp the spotless walls of the waiting room!



"I cant be certain whose jaw dropped further, mine or the good doctors. The walls were covered in the smudged violet logo of the clinic! I was horrified, but Zahaan was beaming. Not for long though. The scamp got an earful, and the doctor got my profuse apologies and an offer to pay for the damages, Aman shared.







These pictures are from that trip, and this memory always evokes a laugh. Do you have a memorable story about your childs antics? Please share them in the comments for us all to read and enjoy, Zeenat concluded.



Zeenat Aman is set to make a comeback on the silver screen with Faraz Arif Ansaris upcoming film, Bun Tikki, alongside Shabana Azmi and Abhay Deol. Reportedly, the movie is scheduled to begin filming in November this year in Himachal Pradesh. The director intends to explore themes of parenting and gender identity throughout the movie.






Bigg Boss Telugu 7 has been one of the most talked about reality shows on television which has managed to keep the audience on their toes since the first day. Helmed by Nagarjuna Akkineni, the popular reality show has been coming up with new twists in almost every day and the makers have been making sure to keep the fans intrigued with every episode.

And now, Bigg Boss Telugu 7 has been making the headlines for its recent nomination task. For the uninitiated, this week 9 contestants have been nominated for elimination. These include Amardeep, Yawar, Arjun, Rathika, Priyanka, Gautham Krishna, Ashwini and Shobha. Ever since the nominations have been announced, there have been speculations about who will be getting eliminated this week.

In fact, the audience has been voting in large numbers to save their favourite contestant. As per the voting trends, Prince Yawar has been leading with maximum votes in his support followed by Amardeep and Rathika respectively. However, it will be a fight to survive between Gautham, Arjun and Shobha who are reportedly in the bottom three.

Yes! You read it right. Gautham, Arjun and Shobha are in the danger zone at the moment with Shobha reportedly receiving the least votes. Interestingly, this has sparked the speculations about Shobha getting eliminated from Bigg Boss Telugu 7 this week. Now, it will be worth a wait to see how the voting trends change in the coming days and who will get eliminated from the show this weekend.

Meanwhile, Bigg Boss Telugu 7 witnessed a massive twist recently during the weekend wherein Bhole Shavali was eliminated on the basis of audience votes. For the uninitiated, Bhole Shavali had entered the popular reality show as a wild card contestant and did manage to leave a mark on the audience with his impressing stint on Nagarjuna's show.
Surge in space debris threat and increase in satellite constellations drive the growth of the global space debris monitoring and removal market.

WILMINGTON, Del., Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Space Debris Monitoring and Removal Market by Activity (Space Debris Monitoring and Space Debris Removal), Debris Size (1mm to 1 cm, 1 cm to 10 cm, and Greater than 10 cm), and Orbit (LEO and GEO): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2032". According to the report, the global space debris monitoring and removal industry size generated $976.0 million in 2022, and is anticipated to generate $2,010.3 million by 2032, witnessing a CAGR of 7.7% from 2023 to 2032.

Download Sample Pages - https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/10807

Prime determinants of growth

The space debris monitoring and removal market is expected to witness notable growth owing to surge in space debris threat, increase in satellite constellations, and rise in initiatives associated with space sustainability. Moreover, growth in demand for space tourism and development of advanced technologies are expected to provide lucrative opportunities for growth of the market during the forecast period. On the contrary, high development costs and regulatory compliance with international space regulations & agreements limit the growth of the space debris monitoring and removal market.

Report Coverage & Details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023-2032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $976.0 million Market Size in 2032 $2,010.3 million CAGR 7.7 % No. of Pages in Report 230 Segments covered Activity, Debris Size, Orbit, and Region Drivers Surge in space debris threat Increase in satellite constellations Rise in initiatives associated with space sustainability Opportunities Growing demand for space tourism Development of advanced technologies Restraints High development costs Regulatory compliance with international space regulations and agreements

The Space Debris Monitoring segment to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period

Based on activity, the space debris monitoring segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than four-fifths of the global space debris monitoring and removal market revenue and is estimated to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period. Space debris monitoring refers to the development and operation of systems & technologies for tracking & observing space debris to predict & prevent collisions.

The space debris removal segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 9.4% from 2023 to 2032. The space debris removal segment is witnessing continuous advancements in technologies, such as robotics, autonomous spacecraft, and advanced capture mechanisms. These innovations aim to improve the efficiency and success rates of debris removal missions.

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The 1mm to 1 cm segment to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period

Based on debris size, the 1mm to 1 cm segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than half of the global space debris monitoring and removal market revenue and is estimated to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period. Innovations in sensor technologies, such as smaller and more sensitive detectors, are improving the ability to detect and monitor this smaller debris. There is a trend toward the development of specialized sensors and tracking systems for this segment.

The 1 cm to 10 cm segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 8.9% from 2023 to 2032. Monitoring systems and sensors continue to advance, enabling more precise tracking of debris within this size range. The growth of active debris removal initiatives is driven by increase in threat of this size category of debris. Many governments & private companies are exploring methods to capture & remove debris within this range.

The LEO segment to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period

Based on orbit, the LEO segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than three-fourths of the global space debris monitoring and removal market revenue and is estimated to maintain its leadership status during the forecast period. The segment is also projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 7.9% from 2023 to 2032. The rapid deployment of satellite constellations in LEO requires continuous monitoring and mitigation efforts to prevent collisions and protect operational satellites. This trend fuels the demand for space debris management solutions.

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 space debris monitoring and removal market revenue. Governments in North America are actively involved in space sustainability efforts. In the U.S., agencies such as NASA and the Department of Defense play a pivotal role in space debris monitoring and research. Government-driven initiatives & regulations influence the growth of the market and promote responsible space activities.

Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 8.8% from 2023 to 2032. Asia-Pacific has seen the emergence of new market players, particularly China and India. These countries have invested significantly in space programs, including satellite launches and lunar missions. The region is characterized by growing space activities, leading to the need for space debris monitoring and removal.

Leading Market Players: -

Obruta Space Solutions Corp.

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Northrop Grumman

Share My Space SAS

Astroscale

Electro Optic Systems

OrbitGuardians

Voyager Space Holdings Inc.

ClearSpace

Airbus SE.

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players of the global space debris monitoring and removal market. These players have adopted strategies such as new product launches 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.

Key Highlights:

The report explores various segments, including activity, debris size, and orbit, and analyzes them across diverse regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. This study incorporates top-notch data, expert opinions, and analysis, as well as essential independent perspectives.

The research methodology aims to present an unbiased perspective of global markets, aiding stakeholders in making well-informed decisions to attain their most ambitious growth goals.

To enhance market comprehension, more than 3,700 product literatures, annual reports, industry statements, and similar materials from major industry participants were scrutinized.

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Similar Reports We Have Space Industry:

Space Launch Services Market Research Report 2023-2032

Spacesuit Market Research Report 2023-2032

Space Propulsion System Market Research Report 2023-2032

Space Traffic Management Market Research Report 2023-2032

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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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Skilled EMEA Performance Marketer to Seize Growth Opportunities in Europe's Largest Economic Market

DUSSELDORF, Germany, Nov. 15, 2023, a global leader in end-to-end performance marketing, enhances its European and global expansion with the appointment of Michael Messerschmidt as Managing Director NP Digital Germany. This comes off the recent launch of NP Digital Netherlands only weeks ago and follows new offices in Spain, France and Italy in 2024.



As with the agency's other offices, Messerschmidt will lead the Germany office in providing local expertise backed by proprietary marketing technology and proven performance marketing strategies for enterprise and SMB businesses in DACH.

Messerschmidt is an experienced marketing and media professional and joins the agency with an extensive background in digital and performance marketing having led digital agency businesses all across EMEA. Throughout his more than 20 years of experience Messerschmidt has held several consulting and leadership positions in Germany, eastern Europe and the Middle East. Messerschmidt has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world including BMW, Microsoft, Volkswagen, Vodafone, Deutsche Bank and Deutsche Telekom.

The move comes as Germany becomes the second largest ecommerce market in Europe. In 2023, e-commerce sales will reach approximately 144 billion and a market volume of 201.70 billion is forecasted for 2027, corresponding to expected annual revenue growth of 8.79%.

"German brands have an incredible growth opportunity as they embrace digital transformation, this is especially true for the commerce market where Michael has a proven track record of guiding digital strategies that drive business growth," said Mike Gullaksen, CEO of NP Digital. "We look forward to mirroring the success of our other EMEA regions in bringing high-touch service and innovative solutions to our clients."

NP Digital already supports its clients' business in many European markets including the UK. With this expanded presence, brands can expect tailored solutions for regional and global proliferation. Under Messerschmidt's leadership the team will focus on strategic synergies between channels to drive meaningful growth for clients.

"Looking ahead to 2024, investment in digital marketing will continue to grow with brands focus on data, content and technology," said Messerschmidt. "There is a great opportunity in Germany to help brands in their advertising strategies by leveraging AI data, insights, and best practices from NP Digital's search technologies and local marketing expertise to create better results faster."

About NP Digital:

NP Digital is a performance marketing agency focused on enterprise and mid-market challenger brands. Underpinned by its proprietary technology division and platform Ubersuggest, NP Digital is regarded as one of the fastest-growing, award-winning performance marketing agencies in the industry. NP Digital views marketing through a consultative lens that takes a holistic view when applying specialist execution to build meaningful partnerships. These partnerships include some of the world's most prominent Fortune 500 brands in addition to mid-size, DTC challenger-type organizations. NP Digital spans across the globe with 750 employees in 25 different countries and 40 of the 50 U.S. states. For more information visit npdigital.com.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/77b4179e-e2c0-4b53-98a5-a155913432a9

Contact:

Kimberly Deese

kdeese@npdigital.com
Sunrise, a pioneer in home sleep diagnostics, has welcomed an additional aggregate investment of $6 million from the Alexa Fund and French healthcare investor UI-Investissement (Majycc Innovation Sante), for a total of $24 million raised this year.

This news comes after a breakthrough year for Sunrise. With two FDA approvals in the United States, the renewed CE certification under MDR1 in Europe, and the 2022 SleepTech Award from the American National Sleep Foundation, Sunrise has become a key player in the sleep diagnosis field. Today, its reach extends from Europe across the Atlantic.

Sunrise's approach to sleep monitoring centers around mandibular jaw movements. Much like the diaphragm supports breathing during sleep, the jaw also plays a key role. By focusing on these jaw movements, Sunrise delivers a high-precision tool for sleep diagnosis. And all it takes is an 8-gram sensor comfortably placed on the chin.

On top of that, Sunrise measures 'respiratory effort,' a commonly overlooked metric in home sleep tests. This allows for the distinction between central and obstructive sleep apnea. It also offers new metrics like 'respiratory effort burden,' linked to fatigue, type II diabetes, and hypertension. Such detailed insights pave the way for personalized treatments and better health outcomes for those facing sleep challenges.

"Sleep disorders are a global concern, and we're proud to be an investor in Sunrise and support their innovative approach to aid in the diagnosis of sleep-related breathing disorders," said Paul Bernard, director of the Alexa Fund. "Their technology, designed for multi-night testing that leverages key sleep metrics, has the potential to redefine sleep apnea diagnosis and care for millions of people suffering from sleep disorders worldwide."

This new funding enables Sunrise to further expand its reach, making quality sleep diagnostics more accessible and personalized than ever. Joining forces with the Alexa Fund and UI-Investissement, the company is setting a new standard for sleep health. As CEO Laurent Martinot puts it: "This funding round is a vote of confidence, not just in Sunrise, but in the universal need for better sleep health solutions."

About Sunrise

Sunrise is on a mission to make sleep testing a routine part of our lives. The reason is simple: quality sleep is crucial for overall health, yet a staggering number of people remain undiagnosed. Headquartered in Belgium, and with additional offices in France and the United States, Sunrise's team includes experts in sleep research, machine learning, and electronic design. Leveraging proprietary technology, the team is advancing sleep diagnostics to be not only more accurate and reliable but also more user-friendly both for patients and healthcare providers. By doing so, they are setting a fresh standard for accessible and effective sleep testing.

1 Medical Device Regulation

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Contacts:

For Media Inquiries:

Sarah Heuninck, +32 491 15 05 09, sh@gosselindewalque.com
T-Therapeutics raises 48 million Series A for development of next generation TCR therapeutics to transform cancer treatment

Fundraise led by Sofinnova Partners, F-Prime Capital, Digitalis Ventures and Cambridge Innovation Capital with participation from Sanofi Ventures and the University of Cambridge Venture Fund

Unique transgenic mouse platform harnesses natural power of T cells to build a portfolio of first-in-class cancer medicines

15 November 2023; Cambridge, England - T-Therapeutics ("the Company"), a biotechnology company developing next-generation TCR therapeutics designed to reshape the clinical landscape for cancer patients, today announces it has raised 48 million ($59 million) in a Series A financing led by Sofinnova Partners, F-Prime Capital, Digitalis Ventures and Cambridge Innovation Capital (CIC) with participation from Sanofi Ventures and the University of Cambridge Venture Fund. The proceeds will be used to discover and develop novel T cell receptor (TCR) therapeutics for cancer indications as well as inflammatory disorders. Concurrent with the financing, Graziano Seghezzi (Sofinnova Partners), Nihal Sinha (F-Prime), Samuel Bjork (Digitalis) and Robert Tansley (CIC) will join the Company's Board of Directors.

T-Therapeutics, which was spun out of the University of Cambridge, has developed a proprietary transgenic mouse platform, OpTiMus, which creates an almost unlimited repertoire of 'optimal' TCRs as building blocks for pioneering therapies.

Initially, these treatments are being designed to recognise specific cancers and recruit the patient's own T cells to eradicate the tumour. T-Therapeutics is building a portfolio of transformational TCR-based medicines for cancer, addressing the limitations of current TCR therapies which only apply to certain cancers and lack specificity, leading to significant side effects. T-Therapeutics will also develop medicines which address various auto-immune disorders.

The team at T-Therapeutics includes highly experienced antibody engineers and drug developers who were responsible for the creation of the Kymab and PetMedix antibody discovery platforms and pipelines among other notable discoveries, including at Adaptimmune and GSK. Of note, Kymab was acquired by Sanofi in 2021 for $1.45 billion and PetMedix was acquired by Zoetis, the world's largest animal health company, in September this year.

Professor Allan Bradley, CEO of T-Therapeutics, commented: "We're delighted to have raised this Series A with such high-quality investors whose amazing networks and shared vision will help us deliver highly differentiated TCR cancer therapies. TCR therapeutics are very much at the dawn of their potential. We intend to replicate the success of therapeutic antibodies but build on this in a new dimension, by using the targeting domains of TCR receptors to take advantage of their much greater specificity for cancer cells compared to normal cells. The same logic can be used to target immunosuppressive biologics to tissues impacted by autoimmune disorders.

"By engineering a mouse that makes human TCRs, we are able to discover anti-cancer TCRs that are quantitatively and qualitatively better than those that can currently be isolated from humans or using display technologies. Our OpTiMus platform provides an unbeatable starting point, a vast repertoire of unique, fully human TCRs, with the properties to make them ideal to develop into drugs.

"We can also use the OpTiMus mouse with our decades of mouse genome engineering experience to better understand immune responses to TCR-based therapies, and interpret responses to other immunotherapy interventions such as T-cell engagers, checkpoint inhibitors or future therapies."

Graziano Seghezzi, Managing Partner at Sofinnova Partners, said: "Our investment in T-Therapeutics is a reflection of our conviction in both the exceptional team and the transformative technology they've brought forward. T-Therapeutics represents the kind of groundbreaking venture Sofinnova is deeply committed to, which has the potential to redefine healthcare. We are proud to be alongside Allan and the team as they pioneer a new era in cancer treatment."

- ENDS -

Contact Us

T-Therapeutics

Allan Bradley

info@t-therapeutics.com

ICR Consilium

Amber Fennell, Sukaina Virji, Lucy Featherstone, Max Bennett

t-therapeutics@consilium-comms.com

About T-Therapeutics

T-Therapeutics is a next-generation T cell receptor (TCR) company spun off from the University of Cambridge. The company was created to harness the power of T cell biology, evolved over millions of years, to create safe and effective treatments for many cancers and autoimmune diseases. We combine world-leading expertise in mouse genome engineering, deep expertise in biopharmaceutical drug development, single cell genomics, machine-learning and structural biology, anchored in a culture of creativity and collaboration. We are developing 'optimal' TCR based therapeutics using our proprietary OpTiMus platform, based on a fully humanized TCR mouse that provides an almost unlimited source of unique, antigen-specific human TCRs. These TCRs are directed at multiple target classes, many of which have never been worked on before. We are developing a pipeline of first-in-class drugs that will become transformative medicines, reshaping the clinical landscape for patients with cancer or autoimmune diseases.

About Sofinnova Partners

Sofinnova Partners is a leading European venture capital firm in life sciences, specializing in healthcare and sustainability. Based in Paris, London and Milan, the firm brings together a team of professionals from all over the world with strong scientific, medical and business expertise. Sofinnova Partners is a hands-on company builder across the entire value chain of life sciences investments, from seed to later-stage. The firm actively partners with ambitious entrepreneurs as a lead or cornerstone investor to develop transformative innovations that have the potential to positively impact our collective future.

Founded in 1972, Sofinnova Partners is a deeply established venture capital firm in Europe, with 50 years of experience backing over 500 companies and creating market leaders around the globe. Today, Sofinnova Partners has over 2.5 billion under management. For more information, please visit: sofinnovapartners.com

About F-Prime Capital

F-Prime Capital is a leading global venture capital firm investing in healthcare and technology to solve the greatest challenges in healthcare and medicine while delivering on the conviction that everyone deserves a gold standard of care.

For over 50 years and with a portfolio of nearly 300 companies and counting spread across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, our independent venture capital group combines singular and deep expertise in life science, healthcare, and technology to identify and support founders with the next big ideas in therapeutics, medtech, and healthcare IT and services. With over $4.5 billion dollars under management, our team has created or co-created over 30 companies including Denali, Beam, Innovent, Orchard and has helped build many others including Blueprint Medicines, Iora Health, PatientPing, Devoted Health, Prime Medicine and Ultragenyx.

About Digitalis Ventures

Digitalis Ventures backs founders solving critical problems in health. The firm invests in early-stage companies across life sciences, health technology & services, and animal health with the goal of supporting them through multiple rounds of financing. Digitalis is headquartered in New York City.

About Sanofi Ventures

Sanofi Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Sanofi. Sanofi Ventures invests in early-stage biotech and digital health companies with innovative ideas and transformative new products and technologies of strategic interest to Sanofi. Among these areas are oncology, immunology, rare diseases, vaccines, potential cures in other core areas of Sanofi's business footprint, and digital health solutions. Find out more: www.sanofiventures.com .

About Cambridge Innovation Capital

Cambridge Innovation Capital (CIC) is a leading venture investor backing and building category-leading deep tech and life sciences companies. CIC was founded to improve the success rate of businesses originating from the University of Cambridge and the broader Cambridge ecosystem, to encourage more academics and entrepreneurs from the area to build businesses. CIC currently manages in excess of 0.5 billion and has invested in around 40 companies. CIC is a preferred investor for the University of Cambridge, Europe's top source of founders for venture-backed start-ups.

Cambridge Innovation Capital Manager Limited (FRN:918898) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. For more information, please visit www.cic.vc or follow us on Twitter at @CIC_vc and LinkedIn.

About the University of Cambridge Venture Fund

Cambridge Enterprise is responsible for supporting the translation of University of Cambridge research to create social and economic impact with global significance. We do this by helping innovators, experts and entrepreneurs use commercial avenues to develop their ideas and expertise for the benefit of society, the economy, themselves and the University.

Liaising with organisations both locally and globally, we offer expert advice and support in commercialisation and social enterprise, including help with academic consultancy services, the protection, development and licensing of ideas, venture building and venture funding. Deeply embedded in the UK's leading innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem and part of the University of Cambridge, we have strong relationships with the University, industry, investors, innovators and visionaries.
DUBLIN (dpa-AFX) - Global information services company Experian plc (EXPN.L) reported Wednesday that its first-half profit before tax was $763 million, up 48 percent from last year's $517 million, due to revenue growth and reduced non-benchmark costs. Basic earnings per share climbed 86 percent to 62.3 US cents from 33.5 US cents a year ago. Benchmark earnings per share were 70.4 US cents, compared to 65.4 US cents last year. Revenue was $3.42 billion, up 5 percent from $3.25 billion last year. Further, the company announced a first interim dividend of 18 US cents per share, up 6 percent. The dividend will be paid on February 2 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on January 5. Looking ahead for fiscal 2024, Experian continues to expect organic revenue growth in the range of 4 percent to 6 percent and modest margin accretion, all at constant exchange rates and on an ongoing basis. 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.
Chemical Care program puts products onsite and available 24/7

COMMERCE, Calif., Nov. 15, 2023("FDH"), a global provider of supply chain solutions for the aerospace and defense industry, announced today a new customer consignment agreement between Aerospheres, an FDH company, and Joramco, an Amman, Jordan-based maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider and the engineering arm of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise.

A commemoration signing ceremony took place at Dubai Airshow on Tuesday, Nov. 14. Representatives from Aerospheres and Joramco participated in the ceremony.





Aerospheres has been a trusted partner of Joramco, supplying aviation-related chemicals for many years. This partnership extends with the new Chemical Care agreement. Under this agreement, Aerospheres will consign an agreed inventory to Joramco, allowing them to consume directly from stock. The program offers benefits such as lower inventory holding costs, improved cash flow, reduced freight and purchasing administration expenses, lower scrappage rates, and the peace of mind of having stock on hand at all times.

"Customers see the real benefits that our consignment programs can deliver, and we have been able to make purchasing chemicals much more efficient for them," said Aerospheres Group President Paul Thompson. "We now have many large MROs and airlines participating in consignment programs, across the globe, and we're thrilled to now include Joramco as a consignment customer."

Commenting on this agreement, Chief Executive Officer of Joramco, Fraser Currie, said, "Here at Joramco, we are proud in our ability to lead the way and set new industry standards. We are excited to announce that we have recently signed a new consignment program that will elevate our supply chain model. This innovative step will not only help us reduce inventory hold costs, but it will also ensure the uninterrupted availability of materials to service our valued customers. As we strive to provide exceptional service, this initiative is crucial in maintaining our commitment to excellence."

With a focus on white-glove customer experience and partnership agreements with the industry's trusted component brands, FDH Aero has become a leading supply chain solutions partner. The company delivers a full range of hardware, electrical, chemical and consumable products and value-add services to the world's aerospace and defense customers.

About Aerospheres

Aerospheres is a world-class leader in real-time distribution of chemicals, paints, adhesives, sealants, lubricants and composites in support of commercial airline MRO operations and the defense industry worldwide. The company offers a one-stop shop for all aerospace material requirements. Aerospheres is currently servicing over 1,000 customers worldwide with regular requirements of composite materials, adhesives, paints/ primers, tapes, metallic and non-metallic materials, including many items which are considered rare and difficult to obtain on short lead-times.

About FDH Aero

FDH Aero is a trusted global supply chain partner for aerospace and defense companies. With more than 55 years of experience, it specializes in c-class components that include hardware, electrical, chemical, and consumable products and services for global OEM and aftermarket customers. FDH is headquartered in Commerce, California, and has operations across the Americas, EMEA and APAC. FDH Aero has locations in 14 countries across the globe, with more than 1,200 best-in-industry employees and over 650,000 square feet of inventory space.

For more information, please visit the FDH Aero website.

Contact

Heather Rosenow

Vice President, Global Marketing & Communications

mediarelations@fdhaero.com



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/99b2382a-b677-4e69-8a66-8d1a67cbf905
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / BioNxt Solutions Inc. ("BioNxt" or the "Company") (CSE:BNXT)(OTCQB:BNXTF)(FSE:BXT) is pleased to provide further development details on its recently announced 100% Cladribine IP acquisition and related development program. BioNxt has commenced the development and commercialization of a proprietary oral dissolvable film ("ODF") based Cladribine product for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, namely Multiple Sclerosis ("MS").

After ten years of use as a niche oncology therapeutic for the treatment of certain forms of leukemia, Cladribine was re-discovered as a powerful agent for the treatment of MS. Launched by a major drug company in 2017 in Europe and 2019 in the US as a proprietary tablet formulation for the treatment of MS, Cladribine tablets reached over one billion in global sales in 2022 with a three-year CAGR of 18%. MS represents the largest market segment for the sale of Cladribine with approximately 2.3 million people living with MS worldwide, with the highest prevalence in North America and Europe. The global Multiple Sclerosis drug market is expected to top US$ 41 Billion by 2033 according to Market.us.

BioNxt's new proprietary Cladribine ODF formulation is designed to provide several advantages over conventional tablet formulations. The primary expected advantage is instant dissolution in the oral cavity and absorption into the bloodstream thereby bypassing the stomach and upper intestine where absorption may be limited. As a result there is potential for greater dosing precision and efficiency which may permit a reduced daily and course dose for patients. The Company also recognizes the potential for greater application of ODF versus tablet formulations, particularly with dysphagic patients who cannot swallow or have difficulty swallowing, which represents over 40% of MS patients.

BioNxt is planning human bioequivalence studies for 2024 with preclinical work already underway. The Company will provide greater details on its clinical strategy in due course.

The Company has filed Cladribine ODF-related preliminary patent applications with three to four patent applications expected to be on file in major international jurisdictions by late 2024 to early 2025 with potential patent protection extending to 2044.

About BioNxt Solutions Inc.

BioNxt Solutions Inc. is a bioscience accelerator focused on next-generation drug formulations and delivery systems, diagnostic screening tests, and new active pharmaceutical production and evaluation, including: precision transdermal and oral dissolvable drug formulations; rapid, low-cost infectious disease and oral health screening tests; and standardization and clinical evaluation of emerging active pharmaceutical ingredients for neurological applications. The Company has research and development operations in North America and Europe, with an operational focus in Germany, and is currently focused on regulatory approval and commercialization of medical products for European markets.

BioNxt Solutions Inc.

Hugh Rogers, CEO and Director

Email: info@bionxt.com

Phone: +1 780-818-6422

Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information

Some of the statements contained in this news release are forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "expects", "intends", "is expected", "potential", "suggests" or variations of such words or phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements and information are not historical facts and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties beyond the Company's control. Actual results and developments are likely to differ, and may differ materially, from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.

SOURCE: BioNxt Solutions Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/803520/bionxt-reports-on-new-cladrabine-odf-product-development-and-commercialization-program


TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - Toyota Motor North America, affiliated to Japanese automajor Toyota Motor Corp., has introduced purely hybrid next generation Camry as well as Crown Signia SUV into the United States market.



As a part of Toyota's effort to provide electrification for all, the 2025 Toyota Camry will be an exclusively Hybrid Electric Vehicle or HEV. The 2025 Toyota Camry is expected to arrive at Toyota Dealerships in the Spring of 2024.



Further, the 2025 Crown Signia marks the North American debut of the first-ever Toyota Crown Signia, as well as the second entry in the U.S. Toyota Crown lineup. It also marks the nameplate's entry into the SUV category. The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia is expected to arrive at Toyota Dealerships in the Summer of 2024.



The ninth generation Toyota Camry is designed and assembled in the U.S. by CALTY's Newport Beach, California and Ann Arbor, Michigan studios.



The vehicle is exclusively equipped with 5th Generation Toyota Hybrid System available in Front Wheel Drive or FWD and Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive or AWD. For the first time ever on a Camry Hybrid, Toyota's AWD system will be available on all grades.



Exterior color options include newly available Ocean Gem and Heavy Metal that will join Camry favorites, such as Ice Cap, Wind Chill Pearl, Celestial Silver Metallic, Underground, and Midnight Black Metallic, among others.



Further, the 2025 Crown Signia is exclusively equipped with the Toyota HEV powertrain with AWD standard, and available in XLE and Limited grades. The Toyota Crown Signia is assembled at the Tsutsumi Plant in Aichi Japan.



The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia will come with the Toyota HEV system, standard. Toyota's Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive also comes standard. Five fashion forward colors will be available, with Storm Cloud, Finish Line Red, Oxygen White, Black, and Bronze Age.



With the Crown Signia's debut, Toyota said it will soon have 19 electrified models available for sale in its U.S. model lineup.



Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Video-Workshop: Das kleine Einmaleins der Charttechnik In diesem kostenlosen Video-Workshop von Stefan Klotter lernen Sie alles uber Charttechnik. Lassen Sie sich diesen kostenfreien Workshop nicht entgehen! Hier klicken
HAMBURG, Germany, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Following a press inquiry on November 6, NDR was confronted with serious allegations against documentary filmmaker Hubert Seipel. The author, who produced films such as "Ich, Putin - Ein Portrait" [I, Putin: A Portrait] (2012) and the interviews with Edward Snowden and Vladimir Putin in Moscow (2014) for NDR, allegedly received money from a Russian businessman over a long period.

The NDR[1], from its German acronym, Norddeutscher Rundfunk [Northern German Broadcasting Corporation] contacted the author and the management of the production company following the press inquiry. Seipel admitted to NDR that he had received money from the Russian entrepreneur Alexey Mordashov in the form of two "sponsorship contracts" in 2013 and 2018 and explained it had been for two book projects. Mordashov has been on the EU sanctions list since March 2022 and is considered a pro-Kremlin oligarch. At the time, Seipel did not inform NDR that he had secured these contracts. The broadcaster sees this as a significant conflict of interest that challenges Seipel's journalistic independence. The contract should have been disclosed to the production company and NDR. The author last worked for NDR in 2019.

Joachim Knuth, Director-General: "It is suspected that we, and therefore our audience, have been deliberately misled. We are looking into this now and are considering legal action. We will thoroughly examine the procedures surrounding the commissioning and production of the films Hubert Seipel made for NDR. To do so, we have engaged the former Spiegel editor-in-chief Steffen Klusmann."

Within its production contracts and compliance policies, NDR requires the disclosure of any conflicts of interest and for journalistic work to be carried out independently from any third-party influence. None of the films are currently available in the ARD media library.

Contact:

NDR Norddeutscher Rundfunk

Mail: presse@ndr.de

www.twitter.com/NDRpresse

[1] NDR is one of nine regional broadcasters comprising the ARD, which stands for "Association of Public Broadcasting Corporations in the Federal Republic of Germany".

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/accusations-against-hubert-seipel-ndr-examines-legal-action-301988751.html
SINGAPORE, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, TerraPay and Maya announce a transformative global partnership at the Singapore Fintech Festival.

As the demand for efficient cross-border payment solutions continues to grow, TerraPay, a leading global cross-border payments network, is excited to announce that it has forged ties with Maya, the #1 fintech ecosystem in the Philippines that offers the most advanced digital bank, top-rated consumer finance app, and leading merchant acquiring and payments processing business. This collaboration aims to make international remittances more accessible, convenient, and secure for Filipinos across the world.

With this partnership, users of the Maya app can now experience seamless money transfers from Korea, the USA, Singapore, and the Middle East through TerraPay's extensive global network. Together, both companies aim to enhance the customer experience while ensuring the utmost safety and security of transactions, offering faster transfer times, competitive exchange rates, and affordable borderless payment options.

Commenting on the collaboration, Ani Sane, Co-founder and Chief Business Officer, TerraPay, said, "This partnership aligns perfectly with TerraPay's mission of driving financial inclusion and revolutionizing global borderless payments. By teaming up with Maya, we can serve customers in the Philippines with innovative solutions, empowering them with fast and affordable cross-border payment options. We remain committed to making digital transactions more secure and faster for remitters and customers in the Philippines."

Khurram Malik, Chief Operating Officer of Maya, said, "We are pleased to work with TerraPay to make international remittances more accessible and convenient for our customers. Cross-border payments are integral to the increasingly global Filipinos with family or virtual work opportunities overseas. By leveraging the seamlessness of the Maya app, we are making it easier for them to receive money, save, and spend smartly."

TerraPay and Maya are driven by a shared vision of creating an inclusive ecosystem powered by superior customer experience. By leveraging TerraPay's secure and adaptable payments technology, Maya is expanding its thriving network of customers, promoting global financial interoperability and inclusivity, while opening new channels for customers to access convenient and safe payment solutions across borders.

The Philippines, ranking among the top 5 countries for remittances, witnessed a staggering remittance inflow of USD 38 billion in 2022,1 and the transaction value in the digital remittances market is projected to reach USD 1.12 billion in 20232. These statistics underscore the significance of the collaboration between TerraPay and Maya in meeting the growing demand for efficient and convenient remittance services in the Philippines.

About TerraPay

TerraPay simplifies the movement of money everywhere - providing a single connection to the most expansive cross-border payments network regulated in 29 global markets and enabling payments to 120+ receive countries, 210+ send countries, 7.5Bn+ bank accounts and 2.1Bn+ mobile wallets. TerraPay is on a mission to connect a borderless financial world, making moving money everywhere instant, reliable, transparent and fully compliant. TerraPay pushes the boundaries for global businesses - ranging from banks, fintechs and money-transfer operators to travel businesses, creator economy platforms and e-commerce marketplaces - while driving financial inclusion in even the most inaccessible markets. Founded in 2014, TerraPay is headquartered in London, with global offices in Bangalore, Dubai, Miami, Bogota, Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Hague, Dakar, Joburg, Nairobi, Milan, Singapore and is expanding rapidly, having received funding from leading investors, including the IFC (the World Bank), Prime Ventures, Partech Africa and Visa.

For more details, visit terrapay.com.

About Maya Philippines Inc:

Maya is the #1 fintech ecosystem in the Philippines, with the most advanced digital bank. It is powered by the #1 merchant acquiring and payments processing business, the #1 rated consumer finance app, and the #1 digital bank.

It leads millions of Filipinos - consumers, businesses, communities, and government agencies alike - into a digital economy that's more inclusive, transparent, and empowering.

Maya is enabled by the country's only end-to-end digital payments company, Maya Philippines, Inc, and Maya Bank, Inc., for digital banking services. For more details, visit maya.ph and mayabank.ph.

References

1 https://blogs.worldbank.org/peoplemove/remittances-east-asia-and-pacific

2https://www.statista.com/outlook/dmo/fintech/digital-payments/digital-remittances/philippines#:~:text=Transaction%20value%20in%20the%20Digital,US%241.68bn%20by%202027

Media Contact:

Juveria Samrin

juveria.n@terrapay.com

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1222771/TerraPay_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/terrapay-and-maya-partner-to-empower-seamless-money-transfers-for-filipinos-worldwide-301988800.html
Public-private partnership will enable grain exports from Ukraine at scale and support global food security

Marsh McLennan (NYSE: MMC), the world's leading professional services firm in the areas of risk, strategy and people, in collaboration with the Ukrainian government, the Export Credit Agency of Ukraine, Ukreximbank, Ukrgasbank and DZ Bank, today announced the launch of a new facility Unity to provide affordable insurance supporting the export of grain and other critical food supplies globally from Ukraine's Black Sea ports.

Underwritten by insurers based at Lloyd's of London, Unity will provide up to US$50 million in hull and separate protection indemnity (P&I) war risk insurance. Ukreximbank, the State Export-Import Bank of Ukraine, and state-owned Ukrainian bank Ukrgasbank will provide standby letters of credit, each confirmed by DZ Bank, to support the facility which itself is backed by the Ukraine Ministry of the Economy, providing shipowners and charterers with war risk insurance in the absence of safe corridors. Global law firm, Norton Rose Fulbright, provided advisory services.

As with the 'As One' facility launched to provide insurance under the now defunct Black Sea Grain Initiative in July 2022, Marsh will extend the new Unity facility to clients of Lloyd's of London registered brokers, to provide added support to ongoing humanitarian efforts and alleviate continued pressure on supply chains and global food security.

John Doyle, President and Chief Executive Officer, Marsh McLennan, commented: "Marsh McLennan is committed to mobilizing our unique expertise to support global food security and stability. The launch of this insurance facility will especially benefit the developing nations that buy much of Ukraine's grain and also help Ukraine's future recovery and reconstruction endeavors. Through these efforts, we are fulfilling our purpose as a company to give our communities and clients the confidence to thrive."

Denys Shmyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine, said: "The launch of the Unity facility will enable Ukraine to provide vital food supplies to the world at the same time as supporting the Ukrainian economy and keeping the Black Sea open for international trade. This partnership between the Ukrainian government, Marsh McLennan and Lloyd's of London is a sign of confidence in our economy and demonstrates that Ukraine is open for business."

Today's launch follows June's announcement when Marsh McLennan committed to provide services on a pro-bono basis to the Ukrainian government which as well as Marsh's insurance expertise includes building a data platform for the assessment of war risks in Ukraine, strategic advisory services from Oliver Wyman, and catastrophe reinsurance modelling from Guy Carpenter.

Marcus Baker, Global Head of Marine, Cargo Logistics, Marsh, said: "The creation of this public-private partnership, with insurers working in tandem with the Ukrainian government and its banks, will accelerate the urgent resumption of vital grain exports amid the ongoing effects of this brutal conflict. Unity's unique structure will enable underwriters to price risks at more affordable levels than those experienced in recent months."

John Neal, CEO, Lloyd's, added: "Lloyd's welcomes the establishment of this insurance facility, which brings together the expertise of our market to provide an innovative solution that will ensure the safe transport of Ukrainian grain and agricultural products out of the Black Sea and help alleviate global food insecurity."

About Marsh McLennan

Marsh McLennan (NYSE: MMC) is the world's leading professional services firm in the areas of risk, strategy and people. The Company's more than 85,000 colleagues advise clients in 130 countries. With annual revenue of over $20 billion, Marsh McLennan helps clients navigate an increasingly dynamic and complex environment through four market-leading businesses. Marsh provides data-driven risk advisory services and insurance solutions to commercial and consumer clients. Guy Carpenter develops advanced risk, reinsurance and capital strategies that help clients grow profitably and pursue emerging opportunities. Mercer delivers advice and technology-driven solutions that help organizations redefine the world of work, reshape retirement and investment outcomes, and unlock health and wellbeing for a changing workforce. Oliver Wyman serves as a critical strategic, economic and brand advisor to private sector and governmental clients. For more information, visit marshmclennan.com, or follow us on LinkedIn and X.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114477838/en/

Contacts:

Eileen Mercer

+44 (0)7990 802 830

eileen.mercer@marsh.com
New energy storage facility will have a 55 MWh capacity

Project supports an existing 33 MWp solar installation in Razlog

Stationary battery manufacturer Hithium and solar project EPC provider Solarpro have announced a strategic partnership, with their first project to come in Bulgaria. Hithium has agreed to supply the battery products to a 55 MWh energy storage project, for which Solarpro is providing turnkey EPC services. The new plant will support a photovoltaic installation in the southwest Bulgarian town of Razlog. With construction of the new facility planned for the start of 2024, it is the largest battery energy storage project already in implementation in southeast Europe.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115186229/en/

(Photo: Business Wire)

"As the region's utility-scale solar production ramps up, energy storage is gaining importance since it enables us to deliver solar-generated energy more reliably," explained Solarpro CEO, Krasen Mateev. "We are very pleased to take this step with Hithium to accelerate the growth of energy storage in eastern Europe. We have been working on preparation, engineering and development on the joint solution over the past months for this landmark project. We are dedicated to lead the energy transition adding new technologies in our product portfolio."

Ning (Kelson) Li, Hithium Director Large-Scale BESS Project for Central, Northern, and Eastern Europe, added: "We're proud to collaborate with Solarpro, such an experienced European partner in the sector of renewable energy and battery energy storage system, to start with the ground-breaking for Razlog BESS plant. This project represents our entry into eastern Europe and perfectly reflects the contribution we want to make to the region, scaling up energy storage to stabilise the supply of clean energy."

Hithium will supply 16 energy storage containers with a 3,44 MWh capacity, based on the company's 280 Ah cells, which have an extra-long expected lifespan. They also feature a wide operating temperature range, thus the new energy storage project anticipates being able to run uninterrupted even in extreme weather. Along with their multi-stage, active fire protection system, Hithium's containers achieve high thermal stability with liquid instead of air cooling, which also enables them to save space and increases the product's energy density.

The BESS owner will be a subsidiary of the Vienna-based Renalfa IPP. The investor decided to co-locate the big battery within the existing 33 MWp capacity PV plant. The solar farm is equipped by a photovoltaic tracker mounting system, enhancing the installation's efficiency and output, along with its own substation. The area where the plant is situated has some of Bulgaria's highest levels of irradiation to provide an exceptional degree of electricity generation.

About Solarpro

Solarpro is one of the leading providers of a range of solutions for generation, systems integration, and storage of energy. The company is an experienced technological leader in the renewable energy industry with a proven track record of more than 15 years as one of the largest EPC and O&M players in the photovoltaic sector in Europe.

The group started its PV business in 2007 and with projects in over 18 countries and more than 6 GWp of installed capacity to date, Solarpro provides added value by delivering innovative PV solutions based on the extensive expertise of its multinational teams.

About Renalfa

Renalfa IPP is a Vienna-based clean energy and e-mobility investment group. It is a joint venture of the Vienna-based Renalfa Solarpro Group GmbH and the French infrastructure fund manager RGreen Invest. The group is also one of the main investors in the leading European EV car-sharing platform Spark.

Renalfa IPP owns renewable energy generating facilities with an overall capacity of over 450 MW in Bulgaria, Hungary, the Republic of North Macedonia and Romania. An additional more than 1 GW are in an advanced stage of development and construction.

About Hithium

Founded in 2019, HiTHIUM is a leading manufacturer of top quality stationary energy storage products for utility-scale, commercial, and industrial applications. With four R&D centers and multiple intelligent production facilities, HiTHIUM has delivered innovations including groundbreaking safety improvements to its lithium-ion batteries, as well as increases in lifecycle and more compact design. With many decades of cumulative experience in the field among its founders and senior executives, Hithium leverages its specialization in BESS to provide partners and customers unique advances in energy storage.

The company is based in Xiamen, China, with further locations in Shenzhen, Chongqing, Munich, Dubai, and California. HiTHIUM has shipped 11 GWh of battery capacity to date, with 5 GWh delivered in 2022 alone, and is expanding to 70 GWh production capacity by the end of 2023.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115186229/en/

Contacts:

carol.wu@hithium.com
Tenchijin, an accredited space venture by JAXA, is pleased to announce its accelerated partnerships with multiple municipalities in Japan, marking a significant milestone in addressing global water pipeline management challenges. The fourth contract was recently signed, just six months after the launch of our groundbreaking product, KnoWaterleak. This robust response underscores the increasing demand and optimism surrounding the product's potential to resolve the pressing issues faced by each municipality. Notably, Fukushima-shi, Seto-shi, Aomori-shi, and Maebashi-shi have already joined forces with Tenchijin.

Tenchijin COMPASS KnoWaterleak and its Objectives

Our water leakage risk management system, KnoWaterleak, was introduced with the primary goal of enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of water management through the utilization of space big data. By integrating earth observation satellite data with various information maintained by water utilities, Tenchijin employs AI to evaluate leakage risks for 100-square-meter districts. The system has demonstrated a high leak detection rate in areas identified as high-risk.

Demonstrated Benefits and Sustainable Resource Management

Through a comprehensive demonstration experiment conducted in 2022 in collaboration with the Cabinet Office, coupled with tests involving municipalities, KnoWaterleak has exhibited substantial improvements. These include an estimated 65% reduction in inspection costs and up to 85% reduction in research duration. These results underscore the tangible effectiveness of KnoWaterleak.

Water pipeline leakage represents a formidable challenge globally. Factors such as aging water infrastructure, escalating maintenance costs, and limited budgets and resources exacerbate the severity of this issue. KnoWaterleak emerges as a beacon of hope, leveraging big data and AI to support public and private water utilities. Its impact includes reducing water leakage, minimizing non-revenue water, and streamlining water inspection and maintenance costs and time. This solution not only addresses the immediate challenges faced by municipalities but also aligns with the broader goal of sustainable resource management, showcasing the potential of big data and artificial intelligence in reshaping the landscape of water infrastructure management.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115427192/en/

Contacts:

Tenchijin, Inc.

Yasuhito Sakuraba, CEO

info@tenchijin.co.jp
Washington, D.C., Nov 15, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk (PGE) (IDX: PGEO) announced its cooperation with Chevron New Energies International (Chevron) and Mubadala Energy 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 Widodo's visit to the United States and witnessed by the Deputy Coordinating Ministry for Maritime & Investment Affairs, Jodi Mahardi , Ambassador of The Republic of Indonesia for United States of America, Rosan Roeslani, President Director & CEO PT Pertamina (Persero), Nicke Widyawati and Country Manager Chevron Indonesia, Wahyu Budiarto.The JSA aims to capitalize on the companies' complementary strengths and experience. It will bring together PGE's experience and scale as the largest geothermal producing company and capacity holder in Indonesia, Chevron's expansive capabilities as a multinational energy company committed to providing reliable and cleaner energy, and Mubadala Energy's 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 Indonesia's 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 utilize the complementary strengths of the three parties in developing geothermal in Kotamobagu," he said.Wahyu Budiarto, Chevron Indonesia Country Manager said, "This is Chevron's 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, Chevron's technical expertise and new geothermal technologies to explore renewable energy resources to support Indonesia's 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 Indonesia's clean energy growth ambitions. The opportunity to explore such projects is embedded in Mubadala Energy's commitment to playing an active role in the energy transition as we continue to support Indonesia's 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.About PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk.PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk. (PGE) (IDX: PGEO) is part of the Power & New Renewable Energy (PNRE) Subholding of PT Pertamina (Persero) which is engaged in geothermal exploration, exploitation and production. PGE currently manages 13 Geothermal Working Areas (WKP) and 1 Assigned Working Area with an installed capacity of 1,877 MW, of which 672 MW is operated and managed directly by PGE and 1,205 MW is managed under a Joint Operation Contract scheme. The installed geothermal capacity in PGE's working areas contributes around 80% of the total installed geothermal capacity in Indonesia, with the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by around 9.7 million tons of CO2 per year.As a world class green energy company, PGE aims to create value by maximizing end-to-end management of geothermal potential and derivative products and participating in the national and global decarbonization agenda to support Indonesia net zero emission 2060. PGE has excellent ESG credentials with 13 Gold PROPER awards from 2011 to 2022 in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry's highest environmental compliance award for ESG Rating & Engagement.About ChevronChevron is one of the world's leading integrated energy companies. We believe that affordable, reliable and cleaner energy is essential to achieving a more prosperous and sustainable world. Chevron produces crude oil and natural gas; manufactures transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and additives; and develops technologies that enhance our business and industry. We focus on reducing the carbon intensity of our operations and growing low-carbon businesses alongside our traditional business lines. For more information, please visit www.chevron.com.About Mubadala EnergyMubadala Energy is an international energy company, headquartered in Abu Dhabi. With a diversified portfolio of operated and non-operated assets spanning 11 countries, its primary geographic focus is in the Middle East and North Africa, Russia and Southeast Asia.Mubadala Energy is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company, which is owned by the Government of Abu Dhabi. The company's portfolio is around 66 per cent gas, with a working interest production in 2022 of approximately 500,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.In line with Mubadala Energy's commitment to play an active role in the energy transition, the company is expanding across the gas value chain and actively pursuing opportunities in new energy sectors. For more information, please visit www.mubadalaenergy.comFor more information, contact:PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy TbkMuhammad TaufikManager Corporate Communication & Stakeholder ManagementPT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbkmuhammad.t@pertamina.comChevronMr. Cam Van AstExternal Affairs AdvisorChevron Asia Pacificcameron.vanast@chevron.comMs. Ferita DamayantiCorporate Affairs ManagerChevron Indonesia Business UnitFerita@chevron.comMubadala EnergyMr. Paul Slinger,Vice President of Communicationspaul.slinger@mubadalaenergy.comSource: PT PertaminaCopyright 2023 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
BOULOGNE-BILLANCOURT (dpa-AFX) - Renault SA (RNSDY.PK, RNSDF.PK, RNT.L), a French auto major, said on Wednesday that its new EV unit Ampere expects to post a revenue of over 10 billion euros in 2025, to reach more than 25 billion euros in revenue for 2031. This translates into a 30 percent average annual growth of revenues between 2023 and 2031. The new firm aims for an IPO in the first-half of 2024, provided favorable market conditions. Ampere expects to achieve its target of around 1 million vehicles in 2031. Thierry Pieton, CFO of Renault, said: 'Ampere provides a low-risk and high return financial profile with the ambition to reach breakeven point in 2025 (both in operating margin and in free cash flow) and targets an operating margin above 10% from 2030 onwards.' The product line-up of seven vehicles by 2031 includes, Megane E-Tech, Scenic E-Tech, Renault 5, Renault 4, Legend, and two additional vehicles. Ampere, which carved out from the Group on November 1, is an electric vehicles or EVs and software company focused on the production of electric passenger cars under the Renault brand in Europe. Nissan Motor Co Ltd. (NSANF.PK, NSANY.PK) and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. (7211, MMTOF.PK), the first cornerstone investors are investing a total of up to 0.8 billion euros in Ampere. Besides this, Qualcomm Technologies is also considering for an investment. However, Renault will keep a strong majority in Ampere's capital. 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.
Integrating with Leading Electronic Medical Records and Time Lapse Incubators, CHLOE Supports Full Digitalization of Next Fertility's IVF Labs

TEL AVIV, Israel, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fairtility, the transparent AI innovator powering reproductive care for improved outcomes, today announced that Next Fertility, part of Next Clinics, an international group and one of Europe's largest assisted reproduction and healthcare providers, has chosen to implement CHLOE across its fertility clinics in Spain.

Following a successful trial period, Next Fertility elected to expand its implementation of Fairtility's technology, from one clinic - Next Fertility Murcia, across all seven group clinics in Spain. By extending the use of CHLOE across all clinics, Next Fertility is looking to streamline operations and provide a standardized approach to fertility treatment while also improving the patient experience. Next Fertility clinics in Murcia, Valencia, Sevilla, Madrid, Huelva, Burgos and Vitoria will all utilize CHLOE EQ to support embryo quality assessment in labs.

Software-based, CHLOE integrates with the leading Time Lapse Incubator (TLI) and Electronic Medical Records (EMR) platforms, enabling clinics to gain the benefits of full digitalization of the lab with a unified data and insights-hub. By interconnecting the various systems in labs across the NEXT Fertility network in Spain, CHLOE will automate and standardize data collection and analysis processes and streamline workflows for maximum efficiency across network clinics. These capabilities are designed to automate workflows and complement clinical decision-making, with the final judgment resting in the hands of medical experts. Efficiencies created by CHLOE have demonstrated a 30-50% reduction in embryology hours per cycle, enabling fertility clinics to increase capacity and support more prospective parents in their family building journey.

"Patient satisfaction and the quality of care we provide is what drives us and what sets us apart from other clinics," notes Adriano Carbone, Southern Europe Regional Manager at Next Clinics. "We achieve this through our committed staff and by bringing state of the art technology that supports our vision. This is where CHLOE plays a major role."

A recent survey with Next Fertility patients showed how the CHLOE, when integrated into the patient journey positively contributed to the patient experience through more engaging and transparent communication with the care team, real-time access to their embryos via a livestream and an increased feeling of empowerment through their journey.

"Next Fertility is at the forefront of transforming reproductive care, serving as a leader to the market, not only is Spain, but globally," said Eran Eshed, CEO and Co-Founder of Fairtility. "We've invested the time developing our technology to ensure cohesive and efficient integration across the IVF labs' systems. This is aligned with our efforts to bring transparency to the entire reproductive care journey. Transparency is essential for responsible AI development, especially when it intersects with human life."

CHLOE EQ for embryo viability assessment, focuses on analyzing embryonic development data and imagery designed to facilitate decision-making in the assisted reproduction laboratory. Developed using an extensive database of embryos, CHLOE EQ detects and analyzes subtle visual, morphological, morphokinetic and developmental attributes of each embryo and relates them to its implantation capacity. With this tool, Next Fertility embryologists gain a technological assistant that makes it easier for them to choose the best embryos for transfer to the uterus, reducing the subjectivity intrinsic to any human decision.

Next Fertility is part of Next Clinics and is one of Europe's largest reproductive care networks with clinics across eight countries with 22 IVF clinics and seven diagnostics laboratories operating across the network. By implementing CHLOE across seven clinics in Spain, Next Fertility is further strengthening its position as the most technologically advanced reproductive care provider in Europe while assessing the suitability of the technology to serve additional clinics across its network.

About Fairtility

Fairtility is advancing reproductive care through the power of transparent AI to help clinicians and their patients on the reproductive care journey. Fairtility believes that transparency is critical when AI intersects with human life. Its flagship software, CHLOE, is a transparent AI-based decision support tool providing clinicians complete visibility into clinical and laboratory parameters crucial to improving reproductive care outcomes in IVF, fertility preservation and egg donation. Fairtility aims to expand CHLOE's application across the entire reproductive care journey, from assessing infertility causes to optimizing embryo transfer. For more information and updates, follow Fairtility on LinkedIn, X and Instagram, or visit www.fairtility.com.

Media Contact

Nicole Kaufman-Grubner

+972-58-444-5418

Nicole.grubner@finnpartners.com

About Next Fertility

Next Fertility is part of Next Clinics, which in less than 10 years has become one of the largest assisted reproduction and clinical diagnosis groups in Europe, with 7 laboratories and 22 clinics in 8 countries. The Next Fertility brand was launched in Spain in 2022 with the opening of 3 clinics in Seville, Murcia and Valencia, to which Madrid, Huelva, Faro (Portugal), Vitoria and Burgos have been added in 2023. In addition, the group created the international biobank Gametia Biobank, which has the largest sperm bank in Spain, located in Granada. The clinics, with a team of hundreds of professionals, cover all the treatment needs: gynecologists specializing in fertility and assisted reproduction, embryologists, anesthetists, urologists, psychologists, nurses and clinic assistants. The concept of patient satisfaction as the center of activity, the commitment to technology, emotional support and transparency, in processes and prices, are the fundamental pillars of these clinics, which will continue their expansion throughout the peninsula in the coming years.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/next-fertility-selects-fairtilitys-chloe-transparent-ai-decision-support-technology-for-network-clinics-across-spain-301988883.html


LEVALLOIS-PERRET (dpa-AFX) - Shares of Alstom SA were losing more than 19 percent in the morning trading in Paris after the French rolling stock maker reported Wednesday negative cash flow and weak orders in its first half, despite reporting a small profit, compared to prior year's loss. Going ahead, the company projects higher margin and organic sales in its fiscal 2024 and confirmed its mid-term objectives.



Further, Alstom initiated a commercial and operational efficiency, costs saving plan to reduce its leverage after negative cash flow. The company announced around 1,500 job cuts, scrapped dividend and plans to sell certain assets, with a view to cut short its debt burden. The firm is targeting a reduction in its net debt position by 2 billion euros by March 2025.



The free cash flow was negative 1.12 billion euros for the first half, as compared to negative 45 million euros during the same period last year.



Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, 'The negative free cash flow of Alstom during this first half is a clear call for change. While demand remains sustained, despite some volatility, our commercial performance has been soft. The Bombardier Transportation integration continues to progress. However, the delivery of Aventra program has been more complex than anticipated. .. We are undertaking a comprehensive action plan to maintain our investment grade rating and secure our mid-term objectives.'



Regarding its cost efficiency plan, the company said it aims at accelerating the third phase of the Bombardier Transportation merger roadmap.



Alstom would continue growing the margin in backlog through quality order intake, expecting 0.5 percent increase per year in coming three years.



The firm plans efficiency and working capital discipline, notably through reduction of inventory days of sales and contract assets reduction through improved execution.



The planned around 1,500 job cuts to reduce overhead costs represents close to 10 percent of total S&A positions.



Depending on market conditions, Alstom is considering a range of transactions to accelerate the company's deleveraging, including an assets disposal program, which has already been launched, generating proceeds of 0.5 billion euros to 1.0 billion euros.



The company also plans equity and equity-like issuances, including the refinancing of certain assets; as well as a capital increase with pre-emptive rights for shareholders.



Further, the Board will propose to the Shareholders' General Assembly in July 2024 that no dividend will be paid for fiscal year 2024.



At the next Shareholders' General Meeting, the Board will also propose Philippe Petitcolin, former CEO of Safran, to be elected as a Board Member, then Chairman of the Board.



With this, the role of Chairman and CEO will then be dissociated, and Henri Poupart-Lafarge will keep the CEO role.



Looking ahead for fiscal 2024, the company projects organic sales growth of above 5 percent, and aEBIT margin around 6 percent, compared to last year's margin of 5.2 percent.



The company also confirmed its mid-term objectives to be reached in fiscal 2026. Alstom is aiming at sales Compound Annual Growth Rate over 5 percent supported by strong market momentum and 90.1 billion euros backlog as of September 30. This would help secure sales of around 38 billion euros to 40 billion euros over the next three years.



The adjusted EBIT margin is projected to reach between 8 percent and 10 percent from 2026 onwards.



In its first half, net profit (Group share) was 1 million euros, compared to last year's loss of 21 million euros.



Adjusted net profit amounted to 174 million euros, compared to 179 million euros in the same period last fiscal year.



Alstom's adjusted EBIT was 438 million euros, equivalent to a 5.2 percent aEBIT margin, compared to prior year's 397 million euros, or margin of 4.9 percent.



The Group sales reached 8.44 billion euros, up 5 percent from prior year's 8.05 billion euros. Organic sales growth was 8.8 percent.



Alstom booked 8.45 billion of orders in the period, down 16 percent from last year's 10.07 billion euros. Organically, orders declined 14 percent. The decrease was mostly driven by last year's landmark contract awarded by Landesanstalt Schienenfahrzeuge Baden Wurttemberg network in Germany.



Meanwhile, the company recorded commercial success across multiple geographies, notably in Europe, Asia/Pacific and in Americas, and product lines.



In Paris, Alstom shares were trading at 11.46 euros, down 19.12 percent.



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

Video-Workshop: Das kleine Einmaleins der Charttechnik In diesem kostenlosen Video-Workshop von Stefan Klotter lernen Sie alles uber Charttechnik. Lassen Sie sich diesen kostenfreien Workshop nicht entgehen! Hier klicken
Perth, Western Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2023) - Winsome Resources (ASX: WR1) is pleased to announce the company is participating in the upcoming 121 Mining Investment Conference in London. Chris Evans, Managing Director of Winsome Resources 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 year's 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 Winsome Resources

Winsome Resources (ASX: WR1) is a Perth-based, lithium focused exploration and development company with four project areas in Quebec, Canada. All of Winsome's projects - Cancet, Adina Sirmac-Clappier and Tilly are 100% owned by the Company. Recently the Company acquired a further 47km2 of claims at the Tilly Project, located near Adina, and an option over the 29 claims of the Jackpot Property, immediately north of Adina.The most advanced of Winsome's projects - Cancet and Adina, provide shallow, high grade lithium deposits and are strategically located close to established infrastructure and supply chains.In addition to its impressive portfolio of lithium projects in Quebec, Winsome Resources owns 100% of the offtake rights for lithium, cesium and tantalum from Power Metals Corp (TSXV:PWM) Case Lake Project in Eastern Ontario, as well as a 19.6% equity stake in PWM. The Company recently divested Decelles and Mazerac, two early stage projects located near the Quebec mining town of Val-d'Or, to PWM in exchange for an increased shareholding.Winsome is led by a highly qualified team with strong experience in lithium exploration and development as well as leading ASX-listed companies.

For additional Information, please contact:

Winsome Resources

Marissa Taddeo - SPOKE

Media Advisor

+614 01 019 885

marissa@hellospoke.com.au
Oakville, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2023) - FendX Technologies Inc. (CSE: FNDX) (OTCQB: FDXTF) (FSE: E8D) (the "Company" or "FendX"), a nanotechnology company developing surface protection coatings to reduce the spread of pathogens, is pleased to provide the following letter to shareholders and investors from Dr. Carolyn Myers, the Company's President and CEO.

Dear FendX Shareholders,

I am pleased to provide an update on the Company's key achievements since my last shareholder letter dated June 19, 2023. As we reflect over the last 4-5 months, we want to highlight our key achievements as we strive to grow the Company's intellectual property portfolio and reach our nanotechnology development goals. We want to express our gratitude for your continued support which has been instrumental in allowing us to achieve our various accomplishments thus far.

Since signing our first development stage agreement with Dunmore International Corp., a Steel Partners Holdings L.P. (NYSE: SPLP) operating company ("Dunmore") in April of this year, we have achieved several key development and scale-up milestones related to our REPELWRAP film, our lead product under development. Firstly, on June 22, 2023, we announced that Dunmore was able to adapt the REPELWRAP film formulation to their commercial manufacturing line and then on October 3, 2023 we announced the successful completion of our first pilot run to manufacture REPELWRAP film on Dunmore's commercial manufacturing line. Over 5,000 feet of REPELWRAP film was successfully produced in minutes on Dunmore's equipment, compared to the approximately 24 hours it took to produce a postage-sized lab prototype film in McMaster's lab. Equally as important, films produced from the pilot run demonstrated the same repelling properties to the McMaster lab prototype film. Following up on these achievements, on November 7, 2023 we announced that we were continuing the scale-up development work with Dunmore to further optimize the intermediate scale-up process and plan to conduct a second pilot run on Dunmore's manufacturing line. Successful completion of this second run will allow us to continue to advance to the next stage of development with the intention of developing an optimized manufacturing process that will then allow us to test these films in real-world environmental conditions to confirm the film samples maintain their repelling properties.

We are proud of the REPELWRAP film scale-up advancements we have made so far in only a few months which is a testament to our ability to advance our nanotechnology with our partners, and we look forward to sharing with you the results we obtain from our next pilot run with Dunmore. Should everything proceed as planned, we intend to have a commercial product ready for launch in the Canadian market in the fall of 2024. Leveraging our team's extensive expertise in healthcare, as well as partnering with healthcare distributors, we plan to focus on introducing REPELWRAP film to hospitals and long-term care institutions. We also plan to focus on other high-traffic public touchpoints (i.e., transportation, hospitality, stadiums, arenas, malls, restaurants, schools, business offices) prone to high surface contamination levels. We will keep you apprised of our future developments as we strive towards commercialization of our REPELWRAP film.

As part of our growth strategy, we were successful in expanding our intellectual property portfolio and product pipeline with the addition of our spray nanotechnology which we licensed from McMaster in May 2023. On July 20, 2023 we announced the signing of a collaborative research agreement with McMaster to support development work of the spray technology and, in just over three months we signed an agreement and initial work order with nanoComposix, LLC ("nanoComposix"), a Fortis Life Sciences Company, to use their nanomaterials experience to start the scale-up development work on the spray formulation with the intention of creating larger scale batches for testing. Although the spray is still in an early stage of development, we do believe a spray-on formulation of our REPELWRAP film is an important addition to our pipeline as it has the potential to be easier to apply to surfaces and may expand our market applications.

A third project of interest is to assess coating catheters with our nanotechnology. Catheter blockage due to either bacterial biofilms or blood clot formation can each be a significant and costly medical problem. McMaster has demonstrated in its early development work that when our nanotechnology is applied to plastics similar to those used in medical catheters, it can reduce bacteria and blood from adhering to the surface, which could mean a reduction in bacterial biofilms and reduction blood clot formation, respectively. To enable further work on this project, the Company will need to enter into a collaborative research agreement with McMaster to continue to explore the potential ability of a nanotechnology to reduce bacterial biofilm and/or blood clot formation, which the Company is currently assessing.

Protecting our technology and products under development is a key factor for our future success. We continue to file additional applications and to date have filed over ten patent applications. We also recently announced on November 1, 2023 that our Chinese patent # ZL 202080055337.6 was granted, further strengthening our intellectual property position. We are constantly focused on the growth of our intellectual property and product pipelines and are actively exploring other partnerships, licensing and acquisition opportunities that would be complementary to our current intellectual property portfolio allowing us to stay at the forefront of innovation in the infectious disease control market.

We are also achieving several key capital markets objectives including obtaining DTC eligibility of our common shares in the United States. In addition, the Company recently received a receipt for a final base shelf prospectus dated October 31, 2023.

We will keep you apprised of our progress through our news releases which can be found under the "News" section of our FendX website at www.fendxtech.com. Also, you can sign up to receive news releases straight to your inbox here.

I want to also thank our employees, consultants and partners for their hard work and dedication to building our Company and advancing our nanotechnology.

I am amazed at what we have achieved since signing our first licensing agreement just over two and a half years ago, let alone in the last seven months since achieving our public listing. I am excited about the future of FendX as we continue to achieve our milestones and advance our technology development initiatives. We are truly grateful for your continued support as we embark on this exciting journey together to make people's lives safer by reducing the spread of pathogens.

About FendX Technologies Inc.

FendX is a Canada-based nanotechnology company focused on developing products to make people's lives safer by reducing the spread of pathogens. The Company is developing both film and spray products to protect surfaces from contamination. The lead product under development, REPELWRAP film, is a protective surface coating film that, due to its repelling properties, prevents the adhesion of pathogens and reduces their transmission on surfaces prone to contamination. The spray nanotechnology is a bifunctional spray coating being developed to reduce contamination on surfaces by repelling and killing pathogens. The Company is conducting research and development activities using its nanotechnology in collaboration with industry-leading partners, including McMaster University. The Company has an exclusive worldwide license to its technology and IP portfolio from McMaster, which encompass both film and spray coating nanotechnology formulations.

Best regards,

Carolyn Myers

President, CEO, Director

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Carolyn Myers"

Carolyn Myers

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Contacts:

Dr. Carolyn Myers, CEO and Director

1-800-344-9868

carolyn@fendxtech.com

Alyssa Barry, Investor Relations

1-833-947-5227

investor@fendxtech.com

For more information, please visit https://fendxtech.com/ and the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, including with respect to: the plans of the Company; the Company's belief that REPELWRAP will have applications in healthcare settings and other industries; statements regarding continuing the scale-up development work with Dunmore to further optimize the intermediate scale-up process and plans to conduct a second pilot run on Dunmore's manufacturing line; statements regarding successful completion of this second pilot run will allow us to continue to advance to the next stage of development with the intention of developing an optimized manufacturing process that will then allow us to test these films in real-world environmental conditions; statements regarding our intentions to have a commercial product ready for launch in the Canadian market in the fall of 2024; statements regarding our intentions to grow our intellectual property and product pipelines including actively exploring other partnerships, licensing and acquisition opportunities; statements regarding scale-up development work on the spray formulation with the intention of creating larger scale batches for testing; statements regarding the catheter project and entering into a collaborative research agreement with McMaster thereon; and products under development and any pathogen reduction benefits related thereto. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "aims," "potential," "goal," "objective," "prospective," and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "can," "could" or "should" occur, or are those statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made and involve several risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and that actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

Important factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include: product candidates only being in formulation/reformulation stages; limited operating history; research and development activities; dependence on collaborative partners, licensors and others; effect of general economic and political conditions; and other risk factors set forth in the Company's public filings which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Accordingly, the reader is urged to refer to the Company's such filings for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors should change.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187373
Netcracker, Along with Service Providers and Partners, Recognized for Unlocking the Business Potential of Immersive Experiences

Netcracker Technology announced today that it has received the Best Moonshot Catalyst The Web3/Metaverse Challenge award from TM Forum. This prestigious award, presented during DTW23 in Copenhagen, recognizes the project "Closing the Metaverse Chasm: Monetizing the Ecosystem," which addressed the challenges of delivering extended reality immersive experiences to the market.

The objective of Moonshot Catalyst projects which were new for 2023 was to solve the biggest industry challenges with ground-breaking and commercially viable solutions. The Catalyst team led by Netcracker featured participation from service providers and partners including AWS, du, Juniper, NTT, NTT QONOQ, Related, SLT Mobitel, stc and Zain.

The project highlighted the creation of an open and replicable metaverse foundation that supports any extended reality experience over any channel. This type of metaverse ecosystem-as-a-service solution can give CSPs the potential to increase B2B revenue growth by 25%, increase B2C revenue growth with B2B2X business models by 16% and reduce costs by 20%.

"Our judges were very impressed with the real-world potential of this particular Moonshot Catalyst and what it means for bringing together communities within an ecosystem through immersive experiences," said Aaron Boasman-Patel, Vice President, AI, Labs Innovation at TM Forum. "As CSPs look to these types of offerings as the next wave of services and opportunities for their customers, projects like this are paving the way with a rich ecosystem, new business models and the security required to deliver these experiences at scale and turn them into revenue generating opportunities."

"We are extremely honored to be part of this pioneering Moonshot Catalyst that explores innovative ways to bridge the gap between platforms and unlock the potential of metaverse monetization," said Bob Titus, CTO at Netcracker. "Netcracker continues to be committed to working closely with our customers and partners to develop solutions for industry challenges, and we thank TM Forum for this distinguished recognition."

About Netcracker Technology

Rapid digitization is disrupting the status quo of today's communications markets. Constantly evolving customer needs and behaviors require service providers to adapt quickly and diversify their businesses to deliver the outcomes that their customers expect. Building digital ecosystems, anticipating customer requirements and delivering a digital-first experience are essential for service providers to accelerate innovation, expand into new markets and become the disruptors in the 5G era.

Netcracker Technology, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NEC Corporation, has the expertise, culture and resources to help service providers around the world transform their businesses to thrive in a digital economy. Our innovative solutions including our flagship cloud-native Netcracker Digital Platform value-driven services and unbroken delivery track record of three decades help service providers to achieve their digital transformation goals, drive the telco to techco evolution within their organizations and realize business growth and profitability. For more information, visit www.netcracker.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115450009/en/

Contacts:

Media

Anita Karve

Netcracker Technology

MediaGroup@Netcracker.com
New integrated approach positions the company for more significant growth and enhanced customer experience

Adastra Group (also known as Adastra Corporation), a global leader in Cloud, Data, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions and services, today announced key transformational and leadership changes, to address its continuous and rapid global expansion. With over 2100 employees, $220M (USD) in annual revenues, the company is well poised for the next phase of its growth.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115747174/en/

Left: Rahim Hajee CEO Adastra North America; Right: Rob Turner Adastra Global CEO (Photo: Business Wire)

"Today's announcement marks a significant change in how we will grow and run the business to position Adastra for continued success as we enter the next phase of the company's growth," said Jan Cervinka, Founder and Board member of Adastra. "The new structure more effectively aligns key personnel and resources to Adastra's strategy to be the global leader in Cloud, Data, and AI."

The company's new integrated structure will allow Adastra to better serve its customers by further investing in global Centres of Excellence around Cloud, Data and AI, establishing global leadership in key industries, and fully integrating its global delivery capabilities under a single operating unit, creating enhanced value for its customers regardless of geography.

"This transformation will allow the company to continue growth in its core markets of Canada, Central Europe and Germany and enable more accelerated growth in the US and Western Europe," said Jan Mrazek, Founder and Board Member of Adastra. "Further, expansion of our global delivery operations in Europe and South-East Asia into Latin America and South Asia will underpin Adastra's ability to execute anytime, anywhere for our customers."

With industry-leading partnerships including Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Informatica, Databricks, Ataccama and Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Adastra is a recognized global leader in assisting clients with their value-driven Data and AI strategies. The Company's prominence in Cloud enablement services, data governance, data analytics, AI and Optimization, and IoT solutions will continue to grow in the new operating model.

Key Leadership Changes

To support Adastra's new direction the following changes will be in effect immediately:

Rob Turner Adastra Global CEO

Rob Turner is a senior executive with over 30 years of experience in automotive, financial services, telecommunications and professional services throughout North America and Europe. Rob has been with Adastra for over ten years and most recently served as CRO and EVP of Marketing and Sales. He spearheaded the company's pivot to the Cloud and played a key role in doubling the size of the North American business. In his new role, Rob will lead Adastra on its mission to be the largest pure-play Data and AI services provider in the world.

"Adastra is an amazing organization with an incredible team of world-class professionals," said Turner. "Over the 23 years of our existence, we have helped thousands of customers transform their businesses through better understanding of their data. As we enter the next frontier of Data and AI, I am excited to work with our team to be the number one solution provider in the world's fastest-growing technology sector."

Pavel Kysela Adastra Global COO

Pavel Kysela has 20 years of experience at Adastra across all verticals and competencies. Over the past 11 years under Pavel's leadership, the Adastra Czechia team has grown 400%. By overseeing several Czech based strategic acquisitions Pavel contributed to Adastra's expansion into Asia, US and the UK, and dramatically broadened services portfolio of Adastra Group.

"Each of our branches possesses unique talents and specialized knowledge. Our goal is to offer all customers the very best of the entire Adastra group. I am thrilled to be an active part of the next phase of development for the group," said Kysela. "The boundaries of our future success are limitless."

Lukas Houba Chief Financial Officer

Lukas Houba continues in his role as head of finance operations globally.

Ondrej Vanek Chief AI Officer

Ondrej Vanek is the co-founder and CEO of Blindspot Solutions. He will lead the global AI practice from regional AI practices under the ADASTRA AI brand.

Kevin Harmer Chief Cloud Officer

Kevin Harmer has been leading the Cloud business in Adastra North America, and he takes on an expanded leadership role around our Cloud business globally

Kristian Gravelle Chief Marketing Officer

Kristian Gravelle, North American CMO, will take on the role of Chief Marketing Officer.

Rahim Hajee CEO Adastra North America

Rahim Hajee is a rounded business and technology leader. He has been with Adastra for 17 years in a variety of consulting and senior management roles. In his most recent role, he served as COO of North America where he contributed greatly to Adastra's North American success.

Stepan Kopriva CEO Adastra Czechia

Stepan Kopriva is the co-founder and former CTO of Blindspot Solutions, an innovative AI company acquired by Adastra six years ago. His leadership and industry knowledge will ensure continued growth for Adastra in this important market.

Toma Buchinsky Global Head of Automotive Manufacturing and GM Adastra Germany

Toma Buchinsky, GM Adastra Germany will assume the role of Global Automotive Manufacturing Lead.

Marius Maslo Chief Revenue Officer DACH and GM Adastra Slovakia

Marius Maslo, GM Adastra Slovakia, will also take the role of CRO for the DACH Region.

Nick Shopov CEO Global Delivery

Nick Shopov will take on the role of GDCEO, with the objective to develop talent pool sourcing.

Lyoubomir Ovtcharov COO Global Delivery

Lyoubomir Ovtcharov will take on the role of GDCOO, with the objective to facilitate continued global delivery success across Adastra regions.

Darren Edery Advisor to the Board

Having served as the Adastra North America CEO for 17 years, Darren is retiring from day-to-day operations to take on an advisory role. "The founding partners and board wish to express our sincerest thanks to Darren Edery for his leadership and growth of the company over the past 21 years. Darren is the foundation that Adastra was built on, and we will work hard to sustain the culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and thoughtfulness that he created. I am looking forward to having Darren as our closest advisor for the way forward," said Jan Mrazek, Founder and Board Member Adastra.

About Adastra

For over two decades, Adastra Corporation (www.adastracorp.com) has transformed businesses into digital leaders, helping global organizations innovate, achieve operational excellence, and create unforgettable customer experiences, all with the power of their data. At the forefront of Artificial Intelligence, Data, Cloud, Digital and Governance services, Adastra delivers solutions enabling leading organizations to gain more value from their data, connecting them to their customers and their customers to the world.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115747174/en/

Contacts:

Media:

North America

Hugh Mansfield

hugh@mansfieldteam.com

416-918-4791

North America

Sarah Haney

Sarah@mansfieldteam.com

647-460-2029

Western Europe

Harry Chathli

Harrychathli@gracechurchpr.com

+44 (0) 204-582-8787

Czechia

Ivana Karhanova

Ivana.karhanova@adastragrp.com

+42 (0) 724-689-053


JERUSALEM (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. Treasury Department has issued another round of sanctions against Hamas leaders and the mechanisms by which Iran provides support to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).



This is the third round of sanctions by the United States since the October 7 terror attacks by Hamas in Israeli cities.



Announcing this, NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said, 'Together with our partners, we're going to be decisively moving to degrade Hamas's financial infrastructure, cut them off from outside funding, and block the new funding channels that they seek to finance their terrorism.'



The Treasury Department said the latest designations are coordinated with action by the U.K. and are aimed at protecting the international financial system from abuse by Hamas and their enablers.



'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,' said Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen. '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.'



Washington alleges that Iranian support, primarily through its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has enabled Hamas's and PIJ's terrorist activities, including the transfer of hundreds of millions of dollars in financial assistance and the furnishing of both weapons and operational training.



Nasser Abu Sharif, the PIJ representative to Iran, PIJ political official Jamil Yusuf Ahmad Aliyan, and the Muhjat AlQuds Foundation in Gaza have been targeted by the Treasury.



Nasser Abu Sharif serves as the group's primary financier. IRGC has trained PIJ fighters to build and develop missiles in Gaza.



The U.S. Department of State is concurrently designating Akram al-Ajouri, the Damascus-based Deputy Secretary General of PIJ and leader of its military wing.



The United States also imposed sanctions on Mahmoud Khaled Zahhar, who is a senior member and co-founder of Hamas, and Muad Ibrahim Muhammed Rashid al-Atili.



Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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0.30 g/t Gold over 32.50 Meters Returned at the Golden Mask Anomaly

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2023) - Onyx Gold Corp. (TSXV: ONYX) ("Onyx" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the final assay and exploration results from its summer drilling and exploration program (the "Program") at the King Tut Property ("King Tut" or "Property") located in Yukon, Canada. (Figure 1). Previous fieldwork on the Project had identified large-scale undrilled gold-in-soil anomalies in a comparable geological setting situated 50 kilometers from Snowline Gold's Rogue/Valley Discovery, one of Canada's most significant new gold discoveries.

Results from the inaugural nine-hole drill program confirm widespread gold mineralization across the Main Tut and Golden Mask anomalies, validating the existence of potential bulk-tonnage reduced intrusion-related gold systems ("RIRGS") on the Property. In addition, new airborne magnetic surveying and soil sampling have also significantly expanded the size of the mapped intrusions at both targets.

"Our field program at King Tut has been a real success," said Brock Colterjohn, President & CEO. "The drilling has validated that these anomalies have potential as large, bulk tonnage targets with the opportunity to vector in on a higher-grade zone, and the geophysical and geochemical surveys have also significantly expanded the extents of the Golden Mask intrusive by 7x relative to previously mapped outlines. The increase in scale of the intrusion at Golden Mask, especially below cover on the valley floor, provides more room to expand the mineralized footprint, potentially including a higher-grade core."

"The results at Golden Mask, in particular, have demonstrated gold grades and widths consistent with what is known about Snowline Gold's Valley intrusion outside of the Valley target high-grade core. We look forward to interpreting this data as the "smoke" to the high-grade "fire", and we are anxious to get back on the ground at King Tut again next year."

The goal of the 2023 program was to determine the potential for RIRGS on the known gold-in-soil anomalies with a Phase 1 ~2,100-meter drill program. This year's results will be analyzed to inform next year's program to vector towards potential high-grade cores in these intrusions.

Highlight 2023 Drill Hole Results

Main Tut Anomaly

0.12 g/t Au over 122.0 meters in hole KT23-001, including 0.20 g/t Au over 18.1 meters

in hole KT23-001, including 0.13 g/t Au over 187.0 meters in hole KT23-002, including 0.36 g/t Au over 21.0 meters, including 2.93 g/t Au over 1.0 meter

in hole KT23-002, including

Golden Mask Anomaly

0.13 g/t Au over 53.0 meters in hole KT23-003B

in hole KT23-003B 0.30 g/t Au over 32.5 meters in hole KT23-005, including 0.56 g/t Au over 8.0 meters

in hole KT23-005, including 0.21 g/t Au over 20.0 meters in hole KT23-006

2.14 g/t Au over 0.7 meters in hole KT23-008

0.24 g/t Au over 10.9 meters in hole KT23-008

0.24 g/t Au over 14.7 meters in hole KT23-009, including 1.16 g/t Au over 0.7 meters

1.30 g/t Au over 4.0 meters in hole KT23-009

in hole KT23-009 6.31 g/t Au over 1.0 meters in hole KT23-009

2023 Program Summary

The 2023 Yukon exploration program focused on Phase 1 drill testing of the promising Main Tut and Golden Mask gold-in-soil anomalies, which are associated with two separate intrusion-related gold systems, and also the execution of property-wide geophysical surveys, geochemical surveys, and mapping and prospecting programs to refine drill targets and identify prospective area for future exploration. The Program included 2,123 meters of diamond drilling in two (2) completed holes at the Main Tut target and seven (7) completed holes and one (1) lost hole on the Golden Mask target, 1,353 soil samples, 1,692-line-kilometer of property-wide drone-based magnetic geophysical surveying, property-wide high-resolution LiDAR topographic surveying, and geological mapping, prospecting, and geochemical sampling.

Discussion of Golden Mask and Main Tut Drill Results

Golden Mask Anomaly

The Golden Mask anomaly occurs within and adjacent to a granitic stock that is interpreted to be the upper carapace of a reduced intrusion. The Golden Mask soil anomaly is roughly 1,400 meters by 1,400 meters in size and hosts coincident strongly anomalous gold and RIRGS pathfinder geochemical signature (Bi, Te, W, As). The Golden Mask anomaly is almost entirely comprised of soil samples that returned > 20 ppb gold, with a majority of samples over 50 ppb gold to a peak of 1,423 ppb gold. The anomaly is open for expansion to the west and south.

The Company completed seven (7) drill holes totaling 1,483.5 meters at Golden Mask (Figure 2) as two northwest-southeast fences of holes across the known mapped intrusion to cut the observed northeast-trending fracture/vein sets and one drill hole located at the valley bottom to test the newly interpreted intrusive outline based on the summer magnetic survey results. The holes intersected broad zones of gold mineralization within Golden Mask granitic intrusion and hornfels aureole including 0.13 g/t Au over 53.0 meters in hole KT23-003b, 0.30 g/t Au over 32.5 meters in hole KT23-005 (including 0.56 g/t Au over 8.0 meters) and 0.21 g/t Au over 20.0 meters in hole KT23-006, 0.24 g/t Au over 10.9 meters in hole KT23-008, and 0.24 g/t Au over 14.7 meters, 1.30 g/t Au over 4.0 meters, and 6.31 g/t Au over 1.0 meter in hole KT23-009. The gold is associated with fracture-controlled and locally pervasive, strong iron oxidation associated with fine-grained disseminated and quartz vein-hosted pyrite and arsenopyrite (+/- bismuthinite, stibnite, sulfosalts).

The highest gold values were returned in KT23-009, the last drill hole completed in the Program at Golden Mask, setting the Company up for a strong start to its 2024 exploration plans.

Main Tut Anomaly

The Main Tut anomaly is located nine kilometers east of Golden Mask, near the center of the Property and within the hornfelsed aureole and aplite dykes surrounding the northern side of the large quartz monzonite/granite stock. It has an arcuate shape that is over six kilometers in length and 200 to 1,500 meters in width. It is defined by a broad zone of moderately to strongly anomalous gold-in-soil values to a peak of 13,390 ppb gold, with coincident strongly anomalous RIRGS pathfinder geochemical signature (Bi, Te, W, As).

The Company completed two (2) drillholes totaling 639.3 meters at the Main Tut anomaly (Figure 3) targeting two large east-west trending aplite dykes with elevated gold surface geochemistry. The holes intersected widespread gold mineralization with the intrusion including 0.12 g/t Au over 122.0 meters in hole KT23-001 (including 0.20 g/t Au over 18.1 meters) and 0.13 g/t Au over 187.0 meters in hole KT23-002 (including 0.36 g/t Au over 21.0 meters). The gold is associated with fine-grained disseminated and quartz vein-hosted pyrite and arsenopyrite (+/- bismuthinite, stibnite, sulfosalts), but especially in units where fractures and vein margins are coated by muscovite.

A summary of significant assay intercepts can be found in Table 1.

Airborne Geophysical Survey Results

Pioneer Exploration Consultants Ltd. completed a 1,692-line-kilometer property-wide drone-based magnetic geophysical survey over the King Tut project in August and September. Final results have been received and have dramatically increased the projected size of the granite body at Golden Mask from 600 by 400 meters to approximately 1,300 by 1,300 meters - a 700% increase in size (Figure 4). A large portion of the new Golden Mask geophysical feature projects beneath the broad valley floor, downslope of the area drilled, and is masked by glacial overburden.

Drill hole KT23-008 was drilled to test the southwestern lobe of the newly acquired horizontal gradient magnetic anomaly and successfully confirmed that the geophysical signature was caused by a large granite body overlain by hornfelsed country rock (Figure 4). Additional analysis of various geophysical products has identified numerous lineaments internal to the intrusion that may represent key target structures and mineralizing fluid pathways.

Surface Mapping and Geochemical Results

The Company collected 1,353 contour and grid soil samples to expand on existing data collected by a previous operator. The results from the survey were very encouraging and expanded the size of the Golden Mask anomaly to the northwest by 400 meters with high values up to 1,070 ppb gold , which is above the upper 99th percentile of gold-in-soil values on the Property (Figure 4).

Q4-2023 Ontario Drill Program

The Company has now shifted its attention to its Timmins, Ontario portfolio where a 4,000 meter drill program is now underway at our flagship Munro-Croesus Gold Project. The program is focusing on follow-up holes at new targets proximal to the historic high-grade Croesus Gold Mine and on the new bulk-tonnage-style Argus Zone.

Soil sampling has also been completed and an airborne drone-magnetic geophysical survey is in progress at the Timmins South Project.

Figure 1 - Tombstone Gold Belt

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9800/187447_8a3bb960044779a3_002full.jpg



Figure 2 - Plan Map Showing Location of 2023 Drill Holes at the Golden Mask Target

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9800/187447_8a3bb960044779a3_003full.jpg



Figure 3 - Plan Map Showing Location of 2023 Drill Holes at the Main Tut Target

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9800/187447_8a3bb960044779a3_004full.jpg



Figure 4 - Plan Map Showing Results of 2023 Soil Geochemistry and Airborne Drone-Magnetic Survey

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9800/187447_8a3bb960044779a3_005full.jpg

Table 1 - Significant Assay Intercepts from the 2023 Drilling Program

Drill Hole From To Length Au Ag Main Tut Target (meters) (meters) (meters) (g/t) (g/t) KT23-001 63.0 185.0 122.0 0.12 1.1 Including 65.0 74.0 9.0 0.22 2.7 And Including 94.0 98.0 4.0 0.29 12.4 Including 94.0 95.0 1.0 0.35 40.1 And Including 114.9 133.0 18.1 0.20 0.6 And Including 151.0 157.0 6.0 0.27 0.0 And Including 166.0 171.0 5.0 0.23 0.0 KT23-002 7.0 194.0 187.0 0.13 0.2 Including 7.0 18.0 11.0 0.18 0.1 And Including 27.0 35.8 8.8 0.18 0.0 And Including 109.0 125.0 16.0 0.32 0.5 Including 115.0 116.0 1.0 1.52 0.6 And Including 173.0 194.0 21.0 0.36 0.2 Including 186.0 194.0 8.0 0.56 0.2 Including 193.0 194.0 1.0 2.93 0.0 And 289.5 298.1 8.6 0.23 3.4 Including 289.5 291.0 1.5 1.07 6.8 Drill Hole From To Length Au Ag Golden Mask Target (meters) (meters) (meters) (g/t) (g/t) KT23-003B 119.0 172.0 53.0 0.13 0.3 Including 119.0 120.0 1.0 1.35 0.7 And Including 156.1 160.0 3.9 0.34 0.2 KT23-004 No Significant Results KT23-005 62.0 94.5 32.5 0.30 0.5 Including 78.0 86.0 8.0 0.56 0.5 Including 85.0 86.0 1.0 1.06 0.8 KT23-006 113.0 133.0 20.0 0.21 0.3 And 113.0 118.5 5.5 0.32 0.4 Including 117.1 118.5 1.4 0.62 0.5 Including 171.0 172.0 1.0 0.71 0.0 And 189.0 219.0 30.0 0.11 0.3 KT23-007 68.0 69.0 1.0 0.22 0.0 KT23-008 142.5 143.2 0.7 2.14 0.0 And 172.4 173.5 1.1 0.88 1.0 And 185.0 195.9 10.9 0.24 0.0 And 215.6 233.6 18.0 0.11 0.0 And 244.9 260.0 15.1 0.14 0.9 KT23-009 16.3 31.0 14.7 0.24 0.7 Including 19.5 27.0 7.5 0.41 0.8 Including 19.5 20.2 0.7 1.16 0.0 And 44.0 51.0 7.0 0.80 0.6 Including 44.0 48.0 4.0 1.30 1.1 And 104.0 105.0 1.0 6.31 2.5 And 112.0 114.0 2.0 0.19 0.3

*True widths unknown.

About the Yukon Gold Properties

Onyx controls a portfolio of greenfield gold properties in eastern Yukon, totaling 210 km2. The King Tut Property is Onyx's most advanced and compelling property, located in the heart of an emerging reduced intrusive-related gold district in Yukon's Selwyn Basin. Previous fieldwork identified large-scale undrilled gold-in-soil anomalies in a comparable geological setting 50 km from Snowline Gold's Rogue/Valley Discovery, one of Canada's most significant new gold discoveries.

About Onyx Gold

Onyx Gold is an exploration company focused on well-established Canadian mining jurisdictions, with assets in Timmins, Ontario, and Yukon Territory. The Company's extensive portfolio of quality gold projects in the greater Timmins gold camp includes the Munro-Croesus Gold property, renowned for its high-grade mineralization, plus two additional earlier-stage large exploration properties, Golden Mile and Timmins South. Onyx Gold also controls four properties in the Selwyn Basin area of Yukon Territory, which is currently gaining significance due to recent discoveries in the area. Onyx Gold's experienced board and senior management team are committed to creating shareholder value through the discovery process, careful allocation of capital, and environmentally/socially responsible mineral exploration.

Qualified Person and Quality Assurance

Ian Cunningham-Dunlop, P.Eng., Executive Vice President for Onyx Gold Corp. and a qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release.

On Behalf of Onyx Gold Corp.

"Brock Colterjohn"

President & CEO

For further information, please visit the Onyx Gold Corp. website at www.onyxgold.com or contact:

Brock Colterjohn, President & CEO

or

Nicole Hoeller, VP of Corporate Communications

Phone: 1-604-629-1165 or North American toll-free 1-855-629-1165

Email: nicole@onyxgold.com or information@onyxgold.com.

Website: www.onyxgold.com

X: @OnyxGoldCorp

Additional Notes:

Starting azimuth, dip and final length (Azimuth/-Dip/Length) for the drillholes reported today are noted as follows: KT23-001 (180/45/243.3m), KT23-002 (112/45/396m), KT23-003 (292/45/91.5m), KT23-003b (292/45/240m), KT23-004 (112/55/87m), KT23-005 (292/45/249m), KT23-006 (112/45/237m), KT23-007 (235/45/117m), KT23-008 (165/45/267m), and KT23-009 (112/45/195m)

Samples of drill core were cut by a diamond blade rock saw, with half of the cut core placed in individual sealed polyurethane bags and the remaining half of the cut core placed back in the original core box for permanent on-site storage. Sample lengths range from a minimum of 0.2-meter to a maximum of 3.0-meter intervals, with an average sample length of 1.0 meter. Drill core samples were delivered by truck in sealed woven plastic bags to ALS Geochemistry laboratory facility in Whitehorse, Yukon for sample preparation with final analysis at ALS Geochemistry in North Vancouver, BC.

Gold is determined by fire-assay fusion of a 50-gram sub-sample with atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Samples that return values >10 ppm gold from fire assay and AAS are determined by using fire assay and a gravimetric finish. Various metals including silver, gold, copper, lead and zinc are analyzed by inductively-coupled plasma (ICP) atomic emission spectroscopy, following multi-acid digestion. The elements copper, lead and zinc are determined by ore grade assay for samples that return values >10,000 ppm by ICP analysis. Silver is determined by ore-grade assay for samples that return >100 ppm. All ALS Geochemistry sites operate under a single Global Geochemistry Quality Manual that complies with ISO/IEC 17025:2017. ALS Geochemistry follows the quality management and operational guidelines set out in the international standards ISO/IEC 17025 - "General Requirement for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories" and ISO 9001 - "Quality Management Systems".

The Company maintains a robust QA/QC program that includes the collection and analysis of duplicate samples and the insertion of blanks and standards (certified reference material).

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 information: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively "forward looking statements").

Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections, and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "forecast", "expect", "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's planned exploration programs and drill programs and potential significance of results are forward-looking statements that involve various 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. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Company's expectations include actual exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital, and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials, and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events, or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187447
Foundation Medicine, Inc., and Pierre Fabre Laboratories today announced a collaboration to develop Foundation Medicine's high-quality genomic tests, FoundationOneCDx and FoundationOneLiquid CDx, as companion diagnostics for new targeted therapies to treat patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The companies will work collaboratively to seek the regulatory approval for Foundation Medicine assays which detect mutations including BRAFV600E to identify patients for potential treatment with Pierre Fabre Laboratories's BRAF/MEK inhibitor combination regimen, BRAFTOVI (encorafenib) and MEKTOVI (binimetinib), in the European Union. This combination therapy is currently under evaluation by the European Medicines Agency for patients with BRAFV600-mutant advanced NSCLC and was evaluated in a clinical trial sponsored by Pfizer and supported by Pierre Fabre.

Lung cancer the number one cause of cancer deaths worldwide remains an area of high unmet need notably for those people living with BRAFV600E mutations, which occur in approximately 2% of all non-small cell lung cancer.1 FoundationOne CDx and FoundationOne Liquid CDx are U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved in-vitro diagnostics used to identify potentially targetable mutations, including BRAF, in blood- and tissue-based solid tumor samples.

"Today, as the number of indications and approvals in oncology grow rapidly, companion diagnostics provide information that is critical for the safe and effective use of targeted therapies. And that's why we are excited to work with Foundation Medicine," said Nuria Perez-Cullell, Head of Medical and Patient Consumer Department, Pierre Fabre Laboratories. "Thanks to those companion diagnostics, physicians will have comprehensive, reliable information about what is driving a patient's cancer, such as BRAFV600E mutations, so they can make personalized treatment decisions."

Foundation Medicine has the only FDA-approved portfolio of comprehensive genomic profiling tests offering physicians both blood- and tissue-based testing options for detecting genomic alterations like BRAFV600E to help guide personalized treatment decisions. Foundation Medicine has demonstrated initial success in navigating the new In Vitro Diagnostics Regulation (IVDR) in Europe through activation of dozens of global clinical studies or using patient samples from over 20 European Union member states in compliance with IVDR Authorization and Notification pathways.2

"High-quality companion diagnostics play a crucial role in helping physicians match their patients with targeted treatment options," said Troy Schurr, Chief Biopharma Business Officer at Foundation Medicine. "We are excited to support Pierre Fabre Laboratories in offering more treatment options for cancer patients, and to increase access to precision therapies in the European Union."

Foundation Medicine and FoundationOne are registered trademarks of Foundation Medicine, Inc.

About Foundation Medicine: Your Essential Partner in Cancer Care

Foundation Medicine is a pioneer in molecular profiling for cancer, working to shape the future of clinical care and research. We collaborate with a broad range of partners across the cancer community and strive to set the standard for quality, scientific excellence, and regulatory leadership. Our deep understanding of cancer biology helps physicians make informed treatment decisions for their patients and empowers researchers to develop new medicines. Every day, we are driven to help our partners find answers and take action, enabling more people around the world to benefit from precision cancer care. For more information, please visit us on www.FoundationMedicine.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

About FoundationOneCDx

FoundationOne CDx is a next-generation sequencing based in vitro diagnostic device for detection of substitutions, insertion and deletion alterations (indels), and copy number alterations (CNAs) in 324 genes and select gene rearrangements, as well as genomic signatures including microsatellite instability (MSI) and tumor mutational burden (TMB) using DNA isolated from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissue specimens. FoundationOne CDx is for prescription use only and is intended as a companion diagnostic to identify patients who may benefit from treatment with certain targeted therapies in accordance with their approved therapeutic product labeling. Additionally, FoundationOne CDx is intended to provide tumor mutation profiling to be used by qualified health care professionals in accordance with professional guidelines in oncology for patients with solid malignant neoplasms. Use of the test does not guarantee a patient will be matched to a treatment. A negative result does not rule out the presence of an alteration. Some patients may require a biopsy. For a full list of targeted therapies for which FoundationOne CDx is indicated as a companion diagnostic, please visit www.F1CDxLabel.com.

About FoundationOneLiquid CDx

FoundationOne Liquid CDx is a qualitative next generation sequencing based in vitro diagnostic test for prescription use only that uses targeted high throughput hybridization-based capture technology to analyze 324 genes utilizing circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) isolated from plasma derived from anti-coagulated peripheral whole blood of advanced cancer patients. The test is FDA-approved to report short variants in over 300 genes and is a companion diagnostic to identify patients who may benefit from treatment with specific therapies (listed in Table 1 of the Intended Use) in accordance with the approved therapeutic product labeling. Additional genomic findings may be reported and are not prescriptive or conclusive for labeled use of any specific therapeutic product. Use of the test does not guarantee a patient will be matched to a treatment. A negative result does not rule out the presence of an alteration. Patients who are negative for companion diagnostic mutations should be reflexed to tumor tissue testing and genomic alteration status confirmed using an FDA-approved tumor tissue test, if feasible. For the complete label, including companion diagnostic indications and complete risk information, please visit www.F1LCDxLabel.com.

About Pierre Fabre Laboratories

Pierre Fabre Laboratories is a leading French medical and beauty care company with 4 decades of experience in innovation, development, manufacturing, and commercialization in oncology. The company dedicated about 80% of its R&D spendings to oncology in 2022 and has recently declared targeted therapies as its main R&D priority. Its current commercial portfolio in oncology covers colorectal, breast and lung cancers, melanoma, hematology, and pre-cancerous skin conditions like actinic keratosis.

In 2022, Pierre Fabre Laboratories posted 2.7 billion euros in revenues, 69% of which came from international sales in 120 countries. Established in the South-West of France since its creation in 1962, the Group manufactures over 90% of its products in France and employs some 9,600 people worldwide. The company is 86%-owned by the Pierre Fabre Foundation, a government-recognized public-interest foundation, and secondarily by its own employees through an international employee stock ownership plan. Pierre Fabre Laboratories 's sustainability policy has been assessed by the independent AFNOR Certification body at the "Exemplary" level of its CSR label (ISO 26 000 standard for sustainable development). Further information about Pierre Fabre Laboratories can be found at www.pierre-fabre.com, @PierreFabre.

1 American Cancer Society. What is Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer? https://www.cancer.org/cancer/non-small-cell-lung-cancer/about/what-is-non-small-cell-lung-cancer.html

2 Data on file.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115525953/en/

Contacts:

Media Contacts:

Foundation Medicine:

Abigail Linehan, 781-534-3210

newsroom@foundationmedicine.com

Pierre Fabre Laboratories

Laure Sgandurra

laure.sgandurra@pierre-fabre.com

+33 6 32 54 92 01
LONDON, Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Westbrooke Alternative Asset Management UK ("Westbrooke") is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of a preferred equity investment in Toots Day Nursery Investments Ltd ("Toots"), a platform for a "buy-and-build" in the UK Children's Nurseries sector, in partnership with Tracey Storey and Ed David. This is Westbrooke's second transaction backing this team, who successfully executed and exited a similar strategy at ICP Nurseries.

James Stirling, Head of Westbrooke's Hybrid Capital strategy in the UK commented, "We are thrilled to be working with Ed & Tracey again to support their latest buy-and-build strategy. They have a strong, values-led approach to education provision, focused on raising aspirations and inspiring positive change in learners, and they have a proven, first-class track record of value creation in the sector."

This investment fits squarely within Westbrooke's ambition to back excellent management teams to help them deliver their growth ambitions within UK lower-mid-market companies, with highly flexible funding solutions.

Tracey Storey, Chair at Toots said, "We are really pleased to be working with Westbrooke again as we look to build a group of high-quality nursery schools across the country. Having worked with Westbrooke previously, we really value their pragmatic and commercial approach, and know they will be a highly supportive partner for what will be an exciting journey ahead."

Westbrooke UK (FRN 792259) is an appointed representative of Capricorn Capital Partners UK Limited (FRN748414) which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Click here for the full disclaimer.

For further information on the funding solutions we offer, please get in touch with James Stirling at james.stirling@westbrooke.com or Kieran McKenzie at kieran@westbrooke.com. Telephone +44 203 597 0153

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/westbrooke-completes-investment-in-uk-nursery-schools-buy-and-build-platform-301989006.html
Growing regulatory complexity driving need for a single source of regulatory information

BARCELONA, Spain, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Most medtech companies (87%) can't seamlessly exchange product information between in-country and global regulatory assurance teams, according to the 2023 Regulatory Benchmark Report from Veeva MedTech. Without a standardized and consistent way to share documents globally, organizations can't ensure the reliability or accuracy of product information across markets. This increases compliance risk and can delay the delivery of devices and diagnostics to patients.

A single source for regulatory documents can enable global teams to access real-time information and take proactive action. Yet, more than half of respondents (56%) say they don't have access to a single source for documents to support global submissions. As regulations - like EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and In Vitro Diagnostics Regulation (IVDR) - continue to evolve, establishing centralized regulatory data and documents should be a top priority to accelerate approvals and speed up new market entry.

The report reveals additional opportunities for improving medtech regulatory affairs, including:

Cross-functional collaboration is still manual : More than one-third (35%) of companies rely on status meetings to share regulatory plans across functions. This obligates individuals to communicate vital information, reducing visibility and data quality.

: More than one-third (35%) of companies rely on status meetings to share regulatory plans across functions. This obligates individuals to communicate vital information, reducing visibility and data quality. Misaligned content increasing risk : The majority (75%) say key content, such as intended use or device descriptions, is misaligned across functions at least some of the time. With the variance in information, companies face an increased risk of inaccurate or incomplete regulatory submissions.

: The majority (75%) say key content, such as intended use or device descriptions, is misaligned across functions at least some of the time. With the variance in information, companies face an increased risk of inaccurate or incomplete regulatory submissions. Greater need for harmonized claims management: Just 14% of respondents say their entire content lifecycle process is optimized across functions. At the other end of the spectrum, over a third (34%) say they conduct siloed content reviews or have no clear review process. With this disconnected approach, regulatory teams report they often lack the evidence needed during product claim audits.

"As companies scale and expand into global markets, having real-time, accurate product information can significantly streamline in-country regulatory submissions," said Seth Goldenberg, vice president, Veeva MedTech. "The research reveals a significant opportunity for medtechs to unify global regulatory information, a shift that can empower regulatory affairs with data for faster approvals."

The Veeva MedTech 2023 Regulatory Benchmark Report examines the medical device and diagnostic industry's progress toward modernizing regulatory operations. Survey respondents include more than 100 regulatory affairs (RA) professionals from medtech organizations around the globe. See the complete annual study, which explores how medtech companies and RA teams work cross-functionally to manage new product development, global market entry, commercial launches, and renewal of product certifications.

About Veeva Systems

Veeva (NYSE: VEEV) is the global leader in cloud software for the life sciences industry. Committed to innovation, product excellence, and customer success, Veeva serves more than 1,000 customers, ranging from the world's largest biopharmaceutical companies to emerging biotechs. As a Public Benefit Corporation, Veeva is committed to balancing the interests of all stakeholders, including customers, employees, shareholders, and the industries it serves. For more information, visit veeva.com/eu.

Contact:

Jeremy Whittaker

Veeva Systems

+49-695-095-5486

jeremy.whittaker@veeva.com Deivis Mercado

Veeva Systems

925-226-8821

deivis.mercado@veeva.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1488285/Veeva_Systems_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/new-research-finds-87-of-medtechs-lack-consistent-methods-to-share-product-information-across-global-regulatory-teams-301984407.html
EQS-Ad-hoc: European Healthcare Acquisition & Growth Company B.V. / Key word(s): AGM/EGM

General meeting of European Healthcare Acquisition & Growth Company B.V. adopts all resolutions, extending business combination deadline by up to one yea



15-Nov-2023 / 13:05 CET/CEST

Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Munich, 15 November 2023

European Healthcare Acquisition & Growth Company B.V. ("EHC"), a Dutch operators-led special purpose acquisition company listed on Euronext Amsterdam aiming to acquire one or more companies in the European healthcare sector, announces that its extraordinary general meeting of shareholders has adopted all resolutions on the agenda at the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders held today at 10:00 CET ("EGM").

The adopted resolutions relate to the extension of the original business combination deadline with one year, until 17 November 2024 (the "Extended Business Combination Deadline") and the conditional dissolution of EHC, which will become effective on the earlier of: a) the end of the Extended Business Combination Deadline if no business combination agreement has been entered into by EHC; or b) 20 trading days on Euronext Amsterdam after the publication by the Company of a written notice on its website, announcing that the resolution to dissolve the Company shall become effective on such 20th trading day after the publication of such written notice. The resolution to dissolve EHC shall lapse upon the condition subsequent of EHC entering into a business combination agreement before the end of the Extended Business Combination Deadline.

The voting results from the EGM will be published on the website of EHC in the "Investor Relations" section under 'Shareholder Meetings': www.ehc-company.com . The minutes will be made available on the Company's website in due course.

-----------

General Enquiries

+49 89 4523240

info@ehc-company.com

Media Enquiries EHC

FGS Global

Kai Peter Rath

+49 211 43079 209

kai.rath@fgsglobal.com

Disclaimer

This press release may include forward-looking statements, which are based on EHC's current expectations and projections about future events and speak only as of the date hereof. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future whether or not within or outside the control of EHC. Such factors may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. accordingly, no undue reliance should be placed on any forward-looking statements. EHC operates in a rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties, nor to assess the impact that these factors will have on EHC. Forward-looking statements speak only as at the date at which they are made and EHC undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

This press release contains information that may qualify as inside information within the meaning of Article 7, paragraph 1, of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

15-Nov-2023 CET/CEST The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.eqs-news.com


- Highlights continued execution across Ampligen clinical development programs

- Company is well positioned to achieve multiple value-driving milestones during remainder of 2023 and 2024

- Will host conference call and webcast today, November 15th at 8:30 AM ET

OCALA, Fla., Nov. 15, 2023 (NYSE American: AIM) ("AIM" or the "Company") today reported financial results for the third quarter 2023 and provided a business update. As previously announced, the Company will host a conference call and webcast today, Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 8:30 AM ET (details below).

"Our team continues to make significant strides in the advancement of Ampligen through our active human clinical studies in multiple indications, including pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer and post-COVID conditions. Our clinical and operational execution is supported by a strong cash position and we are poised for an exciting period ahead as we approach a number of value-driving milestones, particularly in our ovarian and pancreatic cancer programs. We are dedicated to driving our clinical programs forward and building momentum to generate value for our shareholders," commented Thomas K. Equels, Chief Executive Officer of AIM.

Recent Highlights

Announced encouraging translational data (https://aimimmuno.com/aim-immunotech-announces-encouraging-translational-data-from-phase-2-study-evaluating-ampligen-for-the-treatment-of-advanced-recurrent-ovarian-cancer/) from an ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial utilizing AIM's drug Ampligen in patients with platinum-sensitive advanced recurrent ovarian cancer.

Engaged Azenova, LLC (https://aimimmuno.com/aim-immunotech-engages-business-development-firm-azenova-llc-to-catalyze-partnering-development-and-commercialization-efforts-for-ampligen-pipeline-programs/), a professional business development consulting firm, to support efforts to partner AIM's pipeline programs with a particular focus on the company's lead asset, Ampligen, for the treatment of various malignant solid tumors.

Presented (https://aimimmuno.com/aim-immunotech-selected-to-present-at-the-3rd-annual-marie-sklodowska-curie-symposium-on-cancer-research-and-care/) an overview of Ampligen's clinical progress in oncology at the 3rd Annual Marie Sklodowska-Curie Symposium on Cancer Research and Care.

Announced that Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center has reported the complete topline data (https://aimimmuno.com/aim-immunotech-announces-report-of-complete-topline-data-from-roswell-park-comprehensive-cancer-center-study-evaluating-ampligen-as-a-component-of-a-chemokine-modulating-ckm-regimen-with-pacl/) from its Phase 1 study evaluating Ampligen (rintatolimod) as a component of a CKM regimen for the treatment of early-stage triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). The complete topline results are now available on ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04081389 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04081389).



Upcoming Expected Ampligen Milestones

Q4 2023

Locally advanced pancreatic cancer (AMP-270) - Open European site

Metastatic pancreatic cancer (DURIPANC, Collaboration with AstraZeneca) - Begin clinical trial

Advanced Recurrent Ovarian Cancer - Protocol-planned interim results

Post-COVID Conditions (AMP-518) - Final subject completes Phase 2 study

Q1 2024

Post-COVID Conditions (AMP-518) - Topline data from Phase 2 study expected



Summary of Financial Highlights for Third Quarter 2023

As of September 30, 2023, AIM reported cash, cash equivalents and marketable investments of $22.4 million. Based on management's current expectation, the Company's cash runway is expected to fund operations through multiple key milestones.

Research and development expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2023, were $2.7 million, compared to $1.4 million for the same period in 2022.

General and administrative expenses were $5.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the $5.2 million for the same period in 2022.

The net loss from operations for the three months ended September 30, 2023, was $7.8 million, or $0.16 per share, compared to $6.4 million, or $0.13 per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2022.



Please refer to the full 10-Q for complete details.

Conference Call and Webcast Details

As previously announced, the Company will host a quarterly conference call and live audio webcast to discuss the operational and financial results today, Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 8:30 AM ET.

The call will be hosted by members of AIM's leadership team, Thomas K. Equels, Chief Executive Officer and Christopher McAleer, PhD, Scientific Officer. Interested participants and investors may access the conference call by dialingwill be accessible on the Eventspage of the Investorssection of the Company's website, aimimmuno.com, and will be archived for 90 days following the live event.

About AIM ImmunoTech Inc.

AIM ImmunoTech Inc. is an immuno-pharma company focused on the research and development of therapeutics to treat multiple types of cancers, immune disorders and viral diseases, including COVID-19. The company's lead product is a first-in-class investigational drug called Ampligen (rintatolimod), a dsRNA and highly selective TLR3 agonist immuno-modulator with broad spectrum activity in clinical trials for globally important cancers, viral diseases and disorders of the immune system.

For more information, please visit aimimmuno.comand connect with the Company on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Cautionary Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "PSLRA"). Words such as "may," "will," "expect," "plan," "anticipate" and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Many of these forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Among other things, for those statements, the Company claims the protection of safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the PSLRA. The Company does not undertake to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof.
$7.9 Million in revenue is 108% over first nine months of 2022

WESTMINSTER, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / BioLargo, Inc. (OTCQB:BLGO), a company that creates and commercializes sustainable technologies to solve tough environmental and cleantech challenges, reported $7.9 million in revenues over the nine months ended September 30, 2023, a 108% increase over the same period in 2022 in its Form 10-Q filed with the SEC, putting it on a pace to exceed $10 million in annual revenues for the first time (see www.biolargo.com/sec-filings).

BioLargo will hold an investor webcast on Monday, November 20, 2023, at 3:00 pm Pacific / 6:00 pm Eastern, at the following link, open to the public, to discuss the quarterly report: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2448/49451

Dennis P. Calvert, the company's President and CEO, said, "Company-wide revenues are rising again. Through Q3, we have already surpassed last year's annual revenues by 34%, with another quarter to go. Pooph pet-odor product sales are climbing steadily as our partners continue to expand retail presence around the country."

He continued, "Over the summer, our PFAS team has been approached by a broad base of prospective customers in diverse industries, including municipalities, government agencies, drinking water systems, firefighting foam projects, wastewater entities, and industrial facilities. The excitement about our PFAS collection and destruction solution has been highly validating to our value proposition to the marketplace. Our engineers have commenced work on a project to remove PFAS from a municipal drinking water supply in New Jersey, and we look forward to sharing more details as they come available."

On the topic of the company's new safe, long-lasting battery technology, Mr. Calvert said, "Finally, I'm happy to report that substantial progress has been made in the construction of our Oak Ridge, Tennessee manufacturing facility for the prototypes of our safe, longer-lasting long duration energy storage (LDES) battery technology. We hope to have batteries built and being tested by year's end."

The following are some highlights from BioLargo's quarterly report filed November 14, 2023, and are not a substitute for the details in the 10-Q, which can be found here: https://www.biolargo.com/sec-filings. All interested parties are encouraged to review the full quarterly report filed with the SEC to get the most complete information about BioLargo and its growing cleantech business.

Consolidated revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2023, were $2,672,000, a 78% increase over the same period in 2022, and an 85% increase over the three months ended June 30, 2023.

As of September 30, 2023, year-to-date revenues were $7,860,000, a 108% increase over the same period of 2022, and 34% increase over the entirety of 2022, with one quarter still remaining in 2023.

Net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2023, was $1,508,000, compared to $847,000 in the same period of 2022, and $1,626,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2023, with a notable increase in R&D to $694,000 associated with Clyra and the building of the company's prototype manufacturing line for its sodium sulfur battery technology.

ONM Environmental, Inc., BioLargo's odor and VOC control subsidiary, generated $2,513,000 of revenue, of which $529,000 resulted from a record-breaking quarter of sales of the company's odor and VOC control product CupriDyne Clean and related services to industrial and solid waste customers.

About BioLargo, Inc.

BioLargo, Inc. (OTCQB:BLGO) is a cleantech and life sciences innovator and engineering services solution provider. Our core products address PFAS contamination, achieve advanced water and wastewater treatment, control odor and VOCs, improve air quality, enable energy-efficiency and safe on-site energy storage, and control infections and infectious disease. Our approach is to invent or acquire novel technologies, develop them into product offerings, and extend their commercial reach through licensing and channel partnerships to maximize their impact. See our website at www.BioLargo.com. Learn more about the company's PFAS treatment solutions at www.bestpfastreatment.com.

Contact Information

Dennis P. Calvert

President and CEO, BioLargo, Inc.

888-400-2863

Safe Harbor Act

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include without limitation those about BioLargo's (the "Company") expectations regarding anticipated revenue; and plans for future operations. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include without limitation: the effect of regional economic conditions on the Company's business, including effects on purchasing decisions by consumers and businesses; the ability of the Company to compete in markets that are highly competitive and subject to rapid technological change; the ability of the Company to manage frequent introductions and transitions of products and services, including delivering to the marketplace, and stimulating customer demand for, new products, services, and technological innovations on a timely basis; the dependency of the Company on the performance of distributors of the Company's products. More information on these risks and other potential factors that could affect the Company's business and financial results is included in the Company's filings with the SEC, including in the "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of the Company's most recently filed periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and subsequent filings. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information, which speak as of their respective dates.

SOURCE: BioLargo, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/803440/biolargo-breaks-another-revenue-record
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2023) - Silver Storm Mining Ltd. (TSXV: SVRS) (OTCQB: SVRSF) (FSE: SVR) ("Silver Storm" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the Company is attending the upcoming 121 Mining Investment London Conference. Greg McKenzie, Director, President & CEO will be presenting about the Company's recent and future planned activities.

The conference is London's largest dedicated mining investment event and will feature a record-breaking 175 mining companies and over 500 investors. The event is scheduled for Nov. 20-21, 2023, at etc.venues 133 Houndsditch in London, United Kingdom.

Any institutional investors who would like to attend 121 Mining Investment London can register for a free pass here: https://www.weare121.com/121mininginvestment-london/register-investor/. Please visit Silver Storm at Level 2 Booth A44.

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 Silver Storm Mining Ltd. (formerly Golden Tag Resources Ltd.)

Silver Storm Mining Ltd. holds advanced stage silver projects located in Durango, Mexico. Golden Tag recently completed the acquisition of 100% of the La Parrilla Silver Mine Complex, a prolific operation which is comprised of a 2,000 tpd mill as well as five underground mines and an open pit that collectively produced 34.3 million silver-equivalent ounces between 2005 and 2019. The Company also holds a 100% interest in the San Diego Project which is among the largest undeveloped silver assets in Mexico. For more information regarding the Company and its projects, please visit our website at www.silverstorm.ca.

For additional information, please contact:

Greg McKenzie, President & CEO

Ph: +1 (416) 504-2024

greg.mckenzie@silverstorm.ca

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements:

Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are within the meaning of the phrase 'forward-looking information' in the Canadian Securities Administrators' National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations. Forward-looking statements are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding presentations and investor relation activities. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: the ability to predict and counteract the effects of COVID-19 on the business of the Company or its service providers; disruptions in information systems upon which its service providers relies in connection with the delivery of its services to the Company; and those risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187365
AWKN-P001 is a N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor-Modulating Drug Used in Combination with Psycho-Social Support for the Treatment of Severe Alcohol Use Disorder

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2023) - Awakn Life Sciences Corp. (NEO: AWKN) (OTCQB: AWKNF) (FSE: 954), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing therapeutics to treat addiction with a near-term focus on Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), announces today that it has received clinical trial authorization from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and ethical approval from the Health Research Authority in the UK for a phase III clinical trial for its lead program AWKN-P001 for the treatment of Severe Alcohol Use Disorder (SAUD).

SAUD, the most acute type of alcohol use disorder, affecting approximately 12.5 million people in the US and the key European markets of Germany, UK, France, Italy, and Spain.

AWKN-P001 is a novel combined therapeutic of a N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-modulating drug (ketamine) used in combination with psycho-social support to treat SAUD. Results from AWKN-P001 phase II study were very positive, achieving 86% abstinence in the 6 months post treatments vs. 2% abstinence pre-trial, and 25% abstinence in current standard of care.

The trial is being funded by Awakn, The University of Exeter, and a partnership between the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the Medical Research Council (MRC). The phase III trial will be a n=280, two-armed randomized placebo-controlled trial. It will be delivered in the UK across ten UK National Health Service (NHS) sites. Awakn will contribute approx. GBP 800,000 towards the costs of the trial, with the NIHR, the MRC, and the University of Exeter contributing the balance of the costs.

The MHRA and Health Research Authority's approval and continued support reflects their confidence in the rigorous research, ethical standards and promise of this trial. Enrollment for the phase III is due to start in Q1 2024.

Prof. Celia Morgan, Head of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy at Awakn and Principal Investigator of the trial commented, "We are thrilled to have received the green light to proceed with this landmark trial, which will be the largest and most rigorous study of ketamine-assisted therapy for Alcohol addiction to date. We believe that ketamine, when combined with psychological support, has the potential to offer a new treatment paradigm for millions of people who suffer from alcohol addiction, and another vote of confidence from these organizations is an amazing and critical step in the process."

Anthony Tennyson, Awakn CEO, commented, "This regulatory and ethical approval is not only a testament to our commitment to scientific rigor and patient well-being, but also a pivotal step in our commercial journey. It opens new horizons for Awakn, as we move one step closer to delivering a potentially transformative therapy to the market. Our Phase 3 clinical trial represents a crucial bridge between cutting-edge science and a commercially viable solution for addressing severe alcohol use disorder."

About Awakn Life Sciences Corp.

Awakn Life Sciences Corp. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing therapeutics targeting addiction. Awakn has a near-term focus on Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), a condition affecting approximately 51 million people in the US and key European international markets and 285m people globally for which the current standard of care is inadequate. Our goal is to provide breakthrough therapeutics to addiction sufferers in desperate need and our strategy is focused on commercializing our R&D pipeline across multiple channels.

www.AwaknLifeSciences.com | Twitter | LinkedIn

About National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)

The mission of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research. We do this by:

Funding high quality, timely research that benefits the NHS, public health and social care;

Investing in world-class expertise, facilities and a skilled delivery workforce to translate discoveries into improved treatments and services;

Partnering with patients, service users, carers and communities, improving the relevance, quality and impact of our research;

Attracting, training and supporting the best researchers to tackle complex health and social care challenges;

Collaborating with other public funders, charities and industry to help shape a cohesive and globally competitive research system;

Funding applied global health research and training to meet the needs of the poorest people in low and middle income countries.

NIHR is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care. Its work in low and middle income countries is principally funded through UK Aid from the UK government.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements reflect current expectations or beliefs regarding future events or the Company's future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "continues", "forecasts", "projects", "predicts", "intends", "anticipates", "targets" or "believes", or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, including statements relating the business of the Company. All forward-looking statements, including those herein are qualified by this cautionary statement.

Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the statements. There are certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking information. These include, but are not limited to:COVID-19; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; the business plans and strategies of the Company; the ability of the Company to comply with all applicable governmental regulations in a highly regulated business; the inherent risks in investing in target companies or projects which have limited or no operating history and are engaged in activities currently considered illegal in some jurisdictions; changes in laws; limited operating history; reliance on management; requirements for additional financing; competition; fluctuations in securities markets; inconsistent public opinion and perception regarding the medical-use of psychedelic drugs; expectations regarding the size of the addiction market; and regulatory or political change. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date or dates specified in such statements.

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 information. For more information on the Company, investors are encouraged to review the Company's public filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward- looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities in the United States. The Company's and Awakn's securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws 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.

Investor Enquiries:

Anthony Tennyson, CEO, Awakn Life Sciences

anthony.tennyson@awaknlifesciences.com

Media Enquiries:

Gordo Whittaker, CMO, Awakn Life Sciences

gordo@awaknlifesciences.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187468
AKRON (dpa-AFX) - The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (GT) announced Wednesday that Richard Kramer has informed the Board of his plans to retire as Chairman, CEO and President of the Company in 2024. He became CEO in 2010 and was elected Chairman by Goodyear's Board of Directors later the same year. In connection with Kramer's planned retirement previously discussed with the Board as part of the Company's ongoing and active succession planning process, the Goodyear Board retained a leading executive search firm to execute a search considering both internal and external candidates. Kramer's appointment as CEO culminated a steady rise through the company in a series of key leadership roles over the course of a decade. After joining Goodyear in 2000 as vice president of corporate finance, he served as vice president of finance for the company's North America business from 2002 to 2003. He was executive vice president and chief financial officer until 2007, president of Goodyear North America from 2007 to 2010 and also served as chief operating officer from June 2009 until being named CEO in 2010. Before joining Goodyear, Kramer was a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he spent 13 years including a three-year assignment based in France. The Company separately announced today a transformation plan, Goodyear Forward, to optimize its portfolio, deliver margin expansion and address its net leverage to drive sustainable, long-term shareholder value creation. 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.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Gold Terra Resource Corp. (TSXV:YGT)(Frankfurt:TX0)(OTCQX:YGTFF) ("Gold Terra" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that assay results including 12.93 g/t Au over 1.7 metres in drill hole GTCM23-055 confirm the extension of high-grade gold mineralization in the Campbell Shear (CS) below the Con Mine underground workings on the Con Mine Option (CMO) Property. The CMO Property is under option from subsidiaries of Newmont Corporation and is 100% acquirable by the Company upon fulfillment of certain conditions set out in the CMO Property agreement, as reported in the Company's news release dated November 22, 2021.

Chairman and CEO, Gerald Panneton, commented; "The results from drill hole GTCM23-055 have confirmed our interpretation and given us great confidence to find additional high-grade ounces at depth typical of the CS as:

This is a 100% technical success in extending the Campbell Shear at depth,

High grade gold has been intersected with the presence of quartz veining and alteration,

This may be a narrow intersection, but typical of the CS structure variance in width and grade,

This opens the entire 1-kilometre strike length with a potential for more ounces with more drilling at depth near the current bottom of the Robertson shaft (-1900 metres),

Drilling is continuing with a lateral wedge from the Master hole targeting the CS some 75 metres north of the first intersection,

More wedges are to be done from this Master hole in the coming months. "

Highlights

The Campbell Shear was successfully intersected from a downhole depth of 2,075 to 2,137.5 metres for a total of 62.5 metres. This intersection demonstrates the continuity of this major structure below the deepest mining operations with the presence of a substantial shear structure with impressive widths (See figures 1 and 2). Approximately 30 metres of the CS within the footwall of the structure is moderately to strongly sheared and contains intermittent zones of prominent smoky quartz veining and pyrite, pyrrhotite, sphalerite, arsenopyrite, and stibnite mineralization, and most importantly high-grade gold.

A quartz vein at 2,116 metres contained fine specks of visible gold.

Assay highlights include 2.93 g/t Au over 8.2m from 2,115.8 to 2,124m, including 12.93 g/t Au over 1.7m from 2,115.8 to 2,117.5m and, including 30 (uncut) g/t Au over 0.5 metres from 2117 to 2117.5 metres.

The mineralized section of the core is very similar to historic mineralized sections that were mined out in the former Con Mine (see Photo 1).

Complete Assays:

Figure 1 - Section showing Campbell Shear intersection:

Figure 2 - Blow up of mineralized section in the Campbell Shear:

Photo 1 - Deep Drilling Hole GTCM23-055 core showing the Campbell Shear from 2102 to 2118 metres Including 12.63 g/t over 1.7m (quartz veining):

Directional drilling

The company is continuing its drill program using hole GTCM23-055 as a master hole to add multiple wedges or cuts into the Campbell shear structure. With Foraco's Control Directional Drilling team, already on site in Yellowknife, we are able to continue our assessment of the Campbell Shear to obtain more intersections on a 50 to 100m spacing laterally and up dip.

Qualified Persons

Joe Campbell, P. Geo., Senior Technical Advisorfor Gold Terra is a Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release.

About Gold Terra

The Yellowknife Project (YP) encompasses 918 sq. km of contiguous land immediately north, south and east of the City of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories. Through a series of acquisitions, Gold Terra controls one of the six major high-grade gold camps in Canada. Being within 10 kilometres of the City of Yellowknife, the YP is close to vital infrastructure, including all-season roads, air transportation, service providers, hydro-electric power, and skilled tradespeople. Gold Terra is currently focusing its drilling on the prolific Campbell Shear, where 14 Moz of gold has been produced, and most recently on the Con Mine Option (CMO) property claims immediately south of the past producing Con Mine which produced 6.1 Moz between the Con, Rycon, and Campbell shear structures (1938-2003).

The YP and CMO properties lie on the prolific Yellowknife greenstone belt, covering nearly 70 kilometres of strike length along the main mineralized shear system that hosts the former-producing high-grade Con and Giant gold mines. The Company's exploration programs have successfully identified significant zones of gold mineralization and multiple targets that remain to be tested which reinforces the Company's objective of re-establishing Yellowknife as one of the premier gold mining districts in Canada.

Visit our website at www.goldterracorp.com.

For more information, please contact:

Gerald Panneton, Chairman & CEO

gpanneton@goldterracorp.com

Mara Strazdins, Investor Relations

Phone: 1-778-897-1590 | 604-689-1749 ext 102

strazdins@goldterracorp.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.

Information Concerning Estimates of Mineral Resources

Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Therefore, investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource could ever be mined economically. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of "Measured Mineral Resources," "Indicated Mineral Resources," or "Inferred Mineral Resources" will ever be upgraded to a higher category. The Mineral Resource estimates contained herein may be subject to legal, political, environmental or other risks that could materially affect the potential development of such mineral resources. Refer to the Technical Report, once filed, for more information with respect to the key assumptions, parameters, methods and risks of determination associated with the foregoing.

Cautionary Note to United States Investors

The Company prepares its disclosure in accordance with the requirements of securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of U.S. securities laws. Terms relating to Mineral Resources in this news release are defined in accordance with NI 43-101 under the guidelines set out in CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Council on May 19, 2014, as amended ("CIM Standards"). The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") has adopted amendments effective February 25, 2019 (the "SEC Modernization Rules") to its disclosure rules to modernize the mineral property disclosure requirements for issuers whose securities are registered with the SEC under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As a result of the adoption of the SEC Modernization Rules, the SEC will now recognize estimates of "Measured Mineral Resources", "Indicated Mineral Resources" and "Inferred Mineral Resources", which are defined in substantially similar terms to the corresponding CIM Standards. In addition, the SEC has amended its definitions of "Proven Mineral Reserves" and "Probable Mineral Reserves" to be substantially similar to the corresponding CIM Standards.

U.S. investors are cautioned that while the foregoing terms are "substantially similar" to corresponding definitions under the CIM Standards, there are differences in the definitions under the SEC Modernization Rules and the CIM Standards. Accordingly, there is no assurance any Mineral Resources that the Company may report as "Measured Mineral Resources", "Indicated Mineral Resources" and "Inferred Mineral Resources" under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the Mineral Resource estimates under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules. In accordance with Canadian securities laws, estimates of "Inferred Mineral Resources" cannot form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies, except in limited circumstances where permitted under NI 43-101.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements made and information contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation ("forward-looking information"). Generally, this forward-looking information can, but not always, be identified by 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 statements that certain actions, events, conditions or results "will", "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotations thereof.

All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently 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. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information regarding the current drilling on the Campbell Shear, potentially adding ounces to the Company's current YCG mineral resource, and the Company's objective of re-establishing Yellowknife as one of the premier gold mining districts in Canada.

There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as the Company's actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of the factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section in the Company's most recent MD&A and annual information form available under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that would cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on information available to the Company as of the date of this news release. 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. All of the forward-looking information contained in this news release is qualified by these cautionary statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information due to the inherent uncertainty thereof. Except as required under applicable securities legislation and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information.

SOURCE: Gold Terra Resource Corp

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/803509/gold-terra-intersects-1293-gt-gold-over-17-metres-in-the-campbell-shear-200-metres-below-the-con-deposit-con-mine-option-property-nwt
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2023) - European Energy Metals (TSXV: FIN) (FSE: W28) ("European Energy" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the staking application for three additional mineral reservations totalling approximately 23,000 hectares, expanding the Company's holdings in Central Finland to over 250,000 hectares.

"The expanded land position comes as a result of the ongoing, fully funded Phase 1 exploration program which identified potential extensions of prospective pegmatites delineated on our projects," commented Jeremy Poirier, CEO of European Energy Metals Corp. "With a largely-contiguous property package covering over 250,000 hectares prospective for lithium-cesium-tantalum pegmatites, European Energy Metals represents one of the largest lithium-focused exploration companies in the country."

Three New Reservation Applications

European Energy Metals, through it's in-country subsidiary, has applied to stake three mineral reservations at a nominal cost, covering approximately 23,000 hectares which expand and enhance the Company's concessions in Central Finland to the northwest, northeast, and southwest.

The Ristineva Reservation covers 6,358 hectares and adjoins the Company's Lappajarvi East project to the north-east. The reservation lies on the southwestern flank of the Kaustinen Granite which is prospective as it is believed to be the source of the lithium-bearing spodumene pegmatite deposits in the region (c.f. Martikainen, 2012).

The Killa Reservation covers 6,105 hectares and adjoins the Company's Lappajarvi West project to the northwest. This area was identified by the exploration team as it encompasses several known pegmatite occurrences and is located along a major structural boundary which is prospective for the emplacement of pegmatites

The Roomio Reservation covers 10,500 hectares and adjoins the Company's Lappajarvi West project to the southwest, covering several known pegmatite occurrences.





Figure 1: Reservation Map

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9006/187389_2fd888baf4cb3a4e_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.

The Finland Pegmatite Project consists of four exploration concessions in central Finland and one exploration concession in southern Finland. These reservations cover a total area of 2,300 square kilometres and are focused on Lithium-Cesium-Tantalum or LCT pegmatite complexes located within the Jarvi-Pohjanmaa and Seinajoki lithium-permissive tracts as defined by the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK). Four of the reservations (Nabba, Lappajarvi West, Lappajarvi East and Kaatiala) lie immediately adjacent to, and to the south of, Keliber Oy's spodumene mine development project in the Kaustinen district.

Keliber Oy is a consortium, comprised of Sibanye-Stillwater (79%), Finnish Minerals Group (20%) and Finnish shareholders (1%). A Definitive Feasibility Study by Hatch (DFS) completed by Keliber in February 2022 measured and Indicated Mineral Resource of 17 million tonnes at a grade of 1.02% Li2O.1 European Energy cautions investors the presence of lithium mineralization at Keliber Oy is not necessarily indicative of similar mineralization at the Nabba concession.

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 250,000 hectares of mineral reservations are located within 15 kms of the Keliber lithium 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/187389
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2023) - Archer Exploration Corp. (CSE: RCHR) (OTCQB: RCHRF) (FSE: 6YR0) (the "Company" or "Archer") is pleased to announce that it has received the final cash payment of $612,000 from Magna Mining Inc. ("Magna") due in connection with the sale of Lonmin Canada Inc. ("Loncan").

On November 7, 2022, Magna closed its acquisition of Loncan, whose core asset was the Denison Project and past producing Crean Hill Ni-Cu-PGE mine in Sudbury, Ontario, for gross consideration of $16 million, including a $3 million deferred payment payable pro rata to each of the Loncan shareholders within 12 months of the closing date (the "Deferred Loncan Payment"). Archer acquired the rights the Deferred Loncan Payment in connection with its acquisition of the nickel assets held by Wallbridge Mining Company, a former shareholder of Loncan, in November 2022.

Additionally, the Company is pleased to announce that due to strong market demand, it is increasing the size of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (see news release dated October 23, 2023) from $1,500,000 to $2,000,000 (the "Amended Offering"). Under the Amended Offering, the Company will also include the sale of Quebec flow-through units (the "QFT Units") at a price of $0.10 per QFT Unit. All other terms of the Amended Offering remain unchanged.

Tom Meyer, Archer's President & CEO, commented: "We are very pleased with the continued support from our existing shareholders and the enthusiasm demonstrated by new investors towards our ongoing exploration efforts at the Grasset Nickel Project. Despite challenging capital markets, this expanded capital raise and the Deferred Loncan Payment will ensure that Archer is able to begin 2024 strong with additional winter drilling at Grasset."

Each QFT Unit will be comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company that will qualify as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act") and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant") entitling the holder thereof to purchase one common share (a "Warrant Share") for a period of three (3) years from the date of issuance at an exercise price of $0.16 per Warrant Share.

The gross proceeds from the sale of QFT Units will be used by the Company to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" that qualify as "flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures" as such terms are defined in the Tax Act (the "Qualifying Expenditures"). The proceeds from the sale of QFT Units will be used to incur Qualifying Expenditures on the Company's flagship Grasset Nickel Project in Quebec, Canada. All Qualifying Expenditures will be renounced in favour of the subscribers of the QFT Units effective December 31, 2023 and incurred on or before December 31, 2024.

The Amended Offering is expected to close on or about November 23, 2023 (the "Closing Date"). The Company may pay finders' fees comprised of cash and non-transferable warrants in connection with the Amended Offering, subject to compliance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. All securities issued and sold under the Amended Offering will be subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day from the Closing Date.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or U.S. persons. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in 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.

About Archer

Archer Exploration is a Canadian Ni-Cu-Co-PGE focused exploration and development company with an extensive portfolio of assets in Quebec and Ontario, Canada. The Company's flagship asset is the Grasset Project, located within the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, with an Indicated Resource of 5.5 Mt @ 1.53% NiEq. In addition, the Company holds a portfolio of 37 properties and over 300 km2 in the world-class mining district of Sudbury, Ontario.

The Company's growth strategy is focused on the exploration and development of its nickel sulphide properties within its portfolio. Archer's vision is to be a responsible nickel sulphide developer in stable pro-mining jurisdictions. Archer is committed to socially responsible exploration and development, working safely, ethically, and with integrity. For more information, please visit www.archerexploration.com.

Tom Meyer

President & Chief Executive Officer

Tel: +1 866 899 7247 (RCHR)

Email: tom@archerexploration.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Any 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, identified by words or phrases such as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "is expected", "scheduled", "estimates", "pending", "intends", "plans", "forecasts", "targets", or "hopes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "will", "should" "might", "will be taken", or "occur" and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information herein includes, but is not limited to, statements that address activities, events or developments that Archer expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future including the closing date of the Amended Offering, proposed use of proceeds of the Amended Offering and the tax treatment of the Quebec charity flow-through units (the "CFT Units"), the QFT Units and flow-through units (the "FT Units").

Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information relating to any future mineral production, liquidity, enhanced value and capital markets profile of the Company, future growth potential for the Company and its business, and future exploration plans are based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the price of metals; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; the Company's ability to operate in a safe and effective manner.

These statements reflect the Company's respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the future tax treatment of the CFT Units, QFT Units and FT Units; competitive risks and the availability of financing; precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities; the speculative nature of exploration and development; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and the factors identified in the Company's public disclosure documents. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.

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/187355
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2023) - York Harbour Metals Inc. (TSXV: YORK) (OTCQB: YORKF) (FSE: 5DE) ("York Harbour" or the "Company") is pleased to report that diamond drilling at its 100%-owned Bottom Brook Rare Earth Element (REE) ("Bottom Brook") project in Newfoundland has officially started. This marks a significant milestone in the Company's exploration program at its rare earth elements property.

The maiden drill program aims to test the depth and strike of high-grade mineralization identified by the Company's recent geological mapping, soil, and channel sampling (see news release dated July 31st, 2023) with the goal of expanding the known areas of mineralization and discovering new zones.

"We are looking forward to drill testing the high-priority targets and to test the new high-grade REE zone which we identified 750 metres from known mineralization," stated York Harbour CEO and President Bruce Durham.

The Company also takes this opportunity to mention the Mineral Rights Adjudication Board has confirmed the reinstatement of Mineral Licence 26228M, resolving any past issues related to its mineral claims at the Company's York Harbour Copper project. After drilling at the Bottom Brook project is completed, the Company plans to move the drill rig to the York Harbour Copper project to continue drilling high-priority zones.

For further details on York Harbour Metals, please reach out to info@yorkharbourmetals.com

or call +1-778-302-2257. You may also visit the Company's website at www.yorkharbourmetals.com for past news releases, media interviews and opinion-editorial pieces by management.

On Behalf of The Board of Directors,

Bruce Durham

CEO, President, and Director

Telephone: 778-302-2257 | Email: info@yorkharbourmetals.com

Website: www.yorkharbourmetals.com

1518 - 800 Pender Street W, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6C 2V6

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release may contain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All information contained herein that is not historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements herein include but are not limited to statements relating to the prospects for development of the Company's mineral properties, and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market and economic risks, uncertainties and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187462


JERUSALEM (dpa-AFX) - The United States has confirmed Israel's claim that underground Hamas command centers are operating in some hospitals in Gaza Strip.



'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, and tunnels underneath them to conceal and to support their military operations and to hold hostages,' NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said at a briefing aboard Air Force One en route San Francisco.



'Hamas and the Palestinian - Palestinian Islamic Jihad - PIJ - members 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 told reporters.



Hamas and Al-Shifa hospital officials denied the allegation.



'Now, to be clear, we do not support 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'. He insisted that hospitals and patients must be protected.



The top U.S. security official pointed that Israel's military operation in Gaza is challenging because Hamas has deeply embedded itself within the civilian population.



Kirby reiterated that Hamas actions did not lessen Israel's responsibilities to protect civilians in Gaza. 'And this is something that we obviously are going to continue to have an active conversation with our counterparts about.'



Al-Shifa Hospital, which is the largest medical complex in Gaza, has been reportedly attacked multiple times, leaving several people dead and many others injured. The intensive care unit suffered damage from bombardment, while areas of the hospital where displaced people were sheltering have also been damaged.



WHO said that tens of thousands of displaced people who had sought shelter on the hospital grounds are fleeing the area amid horrifying reports of the hospital facing repeated attacks from Israeli forces. There are reports that some people who fled the hospital have been shot at and killed.



Kirby said over the last 24 hours, some 115 more trucks carrying humanitarian aid were able to enter Gaza. That brings the total now to around 1,100. 'Again, we know it's not enough. We know more must be done. We got to accelerate it. We got to increase it. But we're up over a thousand trucks now that have gotten in.'



Kirby told reporters that since November 1, more than 600 Americans and their family members have been able to depart Gaza and seek the support of U.S. embassy team and consular team on the ground in Egypt.



Meanwhile, President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the latest developments in the conflict. The President and the Prime Minister discussed at length ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, including many children and a number of Americans, according to the White House.



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With the Launch of Pet-Exclusive PNS 'XOOX,' Unconventional Marketing Strategies Unveiled

NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A message expressing pets' space exploration dreams appeared on the large billboard in New York Times Square.

On November 11th, a video was displayed on the 61-meter-long 'One Times Square' screen, showing scenes of SpaceX Starship launch along with the message: 'Hi, Elon! Let's send our beloved XOOX pets in the Starship to Mars to make history. Together, we can make this dream come true!' This message is directed towards Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, proposing to take pets on the Starship journey to Mars, aiming to create history together. The video was created on the pet-exclusive pet networking service(PNS) application XOOX, launched globally on the same day, based on a short-form content challenge.

XOOX is an application operated through pet accounts, not human ones. XOOX provides a service function that analyzes the patterns around the eyelids and eyes of pets to register their Face Detection biometric ID and then verify their identification. Pets owning accounts on this app can share their daily lives as the main characters, interact with followers, and even become influencers by participating in various challenges. Kristen Kim, the PR manager at XOOX, explained, "In XOOX, humans are just caretakers (Petlers)." She added, "It's the world's first social networking service where pets actively engage as the main users." Along with its main application based on short-form content challenges, XOOX has introduced various specialized pet applications, including pet-exclusive music, urine diagnostic kits, and games.

Additionally, an application integrating pet DNA and MBTI, based on the release of the pet urine diagnostic kit app in collaboration with Medical Cloud, a global genetic analysis company using NGS technology, is also planned for launch.

Keith Kim, Chairman of the XOOX Foundation, stated, "The number of pets is continually increasing, but related laws are lacking in reality." He emphasized, "While global unity is challenging due to racial, religious, political, and cultural differences, we can raise our voices together for pets. Through the XOOX Foundation, we will advocate for law reforms alongside pet owners."

Upon joining XOOX, 1 penny is automatically donated to the foundation. Furthermore, XOOX awards its members with XOOX points. Members can use these points earned by uploading videos, photos, or participating in application challenges.

Company: XOOX LAB,INC

Website Address: www.xoox.pet

Contact Person: Kristen Kim

Email address: Press@xoox.pet

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-hdVRe8rwE

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/elon-take-us-too-xoox-ad-in-times-square-captures-pets-space-exploration-dreams-making-headlines-301988964.html
LONDON and TORONTO, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Manulife Investment Management has signed an agreement to acquire multi-sector alternative credit manager CQS. Upon completion of the transaction, Manulife Investment Management will acquire the CQS credit platform and the CQS brand.

The acquisition of London-based CQS will give the clients of both Manulife Investment Management and CQS enhanced access to their complementary global investment solutions. Manulife Investment Management will retain CQS's rigorous investment philosophy and process and bring its differentiated capabilities to new investors while scaling its distribution footprint across broader client segments and geographies. CQS and its clients will benefit from Manulife Investment Management's strong capital base to continuously invest in the business and support growth across its strategies. The CQS credit platform has approximately US$13.5 billion in assets under management as of October 31, 2023.

"We are pleased to enter into this agreement which we see as mutually beneficial to both firms as well for those who have been investing with CQS for decades," said Paul Lorentz, president and CEO, Manulife Investment Management. "CQS brings to our portfolio a proven investment process, robust performance, and expertise across market cycles, and a culture that has attracted both talent and flows into the firm. We are very excited for the opportunity as CQS's capabilities are a complement to our existing fixed income and multi-asset solutions business and a powerful addition to our global credit offering."

"In Manulife Investment Management we have found the optimal long-term partner. We share a client-focused culture, and the support of its strong platform and global distribution combined with the autonomy of our investment teams will ensure we continue to strive to deliver attractive long-term returns to our client base," said Soraya Chabarek, CEO, CQS. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Lord Hintze for the personal support and wise counsel he has given me as CEO. Over the last decade we have transformed CQS into a global alternative credit platform and this transaction is an exciting and important strategic step forward for our business, our clients, and our employees."

CQS is one of the most established names in alternative credit, having managed research-driven credit strategies for over two decades across multiple market cycles and geographies. CQS was founded in 1999 by Lord Hintze as a hedge fund manager, and under the leadership of Ms. Chabarek, who joined the firm in 2012, along with the Senior Partners Group that was formed in 2021, it has evolved into a multi-sector credit platform. Today, CQS offers alternative credit strategies including corporate credit (loans and bonds), asset backed securities (ABS), collateralized loan obligations (CLOs), regulatory capital, convertible bonds, and structured credit. It has ESG principles integrated throughout the organization and into the investment approach.

CQS will continue to be led by Ms. Chabarek and her fellow Senior Partners Craig Scordellis, CIO Credit, and Jason Walker, CIO ABS. Manulife Investment Management will acquire the CQS brand and intends to align it with the Manulife brand as a co-branded logo - Manulife | CQS Investment Management - where permitted.

Lord Hintze's founder's hedge fund, the Directional Opportunities Fund, and certain related mandates are not included in the transaction. Lord Hintze will be forming his own firm under which he will continue to manage his fund on behalf of investors.

Lord Hintze said, "I'm delighted that CQS has found the right partner in Manulife Investment Management. It provides a long-term platform that will enable CQS to thrive as a leading alternative credit manager for years to come under Soraya's exceptionally able leadership. I will now focus full-time on running the Directional Opportunities Fund, an opportunity that I am excited about. I wish Soraya and the CQS team every success as they embark on this exciting new chapter."

The transaction is expected to close in early 2024 subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. At close, CQS will begin the process of integrating with Manulife Investment Management over time. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Piper Sandler & Company served as exclusive financial advisor and Simmons & Simmons LLP served as legal counsel to CQS in this transaction.

Issued and approved by Manulife Investment Management (Europe) Limited. Registered in England No.02831891. Registered Office: One London Wall, London EC2Y 5EA. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Manulife Investment Management is the brand for the global wealth and asset management segment of Manulife Financial Corporation. Our mission is to make decisions easier and lives better by empowering investors for a better tomorrow. Serving more than 17 million individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members, we believe our global reach, complementary businesses, and the strength of our parent company position us to help investors capitalize on today's emerging global trends. We provide our clients access to public and private investment solutions across equities, fixed income, multi-asset, alternative, and sustainability-linked strategies, such as natural capital, to help them make more informed financial decisions and achieve their investment objectives. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulifeim.com.

CQS is a multi-sector alternative credit manager with a 20-year history of managing research-driven credit strategies over multiple market cycles. CQS's core capabilities span corporate credit (loans and bonds), collateralized loan obligations, convertible bonds, asset backed securities, regulatory capital, and structured credit. CQS's ambition is to continue to help investors achieve their goals across market cycles by selecting good quality credits and generating income. CQS's teams are committed to building enduring partnerships with investors, generating long-term risk-adjusted returns and delivering high levels of service, tailoring mandates across a range of return objectives and risk appetites.

Media contact: Elizabeth Bartlett, Manulife Investment Management, +1 857-210-2286, Elizabeth_bartlett@manulife.com; Philip Walters (UK) and Remy Marin (US), Prosek (on behalf of CQS), +44 (0)777 333 1589 or +1 (617) 947 4653, pwalters@prosek.com or rmarin@prosek.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/manulife-investment-management-to-acquire-multi-sector-alternative-credit-manager-cqs-301989173.html
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / KeyBank:

Susan Crossett, President and CEO of CPS Recruitment, a certified Women Owned Business, was the keynote speaker and honoree

KeyBank's Key4Women Syracuse Chapter held its annual awards breakfast on Thursday October 19th at Bellevue Country Club. Susan Crossett, President and CEO of CPS Recruitment, a certified Women Owned Business, was the keynote speaker. She shared stories from her career journey as an Entrepreneur, Board Director, Corporate Executive, Advocate, Change Management Strategist and High-Performance Motivator.

Crossett was also honored by Key as its 2023 Key4Women Achieve Award Winner. It honors and recognizes the accomplishments of women business leaders and their contributions to the Central New York Community. The award is open to clients of KeyBank and is given annually to a female leader in the region who has achieved a high level of success in her profession, is a community leader, and is a supporter of other women in Central New York. In addition to the award, KeyBank also made a $2,500 donation in Crossett's honor to CenterState CEO's Race for Equity program.

Key4Women is an avenue of growth and advice for many women business owners and leaders. As a relationship-based bank, Key partners in helping our clients use every tool possible, providing them with access to capital while knowing exactly what best fits their business and financial goals. Learn more and sign up by going to key.com/women.

Learn more about KeyBank's commitment to helping clients and communities thrive

Learn more about how KeyBank can help small businesses

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/803649/keybank-honors-local-entrepreneur-at-annual-key4women-awards-in-syracuse-ny
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2023) - Axion Ventures Inc. (TSXV: AXV) (OTC: AXNVF) ("Axion" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its news release dated October 30, 2023, the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") has advised that, effective as of the close of business on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, the common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Common Shares") will no longer be listed for trading on the Exchange. A majority of the minority shareholders of the Company approved the voluntary delisting of the Common Shares at the annual general and special meeting of the shareholders of the Company held on February 16, 2023.

The Company will continue as an unlisted reporting issuer under Canadian securities laws until such time as the Company completes its listing on Cboe Canada. The listing of the Common Shares for trading on Cboe Canada remains subject to the Company satisfying all standard listing requirements and other conditions of Cboe Canada, as previously announced.

For further information:

Axion Ventures Inc.

Grant Kim

Interim Chief Executive Officer

info@axionagm.com

+1 (778) 400-6096

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements"). These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "continues", "forecasts", "projects", "predicts", "intends", "anticipates" or "believes", or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Inherent in forward-looking statements are risks, uncertainties and other factors beyond the Company's ability to predict or control. Please also make reference to those risk factors referenced in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's most recently filed management's discussion and analysis.

Forward-Looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release speak only as of the date hereof or as of the date specified in such statement. Specifically, this news release includes, but is not limited to, forward-looking statements regarding the listing of the Common Shares for trading on Cboe Canada and the delisting of the Common Shares from trading on the Exchange. Readers are cautioned that the forward-looking statements above do not contain an exhaustive list of the factors or assumptions that may affect the forward-looking statements, and that the assumptions underlying such statements may prove to be incorrect. Actual results and developments are likely to differ, and may differ materially, from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release.

All forward-looking statements herein are qualified by this cautionary statement. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. If the Company does update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that it will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements, unless required by law.

Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187463
FAIRFIELD, Iowa, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- An Open Letter to the President of the United States and All World Leaders appeared on Friday, November 3, as a full-page advertisement on page A9 of the Wall Street Journal.

This letter from the Global Union of Scientists for Peace offered "a proven technology for peace, security, and a swift resolution of conflict" in Ukraine, the Middle East, and elsewhere in the world.

Cost? Less than One Day of War

Dr. Tony Nader, Chairman of the Global Union of Scientists for Peace, said this innovative solution would "cost less than one day of war."

"The solution is based in the most fundamental value of life: consciousness," Dr. Nader said.

Scientifically Confirmed by 56 Studies

Dr. Nader said, "Research has found that small groups practicing the Transcendental Meditation and advanced TM-Sidhi program together create a coherence effect that significantly reduces violence, crime, and war.

"This technology of consciousness has been confirmed in 56 empirical studies, 28 of which have been published in peer-reviewed scholarly journals. From research over 40 years, we can say definitively: this solution works."

Consistent with Modern Theories of Physics and Neuroscience

The Global Union of Scientists for Peace is a global organization of scientists, political leaders, and scholars from different fields. It is headquartered at Maharishi International University in Fairfield, Iowa, USA. Dr. Nader is a medical doctor trained at Harvard. He also holds a PhD in Brain and Cognitive Sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Dr. Nader said this technology "is not only borne out by empirical research conducted globally, but is also consistent with modern theories of physics and neuroscience."

Over 600 Studies Show Benefits for the Individual

"We know from more than 600 studies that this technology significantly reduces the impact of trauma in individuals, reducing anxiety, depression, and anger," Dr. Nader said. "What may be surprising is that one percent of the square root of a population practicing this technology in a group reduces conflict, crime, illness, accidents, and other negative trends across whole societies, nations, and even the entire world."

Scientific Evidence that Peace Can Be Achieved

The letter published in the Wall Street Journal included three charts displaying some of the key scientific results.

One study, which appeared in 2005 in the Journal of Social Behavior and Personality, showed the effects of seven large assemblies of peace-creating experts practicing the TM and TM-Sidhi program together during the peak of the Lebanon War, 1983 to 1985. The study found that these groups "markedly reduced the violence of war and improved progress toward peace. Alternative explanations were explicitly controlled for in the study analysis."

A second chart in the Journal displayed the results of an experiment in Washington DC in the summer of 1993. Over two months, the group of TM coherence-creating experts grew from 800 to 4,000. When the group size "crossed the threshold size predicted to produce measurable change, crime rates plummeted.  Homicides, rapes, and assaults decreased by 23.3%.  Alternative models were carefully controlled for in the study analysis." A 27-member independent project review board of scientists from across the US monitored the experiment. The study was published in Social Indicators Research in 1999.

The third chart in the Journal showed results in the US over a 17-year period. This study was published in the World Journal of Social Science in 2022. It found average reductions of about 20% in murder, rape, assault, robbery, drug deaths, vehicle fatalities, and deaths of children by injury. According to this study, "These outcomes support the theory that this approach enlivens a field effect of consciousness throughout society, resulting in widespread improvements in quality of life."

Nothing to Lose: Everything to Gain

Dr. Nader said, "What is there to lose by trying a solution confirmed by so much scientific evidence?"

He added, "This solution can be tried even while the fighting is still going on. Our world cannot afford to wait."

An Invitation to Philanthropists

When asked why this solution is not being applied by governments when there is so much evidence that it works, Dr. Nader said, "Governments are always slow to try out new technologies. It's up to private individuals and organizations to do something first-to prove what works. We're doing everything we can. Over four decades we've invested more than $200 million to demonstrate and study the effectiveness of this technology of consciousness. It will help tremendously if well-wishers now step forward to permanently establish these groups. I invite all angel philanthropists to immediately create permanent world peace."

See the Wall Street Journal adhere.

For more information visit www.GUSP.org.

Media Contact:

media@GUSP.org +1-641-418-3400

For interviews with Dr. Nader: chairman@GUSP.org

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2276645/Global_Union_of_Scientists_for_Peace_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/international-group-of-scientists-offers-proven-solution-to-global-conflict-301988180.html
PITTSBURGH, PA / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Wesco International / Wesco, a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions, has joined the Department of Defense (DOD) SkillBridge program.

The DOD SkillBridge program is an opportunity for service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service. DOD SkillBridge connects transitioning service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences.

"Wesco is committed to ensuring those that have served our wonderful country can enjoy tremendous success within our organization," says Wesco Chief Financial Officer David Schulz. "We support employee veterans with the Veteran's Opportunity Liaison Team (VOLT), a dedicated Business Resource Group focused on building and facilizing programs tailored for veterans and their families. As a veteran myself, I'm honored to have served as the group's executive sponsor for the last year and the work we have accomplished, including launching a veteran family scholarship in 2023."

Hear more from both veterans and active service members who are working for Wesco.

Wesco has SkillBridge job openings in its supply chain and operations division in Phoenix, Chicago, Houston and Reno, Nevada areas. The roles will provide active-duty military members with an opportunity to gain experience in managing warehouses, including order fulfillment, shipping, receiving and managing working capital and inventory, managing team schedules, providing collaborative and customer-centric service, and leading diverse teams.

Service members interested in applying for the positions should visit the SkillBridge website and search for "Wesco."

More about DOD SkillBridge:

For service members, DOD SkillBridge provides an invaluable chance to work and learn in civilian career areas. Service members can be granted up to 180 days of permissive duty to focus solely on training full-time with approved industry partners after their chain of command, field grade commander, provides written authorization and approval. These industry partners offer real-world training and in-demand work experience while having the opportunity to evaluate the service member's suitability for future employment. Service members participating in DOD SkillBridge programs continue receiving their military compensation and benefits, while industry partners provide the civilian training and work experience.

More about Wesco:

Wesco International (NYSE:WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wesco is a FORTUNE 500 company with more than $21 billion in annual sales. Wesco offers a best-in-class product and services portfolio of Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. The Company employs approximately 20,000 people, partners with the industry's premier suppliers, and serves thousands of customers around the world. With millions of products, end-to-end supply chain services, and leading digital capabilities, Wesco provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, contractors, government agencies, institutions, telecommunications providers, and utilities. Wesco operates approximately 800 branches, warehouses and sales offices in more than 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and multi-national corporations.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Wesco International on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Wesco International

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/wesco-international

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Wesco International

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/803668/wesco-joins-dod-skillbridge-program-for-active-military
Regulatory News:

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Article 53 of the SIX Exchange Regulation Listing Rules

The French Supreme Court issued a judgement today on a legacy matter related to UBS's cross-border business activities in France between 2004 and 2012.

The Supreme Court upheld the previous court decision regarding unlawful client solicitation and aggravated laundering of the proceeds of tax fraud, while overturning the confiscation of EUR 1bn, the fine of EUR 3.75m and EUR 800m in civil damages awarded to the French state. The case is now being referred back to the Paris Court of Appeal, which will reconsider the overturned elements and deliver its judgement after a new trial.

While UBS is pleased that the highest court in France agrees with its position on these important aspects of the legal case, UBS is disappointed that the French Supreme Court has confirmed the previous court decision regarding unlawful client solicitation and aggravated laundering of the proceeds of tax fraud despite the treaty between Europe and Switzerland on the taxation of savings income and a lack of specific evidence for the alleged facts. UBS continues to maintain that it acted in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations at all times. UBS will defend itself in the forthcoming trial.

www.ubs.com/media

Disclaimer

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Press Release

Nokia partners with Mavenir to prove Open RAN system performance

Interoperability testing has been successfully completed between Nokia Baseband (DU/CU) and Mavenir Radio Unit (O-RU) using the O-RAN Alliance 7-2x fronthaul interface

Testing was completed at Nokia's Open RAN Innovation Center in Dallas, Texas

Nokia has now integrated four Radio (O-RU) suppliers highlighting the openness and industry-leading performance of Nokia's AirScale O-RAN DU/CU

This step reaffirms Nokia's tangible commitment to Open RAN through its anyRAN approach, which offers mobile operators more choices in building 5G networks

15 November 2023

Espoo, Finland - Nokia today announced that they have successfully completed interoperability testing with a Mavenir radio using the O-RAN Alliance 7-2x interface at Nokia's Open RAN Innovation Center in Dallas, Texas.

During the trial, both companies validated the interoperability of Mavenir's CBRS Radio Unit and Nokia AirScale Baseband supporting the O-RAN compliant 7.2x interface. The testing was performed according to O-RAN Alliance specifications, demonstrating end-to-end configurations with 5G user devices. Nokia and Mavenir are able to demonstrate 5G peak performance by activating 4CC Carrier Aggregation using TDD and FDD spectrum in a 5G Standalone configuration.

Nokia's anyRAN approach is designed to give mobile operators and enterprises more flexibility in building networks that combine purpose-built, hybrid, and Cloud RAN architectures with common software. Nokia is supporting Open Fronthaul features on top of its high-performance RAN software which ensures mobile operators have performance parity with their existing RAN.

Nokia and Mavenir are long-term supporters of open networks and have invested heavily to advance the goals of the O-RAN Alliance to build open, interoperable, and intelligent networks. This industry milestone highlights both parties' ongoing commitment to open interfaces as well as their investment in R&D in the U.S. market.

John Baker, SVP, Business Development at Mavenir, commented: "This solution demonstrates a full circle of O-RAN interoperability whereby our industry-leading RAN portfolio integrates and interoperates in both directions with products from other RAN suppliers. This is real Open RAN - not the version where one supplier only connects their own products to each other. It is a great credit to both teams that they could integrate our Radio with Nokia's Baseband in record time."

Mark Atkinson, Head of RAN at Nokia, said: "Our technology collaboration with Mavenir is further evidence of our commitment to Open RAN. We have developed our baseband software in a way that ensures that multi-supplier O-RAN systems can be deployed without compromises in performance, energy efficiency, security, or resiliency. This is key when people depend on wireless connectivity in all aspects of their daily lives. We have now completed operability with Radios from four different suppliers using the O-RAN compliant 7.2x interface."

Resources

Webpage: Nokia AirScale Cloud RAN

Webpage: Nokia anyRAN

Webpage: Nokia AirScale Baseband

Whitepaper: Cloud RAN: A Guide to Acceleration Options

Executive Summary: Nokia Cloud RAN and Open RAN Solution Roadmap

Blog: In-Line architecture: bringing efficiency and performance to Cloud RAN

Blog: The collaborative advantage: Nokia and partners delivering best-in-class Cloud RAN solutions

About Nokia

At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today - and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

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WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - RTX Corporation (RTX) on Wednesday announced that the Defense Logistics Agency has awarded a long-term TF33 engine sustainment contract to the company's subsidiary, Pratt & Whitney, valued at up to $870 million. This contract covers a comprehensive engine sustainment solution for a global fleet of nearly 1,000 engines over six years, with an option to extend for another four years. The TF33 engine is responsible for powering some of the most advanced aircraft in the world, including Boeing's B-52 Stratofortress and E-3 Sentry. This first-of-its-kind approach is the result of a decades-long partnership between the Defense Logistics Agency, the 448th Supply Chain Management Wing, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., and Pratt & Whitney. The contract includes a broad range of services such as maintenance, spare parts, program management, field service, repairs, and engineering support. This partnership will significantly reduce obsolescence, ensuring that the U.S. Air Force remains ready for any wartime situation today and into the foreseeable future. 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.
NEWARK, Del., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Future Market Insights (FMI), a leading market research and consulting service provider, has recently added a comprehensive report on the Environmental Test Chambers Market to its extensive market intelligence repository. This in-depth analysis delves into the key drivers, challenges, and investment opportunities shaping the industry, offering valuable insights for businesses seeking to navigate this dynamic market.

Environmental Test Chambers Market by Temperature and Humidity Chambers, Customized Chambers, Thermal Shock Chambers, Growth Opportunities and Revenue Forecast, 2023 to 2033.

In 2023, the environmental test chambers market will be worth US$ 915.3 million. The demand for environmental test chambers is projected to expand at an average CAGR of 4.6% between 2023 and 2033. Environmental test chamber makers are expected to earn up to US$ 1,435.1 million in sales by 2033.

Request the Sample Report to Preview Our Comprehensive Environmental Test Chambers Market Research Report Before You Purchase.

Driving Forces of Growth in the Environmental Test Chambers Industry

The environmental test chambers industry is observing substantial expansion propelled by diverse factors. The surge in environmental testing is primarily propelled by the heightened need to comply with more stringent regulatory requirements in various sectors, including aerospace, automotive, and electronics. The demand for environmental test chambers is driven by the necessity to adhere to regulations and guarantee the excellence and dependability of products. Furthermore, the escalating focus on ensuring product safety and meeting consumer demands for dependable and secure products propels the uptake of environmental testing. The capabilities of test chambers have been enhanced by technological advancements such as automation, advanced control systems, and data analytics, resulting in more precise and efficient testing.

Challenges and Limitations

While the growth potential of the environmental test chambers sector is promising, certain limitations must be acknowledged. One of the major obstacles lies in the elevated expenses linked with test chambers. The costs associated with equipment, maintenance, and operation can be significant, particularly for SMEs with constrained budgets. Such a hurdle may impede the entrance and acceptance of certain enterprises. An additional limitation pertains to the intricacy of examination prerequisites across diverse sectors. The creation of chambers that cater to the distinct requirements of different industries necessitates thorough exploration and innovation endeavors, which can increase intricacy and expenses in the production procedure.

Opportunities for Expansion and Advancement

The environmental test chambers industry presents numerous prospects for expansion and advancement. A promising prospect is present in the burgeoning markets where the ecological norms are progressively becoming more rigorous. To comply with regulatory standards, businesses operating in these sectors are witnessing a surge in the need for environmental testing. The prospect of expanding into these markets and establishing a robust presence is a promising opportunity that test chamber manufacturers can capitalize on. Furthermore, providing personalized and specialized test chambers that cater to industries or applications presents a profitable prospect. The creation of chambers that possess distinct characteristics and functionalities to cater to individual customer needs can offer a competitive edge and allure a specialized clientele.

Emerging Trends Shaping the Future of Environmental Test Chambers

The industry of environmental test chambers is currently observing various trends that are molding the market. A noteworthy development is the assimilation of IoT (Internet of Things) and distant monitoring functionalities into testing chambers. This feature allows users to remotely oversee and manage chambers, leading to instantaneous data analysis and heightened operational effectiveness. An emerging pattern pertains to the increasing emphasis on sustainability and optimizing energy consumption. Manufacturers of testing chambers are increasingly incorporating environmentally conscious materials, optimizing energy usage, and adopting sustainable manufacturing methods to minimize their ecological footprint. The observed patterns signify the industry's dedication to adopting technological progressions and fulfilling changing customer demands.

Environmental Test Chambers Market Overview 2023-2033:

Attributes Details CAGR (2023 to 2033) 3 % Market Value (2033) US$ 1,435.1 million Base Market Value (2023) US$ 915.3 million Growth Factor The adoption of environmental test chambers is likely to be boosted by strong demand across key industry verticals. Opportunity COVID-19 has created significant opportunities for the market in healthcare and pharmaceutical applications. Key Trends Environment test chambers are used to test items, including medications, vaccinations, and blood samples that must be kept at specific temperatures. Leading Companies in Environmental Test Chambers Industry  ESPEC  Thermotron Industries  Weiss Technik UK  Binder GmbH  Cincinnati Sub-Zero Products Inc.

Understand global, regional, and country-level parameters with growth opportunities, historical data (2018-2022), and forecasts (2023-2033). Buy this report today!

Key Takeaways from the Environmental Test Chambers Market:

Temperature & humidity chambers are projected to account for 56.2% of the market share 2023 in the environmental test chambers industry.

The aerospace & defense sector is the dominant application segment in the environmental test chambers industry, accounting for 41.1% of the market in 2023.

The United States has a large value share of 24.6% in the global environmental test chambers industry.

Germany has established itself as one of the market leaders in the environmental test chambers industry, with a 6.1% value share.

Japan is a key player in the environmental test chambers industry, with a value share of 5.2%.

While Australia has a 0.4% value share in the global environmental test chambers industry, the area offers unique growth potential.

China has a sizable market share in the environmental test chambers industry, with a 5.4% value CAGR.

India has a strong value CAGR of 5.9% in the global environmental test chambers industry.

With a value CAGR of 3.8%, the United Kingdom has a sizable market share in the environmental test chambers industry.

"Environmental test chambers play a critical role in testing and validating the durability and performance of various products under different environmental conditions," says Nikhil Kaitwade (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.), based on the recent study. "These chambers are instrumental in electronics, aerospace, and automotive industries, ensuring product reliability and compliance with environmental standards."

What are Key Players Doing to Thrive in the Environmental Test Chambers Market?

The environmental test chambers industry is highly competitive, with several key players vying for market share and striving to stay at the top. The landscape is characterized by intense competition, innovation, and a focus on meeting customer needs. Here is an overview of the competitive landscape:

The industry is dominated by established manufacturers and key players that have a strong market presence and extensive product portfolios. These companies leverage their brand reputation, technological expertise, and customer relationships to maintain their market position. They invest in research and development to continuously improve their products and stay ahead of the competition.

Purchase this report now to get key companies with their Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends, and Pricing Analysis.

Competition in the environmental test chambers industry revolves around product differentiation. Manufacturers differentiate themselves through various factors such as technological advancements, unique features, precision, reliability, and customization capabilities. By offering specialized solutions that cater to specific industry requirements, companies aim to attract customers and gain a competitive edge.

In an industry where precision and accuracy are crucial, companies prioritize quality and reliability in their products. They strive to deliver test chambers that meet international standards and regulations. Ensuring robust performance, durability, and consistent results is key to gaining customer trust and loyalty.

Beyond product features, manufacturers differentiate themselves through excellent customer support and services. This includes pre-sales consultations, installation assistance, training programs, calibration services, and post-sales technical support. Strong customer relationships and responsive support contribute to customer satisfaction and repeat business.

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.

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The "Global Agriculture Robots Market Size By Type (Indoor and Outdoor Farming), By Application (Field farming, Dairy farming), By Geographic Scope And Forecast" report has been published by Verified Market Research. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the global Agriculture Robots Market, including its growth prospects, market trends, and market challenges.

JERSEY CITY, N.J., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Agriculture Robots Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 34% from 2023 to 2030, according to a new report published by Verified Market Research. The report reveals that the market was valued at USD 5.78 Billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 94.22 Billion by the end of the forecast period.



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Browse in-depth TOC on "Agriculture Robots Market"

202 - Pages

126 - Tables

37 - Figures

Revolutionizing Agriculture: Unveiling the Future with Agricultural Robots Market Insights

In a pivotal moment for the agricultural industry, the global Agriculture Robots Market emerges as a beacon of innovation, reshaping the landscape of modern farming. These automated machines, meticulously crafted for agricultural applications, promise to usher in a new era of efficiency and productivity.

Agriculture robots, the forefront of technological innovation, are meticulously designed to minimize human intervention in farming operations. From mowing and spraying to pruning, these automated marvels are redefining the efficiency and precision with which farming tasks are executed, positioning themselves as indispensable assets for forward-thinking farmers.

Meeting Global Agriculture Robots Market Demands: The Rise of Agribots

As the global population burgeons and climate fluctuations become more pronounced, the agricultural industry finds solace in the embrace of automated technologies. Agricultural robots, equipped for seamless 24/7 operations, address the pressing need to boost production efficiency amid escalating demands. The advantages they bring to the table position them as a cornerstone in the quest to mitigate food scarcity and overcome labor shortages.

Agriculture Robots Market Regional Dynamics: From North America to Asia Pacific

The North American market, spearheading the agricultural robot revolution, dominates with its forward-thinking adoption, particularly in dairy farming. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region displays a steadfast rise, leveraging drones for cultivation monitoring and crop spraying to bolster sustainability. China, in particular, relies on these agribots to meet the surging demand for food supply, showcasing their adaptability to diverse regional needs.

Agricultural robots showcase their versatility through various applications, including data utilization for demand-supply forecasting and global research. These robots not only enhance productivity but also offer an unparalleled scale of operation, spanning thousands of acres, a feat unattainable through human manpower alone.

Agriculture Robots Market Challenges and Opportunities: Navigating the Future

While the potential is immense, challenges persist. Farmers grapple with the hefty financial investment and a cautious trust in machine reliability. In rural areas, inadequate infrastructure poses communication challenges, and the overall cost and maintenance of these robots can be prohibitive. Yet, the promise of increased productivity and efficiency keeps the door open for future advancements.

Indoor Farming Revolution: Paving the Way Forward

Agriculture Robots Market find substantial growth in indoor farming, offering a solution to mitigate the impact of unexpected climate variations. The automation they bring eliminates the need for constant human intervention, propelling the industry towards stability and resilience.

Agriculture Robots Market Key Players: Driving Innovation

In this dynamic landscape, key players such as AgEagle Aerial System Inc, Yamaha Moto Co Ltd, John Deere, DE Laval, and Clearpath Robotics take center stage. Their contributions underscore the transformative impact of agricultural robots on the future of farming.

As we stand on the cusp of a new era in agriculture, the global Agriculture Robots Market promises to be the driving force behind sustainable, productive, and resilient farming practices. The integration of these cutting-edge technologies heralds a future where efficiency meets innovation, and farming reaches unprecedented heights.

To get market data, market insights, financial statements and a comprehensive analysis of the Global Agriculture Robots Market, please Contact Verified Market Research.

Based on the research, Verified Market Research has segmented the global Agriculture Robots Market into Type, Application, And Geography.

Agriculture Robots Market, by Type Outdoor Farming Indoor Farming

Agriculture Robots Market, by Application Field farming Dairy farming Indoor farming

Agriculture Robots Market, by Geography North America U.S Canada Mexico Europe Germany France U.K Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India Rest of Asia Pacific ROW Middle East & Africa Latin America



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World's Top 7 Industrial Robot Manufacturers - Step up to the robolution

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Capital Gearing Trust Plc - Publication of Circular and General Meeting

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, November 15

LEI: 213800T2PJTPVF1UGW53

From: Capital Gearing Trust P.l.c.

Date: 15 November 2023

Capital Gearing Trust P.l.c.

Publication of Circular and General Meeting

The Company has successfully operated a discount control policy (the "DCP") for a number of years, with the aim of ensuring that, in normal market conditions, the Company's ordinary shares trade consistently close to their underlying net asset value per share. The DCP encompasses both share issuances and most recently, share buybacks. As announced on 31 October 2023, share buybacks have recently been constrained because of the Company's limited distributable reserves.

Accordingly, the Company has today published a circular convening a general meeting to be held at 10.30 a.m. on 5 December 2023 at the offices of Juniper Partners Limited, 28 Walker Street, Edinburgh EH3 7HR (the "General Meeting"). At the General Meeting, resolutions will be proposed to (i) cancel the amount standing to the credit of the Company's share premium account in order to create distributable reserves; and (ii) renew the Company's shareholder authority to buy back ordinary shares (the "Proposals").

The Proposals seek to ensure that, once the Company's share premium account is cancelled, with the resulting sum credited to the Company's distributable reserves, the Company will be able to recommence the normal operation of the DCP with the maximum permitted authority to buy back ordinary shares.

A copy of the circular will shortly be available for inspection on the Company's website at www.capitalgearingtrust.co.uk and on the National Storage Mechanism which is located at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism .

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Washington, D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2023) - Bracewell LLP announced today that Eugene R. Elrod, a highly regarded member of the oil and gas regulatory bar, has joined the firm's Washington, DC office as a partner in the energy regulatory group. Elrod comes to the firm from Latham & Watkins LLP.

"I'm excited to welcome Gene to the firm," said Bracewell Managing Partner Gregory M. Bopp. "Gene is a highly respected practitioner, whose wealth of experience further strengthens our market-leading oil and gas regulatory practice."

Elrod joins the firm with over 40 years of experience in the oil and gas regulatory space, primarily focusing on pipeline matters. He provides counsel and representation to owners of energy assets across the oil, natural gas and power sectors on complex regulatory matters and related commercial issues. He also advises on regulatory issues arising in large-scale mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructurings and capital markets offerings. His clients have included a diverse mix of oil and gas producers, pipelines, storage and local distribution companies, electric utilities and other participants in wholesale power markets, and large industrial consumers of electric power and natural gas. He has also advised clients on energy-transition matters involving carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

"Gene is unsurpassed in his knowledge and experience in the energy regulatory space," said Mark K. Lewis, chair of Bracewell's oil and gas regulatory practice and managing partner of the firm's Washington, DC office. "Gene is a recognized leader in the practice. His arrival further enhances our reputation, depth and experience in FERC regulatory matters as well as our overall pipeline practice."

Elrod brings a sophisticated approach to regulatory matters that draws on his experience in government service and private practice. He served as a trial lawyer at the Federal Power Commission - the predecessor of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) - working on natural gas pipeline and electric utility rate matters. In private practice, he has represented clients in litigation at FERC, in state courts, and before state regulatory agencies, Canada's National Energy Board (now Canada Energy Regulator) and arbitral panels. Elrod was a partner at Sidley Austin LLP, before joining Latham & Watkins as a partner in 2017.

Bracewell has one of the nation's top oil and gas regulatory practices, and is highly regarded for creative solutions to regulatory issues that allow oil and gas clients to achieve their commercial objectives. More than any other law firm, Bracewell routinely represents midstream companies in the development of significant projects, day-to-day operations, expansions, commercial opportunities, disputes and ongoing regulatory and commercial requirements.

"Bracewell is an outstanding firm, with one of the leading oil and gas regulatory practices in the country. I'm excited to join a thriving and dynamic team and work with my new partners in serving the needs of our clients," said Elrod.

Elrod graduated with an A.B. from Dartmouth College and earned his J.D. from Emory University School of Law.

About Bracewell LLP

Bracewell is a leading law and government relations firm primarily serving the energy, infrastructure, finance and technology industries throughout the world. Our industry focus results in comprehensive state-of-the-art knowledge of the commercial, legal and governmental challenges faced by our clients and enables us to provide innovative solutions to facilitate transactions and resolve disputes.

###

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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187482
The "Global Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market Size By Component, By Technology, By End-User Industry, By Geographic Scope And Forecast" report has been published by Verified Market Research. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the global Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market, including its growth prospects, market trends, and market challenges.

JERSEY CITY, N.J., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 47.80 % from 2023 to 2030, according to a new report published by Verified Market Research. The report reveals that the market was valued at USD 1.56 Billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 52.37 Billion by the end of the forecast period.



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Browse in-depth TOC on "Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market"

202 - Pages

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37 - Figures

Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market: Transforming Industries and Paving the Future

Revolutionizing Industries with AI Technology

In a groundbreaking development, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the landscape of manufacturing, enabling machines to take on tasks that were once the domain of human expertise. From learning and planning to speech recognition and problem-solving, AI's impact is far-reaching, touching key sectors such as gaming, expert systems, vision systems, intelligent robots, and natural language processing.

AI's Impact on Robotics

The fusion of computer vision and machine learning within AI is not only transforming but revolutionizing the robotics industry. Material processing, aviation, healthcare, agriculture, and energy are witnessing a paradigm shift in operations through the implementation of AI-driven automation, fostering enhanced equipment issue detection and operational automation.

Government Investment and Industry Adoption

The spotlight on AI has attracted significant attention from governments, resulting in increased investments and initiatives. Industries spanning aerospace, healthcare, manufacturing, and automotive are swiftly adopting AI, creating a burgeoning demand for innovative industrial solutions.

Cloud Computing and Dynamic Solutions

The confluence of robust cloud computing infrastructure and dynamic AI solutions is a game-changer for the Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market. AI's pervasive role in expediting commercial processes, automating risky tasks, and supplementing skilled labor positions this technology as a cornerstone for the future of manufacturing.

Unlocking the full potential of AI systems necessitates a specialized skill set. Managing, developing, and integrating AI systems demands the expertise of experienced data scientists or developers, contributing to the current scarcity of skilled professionals and posing a unique challenge to Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market growth.

Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market Challenges and Opportunities

Despite challenges such as manufacturers' initial reluctance, a shortage of qualified labor, data privacy concerns, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the potential of AI in manufacturing remains promising. The technology's ability to enhance operating efficiency, intelligent business processes, and combat the impacts of COVID-19 through automation signals substantial opportunities for Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market players.

Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market Regional Dynamics

North America emerges as a frontrunner in AI adoption, propelled by successful government initiatives. Simultaneously, the Asia-Pacific region is poised for remarkable growth, driven by exponential investments in artificial intelligence, marking a pivotal shift in the global manufacturing landscape.

Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market Key Players

The global stage witnesses the dominance of major players such as Google LLC, Microsoft, Advanced Micro Devices, Arm Limited, Atomwise, Inc., Clarifai, Inc, Enlitic, Inc., International Business Machines Corporation, IBM Watson Health, and Intel Corporation. This competitive landscape is characterized by strategic development, market share dynamics, and a comprehensive ranking analysis.

In the dynamic realm of Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market, this transformative journey unfolds with unparalleled opportunities, challenges, and industry leaders driving the future of manufacturing innovation.

To get market data, market insights, financial statements and a comprehensive analysis of the Global Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market, please Contact Verified Market Research.

Based on the research, Verified Market Research has segmented the global Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market into Component, Technology, End-User Industry, And Geography.

Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market, by Component Hardware Software Services

Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market, by Technology Deep Learning Machine Learning Natural Language Processing Machine Vision

Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market, by End-User Industry Healthcare Manufacturing Agriculture BFSI Media & Advertising Automotive & Transportation Healthcare Others

Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market, by Geography North America U.S Canada Mexico Europe Germany France U.K Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India Rest of Asia Pacific ROW Middle East & Africa Latin America



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Nanjing Museum explores ways to conserve paper cultural relics over past 10 years

People's Daily Online) 13:59, November 15, 2023

A journalist takes photos of the exhibits during a special exhibition with a selection of cultural relics dating from the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 B.C.) to the Qin and Han Dynasty (221 B.C.-220 A.D.) at the Nanjing Museum in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, May 17, 2020. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

The Nanjing Museum in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province, has been constantly exploring possibilities for the preservation of paper cultural relics over the past 10 years, continuously yielding research results, enhancing preservation capabilities, and allowing ancient papers to shine even brighter thanks to the efforts of generations of cultural relics workers.

In 2014, the key scientific research base of paper conservation of the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) was established in the Nanjing Museum, and the museum's key laboratory of modern paper document deacidification preservation technology was approved.

At the Nanjing Museum, people who have been in the industry of cultural relics restoration for less than three years, including those who have majored in cultural relics restoration, are not allowed to directly touch cultural relics.

Chen Siyi, a cultural relics restorer at the museum, was apprenticed to a master restorer and established a concept of cultural relics restoration that aims to preserve the authenticity of cultural artifacts to better protect the information they contain and make them last longer.

In 2018, the cultural relics department of northwest China's Gansu Province sent some "mud lumps," which were actually paper lumps, to the Nanjing Museum for research purposes. Chen Siyi believed the microscopic fibers of the paper lumps were intact and hoped to restore them. It took her more than a month to disassemble the "mud lumps" into paper scraps, and several months more to put the paper scraps together to make a complete whole.

"A thin piece of paper carries historical information, and has been passed down from generation to generation. We also have the responsibility to pass it on," said Zheng Dongqing, director of the Nanjing Museum's Cultural Relics Preservation Department.

The Nanjing Museum has the task of developing deacidification and preservation technologies for modern paper documents. Many important revolutionary cultural relics are sent to the museum for treatment and preservation.

Zheng said that the museum's team has found it difficult to meet the massive demand for protecting the huge number of cultural relics.

With the development of technical capabilities, the team has increasingly recognized that the museum needs to become an "academy of sciences for cultural relics," and not just a "hospital" for them.

For many museums, protecting their cultural relics and physical archives requires professional guidance. "While restoring cultural relics, we also hope to cultivate teams and spread our experience," said Zheng.

In recent years, the Nanjing Museum has set up workstations in Gansu, Xinjiang and other places to help local cultural relics departments train cultural relics restoration talents.

Nowadays, young cultural relics restorers with different academic backgrounds such as materials science, analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical science, and microbiology, use professional instruments like electron microscopes and spectroscopic analyzers for cultural relics restoration. These instruments help them analyze the pulp composition and even the chemical composition of pigments of a piece of paper.

He Zichen, a restorer at the Nanjing Museum, said they used to have to rummage through the museum's paper warehouse to find a sample to repair a piece of paper and compare colors and thickness sheet by sheet. Failing to find a piece of suitable paper after two days of searching was not uncommon. "Now it's much more convenient with database retrieval," He said.

According to Zheng, the Nanjing Museum maintains the leading position in the protection and research of paper cultural relics in terms of hardware, software and research results.

The Nanjing Museum has established an index system for paper cultural relics, which will ensure quantitative evaluation of paper damage, trend prediction, and restoration measures in multiple dimensions in the future, said Chen Xiaoli, a researcher at the museum.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun)
REYKJAVIK, ICELAND / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / GreenBank Capital Inc. (CSE:GBC)(OTC PINK:GRNBF)(FRA:2TL) ("GreenBank" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Staminier Ltd. ("Staminier") has today signed a Head of Terms initiating the sale of The Substantia Group Limited ("The Substantia Group") to its previous owner. The Company is also pleased to announce a new non-brokered private placement offering raising up to $C1.25 million and a proposed debt conversion approximately to C$700.000 in Company debt.

Staminier signs Head of Terms with Substantia Acquisitions and seeks extension of Convertible Debt.

Staminier Ltd, in which the Company holds a 48.5% stake, has on the 15th November 2023 signed Heads of Terms ("HoT") with Substantia Acquisitions Ltd. ("Substantia") to sell The Substantia Group back to Substantia, its prior owner for total consideration of $1.027.399.

The HoT, which reflects Staminier's strategic priorities and commitment to enhancing shareholder value, contemplates:

The transfer by the buyer to Staminier of 18,847,970 shares at $0.05 total of $942.399 in Greenbank Capital, Inc. (GBC).

The transfer by the buyer to Staminier 1,000,000 shares at $0.085 total of $85.000 in Ubique Minerals Ltd (UBQ), a Canadian Securities Exchange-listed entity.

The parties aim to execute the Share Sale Agreement (SSA) within 30 days.

The execution of the HoT is the first step in completing the sale of The Substantia Group and aimed at consolidating Staminier's position and focusing its core business strategy. The HoT are conditional upon achieving a definitive binding agreement, customary regulatory approvals and, if determined to be necessary, the consent of Staminier's lenders.

Staminier has also confirmed that it has informed the Future Fund (operated by the British Business Bank) that it plans to request an extension of the Convertible Loan Agreement (the "CLA") with the Future Fund, the Company, and another lender, as is permitted under the existing loan agreement. Such an extension is conditional on, amongst other things, the agreement of the Future Fund. Staminier's management has indicated that if the extension can be obtained it will be committed to diligently pursuing the conversion of the extended loans into equity during that period. While this outcome is the goal, it will require Staminier to raise a material amount by way of the issue of new equity.

Staminier has confirmed to the Company that it is committed to transparency throughout these processes.

The Company is committed to hold it's 48.5% stake in Staminier Ltd.

Private Placement and Debt Conversion.

The company is planning to offer a non-brokered $1,250,000 private placement offering (the "Offering") of 25,000,000 units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.05 per Unit, each Unit being comprised of one common share and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one Greenbank common share at an exercise price of C$0.075 for a term of 2 years from its date of issuance.

The Company also proposes to complete a debt settlement (the "Debt Conversion") with certain of its creditors by issuing them Units having the same terms as those issued in the Offering. The Company anticipates eliminating approximately $700,000 in debt pursuant to the Debt Settlement, including debt owed to its current and past directors and officers and Staminier. This is a part of the restructuring of the Company towards being debt free and an aggressive supporter of its investments. As part of these arrangements, Staminier has signed agreements to settle (in exchange for the issue of Units) $245,000 of debt owed by it to previous CEO, Terry Pullen, and companies owned or controlled by him. Staminier has also agreed not to demand repayment of the balance of the debt owed by GreenBank to it until no sooner than the date on which the convertible debt owed by Staminier to GreenBank under the CLA either becomes payable on demand or is converted into equity. Under the terms of the CLA it is not permissible for the two debts to be set off against each other until the CLA debt becomes repayable.

The Company expects to close the Offering and Debt Conversion in one or more tranches, with the first tranche expected to close on or before 30th November 2023.

The debt conversions with present and past directors and officers and companies owned or controlled by them will be a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101. The Company will be 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 per cent of the market capitalization of the Company, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101. The Company will not be filing a material change report in respect of the related party transaction at least 21 days before the closing of the Offering and Debt Conversion, a decision which the Company deems reasonable in the circumstances as to be able to avail itself of the proceeds of the Offering in an expeditious manner.

Suni Iron Project

The company is please to announce that the previously announced on 17th October 2023 purchase of the Suni Iron project has been completed.

Resignation of CFO

The Company announces that Miles Nagamatsu has resigned from his position as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Nagamatsu for his dedicated service to the Company over a number of years and are pleased that he will remain associated with the Company as a consultant.

During the interim period, Pete Wanner, a Director and the Chairman of the Audit Committee, will fulfill the responsibilities of CFO. Mr. Wanner brings over 25 years of expertise to this role, ensuring robust oversight of our financial reporting, audit processes, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.

The search for a new permanent CFO is underway, and we are committed to a smooth transition to sustain the integrity of our financial operations.

Vilhjalmur Thor Vilhjalmsson CEO and Chairman of the Company commented "Our strategic moves, including the private placement and the restructuring of our debt, mark a pivotal step towards fortifying GreenBank's financial foundation. Staminier's return of The Substantia Group to its original stewardship allows us to realign with our core investment strategies, ensuring long-term growth and shareholder value. We acknowledge Miles Nagamatsu's significant contributions as CFO and wish him all the best in new endeavors."

About GreenBank

GreenBank is a business-transformation firm, which aims to nurture early stage and growth companies to their full potential. Through modern approaches to the provisions of consultancy services, GreenBank takes a stake in companies it hopes to nurture and gives the opportunity to the founders and executives of those companies to benefit from the years of collective experience of the GreenBank management team.

The team is based in London, Reykjavik and Toronto and works diligently across borders with the aim of ensuring that businesses in the GreenBank portfolio reach their core objectives. The businesses the Company typically works with are start-ups or early-stage and include mining and mineral exploration companies. From this emergent state, Greenbank aims to quickly implement strong business practices by, where possible and required, deploying operations, communications, data strategy and financial expertise.

Whether a business desires to become a successful private company, list publicly, or is seeking a profitable exit, GreenBank tries to add value at every stage as a strategic partner. GreenBank is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange, under the symbol "GBC", and on the OTC markets (OTCMKTS: GRNBF) as well as the Frankfurt Boerse (FRA: 2TL).

For further information, please contact:

Vilhjalmur Thor Vilhjalmsson, CEO and Chairman, GreenBank Capital

Tel: +354 8697296

Email: vilhjalmur@jvcapital.co.uk

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains statements that include "forward looking information" as defined in applicable Canadian securities laws, including, but not limited to, statements with respect to proposed transactions by its GreenBank's investee company, Staminier Inc., the proposed Offering and the proposed Debt Conversion, and GreenBank's investment strategy. . Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of GreenBank to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could affect the outcome include, among others: challenges in finding subscribers for the Offering, convincing creditors to participate in the Debt Conversion, and identifying and concluding investment transactions with attractive companies on favourable terms, or at all" future prices and the supply of metals; the results of drilling; inability to raise the money necessary to conclude investment transactions with third-party companies or to incur the expenditures required to retain and advance the Suni project, environmental liabilities (known and unknown); general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; accidents, labour disputes and other risks inherent in business, such as; political instability, terrorism, insurrection or war; delays in obtaining governmental approvals; or failure to obtain regulatory approvals. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, refer to GreenBank's filings with Canadian securities regulators available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Although GreenBank has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and GreenBank disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE: GreenBank Capital Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/803746/update-concerning-investee-company-staminier-ltd-private-placement-debt-conversion-and-resignation-of-officer
PHOENIX, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / The Stock Day Podcast welcomed C-Bond Systems, Inc. (OTC PINK:CBNT) ("the Company"), a San Antonio-based nanotechnology company and marketer of the patented C-Bond technology, which is proven to strengthen glass for architectural applications. CEO of the Company, Scott R. Silverman, joined Stock Day host Matthew Dunehoo.

Dunehoo began the interview by asking about the Company's background and current projects. "C-Bond Systems, Inc. and our subsidiary Patriot Glass Solutions is a one-of-a-kind business," shared Silverman. "We have unique technology with a unique intellectual property portfolio with 22 patents pending, as well as a valuation for over $33 million for our IP by a 3rd-party valuation firm," he explained. "The majority of our portfolio came out of Rice University," said Silverman. "Our technology is focused on strengthening brittle materials."

"Our technologies today are in the architectural business and are marketed primarily through our Patriot Glass Solutions subsidiary," continued Silverman. "We have two products that have evolved through our technology," he added. "Our original product, C-Bond Secure, is a forced entry-resistant technology," said Silverman, adding that the product is designed to deter break ins. "Our flagship product is C-Bond Bullet Resistant System (BRS), which actually stops bullets," he said. "We have been certified by a 3rd-party independent source with the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standards up to level IIA to stop five rounds at 15 feet."

The conversation then turned to the Company's record-breaking 3rd quarter financial results, which included $814,000 in revenues. "The catalyst has been Patriot Glass Solutions and the technologies we just discussed," shared Silverman. "We have a strong presence in Texas, our home state, which is currently the only state in the country that has mandated the use of security window film and/or fencing on the first level of all public schools with a deadline of August 2025," he said. "We did have a substantial amount of growth this quarter in the commercial sector as well, including airports, police departments, and other commercial buildings," said Silverman. "We also recently announced some purchase orders that are not reflected in that revenue."

"We expect the 4th quarter to be strong and we expect 2024 to be very strong," continued Silverman. "We have the right technology at the right place and the right time for the issues that this country is facing right now."

"What is the company looking forward to shortly after the New Year?", asked Dunehoo. "We do currently have a backlog of orders," said Silverman. "We expect to grow significantly by the school markets, followed by the government and commercial sectors," he said. "We have continued to build out our dealer network with Patriot Glass Solutions dealers, which now includes 36 dealers around the country," said Silverman, before elaborating on the potential of this network. "We are in business to create revenue and create value for our shareholders, but what we do can help save lives."

"Would you ever consider growth by acquisition or are you focused on organic growth at this time?", asked Dunehoo. "Yes, we would consider growth by acquisition," said Silverman. "We have made one acquisition in the last five years, which was our largest distributor, which has formed the foundation of Patriot Glass Solutions. "We expect growth from our own division and from our dealer body, but acquisitions may be smart if the balance sheet is lined up appropriately with the capitalization."

"Do you expect to raise additional capital in the future?", asked Dunehoo. "We now have just one convertible note left, which was facilitated by the sale of our automotive division," said Silverman. "We do not currently need to raise any capital," he shared. "However, an acquisition would take additional capital raises, but operationally we are fine and I do not foresee any capital raises in the near future."

To close the interview, Silverman encouraged listeners and shareholders to keep up-to-date on the Company's current and upcoming announcements as they continue to grow.

To hear Scott Silverman's entire interview, follow the link to the podcast here: https://audioboom.com/posts/8401055-c-bond-systems-inc-discusses-record-breaking-3rd-quarter-results-with-the-stock-day-podcast

Investors Hangout is a proud sponsor of "Stock Day," and Stock Day Media encourages listeners to visit the company's message board at https://investorshangout.com/

About C-Bond

C-Bond Systems, Inc. (OTC: CBNT) is a San Antonio-based nanotechnology company and marketer of the patented C-Bond technology, which is proven to strengthen glass for architectural applications. The Company's Patriot Glass Solutions subsidiary sells ballistic-resistant glass solutions and forced entry deterrent solutions to private enterprises, schools, and government agencies. For more information, please visit our websites: www.cbondsystems.com, www.patriotglasssolutions.com, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cbondsys/ and Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBondSys and https://twitter.com/Patriot_Glass.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release about the Company's future expectations, including the likelihood that the Company expects the 4th quarter to be strong and we expect 2024 to be very strong; the likelihood that the Company expects to grow significantly by the school markets, followed by the government and commercial sectors; the likelihood that the Company expects growth from its own division and from its dealer body; constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and as that term is defined in the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time, and our actual results could differ materially from expected results. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the Company's ability to successfully commercialize its products; the Company's and its customers' ability to source materials; construction delays; film delays; the Company's ability to raise capital; regulatory risks; as well as other risks. Additional information about these and other factors may be described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") including its Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2023, its Forms 10-Q filed on November 14, 2023, August 14, 2023, and May 15, 2023, and in future filings with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this statement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

CONTACT: Contact: Allison Tomek C-Bond Systems atomek@cbondsystems.com

About The "Stock Day" Podcast

Founded in 2013, Stock Day is the fastest growing media outlet for Nano-Cap and Micro-Cap companies. It educates investors while simultaneously working with penny stock and OTC companies, providing transparency and clarification of under-valued, under-sold Micro-Cap stocks of the market. Stock Day provides companies with customized solutions to their news distribution in both national and international media outlets. The Stock Day Podcast is the number one radio show of its kind in America.

Stock Day Media

StockDayMedia.com

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SOURCE: Stock Day Media

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/803689/c-bond-systems-inc-discusses-record-breaking-3rd-quarter-results-with-the-stock-day-podcast
EQS Post-admission Duties announcement: UBS AG / Third country release according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act]

UBS AG: Release according to Article 50 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] with the objective of Europe-wide distribution



15.11.2023 / 18:00 CET/CEST

Dissemination of a Post-admission Duties announcement according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 WpHG transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





15 November 2023 Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Article 53 of the SIX Exchange Regulation Listing RulesNews Release French Supreme Court refers UBS legacy matter to Appeals Court

Zurich, 15 November 2023 - The French Supreme Court issued a judgement today on a legacy matter related to UBS's cross-border business activities in France between 2004 and 2012.

The Supreme Court upheld the previous court decision regarding unlawful client solicitation and aggravated laundering of the proceeds of tax fraud, while overturning the confiscation of EUR 1bn, the fine of EUR 3.75m and EUR 800m in civil damages awarded to the French state. The case is now being referred back to the Paris Court of Appeal, which will reconsider the overturned elements and deliver its judgement after a new trial.

While UBS is pleased that the highest court in France agrees with its position on these important aspects of the legal case, UBS is disappointed that the French Supreme Court has confirmed the previous court decision regarding unlawful client solicitation and aggravated laundering of the proceeds of tax fraud despite the treaty between Europe and Switzerland on the taxation of savings income and a lack of specific evidence for the alleged facts. UBS continues to maintain that it acted in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations at all times. UBS will defend itself in the forthcoming trial.

UBS Group AG



Investor Relations:

Switzerland: +41-44-234 41 00

Media Relations:

Switzerland: +41-44-234 85 00

UK: +44-207-567 47 14

Americas: +1-212-882 58 58

APAC: +852-297-1 82 00

www.ubs.com/media

Disclaimer

This document contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." While these forward-looking statements represent UBS's judgments and expectations concerning the matters described, a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors could cause actual developments and results to differ materially from UBS's expectations. For a discussion of the risks and uncertainties that may affect UBS's future results please refer to the "Risk Factors" and other sections of UBS's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F, risk factors filed by UBS Group AG with the SEC on 31 August 2023 in Form 6-K, quarterly reports and other information furnished to or filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 6-K. UBS's Annual Report on Form 20-F, quarterly reports and other information furnished to or filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 6-K are also available at the SEC's website: www.sec.gov.

15.11.2023 CET/CEST The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.eqs-news.com


The Bundeswehr Cyber Innovation Hub, MVP Factory - A Ness Digital Engineering Company, and VisiTrans take first place in the NATO Innovation Challenge 2023

In the event of an enemy attack, Yarded can efficiently manage 500 vehicles and 2500 materials per day

Future scaling of the software to the NATO level is planned

BERLIN, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Together with the Cyber Innovation Hub of the Bundeswehr (CIHBw), MVP Factory - A Ness Company, and VisiTrans took part in the NATO Innovation Challenge "Military Mobility" 2023 and achieved first place with their pioneering project "Yarded". Booz Allen Hamilton and Deloitte took second and third place.

Yarded is reforming the Bundeswehr's logistics and was selected from more than forty submissions to the challenge. The software is developed to significantly increase the operational efficiency of logistics battalions, particularly in managing the vehicles.

MVP Factory, CIHBw, and VisiTrans created Yarded jointly with the soldiers using agile methods at a start-up speed. "This high speed was only possible because we relied on a dual-use product available on the market for Yarded - in other words, we adapted an existing civilian solution for our military use. Our CIHBw innovation project Yarded is a real turning point as its success demonstrates the pace of innovation that the Bundeswehr is capable of today," says Sven Weizenegger, Head of the CIHBw.

The Yarded team successfully presented the potential of digital solutions in military logistics processes to the jury in Slovenia on the 14th of November, and talks will begin in the coming weeks to discuss scaling up to the NATO level.

Yarded - an efficient logistics tool for emergencies

The logistics battalions in Germany struggle with inefficient analog command and control systems in addition to a lack of personnel. In particular, the system used by Logistic Batallion (LogBtl) 163 RSOM (Reception, Staging, Onward Movement) to organize the marshaling area - a large area in which objects are stored in ports and railway stations before being shipped to another destination - proved to be outdated and inflexible. In the past, soldiers simply worked with pen and paper and printed Excel spreadsheets to coordinate the planning of missions. Furthermore, the NATO LOGFAS system does not offer automated and transparent solutions at some critical points.

MVP Factory has already worked closely with the Cyber Innovation Hub in the past on a portfolio of projects to foster digitalization in the Bundeswehr. These include an e-token app, AI workshops, and more.

Philipp Petrescu, CEO of MVP Factory, emphasizes: "Together with the Bundeswehr Cyber Innovation Hub and VisiTrans, we have created an efficient, digital solution. The recognition by NATO is a strong appreciation of our work along with the promotion of innovation in all areas of the economy and the growing adoption of digitalization in government and administration."

The Yarded software automates processes, eliminates manual tasks, and enables a seamless digital overview, for managing vehicle and material deployment and dispatch. The technical part of the solution was developed by our partners, VisiTrans GmbH from Paderborn, which specializes in solving complex logistical problems.

The software is designed to work with NATO's core logistics processes to support the transport of equipment and material by the NRF (NATO Response Force) in the event of a sudden deployment, for example, due to an enemy attack. In such circumstances, Yarded can effectively manage 500 vehicles and 2500 materials daily.



The software also incorporates LOGFAS data for data-driven decision-making. LOGFAS is the information backbone of NATO as NATO material has to be moved every day. Yarded enables real-time coordination and the digital distribution of information on any device and provides the commander with real-time data, allowing for decisions to be made based on data at a higher speed.



The NATO Innovation Challenge was initiated in 2017 by the NATO Innovation Hub of Allied Command Transformation and serves as a conceptual platform to address Alliance-wide challenges and set priorities across partners. It promotes innovative projects that contribute to efficiency and security.

About MVP Factory - A Ness Digital Engineering Company

MVP Factory is one of Europe's leading digital venture & product builders. Using agile methods at startup speed, it has launched over 300 products and corporate ventures with clients such as DB Schenker, Bertelsmann, Jobrad, Henkel, and the Cyber Innovation Hub of the German Armed Forces. MVP Factory was founded in 2017 by tech entrepreneur Philipp Petrescu in Berlin. In 2023, the company became part of the American software specialist Ness Digital Engineering. The team includes over 70 digital experts and entrepreneurs with expertise in entrepreneurship, design, product management, software development, and growth marketing.

About Cyber Innovation Hub

The Cyber Innovation Hub of the Bundeswehr (CIHBw) was founded in March 2017 to support the digital transformation of the Bundeswehr as a "fast speedboat" and to act as an interface between the Bundeswehr and the startup ecosystem. The "Empowering Innovation in Defence" vision is geared towards the needs of soldiers and civilian employees in the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Defence (BMVg). With the implementation of a total of over 160 innovation projects, the CIHBw sees itself as a "do tank" and agile innovation driver for the armed forces. It is the first military digital innovation unit in Europe and a role model for comparable units in other German federal ministries and authorities.

For further press information, interview requests, and image material:

Marie-Christin Bergmann

Senior Communications Manager

marie-christin.bergmann@mvpfactory.co

+49 30 220135816

MVPF Technologies GmbH

Prinzenstrae 34

10969 Berlin

www.mvpfactory.co | LinkedIn

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Redde Northgate Plc - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, November 15

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

15 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 15 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 : 50,000 Weighted average purchase price paid : 370 pence per share Highest purchase price paid : 370 pence per share Lowest purchase price paid : 370 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 16,665,071 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 229,426,352 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 15 November 2023)

Number of shares

purchased Transaction price

(GB pence per share) Time of transaction Transaction reference number Venue 50000 370.00 11:56:17 00067761240TRLO0 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:
Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, November 15

For immediate release

15 November 2023

FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC

(the "Company")

MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES

The Company announces that it has today purchased 55,000 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 814.55 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 23,570,852; 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 201,420,451.

The figure of 201,420,451 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
Asia's suppliers see largest rise in idle capacity since June 2020 as the region's economic resilience fades

Europe reported a 7 th successive month of substantial excess vendor capacity, and 17 th successive month of subdued demand, reflecting recessionary conditions

In contrast, supplier spare capacity across North America is rising, albeit modestly, highlighting greater economic resilience in the U.S. economy and its divergence from Europe

CLARK, N.J., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index - a leading indicator tracking demand conditions, shortages, transportation costs, inventories and backlogs based on a monthly survey of 27,000 businesses - decreased again in October to -0.41, from -0.35 in September, indicating a 7th successive month of rising spare capacity across the world's supply chains. Additionally, the extent to which supplier capacity went underutilized was even greater than in September and August. Coupled with October's downturn in demand for raw materials, components and commodities, this shows rising slack in global supply chains.

"While the shrinking of global suppliers' order books is not worsening, there are no signs of improvement," explained Jamie Ogilvie-Smals, vice president, consulting, GEP. "The notable increase in supplier capacity in Asia, which was driven by China, provides global manufacturers with greater leverage to drive down prices and inventories in 2024."

A key finding from October's report was the strongest rise in excess capacity across Asian supply chains since June 2020. Sustained weakness in demand, coupled with falling pressures on factories in Asia, indicates that the global manufacturing recession has further to run. With the exception of India, which continues to perform strongly, large economies in the region, such as Japan and China, are losing momentum.

Suppliers in Europe continue to report the largest level of spare capacity. In fact, the lower levels in GEP's supply chain index for the continent have only been seen during the global financial crisis between 2008 and 2009. They highlight sustained weakness in economic conditions across the continent. Western Europe, particularly Germany's manufacturing industry, is a key driver behind the region's deterioration.

A relative bright spot is North America, where supply chains have excess capacity, but to a much lesser extent than elsewhere as the U.S. economy continues to display its resilience, in stark contrast to Europe.

OCTOBER 2023 KEY FINDINGS

DEMAND: Demand for raw materials, components and commodities remains depressed, although the downturn seems to have stabilized. There are still no signs of conditions improving, however, as global purchasing activity fell again in October at a pace similar to what we've seen since around mid-year.

Demand for raw materials, components and commodities remains depressed, although the downturn seems to have stabilized. There are still no signs of conditions improving, however, as global purchasing activity fell again in October at a pace similar to what we've seen since around mid-year. INVENTORIES : With demand falling, our data shows another month of destocking by global businesses, signalling cashflow preservation efforts.

: With demand falling, our data shows another month of destocking by global businesses, signalling cashflow preservation efforts. MATERIAL SHORTAGES: Reports of item shortages remain at their lowest since January 2020.

Reports of item shortages remain at their lowest since January 2020. LABOR SHORTAGES: Shortages of workers are not impacting global manufacturers' capacity to produce, with reports of backlogs due to inadequate labor supply running at historically typical levels.

Shortages of workers are not impacting global manufacturers' capacity to produce, with reports of backlogs due to inadequate labor supply running at historically typical levels. TRANSPORTATION: Global transportation costs held steady with September's level, although oil prices have declined in recent weeks.

REGIONAL SUPPLY CHAIN VOLATILITY

NORTH AMERICA: The index fell to -0.34, from -0.30. This remains much softer than the global average and continues to suggest the U.S. economy is poised for a soft landing.

EUROPE: The index rose to -0.90, from -1.01, but still remains at a level that is indicative of considerable economic fragility.

U.K.: The index edged slightly higher to -0.93, from -0.98. Still, the data point to a substantial rise in excess capacity at suppliers to U.K. markets.

ASIA: Notably, the index dropped to -0.38, from -0.20, highlighting the biggest rise in spare supplier capacity in Asia since June 2020 as the region's resilience fades.

For more information, visit www.gep.com/volatility

Note: Full historical data dating back to January 2005 is available for subscription. Please contact economics@spglobal.com.

The next release of the GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index will be 8 a.m. ET, December 14, 2023.

ABOUT THE GEP GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN VOLATILITY INDEX

The GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index is produced by S&P Global and GEP. It is derived from S&P Global's PMI surveys, sent to companies in over 40 countries, totaling around 27,000 companies. The headline figure is a weighted sum of six sub-indices derived from PMI data, PMI Comments Trackers and PMI Commodity Price & Supply Indicators compiled by S&P Global.

A value above 0 indicates that supply chain capacity is being stretched and supply chain volatility is increasing. The further above 0, the greater the extent to which capacity is being stretched.

A value below 0 indicates that supply chain capacity is being underutilized, reducing supply chain volatility. The further below 0, the greater the extent to which capacity is being underutilized.

A Supply Chain Volatility Index is also published at a regional level for Europe, Asia, North America and the U.K. For more information about the methodology, click here.

About GEP

GEP delivers AI-powered procurement and supply chain solutions that help global enterprises become more agile and resilient, operate more efficiently and effectively, gain competitive advantage, boost profitability and increase shareholder value.

Fresh thinking, innovative products, unrivaled domain expertise, smart, passionate people - this is how GEP SOFTWARE, GEP STRATEGY and GEP MANAGED SERVICES together deliver procurement and supply chain solutions of unprecedented scale, power and effectiveness. Our customers are the world's best companies, including more than 550 Fortune 500 and Global 2000 industry leaders who rely on GEP to meet ambitious strategic, financial and operational goals.

A leader in multiple Gartner Magic Quadrants, GEP's cloud-native software and digital business platforms consistently win awards and recognition from industry analysts, research firms and media outlets, including Gartner, Forrester, IDC, ISG, and Spend Matters.

GEP is also regularly ranked a top procurement and supply chain consulting and strategy firm, and a leading managed services provider by ALM, Everest Group, NelsonHall, IDC, ISG and HFS, among others. Headquartered in Clark, New Jersey, GEP has offices and operations centers across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. To learn more, visit www.gep.com.

About S&P Global

S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) S&P Global provides essential intelligence. We enable governments, businesses and individuals with the right data, expertise and connected technology so that they can make decisions with conviction. From helping our customers assess new investments to guiding them through ESG and energy transition across supply chains, we unlock new opportunities, solve challenges and accelerate progress for the world. We are widely sought after by many of the world's leading organizations to provide credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help the world's leading organizations plan for tomorrow, today.

Disclaimer

The intellectual property rights to the data provided herein are owned by or licensed to S&P Global and/or its affiliates. Any unauthorised use, including but not limited to copying, distributing, transmitting or otherwise of any data appearing is not permitted without S&P Global's prior consent. S&P Global shall not have any liability, duty or obligation for or relating to the content or information ("Data") contained herein, any errors, inaccuracies, omissions or delays in the Data, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. In no event shall S&P Global be liable for any special, incidental, or consequential damages, arising out of the use of the Data. Purchasing Managers' Index and PMI are either trade marks or registered trade marks of S&P Global Inc or licensed to S&P Global Inc and/or its affiliates.

This Content was published by S&P Global Market Intelligence and not by S&P Global Ratings, which is a separately managed division of S&P Global. Reproduction of any information, data or material, including ratings ("Content") in any form is prohibited except with the prior written permission of the relevant party. Such party, its affiliates and suppliers ("Content Providers") do not guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, timeliness or availability of any Content and are not responsible for any errors or omissions (negligent or otherwise), regardless of the cause, or for the results obtained from the use of such Content. In no event shall Content Providers be liable for any damages, costs, expenses, legal fees, or losses (including lost income or lost profit and opportunity costs) in connection with any use of the Content.

Media Contacts

Derek Creevey Joe Hayes Director, Public Relations Principal Economist GEP S&P Global Market Intelligence Phone: +1 732-382-6565 T: +44-1344-328-099 Email: derek.creevey@gep.com joe.hayes@spglobal.com

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Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2023) - The Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA) supports the federal government's objective to ensure that all Canadians have access to affordable prescription drugs. However, the CIA believes this can be accomplished more effectively and implemented more quickly by enhancing elements of existing public and private drug coverage plans.

"One size does not fit all when it comes to the unique provincial and territorial situations of drug care in this country," says Steve Prince, FCIA, President of the CIA. "The CIA issued a report on this topic in 2021. What that report says is still true today."

The CIA proposes that provinces and territories establish or adjust their own pharmacare platforms to guarantee that all residents are covered by a prescription drug plan. Each platform would be based on the jurisdiction's optimal mix of public and private funding and delivery. A federally established national formulary of drugs would ensure consistency of benefits across the country. The federal government would contribute to the stability of the program by covering costs beyond a certain threshold.

Under the CIA model, the federal government would:

oversee cross-sector examination of long-term costs and savings in the program;

negotiate drug prices on behalf of all public and private plans; and

explore evidence-based prescribing and public health alternatives to pharmaceuticals, to find greater long-term cost savings.

Those areas are where savings in cost and improvements in effectiveness can be found, the CIA believes.

"Finding a way to help all Canadians get the medicine they need does not automatically mean a single-payer government administered program that fully replaces existing plans. There are good reasons for a hybrid approach," says Rob Brown, FCIA, Co-Chair of the CIA's pharmacare task force. "For instance, private insurance currently provides significant funding independent of governments that would need to be replaced with new taxes or other mechanisms. We should build on the existing foundation to help Canadians more effectively and cost efficiently."

The CIA proposal offers a more flexible and competitive drug coverage for all Canadians at a lower cost than a universal single-payer system. The proposal:

Builds on what works within the existing prescription drug landscape in Canada.

Establishes a national formulary of prescription drugs that all Canadians can access fairly and equitably, regardless of where they reside.

Provides provinces with the flexibility to develop their own pharmacare programs, subject to the minimum coverage requirements, that best meets the needs of their residents and budgetary realities.

Establishes a funding mechanism that would see the federal government partner with the provinces as a reinsurer of provincial risk, allowing for provincial budgets to be accurately developed, projected and assessed.

Recognizes that the system must be allowed to evolve over time as experience matures and costs and potential savings in other areas (e.g., hospital, physician) become clearer.

Ensures a management structure is in place to find savings in improved medical prescribing habits and loss prevention.

Leverages the purchasing power of a national operation to negotiate directly with the pharmaceutical manufacturers to generate fundamental savings.

"All Canadians should have fair and equal access to prescription drugs under an efficient system that reduces costs and removes barriers. It will take the combined efforts of both public and private entities to make this a reality," says Erin Crump, FCIA, member of the CIA's pharmacare task force. "Canada's actuaries believe the hybrid model proposed in our independent report would provide individual Canadians with the right combination of supports for a healthy future."

Read the CIA's report at https://www.cia-ica.ca/pharmacare





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Media contact

Josee Gonthier

Manager, Language Services and Public Affairs

Canadian Institute of Actuaries

media@cia-ica.ca

613-236-8196 ext. 106

Subscribe to our mailing list to stay up to date on CIA news and announcements.

The Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA) is the qualifying and governing body of the actuarial profession in Canada. We develop and uphold rigorous standards, share our risk management expertise and advance actuarial science to improve lives in Canada and around the world. Our more than 6,000 members apply their knowledge of math, statistics, data analytics and business in providing services and advice of the highest quality to help Canadian people and organizations face the future with confidence.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187510
EQS-News: PlusPlus Capital Financial S.a.r.l. / Key word(s): 9 Month figures/Conference

PlusPlus Capital reports unaudited Q3 2023 results - Invitation to earnings call on 17 November 2023



15.11.2023 / 21:10 CET/CEST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





PlusPlus Capital reports unaudited Q3 2023 results

Invitation to earnings call on 17 November 2023



Tallinn, Estonia, 15 November 2023. PlusPlus Capital ("PPC"), a leading pan-Baltic and Finnish technology-driven receivables management group, has published its unaudited Q3 2023 results. Eurobond covenant ratios were in line with terms and conditions.

The full Q3 report is available on the Company's website at:

https://pluspluscapital.eu/investor-relations/reports-and-presentations/



Earnings Call:

PlusPlus Capital cordially invites investors and analysts to an earnings call with the Management on 17 November 2023, 10.00 CET.

The Management Board will comment on the Q3 2023 results by means of a webcast presentation. The earnings call will be held in English and will be recorded.

Please register in time to participate in the earnings call at:

PlusPlus Capital - Earnings Call Q3 2023 .



Contact:

PlusPlus Capital

Kaarel Raik, Member of the Management Board

Email: kaarel.raik@plusplus.ee

Phone: +372 56 606 148



About PlusPlus Capital:

PlusPlus is a pan-Baltic and Finnish technology-driven receivables management company with offices in Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius, and Helsinki. The Company acquires overdue loans and other non-performing exposures from financial institutions and non-financial sector merchants. With its core competence in handling claims against private individuals, PlusPlus prefers diversified portfolios balanced by geography, portfolio type, and other metrics.

Since its inception in 2010, PlusPlus has bought over 120 thousand claims with nominal value of approximately EUR 300 million. The Company offers its clients affordable recovery solutions and aims to avoid litigious scenarios. In doing so, PlusPlus pursues win-win solutions that allow sellers to focus on their core business, provide affordable solutions for borrowers, and ensure adequate returns for investors.

PlusPlus is a transparent and socially responsible company set to assist people in resolving problems connected with their insufficient solvency. The ambition of PlusPlus is to increase its market share and further strengthen its position as a leading player in its regional market.

pluspluscapital.eu

15.11.2023 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.eqs-news.com


VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Atico Mining Corporation (TSX.V: ATY | OTCQX: ATCMF) ("Atico" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the brownfield exploration program being carried out in an area of historical mining to expand tonnage and extend mine life at the El Roble mine has continued to returned positive results. In addition, the Company reports the results for five diamond drill core holes targeting the main massive sulfide body Cuerpo Principal (ATD-0182, ATD-0190, ATD-0193, ATD-0194, ATD-0195) and several adjacent lenses called Cuerpos Norte (ADT-0197 through ADT-0200 and ADT-0203 through ADT-0207). Results included 24.7m of 4.19% Cu, 3.11g/t Au, and 5.0m of 4.84% Cu and 12.26 g/t Au.



"We are pleased to report that our mine vicinity drill campaign continues to successfully intercept new mineralization and extensions of the main historic massive sulphide bodies at the El Roble deposit. These areas were mined by operators previous to Atico obtaining control of the mine on November 22, 2013," said Fernando E. Ganoza, CEO. "These results from the drill program in this vicinity completed in the second half of this year continue to increase confidence in our view that additional high-grade copper and gold mineralization remains both within the historically defined bodies and beyond the previously outlined mineralized shell. These strong assay results are open at depth and along strike. Final results for four more drill holes will be received before year end at which time the Company plans to update the resource estimate."

Exploration Drilling Results Include:

Hole From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Cu (%) Au (g/t) ATD-0182 29.7 32 2.30 2.27 21.23 ATD-0182 45.8 51.7 5.90 7.82 1.79 ATD-0190 79.8 104.5 24.70 4.19 5.68 ATD-0193 106.7 108.8 2.10 8.47 1.50 ATD-0194 20 23.5 3.50 5.78 9.09 ATD-0194 29.4 32.4 3.00 6.09 0.70 ATD-0198 139.9 145.6 5.70 6.16 2.42 ATD-0198 148.6 152.8 4.20 3.12 0.80 ATD-0199 171.70 180.80 9.10 0.97 5.27 ATD-0199 183.8 188.6 4.80 1.61 3.17 ATD-0200 200.80 205.00 4.20 1.29 2.48 ATD-0204 199.3 204.3 5.00 4.84 12.26 ATD-0205 205.8 212.75 6.95 2.21 1.18

True widths are dependent on uncertainties in the local strike and dip of the mineralization and are estimated to be between 90% and 95% of the drill intercept.

Image 1.





Exploration Drilling Program

The goal of the current surface and underground drilling program at the El Roble mine is to define zones of mineralization within the extent of main historic massive sulphide body that were not exploited by previous operators and also to expand the historically identified resource. During the first quarter of 2023, the Company began a drill program to test the main mineralized body and the immediately adjacent area. A total of 3,765 meters of drilling are planned for 2023, of which final results for thirty four drill holes have been received.

El Roble Mine

The El Roble mine is a high grade, underground copper and gold mine with nominal processing plant capacity of 1,000 tonnes per day, located in the Department of Choco in Colombia. Its commercial product is a copper-gold concentrate.

Since obtaining control of the mine on November 22, 2013, Atico has upgraded the operation from a historical nominal capacity of 400 tonnes per day.

El Roble has Proven and Probable reserves of 1.00 million tonnes grading 3.02% copper and 1.76 g/t gold, at a cut-off grade of 1.3% copper equivalent with an effective date of September 30, 2020. Mineralization is open at depth and along strike and the Company plans to further test the limits of the deposit.

On the larger land package, the Company has identified a prospective stratigraphic contact between volcanic rocks and black and grey pelagic sediments and cherts that has been traced by Atico geologists for ten kilometers. This contact has been determined to be an important control on VMS mineralization on which Atico has identified numerous target areas prospective for VMS type mineralization occurrence, which is the focus of the current surface drill program at El Roble.

Qualified Person

Garth Graves, P. Geo.

Garth Graves, P. Geo., consultant geologist for Atico Mining Corporation and a qualified person in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release.

About Atico Mining Corporation

Atico is a growth-oriented Company, focused on exploring, developing and mining copper and gold projects in Latin America. The Company generates significant cash flow through the operation of the El Roble mine and is developing its high-grade La Plata VMS project in Ecuador. The Company is also pursuing additional acquisition of advanced stage opportunities. For more information, please visit www.aticomining.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Fernando E. Ganoza

CEO

Atico Mining Corporation

Trading symbols: TSX.V: ATY | OTCQX: ATCMF

Investor Relations

Igor Dutina

Tel: +1.604.633.9022

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 securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The securities being offered have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act'), or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to, or for the account or benefit of, a "U.S. person" (as defined in Regulation S of the U.S. Securities Act) unless pursuant to an exemption therefrom. This press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of the Company in any jurisdiction.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This announcement includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation the use of net proceeds, are forward-looking statements. Forward- looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties and are based on certain factors and assumptions. 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 uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; uncertainty of estimates of capital and operating costs; the need to obtain additional financing to maintain its interest in and/or explore and develop the Company's mineral projects; uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones for the Company's mineral projects; and other risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the prospectus of the Company dated March 2, 2012 filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6e7227e8-9d72-408b-b6e1-6a563cd3617a
CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - Australia will on Thursday release October figures for unemployment, highlighting a modest day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. The jobless rate is expected to rise to 3.7 percent from 3.6 percent, with the addition of 20,000 jobs following the gain of 6,700 jobs in September. The participation rate is seen steady at 66.7 percent. Japan will provide September numbers for core machine orders and October data for imports, exports and trade balance. Machine orders are expected to rise 09 percent on month and fall 3.6 percent on year after sinking 0.5 percent on month and 7.7 percent on year in August. Imports are expected to drop 12.2 percent on year after tumbling 16.3 percent in September. Exports are called higher by an annual 1.2 percent after rising 4.3 percent in the previous month. The trade deficit is pegged at 735.7 billion yen following the 62.4 billion yen surplus a month earlier. China will see October figures for house prices; in September, prices dipped 0.1 percent on year. Hong Kong will release unemployment data for October; in September, the jobless rate was 2.8 percent. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Atlas, a Vienna, Austria-based 3D generative AI platform that partners with game developers and brands to build virtual worlds and experiences, raised $6m in funding.

The company closed two funding rounds: a $4.5M round led by 6th Man Ventures (6MV) and a $1.5M round led by Collab+Currency. Other participants include the a16z Scouting Fund via Shrapnel, Contango, Gaingels, GFR Fund, New Renaissance Ventures, Square Enix and Wagmi Ventures. Additional participants in the funding rounds included Flamingo DAO, Founders Inc., Landvault, Monaverse, Neon DAO and Slope Fund. Atlas is supported by strategic advisors and angel investors Timmu Toke (CEO & Co-Founder, Ready Player Me), Abel Mathew (Prev CEO & Co-Founder, Backtrace, Prev CTO Sauce Labs) and Geoff Renaud (CMO & Co-Founder, Invisible North).

The new funding will be used to accelerate the expansion of Atlas suite of developer solutions  which already allows current partners to scale asset development while lowering production times  and buildout a self-service 3D AI creator platform.

Led by Ben James, CEO, Atlas is a 3D generative AI platform that partners with game developers and brands to create virtual worlds and experiences. The companys suite of AI products helps enterprise and next-gen creators generate custom, IP-specific assets for video games, virtual ecosystems and XR experiences. Atlas is headquartered in and deployed worldwide. Partners Include AAA and Web3 Gaming Studios Square Enix, Consortium9 and Shrapnel.

FinSMEs

14/11/2023
Fortuna Health, a NYC-based consumer-first platform simplifying Medicaid navigation, raised $4m in seed funding.

The round was led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) Bio + Health with participation from BoxGroup and Y Combinator. Fortunas seed round included healthcare angels and advisors including Jeff Sachs (CEO, Sachs Policy Group), Cyrus Massoumi (founder, Zocdoc), Jeff Gerard (former President, Sutter Health Bay Area), Elliot Cohen (Founder, PillPack), Iyah and Sylvia Romm (Founder and former Chief Health Officer, Cityblock), Ellen DaSilva (Founder, Summer Health), as well as EGOT winner, entrepreneur, and social advocate John Legend who came into the round through support from a16zs Cultural Leadership Fund. Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) Bio + Health with participation from BoxGroup and Y Combinator.

The company intends to use the funds to accelerates state expansion and partnerships with managed care organizations (MCOs), health systems, and service providers in the Medicaid space.

Led by Nikita Singareddy, CEO, Fortuna Health is a consumer-first platform for navigating Medicaid end-to-end from eligibility and enrollment to recertification. The self-serve platform eliminates the need to interact with state portals and physical forms, screens for Medicaid eligibility in under 60 seconds with enrollment and recertification in more than seven languages. To accelerate application completion, consumers can connect third-party accounts to populate form fields, photo upload documents, and receive text/email notifications for urgent actions. The company provides additional live support from licensed navigators as needed.

Fortuna Health is already partnered with organizations that touch thousands of Medicaid members in Minnesota, New York, and Pennsylvania.

FinSMEs

15/11/2023
Gilde Healthcare, a Utrecht, The Netherlands-based healthcare investor, closed its Gilde Healthcare Venture&Growth VI fund, at 740m.

Fund VI is backed by international investors, including healthcare corporates, (Dutch) pension funds, banks, insurers, fund-of-funds, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, family offices, entrepreneurs and the Gilde team.

Read more on VCWire.tech, our new tech venture capital website.

FinSMEs

15/11/2023
Gratia Health, an Austin, TX-based healthtech company, raised an undisclosed amount in Seed funding.

The round was led by JumpStart Capital.

The company also announced a major contract with strategic partner, ScionHealth, to implement its incentive compensation platform across ScionHealths more than 70 specialty hospitals. ScionHealth and Gratia are already looking to build upon their initial success by piloting and rolling out additional incentive programs, including attendance and preceptorship, to further address workforce health in 2024.

Led by President Harrison Tyner, Gratia is a health technology startup that specializes in helping healthcare employers create healthy, sustainable workforces through its incentive compensation platform. It aims to develop and deploy a portfolio of data informed incentive programs that help create more sustainable work environments for shift-based healthcare providers, like nurses. Its programs are designed using proven behavioral science concepts to address chronic workforce challenges within systems and are deployed using its proprietary software platform that gamifies the experience for participating providers.

Employees can utilize Gratias two-way texting application to check their status in the incentive program, easily engage and ask questions. It delivers automated nudges and progress notifications to caregivers that optimize the program for engagement and reward attainment. In addition, Gratia provides administrators with tools to gauge program performance and streamline back-office support functions.

FinSMEs

15/11/2023
InPlanet, a Munich, Germany- and Piracicaba, Brazil-based company which specializes in carbon removal, raised 5.6M in funding.

The round was led by FoodLabs and Salvia, as well as investors from the Pre-Seed Round who invested again, including Mudcake, Carbon Removal Partners and Ubermorgen Ventures.

The company intends to use the funds to scale its measurement, reporting and verification capabilities, and to spread 200,000 tonnes of rock powder to capture 40,000 tonnes of CO 2 .

Led by CEO Felix Harteneck, and COO Niklas Kluger, InPlanet accelerates the carbon removal process by distributing suitable rock powder on agricultural land in the tropics, because climate and soil provide optimal weathering conditions. In addition to the ability to remove carbon from the atmosphere, Enhanced Rock Weathering regenerates tropical soils and fertilises crops. This allows farmers to reduce the input of limestone, synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. Therefore, the company also contributes to emission reductions and a more sustainable way of farming, growing health and nutritious food.

InPlanet plans to remove its first megaton of carbon by 2026.

Commenting on the news, Felix Harteneck said: The rapid progress we made in the last twelve months is demonstrating the huge potential of ERW as a CDR technology as well as a game changer for farmers. We are excited to pave the way with our partners and investors to establish InPlanet as a thought leader in the tropics! I am especially thankful for our fast-growing, impact-driven team, forming a unique company culture with us founders.

FinSMEs

15/11/2023
Keychain Co-Founder Jordan Weitz, CEO and Co-Founder Oisin Hanrahan, and COO and Co-Founder Umang Dua

Keychain, a NYC-based manufacturing platform for the packaged goods industry, raised $18 million in seed funding.

The round was led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, with participation from BoxGroup, Afore Capital, SV Angel, and over 20 CPG industry professionals.

Founded by Handy founders Oisin Hanrahan and Umang Dua, respectively, CEO and CRO, Keychain is a platform for CPG manufacturing that works with brands and retailers to bring clarity and convenience to the process of creating products that consumers love. Starting with a network of over 10,000 manufacturers, Keychains proprietary, AI-powered platform helps brands quickly find the right manufacturing partners.

Oisin Hanrahan and Umang Dua are joined by cofounder Jordan Weitz, who brings experience in the CPG sector from his time in private equity and venture capital.

Moving forward, Keychain aims to help its partners navigate the entire manufacturing process, all the way from competitive intelligence and manufacturer sourcing, to terms negotiation, onboarding, and compliance.

While the company plans to open its platform to select retailers and brands in 2024, Keychain is currently available only to invited partners.

FinSMEs

14/11/2023
Martian, a San Francisco, CA-based company providing an AI based orchestration layer solution, has just raised $9M in funding. In conjunction with the funding, Co-CEOs Etan Ginsberg and Shriyash Upadhyay answered our questions about the company, the solution they offer, the funding and future plans.

FinSMEs: Hi Yash and Etan, can you tell us a bit more about yourselves? Whats your background?

We were previously doing AI researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, where we met in 2020. Weve previously founded and exited NLP companies in the 2010s.

FinSMEs: Lets speak about Martian. What is the market problem you want to solve? What is the real opportunity?

Today, were solving the problem of finding the best models for your application.

Its becoming easier and easier to create language models  the cost of compute is going down, algorithms are becoming more efficient, and more open source tools are available to create these models. As a result, more companies and developers are creating custom models trained on custom data. As these models have different costs and capabilities, you can get better performance by using multiple models, but its difficult to test them all and to find the right ones to use. We take care of that for developers.

This is part of our broader mission to understand AI.

Each time we improve our fundamental understanding of models, it results in a paradigm shift for AI. Fine-tuning was the paradigm driven by understanding outputs. Prompting is the paradigm driven by understanding inputs. That single difference in our understanding of models is much of what differentiates traditional ML (lets train a regressor) and modern generative AI (lets prompt a baby AGI).

Our goal is to consistently deliver such breakthroughs until AI is fully understood and we have a theory of intelligence as robust as our theories of logic or calculus.

In the words of Sir Francis Bacon, Knowledge is power. Accordingly, the best way to be sure that we understand AI is to release powerful tools. In our opinion, a model router is a tool of that kind. Were excited to build it, grow it, and put it in peoples hands.

FinSMEs: What are the features differentiating the product from competitors?

We invented model routing, and were the first to market. That means the alternatives for most companies will be sticking with a single model or trying to build a routing system in house. Routing can provide some really awesome results  some of our customers have seen a ~12x decrease in cost, and were able to outperform GPT-4 on OpenAIs own evals (openai/evals on github). So companies who are only using a single model are missing a competitive advantage.

As for others who might try to build a router? Its easy to make a router, but its hard to make a good router. How many routing systems are going to be able to outperform GPT-4? Our technology  which lets us gain a more fundamental understanding of how models operate  gives us the ability to route in a way that is more sophisticated and effective.

FinSMEs: You just raised a new funding round. Please, tell us more about it.

Were excited to share some great news! Weve raised $9M from some truly amazing partners  NEA, Prosus Ventures, CVP (Carya Venture Partners), and General Catalyst. Its an honor to join forces with these venture firms, each bringing their unique expertise to our mission. Their investment is more than just financial support; its a partnership that opens up new opportunities for us. With this funding, were ready to make our routing product even better, reach out to more customers, and deepen our understanding of our models inner workings. This is a big step forward for Martian, and we cant wait to see where this journey takes us.

FinSMEs: Can you share some numbers and achievements of the business?

Were really excited about the performance weve seen from our router. Weve been able to out-perform GPT-4 on OpenAIs own evals (openai/evals on github). Were able to perform as well as or better than GPT-4 on >88% of the tasks in openai/evals. And we dont just outperform on metrics like accuracy; on average, the router is 20% less expensive than GPT-4  even though we are routing solely based on accuracy and similar metrics in those experiments. On some tasks, we see greater than 30x reductions in cost. With some of our existing customers, weve seen cost reductions in production as large as 12x. And thats even before counting the reduction in total cost of ownership for AI by providing a system thats future-proofed and obviates model selection.

Plus, thats just on our general purpose router. For enterprise clients, weve built custom routers. Some of those routers have been preferred over GPT-4 over 90% of the time when annotated according to human preferences.

FinSMEs: What are your medium-term plans?

There are two things were really excited to do.

The first is to work with the community to improve the model router; were already getting some pretty awesome results and were excited to see what we can do when partnering with developers and customers.

The second is to release additional tools that the community can use, based around model mapping. Theres a lot to learn about how models work and a lot we can do with those learnings.

FinSMEs

15/11/2023
OpsLab, an Austin, TX-based provider of smart assistants to solve operational planning, tracking and recovery problems at scale, raised $5M in Seed funding.

The round was led by Cultivation Capital and joined by Storm Ventures.

The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its business reach.

Led by Arun Nair, Founder and CEO, OpsLab provides solutions that, built with operations research and machine learning, tackle reactive and predictive aspects of problems like scheduling, routing and dispatch, and automate away the most complex parts of solving such problems.

For airlines, the solutions reduce overall cost of operations by automating crew scheduling and help manage air crews and ground staff operations.

For Department of Defense, the companys solutions address pilot shortages in the U.S. Airforce by increasing the throughput of training (Air Education and Training Command) and combat readiness (Air Combat Command) programs. Its AI platform solves this problem by automating squadron schedule planning and sortie reflowing.

For road transport, its online dispatch solution matches riders to drivers, and more generally, service providers (e.g. electricians, plumbers) to service requests instantly.

FinSMEs

15/11/2023
Urbanic, a London, UK-based fashion brand, raised $150M in Series C funding.

The round saw participation from Mirabaud Lifestyle Impact & Innovation Fund, New York-based public-private hybrid investment firm D1 Capital Partners, JAM Fund, and other investors.

The company intends to use the funds to accelerate its growth and expansion of technology-driven and socially responsible fashion designs to more global consumers.

Led by James Wellwood, Urbanic is a fashion brand focused on bringing creativity and technology to global consumers. It leverages an AI and machine learning-based model technology-driven engine, supported by its proprietary Large Language Model (LLM) trained on a variety of code bases, which is capable of systematically generating fashion, creativity and content powered by AIGC, and improve the overall efficiency of the supply chain for the industry.

FinSMEs

15/11/2023
American actor Angelina Jolie recently expressed deep concern and sadness over the mass expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan. Jolie criticised Pakistan for abruptly pushing back Afghan refugees, expressing deep concern for their survival

In an Instagram post, Angelina Jolie slammed Pakistan for the unexpected decision to send back Afghan families. Emphasizing on Pakistans long history of supporting Afghan refugee families, the actor lamented the sudden expulsion owing to which women are being denied basic rights.

Jolie further explained that Pakistans long history of supporting Afghan refugee families and its sudden decision to oust the Afghans from their land has led to problems for women who are being denied basic rights.

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 todays 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.

(With inputs from agencies)
On Monday (13 November), the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the Al-Shifa Hospital, the Gaza Strips largest and most advanced hospital, had stopped functioning due to loss of power and water supply.

Today (15 November), the troops from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) raided the hospital after alleging that Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, has a command centre underneath it used to conceal military operations and hostages.

Israels claim has been repeatedly denied by the hospital officials and the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.

What exactly is happening inside the hospital? Is it as Israel alleges a command centre for the Palestinian terrorist group? We take a better look at what is happening there and why?

Where is Al-Shifa Hospital? What is its purpose?

The Dar Al-Shifa (House of Healing) hospital is the leading medical centre in the Gaza Strip. Located in Gaza City, in the north of the tiny Palestinian enclave, the hospital comprises a group of six-storey buildings. It had between 600 and 900 beds and thousands of staff, and before the war, provided a range of services such as MRI scans, dialysis that almost no other hospital in Gaza offered.

Since the Israel-Hamas war began on 7 October, the hospital has also become a shelter to those displaced by the fighting and also by those who are seeking cover from the fierce bombardment by the Israeli side.

What has happened so far in todays raids?

For the past few days, the Al-Shifa Hospital has become the focus of the Israel-Hamas war. It has been caught in the crossfire of the war, putting its patients and staffers at risk.

In fact, the hospital stopped functioning on Monday owing to lack of essential supplies like electricity and medicines, putting newborns, patients and others at a graver risk. In fact, earlier, the staff at the hospital said that three babies had died along with other patients, as they had to be pulled off incubators.

Hospital staff had, earlier, also alleged that the IDF was striking the hospital and had laid siege around it.

And on Wednesday morning, it was reported that the IDF had entered the facility and carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas. In a post on X, Israel stated: IDF forces are carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in the Shifa Hospital, based on intelligence information and an operational necessity. The IDF is conducting a ground operation in Gaza to defeat Hamas and rescue our hostages. Israel is at war with Hamas, not with the civilians in Gaza.

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 also signalled that once inside the hospital, it would continue to have a presence there, writing, in the continuation of the operation, incubators, medical equipment and baby food are expected to be transferred to the hospital.

The doctors and other medical staff confirmed that the IDF was present inside the facility, with Dr Munir al-Bursh, director-general of the Gaza health ministry telling Al Jazeera that Israeli forces had raided the western side of the sprawling site.

Ashraf al-Qidra, a Gaza health ministry spokesperson, added that the forces was in the basement, and searching the basement. They are inside the complex, shooting and carrying out bombings.

This happened after Israeli forces reportedly raided the surgery and emergency departments.

A journalist, Khader Al Zaanoun, also told CNN that Israeli tanks had breached the complex, saying, We can see them pointing the guns of the tanks toward the hospital.

Various accounts are being reported about the Israeli raids in the hospital. Dr Ahmed El Mokhallalati, a surgeon at Al-Shifa, told Al Jazeera that patients were fearful and there was a lot of uncertainty. We dont know what they will do to us. We dont know whether they will kill people or terrorise them. Peoples fear stems from not knowing the occupations next step.

Currently, it is being reported that an estimated 650 patients remain in the hospital. Between 5,000 and 7,000 displaced civilians are also trapped inside the hospital grounds and under constant fire from Israeli snipers and drones.

Far away from the action, the deputy consul general of Israel in New York also provided inputs on the raids while speaking to BBC. Tsach Saar when asked about the action on the hospital reiterated the IDFs statement, calling it a precise and targeted operation.

However, when pushed further on what that meant, he responded saying, It means that we are doing everything we can to dismantle the capabilities of Hamas Everything we can means that we take the weapons, that we dismantle their fighters, their terrorists, while making sure that we minimise the collateral damage, the loss of innocent civilian lives.

Why the raids on the hospital though?

Israel has been slowly closing in on the hospital and said that the operations today were because Hamas was using it as a command centre. Israel alleges that Hamas has built its headquarters in bunkers and tunnels under the hospital, effectively using the building, patients and staff as a human shield.

On Monday, Israels chief military spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, showed footage of what he said was a Hamas weapons cache found in the basement of Gazas Rantisi Hospital for Children, another hospital in the enclave.

A day later, the White House also reiterated Israels allegations, saying that Hamas was storing weapons and operating a command node from the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza. 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, John Kirby, a National Security Council spokesman, told reporters traveling with President Joe Biden.

After the raids began, IDFs spokesperson justifying their actions said that the Al-Shifa Hopsital had become the beating heart of Hamas. Our goal is to seek out Hamas wherever theyre hiding and the hospital compound is a central hub of their operations, perhaps even the beating heart and maybe even a centre of gravity, he told CNN in an interview shortly after the IDF began its military operation inside Al-Shifa.

The Israel-Hamas war: Related coverage

What happens once Israel dismantles Hamas in Gaza? The possibilities explained

Why Qatar has become indispensable in the Israel-Hamas war

What the Hamas war means for Israels economy and Benjamin Netanyahu

How children have the most to lose in the Israel-Hamas War

However, these claims have been denied by Hamas as well as officials at the hospital.

Hamas blamed Israel and the US for the raids on the hospital and added that it constituted a failure by the United Nations to defend Palestinians. Hamas claimed the US had given Israel, a green light to commit more massacres against civilians by supporting what it called Israels false narrative  that Hamas was using Al-Shifa hospital as a command and control base.

Additionally, Ashraf al-Qidra said that there are only doctors, patients and displaced people inside Al-Shifa Hospital. We have nothing to be afraid of or hide, Al Jazeera Arabic quoted him as saying.

Are the raids lawful?

As per the laws of war, mandated by the Geneva Conventions, hospitals get special protections during war.

However, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), they lose protections if combatants are using the premises to hide fighters or store weapons  exactly what Israel is accusing Hamas of doing at Al Shifa.

Ardi Imseis, an international law expert at Queens University in Canada, was quoted as saying that Israel carries the burden to produce evidence and prove its claim that the hospital has been used by Hamas as a base. The object of the attack is a civilian object. Until such time that the Israelis provide proof that it has been converted into a military object, the civilian nature of the object does not change, he said, referring to Al-Shifa Hospital.

With inputs from agencies
Concerned about an increase of COVID-19 infections in the current winter season, Chinese experts have issued an alert and advised vaccination for vulnerable and old groups.

The Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese CDC) shows that a total of 209 new severe COVID-19 cases and 24 deaths caused by COVID-19 were reported across the country in October, with the prevalent strains all being XBB variants, official media reported on Monday.

According to the state-run Global Times, Chinas leading respiratory illness expert Zhong Nanshan warned of a minor COVID-19 surge in the winter and urged the elderly and vulnerable populations to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

The virus is undergoing mutations, while the general populations ability to fight off the disease is declining because their antibody levels are lowering as time passes, Lu Hongzhou, head of the Third Peoples Hospital of Shenzhen, told the Daily.

According to Lu, there may be a rise in COVID-19 cases during the winter seasons. Also, autumn and winter are known for high influenza rates, so people should also be cautious of potential co-infections, according to Lu.

While it is still necessary to continue implementing prevention and control measures in the winter season, there is no need to be overly concerned about it, said Lu.

The coronavirus which first emerged in Wuhan towards the end of 2019 had spiralled into a massive pandemic in which millions of people died all over the world while it affected the health of millions more.

China steadfastly denied the allegations that the virus that shook the world was leaked from a bio-lab in Wuhan.

While the world grappled with the fast-emerging variants of coronavirus, China disconnected itself from the rest of the world by banning or restricting flights from abroad.

At home, China resorted to periodic shutdowns of various cities including Shanghai which severely affected its economy.

As a result, the worlds second-largest still remained in slowdown mode despite various efforts by the government to revive it.

As the winter approached, apart from the risk of COVID-19 infection, there has been a high incidence of mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) and influenza in recent weeks, the CDC said and cautioned about mixed infection of multiple respiratory pathogens until next spring, the Global Times report said.

With inputs from PTI
The year is 1985. A young 31-year-old Xi Jinping, then a county Communist Party committee secretary, made his way to San Francisco and posed in front of the Golden Gate Bridge. Cut to 38 years later, and Xi Jinping, now the president of China, will return to San Francisco and meet with his US counterpart Joe Biden on the sidelines of the APEC meet today (15 November). Whether he poses again along the Golden Gate Bridge is yet unknown.

A lot has changed since then. Xi has become president of China; the country has grown into a superpower and has also seen a deterioration of ties with the United States.

Many geopolitical observers will be closely watching over this meet between the two world leaders. After all, the last time they met was a year ago in Bali during a summit of the G20 countries.

More importantly, what fruit will this meet between the two  Biden and Xi  bear?

A much-awaited meet

Xis visit to America  his last came in 2017 and he was welcomed by then President Donald Trump at his Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago and the two enjoyed the most beautiful piece of chocolate cake  is much awaited. This will also be only the second time that Xi meets Biden after the latter assumed presidency in 2020.

According to reports, Biden has long wanted to sit face-to-face with Xi and resolve long-standing issues between Washington and Beijing. The last time they met in Bali, they spoke for three hours.

But since then ties have only deteriorated between the two nations. Relations were sidetracked in February after an alleged Chinese spy balloon was spotted drifting across the United States. The Biden administration had then said the balloon was equipped with high tech surveillance gear, and shot it down. China responded by saying it was a weather balloon that was blown off course, and accused the US of overreacting.

The Ukraine-Russia war also led to a deterioration of ties, with both sides accusing one another of fanning the flames of the conflict. And then there was the ever-looming problem of Taiwan and the increased presence of China in the South China Sea.

But the Biden administration has since then worked hard to get Xi to the table, which has finally materialised with the meet today on the sidelines of the APEC summit. As one official said of the meet, This is not the relationship of five or 10 years ago. Were not talking about a long list of outcomes or deliverables. The goals here really are about managing the competition, preventing the down-side risk of conflict, and ensuring channels of communication are open.

And when they meet, there will be no such thing as a small detail. As officials were quoted as telling CBS News, its going to be pretty intense, as conflicting interests between Washington and Beijing might mean the seemingly trivial becomes meaningful.

Issues to figure at the Biden-Xi meet

There are multiple issues that Xi and Biden will speak of during their talks, but some will gain more significance than others. And the most important among them will be the matter of Taiwan. China considers the island part of its territory and opposes Taiwanese independence. Xi will want Biden to reiterate the United States position that it does not support Taiwanese independence.

Taiwan has become a hot button for the two since former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island in August 2022, leading to military-to-military communications between the superpowers ceasing. 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 US national security interest.

Another urgent issue that will figure in the talks is Beijings role in the Israel-Hamas war. Analysts believe that Biden will urge Xi to use his influence with Iran and restrain the Israel-Hamas war plunging the West Asia region into a larger, more complicated conflict.

According to a South China Morning Post report, the two world leaders will also announce a ban on the use of artificial intelligence in autonomous weaponry, such as drones, and in the control and deployment of nuclear warheads. Both Washington and Beijing have expressed concerns over the unregulated use of this technology to fuel conflicts.

It is also reported that Biden will press China on stemming the flow of fentanyl, which has become a leading cause of death among young Americans. This will help Biden show that his foreign policy is not just aimed at the elites but also the ordinary common man. In fact, Bloomberg reports that the two will announce a deal on the same in which Beijing would go after chemical companies, and In return, the Biden administration would lift restrictions on Chinas forensic police institute.

Biden will also likely press Xi on using Chinas influence on North Korea. This comes amid heightened anxiety over an increased pace of ballistic missile tests by North Korea.

The issue of fair trade and decoupling will also figure in the talks between the two. Earlier, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen had told Chinese vice premier He Lifeng, The United States has no desire to decouple from China. A full separation of our economies would be economically disastrous for both our countries, and for the world.

Temper your expectations

Geopolitical observers note that while Biden and Xis meet will attempt to help stabilise the relationship between Washington and Beijing, there should be realism about true breakthroughs.

Orville Schell, director of the Centre on US-China Relations at the Asia Society in New York, told Axios, Xi is now engaged in a charm offensive, but still equates reciprocity and compromise as hallmarks of weakness rather than as essential tools of diplomacy.

This will make it difficult for Xi and Biden to achieve any realistic outcome from the meet.

Bonny Lin, Director of the China Power Project at the Centre for Strategic & International Studies in Washington agreed with this view. She told NPR, I dont think either side are going in expecting major deliverables or major breakthroughs in the relationship, but it could empower the two sides to continue to make progress on areas where weve seen improvement.

Furthermore, analysts believe that both leaders will also be more unwilling to appease or negotiate, as they try to court their domestic audience. Keep in mind, Biden is facing an election next year, while Xi Jinping is facing trouble within his government and the countrys economy is faring poorly.

However, in conclusion, despite the many challenges, simply holding the meeting is a win  for both the countries as well as the world.

With inputs from agencies
Five days and counting. Thats how long 40 labourers have been trapped inside the Uttarkashi tunnel that is being built between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway.

And it seems that the long wait to rescue the trapped labourers is weighing heavy on fellow workers at the site. They staged a protest, shouting Hamare aadmi nikalo (Take out our men..), at the site of the accident and where the relief and rescue operation was underway.

#WATCH | Uttarkashi tunnel accident | A protest by workers breaks out at the site of the accident where the relief and rescue operation is ongoing. #Uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/bvvXrASSTh  ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) November 15, 2023

The workers and some family members lamented over the absence of an alternative plan and the slow pace of the rescue work as the labourers continued being trapped in the tunnel.

But what has led to the delay in getting the trapped labourers out? Why has it taken the officials so long to rescue them?

Landslides and loose rocks

Forty labourers have been trapped inside the Uttarkashi tunnel since Sunday when a landslide caused the tragedy to take place. Since then, authorities have been carrying out rescue efforts on a war footing.

The rescue teams have been ensuring that the labourers are as comfortable as possible in such a situation. They have through a pipe provided the workers with oxygen and food and on Wednesday even sent medicine to them.

However, the rescue plans have been facing delays due to a number of factors. One of the primary issues is the occurrence of a landslide and the loosening of rocks. A fresh landslide took place on Tuesday, hampering operations and also injuring two rescue workers, who have since been moved to a hospital.

Dr Sudhir Krishna, former secretary of Union Urban Development ministry, also told NDTV that the Himalayan region comprises soft rocks in general, complicating the operations even further.

Echoing similar sentiments, Dr Charu Pant, retired faculty of geology with Kumaun University, told NDTV, I have been in Silkyara. The rocks there are closely spaced. The zone where this collapse has taken place is a shear zone, meaning the rocks are weak and broken.

What this means is that digging is even more difficult, and this could possibly be on the reasons why rescue operations are being delayed.

Technical problems

Apart from the landslide and the topography of the area, theres also the problem of machinery, which is slowing down the rescue operations. On Tuesday, officials began to drill through the debris and install steel pipes using an auger machine, to get the workers out.

This method, known as the trenchless technique was to put together passages made of mild steel pipes right through the debris so the men can crawl out. However, the auger machine failed on Tuesday, prompting officials to get a new one from Delhi. Explaining what went wrong, an official said that the older machine, brought from Dehradun, could not drill through the rubble; it was unable to cut through the rocks and hence, the decision was made to bring in a newer machine from the Capital.

And with a new machine, officials have also decided to adopt a new plan to rescue the trapped labourers. Bhupendra Singh, DGM, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, told Indian Express, We are first installing a 125 mm pipe for air, food, camera and communication. That pipe is already 12 metres in. Also, a state-of-the-art, American-made horizontal dry drilling equipment with auger is on its way.

We are almost certain this plan will work. If not, the final option will be using conventional drilling using the pipe roof umbrella method. Under that, we will build an entire tunnel and it will take five-six days as it goes just around 10 metres a day. However, we are sure it will not come to that and the second plan will work, he said.

Families Speak

As of today, the trapped labourers are safe inside the tunnel. One of the trapped labourers communicated with his son late Monday night and reassured them that they were safe and sound inside.

Speaking of his conversation with his father, Akash was quoted as saying, He mentioned that they are doing well and receiving regular food packets.

But family members continue to be sceptical and wary. Uttarakhand resident Maharaj Singh Negi, whose brother is trapped inside, told Indian Express, The administrations efforts are only partially satisfactory. More than 60 hours have passed We are unable to gain access inside (the tunnel) and are unaware of the steps being taken by the administration. Some people are saying they will be out in a few hours, others say it might take days.

Questions galore

But as the rescue operations continue, experts have also raised pertinent questions and concerns. One of the many questions being asked is why did the tunnel cave-in? And experts have a possible answer to this. They state that inadequate investigations prior to the excavation or inappropriate tunnel building protocols could be the likely reasons that could explain the partial collapse of the tunnel.

Ravi Chopra, the chairman of the High Power Committee formed by the Supreme Court to conduct the environmental assessment of the Char Dham National Highway project, was also quoted as telling DownToEarth, Surveys and investigations are both costly and time-consuming. Governments want projects completed with the least amount of money and in the shortest amount of time possible. Incidents like Silkyara are the result of this.

Environmentalists and conservationists also argue that a lot of construction is faulty or done in a haphazard manner, owing to which accidents like the tunnel collapse could take place. Mallika Bhanot, a volunteer with Ganga Avahan, a citizens forum in Uttarakhand that has been campaigning for what it describes as responsible development, told The Telegraph, The tunneling done as part of the project is inconsiderate of the Himalayan environment.

The 4.5-km tunnel is being built to connect Uttarkashi and Yamunotri and is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modis Char Dham project.

With inputs from agencies
The intense campaigning for the second and final phase of Chhattisgarh polls, scheduled for November 17, concluded on Wednesday evening. The campaign witnessed bitter exchanges between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi played a prominent role in the BJPs campaign, addressing four well-attended rallies for the second phase. The focus of the campaign was on targeting Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghels government, particularly over corruption allegations such as the Mahadev betting app scam and recruitment scandal, as well as issues related to Naxalism.

Union ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and Smriti Irani, along with BJP president JP Nadda and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, actively campaigned for the saffron party. Their criticisms were directed at Baghel over the alleged betting app scam and religious conversion while accusing the ruling Congress of engaging in appeasement politics.

BJP leaders claimed that the Congress had been battered in the first phase of polls and would be wiped out in the second.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, senior leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi and CM Baghel led the campaign for the ruling party and mounted a counter-offensive claiming that their party is concerned about the interest of the poor while the BJP-led Centre only works for the welfare of the rich.

Congress based its campaign on a slew of welfare schemes rolled out by the Baghel government for farmers, women, tribals and Dalits, and accused the Centre of handing over resources to industrialist friends. It has tried to woo farmers with a promise of loan waiver, also made by it in 2018, and Other Backward Castes (OBCs) with the promise of caste census.

Notably, Baghel on Sunday announced that if his party retains power in the state, women in the state would get annual financial assistance of Rs 15,000.

The announcement, which came just ahead of the second phase of Chhattisgarh elections on November 17, is being seen as a counter to the opposition BJPs promise in its poll manifesto of giving Rs 12,000 per year to married women, which, according to political observers, could work in the favour of the saffron party.

Of the 90 assembly constituencies in the state, the second phase of voting will be held in the 70 spread in 22 districts of the state on Friday. The time of polling in all 70 constituencies is from 8 am to 5 pm, except nine polling booths in the Naxal-affected Bindranawagarh seat in Rajim district, where voting will be held from 7 am to 3 pm.

The polling booths in Bindranawagarh seat where voting will be held from 7 am to 3 pm are Kamarbhaudi, Amamora, Odh, Bade Gobra, Ganwargaon, Gariba, Nagesh, Sahbinkachhar and Kodomali.

Campaigning in these polling station areas ended at 3 pm, while it went on till 5 pm at other places.

In the second phase, the political fate of 958 candidates, including 827 men, 130 women and one transgender, will be decided by an estimated 1,63,14,479 voters, including 81,41,624 male, 81,72,171 female and 684 third-gender. As many as 18,833 polling booths have been set up for the second phase.

Of these polling booths, 700 are sangwari booths which will be managed by women polling personnel, an official said.

At 26, the Raipur City West seat has the highest number of contestants, while it is the lowest in the Daundilohara constituency where 4 candidates are in the fray.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel (Patan seat), assembly speaker Charan Das Mahant (Sakti), Deputy CM TS Singh Deo (Ambikapur) and eight state ministers, including Tamrdhwaj Sahu (Durg Rural) and Ravindra Choubey (Saja), are among prominent candidates from Congress in the first phase.

From BJP, state chief and MP Arun Sao (Lormi), leader of opposition Narayan Chandel (Janjgir-Champa), Union minister of State for Tribal Affairs Renuka Singh (Bharatpur-Sonhat-ST), MP Gomti Sai (Pathalgaon-ST), senior MLA and former ministers Brijmohan Agrawal (Raipur South), Ajay Chandrakar (Kurud) and Punnulal Mohile (Mungeli) are among key candidates for the November 17 elections.

Chief Minister Baghel has been contesting from his traditional Patan seat where BJP has fielded his distant nephew and party MP Vijay Baghel. The entry of Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (J) state president and son of former chief minister Ajit Jogi, Amit Jogi, in the fray from Patan has added another dimension to the contest.

BJP has fielded a fresh face, Rajesh Agrawal, against TS Singh Deo in Ambikapur. Agrawal had joined the BJP, quitting Congress ahead of assembly polls in 2018. On the last day of campaigning, Amit Shah, JP Nadda, Himanta Biswa Sarma and Rahul Gandhi were among the prominent leaders who canvassed for their respective parties.

In the previous assembly polls in 2018, Congress had won 51 of these 70 constituencies, while BJP ended up with 13 and Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (J), or JCC (J), four and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) two. Congress later won one more seat in the bypoll.

The first phase of elections on 20 seats was held on November 7, which saw a high voter turnout of 78 per cent.

The Congress had registered a landslide victory in the 2018 polls, winning 68 seats, and comfortably formed the government. The BJP was reduced to 15 seats, while the JCC (J) and the BSP bagged 5 and 2 seats, respectively.

The current strength of the Congress is 71.

With PTI inputs.
The Indian Navy has been closely monitoring the movements of a Chinese submarine and warships taking part in a naval drill with Pakistan, according to government sources on Wednesday.

The Navy is monitoring the Chinese platforms from the moment they entered the Indian Ocean region through the Malacca strait, they added.

Chinas PLA Navy has deployed a number of platforms, including frontline warships and a submarine, for the Sea Guardian exercise with Pakistan.

As part of Indias comprehensive maritime domain awareness, the Navy maintains a close watch on all the movements in the Indian Ocean region, in line with national security interests, the sources told PTI.

All-weather friends China and Pakistan are conducting the third edition of the Sea Guardian bilateral naval exercise in the northern Arabian Sea from 11 to 17 November.

The exercise comes as India and the United States held the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi in the presence of US secretaries Antony Blinken and Lloyd Austin.

The exercise is aimed at enhancing defence cooperation between both sides. Pakistan has also deployed frontline destroyers, frigates, helicopters and more for the naval exercise.

The Sea Guardian-3 exercise is divided into two phases  harbour and sea phase  in which both navies share experience on contemporary maritime security challenges and conduct advanced level naval operations, including maritime security operations, tactical manoeuvres, various warfare-related exercises and search and rescue operations.

The Pakistan Navy has said that the exercise will further strengthen the decades-old and time-tested friendship between Islamabad and Beijing, according to Dawn. The exercise began in the presence of Liang Yang, commander at the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) Navy base.

It is no doubt that the growing bonhomie between China and Pakistan is a major source of concern, given that Beijing seeks to enlargen its footprint in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and is actively supporting the modernisation of the Pakistani Army

In the first half of August, India raised concerns over a Chinese surveillance warship Shi Yan 6 that docked at the Colombo Port. Sri Lanka had delayed the arrival of the Chinese vessel after concerns raised by India.

With inputs from agencies
At least 36 people were killed and 19 injured in Jammu and Kashmirs Doda district on Wednesday after a bus carrying passengers skidded off the road and rolled down into a 300-foot gorge.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed grief over the incident.

The bus accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir is distressing. My condolences to the families who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest, Modi said on X.

He announced that an ex-gratia amount of Rs 2 lakh each would be given to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each would be given to the injured from the from the Prime Ministers National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

The bus accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir is distressing. My condolences to the families who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Rs.  PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 15, 2023

The bus bearing registration number JK02CN-6555 was reportedly carrying around 40 passengers, the officials said, adding that it skidded off the road near Trungal-Assar on the Batote-Kishtwar national highway and fell 300 feet downhill.

A rescue operation has been launched and some bodies have been retrieved, they said.

Saddened to share the update from DC #Doda Sh Harvinder Singh from the spot of the accident. Unfortunately, 36 persons have died and 19 injured, out of whom 6 injured are serious. The injured are being shifted to GMC Doda and GMC #Jammu as per requirement. All possible help being provided. Sincere condolences to the bereaved families, Union minister Jitendra Singh, who is the member of Parliament from Jammu and Kashmirs Anantnag, said.

Deeply anguished to learn about the loss of precious lives due to a tragic bus accident at Doda, Jammu and Kashmir. The local administration is conducting the rescue operation in the gorge where the bus had the accident. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured, Shah said on X.

Deeply anguished to learn about the loss of precious lives due to a tragic bus accident at Doda, Jammu and Kashmir. The local administration is conducting the rescue operation in the gorge where the bus had the accident. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 15, 2023

Extremely pained by the loss of lives in a tragic bus accident in Assar, Doda. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families and wishing for a speedy recovery of those injured in the accident. Directed Div Com and Dist Admin to provide all necessary assistance to affected persons, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on the microblogging website.

Due to the fall from a considerable height, the bus has got badly damaged, sources said.

Police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, besides locals, are involved in the rescue operation, they said, adding that some of the injured passengers have been shifted to hospitals.

With PTI inputs.
Hundreds of Indian MBBS students, who had to leave war-hit Ukraine in 2021, have resumed their studies in a leading medical university in Uzbekistan. The Samarkand State Medical University in Uzbekistan welcomed over 1,000 Indian medical students who were evacuated from Ukraine after the Indian Embassy there inquired about the possibility of a transfer for the affected students.

Amit, originally from Bihars Begusarai, experienced the Russian attack in Ukraine and spent one night in a basement. He was among the students evacuated by the Indian government through the Operation Ganga initiative.

Operation Ganga was launched by the Indian government to bring back Indians stranded in Ukraine, resulting in the successful evacuation of a total of 18,282 Indian nationals under the initiative.

I thought I wouldnt make it and would either die or will be stranded in Ukraine. Once I was back home in India, me and my family were relieved but then began the never-ending cycle of uncertainty about what was next. I had finished three years of my MBBS in Ukraine and to start all over again or pursue something else was not an option I wanted to consider. I later decided to move to Uzbekistan, Amit told PTI.

He says living expenses in Samarkand are higher than that of Ukraine but he is happy to be able to continue his education.

Tanwi Wadhva from Punjabs Ferozepur, who was studying at Bukovinian State Medical University in Ukraine, was apprehensive about joining the university due to the loss of a semester.

I attended online classes for eight months. We were hopeful that the war would end and we would go back. Some students even went back from different routes but I didnt want to take that risk. I evaluated all options from Georgia to Poland and decided to come to Uzbekistan. The university admitted us a semester back, I was initially apprehensive about the loss of one semester but later I changed my mind and it was worth the decision, she said.

Divyansh from Meerut who used to study at the same university as Wadhwa said Uzbekistans universities offered teaching and learning in English and the curriculum was on the same lines.

Not all countries have universities which offer English as a medium of instruction. So that was a very important factor. Quality of life is similar in Ukraine and Samarkand but this place feels safer now, he said.

Around 19,000 Indian students were studying in Ukraine when the Russian invasion began in February 2021.

According to estimates, approximately 2,000 Indian students have gone back to Ukraine and they are residing mostly in the western part of the East European country.

Several Indian medical students were left with no choice after their evacuation from Ukraine and transferred to universities in other countries to continue their studies. Many have gone to Russia, Serbia and other European countries.

Dr Zafar Aminov, Vice Chancellor, of Samarkand State Medical University, said when the war broke out, the Indian Embassy reached out to them enquiring if the affected students could seek a transfer.

We evaluated the requirements of such students and then ultimately decided that enrolling them with a semester back would be a viable option to provide equivalence. We then set up a team to facilitate transfers and also made special arrangements for these students. We hired 30 more Indian teachers to ensure there are no accent issues, he told PTI.

Aminov said the university has accommodated over 1,000 Indian transfer students from Ukraine.

Deepika Kaidala Jayaramaiah, a student from Karnataka, said after seeing the war situation right in front of her, moving to a peaceful country was the priority.

I have only read about war in history books. Never imagined that I would witness the situation in person. After it was evident that going to Ukraine was not an option now, I decided to resume my medical journey in Uzbekistan, she said.

With PTI inputs.
In order to support the comprehensive development of around 28 lakh PVTGs nationwide, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched worth Rs 24,000-crore Pradhan Mantri Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PM PVTG) Mission on Wednesday.

#WATCH | Khunti, Jharkhand: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra and Pradhan Mantri Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups Development Mission. pic.twitter.com/zrCBiOORQn  ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2023

Modi launched the mission from Birsa College ground in Jharkhands Khunti district on the occasion of tribal icon Birsa Mundas birth anniversary and the third Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.

Under the mission, 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, an official statement said.

In the budget of 2023-24, the launch of the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission was announced to improve the socio-economic conditions of the PVTGs. There are 75 PVTGs in 18 States & UTs living in 22,544 villages (220 districts) having a population of around 28 lakhs.

The mission will be implemented through the convergence of 11 interventions of nine ministries for instance, under PMGSY, PMGAY, Jal Jeevan Mission etc, with some scheme norms to be relaxed to cover these remote habitations.

Meanwhile, PM Modi also released Rs 18,000 crore as the 15th installment of PM Kisan scheme to more than eight crore beneficiary farmers across the country.

Celebrating the third Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, the prime minister transferred the amount digitally by clicking a button here.

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is one of the worlds largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes, which aims to support farmers in meeting their agricultural and other incidental needs.

Under the scheme, a financial assistance of Rs 6,000 per year is transferred into the bank accounts of beneficiary farmers through DBT in three equal installments.

With inputs from agencies
Two persons, including the right-hand man of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) Chief Masood Azhar, have been charged by the NIA for their alleged intentions to target security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir in order to disrupt peace and communal harmony, officials said on Wednesday.

In a statement, the National Investigation Agency said Muhammad Dilawar Iqbal, a resident of Abbaspur in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir goes by several aliases including Maaz Khan Kashmiri and Azad Kashmiri and is a close associate of Masood Azhar.

He delivered incendiary speeches to incite youths in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to conduct terrorist acts, the statement added.

The NIA has alleged that Dilwar Iqbal indoctrinated and motivated Kupwara-resident Mohammed Ubaid Malik also to join the JeM.

The agency has alleged that Dilwar Iqbal was motivating Kashmiri youths as part of a larger conspiracy hatched by proscribed terrorist organisations and their affiliates to carry out terrorist acts and activities in the region.

Dilwar would incite youth having a militancy background to pursue Jihad by sharing with them inflammatory audio clips and videos as well as images of Maulana Masood Azhar Alvi, showing the latter preaching radical Islam. He would also send videos related to encounters in the Kashmir valley and would provoke the youth to pick up arms, an NIA spokesperson said.

The agency has been probing the terror conspiracy case since June 21, 2022 which it took on suo motu basis. The case pertains to the conspiracy hatched by Pakistan-based terrorist organisations to unleash violent terrorist attacks in J&K with sticky bombs, IEDs and small arms, etc to carry out terrorist attacks and violence in the Union Territory.

It involves radicalization of local youth and mobilization of overground workers of newly floated terrorist groups, such as The Resistance Front (TRF), United Liberation Front Jammu & Kashmir (ULFJ&K), Mujahideen Gazwat-ul-Hind (MGH), Jammu & Kashmir Freedom Fighters (JKFF), Kashmir Tigers, PAAF and others. These outfits are affiliated to proscribed terrorist outfits like Laskhar-e-Toiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), Al-Badr, Al-Qaeda, etc, the agency has alleged.

With inputs from agencies
Jammus district administration has started airlifting the injured after a bus skidded off the road and rolled down into a 300-foot-deep gorge in Jammu and Kashmirs Doda district on Wednesday.

#WATCH | Doda bus accident | Injured being airlifted to Jammu by district administration pic.twitter.com/oeSyYSqnnN  ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2023

The incident has left 36 people dead.

Expressing grief over the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to the injured.

My condolences to the families who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest, Modi said on X.

The bus accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir is distressing. My condolences to the families who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Rs.  PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 15, 2023

President Droupadi Murmu said, I am deeply saddened by the news of the unfortunate death of several passengers in a bus accident in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. I express my condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.

Officials said the bus bearing registration number JK02CN-6555 was reportedly carrying around 40 passengers. They said it skidded off the road near Trungal-Assar on the Batote-Kishtwar national highway and fell 300 feet downhill.

Police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, besides locals, are involved in the rescue operation, they said, adding that some of the injured passengers have been shifted to hospitals.
Confident of winning 75 out of 90 seats in poll bound Chhattisgarh, state chief minister Bhupesh Baghel is counting heavily on receiving electoral dividend for the work he has done for the past five years and 17 guarantees that he has promised to the voters. In 2018 assembly polls, the Congress had dislodged the BJP netting 68 out of 90.

Speaking on a chopper ride from Raipur to Sarangarh, Baghel made light of a corruption allegation against him relating to Mahadev App. The people of Chhattisgarh have become used to the ED, CBI IT and DRI antics for the past three years. These Central agencies have been trying to intimidate and malign me without success. I am all for investigation and supremacy of the rule of law. But politically motivated vendetta finds no traction among the masses, he said.

According to Baghel, Madhadev app script has been written factoring in elections. The story was planted. It has gaping holes and glaring discrepancies. The accused are from the BJP. Even the car allegedly used belongs to a BJP leader. One day they [investigation agencies and BJP leaders] say Shivam Soni is manager, other day they say he is the owner People of Chhattisgarh are enjoying the drama.

While many pollsters and survey agencies have predicted Baghels return, the chief minister is not leaving anything to chance. At Baramkela in Sarangarh district, he kept asking the crowd if they had more trust in him or in Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Baghel would go on enlisting writing off farmers loan waivers, financial support given to all women self-help groups, 35 kg free ration, free power, free education from KG to PG and initiatives like Narva, Garwa, Ghurwa, Bari, Tiffin Yojana and financial aid to inter-caste married couples. Even transporters tax was written off by Baghel.

Baghel would then draw a comparison with Prime Minister Modis promises. kya 15 lakh rupiya bank account mein aaya [Did you get Rs 15 lakh in your bank account?] Baghel would ask the crowd and proceed further after hearing a roaring no. He would then go on mentioning various promises and proposals such as two crore jobs, return of black money from Swiss banks that were offered by Modi and have not been delivered so far. Chhattisgarh voters have no trust in Raman [former chief minister and BJP leader Raman Singh] guarantee or Modi guarantee. They only believe in my guarantees, Baghel said with a glint in the eye.

In Baghels scheme of things, his work in the past five years would not only blunt anti-incumbency but result in pro-incumbency with a greater rigor. Why would there be anti-incumbency against me? We have worked for five years, during Covid and after. Be it farmers, labourers, tribals, traders or industrialists, we supported everyone during the pandemic we have schemes for everyone. There is no one who can claim that they lost anything in five years. Enlisting a long list of his achievements, Baghel said, We halved the electricity bills, bought tendu leaves at Rs4,000 for each 50 kg bag and gave each family 35 kilos of ration. So people trust the Congress guarantee.

Baghel has a punishing schedule of getting up at 6 am and going to bed past midnight. Each morning, he holds a party appraisal meeting before heading for a campaign that includes some eight or nine public meetings a day. Green tea and green cardamom are his constant companions. The former youth Congress worker whose father was a Lohiyaite says he faced a lot of opposition from his wife while joining politics as a full-timer. His father had put a condition that he would support him if he promised to become chief minister of the state. That was a time when Baghel was part of the undivided Madhya Pradesh where the Congress had a galaxy of stalwarts such as Shukla brothers, Madhavrao Scindia, Arjun Singh, Digvijaya Singh, Kamal Nath, Motilal Vora and others. In the year 2000, Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh. In 2018, Baghel became the third chief minister of Chhattisgarh after Ajit Jogi and Raman Singh.

During his stint between 2018-2023, Baghel has launched a slew of welfare schemes including Rahul Gandhis pet NYAY Yojana in Chhattisgarh that provides for a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 2500 on paddy procurement directly into their account. Last year, Rahul was invited to unveil another NYAY Yojana called Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Bhumiheen Kisan Mazdoor Yojana. Under this scheme, landless labourers and others get rs 6000 annual financial assistance.

The outcome of Chhattisgarh Assembly polls would have a crucial bearing on Baghels future. Of late, he has emerged as Rahuls favourite chief minister. Rahul has been supporting Baghel to a hilt. When Baghel and T S Singhdeo differences began to hurt the Congress in Chhattisgarh, Rahul intervened to persuade Singhdeo to accept the post of deputy chief minister. Baghel, constantly showcasing himself as a Nehru Gandhi family loyalist, recently made a pitch for Rahul as prime minister. In an interview with the news agency PTI, Baghel had said he would want Rahul Gandhi to be INDIA alliance prime ministerial face. As a Congressman, I feel Rahul Gandhi should be the prime ministerial face, Baghel said in a response to a question whether he would want Rahul Gandhi to be the face of the INDIA alliance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

It is often said that it is hard to beat a person who never gives up. For Baghel, the road to success has not been easy to navigate. Baghels grassroots approach, his status as a backward class chief minister commanding a reasonable degree of popularity in Chhattisgarh, has made him a rising star within the Congress Parivar. The attention from Gandhis and Kharge is also bringing in some degree of hostility and intrigue. Post 3 December, he would have to negotiate these challenges too. But for Baghel, voting on 17 November does not mean rest or leisure. The elections are on in Rajasthan and Telangana. If the party asks me, I shall be going there to campaign too, he said with a chuckle.

The writer is a Visiting Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation. A well-known political analyst, he has written several books, including 24 Akbar Road and Sonia: A Biography. 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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Bangladesh is dangerously veering towards becoming a den of Islamic radicalisation that would have grave implications for regional and global security. And the West led by the United States seems to be backing Islamists making the situation even more precarious.

After a decade of peace and stability, Bangladesh has witnessed a surge in violent protests by radical Islamists over the last few weeks. As the country heads to the elections, there appears increased chances of political violence given the conduct of political opposition in the country, which is led by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JEI). With explicit division in the country visions of the parties across the main political divide, the poll outcome is likely going to demonstrate the prospective trajectory Bangladesh will take.

One of the key political issues raked up by the BNP and its alliance partner Jamaat is the establishment of a caretaker government for the forthcoming elections. They have termed it as a prerequisite for ensuring free and fair elections. Additionally, the opposition parties have accused the prime minister of stifling the democratic atmosphere of the country and denying a level playing field to all the parties by using state agencies as vindictive tools against them. Interestingly, the key here is not these issues but the manner in which they are being raked up. There is a clear attempt to plunge the country into a recurring cycle of violence, thereby undoing the hard-won peace. This cycle of violence was an inherent part of Bangladeshs politics till a few years ago and now it seems history might be repeating itself.

Bangladesh abolished the caretaker government system through the 15th constitutional amendment in 2011, and subsequent elections in 2014 were conducted under the new arrangement. The BNP, facing challenges since losing power in 2008, with its president Khaleda Zia serving corruption related incarceration, attributes its electoral setbacks to the absence of the caretaker system. Hence it has given a call for a return to the previous electoral mechanism.

Meanwhile, the high frequency and intensity of violent political demonstrations by the BNP and Jamaat demanding the resignation of Sheikh Hasina and establishment of a caretaker government, have pushed Bangladesh into a volatile situation. Notably on 28 October, 2023, the protest demonstrations turned violent. The public infrastructure came under attack. Dozens of vehicles, including police vans and ambulances were set on fire; the residences of Chief Justice and Judges Quarters were attacked. Even the media wasnt spared as several journalists were assaulted.

The killing of a police officer by the opposition mob, who was beaten and bludgeoned to death indicates the depravity of the anti-government parties in Bangladesh. Interestingly, despite the oppositions claims of the government stifling its political space, the police permission for peaceful protests was granted. However, the opposition failed to reciprocate and has decided to take the country down a violent path. With the BNP asking its supporters to block streets, Bangladesh is on the edge now.

The BNP and its allies repeated its protest programme. It called for a country wide shut down for 8-9 November 2023, during which dozens of arson attacks, targeting public infrastructure, particularly the public transport, were reported by the local media. This points to the grim reality that Bangladesh stands on the brink of anarchy thereby breaking an extended period of peace and stability in the country. This has raised concerns amongst the international rights watchdogs also. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) has issued a statement calling on all political actors to make clear that such violence is unacceptable and to avoid any statements or actions that could constitute incitement to violence.

This brings us to revisit the question why the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami are relying on recurrent violence for achieving political ends. It would help to go back a few years and look at BNP rule before its tenure ended in 2006. BNPs tenure between 2001 and 2006 witnessed an unprecedented surge in Islamist violence. BNP had patronised many Islamist organisations and individuals turning Bangladesh into a safe sanctuary for extremist factions including those associated with global terror outfits such as Al Qaeda.

The most vicious yet near synchronised Islamist violence happened on 17 August, 2005, during which militants carried out blasts in 63 out of 64 administrative districts to press for a replacement of the secular legal system with Islamic sharia courts. This demonstrates how the nurturing of elements from the Islamist ecosystem by BNP under Khaleda Zia had pushed the country to the point of almost no return.

Second, at the end of its tenure, BNP unconstitutionally extended the retirement age of the incumbent chief justice to render him ineligible to be appointed as the head of the caretaker government. As a constitutional requirement of that time, the last retired chief justice would head the interim administration to deliver free and fair elections. BNPs unconstitutional act was to ensure its favoured Chief Justice (Retd) KM Hasan would head the election administration. Inevitably, as the political opposition, then led by Awami League of Sheikh Hasina, objected to this biased selection, the BNP government failed to bring the political parties in consensus, thereby initiating an extended political uncertainty.

It took nearly two years for the country to emerge from this political crisis after Sheikh Hasinas Awami League won a landslide majority in the 2008 general elections. Two years of political uncertainty and political wrangling eventually pushed the government to introduce 15th constitutional amendment in 2011 to end the practice of interim set up for elections and this was perfectly in line with similar arrangements in all major democracies across the world.

The Jamaat-e-Islami party, with its historical complicity in oppressing Bangla people during the Liberation War with Pakistan, has overtly relied on violent political demonstrations as its favoured political tool to pressurise the governments to tend to its demands. Because of its use of violence as a tool Jamaat was deregistered as a political party through a supreme judgement in 2013. The party remained out of political contention for next two general elections but it did field several proxies.

In 2023, the Western governments led by the United States have been pressuring the Bangladesh government to allow the return of Jamaat to the political arena. Ironically Jamaat has clearly shown through violent political demonstrations in recent months that violence continues to be its main political weapon and it has no qualms in using it against its opponents. It is clear that the West is committing the same blunder by siding with Islamists in Bangladesh as it did in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. He tweets @ArunAnandLive. 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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When Indian-origin US presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy opened the Republican debate on 10 November with a blistering attack on the chairperson of his own party, Ronna Romney McDaniel, and asked her to resign, the fissures within the Grand Old Party stood exposed.

McDaniel has been serving as chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC) since 2017. Ramaswamy pointed out how the member of the Romney family presided over the slide in the 2018 midterm elections, in which the Republican Party lost control of the House of Representatives to Democrats in a blue wave election.

Then in 2020, Republicans lost, exit disgracefully with his supporters making a violent attempt to capture Capitol Hill. In the 2022 midterm elections, the Republicans narrowly regained the House but Democrats increased their majority in the Senate despite Joe Bidens falling popularity.

How could this happen under the leadership of a strong, mass leader like Donald Trump?

Or did they happen because of him?

Trumps grip on the party is not total. Recent national polls show he has about 57 per cent support of conservative voters. Rest is with other candidates. Many of Trumps rivals see him as controversial, legally compromised and having pleaded not guilty in four criminal cases.

From Columbus to Phoenix to the halls of Congress, the Republican Party has been stuck in a prolonged internal conflict, with power struggles and primary challenges becoming as much of a GOP staple as tax cuts and tough-on-crime rhetoric, wrote Julie Carr Smyth and Nicholas Riccardi in AP on 12 October.

After winning the Ohio House, Republicans fought bitterly among themselves over the Speaker nomination. In Michigan, a senior Republican complained that a party rival kicked him in the crotch. In Texas, the Republican attorney general has threatened to press criminal charges against some of his over party members.

Across the Atlantic, Tory strongman Boris Johnson has left his party in a fractious mess. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sacked his popular and outspoken interior minister Suella Braverman for criticising the police over handling of pro-Palestine rallies.

The Conservative Party has already changed two prime ministers in a year since Johnson quit in 2022 and six since it came to power in 2010. It has brought itself to the cliff-edge of defeat to Labour in the coming elections.

In contrast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been in power for close to 10 years now without any major internal bickering coming to the fore. Under him, the party has grown from strength to strength, the organisation has got as much attention as the government, it has expanded in areas like Bengal and Tamil Nadu which was once deemed impossible, and the core team has remained disciplined and united for the partys cause.

How does Modi achieve this harmony between his towering status and his partys well-being?

First, unlike Trump or Johnson, he leads by example. There has not been a single serious charge of corruption or a scandal against him in his entire public life.

Trump has multiple criminal charges against him, including paying off women he had sexual encounters with to remain silent about it. Under Johnson, Tories were hit by scandal after scandal by party leaders including Christopher Pincher, Imran Ahmad Khan and Neil Parish.

Two, Modis discipline and public conduct has been exemplary. He has never allowed himself to be seen as reckless. Take Covid, for example. The prime minister never dropped his mask, repeatedly exhorting the entire nation to stick to the pandemic protocol.

Trump threw caution to the wind by driving around unmasked. Johnson was caught partying during peak Covid.

Third, personalities like Trump and Johnson tend to encourage infighting and chaos in their parties to remain powerful. Modi, who was an RSS Pracharak for decades, has a very different, long-term approach to power.

He puts in almost superhuman effort to strengthen the party and grow it in every corner. He knows only a strong party base can ensure power remains with it for years. He was never in it for a one-term game. He knows that to effect far-reaching changes, one has to stay in power for decades, and to stay on for that long, one has to nourish and nurture the party organisation.

And fourth, Modi, unlike his counterparts in other countries, quietly does succession planning. He has groomed an extremely diligent, hardworking rung of leaders under him like Amit Shah, Yogi Adityanath, BL Santhosh, Nirmala Sitaraman, Smriti Irani and others.

The basic difference of outlook between the likes of Trump and Johnson and Modi is individualistic as opposed to holistic. That is what makes the BJP today the most powerful political force in a democracy.

The author is contributing editor, Firstpost. 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 advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in warfare, manifesting through the development of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS), marks a pivotal shift in military strategy and ethics. By definition, LAWS are weapon systems capable of identifying, selecting, and engaging targets without human intervention, thereby posing moral and philosophical dilemmas.

Picture a scene reminiscent of the movie Terminator, where autonomous machines, devoid of human empathy and moral reasoning, carry out missions with lethal precision, their metallic forms looming over a battlefield shrouded in smoke and despair. This scenario is not mere science fiction but a reflection of the potential reality with the advancement of LAWS, showcasing their lethality and the palpable risks involved.

For philosophers like Immanuel Kant and Martin Heidegger, the use of LAWS would raise two paramount concerns: firstly, the absence of human control signifies the loss of moral accountability and ethical reasoning in conflict situations, essentially detaching the human element from the act of killing. Secondly, giving control to AI brings forth the risk of unintended consequences, as machines lack the capability to comprehend the nuances and complexities inherent in ethical and moral decision-making.

The inherent limitations in utilising LAWS in conflicts lie in their inability to distinguish between combatants and non-combatants and to make proportionate responses in dynamic and evolving combat scenarios, potentially leading to catastrophic outcomes. The development and deployment of LAWS, therefore, necessitate a serious reevaluation of the philosophical, ethical, and humanitarian dimensions of modern warfare. Despite knowing the plausible risks of LAWS, the global consensus on banning the use of LAWS is absent.

Media reports allude to a significant development, indicating that the United States plans to propose international norms for military AI at the United Nations. There is a palpable need for a globally recognised treaty on the minimal and responsible usage of AI in military and warfare, akin to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Such a treaty would not only establish legally binding norms and ethical standards but would also serve as a bastion against the uninhibited proliferation of autonomous weapons, preventing the escalation of unforeseen and uncontrollable consequences. However, achieving international consensus on norms is a notably challenging task, let alone formalising such an agreement into a prohibitive treaty.

Reaching a consensus on banning LAWS is challenging due to the inherent difficulties in defining such systems, coupled with the varying interpretations and interests of countries like the US and China. The US embeds ambiguous definitions of LAWS in its military doctrines, effectively blending autonomous qualities with automation processes, making it complex to legally regulate such systems.

Concurrently, China intentionally fosters ambiguity in defining LAWS, maintaining strategic flexibility in the development of intelligent weaponry, thus both nations, by employing semantic maneuvers and exploiting the ambiguities and relational understandings of autonomous systems, are effectively undermining global efforts to reach a clear, legally binding international regulation on LAWS, emphasising their geopolitical and military interests over international humanitarian efforts.

Last February, the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance of US Department of State, came up with Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy. While it provides a comprehensive framework emphasizing adherence to international law and human oversight, it is characterized by several shortcomings that potentially hinder its efficacy and applicability.

The document notably lacks specificity in crucial areas such as the form of human control, methodologies for minimising bias, and criteria for testing, leaving much room for interpretation and potentially compromising the clarity and consistency of its implementation. It does not delineate enforcement mechanisms or address compliance violations, thereby posing questions about the accountability and enforcement of the outlined principles.

The declaration could also benefit substantially from more explicit incorporation of ethical and moral considerations and transparency stipulations in the development and deployment of military AI to address moral implications and foster trust. The inherent vagueness and the lack of provisions for flexibility in implementation could potentially inhibit its adaptability to the diverse and evolving nature of military AI capabilities and varied deployment contexts.

Furthermore, since 2018, Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, has asserted that lethal autonomous weapon systems are morally reprehensible and politically unsuitable and has advocated for their banning under international legislations. In his New Agenda for Peace released in 2023, Guterres has reinforced this stance, urging states to finalise, by 2026, a binding legal framework to outlaw lethal autonomous weapon systems operating devoid of human oversight or control, and which are incompatible with international humanitarian law, while also placing regulations on all other forms of autonomous weapon systems. Regrettably, the efforts to extend the scope of the UN arms control agreement, CCW (Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons), to encompass AI have been stymied, never surpassing the debate over the definition of human control.

In 2019, there was a breakthrough and there was a consensus on 11 guiding principles among states acknowledging that the development and utilisation of LAWS are not exempt from existing legal frameworks, with international humanitarian law (IHL) maintaining its full applicability to all weapons, including potential lethal autonomous ones. Adherence to IHL is crucial in its own right and serves as a fundamental criterion for evaluating the permissibility and potential humanitarian impacts of such systems. Nevertheless, there remains contention regarding the extent and manner in which current IHL regulations impose restrictions on the creation and deployment of LAWS.

A pivotal point of this contention within the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) discourse revolves around determining the necessary level and nature of humanmachine interaction to ensure compliance with IHL. As also suggested by a report by SIPRI, adherence to IHL and thoughtful consideration of ethical and security concerns are pivotal in evaluating the permissibility of LAWS and the requisite level of human-machine interaction. But interpretations of what IHL necessitates can vary notably among states, particularly concerning the extent and nature of human-machine interaction needed for compliance.

Thus, states must delineate their ethical assumptions, deciding whether the nature of such interaction is dictated solely by the necessity to prevent unlawful outcomes or if it is also imperative to maintain human agency and responsibility in fulfilling IHL obligations. This clarification is crucial not only for determining the necessity of human-machine interaction irrespective of the weapon systems features and usage context but also for deliberating whether the discussions under the CCW should extend to formulating norms that uphold human agency in executing IHL obligations more broadly.

Further, the principles fall short of setting clear benchmarks or standards for determining when and how IHL and ethical considerations apply, particularly given the rapid pace of technological advancement. The emphasis on human responsibility (guiding principle (GP)- b) and human-machine interaction (GP c) is open to varied interpretations, which can lead to inconsistent implementations across nations. The call for risk assessments and mitigation measures (GP g) is commendable, but without a detailed framework, it becomes a generic statement. Additionally, while the principles caution against anthropomorphizing emerging technologies (GP i), they do not explicitly address the ethical challenges of AI decision-making in combat scenarios.

Lastly, the emphasis on not hampering progress in the peaceful use of autonomous technologies (GP j) is a valid point, but the line between military application and peaceful use remains nebulous, potentially leading to loopholes and exploitations. Thus, the existing framework and guidelines on LAWS are not enough.

Despite these challenges, achieving an agreement on prohibiting LAWS is crucial. Beyond the clear ethical imperatives, there exist three additional reasons supporting this necessity. First, the relentless pursuit to develop LAWS would inevitably initiate a competition focused on crafting increasingly hazardous weaponry. This would not only skew the balance of power in favour of the nations that pioneer LAWS but also precipitate instability in disturbed areas, especially within the Indo-Pacific region.

Second, use of LAWS has the potential for a spiral of mutual mistrust and strategic vulnerabilities. As underscored by the Offset X report, while the US strategizes to exploit the PLAs reliance on AI for warfare, this opens a Pandoras box. If the US seeks to undermine Chinas AI systems, it is only logical for China to respond in kind, using similar techniques against the US. This reciprocal AI warfare could set off a chain reaction, eroding strategic trust and escalating risks. Such a volatile environment, where nations constantly second-guess their systems due to potential manipulations by adversaries, threatens global stability. A preventative ban on LAWS can halt this dangerous trajectory, reinforcing mutual trust and ensuring long-term international security.

Finally, the rush to develop LAWS may result in the deployment of precarious systems, with consequences rippling across the globe. For example, advancements by China in autonomous and AI-enabled weapons can disrupt military equilibrium and escalate global threats, especially as tensions among powerful nations mount. The pursuit of technological supremacy might compel the deployment of unsafe, unproven, or unreliable weapon systems, intensifying risks and uncertainties in actual operational environments.

Thus, the US move to propose norms for military AI should be seen against this backdrop. However, it is not enough. The world needs to do more. Banning LAWS is the way forward.

The author is Officer on Special Duty, Research, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India. Tweets @adityasinha004. 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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In the shadows of conflict, where tunnels, weapons and infrastructure fuel violence, a new player has emerged on the global stage  cryptocurrency. As the lens switches, the unsettling question arises: How did Hamas secure the funds for its operations? The answer lies in the realm of digital currency.

Rise of cryptocurrency in terror financing

No longer confined to Swiss bank accounts or suitcases full of cash, terrorism funding has found a new ally in cryptocurrency. The switch to this digital medium has global implications, as evidenced by the financial backbone it provides to groups like Hamas.

From 2019 to 2023, Hamas received a staggering $41 million in cryptocurrency funding. The funds flowed through virtual wallets, offering a degree of anonymity that traditional banking systems cannot match. However, Hamas isnt alone in this digital surge  the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, another active player, received $94 million in cryptocurrency in recent years.

Cryptocurrency mechanism

The ease of crypto payments from anywhere in the world, coupled with its independence from government control, makes it an ideal choice for funding illicit activities. Unlike traditional banking transactions, crypto donations to groups like Hamas bypass bureaucratic hurdles, offering a streamlined process for supporters.

Governments face a unique challenge in combating cryptocurrency-driven terrorism financing. While traditional financial channels are scrutinized, the crypto ecosystem often operates outside their purview. This regulatory gap allows groups like Hamas to exploit this alternative financial landscape.

Irans role and individual contributions

Reports point to Iran as a major contributor to the cryptocurrency surge in funding for Hamas. Individual donations from across the globe add another layer of complexity, as these transactions are discreet, ensuring anonymity for the funders.

In a bold move, Hamas openly solicited cryptocurrency donations in 2019 through its military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigade. The appeal highlighted the challenge faced by authorities, given the decentralized and anonymous nature of cryptocurrency transactions.

Hamas diverse funding sources

Cryptocurrency is just one piece of the puzzle. Traditional funding sources, including Iranian support, individual contributions, fundraising activities, taxes collected in the Gaza Strip, and investments in businesses across West Asia, collectively contribute to Hamas financial strength.

While Hamas continues to amass funds through diverse channels, the people of Gaza face a starkly different reality. More than a million live in poverty, with 80 per cent unemployment. As the conflict escalates, thousands are caught in the crossfire, highlighting the stark contrast between the financial power of Hamas and the suffering of the Gazan people.

Cryptocurrency has emerged as a potent tool in the hands of terrorist organisations, reshaping the landscape of global terrorism financing. The challenge for governments lies in adapting regulatory frameworks to address this evolving threat, as the dark side of digital currencies continues to cast its shadow on international security.

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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In the complex geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific, the alliance between Pakistan and China has taken a military turn, evident in their joint naval exercises. Often referred to as iron brothers, the depth of their friendship extends beyond diplomatic ties, with shared military objectives and common goals. The recent Sea Guardians exercise, an annual event with a notable escalation this year, underscores the strategic implications for the region.

The Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) of China and the Pakistani military, based in Rawalpindi, share common goals that go beyond traditional military cooperation. Together, they aim to contain Indian influence in the region, create a strategic buffer and pose fresh territorial challenges.

Sea Guardians exercise: A manifestation of strategic priorities

The Sea Guardians exercise, traditionally held annually, has taken on new significance with its expanded scope. This iteration marks the largest naval drill to date, drawing attention to the strategic manoeuvers involved. Chinas contribution includes warships, submarines and guided missile frigates, while Pakistan has committed a substantial naval force, including vessels, helicopters, fighter jets and maritime patrol aircraft. Notably, joint maritime patrols will be conducted, a development closely monitored by New Delhi.

The geographical context adds a layer of complexity to the exercises. The drills are taking place at the Karachi Port, near the western coast of India, raising questions about the geopolitical implications of such strategic positioning.

Objectives amplified by Chinese media

Chinese media outlets are actively amplifying the significance of these drills. They emphasize two key objectives: protecting strategic sea lanes and practicing a joint response to common threats, shedding light on the collaborative military strategies being honed during the exercise.

Military tactics: Anti-submarine operations and VBSS

The scale of the drills is impressive, encompassing anti-submarine operations and the practice of VBSS (Visit, Board, Search and Seizure). VBSS involves specialised tactics where soldiers learn how to board ships, search them thoroughly, and take control if necessary, showcasing a level of operational depth.

Beyond the drills, the exercises highlight an improvement in interoperability between the Chinese and Pakistani navies. Pakistans navy, in a significant move, has incorporated more Chinese weaponry, including guided missile frigates received in a recent delivery. Future plans involve the addition of new Chinese submarines, specifically the Hangor-class, enhancing Pakistans naval capabilities.

The emphasis on high-seas operations indicates a strategic shift in priorities for both Pakistan and China. The joint goal appears to be mounting a significant challenge in the waters of the Indo-Pacific, marking a departure from their traditional regional focus.

International response and the Indo-Pacific focus

The Sea Guardian exercise follows a significant meeting in New Delhi, where top US officials reaffirmed their commitment to the Indo-Pacific through the 2+2 dialogue. The US Secretary of State emphasized the promotion of a free and open Indo-Pacific, highlighting the importance of maritime domain awareness through partnerships like the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) with Japan and Australia.

We are promoting a free and open, prosperous, secure and resilient Indo-Pacific, including by sprinting our partnership through the QUAD with Japan and Australia. One significant way were doing that is by enhancing maritime domain awareness, sharing commercial satellite data with countries in the region to boost their capacity, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

As China and Pakistan expand their naval activities, particularly through the Sea Guardians exercise, the Indo-Pacific region finds itself under heightened scrutiny. The need for constant vigilance becomes imperative for India and its allies, reinforcing the delicate geopolitical balance in this strategically vital part of the world. The evolving dynamics in the Indo-Pacific underscore the significance of collaborative efforts and strategic foresight in navigating the complex waters of international relations.

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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Madagascar, an island nation off the east coast of Africa with a population of approximately 28 million people, is currently in the midst of preparations for a crucial presidential election. However, the political landscape is marred by controversy as the nation, one of the poorest in the world, braces for a heated electoral battle.

Madagascars upcoming presidential election, scheduled for Thursday, was initially poised to witness the participation of four former presidents, each vying for a second and final term. However, the political landscape has shifted dramatically, with two of the contenders opting to boycott the election and demanding its postponement. This move has sparked concerns and intensified the already tense atmosphere.

The opposition alleges that the country is undergoing an institutional coup orchestrated by the incumbent president, Andry Rajoelina. They accuse Rajoelina of manipulating the electoral process, raising questions about the fairness and adherence to international standards.

Rajoelinas political background

Andry Rajoelina, a 49-year-old leader, has a complex political history in Madagascar. Serving one term as president and another as a junta-backed leader, he faced political challenges in 2009 when the military supported him. Despite overseeing the drafting of a new constitution and the return to democracy in 2013, Rajoelina was not allowed to stand as a presidential candidate. Subsequently, he backed an alternative candidate, hoping to assume the role of prime minister, a move that did not materialise. Undeterred, Rajoelina successfully stood for the presidency in 2019 and has since faced allegations of bending Madagascars institutions to suit his agenda.

Oppositions perspective

Former presidents have joined the opposition, protesting against Rajoelinas perceived high-handedness. Opposition rallies have faced restrictions, with reports of tear gas use and injuries to rival presidential candidates. International bodies, including the United Nations, the European Union, and the United States, have expressed concerns about the crackdown, denouncing the use of excessive force.

Christine Razanamahasoa, president of the National Assembly of Madagascar, said, The electoral process must comply with international standards. This is not the case at the moment with the election that we are trying to organise on November 16. We are strongly calling for the electoral process to be suspended.

Presidential response

In response to allegations, President Rajoelina downplays the concerns, asserting that the international community will choose stability over chaos. He claims widespread public support, with his rallies drawing thousands. However, the opposition disputes this, alleging that the gatherings are paid for and challenging Rajoelinas eligibility to run for president.

Said Andry Rajoelina, Malagasy incumbent president and candidate for re-election: The international community will choose the path of stability. The opposition today wants chaos, theyre taking the population to the streets, to insurrection, but they cant do it, and Im telling you this because the population supports me.

An additional layer of complexity arises from questions about Rajoelinas citizenship. Having become a French citizen in 2014, along with members of his family, the opposition argues that Rajoelina is no longer a citizen of Madagascar, making his presidential candidacy illegitimate. Rajoelina refutes this, asserting that his Malagasy citizenship was not revoked.

As Madagascar heads toward contested polls amid violence and political turmoil, the situation remains fluid. The oppositions boycott, allegations of electoral misconduct and the citizenship controversy surrounding President Rajoelina contribute to a complex and uncertain electoral landscape. The international community closely watches developments in this former French colony as it grapples with the challenges of democracy and governance.

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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A US federal court has decided that Meta, ByteDance, Alphabet, and Snap must face a lawsuit asserting that their social platforms have had a negative impact on the mental health of children as per a report by Reuters.

US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers firmly denied the motion by these social media giants to dismiss numerous lawsuits accusing them of operating platforms that are deemed addictive to children.

The legal action against Meta, ByteDance, Alphabet, and Snap has been brought forth by various school districts across the United States, alleging that these companies are responsible for causing both physical and emotional harm to children.

Forty two US states took legal action against Meta last month simultaneously, specifically targeting Facebook and Instagram for allegedly profoundly altering the psychological and social realities of a generation of young Americans. This ruling addresses not only individual suits but also consolidates over 140 actions taken against the companies.

Tuesdays judgment makes it clear that the First Amendment and Section 230, designed to protect online platforms from being treated as publishers of third-party content, do not shield Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat from all liability in this case.

Judge Gonzalez Rogers emphasized that many of the claims made by the plaintiffs do not fall under the umbrella of free speech or expression as they pertain to alleged defects within the platforms. These include insufficient parental controls, the absence of robust age verification systems, and a challenging account deletion process.

Judge Gonzalez Rogers pointed out, Addressing these defects would not require that defendants change how or what speech they disseminate, offering examples such as parental notifications that could empower parents to limit their childrens access to the platform or engage in discussions about platform use with them.

Despite this, Judge Gonzalez Rogers dismissed some of the other identified defects protected under Section 230, such as setting limits on the amount of time spent on the platforms and features like offering a beginning and end to a feed, recommending childrens accounts to adults, and employing addictive algorithms.

In a joint statement, lead lawyers representing the plaintiffs, Lexi Hazam, Previn Warren, and Chris Seeger, hailed the decision as a significant victory for the families that have been harmed by the dangers of social media. They asserted that the ruling rejects Big Techs claim of blanket immunity under Section 230 or the First Amendment for the harm caused to their users.

Responding to the allegations, Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda stated that the complaints are simply not true, emphasizing the companys commitment to providing age-appropriate experiences for kids on YouTube with robust parental controls.

While numerous lawsuits have previously argued that online platforms possess defective features causing harm to users, this ruling could potentially pave the way for a series of safety claims. Though it doesnt conclusively determine legal liability for harm caused by social platforms, the decision may make it more challenging for these tech giants to defend against such claims.

(With input from agencies)
Fast-food chain McDonalds boss in Britain has said that it faces one to two sexual harassment allegations from workers every week, vowing that he will address the problem soon.

Alistair Macrow, chief executive of McDonalds UK and Ireland, told a watchdog parliamentary committee that the chains management also receives around five weekly reports of bullying.

Macrow said that complaints from employees of alleged sexual harassment and bullying are truly horrific and hard to listen to.

It follows the BBC reporting in July numerous allegations of sexual misconduct, racism and bullying by staff at McDonalds outlets in Britain.

The company says it has dismissed 18 employees and taken 75 disciplinary measures, after examining 157 reported cases, since the scandal emerged.

Some 249 cases remain to be investigated, it has said.

Leigh Day, a law firm, has launched legal action against the US fast-food giant after BBC exposed it with accusations that included employees claims they were groped and harassed almost routinely.

According to the British broadcaster, McDonalds UK opened a specialist unit to investigate the allegations, which stemmed from the accounts of around 100 staff.

Appearing before lawmakers in parliament, Macrow reiterated that he was absolutely determined to root out any of these behaviours.

He also pledged to identify the accused individuals and eradicate them from our businesses.

The Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union alleged four years ago that more than 1,000 female employees of the fast-food giant were victims of sexual harassment and abuse.

This years BBC investigation revealed that many female employees under the age of 18 reported being sexually or emotionally harassed.

With inputs from AFP
Two days after she was sacked by the UK prime minister, Suella Braverman wrote a scathing letter to Rishi Sunak saying that he repeatedly failed to pass key policies.

Popular on the right of the party, Braverman kept quiet on Monday after being fired but published a letter to Sunak on Tuesday that could mark the start of a campaign to replace him if, as polls predict, the Conservatives lose an election expected next year, according to Reuters.

My letter to the Prime Minister pic.twitter.com/7OBzaZnxr2  Suella Braverman MP (@SuellaBraverman) November 14, 2023

I accepted your offer to serve as Home Secretary in October 2022 on certain conditions. Despite you have 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 policies, Braverman wrote.

Heres a look at how the ex-Home Secretary of the UK accused Sunak of failing to keep his promises:
The national poll board of Bangladesh said on Wednesday that parliamentary elections would take place on January 7 in the midst of opposition parties staging deadly rallies calling for the prime minister to step down and be replaced by a caretaker government.

In the last two weeks, there have been violent protests all around the nation that have left hundreds injured and at least four dead, including a police officer.

According to two party leaders who spoke to Reuters earlier this month, the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), whose top leadership is either imprisoned or exiled, has already threatened to boycott the upcoming national election if Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina does not step down and accept a caretaker government.

They said that boycotting the election would make any victory for her illegitimate. The 2014 election was also boycotted by the BNP.

Hasinas administration has rebuffed calls from the BNP and other opposition parties for her resignation and for the election to be conducted under an impartial caretaker government.

Since taking office in 2009, Hasina has exercised strict control over her government and has been charged with authoritarianism, violating human rights, stifling free speech, repressing dissent, and imprisoning those who disagree with her.

BNP leader Khaleda Zia, her principal rival and two-time prime minister, is essentially under house arrest due to what her party claims are false accusations of corruption. Tarique Rahman, her son and the acting chairman of the BNP, is in exile as a result of various accusations made against him, which he disputes.

Western nations are pressuring Hasinas government to hold free and fair elections.

The main importer of clothing from Bangladesh, the United States, announced in May that it was putting into effect a policy that would prohibit visas for Bangladeshis who interfere with the countrys democratic election process.

(With agency inputs)
In response to Israels refusal to implement a ceasefire in Gaza, the Belize government has decided to sever diplomatic ties with the Jewish state, joining other Western Hemisphere nations that are incensed about the Israeli governments conduct during the conflict.

According to a CNN report, citing a statement, Belize government condemned the actions of the IDF in Gaza and renewed calls for immediate ceasefire

The Government of Belize has repeatedly condemned the actions of the IDF in Gaza. We have appealed to Israel to implement an immediate ceasefire and to allow unimpeded access to humanitarian supplies into Gaza. Despite our requests, Israel has not stopped its violations of international humanitarian law nor allowed relief workers to alleviate the suffering of millions of Gazans, the Belize government said in a statement.

Belize renews its call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, unimpeded access to humanitarian supplies into Gaza and the release of all hostages, added the statement.

The Central American nation has also withdrawn its accreditation for Israels ambassador there, and suspended its own diplomatic activities in Tel Aviv.

Belize has followed a number of its neighbours in the region, such as Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia, in cutting diplomatic ties or recalling their ambassadors to Israel. In recent weeks, a number of nations in the Middle East and Africa, including South Africa, Jordan, and Turkey, have also called back their ambassadors.

Following Hamas terror attacks in Israel on 7 October, Israel declared war on the terror outfitthat controls Gaza, and launched a complete siege of the enclave .

An estimated 1,200 people were killed in Hamas attacks, and 240 taken hostage, most of whom remain captive in Gaza.

Since then, Israeli attacks have killed at least 11,180 Palestinians  including 4,609 children and 3,100 women  according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah, which draws on medical sources in Gaza.

With inputs from agencies
US President Joe Biden said Tuesday that China has real problems, speaking at a fundraiser in San Francisco on the eve of an eagerly awaited meeting in the US city between himself and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.

The leaders of the worlds two largest economies will huddle 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 Washington and Beijing.

Biden, who like Xi arrived in San Francisco on Tuesday, has characterized the meeting as a chance to right ties that have floundered in recent years.

President Xi is another example of how reestablishing American leadership in the world is taking hold. Theyve got real problems, he told a fundraising event late Tuesday, hours ahead of his talks with the Chinese leader.

He did not elaborate.

Earlier, the president told reporters at the White House before heading to San Francisco that the US is not trying to decouple from China. What were trying to do is change the relationship for the better.

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 theres a crisis; being able to make sure our (militaries) still have contact with one another.

But Biden also warned that the United States was wary of investing in China due to Beijings business practices.

Im 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.

The two presidents are expected to meet for several hours Wednesday on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco.

The forum brings together 21 economies, which together account for about 60 percent of the world economy.

They are both also expected to meet major business leaders and hold a number of other bilateral meetings.

Spy balloon

Positive momentum from November 2022 talks between Xi and Biden in Bali was derailed when the United States shot down what it said was a 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 Blinkens eventual trip to China in June, has signaled a willingness on both sides to mend ties.

Asked about Beijings expectations for the summit, a spokesman for Chinas foreign ministry was vague, mentioning in-depth communication and major issues concerning world peace.

China routinely warns it will not budge on issues it considers red lines, such as Taiwan, a self-ruling island off its coast that Beijing claims as its own territory, and its expansion into the South China Sea.

But Washington and Beijing have recently made some progress on trade and economic relations as well as climate change talks.

The United States and its Western allies once viewed emerging China as a friend in waiting, believing that as it became wealthier, it would become more liberal and fit in with the US-dominated global order.

But over the last decade, that view has all but disappeared in Western capitals as the openness that heralded its hosting of the 2008 Olympic Games has faded.

Beijing has become more authoritarian under Xi and increasingly begun to throw its weight around on the international stage, including spending hundreds of billions of dollars on infrastructure development in third countries as part of its Belt and Road initiative.

At the same time, making nice with China has fallen out of favor in Washington, as domestic politics have taken on an increasingly protectionist bent.

That tendency accelerated under former president Donald Trump, who delighted his base by imposing punitive sanctions on Chinese imports in what he said was a bid to re-shore US manufacturing.

But the mood music has sweetened slightly in recent months, and Biden said Tuesday a less confrontational relationship with China would benefit both sides.

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.
After several decades, Russia has expanded its presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) by docking its warships in Bangladesh and conducting a maiden joint exercise with Myanmar, a military-run Southeast Asian nation.

The move is viewed positively by India, especially in light of Chinas increasing military presence in the region, including regular visits by spy ships in Colombo.

Warships from Russias Pacific Fleet are presently docked at the Chittagong port, marking a return after a gap of five decades. Despite being a significant arms supplier to Myanmar, joint exercises with Russia have been infrequent.

The exercise follows 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, a milestone for Russias naval presence in a sea that the United States counts as one of its global security interests.

Following the development, the Chinese and Pakistani navies also held weeklong drills in the Arabian Sea days after the Russian Pacific Fleet and Myanmar practised repelling attacks in their first maritime exercise. The exercise will end on Nov. 17.

At a naval base in Karachi on Saturday, the Chinese and Pakistani navies kicked off the exercise in the waters and airspace of the northern Arabian Sea in drills that include anti-submarine operations.

India has consistently expressed its desire for Russia to enhance its presence in the IOR, aiming to foster regional inclusivity and counterbalance Chinas strategic ambitions, which include frequent visits by spy ships in Colombo.

As part of its Act Far East policy, India has increased its presence in the Russian Far East and revitalized the Chennai-Vladivostok maritime connectivity initiative under the Eastern Maritime Corridor. Additionally, the two nations are exploring the creation of a trans-shipment hub in the Bay of Bengal.

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 defence talks in New Delhi on Nov. 10 with their Indian counterparts.

In a joint statement released after the recently concluded 2+2 Dialogue, the U.S. and Indian governments expressed deep concern over the war in Ukraine but made no explicit mention of Russia. They also pledged their commitment to safeguarding a free and open Indo-Pacific.

New Delhi has carefully preserved its longstanding relations with Russia, including defence cooperation, even as its ties with Washington have grown steadily stronger.

China was also not mentioned in the joint statement, even though an Indian government official said ahead of the talks that China would be one of the key focus points.

The careful navigation of those talks comes ahead of a highly anticipated meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco this week, where Washington is expected to seek a re-establishment of military-to-military ties with Beijing.

Russia is a major supporter and arms supplier of Myanmars military government, which was installed after the army seized power and ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. Russia defends Myanmars military government in international forums, and the ruling generals return the favour by generally supporting Moscows foreign policy agenda.

Myanmar has been treated as a pariah state by many Western nations since the military takeover and the violent suppression of protests against it, which has led to the deaths of thousands of civilians and given rise to an armed resistance movement in many parts of the country.

With inputs from agencies.
As a concerted onslaught by insurgent groups fighting the junta gathers speed in multiple parts of the nation, a rebel organisation announced on Wednesday that dozens of personnel of the Myanmar security forces have either surrendered or been seized.

Ten soldiers were detained and at least 28 police officers turned themselves in and surrendered to the Arakan Army (AA), according to the rebel group that is fighting for autonomy in western Myanmars Rakhine State.

One of three insurgent organisations representing ethnic minorities that reportedly began a concerted onslaught against junta forces in late October.

The administration in Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine State, announced the imposition of a curfew after seeing military tanks there.

The rebels have taken control of several towns and military installations, including those near the Chinese border. This is the juntas strongest challenge since the military overthrew an elected government headed by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup in 2021.

Zaw Min Tun, a junta spokeswoman, declared on Tuesday that allegations of rebel forces destroying the whole country were propaganda and that they were accusing people of capturing military stations.

When they lost men, the enemy withdrew. Were attempting to strategically mix little posters, he stated.

The spokesperson said fighting was going on in Shan, Rakhine and Kayah states. He did not comment on reports of junta forces surrendering.

There have also been reports of fighting in northwest Chin State, when 43 soldiers from Myanmar entered the Indian state of Mizoram following a rebel raid, according to a Mizoram police official.

According to an Indian security officer who wished to remain anonymous, the majority of the soldiers from Myanmar were flown by Indian forces to a different border crossing location and then returned to Myanmar authorities.

The incapacity of the military-appointed president of Myanmar to quell the uprising by fighters whom the generals label as terrorists has left the nation on the verge of disintegration, he stated last week.

For many years, the military has maintained that it is the only organisation capable of uniting Myanmars diverse population. Dismissing it, opponents of military control advocate for a federal, democratic structure.

(With agency inputs)
Dubai is forging ahead with plans to replace the worlds busiest airport with an even bigger one as passenger traffic recovers to outstrip pre-pandemic levels, a top official told AFP on Wednesday.

Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said designs were being drawn up for Al Maktoum International Airport, which will be built on the citys outskirts and should replace Dubai International in the 2030s.

He was speaking at the Dubai Airshow in the United Arab Emirates, where airlines have invested heavily in new planes. Last year, neighbouring Saudi Arabia announced plans for a major new air hub in Riyadh.

Once weve reached about 120 million (passengers a year), which is what we think our total capacity at DXB (Dubai International) is at the absolute maximum with everything optimised, we are going to need a new airport, Griffiths said.

That is going to have to happen at some stage during the 2030s. Were going to be working on those designs over the next few months.

So the trajectory is good. The confidence in the industry remains high.

Griffiths was speaking as new figures forecast 86.9 million passengers at Dubai International this year, surpassing 2019 traffic and underlining the recovery from the pandemic.

Third-quarter traffic was 22.9 million, the highest since 2019, taking 2023 numbers so far to 64.5 million, nearly 40 percent higher than the same period in 2022.

Passenger numbers have not been affected by the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, which is expected to hit regional economies and especially tourism.

There has been very, very little impact of traffic to the north, Griffiths said. In fact, in some regions its got even stronger than before, so (there was) no impact that was discernible.

He added: We always knew when the pandemic struck, thered be an equal and strong recovery because people under lockdown for two years were denied the ability to travel. And so thats why weve bounced back so quickly.

Dubai airport closed briefly to commercial flights from March to July 2020 for the pandemic, but was one of the first travel hubs to reopen. In 2020, it received only 25.9 million passengers, down from 86 million in 2019.

No pricetag or capacity has been set for the new airport, Griffiths said, adding that it would be designed on a modular basis rather than based around terminals  meaning it can easily expand over time.

It stands to reason that Al Maktoum International has to be even bigger and even better (than Dubai International), he said, calling it the airport of the future.

This will be a project that extends way into the 2050s, because we take the long-term view here.

He added: We are not planning an airport that has terminals. Were going to completely change the business model for airports, make them actually far more intimate and get rid of all the legacy processes that weve had to subject our customers to, for far too long.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Wednesday claimed to have very specific intel on Hamas wares and command structures inside the Al Shifa hospital that has become a global flashpoint. While the anti-Israel lobby of nations has accused Tel Aviv of having blood on its hands, IDF has, time and again, come up with proof of how Hamas has exploited the hospital as a shield so far.

While the IDF claimed to be carrying out precise and targeted attack on Hamas inside the hospital, a security official added the operation inside the medical facility could be widened further since the Israeli military knows exactly what it is going to find inside.

We are starting small, and the operation will expand as necessary. The entry of troops into Al-Shifa is more of a challenge for media [optics] than operations, Times of Israel quoted the unnamed military official as having said.

The decision was that we enter Al-Shifa only if we know exactly what is there and where it is, as we did at Rantisi Hospital, which was only [raided] when we knew exactly what was in its basement, the official further told Army Radio.

Meanwhile, IDF in a post on X said that its precise and targeted operation against Hamas in the Shifa Hospital is still ongoing.

The IDFs precise and targeted operation against Hamas in the Shifa Hospital is still ongoing. We can now confirm that incubators, baby food and medical supplies, provided by the IDF, have successfully reached the hospital. Our medical team and Arabic speaking soldiers are on pic.twitter.com/9iMx41OaHV  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 15, 2023

IDF finds tunnel, weapons in Shifa Hospital

IDF has said that its troops of the Nahal Infantry Brigade and 261st Brigade have located a tunnel shaft and dozens of weapons during the raids of Gazas largest hospitals.

-              ,        .

-   ,   . pic.twitter.com/xhrDH0Zong  Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) November 15, 2023

Medical supplies delivered to Shifa

IDF delivered incubators for newborns, baby food, and medical supplies to Al-Shifa Hospital on Wednesday.

Our medical team and Arabic-speaking soldiers are on the ground to ensure that these supplies reach those in need, IDF said.
Witnesses claimed that Israeli troops searched the basement and rooms of Gazas largest hospital on Wednesday while pursuing Palestinian Hamas militants. The operation has raised concerns about the safety of thousands of civilians who are trapped inside and have caused widespread concern worldwide.

Israeli forces have turned their attention to the Al Shifa hospital in Gaza City. They claim that Hamas fighters discovered the beating heart of their operations in a headquarters housed in tunnels beneath the hospital; however, Hamas disputes this claim.

After eliminating terrorists in an altercation outside the hospital, Israel claimed that its forces had discovered terror infrastructure and unidentified weaponry within the compound. They claimed that once inside, there had been no altercation with patients, workers, or civilians and no fighting.

Hailing the entry of his forces into the hospital after days of encirclement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement: There is no place in Gaza that we cannot reach. There are no hideouts. There is no shelter or refuge for the Hamas murderers.

We will reach and eliminate Hamas and we will bring back our hostages. These are two sacred missions, he said.

The Israeli military published images of a soldier next to cardboard cartons labelled baby food and medical supplies at a location inside Al Shifa. Additional images displayed Israeli soldiers moving past improvised tents and beds in a tactical configuration.

The plight of thousands of internally displaced residents who had taken refuge there, as well as the hundreds of patients confined inside without energy to run basic medical equipment, have drawn attention from throughout the globe. Authorities in Gaza claim that numerous patients, including three newborns, passed away in recent days as a result of Israels encirclement of the hospital.

Following terrorists incursion into Israel on October 7, which resulted in a rampage through cities where they killed citizens and took hostages back to the enclave, Israel began its effort to destroy Hamas, the Islamist organisation that controls Gaza. On what Israel claims to be the worst day in its 75-year history, 1,200 people were slain and about 240 were taken prisoner.

Since then, Israel has bombarded the densely populated strip with airstrikes and placed the whole 2.3 million people living in Gaza under siege. Over 11,000 Palestinians have been confirmed murdered, with about 40% of them being children, according to Gaza health professionals, who are regarded as trustworthy by the UN. More are buried beneath the debris. Two thirds of Gazas population are now without a place to live after Israel ordered the evacuation of the entire northern portion of the city.

(With agency inputs)
Chancellor Olaf Scholzs coalition suffered a setback on Wednesday when the German constitutional court declared that the governments transfer of 60 billion euros ($65 billion) in unused debt from the epidemic era to a climate fund was unlawful.

This is a crucial choice because it establishes a standard for budgetary responses to crises in the largest economy in Europe. However, it may also cause divisions within the coalition during a crucial week for budget talks.

The coalition agreement reached in December 2021 by the center-left Social Democrats (SPD), pro-spending Greens, and cautious Free Democrats (FDP) allowed the parties to take advantage of a brief constitutional suspension of borrowing limitations due to a pandemic.

The Second Supplementary Budget Act 2021, which altered the Budget Act for 2021 retroactively, was used to accomplish this. The act was declared invalid by the constitutional court because it conflicted with Germanys Basic Law.

Furthermore, the accounting principle used to calculate borrowings impact on the budget deficit in the year it was actually incurred was modified by the government. Consequently, the transfer of 60 billion euros only qualified as a deficit in 2021; it did not qualify as such in 2023 or 2024, when the majority of the expenditure was scheduled to take place.

Christian Lindner, Germanys finance minister, was able to reinstate the debt brake rule this year as a result. The pandemic in 2020 caused the regulation, which caps the German public deficit at 0.35% of GDP, to be suspended.

The federal court used three criteria to make its decision.

First of all, the court ruled that the transfer of the monies to the climate fund did not meet the requirements for exceeding the debt ceiling, even though the coronavirus epidemic qualified as an emergency.

The legislator failed to sufficiently demonstrate the necessary factual connection between the emergency and the crisis management measures taken in response, the judge said.

Second, it stated that it was unlawful to date the credit authorization to the fiscal year 2021 while scheduling the measures that required funding for the upcoming fiscal years.

Thirdly, it stated that the Basic Laws requirement that the budget be decided upon beforehand was broken by passing the law after the fiscal year 2021 ended.

The decision puts more strain on budget discussions.

Germany, the largest economy in Europe, is reducing spending that spiked in reaction to COVID-19 and the conflict in Ukraine. The countrys 2024 budget and financial plans until 2027 are due to be approved on Friday.

The government must now find funding for the climate fund elsewhere due to the verdict against it, which will be difficult given the current budgetary constraints and coalition strife.

(With agency inputs)
Hamas has held US President Joe Biden for being wholly responsible for the Israeli army operation at Gazas Al-Shifa Hospital.

We hold the occupation (Israel) and President Biden wholly responsible for the assault on the Al-Shifa medical complex, Hamas said in a statement.

The adoption by the White House and the Pentagon of the occupations false claim that the resistance is using the Al-Shifa medical complex for military ends has given the green light to the occupation to commit more massacres against civilians, it added.

On Wednesday, Israel raided Hamas terrorists inside the Al-Shifa Hospital asking them to surrender.

Israeli forces first raided the surgery and emergency departments, Mohammed Zaqout, the Gaza health ministrys director of hospitals, told Al Jazeera.

Estimates for the number of patients, staff and displaced people inside the hospital complex range from the hundreds to tens of thousands, with true numbers impossible to independently verify.

Meanwhile, the White House has reiterated for the safety of Palestinians and staff inside the hospital shortly after the raids began.

We do not support striking a hospital from the air and we dont want to see a firefight in a hospital, a National Security Council spokesperson said.

The official added that there should not be a situation in which innocent people, helpless people, sick people trying to get medical care they deserve are caught in the crossfire.

Earlier, the White House had said that US intelligence sources corroborated Israels claim that Hamas and another Palestinian militant group, Islamic Jihad, have buried an operational command and control node under Al-Shifa.

With inputs from agencies
In a bid to save their bloodlines, sperms of over 39 Israeli men who died in the war against Hamas since October 7 have been extracted and preserved for future fertilisation, the Knessets Health Committee said Wednesday.

According to the Health Ministrys updated rules, spouses and parents of deceased men can request to have their sperm harvested. Although the procedure of extracting sperm is the most effective within 24 hours of death, but is possible even after several days of death.

Since Hamas launched its all-out offensive against Israel last month, embryologists and IVF specialists in Israel have reported a surge of requests from families and spouses of deceased men  soldiers and civilians  asking them to perform immediate posthumous sperm retrieval (PSR).

According to a report by the Times of Israel, an embryologist at Kaplan Medical Center in Rehovot, Dr Yael Harir, said that while her medical facility performs only a few PSR procedures in a year, the requests for sperm extraction have gone up considerably since October.

When you have to do this procedure on corpses, the staff finds it difficult physically and emotionally, she said.

There is no protocol for coping with the preservation of sperm in such a large scope. We had to figure out how to cope with the situation and assess what equipment we had to do so many procedures in parallel, she added.

Israel-Hamas war update

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Wednesday claimed to have very specific intel on Hamas wares and command structures inside the Al Shifa hospital that has become a global flashpoint.

While the IDF claimed to be carrying out precise and targeted attack on Hamas inside the hospital, a security official added the operation inside the medical facility could be widened further since the Israeli military knows exactly what it is going to find inside.

We are starting small, and the operation will expand as necessary. The entry of troops into Al-Shifa is more of a challenge for media [optics] than operations, Times of Israel quoted the unnamed military official as having said.
LCA Tejas (Brilliance), the smallest and lightest supersonic fighter jet in the world, is about to get even more lethal. The integration of Al-Tariq long-range precision-guided missiles (LR-PGMs) on the fighter jet manufactured in India has been the subject of completed feasibility studies.

Al Tariq-LR is a precision-guided munition (PGM) with a long range (LR) that is produced by Al Tariq, which is a division of EDGE Group, a state-owned defence company with headquarters in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Al Tariq-LR is a precision munition kit from the Al Tariq family that uses propulsion and guidance technology to transform unguided aerial munitions into smart, high-precision, longer-range, focused weapons. The standard range precision-guided munition is also included in the Al Tariq series of precision munition kits.

The Memorandum of Understand (MoU) between Indian aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Al-Tariq, a joint venture between EDGE and South African Denel, was signed earlier this year. The news was made on the fringes of the Dubai Air Show.

In an effort to provide the area with a long-range precision weapon solution, the MoU sought to incorporate the AL TARIQ LR-PGM onto the HAL Tejas LCA and other platforms.

We are proud to be associated with HAL in this strategic campaign to offer high technology solutions to the Tejas customers in the region. We look forward to presenting the range of AL TARIQs mission-proven long-range precision-guided munitions to HAL Tejas customers around the globe, Al Tariq CEO Theunis Botha told the media.

The Indian-designed High-Speed Low Drag (HSLD) series of aerial munitions and the Mark 80 series are intended to be compatible with the modular, all-weather, day/night LR-PGMs of the AL TARIQ family. The AL TARIQ-S (Standard Range) can be upgraded to the AL TARIQ-LR (Long Range) by adding a wing kit, increasing the stand-off range from 45 to 120 kilometres.

It is anticipated that by the third quarter of 2024, AL TARIQs LR-PGMs on HALs Tejas LCA will be fully integrated and qualified.
Israeli forces stormed Gazas largest hospital Wednesday, targeting what they believe is a Hamas command centre housed among thousands of ailing and sheltering civilians.

Israeli and Palestinian officials said military operations were taking place at Gaza Citys Al-Shifa hospital  the focal point of days of deadly fighting and nearby aerial bombardments.

Youssef Abul Reesh, an official from the Hamas-run health ministry who is inside the hospital, told AFP he could see tanks inside the complex and dozens of soldiers and commandos inside the emergency and reception buildings.

The Israel Defense Forces described it as a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area of the facility.

After sharp warnings from the United States and others that Al-Shifa must be protected, Israel said the raid was being executed based on an operational necessity.

Estimates for the number of patients, staff and displaced people inside the hospital complex range from the hundreds, to tens of thousands, with true number impossible to independently verify.

The White House reiterated its concerns for their safety, shortly after the raid began.

We do not support striking a hospital from the air and we dont want to see a firefight in a hospital, a National Security Council spokesperson said.

The official added that there should not be a situation in which innocent people, helpless people, sick people trying to get medical care they deserve are caught in the crossfire.

Earlier, the White House had said that US intelligence sources corroborated Israels claim that Hamas and another Palestinian militant group, Islamic Jihad, has buried an operational command and control node under Al-Shifa.

Hamas, which has repeatedly denied the claims, on Wednesday accused US President Joe Biden of being wholly responsible for the Israeli assault.

Israel has also said that the military use of the hospital jeopardises its protected status under international law, a claim that many international human rights lawyers refute.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas in response to its attacks on October 7, which killed an estimated 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw 240 hostages being taken to Gaza.

Stench of corpses

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.

There are bodies littered in the hospital complex and there is no longer electricity at the morgues, said hospital director Mohammad Abu Salmiya.

Anticipating a fierce backlash against the hospital raid, the Israel Defense Forces said it had provided evacuation routes for civilians and given authorities in Hamas-run Gaza 12 hours notice that any military operation inside must cease.

Unfortunately, it did not, the Israeli military said, again calling on all Hamas terrorists present in the hospital to surrender.

The intent was that no harm is caused to the civilians being used by Hamas as human shields, the Israeli military added.

Abul Reesh, from Gazas health ministry, called on the international community and the United Nations to intervene immediately and urgently to stop the Israeli storming operation.

He urged both to protect what he said were 20,000 people inside the hospital including medical staff and 650 ailing people and thousands of injured people.

I was bleeding

The situation in Gazas other hospitals is also dire, with the UN saying 22 of 36 are not functional due to lack of generator fuel, damage and combat.

The 14 hospitals remaining open have barely enough supplies to sustain critical and life-saving surgeries and provide inpatient care, including intensive care, the WHO said.

The UN has warned that the evacuation of hospitals in the north, as demanded by the Israeli military, would be a death sentence for some patients, because operational hospitals in the south cannot admit more patients, according to humanitarian agency OCHA.

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says Israels offensive has killed 11,320 people, mostly civilians, including thousands of children.

The humanitarian crisis in the territory also includes the hundreds of thousands of people who have fled southwards.

Even escaping the fighting is dangerous. Wounded Palestinians told AFP how they were hit by a strike on their way south.

I walked around three to four kilometres (around two miles) while I was bleeding, said Hasan Baker, whose head and left hand were bandaged. There was no possibility for any ambulance to enter the area.

Hostage talks

Israeli leaders have so far rejected any calls for a ceasefire in the five-week-old war until hostages are released.

Abu Obeida, spokesman for Hamass military wing, said Monday that Israel had asked for the release of 100 hostages, while the militants want 200 Palestinian children and 75 women freed from 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.

Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed bin Mohammed Al-Ansari, who is helping oversee talks on a hostage deal, said the deteriorating situation in Gaza was hampering efforts to find agreement.

With pressure building on the Israeli government, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was working relentlessly to get the hostages out.

Relatives of the hostages set out Tuesday on a five-day protest march from Tel Aviv to the prime ministers office in Jerusalem to call for the captives release, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said.

The group later demanded the government approve a deal tonight to bring home all hostages from Gaza.

US President Biden voiced confidence that a deal could still happen, telling the families of the hostages: Hang in there. Were coming.
The bipartisan commitment to enhancing India-UK relations was reaffirmed by the two leaders during the External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankars meeting with UK Leader of the Opposition Keir Starmer on Wednesday in the Parliament.

Delighted to meet UKs Leader of Opposition @Keir_Starmer in the Parliament, EAM Jaishankar said on his official X handle, providing details on his meeting with the leader of the opposition. Admire the United Kingdoms bipartisan commitment to fortifying our alliance. Bilateral issues as well as common regional and worldwide interests were discussed.

EAM Jaishankar met UK Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy earlier on Wednesday. The two leaders had talks about bilateral cooperation as well as security and development challenges.

Pleased to meet Shadow Foreign Secretary @DavidLammy this morning. A wide-ranging conversation on security and development issues, as well as bilateral cooperation. Appreciated his perspectives and insights, the EAM posted from his official X handle.

Also thank Shadow Minister for Asia and the Pacific @CatherineWest1 for joining on the occasion, Jaishankar added.

On Wednesday, Jaishankars five-day journey to the UK will come to an end.

The UKs National Security Advisor, Tim Barrow, and the EAM met earlier in the day to talk about regional and global challenges.

Meeting with British counterpart David Cameron on Tuesday, Jaishankar talked on advancing a free trade agreement and forming alliances in the fields of research, technology, and military.

The two leaders discussed achieving the goals of the UK-India 2030 Roadmap as well as the strength of the relationship between the two countries during their discussion.

Notably, talks for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are underway between India and the UK. India and the UK began negotiating an FTA in 2022, and this years 12th round of talks took place from August 8 to August 31.

(With agency inputs)
Rebel troops in Myanmars Chin state have gained control of a border crossing point across the small, hilly Indian state of Mizoram, two days after they overran the juntas two military bases near the countrys border with India.

As the crisis subsided, the majority of the approximately 5,000 citizens of Myanmar who had fled to India to avoid the fierce fighting between the insurgents and the Myanmar military since early Monday morning went back to their homes, according to local officials.

The goal of the rebel forces is to seize control of a portion of the porous Indian border.

Following a concerted operation by three ethnic minority factions in late October that resulted in the capture of many towns and military facilities, Myanmars generals are facing their worst challenge since taking over in a coup in 2021.

Rebels dubbed the operation Operation 1027 because that is when it started, and it started off breaking through junta-controlled territories near Shan States Chinese border, where military authorities had lost control of over 100 security installations and numerous villages.

Since then, Rakhine and Chin, two new fronts in the western states, have seen action.

While the tranquil valley along the Indo-Myanmar border had mostly returned to normal on Wednesday afternoon, air raid sirens from the Myanmar side could be heard in Indias Zokhawthar village, alerting locals to potential dangers.

At the Zokhawthar border crossing, surrounded by verdant hills, the Chin flag was flown above a gate welcoming guests to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

The two ends of the border bridge over the Tiau River, which allowed civilians to enter freely on Wednesday, were secured by armed insurgents from Myanmar and the paramilitary Assam Rifle in India.

43 troops from Myanmar were among those escaping the rebels surprise onslaught and making their way into India on Monday during the attacks at Zokhawthar.

Eventually, the Indian authorities flew the majority of them to another border crossing location several hundred kilometres east and sent them back.

(With agency inputs)
Hindus in Pakistan continue to face atrocities with September witnessing 26 cases of religious persecution. Forty Hindus have fallen victim to abduction, forced conversion and marriage at gunpoint.

Mahesh Vasu, a human rights activist for Hindus in Pakistan, in a mail to the Ministry of External Affairs, said, All the incidents are reported by Regional TV News channel and/or based on materials & evidences, pls find due media links in my report for ref., many reported incidents go unnoticed and many incidents go unreported.

My email Dt. 14th Nov 23

To: The Ministry of External Affairs (PAI) @MEAIndia @DrSJaishankar

Clear Violation of Nehru-Liaquat Pact 1950 by Pakistan.

Subj: Genocide & Persecution of Hindus in Pakistan

Noticed Incidents duly reported by the regional media for the month of Sept pic.twitter.com/CYI8pnWnwz  Mahesh Vasu (@maheshmvasu) November 14, 2023

Among the 40 victims, eight were abducted, forcefully converted and married at gunpoint while 15 were enslaved & freed from private prison of Muslim landlords.

In his letter, also addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Vasu listed the names of the victims and provided details of the accused involved in the crimes.

Earlier this year, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) raised alarm over thirty Hindus including both women and children reportedly being taken hostage by organised criminal gangs in Pakistans Sindh.

HRCP is alarmed by reports of deteriorating law and order in the districts of Kashmore and Ghotki in Sindh, where some 30 members of the Hindu community  including women and children  have allegedly been held hostage by organised criminal gangs, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said in July.
The controversial government plan to send certain migrants on a one-way trip to Rwanda was declared illegal by the British Supreme Court on Wednesday, dealing a serious blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks administrations main policy that has attracted criticism from across the world.

Five judges on the countrys top court said asylum applicants would be at real risk of ill-treatment as they might be deported after arriving in Rwanda.

Britain and Rwanda signed a deal in April 2022 to send some migrants who arrive in the UK across the English Channel to the East African country, where their asylum claims would be processed and, if successful, they would stay.

Britains government argues that the Rwanda policy will deter people from risking their lives crossing one of the worlds busiest shipping lanes, and will break the business model of people-smuggling gangs. Opposition politicians, refugee groups and human rights organizations say the plan is unethical and unworkable.

No one has yet been sent to the country as the plan was challenged in the courts.

Reading the unanimous decision, President of the Supreme Court Robert Reed said Rwanda could not be relied on to keep the promises not to mistreat asylum-seekers sent from Britain.

He cited the countrys poor human rights record, including enforced disappearances and torture, and practiced refoulement  sending migrants back to home countries where they could be at risk.

The first deportation flight was stopped at the last minute in June 2022, when the European Court of Human Rights intervened.

In December, the High Court in London ruled that the Rwanda plan is legal, but that the government must consider the individual circumstances of each case before putting anyone on a plane.

The Court of Appeal in June backed a challenge by asylum-seekers from countries including Syria, Vietnam and Iran. The court ruled that the plan was unlawful because Rwanda is not a safe third country and there was a risk that migrants sent there would be returned to the home countries they had fled.

That was challenged at the Supreme Court by the government, which argued at a hearing last month that it had thoroughly assessed the risks and would ensure that Rwandas government abides by its agreement to protect migrants rights.

Much of Europe and the U.S. is struggling with how best to cope with migrants seeking refuge from war, violence, oppression and a warming planet that has brought devastating drought and floods.

The U.K. receives fewer asylum-seekers than many European nations, including Germany, France and Italy. Thousands of migrants from around the world travel to northern France each year in hopes of crossing the Channel. Sunak has pledged to stop the boats.

More than 27,300 migrants have crossed the Channel this year, with the years total on track to be fewer than the 46,000 who made the journey in 2022. The government says that shows its tough approach is working, though others cite factors including the weather.

The Rwanda policy was championed by former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who was fired by Sunak on Monday over a series of intemperate statements that deviated from the government line. In the weeks before her sacking she described migrants as a hurricane headed for Britain, called homelessness a lifestyle choice and accused police of being too lenient with pro-Palestinian protesters.

Braverman has called for the UK to leave the European Convention on Human Rights and its court if the Rwanda plan is blocked.

The U.K. government had said it aims to strike similar deportation deals with other countries if the Rwanda plan succeeds. It argues several other European countries are considering similar ideas, with the European Union exploring setting up processing centers on the blocs borders to screen people as they arrive.

Italy recently reached a deal with Albania for the Balkan country to temporarily house and process some of the thousands of migrants who reach Italian shores.

Unlike the U.K. plan, however, the journey would not be one-way. Successful asylum-seekers would get to start new lives in Italy, not Albania.
Qatari mediators were on Wednesday seeking to negotiate a deal between Hamas and Israel that includes the release of around 50 civilian hostages from Gaza in exchange for a three-day ceasefire, an official briefed on the negotiations told Reuters.

The deal, under discussion, which has been coordinated with the U.S., would also see Israel release some Palestinian women and children from Israeli jails and increase the amount of humanitarian aid allowed into Gaza, the official said.

It would mark the biggest release in hostages held by Hamas since the Palestinian militant group burst over the Gaza border, attacked parts of Israel and took hostages into the enclave.

Hamas has agreed to the general outlines of this deal, but Israel has not and it is still negotiating the details, the official said.

It is not known how many Palestinian women and children Israel would release from its jails as part of the agreement under discussion.

The scope of the Qatari-led negotiations has changed significantly in recent weeks, but the fact that the talks are now focused on the release of 50 civilian prisoners in exchange for a three-day truce and that Hamas has agreed to the outline of the deal have not been reported before.

The wealthy Gulf state of Qatar, which has ambitious foreign policy goals, has a direct line of communication with Hamas and Israel. It has previously helped mediate truces between the two.

Such a deal would require Hamas handing over a complete list of remaining living civilian hostages held in Gaza.

A more comprehensive release of all hostages is not currently under discussion, the official said.

There was no immediate response from Israeli officials, who have previously declined to provide detailed comment on the hostage negotiations, citing reluctance to undermine the diplomacy or fuel reports they deemed psychological warfare by Palestinian militants.

When asked about the negotiations, Taher Al-Nono, media adviser to Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, did not directly confirm the deal under discussion.

Netanyahu is stalling and is undermining any progress. He is exploiting the issue of the captives to continue the aggression. Netanyahu isnt serious about reaching an agreement, Nono told Reuters.

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to comment.

Qatar, where Hamas operates a political office, has been leading mediation between the militant group and Israeli officials for the release of more than 240 hostages. They were taken by Hamas militants when they rampaged into Israel on Oct. 7. Israel says 1,200 people were killed during the rampage.

Israel then launched an unrelenting bombardment of Hamas-ruled Gaza and late last month began an armoured invasion of the enclave, where more than 11,000 people have been killed, around 40% of them children with more buried under the rubble, according to Palestinian officials.

Israeli Minister Benny Gantz, who is in the war cabinet, said at a news conference on Wednesday: Even if we are required to pause fighting in order to return our hostages, there will be no stopping the combat and the war until we achieve our goals.

Asked to elaborate on what is hindering the hostage deal, Gantz declined to give any details.

Previously, talks had focused on Hamas releasing up to 15 hostages and a pause in the Gaza fighting of up to three days, sources in the Gulf and elsewhere in the Middle East said.

There was no immediate comment from Qatars Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Hamas political office in Doha.

Two Egyptian security sources said there was only agreement so far on limited truces in specific areas of Gaza. They said Israel had shown reluctance to commit to any wider deal, but appeared to have moved closer to doing so by Tuesday.

Hamas armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, said on Monday that it had told Qatari negotiators it was willing to release up to 70 women and children in return for a five-day truce.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that we have been working relentlessly for the release of the hostages, including using increased pressure since the start of the ground incursion.

Any deal faces many obstacles.

It is unclear whether Hamas is currently able to compile an accurate list of hostages it holds since the war has caused it communications and organisational problems in Gaza, a Western diplomat in the region said.

Gathering the hostages for any simultaneous release, which Israel wants, would be logistically difficult without a ceasefire, said another source in the region with knowledge of the negotiations.

There had also been uncertainty over whether the military and political leadership of Hamas were in agreement, though this was later resolved, and also concern that Israeli military pressure was making a deal harder, the same source said.
Hours after the UKs Supreme Court struck down Londons plan to send some migrants to Rwanda, the East African country said that it took the issue with Britains apex court.

This is ultimately a decision for the UKs judicial system, Rwandan government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo said in a statement to AFP.

However, we do take issue with the ruling that Rwanda is not a safe third country for asylum seekers and refugees, in terms of refoulement.

She said Rwanda was committed to its international obligations and its exemplary treatment of refugees had been recognised by the UN refugee agency and other bodies.

We take our humanitarian responsibilities seriously, and will continue to live up to them, she added.

Earlier today, a five-judge panel rejected the controversial policy, upholding a lower court judgment that sending undocumented migrants to Rwanda was unlawful.

Following the courts judgment, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that he would soon finalise a new treaty with Rwanda.

The government has been working already on a new treaty with Rwanda and we will finalise that in light of todays judgment, he said.

Furthermore, if necessary I am prepared to revisit our domestic legal frameworks, Sunak added.

Britain and Rwanda signed a deal in April 2022 to send some migrants who arrive in the UK across the English Channel to the East African country, where their asylum claims would be processed and, if successful, they would stay.

Britains government argues that the Rwanda policy will deter people from risking their lives crossing one of the worlds busiest shipping lanes, and will break the business model of people-smuggling gangs. Opposition politicians, refugee groups and human rights organizations say the plan is unethical and unworkable.

With inputs from agencies
The United Nations called Wednesday for an independent investigation into mass killings in Burkina Faso this month that left dozens of people dead, including children.

Burkina Fasos state prosecutor said Monday that more than 70 people had been killed in an attack on November 5 in the town of Zaongo in the central north of the country and that most of them were children and elderly people.

The UN rights office said it was following the alarming reports of mass killings in the West African country.

We call on the transitional authorities to carry out promptly a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into these serious reports, spokeswoman Liz Throssell said in a statement.

She pointed out that while the authorities had confirmed at least 70 deaths, some reports suggest that some 100 people may have been killed, and a large number injured.

This incident, during which a number of properties were burned down, is also reported to have led the villagers to flee the area, she said.

The country is battling a jihadist insurgency that spilled over from neighbouring Mali in 2015 and has left more than 17,000 civilians and soldiers dead and displaced two million people.

Burkina Faso is ruled by a transitional government put in place after a September 2022 coup.

Our office in Burkina Faso is continuing to look into what happened but is at this stage unable to identify the perpetrators.

Throssell pointed out that it was difficult to access the area for security reasons and talk to witnesses and survivors, stressing the need for a probe to determine who was behind the killings.

The perpetrators responsible must be brought to justice, in fair and transparent trials, and reparations must be provided to victims, she said.
Wednesday saw the crossing of the first fuel truck into Gaza since Israels war with Hamas began. The truck was carrying diesel for the UN, but it wont significantly help with the shortages that have hindered humanitarian efforts.

According to a humanitarian source, Israel authorised the entry of 24,000 litres (6,340 gallons) of diesel fuel into Gaza for use by U.N. assistance distribution vehicles, but not for use in hospitals, which allowed for the delivery.

This is only 9% of what we need daily to sustain lifesaving activities, Tom White, director of U.N. relief agency UNRWA in Gaza, posted on social media platform X.

He confirmed that just over 23,000 litres, or half a tanker, had been received.

The situation for Gazas 2.3 million people has reportedly gotten significantly worse, according to aid workers. Fuel is required for hospital generators, water supply, sewage treatment, communications, and the distribution of aid.

Since October 21, sporadic supplies of humanitarian aid have started making their way into Gaza from Egypt; however, Israel has refused to permit the entry of fuel, claiming that it might be utilised by Hamas.

The UN has issued a warning in recent days, stating that when its gasoline supplies ran out completely, it would soon have to suspend humanitarian activities.

It claimed that fuel shortages were threatening to close hospitals, bakeries, sewage pumping stations, water desalination plants, and water wells, having previously caused or contributed to their shutdown.

Tuesday saw 91 trucks arrive in Gaza from Egypt with supplies including food, medicine, bottled water, blankets, and tents; nevertheless, the United Nations reports that the 1,187 trucks that have been sent since October 21 can only partially satisfy the needs. It stated that the scarcity of fuel has caused the aid to be distributed to essentially stop.

Witnesses reported that two more fuel-carrying trucks were positioned on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing, but it was unknown when they would pass across to Gaza on Wednesday, following the entry of the first vehicle.

On October 7, Hamas militants entered southern Israel, prompting Israel to launch a military operation to eradicate the organisation. According to Israel, the attack claimed the lives of 1,200 people and captured another 240 more.

(With agency inputs)
A UNICEF spokesperson announced on Wednesday that UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell had to postpone a trip to Israel as a result of her injuries sustained in a car accident in Egypt on Tuesday while on her way to the Gaza Strip.

While en route to Rafah, we believe the car hit or tried to avert a big pothole that made the car go over a deep ditch and flip on the side, Kurtis Cooper, the head of UNICEFs media department Russell had experienced significant bruising, and is in quite a bit of discomfort, but her injuries are not considered serious.

Russell delayed the remainder of her trip to the region, which included Israel, where she had intended to meet with relatives of kidnapped children, he added. Russell had continued her journey to Gaza until medical professionals decided she needed more care.

(With agency inputs)
The Pentagon has quietly increased military assistance to Israel, fulfilling requests for additional laser-guided missiles for its Apache gunship fleet, 155mm shells, night-vision devices, bunker-buster munitions, and new army vehicles, Bloomberg quoted an internal Defence Department list, dated late October and titled Israel Senior Leader requests, currently circulating within the Pentagon as saying.

The military aid to Israel goes beyond the widely known provision of Iron Dome interceptors and Boeing Co. smart bombs. Despite increasing caution from Biden administration officials, advising Israel to minimize civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip, the supply of weapons continues.

The document reviewed by Bloomberg News indicates that the arms requested by Israel in its conflict with Hamas, designated as a terrorist group by the US and European Union, are either in the process of being shipped or the Defence Department is working to make them available from stockpiles in the US and Europe.

As of late October, deliveries included all 36,000 rounds of 30mm cannon ammunition, 1,800 of the requested M141 bunker-buster munitions, and a minimum of 3,500 night-vision devices.

Meanwhile, 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 centre in and beneath Shifa Hospital, the largest in the besieged territory. Both Hamas and Shifa hospital staff deny the Israeli allegations.

Israeli defence 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 would 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.

With inputs from inputs.
As Xi Jinping arrived in San Francisco for his meeting with Joe Biden (US time) as part of the APEC Summit, a banner at the venue had a special message for the Chinese President which read: End CCP, Free China, Free HK, Free Tibet, Free Uyghur.

In a video post shared on X, a plane can be seen circling over the Moscone Center, where this weeks Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit is being held, with a message reading: End CCP, Free China, Free HK, Free Tibet, Free Uyghur.

Nov 14th, the day Xi Jinping is supposed to arrives in San Francisco United States, In the sky above APEC venue floated a banner that read  End CCP, Free China, Free HK, Free Tibet, Free Uyghur, the user wrote on X.

Xi is due to meet Biden on Wednesday morning (US time), before attending the annual summit of the 21-member Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) grouping.

This is Xis third stop outside China this year, after trips to Russia and South Africa where his government has less tumultuous ties.

The US visit  his most high-profile act of foreign diplomacy in 2023  presents a tougher climate, with bipartisan criticism of Beijings trade, human rights and national security policies.

Reflecting how Xis presence in America was dividing local Chinese communities, a large crowd gathered outside the downtown hotel where the Asian leader was expected to stay, with protesters and CCP supporters blaring patriotic music both held back behind metal barriers.

While welcome crowds were the larger bloc, the opposition group was at times hard to miss.

A handful of anti-Communist Party protesters had gathered on the streets early Tuesday.

One Chinese woman held a placard that asked Shanghai authorities to return her husbands life, without explanation, while another man held a sign that said China has concentration camps.

Some 1,000 people are expected to converge on the Moscone Center as Biden and Xi sit down for the first time in a year on Wednesday.

With inputs from agencies
Chinese woman promotes guzheng culture in Sydney

People's Daily Online) 14:39, November 15, 2023

Zhou Yunan (third from right, front row) and others pose for a photo to celebrate the 5th anniversary of a guzheng studio in Sydney, Australia, in 2022. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee)

The guzheng, also known as the Chinese zither, is a musical instrument that beautifully represents Chinese culture. In Sydney, Australia, Zhou Yunan founded a guzheng school with the aim of promoting the art of guzheng and allowing more people to experience the charm of traditional Chinese music.

Zhou was born into a musical family, with her grandfather, mother, and uncle all involved in music education. Growing up in such an environment, she developed a love for the guzheng.

After obtaining a master's degree in guzheng from the Shenyang Conservatory of Music in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Zhou immigrated to Australia with her family. The strong sense of nostalgia made her love for the guzheng even stronger.

Zhou said that foreigners, despite their limited exposure to traditional Chinese instruments, are consistently amazed by the captivating and enchanting sound of the guzheng when they get a chance to listen to it being played.

Zhou noticed that many overseas Chinese are eager to expose their children to Chinese musical instruments and traditional culture, but they often lack the opportunities to do so. This motivated her to take on the responsibility and obligation to promote guzheng culture.

In 2017, Zhou founded a guzheng school in Sydney.

"It's not easy to promote traditional Chinese musical instruments overseas. On one hand, there is a shortage of professional guzheng teachers or teachers for other Chinese musical instruments," Zhou said. "On the other, the guzheng is not a mainstream instrument in Sydney, so establishing the school's reputation was also a challenge."

During that period when we-media was not as advanced, the school primarily relied on engaging in various activities for promotional purposes, including Chinese New Year concerts, community events, and performances staged by the school's students. Through word of mouth, the school gradually gained recognition.

Zhou focused on the irresistible allure of the guzheng itself, stating that their main objective was to bring it to the attention of the public.

The guzheng is gradually reaching more people, Zhou said, noting that while the majority of students are overseas Chinese, there has been an increasing proportion of students from other countries, such as Australia, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Zhou is delighted to see that many of her students are opting for the guzheng when applying for scholarships, and even selecting the guzheng as a music exam subject for the college entrance examination.

"I aspire to nurture my students effectively and promote traditional music culture in a standardized and professional manner," Zhou said. She frequently collaborates with tea art and dance teachers in Sydney to arrange art exhibitions and photography events showcasing participants dressed in ancient-style clothing, providing students with ample opportunities to immerse themselves in diverse Chinese culture. "Despite our varied areas of expertise, we frequently convene to explore ways to enhance the promotion of Chinese culture," she said.

"In my view, the guzheng is more than just a musical instrument; it serves as a bridge that connects overseas Chinese with their homeland, allowing performers to convey their longing for home to the audience," Zhou said.

"For overseas Chinese listeners, the sound of the guzheng at traditional Chinese festivals evokes a distinct emotion. Music has the power to touch the soul. The guzheng not only showcases the enchantment of traditional instruments but also reflects our cultural confidence and patriotic sentiments," she added.

In recent years, an increasing number of overseas Chinese have actively participated in promoting traditional Chinese culture, sparking a surge in Chinese style and trends in Sydney.

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun)
Nokia G42 5G Review: A Budget-Friendly Blend of Style and Repairability Reviews oi -Hrithik Rawat

Verdict: Nokia G42 5G

In the ever-evolving smartphone arena, Nokia's G42 5G emerges as a distinctive option, combining vibrant design with a unique focus on repairability. The So Purple variant, reminiscent of Nokia's colorful legacy, adds a touch of individuality to a market saturated with monochrome options. While Nokia deserves praise for prioritizing repairability, the G42's overall execution leaves room for improvement.

Rating: 3.5 /5

PROS Classic Design

Repairability

Camera Performance

Long Battery Life CONS Mono Speakers

Display Quality

Design: Aesthetic Appeal Meets Repairability

Draped in a plastic build and available in So Purple or So Grey, the Nokia G42 5G follows a familiar design language for budget-friendly devices. The rear panel's shine effect imparts a subtle premium feel. The in-hand feel plays the lead role here. It's not just good; it's the hands-down best in the segment. It's like holding a slice of budget-friendly luxury in your palm.

The rear panel's shine effect imparts a subtle premium feel, standing out in its price segment. Not to forget! The in-hand feel is the hands down the best in segment.

In a refreshing nod to tradition, the Nokia G42 5G preserves the timeless 3.5mm headphone jack, recognizing the enduring allure of wired audio in delivering pure, crisp vibes directly to the ears. It eschews the trendy TWS (True Wireless Stereo) drama, staying true to the original audio quality that wired connections provide.

What truly sets it apart is its commitment to repairability-a rare quality in today's smartphone landscape. The device assures users that in the event of glitches, support is just a step away, reinforcing the brand's dedication to customer satisfaction.

Cameras: Nifty Night Mode and Decent Performance

Nokia's expertise in color reproduction is evident in every snapshot. The 50MP main camera delivers a high-five to reality, showcasing vibrant and true-to-life colors. The device strikes the perfect balance, ensuring that the visual experience mirrors the vividness of the actual scene.

The interplay of blacks and contrast in Nokia's camera setup is nothing short of cinematic. The images come alive with an epic pop-out dance, creating a dynamic visual narrative. The device effortlessly masters the art of enhancing shadows and highlights, providing a rich and immersive viewing experience through the main lens.

The macro lens of Nokia G42 5G confidently flexes on the competition and outperformed most rivals.

Nokia's commitment to offering a diverse range of bokeh options in this smartphone segment is commendable. However, like the cool kid in class, the bokeh mode sometimes struggles with edge detection. While it provides an array of bokeh types, there's a bit of homework to be done in refining the precision of edge detection. Occasionally missing finer details, it showcases room for improvement in this aspect.

Repairability Takes Center Stage

The G42's unique selling point lies in its repairability. Users can replace essential components like the screen, battery, and charging port, making it ideal for those inclined toward DIY repairs. While the process involves undoing screws and clips, it presents a cost-effective alternative to replacing the entire phone.

Display: Size Matters, but Resolution Disappoints

With a sizable 6.5-inch display, the G42 5G offers ample screen real estate. However, the choice of an HD+ 720p display and a 90Hz refresh rate raises questions in a market where competitors provide full HD 1080p displays with 120Hz support. The compromise in display quality becomes apparent, particularly during video streaming with darker scenes.

Audio: 3.5mm Legacy and OZO Playback

The Nokia G42 impresses with a robust down-firing mono speaker, delivering rich volume and a pristine frequency spectrum. While the absence of stereo setup leaves room for improvement, the device compensates with smart inclusions. The 3.5mm headphone jack champions audio versatility, offering users the classic, wired audio experience. Bolstered by OZO Playback, the audio landscape is elevated, proving Nokia's commitment to refining user engagement.

Performance: Budget-Friendly, 5G Enabled

Powered by the Snapdragon 480+ chipset, the Nokia G42 5G offers a smooth navigation experience and fast wake-up times. However, performance limitations become apparent with graphically intensive tasks, leading to occasional slow loading of web pages. A noteworthy feature is its near-stock Android experience, offering a clean and visually pleasing interface. This stripped-down approach enhances overall usability, standing out in a market cluttered with heavily customized interfaces.

Battery Life: Longevity Champion with a Trade-off

With an impressive 5,000mAh battery, the G42 5G provides over a day of usage on a single charge. Nokia's claim of up to three days with regular usage seems plausible, making it a strong contender for users prioritizing battery life. However, the trade-off is a slow charging time of nearly two hours to reach full capacity with the 20W in-box charger.

Conclusion: A Solid Contender with Room for Growth

Nokia's G42 5G brings commendable intentions to the table, aiming to establish itself as a sustainable and repairable option in the crowded smartphone market. The So Purple color variant and the camera's performance contribute to its appeal. However, the lack of a full HD display, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an aging processor hinder its competitiveness in 2023. While repairability is a commendable feature, the G42 might benefit more from a flagship-like overhaul to match its longevity goals with contemporary user expectations.

In conclusion, the Nokia G42 5G offers a budget-friendly blend of style and repairability. For users valuing individuality and DIY repairs, this handset presents a unique option. While some aspects leave room for improvement, the G42 stands as a solid contender in the ever-expanding world of smartphones, promising a balance between sustainability and user experience.

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'I almost got an ulcer the last time, this time I will leave...' These stars vowed to QUIT the USA when Donald Trump became President - but stayed!
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Christopher Tomlinson/The Daily Sentinel

Some fishermen cast their lines into Enochs Lake in October. The lake, which was put on sale by the City of Fruita in early October, received only one offer to buy the lake  from the same three neighboring landowners who sought to purchase the lake earlier this year.
Larry Robinson/The Daily Sentinel

More than 150 Grand Valley residents showed up Tuesday in support of the Western Slopes Jewish community for a Vigil for Israel at the old Grand Junction courthouse. In addition to messages from speakers, there was a monitor showing a slideshow of each of the people kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7
By For the Courier

The St. Marys Rehabilitation Working Group will be providing a public update on Monday, Nov. 20.

They will be speaking to the Valley County Commissioners at 2 p.m., in the Board of County Commissioners located inside of the Glasgow Civic Center.

They will also be speaking at the Glasgow City Council during their regular council meeting at 5 p.m., in the Council Chambers located inside of the Glasgow Civic Center.

The public is invited to attend both meetings.
For the week of Nov. 1 through 9, there were seven motor vehicle stops, 13 accidental dials/prank calls, five reports of loose livestock, one report of loose dogs, one report of a barking dog, and one report of a missing dog.

Wednesday, Nov. 1

2300  An officer served the warrant on the arrestee. Booking video was pulled and copied to flash drive.

Thursday, Nov. 2

0232  Reporting party called and said someone was honking their horn outside his door. He believes the horn honking is in retribution for speaking with her about her barking dogs. No license plate number was provided as the vehicle is now gone. Dispatch advised to call back and provided a license plate number if they come back.

0311  Deputy reported he was moving a deer off the road. It was determined to be an antelope. A message was left for DOT.

1636  A female stated a person was just there and broke her window on the screen door.

1840  A public assist call was recorded for the abandoned houses.

2125  A male reported a big 6 dish (possibly a satellite dish) and an empty 300 lb bottle in the north ditch of US 2. He said it looks like a truck started to go off the road and then drove off and possibly lost their items. At 1008 the next day, MT DOT called advising they have picked up the items so if someone comes or calls about them they have them.

Friday, Nov. 3

0755  A female advised there is a semi struck in the underpass again At 0817, a deputy advised the underpass is clear.

1149  A female called stating her car broke down. She is off the road and is not a hazard. She will get it later this evening.

1304  A male called stating there is someone who needs assistance backing out of the underpass.

1320  A male called stating there is a vehicle that has been parked at the east end of his street now for two months. A license plate and description was provided. An officer tried to call the registered owner but went to voicemail. The officer will mark the car and they will see what to do with it.

1634  A male said he is receiving phone calls in regards to his exs debit card. He would like an officer to contact her and tell her she needs to remove his name from her debit card. The caller was patched through to an officer.

1754  A male reported he hit a deer just west of the Gateway on Hwy 24 south. He is not injured. The deer is still alive and in the ditch. A message for DOT was left regarding the deer.

1858  A male said a man came in requesting dispatch be called to get an officer to unlock his vehicle. Dispatch advised the officers dont unlock vehicles and provided phone numbers for the locksmiths.

Saturday, Nov. 4

0058  A deputy moved deer off the road about a mile south of St. Marie. Local MDT office was notified.

0313  Reporting party stated a guest at the hotel got locked in the room and the door had to be pried open. After she and the husband left, a guest fired a gun outside. The husband went over and the guest apologized stating he was just happy to be out of the room. A citation was provided for firing a gun within city limits.

0424  Reporting party called to have someone come out and remove her drunk boyfriend. A deputy arrived who spoke to the boyfriend. He said she came to his house and was drunk. He stated she went to her grandmas house. At 0510, deputy spoke to the grandmother, she said the reporting party was sleeping due to her coming home as the boyfriend had said. She was intoxicated.

1226  Dispatch received a call from the Detention Center. A detention officer advised a man was on the phone stating they were almost hit by a sheriffs deputy. The man said they were at the intersection and did not see the deputys car because they did not have their headlights on. He does not want to file a complaint, simply wants the lights on so they dont get in a wreck.

1351  A deputy requested DOT be notified as someone took out a delineator pole. A voicemail was left for Glasgow DOT.

1521  A female reported she witnessed dogs attack a kid and she later said the same dogs almost attacked a mother and a child. At 1500, a male reported there were two dogs going after kids and saw one charge at a kid. He could not provide a description but did take photographs.

1726  A male reported he found one of his cows dead. There were tracks leading up to the dead cow across the ice. He was wanting to reach the livestock inspector to find out what to do. He stated he took photos of the area.

1730  A female reported a Ford using the road as a drag strip for the last half hour. A deputy advised he patrolled the road and could not locate the vehicle.

2346  Reporting party stated her daughter is drinking and wants to fight. She would like an officer to come over and talk to her. Ten minutes later, per an officer, the mother explained the daughter was drinking wine and started arguing. She poured the wine out and is heading to a friends house now. She is no longer at the residence. The mom doesnt want anything else done.

Sunday, Nov. 5

0255  Reporting party requested an officer to talk to her granddaughter who is drunk. At 0309, the reporting party called back and stated she left to go to a friends house.

0830  Dispatch spoke with Supervisor about who would be notified regarding the downed street signs. At 0934, the Commissioners Office was notified to see if the County deals with this or if St. Marie deals with it. Since the sign is technically on Ash St., it would fall to St. Marie. Dispatch contacted the St Marie Condo association and was told its a Village Association issue. A male advised it appears to becoming a regular thing and reported several instances where it looks like someone took the street signs with a vehicle.

1507  A female reported someone dropped off cattle at the feed lot. They cut the locks, dumped off approximately 90 head and took the trespass signs. A description of the cattle were provided. She advised this is a civil disagreement about running cattle and not paying their bill. At 1515, she stated she spoke to their attorney who stated they need to have a deputy look at the place because this is a continuation from the last situation.

1642  A civil dispute of who has rights to the land call was reported.

1858  There is a vehicle in the ditch about 500 feet from a dead deer. At 1913, per deputy unable to contact the registered owner. Local MDT office was notified regarding the deer.

1916  Reporting party stated a camper and a truck has been camping out in the Shopko parking lot. They have been there at least five days. The reporting party talked to the guy and told him he had to move. He had left, then returned. Per officer, it is a private parking lot so would need a complaint from the property owner before anything could be done.

Monday, Nov. 6

0125  Reporting party stated a car is on the side of the road, with its tail end sticking out in the road. They are afraid someone will run into it. Deputy arrived, and the driver provided permission to pull the vehicle off the road. A PBT was 0.090 of the driver.

0822  A male advised that dispatch better get the cops out here. A location was provided with the caller stating the subjects did not have authorization to be in his house. A female needed to get her stuff out of the house. At 0905, tribal gave the female a ride home.

0954  There appears to be a frequent occurrence since this past spring where it appears vehicles are hitting signs in St. Marie. Its at an angle in which they are hitting and cant image there isnt vehicle damage after the impact. They are insured but needs a police report in order to get new signs paid and replaced in the spring.

1113  A male advised he fired an employee in October and told him he couldnt come back. The employee is at the feed lot right now and would like him removed. It was determined the employee was hired by a female so this is a civil issue.

1355  A male reported a drive off of $29.75. He attempted to catch them before they drove off. He got the license plate number however it came back to a different vehicle. Officer advised he will look around for the vehicle.

1431  A male stated there is a drift boat near the location. It has been there for awhile and was wondering on who to speak with about it. She asked if it didnt belong to anyone, if she could have it. She was patched along to a deputy.

1552  Deputy advised an individual was just released from the Valley County Detention Center. He will be giving her a ride to her vehicle.

1650  A female reported she struck a deer. The deer took off and ran. Her vehicle did sustain damage.

1726  A female reported someone has messed with her car some time between 1300 to 1700 today. She stated this is about the third time now. There is no damage to the vehicle but someone has been inside messing with the backseats and the head rest is yanked out. Cameras were viewed.

1801  A male reported he was selling a car and the buyer was supposed to pay $500 but the reporting party has not received a dollar. The male still has the title to the car. Earlier this year he saw the buyer driving around in the car and still had the plates on it. The caller stated he took the plates off of the car. He wanted the $500 owed for the vehicle. If the buyer wont make the payments, the caller wants the car back. It was determined to be a civil issue.

1910  A male reported a loud scream that took place about 25 minutes ago. He stated he heard a long and loud scream, then a pop. Possibly like a gunshot or it could have been his building, he was not sure which. At 1940, a deputy advised they have gone to three to four residences but nobody has seen or heard anything.

2226  A female reported there is a light on at her daughter's house and it looks like someone is walking around, however the daughter is currently at the callers house. No one has a keys to the place. A deputy arrived to the house and there are no broken windows. The south side door was capable of opening. There was no one inside.

Tuesday, Nov. 7

0234  A public assist call was recorded. It was just hunters parked for the night.

0952  A male called a deputy on their personal phone stating an act of vandalism at the Feed Lot. Their security camera is damaged.

1026  A male called stating there are some out of state hunters that are out by the power houses field dressing a deer. Fish and Game was provided the information.

1043  A female called wanting to make a report for record. She states she went to a company party last Saturday, Nov. 4. A coworkers father tried to intimidate her because the coworker has been telling him she has been bullying him. She states she has not been bullying him, in fact he has been bullying her. She just wants it on record.

1043  A male called because he stated he had to have a vehicle towed and was told he has a warrant out for his arrest out of Valley County. Dispatch looked him up and found a District Court warrant with a $5,000 bond. He stated he was told years ago by the judge the warrant was no longer active. After checking history, it shows a warrant that was recalled but there is an active warrant from March 2016 for various charges. He doesnt understand where this warrant would have come from so he was put through to the Valley County Attorneys Office to speak with someone about the warrant.

1312  A male reported a red car on the shoulder. Its front end is smashed in. There is no damage to the bridge and couldnt find any antifreeze anywhere around to see what the vehicle hit. Deputy arrived who advised there is deer hair all over the grill of the car so it appears they probably hit a deer.

1830  A deer was moved off the highway and DOT was contacted.

2145  The caller can hear screaming and fighting in the upstairs apartment. She doesnt know who lives there. At 2149, officer advised the arguing stopped and will be speaking with some individuals.

Wednesday, Nov. 8

2008  Received a call from a survey center. The woman dispatch spoke with said she would take the number off their list.

2036  A female called stating she needs a locksmith to get into her house. She was provided numbers for the locksmiths.

Thursday, Nov. 9

0112  Reporting party called and said a woman is banging on her door, causing something to fall off the wall because she was hitting the door so hard. The woman is drunk and the reporting party is afraid of her. The woman is pounding on the window and the caller is afraid its going to break. Officer arrived who later advised he has the suspect woman in his vehicle. A PBT of .0217 was logged for the arrestee.

0403  Reporting party called and said the woman who was arrested tonight called him, worried about her vehicle. She told him she didnt have her keys on her when she was arrested and now she is worried her vehicle will get stolen. An officer later advised the vehicle is parked behind the apartments.

0849  A male called stating he is in a semi truck and now has to go to Thompsons but cant turn around there. He is not comfortable just backing out onto the highway. As they were talking he said someone is now stopped out on the highway and motioning him to go ahead and back up. He stated he is comfortable with the guy blocking traffic for him.

1043  A male called stating there was a dog jumping at his fence making his dog go crazy. He would like an officer to come get the dog.

1102  A male called stating he just witnessed a motor vehicle accident. He states a car just hit a parked truck. The male is still in the vehicle. At 1116, an officer advised both vehicles are disabled at this time and he has not been able to make contact with the trucks owner yet.

1121  A female called stating she was told she needed to report she hit a deer yesterday. She is currently at the hotels front desk.
Looking For Public Input On New Skate Park

The Glasgow City Council met in regular session on Nov. 6 in the Council Chambers located inside of the Glasgow Civic Center. Regular business was discussed including approving payment of claims in the amount of $312,249.38; payment of Valley Court Apartment claims in the amount of $2,979.04; and the minutes for the Oct. 16, regular council meeting.

The Council provided an update to the possibility of building a skatepark on city property. Throughout previous City Council meetings, the Siding 45 Skatepark committee has proposed and provided information regarding their desire to place the future skatepark within Bundy Park, located behind Irle School. The Council had previously toured the portion of Bundy Park the committee would like to build the skatepark on, has heard information from the committee throughout a series of previous City Council meetings as well as heard public comments at previous City Council meetings for and against the proposed location.

The City Council is now requesting residents of the city of Glasgow to submit letters of support or opposition for the skatepark to be placed at this location. Letters can be sent to the Glasgow City Clerks Office, 319 3rd Street South, Glasgow, MT 59230. All letters must be received by Wednesday, Nov. 29, 12 p.m., to be included in the council packet for the Dec. 4 City Council meeting so the council members have the opportunity to review all letters prior to the regular meeting that evening at 5 p.m. The public will also have the opportunity to talk during public comment on any agenda item at that meeting.

The City Council has not officially provided the go-ahead for the skatepark to be built on the desired portion of Bundy Park, as they want public input first before making a final decision.

Glasgow Mayor Rod Karst also reported the Hospital Review Committee met to further discuss Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospitals Chief Executive Officer Nick Dirkes proposal he made to the council on Oct. 16. The proposal presented was for the hospital to purchase a portion of Hoyt Park, approximately 1.181 acres or 51,464 square feet of land. In preparation of the proposal, an appraisal was completed on the land, and upon review of the appraisal, additional research on the sale of public land and other discussions, FMDH offered $450,000 for the purchase of the property. The additional property would be used to add to their existing building with the possibility of expanding parking for the medical facility.

During the Hospital Review Committees recent meeting, Director of Public Works Paul Skubinna stated it would be preferred not to abandon the street between Hoyt Park and the hospital, which would be a possibility with the initial proposal presented, as a result of the utilities that run underneath the road. It was also stated the initial amount of $450,000 offered to the city by FMDH is not set in stone so the total amount for the land is still being determined and attorneys on both sides are reviewing previous resolutions as well as the proposal before a final decision is made. The Hospital Committee is set to meet again after further information is obtained by the attorneys. As of press time, no meeting date has been set to reconvene.

The Glasgow City Council meets the first and third Monday of every month, 5 p.m., in the Council Chambers located inside of the Glasgow Civic Center. Agendas are posted on The Glasgow Courier Facebook page, http://www.glasgowcourier.com, when made available.
Joined by veterans and their families at the State Capitol, Governor Greg Gianforte recognized four recipients of the 2022 Montana Governor's Veteran Commendation for their service to the nation and Montana communities.

"We owe our veterans an eternal debt of gratitude for answering our nation's call to service," Gov. Gianforte said. "These veterans extended their service beyond the armed forces, making the Last Best Place an even better place through their commitment to community."

During the ceremony, the governor honored several veterans, including U.S. Army Captain Steven Page, of Billings, U.S. Navy Petty Officer Paul Thomae, of Laurel, U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Les Johnson, of Havre, and U.S. Army Specialist William Dooley, of Wolf Creek.

The governor presented veterans with a Montana State Flag flown over the State Capitol in their honor and letters thanking them for their lives of service to country and community.

Fifty-one veterans received the award in 2022.

"For the governor to take the time out to do this for our veterans, it's very much appreciated. Thank you to my family, I couldn't have done all of this by myself," U.S. Air Force veteran Les Johnson said.
Including Valley Community Food Bank

As ever-increasing food costs and other everyday expenses push more Montanans to local food banks for help, the Town Pump Charitable Foundation is again matching over $1 million to help raise $4 million during its annual fundraising campaign for f...
Daily Recap: Hamas - Israel War November 13th, 2023 - Day 38

IDF Press Release

13.11.2023

IDF

Arena Overview

Southern Arena:

Today, IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, took to the battlefield to show international reporters and the public the unfortunate reality of terrorist-infested hospitals and underground terrorist tunnels in Gaza. Radm. Hagari, accompanied by the reporters, met with troops some distance outside the Rantisi hospital, where a tunnel opening leading 20 meters underground was found under the floorboards of a home. The following footage shows the IDF Spokesperson heading into the tunnel, and exiting it in the basement of the Rantisi hospital, where according to a number of indicating signs, Israeli hostages were previously held by Hamas terrorists.

IDF troops including the 401st Brigade, the 188th Brigade and the 551st brigade continued to operate throughout the northern Gaza Strip. The troops witnessed the extensive use of civilian areas for terrorist purposes and found an abundance of weapons in schools, universities, mosques and residential buildings, amongst other places. A case that stood out was the Abu Bakr Mosque, in which Hamas stockpiled a massive amount of explosives and incendiary devices.

Hamas terrorists targeted our troops throughout their operations. Soldiers from the 188th Brigade were targeted by RPG and light arms fire originating from the direction of the Al-Quds hospital, leading to an exchange of fire. Terrorists exited buildings adjacent to the hospital, hid amongst civilians exiting the hospital, and joined the attempted attack on IDF troops from the entrance to the hospital, before turning and hiding within it.

IDF ground troops entered the residence of a senior Islamic Jihad operative in Beit Hanoun and located a large number of weapons inside a child's room. During an additional operational activity in the area, troops located a tunnel entrance, intelligence materials belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization and weapons.

weapons found during IDF troops' activities in civilian areas in the Shati area (schools, mosques, residences)

The IDF and ISA eliminated the Head of the Anti-Tank Missile Array of Hamas' Khan Yunis Brigade, Yaakub A'ashur, and Hamas' former Head of Military Intelligence, Mohammed Khamis Dababash

In addition, Tahsin Muslem, commander of the combat assistance company who was responsible for the special forces in Beit Lahia, Jihad A'azem, a Hamas intelligence investigations officer in Zaytun, and Munir Hareb, head of Public Affairs in the Rafah brigade were also killed.

Northern Arena:

In the past day, IDF troops neutralized 5 terrorist cells, and remain on high alert. The IDF holds Hezbollah and the Lebanese government responsible for every shooting that is carried out from Lebanon.

In response to continued attacks on the northern border, IDF fighter jets struck a number of Hezbollah military sites in Lebanon. These targets included terror infrastructure, weapons storage compounds, and an operational command center.

Humanitarian Efforts:

The evacuation corridors remained open for civilians today between 09:00-16:00 through the Salah Al-Din route southward of Wadi Gaza. Additionally, from 10:00-16:00, the evacuation corridor from Youssef Al-Azmeh Street on the northern coastline was open.

There was a tactical pause of military operations for humanitarian purposes between 10:00-14:00 in the the city of Rafah in the area west of Salah Al-Din street.

Gazan residents being blocked from evacuation by Hamas are able to contact the IDF through this number +972 50-341-0322 or the Telegram channel- @gaza_saver

:Hostages and the Fallen Soldiers

The IDF continues to work in close cooperation with the ISA to do everything to return the hostages home. The IDF updated the families of 363 fallen soldiers who lost their lives fighting for our country.

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Press Briefing Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari November 13th, 21:20

IDF Press Release

Press Briefing

13.11.23

IDF .htm

IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, 13th November, Evening Statement

(in Hebrew):

Good Evening, the fighting in Gaza continues. Infantry and armored forces continue with operational activities against terror targets in the heart of [the] Shati [area]. Later on today, our forces reached the Rantisi hospital. I accompanied forces from the Flotilla 13 Special Forces Unit ("Shayetet 13") and the 401st Brigade and brought with me international journalists. During our operation, we exposed the terrorist infrastructure embedded in the hospital. We will now expose what we saw and prove to the world how Hamas turned the hospitals into its terror machine. We will now show the world how Hamas keeps weapons inside the hospital. We also suspect, and there are signs, that some of the hostages were held on site, for a certain period of time. Israeli hostages were held in the Rantisi hospital and this is currently being under review. This is also based on, and verified by our intelligence forces. The world needs to know what is going on in the hospitals in Gaza and must take action against the Hamas-ISIS war crimes. I will now present the evidence in english.

(in English):

I just got back from Gaza, where I joined an operation inside the Rantisi Children's Hospital.

I went to the hospital with a video camera and personally documented more concrete evidence. The concrete evidence [is] that Hamas uses hospitals as an instrument of war.

Underneath the hospital, in the basement, we found: a Hamas command-and-control center; suicide-bomb vests; grenades; AK-47 assault rifles; explosive devices; RPGs and other weapons, computers, money, etcetera. And we also found signs that indicated that Hamas held hostages here. This is currently under review but we also have intelligence that verifies it. Additionally, we found that Hamas terrorists came back from the massacre on October 7th to this hospital, among others, after butchering Israelis in their homes, executing the innocent, murdering entire families, burning babies, burning young women alive and using this children's hospital Rantisi, to hide.

Hamas hides in hospitals. Today we will expose this to the world.



For the last week, we have been conducting an effort to safely evacuate the patients being treated there, and in other hospitals as well. Israel helped the hospital manager evacuate the Gazan patient[s], to a safer hospital. Yesterday we were informed by the hospital 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 [against] the sick, wounded, or the women, or the children. Our war is against Hamas who uses them as human shields.

I will now share the raw footage that we filmed a few hours ago proving that Hamas systematically runs its terror machine under hospitals in Gaza. This is the Rantisi hospital. Next to the complex, there is a school, but also there is a terrorist [complex]. [The complex was controlled by] one of the heads of the terrorist[s], [who] is one of the terrorists from the Naval Commando, is the commander of the Naval Commando Unit of Hamas. And this complex is next to the hospital Rantisi, I am talking about yards, short yards. What we found, and you'll see in the video, [is] that there is a tunnel next to the terrorist building which has solar panels above it, next to the school and next to the hospital. We are now trying to indicate the routes [of] the tunnel to the hospital. We are investigating right now with our engineering team, but we have evidence that this tunnel goes [in] this direction [towards the hospital]. In the hospital, in the building that [is] located in red, we have revealed Hamas infrastructure in the basement. We are still [conducting] searches on other floors of the building. And this operation is still [underway].

(Shows video)

This is where the tunnel is being dug next to the school and next to the hospital. They are building those tunnel[s] specifically next to this sensitive location. A robot is being [inserted] down [into] the tunnel. You can see an electricity panel and the wires going underneath to the tunnel. It comes from the solar energy in the house to maintain energy [in] the tunnel. Instead of this energy, you see this, this is a cover[ed] tunnel, which has a ladder, [going] more than twenty meters down and then we have a door, the robot found a door. [It is nothing other than] a terror tunnel. We are still conducting [an investigation of] this tunnel, but all its infrastructure indicates this is a terror tunnel built next to a hospital, and next to Rantisi.

This is Rantisi hospital, a children's hospital. This sign says it is for children with cancer. In this building, you [will] see the terror infrastructure. Now I am going to show you.

This is the tunnel.

This is Rantisi hospital, in the basement [of] the building I've shown you. Hamas has created a location inside the hospital [that] will be disconnected from the rest of the hospital. Inside this room there is an armory with grenades, vests, bombs, RPGs. In a basement [that] was supposed to be a basement for children to hide in, Hamas took all [the] area under [its] control and conducted [its] war against Israelis, from this hospital. [This is] serious gear that [put] the patients inside the hospital [at risk]. These are explosive. These are bomb vests that you see in the film here for terrorist[s] to hold a bomb vest on them - in a children's hospital, next to hostages, as we presume.

This is a motorcycle, like [those] you have seen on the day of the 7th of October. It also has a bullet inside it and underneath it is something we think is part of a hostage's head [band].

They brought the motorcycle inside the basement with a hostage, presum[ably]. This basement also leads to a place where we presume [they held hostages], [due to the fact there are] signs hostages were being held. On this chair we saw a rope, a chair, a cloth and a [poster] of the [World] Health Organization who gives money to this hospital. This is a war crime. And [we also saw] a baby bottle above it [the poster]. This is in the basement. No babies should be in the basement. This is a war crime. This is a crime against humanity. And we also saw an improvised toilet nearby. You don't build an improvised toilet in the basement unless you want to build infrastructure to hold hostages. You [can] also find some baby stuff over there and we are still investigating everything. We brought our forensic teams [who are] on the way to the hospital to investigate all the evidence that we have.

They built a small kitchen next to a room that was hidden. This room got improvised ventilation from the outside and we assume that this area and this room was either for terrorists staying there or for terrorists and hostages and we will show you the signs that indicate that.

Nobody puts curtains behind a wall. Why do you put curtains when there are no windows unless you want to film something, unless you want to create a place [which] nobody knows if it's a basement or [an]other place. And there, there is this list with days, which mark the days from the 7th of October and has the name that Hamas gave to the operation, the operation of Al-Aqsa, of the Mosque of Al-Aqsa. It has the dates, the numbers of the days that followed by, I don't know exactly what it indicates, [or] when they [left] this area, but you have to remember when they evacuated the hospital with the patients, they might have left with the patients, they might have run away through tunnels and we have signs that they had hostages with them. It's still under investigation, but there [are] enough signs to indicate that.

I was there. I was thinking when I was there about babies, hostage babies, Israeli hostage babies, women, children. This is Hamas, [a] barbaric terrorist organization. This is Hamas using hospitals as human shields, as terror machines. This is not the last hospital like this in Gaza and the world should know that. That is a crime, that is a war crime, that is a crime against humanity, that is against international law. Who[ever] gives money to these hospitals, who[ever] shares this hospital and embraces this hospital, is helping Hamas' effort. We are trying to shift the Gazans to a safer area in the south and reveal those hospitals as terror machines. The world should know and the world should not forget those crimes against humanity done to Israel. We will free our hostages from Gaza and free Gaza from Hamas for the sake of the people of Israel, for the people of Gaza as well, and [for] the world.

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Terrorists Fire RPGs from Al-Quds Hospital

IDF Press Release

13.11.23

IDF

During operations carried out by the 188th Brigade, RPG fire and small arms fire were directed at the soldiers from the direction of the Al-Quds Hospital in Gaza City.

The shooting was carried out by a terrorist squad that had embedded itself within a group of civilians at the entrance of the hospital. The soldiers identified a terrorist squad with two RPG launchers amongst the civilians. As a result of the shooting carried out by the terrorists, a tank was damaged.

The soldiers fired toward the terrorists. 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. After the terrorists fired RPGs, they returned to hide in the hospital.

The combat team of the 188th Brigade, which included armored, engineering, infantry troops and with the assistance of the Air Force, responded with fire and fired shells toward the sources of the fire.

During the incident, approximately 21 terrorists were killed and there were no casualties to our forces.

This incident is another example of Hamas' continued abuse of civilian structures, including hospitals, to carry out attacks.

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Fort George G. Meade, U.S. Cyber Command/NSA Break Ground on a World-class Barracks

By Bryan Spann November 14, 2023

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. -- Fort Meade broke ground on the construction of two new buildings, the Freedom Center IV barracks, in ceremonies Nov. 9. The barracks will house 380 enlisted service members from all military branches when complete.

Special guest speaker, Gen. Paul Nakasone, Commander U.S. Cyber Command, Chief Central Security Service (CSS) and the Director of the National Security Agency (NSA), identified those service members in his remarks. "It's going to be members of the Central Security Service, 40 percent of NSA's workforce, the Marines, the Soldiers, the Sailors, the Airmen, the Guardians, the Coast Guardsmen that make up the analysts and linguists and reporters that ensure that the National Security Agency can do its principal missions of signals intelligence and cyber security.

This is a world-class facility for a world-class workforce," said Nakasone.

Gen. Nakasone also talked about the cooperation it took to get to this stage. "It's been a partnership, the partnership of U.S. Army Garrison Fort (George G.) Meade led by Col. Michael Sapp, Directorate of Public Works (DPW), obviously working very hard to make sure that we have everything that we need, and my incredible team, Installations and Logistics led by Mr. Randy Westfall at the National Security Agency. I also pass along my thanks to our representatives and certainly our congressional leaders that have been so key for us to be able to ensure that we have the funding and resources to be able to build such world-class facilities," he said.

Col. Michael Sapp, Commander, U.S. Army Garrison Fort George G. Meade also emphasized the importance of partnership. "As you know, the combined effort between the NSA and the U.S. Army Garrison (Fort George G. Meade) to fund this facility could only happen because of the partnership and cooperation. When we combine our efforts, we can do so many great things."

"These buildings and the joint service members that will reside in them are another reminder of the incredible talent and skills that we need to attract and retain service members with skills that the nation needs so dearly. It should not be underestimated and cannot be overstated the quality housing and the impact it will have on morale and the quality of work," Sapp added.

The Freedom Center IV project represents the first phase of the long-term barracks solution at Fort Meade. "A solution that's vital for this installation's growing mission, as it provides tenants with the proper, necessary housing that they deserve," said Lt. Col. David Myers, Deputy District Commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Baltimore District).

Garrison Housing Chief, Aimee Stafford, who also served as the ceremony's emcee said, "This project has been a long time coming, over 10 years. With included kitchenettes, it will be quite an upgrade from the barracks that will be demolished by the time this project is complete."

Officials of the Freedom Center IV project have set a target completion date in the Fall of 2025.

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November 14, 2023

Release

CDAO Releases Responsible AI (RAI) Toolkit for Ensuring Alignment With RAI Best Practices

Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) publicly released the Responsible Artificial Intelligence (RAI) Toolkit, a key deliverable of the DoD RAI Strategy & Implementation Pathway (RAI S&I Pathway), signed June 2022, by Deputy Secretary of Defense (DSD) Kathleen Hicks.

The RAI S&I Pathway spells out 64 lines of effort for operationalizing the Department of Defense's AI Ethical Principles, including developing technical tools and guidance to help DoD personnel design, develop, deploy, and use AI systems responsibly. The RAI Toolkit is built upon the earlier Responsible AI (RAI) Guidelines and Worksheets developed by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), the NIST AI Risk Management Framework and Toolkit, and the IEEE 7000 Standard Model Process for Addressing Ethical Concerns during System Design, among other sources.

The RAI Toolkit provides users a voluntary process that identifies, tracks, and improves alignment of AI projects to RAI best practices and the Department's AI Ethical Principles, while capitalizing on opportunities for innovation. Additionally, the Toolkit's intuitive flow guides users through tailorable and modular assessments, tools, and artifacts throughout the AI product lifecycle. Finally, the RAI Toolkit offers guidance and an RAI standard to current and future DoD industry partners related to the RAI-focused products and other capabilities they seek to develop. The Toolkit is a living document that will be continuously enhanced.

The RAI Toolkit development effort was led by the RAI Division, with support, insight, and feedback from the DoD Responsible AI Working Council, subject matter experts from across the Department, federal funded research and development centers, university-affiliated research center laboratories, and industry partners. "The Toolkit is a core pillar of the Department's Responsible AI work, and we are honored to contribute to the Department's overall journey toward justified confidence in AI-enabled systems," remarked Chief of RAI Division Diane Staheli.

RAI Toolkit info sessions and feedback opportunities will be made available. To register interest, please email the RAI Division at DODCIO-CDAORAI@groups.mail.mil.

The RAI Toolkit reinforces the Department's commitment to becoming a responsible AI-enabled organization. CDAO Craig Martell proclaimed, "Responsible AI is foundational for anything that the DoD builds and ships. So, I am thrilled about the release of the RAI Toolkit. This release demonstrates our commitment to ethics, risk assessment, internal governance, and external collaboration. We promised to establish processes to design and employ human fail-safes in AI development and deployment, and we're excited to provide this applied Toolkit for our end users." Interested users may access the online RAI Toolkit here: https://rai.tradewindai.com/

About the CDAO

The CDAO became operational in June 2022 and is dedicated to integrating and optimizing artificial intelligence capabilities across the DoD. The office is responsible for accelerating the DoD's adoption of data, analytics, and AI, enabling the Department's digital infrastructure and policy adoption to deliver scalable AI-driven solutions for enterprise and joint use cases, safeguarding the nation against current and emerging threats

For more information about the CDAO, please visit our website at ai.mil. You can also connect with the CDAO on LinkedIn (@ DoD Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office) and X, formally known as Twitter (@dodcdao). Additional updates and news can be found on the CDAO Unit Page on DVIDS.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3588743/

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November 14, 2023

Release

Statement From Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder

The Department continues its efforts to work closely with the Hawaii Department of Health, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Hawaii state officials to ensure the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility is defueled and the conditions for closure are set.

In support of that goal, the Department of Defense published a new supplement to the DoD Red Hill Defueling Plan today. This supplement demonstrates our intent to complete defueling the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility and transition responsibility from Joint Task Force-Red Hill to a new Navy-led organization, the Navy Closure Task Force-Red Hill (NCTF-RH).

As directed by the Secretary of Defense, the Commander, Pacific Fleet (CPF) will establish NCTF-RH. The Commander, Navy Region Hawaii (CNRH) will be dual-hatted as Commander Navy Region Hawaii and Commander, NCTF-RH. Dual hatting the Commander enables operational and reputational synergy for the execution of closure and remediation actions, while also leveraging the Commander's position in the community to continue rebuilding trust with the State of Hawaii and the local community of Oahu. Two deputy commanders will report to NCTF-RH: a Deputy Commander for Closure and Demolition, and a Deputy Commander for Remediation and Environment.

The responsible transition from the Joint Task Force to the Navy demonstrates the continued commitment of the Department to safeguard the environment and protect the health of the people in Hawaii and to deliver on Secretary Austin's commitment to safely defuel and permanently close the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility.

A copy of the supplement is available here.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3588734/

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November 14, 2023

Speech

Keynote Address by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at Republic of Korea-United Nations Command Member States Defense Ministerial Meeting (As Delivered)

Seoul, Republic of Korea

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LLOYD J. AUSTIN III: Well, thank you, fellow ministers, and representatives. It is a privilege to join you for the inaugural ROK-UNC Member States Defense Ministerial Meeting. Minister Shin, thanks for bringing us together. Glad to see such a wide gathering from across the international community here today.

Seventy years after the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed, your presence here today makes clear that we all share an interest in maintaining peace and stability on this peninsula, and that's why the United Nations Command is so important. It helps maintain deterrence by assuring that we can sustain our forces in theater in the event of a crisis or conflict.

My friends, the service members that each of your countries have sent here are standing on the front lines to defend the Republic of Korea and the rules-based international order. The United States is proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you.

Now, the UNC also plays a crucial role in facilitating dialogue with the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, including by helping to repatriate the remains of fallen soldiers from the Korean War, and the UNC helps enforce the armistice by serving as a long-standing, multilateral coalition that responds to violations.

The UNC's unified command structure integrates multinational forces into a larger framework with the Combined Forces Command and the U.S. Forces Korea to deter and defeat the DPRK if conflict or crisis were to break out here. And so, our work together on the Korean Peninsula sends a powerful message that we stand united in the defense of peace and security.

Now, 73 years ago, countries from around the world came to the aid of the fledgling Republic of Korea and helped it repel invaders from North Korea. The UNC brought together more than 20 countries that contributed combat forces or medical assistance to help the ROK.

In the following seven decades, we've seen major changes in the regional security environment. The DPRK continues to develop its nuclear missile and cyber capabilities. They threaten not just the ROK and the United States, but also our allies and partners across the region, and 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.

We are also troubled by the recent growth in military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK. The DPRK is providing lethal aid to Russia to fuel Putin's cruel war of choice against Ukraine, and Russia is providing more support for the DPRK's wide-ranging illicit activities. Now, these activities do not just threaten the ROK; they also erode the rules-based international order that has brought prosperity and peace for the past 70 years.

So today, we come together to shore up our security for the next 70 years, and our shared commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea and to peace and stability on this peninsula will remain vital. So I look forward to today's discussion with all of you about how we can keep working together through the UNC to maintain peace on the peninsula both today, and for decades to come.

Thank you very much.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3588296/

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EU Defence Ministers agree to prioritise 22 military capabilities to bolster European armed forces

European Defence Agency

14 November 2023

Brussels, 14 November 2023. Today, at the Steering Board of the European Defence Agency (EDA), the 27 EU Ministers of Defence approve the 2023 EU Capability Development Priorities. The document serves as a baseline for EU-wide defence planning, and all EU defence-related initiatives. The 22 priorities reflect the military realities observed in Ukraine; support EU defence objectives; and are designed to lead to concrete projects.

TO BE READY

Persistent underinvestment and insufficient European cooperation have created substantial defence capability gaps. The twenty-two priorities agreed today address the need for full-spectrum defence capabilities, enabling high-intensity operations. They include fourteen priorities across five military domains, and eight related to strategic enablers and multipliers.

Head of Agency and HR/VP, Josep Borrell said: "The newly adopted military Capability Development Priorities will provide us with an impactful and actionable framework that will guide defence planning and all EU defence initiatives. In line with the objectives of the Strategic Compass, the new priorities will allow our Member States and their armed forces to maintain freedom of action and be better prepared to respond to an ever-changing and increasingly deteriorating security environment. Now is time to translate these priorities into concrete defence cooperation projects to ensure more resilient, agile and robust European armed forces, ready to tackle present and future threats."

The priorities - developed with an equal focus on short, medium, and long-term planning - emphasise harnessing cutting-edge capabilities and strengthening European armed forces. Moreover, they address current operational realities and being ready to face future threats and challenges. These priorities, among others, include:

 Land Based Precision Engagement: The range, precision, and mobility of land-based precision strike capabilities must be extended and enhanced, including in quantitative terms, with enhancements in large-calibre ammunition stockpiles, advanced anti-tank systems, versatile close fire support, and resilience against cyber threats.

 Integrated Air and Missile Defence: Encompasses all surface-based capabilities facing an airborne threat. Priorities in this area focus both on upgrading current air defence systems, and on developing next-generation systems with space-based early warning, and counter-Unmanned Air Systems capabilities.

 Underwater/Seabed Warfare: Enhancements in seabed warfare, underwater protection, and anti-submarine capabilities with advanced autonomous underwater vehicles, and surveillance systems.

 Sustainable and Agile Logistics: Incorporates capabilities to facilitate the projection, sustainment, and effectiveness of forces. Key areas include shared stocks and common warehousing, logistics footprint and strengthening maintenance requirements to deal with extreme weather conditions.

 Cohesive and Well-Trained Militaries: Centres on the development of professional military education, training, and ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment, and to operate in new military domains, such as space and cyber.

EDA Chief Executive, Jiri Sedivy said: "These priorities are a significant step in strengthening the EU's capabilities, extending beyond traditional equipment and platforms to encompass a broader operational perspective. The 22 priorities also look to future threats over the medium- and long-term time horizon."

LESSONS FROM UKRAINE LOOM LARGE

The 2023 EU CDP reaffirms the long-standing priorities and balance them with new ones arising from the profound shift in the EU's strategic environment. The newly adopted set of priorities also reflect the objectives of the EU's Strategic Compass and the military realities observed in Ukraine, including high-intensity requirements, and is therefore fully coherent with NATO.

Amongst the key lessons observed in the context of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is the necessity for agile, mobile, interoperable, technologically advanced, energy efficient, and resilient full spectrum land forces. Moreover, the Ukraine context highlighted the importance of multilayer Integrated Air and Missile Defence, along with an appropriate rebalance between the qualitative and quantitative dimensions in many capability areas.

BASELINE FOR EU DEFENCE CAPABILTY DEVELOPMENT

Over the last 18 months, EU Member States worked together with EDA and the EU Military Staff, to assess and conceptualise the various dimensions of military capability requirements.

The agreed priorities will serve as the baseline for all EU defence related initiatives and instruments, such as the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD), the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), the European Defence Fund (EDF) and any future EU defence supporting tools. In line with the Strategic Compass, this set of priorities shall also serve as a prime reference for national planning. In addition, they provide a valuable overview of the capability development landscape for the defence industry.

COOPERATION AND COHERENT IMPLEMENTATION

After today's endorsement, the focus will be on the implementation of the new set of priorities.

 These priorities will be the driver for capability-led research and innovation activities, informing the research agenda and engagement with industry.

 EDA will steer the collaborative activities aimed at implementing these priorities, establishing a clear, correlation from priority to action.

 EDA will use the third CARD cycle and bilateral dialogues with each EU Member State as a forum to support implementation and possible cooperative capability development activities with others.

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Foreign Affairs Council (Defence): Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell after the meeting

European External Action Service (EEAS)

14.11.2023

14/11/2023, Brussels

EEAS Press Team

Check against delivery!

Another [Foreign Affairs] Council. Another long discussion with the ministers [of Defence]. We are 27 and as you may understand, the issues are complicated, and it takes [a] long [time to discuss].

Today, the focus was [on the] support to Ukraine.

We also discussed about where we are on the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity and our Missions and Operations, in particular, in the Sahel.

We started the morning with a breakfast with the Secretary-General of NATO [Jens Stoltenberg], discussing on the resilience of critical infrastructure, because we have had some recent incidents, which have damaged submarine infrastructures for energy and telecommunications, undersea cables and pipelines in the Baltic Sea. We had a discussion on the state of the play of our capacity to respond to these kinds of threats and how to increase the protection of critical infrastructure. This is one of the priorities of the cooperation between the European Union and NATO.

Then, with the ministers, talking about Ukraine, I reiterated the urgency to increase our military support to Ukraine and, in particular, the immediate needs of the Ukrainian army to defend [itself] from the Russian aggression. This means air defence - we reviewed the work in progress of the training of the pilots for the F-16, winter equipment - because it is clear that the war will last during the winter, and ammunition.

We are doing a lot, but everybody agreed that we have to do more and faster. This is something that I have repeated so many times: more and faster.

Time is being measured not only in [the] destruction of infrastructure, houses, it is [also] being measured in losses of human lives. We have to understand that the support to Ukraine has to be conceived in the long term and it is part of our security commitments.

We are working with the ministers on the framework of the security commitments that I have been tasked by the European Council to present in December. For that, we have to agree and coordinate bilateral actions with the European Union-level actions.

My Deputy Secretary-General for [Common] Security [and Defence Policy, Charles Fries] will travel to Kyiv on the first days of December.

The training mission (EUMAM Ukraine) goes very well. We are over the 30.000 soldiers already been trained. Good training means also saving lives.

We will train 10.000 more in the upcoming period. I cannot give you a precise date but at the speed that we have been training the 30.000, these 10.000 more can go very quickly.

On the issue of ammunition, implementation is ongoing. I can give you the figures of today but tomorrow [there] will be different ones, because it is a continuous flow.

Remember that we were based on these three tracks with the Member States. We agreed in Spring, we are in Autumn. The objective of one million rounds of ammunition remains the political goal that we fixed together with the Member States. It is ambitious, but it remains our goal - and we will continue pushing for it, doing everything, every day, in order to deliver quicker and more ammunition.

What is the state of play? Well, the last figures I got: from the first track, we reached 30% of the overall objective and more than 300,000 shells have already been delivered. This comes from stocks or from re-routing or reprioritisation of orders, because the European industry exports a lot to third countries. So, we are asking Member States to reroute, to change the priority in order to give priority to the production for Ukraine.

I can say the same thing about the de-stocking. Stocks have been provided but de-stocking will continue, because the stocks are a not a fixed quantity. The stocks increase and decrease. New inputs, new outputs. I asked the Member States to continue de-stocking their capacities.

With the joint procurement that we have organised from the European Defence Agency and from the lead nations, in particular France and Germany, based on the last data - but the last data is from some days ago and tomorrow there will be a different one - at least 180.000 rounds have been placed as orders to the industry. Remember that the second track is ordering to the industry through joint procurement. 180.000 [rounds] have been put in order to be delivered in 2023 and 2024. But I insist that all of that is work in progress and the figures will continue increasing.

There is room for more orders. The industry, according to the European Commission, has the capacity. By March, it will have the capacity of producing 1 million rounds - but an important part of it is being supported and it has to be re-routed and re-prioritised.

This is about the ammunition issue.

We have to provide the industry with a clear horizon. They need predictability on what we expect from them.

That is why, the Act in Support of Ammunition Production - the ASAP - is already perceived by the industry as a positive contribution to the increase of European production capacity. Together with Commissioner [for Internal Market, Thierry] Breton, we will continue pushing for it.

And remember that, in the medium term, we are presenting a European Defence Industrial Strategy early next year.

I come back to the security commitments to Ukraine. I already explained that the purpose is to present it to the European Council in December.

We discussed about the progress on the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity.

This is a key deliverable of the Strategic Compass. The purpose is to enable to deploy [up to] 5,000 troops to respond to any imminent threats and to react to crisis situations.

It has to be fully operational in 2025 and we are making good progress.

We already made the first live exercise in Spain. Germany will do the same thing next year. We have to work on equipping our staff and our headquarters in Brussels to make the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) fully operational.

We have held a Force Contribution Conference. There are a lot of them, but we need more. Today, I have passed a strong message to the Ministers that their political and practical commitment is absolutely necessary if we want to keep the schedule.

Then, we went to the Missions and Operations. We discussed about the situation in the Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea. I [recently] came from Ghana, where I had the opportunity to deliver 105 armoured vehicles that were seized in the Mediterranean. They were going to Libya, and they were ceased by our Operation (EUNAVFOR MED IRINI) and delivered to the Gulf [of Guinea] countries, in particular to Ghana.

Good news from Bosnia and Herzegovina since our military mission (EUFOR Althea) has been renewed by the UN Security Council for another year. I think that this mission is absolutely necessary to continue providing stability and security to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Before that, we held the European Defence Agency's Steering Board.

The European Defence Agency (EDA) is becoming more and more visible. The work of the agency is becoming more and more interesting. It attracts more interest and importance from the Member States. [It is] normal. We are in a wartime, and everything related to defence has more visibility and attracts more interest than in peace time.

The EDA has been doing a lot of work but now this work is becoming very much high on the agenda.

Today, we approved the 2023 Capability Development Plan. I know that a brochure has been distributed. This is not the development plan, this is - let's say - the way of disseminating and explaining [it] to the general public. But this is an important document, very important, because it says what the European Union armies have to provide in the future.

Remember that the last Capability Development Plan was in 2018. It means five years ago. During five years, this plan had not been updated and, certainly, the treats and challenges have been changing a lot [since] 2018 to now. Everything has changed.

That is why this Capability Development Plan is so important. It identifies 22 priorities covering key military capabilities that we need to develop together to ensure that the European armed forces can respond to today's new strategic environment.

This is the action plan. The central reference that should guide the defence planning at the European Union level and for the current and future defence initiatives and instruments.

I cannot go into details on the 22 priorities, they cover all the military capabilities needed. This update was very much needed because since 2018 until now, things have really changed.

This is the result of our Defence Ministers [meeting] today.

I hope that we will be able to present to the European Council in December the security commitments for Ukraine and a reviewed strategic plan for the Sahel region, which was another tasking of the last European Council.

Q&A

Q. The Chief Commander of the Ukrainian army, General [Valerii] Zaluzhny, has assessed that the war situation in his country is essentially at a stalemate, that Russia has ducked in, and that with current means, there is no way to change the situation on the battlefield decisively. Are you sharing this assessment? Do you see any way for the European Union Member States to give Ukraine the means it needs for another counteroffensive next year?

The Chief Commander of the Ukrainian army knows - much better than I - the situation. I am not going to discuss with him about the situation on the battlefield. He knows, and if he has said whatever he has said, I do not know. It is not me who is going to consider if he is right or not.

My duty, my work is supporting him. It is to provide support. It is not me who is fighting. It is not us who are fighting, it is the Ukrainians. Certainly, the war is lasting more than expected - more than expected by Putin, first of all. We have to continue providing support stubbornly, more of the same. That is why the ministers today engaged, all of them. There was not a single one with any kind of doubt about the need to continue supporting Ukraine, doing whatever we can with the tools that we have put in place.

I cannot comment more on what the Chief of Staff of the Ukrainian army considers, but from our side, we have to continue supporting them as much as we can, and that is what we are doing.

Q. I think he clearly said that more of the same will not do for Ukraine. He needs completely different stuff, and I am just wondering: Is there political will to push for another counteroffensive? I am asking that because, this year, many states - at least privately - said: "They have one shot. They have one counteroffensive". And now it seems to have come to an end.

I am not the Chief of Staff of the Ukrainian army. I cannot tell you what I do not know, and it is not my job to know. I am not the Chief of Staff of the Ukrainian army. Our work and our duty is to provide as much help as we can.

Q. Dejeme preguntarle por la crisis de Oriente Proximo, que ayer no pude. Hay paises como Espana que piden un alto al fuego humanitario, evidentemente no hay consenso en el Consejo, pero no se si estos dias se ha avanzado un poco mas o si usted es optimista a que se pueda alcanzar en las proximas semanas. Tambien en esta linea, Estados Unidos y Reino Unido han impuesto hoy una ronda de sanciones a lideres de Hamas. No se si se ha debatido ayer en el Consejo sobre esto, si algun Estado miembro lo ha puesto sobre la mesa. Y, una ultima pregunta, dejeme preguntarle porque ayer pregunte por su respuesta sobre la amnistia al ministro [de Exteriores, Union Europea y Cooperacion, Jose Manuel] Alvares y dijo que la ley de amnistia era de concordia y de convivencia. No se si usted, alto representante, cree que es tambien de concordia y de convivencia y si ha podido hablar de ello con los ministros [de Exteriores, Union Europea y Cooperacion, Jose Manuel] Alvares y [de Defensa, Margarita] Robles estos 2 dias.

Sobre esta segunda cuestion ya dije ayer lo que podia decir. Ciertamente las amnistias se hacen con este objetivo. Historicamente, las amnistias son el punto final de una fase de conflicto que trata de hacer borron y cuenta nueva. Todas las amnistias tienen este objetivo. Naturalmente, esta tambien lo tiene. Pero no voy a decir nada mas sobre eso por razones obvias, estando donde estoy.

Si, se ha comentado la posibilidad de aplicar sanciones a Hamas, pero, mas que sanciones, lo que se necesita es cortar la financiacion a Hamas. Tambien es cierto, y usted lo ha dicho, que no hay consenso dentro de la Union Europea, y tampoco lo hubo en el G7, para pedir un alto el fuego. Sin embargo, el domingo conseguimos el acuerdo de todos para pedir una pausa humanitaria, pero no en abstracto, sino de una manera inminente, urgente. Pausas en plural, pero ya, porque todo el mundo esta de acuerdo en que la situacion humanitaria en Gaza es realmente tremenda y, si hay que hacer una, pedir una pausa humanitaria es para ahora.

Yo manana salgo hacia una gira por Oriente Medio, visitare varios paises arabes, tambien Israel y Palestina. Y este tema, obviamente, sera el objeto fundamental de mi visita.

Q. Have the ministers discussed your proposal to allocate 20 billion from the [European] Peace Facility for the next four years? Is that idea still alive? Considering that the Hungarian Foreign Minister [Peter Szijjarto] again confirmed that they will be blocking any kind of payments from that Peace Facility, is the European Union considering some kind of other options? For instance, forming some kind of coalition of good will, which will be taking decisions without Hungary.

The Hungarian Minister explained [to] us that there is going to be a new meeting today with the Ukrainians in order to try to deblock the payment of the 8th tranche. So, I think there is a possibility. I hope that this will be finally unblocked. Any other solution is not on the table. We work by unanimity, and we need to have unanimity. I asked the Hungarians to continue working with the Ukrainians. There is another meeting today. Let's hope this will put an end to this stalemate.

Yes, the idea is still alive, but it has to be part of the overall review of the financial perspective. I mean, the Ministers of Finance want to have all the bills on the table. This is part of the request, together with the 50 billion of civilian support, that the Ministers of Finance and finally the Heads of States and government have to consider.

Q. Pour completer la question de mon collegue, je voulais savoir si vous n'etes pas un peu decu des reponses - je dirais - plutot reticentes des Etats membres a votre proposition d'une Facilite ambitieuse dotee de 5 milliards par an - donc 20 milliards, et du fait que vous allez peut-etre devoir un peu reduire cette ambition. Comment allez-vous pouvoir tenir a la fois le niveau de l'ambition et la realite financiere des Etats membres et leur reticence ? Et si je peux permettre sur le deuxieme aspect conjoint sur la mission d'assistance en Ukraine, vous avez parle des objectifs qui ont ete realises, est-ce que l'annee prochaine on realise le meme type d'objectifs en termes de nombres ? Avec le meme financement ? Est-ce qu'on developpe des nouveaux modules de formation ? Est-ce qu'il y a des formations qui pourraient se derouler eventuellement en Ukraine ?

Oui, la formation, c'est aussi un processus continu. Ce n'est pas qu'on est a 30 000 et on arrete ou, que l'on est a 40 000 et on arrete. Malheureusement, tant que la guerre va continuer, on aura besoin de former des soldats, donc la mission d'entrainement va continuer aussi long que necessaire.

Vous savez, je suis habitue a des discussions budgetaires. Je sais qu'il y a sur la table du monde qui arrive d'un cote et de l'autre, les ministres de la defense ne sont pas reticents mais il faut faire une enveloppe globale. En plus, vous savez, je ne suis pas tellement interesse par ce qu'il va arriver dans cinq ans. Moi ce qui m'interesse, c'est ce qu'il va arriver cette annee, l'annee prochaine. Donc je prefere avoir des objectifs concrets dans le court terme, dans l'immediat, qui permettent d'avoir la visibilite necessaire pour les decisions qui vont suivre. Evidemment, le plan on le fait a cinq ans, en esperant que cette guerre ne va pas durer cinq ans.

Q. Do you have any update on when the F-16s will actually be operational in Ukraine? Did you discuss that? Secondly, can you give your own explanation as to why Germany [Defence Minister, Boris] Pistorius said today that the 1 million target would not be met by March next year whereas Thierry Breton said it would be? I understand that there might be two different tracks, but could you explain to us, in your view, where we are on that?

No, I do not have any concrete information about when the first F-16 will be flying in the Ukrainian skies. I know that the training of the pilots continues. I know from my personal training that this is something that takes time, and nobody can send a pilot over a plane without the full capacity to take advantage of this complex machine.

It depends on what we are talking about. Do we talk about production capacity? Do we talk about concrete deliveries, which are already in the front line, being ready to be used? Do we talk about orders? It is a whole process. In which moment are we describing the goal? According to Commissioner Breton, the European industry has the capacity to produce 1 million shots a year. It does not mean that we [will] already have 1 million shots ready by March. So, maybe we will not have 1 million [rounds] ready by March, but it will depend on how quickly the orders come to the industry, and how quickly the industry reacts. Both things could be true at the same time. The capacity of the industry, and the deliveries to the industry and from the industry to us, and from us to Ukraine. So, maybe by March we will not have 1 million shots, but if the industry has the capacity to produce, it is [up] to the Member States to pass the orders in order to ask for this production to be developed.

That is what I am asking. I gave you the figures of something that is already delivered to the Ukrainians, something ordered to the industry, and something about the future capacity of production. But we are talking about different figures and different stages of the process.

Q. Is there a clear objective at this point among the EU Ministers - or leaders, for that matter - for what do we want to achieve in Ukraine, the goal? Because the situation on the front is dire, quite bleak, to the point that in some places, the front may not hold. So, what happens if that happens? Do we have plans? Have we discussed that? Secondly, if the United States decides to reduce its commitments, are the Europeans ready to step in with military aid or that is that? These conversations at least, are they taking place?

The Council of Ministers is not a talk shop, and I am not an astrologue. I do not know what is going to happen in the United States next year. And frankly speaking with you, we take things more seriously than just speculating about "what may happen if (...) if (...) if". I don't care about "if". What I care about is "what". We know what we have to do right now, today, tomorrow, next week and next month. This consumes all our energy.

I do not know what may happen in the United States depending on the electoral results, the mood of the Congressmen deciding to vote or not to vote. Frankly speaking, I am too much consumed by my current activities to spend my time on speculations.

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Finland joins the Declaration on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy

Finnish Ministry of Defence

14.11.2023

Finland has joined the Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy

On 25 October 2023, Minister of Defence Antti Hakkanen approved the proposal for Finland to endorse the political Declaration. The declaration, prepared under the leadership of the United States, was published on 13 November 2023 in New York.

- The rapid development of AI in military technology calls for more swift action to develop regulation and Finland has supported this development on a long-term basis. Apart from actual weapons systems, AI and machine autonomy that it enables have become more and more important for example in producing situational awareness, planning and logistics. With the help of regulation of artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons systems, we will develop our own defence capability together with our allies, says Minister of Defence Antti Hakkanen.

According to Hakkanen, these are not only ethical matters but also defence industry and trade policy opportunities, as Finland has a strong competence base in artificial intelligence and machine autonomy.

- The Political Declaration lays the foundation for promoting regulation in cooperation with the United States and other AI-capable states that have endorsed the Declaration. The endorsing States commit to ten principles that promote responsibility and security in the military development and use of artificial intelligence and autonomous functions. They emphasise compliance with the principles of international law and international humanitarian law, says Minister Hakkanen.

It is essential that the military use of artificial intelligence and autonomy is morally, ethically and legally correct. This requires that the system, as a rule, is correctly designed and tested in relation to its task, in addition to which the use is responsible and restricted in accordance with a clear chain of command. The purpose of the Declaration is to ensure responsible development and use throughout the system's life cycle, for example through training, testing, risk assessment and management, precautions, legality assessments and supervision.

This is a political commitment that does not create new legal obligations for the endorsing States. Finland will participate in international discussions to further develop and concretise the principles of the Declaration. The Declaration is open to the accession of states and, in the future, the aim is to achieve the widest possible international commitment to the principles set out in the Declaration.

Declaration

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China continues to push for cease-fire in Gaza

Global Times

All Chinese nationals have left Gaza safely: foreign ministry

By Yang Sheng Published: Nov 14, 2023 09:05 PM

The situation of the Palestine-Israel conflict remains horrific as the death toll of Palestinians has risen to 11,240 as a result of Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip and as the United Nations lowered the flags of its institutions all over the world for the 101 staff killed so far during the war in Gaza. China is continuing its efforts in the UN and is dispatching diplomats to visit countries with influence to seek a cease-fire and promote peace in the region.

Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue Zhai Jun and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met on Monday in Ankara to discuss the latest developments in the Gaza Strip, according to a release from the Chinese Foreign Ministry. During the meeting, Zhai said in the face of the current crisis, the top priority is to immediately impose a cease-fire to prevent further escalation.

Zhai said China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Turkey, and make joint efforts to promote a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue. Fidan stated that Turkey attaches importance to China's role and is willing to maintain close communication and coordination with China to jointly promote an early end to the conflict and achieve lasting peace in the region.

Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, on Monday also made 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 (WMDs), saying that nuclear weapons and other WMDs have been a major factor causing a trust deficit in the Middle East, undermining regional peace and stability.

After the outbreak of the latest Palestine-Israel conflict, some voices from Israel, including senior politicians like Israeli Heritage Minister Amihai Eliyahu, who said the use of nuclear weapons in Gaza is an option, have prompted heavy criticism from the international community and once again raised international concern over nuclear proliferation in the region, analysts said.

The ongoing Gaza crisis has exposed the problem of dysfunction in the UN Security Council due to the irresponsible acts of the US, and Middle East countries might face the danger of an arm races as they are concerned that the geo-political balance and security mechanism are collapsing, said Liu Zhongmin, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University.

"So at this moment, China, as the permanent member of the UN Security Council and a nuclear-armed power, needs to play a responsible role to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and other WMDs in the region," said Wang Jin, an associate professor at the Institute of Middle Eastern Studies of Northwest University.

Geng said on Monday that "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. These kind of statements are 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, in contrary to the international spirit of establishing a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons, and go against the overwhelming international call to de-escalate, cease hostilities and protect civilians."

"We urge Israeli officials to retract these statements, and 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 noted.

Israel is a nuclear-armed country with US acquiescence, so if Israel wants to legitimize its nuclear-armed status during its war against Gaza, this will definitely force other major regional powers like Iran and Saudi Arabia to get rid of the restrictions of the non-proliferation treaty. The region will then face a new round of nuclear-proliferation, and this is why China needs to speak out and warn the region of such dangers, experts noted.

Due to the worsening situation, all Chinese nationals have left Gaza safely, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a routine press conference on Tuesday.

According to the UN official website, "From the hustle and bustle of New York City to the edge of the Karura Forest in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, offices across the global UN system paid tribute on Monday to the 101 staff killed so far during the war raging in Gaza - the largest loss during a conflict in the Organization's 78-year history."

The death toll of Palestinians has risen to 11,240 as a result of Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip since October 7, the Hamas-run government media office in Gaza said Monday, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Monday.

Chinese analysts said that although the international community keeps calling for an immediate cease-fire, the conflict is still far from ending with a growing death toll of civilians and UN staff. A key reason is that Israel does not receive enough pressure from the international community, and the US still one-sidedly justifies Israel's operations under the pretext of "self-defense" while the operations have already inflicted a great loss of civilian life.

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All Chinese citizens have safely left Gaza, said Chinese FM

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Nov 14, 2023 04:00 PM

Thanks to multiple efforts, all Chinese citizens have safely left Gaza, Chinese FM spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tue. Mao said that since the escalation of the Palestine-Israel conflict, China has attached great importance to the safety of Chinese citizens in the conflict area. Chinese diplomatic missions have been in regular contact with Chinese citizens in the Gaza Strip.

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Press Briefing Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari November 14th, 21:10

IDF Press Release

Press Briefing

14.11.23

IDF

Good evening,

Today, we notified the family of IDF fallen soldier Noa Marziano, may her memory be a blessing. She was kidnapped by the Hamas terror organization. IDF representatives accompanied Noa's family, informing them of all the information that we have. The pain is immense and there are no words to express this pain. Today, I wish to send condolences and to embrace the Marziano family in its hardest hour. To the families of the hostages, I wish to say: we are working together with all the relevant bodies in all possible ways, operational, intelligence, and civilian, to bring your loved ones home. We will leave no stone unturned, we will miss no opportunity to bring them home. We have a deep commitment to their safety and to return the hostages home.

The fighting in the heart of Gaza continues. Today, we completed our takeover of Shati, Shati is the neighborhood which is the heart of the terror activity inside Gaza City. Currently, our forces are clearing the area and the buildings where there are terrorists, weapons, terror infrastructure, and are purifying it of tunnel shafts of underground terror infrastructure.

We continue to prioritize elimination of senior Hamas commanders as a central objective of the war, wherever they may be in the Gaza Strip. Our forces are operating in the field in a professional and determined manner. The activity is complex, in a trap filled environment, with traps both above ground and underground. There are terrorists there, but the safety of our troops comes first. We are operating with force. We are advancing. We have accomplishments. But, it is important that the public know that there is much more work to be done, and it will take time. We are operating to enable evacuation of hospitals in the Gaza strip, those that are in the north, including Shifa hospital, to hospitals in the safer south.

Today, the Al Quds hospital evacuation was completed. We have offered the Shifa hospital administration, alongside international NGOs, to transfer incubators, medical equipment and food, to the premature babies department of the hospital. The equipment is ready to be transferred.

In recent weeks, we have warned time and again that Hamas' continued military use of the Shifa hospital leads to the loss of its special protection under international law. We are forced to take careful and precise actions against Hamas' military infrastructure in hospitals. We call upon Hamas operatives in the hospitals to surrender so as to not further endanger anyone in the hospital.

We are operating with the help of precise intelligence to identify terror infrastructure with accuracy. As we proved yesterday in the Rantisi hospital, Hamas uses hospitals and its patients as human shields for terror activities. The world needs to know what is happening in the hospitals in Gaza, and we will continue to expose Hamas-Isis's activities, and we will operate to deal with all terror infrastructure.

In the north, we continue to have a high level of preparedness. We are operating in accordance with defensive and offensive plans. We've struck a number of terrorist cells that attempted to fire at our forces with anti-tank missiles. Today, we successfully intercepted a rocket launched towards the territory of the State of Israel above the Red Sea, using the "Arrow" long-range defense system. An alert was issued in accordance with our policy. I will emphasize that the target did not, at any stage, enter the territory of the State of Israel, and the civilians of the State of Israel were not endangered.

We must not become complacent. We issue an alert anytime there is potential risk to our civilians. After the alert, it is important to wait, based on the instructions of the Home Front Command, until the shrapnel from the interception disperses. Following the instructions saves lives. So far, We've notified the families of 366 fallen IDF soldiers who were killed fighting to protect the state of Israel. Their heroism continues to power us forward to further achievements in the war. We will continue to accompany their families and to share with them in their grief.



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Palestinian resistance rocket attack on Zionist settlements

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Nov 14, 2023

TEHRAN, IRNA -- A new wave of rocket attacks by the Palestinian resistance started on Tel Aviv and its surrounding areas, media reports said.

Before this, the alarm of the sound of firing rockets and rockets was heard in the Zionist settlements around the Gaza Strip.

According to this report, the sirens wereas sounded in "Eilat" and several other Zionist settlements around Gaza.

In this connection, Yoav Gallant, the Minister of War of the Zionist regime, in a meeting with the heads of the local councils of the towns around Gaza, said, "They must be ready for a one-year war."

He said that the residents of Sderot cannot return to their homes.

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Iran, Qatar FMs discuss latest initiatives for ceasefire in Gaza

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Nov 14, 2023

TEHRAN, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and his Qatari counterpart Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani have reviewed the latest diplomatic efforts and initiatives to stop the Zionist regime's brutal aggression against Gaza.

In a telephone conversation on Tuesday, Amirabdollahian and Al Thani discussed the latest development in the occupied Palestinian territories, as well as brutal aggressions of the Zionist regime in the Gaza enclave.

Referring to the continued genocide in Gaza by the Zionist regime, they described the situation in Gaza as a very critical humanitarian situation and stressed the need for an immediate end to war crimes against Gaza and urgent relief to the Palestinian people.

The two sides also talked about the Israeli bombing of the headquarters of the Qatar Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza.

Qatar's Foreign Ministry on Monday strongly condemned the Israeli bombing of the headquarters of the Qatar Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza and labeled the attack as "a clear violation of international law and an extension of Israel's approach to targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure".

The Israeli regime waged a bloody war on Gaza on October 7 after Hamas' Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the usurping entity.

Since the start of the aggression, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 11,180 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured over 28,000 others.

It has also imposed a "complete siege" on the coastal sliver, cutting off fuel, electricity, food, and water to more than two million Palestinians living there.

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Raisi slams 'organized collective punishment' of people in Gaza

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Nov 14, 2023

London, IRNA -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has slammed the collective punishment of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip which he says is being done in an organized manner.

In a letter addressed to world leaders on Tuesday, Raisi said that the Israeli regime's killing of thousands of people in Gaza, including many women and children, its destruction of hospitals, mosques, churches, houses and critical infrastructure as well as its refusal to lift a blockade that has led to a shortage of water, electricity and food in the enclave amounts to an "intensive and organized collective punishment" of the people in Gaza and is in clear violation of all fundamental principles of the international law.

Raisi said in the letter that Palestine, as a nation under occupation, is entitled to the right to resist aggression and occupation through all means, including armed struggle, adding that the same international laws do not give the Zionist regime of Israel a legitimate right to defend itself through killing civilians.

He called on world leaders to condemn the crimes committed by the Israeli regime in Gaza and to force the regime to stop its aggression on the enclave.

President Raisi said the international community has a duty to force the Israeli regime to lift its blockade on Gaza to allow humanitarian aid, including food, medicine and fuel, to reach the people in the territory.

At the end of letter, the Iranian president expressed hope that the Almighty God may save the oppressed Palestinian nation from occupation, aggression and crimes of the Zionist regime.

The full text of President Raisi's letter addressed to world leaders is as follows:

His Excellency Mr. Mark Rutte

Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Greetings,

Your Excellency,

I am writing this letter to Your Excellency in the context of the continuation of the Zionist regime's brutal attack on the Gaza Strip, which has so far led to the martyrdom of more than 10,000 Palestinian civilians, including about 70% children and women, and the wounding of more than 26,000 others, as well as the extensive destruction of hospitals and schools, mosques, churches, houses and vital infrastructures of Gaza.

These crimes are carried out under the pretext of confronting the actions of Palestinian liberation resistance groups, which, according to the established rules of international law, the Palestinian nation, as a nation under occupation, has the inherent right to self-determination and resistance against aggression and Occupation "by resorting to all means, including armed methods" and on the other hand, according to the same rules, the occupying Zionist regime lacks any right to claim it is "legitimate defense".

These heinous crimes, together with the complete siege of the Gaza Strip and cutting off the flow of electricity, water, food and fuel to that area, are practically a severe and systematic collective punishment that substantively violates all the fundamental principles of international law, especially international humanitarian law and International human rights, and there is no doubt that these crimes are clear examples of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The extent, intensity and cruelty of committing these crimes, and the fact that they have been perpetrated within only one month, especially the brutal killing of several thousands of innocent children, hurt the heart of every free person, and underscore the urgency and necessity of fulfilling the humanitarian duties of all the freedom-loving governments of the world to help the oppressed people of Palestine and the immediate cessation of the crimes of the Zionist regime.

In this regard, the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran believes that the humanitarian and legal duty of regional and international organizations and all freedom-loving governments requires them to take effective measures to immediately and completely stop the military attacks against the residents of Gaza.

In the same vein, and in addition to strongly condemning the unbridled crimes committed by the Zionists against the oppressed Palestinian nation and resolutely supporting the realization of all the inherent rights of the Palestinian nation, including the right to self-determination, resistance to aggression and occupation, it is necessary and incumbent upon all of us to engage in efforts with the aim to return all Palestinian refugees to their land of fathers and their ancestors and the formation of a Palestinian state in the entire Palestinian territories with Al-Quds Sharif as its capital, to request the relevant international forums to force the occupying regime to immediately stop all its attacks on the Gaza strip and all its illegal actions, including Jewish settlements and killing and arresting of Palestinians in other occupied areas of Palestine; to refrain from any action to forcibly relocate Palestinians inside or outside of Palestine; to push for immediate, complete and unconditional lifting of the blockade of the Gaza Strip; to provide the ground for immediate, unhindered, widespread and sufficient humanitarian aid in Gaza, especially food, medicine and fuel; to activate pressure levers against the Zionist regime, including cutting off political and economic relations and embargoing its goods; to try to end the impunity of crimes against Palestinians through an effective and serious effort to provide a practical basis for the pursuit, trial and punishment of the leaders, perpetrators and supporters of the crimes of the occupying regime in Palestine and to immediately and extensively help to start the process of rebuilding the ruins of the Gaza Strip.

I pray to the Almighty for the health and well-being of your Excellency and the liberation of the oppressed Palestinian nation from the occupation, oppression, aggression and crimes of the Zionist regime.

Seyed Ebrahim Raisi

The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran

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Palestinian fighters fire missiles, artillery at Israeli positions

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Nov 14, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- Some news outlets have reported that the Palestinian resistance movements conducted missile and artillery attacks on certain bases and positions of the Israeli regime's military.

Lebanon's Al-Mayadeen TV channel reported on Tuesday that Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Islamic Jihad movement in Palestine, targeted a gathering of the Israeli military forces in Kissufim in the northwestern occupied Negev desert with its artillery attacks.

The Al-Quds Brigades announced that the Palestinian fighters also targeted the Al-Ain Al-Thalitha district with its missile strikes.

The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades (AMB) also declared that it targeted the gathering centers of the Israeli forces in the Nirim military base in the northwestern Negev desert with its missile strikes.

On Monday night, the regime's army confirmed that two Israeli troopers were killed and four others were wounded in ground battles in the northern Gaza Strip. With the death of these two soldiers, the Israeli regime admitted that its army has lost 48 soldiers and officers since the onset of the ground incursion into Gaza on October 27.

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Iraq's al-Nujaba says successfully targeted Israeli regime's Eilat port

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Nov 14, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- The secretary general of the Iraqi resistance movement Al-Nujaba has announced that a successful missile attack has been carried out on the Eilat port in the Israeli-occupied territories.

In a message issued on Tuesday, Sheikh Akram al-Kaabi said the Iraqi resistance movement defeated the air defenses of Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the Zionist regime.

"The brave Mujahid Alavi forces in the Islamic resistance of Iraq, by the grace of God, successfully targeted the Eilat port in occupied Palestine, and the vassals of the criminal Zionists in Jordan and the Arabian Peninsula failed to intercept it," he said.

He also warned the Zionist regime as well as the United States, as the Great Satan and accomplice in Israeli crimes, that more surprises are underway.

They will never find happiness and will pay for their crimes against the people and children of Gaza, al-Kaabi added.

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Iran condemns Israeli regime's attack on Qatari reconstruction HQ in Gaza

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Nov 14, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman has condemned an attack by the Zionist regime of Israel on the headquarters of Qatari committee for reconstruction of Gaza in Palestine.

Such crimes are a clear indication of the inhuman and brutal nature of the Zionists, Nasser Kanaani said in a statement on Tuesday while referring to the Israeli regime's shelling of the headquarters of Qatar Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza which happened a day earlier.

Human conscience is hurt by the Zionists' brutality and crimes against the oppressed Palestinian nation in Gaza, Kanaani noted in his statement.

Referring to the violation of international laws in a clear and continuous manner by the Zionist regime in Gaza, the spokesman once again urged the international community to make use of all of its potentials to hold the regime accountable for the crimes.

More than 11,000 people, many of them women and children, have been killed in attacks on Gaza since October 7 when the Israeli regime's launched its brutal military operation against the enclave.

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Israeli raids leave over 8k Palestinian students martyred, wounded

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Nov 14, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- Local sources have published a new statistic of casualties among Palestinian students since the onset of Israeli indiscriminate bombardment of the Gaza Strip and violent attacks on the West Bank, including 3,141 martyrs and 4,863 injured.

The Al Arabiya TV channel quoted Palestinian sources as declaring a news statistic of students who have been martyred and injured by the Israeli regime in Gaza since October 7.

According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, 3,141 students in Gaza and the West Bank as well as 130 teachers and other education staff were martyred since the beginning of the Israeli regime's attacks in October.

The report added that some 4,863 students, including 4,613 in the Gaza Strip and 250 in the West Bank, were injured as a result of the Israeli attacks since the start of the 2023 war.

The Israeli regime also detained 67 students, all of whom were residing in the West Bank.

The Israeli aggressors fully demolished 45 schools in Gaza, the report said, adding that 50 schools affiliated with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) were also targeted by the regime's military forces.

The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics also reported that all schools throughout the Gaza Strip have been closed since the beginning of the relentless strikes, which deprived almost 608,000 students of the right to education.

The UNRWA designated 145 buildings and 70 public schools as shelters in the Gaza Strip for those who have been displaced as a result of the ongoing aggression.

The number of Palestinian martyrs of the Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7 has reached 11,240, comprising 4,630 children and 3,130 women.

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Islamic Jihad: "Al-Aqsa Storm" will end in "Liberation Storm" If the attacks continues

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Tue / 14 November 2023 / 15:48

Palestinian official warned that if the Israeli attacks on Gaza continues, it will lead to liberation of Palestine.

Tehran (ISNA)- The representative of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement in Tehran said that "The whole world should know that our issue is not only Gaza and the Al-Aqsa storm, but the occupation of Palestine and the freedom of the Palestinian people".

Speaking at a ceremony in Tehran, "Nasser Abu-Sharif" added that many people ignored this issue because of their fear of the Zionist regime."

In regard to situation at Gaza hospitals, Abu-Sharif said: "All the hospitals in Gaza are out of order due to the Israeli bombardment and lack of fuel."

At the eve of 40th day of "Al-Aqsa Storm" and Israeli bombardment of Gaza, Abu-Sharif stressed that "The Islamic resistance has not lost its power at the military level and have control on battlefields"

The Palestinian official also said: While Zionist regime is one of the most important arms exporter regimes in the world, The resistance has targeted Israeli tanks and they have withdrawn their tanks to avoid dishonor."

Abu-Sharif warned Israel that "The battle of Al-Aqsa Storm is not limited to Gaza and if the attacks on Gaza continue, it will end in Liberation Storm."

"The West Bank is about to burst into flames. The settlers are becoming wilder day by day, and as I said, if the ceasefire is implemented, the war will not stop completely" He added.

The representative of Islamic Jihad emphasized that the leaders of the Israel are moving towards escalation, not solving the issue.

"They are thinking about increasing the tension, and conflict inside the occupied territory, especially in the West Bank, is certain" Abu-Sharif warned.

End Item



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Hamas denies Israeli claims about Gaza hospital

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Tue / 14 November 2023 / 15:24

Senior Hamas official rejected Israeli claims about Hospital in Gaza being a command post for fighters.

Tehran - (ISNA) - Ghazi Hamad, a senior Hamas official, has rejected Israeli claims about al-Shifa Hospital being a command post for fighters 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."

Ashraf al-Qudra, a spokesman for Gaza's Health Ministry, said the hospital repeatedly invited international organisations to tour al-Shifa to confirm its neutrality but has not received a response.

As Israel drag war against Gaza to hospitals, TelAviv claims Hamas operates inside al-Shifa and underneath it in bunkers, however, it has released no actual evidence to support this.

Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari last month displayed "simulated" images allegedly showing Hamas "command centres", but later acknowledged: "This is only an illustration."

End Item







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Iran blasts EU silence on Israel's crime in Gaza

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Tue / 14 November 2023 / 13:20

Iran's ambassador to Brussels said that the European Union silence on crimes of the Israel in Gaza actually means supporting the actions of this regime against the Palestinians.

Tehran (ISNA) - Islamic Republic of Iran's ambassador to brussels as well as the country's mission to EU "Gholam-Hossein Dehghani" criticizes silence of European countries in the face of Israeli atrocities in Gaza.

"In the past 30 days, we have witnessed the application of double standards by the EU, the US, and many European countries towards the criminal acts committed by Israel in Gaza. Although people around the world are calling for a ceasefire in the streets" Dehghani says in a news conference with some of his colleague and diplomats in Brussels.

Iranian diplomat who wore Palestinian Keffiyeh states that "Western decision-makers seem indifferent to the people's wishes. The US has shown bias in favor of Israeli atrocities to the extent that even some of its regional allies do not see this country as qualified to mediate in this conflict".

"The EU typically presents itself as a defender of human rights, but it currently remains silent about the massacre of Palestinians. By not condemning Israel's crimes, it effectively supports this regime's actions against Palestinians". Head of Iran's mission to EU says regarding their stance in Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

According to the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, Israel has dropped more than 25,000 tonnes of explosives on the Gaza Strip since October 7 - equivalent to two nuclear bomb.

Meanwhile, Gaza health ministry announced that more than 11200 Palestinians martyred since 7th of October as a result of Israeli indiscriminate bombardment of the strip.

Dehghani also says "Despite the clear stance of the OIC, practical measures are needed in the current crisis to compel the criminal regime to halt the bloodshed".

"Israel will not cease this genocide until it faces real pressure from the international community and is held accountable for its actions." Iranian diplomat asserts.

End Item









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Moscow: US is ignoring calls to end the suffering of the Palestinians

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Tue / 14 November 2023 / 12:43

Russia says United States stance on Gaza 'paralyzing' UN Security Council.

Tehran (ISNA) - The US is using its veto power in the UN Security Council to sabotage international efforts to end the bloodshed in the Middle East, despite dire warnings from the intergovernmental organization's own staff about the staggering civilian death toll in Gaza, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

"All UN representatives have been jointly calling for an 'immediate humanitarian ceasefire', which would end this inhumane collective punishment, the suffering of children, women, and the elderly," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on its website.

"However, the Security Council can't execute its direct mandate and remains paralyzed thanks to the position of a single country - the US."

The ministry added that Israel "fully bears" a duty to observe international law on Palestinian territories, including Gaza.

The US and its allies vetoed three resolutions, two sponsored by Russia and one by Brazil, calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants. Russia and China, meanwhile, voted against an alternative resolution introduced by Washington.

The US has since called for "humanitarian pauses," but argued that a comprehensive ceasefire at this time would only help Hamas, a Palestinian militant group that attacked Israel on October 7, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and prompting retaliatory airstrikes. Israel has agreed to maintain four-hour daily pauses to allow civilians to escape to the southern part of the Palestinian enclave as the Israel army continues to encircle Gaza City.

More than 11,000 Palestinians, including many women and children, have been martyred by Israel strikes since October 7, according to officials in Hamas-run Gaza. Human rights groups warn that the dire situation is exacerbated by a lack of food, fuel and other basic supplies.

"The unfolding catastrophe in Gaza makes the need for a humanitarian ceasefire more urgent with every passing hour," UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said last week, describing the Palestinian enclave as "a graveyard for children."

On Sunday, several UN agencies released a joint statement, renewing the plea to urgently end the hostilities. "Decisive international action is needed now to secure an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and prevent further loss of life, and preserve what's left of the health care system in Gaza," they wrote.

End Item

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Iran categorically rejects Israeli accusation about involvement in "Al-Aqsa Storm" operation

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Tue / 14 November 2023 / 12:37

Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations categorically reject the accusation of relating Palestinian groups resistance actions against Israeli aggressions to Iran.

Tehran (ISNA)- "Amir Saeid Iravani" Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Islamic Republic of Iran to United Nations in a response to accusation of Israeli mission to UN about Tehran's involvement in Al-Aqsa Storm operation on 7th of October wrote that "As stated many times, the decisions and actions of Palestinian resistance groups are based on their interests"

Iravani in a letter to "Zhang Jun" President of the Security Council and "Antonio Guterres" Secretary-General of UN writes: Further to our letter dated 13 October 2023 (S/2023/764), I am writing in response to the letter dated 6 November 2023 from the representative of the Israeli regime addressed to the United Nations Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council (S/2023/842). In this letter, the Israeli regime's representative has repeated baseless allegations against Iran and accused Iran of "a policy aimed at igniting a regional war" in an effort to divert the attention of the international community away from the ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity committed against the helpless and defenseless Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and occupied Palestine. Similarly, during the UN Security Council briefing on "the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestine question" held on 10 November 2023 (S/PV.9472), the representative of the Israeli regime in his statement attempted to justify and legitimize the daily massacre of this regime against innocent people by employing typical diversionary tactics, including Iran phobia campaigns, making misleading and unsubstantiated claims, spreading misinformation, and pointing a finger at Iran.

These groundless accusations, as well as cynical efforts to link and attribute the actions of Palestinian resistance groups fighting against Israeli occupation and military aggression in occupied Palestine to the Islamic Republic of Iran, are categorically rejected as unfounded. As has been stated on numerous occasions, the decisions and actions made by Palestinian resistance groups are independent, driven by their interests, and aligned with Palestinian aspirations. These actions are firmly grounded in their rights under international law, asserting their right to self-determination and self-defense against Israeli occupation and military aggression. Consequently, any attempt to shift blame or implicate Iran in these matters is unacceptable.

Similarly, Iran strongly condemns and rejects Israel's deceptive endeavors to equate the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people for self-determination with terrorism, aiming to legitimize its heinous crimes, ethnic cleansing, and massacres against the innocent people of Gaza. Both international law and the UN Charter recognize the legitimate right to self-determination, as well as the right to self-defense for the Palestinian people, in their ongoing struggle against Israeli occupation and military aggression.

The Israeli regime cannot evade accountability by falsely blaming Iran. This apartheid regime is undeniably responsible for the tragic loss of innocent lives resulting from its ongoing atrocities against civilians in Gaza. It has now been over a month since Israel, acting as the occupying regime, declared war on defenseless Palestinian civilians, a blatant violation of all relevant norms of international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The relentless bombardment persists, causing terror day and night among the innocent civilians and this ruthless regime stops at nothing, shamelessly deploying every means at its disposal to obliterate the defenseless people of Gaza and going so far as to brazenly threaten the use of nuclear weapons. As acknowledged in the recent UN Security Council briefing on 10 November (S/PV.9472), the situation in the Gaza Strip has reached a critical and catastrophic point demanding immediate international action. The people of Gaza, who have been subjected to a 16-year blockade, are now facing the destruction of their homes and families. Hospitals are overwhelmed with injured, sick, and dying patients. Thousands of displaced people are seeking refuge in overcrowded hospitals and schools, desperate for essentials.

Over 11,000 people have been killed in Gaza, with 70% of them being women and children, and over 3,500 people, including 1700 children, have been reported missing or trapped beneath rubble. In the UN Security Council briefing cited above, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that a child is murdered every 10 minutes on average and that 1.5 million people have been displaced and are being exposed to increased disease risks. Detailing the imminent collapse of the healthcare system in Gaza, the Director-General said that the WHO has so far verified over 250 attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza and urged the Security Council to secure an immediate ceasefire and unfettered humanitarian access in Gaza, where he asserted that "nowhere and no one is safe".

The international community must promptly address the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their criminal acts against the Palestinian people. The Islamic Republic of Iran calls on the Security Council to fulfill its responsibilities and take decisive measures compelling the Israeli regime to cease its occupation and hostilities, put an end to atrocities, guarantee unimpeded access to humanitarian aid, and accelerate the prompt delivery of vital supplies to Gaza. It is also imperative that the Israeli regime consistently upholds its international obligations, including those stipulated by international humanitarian law and human rights law. Iran remains steadfast in its unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and is resolute in standing with their aspirations until the occupation comes to an end.

I should be grateful if you would circulate the present letter as a document of the Security Council.

End Item

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Iran calls for international pressure to stop war in Gaza

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Tue / 14 November 2023 / 11:59

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian spoke on the phone with his Hungarian counterpart, Peter Szijjarto, about expansion of bilateral ties and the latest developments in the middle east, especially the situation in Palestine.

Tehran (ISNA)- Islamic Republic of Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian spoke on Monday on the phone with his Hungarian counterpart, Peter Szijjarto, about expansion of bilateral ties and the latest developments in the middle east, especially the situation in Palestine in the light of Israel's bombardments on People and civilian infrastructures in Gaza.

The Iranian foreign minister touched on the worsening humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip due to the Israel's heinous crimes, saying, "The regime has openly breached all human and international rights by bombing and mass murder of the people in the Gaza Strip."

Amirabdollahian said the international community should apply pressure in order to immediately stop the Israel regime's military aggression in Gaza, establish an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and pave the way for the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza.

According to the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, Israel has dropped more than 25,000 tonnes of explosives on the Gaza Strip since October 7 - equivalent to two nuclear bomb.

Meanwhile, Gaza health ministry announced that more than 11200 Palestinians martyred since 7th of October as a result of Israeli indiscriminate bombardment of the strip.

Meanwhile, during the talks, the top Iranian diplomat pointed to the growing trend in Iran-Hungary ties and stated, "The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to hold a joint commission between the two countries in Tehran."

He further said that continuing consultations is definitely very constructive for the promotion of ties between the two countries.

For his part, the Hungarian foreign minister elucidated his country's stance on the ongoing developments in Palestine.

He also expressed hope that growing trend in the relations between Iran and Hungary would be maintained and elevated in all aspects.

End Item

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The Cabinet of Ministers supports the provision of assistance to Israel and Palestinian civilians to alleviate the humanitarian crisis

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

14.11.2023

On 14 November 2023, in response to the growing humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to make contributions to the Israel's national emergency medical service (Magen David Adom), the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the World Food Programme (WFP), to support Israel and the Palestinian civilian population.

The funds will be provided from funding already allocated to the Contributions to International Organizations programme of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The decision is taken in the light of calls from the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) and the United States, and in the context of solidarity expressed by the majority of EU and NATO Member States.

By contributing to these organizations, Latvia stands in solidarity with the people of Israel, who continue to face regular terrorist attacks since the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Solidarity is also expressed with the Palestinian civilian population, which is facing a deepening humanitarian crisis as clashes between the terrorist group Hamas and the Israeli Defence Forces intensify. The Cabinet Order provides for a contribution of EUR 30 000 to Israel's national emergency medical service Magen David Adom, EUR 100 000 to UNRWA, and EUR 20 000 to WFP.

Since the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023, 1 200 people have been killed and more than 3 000 injured in Israel. At the same time, attacks by Hamas from the Gaza Strip continue; attacks from the Lebanese territory controlled by Hezbollah have also increased. In Gaza, more than 10 000 people have been killed.

In this context, international humanitarian organizations are facing increasing difficulties in providing support to the civilian population. International staff and aid workers have also been killed and injured in the resulting shelling. Already, 102 UN staff have been killed in air strikes in Gaza. Despite the difficulties, international aid organizations continue their work in the Gaza Strip, most notably UNRWA, one of the leading UN system organizations in the region, and WFP, which is playing an increasingly important role in providing food supplies.

At the same time, Israel continues to face attacks by Hamas. As a result, dozens of civilians continue to suffer daily, with essential support from the Israeli national emergency medical service Magen David Adom, a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

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NATO Secretary General addresses protection of critical undersea infrastructure, support to Ukraine with EU Defence Ministers

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

14 Nov. 2023

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 (14 November 2023) to discuss the protection of critical undersea infrastructure and the importance of continued support to Ukraine.

The Secretary General stressed that the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines last year and the recent damage to the Balticconnector pipeline and cables show that infrastructure is vulnerable, and that threats are real and developing.

Since these incidents, NATO has stepped up air and naval patrols and increased presence in the Baltic and North Seas. At the Vilnius Summit in July, Allies agreed to establish a new centre on critical undersea infrastructure at NATO's Maritime Command in the United Kingdom. NATO and the European Union have also established a task force on the resilience of critical infrastructure. "Critical infrastructure is important, and it's an area where we once again see the relevance and importance of cooperation between the NATO and the European Union," said the Secretary General.

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 it's in our interest to support Ukraine," he said.

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Romania's Euro-Atlantic Resilience Centre hosts the first NATO Resilience Course for Civil Experts

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

14 Nov. 2023

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 NATO's 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.

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31 Palestinians killed in Israeli bombardment of Jabalia refugee camp

People's Daily Online

(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.

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Heavy fighting rages near Gaza hospitals, Israel denies targeting health facilities

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:42, November 14, 2023

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.

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Iran rejects accusation of directing regional resistance groups to attack U.S. bases

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:37, November 14, 2023

TEHRAN, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani stressed on Monday that the resistance groups in the Middle East "do not take orders from Iran and act independently."

He made the remarks in a weekly press conference in the Iranian capital Tehran, responding to allegations of some U.S. officials, who accused Iran of "directing and giving orders to regional resistance groups" to target American bases in a number of regional countries.

"These groups decide independently and take the necessary actions based on their calculations and interests as well as those of their countries and peoples," Kanaani said.

He called on the United States, instead of hurling accusations at other countries, to "pay attention to its behavior and unacceptable measures in providing Israel with all-out support (in its attacks against Gaza)," which can lead to a rise in the tensions and opening of new fronts by the resistance groups.

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Palestinian PM voices rejection of plans to displace Gazans "under guise of aid"

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:14, November 14, 2023

RAMALLAH, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Ishtaye stressed on Monday the rejection of any plans to displace Gaza residents "under the guise of humanitarian aid."

At a cabinet meeting, Ishtaye rejected "a proposal to create a maritime corridor between Cyprus and Gaza by some countries," affirming that "while we seek the arrival of aid, we do not accept the displacement of our people on ships for deportation under the guise of aid."

He also rejected establishing temporary camps for displaced persons as requested, saying that "we want our people to return to where they were displaced."

Ishtaye believed that "our people will never be able to go back to Gaza if we accept such solutions."

He expressed regret that some countries still advocate for "Israel's right of self-defense," emphasizing that "the occupation of others' land is not self-defense."

He called on the United Nations and the European Union to airdrop aid to war-torn Gaza, especially its northern part, asking for the opening of more relief corridors for Gaza in addition to the Rafah crossing.

Regarding the recent declaration by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on retaining security control over Gaza after the conflict while refusing the Palestinian Authority to return to the enclave, Ishtaye said, "Gaza is an integral part of Palestine ... we do not need permission from anyone to help our people there."

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Israeli attacks kill 3,100 school students, 130 teachers in Gaza: Report

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 14 November 2023 6:25 PM

Latest figures show as many as 3,141 Palestinian students along with 130 teachers and administrators have been killed by Israeli attacks on the besieged Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank since October 7.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) said 3,117 Palestinian students were killed in the bombarded enclave between October 7and November 11 while 24 students were killed in the West Bank.

A further 4,863 have been injured during this period; 4,613 of them in Gaza and 250 in the West Bank. As many as 403 teachers and administrators were wounded by the Israeli raids on the besieged strip while more than 40 teachers and administrators were arrested in West Bank.

Israeli occupation forces have also arrested 67 students, all of them from the West Bank, during that period.

The PCBS report found that the Israeli warplanes purposefully targeted 239 government schools in the blockaded strip with air strikes, causing severe destruction to 45 schools while 50 schools run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Refugees (UNRWA) were attacked.

In the occupied West Bank, the Israeli army has attacked 27 government schools.

Meanwhile, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) says more than 700,000 children in Gaza have been displaced amid brutal Israeli strikes against the coastal enclave.

Palestinians in Gaza have been witnessing an unending cycle of bloodshed for 39 consecutive days. Israel's fresh airstrikes have claimed dozens more civilian lives across the besieged territory.

At least six members of a Palestinian family were killed in an attack on a house in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza. They are in addition to 30 people killed in yet another airstrike there.

In the southern city of Khan Yunis, 10 people were killed in the new Israeli bombardment.

That, as the Israeli regime has declared southern Gaza a Safe Zone, ordering civilians in the northern part of the besieged territory to move there.

Israel intensified its attacks on Gaza's south, despite ordering civilians in northern Gaza to flee to what it calls the southern "safe zone."

The total Palestinian death toll from the Israeli war now tops 11,250, mostly women and children. Apart from residential buildings, hospitals are not safe from Israeli strikes either.

More Palestinians fall victim to Israeli aggression in West Bank

More Palestinians have fallen victim to Israeli aggression across the occupied West Bank. Regime forces have killed seven Palestinians during pre-dawn raids on the city of Tulkarm and a refugee camp there.

The Palestinian health ministry said the people were killed in clashes with Israeli forces, and drone strikes by the regime. A dozen more were injured, with some being in critical condition. Regime's troopers also fatally shot another man in the Beit Ainun Junction area.

There have been reports of clashes in the town of Qalqilia as well. Israel has intensified its bloody attacks on the West Bank.

Nearly 190 Palestinians have been killed by Israel's forces and settlers across the occupied territories since October the seventh.

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Islamic Jihad says to keep Israeli captives until conditions improve

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 14 November 2023 5:43 PM

The leader of the Palestinian resistance movement Islamic Jihad says the group may keep Israeli captives it took in an operation in early October until circumstances improve for a prisoner exchange deal with the Israeli regime.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ziad al-Nakhala criticized the method used by the Israeli regime to secure the release of captives held by the Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip.

Nakhala said the tactics may push the resistance group out of any deal with Israel and force it to keep the captives it holds "for better circumstances."

The comments came five days after the Islamic Jihad released a video of two Israeli captives and said it was ready to release them on humanitarian and medical grounds if the Israeli regime met conditions set by the group for a prisoner exchange.

The captives are among more than 240 Israeli settlers and military personnel that were taken by resistance forces during a blitz on October 7 into the Israeli-occupied territories near Gaza.

Most of the captives are held by Hamas, the dominant resistance movement in Gaza which orchestrated the unprecedented operation against Israel.

The exchange of the captives with thousands of Palestinians held in Israeli jails is among the main conditions set by resistance groups for agreeing to ceasefire in Gaza where the Israeli regime has been involved in a relentless military campaign against the civilians for more than five weeks.

Hamas said on Sunday that it had suspended prisoner exchange talks with the Israelis in response to the escalation of the regime's crimes in Gaza.

A Palestinian source later told Reuters that prisoner exchange talks had been halted because of Israel's imposition of a siege on al-Shifa Hospital, the largest hospital in Gaza, where thousands of patients and refugees have been housed in recent weeks.

More than 11,500 people have been killed in Israel's attacks on Gaza since early October. That comes as the regime has imposed a total blockade on the territory by preventing food, fuel and medical supplies from reaching the people in need.

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Iranian, Qatari FMs reiterate call for end to Israeli war crimes in Gaza

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 14 November 2023 4:50 PM

The foreign ministers of Iran and Qatar have discussed Israel's ongoing brutal war against the Gaza Strip, reiterating their call for an immediate end to the regime's war crimes and the dispatch of humanitarian aid to the besieged territory.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian held a phone conversation with his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Tuesday to exchange views about the recent developments in Palestine as well as the Gaza Strip.

During the phone call, the two sides discussed the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the dire humanitarian situation there, emphasizing the need to immediately stop the war crimes against the territory and deliver immediate aid to the homeless people of Palestine.

They also exchanged views on the latest status of efforts and diplomatic initiatives to stop the brutal aggression of the Israeli regime against Gaza.

The two top diplomats also discussed the issue of bombing the headquarters of the Qatari Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza.

Israel waged the war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas carried out the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm into the occupied territories in response to the occupying regime's intensified crimes against the Palestinian people.

According to the Gaza-based health ministry, at least 11,250 Palestinians have been killed in the strikes, most of them women and children.

Tel Aviv has also imposed a "complete siege" on Gaza, cutting off fuel, electricity, food and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there.

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Yemen's Ansarullah chief calls on Arab leaders, Muslim world to take clear stance against Israeli genocide in Gaza

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 14 November 2023 1:54 PM

The leader of Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement has called on Arab countries and the Muslim world to adopt a clear stance in the face of Israel's ongoing atrocities against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Abdul-Malik al-Houthi made the remarks in a televised speech broadcast live on Tuesday to commemorate the anniversary of "Martyrs" in the Yemeni capital city of Sana'a.

Israel has been heavily bombing Gaza since October 7, after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas launched massive Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long suppression of Palestinians.

According to the Gaza-based health ministry, more than 11,255 Palestinians, including 4,630 children and 3,130 women, have been killed and more than 29,000 others injured in the Israeli strikes.

Houthi stressed that the Israeli regime is committing genocide in Gaza and the Muslim world has shown a "weak and limited" stance on the occupying regime's atrocities.

"Gaza is experiencing genocide and cold-blooded killing of its people even at the mosques, schools, hospitals, and the international organizations in which they take shelter," the leader of the popular Yemeni resistance movement said.

"In the face of the major tragedy that the Palestinian people [have been suffering] for more than 70 years, a limited and weak stance has been shown by over a billion Muslims," he lamented. "Arab regimes are losing seriousness and do not have the will to act seriously towards Gaza."

Houthi underlined that the Gaza Strip is subjected to a joint Israeli-Arab siege, and the neighboring countries are not seriously trying to deliver food, medicine, and humanitarian aid that the blockade area needs.

Statement of Arab-Islamic Summit 'ordinary'

In his televised address on Tuesday, the Ansarullah chief also expressed his disappointment with the final statement issued by the Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh at the weekend.

"Although the Arab-Islamic Summit was an emergency meeting of 57 countries, it did not come up with a position or practical action, and this is shameful and sad," Houthi said.

"The summit that claimed to represent all Muslims only produced statements with no practical stance. Is this capability of over a billion and a half Muslims?" he added. "Fifty-seven Arab and Islamic countries, with all their ... capabilities, came out with a statement that could have been issued by a primary school and by one person."

The Ansarullah chief also stressed that the outcome of the summit was a very "ordinary" statement that was "ridiculed by the Israelis."

Houthi stressed that the position of Yemeni people on the issue of Gaza is "firm," and said Sana'a would continue to provide support and assistance to the Palestinian people and their resistance until Palestine is liberated from the Israeli occupation.

He criticized certain Arab countries for remaining indifferent to Israeli crimes while secretly cooperating with the Americans "so that the Israelis can do what they want in Gaza."

"The silence of the Arab and Islamic nations regarding the Gaza tragedy is a major crime and everyone must take action to lift this siege and support the people of Gaza," he said.

The leader of the popular Yemeni resistance movement stressed, "What is happening in the Gaza Strip reveals the extent of the oppression that the Palestinian people are experiencing, along with a very unfortunate Arab and Islamic failure."

Yemen to continue bombing Israel with missiles

Houthi also said the Yemenis are ready to do everything they can to support the Palestinian cause, adding that Sana'a will spare no effort to help Palestinians at the military level with its available means.

"Our brothers in the missile force carried out a number of operations into southern occupied Palestine," he said. "Our bombing of the enemy with missiles and drones will continue, and our planning will continue for additional operations against all the Zionist targets."

During his speech, the Ansarullah chief stressed that the Yemeni forces are keeping a watchful eye on any Israeli ship in the Red Sea, and in the Bab el-Mandab Strait in particular, as well as Yemeni territorial waters.

Houthi said the Israeli occupation "did not dare raise Israeli flags on its ships in the Red Sea," adding, "They camouflage, which indicates their fear and the effectiveness of our position."

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'Nearly a cemetery': WHO says Gaza's al-Shifa Hospital unable to bury dead bodies

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 14 November 2023 8:38 AM

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that al-Shifa Hospital is "nearly a cemetery" and unable to bury dead bodies as the facility is also tackling power cuts and a lack of fuel amid ongoing Israeli onslaught.

Christian Lindmeier, a spokesman for the WHO, said more than 600 patients were trapped in al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical complex and central hospital located in the northern Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City, with others sheltering in hallways.

"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 anymore as it should. It's nearly a cemetery," he said.

The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza also says there are at least 2,300 people still inside the hospital - up to 650 patients, 200 to 500 staff, and around 1,500 people seeking shelter.

Dr. Mohamed Abu Selmia, director of al-Shifa Hospital, says 179 people have been buried in a "mass grave" in the complex.

"We were forced to bury them in a mass grave," said Abu Selmia, adding that seven babies and 29 intensive care patients are among those buried.

Earlier, he said there were about 150 bodies decomposing, "leaving unpleasant odors," at the hospital as Israeli authorities had still not granted permission for those bodies to leave the facility to be buried.

Gaza's Health Ministry official Munir al-Bursh, sobbing uncontrollably, also announced on Monday that stray dogs were eating the bodies of civilians in the yard of the besieged al-Shifa Hospital, as no one was able to bury the dead amid the bombardment.

"We have no generators as those need fuel to run. There is no food, no water, no electricity, and no fuel in Shifa and we are here dealing with casualties," al-Bursh said.

Several reports have also said that the fighting has trapped patients and medics in Gaza's largest hospital.

Another doctor at the al-Shifa warned that premature babies are at risk of imminent death after fuel ran out in the facility, with several infants already dying due to lack of power.

"Unfortunately, this situation means that we are waiting for them to die one by one," Ahmad Mukhallati, the head of the plastic surgery department at the hospital, stated, adding that five premature babies had already died in recent days.

'food and fuel running out'

Mukhallati highlighted that there was no water or electricity at al-Shifa Hospital, and food and fuel had almost run out.

He went on to call for the "massacre" to be stopped and for a "safe, guaranteed corridor" to allow patients to be evacuated from the facility.

"We've got only one socket where we put on the anesthesia machine. We don't do anything except for life-saving procedures now," Mukhallati pointed out.

The doctor added that the incubator machines, which "mimic the situation within the uterus," require high levels of electricity.

"[The babies] have to be fully isolated from the surrounding areas so they don't get any infection as their immunity is not mature yet," he said.

A surgeon representing Doctors Without Borders (MSF) at the hospital echoed the same concerns.

"The situation is very bad, it is inhuman. It's a closed area, no one knows about us," he said in a voice note on Monday.

"We don't have electricity. There's no water in the hospital. There's no food. People will die in a few hours without functioning ventilators."

The Israeli regime claims that Hamas resistance fighters are operating a command-and-control center in tunnels underneath the hospital, what Hamas has dismissed on several occasions.

In a statement last week, the resistance movement asked UN officials to visit medical facilities to disprove Israel's claims. Doctors inside the hospital also say there is no Hamas presence there.

'Disaster Gaza hospitals'

The Palestinian Authority Minister of Health Mai Al-Kaila also said in a statement on Sunday that a "disaster" is taking place in the hospitals in the besieged enclave.

"There is a disaster happening in [Gaza] hospitals where patients are now dying without receiving their treatments, such as children and adult dialysis patients who die in their homes without receiving dialysis sessions," the statement said.

"All 3,000 oncology patients who were being treated in Al-Rantisi and Al-Turki Hospital are now being left to die after the [Israeli] occupation expelled them from the hospitals," the statement added.

It also warned that all pregnant women, including those with high-risk pregnancies, cannot find any medical services.

It went on to add that blood stock inside hospitals had been spoiled due to cuts in electricity, and medical teams could no longer give blood to the sick and wounded who were bleeding.

"The medical staff inside Al-Shifa Hospital cannot move between the medical complex's departments and buildings, as an Israeli drone fires at everyone who moves inside the complex," it noted.

Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks on the coastal enclave, including hospitals, residences, and houses of worship, since Palestinian resistance movements launched their surprise attack, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, against the regime on October 7.

At least 11,360 Palestinians have been killed, including 4,609 children and 3,100 women. More than 28,000 individuals have sustained injuries as well.

According to the Ministry of Health, 3,250 citizens are still missing or under the rubble, including 1,700 children.

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UNICEF says more than 700,000 Gaza children displaced, calls for immediate ceasefire

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 14 November 2023 7:39 AM

The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) says more than 700,000 children in Gaza have been displaced amid brutal Israeli strikes against the coastal enclave.

In a post on social media platform X on Monday, UNICEF said more than 700,000 children in Gaza have been "forced to leave everything behind."

The UN agency also called for "an immediate humanitarian ceasefire" and "sustained and unimpeded access to provide assistance."

The UN agency earlier warned that children in Gaza are facing a dire humanitarian situation amid an ongoing Israeli aggression which has paralyzed medical and healthcare services.

"Children in Gaza are hanging by a thread, particularly in the north," Adele Khodr, UNICEF Middle East and North Africa Regional Director said on Friday.

"Thousands and thousands of children remain in northern Gaza as hostilities intensify. These children have nowhere to go and are at extreme risk. We call for the attacks on health care facilities to stop immediately and for the urgent delivery of fuel and medical supplies to hospitals across all Gaza, including the northern parts of the Strip," he said.

The UNICEF has already warned that the risk of waterborne and other diseases is rising and "particularly threatens children" amid rare access to safe water and as the total number of displaced people, which exceeded 1.5 million, are living in dreadful sanitation conditions.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Palestinian has said a child is killed on average every 10 minutes in the besieged Gaza Strip, warning that "nowhere and no one is safe" under Israel's relentless onslaught on the coastal enclave.

'West paralyzed in response to Israeli genocide in Gaza'

Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur to the occupied Palestinian territories, slammed the international community, including Australia, for their failure to stop Israel from committing "the crime of genocide against the Palestinian people."

"In the face of all of this, the international community is almost completely paralyzed," she said in an address to the National Press Club on Tuesday.

Albanese also described the UN's response to the atrocities in Gaza as "its most epic failure."

"I am being generous when I say the UN is experiencing its most epic political and humanitarian failure since its creation," she said.

"Individual member states, especially in the West, and Australia is no exception, are on the margins. Muttering notable words of condemnation for Israel's success at best or staying silent in fear of restraining Israel's ... claimed right to self-defense. Whatever that means."

The UN official also said from a legal perspective that Israel's right to self-defense was "non-existent", noting that the Tel Aviv regime had ignored proportionality in its "unrelenting bombardment of Gaza."

"Israel cannot claim the right of self-defense against a threat that emanates from a territory it occupies, from a territory that is under belligerent occupation," she said.

"What is being done (in Gaza) is wrong ... How many more people need to die?" she asked, calling for an urgent ceasefire.

Her remarks came as Israel's brutal aggression on Gaza is in its sixth week.

Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long suppression and devastation against Palestinians.

According to the Gaza-based health ministry, more than 11,240 Palestinians, including 4,630 children and 3,130 women, have been killed and 29,000 others injured in the Israeli strikes.

'Israel committing war crimes'

Albanese also hit out at vast sections of the international community and media who she said had forgotten, or tuned out, that the conflict had started decades ago.

She noted that Palestinian people had long been subject to a "violent structure of dispossession, confiscation of land, and forcible displacement" long before the Israeli attack on October 7.

"When it is widespread and systemic is not just a war crime, it is a crime against humanity," Albanese said, adding that "There were already war crimes being committed before October 7."

The UN official stressed that Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory "must end" and is "apartheid by default".

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UNRWA says Israel-imposed fuel shortage about to shut down its operations in Gaza

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 14 November 2023 2:24 AM

The United Nations refugee agency for Palestinians, UNRWA, says its operations in the Gaza Strip, which has come under a genocidal war by Israel, are about to grind to a halt due to a fuel shortage caused by the regime's complete blockade of the territory.

"The humanitarian operation in Gaza will grind to a halt in the next 48 hours as no fuel is allowed to enter Gaza," UNRWA's Gaza chief Thomas White wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"No fuel has entered Gaza since October 7," he added, referring to the date when the Israeli regime began its war of aggression on Gaza in response to an operation staged by the territory's resistance groups.

"...There's nothing that we can do," he told reporters, adding, "That's the reality of an aid operation that's being strangled of resources to serve people in need."

White, meanwhile, warned that the lack of fuel meant "no pumping of sewage or waste removal," something that will raise the risk of disease outbreak.

He also said trucking contractors transporting drinking water and other supplies from Gaza's Rafah border crossing with Egypt were now running on empty.

This is not the first time that international agencies have been warning about the lack of basic supplies in the territory and the risk to hospitals as well as water and waste water treatment facilities.

According to Gaza's Health Ministry, 21 out of 35 hospitals with inpatient facilities have stopped functioning either due to damage from Israeli shelling and airstrikes or lack of fuel.

Also on Monday, a surgeon with Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said hundreds of people stranded at Gaza's al-Shifa Hospital are enduring "inhuman" conditions, adding, "We don't have electricity. There's no water in the hospital."

Witnesses said the Israeli regime has deployed tanks and armored vehicles just meters away from the gates of the facility.

The regime claims that the hospital accommodates Hamas' "military headquarters." The resistance movement strongly denies the allegation.

The Health Ministry also said there are dozens of bodies on the streets of northern Gaza, where the heaviest fighting rages on, adding that ambulances come under Israeli fire when they try to retrieve them.

On Sunday, the regional directors of several UN agencies said over the past 36 days, the World Health Organization has recorded at least 137 Israeli attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza, resulting in the killing of 521 people and the injury of 686 others.

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US, allies confront global threats; blast Russia, N Korea, Hamas

Expanded cooperation allows the allies scope to tackle crises in Europe and the Middle East.

By Lee Jeong-Ho for RFA 2023.11.14 -- The United States, South Korea and Japan jointly issued a stern warning against Russia, North Korea and Hamas - highlighting the expanding scope of the trilateral cooperation, as they address global security challenges that extend beyond Asia.

The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and his South Korean counterpart Park Jin, and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa met in San Francisco Tuesday. The three called the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea a "serious threat to international peace and stability," according to a statement from South Korea's foreign ministry on Wednesday.

To counteract the move, the foreign ministers of the allies agreed to strengthen cooperation to block North Korea's illegal cyber activities used for nuclear and missile funding, as they vowed to further solidify the ongoing enhancement of security cooperation among the three democratic nations.

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 North Korea since August. In exchange, the North is most likely to have received technology transfer for what it claims as "satellite" launch from Russia, the spy agency said.

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 allies on Wednesday pledged to counter the intensifying cooperation between the authoritarian regimes through a "coordinated response with the international community," underpinned by the close collaboration between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan.

The South Korean foreign minister also indirectly criticized China during the meeting, reiterating Seoul's "serious stance" on concerns about the forced repatriation of North Korean defectors. Park "reaffirmed the commitment to enhance cooperation for the promotion of human rights in North Korea, including coordinated efforts in next year's Security Council," the statement added.

Recent media reports alleged that hundreds of North Korean defectors detained in China have been forcibly repatriated to North Korea. Human Rights Watch reported last month that Chinese authorities had forcibly returned over 500 North Koreans to the reclusive nation. The organization urged governments worldwide to condemn Beijing's actions. Most of these North Koreans were civilians and religious figures who were arrested while attempting to travel to South Korea from China, Radio Free Asia has learned.

The allies also issued a joint criticism against Hamas. The ministers condemned Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel, urging for the "prompt release of hostages, and emphasizing the need for strict adherence to international law to protect civilians." The three democratic nations also agreed to actively cooperate to resolve the crisis.

Hamas has used weapons sourced from the North and Iran to target Israel, the Israeli military said last month, supporting RFA's earlier report on the alleged arms connection between the North and Hamas.

RFA reported on the potential use of North Korean weapons by Hamas militants. RFA's thorough analysis was based on a video that displayed a man holding what seemed to be North Korean-made rocket launchers.

The expanded trilateral security cooperation to tackle global challenges was already reinforced on Monday, as the defense ministers of the U.S. and South Korea agreed to evolve their military alliance into a broader global partnership. The expansion hinted that the allies would counter not just threats from North Korea, but also to confront a range of issues that affect regional and global peace.

Such a move could be crucial for the U.S. in implementing its global strategy, especially in the face of complex challenges. In doing so, Washington may reinforce its strategic position and capabilities amid the security crisis in Europe and the Middle East.

The trilateral meeting took place ahead of the upcoming gathering of foreign ministers of China, South Korea and Japan in the South's Busan city in less than two weeks - a move that could indicate Seoul and Tokyo's diplomatic prioritization of ties and cooperation with Washington.

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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Vietnam's ethnic minorities to denounce discrimination at the UN

Groups suffer from religious persecution, lack of access to resources and land grabs.

By RFA Vietnamese 2023.11.14 -- Activists campaigning on behalf of Vietnam's ethnic minorities will tell the United Nations about widespread discrimination at the end of this month, according to one protest group.

Boat People SOS (BPSOS) is a U.S.-based organization focusing mainly on human rights issues faced by ethnic minorities in Vietnam.

Vietnam joined the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination in 1982. The U.N. holds periodic reviews to assess the performance of signatory nations.

Vietnam has joined seven out of nine U.N. human rights conventions.

This month, Vietnam and other member countries will have to tell the U.N. what steps they have taken to eliminate ethnic discrimination. The U.N. will also allow civil society organizations to present their own testimony.

"The reason why BPSOS participates in United Nations reviews is to create an environment and forum for the people in the country to make the state accountable," the group's executive director Nguyen Dinh Thang told Radio Free Asia.

"In Vietnam today, the state has not fulfilled their responsibility because they look down on the people,

"When people know how to make reports, they can approach the United Nations directly or through intermediaries.

"They can raise issues with the Vietnamese state and the state must answer to the people through specialized committees on human rights."

Nguyen Dinh Thang said his organization plans to denounce the Vietnamese government for implementing religious, economic, and cultural repression policies targeting ethnic groups and minorities such as the Montagnards in the Central Highlands, the H'mong in the north, and the Khmer Krom in the south of Vietnam.

"We have had many reports on human rights violations in general, and in fact, the indigenous ethnic groups are the most severely affected, including the Montagnards, the H'mong, and the Khmer Krom," he said.

"The Vietnamese side never reports these things, but the United Nations has received hundreds of reports of violations, coming directly from people, most of whom come from the indigenous communities I just mentioned."

Vietnamese state media regularly write about the alleged "illegal religious activities" of ethnic minorities. Minority groups have accused the police of targeting and repressing them.

Undocumented, ignored

Vang Seo Gia is a H'mong man who was born in northern Vietnam. When he was eight, his family had to flee to the Central Highlands due to religious persecution and eventually sought asylum in Thailand.

"We have a list of about five thousand to seven thousand H'mong people living in the Central Highlands," he told RFA Vietnamese.

"They do not have any identification documents.

"Everyone knows the consequences of living for more than twenty years, nearly two generations, without papers ... They do not have any civil rights.

"Without identification documents, you cannot access education [or] find a job in urban areas, because if you do not have documents, no one will know who you are or dare to accept you.

"They live as forest people in such areas. Then they give birth to children who cannot go to school and do not enjoy any social benefits."

Vng Seo Gia chose to take a Vietnamese name and avoid using his real H'mong name, to avoid being recognized and discriminated against because of his ethnic origin.

Loss of language is also an issue of concern for ethnic minorities according to Y Quynh Bdap, an Ede person from Dak Lak province, currently a refugee in Thailand.

"We Montagnards have our own language and in the Central Highlands, the Ede language has been used since the French period ... but currently there are no schools for the Montagnards. As a result, many Montagnards now cannot speak Ede," he said.

Montagnards in the Central Highlands have also lost land to urban and farm projects causing conflict between the state and indigenous communities.

In June this year, nine people were killed in an attack on two commune committee headquarters in Dak Lak province. The government has prosecuted 92 people for allegedly being involved in the incident, all of whom are members of ethnic minorities in the Central Highlands.

Translated by RFA Vietnamese. 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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Report: 40,000 evicted from Cambodia's Angkor temple area since 2022

Authorities say the removals are aimed at preserving the UNESCO World Heritage site.

By Matt Reed 2023.11.14 -- 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, Amnesty's 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, UNESCO's recommendations and Cambodia's national law haven't made clear which settlements were traditional villages, according to Amnesty's 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.

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.

'It's 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 isn't 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 don't understand why they allow us to live like this," he said. "It's 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.

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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High-Tech Chinese 'Border Scanners' Raise Transparency, Privacy Questions In Serbia

By Sonja Gocanin November 14, 2023

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

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/chinese-border-scanners- transparency-serbia-migrants/32684251.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 Says Has No 'Accurate' Gaza Death Toll, But Far Too Many Innocent Palestinians Killed

Sputnik News

20231114

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The United States is unable to provide any accurate assessment of the death toll from the Palestine-Israel conflict but admits that too many innocent Palestinians have been killed, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Tuesday.

"We don't have an accurate assessment or an assessment that we know to be accurate about the number of Palestinians who have been killed. But as the secretary said last week, we know that far too many innocent Palestinian civilians have been killed," Miller told a briefing.

The death toll from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip has reached 11,240, including 4,630 children, Gaza's media office said on Tuesday.

The United Nations previously said the figures provided by the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza have proven consistently credible in the past, and it sees no reason to challenge them.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said last week that the number of civilians killed indicates that "something is clearly wrong" with Israel's military operations.

Tensions in the region hit a boiling point on October 7 after the Palestinian Hamas movement launched a surprise attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip, a move that prompted retaliatory strikes and a blockade of water, fuel and food supplies to more than 2 million people living in the area. Injuries and deaths have been reported on both sides.

 Sputnik

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Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Peruvian Foreign Minister Gonzalez-Olaechea

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

November 14, 2023

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Peruvian Foreign Minister Javier Gonzalez-Olaechea at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Gonzalez-Olaechea discussed collaboration on safe, orderly, and humane migration management and their mutual affirmed commitment to regional economic cooperation. Secretary Blinken also thanked the Government of Peru for its support during the U.S. APEC host year and congratulated it on agreeing to host the APEC forum in 2024. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister also discussed deepening the substantial and concrete U.S.-Peru partnership on democracy, respect for human rights, and inclusive economic growth. They agreed to have their ministries organize an in-depth, structured dialogue in the coming year.



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UPDATED: Besieged Gaza hospital horror continues as rainfall prompts new scare

14 November 2023 - UN health agency WHO hailed on Tuesday the "heroic efforts" of staff at Gaza City's besieged Al-Shifa hospital and expressed concern for hundreds of thousands of displaced people in the enclave where heavy rainfall has caused flooding and aggravated the already dire health crisis.

In a statement issued by his Spokesperson, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was "deeply disturbed by the horrible situation and dramatic loss of life" reported in Gaza's medical facilities.



"In the name of humanity, the Secretary-General calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire", the statement reiterated.

Suffering exacerbated

"Rain will just add further to the suffering" of people in the Strip, WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris told reporters earlier in Geneva, at a time when disruptions in sewage pumping and water shortages have caused a spike in waterborne diseases and bacterial infections.

The World Health Organization warned last week that since mid-October, over 33,500 cases of diarrhoea have been reported, mostly among children under five, some 16 times the monthly average.

Facilities run by the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, where over 580,000 displaced people in southern Gaza had sought shelter due to Israel's offensive in retaliation for Hamas' deadly 7 October attacks, are more than nine times over capacity and the overcrowding is posing further health risks.

"We are begging for a ceasefire to happen now," Dr. Harris insisted.

Hostages' families in Geneva

Meanwhile in Geneva, the families of some of the 238 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza since 7 October were due to continue their advocacy for the release of their loved ones on Tuesday.

A meeting was announced between hostages' families and Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), a UN humanitarian partner organisation.

In a statement, the ICRC said that Ms. Spoljaric would also meet with the Israeli authorities and that the organisation has been "persistently advocating on behalf of the hostages held in Gaza, including directly with Hamas and with actors who may have influence on the parties".

Health workers 'doing whatever they can'

WHO's Dr. Harris described in detail the dire situation at Al-Shifa hospital, which is a focus of operations by the Israeli Defense Forces which claim that Hamas had established a command centre under the hospital - an allegation denied by medical staff.

Speaking of the "heroic" health workers, Dr. Harris said that they are "doing whatever they can to keep going" while the facility has been without power since 11 November and there was not enough food and clean water. Some 700 patients were still present at the site and more than 400 health staff, in addition to around 3,000 displaced persons who had sought refuge there. Dr. Harris said that 20 patient deaths have been reported in the last 48 hours.

As many as six premature babies had reportedly died at Al-Shifa over the past three days as their incubators were unable to function owing to the lack of electricity.

Evacuation 'very difficult'

Asked about the possibility of evacuating patients, Dr. Harris explained that all of those remaining at Al-Shifa required critical support to stay alive. Moving them "would be a very difficult thing to ask in the best circumstances", Dr. Harris said, let alone amid bombing, armed clashes and a lack of fuel for ambulances.

"The best way would be to stop the hostilities right now and focus on saving lives, not taking lives," she insisted.

Record number of attacks on healthcare

Some 135 attacks on health facilities have been documented in Gaza over the course of the past month, and WHO's Dr. Harris said that this was the highest number recorded in such a short amount of time.

"I hope this is the worst we ever see," she said.

The WHO spokesperson pointed to an "increasing trend" of attacks on health care, also seen in other ongoing conflicts in Sudan and in Ukraine. "It seems that somehow the understanding that a hospital must a safe haven, a place where people come to be treated when they are in need, has been forgotten," she told journalists.

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UNRWA

14 Nov 2023

Day 38 of Hostilities

Key Points

The Gaza Strip

The West Bank, including East Jerusalem

Overall Situation

The Gaza Strip

The West Bank

Humanitarian Access, Protection of Civilians

The Gaza Strip

UNRWA Response

The Gaza Strip

UNRWA Shelters

Health

Relief and Social Services/Psychosocial support

Water, Sanitation, Hygiene (WASH)

With the little fuel it has remaining, UNRWA continues to operate water wells in Khan Younis and Rafah for the provision of potable and domestic water supply. Potable water trucking operations to the shelters in Rafah and Khan Younis areas also continue. However, given the high number of people in the shelters, the water provided is not enough to meet personal water consumption needs as per WHO standards.

As of 15 November, public WASH facilities will start shutting down, this includes: 1. 60 water wells in the south of Wadi Gaza. This will cut domestic water off at 44 UNRWA IDP shelters in the south of Wadi Gaza, which are currently hosting over 290,000 IDPs. It will also cut domestic water supply to most housing units in the South of Wadi Gaza.

2. Two main desalination plants in Rafah and Middle areas will start shutting down as well. This means cutting off the major source of potable water, which supports the population South of Wadi Gaza, and provides water to 44 UNRWA managed IDP shelters hosting over 290,000 IDPs.

Solid waste collection from the camps and from emergency shelters and transfer to landfills also continues in the Middle, Khan Younis and Rafah areas.

These operations are challenged by the frequent breakdown of already aged vehicles, the unavailability of spare parts, risk of staff movement and scarcity of fuel.

As of 14 November, UNRWA sanitation work will start shutting down, causing environmental hazards with around 400 tons of solid waste per day accumulated in all camps and UNRWA managed and overcrowded IDP shelters. Combined with stopping public sewage pumping stations (see below), and the shutdown of municipality sanitation operations, this will impose serious threats to public health, with a high risk of water contamination and disease outbreak.
Humanitarian operations will grind to a halt in the Gaza Strip due to lack of fuel

UNRWA

14 Nov 2023

FROM UNRWA COMMISSIONER-GENERAL PHILIPPE LAZZARINI

AMMAN, 14 November 2023 - "The humanitarian response in the Gaza Strip, on which over 2 million people depend, is gradually coming to an end because no fuel has been allowed into the Gaza Strip since 7 October.

"UNRWA set off alarm bells over the fuel situation three weeks ago, warning about its fast-depleting supplies, and the impact on lifesaving operations. Since then, we have heavily rationed the use of fuel and accessed pre-existing, limited amounts stored in a depot inside the Gaza Strip, through close coordination with Israeli Authorities.

"The depot is now empty.

"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.

"It is unbelievable that humanitarian agencies have to beg for fuel and operate on life support.

"Since the beginning of the war, fuel has been used as a weapon of war and this should stop immediately.

"I appeal to all parties to make fuel available now and stop using humanitarian assistance for political or military gains."

ENDS

Background Information:

UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency's area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight.

UNRWA operates in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, The Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

Tens of thousands of Palestine refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict continue to be displaced and in need of support, nearly 75 years on.

UNRWA helps Palestine Refugees achieve their full potential in human development through quality services it provides in education, health care, relief and social services, protection, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions.

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USS Stethem, Task Force 59 Put More Eyes in the Sky, Expanding Maritime Domain Awareness

US Navy

14 November 2023

From NAVCENT Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) recently demonstrated expansive maritime domain awareness, utilizing Flexrotor unmanned aerial vehicles during operations in the Gulf of Oman, Nov. 8-9.

he UAVs, part of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command's Task Force 59, put a highly capable intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capability in the hands of Sailors at sea. Flexrotor's high endurance and vertical takeoff-and-landing capabilities make them particularly well suited for the task of building an accurate maritime picture, said Capt. Colin Corridan, Task Force 59 commodore.

"Our warfighters require innovative methods for gaining a deeper understanding of the operating environment," Corridan said. "The ISR capabilities of these UAVs greatly expand our sight picture and help us better monitor what's happening in the region."

Flexrotor provides complete autonomous flight following takeoff, with a wide communication range and the ability for around-the-clock ISR coverage. It can be used day or night by U.S. and coalition partners for a wide range of intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance operations over land and sea.

Flexrotors played an integral part in recent operations where it integrated with 12 different unmanned platforms for "manned-unmanned teaming" operations, tracking Iranian Navy and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) ships and small boats over several days during routine patrols in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

The operations aboard Stethem built on the strength of that operation, Corridan noted.

"The Sailors aboard Stethem and from Task Force 59 are strengthening maritime security and stability through the use of Flexrotor, deterring malign activity by bad-faith actors," he said. "As these capabilities expand, we're going to be able to gain more information more quickly to be able to make faster, smarter decisions."

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet's area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprising 21 nations, includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb.

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Mali's Army Says Kidal Recaptured from Rebels

By VOA News November 14, 2023

Mali's 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 Mali's 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."

Mali's 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 Mali's government in 2015, though Islamist militants connected al-Qaida and Islamic State went on to kill thousands of civilians.

Mali's 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





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Israeli Forces Raid Gaza Hospital Seeking Hamas

By VOA News November 14, 2023

The latest developments:

Israel Defense Forces say they have entered Shifa hospital in Gaza.

Death toll at Shifa rises to 40 after days without electricity, food and water.

Palestinian Authority health minister says Israeli raid on Shifa "new crime against humanity."

U.S. President Joe Biden says he believes Hamas' hostages will be released but gives no timetable.

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad members operate a command-and-control node from the hospital and use tunnels underneath to support their military operations and hold hostages.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Tuesday that he is "deeply disturbed by the horrible situation and dramatic loss of life in several hospitals in Gaza."

The latest death toll: 1,200 in Israel during the October 7 Hamas attack, and according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, 11,000 in Gaza, overwhelmingly women and children.

Israeli soldiers raided Shifa Hospital in Gaza early Wednesday morning, local time, looking for Hamas militants after giving Health Ministry officials a few minutes warning.

"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 Israel Defense Forces said in a statement. It urged all Hamas fighters to surrender.

The IDF said its forces consisted of "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."

The director-general of the Gaza Health Ministry, Dr. Munir al-Bursh, told Al Jazeera television that Israeli forces had raided the western side of the medical complex.

Earlier, the U.S. backed up Israel's claims that Hamas is using hospitals as cover for its fighters. Israel says Shifa has a command center underneath it, something Hamas again denied.

Hamas says about 650 patients and 5,000-7,000 Palestinian civilians have taken shelter on the hospital grounds.

Hospital must be protected

Earlier Tuesday, U.S. President Joe 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 Shifa hospital, Gaza City's main medical center, which has been surrounded and under siege by Israeli forces for several days.

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters aboard Air Force One that Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad members operate a command-and-control node from 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 that the actions of Hamas "do not lessen Israel's responsibilities to protect civilians in Gaza."

United Nations 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," the spokesman said.

Out of fuel

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.

The Palestinian health ministry said Tuesday that 40 patients, including three infants, have died at the hospital since the siege began due to the lack of electricity. Officials say staffers dug a mass grave in the hospital yard to bury more than 100 people.

Doctors running low on supplies were 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 Shifa hospital.

Palestinian Health Minister Mai Al-Kaila, who is based in the West Bank, said the Israeli army's raid on Shifa amounted to "a new crime against humanity, medical staff and patients."

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the medical center "is not functioning as a hospital anymore," and the situation at Gaza's largest hospital is "dire and perilous."

Al Quds, another Gaza hospital, shut down Sunday after it ran out of fuel.

"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.

The president also said 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 don't 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."

The U.S. says that among the hostages are nine Americans and a foreign national with U.S. employment rights.

Death toll

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 Oct. 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 Gaza's 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 Oct. 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 woman's lifeless, bloodstained body lying on a sheet. Hamas said she had been killed by Israeli airstrikes last Thursday.

Israel's military confirmed the video was of Marciano, who was attached to a unit deployed at the Israel-Gaza border.

The Israeli military said it has seized several government facilities in Gaza City, including the territory'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 said.

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. It has, however, agreed to four-hour daily humanitarian pauses to allow the opening of two corridors to let Palestinians evacuate northern Gaza.

The NSC's Kirby said Tuesday that in the past 24 hours around 115 more trucks carrying humanitarian aid were able to enter Gaza, bringing the total to 1,100.

The United Nations' humanitarian agency says Israeli authorities will allow the entry of a limited amount of fuel into Gaza on Wednesday to run 91 trucks carrying humanitarian aid that arrived from Egypt Tuesday.

The agency says fuel supplies for any other purposes, including the operation of generators at hospitals, water and sanitation facilities, are banned. Israel has not allowed fuel into Gaza since the Oct. 7 invasion.

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.

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Taliban Delegation Visits Pakistan Amid Expulsion of Afghans

By Sarah Zaman November 14, 2023

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, Pakistan's 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 delegation's 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.

Pakistan's 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 Pakistan's 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 don't think there were harsh statements, neither from Pakistan side nor from Afghan side," Durrani said.

The envoy rejected the notion that Pakistan's support of the Taliban in its 20-year war against western troops had backfired since his country was seeing terrorism rise since the group's 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 Tuesday's trilateral trade talks, the Taliban commerce minister met Pakistan's 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 don't think there is truth in it." He said Pakistani border guards are disciplined and follow the orders of the government.

Speaking to VOA, Pakistan's 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.

Pakistani and Taliban officials will continue talks on Wednesday.

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US Firm on Taliban Sanctions as Experts Call for Easing, Normalization

By Akmal Dawi November 14, 2023

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 Department's remarks follow the release of a new United Nations assessment that suggests cautious normalization and increased international engagement with Afghanistan's 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 Taliban's 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.

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UN-Mandated Assessment Links Taliban's Legitimacy to Afghan Women's Freedom

By Ayaz Gul November 14, 2023

An independent assessment commissioned by the United Nations has linked recognition of the Taliban government to compliance with Afghanistan's international treaty obligations and commitments, requiring it to immediately remove sweeping curbs on women's rights to education and employment opportunities.

"Any formal re-integration of Afghanistan into global institutions and systems will require the participation and leadership of Afghan women," said a VOA-obtained draft copy of the report.

In March, a Security Council resolution asked U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to conduct the assessment providing "forward-looking recommendations for an integrated and coherent" international approach to the Taliban-governed crisis-hit country by November 17. He appointed Feridun Sinirlioglu, a former Turkish government official, as the special coordinator to lead the mission.

Sinirlioglu traveled to Afghanistan and engaged with Taliban leaders, Afghan stakeholders residing outside the country, and critical regional and international stakeholders to assess the situation before submitting his report to the U.N. chief.

The document noted that the situation of women and girls  the restrictions on girls' education in particular  was "the single most common" issue raised in the consultations. It was highlighted by Afghan women, girls, the business community, religious clerics, tribal elders, civil society, health and education professionals, and many representatives of the de facto Taliban authorities, it said.

Taliban ban women from school, work

The Taliban reclaimed power from an American-backed government in August 2021. They have imposed their strict interpretation of Islamic law, banning schools for girls beyond the sixth grade and barring women from most public and private sector workplaces, including the United Nations and other aid groups.

"The DFA (de facto authorities) have tried to justify these restrictions as being part of the Islamic faith and Afghan traditions. However, similar restrictions do not exist in any other member state of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and many Afghans reject the DFA's characterization of local traditions," the U.N. report said.

It noted that the restrictive bans are not consistent with the values embodied in the U.N. Charter or international law, nor are they conducive to Afghanistan's political and economic stability.

TTP intensifies cross-border attacks

The report recommended, citing stakeholder consultations, that an Afghan national dialogue needs to be initiated to establish inclusive governance and ensure sustainable peace and economic development in the country after 45 years of armed conflict. It would permit movement toward the full normalization and integration of Afghanistan within the international system.

The international community should quickly identify a solution to unfreeze Afghanistan's frozen assets, which are worth billions of dollars, and revisit the various sanctions regimes if the Taliban can demonstrate their ability to maintain the country's commitments and govern inclusively, the report adds.

While the document hailed the Taliban's counternarcotics efforts and improved security conditions across the country, it questioned de facto authorities' counterterrorism resolve and regional security concerns stemming from it.

The assessment said, without naming any country, that several member countries "attest to the persistent presence of terrorist groups and individuals inside Afghanistan, including members of al-Qaida." It added, citing recent U.N. reports, that some of these groups have relations with elements of the Taliban.

"According to these reports, significant numbers of fighters for the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) appear to have free movement and shelter in Afghanistan and are carrying out an intensifying campaign of violence inside Pakistan."

The report said the Taliban have demonstrated "limited responsiveness" to international engagement on the presence and treatment of such groups.

Pakistani officials say the TTP, a globally designated terrorist group, has intensified cross-border attacks from its Afghan sanctuaries since the Taliban returned to power two years ago, killing nearly 2,300 Pakistanis, including security forces.

The Taliban have not commented immediately on the reported U.N. assessment, though they have previously rejected criticism of their policies, including counterterrorism efforts. They have persistently defended their male-only administration, called the Islamic Emirate, as an inclusive dispensation representing all ethnicities and tribes in Afghanistan.

"It is clear from my consultations that we are universally united in our vision of an Afghanistan that is at peace with its people, its neighbors, and the international community," said Sinirlioglu. "All stakeholders have a role to play in building a more peaceful, prosperous and predictable future for Afghanistan to the benefit of all Afghans."

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Letter to the Speaker of the House and President pro tempore of the Senate consistent with the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148)

November 14, 2023

Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Madam President:)

As I have reported previously, militia groups affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have perpetrated a series of attacks against United States personnel and facilities in Iraq and Syria. These attacks have placed under grave threat the lives of United States personnel and Coalition forces operating alongside United States forces.

As I reported on October 27, 2023, and November 10, 2023, in response to this series of attacks and continuing threats of future attacks, at my direction, United States forces conducted targeted strikes against facilities in eastern Syria used by the IRGC and IRGC-affiliated groups.

On the night of November 12, 2023, at my direction, United States forces conducted precision strikes against two facilities in eastern Syria used by the IRGC and IRGC-affiliated groups for weapons storage, training, command and control, and other purposes. The strikes were taken to reaffirm deterrence and were conducted in a manner to limit the risk of escalation and avoid civilian casualties. I directed the strikes in order to protect and defend our personnel, to degrade and disrupt the ongoing series of attacks against the United States and our partners, and to deter Iran and Iran-backed militia groups from conducting or supporting further attacks on United States personnel and facilities.

I directed this military action consistent with my responsibility to protect United States citizens both at home and abroad and in furtherance of United States national security and foreign policy interests, pursuant to my constitutional authority as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive and to conduct United States foreign relations. The United States took this necessary and proportionate action consistent with international law and in the exercise of the United States' inherent right of self-defense as reflected in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. The United States stands ready to take further action, as necessary and appropriate, to address further threats or attacks.

I am providing this report as part of my efforts to keep the Congress fully informed, consistent with the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148). I appreciate the support of the Congress in this action.

Sincerely,

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.



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Ansar Allah confirms missile attack on Israeli regime targets

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Nov 15, 2023

TEHRAN, IRNA -- Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthi Movement, has confirmed in a statement that it has launched ballistic missile attacks on sensitive locations within Israeli-occupied territories of Palestine.

The statement, released late Tuesday, revealed that the missiles targeted Eilat, located in the southernmost region of occupied Palestine.

In addition to the missile attack, the Houthi Movement disclosed that a drone attack had been carried out 24 hours earlier on the same location.

The Yemeni group also said that it would not hesitate to attack Israeli ships in the Red Sea or any other location. They stated that these attacks will continue until the Zionist regime ceases its violations in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli military has confirmed the attacks.

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Israeli regime forces storm al-Shifa hospital in Gaza Strip

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Nov 15, 2023

TEHRAN, IRNA -- Israeli forces have stormed the al-Shifa hospital in the Gaza Strip after days of besieging the largest medical complex in the coastal enclave.

According to Palestinian media outlets, the occupation forces stormed the hospital on Wednesday morning after the regime's military announced that it was "carrying out a precise and targeted operation" inside the medical complex.

The government media office in the Gaza Strip held the occupiers, the United States, and the international community responsible for the lives of thousands of medical staff, the wounded, and the displaced in the medical complex.

It also warned of a massacre in the hospital by the occupying Zionist forces.

Ismail al-Thawabta, the director general of the media office, called the assault on the al-Shifa hospital "a war crime."

Palestinian outlets reported that after storming the yard and parts of the al-Shifa hospital, the Zionist soldiers called the director general of hospitals in the Gaza Strip, Munir al-Bursh, and asked him to go to them.

Al-Bursh, who was treating the wounded in the hospital, dismissed the request, stating that he was doing his duty and would not cooperate with the occupiers.

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7 Palestinians killed in clashes with Israeli army in West Bank: ministry

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:35, November 15, 2023

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.

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Chinese scientists plan to boost cassava yields in Africa

Xinhua) 21:02, November 15, 2023

SANYA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese agronomists said they plan to boost the cultivation of better-quality cassava varieties in Africa, which relies on the starchy tubers as a major source of food.

The Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS) said in an action plan that it plans to introduce new cassava varieties and advanced farming techniques to over 500,000 hectares of land in African countries.

The improved varieties and techniques are expected to raise the yield of the root crops above 17 tonnes per hectare, said Xie Jianghui, vice head of the CATAS.

The plan was announced to warm applause at the second Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Agriculture, which concluded on Wednesday in the city of Sanya in south China's Hainan Province.

The institute will help countries including Nigeria, Mozambique and the Republic of the Congo breed better varieties, improve cultivation techniques and raise the level of mechanization on cassava farms.

It will also build agriculture demonstration centers to promote commercialization and large-scale production in major cassava-producing countries.

Xie said the institute aims to bring both better cassava varieties and processing techniques to Africa, with the dual goal of revving up the yield to bolster food security and raising small farmers' income to reduce poverty.

"Two major problems faced in Africa are the low per-hectare output of cassavas and the lack of processing to help the crops grown by small farmers enter the market," he said.

The CATAS rose to the forefront of China's cassava breeding and cultivation technologies amid the country's drive to ensure food security and to turn cassavas into an important industrial ingredient. The institute has bred more than 20 high-yielding, disease-resistant cassava varieties, and developed various cassava cultivation and processing technologies.

Starch-rich cassava provides food for more than 200 million people in Africa and is an important food security crop for the continent long plagued by hunger and malnutrition.

Speaking highly of the plan, African participants of the forum said it is essentially a technological transfer that will empower Africa in its battle with hunger and poverty.

"What Africa would need is to ensure that there are more young scientists to work with the Chinese counterparts to acquire the relevant technology," said Felix Dapare Dakora, former president of the African Academy of Sciences.

(Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Liang Jun)
Hamas denies accusations of using hospitals in Gaza for military purposes

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:12, November 15, 2023

GAZA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Hamas on Tuesday denied using hospitals in the Gaza Strip for military purposes, dismissing such Israeli accusations as "lies," according to the media office of the Gaza-ruling Palestinian faction.

What the Israeli army presented regarding the Al-Rantisi Children's Hospital in Gaza City were "videos made in a contradictory, unprofessional, and illogical manner," and included "composite and fabricated scenes that mislead public opinion," the media office said in a statement.

It accused the Israeli army of "making lies and practicing misinformation and incitement in preparation for destroying hospitals ... over the heads of patients, medical staff, and displaced people."

Meanwhile, the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza said what the Israeli army showed and termed as an arsenal located beneath the hospital was a "poor charade," denying any involvement with the displayed weapons and items that Israel claimed for holding hostages.

On Monday, Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hajari claimed that there was evidence indicating the presence of Israeli prisoners inside the hospital and Palestinian militants using the hospital as a hideout following the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

Israel surrounded a number of hospitals in Gaza City in recent days on suspicion that their underground facilities have been used as Hamas military bases and command.

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Iran condemns Israel's bombing of Qatar's reconstruction committee in Gaza

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:12, November 15, 2023

TEHRAN, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani on Tuesday vehemently condemned Israel's bombing of the headquarters of the Qatar Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza which took place on Monday.

Israel's "crimes and brutality" against Gaza had hurt the conscience of the world's peoples, Kanaani was quoted as saying in a statement posted on the Foreign Ministry's website.

He pointed to Israel's "constant and flagrant violations of international law (in Gaza) and continued aggression" against Palestinians, calling on the international community to condemn the Israeli moves and hold Israel accountable.

Israel has been launching fierce attacks on Gaza over the past weeks in retaliation for the Hamas assault on Israel on Oct. 7.

The ongoing conflict has killed more than 11,500 Palestinians in Gaza and about 1,200 people in Israel, according to official figures from both sides.

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Egypt to send additional 650 tons of food aid to Gaza

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:08, November 15, 2023

CAIRO, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi on Tuesday directed the Egyptian government to provide the Gaza Strip with an additional 650 tons of food aid.

The aid is part of Egypt's continued efforts to support the people of Gaza at all levels, the Egyptian Presidency said in a statement.

As of Nov. 10, Egypt had delivered 6,944 tons of food, medical, and humanitarian aid to Gaza since the conflict between Hamas and Israel started on Oct. 7, according to the Egyptian Red Crescent.

Earlier in the day, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) announced it had received 155 aid trucks from the Egyptian Red Crescent on Monday.

The PRCS revealed that 1,135 aid trucks had entered Gaza since the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, the only lifeline to Gaza, was opened for aid delivery on Oct. 21, after Israel placed the strip, home to some 2.3 million people, under a complete blockade.

Israel launched a massive attack on Gaza in retaliation for the surprise strike led by Hamas on Oct. 7, in which Hamas killed about 1,200 people in Israel and took more than 200 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

The ongoing conflict, raging into the second month, has killed over 11,500 Palestinians in the coastal enclave, said the Hamas-run Health Ministry.

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Egypt, Russia agree to intensify efforts to reach ceasefire in Gaza

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:05, November 15, 2023

CAIRO, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin agreed on Tuesday to intensify international efforts toward an immediate ceasefire in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip.

During a phone conversation, both leaders focused on the latest developments in the Palestinian coastal enclave, the Egyptian Presidency said in a statement.

They also agreed on exerting efforts to allow urgent access to humanitarian aid and taking the necessary measures to protect civilians and stop the bloodshed.

They stressed that this would pave the way for the political track, which aims to resolve the conflict based on the two-state solution, according to the statement.

Meanwhile, Sisi reviewed Egypt's efforts to restore calm and the steps it was taking to deliver relief aid and evacuate foreign nationals and wounded Palestinians from Gaza.

Israel launched a massive attack on Gaza in retaliation for the surprise strike led by the Gaza-ruling Hamas movement on Oct. 7, in which Hamas killed about 1,200 people in Israel and took more than 200 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

The ongoing conflict, raging into the second month, has killed over 11,500 Palestinians in the coastal enclave, said the Hamas-run Health Ministry.

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Lebanese parliament speaker warns of conflict expansion as clashes with Israel escalate

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:02, November 15, 2023

BEIRUT, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Tuesday warned of an expansion of Israel-Hamas conflict amid the ongoing clashes between the Israeli army and Lebanese militants in southern Lebanon, the National News Agency reported.

"The Israeli enemy's persistence in escalating its aggression, repeatedly targeting civilians, media professionals, and paramedics, with its attacks extending deep into southern Lebanon and its threats to attack the Lebanese capital Beirut, increase the risks of expanding the war in the region, contrary to international and Arab positions calling for adherence to international legitimacy," Berri said.

His made the remarks during a meeting in Beirut with Aroldo Lazaro Saenz, head of mission of the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL).

For his part, Lazaro expressed his deep concern about the situation in southern Lebanon and the potential for broader and more severe hostilities, adding that UNIFIL's priorities are to prevent escalation, protect civilians, and ensure the safety of peacekeepers.

Lazaro also met on Tuesday with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who reaffirmed "Lebanon's commitment to keeping UNIFIL forces in the south without any changes to their tasks."

Confrontations on the Lebanese-Israeli borders continued on Tuesday, during which two Hezbollah fighters were wounded, according to a Lebanese military source.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Xinhua that Israeli drones and warplanes carried out 12 airstrikes on southern Lebanon and used heavy artillery to attack 22 towns and villages in the region.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah said its fighters attacked several Israeli sites in southeastern Lebanon, an Israeli infantry force near the Baranit barracks, and another in the village of al-Dhahira in southwestern Lebanon.

The Lebanon-Israel border witnessed increased tension for over five weeks after Lebanese armed group Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets toward Shebaa Farms on Oct. 8 in support of the Hamas attacks on Israel the previous day, prompting the Israeli forces to respond by firing heavy artillery toward several areas in southeastern Lebanon.

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Qatari minister says to continue efforts to end "collective punishment" of Gazans

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:01, November 15, 2023

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.

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Nearly 60 attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria

By Carla Babb November 15, 2023

Attacks from Iranian-backed militants have not let up, with a multi-rocket attack coming within a half-kilometer of Mission Support Site Euphrates in eastern Syria on Tuesday.

The U.S. says deterrence is working with Iran, and on Sunday the military struck two facilities used by Iran and Iranian-backed militant groups in Syria.

Defense officials tell VOA Iranian-backed militants have attacked U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria at least 56 times in less than a month, with at least five attacks happening after the Sunday strikes.

"Is deterrence working? We feel that it is," said Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh. "We have not seen this war spread into a wider regional conflict. The strikes that we are taking is to signal and to message very strongly to Iran and their affiliated groups to stop. That is the purpose of those strikes."

Singh acknowledged that Iranian-affiliated groups have continued to attack American troops, but said the U.S. strategy is working.

"I think we are being very deliberate on how and when we conduct our strikes against these groups," she said. "And I think that Iran is certainly seeing that message."

More than 50 Americans suffered minor injuries to traumatic brain injuries from the attacks before returning to duty, officials say.

A bipartisan group of senators told reporters Tuesday the U.S. is lucky that no Americans have died from the attacks and called for a stronger response against Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC.

"If Iran continues to threaten our troops in Syria and Iraq, the right response militarily would be in my view to hit the IRGC training bases and infrastructure inside of Iran," said Senator Lindsey Graham.

Retired General Frank McKenzie, the former commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East, tells VOA the message America sent by its reduction of forces in the region has left Iran emboldened.

"Their primary goal remains the ejection of the United States from the region. And that's the reason these attacks are spiking up," he said.

Two defense officials have confirmed to VOA that a drone crashed into a barracks housing U.S. troops last month at Irbil Air Base. It failed to detonate, but one official said if the drone had exploded, several troops could have been injured or killed.

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Operation Iron Swords - Day 39 - 14 November 2023

Palestinian armed group Hamas launched thousands of missiles at Israel and deployed its militants to infiltrate Jewish settlements near the countrys border with Gaza on 07 October 2023. The 1,200 Israelis killed on the first day would be the equivalent of 36,000 Americans killed in an attack, as a proportion to Israels population of 9.3 million people (compared to 332 million in the USA). Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated: Not since the Holocaust have so many Jews been killed in one day". PM Netanyahu stated "On October 7th, Hamas murdered 1,400 Israelis. Maybe more. This is in a country of fewer than 10 million people. This would be equivalent to over 50,000 Americans murdered in a single day. Thats twenty 9/11s. That is why October 7th is another day that will live in infamy."

It is the second largest loss inflicted on the Israeli forces after the 1973 war, as the Palestinian resistance killed more than 1,200, wounded more than 5,132 others, and captured more than 250, most of them military personnel, some of whom were high-ranking officers in the army.

Butcher's Bill / Oasis of Martyrs

Palestinian health authorities say that more than 11,240 Palestinians had been killed in Gaza, more than four times the number killed in the six-week-long war in 2014. The death toll included 4,630 children [down from 4,800 children previously reported, and Israels attacks had killed 4,104 children in Gaza during the current war, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported] and 3,130 women, and 678 elderly people. These subtotals fluctuate inexplicably]. The average of children martyrs was six per hour, while female martyrs is five per hour.

In addition, the number of injured rose to more than 29,000 [though some earlier reports had totaled over 32,000 Palestinians injured since October 7th, including at least 6,360 children and 4,891 women]. More than 2,650 were missing, including 1,500 children, and presumed buried under rubble. On the West bank, at least 183 Palestinians had been killed, and more than 2,300 injured [a big jump from the previous 1,980 injured].

Alalam News Network, part of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, reported "War crimes committed in Gaza , affecting 42,000 Palestinians , who are direct victims of this war, including martyrs, wounded and missing, meaning about 2 percent of the total population of Gaza became direct victims as a result of this aggression, either martyrs or wounded, which means that the hospitals of the Gaza Strip are receiving an average One "

Israel revised down the death toll from the October Hamas attacks in southern Israel from 1,400 to 1,200. IDF had said previously it was holding 1,500 bodies of terrorists, a total that now would increas to about 1,700.

The Israel Police announced that the bodies of 859 civilians killed in the war against Hamas had been identified. The Israeli Police, The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Ministry of Health, the Pathological Institute for Forensic Medicine, and volunteer organizations all have been working on the task to identify bodies since the war's start. These officers and volunteers had been operating in shifts to identify bodies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The headquarters for these operations was established hours after the war started. The process of identifying soldiers is done more quickly thanks to the databases available to the IDF, including DNA samples, fingerprints, and photos of each soldier. But the identification of civilians is much more complex because this data is generally less complete and less accessible. The civilian biometric database in Israel, which is incomplete, does not allow sufficient verification of identity to allow for burial.

The body of Vivian Silver, a prominent resident of Kibbutz Beeri, was identified over a month after she was initially reported missing. What was initially defined as a kidnapping by Hamas on October 7 has now been confirmed as a murder. Vivian Silver, who held Canadian citizenship, was not just a resident of Beeri but also a leader in the "Women Making Peace" movement. This movement was dedicated to fostering Jewish-Arab partnership and harmony.

The Israeli army reported the death of 357 soldiers and officers, 44 of them were killed since the start of the ground operation in the besieged Gaza Strip. At least 7,771 Israelis were injured.

Hostages

A senior Israeli political source said Tuesday that progress has been made on a captive deal and a breakthrough could come in the next 48-72 hours. The Israeli War Cabinet met to discuss the deal, the source said. The Washington Post earlier quoted a top Israeli official who alleged that "Israel and Hamas are close to reaching a deal regarding the prisoners, which may be announced within days if the final details are resolved."

Some 241 hostages are being held by HAMAS in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military said 03 November 2023. About 40 Israelis remained missing.

Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, said on Hamas telegram account that 23 bodies of the 60 missing Israel hostages were trapped under the rubble. It seems that we will never be able to reach them due to the continued brutal aggression of the occupation against Gaza, he said.

The Israeli army confirmed the death of a soldier who had been held captive by the Hamas militant group since the October 7 terror attacks. Hamas issued a video of 19-year-old Noa Marciano showing her alive, followed by images which appeared to show her body along with closeup shots of a head wound. Abu Obeida, a spokesman for Hamas's military wing, said Marciano was killed in an Israeli strike.

Families of the hostages kidnapped by militant group Hamas have begun a five-day march from Tel Aviv to the residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said hundreds of people would make the 65-kilometer (40 mile) journey to demand "the immediate release of all the hostages."

"I demand from Benjamin Netanyahu and the cabinet to give us answers and actions," Shelly Shem Tov, whose 21-year-old son Omer was dragged into Gaza five weeks ago, told Reuters news agency. Several of the protesters held signs that read "A deal for the hostages now." "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 told Reuters.

US President Joe Biden said he believes a release of hostages held by Hamas is going to happen. "Hang in there, we're coming," Biden said at the White House. The president did not immediately expand on his statement.

The military spokesman for the Al-Qassam Brigades, Abu Ubaida, revealed efforts by Qatari mediators, last week, to release 100 detainee children and women in exchange for the release of 200 Palestinian children and 75 women in occupation prisons. He added: The enemy requested the release of 100 women and children from its detainees in Gaza, and the mediators told us that in a 5-day truce we could release 50 women and children in Gaza, and the number may eventually reach 70, given that there is a problem with the presence of those detained by them. Multiple factions and parties, provided that the truce includes a ceasefire and allowing the entry of relief.

The Secretary-General of the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, Ziyad al-Nakhalah, said the method of negotiations regarding the enemys captives the movement is holding and its reactions would likely push the PIJ not to be part of any possible exchange deal. Al-Nakhalah added that the movement might hold on to the captives it is holding until better conditions prevail.

Operational Update

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said 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.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it was in the process of "coordinating the transfer of incubators from a hospital in Israel to Gaza." In a post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, the IDF said that it was "doing everything we can to minimize harm to civilians, assist in evacuation, and facilitate the transfer of medical supplies and food."

The US State Department announced that the United States wants to safely evacuate Gaza hospital patients to avoid harm, and that it will support an independent third party to conduct the evacuations. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said - during a press briefing - that Washington is currently holding talks with relief organizations and third parties regarding the possible evacuation of patients. Miller added that his country "does not want to see any civilians, and certainly children in incubators and other vulnerable populations, caught in the crossfire.

The World Health Organization confirmed that transferring the most vulnerable patients from Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza has become an impossible mission, and said that transferring patients will inevitably lead to deaths, stressing that under international humanitarian law, no hospital should ever be attacked.

Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh reveals newly declassified info based on US intelligence that Hamas and the PIJ are using hospitals, including the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, to operate command centers, store weapons, and hide hostages. Human Rights Watch confirmed that there is no evidence to prove the allegations that hospitals in Gaza are being used for military purposes.

The White House said the militant group Hamas had a command center underneath the al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza. "We have information that confirms that Hamas is using that particular hospital for a command and control node," John Kirby, the National Security Council spokesperson, told reporters. He added that Hamas and Islamic Jihad "have stored weapons there and they're prepared to respond to an Israeli military operation against that facility." He did not provide more specific information about the intelligence or its source.

Alice Rothchild, the director of Jewish Voices for Peace, noted the US has not provided evidence that Hamas has an operating centre under al Shifa hospital. I can only guess that the evidence is not there, or theyre just relying on Israeli sources and Israeli sources have a long history of not being very accurate, Rothchild told Al Jazeera in reference to the lack of evidence. I can only surmise that the US government is looking at this humanitarian catastrophe, multiple war crimes, etc, etc and wanting to sort of save themselves from being part of it by making these statements that are too little too late, she said.

Rothchild, a physician who has worked in Gaza, added none of colleagues at al-Shifa have ever reported the presence of Hamas or an operations centre. Even if it were true, you are not, according to international law and the Geneva Accords allowed to bomb a hospital. It is absolutely forbidden, she added.

The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades - the military arm of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) - announced that it killed 9 Israeli soldiers today, Tuesday, and destroyed 22 military vehicles of the occupation forces penetrating into the Gaza Strip , amid fierce battles in several areas. The Al-Qassam Brigades said in a statement that they killed 7 Israeli soldiers from zero distance in the axis north of Gaza City, adding that they targeted a troop carrier and a tank in the same area, confirming that they caught fire. The Al-Qassam Brigades also announced that they killed two Israeli soldiers from zero range, and wounded 3 others in a clash with forces penetrating Beit Hanoun.

In another series of statements, the military arm of the Hamas movement announced that it carried out a series of operations today, Tuesday, against the occupation forces in the fighting areas of Gaza City, and in the central and northern regions. The Al-Qassam Brigades confirmed that its fighters targeted an Israeli special force that was holed up in a building in northern Gaza, and another holed up in a building in southwest Gaza, using a TPG anti-personnel missile.

In a statement published this evening, the Al-Qassam Brigades announced that its fighters were able, during the operations they carried out since this morning, to finish off 9 Israeli soldiers and completely or partially destroy 22 vehicles on the lines of the incursion into the Gaza Strip. It said that it targeted these vehicles with Al-Yassin 105 shells, Tandum shells, and guerrilla action bombs.

The Al-Qassam Brigades also announced that they bombed the forces penetrating the axes south of Gaza City and east of Juhr al-Dik (central Gaza Strip) with the short-range Rajum 114 mm missile system.

In turn, the Al-Quds Brigades , the military wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement , announced a series of operations and clashes that its fighters fought in several areas, especially in Gaza City. The brigades said - in a statement - that its fighters were engaged in clashes, which it described as fierce, with the Israeli occupation forces penetrating the center of Gaza City.

At the same time, the Mujahideen Brigades (one of the resistance factions in Gaza) announced that they had engaged in clashes with the occupation forces in the Al-Nasr and Tal Al-Hawa axes in Gaza City, causing casualties among the occupation soldiers. They also said that they had bombed Israeli crowds east of the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood.

The Israeli army had acknowledged the killing of two soldiers and the wounding of four others last night in ground battles in the northern Gaza Strip, bringing the announced death toll to 47 since the start of its ground invasion on October 27 of last year.

Analysis of recent satellite images by Al Jazeera revealed the concentration of Israeli occupation army forces mainly in the northwest and southwest of Gaza City. The analysis showed the positioning of occupation army vehicles behind dirt barriers along the coast of Gaza, in addition to the positioning of Israeli army vehicles inside Gaza City in residential neighborhoods after they were leveled to the ground. According to the imagery broadcast by Al Jazeera, the red squares in the picture show the assembly points of the occupation armys vehicles, while the yellow squares symbolize dirt berms.

In his analysis of these recent photos, the military and strategic expert, Major General Fayez Al-Duwairi, said that they date back to November 11, which means that they were taken 11 days after the start of the Israeli ground operation inside the Gaza Strip . He stated that the Israeli forces entered from the northwestern axis of the Gaza Strip and took Al-Rashid Road to reach the Al-Karama and Intelligence Towers after covering 6 kilometers, most of which was agricultural land.

He pointed out that the size of the force that entered from the fence area is estimated at two military brigades, while the area is small and narrow and there is a defensive battle, which prompted the occupation army to establish advanced waiting areas in order to compensate for the vehicles that were destroyed and the necessity of sending a replacement for them.

He pointed out that the occupation army established gathering areas and advanced earth berms with the aim of providing temporary protection after the forces coming from the Al-Shati camp area turned towards the east and then turned south. He stressed that the reinforcement points are tasked with strengthening the vanguard of the Israeli forces, compensating for losses, and replacing damaged vehicles.

As for the positioning of occupation army vehicles at an elementary school full of displaced people and around the hospital square, Al-Duwairi said that their positioning in these areas is with the aim of making them human shields. He pointed out that it is an advanced assembly point placed in sensitive places to prevent the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ), and the resistance factions from targeting it with Al-Yassin 105 missiles. He explained that the explosion of vehicles could cause harm to displaced Palestinians, "so the Israeli army uses schools and hospitals as human shields."

Regarding the gathering areas and dirt berms in southwest Gaza, specifically in the Sheikh Ajlin neighborhood, the military expert explained that they were established in empty areas where two-thirds of the tanks chassis are hidden to avoid any strikes from the resistance.

Two days ago, satellite images obtained by Al Jazeera showed the disappearance of 88 Israeli military vehicles penetrating into the Gaza Strip between November 3 and 8, and Al-Duwairi suggested that they would be destroyed by the resistance factions.

The military and strategic expert on Al Jazeera, Major General Fayez Al-Duwairi, said that Israel will scream first in its war against the Gaza Strip and the Islamic Resistance Movement  Hamas , and will make various concessions, praising the speech of Abu Ubaida, spokesman for the Al-Qassam Brigades , the military wing of Hamas.

Al-Duwairi explained, in his military analysis, that the current battle is a finger-biting battle, and Israel will make concessions on all economic and political levels under pressure from the international community, and the least of which may be a military concession in light of the ongoing western bridge to Tel Aviv.

He praised the content of Abu Ubaida's speech, especially his announcement of the Brigades's destruction of 20 Israeli combat vehicles within 48 hours. He explained that this meant that 10 vehicles were destroyed in one day, describing it as a high rate in light of the disparity in the balance of power.

Al-Duwairi also praised the demands of the Al-Qassam Brigades in the ongoing negotiations on a mini-exchange deal, especially the humanitarian dimension through a 5-day truce under which all aid will be brought into the various regions of the Gaza Strip. The strongest message - according to Al-Duwairi - was political from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , which said that the historical Israeli leaders who preceded you, such as Yitzhak Shamir , Yitzhak Rabin , and Ariel Sharon , were stronger than you and were not able to eliminate Hamas, so the future is mine, not yours.

Regarding the implications of the Qassam Brigades bombing of Tel Aviv after 38 days of war and intense aerial bombardment, the military expert considered that this indicates that the resistance is able to impose its will, and choose the appropriate time and the appropriate target. He added that the matter clearly indicates that Hamas still maintains leadership and control, and has the ability to make decisions, which means that the resistance is effective and still fine.

He downplayed any Israeli attempts to control any place inside the Gaza Strip, and pointed out that Al-Shifa Medical Complex is not Gaza City, and the latter is not the Gaza Strip, praising the tens of thousands of fighters who confronted a state armed with hundreds of thousands of basic and reserve soldiers, weapons, equipment, and advanced military ammunition.

He stressed that what is happening is a process of attrition, and the Qassam Brigades must manage the battle with all intelligence and preserve the stock of missiles of various ranges, anti-tank missiles and machine guns in light of Tel Avivs talk of a long war that could last for months and years.

In his comment on one of the scenes broadcast by the Al-Qassam Brigades, Al-Duwairi said that hitting the tanks chain with an Al-Yassin 105 shell would put it out of action, but the injury at that time would not cause a large flame of fire, whereas this would happen if the tanks turret was targeted, as the ammunition inside it would burn.

He reiterated his emphasis that the arrival of Israeli vehicles to an area does not mean controlling it in light of mobile combat battles where there is no fixed position for the lines of contact. He described what Israeli occupation army spokesman Daniel Hagari said about Al-Rantisi Hospital in Gaza City and his claim that there was a tunnel underneath it and filming machine guns inside it as a "naive theatrics."

Major General Fayez Al-Duwairi said that fighting battles are taking place in all the areas that the Israeli occupation army entered in the Gaza Strip, revealing the approaches taken by the Al-Qassam Brigades , the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement  Hamas , to confront the ground attack. Al-Duwairi explained - in his military analysis for Al Jazeera - that the Al-Qassam Brigades resorted to confronting and stopping the invading Israeli forces as much as they could, in addition to adopting zero-distance fighting, in addition to attacking the rear of the invading forces.

He reiterated his emphasis that the arrival of Israeli forces to new places does not mean control, citing the operations announced by Al-Qassam today, in reference to the areas that the occupation army entered at the beginning of the ground war in the far northwest and southwest of Gaza. Al-Duwairi mentioned Al-Qassam operations to demonstrate his talk through the sniping operations that take place at close range in Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip, as well as the use of the TBG anti-fortified launcher, which is hit from a distance between 100 and 150 meters.

As for the mechanism followed by the Israeli army in its ground entry into Gaza City, the military expert explained that Tel Aviv pushed 3 teams at the beginning of the operation in several directions, in batches and not as a clear bloc. He added that these forces are fighting in a narrow area, a limited area, and in the presence of residential buildings, and that is why new forces are being pushed from behind with every advance, indicating that Israeli forces and crews are being replaced in an attempt to avoid previous mistakes and send new forces.

Al-Duwairi stressed that the size of the Israeli force penetrating into Gaza is large, equivalent to approximately two brigades in the military sense, therefore temporary positioning, assembly and reinforcement points are being established and barriers are being erected to secure the tanks hulls and not their entire parts. He reiterated that what is currently taking place is considered "mobile combat", as the occupation army resorts to entering any street, small or large, after intense air, land and sea preparations, believing that it is destroying some of the tunnels and closing their openings.

As for the return of the Qassam Brigades bombing of Tel Aviv, Al-Duwairi saw that it carries a message about the ability to target central Israel. He pointed out that no one knows when the current battle will end because what is currently taking place is a process of biting fingers, and whoever shouts first will make concessions.

The military expert downplayed the impact of bad weather conditions on the course of the battle, saying that the Israeli Air Force operates in various conditions because it belongs to the fifth generation of fighters, such as the F-35, the latest winged fighter. He pointed out that the weather also has a limited impact on the Al-Qassam Brigades, but the greatest difficulty is for the displaced Palestinians and refugees in shelter places.

Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari has threatened that hospitals across the Gaza Strip could lose their protection under international humanitarian law. Israel claims that Hamas uses the hospitals as military bases, a claim the Palestinian group and international medics who have worked in the hospitals deny. The Israelis have presented no hard evidence to support their claim. In recent weeks we have stressed, again and again, that because of Hamass use of hospitals for military purposes, [the hospitals] will lose special protection in the international court, Hagari said in a press conference.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had captured the parliament building along with other institutions run by the Hamas militant group in Gaza City. "The battle team of the 7th Brigade took over the Hamas legislature, the government building, the Hamas police headquarters and an engineering faculty that served as an institute for the production and development of weapons," IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari posted on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. The IDF spokesperson went on to say that Israeli forces had seized control of the "Gizat" facility which he said contained Hamas training facilities, operations headquarters and interrogation and detention facilities.

Over the past day, the IAF struck 200 terror targets, and Israeli naval soldiers struck a military camp used by Hamas naval forces for training and weapons storage. Launches were identified from Lebanon toward an IDF post in the area of Kibbutz Malkia in northern Israel. One launch was intercepted by the Aerial Defense Array and the rest fell in an open area. In response to the launches from Lebanon toward Israel, yesterday evening (Monday), IDF fighter jets struck Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure in Lebanon. The military targets struck include a number of operational command centers in which Hezbollah terrorists operated.

The 7th Brigade and Golani Brigade forces secured control of central Hamas control centers and eliminated terrorists In recent days, forces from both the 7th Brigade and the Golani Brigade conducted operations in Sheikh Ijlin and Rimal, securing control over government institutions that Hamas utilized for military purposes. Combined combat forces in the 7th Brigade secured the Hamas legislature and government building, the Hamas police headquarters and an engineering faculty used for weapons production and development. During the operation, the forces took control of the Gizat compound, which contains Hamas training facilities, an operational situation room, detention and interrogation facilities. Hamas weapons, as well as training and study materials were located in the facility. Furthermore, the Golani Brigade combined combat forces successfully secured the Governors Residence, identified as a facility used by the Hamas terror organization. This building housed both Hamas military and police offices and the organization's military intelligence offices, headquarters, and various outposts. Some of these outposts were used by Hamas for training in preparation for the invasion into Israel on Saturday, October 7.

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 struck the sources of the launches in Lebanon. In addition, IDF fighter jets struck Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure in Lebanon. A terrorist cell that attempted to launch anti-tank missiles from Lebanon toward the Yiftach area in northern Israel was also struck by an IDF tank.

Israeli military analyst Amos Harel said that the "surrender" of Hamas in the face of the ongoing ground invasion of the Gaza Strip is not imminent at all. In an article published by Haaretz newspaper. Harel referred to intense battles in Gaza and deaths among the ranks of the Israeli army. He also said that Israel is still far from defeating Hamas, adding that the leader of this movement inside the country, Yahya Sinwar, has no intention of issuing orders to his men to stop the fighting.

Despite his acknowledgment that the Israeli army is suffering losses and that Hamas' "surrender" is not imminent, the Israeli military analyst considered that the force used by the army by deploying three combat teams in Gaza and the massive destruction it is causing is bearing fruit. Harel pointed out that the Israeli army sometimes faced fierce resistance from Hamas fighters, but he considered that they were having difficulty withstanding the Israeli military pressure in the western part of Gaza City and its northern suburbs.

According to the Israeli analyst, this time the army obtained approval for a major ground operation despite politicians fears of failure and losses. Regarding the emergence of international pressure on Israel to stop the war, he stated that the Israeli officers in Gaza believe that the operation should end only after the defeat of Hamas. Regarding the destruction caused by the Israeli invasion, Harel said that removing its effects could take years.

According to a classified cable from the Dutch Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel is purposefully employing disproportionate force in Gaza and attacking civilian infrastructure in an attempt to contain its own casualties and demonstrate its military force. The document, which was written by the Dutch defense attache stationed in the embassy and obtained by the Dutch news agency NRC, examines Israel's military tactics in Gaza.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that the health crisis in the Gaza Strip has reached "catastrophic proportions", stressing that medical teams are facing depletion and exhaustion with the Israeli aggression and total blockade tightening for 39 consecutive days, According to the NRC, the defense attache stated that the Israeli army is attempting to minimize its own losses by demonstrating "credible military force to show Iran and its proxies [such as Hezbollah] that they will stop at nothing."

Their objective is the "massive destruction to the infrastructure and civilian centers while intentionally targeting homes, bridges, and roads, leading to an extremely high number of deaths. According to the memo, the occupation's tactics are a violation of international laws of war and may cause an escalation in the region. The defense attache of the embassy also stated in a letter that Israel is attempting to totally eradicate Hamas, a "military goal that is virtually impossible to achieve," citing that the occupation is completely driven by "emotion and anger."

Additionally, the note accuses the Dutch government of knowing of "Israel's ruthless approach" but remaining silent. Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was informed last week by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte that Israel must show that what they are doing is also proportionate, Rutte has not made a formal plea for a ceasefire.

According to the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, not every internal document should be viewed as a policy recommendation.

Bystanders

Brazil's president has accused Israel of "killing innocent people without any criteria" in the Gaza Strip, saying its actions are "as grave" as the October 7 attacks by Islamist 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. They are killing innocent people without any criteria," Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said. 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."

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."

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said his country rejected any attempt to justify or encourage the displacement of Palestinians outside the Gaza Strip and called Smotrichs comments an expression of the Israeli governments policy that violates international laws. Any attempt to justify and encourage the displacement of Palestinians outside the Gaza Strip is completely rejected by Egypt and internationally, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

Human Rights Watch said that Israel did not provide any evidence proving Hamas' use of medical facilities in the Gaza Strip, and called for an investigation into Israeli attacks against those facilities as war crimes. According to the organization, what was said about intelligence evidence does not justify depriving hospitals and ambulances of the protection stipulated by international humanitarian law.

The organization added that the repeated, apparently illegal, Israeli attacks on medical facilities, crews, and transport means are destroying the health care system in Gaza , and must be investigated as war crimes. The organization said that it investigated attacks on a number of hospitals, or near them, between October 7 and November 7. She spoke to displaced witnesses, 16 medical workers and hospital officials in Gaza, and analyzed and verified open source data, including videos posted on social media and satellite images, in addition to World Health Organization databases.

The British newspaper Middle East Monitor said that Israel has lost its credibility as a result of its many allegations and accusations that are not supported by evidence against the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ), in contrast to the superior credibility of the Palestinian resistance factions that provide evidence for its stories. The newspaper described Israel's accusations against Hamas as "illogical", especially since they came without investigations, proof or context, such as its story that it killed a terrorist who was preventing civilians from escaping from the Shifa Medical Complex, or that Hamas fighters beheaded 40 children and raped young girls on the day the . Al- Aqsa flood battle began on October 7th.

The newspaper stated that Israel's allegations come within the framework of an attempt to demonize the Palestinian resistance as a means of justifying the Israeli genocide in the Gaza Strip , but the Palestinians' documentation of Israel's crimes in Gaza has made Tel Aviv lose its international credibility. Israeli lies can no longer withstand the documentation of atrocities and the pressure of truth coming from Gaza, even though Israel has recruited journalists and influencers to portray Palestinians as human animals, according to the newspaper.

The newspaper added that the accuracy of the Palestinian story forced American officials, who initially doubted the numbers of casualties in the Gaza Strip, to finally admit that the Palestinians were telling the truth. The newspaper pointed out that Abu Ubaida and Abu Hamza, the military spokesmen for the Al-Qassam Brigades and the Al-Quds Brigades , respectively, provide very accurate accounts of the nature of the battle and the losses and progress of the Israeli military forces in their statements. Abu Ubaida's statements are often followed by video clips documenting the systematic destruction of Israeli tanks to prove the validity of his statements, while the Israeli side does not provide proof to document his claims, according to the newspaper.

The newspaper reported that Israeli propaganda is no longer able to influence, despite the continued support of major media outlets for Tel Aviv. This is because the Palestinians and supporters of its cause overtook Israel by using social media, which, for the first time, overshadowed the organized propaganda campaigns in traditional media.

The newspaper added that Hamas's surprise operation on October 7 did not allow Israel to plan a media campaign to justify its widespread war in the Gaza Strip and its killing of civilians. The newspaper stressed that Israel's loss of credibility will push people to reconsider their ideas about Israel's present, future and past, that is, the foundation of the Zionist regime itself, which is based on nothing but lies.

The government of Belize said that it is severing diplomatic relations with Israel over the violation of humanitarian law during the operation in the Gaza Strip. "With the approval of the Cabinet... House of Representatives, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration has implemented the following measures that are to take immediate effect: a. The Government of Belize is withdrawing its Agreement for the accreditation of H.E. Einat Kranz-Neiger, Israels Ambassador Designate to Belize; b. All activities conducted by the Israeli Honorary Consulate in Belize and the appointment of the Honorary Consul are suspended," the government said in a statement.

Axis of Resistance

The official spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces, Brigadier General Yahya Saree , said : The operations of the armed forces against the Zionist enemy will not stop until the aggression against our brothers in Gaza stops. He added: The armed forces will not hesitate to target any Zionist ship in the Red Sea or any place we can reach, starting from the moment this statement is announced. The spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces continued : We will begin implementing the directives issued regarding the appropriate dealing with any Israeli ship in the Red Sea.

Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi sent messages to leaders of countries around the world, pointing out the attacks launched by the Zionist entity on the Gaza Strip, stressing that the humanitarian and legal duty requires international and regional organizations and other free governments to take effective measures in the context of an immediate and comprehensive cessation of operations targeting safe civilians in Gaza. .

President Raisi added, through the letters he sent: I am writing to you amid the continuing brutal attacks by the Zionist entity on Gaza. 70 percent of the victims of this aggression are children and women, who stumbled during the bombing of hospitals, schools, mosques, homes, and vital infrastructure within the Strip.

He continued: These massacres occur under the pretext of confronting resistance movements to liberate Palestine, which is a right recognized by international law for the Palestinian people as they are a people under occupation, and they have the full right to self-determination and to resist against aggression and occupation using all means, including armed methods. But on the other hand, and according to the same laws, the occupying Zionist entity does not have any right, as it claims, to legitimate defense.

He referred to the comprehensive siege imposed by the Zionist occupation on the people of the Gaza Strip, especially cutting off water, electricity, medicine, food and fuel from them. Stressing that: These practices come within the framework of a systematic ethnic cleansing plan that contradicts all international controls and laws and human rights laws, and is without a doubt a clear example of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The Iranian President continued: In this context, in addition to condemning in the strongest terms the horrific crimes of the Zionists against the oppressed Palestinian people, we must take action to defend the rights of this people, including the right to self-determination, resistance to aggression and occupation, the return of Palestinian refugees to the homeland of their ancestors, and the formation of a government in all of the territories. The Palestinian Authority, with its capital, Al-Quds Al-Sharif, and calling on the relevant international forums to impose on the occupying entity to immediately stop all attacks against the Gaza Strip and to cease all of its illegal practices, including settlement expansion, arrests and killing of Palestinian citizens in various occupied territories, and to stop the plan of forced displacement and break the siege on the Strip immediately. In addition to providing the necessary conditions for the entry of humanitarian aid in large quantities, activating pressure mechanisms on the Zionist entity, including boycotting the entity politically and economically, and confronting attempts to escape punishment by Israel for its crimes against the Palestinian people by prosecuting those who ordered, involved and carried out the brutal massacres against the people of Palestine. Gaza, and begin urgent measures to reconstruct the Strip.

Irans ambassador to the United Nations warned the international community against the Israeli regimes arsenal of atomic weapons and its threat to use weapons of mass destruction in the Gaza war. Addressing the fourth session of the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction, held in New York on November 13, Saeed Iravaniexpressed Irans urgent concern regarding Israel's policy of nuclear ambiguity and the potential use of weapons of mass destruction in the Gaza conflict or elsewhere.

"In light of recent atrocities in the Middle East, we express our urgent concern regarding Israel's policy of nuclear ambiguity and the potential use of weapons of mass destruction in the Gaza conflict or elsewhere, if not prevented now. The secrecy surrounding Israel's nuclear capabilities poses a significant threat to regional stability and calls for immediate action to address this issue. In these critical times, the imperative to establish a such a zone in the Middle East has never been more urgent. Now, more than ever, the establishment of a WMD-free Middle East stands as an essential step towards a safer, and more secure future."

The foreign minister of Iran called for the international communitys mounting pressures on the Zionist regime to stop its brutal strikes on the Gaza Strip. In a telephone conversation, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto talked about the latest developments in West Asia, especially the dire situation in Palestine. The top Iranian diplomat touched on the worsening humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip due to the Zionist regimes heinous crimes, saying, The regime has openly breached all human and international rights by bombing and mass murder of the people in the Gaza Strip.

The leader of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ), Osama Hamdan, said, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is prolonging the war on the Gaza Strip for personal reasons, and explained that the occupation aims to displace the Palestinian people from the Gaza Strip and repeat the Nakba. Osama Hamdan indicated - in a press conference held in the Lebanese capital, Beirut - that Netanyahu does not care about the Israelis, nor about his soldiers in the field.

He sent a message to the families of detainees and foreigners in Gaza saying, We want your children to return to you, but the one obstructing this is the Netanyahu government, calling on the Israeli families whose members are detained in the Strip to put pressure on the government of the opportunist Netanyahu, and do not waste time, as time is almost running out.

Hamdan said clearly, "Nothing will prevent the liberation of our prisoners in the occupation prisons." Regarding the statements of Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich welcoming the resettlement of Gaza residents in Western countries, the Hamas leader said, We are staying on this land, and you are cowardly passers-by. In this context, Hamdan considered that the occupations targeting of infrastructure and hospitals in Gaza is an attempt to push our people to flee the Strip.

Regarding field developments in the Gaza Strip, the Hamas leader reassured the Palestinian people and free peoples that the resistance and the Al- Qassam Brigades - the movements military wing - are fine and in control of the situation.

He described the claims of Israeli occupation army spokesman Daniel Hagari regarding Al-Rantisi Hospital in Gaza as "naive and reveal the psychological state of a defeated army," and refuted all the allegations he mentioned regarding the basement located beneath the hospital that specializes in treating pediatric cancer patients.

He sent a message to the United Nations, and to all countries and international institutions. Saying: Isnt it enough for you to condemn, appeal, and describe what is happening as a flagrant violation of international laws and the Fourth Geneva Convention?! Where is your political and moral authority? Is it only over the oppressed in the land?!

He added: Whoever remains silent or merely condemns, legitimizes the logic of the power of the jungle, and allows chaos to spread in the world. Which will affect everyone today or tomorrow at the hands of the neo-Nazis.

He expressed the appreciation of the Hamas movement to the Arab and Islamic peoples and to the free peoples of the world, who came out in defense of humanity and its dignity in the face of the Zionist enemy and its crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip.

He addressed the free people of the world by saying: Your activities are important and influential, and the occupation and its supporters are aware of the strength of your movement, which threatens their fate and political future, if they continue their injustice, violation of human rights, and killing of children in Gaza. Therefore, we call on you to continue all forms of demonstration, and to escalate them in all cities and capitals, Until this aggression stops, and we put an end to these evil neo-Nazis, who are trying to establish chaos in the world by destroying all human foundations, rules and values, as they are doing in the Gaza Strip.

Member of the Political Bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) , Khalil Al-Hayya , said that the Israeli occupation is evasive about reaching a prisoner exchange deal in order to continue its hideous aggression against the people of the Gaza Strip , stressing that he has no evidence for his false accusations regarding the resistances use of hospitals.

Al-Hayya added, in his interview with Al Jazeera, that all observers and rational people have the right to be filled with sarcasm at the lie of the Israeli army spokesman, Daniel Hagari, about the allegations related to the resistances use of hospitals for military purposes, pointing out that the Rantisi Hospital was surrounded by the occupation army with tanks and its occupants were taken out under the hood. The brunt of the weapon.

Regarding the negotiations on the exchange of prisoners, Al-Hayya explained that for 3 weeks, the Qatari side, with Egyptian partnership, has been leading serious negotiations, but the Israeli occupation was resubmitting proposals every time a draft agreement was approved by them, revealing the Israeli sides refusal to release foreigners with Israelis.

He added that the occupation is procrastinating by not concluding a humanitarian truce during which relief and assistance would be brought to all areas of the Gaza Strip without exception, and in doing so it is lying to the world and its people, as it retreated three times when the parties were just moments away from concluding the agreement.

He explained some forms of Israeli procrastination, which included demanding lists of names of prisoners, insisting on separating Israelis from foreigners, withdrawing from approving mechanisms for implementing what was agreed upon, and submitting new proposals after approving previous draft agreements.

The leader of the Hamas movement believes that the occupation does not want to reach an agreement with one goal, which is the continuation of killing, aggression and destruction, pointing out that the occupation wishes to kill all its prisoners detained in Gaza, as happened with the Israeli woman whose death was revealed by Al-Qassam in a previous bombing.

The Palestinian Authoritys Ministry of Foreign Affairs described far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrichs comments as part of Israels colonial, racist plan for Palestinians. Smotrich called for the voluntary migration of Palestinians from Gaza. It accused Israel of engaging in a genocide supported by Smotrich and added that the only solution was for international intervention to end Israels occupation.

Mustafa Barghouti, general secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative, said in a post on X that Smotrich revealed the real policy and intentions of the Israeli government. [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu himself said in the beginning of the Israeli war on Gaza that all Gazans must evict their homes. Ethnic cleansing is a war crime and it is done by bombarding an unprotected civilian population.

Rejecting Smotrichs comments, Osama Hamdan, spokesperson of Palestinian group Hamas, said: We are here to stay. Hamdan also said that Netanyahu does not care that Israeli captives are being killed in air strikes and that this war is a personal mission to distract from his legal woes. Its still early days for the battle and the next phase is bigger and more intense, according to the Hamas representative in Beirut.

The Russian Strategic Center for Cultures website published a report by Yuri Borisov in which he says that Israels disregard for international law , the laws of war and its customs, and its targeting of the entire world are factors that threaten the continued existence of Israel, even if it possesses nuclear weapons. The report added that the scientist whom Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to take with him 15 years ago possesses many of these weapons, and the fruits of the position of the rulers of Israel towards all of humanity have become clearly visible, and this is particularly evident in the recent vote in the United Nations General Assembly, which was left to During which Israel and the United States were alone.

According to the writer, the statement issued by a person who ignores international law includes a direct acknowledgment of the fact that Israel is not at war with any terrorists, but rather with all residents of the neighboring Arab lands, whether Palestine or Lebanon. It is committing and intends to continue committing acts described as Genocide .

Borisov stressed that these crimes are equivalent to the international crimes that were the subject of consideration in the Nuremberg trials of major Nazi war criminals between 1945 and 1946. The writer reported that what Israel committed in Gaza , killing and wounding at least 40,000 people, and destroying at least half of the citys buildings, in full view of the entire world today, is threatening to commit it today in Beirut. In fact, 70% of Israel's residents oppose the reckless policy of their leaders, and see it as a danger to them.

Borisov pointed out that on November 11, the leaders responsible for managing the Israeli war in Gaza pledged to continue the military attack aimed at defeating the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), and to resist international pressure to slow or stop it, and pledged to stand firmly against the world if necessary. "The command."

The Justice for Gaza initiative, spearheading the call for an investigation into war crimes committed by Israeli politicians, is gaining significant support. Close to 1,800 individuals, including former UK Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn and Spanish politician Ione Belarra Urteaga, have endorsed the initiative.

The initiative's primary objective is to unite voices from international civil society, political leaders, and citizens globally to advocate for the investigation of the Israeli regime. The focus is on crimes of genocide and crimes against humanity perpetrated in the Gaza Strip since October 7. The Justice for Gaza initiative specifically urges the International Criminal Court (ICC) to examine all members of Israels war cabinet, including Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Galant, Benjamin Gantz, Bezalel Smotrich, Itamar Ben Gvir, and Hertzi Halevi, among others.

The crimes for which the investigation is sought encompass genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, as outlined in the Rome Statute. Given the gravity of the documented crimes and the intentional nature of their commission, the communication suggests that prerequisites for an arrest warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Galant may exist.

Allied for Democracy

Knesset members Danny Danon, the former Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, and Ram Ben-Barak, former deputy director of the intelligence agency Mossad, published a commentary in The Wall Street Journal suggesting moving some of Gazas population to nations that will accept them. Danon and Ben-Barak said Europe had a long history of assisting refugees fleeing conflicts, and based on that example, countries around the world should offer a haven for Gaza residents who seek relocation. Countries can accomplish this by creating well-structured and internationally coordinated relocation programs, they wrote.

Israels far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, says the voluntary migration of Palestinians in Gaza is the right humanitarian solution for the besieged enclave and for the region, a stance Palestinian officials liken to support of ethnic cleansing. Smotrich made the comments after

I welcome the initiative of members of Knesset Ram Ben-Barak and Danny Danon on the voluntary immigration of Gaza Arabs to the countries of the world. This is the right humanitarian solution for the residents of Gaza and the entire region, Smotrich wrote. A cell with a small area like the Gaza Strip without natural resources and independent sources of livelihood has no chance to exist independently, economically and politically in such a high density for a long time.

The reception of refugees by the countries of the world that really want their best interests, with the support and generous financial assistance of the international community and within the state of Israel, is the only solution that will bring to an end the suffering and pain of Jews and Arabs alike.... The state of Israel will no longer be able to put up with the existence of an independent entity in Gaza, he added.

Iranian Al-Alam News Channel correspondent in occupied Jerusalem reported that disagreements are escalating among the pillars of the occupation government, and even within the Likud Party, regarding the continuation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his position, indicating that there is talk about the necessity of finding an alternative to him.

Correspondent, Khader Shaheen, said: It has escalated more recently, but the differences have been since day one, specifically regarding the path of this war towards the Gaza Strip. The security level wants there to be more incursion and entry into the Gaza Strip, but the political level is linked to understandings with the American administration that the incursion Wild is for limited areas of the Gaza Strip.

He continued: There are increasing differences between the political and security levels, as Netanyahu directs blame and responsibility for the failure on October 7th at the security level, not the political level, so that he will not be held accountable even after this war ends and he maintains his position.

The Al-Alam channel correspondent explained: There are disagreements escalating at the level of the Likud Party led by Netanyahu, as circles within it are calling for his dismissal, according to sources from the party who spoke of a recent meeting of the party, where the move is to choose another figure, and to form a new government that includes all left-wing, right-wing and extremist parties.

The United States believes that humanitarian pauses in Israel's military operations in the Gaza Strip should be longer than four hours per day and will continue to engage with Israel on the issue, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said. "We've said before we think pauses ought to be longer. We will continue to engage in conversations about that with the government of Israel," Miller told a briefing. Moreover, the US is calling on Hamas to allow for evacuations, the spokesman stated.

"But absent that, if they refuse to remove their command centers from hospitals, as they seem likely to do - they've been burying their command centers under hospitals for years - the step that we think would be appropriate for them to take would be to allow evacuation and yes we would very much encourage them to do," Miller stressed.

The US would support an independent third party evacuating civilians from the Gaza Strip, including from hospitals, the spokesman emphasized. "We would support an independent third party or respected third party to conduct those evacuations. We know the government of Israel would support such a step as well," Miller said. "The question is will Hamas allow patients to be evacuated from hospitals or will they continue to use them as human shields? We think an appropriate step would be to support those evacuations so babies and other vulnerable populations are not in harm's way," the spokesman added.

Antony Blinken reiterated Washington's opposition to Israel reoccupying the Gaza Strip once its war with Hamas ends at a G7 meeting in Japan on. Palestinian people must be central to governance in Gaza and the West Bank as well, the US secretary of state told reporters, adding: "Gaza cannot continue to be run by Hamas. But Washingtons stated opposition to an Israeli occupation of Gaza begs a key question: Who can lead a post-Hamas Gaza Strip?

CNN revealed that US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken admitted, in an email to employees yesterday, Sunday, that there were disagreements within the State Department regarding the Joe Biden administrations approach to the occupation war on Gaza. I know that for many of you, the suffering caused by this crisis has a deeply personal impact, Blinken wrote in his email. The pain that accompanies seeing the daily images of infants, children, the elderly, women, and other civilians suffering in this crisis is painful. I feel it myself.

He added: "Some people in the department may disagree with the methods we are taking or have views about what we can do better. We have organized forums in Washington to listen to you, and we have urged managers and teams to have frank discussions in locations around the world specifically so that we can From hearing your comments and thoughts...I have asked our senior leadership to continue to do this.

In his email, Blinken provided an overview of his trip to the Middle East and Asia last week, saying: The overarching goal of the United States remains the same: to end this terrible conflict as quickly as possible, while standing up for Israels right and committing in full accordance with the plan. With international humanitarian law, to ensure that no attack like the October 7 attack occurs again.

Blinken wrote: As I said in private and in public, we believe that the voices of the Palestinian people should be at the heart of governance after the crisis in Gaza. We believe in Palestinian-led governance in Gaza, with the unification of Gaza with the West Bank... and the reconstruction of Gaza must be supported by a sustainable mechanism.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) denounced comments by Israels far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, who said earlier today the voluntary migration of Palestinians in Gaza is the right humanitarian solution.

We ask President Biden to finally acknowledge what the world has known and witnessed  that Israel is engaged in a genocidal campaign of ethnic cleansing targeting all the Palestinian people  whether in Gaza or other occupied Palestinian land, CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad said in a statement.

Silence on this issue, and continuing silence on Israels campaign of genocide in Gaza, will long be remembered not only by Palestinians and Muslims worldwide, but also by all people who value human rights and dignity.

US legal advocacy groups filed a lawsuit against Biden and senior members of his administration accusing them of being complicit in Israels genocide in Gaza.

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Operation Iron Swords - Day 40 - 15 November 2023

The Palestinian State was established in exile on November 15, 1988. A month later, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution acknowledging the proclamation of the State of Palestine by the Palestine National Council. It also decided that "Palestine" should be used in place of "Palestine Liberation Organization" in the UN system.

Malta put forward a resolution that called for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip for a sufficient number of days to allow rapid and unhindered delivery of essential goods. Four previous votes related to the conflict have failed in the Security Council, where the Untied States, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom wield veto power as permanent members of the 15-member body.

An initial Brazil-drafted resolution calling for humanitarian pauses was vetoed by the US for failing to mention Israels right of self-defence. A subsequent US-drafted resolution, which stated Israels right to self-defence but did not call for humanitarian pauses, was vetoed by Russia and China. Two subsequent Russian draft resolutions were not vetoed, but did not attain the nine votes needed to be approved by the council.

The issue for the Security Council had been what a ceasefire would look like. Some council members, the United States in particular, have been opposed to using the word ceasefire. Theyve agreed in the past to humanitarian pauses, but they also vetoed an earlier resolution that they felt was too restrictive. Russia, on the other hand, has been calling for an unequivocal ceasefire, a humanitarian ceasefire. So this is an attempt to find language that neither country would veto and that enough council members would support.

Speaking ahead of a vote on her countrys draft resolution, Maltas ambassador to the UN said it aims to ensure respite from the current nightmare in Gaza and give hope to the families of all victims. Malta introduced the latest resolution, saying it was put together in extensive consultation with other members of the council. This draft resolution we have in front of us today seeks to offer hope in this dark hour, she said.

Twelve UNSC members voted in favour. None voted against. Three countries  the US, the UK and Russia  abstained.

A Russian ceasefire amendment fails to get needed support at UNSC. The amendment called for an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce, leading to a cessation of hostilities. Five members of the 15-member council voted in favor. One member  the United States  voted against. The nine other members abstained.

Palestinian armed group Hamas launched thousands of missiles at Israel and deployed its militants to infiltrate Jewish settlements near the countrys border with Gaza on 07 October 2023. The 1,200 Israelis killed on the first day would be the equivalent of 36,000 Americans killed in an attack, as a proportion to Israels population of 9.3 million people (compared to 332 million in the USA). Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated: Not since the Holocaust have so many Jews been killed in one day". PM Netanyahu stated "On October 7th, Hamas murdered 1,400 Israelis. Maybe more. This is in a country of fewer than 10 million people. This would be equivalent to over 50,000 Americans murdered in a single day. Thats twenty 9/11s. That is why October 7th is another day that will live in infamy."

It is the second largest loss inflicted on the Israeli forces after the 1973 war, as the Palestinian resistance killed more than 1,200, wounded more than 5,132 others, and captured more than 250, most of them military personnel, some of whom were high-ranking officers in the army.

Butcher's Bill / Oasis of Martyrs

Palestinian health authorities say that more than 11,500 Palestinians had been killed in Gaza, more than four times the number killed in the six-week-long war in 2014. The death toll included 4,710 children [down from 4,800 children previously reported], 3,160 women, and 678 elderly people. These subtotals fluctuate inexplicably]. The average of children martyrs was six per hour, while female martyrs is five per hour.

In addition, the number of injured rose to 29,800 [though some earlier reports had totaled over 32,000 Palestinians injured since October 7th, including at least 6,360 children and 4,891 women]. More than 3,600 civilians, including 1,750 children, and presumed buried under rubble. On the West bank, at least 183 Palestinians had been killed, and more than 2,300 injured [a big jump from the previous 1,980 injured]. Palestinian health authorities have said it was becoming increasingly difficult to obtain accurate casualty figures from Gaza due to the collapse of the hospital and health system in parts of the Israeli-besieged enclave.

Alalam News Network, part of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, reported "War crimes committed in Gaza , affecting 42,000 Palestinians , who are direct victims of this war, including martyrs, wounded and missing, meaning about 2 percent of the total population of Gaza became direct victims as a result of this aggression, either martyrs or wounded, which means that the hospitals of the Gaza Strip are receiving an average One "

Israel revised down the death toll from the October Hamas attacks in southern Israel from 1,400 to 1,200. IDF had said previously it was holding 1,500 bodies of terrorists, a total that now would increas to about 1,700.

The Israel Police announced that the bodies of 859 civilians killed in the war against Hamas had been identified. The Israeli Police, The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Ministry of Health, the Pathological Institute for Forensic Medicine, and volunteer organizations all have been working on the task to identify bodies since the war's start. These officers and volunteers had been operating in shifts to identify bodies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The headquarters for these operations was established hours after the war started. The process of identifying soldiers is done more quickly thanks to the databases available to the IDF, including DNA samples, fingerprints, and photos of each soldier. But the identification of civilians is much more complex because this data is generally less complete and less accessible. The civilian biometric database in Israel, which is incomplete, does not allow sufficient verification of identity to allow for burial.

The body of Vivian Silver, a prominent resident of Kibbutz Beeri, was identified over a month after she was initially reported missing. What was initially defined as a kidnapping by Hamas on October 7 has now been confirmed as a murder. Vivian Silver, who held Canadian citizenship, was not just a resident of Beeri but also a leader in the "Women Making Peace" movement. This movement was dedicated to fostering Jewish-Arab partnership and harmony.

The Israeli army reported the death of 365 soldiers and officers, 52 of them were killed since the start of the ground operation in the besieged Gaza Strip. At least 7,771 Israelis were injured.

Lebanons Health Ministry released its first official casualty numbers in fighting, saying 77 people were killed and 251 wounded since the start of the war on Gaza.

Hostages

Some 240 hostages are being held by HAMAS in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military said 03 November 2023. About 40 Israelis remained missing.

Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, said on Hamas telegram account that 23 bodies of the 60 missing Israel hostages were trapped under the rubble. It seems that we will never be able to reach them due to the continued brutal aggression of the occupation against Gaza, he said.

Citing three unnamed sources familiar with the matter, Israeli news outlet Walla! said the ceasefire duration was the main sticking point in indirect talks between Israel and Hamas. One source also said difficulties communicating with Hamas leaders in Gaza have slowed down the negotiations.

Israels Kan television station reported that the children for children proposal is being examined by Israel and Hamas in advanced talks mediated by Qatar and the US for the release of captives held in Gaza. Citing sources familiar with the negotiations, Kan said the proposal would see Israeli children held in Gaza released in exchange for the release of Palestinian children and youth imprisoned in Israel.

About a fifth of the hostages abducted from Israel could be part of a deal that would see a 3-day ceasefire and the release of Palestinian detainees Hamas agreed to release 50 civilian hostages abducted from Israel on October 7, an official briefed on the Qatari mediated negotiations told Reuters. This could potentially be the largest advancement in the negotiations for the hostages held by the terrorist organization, which has only seen four abductees released. It is unclear if the 50 civilian hostages were the same dual citizens that were part of a previous deal attempt coordinated by the Red Cross, in which Hamas demands were reportedly the stalling factor.

The deal would include a three-day ceasefire and an undisclosed amount of Palestinian women and youth detained by Israel, as well as an increase of humanitarian aid into Gaza, the official told Reuters. Hamas agreed to the "general outline" of the deal, but Israel has not, and was still interested in negotiating, the official added. Furthermore, the deal would require Hamas to hand over a complete list of living civilian hostages held in Gaza. A more comprehensive release, however, was reportedly not on the table.

Israel is not showing the seriousness necessary to reach a truce in Gaza, says Izzat al-Risheq, a member of Hamass political bureau. Israel is still delaying the release of 50 women and children from the captives in exchange for a humanitarian truce, the release of a number of women and children detainees in prisons, and the entry of relief aid to all areas in the Gaza Strip, he said on Telegram. Israel, al-Risheq said, is not serious about reaching an agreement, but is stalling to continue its aggression and war against defenceless civilians.

The spokesman for the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Hamas movement, Abu Ubaida , had confirmed that the occupation entity was procrastinating in the prisoner exchange file. Sources familiar with the progress of the negotiations stressed that the resistance is running out of time, and that any new obstruction on the part of the entity may destroy the initiative altogether. The position of the Secretary-General of the Islamic Jihad Movement, Ziad al-Nakhalah, was noteworthy in this context, as he stressed that the movement might withdraw from the initiative and leave its prisoners to be exchanged for better conditions later.

Information indicates that the agreement collided with Israel submitting a list of 100 names that it said fit the status of civilians, including boys and women, while the resistance informed the Egyptian and Qatari mediators that it was not possible to verify the existence of all these names and that the matter needed time to research, collect, and count.

Operational Update

A video captured the moment an Israeli bulldozer destroyed a memorial to late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in Tulkarem in the occupied West Bank. Scholars say the deliberate destruction of cultural heritage during conflict constitutes a war crime.

They built al-Shifa Hospital into a kind of a Palestinian Pentagon, said Mouin Rabbani, a Montreal-based Middle East analyst, expressed serious doubts over the Israeli armys claims. Israeli forces have invaded Shifa Hospital and been inside it for 12 full hours  having refused any independent party to accompany them  and now were supposed to believe that there were Hamas militants in there being pursued by the Israeli military but they somehow left their weapons behind? Rabbani said to Al Jazeera.

The fact of the matter is, 40 days into this war, their main achievement is raising the Israeli flag over a hospital which I think, to any serious military analyst, is laughable, he said.

Rabbani added I think part of it was elevating the status and symbolism of this hospital so that they can claim a major victory by having raised their flag over a hospital in the absence of other significant military achievements.

Al Jazeeras senior political analyst, Marwan Bishara, questioned Israels evidence that al-Shifa Hospital was used as a Hamas operational command centre. Its kind of baffling. Why would Hamas leave the guns and not anything else? said Bishara, speaking shortly after the Israeli military released photos of a handful of firearms, light military equipment, radios and other technology. The Israeli military, Bishara added, doesnt have anything to show as justification for the genocide that theyve carried out against Gaza and for the bombings of the hospitals and other facilities and for the collective punishments.

Mustafa Barghouti, general secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative, said what had been happening at al-Shifa Hospital is the mother of all scandals. In Gazas al-Quds Hospital and the al-Rantisi Childrens Hospital, Israel failed to provide any evidence that hospitals are used for military purposes, Barghouti told Al Jazeera. Now, they claim this [al-Shifa] is the headquarters of Hamas and that there are weapons there, and that Hamas fighters are holding people hostages. What did they find? Nothing, he said.

Items shown in videos released by the Israeli army of a handful of firearms, among other things, could have been easily put there, Barghouti said. This shows why Israel has rejected constantly, all the calls of the administration of the hospital for an independent, international, noncommission to come to the hospital and investigate the situation he added. Instead, Israel is consolidating this lie and is continuing attempts to find evidence of something that doesnt exist, Barghouti said.

Hamas official Bassem Naim tells Al Jazeera that the group expected what he called Israeli skits and theatrics at al-Shifa Hospital. His statement was in response to Israeli allegations that its forces found weapons in the complex. Naim called the Israeli claims a farce, adding that the group does not rule out the possiblity that the army brought in weapons and planted them at al-Shifa Hospital.

After carrying out a storming operation under heavy cover of fire on Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City , the Israeli army withdrew from the largest hospital in the Strip, according to what Al-Arabiya/Al-Hadath correspondent reported from inside the hospital, confirming that the siege on the hospital continued. He also said that there were about 15 tanks in the vicinity of the hospital, withdrawing after entering the complex, noting that the army blew up the basement of the surgical building in the place. He continued, "The Israeli army blew up important facilities in the hospital and medical equipment," noting that the army left the hospital without finding any people.

It is noteworthy that, hours after storming the Shifa compound and searching its rooms and basement, the Israeli forces did not find any indicators indicating the presence of prisoners underneath, or Hamas command centers or tunnels, according to what was reported earlier by the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation.

Before the withdrawal, a senior Israeli army official said in statements to reporters earlier today that his forces found weapons and infrastructure belonging to Hamas during an ongoing raid on one specific area inside the hospital. He said: "We found concrete evidence that the Shifa complex was used as a Hamas headquarters, and we will present parts of it to public opinion in the coming hours."

The Israeli army said that its forces found in one of the hospital sections a room containing technological equipment, in addition to military and combat equipment used by Hamas. IDF spokesman for the Arab media Avijaa Adraei @AvichayAdraee reported "IDF forces reveal an operational command headquarters, combat means and technological equipment in the MRI building of Al-Shifa Hospital. The Shaldag commando unit and other special units under the command of the 36th Division continue their work in a precise manner in the vicinity of Al-Shifa Hospital, as they carry out combing work in search of infrastructure. And the terrorist methods of the Hamas terrorist organization. When the fighters entered the hospital grounds, they encountered a number of saboteurs and eliminated them. Later, during combing operations inside one of the hospital departments, the fighters found a room containing special technological means, combat equipment, and military equipment used by the Hamas terrorist organization. In another section, an operational headquarters and technological means belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization were found, indicating that the terrorist organization used the hospital for terrorist purposes. The IDF continues to operate in the vicinity of the hospital based on available intelligence and in an effort to prevent harm to medical personnel and other civilians who have taken refuge in the hospital."

At dawn, the Israeli army stormed the Al-Shifa Medical Complex in a military operation that eyewitnesses described as a nightmare, at a time when the complex contained patients, injured people, and displaced people, in addition to its outer courtyard being crowded with dozens of bodies of martyrs of the Israeli raids on Gaza. Sources from inside Al-Shifa Medical Hospital reported that the IDF forces arrested a number of displaced people and the families of the martyrs and wounded during their storming of the complex. A hospital source described the situation as "tragic."

The operation was preceded by an effort to evacuate the hospital from the sick and homeless and even opened a special passageway from it. The hospital management was informed ahead of time about the entrance to the compound. In the continuation of the operation, incubators, medical equipment and baby food are expected to be transferred to the hospital.

The Israeli soldiers went from one building to another inside al-Shifa Hospital after they managed to completely search for any military existence inside the complex. They interrogated doctors and medical staff. They didnt allow them to be evacuated. Israeli forces are preventing anyone from entering or getting out of the hospital. They withdrew from some buildings, but the Israeli artillery were still at the gates of the hospital, and they had full control over the facility.

The IDF reported that operational headquarters, munitions and technological equipment in the MRI building at Shifa Hospital - IDF forces under the command of Division 36 continue targeted activity at the hospital.

Israeli troops found weapons, combat gear and technological equipment in Al Shifa hospital in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, and are continuing their search of the complex, chief Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said. The military also released a video that they said showed some of the material recovered from an undisclosed building in the hospital, including automatic weapons, grenades, ammunition and flak jackets.

There were about 1,500 members of the medical team in the Shifa complex, about 700 patients, 39 premature babies, and 7,000 displaced people, according to the HAMAS government media office in Gaza. A senior IDF officer said that no battle took place inside the hospital wards, and that troops were not engaging with hospital staff or patients.

We are starting small, and the operation will expand as necessary, an unnamed Israeli security official told Army Radio. The entry of troops into Al-Shifa is more of a challenge for media [optics] than operations. They added that the decision was that we enter Al-Shifa only if we know exactly what is there and where it is, as we did at Rantisi Hospital, which was only raided when we knew exactly what was in its basement. The IDF's spokesperson Daniel Hagari reiterated: "We have soldiers trained specifically for this situation, and we are only at war with Hamas. We continue to do everything in our power to mitigate the risk to civilians."

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. In recent weeks, the IDF has publicly warned time and again that Hamas' continued military use of the Shifa hospital jeopardizes its protected status under international law, and enabled ample time to stop this unlawful abuse of the hospital. 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 also facilitated wide-scale evacuations of the hospital and maintained regular dialogue with hospital authorities.

The Israeli army claimed that its forces encountered explosive devices and what it described as terrorist cells before entering the hospital, and indicated that a fight took place and those it described as terrorists were eliminated. He said that he is still continuing his operations, which he described as focused.

A senior IDF official said that "the forces found weapons and infrastructure belonging to terrorists" inside Al-Shifa Hospital, adding that no fighting had occurred inside the hospital complex. The Israeli official did not specify which part of the hospital the forces were searching and inspecting, nor did he disclose the nature of what was found, but he said that evidence would be presented later.

Israeli Army Radio said that there were no indications of the presence of Israeli prisoners in Al-Shifa Hospital, even though the army claimed for weeks that there were Israeli prisoners there. For days, Al-Shifa Hospital and its surroundings, as well as other hospitals in the Gaza Strip, had been subjected to Israeli bombing and siege, claiming that there is a headquarters for the Palestinian resistance there. This is repeatedly denied by the Hamas movement and Palestinian officials in the Strip.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) demolished Hamas's parliament building in Gaza City, days after troops captured the site. The operation was carried out by the 7th Armored Brigade and Golani Infantry Brigade. The demolishing comes after Israeli troops took a photo inside Hamas's parliament that went viral. The military action serves as a strategic move following the capture, aiming to prevent any potential use or symbolism the structure might hold for the militant group.

The Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) said that the Israeli occupation armys claim that it found weapons in Al-Shifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip is a farcical farce. The movement added - in a brief statement published on Telegram - that the Zionist occupations claim that it found weapons and equipment in the Shifa Medical Complex is nothing but a continuation of the lies and cheap propaganda through which it is trying to give justification for its crime aimed at destroying the health sector in Gaza.

The movement added, "These allegations are the same trivial propaganda that he made during his storming of Rantisi Children's Hospital, where the occupation placed weapons in the place and staged a farce that no longer deceived anyone."

Hamas continued in its statement, "We repeated more than once and two weeks ago our call to the United Nations and international organizations to form an international committee to review the conditions of hospitals, and to determine the falsehood of the occupation's narrative and its false claims, because we are aware of the level of lies and deception that the occupation is spreading to cover up its crimes against children, women, and defenseless civilians."

Earlier, the HAMAS Director General of Hospitals in the Gaza Strip, Dr. Muhammad Zaqout, told Al Jazeera that the occupation forces stormed the surgical and emergency buildings in the Shifa Complex, and searched the warehouse of the main building in the complex. He added in an interview with Al Jazeera that the occupation opened fire on the sick and displaced people who came out of the corridor that was claimed to be safe to exit the complex.

He stressed that not a single bullet was fired from inside Al-Shifa Hospital during the occupation forces storming, noting that the complex is a medical facility that provides medical service to patients and that there are no resistance fighters or detainees in it. For days now, Al-Shifa Hospital and its surroundings, as well as other hospitals in the Gaza Strip, have been continuously targeted by bombing by the Israeli army, claiming the presence of resistance men there. This is something that Hamas and Palestinian officials in the Gaza Strip constantly deny.

The USS Thomas Hudner destroyer took a drone down over the Red Sea in the early morning. The drone had come from Yemen, US officials told Reuters, without providing details on whether it was armed or how close it came to the ship. The US Pentagon said last month that it had shot down several missiles and drones launched at Israel from Yemen. This would represent the second such incident. The Yemen-based Houthis have claimed several launches towards Israel amid the war.

A truck carrying 23,000 litres (6,075 gallons) of fuel has crossed from Egypt into Gaza, but a UN official says it is only 9 percent of what is needed. An Israeli rights group says Israel agreed to provide only 23,000 litres of fuel for 40 UN trucks to transport aid when it needs about 160,000 litres for humanitarian operations. Gisha, the Legal Center for Freedom of Movement, reiterated fuel is not entering the besieged coastal enclave. UNRWAs Gaza chief Thomas White said earlier it received 23,027 litres of fuel from Egypt  half a tanker  but its use has been restricted by Israeli authorities to only transporting aid from Rafah.

Diesel = weapon, Israels National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir wrote on social media after inspecting the fuel truck that entered Gaza. Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev, who also inspected the truck, wrote on X that fuel for UNRA is fuel for Hamas. According to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, 23,000 litres of fuel entered Gaza, but it is only 9 percent of what UNRWA needs to continue providing support to Palestinians.

At least three people were killed in an attack on Salhi residential towers in Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. An Israeli air strike killed and injured a number of people in al-Qarara, north of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Israeli artillery shelling targeted flour silos in al-Qarara, which was the only source of flour production in Gaza, in addition to some flour that enters as international aid. Work has stopped at al-Salam Mill in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza, after Israeli artillery bombed the only operating wheat mill.

The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon - Hezbollah announced multiple operations targeting Israeli-occupied territories in Lebanon and Palestine, carried out in support of "our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in solidarity with their valiant and honorable Resistance." At 2:00 pm, the Resistance targeted the Israeli "Ramim" barracks located in the Israeli-occupied Lebanese village of Hounin with rocket artillery. The official statement confirmed direct hits and casualties. At 2:10 pm, the Resistance targeted Roueissat al-Alam site in the occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms with appropriate weapons. The official statement confirmed direct hits. At 3:25 pm, the Resistance targeted Hadab Yaroun site in the occupied territories with precision-guided missiles, confirming direct hits. At 3:35 pm, the Resistance targeted an Israeli vehicle in the Tayhat triangle with precision-guided missiles, also confirming direct hits.

According to the Geneva Convention , the protection to which civilian hospitals are entitled shall not cease unless they are used to commit, outside their humanitarian duties, acts harmful to the enemy. Protection may, however, cease only after due warning has been given, naming, in all appropriate cases, a reasonable time limit, and after such warning has remained unheeded, it says. The fact that sick or wounded members of the armed forces are nursed in these hospitals, or the presence of small arms and ammunition taken from such combatants which have not yet been handed to the proper service, shall not be considered to be acts harmful to the enemy.

Omar Shakir, the Israel and Palestine Director at Human Rights Watch, told Al Jazeera that the Israeli government has put forward no evidence that would justify stripping hospitals of their special protections under international humanitarian law. Even if Israels justifications for attacking hospitals are taken at face value, Shakir said international humanitarian law only allows attacking hospitals if room is made for safe evacuation. He added: The reality here is there is no safe place to go in Gaza. Shakir also said that there is a higher risk of attacks on hospitals being disproportionate considering that even a relatively minor attack could have life-altering consequences for the treatment of patients.

Andreas Krieg, a professor of security studies at Kings College London, said Israels absurd strategic endgame beyond the siege of al-Shifa is to completely destroy Hamass infrastructure. Hamas is an idea, a movement. But if they wanted to annihilate their military capabilities they would have to kill every single fighter. So theyre going literally house by house  whether its a civilian house, a hospital or any other infrastructure  and making sure that no fighters are in there.

Krieg told Al Jazeera the strategy is not only very disruptive but also counterproductive. Youre basically being pulled into firefights and potentially killing more civilians  which again is something that youre trying to avoid if youre fighting an insurgency.

Krieg said Israels allegations of al-Shifa Hospital being a Hamas command centre have been going around for a decade. Israel has always pushed that narrative and now its the time of truth. They have boots on the ground and now they have to come up with evidence that this is actually true, Krieg told Al Jazeera.

Evidence presented over the last couple of days from other hospitals has not only been inconclusive but to a great deal has been inconsistent and showed a lot of flaws and misinformation, which also makes it difficult to trust their word. From an intelligence point of view, Id say the Americans are just copying the Israelis instead of actually presenting their own evidence. So there isnt a lot out there.

It is very plausible to believe that Hamas might have a weapons cache and they might have tunnel access underneath [Al Shifa], said Dr Marina Miron, researcher in the War Studies Department at Kings College London. However, to demonstrate that will be very difficult. The alleged evidence that Israel has provided so far is simply not enough, Miron added. We have seen in the past that such evidence can be doctored.

Ardi Imseis, a professor of international law at Queens University, said Israel has a long history of presenting unverifiable evidence. In respect to whats happening at al-Shifa right now, its hard to say. What we can say is the hospital is a civilian object. And until such time as the Israelis provide proof that its been converted into a military object, the civilian nature of that object does not change, Imeseis told Al Jazeera.

The obvious thing to do is to allow a third party into the hospital. The Israelis control the area, and given the heightened sensitivity of the their claim that this hospital has been used and abused by Palestinian paramilitaries, they should, reasonably, invite third parties in. Given the historical record, Israeli claims of this sort have never been proved.

Tamer Qarmout, a professor at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, said its time for the international community to question Israeli intelligence used to justify the raid. Lets go back to their officially declared goals and statements right from the beginning of this war: Israel has made it clear it wants  at least at this stage  to have full control of the north of Gaza. As we talk now, this is happening slowly, of course, its not an easy war for Israel, its not a picnic, Hamas is resisting but civilians are paying the utter price of this genocidal war, Qarmout told Al Jazeera. He added Israel will keep making false narratives, accusations, with the help of the US to buy more time so it can take full control of Gaza City and the north.

Palestinian analyst Thabet Al-Amour played down the military significance of the Israeli raid on al-Shifa, stressing that the hospital is an easy target. He said a single Israeli warship could besiege al-Shifa, which sits no more than 400 metres (437 yards) from Gazas shores, with its firepower. The occupation army said, We have a specific mission of eliminating Hamas, Al-Amour told Al Jazeera. Did they think the leaders of Hamas and the leaders of the resistance will be waiting for them in the main lobby of al-Shifa Hospital  with the captives alongside them? He added: This is madness, absolute madness Its a hospital.

Israeli occupation forces lack the ability to conduct wide-scale ground maneuvers past the Palestinian-Lebanese borders, Israeli media outlets reported. The effectiveness of the occupation's air force against Hezbollah's anti-tank units has decreased in the past few days, Israeli Channel 13 reported following several operations conducted from South Lebanon, targeting various Israeli positions alongside the Lebanese-Palestinian border.

The Israeli broadcaster noted that the number of red alerts in northern occupied territories exceeded those that originated from the Gaza Strip. The occupation is "in a defensive situation in the north, where we receive hits and injuries," and Hezbollah's tactics have become more effective in the face of Israeli airstrikes, Channel 13 reported.

More importantly, the Israeli broadcaster revealed that Hezbollah has figured out the tactics used by the Israeli Air Force to target its positions, which means that the Resistance party's operations on the Northern Front have become more effective. Israeli Security Minister Yoav Gallant had previously admitted that the majority of "Israel's" aerial capabilities were transferred to the Northern Front, further testifying to the pressure that Hezbollah has exerted on the occupation's military apparatus, as its aggression on Gaza ensues.

Director of the Al-Ittihad Center for Research, Hadi Qubaisi, predicted the scenario of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip until the end of this month, considering that the Israeli army has not achieved anything to date and that the Israeli administration is greatly confused and confused. World - specific to the world.

Qubaisi said in an interview with Al-Alam Channel during its continuous coverage of the Israeli aggression against Gaza: "I believe that at the end of this November, the Israeli entity will reach a state of despair over its aggression in the Gaza Strip, meaning that it will reach the stage that no matter what it does, it will not achieve more than what happened."

He added: "If the people of Gaza can be patient until the end of the month, the Israeli entity and the United States will kneel and admit defeat. In fact, Israeli journalists and analysts have begun to wonder about the achievements their army has achieved to date."Qubaisi continued: "The Israeli army, 15 days after the ground operation, did not achieve anything, and today the Israeli entity cannot commit massacres as before, because there is international pressure and massacres are no longer acceptable in the world. The presidents of France, America, Brazil, and China announced their rejection of the killing of children, as well as the prime ministers of Britain and Canada, so that entity The Israeli has his hands tied and will not be able to accomplish anything."

An observer of Israeli affairs Nabih Awada said in an interview with Al-Alam Channel of Iran as part of its 40-day coverage of the Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip : "It is clear that the field is speaking today in Gaza. There is no balance between the great propaganda ability provided by the Israeli media, which controls all the details, and the reality on the ground."

He added: "But there are some very important indicators related to the field itself. Simply saying that there is a launching of rockets from the Gaza Strip into Palestine occupied in 1948, specifically to the Tel Aviv, Negev, and Ashkelon region, and the continued firing of rockets and mortar shells into the areas surrounding Gaza despite the claim. Several days ago, one of the Israeli officers expressed that the resistances ability had been paralyzed and that a kind of calm had prevailed regarding the launching of missiles. These missiles came and confirmed that the resistance was still capable of launching its missiles, and thus this practically undermined the Israeli theory."

Awada continued: "The second issue has to do with the nature of the field. Al-Shifa Hospital is not more than 600 meters away from the Gaza coast, and it is considered, from a military and geographical standpoint, a soft and very close area. It is not located within the solid cement block that forms the depth of the Gaza Strip, and therefore it does not constitute a large barricade which cannot be penetrated."

He added: "The Israelis were waiting until the last moments for some achievement, but the issue is not here. As the Hebrew Channel 13 reported today, there is a great disappointment at the Israeli intelligence level, that what was said about Al-Shifa Hospital turned out to be that there are no prisoners nor any military headquarters, and therefore this is a failure. It is a major intelligence service for the Israeli army , and this in itself is an achievement for the resistance, as what was promoted by the Israeli media was practically fake."

The following is a list of operations carried out by the Al-Qassam Brigades against the Israeli forces penetrating the Gaza Strip during the day:

targeted a Zionist bulldozer east of the city of Deir al-Balah with an Al-Yassin 105  missile.

fired rocket salvoes towards the occupied territories

targeted a gathering of enemy forces in the axis south of Gaza City with a 114 mm short-range Rajum missile system.

bombed Ashkelon with a missile barrage

targeted a Zionist troop carrier northwest of Gaza City with an Al-Yassin 105  missile.

targeted two Zionist tanks and bulldozers northwest of Gaza City with two Tandum  shells.

bombed the gathering of incursive vehicles east of the city of Deir al-Balah with mortar shells

bombed the occupied city of Sderot with a missile barrage

renewed the bombardment of the occupied city of Sderot with a missile barrage

targeted a Zionist tank northwest of Gaza City with an Al-Yassin 105  missile.

targeted a Zionist tank west of Gaza City with an Al-Yassin 105  missile.

targeted a Zionist tank southwest of Gaza City with an Al-Yassin 105  missile.

targeted a military bulldozer west of Gaza City with an Al-Yassin 105  shell.

Mujahideen of the Al-Qassam Brigades, Al-Quds Brigades, and Al-Nasser Brigades were able to target two Zionist tanks with Tandum and Al-Yassin 105 shells, southwest of Gaza City.

A major piece of news came in the Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth saying that the next mission for the Israeli army is a huge area of land, a million Palestinian refugees, and the majority of the Israeli prisoners and fighters from the Hamas movement. This is the next goal for the Israeli army in the southern Gaza Strip.

The correspondent of Al-Alam News Channel in the occupied West Bank, Fares Al-Sarfandi, added: "Therefore, when the Israeli army asked the Palestinians to head towards the south of the Gaza Strip and leave the northern and central area of the Strip, it was completely clear that it differed from what the Israeli press is now reporting, which says that the next targets will be in the south of the Gaza Strip." The correspondent continued: "This means that the goal is not, as they said, control of the north and center of the Gaza Strip, but rather the goal is to control the entire Gaza Strip and displace the Palestinians from Gaza to the Sinai region."

The Yemeni Armed Forces confirmed that they will not hesitate to target any ship belonging to the Israeli occupation entity in the Red Sea or any other place. The Armed Forces explained in a statement read by the official spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, that a batch of ballistic missiles were launched at various targets of the Israeli enemy in the occupied Palestinian territories, including sensitive targets in the Umm al-Rashrash area (Eilat).

The statement indicated that the launching of ballistic missiles came only 24 hours after another military operation carried out by the armed forces using drones on the same Zionist targets. The statement also confirmed the start of taking all practical measures to implement the directives issued regarding the appropriate dealing with any Israeli ship in the Red Sea. The statement noted that "operations against the Israeli enemy will not stop until the Israeli aggression against our brave brothers in Gaza stops.""

Bystanders

Jennifer Cassidy, a legal expert from the University of Oxford, says targeting medical facilities is a war crime plain and simple. Even if we take everything the Israeli government is saying to be true [about Hamas using al-Shifa], it is still a war crime because the proportionality and the outcome effect in relation to the gains they are achieving still is breaking international law. And theyre actually providing that evidence in realtime. Theyre essentially making a case against themselves, Cassidy told Al Jazeera. But she added: Getting the Israeli government to stand before a tribunal will be extremely difficult.

Israel is justifying its mass killing of civilians in Gaza by declaring the law of military necessity, she noted. Asked why world powers have not stepped in to stop the carnage, she said it is diplomacy being utterly hypocritical and having the most double standards we have ever seen regarding political crises. Diplomats are not acting with principle or morality.

WHOs director-general, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: One thing is clear: Under international humanitarian law, health facilities, health workers, ambulances and patients must be safeguarded and protected against all acts of war. He said Even if health facilities are used for military purposes, the principles of distinction, precaution and proportionality always apply.

The Geneva-based Euro-Mediterranean Observatory for Human Rights said, The allegations of using Al-Shifa Hospital for military purposes do not require all this time for combing and raiding, and that the length of time the army spends inside the complex raises fears of preparing a scene for a scene. artificial". The Observatory said, Israel is turning the buildings of the Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza into a center for detention and torture, adding, We fear that killings will occur as sporadic shooting continues inside the Shifa Complex since it was stormed.

United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Martin Griffiths, said that hospitals are not a battlefield. In a tweet on the X platform (formerly Twitter), Griffiths said, I am terrified by the news of the military storming of Al-Shifa Hospital (in Gaza). Hospitals are not a battlefield. Griffiths stressed the need for the protection of newborns, patients, medical personnel and all civilians to be a priority over all other concerns.

Marwan Bishara, Al Jazeera's senior political analyst, wrote "[The US has] been parroting Israels official lines  I should say, official lies  from the very, very outset, and they have not stopped doing that since. And even when in the past few days some daylight between the two has appeared on the question of no occupation of Gaza, no bombing of hospitals, at the same time, it was giving Israel the excuse, it was giving Israel the support and basically the backing to bomb hospitals by saying that Hamas is in and within and under and above perhaps, hospitals and schools. So while the United States pretends to be an outsider to this  and in fact some American officials said, You know Israel is the one thats waging the war, were just advising  thats humbug."

The Executive Director of the United Nations Children's Fund ( UNICEF ), Catherine Russell, denounced the horrific scenes she saw during a visit she made to the Gaza Strip in the midst of the war between Israel and Hamas, calling for "this horror to stop." Russell, who visited the south of the Strip, said, "What I saw and heard was heartbreaking. They have endured repeated bombing, loss, and displacement. Inside the Strip there is no safe place for Gaza's million children to take refuge," adding, "Only the parties to the conflict can truly stop this horror."

The spokesman for the Red Cross in Gaza, Hisham Muhanna, said that they are ready to exercise their role to be a neutral mediator, adding, But we lack the security measures that enable us to do that. The spokesman stated that they had communicated with all parties to prevent a disaster in the Al-Shifa complex, noting that the Red Cross was unable to deliver aid and reach the areas of northern Gaza. Due to the extreme danger and targeting of main roads.

The International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed - yesterday, Tuesday - that it is continuing its efforts to secure the release of detainees in Gaza, especially through direct contacts with Hamas and other individuals who have influence with the parties concerned.

In the Arab world, Jordan held Israel responsible for protecting civilians and medical staff working in Al-Shifa Hospital, and said that the storming is a violation of international humanitarian law, especially the 1949 Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War. This came in a statement by the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Jordanian Foreign Ministry stressed that the dangerous conditions in Gaza "require the Security Council to bear its legal responsibility." It called on the international community "to assume its moral responsibilities and work to pressure Israel, the occupying power, to stop its continued aggression, war, and targeting of civilians, especially women and children, which cannot be justified under any justification or pretext."

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for urgent international intervention to provide protection for medical staff, patients and displaced persons in the Shifa Medical Complex. The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the storming represents a flagrant violation of international law, international humanitarian law, and the Geneva Conventions, and an extension of all the violations and crimes committed by the occupation against our people. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry held the Israeli government "full responsibility for the safety of medical teams and thousands of sick, wounded, and children, including premature infants and displaced people...in the complex."

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez demanded an "immediate ceasefire" in Gaza and called on Israel to put an end to the "indiscriminate killing of Palestinians" during his inauguration speech to the Chamber of Deputies. He then assured that he plans "to stand with Israel (...) in its response to the terrorist attack (...) in October", but promised that his new government would "work in Europe and of course in Spain to recognize the Palestinian state.

"Let there be no doubt, we are with Israel in the rejection and responses to the terrorist attack that this country suffered in October and we demand the immediate release of the hostages kidnapped by the Hamas after the October 7 attack, Mr. Sanchez added. But with equal clarity, we reject the indiscriminate killing of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, he said.

The world has seen enough of the tragedy in Gaza and it is time for countries to use their influence over Israel to put a stop to this real crime against humanity, South African foreign minister Naledi Pandor said. Pandor told Al Jazeera her government may refer Israel to the International Criminal Court.

There are very clear similarities between the apartheid system in South Africa and Israels occupation of Palestine, she added. We know people cannot own property and it can be seized without any compensation, which is what we experienced in our own country. People have to carry identity documents that reflect their ethnicity rather than citizenship. All of this is part of the apartheid feature, Pand or explained. South Africa is one of the few countries that cut ties with Israel in response to its attack on the Gaza Strip.

Americas adversaries had often criticized US foreign policy for interfering with the domestic affairs of other countries. However, Washingtons approach, as ordered by President Joe Biden and which paved the way for Israel to kill thousands of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, put what some believed a permanent stain on US claims to being a champion of human rights.

Randa Slim, a program director at the Washington-based Middle East Institute, said US policy toward Israel has resulted in a renewed pan-Arab sentiment. This sentiment, she said, was driven by anger at US double standards in their approach to the conflict and disregard for the Palestinians suffering.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League met in the Saudi capital of Riyadh to discuss the ongoing Israeli military operation inside Gaza. Countries within the OIC have differing opinions of Hamas, a US-designated terrorist group. Nonetheless, they have all agreed on the need for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of innocent civilians.

Slim said each Arab country was approaching the conflict in terms of its own security and political priorities. Arab countries have accused the international community, including the US without naming it, of having double standards when it comes to human rights as it relates to Arabs and Palestinians.

The Riyadh meeting was a rejection of the American-centric Western discourse, said Aziz Alghashian, a Saudi analyst specializing in Gulf-Israel ties. Alghashian said this was no longer about Palestine and Israel. This notion of US hypocrisy has always been salient in the social discourse, he told Al Arabiya English. What this war is doing is eliciting historical grievances that Saudi and Arab states have with the West. This war is a very critical juncture in our history, he added.

Current and former US officials previously told Al Arabiya English that based on the approach by President Biden, they felt as if Israeli lives mattered more than Arab lives. A senior State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said their colleagues at US embassies around the world were having a tough time. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other senior US officials have held listening sessions with those working in the administration, with several dissent cables being passed to the top US diplomat.

The State Departments former special envoy for Syria criticized the price being paid by Palestinian civilians in Gaza for the Hamas attacks as unjustifiable and unacceptable. Although he may pay a politically steep price for doing so, President Biden must do all he can to bring this abomination to an end, Fred Hof wrote in a recent article.

While Hof said Israel had a right to defend itself, he added that Biden needed to press Israel to act in a manner that reflects respect for human life. He [Biden] would likely pay a high political price for doing the right thing, but it must be done. American interests are at stake. And American values  the values of all democracies  are on the line, Hof wrote.

French President Emmanuel Macron harshly condemned the bombardment of civilian infrastructure in the war raging between Israel and Hamas, while defending France's "balanced" approach to the conflict. He was answering a question about the Israeli military raid Wednesday on Gaza's main hospital, Al-Shifa, as part of their war on Hamas, sparking fears for thousands of patients and other civilians said to be trapped inside. Macron did not mention the hospital by name, but stressed that the obligations under international law to protect civilian infrastructure referred "not only to the buildings, but to the health workers inside", recalling that dozens of workers for humanitarian agencies had been killed in just over a month of fighting in Gaza.

Macron also rejected criticism that France had lacked clarity in its position on the war. He acknowledged that France's approach might not be to everyone's liking, pointing out that the country had faced criticism from both sides. Macron had faced rare diplomatic dissent at home over his stance, with a dozen French ambassadors in Middle Eastern and North African countries signing a joint memorandum this week deploring what they allege is his pro-Israeli bias.

Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko agreed with her counterparts in Egypt and Jordan to push for humanitarian pauses in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Kamikawa spoke separately on the phone with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi early on Wednesday, Japan time. She told them that the foreign ministers of the Group of Seven nations had adopted a joint statement in Tokyo last week, saying they would support humanitarian pauses in the fighting in Gaza. She agreed with Shoukry and Safadi on the need to take all possible measures to prevent civilian casualties and work toward de-escalating the situation. Kamikawa also thanked Shoukry for Egypt's help in evacuating Japanese nationals and their families from Gaza.

In the the UK House of Commons, a Scottish National Party-proposed motion backing a ceasefire in Gaza was rejected. The amendment calling for all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire failed in a vote of 125 in favour and 293 against. The leader of the opposition Labour Party, Keir Starmer, has come under pressure after 56 Labour lawmakers, including several on his policy team, voted for a ceasefire. The backing of so many Labour lawmakers showed levels of disquiet in the party over the war in Gaza.

Humza Yousaf said legislators had the chance to put humanity before politics but failed to do so by voting against his SNPs amendment. A ceasefire would enable a humanitarian corridor and the crucial delivery of immediate aid to those in desperate need, Yousaf said in a video shared on social media. I am beyond angry that Scottish Labour MPs and others refused to back the calls for an immediate ceasefire. They are on the wrong side of history, which is unforgivable.

Axis of Resistance

Irans supreme leader delivered a clear message to the head of Hamas when they met in Tehran in early November, according to three senior officials: You gave us no warning of your October 7 attack on Israel and we will not enter the war on your behalf. Reuters reported 15 November 2023, according to Iranian and Hamas officials with knowledge of the discussions who asked to remain anonymous to speak freely. Ali Khamenei told Ismail Haniyeh that Iran - a longtime backer of Hamas - would continue to lend the group its political and moral support, but wouldnt intervene directly. The supreme leader pressed Haniyeh to silence those voices in the Palestinian group publicly calling for Iran and its powerful Lebanese ally Hezbollah to join the battle against Israel in full force. Hamas said that it holds the occupation and US President Joe Biden fully responsible for the occupation armys storming of the Shifa complex. The movement added that the White Houses adoption of Israels narrative that the movement is using the Shifa complex for military purposes was a green light for the storming.

In turn, the Islamic Jihad movement said that the occupation is unable to achieve any military goals in Gaza, so it is taking control of civilians and patients in Al-Shifa Hospital.

The HAMAS government media office in Gaza held the Israeli occupation, the international community, and the United States of America fully responsible for the safety of thousands of medical teams, the wounded, and the displaced. The office described the storming of the Al-Shifa Medical Complex as a war crime, a moral crime, and a crime against humanity. He reported that the occupation imposed a tight siege on Al-Shifa Hospital, bombed more than 5 buildings, and fired fire and shells on the wounded, displaced, and medical staff.

The HAMAS government media office in Gaza accused the occupation army of committing a premeditated crime by targeting Al-Shifa Medical Complex. He stressed that hospitals and medical teams have been the focus of targeting since the beginning of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip.

A group of lawyers representing Palestinian victims of Israeli attacks on Gaza have filed a complaint to the International Criminal Court (ICC) arguing Israels actions amount to the crime of genocide. Gilles Devers, a veteran French lawyer and the victims representative before the ICC, submitted the complaint to the prosecutor as part of a four-person delegation. It is clear for me that there are all the criteria for the crime of genocide, Devers told Al Jazeera, adding cases such as the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda set the precedent. So this is not my opinion, its the reality of law.

Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, issued some of his strongest words yet against the war on Gaza. We are facing together a barbaric war of aggression and an open war of genocide against our people in the Gaza Strip and in the West Bank, he said in a speech marking the 35th anniversary of the Palestinian Declaration of Independence in Ramallah. It is a war against the existence of the Palestinians, against the Palestinian national identity, the identity of the land and the identity of its inhabitants.

He went on to say the dead in Gaza will be a curse to the occupation and to those who stand behind it or remain silent about the war crimes it commits against our people  in a clear sign of exasperation at the silence of some in the international community. Palestine is our only homeland and we will not accept an alternative, and if there is anyone who must leave our land it is the occupation  and only the occupation.

Member of the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc in the Lebanese Parliament, MP Hassan Ezzedine, said to Iran's Al-Alam news channel on Tuesday: "Greetings full of pride and honor to all those who are steadfast in Gaza in the face of the criminal military machine of the Zionist enemy, and all the souls of the martyrs of the Al-Aqsa Flood, the martyrs of the Islamic resistance in Lebanon, and all those who are still steadfast."

He added: "There is no doubt that the Al-Aqsa flood is a new history, and it has repercussions, results, and effects that the enemy cannot bear. That is why he is looking for any illusionary victory to be an excuse and a false conviction to get out of the impasse he and his American masters and those who came with them fell into to tempt this criminal and give him time for a period of two weeks. From the start of the ground operation to its end."

He continued: "He is trying to achieve even a simple achievement, no matter how modest, but he has not announced anything until this moment, no military location for the Hamas movement, nor the killing of Hamas leaders, field commanders, or fighters, and we have not seen any real military progress with which he could convince public opinion and make... The world believes in it."

Representative Ezzedine explained: "When he fails to do so, he will certainly go to misinformation and fabricate news that does not convince even those who fabricate it, referring to the video published by the occupation about its discovery of the resistance tunnels under the Rantisi Childrens Hospital in Gaza, and the leader of the Hamas movement, Osama Hamdan, refuted it."

He stressed: "What he wants is to get down from the tree, but time from now on will not be on his side, because the shift in global public opinion, especially Western opinion, has begun to put pressure on this entity, because for all its deceptions and deceptions and what it has used in its media, despite the fact that the Western media is on its side, it has not been able to So far, no one has been convinced of the Zionist narrative."

The political office of the Ansar Allah movement in Yemen confirmed that the storming of the Al-Shifa Medical Complex is a brutal and cowardly crime and is evidence of the extent of the military and security failure that the enemy army suffered in the face of the resistance. The Ansar Allah Political Bureau added: "We renew our call to the peoples of the region and the world to support the Palestinian people and to continue all forms of solidarity until the aggression stops." He continued: "We affirm our continued support for the Palestinian people, and we congratulate our armed forces for announcing the expansion of their operations against Israeli targets in Bab al-Mandab and the Red Sea."

Allied for Democracy

People believe that we are now involved in an existential war. They only compare this to the Holocaust. Akiva Eldar, an Israeli political analyst, author and journalist, said Israeli public opinion is not really ready to accept a narrative that doesnt fit its own perceptions of who is the victim, and who is the terrorist.

We are dealing with unprecedented post-traumatic situation in Israel, Eldar told Al Jazeera. There are 360,000 Israelis now in [the army] reserves and [if] you include family members we are looking at one million people now involved in this war. When asked what the Israeli publics reaction was to the shocking images of premature babies in Gaza hospitals, Eldar said many liberal and progressive people say they dont have more room for compassion. He said We are in the blame game.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared that he had spoken with President Biden who reaffirmed the U.S.'s commitment to eliminating Hamas and returning hostages. In a visit to the home base of the rescue and training brigade in Zikim, Netanyahu expressed unwavering confidence in the capabilities of the fighters and conveyed a resolute message to terrorists in Gaza. During the visit, Prime Minister Netanyahu received a detailed overview of the heroic battle that unfolded on October 7th at the Zikim base, where the rescue and training brigade engaged in multiple arenas simultaneously.

Reflecting on the progress made in the ongoing conflict, Netanyahu recalled challenges that were initially doubted but eventually overcome. "There is no place in Gaza that we will not reach. There is no hiding, no shelter, no refuge for the murderers of Hamas," asserted the Prime Minister. "We broke through. We arrived at the outskirts of Gaza City. We entered Shifa. And in this spirit, we say a simple thing  we will eliminate Hamas and return our abductees; these are two sacred missions," declared the Prime Minister.

For the first time since the war began, opposition leader Yair Lapid called on the Israeli prime minister to step down. In an interview with Israels Channel 12 news, the Israeli opposition figure said Netanyahu should resign because he has lost the trust of the public. We need a government that can be trusted, said Lapid, who suggested that his own party could form a government with Netanyahus Likud and other political parties. The Times of Israel reported that Likud slammed Lapids comments, accusing him of play[ing] politics in a time of war.

Hassan Barari, a professor of international affairs at Qatar University, says Israels goal in its war on Gaza is to push Palestinians out of the region in an expansionist project. The United States has given Israel maybe two weeks from now. The United States and Europe recognise public opinion is shifting there now against Israel because it cant tolerate this amount of crimes being committed with the blessing of the American and European Union leaders, Barari told Al Jazeera.

The target now is to force people to leave Gaza. Netanyahu has another objective here personally because he is seen as the one who failed in protecting Israel. He wants to protect his political future and public opinion is turning against him. So he wants to achieve something militarily considerable so he can use it in his own internal battle for survival.

Israels war cabinet minister Benny Gantz says Israel will hunt down Hamas leaders in Gaza and around the world. There will be no sanctuary cities, no sanctuary houses. We will go wherever we need to in order to eradicate [Hamas] above and below ground. In Gaza and around the world, he said. We will reach the heads of government just as we reached the centres of government, the former defence minister added.

After abstaining from the UNSC vote, Washingtons envoy to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield condemned council members that she said still have not condemned Hamas. I want to say that Im horrified that a few members of this council still cannot bring themselves to condemn the barbaric terrorist attack that Hamas carried out against Israel on October 7, she said. What are they afraid of? Thomas-Greenfield asked. Theres no excuse for failing to condemn these acts of terror.

She added that Hamass actions do not lessen Israels responsibility to protect innocent people in Gaza At the end of the day, this all comes down to one clear, urgent goal to save innocent lives. The US is one of five permanent members with veto power on the council. It had previously vetoed an earlier Security Council resolution calling for humanitarian pauses because it did not affirm Israels right to self-defence.

White House spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that Washington did not give an okay to [Israeli] military operations around the hospital. He said These are Israeli military operations that they plan The United States is not involved in those procedures. Kirbys comments come after Hamas on Tuesday accused Washington of giving Israel the green light to perpetrate further massacres against civilians after it endorsed Israels claims that the Palestinian group was using Gaza hospitals, including al-Shifa, for its operations.

Hamas has repeatedly rejected the accusations and said it would welcome the UN setting up an international committee to inspect all hospitals in the bombarded enclave. Kirby also told reporters: We dont want to see hospitals attacked from the air. We dont want to see innocent civilians, patients, medical staff become victims of crossfire We believe hospitals should be protected.

A new report by Bloomberg said the White House is getting increasingly frustrated with Israels conduct of the war in Gaza as the civilian death toll mounts. Quoting several people familiar with conversations, the publication reported a widening rift between the close allies. It said US administration officials were having difficult conversations with their Israeli counterparts but their calls have been going unheeded. The sources said the administration has ramped up its private messaging to Israel as impatience has grown. At the same time, President Joe Bidens administration is still fulfilling Israels weapons requests, and so far hasnt threatened any consequences against Israel.

Israels war on Gaza is upsetting many Americans who think it must follow growing demands for an immediate ceasefire, according to a new poll. The Reuters/Ipsos survey found only 32 percent of respondents said the US should support Israel. That is down from 41 percent from a poll conducted on October 12-13  just days after the war broke out.

About 68 percent of respondents said they agreed with the statement, Israel should call a ceasefire and try to negotiate. Some 39 percent supported the idea the US should be a neutral mediator, compared with 27 percent a month earlier. Only 4 percent of respondents said the United States should support Palestinians, while 15 percent said the US shouldnt be involved at all in the war.

While the US has been a significant Israeli ally, just 31 percent of respondents said they supported sending Israel weapons. The plunge in support follows weeks of heavy bombardment of Gaza that has killed more than 11,200 people, and could be a worrying sign for Israel.

Two dozen US lawmakers called for ceasefire in a letter to Biden. The lawmakers signed a letter calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and expressing concern about Palestinian civilians under Israeli attacks, particularly children.The letter  addressed to US President Joe Biden and his Secretary of State Antony Blinken  was led by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and signed by 23 other Democrats.

It called on the US administration to clarify the objectives of the Israeli invasion of Gaza, as well as its potential effects on captives held by Hamas and threats to American citizens in the region. The lawmakers also decried Israeli attacks on residential buildings and civilian infrastructure, and restrictions on food, water, fuel, and other humanitarian assistance.

International norms require that all parties to an armed conflict protect children and prevent the commission of grave violations against them, including killing and maiming, attacks on schools and hospitals, recruitment and use of children, abduction of children, and denial of humanitarian access, it read.

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of the US city of San Francisco to demand an end to Israels war on Gaza. Videos shared on social media showed large crowds of protesters marching through the Californian city holding Palestinian flags and placards calling for the US to cease its support for Israel while chanting Ceasefire now. The demonstration coincides with President Bidens attendance at the annual summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation in San Francisco, where the US leader is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Tens of thousands of pro-Israel supporters [possibly as many as 300,000] attended the March for Israel rally at the National Mall in the heart of Washington, DC. When political analyst Van Jones  who condemned anti-Semitism and voiced support for Israel and peace  called for the war on Gaza to end in remarks to the assembled crowd, he was booed. The jeering of Jones soon turned to chants of no ceasefire from the crowd, which had gathered to show support for Israels bombing of Gaza and to call for the release of more than 200 captives held by the Palestinian group Hamas.

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Twenty-Three Gang Members and Associates Indicted on Racketeering, Drug Trafficking, and Firearm Charges

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

A 12-count indictment was unsealed in the Northern District of Georgia charging 23 defendants - all alleged Sex Money Murder (SMM) gang members and associates - with crimes including racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking, and firearms violations.

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 alleges an extensive criminal enterprise in which SMM members, including inmates within the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDOC), orchestrated numerous crimes, including murders, attempted murders, attempted arson, drug trafficking within and outside of GDOC facilities, and wire and bank fraud. Eleven of the defendants were in prison when they allegedly committed or ordered the charged crimes.

"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 Department's Criminal Division. "With this RICO indictment, the Criminal Division, along with our federal, state, and local partners, again shows its commitment to hold accountable and bring to justice violent gang members who terrorize our communities and attempt to control our country's prison systems."

"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. 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."

"The FBI and its partners will not stand by as members of an elaborate criminal enterprise engage in acts that endanger our communities," said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI's Criminal Investigative Division. "There are consequences for partaking in illegal activity, and this does not change when some of the bad actors are already behind bars. We will continue to ensure that members of the Sex Money Murder gang face justice for their alleged misconduct, which includes drug trafficking, firearms violations, and egregious violence."

"It's alarming to think that these criminals were brazen enough to distribute dangerous drugs and commit heinous crimes while behind bars," said Special Agent in Charge Robert J. Murphy of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Division. "They must now face the consequences."

The indictment alleges that the defendants or other SMM members 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 following defendants have been charged in the indictment for conduct related to their alleged roles in the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) conspiracy and related crimes:

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 Hell's 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, Colorado, 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; and

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.

If convicted, the defendants face penalties including up to life in prison for the racketeering conspiracy, 10 years to life in prison for the narcotics conspiracy and drug trafficking charges, and five years to life in prison for the firearms offenses.

The FBI, the Atlanta-Carolinas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program, the DEA, and the Georgia Department of Corrections are investigating the case, with valuable assistance from the Georgia Attorney General's Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Georgia Department of Community Supervision, the Georgia State Patrol, the Brookhaven Police Department, the Butts County Sheriff's Office, the DeKalb County Police Department, the Douglasville Police Department, the East Point Police Department, the Fulton County Sheriff's Office, the Gwinnett County Police Department, the Marietta Police Department, the Riverdale Police Department, the Sandy Springs Police Department, and the South Fulton Police Department.

Trial Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell of the Criminal Division's Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VICAR) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg for the Northern District of Georgia are prosecuting the case, and former VICAR Trial Attorney Rebecca R. Dunnan previously prosecuted the case.

The indictment is a result of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigations. The OCDETF mission is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States, using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency task force approach. OCDETF synchronizes and incentivizes prosecutors and agents to lead smart, creative investigations targeting the command-and-control networks of organized criminal groups and the illicit financiers that support them. Additional information about the OCDETF Program may be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Topics: Drug Trafficking

Firearms Offenses

Violent Crime

Components: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

Criminal Division

Criminal - Violent Crime and Racketeering Section

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Criminal Investigative Division (FBI)

Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)

Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces

USAO - Georgia, Northern

U.S. Marshals Service

Press Release Number: 23-1271

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Designating Additional Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad Officials and Supporters

US Department of State

Press Statement

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

November 14, 2023

The United States is announcing today its third round of sanctions targeting Hamas-affiliated individuals and entities in connection with the October 7 terrorist attacks on Israel. The Department of State is designating Akram al-Ajouri as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist for being a leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). Ajouri is the PIJ Deputy Secretary General and leader of its militant wing, the Al-Quds Brigade. The Department of the Treasury is also designating seven individuals and two entities that have provided support to or acted on behalf of Hamas or PIJ.

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. 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 coordination 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 Hamas' terrorist financing channels.

These actions are being taken pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended, which targets terrorist groups, leaders, and their supporters. For more information on these designations, see Treasury's press release .

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United States and United Kingdom Take Coordinated Action Against Hamas Leaders and Financiers

U.S. Department of the Treasury

November 14, 2023

WASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed its third round of sanctions targeting Hamas-affiliated individuals and entities since the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel. 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 U.K. and are aimed at protecting the international financial system from abuse by Hamas and their enablers. The U.S. Department of State is concurrently designating a leader of PIJ's military wing.

"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," said Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen. "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."

This action builds on OFAC's 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 persons are being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended, which targets terrorist groups and their supporters.

IRANIAN SUPPORT TO PALESTINIAN ISLAMIC JIHAD

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.

Nasser Abu Sharif serves as the PIJ representative to Iran, the group's primary financier. Iran's IRGC has trained PIJ fighters to build and develop missiles in Gaza.

PIJ's financial activities have been carried out through the Muhjat AlQuds Foundation in Gaza, a PIJ-run, Iran-funded organization whose primary mission is to provide financial support to the families of PIJ fighters and prisoners. Hamas financial facilitators have assisted PIJ in laundering money from outside of Gaza for eventual transfer to the Muhjat AlQuds Foundation. The Muhjat AlQuds Foundation is led by PIJ political official Jamil Yusuf Ahmad 'Aliyan, who has distributed Iranian provided funds to PIJ personnel in Gaza. 'Aliyan, who has served on PIJ's executive committee, has overseen PIJ finances as it relates to important group logistics.

Nasser Abu Sharif and Jamil Yusuf Ahmad 'Aliyan are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, PIJ. The Muhjat AlQuds Foundation is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, PIJ.

Additionally, today, the Department of State designated Akram al-Ajouri (Ajouri), the Damascus-based Deputy Secretary General of PIJ and leader of the Al-Quds Brigades, PIJ's militant wing. Ajouri coordinated the militant training and recruitment operations for PIJ in Gaza, Syria, Sudan, Lebanon, and Yemen. Ajouri is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for being a leader of PIJ.

Hamas uses the Lebanon-based money exchange company Nabil Chouman & Co (Chouman) to transfer money from Iran to Gaza. 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. Chouman owner and founder Nabil Khaled Halil Chouman, together with his son Khaled Chouman and another Lebanon-based money exchanger Reda Ali Khamis (Khamis) worked with Hamed Ahmed al-Khudari (Khudari). Khudari was a member of Hamas and its militant wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, and a prominent money exchanger for the group until his death in 2019. Khamis was involved in facilitating financial transfers from the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qods Force (IRGC-QF) to Hamas as well as PIJ in Gaza, and was responsible for the transfer of more than $7 million from the IRGC-QF to Hamas.

Nabil Chouman & Co, Nabil Khaled Halil Chouman, Khaled Chouman, and Reda Ali Khamis are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Hamas.

KEY HAMAS OFFICIALS

Mahmoud Khaled Zahhar (Zahhar) is a senior member and co-founder of Hamas who has worked closely with Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Zahhar has spoken publicly on behalf of Hamas, including in formal interviews, to threaten violence against Jewish civilians and emphasize its commitment to the destruction of Israel. As a Hamas representative, Zahhar has also acknowledged and thanked Iran for its support of Hamas.

Mahmoud Khaled Zahhar is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Hamas.

Additionally, Mu'ad Ibrahim Muhammed Rashid al-Atili is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Hamas.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons.

In addition, financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions or be subject to an enforcement action. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897 here. For detailed information on the process to submit a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list, please click here.

Treasury remains committed to enabling the flow of legitimate humanitarian assistance supporting the basic human needs of vulnerable populations, while continuing to deny resources to terrorists and other malicious actors. Accordingly, OFAC sanctions programs contain provisions for legitimate humanitarian support to vulnerable populations, including authorizations for certain humanitarian transactions in support of nongovernmental organizations' activities to ensure legitimate support is reaching the intended recipients. For more information, please review relevant authorizations and guidance on OFAC's website.

Click here for more information on the individuals and entities designated today.

Additional Treasury resources on countering the financing of terrorism:

###

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UK and US hit Hamas leadership with targeted sanctions

The UK and US have targeted Hamas with a new tranche of sanctions today, restricting the terror group's ability to operate.

14 November 2023

sanctions on Hamas leadership to include travel bans, asset freezes and arms embargoes

package is co-ordinated with US and set to disrupt Hamas operations both in Gaza and wherever their leaders base themselves

Foreign Secretary declares UK "stands in solidarity" with the Palestinian people caught up in the crisis and calls on all parties to agree to humanitarian pauses to allow lifesaving aid into Gaza

The UK's sanctions are against 4 Hamas senior leaders and 2 Hamas financiers. The stringent measures have been placed on Hamas' leadership in an effort to disrupt the group's acts of terror.

Yahya Sinwar, Hamas' political leader in Gaza, is among individuals from the group's political and military wings targeted by today's UK sanctions. He is reported to have been involved in the brutal attacks on Israel last month.

Also designated is Muhammed Deif, commander of the group's military arm.

The sanctions show that the terror group's leaders cannot escape the consequences of their actions, even if they are pulling the strings from outside of Gaza. Those covered include a Lebanon-based financier and money launderer in Sudan.

Foreign Secretary David 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.

All those sanctioned by the UK and US were targeted for their leadership or financing roles in the group, which was originally founded in the late 1980s with a commitment to destroy Israel. These designations add to existing UK sanctions against Hamas, including on the organisation itself.

Those now subject to UK travel bans, asset freezes and arms embargoes, which prohibit the sale of weapons and military equipment by a UK person to the designated person, include:

Yahya Sinwar: Sinwar is a senior leader of Hamas and the group's political leader in Gaza

Muhammed Deif: Deif is a senior leader of Hamas and is the commander of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades (IQB), the military arm of Hamas, who announced the October 2023 terrorist attacks

Marwan Issa: Issa is a senior leader of Hamas and is the deputy commander of the IQB

Musa Dudin: Dudin is a West Bank-based Hamas official who has procured weaponry for the group, enabling them to commit acts of terrorism

Abdelbasit Hamza: Hamza is a Sudan-based Hamas financier who owned a network of companies that laundered money and traded in currency in order to finance Hamas

Nabil Chouman: Chouman has channelled funds to Hamas through his Lebanon-based currency exchange

The UK and the US stand united in their solidarity with Israel in its fight against Hamas. We continue to use our diplomatic efforts to support a two-state solution to provide justice and security for both Israelis and Palestinians, including through the Prime Minister's recent visits to the region to speak with their counterparts.

The UK has sent 51 tonnes of lifesaving aid to the region and doubled our funding commitment to the Occupied Palestinian Territories this year.

The Prime Minister has called on all parties to allow the humanitarian pauses necessary to allow more aid to enter Gaza and been clear that Israel's forces must act within international law and stop extremist violence in the West Bank.

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China calls for healthy, stable ties after UK's Cameron returns

Global Times

By Wang Qi Published: Nov 14, 2023 11:25 PM

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday congratulated former British prime minister David Cameron on his appointment as UK's foreign secretary after incumbent Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reshuffled his top team, calling on the two sides to work together to promote the healthy and stable development of China-UK relations.

Chinese experts believe Cameron's resumA as the former British prime minister gives him a higher degree of international visibility and thus makes him a politician who could potentially play a constructive role, both in mending UK's relations with China and in rebuilding and advancing the UK's post-Brexit diplomatic landscape.

But it remains to be seen how far Cameron will follow his previous pragmatic line on China, as riding on China's economic development does not mean Cameron is particularly different from other Tory members in terms of values, they said.

Cameron, who served as the British prime minister from 2010 to 2016 and resigned after the controversial Brexit vote, made the "surprise comeback" on Monday, replacing James Cleverly, who became home secretary after Sunak sacked divisive incumbent Suella Braverman.

During Cameron's prime minister tenure, the China-UK relationship entered what was termed a "golden age" with boosted trade and investment. When Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the UK in 2015, the two leaders sipped beer at a local pub together.

But Cameron's pragmatic approach toward China in the past may be at odds with the Tory's increasingly hard-line stance today, and he now faces a tenser and more complex geopolitical situation.

Stressing the importance for the UK to "stand by our allies, strengthen our partnerships," Cameron posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday that "working to help ensure stability and security on the global stage is both essential and squarely in our national interest."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning offered congratulations at a routine press briefing on Tuesday, saying that 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.

A possible constructive role

After Cameron's appointment, he had a phone talk with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday, discussing the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Ukraine crisis, and relations with China, according to a release from the US State Department.

Analysts said that the UK's diplomacy is still mired in "post-Brexit confusion," and the major power game is also influencing the UK's diplomatic and strategic layout. After former prime minister Boris Johnson came to power in 2019, British diplomacy has become more and more speculative and lacks long-term strategic planning. And in its relations with China, the UK has moved closer to the US and drifted away from other European powers that strive to maintain strategic autonomy.

"Cameron is a familiar face to the international politics, with a wealth of experience and resources of contacts... As long as there are no further changes in personnel in the short term, Cameron may provide some help to British diplomacy," Cui Hongjian, professor at the Academy of Regional and Global Governance of Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

If the UK's Conservative government realizes there are obstacles and is willing to improve China ties, Cameron's experience and his visibility in China can play an important role, Cui said.

According to official data, during Cameron's tenure in 2014, China's direct investment in the UK exceeded $40 billion, the UK also became China's largest investment destination in Europe, and at that time, the UK's cumulative direct investment in China increased to $20 billion, with the fastest growth rate among Europe's major powers.

Regarding China's economic volume, economic radiation and huge market, a good bilateral relationship with China is no doubt beneficial to the UK, Gao Jian, director of the Center for British Studies at Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

According to Gao, Cameron's appointment probably means that Sunak hopes to use Cameron's political connections to play a constructive role in the China-UK relationship. At the same time, Cameron's political influence can be used to balance the voices of domestic China hawks.

However, Gao stressed that the direction of China-UK ties is based on the political and practical interests of the two countries, so they are unlikely to undergo any fundamental structural changes simply because of an appointment or removal of particular political figures.

Dialogue and exchanges have been resumed between China and the US, as well as between China and the EU. If the UK wants to improve its relations with China, it needs to have a detailed plan and at least release some clearer signals, Gao said.

Uncertainty remains

Another question is over the extent to which Cameron can forge his own agenda as foreign secretary. In Sunak's first foreign policy speech earlier this year, Sunak announced that the "golden age" of China-UK relations had come to an end.

The Sunak cabinet, and the wider Conservative party, has been wavering in its relationship with China, Gao said. "The fundamental purpose of calling Cameron back is to cope with the severe domestic political environment the Tories face, and to extend their rule status as far as possible."

Recent surveys in the UK show that the Labour Party is polling some 20 percentage points ahead of the ruling Conservative Party in the polls. A general election must be held by January 2025 at the latest.

"Cameron's return embodies the state of the ramped up struggle within the Tory party: On the one hand, the lack of new faces to replace [senior cabinet members], and on the other, the need to balance internal factions," Cui said.

Because the overall perception of China in the UK remains negative, the China hawks in British political scene still maintain considerable influence on the direction of China-UK relations, Dong Yifan, a research fellow at the Institute of European Studies, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

When Cameron was in power, he wanted to ride on China's economic development to bring more benefits to the UK, but it does not mean that Cameron is particularly different from other Tory members in terms of values, Dong noted, "It remains to be seen how far Cameron will follow the diplomatic line on China he pursued in the past."

Given their declining support, it is likely that the British government will be more inclined to be tough on China to secure short-term gains to secure power until the next general election, even if cooperation with China is what is good for the UK in the long run, Cui said.

Gao said the UK has failed to embrace new trends in the global community after Brexit and its lack of reflection on foreign policy and obsession with following the US has gradually alienated partners from the European continent.

China has always adopted an open policy in China-UK relations based on equality and mutual benefit and respect each other's core interests, but the UK needs a truly pragmatic spirit and principles in its diplomacy, rather than going further and further down the road of ideology, Gao said.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on November 14, 2023

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

2023-11-14 18:48

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 Nepal's 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 airport's inauguration, all facilities have been running smoothly. The project is playing an active role in improving Nepal's 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's 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: I'm not aware of that and would refer you to the competent Chinese authorities.

Bloomberg: Britain's 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 China's 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 Lanka's 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. China's 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.a

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 Jinping's 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, it's 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 China's principled position on Sri Lanka's debt issue. We are ready to continue to play a positive role in helping ease Sri Lanka's 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. What's 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.

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China moves ahead with 'mass policing' plan for local communities

Local police stations are shut down as auxiliaries' jobs are taken over by community "grid" workers, vigilantes.

By Gu Ting and Chen Zifei for RFA Mandarin 2023.11.14 -- 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.

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.

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.

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.

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Matchmaking app offers Uyghur brides for Han Chinese men

Experts say the government-backed project is part of Beijing's assimilation strategy.

By Gulchehra Hoja for RFA Uyghur 2023.11.14 -- 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 FiancAe 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 a 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 Asia's 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 China's attempts to decrease or dilute the Muslim population in Xinjiang, said Zenz, who has spent years documenting China's 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.

When RFA called the hotline number on the Xinjiang My FiancAe 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 company's director or about its investors.

Denials

When RFA contacted the Marriage Management Department at Urumqi's 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 Urumqi's 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 bureau's responsibility is limited to issuing business licenses and that it does not oversee any company's 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 government's 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, that's 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.

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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APEC 2023: Xi heads for US in closely-watched summit with Biden

The Xi-Biden meeting should remove the hurdle for military-to-military exchanges, says an expert.

By Lee Jeong-Ho and Elaine Chan for RFA 2023.11.14 -- China's 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 Party's 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 Advisor 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 China's formal name, the People's Republic of China.

"Xi probably seeks to press the PRC's 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 other's positions on the Israel-Hamas conflict, Russian aggression in Ukraine, climate, and AI."

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 University's 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 Taiwan's 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 Russia's war against Ukraine, and the evolving crisis in the Middle East.

Given China's 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.

China's 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.

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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Cameron as UK foreign secretary: What it means for China relations

Former U.K. PM's surprising return raises eyebrows of many who are concerned about his 'pro-Beijing' stance.

By Amelia Loi for RFA Cantonese 2023.11.14 -- 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 Minister's 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 Braverman's article for the Times newspaper, criticizing the London police for favouring pro-Palestinian protesters without the consent of the Prime Minister's Office. She was criticized for inciting hatred and breaching the Cabinet's 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 China's 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 Cameron's 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 Cameron's speech in the Middle East in September this year promoted the Port City Colombo project in Sri Lanka as part of China's 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 Party's 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 Cameron's 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.

Sunak's 'risky step'

Luke de Pulford, executive director of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, described Cameron's 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 Cameron's "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 Cameron's 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 Cameron's 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 year's 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.

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 in 'Strong Position' in Meeting China's Xi, White House Says

By Patsy Widakuswara November 14, 2023

Preventing Beijing's election interference on Taiwan and reestablishing communication between American and Chinese militaries 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.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby spoke with VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara ahead of that meeting, and said Biden intends to place the rocky relationship on a "more responsible footing" but believes that he's coming into this meeting from a strong position backed by a solid U.S. economy.

The following interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

VOA: On to the upcoming meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. A key subject for the president is to warn Beijing against interfering in Taiwan's election. Taiwan says this has already happened through military pressure, through disinformation, manipulating opinion polls. Can Biden convince Xi on this issue, which is clearly very sensitive to the Chinese as well?

JOHN KIRBY, NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL COORDINATOR FOR STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS: The president's looking forward to this meeting with President Xi this week. It comes after many, many months of ups and downs in our relationship. He believes that as two leaders running two countries, that literally the bilateral relationship is one of the most consequential in the world, that we've got to get it onto a more responsible footing than it is or has been to date.

And he believes that he's coming into this meeting from a strong position. The United States economy is stronger now than it's been in many, many decades. And we have shored up and revitalized our alliances and partnerships throughout the Asia-Pacific and beyond. And he looks forward to hearing President Xi's perspectives, as well, about how to manage this relationship going forward.

I won't go into more detail in terms of the specifics that they will be going through and certainly not with respect to election interference in Taiwan. I would just say that we -- it is not uncommon for PRC [People's Republic of China] actors to behave irresponsibly when it comes to election interference in the region and beyond. And we believe that a real strength of democracy is free and fair elections that are unimpeded and uninterrupted and not impaired by foreign interference.

VOA: Another key thing that President Biden wants is reestablishment of military-to-military communications. This is something that Secretary [of State Antony] Blinken was not able to secure. What is the holdup that it needs the president to push for this?

KIRBY: Again, I'm not going to get ahead of the meeting that he's going to have with President Xi. Clearly, one avenue of communication that has not been open has been the military-to-military lane, and that's important because, my goodness, when you look at some of the intercepts that have happened in the Asia-Pacific region, that can get dangerous really, really fast. When you think about the miscalculations that can occur as China presses these, very aggressively presses these maritime claims of theirs that aren't grounded in maritime law, that having an ability for the two militaries to communicate at various levels is a healthy thing to reduce miscalculation and misunderstanding, reduce the possibilities of conflict.

VOA: Ahead of the APEC summit in San Francisco, we are expecting some sort of announcement on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, but we are also hearing some protests from Democrats. [Ohio] Senator Sherrod Brown has said that the trade pillar of APEC is unacceptable because it threatens American jobs. Will the administration dilute this pillar based on those concerns?

KIRBY: We're looking forward to a very productive APEC here. Twenty-one countries in the region will be attending, a region that represents 60% of global economic output. And one of the things that the president is going to be pushing for is more inclusive economic growth throughout the region. ... In other words, workers' rights and looking after, you know, the ethical growth of economic output and making sure that we're doing this in a way that is as transparent and as viable as possible.

VOA: Can we speak a little bit about Andriy Yermak, a top aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, meeting with national security adviser Jake Sullivan? Does the Yermak visit influence in any way the messages President Biden is planning to discuss with APEC leaders and President Xi on Ukraine?

KIRBY: I would look at this meeting as a continuation of discussions that Mr. Sullivan has had with Mr. Yermak ... since the beginning of this war, and they are constantly speaking to one another. This is another opportunity now for them to talk about how the United States is going to continue to support Ukraine, how we're going to continue to talk to members of Congress about the importance of supporting Ukraine going forward and the supplemental request that the president submitted for security assistance in particular, and, again, get a sense from Mr. Yermak about what's going on in this counteroffensive, what's going on on the battlefront, what their needs are, and what their, and what they believe their prospects are going forward for these, as the winter months approach.

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Lawmakers Urge Biden to Bring Up Issue of Detained Americans With Xi

By Liu Wen November 14, 2023

U.S. lawmakers are urging President Joe Biden to prioritize the release of U.S. citizens deemed wrongfully detained by China when he meets Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday in San Francisco.

The U.S. State Department says Texas businessman Mark Swidan, Chinese American businessman Kai Li from Long Island, New York, and California pastor David Lin are wrongfully detained by China.

Republican Representative Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has repeatedly spoken out for Mark Swidan. McCaul urged Biden to put the release of Americans wrongfully detained by China high on the agenda for his meeting with Xi.

McCaul said in a statement sent to VOA Mandarin, "The Biden administration must stop making any concessions based on false promises and hold the [Chinese Communist Party] accountable for its gross human rights violations."

In a letter to the White House on Nov. 8, Republican Representative Mike Gallagher, chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, along with 12 Republican members of the committee, asked that Biden raise 10 issues with Xi, one of which is to release all American citizens the U.S. government has determined to be wrongfully detained in China.

Democratic Senator Ben Cardin, chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, also wrote to Biden, according to Reuters.

"With the holiday season approaching, and the opportunity to start the New Year on a more positive note in bilateral U.S.-China relationships, I implore you to secure commitments from President Xi to release these Americans immediately," Cardin wrote.

According to Reuters, a State Department spokesperson has noted that it continually raises wrongfully detained U.S. nationals during engagements with senior Chinese officials.

China says such cases are handled according to law.

Swidan, a Texas businessman, was arrested on drug-related charges in Guangdong Province in 2012 on his first trip to China.

In 2013, the Jiangmen Intermediate People's Court in southern Guangdong convicted him of manufacturing and trafficking drugs.

In 2019, it handed down a death sentence with a two-year suspension. Under Chinese law, this means the sentence can be commuted to life imprisonment after two years, depending on the convict's behavior.

This year, his appeal was denied, and the original sentence was upheld.

The U.S. Embassy in China said in a statement, "We are disappointed by this decision and will continue to press for his immediate release and return to the United States."

The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention of the United Nations Human Rights Council also characterized Swidan's detention as illegal and called on Chinese authorities to immediately release him and provide compensation.

"It is 11 years this month since Mark was detained," Swidan's mother, Katherine Flint Swidan, 73, told VOA Mandarin. She said Biden must bring up those wrongfully detained in China when he meets Xi because "they are pawns."

She told VOA Mandarin that the Chinese government has denied visitation requests from the U.S. consulate since September, and Beijing was transferring her son to Dongguan Prison, near the border with Hong Kong.

She last heard her son's voice during a call in 2018 and since then has communicated by letter.

In one, Swidan described dislocated knees, fluid accumulation in his legs and constant bleeding in his mouth.

She said Nicholas Burns, the U.S. ambassador to China, told her in August after visiting Swidan that he was in poor health and had suicidal tendencies.

Katherine Swidan lives in a small apartment in Luling, Texas, about 76 kilometers south of Austin. She needs a walker and relies on Social Security benefits to make ends meet.

She worries she may never see her son again and that he may never leave China safely.

Katherine Swidan said she spoke to Burns over the weekend, according to Reuters. She described the conversation as "disappointing" because the ambassador would not say whether Biden would raise her son's name with Xi.

The U.S. Embassy in China has not provided updated information to VOA's inquiries.

Kai Li's son, Harrison Li, sent a letter to Biden last week, saying, "I'm following up now on my letters to you dated April 8, 2022, and June 15, 2022, to urge you to earn my father's release in advance of your anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco later this month."

Harrison Li told VOA Mandarin, "The detainee issue is the type of small but important thorn in the bilateral relationship that can and should actually be resolved through dialogue. Our government has an obligation to take advantage of the current apparent warming in U.S.-China relations to move progress forward on these longstanding detainee cases."

Chinese authorities arrested Kai Li at the Shanghai airport in 2016. Two years later, he was convicted of espionage charges, which he denies, and sentenced to 10 years in Shanghai's Qingpu Prison, where many foreigners are incarcerated.

A former fellow prisoner, released from the institution housing Kai Li, told VOA Mandarin in September that Kai Li was sometimes called on by prison staff to help them communicate with foreign prisoners who spoke English.

The former prisoner asked not to be identified because he is afraid of retaliation by Chinese authorities.

He said Kai Li translated when prisoners were taken to the hospital and also managed the prison library. He added that Kai Li also often spoke of his son Harrison and was proud of Harrison for constantly speaking up about his case.

David Lin, a pastor from Orange County, California, was arrested in 2006, then convicted and sentenced to life on what the U.S. government says were bogus charges of contract fraud. A year ago, before the Biden-Xi meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, Chinese authorities reduced Lin's sentence to 24 years, meaning he will be 75 when freed in 2030.

According to ChinaAid, Lin was detained in 2006 for helping a house church to build a church building, something that is illegal in China.

"Subsequently, authorities restricted him from leaving the country. He was arrested in 2009 on suspicion of 'contract fraud.'"

Lin was sentenced to life in prison on the charge later that year.

Peter Humphrey, a British journalist turned consultant, was detained with his wife in 2013. They were found guilty of illegally obtaining information on Chinese citizens. Humphrey was sentenced to two and a half years in prison.

His wife was sentenced to two years. Both were released early in June 2015 for health reasons.

He now helps foreigners imprisoned by the Chinese government and campaigns for their release.

He believes there are more than three Americans wrongfully incarcerated by China.

Humphrey told VOA Mandarin, "The ordeals of the many Americans held in Xi's jails should be high on the agenda for Biden's meeting with Xi if Biden cares at all about wrongfully incarcerated American citizens. That means all American prisoners and not just a tiny select handful."

"Not a single one of them has had a fair and transparent trial in front of an impartial judge because the Chinese legal and judicial system does not provide any such thing," he said.

He suggested Biden hand over a list of all American citizens incarcerated in China, demand a mass prison transfer swap agreement to bring them home to an American facility, and then review their cases, none of which "would survive the scrutiny of an American court."

Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report.

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N Korea slams G7, signals nuclear program to continue

The group 'exacerbated the current international crisis,' says the North's foreign ministry official.

By Lee Jeong-Ho for RFA 2023.11.13 -- 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 Korea's 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 Pyongyang's illegal nuclear program in a joint statement last week. The ministers, gathered in Tokyo, also denounced North Korea's ammunition supply to Russia, stating that it clearly violates United Nations Security Council resolutions.

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 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 G7's 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 regime's security. The defense ministers of the U.S. and South Korea agreed on Monday to enhance their alliance's 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.

Pyongyang's 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 West's 'hostility.'

Such a launch would contravene U.N. 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 1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content 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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North Korea Blasts G7 Bloc as Cold War Relic That 'Should Be Dismantled Immediately'

Sputnik News

20231114

Ilya Tsukanov

The comments come in the wake of last week's G7 foreign ministers' statement "strongly condemning" the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's nuclear and missile programs, and demanding the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula." Pyongyang has rejected such demands, citing the threat posed to the region by the US and its allies.

North Korea's 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.

Characterizing the G7 as a bloc representing "only a few countries' interests," Jo stressed that it has "lost the justification for its existence," and is a "legacy of the Cold War" that "should be dismantled immediately" as a "first step toward defusing the present international crisis and restoring global peace."

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."

"Even at this moment, the US 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 undermine peace and stability in the European region. In the Middle East, it is conniving at and fanning up indiscriminate military strikes in Gaza Strip while zealously shielding Israel's hideous massacre of civilians as 'the right of defense'," Jo said.

"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 US's 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 Britain's 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.

"All facts go to clearly prove that [the] 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," Jo said, adding that the G7 is "the main stumbling block to the establishment of a just international order."

North Korea's 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.

The Group of Seven emerged during the Cold War, with the first summit of the G6 countries taking place in 1975 (Canada would join the bloc a year later). The European Economic Community - predecessor to the European Union, was invited to join all future summits in 1977 as a non-enumerated member. Russia was invited into the G7 in 1998 as a sweetener to encourage the Yeltsin government to continue its market reforms and surrender Moscow's strategic interests to the West, but had little power to sway bloc policy. Russia was suspended from the G8 at the start of the Ukrainian crisis in 2014, and announced its permanent withdrawal in January 2017.

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 world's total GDP, compared to 37 percent for the BRICS.

North Korean media have hailed the rise of BRICS, characterizing the Global South country-led bloc's growing power as a factor that will speed up the end of the domination of the US dollar in global trade.

A Sputnik

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Inter-sector Talks between Governments of DPRK and Russia Held

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, November 15 (KCNA) -- Inter-sector talks between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation for the 10th meeting of the Committee for Cooperation in Trade, Economy, Science and Technology are being held.

The talks attended by working officials of both sides seriously discuss the practical issues of realizing cooperation in various fields to be reflected in the protocol of the meeting. -0-

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Russian Government Delegation Here

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, November 15 (KCNA) -- A Russian government delegation arrived here on Tuesday to take part in the 10th meeting of the Committee for Cooperation in Trade, Economy, Science and Technology between the governments of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation.

The delegation headed by Alexandr Kozlov, minister of Natural Resources and Ecology who is chairman of the Russian side to the DPRK-Russia Inter-governmental Committee for Cooperation in Trade, Economy, Science and Technology, consists of Oleg Matytsin, minister of Sports, officials concerned and other entourage members.

The flags of the DPRK and the Russian Federation were fluttering at the flagstaffs of Pyongyang International Airport.

The delegation was warmly greeted by Yun Jong Ho, minister of External Economic Relations who is chairman of the DPRK side to the DPRK-Russia Inter-governmental Committee for Cooperation in Trade, Economy, Science and Technology, Im Chon Il, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, and officials concerned of the DPRK and Charge d'Affaires ad Interim Vladimir Topeha and staff members of the Russian embassy here.

A woman worker presented a bouquet to Alexandr Kozlov. -0-

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China wants all Israel's nuclear sites to be placed under IAEA safeguards

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 14 November 2023 2:27 PM

China has denounced as "extremely irresponsible and disturbing" an Israeli minister's statement that a nuclear bomb on the besieged Gaza Strip was an option, stressing that all Israel's nuclear sites must be placed under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards.

China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Geng Shuang, made the remarks during his speech at the fourth session of the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) on Monday.

He urged Israeli officials to retract such statements, calling on Israel "to accede to the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons" as a non-nuclear weapon entity as soon as possible and to place all its nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards.

Geng went on to say that China was "shocked" by statements that came from Israeli officials on the use of nukes on Gaza, saying such "extremely irresponsible and disturbing" remarks should be universally condemned.

The Chinese official further noted, "Nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction have been a major factor causing a trust deficit in the Middle East, undermining regional peace and stability."

He also stated that China is ready to join other countries "to inject new impetus" to establishing a nuclear weapons-free zone in the Middle East.

Such a move "will help curb the proliferation of WMDs, safeguard the authority and effectiveness of 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 emphasized.

Last week, Israel's heritage minister Amichai Eliyahu sparked a controversy after floating the idea of using nuclear weapons against the Gaza Strip.

He made the suggestion in an interview with an Israeli radio channel, as the occupying regime continues it deadly bombing campaign against the besieged territory.

Israel waged the war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas carried out the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm into the occupied territories in response to the occupying regime's intensified crimes against the Palestinian people.

According to the Gaza-based health ministry, at least 11,255 Palestinians have been killed in the strikes, most of them women and children.

A number of other countries also condemned the Israeli minister's statement at the UN conference, calling it a threat to the world.

Oman's UN Ambassador Mohamed al-Hassan 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," calling on the UN Security Council and the IAEA to take decisive action on the matter.

Lebanon's Charge d'Affaires Hadi Hachem also condemned the Israeli minister's 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 also urged Israel to stop "such rhetoric or posturing" and join the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty as a non-nuclear weapon entity.

UN disarmament chief Izumi Nakamitsu also stated, "Any threat to use nuclear weapons is inadmissible," without mentioning Israel, reiterating the "urgency of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction."

Russia's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov said given the new escalation of violence in the Middle East, a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region "is more pertinent than ever."

However, he said, Moscow is "extremely uncomfortable" that the promise to establish a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Mideast has not been met after almost 30 years.

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Iran warns against grave threat posed by nuclear-armed Israel to region

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 14 November 2023 7:31 AM

Iran's permanent representative to the United Nations has warned against the threat posed by Israel to regional stability as the illegitimate regime maintains a policy of deliberate ambiguity regarding its nuclear weapons.

Speaking at the fourth session of the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs), Amir Saeid Iravani said that the occupying regime's nuclear arsenal has sparked "real and widespread concerns" about proliferation.

"Recent nuclear threats by the Israeli regime's high-ranking officials against Iran and Palestine highlight the danger posed by these weapons at the hands of such an illegitimate regime," he added, referring to remarks by Israel's so-called heritage minister Amichai Eliyahu, who said that dropping a nuclear weapon on Gaza was "one of the possibilities" in the ongoing war on the besieged enclave.

Iravani also emphasized that creating a Middle East free of WMDs at the current critical juncture is a fundamental step toward a more secure future.

"In light of recent atrocities in the Middle East, we express our urgent concerns about Israel's policy of nuclear ambiguity and its potential use of WMDs in the conflict in Gaza or elsewhere," the Iranian ambassador said.

"The secrecy of Israel's nuclear capabilities poses a significant threat to regional stability and underlines the need for immediate action.

He further urged the international community to consider Israel's threats as a clear wake-up call, noting that the usurping entity's terrorist acts and sabotage against civilian nuclear programs require immediate intervention by international bodies such as the UN Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Israel is estimated to possess 200 to 400 nuclear warheads in its arsenal, making it the sole possessor of non-conventional arms in West Asia.

It has refused to either allow inspections of its nuclear facilities or sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

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Japan to expand security assistance framework to Vietnam, Djibouti, sparking concerns

Global Times

By GT staff reporters Published: Nov 14, 2023 10:32 PM

Japan is considering providing defense equipment to Vietnam and Djibouti under a new security assistance framework after a similar move with the Philippines, Japanese media outlet NHK reported on Monday. This new framework of cooperation clearly targets China, but it will very likely end up as wishful thinking, experts noted on Tuesday.

Through the Official Security Assistance (OSA) framework, Japan earlier agreed with the Philippines that Tokyo will provide Manila with surveillance radar systems. Vietnam and Djibouti are the next candidates to receive OSA from Japan during the fiscal year that begins in April 2024, according to NHK.

The OSA framework, officially implemented in April this year, is different from the Official Development Assistance (ODA) previously provided by Japan to developing countries for non-military purposes only. Although Japan claimed that the new framework is designed to provide defense equipment to "Japan's like-minded countries" as a way to "deepen security cooperation," its actions do not adhere to its claims.

The selection of candidates such as the Philippines and Vietnam in the South China Sea reveal Japan's real ambition - creating security threats against China, analysts noted.

In recent years, especially since current Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida took office, Japan has been determined to antagonize China, LA Chao, director of the Institute of US and East Asian Studies under Liaoning University, told the Global Times on Tuesday. "It is guided by the active promotion of the US' so-called Indo-Pacific Strategy, and was boosted after the Camp David summit between the US, Japan, and South Korea."

LA said "China is clearly targeted as an enemy country in the framework."

The Japanese government has included 2 billion yen ($13 million) for the OSA framework in the budget for the fiscal year 2023, designating the Philippines, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Fiji as candidate countries for implementation. The budget request for the fiscal year 2024 also includes 2.1 billion yen for the OSA.

"As China's relationships with ASEAN countries have developed rapidly in recent years, Japan stepped up looking for various excuses to create troubles for China," the expert noted. "But the plan is likely to end up as wishful thinking, as these small favors will not necessarily change the basic friendly relationship between these countries and China."

The countries involved will come to their own judgments, he said, mentioning that Japan's recent dumping of nuclear-contaminated wastewater has also sparked widespread opposition from Pacific countries, which will also affect cooperation between them and Japan.

The implementation of the OSA framework is another attempt from Japan to break through the restrictions on arms exports, and another manifestation of Japan's push for military normalization by breaking "Article 9 of the Constitution," observers noted.

"Japan wants to use the military power of the US to achieve its goal of becoming the dominant power in East Asia," LA warned. "Japan's military expenditure has far exceeded the so-called defense scope and is continuously expanding, to which Asia-Pacific region should be vigilant about."

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Convicted Former Kazakh Security Chief Masimov Faces New Charges

By RFE/RL November 14, 2023

The imprisoned former chief of Kazakhstan's National Security Committee (KNB), Karim Masimov, has been handed new charges of money laundering and taking a bribe.

The KNB's press service said on November 14 that Masimov was currently in a pretrial detention center in Astana, the capital, awaiting trial on the new charges. No details on the charges were provided.

Masimov, once a close ally of the former President Nursultan Nazarbaev, is already headed for prison after he was sentenced to 18 years in April over his role in deadly events that followed unprecedented anti-government protests in the former Soviet republic in January 2022.

His deputies, Anuar Sadyqulov and Daulet Erghozhin, were sentenced to 16 years and 15 years in prison in that case. A court in Astana found all three men guilty of high treason, attempting to seize power by force, and abuse of office and power.

Another former deputy of Masimov, Marat Osipov, was sentenced to three years in prison on a charge of abuse of office at the same trial.

The 58-year-old Masimov was arrested days after the protests turned into mass unrest, leaving at least 238 people -- including 19 law enforcement officers -- dead.

Masimov's first deputy, Samat Abish, a nephew of Nazarbaev, was dismissed but did not face any charges.

The protests began in the southwestern town of Zhanaozen in January 2022 over a sudden fuel-price hike. But the demonstrations quickly grew into broader unrest against corruption, political stagnation, and widespread injustice.

Much of the protesters' anger appeared directed at Nazarbaev, who ruled Kazakhstan from 1989 until March 2019, when he handed power to Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev. However, Nazarbaev was widely believed to remain in control behind the scenes.

The protests were violently dispersed by police and military personnel, including troops of the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization that Toqaev invited into the country claiming that "20,000 extremists who were trained in terrorist camps abroad" attacked Almaty.

The authorities have provided no evidence to back Toqaev's claim about foreign terrorists.

With reporting by Tenrginews, Kazinform, and KazTAG

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kazakhstan-masimov- knb-charges/32684356.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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Another junta battalion surrenders to rebels in Myanmar's Shan state

More than 120 troops laid down their arms - the second battalion in the area to surrender since Oct. 30.

By Soe San Aung for RFA Burmese 2023.11.14 -- A light infantry battalion with more than 120 troops surrendered to ethnic rebels - the second time in two weeks that a battalion belonging to Myanmar's military junta has laid down arms to rebel forces in northern Shan state.

The entire Light Infantry Battalion 129, including its commander and 134 family members, surrendered on Sunday to the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance, a spokesman for the rebel group told Radio Free Asia.

"We welcome the soldiers who have surrendered to us," MNDAA spokesman Li Kyarwen said. "We are also safeguarding them. The injured persons are getting medical treatment. We have safely transported them to their expected destination."

Each of the junta soldiers was awarded 1 million kyat (US$476) while one family member was given an additional 100,000 kyat (US$47), Li Kyarwen said.

The junta battalion was based near the border with China in Laukkaing, one of about a half dozen areas in Shan state targeted during a coordinated military offensive launched last month by an alliance of three ethnic armies.

Reports show that the Three Brotherhood Alliance - made up of the MNDAA and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army in Shan state and the Arakan Army in Rakhine state - has taken some 150 military camps in battles throughout Shan state, causing alarm among top military brass.

On Oct. 30, all 41 members of Light Infantry Battalion 143, including a deputy commander and two company commanders, surrendered to the MNDAA in Shan's Kunlong township.

Junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said last week that the alliance's Operation 1027 - named for the date that the offensive began - could "break the country into pieces" if left unchecked.

RFA attempted to contact a spokesman for the military junta for comment on the latest battalion surrender, but phone calls went unanswered on Tuesday.

No reinforcements

On Sunday, the junta declared martial law in eight townships in Shan state, including Laukkaing.

But troops in the region haven't received military reinforcements recently, which must have been a contributing factor in the battalion's choice to give up, said Than Soe Naing, a military and political observer.

"They didn't think that it was worthy for them to sacrifice the lives of more than 200 people, including soldiers and their families," he said. "In this helpless situation, they made the decision to surrender."

That was the right decision for commanders to make, said Captain Lin Htet Aung, a former military officer who joined the non-violent Civil Disobedience Movement, or CDM, in opposition to the junta.

"We have seen considerable losses to the military in recent battles, and we haven't heard the military express condolences or offer encouragement," he said. "So, junta soldiers should think about whether they should sacrifice their lives to protect these leaders."

Junta forces also suffered a loss during fighting on Monday near the Indian border in western Myanmar's Chin state. More than 40 junta soldiers fled across the border and were later handed back to Myanmar authorities by Indian forces.

Additionally, fighting between the Arakan Army and junta troops in Rakhine state has intensified in recent days. And in northeastern Myanmar, Karenni Nationalities Defense Force targeted junta bases in Loikaw University and a prison in the capital of Kayah state on Saturday.

Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content 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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Arakan Army attacks junta, ending year-long ceasefire in Rakhine state

The attacks coincide with Operation 1027 attacks elsewhere in the country.

By RFA Burmese 2023.11.14 -- The Arakan Army has attacked the Myanmar junta's 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 Army's 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.

Monday's 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 military's 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.

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 Monday's attack. Hla Thein, a spokesperson of the junta-aligned Rakhine state government, also didn't 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.

Monday's attacks will result in a resumption of conflict in Rakhine, Richard Horsey, the International Crisis Group's 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 Ta'ang 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 Ta'ang 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.

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 Karenni army attempts capture of Kayah capital

The group attacked a university and prison where junta troops were stationed.

By RFA Burmese 2023.11.14 -- Locals are fleeing a days-long conflict in northeastern Myanmar after Karenni forces attempted to capture a major city, residents said. The Karenni Nationalities Defense Force targeted junta bases in Loikaw University and a prison in the capital of Kayah state on Saturday.

In the following days, the junta army retaliated with airstrikes and shelling, killing 20 civilians, according to the Karenni Human Rights Group. The attacks killed six women and 14 men, including one child.

Junta troops stationed at the university were frequently raiding nearby villages and shelling them with heavy artillery, said Khun Bedu, chairman of Karenni Nationalities Defense Force. The group attacked the prison to free those who had been imprisoned after the military coup.

"The fighting broke out around the prison. Our platoon commanders surrounded Loikaw Prison, but our forces did not break out and seize the prison," he told Radio Free Asia. The junta's air force prevented the group from freeing any prisoners, he said.

Regime spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun released a statement saying the attack on Loikaw University was a "barbaric act," but did not comment on the junta's use of airstrikes near the prison or the killings.

Zaw Min Tun said Karenni troops attacked Loikaw University and attempted to take the teachers hostage, according to a pro-junta newspaper.

Khun Bedu denied these accusations, saying the attack was carried out because the army was stationed there and that teachers were relocated by Karenni troops during the fighting.

Neither party disclosed more information on relocated teachers. Loikaw University has been closed since the fighting erupted in the Htay Ngha Hlar neighborhood on Saturday, locals reported.

Two Loikaw neighborhoods, Daw Eu Khu and Naung Yar, were affected by the fighting. Until Tuesday morning, city gates were blocked by the military junta, one resident reported.

"The shooting went on all last night and again early this morning. Some neighborhoods in the city [Loikaw] are not accessible anymore," he said, declining to be named for security reasons. "We cannot get in and out at all in the neighborhoods where there is shooting. The military council does not allow anyone to leave Loikaw city, and it is completely closed."

Some areas in Loikaw are currently under the control of Karenni forces, and the junta is retaliating both on the ground and in the air, said Khun Bedu. On Saturday, Karenni forces launched Operation-1111 in Kayah state in response to northern allies' Operation 1027, during which revolutionary groups won control of three major cities in Shan state.

Since the first day of the military campaign, Karenni revolutionary groups have controlled the areas between Demoso and Moebye in the southern part of Shan state.

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

Transcript

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Joint Press Conference with Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense Shin Won-Sik Following the U.S.-ROK Security Consultative Meeting, in Seoul, South Korea

Lloyd J. Austin, Secretary of Defense; Shin Won-sik, South Korean Defense Minister

STAFF: We will now begin the joint press briefing of the 55th Security Consultative Meeting. First, Mr. Shin with his opening remarks.

MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENSE SHIN WON-SIK (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Good afternoon. This is the minister of national defense, Shin Won-sik.

We are in the face of a grave international security situation today. While the North Korean nuclear missile threats are advanced by the day, the armed conflict between Israel and Hamas is intensifying and the war in Ukraine is prolonging.

Amid such circumstances, the fact that Secretary Austin and I are closely cooperating for three days through(inaudible) defense ministerial meeting with Japan yesterday, the 55th Security Consultative Meeting today and (inaudible) defense ministerial meeting tomorrow clearly displays to the world that the ROK-U.S. alliance that's celebrating its 78th anniversary this year is making both qualitative and quantitative leaps forward for peace and stability and prosperity of not only the Korean Peninsula, but the world.

During the 55th Security Consultative Meeting, which is the core of the three-day course of our schedules, Secretary Austin and I affirm the robustness of the ROK-U.S. alliance and the strength of the combined defense posture. At the same time, we also materialized agreements of the defense sector, developed the alliance into a global comprehensive strategic alliance.

North Korea continues to advance its nuclear and missile capability. It's 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-U.S. combined defense posture to deter and respond to such threats by North Korea.

As part of the commitment, the Republic of Korea and the United States conducted the largest-scale Combined Joint Live-Fire (inaudible) training in history this year, and will expand the scale and level of combined exercises and field training exercises, thereby establishing a formidable, combined defense posture that can punish North Korea immediately, powerfully and until the end, when it provokes.

Additionally, Secretary Austin reiterated current U.S. commitment to the provision of extended deterrence to the Republic of Korea, utilizing a full range of U.S. defense capabilities. Along with the observation of ICBM test launch on Vandenberg Space Force Base by the alliance officials, the increase in frequency and intensity of U.S. strategic asset deployment, including the first visit of a U.S. ballistic missile submarine to Korea in 40 years and the first-ever landing of B-52H strategic bombers in the Korean Peninsula demonstrated the U.S. commitment to the defense of ROK, as well as its will and capability to implement the commitment.

The ROK-U.S. alliance now, based on the Washington regulation announced by the presidents the Republic of Korea and the United States will jointly plan and execute the ROK's conventional support to the U.S. nuclear operations. The extended deterrence will evolve into one that is executed together by the ROK and the U.S.

Secretary Austin and I noted that we can never accept any nuclear attack by North Korea, and if it does use nuclear weapons, North Korea will face immediate, overwhelming and decisive response from the Republic of Korea and the United States which will lead to the end of the Kim regime.

Secretary Austin and I share the sentiment that the ROK-U.S. alliance is playing a pivotal role for the free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific, and that the Republic of Korea and the United States will generate the effects of synergy by closely cooperating in the process of implementing their respective Indo-Pacific strategies.

In particular, we concur on the importance of strengthening bilateral security cooperation among the Republic of Korea, the United States and Japan and peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region, and pledge to firmly continue the momentum of security cooperation created by the agreements made at Camp David in August.

As discussed in the trilateral defense ministerial meeting with Japan this week, Secretary Austin and I emphasized the importance of deepening the trilateral security cooperation in both quality and quantity by operationalizing the ROK-U.S.-Japan real-time missile warning data sharing system to jointly respond to North Korean nuclear and missile threats and conducting systematic exercises by establishing multi-year trilateral exercise planning.

Secretary Austin and I assess that the United Nations Command has successfully fulfilled its role of implementing, managing, and executing the Armistice Agreement, to deterring North Korean aggression and coordinating multilateral contribution for security on the Korean Peninsula.

Secretary Austin and I will participate together in the first-ever ROK-U.S.-UNC members-based defense ministerial meeting hosted in Seoul tomorrow. We will seek for options to expand combined exercises among the Republic of Korea and UNC member states and strengthen interoperability in order to enlarge the USC contribution to security on the Korean Peninsula. We will also exchange our opinions of expanding the scope of UNC by promoting the inclusion of like-minded countries of the Republic of Korea and the United States to the United Nations Command based on the principles and resolve of the U.N. Charter.

During the meeting, Secretary Austin and I endorsed the defense vision of the ROK-U.S. alliance, a blueprint preparing the future 100 years of the alliance beyond the past 70 years. The defense vision of the ROK-U.S. alliance is a blueprint for the realization of the will the two countries' presidents that the alliance, as a global comprehensive strategic alliance, will stride forward to the future further expanding its depth and scope.

Going forward, the Republic of Korea and the United States will evolve into an out -- an alliance of size and technology based on the defense mission by applying cutting-edge science and technology in the areas of space, quantum, cybersecurity and A.I. to the defense sector, security supply chain resilience and pursuing interoperability, as well as (inaudible).

For the past 70 years, the ROK-U.S. alliance has developed into the lynchpin of peace, stability and prosperity of not only the Korean Peninsula, but the world, and one of the strongest alliance in history.

Secretary Austin and I are certain that the 55th Security Consultative Meeting has reaffirmed the ironclad ROK-U.S. alliance as well as the strong combined defense posture and served as a cornerstone in which the alliance can develop into the global comprehensive strategic alliance. I promise the people of both countries by going forward as well, I will closely cooperate with Secretary Austin so that the alliance can deter and respond to North Korean threats based on the robust combined defense posture and become the lynchpin of peace and stability for the world beyond the Korean Peninsula. Thank you.

STAFF (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Now, Secretary Austin with his opening remarks.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LLOYD J. AUSTIN III: Well, good afternoon, everyone. Let me again thank Minister Shin for hosting the 55th Security Consultative Meeting. It's always great to be back in Seoul, and I'm especially honored to be here during the 70th anniversary of our alliance.

For seven decades, this alliance has been an anchor of peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and across the broader Indo-Pacific. We're about to conclude an historic year for the United States and for the Republic of Korea, and I'm proud to say that our alliance is stronger than ever. And our deterrence commitment to the ROK remains ironclad. That includes the full range of our nuclear, conventional and missile defense capabilities.

And today, during the Security Consultative Meeting, Minister Shin and I discussed shared opportunities to strengthen the alliance ever further. We discussed continued destabilizing actions by the DPRK that threaten our regional security environment, as well as PRC and Russian activities that undermine the rules-based international order.

Minister Shin and I also had the opportunity to review the strong progress that we've made in advancing the ambitious -- ambitious agenda that our presidents charted in April during the ROK State Visit to the United States.

We have deployed a number of strategic assets to the ROK, including a port visit in July to Pusan by a ballistic nuclear submarine. This was the first such port visit to the ROK in more than 40 years.

Last month, we also had a B-52 bomber land on the Korean Peninsula for the first time this century. Now, that's a milestone for our deterrence efforts. And through our regular combined exercises, we are continuing to strengthen our shared readiness in our ability to fight tonight if necessary.

And as you heard Minister Shin say earlier, we had a great trilateral teleconference yesterday with Japan's new minister of defense. And our three democracies will continue to work together to ensure stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

Minister Shin, we're doing more than ever to strengthen our alliance. So thanks again for your outstanding hospitality and your leadership.

And we'll be glad to take some questions.

STAFF: At this time, we'll receive questions from the media. Please raise your hand to be called for a question. And once you're called, please say your name and your association (inaudible).

Q: Secretary Austin, according to the joint statement you and Mr. Shin exchanged opinions about the 2018 inter-Korean Military Agreement, and I was wondering whether (inaudible) in Washington are on the same page over the issue. Do you think (inaudible) affect ROK-U.S. combined defense posture, and it should be reconsidered to better counter those planned provocations using similar tactics to Hamas's surprise attacks on Israel, or is it an effective mechanism that prevents potential clashes near the border?

Q: Question rererred to Minister Shin. The series FCM had included a discussion of revising the Tailored Deterrence Strategy with TDS, and also methods to improve the execution capability of the extended deterrence was also discussed. How are the discussions that occurred something different from other ones that happened in the past, and also given that the Republic of Korea is relying on -- on the U.S.'s nuclear capability to defend itself, does this cause any concerns regarding the security of the -- of the Republic of Korea? And is this enough to deter nuclear threats caused by North Korea? And if there are, what are some improvement measures that can be taken?

SEC. AUSTIN: So the first part of your question, I believe, was in -- was regarding the CMA. We have an opportunity to exchange views on -- on this. And we agreed to stay in close consultation going forward.

MIN. SHIN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): The question was regarding the revision of Tailored Deterrence Strategy and how it differs from the past? Tailored Deterrence Strategy was first established 10 years ago, and 10 -- the biggest difference would be that throughout the 10 years, North Korea has greatly advanced its nuclear capability, and the second difference would be that there were outcomes of the Washington Declaration which led to the launch -- launching of Nuclear Consultative Group, or NCG.

And therefore -- and therefore, by utilizing these agreements, we have now included the U.S. nuclear forces, which were exempted in the past. Currently we have included these into the consultation between the Republic of Korea and the United States.

And it's significant that that item is now in the range of discussion between the two countries. In the past, Tailored Deterrence Strategy used to be an item based on our concepts. However, this year, we have made the improvements, and throughout the year, we have made the improvements so that the Republic of Korea and the United States are now at a stage where we can jointly plan and execute combined exercises as well.

Additionally, another question was on whether the Republic of Korea's security is currently developed to the point where it is -- where the efforts are sufficient, or if the efforts are sufficient enough to protect the security of the Republic of Korea.

For this, I'd like to say that the Republic of Korea and the United States are continuously developing the extended deterrence, and by doing so, we are sending a message to North Korea and other countries that could possibly assist North Korea, and that is -- North Korea's attempt to draw a wedge between the ROK-U.S. alliance is a fruit -- is a fruitless and useless effort.

And also, additionally, we are also sending a message that through -- excuse me -- and also it's very significant that we are developing the consultation at a strategic level as well. And therefore, that we are overall -- it causes a this brings about the positive effect to the security of the Republic of Korea.

And also, we are improving (inaudible) into both -- on -- in all aspects, including policy at a strategic level and also operational aspect as well. Thereby, we are strengthening the deterrence that our -- our country has.

Q: Thank you very much. My name is Ryo Nakamura, Japan's Nikkei Asia. Two questions. First, to the -- Secretary Austin, U.S., Japan, South Korea have made major progress on (inaudible) defense cooperation. Do you think it is time for the three countries to discuss operational, trilateral operational plan for contingency with North Korea?

And secondly, on China, the -- President Biden is going to meet with President Xi this week to -- to -- to restart the military-to-military talks. And you to (inaudible) to participate in an international conference. Are you planning to meet with the head of the Chinese delegation on the sideline? And do you believe renewed military-to-military talks could stop Chinese unsafe intercepts in the air and (inaudible)?

And to Mr. Minister, U.S. military is now (inaudible) two -- two conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine and also focusing on handling the challenges presented by China. How concerned are you the U.S. could be -- is (inaudible) from handling the threat posed by North Korea moving ahead? Thank you very much.

SEC. AUSTIN: Thanks, Ryo. I lost track of how many questions that was but -- but it appeared to be more than two, so.

For the two questions that you asked of me though, the first one was on the relationship between the ROK, Japan, and the U.S. and whether or not we should be doing combined planning going forward.

Ryo, I could tell you that I'm 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 -- than we have ever seen.

We certainly -- because -- well -- well, an outcome of the summit that was conducted in -- in Washington with our -- our three leaders -- agreed to share data -- and -- and we have made a -- a lot of progress towards that end. In -- in the coming weeks, you'll see us making some announcements here.

We -- you've seen us most recently conduct a combined air exercise, where all three countries flew together, and that's a -- that's really a -- a remarkable accomplishment. And we'll continue to build on that going forward.

The Minister of Defense and I both mentioned our trilateral defense ministers meeting that we just conducted, a very, very good meeting. It's things like that that will enable us to continue to build our relationships and work closer and closer together.

I have to commend the leadership of our three countries for the great example that faced that for other - for, for everyone to follow in terms of meeting and -- and agreeing to work together on pretty significant issues.

Your second question, I think, Ryo, was regarding our opportunity to have mil-to-mil engagements with the Chinese going forward. I don't have anything to announce today and I won't speculate on any outcomes of President Biden's meeting with President Xi, but you've heard me talk about how important this is before. I think, you know, for our countries, we -- we -- we have to make sure that senior military leaders and defense leaders are talking so that we don't allow a competitive relationship to turn and to develop into crisis, and that we can communicate on things that -- that are concerning whenever required. But these -- these talks these needs to -- need -- need to be substantiative. And -- and so we're looking to engage with -- with the PRC mil-to-mil at some point in the future. You've heard me say that a number of times, and -- and I'll continue to say that. I think it's really, really important to be able to -- to manage things and -- and -- and to be able to prevent crises from -- from spiraling out of control.

MIN. SHIN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): And I would provide my answer, and I'd like to say that the Republic of Korea, although there are many conflicts occurring around the world, the Republic of Korea and the United States alliance is the strongest alliance in history, and also in the world. And I'd also like to note that if North Korea provokes war, then that will lead to the end of the Kim regime, and also lead to the -- the prosperity that -- of the (inaudible) democracy of the Republic of Korea. I'd also like to add that the combined service members are maintaining the right (inaudible) posture so they are maintaining the defensive posture.

Q (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): So the question was directed to Minister Shin. One of the characteristics of the Security Consultative Meeting this year is that ROK's defense industrial cooperation has been selected as one of the major agenda. And regarding this, I want to ask what type of conversations were held during the meeting, and also, how the two countries have reaffirmed efforts of both countries during the Security Consultative Meeting regarding the signing of RDP, or reciprocal defense procurement. And I would like to ask when do you predict the signing timing is around, and when do you think it would be? And also, I would like to know what type of defense indus- -- and what -- I would like to ask what -- how this signing strengthens the defense industry cooperation between the two countries and what type of advantage it will bring to the two countries, as well.

MIN. SHIN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): During the meeting, Secretary Austin and I have agreed on signing(inaudible) supply arrangements and also RDP, and as we also agreed to carry our specific cooperations so that we can enhance defense industry cooperation between our two countries

We also agreed to set up a high-level consultation between the two countries in order to strengthen our cooperation in areas such as R&D. And as for the timing of our RDP signing, since we are moving to launch this since we have agreed to sign this agreement, we are going to continue to work together to create a roadmap going forward.

Q: I have questions for Secretary Austin. Regarding the incursion concepts and all the sustainability and steadfastness of the US commitment to (inaudible) deterrence. So first, is it realistic to maintain the current frequency of deployment of US strategic assets, especially on the ongoing (inaudible) in Ukraine and in the Middle East.

And similarly, there were public concerns in South Korea that US commitments to South Korea could be influenced by the outcome of a U.S. presidential election. So, what assurance can the U.S. provide that the current level of extended deterrence commitments, including the frequency and intensity of deployments, US Treasury assets, will continue regardless of U.S. election outcome?

And have any steps been taken to institutionalize the current implementation of extra (inaudible) to insure its long-term vigilance? to political changes in both countries? If not, do the allies have any plans to do so?

STAFF: (UNTRANSLATED)

SEC. AUSTIN: Thank you.

So, for the first part of your question, is it realistic to maintain the current tempo and turning those strategic assets to (inaudible) strategic assets to the region. The answer is yes.

United States has the most powerful military in the world. And having said that, I will also say that everywhere we are, everything that we do we work with allies and partners, that magnifies our strength. And we'll continue to stand with our allies and partners in the face of aggression, and we can walk and chew gum at the same time.

You know, in the Washington Declaration, our presidents agreed to increase the deployment of strategic assets to the region, and we've lived up to that. You've -- you've seen -- we've talked about already the -- the deployment of a ballistic missile submarine, a B-52. There's been a carrier battle group that's -- that's been -- that's visited the peninsula here in the not too distant past and there'll be another carrier battle group that comes soon. So yes, we will continue to do the things that we have promised to do.

I'd also say, in the past 12 months, we've transformed our posture in the region. And so we are more forward deployed and -- and more capable to respond to anything that could -- could -- could happen.

And in addition to that, we have the most strategy-driven budget in the department's history. Our budget is directly linked to our strategy. And as -- as you -- as you would hope that it would be but I can tell you that we have gone through great pains to make sure that that is in fact the case.

And so we're going to continue to make sure that this region has what it needs to do what we and our partners and allies want to do, and that is to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

And in terms of whether or not the -- the next administration will continue to do what we have done, I am absolutely certain that President Biden will continue to do what he's done to date.

STAFF: Final question from Bloomberg?

Q: Thanks very much. Peter from Bloomberg News. Two questions for Secretary Austin. First, Fox is reporting that six to seven Iranian proxy fighters were killed by a U.S. airstrike in eastern Syria. How concerned are you that Iran might use this as a pretext to escalate the war? And then second, what's your assessment for the current threat level of Hezbollah along Israel's northern border?

And then for Minister Shin, did the U.S. and South Korea's help in providing weapons or munitions to Ukraine during the meetings?

Thank you.

STAFF: Could -- could you repeat the first question possibly?

Q: Oh. Can I -- yes, can I take the -- yes, the first question was that Fox News is reporting that six to seven Iranian proxy fighters were killed by a U.S. airstrike in eastern Syria overnight. So how concerned is Secretary Austin that Iran might use this as a pretext to escalate the war?

STAFF: And the second question on Hezbollah?

Q: Yeah, the second question to Secretary Austin was what is your assessment of the current threat level from Hezbollah along Israel's northern border?

SEC. AUSTIN: Thanks, Peter. On the first question, in terms of the strikes, you know, we -- last night, our U.S. forces conducted precision strikes in eastern Syria against two facilities that are used by Iran's IRGC and affiliated groups.

I just want to remind you that these strikes are intended to disrupt and degrade the freedom of action and capabilities of these groups, which are directly responsible for attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria.

And Peter, as you know, we see a number of attacks against our forces here in -- in recent past. And we have said and we will continue to say that we will take all necessary measures to protect our troops. The safety of our troops and our civilians are of utmost importance to the President of the United States and to me. And so we will do what's necessary to protect our troops.

I'd further say, Peter, that these attacks must stop, and if they don't stop, then we won't hesitate to do what's necessary, again, to -- to protect our troops.

Regarding the threat levels from Hezbollah in the north, what we've seen throughout this conflict, throughout this crisis is tit-for-tat exchanges between Lebanese Hezbollah and Israeli forces in the north. So your question as to whether or not they are a threat, they have been a threat and remain a threat, and it's a threat that is not taken lightly by the Israeli Defense Forces. And -- and so this is something that the Israelis, you know, I predict will remain focused on for the foreseeable future.

But again, in terms of the activity that we've seen up there, it's been tit-for-tat exchanges and hard to predict, you know, what -- what -- what will happen going forward, and certainly, no one wants to see another conflict break out in the north on -- on Israel's northern border there in earnest.

MIN. SHIN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): And a separate answer to the second question, the Republic of Korea government has provided support to Ukraine, including humanitarian aid, and the United States has expressed their gratitude to the Republic of Korea for such an aid provided. And going forward as well, the United States also asked for additional support from the Republic of Korea to Ukraine, and to which I responded that we will -- the Republic of Korea will provide to Ukraine continuously.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3587394/

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November 14, 2023

Release

Republic of Korea and United Nations Command Member States Defense Ministerial Meeting Joint Statement

The Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of National Defense Shin Wonsik hosted the "Republic of Korea - United Nations Command Member States Defense Ministerial Meeting" in Seoul on November 14, 2023. Defense ministers and representatives from 17 United Nations Command (UNC)Member States participated, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, TArkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States (U.S.).

The meeting was held at the invitation of the ROK Ministry of National Defense in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Armistice Agreement signed on July 27, 1953. For the first time, defense ministers and representatives from all the UNC Member States and the host nation of the ROK convened in Seoul to discuss matters related to security on the Korean Peninsula.

During the meeting, the defense ministers and representatives discussed the continuing role of the UNC in fulfilling its mandates under United Nations Security Council Resolutions and the 1953 Armistice Agreement.

Furthermore, the leaders reminded the international community that the UNC defended the ROK during the Korean War by successfully integrating many nations together and commanding the combat and support forces voluntarily sent by the United Nations Member States to defend the ROK from armed attacks by the DPRK.

The UNC Member States reaffirmed that the promise and spirit of the 1953 Armistice Agreement continues to be necessary for the protection of peace and democracy on the Korean Peninsula today as it was in the past.

In particular, the defense ministers and representatives recognized the function of all Member States and the host nation of the ROK in managing, implementing, and enforcing the terms of Armistice. They recognized the utility of the Armistice in providing mechanisms for preserving the cessation of hostilities on the Korean Peninsula.

In doing so, the defense ministers and representatives discussed ongoing security challenges. They strongly condemned the DPRK's unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs which violate multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions. The leaders emphasized the important role that the international community plays in ensuring the full implementation of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions relating to the DPRK's UNSCR-prohibited programs, as well as the DPRK's responsibility to cease any unlawful behavior. They also discussed the utility and necessity of dialogue as the path to an enduring peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The UNC Member States declared that 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 the Republic of Korea.

In managing persistent security challenges, the defense ministers and representatives determined to continue increasing mutual exchange and cooperation between the ROK-U.S. Alliance and UNC Member States to inform our combined training and exercises.

ROK Minister of National Defense Shin Wonsik, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Australia Minister of Defense Industry, Thailand Chief of Defense Forces, Philippines Undersecretary for Capability Assessment and Development, ambassadors from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, TArkiye, the United Kingdom, and South Africa political counsellor paid their respects to the noble sacrifice of the UNC Member States' veterans who protected the ROK from armed aggression during the Korean War and fought 'Under One Flag' to restore international peace.

The participating defense ministers and representatives assessed that the UNC has effectively contributed to deterring war on the Korean Peninsula for the past 70 years. They expressed their gratitude to the leadership of Minister Shin for providing the meaningful opportunity to strengthen cooperation and solidarity in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Armistice Agreement.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3587434/

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November 14, 2023

By Joseph Clark , DOD News

Austin Commends U.N. Coalition's Commitment to Peace on Korean Peninsula

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III praised the international alliance committed to securing lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula as United Nations Command member states gathered today for the coalition's inaugural defense ministers' meeting in Seoul, South Korea.

Austin underscored the critical role of the member states in deterring aggression in the face of growing nuclear threats posed by North Korea.

"Seventy years after the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed, your presence here today makes it clear that we all share an interest in maintaining peace and stability on this peninsula," the secretary said during a ceremony kicking off the summit.

"And that's why the United Nations Command is so important," he said. "It helps maintain deterrence by ensuring that we could sustain our forces in theater in the event of a crisis or conflict."

He added that the service members from each of the countries that fill the ranks of the coalition "are standing on the front lines to defend [South Korea] and the rules-based international order."

"The United States is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with you," the secretary said.

The international coalition was formed in 1950 as the international community recognized the urgent need to restore peace and security in the face of North Korean aggression.

More than 20 countries contributed combat forces and medical assistance to the effort, and the international coalition has maintained a lasting presence on the Korean Peninsula under the United Nations flag.

The United Nations Command integrates multinational forces into the larger framework, including the Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea, in place to deter North Korean aggression and respond in the event of a crisis.

"Our work together on the Korean Peninsula sends a powerful message that we stand united in the defense of peace and security," Austin said.

He added that the international commitment to peace remains critical as North Korea continues to threaten regional security.

"[North Korea] continues to develop its nuclear, missile and cyber capabilities," he said. "They threaten not just [South Korea] and the United States but also our allies and partners across the region."

Austin noted growing concern that China and Russia are helping North Korea evade U.N. Security Council sanctions.

He also raised concern over the recent growth in military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, North Korea's capital, to fuel Russia's unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine.

"These activities do not just threaten [South Korea]," he said. "They also erode the rules-based international order that has brought prosperity and peace for the past 70 years."

"So today, we come together to shore up our security for the next 70 years," Austin said. "And our shared commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea and to the peace and stability on this peninsula [that] will remain vital."

The U.N. Command's meeting capped Austin's three-day visit to the South Korean capital. The visit is part of his ninth official visit to the Indo-Pacific, which also includes stops in India and Indonesia.

While in Seoul, Austin held talks with South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik and Japanese Defense Minister Kihara Minoru at the South Korean Ministry of National Defense headquarters.

Those discussions built upon the progress made in deepening the ties between the three countries at the August summit between President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol at Camp David, Maryland.

Austin also participated alongside his South Korean counterpart in the 55th Security Consultative Meeting, an annual capstone event marking the long-standing U.S.-South Korean defense relationship.

This year's meeting built upon President Joe Biden and Yoon's commitment to further bolstering the U.S.-South Korean alliance amid growing nuclear threats posed by North Korea.

During the session, Austin and his South Korean counterpart shared their vision for the future of the alliance, which they recognize as a "staple for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region and a stalwart protector of international norms."

Austin will visit Indonesia for the final leg of his tour through the region.

While there, he will attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Defense Ministerial Meeting-Plus. That includes representation from China, Russia, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand in addition to the 10 ASEAN member states and the U.S. Timor Leste will attend in an observer capacity for the first time.

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Korea - Standard Missile 6 Block I (SM-6 Blk I)

Media/Public Contact: pm-cpa@state.gov

Transmittal No: 23-78

WASHINGTON, November 14, 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea of Standard Missile 6 Block I (SM-6 Blk I) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $650 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of the Republic of Korea has requested to buy up to thirty-eight (38) Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) Block I missiles. Also included are MK 21 Vertical Launch System (VLS) canisters; obsolescence Engineering, Integration, and Test (EI&T) materiel and support; handling equipment; spares; training and training equipment and aids; technical publications and data; U.S. Government and contractor engineering and technical assistance, including related studies and analysis support; product support; materiel and support for demonstration and interoperability live fire events; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total program cost is $650 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region.

The proposed sale will improve the Republic of Korea's capability to meet current and future threats while further enhancing interoperability with the United States and other allies. Korea will have no difficulty absorbing these articles into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be Raytheon Missiles and Defense (RMD), Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of the proposed sale will require U.S. Government and contractor personnel to visit the Republic of Korea on a temporary basis in conjunction with program technical oversight and support requirements, including program and technical reviews, as well as to provide training and maintenance support in country.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.



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Man Convicted In Murder Of Russian Journalist Politkovskaya Pardoned After Fighting In Ukraine

By RFE/RL's Russian Service November 14, 2023

Former Russian police officer Sergei Khadzhikurbanov, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in organizing the 2006 assassination of the prominent journalist Anna Politkovskaya, has received a pardon from President Vladimir Putin after taking part in Moscow's ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Khadzhikurbanov's lawyer, Aleksei Mikhalchik, on November 14 confirmed media reports saying the Defense Ministry had recruited Khadzhikurbanov to join the war in Ukraine in late 2022. Mikhalchik said that after serving six months in Ukraine, his client was pardoned but continues to serve in the Russian armed forces in Ukraine on a contractual basis.

In 2014, the Moscow City Court sentenced Khadzhikurbanov to 20 years in prison on a charge of mediating the organization of the murder of Politkovskaya, a critic of Putin whose dogged reporting exposed high-level corruption in Russia and rights abuses in Chechnya. She was shot dead in her Moscow apartment building on October 7, 2006.

Two natives of Russia's North Caucasus region of Chechnya, Rustam Makhmudov and Lom-Ali Gaitukayev, were subsequently handed life sentences after a jury found Makhmudov guilty of shooting Politkovskaya, while Gaitukayev was convicted of organizing the assassination. Gaitukayev later died in prison.

Another defendant in the case, former Moscow police officer Denis Pavlyuchenkov, was sentenced to 11 years in prison after he confessed to organizing the surveillance of Politkovskaya before she was murdered.

Khadzhikurbanov pleaded not guilty and insisted that the charge against him was based on, what he called, Pavlyuchenkov's "false" testimony.

Politkovskaya's murder occurred on Putin's birthday, prompting speculation that it was meant as a "gift" to the president.

Novaya gazeta issued a statement by its staff and Politkovskaya's children, Ilya Politkovsky and Vera Politkovskaya, calling the clemency handed to Khadzhikurbanov "a fact of a monstrous injustice."

"For us such a "clemency" is not the indication of redemption of guilt and repentance of the murderer. It is a monstrous fact of injustice and lawlessness, desecration of the memory of the person who was killed for her beliefs and professional duties," the statement said.

Russia's policy of freeing violent criminals, including murderers, who serve a tour of duty in Ukraine has outraged many many families of victims. Russia permitted mercenary groups and the Defense Ministry to recruite criminals for the war effort in Ukraine amid a lack of manpower.

In their statement, Politkovskaya's family and Novaya gazeta's editors said they were not informed beforehand about the murderer being pardoned, saying it was typical of the state's dismissive attitude toward the case.

"They [still] do not inform us about their search for other murderers [of Politkovskaya], namely those who ordered the killing. That is because they do not search for them. Because they cover them up," the statement said.

In 2018, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Russia "had failed to take adequate investigatory steps to find the person or persons who had commissioned the murder."

Politkovskaya was born in New York in 1958, the daughter of a Soviet diplomat from Ukraine.

She was the laureate of numerous Russian and international awards including an Amnesty International Global Award for Human Rights Journalism in 2001, a PEN Freedom to Write award in 2002, an Olaf Palme Prize in 2004.

In 2007, she became the first person ever to receive a posthumous UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize.

With reporting by Novaya gazeta

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-politkovskaya- murderer-pardoned-ukraine/32684174.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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Pacific Fleet's detachment of ships complete business call programme and left port of Chittagong (Bangladesh)

14.11.2023

A detachment of warships of the Pacific Fleet comprising the large anti-submarine ships Admiral Tributs, Admiral Panteleyev and the medium sea tanker Pechenga completed the programme of a business call and left the port of Chittagong in the People's Republic of Bangladesh.

The visit of a detachment of Pacific Fleet's ships to Chittagong port, 50 years after the previous visit of Russian naval sailors to Bangladesh, was part of strengthening partnership in the Asia-Pacific region.

The detachment of large anti-submarine ships continues to fulfil tasks in the Asia-Pacific region. The purpose of the long-distance sea voyage is to demonstrate the Russian Navy flag in the region, to develop and strengthen friendly relations with foreign countries, and to popularise the Russian Navy.

Press Service of the Eastern Military District

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44th Universal Periodic Review of human rights: UK statement on Russia

Simon Manley, the UK's Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, delivered a statement during Russia's Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council.

14 November 2023

Thank you, Mr President

Where does one start? Since the last UPR, Russia's repression at home has intensified, enabling its oppression overseas, not least the continuing atrocities in Ukraine, many of which the Commission of Inquiry and OHCHR consider amount to war crimes.

The UK recommends that Russia:

Cease the forcible transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia and within the temporarily Russian-controlled territories of Ukraine; and immediately returns all affected Ukrainian children.

Release all those detained on political grounds, such as Alexei Navalny, or for opposing the war, including Vladimir Kara-Murza.

Repeal legislation that enables its crackdown on anti-war protest, independent media and civil society.

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Russian Convicted Over Journalist Politkovskaya's Killing Pardoned for Fighting in Ukraine

By Liam Scott November 14, 2023

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.

Khadzhikurbanov's 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.

"It's a slap in the face of all journalists in Russia," Said told VOA. "Instead of trying to right the wrong and achieve justice in Politkovskaya's case, [Russian President Vladimir] Putin pardoned one of the perpetrators."

Politkovskaya was best known for her coverage of abuses in Russia's war in Chechnya in the early years of Putin's 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, Politkovskaya's two children Vera and Ilya said they were not notified about Khadzhikurbanov's 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 Russia's 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 Politkovskaya's 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."

Russia's Washington embassy did not immediately reply to VOA's 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 CPJ's magazine Dangerous Assignments, the press freedom group named Politkovskaya as one of the world's 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.

"There is so much more to write about Beslan," she told CPJ, "but it gets more and more difficult when all the journalists who write are forced to leave."

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KMT, TPP set to have second 'party-to-party' talk on Jan. 13 elections

ROC Central News Agency

11/14/2023 03:38 PM

Taipei, Nov. 14 (CNA) The ongoing saga of the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) trying to figure out if they will field a joint ticket in the 2024 presidential race will continue Wednesday when representatives of the two parties meet again.

The meeting will take place at the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation in Taipei, with former President Ma Ying-jeou () of the KMT invited to participate as a witness, according to statements issued by the two parties.

In its statement, the TPP said the attendees will include KMT presidential nominee Hou Yu-ih (), TPP chairman and presidential nominee Ko Wen-je (), and KMT Chairman Eric Chu (), along with Ma.

Due to venue restrictions, reporters will not be allowed to be present during the meeting, but a press conference will be held afterwards, the TPP said.

The meeting was arranged after the two parties agreed to partly determine the order of a joint ticket for the 2024 presidential election through public polls after months of deadlock, as neither the KMT nor Ko seemed interested in playing second fiddle on a presidential ticket.

What remains to be determined is the content and rules of the polling, according to the KMT's Chu.

Ko has advocated relying completely on polls targeted at mobile phone users because of the edge he has with younger voters, while the KMT wants to combine candidate polls with surveys of preferred party because the KMT is far more established than the TPP.

In the first party-to-party meeting on Oct. 30, the KMT and the TPP agreed to collaborate in the elections to maximize the number of seats they will hold in the Legislature and avoid what they called "one-party democratic rule" in Taiwan.

Talk of the KMT and TPP teaming up to take on the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the January 2024 presidential and legislative elections began in September when Ko popped the idea.

Polls have consistently shown the DPP's presidential nominee, Vice President Lai Ching-te (), to be the frontrunner in the race, in part because Hou, Ko, and business tycoon Terry Gou () have split the opposition vote.

Any decision to field a unified ticket has to come in the next 10 days or so because candidates have to formally register for the Jan. 13 presidential election between Nov. 20 and Nov. 24.

(By Chung Yu-chen, Liu Kuan-ting, and Kuo Chien-shen)

Enditem/ls

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War in Ukraine - Military support for Ukraine

Germany - Federal Government

Germany provides support for Ukraine by supplying equipment and weapons, these come from supplies of the Federal Arms Forces and from deliveries from industry financed from the Federal Government's funds for security capacity building. An overview.

Monday, 13 November 2023

This list provides an overview of military assistance provided by the Federal Republic of Germany to Ukraine. It includes deliveries from the Federal Armed Forces, from industry and assistance measures together with partners, which have, inter alia, been financed from Federal Government funds for security capacity building.

Funding for the security capacity building initiative amounts to 5.4 billion Euros for 2023 (after 2 billion Euros for 2022) and additional authorisations to enter commitments in the following years amounting to 10.5 billion Euros. These funds are to be used primarily for military assistance to Ukraine. At the same time, they will be used for re-filling Federal Armed Forces stocks for items delivered to Ukraine as well as for Germany's contributions to the European Peace Facility (EPF), from which costs incurred from providing military assistance to Ukraine can be re-imbursed to EU member states.

Delivered military support to Ukraine:

(Changes compared to the previous update in bold)

Armoured fighting vehicles

30 main battle tanks LEOPARD 1 A5* (before: 20)

60 tracked all-terrain vehicles Bandvagn 206 (BV206)* (before: 46)

5 All Terrain Tracked Carrier Warthog Ambulances

16 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC)*

radio set equipment LEOPARD

60 infantry fighting vehicles MARDER with ammunition (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*)

138 MG3 for LEOPARD 2, MARDER and DACHS

ammunition for LEOPARD 1*

18 LEOPARD 2 A 6 main battle tanks with ammunition (German share in joint project with further LEOPARD 2 operators)

50 MRAP vehicles DINGO

54 M113 armoured personnel carriers each with 2 MG* (systems of Denmark, upgrades financed by Germany)

Spare parts for LEOPARD 2 and MARDER

Air defence

6 air surveillance radar TRML-4D*

3 air defence system IRIS-T SLM*

IRIS-T SLS missiles

49 self-propelled anti-aircraft guns GEPARD *

86,122 rounds ammunitions for self-propelled anti-aircraft guns GEPARD (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*)

PATRIOT missiles

2 IRIS-T SLS launchers*

2 PATRIOT launchers

IRIS-T SLM missiles*

air defence system PATRIOT with spare parts

4,000 rounds practice ammunitions for self-propelled anti-aircraft guns

500 Man Portable Air Defense Systems STINGER

2,700 Man Portable Air Defense Systems STRELA

Artillery

19,530 rounds 155mm ammunition (before: 18,510)

ammunition for multiple rocket launchers MARS II

20,872 rounds 155mm smoke/illuminating ammunition

2 wheeled self-propelled howitzer Zuzana 2* (project jointly financed with Denmark and Norway)

155mm precision guided ammunition* (SMArt, VULCANO)

5 multiple rocket launchers MARS II with ammunition (German share in joint project with USA and Great Britain)

14 self-propelled howitzers Panzerhaubitze 2000 with spare parts (German share in joint project with the Netherlands)

20 rocket launchers 70mm on pick-up trucks with rockets*

counter battery radar system COBRA*

10 laser target designators and portable fire control modules for VULCANO artillery ammunition*

Military Engineering Capabilities

11 mine clearing tanks WISENT 1* (before: 10)

13 bridge-laying tanks BEAVER*

material for explosive ordnance disposal (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*)

11 mine ploughs for T-72*

18 heavy and medium bridge systems and 12 trailers

5 bridges for bridge-laying tank BEAVER

15 armoured recovery vehicles Bergepanzer 2*

2 armoured recovery vehicles Bergepanzer 3

5armoured engineer vehicles DACHS*

3 mobile, remote controlled and protected mine clearing systems*

12 mobile and protected mine clearing systems Ahlmann*

Protective and Special Equipment

142 reconnaissance drones VECTOR* (before: 132)

90,600 safety glasses (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*) (before: 80,600)

46 ground surveillance radars GO12* (before: 32)

233 border protection vehicles* (before: 230)

7 reconnaissance drones Primoco ONE*

2 AMPS self-protection systems for helicopters*

20 unmanned surface vessels*

230 SatCom terminals*

1 PCB printer*

100 reconnaissance drones RQ-35 HEIDRUN*

163 drone detection systems*

239 Crypto Phones*

1 antenna hub station

1 Satcom surveillance system*

49 mobile antenna mast systems*

1,288 binoculars

5 mobile reconnaissance systems SurveilSPIRE*

10 radio jammers*

57 anti-drone sensors and jammers*

40 frequency range extensions for anti-drone devices*

1 communications electronic scanner/jammer systems*

32 reconnaissance drones*

40 laser target designators*

10 anti-drone guns*

28,000 combat helmets

1 radio frequency system

3,000 field telephones with 5.000 cable reels and carrying straps

353 night vision goggles*

12 electronic anti-drone devices*

165 field glasses*

38 laser range finders*

6 mobile decontamination vehicles HEP 70 including decontamination material

10 HMMWV (8x ground radar capability, 2x jamming/anti drone capability)*

1 high frequency unit with equipment*

Logistics

79 truck tractor trains 8x8 HX81 and 74 semi-trailers* (before: 75/70)

216 trucks Zetros* (before: 200)

300 vehicles (trucks, minibuses, all-terrain vehicles) (before: 297)

25 trucks MAN TGS* (before: 12)

40 load-handling trucks 8x8

34 load-handling trucks 15t*

6 load-handling trucks 8x6 with 21 roll of containers*

14 tracked and remote controlled infantry vehicles THeMIS*

179 Pick-ups*

12 tank transporter tractor M1070 Oshkosh*

30 protected vehicles*

Combat Readiness and Survivability

47.1 million rounds of ammunition for fire arms (before: 45.7)

30,000 winter clothing sets

400,000 first aid kits*

27,477 backpacks

3 spare part packages for VECTOR drones

167,415 rounds ammunition 40mm*

1,202 Infusion kits

Spare parts WISENT

47 ambulances*

field hospital*

100 machine guns MG5*

8 dental sterilizers

11,000 group module rations

103,000 tourniquets

500 pistols SFP9*

2 hangar tents*

8 lift trucks*

295 generators

10 winter camouflage nets

168 mobile heating systems*

36,400 wool blankets

14,000 sleeping bags

Mi-24 spare parts*

spare parts for heavy machine gun M2

200 tents

116,000 winter jackets

80,000 winter trousers

240,000 winter hats

405,000 pre-packaged military Meals Ready

67 fridges for medical material*

3,000 anti-tank weapons Panzerfaust 3 with 900 firing devices

14,900 anti-tank mines (9,300* from industry stocks)

50 Bunkerfaust with 15 firing devices

100 machine gun MG3 with 500 spare barrels and breechblocks

100,000 hand grenades

5,300 explosive charges

100,000 m detonating cord and 100.000 detonators

350,000 detonators

100 auto-injector devices

15 palettes military clothing

1,200 hospital beds

18 palettes medical material, 60 surgical lights

protective clothing, surgical masks

1 field hospital (project jointly financed with Estonia)*

medical material (inter alia back packs, compression bandages)

Diesel and gasoline*

10 tons AdBlue*

500 medical gauzes*

MiG-29 spare parts*

7,944 man-portable anti-tank weapons RGW 90 Matador*

Military support to Ukraine in planning/in execution

(due to security concerns, the Federal Government abstains from providing details on transportation modalities and dates until after handover)

Armoured fighting vehicles

5 All Terrain Tracked Vehicles Warthog Ambulances

105 LEOPARD 1 A5 main battle tanks* (project jointly financed with Denmark)

40 infantry fighting vehicles MARDER*

4 tracked all-terrain vehicles Bandvagn 206 (BV206)*

50 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC)*

ammunition for LEOPARD 1*

ammunition for MARDER*

Air defence

1 air defence system PATRIOT with missiles

5 air defence system IRIS-T SLM*

IRIS-T SLM/SLS missiles*

22 launchers IRIS-T SLS*

IRIS-T SLS missiles*

2 air surveillance radars TRML-4D*

3 self-propelled anti-aircraft guns GEPARD*

289,920 rounds of GEPARD ammunition

Artillery

26,480 projectiles 155mm*

18 wheeled self-propelled howitzers RCH 155*

14 wheeled self-propelled howitzer Zuzana 2* (project jointly financed with Denmark and Norway)

Military Engineering Capabilities

material for explosive ordnance disposal*

6 armoured recovery vehicles Bergepanzer 2*

7 mobile, remote controlled and protected mine clearing systems*

13 bridge-laying tanks BEAVER*

2 mobile and protected mine clearing systems Ahlmann*

31 mine clearing tanks WISENT 1*

2 heavy and medium bridge systems*

Protective and Special Equipment

11 reconnaissance drones Primoco ONE*

14 AMPS self-protection systems for helicopters*

30 drone detection systems*

10,000 safety glasses*

10 mobile reconnaissance systems SurveilSPIRE*

283 reconnaissance drones VECTOR*

121 reconnaissance drones*

50 unmanned surface vessels*

10 ground surveillance radars GO12*

2,000 portable light systems*

1 mobile antenna mast systems

267 border protection vehicles*

vehicle decontamination system

11 communications electronic scanner/jammer systems*

Logistics

34 trucks Zetros*

11 tank transporter tractor M1070 Oshkosh*

30 tank trucks (water/fuel)*

1 load-handling trucks 8x6 with 7 roll of containers*

11 heavy duty trailer trucks 8x8 HX81 and 16 semi-trailers*

2 tractors and 4 trailers*

10 protected vehicles*

Combat Readiness and Survivability

8.3 million rounds of ammunition for fire arms

18,000 man-portable anti-tank weapons*

2 dental sterilizers

264,501 rounds ammunition 40mm for grenade launchers*

continuing deliveries of medical material*

100 grenade launchers GMG*

100,000 first aid kits*

1 spare parts kit for Inst Hub SVK

* Deliveries from industry stocks financed by German funds for security capacity building. Some of the deliveries require upgrades or productions is ongoing; also training measures take place.

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Update 193 - IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

International Atomic Energy Agency

130/2023

Vienna, Austria

13 Nov 2023

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts have been informed that 21 natural gas boilers have been installed at the industrial zone nearby Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) as part of measures to provide additional heating during the winter, including for the nearby city of Enerhodar, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said today.

The IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to Zaporizhzhya (ISAMZ) team confirmed that the new gas boilers can provide an extra 57MW of heating. In addition, all nine mobile diesel boilers, located at the ZNPP, have been in operation most days to generate the heating needed as the autumn weather gets colder prior to the onset of winter for the plant and the nearby city of Enerhodar.

The ISAMZ team have learned that the three large capacity diesel boilers located at the Zaporizhzhya Thermal Power Plant (ZTPP) and at the industrial zone are planned to be converted to natural gas within the next month. Additional heating is provided by the ZNPP units 4 and 5 in hot shutdown, which also produce the steam required for nuclear safety and security related activities at the ZNPP, and by over 50 mobile boilers located throughout the city of Enerhodar.

Ukraine's national regulator, the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine (SNRIU), issued regulatory orders in June to limit the operation of all six units of the ZNPP to a cold shutdown state. Units 1, 2, 3 and 6 are currently in cold shutdown.

"With the continuing precarious nuclear safety and security situation at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, the team will monitor closely the efforts taken to prepare for the difficult coldest months of the year," Director General Grossi said. "Our presence remains essential."

During the past week, the new team of IAEA experts who recently crossed the frontline to begin their rotation at the ZNPP heard explosions outside the plant on a near-daily basis, highlighting the dangers posed by an armed conflict in such close proximity to a nuclear power plant.

The team was informed of the maintenance activities being performed in recent days. Pressure testing of unit 3's steam generators - a necessary procedure following the closure of its reactor vessel, which had been left open for over 18 months - was completed successfully and sealing of the steam generators is being performed. The ZNPP informed the IAEA experts today that maintenance is being performed on the primary circuit this week, after which final pressure testing will be conducted on it.

ZNPP also informed the IAEA that maintenance of the number 1 safety train of unit 6 would take place in the near future. ZNPP reactors each have three separate and independent redundant systems - known as safety trains - comprising the units' safety systems, which are normally in stand-by mode ready to activate if needed to maintain safety. Maintenance on the other two safety trains was conducted in October.

During the past week the team was informed that maintenance of the main unit transformers of units 1, 2 and 3 will commence this week, similar to that recently performed on the unit transformers of units 4, 5 and 6.

The IAEA has been concerned that some of the maintenance activities that have been carried out on the safety systems of the reactor units may have been incomplete, warranting additional maintenance to be carried out. This was apparent in July and August after unit 4 was placed in hot shutdown following maintenance on its safety systems. However, after unit 4 was returned to cold shutdown in August due to a water leak in one of the steam generators, further maintenance was also required to clean the heat exchangers of the unit's safety systems.

"As a result of the ongoing conflict, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe's largest nuclear power plant, has not been able to maintain a comprehensive systematic maintenance programme, especially due to the reduction of experienced maintenance staff," Director General Grossi said. "Nuclear safety and security remain at risk the longer the plant has reduced levels of trained and experienced staff. It is not a sustainable situation for Europe's largest nuclear power plant".

The IAEA team at the site continues to perform daily walkdowns. On 7 November, during a visit to the main control room, emergency control room and electrical room of unit 3, the team confirmed the unit's cold shutdown status. A walkdown of the emergency diesel generators of units 1 and 2 was conducted on 8 November and on 10 November, respectively, the IAEA experts also visited the ZNPP cooling pond and cooling towers and confirmed the integrity of the isolation gates.

The Agency continues to stress that it needs access to all six turbine halls to assess safety but again on November 10 the experts at the site were prevented from visiting parts of the turbine hall of unit 1, after receiving similar restricted access to the turbine halls of units 1, 2 and 4 during walkdowns in October.

During walkdowns of the site perimeter on 3 and 5 November, the team did not observe any mines or explosives, including in areas where they had been previously observed.

Outside of the perimeter of the site, the IAEA visited the three large diesel fuel storage tanks at the storage facility. This stored fuel is required to run the 20 emergency diesel generators at the ZNPP for at least 10 days. The storage facility is also being used to supply fuel for the mobile diesel boilers. The team was informed of the amount of fuel in the tanks and observed the filling of trucks taking diesel fuel to the mobile boilers.

Regarding the water used at the site for reactor cooling and other nuclear safety and security functions, the ZNPP confirmed that insulation of the 11 groundwater wells was ongoing. The wells feed approximately 250m3/h of cooling water to the sprinkler ponds for reactor cooling. Insulation works are planned to be completed by the end of November. The IAEA experts were also informed that the power supply for the pumps in the wells is provided by the essential electricity consumer outlets. In case of a loss of off-site power, the IAEA experts were informed that the pumps from the wells can be powered through the two common emergency diesel generators, thus ensuring the availability of cooling water if all off-site power was lost.

The IAEA team at the site learned that the ZNPP emergency exercise is planned to be conducted later in November. The last major exercise at ZNPP was conducted in November 2021, prior to the start of the conflict. Since that time, there has been an unprecedented change in the number of the ZNPP staff which could impede the site's ability to be able to effectively respond to emergency situations. The Agency stresses the need for the ISAMZ team to be permitted to observe the upcoming exercise and to receive the lessons learned from the exercise.

As part of its work at the site, the IAEA continues to gather information on the status and condition of staff. This includes building an understanding of the training and licensing of operating staff at the plant under Russian Federation regulations. The IAEA experts visited the ZNPP training centre on 7 November and gathered more information regarding the number of trainers and their training processes.

In terms of regulatory functions at the site, the IAEA was also informed this past week that Rostekhnadzor, the Russian regulatory body for nuclear and radiation safety, is establishing a more permanent presence at the ZNPP with the arrival at the site of the Head of ZNPP Nuclear and Radiation Safety Inspections. The team was informed that the intent is to provide constant supervision and regulatory control of the nuclear power plant (NPP), in accordance with Russian state laws and to give licenses to the employees.

Separately last week, the IAEA conducted successful rotations of its teams at the Chornobyl site, and the Rivne, Khmelnitsky and South Ukraine NPPs. The teams each reported the safe and secure operations of these nuclear facilities.

The IAEA team at Khmelnitsky NPP observed a plant-wide emergency response exercise on 11 October, noting at the time that the exercise was well planned and implemented and that emergency response arrangements appeared to be effective. During the past week the Agency's experts were informed that the follow-up activities for the exercise were conducted and an action plan has been developed for the identified areas of further improvement, including on- and off-site communication, fire protection, and decontamination.

Additionally, over the last week, the IAEA conducted a medical and coordination assistance mission in Ukraine. The team visited the Chornobyl site, Slavutych Municipal Hospital and the Slavutych local center that provides mental health support for staff at Chornobyl. The team also met various authorities in Kyiv to discuss the coordination and collaboration on the overall technical support and assistance to Ukraine, including on the mental health support programme.

The team noted progress in recent months in various areas impacted by the armed conflict owing to the support provided through the Agency, as well as through other bilateral or multilateral arrangements and from the national authorities, but noted the difficult and improvised living conditions of the operating staff at the Chornobyl site. Staff are required to sleep in adapted living conditions and in unventilated and humid premises, in rooms often accommodating six persons or more, which lack the basic supplies.

"Such a situation is taking its toll on the physical and mental health of the operating staff and is not sustainable in the longer term" Director General Grossi said.

Also in the last week the Agency arranged the 32nd delivery of equipment to Ukraine. The equipment was donated by Canada under the IAEA Response and Assistance Network, RANET. This delivery was the second shipment of equipment from Canada, and one additional and final shipment is in preparation. With this delivery the Rivne and South Ukraine NPPs, Chornobyl, as well as the Public Health Centre of Ministry of Health, the State Register of Ionizing Radiation Sources and Individual Radiation Doses and SNRIU, received personal protective equipment, IT equipment, potassium iodide pills, first aid kits and similar items.

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Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Statement on U.S. Funds to International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

The Justice Department issued the following statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland following today's announcement by the U.S. Department of State that the United States 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 United States stands in steadfast and unwavering support for the people of Ukraine as they defend their democracy against the brutal and unjust war being waged by the Russian regime.

That is why, earlier this year, I traveled to The Hague to announce the appointment of the first U.S. prosecutor in nearly 80 years to be engaged in efforts to build cases on the crime of aggression, Jessica Kim.

As the U.S. Special Prosecutor for the Crime of Aggression, Jessica has been and will continue to work closely with the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine, which was established at Eurojust with the support of the European Commission. The resources announced today by the State Department will build on this important work.

This announcement, and the Justice Department's continued work alongside our Ukrainian and international partners make clear that we are not waiting for the hostilities to end before pursuing justice and accountability. We are gathering evidence and building cases so that when the time comes, the United States and our partners will be ready to ensure accountability ability for Russia's war of aggression."



Component: Office of the Attorney General

Press Release Number: 23-1275

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EU is providing additional a110 million in humanitarian aid to support Ukrainians affected by the war

European Commission

Press release

14 November 2023

Brussels

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 a110 million in humanitarian aid of which a100 million will go to operations in Ukraine and a10 million to support Ukrainian refugees and host communities in Moldova. 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 a843 million.

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.

Background

Russia's war against Ukraine has led the country to the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe. In response, the EU has mobilised all its available resources to provide emergency assistance to Ukraine.

Via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, all 27 EU countries, plus Norway, TArkiye, 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. In addition, the EU has deployed its rescEU strategic reserves to deliver much-needed supplies to Ukraine.

Since February 2022, the European Commission has allocated a843 million for humanitarian aid programmes to help civilians affected by the war in Ukraine. This includes a785 million for Ukraine and a58 million for refugees that have fled to neighbouring Moldova.

EU-funded humanitarian assistance is provided in line with the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. It is delivered through the UN humanitarian agencies, non-governmental organisations, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, as well as many local aid organisations partnering with them.

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Norway increasing support to Norwegian organizations for efforts for Ukraine

Government of Norway

Press release | Date: 14/11/2023

Norway is now providing NOK 1 billion to the Norwegian Red Cross, the Norwegian Refugee Council, Norwegian Church Aid, Norwegian People's Aid, Caritas Norway, Save the Children Norway and the civilian task force, NORCAP, under the Norwegian Refugee Council.

'Ukrainians are facing another cold winter as the war continues. Some 18 million people are in need of humanitarian aid. Russia's brutal war of aggression against the Ukrainian people shows no sign of abating,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

The Foreign Minister has emphasised that Norway will continue to allocate funding under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine to provide emergency aid and protection for millions of Ukrainians who are living under extremely difficult conditions.

The funds will be used to secure shelter for those who have lost their homes, and to ensure access to food, water, sanitation, education, health care and psychological support as well as civilian protection. Norway is also stepping up efforts to clear mines and unexploded ordnance.

'Our Norwegian humanitarian partners are doing an invaluable job of ensuring that emergency aid reaches those in need. Cooperation with Ukrainian partners also helps to strengthen Ukraine's resilience and prevents further deterioration in the humanitarian situation,' said Mr Eide.

The UN estimates that approximately 18 million people in Ukraine are in need of humanitarian assistance. Some 5 million people are internally displaced and more than 6.2 million have fled from Ukraine and sought refuge in other countries due to Russia's war.

Norway is one of the world's largest humanitarian donors. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Norway has provided more than NOK 4.5 billion in humanitarian support to Ukraine and the refugee response in neighbouring countries. The humanitarian funding is channelled through the UN, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Norwegian and international humanitarian organisations.

The Norwegian humanitarian organisations now receiving additional funding have multi-year strategic partnership agreements with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The funds are allocated under the five-year Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine, which is administered by Norad.

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Minister of Foreign Affairs: Latvia strongly supports the opening of EU accession talks with Ukraine

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

14.11.2023

On 13 November 2023, the European Union (EU) Foreign Affairs Council was held in Brussels, where Minister of Foreign Affairs Krisjanis Karins and his colleagues from the EU Member States discussed the current global issues: the situation in Israel and the Middle East region, support for Ukraine against Russian aggression, the situation in Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the EU's role in improving relations.

At the Foreign Affairs Council, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed the need to continue all possible support to Ukraine, calling in particular for no delay in taking the decisions needed to ensure long-term military support to Ukraine. Krisjanis Karins welcomed the positive assessment of Ukraine's reform performance by the European Commission. "It is now the turn of the European Council in December to support the opening of accession negotiations with Ukraine." At the same time, Krisjanis Karins called for continued pressure against the aggressor state Russia and for further strengthening of the sanctions against it.

Turning to the situation in the Middle East, Krisjanis Karins stressed the need to prevent disproportionate civilian suffering on both sides of the conflict. The terrorist group Hamas must be actively targeted. According to the Minister, the most important at the moment is observing pauses in military operations to allow humanitarian aid to be delivered and for civilians to get out of the war zone in Gaza. "Everything possible must continue to be done to prevent a further escalation of the conflict in the region, and efforts must therefore be stepped up to ensure a lasting peace through a two-state solution," the Minister said.

During an exchange of views on the developments in Armenia and Azerbaijan, Krisjanis Karins called on his colleagues to reflect on ways in which the European Union could contribute to the peace process between the two countries and prevent the situation from deteriorating. He noted that greater EU involvement in the region would contribute to reducing Russia's influence.

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Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union with Defence Ministers supports continued military assistance to Ukraine

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2023-11-14

International cooperation

November 14, Vice Minister of National Defence Ailvinas Tomkus attends the Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) of the European Union in Brussels.

The EU Defence Ministers meet to discuss the EU military assistance to Ukraine. The EU has set a goal to supply Ukraine with 1 million pieces of 155 mm ammunition over 12 months and considers forming a EUR 20 billion Ukraine Support Fund in the European Peace Facility framework.

"The European Union must sustain the support to Ukraine. One of the key things to do is agreeing on the resources for the Ukraine Support Fund which would ensure a stable and long-term military assistance. And we have to deliver the one million ammunition rounds to Ukraine as soon as possible," underscored Ailvinas Tomkus at the meeting.

According to Defence Vice Minister, the security challenges popping up in different regions must not slow down the supply of assistance to Ukraine. It is also critical to accelerate development of the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity, a EU Strategic Compass deliverable.

Vice Minister once again invited the members states to join the demining coalition for Ukraine Lithuania organized. The invitation is currently considered by 19 member states and has been approved by Denmark, Spain, Iceland, Kosovo, Moldova, Hungary, Germany and Sweden.

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Bridgehead On The Dnieper: Russia Struggles To Contain A Ukrainian River Crossing. What Will It Do For The Counteroffensive?

By Mike Eckel November 14, 2023

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 hotspots along the 1,200-kilometer front line.

The effort itself -- sending troops and 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 attachA 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 the 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 sacked, 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."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/bridgehead-dnieper- russia-ukraine-counteroffensive/32684589.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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Nationwide Air-Raid Alert Declared In Ukraine

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service November 14, 2023

An air-raid alert was declared for the whole territory of Ukraine on November 14, with the authorities urging the public to seek shelter amid reports of Russian air activity.

"There is a danger of missile strike throughout Ukraine. MiG-31K war planes belonging to the Russian Aerospace Forces took off from their bases," the Ukrainian Air Force said in a statement.

The statement, which gave no further details, came after at least one person was killed and another wounded earlier on November 14 in the southern city of Nikopol in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region, which was attacked by three Russian drones.

"A 72-year-old man was wounded and is in the hospital in a moderate condition. Unfortunately, there is also a dead person. Condolences to the relatives," regional Governor Serhiy Lysak said on Telegram, without giving more details.

Dnipropetrovsk is a Ukrainian region that has been constantly targeted by Russian strikes.

Separately, Ukraine's air defense said seven Russian drones were downed above Ukraine on November 14, without specifying what regions had been targeted and whether there had been casualties or damage.

Russia's Defense Ministry in turn said its air defenses had shot down four Ukrainian drones in four Russian regions -- Moscow, Tambov, Oryol, and Bryansk -- early on November 14.

The governor of the Oryol region, Andrei Klychkov, said that "there was no damage to infrastructure and no casualties" from the drone shot down over Oryol.

Ukraine has not commented on the report.

Ukraine, whose cities and civilian population have been constantly under drone and missile attacks since the start of Russia's unprovoked invasion, has in recent months gradually stepped up its own strikes with air and sea drones on objectives located as deep inside Russian territory as Moscow.

Meanwhile, Germany on November 14 delivered a fresh package of military aid to Ukraine, the German Defense Ministry announced.

The package includes 10 Leopard 1A5 tanks and 1.4 million small-arms rounds, the ministry said in a statement.

However, in less good news for Ukraine, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius separately said the goal to supply Ukraine with 1 million artillery shells will not be reached by its March deadline.

Pistorius said on November 14 that EU members were working together with the defense industry to step up production. However, "it is safe to assume that the 1 million-shells mark will not be reached," he told reporters ahead of a EU Defense Council meeting in Brussels.

On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces fought 80 close-quarter battles along the front line over the past 24 hours, Ukraine's military General Staff said on November 14.

Heavy fighting took place in the Lyman direction of the eastern region of Kharkiv, and around Avdiyivka, in the Donetsk region, which Russian forces have been unsuccessfully attempting to encircle for months.

Ukrainian forces "continue to conduct an offensive operation in the Melitopol direction" in southern Ukraine, the military added, without giving more details.

With reporting by Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine- russia-air-strikes/32684485.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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Report Says Use Of Mines, Including In Ukraine, Disproportionately Harms Civilians, Children

By RFE/RL November 14, 2023

The use of antipersonnel land mines continues to cause a large number of casualties despite the devices being banned by most countries, a new report by a group of organizations looking at the issue said, adding that civilians, many of them children, bear the brunt of the damage, sometimes long after a conflict has ended.

The Landmine Monitor 2023 was released on November 14 in Geneva by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, a global coalition of nongovernmental organizations chaired by Human Rights Watch (HRW).

It said Russia has continued to use land mines extensively in its illegal and unprovoked war in Ukraine, a country that is a signatory of the 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction, commonly known as the Mine Ban Treaty.

The continued use of land mines by Russia in Ukraine marked an unprecedented situation in which a state that is not a signatory of the treaty is using the weapon on the territory of a treaty member, the report said.

It said that at least 4,710 new casualties were recorded in 51 countries in 2022, including 1,661 deaths, out of which 85 percent were civilians -- half of them children.

Ukraine recorded the second-largest number of casualties -- 608 -- after Syria, which is not a signatory of the treaty and registered 834 casualties in 2022.

Russia heavily mined its front line in Ukraine in expectation of Ukraine's counteroffensive that started in late spring this year. According to estimates, as much as 174,000 square kilometers have been mined mostly in the east, making Ukraine the most mined country in the world.

It is estimated that it could take decades after the end of the conflict to demine the whole territory of Ukraine.

The report says there is "credible information" that Ukraine, which joined the treaty in 1999, used land mines in violation of the treaty in and around Izyum in the eastern region of Kharkiv during 2022, when the city was under Russian occupation.

In November last year, Ukraine's Deputy Defense Minister Oleksandr Polishchuk responded to an HRW request to confirm evidence that showed Ukraine's use of land mines that Kyiv cannot comment on the types of armaments it uses "before the end of the war and the restoration of our sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Polishchuk added in his response letter that Ukraine remains "a reliable member of the international community, and it fully commits to all international obligations in the sphere of mine usage. This includes the nonuse of antipersonnel mines in the war."

The 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, also known as the Ottawa Convention, came into force on March 1, 1999, and was signed by 164 countries including all NATO members with the exception of the United States. U.S. President Joe Biden in June last year set the goal of ultimately joining the treaty.

"All countries that have not banned antipersonnel mines should help put an end to the casualties and suffering caused by these indiscriminate weapons," said HRW's Mark Hiznay, an editor of the Landmine Monitor 2023.

"Only through universal adherence can the Mine Ban Treaty achieve its goal of a world without antipersonnel mines," he added.

With reporting by AFP and dpa

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/land-mines-ukraine- russia-report-human-rights-watch/32684280.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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Ukrainian Lawmaker Detained For 60 Days On Suspicion Of Treason

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service November 14, 2023

The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) announced on November 14 that lawmaker Oleksandr Dubinskiy has been officially informed that he is under suspicion of treason and has been ordered to be placed in detention for 60 days by a Kyiv court.

The SBU said Dubinskiy is suspected of collaborating with Russia and being involved in subversive actions against Ukraine, accusations that he has denied.

"The Pechersk District Court issued a preventive measure in the form of detaining a people's deputy who is suspected of treason and participation in a criminal organization," the SBU said in a statement.

The court ruling was made during a closed-doors session.

The SBU said it "exposed the deputy [Oleksandr Dubinskiy] for taking part in criminal activities supervised by officials of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and carrying out subversive activities against Ukraine."

The court "admitted that the SBU's suspicions are well-founded, and the evidence is sufficient," the statement said, adding that Dubinskiy will be held without bail.

Dubinsky confirmed in a separate video on his Telegram channel that he was ordered into custody until January 12.

"That is called 'new year in a pretrial detention center' for criticizing the government," he said.

Dubinskiy was expelled from Ukraine's ruling Servant of the People party in 2021 after he was put on a U.S. sanctions list over alleged election meddling, which he denies. He has continued in parliament as an independent lawmaker.

On November 10, the SBU announced that it had completed an investigation into the actions of an unnamed lawmaker who was suspected of forgery and giving authorities false information to facilitate traveling abroad.

Ukrainian media reported that the lawmaker under investigation was Dubinskiy.

On November 13, the SBU announced that a new accusation had been brought against the investigated lawmaker.

The SBU said that the suspect, who had the call sign Buratino, "was part of a criminal organization formed by the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces (GRU)," whose principal task was "to undermine the social and political situation in Ukraine and discredit the state in the international arena."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-lawmaker-dubinsky- detained-treason-russia/32683865.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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Ukraine's Top General Tells US Chief of Staff About Difficult Situation in Ukrainian Armed Forces

Sputnik News

20231114

On 1 November, Ukrainian commander-in-chief Valeriy Zaluzhny said in an interview that Kiev's counteroffensive had reached a "stalemate".

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.

"We also discussed our plans for the winter period and separately addressed the urgent needs of the Ukrainian army. First of all, we are talking about grenades, air defense equipment and UAVs. We discussed the issues of training our servicemen and restoring the combat capability of units," Zaluzhny wrote in his Telegram channel.

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.

A Sputnik

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U.S. Assistance to International Investigation of the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine

US Department of State

Press Statement

Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

November 14, 2023

As Russia continues to blatantly violate international law, and as President Putin's war on Ukraine continues to result in extraordinary suffering, the United States remains focused on working with Ukraine and the international community to hold accountable those responsible for international crimes committed in Ukraine. As part of our unwavering commitment to Ukraine's 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 ICPA will advance investigations into Russia's 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 systemsaincluding our ownaare already working together at the ICPA to secure and share key evidence and pursue robust and independent investigations.

The United States is proud to stand with Ukraine and our international partners in reiterating our commitment to upholding the UN Charter and pursuing justice for the crime of aggression. We encourage others to support the ICPA and contribute to international efforts to ensure justice for Ukraine and accountability for Russia's war of aggression.

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In the United States, Andriy Yermak met with leading American experts and opinion leaders

President of Ukraine

14 November 2023 - 20:05

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 representatives of American expert circles and opinion leaders.

The meeting was attended by William Taylor, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine and Vice President for Europe and Russia at the United States Institute of Peace; John Herbst, Director of the Eurasia Center at the Atlantic Council and former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine; Jonathan Katz, Senior Director at the Brookings Institution for Anti-Corruption, Democracy and Security; and other leading experts.

Andriy Yermak noted that the experts present at the meeting are committed to supporting Ukraine because they understand the aspirations of Ukrainians for freedom and democracy and are well aware of all the threats posed by Russia and other aggressors to Europe, the United States and the entire world order.

He added that Ukrainian and American experts share a common view of the threatening trends of today.

"Autocracies have already united and started an undeclared world war. Russia, Iran and North Korea have deliberately supported Hamas to ignite the Middle East. The goal is chaos and the consistent weakening of democracies," the Head of the Office of the President noted.

The parties discussed ways to step up efforts to accelerate Ukraine's victory and strengthen democratic forces in the world.

During a frank and productive conversation, it was noted that the most important weapon in countering aggression is unity both within countries and among allies: the United States, the EU, and Ukraine.

Andriy Yermak emphasized the importance of timely delivery of weapons to Ukraine to ensure proper operation of air defense systems to protect against terrorist missile attacks and to successfully continue the counteroffensive.

The meeting also touched upon the issue of directing frozen Russian assets to the needs of Ukraine.

At the same time, the Head of the President's Office noted that Ukraine's accession to NATO, provision of security guarantees, and membership in the European Union would contribute to the unification and strengthening of the democratic world, for which important reforms are being carried out in our country even during the war.

Andriy Yermak noted that the path to a just and lasting peace for Ukraine and the world will be ensured by the implementation of the Peace Formula initiated by Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

More than 80 countries have already joined the work on the action plan based on it.

"Ukraine's victory and destruction of Russia's military potential will mean the destruction of the aggressors' plans and the reduction of terrorists' influence in the world. Therefore, helping Ukraine is not only about saving the Ukrainian nation. It is the protection of all Europeans and Americans, the protection of freedom and security of all people on the planet," the Head of the Presidential Office emphasized.

Andriy Yermak also thanked the interlocutors for their work in support of Ukraine, as these efforts contribute to the victory of democracy and building a safer world based on respect for the principles of international law.

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Ihor Zhovkva had a phone call with the Deputy Director General of the National Security Council of the Republic of the Philippines

President of Ukraine

14 November 2023 - 14:29

On the instructions of Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak and in continuation of the phone call between the Presidents of Ukraine and the Republic of the Philippines in February 2023, Deputy Head of the Office of the President Ihor Zhovkva had a phone call with Deputy Director General of the National Security Council of the Republic of the Philippines Nestor Herico.

Ihor Zhovkva thanked the interlocutor for the Philippines' support of Ukraine, in particular during the voting for the relevant UN General Assembly resolutions.

The Deputy Head of the Presidential Office informed the interlocutor on the results of the third meeting of national security advisors and diplomatic advisors in Malta on the restoration of lasting and just peace on the basis of the Ukrainian Peace Formula and conveyed an invitation to the Director General of the National Security Council of the Republic of the Philippines to join the next meeting in this format.

Ihor Zhovkva spoke about Ukraine's efforts to ensure global food security and invited the Philippines to join the Grain from Ukraine humanitarian initiative.

The interlocutors emphasized the importance of safety of navigation, particularly in the Black Sea, and condemned the recent Russian terrorist attack on a civilian vessel that killed a Ukrainian marine pilot and injured three Philippine sailors.

Finally, the parties discussed the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula and agreed on a schedule of contacts at the highest level.

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In Washington, the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine met with advisors to the leaders of the United States, Great Britain, Germany and France

President of Ukraine

14 November 2023 - 11:00

During a working visit to the United States, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak met with National Security Advisor to the President of the United States Jake Sullivan, Secretary of the National Security Council and National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Timothy Barrow, Foreign Policy Advisor to the Chancellor of Germany Jens PlAtner and Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of France Emmanuel Bonne.

The Ukrainian side was also represented by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United States Oksana Markarova and Advisor to the Head of the Presidential Office Dariia Zarivna.

Greeting the interlocutors, Andriy Yermak recalled their meeting in the same format, which took place almost two years ago, before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. At the time, it was not certain that they would be able to gather in this format again.

"You asked me back then what Ukraine would do if Russia attacked, and I answered: 'We will fight'. And we are fighting. For two years now, Ukraine has been resisting the aggressor. Against this backdrop, we are meeting in Washington to discuss further steps to strengthen Ukraine and provide it with security guarantees. Ukraine lives, fights and believes in its victory," the Head of the Presidential Office said.

He expressed profound gratitude to the leaders of the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and France for their continued support of our country in repelling the full-scale armed aggression of the Russian Federation and for their active position on restoring a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and security in Europe.

Andriy Yermak also thanked his interlocutors for participating in meetings of national security and political advisors in Malta, Jeddah and Copenhagen.

The parties discussed the situation on the battlefield. According to the Head of the President's Office, the Ukrainian army has already regained about 50% of the previously occupied territories, but today the number of Russian troops in Ukraine is three times higher than at the beginning of the aggression, so our country needs to maintain international support.

The meeting also focused on the protection of the "grain corridor" in the Black Sea. Despite numerous Russian air attacks on Ukraine's port infrastructure, the corridor continues functioning due to cooperation with Ukraine's partners, primarily from the Black Sea region.

"Dozens of ships have already used this route, which has helped reduce threats to global food security. However, we need additional air defense systems to protect and ensure the operation of the grain corridor," he emphasized.

The interlocutors also continued the dialogue on the conclusion of bilateral agreements on security guarantees in the framework of the Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine adopted by the G7 countries in Vilnius. It was noted that the work being done in this context will facilitate the transition of our country's defense forces to NATO standards and Western weapons.

Advisors to the leaders of the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and France assured that they would support Ukraine as long as necessary to achieve a just peace.

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Democracies all over the world have proven their ability to unite and face tyranny - speech by the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine at the Hudson Institute entitled "The Decisive Moment for Ukraine"

President of Ukraine

14 November 2023 - 10:00

Ladies and gentlemen, friends!

First and foremost, I would like to thank you for having me here. It's a great honor and pleasure to speak before the community that has been a stronghold of democracy and freedom Since the hottest times of the Cold War.

This place was created to ponder the improbable for a better and safer future. And today, Herman Kahn's "Thinking about the unthinkable" principle seems to be more relevant than ever. That's what we all have to do. To imagine the impossible to make it happen.

For 628 days of the full-scale Russian invasion, Ukrainians have been proving that the impossible is only what hasn't been done yet.

It seemed impossible to stop the Russian invading forces. It seemed impossible to implement comprehensive sanctions against the aggressor country. Standing firm against the terror and nuclear-armed state's blackmail also seemed impossible. As well as imposing our own agenda on them. But Ukraine holds on. Defends. Lives. We have already liberated half of the occupied territories. We have busted the myth of the 'second army in the world.' Now it is the 'second army in Ukraine.'

This became possible because we are not alone. America has once again demonstrated its leadership. It confirmed its status as a beacon of freedom. It was the first to help a nation fighting against tyranny. Ukrainians are immensely grateful to the people, Congress, and President Biden for this. But your assistance is not charity. It is an investment in a safer world.

Together, we have created a new geopolitical reality. Ukraine's resilience in defending freedom and the value-driven choices of our allies under the United States leadership have caused tectonic shifts. Democracies all over the world have proven their ability to unite and face tyranny. Fortitude of the Ukrainian people, valor of our defenders, and the joint efforts of our allies have made Russia's blitzkrieg fail.

But two years into the full-scale war, Russia is still not defeated. What's more, amid a barrage of fake messages emanating from Moscow, there is one undeniable truth: they are not going to stop. They hope to outlast and out-endure the unity of democracies. They know that their success depends on the West adopting a Realpolitik approach rather than a values-based policy.

To this end, Moscow has revived the axis of evil. Let's set the record straight: it had been doing it long before President Bush coined the term. For decades, it had been forming a coalition of autocratic regimes, fringe movements, and terrorist organizations. And now this coalition of archaically-minded monsters poses an ever-increasing threat to humanity.

Restoring the status of a superpower has become a real obsession of the Kremlin. Russian leadership is fixated on revenge for the Cold War, and they repeatedly refer to its practices.

In the modern world, in a world built on partnership and consensus of interests, Russia does not have competitive advantages. The only chance for them is to create a situation where the difference between peace and war becomes illusionary. They put all their efforts into this. We see what is happening in the Middle East. We know that the flames of conflict are being fanned in the Balkans. We have witnessed attempts to ignite the Sahel. Points of instability will arise worldwide until Ukraine prevails. Therefore, this is not only our strategic interest; it is the interest of the United States as well.

Present-day Russia is a state created for confrontation. That means one thing. We can't effort fatigue. None of us. Ukraine stands and wins - the rules-based order stands and wins. As Ronald Raegan put it, "We have come to a time for choosing." It's either up to freedom, law, and order - or down to totalitarianism.

Ukraine's choice is clear. We are firmly committed to restore Ukraine's sovereignty over all its internationally recognized territory. Against all odds, Ukraine's Defense Forces have gained a foothold on the left bank of the Dnieper. Step by step, they are demilitarizing Crimea. We have covered 70% of the distance. And our counteroffensive is developing. We know how to achieve victory. President Zelenskyy has a clear plan. Among the priorities, he identifies the development of our defense industry and the deployment of our own arms production.

But that will be later. Meanwhile, we need weapons right now. Russia still has air superiority. It still is capable of producing missiles due to circumvention of sanctions. Not to mention the Iranian drones and North Korean artillery rounds. So, we need more restrictions against them. And we especially need air defense systems. I'll tell you the truth: this winter will be tough for us as well. They will again resort to trying to terrorize our citizens by attacking power grids and infrastructure. Strengthening air defense will be a guarantee for recovery. For the reconstruction of Ukraine, a reliable umbrella is needed. Its reinforcement, in particular, will allow us to reopen one of the airports in Ukraine. We are already working on it with our partners. It's a sign that a turning point in the war is approaching. The next year will be decisive in this regard.

Let me assure you: we can and do account for every defense item we get. Transparency matters. We are absolutely aware of that. President Zelenskyy and our team are employing this principle everywhere. Ukraine is successfully reforming despite the war. The European commission's recommendation to start the accession talks is clear evidence. The myth of the most corrupt European country is officially busted. The myth of the frozen transformation is busted. And the myth of democracy decline is busted, too.

Of course, reforming while fighting is very hard. Frankly speaking, both cost enormous money. But why not make Russia pay for Ukraine's defense? Reconstruction won't have much sense if we don't win.

We seek peace. But not just any peace. In our case, ending the war through compromise is nothing more than pausing it. Ukraine won't repeat the mistakes of Minsk. And I believe that the only right Normandy format is the one described by Ronald Raegan: "We're bound by reality. The strength of America's allies is vital to the United States, and the American security guarantee is essential to the continued freedom of Europe's democracies".

My people are enormously grateful to the United States for your following this path today. And I hope that America will play a leading role in filling the framework of security commitments established with the G7 Vilnius declaration.

Security in all its forms, from nuclear to food to environmental, is one of the three pillars of President Zelenskyy's Peace Formula that I'm sure is globally applicable. The remaining two are justice and humanity. Restoring Ukraine's integrity is just. Punishing the aggressor is just. Making them pay is just. And regarding humanity, we need to return all the hostages the Russians have taken, both prisoners of war and civilians. But first of all, we need to bring back Ukrainian kids. Tens of thousands of them have been abducted. We are working on all these tracks together with our international partners.

These streams are joining in what I believe will soon become an action plan to implement the Peace Formula.

I'm sure that the Formula can become a universal algorithm for conflict resolution. For the first time in history, it opens the opportunity for leadership to all responsible countries that respect international law.

Yes, the Formula is Ukrainian. But the action plan for its implementation will be a collective effort. The Formula is a platform that promotes peace and dialogue. Today, more than 80 countries are already working on its implementation. Importantly, among them, an increasing number are from the Global South. We are literally uniting the world. But this Coalition of Willing would never come to life without America's involvement.

We have already held three meetings of security advisors to create an action plan for the implementation of the Peace Formula. The first meeting was attended by representatives from 15 countries and organizations. The second had 42 participants, and the most recent one had 66. For us, this is a positive sign. Peace needs co-authors. And when a critical mass is gathered, Russia will have to submit.

Let me emphasize, it's gonna be our common action plan to make the rules-based order work again. The world would benefit. Ukraine would benefit. America would benefit. And what's more, it would secure its role as a global power of good. For implementing the plan requires effective and decisive leadership. The leadership that will put an end to aggression.

In Woodrow Wilson's famous Fourteen Points, he stated: "We cannot be separated in interest or divided in purpose. We stand together until the end." Just like a century ago, determination and unity have given us a unique opportunity to change the world. Let's do it.

Thank you very much!

Glory to Ukraine!

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Senior EU Official Says Ukraine Artillery Pledge Won't Be Met by March

By VOA News November 14, 2023

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.

Pistorius's 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 Ukraine's 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.

Germany's 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 Ukraine's defenses.

Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy warned the nation during his nightly video address Sunday to brace for new waves of Russian attacks on Ukraine's 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.

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Readout of National Security Advisor Sullivan's Meeting with Quad and Ukrainian Counterparts

November 14, 2023

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met on November 13 with French Diplomatic Counselor to the President Emmanuel Bonne, German Chancellery Foreign and Security Policy Advisor Jens Ploetner, British National Security Advisor Tim Barrow, and Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak. Mr. Yermak provided an update on Ukraine's counteroffensive. The partners reaffirmed their continued commitment to provide security assistance as Ukraine continues its fight against Russian aggression, as well as to invest in our joint defense industrial bases to support Ukraine's long term security. They also discussed their sustained support for Ukraine's economic and energy resilience, as well as its reconstruction. In addition, the group took stock of ongoing efforts to build global consensus in support of a just and lasting peace based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

###

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At the battle of Stirling Bridge, 11 September 1297, the movie Braveheart has William Wallace provoking the English to battle, saying "Here are Scotland's terms. Lower your flags, and march straight back to England, stopping at every home to beg forgiveness for 100 years of theft, rape, and murder. Do that and your men shall live. Do it not, and every one of you will die today. ... Before we let you leave, your commander must cross that field, present himself before this army, put his head between his legs, and kiss his own ass."

Putin's Nuclear Crisis - November 2023

Russian President Vladimir Putin ratified Moscow's withdrawal from an international treaty banning nuclear weapons testing. Moscow cited the lack of US ratification of the treaty as the reason for its withdrawal. The measure passed both houses of parliament last month.

Russia officially launched its process of withdrawal from the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) last month, pointing out that the United States has signed but not ratified the agreement. Despite not having ratified the treaty, Washington has in practice complied with the test ban since the 1990s. Putin has said Russia's withdrawal from the treaty would "mirror" the US position.

In addition to the US, the treaty has not been ratified by China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, Israel, Iran and Egypt. The CTBT was adopted in 1996 to limit the further development of nuclear weapons. Putin has claimed that some experts argue for the necessity of conducting nuclear tests but said that he had not formed an opinion on the issue. However, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said last month that it will only test nuclear weapons again if the US does the same.

Putin, is trying in every way to distract the West from the war in Ukraine. By creating risks of nuclear proliferation to countries sponsoring terrorism, he is trying to blackmail the West, thereby creating the ground for negotiations. Russian opposition politician and public figure Dmytro Gudkov expressed this opinion November 2, on the air of FREEDOM TV channel.

Putin is creating new problems for the West today in order to distract from the war with Ukraine. For Ukraine, this war is the main agenda, but one must understand that for America and Europe, the appearance of nuclear weapons in the same Iran is much more dangerous. Because they believe that they will be able to negotiate with Russia, but it is almost impossible to negotiate with terrorists or those who finance terrorism. Putin, creating these risks, blackmailing with the spread of nuclear weapons, is creating a new negotiating position for himself with the West, he said. Gudkov emphasized that it is impossible to compromise with Putin, because he absolutely does not keep his word and will try to extract the maximum benefit for himself from any situation.

The most important thing is to understand that compromises with Putin will be perceived by him as weakness. If the West starts negotiating or gives in, it means that Putin will demand much more, he will absolutely not keep his word. Therefore, there must be a tough position and political will in order to effectively fight against such a regime, he stated.

Russia's decision today to revoke its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) jeopardizes the entire international architecture of nuclear non-proliferation and arms control and poses threats to global stability. That's according to a statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union. "Today, Russia has signed into national law the revocation of its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). This takes place in the context of its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and after months of irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and threats, some specifically pointing at a resumption of nuclear tests. The European Union deeply deplores this decision by Russia," the document reads.

EU High Representative Josep Borrell recalled that all EU member states have ratified the CTBT and have been working towards its strengthening and entry into force for many years. The Treaty is an instrument of crucial importance to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. It has established a powerful norm against nuclear testing that is respected worldwide. It is crucial for international peace and security that all States fully observe the moratorium on nuclear weapon test explosions or any other nuclear explosion, and refrain from any action contrary to the object and purpose of the Treaty.

According to the statement, eight new countries have ratified the CTBT since the 2021 Article XIV Conference, making significant progress towards the Treaty's universalization. Despite having been ratified by 178 States, the CTBT has not entered into force because of the absence of ratification by eight countries out of an original list of 44 in its Annex 2. As part of this list, Russia's unjustifiable intent to revoke its ratification of the Treaty constitutes a serious setback in Russias commitment towards the international security architecture that undermines the ongoing non-proliferation and disarmament efforts, Borrell said.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concerns, calling it an "irresponsibility" that represents Moscow's "misguided efforts" to heighten nuclear risks and raise tensions as it pursues its war against Ukraine. He also warned that Russia's actions will only serve to set back confidence in international arms control.

South Korea expressed "deep regret and disappointment" over Russia's withdrawal of its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. In a statement on 03 November 2023, a foreign ministry spokesperson urged Russia to reconsider.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has ruled out the possibility of a new arms control deal with the West, saying NATO is unable to negotiate. Only when life forces them to return to constructive and realistic positions could appropriate dialogue be revived as part of the effort to shape a new European security system, it said.

The Russian Ministry of Defense said that Russia's new nuclear-powered submarine "Emperor Alexander III" successfully test-fired the "Bulava" ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The Ministry of Defense issued a statement on the Telegram messaging application on 05 November 2023, saying that the launch of the ballistic missile was the final test phase of the Imperial Alexander III (Imperator Alexander III), and a decision would be made later on whether to allow the cruiser to join the navy.

For the first time in history, Russia has overtaken its competitors in the field of nuclear missile weapons, Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev said 05 November 2023. The top security official, speaking at the 'Knowledge' track of the International Russia EXPO Forum and Exhibition at the All-Russian Exhibition Center (VDNKh) in Moscow, emphasized that the implementation of Russia's National Security Strategy has contributed to the preservation of internal stability, the growth of Russia's economic, political, military, and spiritual potential.

"For the first time in the entire history of nuclear missile weaponry, our country has overtaken its competitors in this field and has become the possessor of unique strategic weapons, including hypersonic weapons, which will ensure security for decades to come," Patrushev stressed.

In the recent tests, Bulava and Yars intercontinental nuclear missiles went off course and failed to fulfill the objective. These tests had been demonstratively conducted to show off the other way Russia has about world nuclear security. The Russian government ordered the termination of the agreement with Japan on cooperation in the field of eliminating nuclear weapons subject to reduction in Russia; the corresponding document was posted on the website of the official publication of legal acts. In accordance with Article 37 of the Federal Law On International Treaties of the Russian Federation, terminate the agreement between the government of Russia and the government of Japan on cooperation in order to assist in the elimination of nuclear weapons subject to reduction in Russia and the creation of a committee for cooperation for these purposes, it says at disposal. The agreement was signed in Tokyo on October 13, 1993. As was repeatedly emphasized on Smolensk Square, after the start of the special operation, Tokyo is pursuing an openly hostile course towards Russia. Diplomats pointed to the introduction of sanctions against Moscow, the transfer of weapons to Kiev, the incitement of Russophobic sentiments in Japanese society and the increase in military activity of Japan, the United States and NATO near the Far Eastern borders of Russia. The Foreign Ministry noted that in such conditions, the Russian side does not see the opportunity to continue the previously held dialogue with Tokyo on the preparation of a peace treaty, the purpose of which was to lay the foundation for long-term good neighborly relations. Moscow warned that it would continue to react harshly to new confrontational attacks by Japan.





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PITTSBURGH, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- McLaren Health Care recently announced that it suffered a data breach between late July and August 2023, exposing the personal information of potentially 2.2 million individuals. The information potentially impacted in the breach includes individuals names, Social Security Numbers, health insurance information, date of birth, billing or claims information, diagnosis, medical records, and treatment information.

Lynch Carpenter, LLP is investigating claims against McLaren Health Care related to this data breach. If you received a data breach notification from McLaren Health Care, you may be entitled to compensation.

If you have received a notification from McLaren Health Care that your information was impacted, please call Patrick Donathen at (412) 322-9243, email him at patrick@lcllp.com, or fill out our contact form at www.lynchcarpenter.com/contact.

About Lynch Carpenter
MONTREAL, Nov. 14, 2023 - Monarch Mining Corp. ("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 Monarch

Monarch Mining Corp. (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 Monarch's 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 Corporation's 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 Corporation's 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 management's 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 Corporation's website at: www.monarchmining.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Jean-Marc Lacoste 1-888-994-4465 President and Chief Executive Officer jm.lacoste@monarchmining.com





www.monarchmining.com
VANCOUVER, Nov. 14, 2023 - Orezone Gold Corp. (TSX: ORE, OTCQX: ORZCF) ("Orezone" or "Company") reported its operational and financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. The consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis are available at www.orezone.com and on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company will host a conference call and webcast on November 15, 2023 commencing at 8:00am PST to discuss the Company's third quarter results. Additional details are provided at the end of this press release.

Patrick Downey, President and CEO, commented, "Our Bombore mine continues to perform well operationally with third quarter plant throughput reaching a record high of 1.45 million tonnes which is 13% above design. Gold production declined modestly from earlier quarters as lower head grades in Q3 reflects the processing end in Q2 of higher-grade stockpiles accumulated during construction. To improve mining rates which were behind plan, we mobilized a second mining contractor in late July. We are now realizing the benefits in Q4 as mining rates in October reached a new monthly record. With faster ore release and continued strong plant performance, Q4 production is forecasted to be above Q3 which positions us well to meet our previously guided gold production and costs for 2023.

Shortly after quarter-end, we released the results of an independent updated feasibility study for our Phase II Hard Rock expansion for the Bombore mine. The results demonstrated improved economics and higher gold production from the previous 2019 study including a substantial increase in mineral reserves to 2.4 million gold ounces. A new technical study will be filed later this month which will include an updated mine plan, production profile and cost assumptions, plus new estimates for mineral resources and reserves. We are working diligently with our senior lender, Coris Bank, to increase our senior debt capacity in order to move forward with a production decision on our Phase II expansion in the coming months."

THIRD QUARTER 2023 HIGHLIGHTS

Operational

Produced 30,726 gold oz

Sold 29,167 gold oz at an average realized price of $1,910 per oz

AISC of $1,306 per gold oz sold

Zero lost-time injuries with 1,128,000 personnel hours worked

Financial

Revenue of $55.8 million

Earnings from mine operations of $13.9 million

Net income and net income per share (basic) attributable to Orezone shareholders of $5.2 million and $0.01, respectively

Adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share (basic) attributable to Orezone shareholders of $3.6 million and $0.01, respectively

Cash flow from operations before changes in non-cash working capital of $16.5 million ($7.0 million after changes in non-cash working capital)

Free cash flow of negative $4.0 million

Cash of $27.7 million at September 30, 2023



 Non-IFRS measures. See "Non-IFRS Measures" section below for additional details.

PRODUCTION AND FINANCIAL SUMMARY

(All mine site figures on a 100% basis) Q3-2023 Q2-2023 Q1-2023 9M-2023 Operating Performance Gold production oz 30,726 35,482 41,301 107,509 Gold sales oz 29,167 33,608 43,139 105,914 Average realized gold price $/oz 1,910 1,970 1,892 1,922 Cash costs per gold ounce sold $/oz 1,152 924 799 936 All-in sustaining costs ("AISC") per gold ounce sold $/oz 1,306 1,109 926 1,088 Financial Performance Revenue $000s 55,803 66,396 81,712 203,911 Earnings from mine operations $000s 13,882 27,490 39,670 81,042 Net income attributable to shareholders of Orezone $000s 5,194 11,380 22,560 39,134 Net income per common share attributable to shareholders of Orezone

Basic $ 0.01 0.03 0.07 0.11 Diluted $ 0.01 0.03 0.06 0.11 Adjusted EBITDA $000s 19,163 31,526 42,645 93,334 Adjusted earnings attributable to shareholders of Orezone $000s 3,588 11,236 24,574 39,398 Adjusted earnings per share attributable to shareholders of Orezone $000s 0.01 0.03 0.07 0.11 Cash and Cash Flow Data Operating cash flow before changes in working capital $000s 16,474 25,228 41,137 82,839 Operating cash flow $000s 6,978 20,155 38,926 66,059 Free cash flow $000s (4,024) 8,016 31,498 35,490 Cash, end of period $000s 27,711 32,309 45,172 27,711

 Cash costs, AISC, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted earnings, Adjusted earnings per share, and Free cash flow are non-IFRS measures. See "Non-IFRS Measures" section below for additional information.

The Company poured first gold on September 10, 2022 and declared commercial production on December 1, 2022 at its Bombore mine. As a result, comparative figures for the corresponding quarter and year-to-date period in the prior year have not been presented as they are not meaningful as the Bombore mine was under construction and commissioning during this period. Operating and financial performance in the current quarter have been compared against earlier quarters in 2023 to highlight quarter-over-quarter movements in performance.



BOMBORE GOLD MINE (100% BASIS) - OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS

Q3-2023 Q2-2023 Q1-2023 9M-2023 Safety Lost-time injuries frequency rate (LTIFR) per 1M hours 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Personnel-hours worked 000s hours 1,128 1,037 928 3,093 Mining Physicals Ore tonnes mined tonnes 2,231,360 1,927,753 2,205,056 6,364,169 Waste tonnes mined tonnes 2,654,010 3,152,264 2,382,135 8,188,409 Total tonnes mined tonnes 4,885,370 5,080,017 4,587,191 14,552,578 Strip ratio waste:ore 1.19 1.64 1.08 1.29 Processing Physicals Ore tonnes milled tonnes 1,453,541 1,400,160 1,445,693 4,299,394 Head grade milled Au g/t 0.74 0.87 0.96 0.86 Recovery rate % 88.8 91.1 92.2 90.9 Gold produced oz 30,726 35,482 41,301 107,509 Unit Cash Cost Mining cost per tonne $/tonne 3.19 2.86 2.91 2.99 Mining cost per ore tonne processed $/tonne 7.79 6.46 6.51 6.93 Processing cost $/tonne 9.80 10.72 9.21 9.90 Site general and admin ("G&A") cost $/tonne 3.98 3.73 3.23 3.64 Cash cost per ore tonne processed $/tonne 21.57 20.91 18.95 20.47 Cash Costs and AISC Details Mining cost (net of stockpile movements) $000s 11,319 9,050 9,417 29,786 Processing cost $000s 14,238 15,006 13,322 42,566 Site G&A cost $000s 5,787 5,217 4,667 15,671 Refining and transport cost $000s 66 164 148 378 Government royalty cost $000s 3,503 3,930 4,912 12,345 Gold inventory movements $000s (1,303) (2,299) 2,018 (1,584) Cash costs on a sales basis $000s 33,610 31,068 34,484 99,162 Sustaining capital $000s 2,606 4,308 3,530 10,444 Sustaining leases $000s 41 - 187 228 Corporate G&A cost $000s 1,837 1,883 1,731 5,451 All-In Sustaining Costs on a sales basis $000s 38,094 37,259 39,932 115,285 Gold sold oz 29,167 33,608 43,139 105,914 Cash costs per gold ounce sold $/oz 1,152 924 799 936 All-In Sustaining Costs per gold ounce sold $/oz 1,306 1,109 926 1,088

 Non-IFRS measure. See "Non-IFRS Measures" section for additional details.

Bombore Production Results

Gold production in Q3-2023 was 30,726 oz, a decrease of 13% from the 35,482 oz produced in Q2-2023. The drop in gold production is attributable to decreases in head grades of 9% and plant recoveries of 2% partially offset by a 4% increase in plant throughput as compared to the prior quarter.

Head grades were lower in Q3 as compared to Q2 due to mine sequencing and the processing end of higher-grade ore stockpiles accumulated during construction.

Plant throughput improved in Q3 and exceeded nameplate by approximately 13% as plant availability in Q2 was affected by more maintenance activities including the annual change-out of the ball mill liner.

As mining deepens in certain pits, the quantity of transition ore has started to increase. The presence of transition ore results in slightly lower metallurgical recovery and the generation of additional ball mill scats that must be recirculated through the circuit to achieve the required grind size fraction. Consequently, plant recoveries continued to trend lower in Q3 as compared to Q2.

To improve the treatment efficiency of scats and to crush hard oversize transition material, the Company purchased a used mobile crushing system to pre-treat transition ore ahead of the ROM dump pocket and to crush scats prior to recirculation. The crushing system arrived on site in mid-October and was placed into service later in the month, and is currently re-treating the small volume of stockpiled scats for recirculation into the ball mill.

Bombore Operating Costs

AISC per gold ounce sold in Q3-2023 was $1,306, an 18% increase from the AISC per gold ounce sold of $1,109 in Q2-2023. The increase in AISC was mainly driven by a combination of lower head grades and plant recovery as explained above, and higher unit operating costs.

Cash cost per ore tonne processed increased by 3% from $20.91 per tonne in Q2 to $21.57 per tonne in Q3 due to higher unit mining costs (+12%) and site G&A (+7%). The rise in mining costs in the current quarter is attributable to higher contractor management fees from the addition of a second mining contractor, higher pit dewatering costs as Q3 is the height of the rainy season, more drill-and-blast as the quantity of transition material increases, and greater grade control costs as more expensive contractor drills are utilized to keep pace with grade control requirements. During Q3, the Company mobilized a second mining contractor on a temporary basis to improve overall mining rates as the primary mining contractor was approximately 10% behind plan in terms of material movement which has delayed access to areas of higher-grade ore. The Company anticipates a quarterly record in tonnes mined for Q4 as the mine benefits from drier weather and the use of two mining contractors for the full quarter. Site G&A increased modestly in Q3 from the recognition of non-recoverable value-added tax ("VAT") and from increased security spending as the phased deployment of additional highly-trained personnel for site and regional security is now fully established.

Bombore Growth Capital Projects

Grid Power Connection

The project to connect Bombore to Burkina Faso's national grid is advancing towards completion in December 2023. All long lead equipment orders are either in transit or delivered to site with the main installation contractors achieving scheduled progress for the switching station, the main on-site substation, and the transmission line. Stringing of the transmission line between the 56 transmission towers is also progressing as planned. Delivery of the substation transformer is currently being expedited and a second daily shift organized with the contractor to accelerate installation and commissioning once the transformer arrives to site. The Company is also working towards finalizing a power purchase agreement with SONABEL following the memorandum of understanding signed between the parties earlier in the year.

RAP Phases II and III

RAP Phases II and III involve the construction of three new resettlement villages (MV3, MV2, and BV2). The Company has sequenced MV3 as the first village to construct in order to gain access to mining areas that are currently contemplated in the 2024 mine plan. MV3 is the largest of the resettlement villages and requires the erection of over 1,200 private homes and public structures.

RAP construction is currently behind schedule as the construction start for the MV3 village was delayed for two months as communities conducted sacred ceremonies for the new resettlement grounds. The Company has engaged several local contractors to complete homes on distinct lots within the MV3 site. To improve the pace of construction, the Company has awarded work to additional contractors along with the recruitment of a small owner's team to assist with procurement of building material and site construction activities. Due to the aforementioned delays, the Company is now forecasting completion of the MV3 resettlement site in Q2-2024.

Phase II Hard Rock Plant Expansion - 2023 Feasibility Study ("2023 FS") Results and Early Works

The Company announced the results of an independent feasibility study for the Phase II hard rock plant expansion of the Bombore mine on October 11, 2023. The 2023 FS envisions an integrated mining operations processing both oxide and hard rock ore with the brownfield construction of a standalone 4.4Mtpa hard rock plant operating alongside the existing 5.9Mtpa Phase I oxide plant. The expanded operations are anticipated to deliver a significant increase in annual and life of mine gold production at strong project economics. Please see the Company's news release dated October 11, 2023 for the full results of the 2023 FS.

The Phase II Expansion is being managed by the same team who successfully delivered the Phase I oxide plant. The overall schedule is currently estimated at twenty-four months with the delivery and installation of the SAG mill as the critical path. The Company has recently awarded the order of the SAG mill with cancellation clauses to Metso to maintain first gold by Q3-2025.

The Company intends to fund the construction of the Phase II hard rock plant using future free cash flow generated from the existing oxide operations combined with additional senior debt. The Company is engaged in detailed discussions with Coris Bank for additional loan support to fund the expansion. A Board decision to approve the construction of the Phase II expansion will follow upon the receipt of a binding debt commitment.

In the interim period, the Company has received Board authorization to proceed with early project works to maintain schedule. These activities include the commencement of front-end engineering and design with Lycopodium Minerals Canada Ltd., bulk earthworks on the new plant area, and order placement for the new SAG mill to lock-in delivery times and access to engineering data.

NON-IFRS MEASURES

The Company has included certain terms or performance measures commonly used in the mining industry that is not defined under IFRS, including "cash costs", "AISC", "EBITDA", "adjusted EBITDA", "adjusted earnings", "adjusted earnings per share", and "free cash flow". Non-IFRS measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore, they may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The Company uses such measures to provide additional information and they should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. For a complete description of how the Company calculates such measures and reconciliation of certain measures to IFRS terms, refer to "Non-IFRS Measures" in the Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 which is incorporated by reference herein.

CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST

Orezone will host a conference call and audio webcast to discuss third quarter 2023 results on

November 15, 2023 at 8:00am PT (11:00am ET).

Webcast

Date: Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Time: 8:00 am Pacific time (11:00 am Eastern time)

Please register for the webcast here: Orezone Q3-2023 Conference Call and Webcast

Conference Call

Toll-free in U.S. and Canada: 1-800-715-9871

International callers: +646-307-1963

Event ID: 8403800

QUALIFIED PERSONS

The scientific and technical information in this news release was reviewed and approved by Dr. Pascal Marquis, Geo., Senior Vice President of Exploration and Mr. Rob Henderson, P. Eng, Vice President of Technical Services, both of whom are Qualified Persons as defined under NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Orezone Gold Corporation

Orezone Gold Corp. (TSX: ORE OTCQX: ORZCF) is a Canadian mining company operating the open pit Bombore Gold Mine in Burkina Faso.

Orezone is focusing on mining and processing the Phase I?near surface free-dig oxides at a planned throughput of 5.9 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa). The Company recently released the results of its Phase II Expansion Study which envision an independent 4.4Mtpa hard rock plant operating alongside the existing oxide plant to deliver a significant increase in annual gold production at a low incremental capital cost. Construction of the new 4.4Mtpa hard rock plant will enable Bombore to produce an average of 209,000oz/year at a mine-level AISC of $1,121/oz for over 8 years. First gold from the Phase II expansion is scheduled for Q3-2025. Significant exploration potential exists to expand Bombore's mineral reserves through future resource conversion and new discoveries from drilling of promising high-priority targets.

Orezone is led by an experienced team focused on social responsibility and sustainability with a proven track record in project construction and operations, financings, capital markets and M&A.

The NI 43-101 Technical Report supporting the Phase II Expansion Study will be filed on SEDAR+ within 45 days of Orezone's news release dated October 11, 2023.

Patrick Downey

President and Chief Executive Officer

Vanessa Pickering

Manager, Investor Relations

Tel: 1 778 945 8977 / Toll Free: 1 888 673 0663

info@orezone.com / www.orezone.com

For further information please contact Orezone at +1 (778) 945-8977 or visit the Company's website at www.orezone.com.

The Toronto Stock Exchange neither approves nor disapproves the information contained in this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain information that constitutes "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian Securities laws and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws (together, "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "potential", "possible" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "will", "could", or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Bombore Growth Capital Projects and the 2023 Feasibility Study Update for the Phase II Expansion.

All 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 including, but not limited to, terrorist or other violent attacks, the failure of parties to contracts to honour contractual commitments, unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; unexpected failure or inadequacy of infrastructure, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, accidents and equipment breakdowns, political risk, unanticipated changes in key management personnel, the spread of diseases, epidemics and pandemics diseases, market or business conditions, the failure of exploration programs, including drilling programs, to deliver anticipated results and the failure of ongoing and uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, and other factors described in the Company's most recent annual information form and management's discussion and analysis filed on SEDAR+ on www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are based on the applicable assumptions and factors management considers reasonable as of the date hereof, based on the information available to management at such time. These assumptions and factors include, but are not limited to, assumptions and factors related to the Company's ability to carry on current and future operations, including: development and exploration activities; the timing, extent, duration and economic viability of such operations, including any mineral resources or reserves identified thereby; the accuracy and reliability of estimates, projections, forecasts, studies and assessments; the Company's ability to meet or achieve estimates, projections and forecasts; the availability and cost of inputs; the price and market for outputs, including gold; foreign exchange rates; taxation levels; the timely receipt of necessary approvals or permits; the ability to meet current and future obligations; the ability to obtain timely financing on reasonable terms when required; the current and future social, economic and political conditions; and other assumptions and factors generally associated with the mining industry.

Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.
Toronto, 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
On Track for Strong Year

MONTREAL, Nov. 14, 2023 - Aya Gold & Silver Inc. (TSX: AYA) (OTCQX: AYASF) ("Aya" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce interim financial and operational results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023. All amounts are in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

Q3-2023 Highlights

Operational and Financial:

Excellent operational performance: Silver production of 519,085 ounces ("oz") in Q3-2023, a 15% increase from Q3-2022 Recovery was 86.6% in Q3-2023, compared to 86.2% in Q3-2022 70,258 tonnes ("t") of ore were processed in Q3-2023 compared to 69,697t in Q3-2022

Revenue of $11.7 million in Q3-2023, a 63% increase from Q3-2022

Cash cost of $10.73 per oz in Q3-2023 compared to $14.03 per oz in Q3-2022 (  )

 Operating cash flow of $7.7 million in Q3-2023, a 35% increase compared to Q3-2022

Robust financial position with $71 million of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (  ) compared to $42 million at December 31, 2022

 compared to $42 million at December 31, 2022 Ranked 14th on the 2023 TSX30 as a top-performing stock with a 3-year share appreciation of 498%

Exploration and Development:

Conducted 4,675 meters ("m") of drilling at Zgounder in Q3-2023 Expanded 2023 drill program by 3,000m to 29,000m

Completed 1,923m of DDH on Zgounder Regional, including 830m on Tourchkal: Expanded 2023 6,700m DDH program to 14,000m Acquired 4 Zgounder Regional permits totaling 62.6 km, boosting Zgounder total land package to 425km

Doubled the 2023 DDH program at Boumadine to 76,000m with the aim of carrying out infill drilling and extending the strike: Completed 52,400m of the 76,000m DDH program, extending the open-ended strike by 400m to 4.2 kilometers ("km") Acquired adjacent permit

Reviewed drill and geophysical data at Tirzzit to inform Q4-2023 fieldwork

Zgounder Expansion:

Overall project 60% complete and tracking on budget

Underground development on track, with 76% of lateral and 65% of vertical development completed

Completed the water storage facilities and advanced the new tailings facilities on schedule

Received ball mill on site and mobilised contractors for its assembly

Drew down $35 million from project facility for Zgounder Mine expansion

(1) The Corporation reports non-GAAP measures, which include cash costs per silver ounce and free cash flow, which are widely used in the mining industry as a benchmark for performance, but do not have a standardized meaning and the methods used by the Corporation to calculate such measures may differ from methods used by other companies with similar descriptions. See "Non-GAAP Measures" on pages 16-17 of the Corporation's Q3-2023 MD&A for a reconciliation of non-GAAP to GAAP measures. (2) Non-GAAP Measures, consisting of cash and cash equivalents of $50,609,505 and restricted cash of $20,562,506.

Environmental, Social and Governance:

Commissioned the mine rescue station and provided Phase I training to teams

Roll-out of community program in collaboration with local authorities: Provided medical and logistical support to survivors of Al Haouz earthquake in the Taroudant region Health - conducted first ear, nose and throat clinic and third phase of diabetes clinic Water access - launched program in 6 villages Livelihood projects - planted saffron and set up irrigation within the community farm



"The third quarter was an exceptional quarter from an operational perspective that sets us up for another record year. Zgounder delivered one of its best silver production quarters at industry-low cash costs and generated record cash flow," said Benoit La Salle, President and CEO. "Based on our performance to date, we are well-positioned to exceed our 2023 guidance, notably our production guidance for a third consecutive year.

We continue to develop and grow our project pipeline and to execute on our expansion plan, which is now about 66% complete and on budget. Drilling at Zgounder reconfirmed continuity of high-grade mineralization both at surface and underground. Further, high-grade drill results at Boumadine extended the strike of the main trend which remains open in all directions. These results will be included in our Q1-2024 resource estimate and underpin our focus to grow ounces on a per share basis.

These excellent quarterly results highlight the dedication and commitment of our local teams, particularly in the context of the devastating Al Haouz earthquake."

Q3-2023 Operational and Financial Highlights

Key Performance Metrics*

Q3-2023 Q3-2022 Variation Operational







Ore Mined (tonnes)

132,998 74,009 80 % Ore Processed (tonnes)

70,258 69,697 1 % Average Processed Grade (g/t Ag)

261 232 13 % Mill Recovery (%)

86.6 % 86.2 % (0.4 %) Silver Ingots Produced (oz)

195,913 184,629 6 % Silver in Concentrate Produced (oz)

323,172 267,052 21 % Total Silver Produced (oz)

519,085 451,681 15 % Silver Ingots Sold (oz)

205,043 174,243 18 % Silver in Concentrate Sold (oz)

338,940 245,517 38 % Total Silver Sales (oz)

543,983 419,760 30 % Avg. Net Realized Silver ($/oz)

21.53 17.12 26 % Cash Costs per Silver Ounce Sold ( )

10.73 14.03 (24 %) Financial (in '000s of US dollars)







Revenue

11,714 7,187 63 % Cost of sales

5,531 6,413 (14 %) Gross Margin

6,183 774 699 % Operating (loss)

3,652 (1,329) (375 %) Net Earnings (loss)

1,206 672 79 % Operating Cash Flow

7,724 5,701 35 % Cash and Restricted Cash (2)

71,173 58,059 23 %









Shareholders







Earnings (Loss) per Share - basic

0.01 0.01 NM Earnings (Loss) per Share - diluted

(0.00) 0.01 NM

(1,2) See footnotes (1, 2) on first page.

Third Quarter 2023 Financial & Operational Highlights

Quarterly silver production of 519,085 oz, comprising 323,172 oz as silver concentrate and 195,193 oz as silver ingots.

Mill average feed grade of 261 grams per tonne ("g/t") Ag was recorded in Q3-2023 compared to 232 g/t Ag in Q3-2022, an increase of 13%.

Milling operations reached 764 tpd

Average combined mill recovery of 86.6% in Q3-2023 compared to 86.2% in Q3-2022, an increase of 0.4%.

Availabilities at the flotation and cyanidation plants reached 91.9% and 95.6%, respectively.

Cash flow generated by operating activities of $7.7 million in Q3-2023, compared to $5.7 million generated in operating cash flow in Q3-2022.

Revenue from silver sales totaled 11.7 million (Q3-2022 - $7.2 million) in Q3-2023, an increase of 63% representing an average realized price of $21.53 per oz. (Q3-2022 - $17.12/oz).

Operations generated a gross margin of $6.2 million in Q3-2023 compared to $774,000 in Q3-2022, an increase of 699%.

Net profit was $1.2 million (diluted EPS of $0.01) in Q3-2023, compared to net earnings of $672,000 (diluted EPS of $0.01) in Q3-2022.

Q3-2023 Operations Review

In Q3-2023, the Zgounder operations team focused on the ramp-up of the open pit, which reached 409 tpd of ore in September 2023. Underground production was steady, and mining production for the quarter averaged 1,446 tpd, for a total of 132,998t of ore.

The 1,950m underground level is now fully operational, and access to the 1,925m level was completed during the quarter. The open pit is now in full production and will be further ramped up after the mill is operational.

In Q3-2023, 70,258t of ore were processed, adding over 63kt of ore to inventory, in line with the 2024 commissioning plan. Steady throughput, recovery and availability of both plants resulted in total silver production of 519,085 oz. Combined silver recovery was 86.6%, while combined mill availability reached 93.7%. The mill feed grade averaged 261 g/t Ag in the quarter.

The quarter also saw commencement of an intensive training program for the mine rescue and emergency response team. By Q1-2024, Zgounder is expected to have a significantly improved response capacity and to be fully operational by Q3-2024. Year to date, the training hours at Zgounder, which have more than doubled every year since 2021, totaled over 7,800 as of quarter-end.

Zgounder Development

On February 22, 2022, the Corporation completed a feasibility study to expand the Zgounder Silver Mine from 700 tpd to 2,700 tpd capacity. At the end of Q3-2023, construction of the plant and surface infrastructure continued to track budget. Overall, the expansion project was 60% complete, compared to 45% at last quarter-end.

At the end of Q3-2023, construction of the processing plant was halfway through, with detailed engineering near-complete and procurement well advanced. Several long-lead items were delivered on site in Q3-2023, including the ball mill, thickener steel structures, the intensive leach reactors, and the crusher circuit equipment. Installation of the leach reactors also commenced.

Underground development progressed to plan in Q3-2023. Over 7,145m of lateral and ramp accesses have now been completed since January 2022, representing 76% of the planned lateral infrastructure. Most levels between 1,925m and 2,100m are now connected to the underground ramp. The main ventilation was also commissioned. To date, two of the three ore chutes have been completed, and the second ventilation shaft has begun. In June 2023, the open pit contractor was mobilized, open pit operations commenced, and ore was mined as planned. Overall, open pit and underground mine development were 65% completed.

At quarter-end, construction of the tailing storage facility was progressing well and was 86% complete. The two water storage basins were 100% completed. Other infrastructures, such as the camp, roads, workshops, and warehouses, were 55% completed. Furthermore, the powerline and electrical substations progressed to 48% completion.

At the end of Q3-2023, $138 million had been committed across all capital cost categories, and $91 million had been incurred. The Aya project team continues to remain confident of completing the project within the original budget of $159 million including contingency.

The table below presents construction progress by main project area:

Area Progress Process Plant 50 % Underground and Open-Pit Mines 65 % Tailings 86 % Water Management 91 % Electrical Infrastructure 48 % On-site Infrastructure 60 %

Q3-2023 Exploration

Zgounder

A total of 4,675m of DDH was completed on the near-mine permits in Q3-2023, of which 2,219m were completed by two rigs from surface. Two underground drill rigs were also mobilized in the quarter, conducting a total of 2,456m of DDH laterally and at depth. The underground program has been designed to explore the down-plunge potential of the Zgounder mineralized system toward the granite, to extend known mineralization, and to expand mineral resources.

The open-pit area near the east continued to return high-grade results in the quarter including ZG-RC-23-2230-212, which intercepted 2,812 g/t Ag over 8m; ZG-RC-CT7-P63-23-63, which intercepted 2,227 g/t Ag over 7.0m; and ZG-RC-C3-23-25 which intercepted 480 g/t Ag over 17m.

In the quarter, the 2023 drill program on Zgounder was expanded by 3,000m to 29,000m. The additional program will follow up early 2023 surface results east of the deposit and the reverse-circulation ("RC") results in the southern part of the open pit.

Zgounder Regional

In Q3-2023, 1,923m of DDH were drilled on Zgounder Regional, including 830m on the Tourchkal area. One drill rig is currently active at Zgounder Regional as part of its 2023 expanded drill program, which now totals 14,000m.

The additional 7,300m in the 2023 regional program will be used to test the potential continuation of the Zgounder deposit east of the granophyre; to test the southern contact of the rhyolite; and to test a new target in the Tourchkal area showing silver grab samples and stream anomalies

Four new permits located about 25km east of Zgounder were acquired during the period as part of a reallocation of exploration permits by the Moroccan Directorate of Mines. As a result, the total Zgounder land package now totals 425 km.

Boumadine

Following successful completion of the initial program in July, the 2023 drill program on Boumadine was more than doubled to total 76,000m DDH.

As a result, six drill rigs were mobilized on the Boumadine property through Q3-2023 with the aim of conducting infill and exploring along strike including on new targets. In mid-September, drilling results were released, extending the main trend mineralization by 400m to 4.2km to the south with BOU-DD23-143, BOU-DD23-161 and BOU-DD23-168 demonstrating continuity.

The north area returned high-grade intersections, which expand the mineralization both at depth and to the north, with section 5400N to the south also extending Boumadine Main trend. At quarter-end, the drilling program was 69% complete and on track for completion in December 2023.

In parallel, the Corporation announced acquisition of a 16 km exploration permit east of Boumadine as part of a reallocation of exploration permits by the Moroccan Directorate of Mines.

The technical information relating to Zgounder, Zgounder Regional and Boumadine properties was reviewed and approved by David Lalonde, B. Sc, Head of Exploration, designated as a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101.

Q3-2023 Conference Call

The Corporation will hold a conference call on November 16, 2023 at 10 am EST to discuss its Q3-2023 financial and operational results. The webcast can be accessed as follows:

Via webcast: https://app.webinar.net/b70rp7Wpvxm

Via URL entry: https://emportal.ink/3FzejG8

To join the call without operator assistance, register and enter your phone number to receive an instant automated call back.

To join the call without operator assistance, register and enter your phone number to receive an instant automated call back. Via telephone: Local and international: (+1) 416-764-8650

N. American Toll Free: 888-664-6383

You can also dial direct to be entered to the call by an operator. To ensure your participation, please call approximately five minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call.

The conference call and webcast will be available for replay by dialing (+1) 416-764-8677 or toll-free on 1-888-390-0541, entry code 95470 #. The conference call replay will expire on November 23, 2023.

The presentation slides will also be posted on Aya's website.

About Aya Gold & Silver Inc.

Aya Gold & Silver Inc. is a rapidly growing, Canada-based silver producer with operations in the Kingdom of Morocco.

The only TSX-listed pure silver mining company, Aya operates the high-grade Zgounder Silver Mine and is exploring its properties along the prospective South-Atlas Fault, several of which have hosted past-producing mines and historical resources. Aya's Moroccan mining assets are complemented by its Tijirit Gold Project in Mauritania, which is being advanced to feasibility.

Aya's management team is focused on maximising shareholder value by anchoring sustainability at the heart of its operations, governance, and financial growth plans.

For additional information, please visit Aya's website at www.ayagoldsilver.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements"), which reflects management's expectations regarding Aya's future growth and business prospects (including the timing and development of new deposits and the success of exploration activities) and other opportunities. Wherever possible, words such as "exceed", "continue", "expected", "improve", "track", "confident", "will", "plan", "guidance", "continue", and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will", or are "likely" to be taken, occur or be achieved, have been used to identify such forward-looking information. Specific forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements and information with respect to the exploration and development potential of Zgounder and the conversion of Inferred Mineral Resources into Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources, future opportunities for enhancing development at Zgounder, executing on the planned expansion at the Zgounder mine, and timing for the release of the Company's disclosure in connection with the foregoing. Although the forward-looking information contained in this press release reflect management's current beliefs based upon information currently available to management and based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Aya cannot be certain that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions, opinions and analysis made by management in light of its experience, current conditions, and its expectations of future developments that management believe to be reasonable and relevant but that may prove to be incorrect. These assumptions include, among other things, the closing and timing of financing, the ability to obtain any requisite governmental approvals, the accuracy of Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource Estimates (including, but not limited to, ore tonnage and ore grade estimates), silver price, exchange rates, fuel and energy costs, future economic conditions, anticipated future estimates of free cash flow, and courses of action. Aya cautions you not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties that may affect forward-looking statements include, among others: the inherent risks involved in exploration and development of mineral properties, including government approvals and permitting, changes in economic conditions, changes in the worldwide price of silver and other key inputs, changes in mine plans (including, but not limited to, throughput and recoveries being affected by metallurgical characteristics) and other factors, such as project execution delays, many of which are beyond the control of Aya, as well as other risks and uncertainties which are more fully described in Aya's 2022 Annual Information Form dated March 31, 2023, and in other filings of Aya with securities and regulatory authorities which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Aya does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements should assumptions related to these plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions change. Nothing in this document should be construed as either an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy or sell Aya securities. All references to Aya include its subsidiaries unless the context requires otherwise.

SOURCE Aya Gold & Silver Inc.
TORONTO, Nov. 15, 2023 - Hudbay Minerals Inc. ("Hudbay") (TSX, NYSE: HBM) today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Copper Mountain Mining ULC ("Copper Mountain"), has exercised the redemption option on its senior secured 8% notes (the "Copper Mountain Bonds"). Copper Mountain will redeem the remaining $54.7 million principal amount outstanding of Copper Mountain Bonds on or about November 30, 2023 at a call price equal to 104% of the principal amount being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption, as prescribed by the bond terms governing the Copper Mountain Bonds. The Copper Mountain Bonds would otherwise mature on April 9, 2026.



Hudbay intends to utilize its senior secured revolving credit facility to fund the redemption of the Copper Mountain Bonds. Doing so will further enhance Hudbay's financial flexibility by improving the company's ability to deleverage and repay debt sooner than the 2026 maturity date of the Copper Mountain Bonds.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, Hudbay's expectations with respect to the redemption of the Copper Mountain bonds, the financing of the redemption of the Copper Mountain Bonds and the financial flexibility and deleveraging that such redemption is expected to afford. Forward-looking information is not, and cannot be, a guarantee of future results or events. Forward-looking information is based on, among other things, opinions, assumptions, estimates and analyses that, while considered reasonable by the company at the date the forward-looking information is provided, inherently are subject to significant risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors that may cause actual results and events to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information.

The risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information may include, but are not limited to the risk that the redemption of the Copper Mountain Bonds is not completed as expected, the risk that the redemption of the Copper Mountain Bonds does not give rise to the expected benefits, risks generally associated with the mining industry and the current geopolitical environment, such as economic factors (including future commodity prices, currency fluctuations, energy prices and general cost escalation), as well as the risks discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Hudbay's most recent Annual Information Form and under the heading "Financial Risk Management" in Hudbay's most recent management's discussion and analysis.

Should one or more risk, uncertainty, contingency or other factor materialize or should any factor or assumption prove incorrect, actual results could vary materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Hudbay does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information after the date of this news release or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

About Hudbay

Hudbay (TSX, NYSE: HBM) is a copper-focused mining company with three long-life operations and a world-class pipeline of copper growth projects in tier-one mining-friendly jurisdictions of Canada, Peru and the United States.

Hudbay's operating portfolio includes the Constancia mine in Cusco (Peru), the Snow Lake operations in Manitoba (Canada) and the Copper Mountain mine in British Columbia (Canada). Copper is the primary metal produced by the company, which is complemented by meaningful gold production. Hudbay's growth pipeline includes the Copper World project in Arizona, the Mason project in Nevada (United States), the Llaguen project in La Libertad (Peru) and several expansion and exploration opportunities near its existing operations.

The value Hudbay creates and the impact it has is embodied in its purpose statement: "We care about our people, our communities and our planet. Hudbay provides the metals the world needs. We work sustainably, transform lives and create better futures for communities." Hudbay's mission is to create sustainable value and strong returns by leveraging its core strengths in community relations, focused exploration, mine development and efficient operations.

For further information, please contact:

Candace Bru?le?

Vice President, Investor Relations

(416) 814-4387

investor.relations@hudbay.com
VANCOUVER, Nov. 15, 2023 - Fireweed Metals Corp. ("Fireweed" or the "Company") (TSXV: FWZ; OTCQB: FWEDF; FSE: M0G) is pleased to announce the results of the 2023 geophysical survey on its Gayna Project (zinc-lead-silver-gallium-germanium) ("Gayna" or "the Project") in the Northwest Territories, Canada (Map 1).



Highlights

Several drill targets on gravity anomalies have been identified in reef-margin positions, consistent with Kipushi-style 1 massive sulphide targets.

massive sulphide targets. Reef-margin targets are further supported by proximity to known showings, soil anomalies, and rock sampling.

CEO Statement

Brandon Macdonald, CEO, stated "The results of our work at the Gayna Project so far show some compelling targets supported by multiple independent datasets: gravity, soils, and geological mapping. The anomalies are focused around the margins of ancient carbonate reefs, further validating the exploration concept that we are testing here-that Gayna may host high-grade massive sulphide zinc-lead mineralization. We are very excited to revitalize mineral exploration in the area and conclusively test these targets for critical minerals."

Summary

Fireweed is exploring for zinc and lead mineralization at the Gayna Project where the geology appears similar to that of the high grade Kipushi zinc mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo1. Fireweed is testing the concept that Gayna may host similar vertically oriented, reef-margin zinc and lead mineralization, where zinc occurs within very dense rocks. In 2022 and 2023, Fireweed carried out ground-based surveys that took measurements of the Earth's gravity field to identify any anomalies that may relate to dense rocks in the subsurface. Several density anomalies have been identified that are consistent with the reef-margin analogue. The targets are further supported by high-grade zinc and lead from surface rock samples. The comparison to the Kipushi mine1 is conceptual in nature, and testing by drilling is required to determine if significant amounts of zinc or lead occur in the subsurface at Gayna.

Map 1: Gayna Project Location Relative to Fireweed's Flagship Macpass and Mactung Projects.









Map 2: Gayna Project Geology.





2023 Geophysical Survey

Crews completed a 40 line-km, three-week long, low-impact ground gravity survey at Gayna in 2023. The survey provided infill coverage of the 2022 grid (see Fireweed news release dated November 17, 2022); covered targets A, B, C, F, and L (Maps 3 and 4); and expanded the grid to cover more reef-margin targets.

Results

Results from the survey have delineated areas of anomalously high gravity around carbonate reef margins (Map 4, Cross Sections A-A' and B-B'). These gravity highs may represent areas of high subsurface density and coincide with high lead and zinc values in soils. Geological mapping and the interpretation of historical drill logs has constrained the location of gravity anomalies to both reef-margin positions and associated with NW-SE trending fault structures (Cross Sections A-A' and B-B'). There is a close spatial relationship between mineralization around the discovery "A" showing at Gayna and a gravity anomaly, which continues to support the exploration model.

Preliminary, unconstrained inversions of the 2022 and 2023 gravity data have delineated 12 targets with strike lengths of 250 to 1,100 m which are ready to be tested by 2,000 to 3,000 m of diamond drilling. Additional modeling work is underway to better constrain the targets and identify more subtle anomalies.

Ground gravity has been a very successful tool in Fireweed's exploration of the Boundary Zone area at the Macpass Project (zinc-lead-silver), Yukon. There, gravity anomalies were critical for making new discoveries and step-out drill holes that have successfully intersected sulphide mineralization within 100 to 200 m of surface (see Fireweed news release dated November 10, 2022). Gravity anomalies identified at Gayna may similarly be associated with potential zinc-lead sulphide bodies relatively close to surface.

Map 3: Gayna Project Claims and Historical Drill Collars and Cross Section Locations.









Cross section A-A': Gravity highs coincident with both shallowly-buried margins of the reef and with high magnitude anomalies associated with the "A" and "F" showings.





Cross section B-B': gravity high coincident with shallowly-buried, reef-margin.





Map 4: 2022 and 2023 Ground Gravity Survey Results.





Gayna Project (zinc-lead-silver-gallium-germanium)

The Gayna Project is located in the Mackenzie Mountains, Northwest Territories, (see Map 1) within the Gwich'in Settlement Area, the Sahtu Settlement Area, and the asserted territory of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun. The project is in Canada, approximately 180 km West of Norman Wells, NWT, 180 km north of Fireweed's Macpass project, Yukon, and 150 km SW of the winter road between Fort Good Hope and Norman Wells, NWT. There is a winter airstrip located on the claims.

The Gayna showings are hosted in dominantly carbonate sedimentary rocks of Neoproterozoic age within the Mackenzie Mountains. These carbonate units consist of a succession of shale-carbonate rocks containing calcimicrobial limestone reefs formed by stromatolites and possibly early sponges. The reefs are surrounded by comparatively deeper-water sediments intermixed with reef-derived talus, with individual reefs several hundred metres to over 3 km in diameter and hundreds of metres in thickness. This sharp, near-vertical interface between the reef and the surrounding sedimentary rocks is being targeted as an environment analogous to the high-grade Big Zinc Zone at the Kipushi deposit in the Democratic Republic of Congo1. Mineralization discovered at Gayna to date occurs in veins and breccias in carbonate rocks similar to Mississippi-Valley-Type (MVT) mineralization, or Irish-type zinc-lead mineralization. Sphalerite and minor galena occur as infill within veins, vugs, and breccias along with dolomite-calcite-quartz-pyrite. This mineralization is interpreted as the distal expression of Kipushi-style massive sulphide mineralization that may be present along the subvertical margins of the carbonate reefs. This steep reef margin geometry at Gayna was not tested by historical, sub-vertical drill holes, which targeted sub-horizontal, shallowly dipping mineralization. The gravity geophysics work from 2022 shows compelling gravity targets, and the data generated in the 2023 gravity program will guide future drilling programs to test these anomalies using inclined drillholes.

Rio Tinto completed over 28,000 m of exploration drilling at Gayna in the 1970's to test targets identified by prospecting or soil geochemistry, and to test stratiform targets with a grid drilling approach utilizing vertical holes on a square grid with an average spacing of 600 m between holes (Map 3). Given the vertical holes and the wide historic drill grid spacing, these drill programs left the concept of subvertical bodies of massive sulphide mineralization untested. The Project was staked by Fireweed in 2022 to test the new exploration concept that Kipushi-style, high-grade massive sulphide may be present at Gayna.

A ground gravity survey, an airborne LiDAR survey, and an orthophoto survey were carried out in 2022 to acquire high-quality geophysical data using modern technology and practices. The results of the 2022 gravity program delineated several gravity-high anomalies over the inferred position of the reef-margins. For an overview of results from the 2022 program, please refer to Fireweed news release dated November 17, 2022.

A limited rock sampling program at known showings returned samples with high zinc, silver, and lead concentrations, and also contained elevated concentrations of the critical minerals gallium (2 to 42 ppm) and germanium (9 to 99 ppm) (see Fireweed news release dated November 17, 2022). The 2022 rock sampling returned a specimen with a spectacular zinc grade of 51.2%, as well as another sample grading 73.7% lead. These samples, while derived from surface boulders, illustrate the potential for an undiscovered source(s) of massive sulphides with extremely high grades, comparable to Kipushi, hosted in the same reef-margin environment. Several extensive, high magnitude lead-zinc soil anomalies present on the Project are not readily explained by the results of the historic drilling and show potential for yet undiscovered high-grade massive sulphide mineralization along the reef-margins.

Photo 1: Gayna Project 'A' showing, sample. Upper-Host sub-rounded dolostone breccia, matrix infilled with dolomite, calcite, crystalline red and green sphalerite, and metallic galena.





Qualified Person Statement

Technical information in this news release has been approved by Fireweed Metals' VP Geology, Jack Milton, Ph.D., P.Geo. (BC), a 'Qualified Person' as defined under Canadian National Instrument 43-101.

About Fireweed Metals Corp. (TSXV: FWZ; OTCQB: FWEDF; FSE:M0G): Fireweed Metals is a public mineral exploration company on the leading edge of Critical Minerals project development. Fireweed is well-funded, with a strong current cash position and has just completed its largest ever exploration program. The Company has three projects located in Canada:

Macpass Project (zinc-lead-silver): Fireweed owns 100% of the district-scale 940 km 2 Macpass Project in Yukon, Canada, which is host to one of the largest undeveloped zinc resources in the world*. The Tom and Jason zinc-lead-silver deposits have current Mineral Resources 2 (11.21 Mt Indicated Resource at 6.59% zinc, 2.48% lead, and 21.33 g/t silver; and 39.47 Mt Inferred Resource at 5.84% zinc, 3.14% lead, and 38.15 g/t silver) and a Preliminary Economic Assessment 3 (PEA). In addition, Boundary Zone, Tom North and End Zone have significant zinc-lead-silver mineralization drilled that are not yet classified as mineral resources. The project also includes large blocks of adjacent claims with known showings and significant upside exploration potential.

Macpass Project in Yukon, Canada, which is host to one of the largest undeveloped zinc resources in the world*. The Tom and Jason zinc-lead-silver deposits have current Mineral Resources (11.21 Mt Indicated Resource at 6.59% zinc, 2.48% lead, and 21.33 g/t silver; and 39.47 Mt Inferred Resource at 5.84% zinc, 3.14% lead, and 38.15 g/t silver) and a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA). In addition, Boundary Zone, Tom North and End Zone have significant zinc-lead-silver mineralization drilled that are not yet classified as mineral resources. The project also includes large blocks of adjacent claims with known showings and significant upside exploration potential. Mactung Project (tungsten): The Company owns 100% of the 37.6 km 2 Mactung Project, located in the Yukon and Northwest Territories adjacent to the Macpass Project. Recently announced mineral resources for Mactung (41.5 Mt Indicated Resource at 0.73% WO 3 and 12.2 Mt Inferred Resource at 0.59% WO 3 ) 4 make it the world's largest high-grade resource of the critical mineral tungsten*. Located in Canada, it is one of the rare large tungsten resources outside of China*.

Mactung Project, located in the Yukon and Northwest Territories adjacent to the Macpass Project. Recently announced mineral resources for Mactung (41.5 Mt Indicated Resource at 0.73% WO and 12.2 Mt Inferred Resource at 0.59% WO ) make it the world's largest high-grade resource of the critical mineral tungsten*. Located in Canada, it is one of the rare large tungsten resources outside of China*. Gayna Project (zinc-lead-gallium-germanium): Fireweed owns 100% of the 128.75 km2 Gayna Project, located in the Northwest Territories about 180 km north of the Macpass Project. As outlined by 28,000 m of historical drilling and recent studies, it is host to extensive mineralization including critical minerals zinc, gallium and germanium, as well as lead and silver. The project has significant upside exploration potential.



In Canada, Fireweed (TSXV: FWZ) trades on the TSX Venture Exchange. In the USA, Fireweed (OTCQB: FWEDF) trades on the OTCQB Venture Market for early stage and developing U.S. and international companies and is DTC eligible for enhanced electronic clearing and settlement. Investors can find Real-Time quotes and market information for the Company on www.otcmarkets.com. In Europe, Fireweed (FSE: M0G) trades on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Additional information about Fireweed and its projects can be found on the Company's website at FireweedMetals.com and at www.sedarplus.com

ON BEHALF OF Fireweed Metals Corp.

"Brandon Macdonald"

CEO & Director

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.

Data Verification

Geophysical surveying in 2022 and 2023 was conducted by a qualified and independent contractor under the direction of Fireweed Metals.

Cautionary Statements

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking" statements and information ("forward-looking statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included herein, including, without limitation, statements relating to mineralization potential, comparison of the Gayna Project to other mineral projects or mines, interpretation of geophysical data, interpretation of drill results, future work plans, the use of funds, and the potential of the Company's projects, are forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of Company management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Company management and reflect the beliefs, opinions, and projections on the date the statements are made. Forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties and accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include but are not limited to, exploration and development risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, expenditure and financing requirements, general economic conditions, changes in financial markets, the ability to properly and efficiently staff the Company's operations, the sufficiency of working capital and funding for continued operations, title matters, First Nations relations, operating hazards, political and economic factors, competitive factors, metal prices, relationships with vendors and strategic partners, governmental regulations and oversight, permitting, seasonality and weather, technological change, industry practices, uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drilling results and laboratory tests, and one-time events. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward?looking statements or beliefs, opinions, projections or other factors, except as required by law.

Footnotes and References

* References to relative size and grade of the Mactung resources and Macpass resources in comparison to other tungsten and zinc deposits elsewhere in the world, respectively, are based on review of the Standard & Poor's Global Market Intelligence Capital IQ database.

1: For details of the geological comparison to the Kipushi Mine, see Turner, E. C., D. W. Broughton, and T. Brooks. "Neoproterozoic carbonate lithofacies and ore distribution at the Kipushi Cu-Zn deposit, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Gayna River Zn camp, Northwest Territories, Canada." Economic Geology 113.3 (2018): 779-788. Fireweed cautions that the presence of gravity anomalies at the Gayna Project described in this news release or the comparison of the geology of the Gayna project to the geology of the Kipushi Mine do not guarantee that massive sulphides, or any other zinc or lead mineralization yet to be discovered, exists on the Gayna claims. This geological comparison is conceptual in nature and requires further exploration. Fireweed makes no assurance that additional exploration will result in the discovery of any mineralization, the definition of an Exploration Target, or the definition of a Mineral Resource on the Gayna Project.

2: For details, see Fireweed Technical Report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Macmillan Pass Zinc-Lead-Silver Project, Watson Lake and Mayo Mining Districts Yukon Territory, Canada" filed on https://www.sedarplus.ca/ on February 23, 2018, and Fireweed news release dated January 10, 2018.

3: For details, see Fireweed Technical Report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report Macmillan Pass Project Yukon Territory Canada" filed on https://www.sedarplus.ca/ on July 9, 2018, and Fireweed news release dated May 23, 2018. This Technical Report includes a Preliminary Economic Analysis disclosing an economic analysis of mineral resources that is preliminary in nature and does not include any mineral reserves. It is equally emphasized that the mineral resources disclosed within this Technical Report are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.

4: For details, see Fireweed news release dated June 13, 2023 "Fireweed Metals Announces Mineral Resources for the Mactung Project: the Largest High-Grade Tungsten Deposit in the World" and the technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report, Mactung Project, Yukon Territory, Canada," with effective date July 28, 2023 filed on https://www.sedarplus.ca/

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4546b07f-38ce-4fb4-993e-67b69e5f847c

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/306ed278-4381-4999-b58a-e8856dcdc575

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/148fa17c-10cc-410f-ba90-a320662d0b3d

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e8f4a7c9-8263-4f1f-9e0d-ac87cdd3e823

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/527c0350-dd90-41db-ad48-cdf2a9f9da18

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/60307013-da4e-42d6-bd7d-e3754720c151

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/740ff122-9b07-4376-835d-90ca440a8813
NYSE: VZLA TSX-V: VZLA

VANCOUVER, Nov. 15, 2023 - Vizsla Silver Corp. (TSXV: VZLA) (NYSE: VZLA) (Frankfurt: 0G3) ("Vizsla Silver" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Mexican mining legend, Eduardo Luna, has agreed to join the Board of Directors of Vizsla Silver. Eduardo has over 40 years of experience in the mining industry and has recently retired from the board of Wheaton Precious Metals.

"We are extremely honored to welcome Eduardo Luna to the Vizsla board," stated President and CEO, Michael Konnert. "Eduardo is one of the most accomplished and experienced miners in all of Mexico. He was instrumental in unlocking value for Luismin, Goldcorp and Silver Wheaton at the world-class San Dimas mine, which continues to be one of the Country's top producers of silver and gold. With San Dimas representing a direct analogue to Panuco, located only 80 kilometers to the north, Eduardo brings a wealth of applicable experience and wisdom to support the next phase of development at the Panuco district."

"I am looking forward to working with the Vizsla team in the development of the Company and especially in the Panuco project, which will very likely be a world class mine," commented Eduardo Luna.

Mr. Luna has spent over forty years in the precious metals mining industry and has held prior senior executive and board positions at several companies including Industrial Penoles, Goldcorp Inc., Luismin SA de CV, Wheaton River Minerals Ltd., Alamos Gold Inc., Dyna Resource, Inc. and Primero Mining Corporation.

He is currently the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Rochester Resources Ltd., a junior natural resources company with assets in Mexico. He formerly served as a member of the Board of Directors of Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.. Mr. Luna is the former President of the Mexican Mining Chamber and a former President of the Silver Institute.

He is an inductee in the Mexico Mining Hall of Fame and serves as Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Faculty of Mines at the University of Guanajuato where he received a degree in Mining Engineering.

Corporate Update

Vizsla has granted 400,000 stock options ("Options") at an exercise price of $1.36 to a director and a consultant of the Company, pursuant to the Company's Omnibus Equity Incentive Compensation Plan. The Options are exercisable for a period of five years and will vest over the next two years. The Options are subject to the approval and policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and the NYSE American.

About the Panuco Project

The newly consolidated Panuco silver-gold project is an emerging high-grade discovery located in southern Sinaloa, Mexico, near the city of Mazatlan. The 7,189.5-hectare, past producing district benefits from over 86 kilometres of total vein extent, 35 kilometres of underground mines, roads, power, and permits.

The district contains intermediate to low sulfidation epithermal silver and gold deposits related to siliceous volcanism and crustal extension in the Oligocene and Miocene. Host rocks are mainly continental volcanic rocks correlated to the Tarahumara Formation.

The Panuco Project hosts an estimated in-situ indicated mineral resource of 104.8 Moz AgEq and an in-situ inferred resource of 114.1 Moz AgEq. An updated NI 43-101 technical report titled "Technical Report on the Mineral Resource Estimate Update for the Panuco Ag-Au-Pb-Zn Project, Sinaloa State, Mexico" was filed on SEDAR on March 10, 2023, with an effective date of January 19, 2023 was prepared by Allan Armitage, Ph. D., P. Geo., Ben Eggers, MAIG, P.Geo. and Yann Camus, P.Eng. of SGS Geological Services.

About Vizsla Silver

Vizsla Silver is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company headquartered in Vancouver, BC, focused on advancing its flagship, 100%-owned Panuco silver-gold project located in Sinaloa, Mexico. To date, Vizsla Silver has completed over 310,000 metres of drilling at Panuco leading to the discovery of several new high-grade veins. For 2023, Vizsla Silver has budgeted +90,000 metres of resource/discovery-based drilling designed to upgrade and expand the mineral resource, as well as test other high priority targets across the district.

Information Concerning Estimates of Mineral Resources

The scientific and technical information in this news release was prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 which differs significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The terms "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource" used herein are in reference to the mining terms defined in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards (the "CIM Definition Standards"), which definitions have been adopted by NI 43-101. Accordingly, information contained herein providing descriptions of our mineral deposits in accordance with NI 43-101 may not be comparable to similar information made public by other U.S. companies subject to the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.

You are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral resources will ever be converted into reserves. Pursuant to CIM Definition Standards, "inferred mineral resources" are that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. Such geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity. An inferred mineral resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an indicated mineral resource and must not be converted to a mineral reserve. However, it is reasonably expected that the majority of inferred mineral resources could be upgraded to indicated mineral resources with continued exploration. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.

Canadian standards, including the CIM Definition Standards and NI 43-101, differ significantly from standards in the SEC Industry Guide 7. Effective February 25, 2019, the SEC adopted new mining disclosure rules under subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "SEC Modernization Rules"), with compliance required for the first fiscal year beginning on or after January 1, 2021. The SEC Modernization Rules replace the historical property disclosure requirements included in SEC Industry Guide 7. As a result of the adoption of the SEC Modernization Rules, the SEC now recognizes estimates of "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources". Information regarding mineral resources contained or referenced herein may not be comparable to similar information made public by companies that report according to U.S. standards. While the SEC Modernization Rules are purported to be "substantially similar" to the CIM Definition Standards, readers are cautioned that there are differences between the SEC Modernization Rules and the CIM Definitions Standards. Accordingly, there is no assurance any mineral resources that the Company may report as "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources" under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the resource estimates under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules.

Website: www.vizslasilvercorp.ca

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release includes certain "Forward?Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward?looking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "plan", "forecast", "may", "would", "could", "schedule" and similar words or expressions, identify forward?looking statements or information. These forward?looking statements or information relate to, among other things: the exploration, development, and production at Panuco, including plans for resource/discovery-based drilling designed to upgrade and expand the mineral resource.

Forward?looking statements and forward?looking information relating to any future mineral production, liquidity, enhanced value and capital markets profile of Vizsla, future growth potential for Vizsla and its business, and future exploration plans are based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the price of silver, gold, and other metals; no escalation in the severity of public health crises; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; Vizsla's ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms.

These statements reflect Vizsla's respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward?looking statements or forward-looking information and Vizsla Silver has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the Company's dependence on one mineral project; precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities in Mexico; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; risks regarding mineral resources and reserves; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of public health crises; the economic and financial implications of public health crises to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities and artisanal miners; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; the ongoing military conflict in Ukraine; general economic facts; and the factors identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in Vizsla Silver's management discussion and analysis and other public disclosure documents. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward?looking statements or forward-looking information. Although Vizsla Silver has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. Vizsla Silver does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward?looking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Vizsla Silver Corp.
Priority Drill Targets Significantly Expand the Mineralized Trend Along Strike from the Past-Producing High-Grade Uranium Apex Mine

Vancouver, November 15, 2023 - Kraken Energy Corp. (CSE: UUSA) (OTCQB: UUSAF) (the "Company" or "Kraken Energy") is pleased to report that it has commenced the inaugural drill program at its 100%-owned, past-producing flagship Apex Uranium Property ("Apex" or the "Property") located in central Nevada.

The 2,200-meter ("m") drilling program will target a mineralized area over 2 kilometers ("km") in strike length consisting of two separate target areas immediately along strike from the past-producing Apex Mine. The Company has received approval to initially drill up to 2,200 m (7,217 ft) in 24 holes from 8 pads.

"We are very excited to begin drilling at Apex, where historic drilling features results of up to 34.1 m (112 ft) at 0.37% U3O8 and 15.2 m (50 ft) at 0.51% U3O8," stated Matthew Schwab, CEO of Kraken. "With radon anomalies now over 5 times larger than the footprint of the Apex Mine, our team is confident in the priority targets outlined for this maiden drilling program on the property."

Highlights:

Priority drill targets over strong radon anomalies coincide with geophysical signatures outlining the mineralized contact at the historic Apex Uranium Mine.

The BLM has approved permit to drill up to 2,200 m (7,217 ft) in 24 holes from 8 pads.

Interpretation of the recently flown VTEM and UAV magnetic surveys shows a geophysical signature associated with uranium mineralization at the Apex Mine that appears to be offset to the north where it continues trending northwest. This geophysical signature coincides with strong and consistent, recently identified radon anomalies.

Over 2 km of new high priority target potential has been identified on the recently staked BLM ground that follows the northwest mineralized trend from the Apex Mine.

Newly defined and previously undrilled target area with projected target depths ranging from 50 m to 200 m (164 ft to 656 ft).





Figure 1: Target Areas at Apex Uranium Property for Maiden Drilling Program

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8684/187430_4a17683cb41ba86f_001full.jpg

About the Apex Property:

The Apex Uranium Mine was Nevada's largest past-producing uranium mine which produced ~106,000 pounds of U 3 O 8 in the 1950s at an average mining grade of ~0.25% U 3 O 8 . Historic drilling results include results of up to 3.1 m (10 ft) at 1.33% U 3 O 8 , 34.1 m (112 ft) at 0.37% U 3 O 8 and 15.2 m (50 ft) at 0.51% U 3 O 8 .

References:

1 Uranium Deposits of the World USA and Latin America, by Franz J. Dahlkamp (1965, pg 291)

2 Nevada Bureau Mines File 60000269, Report on Mines of Apex Minerals Corporation 1957, by Harry H. Hughes, Mining Geologist.

3 EPRI Report EA-498 "Uranium Price Formation" (1977, pg 2-19)

4 Nevada Bureau Mines File 38900096, Transverse Section Through Drilled Orebody, Apex Minerals Corp 1959, by Harry Hughes, Mining Geologist.

5 Nevada Bureau Mines File 38900084, Plan map of underground workings, sampling, and drill holes at the Apex mine 1959, by Harry Hughes, Mining Geologist.

Technical Information:

All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared by or reviewed and approved by Matthew Schwab, P.Geo., President and CEO of the Company, and Garrett Ainsworth, P.Geo., Chairman of the Company. Each of Mr. Schwab and Mr. Ainsworth is a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

The data disclosed in this news release is related to historical drilling results. Kraken has not undertaken any independent investigation of the sampling, nor has it independently analyzed the results of the historical exploration work in order to verify the results. Kraken considers these historical drill results relevant as the Company is using this data as a guide to plan exploration programs. The Company's current and future exploration work includes verification of the historical data through drilling.

About Kraken Energy Corp.:

Kraken Energy Corp. is a new energy company advancing its portfolio of high-grade uranium properties in the Unites States. The Company is advancing its 100%-owned Apex Uranium Property, located 280 km (174 miles) east from Reno, Nevada which is recognized as Nevada's largest past-producing uranium mine. The Company has additionally entered into an option agreement to earn 100% of the Garfield Hills Uranium Property. The past-producing Garfield Hills Uranium Property covers 1,238 ha (3,060 acres) and is located 19 km (12 miles) east of Hawthorne in Mineral County, Nevada. Kraken Energy has also recently staked the Huber Hills Uranium Property, located 136 km (85 miles) north of Elko, Nevada which covers 1,044 ha (2,580 acres) and encompasses the historic Race Track open pit mine. The Company has recently entered into an option agreement to earn 75% of the Harts Point Uranium Property. The Harts Point Uranium Property covers 2,622 ha (6,480 acres) and is located 49 km (30 miles) northwest of Monticello in San Juan County, Utah.

For more information about the Company, please visit; www.krakenenergycorp.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Kraken Energy Corp.:

Matthew Schwab

President & Chief Executive Officer

Corporate Office:

Suite 907 - 1030 West Georgia Street

Vancouver, British Columbia

V6E 2Y3

T: (604) 628-2669

For investor relations inquiries, contact:

Kin Communications Inc.

T: (604) 684-6730

E: uusa@kincommunications.com

This news release contains forward-looking information which is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include our plans for exploration at the properties. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Risks that could change or prevent these statements from coming to fruition include changing costs for mining and processing; increased capital costs; the timing and content of upcoming work programs; geological interpretations based on drilling that may change with more detailed information; potential process methods and mineral recoveries assumption based on limited test work and by comparison to what are considered analogous deposits that with further test work may not be comparable; the availability of labour, equipment and markets for the products produced; and despite the current expected viability of the project, conditions changing such that the minerals on our property cannot be economically mined, or that the required permits to build and operate the envisaged mine can be obtained. The forward-looking information contained herein is given as of the date hereof and the Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187430
Reno, Nov. 15, 2023 - Nevada Canyon Gold Corp. (OTC Markets: NGLD) (The Company or Nevada Canyon) is pleased to announce that it has raised through a Tier 2 Regulation A+ public offering gross proceeds of approximately $10,000,000 (the "Offering") with the issuance of 12,500,000 units (the "Units") of the Company at a price of $0.80 per Unit. No subscriptions were accepted after September 27, 2023 and the Company has completed all customary closing conditions and final documentation to close the Offering.

Each unit consists of one (1) restricted common share ("Share") and one (1) share purchase warrant ("Warrant") exercisable by the warrant holder to acquire one (1) additional Share at an exercise price of $1.20 for a period of 24 months from date of each closing. The common shares issued in connection with the Offering's units are subject to a six-month lockup from the date of issuance.

The proceeds from the Offering will be used for future acquisitions, fund work on the Company's mineral properties and for general working capital purposes.

"Today marks an important milestone in our Company's journey, as we are funded to execute our plan to purchase targeted royalties, stream financings and exploration accelerator properties we have identified," said Jeffrey A Cocks, Chairman of Nevada Canyon. "We can now focus on strategic deployment of capital on value added acquisitions."

In connection with the above Offering, Digital Offering, LLC, a FINRA/SIPC Member, provided broker-dealer coverage in all 50 states, including the review of all investor information and subscription agreements. Equifund LLC acted as the technology platform for the Offering for gathering investor information for subscription agreements, including KYC ("Know Your Customer") data, AML ("Anti Money Laundering") and other compliance background checks.

About Nevada Canyon Gold Corp.

Nevada Canyon Gold Corp. is a US-based natural resource company headquartered in Reno, Nevada. The Company has a large, strategic land position and royalties in multiple projects, within some of Nevada's highest-grade historical mining districts offering year around access and good infrastructure in proven and active mining districts. The Company has a three-fold business model; i) mineral royalty creation and acquisition; ii) precious-metals and exploration streaming; and iii) exploration Project accelerator.

For further information please contact:

Corporate Communications

Larry Heuhert

Tel: 1-888-909-5548 Ext. 2

Email: ir@nevadacanyongold.com

Web: www.nevadacanyongold.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

The information posted in this release may contain forward-looking statements. The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical 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. You can identify these statements by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of exploration, delays in completing various engineering and exploration programs, and any potential results from such programs. Specifically, forward-looking statements in this news release include statements with respect to the potential mineralization and geological merits of the Company properties and various other factors beyond the Nevada Canyon Gold Corp.'s control. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed in this press release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events except as required by applicable securities legislation. Investors are advised to carefully review the reports and documents that Nevada Canyon Gold Corp. files from time to time with the SEC, including its Annual Form 10K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, Quarterly Reports and Current Reports.
/NOT AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION TO BUY ANY SECURTIES IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/

VANCOUVER, Nov. 15, 2023 - Capella Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: CMIL) (OTCQB: CMILF) (FRA: N7D2) ("Capella" or the "Company") wishes to advise that it has completed its previously announced (October 17, 2023) non-brokered private placement. Further to that news release, the Company was able to negotiate the sale of an aggregate 41,775,000 units at $0.03 per unit for gross proceeds of C$1,253,250 and has issued the shares and warrants to participants. The shares issued are subject to a hold period trading restriction expiring March 10, 2024.

The Company paid 3 finders a finders' fee calculated as to 7% in cash and 10% in warrants for eligible purchasers. Haywood Securities Inc.; Leede Jones Gable Inc.; and LHC Mine Finance Ltd. were paid an aggregate C$57,050.00 and issued a total 2,716,667 finders' warrants under the same terms and conditions as the unit warrants.

Each unit of the private placement consists of one common share in the capital of the Company and one-half of a share purchase warrant, with each whole warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional common share at a price of C$0.06 per share at any time until expiry, November 09, 2025. The warrants are restricted from being exercised if by exercising them the holder would become a 10% shareholder. Further, the warrants are subject to an accelerated exercise clause in the event the Company's share price exceeds C$0.15 for 10 consecutive trading days.

Proceeds from the private placement will be allocated approximately 65% to property and project exploration costs; 35% to accounts payable and general and administrative costs. Of the 35% general and administration costs approximately 18% is accounts payable accrued to management, directors and employee salaries and 7% to investor relation costs, the balance for general working capital.

A director (the "Insider") of the Company participated in the Offering and purchased an aggregate of 500,000 units. Participation by the Insider of the Company in the Offering is considered a "related party transaction" pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is exempt from the requirements to obtain a formal valuation and minority shareholder approval in connection with the Insiders' participation in the Offering in reliance of sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(a) of MI 61-101, respectively, on the basis that participation in the private placement by the Insider did not exceed 25% of the fair market value of the Company's market capitalization

On Behalf of the Board of Capella Minerals Ltd.

"Eric Roth"

Eric Roth, Ph.D., FAusIMM

President & CEO

About Capella Minerals Ltd

Capella is engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of quality mineral resource properties in favourable jurisdictions with a focus on European base and battery metals projects.

In Norway, the Company's focus is on: i) the advanced exploration-stage Hessjgruva copper-cobalt project and the adjacent Kongensgruve and Kjli projects in the northern Rros mining district, Trndelag province, ii) the discovery of satellite high-grade copper-cobalt deposits around the past-producing Lkken copper mine, Trndelag province, and iii) the discovery of new copper-cobalt deposits in the former Vaddas-Birtavarre mining district of northern Norway.

The Company is also exploring the Northern Finland Gold-Copper project in the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt, together with JV partner Cullen Resources Ltd (ASX: CUL). A total of five exploration permit have now been approved, including the priority Killero Cu-Au target. In central Finland, the Companys focus is on the discovery of lithium and rare-earth element deposits at both its Perho reservation, in addition to an extensive package of properties in the broader Keliber district through a JV with European Energy Metals Corp. (formerly Hilo Mining)(TSXV: FIN).

Capella also retains exposure to exploration success in precious metals projects through its active Canadian Joint Ventures with Prospector Metals Corp. (TSXV: PPP) at Savant (Ontario) and Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (formerly Yamana Gold Inc.)(TSX/NYSE: AEM) at Domain (Manitoba). The Company also holds a 49% interest in the Sierra Blanca low sulfidation gold-silver project in Santa Cruz, Argentina, which is currently being explored by Austral Gold Ltd (TSXV: AGLD; ASX: AGD).

Cautionary Notes and Forward-looking Statements

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 Capella, including the timing, completion of and results from the exploration and drill programs described in this release. 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 Capella 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 those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in Capella's most recently filed MD&A. Capella 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.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Capella Minerals Ltd.
Vancouver, November 15, 2023 - Belmont Resources Ltd. ("Belmont" or the "Company") (TSX.V:BEA) (FSE:L3L2) is pleased to announce that TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation with respect to a $420,000 convertible loan from arms length parties.

The convertible debenture bears no interest before April 1, 2024. Interest on arrears of 12.0% per annum will begin to accrue starting April 2, 2024, if the principal amount is not paid in full on April 1, 2024. Interest is payable in cash, anything else will be subject to TSXV approval.

The Lenders have the option to have the Debt paid through the issuance of 14,000,000 common shares, at a deemed value of $0.03 per share, subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Belmont Resources

Belmont Resources has assembled a portfolio of highly prospective copper, gold, lithium, uranium and rare earths projects located in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Washington and Nevada States. Its holdings include:

Athelstan-Jackpot (A-J): 2 former gold mines. 2,000m drill program recently completed (see NR Oct. 31_2021)

CrackingstoneUranium-Rare Earths: Some of the highest grade Rare Earth Elements (REE's) are being discovered in Northern Saskatchewan due to the presence of Uranium, Thorium Pegmatites. Crackingstone project meets the criteria for potentially discovering a large REE's deposit with its high grade uranium along with thorium and pegmatite. A review of 3,000m of 2008 drill data shows a 1.3km pegmatite dyke drilled but only assayed for uranium at that time. 2023 plans are to re-assay pegmatite sections for REE's ;

Come By Chance (CBC): 2021 geophysics delineated potential large copper-gold porphyry

2022 drilling provided further vectors towards potential core of porphyry;

The Lone StarCopper-Gold: optioned to Australian Marquee Resources ASX:MQR. MQR has spent in excess of $2.5M in drilling, completed new resource in Dec. 2022, and is currently preparing a Preliminary Economic Assessment in order to earn 80% interest.

The Kibby Basin Lithium project located 60 kilometers north of the lithium rich Clayton Valley Basin: Optioned 80% of the central Kibby Playa claim block to Australian Marquee Resources - MQR. MQR has spent in excess of $2.5M in drilling in 2022 for potential deep seated lithium brine. 2022 Drilling confirmed high levels of lithium-bearing sediments along with dissolved lithium in the groundwater.



Click Image To View Full Size

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"George Sookochoff"

George Sookochoff, CEO/President

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

This Press Release may contain forward-looking statements that may involve a number of risks and uncertainties, based on assumptions and judgments of management regarding future events or results that may prove to be inaccurate as a result of exploration and other risk factors beyond its control. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Companies forward-looking statements and expectations. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, that we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval; that we may not be able to raise funds required, that conditions to closing may not be fulfilled and we may not be able to organize and carry out an exploration program in 2023, and other risks associated with being a mineral exploration and development company. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by applicable laws, the Company 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.

Copyright (c) 2023 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Hong Kong: CE visits Wong Tai Sin, Kwun Tong

Chief Executive John Lee paid a visit to Wong Tai Sin and Kwun Tong today to learn more about child care services at the district level and inspect the site of a smart and green mass transit system.

Mr Lee viewed an after school care centre for pre-primary children at Tsz Lok Estate in Wong Tai Sin, which is subsidised by the Social Welfare Department, to find out about its care services for parents who are unable to look after their young children during after-school hours due to work or other reasons.

He also visited a home-based child carer participating in the Neighbourhood Support Child Care Project to understand her daily life and that of the children under her care.

Mr Lee noted that the latest Policy Address introduced a series of measures to promote fertility, including the enhancement of support to families with newborns and working families in childbearing.

At Shun Lee Estate in Kwun Tong, Mr Lee inspected the alignment of the proposed smart and green mass transit system in East Kowloon, which is one of the projects introduced in the Policy Address to strengthen the transport network.

He then spoke to members of the public and shop tenants for an insight into their daily lives and business operations and introduced them to the new policy measures.

The Chief Executive also handed out promotional leaflets about the District Council Election to citizens and encouraged them to cast their votes on December 10.

Mr Lee said: Making Hong Kong a better place for all is one of the policy objectives of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

My team and I will continue to work tirelessly to address the needs of society and press ahead with the implementation of the policies proposed in the Policy Address, with a view to jointly creating a cohesive and caring community, with a vibrant economy where everyone can enjoy life.

Secretary for Transport & Logistics Lam Sai-hung, Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak and Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun also joined the visit.

This story has been published on: 2023-11-15. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Xiplomacy: Xi's APEC visit signifies hope for China-U.S. ties

Xinhua) 22:11, November 15, 2023

BEIJING, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of U.S. President Joe Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in San Francisco on Tuesday for a China-U.S. summit and the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting.

The visit to San Francisco marks Xi's return to the United States after six-plus years and also signifies another face-to-face meeting between the two heads of state following last year's handshake in Bali, Indonesia.

Eight years ago, in a speech on China-U.S. relations at a welcoming dinner hosted by local governments and organizations in Seattle, the United States, Xi said, "We must foster friendly sentiments among our peoples. People-to-people relations underpin state-to-state relations."

"The foundation of China-U.S. relations lies among the people, the hope is in the people," Xi reiterated during his meeting with California governor Gavin Newsom last month.

With the upcoming Xi-Biden summit, China has once again extended the hand of friendship toward the other side of the Pacific.

FROM BEIJING TO SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco is the first U.S. city that was directly reached by a Chinese commercial flight. On Jan. 7, 1981, a Boeing 747SP large passenger aircraft flew over the Pacific Ocean, becoming the first flight between China and the United States linking Beijing, Shanghai, San Francisco, and New York.

Over the past 42 years, busy flights have witnessed increasingly close connections between China and the United States.

Earlier this month, Air China and United Airlines successively resumed direct flights between Beijing and San Francisco, signaling improved relations between the two sides.

At the San Francisco International Airport, Roger Jansen, a retired American photojournalist who had just concluded his trip to China, was eager to share his travel experience.

He said he traveled to Shanghai and Beijing on China's high-speed bullet train, and enjoyed good food. "Everybody was friendly and nice. You know we should all get together. Not that fight and feud."

Dennis Simon, a distinguished fellow of the Institute for China-America Studies, is also paying close attention to the upcoming summit.

"They definitely have a very complex agenda that the two men are going to have to address. But first and foremost, they're going to have to figure out a way to stabilize the relationship," he said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

"It is incumbent upon both countries and the leaders to find a pathway forward to reduce tensions and to make it worthwhile for the citizenry in both countries to benefit from the engagement between the two governments," he said.

"I'm a big believer in people-to-people diplomacy. I think if we look at the last 40-plus years of U.S.-China relations, the people-to-people dimension has grown far beyond what anyone would have imagined," said Simon, who has over 40 years of experience studying and working in China.

MUSIC AS BRIDGE

Just as the Golden Gate Bridge spans across San Francisco Bay, facilitating connectivity among local residents, music has acted as a "bridge" between China and the United States.

Fifty years ago, the Philadelphia orchestra came to China, an ice-breaking journey of cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Five decades later, the orchestra performed in Beijing with the China National Symphony Orchestra alongside vocalists from various countries, together creating harmonious symphonies during its ongoing 13th visit to China.

Xi, in his reply to a letter from Matias Tarnopolsky, president and CEO of the orchestra, said that he hopes the orchestra and artists from China, the United States and other countries will continue their efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties between China and the United States and spread friendship among peoples of the world.

Valuing the orchestra's half-century bond with China, Tarnopolsky said he hopes to see the relationship continue to grow and flourish.

"Cultural exchange is fundamentally important as a path to understanding between peoples," said Tarnopolsky. "Music connects us all, be it across geographic boundaries, languages, cultures and centuries."

Davyd Booth, a violinist and one of the members of the 1973 trip who still plays in the orchestra, said the tour 50 years ago was "one of the most important events" in his life.

"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."

FUTURE ROOTS IN YOUTH

During his visit to Lincoln High School in 2015, Xi invited the students to visit China, saying, "Through travel, you will know China better, and hopefully you will like China."

One year later, a delegation of students and teachers from Lincoln High School visited Chinese cities including Fuzhou, Chengdu and Beijing.

Recalling the gift of travel for his students from Xi, former Lincoln High School Principal Patrick Erwin said that students will lead the way to better relationships between our countries.

"Students are the voice of the future, and the more they can visit each other, the better the chances we will have successful futures," he said.

Over the years, Xi has placed significant emphasis on fostering genuine interactions among the youth between the two sides, sowing the seeds of friendship in their hearts, nurturing future ambassadors of goodwill and building bridges for future China-U.S. friendship.

Earlier this month, 23 U.S. college students experienced a five-day China Education Tour organized by Southwest Jiaotong University in China's Sichuan Province.

Tor Parsons, a student from Lewis & Clark College, said that he would like to post about his experience on social media to let more young Americans know about China.

"I hope my students can gain a deeper understanding of all aspects of China," said Drew Kunard, the director of the trip.

"Through the exchanges, the friendship between the young people of China and the United States has grown, and the understanding and respect for each other have deepened," said David Chong, founder and president of the U.S.-China Youth and Student Exchange Association.

As Xi stressed in his reply letter to the U.S.-China Youth and Student Exchange Association, "the hope and foundation of the China-U.S. relationship lie in the people, and its future lies in the youths."

(Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Sheng Chuyi)
took its toll on Buffalo, N.Y., the city government decided to staunch decay and neglect by targeting its limited resources on the neighborhoods with the greatest need. City departments began weekly sweeps through the most hard-hit wards, providing information to residents about employment and health-care services, while also sealing vacant houses, trimming overgrown trees, mowing empty lots, and removing debris and graffiti.The city knew exactly where to go and what to do based on data from Buffalos 311 hotline service. The city culled data from complaints and requests for service during the year. The targeted sweeps that resulted represented a complete turnaround from the random efforts in the past to fix blighted neighborhoods.The outreach conducted by Mayor Byron Brown captures in a nutshell how 311 has grown from what was once just a hotline for citizens into something much more. Instead of simply responding to complaints, cities are using 311 proactively to tackle urban problems before they get too big. In Chicago, the city is using analytical software to sift through 311 calls to see if it can spot rat infestations before they become a problem. Like Buffalo, the city is trying to be more effective in how it handles common complaints.Other cities are using 311 as a way to push out information to citizens. Sometimes it has to do with alerting neighborhoods about shutoffs to repair water lines, or it can be used to alert car owners to keep their vehicles off the streets as a winter storm approaches. In Louisville, Ky., the city used its 311 to let residents know that they could shred personal documents using city paper shredders on select weekends.City residents arent just calling 311 operators. They are increasingly using smartphones with mobile apps to send in requests for service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The cities with the most sophisticated 311 systems can capture all this data and use it to track work, measure performance, and make strategic decisions that affect services, policies and budgets. 311 is now used for performance measurement, economic development and community engagement, says Cory Fleming, 311 program director at the International City/County Management Association. The technology has gone way beyond its original purpose, which was simply to offload nonemergency calls coming into 911 systems.In fact many experts see 311 as a transformative technology for cities, capable of helping mayors and city managers make smart decisions while ensuring that every tax dollar is wisely spent. In some ways the most optimistic views of 311 sound similar to what was once thought would happen when electronic government grabbed everyones attention more than 10 years ago, only to fizzle out when it became clear that government couldnt shift services online quickly, easily or cheaply.Fortunately, 311 lacks the hype that doomed e-government, and it has had years of testing and practical use to back up some of the claims now being made. But 311 faces hurdles that could stymie its growth and maturity. High costs make it a target for budget cutters, while issues with staff training and retention make it hard for managers to use the systems to their fullest capability. Then theres the technology itself, which keeps changing. How do you stay on the cutting edge? asks Fleming. Its relatively hard for a municipality, especially a smaller one, to adapt quickly.in the 1980s when city leaders began looking for ways to reduce the number of nonemergency 911 calls. In 2002, the hotline got a big boost when newly elected Mayor Michael Bloomberg decided to apply his technological acumen to New York Citys bewildering array of city services. Backed with lots of resources and a highly publicized rollout, 311 quickly became a huge success in New York and soon spread to other major cities.Today, nearly 300 cities (and some counties) have a 311 call system or use the underlying technology, known as customer relationship management (CRM), to track service requests and a host of other capabilities. Initially only the biggest cities could afford the technology and the roomful of operators needed to answer the calls. But as the cost of the technology dropped and the capabilities increased, smaller municipalities began using 311 too. The recession slowed down growth and even led a few cities, such as New Orleans and Detroit, to pull the plug on their 311 services. In recent years, however, the number of cities launching 311 is rising again while those that already have the technology are changing how they use it.The recession has caused more cities to be innovative when it comes to 311, says Spencer Stern, a consultant who specializes in helping cities with 311. Some are adopting and leveraging low-cost channels, such as mobile apps, social media and online chat. These channels are less expensive to process than requests by phone.Thats important because it costs an average of $3.40 to answer a call, with some cities paying as much as $4 or $5, according to the Pew Charitable Trusts. Any calls that can be pushed online represent a serious savings, especially for cities that handle tens of thousands of calls per month. Perhaps the biggest shift has been the move to mobile apps and social media. 311 has had an online presence on the Web for many years, but the rise of smartphones and Twitter, for example, has given cities a new way to engage with citizens. Some cities are already seeing a clear shift away from phone calls to mobile requests. Minneapolis has experienced a 25 percent increase in the number of people using smartphones to connect with the citys website, according to 311 Director Don Stickney. The growing popularity of the citys mobile app has led to a decrease in 311 phone calls.But not all cities are as digitally sophisticated as Minneapolis, and while the use of mobile apps and social media continues to increase, the volume of phone calls has remained rather constant, according to Rose Minton, a consultant and co-founder of the 311 Synergy Group. She says mayors sometimes get the wrong impression that mobile apps will let them serve citizens better while cutting costs. But when its not done correctly, you can end up with another manual process on your hands, she says.With luck, mobile apps and websites could help a jurisdiction move 30 percent of calls to self-service, the industry standard. But most 311 services report just an 18 to 20 percent self-serve threshold with mobile apps, says Minton. And that only happens when the city has all their internal processes correctly set up and a well organized call center.The ultimate goal for cities is to capture all the incoming data on every complaint, request and query, so they can track how long it takes a city department to respond and complete the request. Smart cities will publish that information for public consumption. Transparency has become the byword for good government and 311 is at the forefront to make that happen, says Stern.But 311s real goldmine is the various management reports that can be generated once the data is massaged and analyzed. Not only can city managers and department heads see how well their workforce is performing, but they can start making more accurate projections on where scarce resources should be used. Jacksonville, Fla., for instance, uses the data from its CRM to target urban blight and remove tons of debris.How 311 data gets used is progressing at hyper-speed in Minneapolis, according to Stickney. We feed data to not just our department heads, but also our elected officials as to whats going on. The demand for data reports has risen so dramatically that Minneapolis 311 center has created an internal self-serve tool that allows managers and council members to pull the data they want when they need it.The use of 311 data will only become more specialized and innovative as time goes on, say experts. Already cities like Boston have built mobile apps that allow residents to submit geotagged photos of potholes and broken lights and then track the status of the problem. Its one of several emerging trends involving 311. The next wave of 311 will turn every citizen into a sensor, instantly reporting the location of broken hydrants, fountains or benches with their smartphones, according to a paper written by Zachary Tumin, deputy commissioner of strategic initiatives at the New York City Police Department, and Robert Wasserman, chairman of the Strategic Policy Partnership. They also predict that with the proliferation of wireless networks, city workers will receive information via wireless devices about problems from 311 calls, and respond to the problem on the spot.Greater transparency, thanks to 311, will boost citizen engagement and empowerment with the city they live in. To hold down costs, Tumin and Wasserman expect to see more regionalized 311 services emerge. At the same time, the need to share information across boundaries and between public and private sectors will further push the consolidation of these call center systems.of 311 can arrive, however, cities will have to come to grips with practical issues. First and foremost is cost. The recession and the ongoing fiscal problems in many municipalities have led to cutbacks. Minneapolis spent $3.1 million on its 311 call center in 2013. For the biggest cities, the costs are in excess of $10 million. Some cities have put new initiatives on hold while others have either cut their hours or their staffing.Just as troubling is finding qualified workers to staff the 311 call centers, train them and then keep them. Many cities still have hiring freezes. Those that can hire, struggle to find the right people. You have got to have your best and brightest folks in there, says Stern. 311 is the front door to the city. If people are having a bad experience with the operator, its going to sour the constituents on using the service in the future.In Minneapolis, 80 percent of all calls are resolved in the call center, which means only two out of 10 queries are pushed over to a specific department for resolution. But to get operators that proficient takes lots of trainingup to 15 weeks for new workers. With the economy starting to pick up, demand for experienced call takers in certain hot job markets has led some government 311 workers to jump ship to the private sector.Then theres the technology. The CRM software that undergirds all 311 and call center systems needs steady refinements and updates to keep up with the latest in mobile technology, social media and self-service tools, such as automated voice response systems that use computers rather than people to answer basic questions. Jacksonville built its own CRM, which was considered so good at one point that other cities asked if they could use the software. But now the system is out of date and has bugs and other issues, says Monica Cichowlas, the citys call center customer service manager. It keeps me up at night, worrying about it, she says.Still, the rewards of 311 outweigh the risks. Cities have become magnets for young workers, most of whom are quite comfortable using their smartphone to post a photo of a pothole and dont mind getting push notifications about events and emergency updates. The relentless demand for more data to track services and solve problems makes 311 an ideal tool. One of the best indicators of 311s future is the fact that small cities are now jumping on the bandwagon, hoping to offer their citizens the same kind of customer services available in big cities.Just ask Scott Morelli, city manager of Gardiner, Maine, population 5,800. Last year, Morelli decided to install CRM software so he and others could track progress on service requests. The price was right and its easy to use, says Morelli. But beyond the practicalities of pricing, Morelli sees a pragmatic future for his citys use of 311. Its going to let us provide better customer service, better tracking of how work gets done and better budgeting.
Audi already pretty involved with Sauber

Audi is already "pretty involved" with Sauber in anticipation of the Volkswagen-owned German carmaker's entry into Formula 1 in 2026.

Valtteri Bottas, Brazilian GP 2023

 Alfa Romeo

Although the deal is set in stone and shares of the Swiss-based team have already started to pass into Audi's hands, rumours top Audi executives would like to hit reverse gear have been rampant recently.

I hear a lot of rumours, Sauber team representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi admitted to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, "but I'm happy about it because it helps the journalists write their stories.

The reality is that there is a group of 350 people in Neuburg led by Adam Baker working on the design and development of the power unit, he insisted.

The truth, however, is that both Sauber and Audi have been very quiet about their 2026 works collaboration for some time - although Bravi in particular is now beginning to be more regularly vocal.

We are one of the few teams that has a long-term plan, he insists.

"Audi is coming in 2026, but they're already pretty involved. They have been minority owners since January 2023. We're working with them to identify weaknesses and develop the team.

Andreas Seidl, CEO of the Sauber Group, works on the structure every day, the Italian added. Everything is in place.

One of the aspects now in place is an aggressive recruitment drive to ramp up the privateer team Sauber into a full works team capable of taking on the sport's biggest players.

Recruiting new employees is not a matter of just one day, Bravi says. "But we offer an exciting project - perhaps the most exciting in Formula 1 in the last ten years.

"We are proud to be a part of it, but that doesn't mean we don't see the challenges. We know there is a lot of work ahead of us in every area. And that it's not enough to do what we're doing right now.

That's not enough for podiums.

Indeed, Sauber - currently still racing as Alfa Romeo - has seriously struggled with its 2023 car, and Bravi acknowledges that long before Audi fires up its engines, the F1 team needs to up its game.

In order for us to have a competitive platform as an Audi factory team from 2026, we have to improve every year, he said. "It is important to show that we have taken a step.

There has to be more from everyone, in every area.

And that also applies to the drivers, Bravi insists - with Sauber facing criticism for its decision to tread water with the existing lineup of Valtteri Bottas alongside Guanyu Zhou for 2024.

Prior to their re-signing, there were rumours Sauber was under pressure from Audi to install a better driver pairing.

You said it - they were rumours, Alunni Bravi said. I have always said at every race that we are happy with our driver pairing. Consistency and stability are an important element for us, especially for the transformation process we are currently in.

That said, Bravi admits Chinese driver Guanyu needs to take another step next season.

He has improved compared to last season. He was able to get to Valtteri's level in qualifying, he said. "He still has room for improvement when it comes to managing the race. And also in terms of consistency from track to track.

What do we need to see from him? Bravi added. That he finds the limit from the first lap of the first practice session. We can't spend half a session waiting, because the performance density in Formula 1 is so high. We need both drivers at the limit.

The experienced Finn Bottas also has a major role to play, Alunni Bravi added.

He should continue to drive the team forward and contribute to car development, he said. "With his experience, he has to be there for us when opportunities arise.
GM to be works F1 engine supplier by 2028

On the eve of the new Las Vegas GP, American carmaker giant General Motors has given Andretti's chances of entering Formula 1 a massive boost.

Brazilian GP 2023

 Alfa Romeo

The involvement of GM brand Cadillac already helped Michael Andretti's F1 aspirations get the official nod from the governing body FIA for a 2025 entry.

However, the door to the grid remains closed to Andretti-Cadillac due to F1 owner Liberty Media's reluctance to agree commercial terms with an eleventh team entry.

AP news agency reported recently that F1 had even approached GM asking if the carmaker might abandon the Andretti project and tie-up with another team instead.

GM president Mark Reuss, however, declared last week: GM is committed to partnering with Andretti to race in F1.

And now, Formula 1 might struggle to keep opposing Andretti-Cadillac, given that General Motors has announced its official registration as a F1 engine supplier for 2028.

Until then, Andretti would have to run Cadillac-branded Renault or Honda customer engines, even though a deal with either of those suppliers is not done.

But with full works GM engines for Andretti in 2028, the case for an eleventh team entry in Formula 1 suddenly appears much more likely - or even inevitable.

We are thrilled that our new Andretti-Cadillac F1 entry will be powered by a GM power unit, GM president Mark Reuss declared in a statement on Tuesday.

"With our deep engineering and racing expertise, we're confident we'll develop a successful power unit for the series, and position Andretti-Cadillac as a true works team.

We will run with the very best, at the highest levels, with passion and integrity that will help elevate the sport for race fans around the world, he added.

A delegation of GM executives is expected to attend this weekend's Las Vegas GP.

(GMM)
Fidelity Bank posts impressive financial results in Q3

Business Desk Report Business News Nov - 15 - 2023 , 05:22

One of the countrys foremost banks, Fidelity Bank Ghana, posted an impressive profit before income tax of GH620.73 million in the third quarter of the year.

This represents 40 per cent rise over the same period last year, a development which reaffirms the banks prudent financial management and forward-thinking approach.

According to its quarter three (Q3) report, the bank also achieved a remarkable surge in its operating income, reaching an impressive GH1.38 billion, representing a substantial 36 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, a demonstration of the bank's strategic agility in seizing market opportunities even in a challenging business environment.

The bank also registered a seven per cent growth in assets, amounting to GH15.94 billion.

Loans and advances increased by five per cent, totalling GH3.03 billion, while deposits from customers went up by 25 per cent.

The bank in its report maintained a robust Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) which remains pegged well above the prudential minimum regulatory requirement.

Shareholder funds soared by 67 per cent, closing the third quarter at GHC1.09 billion, reflecting a full-scale recovery of the post-DDEP impact losses incurred.

Commitment to stakeholders

The Director for Strategy and Performance at Fidelity Bank, John Glover, in commenting on the results emphasised the bank's commitment to exceed expectations and meet the needs of its customers, shareholders and stakeholders.

He was confident that the bank would continue to perform well to achieve its objectives.

Beyond being a financial powerhouse, Fidelity Bank Ghana is a shining example of social responsibility.

The bank's recent contribution of GH147,614 to the Enactus team at C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences underscores its dedication to nurturing youth entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the bank's donation of GH100,000 worth of essential relief items to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to aid flood victims in the Volta Region demonstrates its unwavering support for the community during times of crisis.

Resilience

The Managing Director of the bank, Julian Opuni, said the bank's resilience and community-centric values has been pivotal in driving impactful change within Ghana's banking industry.

"Our resilience extends beyond our financial performance; we are an integral part of the communities we serve. Our commitment to sustainable development, youth empowerment and environmental stewardship remains at the core of our values."

As an indigenous financial institution, we are proud of our role in fostering a prosperous future for Ghana, and we remain poised to elevate our impact even further," he added.
St. Francis College of Education support flood victims

News Desk Report Business News Nov - 10 - 2023 , 18:39

St. Francis College of Education has donated an amount of GH10,000 and some items to the flood victims affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage.

The amount and items which includes exercise books for school children were presented at Bator in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region last Friday.



The gesture was made by the principal of the college, Dr Adwoa Kwegyiriba who indicated that it was the College's Corporate Social responsibility to support the flood victims especially in the area of education among others.

" The core mandate of the College was to train teachers for the various communities, hence anything that affected the community had direct implications on the training institutions," she added.

She extolled the usual Ghanaian hospitality adding that as one family there is the need to express concern for each other in times such as a disaster of this nature.

Receiving the donations the queenmother of Bator Mamagah Asieku V expressed sincere gratitude to the college.

The chairman of the Colleges of Education Teaching Staff Association of Ghana (CETAG) franco chapter, Mr. Wisdom Yegbe together with the chairman for the Colleges of Education Non- Teaching Staff Association of Ghana (CENTSAG) Mr. Joseph Plahar and the SRC who accompanied the principal noted that the College will continue to support the visions of the college in supporting the cause of humanity.
Only jealous and ignorant people are trolling Stonebwoy over Grammy snub  Rex Omar

Edith Mensah Showbiz News Nov - 15 - 2023 , 10:43

Seasoned Highlife musician Rex Omar has slammed trolls coming at Reggae/Dancehall artiste Stonebwoy over his recent Grammy snub, labeling them as driven by sheer jealousy and ignorance.

The multiple award-winning Ghanaian Dancehall artiste missed out on the coveted list of the prestigious awards' nominations for his latest album, "5th Dimension." (Ghana's Stonebwoy let off Grammys list, Davido, others make it big)

Despite this setback, Rex Omar emphasised that Stonebwoy's contributions to the music industry and his efforts in putting Ghana on the global map should not be overshadowed because he didn't earn a Grammy nomination.

Read more Grammy Awards

2024 GRAMMY : See full list of nominees

Speaking in a recent interview on Property FM in Cape Coast, Rex Omar pointed out that even some globally recognised figures in the music industry had not secured Grammy wins, yet their worth as musicians remained intact.

He urged the public to acknowledge Stonebwoy's hard work emphasising that the absence of a Grammy nod does not write down his artistic prowess.

"Imagine that, despite Stonebwoy's relentless efforts, some Ghanaians are trolling him simply because he wasn't nominated for the Awards. That's what this country is, and when these things happen, it makes the artiste feel discouraged and disappointed," Rex Omar stated.

He further cautioned against allowing ignorance and jealousy to drive criticism, stating, "If you're a Ghanaian and, because of ignorance and jealousy, you decide to troll Stonebwoy, then who are you trolling? You're trolling yourself and the country."
With an old sparring partner

Elizabeth Ohene Opinion Nov - 15 - 2023 , 11:47

Elizabeth Ohene (EO): How have you been getting on, on a personal basis, with your colleagues in Cabinet? Many of them have slagged you off and you have slagged them off.

MANGOSUTHU BUTHELEZI (MB): The question you are putting to me is very pertinent because there are some ministers with whom I was very much at loggerheads.

Some of them were alleged to have been plotting my murder.

But on the face of it, on a personal basis, as colleagues in the cabinet, we are operating very normally.

Even I am surprised at how smoothly it is working.

EO: Do you talk to them outside Cabinet?

MB: Oh yes.

In fact, I talk and joke with all of them.

EO: How do you think the government has been doing so far?

MB: I must say that I am pleasantly surprised that the Government of National Unity has operated so smoothly.

In fact, I didnt think it would work too well because it was a very strange set-up.

We and the ANC were at loggerheads with different policies, but now we are operating together under the constitution, in the interests of the country.

EO: What has this government achieved?

MB: The first achievement was the smoothness of the transitional process.

Few believed it would be peaceful, but it was.

Since then, we have scored a number of successes: for instance, feeding some of these children who are still in primary school; trying to provide free medical care for women who attend ante-natal medical clinics.

In terms of the parameters within which we are trying to operate, given the little time we have been together and governed, it has started well so far.

EO: In your own portfolio of Home Affairs, Chief Buthelezi, one of the biggest problems you face seems to be illegal immigration.

How do you propose to deal with the problem?

MB: My sister, you are touching on a very important thing here.

The main problem is with our immediate neighbours.

Naturally, their citizens look at our economy which is better than theirs and think that they can solve their personal problems by coming here.

What is more, in southern Africa, as you know, there have been wars.

The biggest flood of illegal aliens and refugees is of people who are running away from the war in Mozambique, for example.

Now that they have had an election there, we are hoping things will be OK.

But I dont think that the question of illegal immigrants and illegal aliens can be easily solved just like that.

I think we are going to have this problem for a very long time.

EO: Now that you spend all this time in Pretoria or Cape Town and so much time away from your normal base in Kwazulu, are you missing it?

MB: There is a saying, my sister, which says: East, west, north, south; home is the best.

But of course, I realise that although I love home, I owe something to the entire country and must serve the whole country, not just Kwazulu.

EO: You are not only far away from Kwazulu, but your relations with the Zulu King, Goodwill Zwelithini, have gone very sour, hitting an all-time low during this years Shaka Day celebrations when he cancelled the celebrations and you insisted they went ahead.

He seems to be moving closer and closer to the ANC.

Do you feel betrayed by him?

MB: I wouldnt put it as strongly as that.

As far as I am concerned, I knew both his parents who were both my cousins, so even though he is 46, I still view him as my child, and myself as his uncle.

There is a feeling of pain of course about the fact that he is unable to resist the kind of pressure that the ANC has exerted on him to make him do what he is doing now, but I dont take it personally to the extent that I should have hard feelings towards the King.

EO: Are you doing anything to try and repair relations between the two of you?

MB: Many people are trying to do that.

Many people are concerned about it.

The Zulus themselves are very concerned about it and it worries me because some of the Zulus are very angry.

So Im worried about the King if this thing is not sorted out.

It is doing damage to his cause quite clearly.

EO: Chief Buthelezi, It seems as if you think the King only behaves properly when he supports you and by extension your party, the IFP.

MB: I dont need the support of the King.

I have been with the Zulu people for over 40 years before the King was anywhere.

I stand on my political legs on my own merit.

Without any canvassing I got more than ten per cent of the vote in the elections.

The media was saying that I had no more than three or five per cent support.

I proved them wrong.

EO: You never smile, Chief Buthelezi.

MB: I do smile.

If they take pictures of me not smiling its not my fault.

Maybe if I come to London, I will take you out and then you can see me as I am.

EO: You are not difficult?

MB: Am I being difficult in this interview?

EO: You havent been difficult at all.

Where are you going from here, politically?

MB: I dont know how it is going to go.

Where I still differ from the ANC is that I believe that this country, just like Nigeria, is a plural society.

Therefore, the best government for this country will be a federal government to accommodate the minorities and so on.

We are writing the constitution but we are still moving in different orbits as far as that is concerned.

Your guess is as good as mine as to how it will go.

EO: When you are not being minister or leader of the IFP, or doing what your traditional duties require, what do you do with your time?

I hope there is some time left to do something.

MB: Not much time, but I listen to music.

I read a lot.

I chat with my friends.

EO: What kind of music do you like?

MB: I am omnivorous as far as that is concerned because I like all sorts of music.

As far as indigenous music is concerned, my mother was one of the leading authorities.

She died when I was an adult and she taught me a lot about it.

Some people regard me as an authority on traditional Zulu music.

But if you were to come to my house, you would find that I have hundreds and hundreds of tapes of jazz, pop, traditional music, African music.

And serious music from Sinatra to Vivaldi.

EO: And what kind of food do you like?

MB: I like traditional dishes.

Unfortunately, I suffer from gout.

As you know, eating meat is a tradition among Africans and I regret the fact that I cant eat red meat now because of the uric acid.

One of the Zulu traditions is that if the chief is visiting and you welcome him, you slaughter an animal for him.

They still slaughter cows for me, and I cant take even a piece.

That I regret very much.

EO: You wear very smart suits.

I wonder who your tailor is?

MB: When I come over to London I go to Marks and Spencer.

I buy off the peg.

EO: I dont believe it.

Your suits dont come from Marks and Spencer.

MB: I dont think I have more than three suits that are tailored for me: it is too expensive.

I do have a couple of suits from Harrods but it is too expensive for me.

There are some very good shops in South Africa of course.

EO: Are you a rich man?

MB: Not really.

Not at all.

In fact many people are really surprised.

My father was wealthy in cattle but that was more than 50 years ago.

I dont even have a farm.

I have traditional lands around my home where I plant.

I dont regret not being rich because if one is a leader one can never understand the plight of ones people if one is removed from it.

You must understand what poverty is.

EO: You reckon you understand what poverty is?

MB: Absolutely.

I am a peasant.

I grew up among my people.

I am close to them, even as Chief Minister of Kwazulu.

There are many areas in the self-governing territories where people became very wealthy.

They had farm businesses.

I dont have a single thing like that.

That is not my way of life.

Thats not my style.

EO: Thank you very, very much for talking to me.

MB: Thank you, sister, I have enjoyed it very much.
The view from here

Honouring our media heroes

Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng The view from here Nov - 15 - 2023 , 17:12

This article has been prompted by an event and a question. On Sunday, October 29, 2023, the Ghana Journalists Association organised its 27th Awards ceremony at the Accra International Conference Centre in Accra.

It was a well-organised event at which prizes were awarded to deserving laureates. The winner of the prestigious Journalist of the Year mantle went to Mr Erastus Asare Donkor of Joy News.

He was a popular winner, and the work for which he won the award was the subject of my column last week. We will return to the event and how it has provoked this weeks topic.

The second situation that provoked the topic was an article written by the veteran but evergreen journalist Cameron Duodu in the Ghanaian Times a week or so later. The title of the article aptly summarised the content, and was expressed as a question meant to provoke debate and action: When at all will Ghanaian journalists honour Henry Ofori? The article was posted on several social media sites and got some middling interest; but nothing on the scale that I expected it to generate. This is not surprising; it is unlikely that most Ghanaians know anything about the great Mr Henry Ofori, a.k.a. Carl Mutt, who passed away at the age of 89; 10 years ago.

Since he was not a politician or a musician, it is possible that most people under the age of 40 would not have a clue about who he was.

The GJA Awards ceremony, which the organisation describes as its flagship event, did not feature any of the many veterans in the trade in any frontline role, and I doubt that a single speaker mentioned any of our pioneering greats.

In some countries, this event would be the one day in the year when retired journalists would be made to feel proud of their lifelong dedication to a profession that comes with little material rewards.

If we agree that journalism plays a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of the nation, the nation has to recognise the individuals who have dedicated their lives to the profession and have left an indelible mark on the nation's history. Honouring these media heroes is not just an act of gratitude; it is a recognition of their significant contribution to Ghana's growth and development.

It is often said that journalism is the first draft of history, and Ghana's media history is a treasure trove of knowledge and insights as a result of the work of our pioneering journalists.

For example, people researching Ghana's journey towards independence still rely heavily on newspaper reports of that era. In some instances, researchers fail to acknowledge journalists as sources.

In addition, at a time when public confidence in the professional conduct of journalists is so low, celebrating past journalists who have demonstrated professionalism and integrity would send a powerful message to the current generation of journalists and aspiring reporters. It reinforces the importance of ethical journalism, accurate reporting and the pursuit of truth in a society where sensationalism and misinformation have become the daily standard.

Many journalists have made great sacrifices in their pursuit of the truth. They have faced harassment, intimidation, imprisonment, exile and even physical harm in their quest to report the facts. Honouring these heroes is a way of acknowledging their bravery and resilience.

Mr Cameron Duodu, who raised the issue in his article, deserves a huge honour for his contribution to journalism on the international level for more than half a century.

He and many of our media heroes and heroines deserve recognition, and I want to suggest a few ideas. The government, together with the GJA and the National Media Commission, must form a committee to explore how to honour our media pioneers.

However, there are some pain-free ideas which the GJA can adopt immediately. From next year, the awards must be named after deserving journalists. I know that the Journalist of the Year award has been (or was) named after Prof. P.A.V. Ansah, although one hardly hears this connection.

All the other awards must be similarly named. These awards can recognise excellence in various categories such as investigative reporting, photojournalism and community journalism.

We have to establish a Hall of Fame for outstanding journalists. This can be both a physical space and a digital platform where the achievements and contributions of media heroes are recognised and celebrated. The relevant stakeholders can establish scholarships and grants for aspiring journalists in honour of media heroes. These financial incentives can support young talents in pursuing journalism education and kick-starting their careers.

In addition to the awards ceremony, the GJA can organise commemorative events and exhibitions that highlight the life and work of media heroes. These events can include lectures, panel discussions and multimedia presentations.

The media houses that employed these pioneers can also erect memorial plaques or statues in their premises or past locations to honour media heroes.

We have to answer Cameron Duodus question with a resounding answer: NOW. We should honour Henry Ofori NOW, but not only him. We must honour Cameron Duodu, Larweh Therson-Cofie, Kofi Badu, Kate Abbam, Mabel Dove, Wallace Johnson, I could go on and on. The time is NOW.

Honouring Ghana's media heroes is a way of expressing gratitude for their dedication, courage and contribution to the nation's development. It also serves as an inspiration for the current and future generations of journalists to uphold the principles of ethical journalism and to serve their country with integrity.

These heroes have shaped Ghana's history, and it is our responsibility to ensure that their legacies are celebrated and remembered for generations to come.
Amend GETFund Act to make it more innovative - Education Committee Ranking Member urges

Justice Agbenorsi  Education Nov - 15 - 2023 , 08:48

Amending the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) Act, 2000 (Act 581) will not only help to support private universities but will make the fund more innovative, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Akatsi North Constituency in the Volta Region, Peter Kwasi Nortsu-Kotoe, has posited.

Making a case for the amendment of Act 581, Mr Nortsu-Kotoe said since the law came into being, there had been several developments in the education sector hence the need to amend the law to meet the growing needs of tertiary education.

Proposal

The MP, who is also a Ranking Member of Parliaments Education Committee, proposed that key among the reforms needed in the law should include the review of members of the management board of the fund.

He said financial institutions on the board had not played any significant role on the board over the past years.

Describing GETFund as the lifeline of education in the country, Mr Nortsu-Kotoe said GETFund must also be given the mandate to own the hostels in the various universities for investment purposes.

That, he said, would ensure that the fund was able to take in the needed revenue to complement its budget and pay contractors on time.

Forum

He was speaking at a forum organised by the fund in Accra which brought together stakeholders in the education sector to share their concerns and suggestions for the improvement of the fund.

It was also an opportunity for GETFund to inform its key stakeholders of the projects and successes chalked up so far.

The forum was on the theme, Innovation: a must to achieving positive outcomes.

Projects

The Director of Funds and Procurement Management Unit of the Ministry of Education, Nii Lantey Quarcoopome, emphasised that it was important for GETFund to be an integral part of the pre-contact processes of projects in the sector.

He said the introduction of no objection requirements in GETFund projects would ensure that projects were executed in line with laid down agreements of the fund.

Construction

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry (GhCCI), Emmanuel A. Cherry, said he was excited about the fund migrating its manual-based processes onto a digital management system.

He, however, called for close collaboration between the fund and his members to ensure that contractors understood processes such as e-procurements, among others to be able to apply for contract bidding online since many of his members were not digitally savvy.

Projects

For his part, the Administrator of the Fund, Dr Richard Ampofo Boadu, said so far, a total of 2,731 infrastructure projects had been completed by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) between 2019 and 2023.

These projects include 1,430 at the basic school level, 1,144 for the senior high school level and 138 at the tertiary level.

In addition to that, 15 E-blocks initiated by the previous administration, two technical and vocational education and training (TVET) centres and two model schools have also been completed.

Dr Boadu said about GH800,000,000 had so far been paid to contractors who were awarded with the projects which constituted about 96 per cent of the cost.
Big relief for parents: Harmonised prospectus for SHS freshers

Severious Kale-Dery Education Nov - 15 - 2023 , 08:51

The first-ever harmonised prospectus for senior high and technical schools in the country has been introduced by the Ghana Education Service (GES).

The innovation, code-named: National Prospectus, is designed for all prospective first-year students to eliminate any ambiguity regarding the requirements of fresh students.

Under the new arrangement, all schools are expected to adhere to the national prospectus without imposing any extra items apart from what has been officially prescribed, while parents will no longer have to wait until the rollout of the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) before shopping for their children.

The national prospectus is categorised into basic needs and cleaning materials to make it easier for parents.

Categorisation

Category 'A' covers basic items such as hard body suitcase or trunk, chop box or hard plastic container, toiletries, beddings, a pair of footwear (school specific), underwears, cutlery, and other educational materials such as mathematical set and scientific calculator, among others.

The second category includes, detergents, sanitary and cleaning materials such as liquid soap, hand gloves, washing powder, bleach and cleaning materials such as brooms, standing mob, mob bucket, and a scrubbing brush.



Early preparation

Briefing the Daily Graphic in an exclusive interview, the Director-General of the GES, Dr Eric Nkansah, explained that the move was to help parents to buy the items way before the release of the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS).

He said once parents knew the items their children would require, they could start buying them now while waiting for the placement and added, for me, that is the joy.

The harmonised prospectus, Dr Nkansah said, was necessary to eliminate items that schools could do without and also ensure that schools did not include such items and use same as a barrier to the timely enrolment of students.

Reasonable prospectus

The Director-General also advised schools not to admit students based on their ability to procure all the items, but urged parents to try and procure the items as outlined in the prospectus, because we have reduced the list to the barest minimum.

He said the cost of the items in the prospectus was within the reach of all parents and was convinced that the situation where parents spent a fortune on prospectus belonged to the past.

Dr Nkansah observed that over the years, parents had to wait until they secured the placement first before they went to the school to pick the prospectus to buy the items.

He observed that previously, some schools were rigid with prospectus, insisting that until the last item was bought, the student would not be admitted.

He, therefore, appealed to heads of senior high schools to be considerate in that regard.

Input

Dr Nkansah stressed that the national prospectus was put together by a committee made up of representatives from the GES, Free SHS Secretariat, TVET Service, with the Conference of Heads of Government Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) also making an input.

He said the GES acknowledged the role of CHASS in the operation of second cycle schools, and that is why their input in the national prospectus is so crucial.

He advised the students to ensure that all personal items were embossed or embroidered with their names to avoid getting their items stolen.
3 Ghanaians busted in US over arms deal

Daily Graphic Nov - 15 - 2023 , 08:18

Three men with ties to Ghana have been arrested in New York, United States of America (USA), for illegally trafficking guns in the state.

According to a news report by pix11.com, the three Ghanaians, who are cousins, were busted in an illegal gun-trafficking ring that ran weapons on the streets of Queens, New York.

The suspects include Abdul Haruna, 27, of the Bronx; Ahmed Mutalib, 32, of Georgia, and Murtala Haruna, 30, of Cincinnati.

The report stated that the Queens District Attorney, Melinda Katz, indicated that 109 illegal guns, along with thousands of rounds of ammunition, were seized.

The guns and ammunition were seized during an operation by the traffickers, dubbed the Amazon Pipeline, and included pistols, semi-automatic rifles and at least two ghost guns, worth over $120,000.

Amazon boxes

The authorities indicated that the items seized were delivered by the traffickers using branded Amazon boxes, hence the name "Amazon Pipeline".

District Attorney Melinda Katz said that investigations indicated the illegal guns were likely going to be exported to Ghana.

We dont talk about ongoing investigations.

I like to get to the source.

But our priority, the NYPDs priority, is making sure that the guns that we know about never reach the street, she added.

The report indicated that the suspects are in custody.

They have been indicted on 575 counts, including firearm, criminal possession of weapons, conspiracy and money laundering charges.

They are likely to be sentenced to 25 years in prison if convicted.

Cartel

New York Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the arrests on Monday, November 6, saying they were the result of a seven-month high-stakes, high-risk investigation into the alleged gun trafficking cartel, which began with an anonymous tip.

The investigation resulted in the seizure of 109 illegal firearms and rifles, 20 assault weapons, 139 high-capacity magazines and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

Prosecutors say a police officer who understands Ghanaian languages was able to translate their conversations from Hausa, Ga and Twi after the defendants phones were wiretapped.
Ghana completes Mineral Resource Estimates on Bauxite; report submitted to President

Zadok Kwame Gyesi Nov - 15 - 2023 , 17:45

The first ever Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) has indicated that bauxite deposits in the Nyinahin Block-B hills in the Ashanti Region are twice more than historically estimated.

While previous studies showed 250 million tonnes of bauxite deposits in the three hills - hills 4, 5 and 6  the latest and first ever scientific appraisal of the deposits using modern technology indicated that the locations actually held a minimum of 375 MMT of bauxite in those three hills, about 50 per cent appreciation on the historical figures.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) in collaboration with Mr Kwasi Osei Ofori, the CEO of Rocksure International, the strategic partner for GIADECs Project 2, made this known to President Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House in Accra on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

In September, 2021, GIADEC announced the selection of Rocksure International, a wholly Ghanaian owned Company, as its strategic partner for Project 2, one of four projects that define the Integrated Aluminium Industry (IAI), being executed by GIADEC.

Rocksure International, following the its selection by GIADEC commenced a Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) in Nyinahin Block-B, specifically Hills 4, 5 & 6 to validate and define the bauxite resources.

Ghanas bauxite resources are estimated to be around 900MMT. Bauxite in Ghana is mainly concentrated in three (3) areas i.e Awaso in the Western-North region with 60MMT, Kyebi in the Eastern region with 160 MMT and Nyinahin in the Ashanti Region with the highest bauxite resources of 700MMT.

The validation of the bauxite resources in parts of the Nyinahin area through an MRE is the first time Ghana is taking steps to validate all of its bauxite resources across the country.

The GIADEC CEO said the results from the Mineral Resource Estimate show a significant increase in the quantity of bauxite resources historically estimated to be in the Nyinahin area.

Mr. Ansah also revealed that GIADEC will, in the coming weeks, announce a reputable European firm that will partner with the Corporation to execute Project 3A of the IAI Projects which is the Development of a mine in Nyinahin Block C and construction of a refinery.

President Akufo-Addo commended the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GIADEC, Mr. Michael Ansah and the CEO of Rocksure International, Mr. Kwasi Osei Ofori for their commendable and professional collaboration towards the execution of Project 2, which represents one of the four projects being executed under the Integrated Aluminium Industry (IAI).

This is an exceptionally good news today. I congratulate all of you involved in this very important step for the country that is being taken. I will continue to provide you with the maximum support that you need to make sure that this whole thing becomes a reality, he stated.

He added, I think that if we are able to do that it will justify completely our thinking, the whole GIADEC concept of using a state vehicle that will bring together the bauxite resources in the country under one roof and therefore strengthen the hand of the entity to enter into such transactions.

The President emphasized that the results from the MRE is the first ever to have been conducted on any of Ghanas bauxite resources as the country has in the past relied on historical estimates and projections.

This, according to him, bodes well for the Integrated Aluminium Industry as it provides a credible basis for attracting more investors into the industry and improve investor confidence in the process.

President Akufo-Addo further charged GIADEC to ensure that the processes of value addition such as refining raw bauxite into alumina, smelting alumina into aluminium and the development of the downstream industry, was done in in the country with strong participation from Ghanaian Companies.

The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. George Mireku Duker who represented the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Abu Jinapor assured GIADEC and Rocksure of the Ministrys continuous assistance and support towards the development of the Integrated Aluminium Industry.

On his part, the CEO of Rocksure International, Mr. Kwasi Osei Ofori noted that the completion of the MRE gives credence to the Presidents call that when given the chance, Ghanaian Companies can compete with their peers globally.
2024 New Year School focuses on technology to spur development

Timothy Ngnenbe Nov - 15 - 2023 , 12:00

The 2024 Annual New Year School and Conference will focus on how to leverage technology to ensure sustainable development and nurture resilience.

Launched in Accra today on the theme, Nurturing resilience: adopting technology and embracing humanism for sustainable development", with a call to leverage technology to propel national development.

The Minister of Communication and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, who launched the 75th New Year School and Conferene at the University of Ghana yesterday, disclosed that there were currently 15.5 million Ghanaians with Tax Identification Numbers (TINs).

She said the increase in persons with TINs to half of the countrys current population, compared with 750,000 in 2016, was largely driven by the adoption of the Ghana Card for business registration.

Background

The New Year School, which has been organised since 1948, is a major platform for the academia, industry, policy makers and other stakeholders to deliberate on pertinent issues critical for national development.

In its 74-year journey, the conference has covered critical sectors such as education, health, agriculture, security, and economy, and provided enormous knowledge to accelerate national development.

The Ablekuma West Member of Parliament (MP) launched the 2024 conference on the theme: "Nurturing resilience: adopting technology and embracing humanism for sustainable development" and stressed the need to leverage technology to propel national development.

The conference will be held by the School of Continuing and Distance Education of the University of Ghana from January 9 to 11, 2024.

Mrs Owusu-Ekuful said the successes chalked up with the Ghana Card policy was indicative that when deployed, digital solutions would accelerate national development.

She stressed that leveraging technology would help the country to build resilience against global challenges in critical sectors such as education, health, agriculture and the economy.

The minister said it was in recognition of the pivotal role that technology played in promoting development that the government rolled out initiatives such as mobile money interoperability, digital address system, and online application for some essential services, including passport and acquisition of drivers licence.

She added that efforts were being made to connect over four million unserved population to the internet.

Successful conference

The New Year School and Conference will be organised in partnership with the Tallinn University of Estonia, Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG) and the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT).

Among the key themes to be discussed are nurturing resilience for national development, education for sustainable development, new local government system, election 2024 and peace building.

The Provost of the College of Education of the university, Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, explained that the success of the conference over the past seven decades had provided justifiable reason for knowledge institutions to rally other state and non-state actors for national development.

He observed that the conference had become a tradition of critical knowledge sharing and would be sustained to address emerging national and global challenges.

He said the theme for the 2024 edition underscored the need for concerted efforts to adopt artificial intelligence and technology to propel socio-economic development.

Investment

The Dean of the School of Continuing and Distance Education of UG, Prof. Olivia A. T. F. Kwapong, said the emerging development challenges at the national and global levels called for academia to strengthen collaboration with other stakeholders to provide reliable solutions.

She said addressing current development challenges was largely dependent on the deployment of technology and innovations, for which reason the University of Ghana was focusing on building infrastructure to build the capacity of the younger generation.

Prof. Kwapong, who is also the Board Chairperson of the Graphic Communications Group Ltd, said it was in that regard that the Digital Youth Village was being explored by the university in line with the digitalisation agenda.
Avoid substandard measuring instruments in trading - Local traders urged

Diana Mensah Nov - 15 - 2023 , 08:20

Local traders have been advised to use trading instruments that comply with the standard requirements to ensure fair trade and enhanced customer confidence in the Ghanaian market system.

They were consequently advised to avoid substandard measuring instruments in trading transactions in order to develop the Ghanaian trading system to strengthen the economy.

The Assistant Officer of the Metrology Directorate of Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Horla Macarthy, in a presentation, said traders could submit their trading instruments for verification for maximum permissible error and measuring tolerances in general.

He added that since verification activity was done twice a year, traders could purchase a calibrated standard weight to do intermediate checks of their trading instruments.

Mr Macarthy, therefore, entreated traders to ensure regular maintenance of trading instruments to avoid inaccuracies in the use of such instruments.

He explained that measuring in the imperial system was prohibited, and that measurements were only to be done in the metric system when trading with mass goods in the country.

Training

Mr Macarthy was addressing butchers at the Kaneshie Market Complex in Accra after they underwent a weeks training in trading standards in weights and the benefits of meat consumption.

The training sensitised butchers to meat hygiene, personal hygiene, meat processing, meat equipment and new facility management.

It was organised by the VGOLY Company Limited, a meat processing company, and funded by the Ghana skills Development to enable the traders to understand verification of weights and measures used for trading.

Offence and penalty

Mr Macarthy said any person whose action amounted to fraud in the use of trading instrument committed an offence and would be held liable on summary of conviction.

He added that the person would be convicted and liable for a fine of not less than1,500 penalty units and not more than 3,000 penalty units or to a term of imprisonment of not less than two years and not more than four years.

Rationale

The Chief Executive Officer of VGOLY Company Limited, Dom Bimpeh, said the training had equipped butchers with an additional value skills and would also bring positive impact to the meat industry.

He thanked the organisers for the insightful training and said, the training has enlightened us against substandard measuring instruments in the country.

He said his outfit would provide participants with the needed resources including boots, gloves to ensure the maintenance of hygiene and added that: we would extend the training to other butchers in our market places.

The Chairman of the Kaneshie Butchers Association, Mohammed Abdual Karim, said his outfit would ensure a uniform system of units of weights and measures were established.



Sanitation

The Sanitation Manager of Kaneshie Market Complex, Paola Delle, expressed the hope that the butchers would adhere to the right measurements in their business.

She expressed the hope that it would attract customers and boost their business and reiterated that, if you use the right measurement, you earn the trust of the customers because they know they get the right quantity of meat worth the amount they are paying for.
Chieftaincy Ministry drafts National Policy on Religion

Joshua Bediako Koomson Nov - 15 - 2023 , 10:05

The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has put together a draft proposed policy for directions on religion to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals regardless of their beliefs or non-beliefs.

Named: the National Policy on Religion, it aims to address the challenges and opportunities that arise from the coexistence of different faiths and beliefs in the country.

It will provide a framework for the protection and promotion of the rights and freedoms of all religious groups, as well as the prevention and resolution of conflicts that may arise from religious differences.

Already, 16 regional stakeholder consultations have been scheduled to commence in the next two weeks as part of the process of reviewing the policy.

Under the consultation, the country has been grouped into four zones.

Zone One, comprises the Oti, Volta, Eastern and Greater Accra regions, with Zone Two made up of the Western, Western-North and the Central regions.

The Ashanti, Ahafo, Bono and Bono East regions make up Zone Three while Zone Four has Upper East, North East, Northern, Savanna and Upper West regions.

Stakeholder consultation

At the press conference in Accra yesterday, the sector Minister, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, said the consultations, made possible through technical and financial support of the United Nations Population Fund Ghana Country Office, were crucial steps in the development of a comprehensive and inclusive policy that would promote religious harmony, diversity and tolerance in our country.

He said the consultation would be conducted in a participatory, transparent and respectful manner.

He, therefore, encouraged everyone to share their perspectives and experiences and also engage in constructive dialogue and mutual understanding, while respecting the diversity of opinions and beliefs that existed.

Before the end of this year, the minister gave an assurance that the policy would be presented to cabinet for approval.

National Policy on Religion

The government legal framework for management of religious affairs is underpinned by Article 21(1)(c) of the 1992 Constitution which says all persons shall have the right to freedom to practise any religion and to manifest such practice.

Under the law, all religious bodies are independent and are required to register their entities at the Registrar-Generals Department.

Mr Boateng noted that currently, there was no established governmental bodies that had oversight responsibility regarding religious activities other than his ministry.

Since assuming office in April, this year, I have had to respond to various issues on religious activities and beliefs in the country.

I have also had opportunities to interact with leaders of religious bodies and civil societies in finding a harmonious coexistence among the citizenry.

Part of the discussions have centred on how the religious bodies would be encouraged to put in structures to self-manage their front.

It is in this regard that my ministry has been working with key stakeholders to put together a draft proposed government policy for direction of religion designed to protect the rights and freedoms of all citizens, regardless of their beliefs or non-beliefs, Mr Boateng said.

Religious leaders

The Country Representative of the UNFPA, Dr Wilfred Ochan, also noted that most people all over the world looked up to religious leaders for guidance, direction and inspiration, especially when they were venturing into new and familiar areas.

He said religious leaders were believed to have the charisma and ability to lead their followers to step into the unknown with ease and were, therefore, an essential social support for many people in their everyday life.

Faith-based organisations, he said, had unique relationships with their followers in the society and had a powerful role in shaping attitudes, opinions and behaviours.

Dr Ochan said the UNFPA recognised those unique roles of religious leaders and it was for that reason that it was partnering the ministry to ensure that together, they delivered on their collective mandate.
Commemoration of World Diabetes Day: Document on management of diabetes launched

Doreen Andoh Nov - 15 - 2023 , 06:34

The World Diabetes Day was yesterday commemorated in Accra with the launch of a document to guide the diagnosis, management and prevention of the disease.

The 272-page document is titled "National guidelines for the management of diabetes mellitus".

It provides a structured approach to diabetes prevention, management and care, including a wide range of topics from the causes and types of diabetes, early screening, diagnosis, prevention strategies and best practices in diabetes management and patient education.

It also serves as a roadmap for healthcare professionals as it outlines best practices and evidence-based approaches to the management of diabetes.

The initiative is by the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS), the Diabetes Endocrine and Metabolic Society of Ghana (DEMSoG), with support from some international partners.

Cases

Data from the Ghana Health Service indicate that an average of 200,000 cases of diabetes are recorded in health facilities annually, while one in every 10 adults worldwide has diabetes.

And over 90 per cent of the cases constitute type Two diabetes.

The World Diabetes Day (WDD) was instituted in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organisation in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes.

It became part of the UN Day in 2006 and marked every year on November 14, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922.

Launch

The Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, who launched the initiative, said it was a significant milestone in the countrys journey towards achieving better health outcomes for all citizens and people living in the country.

Diabetes is a growing global health concern.

The prevalence of this chronic condition has been steadily rising, affecting millions of individuals and families worldwide.

In Ghana, the situation is no different, with an estimated prevalence of diabetes to be between 2.6 per cent  9 per cent per annum; that is an average of 200,000 cases of diabetes reporting to health facilities annually in the country, he said.

Mr Agyeman-Manu further said it was as a result of such a development that the ministry came up with a non-communicable disease policy and implementation strategy in 2022.

The acting Manager of the non-communicable disease control programme, Dr Efua Commeh, mentioned some of the challenges in diabetes management to include difficulty in accessing life-saving insulin, lack of logistics, late reporting, patients having to buy their own glucometers strips, which, she said, many could not afford and limited capacity for children care.

Support

The President of the Diabetes Endocrine and Metabolic Society of Ghana underscored the need for diabetes burden to be addressed head-on due to its attendant socio-economic impact.

She said 10 per cent of health expenditure was spent on adult diabetes, putting pressure on the already limited health resources.
Judicial Service staff involved in misconduct will be sacked  Chief Justice

Justice Agbenorsi Nov - 15 - 2023 , 06:41

I will not hesitate to get rid of any staff of the Judicial Service over misconduct, particularly those concerning bribery, the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, has said.

She mentioned charging of unapproved fees, bailiffs asking for money from litigants before serving parties as some of the unethical issues that were of concern to her office.

Justice Torkornoo said on a daily basis, her office received not less than 10 complaints and added that she recently received a petition with evidence of a mobile money transaction the petitioner had sent to a court staff.

If found guilty of complaints lodged against staff, the Chief Justice said, Ill not hesitate to dispense with your services.

Just stop it, its inappropriate and improper so stop, she added.

In the same vein, Justice Torkornoo pleaded with court users to also stop corrupting the officers, adding that in most instances, some of the people around judges took money they (judges) were not aware of.

Event

The Chief Justice was addressing residents of Effia Kwesimintsim and Mpohor in the Western Region yesterday, as part of a community sensitisation programme.

The programme, which is an initiative of the Chief Justice, was on the theme: Improving justice delivery through community engagement.

It is also aimed at demystifying the work of the judiciary and inspire confidence in the office of the Chief Justice by directly engaging with the people to assure them of openness and fairness in justice delivery at all times.

It would also strengthen trust and confidence of the people in the judiciary by providing information on its functions at the local and district levels, while educating people on the existence of a Public Complaints Unit, among other interventions, by the service to make justice delivery transparent.

Earlier, the Chief Justice opened a District Court each in the two communities as part of the government efforts to expand access to justice by bringing courts closer to the people.

All the courts were funded through the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) and formed part of a project by the government to build over 100 courts and 150 bungalows for the judiciary.

The Chief Justice also said her outfit was expanding and refining the rules of procedure, including instilling in its officers, higher standards of ethical conduct through training and establishment of code of conduct.

We are demanding accountable services, independence from conflict of interest and integrity from all our officers around the country, she added.

Complaints unit

To deepen public confidence in the judiciary, the Chief Justice said a complaints unit had been established at the regional level and the office of the Chief Justice in Accra for the public to lodge complaints or petition of misconduct against any staff.

Complaints could also be lodged on the judicial services website.

She urged residents of the two communities to take keen interest in their cases to ensure expeditious determination of same.

Investment drive

The Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, said the new courts would not only enhance the promotion of law, order and peace for the people, but would, also, boost investor confidence.

He, therefore, urged the people to own the courts by safeguarding it against any form of destruction.

The Chief of Apremdo, Nana Egya Kwamena XI, also urged the judiciary to be more responsive by adjudicating cases on time.
Nationwide deworming exercise:Over 3.2m school-aged children targeted

Augustina Tawiah Nov - 15 - 2023 , 08:13

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) is undertaking an exercise to deworm over 3,223,502 school-aged children between five and 14 years in 116 districts spread across 15 regions of the country.

The deworming exercise, which began last Monday and is expected to end on Friday, will administer the children with Praziquantel and Albendazole.

It is aimed at eliminating schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted Helminth Infestations (STH), both parasitic worm infestations.

Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by parasitic worms that live in freshwater. The worm infestation is prevalent in Ghana and it is more common in children who are in poverty-stricken areas due to poor sanitation and hygiene. It is potentially dangerous with numerous health implications.

Soil-transmitted Helminth (STH), on the other hand, infest individuals who accidentally ingest their eggs, which are found on contaminated soil, by consuming contaminated food or water or by direct contact with soil. The symptoms of STH infections include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, anaemia, malnutrition and impaired physical and cognitive development.

These infestations are mostly prevalent in areas with poor sanitation, inadequate hygiene practices and low socio-economic conditions.

Collaboration

The annual exercise, dubbed: School and community based deworming campaign, is a collaborative effort between the GHS and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to promote the health and immunity of school-aged children.

At a media briefing of the school deworming exercise in Accra yesterday, the Director of the Public Health Division of the GHS, Dr Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, said schistosomiasis and STH tended to affect school-aged children most severely because, among others, their immune systems were not fully developed yet, leaving them with a weaker defence against parasites.

Statistics on intestinal worms

Quoting the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Asiedu-Bekoe said it had been estimated that nearly one in four of the worlds population or over 1.5 billion globally were infested with intestinal worms, with more than 880 million school-aged children requiring attention.

Narrowing it to Ghana, he said there was estimated prevalence of schistosomiasis at 23.3 per cent with focal or localised prevalence levels less than 50 per cent.

The GHS Director of Public Health said female genital schistosomiasis had a significant impact on the quality of life of affected girls and women including infertility, menstrual disorder and recurrent urinary tract infections.

He said the control of schistosomiasis and STH was based on large-scale treatment of at-risk population groups, access to safe water, improved sanitation, hygiene, education and behavioural change and environmental management.

Dr Asiedu-Bekoe urged schools and parents to cooperate and support the deworming exercise in the targeted districts and schools in order to improve coverage and help get rid of parasitic infestations in Ghana.

Let me stress that all children should eat before taking these medicines because it helps in the absorption and effectiveness of the medication. When taken on an empty stomach, the medication can cause stomach discomfort or nausea.

Preferably, medicines should be administered immediately after the first break or after children have been served food by the school feeding programme to give the assurance that all children have eaten.

By this, all parents, guardians and caregivers are to ensure their children eat before going to school, he advised.

All set

The Director of the School Health Education Programme (SHEP) of GES, Theresah Oppong-Mensah, said the deworming exercise had been going on since 1994 and in preparation towards this years event, a number of staff, including teachers and directors of education, had been trained and well equipped to deliver the service at the school level.

She said all logistics needed for the exercise as well as the messages to be delivered at the school and community levels had been dispatched to the beneficiary districts.

The Programme Manager of the Neglected Tropical Diseases, Dr Joseph Opare, said even though the schools deworming exercise had led to drastic reduction in worm infestation in the country, there were still issues to be dealt with and that was why they had to continue with the exercise to make sure that they were able to eliminate schistosomiasis and STH.
West Blue Ghana sues GRA - Seeks GH289m compensation

Justice Agbenorsi Nov - 15 - 2023 , 10:32

A business and information technology (IT) consultancy service provider, West Blue Ghana Limited, has dragged the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Attorney-General (A-G) to court, seeking to recover GH289.55 million from the state.

The amount, West Blue said, represented its share of the final invoice cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value of import consignments entering into Ghana through the seaports, airports and land borders as part of the technical services and support activities it provided to the GRA through the Ministry of Finance between 2015 and 2020 under a contract which came into force on August 4, 2015.

Aside from seeking interest on the arrears at the prevailing commercial bank rates, the company is also seeking to recover $425,000, the value of an equipment procured by the company to perform its obligations under the contract and the additional services it rendered from January 1, 2019 to May 2020, or the equipment itself.

In a suit filed at the Commercial Division of the High Court in Accra yesterday, West Blue alleged that all attempts to recover the outstanding debts from the Finance Ministry and the GRA had been unsuccessful, adding that the defendants, without any lawful basis, had remained adamant on their position that all payment obligations owed the IT consultancy company had been discharged.

Contract

According to court documents sighted by the Daily Graphic, West Blue said it entered into a contract with the Ministry of Finance and the GRA for the provision of the National Single Window and Integrated Risk Management System, known as the NSW contract.

The company said the contract was signed to execute the government's policy of adopting a national electronic single window as a means to, among others, increase efficiency through time and cost savings for traders in their dealing with government authorities for complying with the commercial, financial, regulatory, transport and logistics requirements for moving cargoes across national or economic borders.

Under the agreement, the plaintiff said it was required to provide certain technical services and support activities to the GRA and related agencies in support of the government programme.

It stated in its writ that as consideration for providing the services under the NSW contract, the GRA was required to pay the IT company a contract price, a fee equivalent of 0.35 per cent of the final invoice CIF value of import consignments entering Ghana through the seaports, airports and land borders from time to time.

West Blue stated that per the agreement, the contract was required to remain in force for five years, and was subject to renewal not exceeding a further five-year term.

Termination

It added that in the course of delivering the services under the NSW contract, the Ministry of Finance and the GRA unilaterally terminated the contract on December 31, 2018.

The plaintiff averred that in a letter of termination dated January 25, 2018, the GRA indicated that it had retrospectively revised the contract price of 0.35 per cent of the final invoice CIF value of import consignments payable to West Blue over the period of October 2017 up to December 31, 2018, down to 0.28 per cent of the final invoice CIF value of import consignments entering Ghana through the seaports, airports and land borders.

The company said it did not object to the downward revision.

It added that the Ministry of Finance and the GRA engaged the company to render the same services under the previous contract but at an agreed fee of 0.28 per cent of the final invoice CIF value.

The plaintiff stated that it provided the required services to the Ministry of Finance and the GRA from January 1, 2019, until May 2020 when West Blue was instructed by the defendants to stop providing the services previously requested by the defendants.

West Blue stated that the defendants had failed to make full payment of the fees due it under the percentile clauses agreed on in both the original and renewed contract agreements.

Defendants have also failed and/or refused to make full payment of the fees payable to plaintiff for the services of plaintiff, as engaged by the Ministry of Finance and GRA to provide from January 1, 2019, to May 2020, it added.

The plaintiff further alleged that all previous requests and demands on the defendants to return the equipment or pay its value had also been blatantly disregarded.
Ghanaians are looking up to NDC for hope  Mawutor Agbavitor

Alberto Mario Noretti Politics Nov - 15 - 2023 , 07:45

The Volta Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mawutor Agbavitor, has said the ideals of probity and accountability which the late former President, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, stood for are more relevant today than before.

This is because Ghanaians are witnessing at first hand the extensive erosion of the countrys crucial democratic institutions, ceaseless corruption and the blatant disregard for the voice of the masses and the plight of the ordinary Ghanaian, he said.

Mr Agbavitor was speaking at the 6th Executive Committee Meeting and the Inauguration of the Regional Working Committees of the NDC in Ho last Sunday.

He said the once enviable and promising nation had for the past seven years been plunged into an economic abyss with the citizens suffering severe hardships never witnessed since independence.

Unity

Mr Agbavitor maintained that Ghanaians were looking up to the NDC for a change for the better and to pursue their development aspirations, for which reason victory for the NDC was a foregone conclusion.

The needs and aspirations of our fellow compatriots underpin the foundation of the NDC; and with hard work, discipline, dedication and extreme vigilance, victory awaits us in 2024, he added.

Mr Agbavitor, therefore, entreated the NDCs teeming supporters to remain united and claim the victory with a joint front.

The Regional Secretary of the NDC, James Gunu, said there was peace and harmony among the NDCs supporters in the region and that was an overture for the victory in the 2024 general election.

Committees

Former General Secretary of the NDC, Huudu Yahaya, who inaugurated the working committees, said the party would remain resolute to the principles of making life better for Ghanaians.

The Council of Elders has Dan Abodakpi as Chairman, while Chris Akumey is chairman of the Constitutional and Legal Committee.

The other committees and their chairmen are: Disciplinary Committee, Professor Stephen Ahiawordor; Special Complaints Committee, Clement Kofi Humado; Social/Welfare Committee, Joseph Amenorwode; Finance Committee, Douglas Prosper Bani; Research and Strategy Committee, Professor Kodzo Gavua; Communication Committee, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Elections Committee, James Gunu.

Members of the Operations, Security, Conflict Resolution, Business Development, Resource Bank, Health, Zongo Caucus, Traditional Religion, Creative committees and others were also inaugurated.

The Christian Religious and Project committees were also sworn into office.
Gov. Lou Leon Guerreros latest attempt to meet with health care professionals on a proposed medical complex on Nov. 27 has so far been declined by some doctors, according to Adelup.

The governors office said it received notice from the Guam Medical Association that its leadership will not attend the upcoming information meeting to address her plans to build a Guam Medical Complex.

The information meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 27, at Hilton Guam Resort & Spa Gallery.

Adelup said just hours after extending the invite, GMA executive director Pram Sullivan sent regrets on behalf of the GMA, stating, The date to meet on Nov. 27 will not suffice and many of our members are occupied and busy with patients.

The administration said it has made numerous attempts to schedule a meeting with GMA president Dr. Thomas Shieh.

Shieh has stated repeatedly in media interviews and legislative testimony that he would gladly meet with the governor to provide input, Adelup said.

Shieh: Theres already a medical complex

Shieh said Adelup needs to stop wasting money and time on these false press releases. Its counter-productive, the doctor said.

Truth be told, he said, GMA invited the governor to dinner to meet Nov. 21 for a heart to heart discussion, to share ideas, and find solutions to health care.

She accepted and then she cancelled. We then moved it to December. She said she cant. Instead, she likes to do a presentation on Nov. 27th but its the same presentation to other venues, Shieh told Pacific Daily News on Wednesday.

The doctor said the group is looking to a more sit down heart to heart discussion to find solutions and share ideas, but it appears Gov. Lou keeps running away.

We dont send press releases to fight. We want to share our ideas and to work together, but the Governor only wants to do things her way. Until today, we have been telling her that the Medical Complex is already built, and its all surrounding Ypao. All we need is a hospital there, but she just wont listen, Shieh said.

Meanwhile, several of the islands leading health care physicians and providers have already confirmed attendance, according to the governors office.

Disappointed

Although Sullivan provided a later date, on Sunday, Dec. 3, the governor will be on a federal mission in Washington, D.C.

While Dr. Shieh only represents a small portion of our islands medical professionals, I am disappointed to hear him speak so emphatically about the lack of input from the medical community yet repeatedly declines our invitations. He clearly has no intent to meet as he remains more focused on the longevity of his Tamuning clinic than the advancement of our islands overall health care system, the governor said in a statement.

The governor said she will continue to make attempts to work together for the betterment of the whole of Guam, and I remain committed to providing information to our islands health care professionals, noting that they are some of the most important stakeholders in this endeavor.

I encourage members of our medical community to join me and learn more about our efforts to build a hospital and a Guam Medical Complex outside Tamuning to support the islands growing population, expand the services we provide to our people, ensure equity for southern residents, and work together towards the evolution of the health care profession and workforce to support Guam and our region, she added.

Adelup said the governor will proceed with hosting the information meeting for the islands medical community.

Invitations were also extended to members of the Guam Medical Society, Guam Nurses Association, and health care professionals.

Interested attendees are encouraged to RSVP at communications@guam.gov, Adelup said.

These information meetings complement the administration-sponsored Bill 184-37.

The bill supports Leon Guerreros vision to build a hospital and a Guam Medical Complex in Barrigada/Mangilao, which co-locates a hospital, public health center, behavioral health, veterans clinic, pharmacy, and specialty care clinics in addition to medical providers offices on a single site.

Adelup invites the community to visit governor.guam.gov. for more information on the Guam Medical Complex initiative.
The Guam Environmental Protection Agency is preparing for the possibility that most, if not all, the public water systems on island exceed proposed federal limits on toxic forever chemicals.

Guam Waterworks Authority General Manager Miguel Bordallo said the water authority is already taking steps to treat the man-made chemicals.

GWA water, he said, meets all safe drinking water regulations and has filtration systems in place.

New limits on a group of widespread, man-made chemicals called PFOS and PFOA, among others, are expected to be finalized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency by December, according to the agencys website, and water systems may have to comply by 2026.

Guam EPA, in comments submitted to the Missile Defense Agency this year, noted that the new proposal is expected to result in all, or nearly all of Guams Public Water Systems  being found in violation.

Thats what were prepared for, acting Guam EPA Administrator Nic Rupley Lee told the Pacific Daily News.

GWAs Bordallo called the assessment factually inaccurate.

The water authority already has treatments systems in place that can achieve the new proposed contaminant limits from US EPA, he said, and is evaluating new treatment systems.

GWA has been working with the US EPA Office of Research and Development to evaluate sustainable treatment alternatives for Guam, Bordallo said.

PFOS and PFOA are part of a group of chemicals used to make a variety of industrial and consumer products since the 1940s, according to US EPA, including carpets, clothing treatments, and firefighting foam.

Recent research has linked human exposure to the chemicals to cancer, immune and cardiovascular system issues, and decreased birth weight. While health advisories for the chemicals were issued as early as 2016, US EPA is only now moving to set limits on how much of the chemical can be found in municipal water systems.

Manufacturing giant 3M this August reached a preliminary $10.3 billion settlement in a class action pollution lawsuit filed by 22 states and territories over the chemicals, Reuters reports.

The new rule from US EPA would set the contaminant limit for PFOS and PFOA, at 4 parts-per-trillion in drinking water.

Thats considerably lower than the 70 parts-per-trillion the agency previously recommended in its 2016 advisory.

A 2022 consumer water quality report from GWA put PFOA levels in Guam groundwater between non-detectible and 7.6 parts per trillion, which would exceed the proposed limit.

PFOS levels ranged higher, between non-detectible and 56 parts-per-trillion.

Military water wells have tested even higher for the chemicals, the PDN reported in July.

Its not currently known whether any GWA wells will have to be shut down, although that decision could be made later, if GWA makes that decision in line with treatment strategies, Bordallo said.

US EPA wants to give water authorities a three-year period to come into compliance with the new rule, agency Standards and Risk Management Division Director Eric Burneson said in a May public hearing.

Bordallo said GWA is working in advance of that compliance period to install multiple centralized treatment systems to address as many potentially impacted wells.

GWA has existing (granular activated carbon) filtration systems in place and is in the procurement process for construction of additional GAC systems, he said.

Other more cost-effective treatment technologies are being evaluated for use and will soon undergo tested for viability, he said.

GWA has had to take wells offline due to PFOA and PFOS contamination before, PDN files show. A Tiyan water well and two water wells in Hagatna were taken offline for measuring above US EPA advisory levels, and GWA had to take steps to keep water in the wells clean.

Existing granular activated carbon filtration systems on GWA wells are proven to PFOS and PFOA levels down, Guam EPAs Lee said.

Not every well on Guam has the footprint to install one of those things, and so we need to determine how to move forward with that, Lee added.

Bordallo deferred to GWAs annual consumer confidence report for information on the safety of the water for the general public and any precautions for the elderly, infants, and people with immune system disorders who might be more vulnerable to contaminants.

US EPA will also have updated contaminant monitoring requirements coming down the line, he said.

Lee said GWAs efforts to get in line, its not going to happen overnight, and if money is not an issue, the time needed to get Guam in line with the new contaminant limits will be.

US EPA estimates that the national costs of the proposed PFOS and PFOA limits will range from between $772 million per year and up to $1.2 billion every year, Burneson said in May.

That includes the costs for public water systems to be treated, monitored, and for local regulators to enforce the new requirement.

Consolidated Commission on Utilities Chairman Joey Duenas, who oversees management at GWA, said that cost is a big consideration.

GWA has already stuck over $1 billion to comply with US EPA regulations in recent years, he said.

We all want this to be done, he said of the coming regulations, but it would be up to GWA to come up with how to get in line with them once there was a clearer picture from the federal government.

He said that, right now, theres not a whole lot of clarity on everything, and the CCU would be working with GWA on any major changes that had to be made once they came around.

Duenas said he also had more questions for Guam EPA.

We know our system, okay, Miguel Bordallo knows, and thats, thats who were going to go with, Duenas said.

Sen. Sabina Perez, who has tried to regulate forever chemicals through legislation introduced back in 2019, said its so far unknown to her how much impact the new federal regulations would impact the water system.

Perez is chair of the oversight committee for both Guam EPA and GWA.

In preparation of the announcement next month of the (regulations), it is important to streamline the process of identifying and treating those wells that are out of compliance and to ensure adequate resources are available to GWA in order to ensure safe drinking water for our people, she said.
The Guam Bar Association is launching an internal ethics investigation and called for the removal of Deputy Attorney General Joe Guthrie, who allegedly made threatening acts towards the president of the Guam Bar Association, attorney Jacqueline Terlaje, on Tuesday morning.

A criminal complaint has been filed against Guthrie, members of GBA said.

The alleged incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, at the Civil Service Commission in Hagatna.

Attorney Guthrie made what we view as a threat toward attorney Terlaje, Guam Bar Association vice president attorney John Morrison said during a Tuesday afternoon media conference.

According to Morrison, Guthrie stated that he wanted to bash the heads and bash the faces of the powers that be, later stated to be the Guam Bars Board of Governors.

Morrison alleged this occurred in a hallway, following a cancelled Civil Service Commission hearing.

Terlaje then tried to distance herself from Guthrie, Morrison said, and he apparently came forward and tried repeatedly to put his hands on her despite being told not to, repeatedly told not to touch her.

Guam Bar treasurer, attorney Philipp Tydingco, at one point during the conference, said Attorney General Douglas Moylan should demand Guthries resignation, or else fire him.

If youre the toughest law enforcement officer of the territory, your number two is surely degrading that. So for me, as a board member, knowing that someone has threatened to smash our faces, I demand his resignation, Tydingco said.

Members of the Bar disclosed the criminal complaint filed and called for the dismissal of Guthrie from his post.

They also announced that GBA would be proceeding with an internal ethics investigation on Guthrie.

The Pacific Daily News made several calls to Guthries office on Tuesday and left a message, but he did not return the calls as of press time.

Guthrie is the second highest ranking lawyer at the Office of the Attorney General.

Terlajes law office deferred to the media conference held by the Guam Bar Association when the PDN asked to speak with Terlaje.

At a hearingA Civil Service Commission calendar shows Guthrie and Terlaje were set to appear opposite each other in the case of a former AGs office employee, Vivian Nisperos, who was filing a grievance over her termination.

Terlaje was representing Nisperos.

While commission proceedings are live-streamed, no recording of the proceedings was available, as it was cancelled due to a lack of quorum, according to commission staff.

GBA member-at-large attorney Jay Arriola said there was no recording of the alleged incident, but said six witnesses had been identified by Terlaje.

Moylan told the PDN via WhatsApp that, I am hearing through rumors and innuendo different versions of what happened. I was not present and have no personal knowledge what allegedly occurred between these attorneys one of whom is a manamko.

Obviously, the allegations will need to be reviewed and the facts confirmed exactly what if anything actually occurred, the attorney general said.

He did not immediately respond to a follow-up message about how Guthries complaint would be handled at the AGs office, or answer a subsequent phone call.

Special prosecutor sought

Morrison said the AGs offices handling of Guthries complaint would represent a very very significant conflict of interest.

He asked for the governor to appoint a special prosecutor, should the case proceed that far.

We trust that the system will take its course, and that the appropriate, unbiased individuals will take a close look at the police report thats been filed, Arriola added.

The PDN was awaiting a response from the Office of the Governor on the matter as of press time.

Guthrie was the AGs deputy back when Moylan won his first term in office in 2003.

He was disciplined by the Supreme Court of Guam for a violation of professional conduct, and ordered to be verbally reprimanded by the Bar, court files show.

Bar leadership Tuesday said Guthrie had no known history of violence, though Arriola remarked, once is enough. We dont need any prior instances.

A copy of the complaint filed with GPD was not immediately provided by GPD spokesperson officer Berlyn Savella. Members of the Guam Bar Association did provide a case number.
Port Authority of Guam General Manager Rory J. Respicio has asked senators to reconsider their vote rejecting the nomination of former Sen. Judith P. Guthertz to continue to serve on the Port board of directors, citing the challenge of not having a board quorum.

This lack of a board quorum, he said, has an impact on port operations not only for Guam, but also the region and the military in the face of looming geopolitical threats.

Sen. Joanne Brown, one of the eight who voted against the confirmation, on Tuesday raised concerns about the decisions that she said Guthertz and other Port board members have recently made.

Brown, a former Port general manager, said these include the Port board waiving a storage fee for a contractor. She also alleged that there were hiring of Guthertzs relatives at the Port. Brown also raised concern whether the U.S. Coast Guard gave approval for the serving of alcoholic drinks during the recent Port Week celebrations at the Port.

The waiving of fees...thats an opportunity to plant a seed of corruption, Brown alleged.

Respicio, a former senator, on Monday wrote separate letters to the eight senators who voted against Guthertz and raised concerns about their vote.

He said their vote against Guthertz was seemingly swayed by the agenda of another sitting senator, which he said raises serious concerns about the prioritization of political considerations over the Ports needs and our communitys welfare.

While he did not name the senator in his letter, the port confirmed that Respicio was referring to Brown.

Brown on Tuesday said given her concerns about Guthertz, she would again vote against her confirmation should the governor resubmit her name.

The senator said the governor could find better nominees to serve on the Port board.

Respicio noted that senators actions compromise the integrity and effectiveness of the governing body, referring to the Legislature.

Senators on Oct. 31 voted to confirm 12 of the governors 13 board and commission appointees. Guthertz was the only one that wasnt confirmed.

The vote was 8-7.

The seven senators who voted to confirm Guthertz were Vice Speaker Tina Muna Barnes, Port Oversight Chair Sen. Amanda Shelton, Sens. Joe S. San Agustin, Roy Quinata, William Parkinson, Dwayne San Nicolas, and Chris Duenas.

Respicio, in his letter, said in the past five years, the 2023 master plan and port readiness plan have clearly defined the ports crucial role in supporting not only Guam and the regions commercial and economic activities, but also its critical role in military readiness.

The inability to meet quorum due to your decision hampers our ability to effectively oversee and advance these vital functions due to the lack of a duly constituted board, Respicio told senators.

Respicio, in making the case for Guthertz, said shes recognized for her extensive experience in public administration and ethics, and her involvement in Guams educational institutions, qualities that make her an exceptional candidate for the Board.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerreros choice to renominate her highlights her immense value to both the Board and the Port community, Respicio said.

In the letters, Respicio strongly urges senators to reconsider their decision, emphasizing the risk of not voting poses to the ports operations and its crucial role in the region.

A favorable reassessment would not only demonstrate your commitment to the Ports continued success and our communitys well-being but also ensure that the Port does not regress to the challenging times experienced under my predecessor, he wrote.

Respicio said he remains open to further discussions to find a collaborative solution that benefits the Port and the community.
Ron McNinch is a longstanding member of the Guam community and frequently gives his opinion on a wide range of topics.
Murder, drug trafficking, and racketeering are among the crimes that 23 alleged members and associates of the Sex Money Murder gang face in a 12-count RICO indictment unsealed Tuesday in the Northern District of Georgia.

Eleven of the defendants named in the indictment were already behind bars during the commission of these crimes  yet, even within the confines of prison walls, they are said to have orchestrated or committed the alleged criminal acts that include the killing of a 9-month-old boy, arson, bank fraud and the murder of other inmates.

Originating from the Bronx in New York, Sex Money Murder, a faction of The Bloods gang, has extended its reach throughout the East Coast, notably in Georgia, where it functions both inside and outside prisons and jails.

If convicted, the defendants face stiff penalties including up to life in prison.

Its alarming to think that these criminals were brazen enough to distribute dangerous drugs and commit heinous crimes while behind bars, said Special Agent in Charge Robert J. Murphy of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Division, in a news release. They must now face the consequences.

The indictment is a result of an investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and the FBI, the Atlanta-Carolinas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program, the DEA, and the Georgia Department of Corrections are continuing to investigate the case.

In a news release, Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Departments Criminal Division said the RICO indictment is a testament to the agencys commitment to hold accountable and bring to justice violent gang members.

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, Argentieri said. All to enhance the power and prestige of their gang, the Sex Money Murder set of The Bloods.




Haiti - Crisis : CARICOM mission ends again in failure





Tuesday, November 14, the CARICOM delegation composed of former Prime Ministers Dr. Kenny D. Anthony (Saint Lucia), Bruce Golding (Jamaica) and Perry Christie (Bahamas), concluded its stay in Haiti with a failure, after a week meeting with different political and civil society actors.



This is the third failure that the delegation has suffered in recent months, without having succeeded in convincing the stakeholders of the need to find an agreement, the political participants not having been able to go beyond their party interests for the benefit of the collective interest.



Each party remained stuck to its positions and blamed the opposite camp for the failure. The eminent personalities of the delegation were not even able to hold plenary meetings with all the stakeholders as the disagreements seem irreconcilable... However, Mirlande Hyppolite Manigat, President of the High Transitional Council, said she was in favor of the enlargement of the Council as proposed by certain actors involved in political discussions...



Closing this new mission, members of the CARIOM delegation said they were very disappointed with the hardening of the tone of certain stakeholders involved in the crisis in Haiti.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Havre Police Department

A Monday 11:01 a.m. caller on Fifth Avenue reported the theft of compliance monitoring equipment.

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A Havre area caller asked Monday at 3:29 p.m. to speak with an officer about a sex offense.

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A summons was issued after a caller at a First Street business reported a theft in progress Monday at 6:12 p.m. No details on charges were provided.

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Leilani Angel Whitehorse of Box Elder, 28, was arrested on a charge of criminal contempt related to a 24/7 Sobriety Program violation at the police station Monday at 7:01 p.m.

Hill County Sheriff's Office

Flint Walker Blackwolf of Box Elder, 36, was arrested on two Justice or City court warrants served at Hill County Detention Center at 4:03 p.m. Monday.

Havre Fire Department

Emergency medical technicians responded to six calls Monday.

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Firefighters responded to and reset a fire alarm that was accidentally triggered at 4:23 p.m. Monday on the 10 Block of 13th Street.

Havre Animal Shelter

This morning the animal shelter held six female cats, three male cats, six kittens between 10 and 13 weeks old, and one cat of unknown gender.

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Also this morning, the animal shelter held five female mixed-breed dogs, nine puppies between 11 and 17 weeks old, and a female German shepherd.
Team to attend Ag Expo this week

Havre High School's year-old Future Farmers of America chapter attended the 96th Annual National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis this month, giving agriculture students an opportunity to network and build leadership skills.

Havre High School Agriculture Teacher and FFA Chapter Advisor Saralyn Standley said the event had more than 70,000 students from across the U.S., and while her chapter didn't do any competitions, they were able to attend workshops and go to information sessions that allowed them to connect with fellow students passionate about agriculture.

FFA member and HHS senior Reinhard Bold said he was able to make a lot of connections just being there.

"I wanted to be part of it," Bold said, " ... That was pretty cool, to see 70,000 kids all wearing blue and gold down there."

Fellow FFA member and senior Clara Haslem said she was able to connect with people as well, and that has opened up new possibilities for what they might be able to do in the future.

"I think a lot of it gave us the confidence that like, 'Oh my gosh, we can actually compete next year,'" she said.

Haslem said her favorite part of the event was working on local service projects for National Days of Service.

"It was great to get out into the city and help out any way we could," she said.

As for Bold, he said the trade show was his favorite part of the event, and connecting with organizations like Welker Farms of Shelby, who were at the event.

He said it was interesting to see all of the organizations and companies that grew out of FFA and learn about its history.

He said his takeaway message from the event was a sense of unity among the thousands of people passionate about agriculture there.

Standley said this sense of unity was a big part of the event and she thinks the event was a success for all the students who went, hearing good messages and making connections that will help them grow as leaders, messages and connections they can bring back and share with those who didn't go.

She said it was also great to give students and opportunity to travel, as some haven't had too many chances to do so.

"Taking them to a big city and having some of those experiences was really cool, and I think seeing the full scope of what FFA is, what it looks like in other states, and just seeing so many members across the United States that have the same passion as they do about agriculture was really great," she said.

Bold and Haslem said going someplace new was a great experience, but Bold said it was a lot to take in at times.

"It was big," he said, "a lot of people. I can say that I was kind of happy to be home."

Standley said none of the students engaged in any of the competitions this year, but they will have an opportunity to see what it's like later this week as they attend Ag Expo in Bozeman.

She said Ag Expo is a bit like a pre-season game for FFA competition, giving students an opportunity to see what it is like without being ranked for state or national competition.

In addition to attending workshops and further developing their leadership skills, she said, students will be competing in 16 different categories and her goal is to see a few teams place in the state top five and some individuals place in the state top 10.

Bold said he will be competing in range agronomy, sales and mechanics, and Clara Haslem said she will be competing in floraculture, agronomy and soils.

Haslem said she's hoping they can connect with some younger FFA members, who are often still figuring out what they want to and like to do.
Timothy Wayne O'Connell Sr., 82, passed away the morning of Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at the Northern Montana Care Center of natural causes.

At his request, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life Service will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, Nov. 20, 2023, at the Community Alliance Church in Havre with Pastor Munya Takawira officiating.

Please visit Tim's online memorial page to send a card or leave a message of condolence for his family at https://www.hollandbonine.com .

Tim was born September 5, 1941, in San Jose, California, to Maurice and Marion (Faltersack) O'Connell. He was raised with his sister, Carolyn, on the family's ranch and graduated from high school. He met Suzanne "Sue" Bolte in high school and they were soon married.

Tim attended school at Cal Poly and graduated with his degree in animal husbandry. He taught at the Vo-Ag for a few years while working on the ranch, farming, and raising his family. He moved his family to Washington state to teach in Kelso, Washington. He found that he preferred to work with his hands, so he went to work for the John Deere Dealership as their mechanic and service manager for sixteen years. During this time, he and his family moved to many places in the Pacific Northwest including Odessa, WA, Bakersfield, CA, Moscow, ID, and Burns, OR. He then moved his family to Havre, Montana, where he had taken a position at Northern Montana College to teach diesel mechanics. During his tenure at Northern Montana College, he obtained his master's degree in education. He still found time to work with cars in the summer months. After seven years in Havre, he later accepted a position at the Helena vo-tech. He taught there for two years before moving to White Water, Wisconsin.

Throughout the years, his family grew to 10 children, foster children, and a home day care. Tim loved and was so proud of his children. He enjoyed participating in their lives by attending school events, special occasions and holidays. He was a quiet man who had a "wild and wooly" family that kept him on his toes. He often would tell his children how proud he was of them in their achievements or just in who they were.

Tim and Sue later divorced, and Tim moved back to California to be closer to his family of origin. He took a position as the facility manager at Sequoia Institute, where he worked until he retired.

Tim was an adventurous spirit who enjoyed traveling, dancing, and bringing to life difficult mechanical projects. He also loved the thrill and speed of Auto Cross. He raced an MG1100, a car he called Sue and Crew in honor of his family. He loved his jeep that he rebuilt himself and called Gladiator. He "souped" it up and competed in tractor pulls. He also participated in the destruction derby and had a stock car. His children loved to watch him drive in the destruction derby at the fairgrounds.

Tim later married Darlene, with whom he spent 20 years until she passed away. They shared many adventures together including bringing his younger children to visit every summer. They had many vacations at Lake Tahoe, visited amusement parks like Great America, and other family activities.

After Darlene passed, he found love again with Jeannie whom he was married to for seven years before she also passed. He enjoyed exploring his Chrisitan faith while married to Jeanne. Tim had much love to share with his family, and the people he chose to share his life with.

As his health began to fail, Tim moved back to Havre to be closer to his family whom he has always cherished. He was a quiet, kind, presence who enjoyed eating out, and watching old movies. He brought with him to Havre his cat buddy, Tigger.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his second wife, Darlene, and his third wife, Jeannie.

Tim is survived by his 10 children, Teri, Tim Jr. (Toni), and Erin O'Connell, Shannon (Jay) Howland, Matthew (Judith) O'Connell, Merrick O'Connell, Kristen (Eric) Allen, Ryann (Rod) Pecnick, Shaylee (Tom) Lewis and Brittany (Tel) Sterner; 22 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. Additionally, he is survived by his sister Carolyn Lees; numerous nieces and nephews; his first wife, Sue O'Connell; and many more people who loved and cared for him.
Finland has committed to international treaties decreeing that the right to international protection is inviolable, a commitment that effectively translates to the country having to have at least one border-crossing point open for asylum seekers.

MINISTER of the Interior Mari Rantanen (PS) believes Finland could shutter not only its eastern border but also all other border-crossing points in circumstances where national sovereignty takes precedence over international obligations, reports YLE.

The thing is that ultimately, in a situation where its necessary, Finland could shut down the entire border. No international treaty is a suicide pact, Rantanen argued on YLE A-studio on Tuesday.

The Finnish government has indicated its readiness to resort to all means at its disposal in response to an increase in people arriving at the eastern border. Rantanen said to the public broadcasting company that one option is to only accept asylum claims at Helsinki Airport.

If [the applicants] are able to come from their own country first by applying for lets say a visa in Russia and use different means to transport to travel to the border of Finland, itd feel unusual if they werent able to continue their journey to Helsinki Airport, she analysed.

The Southeast Finland Border Guard District revealed yesterday that daily the number of asylum applicants at the eastern border hit 50 at 9pm, representing a roughly 50 per cent increase from the total for last week.

Minister of Defence Antti Hakkanen (NCP) on Tuesday said there are indications that the increase has been orchestrated.

The number of applicants without proper travel documents has been high for the past few months, a spokesperson at the district communicated last weekend. The increase has been attributed to a new stance adopted by Russian officials, to start allowing people without the necessary travel documents to travel to the border with Finland.

Jukka Lukkari, a deputy commander at the Southeast Finland Border Guard District, told YLE on Tuesday that the applicants are presently arriving at the border in groups of four to five, some on bicycles.

The Ministry of the Interior is mulling over restrictions at the border that could be adopted as soon as in the coming days, according to Rantanen.

Theres nothing in the law thatd prevent us from resorting to tougher measures. Of course the intention is to come up with measures that are necessary and proportionate to this situation, she outlined to YLE.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in the tragic loss of over ten thousand lives , many of them children and young people.

Finland's youth sector has raised a vehement voice against the ongoing violence in Gaza, particularly highlighting the devastating impact on children and young people. The sector calls for the Finnish government and global leaders to demand an immediate ceasefire and initiate stringent measures for peace efforts.

The youth sector strongly condemns violence against civilians and civilian infrastructure, labeling such acts as war crimes under international humanitarian law. This condemnation extends to both state actors and armed organizations. Protecting civilians, especially children and young people, in times of crisis is a fundamental obligation under numerous international treaties.

Allianssi, the Finnish national youth council, urges the international community to take immediate action to establish a ceasefire in the region, ensure humanitarian aid reaches the Gazan civilians, and start active peace-building efforts.

The European Youth Forum, an umbrella organization for youth organizations in Europe, had already called in October for the European Union to work towards the release of hostages and a ceasefire. The Gazan civilians should not bear the brunt of the conflict initiated by Hamas.

The situation in Gaza also indirectly affects youth globally. The youth sector emphasizes that Islamophobia, antisemitism, or racism are never acceptable. Adults, in particular, are urged to take responsibility in discussions about Gaza, focusing on peace rather than hatred.

After achieving a ceasefire, Finland, as part of the international community, should actively promote peace in the region and ensure the engagement of young generations in this process. Committed to the UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace, and Security, Finland recognizes that lasting peace cannot be achieved without the involvement and support of the youth. This is particularly critical in Gaza, where nearly half of the population is under 18 years old.

HT
Finnish presidential candidate Pekka Haavisto has voiced his concerns over the dire situation in Gaza through social media, advocating for an immediate ceasefire. Haavisto strongly condemns Hamas's terrorist attack on Israel as criminal and in violation of international humanitarian law. However, he emphasizes that Israel is also bound by the same obligations under international law.

Haavisto underscores that the bombardment of civilians is against international law. "The same obligations of humanitarian law bind Israel in its actions against Hamas. International law dictates that civilians and civilian populations must not be targeted in armed actions. Bombing civilians is against international law," Haavisto wrote.

He insists on the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza to end the cycle of retaliation causing suffering and death, particularly to children and other civilians.

Haavisto also highlights the deep-rooted nature of the conflict and the waning grip of the international community on the situation in recent years. He calls for renewed global engagement, emphasizing that "solving the Middle East situation requires active involvement from the entire international community. In recent years, the international community's grip on the matter has weakened. Serious negotiations must resume. From experience, I know that negotiations are the only sustainable way out of conflicts. Peace in the Middle East cannot emerge without the involvement of the United States and key regional players. But the EU and its member states also play an important role."

Furthermore, Haavisto believes that a two-state solution is the only sustainable resolution for Israel as well. He points out the necessity of acknowledging that lasting peace is unattainable without a functional Palestinian administration and the prospect of their own state. "The only way to ensure peace and the security of Israel is to implement the two-state model. The journey there is long and can truly begin only when the weapons fall silent," he adds.

HT
In a significant move, Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf and the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) have jointly called for an immediate halt to hostilities in Gaza. This plea came during their bi-annual meeting, where they emphasized their commitment to peace and denounced any form of hate or prejudice in Scotland.

Yousaf strongly condemned the terrorist acts by Hamas six weeks prior, insisting on the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
City announces public input opportunity for comp plan

The city of Hendersonville is inviting the public to an open house as part of the Gen H Comprehensive Plan development process on Monday, Nov. 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Kaplan Auditorium at the Henderson County Library, 301 N. Washington St.

Participants can drop in during that time to meet city representatives and provide their input on the future of Hendersonville. Attendees will have the opportunity to:

Review the existing conditions analysis which includes an overview of Hendersonvilles demographic data, geography, transportation network, land use patterns, community character, and much more

Participate in planning exercises to help prioritize community needs

Take home information about the plan to share

Share ideas for the future of Hendersonville, including parks and greenways and downtown

Enjoy light refreshments

The input received from residents (through the survey, stakeholder meetings, mapping exercises, Council Comp-versations, and Open House) is combined with the existing conditions to set the framework for recommendations on how the City should plan for the future.

Kids are welcome to attend the open house. Activities will be provided, along with some Gen H Comprehensive Plan giveaways. Free parking is available in the library parking lot.

The Gen H Comprehensive Plan is Hendersonvilles strategy for how growth and development are managed over the next 20+ years. The plan will be used as a tool for prioritizing resources and future planning efforts. City Council can also use the Gen H Plan as a guide for budgeting, strategic planning, and making policy decisions. To learn more about the comprehensive plan, please visit www.hvlnc.gov/GenH.
On Monday and Tuesday, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Assistant Secretary for Health ADM Rachel Levine traveled to Atlanta to hear from community partners and public health leaders how to best address the surge of syphilis and its impact on pregnant people and babies.

ADM Levine met with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) leadership, visited Neighborhood Union Health Center to meet with health care providers, and met with Mayor Andre Dickens and LGBTQI+ stakeholders for a roundtable discussion to highlight efforts to spearhead a national congenital syphilis and syphilis public health response.

ADM Levine is chair of the newly established National Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis Syndemic (NSCSS) Federal Task Force. The groups mission is to leverage broad federal resources to reduce rates, promote health equity, and share resources with impacted communities. The HHS Task Force utilizes a syndemic approach because of the complex nature of this public health challenge, in which social and economic environments can exacerbate negative health outcomes.

Actions the NSCSS will focus on during the next 90 days, include:

Working directly with the jurisdictions to maximize syphilis testing, particularly with pregnant people, and promoting sexual health discussions;

Expanding equitable access to syphilis testing and treatment in communities with limited health care resources;

Promoting alternative testing locations for pregnant persons beyond traditional prenatal care settings, such as substance use facilities, harm reduction programs, and emergency departments;

Educating health care providers who see pregnant persons about emphasizing syphilis testing, promoting evidence-based sexual health discussions, and ensuring prompt testing and treatment in high-risk counties; and

Working with health departments to identify counties with high syphilis rates, as well as new ways to notify physicians about the need for increased testing, collaborate on reducing barriers to patient care, monitor pregnancy status for timely treatment to prevent newborn syphilis, and facilitate partner notification after diagnosis.

The goal of the HHS Task Force is to avert five percent of congenital syphilis cases by September 2024.

ADM Levine and CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen discussed recently released CDC data and the tragic consequences of testing people too late and not receiving appropriate treatment for syphilis, especially during pregnancy. Timely testing and treatment during pregnancy can help keep people healthy and could have prevented 9 out of 10 of the newborn syphilis cases in 2022.

Neighborhood Union Health Center offers free sexual health and drug user health services with a sex positive harm reduction framework, and includes immunizations, child health checks and other services. ADM Levine heard from a variety of health care providers about opportunities for more immediate treatments to help stop the spread of syphilis and save lives, especially those of newborn infants. Participants stressed the need to ensure no one is left behind in addressing the spread of syphilis and getting needed interventions to everyone.

The roundtable focused on the recent alarming increase in congenital syphilis, the increasing prevalence of syphilis, and its frequent overlap with other LGBTQI+ health concerns. One health center serving the Atlanta-area saw 500 deliveries last year, at least 10 positive cases of syphilis, two of which died. Most doctors would not expect to see a single case of congenital syphilis in a baby during their career.

ADM Levines trip focused on congenital syphilis because Georgia is one of the 14 priority jurisdictions recently identified by the HHS Task Force as having the highest burden of disease. The Task Force will focus its efforts on Arizona, Arkansas, California, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas. Together, these jurisdictions make up nearly 75 percent of congenital cases and 50 percent of our nations syphilis cases.
Mumbai, November 15, 2023: Introducing HANCOCK Holiday and Resort Wear Collection, Hancock Fashions latest range specially curated for those seeking comfort and style in their holiday getaways and resort stays. Crafted with dedication, our exceptional range of 100% cotton apparel is designed to enhance your fashion appeal while prioritizing your well-being. Whether you're embarking on a grand adventure or seeking relaxation on a leisurely getaway, HANCOCK Holiday and Resort Wear Collection has you covered."

Choose from an extensive selection of options tailored for comfort, style, and ease of movement. For men, we offer Formal Shirts, Resort Shirts, Party Shirts, Casual Shirts, Kurtas, Trousers, Night Suits, and Comfort Wear. For women, our collection includes an enchanting array of Dresses, Tops, Shirts, Lounge Pants, and Comfort Wear, ensuring you're prepared for any destination or leisurely day at home.

Experience unparalleled comfort with HANCOCK Fashion's 100% cotton collection, crafted to envelop you in skin-friendly luxury. Tailored for accomplished, refined, and style-savvy individuals, HANCOCK is the quintessential choice for holiday, resort, and comfort wear. Effortlessly transition from soaking up the sun to enjoying evening gatherings, exuding style and embracing comfort.

With a strong presence on leading e-commerce platforms like Myntra.com, Flipkart.com, Shopperstop.com, and our own website (www.hancockfashion.com), HANCOCK Holiday and Resort Wear Collection is poised to earn trust and appreciation from travelers and comfort seekers across India with its newly launched collection. Now, the brand is set to embark on its next chapter, offering enthusiasts the perfect blend of style, comfort, and ease for their getaways and moments of relaxation.

At HANCOCK Fashion, we're committed to providing extraordinary value and an outstanding shopping experience. Our thoughtfully curated collections encompass a wide range of fabrics, styles, colors, and designs, allowing you to effortlessly express your personal style, whether you're strolling down the beach, enjoying a leisurely evening, or embracing moments of comfort.

"Founded by Yash Singhal, Chander Singhal, and Parul Singhal, HANCOCK Fashion redefines holiday, resort, and comfort fashion with a focus on style and ultimate well-being. HANCOCK offers an extensive range of attire, providing a wide variety of fabrics, fits, colors, and designs, catering to travelers and comfort seekers alike.

Website: https://www.hancockfashion.com/pages/about-us

For more information, please contact: Glad U Came: Nupur: nupur@gladucame.in

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.
Perhaps not as much in our part of the world, but in regions such as the US, there is a not-so-subtle distinction that separates Apple iPhone users, from the ones who arent. Blue chat bubbles, compared with Androids green ones. It is one of the ways, albeit fallaciously, this generation distinguishes the haves from the have nots. Google keeps trying to cajole Apple into supporting RCS, or rich communication services within iMessage, which would then work well with their own Messages app. Smartphone maker Nothings attempt to widen utility of messaging on Android phones leads us to Nothing Chats. (Nothing)

Apple hasnt played ball. Their line of thinking is simple  taking away a unique feature of the iPhone, will weaken its appeal. That may well be true for markets such as US, and perhaps even Europe. Data suggests so. Apple has 55% market share in the US, as of Q2 2023, according to data by Counterpoint research. Android phone makers, led by Samsung, make up the rest. That hasnt stopped third party apps from trying, and claiming they let users send iMessages from Android phones (and PCs too) seamlessly. Beepers app is an example. So is Sunbirds yet to be launched messaging platform, that asks you to join at waitlist for now.

Smartphone maker Nothings attempt to widen utility of messaging on Android phones leads us to Nothing Chats, which will be made available in the US, Canada, EU and UK from Friday. India figures somewhere on that list, for a later release. Interestingly, Nothing is making this exclusive (at least for now) to its latest smartphone, the Nothing Phone (2). Quite when, if at all, Nothing Phone (1) users get this app too remains anyones guess.

Sorry Tim, reads the thumbnail for Nothings YouTube video featuring co-founder and CEO Carl Pei, introducing Nothing Chats. At Nothing, we believe in windows, not walls. If messaging services are dividing phone users, then we want to break those barriers down, they say. Dig deeper beyond this promise of convenience, and youll realise foundations arent as robust or secure as they may seem at first. Red flags, as they say. Many of them.

Mac Mini farms working round the clock

Nothings basing the chats app on Sunbirds app, which we know little about, since its yet to be widely available. While the phone makers intentions arent being questioned, there is a deal of opacity about the solution theyre planning to use. One thatll have all your data. What we do know is, it promises to enable SMS, WhatsApp, Facebooks Messenger and indeed Apple iMessage in one app. There too are promises to add Telegram, Instagrams direct messages, Discord and Slack, at some point down the line. There is little we know about Sunbird as an app, and its methods, at this time.

Sunbirds promise to offer this app for free to all users, should sound like good news at first, but thats before you begin to wonder what the monetisation methodology would be. In comparison, Beeper is also free to begin with, but it is almost a given that youd need to spend up to $10 per month for the Beeper Plus plan to unlock all functionality. It was in December 2022 when Sunbird first promised the iMessage functionality for Android by Summer 2023, but that app is yet to be made available to all users.

Heres something you really must keep in mind before signing up for the Sunbird messaging based Nothing Chats  Sunbird will save your Apple iCloud login credentials, though of course (no surprise here), they claim to do so in a safe, encrypted manner.

Then comes the big question of how iMessages that you send from an Android phone, will be delivered to an actual iPhone user. The key word here is  workaround. Or, a server farm of Apple Mac Minis working round the clock, as the waypoint for messages you send. How this works is  you send a message from your Android phone to an iPhone user, visually packaged as an iMessage, complete with the blue tick. Your iCloud credentials are tokenized and then assigned to one of the Mac Minis in Sunbirds farm. Your message is delivered to this Mac Mini, which then sends it forward to the intended recipients iPhone. At this point, they do stress upon the fact that messages arent stored in this Mac Mini, once theyre delivered.

Quite how comfortable you would be sending your messages via an unknown Mac Mini sitting somewhere in the world on a server farm, is worth a deeper thought.

Also Read: Nothings ecosystem play with CMF needs a vision of patience and innovation

Nothings FAQs on the crucial question about where your Apple ID will reside as long as youre using the service, makes for curious reading. It briefly touches on the topic of login details, and then quickly switches focuses to tell you about messages instead. Heres how it reads  No, Nothing is powered by Sunbird, and Sunbirds architecture provides a system to deliver a message from one user to another without ever storing it at any point in its journey. Messages are not stored on Sunbirds servers and are only live on your device  once a message is delivered, it can only be recovered locally from your personal device.

Apprehensions arent being raised about whether the iMessage service actually delivers messages or not. But there are some questions that should figure as you contemplate signing up for Nothing Chats (or indeed directly using Sunbirds app).

Can we trust Sunbird with critical login and password details for your iCloud ID, which opens up access to emails, FaceTime, iCloud Drive and a lot more of your digital footprint? Can these credentials be considered safe, since encryption may mean little once an inevitable data breach happens? We also know, tech companies dont always do what they say theyll do.

And then there are a couple of questions that Apple must answer. Is what is essentially working around, or hacking the iMessage system, acceptable to their terms of service? Will those found using this solution, face a potential account ban? If Apple says the answers to these questions are No and Yes, they may come down heavily on Nothing Chats, even before it gets started.

It may still be some time before messaging services find a common ground for peace in the space, and we can all live in a world of blue coloured bubbles.
The Reserve Bank of India has barred Bajaj Finance Limited from sanctioning and disbursing loans under its two lending products -- eCOM and Insta EMI Card. In a statement, the apex bank said the company didn't adhere to the digital lending guidelines under these two lending products. RBI (Representational)

RBI said the "supervisory restrictions" will be reviewed after the NBFC rectifies the violations.

"These supervisory restrictions will be reviewed upon the rectification of the said deficiencies to the satisfaction of RBI," it said in a statement

RBI said in the statement that the company didn't issue key fact statements to the borrowers under these two lending products.

"The Reserve Bank of India has today, in exercise of its powers under section 45L(1)(b) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, has directed Bajaj Finance Ltd. (the company) to stop sanction and disbursal of loans under its two lending products eCOM and Insta EMI Card, with immediate effect," it said.

"This action is necessitated due to non-adherence of the company to the extant provisions of Digital lending guidelines of Reserve Bank of India, particularly non-issuance of Key Fact Statements to the borrowers under these two lending products and the deficiencies in the Key Fact Statements issued in respect of other digital loans sanctioned by the company," it added.
Sahara Group's chief Subrata Roy passed away in Mumbai at the age of 75. Sahara chief Subrata Roy arrives to appear in the Supreme Court for a hearing in a case against him filed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) over a dispute of returning money to its investors, in New Delhi, 2017.(PTI)

The spotlight is once again on the over 20,000 crore in undistributed funds held by the Securities and Exchange Board of India or Sebi, the capital markets regulator, following accusations that Roy's group firms bypassed regulations with Ponzi schemesa charge consistently denied by his group.

Sebi recovered  25,000 crore from Sahara Group

In 2011, SEBI directed Sahara Group firms -- Sahara India Real Estate Corporation Ltd (SIREL) and Sahara Housing Investment Corporation Ltd (SHICL) -- to refund funds raised from about 3 crore investors through Optionally Fully Convertible Debentures (OFCDs), citing a violation of rules. It was promised that the securities could be converted into shares at the expiry of a certain period at a predetermined price, if the investor chooses.

After a legal process, the Supreme Court upheld SEBIs decision in 2012, instructing Sahara to deposit around 24,000 crore for investor refund.

Sebi reported that, as of March 31, this year, it has recovered an aggregate amount of 15,646.68 crore. This sum, along with accrued interest post refunds to eligible bondholders, has been deposited in nationalised banks in compliance with the SCs judgment. As per Sebis statement, the total amount deposited in the nationalised banks as of March 31, 2023, stands at approximately 25,163 crore.

What happened to SIREL, SHICL investors' money?

In the latest annual report, Sebi said issuing refunds of 138.07 crore to investors of two Sahara Group firms over 11 years. As of March 31, 2023, Sebi received 19,650 applications involving 53,687 accounts, with refunds made for 17,526 applications totaling 138.07 crore, including 67.98 crore in interest. Some applications were closed as their records were untraceable in data provided by Sahara Group firms.

What happens to Sahara cooperatives depositors funds?

In August, the government initiated the process to refund 5,000 crore to 10 crore depositors stuck in Sahara Group's four cooperative societies within 9 months. The government, following a Supreme Court order, transferred 5,000 crore from the Sahara-Sebi refund account for the refunds.

Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched the 'CRCS-Sahara Refund Portal' in July, registering around 18 lakh depositors. The refund is in process and will not have any impact from Roys demise.

(Inputs from PT
Fresh debris and muck falling from the roof Silkyara-Barkot tunnel continued to hamper rescue work as authorities faced challenges to reach the 40 trapped labourers since Sunday morning. Its been over 72 hours since the construction workers were trapped inside the tunnel. (HT Photo)

On Wednesday early morning, the rescuers involved in the operation started removing the fresh debris using the JCB machines to again set the auger machine on a platform to push the large diameter pipes through the debris.

On Tuesday evening, the rescuers had started the drilling using the auger machine and were able to successfully drill through the debris for 2 metres but a boulder came in the way of the machine.

Also Read: Uttarakhand tunnel collapse: Kin of trapped workers grapple with anxiety and hope

The machine is facing a technical problem now, we have now asked for a new machine, said Devendra Patwal, Uttarkashi Disaster Disaster Management Officer (DDMO).

He said, On Tuesday evening, the fresh debris fell where the auger machine had been placed to drill holes in the piled up debris to set in the large diameter pipes. Then, again, when the rescuers started drilling through the auger machine a boulder in the debris blocked its way. The teams have been facing many technical challenges in Plan B too [The new plan was to push through 900-mm diameter sections of mild steel pipes -- one after the other -- into the rubble using drilling equipment and create an escape passage for the workers, who officials say are safe and being provided with oxygen, water, food packets and medicines through tubes].

For the first two days, the rescuers removed the piled debris in nearly 55 metre stretch of the tunnel using heavy excavator machines and prevent more debris from falling using the shotcrete method, but faced the same challenge of fresh debris falling from the roof of the collapsed portion. After they faced hurdles in Plan A, they switched to Plan B (to create escape passage using auger machine and fitting in large diameter pipes). Earlier on Tuesday, the teams brought huge steel pipes to the site, which engineers hoped to drill through the debris for the workers to come out safely.

The auger machine (spiral shaped) will penetrate through the debris and simultaneously carry it backward to the entry pit, Vijay Dangwal, a geologist from Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, told HT on Tuesday.

Uttarakhand disaster management secretary Ranjit Sinha on Tuesday said, Once it begins, the process to insert the pipes through the debris could take approximately 24 to 30 hours. The rib of the tunnel that collapsed could come in the way of auger machine. We have also begun the process of removing the rib.

The fresh falling of debris also injured two workers involved in the rescue operation on Tuesday.

The injured workers were rushed to the makeshift health facility established on the accident site to attend to the trapped workers.

Its been over 72 hours since the construction workers were trapped inside the tunnel after a portion of it fell at around 5:30am on Sunday.

Some labourers also complained of vomiting and headaches with officials saying that they are being provided with medicines through a pipe.

A part of the tunnel being built between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway  part of the Char Dham all-weather road project  caved in around 5:30am on Sunday following a landslide, trapping 40 workers from various parts of the country.

The collapsed section is 270 metres from the mouth of the tunnel from the Silkyara side, officials said.
Delhis air quality was in the upper end of the very poor category on Wednesday morning, recording a marginal improvement in comparison to Tuesday. The 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 389 (very poor) at 7am, while it was 397 (same category) at 4pm on Tuesday. According to IMD, the minimum temperature on Wednesday is likely to be around 11 degrees Celsius. (Sakib Ali/ HT Photo)

Forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) showed that there will not be any significant change in weather over the next three days, with low temperatures and early morning calm-wind conditions likely to persist. Between noon and 5pm, Delhi should record average wind speeds of 6-8kmph, it said.

Kuldeep Srivastava, scientist at IMD, said the predominant wind direction was northwesterly on Tuesday, with winds remaining calm both on Monday night and in the early hours of Tuesday. However, the wind speed picked up for a brief while post noon, becoming calm once again by yesterday evening.

Similar conditions are expected on Wednesday and Thursday too. The only difference will be that while wind direction will remain northwesterly on Wednesday, it should switch to easterly by Thursday. Srivastava said.

The visibility at Palam meanwhile stood at 600m at 7am on Wednesday morning. It had dropped to 500m at Palam on Tuesday, before gradually improving to 1,800m during the day.

Forecasts by the Early Warning System (EWS) for Delhi said the capitals AQI is likely to be very poor till Friday. Delhis air quality is likely to remain in the very poor category from Wednesday till Friday. The outlook for the subsequent six days shows air quality is likely to remain largely in the very poor category, EWS said.

The Decision Support System (DSS), which estimates the contribution of different sources in Delhis PM 2.5, on Tuesday said Delhis vehicular sector was likely contributing around 18.8% to the citys PM 2.5 concentration, with around 12.5% estimated to be coming from biomass burning, around 4.7% from industries in Delhi and around 4% from the residential sector. Another 19.1% is estimated to be coming from other sources  unaccounted sources beyond Delhis border, it said.

Forecast by DSS for Wednesday said the estimated contribution of biomass burning should be 14.8%, followed by 14.5% coming from vehicular emissions.

Delhis average AQI shot up post Diwali yet again as residents flouted the Supreme Courts order by bursting firecrackers. The capitals 24-hour average AQI was 218 (poor) on Sunday, but that spiked by 140 points to touch 358 (very poor) at 4pm on Monday. By 10pm on the same day, the average AQI was severe, with a reading of 403.

Interestingly, the average AQI stood in the range of 360-370 on Tuesday morning, as per CPCBs Sameer app, giving the impression that the air quality had improved. However, a closer look showed that the app was displaying data from only 9 out of Delhis 40 stations, with no data being made available from the 24 Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) air quality monitoring stations.

The DPCC later said this happened due to a server problem at their end, which was preventing real-time data from reaching the CPCB. This problem was fixed just in time for the days daily bulletin released at 4pm, it said. In all, the data was missing for eight hours, from 7am till 3pm, during which the average AQI was below 370. This then shot up to Tuesdays actual average AQI of 397 at 4pm.

There was no such problem on Wednesday morning though as the data on the app was available from 36 stations in total. Nehru Nagar (433) was the worst impacted location, followed by Jahangirpuri (432).

Delhis maximum was recorded at 25.9 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, three degrees below normal. The minimum stood at 12.0 degrees Celsius, two notches below normal. According to IMD, the maximum should remain around 26 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, while the minimum is likely to be around 11 degrees Celsius.
KOLKATA: Bidyut Chakrabarty, whose term as vice-chancellor (V-C) of Visva-Bharati, ended on November 8, has been told to vacate the official quarters on campus following allegations by teachers that he is occupying it illegally, people aware of the development said. Former Visva-Bharati vice chancellor Bidyut Chakrabarty has been told to vacate the official quarters (FILE PHOTO)

Sanjoy Kumar Mallik, the interim V-C, did not comment on the issue but officials said he sent a letter to Chakrabarty on Tuesday asking him to vacate Purbita, the house allocated for serving V-Cs.

Chakrabarty replied to the letter late on Tuesday evening. The content of his letter is not known, a Visva-Bharati functionary said on condition of anonymity.

Mahua Banerjee, the Visva-Bharati spokesperson, refused to make any official comment.

Chakrabarty could not be contacted despite several attempts.

The development took place days after Chakrabarty was served back-to-back summons by Santiniketan police station in Birbhum district, where the university is located, in connection with five criminal complaints lodged against him between August and November this year.

The summons, served a day after Chakrabartys term ended, required him to present himself before the investigating officers at Santiniketan police station on November 10.

Chakrabarty moved the Calcutta high court against the summons on November 10, alleging that false cases were registered against him at the behest of the political dispensation in West Bengal.

Justice Jay Sengupta ordered the Santiniketan police to meet Chakrabarty at his residence on November 20 and 22 and complete the questioning in all five cases within one hour on each day.

It is quite uncanny indeed that different police officers belonging to the same police station issued notices to the petitioner to appear and be examined on the very next date of issuance of such notices. Incidentally, all these notices were issued immediately after the petitioner demitted his office as the vice-chancellor of the university. One wonders whether this was a concerted effort. These facts would themselves warrant an interim interference, the high court said in its order. HT has reviewed a copy of the order.

It said the police will interrogate him at his residence and shall not arrest him in connection with these cases tlll the next date. The case will be heard again at 3 pm on November 29 as a specially fixed matter, the judge said.

This does not mean that Chakrabarty should continue living in the vice chancellors official residence, said a member of Visva Bharati University Faculty Association.

The central university has been in the news after Chakrabarty took over as V-C in 2018. It witnessed a series of agitations following disciplinary action against teachers and students who were later granted relief by the Calcutta high court where more than 150 cases are pending.

Chakrabarty also drew flak recently over three stone plaques marking the inclusion of Santiniketan in the UNESCO World Heritage list because the plaques did not mention Rabindranath Tagore who founded Visva-Bharati in 1921.

Chakrabarty also drew flak for accusing Nobel laureate Amartya Sen of illegally occupying 13 decimals of the 1.38 acres of leased land covered by his ancestral property on campus. The case is being heard by a Birbhum district court.
Even as millions from across Indian cities are heading home for Chhath, a significant population of Bhojpuri-speaking people have decided to stay back in Lucknow and mark the celebrations. Even in previous years, lakhs of people turned up at ghats of River Gomti in the state capital to perform rituals as part of Chhath (HT File)

Even in previous years, lakhs of people turned up at ghats of River Gomti in the state capital to perform rituals as part of Chhath, primarily celebrated by people in eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.

From just a handful of people in 1984, Lucknow, which is said to be a home to 12 lakh Bhojpuri-speaking people, may see over 5 lakh people going to Lakshman Mela Ground (a ghat on Rana Pratap Marg) every day on three days, said the president of All India Bhojpuri Samaj, Prabhunath Rai.

Overall, Chhath festivities would be marked at 110 locations, where artificial ponds were created, in the city, officials of Bhojpuri associations said.

In 1984, the citys population was around 12 lakh. Today, the number of Bhojpuri speakers, who hail from eastern UP, Bihar, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, are more than that here. Thats why for Chhath Puja festivities, which saw the participation of just a few people in 1984, over 5 lakh people will be gathering at Lakshman Mela Ground. The sheer number of people necessitated for creation of artificial ponds at over 110 locations in the city, Rai observed.

VK Srivastava, the vice-president of All India Bhojpuri Samaj, said: Today, no Bhojpuri-speaker feels like an outsider in Lucknow because our Lucknowisation is complete. Weve been holding Chhath Puja celebrations at Lakshman Mela ghat and the scale of the celebrations has only gotten bigger. Today, the tallest political leaders want to come to our puja stage because the Bhojpuri-speaking population in the city is around 12 lakh. The best thing is not only Bhojpuris have adopted the city, but even Lucknowites have also adopted us wholeheartedly.

Basant Kumar, a government employee who originally hails from Patna, said, Previously, my family regularly visited Patna for Chhath. But now we mark the festivities at Lakshman Mela Ghat because here everything is well-organised and clean.

Neerja, who works at a private company here but is from Araria in Bihar, Women feel safe even at nights during Chhath. Everything is well organised. There are no traffic jams, no dirt. So its much better here than in my hometown.

Rai, meanwhile, added chief minister Yogi Adityanath, deputy CM Brajesh Pathak and ministers Suresh Khanna, Swatantra Dev Singh and Jaiveer Singh had been invited for Chhath Puja.

Also, 150 Bhojpuri artistes were expected to participate in an event organised at Lakshman Mela Ground. Cultural activities there were expected to continue for more than 18 hours without any breaks.

The district administration, police and civic bodies said they had made arrangements for crowd management between November 18 to 20.
Lucknow A total of nine different teams of the Lucknow Police unit took nine days to crack the murder conspiracy of a 30-year-old woman hatched on the lines of Ajay Devgn-starrer Bollywood crime thriller Drishyam, said senior police officials of Lucknow here on Wednesday. Representational photo (HT File)

They said four people, including victim Neelam Sainis relative, were arrested after scanning through 1900 CCTV cameras. The press note issued by the Lucknow police unit stated that those arrested have been identified as Santosh Kumar Saini (42), Mohd Asif Ansari (34), Shubham Yadav (29) and a woman Asma Bano (28). The press note further stated the main accused, Santosh Kumar Saini, hatched the entire conspiracy to eliminate her wifes younger sister Neelam Saini to get entire property of his in-laws.

Sharing further details, Lucknow Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), West, Rahul Raj said Santosh Kumar Saini after explaining the entire plan went to watch a film so that he could never be suspected behind the mysterious disappearance of his sister-in-law. He said the victim had gone missing under mysterious circumstances on November 5 and she was found in an injured condition near Kalli Purab village under Mohanlalganj police station limits on November 6.

The DCP said the victims throat was slit by the assailants, so she was unable to speak. He said the victim, however, revealed the name of the woman involved in the incident by writing her name. The victim informed that the woman named Aasma Bano had become familiar to her while her grocery shop in Para area for the past four months and she took her along on pretext of some Pooja in an SUV car and made her unconscious by giving sedative laced drink. She said she found her lying in bushes with her throat slit regained consciousness and then she crawled over to the main road to seek help from passers-by, he stated while narrating the sequence of event. He said the assailants had left her lying there in the bushes believing her to be dead.

Additional DCP, West, Chiranjeev Nath Sinha further informed that the police team traced the grey colour SUV used in the crime while scanning out the CCTV footages and reached the owner Shubham Yadav, who further spilled the beans when interrogated rigorously. The investigation further revealed that Santosh Kumar Saini was behind the entire conspiracy and hired Shubham Yadav, one Mohd Asif Ansari alias Mannu and his relative Aasma to execute the crime, he said. The cop added, Saini further confessed that he hatched the conspiracy to get entire property of his in-laws as his wife was the only sibling of the victim.
Four labourers died due to asphyxiation while working inside a septic tank at a dyeing unit located on Palsana-Katodara road in Gujarats Surat on Tuesday evening, said a police official. Despite swift extraction, they were rushed to the hospital, where doctors pronounced them brought dead. (Representative file image)

From initial investigation we have come to know that two workers initially fell unconscious during the septic tank cleaning process, prompting two others to attempt a rescue, he said.

All four individuals succumbed to the perilous conditions within the tank.

Also Read: Five members of family suffocate to death while cleaning septic tank in Parbhani

Despite swift extraction, they were rushed to the hospital, where doctors pronounced them brought dead.

The process of identifying the four deceased, who hail from Bihar, is currently underway, the official added.
The people from Meitei community in Assam have decided not to celebrate Ningol Chakouba, one of their most important festivals, this year to express solidarity with the victims of the ethnic violence in Manipur, according to some senior members of the community. A file photo of a peace gathering of Meitei community members in Pune. (HT Photo)

They said that Meiteis across Assam, Manipur, Mizoram and Bangladesh are not celebrating this festival this year for the same reason.

The chief advisor of Manipuri Youth Front of Assam (MAYFA), Seram Herajit said that for the first time they are not celebrating Ningol Chakouba and this will be a part history.

In this festival, we celebrate the presence of women in our lives but for last seven months, our sisters in Manipur are suffering. They are being attacked, losing family members and they are living in shelter homes. We cannot ignore this, so we have asked each Meitei living in Assam to avoid Ningal Chakouba, Herajit told HT on Wednesday.

Ningal Chakouba is celebrated on the second lunar day in the Hiyangei month of the Manipur calendar with the theme of strengthening the bond of love between married women (Ningol) with their paternal families.

Chairperson of Manipuri Development Council, Assam, Reena Singh said that during this festival, married women are invited to their parental home for a feast (Chakouba). Male members of the family arrange everything, and they also buy gifts for the women (sisters and daughters).

Reena said that this is one of the oldest celebrations of their community and the women wait for this day entire year.

This gives us a chance to spend beautiful time with our parental house but this year we are not happy. Our sisters are being assaulted in Manipur, we cannot stand with them physically, but our solidarity is with them, she said.

Reena said that most of the Meitei families in Assam didnt celebrate Deepavali for the same reason this year.

We lit diyas and did prayers for our sisters and brothers in Manipur. We didnt cook special food and didnt even use other lights at home. We hope that the dark phase in Manipur will be over soon, and well celebrate festivals after that, she said.

Social activist and advisor of All Assam Manipuri Students Union (AAMSU), Kamalakanta Singha said that not only in Assam, but Meiteis across Northeastern states are following the same.

There are stories regarding Ningol Chakouba in our history and it is sad that we are not celebrating this. But whatever our sisters are facing in Manipur is heartbreaking, he said.

According to him, more than 3 lakh Meitei people live in Assam and most of them celebrate this festival every year.

The ethnic violence in Manipur between Meiteis, who are in majority in Imphal Valley, and Kukis, who dominate several hill districts, since May have claimed 178 lives and displaced 50,000 plus persons.
LUCKNOW The discovery of suspicious transactions totaling around 75 lakh within a month in the bank account of a Ghaziabad man has led to the unraveling of a terror funding network allegedly operated by Pakistans secret agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), according to senior police officials on Wednesday. Representational photo (HT Photo)

The account, registered in the name of Riyaz-u-deen from Bhojpur, Ghaziabad, at the Faridnagar branch of Canara Bank, was being operated by Izharul Hussain, a resident of Betiah in Bihar, officials said. After intense questioning by the UP Anti-Terror Squad (ATS), Riyaz-u-deen revealed that he had provided his account number to Izharul Hussain in exchange for a monthly payment of 10,000.

In response to this matter, the ATS has filed an FIR at its Lucknow police station against Riyaz-u-deen and Izharul Hussain, along with unknown Pakistani agents operating from Pakistan, under Indian Penal Code (IPC) section 121-A for conspiracy to wage war against the country, said a senior ATS official. While Riyaz-u-deen has been questioned but not arrested, efforts are underway to locate and arrest Izharul Hussain and other individuals involved. The FIR was lodged by ATS inspector Arvind Kumar Pandey on November 10.

A copy of the FIR, obtained by HT from the UPCOP application, outlines transactions amounting to approximately 75 lakh from Riyaz-u-deens account. The document asserts that the cash was transferred from various bank accounts operated by Pakistani agents and then dispersed to different agents within the country. The complainant in the FIR indicated that the accused, in collaboration with Pakistan-based agents, were allegedly conspiring to wage war against the Indian government.

An ATS official mentioned that inspector Champion Lal is leading a team investigating the matter. Raids are currently underway in the search for key accused Izharul Hussain, with the expectation that further connections behind the terror and spying network will be uncovered.
PRAYAGRAJ The fourth-largest district jail in the state, boasting a capacity for 2,800 inmates, is now operational in Prayagraj. Constructed on 65 acres of land in the Naini area at a cost of 173.33 crore, the new facility features modern amenities, including rainwater harvesting, a sewage treatment plant, and a creche for the children of women inmates, according to RS Rizvi, the project manager of Uttar Pradesh Rajkiya Nirman Nigam, the agency responsible for the jails construction. The entire complex is under 24/7 surveillance, incorporating a comprehensive CCTV system. (HT Photo)

The entire complex is under 24/7 surveillance, incorporating a comprehensive CCTV system. The district jail comprises two circles, 18 barracks, two quarantine cells, one womens barrack, and one juvenile barrack, all designed as two-storey structures. Additionally, two high-security barracks, capable of housing 12 prisoners each, have been integrated into the facility.

The Naini Central Jail in Prayagraj, currently burdened with 4,596 inmates  well beyond its 2,060 capacity  is set to alleviate some of the pressure as inmates will be relocated to the newly constructed Naini District Jail. The relocation process is scheduled to commence in December 2023, according to officials.

The state of Uttar Pradesh already hosts 74 prisons of various levels, including seven central and 62 district jails, two deputy/sub jails, one model prison, two womens prisons (one Nari Bandi Niketan and one Women Central Prison), and a Kishore Sadan in Bareilly.

As of December 31, 2022, data from the U.P. prison administration and reform services department reveals that the states prisons, with a collective capacity of 64,223 inmates, are accommodating 1,15,163 inmates  1.79 times their total capacity. The three largest prisons in the state include Gautam Buddha Nagar with a capacity of 3,750 inmates, Lucknow Jail with a capacity of 3,540 inmates, and Bareilly Jail-2, housing 3,438 inmates.

Officials from the state prison administration and reform services department indicate that the newly built district jail in Prayagraj will initially house undertrial prisoners. At present, Naini Central Jail holds 2,870 undertrial prisoners. The new district jail will be overseen by two deputy jailers, one clerk, and 26 constables. A committee, headed by District Magistrate Navneet Singh Chahal, recently inspected the facility, paving the way for the planned prisoner transfers from Naini Central Prison starting in the first week of December.
China launches national advisory committee for students' mental health

Xinhua) 23:30, November 15, 2023

BEIJING, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Education has issued a circular on establishing a national advisory committee on Chinese students' mental health.

Under the leadership of the ministry, the committee will carry out research, inquiries, monitoring and assessments concerning the mental health of university, high school and primary school students, according to the document. Scientific popularization and guidance regarding the issue will also be included among its tasks.

The organization of the committee will feature five work areas based on China's geographic areas, and each work area is required to carry out a major event every school year to assess the mental health status of the students within its area, and accurately grasp the status quo, development trend and problems concerning their mental health, the circular reads.

The findings and suggestions on the work on students' mental health will be reported to relevant local authorities and the secretariat of the national advisory committee, according to the ministry.

(Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Sheng Chuyi)
The war of words between Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and union minister of state for home Nityanand Rai, which broke out on Tuesday when both were addressing separate gatherings in Patna to mark Govardhan Puja celebrated by the Yadav community that both belong to, intensified on Wednesday, with the union minister lashing out at the former Bihar chief minister again. Union minister Nityanand Rai speaks to reporters in Patna on Wednesday. (Santosh Kumar/HT)

On Tuesday, Rai, a second-term Lok Sabha member from Ujiarpur in Bihar, had accused Prasad of practising dynastic politics, citing his decision to make his wife Rabri Devi the chief minister after he was charge-sheeted in a fodder scam case way back in 1997.

Later the same day, the RJD chief responded mockingly, Should I have made Nityanand Rais wife the CM instead?

The union minister shot back on Wednesday. I am not a dynast. My father had quit the post of mukhiya soon after I was elected an MLA. But Laluji pursues family rule and it is reflected in how he has surrendered before CM Nitish Kumar to make his son Tejashwi Prasad Yadav the deputy CM. I dare the RJD chief to make somebody else from the Yadav community coming from a poor background the deputy CM , Rai told reporters in Patna.

In my party, we do not believe in dynastic politics. Except me, no one else my family is an MLA or MLC, Rai said.

He said Lalu Prasads family members always get the key posts, be it Rabri Devi as CM or Tejashwi Yadav as deputy CM, when RJD is in power. Why is the RJD chief not giving key posts to other Yadav leaders in the party. After all, he seeks votes from Yadav community and there are so many leaders in his party. It shows he does not trust anybody except his family members, Rai said.

This year, BJP had organised a big event in Patna on Tuesday on the occasion of Govardhan puja, a festival associated with Lord Krishna that Yadavs believe to have descended from.

The RJD chief also attended a separate event at a prominent temple in Patna on the occasion.

As per the Bihar caste survey findings released recently, Yadavs constitute 14.30% of the states 13 crore population and form the single largest caste group. Along with Muslims (17.70% of states population), the community is considered to have been traditionally loyal to Lalu Yadav since his rise in Bihar in 1990s, though RJD drew a blank in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

BJP, which suddenly found itself ousted from power in Bihar in August last year when Nitish Kumar bolted to the RJD-led alliance and formed a new government, has apparently been working to project Nityanand Rai as a counter to Lalu Prasads party, a move that perhaps triggered the war of words between the two leaders.

You ( Nityanand Rai) patronise ferrying of cows and cattle from Hajipur, which are then slaughtered. And you call yourself cow protector. If I field my elder son and minister Tej Pratap Yadav against you ( Nityanand Rai), you would lose your deposit, the RJD chief had said on Tuesday.

The former CM said he would not allow Yadavs to get divided. BJP is pursuing divisive politics in the name of religion and has weakened Yadavs in many states. We championed the cause of weaker sections and facilitated the hike in reservation in state jobs and educational institutions for backward, scheduled castes/tribes, he said.

Rai shot back on Wednesday and trashed the allegations of patronising slaughter of cows, saying the RJD chief was telling white lies. He sough to highlight how he and his party had opposed the slaughtering of cows in Araria , a reason why an FIR was lodged against him. Lets us both, I and Laluji, stand together on banks of Ganga and prove who is a true pious Yadav, Rai said.

The union minister also dared the RJD chief to field his elder son or anybody from Ujiarpur in the next Lok Sabha elections and said he would retire from politics if he loses. But if Lalus elder son or younger son or anybody else from RJD loses from Ujiarpur, they would also have to retire from politics. You (read Lalu) please do it, Rai said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched the 24,000-crore Pradhan Mantri Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PM PVTG) Mission aimed at holistic development of around 28 lakh primitive tribals spread across 220 districts across the country, besides releasing 18,000 crore as part of the 15th instalment of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN). PM Narendra Modi with Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren at the function in Khunti district on Wednesday. (PTI)

Launching the mission from Birsa College ground in Jharkhands Khunti district on the occasion of tribal icon Birsa Mundas birth anniversary and the third Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, which also coincides with the Jharkhand foundation day, Modi also flagged off Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, besides inaugurating and laying foundation of development projects worth 7,200 crores for Jharkhand.

The PM said his government was looking beyond the slogan of social justice. I assure the women, youth and the poor that it is a guarantee that Modis guarantee would be delivered. Social justice is now a general term. Mood is now looking at Adivasi Nyay (justice for tribals). It was during the Vajpayee government that a separate ministry (for tribal welfare) was put in place. Today, the budget for that department has increased six-fold, said Modi.

Today, we are launching the PM Jan Man (PM PVTG) mission to reach out the last man standing amongst the most primitive of tribes. We have identified 75 PVTG across over 22,000 villages who are in lakhs. We would provide them everything required for their mainstreaming and pasting them fruits of development. Previous governments had collected all data. We aim to provide life to those numbers. We have dedicated 24,000 crore for it, he said.

Officials said Under the PVTG mission, 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.

On the occasion, Modi also released 18,000 crore as the 15th installment of PM Kisan scheme to more than eight crore beneficiary farmers across the country. Celebrating the third Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, the Prime Minister transferred the amount digitally with a click of remote.

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is one of the worlds largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes, which aims to support farmers in meeting their agricultural and other incidental needs. Under the scheme, a financial assistance of 6,000 per year is transferred into the bank accounts of beneficiary farmers through DBT in three equal instalments.

On the occasion on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, the prime minister also launched Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra to ensure saturation of flagship government schemes.

The yatra would continue till January 26. Under the campaign, the government aims at visit each village of the country and ensure that all possible beneficiaries get their due, said Modi.

Earlier in the day, the PM visited tribal icon Birsa Mundas birthplace Ulihatu in Jharkhands Khunti district, and paid floral tributes to him on his birth anniversary, which is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas since 2021.

Modi, the first PM to visit Ulihatu, was accorded a warm welcome there. He was accompanied by chief minister Hemant Soren, Governor CP Radhakrishnan and Union tribal affairs minister Arjun Munda.
Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday reiterated his commitment to the development of the state under his leadership and recounted the achievements made during his four years in office. Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren (right) on Wednesday reiterated his commitment to the development of the state (PTI)

Addressing a function on the occasion of the 23rd Jharkhand Foundation Day in Morabadi, the chief minister, in the presence of governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, his father and Rajya Sabha member Shibu Soren, along with other cabinet colleagues, bureaucrats, and the audience, highlighted the states strengths.

There is social, economic, and educational backwardness in the state, but there is no backwardness in the nature of the state, he said, adding, 42 per cent of the countrys resources are here, and the state holds 50 per cent of the forest cover.

The CM acknowledged the presence of Coal India Limited, Bokaro Steel Plant, Tatas, and HEC but refrained from discussing the reasons behind the states backwardness, saying, Digging up buried bodies only spreads dirt.

Soren enumerated his governments achievements, citing the issuance of green ration cards to two million people, timely appointment of administrative officers through the rapid publishing of JPSC results, organising the Sarkar Aapke Dwar programme to bring government schemes to the peoples doorstep, extending pensions to all, including widows, the physically challenged, and those over 60 years old.

He also emphasised ensuring proper education for girls, offering foreign education opportunities to the underprivileged, and guaranteeing 75 per cent of jobs in private companies.

Furthermore, he listed the formulation of stringent laws against unfair means during examinations, the transportation of labourers to their homes via flights during Covid-19, dispatching teams to Uttarakhand to rescue Jharkhand labourers trapped in tunnels, and directing the issuance of land papers to forest dwellers under the Forest Right Act, as some of his governments key achievements.

Alleging step-motherly treatment by the Union government, he said, Where theres no double-engine government, step-motherly treatment is evident.

He further mentioned the Union governments failure to approve the proposal for 800,000 houses for the poor in Jharkhand, a plan his government intends to execute under the Abua Awas scheme.

He also referenced attempts to destabilise his government from day one.

Efforts to destabilise our government began within hours of assuming office, he said, without specifying how.
Directorate of Higher Secondary Education, DHSE Kerala has declared Kerala Plus One Improvement Result 2023 on November 15, 2023. Candidates who have appeared for the examination can check the results through the official website of Kerala results at keralaresults.nic.in. Kerala Plus One Improvement Result 2023 out, direct link here

The results have also been released for HSE (NSQF) and VHSE first year improvement examination which was conducted in September 2023. All those candidates who have appeared for the exam can check the results by following the steps given below.

Kerala Plus One Improvement Result 2023: How to check

Visit the official website of Kerala results at keralaresults.nic.in.

Click on Kerala Plus One Improvement Result 2023 link available on the home page.

A new page will open where candidates will have to enter the required details.

Click on submit and download the page.

Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.

For more related details candidates can check the official website of DHSE Kerala.
Will Smith has finally opened up on his former assistant's allegations about the I Am Legend star having physical relations with costar and friend Duane Martin. On Tuesday, November 14, a man who claims to be Smith's former assistant and close friend, made bold claims about the actor in a tell-all interview. Brother Bilaal claimed that he once walked in on Smith having anal sex with his Fresh Prince of Bel-Air costar. However, a representative for Smith denied the accusations, calling them unequivocally false. Actor Will Smith has shut down rumours about him( Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

In an interview with Tasha K, Bilaal revealed, I opened the door to Duanes dressing room and thats when I see Duane having anal sex with Will. There was a couch and Will was bent over the couch and Duane was standing up killing him, murdering him. It was murder in there. However, according to TMZ, Smith's representative said, This story is completely fabricated and the claim is unequivocally false. The outlet also added that Smith is considering taking legal action against Bilaal for his bold accusations.

The video clip in which Bilaal accused Smith soon went viral just hours after being shared on social media. Fans were left shocked by the bombshell claims about the King Richard star. One X, formerly Twitter user wrote, Even if this is true, what people do behind closed doors is really their business. Entering someones dressing room with a key and exposing them is just weird and tacky. Mind yo business. Another said, My question is why tho? Why now and why is he slandering another black powerful man? It be your own ppl I swear!! Anything for a story and fame.

Smith has recently been in the limelight after his wife Jada Pinkett Smith addressed the actor's Oscars slap. Jada revealed that she never expected him to hit Chris Rock and thought it was all a skit. In a shocking revelation, Jada also said that they had been separated for a long time before the Oscars incident. When I was sitting at the Oscars, it clicked in. As soon as I was like, Oh snap, you hit Chris?' I was like, Im riding with you. I didnt come into this place as your wife, but Im leaving here as your wife because we got a storm were going to have to deal with together. I am not gonna leave your side, she said.
Actor Sai Dharam Tej took to social media recently to share a set of pictures clicked at his cousin, actor Varun Tej Konidelas wedding to actor Lavanya Tripathi. Varun and Lavanya got married in Tuscany, Italy earlier this month. (Also read: Newlyweds Varun Tej, Lavanya Tripathi look beautiful as they celebrate first Diwali together at home. See pics) Sai Dharam Tej teased his cousin Varun Tej about his wedding in a new post.

In the pictures, Sai Dharam Tej can be seen stopping Varun Tejs baraat from entering the plush venue, gesturing why while Varun Tej and the rest of the family laugh away. Sharing these pictures, he wrote, Enduku,kyun,yen,whyEntha pani chesav ra Varun babuuuuu..usssshhhhhh. Neeku pelli sambharalluNaaku naa SVATANTRA PORATAM (what did you do, Varun? Youre getting married while I am busy trying to stay free)."

Fans react to Sai's post

Fans left numerous comments under the post, asking the Virupaksha star to share a video of the heartwarming moment he shared with his cousin in Italy. One fan wrote, Pictures speak more volumes.. but a video would be much better. Fans demand a video of the same, while another penned, Teja anna be like:- aree entra edhi (Tej is like - what is this)."

Sai Dharam Tej has often been vocal about staying single, telling numerous publications that hed rather not tie the knot. While the actor never misses any of his cousins weddings, he has always been out in the open stating he would rather not settle down yet. He has also been candid about his family pressuring him to find that special someone, but he does his best to put it off.

Varun-Lavs dreamy wedding

Varun Tej and Lavanya Tripathi met on the sets of Mister in 2017 and dated for years before tying the knot earlier this month in Italy in the presence of their loved ones. They even threw a star-studded bash once they returned to Hyderabad for those who couldnt make it to their wedding. The couple got engaged in June, making it official, much to the delight of their fans who have waited for this moment for years.
Four migrant labourers from Bihar lost their lives due to suffocation while working inside a septic tank in a village in Surat, police said on Wednesday. The incident occurred at a dyeing factory on Palsana-Katodara road on Tuesday evening. Authorities have initiated an investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. (HT File/Representational image)

Preliminary investigation suggests that two workers initially fell unconscious during the septic tank cleaning process, prompting two others to attempt a rescue, a police official aware of the matter said.

The process of identifying the deceased individuals, who hail from Bihar, is currently underway, the official added.

H L Rathore, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Bardoli Division, said that the senior officials of the factory are being questioned.

"Four workers had gone to clean the (septic) tank and died due to suffocation. Further investigation is underway. We are questioning seniors of the factory...All the four deceased are the residents of Bihar...," DSP Rathore told ANI.

Police arrived at the scene on Wednesday morning after receiving a call at 6.30am and found the workers unconscious. Despite swift extraction, they were rushed to the hospital, where doctors pronounced them brought dead.

"We received a call at 6:30 am on Wednesday following which a team reached the spot and discovered that four workers had allegedly died due to suffocation," reported ANI quoting an official.

The deceased workers were living in a colony of the factory, he said.

More details are awaited.

(With ANI inputs)
Bengaluru: Police said before the man could be questioned he managed to escape from the police station, set himself ablaze by pouring petrol at 11.30pm on Sunday and succumbed to burn injuries on Tuesday morning at KR Hospital in Mysuru. (HT Archives)

A 23-year-old man set himself afire on Tuesday alleging custodial torture by the Biligere in a video shared online, in Nagarle village in Nanjanagudu taluk of Mysuru district.

Police have, however, denied the allegations.

According to the police, the 23-year-old man and another person were brought to Biligere police station as part of a probe into a clash between two groups.

Before he could be questioned he managed to escape from the police station, set himself ablaze by pouring petrol at 11.30pm on Sunday and succumbed to burn injuries on Tuesday morning at KR Hospital in Mysuru, Nanjanagudu sub-division deputy SP Govinda Raju said. Police officers said that the deceased and four others were named in the complaint filed by another group that alleged that the five people had assaulted them. They were summoned to the police station, and the 23-year-old man and another accused were brought to the police station at around 7pm.

The 23-year-old man, under the pretext of attending to relieve himself, escaped from the police station around 8.30pm. The other person was released as the charges were not deemed serious, Raju said.

In a video that has since gone viral, the victim is purportedly heard expressing his frustration and alleging harassment by the police while in custody. He accused the police of pressuring him. HT could not independently verify the veracity of the video. The police, however, denied that he was tortured at the police station.

Deputy SP Raju said that the 23-year-old man left the police station around 8:30 pm and later visited the house of his former partner, threatening the family around 11 pm. A separate complaint was filed by the family with the police around midnight, Raju said.
Around 14 activists, including social activist Aruna Roy, on Tuesday appealed to chief minister MK Stalin to immediately release farmers arrested in Tamil Nadu. MK Stalin (PTI)

The development comes after around 20 farmers, including many who opposed the proposed acquisition of agricultural wetlands for an industrial project by SIPCOT (State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited is an arm of the government which promotes investments), in Tamil Nadus Tiruvannamalai district were arrested earlier this month.

According to the activists, the project would affect around 3,000 acres of agricultural wetlands across nine villages, where the farmers have cultivated for years and it would be leased to private industries. We strongly condemn the high handedness of the Tamil Nadu government and its police to arrest and remand the farmers, Aruna Roy of Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan said in a statement. We learn that they have been doing a peaceful sit-in protest in patta land for more than 100 days now, opposing the proposed acquisition by the government, she added.

However, in the wee hours on November 4, at around 2 am, police had barged into the houses of farmers, arrested and remanded them to judicial custody based on a FIR filed in August 2023, the activists said, adding that sections under which they were booked have a maximum punishment of 5 years. This action is in contempt of several high court and Supreme Court orders, the activists said.

The proposed acquisition will affect the livelihood of farmers greatly. They have been cultivating various crops such as paddy, sugarcane, groundnut and many other crops on these lands, the statement released by the farmers read. Instead of acknowledging the grave concerns of farmers and finding a democratic solution to the demands of farmers, the stand of the government to oppress the fundamental rights of farmers to peaceful assembly, free speech and expression is highly condemnable. The act of arrest and remand is illegal and unconstitutional.

Meanwhile, Chennai-based organisation Arappor Iyakkam said that five of the arrested farmers have been shifted from Vellore jail to various other jails such as Palayamkottai, Cuddalore, Coimbatore, Trichy and Madurai jails, which is a mere harassment and an attempt to make it difficult for their family members to meet them. The arrest of the farmers seems to be done with the aim of stifling free speech of farmers and crushing the critical questioning of state action. The arrest is also meant to be a chilling example to scare other farmers in the future, they said.
Jaipur: Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi lowered the dignity of his post by calling Rahul Gandhi 'moorkhon ke sardar' (the leader of stupid people). He said the Prime Minister's jibe at the Congress stalwart was "very unfortunate". Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a roadshow, in Ranchi, Tuesday.(PTI)

"It is very unfortunate. The Prime Minister's post holds dignity...The more it is criticised, the less it is. If a man holds a position of dignity but says things like this, what can you expect from him?" Gehlot said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scared of Rahul Gandhi as the latter will become the prime minister of the country in 2024.

"Rahul Gandhi is now popular across the country and the BJP is going to lose the Assembly elections in five states (Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram). He (PM Modi) knows that he (Rahul Gandhi) will be the PM in 2024 and that is why he is afraid," he added.

Kota: Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot addresses a public meeting in support of Congress candidate Shanti Kumar Dhariwal in Kota. (Ashok Gehlot's X account)

On Tuesday, PM Modi called Gandhi the leader of stupid people over the latter's remark that Indians mostly use China-made mobile phones.

Also read: Rahul Gandhi says Narendra Modi, Amit Shah stole government, purchased Congress MLAs

"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 also claimed India was the second largest manufacturer of mobile phones in the world.

What Rahul Gandhi had said

In an election rally on Monday, Gandhi claimed that his party wanted to make India a manufacturing giant.

Also read: 'Moorkhon ke sardar': PM Modi's veiled jab at Rahul Gandhi over 'Made in China' remark

"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.

On Tuesday, in a rally in Madhya Pradesh, Gandhi claimed PM Modi and home minister Amit Shah stole the government in Madhya Pradesh.

Madhya Pradesh will go to polls on November 17. The counting of votes will take place on December 3.

With inputs from ANI, PTI
Bhubaneswar: A 50-year-old farmer in western Odishas Bolangir has died by suicide after a brown planthopper infestation destroyed large parts of his paddy crop, people aware of the matter said on Wednesday. The farmers brother told reporters that he died by suicide when the pesticide didnt work (REUTERS FILE PHOTO)

The farmer, who lived in Bolangirs Puintala block, had grown paddy on 12 acres and borrowed from cooperative and private banks. He bought pesticide from the local market after finding the brown planthopper insects in the field. But the pesticide didnt prove to be effective, his brother said.

He added that the family reached out to state agriculture officials for help but did not get any. My brother was already stressed about the loan and when he found out that there would be almost no harvest this season, he killed himself, the farmers brother said.

He was admitted to Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital on Tuesday and was being treated for Local Bharatiya Janata Party legislator Mukesh Mahaling alleged that though more than 300 hectares of paddy field in the district have been affected by the insects, the agriculture department has not taken any steps.

There are reports of brown planthopper attacks in the Ganjam, Balasore and Keonjhar districts too.

(If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist. Helplines: Aasra: 022 2754 6669; Sneha India Foundation: +914424640050 and Sanjivini: 011-24311918, Roshni Foundation (Secundrabad) Contact Nos: 040-66202001, 040-66202000, ONE LIFE: Contact No: 78930 78930, SEVA: Contact No: 09441778290)
Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) on Wednesday hit out at opposition Congress, accusing it of doing drama in the name of secularism.



Addressing a poll rally in Nizamabad, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi chief said," Congress used you (people) as a votebank. Now also Congress does drama, they say they will shut down 'Nafrat ka Dukaan'. I want to ask, by whose hands did Babri Masjid's destruction happen? Who made it happen?"



Today, they(Congress) will say nice things but if they're secular they should stay like that forever," Rao added. KCR said that no communal riots took place in the state during his government's rule since 2014 in the state.

The chief minister said that no communal riots took place in the state during his government's rule since 2014 in the state. Telangana would remain secular as long as KCR is alive," he said.

Nobody can separate. We will work together. Muslims would work for Hindus and Hindus would work for Muslims. We will take forward our state like two brothers, Rao added.



KCR's BRS is eyeing a third straight term in power in Telangana since the state was carved out of Andhra Pradesh in 2014. The ruling party is pitted against the Congress and the BJP who are looking to dislodge KCR from power.



Telangana will vote in a single phase election to elect its 117-member assembly on November 30. The counting of votes will take place on December 3.


A case has been registered against former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy after the Congress in Karnataka accused him of drawing power illegally to illuminate his JP Nagar residence here for Diwali, officials aware of the matter said on Tuesday. Former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy admitted to using the services of a private decorator who had tested the lighting by drawing power directly from a nearby electricity pole. He said when he got to know about it , he immediately got it removed. (HT Archive)

The first information report (FIR) was registered by the vigilance wing of the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) at its Vigilance Police Station on charges of electricity theft under section 135 of the Indian Electricity Act, the officials said.

The offence is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend up to three years or with a fine or both, an official of the police station said, refusing to be named .

Earlier, the ruling Congress alleged that Janata Dal (Secular) leader Kumaraswamy had resorted to power theft to illuminate his Bengaluru residence for Diwali. The ruling party shared a video on social media platform X, accompanied by a statement, condemning Kumaraswamy for stealing electricity.

In his response, Kumaraswamy said it was not his fault but of a private decorator who gave the connection directly from a nearby electricity pole. When he got to know, he immediately got it removed and took the electricity connection from the meter board of the house, he said.

The Congress questioned the former CMs credibility, noting the irony of his earlier statements about Karnataka being in the dark while he allegedly engaged in power theft. The party expressed disappointment that a former chief minister would resort to such actions.

You held a press meet and blabbered that Karnataka was in the dark. Now, you are using stolen power to illuminate your home. When your house is shining so brightly, how can you claim that Karnataka is under darkness? the Congress asked. It was tragic that a former chief minister had resorted to power theft, the party further said.

The lone honest person in the world H D Kumaraswamys JP Nagar residence was illumined 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 said, taking a dig at him.

The Congress said that if Kumaraswamy was under such financial stress, he could have availed of 200 units of free power under the Gruha Jyothi Scheme launched by the Congress-ruled government in the state.

In spite of the lack of power in the state, even though they have taken measures to provide 7 hours of electricity to the farmers, are they facing such a drought that they resort to such cheap theft?... Do you need to light up your home when the state is facing drought? Do you want to have fun stealing electricity from the farmers? it added.

Addressing the charges, Kumaraswamy admitted to using the services of a private decorator who had tested the lighting by drawing power directly from a nearby electricity pole. I realised this when I returned home and immediately removed it and ensured that power was drawn from the house connection, Kumaraswamy said on X.

This matter came to my attention when I came back home last night. I immediately removed it and connected the electricity from the meter board of the house. This is the reality. There is nothing hidden in thisI am sorry for this indiscretion. Let the BESCOM officials come and inspect and issue a notice, Kumaraswamy said.

Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar said Bescom will take action.

Kumaraswamy has been attacking the government over the shortage of power in the state due to the deficient rainfall. In October he said that he had previously alerted the state government about the impending electricity shortage in the state, but he was not allowed to address the issue in the legislature. Electricity woes in the state are getting worse, but the state government is keeping itself busy talking about the guarantee schemes without bothering about the real problems people are facing, he had said.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Wednesday alleged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using the Election Commission (EC) against his party as the saffron party is 'threatened by the campaign' of Priyanka Gandhi. This comes after the election body on Tuesday served a show-cause notice to the Congress general secretary on charges of making unverified and false statements regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an election rally. AICC General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra(PTI)

The BJP is threatened by the campaign of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra...For that, they are using the Election Commission... The election commission should be fair and neutral... They should act on the complaints that the Congress party has given them... They are not acting on those subjects, he told ANI, adding that it's a part of a conspiracy' against his party in the poll-bound states.

Why was Priyanka Gandhi served a show-cause notice?

The EC took action on a complaint filed by a Bharatiya Janata Party leaders Hardeep Singh Puri, Anil Baluni and Om Pathak. According to the senior BJP leaders, Priyanka Gandhi made baseless and false claim that the Narendra Modi government had privatised public sector undertakings (PSUs).

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.

She was asked to explain her statement by 8 pm on Thursday.

What did Priyanka Gandhi say against PM Modi?

While addressing a rally in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district, Priyanka Gandhi alleged that PM Modi had handed over government companies to private players, who she called 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?"

Anurag Thakur said Congress failed to answer people

Union minister Anurag Thakur alleged that remarks made by the senior Congress leader is a way to evade questions of people in poll-bound states.

"Some people always make fake promises. However, they have failed to fulfil their promises after five years. As Congress has failed to answer the people of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, they are making such remarks (against PM Modi)," he told reporters.
New Delhi: The Congress party launched a concerted attack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, a day after the latter called Rahul Gandhi the leader of stupid people (moorkhon ke sardar). Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge took a couple scathing jibes at the prime minister, saying he campaigned like an MLA candidate and lied "one quintal per day". Prime Minister Narendra Modi came under attack from the Congress, on Wednesday. (PTI)

"PM Modi is roaming about so much that he appears to be the MLA candidate. He has quit his prime ministerial work and is roaming in small alleys... Modi ji, first perform your duty as the prime minister, then do election campaigning," Kharge said.

Modi is the BJP's main campaigner in the ongoing elections in five states.

Kharge said the BJP had played no role in the freedom struggle, in the making of the constitution or alleviating poverty. He claimed that some people linked to BJP's ideology had come to the constituent assembly and wanted to exclude women and poor people from the election process.

"They didn't fight for the country's independence, but they fought for government jobs during British rule," he alleged.

Attacking PM Modi, he said PM Modi promised he would give 15 lakh in bank accounts and 2 crore jobs every year.

"However, no one got anything. PM Modi lies one quintal every day," he added.

Also read: 'Jitna paisa Narendra Modi Adani ko deta hai...: Rahul Gandhi's retort to PM's 'moorkh' jibe

Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said Modi kept crying about the abuse he faced from the opposition.

"Have you watched Salman Khan's film 'Tere Naam' in which he keeps crying from start to end? I say, let us make a movie on Modi ji with the title "Mere Naam, she said.

Also read: Rahul Gandhi says Narendra Modi, Amit Shah stole government, purchased Congress MLAs

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi responded to PM Modi's "moorkhon ke sardar" jibe.

"Wherever PM Modi goes, he uses bad words against me, he abuses me, talks nonsense. I don't care much about this. I have told you my goal already. He can call me any name, I don't really care. My goal is -- jitna paisa Narendra Modi Adani ko deta hai utna paisa me gareebo ko dunga (I will give as much money to the poor people of the country as Narendra Modi gives to Adani)," he said.

With inputs from agencies
Bengaluru: After BY Vijayendras appointment as the Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party president, the Congress is planning to expedite the restructuring of its organisational set-up in the state. Public works department minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee working president Satish Jarkiholi said that a decision on restructuring of the Congress unit would be made by the party high command after the completion of assembly polls. (HT Archive)

Public works department minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) working president Satish Jarkiholi said the restructuring of the state party unit will be done as soon as the elections in the five states are over. This will include changing key positions, including state party working presidents, district presidents, and other office-bearers, in preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, he said.

Jarkiholi said that a decision on this matter would be made by the partys high command after the completion of the state elections. We have asked the high command to relieve us as we are ministers now. We have already sent out recommendations; the party will take a decision after five state elections.

According to party insiders, while deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar will continue as the KPCC chief, the working president may not hold any cabinet posts. This is to enable them to focus completely on party work, particularly ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. Currently, ministers Ramalinga Reddy, Satish Jarkiholi, Eshwar Khandre, MLC Saleem Ahmed, and former MP BN Chandrappa are serving as the KPCC working presidents, said a senior leader on the condition of anonymity.

In addition to changes in the working presidents, the party is also planning to replace 20 district presidents ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Although Shivakumar initially aimed to make changes immediately after the state election results in May, the process has been delayed due to a lack of consensus on candidates. CM Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are supporting their respective followers for key positions, and the party high command is expected to intervene to finalise appointments before December 15, leaders familiar with the matter said.

On October 1, two Congress central leaders had held deliberations with Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar on the reshuffle. The Congress general secretaries also discussed the restructuring of party functionaries in preparation for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. We discussed the reorganisation of the KPCC. We will soon present a proposal to the Congress president and engage in discussions with him, Surjewala said. We intend to revamp the KPCC since several of our office-bearers hold positions as both MLAs and ministers. This move aims to bring in fresh faces.

Meanwhile, Vijayendra met former minister CT Ravi, who aspired for the president post, on Monday night and sough his cooperation.

During the meeting, Vijayendra invited Ravi to attend his swearing-in ceremony scheduled for November 15 at the BJP office in Bengaluru, but Ravi expressed his inability to attend due to prior commitments, including a campaign in Madhya Pradesh alongside Home Minister Amit Shah.

Vijayendra has extended invitations to several senior leaders to attend the ceremony, marking his official takeover as the state president on Wednesday. Additionally, the state BJP has planned a grand rally at Palace Rounds in Bengaluru from November 23 to 30.
Heavy rains lashed the coastal and interior districts of Tamil Nadu, owing to the incessant showers in several parts of the state on Tuesday. The rains did not cause major damages, however, water stagnation was reported in Chennai and other districts, officials familiar with the matter said. Commuters make their way amid rains on a waterlogged road, at Marina Beach in Chennai, Tamil Nadu on Tuesday. (PTI)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert and forecast the possibility of isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal on November 14.

After a low rainfall in October, Tamil Nadu had reported a 42% deficit rainfall. On Tuesday, Chennais Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam stations recorded a rainfall of 25mm and 35mm, respectively. Minister for disaster management KKSSR Ramachandran said that Chennai has received 19 cm of rainfall since October. We are well prepared for the rains, the minister said in Chennai on Tuesday.

More than 4,900 relief camps have been set up and the authorities have declared a holiday for schools in seven districts of the state for November 15, the minister added.

Nagapattinam district recorded the highest rainfall of 17 cm in the state as of Tuesday, followed by Cuddalore which recorded 12 cm rainfall.

Isolated heavy rainfall and gutsy winds up to 55 kmph have been forecast for coastal Tamil Nadu in several districts, namely Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Pudukottai and Ramanathapuram, and in Puducherrys Karaikal. Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has forecasr heavy rainfall up to November 15.

Meanwhile, chief minister MK Stalin on Tuesday inspected work at the state emergency operation centre in Chennai. He also directed deputation of a minister for each of the delta districts where heavy rains have been forecast, such as Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, and Nagappatinam. Besides, IAS officers have been deputed in 13 other districts to oversee relief and rescue operations.

The chief minister also spoke to S Balachandran, deputy-director general of RMC over phone to be abreast of the forecast over the next three days.

An advisory has been issued for 27 district officials, where heavy rains have been forecast, to be prepared to carry out the rescue operations. About 400 NDRF personnel have been positioned in the districts of Tirunelveli, Coimbatore and Trichy and 200 NDRF personnel in Chennai for rescue operations, the government said in a statement.

Balachandran said that seven places across have received very heavy rainfall and 31 areas recorded heavy rainfall on Tuesday across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. There will be moderate rain in coastal areas of Tamil Nadu over the next two days and heavy rains have been forecast in Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur, Cuddalore, Villupuram and Puducherry, he said, adding that Chennai is expected to see moderate rainfall on November 15.
New Delhi: BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday continued his tirade against Chhattisgarh chief minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel over the allegation that the latter accepted 508 crore bribe in the Mahadev betting app case. He claimed the Enforcement Directorate has given him time to contest the elections out of its "magnanimity" but "it will come" after the polls. Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is the BJP's star campaigner. (PTI file photo)

Taking a jibe at Bhagel's alleged intra-party rivalry with his deputy in the Chhattisgarh government, Sarma said "TS Singhdeo is the happiest right now with whatever is happening".

"Bhupesh Baghel knows that he is going to jail; he wants to take 10 others along with him...Right now, ED has not even come to him. It will come after the elections. It is ED's large-heartedness that it has given time to Baghel to contest the elections," he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Sarma said ED had shown a "lot of magnanimity" by not asking Baghel to join the investigation before the Chhattisgarh elections.

"The Enforcement Directorate said before the court that Bhupesh Baghel accepted 508 Crores. Still, they have not issued a notice to him so far. Baghel wants to thank ED. They never give such a facility to anyone else. ED and Baghel must have had a good connection. Otherwise, why has he not received a notice?" he added.

Also read: More than 90 FIRs registered 450 people arrested: Bhupesh Baghel over allegations against him in Mahadev app case

Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel(HT file photo)

Bhupesh Baghel takes potshots at Himanta Biswa Sarma

Baghel recently claimed the BJP had dealings with the Mahadev App, which is why no action had been taken in BJP-ruled states.

Today, Baghel took potshots at Sarma.

"Did Himanta Biswa Sarma receive a clean chit in the Saradha Chit Fund Scam? He should thank them that they did not take action and he could become the CM. If they have courage, they should take action. We have never stopped them from taking action...We told them to investigate, but investigate correctly," he said.

Also read: Search for biggest liar, PMs face comes up': Bhupesh Baghel rebuffs Modi's countdown attack

On Tuesday, Sarma said Lord Mahadev will not spare Bhupesh Baghel and seek the account of every penny from him.

He said Baghel was supposed to be the chief minister for 2.5 years and got an extension.

"Baghel, however, got an extension which would not have been possible without exchange of money, he alleged.

Also read: Bhupay karo: Anurag Thakur takes dig at Bhupesh Baghel amid Mahadev app row

ED has claimed it had recorded a statement of a cash courier who accused Mahadev betting app promoters of paying 508 crore to Baghel.

The Chhattisgarh chief minister has denied the charge.

Voting for the second phase of Chhattisgarh elections will take place on Friday. The counting of votes will happen on December 3.
New Delhi: India will be represented at the inauguration of the Maldives new pro-China leader by earth sciences minister Kiren Rijiju, reflecting a significant downgrade from the prime ministers presence at the previous presidential swearing-in ceremony. Kiren Rijiju, who is Minister of Earth Sciences, is from Arunachal Pradesh. (X/@KirenRijiju)

Rijiju will visit the Maldives during November 16-18 at the invitation of president-elect Mohamed Muizzu, the external affairs ministry announced on Wednesday. Rijiju will represent India at the inaugural ceremony of the presidency, which is expected to be held on November 17.

The external affairs ministry described the Maldives as Indias key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean region, and said the archipelago has a special place in the countrys vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and the Neighbourhood First policy.

This high-level ministerial representation from India at the inaugural ceremony underscores Indias commitment to further deepen the substantive cooperation and robust people-to-people ties between the two countries, the ministry said.

Also Read: Muizzus Out India campaign in Maldives a political slogan devoid of reality

The Maldives had invited heads of state or government of neighbouring countries and close partners and representatives of multilateral organisations to the inauguration of Muizzu, who is backed by a coalition perceived as close to China. He had championed an India Out campaign and has pledged to remove all Indian security personnel from the Maldives.

During a presidential runoff in September, Muizzu defeated President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, whose inauguration in September 2018 was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Representatives from 46 countries had attended Solihs swearing-in, though Modi was the only head of government invited to the event.

Rijiju belongs to the border state of Arunachal Pradesh, which is claimed by China. The Chinese side has always been uncomfortable about the presence of ministers or officials from Arunachal Pradesh at bilateral or multilateral events.

Solih had adopted an India First policy after coming to power, and New Delhi responded by offering budgetary support and grants and soft loans worth billions of dollars for infrastructure and development projects.

In contrast, the Indian side has warily watched the rise of Muizzu, who is close to former president Abdulla Yameen, whose administration was marked by the Maldives close alignment with China.
New Delhi: On November 15, 1998, Sanjay Kandasamy was only 20-months-old when a team of doctors from Delhis Indraprastha Apollo Hospital performed a life-saving liver transplant on him, making him the first paediatric liver transplantee in the country. Reresentative photo. (File)

Twenty-five years since, Sanjay is now a doctor himself, practising medicine at a local hospital in his hometown in Kanchipuram and creating awareness among the rural pockets for organ donations and proving by example how a recipient can lead a completely normal life after surgery. He also did his residency at Apollo hospital in Bengaluru before moving back to his hometown.

I was too young to remember the surgery itself, but I do remember asking my mother about the surgery scar on my abdomen. When I reached an age of understanding what my father did for me and how the doctors saved my life, I decided that I wanted to become a doctor too and save more lives, Kandasamy said.

Also Read: City sees 30.86% hike in organ donations, nears last years total

Kandasamy was born with a congenital condition, biliary atresia, which is a liver disorder that causes a blockage in the tubes (ducts) that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder. This congenital condition occurs when the bile ducts inside or outside the liver do not develop normally. In his case, this condition also resulted in jaundice, which further worsened his condition.

When the proposal for a transplant was discussed with the family, Sanjays father agreed to become the donor without any hesitation. He is currently 61-years-old and is also healthy.

Dr Anupam Sibal, group medical director and senior paediatric gastroenterologist, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, who was also Kandasamys doctor, said that when the decision to perform a liver transplant on a 20-month-old child was taken, there was a lot of doubts and apprehensions.

When something is done for the first time, you tend to be nervous and jittery, especially in a case where someones life is at stake. But Sanjay and his family showed a lot of courage and determination. He is a true example of how liver recipients do not have to compromise on their quality of life, Sibal said.

Sibal, who is fondly called doctor uncle by Sanjay, recently also received an invitation from the Kandasamy family for his wedding in March.

Children who undergo liver transplants lead an active life. Many of our patients continue to have great careers, they get married and have a completely normal life, he said.

Doctors at Apollo Hospital also successfully conducted the 500th paediatric liver transplant to mark the 25th anniversary of Kandasamys transplant.

Twenty-seven-year-old Anjali Kumari, Prishas mother, who donated 20% of her liver to daughter, said that she is healthy and there have been no complications since the surgery.

She is playful and has also gained weight. We stayed in Delhi for nearly three months till the surgery happened and we are so happy that our child will now be able to lead a normal life, Kumari said.
JAMMU: Thirty-eight people died and 17 were injured after a passenger bus on its way to Jammu veered off the road and rolled 250 metres down the hill in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. Senior superintendent of police of Doda district, Abdul Qayoom, said 38 bodies have been found at the accident spot (Sourced)

A police officer at the Doda control room said the passenger bus was on its way from Kishtwar to Jammu, a distance of 200km that would ordinarily have been covered in five hours.

The bus veered off the road and fell 250 metres near Trungal in Doda districts Assar area. At least 38 passengers have died so far, said Doda senior superintendent of police Abdul Qayoom, who is supervising the rescue operations.

The driver lost control of the bus which veered off the road and rolled down. (Sourced)

Local residents were among the first responders Qayoom said 17 people were pulled out alive out of the bus and rushed to hospital. Some of them were in a serious condition.

We are in the middle of rescue operations, he said.

There were 55 passengers in the bus.

In a video clip of the scene after the accident, men and women were seen lying motionless on the street. Locals said they were dead.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths. The bus accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir is distressing. My condolences to the families who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Rs. 50,000 would be given to the injured, the PMO said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha said he was extremely pained by the loss of lives in the bus accident. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families & wishing for a speedy recovery of those injured in the accident. Directed Div Com & Dist Admin to provide all necessary assistance to affected persons, he said in a post on X.
In a strongly worded retort to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "moorkhon ke sardar" (the leader of stupid people) jibe, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said on Saturday that PM's abusive words against him betray his exasperation. Accusing the Modi government of giving money to Gautam Adani-led Adani Group, Gandhi said his goal was to dole out as much money to the poor sections of the country. Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi addresses a public meeting ahead of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections, in Vidisha, on Tuesday. (PTI)

"Wherever PM Modi goes, he uses bad words against me, he abuses me, talks nonsense. I don't care much about this. I have told you my goal already. He can call me any name, I don't really care. My goal is -- jitna paisa Narendra Modi Adani ko deta hai utna paisa me gareebo ko dunga (I will give as much money to the poor people of the country as Narendra Modi gives to Adani)," he said.

Gandhi said the fact that Modi was using "abusive words" against him proved he had been doing something right.

"I will show you that real politics is not about helping billionaires. True politics happens by helping the unemployed, farmers, small businesses -- I will show you. You can say what you like. You can abuse me as much as you want. Your abuses prove that I am doing the right work. 'Chid machti hai na, isliye to gali dete hain (He abuses out of exasperation)," he added.

What PM Narendra Modi said against Rahul Gandhi

Referring to Gandhi's Monday remark that Indians use 'Made in China' mobile phones, PM Modi called him the leader of stupid people.

"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.

Also read: 'Moorkhon ke sardar': PM Modi's veiled jab at Rahul Gandhi over 'Made in China' remark

Congress slams PM Modi

The remark hasn't gone down well with the Congress party, which launched a counterattack against PM Modi.

Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel said today that PM Modi had abused the people of Madhya Pradesh.

"He has verbally abused the public, verbally abused our leader. PM Modi has become so arrogant that he doesn't consider anyone before him. Even Ravan couldn't carry on with such arrogant, what would be the fate of Modi," he said.

Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot said PM Modi should remember the dignity of the post he is holding before making such remarks.

Also read: Ashok Gehlot's dignity attack at PM Modi over moorkh jab at Rahul Gandhi

Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary said the remark showed he knew about the results of the ongoing elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is already aware of the results of the elections, and this is the reason why the prime minister of the country is using such foul language and calling Rahul Gandhi a moorkha, he said.

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma(PTI)

Himanta Biswa Sarma repeats PM Modi's remark

Meanwhile, BJP leader and Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said PM Modi's remark about Gandhi was true.

"Yes he definitely is. There is nothing new in that. People all over India know what he is. You must have seen him in Parliament how he used to approach the Prime Minister...He keeps talking about 'Mohabbat' and 'Dukaan'. Can 'Mohabbat' and 'Dukaan' be together? 'Mohabbat' means true love and 'Dukaan' is for sale and purchase...So love can never have a shop. Someone gives a script to Rahul Gandhi and he just reads it. He is trying to show him as an angry young man. So that's why I think that what the Prime Minister has said, everyone in India knows it. This is what is in everyone's mind," he said.

With inputs from PTI, ANI
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday renewed her attack on Prime Minister Modi during an election rally in Madhya Pradesh's Datia. Priyanka said that the PM of the country remains upset in his own pain permanently. Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi (X/Congress)

"He went to Karnataka with a long list of abuses he faced...It seems like he keeps crying. Have you watched the movie 'Tere Naam' by Salman Khan? In that movie, Salman Khan keeps crying from start to end. I would suggest making a movie on PM Modi and name it 'Mere Naam (my name)," the Congress leader taunted.

She further attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party saying all of the leaders of the party are a little weird.

Earlier, ahead of the assembly elections in Karnataka in May, Priyanka Gandhi took a dig at the Prime Minister, saying he keeps crying. He (Modi) is the first prime minister I have seen who comes  and cries saying he is being abused.

READ | Congress launches CryPM campaign to counter PM Modis was abused remark

"Instead of listening to your grief, he is coming here and telling you his (problems)," Priyanka Gandhi said. During that time, the Congress in Karnataka shared posters of CryPM and PayCM on X, targeting the prime minister and the chief minister of the state.

The PM's speeches these days remind me of my Facebook feed - full of complaints and no substantial content. Time for a status update? #CryPMPayCM, the party posted on its official handle on X.

It is @narendramodi who asks for votes by telling his problems without listening to peoples pain. Have you forgotten that the job of a Prime Minister is to talk about and solve peoples problems? Our leaders Siddaramaiah and Parameshwar were physically attacked by you guys. We never made it an issue! #CryPMPayCM, Karnataka Congress said in another post.

(With agencies' inputs)
With Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan scheduled to address people at 5.30 pm on Wednesday, the Election Commission asked the state's CEO to ensure no campaigning takes place after 6.00 pm when the 48-hour silence period kicks in. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan (PTI)

The Congress had approached the poll panel complaining that according to an election advertisement published by the BJP in newspapers across Madhya Pradesh, Chouhan will speak with "brothers and sisters" of the state at 5.30 pm on Wednesday.

In a post on X around 4.30 pm, the Madhya Pradesh BJP confirmed the planned addresses, "Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will interact with the brothers and sisters of Madhya Pradesh on Bhai Dooj at 5.30 pm"

In its representation, the Congress said that Chouhan and the BJP's election speech scheduled for 5.30 pm will be in violation of the silence period since there is no time limit provided to the speech.

It cannot be allowed to be publicised in the constituencies where the silence period will come into force from 6.00 pm, it said.

Sources said that on the basis of the representation, the Commission has issued directions to the Chief Electoral Officer, Madhya Pradesh to take necessary steps to ensure that no campaigning takes place in the polling area after the commencement of scheduled silence period from 6.00 pm onwards on Wednesday as per the provisions of the Representation of the People Act.

As per Section 126(1)(b) of the act, no person shall display to the public any election matter by means of cinematograph, television or other similar apparatus in any polling area during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for conclusion of poll for any election in that polling area.

All 230 assembly seats of Madhya Pradesh will go for elections on November 17.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a veiled swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as he accused the Opposition of abusing him for uprooting corruption and hailed the Bharatiya Janata Partys outreach and welfare programme in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a roadshow in Indore on Tuesday. (ANI)

On the penultimate day of campaigning, Modi addressed two rallies at Betul and Shajapur, and also held a mega road show in Indore, traversing 1,5km across three assembly constituencies in the states largest city in an open-air motorised chariot. He said that there was a wave for the BJP, which looking to retain power in the state that goes to the polls on November 17.

Addressing a rally in Betul , the PM hit out at the Congress, whose leader Gandhi had said a day before in Harda that made in China phones were dominating the Indian market.

One wise leader of the Congress said yesterday that everyone in India has Made in China mobile phones. Arre murkhon ke sardar, (king of fools) 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.

He wondered which lens the Congress leaders use to remain 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 PM said.

He said India had become the second-largest manufacturer of mobile phones in the world. When the Congress was in power at the Centre, India used to make mobile phones worth less than 20,000 crore. Today, India manufactures mobile phones worth over 3.5 lakh crore. We export mobile phones worth nearly 1 lakh crore to other countries, Modi added.

In Shajapur, the PM accused the Congress of threatening government officers and employees as they feared losing the elections and asked employees not to feel scared as the BJP will return to power.

The Congress got nervous and started threatening government employees. I am assuring government employees that they dont need to be afraid of Congress threats. Please do your work with honesty. MP has BJP and it will remain so after December 3, he said.

The PM Modi said the Congress also had a problem with him and abused him repeatedly.

In 2014, you chose me to serve the nation. They are abusing me but I face these abuses for you. I am bearing this hate for you. Why do they hate me? Because Modi has put a ban on corruption and scams? The BJP government sends 100 and beneficiaries get every penny through direct bank account (DBT) transfer, he added.

Modi said this Diwali, business of 3.75 lakh crore was recorded and most of the products sold were swadeshi (locally manufactured). He added India will celebrate Diwali on December 3, when the results of the five-state assembly elections are declared.

The PM also hit out at Gandhi, who said in Bhopal on Monday that BJP leaders were educating their children in English-medium schools and wanted poor children to study Hindi.

The Congress was in power for the past 50 years and only a few people learnt English. Did we lock any English-medium school in India? They taught engineering and medicine in English but they never taught you English. When you go to the doctor, you talk in your language. But this great intellectual man said you dont need to learn your language. This thinking spoiled the country, he said.

Referring to the introduction of medical and engineering courses in Hindi, Modi said that Congress never wanted poor people to become doctors and engineers. Thats why the BJP government started these courses in Hindi, but it (Congress) is even opposing that, he added.

The PM said that he understood the pain of the poor as he belonged to a poor family, and that is why he provided free ration during Covid 19. God gave me the power and I decided that I wont allow any poor to sleep without food. I wont allow tears in the eyes of any mother. I opened ration stores. We have started providing free ration and it will continue for the next few years, he said.

Focussing on tribal voters, the PM Modi said he brought drinking water from the Narmada to tribal areas and the Congress lied to tribespeople for years to get their votes. Congress never fulfils its promise. The Congress promised farm loan waiver but failed to implement it. On other side, the BJP does what it says. Have we ever written in the manifesto that a tribal woman will become President of India? A tribal woman born and brought up in a village, Droupadi Murmu, become the President of India, he said.

In the evening, Modi lead a massive roadshow in Indore, riding an open-air chariot built on a small four-wheeler. The route began from the citys Bada Ganpati square and ended two hours later, in Rajbada intersection.

A corridor was created for the roadshow by covering the barricades on both sides of the road with saffron cloth, a BJP leader said. As he passed through, Modi waved at people who thronged both sides of the road, many of whom showered petals on him. They also waved pictures of the Ram temple being built in Ayodhya along with Modis photos, chanting his name.

The prime ministers chariot passed through Indore-1, Indore-4 and Indore-3 assembly constituencies over the course of an hour.

Modi also garlanded the statue of Ahilyabai Holkar, the ruler of the erstwhile Holkar dynasty of Indore, and paid homage to her. State BJP president V D Sharma accompanied the PM.

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As many as 38 passengers were killed after a bus carrying them plunged around 200 meters down a steep slope near the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. The incident occurred when the bus travelling from Kishtwar to Jammu veered off the road and plunged down the steep slope near Trungal in the Assar area. Many feared dead in bus accident in Jammu and Kashmir.

The bus was ferrying 55 passengers.

The local authorities, including the police and rescue teams, rushed to the scene to initiate rescue operations and assess the extent of the tragedy. Preliminary reports from the Police Control Room in Doda suggest that the death toll could be as high as 20 or even more.

A passenger bus, on its way from Kishtwar to Jammu, veered off the roads and fell down 200 meters on another road near Trungal in the Assar area of Doda district. Ten passengers are dead and the toll is likely to go up, said a police officer at police control room Doda.

The injured have been shifted to nearby health facilities for immediate treatment, the officials further said.

SSP Doda Abdul Qayoom, who personally supervised the rescue operations, later informed that 38 people died in the incident.

J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed profound sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

"Extremely pained by the loss of lives in a tragic bus accident in Assar, Doda. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families & wishing for a speedy recovery of those injured in the accident. Directed Div Com & Dist Admin to provide all necessary assistance to affected persons," said LG Sinha.

(This is breaking newsplease check back for updates)
NEW DELHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a charge sheet against two people including a Pakistani national who radicalised and recruited young Kashmiris to carry out terrorist attacks on security forces and migrant workers, a statement by the federal agency said. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) said Dilawar Iqbal was a close associate of Jaish chief Masood Azhar (PTI FILE PHOTO)

The charge sheet has been filed against Muhammad Dilawar Iqbal from Abbaspur in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Mohammed Ubaid Malik from Kupwara under sections 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 121A (conspiracy to commit criminal offences) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and sections 18 (conspiracy),18B (recruiting person for terror act), 20 and 38 (offences related to being member of terror group) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the statement said.

NIA said Dilawar Iqbal was a close associate of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Maulana Masood Azhar who runs the terrorist group from across the border.

Dilawar would incite youth having a militancy background to pursue jihad by sharing with them inflammatory audio clips and videos as well as images of Maulana Masood Azhar Alvi, showing the latter preaching radical Islam, the NIA statement said.

NIA registered the terror conspiracy case on June 21, 2022, on its own in connection with the conspiracy hatched by terrorist organisations to unleash violent terrorist attacks in J&K with sticky bombs, IEDs and small arms as part of the Pakistan-backed terror groups conspiracy to carry out terror acts and violence in Jammu and Kashmir.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a 24,000 crore mission aimed at benefiting 2.8 million people from particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) across 220 districts, marking a mega push by the government to reach out to Indias tribal communities just months ahead of general elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to the statue of freedom fighter Birsa Munda on his birth anniversary which is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, at Birsa Munda Museum in Khunti on Wednesday (ANI)

Launching the mission in Jharkhands Khunti district on the birth anniversary of tribal icon and freedom fighter Birsa Munda, Modi also underlined his governments commitment to the development of the poor and marginalised communities, and explained what secularism meant to his administration.

Modi has made the deprived his priority I have come to this land of Bhagwan Birsa Munda to repay the debt that I owe to the deprived, he said. I assure the women, young and the poor that it is a guarantee that Modis guarantee would be delivered. Social justice is now a generic term. Modi is now looking at adivasi nyay (justice for tribals).

He also inaugurated and laid the foundation of projects worth 7,200 crore, including those to widen the 52-km stretch of the Mahagama-Hansdiha section of National Highway-133 and the 45-km stretch of Basukinath-Deoghar section of National Highway-114A; the KDH-Purnadih coal handling plant; and a new academic and administrative building of the Indian Institute of Information Technology-Ranchi.

True secularism comes only when all possibilities of discrimination against any citizen of the country are eliminated, Modi said, adding that social justice was ensured only when the benefits of government schemes reach everyone in the same measure.

This is the spirit behind the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra which he flagged off on Wednesday. In this journey, the government will go to every village of the country in mission mode and will make every poor and deprived person a beneficiary of government schemes, Modi added.

Officials said that under the PVTG mission, 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.

Today we are launching the PM Jan Man (PM PVTG) mission to reach out the last person standing among the most primitive of tribes. We have identified 75 PVTGs across over 22,000 villages who are in lakhs. We will provide them everything required for their mainstreaming and pasting them fruits of development, Modi said.

Tribal communities form 8.6% of the country, according to the 2011 census. They hold sway in a number of states across broad swathes of central and eastern India, and the North-East, and 47 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats are reserved for the communities. The PMs announcement mark an outreach by the BJP to these communities in a manner similar to the partys efforts to attract Dalits into its fold ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Tribal communities also form a key demographic in the ongoing elections in five states  especially in the heartland provinces of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, where 29 and 45 assembly seats are reserved for the community.

Earlier in the day, Modi visited Birsa Mundas birthplace Ulihatu and paid floral tributes to him on his birth anniversary, which is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas since 2021. Modi, the first PM to visit Ulihatu, was accorded a warm welcome with local residents dancing to the tunes of traditional instruments. He was accompanied by chief minister Hemant Soren, governor CP Radhakrishnan and Union tribal affairs minister Arjun Munda.

It was during the Vajpayee government that a separate ministry (for tribal welfare) was put in place. Today, the budget for that department has increased sixfold, said Modi.

He released 18,000 crore as part of the 15th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) and hailed the administrative record of his government.

He said the government resisted the temptation of reaching for low-hanging fruits and attended to long-pending issues while citing the example of electrification of 18,000 villages.

Modi recalled organising the Gram Swaraj Abhiyan in 2018 where 1,000 government officers were sent to villages to create awareness about seven prime government schemes and expressed confidence that the yatra will become equally successful.

I look forward to the day when every poor will have a ration card for free ration, gas connection from Ujjwala scheme, electricity supplied to homes, tapped water connection, Ayushman card and a pucca house, he said.

He also emphasised the need to focus on the four pillars of a developed India.

The degree of development in India depends on capability to strengthen the four pillars of Amrit Kaal  women power, youth power, agricultural power and power of our poor and middle class, he said, calling them Amrit stambhs or pillars.

He said his administration pulled 130 million people out of poverty.

Our Seva Kaal began when our government came to power in 2014, he said, pointing out that a large population of the country was deprived of basic amenities. He said that the poor had lost all hope due to the careless approach of earlier governments. The present government began work with a spirit of service, he added. Modi said LPG connections in villages rose from 50-55% to 100%, administration of live-saving vaccines reached 100% children from 55%, tap water connections reached 70% of households from 17%.

Referring to the inspiring struggle of Bhagwan Birsa Munda for tribal pride, the Prime Minister mentioned the association of the land of Jharkhand with innumerable tribal heroes.

He mentioned that many heroes such as Tilka Manjhi, Sidhu Kanhu, Chand Bhairav, Phulo Jhano, Nilambar, Pitambar, Jatra Tana Bhagat and Albert Ekka have made the land proud.

He said Adivasi warriors took part in the freedom struggle across the country and mentioned the contribution of Govind Guru of Mangarh Dham, Tantya Bhil of Madhya Pradesh, Martyr Veer Narayan Singh of Chhattisgarh, and Rani Gaidinliu of Manipur, among others.

Lamenting that the legacy of such personalities was being neglected, the prime minister expressed satisfaction that they were remembered during the Amrit Mahotsav  the central governments nomenclature to celebrate Indias 75 years of independence . He also expressed gratitude towards President Droupadi Murmu for her steadfast commitment to the development of tribal communities.
A rapidly expanding offensive by Myanmars anti-junta groups has seen resistance fighters capture key towns and regions near the border with India in recent days, fuelling concerns on Tuesday about a spillover of tensions and influx of refugees to the northeastern states. HT Image

The offensive by three powerful anti-junta groups, named Operation 1027 after the date it started last month, initially focused on Myanmars northeastern Shan state that borders China. Successes by resistance fighters in Shan, including the capture of towns and more than 100 military outposts, were followed by similar attacks in Chin state and Sagaing region, which both border India.

A group of about 80 rebels took control of Rihkhawdar and Khawmawi military camps in Chin state on Monday after several hours of fighting. Rihkhawdar, located a short distance from Zokhawthar town in Mizoram, is home to one of only two official land border crossing points between India and Myanmar.

In Sagaing region, rebel groups claim to have captured Khampat, a key town located a little more than 50km from the second official border crossing point between Tamu in Myanmar and Moreh in Manipur. Intense fighting has also been reported in recent days from Myanmars Rakhine state, where rebels have seized military posts in Rathedaung and Minbya towns.

The fighting in Rihkhawdar resulted in some 5,000 Myanmarese nationals, including more than 40 soldiers, seeking shelter in Mizoram since Sunday. People familiar with the matter said on condition of anonymity that concerns are growing about more people from Myanmar crossing porous borders to seek refuge in Indias northeast, and the tensions spilling over to the Indian side following air strikes by Myanmars military.

The fighting in the north  which the United Nations says has displaced more than 50,000 civilians  has sparked the most significant military challenge to the junta since it seized power in 2021 after deposing the democratically elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, analysts say.

The upsurge in fighting in Myanmar may also have implications for the Meitei-Kuki clashes in Manipur. Myanmars Chin ethnic group has close ties with Kukis and there have been reports of Chin rebels aiding Kukis in recent months. Several Meitei militant groups from Manipur have a presence in Sagaing Region and are believed to enjoy the support of Myanmars military.

There was no response from Indian officials on the developments.

The people cited above said the Indian side is closely monitoring the situation and will take steps to protect security concerns in the northeastern states. They said contacts were ongoing with Myanmars military leadership to assess the situation.

Toe Kyaw Hlaing, a councillor of the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC), an advisory body to Myanmars government in exile, described Operation 1027 as the first wave of an acceleration of military operations by resistance groups. It was followed by Operation 1111 in Karenni State and Operation 1113 in Rakhine, upper Sagaing and Chin. It is a very well-coordinated offensive, he told HT.

Hlaing said the resistance groups fight against what he described as the terrorist army, which started in September 2021, had moved from a defensive phase to a counteroffensive aimed at occupying key areas. As part of the second stage of this counteroffensive, nationwide operations have been launched, he said.

He contended the resistance forces now control about 70% of Chin state and are making gains in areas such as Sagaing region. On Monday, the fighters occupied Rihkhawdar, which is a key commercial post between Chin state and India, he said.

More than 120 soldiers from Infantry Battalion 129 surrendered in Shan state, while police personnel laid down arms in Rakhine state, he said.

The successes of the resistance fighters prompted Myanmars military to launch air strikes in Sagaing region and Chin and Karenni states, Hlaing said. The military is targeting civilians for not supporting them, and they have purposely invented a humanitarian crisis to hinder the revolution, he said.

The air strikes are against international law and adding to the two million people already displaced by the fighting, Hlaing said. The resistance fighters are trying to minimise casualties, he said, pointing out that civilians were moved out of Khampat before clearing operations.

The claims of the resistance groups couldnt be independently verified, though experts said Myanmars junta is currently facing its greatest challenge since assuming power in a coup in February 2021. Videos have emerged of air strikes in Rihkhawdar, sparking concerns among residents on the Indian side.

Angshuman Choudhury, an associate fellow at the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) who closely tracks developments in Myanmar, said ongoing offensives by resistance groups have direct implications for India because large swathes of territory along the border have been captured by these forces.

Myanmars military regime is facing unprecedented stress along multiple fronts. It has lost several bases, soldiers and hardware since Operation 1027 began and is struggling hard to respond, Choudhury said. It is high time that New Delhi looks beyond its narrow relationship with the junta and starts seriously engaging with the pro-democracy groups fighting on the ground and the National Unity Government (NUG) that is coordinating the overall pro-democracy political strategy across Myanmar.

India has maintained ties with Myanmars military regime largely because of concerns about the activities of anti-India militant groups, which have several bases across the border. In the past, the armies of the two countries have conducted coordinated operations against these groups but the focus of Myanmars military had shifted following the coup.

Hlaing said Myanmars pro-democracy forces want the Indian government to stop its relationship with the State Administration Council (SAC), which has ruled the country since the coup of 2021.

We want India to stop supporting the SAC with military equipment or technical assistance in return for sham elections, and to communicate more with key revolutionary stakeholders such as NUCC, NUG, Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) and ethnic resistance organisations, which represent the voice of the people of Myanmar, he said.
CHENNAI: Freedom fighter N Sankaraiah, one of the oldest communist leaders in the country, died in a Chennai hospital after a brief illness on Wednesday morning. He was 102. CPI general secretary D Raja said the communist movement has lost an able guide in N Sankaraiahs death (X/ComradeDRaja)

Sankariah was admitted to a private hospital in Chennai a few days ago for flu but his condition deteriorated. He died a little after 9am on Wednesday, leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) said. His body will be kept at the CPI-M office in Chennai to enable people to pay homage and the last rites will be held with state honours at 10am on November 16.

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan described Sankaraiah as a guiding force of the countrys communist movement in the country and a perennial source of inspiration.

Paying glowing tributes to the communist leader, Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin said: Comrade Sankariah engaged in public life at a very young age and he lived for India, the working class and the land of Tamils until the age of 102. His sacrifices will remain in the history of Tamil Nadu.

Over the last few months, Stalins government had made

Sankaraiah was the first recipient of the Thagaisal Tamizhar (Eminent Tamil) award instituted by the MK Stalin-led DMK government in 2021.

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government also supported a move by Madurai Kamaraj University to honour Sankaraiah with an honorary doctorate but this effort was stalled by Raj Bhavan. Higher education minister K Ponmudy ended up boycotting two varsity convocations in protest against governor RN Ravis decision to not sign off on the file in time for the universitys convocation on November 2.

On Wednesday, Stalin did not name Ravi but made an oblique reference to the delay to honour Sankaraiah.

At this time I feel sorry for small-minded people who do not know the history of freedom fighters from Tamil Nadu and Im saddened by their betrayal, Stalin said.

The CPM statement underlined that Sankaraiah, a student of history at the American College in Madurai, didnt get his degree because he was arrested just before his final examinations. He altogether spent eight years in jail till the eve of Independence, the statement said.

Sankaraiah joined the communist movement in 1940 and was among the 32 National Council members who walked out to form the CPI-M in 1964. He was thrice elected to the state assembly in 1967, 1977 and 1980. A tall Marxist leader, Sanjaraiah, who was born in 1921 in Kovilpatti, was also the CPI-M state secretary of Tamil Nadu from 1995 to 2002.

He is survived by two sons.
Prime minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday released the 15th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme at the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas event in Jharkhands Khumti and hit out at the previous regime saying that the basic needs of deprived people were ignored before his government took charge in 2014. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting celebrating the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Birsa Munda in Jharkhands Khunti on Wednesday. (ANI)

Under the 15th instalment of PM-KISAN, over eight crore farmers will receive an amount of more than 18,000 crore, i.e 2,000 each.

Modi said, Before 2014, a large chunk of our population was left devoid of basic facilities and crores of poor people had given up hopes of bettering their lives. The government back then also had a parent like mentality towards people, but we (BJP) acted as peoples servant and worked accordingly.Modi gave such deprived people priority because I have lived in such situations and that is why I have come to the land of Birsa Munda today to pay my debt.

We (BJP) stood by them (deprived people) and although the bureaucracy, people, files and laws remained the same, we (BJP) changed the mentality and the outcomes also changed, he added.

The Congress has questioned the timing of the release of the 15th instalment, linking it with the assembly elections in five state.

The 6th installment of PM-Kisan was released on August 1, 2020. The 9th instalment of PM-Kisan was released on August 9, 2021. The 12th instalment of PM-Kisan was released on October 17, 2022. The 15th instalment under PM-Kisan is coming today i.e. on November 15, 2023. Now when elections are to be held in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh in 2 days, in Rajasthan in 10 days and in Telangana in 15 days, the 15th instalment is being released today. Is this delay not intentional? Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh asked in a post on X.

The PM on Tuesday also launched the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra and Pradhan Mantri Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups Development Mission at the same event.

Today Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra has been flagged off, on the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda. This yatra will continue till 26 January 2024. During this yatra, several schemes will reach all the eligible. Preparations will be done for this, Modi said.

It is a matter of disappointment that post-Independence tribal reformers were not given equal justice but we (Centre/BJP) celebrated and remembered them under the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, while commemorating the 75th year of Independence, he added.

PM also emphasised on the need to develop the nation in the next 25 years and strengthen its four immortal pillars (Amrit Stambh. The four Amrit Stambha of developed India are women of the country, farmers of the country, youths of the country and neo-middle class and poor people of the country. The nation will be developed when all these four pillars are developed. The amount of work which has been done in the past 10 years to develop these Amrit Stambha was never done before, he said.

PM-KISAN, a flagship scheme of the central government is also one of the worlds largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes under the Agriculture & Farmers Welfare ministry. It was launched on February 24, 2019, to supplement the financial needs of all land-holding farmers subject to certain exclusion criteria of higher income status. Under the scheme, 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

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.
Bengaluru: Following an exchange of gunfire between Maoists and the Kerala police near the Kodagu-Kerala border, security measures have been stepped in the bordering region, police officials said on Tuesday. Karnataka police officials said security measures have been stepped up on the Kodagu-Kerala border to prevent possible infiltration by the Maoists. (HT Archives)

The gunfight erupted in near the border village of Kutta in Virajpet taluk in Kodagu district, police said.

We have stepped up vigilance in the Kodagu-Kerala border to prevent possible infiltration by the Maoists, said Anshu Kumar Srivastav, superintendent of police (Anti-Naxal Force).

Alerted by information about the encounter, authorities are concerned that wounded Maoists may seek refuge in the Kodagu forests. We have alerted villagers in the border areas about possible infiltration by Maoists, Srivastav said.

The gunfight in Kerala took place only 4-5 km from Kodagu, raising suspicions of Maoists entering the area from the Kerala forests. Additional armed police have been deployed at checkpoints and vehicles are being inspected. Hospitals, medical shops, and homestays along the border have been advised to remain vigilant, he said.

Kodagu superintendent of police K Ramarajan conducted inspections at Birunani, Teralu, Parakatagere, and Kutta, which border Kerala. Discussions during the inspections centred around the ongoing combing operation by Kerala police, he said. Villagers and homestay owners in remote areas have been informed through beat police, especially after a Maoist team visited a house in Kannur district last May, added Ramarajan.

During the November 7 encounter, the Kerala ANF recovered a country-made gun and a pistol, along with traces of blood, hinting at Maoists sustaining injuries. There are suspicions that the injured Maoists may attempt to enter Karnataka for medical treatment. So drug shops along the border have been put under surveillance, Ramarajan said .

In response to the intense gunfire exchange, additional personnel from the state Anti-Naxal Force have been deployed along the border to reinforce security. A checkpoint has been established on the border, with special attention given to hospitals to prevent injured Naxals from seeking medical attention, the Kodagu SP said.
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday attacked its Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) ally Congress over its demand for a caste census, and asked why the party did not conduct such an exercise when it was in power at the Centre. HT Image

Yadav also termed the Congresss demand a miracle and took a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remark that a caste census would serve as an X-ray to understand details of various communities.

The previous governments did not act on a caste census due to their faulty policies, Yadav said in Satna district of poll-bound Madhya Pradesh.

An X-ray was the need of thattime. Now, we have MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT (computed tomography) scans. The disease has now spread. If this problem was solved back then, such a gap wouldnt have existed in society today. he added.

After the Bihar government announced the findings of the states caste survey in October, several Opposition parties, including the Congress, have been pressing for a similar exercise and revisiting the reservation formula to ensure adequate representation of various castes based on their numbers.

Gandhi has been pushing for Jitni Abadi, Utna Haq (representation as per numbers). Other political parties that are part of the INDIA bloc such as the SP, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Janata Dal (United) too have been demanding a caste-based enumeration.

The issue has also been raised in various states, particularly in poll-bound Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.

On Monday, Gandhi reiterated his partys commitment to holding a caste census in Madhya Pradesh if it is voted to power in the assembly elections.

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, he said during a poll campaign in the states Neemuch district.

Voting in Madhya Pradesh is scheduled to be held on November 17; the results will be declared on December 3.

It is not for the first time that Yadav has attacked the Congress amid INDIA blocs attempts to forge unity to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre in the Lok Sabha elections next year.

The two parties have been at loggerheads following the breakdown in seat-sharing talks for the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections. While the SP has accused the Congress of not following the coalition dharma, the latter accused the SP of not sharing names of its possible candidates for the seats being offered.

A former MP Samajwadi Party chief, who was not willing to be named, said the Congress was willing to give four seats to the SP in the state and wanted to know names of the candidates for these seats. The SP was not willing to provide the names, saying the Congress cannot interfere in the partys ticket selection, the leader said.

However, despite the ongoing feud between the two parties, the SP is relying on a number of Congress rebels to make a mark in the heartland state, an SP leader said. The SP is likely to have an impact on a handful of seats, the leader said, seeking anonymity.

Of the 14 candidates fielded by SP in Vindhya, and Bundelkhand regions of MP and neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, 10 are Congress rebels. Similarly, in Gwalior-Chambal region, of the 12 candidates fielded by the party, eight are Congress rebels.

The vote share of the Akhilesh Uadav-led party in MP has seen a decline in recent years. In 2008, it secured roughly 3.5% of the votes and had three MLAs. A decade later, its vote share fell to 1.3% and had one lawmaker in the 230-member MP assembly.
Bengaluru: The prime suspect in the brutal murder of four members of a family at Nejaru in Udupi district has been arrested, two senior police officers in the know of the development said on Tuesday. Four mebers of a family were stabbed to death in Tripti Nagar area of Udupi district on Sunday. (HT Photo)

The suspect, identified as Praveen, was arrested from Kudachi in Belagavi district, said one of the officers on the condition of anonymity.

According to the officer, Praveen, originally from Sangli in Maharashtra, was employed as a security guard at Mangalore airport. The Udupi deputy SP-led team tracked and arrested him in Belagavi, where he had sought refuge at a relatives house. The arrest was facilitated through mobile tower location tracking, the officer added.

When asked about the arrest, Udupi superintendent of police Arun Kumar didnt confirm it. He, however, said, We are verifying multiple suspects. We are likely to get a clear picture tomorrow (Wednesday).

Haseena (46) and her three children - Afnan (23), Aynaz (21), and Aseem (12) -- were stabbed to death in Tripti Nagar area of Udupi taluk on Sunday. Another family member, Hajira (70), sustained stab injuries and is currently receiving treatment.

SP Arun Kumar had told the media that the attacker had hired an auto from Santhekatte to Tripti Nagar around 8:30 am on Sunday. The assassin suddenly broke into Hasinas house and stabbed four people with a knife. The boy who was playing outside the house entered the house after hearing the commotion and he was stabbed too.

The killer who stabbed five people in just 15 minutes.  We suspect it could be a case of personal enmity, as no evidence of theft has been found during the investigation, Kumar said.

Shyam, an auto-rickshaw driver, provided crucial information about the suspects movements. The accused, arriving from Santhekatte, reportedly used Shyams rickshaw to reach Tripti Layout in Nejaru.

Speaking to the media, Shyam said, Between 8:30 am and 9 am on Sunday, an individual on a two-wheeler hailed my rickshaw on Queens Road. He directed me to take him to Tripti Layout in Nejaru. Accordingly, I dropped him off at the gate of the house where the murder occurred.

After leaving the house, within 15 minutes, he returned to the Santhekatte auto stand and boarded another rickshaw in the queue. This time, I recognised him and mentioned that I would have waited if he had returned so soon. He didnt mind and instructed the new rickshaw driver to hurry up, Shyam added.

The accused, who had travelled towards Mangaluru after the murders, employed tactics, such as changing clothes and using strong perfume to mask the smell of blood. The police are conducting further investigations to unravel the motive behind the horrific crime. SP Arun Kumar emphasised that multiple suspects are being verified, and a clearer picture is expected to emerge in the coming days.

On Tuesday, home minister G Parameshwar personally assured Noor Mohammad, the head of the affected family, of a swift arrest.
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), the ruling party in Telangana, is facing an anti-incumbency on various counts, KT Rama Rao (KTR), son of chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) and minister for IT, Industries, and Commerce, admitted in an interview. Stating that there is disgruntlement and dissatisfaction among voters even in key constituencies, the minister said the party is working to address the concerns of its supporters. Edited Excerpts: KT Rama Rao

What do you think about the resurgent Congress that is seen smelling victory?

There is no resurgent Congress. Whatever was with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) about six months ago, the anti-BRS vote is probably crystallising towards the Congress. I do not believe in the hypothesis just because leaders have switched parties, the votes will not be transferred to Congress.

There is anti-incumbency in Gajwel and other districts. Your take?

Im not sure if people will abandon their leader because of a few complaints. If you see the spectrum between anger and annoyance, if people are angry, there is nothing one can do to control it, but if there is annoyance, then it is not something that cannot be addressed. There is some dissatisfaction, some disgruntlement, some complaints and that can surely be addressed.

The guarantees offered by the Congress worked well in Karnataka. What would you say?

In whose name are they guaranteeing the promises? Neither Sonia Gandhi nor Rahul Gandhi have any position in the AlCC. Mallikarjun Kharge is the party president and there is not a single person here in Telangana who can stand guarantee to the promises made. In Karnataka, people voted because they had decided to throw the BJP out three years ago. The Congress just orchestrated their efforts well.

There is much anti-incumbency in the districts and the Telangana hinterland. What do you have to say?

There is anti-incumbency, I wont deny it. But in a democracy, you will notice that in a system where you have to be the first to pass the post [electoral race], let us remind ourselves of that. The people of both the Telugu states have never been given an indecisive mandate since Independence. I see it no other way this time.

With Congress putting out the Minority Declaration, are you concerned that the minority votes may shift to Congress?

If someone feels that Congress has a grip over the minority, then they are mistaken. People who have enjoyed good governance, irrespective of their caste, creed, and religion, will vote for us. Our reading is that the minority vote will not get transferred to the Congress en bloc, as it did in Karnataka. We have the highest minority welfare budget in our country at 2,200 crore for a population of 5 million, despite being the 5th largest in terms of ranking by minority population.

Your manifesto isnt too far from the Congress. Your party has aimed for counterplay in the welfare battle with Congress to blunt the effect of the Congresss six poll guarantees.

The Congress has copied our manifesto. The Congress is going to the lengths of mortgaging the country to win this election. Its a case of the Congress winning and the country is losing.

We have not matched them word for word. Our current programmes will go on. We have budgeted 35,000 crore per annum for fulfilling the promises that we have made to the people of Telangana.

Weve seen what has happened to the Kaleswaram project. What impact do you think this will have on the elections?

The timing of the report is suspect. The NDSA report is actually the NDA report constituted by their headquarters in Delhi. Why just point fingers at Kaleshwaram when there were leakages in other projects as well - Nagarjuna Sagar Davaleshwaram, Prakasam barrage, and even in the Farakka project. What happened in Kaleshwaram was an engineering issue, not a design issue. The designs they are calling faulty were approved by the Central Water Commission and the Technical Advisory Committee, which is headed by the Union Water Resources Secretary and the Central Water Resources Chairman. There are small issues in projects and that can happen. Execution was done by L&T and it has issued a statement saying without a single-rupee burden on the exchequer, it will rebuild the whole barrage. The cost of the Medigadda barrage is 1,839 crore.

What are your plans for going national after the state election?

KCR will be the first chief minister to score a hat trick in South India, when we return to power for the third term. Maharashtra will be a good battleground. There are a number of political leaders across the three parties who are in touch with us and we will be contesting the parliamentary election.

Have you made up your mind on joining either of the two alliances - NDA or INDIA?

The country isnt bi-polar. There are many other fronts. Congress and BJP are larger regional parties. There are 13 parties that are part of neither alliance. Possibly we might be calling the shots tomorrow. The arrogance of the BJP and the Congress is something that we do not subscribe to. There is scope for this national front.
Tamil Nadus Directorate of Social Defense should be bifurcated, and a new department headed by an IAS officer must be in charge of handling homes for children in conflict with law, a one-man commission has recommended to the state government. The panel was formed after six staff were arrested on charges of beating a 17-year-old child in conflict with law to death inside a government observation home in Chengalpattu last December.

Retired justice of the Madras high court, K Chandra, who was appointed in April by the Tamil Nadu government to study ways to improve the functioning of homes for children in conflict with law, submitted his report to chief minister M K Stalin on Tuesday. The Directorate of Social Defense should be bifurcated immediately, justice Chandru has said in his report, which HT has seen.

The commission was formed after six staff were arrested on charges of beating a 17-year-old child in conflict with law, Gokul Sri, to death inside a government observation home in Chengalpattu last December. His mother Priya Palani had suspicions and with the help of Madurai-based NGO Peoples Watch, she demanded an inquiry. The boy had been booked for theft and died on the day he was admitted to the home and enquiries and post-mortem revealed that the staff had beaten him. An all-party meeting was held in Chengalpattu demanding an inspection to be conducted on all Observation Homes by a retired judge of the high court.

In April, a government order was issued that a one-man committee of justice Chandru will go into the working of homes under the Juvenile Justice Act in Tamil Nadu to improve their efficiency.

The states directorate of social defense, under the department of social welfare, oversees homes meant for care and protection as well as those in conflict with law. The latter should be operated separately, the justice said. The new Directorate governing the government homes should be named as Department of Special Services headed by a director who will be drawn from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). He must be a person who is committed to the cause of child welfare, he added.

He also recommended the enactment of a law by the state legislature known as Tamil Nadu Board of Special Services for Children (TANBOSS), an autonomous body with a view to administer all the government homes meant for children in conflict with law. Such legislation alone will bring a lasting peace and solve the problems which have surfaced so far, the justice said.

Once a child is admitted to these homes, there must be strict segregation based on the age one group between 13 to 16 and another 16 to 18, the justice has recommended. Even among the groups, there must be segregation based upon the offences allegedly committed such as petty, serious, or heinous, he said. Activists have consistently raised the issue of younger children and those with petty offences such as theft grouped together along with older children and those who have committed more heinous crimes such as rape and murder in these homes as being detrimental.

The justice found an increased addiction among children in these homes and has advised for a de-addiction centre for each home and if a child is found to have a drug related problem at the time of admission, they must be immediately sent for treatment. A child in conflict with law who is suffering from mental illness should be treated in a specialised way, he added. Steps should be taken, by making arrangements with appropriate agencies, to ensure any necessary continuation of mental health care after release, justice Chandru said. He also advised the government on the structure of this body, besides finding inefficiencies in these homes including of infrastructure, management, health.

Since several agencies are connected to the functioning of these homes such as Juvenile Justice Boards, Child Welfare Committees, District Collectors, Human Rights Commission (both at the Centre and State), a High Court monitoring Committee, the justice recommended that a nodal officer be there to liaison with all of them.

The committee also recommended that the existing structure homes should be pulled down and instead built based on plans by architects so that it not look like a prison or jail.

Besides giving appropriate training for recruits, the justice has stated that a full-time post for a psychologist should be created for each Home. Currently, counsellors are brought in on an ad-hoc basis.

The policemen who are drawn from the Special Armed Police should not possess any arms and they should be in plain clothes and before being posted, they should also undergo an orientation with the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, he added.
After almost 70 hours of painstaking efforts to rescue 40 labourers trapped under the debris of a collapsed under-construction tunnel in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district, officials are hopeful all of the stranded workers will be able to be evacuated by today. However, a fresh round of landslide on Tuesday caused impediment to the rescue operation as rubble fell from above lead to a stampede-like situation which also left two labourers injured. Rescue work inside a collapsed road tunnel where 40 workers were trapped in northern in Uttarakhand(AP)

"If everything goes as planned, the trapped labourers will be evacuated by Wednesday," Uttarkashi district magistrate Abhishek Ruhela told reporters earlier.

Over 160 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel are racing against time to reach the trapped workers.

All the 40 labourers were hedged inside the tunnel being built between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway which caved in on Sunday following a landslide.

Target evacuation: What's the plan to rescue the workers?

Eight 900-millimetre (almost 3 feet) diameter pipes with a length of six metres each and five pipes of 800-millimetre diameter of the same length, both made of mild steel, have been brought at the evacuation site. The plan is to push through both the pipes -- one after the other -- into the rubble using drilling equipment and create an escape passage for the workers.

The pipes will be inseted through the rubble of the 30-metre section collapsed 270-metre from the mouth of the tunnel from Silkayara side. The process involved to penetrate the pipes is called shotcreting  spraying of concrete on the debris in order to stabilise the loose muck. A hydraulic jack will be used to jam the pipes through the rubble.

The drilling process was kickstarted on Tuesday used an auger machine, and excavators are removing the debris on the way for two days.

An expert team of five engineers from the irrigation department is on the spot to oversee the insertion process of the mild steel pipes through the rubble, the State Emergency Operation Centre said.

Workers doing well inside the tunnel

Contact is being maintained with the trapped labourers and the assurance that a huge rescue operation is being carried out by various agencies to evacuate them has also boosted their morale. The labourers on Tuesday told the commandant of Uttarakhand's SDRF, Manikant Mishra, that they were "doing well".

The son of Gabbar Singh Negi, one of the trapped labourers, was allowed to speak to his father for a few seconds on Tuesday. "He said they are safe. He asked us not to worry," told PTI.

However, one of the trapped workers was feeling nauseous and medicines were supplied for him.

(With agency inputs)
By 5pm Wednesday, the 40 workers trapped 260 metres inside a 4.5km road tunnel in Uttarakhands Uttarkashi district, had been trapped for 84 hours, and two rescue attempts to cut through 50 metres of rock blocking the tunnel had failed  to the despair of the families and colleagues of the workers. Rescue and relief operations are underway after a portion of an under-construction tunnel between Silkyara and Dandalgaon in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand collapsed on Sunday night. (PTI Photo)

On Wednesday morning, the families and other workers staged a protest outside the tunnel, alleging that the construction company Navayuga Engineering Company Limited (NECL), and rescue teams were not doing enough to rescue the trapped men. The rescue operation is being managed by the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) and Uttarakhand Disaster Management Authority. NDRF officials positioned at the spot said they are awaiting the completion of the drilling of the passage through which NDRF personnel can enter and bring back the workers.

National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) officials blamed loose rocks and sand above the broken part of the tunnel for the failure of the two attempts. But experts claimed the attempts were botched because they lacked proper geological inputs on how to work in a soft mountain range prone to landslides.

According to state disaster management officials, for the first two days, the rescuers tried to remove the piled debris in a 55-metre stretch of the tunnel using heavy excavator machines and sought to prevent more debris from falling using the shotcrete method (shotcrete is a construction technique that involves spraying concrete onto surfaces using high-velocity air).

This did not work, said a rescue worker who asked not to be named, blaming the structural instability (continuous falling of loose material from the roof the tunnel).

Officials from NDRF and Uttarakhand Disaster Management Authority then decided to create a safe passage using an auger machine and fitting in large diameter pipes of 800 and 900mm to bring the workers out.

The idea was to create a small passage without having the fear of debris falling to bring the workers out, a senior official at the rescue site said, asking not to be named.

The plan did not work. After building a concrete platform to launch the augur machine that reached the site on Tuesday morning, it was put to use at night.

After drilling for about two metres there was fresh landslide inside the tunnel forcing us to suspend the operation, the senior official quoted above said. When the machine was dismantled from the platform, the rescuers discovered that its blades were worn out and they needed a heavier machine.

The auger drilling machine, which was provided by Delhi-based Vardhman Engineering Works, was not able to cut through the debris at enough speed due to boulders in the debris, said Devendra Patwal, Uttarkashi district disaster management officer (DDMO), adding that the machine was removed. The team then decided to bring in a new high-capacity machine.

An Indian Railways officialwho is part of the rescue effortsaid that the machine did not seem to have the capacity to do what was asked of it. The rescue team requisitioned an American-made horizontal dry drilling equipment in three parts. All three parts were flown in from Delhi on a Hercules C-130 plane by Wednesday evening; two parts have reached the tunnel site, the remaining one was expected to reach in the evening, Patwal said.

Adesh Jain of Vardhman Engineering Works, who provided the first machine, said he was not sure whether a bigger machine would work. The auger machine provided by me was 35 HP (horsepower) and weighs 9 tonnes, while the new machine could be 175-200 HP and considerably heavier.

Anshu Manish Khalkho, director, NHIDCL, the project proponent, expressed confidence that the new machine would work. The new machine is fully automatic and faster. It can drill 5 metre per hour, he said, ignoring a question on why a more powerful machine was not requisitioned in the first instance.

He hoped the drilling would start late on Wednesday night and that the team would reach the trapped workers in 12 hours.

Bhupendra Singh, DGM, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) said if this plan does not work out, the final option will be conventional drilling . Under this plan, we will build an entire tunnel. It will take five to six days.

Saurabh Majumdar, a worker from West Bengal, expressed dismay at the way the rescue has been managed so far.

When the company was building the tunnel, were they not aware of the soil and its fragile mountain? Didnt they know that such an incident could happen? Now they say fresh debris and muck is falling and thats what is hampering the rescue. They are just bringing in new machines, one after another, but failing to execute their plans, he said.

NDRF officials said personnel at the scene are equipped with harness, mats, torches, collapsable stretchers, and other devices, which can help them get the works out, especially if they are feeble and unable to crawl on their own.

Our teams are on standby and coordinating with the agency engaged in building a passage through which the workers can come out. The authorities there are doing their best to find a solution and rescue the workers. The state government is also fully involved and coordinated with the Indian Air Force to ensure that new machines were lifted and flown to the nearest airport. We are hopeful that they build a passage with the new machines quickly and we are able to go inside and rescue the workers, Atul Karwal, NDRF director general, said.

Another worker who didnt wish to be named said, I spoke to one of my fellow workers trapped inside. He said they were losing hope and their confidence has been shaken with the delayed rescue operation.

Singh said that the rescue team is in the process of installing an additional 125mm diameter pipe for air and food.

An SDRF official who didnt wish to be named said, The rescuers from the multi-agencies were not expecting the boulders in the piled up debris. The new auger machine may become successful to penetrate through the debris. Even though its success chances are higher, we cant ignore the complications involved.
George Orwell once said, Freedom of the Press, if it means anything at all, means the freedom to criticise and oppose and as we gear up to mark National Press Day in India, we can't help but reflect on how journalism makes the fourth and last pillar of democracy. Press media includes various forms - traditional print publications such as newspapers and magazines, digital platforms like online news websites, blogs and e-magazines, broadcast media encompassing television and radio and social media channels where news is disseminated through platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. National Press Day 2023: Date, history, significance (Photo by LT Chan on Pexels)

National Press Day originated to be symbolic of a free and responsible press in India where the diverse forms of press media cater to different audiences and preferences, providing information in written, visual and audio formats to reach a broad spectrum of the public.

Date:

National Press Day is celebrated in India on November 16 every year.

History and significance:

Recommending the establishment of a Press Council in 1956, the first Press Commission had concluded that the best way of maintaining professional ethics in journalism would be to bring into existence a body with statutory authority, of people principally connected with industry whose duty it would be to arbitrate. To this, end the Press Council of India was established and the body that has evolved since November 16, 1966 has not belied the objective.

This was the day on which the Press Council of India started functioning as a moral watchdog to ensure that not only did the press maintain the high standards expected from this powerful medium but also that it was not fettered by the influence or threats of any extraneous factors. Though there are several Press or Media Councils world over, the Press Council of India is a unique entity in as-much-as this is the only body to exercise an authority even over the instruments of the State in its duty to safeguard the independence of the press.
According to a study conducted by the University of Adelaide and Oxford University, asbestos exposure caused a higher prevalence of asbestos-related lung malignancies among British and Australian navy personnel than in other armed forces. Risk of high lung cancer cases among naval veterans connected to asbestos: Study(Image by kalhh from Pixabay )

The information was gathered from 30,085 British and Australian troops who served in the 1950s and 1960s, when asbestos-containing materials were present on British and Australian naval vessels.

The University of Adelaide and the UK Health Security Agency had previously studied three of the four cohorts to identify the effects of radiation exposure from British nuclear testing; however, a higher incidence of mesothelioma, a cancer strongly linked to asbestos exposure, was seen in all cohorts of naval personnel.

ALSO READ: Lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of lung cancer

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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 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 per cent in Australian seamen and 12 per cent 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 2021-2022 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.
Indian policymakers have demonstrated an exemplary level of fiscal and monetary policy coordination in safeguarding macro-stability in the post-Covid recovery period. They refrained from exceptional demand-side stimulus at the peak of the economic crisis and have shown commitment to gradually withdrawing the accommodative bias in policy. Financial markets have, by and large, appreciated this conservative policy stance.

As we enter the election season there are some question marks over whether there will be any significant change in this policy framework. The poll promises from both sides of the political spectrum have been abundant. Competitive populism seems to have taken centrestage with not much discussion about its fiscal ramifications. The government has announced the extension of the free food programme for 800 million people for another five years. Farm loan waiver, cash for women and unemployed youth, bonus over the central government announced Minimum Support Price (MSP), and a return to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) are some of the populist promises that could have fiscal implications. Whether each one of these schemes is justified or not is a larger political economy question that is not the focus of this article. We intend to assess whether there is any fiscal space left for populism.

There are three different lenses through which we can approach the issue of the existence of fiscal space. One, whether the central government can announce some measures in the rest of FY24 without compromising on the 5.9% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) fiscal deficit target. Two, how to evaluate the 4.5% of GDP medium-term fiscal deficit target set for FY26 in the context of these populist announcements. Three, what about the fiscal space for state governments to consider these additional spends. We might not be able to do justice to the third issue in this article given the heterogeneity in state-level fiscal positions, but the aggregate fiscal deficit for states might have already reached the pre-Covid level. We focus on the first two below.

Based on the 1HFY24 fiscal data of the central government, we think that the net tax revenue proceeds could be higher than estimated by 70,000-80,000 crore even if growth moderates a bit. Direct tax collections have grown at 22% till now, much higher than the 10% growth budgeted. Even on the indirect tax front, monthly GST revenues are averaging close to 1.7 trillion (lakh crore), in line with budget estimates. The government has received a 45,000 crore higher dividend from the Reserve Bank of India too. This presents a pretty picture on the revenue side despite divestment likely to fall below target.

However, spending is also likely to be higher than estimated even though the government has mostly resisted announcing any large-scale new programmes. MSP increase has been modest compared to pre-election year trends and somewhat populist schemes such as higher cooking gas subsidy and dearness allowance increase for public sector employees will have relatively lower fiscal costs. Unfortunately, fertiliser subsidies and MGNREGA payments, on which the government does not have much discretion, could exceed the budget estimates materially. These additional expenditures might exhaust most of the fiscal headroom created by better than expected tax revenues in FY24.

Does this mean that the option for any stimulus spending is completely closed for FY24? In our view, for any pre-election fiscal stimulus in FY24, some new sources of revenue or expenditure reduction would have to open up. It could be in the form of some savings on schemes where states already have unspent funds or are unable to deploy the capital budget allocated to them or higher revenue in the form of an interim dividend from RBI. We do not think that the central government will opt for any cut in capex to accommodate pre-election spending. If at all, the populist ideas could be part of the FY25 budget to maximise the announcement effect, but suffice it to say that markets are not perturbed about the near-term fiscal situation.

The uncertainty is more about how the central government will be able to adhere to its medium-term fiscal deficit target of 4.5% of GDP by FY26. Is it going to be through revenue enhancement or expenditure compression? The gross tax to GDP ratio at more than 11% is already close to historic highs and there is scepticism over whether this can be extended further solely through better compliance. With increasing tax rates being politically challenging, the onus of deficit reduction might lie on expenditure cuts unless the government can substantially increase the non-tax revenues through reviving divestments.

It is interesting to note that if the government meets its revenue expenditure target of 11.6% of GDP in FY24, then it would have almost returned to its pre-Covid average of 11.2%. The more substantial increase has been in capex which has almost doubled to 3.3% of GDP. It will surely not be a prudent idea to withdraw public capex till there are enough signs of private capex recovery. Hence any expenditure compression might entail politically difficult revenue expenditure cuts. In that context, any announcement of the continuation of subsidies for longer periods could dilute the governments commitment to medium-term fiscal targets.

This market fear gets particularly aggravated because historically India has not had a great record in meeting medium-term fiscal targets. Although this government has met the target in the last two years, the markets still want more visibility on the medium-term roadmap. As India gets included in the global bond index next year, the scrutiny on the fisc is likely to increase further, limiting fiscal flexibility. On the other hand, the fiscal deficit must fall below 5% of GDP for the public debt-to-GDP ratio to stay on its declining path, comforting the rating agencies. Will the impetus from the private sector improve enough to compensate for the drag on GDP growth from this constrained fiscal stance? This is the dichotomy of Indias fiscal policy  some stimulus can be absorbed now but would that take us further from meeting the medium-term target? Hopefully, the 16th Finance Commission will deliberate more on this.

Samiran Chakraborty is managing director and chief economist, India, Citigroup. The views are personal
There has been an intense and spirited debate about the ideal number of hours an employee should work each week. This discussion was sparked by a statement from Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, suggesting that young Indians should commit to working 70 hours a week. Industry leaders have weighed in on this matter, with some opposing the notion, saying that 70 hours is excessive, while others have expressed support for Murthy's perspective. Infosys co-founder N R Narayana Murthy recently suggested that young people should work 70 hours a week to boost the country's productivity. (Pexels)

This issue, however, has been stripped of its context, a common occurrence in the world of social media. I have had the opportunity to work in various sectors, including the private industry, a startup, and government roles, and my weekly work hours have varied significantly during my 12-year professional journey. What I can assert with confidence is that my most substantial learning experiences took place when I put in long hours, even if my salary was not at its peak.

I can vividly recall my time at a global consulting firm where I consistently recorded 70-80 hours per week, and it brought me an immense sense of satisfaction. These hours also played a pivotal role during the annual appraisal. Although I often felt exhausted by the end of each day, the thrill of acquiring new knowledge surpassed any fatigue. It's crucial to note that I thoroughly enjoyed my work during that period, and this strenuous phase had a magnifying effect on my career growth. However, as time went on, my focus gradually shifted from the sheer quantity of hours to the quality of the projects I was engaged in. The skills acquired during this period helped me better my output in less time later on in my career.

For individuals embarking on their careers, it might indeed be beneficial to invest more hours, primarily because there is so much to absorb and learn. Nevertheless, this isn't a one-size-fits-all rule. I can recollect my early days of preparing for civil services exams when I would frequently ask successful aspirants about the number of study hours required to crack the exam. Eventually, I realised that the question wasn't as pertinent as I initially thought. What matters most is the quality of effort put into each hour of study. However, for newcomers, the number of hours can serve as a valuable indicator, akin to a signpost indicating the direction to a particular destination. As they progress, they'll discover their own optimal balance through trial and error. Some subjects may demand more dedication than others, and study patterns may fluctuate, ranging from intensive 12-hour study days to days with no study at all.

Likewise, when someone embarks on a fitness journey, the initial advice might be somewhat generic, like one hour of cardio exercise five days a week. As time goes on, individuals can tailor their routines, perhaps incorporating two days of strength training, two days of cardio, and one day of yoga, to match their specific needs and preferences.

In all likelihood, what Narayan Murthy intended to convey is the value of hard work. The figure of 70 hours serves as a broad benchmark. This advice can be immensely beneficial for those at the start of their careers. With time, they may establish a balance that accommodates their health, family, passions, and more.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to individual priorities. Some seek a harmonious work-life equilibrium, while others are willing to put in extensive hours to propel their career forward. Certain individuals discover their true passions after a few years in the workforce and decide to depart from the traditional 9-5 job structure. Regardless of one's aspirations, full commitment to the task at hand is essential. This might entail hard work and extended hours, either reinforcing the individual's dedication to their chosen path or leading them to conclude that long hours don't align with their values and objectives.

However, there is a caveat here. If an individual is not passionate about their work, it may lead to burnout quickly. Recent research highlights that work burnout's core trigger might not just be lengthy hours but the absence of impactful work. Consequently, ensuring alignment between personal and organizational objectives becomes essential. When an individual doesn't perceive their work as impactful, 40 hours can feel as taxing as 80 hours. Regular self-reflection and scheduled discussions with one's manager are beneficial strategies for assessing one's progress.

Individuals may harbour diverse ambitions, but for those aspiring to reach the pinnacle of excellence, akin to figures like Narayana Murthy or Elon Musk, there may be no substitute for investing 70-plus hours per week in their pursuits. However, every individual has their own ambitions and values. They must stay true to themselves by listening to their mind and body.

Ravi Singh is an author and an IRS officer. The views expressed here are personal
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that there is no safe place for the Hamas after the October 7 attacks. There is "no place in Gaza" the Israeli army wouldn't reach, he said hours after troops raided the territory's biggest hospital-Al-Shifa. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a press conference.(Reuters)

They told us we wouldn't reach the outskirts of Gaza City and we did, they told us we wouldn't enter Al-Shifa (hospital) and we did, he said, adding, There is no place in Gaza that we won't reach.

The Israeli army operation in the hospital set off a wave of international condemnation. While, Israel said that it was carrying out "a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area" of the hospital, the United Nations estimates that there were at least 2,300 patients, staff and displaced Palestinians in the complex.

Israel accused Hamas of using Gaza hospitals as bases, digging tunnels under Al-Shifa and exploiting patients as human shields but Hamas said that US president Joe Biden was "wholly responsible for the assault on the Al-Shifa medical complex".

The adoption by the White House and the Pentagon of the occupation's false claim that the resistance is using the Al-Shifa medical complex for military ends has given the green light to the occupation to commit more massacres against civilians, Hamas said as per news agency AFP.

The Palestinian authority that runs the occupied West Bank denounced the raid as a "flagrant violation" of international law.

The United Nations humanitarian chief demanded immediate action to rein in the carnage, saying that situation in Gaza reaches new levels of horror every day, the world continues to watch in shock as hospitals come under fire, premature babies die. An entire population is deprived of the basic means of survival. This cannot be allowed to continue.

Martin Griffiths stressed, Hamas must not, should not, use a place like a hospital as a shield for their presence."

The International Committee of the Red Cross said it was "extremely concerned about the impact on sick and wounded people, medical staff, and civilians".

"All measures to avoid any consequences on them must be taken," it said insisting that "patients, medical staff, and civilians must be at all times protected".

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the agency had lost touch again with staff at the hospital.

We're extremely worried for their and their patients' safety.
The United Nations and the Red Cross raised concerns after Israel raided Gaza's largest hospital Al-Shifa hospital. The agencies demanded that thousands of patients and civilians there be protected as Israeli forces entered Al-Shifa hospital targeting a Hamas command centre in tunnels beneath it as thousands of patients and civilians sought refuge in the building. Al-Shifa Raid: Medics move a patient through the smoke-filled corridors inside Al Shifa hospital following an Israeli raid.(Reuters)

Israel army had surrounded the facility as part of its ground offensive against Hamas and said that its forces were carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in the hospital. 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.

"I'm appalled by reports of military raids in Al Shifa hospital in Gaza," UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said on X (formerly Twitter).

"The protection of newborns, patients, medical staff and all civilians must override all other concerns," he said, adding, "Hospitals are not battlegrounds."

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, Reports of military incursion into Al-Shifa hospital are deeply concerning. We have lost touch again with health personnel at the hospital. We're extremely worried for their and their patients' safety.

The Red Cross voiced alarm saying, "We are extremely concerned about the impact on sick and wounded people, medical staff, and civilians. All measures to avoid any consequences on them must be taken".

The head of the UN children's agency decried that the "devastating" scenes she witnessed during a visit to war-ravaged Gaza, urging the parties to the conflict to "stop this horror".

"What I saw and heard was devastating. They have endured repeated bombardment, loss and displacement. Inside the Strip, there is nowhere safe for Gaza's one million children to turn," UNICEF chief Catherine Russell said.
Southeast Asian defence ministers called for an end to the Myanmar crisis and to the Israel-Hamas war on Wednesday as they gathered for talks that will include meetings with regional counterparts and the Pentagon chief. Japanese Defence Minister Minoru Kihara is seen on the screen as he attends the ASEAN-Japan Defense Ministers Informal Meeting online, in Jakarta. (Reuters)

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings in Jakarta were dominated by issues ranging from the Myanmar crisis to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as Beijing's growing assertiveness in the disputed South China Sea.

Muslim-majority Indonesia's president Joko Widodo called on US President Joe Biden this week to help bring about a ceasefire in Gaza.

His defence minister Prabowo Subianto opened talks on Wednesday echoing that call, saying he was "deeply saddened" by events in the Palestinian territory where Israel has launched a relentless assault to destroy Hamas in response to attacks on October 7.

Malaysian Defence Minister Mohamad Hasan also called for a truce, saying Kuala Lumpur condemned "terrorism in all its forms" and the killing of civilians.

"Further loss of life, suffering and destruction should stop and parties must exercise utmost restraint and de-escalate," he said.

Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7 killed an estimated 1,200 people, mostly civilians and an estimated 240 others were taken hostage into Gaza.

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says Israel's ensuing aerial bombardment and ground offensive have killed 11,320 people, mostly civilians, including thousands of children.

A draft chair statement by Indonesia seen by AFP, which is not a negotiated text and reflects only Jakarta's view, said "ASEAN calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urges both parties to respect the sanctity of life and property".

A Southeast Asian diplomat told AFP the draft text was still being worked on before publication.

In a joint declaration, the ASEAN defence chiefs also urged all parties in Myanmar, where fighting has been raging across the northern Shan state for weeks, "to cease all violence and exercise utmost restraint".

The junta's leaders have been banned from the 10-member bloc's high-level meetings since failing to implement an agreed five-point peace plan following a 2021 coup.

The joint statement reiterated the bloc's call for Myanmar's junta rulers to implement that plan.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was meeting with ASEAN defence chiefs on Wednesday before wider talks a day later over a region where Washington and Beijing are battling for influence.

Thursday's expanded talks will include representatives from the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and Russia.

The Jakarta talks come ahead of an eagerly awaited meeting between Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in San Francisco on Wednesday, the first encounter in a year between the leaders of the world's two largest economies.

The Pentagon has not confirmed if Austin will meet Beijing's representative at the Jakarta talks. He will meet Subianto for bilateral talks on Thursday.
Bangladeshs expected parliamentary elections will be held on Jan. 7, electoral authorities announced Wednesday, but the opposition reiterated its vow to boycott the polls unless the government hands power to a caretaker administration. Members of the Islami Andolan Bangladesh, a political party, try to remove barricades as they join in a mass protest march towards the Election Commission, ahead of the election schedule declaration, in Dhaka.(REUTERS)

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has pledged free and fair elections, but the Bangladesh Nationalist Party led by Hasinas archrival, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, says they dont trust the government.

The opposition party has held demonstrations across the country in recent weeks to demand a nonpartisan caretaker government be appointed for the election, leading to deadly clashes that have heightened fears of instability in the South Asian nation.

Bangladeshs Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal announced Wednesday that the voting would be held on a single day on Jan. 7 in 300 parliamentary constituencies to elect members of parliament through direct vote.

Consensus and solutions are needed," Awal said in a televised address. I humbly request all the political parties on behalf of the Election Commission to seek amicable solutions avoiding conflict and violence, he said.

Hasina's ruling Awami League party welcomed the announcement, but Zia's party rejected the scheduled polling saying it would not join what it called a farcical election.

READ | Elections in sight, churn in Bangladesh politics

Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party held a massive rally Oct. 28 in Dhaka to call for Hasina to resign, but Hasina rejected the call. The rally turned violent when opposition party supporters clashed with police, and a police officer was killed.

Several more people were reported killed in clashes during ensuring days as the opposition party held strikes and blocked traffic. Many top opposition leaders have been arrested in connection with the violence.

The United Nations, the United States and the European Union have urged all sides to refrain from violence and work together to create conditions for a free, fair and peaceful election.

U.S. Ambassador Peter Haas on Wednesday met the ruling partys General Secretary Obaidul Quader to hand over a letter urging dialogue to resolve the political crisis surrounding the election.

Bangladesh is a parliamentary democracy with a history of violence, especially before and during elections. Hasina seeks to return to power for the fourth consecutive time through next elections.
The United States did not give Israel any kind of green light for its raid on Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital, the White House said. The decision was taken by the Israeli military, White House asserted after Israeli forces pushed into Al-Shifa hospital raising fears for the safety of thousands of patients, staff and other civilians who were left stranded. Israel-Hamas War: Israeli soldiers walk at the Al Shifa hospital complex, amid their ground operation against Hamas.(Reuters)

"We did not give an OK to their military operations around the hospital," National security council spokesman John Kirby said after Hamas lambasted US president Joe Biden and said that he was "wholly responsible" for the raid.

Joe Biden spoke to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu but White House declined to say whether the US president had been given forewarning.

"I won't go into detail about the conversation," he said, adding however that "there's no expectation by the United States to map it all out."

The United States had "certainly talked to them about concerns over civilians."

This comes after the White House backed Israeli claims that Hamas had a command center under the Al Shifa hospital in Gaza.

"We are comfortable with our own intelligence assessment," the White House said.

What Hamas said on Gaza hospital raid

We hold the occupation [Israel] and President Biden wholly responsible for the assault on al-Shifa medical complex, Hamas said as per news agency AFP.

The adoption by the White House and the Pentagon of the occupations false claim that the resistance is using al-Shifa medical complex for military ends has given the green light to the occupation to commit more massacres against civilians, the statement continued.

What Benjamin Netanyahu said on the hospital raid

Benjamin Netanyahu, during his visit to the Zikim IDF training base near Gaza, said that Israeli forces will continue making inroads into enemy territory, stressing that there is no place in Gaza that we won't reach.

"Do you remember when they said we wouldn't invade Gaza? We invaded. They said we wouldn't get to the outskirts of Gaza City; we did. They said we wouldn't go into Shifa (the hospital); we went in. There is no hideout, no shelter, no refuge for the Hamas murderers," the Israeli PM said.

"We will get there and we will take out Hamas and we will bring home our hostages--those are our two holy missions," he added.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg pleaded not guilty to a public order offence charge in a British court on Wednesday, following her arrest last month at an environmental protest in London. Climate activist Greta Thunberg(Bloomberg)

The 20-year-old was detained by police on Oct. 17 after she and dozens of demonstrators locked arms to obstruct the entrances to a hotel where an oil and gas conference was taking place.

Watch: Greta Thunberg interrupted after she invites a Palestinian on stage

Thunberg, wearing a grey T-shirt and black jeans, spoke only to confirm her name and date of birth as the judge at London's Westminster Magistrates Court set Feb. 1 as the date for Thunberg's trial.

She has been charged with a public order offence for failing to comply with conditions that police said had been imposed to prevent "serious disruption to the community, hotel and guests."

Thunberg has become famous as the face of climate activism since she started staging weekly protests in Sweden in 2018, and she now travels around the world addressing crowds at marches and protests.

She was charged by London police on Oct. 18 and released on bail. If found guilty she could face a fine of up to a maximum of 2,500 pounds ($3,069).

Before her arrest in Britain, she has this year been detained by police or removed from protests in Sweden, Norway and Germany.
Donald Trump is seeking a mistrial in New York states $250 million civil fraud lawsuit, alleging the judge and his law clerk have tainted the case with rampant political bias. Former US President Donald Trump (Reuters)

The request, filed Wednesday in Manhattan, is the latest clash between Trumps legal team and Justice Arthur Engoron, who issued a gag order against the former president barring him from publicly commenting on his law clerk. Trump has been fined a total of $15,000 for twice violating the order.

The trial, in a suit filed last year by New York Attorney General Letitia James and accusing Trump of inflating asset valuations, is now in its second month. Its one of six trials Trump is facing as he campaigns to return to the White House in the 2024 presidential election.
France has issued an international arrest warrant for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, accused of complicity in crimes against humanity over chemical attacks in 2013, a judicial source and plaintiffs in the case said Wednesday. Syria's President Bashar al-Assad (AFP)

The judicial source told AFP that Assad was also suspected of complicity in war crimes for the attacks, blamed by the opposition on the regime, that killed more than 1,400 people near Damascus in August 2013.

International warrants were also issued for the arrests of Assad's brother Maher, the de-facto chief of a Syrian elite military unit, and two armed forces generals.

The Paris court's unit concerned with crimes against humanity has been investigating the chemical attacks since 2021.

France claims worldwide jurisdiction for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The probe followed a legal complaint filed by the Syrian Centre for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM) NGO, lawyers' association Open Society Justice Initiative (OSJI) and the Syrian Archive, a body documenting human rights violations in Syria.

- 'Huge development' -

"It's a huge development," SCM president Mazen Darwish said of the warrant for Assad's arrest.

"An independent jurisdiction is recognising that the chemical attack couldn't have happened without the knowledge of the Syrian president, that he has responsibility and should be held accountable," he told AFP.

The case against Assad and the others was backed by first-hand witness accounts and deep analysis of the Syrian military chain of command, Darwish said.

Activists in 2013 posted amateur videos on YouTube said to show the effects of the attack, including footage of dozens of corpses, many of them children, stretched out on the ground.

Other images showed unconscious children, people foaming at the mouth and doctors apparently giving them oxygen to help them breathe.

The scenes provoked revulsion and condemnation around the globe.

A United Nations report later said there was clear evidence of sarin gas use.

Syria agreed in 2013 to join the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) global watchdog and give up all chemical weapons.

The OPCW has since blamed Damascus for a series of chemical attacks during the civil war.

The Syrian government has denied the allegations, which have also sparked legal complaints in Germany and other European countries.

Syria's civil war broke out in 2011 after Assad's repression of peaceful demonstrations escalated into a deadly conflict that pulled in foreign powers and global jihadists.

The war has killed more than half a million people and displaced half of the country's pre-war population.
Israeli troops found weapons and "terror infrastructure" during an on-going raid within Al Shifa hospital in the Gaza Strip, a senior military official said as per news agency Reuters. Although, there had been no fighting inside the hospital complex after the soldiers arrived during the night, he said as there was no friction with medical staff or patients. Israel-Hamas War: Israeli soldiers during a military operation around at Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City.(AFP)

They were in a different section of the site, he said.

"IDF soldiers have already found weapons and other terror infrastructure. In the last hour, we saw concrete evidence that Hamas terrorists used the Shifa hospital as a terror headquarter," the official said without specifying what part of the hospital troops were searching.

The evidence would be presented later, he said, adding, This is an extremely precise and targeted operation. Our forces are present in one specific area of the very large Shifa hospital complex.

It is unclear how long the raid would last.

"Our soldiers are making a slow and deliberate progress based on our intelligence," he said.

The official said that four terrorists had died in a gunfight outside Al Shifa when Israeli soldiers sought to enter the complex. Soldiers had interrogated individuals found in the area they were searching, he said.

"I have an understanding that one of them is Hamas," he informed.

Earlier, Israel said that Hamas has used Al Shifa, the largest hospital in Gaza, as a cover for their operations. Hamas and hospital staff have denied this claim.

The United Nations and the Red Cross voiced alarm after Israeli forces raided the hospital.

"I'm appalled by reports of military raids in Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza," UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said, adding, "The protection of newborns, patients, medical staff and all civilians must override all other concerns. Hospitals are not battlegrounds."
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian called on the United Nations Wednesday to do more to get desperately needed aid into war-battered Gaza. An Iranian flag flutters.

"The amount of humanitarian aid sent to Gaza is very small and almost zero, and it is necessary for the United Nations to take immediate and serious action in this regard," Amir-Abdollahian said in a meeting in Geneva with UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths.

Trucks carrying the first delivery of fuel to Gaza since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7 crossed from Egypt Wednesday but the UN agency for Palestinian refugees said it was "not at all enough".

Amir-Abdollahian has been in Geneva since Tuesday for talks with UN and other officials on aid deliveries into Gaza, which is ruled by Iran-backed Palestinian militant group Hamas.

In his talks with Griffiths, he called for "strong and urgent management by the UN to remove the blockage at the Rafah border crossing and get humanitarian aid into Gaza".

The Palestinian enclave has endured more than five weeks of Israeli air and ground attack that have killed 11,320 people, mostly civilians, according to its health ministry.

Israel has vowed to crush the territory's Hamas rulers in response to a shock cross-border assault on October 7 that killed an estimated 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw 240 more taken hostage, according to Israeli officials.

Israel has laid siege to Gaza and halted all aid deliveries from its territory, leaving the Rafah border crossing from Egypt as the only access point for humanitarian relief for the hundreds of thousands of civilians displaced inside the enclave.

Iran, which supports Hamas financially and militarily, has hailed the group's October 7 attack on Israel but denied any involvement.
Israel-Hamas War News Highlights: Israeli forces entered Gaza's largest hospital on Wednesday, aiming at a Hamas command centre allegedly located beneath areas where civilians sought medical care and shelter. The Israel Defence Forces claim their operation is precise and targeted, focusing on a specific area within Al-Shifa hospital. Israeli soldiers make their way towards Israel's border with Gaza, amid the ongoing ground invasion against Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in southern Israel, November 8, 2023. (REUTERS)

The US, on Tuesday, affirmed intelligence supporting Israel's claim that Hamas, designated as a terrorist group by the US and EU, utilities hospitals like Shifa for concealing and supporting its operations.

 Authorities claim that the Hamas October 7 attack on Israel resulted in over 1,200 casualties.

 Rallies call for the release of hostages taken by Hamas

 Israel responds with weeks of intense attacks on the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.

 The reported casualties from Israel's actions exceed 11,300, including thousands of children.

 PM Benjamin Netanyahu faces widespread criticisms for his handling of the situation.
Israeli troops on Wednesday stormed into Gazas largest hospital, searching for traces of Hamas inside and beneath the facility, where newborns and hundreds of other patients have suffered for days without electricity and other basic necessities as fighting raged outside. Israeli soldiers inspect the Al Shifa hospital complex, amid their ground operation against Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Gaza City, November 15, 2023.(via REUTERS)

Details from the day-long raid remained sketchy, but officials from Israel and Gaza presented different accounts of what was happening at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City: The Israeli army released video showing soldiers carrying boxes labeled as baby food and medical supplies, while health officials talked of terrified staff and patients as troops moved through the buildings.

After encircling Shifa for days, Israel faced pressure to prove its claim that Hamas had turned the hospital into a command center, using the patients, staff and civilians sheltering there to provide cover for its militants  part of Israel's broader accusation that Hamas uses Palestinians as human shields. Wednesday evening, Israel released video of weapons it said it found in one building, but so far its search showed no signs of tunnels or a sophisticated command center.

Hamas and Gaza health officials deny militants operate in Shifa  a hospital that employs some 1,500 people and has more than 500 beds, according to the Palestinian news agency. Palestinians and rights groups say Israel has recklessly endangered civilians as it seeks to eradicate Hamas.

As Israel tightens its hold on northern Gaza, leaders have talked of expanding the ground operation into the south to root out Hamas. Already, most of Gazas 2.3 million people have crowded into the territorys south, where a worsening fuel shortage threatened to paralyze the delivery of humanitarian services and shut down mobile phone and internet service.

The war between Israel and Hamas erupted after the militant group killed some 1,200 people and seized around 240 captives in an Oct. 7 attack that shattered Israelis' sense of security.

Israeli airstrikes have since killed more than 11,200 people, two-thirds of them women and minors, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah, which coordinates with the ministry branch in Hamas-ruled Gaza. Another 2,700 have been reported missing, with most believed to be buried under the rubble. The ministrys count does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths.

Israeli raid into Shifa

Israeli forces launched their raid into the large Shifa compound around 2 a.m. and remained on the grounds after nightfall Wednesday, with tanks stationed outside and snipers on nearby buildings, Munir al-Boursh, a senior official with Gazas Health Ministry inside the hospital, told The Associated Press. It was not possible to independently assess the situation inside.

Al-Boursh said that for hours, the troops ransacked the basement and other buildings, including those housing the emergency and surgery departments, and searched the grounds for tunnels. Troops questioned and face-screened patients, staff and people sheltering in the facility, he said, adding that he did not know if any were detained.

Patients, women and children are terrified, he said by phone to The Associated Press.

Neither the Palestinians nor the military reported any clashes inside the hospital. The military said its troops killed four militants outside the hospital at the start of the operation. Throughout days of fighting in the surrounding streets, there has been no report of militants firing from inside Shifa.

The Israeli military said it was carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in the hospital, and that its soldiers were accompanied by medical teams bringing in incubators and other supplies.

It added that forces were also searching for hostages. The plight of the captives, who include men, women and children, has galvanized Israeli support for the war. Families and supporters of the hostages are holding a protest march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

The video released by the military from inside Shifa showed three duffel bags it said it found hidden around an MRI lab, each containing an assault rifle, grenades and Hamas uniforms, as well as a closet that contained a number of assault rifles without ammunition clips. A laptop was also discovered and taken for study. The Associated Press could not independently verify the Israeli claims that the weapons were found inside the hospital.

These weapons have absolutely no business being inside a hospital, Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, a military spokesman, said in the video, adding that he believed the material was just the top of the iceberg. The military said the search was continuing, but it did not immediately show any sign of tunnels or an extensive military center.

The raid drew condemnation from U.N., Jordan and the West Bank's Palestinian Authority, which called it a violation of international law.

At one point, tens of thousands of Palestinians fleeing Israeli bombardment were sheltering at the hospital, but most left in recent days as the fighting drew closer. The fate of premature babies at the hospital has drawn particular concern.

The Health Ministry said 40 patients, including three babies, have died since Shifas emergency generator ran out of fuel Saturday.

There was no immediate word on the condition of another 36 babies the ministry said earlier were at risk of dying because there is no power for incubators.

Hours before Israels raid, the United States said its own intelligence indicated militants have used Shifa and other hospitals  and tunnels beneath them  to support military operations and hold hostages.

Under international humanitarian law, hospitals can lose their protected status if combatants use them for military purposes. But civilians must be given ample time to flee, and any attack must be proportional to the military objective  putting the burden on Israel to show it was a big enough military target to justify the siege against it.

A trickle of full for aid workers

About two thirds of the territorys 2.3 million people have fled their homes  and most are now squeezed into the southern part of the narrow coastal strip.

Conditions there have been deteriorating, as bombardment continues to level buildings. Residents say bread is scarce and supermarket shelves are bare. Families cook on wood fires for lack of fuel. Central electricity and running water have been out for weeks across Gaza.

After refusing to allow fuel into Gaza since the wars start, saying it would be diverted to Hamas, Israeli defense officials early Wednesday let in some 24,000 liters (6,340 gallons).

The fuel will only be used for the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, to continue bringing limited supplies of food and medicine from Egypt for the more than 600,000 people sheltering in U.N.-run schools and other facilities in the south.

The fuel cannot be used for hospitals or to desalinate water, said Thomas White, UNRWAs director in Gaza. The amount is equivalent of only 9% of what we need daily to sustain lifesaving activities, he said.

The Palestinian telecom company Paltel, meanwhile, said it was relying on batteries to keep Gaza mobile and internet network running, and that it expected services to halt later Wednesday. Gaza has experienced three previous mass communication outages since the ground invasion.

Looking South

Israeli troops have extended their control across northern Gaza. The military says Israeli forces took control of the Shati refugee camp, a densely built district, and are moving about freely in the city as a whole.

The military says its forces have found weapons and Hamas fighters in government buildings, schools and residential buildings. Israel says it has killed several thousand fighters while 46 of its own soldiers have been killed in Gaza.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Wednesday the ground operation will eventually include both the north and south. We will strike Hamas wherever it is. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed the plans, saying Israels goal is a complete victory over Hamas in the south and the return of our hostages.

Israel told residents of northern Gaza to evacuate south, saying it wanted to get civilians out of the path of its ground assault, and hundreds of thousands fled. If Israeli troops move south, it is not clear where Gazas population can flee, with Egypt refusing a mass transfer onto its soil.
Israeli army raided Gaza's largest hospital where hundreds of patients, including newborns, have been stranded without any electricity. The Israeli army extended its control across Gaza City and the north. The Shifa hospital has become a symbol of the widespread suffering of civilians in Gaza as Israel accuses Hamas of using Palestinians as human shields, while rights groups say Israel has endangered civilians eradicate the terrorist group.

Israel-Hamas War: Israeli soldiers take positions during the ongoing ground operation of the Israeli army against Hamas.(Reuters)
The head of the UN children's agency decried Wednesday the "devastating" scenes she witnessed during a visit to war-ravaged Gaza, urging the parties to the conflict to "stop this horror". Israel-Hamas War: An internally displaced Palestinian girl living in a shelter set up in a school run by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).(AFP)

"What I saw and heard was devastating. They have endured repeated bombardment, loss and displacement. Inside the Strip, there is nowhere safe for Gaza's one million children to turn," UNICEF chief Catherine Russell said in a statement after visiting among other things a hospital in the south of the Palestinian territory.
Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Israel was a "terror state" committing war crimes and violating international law in Gaza. Speaking to lawmakers in the country's parliament, Erdogan repeated his view that Hamas was not a terrorist organisation. Israel-Hamas War: Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan looks on during a press conference.(AFP)

Called on Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to announce whether Israel had nuclear bombs or not, Erdogan said that the Israeli premier was a "goner" from his post.

He said Hamas was a political party that had been elected by Palestinians.

This comes after Israeli forces entered Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital that they claim Hamas operates out of. Mohammed Zaqout, the director of hospitals in Gaza, said Israeli tanks were inside the medical compound and soldiers had entered buildings, including the emergency and surgery departments.

The Israeli army said that Hamas was using hospitals as cover for its fighters and has set up its main command center in and beneath Shifa Hospital, the largest in the besieged territory.

Earlier, Tayyip Erdogan called for an immediate ceasefire between Israeli and Palestinian forces saying that Muslim countries must act together to secure a lasting peace in the region.

"Hamas is not a terrorist organisation, it is a liberation group, 'mujahideen' waging a battle to protect its lands and people," he said, slamming West for supporting Israel's retaliation against Hamas.

Western tears shed for Israel are a manifestation of fraud, he had said, while, Turkey foreign minister Hakan Fidan said that Israel committed "a crime against humanity" in its war in Gaza while speaking in Qatar.

"Targeting our Palestinian brothers, including children, patients and the elderly, even in schools, hospitals and mosques, is a crime against humanity," he said.
Al-Shifa, Gaza's largest hospital, has been the focal point for the Israeli military after it was claimed that the complex has a Hamas command chamber located underneath thousands of ailing and sheltering civilians. Seasoned troops of Israel Defence Forces (IDF), in their over two weeks-long ground incursion into the beseiged enclave, have entered the Shifa hospital. A screengrab taken from a handout video shows what the Israeli army says are its soldiers operating in a location given as the Gaza Strip(via REUTERS)

The Israeli military said its troops were carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area of the facility.

Meanwhile, Hamas accused US President Joe Biden on Wednesday of being wholly responsible for the Israeli army operation at Shifa hospital.
Japanese and Chinese trade ministers have agreed to establish a framework to discuss export controls, Japanese media reported on Wednesday, indicating steps on economic cooperation after a period of strained ties between the neighbours. Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa (Reuters)

Japanese Trade Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said the talks could help stabilise relations.

"We will hold firm discussions with Chinese officials to build constructive and stable Japan-China relations," Nishimura was quoted as saying after talks with his counterpart, Wang Wentao, on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in San Francisco.

The dialogue is expected to be held by officials at the level of director-general and section chief, who are in charge of export controls, the Yomiuri newspaper reported.

China has recently imposed curbs on the exports of some materials, including chipmaking metals like gallium, and is expected to restrict exports of graphite, used in batteries, in December.

The talks are aimed at preventing an escalation of retaliatory trade disputes with China, the Yomiuri reported.

Before heading to the U.S. to attend the APEC meeting, Kishida told reporters nothing has been decided regarding a meeting with China's leader Xi Jinping on the sidelines.

"There is no change in our basic stance that both sides must make the effort to maintain stable and constructive relations," Kishida said. "We would like to continue communicating (with China) in various forms."

Relations between China and Japan, rarely smooth, have been particularly strained over recent months.

Japan infuriated China when it began releasing treated radioactive water from its wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean in August.

China last month formally arrested a Japanese executive, an employee of Japanese drugmaker Astellas Pharma, on suspicion of espionage. The arrest has had a chilling effect on business, Japanese officials said.
US President Joe Biden meets Chinese leader Xi Jinping for the first time in a year on Wednesday for talks that may ease friction between the two superpowers over military conflicts, drug-trafficking and artificial intelligence. Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives at San Francisco International Airport to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders' week in San Francisco. (AFP)

But deep progress on the vast differences separating them may have to wait for another day.

Officials on both sides of the Pacific have set expectations low as Biden and Xi are set to discuss Taiwan, the South China Sea, the Israel-Hamas war, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, North Korea and human rights - areas where the leaders have been unable to resolve long-standing disagreements.

Biden and Xi arrived in San Francisco on Tuesday, where they were set to meet on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

Leaders from the 21-country group - and hundreds of CEOs in San Francisco to court them - meet amid Chinese economic weakness, Beijing's territorial feuds with neighbors, and a Middle East conflict that is dividing the United States from allies.

Efforts to carefully choreograph Xi's visit may be upended in San Francisco despite efforts to drive homeless people from the streets. The route from the airport to the conference site was lined with demonstrators for and against China's ruling Communist Party, an unusual sight for Xi, who last visited the United States in 2017.

Biden has sought direct diplomacy with Xi, betting that a personal relationship he has cultivated for a dozen years with the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong might salvage ties that are increasingly turning hostile.

Chong Ja Ian, a political science professor at the National University of Singapore, said the two sides are engaged in what Mao referred to during the Chinese civil war as "talk and fight, fight and talk".

"That is, to talk while building up forces," Chong said.

Xi and Biden are expected to meet far from the conference location at Filoli Estate, miles outside of San Francisco and carefully chosen for its security, serenity and remoteness.

The White House hopes the meeting could set the stage for further talks between the world's biggest economies.

"We're all expecting that this will be a productive discussion today, and hopefully, a precursor to much more communication and dialogue between our two teams going forward," White House spokesperson John Kirby told reporters ahead of the meeting.

IRAN, ELECTION INTERFERENCE, FENTANYL

During the meeting, Biden is expected to press Xi to use China's influence to urge Iran to avoid provocative action or encouraging its proxies to enter the fray in what, moves that could spread the Israel-Hamas conflict across the Middle East.

He is also expected to raise alleged Chinese operations to influence foreign elections, the status of US citizens that Washington believes are wrongly detained in China and human rights, including what Washington says is an ongoing genocide against Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in China's Xinjiang region.

"I think you can fully expect that the president will raise our concerns over human rights in China to include the issue of the Uyghurs," Kirby said.

US officials expected concrete steps to restore staff-level conversations between the two countries on issues from military-to-military communications to reducing the flow of fentanyl, managing the growth of artificial intelligence technologies, and managing trade and climate.

Many of the chemicals used to make fentanyl come from China, US officials say.

Before the meeting, both countries backed a new renewable energy target and said they would work to reduce methane and plastic pollution, a renewal of climate cooperate suspended after former US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in 2022.

Biden, 80, presides over an economy that has outperformed expectations and most rich nations after the COVID-19 pandemic. He is seeking a second term in office.

He has corralled the nation's traditional allies from Europe to Asia to confront Russia in Ukraine, although some have differences over the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Xi, a decade Biden's junior, has tightened control over policy, state leaders, the media and military and changing the constitution. But economic challenges have thrown the country off its three-decade growth trajectory.

Government officials across the region expect Beijing to test Washington in coming weeks, taking advantage of the United States' perceived shift in focus on Ukraine and Israel as it pursues its own ambitions in the Indo-Pacific.

Biden is expected to tell Xi that US commitments in the Indo-Pacific are unchanged. China has worried its neighbors in recent years with steps in the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea and East China Sea, areas of international dispute.
While Canada has stood beside Israel in the ongoing war between Israel Defense Forces and Hamas, PM Justin Trudeau on Tuesday drew a line and said the killing of women, children and babies in Gaza must end. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted to Justin Trudeau's remark on X and said forces of civilisation must back Israel in defeating "Hamas barbarism". "It is not Israel that is deliberately targeting civilians but Hamas that beheaded, burned and massacred civilians in the worst horrors perpetrated on Jews since the Holocaust," Netanyahu wrote. It's Netanyahu versus Justin Trudeau after Canada's PM urged the Israel government that the killing of babies in Gaza must end.

"While Israel is doing everything to keep civilians out of harms way, Hamas is doing everything to keep them in harms way. Israel provides civilians in Gaza humanitarian corridors and safe zones, Hamas prevents them from leaving at gunpoint," Netanyahu wrote.

Trudeau's statement on Tuesday came with an appeal to the government of Israel. "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," Trudeau said.

This was Trudeau's sharpest criticism of Israel since the war broke out over a month ago after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7.

The statement comes as the Gaza Strip's Al-Shifa hospital -- the biggest hospital complex-- came under attack. Israel's military said the attack was from Hamas which the Hamas denied. Israel too denied any role in bombing the hospital. Gaza health ministry said Israel informed them that Israeli forces would raid the facility because IDF believes Hamas operatives are hiding inside tunnel linked to the hospital.

We do not support striking a hospital: What US said

The White House said it won't speak about any specifics of a ongoing Israeli military operation but US does not support striking a hospital from the air. "We don't want to see a firefight in a hospital where innocent people, helpless people, sick people trying to get medical care they deserve are caught in the crossfire. Hospitals and patients must be protected," a spokesperson from tthe National Security Council said.

A total of 39 premature babies were admitted to Al-Shifa hospital and three of them died after the hospital ran out of fuel. The rest 36 are also in precarious condition as the medical staff said there was no clear mechanism to move them. Israel has offered to supply incubators for an evacuation.

The White House, however, backed Israel's claim that Hamas was using Gaza's hospitals including Al-Shifa as its base -- command posts and hostages have been kept inside the hospitals. 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, Reuters reported.
Britains Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that the governments contentious plan to send some migrants on a one-way trip to Rwanda is illegal, striking a major blow to a key policy of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government that has drawn international attention and criticism. Television news crews outside of the Supreme Court, ahead of a ruling on the legality of the government's Rwanda deportation plan, in London, UK. (Bloomberg)

Five justices on the countrys top court said asylum-seekers would be at real risk of ill-treatment because they could be sent back to their home countries once they were in Rwanda.

Britain and Rwanda signed a deal in April 2022 to send some migrants who arrive in the UK across the English Channel to the East African country, where their asylum claims would be processed and, if successful, they would stay.

Britains government argues that the Rwanda policy will deter people from risking their lives crossing one of the worlds busiest shipping lanes, and will break the business model of people-smuggling gangs. Opposition politicians, refugee groups and human rights organizations say the plan is unethical and unworkable.

No one has yet been sent to the country as the plan was challenged in the courts.

Reading the unanimous decision, President of the Supreme Court Robert Reed said Rwanda could not be relied on to keep the promises not to mistreat asylum-seekers sent from Britain.

He cited the countrys poor human rights record, including enforced disappearances and torture, and practiced refoulement  sending migrants back to home countries where they could be at risk.

The first deportation flight was stopped at the last minute in June 2022, when the European Court of Human Rights intervened.

In December, the High Court in London ruled that the Rwanda plan is legal, but that the government must consider the individual circumstances of each case before putting anyone on a plane.

The Court of Appeal in June backed a challenge by asylum-seekers from countries including Syria, Vietnam and Iran. The court ruled that the plan was unlawful because Rwanda is not a safe third country and there was a risk that migrants sent there would be returned to the home countries they had fled.

That was challenged at the Supreme Court by the government, which argued at a hearing last month that it had thoroughly assessed the risks and would ensure that Rwandas government abides by its agreement to protect migrants rights.

Much of Europe and the US is struggling with how best to cope with migrants seeking refuge from war, violence, oppression and a warming planet that has brought devastating drought and floods.

The UK receives fewer asylum-seekers than many European nations, including Germany, France and Italy. Thousands of migrants from around the world travel to northern France each year in hopes of crossing the Channel. Sunak has pledged to stop the boats.

More than 27,300 migrants have crossed the Channel this year, with the years total on track to be fewer than the 46,000 who made the journey in 2022. The government says that shows its tough approach is working, though others cite factors including the weather.

The Rwanda policy was championed by former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who was fired by Sunak on Monday over a series of intemperate statements that deviated from the government line. In the weeks before her sacking she described migrants as a hurricane headed for Britain, called homelessness a lifestyle choice and accused police of being too lenient with pro-Palestinian protesters.

Braverman has called for the UK to leave the European Convention on Human Rights and its court if the Rwanda plan is blocked.

The UK government had said it aims to strike similar deportation deals with other countries if the Rwanda plan succeeds. It argues several other European countries are considering similar ideas, with the European Union exploring setting up processing centers on the bloc's borders to screen people as they arrive.

Italy recently reached a deal with Albania for the Balkan country to temporarily house and process some of the thousands of migrants who reach Italian shores.

Unlike the UK plan, however, the journey would not be one-way. Successful asylum-seekers would get to start new lives in Italy, not Albania.
Qatari mediators were on Wednesday seeking to negotiate a deal between Hamas and Israel that includes the release of around 50 civilian hostages from Gaza in exchange for a three-day ceasefire, an official briefed on the negotiations told Reuters. Israel-Hamas War: Smoke billows from the northern Gaza Strip.(AFP)

The deal, under discussion, which has been coordinated with the U.S., would also see Israel release some Palestinian women and children from Israeli jails and increase the amount of humanitarian aid allowed into Gaza, the official said.

It would mark the biggest release in hostages held by Hamas since the Palestinian militant group burst over the Gaza border, attacked parts of Israel and took hostages into the enclave.

Hamas has agreed to the general outlines of this deal, but Israel has not and it is still negotiating the details, the official said.

It is not known how many Palestinian women and children Israel would release from its jails as part of the agreement under discussion.
Royal biographer Omid Scobie's new book lifts the lid on the monarchy's fight for survival as well as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's exit from the royal life. Reflecting on Queen Elizabeth's death, the book claims, as per an extract shared with PEOPLE, "The Sussexes had no idea that Buckingham Palace was already planning for the Queen's final hours and the first days of the monarchy's new era - until the duke's phone started ringing. An unknown number. He usually ignored those." Britain's Prince Harry.(AP)

After this Meghan Markle urged her husband Prince Harry to answer the phone and he accepted the call "just before it stopped". The book claims, Harry hadnt spoken to his father much that year, but this was not the time for any father-and-son tension. Charles told him he and Camilla were about to leave Dumfries House for Balmoral, where Princess Anne was already by the Queens side. He told Harry to make his way to Scotland immediately.

Eventually Prince Harry was informed of his grandmother's health and managed to board a flight to Scotland. His team had to 'beg' Buckingham Palace not to announce the sad news earlier, the book claims.

"His team literally had to beg for them to wait for his plane to land and they reluctantly agreed to hold the statement back for a little bit, it says. Prince Harry was stuck at the airport because of bad weather due to which the Buckingham Palace had to announce Queen Elizabeth's death soon.

"When Harrys plane finally touched tarmac twenty minutes later, he received a text from Meghan urging him to call ASAP followed by a breaking news alert via the BBC News app with the announcement of the Queens death."
Prince Harry was viewed as a threat to the crown, a new book by royal biographer Omid Scobie claimed citing this as the real reason why the Duke of Sussex left the royal family along with his wife Meghan Markle. The book focuses on the institution and it's fight for survival- containing bombshell claims about the Sussexes. An excerpt from it has been published by US-based PEOPLE magazine which shed more light on the relationship between Prince Harry, King Charles and Prince William. Britain's Prince Harry is seen.(AP)

Prince Harry was viewed as a "threat to the crown" before he quit the royal family and the UK in early 2020. Prince Harry wanted the ability to think freely, the book claimed.

"These are probably sad realisations that will be had far too late in the journey. In the eyes of some within the institution, Harry is a threat to the crown. His freedom to exert his own thinking outside of the confines of the institution has made him the enemy," it said.

On Prince William the book said that he "doesn't want to know" his younger brother, who he believes has been 'brainwashed an army of therapists'.

The book claimed "[William] believes Harry and Meghan blindsided the family, even the Queen, with their public complaints and their 'oh so California' self-importance (an opinion he has repeatedly voiced in various ways to friends and aides during the past two years). Convinced Harry's been brainwashed by an 'army of therapists', William says he no longer even recognises his own brother, a source said."

Following Queen Elizabeth's death, the book claimed that Harry hadnt spoken to his father much that year, but this was not the time for any father-and-son tension. Charles told him he and Camilla were about to leave Dumfries House for Balmoral, where Princess Anne was already by the Queens side. He told Harry to make his way to Scotland immediately.
After months of silence and a widening gap in relationship, Prince Harry has reached out to his father King Charles III, on his 75th birthday. Harry telephoned the King to wish him a happy birthday on this special occasion. Prince Harry reached out to King Charles III on his 75th birthday(AP)

This comes as a first positive development in royal relationship that has been strained after the Duke of Sussex stepped down from his Royal Family positions.

Chat marked notable shift in tone

The Telegraph report suggests, the chat marked a notable shift in tone, even ending with an agreement to speak again next week. The King also spoke to Meghan Markle.

Reportedly Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two, had recorded a video of themselves singing happy birthday to their grandfather.

Royal sources quoted in few reports feel the phone call would have been a surprise for the King who had not been in touch with his son after he revealed several family secrets in his explosive memoir Spare and Netflix documentary.

Prince Harry was not invited for Birthday celebrations

Earlier Prince Harry's spokesperson in US had shunned reports that he had snubbed King Charles birthday invite from the royal family. The representatives asserted that he had not been invited or had contact with any of his father's Buckingham Palace staff.

The King was joined by close friends for a birthday dinner at London's Clarence House on Tuesday night. He was accompanied by the Queen alongside Prince and Princess of Wales with "trusted lieutenant" and sister Princess Anne, who he handed a key role to last week during his first State Opening of Parliament as King.

Controversial remarks in Spare

In the bombshell book, which broke sales records around the world, Harry labeled his father an emotionally-stunted and ineffectual "old man", cast his brother as his "arch-nemesis" and targeted Queen Camilla as a "'wicked stepmother" and a "villain".

However, he wrote warmly of his relationship with his Pa and later said in a television interview that he would always love him. He insisted that he wanted an apology from his family before he could move on. But that apology never came and relations only went down the hill. Harry and Meghan were asked to vacate their UK home, Frogmore Cottage and he was given a cold treatment during the coronation ceremony.

This phone conversation seems to be the first step taken by Prince Harry to thaw the relations with his father, however, experts believe his ties with his brother are irreparable.
A doctor in Gaza's Al Shifa hospital told Reuters on Wednesday that gunfire forced staff to stay away from windows for their safety as Israeli forces began raiding the complex. Smoke rises as displaced Palestinians take shelter at Al Shifa hospital, amid the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel. (Reuters)

Israel said the military had launched the raid because Hamas has a command centre underneath the hospital and uses connected tunnels to hold hostages, an allegation that doctor Ahmed El Mokhallalati denied.

"Bombardment. Shooting around the hospital and within the hospital. It's really horrible you can feel that it's very near to the hospital. And then we realised that the tanks are moving around the hospital," he told Reuters in a telephone interview.

"They just parked in 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."

Global calls for a humanitarian ceasefire have mounted in recent days, and the fate of Al Shifa, Gaza's biggest hospital has become a focus of international alarm because of worsening conditions in the facility.

Thousands of patients, medical staff and displaced people have been trapped during the Israeli assault on Gaza in the past five weeks. Israel says it has urged civilians to surrender, saying they are being used by Hamas as human shields.

"We know this is a lie," said Mokhallalati.

As Mokhallalati described the dangers ahead and deteriorating conditions in the hospital, shots which did not sound like an exchange of gunfire rang out twice.

"One of the patient's rooms was targeted. There was a whole in the wall. No one was injured but everyone got terrified," he said.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Rwandan President Paul Kagame spoke on Wednesday and reiterated their commitment to make their migration partnership work, Sunak's office said after a UK Supreme Court ruling that the policy was unlawful. Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak outside No. 10 Downing Street. (Reuters)

"Both leaders reiterated their firm commitment to making our migration partnership work and agreed to take the necessary steps to ensure this is a robust and lawful policy and to stop the boats as soon as possible," a spokesperson for Sunak's office said following the call.
Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley's comments on vowing to getting social media users verified when she becomes the president has attracted severe backlash. FILE PHOTO: Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley speaks at the third Republican candidates' U.S. presidential debate of the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign on November 8, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo(REUTERS)

During an interview with Fox News former U.N. Ambassador asserted that allowing people to post on social media anonymously is a "national security threat". She promised that as president, she will force "every person on social media" to be verified by their name.

"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. Let us see why they're pushing what they're pushing. The second thing is every person on social media should be verified by their name," Haley said during an appearance on Fox News earlier in the day.

She further justified her comments by adding, First of all, it's a national security threat. When you do that, all of a sudden people have to stand by what they say. And it gets rid of the Russian bots, the Iranian bots and the Chinese bots. And then you're going to get some civility when people know their name is next to what they say, and they know their pastor and their family members are going to see it.

Nikki is being ripped by critics and political rivals after the comments were aired. After she called him a scum Vivek Ramaswamy jumped to grab the opportunity, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay & James Madison wrote the Federalist Papers under pseudonym. Heres what they would say to @NikkiHaley if they were alive: get your heels off my neck & go back to England.

He further commented, "Nikki Haley is *openly* pushing for the government to use private tech companies to censor speech. This is a flagrant violation of the Constitution and straight out of the Democrats playbook. Any politician who thinks its OK for the government to use the private sector as its censorship bureau shouldnt be allowed anywhere near the White House.

Her comments have been branded as "blatantly unconstitutional," and "completely unhinged." Many feel she may have ruptured her presidential campaign by making such statements.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wrote, You know who were anonymous writers back in the day? Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison when they wrote the Federalist Papers. They were not national security threats, nor are the many conservative Americans across the country who exercise their Constitutional right to voice their opinions without fear of being harassed or canceled by the school they go to or the company they work for.

Haley's proposal to ban anonymous speech online  similar to what China recently did  is dangerous and unconstitutional. It will be dead on arrival in my administration, he further added.
Tensions among Republicans flared Tuesday following a run-in between former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and one of the eight members of his own party who voted last month to oust him. Representative Tim Burchett, a Republican from Tennessee, at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023. Republican Matt Gaetz officially moved to topple House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Monday evening, teeing up a high-stakes vote likely to dramatically shift the balance of power in Washington whatever the outcome. Photographer: Nathan Howard/Bloomberg(Bloomberg)

McCarthy bumped into Representative Tim Burchett, a hard-liner from Tennessee, as Republicans left a meeting. It was unclear if the collision, which occurred in a narrow hallway in the US Capitols basement, was accidental. But the exchange quickly turned heated as McCarthy walked away.

Burchett yelled to McCarthy, asking why he elbowed him in the back and questioning whether he had any guts.

Burchett told reporters later the shove was a clean shot to the kidney and absolutely on purpose. Its because I was one of the eight, Burchett said. Hes just a bully.

McCarthy told the conservative Washington Examiner following the incident that he innocently bumped Burchett.

The dust-up illustrated the boiling frustration among House Republicans after a tumultuous few months, capped off by 10 consecutive weeks in session. The infighting has hampered the GOPs ability to perform basic functions in the House, such as passing annual spending bills.

In a separate incident Tuesday, Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene questioned on the social media site X whether another Republican, Californias Darrell Issa, had male anatomy after Issa helped defeat her effort to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

Across the Capitol, Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin came close to a physical altercation with Sean OBrien, general president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, during a hearing.

This place is a pressure cooker, House Speaker Mike Johnson said of the need to pass a stopgap government funding bill and send lawmakers home for Thanksgiving to cool off.

The House plans to vote later Tuesday on Johnsons temporary funding plan under an expedited process that requires a two-thirds majority for approval  meaning Johnson will need Democrats to pass the measure.

Burchett and other ultra-conservatives oppose the plan. Burchett has blamed the intra-party warfare on McCarthys prior leadership of the conference.

Johnsons proposal lacks spending cuts or changes to immigration law desired by the most conservative House Republicans. It also leaves out aid to Israel and Ukraine demanded by many Democrats and some Republicans in the Senate.

Greene told reporters Monday evening the plan, which would punt the deadline for funding negotiations to early next year, is a failure. She also said it does not make sense to accept a temporary spending bill after McCarthy was removed from the speakership for passing what she considered to be a similar stopgap.

If youre going to oust a speaker of the House from your conference, the red line should remain the same for the next speaker, she said. Whats the point in throwing out one speaker if nothing changes?
A major shift is happening within the United States, with new cities on the path to become economic powerhouses. According to a report by Barron's, the economic power is shifting from cities like New York and San Francisco. The Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline.(AP)

The report highlights that cities like Houston, Dallas, Nashville, and Miami are becoming driving forces of economic development in the US.

Stanford historian Niall Ferguson has touched upon how America is becoming multipolar with economic power shifting from the coastal power zones of New York and San Francisco.

You used to have two coastal power zones where you could live your best life, never really touching down in the red states, Ferguson told Barron's.

"We now have much more of a multipolar America rather than a bipolar America. That reflects taxes, quality of life, cost of living, the ability to build, and incredibly striking differentials in quality of governance," added Ferguson.

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The report talks about how Dallas and Houston have become USAs fourth- and fifth-largest cities, respectively.

Dallas is inexpensive energy, massive entrepreneurship, and a very permissive regulatory environment. Theyve now got more renewables coming out than California, which 10 years ago was insane to think about," said Eurasia Group founder and President Ian Bremmer.

As per the report, Miami is serving as the headquarters of companies which are looking to pursue business in Latin America. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has also moved to the city. Miami's airport is No.1 in the country for loaded and unloaded international goods.

Nashville has become a healthcare business hub with nearly 500 companies related to the sector, having base there. Houston is marching ahead with its energy economy.

The report notes that as economic power flows to the middle of the US, it could add to the strength of the country as a result of diversification. However, it may also divide the US further on economic, political, and geographic lines.
8 high school students have been arrested in Las Vegas and will facing murder charges in connection of 17-year-old Jonathan Lewis' death. Jonathan Lewis was living with his mother in Las Vegas when he died, and was planning to move to Austin, Texas (Team Jonathan website)

The arrests come weeks after Jonathan succumbed to trauma injuries suffered in a beatdown near Rancho High School. The Clark County coroner's office has listed the manner of death as a homicide, leading to a slew of arrests.

All the accused arrested are aged between 13 and 17 and are students of Rancho High School.

On November 1, around 15 youths allegedly brutally attacked 17-year-old Jonathan Lewis near Rancho High School when he tried to stand up for a younger friend who had been robbed by the gang.

Also Read: Las Vegas teen dies days after being beaten by 15 bullies

The authorities are still on the lookout for 2 more teens who are believed to be involved in the fatal attack on Johnathan. FBI had assisted in the arrest

The horrific video had captured Jonathan getting beaten by bullies in school after they got into a scuffle over stolen wireless headphones and a vape pen. This after they all agreed to meet in an alley and fight over it.

The police is not labelling the incident as a hate crime even though Johnathan, a white boy, was beaten up by all black boy gang. In a press meet they agreed that the incident was "void of humanity."

All those arrested will be prosecuted as adults, however because of them being minors police will not be releasing their names.

After his death Jonathans father, also named Jonathan Lewis, had set up a GoFundMe account and wrote, 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.
Flying of Palestinian flag has been approved in North Andover town of Massachusetts until December 7, according to a report by Fox News. The report says that officials gave the permission on Monday for the black, white, red and green flag to be flown in the Town's Common. The Palestinian flag was raised on Tuesday morning. Flying of Palestinian flag has been approved in North Andover town of Massachusetts until December 7(X(formerly Twitter))

On Monday night, a board meeting was attended by the residents where comments were made in favour and opposition of the flag to be flown. During the meeting, police were present to maintain law and order.

As per the report, a resident named Salma Boulal argued in favour of flying the Palestinian flag. She said if Israel gets to fly its flag in the North Andover common, the same right should be applicable in case of Palestine.

Earlier, an Israeli flag was allowed to fly in the Town Common in October after Hamas terrorists had attacked Southern Israel.

ALSO READ| Its up to Harry: Fans fire salvos in comments to Prince William's birthday post for King Charles

Meanwhile, the decision to allow the flying of Palestinian flag has been met with criticism. In an interaction with Fox News Digital, Marc Freedman who is president of the Congregation Ahavat Olam, said he was disgusted and horrified by the towns decision to raise the Palestinian flag.

"The town was a coward. I dont believe the flag should have been raised because today it is a symbol of hatred and antisemitism," said Freedman.

Talking about the Town Select Board meeting on Monday, Freedman shared that 600 people were present during the meeting. He informed that anyone who wanted to speak was given 3 minutes time and after an hour, the public commentary was stopped. He shared that two microphones were setup. Those speaking in favour of flying the Palestinian flag lined up at one, while those against the idea spoke through the other microphone.

Here's how netizens reacted to the decision to allow the flying of the Palestinian flag

America: American's are being held hostage in Gaza! North Andover, Massachusetts Elite, white Liberals: Let's vote to fly the Palestinian flag in the town square. Liberalism is a disease, posted one user.

"North Andover Massachusetts approved a permit to fly the Palestinian flag in the town square. Cuz after all Palestinians are the real victims here," wrote another user sarcastically.
US authorities are urgently looking for a 28-year-old man who disappeared after falling off a Louisiana cruise ship in the Gulf of Mexico. On Monday, November 13, The New Orleans Coast Guard received a report about an unaccounted-for passenger from the Carnival Glory cruise ship bound for Montego Bay, Jamaica. Two aircraft were launched to conduct searches immediately after the report was received. According to the statement released by the 8th District Coast Guard, the man was identified as Tyler Barnett of Houma, Louisiana. FILE PHOTO: The Carnival cruise ship Sunrise is seen docked at Miami Port, in Miami, Florida, U.S., June 18, 2022. Picture taken with a drone. REUTERS/Marco Bello/File Photo(REUTERS)

Barnett was last seen on security camera at approximately midnight Monday morning according to the Coast Guard Third Class Petty Officer Anthony Randisi, who confirmed his identity. Matt Lupoli, a spokesperson for the Carnival Cruise Line revealed that the cruise's security teams began searching for Barnett after being alerted by his family. The search was discontinued overnight after severe weather conditions and safety concerns but it was resumed on Tuesday morning.

Lupoli added, Our Care Team is supporting the missing guests family on board. The authorities confirmed that District Eight watchstanders immediately launched a Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew and an Air Station Clearwater HC-130 Super Hercules aircrew to conduct searches of a roughly 200-mile area following the path of the ship's voyage. They have also transmitted urgent marine broadcasts in hopes of other vessels locating and rescuing Barnett.

Barnett's family members onboard included his sister and uncle among others, according to his grandmother, Dirlean Tate Mason. She said, It just seems odd to me that theres no camera, as many cameras as they say they have, adding, I had paced the floor and cried all day yesterday. I just want answers and Im holding out for hope. She also explained that she does not think that Barnett would ever consider taking his own life, saying, he loves his girls.
Royal expert and author Omid Scobie has weighed in on chances of reconciliation between Prince Harry and Prince William, as per a report by People. Prince William, Prince Harry(AFP)

While ties between the British Royal Family and Prince Harry continue to be strained, Scobie believes Harry's book Spare was his last effort to bare his feelings.

I saw Harrys release of Spare as his last attempt at telling his family how hes felt for years, said Scobie.

Because clearly theres never been an open enough forum to have these conversations or share these feelings, added Scobie.

ALSO READ| How economic power in the USA is shifting from New York and San Francisco

Scobie highlighted details of his research about Prince William's view of Harry. He shared that while writing his new book Endgame, he had contacted a source who weighed in on the matter.

In writing Endgame, I was talking to a source quite early on in the process, and they called Harry a defector and said that was Williams view, said Scobie.

These were two men who once upon a time were firmly aligned in their outlook. One of them had to move on to also protect the crown, he added.

Talking about the chances of resolving the disputes among members of the British Royal Family including the rift between Prince Harry and Prince William, Scobie said Theres a real chance here to learn and adapt to modern society and also make up for mistakes of the past. Its their move.

King Charles' 75th birthday

Meanwhile on November 14, King Charles III celebrated his 75th birthday. On the auspicious day, he started a new scheme to tackle food poverty and prevent wastage of food. The scheme titled 'Coronation Food Project' is being seen as an attempt to feed the hungry.

"Wishing His Majesty The King a very happy 75th birthday!," wished Prince William on Instagram.
He went by Bruce, and his story began on a North Dakota farm far from civilization. He was
Security Council renews mandate of UN peacekeeping mission in CAR

Xinhua) 00:47, November 16, 2023

UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Security Council on Wednesday adopted a resolution to renew the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (CAR) for a year, till Nov. 15, 2024.

Resolution 2709 also decides that the peacekeeping mission, known by its French acronym as MINUSCA, shall maintain its current personnel level - 14,400 troops and 3,020 police officers.

The resolution won the approval of 14 of the 15 Security Council members. Russia abstained.

Resolution 2709 decides that MINUSCA's mandate is designed to advance a multiyear strategic vision to create the political, security and institutional conditions conducive to national reconciliation and durable peace through the implementation of the 2019 Political Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation and the elimination of the threat posed by armed groups.

The resolution authorizes MINUSCA to take all necessary means to carry out its mandate within its capabilities and areas of deployment.

The resolution sets as priority tasks of MINUSCA the protection of civilians; support for the extension of state authority, the deployment of security forces, and the preservation of territorial integrity; good offices and support to the CAR peace process; facilitation of delivery of humanitarian assistance; and the protection of UN personnel, installations, equipment and goods, as well as the security and freedom of movement of UN and associated personnel.

(Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Sheng Chuyi)
Townsville's first luxury hotel, Ardo is just weeks away from welcoming its first guests with Morris Group announcing reservations for Ardo will open on November 20. From high-end accommodation across 132 rooms and suites, world-class dining, and a luxurious day spa to a stunning rooftop pool deck with postcard-worthy views across the Coral Sea, Ardo is set to redefine North Queensland's hotel landscape.

Ardo and The Ville CEO Michael Jones said Ardo is one of the most highly anticipated hotel openings of the year for North Queensland.

Guests will be able to choose from three different hotel room options including Courtyard, Marina or Ocean, with each room offering 33sqm of luxurious space and either a private balcony or courtyard to bask in the tropical breeze.

For those seeking something more spacious, a suite option is more akin to a stunning residence, ranging from 40sqm to 107sqm but with all the luxuries hotel rooms are known for. If a romantic escape is on the cards or perhaps some R&R, opt for the Ardo Suite that comes with a beautiful curved outdoor bath and daybed, or select a Corner or an Ocean Suite to enjoy a wrap-around balcony for outdoor dining.

A party of four, groups or families can double the holiday luxe thanks to interconnecting rooms - enjoy Family or Family Ocean Suites offering two bedrooms, bathrooms and balconies.

All rooms and suites are finished with cork floors paired with free-form concrete ceilings and bespoke bathrooms in terrazzo surfaces and mosaic tiles, complemented by make-up mirror, dual shower heads with rainfall shower and fluffy bathrobes. Plus enjoy high-tech inclusions such as a tablet control centre, WiFi, LCD television and streaming of all your favourite apps. The suites and rooms are complete with all of the five-star service inclusions you would expect, from a fully stocked gourmet mini bar, lavish in-room dining and first-class housekeeping - so you don't have to lift a finger.

When it comes to dining, guests will be able to choose from three restaurant offerings, the biggest luxury multi-restaurant launch ever seen in Townsville, each designed to sit at the top of Queensland's culinary experiences list. Marmor is inspired by the region's world-class meat and seafood offerings with a focus on offering contemporary Australian cuisine, while the casual yet cool Japanese restaurant, Terasu, will present a lively take on traditional Japanese fare. The signature Ardo Rooftop, overlooking the stunning infinity pool and coral sea, is the perfect place to unwind and let your worries float away. Restaurants are strictly bookings only.

For those looking for some pampering, the Ardo Day Spa will launch a new level of resort-styled relaxation. Ardo guests will also be able to access The Ville precinct's amenities (Morris Group's neighbouring resort) which include the famous oceanside swimming pool with a swim-up bar, gym and casino.

Website bookings will open on November 20 from 10am onwards and phone bookings from 2pm at +61 4722 2333. Ardo will officially open its doors on December 11. Visit https://ardohotel.au/ to find out more or register to receive updates. Room rates vary and minimum stay periods apply during peak season.

Hotel website
Avi Brosh's Palisociety has announced the opening of Palihouse Hyde Park Village, the first hotel in the rapidly expanding area and the brand's debut foray into Tampa, marking its fifth opening of 2023.

Located on a tree-lined street within the upscale Hyde Park neighborhood, in the heart of historic Tampa, Palihouse Hyde Park Village is a 36-guest room hideaway cloaked in European-inspired style with a considerable dose of Palisociety's signature, irreverent design layered throughout. As the first hotel in the newly developed area that features brick walkways and majestic oak trees alongside premier retail shops, juiceries, coffee shops and a weekly farmer's market, Palihouse Hyde Park anchors the area with its intimate, highly detailed experience and aesthetic.

Guests are welcomed into a private entrance area paved with terrazzo checkerboard flooring that anchors a grand, white oak wood-ensconced staircase surrounding a handmade amber glass, three-tier chandelier. The staircase leads you to the hotel's check in, The Lobby Bar, and guest rooms, all situated on the second floor above street level. The design evokes a highly curated interpretation of Palisociety style with walls adorned in pale celery green and light, wood paneling, hand-selected design elements including an extensive collection of framed Hermes scarves, vintage artwork, Palisociety "P" signature pieces and a layered, comfortable mix of patterns, textiles and antique furniture and accessories that is synonymous with the brand's eponymous sense of place.

The hotel will play host with a second-level lobby lounge, cafe and bar offering an all-day dining menu including Palisociety favorites such as lobster tacos, a classic burger, gin-marinated olives and a Paliclub, as well as specialty coffee and espresso, classic cocktails, beer and wine. The generously sized guest rooms, also situated on the hotel's second story, feature kitchenettes equipped with Smeg mini fridges, custom dining tables, gallery art walls, brass Waterworks fixtures, and bespoke library seating in most rooms. Guests enjoy Palisociety staples including Diptyque bath amenities, Bellino fine linens. Nespresso coffee machines and carefully curated mini bars, stocked with a premium assortment of snacks and libations. Walls are awash in a soft celery green color counterbalanced with wood furnishings, a mix of vintage and custom pieces, and beloved brand touches including personally selected artwork, Palisociety "P" throw pillows, curtain adorned kitchenette cupboards, and more. The overall impression is one that honors Florida's colorful and warm personality with a charming dose of European-influenced style and sensibility.

Hotel guests enjoy signature amenities including a carefully curated neighborhood guide to the best of Tampa, complimentary access to nearby Hyde House co-working space, specially priced classes at Barry's Bootcamp in Hyde Park Village, and more. As with all Palisociety hotels, pets are welcome guests with the Pawlisociety program perks and special touches and a handpicked Pali Vibes soundtrack throughout the hotel rotates weekly.

Palihouse Hyde Park Village is Palisociety's 19th property, alongside 12 Palisociety, two Le Petit Pali and four ARRIVE by Palisociety destinations. The hotel is now open at 1509 W. Swann Avenue in Tampa; online reservations are now available at palisociety.com. For more information, follow @palisociety.

Hotel website
Executive Head Chef, Jane-Therese Mulry is set to take guests on an exquisite culinary journey at Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island, which is expected to begin welcoming guests in the coming months.

With over 20 years of experience, Chef Mulry brings a wealth of culinary expertise to her new role. She began her career at the three Michelin-starred restaurant, White Star Line in United Kingdom and has worked at prestigious venues such as The Siam in Thailand and Qualia Great Barrier Reef in Australia. In 2020, she founded Plantfood Cooperative, an innovative food manufacturing company that develops a range of plant-based gluten-free products harvested from local communities in South Africa.

Chef Mulry will oversee culinary operations across Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island's six world-class bars and restaurants. 'Moulin' takes guests on a soil-to-soul dining experience, showcasing the embodiment of Chef Mulry's passion for conscious eating. The resort's signature restaurant, 'Moulin' will also double up as a cookery school during the day, transforming into a unique dining experience at evening-time.

Meanwhile 'Peacock Terrace' is a timeless lounge for light bites and drinks, 'Maison des Epices' offers Creole-Latino cuisine, and 'La Perle' provides an elevated Mediterranean culinary experience. The resort is also home to 'Torti', a vibrant pool bar known for its customisable bento boxes, and 'Lalin', the perfect destination for pre-dinner drinks and nightcaps.

Emma Banks, vice president, F&B strategy and development, EMEA, Hilton, said: "As we look forward to opening this remarkable Waldorf Astoria resort in the Seychelles, I am delighted that Chef Mulry is leading its world-class culinary team. Her unique vision will take guests on a holistic, sustainable, and immersive journey, rooted in local Creole dining traditions and featuring international flavours. It is also wonderful to see another talented woman chef in our Hilton food and drink ranks, bringing significant experience to what will become an iconic dining destination in our global luxury portfolio."

Elias Pertoft, general manager, Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island, said: "Chef Mulry's culinary leadership will foster an environment of excellence and teamwork across the resort. Our dining venues will reflect a new chapter of luxury hospitality in the Seychelles, emphasising the Waldorf Astoria brand's culinary ethos, with a strong focus on sustainability and local sourcing."

The soon-to-open Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island will create a new benchmark for luxury island hospitality in the Indian Ocean and will feature 50 seafront villas, a luxury spa, kids club and marine conservation discovery centre.
For over 25 years, the travel industry's most influential leaders from around the world attend The Phocuswright Conference - visionary thinkers and innovators with powerful, groundbreaking ideas among them. You can count on seeing companies like Tripadvisor, Expedia, Google, Airbnb, Booking Holdings, Hilton, Hopper, OYO, MakeMyTrip, Trip.com Group, KAYAK, Sabre and more of the biggest names in every sector of travel. No other conference unites this diverse mix in such an engaging format.

When you attend The Phocuswright Conference, you gain a wealth of knowledge - not only about travel, but technology and innovation as well. You gain lasting connections with the industry's most significant leaders. You gain business partners, funding, investment opportunities and the inspiration to go back to your company to make big decisions - and big changes.

This event is organized by Phocuswright
BANGKOK, THAILAND - S Hotels and Resorts PCL (SET: SHR, or the Company), the global hospitality company from Singha Estate PCL (SET: S), has announced that it generated THB 7,222 million (approx. USD 203 million) in revenue in the first nine months of 2023, a significant increase of 18% from the same period last year. This achievement highlights the continued resurgence of the global tourism industry, from which the Companys operations have greatly benefited.

The average occupancy rate of the Companys hotels, based solely on the rooms that are open for service, was a robust 71% - an increase of 12% from the prior year. Additionally, the Average Daily Rate (ADR) has shown substantial growth in line with the burgeoning demand for travel and improving economic conditions, as well as shifts in consumer and travel behaviours. The Companys average ADR has witnessed significant growth, reaching THB 5,560 in the first nine months of 2023, an improvement from THB 5,049 the previous year. This has led to an impressive 29% rise in Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR), reaching THB 3,821. Alongside continuous cost control and expense management, the Company reported an Adjusted EBITDA of THB 1,749 million, a substantial increase of 35% compared to the same period last year.

Mr. Dirk De Cuyper, CEO of S Hotels & Resorts, highlighted the fact that the tourism industry has witnessed a marked recovery during the first nine months of 2023.

Since the beginning of the year, there has been a significant increase in occupancy rates, buoyed by the surge in travel demand and the price-setting ability of S Hotels & Resorts due to the advantageous locations of our hotels in leading tourist destinations. Coupled with our commitment to service excellence and proactive marketing strategies, these factors have enabled our hotels to increase revenue across all geographies, all of which are important tourist destinations, particularly in Thailand, where revenue has doubled due to the popularity of the location and its high-spending, loyal customer base, including Russian, German, and British tourists, leading to an impressive occupancy rate of 80% excluding rooms under renovation. The United Kingdom portfolio hotels continue to be the main revenue contributor, accounting for 42% of the total revenue from services. This reflected robust growth driven by domestic demand and government business, along with the company's strategic approach to managing RevPAR and identifying solutions for efficiency improvement, which resulted in year-on-year revenue growth of 12%. In the Maldives however, the growth of the CROSSROADS Maldives project may not appear as prominent when compared to 2022, when the Maldivian tourism industry experienced a significant recovery and outperformed other major tourist destinations. Combined with the economic slowdown in Europe, which is a major market for the Maldives, this resulted in increasing price competition within the industry. Consequently, the Company achieved a moderate 5% year-on-year increase in revenue.

The hotel business is expected to exhibit a distinct upward trend in the final quarter of the year, continuing into 2024, fuelled by the continuous growth of the tourism sector and the resurgence of inter-regional travel, aligned with the increase in air lift. 2023 marks the first year that global tourism has fully reopened, and S Hotels & Resorts is witnessing an uptrend in new market segments across all regions it operates in. Now, the Company is preparing new products that align with the latest travel trends and capitalize on these opportunities to reach potential clients, while maintaining its high service standards. In this regard, the renovation of the Company's core hotels, including Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, SAii Laguna Phuket, SAii Phi Phi Island Village, and select hotels in the United Kingdom, is proceeding as part of the strategic plan to enhance the efficiency and performance of the portfolio. The newly renovated rooms will be ready to welcome guests before the start of each countrys high season, with the aim of enhancing the hotels competitive capability and generating efficient profitability. The company has set a target that the renovated rooms will raise ADR by 15-25%.

Mr. De Cuyper provided additional insight, stating: We continue to witness positive growth indicators in the tourism sector across all countries where we operate. This makes us confident that the Company's revenue will continue to expand steadily in 2024.

The Company has witnessed signs of recovery, particularly during the upcoming high season of Maldives tourism, supported by macroeconomic factors such as increased flight routes and frequencies, and an uptick in employment within the tourism industry, aligning with the moderate recovery in room booking rates. Coupled with a strategic approach to managing RevPAR, including the expansion of sales channels and new customer bases. Additionally, the newly opened SO/ Maldives hotel, which started operations in November, has received a good response. This enhances the CROSSROADS Maldives project, offering a comprehensive range of product options that cater to various market segments, solidifying its position as the leading integrated leisure destination in the Maldives.

In the UK, the Company is continuing its asset rotation strategy by focusing on higher-quality investments and meticulously selecting assets with the potential to enhance returns. Along with elevating the brand and bolstering operational efficiency, this approach is aimed at strengthening the portfolio's resilience and positioning it to fully capitalize on the growth of the domestic leisure industry.

The Companys portfolio of hotels in Thailand exhibited remarkable growth in 2023, with a strategic focus on enhancing the competitiveness of core assets to sustainably meet the increasing demand in Phuket and Phi Phi. The comprehensive plan for hotel renovations and room upgrades is scheduled between 2023 and 2025, with construction activities planned only during the off-peak seasons each year. This schedule is designed to ensure that the newly renovated rooms will be available to accommodate tourists during the peak of the high season each year, maximizing the pricing potential.

Furthermore, S Hotels & Resorts anticipates that Q1 2024 will witness the peak performance period for its portfolio in Thailand, due to the full availability of room capacity and the increased room rates resulting from the introduction of new products.

The Outrigger hotel portfolio is anticipated to be a key driver for financial performance in 2024, bolstered by three main factors. (1) The Fijian market is anticipated to continue its expansion, buoyed not only by increased demand from travellers from Australia and New Zealand, its primary markets, but also through rising popularity among tourists from North America, Europe, and Asia. This is expected to result in a strong occupancy rate for both hotels in Fiji, while driving up ADR. (2) The completion of a major renovation in Fiji, including guest room and public area enhancements which will be 100% completed by December this year. S Hotels & Resorts is optimistic that its new products will deliver an enhanced experience for tourists and significantly and sustainably boost its ability to increase ADR. (3) Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort, which has been welcoming guests since November 2023, after a major water management system upgrade, coincides with the country's high tourism season, will now embark on its first full year of operations.

Dirk De Cuyper, CEO of S Hotels & Resorts, concludes: S Hotels & Resorts has operated in accordance with the previously announced plans, pushing forward its financial performance to meet the outlined objectives despite the prevailing economic uncertainty in certain markets, adverse factors, and unforeseeable events. However, I, together with the management team and all staff members, have dedicated our collective efforts and resources to fulfilling the commitments made to our shareholders and stakeholders. Moreover, in October, we succeeded in issuing bonds, raising THB 1.3 billion to establish a robust and sustainable business foundation, such as accommodating the plan to upgrade and enhance the efficiency of our portfolio, as well as pursuing even greater investment in the future.

For more information about S Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.shotelsresorts.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or LinkedIn.

About S Hotels & Resorts Public Company Limited

S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited, the hospitality arm of Singha Estate Public Company Limited, is a fast-growing, Thai-inspired company with an extensive international portfolio and world-class standards. Specialising in the management and investment of high-quality hotels and resorts in desirable destinations across the globe, S Hotels & Resorts has created a collection of its own distinctive lifestyle brands, whilst also partnering with the hospitality industry's leading names. The company aims to set new standards for leisure and lifestyle through diversified business platforms and to enhance value for all its stakeholders based upon a philosophy of sustainable development and delivering benefits to local communities. To learn more, please visit www.shotelsresorts.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, or LinkedIn.

Lalita Somboonsuk (Ta)

Corporate Marketing Communications Manager

S Hotels & Resorts
Zurich - Creative Supply, the Zurich-based creative consultancy specialising in the hospitality industry, launches the 2nd edition of its flagship Hospitality Concept Handbook to equip hospitality executives and property owners with the tools and mindset to launch and operate successful hospitality concepts. The Handbook is available for free download from the Creative Supply website.

The Hospitality Concept Handbook is the result of Creative Supply's decade of consulting and education in the hospitality industry. It is the first and only publication to bring together strategy, operations and marketing to create hospitality concepts.

Key trends such as luxury brands entering the hospitality market (Jaeger-LeCoultre Cafe, Gucci Osteria), the impact of technology on the customer experience (CitizenM, Boostbar), the rise of smart collaborations (Swiss x Miro, On Running x FlexOffice) to celebrity restaurants (Nusr-Et, Dj Khaled) are explored throughout the handbook. In total, more than 110 brands, from hotels to restaurants, retail and office spaces around the world are featured, including exclusive case studies of projects realised by Creative Supply.

For years we have been working with and training property owners and hospitality executives to create unique brands and guest experiences. This handbook shares all our latest knowledge and experience with the ambition to create the new global standard for hospitality concept development. Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Creative Supply, Youri Sawerschel

Creative Supply's new handbook reveals the secret formula behind the world's best hospitality concepts Source: Creative Supply

The publication introduces an updated version of the Hospitality Concept Blueprint, a unique framework developed by Creative Supply and taught at leading universities such as EHL Hospitality Business School, ESSEC Paris and HEC Paris. The Hospitality Concept Blueprint breaks down the 8 fundamental building blocks behind the success of any successful hospitality concept, namely Storytelling, Space Design, Customer Offering, Brand Identity, Team & Culture, Community Activation, Communication Channels and Partner Ecosystem.

Suitable for independents and global brands alike, the Hospitality Concept Handbook provides dozens of practical tips for overcoming the challenges of creating, launching and operating a hospitality concept. A series of exclusive webinars, events and workshops will be held in 2024 to accompany the launch of the Hospitality Concept Handbook.

About the handbook author

Youri Sawerschel is the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Creative Supply. Solicited for his creative thinking skills, Youri has been involved with projects focused on creating, launching and managing brands in Europe, China and the Middle-East. He has worked with brands as diverse as Kempinski Hotels, UBS, EPFL and Mondelez. Youri is also the author of dozens of articles on the topics of brand strategy, storytelling and entrepreneurship and is a lecturer at HEC Paris, at EHL Hospitality Business School, at ESSEC Business School in Paris. Youri graduated from the Ecole des Arts Decoratifs in Geneva and holds a Bachelor from EHL Hospitality Business School (where he also co-founded the Young Hoteliers Summit).

About Creative Supply

Founded in 2015, Creative Supply is a full-service creative consultancy designing brands, experiences and campaigns with a strategic mind and a human touch. Creative Supply is trusted by some of the world's most visionary leaders at UBS, ABB, Kempinski, EPFL, LVMH, Mondelez, Marriott, ProtonMail, Swiss Arbitration, Vienna House, FlexOffice and more. Creative Supply's projects and publications are regularly cited by esteemed industry news sources such as Frame, The Wall Street Journal, Monocle, Hospitality Net, Le Figaro, The Economist and The Telegraph. From students to executives, Creative Supply also empowers thousands of branding, digital and marketing enthusiasts through lectures, seminars, conferences and a free online Learning Hub.

creativesupply.ch

Youri Sawerschel

Head Branding & Strategy

Creative Supply
MUMBAI - Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), Indias largest hospitality company, today announced the signing of two new Taj-branded hotels in Phobjikha and Paro, in Bhutan. These are Brownfield projects.

These signings demonstrates IHCLs commitment to the region and our focus on expanding our footprint in key leisure destinations. We are delighted to bring two Taj branded hotels to the Kingdom of Bhutan with its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This also furthers our longstanding partnership with the CG Group. Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL

The 45 keys Taj resort in Paro is spread over 7.6 acres surrounded by protected forests is a tranquil oasis in the lap of nature, graced by a stream running along the property. The idyllic retreat will offer an all-day diner, speciality restaurant and bar, complemented by recreational amenities including an indoor swimming pool, gym, spa and meeting facilities. Steeped in history, Paro, boasts sacred sites and historical buildings set against a breath-taking backdrop of snow-capped Himalayan peaks.

Nestled in the enchanting Phobjikha valley, 34 keys Taj resort spread over 3.5 acres will feature an all-day-diner, alfresco speciality restaurant, bar along with spa and fitness facilities. Phobjikha promises adventurous journeys, from mountain treks to visits to the venerable Gangtey Monastery, all amidst a serene environment that leaves a lasting impression.

Taking forward our partnership with IHCL spanning 25 years and 12 assets across 6 countries, the two Bhutan hotels built with sustainability at the core, will showcase the unique blend of traditional Bhutanese charm and Taj's unmatched hospitality, offering travellers an unforgettable stay in the Himalayan kingdom. Dr. Binod Chaudhary, Chairman, CG Corp Global and CG Hospitality Global

Bhutan, not only captivates with its natural beauty but also serves as a pilgrim and wellness tourism hub.

About The Indian Hotels Company Limited

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and its subsidiaries bring together a group of brands and businesses that offer a fusion of warm Indian hospitality and world-class service. These include Taj  the iconic brand for the most discerning travellers and ranked as India's Strongest Brand 2023 as per Brand Finance; SeleQtions, a named collection of hotels; Vivanta, sophisticated upscale hotels; and Ginger, which is revolutionising the lean luxe segment.

Incorporated by the founder of the Tata Group, Jamsetji Tata, the Company opened its first hotel - The Taj Mahal Palace, in Bombay in 1903. IHCL has a portfolio of 276 hotels including 83 under development globally across 4 continents, 11 countries and in over 100 locations. The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) is India's largest hospitality company by market capitalization. It is primarily listed on the BSE and NSE.

Please visit: www.ihcltata.com; www.tajhotels.com; www.seleqtionshotels.com; www.vivantahotels.com; www.gingerhotels.com

Kirti Dhingra

IHCL
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) is pleased to announce a selection of authoritative organizations as sponsors for its new European event: Digital Horizons 360 Symposium (DH360), with Fourteen IP as its exclusive Level I sponsor. This invitation-only symposium will span two-days, February 20-21, at the Palau de Congressos de Palma in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. DH360 is a non-sales event for hospitality leaders to participate in roundtable discussions on the technologies set to have the biggest industry impact in Europe.

DH360 has also gained sponsorship support from multiple organizations at varying levels. These include: VENZA, Ecole hoteliere de Lausanne (EHL) and Infrateq.

HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe said, The driving thread through DH360 is the opportunity to explore pressing technology issues faced by the European hospitality industry, where all angles of the selected topics are dissected. With the support and input of our sponsors, participants will benefit from their extensive and globe-spanning experience in a straightforward, informational discussion. We are grateful for their support and recognition of this inaugural symposium, which we expect to become a key event going forward.

Fourteen IP is a global systems integrator to the hospitality industry providing cloud telephony, guest internet access and AI powered virtual agent solutions across Europe, North America and Mexico. Fourteen IP supports leading hotels and groups worldwide, together with individual boutique and independent hotels.

Company representatives will provide a starting brief at its roundtable with a current perspective on the fast-growing, AI-powered technology segment based on the development and deployment of its solutions. This will be followed by a robust and moderated dialog with senior technology leaders attending the Symposium.

Fourteen IP CEO Neil Tolley said, We are excited to be sponsoring and participating in this inaugural technology symposium. We welcome the opportunity to share our experiences, challenges and successes in the development and support of what we consider to be the foremost AI-powered voice assistant solution for hotels. We look forward to engaging with hospitality leaders from across Europe and leading a roundtable discussion focused on AI, which will include prominent figures from the AI industry.

Additionally, Level 2 sponsors will lead other sessions on the program: Venza Group on cybersecurity and EHL on talent acquisition and retention.

DH360 was created in response to a growing interest in an event of this kind, a goal for DH360 is to establish an EU hospitality technology thought leadership community. The program will elevate the relevant discussions beyond the traditional hospitality tech supply chain.

Key to the impact and endurance of this event is resulting coverage of the discussions. To assist, HFTP has partnered with EHL to moderate and publish a follow-up report. Also partnering with HFTP on this event is hospitality media company Hospitality Net.

Top European hospitality executives such as CIOs, vice presidents, IT leaders and decision-makers are invited to submit their interest to attend.

About HFTP

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), established in 1952, is a hospitality nonprofit association headquartered in Austin, Texas USA with offices in the EU and Middle East. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with an international network of members and stakeholders. HFTP uniquely understands the industry's pressing issues, and assists its stakeholders in finding solutions to their challenges more efficiently than any organization. HFTP offers expert networks, educational resources, career development programs, research, leadership opportunities and conferences and events. HFTP produces international events throughout the year, including the world's largest hospitality technology tradeshow and conference brand: HITEC. In addition, it oversees the hospitality-specific Pineapplesearch.com and the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI). For more information about HFTP, visit www.hftp.org. For the latest news, visit the HFTP News page at news.hftp.org and the HFTP Connect blog at blog.hftp.org.

Caroline Palmer

Administrative Assistant

HFTP
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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About This Property

This southeast Pittsfield Split Level home affords loads of living space welcoming extended family, au pairs, health aides or just plain stretching out! A Tennessee marble fireplace with a remote operated temp-controlled natural gas insert warms chilly days and nights with ease. The lower walk-out level offers a full kitchen, newer full bath, large laundry room, family area, office/hobby room and spacious bedroom if desired. Four bedrooms and 1.5 baths on the upper level complete the home. Truly convenient location, close to schools, shopping and Canoe Meadows wildlife sanctuary. An oversized two car garage addition is perfect for a workshop or hobby enthusiast. So many recent improvements noted as well. Be sure not to miss this incredibly spacious home.


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Napoleon Bonaparte was there, at the dawn of cinema  the subject of an 1897 short by Louis Lumiere. In 1927, he occupied the mind of French filmmaker Abel Gance, whose 330-minute epic, one of the mediums great technical achievements, was intended to be the first of six films on Napoleons life. And hes continued, ever since, to frustrate cinemas greats: Charlie Chaplin, Stanley Kubrick, and Steven Spielberg all dreamed of and failed to bring Napoleon to screen. His allure  a mire of genius, megalomania, and hubris  has proven irresistible to storytellers dedicated to capturing the endless contradictions of the human spirit.

Ridley Scotts Napoleon, ultimately, has no real sense of the definitive to it. Its a culmination, only, of the directors own legacy as one of our finest storytellers and a formative auteur of pop culture. In short, its the life of Napoleon as only Scott can tell it, full of verve, spectacle, and machismo. Its battle scenes are thrilling, a throwback to the sort of spectacle no one in Hollywood  save, well, Ridley Scott  is interested in anymore. But it can be equally dispassionate, in a way that duly and accurately captures the man one contemporary described as a chess master whose opponents happen to be the rest of humanity.

Its a dense bit of history to tell. We begin with a young Napoleon (Joaquin Phoenix), a Corsican lieutenant whose military acumen made him indispensable to the power-hungry men like Paul Barras (Tahar Rahim), who capitalised on the chaos that erupted out of Frances revolution. But Napoleon was able to carve out his path to the position of first consul, then emperor, and swept through Europe like a firestorm  only to find out, too late, and much like his hero Alexander the Great, that empires cannot sustain themselves on conquests alone. He was defeated at Waterloo, and then exiled by the British to St Helena, where he died six years later. Its said that three million French men died for the sake of his follies.

Scott, here, adds bloody spectacle to this empire built on cannon fire. Its a trademark of his historical work, from his debut, 1977s The Duellists, up to 2021s The Last Duel. And, in an effort to truncate so many notable events into one, two-and-a-half-hour film, he expresses a formidable efficiency in visual language. The brutality of a 19th-century battlefield is viewed from underneath the ice at Austerlitz, where 2,000 Russian soldiers were drowned by a few well-aimed cannon shots, or within the shuffle of British infantry into the square formations that fended off French cavalry at Waterloo.

He also, as others have done, lays much of Napoleons impenetrable psychology at the feet of his Empress, Josephine de Beauharnais, brilliantly rendered by Vanessa Kirby as haughty, clever, and ingeniously manipulative. Nothing about their courtship is romantic, but it is perversely watchable  a romance between two sociopaths committed to the performance of love. The sex they have is brief, vulgar, and absurd. Napoleons idea of seduction is to whinny and stamp his feet like a horse.

Napoleon is a traditional, historical epic rendered in Scotts own brawny, cannily modern style. David Scarpas script matches those ambitions, though its at its weakest when it bends to narrative convenience. Scott may be entirely within his rights to demand pesky fact-checkers get a life, but the way Napoleons legacy still shapes modern French political discourse doesnt entirely exempt him from responsibility here. And, in the films rush to present Napoleons desire to conquer the world as a substitute for his inability to conquer his wife, it tends to overshadow the cruel and mechanical machine that drove his empire  the one that reintroduced slavery in the West Indies or oversaw the massacre at the siege of Jaffa, in the Ottoman Empire.

Yet, equally, youd have to profoundly misread Scotts Napoleon to walk away with the idea that he was anything but a tyrant, thanks largely to Phoenixs reliable brilliance. His Napoleon is one of the finest in a long line of petulant baby men that can be traced back to his star-making turn as Emperor Commodus in Scotts own Gladiator. Its a performance thats not only deeply convincing, magnetic in its ugliness, but canny in its approach  by lending a touch of arrested development to the man, he becomes an instantly recognisable brand of despot to modern audiences (hint hint, cough cough).

Joaquin Phoenix is reliably brilliant in Napoleon ( Sony Pictures/Apple)

As Phoenix howls, scowls, and storms his way through Napoleon, you get a real sense that Scott has had his cake and eaten it. He gorges on the thrill of military victory that formed the centre of Napoleons propaganda campaign (including a perfect recreation of the Jacques-Louis David painting of his coronation, followed by a pan down to David himself at the canvas). And, yet, hes able to throw up a middle finger at that same illusion. This wont be the last word on Napoleon, certainly  but its a compelling one, at least.

Dir: Ridley Scott. Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Vanessa Kirby, Tahar Rahim, Ben Miles, Ludivine Sagnier, Matthew Needham, Youssef Kerkour, Edouard Philipponnat, Rupert Everett. 15, 157 minutes.

Napoleon is in cinemas from 22 November
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South Koreas intelligence agency said it has identified 38 Korean-language news websites that are suspected of being run by Chinese companies with some allegedly spreading pro-China and anti-US content.

South Koreas National Intelligence Service (NIS) said two Chinese public relations firms were involved in creating fake websites in the country masquerading as members of the Korea Digital News Association.

It said these fake websites used domain names similar to companies in South Korea and published articles from local news outlets without permission.

An unidentified organisation also tried to influence public opinion of people in Korea by spreading pro-China propaganda and anti-US content through websites and NewsWire  a Seoul-based press release distributing platform  reported Yonhap news agency.

These reports praised the Chinese government for its handling of the Covid pandemic and argued how South Koreas involvement in the US-led Summit for Democracy brought "more harm than good.

The NIS said all the websites were exposed by the intelligence agency along with cyber security firms.

It vowed to closely monitor the activities of Chinese firms aimed to extend its cyber influence in South Korea and said it will collaborate with relevant government agencies to close down counterfeit news sites.

It comes as South Koreas president Yoon Suk-yeol arrived in the US on Wednesday to attend the high-stakes Apec summit while South Korean and Chinese officials are in talks for a possible meeting between the leaders, Seouls foreign ministry said.

Mr Yoon has also said that he plans to seek support from other leaders for a coordinated response to growing military ties between North Korea and Russia amid the Ukraine war, which he has condemned as a serious threat to regional security.

The US has previously warned against the Chinese disinformation campaign, saying it could eventually sway how decisions are made around the world and undermine Washingtons interests.
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Heavy machinery was unable to clear the rubble blocking a collapsed under-construction tunnel in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand as 40 workers remained trapped inside for the fourth day.

Rescuers were now awaiting the arrival of a heavy drilling machine being airlifted to the site, according to reports.

The trapped workers were said to be safe at the moment and being provided with oxygen, water, food packets, and medicines through tubes. Communication with them was re-established via walkie-talkies, media reports said.

The tunnel collapsed after a landslide struck the region at around 5.30am on Sunday. The men were working on the Char Dham highway, one of the most ambitious projects of prime minister Narendra Modis Hindu nationalist government, which aims to connect four Hindu pilgrimage sites in the mountains through 890km (550 miles) of roads at a cost of $1.5bn (1.2bn).

There were up to 60 men on the night shift in the 4.5km (3 mile) tunnel, when it collapsed before dawn. Men near the end of the tunnel managed to get out in time but the 40 trapped men were working deeper inside.

On the fourth day of the rescue operation at the collapse site, tunnel workers and locals staged a protest against the administration and the construction company, alleging insufficient efforts to rescue those trapped inside.

One worker identified as Luv Kumar Raturi was quoted as saying by The Indian Express that officials are not talking to us properly, neither there is any actual information of what is happening inside.

We are also not allowed to go inside the tunnel. Its the fourth day and nothing conclusive is happening. Those inside are our brothers, Mr Raturi said.

Rescuers were employing a trenchless method by assembling pathways constructed with steel pipes directly through the debris, allowing the men to crawl out.

The rescue operation was hindered on Tuesday night after parts of an auger  a machine used to drill steel pipes through rubble  broke upon contact with a boulder. Another auger drilling machine was being transported to the site from Delhi, Devendra Patwal, Uttarkashi disaster management officer, said.

On Tuesday evening, fresh debris fell where the auger machine had been placed to drill holes in the piled up debris to set in the large diameter pipes. Then, again, when the rescuers started drilling through the auger machine a boulder in the debris blocked its way, he said.

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 operation.

The trapped workers were reportedly from different parts of India.

The rescue operation is challenging but we are trying our best to rescue the trapped workers, a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) official told news agency Press Trust of India.

Indias Himalayas are prone to landslides, earthquakes and floods. Geologists, residents and officials have blamed rapid construction for causing subsidence on slopes.

The road project has faced criticism from environmental experts and some work was halted after hundreds of houses were damaged by subsidence.

Work on the tunnel began in 2018 and was initially meant to be finished by July 2022. It had been due to be completed in May next year, the government said in a statement before the collapse.

Additional input from agencies
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European Union negotiators reached a deal on Wednesday to reduce highly polluting methane gas emissions from the energy sector across the 27-nation bloc.

According to experts, one of the biggest causes of climate change is methane gas emissions  second only to carbon dioxide. The gas also causes serious health problems.

Most emissions come from the energy, agriculture and waste sectors.

Under the provisional agreement announced just weeks before the COP28 climate conference, the fossil gas, oil and coal industry will be forced to properly measure, monitor, report and verify their methane emissions according to the highest monitoring standards, and take action to reduce them, said the European Commission, the EU's executive arm.

The deal needs to be formally approved by both the European Parliament and the Council, which represents member states, before the new legislation enters into force.

This came as China and the United States pledged to accelerate their efforts to address climate change ahead of a major United Nations meeting on the issue, making a commitment to take steps to reduce emissions of methane and other greenhouse gases besides carbon dioxide.

The U.S., the EU and other nations have previously committed to reduce overall methane emissions worldwide by 30% by 2030.

The Commission said the compromise requires operators to report about quantification and measurements of methane emissions at source level, and forces oil and gas companies to detect and repair methane leaks on EU soil. It also bans routine venting and flaring, which release methane in the atmosphere, and limits venting from thermal coal mines from 2027, with stricter conditions introduced after 2031.

It requires companies in the oil, gas and coal sectors to carry out an inventory of closed, inactive, plugged and abandoned assets, such as wells and mines, to monitor their emissions and to adopt a plan to mitigate these emissions as soon as possible, the Commission added.

The EU Methane Regulation for the energy sector is part of the so-called European Green Deal that seeks to establish the worlds most ambitious climate and biodiversity targets.

Since the EU imports large quantities of oil, gas and coal, the deal also requires from 2027 that new import contracts can only be sealed if the same monitoring, reporting and verification obligations are applied by exporters as for EU producers, the Commission said.
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Think of sparkling wine and the two names that will come to mind are Champagne from France and Prosecco from Italy.

The former is made from chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier and gets its fizz and flavour from fermentation in the bottle and long aging  a minimum of 15 months.

While Prosecco, made from the native Italian grape glera, offers something a little more frivolous and affordable. But theres much more to bubbles than these two famous wines.

In France alone there are dozens of different types of fizz, some based on the Champagne model whereas others aim for something totally different. Then theres Cava from Spain, and Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and yes England all make excellent wines using the same grapes as Champagne.

Theres a wide world of fizz to explore. To set you off on your effervescent journey, weve picked three distinctive wines: a Cremant de Bourgogne, a sparkler from the Languedoc and a pink Cava.

These are all delightfully fresh invigorating wines that offer beautifully sophisticated flavours at a reasonable price. While they will certainly appeal to lovers of Champagne or Prosecco, they are three highly individual wines with plenty of character that deserve to be judged on their own merits. All of them are delicious sipped neat as an aperitif but theyre also brilliant food wines as we shall see.

Folie by Gassac NV

(Mas de Daumas Gassac)

Rating: 9/10

Size: 75cl

Pairs well with: Goats cheese tart or roast chicken cooked with lots of herbs

Review in brief: A creamy lightly-sparkling Chardonnay thats packed with floral, herbal and citrus notes with a long creamy finish. Totally Irresistible.

Heres something a bit unusual, a sparkling Chardonnay from one of the greatest names in the Languedoc in the south of France, Mas de Daumas Gassac. This estate is famous for its long-lasting red wines but it makes more affordable wines like Folie by Gassac. While it is made from a Champagne grape, it gets its fizz from a similar method to Prosecco, in a pressurised tank, but its not a lot like its Italian cousin either. This method known as Charmat means that the wine majors on fresh fruit flavours like lemons and apples but theres also a delightful richness and creaminess. Its almost like a slightly sparkling white Burgundy and its gentle fizz means its perfect for those who find Champagne too bubbly. They exist!

Buy now

Domaine du Bicheron Cremant de Bourgogne, Blanc de Blancs NV

(domaine du bicheron)

Rating: 9/10

Size: 75cl

Pairs well with: Shellfish or even fish and chip

Review in brief: A lean, elegant and lemony wine with delicate little bubbles and a long nutty finish on the palate

Blanc de Blancs means that this wine is made entirely from chardonnay. Its also made using the same method as Champagne but this comes from Burgundy instead. This part of France has a long and proud tradition of making excellent sparkling wines which tend to be incredibly good value for money. Domaine du Bicheron is a family-owned quality producer in the south of the region which also makes some delicious still wines. Its Cremant de Bourgogne spends 18 months aging on its lees (dead yeast cells) which gives it a creamy, nutty texture alongside its racy citrus fruit. Your guests will think this is much more expensive than it is and theres no better sparkling wine with oysters or other shellfish.

Buy now

Pares Balta Cava Pink NV

(Pares balta)

Rating: 8/10

Size: 75cl

Pairs well with: Excellent with salmon both smoked and fresh

Review in brief: Orange peel and toastiness on the nose, then on the palate its dry with notes of cherry and a brioche

The quality of Cava has come on in leaps and bounds in the past ten years, no longer is it the bargain basement alternative to better-known sparkling wines. At the forefront of the Cava revolution are premium producers like Pares Balta, based in Penedes near Barcelona, which is entirely organic. Like all Cava, this is made using the Champagne method so you get those toasty flavours from aging but its made from native Catalan grapes. These are two classic Cava white varieties Parellada and Macabeo with around 30 per cent of the red grape garnacha (aka grenache and from Aragon originally) which gives this wine its pretty colour and red fruit flavour profile. The result is something elegant and complex, a world away from the budget Cavas of yore.

Buy now

Looking for a summer red? Pour a glass from our edit of the best chilled red wines
There comes a time in every older, still vanity-conscious mans life when he must take to the scarf. The youthful shroud of the hoodie, funnel neck and parka snorkel is left to be wasted on the young, and from his late forties onwards, throwing caution and cashmere to the wind, tying himself in a series of knots, a man will enter the flamboyant foulard years. Yes, these have come late for ITV News political editor Robert Peston, now 63, but boy is he ever making up for lost time.

Earlier this week, standing outside No 10 and announcing David Camerons appointment as foreign secretary, Peston pulled out his scarf of many colours. Tourniqueted around his skinny neck like a desert shemagh, with its rainbow hue and complex, Missoni-esque weave pattern, the scarf felt more surprising even than the former PMs shock return to the cabinet. David Cameron is back, yes, but what on earth is Peston wearing?
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Kim Kardashian revealed that her eldest daughter North West fully scams family friends with her lemonade stand.

In an interview for GQs Men of the Year issue, the 43-year-old SKIMS founder said that her daughter is too clever for her own good. She told the outlet that people she knew as well as family friends would be charged 10 times more than the average customer at Norths weekend lemonade stand.

She gets a huge pitcher and fills it, puts it in her wagon and goes down to the corner, Kardashian explained. 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, Kardashian added, noting that North is on her way to becoming a shrewd businesswoman. If she knows you, she will fully scam you. Ill get calls from my friends saying she charged them $20 for a lemonade. Shell grab their $20 and say, I dont have any change. 

Khloe Kardashian and Scott Disick previously documented North, and his daughter Penelope Disick, setting up a lemonade stand together in 2021. They chronicled the pair of cousins as they sold their lemonade for $3 a glass.

The SKIMS moguls hilarious story about North wasnt the only time Kim opened up about her children  including daughter Chicago, 5, and sons Saint, 7, and Psalm, 4  throughout the GQ interview. She admitted to the outlet that she was trying her best to give them a normal childhood but says that she often feels like shes falling short.

I try to have my kids be as normal as possible and live in a neighborhood where they can ride bikes to their cousins houses, she told the outlet. 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.

In light of finalising her divorce from their father Kanye West last year, Kim says that she tries to be gentle with her kids, saying: Ultimately, what matters is that kids feel loved and heard. 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.

The reality TV star and the Yeezy designer began dating in 2012 and eventually in May 2014 in a lavish Italian wedding in Florence. After nearly seven years of marriage, Kim filed for divorce from the Gold Digger rapper in February 2021.
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Royal titles can be hard to remember sometimes, but as for The King, he is simply referred to by many as The King, King Charles, or even Your Majesty.

The monarch marked his 75th birthday on Tuesday when he also launched his Coronation Food Project with Queen Camilla.

A video posted on X/Twitter by Royal Reporter Richard Palmer shows Charles side by side with Camilla as people sent him birthday wishes during the event.

In the video, the crowd began singing Happy Birthday, but instead of saying King Charles the group is heard saying: Happy Birthday, Your Majesty  which is one of the correct ways to formally address the monarch.

When it comes to greeting a member of the Royal Family, There are no obligatory codes of behaviour when meeting The Queen or a member of the Royal Family, but many people wish to observe the traditional forms, according to Royal.UK.

The website, which is yet to be updated after the death of the late Queen, also gives a step-by-step guide on how people can greet royal members.

The website says: For men this is a neck bow (from the head only) whilst women do a small curtsy. Other people prefer simply to shake hands in the usual way.

On presentation to The Queen, the correct formal address is Your Majesty and subsequently Maam, pronounced with a short a, as in jam.

For male members of the Royal Family the same rules apply, with the title used in the first instance being Your Royal Highness and subsequently Sir.

For other female members of the Royal Family the first address is conventionally Your Royal Highness and subsequently Maam, the website adds.

For his birthday, the King also 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.

King Charles III speaks with guests during a reception on his 75th birthday to celebrate nurses and midwives working in the UK, as part of the NHS 75 celebrations, at Buckingham Palace (PA)

The King then hosted a party for 400 nurses and midwives, saluting the NHSs 75th birthday.

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.

As for the rest of the royal family, the Prince and Princess of Wales posted a heartfelt collage of photos on X, with the caption: Wishing His Majesty The King a very happy 75th birthday!

Prince Harry, who has been away from his royal duties since 2020 and has since released a Netflix series and a memoir that exposed rivalries within the royal family  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.

Commemorating the King once more, the Royal Family official X/Twitter account posted another special tribute to the monarch.

Plastered across one of Piccadilly Circuss digital billboards was a picture of Charles with the words : Happy 75th Birthday Your Majesty.
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Mark Zuckerberg has celebrated his 20th anniversary with his wife, Priscilla Chan.

This week, the 39-year-old Meta CEO shared on Facebook a photo with his partner of 20 years - Dr Priscilla Chan - and reflected on the first time that they met. 20 years since our first date, Zuckerberg began the post. We met at a going away party my friends threw for me in college when they thought I was about to get kicked out of school.

He continued: I asked her out but told her wed need to go out soon since I might only have a few days left. Later on I started Facebook, we got married, and now have three wonderful girls. What a wild ride.

Meanwhile, Chan looked back on their marriage in her own post on Instagram, writing: He still makes me laugh all the time and we are never short wild adventures. And now we have three little ladies riding along with us!

In honour of their dateaversary, the couple recreated their old date spot from Cambridge, Massachusetts - Pinocchios Pizza - but this time in their California home. Their love story began at Harvard University in 2003, after meeting in line while waiting for the bathroom at a Zuckerbergs fraternity. At the time, he was a sophomore and she was a freshman.

By September 2010, the Facebook founder revealed that they had moved in together. In May 2012, the pair surprised guests who thought they were celebrating Chans graduation from medical school. Instead, they were treated to an impromptu wedding ceremony in the backyard of their Palo Alto home. For their tenth anniversary, Zuckerberg and Chan recreated another photo they took together on their wedding day in 2012.

Earlier this year, the couple welcomed their third child together, daughter Aurelia Chan Zuckerberg. They announced Aurelias arrival with a sweet Instagram post. In the caption, the happy father wrote: Welcome to the world, Aurelia Chan Zuckerberg! Youre such a little blessing.

The couple also share daughters Maxima, seven, and August, five. After years of trying for a baby, and three miscarriages later, Zuckerberg and Chan announced in July 2015 that they were expecting their first child together.

When Maxima finally arrived that December, Zuckerberg marked the occasion by posting a long letter on Facebook. Your mother and I dont yet have the words to describe the hope you give us for the future. Your new life is full of promise, and we hope you will be happy and healthy so you can explore it fully. Youve already given us a reason to reflect on the world we hope you live in.

Zuckerberg added: We will do our part to make this happen, not only because we love you, but also because we have a moral responsibility to all children in the next generation.

We understand youll have many questions about why and how were doing this, he continued. As we become parents and enter this next chapter of our lives, we want to share our deep appreciation for everyone who makes this possible.
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Reese Witherspoons son Deacon Phillippe has faced accusations of being a nepo baby after he recently gave a tour of his apartment in New York City.

Caleb Simpson is a TikToker known for walking up to random people on the street and asking them how much they pay for rent before requesting a tour of the respective apartment. His most recent guest was the actresss son, 20-year-old Deacon Phillippe.

Phillippe, a student at New York University, told the TikToker that he lives in the West Village in Manhattan, but he wouldnt give away how much rent is in that part of the city. When Simpson asked him, Witherspoons son responded: West Village prices man.

However, he added that he had time to show the TikToker what his apartment looked like while he was in-between classes. Upon first walking in, the pair were exposed to a two-floor setup with high ceilings, in addition to a large spiral black staircase in the middle of the living area.

After Simpson was introduced to Phillippes two roommates, he decided to see what food the college students had in their stainless steel refrigerator. Despite looking sparse, the TikToker claimed it was not bad actually.

Other apartment features included what the three roommates called their vinyl wall. with multiple shelves holding records against an exposed brick wall and a plant which Phillippe named Daryll.

Because Witherspoons son is a musician and recently released his debut LP, the apartment had a total of three different keyboards with two in the living area and another in his bedroom, which Phillippe called his studio setup.

I sing and play a little bit of keyboard but I mostly make music on my computer, he told viewers in the TikTok.

Despite the otherwise lavish-looking apartment, Deacon showed that it did still have its classic New York City quirks, as the bathroom door could barely close without making contact with the sink.

Since the video was first posted on Tuesday 14 November, its been viewed over 400,000 times, with many people pointing out how Phillippe never mentioned his famous parents, and that they are likely paying for the apartment.

How much do you pay? The correct answer is: ask my mom and dad, one commenter wrote.

Another commenter agreed, writing: West Village prices is rich kid language for free.

Rich kids / nepo babies LOVE to avoid mentioning their extremely wealthy parents, a third commenter pointed out.

Lets not forget that his mom and dad are wealthy celebrities, another added, referring to Witherspoon and Phillippes father, actor Ryan Phillippe. He could afford the whole place if he wanted to!

However, some commenters defended Phillippe on the basis that he still has roommates, despite possibly not needing them, as well as highlighting how common it can be for the parents of college students to pay for their rent. Why are people being mean? Hes in school. Seems humble. Has roommates. Plenty of NYU kids also come from rich families one comment read.

This is not even nepo baby - nepo baby is if he got a job bc of their connections, this is just parents helping kid in college sheesh, a second commenter agreed.

The Independent has contacted a representative for Witherspoon for comment.
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As the sixth season of The Crown is set to hit Netflix on 16 November, much of the final installment is expected to follow Prince William as a young adult and his days at the University of St Andrews in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Although the trailer for part one of The Crown mainly depicted Princess Dianas final months before her untimely death, part two  which will be released 14 December  is likely to portray the fateful moment William met his future wife, Kate Middleton, while studying at university together.

As many royal fans are aware, the now-Prince and Princess of Wales sparked a romance as students at the University of St Andrews in 2001. Just 10 years later, the pair were married in a lavish royal wedding ceremony at Westminster Abbey. Since then, theyve gone on to welcome three children to the royal family: Prince George, now 10; Princess Charlotte, eight; and Prince Louis, five.

Before the first four episodes of The Crown season six hits Netflix, lets take a look back on William and Kates fairytale romance  from classmates to husband and wife.

After he graduated from Eton College, Prince William furthered his education at the University of St Andrews in 2001, where he enrolled simply as William Wales and studied art history. It was there he met Catherine Elizabeth Middleton from Bucklebury, Berkshire  the eldest daughter of Michael and Carole Middleton, a former flight dispatcher and flight attendant at British Airways.

Her mother founded Party Pieces, a company selling supplies for childrens parties, in 1987. While Kates family was already well connected to members of the royal family and the British aristocracy, they found financial success with their party supplies business.

Its rumoured that Kate first caught Williams eye when she modelled a sheer dress at a charity show runway in March 2002. While the two met in their first semester at school, William didnt see Kate as more than a friend until she walked the runway in the see-through dress, which was later auctioned for 78,000. William reportedly paid 200 for a front-row seat at the fashion show.

(PA)

However, some royal experts have suggested that Kates enrollment at St Andrews was entirely related to meeting her future husband. Robert Lacey, British biographer and historical consultant for The Crown, wrote in his 2020 book Battle of Brothers: William and Harry - The Inside Story of a Family in Tumult that Kate wasnt supposed to be enrolled at St Andrews at all.

Kate was very strategic, Lacey told Elle in 2020. She gave up her place at one of Britains premier universities, Edinburgh, and opted for another one [St Andrews] that probably didnt have the same academic standard. She had already been to Edinburgh to get her flat accommodations sorted out but switched universities and switched her courses to history of art because that was Williams. She delayed her own education by a year and even takes the chance she wont get into St Andrews.

According to Laceys book, applications for St Andrews skyrocketed by 44 per cent after it was announced William was to attend the university in Scotland. The pair began dating shortly after the charity fashion show and lived together in an off-campus apartment with two friends, before moving to a cottage outside the town for their final year.

(Getty Images)

In their 2010 engagement interview, William and Kate finally opened up about how their romance blossomed as students at St Andrews. I actually think I went bright red when I met you and sort of scuttled off, feeling very shy about meeting you, Kate said about William. It did take a bit of time for us to get to know each other but we did become very close friends from quite early.

William added: We moved in together as friends. We lived with a couple of others as well, and it just sort of blossomed from there, really. We just saw more of each other, and you know, hung out a bit more and did stuff.

Both William and Kate graduated from St Andrews on 23 June 2005. To mark their nuptials just six years later, the Middleton family would share a now-iconic photograph of the couple posing together on their graduation day.

Following their graduation, Kate slowly became inducted into royal life when she attended her first royal wedding - the nuptials of Laura Parker-Bowles, Queen Camillas daughter, and Harry Lopes in 2006. It marked William and Kates first public appearance together, but by 2007, the couple sparked breakup rumours.

Kate Middleton and Prince William after their graduation ceremony at St Andrews in 2005 (Michael Dunlea/Daily Mail/PA) (PA Media)

The two briefly split, reportedly because Kate was frustrated with Williams lack of commitment, according to The Guardian. During this time, she moved to London and worked several jobs in retail and marketing.

When asked about the breakup during their engagement interview, Kate shared further detail about their split. At the time I wasnt very happy about it, but it made me a stronger person, she said. You find out things about yourself that maybe you hadnt realised, I think you can get quite consumed by a relationship when you are younger and I really valued that time for me, although I didnt think it at the time.

However, the two seemed to have rekindled their romance in July that same year when Kate attended a Princess Diana tribute concert with her younger sister, Pippa Middleton. By April 2008, Kate was by Williams side when he received his RAF wings after training to become an RAF pilot.

In 2010, following a visit by Kates parents to Birkhall - then King Charless private residence on the Balmoral estate - Clarence House confirmed that William had presented Kate with his mothers sapphire ring and the couple were to wed the following year.

Britain Prince William (AP2010)

During his recent state visit to Kenya, King Charles shared details about how William popped the question to Kate. 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, he said in his speech.

On 29 April 2011, they exchanged vows in a grand ceremony at Westminster Abbey and became known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Two years later, their first son and second in line to the throne - Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge - was born on 22 July 2013. The pair welcomed their second child, Princess Charlotte, on 2 May 2015, and their third child, Prince Louis, was born in April 2018.

While the family of five made Kensington Palace their official residence for many years, William and Kate relocated their family to Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor estate last year, in an effort to put their children first and give them more freedom outside of city life.

The first four episodes of The Crown season six hits Netflix on 16 November in the US and UK. The final six episodes will be released on 14 December.
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The sixth season and final season of The Crown portrays the heartbreaking moment Prince William and Prince Harry walked behind Princess Dianas casket during their mothers funeral procession.

The historical drama returns to Netflix on 16 November with the first four episodes of season six, followed by the final six episodes on 14 December. The last season of The Crown is set between the late 1990s to the mid-2000s, and features Princess Dianas final moments before her untimely death in 1997.

The late Princess of Wales (played by Elizabeth Debicki) died age 36, following a high-speed car crash in a Paris tunnel. The fatal car crash also took the lives of her boyfriend, Dodi Fayed (played by Khalid Abdalla), and their chauffeur Henri Paul. The accident shocked the world and led to an outpouring of public grief, as many royal fans turned their attention to the British royal family - especially Dianas sons, William and Harry.

Prince William and Prince Harry were just 15 and 12 years old, respectively, when they lost their mother. For Dianas funeral on 6 September 1997, the young royals were instructed to walk behind their mothers casket. William and Harry joined the funeral procession at St Jamess Palace alongside their father, the then-Prince of Wales; Dianas brother, Earl Spencer; and their grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh, until the cortege arrived at Westminster Abbey.

Nearly 26 years later, the decision to allow the young boys to take part in the funeral procession has remained controversial. Earl Spencer previously told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that it was a very bizarre and cruel thing for Dianas two sons to be asked to walk behind her body, and suggested he was lied to about the boys desire to take part in the procession.

Meanwhile, Prince Philip was reportedly very concerned for his grandsons well-being and was initially against the idea of them walking in the funeral procession. We were all talking about how William and Harry should be involved and suddenly came Prince Philips voice, a former government relations director told The Evening Standard, recalling a conference call with the duke ahead of the funeral. We hadnt heard from him before, but he was really anguished. Its about the boys, he cried. Theyve lost their mother.

(AFP via Getty Images)

The duke is then said to have turned to William and Harry at dinner the night before the funeral, telling them: Ill walk if you walk.

Although many members of the royal family and British aristocracy have opened up about the devastating funeral, which was watched by an estimated 2.5 billion people worldwide, the ones whose voices matter the most are none other than Dianas sons: William and Harry.

Heres everything William and Harry have said about Princess Dianas funeral.

The Duke of Sussex has often spoken about the lasting effects his mothers funeral had on his mental health. Back in 2017 - long before Prince Harry shared many details about Dianas death in his best-selling memoir, Spare - he maintained that no child shouldve been asked to do what he and his brother did that day.

My mother had just died, and I had to walk a long way behind her coffin, surrounded by thousands of people watching me while millions more did on television, he told Newsweek. I dont think any child should be asked to do that, under any circumstances. I dont think it would happen today.

Harry opened up about the trauma of Dianas funeral in the Apple TV+ docu-series, The Me You Cant See. Speaking to Oprah Winfrey in 2021, Harry revealed that he had struggled with sharing the grief of my mothers death with the world.

When my mum was taken away from me at the age of 12, just before my 13th birthday, I didnt want the life, Harry recalled. Sharing the grief of my mothers death with the world

Harry then shared with Winfrey what he remembers most from that day. For me, the thing I remember the most was the sound of the horses hooves going along the mall, red brick road, he said. The duke revealed that he felt like he was outside of his body and just doing what was expected of him at the time, saying: It was like I was outside of my body and just walking along, doing what was expected of me, showing one-tenth of the emotion everybody else was showing.

Speaking about the public outpouring of grief for the late Princess of Wales, he said: I was like, this is my mum. You never even met her.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Harry later claimed in his memoir Spare, which was released in January 2023, that his father didnt hug him and he felt like a politician as he greeted members of the public in the wake of her death. However, he recalled turning to his older brother for strength during the devastating procession. I remember feeling numb. I remember clenching my fists. I remember keeping a little piece of Willy in the corner of my eye because it gave me strength, he wrote.

Being the older brother and heir to the British throne, Prince William has a different recollection of his mothers funeral than Harry. Much like Harry, William admitted that he felt completely numb following his mothers death. In a BBC documentary marking the 20th anniversary of Dianas passing, the now-Prince of Wales said that walking behind his mothers casket was one of the hardest things Ive ever done.

He recalled how his 15-year-old self used his long fringe as a safety blanket during the very long, lonely walk to Westminster Abbey. I felt if I looked at the floor and my hair came down over my face, no one could see me, William said.

When an alternative plan was suggested to have just William walk alone behind the casket, Harry objected - saying he didnt want his older brother to go through the heartbreaking moment on his own. It didnt seem right that Willy would have such a hard time without me, Harry wrote in Spare.

However, the heir to the British throne noted that it ultimately was the royal familys duty to take part in the service. William told the BBC: It wasnt an easy decision and it was a sort of collective family decision to do that. There is that balance between duty and family and thats what we had to do.

The balance, he added, was between me being Prince William and having to do my bit, versus the private William who just wanted to go into a room and cry, whod lost his mother.

Much has changed since the passing of Princess Diana in 1997. William and Harry, once united by grief, are now farther apart than ever before - both in their relationship and geographically, as the Duke of Sussex now lives in the United States with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two children.

Following Prince Philips death in April 2021, the feuding brothers were reunited when they walked the funeral procession behind their grandfathers casket. However, this time was different, as William reportedly requested that another member of the royal family walk between him and Harry. They were separated by Princess Annes son and their cousin, Peter Phillips.

But just one year later, the brothers were reunited again for their grandmothers funeral procession in September 2022. William and Harry stood side by side despite their long-running rift, reminding fellow mourners of their mothers funeral procession 25 years earlier.
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Tyler Perry is opening up about being a godfather to the Duke and Duchess of Sussexs daughter, Princess Lilibet.

The actor recently spoke on Kelly Ripas podcast titled, Lets Talk Off-Camera with Kelly Ripa, where he talked about not only how close he is with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, but also how close he is with their two children: four-year-old Prince Archie and two-year-old Princess Lilibet.

During the episode, Ripa asked Perry what being a godfather to a member of the royal family looked like before he immediately started gushing over Lili. He then revealed the sweet nickname he has for her, which is Little Lili.

Shes so adorable, he said. Oh, shes so beautiful. Shes just so beautiful.

They make beautiful babies - thats all Ill say, Perry continued. They make some beautiful kids. Archie and Lili are beautiful.

The filmmaker first broke the news that he was asked to be godfather during Harry and Meghans Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan, which premiered in late 2022. When Lilibet was born in 2021, he remembered getting a phone call from both Harry and Meghan and that they were pretty serious.

I go: Okay, whats going on? They said: Well, wed like for you to be Lilis godfather. I go: Whoa, Perry recalled. I had to take a minute to take that in. And I thought: Id be honoured. Id absolutely be honoured.

After agreeing and hanging up the phone, Perry realised there was one part of being the childs godfather that he considered being a dealbreaker.

I called them back and go: Uh, hold on a second - does this mean we gotta go over [to the UK] and do all of that in church with [the royal family] and figure all that out? Cause I dont wanna do that, he said. Maybe we can do a little private ceremony here [in the US] and let that be that, and if you have to do it there, then thats okay.

People reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex held a christening for their then 21-month-year-old on Friday 3 March in an intimate ceremony at their home in Montecito, California.

A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex told People at the time: I can confirm that Princess Lilibet Diana was christened on Friday 3 March by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, the Rev John Taylor.

There were 20 to 30 guests at the intimate ceremony, including Meghans mother, Doria Ragland and Lilibets godfather, Perry. As grandchildren of the monarch, Archie and Lilibet are afforded the titles of prince and princess.

During the podcast episode, Perry also reflected on his relationship with Meghan, from the two of them first meeting over sharing a publicist, to watching her adjust to such a public relationship with Harry.

I got the tremendous sense of how overwhelming it all was for her, Perry said. I got the sense that - listen, I know what its like to have a father who is not great, so seeing some of the things he was doing, I felt that she was very much isolated and alone. And I couldnt imagine leaving America - and she had a really, really happy life. She was really happy, and I later found all of that out.

He continued: But to go into this world of where everything is larger than life - even to this day, its still larger than life for them where everywhere she goes or whatever she does or she puts on something, it sells out. There are paparazzi in the corners. I wanted to be a safe place - not only for her, but you know, there are many people who dont have a name or are not a part of a royal family who just need somebody to be there for them.

Harry and Meghan even went on to stay in Perrys house when they first made the move to California in 2020 after making their decision to transition away from the royal family. Every day that they were there, I looked to see if anythings happening online. Nothing. They dont even know, Perry said. So weeks and weeks they were there. They were so happy. It was such a beautiful moment.
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New health secretary Victoria Atkins has vowed to get around the table with unions to end the NHS strikes  as she failed to attend a key healthcare conference just two days into her new role.

She instead sent a video message to the NHS Providers annual conference in Liverpool, where her predecessor Steve Barclay was due to speak at, telling delegates she would take a fair and reasonable resolution to the ongoing industrial action.

Ms Atkins said she planned to work with staff to overcome the challenges in the health service  despite not turning up the conference in person  and take the long-term decisions that will build a brighter future for our NHS.

She added: This is the approach I will take to industrial action.

Im acutely aware of how the strikes have disrupted patient care and Im committed to getting around the table, because I want to see a fair and reasonable resolution.

Her comments come after reports NHS strikes have resulted in more than one million patient appointments and surgeries being postponed and cost services 1bn.

This week the NHS said it had agreed with the Department of Health and Social Care to scale back plans to reduce the 7.8 million care backlog due to the impact of strike action on hospital finances.

For me, it is truly personal. Like families up and down the country, I owe our NHS a lot... I want to make sure it's here in fighting fit form for our children and our grandchildren, just as it's been here for us Victoria Atkins, health secretary

At the start of her message, Ms Atkins apologised for not being at the conference in person but said her belief in the NHS was one of the reasons she got into politics.

Like families up and down the country, I owe our NHS a lot. It has cared for me and my family and brought my wonderful son into the world.

I want to make sure that its here in fighting fit form for our children and our grandchildren, just as its been here for us.

She said there was a lot of work to do as government reforms amp up and the NHS faces a tough winter.

We know winter will be challenging, but this year we have all started to prepare earlier than ever before, she said.

Using our recovery plan, we can continue to expand capacity, build resilience and deliver better care. This has to be our number one priority.

I recognise that this requires working collaboratively with other organisations and sectors  for example working with the police to support people suffering from mental health crises.

She told staff they have overcome a once-in-a-generation pandemic and are working to tackle waiting lists.

Chief executive of NHS England Amanda Pritchard (PA)

She finished off by saying her thanks to NHS staff is sincere, adding: Lets roll up our sleeves and get on with the job. Nows the time to deliver for patients and deliver for our NHS.

Discussions about how to resolve the strikes are ongoing between doctors leaders and officials at the Department of Health and Social Care.

NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard revealed Ms Atkins asked her what she could do to help her in their first call after she took up the post.

We then had a very wide-ranging discussion, but it will be unsurprising to know that one of the first things we talked about was industrial action.

We have consistently... talked about the impacts industrial action has had on patients, talked about the impact that it's had on our own teams and colleagues, talked about the impact it's had on finances, but also called on all sides to work together to find a resolution Amanda Pritchard, NHS England

So weve been really clear, we have consistently  talked about the impacts industrial action has had on patients, talked about the impact that its had on our own teams and colleagues, talked about the impact its had on finances, but also called on all sides to work together to find a resolution.

Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, told the conference resolving the strikes was critical.

Victoria Atkins was appointed new Health Secretary in this weeks cabinet reshuffle (PA)

So, resolving industrial action, absolutely critical, particularly critical for our workforce, she said.

The thing that we have been calling for on your behalf and will continue to call for until its resolved  is to see the industrial action behind us.

We know what an impact that has had on staff, on patients, on the ability to see people in a timely fashion, to really get through those very long waiting lists... We really need to see that industrial action behind us and I was very heartened to hear Victorias approach there in the film, which really focused on coming to the table and negotiating, having a conversation and listening.
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A video circulating on social media shows a North Carolina police officer repeatedly striking a Black woman during an arrest while several other officers hold her down, and although the department contends that the officer was intentional about where he hit the woman to get her to comply, the police chief acknowledged Wednesday that he understands "the outrage."

When Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers approached a man and woman who were smoking marijuana at a bus stop on Monday and began to arrest the man, the woman interfered, an officer tried to stop her and a struggle ensued, Chief Johnny Jennings said at a news conference Wednesday.

The woman hit an officer multiple times, according to Lt. Kevin Pietrus. During the struggle, an officer who responded as backup struck the woman several times to get her to allow police to take her into custody, which is consistent with his training, Pietrus said.

After several repeated verbal commands, an officer struck the female subject seven times with knee strikes and 10 closed fist strikes to the peroneal nerve in the thigh to try to gain compliance, police said in a statement Tuesday. The officer was intentional about where the strikes were made.

One bystander video posted online shows four officers kneeling and holding the woman down as a fifth repeatedly strikes her with a closed fist. As it is happening, bystanders shout at the officers to stop. After a few seconds, the officers stand up and lead the woman to a squad SUV with her arms behind her back.

I get it. I understand the outrage. I understand the emotions that come when you look at a video that involves an officer who is punching a female police are trying to subdue, Jennings told reporters.

Jennings said he has been involved in similar physical struggles during his 32 years of policing.

I can tell you that Ive never been involved in using force that has looked pretty and has looked good to the public, he said. So these are difficult situations. And all I ask is we continue to let this investigation internally play out.

The departments internal affairs bureau is investigating, said Jennings, who speculated that other agencies might eventually conduct their own probes. The officer, identified as Vincent Pistone, has been reassigned temporarily from the patrol division to investigations, Jennings said. A department spokesperson said the department does not release information about officers' races.

Police contend that the woman, identified in court documents as a 24-year-old Black woman from Charlotte, assaulted an officer. Neither the video that shows the officer striking the woman nor two other videos shot from a different angle by someone else show the beginning of the encounter between police and the people they arrested.

Jennings noted Wednesday that the body camera of the officer who he says was hit by the woman was knocked off during the struggle.

The chief said the public has the right to see the bodycam footage and that he believes it will, but that it could take a couple of months because North Carolina law requires a court order to release such video. He said his department has already petitioned the court to allow the release.

As officers took the man into custody, they found a loaded handgun in his bag, police said. The man was charged with carrying a concealed weapon and the woman was charged with assault on a government official. Both were also charged with resisting officers and marijuana possession.

The Bojangles restaurant chain confirmed that the man and woman work at its location near the scene of the arrest. But it said they had already finished their shifts and were off the property when they were approached by police, news outlets reported.

Like many other Charlotteans, we were shocked and saddened by the video of an incident between Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police and a Bojangles employee, Vice President of Communications Stacey McCray said. While we wait to learn more of the details of what led to the incident, we plan to cooperate fully with any investigation.

Jennings acknowledged at the news conference that the optics are bad.

It shouldnt have happened, he said. But whose responsibility is the question, right?

The chief questioned whether the officers should have initiated arrests for marijuana use even though we can, and whether the woman should have interfered with the mans arrest and struck officers.

None of that should have happened, he said.

___

Brumfield reported from Silver Spring, Maryland.
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The Daily Show guest host Leslie Jones has named three GOP lawmakers she would like to fight, taking a note from a bizarre near-altercation between a US senator and a union leader in Congress.

At a congressional hearing on Tuesday, Oklahoma Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin challenged Teamsters Union President Sean OBrien to a fight.

The two men provoked each other across the room before the senator leaped out of his seat, appearing to ready himself for a physical altercation.

Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders, sitting beside Mr Mullin, waded in to stop the ruckus, shouting: Sit down! Youre a United States senator!

A clip of the altercation was played on The Daily Show on Tuesday with Ms Jones seen throwing popcorn at the screen.

Back off Bernie! Bernie, shut up! They was about to fight! I want to see that! she joked.

Ms Jones went on to quip about the rowdy senators name.

Appearing on ABC5, Mr Mullin said he did not regret his actions and said there was no problem with settling their dispute in Congress (ABC5)

But you know what? I knew this dude was trouble from the moment I heard his name  Markwayne, all one word, she said.

His parents didnt even love him enough to pick one single name for him. They just shoved two names together and called it a day.

She continued: Calm down, Markwayne, isnt some s*** I want to hear on C-SPAN. Its what you hear when you watch an episode of Cops.

The guest host went on to speak about the absurdity of the near-brawl in the middle of Congress.

But more importantly, is that what America has come to? People fighting in the Senate? Because if it is, I want in, she announced.

Ms Jones then named three Republican lawmakers she would like to tussle with.

Lindsey Graham, I want you in the ring! she shouted, calling out the South Carolina senator.

Next on the list was Texas Senator Ted Cruz.

Bring your weird a** so I can beat your a**! she said.

Then, a video of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell staring off into the distance appeared on the screen.

Mitch! Mitch! Mitch! Ms Jones said snapping her fingers, pretending to be trying to get his attention.

Oh, somebody already hit him, she chuckled.

Mr Mullin defended his actions in Tuesdays congressional hearing to ABC5, saying that there was no problem in challenging Mr OBrien there and then  especially in light of the union leaders comments to him over social media.

Fights happen; boys are boys, the senator said, adding he would have followed through with the scuffle if he had not been stopped.
The horror of the pictures coming from Israel and Gaza has had a profound impact on everyone this past month. For Shrewsbury-based A&E consultant Dr Waheed Arian, though, it is quite particular. They take him back to his childhood in war-torn Afghanistan in the 1980s and 1990s.

I was recently scrolling, the 40-year-old doctor says, and I saw this image from a healthcare worker in Gaza with two things in his hand. When I looked closer, they were the lower legs of a child. One had a shoe on it and the other didnt. In that moment he experienced what he calls a process of retraumatisation. He says this calmly, as if stepping back and diagnosing himself.

The first 15 years of Arians life were spent in a perpetual state of war, as first Mujahideen fighters drove Soviet occupiers out of Afghanistan, and then with the rise of the Taliban. He was just five in 1988 when he first fled with his family from Kabul over mountain paths to a refugee camp in Pakistan. Seven years later they returned to their home, hoping the situation had improved, but it remained a battlefield.
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A British former civil servant who has been described in Parliament as a pro-Russian propagandist is embroiled in a High Court fight with Foreign Office ministers after being sanctioned.

Graham Phillips was made the subject of an asset freeze in July 2022  a decision up on ministerial review in February, a judge has been told.

Lawyers representing Mr Phillips, who is based in Ukraine, have taken legal action against the Foreign Office and say the decision was unfair and should be quashed.

Ministers are fighting the claim.

Mr Justice Swift, who is overseeing a hearing at the High Court, in London, heard that Mr Phillips had expressed political opinions on YouTube and social media to a primarily UK domestic audience.

The extent to which this expansive statutory framework gives the Executive the power to curtail lawful political speech through the imposition of sanctions on British nationals is a matter of very considerable public importance Barrister Joshua Hitchens

Mr Phillips was the first mono-British national to be subjected to sanctions by the British Government, a barrister leading his legal team told the judge.

He is not alleged by the defendant to have committed any criminal offence, nor is he alleged to be part of the Russian State apparatus or to be actively involved in advancing the Russian war effort or supporting the Russian economy, Joshua Hitchens told Mr Justice Swift, in a written case outline.

Instead, his designation stems entirely from political opinions expressed on YouTube and social media to a primarily UK domestic audience.

Mr Hitchens said Mr Phillips designation was disproportionate.

Sanctions are a central and regular feature of the UKs foreign policy response to a whole host of nations and issues around the world, added Mr Hitchens.

There are currently UK sanctions regimes applying to 27 other countries as well as nine themes as diverse as counter terrorism, anti-corruption and unauthorised drilling activities.

The extent to which this expansive statutory framework gives the Executive the power to curtail lawful political speech through the imposition of sanctions on British nationals is a matter of very considerable public importance.

Mr Phillips, who watched the hearing from Ukraine via videolink, was mentioned in a debate in the Lords in June 2022.

Labour former defence secretary Lord Browne of Ladyton asked whether the Government had launched an investigation into Mr Phillips.

He described Mr Phillips as a British former civil servant and pro-Russian propagandist.

The hearing is due to end later on Thursday.
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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.

 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.

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?

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.
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Ministers have been urged to scrap the Rwanda policy legislation after the Governments plan was ruled to be unlawful by the UKs most senior judges.

Amnesty International UK said it is time to not only abandon the deal with Kigali but to scrap the Illegal Migration Act that has entrenched that dismal policy.

Sacha Deshmukh, the human rights charitys chief executive, said Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks administration should use Wednesdays Supreme Court verdict to draw a line under a disgraceful chapter in the UKs political history.

The Government should be focusing on creating a functioning asylum system that allows people who seek safety in the UK a fair hearing on our soil and provides safe routes so they dont have to take dangerous journeys Enver Solomon, Refugee Council

He said: This policy has made complete chaos of the UKs asylum system and this shameful deal has simply exacerbated the mess.

The only responsible, effective and decent response to this judgment should be to get down to the serious task of fairly and efficiently determining peoples claims.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said the Church of England has been clear in our profound concerns  moral and practical  about outsourcing our obligations to refugees to Rwanda.

He said the courts ruling should give the Government an opportunity to reflect and reconsider its approach, as he called for the politics of division to be put aside, and instead an asylum system fit for the growing pressures of the coming century to be designed, based on fairness, compassion and the God-given dignity of every human being.

Asylum Aid said in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, it is time for the Government to abandon the Illegal Migration Act.

There is no evidence that this inhumane policy works as a deterrent to people who have no choice but to flee their homes, the charity said.

All it does is cause significant harm to those already in the UK, living in permanent fear of removal to a country they dont know.

The Law Society of England and Wales said the Act, following the unanimous verdict by five Supreme Court judges, cannot fulfil its purpose.

Nick Emmerson, president of the society, said: The Act is reliant on removing people from the UK.

The Rwanda removals agreement has been ruled unlawful and there are currently no other removal agreements in place to safe third countries.

A growing number of people will be left in limbo under the Act as they cannot be removed, and they cannot be granted asylum.

The cost to the taxpayer will continue to increase as the individuals left in limbo are housed in either detention centres or Home Office-supported accommodation indefinitely.

This therefore undermines both the Governments justification for the Act and its ability to offer a sustainable solution for the UKs asylum system.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission, which said it has consistently highlighted the risks of the Rwanda policy, said the Government must improve the availability of safe routes including through providing for the ability to seek asylum prior to entry, not least to reduce the demand for people smuggling.

A host of other human rights and refugee groups called for a rethink on the Rwanda policy, which Refugee Action dubbed a grubby cash-for-humans deportation deal.

The Government has handed over more than 140 million to Kigali for its deportation agreement despite no removal flights taking off.

Sile Reynolds, head of asylum advocacy at Freedom from Torture, told the PA news agency outside the court in central London that the prospect of being sent to the east African country put pure fear into asylum seekers his organisation works with.

Charities urged ministers to address improving the UKs asylum system rather than seek solutions abroad with third country deals.

Home Secretary James Cleverly, in his response to the judgment, suggested there is an appetite for this concept of deporting migrants arriving via authorised routes, citing interest across Europe in emulating the UKs Rwanda-style proposal.

The Refugee Councils chief executive, Enver Solomon, said: The Government should be focusing on creating a functioning asylum system that allows people who seek safety in the UK a fair hearing on our soil and provides safe routes so they dont have to take dangerous journeys.

Steve Smith, chief executive of Care4Calais, said: Never again should our Government seek to shirk our countrys responsibility to offer sanctuary to those caught up in horrors around the world.

Mr Cleverly was told by Detention Action that he must abandon this policy altogether, rather than repeating this mistake by seeking a similar agreement with another country.

The Liberal Democrats urged the Home Secretary, who replaced the sacked Suella Braverman in a reshuffle this week, to get on with fixing the broken asylum system.

Alistair Carmichael, the partys home affairs spokesman, said: So much time and money has already been wasted.

Tackling the sky-high asylum backlog and creating safe and legal routes for sanctuary will make far more progress towards that than this pet project policy ever could.
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The Government will now have to consider the legal costs of any future asylum policies they develop, a lawyer representing some of the refugees in the Rwanda deportation case has said.

Toufique Hossain, head of public law at law firm Duncan Lewis  which represented six of the lead claimants  said that politicians will have to bear in mind the waste of taxpayers money if they try to make a new asylum deal before its tested in the courts.

Speaking to the PA news agency outside court, he said: I would argue at least now the Government has a blueprint in which to go about developing a new asylum policy.

They will have to bear in mind, whatever deal they make, the waste of taxpayers money, hundreds of millions of pounds, in going through a deal before its tested in the courts.

Theyll have to think carefully as to what deals they make with countries where they have serious concerns with those countries human rights records.

Public law solicitor Sophie Lucas, also from Duncan Lewis, said it was a victory first and foremost for their clients.

It is also a victory for the rule of law, she said.

It serves as an important reminder that no-one is above the law, including this Government.

A number of groups involved in the initial High Court appeal also welcomed the Supreme Courts verdict.

James Wilson, director of Detention Action, said that they are deeply relieved that asylum seekers will not be handed over to an authoritarian regime.

We are proud to have been one of the first claimants to bring this historic legal challenge, in solidarity with the thousands of people threatened with removal to Rwanda, he said.

We call on the Government to re-evaluate its unworkable policy and to abandon the idea of forcibly removing people seeking asylum to third countries Alison Pickup, Asylum Aid

We urge the new Home Secretary to abandon this policy altogether, rather than repeating this mistake by seeking a similar agreement with another country.

While Mark Serwotka, general secretary of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), said that their campaign was far from over.

It is not refugees that have driven down wages and starved public services of the resources they need, it is the fault of successive Tory governments that have overseen a sustained attack on living standards, he said.

The only way to protect human life and prevent people from drowning in the Channel is to give them safe passage  which we call on the Government to adopt.

Alison Pickup, director of Asylum Aid, said that the Government had shown a complete lack of humanity in pursuing the policy through the courts.

There is no evidence that this policy will work as a deterrent to people who have no choice but to flee their homes, she said.

Worse, it causes significant anxiety and harm to those already in the UK, living in permanent fear of removal to a country they dont know.

We call on the Government to re-evaluate its unworkable policy and to abandon the idea of forcibly removing people seeking asylum to third countries.
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Climate campaigner Greta Thunberg has denied a public order offence after being arrested at a protest in London.

The 20-year-old from Sweden was arrested during a demonstration near the InterContinental Hotel in Mayfair on 17 October as oil executives met inside for the Energy Intelligence Forum.

She pleaded not guilty at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday to breaching Section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986 by failing to leave the highway and continue the protest on the pavement.

Greta Thunberg arrives at court to throng of photographers (AP)

Thunberg confirmed her name and date of birth, but her address in Stockholm was not read out in court due to concerns over alleged threats she has received. She was seen laughing and smiling as the hearing took place.

The campaigner and four other Fossil Free London protesters were granted unconditional bail before their trial on 1 February at the City of London Magistrates Court.

A group of Greenpeace and Fossil Free London activists gathered outside the court early Wednesday, chanting and holding banners reading Oily Money Out and Make Polluters Pay.

Thunbergs fans outside Westminster Magistrates Court (Yui Mok/PA)

After being bailed Thunberg joined other climate protests in London organised by Fossil Free London  outside JP Morgan in Canary Wharf on 19 October, and outside Londons Guildhall on Monday.

The first two protests were in relation to the continued use of fossil fuels by major oil and gas companies, while the latest focused on the governments approval of drilling at the Rosebank oil field.

Before she was detained at the Mayfair protest, Thunberg told journalists outside the hotel: The world is drowning in fossil fuels. Our hopes and dreams and lives are being washed away by a flood of greenwashing and lies.

It has been clear for decades that the fossil fuel industries were well aware of the consequences of their business models, and yet they have done nothing.

The opposite  they have actively delayed, distracted and denied the causes of the climate crisis and spread doubts about their own engagement in it.

Thunberg, from Stockholm, Sweden, has been an active environmental campaigner since the age of 15 and was fined by a Swedish court in July for stopping traffic during an environmental protest at an oil facility.
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Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf has called for the Rwanda asylum policy to be scrapped after the Supreme Court ruled it is unlawful.

The UK Governments flagship plan, which would remove asylum seekers to the African nation if they arrive by unauthorised means, was impeded by five justices at the UKs highest court who unanimously rejected an appeal.

Speaking to the PA news agency after the judgment, Mr Yousaf condemned the policy.

He said: We always knew that the Rwanda asylum policy from the UK Government was morally repugnant. Weve now had it confirmed that its unlawful too.

What has happened to us as a country, what has happened to the UK Government that their first instinct when people who are arriving to our country to seek sanctuary from persecution, from war, from extreme poverty, their first reaction, their first instinct, is to put those individuals on a plane and send them thousands of miles away to Rwanda.

What we need is that policy to be scrapped and a humane asylum system put in place.

But despite the calls, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said he will work to renegotiate a treaty with Rwanda.

He vowed to do whatever it takes to end small boat Channel crossings, and said the first step will be to finalise a new treaty with Rwanda which could alleviate the legal challenges.

Furthermore, if necessary I am prepared to revisit our domestic legal frameworks, Mr Sunak said during Prime Ministers Questions.

Supreme Court President Lord Reed agreed the Court of Appeal was entitled to rule there is substantial grounds to believe there is a real risk of refugees being returned to countries where they could face ill treatment.

But he made clear the judgment was only based on the current failure to eliminate the risk in Rwanda and said the changes needed to reduce this may be delivered in the future.

The Scottish Greens  Mr Yousafs governmental partners  went a step further after the judgment, saying the Prime Minister should resign and describing the Rwanda plan as vile and racist.

Referencing former home secretary Suella Braverman, who was sacked by Mr Sunak this week, Scottish Green justice spokeswoman Maggie Chapman said: Perhaps most of all it reflects on the weak Prime Minister who saw fit to appoint her into the heart of government and defended the plan as shamelessly as she did. He should follow her out the door.

This scheme may have been blocked, but it didnt happen in isolation. We need to dismantle the anti-immigrant policies and the hostile environment that has endured for far too long.

We must now resist any attempts to circumvent the rule of law or any potential moves to remove the UK from the Council of Europe and its obligations.

This Government has shown it has no regard for human rights. It is only with the powers of an independent country that we can build a progressive and welcoming system based on support and solidarity.
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Rishi Sunak is facing unrest in the Tory ranks over the Supreme Courts ruling that the Governments Rwanda scheme is unlawful, with backbenchers warning his future could be decided by his response to the decision.

The New Conservatives grouping of MPs said the judgment felt existential for the party while deputy chairman Lee Anderson said ministers should ignore the law and start sending asylum seekers to the east African nation.

Backbenchers on the Tory right are now calling for a drastic overhaul of the UKs rights and treaties framework, potentially going beyond their previous suggestion of overriding the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR).

Other measures to disapply treaties such as the Refugee Convention should now be considered if necessary given the scope of the judgment, the New Conservatives have argued.

I think we should ignore the laws and send them straight back the same day Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson

Speaking after a meeting of the group with other Tory MPs on Wednesday, co-chair Danny Kruger said: The Government should immediately announce an intention to do what is necessary to insist on our sovereignty.

That means legislation to override the effect of the European court, of the ECHR itself and of other conventions including the Refugee Convention if necessary.

Co-chair Miriam Cates did not say whether she maintained full confidence in the PM when asked by journalists.

He has said he will do whatever it takes to stop the boats. The next few days will show whether weve got the legislative power and the political will to do that.

Ms Cates added: We will support him to do whatever it takes.

Tory Party deputy chairman Mr Anderson suggested the Government defy the ruling of the court and remove migrants the same day they arrive in the UK.

He described the Supreme Court judgment as a dark day for the British people and said ministers should just put the planes in the air now and send them to Rwanda.

My take is we should just put the planes in the air now and send them to Rwanda and show strength, he said.

Its time for the Government to show real leadership and send them back, same day. I think we should ignore the law and send them straight back the same day.

Downing Street refused to condemn the Tory deputy chairman for suggesting ministers ignore the judgment.

Mr Sunaks press secretary said: I think we appreciate that our MPs have strong views on this because, frankly, the country cares about this.

Jonathan Gullis, part of the New Conservatives grouping, said there was a range of options the Government could consider, including physically pushing small boats back into French waters in the Channel.

Obviously disappointing, the decision today for the Government, but crucially we need to make sure that a plan B is quickly enacted in order to retain the trust of voters and to make sure that we do deliver on that pledge to stop the boats, he said.

Something that myself, Danny Kruger and Bill Cash pushed before which was a notwithstanding amendment, maybe bring that in as a notwithstanding Bill to disapply all conventions and treaties that weve signed up to, which have been a blocker, clearly, from the judgment of the Supreme Court in enabling to enact such policies.

He said another option would be to literally push boats back into French territorial waters  or if not, take more direct action and actually start returning people to the French shores rather than bringing them back over to British shores, regardless of any conflict that may end up with the French government.

Meanwhile, Brendan Clarke-Smith, another Conservative MP from the 2019 intake, posted a picture on X, formerly Twitter, of a 2016 Daily Mail headline suggesting judges were enemies of the people over a ruling on Brexit.

Weve been here before, he wrote.

He later insisted he had not been attacking justices of the Supreme Court but making a point about the democratic choices of British people, adding: Like we did then with Brexit, we solved the problem in Parliament and its my intention to make this happen again.

Former Cabinet minister Sir Simon Clarke said the Governments response to the legal setback would be a confidence issue in Mr Sunaks judgment as a Prime Minister.

He suggested emergency legislation would have to be put forward at a minimum to assert Parliaments sovereignty.

Former home secretary Priti Patel said that ministers have had the opportunity to address some of these practical measures and means thus far prior to todays judgment.

In the Commons, Home Secretary James Cleverly resisted calls to withdraw from the ECHR and the international Refugee Convention, telling Tory MPs: I dont believe those things are necessary.

He added that national governments cant just vote themselves out of international commitments and as a former foreign secretary he knew they were incredibly powerful tools as we try and do good around the wider world.

Mr Sunaks strategy is to seek a new treaty with Rwanda that will address the concerns of the Supreme Court.

But the Prime Minister said that if it becomes clear that our domestic legal frameworks or international conventions are still frustrating the plans at that point, I am prepared to change our laws and revisit those international relationships.
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Olivia Pratt-Korbels killer is planning an appeal against his conviction, a lawyer has said.

Thomas Cashman, now 35, who was found guilty of murdering the nine-year-old schoolgirl at her home in Liverpool in August 2022, failed in a bid to challenge his 42-year minimum jail sentence on Wednesday.

Three appeal judges refused to give him permission to challenge that minimum term after concluding, at a Court of Appeal hearing in London, that he did not have an arguable case.

But a lawyer representing Cashman, and a court official, said after the hearing that an appeal against conviction is pending.

The court official said an application has been lodged but has not yet been considered by an appeal judge  and no appeal hearing date has been fixed.

Cashman was given a mandatory life sentence  and told by trial judge Mrs Justice Yip that he will not be eligible for release until he is in his 70s.

His written application for permission to challenge his 42-year minimum jail term was rejected by an appeal judge, without a hearing, earlier this year.

A barrister representing him renewed that appeal bid at a Court of Appeal hearing in London on Wednesday.

John Cooper KC told appeal judges Dame Victoria Sharp, Mrs Justice McGowan and Mr Justice Chamberlain that aggravating features were too heavily relied on when Mrs Justice Yip passed sentence.

But the three judges ruled against Cashman and dismissed his appeal bid.

Cashman did not appear at the appeal hearing.

The shooting of Olivia happened while Cashman, of Grenadier Drive, West Derby, Liverpool, was chasing convicted drug dealer Joseph Nee, who tried to run into the schoolgirls home in a bid to escape.

Cashman opened fire, hitting Olivias mother, Cheryl Korbel, in the wrist as she tried to keep the door shut against Nee, with the same bullet killing her daughter.

Mr Cooper argued that the planning of the crime was given too much emphasis by Mrs Justice Yip.

He also said the trial judge had not placed enough emphasis on the age Cashman would be when eligible for release.

And he told appeal judges there had been an over-emphasis on Cashmans lack of remorse.

Cashman was jailed at Manchester Crown Court in April.

He had admitted being a high-level cannabis dealer, but told jurors: Im not a killer, Im a dad.

Jurors found him guilty of Olivias murder, the attempted murder of Nee, the wounding with intent of Ms Korbel, and two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Dame Victoria said on Wednesday, when dismissing Cashmans bid to challenge his 42-year minimum jail term, that the notorious killing of Olivia had not only shocked Liverpool but the nation.

She said Mrs Justice Yips sentencing remarks had been immaculately structured.

It cannot sensibly be argued that overall sentence imposed was excessive, let alone manifestly excessive Court of Appeal judge Dame Victoria Sharp

It cannot sensibly be argued that overall sentence imposed was excessive, let alone manifestly excessive, said Dame Victoria.

Olivias mother and family are left with a life-long sentence.

She said it was true to say that Cashman will be well into his 70s by the time he is eligible for release.

But she added: That, however, is a consequence by the commission by him of these terrible crimes, rather than any error by (Mrs Justice Yip).

She went on: The application for leave is refused.
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In a unanimous Supreme Court ruling, five of the UKs most senior judges have ruled that the Governments plan to deport some asylum seekers to Rwanda is unlawful.

With a 56-page judgment on Wednesday, the UKs highest court rejected the Home Offices argument that problems past and present with Rwandas asylum system are not a reliable guide to how asylum seekers sent from the UK under the plans would be treated.

In their ruling, which the other justices agreed with, Lords Reed and Lloyd-Jones said Rwandas history cannot be effectively ignored or sidelined as suggested.

They said there was no dispute that the Rwandan government entered into its deal with the UK in good faith, with strong incentives to follow the terms of the arrangement.

Lords Reed and Lloyd-Jones continued: Nevertheless, intentions and aspirations do not necessarily correspond to reality: the question is whether they are achievable in practice.

The central issue in the present case is therefore not the good faith of the government of Rwanda at the political level, but its practical ability to fulfil its assurances, at least in the short term, in the light of the present deficiencies of the Rwandan asylum system.

The justices concluded there were grounds for believing that sending asylum seekers to Rwanda would expose them to a real risk of ill-treatment through being returned to their country of origin.

The Supreme Court justices later said there was evidence of a culture within Rwanda of, at best, inadequate understanding of Rwandas obligations under the Refugee Convention.

At the start of the decision, the judges said they were not dealing with the political aspects of the controversial policy.

Lords Reed and Lloyd-Jones said: The court is not concerned with the political debate surrounding the policy, and nothing in this judgment should be regarded as supporting or opposing any political view of the issues.

In his summary of the decision, Supreme Court president Lord Reed said there were several international arrangements over the treatment of refugees, particularly protecting their right not to be returned to their country of origin.

These include the Refugee Convention, the UN Convention Against Torture, the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as the European Convention on Human Rights.

He continued: It is therefore not only the European Convention on Human Rights which is relevant to this case, as is sometimes thought.

There are other international treaties which also prohibit the return of asylum seekers to their countries of origin without a proper examination of their claims.

Lords Reed and Lloyd-Jones later said in their ruling that the High Court had wrongly dismissed the evidence of the UN Refugee Agency, the UNHCR, about problems with the Rwandan asylum system.

They said: UNHCRs evidence will naturally be of greatest weight when it relates to matters within its particular remit or where it has special expertise in the subject matter.

Its evidence in the present case concerns matters falling within its remit and about which it has undoubted expertise.

While the Supreme Court ruled the policy as it stands is unlawful, the court did not rule out plans being lawful in the future.

Lords Reed and Lloyd-Jones said: As matters stand, the evidence establishes substantial grounds for believing that there is a real risk that asylum claims will not be determined properly, and that asylum seekers will in consequence be at risk of being returned directly or indirectly to their country of origin.

In that event, genuine refugees will face a real risk of ill-treatment in circumstances where they should not have been returned at all.

The right of appeal to the High Court is completely untested and there are grounds for concern as to its likely effectiveness.

The detection of failures in the asylum system by means of monitoring, however effective it may be, will not prevent those failures from occurring in the first place.

Lords Reed and Lloyd-Jones added: The structural changes and capacity-building needed to eliminate that risk may be delivered in the future, but they were not shown to be in place at the time when the lawfulness of the policy had to be considered in these proceedings.
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Rishi Sunak has promised emergency legislation and a new treaty with Rwanda to ensure his flagship asylum policy is not blocked again after the Supreme Court ruled it unlawful.

The Prime Minister said he will end the merry-go-round of legal challenges with a law to deem the east African nation a safe country after his plans to stop the boats were blocked.

He was resisting pressure from the Tory right to pull the UK out of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) but vowed: I will not allow a foreign court to block these flights.

The UKs highest court rejected the Governments appeal over its policy of removing asylum seekers to Rwanda if they arrive by unauthorised means.

The five senior justices unanimously ruled that the plans are unlawful because there is a risk genuine asylum seekers could be forced back to their country of origin by Kigali.

Sacked home secretary Suella Braverman demanded that Mr Sunak introduces laws to block off the ECHR, Human Rights Act and other routes of legal challenge.

Mr Sunak pinned his hopes firstly on brokering a new treaty with Kigali that will provide a legal guarantee that asylum seekers will not be removed from Rwanda.

But we need to end the merry-go-round, he told a Downing Street press conference. So Im also announcing today that we will take the extraordinary step of introducing emergency legislation.

This will enable Parliament to confirm that with our new treaty, Rwanda is safe.

He said it will also make clear that we will bring back anyone if ordered to do so by a court, meaning migrants sent to Kigali could then be brought back to the UK.

Mr Sunak repeatedly refused to say whether the first removal flight to Kigali would take off before the next general election, only saying he was aiming for the spring.

Immigration minister Robert Jenrick, appearing on Sky News, later gave a firmer pledge.

Asked if flights would happen before the next election, he said: Yes, we must do, thats what the public wants.

The Prime Minister said he would be prepared to do what is necessary if the courts intervened against the expressed wishes of MPs.

He warned of challenges in the European Court of Human Rights, but said he was prepared to revisit those international relationships to remove the obstacles in our way.

So let me tell everybody now, I will not allow a foreign court to block these flights, he said.

Home Office officials have been unable to say what will happen to the asylum seekers who remained in Rwanda after their claims were rejected, if they would not be removed.

Britain is expected to pay Rwanda more money for the new treaty, having already handed over 140 million under the plans that have seen not one asylum seeker removed since it was announced in April 2020.

The Prime Minister was keeping the threat surrounding the ECHR on the table as Mrs Braverman was waiting in the wings to challenge his authority after being sacked.

She said Mr Sunak must change the law to prevent legal challenges, arguing there was no chance of curbing illegal migration within the current legal framework.

We must legislate or admit defeat, she wrote on social media, before an ally made clear she believes Mr Sunaks emergency plans are more magic tricks that will end up back in the courts.

Mr Sunaks plan did echo the demand of former prime minister Boris Johnson, who argued that the only one way to end the legal blockade on Rwanda was for a law to designate Rwanda a safe country.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer demanded an apology to the nation from Mr Sunak for wasting millions of pounds of taxpayers cash on the ridiculous, pathetic spectacle.

Supreme Court president Lord Reed ruled there would be a risk of Rwanda returning genuine asylum seekers to face ill treatment in the country they had fled.

He made it clear in his summary of the judgment that the ECHR was not the only international treaty relevant to the courts decision, which also took into account domestic law.

In the Commons, new Home Secretary James Cleverly said ministers had been working with Rwanda in recent months to provide the certainty that the court demands.

But he said that he did not believe disregarding the ECHR or the Refugee Convention was necessary.

Mr Sunak told Rwandan president Paul Kagame in a call that he remained firmly committed to their asylum partnership.

Lord Reed agreed with the Court of Appeal decision earlier this year that there were substantial grounds to believe there was a real risk of refugees being returned by Rwanda to their home countries.

But he made it clear that the judgment was based only on the current failure to eliminate the risk there and said the changes needed to reduce this may be delivered in the future.

The Supreme Courts judgment is a victory for humanity. Todays judgment should bring this shameful mark on the UKs history to a close Steve Smith, Care4Calais

The Supreme Courts ruling made clear the scale of the challenges ministers must overcome, citing evidence of a culture within Rwanda of, at best, inadequate understanding of Rwandas obligations under the Refugee Convention.

Campaigners welcomed the verdict, with the Freedom From Torture charity hailing it as a victory for reason and compassion.

Steve Smith, chief executive of the Care4Calais refugee charity, said: The Supreme Courts judgment is a victory for humanity.

Todays judgment should bring this shameful mark on the UKs history to a close.

The legal rulings were based on evidence that Kigali had a poor human rights record, citing British police warning Rwandans in the UK of credible plans by the nations government to kill them.

Concerns over political and media freedom were also raised, as was the ability of Rwandan courts to act independently of the government.

Evidence from the UNHCR, the United Nations refugee agency, cited Rwandas 100% rate of rejection of claims from countries in conflict zones such as Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan.

This was despite the UK authorities often finding the claims were well-founded.

The body also presented evidence of more than 100 cases of refoulement  the process of returning refugees to their origin countries  that had taken place after the UK agreed its deal with Rwanda.
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Rishi Sunak vowed to sign an upgraded deal with Rwanda after his promise to stop the boats was plunged into fresh jeopardy by the Supreme Court ruling his flagship asylum policy is unlawful.

The Prime Minister was resisting pressure from some Conservatives to quit the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) but hinted he could change UK laws if necessary and may reconsider international relationships.

Five justices at the UKs highest court on Wednesday unanimously rejected the Governments appeal over its policy of removing asylum seekers to the east African nation if they arrive by unauthorised means.

Downing Street was unable to say whether the expulsion flights to Kigali that have been grounded for more than a year during the legal challenges will take off before the next election.

None of the 140 million the UK has already paid to Rwanda can be clawed back as the new treaty is expected to add even more to the costs as negotiations are under way.

New Home Secretary James Cleverly said the Rwanda deal would be increased to a legally-binding treaty as soon as possible to alleviate the concerns to make it consistent with international law.

To alleviate the Supreme Courts concerns that Rwanda could send genuine refugees back to the countries they have fled, he said new plans being drawn up mean that anyone removed to Kigali cannot be sent to another country than the UK.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer demanded an apology to the nation from Mr Sunak for wasting millions of pounds of taxpayers cash on the ridiculous, pathetic spectacle.

The Prime Minister vowed to do whatever it takes to end Channel crossings, as he set out how the first step will be to finalise a new treaty with Rwanda.

He focused on the Supreme Court suggesting changes there to prevent genuine asylum seekers being sent back to the countries they have fled could render the plans lawful.

There are further elements that they want additional certainty on and noted that changes can be delivered in the future to address those issues, Mr Sunak said at Prime Ministers Questions.

The Government has been working already on a new treaty with Rwanda and we will finalise that in light of todays judgment.

But he dangled an offer to the Tory right by suggesting he could go further, as sacked home secretary Suella Braverman waits in the wings to challenge his authority.

If it becomes clear that our domestic legal frameworks or international conventions are still frustrating the plans at that point, I am prepared to change our laws and revisit those international relationships, the Prime Minister said.

The British people expect us to do whatever it takes to stop the boats and that is precisely what this Government will deliver.

Supreme Court president Lord Reed ruled there would be a risk of Rwanda returning genuine asylum seekers to face ill treatment in the country they had fled.

Mrs Braverman said after her ousting this week that Mr Sunak had no credible plan B and would be back at square one in the event of legal failure, as she took aim at his approach to the ECHR.

But Lord Reed made it clear in his summary of the judgment that it is not the only international treaty relevant to the courts decision, which also took into account domestic law.

In the Commons, Mr Cleverly said that in the last few months, ministers have been working with Rwanda to provide the certainty that the court demands.

We have been working with Rwanda to build capacity and amend agreements with Rwanda to make clear that those sent there cannot be sent to another country than the UK, he said.

The Home Secretary told former prime minister Theresa May she made an incredibly important point when she said the ruling on Rwanda came regardless of the ECHR.

Mr Sunak told Rwandan president Paul Kagame in a call that he remains firmly committed to their asylum partnership.

Boris Johnson urged the Prime Minister to change the law to designate Rwanda a safe country, arguing it is the only one way to end the legal blockade on Rwanda.

Mr Sunak will hold a Downing Street press conference on Wednesday afternoon as his more hardline MPs grow increasingly frustrated at his leadership.

Lord Reed agreed with the Court of Appeal decision earlier this year that there are substantial grounds to believe there is a real risk of refugees being returned by Rwanda to their home countries.

But he made it clear the judgment was based only on the current failure to eliminate the risk there and said the changes needed to reduce this may be delivered in the future.

The Supreme Courts ruling, though, made clear the challenges ministers must overcome, saying there was evidence of a culture within Rwanda of, at best, inadequate understanding of Rwandas obligations under the Refugee Convention.

The flagship policy was first announced by Boris Johnson in April 2020, but not one migrant has been removed to Kigali during a series of legal challenges.

This grubby, cash-for-people deal was always cruel and immoral, but, most importantly, it is unlawful. Todays judgment should bring this shameful mark on the UKs history to a close Steve Smith, Care4Calais

Campaigners welcomed the verdict, with the Freedom From Torture charity hailing it as a victory for reason and compassion.

Steve Smith, chief executive of the Care4Calais refugee charity, said: The Supreme Courts judgment is a victory for humanity.

Todays judgment should bring this shameful mark on the UKs history to a close.

The legal rulings were based on evidence that Kigali has a poor human rights record, citing British police warning Rwandans in the UK of credible plans by the nations government to kill them.

Concerns of political and media freedom were also raised, as was the inability of the Rwandan courts to act independently of the government.

Evidence from the UNHCR, the United Nations refugee agency, cited Rwandas 100% rate of rejection of claims from countries in conflict zones such as Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan.

This is despite the UK authorities often finding the claims are well-founded.

The body also presented evidence of more than 100 cases of refoulement  the process of returning refugees to their origin countries  that have taken place after the UK agreed its deal with Rwanda.

More than 27,300 migrants have been detected making unauthorised crossings of the English Channel so far this year, according to official figures.
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Rishi Sunak vowed to sign an upgraded deal with Rwanda after his promise to stop the boats was plunged into fresh jeopardy by the Supreme Court ruling his flagship asylum policy is unlawful.

The Prime Minister was resisting pressure from some Conservatives to quit the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) but hinted he could change UK laws if necessary and may reconsider international relationships.

Sacked home secretary Suella Braverman demanded on Wednesday that Mr Sunak introduces emergency legislation blocking off the ECHR, Human Rights Act and other routes of legal challenge.

Five justices at the UKs highest court unanimously rejected the Governments appeal over its policy of removing asylum seekers to the east African nation if they arrive by unauthorised means.

Downing Street was unable to say whether the expulsion flights to Kigali that have been grounded for more than a year during the legal challenges will take off before the next election.

None of the 140 million the UK has already paid to Rwanda can be clawed back as the new treaty is expected to add even more to the costs as negotiations are under way.

New Home Secretary James Cleverly said the Rwanda deal would be increased to a legally-binding treaty as soon as possible to alleviate the concerns to make it consistent with international law.

To alleviate the Supreme Courts concerns that Rwanda could send genuine refugees back to the countries they have fled, he said new plans being drawn up mean that anyone removed to Kigali cannot be sent to another country than the UK.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer demanded an apology to the nation from Mr Sunak for wasting millions of pounds of taxpayers cash on the ridiculous, pathetic spectacle.

The Prime Minister vowed to do whatever it takes to end Channel crossings, as he set out how the first step will be to finalise a new treaty with Rwanda.

He focused on the Supreme Court suggesting changes there to prevent genuine asylum seekers being sent back to the countries they have fled could render the plans lawful.

There are further elements that they want additional certainty on and noted that changes can be delivered in the future to address those issues, Mr Sunak said at Prime Ministers Questions.

The Government has been working already on a new treaty with Rwanda and we will finalise that in light of todays judgment.

But he dangled an offer to the Tory right by suggesting he could go further, as sacked home secretary Mrs Braverman waited in the wings to challenge his authority.

If it becomes clear that our domestic legal frameworks or international conventions are still frustrating the plans at that point, I am prepared to change our laws and revisit those international relationships, the Prime Minister said.

The British people expect us to do whatever it takes to stop the boats and that is precisely what this Government will deliver.

Mrs Braverman demanded that the Prime Minister changes the law to prevent legal challenges, arguing there is no chance of curbing illegal migration within the current legal framework.

We must legislate or admit defeat, she wrote on social media.

Supreme Court president Lord Reed ruled there would be a risk of Rwanda returning genuine asylum seekers to face ill treatment in the country they had fled.

Mrs Braverman said after her ousting this week that Mr Sunak had no credible plan B and would be back at square one in the event of legal failure, as she took aim at his approach to the ECHR.

But Lord Reed made it clear in his summary of the judgment that it is not the only international treaty relevant to the courts decision, which also took into account domestic law.

In the Commons, Mr Cleverly said that in the last few months, ministers have been working with Rwanda to provide the certainty that the court demands.

We have been working with Rwanda to build capacity and amend agreements with Rwanda to make clear that those sent there cannot be sent to another country than the UK, he said.

The Home Secretary told former prime minister Theresa May she made an incredibly important point when she said the ruling on Rwanda came regardless of the ECHR.

Mr Sunak told Rwandan president Paul Kagame in a call that he remains firmly committed to their asylum partnership.

Boris Johnson urged the Prime Minister to change the law to designate Rwanda a safe country, arguing it is the only one way to end the legal blockade on Rwanda.

Mr Sunak will hold a Downing Street press conference on Wednesday afternoon as his more hardline MPs grow increasingly frustrated at his leadership.

Lord Reed agreed with the Court of Appeal decision earlier this year that there are substantial grounds to believe there is a real risk of refugees being returned by Rwanda to their home countries.

But he made it clear the judgment was based only on the current failure to eliminate the risk there and said the changes needed to reduce this may be delivered in the future.

The Supreme Courts ruling, though, made clear the challenges ministers must overcome, saying there was evidence of a culture within Rwanda of, at best, inadequate understanding of Rwandas obligations under the Refugee Convention.

The flagship policy was first announced by Boris Johnson in April 2020, but not one migrant has been removed to Kigali during a series of legal challenges.

This grubby, cash-for-people deal was always cruel and immoral, but, most importantly, it is unlawful. Todays judgment should bring this shameful mark on the UKs history to a close Steve Smith, Care4Calais

Campaigners welcomed the verdict, with the Freedom From Torture charity hailing it as a victory for reason and compassion.

Steve Smith, chief executive of the Care4Calais refugee charity, said: The Supreme Courts judgment is a victory for humanity.

Todays judgment should bring this shameful mark on the UKs history to a close.

The legal rulings were based on evidence that Kigali has a poor human rights record, citing British police warning Rwandans in the UK of credible plans by the nations government to kill them.

Concerns of political and media freedom were also raised, as was the inability of the Rwandan courts to act independently of the government.

Evidence from the UNHCR, the United Nations refugee agency, cited Rwandas 100% rate of rejection of claims from countries in conflict zones such as Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan.

This is despite the UK authorities often finding the claims are well-founded.

The body also presented evidence of more than 100 cases of refoulement  the process of returning refugees to their origin countries  that have taken place after the UK agreed its deal with Rwanda.

More than 27,300 migrants have been detected making unauthorised crossings of the English Channel so far this year, according to official figures.
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Sacked home secretary Suella Braverman has demanded that Rishi Sunak introduces emergency legislation blocking off the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) after the Rwanda policy was scuppered by the Supreme Court.

Less than 24 hours after her scathing attack on the Prime Ministers leadership, the former minister intervened again to tell the Government to bring forward new measures or admit defeat.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, she said the judgment was no surprise to people close to the process, adding: Given the current state of the law, there is no reason to criticise the judges. Instead, the government must introduce emergency legislation.

Measures to prevent both the ECHR and the Human Rights Act working as barriers to the scheme would need to be central to any Bill, Mrs Braverman said, echoing the demands made by other MPs on the Tory right.

We must legislate or admit defeat Suella Braverman, former home secretary

Mr Sunak on Wednesday announced emergency legislation to enable Parliament to deem Rwanda a safe destination for asylum seekers, but it does not appear to go as far as the demands being made by the ousted ex-minister.

The Prime Minister is facing wider unrest in the Conservative ranks after the scheme to send asylum seekers to the east African nation was ruled to be unlawful by five of the UKs most senior judges.

The New Conservatives grouping of MPs said the judgment felt existential for the party, while deputy chairman Lee Anderson said ministers should ignore the law and start removing asylum seekers immediately.

Backbenchers on the right of the party are now calling for a drastic overhaul of the UKs rights and treaties framework, potentially going beyond their previous suggestion of overriding the European Convention of Human Rights.

Other moves to disapply treaties such as the Refugee Convention should now be considered if necessary given the scope of the judgment, the New Conservatives have argued.

Mr Sunaks strategy is to seek an upgraded agreement with Rwanda that will address the concerns of the Supreme Court and to introduce emergency laws to empower Parliament to confirm that Kigali is safe.

But the measures have failed to fully appease the group, with co-chairs Danny Kruger and Miriam Cates saying the solution would need more than a declaration.

Glad PM is bringing forward emergency legislation, they said in a message posted on X.

But it will need more than a declaration that Rwanda is safe. We cant wait for ECHR to intervene: we must move now to ensure that this time, finally, there is simply no opportunity for rights-based claims against deportation.

Respecting the rule of law means respecting the impartial judgments of our independent courts. Judges apply the law without fear or favour  a longstanding principle of our democratic constitution Alex Chalk, Justice Secretary

The Bill must disapply the Human Rights Act and give effect to the policy *notwithstanding* the ECHR and Refugee Convention.

Ms Cates earlier did not say whether she maintained full confidence in the PM when asked by journalists after a meeting of the group in Parliament.

Mr Anderson described the Supreme Court judgment as a dark day for the British people and said ministers should just put the planes in the air now and send them to Rwanda.

Its time for the Government to show real leadership and send them back, same day. I think we should ignore the law and send them straight back the same day, he said.

The Prime Minister refused to condemn Mr Andersons suggestion that ministers defy the courts decision but insisted the rule of law is fundamental to the UKs democracy, saying he would respect and accept the judgment.

In a 56-page ruling, five of the UKs senior judges agreed that there had not been a proper assessment of whether Rwanda was safe for asylum seekers and that the countrys history cannot be effectively ignored or sidelined.

None of the 140 million the UK has already spent can be clawed back and a new upgraded agreement with Kigali announced by Mr Sunak is expected to add even more to the costs, with Labour accusing the Government of wasting taxpayer cash.

Jonathan Gullis, part of the New Conservatives grouping, had earlier said there was a range of options the Government could consider, including physically pushing small boats back into French waters in the Channel.

Following the Prime Ministers press conference later on Wednesday in which he announced emergency legislation but said the devil will be in the detail.

This seems to be a step in the right direction, but we will need to make sure we go as far as we need to go too, he told Times Radio.

Meanwhile, Brendan Clarke-Smith, another Conservative MP from the 2019 intake, posted a picture on social media of a 2016 Daily Mail headline suggesting judges were enemies of the people over a ruling on Brexit.

Weve been here before, he wrote.

He later insisted he had not been attacking justices of the Supreme Court but making a point about the democratic choices of British people, adding: Like we did then with Brexit, we solved the problem in Parliament and its my intention to make this happen again.

Former Cabinet minister Sir Simon Clarke said the Governments response to the legal setback would be a confidence issue in Mr Sunaks judgment as a Prime Minister.

He suggested emergency legislation would have to be put forward at a minimum to assert Parliaments sovereignty.

It comes after Mrs Braverman accused the Prime Minister of being uncertain and weak in an incendiary letter where she claimed she had agreed to be his home secretary on certain conditions, including a number commitments on migration.

Former deputy prime minister Damian Green offered support for Mr Sunak following his press conference.

Describing the proposals as perfectly measured, he said he was glad the Prime Minister was not heeding calls to ditch the ECHR.

I am a rule of law man. I think Government should obey the law. If we sign international treaties, we should stick to them, he told BBC Radio 4s PM programme.

In the Commons, Home Secretary James Cleverly resisted calls to withdraw from the European Court of Human Rights and the international Refugee Convention, telling Tory MPs: I dont believe those things are necessary.

He added that national governments cant just vote themselves out of international commitments and as a former foreign secretary he knew they were incredibly powerful tools as we try and do good around the wider world.

But the Prime Minister said that if it becomes clear that our domestic legal frameworks or international conventions are still frustrating the plans at that point, I am prepared to change our laws and revisit those international relationships.
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A trade union body in Scotland has joined Scotlands First Minister in calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Humza Yousafs calls for a ceasefire have been known for weeks, with his mother- and father in-law Elizabeth and Maged El-Nakla recently escaping the conflict.

However, during a bi-annual meeting with the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), organisation Mr Yousaf reiterated solidarity with the Jewish and Muslim communities in Scotland, while committing to work against antisemitism, Islamophobia and other types of prejudice.

Roz Foyer, STUC general secretary, said her organisation joined with the First Minister and the United Nations in demanding an end to the killing of innocent men, women and children in the Middle Eastern region.

In unequivocally condemning the Hamas attacks, Mr Yousaf said he called for all hostages to be immediately, unconditionally and safely released.

He said the humanitarian disaster had seen more than 11,000 people, including children, die in Gaza, with nearly 1.6 million displaced.

The people of Gaza are in desperate need of water, shelter, food and security, he said.

We must stand together and united, join with international organisations and aid agencies like the United Nations and the World Health Organisation, and continue to lend Scotlands voice to the growing international calls for an urgent ceasefire.

The way forward is clear, and I hope that others across Scotland will add their voices to our calls  which build on Scotlands proud history of supporting and promoting peace across the world Roz Foyer

The way forward is clear, and I hope that others across Scotland will add their voices to our calls  which build on Scotlands proud history of supporting and promoting peace across the world.

Working in solidarity with trade unions and others to combat antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of hatred in Scotland is crucial and I am absolutely committed to sending a clear message that hatred or prejudice directed at any community has no place in our modern Scotland.

Ms Foyer said: We join with the First Minister and the Scottish Government, in addition to the United Nations, the World Health Organisation and international agencies across the world, in demanding a ceasefire and to end the killing of innocent men, women and children within the region.

Collective punishment is a war crime. International law must be upheld. Peace must reign. However distant it may seem, a political solution can be found that guarantees peace and statehood for all peoples in Israel and Palestine.
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Irelands deputy premier has expressed confidence that a significant number of Irish citizens will be able to leave Gaza on Wednesday via the Rafah crossing into Egypt.

Around 35 to 40 Irish passport holders remain in the enclave.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin is in Egypt ahead of planned trips to Israel and the Occupied Territories.

Im very pleased that a number of our Irish citizens are on the list today, Wednesday, to come through the crossing at Rafah, he told RTE.

This is very welcome news. Obviously, it is still a very fluid situation. Were very hopeful that a number of our citizens can make it through.

We will continue to work on the remaining citizens to get them through.

I cant give you precise numbers but it is good news that quite a number of Irish citizens are on that list.

Mr Martins visit also has a focus on trying to secure the release of Israeli-Irish girl Emily Hand, eight, who is feared to be a Hamas hostage in Gaza.

He is due to hold talks with his Egyptian counterpart on the issue during his visit to Cairo.

Im very focused on that particular issue. As an Irish eight-year-old citizen I think its imperative that shes released, and indeed all the hostages, and particularly the children who have been abducted, Mr Martin said.

Emilys Dublin-born father Tom and her half-sister Natali have been in Ireland this week along with relatives of other hostages to raise awareness of the situation and ask for Irish support to secure their release.

They had a meeting with Mr Martin in Dublin and also met Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and President of Ireland Michael D Higgins.
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Leading cancer doctors have called for a fundamental reset of cancer care in the UK in a bid to improve outcomes for those with the disease.

A policy review, published in The Lancet Oncology, said survival rates remain unacceptably poor for many cancers at a time when care has become increasingly complex, specialised and expensive.

The paper outlines a 10-point plan to improve cancer care, and calls for the creation of a UK-wide national cancer control plan, along with a prevention programme for smoking, obesity and alcohol consumption.

Experts said the current crisis has deep historic roots and a fundamental reset is required to reverse the problem.

Cancer needs to be a top political priority for the whole of the UK Professor Richard Sullivan

It comes after the Government revealed plans to integrate its national cancer control plan into the Major Conditions Strategy, which was launched in January 2023.

The blueprint will aim to improve health outcomes over the next five years and will cover cancer, heart disease, musculoskeletal disorders, poor mental health, dementia and respiratory diseases.

It is expected to be published early next year.

Co-author of the paper, Mark Lawler, who is a professor of digital health at Queens University Belfast and chairman of the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership, said abandoning a national cancer plan for the Major Conditions Strategy is an incomprehensible decision not in the best interests of people with cancer.

Professor Richard Sullivan, joint senior author and director of the Institute of Cancer Policy at Kings College London, added: Cancer needs to be a top political priority for the whole of the UK.

We need care that is clinically led and truly personalised. The failure to deliver specific and properly resourced cancer plans with a research agenda that is fit-for-purpose is also leading to widening patient inequalities, healthcare staff burnout and poor outcomes.

All the ingredients are there to address these issues. But we need political will.

The authors estimate there will be between 457,000 and 564,000 cancer patients each year in the UK by 2040, a 30% increase from today.

They also want to see primary care strengthened, with hospice care integrated within the NHS.

Ruth Driscoll, associate director of policy and public affairs at the end of life charity Marie Curie, called for more and better funding for hospices to work with the NHS to meet rising demand and end the postcode lottery in access.

She added: Some people with cancer will die with the disease. We cant shy away from that.

The Government must ensure that all dying people have the care and support they need, including people dying from cancer and other conditions such as dementia.

Professor Lawler also called the decision to dismantle the National Cancer Research Institute, which was announced in June, a big mistake.

The paper calls for it to be re-established, along with the broadening of the strategic agenda on cancer research.

Earlier this month, data published by NHS England showed there had been 257,702 urgent cancer referrals by GPs in September, down 4% on 267,555 in August but up 1% year-on-year from 254,455 in September 2022.

However, the proportion of people seeing a specialist within two weeks of an urgent referral fell from 74.8% to 74.0%, remaining below the target of 93%.

Of the cancer patients who had their first treatment in September after an urgent GP referral, 59.3% had waited less than two months, down from 62.8% in August and behind the 85% target.

A cancer plan is not just a strategy, it is a lifeline for the one in two of us that will get cancer Professor Pat Price

Pat Price, visiting professor at Imperial College London and joint senior author, said cancer care is fast becoming a monumental crisis with no realistic plan.

She added: A cancer plan is not just a strategy, it is a lifeline for the one in two of us that will get cancer. Cancer patients are consistently being failed, with UK cancer survival outcomes remaining near the bottom of cancer league tables.

We need to address the cancer workforce crisis, deliver treatments on time and stop the situation that sees us lagging behind on cancer technologies in key areas, like radiotherapy.

The urgent need for a cancer specific control plan is clear, and it beggars belief that clinicians are finding themselves having to produce one instead of the Government.

In August, the Government and NHS England confirmed plans to streamline cancer waiting time targets.

Officials said the new standard, implemented in October, will move away from the outdated two-week wait target and be replaced by the Faster Diagnosis Standard.

Cancer is being diagnosed at an earlier stage more often with survival rates improving across almost all types of cancer and the NHS has seen and treated record numbers of cancer patients over the last two years Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson

The 10 previous targets will be consolidated into three, with patients with suspected cancer expected to have the disease diagnosed or ruled out within 28 days.

Elsewhere, the 62-day referral to treatment will ensure patients who have been referred and diagnosed with cancer should start treatment within that timeframe, while patients with a diagnosis who have had a decision made on their first or subsequent treatment, should start it within 31 days.

Baroness Delyth Morgan, chief executive at Breast Cancer Now, said the paper is a welcome spotlight on what is desperately needed to ensure cancer services meet the needs of people affected by cancer now and in the long-term.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: Cancer is being diagnosed at an earlier stage more often with survival rates improving across almost all types of cancer and the NHS has seen and treated record numbers of cancer patients over the last two years.

We have opened 127 community diagnostic centres offering over five million additional tests, are training hundreds of thousands more staff through our NHS Long-Term Workforce Plan and are committed to improving cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment through our Major Conditions Strategy.

We have also invested 162 million to ensure every radiotherapy provider has access to modern, cutting-edge equipment, along with 50 million to expand the cancer and diagnostics workforce.
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The Government has announced it disagrees with an HS2 Ltd estimate showing a significant increase in the cost of building the high-speed railway.

HS2 Ltd, the Government-owned company responsible for the project, calculated in September that constructing the line between London and the West Midlands known as Phase One would cost between 49 billion and 57 billion (at 2019 prices).

This comes a year after Transport Secretary Mark Harper said this phase remains within its overall budget of 44.6 billion.

Rising costs were caused by multiple factors including delays in planning and environmental consents, programme scope changes, and supply chain pressures linked to the pandemic and Ukraine war HS2 Ltd

HS2 Ltd blamed several factors for the increase, such as delivery productivity, delays obtaining consent for the work, and the impact on supply chains from the coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

In a report to Parliament on Wednesday, rail minister Huw Merriman wrote that the latest estimate is a very significant upwards revision compared with HS2 Ltds previous projections.

He stated that the Government disagrees with the 49 billion to 57 billion figure for two reasons.

He explained that the estimate was drawn up before the Department for Transport (DfT) curtailed HS2 last month by scrapping the project north of the West Midlands and dramatically amending plans for Euston, which will cut costs.

The minister also stated that the DfT makes different assumptions on how much cost risk remains addressable.

The departments officials put the estimated cost range for Phase One at between 45 billion and 54 billion.

Mr Merriman wrote that he has asked HS2 Ltd executive chair Sir Jon Thompson to update the companys estimate considering the revised scope of Phase One, and to explain why the increases have been so significant.

A spokesman for HS2 Ltd said: This is a project of unprecedented scale and complexity.

Rising costs were caused by multiple factors including delays in planning and environmental consents, programme scope changes, and supply chain pressures linked to the pandemic and Ukraine war.

With hindsight, estimations made prior to full construction by the Government and HS2 Ltd were overly optimistic and delivery performance did not fully match expectations.

HS2 Ltd, under the new leadership of Sir Jon Thompson, is committed to learning lessons of the last few years and controlling costs.

A DfT spokeswoman said: Were focussed on delivering HS2 between London and Birmingham, and are moving forward to build a station at Euston thats affordable and can open to the public as quickly as possible.

Mr Harper was asked by the Commons Transport Select Committee on Wednesday about allegations that HS2 Ltd previously withheld accurate cost figures from the DfT.

The Cabinet minister said: There are some allegations that are live, which are being looked at by HS2s investigative function.

Obviously because theres a live investigation, it wouldnt be right for me to comment on those specifically, except to say if it is found that things have gone on that require a response from the Government, then there will absolutely be one and we will take whatever steps that we need to.
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Rishi Sunak's government is said to be considering deporting migrants to other countries as a plan B to his policy to send them to Rwanda, which has been deemed unlawful by top judges.

The prime minister has vowed to do whatever it takes to stop small boat crossings, and insisted the government had spent the last few months planning for all eventualities as the Supreme Court rejects his flagship policy.

Five justices at the UKs highest court unanimously rejected their latest appeal to remove asylum seekers to the east African nation, placing Sunak under huge pressure to set out an alternative option.

Earlier this year, the prime minister was said to be considering flying migrants to a remote volcanic island in the South Atlantic Ocean.

Located about 4,000 miles from the UK, Ascension Island is reportedly among the territories being re-evaluated as a place to process asylum seekers who arrive in the UK via unauthorised means.

The volcanic island is around 4,000 miles away from the UK (PA Wire)

Considered one of the remotest inhabited locations on Earth, its closest landfall is Brazil, which is around 1,400 miles away. It is situated 807 miles northwest of St Helena and is just under 34 square miles in size, with only basic amenities available for islanders.

Since being discovered in 1501, it has hosted few inhabitants and is currently home to around 800 people. With no permanent or Indigenous population on the island, its occupants consist of employees and their families, who work at the British and US air bases.

While Ascension Island has its own Constitution and is self-governing, it is a British Overseas Territory with the UK responsible for defence, international relations and security on the island.

It was first garrisoned by the British in 1815, to ensure Napoleon Bonaparte was not rescued from his island prison in St Helena.

During the Second World War, it was used as a base for the US and became a crucial RAF refuelling point during the Falklands War.

It remains an important military and support base, with the Daily Mail reporting that the runway was extended and improved just last year, at a cost of 250 million.

While Charles Darwin initially described the volcanic island as hideous in 1836, it has since been modernised with artificial planting and the construction of the capital town of Georgetown. Home to 450 people, it comprises a government house, a post office, a handful of shops and even a cinema and a gym.

Ascension Island lies in the South Atlantic (Martin Cleaver/PA) (PA Archive)

A second settlement, Two Boats, is also home to a number of inhabitants. There is however only one dentist and a small medical centre, with serious casualties having to be evacuated to St Helena.

It is also renowned for its string of golden beaches, which play host to one of the worlds largest populations of green turtles. With temperatures ranging from 20C to 38C, an array of native wildlife including seabirds and crustaceans appear along its low coastal areas.

The island was previously considered a location to process asylum seekers, with ministers believing its remote location would create a strong deterrent for migrants hoping to cross the Channel.

They were previously dropped after a feasibility study carried out by the Foreign Office declared Ascension Island unsuitable for various reasons, including inadequate power and water supplies and a lack of a hospital.

Proposals have been in placeas the Rwanda policy has been mired in legal challenges ever since it was first announced in April 2022.

The first 50 migrants are expected to arrive at the Bibby Stockholm barge today (James Manning/PA) (PA Wire)

In June, it was ruled unlawful by the Court of Appeal due to deficiencies in the Rwandan asylum system, who concluded the African nation was not a safe third country.

Supreme Court President Lord Reed has now ruled that there would be a risk of Rwanda returning genuine asylum seekers to face ill treatment in the country they had fled.

In a statement, Mr Sunak said: We have seen todays judgment and will now consider next steps.

This was not the outcome we wanted, but we have spent the last few months planning for all eventualities and we remain completely committed to stopping the boats.

He said that, crucially, the courts have ruled that the principle of sending migrants to a third country is lawful.

Illegal migration destroys lives and costs British taxpayers millions of pounds a year. We need to end it and we will do whatever it takes to do so, he said.
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Edinburgh Castle was placed in lockdown as activists smashed the case containing The Stone of Destiny.

Protest groups reportedly smashed the glass case that houses the Stone of Destiny in a protest demanding action on the cost of living crisis in Scotland.

Campaign group This Is Rigged claimed to be behind the attack.

A spokesperson said: We targeted the Stone of Destiny because Scotland is at a critical point in its history. The reality of our present day is deeply concerning: A quarter of Scotlands population have experienced food insecurity in the past year. A thousand children were rushed to hospital with acute symptoms of malnutrition.

Meanwhile Tesco and Sainsburys handed shareholders a record breaking 1.2 billion while 1.2 million Scots cant afford to eat.

This is morally unacceptable. Food is a human right, hunger is a political choice.

Edinburgh Castle was placed in lockdown (Getty Images)

The Stone of Destiny is an ancient symbol of Scotlands monarchy, used for centuries in the inauguration of its kings.

It was seized by Edward Is forces from Scone during the English invasion of Scotland in 1296, and was used in the coronation of the monarchs of England.

The stone was placed under King Edwards Chair  on which most subsequent English and then British sovereigns have been crowned (Public Domain)

In 1914 it was damaged in a Suffragette bombing campaign which broke the stone of Destiny into two pieces.

The damage wasnt discovered until Christmas Day 1950, when a group of four Scottish nationalist students removed the sacred object from Westminster Abbey, intending to return it to Scotland.

During the daring raid, the stone was found to be broken. The group buried it in a campsite before burying a large part in a Kent field where they were camping.

Despite the British state searching for the missing artefact the group managed to get it back to the altar of Arbroath Abbey.

It was found by the Metropolitan Police just four months later and returned to Westminster.

But the theft triggered a growing discussion around Scottish identity and in 1996 the British Government announced that the stone would return to Scotland - 700 years after it was first taken.

The Stone of Destiny had a key role in the coronation of King Charles ((Susannah Ireland/PA))

Today the red sandstone is one of the priceless treasures on display in the Crown Room at Edinburgh Castle. It is said the stone will only leave Scotland again for a coronation in Westminster Abbey.

This Is Rigged added: Civil disobedience isnt an artefact, inaccessible behind glass, a relic of the past. It is the core of Scotlands heritage - The Stone of Destiny was repatriated to Scotland from Westminster Abbey in 1950 by 4 students from the University of Glasgow. Two Glasgow students have broken the glass to demand a better future for the people of Scotland.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: Around 10.45am we were called to a report of a small protest within Edinburgh Castle.

Officers attended and two women aged 20 and 24 years, and a 20-year-old man were arrested in connection with damage caused.

Enquiries are ongoing.

In March, This Is Rigged smashed the glass holding Braveheart aka William Wallaces sword demanding an end to all new fossil fuel projects in Scotland.
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Halfords has apologised after admitting that managers at one of its stores called Travellers p*keys and shared a racist meme of south Asian people in a WhatsApp group.

Worker Alan Wainwright, 60, raised the alarm after he said he heard two senior colleagues at the one of companys branches in the north of England make the offensive remarks about members of the Traveller community over radio headsets on numerous occasions in September.

In a separate incident, he claims a colleague posted a video appearing to make light of a Pakistani man drowning in a WhatsApp messenger group, after British-based Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, 48, and his 19-year-old son Suleman died in the Titan submarine disaster off the coast of Canada.

Mr Wainwright said the caption of the video read: Here is the audio of the knocking they caught from the submarine. A man is then heard saying: I am underwater, please help me.

Halfords said it had taken action against the workers involved (PA Wire)

When approached by The Independent about Mr Wainwrights claims, a spokesperson for Halfords said: We investigated these allegations thoroughly and took immediate action.

We have robust policies in place and the colleagues involved have been required to repeat our equality and diversity training module. The retailer declined to confirm whether Mr Wainwrights specific claims were true, though a spokesperson stressed that action was taken.

Mr Wainwright said it was not the first time he had heard colleagues make racist remarks and claims he witnessed a range of racist and other vile conduct from colleagues during his time at the store.

In a letter sent to the CEO of Halfords Group Graham Stapleton, seen by The Independent, Mr Wainwright wrote to raise his concerns.

It read: A simple Google search reveals that the company has recently lost an employment tribunal for racism and that another racism claim by Mr Adjei-Dawkins, another former employee of Halfords, is being heard in November following three preliminary hearings.

Ive made contact with Mr Adjei-Dawkins and made him aware of some of the racism I encountered at Halfords. I therefore do hope you urgently conduct a full and proper investigation into these matters. Mr Wainwright claims he did not receive a response.

Alan Wainwright claims he witnessed a range of racist and other vile conduct from fellow staff members during his time at his store (PA Media)

The trade unionist, who worked part-time at the store for three months, claims he was sacked after he raised his concerns, while the workers he complained about remain in post.

Mr Wainwright claims that his complaints and previous trade union activity, where he exposed the secret blacklisting of over 3,000 workers by 40 of the UKs largest construction companies, led to his dismissal.

Halfords confirmed that the workers who were subject to these complaints still worked for the company but denied that Mr Wainwright was unfairly dismissed.

A Halfords spokesperson said: Alan Wainwright was dismissed during his probation period for failing to follow the proper process with regard to absences on two separate occasions.

The Independent has previously exposed racism concerns within Halfords in recent months.

In July, former Halfords sales advisor Christopher Best spoke exclusively to The Independent about his employment tribunal victory after being racially abused by a manager at Halfords, his anguish at the ordeal - and his outrage that the senior staffer still works for the company.

The month before, Mr Adjei-Dawkins, a former assistant manager at Halfords, told The Independent he was bullied by managers and paid less than white colleagues in junior positions . His case will be heard at an employment tribunal later this month.

Mr Wainwright has been staging one-man anti-racism protest outside of his old workplace for the past four weekends.

He told The Independent : I dont need any motivation to stick up for people who have been discriminated against - my track record shows this. Ive been doing this for nearly 20 years at a massive cost.

Considering my personal experiences at Halfords, and the matters The Independent has previously reported on, it is now clear to me that Halfords management has absolutely no intention of even recognising the racism in their business, let alone take any real action to prevent this from happening again.
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The governments plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda have been ruled unlawful in a unanimous judgement by Supreme Court in a major blow for Rishi Sunak.

The flagship policy is a pillar of Mr Sunaks commitment to stop the boats before the next election and immigration minister Robert Jenrick has insisted that the plan will go ahead no ifs, no buts. Reacting to the ruling, Mr Sunak said that while this was not the outcome we wanted the government had been planning for all eventualities.

Plan B will be negotiating a new treaty with Rwanda that addresses some of the concerns raised in the court ruling. The government are going to finalise an agreement with Kigali that would mean asylum seekers cant be deported from the country.

What did the Supreme Court rule?

The UKs highest court has ruled that it is unlawful for the government to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda. They have agreed with judges in the Court of Appeal who ruled in June that the plans would be unlawful because of deficiencies in Rwandas asylum system.

Judges in the lower court had agreed with a two to one majority that there was a real risk that persons sent to Rwanda with be returned to their home countries where they faced persecution or other inhumane treatment. As a result, they said it would be a breach of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to send asylum seekers to Rwanda.

The Supreme Court has now agreed with this and ruled again against the government. They said that the assurances given by the Rwandan government to the UK were insufficient to ensure that there is no real risk that asylum seekers will be wrongly returned to countries where they face persecution.

Rishi Sunak said the Supreme Court judgement was not the outcome we wanted (Getty/PA)

What does the ruling mean for the governments plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda?

Although the government has lost in the Supreme Court, this does not necessarily mean that Suella Bravermans dream of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda has been put to bed.

The court has not ruled that deporting asylum seekers to third countries is in principle illegal, but instead said that there are not sufficient safeguards in place in Rwandas asylum system to guarantee the refugees would be safe.

Mr Sunak emphasised this in his reaction statement, saying: Crucially, the Supreme Court - like the Court of Appeal and the High Court before it - has confirmed that the principle of sending illegal migrants to a safe third country for processing is lawful.

The government could try and go back to Rwandan officials and work with them to safeguard and reform their asylum system to ease the concerns of the UK judges. Given the problems raised in court were significant, this may be too large a task.

President of the Supreme Court Lord Reed was pretty damning in his assessment of Rwandas asylum system. He told the court: The structural changes and capacity-building needed to eliminate that risk [of asylum seekers being wrongly returned to their home countries] may be delivered in the future, but they were not shown to be in place at the time when the lawfulness of the policy had to be considered.

Former home secretary Suella Braverman said she pushed Mr Sunak to introduce legal clauses that would exempt the UK from ECHR rulings (PA Wire)

The governments favoured Plan B option

An alternative option would be elevating the deal to treaty status and getting parliamentary approval for the scheme. If MPs have given their seal of approval to the plan, it would be much harder for the Supreme Court to rule against the government in court.

This seems to be the first path Mr Sunak will go down. He told MPs on Wednesday that his goverment would finalise a new treaty with Rwanda and was prepared to revisit our domestic legal frameworks if necessary.

He said the treaty would be finalised in light of todays judgement. He added that if it becomes clear that our domestic legal frameworks or international conventions are frustrating his plans then I am prepared to change our laws and revisit those international relationships. He clarified at a press conference that he will not allow a foreign court to block these flights.

The government are looking to agree a new treaty that would see the Rwandans accept asylum seekers into their country regardless of whether their asylum claims are successful or not.

This is an attempt to alleviate Supreme Court concerns that if the migrants asylum claims are unsuccessful they could be deported back to their home countries and suffer persecution.

Mr Sunak said that asylum seekers will be protected from removal from Rwanda and promised to bring back anyone if ordered to do so by the court. Any emergency legislation agreed by parliament will likely face further legal challenge and will have to go through the UK courts. It could ultimately end up in Strasbourg with the prime minister seemingly committing himself to ignoring any ECHR rulings if it gets to that stage.

A new treaty with Rwanda will no doubt be a very expensive option. Under the current memorandum of understanding, the UK agreed to pay for the costs for five years of welfare and integration for those who had successful asylum claims, and pay for three years for those who did not qualify for refugee status.

Full exchange: Sunak and Starmer clash over cabinet reshuffle and Rwanda in heated PMQs

Will Sunak be pushed to leave the European Court of Human Rights?

Some MPs have pressure on government to leave the ECHR - a move Ms Braverman was in favour of.

Lord Reed did have some comments to make on this option in his Supreme Court judgement however. He said that it is not only the European Convention on Human Rights that is relevant to this case as is sometimes thought. He referenced the UN convention against torture as an example of other legal provisions to which the UK is a party.

In the summary judgement, judges said that asylum seekers are protected against refoulement [being returned to their home countries] by several international treaties ratified by the UK. They named the UN convention on the status of refugees, the Refugee Convention, and Article 3 for the ECHR among others.

This was in effect saying that parliament would have to withdraw from a whole lot more than the ECHR if they wanted to try and send asylum seekers to Rwanda at the current time.

Withdrawing from the ECHR could also have implications for the Good Friday agreement. However if Mr Sunak decides to ignore ECHR rulings in order to get flights off the ground this could lead to full withdrawal.

Could the government send asylum seekers somewhere other than Rwanda?

If Mr Sunak decides to give up on the 140m deal with Rwanda, he could turn his attention to other countries instead. The Home Office has said recently that it will expand the list of safe countries asylum seekers can be returned to to include India and Georgia.

There have also been reports that Turkey, Iraq and Egypt could be added to the list. Mr Sunak might also be hoping that the international experience of his new home secretary, who previously held the position of foreign secretary, could help forge new Rwanda-style deals with other countries, whose asylum systems are a bit less problematic.

Conversations are reportedly happening with a number of other countries on a similar style deal, although details have not been made public. When details of an apparent plan to send asylum seekers to Ascension Island were made public they were almost immediately slapped down as unworkable.

Both the Ministry of Defence and the US government resisted the proposals, according to reports, leaving them dead in the water given the only way to get to the island would have been on RAF flights.
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Several Anglican bishops from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Pacific said Monday that they no longer recognize Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby as their leader, deepening a rift within the global Anglican Communion over gay marriage.

Some bishops who belong to the Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches said they no longer consider Welby to be the spiritual head of the global communion and do not regard the Church of England, which Welby heads, as the mother church of Anglicanism.

Earlier this month the Church of Englands national assembly, the General Synod, voted to let priests bless same-sex couples, while maintaining a ban on clergy conducting gay weddings. Same-sex civil marriage has been legal in Britain for almost a decade.

The synods decision was a compromise measure that came after years of wrangling about the churchs stance on homosexuality. Welby said he wouldnt personally bless any same-sex couples because its his job to unify the 85 million members of the global Anglican Communion.

The dissenting bishops said the Church of England had departed from the historic faith and the synods decision ran contrary to the faith and order of the orthodox provinces in the communion.

The primates said they were no longer able to recognize Welby as the first among equals Leader of the global Communion. The statement was signed by the Global South Fellowships chair, South Sudan Archbishop Justin Badi, and the archbishops of Chile, the Indian Ocean, Congo, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Uganda, Sudan, Alexandria and Melanesia.

The bishops represent about a quarter of the 42 member churches of the Anglican Communion.

The move brings a schism in the communion closer, but its not clear what happens next.

Welbys Lambeth Palace office said in a statement that no changes to the formal structures of the Anglican Communion can be made unless they are agreed upon by the Instruments of Communion.

The deep disagreements that exist across the Anglican Communion on sexuality and marriage are not new, the statement said. But, it added: In a world of conflict, suffering and uncertainty, we must remember that more unites us than divides us.
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Landlords will be banned from refusing to rent properties to people who are on benefits or those with children under Government plans.

Amendments tabled on Wednesday to the Renters (Reform) Bill are aimed at ensuring families are not discriminated against and the vulnerable protected, the Government said.

However, landlords will still be able to carry out reference checks to establish rent affordability and have the final say on who they let their property to.

The measures will apply to England and Wales, with a further amendment at the report stage of the Bill extending them to Scotland.

The Government has also announced that a decent homes standard, which has previously been applied to social housing, will be set for the private rented sector for the first time.

The new standard would provide clarity on what tenants should expect from their home and ensure it is safe, warm and decent, the Government said.

Quality requirements for homes will be set following a consultation and designed to meet the Governments target of reducing poor standards in rented homes by 50% by 2030.

Under the plan, local authorities will be also be given new enforcement powers to force landlords to bring properties up to standard, with fines of up to 30,000 available alongside banning orders for the worst offenders.

The period for which tenants can claim back rent for living in poor conditions will be extended from 12 to 24 months.

Councils will also be supported to improve their ability to investigate landlords who rent sub-standard homes, ensuring they can identify and take enforcement action against the criminal minority and help drive them out of the sector.

As part of our long-term plan for housing we are improving housing standards across the entire private rented sector Housing Secretary Michael Gove

Housing Secretary Michael Gove said the measures will significantly reduce the unacceptable numbers of people currently living in poor conditions.

He added: As part of our long-term plan for housing we are improving housing standards across the entire private rented sector while also ending discrimination against vulnerable people and families who are being unfairly denied access to a home.

The amendments to the Bill will now be considered at committee stage in the House of Commons.

The Bill is described as a once-in-a-generation change to housing laws.

It includes a ban on no-fault evictions and the creation of a new ombudsman to resolve disputes between tenants and landlords more quickly.

The Government has confirmed abolition of no-fault evictions will not happen until reforms to the justice system have been implemented, leading to accusations of a lack of urgency.

The Bill will also strengthen the grounds on which landlords can bid to repossess properties, with the aim of making it easier for them to repossess properties where tenants are found to exhibit anti-social behaviour or accumulated regular rent arrears.

A housing minister spoke of her disappointment at being sacked as she makes way for the 16th person to hold the role since 2010.

Conservative MP Rachel Maclean was ousted as housing minister in the reshuffle on Monday and replaced by Lee Rowley, the 16th person to hold the role since 2010.

Campaign group Renters Reform Coalition criticised the timing of the amendments to the Bill, saying publishing 111 pages of detail on the amendments while the committee stage is in full swing undermines scrutiny.

Campaign manager Tom Darling said: These proposals should have been available to comment on and pore over for weeks  its ridiculous that politicians and experts will be expected to scrutinise over 100 pages of amendments, with some giving oral evidence as soon as tomorrow.

It doesnt help that this is happening the day after the housing minister was sacked, and its still unclear which government minister is now actually responsible for this crucial Bill.

Homeless charity Shelter welcomed the substance of the amendments.

Chief executive Polly Neate said: Even when people can afford the rent, theyre ending up homeless because of this baseless prejudice.

Once it becomes illegal, the Government must not let more underhanded forms of discrimination take the place of blanket bans.
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Almost 2.6 million migrants are in the UK on visas that deny them access to welfare support, according to new estimates that analyse the rise of student and work visas.

The number of people living in the UK who have no recourse to public funds, meaning they have no right to access welfare, has risen by over one million in just two years, research shows.

Net migration to the UK has been unusually high in the past two years, with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) putting it at 606,000 in 2022. This is up from 219,000 in 2019.

Research from the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford has found that there has been a large increase in people who have the no recourse to public funds (NRPF) condition attached to their visa. This is usually attached to temporary visas used by students and workers.

Although those with NRPF should usually be on visas that help them support themselves, such as with work or study, if people lose their jobs or get dropped from their course the condition leaves them at risk of destitution.

Dr Marina Fernandez Reino, senior researcher at the Observatory, said: The NRPF condition isnt, in itself, a sign that someone faces poverty. Many of those with NRPF will be financially secure with no need for benefits or housing assistance. However, some are more vulnerable to economic insecurity, and the growth of the NRPF population means that the risk some people will fall into poverty is likely to be greater.

The number of people in the UK with no recourse to public funds has risen by over a million in the past two years (PA)

Some people who arrive in the UK on care worker visas have been falling into destitution after their job offers have been withdrawn. The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority have started investigating how the care worker visa system is being abused by criminals who bring workers to the UK on the pretence of real work, but then leave them without a job when they get here.

Some work visa holders who are able to find jobs may still be on relatively low wages, which would make their children eligible for in-work benefits if they did have access to public funds.

The Migration Observatory estimated that, at the end of 2022, the top nationalities with NRPF visas were Indian, some 665,000, Chinese, some 316,000, and Nigerian, some 268,000.

An estimated 147,000 Pakistanis and 121,000 Hong Kongers were also on UK visas but werent eligible for welfare support. Indian and Chinese people were the top nationality to be on student visas.

Indians also topped the list of those on work visas at some 360,200 people. This was significantly higher than the next most popular nationality  Nigerian  with 79,000 people.

The Home Office has been contacted for comment.
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Rishi Sunak's flagship plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda is in tatters after the Supreme Court ruled it is unlawful.

The UKs highest court ruled on Wednesday that flights will not be able to go ahead in a blow to the prime ministers key pledge to cut immigration to the UK.

The unanimous ruling by judges agreed with a Court of Appeal decision in June that found that Mr Sunaks 140m deal was unlawful because of deficiencies in the Rwandan asylum system. Both courts found that sending anyone to Rwanda would be in breach of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) as there was a real risk they could be returned to their home countries to face persecution or other inhumane treatment.

Mr Sunak said this was not the outcome we wanted and said the government was now considering next steps.

No courts have found the plan to remove asylum seekers to a third-country unlawful in principle but have rather taken issue with the system in place in Rwanda. This could open up the possibility that the government could re-negotiate the deal with Rwanda in future or seek a similar deal with other countries.

Mr Sunak told MPs on Wednesday that he was working on a new treaty with Rwanda and, if this doesnt work, he is prepared to revisit our domestic legal frameworks. Under the new treaty, the government will finalise an agreement with Kigali that would mean asylum seekers cant be deported from the country.

Rishi Sunak was accused by Suella Braverman of having no plan B if the Rwanda deal was found unlawful (Getty/PA)

President of the Supreme Court Lord Reed was clear in the judgement that the refugee agency UNHCR, who gave evidence in the case, should be trusted in their assessment that Rwanda was not a safe country for asylum seekers. He also emphasised that withdrawing the UK from the ECHR would not solve the governments problems as the UK has other legal obligations to protect the rights of refugees.

The ruling of the five judges was a resounding loss for the government, with Lord Reed telling the court: The evidence shows that there are substantial grounds for believing that there is a real risk that asylum claims will not be determined properly, and that asylum seekers will therefore be at risk of being returned directly or indirectly to their country of origin.

He said that the changes and capacity-building needed to eliminate that risk may be delivered in the future, but that they were not currently in place.

The Rwanda plan is a core part of the prime ministers pledge to stop small boat crossings, although charities and ministers disagree over whether it will be a significant deterent.

It is also an important part of the Illegal Migration Bill, which would deport all small boat migrants without their asylum claims being considered.

Follow the Supreme Court ruling live

Without the Rwanda agreement, the government has nowhere to deport asylum seekers to.

The judgement has drawn criticism from the right of the Conservative party, with the Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson calling on the government to ignore the law and start flights anyway.

Former cabinet minister Simon Clarke said the ruling was a serious challenge to who governs Britain.

The Rwanda deal was originally signed by Priti Patel in April 2022 as a five-year arrangement.

Under the agreement, the UK has already paid 120m in development funding to Rwanda and 20m to receive the first group of asylum seekers, and will also pay for the processing and integration costs for each person sent there. This will cost an estimated 169,000 per person, according to a government assessment.

Rishi Sunak has said that the government will seek a new treaty with Rwanda (PA)

Refugee charities hailed the ruling as a victory for the rights of men, women and children who simply want to be safe.

Care4Calais, who were a claimant in the initial legal challenge against the plan, said that the ruling was a victory for humanity. Todays judgement should bring this shameful mark on the UKs history to a close, CEO Steve Smith said.

One of the asylum seekers that the government tried to send to Rwanda in June 2022 has told The Independent that he was so happy at the news that their deportation plans had failed.

He called on Mr Sunaks government to process his asylum claim and those of other migrants who he said are living in limbo waiting on their decisions.

He was in the Supreme Court, along with charity Care4Calais, when the decision was announced and he said he could tell by the body language of those around him that his claim against the government had succeeded. He said he was proud to be part of the legal action against the government and it was my duty to do it for all the other people.

The ruling comes just days after Mr Sunak sensationally sacked his home secretarySuella Braverman and replaced her with James Cleverly, the former foreign secretary.

In a scathing letter published on Tuesday night ahead of the court decision, Ms Braverman accused Mr Sunak of betraying his promise to the nation to do whatever it takes to stop the boats. She said that Mr Sunak had agreed a deal with her when she was appointed home secretary that would have allowed specific notwithstanding clauses into new legislation enabling the government to exclude international law. This would in effect be a way of ignoring the ECHR on certain issues without fully withdrawing from it.

She accused Mr Sunak of rejecting this proposal and failing to prepare a plan B if the government didnt succeed in the courts. Reacting to Wednesdays ruling, Ms Braverman said the government must introduce emergency legislation or admit defeat.

At Mr Sunaks new-look cabinet on Tuesday, new home secretary Mr Cleverly outlined the options available to the government in light of the Supreme Court ruling. The prime ministers official spokesman said that leaving the ECHR was not discussed at the meeting.

Mr Cleverly has in the past said that he did not think leaving the ECHR was necessary to ensure the UKs tough approach to immigration. He told MPs on Wednesday that: National governments cant just vote themselves out of international commitments.

However Mr Sunak said later at a press conference that he will not allow a foreign court to block these flights.

The Supreme Court has issued a damning judgment in its ruling that the Rwanda asylum policy is unlawful, leaving Rishi Sunaks flagship plan in tatters.

Here are the five most damning statements in the Rwanda Supreme Court decision.

Real risk asylum seekers sent back to face ill-treatment

In their written judgment, the justices found there would be a risk of genuine asylum seekers being returned by Rwanda to the home country from where they fled, facing ill-treatment.

Lords Reed and Lloyd-Jones said the court is unanimously of the view that the evidence establishes substantial grounds for believing that there is a real risk that asylum claims will not be determined properly, and that asylum seekers will in consequence be at risk of being returned directly or indirectly to their country of origin.

In that event, genuine refugees will face a real risk of ill-treatment in circumstances where they should not have been returned at all.

Lord Reed added in a summary of the Supreme Courts ruling that changes needed in Rwandas asylum system to eliminate the risk of refugees being returned to their countries of origin where they could face bad treatment have not been shown to be in place now.

He said there was a legal rule that refugees must not be returned to their countries of origin, either directly or indirectly, if their life or freedom would be threatened in that country.

That rule is called the principle of non-refoulement, he said.

Rwanda rejects 100% of those fleeing some conflict zones

In their judgment, the Supreme Court also warned that Rwanda has a 100 per cent rejection rate for asylum seekers from conflict zones, including Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen.

The UN Refugee Agency said Rwanda had a 100 per cent rate of rejection of asylum claims from countries in known conflict zones from which asylum seekers removed from the UK may well come, such as Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan, although the UK authorities often find that such claims are well-founded, Lord Reed said.

The judge said the UNHCR gave over 100 examples of Rwanda sending refugees back to their countries of origin and had argued that the Rwandan government had an apparent misunderstanding of its obligations under the Refugee Convention.

Lord Reed added that the UNHCR has given evidence over Rwandas failure to fulfil a similar agreement with Israel over the removal of asylum seekers, with some people being routinely moved clandestinely to a neighbouring country from which they were liable to be returned to where they came from and face bad treatment.

Police warn Rwandans in UK about state plans to kill them

In their decision, the justices explained that British police have had to warn Rwandan nationals living in Britain of credible plans to kill them by the Rwandan state.

It read: In 2017, in proceedings to which the Secretary of State was party, the Divisional Court found that Rwanda was a state which, in very recent times, has instigated political killings, and has led British police to warn Rwandan nationals living in Britain of credible plans to kill them on the part of that state.

The justices added that Rwanda has a poor human rights record, noting the UK governments own criticism of the country in 2021 for extrajudicial killings, deaths in custody, enforced disappearances and torture. UK government officials have also raised concerns about constraints on media and political freedom, said the Supreme Court.

UNHCRs evidence naturally of greatest weight

In the 56-page judgment, the Supreme Court made clear that they accepted the weight of the evidence provided by the refugee agency UNHCR, criticising the divisional courts for failing to give proper consideration to the UNHCRs evidence, which was crucial to proving that the Rwandan asylum system was not fit to process claims.

What weight to put on the UNHCR evidence has been an issue of contention in the courts, with one of the judges in the Court of Appeal ruling that the governments assessment trumped concerns expressed by the refugee agency. The Supreme Court has instead agreed with the UNHCR in their assessment that Rwanda is not a safe country for asylum seekers.

The justices said: UNHCRs evidence will naturally be of greatest weight when it relates to matters within its particular remit or where it has special expertise in the subject matter.

Refugees protected by other treaties if UK removed from ECHR

President of the Supreme Court Lord Reed used his judgment to make clear that even if the UK decided to withdraw from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), this would not automatically make the Rwanda deal legal.

Lord Reed emphasised the UK has signed up to other legislation that protects the rights of refugees beyond the ECHR. He said: Asylum seekers are protected against refoulement by several international treaties ratified by the UK.

These included the the United Nations (UN) Refugee Convention, the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment and the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, he said.
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Three-quarters (75 per cent) of single mothers could struggle to afford basics such as food and heating when they retire, a report estimates.

Scottish Widows annual report said the motherhood penalty  the financial and career disadvantages faced by mothers  has an enduring impact into later life.

Deep-rooted structural inequalities cause women to earn less, work less and save less for retirement when they become parents.

This is exacerbated for single mothers, who are unable to share the burden of day-to-day costs and childcare provision with a partner, Scottish Widows said.

The report used YouGov research among more than 5,000 people across the UK in March and April this year.

It also used the Pension and Lifetime Savings Associations (PLSA) retirement living standards to calculate the quality of lifestyle that people could achieve when they stop working.

More than half (51 per cent) of single mothers struggle to find jobs in the first place, the research found. Nearly half (46 per cent) of single mothers reduced their hours in order to manage childcare.

The report also found that half (50 per cent) of fathers said they share childcare equally with their partner, while less than a third (31 per cent) of mothers believe this to be true.

And 37 per cent of mothers said they had left jobs to look after their children, as had 18 per cent of men.

The research also indicated that two-thirds (66 per cent) of single women generally are not on track for a minimum lifestyle (which covers the basics with some discretionary income) in retirement. This is much higher than women who are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting  of whom only 23 per cent are not on track.

We must recognise the amount of childcare responsibility that falls on single mothers and their huge contribution to society, which means they should be protected by policies to limit the impact it has on their careers and pensions Jackie Leiper, Scottish Widows

It is also higher than single men  54 per cent of whom are not on track  according to the report.

Jackie Leiper, managing director of Scottish Widows, said: Despite how familiar we all are with the gender pension gap issue, the long-term impact on the day-to-day reality for women when they retire is less talked about.

Understandably, single women affected by the motherhood penalty and the cost of solo parenting may be more focused on how to support their family today, but this report shows the struggle they could face by the time they become grandmothers.

We must recognise the amount of childcare responsibility that falls on single mothers and their huge contribution to society, which means they should be protected by policies to limit the impact it has on their careers and pensions.

The government needs to prioritise affordable childcare to improve the retirement prospects for all mothers and single mothers in particular.

Alesha De-Freitas, head of policy, advocacy and research at the Fawcett Society, said: We need urgent childcare reform that prioritises accessibility and affordability for everyone, and this needs to work in tandem with an economy that delivers high-quality flexible work.

A government spokesperson said: The success of automatic enrolment has transformed the UK pensions landscape and brought millions of women into pension saving for the very first time, and our expansion of free childcare in England means working families could save an average of 6,500 per child per year, meaning parents who are ready to return to work will benefit from the single biggest investment in childcare ever.

We also recently published the first official measure of the gender pensions gap, which will help track the collective efforts of government, industry and employers to close it and ensure women can look forward to the retirements theyve worked so hard for.
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A motion in the Irish Parliament calling for the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador has been defeated.

The vote came as more than a thousand protesters calling for the expulsion of the ambassador staged a demonstration outside the Oireachtas.

The motion proposed by the Social Democrats called for a range of economic and diplomatic sanctions against Israel, including that the diplomatic credentials of Israels ambassador in Ireland, Dana Erlich, be revoked.

The motion also called for Ireland to use its influence in Brussels to seek a suspension of the EU-Israel trade deal, invoking a human rights clause in the agreement, and suspend Israel from participation in the Horizon Europe research funding initiative.

The party additionally said Ireland should also refer Israel to the International Criminal Court.

Tabling a counter-motion that removed the calls for sanctions, Minister of State James Browne told the Dail parliament that maintaining diplomatic links with Israel was vital

The government amendment to the motion was voted for by 85 votes to 55.

A motion by Sinn Fein calling for Ireland to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court  that was debated in the Dail on Tuesday evening  was also defeated.

Throughout the evening protesters outside the parliament waved large Palestinian flags as they also called for a ceasefire in the conflict.

The demonstrators chanted Free Palestine, Israeli ambassador, out, out, out, and from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.

The demonstrators also erected a large sign which spelled out Gaza in lights.

People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett was among the demonstrators.

Sinn Fein TDs Pearse Doherty and Matt Carthy, as well as Social Democrat leader Holly Cairns and party TD Gary Gannon were also in attendance.

Earlier Mr Browne told the Dail that maintaining diplomatic links with Israel was vital.

There is a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza and there is a real risk of regional spillover of conflict, he said.

At the same time, I regret that the motion proposed by the Social Democrats seeks to push Ireland to the margins of international opinion, he said, claiming such a move would undermine the countrys influence in the Middle East.

It underplays the value of international and multilateral engagement.

Ireland must continue to work with our international partners in responding to this crisis.

The Government has made its position clear regarding proposals to expel the Israeli ambassador  cutting off diplomatic relations with a country means cutting off communication channels.

Diplomacy is not always or only about friendly relations, and nor is it an endorsement of the policies or actions of a given country. It is precisely at times of conflict and tension that diplomacy is most useful and most needed, and it is vital to maintain communication links.

Ms Cairns insisted words of condemnation are not enough as she opened the debate on the motion.

Accusing Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza, Ms Cairns criticised the Government for proposing amendments that she claimed would replace the demand for tangible sanctions against Israel with platitudes and zero actions.

The refusal of most western leaders to shout stop and demand a ceasefire has led to thousands of deaths, Ms Cairns told the Dail.

Israel is killing with impunity. According to the World Health Organisation, Gaza is now a graveyard for children.

She added: I recognise that the Irish government has done more than most of the EU to advocate for a ceasefire, but thats just evidence of how low the bar is.

Words of condemnation are not enough. We need action.

There must be consequences for the crimes perpetrated by Israel on a captive civilian population in Gaza.

Later responding to Mr Brownes warning of Ireland being pushed to the margins, she said: Given the majority of western leaders opinion, Im happy for Ireland to be an outlier.

Mr Carthy said he was ashamed at the international communitys response to the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.

I am ashamed of the international communitys response to what we have seen in Gaza and particularly ashamed by the response of the EU, he said.

I think EU leaders have ensured that the European Union no longer has any credibility to be a voice for peace, international law and for the basic rules of humanity for so long as they refuse to take a stand.

Mr Carthy told Mr Browne that the world was turning a blind eye and the EU, worse still, is providing cover.

He criticised the Governments failure to back the call for economic and diplomatic sanctions against Israel.

Every single possible action that might help pressure Israel to stop the slaughter of innocent Palestinians is met with pathetic excuses, he said.

Its not good enough, minister. It is well past time that Ireland shows leadership, not to follow the lead of a European Union that clearly isnt willing or capable of providing the leadership thats much needed in this instance.

Minister of State Sean Fleming also addressed the Dail during the two-hour debate.

It is clear that deputies across the house are deeply and genuinely concerned at the horrific situation that has unfolded in Israel and in the occupied Palestinian Territory over the past three weeks. The Government shares this deep alarm at the situation and its continued rapid deterioration, including the grave humanitarian situation that now exists within the Gaza Strip, he said.

He added: The Irish Governments position on this is clear. Israel has the right to defend itself and its people from attack. But this is not an unfettered right.

International humanitarian law applies, the principle of proportionality applies, and the Israeli military has a duty to ensure the protection of citizens. A humanitarian ceasefire for Gaza is an essential, basic step now.
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Ireland would be pushed to the margins of international opinion if it expelled Israels ambassador in Dublin, a Government minister has warned.

Minister of State James Browne was speaking in a debate on a motion proposed by the Social Democrats calling for a range of economic and diplomatic sanctions against Israel.

The party has demanded that the diplomatic credentials of Israels ambassador in Ireland, Dana Erlich, be revoked.

The motion also called for Ireland to use its influence in Brussels to seek a suspension of the EU-Israel trade deal, invoking a human rights clause in the agreement, and suspend Israel from participation in the Horizon Europe research funding initiative.

The party said Ireland should also refer Israel to the International Criminal Court.

Tabling a counter motion that removed the calls for sanctions, Mr Browne told the Dail parliament that maintaining diplomatic links with Israel was vital.

There is a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza and there is a real risk of regional spillover of conflict, he said.

At the same time, I regret that the motion proposed by the Social Democrats seeks to push Ireland to the margins of international opinion, he said, claiming such a move would undermine the countrys influence in the Middle East.

It underplays the value of international and multilateral engagement, he added.

Ireland must continue to work with our international partners in responding to this crisis.

The Government has made its position clear regarding proposals to expel the Israeli ambassador  cutting off diplomatic relations with a country means cutting off communication channels.

Diplomacy is not always or only about friendly relations, and nor is it an endorsement of the policies or actions of a given country, it is precisely at times of conflict and tension that diplomacy is most useful and most needed, and it is vital to maintain communication links.

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns insisted words of condemnation are not enough as she opened the debate on the motion.

Accusing Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza, Ms Cairns criticised the Government for proposing amendments that she claimed would replace the demand for tangible sanctions against Israel with platitudes and zero actions.

The refusal of most Western leaders to shout stop and demand a ceasefire has led to thousands of deaths, Ms Cairns told the Dail.

Israel is killing with impunity. According to the World Health Organisation, Gaza is now a graveyard for children.

She added: I recognise that the Irish Government has done more than most of the EU to advocate for a ceasefire, but thats just evidence of how low the bar is.

Words of condemnation are not enough. We need action.

There must be consequences for the crimes perpetrated by Israel on a captive civilian population in Gaza.

Later responding to Mr Brownes warning of Ireland being pushed to the margins, she said: Given the majority of Western leaders opinion, Im happy for Ireland to be an outlier.

Sinn Feins Matt Carthy said he was ashamed at the international communitys response to the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.

I am ashamed of the international communitys response to what we have seen in Gaza and particularly ashamed by the response of the EU, he said.

I think EU leaders have ensured that the European Union no longer has any credibility to be a voice for peace, international law and for the basic rules of humanity for so long as they refuse to take a stand.

Mr Carthy told Mr Browne that the world was turning a blind eye and the EU, worse still, is providing cover.

He criticised the Governments failure to back the call for economic and diplomatic sanctions against Israel.

Every single possible action that might help pressure Israel to stop the slaughter of innocent Palestinians is met with pathetic excuses, he said.

Its not good enough, minister. It is well past time that Ireland shows leadership, not to follow the lead of a European Union that clearly isnt willing or capable of providing the leadership thats much needed in this instance.

Minister of State Sean Fleming also addressed the Dail during the two-hour debate.

It is clear that deputies across the house are deeply and genuinely concerned at the horrific situation that has unfolded in Israel and in the occupied Palestinian Territory over the past three weeks  the Government shares this deep alarm at the situation and its continued rapid deterioration, including the grave humanitarian situation that now exists within the Gaza Strip, he said.

He added: The Irish Governments position on this is clear. Israel has the right to defend itself and its people from attack. But this is not an unfettered right. International humanitarian law applies, the principle of proportionality applies, and the Israeli military has a duty to ensure the protection of citizens. A humanitarian ceasefire for Gaza is an essential, basic step now.

TDs will vote on the motion and the Government amendment later on Wednesday.

They will also vote on a Sinn Fein motion, which was debated on Tuesday evening, calling on the Government to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court.

A pro-Palestinian protest is planned outside the Dail to coincide with the votes.
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More than 20 Irish citizens have left the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing into Egypt.

Irish premier Leo Varadkar said arrangements are in place for staff from the countrys embassy in Cairo to provide consular assistance to them, including travel back to Ireland.

He told a meeting of Fine Gaels parliamentary party on Wednesday night that diplomatic relations are being maintained with all countries and ambassadors to ensure Irish people get out of Gaza safely.

Mr Varadkar said he was glad to see this has resulted in up to 30 Irish citizens and their dependants gaining entry to Egypt from today.

Were continuing to work with the Israeli authorities in terms of finalising lists and so forth Tanaiste Micheal Martin

He said every effort is ongoing across Government to ensure the safety of all Irish people in Gaza, the release of Irish-Israeli girl Emily Hand from Hamas and the security of 450 troops in the region.

Twenty-three Irish citizens had crossed the border by mid afternoon.

Around 35 to 40 Irish passport holders were understood to be in the enclave prior to Wednesdays crossings.

Irelands deputy premier Micheal Martin confirmed the crossings on Wednesday.

We will bus them from there to Cairo, our diplomatic team are on the ground there at Rafah, and then for onward transport to Dublin or wherever the citizens may wish to go. It is good news, he told RTE.

Mr Varadkar said calls to expel the Israeli ambassador to Ireland will not be helpful and in turn, will lead to the Irish ambassador to Israel being expelled.

He told the meeting of his parliamentary party that those calls from Opposition parties are not common sense or responsible politics, adding they are each trying to outflank each other.

Mr Varadkar added that recent remarks by world leaders on ceasing fighting near hospitals, explicitly calling for a ceasefire by all sides and adhering to international law were somewhat encouraging.

Meanwhile Mr Martin met his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry and secretary general of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit in Cairo on Wednesday and will have talks with senior representatives from Israel and the Palestinian Authority in the coming days.

He said it was a fluid situation in terms of the number of citizens, and their dependants, who were still to come out through the crossing.

We had concerns that they hadnt come out earlier, if Im honest, and Im more relieved today now than I have been for a while because of course the situation in Gaza is very serious, very dangerous Tanaiste Micheal Martin

Were continuing to work on that with the Israeli authorities in terms of finalising lists and so forth, he said.

Mr Martin said Irelands diplomatic network had been engaging with the authorities in Israel and Egypt to secure safe passage for the Irish citizens trapped in Gaza.

We had concerns that they hadnt come out earlier, if Im honest, and Im more relieved today now than I have been for a while because of course the situation in Gaza is very serious, very dangerous, he said.

Its very traumatic to have an eight-year-old young girl in captivity with no next of kin, so were very focused on that Tanaiste Micheal Martin

Mr Martin said he had been engaging with authorities in Qatar in a bid to secure the release of Emily Hand, eight, who was believed to be a hostage of Hamas in Gaza.

Its very traumatic to have an eight-year-old young girl in captivity with no next of kin, so were very focused on that, he said.

Mr Martin is in Egypt ahead of other planned trips in the region.

Emilys Dublin-born father Tom and her half-sister Natali have been in Ireland this week along with relatives of other hostages to raise awareness of the situation and ask for Irish support to secure their release.

They had a meeting with Mr Martin in Dublin and also met Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and President of Ireland Michael D Higgins.
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Sir Keir Starmer is battling to avoid a damaging split in Labour as rebel MPs appear set to defy him to back calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The SNP is pushing an amendment to the Kings Speech backing a ceasefire, with Labour frontbenchers facing the sack if they back it.

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has said Parliament must show moral leadership and vote in favour of backing an immediate cessation of hostilities.

Labour MPs have been ordered to abstain on the SNP move and have instead been told to back Sir Keirs position calling for longer humanitarian pauses rather than a ceasefire.

Labour frontbenchers who rebel to back a rival amendment would normally face the sack for breaking the party whip.

A party spokesman said: This is a whipped vote and every MP knows what the consequence of that means.

Both Labours amendment and the SNPs one have been selected for a vote on Wednesday evening by Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle.

Shadow cabinet minister Pat McFadden said there was no need for any Labour MP to support the SNPs amendment.

He told LBC that his partys position had been set out comprehensively in its own Kings Speech amendment.

It deals with the three critical aspects of this, which are: how this began on October 7 with the greatest slaughter of Jews since the end of the Second World War; it deals with the current humanitarian situation unfolding in Gaza, calling for pauses in the fighting for more aid for more electricity, water, medicine to get into help the people there; and, critically, it also deals with the future.

And in setting it out in a comprehensive way, just as Keir Starmer did in his Chatham House speech a couple of weeks ago, we have given a position that Labour MPs can vote for.

He would not confirm whether Labour frontbenchers would be fired if they backed the SNPs amendment calling for a ceasefire, saying that was a matter for the chief whip.

Mr McFadden said: Theres no need for any Labour MP or frontbencher to be voting for the position tabled by another political party when weve tabled our own position.

But on Sky News he added: Like every frontbencher, I serve at the pleasure of the leader.

Who is on the frontbench is a matter for him and the chief whip.

The party position on the Middle East conflict has led to internal splits, 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 and tens of councillors have resigned from Labour over its refusal to back a permanent halt to the violence.

In a letter to MPs, the SNPs Mr Flynn wrote: By refusing to join the United Nations in pressing for an immediate ceasefire, Westminster would be disregarding international law, condoning collective punishment and giving the green light to the continued bombardment of Gaza, which has seen thousands of innocent children and civilians killed.

People understand that the conflict in the Middle East is full of complexity. But amidst all that complexity, they also recognise a very human truth. People know that what we are all watching in Gaza is wrong and they want their MPs to do the right thing, show moral leadership and press for an immediate ceasefire.

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 by expressing support for a ceasefire in Gaza.

But the Labour spokesman said that space for debate did not extend to a vote in Parliament because that has a significance to it that everybody understands.

The Commons showdown comes as Israeli forces entered Gazas Shifa hospital.

The Israeli army had surrounded the facility as part of its ground offensive against Hamas, claiming the militant group conceals military operations in the complex.

But with hundreds of patients and medical personnel inside, the move has risks of civilian casualties.

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.

Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell is in Cairo on Wednesday to hold talks with Egyptian counterparts and other partners on how to get more humanitarian aid into Gaza.
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Labour is to put forward an amendment to the Kings Speech to reaffirm its position on the conflict in the Middle East while the SNP has urged MPs to demand a ceasefire.

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has said Parliament must show moral leadership and vote in favour of backing an immediate cessation of hostilities.

Labour said it is not going to be engaging with the amendment put forward by the SNP to the Kings Speech, but is to seek its own motion addressing concerns on both sides of the Middle East conflict.

A party spokesman suggested the amendment would include a reference to the lack of action by Hamas to release about 240 hostages and the scale of civilian casualties in Gaza.

The Opposition has not said what the repercussions would be of defying the party line to vote in favour of calling for a cessation of violence, but shadow ministers could potentially face the sack for doing so.

The party position on the Middle East conflict has led to internal splits, 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 and tens of councillors have resigned from Labour over its refusal to back a permanent halt to the violence.

A number of amendments demanding a total cessation of hostilities 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.

In a letter to MPs, Mr Flynn wrote: As Members of Parliament, it is also important to be crystal clear in terms of what failing to vote for a ceasefire means. Because, by refusing to join the United Nations in pressing for an immediate ceasefire, Westminster would be disregarding international law, condoning collective punishment and giving the green light to the continued bombardment of Gaza, which has seen thousands of innocent children and civilians killed.

People understand that the conflict in the Middle East is full of complexity. But amidst all that complexity, they also recognise a very human truth. People know that what we are all watching in Gaza is wrong and they want their MPs to do the right thing, show moral leadership and press for an immediate ceasefire.

Were not going to be engaging with the party political game-playing by the SNP in Parliament Labour spokesman

According to the Daily Telegraph, Sir Keir is preparing to fire 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 7 October 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.

Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchel is in Cairo on Wednesday to hold talks with Egyptian counterparts and other partners on how to get more humanitarian aid into Gaza.
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A number of Irish citizens and their dependents have been cleared to exit the Gaza Strip into Egypt.

Irish premier Leo Varadkar said arrangements are in place for staff from the countrys embassy in Cairo to provide consular assistance to them, including travel back to Ireland.

Speaking in the Dail, Mr Varadkar said: We expect additional Irish citizens and dependents in Gaza to be on the list in the coming days and were working tirelessly to ensure that all of those who wish to do so will be allowed to leave as soon as possible.

Around 35 to 40 Irish passport were in the enclave during the escalation in hostilities.

The Taoiseach was responding to a call from Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald for Ireland to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

During Leaders Questions, Ms McDonald said a civilian refugee population in Gaza is being slaughtered en masse by one of the most ferocious military forces on Earth.

She said: A child killed every 10 minutes in full sight of the world. Gaza  a graveyard for innocent children. Israels bombardment has destroyed Gazas health infrastructure.

Hospitals are running out of fuel and electricity needed to power vital equipment  maternity, cancer care, all care decimated as the wounded and dying in hospitals trying to keep going to the sound of gunfire, tank fire, and air raids.

She added: The Irish Government must refer Israel to the International Criminal Court. Israel must be held accountable. There must be immediate ceasefires, this is the only thing that will transform this horrific situation.

When this phase of the conflict's over we need a more active approach of the European Union pushing for a two-state solution Leo Varadkar

Mr Varadkar said he agreed with the call for a ceasefire but said it would be important for all sides to honour one.

He said the proposal to refer Israel to the ICC is flawed as an investigation, which will include events since Hamass attack on October 7, has been in progress since 2021 and dates back to 2014.

Mr Varadkar said: Referring Israel to the International Criminal Court at this stage where the investigation is already underway would be akin to reporting an alleged crime to the gardai (Irish police) several years into an investigation.

It simply would have no practical effect or practical value. Also your proposal is flawed because your proposal is to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court and not the situation on the ground and that allows Hamas and Islamic Jihad off the hook.

Perhaps thats your intention, perhaps an omission  but it is not the correct approach.

Israel doesn't care about international law Mary Lou McDonald

Mr Varadkars comments were met with audible objection in the parliamentary chamber.

The Taoiseach said Ireland will instead give an extra three million euro to the ICC.

He added: For far too long, European countries and the European Union have been willing to aid the Palestinians and trade with the Israelis without pressing either side to do what they need to do.

When this phase of the conflicts over we need a more active approach of the European Union pushing for a two-state solution, saying to the Palestinians that were not going to continue to give you aid if you dont respect democracy and human rights and crackdown on terrorism, and saying to the Israelis that were not willing to continue to trade with you in the way that we do if youre not willing to be serious about a two-state solution and allowing the Palestinians the right to the state that they need and they deserve.

Ms McDonald said Mr Varadkar was disingenuous on the matter of the ICC.

She said: Israel doesnt care about international law. Why? Because Israel is never, ever, ever held to account.

She said there has correctly been multiple complaints to the ICC following Russias invasion of Ukraine.

She said: Why is Israel different? Why is it that the international community cannot state the truth that the world has seen within its own eyes as Palestinians are massacred? Why is it that Israel cannot be held to account?

Mr Varadkar replied: This is not the same as Ukraine and an investigation is already underway in relation to potential war crimes.

Meanwhile, deputy premier Micheal Martin is in Egypt ahead of planned trips to Israel and the Occupied Territories.

Im very pleased that a number of our Irish citizens are on the list today, Wednesday, to come through the crossing at Rafah, he told RTE.

He said the Government will work on getting remaining Irish citizens through the crossing but said it is a fluid situation.

I cant give you precise numbers but it is good news that quite a number of Irish citizens are on that list, he said.

Mr Martins visit also has a focus on trying to secure the release of Israeli-Irish girl Emily Hand, eight, who is feared to be a Hamas hostage in Gaza.

He is due to hold talks with his Egyptian counterpart on the issue during his visit to Cairo.

Im very focused on that particular issue. As an Irish eight-year-old citizen I think its imperative that shes released, and indeed all the hostages, and particularly the children who have been abducted, Mr Martin said.

Emilys Dublin-born father Tom and her half-sister Natali have been in Ireland this week along with relatives of other hostages to raise awareness of the situation and ask for Irish support to secure their release.

They had a meeting with Mr Martin in Dublin and also met Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and President of Ireland Michael D Higgins.
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People from Afghanistan, Iran and Eritrea together account for around four in 10 migrants who have arrived in the UK on small boats so far in 2023.

Albanians represent 4% of this years figure, compared with 28% last year, according to new provisional data from the Home Office.

Afghan nationals account for the single largest group of arrivals from January to October 2023, at 20% of the total.

They are followed by Iranians (11%) and Eritreans (10%).

Turkish nationals made up 2% of the total in 2022, but account for nearly 10% of arrivals in the first 10 months of 2023.

The mix of nationalities of people arriving on small boats across the English Channel has varied from year to year.

In 2018 and 2019, when comparatively few crossings were recorded, most arrivals were Iranian nationals (80% and 66% respectively).

A change came in 2020, with Iranians still the leading nationality but accounting for 28% of arrivals, followed by Iraqis (19%), Sudanese (11%) and Syrians (9%).

Iranians and Iraqis together accounted for more than half of arrivals in 2021 (30% and 22% respectively), with a mix of countries once again making up the rest.

There was another change in 2022: Iranian and Iraqi nationals dropped to 13% and 10% respectively, with Albanian (28%) and Afghan (20%) the leading nationalities.

The data for 2023 so far suggests a new trend is emerging, with a sharp drop in Albanian arrivals and a jump in the proportion who are from Turkey.

All figures are based on the total number of arrivals where nationality has been recorded by the Home Office.

Following the spike in summer 2022 in the number of Albanian nationals arriving in the UK on small boats, the governments of both countries struck an agreement to work together to prevent people from making the journey.

This included placing UK border force staff in Tirana airport in the capital of Albania, the exchange of senior police officers, and the creation of a joint migration task force.

The cumulative number of small boat arrivals this year currently stands at 27,314, down 35% on the total at the same point last year.
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Police have arrested a further seven people after Bonfire Night disorder which saw fireworks and petrol bombs thrown at riot police in Edinburgh.

Violent disorder also broke out in Glasgow, where three teenagers were arrested in the days after.

Two arrests had already been made on the night across both cities, bringing the total to nine since Sunday November 5, including a 13-year-old boy.

Police Scotland said that a further 14 people have been identified from Niddrie and investigations continue.

We took a robust stance, and I am proud of the courage, discipline and professionalism that officers showed in the face of the violence that night Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs

The force vowed to bring all the perpetrators to justice and appealed for video evidence to be submitted online.

Some officers suffered minor injuries but were being given psychological support following the violence, Police Scotland said.

Arrests made in Niddrie included a 24-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man, who were charged with alleged fireworks offences and were released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date.

Police said that an 18-year-old man and a 13-year-old boy were also arrested and charged with alleged culpable and reckless conduct and being in possession of a weapon.

The 18-year-old will appear in court at a later date and the 13-year-old was reported to the relevant authorities.

In Glasgow, a 17-year-old boy was arrested and charged with alleged assault and being in possession of a weapon.

Two others, aged 16 and 17, were also arrested and charged with alleged assault, and reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: We are continuing our inquiries into the significant disorder we experienced on Bonfire Night. These arrests are just the start, and we expect more in the coming weeks.

We took a robust stance, and I am proud of the courage, discipline and professionalism that officers showed in the face of the violence that night.

A number of our officers sustained minor physical injuries, however we are also aware of the mental impact that dealing with such significant levels of violence can have.

Nobody deserves to be injured in this way for doing their job. An emergency worker is also someones son, daughter, husband or wife.

For disorder in Edinburgh there is a Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) that allows members of the public to send information directly to the police that can be accessed at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT23S38-PO1

For disorder in Glasgow there is a MIPP that allows members of the public to send information directly to the police that can be accessed at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT23S39-PO1

Anyone with information that can help the investigation is asked to contact 101 or send it in via the respective portal link. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
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David Camerons appointment as foreign secretary is being celebrated in Chinese state media for his unique understanding of the Sino-UK relationship.

The takeover of the Foreign Office by the former prime minister could breathe new life into the China-UK relationship, said Xi Jinpings Communist Party-run Global Times in an opinion piece.

Mr Camerons appointment has put a spotlight on his previous foreign policy record, especially with regards to China.

He oversaw what was referred to as the golden era of closer relations with China during his time in No 10, and was famously pictured drinking beer with President Xi at an English pub in South Buckinghamshire during a state visit in 2015

But that era of closeness has been questioned amid growing reports of Chinese spying operations in the UK and across the West, with Rishi Sunak himself calling Mr Camerons policies naive in his first major foreign policy speech after coming to power last year.

Lets be clear, the so-called golden era is over, along with the naive idea that trade would lead to social and political reform, Mr Sunak had said.

David Camerons appointment as Britains new foreign secretary has the potential to breathe new life into the China-UK relationship which has in recent years experienced some serious setbacks, said the Global Times.

But it said the continuous internal political fighting within the ruling Tory party could also make him a target of critics who would use his policy on China to attack him.

As a former British prime minister whose administration focused positively on fostering closer and mutually beneficial ties with Beijing, he is well positioned to engage with a country he came to comprehend well during his time in Downing Street, it added.

The Chinese state media report said efforts to forge closer ties with London were cut short partly due to the malign influence of Washington, which did not like an ally forming closer ties with China.

The Global Times also criticised Mr Sunak for catering to the preferences of the hard-right faction within his political party by calling Beijing the "biggest long-term threat".

It suggested that it would be good for the UK if London were to once again aspire to be Beijings partner.

Mr Cameron has been under scrutiny over his role in the development of a China-funded port in Sri Lanka, a project that sparked concerns over Beijings growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.

After leaving office Mr Cameron went on to become vice chair of a 1bn China-UK investment fund, which faced challenges in implementation due to escalating tensions.

His lobbying activities were in the spotlight after it emerged he had flown to the UAE to encourage investment in the Colombo Port City project  a part of Mr Xis Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.

In July, the parliamentary intelligence and security committee raised concerns about whether Mr Camerons role was in some part engineered by the Chinese state to lend credibility to Chinese investment, as well as to the broader China brand.

Sir Iain Duncan Smith also questioned Mr Camerons appointment, saying it appears hes being paid by the Chinese government to promote certain things.

Speaking to GB News on Monday, the former Conservative party leader said he had concerns about Lord Cameron, before recalling how he himself was sanctioned by China in 2021 for what it said were lies and disinformation about alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang.

I want to know how that is to be settled because we are under threat the whole time and we are members of the Parliament  a couple of people are in government  so this is a real question mark for me about what is that conflict and how is that to be settled?

Luke de Pulford, executive director of the sinosceptic Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, said it was an incomprehensible, retrograde appointment and described Lord Cameron as out of step with Parliament and the country on China.

The committees assessment indicated that successive governments, including Mr Camerons, had neglected to address the Beijing threat, prioritising economic interests over security concerns.

Mr Cameron would lead the foreign office amid rising incidents of confrontation involving Chinese vessels with others in the South China Sea and alarm over the Israel-Hamas war in the Middle East.
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Sir Keir Starmer has suffered a major blow to his authority after Labour MPs staged a mass rebellion over his stance on a ceasefire in Gaza.

A total of eight members of the Labour leaders frontbench resigned or were sacked as more than a quarter of his MPs defied him to support an immediate cessation in the fighting.

Jess Phillips, shadow minister for domestic abuse, was the most high-profile member of the frontbench to quit as 56 Labour MPs in the House of Commons backed the call for a ceasefire.

Ms Phillips said she had resigned with a heavy heart but added that she could see no route where the current military action does anything but put at risk the hope of peace and security for anyone in the region now and in the future.

Follow the Independents live coverage for the latest updates

The Labour leader has called for a humanitarian pause in the war and warned a full-scale ceasefire would only embolden Hamas to regroup and plan more atrocities.

Labour MPs had been ordered to back the partys amendment to the Kings Speech, in line with that position.

They were also on a three-line whip to abstain on the SNPs amendment calling for a ceasefire. MPs voted 293 to 125, majority 168, to reject the SNPs Kings Speech amendment calling for all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. But 56 Labour MPs backed the position.

Yasmin Qureshi, the shadow women and equalities minister and MP for Bolton South, was the first to announce she had resigned to back the SNP call. She described the scale of bloodshed in Gaza as unprecedented and said MPs had to call for an end to the carnage to protect innocent lives and end human suffering.

She was followed by Afzal Khan, the shadow minister for exports and MP for Manchester Gorton, who said supporting a ceasefire was the very least we can do.

Yasmin Qureshi MP says we must call for an end to the carnage to protect innocent lives and end human suffering (PA)

Paula Barker, shadow minister for devolution and the English regions and MP for Liverpool Wavertree, also anounced she would be standing down saying she had to follow my conscience.

As well as the shadow ministers who quit, frontbenchers Rachel Hopkins, Sarah Owen, Naz Shah and Andy Slaughter also quit after breaking the party whip to back the amendment.

Parliamentary private secretaries Dan Carden and Mary Foy have also left their positions on the frontbench, said Labour.

Sir Keir said he regretted that party colleagues had not backed his position, but added: I wanted to be clear about where I stood, and where I will stand.

Before the vote more than 70 Labour MPs had publicly backed calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. But a Labour spokesperson said that a Commons vote was a different matter, adding: This is a whipped vote and every MP knows what the consequence of that means.

Sir Keir Starmer has called for longer humanitarian pauses, rather than a ceasefire (House of Commons/UK Parliament)

During Wednesdays Commons debate, Ms Shah was the first Labour frontbencher to tell MPs that she intended to support the amendment. She was followed by shadow minister Helen Hayes, MP for Dulwich and West Norwood, who told the Commons that a ceasefire is surely the minimum we should be demanding in the face of such horrific suffering.

Labours decision not to back a ceasefire has also prompted the exodus of a series of councillors from the party, and Sir Keir was forced to hold a crunch meeting last month with a group of Muslim Labour MPs to address anger over his handling of the crisis  including comments in which he appeared to back the cutting of power and water to Gaza.

However, frontbencher Imran Hussain ultimately resigned with a heavy heart last week, saying he was quitting his role as a shadow minister to be able to strongly advocate for a ceasefire.

The Commons showdown came as Israels forces entered Gazas al-Shifa hospital, which Israel insists sits atop a military headquarters used by Hamas. Medics have warned of more civilian casualties, with the troops encirclement of the hospital in recent days already blamed for the deaths of dozens of patients.
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Tory infighting over Rishi Sunaks beleaguered Rwanda plan has descended into civil war as a former deputy prime minister compared Suella Braverman to Vladimir Putin.

The prime minister came out fighting - but refused to rule out holding an election if peers thwart his embattled plan to stop the boats.

Damian Green, deputy PM under Theresa May, said the sacked home secretary wanted to do what Putin and Xi Jinping do in her latest bid to ensure deportation flights to Rwanda can take off, while Tory former minister Tobias Ellwood said she was behaving like a dictator.

It came as Ms Braverman - who was dramatically sacked on Monday - set out a five-point plan which she said would get the failed deportation scheme back on track. She lashed out at Mr Sunaks planned solution to change the law to declare Rwanda a safe country, saying it was unlikely to see asylum seekers deported there before the next election.

In an article for The Daily Telegraph, Ms Braverman demanded an end to government self-deception and spin and said tinkering with the failed plan would not stop the boats.

Suella Braverman has laid out her five tests for ensuring deportation flights to Rwanda can take off (Stefan Rousseau/PA) (PA Archive)

There must be no more magical thinking, she added. Ms Braverman argued that amending the UKs agreement with Rwanda to include a ban on sending any rejected asylum seekers back to the countries they fled will not solve the fundamental issue.

Instead, she said ministers should address concerns raised by the five senior judges who ruled the scheme was unlawful about Rwandas asylum and legal system by embedding UK observers and independent reviewers of asylum decisions.

And she extraordinarily called for new laws to exclude all avenues of legal challenge, including banning asylum seekers from challenging their deportation, so that international obligations, such as the Human Rights Act and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), are disapplied.

Mr Green, chairman of the One Nation group of moderate Tory MPs, said Ms Bravermans suggestion that Britain disregards international law was the most unconservative statement I have ever heard from a Conservative politician.

He said: Giving the state the explicit power to override every legal constraint is what Putin and Xi do. We absolutely cannot go there.

The former head of the governments legal department also slammed Ms Bravermans proposals.

Jonathan Jones KC said: For the sake of putting (at most) a few hundred people on a plane to a place recently found to be unsafe by our highest court [not a foreign court]: She wants the UK to breach every relevant international treaty on torture, mistreatment, detention or fair process.

Senior Tory Mr Ellwood added that Ms Bravermans behaviour was completely incompatible with both our democratic and Party values. Bypassing scrutiny to expedite law change is straight from the dictators handbook.

But veteran right-wing Tory MP Sir Bill Cash said Mr Sunaks emergency Rwanda legislation was no good if it did not have clear so-called notwithstanding clauses.

He said: The position is that if the law in a statute is expressly stated, clear and unambiguous, then the courts will follow that legislation.

Responding to criticism that Britain could be in breach of its international obligations, Sir Bill dismissed the idea as completely false.

Sir Bill, who has practised as a constitutional lawyer, told The Independent: There are some people who believe that it is an absolutely standalone requirement to obey international law, when actually it is well known that in many, many cases, there are moments of national interest where a breach of international law can be justified.

And it is already conducted by many other states including the EU itself, let alone France, Germany, Denmark... I could go through the list.

The MP also warned of a constitutional crisis if the House of Lords blocks the laws, expected to be put to parliament within days.

Rishi Sunak defended his announcement of emergency legislation and a new treaty with Kigali after Supreme Court judges said the Rwanda scheme was unlawful (Leon Neal/PA) (PA Wire)

He said the upper chamber is an unelected body and would be putting itself in jeopardy if it opposed the prime ministers plan.

Hours after the Supreme Court ruled the Rwanda scheme unlawful, Mr Sunak said he would bring in emergency laws to deem Rwanda a safe country for asylum seekers and sign a new treaty with the country to address the courts concerns.

But Ms Braverman warned his plan would get snarled up in domestic and European courts and demanded a tougher approach.

A key Braverman ally meanwhile warned that without a crackdown on small boats, people will turn to other forces. Ex-cabinet minister Simon Clarke called for a general election on the issue  saying: We need the legislation that is brought forward to be truly effective, and if the Lords block it - lets take it to the country.

Mr Sunak rejected the calls, insisting his plan was not about over-ruling laws. He also denied allegations his plan amounted to tinkering with the rejected scheme. No.. the progress weve made this year on tackling this issue is meaningful, he said on a visit to Bolsover.

But he refused to rule out calling an election if the House of Lords thwarts his last-ditch bill to send small boats arrivals to Rwanda. He added: Whether its the House of Lords or the Labour Party standing in our way I will take them on because I want to get this thing done and I want to stop the boats.

Former Home Office permanent secretary Sir David Normington also poured cold water on Ms Bravermans proposal to stop asylum seekers challenging their deportation to Rwanda. He said: "I really don't think that that is possible. I think in the end the Supreme Court wouldn't allow that.

"I'm not a lawyer, but in the end it's just against all normal rights, isn't it, to remove the rights of people to go to the courts?" he told BBC Radio 4.

Mr Green said he would oppose any proposal to pass a law seeking to block the application of international treaties.

He told the BBC:"If we Conservatives dont believe that the state should be controlled by the law, that the government has to obey the law as much as you or I have to obey the law, then that seems to me to be very profoundly unconservative, he added.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also slammed Mr Sunak for chasing expensive gimmicks and called on him to instead pursue a serious solution to small boat channel crossings.
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Rishi Sunak made a last-ditch effort to rescue Tory plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda after the Supreme Court left his flagship stop the boats policy in tatters.

The prime minister vowed to bring in emergency legislation and to strike a new treaty with the African country, following a ruling by the UKs most senior judges that the original plan was unlawful.

He also vowed he would not allow a foreign court to block these flights, although he resisted pressure from the right of his party to immediately pull the UK out of the European Convention on Human Rights.

But he repeatedly refused to say whether the first deportation flight to Kigali would take off before the next general election, saying instead that he hoped the scheme would come into effect next spring. However, campaigners are expected to challenge the new legislation at every stage.

After the Supreme Court issued its damning verdict, the PM faced a furious backlash from Tory MPs who urged him to ignore the law and get the planes in the air while warning that his job was on the line.

In an extraordinary day:

Deputy chair of the Tory party Lee Anderson told the PM to get the planes in the air and send illegal immigrants to Rwanda

Senior Tories warned that the court ruling was a challenge as to who governs Britain

In a major U-turn, the new treaty with Rwanda will mean that anyone transferred there cannot be sent back to their home country

New home secretary James Cleverly downplayed the prospect of ministers pulling Britain out of the European Convention on Human Rights, while Labour claimed he had once described the Rwanda policy as bats***

Campaign group Care4Calais described the ruling as a victory for humanity

In its judgment against the government, the court warned that deficiencies in the Rwandan system meant that genuine asylum seekers were at risk of being deported back to countries they had fled, where they could face persecution.

A defiant Rishi Sunak says the government will change the law to push the Rwanda plan through (Getty Images)

But a defiant Mr Sunak said he would do whatever it takes to push his plan through. His plans for an emergency law change would deem Rwanda a safe country and prevent the merry-go-round of legal challenges, he claimed.

He also unveiled plans for a new treaty, which Downing Street said would resolve the courts main concerns. But that, too, is at risk of being beset by legal delays.

At a press conference, Mr Sunak admitted that the government could still face challenges in Strasbourg and said he was prepared to do what is necessary if the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) intervened.

He said he believed that a law change would resolve any issues but, crucially, stopped short of saying that the UK would pull out of the European Convention on Human Rights. The new legislation would also make clear that the UK would bring back from Rwanda anyone if ordered to do so by a court, he said.

Mr Sunak warned of challenges in the ECHR in Strasbourg, but said he was prepared to revisit those international relationships to remove the obstacles in our way, adding: So let me tell everybody now, I will not allow a foreign court to block these flights.

The UK is expected to pay Rwanda more money for the new treaty. Already 140m has been handed over, though not a single asylum seeker has been sent to the country since the policy was announced in April 2020.

A protester stands outside the Supreme Court in London (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Mr Sunaks pledge comes after a slew of Tory MPs called on him to act to bypass the courts decision. Earlier on Wednesday, in a challenge to Mr Sunaks authority, Mr Anderson said we should ignore the law and urged the prime minister to get the planes in the air.

Former cabinet minister Simon Clarke also suggested he might submit a letter of no confidence in Mr Sunak over the Rwanda issue if the prime minister failed to act. He said Mr Sunaks response to the ruling was now a confidence issue in his judgement as prime minister and leader of the Conservative Party.

Miriam Cates, a leading member of the New Conservatives, a grouping on the right of the party, refused to say she had confidence in the PM, adding: This is an incredibly significant moment ... because this judgment shows that the British parliament does not run Britain.

Another member of the group, Danny Kruger, warned: If this government will not step up and do whatever it takes as the prime minister has promised he will, there is no reason for the public to trust us again, adding: We absolutely have to respond to this in the most robust way possible, and genuinely insist on the sovereignty of this country over its borders.

Refugee charities hailed the ruling as a victory for the rights of men, women and children who simply want to be safe. Care4Calais, one of the claimants in the initial legal challenge against the plan, described the ruling as a victory for humanity. Todays judgment should bring this shameful mark on the UKs history to a close, its CEO Steve Smith said.

The policy has proved controversial with several demonstrations including this one outside the Royal Courts of Justice (PA Archive)

One of the asylum seekers whom the Home Office tried to send to Rwanda in June 2022 told The Independent he was so happy at the news that the deportation plans had failed. He called on Mr Sunaks government to process his asylum claim, and those of other migrants who he said are living in limbo waiting for their decisions.

Mr Sunaks dramatic announcement on emergency legislation came hours after his predecessor Boris Johnson waded into the row, also calling for parliament to legally deem Rwanda a safe country in order to force through the deportation scheme.

The former prime minister shared an article from June in which he had argued for radical action to get Rwanda done.

The Daily Mail columnist wrote in his article: As the judgment points out, the government has the power, under Schedule 3 of the Asylum and Immigration Act 2004, to ask parliament to deem Rwanda a safe country. That has not so far been done and it should now be done  immediately.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, after the ruling, Mr Johnson said: If you want to know what the government of 2019 -2022 would have done, here is your answer. Its the only way.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer demanded an apology from Mr Sunak for wasting millions of pounds of taxpayers cash on the ridiculous, pathetic spectacle.

Supreme Court president Lord Reed ruled that there was a risk of Rwanda returning genuine asylum seekers to face ill treatment in the countries they had fled.

He also made clear that the European Convention on Human Rights was not the only international treaty relevant to the courts decision, which had also taken into account domestic law.
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Watch as the UK Supreme Court delivers its ruling on whether the government can go ahead with its controversial plan to deport migrants to Rwanda.

Justices at the UKs highest court will on Wednesday (15 November) hand down their verdict on Rishi Sunaks legislation to remove asylum seekers to Kigali if they arrive by unauthorised means.

Defeat for the government will further frustrate what Downing Street admits is a crucial part of his plans to halt Channel crossings and will inflame the row with the sacked home secretary.

In an excoriating letter to the prime minister on Tuesday, Suella Braverman warned he has no credible Plan B if the High Court ruling that the policy is unlawful is upheld.

She claimed that even if it gets the go-ahead then Mr Sunaks compromises will mean the asylum policy could be thwarted yet again by the European Court of Human Rights.
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Suella Braverman has accused Rishi Sunak of betrayal over a promise to stop small boat crossings in an incendiary letter after being sacked as home secretary.

In a broadside aimed at the prime minister, 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.

She said Mr Sunak had not lived up to his promise to do whatever it takes to stop small boat crossings by failing to override human rights concerns about the Rwanda plan.

Mrs Braverman, one of the leading figures on the right of the Tory party, 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.

Suella Braverman has accused Rishi Sunak of betrayal in her resignation letter (Getty Images)

Take a look at the full letter below:

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 Hamass 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
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Tensions between Prince William and Harry are so bad that there is no going back for either of them, according to the controversial author of a new book about the royal family.

The new release from Omid Scobie, titled Endgame: Inside the Royal Family and the Monarchys Fight for Survival, details the deterioration of their sibling relationship in the wake of Harrys marriage to Meghan Markle, something he claims was further cemented in the hours leading up to the Queens death in September 2022.

In his follow-up to Finding Freedom, the bestseller about Harry and Meghans departure from the royal family, Mr Scobie claims that the Duke of Sussex has become a threat to the crown because he is willing to think and act in a way contrary to traditional royal expectations.

Among the bombshell claims in the new book, extracts of which have been obtained by US magazine People and shared by The Times, is the allegation that Harry found out his grandmother had died after receiving a BBC News app alert announcing the news.

Its claimed by Mr Scobie that, ahead of this, Harry was forced to travel alone to Balmoral after his father, King Charles, told him to leave Meghan at home.

Harry found out his grandmother had died after receiving a BBC News app alert announcing the news, according to the new book (PA)

While Charles is said to have told Harry that Williams wife, Kate Middleton, would not be there either, due to protocol, a palace aide suggested that Kate was given a choice and stayed at home as it was her childrens first day at a new school. They just didnt want Meghan there, a former palace aide is alleged to have said.

According to extracts from the book, no transport was arranged for Harry, who chartered a plane from Luton for $37,000 (29,000) after learning of the Queens poor health, and it was during this flight, when he was out of contact, that her death was announced.

While Harry was in the air, his team was allegedly engaged in a tug-of-war with Buckingham Palace about whether the news should be revealed to the world, and Buckingham Palace ultimately decided not to wait for Harrys plane to land.

A friend of Harrys told Mr Scobie for the book that the prince was crushed by this as his relationship with the Queen was everything to him and she would have wanted him to know before it went out to the world.

The friend added: They could have waited just a little longer. It would have been nothing in the grand scheme of things, but no one respected that at all.

Mr Scobie co-wrote Finding Freedom with Carolyn Durand, a book about Harry and Meghans departure from the royal family.

A former palace aide allegedly said that Meghan was not wanted when the Queen was dying (PA)

Meghans lawyers previously denied collaborating with Mr Scobie and Ms Durand on the book but, in November 2021, the duchess apologised to the High Court for not remembering that she agreed an aide could provide information to the authors for the biography.

Mail Online highlighted an extract from Mr Scobies book that claims Harry was kept in the dark about the Queens ailing health, and was unaware that Buckingham Palace was already planning for the Queens final hours and the first days of the monarchys new era.

Mr Scobie alleges in the book that William ignored a message from his brother asking if they could travel to Scotland to see their grandmother.

The writer described Harrys memoir Spare, which was published in January, as his last attempt at telling his family how hes felt for years, but said absolutely nothing has changed  and that some within the institution believe Harry to a threat to the crown due to his freedom to exert his own thinking outside of the confines of the institution.

Mr Scobie claims that a source he spoke to for the new book viewed Harry as a defector.

The book claims that the Duke of Sussex has become a threat to the crown because he is willing to think and act in a way contrary to traditional royal expectations (Jeff Spicer/Getty)

Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace and Archewell have all declined to comment on the claims made in Endgame, which will be released on 28 November.

The claims come a day after Harry called his father to wish him a happy 75th birthday, with The Telegraph reporting the warm conversation marked a turning point.

According to the outlet, Charles also spoke to Meghan, while Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet recorded a video singing happy birthday to their grandfather.
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Two more people have been arrested in connection with unrest following protests on Armistice Day.

The British Transport Police (BTP) said on Wednesday that a woman in her 30s from Northampton has been arrested in connection with a hate crime which took place at London Victoria station on Saturday.

The force added that she is currently in police custody.

Meanwhile, a fourth person has been arrested in connection with a racially aggravated altercation which took place at London Waterloo Station on the same day.

The other three, all men, were arrested after racist abuse was shouted at pro-Palestine protesters at Waterloo.

In an earlier statement, BTP said the three men were detained in connection with a racially aggravated altercation after the protest was dispersed at around 5.30pm on Saturday.

They included a 57-year old from Surbiton, south west London; a 61-year old from West Molesey, Surrey; and a 33-year old from Christchurch, Dorset.

The Metropolitan Police said 126 people were arrested during the Armistice Day protests and counter-protests.

So far 11 people have been charged with offences including assault on an emergency worker, criminal damage, racially aggravated assault and possession of an offensive weapon.

The force added that 18 officers were injured policing the protests.
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Google Maps has removed a route from its navigation system after a number of tourists came into danger while travelling towards one of South Africas most violent regions.

The technology giant has decided to alter its directions after a series of incidents in Nyanga, which is only a short distance from Cape Towns international airport.

In August, a British surgeon was shot dead at the wheel of his hire car after he was re-routed by officers to avoid road closures. Kar Hao Teoh, 40, was shot in the head by a gunman while his mother, wife and son were sat in the vehicle alongside him.

An American tourist also miraculously survived being shot in the face earlier this month.

Walter Fischel, 55, had been directed towards Nyanga after he opted for the fastest route on Google Maps. By the time he realised the area was not the greatest, he had been caught in congestion and was targeted by four men and shot in the face.

British surgeon Kar Hao Teoh was shot dead at the wheel of his hire car (Just Giving)

He was able to put up a fight until the gunmen stole his cash and drove away in his car. Speaking to News24 from his hospital bed, he said: While I tried looking for help, I spat out a couple of my teeth and the bullet as well.

Googles South Africa director, Professor Alistair Mokoena, said that blocking Nyanga as a recommended route to avoid traffic on the main motorway was the first priority.

GPS developers including Google are facing increasing pressure to update routes, after a series of incidents where lives have been risked or lost across the globe.

Google is currently being sued by the family of a driver whose car fell off a collapsed bridge, after Maps advised him to use the route despite the bridge collapsing nine years previously.

Scottish authorities also advise hikers and tourists to use traditional maps and compasses to tackle Ben Nevis, as Google Maps may direct them towards rocky, steep terrain that could prove potentially fatal.

This story initially reported that new security alerts will be added for tourists to safely navigate the country but Google has clarified that is not the case
Joe Biden and Xi Jinping certainly have plenty to talk about  and in San Francisco they have at least a few hours to do so. The meeting between the two  during a summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum  is the first in a year, and Xis first trip to the US since former president Donald Trump said they spoke over the most beautiful piece of chocolate cake that youve ever seen at Trumps Mar-a-Lago home in 2017.

Relations between the two superpowers have dropped since then, and Trump wasnt exactly known for being quiet when it came to the issue of China, and so this discussion will be more about breathing life into lines of communication that have fallen fallow. Ties plunged to a new low last August, when Beijing cut off major communication channels with Washington in retaliation for a high-level US visit to Taiwan by then US House speaker Nancy Pelosi. That was exacerbated by a controversy in February over a suspected Chinese spy balloon that made its way across the continental US. And which Biden ordered to be shot down.

Restoring military communication will be a big Biden aim, to avoid the type of miscommunication or miscalculation US officials fear could lead to open conflict. Biden said ahead of his departure for California that he would define success for the sit-down as getting back on a normal course. He said that included corresponding, 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.
Israeli army withdraws from inside Al-Shifa Hospital: medical source

Xinhua) 01:54, November 16, 2023

GAZA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army withdrew on Wednesday evening from inside the Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza and deployed vehicles in its vicinity, said the director of the medical complex.

Mohammed Abu Selmeia told reporters that the Israeli army forces "have now withdrawn from inside Al-Shifa Complex, but tanks and forces are stationed completely in its vicinity."

This comes about 16 hours after Israeli forces stormed this largest hospital in the Gaza Strip and conducted extensive combing and search operations in its buildings.

Earlier today, Abu Selmeia said dozens of Palestinian employees were detained by Israeli troops who entered the hospital in an alleged "targeted and precise operation" against Hamas.

In a separate Hebrew account on the social media platform X, the Israel Defense Forces said its troops "operated in a targeted manner in a part of the Al-Shifa Hospital area where they are scanning for Hamas infrastructure and terrorist means. Also, the forces delivered humanitarian equipment and placed it at the entrance to the hospital."

In response, Hamas said the Israeli army's saying of weapons found in the Al-Shifa Complex is "a blatant lie that serves to justify its crime aimed at destroying the healthcare sector in the enclave."

(Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Sheng Chuyi)
 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.
 Close Kaitlin Armstrong found guilty cyclists murder

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Kaitlin Armstrong has been sentenced to 90 years in prison for the murder of her alleged love rival Moriah Mo Wilson.

A jury returned the sentencing verdict after around three and a half hours of deliberation on Thursday in Austin, Texas. Armstrong will also be required to pay a fine of $10,000.

The two women were reportedly involved in a love triangle with Ms Armstrongs then on-and-off boyfriend and Wilsons fellow cyclist Colin Strickland.

In the aftermath of the May 2022 shooting, Ms Armstrong fled to Costa Rica and was only captured five weeks later.

The state rested its case on Wednesday morning after introducing testimony from Mr Strickland, friends of Ms Armstrong, and law enforcement personnel. The defence called experts who sought to discredit the states DNA and ballistics evidence.

During closing arguments, prosecutors pointed out what they suggested was overwhelming evidence linking Ms Armstrong to the crime, and asked jurors to ignore the rabbit holes the defence had asked them to go down.

Meanwhile, Ms Armstrongs attorneys accused police of a sloppy investigation that too quickly focused on her as the sole suspect.
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Nancy Ng, a Californian woman, mysteriously disappeared while kayaking on Lake Atitlan in Guatemala more than a month ago.

Ms Ng was allegedly out on the kayaking excursion with 10 other people from a yoga retreat where she was spending a break away from work.

Authorities believe that Ms Ng drowned while out on the lake. But that theory has been challenged by family members questioning why the last people to see Ms Ng allegedly havent cooperated with the investigation from the state.

After weeks of search teams going on very little information to recover Ms Ng, small details have been slowly unravelling - with a key witness finally speaking out.

Ms Ng still has not been found; what currently remains of her is a sinister video of the missing woman waving goodbye to the shore before joining her fellow kayakers on their trip.

Heres everything we know so far about the disappearance of Nancy Ng:

Who is Nancy Ng?

Nancy Ng, a 29-year-old school assistant who helps students with disabilities, embarked on a yoga retreat for the second year running, but what was meant to be another peaceful escape from her daily life turned into a nightmare.

Ms Ng lives in Monterey Park in California with her family close by. She is a fitness fanatic and a law graduate from California State University.

On 14 October, Ms Ng left for Guatemala to spend some time around Lake Atitlan at a yoga retreat before planning to fly home.

What happened to her?

On 19 October, Ms Ng went missing.

Her family told ABC7 that the retreat organisers called them to say she had not been seen since a kayaking trip she took with fellow retreat participants.

She left with a group to go on a kayaking excursion as part of the retreat, only to never return.

Local authorities believe that Ms Ng drowned, but her family believes that there was something more to this story, as it allegedly took the group around 24 hours to report her missing.

After 72 hours, the naval team stopped the search for the missing woman, prompting her family back in California to hire professional boaters and ask locals to keep an eye out.

By 24 October, the family had hired an extensive team of private helicopters, boats, divers and drones in the search for the missing woman.

However, those in Ms Ngs kayaking group had allegedly left the country and were not cooperating with the search teams, which could have provided them with crucial information to locate the missing woman.

Jared Lopez, the partner of Ms Ngs sister Nicky, said that lack of information has seriously hindered their search teams efforts.

The last known video of Nancy Ng shows her waving at the camera while on her kayak (ABC7)

Last sightings of Nancy

Since Ms Ngs disappearance, an eerie video has been released, capturing the moment Ms Ng paddled away in her kayak moments before she went missing.

Ms Ng gave one last glance and turned to wave to the camera before sailing off with the kayakers before she disappeared.

Reports came in to fire and rescue officials in the area, who claim they spotted Ms Ng about half a mile away from shore and that her kayak was later found empty, according to ABC News.

Local authorities and prosecutors both have said that Ms Ng likely drowned.

Key witness speaks out

After almost four weeks of waiting for witnesses to speak out about what happened to Ms Ng, her family finally heard from the last person who saw her.

Christina Blazek, a San Bernadino County public defender, was named as the last person to see Ms Ng before she went missing.

Ms Blazek and other witnesses have been barraged by followers of the case and the family, who are trying to understand why it has taken them so long to cooperate.

Yet, G. Christopher Gardner, Ms Blazeks attorney, has denied that his client has been uncooperative and said she spoke to Guatemalan police after Ms Ng went missing.

"To say my client hasnt done all she can is not true," the attorney told ABC News.

Mr Gardner claimed that Ms Ng and his client did not go anywhere together; instead, they bumped into each other on the lake and got chatting with each other.

While they were out on the lake, Ms Blazek said, through her attorney, that Ms Ng declared she wanted to go for a swim.

Ms Blazek allegedly tried to stop the woman from swimming because it was rough out there and there was a good current," said Mr Gardner.

But according to the final witness, Ms Ng ignored Ms Blazeks alleged pleas and went into the water, and by doing so, managed to push her kayak away.

Mr Gardner then claimed his client tried to retrieve Ms Ngs kayak by keeping one leg in her vessel and another leg in the other kayak and got close to Ms Ng to push it back to her.

And then apparently, she lost the kayak again and she turned around to go back to get the kayak again, and when she turned back around, Ms. Ng was gone, the attorney said.

After this, Mr Gardner said Ms Blazek went to get help and a distress call was sent out.

It was previously rumoured that Ms Blazek and other witnesses fled the country almost immediately after the incident, but her attorney told ABC News that she spoke to local authorities, even trying to give them places to look, but because she was not familiar with the area, the directions were not concrete.

After giving a full statement to the police, they told her there was nothing that could be done. Apparently, that lake is known for having people drown on it, the attorney said.

Ngs family accused of threats

Despite Ms Blazek allegedly complying with the police, Ms Ngs family are still bewildered at why she has left them in the dark for weeks.

The Ng family said they attempted to reach Ms Blazek a number of times, first by sharing their number with the yoga instructor at the retreat and through other contacts, reported ABC News.

They said they sent two emails - one on 25 October and another on 31 October - but didnt hear back from Ms Blazek on either occasion.

However, her attorney claimed that Ms Blazek was traumatised by the ordeal and needed time before she could speak.

"They [the family] tell her they understand she has been through a traumatic experience, but then they tell her she needs to come forward to assist authorities.... and they say in the same email if she doesnt come forward theyll make her come forward," said Mr Gardner.

The family denied to ABC News that their 31 October email contained a threat and shared their email with the outlet, which includes questions as to why Ms Blazek is silent and ends stating that if she did not cooperate, they would pursue the matter.

"Were not blaming anybody or accusing anybody of anything. All we want is answers, and we want to bring Nancy home," Ms Ngs sister said to the outlet.

Witnesses didnt say a word

Lee and Elaine Beal, the owners of the kayak company that rented out the boats to the group, spoke out last week about what they witnessed amid the disappearance of Ms Ng.

The couple said that a group of 10 people, including Ms Ng, left with kayaks on 19 October.

When the group returned, there were only eight among them, but we could see in the distance, a distance of about 100 yards, two single kayaks, Mr Beal Lee said, who he believed to be Ms Ng and another woman.

We watched them as they continued paddling until we lost sight of them, he said.

As Ms Blazeks attorney claimed, a distress signal was called, and Mr Beal said he saw the other woman being led ashore.

I witnessed the survivor being ushered up the steps with the yoga instructor. She was clearly distressed, and they didnt say a word to us, Ms Beal told ABC.

The couple said they called the hotel the next day because the excursion was not paid for, but they were told that the group had already left.I just dont understand that part of leaving within eight hours, 12 hours of the accident, Elaine said, according to ABC News.

The key element that is not adding up for the family is the lack of communication between witnesses and those who could help find their beloved family member - if it was a drowning, and it was accidental, why has it taken so long for people to speak up?

There are people that witnessed what happened, within the group, that havent come forward, Ms Ngs sister told ABC in an earlier interview.

Were racking our brain as to why they wouldnt want to come forward and help if nothing nefarious happened.

Ms Ngs family is still desperate for answers and is pleading with witnesses to come forward. They are hoping to hear back from Ms Blazek.
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Nearly one month after Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll was stabbed to death in her home, investigators are appealing to the community for more information following the release of a suspect.

The Detroit Police Department said that following the suspects release on Friday without any charges, the homicide investigation is ongoing.

Despite recent developments, police wrote on X, the department intends to present a comprehensive set of facts to the Wayne County Prosecutors Office.

We appeal to the community for any information and appreciate your patience as investigators thoroughly examine every aspect of this case, the statement continued. Our heartfelt thoughts remain with Ms Wolls loved ones.

Many questions in the case remain as no charges in the case have been made and now no suspects are in custody.

Samantha Woll Update:



The Detroit Police Department is confirming that the suspect in question was released Friday, November 10th.



Further updates regarding this case will be made at a later date.  Detroit Police News (@detroitpolice) November 14, 2023

Police have been pressured to explain what is going on in the probe after the department released its only apprehended suspect earlier this week.

On 8 November, authorities announced that a suspect was held in custody, but provided no details about the suspects identity and didnt mention any charges. Under Michigan law, suspects can only be held for 72 hours without being charged. On 11 November, the suspect was released without charge, their lawyer confirmed.

The public seems to be becoming more impatient with every day that passes since the 40-year-old died on 21 October. The night before, she had attended a wedding. Its still unclear whether she returned  around 12.30am the next morning  alone or with someone else.

Samantha Woll, president of the board at the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue poses for a photo in Detroit, 13 October 2022 (AP)

Days after her death, Detroit Police Chief James White said that it appeared she had been stabbed inside her home before she stumbled outside and eventually collapsed on the sidewalk.

The chief said there was no evidence of forced entry at Wolls home and there were no signs that she tried to defend herself. Police have also rejected the theory that her death was driven by antisemitism, pointing to an untouched Israeli flag hanging in her home.

Law enforcement sources told CNN that they are treating Wolls death as arising from a domestic dispute.

Woll was the president of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue and previously worked as a former aide to Democratic Rep Elissa Slotkin and as a campaign staffer for Attorney General Dana Nessel.
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The puteketeke has won New Zealands Bird of the Century poll after a spirited campaign by British-American comedian John Oliver.

The comedian, who has a deep fascination with New Zealand, revealed on his show earlier this month that Last Week Tonight has taken on the role of the official campaign manager for the puteketeke or the Australasian crested grebe in New Zealands annual Bird of the Year competition.

Oliver launched a vigorous global campaign for the puteketeke. He described them as weird puking birds with colourful mullets.

The annual competition, which commenced in 2005, was clearly the biggest one yet in 2023, with Forest and Bird  the environmental conservation organisation which runs the contest  aiming to find the Bird of the Century to celebrate its 100th year.

More than 350,000 people voted from 195 countries in the contest, with the puteketeke claiming 290,374, or about 83 per cent of the total votes.

The second place went to the north island brown kiwi, which received 12,904 votes, and third to the kea with 12,060.

The announcement of the winner was postponed for two days due to a flood of votes triggered by Olivers intervention. Oliver had a billboard erected for The Lord of the Wings in New Zealands capital, Wellington. He bought up billboards in Japan, France, the UK, India, and the US state of Wisconsin.

A plane carrying a puteketeke campaign banner also flew over the beaches of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, according to reports. He appeared wearing the puteketeke costume on Jimmy Fallons The Tonight Show to promote the bird. He described his own campaign as alarmingly aggressive.

After all, this is what democracy is all about, Oliver said on his show. America interfering in foreign elections.

His campaign wasnt without controversy. It sparked a collective pushback from many groups in New Zealand who agreed it was American interference in the avian election  but didnt necessarily see the funny side.

Supporters of kakariki karaka  a green parakeet  erected billboards in response to Olivers campaign which read: Dear John, dont disrupt the pecking order.

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.

The puteketeke is classified by the Department of Conservation as nationally vulnerable  which means that the species is at a heightened risk of extinction in the medium term.

With a population of fewer than 1000 in New Zealand, the puteketeke has never won the Bird of the Year competition.

Congratulations to campaign manager John Oliver and all those who gave their support to the puteketeke, New Zealands incoming prime minister Christopher Luxon wrote on X/Twitter.

The birds are native to New Zealand, but can also be found in Australia, Europe and central/southern Asia.

Its great to have a successful bird as an ambassador for all New Zealand birds to show that even threatened species can bounce back if we give them a hand, Petrina Duncan, Forest and Birds grebe coordinator for its Central Otago Lakes Branch was quoted as saying by New Zealands Stuff.

Forest and Bird chief executive Nicola Toki said the puteketeke catapulted to the top spot thanks to its unique looks, adorable parenting style, and propensity for puking.
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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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NATO announced Wednesday it has opted to buy six new E-7A Wedgetail surveillance planes built by U.S. aircraft manufacturer Boeing as the 31-nation military alliance looks to update its eyes in the sky in coming years.

NATOs fleet of 14 Airborne Warning and Control System, or AWACS, aircraft are outdated and expensive to maintain. But their large fuselage-mounted radar domes can detect aircraft hundreds of miles away and they remain useful to monitor Russias war on Ukraine from NATOs eastern flank.

NATO said that production of the six new Wedgetails  a militarized version of the Boeing 737 jetliner  will begin in coming years, with the first planes expected to be ready for duty by 2031. No cost was provided for the planes, but based on U.S. and U.K. contract information the price could hit $5 billion.

NATOs contract with Boeing  one of the military organizations biggest ever purchases  is set to be signed next year.

Surveillance and control aircraft are crucial for NATOs collective defense, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in a statement announcing the move. By pooling resources, Allies can buy and operate major assets collectively that would be too expensive for individual countries to purchase."

Apart from the AWACS aircraft and a small fleet of surveillance drones, NATO as an organization does not own any military equipment. The allies themselves provide materiel for its operations. The U.S., U.K. and Turkey  all NATO members  either fly the Wedgetail separately or plan to operate it.

(Getty Images)

Australia also uses Wedgetails and has made one available for use along NATOs eastern flank.

Equipped with powerful radar, the planes provide situational awareness about aircraft and missile movements for hundreds of miles. They can detect hostile activity in the air or from ships and are able to direct NATO fighter jets to their targets.

The E-7A fleet is expected to have its main base at Geilenkirchen in Germany and Wedgetails could operate from several forward locations across Europe.

Belgium EU Ukraine (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The outgoing Boeing E-3s were purchased in 1977 at the height of the Cold War, when Jimmy Carter became U.S. president and as a missile crisis with the Soviet Union was festering. They are continually being refurbished so they can keep flying until 2035.

Some were deployed in U.S. skies after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks to help protect cities and nuclear power plants. They can also be used for air policing, evacuation operations and to provide help during natural disasters.
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A top Ukrainian official said its troops have established a beachhead on the eastern bank of the Dnieper River near Kherson, an important advance in bridging one of Russia's most significant strategic barriers in the war.

Andriy Yermak, head of the president's office, provided no details but confirmed the development that has been widely discussed in military forums over the past month.

Against all odds, Ukraines defense forces have gained a foothold on the left bank of the Dnieper, Yermak told the Hudson Institute, a conservative Washington think tank, in a speech Monday.

Ever since Russian forces left the city of Kherson and the territory around it in November 2022, the only area they controlled on the west bank of the Dnieper, the river became a natural dividing line along the southern battlefront, preventing Ukrainian troops from advancing further into the Kherson region and towards Russian-annexed Crimea.

The barrier also allowed Russia to concentrate more troops in the heavily mined and fortified Zaporizhzhia region and eastern Ukraine.

Russia Ukraine War (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Crossing the Dnieper could allow Ukraine to outflank Russia without having to break through the heavily mined and fortified front line in the Zaporizhzhia region.

It would also provide the most direct land route to Crimea, where Armiansk, one of the two gateways to the peninsula, lies about 80 kilometers (50 miles) to the south without any significant fortifications in the way.

Since the summer, Ukrainian forces have crossed the Dnieper in small groups to create a foothold near the Kherson bridge and more recently sought to expand their presence in nearby villages on the east bank, including Krynky.

The Institute for the Study of War in Washington said Yermak's comments confirm its own assessments over the past month that Ukraine was conducting larger-than-usual ground operations on the eastern bank of the river and appeared to be holding its positions and supplying troops in the Russian-controlled Kherson region.

Satellite imagery from Monday showed forces advancing on Krynky, one of the areas on the eastern bank of the Dnieper about 22 miles (35 kilometers) northeast of the city of Kherson, the ISW said.

Russian military bloggers have reported intense fighting near Krynky.

(Satellite image 2023 Maxar Technologies)

The Moscow-appointed governor for the Russia-occupied part of the Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, said Ukrainian forces lost up to two battalions crossing the Dnieper and trying to maintain their foothold on the left bank.

On his Telegram channel, he claimed that Ukrainian forces holed up in Krynky were facing a fiery hell of intense bombardment and were being destroyed on a large scale.

He said that the Russian soldiers were surprised to what extent the Ukrainian command doesnt care about personnel lives, sending dozens and hundreds to their death.

The Ukrainian forces have long established positions in several areas on the eastern bank of the Dnieper and sought to expand them, using boats to ferry supplies.

Ukraine lost control over almost the entire Kherson region, including the city of Kherson, in March 2022, right after the full-scale invasion started.

Russian troops advanced from the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014, facing almost no resistance even though the Ukraine border was supposed to be heavily guarded.
 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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Ukraines forces in the south have gained a foothold on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River in a significant step for Kyivs counteroffensive against Russia, according to president Volodymyr Zelenskys chief of staff.

The latest development announced by Andriy Yermak on Tuesday comes as a fresh blow to Vladimir Putins troops, who have been facing a gradual counteroffensive since the spring. A Ukrainian breakthrough across the Dnipro could open up a new line to attack Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014.

The Dnipro River in the Kherson region has been one of the key battlegrounds of the conflict, with Russia crossing from the eastern bank to seize Kherson city in the early days of Mr Putins invasion only to abandon the regional capital late last year.

Though they lost ground in the area and retreated back across the river, Russia has maintained a consistent troop presence on the eastern bank, hemming in the Ukrainian counteroffensive.

Against all odds, Ukraines Defence Forces have gained a foothold on the left (east) bank of the Dnipro, said Mr Yermak.

Step by step, they are demilitarising Crimea. We have covered 70 per cent of the distance. And our counteroffensive is developing, he told the Hudson Institute think-tank in the US in remarks posted on Mr Zelenskys website.

Mr 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. It still is capable of producing missiles due to circumvention of sanctions. Not to mention the Iranian drones and North Korean artillery rounds, the official said, reiterating Kyivs longstanding concerns.

As its nearly four-month-old counteroffensive has secured only incremental gains, Kyiv has been cautious in describing its military activities on the rivers east bank.

A military spokesperson this month said not bad results were achieved in forcing Russian troops to reposition from there. Unofficial accounts have noted Ukrainian advances.

On Monday, Russia sparked speculation when its state-run news agencies briefly reported the exit of Russian forces from the area to more favourable positions east of the river. The reports were quickly withdrawn.

The new territorial gains for Kyiv come as its military officials said the battlefield situation in Avdiivka  that Russia has continuously bombarded  was very intense.

Russia is already losing men and equipment near Avdiivka faster and on a larger scale than, for example, near Bakhmut, Mr Zelensky said.

Bakhmut lies about 50km north of Avdiivka, which is only 20km west of the Russian-held regional capital of Donetsk.

He said withstanding Russias pressure in the region was extremely difficult.

The more Russian forces that are destroyed near Avdiivka, the worse the overall situation will be for the enemy and the overall course of this war, he said.

Ukrainian military spokesperson Oleksandr Shtupun said fighting was heaviest south of Avdiivka.

Over the last three days, the occupiers have actively used guided aviation bombs in Donetsk region, particularly around Avdiivka, Mr Shtupun told national television. Ukrainian forces, he said, had repelled 18 Russian attacks over the past 24 hours.
 Close Cleverly asked if he called Rwanda scheme 'bats***'

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Former home secretary Suella Braverman has attacked the prime ministers approach to dealing with the deadlock facing the governments plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Ms Braverman urged Rishi Sunak to exclude all avenues of legal challenge available to asylum seekers, including the Human Rights Act and the European Convention on Human Rights in amendments to the Illegal Migration Act.

The Bill must exclude all avenues of legal challenge. The entirety of the Human Rights Act and European Convention on Human Rights, and other relevant international obligations, or legislation, including the Refugee Convention, must be disapplied by way of clear notwithstanding clauses, she said.

But Damian Green, the former deputy prime minister, said Ms Bravermans proposal was the most unconservative statement he had ever heard from a Conservative politician and compared her plans to the behaviour of Vladimir Putin.

The second test is the most unconservative statement I have ever heard from a Conservative politician. Giving the state explicit power to override every legal constraint is what Putin and Xi do. We absolutely cannot go there, Mr Green said on X, formerly Twitter.
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Israeli forces have raided Gazas largest hospital, with doctors saying the gunfire has left it a gamble to move between the buildings.

The decision to send troops into the hospital is an escalation of the military offensive and may increase calls for a ceasefire, which Israel has so far resisted.

Witnesses said troops were searching wards and questioning people inside, having surrounded the complex where more than 2,000 patients, staff and people sheltering have been trapped without electricity and supplies.

Israels military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said that troops were carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in Shifa Hospital which the military claim sits atop a command centre and a network of militant tunnels. It is an accusation Hamas denies. Israeli forces were still inside the hospital complex on Wednesday afternoon, more than 15 hours after the raid started.

On Wednesday evening Israel said it found weapons and combat gear at the hospital. The army released a video that it said showed some of the material recovered from an undisclosed building within the complex, including automatic weapons, grenades, ammunition and flak jackets.

Hamas dismissed the announcement as lies and cheap propaganda.

Rear Admiral Hagari said the search would continue in a precise way and in accordance with intelligence ... in order to gather more details and to discover more assets.

Prematurely-born Palestinian babies in al-Shifa (Supplied)

Speaking to The Independent from inside al-Shifa during the raid, Dr Ahmed Makhalati, head of the hospitals burns unit, said: The situation is very difficult  the Israel army broke into the Shifa complex after various battles at the gates of the hospital.

The soldiers are still inside the complex... the Israelis appear to be in one section of the hospital, Dr Makhalati said, as gunfire could be heard behind him, but that it was difficult to see properly as it is dangerous to take a look from the window [and] its a gamble to move between the buildings.

We cannot move from building to building [and] the situation is really tense, he said. The Israeli military is not in all the buildings. He said that staff havent heard about arrests, detentions or evacuations.

International attention has been focused on the fate of hundreds of patients and more displaced civilians trapped inside the sprawling complex as electricity and supplies dwindle. Gaza officials say many patients including newborn babies have died in recent days as it has run out of fuel, leaving incubators without power.

Israeli soldiers in al-Shifa on Wednesday evening (AFP)

The World Health Organisation, a UN agency, also said it was urgently exploring the possibility for evacuating patients and medical staff from the facility, alongside other partners.

To make sure this can be enabled, of course there is a need for safe passage and also for fuel for the ambulances, said Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative in the occupied Palestinian territories. Mr Peeperkorn said that according to their latest information, 34 of 39 premature infants in the hospital were still alive.

Mohammed Zaqout, the director of hospitals in Gaza, said that Israeli tanks were inside the medical compound and that soldiers had entered buildings, including the emergency and surgery departments which house intensive care units.

The IDF says it found a weapons cache in the hospital (Reuters)

Israel stormed the buildings, he told the Associated Press, adding that patients, including children, were terrified. They are screaming. Its a very terrifying situation ... we can do nothing for the patients but pray.

A senior Israeli military official said Israeli forces engaged in gun battles with Hamas operatives outside of the complex but not within the hospital buildings, and a number of militants had been neutralised.

The military confirmed Palestinian reports that its forces had interrogated individuals inside al-Shifa, but would not comment any further.

Our soldiers are making a slow and deliberate progress based on our intelligence. We are in direct contact with the health authorities in the hospital, and IDF spokesperson said.

A view inside al-Shifa hospital on Wednesday (Gaza health ministry via Reuters)

Israel is at war with Hamas, not with the civilians in Gaza, the official added.

The Israeli military said that the operation continued, with troops where they were conducting searches for Hamas terror infrastructure an weapons as well as hostages taken by Hamas during their deadly 7 October attack on southern Israel in which 1,200 were killed and around 240 were taken hostage back into Gaza. The Israeli army said their soldiers were accompanied by medical teams and had brought medical supplies and baby food as well as incubators and other equipment.

Rear Admiral Hagari said that military had repeatedly publicly warned Hamas against its continued military use of al-Shifa  an accusation Hamas denies.

We gave ample time to stop this unlawful abuse of the hospital. The IDF has also facilitated wide scale evacuation of the hospital and maintained regular dialogue with hospital authorities, he added.

Dr Makhalati said that around 1am [local time] the Israeli military issued a warning to staff inside to move away from the doors and gates of the hospital as they will break in.

But there were various airstrikes and bombardments around Shifa hospital shortly before, causing a half metre hole in one of the departments where I think the soldiers entered, he added.

IDF soldiers during the raid on Tuesday (Israeli Defence Forces/AFP)

The senior Israeli official said that they were still prepared to evacuate newborn babies to a different hospital within Gaza, Egypt, or Israel.

This offer is still on the table, he said, adding that they had provided the incubators to the hospital.

He said that Israeli troops left humanitarian supplies outside of the front gate of the hospital and had notified the hospital it was there.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organisation (WHO), said: Israels military incursion into al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City is totally unacceptable.

France, whose president Emmanuel Macron has urged for a ceasefire, expressed serious concern about Israeli operations inside al-Shifa

The Palestinian population should not be made to pay for Hamass crimes, even less so the vulnerable, injured or sick and the humanitarian workers who courageously continue their work in extremely dangerous conditions, the French foreign ministry said in a statement.

Martin Griffiths, the UNs chief of humanitarian affairs said he was appalled by reports of the raid on al-Shifa. The protection of newborns, patients, medical staff and all civilians must override all other concerns. Hospitals are not battlegrounds, he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

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. However national security spokesperson John Kirby said the US does not support striking a hospital from the air.

A truck carrying fuel crosses into Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip (AFP via Getty Images)

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, he added.

In a press statement released on Tuesday night, Hamas rejected US administration claims about al-Shifa hospital and called for the establishment of an independent international committee to inspect all hospitals in Gaza.

Israel has vowed to crush Hamas. In response to the attack on 7 October, it launched its heaviest ever aerial bombardment of Gaza, with airstrikes continuing. Israeli tanks and ground troops were subsequently sent into northern Gaza, and in the last two-and-half weeks have claimed control of several key buildings and a central area in Gaza City.

Since Israels operations began 11,200 people, two-thirds of them women and children, have been killed, according to the Palestinian health ministry in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank. Two-thirds of Gazas 2.3 million people have fled their homes.

About 2,700 people have been reported missing, with most believed to be buried under the rubble. The ministrys count does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths.

Egyptian security sources said that on Wednesday the first truck of fuel entered Gaza since Israel imposed a total siege on the enclave on 7 October.

The delivery was made possible by Israel giving its approval for 24,000 litres (6,340 gallons) of diesel fuel to be allowed into Gaza for use by UN aid distribution trucks, but not for use at hospitals, according to a humanitarian source.

Limited deliveries of humanitarian aid have been crossing from Egypt into Gaza since 21 October, but Israel had refused to allow in fuel, saying Hamas held plentiful stocks.

The head of the UNs Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA), confirmed that it has received fuel that crossed into Gaza via the Rafah crossing, but called for more to be allowed to enter the besieged territory.

This fuel cannot be used for the overall humanitarian response, including for medical and water facilities or the work of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini said in a statement. UNRWA needs 160,000 litres of fuel each day to complete basic humanitarian operations, he added.

The UN had warned in recent days that it would soon have to halt humanitarian operations, including the distribution of relief within Gaza, as its fuel stocks became fully depleted.
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Police in Israel say they are investigating several cases of sexual assault and rape during the Hamas attack last month.

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 video testimony from a young woman who attended the Supernova music festival in southern Israel which was attacked by Hamas, leaving 260 people killed.

The woman in the video, her face blurred, described watching another woman get raped before being shot. "I couldn't understand what I saw," she said, adding that she survived the Hamas attack by pretending to be dead.

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 Mr Katz. Some of the victims are dead while survivors are struggling with trauma.

The police wouldn't give details about how many cases they had, beyond saying they have several witnesses.

A video testimony was given from a woman who attended the Supernova music festival, where 260 people died (AFP via Getty Images)

"It's much more complicated because there is the matter of time that passed since the actions until we could reach the bodies," Mr Katz said. "Second of all - the trauma for the victims."

It will take time, Mr 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."

But when it comes to documenting sexual assault, officials said it's been harder to gather evidence and that it's also challenging to get people to come forward. In the immediate aftermath of the attack, first responders were trying to identify the victims in an active combat zone, which lasted for 48 hours, making it hard to properly gather and preserve evidence, they said.

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 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.

In response to the attack on 7 October, Israel 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.
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Israel says its military has launched a "targeted" operation against Hamas inside Gaza's largest hospital as Palestinian health officials said forces "stormed" the besieged complex in the early hours.

According to the United Nations, more than 2,500 patients, medics and internally displaced people  including dozens of vulnerable newborn babies that need incubators  are still inside al-Shifa hospital. The UN said in recent days the medical complex had run out of generator fuel and was low on vital medical supplies including anaesthesia.

The hospital administration reported that after days of intense fighting around the hospital they were informed early on Wednesday that Israeli troops would raid the complex within minutes, shortly before reporting intense gunfire inside the walls of the hospital.

Dr Ahmed El Mokhallalati, a surgeon at Shifa had said in an earlier telephone message that only patients, doctors and civilians were staying at the hospital which was surrounded by tanks and "under blockade".

A doctor in al-Shifa, Ahmed El Mokhallalati, said that gunfire forced staff to stay away from windows for their safety. He spoke of tanks being parked in front of the emergency department of the hospital.

Shooting around the hospital and within the hospital. It's really horrible you can feel that it's very near to the hospital. And then we realised that the tanks are moving around the hospital," he told Reuters.

"They just parked in front of the hospital emergency department. All kinds of weapons were used around the hospital.... We try to avoid being near the windows," he added.

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, around 40 per cent of them children.

Israel has repeatedly accused the Hamas militant group that runs Gaza of building a network of attack tunnels underneath Shifa and using civilians as human shields, an accusation that hospital officals and Hamas denies.

The Israeli military (IDF) said "based on intelligence information and an operational necessity" it launched a "precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area" in the complex.

"[On Tuesday], 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 statement read.

"The IDF has also 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," it added.

The Israeli army concluded the statement by calling on Hamas militants present in the hospitals to surrender.

Martin Griffiths, the head of UN humanitarian operations, has criticised Israels actions within the al-Shifa compound. Im appalled by reports of military raids in al-Shifa hospital in Gaza. The protection of newborns, patients, medical staff and all civilians must override all other concerns. Hospitals are not battlegrounds, he wrote in a post on social media.

Just hours before the operation started the White House said it had its own intelligence that Hamas was using the hospitals to run its military operations and store weapons. However, National Security Spokesperson John Kirby said the US does "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," he added.

In a press statement on Tuesday night, Hamas rejected US administration claims about al-Shifa. "We reiterate our call for the United Nations to establish an international committee to inspect all hospitals in Gaza and expose the falsehoods in the occupation's narrative, a narrative endorsed by its ally, Washington," Hamas said.

Medics in Shifa and northern Gaza told The Independent that three newborn babies at al-Shifa had died in the last few days because their incubators had to be switched off due to electricity shortages.

At least 36 more were at risk of death as they were kept warm with tin foil on ordinary hospital beds. Doctors working with international medical charity Doctors Without Borders, as well as other medics, reported that people had been shot trying to leave Shifa. Gaza health ministry officials said people were at risk of being shot by snipers if they tried to move between the different buildings within the hospital, and that food and water were running out.

Health ministry officials said Palestinians still within al-Shifa had to dig a mass grave on Tuesday and bury over 100 of the dead in the hospital courtyard as it was too dangerous to go outside.

Ashraf Al-Qidra, Gaza's health ministry spokesman, said there was no plan in place to evacuate babies despite Israel announcing an offer to send portable incubators.

UN 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.
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Google will begin deleting inactive Gmail, Photos and Drive accounts from Friday, 1 December, the technology giant has warned.

The purge is part of a major update to the platform, impacting all personal Google accounts that have been left dormant for at least two years.

Millions of accounts may be at risk of being permanently deleted, with some users warning that among those affected could be parents who have set up accounts to share memories and milestones with young children.

Google has already begun warning users that might be impacted, saying in a blog post earlier this year that the policy would come into effect in December 2023.

We are updating our inactivity policy for Google Accounts to two years across our products, Ruth Kricheli, Googles vice president of product management, wrote in a blog post in May.

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.

The move is aimed at protecting active Google users from security threats like phishing scams and account hijacking.

Old accounts that have not been used for years are typically at risk from hackers as they may use the same passwords that have been compromised in other security breaches, which are easily available on the dark web.

Google is gearing up to start deleting millions of inactive users this Friday, across all of its services, including Google Drive and Gmail. It may sound alarming, but you still have time to rescue your files before Google hits the terminate button, said Alex Tofts, broadband expert at Broadband Genie.

Cloud services have suffered cybersecurity breaches in the past and this latest measure will not only free up space for the tech giant, but also prevent inactive accounts from becoming compromised by hackers.

Unfortunately, it does mean that many users who havent used their accounts in the past two years will soon lose access to photos and other files that had been stored automatically.

Any account at risk of deletion will receive multiple notifications before any action is taken, Google said, including to any associated recovery email addresses.

The tech giant has already begun sending emails to those affected, telling users it is to protect your private information and prevent any unauthorised access to your account even if youre no longer using our services.

Losing access to a Gmail account could also potentially prevent people from using other online platforms and services that are associated with that email address, even if they are not related to Google.

In order to keep an account active and avoid being deleted, Google users are advised to open or send an email, use Google Drive, download an app on the Google Play Store, or simply make a Google Search while logged in to the account.

Any account that has posted a video to YouTube will also not be impacted, regardless of when it was last active.

Google did not respond to a request for comment from The Independent, or offer any further information about how many accounts may be impacted.
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The Federal Aviation Administration has called for urgent action after a series of near-misses at US airports.

An independent safety review team named by the Federal Aviation Administration said there had been several close-call air incidents at US airports in recent months, prompting calls for urgent action to be taken.

The review team released a 52-page report on Wednesday, which cited air traffic control staffing shortages, technology issues, and funding needs as the reasons for the incidents.

The FAA continues to be asked to do more with less in an already strained system, and the series of serious incidents in early 2023 illuminate significant challenges to the provision and safety oversight of air traffic services, said the report chaired by Michael Huerta, a former FAA administrator, saying there are no easy, short-term fixes to the challenges in the system.

The report called for strengthening FAA organisational structures institutionalising roles and responsibilities, and advancing a proactive, data-driven safety culture.

The National Transportation Safety Board has opened seven investigations into near-miss incidents since January, including some that were potentially catastrophic.

It comes after the FAA said it was reducing flights in August in the area around New York City because of a lack of staffing.

The cut was extended in September to last until October 2024.

Due to the availability of staff tonight, the FAA must reduce the flow of aircraft in certain airspace serving New York City to maintain safety, the FAA said in a statement at the time.

The Federal Aviation Administration has called for urgent action after a series of near-misses at US airports (Getty Images)

New York Terminal Radar Approach Control staffing is at just 54 per cent of recommended levels.

A government watchdog report said in June that critical air traffic facilities face significant staffing challenges, posing risks to air traffic operations. At many facilities, controllers are working mandatory overtime and six-day work weeks to cover shortages.

An August FAA report found that close calls are happening with increasing frequency in the US, and although there have been no major US plane crashes in more than 10 years, potentially dangerous encounters are happening more frequently.

The report found commercial airlines experienced at least 46 close-call incidents in July, which occurred multiple times a week, and include every US airline and are occurring across the country.

In August, a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 and a Cessna Citation 560X business jet came less than 100 feet (30 meters) apart in San Diego. The FAA said an air traffic controller cleared the Cessna to land on a runway even though Southwest Flight 2493 had already been told to taxi onto the same runway.

The FAA said in March it was taking steps to improve its air traffic control operations, which are short-staffed. There is no question that we are seeing too many close calls, the head of the FAAs air traffic organisation told employees.
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A formerly fat street cat that became the top-rated tourist attraction in the Polish city of Szczecin has recently found a new home.

Gacek, a black-and-white cat who lived in a covered wooden box on the citys Kaszubska Street for years, has also slimmed down since shooting to fame in a YouTube video.

The clip, which has around 1 million views, shows the cat going about his daily life and receiving plenty of attention from locals. An Instagram account documenting his life currently has around 40,000 followers.

Gacek and his wooden box gained thousands of reviews and a five-star rating on Google Maps, making him the highest-rated tourist attraction in the city. One listing for Gacek reportedly had around 2,500 reviews before it was removed, with its replacement listing garnering around 500.

As of 15 November, it appears there is no longer any listing. This could be the result of Gacek  whose name means long-eared bat in Polish  having found a new home. According to Business Insider, locals expressed concerns over the cats health after he experienced problems with his teeth and joints. The citys Animal Welfare Association took him in to be treated, and eventually announced that he had found a new home in September 2023.

In a more recent Facebook post, the Association gave an update on Gaceks situation. According to translations, it reads: I'm no longer Gacek. From today, call me George.... George Clooney in the cat version, yes thats the new me!

I'm fit and I'm good with it. I'm running up and down stairs, jumping on countertops, it says.

The post also urges people to donate cat food in order to help other cats, saying that the shelves near their cages are empty and that they are sitting in cages, waiting to be adopted.
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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.
#APEC2023| Canciller Javier Gonzalez-Olaechea Franco sostuvo una reunion con su par de Chile, Alberto van Klaveren. En su primer encuentro, destacaron el excelente estado de la relacion bilateral, evidenciada en el continuo dialogo de alto nivel entre ???? y ???? a lo largo del ano. pic.twitter.com/u6pzEBlqlD
Sir Keir Starmer responded to David Camerons return to cabinet by suggesting Rishi Sunak has peeled him away from seven years of exile in a shepherds hut.

The two leaders clashed in a fiery session of Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday 15 November, which took place days after Mr Sunaks reshuffle and hours after the Supreme Court ruled the governments flagship policy of removing asylum seekers to Rwanda unlawful.

Mr Speaker, the prime minister obviously thinks so little of his own MPs, that hes had to peel David Cameron away from his seven-year exile in a shepherds hut, and make him foreign secretary, Sir Keir said in a scathing attack on Mr Sunaks decision.
Protesters disrupted Yvette Coopers speech in the House of Commons as she spoke about the Israel-Hamas conflict on Wednesday, 15 November.

A group of around five or six people were removed from the public gallery after holding up Ceasefire now signs during the Kings Speech debate.

Doorkeepers approached the group and removed them from the public gallery.

Extinction Rebellion (XR) claimed responsibility for the protest.

It comes as Labour MPs were due to be subject to a three-line whip to abstain on the SNPs amendment to the Kings Speech calling for a ceasefire.
Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), calls the Israeli raid on al Shifa Hospital inn Gaza totally unacceptable.

Thousands are fleeing al-Shifa but reports and videos are emerging from the hospital, where hundreds of patients, including babies, remain trapped during an ongoing raid by Israeli troops.

The hospital has ran out of fuel, and is no longer considered operational, creating a catastrophic situtation for patients and staff, sparking international criticsm against the IDF.

Hospitals are not battlegrounds. Were extremely worried for the safety of staff and patients. says Ghebreyesus.
With Suella Bravermans remarks about protests taking place on Remembrance Day and her widely condemned comments on homelessness in the UK, prime minister Rishi Sunak sacked his home secretary in a reshuffle to save the presumed fate of his government.

The prime minister surprised all by bringing back former prime minister David Cameron as his new foreign secretary, following James Cleverlys move to the Home Office. But do the changes show just how bare the Conversative partys options are with ministerial talent?

John Rentoul answers your questions about the past week in Westminster.
Sir Keir Starmer accused Rishi Sunak of "fanboying" over Elon Musk in a heated exchange during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, 15 November.

The prime minister and Labour leader traded blows after Mr Sunak sacked Suella Braverman as home secretary and appointed Lord David Cameron as foreign secretary.

Sir Keir was referencing Mr Sunak's talk with the controversial X/Twitter owner about artificial intelligence (AI) in front of an audience of business chiefs at the beginning of November.

Mr Sunak described Mr Musk as a brilliant innovator and technologist".
An Post has repaid in full a 30m loan advanced by the Government six years ago to support the first phase of the companys transformation strategy.

This include an investment in financial services in post offices, as well as in national and international ecommerce parcels businesses. The loan was also made available for An Post to purchase its first tranche of electric delivery vehicles.

In November 2017, the Government also said that the planned loan would secure a five-day postal service to every address across the country.

An Post said it is now in a position to repay this loan ahead of schedule and without requiring the 12-month extension.

Chief executive David McRedmond said that An Post is a vibrant commercial business that requires no State subsidy.

"Having returned to growth and positive cash-flow after the pandemic, and having sold on our interest in the National Lottery licence, we have repaid in full this Government loan, he added.

An Post has also completed move of its headquarters to the EXO building and concluded a transformation agreement with employees.

The company has also implemented a new pensions deal, driven growth in its retail business to achieve a second year of profit and secured new ecommerce parcel contracts with both Irish and global brands.

An Post has also developed a trackable digital stamp, a world first.

The company is well set to move to a new phase of transformation thanks to the foresight and hard work of officials across Government in providing this loan in 2017, now fully repaid, he concluded.

Chief financial officer Peter Quinn said that the company is on a sound sustainable footing financially.

He added that An Post is now overcoming challenges related to e-substitution, EU customs and moving away from cash payments.
Goods exports were down 6pc to 149bn in the first nine months of the year compared to the same period in 2022, according to the Central Statistics Office.

Ireland is on course to have entered a recession this year due to slowing pharmaceutical and computer exports, the EU also predicted today.

Exports of electrical machinery and appliances plummeted 45pc to 603m in September, according to the CSO. Exports of organic chemicals also fell 37pc to 2.5bn in the same period.

Pharma exports were down 9pc across the month to 5.995bn. This represented 38pc of all Irish goods exports, the research found.

Exports to Britain are up 8pc in the year to September, according to the CSO. This market accounted for 7pc of all exports in September.

Exports to the EU rose by just 1pc compared to last year and accounted for 44pc of total goods exports in September alone.

CSO data showed that sales to the US market were down 15pc in the period but was the main non-EU destination for Irish goods exports with 27pc of the total amount.

Goods imports were down 2pc in the first nine months of the year compared to the corresponding period in 2022.

"This downturn in export performance has been particularly pronounced in the last two months, with reductions of 3 billion and 3.5 billion in August and September, respectively, BDO partner Carol Lynch said.

[The pharma] sector, which plays a critical role in vaccine manufacturing, is naturally contracting as the global demand for COVID-19 vaccines diminishes. This shift is indicative of the world gradually moving beyond the peak of the pandemic, leading to a downturn in the production and export of these specific chemicals back to a more normal level, she added.

Ms Lynch pointed to a significant reduction in exports to China. In September 2023, exports to China were 782m, down 481 from the same month last year.

This decline can be attributed to the heightened geopolitical tensions and growing concerns regarding the export of high-tech equipment to China, she said.

Irelands gross domestic product (GDP) is now expected to shrink by 0.9pc across the year, according to European Commission estimates.

Shifts within certain multinational-dominated sectors along with lower external demand have been weighing on exports, the European Commission reported in its latest economic forecast.

The pharmaceutical sectors growth has slowed after the pandemic-linked boom, and semi-conductors and contract manufacturing sectors have seen decreased exports," it continued.

It added that the export outlook is expected to be negative this year but turn positive in 2024 and 2025.
The High Court has sanctioned restructuring schemes for two companies in the Solar 21 renewable energy investment group.

Original proposals for restructuring the assets and liabilities of EFW 21 Renewable Energy Ltd (EFW 21) and EFW 21 Renewable Energy (Ireland) Ltd (EFW 21 Irl) initially attracted substantial controversy from investors and brokers whose clients invested in the companies.

There was no opposition to the sanctioning of the new schemes, which came to court after the overwhelming majority of investors voted in their favour at a meeting of creditors last month.

Mr Justice Michael Quinn was satisfied all of the requirements were met to allow him to sanction the proposals. There was no restriction or reason not to approve the plans.

The court heard earlier from barrister Stephen Brady, on behalf of three creditors who were neither consenting nor objecting to the schemes. His clients have initiated an application for the appointment of an inspector to investigate the affairs of the companies under section 747 of the Companies Act.

More than 30 brokers represented by Brian Conroy SC did not consent or object to the sanctioning.

Solar 21 raised some STG209 million (240 million) from Irish investors to build a waste-to-energy plant in Yorkshire in England. The EFW companies abandoned the project, claiming it was no longer viable due to significant delays encountered after the planned technology provider went into administration in January 2020.

While seeking to resolve the issues, the EFW 21 and EFW 21 IRl firms provided loans to several other companies in the group for projects that went on to experience significant delays. The hold-up in disposing of these projects, along with cash flow issues, prevented the repayment of the intercompany loans and investments, the firms claim.

In seeking the sanctioning, senior counsel for the companies, Lyndon MacCann, with Declan Murphy BL, instructed by Doug Smith of Addleshaw Goddard law firm, said the schemes before the court presented a markedly better potential outcome for creditors than if the companies were liquidated.

While subject to commercial risk, investors should receive 94-100pc of what they invested, he said. The dividends, about 72pc of what the investors are owed, would be payable after four years.
One in four households that use gas are in arrears.

The energy regulator has been forced into an embarrassing admission it gave incorrect figures on arrears to an Oireachtas Committee.

The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) had supplied figures to the committee that showed that more than half of businesses that use gas were in arrears.

It has now admitted that this figure is wrong and said that instead close to a third of firms that use gas are in arrears.

The Irish Independent had questioned the CRU on Tuesday to ensure the figures were correct and the regulator had said at that time they were correct.

A CRU spokesperson has now said: There seems there was an inaccuracy in the data in relation to the non-domestic gas figures which has now been verified to us.

Generally we dont publish these until a half yearly basis as they are verified further, but this was a request from the Joint Oireachtas Committee late last week.

The CRU had provided data to the committee initially that showed there were 15,000 non-domestic gas users in arrears, or around 56pc of commercial gas users.

The CRU has now conceded that this figure was incorrect and that there are actually 8,000 non-domestic gas customers in arrears, representing 29pc of commercial customers.

However, figures for households in arrears on gas bills and households and firms in arrears on electricity bills are correct.

Almost a quarter of households are behind on their gas bills, the figures show.

The figures from the energy regulator show that 29pc of non-domestic gas customers were behind on their payments to their supplier in the July to September period and 23pc of households were in arrears on their gas bills.

About 8,000 commercial firms that use gas in their firms are in arrears, according to figures from the energy regulator.

Obtained by Sinn Feins Senator Lynn Boylan ahead of an Oireachtas Committee on the Environment and Climate action, the figures show that almost 160,000 households are behind on their gas payments. This is close to a quarter of residential gas customers.

Senator Boylan said the fact that the regulator had initially supplied incorrect information to the committee was embarrassing.

She said she has constantly asked the CRU at Oireachtas Committee meetings if it need more resources.

"This U-turn shows they do need more resources and the Government needs to provide those resources, she said.

Being in arrears is regarded as at least one missed payment, according to a spokesman for the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU).

It is understood that many of the firms that use gas are in the catering and restaurant sectors.

The new data comes just as the first energy price cuts in more than two years in energy are about to take effect.

When it comes to electricity, there has also been an increase in the numbers falling into arrears.

About 46,000 businesses were behind on their electricity bills in the third quarter of this year, up from 42,000 in the three months to June.

Around 275,000 households have fallen behind on their electricity payments, the figures from the CRU, given to the Oireachtas Committee, show. This works out as one in eight households.

An extra 25,000 households were in arrears on their electricity bills when compared with the April to June period.

The spike in the number of households in arrears on electricity bills coincided with the end of the most recent energy credits.

A doubling in electricity and gas prices over the past two years has put huge pressure on the budgets of business and households.

Ms Boylan of Sinn Fein said the level of arrears on electricity and gas bills is a clear indication that current policies are failing to protect both businesses and consumers, while big energy companies laugh their way to the bank.

She said the rise in arrears should be a wake-up call for the Government.
Energy Minister Eamon Ryan said Ireland is going to acquire a gas storage ship to meet future contingencies. Photo: PA

Almost a quarter of households are behind on their gas bills, with nearly a third of businesses that use gas in arrears.

Figures from the energy regulator show that 29pc of non-domestic gas customers were behind on their payments to their supplier in the July to September period and 23pc of households were in arrears on their gas bills.

About 8,000 commercial firms that use gas in their firms are in arrears, according to figures from the energy regulator.

Obtained by Sinn Feins Senator Lynn Boylan ahead of an Oireachtas Committee on the Environment and Climate action, the figures show that almost 160,000 households are behind on their gas payments. This is close to a quarter of residential gas customers.

Being in arrears is regarded as at least one missed payment, according to a spokesman for the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU).

It is understood that many of the firms that use gas are in the catering and restaurant sectors.

The new data comes just as the first energy price cuts in more than two years in energyare about to take effect.

When it comes to electricity, there has also been an increase in the numbers falling into arrears.

About 46,000 businesses were behind on their electricity bills in the third quarter of this year, up from 42,000 in the three months to June.

Around 275,000 households have fallen behind on their electricity payments, the figures from the CRU, given to the Oireachtas Committee, show. This works out as one in eight households.

An extra 25,000 households were in arrears on their electricity bills when compared with the April to June period.

The spike in the number of households in arrears on electricity bills coincided with the end of the most recent energy credits.

A doubling in electricity and gas prices over the past two years has put huge pressure on the budgets of business and households.

Ms Boylan of Sinn Fein said the level of arrears on electricity and gas bills is a clear indication that current policies are failing to protect both businesses and consumers, while big energy companies laugh their way to the bank.

She said the rise in arrears should be a wake-up call for the Government.

Sinn Fein has proposed legislation to bulk up regulation, giving the CRU additional powers to oversee hedging, which is cited as the reason for the lag in price decreases, and furthermore to investigate possible instances of anti-competitive behaviour, she said.

Experts said a factor in the spike in businesses ending up in arrears on energy bills is the fact that thousands of them are no longer eligible for the key energy support scheme, TBESS.

The Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) was launched last year, with a promise of 1.3bn of financial aid to businesses reeling from the impact of Russias invasion of Ukraine on energy costs.

But only a fraction of that money has ever been drawn down.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that Ireland is going to acquire a gas storage ship to meet future contingencies, Energy Minister Eamon Ryan has announced  and there will be a small charge on your bill to pay for it.

The standing charge will be based on metered consumption, meaning data centres and other industries will pay far more than the domestic consumer.

Mr Ryan announced a state-led initiative on gas storage weeks after An Bord Pleanala ruled out the commercial development of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at Shannon.

The location of the new storage ship has yet to be determined. It will need deep water, as the vessel is likely to be of considerable tonnage and will not be cheap, Mr Ryan said.

It could go to the Shannon estuary or possibly be co-located at the petrol supply jetty at Whiddy Island in Cork.

This article has been updated after the CRU corrected initial information it had given to the Oireachtas Committee on gas arrears.

The CRU had said initially that there were 15,000 non-domestic gas users in arrears, or around 56pc of commercial gas users.

The CRU has since clarified that this figure provided was incorrect.
The two authorities reaffirmed their agreements in the defense and protection of human rights and democracy, as well as the respect for international law.

Likewise, the dignitaries talked about priority issues on the bilateral agenda, such as the strengthening of cooperation on migratory issues, security, and against illicit drug trafficking, as well as the deepening of economic relations.

In this sense, they agreed to begin works to hold the first meeting of High-Level Political Dialogue Mechanism between both countries in 2024.

Finally, within the framework of a complex international situation, both authorities discussed topics of interest on the regional and international agenda.

?? Nota de prensa: Canciller Javier Gonzalez-Olaechea Franco sostuvo una reunion con el Secretario de Estado de EE.UU., Antony Blinken. ???? https://t.co/LhPcgmIcji pic.twitter.com/MhmxCTt5tb
Lone Stars Start Mortgages is quitting Ireland and Mars will take on its porfolio

Thousands of mortgages to be moved as operator leaves the market

A firm that services thousands of mortgages, including large numbers that are in arrears, is leaving this market and transferring its business to another operator.

Start Mortgages is transferring the servicing of 11,000 mortgages to Mars Capital, the Irish Independent has learned.

Start originated some of the mortgages on its books as it previously operated as a subprime lender before the property collapse.

But most of its mortgage book is made up of loans it services on behalf of vulture funds.

It is known that many loans have been restructured, but a significant proportion of the mortgages are still in some form of distress.

When US investment giant Lone Star bought Start after the crash in 2014 the deal included a licence from the Central Bank, sparking speculation it could develop into a new bank but it never happened.

Start Mortgages is now leaving this market and has told the Central Bank it is revoking its licence.

It is not known why Lone Start has decided that it is no longer interested in having a mortgage credit servicing operation in this market.

Lone Star has owned Start Mortgages since 2014.

Sources indicate that it is likely that the transfer of the servicing rights from Start to Mars will take between six and nine months to complete.

This means it will be business as usual for Starts customers until the transfer is complete.

One person familiar with the situation said: Start employees continue to support borrowers experiencing financial difficulty, to ensure they can continue to meet their mortgage obligations and remain in their homes. There is no reason for customers of Start to be concerned.

It was emphasised that there will be no impact on those borrowers whose loans are currently serviced by Start Mortgages.

This transaction will not impact borrowers or the terms of their loans. The only difference is that their loans will be managed by Mars Capital rather than Start, the source said.

Their rights under Irish loan regulations will remain unchanged.

Communications will be issued to customers at the appropriate time, the source added.

It is understood that most staff will migrate to Mars Capital which means their jobs are safe.

The majority of the staff at Start will move to Mars Capital under Transfer of Undertakings (TUPE) agreement.

The transition will likely take at least six months.

There was no comment from Lone Star or Start.

Mars Capital said Lone Star Funds has reached an agreement to transfer the servicing rights of the Start Mortgages mortgage book to Mars Capital Finance Ireland.

John Grayken is the chairman and founder of the Lone Star Fund. Photo: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg

Subject to certain third party approvals, the deal is expected to close in approximately six to nine months, with all of the Start Mortgages loans and the vast majority of staff transferring to Mars over this period, it said.

This transaction will not impact borrowers or the terms of their loans. Borrowers rights under Irish loan regulations will remain unchanged. The only difference is that, once the deal closes, the borrowers loans will be managed by Mars rather than Start, Mars said

Mars said the team at Start, like Mars, is focused on delivering the right outcomes for customers and clients while adhering to regulatory obligations and Central Bank of Irelands expectations.

We are very excited about what our future together holds, the firm said.
Forget the Paddy Cosgrave drama: the Web Summit is actually still great

While the world remains transfixed by the soap opera behind the scenes, this years giant conference in Lisbon has actually been a really decent one

A Web Summit at a Night Summit event in central Lisbon. Photo: Adrian Weckler

Adrian Weckler Wed 15 Nov 2023 at 18:42

After three days of interviewing, stand-hopping and night-summiting around Lisbon, its pretty clear that there are two Web Summits.
Ms Dixon has been Europes most powerful data privacy regulator for the last decade

Helen Dixon, the Irish Data Protection Commissioner, has announced that she will step down in February 2024 after 10 years in the job.

The worlds most powerful tech privacy regulator, whose office has imposed billions in fines on Big Tech firms over the last two years, confirmed the news today.

My final term at the DPC is due to end in 2024, she said. I will depart the DPC on 19 February. It has been a privilege and an honour to have served in the role of Commissioner. I look back with great satisfaction at what the Data Protection Commission has achieved over the last 9 and a half years. I have had the opportunity to transform the DPC from a small regionally-based office of 27 staff into an independent regulatory body today with over 215 committed experts, headquartered in Dublin, and internationally recognised for the quality of its staff and work.

Ms Dixon has been a target for some European privacy campaigners who believe that Ireland has taken too long to enforce GDPR privacy rules on the biggest tech firms, such as Meta and Google. However, in the last two years, her office has imposed fines of almost 3bn on Big Tech companies, including Meta, Google and TikTok.

Ms Dixon, who is in her forties, declined to say what she might consider next.

New pastures await me in 2024, she said. I look forward to being in touch. In the meantime. It has been a privilege.

For many in the data privacy space, it will be seen as the end of an era.

She and her office were often the canary in the coalmine for every complicated thing that cropped up in GDPR and were frequently in a no-win situation, said Daragh OBrien, a data privacy expert with Irish firm Castlebridge.

Ms Dixon got caught in the middle of transatlantic political and trade tensions over the role of data privacy and big business. This contributed to a series of landmark court cases, both in Ireland and in Europe, that helped to redefine the role of privacy and what big tech firms such as Meta, Google and TikTok could do.

Anyone in a role like that was going to get a hard time, said Mr OBrien.

They [the Irish DPC office] were left in a position where they were being asked to fly the plane while it was still being built. Procedural rules and court appeals are still being settled, even now.
Tribute to the classic Pogues hit Fairytale of New York

It is one of the spinetingling moments in The Pogues legendary Christmas song Fairytale of New York, as Shane MacGowan croons: The boys of the NYPD Choir were singing Galway Bay...

However, it is well known that that there never was an NYPD choir to sing Galway Bay.

Now the Epic Museum in Dublin has decided to make it come true  by bringing together a group of retired New York police officers to form the NYPD Choir in a touching tribute to Irish emigrants and the global Irish diaspora.

Just in time for Christmas, the NYPD Choir was joined by a group of local amateur singers as they gathered in a recording studio in New York City to sing Galway Bay.

They also recorded a video to accompany the rendition of this beloved and timeless Irish song by Irish emigrant Arthur Colahan, written as a tribute to his homeland.

John Behan, one of the retired NYPD officers who sings on this version of Galway Bay, said: My grandfather used to play it at Christmas time  that was a song that he liked.

He was a tough guy but he got soft when that music came on. He was a good man, he said.

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Epic CEO Aileesh Carew said: "At Epic, we take immense pride in highlighting the stories and accomplishments of Irish emigrants, demonstrating that Irish identity transcends the geographical boundaries of our island.

What better way to celebrate this than by giving life to that famous line in Fairytale of New York, performed by retired NYPD officers, all of whom proudly share Irish heritage.

This Christmas, we hope that the NYPD Choir's rendition of 'Galway Bay' will be shared far and wide, both at home and abroad," she said.

Meanwhile, Epic is also launching an exhibition with Hot Press entitled They Gave The Walls a Talking  The Extraordinary Story of The Pogues and Shane MacGowan .

It will be an exploration of various themes, such as songs of emigration and the creation of Fairytale of New York, which has been named the most played Christmas song of the 21st century.

The Pogues are one of the greatest Irish bands of all time, said Nathan Mannion, head of exhibitions and programmes at Epic. They were part of an increasingly successful wave of Irish emigrant artists who made it big in Britain in the 1980s and They Gave the Walls a Talking charts the marvellously wild, fiercely fiery, sometimes drunken and  in the end  wonderfully inspiring contribution The Pogues have made to music in Ireland and across the world, he added.

The exhibition will open on December 1 and run until the end of January 2024.
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?
Senior barrister accused of farm gun murder is allowed back on land

Senior barrister charged with murder allowed back on the 170-acre farm where the death occurred

Shane Phelan Wed 15 Nov 2023 at 03:30

A senior barrister is to be allowed back on the 170-acre farm where he is accused of murdering a father of four.
Former Monkey Gang enforcer facing death threats over alleged secret relationship with mob bosss relative

Mobsters target, who is in his 30s, is believed to be hiding out in a border county

The monkey seized in the raid on the gang in Finglas in 2019

Ken Foy Wed 15 Nov 2023 at 03:30







A former member of the notorious Monkey Gang is facing death threats after being accused of a secret relationship with a female relative of one of the gangs bosses.
A view shows the site of a Russian missile strike in Odesa, southern Ukraine, on Monday. Photo: Reuters

Russian propaganda exists everywhere, even in Ireland, a disinformation expert warned in a conference on the matter.

Russia will do everything to impact and destabilise every country which supports Ukraine, said Anayit Khoperiya, a disinformation expert at the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine.

The conference heard disinformation experts giving examples of Russian propaganda and disinformation which has already infiltrated Irish society, such as a fake letter purporting to be from the Department of Justice which circulated last month.

The letter said it has been circulated to some Ukrainian men in Ireland and that they have to return to Ukraine to serve in the armed forces, however, the Department of Justice quickly clarified it to be false.

However, similar letters also cropped up in Poland and Lithuania, but the letter actually originated in Nigeria, Ms Khoperiya said.

Russian propaganda exists everywhere, even in Ireland, even in a neutral country.

But still, Russia will do everything to impact every country to destabilise our relationship with every country which supports us.

It can be especially easy for Russian narratives to perpetrate societies through social media, according to David Salvo, Senior Fellow and Managing Director of the Alliance for Securing Democracy (ASD) at German Marshall Fund, a US think tank.

When Tiktok moved to label Russian state media accounts, television network RT created spin-off accounts and these remain unlabelled, including that of the editor in chief of RT.

Out of 78 accounts identified by Mr Salvo and his team, 47 which were labelled as being close to the Kremlin. Combined, they had over 14m followers and 319m engagements.

A view shows the site of a Russian missile strike in Odesa, southern Ukraine, on Monday. Photo: Reuters

Despite supposed efforts by the platform to label and make users aware that they are engaging with Russian State sponsored propaganda, really, its an incomplete effort and creates serious problems around elections and maintaining support for Ukraine.

But what does Russia want from Ireland?

Tomas Ceponis, who works as a senior specialist at the Hybrid Threat Resilience Group at the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence, said Russia is lacking allies after invading Ukraine.

Russia needs to have friends in order to have influence in different international environments, like the UN, the EU Parliament and after starting the war in Ukraine, they are really lacking friends, he said.

Mr Ceponis told the Irish Independent there is a need to create a network to fight Russian disinformation.

You need to create a network to fight other networks. If you look at the Russian disinformation system, its a network - from universities, from Governmental organisations, different kind of media and different diplomats.

However, fighting disinformation can be challenging without knowing the true spread and success of disinformation.

Speaking at the conference, Jakub Kalensky of the European Center of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threat compared it to fighting Covid-19 but without death, hospital, or infection rates.

It would be an impossible task. But we are in this situation when it comes to countering disinformation. We do not have these numbers, yet somehow we are supposed to somehow fight this problem.

He said the Kremlin spends between 1.5bn to 2bn each year on disinformation, while the EUs first disinformation response had no budget for the first several years and only in year four got a budget of 1m.

Outlets which publish disinformation should have health warnings like packs of cigarettes, according to Mr Kalensky.
? Durante el 2024, el Peru presidira el foro #APEC y este viernes, en San Francisco, Estados Unidos, se realizara el acto de transferencia que nos coloca como la capital del Asia-Pacifico Pero que es APEC y cual es su importancia? ?? Aqui te lo contamos.??#APEC2023 ?????? ???? pic.twitter.com/m0QRk2Ew2G
A former deputy chairman of An Bord Pleanala who was sentenced to a two month prison sentence earlier this year for making false or misleading declarations has avoided jail after successfully appealing the severity of the penalty imposed on him.

Mr Paul Hyde (51) appeared before Cork Circuit Court this morning, where he received a fine of 6,000.

Judge Colin Daly also sentenced Mr Hyde to two three month prison sentences arising out of the two counts to which he had pleaded guilty.

However, he suspended the sentences in their entirety.

Defence counsel, Tom Creed, had emphasised that his client Mr Hyde was not involved in corruption despite what the keyboard warriors may say.

Last March, Mr Hyde was charged with nine counts of making false or misleading declarations of interest to the planning authority between 2014 and 2022.

There months later Mr Hyde (51) of Castlefields, Baltimore, Co Cork pleaded guilty to two offences which were contrary to Section 147 of the Planning and Development Act.

He pleaded guilty on a full facts basis to two counts relating to 2015 and 2018. The State withdrew the remaining seven counts.

Dt Sgt Shane Curtis of the Garda National Economic Bureau outlined the details of the case.

Dept Sgt Curtis investigated the matter after stories appeared in the Village magazine and on The Ditch website in relation to the planning authority.

Dt Sgt Curtis said that when Mr Hyde made his return of 2018, he failed to include properties which he had listed three years earlier other than properties in Baltimore in West Cork and in Douglas in the city. Both of those properties were exempt as they were his residential addresses.

Tom Creed, SC, for Mr Hyde told the appeal that his client readily accepted that he had failed to declare properties he owned in his declarations of interest to the planning authority.

The court heard that Hyde was under the mistaken belief that when the receiver took over properties that he was no longer the owner.

Mr Creed stressed that no benefit or gain arose in the case.

He said that Mr Hyde had fully co operated with the investigation and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

Mr Creed said that some people on digital (not mainstream) media had depicted his client as being somewhat corrupt.

It is unfortunate that digital media  not mainstream media  portrayed him as corrupt.

Mr Hyde was not involved in any corruption despite what these keyboard warriors say. He (Hyde) did not declare those properties because he felt the receiver had control. He failed to declare but there was no material benefit or interest.

I would submit to the court that this is not a case for a prison sentence. Mr Hyde has suffered quite substantially over his failure to declare these properties.

He said that his client had sustained substantial reputational damage arising out of the matter. Mr Creed said that his client also lost his salary after he resigned his position with the planning authority.

Mr Creed asked Judge Daly to impose appropriate fines rather than a prison sentence.

He added that his client was prosecuted under Section 147 for failing to declare an interest, rather than the more serious Section 148, where an officer fails to declare an interest that is relevant to an appeal or determination by the board.

In sentencing, Judge Daly said that in dishonesty offences involving a breach of trust by professional people the principle of deterrence must be an important consideration.

"It is necessary to maintain high standards of transparency and trust. But the principle of transparency must give way to the principle of proportionality, particularly when he made no material benefit.

Judge Daly indicated that he was cognisant of the personal, professional and reputational consequences of the case on Mr Hyde.

In relation to properties which went undeclared because they were in receivership Judge Daly stressed that a simple check by the defendant with his legal advisors would have clarified his obligations in relation to declaring same.

He also noted that in two declarations of interest by Hyde he made no reference to a small strip of land located by common ground owned by a local authority. This land at Popes Hill in Cork sold for 20,000.

The court heard this morning that Hyde was under the impression that it was worth less than the 13,000 threshold in legislation for declaring property.

Judge Daly concluded that the culpability of Mr Hyde fell at the higher end of the range.

As regards the harm done to society, it is extremely important that there is a lack of perception of bias and a lack of bias. The harm and risk to society must be considered to be very high. But I dont find there are any aggravating factors.

In mitigation, Mr Hyde voluntarily cooperated with the inquiry and equally with the gardai. He entered a plea at the earliest opportunity.

He is of previous good character and has a clean record. He did not gain materially from the breaches. He lost his job, his salary, and most importantly his reputation.

Meanwhile, earlier this year in West Cork Judge James McNulty had sentenced Hyde to two months in jail on each count he pleaded guilty to with the sentences to run concurrently.

Judge McNulty had said that ethical standards in public life matter and that anyone statutorily obliged to disclosed any interest should comply fully and carefully with their legal requirements.

Judge McNulty stressed that Mr Hyge ought to have been fully aware of his legal requirements under section 147 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 to fully disclose all his interests when he became a member of An Bord Pleanala.

He said the planning authority needed to be able to carry out its work in an independent manner that embodies the public service ethos of integrity, impartiality and a desire to serve the public interest.

Judge McNulty acknowledged had been no loss of revenue to the State as a result of Hydes offending.

However, he said he was obliged to impose a custodial sentence to mark the seriousness of the offence and the high level of culpability on the part of the accused.

Hyde was appointed to the board of An Bord Pleanala in 2014. He was appointed deputy chairman in 2019.

A series of articles were published by The Ditch and The Village in April of last year in respect of An Bord Pleanala.

The editor of one of the publications wrote to Housing Minister Darragh OBrien who directed a review of the issues involved by senior counsel Remy Farrell.

On foot of Mr Farrells report in to An Bord Pleanala gardai started an investigation under Section 147 (1) of the Planning and Development Act 2000.

The breaches pleaded guilty to referred to 2015 and 2018. In the first case, Mr Hyde listed a total of nine properties that he had had an interest in as part of his formal schedule of interests to An Bord Pleanala.

These includes four properties at Popes Hill in Cork city, one in Baltimore, one in Castletroy in Limerick and one site at Rathduff in Co Cork.

However, he failed to declare his interest in a strip of land in Cork city located adjacent to a housing estate.

In a schedule of his interests submitted as part of his declaration of 2018, Hyde did not list a number of properties which he had included in his 2014 declaration. The court heard that the properties were the subject of a receiver at the time.
IRISH citizen Ibrahim Alagha was tonight happy, relived and sad, all at the same time after his family were evacuated safely from Gaza to Egypt in recent hours.

Ibrahim, his wife Hamida and their three Irish-born children were evacuated at the Rafah crossing into Egypt and were due to arrive in the capital Cairo within three hours when they spoke to the Irish Independent.

We queued for eleven hours to get out at the border in Gaza. We have only been in Egypt a couple of hours. My entire family as well as my brother and my parents-in-law, we are all now about to get back onto the bus to take us to Cairo. We are just so relieved and we are so thankful to the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Irish government for getting us out.

The electronic engineer, a Gaza native with Irish citizenship who lives in Blanchardstown in Dublin, explained that his family escaped the warzone at the last moment, our last chance before communication was due to be cut off today from Gaza.

Ibrahim Alagha and his family live in Blanchardstown, Dublin

He added: We are so thankful. We have so many emotions. My three young children are exhausted. We are so thankful that we are safe now.

"A few more hours on the bus, and then we will be in a hotel and in warm beds, we hope.

"Our children are all sick, they need proper rest. We will not have to worry about where out next meal is coming from.

"At the same time, we have left behind a lot of family and friends. So there is a lot of sadness with that, our people who remain in Gaza.

"We are leaving behind so many memories. Because if we ever return, it will never be the same again. So overall, it is relief, happiness and sadness I am feeling all at the same time right now.

Ibrahim continued that his children were suffering with viruses, as were the adults, and that all he wanted now was some rest and recuperation for his family in the coming days.

We expect to stay in Cairo for the next three nights before flying home to Dublin. We are all so relieved, so happy, knowing we will be back in Ireland soon.

"But there is sadness too, of course, for those left behind in Gaza. We were so lucky to make it out. We only made it to the border in a diesel car, fuelled on vegetable oil. We only made it out, just in time.

"We are thankful. But it is also so many mixed emotions. We are thinking now of our family and friends who we had to leave behind.

The Alagha family were living among a group of 90 family and friends at Ibrahims fathers home in Khan Younis.

They were among around 30 Irish citizens believed to have been successfully evacuated from the Middle East war zone in recent hours.

Ibrahim and wife Hamida have been in Gaza with their children since June on an extended holiday, visiting relatives when the war broke out five weeks ago.

Their children, all born in Ireland, are aged eight, three and four.
Lebanons military tribunal has released a man accused of killing an Irish United Nations peacekeeper on bail, security and judicial officials said.

The development comes as Unifil, the UNs peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, monitors ongoing clashes along the border between Hezbollah militants and Israeli troops.

Lebanons military tribunal in June charged Mohamad Ayyad and four others with the killing of Private Sean Rooney, 24, of Newtown Cunningham, following a half-year probe.

He was killed on December 14, 2022. Ayyad was detained in December 2022.

The four others facing charges  Ali Khalifeh, Ali Salman, Hussein Salman, and Mustafa Salman  remain at large. All five are allegedly linked with Hezbollah.

Hezbollah has repeatedly denied any role in the killing. Hezbollah representatives did not respond to requests for comment on Wednesday.

Unifil spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said he was aware of reports about Ayyads release due to his deteriorating health and that Unifil is working to confirm this information with the military court.

The Government of Lebanon has on several occasions stated its commitment to bring the perpetrators to justice, Mr Tenenti told the Associated Press. Last June, Mr Tenenti said the indictment was an important step towards justice.

We continue to urge that all perpetrators be held accountable, and for justice for Private Rooney and his family, he said.

An Irish UN peacekeeper stands next to the coffin of his comrade Sean Rooney

An Irish UN peacekeeper stands next to the coffin of his comrade Sean Rooney (Hussein Malla/AP)

Two Lebanese officials confirmed that Ayyad was released on bail due to unspecified health concerns. The official said the trial is still ongoing and that Ayyad would go to jail should he be convicted and sentenced.

On the fatal night, Private Rooney and several other Irish soldiers from Unifil were on their way from their base in southern Lebanon to Beirut airport. Two UN vehicles apparently took a detour through Al-Aqbiya, which is not part of the area under the peacekeepers mandate.

Initial reports said angry residents confronted the peacekeepers, but the indictment concluded that the shooting was a targeted attack. The UN peacekeeper vehicle reportedly took a wrong turn and was surrounded by vehicles and armed men as they tried to make their way back to the main road.

The Lebanese Army on December 27 arrested a suspect but did not disclose their name.

Unifil was created to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon after Israels 1978 invasion.

The UN expanded its mission following the 2006 war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, allowing peacekeepers to deploy along the Israeli border to help the Lebanese military extend its authority into the countrys south for the first time in decades.
Threshold said it assisted more than 18,000 households last year in total. Photo: PA

More than 12,000 households on the brink of homelessness reached out for help last year, a new report has found.

The study from Threshold, a housing advice charity, showed there had been a 12pc hike in people at risk of homelessness seeking help last year, compared to 2021.

Threshold chair Liam Reid said the number of people contacting the charity for assistance continues to grow.

Despite the housing crisis in Ireland receiving so much attention over recent years, we have yet to see major in-roads in terms of its resolution, he said.

Through our advocacy and campaigning in 2022, we saw essential policy changes introduced to provide additional protection to those at risk of homelessness, including an extension of the notice periods and a temporary ban on evictions in the latter part of the year.

These measures are aimed at ensuring we can keep more renters in their homes, advise more people, and increase our advocacy on behalf of people in the private rental sector, Mr Reid added.

In its annual report, the charity said it had assisted more than 18,000 households last year in total.

Tenancy termination, mainly due to landlords selling property, remains the top issue.

They remained the largest issue facing private tenants for the sixth consecutive year  accounting for almost 39pc of queries to Threshold.

Just under 4,500 at risk cases  nearly 10,000 people  were prevented from entering homeless services by the charity.

The charity received more than 47,000 phone calls, more than 9,400 webchat queries, 6,800 emails and almost 200 video consultations.

In total last year, its advisers assisted 39,108 adults and 14,548 children in households at risk of homelessness.

Of these, 14,478 were households where a new case was opened during that year. Out of those assisted, 10,870 households were seeking Thresholds assistance for the very first time.

John-Mark McCafferty, Threshold CEO, said: Unfortunately, 455 households that we worked with entered homeless services and 259 were forced to stay with family and friends, when their tenancy could not be protected and they could not secure alternative housing.

The significant decline in the availability of homes to rent and the lack of alternative housing options for people, has made the work of stopping homelessness increasingly difficult.

He said while the Government was working to address the issue, demand continues to outstrip supply.

This meant the ongoing crisis is not showing any real signs of abating, he added.

Rents remain stubbornly high and continue to rise in some areas, while the number of landlords selling and exiting the market remains a major problem, he said.

Threshold plans to increase its capacity by hiring more staff and growing its income.
Up to 160 elderly patients who are fit for hospital discharge and have opted for nursing home care were given a clear message from Health Minister Stephen Donnelly yesterday: they must free up the bed for sicker people coming through the emergency department.

The minister strongly defended the policy to temporarily move these delayed-discharge patients out of hospital to the next available clinically appropriate nursing home even though it is not their first choice and could be a distance away.

He said another ill patient who may be in their 80s and on a trolley in a corridor is a priority for a admission to that bed.

Once a clinically appropriate place to go has been found, that needs to happen if there is an 80-year-old in a corridor, he added in a interview with health journalists, saying such patients are at risk of deteriorating.

Yesterday, 457 patients who are delayed discharges were in hospital beds waiting for various forms of stepdown care. Some 160 of these are approved for the Fair Deal nursing home scheme or transitional care.

Mr Donnelly said hospitals are reporting that some families are refusing to have their relative moved.

He acknowledged there can be difficult cases where an elderly spouse who has no transport for obvious, human reasons would have a problem visiting a loved one if distance is involved and every effort will be made to support them.

Figures show most hospitals across the country have patients suitable for discharge, including some who are due for a nursing home placement.

The highest number is in St Jamess Hospital in Dublin which has 60, while there are 42 in Cork University Hospital, 27 in Waterford and 25 in Tallaght Hospital.

The policy is supported by emergency consultants but criticised by geriatricians who said it was ageist.

The minister described the use of this term as disappointing.

Hospitals previously could start imposing a public overnight charge if a delayed-discharge patient refused to leave, but that is no longer an option.

Mr Donnelly said some hospital managers were asking what they can do and he hoped that through good faith and encouragement and the fact someone has had good hospital care, it will mean the patient will leave.

The minister added the performance of hospitals in managing overcrowding is variable, with some underperforming due to failures such as lack of on-the-ground managerial oversight.

He said more than 1,000 consultants are signed up to a new public-only contract worth up to 300,000, including new recruits and existing specialists who have switched over. They agree to only treat public patients and work flexible rosters, including Saturday shifts.

Many more are in line to take it up and word is spreading, with specialists in the UK and from across the Border in Northern Ireland opting for it, he added.

Meanwhile, he said following the further extension of means-tested GP cards this week, around half the population has access to free GP care for the first time.

Getting timely appointments due to busy practices is mixed across the country and it can be weeks in some cases before a patient is seen, he added.

The expansion of GP training places, as well as plans to bring more doctors from countries like South Africa, to take up jobs in some of worst-hit areas will alleviate pressures, he added.

Speaking about his work programme, he said he anticipates the legislation to ban the sale of disposable e-cigarettes to under-18s will be in place by Christmas.

Shops selling vapes as well as traditional cigarettes will need a licence for the first time.

His officials are also looking at expanding controls over the sale of e-cigarettes  including measures such as point-of-sale curbs.

Other areas which are being progressed include safe access zones around medical facilities to ban anti-abortion protesters and the Human Tissue Bill which will require people to state if they want to opt out of being an organ donor.
He was speaking on a Gaza motion tabled by the Social Democrats  and a TD of that party, Jennifer Whitmore, widened her eyes after hearing his contribution.

We have to remain neutral, Mr Healy-Rae began.

But we must ask and do everything possible to ensure the war ends on a humanitarian basis, because so many lives are being taken and lost. I will give an example.

When I was a young fellow, I used to be out late. I came around MacSwiney's corner in Kenmare at 3am one night to see two very good friends of mine fighting.

One of them was being kicked on the ground because the other fellow was way bigger. It was my duty to get out and stop that fight.

While they were two friends of mine, I had to part and separate them. This is what we should try to do on an international level.

Mr Healy-Rae said he condemned US President Joe Biden because I believe he could stop it. One word from him and he could stop it".

He added: It is sad to think that so many lives are being lost. We have to consider our own people, Irish passport holders, who are stranded out there.

We want to get them home safely out of it. I do not know what took them there in the first place, or why anyone would go to that war-stricken zone.

The hostages being held should be released immediately and this thing should be stopped.

Earlier Mr Healy-Rae insisted: I ask that the UN peacekeeping force steps up its presence if both sides are not willing to stop.

We have to condemn Hamas for being under hospitals. This is the excuse the Israelis are giving for bombing hospitals.

Hamas should not be using sick people as a shield for itself.

Sinn Fein TD Paul Donnelly protested that Mr Healy-Rae had no evidence for these assertions.

The Kerry Deputy told him in reply: I told no lies, so do not say that I did.
Another Fine Gael MEP is stepping down ahead of the European elections next year.

Deirdre Clune, who represents Ireland South, joins former Justice minister Frances Fitzgerald in bowing out of Brussels and Strasbourg.

She said: Earlier this month, I informed the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, that I will not be seeking nomination from my party to contest the European elections in June 2024.

The decision heightens selection headaches for the Taoiseach who already faces several established party TDs stepping down at the next General Election.

Mr Varadkar reacted: I was sorry to hear from Deirdre that she has decided not to contest next Junes European Elections.

Her distinguished career of more than 26 years speaks for itself as she has served her constituents proudly and admirably in the European Parliament, Dail, Seanad and as Lord Mayor of Cork and a city councillor.

Not many politicians have achieved this feat of being elected to almost every possible chamber at local, national and international level by the electorate.

He added: This accomplishment tells us of the faith the people of Cork and Ireland South have had in Deirdre to represent them at all levels repeatedly. Working alongside me in Leinster House,

Deirdre, helped me as a newly elected TD, with her experience and expert knowledge. She worked diligently and successfully on enterprise, jobs and innovation from 2007 to 2014 before her first successful election to the European Parliament.

As an MEP Ms Clune at the forefront of consumer protection and the rights of cancer survivors. She was recently appointed the European Parliaments lead negotiator for customs reforms.

Mr Varadkar said: A proud Corkwoman, Deirdre and her family can look back with great pride on her achievements. We in Fine Gael are extremely grateful for all that Deirdre has done for her country and party.

Ms Clune said: Taking the decision to step away from public office was not an easy one.

Ever since I first walked through the doors of Dail Eireann 27 years ago, I have striven to serve my constituents with determined resolve.

Over the best part of the last three decades, I have been privileged to serve as a Fine Gael Councillor, TD, Senator, and Member of the European Parliament.

I would like to thank the Fine Gael Members of Cork South Central and subsequently Ireland South who placed their trust in me over the years. It has been an honour to represent you.

To Conor, my husband - thank you. Along with our four sons, you have always encouraged and supported me since I first sought election in 1997.

Politics is demanding. It requires much sacrifice, not least from close family members. There is absolutely no doubt that without the support of my family, I would not have had the privilege to serve in public office.

She concluded: I am looking forward to the next chapter of my political life where I will revert to being a Fine Gael activist and supporting the next generation of public representatives.
Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the Dail ahead of the vote this evening

A Social Democrats motion proposing the expulsion of the Israeli Ambassador was defeated in the Dail tonight after a Government counter-motion.

The motion fell by 85 votes to 55. Israels envoy to Ireland, recently appointed, is Dana Erlich.

Meanwhile a Sinn Fein motion to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court was defeated by 77 votes to 58.

A crowd of about 800 pro-Palestinian protesters chanted outside the Dail throughout, including the controversial refrain: From the river (Jordan) to the sea, Palestine will be free.

Israeli ambassador to Ireland Dana Erlich Photo: Mark Condren

The Governments counter motions to the twin proposals passed easily  and referenced the attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7.

The Coalition substitute deplored the escalation of violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory since then.

Both counter-motions also also expressed deep concern at the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza.

A counter motion to Sinn Feins motion calling for Ireland to refer Israel for its actions in Gaza to the ICC was passed by 80 votes to 60, blocking referral.

Opening the debate on the motion, Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns insisted "words of condemnation are not enough".

Accusing Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza, Ms Cairns criticised the Government for proposing amendments that she claimed would replace the demand for tangible sanctions against Israel with "platitudes and zero actions".

"The refusal of most western leaders to shout stop and demand a ceasefire has led to thousands of deaths," Ms Cairns told the Dail.

"Israel is killing with impunity. According to the World Health Organisation, Gaza is now a graveyard for children."

She added: "I recognise that the Irish government has done more than most of the EU to advocate for a ceasefire, but that's just evidence of how low the bar is.

"Words of condemnation are not enough. We need action.

"There must be consequences for the crimes perpetrated by Israel on a captive civilian population in Gaza."

People attending a Pro-Palestinian protest at Leinster House, Dublin Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Minister of State James Browne had told the Dail that maintaining diplomatic links with Israel was vital

He said: There is a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza and there is a real risk of regional spillover of conflict.

"At the same time, I regret that the motion proposed by the Social Democrats seeks to push Ireland to the margins of international opinion," he said, claiming such a move would undermine the country's influence in the Middle East.

"It underplays the value of international and multilateral engagement.

"Ireland must continue to work with our international partners in responding to this crisis.

"The Government has made its position clear regarding proposals to expel the Israeli ambassador - cutting off diplomatic relations with a country means cutting off communication channels.

"Diplomacy is not always or only about friendly relations, and nor is it an endorsement of the policies or actions of a given country. It is precisely at times of conflict and tension that diplomacy is most useful and most needed, and it is vital to maintain communication links."

Gaza hospital

Sinn Fein TD Matt Carthy said he was "ashamed" at the international community's response to the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.

"I am ashamed of the international community's response to what we have seen in Gaza and particularly ashamed by the response of the EU.

"I think EU leaders have ensured that the European Union no longer has any credibility to be a voice for peace, international law and for the basic rules of humanity for so long as they refuse to take a stand."

Meanwhile, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar told the Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting that Ms Erlich would be expelled if the Government rescinds the Israeli ambassadors diplomatic status.

Mr Varadkar added that diplomatic relations are being maintained with all countries and ambassadors to ensure Irish people get out of Gaza, claiming that up to 30 Irish citizens and their dependants had gained entry to Egypt today.

He said every effort is ongoing to ensure the safety of all Irish people in Gaza, the release of hostage Emily Hand, the eight-year-old girl who is being held by Hamas, and the security of 450 troops who are serving in the region.

Emily Hand

He said expelling the Israeli ambassador, as called for by opposition parties, would not be helpful and in turn would lead to the Irish ambassador to Israel Sonya McGuinness being expelled.

He claimed opposition are each trying to outflank each other, describing the calls for expulsion as not common sense.
I don't think the decision will be easy, but we will be the government that do this and I will be that the minister that will deliver on this, Catherine Martin said

Media Minister Catherine Martin has said all options for reforming RTEs funding model are on the table, including a new media levy or direct exchequer funding, in the wake of the publication of its new strategic plan.

Ms Martin said on Wednesday that consecutive governments had failed to reform the TV licence fee and that she is determined to be the minister that takes the decision in the lifetime of this government.

I believe everything should be on the table, she said, adding she had conveyed this to the Coalition leaders who in recent weeks have expressed conflicting views about reforms.

While Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has cast doubt on whether people would pay a new media levy, Tanaiste Micheal Martin has equally raised concerns about direct taxpayer funding of public service broadcasting.

I don't think the decision will be easy, but what I'm saying is we will take the decision, we will be the government that do this and I will be that the minister that will deliver on this, Ms Martin told the media at Dublin Castle.

Asked about comments by the Taoiseach in Korea earlier this month that people may be reluctant to pay a new media levy given the decline in licence fee compliance, Ms Martin said it was important for government and all parties to emphasise the value of public service broadcasting.

She said that she absolutely agreed with RTE director general Kevin Bakhursts position that the delivery of the stations strategic plan, published on Tuesday, was contingent on the long-term funding model being reformed.

I said that myself to the coalition leaders and the finance ministers in my engagement with them from the time that I received the strategic document, and thats why its crucial that without a long-term funding model the strategy cant be delivered. So this government must make that decision, she said.

She said that she expects reports into culture and governance at RTE in the first week of February and a decision on future funding to be taken after that. She said it was up to the director general to allay concerns of staff about job losses and show that it can be done without compulsory redundancies.

The Green Party deputy leader said the strategic vision shows a welcome renewed commitment to public service broadcasting and to cost efficiencies and the essential governance reforms.

She said that a salary cap for top presenters and management linked to Mr Bakhursts 250,000-a-year pay is welcome, saying it is only right that no one would earn more than the leader of an organisation.

She said that of the 56 million in interim funding for RTE agreed by Government, 16 million was already signalled in the Budget and 40 million will be contingent on reforms.

She said a monitoring framework led by a dedicated unit in her department in conjunction with the New Economic and Recovery Authority, the States financial adviser, would consider whether to release the first tranche of 40 million due next year based on the reports into culture and governance.

So for example, we're expecting the register of interests in January 2024, we're expecting the register of external activities in January 2024, theyve signalled a corporate governance framework by the end of this year. So we need to see the progress is continuing, she said.

She said that the second tranche would come in the second half of next year and would be contingent on 10 million on cost efficiencies from RTE. She said there would be a bigger problem if there is no delivery of reforms. I would hope that all lessons have been learned as a result of the controversy and where we find ourselves today, she said.

Kevin Bakhurst speaks at RTE about broadcaster's cost cutting plan
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.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 14, ARMENPRESS. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) visited in early November Armenians detained by Azerbaijani authorities, ICRC Armenia communications manager Zara Amatuni told Armenpress.

We continue to visit all the Armenians whove been arrested in Azerbaijan and whose names have been confirmed by the Azerbaijani authorities. I am talking about the people who have been arrested and are in Azerbaijan since 2020, and as a result of the escalations of 2021 and September 19 of 2023. The visits take place regularly. We give them the opportunity to maintain contact with their families, Amatuni said.

The ICRC visited some of the detainees in Baku in October, and in the beginning of November it visited for the first time the Armenians who were arrested after the September 19 Azerbaijani attack in Nagorno-Karabakh. The ICRC received confirmations about their arrest only recently.

The visits take place in the form of private meetings with the detainees. The ICRC focuses on the health and detention conditions of the detainees. The conditions are observed through both private meetings and visits to all possible areas.

The purpose of the visits is for us to be able to see what conditions they are in, what they need, and to properly address these needs if we are able to support. We do not raise this in the public dimension. This allows us to maximally openly discuss these issues with the relevant authorities who are responsible for these persons, Amatuni said.
'Shout them down or sue them' - Leo Varadkar hits out at Sinn Fein in Dail exchange

THE Government believes eight-year-old Irish hostage Emily Hand is being held in a tunnel under Gaza, the Taoiseach has told the Dail as he clashed with Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald on the Middle East conflict.

Hamas should release all of its hostages, particularly the children -- including Emily Hand, the Irish hostage, who we believe is being held in tunnels in Gaza at the moment, Mr Varadkar told TDs.

He was highlighting Hamas as a terrorist organisation as Ms McDonald sought to portray Israel as the villain in the violence, citing IDF soldiers entering the Al-Shifa hospital in the devastated strip.

As the Taoiseach was heckled in his reply by Sinn Fein Deputies, Mr Varadkar protested above the outcry: May I speak? It's a very clear and consistent approach from Sinn Fein towards the Government, other parties, and towards the media -- to shout them down or sue them.

Well, this is a Parliament. This is a democracy. And I'm going to be heard -- without being threatened with legal action or being shouted down. Would that be possible?

He then rounded on Ms McDonald personally: This is still a democracy, Deputy. We're never going to let you take away our democracy, with your threats and your activities, I can guarantee you that.

Later he told the Sinn Fein President that her approach to international affairs was wrong. If she became Taoiseach she would hector people at high-level meetings, point the finger, walk out, hold a press conference, issue a press release, and make yourself look good  but without achieving anything for Ireland, or the Palestinians.

To Sinn Fein calls for Israel to the referred to the International Criminal Court, he said: There's already an investigation underway. It's been underway for several years now. Referring Israel to the International Criminal Court at this stage, when investigations are already underway, will be akin to reporting an alleged crime to the Gardai several years into the investigation.

It simply would have no practical effect or practical value.

The proposal was also flawed because it would allow Hamas and Islamic Jihad off the hook, he said

Perhaps that's your intention, he added.

He added: I just want to reiterate the Government's condemnation, without equivocation, of a massive terrorist attack on Israel on October 7th, which began this phase of the conflict. They sought to kill and torture as many civilians as possible without any mercy. There's no equivalence or excuse for that. They provoked and perhaps even hoped for what has followed.

Three things now had to happen, he added. Hamas had to release all hostages, particularly the children, including Emily Hand, the Irish hostage, who we believe is being held in tunnels in Gaza at the moment.

They should lay down their arms because they are a terrorist organisation. Secondly, while Israel has a right to defend itself, this is not self-defence. This is collective punishment, which is disproportionate and wrong. That is why there should be a ceasefire immediately, to be observed by all sides, so the killings can stop, so aid can get in, so that hostages can be released and so that our citizens can get out.

Finally, what was needed was a new peace process, the Taoiseach said.

It had to be one that ensures that Palestinians control Gaza, once this conflict is over, and one that is based on a two-State solution. We do at long last have clear agreement from all EU member states that there should be a two-State solution.
Sarah Jessica Parker spoke about her new wine collection in Supervalu on an Instagram live interview. Photo by James Devaney/GC Images

Hollywood actress Sarah Jessica Parker has hailed Donegal for its great pubs and admitted that she and her family love potatoes when they stay at their holiday home in Ireland.

The Sex and the City star, who has been holidaying in Ireland for 30 years, praised the local pubs in her parish of Kilcar, in Co Donegal, where she stays with her husband Matthew Broderick and her children every summer.

We have some great pubs in our neighbourhood there. Every time we are there I try to have a glass of Guinness, the 58-year-old said, conceding that she isnt a fan of drinking pints as she finds them too difficult to finish.

However, she said she loves the ceremony of watching people pour pints in different ways, and likes to visit the Rusty Mackerel pub on Teelin Road, located on the foot of Sliabh Liag.

Ms Parker was speaking on an Instagram live with Irish wine expert Kevin OCallaghan during an interview on her new brand of wine with company Invivo, which is launching in Supervalu stores in Ireland.

Sarah Jessica Parker stops for a Guinness in Foley's Pub in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by ShowBizIreland/Getty Images)

The ceremony around the way we cook in Ireland has absolutely affirmed my love for food and it has changed my expectations of what I want when I come home, she said.

Ms Parker said she has a laundry list of certain foods the Irish do so well which, she said has helped shaped her pallet over the years, with some of her favourites being eggs, poultry and lamb.

We are crazy about potatoes and butter, she said, conceding that the family have a source in New York where they are able to purchase Irish groceries as it just isnt the same at home.

She admitted that the family spend the whole year trying to recreate the same foods all year in America that they consume for just a few weeks when they stay over in Ireland each year.

The six-time Golden Globe winner said that she and her husband love the vegetable soup puree made by locals in their parish of Kilcar, which they always ensure that they have in their house.

It really reminds us of an Irish kitchen, as typically women would be throwing things into a pot and pureeing. We eat that for a snack and we love crisps too, we eat them a lot, she said.

Ms Parker has launched a new collection of red, white and rose wines in Supervalu in Ireland, which are marked with a X on the label, which is how the star signs all of her correspondence, she said.

Wine Spectator, an American lifestyle magazine that focuses on wine ratings, reviews and culture, listed Ms Parkers Sauvignon Blanc as the 29th best in the world, scoring 93 out of 100 points.

Ms Parker revealed that she is involved in every single wine blending and described her work with the wine company as down to splitting the atom.

On whether Carrie Bradshaw, who she played for six seasons in Sex and the City would be a fan of her wine, she said: Even though we didnt see her drink a lot of wine except for the last supper in the final episode, I think she would.
Subjects dropped and teachers are being stretched to breaking point

Teacher Sinead Corkery, an ASTI member and deputy principal, said that every day in the classroom is a juggling act

Almost two-thirds of secondary schools surveyed by the Teachers Union of Ireland have unfilled vacancies, while more than three-quarters have advertised positions in the last six months for which they have received no applications.

The TUI survey of principals and deputy principals in 104 schools across the country found that 89pc of schools experienced recruitment difficulties in the previous 12 months.

It also revealed that maths, construction studies/woodwork, Irish, biology and home economics were the top five most difficult subjects to employ teachers in.

Schools also face difficulty finding teachers for business, engineering/metalwork, French and agricultural science.

While 82pc of schools said they had not been forced to drop subjects as a result of the retention and recruitment crisis, 45pc have had to restrict or limit student access to subjects due to lack of teachers available.

Read more Teacher shortage for Dublin schools as principals struggle to fill vacancies

TUI president David Waters said his own school was forced to drop construction as a subject after a teacher who emigrated could not be replaced.

He said many schools were being forced to make a lot of unpalatable decisions on subject choices.

For every position that goes unfilled, thats potentially nine different classes that dont have teachers. Its far worse than people think it really is  and Ill say credit to managements around the country for keeping it afloat at all because its very bad.

Sinead Corkery, the deputy principal St Patricks Cathedral Grammar School in Dublin, told how each day was a juggling act to ensure each class had a teacher and many schools were stretched to the limit.

In certain areas its harder than others  the languages, science subjects, maths, Irish. The teachers just dont exist, said the ASTI member.

Youre holding your breath all summer and youre a nervous wreck when you come back wondering who is going to show up to that staff meeting on the first day because its totally understandable if a teacher gets something more suited to their lifestyle outside Dublin: you cant fault them for taking that position.

Another principal in Dublin told the Irish Independent that he currently had four vacancies to fill, but had received just one application since they were first advertised.

This crisis is being lived out on a day-to-day basis, he added. I havent dropped any subjects yet and thats because myself and the deputy principal are in covering classes. Were trying to run a school and at the same time, were teaching.

Its not fair on the kids, its not fair on the teachers, its not fair on the parents and its not fair on the principals.

He said current first years at the school could not be offered home economics because there is no qualified teacher. Other practical subjects were also struggling.

The principal added that he was lucky to be surrounded by amazing staff and an amazing group of kids, but admitted it could be absolutely draining dealing with the ongoing crisis.

It is becoming a job where you kind of go, So what am I? Am I a teacher? Am I a principal? Am I plugging the hole here?
DAIL hearings into the increasing number of legal cases being taken against the media are being sought by a Government senator in the wake of a Sinn Fein TD suing a newspaper and one of its journalists.

Fine Gael senator Micheal Carrigy has asked the Oireachtas Media Committee to invite the Press Council of Ireland, the Office of the Press Ombudsman, the National Union of Journalists and other relevant organisations to come before it. The request will be considered by the committee next week.

Mr Carrigy told the Irish Independent that a meeting with all the stakeholders needs to be agreed and to happen as soon as possible.

He added: There is a concerning trend emerging which needs to be debated.

It follows news last week that Sinn Fein TD Chris Andrews is suing The Irish Times and its political correspondent Harry McGee over their reporting of a comment he made on social media the day after the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.

In an email to committee chair Fianna Fail TD Niamh Smyth on Tuesday, the Longford-based senator said he was making the request following a recent presentation by newspaper representative groups, Local Media Ireland and Newsbrands Ireland, on the area of defamation. He also referenced the increasing number of legal cases against both newspapers and journalists.

Last week the Press Ombudsman issued a statement saying that it deplores the practice of  powerful public figures suing individual journalists in response to public interest news reporting.

The case is seen as the latest example of the so-called chilling effect whereby media are discouraged from pursuing topics for fear of court action.

Mr Andrews legal action is the latest in a string of legal cases pursued by Sinn Fein members against the media.

Party leader Mary Lou McDonald, who has lodged a defamation action against RTE over its coverage of the IRA rape victim Mairia Cahill, has been nominated for a bully of the year award by the Index on Censorship.

The organisation campaigns against individuals using defamation laws to silence critics in what are known as SLAPPS  Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation. It has flagged Ms Donalds case against RTE with the Council of Europe.

Ms McDonald has rejected the accusation from the Index on Censorship and said on Saturday that individual politicians had the right to pursue complaints against the press in a way that they deem appropriate.
The Tanaiste met with Thomas Hand in Dublin, as well as with families of those who have been taken hostage in Gaza. Photo: Department of Foreign Affairs.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin has met with Thomas Hand and other families of those who have been taken hostage in Gaza.

Emily Hand, who is believed to be among the hostages in Gaza, will turn nine years old on Friday next week, Mr Martin said this brilliant and talented young girl must be returned to her family immediately.

My Department will leave no stone unturned in pursuing that outcome, he said.

Mr Martin has expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet with Mr Hand today.

Everyone in Ireland feels the deepest sympathy for Thomas and all the Hand family, given the horrific and traumatic ordeal they are currently experiencing, said the Tanaiste.

Meanwhile, he assured that the Government have been engaging internationally to ensure Emilys return home.

We have been engaging intensively internationally through political, official and security channels in a bid to secure Emilys safe return, he said.

Mr Martin will visit Israel, Egypt and the occupied Palestinian territory later this week, he said he will be raising Emilys case in all of the meetings he attends.

All our thoughts are with Emily and her family at this profoundly difficult time, he said in a statement.

All hostages in Gaza should be released immediately and unconditionally.

Thomas Hand, originally from Dun Laoghaire in Dublin, said yesterday: "I want to hug Emily again, love her, fix her.

She's eight years old at the moment and will be nine on the 17th of this month.

Her birthday will be in the tunnels of Hamas. There will be no cake, no party, no friends.

"And sadder than that, she won't even know it's her birthday. She won't have any idea what day it is, and whether it's day or night.

Sometimes I speak about her in past tense. I have to remember that she's alive in Gaza.

Even though she was only eight, she had a fantastic sense of humour. She always had us laughing. A very funny little girl.

We are all here just to get as much support and sympathy to try and get these kidnapped people back. If we ever get them back they're going to need a lot of things mentally and physically, he said.

Mr Hand and his older daughter Natali met with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar yesterday evening.

Following his meeting with Thomas Hand, the Taoiseach said: I assured the Hand family that the Government will do all in its power to secure the release of Emily and to assist the Hand family.

And I emphasised Irelands call on Hamas to release all hostages immediately without any preconditions.

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.
Motorists travelling on the M50 this morning have been warned to expect delays following a breakdown.

The incident, which occurred northbound at Junction 6 Blanchardstown, is affecting traffic heading to the N3 outbound.

Theres also an incident on the N7 inbound at Junction 4 Rathcoole thats causing a queue from before Junction 5  Athgoe, the right lane is affected.

Irish Rail services have said the following services will operate with reduced capacity this morning due to operational issues: 6.35am Heuston to Newbridge, 7.19am Newbridge to Grand Canal Dock, 8.31am Grand Canal Dock to Hazelhatch and the 9.45am Hazelhatch to Heuston.

More to follow...
British railway union leader Mick Lynch has described as fairly glib the announcement by RTE chief Kevin Bakhurst that no one at the broadcaster should earn more than the director-general at Montrose.

Speaking about the crisis at RTE after delivering a speech at the Siptu biennial conference in Galway, Mr Lynch said RTE was important to the nation.

Mr Lynch said the Irish public would miss a publicly funded independent broadcaster they can trust and said he sympathises with Ryan Tubridy, but is sure he will get work soon.

I think hes [Kevin Bakhurst] made a fairly glib statement yesterday about nobody getting a higher salary than him, said Mr Lynch, who has appeared on The Late Late Show with Tubridys replacement, Patrick Kielty.

That should be the norm in most organisations. I know theyve got issues about the talent.

But, what it seems to me, theres been level of incompetence at RTE thats brought them into disrepute in terms of the way theyre running their finances.

Mr Lynch, who is general secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), claimed there were a lot of vested interests who want RTE not to have direct employment but outsource programming to contractors instead.

And some of that are on the board. Some of those people have got a vested interest in making these decisions, " he said.

But I think the Irish public will miss a publicly funded independent broadcaster and its an essential part of the make-up of a society that theres a broadcaster you can trust, thats not at the behest of advertisers and other interests.

So I think we need a change in direction. Were fighting that battle in Britain with the BBC, who are under a lot of political pressure. But theyve done a lot of outsourcing there and a lot of people find themselves in journalism, in technical spheres and in production spheres in very insecure employment and it doesnt work at the end of the day.

Asked about Tubridys predicament, he said he sympathised with anybody who had lost their job.

From what Im hearing, hes going to be getting some engagements fairly quickly in Britain or over here, he said. Im sure hell do all right. Ive got no axe to grind with him personally. And people obviously want to maximise their earnings. But, you know, fair play to him if he can get the job he needs, Mr Lynch said.

Addressing the conference earlier, Mr Lynch launched a strongly worded attack on Suella Braverman, who was sacked this week as Britains Home Secretary following a series of controversies.

Referring to David Cameron, who has joined Britains House of Lords so he can return to government with the Conservatives, the union boss said little Lord Fauntleroy had been brought back into the British Cabinet.

Mr Lynch also said trade unions cannot be clubs for people who work for big companies.
Pay rises that respond to cost of living pressures will be the priority as unions consider a government invitation to talks on a new pay deal for public servants.

Nineteen public sector unions are due to meet on Friday to consider an invitation to discussions issued by Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe yesterday.

The four officers of the Public Services Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions met this morning to discuss the invitation.

Following the meeting, they said the 19 unions will decide the criteria to establish if there is a basis for a new public service pay agreement with the government.

The Building Momentum deal expires in just over six weeks.

Unions have said a successor deal needs to be negotiated and ratified before the current deal expires.

Unions noted the comments, made by the Minister for Public Expenditure in his invitation to talks, that an agreement has the potential to provide certainty and stability in a normalised industrial relations environment, said the Public Services Committee in a statement following the meeting.

Unions have identified the normalisation of post-crisis public service industrial relations as a necessary step to the successful negotiation of another public service agreement, of the type favoured by the minister, and outlined by him in various media interviews yesterday.

Securing appropriate pay measures in response to continuing cost-of-living pressures on working families is the priority objective for the unions.
Foreign dispatch

Predicting the decline of US power has always been fashionable. Only the identity of the country that was supposedly going to overtake us has changed: Once, it was the Soviet Union, then it was Japan, and now its China.
RTE's top stars are to have their pay capped at 250,000. Photo: Collins

They say there are two ways to improve your finances  make more, or spend less.

If RTE is to find its feet again, it must do both, with the days of gilded government bailouts over for good.

It seems unfair that while many of the top tier of management over the past decade who presided over the decline of the public broadcaster have been left well-remunerated and unscathed, the cost of salvaging a future for RTE falls to staff who had no involvement in disastrous decisions that drove the demise.

Nonetheless, a pathway to survive must be found. And, just as every other media organisation in the country has discovered painfully, that involves job losses.

For several years, there have been reports of major cuts at RTE; but when it came to the crunch, the proposed sweeping reform or shake-up was always put on hold.

Unions are understandably riled at the figure of 400 jobs going; any number at all is regrettable.

But about 150 of these may come from retirements and vacant posts not being filled. Reassurances from Taoiseach Leo Varadkar that redundancies would be phased in over a number of years and will be voluntary, not compulsory, are welcome.

Mr Varadkar has also pledged that a long-term model for funding will be in place within months.

This is crucial.

For way too long, the broadcaster has had the taxpayer on tap as well as licence-fee money; all this despite having unlimited potential for advertising revenues.

That budgets were allowed to balloon, and payment to a favoured few reached such stratospheric levels, was a betrayal of its public broadcasting ideals, burnished over several decades.

With so many jobs to be cut, it is hard to see how services will not also be curtailed. Hard questions remain about precisely what role the broadcaster is to fulfil to satisfy public needs while also achieving a financially sustainable existence.

It also remains to be seen whether it can produce quality in-house productions or if the bulk of programming will now go to the private sector.

A viable vision has to be developed.

The decision to cap the salary of stars at 250,000  the same amount paid to the most well-paid civil servant in the country, and 50,000 more than the Taoiseach  will be a popular one. Most organisations have to contend with breakthrough or breakdown moments. For RTE, such a moment has arisen.

It must embrace change, as has the Government.

All media organisations have their backs against the wall, with no guarantees of survival.

Montrose has enjoyed a pampered existence as the States problem child; for too long it has received preferential treatment while other media have had to live or die based on their earnings.

If quality journalism and reliable media are to be viable, state funding needs to be fairly distributed.

RTE, in the same way all other media have had to do, will need to tune in to the new facts of life.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS. On November 14, at the Royal Institute of International Affairs in London (Chatham House) a meeting-discussion was held with Ararat Mirzoyan, who is in London on an official visit, the foreign ministry said in a press release.

During the meeting, a wide range of issues were discussed, both in on Armenia-United Kingdom relations and in the context of regional developments.

Minister Mirzoyan thoroughly touched upon foreign policy priorities of Armenia, the latest regional developments, as well as a number of issues on Armenia's engagement in international platforms.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia drew the attention of the participants to the position of the Republic of Armenia regarding the establishment of stability and security in the South Caucasus, the normalization of relations with the neighbors, as well as the opportunities provided by the "Crossroads of Peace" project, developed by the Government of the Republic of Armenia.

Speaking about the normalization process of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and reaffirming Armenia's commitment to the peace agenda, the Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that the approaches of the Armenian side are largely expressed in the Quadrilateral statement adopted in Granada. The Minister highlighted the importance of Azerbaijan's unconditional commitment to continue the peace process based on those provisions, as well as of the strong support by international partners.

he situation in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from the ethnic cleansing carried out by Azerbaijan, the issues of addressing the primary needs and rights of more than 100,000 forcibly displaced Armenians, who were deprived of their homeland, were on the agenda of the meeting.

Minister Mirzoyan answered a number of questions of the attendees.

Following the meeting, Ararat Mirzoyan had a short conversation with the Director of the institute, Bronwen Maddox.
David Camerons return to frontline politics has provoked a furore. He will forever be remembered for his failure to stand up to a group of right-wing zealots during his time as UK prime minister. His inability to face down a vociferous, but relatively small grouping, cast him in the role of Brexit enabler.

The fact that the current prime minister, Rishi Sunak, could not find a suitable replacement for departing home secretary, Suella Braverman, from a list of 350 Conservative MPs suggests that the is a lack of competency within Tory ranks.

However, I wonder if Mr Camerons return is reflective of a wider malady? It has been a concern for quite a number of years that politics is failing to attract the same calibre of person as before. It beggars belief that the US will be faced with a choice between Joe Biden (80) and Donald Trump (77) in next years presidential election. 

Yes, we get the representatives we vote for, but if there is a poor selection of candidates to begin with then the electorate is on a hiding to nothing. As US political commentator and great-granddaughter of Herbert Hoover, Margaret Hoover, put it: You cant dream somebody up out of nothing thats going to be the perfect candidate, so you do have to pick between a series of bad choices.

Gerard Cassidy, Derrygonnelly, Co Fermanagh

If only the young and the innocent in Gaza were able to speak their mind

I am too small to breathe. The machine beside my incubator does it for me. It is like the breathing of my mother when I was inside her. I know nothing about the world except the voice of my mother, and the touch of the nurse who looks after me, and the rhythm of my ventilator. It was bright  but now it is dark. Help me.

Chris Fitzpatrick, Terenure Road East, Dublin 6

As we know well from experience, a solution to violence has to be found

I would like to thank Jim OBrien for his article (We once shared a common enemy with Israel  Farming Independent, November 13). He has put context to the daily news of atrocities in the Gaza Strip by giving us a concise history of the troubled Middle East.

We need to know the background to our outrage. The parallels to Irish history are too close and further massacres must be avoided. I do hope that the powers that be can come together and put fairness, justice and compassion into a new solution. It must be possible.

Liz Finucane, Ennis, Co Clare

Given our similar stories, why do so many Irish lack sympathy for Israel?

Reading the many letters since Hamas unprovoked terrorist attacks of October 7, it is surprising that some Irish people dont seem to be as sympathetic to the Israelis as one would expect. This is especially so when you consider they are a persecuted people whose own struggle for the rightful return of their homeland where they can live in peace and safety has some parallels to our own history.

While our struggle was merely 800 years, the Jewish struggle started with the early exiles by the Assyrian and Babylonian empires over 2,500 years ago. This continued over the centuries with more expulsions, forced conversions and religious discrimination by the Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders and finally the Mamluks, who so oppressed the Jews that by the time the Ottomans took over in the early 1500s there were barely any Jews left in Palestine.

Life for the Jews who emigrated to Europe wasnt always better, with the many small pogroms, confiscations, and expulsions culminating in the Holocaust.

After the foundation of Israel, over 800,000 Jews left Muslim countries, some voluntarily, others with some violent encouragement, so that the numbers of Jews living in Muslim countries has fallen by 99pc.

Again, considering our own history, it is strange that some Irish people dont feel any empathy for Israelis.

Jason Fitzharris, Swords, Co Dublin

It should be clear now that for Hamas, its hostages are just expendable collateral

What is outrageous in all the hand-wringing and complaints about Israel bombing Gaza is that since October 7 it has been clear that one way to stop the war or at least advance a ceasefire is to return the Israeli hostages. However, if you survey the print and broadcast media, there is precious little weight on returning the hostages to Israel compared to simple appeals for a ceasefire for nothing.

War is policy and internationally everything is priced. So far, Hamas has demanded a swap of all Palestinian prisoners for all Israeli hostages. But all Hamas is showing is that Gaza casualties are expendable collateral in the bigger scheme of things.

Frank Adam, Prestwich, UK

Ignorance by politicians and media on social welfare rates is appalling

Why do our politicians and media behave like headless chickens whenever the topic of social welfare rates is discussed?

How many of our politicians or journalists would survive on the current standard weekly rate of social welfare for, say, a period of three months? I would argue that social welfare rates are not particularly high in this country; rather, social welfare rates in other countries are too low.

The ignorance of our broader social welfare system is truly appalling. Social welfare is about a lot more than rates of payment and being unemployed (for example) is about a lot more than being on social welfare.

I am one of the 132,500 people still on the live register and that begs a question; how can we say we have full employment, with that number of human beings still unemployed?

Tim Buckley, Cork city

Our planners must put more thought into the safety of pedestrians

We should all accept the principle of greenways designed and developed precisely for the safe use of pedestrians and non-motorised cyclists. I put pedestrians first. They are usually slower, more vulnerable as several may be incapacitated, while others may need to be pushed in wheelchairs or prams of various sorts.

But the current trend in the design and implementation of greenways does not accommodate the safe passage of people on foot or those being pushed.

It would appear as if pedestrians are an afterthought in the planning of such facilities.

Joe Burns, Monkstown, Co Cork
Two people fled the scene after the attack which is captured on CCTV

WE FIX IT Carlow Computer Specialists, who are based on Staplestown Road in Carlow, caught two individuals on a CCTV camera throw what appears to be a firebomb at the shop.

The CCTV footage, which was posted on the WE FIX IT (PC SOS) Facebook page, shows the front of the shop going up in flames and the two perpetrators fleeing the scene.

Damage to the front of the shop Photo: WE FIX IT Carlow Computer Specialists

According to the footage the attack appears to happen in the early hours of the morning at 12.30am, on Friday November 10.

Maciej Jaroszczak, the owner of the shop, said that it was a scary experience but he is grateful that the damage was mostly to the outside of the shop.

Glass from the broken window Photo: WE FIX IT Carlow Computer Specialists

"I was lucky the petrol bomb was not thrown inside the shop. The first guy broke the glass to the outside of my shop and the second guy then tried to throw the petrol bomb through the broken glass to inside the shop. But he didnt manage to get the petrol bomb inside.

"Luckily only the outside of my shop is burnt. There was some damage to the inside as one big TV was broken and so were two monitors.

Door smashed during the attack Photo: WE FIX IT Carlow Computer Specialists

In a statement to the Irish Independent, gardai have confirmed that they responded to reports of an incident of criminal damage at a business premises in Carlow town on the morning of Friday, November 10.

There have been no arrests at this time, however investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with any information, or who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Carlow Garda Station on 059 913 6620, or their nearest Garda Station.
Employflex recently launched a competition to find out who is Irelands soundest boss and it took a Cork woman to come out top!

The questionnaire asked employees to nominate their boss if they implement a flexible workplace policy, and are open to conversations regarding flexible hours.

Qualities of Irelands Most Flexible Boss include someone who is open to flexible working hours, results focussed and not obsessed with a 'bums on seats' mentality, a boss who leads with empathy and understanding and trusts employees to get work done, someone who is fair and equitable and leads by example or is pro equality, diversity and inclusion.

Ciara Crossan of WeddingDates won the title, as nominated by her fellow employees.

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Im so thrilled to accept this award and I want to say a massive thank you to my dedicated team who nominated me. We really try to create a culture of trust here at WeddingDates where people are allowed the freedom to work around their core hours as we know different things can crop up, Ciara said.

"As a single mum, I really appreciate the value of flexibility in the workplace but flexible working is not just for parents as we all deserve the right to have flexibility. Work life balance is something I am very passionate about and I believe people do their best work when they are rested and feel appreciated," Ciara added.

We were delighted to read all the stories about truly flexible leaders who were nominated in this years competition. Employees spoke of the genuine flexible work practices that allow them to have real work-life balance and we commend all the employers who do that and lead with empathy and create a culture of trust and openness, aaid Employflex Founder Karen OReilly.

As part of the honour, Ciara won two tickets to see comedian Michael McIntyre's Dublin show.
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.
Deciding your future and what you want to study can be a daunting process. University open days are the perfect opportunity for students to explore the range of courses and facilities on offer.

The Munster Technological Open Day takes place on Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18 and invites not only students, but their parents, guardians and guidance counsellors to explore the campus.

MTU will offer 125 CAO courses for 2024, during the open day students can also learn about higher education courses and related career opportunities.

There will be a Career Exhibition in the MTU Arena with a series of information sessions, workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions of student work and laboratory visits distributed across all academic departments.

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The MTU open day is a chance to connect with faculty members and get some advice and answers before making the next step and deciding which CAO courses to select, said Michael Loftus, Vice President for External Affairs at MTU.

The range of courses on offer can be overwhelming, but thats why we are here on Open Day, to give you more information and help guide you on your path in higher education and career development.
An Israeli flag stands on the top of a destroyed building in the Gaza Strip in the ground offensive against Hamas, launched in response to the militant group's deadly cross-border attack on October 7. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

CORK County Council has waded into the international political arena by calling for the arrests of both Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Council has also agreed to write to the Irish Government asking them to formally sanction the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland Dana Erlich and to seek a European mandate for an immediate and full ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The letter to the Irish Government from Cork County Council will call on the Tanaiste Micheal Martin to urge the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue arrest warrants for Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in light of atrocities against civilians, widely regarded as war crimes, committed in Israel/Palestine since October 7.

The motions were brought before last Mondays full council meeting by Fine Gael councillor Jack White and Independent councillor Liam Quaide and they received unanimous support.

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Fine Gael councillor Jack White said a strong European position on the Israel-Hamas War is important. I am calling on the government to formally sanction the Israeli Ambassador for the terrorism that they are carrying out on the Palestinian people and to write to the government seeking a European mandate calling for an immediate and full ceasefire. A strong European position on this is important, he said.

The double standards here are frightening, said Cllr White. The international community has lost all moral authority now on Ukraine. The terrorism we see from Israeli settlers backed up by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on a daily basis for years is reprehensible. It is very important the Occupied Territories Bill is enacted. The Israeli bombardment of hospitals is sickening and is nothing short of a war crime and has to be called out as such.

There are premature babies in incubators in those hospitals dying because those machines are being turned off and oxygen levels are dropping. That is an affront to all our humanity. The Irish Government have been vocal on the international stage and this needs to continue, he added.

Independent councillor Paul Hayes commended the Irish Government on their stance thus far. We as a local authority need to keep raising this humanitarian catastrophe while atrocities are ongoing. The government must be commended for their stance. They need to use all their diplomatic influence especially with their US and EU counterparts to call for an immediate ceasefire.

Labour Party councillor James Kennedy also supported the motion. Hamas are a terrorist organisation, but the response from Israel has been horrendous. There should be international arrest warrants for both the leader of Hamas and Netanyahu.

Fine Gael councillor Gerard Murphy said the Irish Government needs to continue to condemn Israel for their inaction. Until we get back to a situation where everyone agrees there must be a ceasefire immediately and we get back to the table like they did with the Oslo Accords there is going to be no progress. In the meantime Ireland must continue to condemn Israel for their reaction and their inaction in trying to facilitate the two state solution.

The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank OFlynn also expressed his support for the motion. I would fully support that they enact the Occupied Territories Bill and a full ceasefire immediately. What is happening in Gaza at the moment is a humanitarian issue.

Independent councillor Liam Quaide said international law has to be the framework within which these atrocities are considered. Any fair-minded person has to condemn without question the atrocities and abductions committed by Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants inside Israel on October 7. What Israel has unleashed in response to those crimes has been a concentrated and deadly campaign of collective punishment against Palestinian civilians that will deepen cycles of hatred, violence and intergenerational trauma in the Middle East.

Israel continues with an impunity it enjoys in these acts of violence and displacement from the US, EU and UK - our closest allies. If we want to get beyond taking sides in this conflict towards respecting the human rights of all citizens, then international law has to be the framework within which these atrocities are considered, he added.
Cork County Council will submit applications for between 58m and 63m in funding to various government departments to offset the damage caused by Storm Babet.

Cork County Council will submit an application for between 58m and 63m in funding to the various government departments to offset the damage that was inflicted throughout Cork County during Storm Babet.

The CEO of Cork County Council, Valerie OSullivan informed councillors of their plans at last Mondays full council meeting after a motion was brought before the chamber by the East Cork Municipal District (MD) seeking details on the local authorities plan to deal with the roads and bridges that were damaged during the flooding.

Fine Gael councillor Susan McCarthy who is the chair of the East Cork MD highlighted the breaching of walls in estates in Midleton and said people cant sleep at night now when they hear heavy rain.

We would have been absolutely lost without the response of Cork County Council. It is important to highlight where people have fallen between the cracks or estates are in a little bit of trouble as some of them arent taken in charge. Boundary walls have been destroyed on some estates. Reconstructing these walls, we need to respond as quickly as possible. A lot of people cant sleep at night now when they hear heavy rain. We need to get these people feeling a little secure in themselves in their homes, she said.

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During a wide ranging debate a plethora of councillors called for various measures to be implemented to help prevent a recurrence of the widespread flooding.

Fine Gael councillor Michael Hegarty outlined his hopes that regular cleaning of the beds of rivers will continue to take place. I am still very strong on cleaning of the beds of our rivers. Unless we are going to do that, we are going to have ongoing problems. Our Oireachtas colleagues will have to introduce emergency legislation so that our river beds can be cleaned. The only time the Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) will allow you in to clean the beds of the river is July, August and September.

As regards our bridges, there are several bridges damaged. The full extent of that hasnt been properly quantified just as yet. Half the damage to our roads in the county is in East Cork and probably well in excess of 25 million and that figure may go further, he added.

Fine Gael councillor Anthony Barry highlighted similar flood related incidents that occurred in Carrigtwohill and Glounthaune with residents and businesses both suffering, while Fianna Fail councillor Sheila OCallaghan expressed her concerns about bridges and said they should be assessed to prevent further trouble down the road.

The CEO of Cork County Council, Valerie OSullivan told councillors a claim has already been submitted to the Dept of Transport for damage to bridges. We are carrying out a detailed investigation and assessment of every affected property in the county. All estates will be included in our assessment. We can only carry out repairs that we have taken in charge. The overall claim that will be submitted, and some of it is already submitted, will be between 58 and 63 million. There is a claim gone to the Dept of Transport asking for between 50 and 55 million depending on the damage to bridges.

The rest accounts for the damage to our roads right across the county. A claim to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) this week will be made in the order of about 8 million. The cost of the severe weather response was about 4.4 million. The claims are nearly finalised. Some are gone in and the rest will be gone in this week, well in advance of the deadline of December 6, she added.

Ms OSullivan also committed to reinstating bridges to make them more robust to repel the next storm onslaught. There were bridges that succumbed to the rigours of Storm Babet that gave in. We will definitely take this opportunity, not just to make temporary repairs but to reinstate them so they can hopefully withstand the next onslaught if and when it comes.
The McAuliffe Family Headstone at Calvary Cemetery, Queens, New York where William is buried

William was shot at the corner of 2nd Avenue and East 67th as he walked his beat on Saturday, March 18th, 1916 and subsequently died of his injuries.

The East 67th St Precinct in New York where William McAuliffe worked for six years before he was murdered in 1916.

The late William McAuliffe, a native of Meelin, who became a member of the New York Police Department, was murdered while on duty in March 1916. A few weeks ago, a New York Street was named Patrolman William McAuliffe Way in his honour.

Descendents of the late William McAuliffe, a native of Meelin, were absolutely delighted recently to hear that a street in New York would bear his name and would henceforth be known as Patrolman William McAuliffe Way.

Last month, at a gathering on Second Avenue 67th Street, the naming ceremony took place, very near where William, who was a member of the New York Police Department, was shot by an unknown assailant on the night of March 18, 1916.

McAuliffes from Cork, New Hampshire and Canada attended the unveiling and Williams grandniece, remembering her ancestor, recalled an old photo in an old frame at home.

Patrick Hendry, president of the Patrolmens Benevolent Association, welcomed the move that saw William finally getting recognition. He was a true hero who paved the way for all of us, Patrick said as the new street sign was unveiled with Patrolman McAuliffes name on it.

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Later at a celebration at East 67th St. Precinct, Detective Bridie OReilly of the Auxiliary NYPD said that the event was a beautiful tribute to William McAuliffe. Bridie, an emigrant from Co. Sligo, had assisted Detective Nuccio in getting the word out about the naming ceremony and with other aspects of the event.

The East 67th St Precinct in New York where William McAuliffe worked for six years before he was murdered in 1916.

William McAuliffe was born at Knockacummer, Meelin on December 9th, 1879, the fifth of seven children. He emigrated to the USA in 1902, leaving Queenstown (Cobh) on April 10th aboard the SS Teutonic and arriving in Ellis Island one week later.

Four of seven McAuliffe siblings made their lives in New York City and three of them, including William, are buried in a family plot in Woodside.

William was shot at the corner of 2nd Avenue and East 67th as he walked his beat on Saturday, March 18th, 1916 and subsequently died of his injuries.

After working at various jobs for eight years, William joined the New York Police Department in 1910 and was stationed at 153 East 67th Street, a thirty minute walk from his home.

William was shot at the corner of 2nd Avenue and East 67th as he walked his beat on Saturday, March 18th, 1916 and subsequently died of his injuries. At the time of his death, he had served with the Police Department for six years. The motive for his murder remains unknown and no one was ever charged with the crime.

The McAuliffe Family Headstone at Calvary Cemetery, Queens, New York where William is buried

William is buried with his sister Ellen, his brother Daniel, his Aunt Kate Twomey and cousins Ellen McAuliffe and Mary Donnelly at Calvary Cemetery, Queens, New York.
After years of false dawns a programme of safety works will conclude this Friday afternoon at a notorious North Cork road junction once branded the most dangerous in the country when the long-awaited roundabout on the busy Mallow to Millstreet N72 road will be officially opened.

The completion of the multi-million upgrade of the Ballymacquirke Cross junction has been warmly welcomed by Fianna Fail councillor Bernard Moynihan who said it is going to be an economic driver for Duhallow.

Cllr Moynihan has consistently championed the issue at council meetings over recent years. In 2019 he delivered a petition signed by more than 3,000 people to the Transport Minister calling for action to be taken at the treacherous junction.

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Following a detailed tendering process, Sorensen Civil Engineering were appointed lead contractors for the works at Ballymacquirke Cross for the construction of a roundabout at the junction on the busy N72 Mallow to Killarney road bisecting Kanturk and Banteer which was listed as being among the most dangerous in Cork by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

Work commenced on transforming Ballymacquirke Cross into a roundabout at the end of February this year and the project has been completed ahead of schedule.

It will be officially opened this Friday afternoon at 4pm and the ribbon will be cut by Cllr Moynihan who said it will be a huge day for Duhallow. Friday will be a huge day for Duhallow. It has been a long time coming. Duhallow has been waiting for this roundabout for years. It is a huge issue in terms of public safety and the safety of the thousands of people who cross that junction which is a link between Limerick, North Cork and all that area. It has finished ahead of schedule which is great news for everyone, he said.

Connectivity is huge, said Cllr Moynihan. It is a massive opportunity for Duhallow. It is also going to be an economic driver for Duhallow. It will increase the potential of Duhallow for industry and housing. It will open up Duhallow. It is absolutely fantastic news.

I have worked and campaigned for years for this. I got elected in 2014 and immediately after getting elected I began the campaign for Ballymacquirke. I am delighted to get the honour this Friday to open it. I am also delighted for the people who put me in a position to fight for Ballymacquirke, he added.

Fine Gael councillor Gerard Murphy also welcomed the completion of the project.

It is great news particularly for Duhallow and west of Duhallow. You must have connectivity and there was a hold up there at Ballymacquirke which was causing problems for people. The big issue there all the time was a safety issue. There were accidents there over the years and it needed to be resolved.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met on November 15 in Brussels with President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola.

As a follow-up to the discussion Metsola had with the Armenian Prime Minister in October, the sides discussed the main directions of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive Partnership Agenda and joint efforts to strengthen it.

Both sides expressed readiness to initiate additional steps in the direction of expanding the partnership between the Armenian Parliament and the European Parliament, the foreign ministry said in a readout.

Commending the principled position, the adopted resolutions of the European Parliament thus far in matters of significant importance for Armenia, FM Mirzoyan stressed the importance of continuous strong support to Armenias democracy and the real efforts for establishing peace in the region. Speaking about Armenias approaches in this direction, FM Mirzoyan stressed that in case of effective involvement of international partners and Azerbaijan committing to the principles that were reiterated in the Granada statement in October it will be possible to achieve peace in the region. Ruling out the use of force or the threat of force, as well as the implementation of projects such as the Armenian governments Crossroads of Peace project were highlighted.

The Foreign Minister briefed Metsola on the steps aimed at addressing the needs and rights of over 100,000 refugees who found shelter in Armenia after being forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh after the September 19 Azeri attack, which was preceded by a 10-month long blockade.
Dublin Bus is looking for qualified mechanics to join their engineering team

Dublin Bus has launched a new recruitment drive aimed at hiring more qualified car and bus mechanics to join their engineering team.

The company is encouraging those suitable for the positions to be a part of what is the largest public transport provider in Ireland.

Dublin Bus has stated that, with a fleet of over 1,000 buses to maintain, the mechanics they employ are at the core of the organisation.

Successful candidates may be required to work day or night shifts, depending on staffing levels at their location, and will also be required to drive all company vehicles.

Benefits

Dublin Bus is offering a salary of 742.46 per week, increasing to 882.80 (eight-year pay scale, with shift premium applied for night and shift work).

Upon appointment (following a probationary period of 12 months), Dublin Bus will offer you a wide range of benefits, including either a company pension scheme or a PRSA pension scheme, a subsidised medical scheme, free bus travel, and concessionary rail travel.

Responsibilities

As part of the role, responsibilites will include:

- Find problems with buses and equipment and repair them.

- Carry out regular checks on vehicles and ensure that the buses are in good shape.

- Take care of the engines, electric systems, and the bus structure.

- Must be able to operate the machinery used within the garage workshop.

Qualification criteria

To be considered as a candidate for the role, those applying must have a National Craft Certificate for the trade of Heavy/light Vehicle Mechanic awarded by SOLAS/Department of Education following the successful completion of a recognized SOLAS apprenticeship.

Alternatively, those applying for the role must have an Advanced Certificate from Craft awarded by FETAC following the successful completion of a recognized SOLAS apprenticeship.

Other requirements

To apply for the job, you will need to be 21 years of age before the deadline of December 31 and hold a clean, valid category B (car) license for a minimum of two years or hold a clean, valid category D Irish driving license.

Those considering the position must also have fluent written and spoken English and be available to work shifts, including nights, weekends, public holidays, and rotating shifts, depending on staffing levels.

An NDLS Driver statement is also required for the role.
D2468 campaign calls for Gael Cholaiste to serve children from five primary schools in their area

Students from five Gaelscoileanna taking part in Blitz 2468 in Gaelscoil Inse Chor on Friday to promote the need for a Gaelcholaiste in their area. Pic: Sam Boal / Photocall Ireland

Members of the D2468 campaign are calling for a Gael Cholaiste to serve children attending five Irish speaking primary schools in the area

A group of concerned parents in south Dublin has stepped up a campaign for a Gael Cholaiste in their area which is served by five Irish language primary schools.

Julian de Spainn, a father-of-four and one of the parents involved with the D2468 campaign, said there are 44 second level schools in Dublin 2, 4, 6, and 8, but none are Irish language.

With five Gaelscoileanna in the area, many children have to stop their education in Irish at 12 or travel to outer suburbs to attend already heavily oversubscribed Gaelcholaisti.

Some kids in the area have to travel to Rathfarnham or Clondalkin to attend an Irish language secondary school. A journey that takes 1 hour and 35 minutes (from Inchicore to Rathfarnham) for some of our kids, he said.

The D2468 campaign group is calling on the Minister of Education, Norma Foley, to make the decision, without further delay, to establish a Gael Cholaiste in the school area.

The five Irish language primary schools in the area came together for a GAA blitz to highlight the issue at Gaelscoil Inse Chor in Islandbridge last Friday.

If youre going to build an Irish speaking community, if you dont have a second level school, thats a huge chunk of what you need to build and plan for the language in the area, Mr de Spainn said.

Theres a lot of talk about language planning now, but the basis is to have that infrastructure. That age group is so important as well.

Weve five Gaelscoileanna and no Gael Cholaiste in our school area. We believe there should be one. Why bring students to a certain point in their education and not give them anymore?

The nearest Gael Cholaiste would be Rathfarnham, but its too far away for the majority of the parents. It could take an hour for them to drop their kids to school, then theyd have to drive back in. Then theres big decisions if their kids want to do extracurricular activities, theyd be finishing later.

A GAA blitz in Gaelscoil Inse Chor on Friday to highlight the need for a Gaelcholaiste in the area. Pic: Sam Boal / Photocall Ireland

Theres a DEIS Gaelscoil and theres no way their parents could bring them to the Gael Cholaiste, they have no cars to drive them out and its hard enough, he added.

Mr de Spainn commended the number of primary level gaelscoileanna in the area, but said its a waste of time if there isnt a secondary school at Irish level on offer.

Theres a suppression of interest in the gaelscoileanna, but its out of reach when it comes to secondary school. Its not really encouraging a culture in schools if they cant retain second level education in Irish, he said.

Parents see their kids excelling, learning and using the language at primary level and they become fluent. To go into an English setting after that, youre wasting everything that was built up over eight years. It makes no sense, its madness in terms of an education investment.

In Ireland at the moment, theres 6.3pc of school students in Irish-medium education, which is 100 years after getting freedom. Its a very small number. If you look at Wales, their number is up at 23pc, theyve a plan to get that up to 40pc by 2050, what do we have here? No ambition.

I have three kids in Gaelscoil Lios na nOg with another one to go in, theres no certainty of second level education through Irish for them. We use Irish at home too, the parents taking part in the campaign have no certainty either.

We dont see a way forward unless we get a school set up in our own area. The government isnt really being ambitious, theyre saying that theyre keeping it under review, but its been under review for the past three years and nothing has happened.

Irish is our home language, its very important that our kids get education through Irish as well. Wed like to think living in Ireland, that the government would ensure there would be a supply of Irish education in our area so that our kids could be taught through Irish.

Were planning something outside the Dail on December 6. Well be doing a Christmas themed campaign with carol singing and we might have Santy too. Its a positive type of protest. Theres an election coming up, so were hoping this is a time to get it over the line, he added.
Dublin actor Barry Keoghan was made for his role in Saltburn, according to the director of the new movie which is already creating a buzz around Oscar nominations.

Saltburn is set on a luxury estate belonging to the aristocratic Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi), who invites his fellow Oxford university student Oliver Quick (Keoghan) to stay with him for the summer.

Emerald Fennell, who directed the new movie, spoke with FM104s Crossy today about how she adored working with the Dubliner.

Read more Saltburn review: Barry Keoghan on top form but this rowdy thriller falls apart in second half

Director Emerald Fennell praised Barry Keoghan's performance in Saltburn. Pic: Getty Images

Barry was made for it; I mean absolutely one of the most compelling performers in the world, she said.

I saw him in The Killing of a Sacred Deer and remember thinking, who is this boy? I couldnt take my eyes off him. When it came to casting Saltburn, I couldnt get him out of my head.

Barry is endlessly surprising, Im not interested in things that are straightforward, I dont think we as people are straightforward.

Barry Keoghan among stars hitting red carpet for premiere of new movie Saltburn in Los Angeles

All of us are complicated, delusional, difficult, cruel and funny. When it comes to actors in general, we want that element of not necessarily knowing, she added.

Australian actor Jacob Elordi is known for his roles in The Kissing Booth film trilogy on Netflix, the HBO series Euphoria and more recently played Elvis Presley in the biopic Priscilla.

According to Fennell, both Jacob and Barry became best friends while working together on the movie.

Jacob Elordi and Barry Keoghan became firm friends on the set of Saltburn. Pic: Getty Images

Barry and Jacob just were and are like brothers. They didnt know each other very well going in, but they were huge admirers of one anothers work. They became incredibly close, theyre still incredibly close, they look after each other, she said.

Thats the thing you absolutely can tell, thats the joy of making something, you hope it fosters a connection between people.

Barry is one of my favourites because he has his own philosophical catchphrases which we all teased him about all the time, but also use a lot now in our everyday lives.

One of Barrys sayings, which I love, was every rollercoaster has a shadow. Whenever we were having a difficult day at work, I said dont forget, every rollercoaster has a shadow, she added.
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 inaugural Skellig Coast Archaeology Festival takes place along the Skellig Coast in Castlecove, Caherdaniel, Waterville and Portmagee over three days from November 1719.

Various events will highlight the diversity and importance of the fascinating archaeological sites along the Skellig Coast for experts and non-experts in English and in Irish. The theme for the first festival is The Transition from The Stone Age to the Bronze Age'.

Spearheaded by Aoibheann Lambe, a local archaeologist behind Rock Art Kerry and Tourism Officer with the Comhchoiste Ghaeltacht Uibh Rathaigh, Aoibheann said the focus will be on monuments and sites that span this momentous period in human history around 4,500 years ago. Festival attendees will also get to visit some of the most beautiful parts of the Ring of Kerry.

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We visit Bronze Age copper mines, megalithic-era rock carvings (called rock art) with archaeologist Aoibheann Lambe and Eightercua Stone Row with Dr Eoin ONeill an historian. Our visit to the Drowned Forest at Bunaneer is led by plant scientist Calum Sweeney. It can tell us about weather conditions at that time, Aoibheann explained.

The programme also includes experts from across Ireland including archaeologist Finola Finlay talking about doing archaeological fieldwork on a Honda 50 in South Kerry in the 1970s, and Amanda Clarke - researcher and author of Holy Wells of Cork, who will explain what she has discovered about the holy wells of Iveragh.

Caolan Maher discusses the ancient symbol: the Triskele. While archaeologist Tony Barlett will announce the Bronze Age finds made during the recent road works at Bracaragh.

We will connect with our ancient ancestors with an early evening stargazing event designed for people of all ages. Led by astronomy guide Caoimhin de Bhailis, the talk will be in our own ancient tongue, Irish, but presented in such a way that non-Irish speakers will also enjoy it, Aoibheann said.

The festival is a collaboration between Heritage Iveragh / Oidhreacht Uibh Rathaigh and Comhchoiste Ghaeltacht Uibh Rathaigh. It is supported by the Kerry County Council Community Fund and An Plean Teanga Uibh Rathaigh with sponsorship from Skellig Shamrock (Cools Glasshouse).

For more information visit: www.discoveriveragh.ie/archaeology-festival
Contribution of family carers praised at event in Sligo Park Hotel attended by the mayor

Family Carers Ireland, the national charity supporting Irelands family carers, is delighted to announce that this years Netwatch Sligo Family Carer of the Year is Daniel McHugh from Rathcormack.

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.

Daniels wife Katherine was diagnosed with MS over 30 years ago and is dependent on her husband for everything in her daily life. Daniel, who is 83, gives his time and while battling some of his own health issues in recent years, never ceases to be a positive and joyful individual to be around. Daniels dedication to caring for his wife, day in and day out, demonstrates the caring person that he is and how he wants those around him to live their lives to the best of their ability.

Now in its 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.

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They play a critical role in maintaining the wellbeing and dignity of their loved ones, enabling them to receive the care they require in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. Collectively, family carers contribute a remarkable 19 million hours of unpaid care each week.

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.

Patricia Blee, local Community Supports Manager with Family Carers Ireland said,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. Daniels story reflects the commitment, love and hard work exhibited by family carers throughout the country.

Sligo Leitrim TD Marian Harkin offered heartiest congratulations to Daniel McHugh, Sligo Carer of the Year 2023 and Andy Neenan, Leitrim Carer of the Year 2023. Speaking in Dail Eireann, Deputy Harkin congratulated the award winners and described the role of family carers as invaluable in ensuring that those who need care can safely remain in their own homes. She also highlighted the need for a radical reform to our Homecare service, staffed by home care workers who assist family carers in caring for people in their own homes.

There is an immediate need to reverse the recruitment embargo on health workers and for a clear commitment not to block the hiring of public service Health Care Support Assistants. It is absolutely crucial that there are no cuts to the duration of home support hours because the time allocation for home support hours is already cut to the bone and theres absolutely nothing left to be cut, Deputy Harkin said.

She also called for workers in the home care service to be paid at least the living wage at 14.80 per hour with reasonable payment for mileage expenses and travel time between the care locations.

As we honour the work of Daniel and Andy we need to reward those who assist them, the care support workers, by radically improving their working conditions in recognition of their invaluable work ensuring vulnerable people can live at home with peace of mind and dignity, she said.
Former derelict hotel in centre of Dromahair to house refugees in a matter of weeks increasing the villages population by over 15 per cent.

A north Leitrim village is set to welcome 155 refugees in the next couple of weeks to what was a derelict hotel.

A local County Councillor has welcomed the imminent arrival of the refugees to Dromahair but has voiced concerns over the lack of consultation with the local community.

And Cllr Mary Bohan is also concerned about the lack of services for the arrival of these numbers in the village and the general air of uncertainty.

It is proposed to house the refugees in the previously derelict Abbey Manor hotel in the village.

An email from the Department of Children, Equality, Disabilty, Integration has confirmed that 155 people (International Protection Applicants) will be accommodated in 47 bedrooms.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - November 14th

The accommodation is for families and single males with 124 beds reserved for families and 31 beds for the latter.

The email added that it was not possible to say how long the refugees would be staying but that a 12 month contract had been handed to the former hotels provider.

Reacting to the news, Cllr Bohan said the people in Dromahair are very welcoming and friendly people. And anyone who comes to the village gets a warm welcome .

But the community is concerned about the services for the new arrivals, she says.

They were not sure how many the local school could take.

People are saying that they would like to help people who are displaced through war but they are concerned that the doctors surgery is already over subscribed.

There is concern about the services and what are the arrivals able to do.

How well has this been thought out and what are they going to do during the day?

The children will probably be bussed to school but we dont know the numbers of children or the age profile.

People have also been very annoyed about the secrecy around the whole thing and that includes the owners of the property who were not very forthcoming.

I would have thought the Department would have learned their lesson from the situation down in Clare.

There should be consultation with local groups and that the people who could provide services would be asked exactly which kind of services would be needed. There has been no consultation and too much secrecy, she claimed.

Cllr Bohan said the refugees are expected to arrive in the next few weeks.

All the inspections been carried out.

Meanwhile, Labour party candidate for the next local elections, Bernie Linnane, who lives locally, said those who are running the hotel are saying that they get at most 24 hours notice of arrivals.

Everything is up in the air at the moment and in the absence of official information people start running around like headless chickens.

All we can do is make the best of a situation that is not ideal for anyone and it will work if we put a bit of effort into it.

There was a figure of 155 people mentioned in an email in 47 rooms and that does not seem to make sense as I have been in some of the rooms and you would not fit three people in them. I am not sure what the Department are trying to achieve.

Ms Linnane said the refugees should be welcomed.

We see nightly on our televisions the effects of war and the effects of fear on people.We are very lucky that there are no bombs dropping on us, that people in other parts of the world are living with on a daily basis

So when people come to out country looking for help we should make an effort to welcome them. They are being dropped in a place they have never been before and speaking a language they do not understand.

We are a very decent welcoming people here in Dromahair and with some good will we can make this work.Whatever label is put on them these are people who need help and shelter.

When it was suggested that \Dromahair was not big enough to cater for the numbers arriving, she said: If that hotel was full we would manage and if they were coming here as tourists we would welcome them and if we want we will find a way.

Among the facilities for the arrivals are full board catering service-with three meals per day with a varying menu along with refreshment stations available 24 hours a day and this will be replenished when needed.

The facility will have high speed fibre broadband with fire alarms, fire-fighting equipment while security cameras are fitted throughout the common walking areas.

The property is owned by DHMB Properties and the owners will be operating the site with staff on duty 24 hours a day and there will be a manager/security staff on site at all times.

The owner has previous experience in the provision of accommodation centres for IPAS.

There will also be 2-3 staff on duty each day and a manager and general operator will be there to supervise staff and there will be CCTV in place and a licensed security officer can be hired upon request.

Each resident will have their own lockable bedroom and each shower and toilet is appropriately partitioned for privacy.

Health supports are also available and all residents are entitled to primary care GP and emergency services as well as a medical card.

And residents may avail of English language classes through their local Education and Training Board (ETB)

An adult resident receives an allowance of 38.80 per week and is entitled to work in Ireland after six months.

In the last few years there has been an increase in people seeking asylum in Ireland. In addition, since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ireland has seen an unprecedented number of people arrive here fleeing the Russian aggression.

Ireland is currently providing 25,019 people seeking International Protection with statesourced accommodation and support services. In addition to that, since February 2022, Ireland are also providing accommodation to 74,548 people who have fled the war in Ukraine, resulting in over 99,500 people in state provided or pledged accommodation in Ireland, and that number continues to increase. In the last six months there has been an average of 600 people seeking accommodation every week.
Delight for children and their families with unique event in Sligo

Sligo Gardai held a Little Blue Hero Garda Graduation Day for four children from County Sligo and one child from County Leitrim on Sunday at the GAA Centre of Excellence at Scarden, Strandhill Road.

The Little Blue Heroes Foundations vision is to support families of children with serious illnesses in Ireland while empowering the lives of children through positive community engagement.

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The Little Blue Heroes organisation provides practical and financial support to families of children who have serious illnesses in Ireland while granting the wish of the children to become Honorary Gardai to empower the child and foster positive engagement with An Garda Siochana.

On Sunday a Garda Graduation Day out took place at the Sligo GAA Centre of Excellence.

As part of the graduation day the children were presented with certificates, medals, individual cake and a small gift.
Following a series of rigorous tests by the nations most experienced motoring journalists the all-new Nissan X-Trail e-POWER has been named Irelands best large crossover and multi-purpose vehicle.

The award for Irish Large SUV/MPV of the Year 2024 in association with Continental Tyres was presented at the Irish Car of the Year 2024 Awards which were hosted by the Members of the Motoring Media Association of Ireland (MMAI).

The prestigious awards are voted on by members of the MMAI who individually assess each new car model that is launched in Ireland each year. The awards ceremony was attended by Irelands leading car brands, importers and distributors.

Nissan is delighted that the Nissan X-Trail e-POWER has been named as Irish Large SUV/MPV of the Year in association with Continental Tyres after been road tested by Irelands leading motoring journalists, said Seamus Morgan, Managing Director of Nissan Ireland.

The award recognises how the Nissan X-Trail e-POWER has raised the bar in the crossover segment, why it continues to be one of the worlds most popular family adventure vehicles and how e-POWER makes it possible to enjoy all of the benefits of EV driving without ever having to plug in the car to recharge it. .

The unique element of e-POWER is that the petrol engine is solely used to charge the battery that powers an electric motor to drive the wheels.

The all-new Nissan X-Trail e-POWER is also available with Nissan e-4ORCE all-wheel drive technology which ensures an even more controlled and stable drive.

It draws on the well-established DNA that has run through previous generations of X-Trail: muscular design, flexible utility and advanced all-wheel drive capabilities.

It is available in both five and seven-seater configuration, offering convenient options for driving adventures and days out with family and friends.

It has also been built to make life easier for parents with babies and toddlers.

The rear passenger doors are integrated with sun blinds to offer protection on sunny days and open to nearly 90 degrees to make the second-row seats more accessible. A powered hands-free tailgate makes accessing the spacious boot effortless.

The car is packed with technology and innovative safety features. They have been specially designed to meet the needs of tech-savvy customers and to be a partner in an increasingly connected world, offering seamless, personal assistance and responses, as well as in car WiFi for up to seven devices.

e-PEDAL allows drivers to launch, accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator.

The new X-Trail e-POWER is also equipped with the ProPILOT with Navi-link system which is able to accelerate and brake the vehicle within a single lane on a motorway.

The new Nissan 2-4-1 deal that is currently available of the Nissan Juke and on the Nissan e-POWER Qashqai and X-Trail models allows anyone who buys a new 241 Nissan this year to receive a new 251 Nissan next year for free. These buyers also get to enjoy an extended four-year Nissan manufacturers warranty and four years RAC membership.

Renault Group achieved again a strong performance in the third quarter with total revenue increasing by 13.8%.

We have entered the last quarter with confidence and confirm the improvement of our profitability in the second half of the year and beyond, driven by our product offensive, along with the benefits of our cost reduction program and our disciplined commercial policy focused on value.

Mazdas global sales are up 20%

The Mazda Motor Corporation has announced its second quarter financial and sales results, reporting global sales of 616,000 vehicles during the period 1 April to 30 September 2023, up 20% year-on-year.

In Europe, sales during the first half of the fiscal year were up 34% year-on-year to 90,000 vehicles, Mazdas North America sales volumes were up 39% to 251,000 units.

In Mazdas home market, Japan, sales were 82,000 units for the first half of the fiscal year, a 20% year-on-year increase. China, Mazdas biggest market in Asia, registered sales of 45,000 units, down 8%.

Reflecting the positive impact of the large products on both sales and profits and the increase propelled by new models, including the Mazda CX-601 in Europe and the Mazda CX-90 in North America, Mazda revised its global sales forecast for the full fiscal year upwards to 1,286,000 units.

The forecast for Mazda in Europe is 193,000 units, making Europe the second-largest region for Mazda globally. Mazda forecasts net sales of 31.7 billion, an operating income of 1.6 billion and a net income 1.1 billion for this fiscal year.
Taken (2008) Film4, 9p.m.

At the time he was cast, Liam Neeson seemed an unlikely choice for leading man in this fast-paced jaunt through the French capital, but he proved himself to be a charismatic and convincing action hero and launched a new phase in his career.

He stars as a merciless avenger who will stop at nothing to rescue his daughter from the clutches of sex traffickers. The boulevards of Paris are littered with dead bodies by the time the end credits roll as the invincible hero relentlessly pursues his quarry, snapping arms as if they were dry twigs.

The action set-pieces are well choreographed, including a breakneck car chase and some bone-crunching fist fights that recall Matt Damons Jason Bourne forays for ferocity and slick editing.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Planet of the Apes (1968) BBC4, 8p.m.

An American astronaut (Charlton Heston) crash-lands on a mysterious planet ruled by intelligent apes. The simian overlords are horrified to discover that, unlike their human slaves, the new arrival can speak, and plan to have him killed. It appears his only hope of survival lies with two kindly chimpanzee scientists.

The Planet of the Apes is a sci-fi classic  and head and shoulders above the 2001 Tim Burton remake. The movie is justly famed for its clever twist, but even if you know whats coming, theres still plenty to enjoy, including a quotable script, atmospheric score, great performances from a cast that also features Roddy McDowall and Kim Hunter, and the still impressive make-up.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17

Pretty Woman (1990) BBC1, 10.40p.m.

Julia Roberts gives a truly star-making performance in the rags-to-riches fairy tale of prostitute Vivian, who is plucked off the streets of LA by handsome, commitment-shy businessman Edward Lewis (Richard Gere, who has terrific chemistry with his leading lady).

After agreeing to become his paid companion for the week, Vivians relationship with Edward threatens to become more than just business  and she also makes a big impression on kindly hotel manager Barney (Hector Elizondo).

However, Edwards business partner Stuckey (Jason Alexander) is less easily charmed as he fears that the working girl with a heart of gold will wreck everything that he and Edward have built together.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) ITV, 5.30p.m.

Following the tragic climax of The Goblet of Fire, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) is ready to fight back in earnest against the dark powers. Unfortunately, not only are some wizards refusing to believe his claims that Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) has returned, but life at Hogwarts takes a sudden turn for the worse after the arrival of officious  and sadistic  new teacher Dolores Umbridge (the wonderful Imelda Staunton). With Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) being pushed aside, Harry must begin training his fellow students for the battle that is to come

The fifth Harry Potter film is a more mature and sombre affair than the earlier offerings, and features some of the franchises most impressive action sequences. Theres also a sense that were heading towards an epic conclusion.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19

Mamma Mia! (2008) ITV, 4.30p.m.

Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is poised to marry her hunky fiance Sky (Dominic Cooper) on an idyllic Greek island, but the blushing bride-to-be has no one to give her away because her mother, Donna (Meryl Streep), has never revealed her fathers identity. So, Sophie snoops through Donnas diary and learns that her dad could be one of three men: divorced architect Sam (Pierce Brosnan), intrepid travel writer Bill (Stellan Skarsgard) or steadfast banker Harry (Colin Firth).

Sophie secretly invites all three to the wedding without telling her mother, in the hope that one of them will be able to walk her down the aisle.

The plot takes a backseat to the Abba songs in this crowd-pleasing musical, and the cast performs them with infectious gusto.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20

The Nice Guys (2016) GREAT! movies, 9p.m.

Hired heavy Jackson Healy (Russell Crowe) is paid by a young woman called Amelia Kuttner (Margaret Qualley) to scare off the low-rent private detective Holland March (Ryan Gosling) who has been asking about her around town.

The first meeting of these two men ends in bloodshed and broken bones, but Jackson and Holland reluctantly agree to work together when Amelia subsequently vanishes without trace. Unfortunately, a hitman called John Boy (Matt Bomer) is also on her trail.

The Nice Guys is an enjoyable missing persons caper set in sexually liberated 1977 Los Angeles. Crowe and Gosling relish the to and fro of writer-director Shane Blacks snappy dialogue as they gleefully contend with fashions of the era.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21

Love & Mercy (2014) BBC2, 11.15p.m.

In the 1980s, Beach Boys songwriter Brian Wilson (John Cusack) meets spunky car dealer Melinda Ledbetter (Elizabeth Banks). A nervous first date exposes Wilsons mental fragility, and while Melinda is not deterred by his quirks, she is angered when Brians personal physician tries to terminate the relationship, so she sets out to expose the medic as a madman.

Intercut with this romance, stylised flashbacks usher in the 1960s when Brian (now played by a perfectly cast Paul Dano) reacts to the release of The Beatles Revolver by telling his fellow Beach Boys that he is going to write the greatest album ever made. But the voices in his head are growing louder

This sensitive biopic juxtaposes the songwriters first battles with mental illness and the love affair 20 years later which provided a new creative spark.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS. Armenia's Public Services Regulatory Commission (PSRC) has allowed MTS Armenia to complete the sale of company shares.

The Cyprus-registered Fedilco Group Limited will acquire 100% of shares of MTS Armenia.

The regulator noted in its decision that neither the High-Tech Industry Ministry nor the National Security Service of Armenia filed objections to the deal.
Following on from the success of last years Producing from Beyond the Pale panel, Women in Film and Television Ireland (WFT) and Wexford Screen Writers Academy have come together once more to host the second iteration of the event this Sunday, November 19 at Wexford Arts Centre.

The event, which will also be streamed, will begin with a series of masterclasses and case studies, which are aimed at emerging writers, but will be open to filmmakers from around the country.

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Each session invites film and TV industry professionals to share their experiences with a focus on exploring how different departments/film practitioners engage with a script and approach new projects. The sessions will comprise of Panel discussions and case studies followed by Producing from Beyond The Pale 2 which will conclude the event.

Among the confirmed speakers for the event are Eimear Noone (Composer), Liam Bates (Composer), John Wallace (Cowtown Pictures), Chriona OSullivan (Element Post Production), John Beer (Production Designer), Jess Drumm (Screen Guilds), Garry McHugh (Young Irish Filmmakers), Mark Maher (Odyssey Studios), Fiona Lanham (Script Supervisor) and Drew Maitland (1st AD), Darragh Moran (Editor), Hannah Quinn, Hosted by Fiona Kinsella (Producer, Jumper/Tile), Laura Way (Director, Bodecii Film) and Paul Walker (Writer, Showrunner).

The panels will begin at 12 noon and Producing from Beyond the Pale 2 will take place from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free, but booking is required from WFT Ireland.
Following a huge online backlash, the owners of a Wexford bar have issued a public apology to a musician after he was initially told not to play Irish rebel songs.

Luke Whitty saw all of his scheduled bookings at The Crown Bar in Wexford town cancelled after he refused to remove songs like Grace' and Come Out Ye Black and Tans from his setlist.

The controversy arose from a gig in the front bar at The Crown on Saturday night.

"I was doing a two-hour set which is a mix of all kinds of music," Luke explained. I had already played a few ballads, country music and even pop songs from Elton John and Miley Cyrus.

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"A crowd from Dublin arrived in then and they asked me to play Grace' and a few rebel songs which I did. I cant even remember exactly what I played  Come Out Ye Black and Tans' and 'Sam Song and that type of thing.

"The place was buzzing. It was a brilliant gig. I went home delighted and even told my parents it had been a great night.

However, on Monday Luke received a call from management stating that they had received complaints.

The manager rang and said that he appreciated the music over the last while, but he had two complaints on Saturday night over the rebel songs. I didn't know if he was having a joke or what.

"He said 'from here on out there can be no rebel songs. I made the point that on Sunday nights in Kitty's (a sister pub next door also owned by The Crown), that's what people come to see me for.

"He said you dont understand me, there can be no more rebel songs. He said that they were too controversial and could offend people. I told him Im a proud Irishman and nobody is going to tell me what I can and cannot sing. He responded by saying that if those were my beliefs my gigs for the foreseeable future were no longer required.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - November 15th

Having been encouraged by his parents to do so, Luke took to social media to explain the situation and his statement provoked a massive reaction  generating over 3,000 likes, 1,700 shares and nearly 1,000 comments in less than 24 hours on Facebook alone.

Among those to wade into the discussion was well-known former pundit and barrister Joe Brolly, who asked Is Irelands Call ok? The young Wexford singer also received support from Derek Warfield of The Young Wolfe Tones.

The Crown Quarter, the parent company of The Crown Bar, issued its own statement in response. It said that The Crown Bar had not banned rebel music and that social media posts to that effect were inaccurate.

The post went on to reference the retirement of The Wolfe Tones and how this day should be remembered for them as they draw the curtain on their glittering career.

It went on to say that The Crown Quarter had hoped to book the veteran trad group for Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann 2024 and stated we would like to acknowledge their incredible career and thank them for their craft before finishing by saying we hope this clears up any confusion.

Clearly it hadnt as a huge backlash took hold online. With comments disabled on the post, internet users took to commenting on other posts from the pub to voice their anger.

Eventually, The Crown Quarter issued a public apology to Luke.

Firstly, we would like to extend our sincere and full apology in relation to the phone call you had yesterday with one of our managers and the stance that was taken during this conversation," it said.

The call was made in response to a customer complaint he received in relation to the nature of the music you were playing on the Saturday evening. The manager now fully appreciates he overreacted during the conversation, and he regrets the offence caused. Our intention and desire is to always provide an enjoyable atmosphere for both our customers and artists, at all times.

We would love the opportunity to speak to you in person. We did try to reach out to you yesterday to apologise, clearly it was not our intention to cause any annoyance, but now fully understand how we did so.

We have always enjoyed having you play in The Crown. This is unchanged. We value your loyalty and sincerely hope you will consider continuing to play in Crown Quarter in the future.

While no doubt appreciated, Luke feels he won't be making a return any time soon.

"It's damage control for them at this point," Luke said. As far as Im concerned, Im done with them. How could I play a gig in there feeling every song was being monitored? I couldnt go back.

However, its not something that the young musician is overly concerned about. In the space of 24 hours his page saw a near six-fold increase in followers and hes been inundated with offers of replacement gigs.

One offer came as far as Lanzorote, with a pub owner there stating: I saw this lads post last night. Im gonna get in touch with him and see if we can arrange a week for him of singing REAL Irish Music at Bar 67.

Luke has also had offers to play in pubs in London, Cork, Tipperary, Belfast and all over Europe.

"I never expected a reaction like this," he said. It feels like a small thing has blown up into this huge thing. My phone hasnt stopped ringing and beeping all day. I've had loads of messages from venues saying theres gigs there if I want them and Im just trying to work my way through all the messages at the moment.


After being shown a glimmer of hope in his ongoing quest for justice via an EU safety review, Arklow skipper CJ Gaffney has slammed the support he has received from Irish representatives, saying: When the EU is helping you but youre own reps arent, something is seriously wrong.

In 2007, CJ purchased the Dutch trawler Mary Kate and subsequently found she had serious stability issues, which made the boat uninsurable. After trying to take legal action in Holland and Germany (as she was German registered) without success, he took out a loan to cover the considerable cost of fixing the boat.

Despite finishing the repairs in 2012, CJ had been unable to earn a living fishing the boat for so long that he was now forced to sell. A UK buyer was found, but due to the boats history, she could not be registered with the UK fishing fleet.

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He had to surrender the boat to the bank in 2012, along with the fishing licence.

The decade-long crusade has left CJ emotionally and financially spent, with petitions to The European Commission and the Irish government to see if they could draw down EU funds from the European Fisheries Fund in compensation falling on deaf ears.

Through the stormy conditions, a small break in the clouds appeared on the horizon recently, when CJ was informed by the European Commission that the EU accident investigation and port state control directives were being updated to better address fishing vessel safety.

Eager to pursue this new avenue, the fisherman has been reinvigorated, and has written to Wicklow and national politicians and MEPs to see that they present his case to the review.

Having received just a handful of responses from representatives offering their support and time, and fewer still coming from Wicklow, CJ said that he could only conclude that the gravity of his case, and its far reaching implications for fishermen across the EU, were lost on Irish politicians.

It was the EU Commission that actually notified us and told us to go back to government and the MEPs about the review  so it was the EU that actually told us to do it, CJ said.

Now, when the EU is helping you but youre own reps wont, something is seriously wrong.

Weve written to Minister Eamonn Ryan, who is over the Marine Survey Office (MSO), but he never answered. We contacted Minister McConalogue, no response. I approached Senator Pat Casey  not a word.

John Brady was the only TD in Wicklow that answered me and called me back. Hes been discussing it with their Sinn Fein MEP, Chris MacManus.

Councillor Peir Leonard has always been very good to me, and is always in contact to offer any help she can. But, apart from them two, no one else in Wicklow ever answered me.

Ive also been in contact with MEP Sean Kelly and MEP Colm Markey, who said he was going to get straight on it and contact Brussels. MEP Grace OSullivan came back to me, and MEP Clare Daly mentioned my case at a conference in Strasbourg recently.

Of all the Ministers, TDs and local representatives Ive tried, there are only a handful of them that came back to me with any kind of genuine support  its absolutely shocking.

With five TDs and one senator in Wicklow, with two being Ministers, they should be liaising with Minister Ryan to instruct the Irish Marine Survey Office to include our case in the EU safety review and pushing for an official independent inquiry to include the EU, Germany, Holland and Ireland.

As CJ explained, the plight of the Mary Kate, which was named after his two Arklow grannies, has come to represent a lot more than just one mans legal battle.

Now dismantled, her fate has resonated deeply in the town of Arklow  a coastal community with a rich fishing pedigree  and across the EU.

Despite enduring over a decade of hardship, CJs resolve remains strong, and the prospect of his case being included in the fishing vessel safety review  if only so that others might avoid the same injustice  has filled him with a renewed sense of optimism.

When we went back to the EU the last time, they said that they couldnt do anything because she was under a certain size, but said there was a possibility of changing it so that they could investigate the Mary Kate down the line, and that they didnt like the way that nothing was happening with the case, and that the safety aspect wasnt coming to the forefront, CJ continued.

The hope is that any new legislation that comes out of the review could lead to the Marine Survey Office investigating the case alongside the Dutch and Germans.

The review will go on for another while, and its been going on about two years. Hopefully, Mary Kate can be used as a case study to find out where it all went wrong.

We spent 70k to 100k on surveys, and all the information is there.

Why not use it? She has all the paperwork. Study it, learn from it and, at the very least, stop it from happening to someone else.
Christ Church COI

Services of Worship for this Sunday The Second Sunday before Advent: 11am: Holy Communion.

A Night of Classical Favourites: Join Tatiana Konina, our Musical Director, and Zhamila Pak for a Concert on Organ and Violin featuring the music of J.S. Bach, Vivaldi, Hans Zimmer, John Williams and other Classical Movie Soundtracks, at 7pm this Saturday in the Church. Tickets can be booked via the parish web-site.

Parish Life Centre [PLC] Bookings: The Parish Life Centre is available for day and evening bookings. Please contact Tracey in the Parish Office at 01-286 2968.

Parish Office: The Parish Office can be contacted at 01- 286 2968 or info@christchurchbray.ie between 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday.

Connect Online: Our most active communication tools currently are our Website www.christchurchbray.ie which contains information on our live streamed worship services, weekly Blogs, events and news, and our facebook page @christchurchbray.

Irish Trefoil Guild - Guiding for Life: 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.

Bray Methodist Church

Worship this Sunday: 10am - Sunday Worship with Creche and Sunday School.

Bray Presbyterian Church

Worship this Sunday: 11.30am Sunday Worship with Sunday School.

Christian Assembly Church

Worship this Sunday: 10.45am Morning Worship.

Wednesdays: 8pm Prayer Meeting & Bible study.

Cornerstone Church at The Well

Worship this Sunday: 11am.

Bray Gospel Hall

Bray Gospel Hall, 27 Florence Road - Sunday Morning 10.45am to 12 Noon: Breaking of Bread (Lords Supper) - A Time of Worship, Praise and Remembrance.

Holy Redeemer Parish

Mass Times: 10am - Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday No Mass on Tuesday. Sunday Masses: 6pm Vigil Mass on Saturday and on Sunday at 10.30am and 12 Noon. To book a Mass, please call into the Sacristy before or after our Masses

Baptism: Registration for Baptism can be made online via the parish website www.holyredeemerbray.ie. Please choose a Second or a Fourth Saturday of the month in 2023.

St. Peters Parish

Mass Times: Sunday: 9.30am (Irish), 11.30am. Holy Days of Obligation: 11.30am. No Weekday Mass. First Friday of the Month Mass: 10am.

Mass Update: Sunday Mass is broadcast on the parish web-site at 9.30am (Irish) and 11.30am (English) - Google Chrome required.

Car Park Hours: These are 9am to 12.30pm, Monday to Friday, for parish business and at the weekends during church ceremonies. The Cemetery is accessible via Laneway for Pedestrians.

St. Peters Cemetery: There is a strict policy of No Dumping Allowed in any area of the cemetery. Visitors to the cemetery are requested to take home all forms of rubbish with them in order to keep the cemetery tidy. Your co-operation is appreciated.

St. Annes Church, Shankill: A Vigil Mass is celebrated on Saturdays at 5pm in St. Annes Church. All are welcome.

St. Fergals Parish

Mass Times: Mass times are 9.30am Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. No morning Mass on Thursdays and Saturdays. Saturday: 7.30pm Vigil Mass; Sundays: 8am and 10.30am.

Baptism: Baptisms take place on the first and third Saturday of each Month at 12Noon. Bookings can be made through the Parish Office Only. The Preparation meeting takes place on the Monday before the 1st Saturday of the month. Please call into the Parish Office three weeks in advance of the Baptism to complete the Baptism Form and to confirm the date.

Confessions: Are heard on Saturdays after the 7pm Vigil Mass.

Marriage: All couples must give notice to the priest or Parish Secretary at least three months prior to the date of marriage.

An Evening of Melodies from Michael Byrne and Friends: Takes place at 8pm this Friday evening in St. Anthonys Room, adjacent to St. Fergals Church, with an evening of instrumentals and songs including Movie and TV themes along with your favourite songs and hits something for everyone. All in an intimate setting with lighting and visual backdrops. Admission is 10 but as this is a limited seating event, admission is by ticket only. For tickets call or text 086-364 7315. All proceeds are in aid of the Acquired Brain Injury Trust.

Syro Malabar Catholic Church

Mass is celebrated every Sunday at 2.30pm in St. Fergals Church, Ballywaltrim.

Our Lady Queen of Peace

Mass: Weekday Masses are celebrated at 10.30am on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Weekend Masses are at 6.30pm on Saturdays and 10.30am and 12 Noon on Sundays.

Mass Bookings: Anyone who wishes to book a Mass can do so by contacting the Parish Secretary via email at: secretary@queenofpeace.ie, or call 2745497.

QOP Youth Club

On Friday the Queen of Peace Adventure Youth Club talent competition round one took place, and the finalround will be organised at a later date. Following the competition Stephen gave all the members present the opportunity to practice cardiac pulmonary massage, how to deal with victims of chocking, and the use of defibulators. Mike followed this with challenging games drawn from his never ending list of same.

Diving club

Bray Divers Sub-aqua Club members will be organising a drop-in night during the month of December in Greystones, at which people may get free knowledge regarding the local underwater environment. They will give advice on how to visit local underwater reefs and rocks and to observe the marine life that lives there.

Bray Library

Opening hours are 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday with late opening on Tuesday and Thursday to 8.30pm. The library can be contacted at 01-2862600 or email: braylib@wicklowcoco.ie.

Knit and Crochet for Purple House Cancer Support takes place at 11am every Monday in the library no need to book. Doodle Time for 9-12 year olds takes place every Thursday from 3pm to 4pm. All welcome admission free no booking required.

Tomorrow (Thursday) Michael Fewer will give a talk at 11am on Tales from a Wicklow Tea Room in the library to tie in with the exhibition on McGuirks Tea Room on view in the library until Thursday November 30th. All are welcome to attend the talk no need to book; at 7pm that evening Wicklow Town Branch Library, The Mall, Main Street, Wicklow Town, will host the second of its monthly local history lectures - The dread illness, the impact of the 1918-1919 influenza epidemic in County Wicklow by Rosemary Raughter. All are welcome - admission is free but booking is required - contact Wicklow Library on 0404-67025 or email wicklowlocalstudies@wicklowcoco.ie to book your place.

Ballywaltrim Library

Opening hours are 10am to 5 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and 10am to 8pm on Wednesday. The library can be contacted at 01-2723205 or by email at: ballywatrimlibrary@wicklowcoco.ie.

Tummy-Time for Babies takes place every Monday and Friday from 10.30am to 12pm no booking required.

Bray Cualann Historical Society

It was with great regret and sadness that the committee and members of the Bray Cualann Historical Society, the local history society for Bray and North Wicklow, received the news of the recent death of Eva Sutton, the Societys Hon President, Eva Sutton in Leopardstown Hospital. The late Eva Sutton was a founding member of the Society and an active member of several charities in Bray, including War on Want and received a life achievement award from the R.N.L.I. for her fund raising activities. The Society extends its deepest sympathy to the Sutton family on their sad loss. May She Rest in Peace.

Tomorrow night (Thursday) Vincent Delaney will present the Societys November lecture on Bray Town, The Sailing Club and the Droleen Dinghy at 8pm in the Royal Hotel, Main Street, Bray. All are welcome admission is 8 for non-members.

Members and supporters of the Bray Cualann Historical Society are asked to note that the following other events place in the week ahead. Tomorrow (Thursday) Michael Fewer will give a talk Tales from a Wicklow Tea Room at 11am in Bray library to tie in with the exhibition on McGuirks Tea Room on view in the library until to Thursday November 30th. All are welcome to attend the talk; next Tuesday night Professor Fergus DArcy will present Leopardstown Racecourse Origins at 8pm to the Foxrock Local History Club in the Foxrock Parish Pastoral Centre, Foxrock, Co. Dublin. All are welcome - admission is 5 for visitors; next Wednesday night Peadar Curran will present Letters from America at 6pm to the Old Dublin Society in the Conference Room of Dublin City Library & Archive, 144 Pearse Street, Dublin 2. All are welcome - admission is free. The AGM of the Society will follow this presentation all members are requested to attend the AGM.

Poetry in the Park

Takes place on the First Sunday of Every Month at 12pm on the bandstand in the Peoples Park, Lower Dargle Road, Bray. Listen to or read your favourite poems, hear original poetry performed by local poets or simply chat with other poetry fans in this beautiful outdoor setting on the banks of the River Dargle.

Bray Lions Charity Auction

The Bray Lions Charity Auction takes place from 8.30pm on Thursday November 30th in The Wild Goose, for local causes.

Armistice Day Ceremony

Last Saturday morning the Western Front Association (Dublin Branch) held its annual Remembrance Day ceremony at the Bray War Memorial at 11am, the time at which the original 1918 Armistice came into force, commencing with an introduction to the mornings ceremony and a welcome to all those present by Michael Grant, Western Front Association (Dublin Branch), followed by the observation on a minutes silence signalled by a blowing of three whistle blast by James Scannell and ended with a single long whistle blast.

The Opening Prayer was said by Fr. Peter OReilly. Four local school children lined up in front of the Cross and read out six names from each of the four panels at the base of it. David Grant recited In Flanders Field after which wreaths were laid by Michael Grant on behalf of the Western Front Association (Dublin Branch), Lord Meath on behalf of the Royal British legion (Ireland) and whose relatives died in both world wars, Bruce Chandler on behalf of Christ Church Bray, and whose father served in the First World War, Stephen Matthews, T.D., whose great-aunt Josephine Heffernan served as a nurse in France with the American Army, and Keb Carroll who won a school award for his project on the First World War and who has relatives named on the Cross.

The ceremony concluded with the recitation of the Act of Remembrance by Michael Grant, closing prayers and a joint blessing from Fr. OReilly and Rev. Mark Forysthe, Bray Methodist Church, and the playing of the Last Post, Reveille, and the National Anthem.

During the ceremony Brian White, Bray Cualann Historical Society, gave a short talk on the history of the Cross. The United Nations Veterans Association provided a colour party while a choir from the Bray Musical Society sang several hymns at intervals. Fr. OReilly also spoke briefly about his relatives who are named on the Cross. Also present were members of the American Legion and descendants and relatives of those named on the Cross.
Recognition comes on eve of memorial for beloved Bray swimmer Ciaran Megannety

David Doran, who received a Silver Medal and a Certificate of Bravery at the Oireachtas National Bravery Awards with sons Mani (13) and Senan (10) and his wife Katie.

Two Wicklow men have been honoured for courageous sea rescues at this years National Bravery Awards, in a poignant ceremony in Dublin just days before the anniversary of the drowning of beloved Bray man Ciaran Megannety last November.

Significantly, showing Irelands life-long association with water, recognition at the awards last Friday was given to those who came to the aid of a person in danger of drowning in a total of 17 out of 26 awards that were presented by Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail, at Farmleigh House.

Among those was David Doran, who rescued a man struggling in the waters at Bray Beach, on April 24, 2022, while at Greystones South Beach, on November 11, 2020, Conor Power came to the aid of a woman who had got into difficulty while swimming.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Ceann Comhairle, while recognising the valiant efforts of the recipients, highlighted the fact that lives were also lost, as both Bray and Greystones have keenly felt in the last two years.

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[Today] the Irish State recognises and celebrates the noblest impulse in a human being, the impulse to risk our lives in order to save someone elses. But just as importantly, what these awards also do is mark the importance of the lives that were saved and also those that were lost, he said.

I say this because in several instances, we are making awards where, in spite of brave actions and valiant efforts, lives were tragically lost.

Those involved in these attempts know how hard they struggled, the families of those lost appreciate their efforts as do we, the Irish nation.

These powerful words are a sad reminder of the efforts made to save Ciaran Megannety, who got into difficulty at Brays north beach during his daily swim on Sunday, November 13, last year.

Despite the efforts of the swimmers who came to his aid and the emergency services who responded quickly, he tragically passed away.

Delivering a eulogy at his funeral, his cousin, Cormac Megannety, thanked the many people who played a part in trying to save Ciarans life.

Cormac, who swam three times every week with his cousin, had described Ciarans involvement with the Bray Sea Swimmers group, who provided a guard of honour dressed in their swimming robes as he made his final journey into the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace in Bray, as Ciarans salvation.

Cormac said he will be joining members of Bray Sea Swimmers for a memorial to remember Ciaran, on Sunday, November 19 at 10.00am on the beach.

We are just asking friends of Ciarans to meet on the beach, Cormac said. Just a simple remembrance. Nothing more than that. Its been a year already.

On the same beach, on April 24 last year, David Doran set out to go for a swim on what was described as a damp and cold day. David, an experienced swimmer, noticed there was something not quite right about the swell and decided not to get in the water.

As he was about to leave, he noticed some women pointing out to sea, trying to raise attention. Following their directions, David saw a man flailing in the water about 70-80 metres out beyond the rocks at the harbour end of the beach.

The conditions were so poor that no one was able to go into the water and in spite of his own misgivings, David swam out to reach the man.

Looking back on the chain of events, David said yesterday: A person had got caught in heavy waves with a strong undertow. There was a stiff southeast wind creating tough currents that pushed him out. By the time I got out to him, he was in a state of shock.

I dont remember the entire thing but I know the gardai compiled witness statements to share for this [awards] event as a citation. The one thing I know I did was to repeat to myself some of the basics of lifesaving as I swam out to him.

I did not have a life ring but I knew that a rescue in rough seas had to be done calmly. I always tell my own kids not to panic in the water.

We were able to get back to shore through the waves. Paramedics and gardai arrived soon after. Thankfully it all worked out for everyone.

I gratefully accepted a Silver Medal from the Deeds of Bravery Council. Its engraved in my Irish name, Daibhi ODeorain, which is also my fathers name. It was absolutely brilliant meeting so many people with remarkable stories to share. A memorable occassion for sure, on a sunny day, with my family present.

Bray native David, who attended Bray School Project and lives close to Bray beach, said he still swims regularly despite the ordeal.

Conor Power, a member of Wicklows Poseidon Lifesaving Club, was aged just 17 when he arrived at the northern end of Greystones South Beach to train for the practical element of his PE Leaving Certificate examination.

The sea conditions were described as severe and training was cancelled. However, as he went to get the bus home, he became aware of a lady struggling in the water and being pushed towards the rocks by the sea.

A bystander told him she had been struggling for some time and so Conor decided he had to attempt a rescue while a friend called the Coast Guard.

Taking a ringbuoy he swam for about 200 metres to reach the woman. He gave her the buoy and, holding onto the rope, he tried to tow her clear of the dangerous rocks.

After much effort he got her clear of immediate danger but, in the description of events submitted for the awards, the effort, cold water, wind and waves had exhausted him.

At that point, he realised that he could neither tow her back, nor stay in the water himself, so he returned to the shore. The Coast Guard helicopter arrived soon after that and winched the woman to safety.

The woman was recovered from the sea by helicopter and evacuated to hospital where she is understood to have made a full recovery.

Conor Power, who received a Silver Medal and a Certificate of Bravery at the Oireachtas National Bravery Awards. Photo: Maxwells,

Conor met the woman while they were both in St Vincents and she thanked him for his help. He said at the time that he was reassured in the ambulance that she was okay.

Following the incident, Conor said that, looking back on it, while the whole ordeal was very scary, when he was in the moment he didnt see it that way. In the moment I was able to stay calm, he said. The most important thing is for the rescuer not to panic.

A total of 26 certificates, six bronze medals,13 silver medals and a posthumous gold medal were presented to individuals from across Ireland who risked their own lives to aid others in peril.

These included medals awarded for rescues from the water dating back to 1947 and one from 1964.
Frank Kelly (front row, right) with Irish Red Cross Secretary General, Deirdre Garvey, and members of the organisations Board of Directors and National Volunteer Support and Development Working Group.

Bray native Frank Kelly, who is an Irish Red Cross volunteer with the Greystones Delgany Branch of the organisation, picked up two awards at the Irish Red Cross National Volunteer Awards at a ceremony in Croke Park, on Saturday, November 11.

Frank (68) was nominated from a pool of more than 3,000 volunteers nationwide and won the Community Support Volunteer of the Year Award as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Frank has been a volunteer with the Irish Red Cross for over 55 years and was particularly active in supporting the displaced from Northern Ireland during the Troubles in 1971 at the Glen of Imaal barracks. More recently he has been providing humanitarian care and assistance to people from Ukraine as they arrived at our ports and airports throughout 2022.

In 2022, Frank was also part of the core team running a Humanitarian Assistance Hub at Maynooth University, which supported 841 refugees to meet their basic needs  from distributing welfare packs and voucher aid, to assisting with access to services with a particular emphasis on access to medical care.

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This year, Frank led a team to run a similar hub at the University, at which him and his team helped over 294 International Protection applicants with a multitude of requests, all on a voluntary basis. He has also provided transportation support for many displaced Ukrainians, supporting them to get to their accommodation all around the country.

Frank Kelly speaking on stage at the 2023 Irish Red Cross National Volunteer Awards.

As well as his support to refugees and displaced people, Frank also provides first aid training to his fellow members and, over his 55 years with the Irish Red Cross, has been an instructor to generations of the same family in some cases.

Frank was a unit officer in Bray and the county training officer for Wicklow. He described the awards as a great honour, and added that he had just received an award from Finance Minister Michael McGrath at the Red Cross conference in Cork, last month, which I am also very proud of.

Frank is retired from his post as a biomedical engineer at St Vincents Hospital, but is still very active with the Red Cross.

Speaking about Frank and his commitment to the Irish Red Cross, Deirdre Garvey, Secretary General, said: Frank is one of our longest-serving volunteers and has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the Red Cross Fundamental Principles. He has demonstrated time and time again that he is a true humanitarian at heart and his support for his local community and refugees to this country has been unwavering.

On behalf of the Irish Red Cross, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Frank for his commitment.
Rosemary Flynn and Elaina O'Flaherty at the official launch of the Clermont Screen Hub in the Wicklow County Campus, Rathnew.

Card drive

45 card drive will be on every Thursday night at 8 p.m. in Glenealy Village Hall. New players are always welcome.

Community Games AGM

The AGM of Ashford/Glenealy Community Games will take place on Thursday 16th November at Glenealy GAA club house at 7.30pm. All those interested in becoming a committee member or help to keep the Community Games going are most welcome.

Christmas Fair

The Christmas Fair will take place in Glenealy Village Hall on Sunday 3rd December from 11.30am to 3.30pm. Anyone interested in booking a stall please contact Mary on 0404 44040 or E mail glenealyvillagehall@eircom.net - spaces are limited.

Camogie Club AGM

The AGM of Glenealy Camogie Club will take place on Friday 10th November at 7.30pm in Glenealy Village Hall.

Date for your diary

A fundraising concert for Glenealy Hall will take place on Saturday 27th January 2024 at 8pm. More details to follow nearer the time.

Pilates

Pilates is now on in Glenealy Village Hall every Tuesday night from 7.30pm tp 8.30pm. For more information contact Zara on 087 9367474.

Foroige youth club

Foroige youth club has started back in Glenealy Village Hall on Fridays from 7.30pm to 9pm for 11 and 12 year old youths. If interested contact 086 8732963 or 087 6810878.

Glenealy Tidy Towns

Our work evening takes place every Monday at 7.30p.m., meeting at the bus shelter. Litter picking, weeding, sweeping etc. We would love to see as many as possible help to keep our village looking its best.

Indoor Bowls

Indoor bowls has resumed in Glenealy village hall on Wednesdays at 8pm. New players always welcome.

LARAGH-GLENDALOUGH

Tidy Towns

The adjudicators for the Tidy Towns 2023 Competition was very positive this year. Our mark increased by 10 points.

Particular areas in our community of commendation were; the very impressive litter free areas despite the large amount of tourists present at the time of judging in late June; Very little dog fouling apparent; The Citizen Science project testing water quality in our local rivers; The new Heritage trail and leaflet produced, now available in Mc Coys shop; tidy residential housing estates. Recommendation that the white lines at the pedestrian crossing close to the school be repainted as not all traffic observed slowing down on Glendalough road.

Good public seating for walkers and families on village approach roads.

Well done and thank you to all our hard working volunteers and residents on this very positive report.

Damaged Tree

WCC assessed the internally rotten tree on the village green and deemed it unsafe with a risk of falling and causing injury. Thankfully WCC organised the removal of this tree and nobody was injured or accident caused. Tidy Towns have planted 2 Mountain Ash trees in this space.

Rewilding Wicklow

Rewilding Wicklow would like to work collaboratively with Laragh Glendalough Tidy Towns to plant trees in and around our community. Please let us know your ideas as to where these trees might be planted. All suggestions are welcome.

Christmas Tea Dance

Dont miss our annual Christmas Tea Dance. It will take place on Sunday 19th November in the Brockagh Resource Centre from 3pm to 6pm. Music by the Wicklow Man. All groups must book in. Admission 10. Contact Denise on 0404 45600 or email brockaghoffice@gmail.com to book for groups.

Yoga with Louise

Vinyasa Krama Yoga (step-by-step). Classes are from 10am to 11.20 in the Brockagh Resource Centre, Laragh.The practice will provide gentle stretching, improved strength and flexibility, as well as help students to find balance and calm in everyday life. Louise takes students through Asana, Pranayama and Meditation for a full Yoga practice. Contact Louise to book or for any queries: 087 603 2202, louise@louiseyoga.ie, www.louiseyoga.ie.

Chair Yoga: Classes are from 11.30am to 12.30 in the Brockagh Resource Centre, Laragh.

Chair Yoga is suitable for those who find a regular yoga class too strenuous, are recovering from injury or illness or are generally less active and mobile. Louises classes include physical poses (asana), breathing practices (pranayama) and relaxation and meditation. There is some standing work which is optional and done next to the chair.

Contact Louise to book or for any queries: 087 603 2202, louise@louiseyoga.ie, www.louiseyoga.ie.

Laragh Badminton Club

Badminton classes are in the Brockagh Resource Centre, Laragh with Monday evenings: Adults 7.30-9.30pm. Thursdays Evenings: Juniors 4th class beginners 6-7pm, 5-6th class & 1st year secondary school 7-8pm, Teenagers 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th year Secondary School Classes 8-9pm. Contact Phil Curley 0404 45175/087 2067607 Or Gosia Ward 087 063 8898. Small club fee for the year applies for participation. All are welcome.

Badminton on Thursday evening is full from 6pm to 7pm and we unfortunately can not accommodate any more participants at this time.

Laragh Christmas Tree Lights

Its that time of year again when we need the communitys support to help us continue the amazing Laragh Christmas Lights and Parade. We are so grateful to everyone who supported our table quiz and to the people and businesses who have given donations already.

We look forward to seeing you all on the 2nd December for the turn on of our lights. For those kindly asking where to donate at https://www.gofundme.com/ Laragh Christmas Tree Lights 2023.

Brockagh Digital Hub

We have a mixture of Hot Desks, Dedicated (Weekly/Monthly) Desks, Pod and Meeting rooms available with High Speed Broadband Connection. Our shared working space is located in the the heart of county Wicklow with panoramic views of the stunning Glendalough Valley. Free parking, free tea/coffee facilities and lift access.

To avail of the discounted rates you must pre-book your desk through brockaghhub@gmail.com only. Daily Rate 15, half day rate 10, weekly rate 60, monthly rate 199. We also have a special student rate of 10 day rate or half day rate 5. Register now as a Member on our connectedhubs.ie site.

We are waiting to see if they are renewing the voucher scheme. All bookings to be made through either connectedhubs.ie or for discounts email brockaghhub@gmail.com. Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm. www.brockaghresourcecentre.ie.

NEWTOWNMOUNTKENNEDY

Notes contact

If you have news or an item to be added to the Newtownmountkennedy Notes, please email Ciara Martin Perks at ciaraperks87@gmail.com or call 087 6380155.

Public Defibrillator

The defibrillator is located at Henry and Rose, Main Street, Newtownmountkennedy. In any emergency dial 999/112, dont assume somebody else has.

St Matthews Church

We cannot help but be moved by the plight of the ordinary people in Gaza therefore we are pleading with you, our friends and neighbours for help.

We plan to hold a Christmas Fayre in the grounds of St. Matthews Church of Ireland in Newtownmountkennedy on Saturday 9th December with music in the church during the afternoon (probably 3pm to 6pm).

We know everybody is very busy at Christmas but at least we will have a Christmas, the people of Gaza will not. With little food, water or shelter from the elements, their hospitals destroyed, life for them is grim.

How do you feel you could help? Do you sew, cook, or craft? Are you an entertainer, maybe part of a choir or a musician who could give us a couple of hours of your precious time? Would you be willing to pay to set up a stall to sell your own produce, sell from your car boot, or prefer to simply give us a percentage of your sales? Could any business off us a generous raffle prize?

We will also be happy to accept cash donations if you would find that easier. We are simply reaching out to everybody asking you to help in whatever way you can because no matter how difficult life is for us, it bears no comparison to the pain and suffering being endured by the people of Gaza.

Please contact us with all your kind offers of help to the parish office, nandnparishoffice@gmail.com or by phone or text to Caroline 0872553001.

Wicklow ITF Taekwon-Do

Taekwon-Do is the Korean art of self defence and is also a combat sport. Newtown Taekwon-Do Club train every Tuesday and Thursday in Newtownmountkennedy Community Centre.

Beginners always welcome - the club offers 3 classes on Tuesdays an Thursday evenings, we are totally inclusive and cater for all ages and abilities

1st Class, Cubs 7pm-7.30pm - this class is for children aged 5 to 7yrs old. 2nd Class 7.30pm-8.30pm this class is for beginners to Red Tip level all ages teens and adults. 3rd Class 8.30pm-9.30pm this class is for advanced level students only. Red and Black Belts

For more information contact Mick Whelan 0879897217 email mwitaekwondo@gmail.com or James Whelan 0871346168 email jameswhelantkd@gmail.com

Bingo

Bingo is played at Newtownmountkennedy Community Centre every Friday. Doors open at 7.30 p.m., starts at 8.30 p.m.  bring a friend.

GAA club news

Our Club AGM will take place on Wednesday 22nd November at 7.30pm in clubhouse. Nomination Forms and Treasurers Reports available from Post Office and James Kelly. Chairman and Secretary Reports will be available at the AGM.

The lotto jackpot was not won last week, the numbers were 2,11,22,26. There were 6 match 3 winners. Next weeks jackpot is 14,700. The lotto draw is held every Monday evening, tickets are only 2. The next lotto draw will be on Monday 13th November at 8pm. Tickets are available to buy in local outlets including Newtown Credit Union, Nolans Post Office, Druids well, Eugenes, Romas, Pat Toolans, Ultima oil, Ann Duffys, The Mountkennedy Inn. If you are interested in selling club lotto tickets, please get in contact with James Kelly or Robert Nolan.

ROUNDWOOD

Parish Sale of Work

The Sale of Work takes place on Sunday 3rd December from 12-4pm at the GAA complex. To make this event possible, we are looking for the following donations. Bottles for the bottle stall e.g. Wine/Spirits/Minerals. Home Baking/Produce for the Home Produce Stall. Toys in good working order for the Toy Stall. Good quality Bric A Brac.

Donations can be left with Maureen in the Parish Office MondayThursday 8.45am12.30pm. If you can volunteer an hour to help set up on the Saturday morning or help with the clean up on the Sunday evening it would be very much appreciated. Any queries please contact Liz 087 6736066

Journal Launch

The Roundwood and District Historical and Folklore society are proud to announce the launch of their 2023 journal. The local poet and author, Jane Clarke will launch our 32nd journal on the 18th of November in the parish hall at 8pm. All are welcome. Journal 32 will be available on the night as well as many back copies of previous journals. Join us for refreshments afterwards.

Lotto

Results of the draw held on Sunday 12th November. There was no jackpot winner, the numbers drawn were 2, 6, 22 & 23. There were three match three winners. Eugene Shortt, Emear Cunningham and Katie & Davy & Adam. Next weeks jackpot will be 14,200.

Creative Hub

The Roundwood Creative Hub crafters retail space in the Roundwood Parish Hall takes place on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month from 11 am until 4 pm. There are over 20 craft stalls to browse and refreshments available. Follow Roundwood Creative Hub on Facebook for latest updates

Whist results

Results of whist held on 8th November. Top Score: Monica Brady. First Gent: Ann Pierce. Second Gent: Magaret Kennedy. First Lady: May Kenna. Second Lady: Mary Pierce. First Half: Tiny Shortt. Second Half: Patrica Byrne. Longest Sitting: Jimmy Molloy. Lowest Score: Patrica Byrne. Raffle Prizes: Mary Pierce, Catherine Doyle. Next Whist Wednesday 22nd November at 8pm in the parish hall.

Annamoe Bowls

A reminder that Bowls takes place every Tuesday in Annamoe Community Centre at 8 pm. New members are always welcome. Entry 3 per person. A great way to meet new friends, take up a new hobby and participate in competitions.

Active Retirement

Roundwood Active Retirement Bingo Sunday 19th Nov this will be the last bingo for 2023 we will return in February 2024. Christmas Active Retirement Lunch places are now full.

Mens Shed

Roundwood Mens Shed is open on Tuesdays between 10 and 12 and is located at Pat Carrs place in Knockraheen (A98AH02).

Our agenda is wide and varied a bit like whatever youre having yourself. Mostly though, the shed is about listening and caring and sharing. Our meetings begin with some gentle exercises for those so inclined. But the tea and chat with cake and biscuits is an integral part of what we are all about.

Mobile Library

Wicklow County Council Mobile Library will be in Roundwood Village on Thursday November 16th from 10am until 11.15am and also from 2.10pm until 4.30pm. Come along and join the library. Its a free service and is a fantastic way to pick up any book that suits your reading interests.

45 Card Game

45 Card Game every Tuesday night in Moneystown Community Centre starting at 8pm. Teas served. All are welcome.

Local notes

If you have an item or news that you would like to include in the Roundwood Notes contact Margaret Bolger the email address is mgtbolger@gmail.com. Items for the notes must be emailed by Sunday night to be in time for the paper.
Talks continue with Irish Rail in bid to save popular Murrough pathway in Wicklow

Council staff are engaged with irish rail and plans are being discused for emergency works

The extent of erosion taking place at the Murrough is clear from the precarious positioning of this public bench right on the edge.

Myles Buchanan Wicklow People Wed 15 Nov 2023 at 03:00

Irish Rail have been in talks with Wicklow County Council with a view to carrying out much-needed emergency works at The Murrough in Wicklow town.
Matt LeBlanc has said he will 'always smile' when he thinks of Matthew Perry in tribute.

Matt LeBlanc has said he will always smile when he thinks of Matthew Perry, as he became the first member of the Friends cast to issue his own tribute to the late actor.

In an Instagram post, the actor who played Joey on the sitcom alongside Perry shared a series of photographs with the caption: Matthew. It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye.

He went on: 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.

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Perry was found dead in the hot tub of his California home on Oct 28. He was 54.

Perry who played Chandler on the hit sitcom battled with addiction throughout his career which he wrote about in his memoir Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing.

At the time of his death he was sober and police said there was no evidence of drugs in his system.

LeBlanc joined his Friends co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox and David Schwimmer at Perrys funeral at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles.

In a joint statement issued a few days after Perrys death, the cast 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.
YEREVAN, 15 NOVEMBER, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 15 November, USD exchange rate down by 0.27 drams to 402.92 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 5.19 drams to 437.49 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.09 drams to 4.52 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 6.68 drams to 502.16 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 474.20 drams to 25507.42 drams. Silver price up by 3.37 drams to 289.53 drams.
The Hope Hostel accommodation in Kigali, Rwanda where migrants from the UK were expected to be taken when they arrive under the controversial deal. Photo: PA

Rishi Sunak has vowed to do "whatever it takes" to stop small boat crossings after the UKs Supreme Court ruled his flagship policy of removing asylum seekers to Rwanda unlawful.

The British Prime Minister insisted on Wednesday that his Government has spent the "last few months planning for all eventualities" as he comes under huge pressure to set out a Plan B.
Woman with two wombs is pregnant in both in 1 in 50 million case

Kelsey Hatchers doctor says she has a very, very rare condition called uterus didelphys

Alabama woman Kelsey Hatcher (32) is documenting her experiences on Instagram as her pregnancies progress. Photo: Instagram/@doubleuhatchlings

Vishwam Sankaran UK Independent Wed 15 Nov 2023 at 14:09







A woman born with two fully functional wombs has discovered that she is now pregnant in both in a case medical experts have said has odds of 1 in 50 million.
Photo Courtesy: Unsplash/ CHUTTERSNAP

India is planning to invite bids for an 80 billion-rupee($960 million) incentive programme to manufacture electric vehicle batteries in the nation, media reports said.

The goal is to establish advanced chemistry battery plants with total output of 20 gigawatt hours, said people familiar with the development to Bloomberg.

Bids will be sought from potential investors next month, the person said.

Meanwhile, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles,Piyush Goyal arrived in San Francisco, United States of America on Novemerb 13.

Kicking off the official tour, the Commerce and Industry Minister visited the Tesla Factory Unit in Fremont and interacted with the senior executives of the Tesla group.

Later in the day, the Minister 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, the Minister 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. During the interaction with his Singaporean and South Korean counterparts, the Minister suggested expedited conclusion of the review of AITIGA and CEPA respectively.
Children in Gedaref, Sudan learn about the dangers and symptoms of cholera. Photo Courtesy: UNICEF/Omar Tarig

Cholera vaccines are expected to arrive in Sudan this month as the country continues to face a deadly outbreak of the disease amidst the ongoing war, the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, said on Tuesday.

UN agencies and partners are scaling up response to the outbreak, which was first declared in Gedaref state, located in the east, on 26 September.

At least 2,525 suspected cases of acute watery diarrhoea/cholera have been reported, including 78 associated deaths, in 27 localities across seven states.

Millions at risk

More than 3.1 million people are estimated to be at risk through the end of the year, according to the latest OCHA update.

Humanitarian agencies are supporting the detection and treatment of cases, while surveillance is ongoing in affected and high-risk areas to identify and address risk factors.

Last week, the sixth flight chartered by UN health agency, WHO, landed in Port Sudan, located on the Red Sea coast, from its Global Logistics Hub in Dubai.

The plane delivered more than 33 metric tonnes of supplies for cholera response, including medicines, laboratory supplies and equipment, as well as reproductive health kits for the UN Population Fund (UNFPA).

Vaccines on the way

Furthermore, the international mechanism that manages and coordinates emergency vaccine supply has approved the authorities request for nearly three million doses of oral cholera vaccines that will be used in campaigns in nine localities in Gedaref and two other states.

They are expected to arrive on 20 November and the vaccination campaigns should begin by the end of the month.

Conflict still raging

The cholera outbreak is taking place against the background of conflict that erupted in mid-April between the Sudanese army and a rival paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

More than six million people have fled their homes, with 1.2 million escaping across the border.

The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, recently warned that reports of continued sexual violence, torture, killings, and other violations in West Darfur echo atrocities committed 20 years ago.

Healthcare under pressure

The conflict is straining the health system to its limits, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Monday, posting on social media platform X.

As violence escalates in Darfur, numerous individuals are fleeing to Chad in search of safety, further burdening an already fragile nation, he wrote.

Although WHO is actively coordinating with partners to establish mobile clinics, enhance surveillance, and distribute essential medicines and supplies, Tedros said efforts are being hampered by the challenging security situation, as well as bureaucratic and administrative obstacles that impede access.

He appealed to the international community to focus attention on Sudan and the pressing needs there.
Photo courtesy: UNI

Jammu/IBNS: At least 36 passengers were killed and 19 others injured as the bus they were travelling in skidded off and rolled down into a 300-feet deep gorge in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Rs. 2 lakh each as ex-gratia to the kin of the deceased.

Police said that at least 36 people were killed and 19 injured after a passenger bus fell into a deep gorge in the Assar area of Doda district.

"A bus skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge near Trungal-Assar on Batote-Kishtwar road," they said.

Police added that a rescue team rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation.

"Thirty-six passengers have died in the tragic incident while 19 have been injured, some of them critically. The critically injured people have been airlifted to Jammu for treatment, they said.

PM Modi expressed grief over the tragic accident.

The bus accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir is distressing. My condolences to the families who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Rs. 50,000 would be given to the injured, PMO India said in a post on X.

The bus accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir is distressing. My condolences to the families who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest.



An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Rs.  PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 15, 2023

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident.

Deeply anguished to learn about the loss of precious lives due to a tragic bus accident at Doda, Jammu and Kashmir. The local administration is conducting the rescue operation in the gorge where the bus had the accident. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 15, 2023

Union Minister Jitendra Singh posted on X: "Saddened to share the update from DC #Doda Harvinder Singh from the spot of the accident. The injured are being shifted to GMC Doda and GMC #Jammu as per requirement. All possible help being provided. Sincere condolences to the bereaved families."

Saddened to share the update from DC #Doda Sh Harvinder Singh from the spot of the accident. Unfortunately 36 persons have died and 19 injured, out of whom 6 injured are serious. The injured are being shifted to GMC Doda and

1/2 https://t.co/bKkYIRT9mX  Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) November 15, 2023

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in an official communique issued by the Raj Bhavan has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives.

Extremely pained by the loss of lives in a tragic bus accident in Assar, Doda. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families & wishing for a speedy recovery of those injured in the accident. Directed Div Com & Dist Admin to provide all necessary assistance to affected persons, the Lt Governor said.

[With UNI inputs]
Al Shifa hospital continues to shelter displaced families in Gaza City. Photo Courtesy: WHO

The Israel Defence Forces on Wednesday (November 15, 2023) said its troops are carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas members in a specified area in the Al-Shifa Hospital.

In a statement posted on X, IDF said: "The IDF is conducting a ground operation in Gaza to defeat Hamas and rescue our hostages. Israel is at war with Hamas, not with the civilians in Gaza."

 Operational Update:

IDF forces are carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in the Shifa Hospital, based on intelligence information and an operational necessity.



The IDF is conducting a ground operation in Gaza to defeat Hamas and  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 15, 2023

"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 force said.

"In recent weeks, the IDF has publicly warned time and again that Hamas' continued military use of the Shifa hospital jeopardizes its protected status under international law, and enabled ample time to stop this unlawful abuse of the hospital. 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, they did not," the IDF said.

The IDF asked Hamas members present in the hospital to surrender.

UN health agency WHO hailed on Tuesday (November 14, 2023) the heroic efforts of staff at Gaza Citys besieged Al-Shifa hospital and expressed concern for hundreds of thousands of displaced people in the enclave where heavy rainfall has caused flooding and aggravated the already dire health crisis. In a statement issued later in the day, the UN Palestine refugee agency (UNRWA) chief said that fuel stocks were now exhausted, bringing the aid operation to a halt on the Egyptian border.

In a statement issued by his Spokesperson, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was "deeply disturbed by the horrible situation and dramatic loss of life" reported in Gaza's medical facilities.



"In the name of humanity, the Secretary-General calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire", the statement reiterated.

Rain will just add further to the suffering of people in the Strip, WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris told reporters earlier in Geneva, at a time when disruptions in sewage pumping and water shortages have caused a spike in waterborne diseases and bacterial infections.

The World Health Organization warned last week that since mid-October, over 33,500 cases of diarrhoea have been reported, mostly among children under five, some 16 times the monthly average.

Facilities run by the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, where over 580,000 displaced people in southern Gaza had sought shelter due to Israels offensive in retaliation for Hamas deadly 7 October attacks, are more than nine times over capacity and the overcrowding is posing further health risks.

We are begging for a ceasefire to happen now, Dr. Harris insisted.

Meanwhile in Geneva, the families of some of the 238 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza since 7 October were due to continue their advocacy for the release of their loved ones on Tuesday.

A meeting was announced between hostages families and Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), a UN humanitarian partner organisation.
A man injured in a missile attack is rushed for treatment in Naser hospital in Khan Younis. Photo Courtesy: WHO

The United States has said it has intelligence information to believe that Hamas members run a command-and-control centre under the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.

National Security spokesman John Kirby told reporters: "Hamas and the Palestinian  Palestinian Islamic Jihad  PIJ  members operate a command-and-control node from Al-Shifa in Gaza City."

"They have stored weapons there, and theyre prepared to respond to an Israeli military operation against that facility," Kirby said.

The Israel Defence Forces on Wednesday (November 15, 2023) said its troops are carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas members in a specified area in the Al-Shifa Hospital.

 Operational Update:

IDF forces are carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in the Shifa Hospital, based on intelligence information and an operational necessity.



The IDF is conducting a ground operation in Gaza to defeat Hamas and  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 15, 2023

In a statement posted on X, IDF said: "The IDF is conducting a ground operation in Gaza to defeat Hamas and rescue our hostages. Israel is at war with Hamas, not with the civilians in Gaza."

Kirby said hospitals and patients must be protected.

"Now, to be clear, we do not support 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. Hospitals and patients must be protected," he said.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden spoke with Israel PM Benjamin Netanyhu on Tuesday (November 15, 2023).

"President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke this afternoon with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel regarding the latest developments in Israel and Gaza," White House said in a statement.

"The President and the Prime Minister discussed at length ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, including many children and a number of Americans," reads the statement.

UN health agency WHO hailed on Tuesday the heroic efforts of staff at Gaza Citys besieged Al-Shifa hospital and expressed concern for hundreds of thousands of displaced people in the enclave where heavy rainfall has caused flooding and aggravated the already dire health crisis. In a statement issued later in the day, the UN Palestine refugee agency (UNRWA) chief said that fuel stocks were now exhausted, bringing the aid operation to a halt on the Egyptian border.

In a statement issued by his Spokesperson, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was "deeply disturbed by the horrible situation and dramatic loss of life" reported in Gaza's medical facilities.



"In the name of humanity, the Secretary-General calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire", the statement reiterated.
Photo Caption: UN Ukraine

The top UN humanitarian official in Ukraine has condemned deadly Russian shelling in the southern city of Kherson on Monday.

Dozens of civilians were killed and injured, including a two-month-old girl who was hospitalized for her injuries.

A hospital and an ambulance were reportedly struck, with two healthcare workers and a patient reported to be among the injured.

Civilians pay the price

Denise Brown, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, issued a statement saying she was utterly outraged and profoundly disturbed by the brutal attacks.

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, she said.

Brown noted that since the escalation of the war in February 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) has verified over 1,300 attacks on healthcare in Ukraine, accounting for more than half of all such attacks worldwide over this period.

End relentless attacks

These relentless attacks from the Russian Federation must come to an end, she said. Each innocent life claimed by the invasion of Ukraine stands as a harrowing testament to the sheer brutality of this war.

She underscored that health facilities, health workers and civilians have special protection under international humanitarian law and attacking them is a grave violation.
China, Africa pledge financial support to bolster high-quality BRI cooperation

Xinhua) 02:57, November 16, 2023

ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- China and Africa on Wednesday vowed to further augment China-Africa cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with stakeholders pledging financial support to bolster high-quality BRI cooperation.

This comes as the African Union (AU) and the Chinese Mission to the AU held a high-level seminar Wednesday in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, with the participation of senior AU officials, officials from African countries, Chinese government officials, members of the diplomatic community in Ethiopia, high-level representatives of Chinese and African financial institutions and academia, among others.

Fathallah Sijilmassi, director general of the AU Commission, said via video link that the high-level seminar on financial support for China-Africa Belt and Road cooperation comes at a very timely moment as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of the BRI.

"A stronger China-Africa cooperation can only be advanced further through the realization of the targets of the Belt and Road Initiative. China is one of the biggest partners of Africa, and the continent values its partnership with China," the director general said. "It is a good moment to evaluate and to assess what has been done in the past, what has to be implemented in the near future; but, most importantly, to see together how to ensure predictable and sustainable financial support to the China-Africa Belt and Road cooperation."

The high-level seminar, which was held under the theme "Financial Support for China-Africa Belt and Road Cooperation," assessed ways for project and trade financing, China-Africa cross-border payment and settlement, as well as practices to help African countries obtain finance.

Experts and policymakers attending the seminar also discussed the contribution and future implications of Chinese investment in Africa as well as China-Africa financing cooperation.

Hu Changchun, head of the Chinese Mission to the AU, said during the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) held on Oct. 17-18 in Beijing, China announced eight major steps to support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. He said China will promote both signature projects as well as small and smart livelihood programs; and supports BRI projects on the basis of market and business operations.

"Over the past ten years, China actively aligns the BRI with the African Union's Agenda 2063 as well as infrastructure development plans and African nations' strategies," he said.

Wu Qijin, chief representative of the Export-Import Bank of China for Africa, during the occasion underscored the Bank's strong support for the success of China-Africa Belt and Road cooperation.

Representatives of different Chinese and African financial institutions and academia attending the high-level seminar also echoed the sentiment as they underscored the positive outcomes of the China-Africa cooperation under the BRI.

Gedion Jalata, the chief executive officer at the Center of Excellence International Consult in Ethiopia, said the BRI offers viable solutions to countries in the African continent and beyond to augment socioeconomic development.

"The BRI offers several key opportunities for the world, especially for African countries that are struggling with infrastructure deficit," Jalata said.

China has signed BRI cooperation documents with more than 150 countries and over 30 international organizations. It has established more than 3,000 cooperation projects and galvanized nearly 1 trillion U.S. dollars of investment, creating an array of national landmarks, livelihood projects, and milestones of cooperation.

According to the World Bank, by 2030, BRI transport infrastructure, if fully implemented, is expected to increase global real income by 0.7 percent to 2.9 percent, lifting 7.6 million people from extreme poverty and 32 million people from moderate poverty.

Addressing the high-level seminar, representatives of the African Export-Import Bank, China Export and Credit Insurance Corporation, Bank of China, as well as Standard Bank, pledge their continued support to bolster China-Africa cooperation in general and the China-Africa Belt and Road cooperation in particular.

(Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Sheng Chuyi)
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS. On November 15, in Brussels Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan delivered remarks at the 15th annual Assembly of Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

The full speech is presented below.

Dear colleagues,

This is an honor to address the participants of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum Annual Assembly. I do believe that today, among like-minded partners, we can openly discuss and critically assess the developments both in each Eastern partner state, and on regional and European levels.

So, for triggering further discussion let me put forward two questions, reflection on which might be helpful today.

What was and what is the Eastern partnership about? What is the role of civil societies in changing the world and the Eastern partnership, in particular?

Back in 2009, when EaP was being launched, it was aimed to strengthen the ties of the partners with the EU and EU Member states based on common values, deepen economic and political cooperation and support reform agenda. If we try to summarize it in one sentence - EaP was launched being about democracy and today it remains about democracy.

I can proudly state that my country remains committed to democracy and democratic values. During the recent years despite the whole challenges that we have been facing - COVID 19 pandemic, war of 2020, military attacks and aggressions against the sovereign territory of Armenia, influx of more than 100 thousand refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of ethnic cleansing, the democratization process and implementation of ambitious reform agenda did not stop in Armenia for a single moment. The Government of Armenia continues to remain committed to the endeavors of the 2018 democratic, non-violent Velvet revolution.

And it is really difficult. It is difficult to sustain democracy if there is no conducive environment. The collapse of the European security architecture, rise of authoritarianism in the world, massive violations of the UN Charter on the one hand and the democratic values on the other, make it necessary to seriously rethink how the EU should position itself. And this requires the EU not only strengthening its links with Eastern Partners, but also the EU encouraging the cooperation among Eastern Partners.

In this context, I want to commend the European Commissions decision to recommend the European Council to open accession talks with Moldova and Ukraine and to grant candidate status to Georgia. This decision is welcomed not only by the Government of Armenia, but also people of Armenia, who also have European aspirations. During the last several years we have had an impressive record of joint work to bring Armenia and the EU closer. We are cooperating on implementation of the reform agenda, on realization of flagship initiatives of 2.6 billion euros, and in many other fields. Recently we launched the high-level Armenia-EU Political and Security Dialogue, the second round of which is taking place today in Brussels. I should also commend the decision of the EU to deploy a monitoring mission along the state border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Moreover, the EU is an important partner of Armenias peace agenda in assisting our efforts in bringing peace and stability in the South Caucasus. The Government of Armenia has political will to normalize relations with another Eastern Partner - Azerbaijan, and we are ready to move forward to that end on the basis of the principles adopted in Granada by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia, President Michel of the European Council, President Macron of France and Chancellor Scholz of Germany.

Furthermore, as we believe that peace and stability in the Eastern neighborhood much depends on economic cooperation of the Partners, Armenia has recently introduced the project of the Crossroads of peace, as a token of our commitments to the establishment of peace and cooperation in the region and beyond. Armenia is also interested in joining the Black Sea Electricity Cable project, and we hope that the European Union will support this aspiration using its toolbox.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Coming to my second question on the role of civil societies, I should confess that no government in the world is able to implement a development agenda nor to combat the challenges alone without you. The times that we are living through are not easy at all, and I definitely know that the issues which I was talking about will not be addressed without your participation, without your criticism but also your support.

And I thank you.

And this is not the traditional thank you that we usually say at the end of our statements, I really want to thank you for the tremendous job that you are doing for Eastern Partnerships common cause, for our values, for democracy, for peace.
Image of Benjamin Netanyahu with Israeli soldiers/ courtesy Videograb from his X page

Jerusalem/IBNS Israel will destroy all members of the Hamas movement and bring back hostages that were captured during the October 7 attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday.

"There is no place in Gaza that we cannot reach. ... We will get there, defeat Hamas and bring home our hostages  these are our two holy missions," Netanyahu said during a visit to Israels training base in Zikim.

He said that Israeli forces would get to every Hamas militant in every corner of the Gaza Strip.

The prime minister also said that he held another phone conversation with US President Joe Biden on Tuesday, adding that Israel will destroy Hamas and achieve complete victory."

The United States earlier said it has intelligence information to believe that Hamas members run a command-and-control centre under the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.

"Hamas and the Palestinian  Palestinian Islamic Jihad  PIJ  members operate a command-and-control node from Al-Shifa in Gaza City," National Security spokesman John Kirby told reporters.

"They have stored weapons there, and theyre prepared to respond to an Israeli military operation against that facility," Kirby said.

The Israel Defence Forces earlier in the day said its troops are carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas members in a specified area in the Al-Shifa Hospital.

In a statement posted on X, IDF said: "The IDF is conducting a ground operation in Gaza to defeat Hamas and rescue our hostages. Israel is at war with Hamas, not with the civilians in Gaza."

 Operational Update:

IDF forces are carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in the Shifa Hospital, based on intelligence information and an operational necessity.



The IDF is conducting a ground operation in Gaza to defeat Hamas and  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 15, 2023

Meanwhile, Kirby has called for the protection of hospitals and patients.

"Now, to be clear, we do not support 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. Hospitals and patients must be protected," he said.
Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

Nepal has joined the list of nations now which have banned Chinese tech giant Bytedance-owned video-sharing platform TikTok.

The Himalayan country decided to ban the app by stating it is disrupting social structures in the South Asian nation.

Considering how TikTok is disrupting our social harmony, and the impact its having on our family and social structures, the cabinet has decided to ban TikTok for the moment, Rekha Sharma, Nepals minister of communication and information technology, told a press conference on Monday (November 13, 2023) as quoted by CNN.

Defending his government's decision to ban the app, the country's PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal was quoted as saying by CNN: "After a long discussion on how to control the tendency to spread disharmony, disorder, and chaos in the society  a consensus was reached among all political parties, including both the ruling party and the opposition."

The United States and its Five Eyes intelligence alliance partners  Australia, Britain, Canada and New Zealand have placed restrictions on the use of the app on devices used by government workers.

In 2020, India blocked TikTok and several other Chinese apps by citing that they 'pose threat to sovereignty and integrity of India'.
Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

Pakistan, a nation experiencing a financial crisis, entered into a $364 million arms sales agreement with two private US companies last year, media reports said.

The country allegedly sold the weapons to Ukraine for the ongoing war against Russia,Dawn News reported quoting BBC Urdu.

However, the Pakistani government has denied the charges.

The Foreign Office has denied any sale of arms and ammunition to Ukraine, saying that Pakistan maintained a policy of strict neutrality in the dispute between the two countries and did not provide them with any arms or ammunition in that context, reported Dawn News quoting the British media.

It must be noted that these alleged developments took place during the rule of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)  a multi-party coalition that ousted Imran Khan-led government via a no-trust vote in April last year.

General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who retired in November 2022, was the Army Chief at that time.

During August 2022, when these alleged contracts were signed, the Ukraine crisis was very much a part of the political discourse in Pakistan, particularly in the wake of Imran Khans visit to Moscow as prime minister the day the invasion was launched. Months after the visit, Gen Bajwa publicly called for the invasion to be stopped immediately, reported Dawn News.

During a visit to Pakistan this July, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba had also rejected reports that Pakistan was supplying arms to Ukraine to support its military during the ongoing conflict with Russia.

However, the BBC Urdu, in its report, claimed that Pakistan signed two contracts with American companies named Global Military and Northrop Grumman for the sale of 155mm shells, the Pakistani newspaper reported.
Photo Courtesy: Students for a Free Tibet X page video grab

Three activists from the San Francisco chapter of Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) unfurled a large Free Tibet banner from the roof of the Moscone Center in the US city recently ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit.

The banner also had Dictator Xi Jinping, Your Time is Up! written on it.

The protest comes just days before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit which the Chinese President is scheduled to attend, Phayul reported.

The incident had a significant presence on social media platforms, with pictures and videos quickly going viral. In a widely shared video on Twitter, activists can be heard chanting Free Tibet, the news portal reported.

The San Francisco chapter of Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) posted on X: " 3 Tibetan youth activists drop a banner on the Moscone Center where the APEC Summit will start in <24hrs."

"Xi cant hide from the countless people united against his authoritarian regime," post said. "Generations of Tibetans will always resist his dictatorship until Tibet is free," the post further said.

Tenzin Namgyal, a 17-year-old Tibetan-American activist who was part of the unfurling was quoted as saying by Phayul, Since Chinas President Xi last visited the US Tibetans have witnessed our language, religion and culture come under direct attack from Xis genocidal policies and we are facing the elimination of our distinct Tibetan language, culture and identity if the world doesnt act.
Rescue teams are racing against time, and "operations are underway on a war footing" to reach the 40 workers who have been trapped inside an under-construction tunnel in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, since Sunday morning.

The tunnel, located on the Yamunotri National Highway near Silkyara and part of the Chardham Highway Project, collapsed in the early hours of November 12.

AFP

What is Char Dham Road Project?

The Silkyara Tunnel is 4531 meters long and is being constructed at a cost of Rs 853.79 crore.

Once completed, the all-weather Char Dham Road Project aims to reduce the journey from Uttarkashi to Yamunotri Dham by 26 kilometres.

In July, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari had told the Parliament that about 601 km on the 825-km 'Char Dham Yatra All Weather Road' has been completed.

How Char Dham Road Project became controversial

But the highly ambitious project, cutting through the fragile Himalayas, has been controversial since the start.

While the government has argued that apart from the pilgrimage, the 'Char Dham All Weather Road is strategically important as it makes the movement of army personnel and equipment to the India-China border easier, environmentalists and NGOs have argued that the project will be an ecological disaster.

AFP

They have pointed out that the large-scale deforestation and blasting and drilling along the slopes will make the hills more vulnerable to disasters like landslides.

Activists have argued that the government overlooked the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and went ahead with the project.

Why HPC chairman Ravi Chopra resigned

In December 2021, the Supreme Court had allowed the double-lane widening of three strategic stretches of the project and also set up an oversight committee headed by retired SC judge Justice AK Sikri to ensure the implementation of recommendations made by a High Powered Committee (HPC) on environmental concerns such as hill-cutting, muck disposal and preservation of water resources.

Following this, in January 2022, environmentalist Ravi Chopra, chairman of the Supreme Court-appointed HPC had, resigned from his post.

"They have slashed through pristine forests, wounding vulnerable Himalayan slopes to widen highways. Ever-increasing numbers of tourists speed along them, their vehicles spewing noxious gases that cover the towering peaks ahead in an unsightly haze. The engineers exult and circulate photographs proving their conquest of Nature, little realising that they too are a part of Nature and cannot survive if their own natural environment is destroyed," Chopra had written in his resignation letter.

AFP

What Ravi Chopra said on Silkyara

Commenting on the Silkyara tunnel collapse, Chopra said that such incidents will continue to happen if ecological concerns are not addressed.

For development in the Himalayas, it is necessary to first address ecological concerns, he said, adding sustainable development demands approaches that are both geologically and ecologically sound.

"Unless this balance is achieved, such horrific incidents will continue to happen," Chopra told PTI.

Char Dham Road Project: a freeway to disaster

In 2021, CP Rajendran, an adjunct professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru, had termed the Char Dham Road Project as 'a freeway to disaster'.

"Char Dham Pariyojana is a fundamental violation of all environmental norms and conservation strategies that need to be followed in the Himalayan mountain terrains for any constructional activities. From environmental impact assessment (EIA), forest clearances to circulars, concealment of documents  this has turned out to be an unscientific road-widening project with catastrophic consequences," he had said.

Why construction methods are wrong

Another expert, former advisor to the State Planning Commission, Harshapati Uniyal, questioned the methods being adopted for the construction of Char Dham all-weather highways.

"These all-weather roads are a tragedy for Uttarakhand, especially because of the wrong techniques being used for their widening. The river valley alignment cannot be considered safe. If you disturb the slopes, disasters like landslides are inevitable," he said.

AFP

How infrastructure is undoing Uttarakhand

It should be noted that Uttarakhand has seen a series of major natural disasters in recent years, including the Tapovan Vishnugad tunnel collapse to landslides in many places and the land subsidence in Joshimath, which are directly or indirectly linked to the massive infrastructure projects underway in the state.

For more on the news, sports, and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
Victims of unknown gunmen attack, have narrated how they escaped from their captors in Benue State.

The gunmen hijacked a Benue Links vehicle along Makurdi-Naka road, in Gwer West Local Government Area of the State

The kidnappers, according to reports, abducted 18 passengers.

Information understands the incident took place while the vehicle was conveying passengers from Otukpo to Makurdi.

Three of the victims who escaped from the hands of the abductors said the incident happened close to a military checkpoint, along the Naka  Makurdi road.

Blessing Omashi, one of the victims, said she was travelling to Makurdi from where she would proceed to Abuja when the incident occurred.

She said: We had just passed the soldiers spot and then got to their own spot when the kidnappers stopped the vehicle. We thought they were soldiers, but we didnt know that they were armed men. They were wearing army uniforms and wielding guns. They shot into the air as they led us into the bush, where they were still holding some people. They were up to 15 in number.

I escaped in the night. I slept in the bush that night. I was coming from Otukpo to Makurdi en route to Abuja. They made us walk for over 40 minutes and kept changing locations. They spoke in English and the local dialect and Hausa. They were not masked. It was around midnight that I sneaked out of the line and escaped. They molested us

Another victim, who pleaded anonymity said: Before now, people thought these kidnappings were propaganda when the former Governor Samuel Ortom used to shout. I must say he is my hero. This was what he tried to avoid. I think the present government should continue from where he stopped. Nobody is safe in this State.

READ ALSO: Driver Who Killed LAWMA Officials Surrenders To Police

The security men heard gunshots, but could not do anything because they needed to get a signal. We need a security team that will be proactive. I saw five of them heavily armed, shooting sporadically, but they shot at nobody. They spoke in Fulani and English shouting move or I waste you.'

Raymond Mbabov, narrating his ordeal, said: I was coming back after attending a Chinese Exhibition in Lagos. I usually travel by air, but due to the cost, I decided to go by road. We got to Taraku and the driver of the vehicle had to transfer us to the Benue Links bus. I am not familiar with the road, but one or two people complained that the road was bad with lots of potholes. It was a lonely road, but the driver insisted that it was shorter.

Just shortly after the military checkpoint, we saw a group of people with torchlights speaking Fulani and passive English. They were very aggressive and started breaking windows of the vehicle and said if we did not come down, they would spray us. The passengers shouted at the driver to open the door.

The first person they identified was me. I was holding two phones and a power bank. We were 18 in number and they lined us in a straight file. As they were taking us to wherever they wanted, I had already made up my mind to run, if they shoot me at least my family will see my body to bury. I was ready to bear the consequences. I ran off with others, too, going different directions.

They did not bother to go after us, but concentrated on the remaining ones. I went into the bush and there observed that the military were riding on bikes and shooting into the air to where the Benue Links vehicle was parked. I later went to the military point and explained myself and asked them to try and rescue the others. But the soldiers said they had not got any signal.
The Federal Government says its Wednesdays meeting with the national leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) over the ongoing strike, yielded good result.

The meeting came on the heels of the nationwide strike declared by the Organized Labour over the brutalization of NLCs President, Joe Ajaero in Owerri, Imo State on November 1.

Information Nigeria reports that the emergency meeting took place at the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu with other government team, along side the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Bako Lalong.

TUCs President, Festus Osifo who spoke after the meeting noted that the delegation will take every discussion they had with the government back to their members before a decision can be taken on whether the strike should be called off or not.

He said, We came here for a discussion. The NSA invited us in furtherance of a press release he issued disclosing that some persons have been arrested in connection with the brutality meted out to the NLC President. At the end of the day, he made several promises of what they were going to do and several appeals for the strike to be called off.

We had a robust conversation and we told him our side of the issue. The strike was caused by something and the strike is a symptom of the problem. Every conversation we have had, we are taking it back to our organs.

The NSA promised to coordinate all the steps and issues involved. We will go back, and reappraise the conversations we have had, with all the assurances they have given us, before coming out with a decision.

Also, Lalong who disclosed that Unions and government representatives had very fruitful, genuine and frank discussions of the issues involved, said, it is an ongoing discussion.

READ ALSO: Your Villa Information Is Insufficient, Ajaero Didnt Visit Imo For Politics  TUC Replies Oshiomhole

The meeting was in respect to what happened especially in Imo State and this meeting has heavy security considerations that is why we took the meeting at the office of the National Security Adviser.

All the labour leaders were also here with us. We had a very fruitful discussion. They have also agreed to take it back home to their constituencies so that they can suspend the strike.

We have not received any commitment on when the strike will be called off. We have appealed to them. We dont expect the strike to take a long time.

Nonetheless, the Union listed six conditions that must be met before suspending the action.

The conditions include the arrest and prosecution of Chinasa Nwaneri, a Special Adviser to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma on Special Duties who allegedly led the attack on the NLCs President, Joe Ajaero and other workers in the state.

It also said all police officers as well as thugs involved in the attack on the labour leader should be arrested, prosecuted and dismissed.

Other demands include the arrest, prosecution and dismissal of the Chief Security Officer in Imo State Government House, identified as SP Shaba.

He led, participated and provided cover for thugs to brutalise workers in Imo State, the NLC alleged.

The labour union also demanded the arrest, prosecution, and dismissal of an unnamed police area commander who, it claimed, oversaw the brutalization of Ajaero and other workers in the state.

The final condition is that Ahmed Barde, the former Commissioner of Police in Imo State, be investigated and prosecuted for his alleged involvement in the assault on the NLC boss.

Our demands are simple. We want justice the union declared.

READ ALSO: Weve Arrested Ajaeros Attackers  NSA Begs Labour To Call Off Strike

Meanwhile, in a statement, NLCs Head of Information and Public Affairs , Benson Upah, faulted the claims in some quarters that the brutality meted out to Comrade Ajaero was a result of a private misunderstanding between him (Ajaero) and the Imo government.

The statement read: We would want Nigerians to not lend themselves to the private matter narrative being promoted by agents of government as it is intended to divert attention from the real issues.

Even as no freedom can be greater than the personal liberty of an individual in a popular democracy, which was violently and viciously violated in Imo, what the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria are fighting through this strike action are serial acts of violence/assault and impunity committed against individuals and organisations by the Nigeria Police Force or under their watchful eye or supervision.

We make haste to cite three instances here even as there are several others within the brief life of this government.

We recall the despicable role of the police in the forceful seizure of the offices of NURTW, RTEAN and NUPENG.

This strike among other things, is a protest against this reprehensible impunity which is fast becoming the signature of this government.

The arrest, beating and torture of Comrade Joe Ajaero represents the raising of the stakes in this culture of harassment and intimidation and we have no apology for resisting this through a strike.

For those not in the know, tyranny begins with the loss of personal liberty through the negative deployment of state power through its agents.

Critics of labour unions forget that they could be the next victims tomorrow.

Finally, we demand that the government of President Bola Tinubu nip in the bud this burgeoning culture of harassment, intimidation, violence and terror!

We will not back down until we secure a commitment from the government to govern by the prescribed laws of the land.

We are clear about our objectives and we do not need approval ratings from agents of government passing themselves off as our friends.

The gradual closing of democratic space is a clear and present danger or tendency we can ill afford to ignore.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that his administration inherited serious liabilities but also assets from his predecessors.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu made this known in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The President lamented that Nigeria has serious deficits in port, power infrastructure and agro-allied facilities, saying that his administration would ensure that all the shortcomings are addressed.

President Tinubu said even though his government also inherited assets from his predecessors, he would not make any excuses.

READ MORE: Tinubu Inherited A Bankrupt Country From Buhari  Ribadu

He said: We inherited serious liabilities, but also assets from our predecessors. We do not make any excuses.

There are several sectors replete with investment opportunities 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 clearer vision.
The Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos State has affirmed the judgment of the tribunal, confirming the victory of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy, Obafemi Hamzat.

It was gathered that the Court held unanimously, that the tribunal was correct to hold that Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat were qualified to contest, contrary to the claims of the LP and Gbadebo.

The court held: The decision of the lower court is affirmed and the appeal is dismissed.

READ MORE: Lagos Tribunal: Absence Of Witness Delays Hearing In Rhodes-Vivours Petition Against Sanwo-Olu

No case of renunciation of citizenship has been established by the LP and Gbadebo against the 3rd respondent (Hamzat) in accordance with the constitution.

No evidence of oath of allegiance to the United States and renunciation of Nigerian citizenship was placed before the tribunal (by the LP and Gbadebo)

No document to prove that 3rd respondent (Hamzat) was no longer a citizen of Nigeria. It is incumbent on the appellants (LP, Gbadebo) to prove their claim.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called for the arrest of Dino Melaye, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State.

APC insisted that Melaye should be arrested for claiming that he has access to the backend server of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The spokesperson of APC Governorship Campaign Council in Kogi State, Kingsley Fanwo, stated this at a press conference in Lokoja on Tuesday.

READ MORE: Kogi Poll: Whether I Voted Or Not Is Immaterial, People Win Elections From Prison  Dino Melaye

Fanwo argued that claiming to have access to the backend server of the nations electoral body is like asking to be sent to prison.

According to Fanwo: Claiming to have access to the backend server of INEC is like walking into the prison yard and demanding to be locked up.

Security agencies have no tedious job to do on a suspect who confesses to a crime. Dino Melaye has openly confessed that he hacked into the back end of INEC. Melaye should be arrested and prosecuted for cybercrime.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS. The delegation led by Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Armenia Hakob Arshakyan on Wednesday held a meeting with the President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Bashar al-Assad, the Armenian National Assembly said in a statement.

''Expressing gratitude for the invitation and warm welcome, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament noted that Armenia underscores and highly values the warm, friendly relations with Syria. He emphasized the special importance of the Syrian-Armenian community as a stable bridge of friendship between the two countries and peoples.

Referring to the Syrian crisis, Hakob Arshakyan noted that from the very first day of the crisis, Armenia had been in favor of solving the problem through dialogue within the framework of preserving the sovereignty, peace and security of Syria.

During the meeting, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament also discussed the situation in the South Caucasus region and presented the idea of the "Crossroads of Peace" proposed by Armenia. He emphasized the significance of the road map for peace in the region,'' reads the statement.

As informs the press service of the National Assembly, the President of the Syrian Arab Republic highly appreciated the friendly relations between Armenia and Syria and emphasized the role of the Armenian community in the development of cultural, economic and other spheres of Syria.

Syria considers Armenians part of its state, society and value system. The problems of Armenia are not alien to us, and we support Armenia in overcoming problems and challenges, said Bashar al-Assad.

Bashar al-Assad highlighted the importance of inter-parliamentary cooperation, which has consistently been at a high level and plays a key role in the development of cooperation between the two states.
Adams Oshiomhole, ex-Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, has criticised the strike action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

He opined that their priority should have been centred on state governments not currently paying the national minimum wage of N30,000.

Oshiomhole, who was a former chairman of the NLC disclosed this while meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to congratulate him on the partys victory in Kogi and Imo states.

Insinuating that the strike by the Joe Ajaero-led leadership was misplaced, he said that as labour leaders, nothing stops them from holding political opinions but must draw the line when such opinions appear to be impeding their primary responsibilities.

The serving Senator in the 10th National Assembly also carpeted analysts who speculated doom for the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in Imo State, describing them mostly as arm-chair critics.

As a worker in the Senate, I dont pretend over the fact that my first constituency, my permanent constituency, is labour. I can be removed as chairman of APC as I was removed. But I couldnt have been removed as a labourer. I remain labour in heart and labour in views, and labour in my aspirations.

READ ALSO: Money Politics In APC Has Gotten Worse, Should Be Addressed  Salihu Lukman

I will expect that even as we speak now, the issue that will appeal to me will be the fact that, as we speak, we have states that are not paying N30,000. And those states are not being mobilised to go on strike.

The federal government had granted a N35,000 increase. Those discussions were supposed to be for and on behalf of not only the federal government but on behalf of all workers in Nigeria, including those employed by local governments and state governments.

The additional revenue accruing from the withdrawal of subsidy trickles down to the state and to the local government. Now, I would have wished that somebody at the NLC recognised that the hunger in the stomachs of federal employees is not any worse than the hunger in the stomachs of those state employees or local government employees.

If these are the issues on the table, even as a senator, I will publicly support action against any government that thinks that we should lament away our hunger while the people do what they do. Unfortunately, this strike is not about those issues. And I think we have to be careful not to mix our political opinion with our responsibilities because the issues confronting workers are so many that they should become the priority, Oshiomhole detailed.
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the conduct of Governorship Election.

Recall that Diri defeated his opponent, Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to win a second term in office as a leader of the oil state.

READ MORE: Off-Cycle Poll: INEC Declares Gov Diri As Winner Of Bayelsa Election

Meanwhile, INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that barely 24 hours after INEC declared him as the winner of the poll, Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hailed the electoral body for organising a fair and a credible contest.

He said: The conduct of the election sincerely could be adjudged to be free, fair, and transparent.

.But it is a human effort so it could not be a perfect one. There were challenges.

Be that as it may, I believe the electoral umpire has done well with all these challenges and I want to believe that this is one of the best elections they have ever conducted where the BVAS has been brought into full test.

When there was that hue and cry about a delay in releasing results, those of us from the state, we understand that it was not that easy for elections to be conducted and results will stream in the way they could have like in Imo or in Kogi.

But that apart, we also had challenges; we are aware of the boat mishap and so election has to be conducted the following day.

So, a few of those challenges that had led to the delay and I think a lot of people became very curious and suspicious about the release of the results and final declaration, the governor said.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), on Tuesday, disclosed that the old naira notes will remain legal tender beyond December 31, 2023.

The apex bank said this in a statement signed by Isa AbdulMumin, Director, Corporate Communications

Recall that in March 2023, the Supreme Court had extended the deadline to phase out the old naira notes to December 31.

This is coming after the CBN issued a statement informing Nigerians that the old naira notes remain legal after reports of anxiety over its legality.

However, it has extended the legal tender status deadline of the old design of N200, N500 and N1,000 denominations, ad infinitum.

This is in line with international best practices and to forestall a repeat of earlier experiences.

Thus, all banknotes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in accordance with Section 20(5) of the CBN Act 2007, will continue to remain legal tender, ad infinitum, even beyond the initial December 31, 2023, deadline.

READ ALSO: I Dont Go To My Constituency In Edo Because Of Terrible Roads, Insecurity  Rep Majority Leader

The Central Bank of Nigeria is working with the relevant authorities to vacate the subsisting court ruling on the same subject.

Accordingly, all CBN branches across the country will continue to issue and accept all denominations of Nigerian banknotes, old and redesigned, to and from deposit money banks (DMBs).

The general public is enjoined to continue to accept all Naira banknotes (old or redesigned) for day-to-day transactions and handle these banknotes with utmost care, to safeguard and protect the lifecycle of the banknotes, the statement read.

CBN further urged citizens to embrace alternative modes of payment such as electronic-channels, for day-to-day transactions.
Trade Union Congress (TUC) President, Festus Osifo, says ex-President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Adams Oshiomhole does not have enough information on the ongoing strike embarked upon by the Unions.

Recall that on Tuesday, the former Edo State Governor, said the ongoing strike is politically motivated adding that priorities were misplaced.

Speaking in an interview on Channels Television on Wednesday, Osifo said Oshiomhole, the Senator representing Edo North, commented on the strike based on information passed from the presidential villa.

Oshiomhole, a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, asked organised labour to prioritise the rights of workers rather than engage in politics.

During the interview, Osifo said Oshiomhole who is busy with national politics, should have reached out to union leaders for facts.

According to him, Joe Ajaero, NLCs President, did not travel to Imo state on November 1 to entertain political issues.

Our senior comrade, Adams Oshiomhole, is giving opinion based on the information he has.

Today, he is a senator who is busy with national politics. I think he does not have sufficient information, maybe later we will give him as much information as possible, once he reaches out.

He went to the villa to meet with them. That is the information that was given to him in the villa. Has he spoken to Joe Ajaero and senior labour leaders in the country to have their opinion?

Maybe the information he (Oshiomhole) got from the villa was that he (Ajaero) went there to play politics.

But I will tell him clearly that was not the case, he said.

READ ALSO: NLC Misplaced Priorities, Shouldve Gone On Strike In States Not Paying N30,000 Minimum Wage  Oshiomhole

Meanwhile the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has confirmed the arrest of suspected political thugs that brutalized Ajaero.

Following the commencement of the November 14 strike, which has relatively crippled economic activities in some parts of the country, Ribadu on Wednesday, in a statement signed by the Head of Strategic Communications in the Office of the NSA, Zakari Mijinyawa, urged the Unions to halt the nationwide strike.

While confirming that some arrests had been made, he pledged that the outcome of the investigation would be made known to the general public.

The statement reads partly, The NSA is particularly worried about the implications of the strike action on the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians and its potential impact on economic security and other strategic national interests.

The NSA regrets the incident and condemns it in its entirety as it was against the rule of law and the principles of freedom of association and expression subscribed to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration.

The Federal Government will never condone such an act.

As a fallout of the incident, relevant authorities were directed to conduct thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the assault and bring to book the culprits.

Available update indicates that some arrests have already been made in this regard. The outcome of the investigation will be made public as soon as it is concluded.
Kevin Hart at the premiere of "Me Time" in Los Angeles on August 2022. The North Philly native got his start doing stand-up at the Laff House in Kensington in the late 1990s. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File) Read more

North Philadelphia-raised comic Kevin Hart will receive the 2024 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, the Kennedy Center announced Wednesday. Hart is the 25th recipient of the lifetime achievement award, which has previously recognized Richard Pryor, Tina Fey, Eddie Murphy, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

Hart, 44, got his start bombing stand-up sets at the Laff House in Kensington in the late 1990s  his stage name was Lil Kev  while working by day as a shoe salesman. His career now spans decades of acting in film and television, including Ride Along, Think Like a Man, Scary Movie 3 and 4, and Real Husbands of Hollywood. He earned an Emmy nod for acting in the show Die Hart and sequel, Die Hart 2: Die Harter. His films have grossed more than $4.23 billion internationally. Harts recent popular stand-up specials include this years Reality Check and the Grammy-nominated Zero F**ks Given.

Comedy is my outlet for social commentary and observations on life  I am grateful to the Kennedy Center for recognizing my voice and impact on culture, Hart said in a statement about the award, one of the highest recognitions for comedians.

Hart graduated from George Washington High School in 1997 and took a few courses at the Community College of Philadelphia. He was raised by Nancy Hart, a single mom in North Philly who worked at Penn as a systems analyst. Though he now lives in a Calabasas mansion, he returns to his hometown often.

I feel like I have a different responsibility. I come from nothing and Im not supposed to have something, Hart told The Inquirer in 2021. I can go back to North Philadelphia, to quote unquote the hood and look these kids in the eye and give them another narrative: that dreams are real and worth having. While understanding that its hard out there and it may not get easier, but Im proof that if you stay true to the grind, things can happen. Philly? I gotta go back.

 READ MORE: Q&A: Kevin Hart on loving the Eagles

Hes also a diehard Eagles fan whos passed the fandom down to his four kids. You might even catch him at a home game.

Hart will receive the prestigious award at the Kennedy Center gala performance on March 24, 2024, featuring celebrity comedians and friends of Harts.
Misha Galperin, the president and CEO who helped lead the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History from bankruptcy to economic stability, has announced he will be stepping down after nearly five years.

The time has come, said Galperin, a Brooklyn resident who came to the U.S. as a teenage refugee from Ukraine.

Galperin, 65, said he will continue in his post into the new year to help the museums Board of Trustees find his successor, and remain temporarily as a consultant to help the new CEO at the start of their tenure.

Todays Weitzman Museum is a vibrant, strong, and growing national education institution, the only one in the country telling the entire story of the Jewish Peoples journeys to and throughout America, wrote Galperin in a letter to the museum community that went out Monday. We have made clear the Jewish communitys gratitude for the opportunities to enjoy and partake in the freedoms this country has to offer, and to be involved in building a more perfect union.

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Galperin led the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington the UJA Federation of New York, and other major Jewish organizations before his current post. He joined the Philadelphia Jewish History Museum in 2019, initially as a consultant. Among his tasks was to help the museum deal with significant financial difficulties, including a $30 million debt. Later that year, he was named interim CEO and then president.

Galperin said he never totally stopped his work with his consulting practice ZANDAFI, named for his children, and he will be focusing more on working with philanthropies that give grants to groups fighting antisemitism and supporting Israel.

On Tuesday, Galperin was traveling to Washington for the March for Israel, which he was involved in organizing.

Several of his Weitzman colleagues credit Galperin with shepherding the museum through a financially treacherous time that included a crushing debt from a building renovation, plus the COVID-19 pandemic, and for helping the museum reach stability and grow in audience and program.

Acts of generous sponsorship helped resolve the debt, which the museum incurred when creating its $150 million facility off Independence Mall in 2010. A dozen bondholders  local philanthropists and businesspeople  agreed to forgive more than $13 million owed to them.

Former museum board member Mitchell Morgan and his family put up $10 million to buy the building on Fifth and Independence, and agreed to lease the museum building to the museum for $1,000 a month with an option to buy it. A few months after emerging from bankruptcy in 2021, the museum announced that footwear entrepreneur Stuart Weitzman had given the museum a naming gift of an undisclosed amount that allowed the museum to buy back its building and set up what museum officials say is now an eight-figure endowment.

Galperin helped orchestrate a rescue plan, said Morgan, who is chairman of Temple Universitys board.

I give him a lot of credit, Morgan said. He was an important person for the museum.

Under Galperins leadership, the museum has been able to raise more than $60 million in contributions, another $4.2 million in revenue, $2.3 million in government grants, and create a solid foundation for an endowment, according to a museum spokeswoman .

During his tenure, museum programs reached over 4 million people. He oversaw growth in Jewish American Heritage Month programming and the presentation of the annual Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media festival, and hosted Octobers Jewish Priorities Conference that brought together national and global Jewish leaders.

We will miss Misha and are grateful for his leadership these past almost five years, said Sharon Tobin Kestenbaum, cochair of the Board of Trustees. Misha closes the book on a monumental chapter in the museums story as we work to find the successor who will lead us into our next exciting chapter.
Gregory C. Thall (left) was appointed to chair the State Employee Retirement System board earlier this month by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (right). Read more

When Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro took office in January, he affirmed a complete and total zero-tolerance policy toward lobbyists, mostly renewing his predecessors ban on state employees taking cash, travel, or other gifts from lawyers and others representatives seeking state contracts for their clients.

But earlier this month, Shapiro named Gregory C. Thall, a longtime government official who now works as a lobbyist, as chairman of the $35 billion-asset State Employees Retirement System (SERS) pension plan. Thalls clients include a money management firm that handles millions in state pension money.

Thall previously served as former Gov. Tom Wolfs last budget secretary, capping 15 years of state government service, including a stint as aide to Sen. Vincent Hughes (D., Phila.), a longtime SERS trustee. Wolf first named Thall to the SERS board in 2019.

After Wolf left office, Thall joined GSL Public Strategies Group, a lobbying and government affairs affiliate of the Reading-based Stevens & Lee law firm, whose partners and affiliated firms pursue a variety of state-related legal and advisory business. GSL has hired a number of former Wolf appointees, including GSLs managing director, Mike Brunelle, who formerly served as Wolfs chief of staff. At least five other former senior staffers for Wolf, a Democrat, also serve the firm, alongside prominent Republicans who previously worked in state government.

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After registering as a lobbyist, Thall remained on the SERS board, and on Nov. 6, Shapiro named him chairman of the unpaid board of trustees, which oversees pensions for more than 200,000 state workers and retirees. Thall was previously a lobbyist for the Pennsylvania State Education Association, the powerful union representing most suburban and upstate Pennsylvania public school staff.

Thall has a deep knowledge of SERS and is trusted by members of all parties, said Will Simons, a spokesperson for Shapiro. He added that the governor expects Thall or any other board member to recuse from matters where agency lawyers see a conflict.

SERSs investments

As a GSL lobbyist, Thall disclosed a long list of the firms clients that he registered to represent since the start of 2023. They include Lubert-Adler Partners, a Philadelphia firm owned by casino developer, real estate and private equity investment firm founder Ira Lubert and commercial real estate specialist Dean Adler.

Lubert-Adler is one of more than 100 private money managers paid to invest public funds for SERS. From 2004 to 2018, SERS committed $365 million to Lubert-Adler Fund VII and other private-equity and real estate funds started by Lubert and his partners. As a group, Lubert-linked funds are among SERSs largest outside managers. Lubert-Adlers best-known investments include a longtime position in Albertsons, owner of Acme Markets and other supermarket chains.

Of the $365 million already invested, SERS has so far gotten back around $250 million, according to SERSs last annual report; it hopes to get back the rest, plus many millions in net profits, in future years.

SERS paid those funds fees totaling more than $8 million for the last three years  not including a share of profits the funds keep for themselves, which can total many times the reported fees. Those funds profit sharing, also called carried interest, is redacted from SERS yearly public expense reports. The PSERS school pension reports show that agency has paid Lubert-related funds over $250 million in fees and profit sharing since the early 2000s.

Other clients listed by the new SERS chairman include Sunoco Pipeline LP and its owners, including Energy Transfer Partners; large public companies whose shares are owned by SERS, including units of Johnson & Johnson, Google, and warehouse giant Prologis; units of the Laborers and Steamfitters unions; Temple University, University of Pittsburgh, and Wills Eye hospitals; and state-subsidized private businesses such as Jeffrey Rotwitts Sun Center Studios Corp.

At first view, this looks like a very clear-cut and straightforward conflict of interest, said Philip Hensley-Robin, executive director of Common Cause Pennsylvania, a public-interest advocacy group. Id be interested to find out what the chairmans plan is regarding recusal [from discussions that could impact his clients] and how he can carry out these jobs.

Thall is expected to recuse himself as needed, following pension board policy, said Uri Monson, a SERS trustee who is Shapiros budget director and was also the governors chief financial officer when Shapiro was Montgomery Countys top elected official a decade ago.

Monson noted that the SERS chairman is barred from serving on the board committee that recommends investments, though the chair still gets a vote on final passage.

I dont have concerns, Monson said.

Shapiros appointments

The governor appoints the majority of SERSs 11 trustees. Shapiro aides hope the system will work closely with the administration and legislators, avoiding the squabbles that divided trustees of the larger PSERS school pension system in recent years. (In contrast with SERS, the governor appoints only three of 15 PSERS trustees, and the chair sits on the investment committee.)

Shapiro was unable to get support from state Senate leaders for some of his original SERS board candidates, including Wendell Young, head of 40,000-member UFCW Local 1776, which includes state liquor store employees. Young has sparred with Republican leaders over outsourcing liquor work.

The state Senate confirmed two of Shapiros choices: J. David Henderson, executive director of the AFSCME Council 13 state workers union group, along with insurance broker Donald E. Enders Jr.

In 2013, Shapiro and Monson organized the ouster of Montgomery Countys Wall Street pension managers and put most of its retirement money into Malvern-based Vanguard Groups low-fee index funds, tying performance more closely to market averages.

Shapiro aides have said the governor doesnt plan such a sweeping overhaul at SERS, which has already moved away from its former heavier reliance on private investments. SERS still makes billions in private investments, recently totaling nearly a quarter of its assets, compared to almost one-third in U.S. stocks, one-fifth in foreign stocks, and the rest mostly in bonds.

Lubert-Adler staff said the firm hired Stevens & Lee for government-related work over many years and has been represented by GSL people, including Thall, in recent years as it grew into a lobbying and government-relations operation.

SERS officials pointed to the pensions financial disclosure policy, which says that a trustee may decide the best course of action is to step aside and announce before the end of each meeting that they will not debate or vote on business that may affect them personally if it could create a potential conflict of interest.

In state-mandated disclosures, Thall listed no personal investments. SERS officials said Thall would be unavailable for comment before his first meeting as chairman in December.
Darryl Warren attacked two commuters at a bus loop outside of the 69th Street Terminal in Upper Darby, police said. Read more

A man wanted for a September murder in Overbrook who attacked two people at SEPTAs 69th Street Terminal last week has been charged with attempted murder, authorities said Tuesday.

Darryl Warren, 48, of Powelton, tried to shoot one of his victims at the Upper Darby transit station and used the gun as a bludgeon when the weapon failed to fire, police said. He has also been charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threats, illegal possession of a weapon, and related offenses in connection with the attacks, which took place Friday, according to police.

He remained in custody Tuesday in lieu of $1 million bail. There was no indication he had hired an attorney.

Upper Darby Police Superintendent Timothy Bernhardt said Warrens attack on commuters was very frustrating, and part of an increased pattern of crime spilling into the suburb from Philadelphia.

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As a police chief, how do you tackle that? asked Bernhardt. Were doing everything we can here as far as patrol being proactive in our community, but were being inundated with people from outside Upper Darby coming here and committing crimes.

 READ MORE: Man shot and killed outside Upper Darby mosque during carjacking

SEPTA Transit Police officers encountered Warren just before 3 p.m. Friday at the busy travel hub, according to the affidavit of probable cause for his arrest.

Multiple people had approached the officers on patrol at the station, to report that a man was standing in a bus loop outside, threatening people with a gun.

When the officers went to investigate, they found one of the victims who had been attacked by Warren. The man told the officers he fought Warren off, and gave them a gun that he said Warren had dropped during the scuffle, the affidavit said.

The gun, a Walther P38 9mm handgun, was loaded, police said.

Not long after, the officers found Warren, who refused to comply with their commands to get on the ground, the affidavit said. After taking Warren into custody, the officers found that he was carrying what they suspected to be PCP, a powerful hallucinogenic.

 READ MORE: Retaliatory shootings at an Upper Darby cemetery have neighbors on edge and police frustrated

The officers later interviewed another victim who had been struck in the back of the head with the gun by Warren. That man told police that as he was walking toward the Route 21 bus, Warren approached him and pointed the gun at the victims head, the affidavit said.

Warren pulled the trigger, the man said, but the gun did not fire. Investigators said Tuesday they were awaiting the results of a ballistics analysis to determine whether the gun malfunctioned or was inoperable. It was also unclear how Warren, who is a felon, was able to obtain the gun.

After the misfire, police said, Warren used the butt of the gun to strike the man in the head before running away. Moments later, Warren attacked another man as he got off the bus and punched him in the neck, unprovoked, according to affidavit.

The second victim fought back, and grabbed the gun when it fell from Warrens waistband, police said.

After Warren was taken into custody, police discovered that there is a warrant for his arrest in connection with a Sept. 28 murder in Overbrook. In that incident, Sedric Talley, 44, was gunned down outside of a home on Euclid Street about 2:30 a.m., according to police.

Talleys mother, Gladys, told The Philadelphia Tribune that he had gone out to celebrate his birthday hours before the shooting, and never made it home.

I never thought violence would touch my family, said Talley told the Tribune, but it happened.
The cost of textbooks and other course materials continues to weigh heavy on many college students budgets and minds. They cant afford them.

These costs have just been getting crazy, said Molly Kennelly, a senior biology major at Temple University who is director of academic affairs for the student government. They have been increasing every year.

 READ MORE: Classes without textbooks? More colleges are giving it a try

Kennelly said she is fortunate to have parents who help her, but many students at Temple are struggling to cover the costs of materials they need for their courses every semester.

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And theyre not alone.

A new study  the first of its kind focusing just on Pennsylvania  shows that of nearly 5,000 students surveyed at 14 colleges, nearly half reported moderate or extreme worry about textbook costs. The average cost per course, the study found, is $90, with more than half of students paying well over $200 a semester for materials that include primarily textbooks, but also literature, art supplies, lab coats, and equipment and other items. Those with a full course load of four credits reported costs of about $360.

About a third of students who responded to the survey this year said they sometimes go without course materials because of costs, according to the survey results report compiled by the California-based Bay View Analytics and released Wednesday.

In a signal of the financial trends impact, 38% of students said they earned poor grades because of lack of access to required materials, while 15% said it caused them to fail a course. About a third said they didnt register for a course because of the cost of materials. The study also found that students reporting higher level of concern about costs were: Black, Hispanic, female, those receiving federal Pell grants targeted to lower- income families, and those who had a full-time job off campus.

Students in Pennsylvania worry more about course material costs than their counterparts nationally and are less likely to be able to cover the tab with their financial aid, the report said, citing the results of a comparison survey of 500 students nationally.

The rising cost of course materials

The report was prepared at the request of About Affordable Learning, a statewide initiative led by libraries aimed at helping to reduce the cost of educational materials, and Partnership for Academic Library Collaboration and Innovation, a nonprofit with more than 70 academic and research libraries among its members.

 READ MORE: Temple raises tuition more than 4% for Pennsylvania and out-of-state residents

Besides Temple, other local colleges where students were surveyed include Community College of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania State University, and Widener University. Several colleges in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education also had student participants as well as some private colleges outside the region.

We wanted to do something that we thought would have major impact across the state to bring attention to students and the cost of course materials, said Steven J. Bell, associate university librarian at Temple University Libraries. We think this is something that can be tackled without a huge investment of state funds.

More professors need support in developing and using open educational resources as their required course materials, he said. Students can access those for free.

 READ MORE: Penn raises tuition, other costs 4%, while expanding full financial aid to more families

An effort has been underway at Temple since 2011 to move away from the use of traditional  and often expensive print textbooks  in favor of openly licensed and vetted materials that are free to students. The effort as of 2019, had gotten buy-in from nearly 90 of the universitys then 3,850 full- and part-time professors and saved students $1 million.

Nationally, as more students, faculty and universities focus on course material costs and major textbook companies face competition, costs have gotten slightly cheaper, said Julia Seaman, who coauthored the report with her father, Jeff.

Just because its slightly cheaper, doesnt mean its affordable, she said.

What is Temple doing to address the high cost of textbooks?

Temple Student Government this fall passed a resolution calling on the university administration to support the expansion of funding and infrastructure for the promotion of the use of open and affordable learning materials.

The measure also calls on faculty to use open educational resources, library-licensed materials or free, low-cost internet resources whenever possible.

Temple said in a statement that it was ready to work with student government on improving access to course materials for students.

We know that one barrier for students is the increasing costs of higher education, which include course materials like textbooks, the school said. These costs continue to adversely impact Temple students and families, and in recent years, the university has taken steps to assist students with rising textbook costs.

The school in 2019 established a task force, which continues its work today, to provide guidance to faculty on how to better use open course materials when they are available. The school also has launched the Textbook Affordability Project, which provides grants to faculty ranging from $500 to $1,500 to encourage their use of open textbooks, the use of free materials available through the library system, or the creation of their own materials.

Kennelly, the Temple student, has watched classmates struggle.

It hits a lot of STEM students very hard, she said. We have textbooks. Then we have lab materials. We need our lab coats. We need our goggles. We need to buy manuals every year. Its a lot.

But its not just STEM students, she said. One of her friends, who is a marketing major, actually pays more than she does, she said.

The majority of students surveyed statewide were full-time undergraduates, taking at least four courses per semester. Among their majors were: health, business, education, psychology, and STEM fields.

While most students got financial aid, only 13% said the aid covered more than half of their course materials, the report said.

Almost all students surveyed reported they tried ways to reduce costs, including buying a used copy, finding a free version online, sharing materials with a classmate, renting a copy, buying only chapters needed or using earlier editions.
The Pennridge School District has failed to protect students from race and sex-based harassment, a new federal complaint says. Read more

The Pennridge School District has failed to protect children of color and LGBTQ students from harassment, and policies rescinding diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, banning Pride flags and restricting which restrooms transgender people can use have only worsened the discrimination, a federal complaint says.

The complaint, filed Wednesday by the Education Law Center and the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law Schools Advocacy for Racial and Civil Justice Clinic, asks the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights to order the Bucks County district to take a series of actions.

Those include establishing an equity team, providing a culturally responsive curriculum, and making books with themes on gender and sexuality available to students. The filing also asks the district to expressly prohibit the use of racial slurs  described by the complaint as pervasive in the Pennridge district, which is more than 80% white.

There were really horrific instances of Black students being called the N-word repeatedly, LGBTQ students being told things like lesbians should die, Cara McClellan, the Penn clinics director, said in an interview Wednesday.

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Parents initially approached the clinic with those stories, McClellan said. But as we learned more about the policies the district had enacted in recent years, it became clear the policies actually exacerbate what students were experiencing, she said.

The school district did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Pennridge has about 6,500 students from several towns in Upper Bucks County in 11 schools.

The Pennridge school board  which has been led by Republicans and disbanded its equity initiative in 2021 as conservatives accused the district of teaching critical race theory  will change hands in December following a Democratic sweep of the districts school board races earlier this month.

Annamarie Hufford-Bucklin, certified legal intern with the Penn clinic, said that the new board could make changes but that, given how long the harassment has persisted, a deeper redress was warranted.

This is really students and parents saying, Enough is enough, Hufford-Bucklin said.

Some of the allegations against Pennridge Schools

The complaint was filed on behalf of the NAACP of Bucks County and the Pair Up Society, a local group supporting underrepresented students, as well as four students and a teacher. Their names are redacted from the 77-page complaint, but their experiences, dating to 2018, are detailed.

In one instance, a Black and Latinx 10th grader confronted a white student who had called him the racist term in a video circulating on Snapchat, then told him: Youre not going to do nothing about it, little boy, according to the complaint. The two got into a fight at school this fall that involved another Black and Latinx student, who had stepped in.

The Black and Latinx students, who told their principal the fight stemmed from the white student using the racist term, were suspended, banned from extracurricular activities, and issued criminal charges, according to the complaint. The white student was also suspended but for less time, McClellan said. The school, meanwhile, never addressed the underlying racism, the complaint says  including previous times the students and their families had reported that other students were harassing them with the racist term.

If the school had intervened or addressed the use of racial slurs, and not put it on students to deal with this on their own, McClellan said, Black students wouldnt be in this position where they start to feel they are not seen as part of the school community, not seen as worthy.

The complaint also describes discrimination against LGBTQ students and teachers, including a recent queer graduate who witnessed students dumping trash on other queer students heads as they tried to use the restroom.

The student didnt feel safe in school and enrolled in online learning, but returned in person for the 2022-23 school year, according to the complaint. But the student felt less safe after the district passed its policy prohibiting staff advocacy  including the classroom display of Pride flags  and requirements that guidance counselors inform parents of a students request to change pronouns.

The complaint also describes a transgender man who taught at Pennridge from 2017 until this fall, who felt isolated and targeted by the districts policies. When the superintendent instructed staff members they couldnt display Pride flags, the teacher worried about displaying a photo of him and his partner.

And when the board earlier this year barred transgender people from using restrooms matching their gender identity, the teacher  who had not openly shared his trans identity  was forced to choose between outing himself to students and co-workers by using the womens room or walking far across the school to access a single-user non-gendered bathroom, according to the complaint. He used the single-user restroom  risking leaving students unsupervised, given the distance from his classroom.

The teacher suffered psychological and severe physical impacts caused by irregular access to bathrooms, according to the complaint, which says he left the district after having a panic attack during teacher conferences ahead of the start of the school year.

Other actions cited in the complaint include curriculum changes  including Pennridges embrace of Hillsdale Colleges 1776 Curriculum  and removals of books that overwhelmingly have themes related to race, gender and sexuality.

The U.S. Department of Education will decide whether to investigate the complaint  a process that has been playing out for more than a year in nearby Central Bucks, where the American Civil Liberties Union last October filed a complaint alleging that the district had created a hostile environment for LGBTQ students.

Not only are Pennridges policies and practices hurting students psychologically and socially, Hufford-Bucklin said, but the climate also is causing students to disengage from school. In interviews, parents said they were considering leaving Pennridge, while some students have switched to online learning.

Its stopping them from obtaining the education thats their right to obtain, she said.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS. The second high-level Armenia-EU Political and Security Dialogue took place on Wednesday in Brussels. The parties have issued a joint press release, the foreign ministry said.

''Building upon the inaugural meeting of the dialogue held in Yerevan this January, the meeting confirmed mutual interest of Armenia and the EU to further enhance political dialogue and cooperation in the areas of foreign, security and defence policy. The EU reiterated its unequivocal support to the sovereignty, territorial integrity (29.800 km2) and inviolability of borders of Armenia and welcomed Armenias readiness for closer cooperation with the European Union.

During the meeting, the parties touched upon the present challenges to the European security architecture. In this regard, the unacceptability of the use, or the threat of use of force, was strongly highlighted.

The parties stressed the absolute necessity of establishing durable peace and stability in the South Caucasus. In this regard the EU expressed support to the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan based on the principles of mutual recognition of territorial integrity and inviolability of borders based on the 1991 Almaty Declaration, border delimitation based on relevant USSR General Staff maps that have been provided to the sides, and the unblocking of regional communications based on respect for the sovereignty and jurisdiction of either country, on the basis of reciprocity and equality. Armenia confirmed its willingness to attend leaders meeting in Brussels facilitated by President of the European Council Charles Michel. The EU welcomed Armenias Crossroads of Peace project concept, as an expression of commitment of the Government of Armenia to the establishment of peace and cooperation in the region and beyond.

Armenia highly appreciated the fast deployment of the EU civilian CSDP mission (EU Mission in Armenia  EUMA) along the internationally recognised border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the support rendered by the EU Member States to it. The Armenian side also welcomed the EUs readiness to involve third countries in the Mission. The parties discussed the possibility of extension of the Mission, as well as non-lethal support to Armenia through the European Peace Facility. The support to Armenia's participation in regional projects such as the Black Sea Underwater Electricity and Internet Cables was reaffirmed.

The parties also touched upon the issues of mass displacement of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh, reaffirming previously stated positions that the rights and security of the Karabakh Armenians including right to return should be ensured.

With regard to the Armenia-Turkiye full normalisation process, both parties expressed hope that agreements reached so far, in particular the opening of land border for the third country citizens and diplomatic passports holders, will be implemented in the earliest possible timeframe.

The participants of the Dialogue also discussed the state of relations with countries in the region, wider geopolitical developments, as well as issues relating to hybrid threats and other security challenges.

The next Armenia-EU Political and Security Dialogue will take place in Yerevan in 2024.

The high-level Political and Security Dialogue was co-chaired by the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia Vahan Kostanyan and Deputy Secretary General/Political Director of the European External Action Service Enrique Mora,'' reads the statement.
Egged on, we searched for great breakfast sandwiches. Today we offer 50 of our favorites. Also this week, we get into the Thanksgiving spirit with dining options, Craig LaBan offers a BYOB find in South Philly and a treasure box for cheese lovers, and  wait? News that a Jewish deli has opened inside a hospital? Can pastrami cure you? Read on.

 Mike Klein

If someone forwarded you this email, thank them profusely and sign up for free here.

Breakfast is both the most important meal of the day and a prime chance for cooks to show off. Heres our round-up of 50 outstanding breakfast sandwiches, from the Main Line to South Jersey. Shown above is the Smokey Sammy from Gregs Kitchen in Manayunk, which tucks two fried eggs, mozzarella, a sausage patty, and a squirt of sriracha on a brioche bun with tots on the side. For one of my personal favorites, I need to head to a Home Depot, believe it or not.

 Eat or drink something tasty in the Philly area? Please share it with all of us.

Thanksgiving is next week?!

 Where are the restaurants open for dine-in on Thanksgiving? Hira Qureshi has the 411.

 How about Thanksgiving to go? Hira offers suggestions there, too, including pastelillos and pasteles.

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 Where to find a fresh turkey? We have options, including kosher and halal birds.

 An award-winning Philly cheesemaker offers a Thanksgiving treasure box for cheese lovers, reports Craig LaBan.

 Barbecue as a Friendsgiving event is the idea Saturday at Wissahickon Brewing Co., collaborating with Dekes BBQ on a $30pp AYCE dinner (4-8 p.m.) of BBQ turkey, all the trimmings, and a first draft of beer, cider, or kombucha.

 Enjoy a Ghanaian spin on Thanksgiving from chef Nana Wilmont (shown above at left with Elyse Parker, center, and Autumn Bey) as she cooks a Friendsgiving pop-up at 6 p.m. Sunday at Sante in South Philadelphia. Wilmon (Love That I Knead Supper Club) starts with her signature bunz bread and grilled Ghana salad with salmon roe, and includes tamarind harissa-glazed ham and suya fried turkey as mains. Sides are yam and collards with smoked turkey jus; charred okra with egusi granola; Jollof rice with goat; and yassa onion and tarragon-herbed stuffing. Dessert is cassava pone. Its $100, drinks included, or $30 for a leftover plate. Details are here.

 Watch your inbox next Tuesday for a special edition of Lets Eat, packed with last-minute Thanksgiving cooking and dining ideas as well as advice on where to entertain your out-of-town guests.

If food has you thinking about seeing a show, check out our latest Two Critics, One Review feature. With support from Visit Philadelphia, Two Critics, One Review is The Inquirers way of giving you two takes on the same show, so you can make the best decision about whether you want to go. This time, we sent columnist Jenice Armstrong and theater critic Rosa Cartagena to Macbeth in Stride, at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre through Sunday. Its a bold take on the Scottish play told through a Black womans lens as she interrogates Lady Macbeth and challenges the Bard, and both Jenice and Rosa say theyll never look at the Scottish play the same way again.

 Restaurant ideas near Broad and Spruce? Right across the street from the theater: the new Loch Bar (an elegant seafooder out of Baltimore), Garces Trading Co. (casual fare inside the Kimmel Center), Volver (fancy setting, also at the Kimmel), and the swellegant Steak 48.

People helping people

Local businesses are fundraising for Palestine. Richies Cafe in North Philadelphia is donating every penny spent on specials (through Saturday) to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for humanitarian aid in Gaza. At Lombard Cafe in Society Hill, proceeds from Saturdays art-show fundraiser with a special limited menu will benefit the Egyptian Red Crescent. At the Bok building in South Philadelphia, Machine Shop and Cuzzys ice cream are participating in a charity raffle through Friday with Minimal Chaos, with all proceeds benefiting Palestine Childrens Relief Foundation. Hat-tip to colleague Hira Qureshi for spotting these.

Spread Bagelry will help raise funds and awareness for Best Buddies, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with a Bagels and Buddies fundraiser on Saturday from 11 a.m.1 p.m. It is part of the grand opening of Spreads Wynnewood store at 50 E. Wynnewood Rd. Ribbon-cutting will be at noon.

Neighbors of Illata, a 24-seat BYOB off South Street near 23rd, may want to keep it a secret. Good luck, says our critic Craig LaBan, who wants to tell EVERYBODY what chef-owner Aaron Randi and his crew are up to.

Soup for you! And heres why its $14.

Things often get heated on Facebook. When a commenter on South Jerseys Audubon Community group complained about the $14 price of the French onion soup at Cafe Le Jardin, chef-owner Richard Todd Cusack replied with class, not sass:

What goes into $14 French onion soup? he wrote. It starts with simmering two stocks for 24 hours. One is a roasted duck stock. The other is a roasted veal stock. (Each takes about 45 minutes to an hour to prepare for the 24-hour simmer beforehand.) A cook must monitor the simmer throughout, skimming off all the fat to concentrate the flavors. While theyre being strained, reduced, and combined, which takes another three hours, youre caramelizing 40 pounds of onions and toasting flour to thicken the broth. Then the flavor builds deeper and richer with the incorporation of three wines and sherry vinegar, to which you add that reduced stock, seasoning, and herbs, and cook that for another two hours. During that time, youll be de-rinding a 30-pound wheel of imported Comte cheese, then shredding it for the soup. Itll take a lot less time to bake the crostini to accompany it, but youre not going to serve that rich soup without fresh bread, are you? Everything comes from somewhere, and the food we serve comes from our hands, which were trained by chefs in a lineage stretching back centuries and continents. Or maybe its not that deep. But its more than sweating some onions over bouillon cubes. And either way, Id love for you to come taste it.

The upshot: hundreds of supportive comments for Cusack, who said reservations doubled and soup sales tripled in the last three weeks. I think I owe her a free soup, said Cusack, who also owns the luxe June BYOB in Collingswood.

Restaurant report

Steaks, Italian food, and nightlife add up to vibe dining, the theme of the sultry SIN Philadelphia, setting its scene with a DJ. It opens Thursday in Northern Liberties with such cocktails as the pistachio martini below and flourishes like the cheese wheel roaming the dining room for tableside cacio e pepe.

The Lucky Wells Ambler location will bow out in late December to make way for Cantina Feliz, relocating from nearby Fort Washington. The decision makes perfect business sense, the owners of both say.

Flight Club, an international darts parlor, will open next summer in Center City and we probably will always call it Fight Club by accident.

Fiore Fine Foods has completed its downsizing and move from South Philly to Kensington. Its now simply called Fiore.

Federal Donuts is tweaking its name as it grows. Next stop: Vegas, baby.

Imminent Philly-area restaurant openings, besides SIN, include Bar Lesieur in Rittenhouse (Wednesday) and Monterey Grill in Mount Laurel (Saturday). Theres a crowded field of newcomers you can read about here.

Briefly noted

Bunny Lyons of Bunnycakes Custom Cake & Cookie Boutique in Berlin (above) is featured on Food Networks Holiday Wars Manufacturing Mishap episode. It premiered Sunday, but itll be replayed at noon Thursday. The setup: Three teams of artists must design a display illustrating a terrible mistake happening at Santas workshop.

Three Philadelphia restaurateurs turn up in the Robb Reports peer-chosen list of 50 Most Powerful People in American Fine Dining. Ellen Yin (Fork, a.kitchen, High Street) is #48, Marc Vetri (Vetri Cucina) is #38, and Stephen Starr (Parc, The Love, etc., etc.) is #20.

Tariq Black Thought Trotter is out with a book called The Upcycled Self: A Memoir on the Art of Becoming Who We Are. While chatting him up, Dan DeLuca asked him for his favorite Philly restaurants. Hes quite a foodie.

Delcos John Chambers made a mobile Irish pub you can rent, writes Stephanie Farr. I stop at Wawas and people come over and say, Can I come see the inside? and they get blown away.

Lentil & Co., a mission-driven, quick-serve Mediterranean restaurant in Ardmore, is sending proceeds from sales of its Cozy Lentil Soup to support Ardmore Food Pantry.

Pop quiz

Royal Tavern, which had been closed since March 2020, reopened last week. What is the signature menu item?

A) stuffed pretzels

B) bacon cheeseburger

C) pork roll

D) crab cake

Find out if you know the answer.

Scoop

Hop Sing Laundromat commissioned a full barrel  144 bottles  of nine-year-old, 120-proof Knob Creek single-barrel bourbon as its house whiskey for the holiday season. Le, as Hop Sings owner is known, added a custom label; the hootchs name means happiness in Japanese.

Ask Mike anything

I heard that a Jewish deli had opened inside a local hospital cafeteria. Any intel?  Bobby B.

Not only is it in a hospital cafeteria, Bobby, but its the cafeteria at St. Mary Medical Center on Langhorne Newtown Road in Langhorne. How interfaith! The Borscht Belt, which opened over the summer in new quarters in Newtown, cut the ribbon on a weekday-only branch there Monday, and the menu includes overstuffed sandwiches and New York bagels and shmear.

 Have a question about food in Philly? E-mail your questions to me at mklein@inquirer.com for a chance to be featured in my newsletter.

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.

Eat well, and be sure to watch for not one but two newsletters next week.
Former nurse RaDonda Vaught, convicted of negligent homicide after a patient's death from a hospital medication error, reacts to victim impact statements during her sentencing in Nashville on May 13, 2022. Read more

Six years ago, a nurse at a Tennessee hospital accidentally gave a patient a powerful muscle-paralyzing drug. The patient stopped breathing and later died.

The nurse, RaDonda Vaught, was convicted of negligent homicide and sentenced last year to three years probation. Criminal charges over medical errors are rare, and the prosecution evoked fear in nurses nationwide. Patient safety advocates argued it sent the wrong message and would deter hospitals from admitting mistakes, which would not protect patients from medication errors.

Four years after Vaughts deadly error, a similar mistake at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Darby, nearly killed patient Didier Epopa and left him with irreversible brain injuries.

 READ MORE: A Philadelphia-area hospital made a terrible mistake, nearly killing a patient and leaving him with a permanent brain injury

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Epopa, 55, recently filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the hospital. His lawyer, Eric Zajac, said the suit is among a growing number of Pennsylvania cases related to serious medication errors that hes filed in recent years.

Zajac noted that the drug errors in his caseload share a common denominator: They are preventable.

The health-care provider, whether its a pharmacist, hospital or doctor, either doesnt have safeguards in place  or, they have them in place, but they arent following them, said Zajac, whose practice, Zajac & Padilla, is based in Ardmore.

Life-and-death drug errors

In both the Tennessee case and Epopas, the errors were made in the use of neuromuscular-blocking drugs, which hospitals classify as high-alert medications because mistakes in their use can cause catastrophic harm or death.

Vaught, then a nurse at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, mistakenly withdrew a vial of the paralytic vecuronium from a computerized medication cabinet. She typed VE into the search function, intending to take out Versed, a sedative to calm the 75-year-old patient who was about to be scanned in an MRI-like machine.

In the Philadelphia-area case, a lawyer for Mercy Fitzgerald revealed in a court filing that a pharmacy intern had mislabeled an IV bag. It was supposed to contain an antiviral but instead contained cisatracurium, a muscle-paralyzer similar to vecuronium.

Hospitals use these paralytics to keep patients still during surgery or to relax the throat when inserting a tube through the windpipe, known as endotracheal intubation. Even then, the drug is typically administered under the supervision of an anesthesiologist.

Cruel air hunger

Cisatracurium has also been at the center of controversy over lethal injections.

In 2018, Nevada prison officials intended to use it as part of a three-drug execution protocol, in conjunction with the sedative midazolam and the synthetic opioid fentanyl, to put a prisoner to death.

The pharmaceutical companies that make the medications sued Nevada because they didnt want their products used in lethal injections.

A state judge ruled against the use of cisatracurium after hearing medical testimony that it could cause agonizing air hunger in fully alert prisoners  a violation of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishments.

Nevadas cisatracurium supply expired in 2019. About a year later, as part of a legal settlement with the drug manufacturers, the state relinquished its unused cisatracurium and the other two medications.

Flawed systems fail patients

High-alert medications should come preformulated whenever possible, not in a powder or small vial that a hospital pharmacist needs to dilute and mix with saline in an IV bag. This is the recommendation of ECRI, a Plymouth Meeting-based national nonprofit that focuses on patient safety.

In addition, hospitals should update computerized medication cabinets so practitioners must type in five letters instead of two or three to avoid retrieving medications that look and sound alike, according to ECRIs recommendations.

Vaught, who lost her nurses license and job in Tennessee, admitted her mistake. She told state authorities that she got distracted by a trainee while operating the automated drug dispenser and had become complacent in her job.

But she said the fault was not hers alone. The system failed, too.

During an interview with an investigator, Vaught said, Ultimately, I cant change what happened.  The best I can hope for is that something will come of this, so a mistake like that cant be made again.

ECRI president and CEO Marcus Schabacker agrees that system failures, not individuals, are at the root of medication errors.

This is not about catching someone doing something wrong, Schabacker said. This is about understanding why a miss or near miss happens and then putting things in place to avoid a similar mistake.

Schabacker noted that there hasnt been a deadly accident in commercial air-safety traffic in the United States since 2009. Yet, each year, about 100,000 patients die of preventable medical errors in America. Like commercial aviation, health-care institutions should scrutinize not only errors, but near errors, as well, so safety gaps can be closed tight, he said.

An anesthesiologist and intensive care specialist, Schabacker said hospitals must employ additional safeguards for cisatracurium and other high-alert medications, including limiting access and double verification by two qualified practitioners prior to dispensing and administering. Hospitals also need mechanisms to ensure that those policies are strictly followed.

Hospital administrators who want to prevent errors must set the tone and atmosphere for staffers to come forward and report instances in which a mistake occurred or nearly did, without fear of blame or discipline.

Until that happens, medical errors, particularly those related to medications, will continue, Schabacker said.

We, as a medical profession, have just become too complacent, he said.
Across two days on the stand, a key government witness in the federal embezzlement trial of John Dougherty has testified that the former labor leader and his family received years of free home repair work worth thousands of dollars because his union footed the bills.

But as defense lawyers got their first crack at contractor Anthony Massa on Tuesday, they came ready to perform some demolition work of their own.

Piece by piece, lawyers for Dougherty and his codefendant  Brian Burrows, former president of Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers  attacked Massas story, seeking to discredit him as a fraudster and a liar in front of the jury that will ultimately render a verdict in the case.

Dougherty, the ex-union leaders lawyer Greg Pagano insisted, had no idea Massa was billing the union for work done on the private residences. Massa, Pagano maintained, had never bothered to tell him.

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You never told Mr. Dougherty about any of the bills, he said, because he presumed you were doing that work for free.

Lawyers for Burrows, meanwhile, accused Massa of lying  agreeing to go along with prosecutors version of events in hopes of sparing himself a lengthy prison term after pleading guilty to his own charges in the case.

You are still a liar, are you not? Burrows lawyer Thomas A. Bergstrom challenged him.

 READ MORE: As it happened: Contractor testifies about free work done on personal properties of John Dougherty and brother Pa. Supreme Court justice Kevin Dougherty

But throughout it all, the mild-mannered, 69-year-old carpenter  who has been escorted into court each day in a wheelchair pushed by an FBI agent  stood firm.

Im telling you, Massa insisted at one point during that defense barrage. Anything that was done at Mr. Doughertys house, I was told by Brian Burrows to go through [the union].

Still, he nervously acknowledged under questioning from the government: I hope Im not going to jail.

The contractors testimony  which has played out during the second week of the ex-union officials trial  is central to the governments case that Dougherty, Burrows and other union members stole more than $600,000 of Local 98s money and used it to enrich themselves and their families.

Massa, who was initially charged alongside them with conspiring to defraud Local 98, pleaded guilty in 2020 and is the only one of the five codefendants also indicted to agree to testify against the others.

And as prosecutors told it, the contracting work his company performed on the personal residences of Burrows, Dougherty, and Doughertys family between 2010 and 2016 was by far the largest expense paid for with Local 98 money.

 READ MORE: Johnny Doc's trial: Day-by-day recap

In 2010, for instance, Massas firm carried out a complete remodel of Burrows primary bathroom and installed a walk-in closet at the union leaders Mount Laurel home.

The total cost of that work, according to Massa: more than $30,000.

He said Burrows told him to hide the charge for that job in a $50,000 invoice he sent Local 98 that year for work on other projects.

Massa said he also performed more than $35,000 of work at Doughertys home on Moyamensing Avenue in Pennsport  jobs that included leak repair, mold remediation, and drywall installation between 2010 and 2016.

Never once, the contractor told the jury, did Dougherty ever ask how much he owed.

In addition, Massas company oversaw renovations at homes owned by Doughertys father, John Sr.; daughter, Erin; sister, Maureen Fiocca; and brother, Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty  all of which were eventually paid for by Local 98.

 READ MORE: Pa. Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty received free home repairs paid for by brothers union, witness says at trial

He maintained hed been instructed by Burrows to hide the cost of all of that work by padding invoices he sent to Local 98 for other jobs he was simultaneously doing for the union.

Brian Burrows was the guy who told me what to do, the contractor said.

But during his cross-examination of Massa, Pagano sought to put distance between Dougherty and those instructions from Burrows. Again and again, the defense lawyer insisted that Dougherty had no idea where the contractor was sending his bills.

In Doughertys mind, Pagano said, Massa was performing the work for free as a token of gratitude for the $1.8 million in work Doughertys union had steered his way during the period covered by the indictment.

In 2016 alone, Massa estimated, work connected to the union accounted for nearly 90% of his companys revenue.

As for why he never wondered why Dougherty never asked him for a bill for the work done on his Pennsport home, the contractor replied: I cant answer that.

 READ MORE: Johnny Doc is accused of spending thousands on his friends and family with Local 98 money. Heres what prosecutors say he bought.

Meanwhile, Burrows attorney, Bergstrom, challenged Massas account of the 2010 bathroom remodeling job.

It wasnt the union that paid for that work, the defense lawyer said. Burrows and his wife had cut Massa a $3,225 check.

But Massa shot back, contending that Burrows had instructed him to send that separate, minimal invoice. He said earlier that he was told to defer the additional tens of thousands of dollars the job had actually cost until his next invoice to Local 98.

I didnt do this on my own, the contractor said. I was instructed to do it this way.

Despite his calm demeanor during much of his testimony, Massa at times showed flashes of exasperation  especially as Bergstrom noted that he had at first lied to the FBI when confronted about his fraudulent billing in 2016.

In an audio recording of that interview with agents, Massa initially told them that he agreed to conduct the work for Burrows, Dougherty, and Doughertys relatives for free.

I do a lot of work for 98, he said on the tape played for jurors Tuesday. I didnt think it was a crime.

As for Dougherty, Massa added: He does more for people that anybody even knows. I just admire the man  his foresight. Hes just a tremendous person.
John Dougherty (left), then the business manager of Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, congratulates his brother, Kevin Dougherty (right) on his 2015 election to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court at The Palm restaurant in Center City as their father, John Doughterty Sr., center, looks on. Read more

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty received $7,500 of free home repairs paid for by the union his brother, John Dougherty, led for nearly 30 years, a witness in the former labor leaders trial testified Tuesday.

That witness  general contractor Anthony Massa, the only one of John Doughertys codefendants to agree to testify against him  told a federal jury he oversaw drywall and painting work completed over seven days in 2011 at Kevin Doughertys Northeast Philadelphia home.

But when it came time to settle up accounts, he said, he billed Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for the job.

 READ MORE: As it happened: Union contractor testifies about free work done on personal properties, including John Doughertys Supreme Court justice brothers

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The justice did not immediately respond to requests for comment. But through an attorney, he has insisted Massas story isnt true. Prosecutors have not charged him with a crime and did not initially name him in their indictment of his brother, referring to him instead as Family Member No. 4.

Anyone who knows Justice Dougherty understands his integrity, his attorney, Courtney Saleski, said in a statement. Tony Massas testimony is inconsistent and not worthy of belief.

The justice is by far the most prominent figure alleged to have benefitted from what prosecutors describe John Doughertys free spending of his unions money.

 READ MORE: Johnny Doc is accused of spending thousands on his friends and family with Local 98 money. Heres what prosecutors say he bought.

Local 98s support and financial backing helped propel Kevin Dougherty, 61, onto the state high court in 2015. His victory was seen as the crowning achievement of the electoral machine that John Dougherty, widely known as Johnny Doc, built during his time at the helm of the union.

John Dougherty, 63, is currently on trial in federal court in Philadelphia, accused of embezzling, along with other union leaders and allies, more than $600,000 from Local 98 between 2010 and 2016  much of it in the form of home repairs they received that were unwittingly paid for by the union.

Massa testified this week that he was instructed by Local 98s then-president Brian Burrows to hide the cost of that work in invoices he sent for other jobs he was simultaneously performing on union-owned buildings.

 READ MORE: Local 98s ex-president secretly billed the union for $65,000 in repairs on his home, other properties, witness says

In addition to work he did at Kevin and John Doughertys homes, Massa said, he billed the union for jobs at houses owned by the Dougherty brothers father, John Sr.; sister, Maureen Fiocca; and John Doughertys daughter, Erin.

At the time Massa was performing much of that work, Kevin Dougherty had yet to be elected to the Supreme Court. He was serving as a judge on the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia when Massa was hired for the repair job at his home in November 2011. He did not report receiving free construction work on his annual financial disclosure forms at the time.

Despite Massas testimony Tuesday, Saleski, the justices attorney, said Kevin Dougherty always paid [Massas company] for its services at his home  an assertion his brothers attorney seized upon in court.

Cross-examining the contractor Tuesday, defense lawyer Greg Pagano insisted that Kevin Doughertys wife had paid Massa at the time in cash. But the contractor insisted she had not.

Either way, Massa agreed, hed never told Kevin Dougherty he was billing Local 98.

In testimony the next day, the contractor acknowledged he did eventually receive a check from Kevin Dougherty ostensibly as payment for the repairs. But, he said, it didnt arrive until 2016 -- five years after the job had been completed and following a series of FBI raids that year that revealed agents were investigating John Dougherty for misusing union funds.

Saleski, the justices lawyer balked at that assertion in a statement she sent to The Inquirer hours after Massa had left the witness stand Wednesday.

One day Judge Dougherty allegedly failed to pay for ... minor repairs, she said. Then, the next day he states Justice Dougherty paid for the work five years later. The only consistency in his testimony is spewing falsehoods attempting to tarnish others.

In addition to the home repairs, prosecutors say, Kevin Dougherty accepted free snow removal services paid for by Local 98 in 2016, after hed been elected to the Supreme Court.

Saleski has also disputed that account, saying he had no reason to know who shoveled the snow outside of his house on the day mentioned in his brothers indictment.

The justice and his neighbors, she said, shovel their own snow.

Editors Note: This story, first published on Nov. 14, has been updated to reflect additional testimony from Massa on Nov. 15 and a new statement from Saleski also sent that day.
FILE: Kim Ward, president pro tempore of the Pennsylvania Senate, talks with her chief of staff Rob Ritson in her office Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, before heading out to preside over the swearing-in of Lt. Gov. Austin Davis in the Senate chambers. Read more

HARRISBURG  A bipartisan group of female state senators unveiled a package of legislation Tuesday aimed at combating sexual harassment in Pennsylvanias capitol, following several high-profile allegations made against top officials this year, including a state representative and a top aide to the governor.

President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R., Westmoreland) announced Tuesday that she and Sen. Maria Collett (D., Montgomery) will soon introduce legislation to require outside investigations for sexual harassment complaints filed against someone working in a branch of state government. Another bill, sponsored by two other female Republican senators, would require the state to publicize all taxpayer-funded settlements reached for sexual harassment or misconduct claims.

The senators said the legislation is intended to increase accountability and transparency, and more anti-harassment legislation is expected to be announced Wednesday by a group of House Republican women. The proposals are significant for Pennsylvania, which has been slow to make reforms to address sexual harassment.

But the bills will not address some of the biggest priorities among victim advocates, such as limiting non-disclosure agreements, extending statutes of limitations, or expanding requirements for anti-harassment policies in private businesses. And some female Democratic senators have pushed for Ward, the Senates top lawmaker, to make stronger rules protecting people who are sexually harassed by lawmakers  as the state House did earlier this year.

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Ward and Collett are drafting the legislation in reaction to a recent scandal in Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiros administration, in which his office quietly settled a sexual harassment complaint against a top aide for $295,000.

A staffer in March accused Mike Vereb, Shapiros longtime ally and then-legislative affairs secretary, of sexually harassing her. She later quit due to perceived retaliation, according to a complaint filed in June. The governors office said they followed a robust internal investigation procedure, though Vereb remained in his position until late September, three weeks after the administration reached a settlement agreement with his accuser. The Inquirer reported on the accusations following his resignation, and the settlement details were released weeks later through the states open records law.

One of the bills, announced Tuesday by Sens. Tracy Pennyciuck (R., Berks) and Kristin Phillips-Hill (R., York), would require the release of settlements without the need for an open-records request while still protecting the privacy of the accuser and the details of the settlement.

The four senators havent yet formally introduced their bills, but announced their plans Tuesday and are seeking more cosponsors. Their announcement came as the National Womens Defense League, which consulted on the proposed legislation, released a report on sexual harassment in state governments across the country.

We cant really stop all of the sexual harassment, but we can have the proper procedures in place to protect the victims and make sure that the correct remedies are enacted. And I think the latest event really screamed that, Ward said. You cant have internally, in your department, evaluate a situation with their peers. Its very, very difficult.

Shapiro, who has often clashed with Ward, has defended his administrations handling of the accusations against Vereb.

You owe it to a victim to make sure that you have a confidential process, you have a rigorous process thats grounded in integrity, to ensure that their voice can be heard and to ensure that appropriate outcomes are brought about, Shapiro said at an Oct. 5 news conference. And we are committed to doing that and do it in our administration.

Manuel Bonder, Shapiros press secretary, said in a statement Tuesday that Shapiro supports efforts to require all branches of government to use independent processes, like the one the administration says it already follows.

We will continue following a thorough, independent process  and we are encouraged that legislators, given the long history in the General Assembly, are taking action to finally include themselves in that accountability, Bonder added.

Ward said its possible the Senate will hold hearings to examine the proposals more deeply.

Im hopeful that the governors administration will embrace these changes and say, This gives us a roadmap, Collett said. This gives everyone, not just the governor, a roadmap for how someone who claims to have been mistreated, how their claims should be treated, and then on the other side of that, how they should be treated in the aftermath of those claims and allegations.

The state of #MeToo across the country

The report released Tuesday by the National Womens Defense League, a nonprofit seeking to bring awareness to sexual harassment in government, cited more than 359 incidents of at least 130 state elected officials publicly accused of sexual harassment since 2013. It does not include issues with non-elected officials, such as Vereb, and the report claims that these public accusations are likely just a fraction of all actual instances of sexual harassment.

Five former male lawmakers from Pennsylvania  three Democrats and two Republicans  were included in the report. The most recent instance occurred earlier this year, when a lobbyist accused former Rep. Mike Zabel (D., Delaware) of sexually harassing her. Zabel initially said he would not resign, but eventually decided to do so after a state representative came forward with her alleged experience of sexual harassment by Zabel.

Approximately 60% of lawmakers publicly accused attempted to stay in office, according to the National Womens Defense League report.

Both Phillips-Hill and Ward said that while they had not personally experienced sexual harassment while working in state government, they want to add safeguards for young women.

Im currently 57, but I was once a young woman in the workforce, Phillips-Hill said. I think we all have stories. I am looking at those bright, talented young women who have so much to contribute to our state, our state government and to our commonwealth. This is not the type of environment that we want to perpetuate here in Pennsylvania.

Collett was interviewed as part of a Senate investigation into former State Sen. Daylin Leach in 2019, after she and another senator accused him of demeaning behavior and bullying. But in part because elected officials are not considered employees under federal antidiscrimination law, their allegations could not form the basis for a sexual-harassment claim, investigators said.

When I first entered the legislature, Im not gonna lie, I was naive, Collett said. There was no standard, there was no opportunity to hold that member accountable. There wasnt even an opportunity, other than his benevolence, to say Will you make a public apology for this thing? And thats really devastating. Its inappropriate, unfair, and unacceptable, frankly.

Since the #MeToo movement six years ago that shook industries and state legislatures alike, 25 states and Washington, D.C. have approved more than 80 workplace harassment laws, according to the National Womens Law Center. Pennsylvania is not one of them.

Collett said she will sponsor the bill with the top Republican senator because they could make meaningful change in the chamber.

We cannot have an investigation that is colored by loyalty or a sense of responsibility toward one party or the other, she said.

Political battles

Wards introduction of the legislation and her criticism of Shapiros handling of the harassment complaint against Vereb marks the latest disagreement between her and the governor. Ward and Shapiro have been at odds for months, since a budget breakdown over private-school vouchers. The two still have not spoken, six months later.

The relationship between the two top leaders continued to sour after Verebs resignation. Ward called on Shapiro to release the details of a settlement immediately.

When asked about her reaction, Shapiro told reporters to consider the source when talking about sexual harassment, alluding to the state Senates failure to pass a statute of limitations window for childhood sexual abuse victims to sue their abusers and the institutions that protected them.

Some politicos found Shapiros comments to be dismissive of womens concerns, while many Democrats came to Shapiros defense and urged their Republican colleagues to take action for childhood sexual abuse victims if this topic is really a top priority for them.

Wards office also had mugs made with the consider the source tagline.
A Montgomery County township cannot bar police and municipal employees from displaying the thin blue line flag, a federal judge ruled this week.

The ruling comes after Pennsylvanias largest police union filed a lawsuit in January, alleging that leaders in Springfield Township had violated the Constitution by banning the flag.

Adopted by some police departments and their supporters after 2020s mass protests over police brutality, the flag depicts a black-and-white American flag with one blue stripe, and has been tied to the Blue Lives Matter slogan used by supporters of law enforcement.

We are elated with the ruling, said Wally Zimolong, a lawyer representing the police officers. It is a complete vindication of our clients claims. We are incredibly proud to represent them and commend them for their courage in pursuing their claims. It is a resounding victory for the First Amendment, free speech, and law enforcement. "

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Springfield Township officials banned its employees from displaying the flag on township property in January, saying that the flag had become central to tensions between marginalized communities and law enforcement, and adding that it had been adopted by white nationalists since its introduction.

A message left with Springfield Townships manager was not immediately returned.

Tensions began when the Springfield Township Police Department incorporated the thin blue line flag into its official logo in 2021.

District Judge Karen Marston wrote in Mondays ruling that the Springfields ban was an unconstitutional restriction on employee speech under the First Amendment, which protects speech even when it is considered offensive.

Lawyers representing the Springfield Township Police Benevolent Association and the statewide union said in their lawsuit that the flag was a show of support and solidarity, as well as the preservation of the rule of law, the protection of peace and freedom, the sacrifice of fallen law enforcement officers and the dedication of law enforcement officers.

Springfield officers displayed variations of the flag on pins, clothing, bumper stickers, and other personal items  even on rubber replacement wedding rings, according to the lawsuit. They also displayed the flag at department events, which took place on township property.

That led Springfield Township to file a cease-and-desist order against the union in October 2022, writing in a letter that community members  including the townships first Black commissioner  had expressed deep discontent and distrust over the departments use of the flag, and adding that it had come to represent systematic oppression of minority communities and discriminatory police practices.

But the court found no evidence that the flags display had disrupted the workplace in Springfield, according to the ruling, and Marston disputed the breadth of the concerns that township leaders had alluded to.

A handful of complaints does not transform the Townships concerns of widespread discord from the conjectural to the real, Marston wrote.

After talks between the township and the police union over dropping the flag failed last fall, Springfields commissioners voted, 5-2, to ban the flags display by any township employee who was on duty, as well as on township property and vehicles.
People protest during a rally calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas on Monday outside the Philadelphia office of Sen. John Fetterman. Read more

Nearly six weeks into the Israel-Hamas war, protests continue to sweep through the streets and college campuses in Philadelphia as tensions remain high over the ongoing bloodshed in the Gaza Strip.

Recent actions have been dominated by calls for a cease-fire, with pressure aimed at elected officials and major institutions to demand an end to Israels military siege. More than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed since the Oct. 7 terrorist attack that left more than 1,200 Israelis dead, according to Gazas Health Ministry.

While pro-Israel rallies have been less abundant locally in recent weeks, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia bussed protesters to Washington on Tuesday, where they joined thousands at the National Mall for the March for Israel. Demonstrators aired support Israels military offensive, condemned antisemitism, and demanded the release of Israeli hostages by Hamas.

U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, whose Philadelphia office has been the scene of protests, was spotted at the rally, an Israeli flag draped down his back.

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Heres a look at some of the recent rallies around Philadelphia.

Penn students launch Freedom School for Palestine

A group of graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Pennsylvania on Tuesday announced the formation of the Freedom School for Palestine, an initiative that organizers said would serve as a meeting place for pro-Palestinian students and a candid discussions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Flanked by some faculty and alumni, students staked out a corner of Houston Hall, held up banners that criticized Penns response to the war, and said they planned to stay put into the evening to commemorate the new club.

The goals are threefold: Urge Penn leaders to back calls for a ceasefire, protect freedom of speech on campus, and expand critical academic studies of Palestinian issues.

Miranda Sklaroff, a graduate student who is Jewish, said the campus has been tense and reiterated frustrations over what some students believe has been a lack of support for Palestinian students and those who sympathize with the cause.

The call for a ceasefire is not radical, Sklaroff said, and it has felt very scary and alone on campus to be critical of what Israel is doing.

During a walkout protest last month, Penn students aired frustration at what they criticized as a biased administrative response in support of Israel. Sklaroff pointed to how the administration described pro-Palestinian messages projected onto campus buildings last week as antisemitic and vile.

I felt like the administration has really been trying to tamp down on freedom of expression at Penn, really making it clear that they think that certain things are forbidden or antisemitic when in fact they are not, Sklaroff said.

The new group scheduled language workshops, history lessons, and poetry readings through Tuesday evening at their location in Houston Hall.

Meanwhile, Penn faces a federal complaint filed by the Brandeis Center, a Jewish civil rights advocacy group, alleging that the school has failed to root out antisemitism on campus and fostered an increasingly hostile environment for Jewish students.

The complaint cited disruptive protests, the recent theft of an Israeli flag from a students house, and the universitys handling of the Palestine Writes festival on campus in September, a cultural event that some criticized for including speakers with a history of making antisemitic remarks.

Protesters target Fetterman again

Activists continued to pressure Fetterman, who has been a staunch defender of Israels military siege and rebuffed repeated calls for a cease-fire.

Teddy bears, flowers, and tea-light candles were carefully placed outside of the Pennsylvania Democrats Old City office Monday afternoon to memorialize the dead in Gaza. The war has now killed one out of every 200 residents of the blockaded territory, according to a Washington Post analysis, including more than 4,600 children.

The American Friends Service Committee, a Philly-based organization that says it has worked in Gaza since 1949, said the memorial was part of a national day of action by the group, which also demanded Congress stop military funding to Israel.

As dozens of people lined up to drop off their contributions to the memorial, Tala Qaraqe, 20, shared a long, deep hug with a friend. Qaraqe was born in Jerusalem and raised in the West Bank. She said many people she knew in the West Bank were killed in the last month and friends of friends were killed in Gaza.

They have been texting, they have been reaching out for help, said Qaraqe. And no one is responding, no one is doing anything for them.

Qaraqe and a friend  who declined to give her name, citing the tense political climate  said that theyd lost count of the number of actions theyd been to, but that they had no plans of stopping.

Were just going to keep going out to the streets until the representatives hear us, until Biden stops this genocide, said Qaraqe.

Still, Qaraqe and her friend described a sense of despair. Qaraqes friend said her daily calls to Fettermans D.C. office went to voicemail or were hung up on.

Denis Asselin, 75, made the trip from Cheyney in between visits to his new grandchild. A Quaker and member of Westtown Monthly Meeting, Asselin said he wants the government to fund health care and education for future generations instead of funding the military and investing in instruments of hate.

Sometimes you feel so helpless you ask what can I do? he said. Well, I showed up.

Weekend demonstrations and a pro-Israel rally in D.C.

Other demonstrations swept through pockets of the city over the weekend.

On Saturday afternoon, a large crowd gathered near Broad Street and Girard Avenue for a rally that broadly called for an end to U.S. military occupation and intervention in numerous overseas conflicts, from Palestine to Haiti.

Not far from Penns campus in West Philadelphia, hundreds marched along Baltimore on Sunday from Clark Park to Cedar Park in another show of solidarity with the besieged Gaza Strip. It was a billed as a family-friendly protest, and the march leaders carried a massive banner with the words Kids say ceasefire.

Staff photographer Monica Herndon contributed to this article.
Didier Epopa, a 55-year-old Landsdowne resident, came to the United States to flee civil unrest in his home country of Cameroon. He was working at a Philadelphia-area gas station when he got COVID and landed in Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital. A doctor ordered an IV infusion of Remdesivir, commonly used to treat coronavirus. Instead, a hospital staffer scanned the wrong IV medication and gave him Nimbex, a paralytic so strong that it's administered to prisoners in lethal injections. The drug quickly shut down all his muscle function, including his ability to breathe or even blink. Epopa went without oxygen for nearly five minutes. Hospital workers revived him, but he is now unable to speak, walk or communicate. In April, Epopa and his wife filed a notice to sue the hospital in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court. Read more

Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter

Were halfway through the week.

The weather continues to be pretty consistent. Today we should have another day of sunny skies with temps reaching the low 50s.

Our lead story shines a spotlight on medication errors and how pervasive the problem has become.

 Taylor Allen (@TayImanAllen, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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In 2021, Didier Epopa was supposed to get a fifth and final dose of an antiviral drug to treat COVID at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital. Instead, he has given a muscle-paralyzing drug that stopped his ability to breathe after a pharmacy intern mislabeled the IV bag.

The mistake left him with severe brain injuries. Now the 55-year-old Delaware County resident, who studied law in his native Cameroon and enjoyed eight-mile jogs, may never run or work again.

Medication errors are among the nations top 10 causes of patient deaths and permanent harm.

Important numbers: Each year, 7,000 to 9,000 people die from medication errors in the United States, while hundreds of thousands more survive with severe physical and emotional harm. In Pennsylvania last year, 9,741 patients died or suffered serious injury related to unintended medical consequences  an increase of 7.7% statewide from the year prior. Of those, 228 were caused by wrong medication, up from 172 in 2021, state data show.

Keep reading to learn why the problem is this prevalent.

911 call-takers now must ask additional questions of callers about the location of their emergencies.

The change is a direct response to when authorities botched a response to a call that preceded a mass shooting in Kingsessing in July that left four people dead.

Reminder: When police received a 911 call about a shooting on the 1600 block of 56th Street, officers were sent to North 56th Street which was three miles away from the crime scene on South 56th Street. Joseph Wamah had been killed, but his body wasnt discovered until two days later  after the same gunman returned to the street and shot six more people.

Call-takers now ask callers whether there is a directional indicator for the street they are calling about, according to Interim Police Commissioner John M. Stanford. Other improvements like new software systems are also underway.

But according to 911 dispatchers, police brass, and frustrated residents, the problems dont stop there.

Continue reading to get an understanding of why the radio room is in crisis.

What you should know today

 Trivia time

How much are Philadelphians planning to spend on average this holiday season?

Hint: This includes gifts and decorations

A) $2,000

B) $1,978

C) $1,842

D) $850

Think you know? Check your answer.

What were 

 Watching: A former fundraiser for U.S. Rep. George Santos pleaded guilty Tuesday to posing as a congressional aide to raise campaign money.

 Viewing: Wicked actress Olivia Valli transforming into Elphaba. The production runs at the Academy of Music until Nov. 26.

 Unscramble the anagram

Hint: $400 Eagles jacket

ASPIRIN DANCES

Well select a reader at random to shout out here. Email us if you know the answer. Cheers to Marina Rinaldi, who correctly guessed Tuesdays answer: Tinseltown.

Photo of the day

Happy Hump Day. Thanks for starting your day with The Inquirer. Im starting mine with a cup of hot apple cider.  Stay warm out there.
Then-presidential candidate Joe Biden celebrated his victory in the South Carolina primary with his wife, Jill, and U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn in February 2020. The state's Black voters were crucial to Biden's efforts to secure the Democratic nomination. Read more

Does President Joe Biden have a problem with the Black vote? Yes. Is it as dire as suggested by a recent New York Times/Siena College poll of five battleground states that said 22% of Black Americans and 27% of Black men surveyed favored Donald Trump? Probably not.

First of all, the poll of voters in five states shouldnt be mistakenly considered as an accurate assessment of the nations pulse. Also, the fact that these five states (Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania) are described as battlegrounds means they have significant numbers of conservative voters, including conservative African Americans.

The Biden campaign has been quick to point out that the surveys sample of 3,662 likely voters is too small to jump to conclusions. That is particularly so when it comes to the polls paltry 403 Black likely voters. Given the election is still a year away, the poll results are meaningful as an early signpost, but the numbers dont deserve the week of headlines they have received.

Responsible news organizations pledged years ago to stop covering elections like horse races. Yet here they are, nudging readers to pore over the poll numbers instead of paying greater attention to what they are reporting about the presidential candidates actual ability to serve.

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That doesnt mean early polls should be ignored. Many Black voters are dissatisfied with Bidens performance, and having a Black vice president hasnt helped. Kamala Harris may be doing her job as well as any previous vice president, but its a job that rarely garners much recognition, and when the spotlight is placed on her, she usually lacks the charisma to shine.

Its no secret that, given Bidens age, some Democrats who fear he may become incapacitated would like him to dump Harris for someone else. Many Black voters would likely become more enthusiastic about the 2024 ticket if Georgia politician Stacey Abrams, who helped Biden win that red state in 2020, replaced Harris. But maneuvering that would be tricky and is unlikely.

Instead, Biden and Harris must jointly confront the erosion in Black support, indicated by the Times/Siena survey and other polls, before what those early assessments signal becomes reality.

Biden has worked hard to shore up the blue-collar vote that Democrats once took for granted. He became the first U.S. president in history to walk a picket line when he showed up at a Michigan auto plant in September. Trump called it a publicity stunt, something he knows a lot about. But the big three automakers and the United Auto Workers came to an agreement after Bidens visit, which gained him capital with other unions and improved his reelection chances.

Black voters want more than a symbolic gesture. Many believe they got little more than that from Barack Obama. His presidency did benefit African Americans. For example, given our being a disproportionate share of the uninsured, we benefited greatly from the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, as it was disrespectfully dubbed by Republicans. But Black voters crave measures that more explicitly speak to them.

They never got that from Obama, who rarely spoke in terms of race so as not to offend white Americans. Conversely, Biden needs to reassure Black people who have grown weary of voting for Democrats who fall short of their expectations.

Not even the early polls suggest Trump will get a large share of the Black vote, but he wont need to if their turnout is low and a significant number vote for fringe candidates, such as former Harvard and Princeton professor Cornel West.

Republicans are counting on that. Its why legislatures in several GOP-controlled states have frantically passed laws since the last presidential election to make it harder for anyone to vote. Texas, where I now live, has some of the most restrictive voting rules in the nation. Without offering any credible evidence, Republican legislators falsely claim they are fighting voter fraud.

Tougher voting rules dont help, but they wont keep Black voters from voting. African Americans have overcome poll taxes and literacy tests, not to mention incarceration and assassination, to cast their ballots. What they need now is motivation. If Biden and Harris dont provide it, too many may stay home on Election Day rather than vote for either them or Trump.

Even if Biden wins, the Democratic Party cant afford to keep disappointing what is arguably the most important part of its base.

Even if Biden wins, the Democratic Party cant afford to keep disappointing what is arguably the most important part of its base.

Democrats need to remember that African Americans voted Republican, the party of the Great Emancipator, Abraham Lincoln, for decades after the Civil War. They even remained loyal after Republican presidents allowed Reconstruction to fail and the Ku Klux Klan to rise. Only after Franklin D. Roosevelt ended the Great Depression with his New Deal in the 1930s did that begin to change. After Lyndon B. Johnson fulfilled their civil rights goals in the 1960s, most Black Americans became Democrats.

The lesson to be learned from the past 100 years is that Black Americans vote in their best interest, and what the early polls are showing us now is that many havent made up their minds.

Harold Jackson, a winner of the Pulitzer Prize, is a former editorial page editor at The Inquirer.
I attempted suicide on my first day in an isolation unit in a Pennsylvania prison by making a noose out of my T-shirt and tying it to a vent in my cell.

When I informed the guards about my suicidal ideations, they said, Go ahead and kill yourself.

I tried three more times that night.

I had been placed in this isolation unit at a state prison in a remote Western Pennsylvania town. There, I and 40 other men stayed locked in our cells, alone for 22 to 24 hours a day, under lights that were never turned off, with guards banging on our walls to ensure we couldnt sleep. (Sleep deprivation has been condemned by the United Nations, which has called on the United States to ban the practice.)

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The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections states that the unit is intended to house gang members, but I was not a gang member. And the units policies and procedures are kept confidential.

As a result of this secrecy, I had no idea why I was there or when I would leave; instead, it felt like the unit was their way to isolate, abuse, and control us under the guise of safety for an indefinite amount of time.

Mental health experts have shown that solitary confinement has long-lasting and detrimental effects, including higher rates of suicide, depression, and anxiety. Whats more, solitary confinement can be a death sentence: A 2019 study showed that any amount of time in solitary increases someones risk of death by 24% within one year of being released, especially by suicide.

 READ MORE: How solitary confinement changes people | A More Perfect Union

I am 31 years old. Since I was sentenced to prison in 2013, I have spent 10 years in solitary confinement  one-third of my life. I can attest that all of the negative impact of this type of imprisonment is 100% true.

After I arrived in prison, I was diagnosed with anxiety, antisocial personality disorder, depression, and PTSD. I needed competent mental health treatment, but instead, when I reached SCI Fayette, I was sent to solitary confinement  known as the Security Threat Group Management Unit  where, not surprisingly, my mental health issues worsened exponentially. I began behaving in ways familiar to torture victims: I was awake for two to three days at a time, experiencing delusions and hallucinations; I banged my head against the cell walls and cut my wrists and ankles.

It was clear no one knew what was happening. The Security Threat Group Management Unit was so secretive that even other incarcerated people in the prison did not know how we were being treated, much less the outside world.

Over the course of six months, I and some of the other prisoners in solitary  Ronnie Johnson, Kareem Mazyck, Angel Maldonado, Xavier Pagan, and a few others  began trying to communicate. The only way we could communicate was by shouting from cell to cell. Over time, we decided to write a lawsuit to challenge the cruel and unusual punishment we faced in the Security Threat Group Management Unit. We took turns using our limited time outside of solitary to go to the prisons law library, often missing our only opportunity to see sunlight to read case law.

The only way we could communicate was by shouting from cell to cell.

All the while, the conditions were so horrific that many of us attempted suicide. We tried to encourage each other to continue on.

Battling through insomnia and hallucinations, I completed the final draft of our legal argument, painstakingly writing it out by hand until it was 23 pages long. With our legal evidence, the entire lawsuit was 300 pages long. In it, we said that the Security Threat Group Management Units torture and abuse of people with serious mental illness constitutes cruel and unusual punishment, a violation of the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution.

We mailed our handwritten legal argument outside of prison to a friend, Tyree Little, who was also formerly incarcerated. Little filed it with the court in October 2022. We also reached out to law firms experienced in litigating against the Department of Corrections and asked them to support us. Now were being represented by the Abolitionist Law Center, the Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project, and Dechert LLP.

Since we filed our lawsuit, the Department of Corrections has reduced the Security Threat Group Management Unit to less than 10 people  but there are still more than 1,000 people in Pennsylvania prisons suffering in other solitary confinement units.

Take me, for example. While I was transferred out of the Security Threat Group Management Unit in May, Im now in solitary confinement at a different state prison. The site may change, but the torture and abuse of indefinite isolation remain the same.

The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections can end this torturous practice today. And it can do it while saving money: Legislators estimate that we can save nearly $75 million a year if we end solitary confinement.

It can follow the United Nations Nelson Mandela Rules on the treatment of prisoners, which prohibit more than 15 consecutive days in solitary confinement. New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut are all states that have taken the lead in limiting solitary confinement, and a federal bill has been introduced to ban the practice in federal prisons across the nation.

We filed this lawsuit because we needed the torture we were experiencing to end. We had to fight for our freedom. From inside these prison walls, we urge Pennsylvania to cease the assault, torture, and violence on thousands of incarcerated people and end solitary confinement now.

Montana Bell is the lead plaintiff in the suit Bell v. Little and an advocate and organizer to end solitary confinement in Pennsylvania. He has spent 10 years in solitary confinement and 12 years in prison.
On November 13 in London, following the first meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between Armenia and the United Kingdom, a joint statement was adopted. The full text of the statement is presented below.

November 15, 2023, 09:31 Joint statement following the first session of Armenia-United Kingdom strategic dialogue

STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 15 , ARTSAKHPRESS:  The full text of the statement is presented below.

On the occasion of the official visit to London of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, H.E. Mr Ararat Mirzoyan, the inaugural Strategic Dialogue between the United Kingdom and Armenia was held on 13 November 2023.

This Strategic Dialogue was an opportunity to mark the strong cooperation and friendship between our two democracies. With the increase globally in threats to democratic values, human rights, rule of law and the freedoms we strive to protect our citizens, working together on issues of mutual concern it is more important than ever not only to build trade and stability, but also to protect our shared core values. We reaffirmed the aspiration to build our partnership over the coming years.

During the dialogue, the Ministers discussed a range of global and regional issues of mutual concern, and ways in which Armenia and the UK can work together going forward. These included:

Governance and rule of law, where through its programming in Armenia the UK is supporting the digitalisation and streamlining of public services, the improvement of gender equality in the police force, and will soon begin working to support Armenias border management capacities to tackle security and migration issues.

Armenia-UK defence cooperation, which continues to expand with increased numbers of personnel from the Armenian military and Ministry of Defence, and police (MOIA) personnel receiving English Language training instruction, as well as places on UK senior and junior command and leadership courses, and multi-national peace-keeping and mine-awareness packages. Both parties looked forward to the sixth round of Armenia-UK Staff Talks later this month.

Trade and economic ties, notably the recently held Armenia-UK Business Forum in London, where Armenias Minister for the Economy, Vahan Kerobyan and the Minister of State for Regulatory Reform, Earl of Minto welcomed an audience of Armenian and British businesses to discuss the wide range of trade and investment opportunities between our countries.

The Ministers agreed on the absolute necessity of the establishment of peace and stability in the South Caucasus based on the mutual recognition of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders on the basis of the Alma Ata 1991 Declaration, and the opening of regional connectivity links based on full respect of each countries' sovereignty and jurisdiction.

Minister for Europe emphasised the UKs commitment to supporting those affected by the long-running conflict, including through 1 million of funding to the International Committee of the Red Cross announced in September.

Finally, both parties looked forward to continuing to enhance the relationship between Armenia and the UK beyond this inaugural Strategic Dialogue, including through the upcoming visit by the Minister for Europe to Armenia, and through the agreement of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which we collectively hope to conclude in the coming months.
An explosion erupts from an apartment building after a Russian army tank fired on it in Mariupol, Ukraine, in 2022. The image is part of the documentary "20 Days in Mariupol." Read more

Every U.S. legislator who currently opposes continuing aid to Ukraine should be forced to watch 20 Days in Mariupol, a PBS Frontline documentary scheduled to air on Tuesday.

Any American confused about why such aid is crucial for Americas security should watch it, too.

The film is directed by Pulitzer Prize-winning Associated Press video journalist Mstyslav Chernov; he and an AP colleague were the last two Western journalists left in Mariupol after Russia invaded that port city in February 2022. They barely escaped after 20 days of filming Russias pulverization of the city, including direct bomb hits on hospitals.

As Americans fixate on video of Hamas butchery of more than 1,000 Israeli civilians and horrific scenes of Gazans dying from Israeli reprisals, it is easy to forget about Ukraine. But this harrowing film makes clear why Russian President Vladimir Putin is far more threatening to global security than Hamas.

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Directly responsible for slaughtering tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians in Mariupol through indiscriminate bombing, Putin has no scruples about mass murder. He is waiting for Donald Trumps MAGA followers in Congress to abandon Kyiv, along with Americas global leadership role.

 READ MORE: An elegy for Mariupol, where I walked six weeks ago. Now razed by Russian bombs. | Trudy Rubin

The Party of Putin (aka, the GOP) plays right into his hands when members insist that money for Israel and the southern border trump helping Ukraine. All are important. But 20 Days in Mariupol shows why helping Kyiv defeat Putin is more vital than either to U.S. security  and that of its allies.

Chernov made the incredibly courageous choice to stay in Mariupol even though his work was known to the Russians, who probably would have killed him if he had been caught. What we didnt expect was that we would be the only ones reporting, so we were exposed, he told me.

What he filmed was critical to understanding Russias intentions for Ukraine, which were to destroy it as a sovereign nation. Keep in mind that Putins utter destruction of an entire city  and the continued targeting of civilians  was not preceded by any Ukrainian attack. Russia launched an unprovoked war to gobble up a neighboring country.

If the U.S. allows Putin to succeed in Ukraine, it will encourage him to expand his dreams of rebuilding the Russian empire, undermining other European countries, including members of NATO. Down that road lie further wars.

Chernovs gripping footage dispels current Kremlin propaganda about how Mariupol welcomed the Russians. He documents how Moscow deliberately bombed hospital after hospital (just as it did during the Syrian civil war to help its client Bashar al-Assad survive).

One desperate Ukrainian doctor, having failed to save a 4-year-old child, looks directly into the camera and says, Show this bastard [Putin] the eyes of this child and all these doctors are crying.

In other words, show the work of a cold-blooded Putin who will not hesitate to take global advantage of U.S. weakness and MAGA extremists.

 READ MORE: In tying government shutdown to cutting aid for Ukraine, MAGA Republicans put America last | Trudy Rubin

Chernov took the famous video of a very pregnant wounded woman being urgently wheeled across the courtyard from the maternity wing of a Mariupol hospital, a scene that Moscow still insists was played by crisis actors. Chernov and AP reporters followed up on her case and found that she subsequently died from a shattered pelvis. Her baby didnt survive, either. Without the video, there would be no concrete way to dispute Russian lies.

The AP journalists finally had to escape. They did so the day before Russia bombed the Donetsk Academic Regional Drama Theater, full of women and children seeking safety. There were no pictures, no witnesses, Chernov told me regretfully, as Moscow still claims Ukrainians destroyed the theater. This gives you an idea of how important journalists are on the ground.

The siege of Mariupol lasted for months after the AP team left the city.

Every day was just like these videos, Chernov told me, as Russia continued to destroy towns and villages. Only 40 minutes of his footage was published by the AP, despite hundreds of thousands of war crimes in Mariupol, he said.

I knew how important the story was. The world moves on, and the only way to preserve that scale is to do more, Chernov said. I hope the film gains attention for what has already happened and what is happening now.

Which brings us back to Putins useful idiots in the U.S. Congress. Are they so blind that they cannot see the link between Putins Mideast machinations and his savagery in Ukraine?

The Russian leader is receiving Iranian drones to use against Ukraine, and in exchange reportedly helping Tehran with nuclear technology. Moscow has long welcomed Hamas leaders and backed its propaganda in an effort to internationally isolate the U.S.

Israel can fight Hamas without more immediate military assistance, and the mess at the U.S. southern border can only be addressed with bipartisan cooperation. But Ukraines last chance to regain the offensive against Putin is now.

Congress must not cave to a global terrorist who threatens America far more than Hamas does. Watch 20 Days in Mariupol and you will see why.
New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy announced she is running for the U.S. Senate seat held by Bob Menendez, who faces federal corruption charges. Read more

Tammy Murphy, the wife of Gov. Phil Murphy, is officially running for the U.S. Senate seat from New Jersey that is held by Sen. Bob Menendez, who faces federal corruption charges.

Murphy, 58, has a background in finance and has never held public office, though she maintains her own staff and had been nicknamed co-governor by some political insiders, a label she rejects. She made the announcement, which has been widely expected, in a video posted Wednesday morning.

We need a senator who will work every single day to lower the cost of living, protect abortion rights, end the gun violence epidemic, and defend our democracy, Murphy said in the video.

Heres everything you need to know about Murphy, and why shes jumping into a Democratic primary for one of New Jerseys Senate seats:

Murphy is a Virginia native who grew up in a Republican family

Murphy is a Virginia native who grew up in a Republican family in Virginia Beach. She met Phil Murphy at the University of Virginia, and they crossed paths again when they both worked for investment banking company Goldman Sachs.

They later reconnected in London and got married a few months later, eventually settling in New Jersey in 1998. She remained a registered Republican until the mid-2010s, according to NBC News.

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As first lady, Murphy has been focused on maternal and infant health, with a goal of improving the states high pregnancy-related death rate. She also launched a successful financing network for female-owned start-ups and raised millions for pandemic relief.

If elected, Murphy would become the first woman to represent New Jersey in the U.S. Senate.

Murphy is running against Rep. Andy Kim

Murphy is the second candidate to enter next years Democratic primary, joining U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, who officially launched his campaign last week.

I felt like there needed to be a very quick, and immediate, and strong response to his very quick, immediate and strong response that hes not going anywhere, Kim told The Inquirer.

Kim is a Rhodes scholar who served as a national security officer under former President Barack Obama before being elected to Congress, flipping a South Jersey seat that was held by Republican Rep. Tom MacArthur.

 READ MORE: Can Andy Kim beat the machine?

Menendez, who faces federal corruption charges, slammed both Tammy and Phil Murphy

About an hour after Murphy announced her Senate bid, Menendez accused Phil Murphy of demanding the senators resignation to help his wife get elected to public office.

When Phil Murphy rushed to judgment and called on me to resign, it was clear he had a personal, vested interest in doing so at the expense of core democratic principles  the presumption of innocence and due process, Menendez said in a statement. Governor Murphy has said he wont appoint his wife to the seat, but why would he since there was never a need to? They believe they have to answer to nobody, but I am confident that the people of New Jersey will push back against this blatant maneuver at disenfranchisement.

Menendez stepped down as chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, but remains in office and has not announced whether he will seek reelection.

Menendez has pleaded not guilty to federal charges that he and his wife, Nadine Arslanian, pocketed bribes worth hundreds of thousands of dollars from wealthy benefactors seeking his help with their business and legal problems. The alleged gifts range from gold bars to a $600,000 Mercedes-Benz C-300 convertible.

Several prominent Democrats have called for Menendez to step down, including Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow, fellow New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, and both of Pennsylvanias senators: Bob Casey and John Fetterman.

When you find gold bars stuffed in mattresses, the jokes write themselves. But this isnt funny, Fetterman said in a statement this month after proposing sanctions for members of the Senate under indictment for certain crimes. We must protect our national security, and that means ensuring that senators who are indicted for acting as foreign agents cant access our national secrets.

More candidates could join the primary

More candidates could enter the race. The names of U.S. Reps. Donald Norcross, Josh Gottheimer, and Frank Pallone Jr., all New Jersey Democrats, have also been floated as contenders, but none has commented publicly on running.

Former Newark school board member Lawrence Hamm, who challenged Booker in the 2020 New Jersey primary, announced that hes running for the Senate seat. Patricia Campos-Medina, who runs the Worker Institute at Cornell University, said earlier this week that she plans to enter the race, according to the New York Times.

One candidate who dropped out of the fray is Kyle Jasey, a real estate lender and the son of Assemblywoman Mila Jasey of Essex County. On Monday, Jasey ended his campaign and announced hes running instead for the U.S. House in the Eighth District in Hudson County, a seat that is held by Menendezs son, Rep. Rob Menendez.

The deadline to enter the race is April. The Democratic primary will be held in June.
City Council president Darrell Clarke is backing legislation to deter so-called SLAPP suits  strategic lawsuits against public participation  in which deep-pocketed interests sue smaller actors to stop them from opposing a project or to punish them for criticism. Read more

City Council President Darrell L. Clarke won a surprising new ally in his drive to secure municipal legal protections for neighborhood groups.

The Building Industry Association (BIA), which represents residential developers in Philadelphia, initially opposed the idea, arguing that it would increase development costs by empowering nuisance lawsuits.

But at a City Council hearing Tuesday, BIA president Gary Jonas testified in favor of the bill. He said the trade group had altered its position after Clarke amended the legislation to make clear that it would offer protection only to registered community organizations (RCOs) that are sued by developers for participating in the city-mandated zoning process.

Indemnifying RCOs against third-party lawsuits makes sense as long as it doesnt encourage RCOs to use the process to appeal every project to try to prevent reasonable developments, Jonas said in testimony before councils Committee on Law and Government.

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The amended bill passed the committee unanimously and will now go to the full Council.

The legislation is meant to deter so-called SLAPP suits  strategic lawsuits against public participation  in which deep-pocketed interests sue smaller actors to deter them from opposing a project or to punish them for criticism. Neighborhood groups and other local activists often dont have the resources to fight such actions and can face substantial legal and insurance bills if they are sued.

Neighborhood leaders argue that they should be given some legal protections by the city government against lawsuits from vengeful developers or other businesses  especially given that the city requires community input in the zoning process.

RCOs

When the city of Philadelphia rewrote its zoning code in 2012, it created a designation for neighborhood groups involved in land use regulations, dubbing them RCOs. The new code required developers going to the Zoning Board of Adjustment to first meet with their designated local organization. But neighborhood activists feared that developers could use legal threats to bully local groups into silence.

Developers have sued or attempted to sue RCOs fulfilling their responsibilities, said Catherine Blunt, of the 46th Ward Democratic Committee, which serves as an RCO in part of West Philadelphia. It is now clear that we are  continually, but unintentionally, placing ourselves and our families in jeopardy. Members of RCOs can be sued as individuals, putting them at risk of incurring significant legal costs.

The idea has been debated in City Council for years, with members such as former Councilmember Bobby Henon advancing their own proposals to provide a legal shield to neighborhood groups. But the efforts were never enacted, in part because Mayor Jim Kenneys administration feared large legal costs.

Because almost any group, or even an individual, can declare themselves to be an RCO, the administration worried that some organizations could act in unscrupulous or foolish ways that could invite legal scrutiny  which the taxpayer shouldnt have to pay for.

Mayoral pushback

The Kenney administration is opposing Clarkes initiative, too.

If the city did, with the original language in the legislation, accept the indemnification and defense obligations of RCOs, the legal and financial burdens placed on the city would be significant and potentially extreme, Rob Dubow, the citys finance director, and Eleanor Sharpe, director of planning, said in written testimony.

While they allowed that the amendments could ease some concerns, the Kenney administration officials argued that the legislation as written could still be preempted by state law.

They also continued to argue that RCOs are too little regulated to be granted uniform protection. (The BIA made the case for such reform in its testimony.) Clarke himself acknowledged as much after having the bill introduced, noting that individual disgruntled people could declare themselves an RCO despite having no actual constituency.

But any changes will have to wait for the new administration and the next Council president, as Clarke will retire at the end of this session. If his proposal passes before the end of this term, it would be placed on the ballot during the primaries next April for voters to decide on  thus ensuring that his priority is enacted even if he isnt around to enforce it.

We require that the RCOs participate in the zoning variance process, [but] we dont give them any support, Clarke said at the hearing. We dont give them money for fliers. We dont give them money for the use of space. And, most importantly, we dont provide any protections in the event that  a particular applicant comes after that particular RCO with some sort of litigation.
There can often be a level of apprehension when seeing a group of blokes heading off for a buck's party board your flight. But for Air New Zealand, it seems parties embarking on the pre-marriage ritual are more than welcome, with the airline hilariously doing its bit for one young Aussie's mystery celebration.

Blindfolded and unaware of his destination, passenger Johnny went viral this week thanks to the airline happily agreeing to keep the location of the buck's party a secret.

In a TikTok video that has amassed more than four million views, an Air New Zealand employee, speculated to be the pilot, can be heard revealing why he won't be announcing the plane's final destination.

The airline were hailed for their efforts to keep Johnny's destination a secret. Source: Getty/ TikTok

I usually would say where were going however, we have one gentleman on board for his stag do... and his good friends have managed to get him all the way through the airport and onboard the aircraft, and I believe he has no idea where we're going," he says.

"So if you want to make sure you're on the right aircraft, just check with someone beside you."

Johnny could be seen laughing in disbelief at his plight, previously unaware he was heading overseas from his departure point, believed to be Auckland.

It turned out the flight was heading across the Tasman to Melbourne  his hometown.

The friend who uploaded the video explained Johnny was kept well away from the departure gate and crew snuck them on the plane before business class.

He added Johnny's fiancee packed his bag and passport, while he was tricked into going to the airport under the elusion he was picking his cousin up.

Air New Zealand praised for joining in the fun

The meticulous plan and the airline's willingness to help received widespread approval in the comments, with their efforts to help the group's shenanigans hailed as "amazing".

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"Air NZ! I'm not even surprised," one person said. "Only Air NZ is cool enough for this," another added.

Air New Zealand responded to the video, saying they were "glad" they could help.

One person said the pilot was "fantastic" for going along with it, with the friend revealing he was "brilliant to work with".

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
See the rest of the list of winners and what made them the best of the best in the Australian insurance industry by checking out the IB Top Insurance Brokers 2023 special report.
Did the attack impact perishable goods?

All industries with goods going through DP World operated ports have been impacted, said Morrison. As with any interruption in the supply chain, time-sensitive and perishable goods can be impacted more quickly. However, reporting and commentary from DP World showed they were cognisant of this and were working to limit the impact on those goods.
As one of this nations great member-based organisations, we believe helping people and putting their health interests first is in our cultural DNA. Our mutual structure gives us the freedom to innovate for the long-term and understand what's truly needed to support our members in achieving their health goals, she said. Id like to thank our Member Service teams for their unwavering passion, dedication, and resilience in supporting our members' health journeys in the moments that matter most. The teams honoured by these awards are a big part of why more Australians continue to choose and stay with HCF to protect their health.
From the beginning, John has played an integral part of IOAs growth and success in the Western Division. He is a positive and consistent force as he guides his team to meet the considerable challenges of todays insurance market in this unique region of the country. Were very fortunate for John to progress to the national level, and I look forward to working together as we execute on the strategic plans of our organization, IOA CEO Jeff Lagos said.
Allegations that a northern Virginia seventh-grader was repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted at her school more than a decade ago were totally fabricated, lawyers for the school system contend in a court filing seeking the dismissal of a lawsuit she filed.

The onetime student, who is now 24, stands by her claims.

The allegations surfaced in 2011 and have been the subject of legal proceedings for more than a decade, including a lawsuit the onetime student first filed against the school district in 2019. They were also the basis for a 2014 settlement that Fairfax County Public Schools  the state`s largest school system  reached with the U.S. Department of Education`s Office of Civil Rights over accusations the district failed to adequately investigate the student`s complaint.

In a motion filed late Wednesday in federal court in Alexandria, though, the school system`s lawyers ask that the former student`s lawsuit be dismissed as a fraud upon the court.

The lawyers say they uncovered Facebook posts between the then-12-year-old girl and a classmate alleged to be one of her principal attackers. They say the messages show that the two were actually boyfriend and girlfriend and that the girl had sought out sexual contact with him during a period of time in which she alleged he had been raping and threatening her.

It is now crystal clear that the entire case has been litigated on false premises, the lawyers wrote.

The lawsuit, which is scheduled to go to trial in March, is one of several cases the school system has battled in recent years, racking up millions in legal fees.

The cases, and similar accusations in neighboring Loudoun County, have drawn scrutiny, as Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin has faulted local school systems for their handling of sexual assault accusations.

In the Fairfax County case, the girl, who is now 24., said in a letter to the court that she believes the recently discovered Facebook posts are irrelevant and were possibly inauthentic. She said the messages purportedly sent by her came from an account identified only as Facebook User, that they look highly suspicious and that she doesn`t remember sending them.

She also says that even if she did send them, her attacker forced her to send messages like that to cover up the fact that she was being abused.

He would make me text him all the time so that I would look like his girlfriend, she wrote.

The chats  excerpts of which are included in the school system`s filing  are explicit. They continued through Nov. 21, 2011, when the boy told the accuser he was breaking up with her. The next day is when the accuser and her mother met with school officials to make her first complaint, according to the school system`s lawyers.

The accuser has complained throughout the lawsuit that the school system has been unduly aggressive in its defense.

The school system, for its part, says the accuser`s story has evolved. In her very first written complaint in 2011 she wrote that her tormentors harass me, tease me, and give me seductive looks and that one left a vulgar voicemail.

By the time she filed her second amended complaint in 2022, she alleged that she had been gang-raped multiple times in a school closet.

The accuser has said in court papers that as a 12-year-old, she initially lacked the vocabulary to describe what was happening to her.

In 2012, the accuser`s mother filed a police report and an investigation occurred. There is no indication that criminal charges were filed, though many of the court records related to the police investigation have been redacted.

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Fraud Virginia K-12
Yemens Houthi leader said on Tuesday his forces would make further attacks on Israel and they could target Israeli ships in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

The Iran-aligned group made several missile and drone attacks against Israel this month, highlighting the risk of the war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas spreading into the wider Middle East.

The Houthis, who have been at war against a Saudi-led coalition since 2015, have emerged as a major military force in the Arabian Peninsula, with tens of thousands of fighters and a huge arsenal of ballistic missiles and armed drones.

The group controls northern Yemen and its Red Sea coasts.

Our eyes are open to constantly monitor and search for any Israeli ship in the Red Sea, especially in Bab al-Mandab, and near Yemeni regional waters, Abdulmalik al-Houthi said in a broadcast speech.

Washington is on heightened alert for activity by Iran-backed groups since Hamas fighters rampaged into Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people.

Since then, Israel has escalated its assault on Gaza, where its forces have killed more than 11,000 people, according to Palestinian officials.

The Yemen war has settled into a stalemate as the fighting has largely stopped but both parties have failed to renew a United Nations-brokered truce that expired in October.

(Reporting by Mohammed Alghobari, writing by Aziz El Yaakoubi, editing by Alexandra Hudson and Angus MacSwan)

Topics Leadership
Chubb announced the launch of a new media insurance product for clients in the United Kingdom.

Alongside the launch, Chubb has also rebranded its existing UK 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 Chubbs 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 Chubbs other UK 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, the insurer said.

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.

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, Joyce commented.

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, she added.

Source: Chubb

Topics New Markets Chubb
Many American construction firms are failing to implement obvious and inexpensive safety measures that could save lives, reduce injuries and avoid costly insurance claims. And many insurers are not nudging their insured contractors to be proactive and preventive.

Its usually not until after the fact, after something happens, said TJ Lyons, a safety consultant who spoke Tuesday at the International Risk Management Institutes 43rd Annual Construction Risk Conference in Orlando.

A number of property/casualty insurance carriers, such as Crum & Forster, provide safety analysis programs that can lead to considerable premium discounts on auto fleet liability coverage. And contractor-controlled insurance packages can be structured to produce premium discounts when fewer claims are filed. But to a large degree, workers compensation and commercial liability insurers leave it mostly to contractors to vet their operations for safety, experts at the IRMI conference said.

It takes time to analyze all of that, said Jes Alexander, a senior research analyst for IRMI. And theres sometimes a disconnect between underwriting and claims.

With or without prompting by insurers, commercial construction companies across the country are overlooking crucial changes, many of which have been adopted by European firms, Lyons said. Unsafe practices in the U.S. contribute to some 2,000 construction worker fatalities each year, a rate that is nine times that of Great Britains construction industry, said Lyons, a certified safety professional and head of Lyonetics Safety.

The best ways to foster safer worksites is to require best practices and safer equipment as part of the contracts with builders and subcontractors, and to build safety innovations into a project at the design stage, he argued.

Safety folks are very rarely involved in the design, Lyons said.

He outlined numerous products and practices that US construction firms have not widely adopted:

Get rid of ladders on construction sites. Falls from ladders are a leading cause of serious injuries and injury claims. Instead, contracts should require that only mechanized lifts be used. Some are now designed to be the right size to lift an electrician, for example, through a ceiling tile gridwork to reach cables above. Stilts, already outlawed in some states, also should be banned because of the injury risk from falls, Lyons said.

Avoid heavy equipment with blind spots. Some cranes and boom trucks have the lift arm at a resting position to the side of the driver compartment, blocking the lateral view. Lyons told the story of an 82-year-old construction manager who had been in construction for decades, only to be killed because the boom-truck driver could not see him.

Utilize safer electrical panels that readily show if the panel is energized, instead of requiring a worker to open the panel to check. Some utilize windows on the panel. Light-up devices also are available.

Dont use powder-activated fastener systems that contain lead. One popular system, which drives fasteners into concrete with an explosive charge, produces lead dust, Lyons said. But those same guns are available without lead.

Put it in the contract  guns with no lead, he added.

Request steel framing studs with rolled edges. Instead of requiring workers to use gloves or letting them get lacerated on sharp steel edges, a better approach is to spend a little more and order rolled-edge framing members or duct work.

With the diminishing workforce we have now, this is important, he noted.

Employ drop-arrest hoisting systems. Instead of using a rope to lift heavy loads to height (a method utilized for hundreds of years), drop-stop load arrestors prevent material and equipment from falling onto workers if the rope is released. Such devices are widely used on European jobsites, but not in America, Lyons noted.

Have systems pre-assembled and delivered to the project when possible. Electricians can spend hours, with potentially dangerous reel systems to force wire through conduits in a building under construction. And concrete workers may work in heat or cold to tie reinforcing rods together. A better approach is to load the electrical cables into the conduit off-site, and to build re-bar mats in the shop. These techniques can also save time, Lyons said.

Install anti-skid pads on stairs and everywhere floors may be slippery.

Hold people accountable. In parts of Europe, Lyons said, supervisors who fail to require the use of safety equipment can be prosecuted.

Require table saws that automatically shut off when the blade comes into contact with skin. One manufacturer, SawStop, has been making the type of saw for years, but most US job sites still dont require them.

Dont forget about mental health of workers and supervisors. Some 5,000 US workers take their own lives each year, he said. Construction companies need wellness and suicide prevention programs.

While some insurance carriers may take a hands-off approach to work safety, that doesnt mean construction insurance cant be profitable. A number of major construction firms have found that contractor-controlled insurance packages (CCIPs) or owner-controlled packages (OCIPs), which cover almost everything and everyone on a site, can be a big source of profit, experts said at the IRMI conference, which held a session on wrap-up insurance for construction.

The coverage can be structured to be loss-sensitive, with fewer claims producing lower premiums.

Topics Carriers USA Contractors Construction
A property listing for a NSW home has come under fire for its "disgraceful" reference to "murder", with the agent boasting about the generous yard being big enough to "bury a body"  after killing your spouse.

While intended to be humorous, "there's absolutely nothing funny" about domestic and family violence, says Professor Susan Heward-Belle from the Sydney School of Education and Social Work, with advocates slamming the agent for the "inappropriate" remarks.

Property listing is 'condoning violence'

Seen by Yahoo News Australia on Tuesday, the listing for the home in Tottenham, 140km west of Dubbo, asked prospective buyers, "does the sound of your husband/wifes voice irritate you enough to fantasise about their possible murder?".

It went on to say that the home, with an asking price of $269,000, "has a large, shady back verandah (sic) area to lock them out on  so you can have wine in peace" and also bragged about a massive yard that has "plenty of space to bury a body". Plus a fireplace to "burn the evidence".

The listing for this NSW property has been slammed for its reference to 'murder'. Source: ABC Property

Agent's response to backlash

Listing agent Averill Berryman of ABC Property claimed there'd been a strong response to the sale due to the "creative" listing after the original, more straight-up description received "a lukewarm response from buyers". She told Yahoo they'd received "so much humorous feedback" online and it was supposed to be "something to laugh about".

"It did not even enter my mind that it would be something people would get upset about," she said. "It was supposed to be cheeky. It was a tongue-in-cheek throwaway line.

"No harm was intended and there was definitely no intention to incite any kind of domestic violence or anything like that. If it has offended some people, then I apologise for that".

The listing has since been changed back to a more generic description. While this is a "positive" step, Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon, Director of the Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre, questioned how it was approved in the first place.

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The tongue-in-cheek listing has been labelled 'disgraceful' by advocates against domestic violence. Source: ABC Property

"It's terrible. I'm honestly shocked. Men's violence against women is a national crisis in Australia," she told Yahoo.

"That fantasising about killing your wife (or husband) and burying their body in the backyard is still pitched in 2023 as a funny one-liner highlights how far we have to go in achieving a safe community for women and girls."

Domestic violence is a 'national crisis' in Aus

Recent ABS data shows that an estimated 8 million Australians (41 per cent) have experienced violence (physical and/or sexual) since the age of 15, including:

31% of women and 42% of men who have experienced physical violence

22% of women and 6.1% of men who have experienced sexual violence

In the last month, six women in Australia have been killed, five allegedly by men known to them, Fitz-Gibbon cited, "and yet here we see violence pitched as a joke," she added.

The description joked about there being a fireplace to 'burn the evidence' after committing 'murder'. Source: ABC Property

The online listing has now been changed to include a more generic description. Source: ABC Property

"Community attitudes that condone and excuse violence are highly problematic and contribute to breeding the disrespect and inequality that drives violence against women."

Professor Silke Meyer, from Griffith Criminology Institute, agreed telling Yahoo that "references like this one are neither funny nor appropriate".

"We all have a role to play in changing community attitudes around domestic and family violence. That includes not making so-called jokes about gendered and family violence," she said.

"These comments have no place in our communication  neither in public marketing nor private conversations with our mates."

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed 784 enforcement actions in the fiscal year that ran through September, garnering $4.95 billion in penalties and other financial remedies, the agency said in a statement on Tuesday.

The total financial remedies in fiscal 2023 were the second-highest in SEC history, following last years record of $6.4 billion, including both disgorgement and interest in addition to civil penalties. The figures underscore how the agency has sought to more aggressively police violations and misconduct under Democratic leadership.

The SEC barred 133 individuals from serving as directors and officers of public companies, the highest number of such bans in a decade, the SEC said in a statement.

The SECs tally included settlements with 25 broker-dealers, advisers and others over employees use of personal devices and apps including WhatsApp, the agency said.

The regulator obtained a $178.6 million civil penalty against Danske Bank to resolve charges of misleading investors over its efforts to combat money-laundering and $56 million in fines and other remedies against mining firm Vale SA over false and misleading disclosures leading up to a dam collapse that killed 270 people.

The years enforcement work also included high-profile lawsuits against players in the cryptocurrency sector, such as FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried.

Topics USA
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation and the state insurance commissioner have approved a 15.1% average decrease in workers compensation rates, despite calls from roofing contractors to freeze rates for a while.

The decrease takes effect for new and renewal workers compensation policies starting Jan. 1 and is the seventh-straight rate reduction for Florida and one of the largest in years. Actuaries with the National Council on Compensation Insurance recommended the change in August and a public hearing was held in October.

At that hearing, members of the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association and its self-insurance fund urged regulators to hold off on another rate cut.

Im not asking. Im begging you to freeze rates for roofing classifications, Ralph Davis, of Streamline Roofing, said at the time.

The head of the associations self-insurance fund noted that lower premiums paid by some roofing companies are impacting the fund, which has faced spikes in its reinsurance costs. The lower rates also are overlooking hidden costs and unreported injuries by undocumented workers in the construction industry, roofers said. Floridas tough, new immigration law also is causing a shortage of skilled workers, forcing contractors to hire more inexperienced laborers, which could mean more injuries and a jump in experience modification and premiums in coming years.

Related: Are Contractors, Insurers Overlooking Significant Safety Measures?

If rates are too low, some comp insurance carriers may exit Florida, forcing more employers to turn to the Florida Workers Compensation Joint Underwriting Association, a residual insurer, the contractors argued.

Florida Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky has not commented on the roofers concerns. But in a statement this week, he said: Its clear the workers compensation market in Florida is stable and competitive; Im confident lower workers compensation rates will assist in ensuring that all of Floridas businesses have the opportunity to succeed in our state.

Some in the insurance industry have warned that lower rates could lead to safety complacency by employers. At the International Risk Management Institutes annual construction risk conference this week in Orlando, though, Mike Dickerson, a safety consultant with American Contractors Insurance Group, said that while workers comp rates have dropped significantly across the country in recent years, ex-mods and the cost of comp insurance are still a concern for many employers.

Topics Florida Workers' Compensation
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)  A plan to prohibit a pro-Palestinian student group from state university campuses in Florida has been temporarily shelved while officials reassess the proposal.

State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues said Thursday that campus groups at the University of Florida and the University of South Florida thought to be chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine are actually not chartered or under the headship of the national organization, The Tampa Bay Times reported.

Rodrigues, working with Gov. Ron DeSantis, had targeted student groups, saying that their affiliation with the group aligned them with Hamas attacks on Israel. But both universities have since obtained legal opinions raising concerns about potential personal liability for university actors who were tasked with disbanding the groups, Rodrigues said.

Now, Rodrigues said he is seeking outside legal advice and working with the universities to elicit statements from the student groups in an effort to affirm that the groups reject violence, reject that they are part of the Hamas movement, and pledge that they will follow the law.

Leaders for the student groups did not immediately respond to requests for comment, the newspaper reported.

Our campuses have avoided the violence and the antisemitism that is occurring on campuses all across this nation, Rodrigues told the university system Board of Governors. In Florida, we will not tolerate violent activity, antisemitic activity or failure to observe the law.

Groups including the American Civil Liberties Union and the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression had denounced the original plan, citing concerns over free speech.

Rodrigues said he will provide an update about the issue to the Board of Governors at a later date.

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Florida
Arson was the cause of a massive weekend fire that charred and indefinitely closed a vital section of a Los Angeles freeway, causing major traffic headaches for hundreds of thousands of commuters, California authorities said.

Gov. Gavin Newsom 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 where 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.

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, referring to how many vehicles use the I-10 stretch daily.

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 I-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 people 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 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.

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, Newsom said.

Mainak DAttaray, an attorney for Apex Development, confirmed the lawsuit in an email to The Associated Press.

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.

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.

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.

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics California
Source: Streetwise Reports

November 15, 2023 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Data Communications Management Corp. continues to see momentum from its purchase of a competitor in the second quarter. On analyst expects the company to become a "cash flow machine."

Data Communications Management Corp. (DCM:TSX; DCMDF:OTCQX) announced that its third-quarter revenues were up 93.6% to CA$122.7 million compared to the same quarter in 2022 as the company continued to see momentum from its purchase of a competitor in the second quarter.

The print and marketing services company saw its gross profit jump by 52.4% to US$30.3 million from the third quarter of last year, and adjusted EBITDA went up 28.2% to US$11.8 million.

The company purchased R.R. Donnelley & Sons' Canadian operations, Moore Canada Corp., in the second quarter for CA$130.8 million cash.

"We understand the summer was a bit soft, but September came back strongly; management also noted that there was some seasonal product mix effect," Clarus Securities analyst Noel Atkinson wrote in an updated research note. He maintained a Buy rating on the stock with a one-year price target of CA$5.50, which would be a 100% return based on the stock's CA$2.75 price Monday afternoon.

"Nonetheless, gross profit margin of 24.7% was above our 24.4% outlook," Atkinson wrote.

DCM President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Kellam said, "Our post-merger initiatives are progressing ahead of plan, and given our success to date driving savings and efficiency improvements, we are revising our guidance for expected total annualized synergies to a range between CA$30 and CA$35 million over the next 18 to 24 months, from a previous range of CA$25 to CA$30 million. We are excited about the opportunities in front of us to build on our strong start as a combined company focusing on driving growth and value creation."

Atkinson wrote that the company had better-than-expected gross margins during the quarter.

"We continue to expect DCM to become a cash flow machine in 2025e once the cost synergies are realized," he wrote.

The Catalyst: 'An Important Milestone'

The company said it closed the acquisition of Moore on April 24. Second quarter results included one week of April and the months of May and June with the combined companies - not quite a full quarter.

Because of Moore's lower average gross margins, the gross profit margin for the entire company was 26.9% for the second quarter of 2023 vs. 30% for the second quarter of 2022. The company said the planned synergies between DCM's and Moore's operations should improve those numbers.

The company said it had a total debt of CA$95.5 million at the end of Q3 2023, down 32% since the April close of the merger.

This follows the company's second-quarter revenues, which had risen 74.7% CA$50.9 million YoY to CA$119 million. Gross profit went up 56.7% during that period, or CA$11.6 million, for a total of CA$32 million.

"The combined business delivered solid performance-building value with existing customers, securing new client wins and optimizing strategic revenue opportunities," Kellam noted.

The acquisition is "an important milestone" for the company, noted analyst Chris Thompson of eResearch Corp. in a June 14 research note.

It provides "an opportunity to build a better and much bigger business with a larger presence in the Canadian market," wrote Thompson, whose one-year price target on the stock is CA$6.90. "DCM plans to accelerate its growth by capitalizing on an expanded range of products and services, better execution capabilities, and improved time-to-market for new offerings."

Clients Are in Many Industries

DCM helps companies with branding, communications, and logistics and provides customer loyalty programs, data and content management, location-specific marketing, labels and asset tracking, multimedia campaign management, and workflow management.

Its clients are in many industries, including financial services, health care, emerging markets, retail, non-profits, energy, hospitality, and transportation.

The tech-enabled marketing and digital asset management (DAM) sectors are forecasted to grow annually by 15% and 21%, respectively, Thompson has said.

DCM and MCC had "overlapping facilities" that benefitted from consolidation, Thompson wrote.

"The consolidated firm is poised to offer enhanced value and innovation to its customers, while DCM anticipates that this deal will establish a long-term, sustainable enterprise that caters to Canadian and U.S. customers," he wrote.

Ownership and Share Structure

Management and insiders own 31% of DCM, including a share program that gives employees close to 3% ownership.

Top insider shareholders include Director Michael Sifton with 9.2%, Board Vice Chairman Greg Cochrane with 6.3%, Chairman of the Board J.R. Kingsley Ward with 4.4%, and CEO Kellam with 1.4%, according to the company.

The rest, about 69%, is retail. KST Industries Inc. is the top shareholder in the company overall, with 9.4%.

The company is covered by Noel Atkinson of Clarus Securities and Chris Thompson of eResearch. Newsletter writer Clive Maund also covers the stock.

It has a market cap of CA$151.31 million with about 55 million shares outstanding. It trades in the 52-week range of CA$3.81 and CA$1.28.

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The chief executive of the Dutch-owned digital bank Bunq said he plans to expand in Ireland, but added it may have missed the most opportune time to do so.

Speaking at the Web Summit in Lisbon, CEO Ali Niknam said the sweet spot for Bunq was when Ulster Bank and KBC had first halted banking operations in the Republic, but that the local market was still on his radar.

We have looked at the Irish market and its very interesting because its very underserved, said Mr Niknam.

When Ulster Bank pulled out we kind of missed that opportunity because we were too slow to respond, he said.

Bunq launched operations last year by offering Irish banking account services, including personal accounts, but the specific details of Mr Niknams expansion plans here remain unclear.

The decision by Ulster Bank, along with KBC, to pull out has further reduced competition and brought to the surface problems over technology at some lenders. For decades, the competition regulator has warned about the concentrated nature of the Irish banking market.

Bunq bought CapitalFlow, a Dublin-based business lender that works with small firms and property investors. Last year it provided customers Irish-based International Bank Account Numbers for the first time. Mr Niknam said he was committed to CapitalFlow.

There were regulatory obstacles restricting the growth of new financial services firms in Europe, said Mr Niknam, who had set up Bunq in 2012.

Regulation is obviously meant to protect people but some of the regulation needs some updating because it was made in a world that is very different to the world that is here today, he said.

He urged the authorities to encourage eurozone-wide banking services, similar to those in the US. Local regulators interpret the same rules and regulations from one country to another, which is a shame really because consumers end up paying the price for it, he said.

Mr Niknam acknowledged that the collapse of the German-based payments giant Wirecard had sowed distrust.

The Bunq founder said he had attended the Lisbon trade show despite the withdrawal of some large tech firms following comments made by major Web Summit shareholder Paddy Cosgrave about the Hamas-Israeli war.

I think one of the most firm pillars of democracy is always freedom of speech, Mr Niknam

said. The summit this week has attracted around 70,235 guests from 153 countries.
The Irish banks proposed alternative to Revolut, Synch Payments, has ceased operations following numerous delays and a review of its business plan.

Synch was established in 2020 by AIB, Bank of Ireland, Permanent TSB and KBC who were looking to create a mobile payment app for all consumers and businesses in Ireland. Plans for the app continued even after KBC had decided to leave the Irish market.
Katherine Maher, the new chief of the Web Summit, said she expects many of the big tech companies that boycotted the Lisbon trade show this year may likely return in the future.

Ms Maher, who was talking at a press conference in Lisbon, however, did not answer specific questions on the future ownership of the company.

It comes after a row broke out this month following remarks made by Paddy Cosgrave, the leading shareholder of the Web Summit, on the Hamas-Israeli war that led to him resigning as chief executive.

Ms Maher this week had said the remarks by Mr Cosgrave were outspoken and that his behaviour had significantly hit the company when many large tech firms backed out of the event. Mr Cosgrave is no longer at the helm, but still owns a stake of 81% in the company.

Ms Maher was appointed to the top job after Mr Cosgrave resigned from the position following a controversy over his posting on the Hamas-Israeli war on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Prior to her new role with the Web Summit, Ms Maher had worked as Wikimedia chief executive. She has a degree from New York University in Middle Eastern and Islamic studies.

Ms Maher is also on the US State Department's Foreign Affairs Policy Board.

She also answered questions about any links she may have had with the company before joining as chief executive.

Ms Maher said she had met Mr Cosgrave twice before her appointment.

It was the first time Mr Cosgrave had not attended a Web Summit since its inception.
The unexpected failure of EU-Australia free trade negotiations said much about the resilient political strength of farmers in Europe.

EU officials were said to be in a state of shock after trade talks broke down.

But many believe it was fear of pushing EU farmers further towards the populist right in elections, and of deepening a rural backlash in Europe triggered by green policies, that prevented the EU Commission from granting increased import access for Australia's agricultural exports.

Up to recently, farmers had been reliable backers of the mainstream centre-right parties which have dominated EU politics, and these parties see rural communities as a key constituency.

Australian negotiators walked out of the talks when the two EU commissioners taking part presented the EUs final market access offer for Australian beef and sheep meat, which Australia deemed unacceptable.

Five years of negotiations went down the tubes, and the two sides are unlikely to meet again until late in 2025, at best.

Farmers are happy both in the EU and Australia to see the end of a deal they didn't like. Unfortunately, nearly everyone else is unhappy.

Most unhappy are the European car and machinery industries. They eagerly anticipated Australian market access for their products. The Australians were thought to be ready to remove their 5% import tariff on expensive imported petrol or diesel-powered cars. That would have been good news for companies like Volkswagen, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz.

European makers of electric cars would also have welcomed a deal. They, and other "green" manufacturers, need lithium and rare earth metals for renewable energy batteries, which are part of Australia's rich mineral resources. Instead, the EU must remain over-dependent on Russia and China for such metals, which are needed for the Green Deal transition towards carbon net zero. And green hydrogen from Australia could have helped the EU to "green" its transport sector.

But the deal fell because it wasn't good enough for agriculture, a sector which accounts for only 1.7% of the EUs GDP.

There has been a furious reaction from one of the EU's most powerful industrial lobbies. The VDMA represents 3,600 German and European mechanical and plant engineering companies. They employ about three million people in the EU, including more than 1.2 million in Germany.

The EU-Australia trade deal failed over the ridiculous issue of sheep meat and beef production, said Karl Haeusgen, president of the VDMA.

This was completely disproportionate to the economic importance of agriculture in Europe, Haeusgen said.

They and other industry leaders point the finger at the EU's two member states, which are seen as the most vociferous in the defence of agriculture, namely France and Ireland.

The German Economy Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) acknowledged agricultural influence upsetting trade deals. It failed because of beef and sheep meat, he said. I do not understand it. If kiwis can be exported, then it must also be possible with sheep and beef.

He said the EU should switch to sectoral trade agreements, "and quickly reach an agreement on the machinery and industrial goods sectors.

Germany is the only major global economy expected to shrink this year, and trade deals are badly needed by traditionally export-strong German industries.

Across the EU, free trade agreements are sought by leaders as symbols that a different approach is possible in a world increasingly marked by conflicts, isolationism, and protectionism.

But farmers at opposite ends of the world thought different. Much less subsidised and more competitive than EU farmers, the Australian farmers lobby drove a hard bargain in the talks, because they are doing OK without an EU trade deal.

The EU reportedly offered to allow the import of about 600m annually of extra Australian agricultural products. But that would add only about 50% to what Australian agriculture already exports to the EU.

On both sides, the deal failed over the interests of red meat producers, showing they are still a sector to be reckoned with, despite climate action targeting them for reduction or even extinction.

In the background, another food issue helped to sabotage the trade talks, namely the EU's obsession with its protected designation of origin policy, which requires that production, processing and preparation process of famous "branded" foods and drinks must take place in their specific region.

Similar agricultural considerations may sink the long-awaited free trade agreement between the EU and Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay (Mercosur), for which negotiations started 24 years ago.
The Health Minister has said it is disappointing to hear a new HSE policy on discharging elderly patients being criticised as ageist by a top gerontologist.

His intervention comes amid division among medical and social care communities over advice for hospitals that elderly patients who need a nursing home bed after their treatment will be offered the first available bed, even if this is not their first choice.

Stephen Donnelly insisted on Tuesday that the policy is about helping vulnerable patients waiting on hospital corridors due to overcrowding. Up to 160 hospital beds could be freed up in this way, the Department of Health has estimated.

This is about patient safety," Mr Donnelly said.

We will try to accommodate patient preferences and patient wishes in terms of discharge to the greatest extent possible. But if weve got an 80-year-old on a trolley downstairs on a corridor, they need that bed.

He rejected concerns older patients might be warehoused in inappropriate locations, telling the Irish Examiner: No-one is suggesting that.

What we said was once there is a clinically appropriate place for the patient to go then that needs to happen if you have a patient on a trolley downstairs.

Professor Des ONeill, Irish Society of Physicians in Geriatric Medicine chair, has raised concerns around limited access to rehabilitation, describing the policy as ageist.

Mr Donnelly said: I think it was a really, really disappointing comment to hear, I really do. Anyone waiting on homecare, for example, would not be discharged to a nursing home against their will, a spokesman added.

However, the minister said it is so far unclear what hospitals can do if offers are refused. We are hoping that people will appreciate the reason why we are asking them to vacate the bed, he said.

At the moment there is good faith and encouragement. In a small number of hospitals this issue has already arisen, he said.

Irish Association of Emergency Medicine spokesman, Conor Deasy, has described the policy as the least worst option.

Mr Donnelly said hospitals have been supportive in general, noting a French study which found significant increased risk of dying from spending one night on a trolley in an ED.

Hospital data for Tuesday shows 457 patients waiting to be discharged. However, individual site data indicates various reasons behind this.

In the UL Hospital Group, out of nine delayed patients one was waiting for a nursing home. In Cork University Hospital, nine of 42 delayed patients were waiting for nursing homes.

Mr Donnelly also said better awareness of local injury units could help reduce emergency department attendances.

Ennis Injury Unit is brilliant, their turnaround time for patients is really quick. They can do an awful lot of what people go into emergency departments for.

And what they said to me is they know there are people literally driving by Ennis hospital, going to Limerick, waiting in Limerick for a long time to be seen and all they needed to do was turn right into Ennis hospital.
Visitors to Bali are being urged to be alert following a spate of tourist deaths in recent weeks. Travellers who choose to drive while on holiday have been warned to beware of the hotspot's notoriously poor roads, lack of street lighting, reckless drivers and free-roaming cattle.

On Sunday a 56-year-old foreigner was riding a motorcycle on the north side of the island when he lost control of his vehicle and collided with a truck, reports Bali Sun. Police said the man was rushed to hospital with "broken bones, a torn left leg, injuries to the left side of his head and a broken left hand" and later died.

His death comes just a week after a 24-year-old tourist was killed in a hit-and-run while riding a motorcycle along a local highway. The offender, who said he saw the young man fall to the ground but didn't stop to help, has since signed a peace agreement with the victim's family.

A tourist captured Bali's notoriously dangerous roads on camera. Source: TikTok/@life_of_lozz (TikTok/life_of_lozz)

Another tourist ended up in hospital last week following a collision with a cow at night, prompting Balinese authorities to launch an awareness campaign urging drivers to be more aware, and local livestock owners to tie up their animals. "You must be careful when driving, because this area is still rural, where traditional life is still maintained in the village," the Head of South Kuta Subdistrict, I Ketut Gede Arta, said.

Meanwhile, as part of Indonesia's crackdown on problematic tourists in Bali, authorities are planning to ban foreigners from renting motorbikes and scooters after a series of incidents in which holidaymakers violated traffic rules.

The problem 'not enough people talk about'

One tourist went as far as to say it's not even safe to walk on Bali's roads. In a TikTok video titled "Things not enough people talk about: Bali edition", the young woman revealed a number of close calls while out walking.

Story continues

"Before I say what I'm about to say, there are so many beautiful parts of Bali but we were not prepared for just how dangerous the roads were going to be," she wrote in the caption.

"Most of the time you had to just walk out and hope for the best. There were also HUGE holes in the floor everywhere and hardly any pavements so if you were walking at night you had to keep your eyes on the ground and road ahead for oncoming traffic," she added.

In the short clip, hoards of pedestrians can be seen fighting for space on a road next to cars and motorbikes. The woman also revealed a large hole in the road with a sharp drop below, saying she "nearly fell down this at night".

"In the end, we used the taxi apps 'Grab' and 'Gojek' as they were cheap and much safer than walking (especially at night)," she explained.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
The first group of Irish citizens have been evacuated from Gaza and are now making their way through the border to Egypt.

Department of Foreign Affairs sources have confirmed that several citizens are crossing the border and busses are now waiting to bring them back to Cairo.

Around 30 Irish people who have been trapped in Gaza since the Israeli bombardment began last month had been told last night that they were on todays list of evacuees.

They had been asked to make their way to the Rafah border crossing and be there by 7am.

Irish consular staff are at the Rafah crossing to meet those who may come across today.

They will be providing support, including onward travel to Ireland.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin speaking to reporters in Cairo. Picture: Elaine Loughlin

In a statement this morning, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that a first group of Irish citizens and dependants has been cleared to exit.

"We expect additional Irish citizens and dependants in Gaza to be on the list in the coming days. We are working tirelessly to ensure that all those who wish to do so will be able to exit as soon as possible."

Speaking after landing in Cairo in the early hours of Wednesday morning, Tanaiste Micheal Martin said it is good news to see the first Irish citizens included on the evacuation list since the Israeli bombardment of the enclave began last month.

Obviously it is still a very fluid situation, but we're very hopeful that a number of Irish citizens will get through and we will continue to work on the remaining Irish citizens to get them through, Mr Martin said.

Policemen stand at Rafah crossing port, Egypt, as humanitarian aid convoy for the Gaza Strip is parked Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023. Picture: AP Photo/Omar Aziz

Sources hope that all Irish citizens who have been trapped in Gaza will now be evacuated in two tranches into Egypt.

This could happen as early as this week, however, sources have stressed that the number of people who exit each day is unpredictable, as are the opening times of the Rafah crossing with Egypt.

Mr Martin will today meet his Egyptian counterpart. It is expected that he will raise the case of Emily Hand who is believed to be in Gaza after being taken hostage in the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.

As an eight-year-old citizen, I think it's imperative that she is released and indeed all hostages are released, particularly the children," Mr Martin said.
A Wicklow man who posed as a teenage girl on Facebook to sexually exploit more than 60 young children by getting them to send him naked photos of themselves has been sentenced to five years in prison.

Lorcan Tracey, 26, a single man of The Commons, Rathnew, Co Wicklow, appeared before a sitting of Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court in relation to a total of 190 charges of sexual exploitation and child pornography offences.

Judge Patrick Quinn said Tracey had adopted the online persona of a 12-13-year-old girl to get his victims to send them naked photos of themselves and on one day alone had targeted 20 young people online.

The court heard there were a total of 64 victims of the accused, including one boy who was aged just eight years.

Judge Quinn said Tracey had engaged in cruel and intrusive behaviour against young children whose ages he knew and had exploited their personal vulnerabilities and frailties.

Strong element of depravity

The judge said the offences contained a strong element of depravity.

However, he acknowledged Tracey had never physically met any of his victims and had made no commercial gain from distributing some of the photos he had been sent.

The judge also noted there was no suggestion the accused was part of a paedophile ring.

Many of his victims lived in Ireland, but others were based in the UK, the US, Australia and Belgium.

The court heard Tracey had sent naked photos of a teenage girl to his victims via Facebook, purporting to be photos of the sender, in order to get them to send similar photos back to him.

In some cases, he asked young boys for photos of themselves engaging in sexual activity with another child.

Tracey urged one victim to take a picture of the penis of his three-year-old cousin, but the boy refused.

He faced 142 counts of the sexual exploitation of a child contrary to Section 3 of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998 as well as 37 counts of the possession of child pornography and 11 counts of distributing child pornographic images.

Tracey pleaded guilty to 26 sample charges relating to offences committed in 2015 when he was aged 17-18 years.

Sentence hearing

At a sentencing hearing on Wednesday, Judge Quinn said Tracey had used coercive and threatening language with some of his victims.

The judge noted the accused, while posing as a teenage girl, warned many of his victims he would take his own life or engage in self-harm unless they sent him naked photos of themselves.

He also observed Tracey had suggested to some of his victims that they had special needs, while some of his victims were so young they were unaware of the sexual nature of what they were being asked to do.

Detective Garda Georgina Earley of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau had previously told the court gardai were alerted about the offences by the US National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children in October 2015.

Det Garda Earley gave evidence that Tracey had asked one of his young victims if he was horny and to prove it by forwarding a photo of his penis.

He asked the same victim to also send him nude photos of his two younger brothers, who were aged 12 and 10.

The court heard the accused had persuaded three young siblings based in the UK for photos of their genital areas. They included a young girl aged 10, whose photos he redistributed online.

When her eight-year-old brother indicated he would not send him a photo of his penis, the accused told him to get a photo of his older brother sucking it instead.

Det Garda Earley said the accused threatened the same boy that he would not send any more nude photos of a purportedly naked teenage girl if he did not do as requested.

She said he ultimately sent 12 images to the defendant via Facebook.

Threats

When another victim with a moderate learning disability who had already sent him naked pictures refused to comply with a request, the accused warned him: Tell me to f**k off one more time and Ill put them on Facebook for everyone to see.

Det Garda Earley said he threatened another 13-year-old victim who had autism that he would tell his mother, whom he had added as a friend on Facebook, if he did not comply with his instructions.

When the same boy asked, whom he thought was a girl, if she wanted a relationship, the accused texted back: No. Youre a handicap.

The court heard at one stage, the accused pretended to be a 13-year-old girl from Wales who wore a wig as a result of chemotherapy and threatened victims she would self-harm if they did not respond to her requests.

In another case, he tried to persuade an 11-year-old boy to send him a photo of his sperm via Instagram.

At the same hearing in October, the accuseds father, Kevin Tracey, gave evidence he only fully understood the gravity of his sons offending for the first time after what he had heard in court.

Asked if he was surprised, the man replied: Shocked. He added: I apologise for what he has done. Honestly, I dont know what was going on in his mind.

Judge Quinn said IP addresses were identified and traced to Tracey who originally denied all knowledge of the Facebook accounts used to commit the offences when he was arrested in January 2017.

The judge noted the accused had refused to give a Pin number for his computer to gardai, while he had also tried to blame his brother for operating one of the accounts.

Judge Quinn said Tracey had engaged in multiple incidents of intimidating, inducing and coercing young people to send him naked photographs of themselves for his personal pleasure.

He claimed the accused had engaged in a wholly unacceptable level of deception and cruel duress.

Judge Quinn assessed Traceys offending at slightly short of the higher range.

The court heard many of the victims did not engage with the criminal investigation as they would have found it too upsetting.

Dysfunctional family history

Judge Quinn also observed that Tracey, who left school at the age of 16, had a dysfunctional family history and suffered from a number of health issues including a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The judge gave him credit for pleading guilty to the offences and saving the State a criminal trial that could have lasted up to two months.

He acknowledged Tracey had apologised to his victims and had expressed deep remorse and recognised the gross effect his actions had on them.

However, the judge also took into consideration that a probation report found him at a high risk of re-offending.

Sentencing Tracey to six years in prison for the offences relating to the sexual exploitation of children, Judge Quinn suspended the final 12 months on condition he places himself under the supervision of the Probation Service for a period of five years upon release and follows all referrals relating to counselling and treatment.

He sentenced the accused to three years and 18 months for the distribution and possession of child pornography respectively to run concurrently.

Judge Quinn also directed that Traceys name be placed on the register of sex offenders.
A man who stole a bottle of perfume from a pharmacy drank it as a substitute for alcohol.

Vladimir Suncev, a Russian now living in Skibbereen, West Cork, admitted the offence as he pleaded guilty at Skibbereen District Court to a charge of theft.

Sergeant Tom Mulcahy told Judge John King gardai had received a call from James Hamilton of Hamiltons pharmacy in Skibbereen on November 24 last year, claiming property worth 44.99 had been taken from the store.

Gardai checked CCTV footage and identified Mr Suncev, of Flat 1, Regal Estate in Skibbereen, as the offender.

The court heard the man had made certain admissions when interviewed subsequently by gardai.

The court also heard Mr Suncev had two previous convictions  one for a public order offence and the other for having had possession of a realistic imitation firearm in a public place.

The mans solicitor, Flor Murphy, told the judge Mr Suncev was a divorced father-of-two whose children were living in Lithuania. He has been living in Ireland for 10 years and more recently for five years in Skibbereen, Mr Murphy said.

The court also heard Mr Suncev was in receipt of a disability payment.

Mr Murphy said: The perfume was stolen and was used as a substitute for alcohol.

Judge King queried whether this indicated the defendant had a serious problem, to which Mr Murphy replied: I suspect there is.

The court was told Mr Suncev had worked as a fisherman but now had a stomach complaint which was related to his disability.

A stomach complaint? Judge King said. I wonder why.

He ordered a probation report be prepared and that it be submitted to the court on January 23 next, when the matters of compensation and penalty will also be finalised.
Community leaders have appealed for calm after a mother and child escaped injury in a shooting incident believed to be linked to a feud on the northside of Cork City.

It followed an earlier incident in which a car was attacked by at least two men wielding axes.

The shooting, which occurred close to a Traveller halting site in Ballyvolane, was the second shooting incident in the suburb since the weekend when shots were fired at a house in the Glenfields Park area of Ballyvolane on Saturday night.

As garda investigations into that incident continue, another investigation has been launched into the latest shooting incident.

In a statement, gardai said officers at Watercourse Road were alerted shortly after 5.30pm on Tuesday following reports of shots fired in a residential area at Ballyvolane Road.

There were no reports of any injuries and enquiries into the matter are ongoing, he said.

While gardai have not commented in detail on the incidents, it is believed that all three  Saturday's shooting, the axe attack on the car, and the gun attack on a car  are linked to an ongoing feud involving members of up to four families in the Traveller community.

It is understood that Tuesdays incidents were in retaliation for Saturdays gun attack.

Social media

So-called call-out videos have also been posted to various social media platforms, threatening further violence and retaliation, while other videos from people linked to the feuding families have been posted online showing men armed with a sawn-off shotgun and hatchets driving in a car.

The gun attack on the car carrying a woman and child marks a serious escalation in the feud, local politicians said.

They have appealed for calm and for extra garda resources to deal with the matter.

Independent Cllr Ken OFlynn said residents living in the area, as well as members of the Traveller community, are deeply concerned that the situation could escalate further.

People are deeply worried about their own safety, and about their childrens safety and we have people now living in fear that gunshots could be fired at the wrong house, he said.

I have had contact from several women in the Traveller community saying they are worried about their partners, husbands, fathers, sons, involvement in this.

Gardai in fairness are doing a lot of work behind the scenes, trying to broker peace, but it seems to be falling on deaf ears.

Garda resources

Labour Cllr John Maher said there is a genuine concern in the area that this feud could escalate further.

People are concerned now that someone could get caught in the cross-fire, he said.

These call-out videos are being recorded where families shop, get involved in sport, go about their everyday lives, their daily routines.

I have spoken to gardai about it and they have told me that this is a top priority, but garda resources are already stretched.

I would like to see a greater garda presence in the area and hope that every available garda resource is being devoted to this.
The EU's response to the war in Gaza is "despicable" and its leaders "cowards", the Social Democrats leader has told the Dail.

Bringing a motion to the Dail calling for the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador, Holly Cairns said that EU leaders were "cowards".

She said that she is normally a supporter of the EU but "as recently as Sunday, the EUs High Representative for Foreign Affairs released a statement which could only call for a humanitarian pause of the slaughter  and contained no criticism of Israel for its savagery".

"The official EU position is now that we want a pause in the bombing for a few hours  and then the ethnic cleansing can continue.

"I reject this statement. The EU leaders who wrote it are cowards and their position is indefensible. The High Representative for Foreign Affairs, in his statement, also urged Israel to exercise maximum restraint.

Does he watch the news? Does he know what is going on?

Ms Cairns said that the international community must act quickly.

"Ireland has long been proud of our reputation as a voice for peace on the international stage, as a country who values human rights and international law, and advocates for nations and people who face oppression.

"Ireland has not been found wanting when it comes to words of support for the Palestinian people, but in the face of an impending genocide, words are not enough, we must take action now. Before it is too late."

Social Democrats make 'no apologies for motion

Her party colleague Gary Gannon told the Dail that the language around human pauses in the fighting was "inhumane".

He said that the party "makes no apologies" for the motion because they "stand for consequences".

Cian O'Callaghan, the party's TD for Dublin Bay North, condemned the rise in antisemitism and islamophobia in the wake of the violence in Gaza.

Speaking for the Government, junior justice minister James Browne said that Ireland has "called clearly" on all sides to abide by international law.

He said that he believed the Social Democrats motion was a representation of concerns across the Dail but said expelling Israeli ambassador Dana Erlich would push Ireland to the "edges of the international community".

Mr Browne said that referring the case to the International Criminal Court would not achieve anything because an investigation is ongoing and that the Government was concerned about appearing to politicise the court.

He said the situation was "fundamentally different" to that in Ukraine because in that case, Ukraine was not signed up to the court. He said that the Government's countermotion was "firmly in line with international law" and was pushing to get all sides back to the negotiating table.
Fine Gael MEP and former TD for Cork Deirdre Clune has announced that she will not contest the next European Parliament election.

Ms Clune, who currently represents the Ireland South constituency, is due to stand down at the next European election in June 2024. She entered the European Parliament in 2014, before being re-elected in 2019.

The Fine Gael politician was first elected as a TD for Cork South Central in the 1997 general election, before losing her seat in 2002. She was then re-elected in 2007, serving an additional term before entering the Seanad after the 2011 general election.

She was also elected as a councillor in 1999, before serving one term as Lord Mayor of Cork in 2005.

In a statement, Ms Clune said that she informed Taoiseach Leo Varadkar last month of her decision to stand down next June.

Taking the decision to step away from public office was not an easy one, Ms Clune said.

Ever since I first walked through the doors of Dail Eireann 27 years ago, I have striven to serve my constituents with determined resolve.

Over the best part of the last three decades, I have been privileged to serve as a Fine Gael Councillor, TD, Senator, and Member of the European Parliament.

Ms Clune said that through her work at the European Parliament, she has seen how the EU has played a defining role in Ireland becoming a modern open society and economy.

Europe has also taught me that the ability to compromise is not a weakness. It is the essence of a healthy democracy, Ms Clune said.

For the remainder of this parliamentary term, I intend to continue my work, serving the people of Ireland South in Europe.

I am looking forward to the next chapter of my political life where I will revert to being a Fine Gael activist and supporting the next generation of public representatives who will serve you.

Paying tribute to Ms Clune, Mr Varadkar said that she has had a distinguished career in politics, saying that few politicians have been elected to almost very possible chamber at local, national and international level by the electorate.

A proud Corkwoman, Deirdre and her family can look back with great pride on her achievements. We in Fine Gael are extremely grateful for all that Deirdre has done for her country and party, Mr Varadkar concluded.
It pays to be sceptical about what we are seeing. As the Israel-Hamas war proceeds in all its obscenity and the death toll skyrockets, a shadow war is taking place on social media.

Hate, disinformation, misinformation, fabrications, and doctored imagery are flooding the internet with unmeasurable social consequences.

Many images and videos circulated since the war began have been fake.

A video that purported to be the Israelis bombing a Palestinian mosque was nine-year-old footage from the war in Syria.

A video showing dead Palestinians in body bags on the streets of Gaza was taken during a pro-Palestine demonstration in Washington DC with the display symbolising Palestinians who died in Israeli attacks on Gaza.

A TikTok video that went viral supposedly showing a Hamas terrorist making fun of a kidnapped Jewish toddler following the attack on Israel predated the conflict by a month, and the identity of the man and child remains unclear.

An account claiming to be the Israeli National Intelligence Agency, Mossad, bearing its emblem, fooled many people including some journalists and is spreading disinformation.

For example, a clip shared on its X account supposedly from the war was an excerpt from a video game

In a tech-led society, fake news has become the enemy of truth. Artificial Intelligence with its ability to generate photographs and videos that appear real has only complicated the situation.

In the context of the Israel-Hamas war, when groupthink means we reinforce each others convictions that we are right, we are more prone to accepting anything that matches our personal narrative, even when it is false.

Sites exist where we can fact-check the integrity of images, videos, and stories, some of which are listed at the end of the article, but this can be another chore when we are busy.

An easier solution is to seek credible news sources from media outlets that employ journalists to produce fact-based news, who sift authentic information from false claims.

Youll still get bias. News outlets take lines on issues, and journalists can shape the narrative of events they cover and construct stories that support their point of view.

They are human after all. But what they produce is far more likely to be a reasonably fair and accurate representation of what they have investigated rather than entirely fabricated dross floating around online.

A visitor walks past Robert Capas Soldier taking cover at Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6th 1944 during the Life. The great photographers exhibition. Picture: Getty Images

Watching the bombs rain down on Gaza, seeing the bleeding, weeping children then viewing the hollowed-out faces of grief-stricken Israelis clutching pictures of their loved ones kidnapped by Hamas and still held hostage, I was reminded this week of Magnum, the world-famous photographic agency and in particular, of a certain set of war photos.

Magnum is still going, but in its heyday, it garnered a reputation for high-quality photojournalism.

The kind of journalism that was once well funded where photojournalists were handsomely paid to embark on large-scale, longer-term projects and what they produced endured and shaped how we saw the world.

Robert Capas iconic pictures were taken on D-Day, June 6, 1944, as he landed with the Allies at Colleville sur Mer in Normandy, codenamed Omaha Beach.

In taking these pictures Capa put his life on the line. He was one of four co-founders of Magnum along with Henri Cartier-Bresson, George Rodger, and David Seymour and a world-famous war photographer.

Capas black-and-white images are surprisingly modern-looking. There was no television at the time, so the images on the cover of the iconic Life magazine gave people a sense of how things looked. (They can be viewed online or bought as prints from Magnum although they are pricey.)

They depict terrified young men in the cold Normandy water amongst the debris as roughly 34,000 men crawl toward shore under heavy German machine gun fire.

A standout picture that became the defining image of the landing is the head of a young American GI as he approaches the shore.

We see a desperate, frightened young soldier, perhaps on the verge of death, somebodys son, and now utterly alone

This image humanises the invasion and lays bare what is at stake in war. To my mind, it also deconstructs the myths that warmongers, invariably male, feed us about male courage and valour during times of war.

The machoism that accompanies romanticised notions of defending ones homeland and fighting for a set of values as part of a tribe that defends the in-group is debunked.

An interesting aside about Capa is that he took hundreds of photos of Israel between 1948 and 1950 with one commentator remarking: Visually speaking, Robert Capa made Israel.

Palestinians were erased from Capas photos, and he was accused of acting as an unofficial propagandist for a country he depicted as full of idealised Israeli settlers.

His personal biography explains this. He was born in Hungary in 1913 when antisemitism was widespread and later exiled to Berlin, where he saw Hitler come to power before he fled.

Many of his relatives perished at Auschwitz. Small wonder then, that his work was framed through a particular ideological framework and that despite his immense talent he crossed the line from observer to narrator.

Robert Capa's photograph of American troops advancing through France being greeted by civilians near the village of Notre Dame de Cenily, August 1944. Picture: Getty Images

To return to his D-Day images perhaps the biggest takeaway is that men are not monochromatic actors in war but human beings, with backstories and families waiting for them at home.

As we question what we are seeing in the Middle East, we can remember that as we go at each others throats with our different perspectives.

When fanatics on either side of the Israeli-Hamas conflict, commit brutal acts in an endless ultimately meaningless cycle of violence where the language used is dismantling, disarming, defeating, and destroying the enemy  and sectarianism abounds  theres a huge value in images that remind us of our common humanity.

We need them to ground us, to provide nuance, to be the opposite of reactive coverage that fuels our hate and divisions in this sulphurous atmosphere.

More than ever, we need good journalism to haul us back from the brink

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, between October 7 and yesterday, 40 journalists and media workers have so far been killed during the Israel-Hamas war: 35 Palestinian, four Israeli, and one Lebanese.

These journalists have lost their lives to capture the story and we owe them. Ta said imithe ar shli na firinne.
The US prosecutor who oversaw the conviction of Molly and Tom Martens said it is appalling that Jason Corbetts late wife was dragged into the hearing.

Alan Martin is the assistant district attorney in Davidson County, North Carolina, who worked on the case for six years  including the Martens previous murder trial in 2017.

Molly and Tom Martens were jailed for between 20 and 25 years for second-degree murder, but had their convictions overturned in 2021  which led to a voluntary manslaughter plea deal last month.

The pair were returned to prison last week after the presiding judge found holes in their evidence.

They were sentenced to a minimum of seven months and a maximum of 23 months  they have both already served 44 months.

Jason Corbett, 39, died on August 2, 2015, in the home he shared with his second wife Molly Martens in North Carolina.

Mr Martin said the case involved years of investigative work and his office had received 15,000 pages of discovery material, in addition to videos and recordings.

There was an awful lot in it, he told the Irish Examiner. During last weeks sentence hearing, the Martens said they feared Mr Corbett killed his first wife Margaret Mags Corbett, who was 31 when she died in 2006, following an asthma attack.

That was appalling, said Mr Martin. There is no basis for suspicion. That should not have been brought into the case.

It is my understanding that the consultant who treated Mrs Corbett did what any doctor would do over there, took information from the family and her history.

Assistant district attorney Alan Martin and Judge David Hall during the sentence hearing for Molly and Tom Martens. Mr Martin said they 'absolutely got a fair hearing' at Davidson County Courthouse. Picture: Walt Unks/Winston-Salem Journal/Pool

In outlining her defence, Molly Martens had suggested to friends that her husband had strangled Margaret Corbett, and she was afraid he would do the same to her.

Mr Martin said this was unfair. He also attacked the claims in his closing arguments and said the medical experts opinions on Margaret Corbetts death were irrelevant, meaningless, and speculative.

Throughout the sentence hearing, which lasted eight days, three medical professionals gave evidence that Margaret Corbett did not die from an asthma attack.

Bill Smock, who was also a key figure in the George Floyd case, even went so far as to suggest she may have been strangled.

There is blushing around the nose and mouth in page two of the autopsy report, he said.

It says very pale, and blush around the mouth and nose. That is a physical finding that is consistent with strangulation.

The most common cause we are left with is strangulation. If that were the case it would be homicide, he said.

Pathologist Thomas Sporn, who works in the Duke Department of Pathology in North Carolina, told the courtroom: She had a heart that was normal and there were no intoxicants or poisoning. They found her death was due to asthma.

When asked if he agreed with the Irish autopsy findings, he replied: I dont.

A third expert for the state, William Bozeman, gave evidence saying he did not believe Margaret Corbett was strangled.

When asked why, he replied: It is the word probable, I do agree it could be plausible as a cause of death.

Its best described as undetermined, he said.

The Martens engaged the services of a number of experts in the case that is expected to cost millions of dollars.

I dont even want to speculate how much those experts cost the Martens, said Mr Martin.

Sentencing

When sentencing Molly and Tom Martens, Judge David Hall said nobody will ever know what happened on the night of Mr Corbetts death.

However, he pointed out that Molly Martens' delicate bracelet on her wrist was not damaged despite claims that Mr Corbett tried to choke her.

There was also no stretching of Molly and Tom Martens clothes and they barely had a mark on them.

More strikingly, he said Tom Martens, who spent his life enforcing the law and living as a law-abiding citizen, did not call for backup on the night in question.

What do you do? You call for backup, said Judge Hall, adding that the call was not made until after Mr Corbett died. That is another big hole, he said.

Jason Corbett died on August 2, 2015, in the home he shared with his second wife Molly Martens in North Carolina. Molly and Tom Martens were returned to prison last week after the presiding judge found 'holes' in their evidence.

Mr Martin told the Irish Examiner that they absolutely got a fair hearing under Judge Hall.

We were able to introduce what we needed to in front of a very confident, capable, fair, and open-minded judge, who was willing to listen, he said.

He obviously carefully considered and examined all of the evidence before him.

He certainly gave us a resolution in what he was able to do and within the law that was available to him.

I feel very comfortable with the result and Judge Hall very clearly gave the case his full attention.

Mr Martin also described it as a stand-out case that will stick with him.

You always go through a process of could I have said something different? and were there details or additional information I could have used?

It is human nature to go through that process, but I am happy with the result.

You often wonder can you change something or reconsider something, but not in this case.

He also paid tribute to Mr Corbetts children Jack, 19, and Sarah, 17.

Every case is unique, he told the Irish Examiner. But this case did have some family dynamics that were different to normal, and there is no normal in homicide.

Every family grieves, and every family suffers extraordinary loss in a homicide case, just like this family did.

Judge Hall ordered a full psychiatric assessment of Molly Martens and placed her on suicide watch.

Mr Martin explained that until Monday, November 13, the pair were still in the care of the local Davidson County Jail, but he expected them to be transferred to a state prison by next week.

They are still in local custody. They are not processed yet and then they will go to a state jail.

When asked if the Martens will appeal their sentences, Mr Martin said: Its always hard to say, there is zero expectation of an appeal, but there are not much appealable issues in this case, so we dont expect it.
The mood at Tuesdays meeting between RTE director general Kevin Bakhurst and staff was sombre and subdued.

After the turmoil of the summer months, we all knew that the production of this new strategic vision was the next action required of RTE by Government, and its broad outline  cuts to staffing and the privatisation of more programming  did not surprise many, although the scale of the proposed staffing cuts did.

One in five jobs at the broadcaster are to go.

They are two sides of the same coin.

It is the farming out to the independent sector of programmes currently made in-house that will enable RTE to cut staffing to this degree.

Those programmes  and we dont yet know which they will be  are now likely to be made by people working on casual short-term contracts. This decision has consequences not just for people working in RTE but for anyone working to make programmes in Ireland, or hoping to.

It means there will be up to 400 fewer stable and relatively secure jobs for them to aspire to.

There are many talented and creative people working in the independent sector. Staff in RTE know that full well. Many of us have come from the sector, and we have friends or family members working there.

RTE director general Kevin Bakhurst met with staff on Tuesday.

Talent from the sector feeds in daily to RTE programmes both on TV and radio and it would be impossible for RTE to reflect the range and depth and richness of Irish experience without it.

But it is important to strike a balance.

When it comes to working conditions and job security, there may be some good practice in the independent sector but it is mostly a gig economy  short-term contracts, long working hours, and no entitlements such as pensions or holiday pay.

An old college friend who went on to work in the independent sector and made some brilliant programmes texted me on Tuesday. He reminded me of something one of our lecturers used to say; Television eats talent.

Writing about the stress of living gig to gig, my friend texted about kids who spend their 20s and 30s working in edit suites 16 hours a day while their home lives evaporate.

By the time they reach their mid-30s and 40s they have been sucked dry he wrote.

How do people in this situation get mortgage approval? How do they maintain their physical and mental health?

In one part of RTE, the horse has already bolted.

One of the first acts of former director general Dee Forbes in 2017 was to shut down childrens programme-making in RTE.

Since then  apart from the newsrooms fantastic News2day childrens programme  RTE produces no TV programming at all for what is arguably our most important audience.

A vital function of public service media, to nurture a sense of national identity and cohesion, has for this impressionable age cohort been outsourced.

While some promises were made since 2017 to restore funding to childrens programming, the New Direction document copperfastens the 2017 decision.

It says RTE will continue to provide content for young people created primarily by Irelands independent production sector.

Worryingly, when it comes to overall commissioning from the independent sector, the document commits RTE to going beyond the level recommended by the Future of Media Commission (FOMC).

We plan to increase the total value of commissioning by up to 50% in 2028. Before that, we will meet the FOMC recommendation of investing 25%, it states.

Why is RTE committing itself to go beyond what is expected of it in this regard?

Staff and unions at RTE welcome some of what was announced this week. ]

We welcome RTEs commitment that, as presenter contracts come up for renewal, no one working for the organisation will be paid more than the director general.

Seamus Dooley, Irish Secretary at National Union of Journalists, with officials from the RTE Trade Union Group, including Emma O'Kelly, speaking with media before the meeting with director general Kevin Bakhurst at the broadcaster's headquarters in Donnybrook, Dublin. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

In 2019 the National Union of Journalists branch called for a salary cap so that no one at the broadcaster would be paid more than at the top of the civil service grade.

We welcome plans to expand production in the regions, specifically in Cork City, and in Limerick and Galway. But we need more detail.

Will this mean more RTE jobs in the regions or simply more programmes parcelled out to private companies based there?

Moving more production to Cork will also require significant investment. RTEs building in the city is old and prone to flooding and the broadcaster will have to purchase a new one if it is to expand.

We have no timeframe for positive proposals like this that require investment.

Depressingly, we know that in the short-term we are only looking at cuts.

We are also perplexed by this constant talk of the need for RTE to become smaller, as if that is a received fact.

Why should RTE become smaller? What is the basis for that assertion?

We feel we need to remind people that the scandals exposed over the summer had nothing to do with the vast majority of staff at the station, who work hard and are not paid excessively.

It is worth noting that Finlands public broadcaster employs twice as many people as RTE.

Finlands service is also, by the way, funded through progressive taxation.

When it comes to public service media, the Irish public deserves the very best.

Staff at RTE are far from convinced that this weeks proposals are the way to achieve that.

Emma O'Kelly is an NUJ rep and vice chairperson of the RTE Trade Union Group.
An Oklahoma senator has challenged a union president to a fight during a Senate hearing on Tuesday night.

Senator Markwayne Mullin rose from his seat and challenged Teamsters president Sean O'Brien to a fight, before the committee chair stepped in to defuse the confrontation.

The verbal sparring began after Mullin, an Oklahoma Republican, 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. Any place, anytime cowboy."

Mullin finished with an offer to fight O'Brien at the hearing.

"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," he said, while pointing to the floor separating the two.

O'Brien responded, "OK that's fine, perfect ... You stand your butt up, big guy."

Mullin then rose from his seat and moved to remove his wedding ring.

'WE'RE NOT 12 YEARS OLD'

At that point Senator Bernie Sanders, who was chairing the hearing with union presidents, said to Mullin: "You're a United States senator, sit down."

Mullin, a former professional mixed martial arts fighter, later in the hearing challenged O'Brien again to fight for charity in April.

O'Brien rejected the offer.

"It should never come to that," O'Brien told Reuters. "We're not 12 years old anymore ... We have fights we have to take on. My cage fight is with corporate America and that's the way it is going to stay." O'Brien said he is willing to sit down with Mullin for coffee or a beer.

"In Oklahoma, if you run your mouth, you get called out. Period," Mullin said on the social media platform X, after the hearing.

The incident came as tensions among Republicans in the US Congress boiled over on Tuesday, with a lawmaker accusing the ousted House speaker of elbowing him in the kidney, while a Senate Republican challenged a union leader to a fight during a hearing.

Republican Representative Tim Burchett accused Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted as Speaker of the House of Representatives early last month, of elbowing him in an incident at the Capitol. Picture: AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

Republican Representative Tim Burchett accused Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted as Speaker of the House of Representatives early last month, of elbowing him in an incident at the Capitol that was witnessed by a National Public Radio reporter who also recorded audio of the exchange.

"Why'd you elbow me in the back, Kevin?" said Burchett, according to audio released by NPR. "What kind of chicken move is that? You're pathetic, man. You are so pathetic."

McCarthy later denied having elbowed Burchett, one of eight Republicans who engineered the removal of McCarthy from leadership.

"I didn't punch anybody," McCarthy told reporters, adding, "If I hit somebody, they would know I hit them."

"It kinda caught me off guard because it was a clean shot to the kidneys," Burchett later told CNN.

"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."

The altercation came at a time of escalating violent rhetoric by Republican politicians, including Donald Trump - the frontrunner for the party's 2024 presidential nomination.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said he hoped the upcoming Thanksgiving break would give lawmakers a chance to "cool off" after the grueling weeks of fighting over legislation and the speakership that followed McCarthy's ouster.

"This place is a pressure-cooker," Johnson said at a news conference on Tuesday. "Everybody can go home, we can come back, reset."
A stonemason who developed terminal lung disease after exposure to silica dust at work has praised Bunnings' decision to stop selling benchtops that have been linked to causing the disease.

But an expert says much more needs to be done to prevent further diagnoses in workers.

On Tuesday, Bunnings announced a range of engineered stone would be removed from all stores by the end of the year after their high silica content was associated with the onset of silicosis  an incurable disease caused by inhaling unsafe levels of silica dust.

Ben Harrison, who was diagnosed with silicosis four years ago resulting in a "life sentence", welcomed the news.

"Honestly I'm just pleased it's a step in the right direction," the dad of three told Yahoo News Australia but admitted the decision would do little to help his declining health. "They could have been leaders in their field, it's been in the news for a while now how bad these products are."

Ben Harrison, 34, who has silicosis was pleased to hear Bunnings has announced it will discontinue silica-based products. Source: Supplied

Unions support ban of silica-based products

The decision from Bunnings  which was closely followed by Ikea  comes after a Safe Work Australia report concluded an immediate ban was the only advisable option since working with such products exposed tradies to "unacceptable risk".

Unions have embraced the news with open arms, with the National Construction Union petitioning for retailers to make this change for months.

Although the progress has been widely praised, some have questioned why it has taken so long for retailers to take action given silica-based products have been long linked to silicosis, and many tradies have already had their lives irreversibly impacted.

Source: Yahoo News Australia

'Public opinion' pushed retailers to prioritise worker health, expert says

Dr Renee Carey led a study into the dangers of working with silica-based products last year and her research predicted as many as 10,000 Aussies would develop lung cancer due to silica dust exposure.

She favours the change actioned by large retailers this week but believes it took immense public scrutiny to force these large companies to take action.

Story continues

"I think they're going with public opinion," the Senior Research Fellow from Curtin University told Yahoo News Australia. "It's become clear that this is the direction it's going to go and they have made a proactive move, but I think it's very much because they feel like they had to do it."

Carey advocates for a nationwide ban on silica products, believing the federal government needs to get on board.

"We really need this move by government and by the ministers to ban it in total, we need a concerted effort by the federal government to ban it across Australia... that's where the momentum is going," she said.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg appeared at London's Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday, November 15, charged with a public order offence over an environmental protest in central London last month.

The 20-year-old was detained by police on October 17 after she and dozens of demonstrators locked arms to obstruct the entrances to a hotel where an oil and gas conference was taking place.

Thunberg has become famous as the face of climate activism since she started staging weekly protests in Sweden in 2018, and she now travels around the world addressing crowds at marches and protests. She was charged by London police on October 18 and released on bail, and if found guilty on Wednesday she could face a fine of up to a maximum of 2,500 sterling (2,868).
Climate campaigner Greta Thunberg has denied a public order offence after a protest in central London last month.

The 20-year-old from Sweden was arrested during a demonstration near the InterContinental Hotel in Mayfair on October 17 as oil executives met inside for the Energy Intelligence Forum.

She and four other Fossil Free London protesters pleaded not guilty at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning to breaching Section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986 by blocking the entrance to the hotel.

Thunberg confirmed her name and date of birth, but her address in Stockholm was not read out in court due to concerns over alleged threats she has received.

She was seen laughing and smiling as the hearing took place.

Thunberg was arrested in Mayfair on October 17 during a protest (Yui Mok/PA)

The protesters were granted unconditional bail ahead of a trial at City of London Magistrates Court from February 1 2024.

A group of Greenpeace and Fossil Free London protesters gathered outside the court, chanting and holding banners reading Oily Money Out and Make Polluters Pay.

Police liaison officers were present in the court.

Five others also charged over the protest will appear later on Wednesday.

Fossil Free London is campaigning against the use of fossil fuels by major oil and gas companies.

Thunberg has been an active environmental campaigner since the age of 15 and was fined by a Swedish court in July for stopping traffic during an environmental protest at an oil facility.
Downing Street has slapped down Suella Bravermans suggestion that she struck a deal with Rishi Sunak to lend him her support in exchange for key promises.

The British prime ministers press secretary rejected the former home secretarys characterisation of a secret pact allegedly being reached, but confirmed the pair had been discussing policy prior to her appointment.

In an incendiary resignation letter following her sacking on Monday, Mrs Braverman suggested she had given Mr Sunak her backing and served in his government on certain conditions.

These included a commitment to cut net migration and efforts to override international barriers to deporting people who arrive in Britain via small boats in the English Channel, she said.

The Prime Ministers press secretary rejected the former home secretarys characterisation of a secret pact (House of Commons/PA)

No 10 admitted that something may have come in when asked if Mrs Braverman had handed a document to Mr Sunak before her appointment.

Policy was discussed between the pair during the 2022 leadership contest, Downing Street suggested, adding it would be quite odd for them not to before she became home secretary.

But asked whether the Sunak and his former home secretary had any kind of exchange in which a deal was struck before she entered Government, his press secretary said: I do not accept that characterisation.

They obviously had a discussion on priority areas to work on and if you actually look at what weve worked on together with the home office during the last year, the toughest legislation on immigration, boats down by a third, crime falling, that would have been the basis of the ask for the home secretary, and obviously she would have had the opportunity to respond, the press secretary said.

A reshuffle on Monday saw Mrs Braverman ousted and former UK prime minister David Cameron brought back as foreign secretary, with Mr Sunak hailing a new strong and united team in his government.

In her letter on Tuesday, Mrs Braverman  whose leadership ambitions are no secret  issued a rallying cry to the partys right with a call for an authentic Conservative agenda.

You have manifestly and repeatedly failed to deliver on every single one of these key policies

She laimed she had agreed a deal to back Mr Sunak and serve as home secretary on certain conditions, such as introducing measures to override the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the Human Rights Act (HRA) in legislation to stop small boats crossing the Channel.

You have manifestly and repeatedly failed to deliver on every single one of these key policies, she wrote, adding: 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.

She accused him of a betrayal of your promise to the nation that you would do whatever it takes to stop the boats and said his response to the pro-Palestinian protests showed he is uncertain, weak, and lacking in the qualities of leadership that this country needs.

In a brief response, a No 10 spokeswoman said the Mr Sunak believes in actions not words.
A top Ukrainian official said the countrys troops have established a beachhead on the eastern bank of the Dnieper River near Kherson, an important advance in bridging one of Russias most significant strategic barriers in the war.

Andriy Yermak, head of the presidents office, provided no details but confirmed the development that has been widely discussed in military forums over the past month.

Against all odds, Ukraines defence forces have gained a foothold on the left bank of the Dnieper, Mr Yermak told the Hudson Institute, a conservative Washington think tank.

Ever since Russian forces left the city of Kherson and the territory around it in November 2022, the only area they controlled on the west bank of the Dnieper, the river became a natural dividing line along the southern battlefront, preventing Ukrainian troops from advancing further into the Kherson region and towards Russian-annexed Crimea.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  15 November 2023.



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/QEOsaicDO4



 #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/Lcs64e1wDO  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) November 15, 2023

The barrier also allowed Russia to concentrate more troops in the heavily mined and fortified Zaporizhzhia region and eastern Ukraine.

Since the summer, Ukrainian forces have crossed the Dnieper in small groups to create a foothold near the Kherson bridge and more recently sought to expand their presence in nearby villages on the east bank, including Krynky.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in Washington said Mr Yermaks comments confirm its own assessments over the past month that Ukraine was conducting larger-than-usual ground operations on the eastern bank of the river and appeared to be holding its positions and supplying troops in the Russian-controlled Kherson region.

Satellite imagery from Monday showed forces advancing on Krynky, one of the areas on the eastern bank of the Dnieper about 22 miles north-east of the city of Kherson, the ISW said.

Russian military bloggers have reported intense fighting near Krynky.

The Moscow-appointed governor for the Russia-occupied part of the Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, said Ukrainian forces lost up to two battalions crossing the Dnieper and trying to maintain their foothold on the left bank.

On his Telegram channel, he claimed that Ukrainian forces holed up in Krynky were facing a fiery hell of intense bombardment and were being destroyed on a large scale.

The Ukrainian forces have long established positions in several areas on the eastern bank of the Dnieper and sought to expand them, using boats to ferry supplies.

Two boats of Ukrainian marines navigate along a river close to the front line near Kherson (Alex Babenko/AP)

Ukraine lost control over almost the entire Kherson region, including the city of Kherson, in March 2022, right after the full-scale invasion started.

Russian troops advanced from the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014, facing almost no resistance even though the Ukraine border was supposed to be heavily guarded.

Crossing the Dnieper could allow Ukraine to outflank Russia without having to break through the heavily mined and fortified front line in the Zaporizhzhia region.

It would also provide the most direct land route to Crimea, where Armiansk, one of the two gateways to the peninsula, lies about 50 miles to the south without any significant fortifications in the way.

In other developments, at least two civilians were killed and 14 wounded in Ukraine in the past day, the presidents office said.

In the eastern Donetsk region, Russians launched a massive missile attack on Selydove that wounded three people and damaged eight high-rise buildings and others.

In the Kherson region, seven people were wounded during shelling of residential areas of Beryslav and the city of Kherson.

Drones killed a 26-year-old man in Nikopol, on the opposite bank of the river from the area near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

In the Kharkiv region, shelling near Izium struck a car and killed a 33-year-old driver and wounded a passenger.
Rishi Sunak has defended Lee Anderson after the deputy Tory chairman suggested ministers ignore the Supreme Court ruling on the Rwanda scheme, despite stressing the Governments commitment to the rule of law.

The Prime Minister said he absolutely shared the frustrations of his colleagues over the legal setback but said he respected the decision handed down by five of the UKs most senior judges.

Mr Anderson had suggested defying the ruling and just put(ting) planes in the air now, adding: Its time for the Government to show real leadership and send them back, same day.

Lee Anderson said the Government should ignore the law and send migrants to Rwanda (House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA)

Asked whether he would sack the deputy chairman over his remarks given their apparent discord over the Government line, the PM said: I think what Lees comments and indeed the comments of others do is reflect the strength of feeling in the country on this issue.

And I absolutely share, actually, in the frustrations that my colleagues and indeed people across the country have about this issue.

The Governments plan to deport asylum seekers to Kigali has been grounded for more than a year due to a series of legal challenges, and was dealt a major blow on Wednesday when the UKs highest court ruled it was unlawful.

In a 56-page ruling, five of the UKs senior judges agreed that there had not been a proper assessment of whether Rwanda was safe for asylum seekers and that the countrys history cannot be effectively ignored or sidelined.

In response, Mr Sunak promised emergency legislation and a new treaty with Kigali to ensure his flagship asylum policy is not blocked again.

The law would enable Parliament to endorse the upgraded agreement, he told a press conference in Downing Street.

My patience has run thin, as indeed the countrys patience has run thin, he said.

But he added: I dont agree with the (Supreme Court) decision, but I respect it and accept it. Rule of law is fundamental to our democracy.

None of the 140 million the UK has already spent on the scheme can be clawed back and the new treaty is expected to add even more to the costs, with Labour accusing the Government of wasting taxpayer cash.

In the Commons, Home Secretary James Cleverly resisted calls to withdraw from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and the international Refugee Convention, telling Tory MPs: I dont believe those things are necessary.

He added that national governments cant just vote themselves out of international commitments and as a former foreign secretary he knew they were incredibly powerful tools as we try and do good around the wider world

But the Prime Minister said that if it becomes clear that our domestic legal frameworks or international conventions are still frustrating the plans at that point, I am prepared to change our laws and revisit those international relationships.
A combined force of resistance groups in Kayah State has rescued 134 junta regime employees and 64 of their family members who were trapped inside Loikaw University amid clashes between the groups and the juntas military, according to Karenni resistance groups and the Karenni State Interim Executive Council (KSIEC).

According to a KSIEC statement released on Tuesday, the regime employees, who worked for the university, were abandoned by the juntas military council and left to fend for themselves following the launch of Operation 11.11 in Kayah State. Karenni revolutionary troops evacuated them from the university compound and transported them to a safe place, the KSIEC said.

The regime employees from Loikaw University, who didnt join in the Civil Disobedience Movement [CDM], are now being well cared for, in accordance with human rights principles, and provided humanitarian assistance, the statement reads.

The humanitarian evacuation of the regime employees, most of whom are lecturers, and their families from the university compound followed a junta public disinformation campaign in which the regime portrayed the resistance groups as attempting to abduct the university staff.

At a press conference on Monday, junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun alleged that the KNPP and PDF were firing on Loikaw University while trying to abduct regime employees present there. He said regime forces had saved some of the lecturers and were attempting to rescue the remaining ones. The KNPP, or Karenni National Progressive Party, is the political wing of the Karenni Army (KA), while PDF, or Peoples Defense Force, groups operate under the civilian National Unity Government.

However, the Karenni revolutionary forces denied the claim, explaining that in fact the junta troops made no effort to evacuate the employees from the university compound, despite being based there.

When the resistance groups launched their attack on regime troops in the area on Saturday as part of Operation 1111, hundreds of regime forces took up a position at the university compound, so resistance forces were forced to open fire on the compound, said Khu Ree Du, a spokesperson for the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF).

But we realized that there were many non-CDM employees inside the university and they were in danger of being injured or killed at any time. Therefore, we decided to take them out, he said.

The juntas propaganda channels also falsely reported that the rector of Loikaw University had been killed. The KNDF denied the report and said the rector and all the other lecturers had been safely evacuated and were being well cared for.

Though the lecturers and other regime employees at Loikaw University didnt join in the CDM movement, CDM participants are now helping them, providing them with food and drinking water.

After the combined resistance groups entered the university compound on Tuesday afternoon, they started evacuating the employees and their families. Resistance groups said intense clashes continue at Loikaw University and in other parts of the city.

Loikaw is the center of the juntas 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.

Allied resistance forces comprising the KA, KNDF, Karenni National Peoples Liberation Front (KNPLF) and PDF groups launched the Operation 11.11 offensive in Kayah on Saturday in harmony with Operation 1027 in northern Shan State.

The offensive has so far seized seven junta outposts in Kayahs Loikaw and Demoso and neighboring southern Shan States Pekon Township.
The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) seized a junta military camp in northern Shan States Kutkai Township on Monday, inflicting at least 30 casualties on junta forces, according to the KIA and local residents.

The camp, located in Tarmoenye towns Daknai Village, served as the base for a company under the militarys 123rd Infantry Battalion, which is based in Namhpatkar Village. The KIA, the armed wing of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), launched an attack on the camp on Sunday, and was able to seize the whole camp the next day, according to a KIA official in Kutkai.

The camp housed about 100 junta troops, dozens of whom retreated over the two days of the KIAs assault. The KIA official said the ethnic armed group found the bodies of at least 30 dead junta troops.

As the clashes erupted without warning, hundreds of villagers from Daknai fled into nearby villages and jungle areas and have not been able to return, fearing the fighting could resume at any time, the residents said.

During the clashes, the juntas military fired artillery shells, injuring at least three villagers, said a member of an emergency volunteer team based in Kutkai.

The military unit based in Daknai has been guarding a gold mine in the village, which is known as a source of income for the junta. The military regime shares the revenue from mining projects in northern Shan State with allied militia groups and some private companies that have ties with the junta, residents said.

The military camp in Daknai was established in 2012. The KIA launched an unsuccessful attack on it in 2021.

The Irrawaddy reached out to KIA spokesperson Colonel Naw Bu for comment on the fighting in Tarmoenye but did not receive a reply.

Analysts monitoring the conflict in northern Shan said the KIA likely targeted Daknai because it is strategically important to the junta.

While Operation 1027 has been escalating day by day since it began, the KIA has also exposed its movements in northern Shan with this seizure [of the camp]. Therefore, we expect to see more engagements by the KIA, probably in the Kutkai area, in the coming days, said a conflict analyst based in Lashio.
Three days of airstrikes by junta warplanes have killed 20 civilians, including three children, in Tigyaing Township, Sagaing region, locals say.

The airstrikes were conducted amid ongoing clashes between junta troops and resistance forces that erupted last week.

A combined force of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Arakan Army (AA), All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF) and the Peoples Defense Force mounted an offensive to occupy Tigyaing town last Wednesday (Nov. 8).

On Sunday, a toddler and a woman were killed when a regime fighter jet bombed the Ta Khut Chaung monastery. Another junta bombing raid killed two more children aged under five, a pregnant woman and a resident of Koe Tae village on Monday.

Two men from Inn Tain village and 10 civilians from A Lae Taw village were killed by a regime aerial assault on Tuesday, the Tigyaing Peoples Defense Force reported.

A Tigyaing PDF spokesperson said regime fighter jets have attacked the township more than 30 times within a week, bombing civilian targets at least 10 times. The PDF warned locals to seek shelter as soon as they hear a plane approaching.

Locals report that regime troops have also torched houses in the township, but the scale of the damage is still unknown. The junta said it still controlled Tigyaing town on Sunday, but local resistance forces rejected that claim.

They cant control the town. Currently, forces from both opposing sides are in the town, the PDF spokesperson told The Irrawaddy.

Thousands of residents fled Tigyaing town last week when phone connections, internet and power were cut, locals said.

The ethnic armed alliance and PDF seized Kawlin, a district-level town 30 miles from Tigyaing, on Nov. 6. Two days later they began attacking junta troops in Tigyaing town, where fierce clashes were continuing as of Wednesday.
Kayah State resistance forces claim to have killed at least 110 Myanmar junta troops, including two battalion commanders, and captured 38 soldiers during two days of attacks at Loikaw University in the state capital.

Six resistance fighters were killed in the attacks, which are part of Operation 1111, the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) said.

The Karenni Army, KNDF, Karenni National Peoples Liberation Front and Peoples Defense Forces named Operation 1111 in Kayah State after its launch date, November 11.

On Tuesday, a key junta base at the university was seized by resistance forces, despite junta shelling and airstrikes, according to the KNDF.

The battle was intense because junta troops retaliated with shelling and called in airstrikes. We finally captured the base with great difficulty after two days of fighting, a group representative said.

He said 32 troops surrendered on Monday, adding that the 38 soldiers in custody were being treated in accordance with the Geneva Convention as prisoners of war.

KNDF photographs show a large number of seized weapons and ammunition.

At least 170 staff and their families from Loikaw University were safely evacuated, he said.

At least 20 junta outposts in Loikaw and Demoso townships and neighboring Pekon Township in southern Shan State have been captured since November 11, the KNDF said.

Clashes erupted in Moebye town, Pekon Township, on Tuesday.

Around 10,000 residents left Loikaw when the regime briefly opened roads on Wednesday.

The roads are packed because people are escaping from junta shelling and bombing, a volunteer said.

At least five airstrikes were reported in Loikaw, where approximately 30,000 residents remain with some sheltering in churches and monasteries, volunteers said.

The Karenni Human Rights Group claimed that at least 34 people, including five children, have been killed and 50 injured by junta shelling and airstrikes since November 11.
The Myanmar junta continued to lose bases and troops over the last three days as Peoples Defense Force groups (PDFs) and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) escalated their attacks on regime targets and bases across the country.

Incidents were reported in Shan, Magwe and Sagaing regions.

The Irrawaddy has collected the following reports of significant attacks from PDFs and EAOs.

Some military casualties could not be independently verified.

More junta bases seized in northern Shan

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) said it attacked and seized one more junta base in the Kokang area in northern Shan State on Tuesday as part of Operation 1027.

It followed Mondays seizure of four junta bases including a military checkpoint by the MNDAA and allied resistance groups in northern Shan.

In the first 19 days of the operation, a total of 144 regime bases were seized, the MNDAA said.

Clashes continue in northern Shan

The Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA), a member of the Brotherhood Alliance, which is conducting the anti-regime Operation 1027, said it continued to attack the juntas Camp 502 in Kyaukme town in northern Shan on Tuesday.

It also attacked and destroyed one more junta outpost in Tangyan Township on the same morning. The TNLA also attacked the Sakham Thit Kone junta base outside Namkham town on Tuesday night. The base recently shelled the town despite there not being any clashes occurring at the time, causing civilian buildings to burn down.

The TNLA said a junta Mi-35 helicopter gunship on Tuesday conducted three air strikes in the Goktwin area of Nawnghkio Township, where regime forces clashed with joint TNLA and Mandalay PDF forces on the previous day.

Regime targets, junta forces bombed by drones in Magwe

 Resistance groups conduct joint drone strikes on regime targets in Pakokku Township on Sunday. / Young Force

The resistance group Young Force said it and three PDF groups used improvised remote-controlled airplanes to bomb Kyathtoe Police station and another junta base in Anauk Hpone Kan Village in Pakokku Township on Sunday.

They also dropped drone bombs on a military unit arriving in Chaung Khwa Village in the township. Military casualties were unknown, however.

Intense clash breaks out in Sagaing

At least three regime personnel and a resistance fighter were killed in a fierce clash in Wuntho Township, Sagaing Region on Tuesday, said Military Region 1 of the civilian National Unity Government (NUG).

On Tuesday morning, PDF groups ambushed 80 junta troops of Light Infantry Battalion 369 led by Lieutenant Colonel Thet Paing Mying near a village in Wuntho Township.

During the clash, a junta artillery unit based in Wuntho town used howitzers to shell the resistance forces and an Mi-35 helicopter gunship also attacked them.

PDF forces seized four weapons and ammunition from the military unit.

Junta base bombed in Sagaing



Combined resistance groups take part in an anti-regime drone strike operation in Sagaing Region. / DFJ

The resistance drone group Drop For Justice (DFJ) said it and the Myinmu PDF group used improvised remote-controlled airplanes to conduct four air strikes against the junta base in Htee Saung Village in Myinmu Township, Sagaing Region on Monday.

Regime forces are believed to have been killed or injured.
Australians are divided over a renewed push to remove a long-standing tradition that sees the Australian Federal Parliament recite Christian prayers at the beginning of each sitting day.

As parliament resumed this week, a group of pro-secular Australian bodies pushed a petition on the Australian Parliament House website, requesting the House of Representatives to modernise its standing orders and replace daily Christian prayers with a more appropriate practice that does not "privilege one religious worldview above others".

"Australias multicultural society is becoming increasingly non-religious, and more religiously diverse," Michael Dove, the principal petitioner and chair of Secularism Australia Conferences organising committee told Yahoo News Australia. "To reflect modern Australia, it is time for federal parliament to change its practices," he argues.

A debate has been raging over whether Christian prayers should be removed from The House of Representatives' standing orders. Source: Getty

While some Aussies shared support for the change online, there are many religious and non-religious people, who say they are against removing the long-standing "tradition".

"I see no reason to change this. Our parliamentary system has its roots in Western political philosophy, and part of that is linked to Christianity. There are a thousand more urgent things to fix," one person said, with countless others agreeing.

Christianity declining in popularity in Australia

The 2021 Census indicates Christianity decreased by more than 1 million people and now makes up less than half of the population. Still, it was Australias most common religion at the time.

List of the most common religions in 2021:

Christianity (43.9%)

No religion (38.9%)

Islam (3.2%)

Hinduism (2.7%)

Buddhism (2.4%)

Calls for changes to Australian parliamentary sittings

Since 1901, two Christian prayers have been included in standing orders for the House of Representatives and are said each day the House sits for their meetings.

What is the House of Representatives?

The House currently has 151 Members who each represent an electoral division and are elected via public vote. The political party with the most members in the House of Representatives becomes the governing party and its leader becomes prime minister.

Story continues

Their main function is to consider and pass new laws, amendments, and/or changes to existing laws. Members can also present petitions from citizens and raise citizens' concerns and grievances in debate.

What are the standing orders?

Standing orders are the rules about how the Senate and the House of Representatives run their meetings. Along with the Australian Constitution and other traditional customs, standing orders guide the way they run their sessions each day.

The prayers in question

Upon taking the chair of the House each day, the speaker makes an acknowledgement of country and then reads two prayers, one of which is the Lord's prayer.

According to the Parliament of Australia website, this has been happening since June 7, 1901 when the House agreed to a motion to include prayers in the standing orders.

The petition put forward to the House

Petitioning the parliament is a request for action and is the only direct way an individual or group can ask the parliament to take action on an issue.

This petition, closing 11.59pm on Wednesday, November 15, was submitted on behalf of the sponsors of the first Secularism Australia Conference, which include the NSW Teachers Federation, Humanists Australia, and the Rationalist Society of Australia.

In it, they state, "starting proceedings with an act of worship in the Christian tradition sends a message to non-Christians that they are not welcome and their worldviews are not respected. Parliament is a pillar of our democracy. It should reflect modern Australia and be welcoming for all".

"Our institutions ought to acknowledge and honour [our] diversity in the highest of our democratic institutions, our parliaments," Rationalist Society of Australia told Yahoo.

Previously, in 2022, Senate President Sue Lines called for the Lords prayer to no longer feature in the Senate. "On the one hand weve had almost every parliamentary leader applaud the diversity of the parliament and so if we are genuine about the diversity of the parliament, we cannot continue to say a Christian prayer to open the day," she said at the time.

Read more about the petition here. At the time of writing more than 3,000 Australians have signed it.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Less than three weeks since the ethnic Brotherhood Alliance launched its massive Operation 1027 offensive, the Myanmar military has lost nine towns where its battalions had been based for decades.

The junta has lost control of five towns in northern Shan State  Chin Shwe Haw, Phaungsai, Monekoe, Namkham, Hseni and Kunlong  two in the resistance stronghold of Sagaing Region  Kawling and Kamphat  and Rih Kaw Dar in Chin State.

The Brotherhood Alliance, made up of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Arakan Army (AA), seized the border trade town of Chin Shwe Haw on Oct. 27, the first day of the offensive. Over the next few days, it took control of Phaungsai, Monekoe and Namkham.

Kunlong, where the Lashio district junta administration is based, fell on November 12. Myanmar military units have been stationed in Kunlong, the gateway to the Kokang Self-Administered Zone, since independence in 1948. In 1971, the military successfully repulsed 40 days of human-wave attacks on the town by the Communist Party of Burma (CPB).

Kunlong was under the de facto control of the Myanmar military for 75 years until it was seized by the Brotherhood Alliance after just 12 days of fighting.

Namkham, located close to the key Myanmar-China border trade town of Muse, has housed Myanmar military units continuously except for one week during the civil war in 1949. It took only 11 days for the ethnic alliance to seize the town.

Phaungsai and Monekoe fell to the CPB in 1968 during the Burma Socialist Program Party regime headed by the countrys first military dictator, Ne Win. The previous military regime finally took them back 30 years ago in 1992. The current regime lost them to the ethnic alliance within a few days.

The Brotherhood Alliance has also gained almost total control of Kyugok (Pansai) and the strategic town of Hseni in northern Shan State. Two key Myanmar-China trade routes  Lashio-Muse and Lashio-Chin Shwe Haw  converge at Hseni.

The MNDAA announced on Tuesday that its next target is northern Shans Laukkaing, the seat of the junta-appointed administrative body of Kokang Self-Administered Zone on the Chinese border.

The ethnic alliance has so far seized at least 144 junta positions.

On Nov. 3, a resistance alliance including the Peoples Defense Force under the civilian National Unity Government occupied Kawlin, a district-level town in Sagaing Region.

Kamphat in Sagaings Tamu District fell on Nov. 7.

Resistance forces are currently besieging Tigyaing town in Sagaing.

On Nov. 12, the Chin National Front (CNF) and allied resistance forces seized Rih Kaw Dar town on the Myanmar-India border in Chin State.

South of Chin State, a fragile year-long truce in Rakhine was shattered on Monday when fighting broke out between junta troops and the Arakan Army. The ethnic Rakhine armed group has seized border outposts and captured junta troops up to the ranks of captain and major, on the latest front opened in Operation 1027.

On Monday alone, junta border guards at nearly 40 Rakhine outposts fled to major military bases due to fear of resistance attacks.

In Kayah (Karenni) State, Karenni resistance forces are fighting for control of Loikaw, where they have seized around nine junta positions.

Meanwhile, the counteroffensive vowed by junta boss Min Aung Hlaing early this month has failed to materialize as his regime continues to lose one town after another to resistance forces.
Wednesday, Nov 15th, 2023 (12:17 pm) - Score 1,400

Stratospheric Platforms (SPL) and BT (EE) revealed earlier this year that they were developing a UK trial to harness High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) aircraft to help extend 5G (mobile broadband) coverage into remote rural areas (here). SPL now intends to trial similar technology, during 2024, aboard a Britten-Norman Islander aircraft.

The idea of using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to deliver a 4G or 5G mobile signal is nothing new, although in the past operators have tended to only adopt the limited use of drones and air balloons (blimps) for providing temporary connectivity (here) solutions to remote communities over a restricted area of coverage (e.g. during disasters, network outages or to help emergency services).

PICTURED: Visual representation of a BN2T-4S Islander demonstrator aircraft with SPLs array modification.

The goal of SPLs project is to go much further by delivering an unmanned, liquid hydrogen-powered aircraft, designed with a 56-metre wingspan that will, due to its lightweight structure and significant power source, enable a flight endurance of over a week and covering a much wider area from the stratosphere.

As part of this work SPL has now won a significant contract, which will see them trialling advanced airborne 5G connectivity from a Britten-Norman Islander. Aircraft manufacturer Britten-Norman will be providing key design and trials support for the project, with Marshall Futureworx providing important cooling systems technology.

According to SPLs earlier reports, the new antenna theyll be using can provide uninterrupted 4G and 5G connectivity direct to consumer smartphones. The phased array antenna is capable of delivering faster speeds, in some cases up to 150Mbps across areas as wide as 140km or 15,000 square km (an area equivalent to the average footprint of 450 terrestrial masts), through 500 individually steerable beams. But its unclear if this reflects shared capacity between many users.

Kevin Bean, CTO at SPL, said: We are delighted to be working with Britten-Norman on this programme. The Islander is a great workhorse for this kind of engineering because it can be rapidly and extensively modified to accommodate our equipment. The role-based type of mission which can readily be executed by the Islander, combined with the stability of the platform, is ideal for a programme where telecommunication trials require predictable performance.

The first phase of the new contract will see SPLs 5G airborne phased array integrated to a Britten-Norman Islander, with flight trials due to begin in July 2024. The turbine-powered BN2T-4S Islander variant has been selected for the programme due to its performance and payload capacity and the simplicity with which it can be modified to accommodate the equipment. The trial will be conducted under Britten-Normans Civil Aviation Authority test conditions.

Britten-Norman will operate the aircraft from its Solent Airport aircraft maintenance (MRO) facility, with the mission to be performed over the North Sea. The 5G phased array will be linked via a backhaul link to the Adastral Tower in Suffolk, England, from which the telecommunications and mission equipment will operate.

The move toward a live field trial reflects an important step forward in the project, although its worth noting that such approaches seem likely to come under growing pressure from the new generation of satellites in Low Early Orbit (e.g. Starlink, AST Space Mobile etc.). Some of those are also touting their ability to connect directly, via 4G and 5G, to regular Smartphones.
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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.
The controversial reason why a woman's alleged rapist will not face prosecution has shone the spotlight on affirmative consent laws in Australia.

Tasmanian woman Bec reportedly met with a male friend at a bar early last year and the pair shared a bottle of wine together before the man proceeded to buy her another two drinks. Intoxicated, Bec's memory became hazy when the man encouraged the pair to leave the venue.

"My next memory is just blacked out vision. I think we're walking back to the car and it's a couple of seconds of memory where I kind of reflect to him, 'Hey we shouldn't be driving'," she told ABC's 7.30 program.

Despite her protests, the man allegedly insisted the pair get in the car.

"Then my next memory is the rape... I only have one very small memory of that," she said.

Tasmanian woman Bec said she was raped by the man early last year. Source: ABC 7.30

Bec needed confirmation the pair had a sexual encounter

The following morning Bec had little recollection of what happened and she decided to text the man to ask for clarity. He confirmed the pair did have sex.

"We did have sex last night, sorry you don't remember it. I also didn't use protection," Bec said while recalling the text she received.

Bec noted the man's "blatant disregard" toward her lack of memory and said she was shocked by the apparent disinterest in any distress she was now feeling.

Tasmania was the first Australian state to introduce the law of affirmative consent in regard to cases of alleged sexual assault. It means both parties have to communicate in an affirmative way, by doing or saying something, that they are consenting to what is happening.

Why police decided not to proceed with the case

Bec says she did not consent to sex with the man. But in Australia, prosecution can only proceed when it is believed by authorities there's a reasonable chance of conviction. After investigating her case for almost a year police said there was not enough evidence and told her they were limited by her not remembering much about what happened

Story continues

Police investigated the likelihood that she was too intoxicated to have been able to consent. Bec was told by police that in the CCTV of the pair walking to the man's car she didn't look drunk. Bec said she was angry and confused by the police feedback and said there was other footage where she was very clearly intoxicated.

"I just felt as though, if the reason that I don't remember is the reason you don't continue, in what cases do these get prosecuted? Who has a chance?" she asked.

"Is it when its only violent? Is it when its a total stranger? Is it when its only that youre sober, or that theres no alcohol or drugs involved? It has to tick these very small boxes, which we know isnt the case for most rapes," she said.

Victim says affirmative consent laws are not helping

Critics of Australian sexual assault laws say that even with the introduction of the affirmative consent rule the process is still stacked in favour of the defendant,.

"It's all well and good to have affirmative consent laws if the processes don't reflect affirmative consent," Bec said.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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In this photo provided by The Kokang online media, officers of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army ethnic armed organizations speak to the soldiers of the army battalion and their family members who surrendered to them two days earlier, in Kokang Self-Administered Zone in Myanmar's northern Shan state, Tuesday Nov. 14, 2023.
Israel searches for traces of Hamas in raid of key Gaza hospital packed with patients

Israeli troops stormed into Gazas largest hospital, searching for traces of Hamas inside and beneath the facility filled with hundreds of patients, including newborns, who have gone for days without electricity and with little food
UK top court says a plan to send migrants to Rwanda is illegal. The government still wants to do it

The British government says it will still try to send some migrants on a one-way trip to Rwanda, despite the U.K. Supreme Court ruling that the contentious plan is illegal
Turkish health minister says to receive 26 patients from Gaza

Xinhua) 03:16, November 16, 2023

ANKARA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-six patients and their 13 companions from Gaza are to be brought to Turkiye for treatment late Wednesday, said Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca.

These patients, transferred outside war-torn Gaza through the Rafah crossing, will be the first Gazans to travel from Egypt to another country for treatment, Koca told reporters in Egypt.

They are expected to arrive at Turkiye's Ankara Etlik City Hospital on early Thursday, media sources told Xinhua.

The minister added that Turkiye also seeks to "establish a field hospital in Gaza in the area close to the Rafah crossing soon."

Last week, Koca held phone calls with his Israeli and Egyptian counterparts for the transfer of patients in the Palestinian enclave through the Rafah crossing.

Turkiye has delivered relief aid, including medicines, medical equipment, and ambulances to Gaza.

Israel has been carrying out an all-out attack on Gaza over the past weeks and has imposed a siege on the enclave to retaliate against the Hamas attacks on southern Israel on Oct. 7, plunging the strip into a dire humanitarian catastrophe with its health system heavily overwhelmed.

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 attacks on Oct. 7.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
An Australian business owner has come under fire after publicly rejecting a Jewish high school's application to lease a jumping castle in what critics branded as a "shocking act of discrimination against innocent children".

Western Sydney Jump, run by founder Tanya Issa, allegedly refused to do business with St Ives Masada College  located on the city's Upper North Shore  due to its Jewish heritage.

In an Instagram post, which was shared by the Australian Jewish Association (AJA), Issa uploaded a screenshot of an email she received from the school asking to loan a jumping castle. Alongside it she shared her defiant response: Theres no way Im taking a Zionist booking.

I dont want your blood money. Free Palestine, Issa wrote on a story posted to her business's Instagram page, adding that: I have owned my business for 10 years. I have the right to decline any booking at anytime.

St Ives Masada College, an independent Jewish school, was refused service by the business. Source: Masada College / Instagram.

Sydney business owner's act slammed by Jewish community

The Sydney woman's act comes amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has now entered its sixth week since the militant organisation's surprise attack on Israel on October 7, killing some 1200 people.

Israel's response has reportedly resulted in the killing of over 11,000 Palestinians  the majority of which civilians, including over 4000 children  and some 30,000 injured. An estimated 1.5 million Palestinians in Gaza have been displaced.

Western Sydney Jump has been criticised for its alleged "discrimination". Source: Instagram

Speaking to Yahoo News, the Australian Jewish Association's (AJA) President Dave Adler encouraged the jumping castle business owner to seek legal advice in the wake of her decision.

"The Australian Jewish Association (AJA) unreservedly condemns this antisemitic discrimination against the Jewish school. There is no place for this ugly racism which is contrary to Australian values," Adler said.

Story continues

"There are laws against discrimination of the basis of ethnicity, race or religion both Federally and at NSW State levels. We are encouraging the school to use these laws as there must be appropriate consequences."

He added that "we have seen a substantial widespread surge of antisemitism" in Australia since "the barbaric Hamas terrorism in Israel on 7 October".

"There have also been dozens of threats, often referred to police, and some physical assaults. We need our political leadership and indeed all good Australians to help us call out and combat any and all antisemitism," he said.

Yahoo News Australia has contacted the jumping castle business for comment.

Premier claims saga 'not in keeping with multicultural values'

Weighing in on the matter NSW Premier Chris Minns branded the ordeal outrageous.

Its not in keeping with any part of our multicultural community. I condemn it completely. This must be investigated by federal and state authorities, he said, The Daily Telegraph reported.

NSW Premier Chris Minns condemned the business owner's refusal to lease the jumping castle. Source: Getty.

Bradfield MP Paul Fletcher, whose electorate covers the St Ives school, also revealed his "disappointment" in the business owner's decision.

I am extremely disappointed by the way this business has responded, he said. Masada College is a remarkable school who contribute immensely to my local community. Racism has no place in our country."

Western Sydney Jump's Instagram page was taken offline on Tuesday afternoon.

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Israeli tanks have encircled Gaza's largest hospital, where hundreds of wounded Palestinians are being treated and thousands more are taking shelter, with reports suggesting the military has already stormed parts of the building.

Satellite images taken today showed the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) lining the perimeter of the Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical facility and emergency hospital in the Gaza Strip. Currently, there are about 650 people being treated at Al-Shifa, in addition to 200 to 500 health workers, and about 1,500 displaced Palestinians seeking shelter, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Israel claims Hamas 'hiding' beneath hospital

The IDF claims the hospital is harbouring Hamas's military bosses in a secret wing beneath the complex  though both Hamas and Al-Shifa staff deny those allegations.

Satellite images show Israeli tanks gathered outside the hospital. Source: Planet Labs

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 military said in a statement.

The director of the Al-Shifa Hospital told Palestinian media his staff and patients are "attempting to shelter in hallways" with "the sound of heavy gunfire coming from the streets outside".

Palestinian health minister accuses Israel of 'crimes against humanity'

Palestine's health minister Mai Al-Kaila has accused Israeli forces of committing crimes against humanity at the hospital. According to reports from those sheltering inside, officials have now warned patients and staff to "take cover and stay away from the windows".

Destroyed buildings are seen on fire in war-torn Gaza. Source: Planet Labs.

It's understood medical procedures are now taking place without anaesthetic, including on children, as supplies run low, multiple outlets report.

Story continues

There are bodies littered in the hospital complex and there is no longer electricity at the morgues, Al-Shifa Hospital Director Mohammad Abu Salmiya said.

We were forced to bury them in a mass grave, he continued, adding that 179 bodies had been interred so far, including seven newborns who died when their incubators lost power.

 Operational Update:

IDF forces are carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in the Shifa Hospital, based on intelligence information and an operational necessity.



The IDF is conducting a ground operation in Gaza to defeat Hamas and  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 15, 2023

Over 11,000 Palestinians killed since October 7

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.

The war began with Hamass unprecedented October 7 incursion into southern Israel that killed some 1,200 people.

That assault sparked a punishing campaign of airstrikes and the Israeli military offensive into the Gaza Strip that has killed over 11,000 people  two-thirds of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run enclave.

with AP

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Cayuga County will likely benefit from Micron's plan to invest $100 billion over 20 years to build a massive semiconductor chip manufacturing facility in neighboring Onondaga County.

One way Cayuga County could play a role in the project is by providing some of the 9,000 workers Micron will hire, plus an additional 40,000-plus jobs in supporting industries.

A Micron representative is visiting Cayuga Community College campuses in Auburn and Fulton this week for information sessions. The purpose of these events is to inform students about internship opportunities with Micron.

Andrew Poole, a spokesperson for Cayuga Community College, told The Citizen/auburnpub.com the college connected with Micron through the Future-Ready Workforce Innovation Consortium. The consortium is comprised of more than 40 organizations, including community colleges and universities, and aims to recruit and train people to work at Micron and other industries in central New York.

"Micron's recruiting trip is one of many steps by the company to connect students enrolled in programs aligned with Micron's workforce needs with future job opportunities," Poole said. "These steps include the traditional approach of training and recruiting students from STEM programs, but Micron is also building the talent pipeline in innovative ways from non-linear pathways that address systemic barriers in entering the workforce.

He continued, "Micron is committed to expanding the workforce and making these careers accessible, particularly for individuals in underrepresented and rural communities."

Micron announced in October 2022 that it would build the manufacturing facility in the town of Clay. The company's decision followed President Joe Biden's signing of the CHIPS and Science Act, a law that will boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing. The legislation was backed by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and former U.S. Rep. John Katko, whose district included Cayuga and Onondaga counties.

Micron has applied for CHIPS and Science Act funding, but it will compete with other projects for federal monies.

The construction of the chipfab will take years. Crews won't break ground until 2024, but production won't begin at the site for another few years.

In the meantime, colleges are offering programs to build the necessary workforce for Micron and supply-chain businesses. Poole noted Cayuga Community College has "diverse degree and certificate programs," including electrical technology, mechanical technology, a certificate in industrial maintenance and non-degree workforce development programs, for students wanting to work in advanced manufacturing.

"Cayuga is excited at the widespread community and economic impact Micron will have on central New York, and is particularly enthusiastic about potential long-term careers for community college students at Micron," Poole said. "Cayuga is eager to continue working with Micron and looks forward to continuing to build our partnership in the years ahead."
Central New York U.S. Reps. Claudia Tenney and Brandon Williams voted for a House bill to avoid a government shutdown and extend funding through at least mid-January.

The House on Tuesday passed the bill by a 336-95 vote, with 209 Democrats joining 127 Republicans in supporting the stopgap measure. Although two Democrats opposed the bill, most of the opposition was from conservative Republicans who want deeper spending cuts.

The Democratic-controlled U.S. Senate must pass the short-term spending bill before it heads to President Joe Biden for his review. The White House has indicated that Biden will sign the legislation.

Tenney, R-Cleveland, said in a statement the bill avoids a government shutdown  the deadline is Saturday to continue funding the government  and prevents what she called "another Christmas omnibus monstrosity," a reference to past spending packages that have been approved by Congress.

"I voted in favor of this continuing resolution because it continues to fund the government and our military on a short-term basis while granting the House Republicans more time to truly tackle the fiscal problems plaguing the American people," she said.

During an interview with FOX Business, Williams, R-Sennett, revealed he would vote for the stopgap bill.

"I think it's critical that we give (House Speaker Mike Johnson) the room and flexibility to navigate the very difficult situation that he inherited so that he can be well positioned to implement his strategy in 2024," Williams said. "I just think shutting down the government is a bad idea. I will be supporting the funding to support the speaker and keep the government open."

The short-term spending bill will fund certain federal functions, including the Energy Department and Department of Veterans Affairs, through Jan. 19. Other government operations will be funded through Feb. 2.
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( Tomdispatch.com )  Americas 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 Americas 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, Washingtons 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.

For almost a decade, Washingtons war in Africa stayed largely under wraps. Then came a decision that sent Libya and the vast Sahel region into a tailspin from which they have never recovered.

We came, we saw, he died, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton joked after a U.S.-led NATO air campaign helped overthrow Colonel Muammar el-Qaddafi, the longtime Libyan dictator, in 2011. President Barack Obama hailed the intervention as a success, but Libya slipped into near-failed-state status. Obama would later admit that failing to plan for the day after Qaddafis defeat was the worst mistake of his presidency.

As the Libyan leader fell, Tuareg fighters in his service looted his regimes weapons caches, returned to their native Mali, and began to take over the northern part of that nation. Anger in Malis armed forces over the governments ineffective response resulted in a 2012 military coup. It was led by Amadou Sanogo, an officer who learned English in Texas and underwent infantry-officer basic training in Georgia, military-intelligence instruction in Arizona, and was mentored by U.S. Marines in Virginia.

Having overthrown Malis democratic government, Sanogo and his junta proved hapless in battling terrorists. With the country in turmoil, those Tuareg fighters declared an independent state, only to be muscled aside by heavily armed Islamists who instituted a harsh brand of Shariah law, causing a humanitarian crisis. A joint Franco-American-African mission prevented Malis complete collapse but pushed the militants into areas near the borders of both Burkina Faso and Niger.

Since then, those nations of the West African Sahel have been plagued by terrorist groups that have evolved, splintered, and reconstituted themselves. Under the black banners of jihadist militancy, men on motorcycles  two to a bike, wearing sunglasses and turbans, and armed with Kalashnikovs  regularly roar into villages to impose zakat (an Islamic tax); steal animals; and terrorize, assault, and kill civilians. Such relentless attacks have destabilized Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger and are now affecting their southern neighbors along the Gulf of Guinea. Violence in Togo and Benin has, for example, jumped 633% and 718% over the last year, according to the Pentagon.

U.S.-trained militaries in the region have been unable to stop the onslaught and civilians have suffered horrifically. During 2002 and 2003, terrorists caused just 23 casualties in Africa. This year, according to the Pentagon, terrorist attacks in the Sahel region alone have resulted in 9,818 deaths  a 42,500% increase.

At the same time, during their counterterrorism campaigns, Americas military partners in the region have committed gross atrocities of their own, including extrajudicial killings. In 2020, for example, a top political leader in Burkina Faso admitted that his countrys security forces were carrying out targeted executions. Were doing this, but were not shouting it from the rooftops, he told me, noting that such murders were good for military morale.

American-mentored military personnel in that region have had only one type of demonstrable success: overthrowing governments the United States trained them to protect. At least 15 officers who benefited from such assistance have been involved in 12 coups in West Africa and the greater Sahel during the war on terror. The list includes officers from Burkina Faso (2014, 2015, and twice in 2022); Chad (2021); Gambia (2014); Guinea (2021); Mali (2012, 2020, and 2021); Mauritania (2008); and Niger (2023). At least five leaders of a July coup in Niger, for example, received American assistance, according to a U.S. official. They, in turn, appointed five U.S.-trained members of the Nigerien security forces to serve as that countrys governors.

Military coups of that sort have even super-charged atrocities while undermining American aims, yet the United States continues to provide such regimes with counterterrorism support. Take Colonel Assimi Goita, who worked with U.S. Special Operations forces, participated in U.S. training exercises, and attended the Joint Special Operations University in Florida before overthrowing Malis government in 2020. Goita then took the job of vice president in a transitional government officially charged with returning the country to civilian rule, only to seize power again in 2021.

That same year, his junta reportedly authorized the deployment of the Russia-linked Wagner mercenary forces to fight Islamist militants after close to two decades of failed Western-backed counterterrorism efforts. Since then, Wagner  a paramilitary group founded by the late Yevgeny Prigozhin, a former hot-dog vendor turned warlord  has been implicated in hundreds of human rights abuses alongside the longtime U.S.-backed Malian military, including a 2022 massacre that killed 500 civilians.

Despite all of this, American military aid for Mali has never ended. While Goitas 2020 and 2021 coups triggered prohibitions on some forms of U.S. security assistance, American tax dollars have continued to fund his forces. According to the State Department, the U.S. provided more than $16 million in security aid to Mali in 2020 and almost $5 million in 2021. As of July, the departments Bureau of Counterterrorism was waiting on congressional approval to transfer an additional $2 million to Mali. (The State Department did not reply to TomDispatchs request for an update on the status of that funding.)

The Two-Decade Stalemate

On the opposite side of the continent, in Somalia, stagnation and stalemate have been the watchwords for U.S. military efforts.

Terrorists associated with Al Qaeda and indigenous terrorist groups have been and continue to be a presence in this region, a senior Pentagon official claimed in 2002. These terrorists will, of course, threaten U.S. personnel and facilities. But when pressed about an actual spreading threat, the official admitted that even the most extreme Islamists really have not engaged in acts of terrorism outside Somalia. Despite that, U.S. Special Operations forces were dispatched there in 2002, followed by military aid, advisers, trainers, and private contractors.

More than 20 years later, U.S. troops are still conducting counterterrorism operations in Somalia, primarily against the Islamist militant group al-Shabaab. To this end, Washington has provided billions of dollars in counterterrorism assistance, according to a recent report by the Costs of War Project. Americans have also conducted more than 280 air strikes and commando raids there, while the CIA and special operators built up local proxy forces to conduct low-profile military operations.

Since President Joe Biden took office in January 2021, the U.S. has launched 31 declared airstrikes in Somalia, six times the number carried out during President Obamas first term, though far fewer than the record high set by President Trump, whose administration launched 208 attacks from 2017 to 2021.

Americas long-running, undeclared war in Somalia has become a key driver of violence in that country, according to the Costs of War Project. The U.S. is not simply contributing to conflict in Somalia, but has, rather, become integral to the inevitable continuation of conflict in Somalia, reported Eniola Anuoluwapo Soyemi, a lecturer in political philosophy and public policy at the Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford University. U.S. counterterrorism policies are, she wrote, ensuring that the conflict continues in perpetuity.

The Epicenter of International Terrorism

Supporting the development of professional and capable militaries contributes to increasing security and stability in Africa, said General William Ward, the first chief of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM)  the umbrella organization overseeing U.S. military efforts on the continent  in 2010, before he was demoted for profligate travel and spending. His predictions of increasing security and stability have, of course, never come to pass.

While the 75,000% increase in terror attacks and 42,500% increase in fatalities over the last two decades are nothing less than astounding, the most recent increases are no less devastating. A 50-percent spike in fatalities tied to militant Islamist groups in the Sahel and Somalia over the past year has eclipsed the previous high in 2015, according to a July report by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, a Defense Department research institution. Africa has experienced a nearly four-fold increase in reported violent events linked to militant Islamist groups over the past decade Almost half of that growth happened in the last 3 years.

Twenty-two years ago, George W. Bush announced the beginning of a Global War on Terror. The Taliban must act, and act immediately, he insisted. They will hand over the terrorists, or they will share in their fate. Today, of course, the Taliban reigns supreme in Afghanistan, al-Qaeda was never stopped and defeated, and other terror groups have spread across Africa (and elsewhere). The only way to defeat terrorism, Bush asserted, was to eliminate it and destroy it where it grows. Yet it has grown, and spread, and a plethora of new militant groups have emerged.

Bush warned that terrorists had designs on vast regions of Africa but was confident of the victories to come, assuring Americans that we will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail. In country after country on that continent, the U.S. has, indeed, faltered and its failures have been paid for by ordinary Africans killed, wounded, and displaced by the terror groups that Bush pledged to defeat. Earlier this year, General Michael Langley, the current AFRICOM commander, offered what may be the ultimate verdict on Americas Forever Wars on that continent. Africa, he declared, is now the epicenter of international terrorism.

Via Tomdispatch.com
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Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  Two Israeli lawmakers made a modest proposal in an op ed in the Wall Street Journal, according to The Times of Israel for the countries of the world to each take 10,000 or so Palestinian refugees from Gaza, if those refugees wish to emigrate. Far right extremist Bezalel Smotrich, the minister of finance, then piled on, urging a voluntary migration of Palestinians from Gaza.

Critics accused the three of plotting ethnic cleansing of the Palestinians. Their plea is rather like Andrew Jackson calling on the territory that became Oklahoma voluntarily to take the American Indian tribes of the deep South whom his trail of tears displaced from their homelands.

But I think that these Israeli officials call is too limited. Why stop at the Palestinians? Surely many Israelis themselves have been traumatized by decades of attempting to take the Palestinians land and the negative reactions those land grabs have evoked? Why not include them?

One poll this summer found that nearly a third of Israelis wish to emigrate, in part over pessimism about the country given the extremist governments attempts to gut the Supreme Court. The number could be higher today.

Of Israels 7 million Jews, at any one time about a million of them are living abroad. Whether because their visas run out or because their jobs were downsized, or out of homesickness, most of them ultimately used to return to Israel. But now a recent poll finds that half of the current generation living abroad, some 500,000 people, have no plans to return.

I call on their host countries, such as the United States (where half of all Israeli expats dwell), Britain, Italy, France, Germany or elsewhere immediately to offer these Israelis citizenship and allow them to stay in the country indefinitely, since that is their express wish. After all the persecution of Jews in the West, it is the least we can do to welcome our Jewish brothers and sisters and try to make amends for the ways in which they were caused to feel unwelcome in the past.

Moreover, open immigration of Israelis to these countries should be instituted, such that any of them who desires to can emigrate from Israel and make a new home. Special programs should be set up to offer them job training and integration into local communities.

Why are Israelis moving abroad over unrest at home?  BBC News

I especially call on Germany to lift its harsh restrictions on Jewish immigration. As of now, Germany requires Jews who want to relocate there to have advanced German language skills. They wont allow Jews from the former Soviet bloc to immigrate into Germany if they have lived in the US or Israel. Why? Germany for obvious reasons owes the Jewish people an open immigration policy. Germany should take in all the Jews who want to live in Germany.

There are currently 175,000 self-identified Jews in Germany. That is 0.2% of the 83 million Germans.

In January 1933 there were 522,000 Jews in Germany, with the countrys population then standing at 63 million. So 0.8% of Germans were Jews. We should surely try to get the numbers back up to the pre-Nazi percentages, at the very least, but there is no reason why the new united Germany, which has 5.5 million Muslims, shouldnt have as many Jews as Muslims. If they would only take 5.5 million Jews from Israel who were willing to immigrate, why that would single-handedly resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Germanys population is expected to decline to 73 million by the end of the century and the country will then be smaller than France or Britain. Germany could remain just as large a country if it took in large numbers of Israelis, and so could avoid being dominated by the French and British.

France, whose Vichy government was far more implicated in the Holocaust than most French are willing to admit, should also allow all the Israelis to come in who want to. Again, they have 5.7 million Muslims, so they really should offset that by taking in millions of Israelis who want to live in Paris (and who doesnt want to live in Paris?)

As for Britain, it caused the whole problem of the Israeli-Palestinian dispute with its double-dealing during World War I and its asinine Balfour Declaration that promised Jews a homeland in Palestine while promising that the Palestinians would not be disadvantaged by it. Now that the horrid Suella Braverman is gone, maybe the UK can adopt a saner immigration policy. And part of it should be free immigration of Israelis.

Since there are really only 6 million Israeli Jews left in Israel, if each of the major North Atlantic countries just took in half a million, they could all flee the unpleasantness of drones, rockets, and terror attacks, and the even greater trauma of being ruled by far right extremists Binyamin Netanyahu, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir. In this way, the Europeans wouldnt even have to admit the traumatized, ethnically cleansed Palestinians of Gaza, who could finally go back to their homes in southern Israel, from which their families were expelled in 1948.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2023) - Independence Gold Corp. (TSXV: IGO) (OTCQB: IEGCF) (the "Company") wishes to announce a proposed equity financing (the "Financing") of up to a maximum of 8,333,333 shares comprised of flow-through common shares (the "FT Shares") and units (each a "Unit"). The FT Shares will be offered at $0.18 and the Units will be offered at a price of $0.18 for a maximum aggregate proceeds of $1,500,000, and a combined total of a maximum 8,333,333 shares issued. Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (a "Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant (a "Warrant") will entitle the holder to purchase one additional Share at an exercise price of $0.24 per common share for a period of 24 months. Subject to compliance with applicable securities laws and the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, finders' fees may be payable to eligible arm's length persons with respect to certain subscriptions accepted by the Company.

President & CEO Randy Turner commented "The successful completion of recent drilling and exploration programs, including the discoveries of multiple new veins on the property, indicates the potential for future expansion of the current resource. We are excited to continue to advance the 3Ts Project with further drilling and exploration programs in 2024."

The proceeds from the sale of the offering will be used by the Company to fund further exploration programs, including drilling, at the Company's 3Ts Property located in central British Columbia, as well as a portion of the proceeds from the Units is also intended to be used for general and administrative purposes.

Closing of the Offering is subject to receipt of applicable regulatory approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The securities issued will be subject to a four month hold period.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF INDEPENDENCE GOLD CORP.

"Randy Turner"

Randy Turner, President and CEO

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.

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to Independence within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements with respect to the Company's planned drilling and exploration activities. The Company provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to those identified and reported in Independence's public filings under Independence Gold Corp.'s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Although Independence has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results 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. Independence disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law.

UNITED STATES ADVISORY

The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), have been offered and sold outside the United States to eligible investors pursuant to Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act, and may not be offered, sold, or resold in the United States or to, or for the account of or benefit of, a U.S. Person (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the United States Securities Act) unless the securities are registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act is available. Hedging transactions involving the securities must not be conducted unless in accordance with the U.S. Securities Act. 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 the state in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FIREWEED METALS CORP. (Fireweed or the Company) (TSXV: FWZ; OTCQB: FWEDF; FSE: M0G) is pleased to announce the results of the 2023 geophysical survey on its Gayna Project (zinc-lead-silver-gallium-germanium) (Gayna" or the Project) in the Northwest Territories, Canada (Map 1).

Highlights

Several drill targets on gravity anomalies have been identified in reef-margin positions, consistent with Kipushi-style 1 massive sulphide targets.

massive sulphide targets. Reef-margin targets are further supported by proximity to known showings, soil anomalies, and rock sampling.

CEO Statement

Brandon Macdonald, CEO, stated The results of our work at the Gayna Project so far show some compelling targets supported by multiple independent datasets: gravity, soils, and geological mapping. The anomalies are focused around the margins of ancient carbonate reefs, further validating the exploration concept that we are testing herethat Gayna may host high-grade massive sulphide zinc-lead mineralization. We are very excited to revitalize mineral exploration in the area and conclusively test these targets for critical minerals.

Summary

Fireweed is exploring for zinc and lead mineralization at the Gayna Project where the geology appears similar to that of the high grade Kipushi zinc mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo1. Fireweed is testing the concept that Gayna may host similar vertically oriented, reef-margin zinc and lead mineralization, where zinc occurs within very dense rocks. In 2022 and 2023, Fireweed carried out ground-based surveys that took measurements of the Earths gravity field to identify any anomalies that may relate to dense rocks in the subsurface. Several density anomalies have been identified that are consistent with the reef-margin analogue. The targets are further supported by high-grade zinc and lead from surface rock samples. The comparison to the Kipushi mine1 is conceptual in nature, and testing by drilling is required to determine if significant amounts of zinc or lead occur in the subsurface at Gayna.

Map 1: Gayna Project Location Relative to Fireweeds Flagship Macpass and Mactung Projects.

Map 2: Gayna Project Geology.

2023 Geophysical Survey

Crews completed a 40 line-km, three-week long, low-impact ground gravity survey at Gayna in 2023. The survey provided infill coverage of the 2022 grid (see Fireweed news release dated November 17, 2022); covered targets A, B, C, F, and L (Maps 3 and 4); and expanded the grid to cover more reef-margin targets.

Results

Results from the survey have delineated areas of anomalously high gravity around carbonate reef margins (Map 4, Cross Sections A-A and B-B). These gravity highs may represent areas of high subsurface density and coincide with high lead and zinc values in soils. Geological mapping and the interpretation of historical drill logs has constrained the location of gravity anomalies to both reef-margin positions and associated with NW-SE trending fault structures (Cross Sections A-A and B-B). There is a close spatial relationship between mineralization around the discovery A showing at Gayna and a gravity anomaly, which continues to support the exploration model.

Preliminary, unconstrained inversions of the 2022 and 2023 gravity data have delineated 12 targets with strike lengths of 250 to 1,100 m which are ready to be tested by 2,000 to 3,000 m of diamond drilling. Additional modeling work is underway to better constrain the targets and identify more subtle anomalies.

Ground gravity has been a very successful tool in Fireweeds exploration of the Boundary Zone area at the Macpass Project (zinc-lead-silver), Yukon. There, gravity anomalies were critical for making new discoveries and step-out drill holes that have successfully intersected sulphide mineralization within 100 to 200 m of surface (see Fireweed news release dated November 10, 2022). Gravity anomalies identified at Gayna may similarly be associated with potential zinc-lead sulphide bodies relatively close to surface.

Map 3: Gayna Project Claims and Historical Drill Collars and Cross Section Locations.

Cross section AA: Gravity highs coincident with both shallowly-buried margins of the reef and with high magnitude anomalies associated with the A and F showings.

Cross section BB: gravity high coincident with shallowly-buried, reef-margin.

Map 4: 2022 and 2023 Ground Gravity Survey Results.

Gayna Project (zinc-lead-silver-gallium-germanium)

The Gayna Project is located in the Mackenzie Mountains, Northwest Territories, (see Map 1) within the Gwichin Settlement Area, the Sahtu Settlement Area, and the asserted territory of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun. The project is in Canada, approximately 180 km West of Norman Wells, NWT, 180 km north of Fireweeds Macpass project, Yukon, and 150 km SW of the winter road between Fort Good Hope and Norman Wells, NWT. There is a winter airstrip located on the claims.

The Gayna showings are hosted in dominantly carbonate sedimentary rocks of Neoproterozoic age within the Mackenzie Mountains. These carbonate units consist of a succession of shale-carbonate rocks containing calcimicrobial limestone reefs formed by stromatolites and possibly early sponges. The reefs are surrounded by comparatively deeper-water sediments intermixed with reef-derived talus, with individual reefs several hundred metres to over 3 km in diameter and hundreds of metres in thickness. This sharp, near-vertical interface between the reef and the surrounding sedimentary rocks is being targeted as an environment analogous to the high-grade Big Zinc Zone at the Kipushi deposit in the Democratic Republic of Congo1. Mineralization discovered at Gayna to date occurs in veins and breccias in carbonate rocks similar to Mississippi-Valley-Type (MVT) mineralization, or Irish-type zinc-lead mineralization. Sphalerite and minor galena occur as infill within veins, vugs, and breccias along with dolomite-calcite-quartz-pyrite. This mineralization is interpreted as the distal expression of Kipushi-style massive sulphide mineralization that may be present along the subvertical margins of the carbonate reefs. This steep reef margin geometry at Gayna was not tested by historical, sub-vertical drill holes, which targeted sub-horizontal, shallowly dipping mineralization. The gravity geophysics work from 2022 shows compelling gravity targets, and the data generated in the 2023 gravity program will guide future drilling programs to test these anomalies using inclined drillholes.

Rio Tinto completed over 28,000 m of exploration drilling at Gayna in the 1970s to test targets identified by prospecting or soil geochemistry, and to test stratiform targets with a grid drilling approach utilizing vertical holes on a square grid with an average spacing of 600 m between holes (Map 3). Given the vertical holes and the wide historic drill grid spacing, these drill programs left the concept of subvertical bodies of massive sulphide mineralization untested. The Project was staked by Fireweed in 2022 to test the new exploration concept that Kipushi-style, high-grade massive sulphide may be present at Gayna.

A ground gravity survey, an airborne LiDAR survey, and an orthophoto survey were carried out in 2022 to acquire high-quality geophysical data using modern technology and practices. The results of the 2022 gravity program delineated several gravity-high anomalies over the inferred position of the reef-margins. For an overview of results from the 2022 program, please refer to Fireweed news release dated November 17, 2022.

A limited rock sampling program at known showings returned samples with high zinc, silver, and lead concentrations, and also contained elevated concentrations of the critical minerals gallium (2 to 42 ppm) and germanium (9 to 99 ppm) (see Fireweed news release dated November 17, 2022). The 2022 rock sampling returned a specimen with a spectacular zinc grade of 51.2%, as well as another sample grading 73.7% lead. These samples, while derived from surface boulders, illustrate the potential for an undiscovered source(s) of massive sulphides with extremely high grades, comparable to Kipushi, hosted in the same reef-margin environment. Several extensive, high magnitude lead-zinc soil anomalies present on the Project are not readily explained by the results of the historic drilling and show potential for yet undiscovered high-grade massive sulphide mineralization along the reef-margins.

Photo 1: Gayna Project A showing, sample. Upper-Host sub-rounded dolostone breccia, matrix infilled with dolomite, calcite, crystalline red and green sphalerite, and metallic galena.

Qualified Person Statement

Technical information in this news release has been approved by Fireweed Metals VP Geology, Jack Milton, Ph.D., P.Geo. (BC), a Qualified Person as defined under Canadian National Instrument 43-101.

About Fireweed Metals Corp. (TSXV: FWZ; OTCQB: FWEDF; FSE:M0G): Fireweed Metals is a public mineral exploration company on the leading edge of Critical Minerals project development. Fireweed is well-funded, with a strong current cash position and has just completed its largest ever exploration program. The Company has three projects located in Canada:

Macpass Project (zinc-lead-silver) : Fireweed owns 100% of the district-scale 940 km 2 Macpass Project in Yukon, Canada, which is host to one of the largest undeveloped zinc resources in the world*. The Tom and Jason zinc-lead-silver deposits have current Mineral Resources 2 (11.21 Mt Indicated Resource at 6.59% zinc, 2.48% lead, and 21.33 g/t silver; and 39.47 Mt Inferred Resource at 5.84% zinc, 3.14% lead, and 38.15 g/t silver) and a Preliminary Economic Assessment 3 (PEA). In addition, Boundary Zone, Tom North and End Zone have significant zinc-lead-silver mineralization drilled that are not yet classified as mineral resources. The project also includes large blocks of adjacent claims with known showings and significant upside exploration potential.

Fireweed owns 100% of the district-scale 940 km Macpass Project in Yukon, Canada, which is host to one of the largest undeveloped zinc resources in the world*. The Tom and Jason zinc-lead-silver deposits have current Mineral Resources (11.21 Mt Indicated Resource at 6.59% zinc, 2.48% lead, and 21.33 g/t silver; and 39.47 Mt Inferred Resource at 5.84% zinc, 3.14% lead, and 38.15 g/t silver) and a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA). In addition, Boundary Zone, Tom North and End Zone have significant zinc-lead-silver mineralization drilled that are not yet classified as mineral resources. The project also includes large blocks of adjacent claims with known showings and significant upside exploration potential. Mactung Project (tungsten) : The Company owns 100% of the 37.6 km 2 Mactung Project, located in the Yukon and Northwest Territories adjacent to the Macpass Project. Recently announced mineral resources for Mactung (41.5 Mt Indicated Resource at 0.73% WO 3 and 12.2 Mt Inferred Resource at 0.59% WO 3 ) 4 make it the worlds largest high-grade resource of the critical mineral tungsten*. Located in Canada, it is one of the rare large tungsten resources outside of China*.

The Company owns 100% of the 37.6 km Mactung Project, located in the Yukon and Northwest Territories adjacent to the Macpass Project. Recently announced mineral resources for Mactung (41.5 Mt Indicated Resource at 0.73% WO and 12.2 Mt Inferred Resource at 0.59% WO ) make it the worlds largest high-grade resource of the critical mineral tungsten*. Located in Canada, it is one of the rare large tungsten resources outside of China*. Gayna Project (zinc-lead-gallium-germanium): Fireweed owns 100% of the 128.75 km2 Gayna Project, located in the Northwest Territories about 180 km north of the Macpass Project. As outlined by 28,000 m of historical drilling and recent studies, it is host to extensive mineralization including critical minerals zinc, gallium and germanium, as well as lead and silver. The project has significant upside exploration potential.

In Canada, Fireweed (TSXV: FWZ) trades on the TSX Venture Exchange. In the USA, Fireweed (OTCQB: FWEDF) trades on the OTCQB Venture Market for early stage and developing U.S. and international companies and is DTC eligible for enhanced electronic clearing and settlement. Investors can find Real-Time quotes and market information for the Company on www.otcmarkets.com. In Europe, Fireweed (FSE: M0G) trades on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Additional information about Fireweed and its projects can be found on the Companys website at FireweedMetals.com and at www.sedarplus.com

ON BEHALF OF FIREWEED METALS CORP.

Brandon Macdonald

CEO & Director

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.

Data Verification

Geophysical surveying in 2022 and 2023 was conducted by a qualified and independent contractor under the direction of Fireweed Metals.

Cautionary Statements

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and information (forward-looking statements). All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included herein, including, without limitation, statements relating to mineralization potential, comparison of the Gayna Project to other mineral projects or mines, interpretation of geophysical data, interpretation of drill results, future work plans, the use of funds, and the potential of the Companys projects, are forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as expects, anticipates, believes, intends, estimates, potential, possible, and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results will, may, could, or should occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of Company management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Company management and reflect the beliefs, opinions, and projections on the date the statements are made. Forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties and accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Companys expectations include but are not limited to, exploration and development risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, expenditure and financing requirements, general economic conditions, changes in financial markets, the ability to properly and efficiently staff the Companys operations, the sufficiency of working capital and funding for continued operations, title matters, First Nations relations, operating hazards, political and economic factors, competitive factors, metal prices, relationships with vendors and strategic partners, governmental regulations and oversight, permitting, seasonality and weather, technological change, industry practices, uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drilling results and laboratory tests, and one-time events. The Company assumes no obligation to update forwardlooking statements or beliefs, opinions, projections or other factors, except as required by law.

Footnotes and References

* References to relative size and grade of the Mactung resources and Macpass resources in comparison to other tungsten and zinc deposits elsewhere in the world, respectively, are based on review of the Standard & Poors Global Market Intelligence Capital IQ database.

1: For details of the geological comparison to the Kipushi Mine, see Turner, E. C., D. W. Broughton, and T. Brooks. "Neoproterozoic carbonate lithofacies and ore distribution at the Kipushi Cu-Zn deposit, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Gayna River Zn camp, Northwest Territories, Canada." Economic Geology 113.3 (2018): 779-788. Fireweed cautions that the presence of gravity anomalies at the Gayna Project described in this news release or the comparison of the geology of the Gayna project to the geology of the Kipushi Mine do not guarantee that massive sulphides, or any other zinc or lead mineralization yet to be discovered, exists on the Gayna claims. This geological comparison is conceptual in nature and requires further exploration. Fireweed makes no assurance that additional exploration will result in the discovery of any mineralization, the definition of an Exploration Target, or the definition of a Mineral Resource on the Gayna Project.

2: For details, see Fireweed Technical Report titled NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Macmillan Pass Zinc-Lead-Silver Project, Watson Lake and Mayo Mining Districts Yukon Territory, Canada filed on https://www.sedarplus.ca/ on February 23, 2018, and Fireweed news release dated January 10, 2018.

3: For details, see Fireweed Technical Report titled NI 43-101 Technical Report Macmillan Pass Project Yukon Territory Canada filed on https://www.sedarplus.ca/ on July 9, 2018, and Fireweed news release dated May 23, 2018. This Technical Report includes a Preliminary Economic Analysis disclosing an economic analysis of mineral resources that is preliminary in nature and does not include any mineral reserves. It is equally emphasized that the mineral resources disclosed within this Technical Report are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.

4: For details, see Fireweed news release dated June 13, 2023 Fireweed Metals Announces Mineral Resources for the Mactung Project: the Largest High-Grade Tungsten Deposit in the World and the technical report entitled NI 43-101 Technical Report, Mactung Project, Yukon Territory, Canada, with effective date July 28, 2023 filed on https://www.sedarplus.ca/

Contact: Brandon Macdonald

Phone: (604) 646-8361

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
In emotional testimony at a congressional hearing Tuesday, a western New York woman provided details about her husband's detention by the Taliban for the last 15 months in Afghanistan.

Anna Corbett's husband, Ryan, was detained by the Taliban in August 2022. While his colleagues who were also detained have since been released, Ryan Corbett is being held in what Anna described as "deplorable and inhumane conditions."

"Ryan is being held in a 3-by-3-meter basement cell with other western detainees," Anna Corbett told the House Foreign Affairs Committee. "He eats little, other than scraps of greasy goat and fat. He is held in solitary confinement for weeks at a time. Ryan must seek permission to access the bathroom and this, too, is limited. He is taken outside for sunlight only once a month for mere minutes."

The Corbetts moved from Minneapolis to Kabul, Afghanistan's capital city, in 2010. They worked with nongovernment organizations on humanitarian projects, according to Anna Corbett.

In 2017, Ryan Corbett founded Bloom Afghanistan, a business consulting and microfinance company. The firm sought to assist Afghans with starting their own businesses.

When the Taliban launched an offensive and the U.S. military withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021, the Corbetts, who have three children, evacuated and settled in western New York. Ryan Corbett made return trips to Afghanistan, including one in January 2022.

"He returned to New York without incident feeling encouraged that his business was welcome in the country by the authorities who renewed his visa," Anna Corbett told lawmakers. "Unfortunately, in hindsight, this trip created a false sense of security."

Ryan Corbett visited Afghanistan again in August 2022. According to Anna Corbett, he was with a European colleague and two local partners when they were detained by the Taliban. The Wall Street Journal reported that Ryan Corbett was accused of proselytizing Christianity.

By the end of 2022, Anna Corbett said the three other detainees were released. But her husband remained imprisoned. There has been little contact with him since his detention, with the exception of one welfare visit and a six-minute phone call in May.

Corbett's family is concerned about his condition. They learned he has been fainting and having seizures. His Taliban captors threaten him and say he is forgotten.

"As you can imagine, every day of these past 15 months has been a living nightmare for our family," Anna Corbett said.

Roger Carstens, the special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, is working to secure Ryan Corbett's release. Anna Corbett also thanked members of Congress, including U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney, who represents parts of western New York, central New York and the North Country.

After testifying before Congress, Anna Corbett met with the National Security Council to discuss her husband's detention.

One challenge in Ryan Corbett's situation is the Taliban's request in exchange for his release. The Wall Street Journal reported that the Taliban wants the U.S. to swap Muhammad Rahim, a former aide to Osama bin Laden. One U.S. official told the newspaper that it's an unrealistic demand.

In her testimony, Anna Corbett had a message for the Taliban.

"Please end this," she said. "Please end hostage diplomacy. I don't know what it will take, but I need Ryan back. Our children need him."
TORONTO, Nov. 15, 2023 /CNW/ - Orford Mining Corp. ("Orford" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: ORM) is pleased to announce that it has closed on $1.0 million of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering"). The Offering included: (i) 15.00 million in the aggregate "flow-through" share units ("FT Units") for an issue price of C$0.05 per unit, and (ii) 5.77 million "hard dollar" share units ("HD Units") for an issue price of C$0.045 per unit, to raise gross proceeds of $1,009,965. Each FT Unit and HD Unit consists of one common share and one-half of a common share purchase warrant. Each whole common share purchase warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share of the Company for a period of two years at an exercise price of $0.065. A total of 10,388,500 warrants were issued in the Offering. Alamos Gold (AGI-TSX) participated in the financing to maintain its pro-rata holding of approximately 27.8% of Orford's outstanding common shares.

Orford intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering on its exploration programs in the Nunavik Region of Northern Quebec, in particular its Qiqavik Gold project, the Nunavik Lithium project and on its Joutel regional properties in the Abitibi Region of Northern Quebec, and for general corporate purposes. The South Gold Zone on the Joutel-Eagle property in the Abitibi Greenstone Belt of Northern Quebec is intended to be the focus of a 2024 winter drilling program. The Qiqavik project represents what Orford believes is a new gold district discovery in the Cape Smith Belt of Northern Quebec. The Nunavik Lithium project represents an underexplored new lithium district in Canada.

The securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a hold period expiring March 15, 2024.

The Company engaged certain finders, duly registered as required under the Securities Act (Ontario) or equivalent legislation (each, a "Finder"), to assist in locating investors for the Private Placement and to pay each applicable Finder a fee (the "Finders Fee") consisting of (1) a cash amount equal to 6% of the gross proceeds of the Private Placement raised from investors located by an applicable Finder; and (ii) up to such number of non-transferable compensation warrants ("Finders Warrants") as is equal to 6% of the aggregate number of HD Units and FT Units sold to subscribers referred to the Private Placement by such finders, with each Finder Warrant entitling the holder to acquire one Common Share (a "Finder Warrant Share") at a price of $0.05 for a period of 24 months from the Closing Date.

The Finder received compensation in respect of this financing consisting of an aggregate of $45,000 in cash and 900,000 broker warrants.

The purchase of securities pursuant to the Offering by Alamos (an insider of Orford) will constitute 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 transaction will be exempt from the MI 61-101 valuation and minority approval requirements for related party transactions in connection with the Offering under 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 transaction, insofar as it involves the Related Parties, exceeds 25% of the Company's market capitalization (as determined under MI 61-101).The Company is not filing a material change report in respect of the related party transaction at least 21 days before the closing of the Offering, which the company deems reasonable in the circumstances so as to be able to avail itself of the proceeds of the Offering in an expeditious manner.

About Orford Mining Corporation

Orford Mining is a gold and critical mineral explorer focused on highly prospective and underexplored areas of Northern Quebec. Orford's principal assets are the Qiqavik, West Raglan and lithium exploration projects comprising a land package totaling over 111,000 hectares in the Cape Smith Belt of Northern Quebec. The Qiqavik Project hosts several new high-grade gold discoveries along a mineralized trend in excess of 40 km. The West Raglan Project hosts a number of high-grade Raglan-style nickel/copper/platinum group metal discoveries along a 55 km mineralized trend. In early 2023 Orford acquired large claim blocks targeting lithium in the Nunavik Region. These lithium claim blocks have been carefully selected as having promising lithium potential after an exhaustive compilation of available data. Orford also has four property positions in the Joutel region of the Abitibi District of Northern Quebec, which hosts historical deposits such as the Eagle/Telbel, Joutel Copper, Poirier Copper, and Vezza deposits. Orford continually seeks new gold exploration opportunities in North America. Orford's common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol ORM. This information from neighbouring properties is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization on Orford Mining's properties.

To view further details about Orford's exploration projects please visit Orford's website, www.orfordmining.com.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains "forward-looking information" including without limitation statements relating to the exploration potential of its mineral properties and the completion of the Offering

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Orford to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could affect the outcome include, among others: future prices and the supply of metals; the results of drilling; inability to raise the money necessary to incur the expenditures required to retain and advance the properties; environmental liabilities (known and unknown); general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; political instability, terrorism, insurrection or war; or delays in obtaining governmental approvals, failure to obtain regulatory or shareholder approvals, failure to find subscribers for the full amount of the Offering, or at all. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, refer to Orford's filings with Canadian securities regulators available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.

Although Orford has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward- looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and Orford disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.
Vancouver, BC - TheNewswire - November 15, 2023 - Durango Resources Inc. (TSX.V:DGO) (Frankfurt:86A1) (OTC:ATOXF), (the Company or Durango) is pleased to announce that further to the news of October 23, 2023, the planned 800m inaugural drill program on the NMX East lithium property is complete.

The drilling was completed on one of the dykes on its wholly owned NMX East Property located in the Eeyou-Istchee James Bay region of Quebec adjacent to the Whabouchi lithium deposit. The program was designed to test for LCT pegmatites and was concentrated to a small area to test the extent of pegmatite below surface in one suspected dyke to try to determine the size and composition below surface. Four drill holes were conducted on the initial test dyke totaling 810m of drilling and pegmatite was encountered in each of the holes.

Hole 1 was drilled to 207m drill depth and intersected pegmatite at drill depths of 34m-34.5m, and again at 84m-94m, 98m-117.5m, 139m-139.5m, and 143m-144m.

Hole 2 was drilled to a depth of 300m and intersected pegmatite at a depth of 216m-217m, and 227m-235m, 261m-283.5m, 293m-296.5m returned intermittent pegmatite with country rock.

A 1cm sized pale-green crystal of beryl, Be3Al2(Si6O18), at a depth of 231m downhole from Hole #2 can be seen in the photo below. Beryl is a gemstone with several industrial applications and is a commercial source of beryllium. https://www.durangoresourcesinc.com/_resources/news/nr-20231115-fig1.jpg

Hole 3 encountered pegmatite beginning at 10m downhole and continued through to a downhole drill depth of 103m totaling 93m (305 feet) of consecutive pegmatite. At 106.5m to 150.5m (in the same hole) the pegmatite returned and was interbedded with country rock for a consecutive 44m (144 feet). The hole finished at a drill depth of 201m.

Hole 4 intersected pegmatite at downhole depth of 7m from surface and continued to 26.5m for a consecutive 19.5m (~64 feet). The hole was stopped at 102m which marked the completion of the planned drill test program on the selected portion of one of the dykes running parallel to the Whabouchi deposit.

Marcy Kiesman, CEO of Durango stated, We are thrilled to have met our objectives of proving pegmatite exists on the property, and that it continues below surface with significant size. Given our proximity to the Whabouchi deposit and our previous grab sampling at surface assaying 320ppm lithium, we look forward to the results of our newly discovered 305 feet near surface intersection.

Durango would like to thank Chibougamau Diamond Drilling and Innukopteres for providing us with a quick and professional drill program which allowed our exploration crew on site to conduct further geological mapping of the NMX East while drilling was underway.

Additional updates will be announced as soon as they become available on the exploration program. The drill core has been logged and processed and 242 drill core samples are enroute to Activation Laboratories Ltd. in Ancaster, Ontario to undergo assay analysis 8REE + 8 peroxide ICP-Li.

Melanie Mackay P.Geo is the Qualified Person for Durango and approves the technical content of this news release.

About Durango

Durango is a natural resources company engaged in the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties. The Company is also positioned for discovery with a 100% interest in a strategically located group of properties in the Windfall Lake and Troilus gold camps in the Abitibi region of Quebec, Canada.

For further information on Durango, please refer to its SEDAR profile at www.sedarplus.com.

Marcy Kiesman, CEO

Telephone: 604.428.2900 or 604.339.2243

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: www.durangoresourcesinc.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forwardlooking information or statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements that address the upcoming work programs, and other statements relating to the business, financial and technical prospects of the Company. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. 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.

Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of minerals, the ability to achieve its goals, the COVID-19 pandemic, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Companys views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those filed under the Companys profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. The Company does not undertake to update forwardlooking statements or forwardlooking information, except as required by law.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.




VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 15, 2023 /CNW/ - Vizsla Silver Corp. (TSXV: VZLA) (NYSE: VZLA) (Frankfurt: 0G3) ("Vizsla Silver" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Mexican mining legend, Eduardo Luna, has agreed to join the Board of Directors of Vizsla Silver. Eduardo has over 40 years of experience in the mining industry and has recently retired from the board of Wheaton Precious Metals.

"We are extremely honored to welcome Eduardo Luna to the Vizsla board," stated President and CEO, Michael Konnert. "Eduardo is one of the most accomplished and experienced miners in all of Mexico. He was instrumental in unlocking value for Luismin, Goldcorp and Silver Wheaton at the world-class San Dimas mine, which continues to be one of the Country's top producers of silver and gold. With San Dimas representing a direct analogue to Panuco, located only 80 kilometers to the north, Eduardo brings a wealth of applicable experience and wisdom to support the next phase of development at the Panuco district."

"I am looking forward to working with the Vizsla team in the development of the Company and especially in the Panuco project, which will very likely be a world class mine," commented Eduardo Luna.

Mr. Luna has spent over forty years in the precious metals mining industry and has held prior senior executive and board positions at several companies including Industrial Penoles, Goldcorp Inc., Luismin SA de CV, Wheaton River Minerals Ltd., Alamos Gold Inc., Dyna Resource, Inc. and Primero Mining Corporation.

He is currently the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Rochester Resources Ltd., a junior natural resources company with assets in Mexico. He formerly served as a member of the Board of Directors of Wheaton Precious Metals Corporation. Mr. Luna is the former President of the Mexican Mining Chamber and a former President of the Silver Institute.

He is an inductee in the Mexico Mining Hall of Fame and serves as Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Faculty of Mines at the University of Guanajuato where he received a degree in Mining Engineering.

Corporate Update

Vizsla has granted 400,000 stock options ("Options") at an exercise price of $1.36 to a director and a consultant of the Company, pursuant to the Company's Omnibus Equity Incentive Compensation Plan. The Options are exercisable for a period of five years and will vest over the next two years. The Options are subject to the approval and policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and the NYSE American.

About the Panuco Project

The newly consolidated Panuco silver-gold project is an emerging high-grade discovery located in southern Sinaloa, Mexico, near the city of Mazatlan. The 7,189.5-hectare, past producing district benefits from over 86 kilometres of total vein extent, 35 kilometres of underground mines, roads, power, and permits.

The district contains intermediate to low sulfidation epithermal silver and gold deposits related to siliceous volcanism and crustal extension in the Oligocene and Miocene. Host rocks are mainly continental volcanic rocks correlated to the Tarahumara Formation.

The Panuco Project hosts an estimated in-situ indicated mineral resource of 104.8 Moz AgEq and an in-situ inferred resource of 114.1 Moz AgEq. An updated NI 43-101 technical report titled "Technical Report on the Mineral Resource Estimate Update for the Panuco Ag-Au-Pb-Zn Project, Sinaloa State, Mexico" was filed on SEDAR on March 10, 2023, with an effective date of January 19, 2023 was prepared by Allan Armitage, Ph. D., P. Geo., Ben Eggers, MAIG, P.Geo. and Yann Camus, P.Eng. of SGS Geological Services.

About Vizsla Silver

Vizsla Silver is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company headquartered in Vancouver, BC, focused on advancing its flagship, 100%-owned Panuco silver-gold project located in Sinaloa, Mexico. To date, Vizsla Silver has completed over 310,000 metres of drilling at Panuco leading to the discovery of several new high-grade veins. For 2023, Vizsla Silver has budgeted +90,000 metres of resource/discovery-based drilling designed to upgrade and expand the mineral resource, as well as test other high priority targets across the district.

Information Concerning Estimates of Mineral Resources

The scientific and technical information in this news release was prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 which differs significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The terms "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource" used herein are in reference to the mining terms defined in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards (the "CIM Definition Standards"), which definitions have been adopted by NI 43-101. Accordingly, information contained herein providing descriptions of our mineral deposits in accordance with NI 43-101 may not be comparable to similar information made public by other U.S. companies subject to the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.

You are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral resources will ever be converted into reserves. Pursuant to CIM Definition Standards, "inferred mineral resources" are that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. Such geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity. An inferred mineral resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an indicated mineral resource and must not be converted to a mineral reserve. However, it is reasonably expected that the majority of inferred mineral resources could be upgraded to indicated mineral resources with continued exploration. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.

Canadian standards, including the CIM Definition Standards and NI 43-101, differ significantly from standards in the SEC Industry Guide 7. Effective February 25, 2019, the SEC adopted new mining disclosure rules under subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "SEC Modernization Rules"), with compliance required for the first fiscal year beginning on or after January 1, 2021. The SEC Modernization Rules replace the historical property disclosure requirements included in SEC Industry Guide 7. As a result of the adoption of the SEC Modernization Rules, the SEC now recognizes estimates of "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources". Information regarding mineral resources contained or referenced herein may not be comparable to similar information made public by companies that report according to U.S. standards. While the SEC Modernization Rules are purported to be "substantially similar" to the CIM Definition Standards, readers are cautioned that there are differences between the SEC Modernization Rules and the CIM Definitions Standards. Accordingly, there is no assurance any mineral resources that the Company may report as "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources" under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the resource estimates under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules.

Website: www.vizslasilvercorp.ca

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release includes certain "ForwardLooking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forwardlooking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "plan", "forecast", "may", "would", "could", "schedule" and similar words or expressions, identify forwardlooking statements or information. These forwardlooking statements or information relate to, among other things: the exploration, development, and production at Panuco, including plans for resource/discovery-based drilling designed to upgrade and expand the mineral resource.

Forwardlooking statements and forwardlooking information relating to any future mineral production, liquidity, enhanced value and capital markets profile of Vizsla, future growth potential for Vizsla and its business, and future exploration plans are based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the price of silver, gold, and other metals; no escalation in the severity of public health crises; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; Vizsla's ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms.

These statements reflect Vizsla's respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information and Vizsla Silver has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the Company's dependence on one mineral project; precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities in Mexico; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; risks regarding mineral resources and reserves; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of public health crises; the economic and financial implications of public health crises to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities and artisanal miners; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; the ongoing military conflict in Ukraine; general economic facts; and the factors identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in Vizsla Silver's management discussion and analysis and other public disclosure documents. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information. Although Vizsla Silver has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. Vizsla Silver does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.
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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Turmalina Metals Corp. (Turmalina, or the Company; TBX-TSXV, TBXXF-OTCQX, 3RI-FSE) is pleased to announce results from continued surface work at the Companys 403 km2 San Francisco project located in the prolific mining province of San Juan, Argentina (the Project or San Francisco). Following the recent discovery of the high-grade epithermal gold vein system at Veta Rica (see announcement dated October 10th, 2023) field work has focused on mapping and sampling the surrounding area. This surface work has discovered multiple mineralized veins in the immediate vicinity of Veta Rica and has also discovered two new zones of similar epithermal mineralization located approximately two and four kilometres northwest of Veta Rica: the Machete and Destino systems respectively.

Highlights of Veta Rica Target Area

Recent mapping has traced the Veta Rica epithermal vein for over 700 m on surface with surface widths of 1 to 6 m: Surface gold assays are typically between 0.9 and 2.7 g/t Au but with higher grade zones of up to 56.6 g/t Au.

This mapping has also identified multiple mineralized veins adjacent to, and parallel with, the Veta Rica vein (Figures 2, 3 & 4) with similar average grades (typically 0.45 to 4 g/t Au). Detailed sampling is underway to identify potential high-grade zones in these newly discovered veins.

Recently announced drill holes at Veta Rica returned: 4.4 m @ 6.4 g/t Au ; SFDH-078 from 36.6 m. Including 0.5 m @ 28.6 g/t Au from 36.6 m. And 0.45 m @ 14.12 g/t Au from 38.85 m. 8.75 m @ 3.5 g/t Au ; SFDH-079 from 42 m. Including 6.0 m @ 4.6 g/t Au from 42 m. Including 1.18 m @ 17.9 g/t Au from 42 m.



Highlights of Destino Target Area

A new system with at least four parallel epithermal quartz veins, and two adjacent breccias, located 3 km northwest of Veta Rica (Figure 2, 7, 8 & 9).

Initial sampling (56 samples) of the veins, each with over 200 m of strike length, returned similar gold grades to Veta Rica, with 10 samples over 1 g/t Au, up to a maximum of 6.1 g/t Au (Figure 7).

In the southern portion of the Destino target area, 34 samples taken from a 100 by 130 m breccia pipe (the Tiki-Tiki breccia) returned four samples over 1 g/t, up to a maximum of 22 g/t Au, 227 g/t Ag and 0.9% Pb.

Highlights of Machete Vein zone

Located between Veta Rica and Destino, 2.7 km northwest of Veta Rica drilling, 3 rock chip samples taken from the Machete epithermal quartz vein returned grades of 1.1 to 2.7 g/t Au and 28 to 170 g/t Ag. Follow up sampling is underway (Figures 2 & 9).

Mr James Rogers, Chief Executive Officer, states:

After an exciting discovery at Veta Rica, the exploration team quickly went to work and we have now greatly expanded the area of known mineralization at Veta Rica, with the vein traced for over 700 m strike length and several parallel veins identified. Additionally, the team has already identified two new epithermal gold vein and breccia systems at Destino and Machete, with high-grade gold rock chip samples at surface. Turmalina is excited at the opportunity these nearby vein systems represent for our team to add value to our well positioned land package. With these recent discoveries it is becoming clear we have discovered a new epithermal district in this established gold belt, and we look forward to keeping the market informed of our exploration progress over the coming months in what is a very exciting time for the Company.

Figure 1: Regional view northwest showing the block of properties controlled by Turmalina Metals with the drill target locations drilled in this campaign and the previously drilled San Francisco Breccia.

The Project area is located within a known epithermal gold belt. The nearest such epithermal gold system is located at Austral Golds Casposo mine, 70 road kilometres south of the Veta Rica discovery. Casposo produced 283,000 oz of gold and 9.6 M oz of silver with average grades of 4.8 g/t Au and 183 g/t Ag between 2011 and 2015 and another 32,000 oz of gold and 3 M oz of silver between 2017 and 2019 before the mill was placed back into care and maintenance (2017-2019 Austral Gold Annual Reports). The historic epithermal district of Castano Viejo is located 20 km to the south of Veta Rica (Figure 1). Castano Viejo was operated by the National Lead Company S.A between 1956 and 1964, with an estimated reserve of 614,000t @7.4% Pb, 7.5% Zn, 0.15% Cu and 72 g/t Ag (Angeleli, 1984).

Drill planning and budgeting are underway for a 4,000 m diamond drilling program focussed on testing and expanding targets within the Destino and Veta Rica target areas. Surface works are continuing with crews focussed on additional surface sampling and mapping. After receiving results of the current sampling program, areas will be ranked and selected for trenching and construction of access roads prior to drilling.

Figure 2: Geologic map showing veins, breccias and gold in rock chip samples across the Veta Rica, Destino and Machete target areas. Mapping and sampling have identified multiple mineralised veins at Veta Rica, Machete and Destino, and mapping is currently underway to define a potential new target in the top right of the map (21 g/t Au).

Figure 3: Veta Rica Surface map and sections showing drill holes and distribution of rock chip sampling of the Veta Rica vein. Sampling 300 m west of the drill pads has returned grades of up to 27 g/t Au, while samples 700 m west of the drilling has returned grades of up to 2.7 g/t Au.

Figure 4: Drone photo looking northwest showing 700 m strike length of Veta Rica, select surface rock chip samples and established drill pads. The Veta Rica vein remains open to both the west and, in the foreground, to the east where it passes under shallow cover.

Figure 5: Photo of core in hole SFDH-078 and hand sample from outcrop at the extension along strike of Veta Rica: Brecciated crystalline quartz surrounded by intense sericite alteration with iron oxide and jarosite, formed after weathering of sulphides.

Figure 6: Examples of high-grade gold mineralisation in core samples and from an outcrop along strike from drilling at Veta Rica. Mineralisation is hosted in crystalline quartz (commonly brecciated) with intense sericite alteration and hematite-goethite-jarosite, formed by the weathering of sulphides.

Figure 7: Plan map of the newly discovered Destino vein and breccia system showing distribution of gold grades in rock chip samples that returned up to 22.2 g/t Au. Gold mineralisation is hosted within both epithermal quartz veins and adjacent quartz-tourmaline breccias.



Figure 8: Photos of an epithermal vein at Destino. Mineralization is hosted in epithermal quart veins (locally banded) and within intensely brecciated and sericite-altered granodiorite and diorite that hosted abundant hematite-goethite-jarosite veinlets.



Figure 9: Machete epithermal vein zone. The veins and gold mineralization are hosted in strongly sericite-altered granodiorite (a), with quartz veinlets (b) and portions brecciated with green/grey silica and iron oxides and jarosite. Float in the area includes samples of finely banded silica and iron oxide (d) and breccia with matrix of crystalline quartz (comb texture) with fragments of finally banded silica and iron oxides after sulphides (e), both textures typical of epithermal veins.

About The San Francisco Project

The 40,340 ha San Francisco project is located in the pro-mining province of San Juan, Argentina, a country where there are currently 12 operating mines, 5 in construction and 20 in pre-feasibility/feasibility stage. The project benefits from well-developed infrastructure and is 130 km northeast of the regional capital San Juan.

The San Francisco Project was assembled around, and includes, one of the highest-grade tourmaline breccias of the same name. The land position at San Francisco was expanded in 2022 and now includes multiple mineralized targets including more than 60 breccias, intrusion-related gold and epithermal vein-type targets.

Initial exploration efforts at San Francisco were focussed on breccia mineralization. Through the Companys extensive exploration work, led by Chico Azevedo, the project has greatly expanded into highly prospective areas containing a number of veins, intrusion-related, porphyry and breccia targets.

While the San Francisco breccia pipe remains one of the highest-grade tourmaline Cu-Au breccia pipes ever discovered (see select results in Table 1) the Company is most excited about the exploration potential for high-grade gold-silver and polymetallic vein types and other mineralization styles. The Veta Rica discovery exemplifies the style of epithermal mineralization commonly found in the district.

Turmalina has developed an operational centre in the town of Villa Nueva, where the local community welcomes new exploration efforts in the region.

Turmalina has several option agreements to acquire 100% of certain titles of the SFDLA project and a right to explore and exploit other titles from the government of San Juan.

Table 1: Selected highlight of previous Company drilling at the San Francisco Breccia Pipe Hole ID Target From

(m) To

(m) Interval

(m) Au

(g/t) Ag

(g/t) Cu

(%)

Pb

(%)

Zn

(%)

AuEq

g/t

CuEq

%

SFDH-012 SF BX 12 121 109 4.94 109 1.13 0.23 0.06 8.00 5.49 SFDH-039 SF BX 397.7 470 72.3 0.71 100 3.47 0.31 0.69 7.07 4.85 SFDH-038 SF BX 0 81 81 2.33 63.94 0.23 0.23 0.38 3.50 2.40 SFDH-011 SF BX 25 108 83 4.4 82 0.43 0.74 0.52 6.09 4.18 SFDH-011 SF BX 27 68 41 7.03 91 0.51 0.23 0.02 8.96 6.14

*Intersections are not true widths and additional drilling and geological modelling of the mineralized zones in the breccia pipes is required to determine the true widths of the drill hole intersections. Intersections are selected based on a 0.5 g/t Au or 0.3% Cu cut-off grade, a minimum downhole length of 2m and a maximum waste inclusion of 2 consecutive meters. Equivalent gold (AuEq) and equivalent copper (CuEq) values are calculated assuming 100% recovery using USD$ 1770 oz Au, $23 oz Ag and $8300/t Cu (~$3.8/lb). Results from the drilling on this project can be found in Company News releases with the following dates: March 23, August 28, October 5 & December 7, 2020 and January 25, March 30, June 8 & August 30 2021.

On Behalf of the Company,

Mr James Rogers Chief Executive Officer and Director.

Website: turmalinametals.com

Address: #1507 - 1030 West Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6E 3V7.

For Investor Relations enquiries, please contact Highland Contact at +1 833 923 3334 (toll free) or via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Statements

About Turmalina Metals and our projects

Turmalina Metals is a TSXV-listed exploration company focused on developing our portfolio of high-grade gold-copper-silver projects in South America. Our focus is on tourmaline breccias, a deposit style overlooked by many explorers. Turmalina Metals is led by a team responsible for multiple gold-copper-silver discoveries who are highly experienced in this deposit style. Our projects are characterised by open high-grade mineralization on established mining licenses that present compelling drill targets. The principal project held by Turmalina is the San Francisco project in San Juan, Argentina. For further information on the San Francisco Project, refer to the technical report entitled NI43-101 Technical Report San Francisco Copper Gold Project, San Juan Province, Argentina dated November 17, 2019 under the Corporations profile at www.sedar.com. Turmalina is also exploring the Chanape project in Peru. For further information on Chanape please refer to the technical report National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report on the Chanape Gold-Silver-Copper Project dated July 5, 2022 under the Corporations profile at www.sedar.com.

Sampling and Analytic procedure

Turmalina Metals follows systematic sampling and analytical protocols which exceed industry standards and are summarized below.

For the collection of rock chip samples, geologists choose the best place to collect a sample based on local geology, point of interest, oxidization on surface, and other discerning features. With the aid of geological hammer, samples are broken from the outcrop and cleaned of vegetation and/or organic material. Sample descriptions are recorded and the UTM coordinate taken with a hand-held GPS. Samples are placed in a thick plastic bag and a pre-numbered sample tag placed in the bag. Sample mass is typically in the range of 3 to 5 kilograms. The outside of the bag is marked with permanent marker for easy reference. An aluminium tag with the sample number is placed at the location from where the sample was collected.

Turmalina Metals independently inserts certified control standards, coarse field blanks and duplicates into the sample stream to monitor data quality (QA/QC samples). These QA/QC samples are inserted blindly to the laboratory in the sample sequence prior to departure from the Turmalina Metals core storage facilities. For rock chip samples 4 QA/QC samples are inserted into each 80-sample dispatch: 1 blank sample, and 3 commercially-prepared standards.

The assay results for the QA/QC samples are checked and verified by the project geologist and the Qualified Person. All such QA/QC assay results from sample dispatches reported in this news release have been found to be within acceptable industry limits, and the Qualified Person is not aware of any sampling, recovery or any other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data.

Qualified Person

The scientific, technical and analytical data contained in this news release pertaining to the San Francisco and Chanape projects has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Rohan Wolfe, Technical Advisor, MAIG, who serves as the Qualified Person (QP) under the definition of National Instrument 43-101.

Forward Looking Statement
VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 14, 2023 /CNW/ - Gold Royalty Corp. ("Gold Royalty" or the "Company") (NYSE American: GROY) is pleased to announce the filing of its operating and financial results for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2023. The Company will be hosting an Investor Webcast to discuss these results on Wednesday, November 15 at 11:00 AM ET. All amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.

David Garofalo, Chairman and CEO of Gold Royalty, commented: "I am very encouraged by our team's progress in Q3 2023, having achieved a 48% increase in quarterly Total Revenue and Land Agreement Proceeds* in addition to a 50% decrease in quarterly Cash Operating Expenses* year over year. Our business is currently on track to deliver on our 2023 guidance and poised to break into positive free cash flow in 2024. The recently announced acquisitions of the Cozamin royalty and the SOQUEM royalty portfolio supplement what we believe is one of the strongest organic growth pipelines in the sector. Odyssey, Cote and REN have had positive advancements during the quarter with initial production from Cote expected by its operator in early 2024."

Highlights for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, include:

Continued decrease in Cash Operating Expenses* for the quarter as a result of the Company's efforts to reduce costs. Cash Operating Expenses* in the quarter decreased by 50% to $1.6 million from $3.3 million in the comparative period. For the same period total expenses decreased to $2.2 million from $3.7 million .

from in the comparative period. For the same period total expenses decreased to from . Total Revenue and Land Agreement Proceeds* for the quarter increased by 48% to $1.4 million , from $0.9 million in the comparative period. Revenue, under IFRS, was essentially unchanged at $0.8 million in the current quarter. Full year Total Revenue and Land Agreement Proceeds* guidance of $5.5 million to $6.5 million is maintained.

, from in the comparative period. Revenue, under IFRS, was essentially unchanged at in the current quarter. Full year Total Revenue and Land Agreement Proceeds* guidance of to is maintained. Adjusted Net Loss Per Share* for the third quarter of 2023 improved to $0.01 per share from $0.03 per share in the comparative period. For the same period net loss per share improved to $0.01 per share from $0.03 per share.

per share from per share in the comparative period. For the same period net loss per share improved to per share from per share. Cash used in operating activities before movements in working capital improved by 67% to $0.9 million in the third quarter of 2023 from $2.7 million in the comparative period due to higher Total Revenue and Land Agreement Proceeds* and lower Cash Operating Expenses*.

in the third quarter of 2023 from in the comparative period due to higher Total Revenue and Land Agreement Proceeds* and lower Cash Operating Expenses*. On August 30, 2023 , the Company completed an acquisition of a 1.0% net smelter return (" NSR ") royalty on portions of the producing Cozamin copper-silver mine in Mexico (" Cozamin ") operated by Capstone Copper Corp. (" Capstone ") for a cash consideration of $7.5 million from Endeavour Silver Corp. and its subsidiary.

, the Company completed an acquisition of a 1.0% net smelter return (" ") royalty on portions of the producing Cozamin copper-silver mine in (" ") operated by Capstone Copper Corp. (" ") for a cash consideration of from Endeavour Silver Corp. and its subsidiary. On November 2, 2023 the Company announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire a portfolio of royalties located in Quebec from SOQUEM (Societe Quebecoise d'exploration miniere), a subsidiary of Investissement Quebec, for C$1 million in common shares of the Company.

the Company announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire a portfolio of royalties located in Quebec from SOQUEM (Societe Quebecoise d'exploration miniere), a subsidiary of Investissement Quebec, for in common shares of the Company. The Company generated 2 new royalties through its Royalty Generator Model and has now created 39 new royalties through this model since 2021.

*Adjusted Net Loss Per Share, Total Revenue and Land Agreement Proceeds and Cash Operating Expenses are non-IFRS measures and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company's results under IFRS. See "Non-IFRS Measures" below for further information.

The following table sets forth selected financial information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023:

For the three months ended

September 30 For the nine months ended

September 30 2023 2022 2023 2022 (in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts) ($) ($) ($) ($) Revenue 797 866 2,032 3,411 Total expenses (2,195) (3,676) (8,051) (15,822) Net loss (1,817) (4,679) (7,396) (10,505) Net loss per share, basic and diluted (0.01) (0.03) (0.05) (0.08) Dividends declared per share  0.01 0.02 0.03 Operating cash flows before movements in working capital (894) (2,744) (4,054) (7,289) Non-IFRS and Other Measures Total Revenue and Land Agreement Proceeds* 1,370 923 3,897 4,706 Cash Operating Expenses* (1,642) (3,257) (5,987) (9,640) Adjusted Net Loss* (1,095) (3,443) (4,900) (7,627) Adjusted Net Loss Per Share, basic and diluted* (0.01) (0.03) (0.03) (0.06) Total gold equivalent ounces ("GEOs")* 414 517 1,052 1,888

* See Non-IFRS Measures below.

For further detailed information, please refer to the Company's unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements and management's discussion and analysis, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, copies of which are available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov.

Outlook

Management currently believes the Company is on track to meet its previously disclosed forecast of $5.5 million and $6.5 million in Total Revenue and Land Agreement Proceeds in 2023 based on the production guidance published to date by the operators of the properties underlying the Company's interests, a forecasted gold price ranging from $1,700 to $2,000 per ounce and expected payments from land agreements. The Company expects to incur $7.0 to $8.0 million in recurring Cash Operating Expenses in 2023 (forecasted cash operating expenses, excluding transaction-related and other non-recurring expenses) which remains unchanged as well. The Company currently expects that it will generate positive net operating cash flow in 2024 (forecasted operating cash flow before movement in non-cash working capital adjusted for land agreement proceed credited against mineral properties) when select key growth projects are expected to ramp up in production, including the long-life cornerstone mines at Cote and Odyssey.

The foregoing projected outlook constitutes ''forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws and is intended to provide information about management's current expectations for the Company's 2023 fiscal year. Although considered reasonable as of the date hereof, such outlook and the underlying assumptions may prove to be inaccurate. Accordingly, actual results could differ materially from the Company's expectations as set forth herein.

In preparing the above outlook, management assumed, among other things, that the operators of the projects underlying the Company's royalties will meet expected production milestones and forecasts for the applicable period and that operators of land agreements will elect to make all expected payments over the period. See "Forward-Looking Statements".

Portfolio Update

Odyssey Project (3.0% NSR over the northern portion of the project): On October 25, 2023 , Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (" Agnico Eagle ") issued a news release reporting strong quarterly gold production and provided an update on the Odyssey Project. It disclosed that production via the ramp at the Odyssey South deposit increased through the quarter reaching 3,300 tonnes per day (" tpd ") in September, approaching the planned mining rate of 3,500 tpd for 2024. Agnico Eagle stated that the internal zones continue to provide upside in tonnage and grade at Odyssey South and exploration drilling in the quarter focused on infilling the internal zones at the Odyssey South deposit and mineral resource expansion of the East Gouldie deposit to the east and west.

(3.0% NSR over the northern portion of the project): On , Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (" ") issued a news release reporting strong quarterly gold production and provided an update on the Odyssey Project. It disclosed that production via the ramp at the Odyssey South deposit increased through the quarter reaching 3,300 tonnes per day (" ") in September, approaching the planned mining rate of 3,500 tpd for 2024. Agnico Eagle stated that the internal zones continue to provide upside in tonnage and grade at Odyssey South and exploration drilling in the quarter focused on infilling the internal zones at the Odyssey South deposit and mineral resource expansion of the East Gouldie deposit to the east and west. Cote Gold Project (0.75% NSR royalty over the southern portion of the project): In a news release dated October 23, 2023 IAMGOLD Corporation disclosed that, as of September 30, 2023 , the Cote Gold Project was estimated to be approximately 92% complete and first production is expected to commence in early 2024. It further disclosed that mining activities have built the current ore stockpile to 3.7 million tonnes of material, on track to the target build-up of 5.0 million tonnes by the end of the year.

(0.75% NSR royalty over the southern portion of the project): In a news release dated IAMGOLD Corporation disclosed that, as of , the Cote Gold Project was estimated to be approximately 92% complete and first production is expected to commence in early 2024. It further disclosed that mining activities have built the current ore stockpile to 3.7 million tonnes of material, on track to the target build-up of 5.0 million tonnes by the end of the year. Ren Project (1.5% NSR royalty and 3.5% NPI): On September 12, 2023 , Barrick Gold Corporation (" Barrick ")issued a news release that included an update on the embedded growth projects driving value and an expected rise in production. It disclosed that at Carlin, Ren was highlighted as a continued driver of growth with expected increases in resources and a pre-feasibility study targeted for 2026.

(1.5% NSR royalty and 3.5% NPI): On , Barrick Gold Corporation (" ")issued a news release that included an update on the embedded growth projects driving value and an expected rise in production. It disclosed that at Carlin, Ren was highlighted as a continued driver of growth with expected increases in resources and a pre-feasibility study targeted for 2026. Granite Creek Mine Project (10.0% NPI): In a news release dated October 11, 2023 , i-80 Gold Corp (" i-80 ") provided a development and exploration update on the Granite Creek operation. At Granite Creek, i-80 disclosed that it achieved 592 tons per day of mineralized material production as the operation continues to ramp-up. It stated that mining is focused on the extraction of high-grade gold mineralization in the Ogee Zone while development progresses towards the South Pacific Zone (" SPZ ") and that the SPZ is host to high-grade gold mineralization located immediately north of the underground mine workings and is expected to become the mine's main horizon beginning in 2024.

(10.0% NPI): In a news release dated , i-80 Gold Corp (" ") provided a development and exploration update on the Granite Creek operation. At Granite Creek, i-80 disclosed that it achieved 592 tons per day of mineralized material production as the operation continues to ramp-up. It stated that mining is focused on the extraction of high-grade gold mineralization in the Ogee Zone while development progresses towards the South Pacific Zone (" ") and that the SPZ is host to high-grade gold mineralization located immediately north of the underground mine workings and is expected to become the mine's main horizon beginning in 2024. Cozamin Mine (1.0% NSR over a portion of the mine): In a news release dated November 3, 2023 , Capstone reported its third quarter 2023 results including an update on operations at Cozamin. 2023 YTD copper ("Cu") production of 17.8 kt Cu was reported with recoveries and grades consistent with the same period last year. It disclosed that planned exploration work at Cozamin is focused on infill drilling which is expected to support an updated mineral resource estimate in 2024.

Royalty Generation Model Update

The Company's Royalty Generator Model had a productive third quarter with two new royalties added in. The Company has now generated 39 royalties since the acquisition of Ely Gold Royalties Inc. in 2021 through this model. Details of the new royalties generated during the quarter are as follows:

The Rays property was sold to Barrick with Gold Royalty retaining a 2.0% NSR royalty over the property.

The Butte Highlands property was sold to Butte Highlands JV with Gold Royalty retaining a 2.0% NSR royalty over the property.

The Company currently has 31 properties subject to land agreements and 7 properties under lease generating land agreement proceeds. The model continues to incur low operating costs with under $80,000 spent on mineral interests maintenance expense during the third quarter of 2023.

Investor Webcast

An investor webcast will be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 11:00 am ET (8:00 am PT) to discuss these results. Management will be providing an update to interested stakeholders on the Company's quarterly results including key recent catalysts that have been announced on the assets underlying the Company's royalties. The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session where participants will be able to ask any questions they may have of management.

To register for the investor webcast, please click the link below: https://www.bigmarker.com/vid-conferences/GROY-Q3-Results

A replay of the webcast will be available on the Gold Royalty website following the presentation.

About Gold Royalty Corp.

Gold Royalty Corp. is a gold-focused royalty company offering creative financing solutions to the metals and mining industry. Its mission is to invest in high-quality, sustainable, and responsible mining operations to build a diversified portfolio of precious metals royalty and streaming interests that generate superior long-term returns for our shareholders. Gold Royalty's diversified portfolio currently consists primarily of net smelter return royalties on gold properties located in the Americas.

Qualified Person

Alastair Still, P.Geo., Director of Technical Services of the Company, is a "qualified person" as such term is defined under Canadian National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") and has reviewed and approved the technical information disclosed in this news release.

Notice to Investors

For further information regarding the project updates regarding properties underlying the Company's interests, please refer to the disclosures of the operators thereof, including the news releases referenced herein. Disclosure relating to properties in which Gold Royalty holds royalty or other interests is based on information publicly disclosed by the owners or operators of such properties. The Company generally has limited or no access to the properties underlying its interests and is largely dependent on the disclosure of the operators of its interests and other publicly available information. The Company generally has limited or no ability to verify such information. Although the Company does not have any knowledge that such information may not be accurate, there can be no assurance that such third-party information is complete or accurate.

Unless otherwise indicated, the technical and scientific disclosure contained or referenced in this news release, including any references to mineral resources or mineral reserves, was prepared by the project operators in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101, which differs significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") applicable to domestic issuers. Accordingly, the scientific and technical information contained or referenced in this news release may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC.

Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain of the information contained in this news release constitutes "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), including but not limited to statements regarding: estimated future Total Revenues and Land Agreement Proceeds and expected future cash flows;; expectations regarding the operations and/or development of the projects underlying the Company's royalty interests, including the estimates of the operators thereof their timing and ability to achieve production; and expectations regarding the Company's growth and statements regarding the Company's plans and strategies. Such statements can be generally identified by the use of terms such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "believe", "plans", "anticipate" or similar terms. Forward-looking statements are based upon certain assumptions and other important factors, including assumptions of management regarding the accuracy of the disclosure of the operators of the projects underlying the Company's projects, their ability to achieve disclosed plans and targets, macroeconomic conditions, commodity prices, and the Company's ability to finance future growth and acquisitions. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements including, among others, any inability to any inability of the operators of the properties underlying the Company's royalty interests to execute proposed plans for such properties or to achieved planned development and production estimates and goals, risks related to the operators of the projects in which the Company holds interests, including the successful continuation of operations at such projects by those operators, risks related to exploration, development, permitting, infrastructure, operating or technical difficulties on any such projects, the influence of macroeconomic developments, the ability of the Company to carry out its growth plans and other factors set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended September 30, 2022 and its other publicly filed documents under its profiles at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Non-IFRS Measures

The Company has included, in this document, certain performance measures, including: (i) Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted Net Loss Per Share; (ii) GEOs; (iii) Total Revenue and Land Agreement Proceeds: and (iv) Cash Operating Expenses which are each non-IFRS measures. The presentation of such non-IFRS measures is 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. These non-IFRS measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS, and other companies may calculate these measures differently.

Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted Net Loss Per Share

Adjusted Net Loss is calculated by adding land agreement proceeds credited against mineral properties, adding the pre-acquisition royalty revenue credited against the Cozamin purchase price and deducting the following from net income: Transaction related and non-recurring general administrative expenses[1], share of (income)/loss and dilution income in associate, impairment, changes in fair value of derivative liabilities and short-term investments, loss on loan modification, foreign exchange gain/(loss), other income/(expense) and land agreement proceeds credited against mineral properties. Adjusted Net Loss Per Share, basic and diluted have been determined by dividing the Adjusted Net Loss by the weighted average number of common shares for the applicable period. The Company included this information as management believes that they are useful measures of performance as they adjust for items which are not always reflective of the underlying operating performance of our business and/or are not necessarily indicative of future operating results. The table below provides a reconciliation of net loss to Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted Net Loss Per Share, basic and diluted for the periods indicated:

For the three months ended

September 30 For the nine months ended

September 30 2023 2022 2023 2022 (in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts) ($) ($) ($) ($) Net loss (1,817) (4,679) (7,396) (10,505) Land agreement proceeds credited against mineral properties 347 57 1,639 1,295 Pre-acquisition royalty revenue credited against Cozamin purchase price 226  226  Transaction related and non-recurring administrative expenses 64  699 1,535 Share of (income)/loss in associate (22) (2) (244) 153 Dilution income in associate   (12) (100) Impairment of royalty    3,821 Change in fair value of derivative liabilities (3) 136 (242) (4,498) Change in fair value of short-term investments 142 1,359 219 1,111 (Gain)/loss on loan modification  (316) 249 (316) Foreign exchange (gain)/loss (30) (21) 77 (31) Other income (2) 23 (115) (92) Adjusted Net Loss (1,095) (3,443) (4,900) (7,627) Weighted average number of common shares 144,970,285 134,822,619 144,609,320 134,407,769 Adjusted Net Loss Per Share, basic and diluted (0.01) (0.03) (0.03) (0.06)

GEOs

Total GEOs are determined by dividing revenue by the following average gold prices:

Units Average

Gold Price Three months ended September 30, 2022 (US$/oz) 1,675 Three months ended September 30, 2023 (US$/oz) 1,927 Nine months ended September 30, 2022 (US$/oz) 1,807 Nine months ended September 30, 2023 (US$/oz) 1,931

1 Transaction related and non-recurring general administrative expenses are a supplementary financial measure comprised of operating expenses that are not expected to be incurred on an ongoing basis. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, transaction related and non-recurring administrative expenses related primarily to professional fees related to changing the Company's fiscal year-end, tax restructuring following the completion of corporate transactions, establishing a dividend reinvestment and finance programs and select corporate development activities and in the same periods of 2022, related primarily to consulting fees and professional fees associated with corporate transactions.

Total Revenue and Land Agreement Proceeds

Total Revenue and Land Agreement Proceeds are determined by adding land agreement proceeds credited against mineral properties and the pre-acquisition royalty revenue credited against Cozamin purchase price to total revenue. The Company has included this information as management believes certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance in comparison to other gold royalty companies in the precious metal mining industry. Below is a reconciliation of our Total Revenue and Land Agreement Proceeds to total revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively:

For the three months ended

September 30 For the nine months ended

September 30 2023 2022 2023 2022 (in thousands of dollars) ($) ($) ($) ($) Royalty 573 616 1,206 2,602 Pre-acquisition royalty revenue credited against Cozamin purchase price 226  226  Advanced minimum royalty 153 131 509 444 Land agreement proceeds 418 176 1,956 1,660 Total Revenue and Land Agreement Proceeds 1,370 923 3,897 4,706 Land agreement proceeds credited against mineral properties (347) (57) (1,639) (1,295) Pre-acquisition royalty revenue credited against Cozamin purchase price (226)  (226)  Revenue 797 866 2,032 3,411

Cash Operating Expenses

Cash Operating Expenses are determined by adding the impact of non-cash expenses, revenue, other income and tax expense or recovery to net loss. The Company has included this information as management believes certain investors use this information to evaluate our performance in comparison to other gold royalty companies in the precious metal mining industry. The table below provides a reconciliation of net loss to Total expenses and then to Cash Operating Expenses.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2023) - York Harbour Metals Inc. (TSXV: YORK) (OTCQB: YORKF) (FSE: 5DE) ("York Harbour" or the "Company") is pleased to report that diamond drilling at its 100%-owned Bottom Brook Rare Earth Element (REE) ("Bottom Brook") project in Newfoundland has officially started. This marks a significant milestone in the Company's exploration program at its rare earth elements property.

The maiden drill program aims to test the depth and strike of high-grade mineralization identified by the Company's recent geological mapping, soil, and channel sampling (see news release dated July 31st, 2023) with the goal of expanding the known areas of mineralization and discovering new zones.

"We are looking forward to drill testing the high-priority targets and to test the new high-grade REE zone which we identified 750 metres from known mineralization," stated York Harbour CEO and President Bruce Durham.

The Company also takes this opportunity to mention the Mineral Rights Adjudication Board has confirmed the reinstatement of Mineral Licence 26228M, resolving any past issues related to its mineral claims at the Company's York Harbour Copper project. After drilling at the Bottom Brook project is completed, the Company plans to move the drill rig to the York Harbour Copper project to continue drilling high-priority zones.

For further details on York Harbour Metals, please reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

or call +1-778-302-2257. You may also visit the Company's website at www.yorkharbourmetals.com for past news releases, media interviews and opinion-editorial pieces by management.

On Behalf of The Board of Directors,

Bruce Durham

CEO, President, and Director

Telephone: 778-302-2257 | Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: www.yorkharbourmetals.com

1518 - 800 Pender Street W, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6C 2V6

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release may contain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All information contained herein that is not historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements herein include but are not limited to statements relating to the prospects for development of the Company's mineral properties, and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market and economic risks, uncertainties and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
Priority Drill Targets Significantly Expand the Mineralized Trend Along Strike from the Past-Producing High-Grade Uranium Apex Mine

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2023) - Kraken Energy Corp. (CSE: UUSA) (OTCQB: UUSAF) (the "Company" or "Kraken Energy") is pleased to report that it has commenced the inaugural drill program at its 100%-owned, past-producing flagship Apex Uranium Property ("Apex" or the "Property") located in central Nevada.

The 2,200-meter ("m") drilling program will target a mineralized area over 2 kilometers ("km") in strike length consisting of two separate target areas immediately along strike from the past-producing Apex Mine. The Company has received approval to initially drill up to 2,200 m (7,217 ft) in 24 holes from 8 pads.

"We are very excited to begin drilling at Apex, where historic drilling features results of up to 34.1 m (112 ft) at 0.37% U3O8 and 15.2 m (50 ft) at 0.51% U3O8," stated Matthew Schwab, CEO of Kraken. "With radon anomalies now over 5 times larger than the footprint of the Apex Mine, our team is confident in the priority targets outlined for this maiden drilling program on the property."

Highlights:

Priority drill targets over strong radon anomalies coincide with geophysical signatures outlining the mineralized contact at the historic Apex Uranium Mine.

The BLM has approved permit to drill up to 2,200 m (7,217 ft) in 24 holes from 8 pads.

Interpretation of the recently flown VTEM and UAV magnetic surveys shows a geophysical signature associated with uranium mineralization at the Apex Mine that appears to be offset to the north where it continues trending northwest. This geophysical signature coincides with strong and consistent, recently identified radon anomalies.

Over 2 km of new high priority target potential has been identified on the recently staked BLM ground that follows the northwest mineralized trend from the Apex Mine.

Newly defined and previously undrilled target area with projected target depths ranging from 50 m to 200 m (164 ft to 656 ft).

Figure 1: Target Areas at Apex Uranium Property for Maiden Drilling Program

About the Apex Property:

The Apex Uranium Mine was Nevada's largest past-producing uranium mine which produced ~106,000 pounds of U 3 O 8 in the 1950s at an average mining grade of ~0.25% U 3 O 8 . Historic drilling results include results of up to 3.1 m (10 ft) at 1.33% U 3 O 8 , 34.1 m (112 ft) at 0.37% U 3 O 8 and 15.2 m (50 ft) at 0.51% U 3 O 8 .

References:

1 Uranium Deposits of the World USA and Latin America, by Franz J. Dahlkamp (1965, pg 291)

2 Nevada Bureau Mines File 60000269, Report on Mines of Apex Minerals Corporation 1957, by Harry H. Hughes, Mining Geologist.

3 EPRI Report EA-498 "Uranium Price Formation" (1977, pg 2-19)

4 Nevada Bureau Mines File 38900096, Transverse Section Through Drilled Orebody, Apex Minerals Corp 1959, by Harry Hughes, Mining Geologist.

5 Nevada Bureau Mines File 38900084, Plan map of underground workings, sampling, and drill holes at the Apex mine 1959, by Harry Hughes, Mining Geologist.

Technical Information

All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared by or reviewed and approved by Matthew Schwab, P.Geo., President and CEO of the Company, and Garrett Ainsworth, P.Geo., Chairman of the Company. Each of Mr. Schwab and Mr. Ainsworth is a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

The data disclosed in this news release is related to historical drilling results. Kraken has not undertaken any independent investigation of the sampling, nor has it independently analyzed the results of the historical exploration work in order to verify the results. Kraken considers these historical drill results relevant as the Company is using this data as a guide to plan exploration programs. The Company's current and future exploration work includes verification of the historical data through drilling.

About Kraken Energy Corp.

Kraken Energy Corp. is a new energy company advancing its portfolio of high-grade uranium properties in the Unites States. The Company is advancing its 100%-owned Apex Uranium Property, located 280 km (174 miles) east from Reno, Nevada which is recognized as Nevada's largest past-producing uranium mine. The Company has additionally entered into an option agreement to earn 100% of the Garfield Hills Uranium Property. The past-producing Garfield Hills Uranium Property covers 1,238 ha (3,060 acres) and is located 19 km (12 miles) east of Hawthorne in Mineral County, Nevada. Kraken Energy has also recently staked the Huber Hills Uranium Property, located 136 km (85 miles) north of Elko, Nevada which covers 1,044 ha (2,580 acres) and encompasses the historic Race Track open pit mine. The Company has recently entered into an option agreement to earn 75% of the Harts Point Uranium Property. The Harts Point Uranium Property covers 2,622 ha (6,480 acres) and is located 49 km (30 miles) northwest of Monticello in San Juan County, Utah.

For more information about the Company, please visit; www.krakenenergycorp.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Kraken Energy Corp.:

Matthew Schwab

President & Chief Executive Officer

Corporate Office:

Suite 907 - 1030 West Georgia Street

Vancouver, British Columbia

V6E 2Y3

T: (604) 628-2669

For investor relations inquiries, contact:

Kin Communications Inc.

T: (604) 684-6730

E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This news release contains forward-looking information which is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include our plans for exploration at the properties. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Risks that could change or prevent these statements from coming to fruition include changing costs for mining and processing; increased capital costs; the timing and content of upcoming work programs; geological interpretations based on drilling that may change with more detailed information; potential process methods and mineral recoveries assumption based on limited test work and by comparison to what are considered analogous deposits that with further test work may not be comparable; the availability of labour, equipment and markets for the products produced; and despite the current expected viability of the project, conditions changing such that the minerals on our property cannot be economically mined, or that the required permits to build and operate the envisaged mine can be obtained. The forward-looking information contained herein is given as of the date hereof and the Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.
0.30 g/t Gold over 32.50 Meters Returned at the Golden Mask Anomaly

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2023) - Onyx Gold Corp. (TSXV: ONYX) ("Onyx" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the final assay and exploration results from its summer drilling and exploration program (the "Program") at the King Tut Property ("King Tut" or "Property") located in Yukon, Canada. (Figure 1). Previous fieldwork on the Project had identified large-scale undrilled gold-in-soil anomalies in a comparable geological setting situated 50 kilometers from Snowline Gold's Rogue/Valley Discovery, one of Canada's most significant new gold discoveries.

Results from the inaugural nine-hole drill program confirm widespread gold mineralization across the Main Tut and Golden Mask anomalies, validating the existence of potential bulk-tonnage reduced intrusion-related gold systems ("RIRGS") on the Property. In addition, new airborne magnetic surveying and soil sampling have also significantly expanded the size of the mapped intrusions at both targets.

"Our field program at King Tut has been a real success," said Brock Colterjohn, President & CEO. "The drilling has validated that these anomalies have potential as large, bulk tonnage targets with the opportunity to vector in on a higher-grade zone, and the geophysical and geochemical surveys have also significantly expanded the extents of the Golden Mask intrusive by 7x relative to previously mapped outlines. The increase in scale of the intrusion at Golden Mask, especially below cover on the valley floor, provides more room to expand the mineralized footprint, potentially including a higher-grade core."

"The results at Golden Mask, in particular, have demonstrated gold grades and widths consistent with what is known about Snowline Gold's Valley intrusion outside of the Valley target high-grade core. We look forward to interpreting this data as the "smoke" to the high-grade "fire", and we are anxious to get back on the ground at King Tut again next year."

The goal of the 2023 program was to determine the potential for RIRGS on the known gold-in-soil anomalies with a Phase 1 ~2,100-meter drill program. This year's results will be analyzed to inform next year's program to vector towards potential high-grade cores in these intrusions.

Highlight 2023 Drill Hole Results

Main Tut Anomaly

0.12 g/t Au over 122.0 meters in hole KT23-001, including 0.20 g/t Au over 18.1 meters

in hole KT23-001, including 0.13 g/t Au over 187.0 meters in hole KT23-002, including 0.36 g/t Au over 21.0 meters, including 2.93 g/t Au over 1.0 meter

in hole KT23-002, including

Golden Mask Anomaly

0.13 g/t Au over 53.0 meters in hole KT23-003B

in hole KT23-003B 0.30 g/t Au over 32.5 meters in hole KT23-005, including 0.56 g/t Au over 8.0 meters

in hole KT23-005, including 0.21 g/t Au over 20.0 meters in hole KT23-006

2.14 g/t Au over 0.7 meters in hole KT23-008

0.24 g/t Au over 10.9 meters in hole KT23-008

0.24 g/t Au over 14.7 meters in hole KT23-009, including 1.16 g/t Au over 0.7 meters

1.30 g/t Au over 4.0 meters in hole KT23-009

in hole KT23-009 6.31 g/t Au over 1.0 meters in hole KT23-009

2023 Program Summary

The 2023 Yukon exploration program focused on Phase 1 drill testing of the promising Main Tut and Golden Mask gold-in-soil anomalies, which are associated with two separate intrusion-related gold systems, and also the execution of property-wide geophysical surveys, geochemical surveys, and mapping and prospecting programs to refine drill targets and identify prospective area for future exploration. The Program included 2,123 meters of diamond drilling in two (2) completed holes at the Main Tut target and seven (7) completed holes and one (1) lost hole on the Golden Mask target, 1,353 soil samples, 1,692-line-kilometer of property-wide drone-based magnetic geophysical surveying, property-wide high-resolution LiDAR topographic surveying, and geological mapping, prospecting, and geochemical sampling.

Discussion of Golden Mask and Main Tut Drill Results

Golden Mask Anomaly

The Golden Mask anomaly occurs within and adjacent to a granitic stock that is interpreted to be the upper carapace of a reduced intrusion. The Golden Mask soil anomaly is roughly 1,400 meters by 1,400 meters in size and hosts coincident strongly anomalous gold and RIRGS pathfinder geochemical signature (Bi, Te, W, As). The Golden Mask anomaly is almost entirely comprised of soil samples that returned > 20 ppb gold, with a majority of samples over 50 ppb gold to a peak of 1,423 ppb gold. The anomaly is open for expansion to the west and south.

The Company completed seven (7) drill holes totaling 1,483.5 meters at Golden Mask (Figure 2) as two northwest-southeast fences of holes across the known mapped intrusion to cut the observed northeast-trending fracture/vein sets and one drill hole located at the valley bottom to test the newly interpreted intrusive outline based on the summer magnetic survey results. The holes intersected broad zones of gold mineralization within Golden Mask granitic intrusion and hornfels aureole including 0.13 g/t Au over 53.0 meters in hole KT23-003b, 0.30 g/t Au over 32.5 meters in hole KT23-005 (including 0.56 g/t Au over 8.0 meters) and 0.21 g/t Au over 20.0 meters in hole KT23-006, 0.24 g/t Au over 10.9 meters in hole KT23-008, and 0.24 g/t Au over 14.7 meters, 1.30 g/t Au over 4.0 meters, and 6.31 g/t Au over 1.0 meter in hole KT23-009. The gold is associated with fracture-controlled and locally pervasive, strong iron oxidation associated with fine-grained disseminated and quartz vein-hosted pyrite and arsenopyrite (+/- bismuthinite, stibnite, sulfosalts).

The highest gold values were returned in KT23-009, the last drill hole completed in the Program at Golden Mask, setting the Company up for a strong start to its 2024 exploration plans.

Main Tut Anomaly

The Main Tut anomaly is located nine kilometers east of Golden Mask, near the center of the Property and within the hornfelsed aureole and aplite dykes surrounding the northern side of the large quartz monzonite/granite stock. It has an arcuate shape that is over six kilometers in length and 200 to 1,500 meters in width. It is defined by a broad zone of moderately to strongly anomalous gold-in-soil values to a peak of 13,390 ppb gold, with coincident strongly anomalous RIRGS pathfinder geochemical signature (Bi, Te, W, As).

The Company completed two (2) drillholes totaling 639.3 meters at the Main Tut anomaly (Figure 3) targeting two large east-west trending aplite dykes with elevated gold surface geochemistry. The holes intersected widespread gold mineralization with the intrusion including 0.12 g/t Au over 122.0 meters in hole KT23-001 (including 0.20 g/t Au over 18.1 meters) and 0.13 g/t Au over 187.0 meters in hole KT23-002 (including 0.36 g/t Au over 21.0 meters). The gold is associated with fine-grained disseminated and quartz vein-hosted pyrite and arsenopyrite (+/- bismuthinite, stibnite, sulfosalts), but especially in units where fractures and vein margins are coated by muscovite.

A summary of significant assay intercepts can be found in Table 1.

Airborne Geophysical Survey Results

Pioneer Exploration Consultants Ltd. completed a 1,692-line-kilometer property-wide drone-based magnetic geophysical survey over the King Tut project in August and September. Final results have been received and have dramatically increased the projected size of the granite body at Golden Mask from 600 by 400 meters to approximately 1,300 by 1,300 meters - a 700% increase in size (Figure 4). A large portion of the new Golden Mask geophysical feature projects beneath the broad valley floor, downslope of the area drilled, and is masked by glacial overburden.

Drill hole KT23-008 was drilled to test the southwestern lobe of the newly acquired horizontal gradient magnetic anomaly and successfully confirmed that the geophysical signature was caused by a large granite body overlain by hornfelsed country rock (Figure 4). Additional analysis of various geophysical products has identified numerous lineaments internal to the intrusion that may represent key target structures and mineralizing fluid pathways.

Surface Mapping and Geochemical Results

The Company collected 1,353 contour and grid soil samples to expand on existing data collected by a previous operator. The results from the survey were very encouraging and expanded the size of the Golden Mask anomaly to the northwest by 400 meters with high values up to 1,070 ppb gold, which is above the upper 99th percentile of gold-in-soil values on the Property (Figure 4).

Q4-2023 Ontario Drill Program

The Company has now shifted its attention to its Timmins, Ontario portfolio where a 4,000 meter drill program is now underway at our flagship Munro-Croesus Gold Project. The program is focusing on follow-up holes at new targets proximal to the historic high-grade Croesus Gold Mine and on the new bulk-tonnage-style Argus Zone.

Soil sampling has also been completed and an airborne drone-magnetic geophysical survey is in progress at the Timmins South Project.

Figure 1 - Tombstone Gold Belt

Figure 2 - Plan Map Showing Location of 2023 Drill Holes at the Golden Mask Target

Figure 3 - Plan Map Showing Location of 2023 Drill Holes at the Main Tut Target

Figure 4 - Plan Map Showing Results of 2023 Soil Geochemistry and Airborne Drone-Magnetic Survey

Table 1 - Significant Assay Intercepts from the 2023 Drilling Program

Drill Hole From To Length Au Ag Main Tut Target (meters) (meters) (meters) (g/t) (g/t) KT23-001 63.0 185.0 122.0 0.12 1.1 Including 65.0 74.0 9.0 0.22 2.7 And Including 94.0 98.0 4.0 0.29 12.4 Including 94.0 95.0 1.0 0.35 40.1 And Including 114.9 133.0 18.1 0.20 0.6 And Including 151.0 157.0 6.0 0.27 0.0 And Including 166.0 171.0 5.0 0.23 0.0 KT23-002 7.0 194.0 187.0 0.13 0.2 Including 7.0 18.0 11.0 0.18 0.1 And Including 27.0 35.8 8.8 0.18 0.0 And Including 109.0 125.0 16.0 0.32 0.5 Including 115.0 116.0 1.0 1.52 0.6 And Including 173.0 194.0 21.0 0.36 0.2 Including 186.0 194.0 8.0 0.56 0.2 Including 193.0 194.0 1.0 2.93 0.0 And 289.5 298.1 8.6 0.23 3.4 Including 289.5 291.0 1.5 1.07 6.8 Drill Hole From To Length Au Ag Golden Mask Target (meters) (meters) (meters) (g/t) (g/t) KT23-003B 119.0 172.0 53.0 0.13 0.3 Including 119.0 120.0 1.0 1.35 0.7 And Including 156.1 160.0 3.9 0.34 0.2 KT23-004 No Significant Results KT23-005 62.0 94.5 32.5 0.30 0.5 Including 78.0 86.0 8.0 0.56 0.5 Including 85.0 86.0 1.0 1.06 0.8 KT23-006 113.0 133.0 20.0 0.21 0.3 And 113.0 118.5 5.5 0.32 0.4 Including 117.1 118.5 1.4 0.62 0.5 Including 171.0 172.0 1.0 0.71 0.0 And 189.0 219.0 30.0 0.11 0.3 KT23-007 68.0 69.0 1.0 0.22 0.0 KT23-008 142.5 143.2 0.7 2.14 0.0 And 172.4 173.5 1.1 0.88 1.0 And 185.0 195.9 10.9 0.24 0.0 And 215.6 233.6 18.0 0.11 0.0 And 244.9 260.0 15.1 0.14 0.9 KT23-009 16.3 31.0 14.7 0.24 0.7 Including 19.5 27.0 7.5 0.41 0.8 Including 19.5 20.2 0.7 1.16 0.0 And 44.0 51.0 7.0 0.80 0.6 Including 44.0 48.0 4.0 1.30 1.1 And 104.0 105.0 1.0 6.31 2.5 And 112.0 114.0 2.0 0.19 0.3

*True widths unknown.

About the Yukon Gold Properties

Onyx controls a portfolio of greenfield gold properties in eastern Yukon, totaling 210 km2. The King Tut Property is Onyx's most advanced and compelling property, located in the heart of an emerging reduced intrusive-related gold district in Yukon's Selwyn Basin. Previous fieldwork identified large-scale undrilled gold-in-soil anomalies in a comparable geological setting 50 km from Snowline Gold's Rogue/Valley Discovery, one of Canada's most significant new gold discoveries.

About Onyx Gold

Onyx Gold is an exploration company focused on well-established Canadian mining jurisdictions, with assets in Timmins, Ontario, and Yukon Territory. The Company's extensive portfolio of quality gold projects in the greater Timmins gold camp includes the Munro-Croesus Gold property, renowned for its high-grade mineralization, plus two additional earlier-stage large exploration properties, Golden Mile and Timmins South. Onyx Gold also controls four properties in the Selwyn Basin area of Yukon Territory, which is currently gaining significance due to recent discoveries in the area. Onyx Gold's experienced board and senior management team are committed to creating shareholder value through the discovery process, careful allocation of capital, and environmentally/socially responsible mineral exploration.

Qualified Person and Quality Assurance

Ian Cunningham-Dunlop, P.Eng., Executive Vice President for Onyx Gold Corp. and a qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release.

On Behalf of Onyx Gold Corp.

"Brock Colterjohn"

President & CEO

For further information, please visit the Onyx Gold Corp. website at www.onyxgold.com or contact:

Brock Colterjohn, President & CEO

or

Nicole Hoeller, VP of Corporate Communications

Phone: 1-604-629-1165 or North American toll-free 1-855-629-1165

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Website: www.onyxgold.com

X : @OnyxGoldCorp

Additional Notes:

Starting azimuth, dip and final length (Azimuth/-Dip/Length) for the drillholes reported today are noted as follows: KT23-001 (180/45/243.3m), KT23-002 (112/45/396m), KT23-003 (292/45/91.5m), KT23-003b (292/45/240m), KT23-004 (112/55/87m), KT23-005 (292/45/249m), KT23-006 (112/45/237m), KT23-007 (235/45/117m), KT23-008 (165/45/267m), and KT23-009 (112/45/195m)

Samples of drill core were cut by a diamond blade rock saw, with half of the cut core placed in individual sealed polyurethane bags and the remaining half of the cut core placed back in the original core box for permanent on-site storage. Sample lengths range from a minimum of 0.2-meter to a maximum of 3.0-meter intervals, with an average sample length of 1.0 meter. Drill core samples were delivered by truck in sealed woven plastic bags to ALS Geochemistry laboratory facility in Whitehorse, Yukon for sample preparation with final analysis at ALS Geochemistry in North Vancouver, BC.

Gold is determined by fire-assay fusion of a 50-gram sub-sample with atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Samples that return values >10 ppm gold from fire assay and AAS are determined by using fire assay and a gravimetric finish. Various metals including silver, gold, copper, lead and zinc are analyzed by inductively-coupled plasma (ICP) atomic emission spectroscopy, following multi-acid digestion. The elements copper, lead and zinc are determined by ore grade assay for samples that return values >10,000 ppm by ICP analysis. Silver is determined by ore-grade assay for samples that return >100 ppm. All ALS Geochemistry sites operate under a single Global Geochemistry Quality Manual that complies with ISO/IEC 17025:2017. ALS Geochemistry follows the quality management and operational guidelines set out in the international standards ISO/IEC 17025 - "General Requirement for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories" and ISO 9001 - "Quality Management Systems".

The Company maintains a robust QA/QC program that includes the collection and analysis of duplicate samples and the insertion of blanks and standards (certified reference material).

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 information

This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively "forward looking statements").

Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections, and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "forecast", "expect", "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's planned exploration programs and drill programs and potential significance of results are forward-looking statements that involve various 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. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Company's expectations include actual exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital, and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials, and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events, or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Three Skaneateles residents and three sheriff's deputies were taken to hospitals after a two-car accident Tuesday in Marcellus, with one person in critical condition after being saved from a burning vehicle.

The accident occurred around 9:15 a.m. at the intersection of Lee Mulroy Road and Bishop Hill Road, according to Wednesday news release from the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office.

A Jeep driven by Trey Michel, 19, was flipped over and became engulfed in flames. Upon arrival, Deputies Katrina Kilmer, Nicholas Cramer and Michael Russo used fire extinguishers and broke into the driver's side window to extricate Michel. He was saved with the help of "several good Samaritans" and off-duty Liverpool Fire Department Deputy Chief Joseph Santaro, the release said.

Michel was taken to the downtown emergency room for Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse in critical condition. Kilmer, Cramer and Russo were all taken to the same ER for smoke inhalation, and Russo was admitted to Upstate Community Hospital for smoke inhalation and minor burns. Kilmer and Cramer were released later that night.

The other vehicle in the collision contained driver Patrick Strodel, 59, and passenger Rebecca Markus, 55. Both were taken to Syracuse for treatment. Strodel was released after getting treated by medical professionals, while Markus stayed in the hospital with minor injuries, the release said.

The crash is still under investigation and no tickets have been issued.
Han Hyo Joo acknowledged the fans' support for her new movie, "Believer 2."

During the press conference, the actress, along with co-stars Jo Jin Woong, Cha Seung Won, and Oh Seung Hoon, and director Baek Jong Yeol, shared their experiences and expectations about the soon-to-be-released film.

Han Hyo Joo Takes on New Character in 'Believer 2'

The actress never fails to amaze viewers with her transformation, regardless of the role. However, in "Believer 2," she appeared in a completely different and challenging role.

As obtained by a news portal, she tells the press the reason that prompted her to accept the offer.

"I agreed to join this project with my trust in the director since we already worked together in 'Beauty Inside,'" she said, referring to her role as Big Knife.

According to Han Hyo Joo, she finds the completely new character challenging, so she took it. While the upcoming movie is the sequel to the 2018 film, Big Knife is a new character featured in the second installment. She described her role as someone who "wants to protect Mr. Lee," played by Cha Seung Won.

Han Hyo Joo Talks About Preparation for 'Believer 2'

Viewers were surprised to see the huge transformation of Han Hyo Joo, especially her physique, as she takes on the role of Big Knife.

According to her, she had to pay attention to her build and body because most of the time her abs and body were exposed to highlight Big Knife's battle scars.

"It was very difficult to build a body for such scenes," Han Hyo Joo admitted, adding that it was harder to develop that body compared to doing action scenes.

READ MORE: Viewers Demand More Jo In Sung, Han Hyo Joo's 'Couple' Chemistry in 'Unexpected Business 3'

The actress also mentioned that there were times when she cried while running on the treadmill, adding that the preparations "were not easy at all."

In addition to this, she also had to polish her Chinese skills and take lessons for them.

Han Hyo Joo Overwhelmed by Huge Support from 'Moving' Fans

Amid all this, Han Hyo Joo's hard work pays off after her character in "Believer 2" attracts huge attention.

After the trailer for "Believer 2" was released, Han Hyo Joo said that she "almost cried" after watching it.

Meanwhile, the actress also mentioned the support she gets from fans of "Moving." According to her, people would still refer to her as Bong Seok's mom.

"Some people commented like 'Bong-seok's mom is getting bad', 'Looks like Bong-seok's adolescence hit her hard', etc. I'm glad to have a chance to present a new side of me. You may be surprised when you see it, but I think it will give you a new experience."

It can be recalled that Han Hyo Joo played her first mother role in Disney+'s "Moving" taking on the role of Lee Mi Hyun, the mother of Lee Jung Ha's character.

On the other hand, viewers get to watch "Believer 2" via Netflix on November 17th.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 59th Grand Bell Awards Nominees: Han Hyo Joo, Doh Kyungsoo, More Bag Major Nods in Series, Film Categories

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article

Written by Geca Wills
The newly elected Cayuga County clerk has been ticketed for a property damage hit-and-run Saturday night in the town of Owasco.

Brian Scanlan, who won election last week, struck a car parked in front of 12 Fairway Drive with his own vehicle at about 8 that night, Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck told The Citizen.

Schenck said Scanlan appeared at the sheriff's office this morning to confirm he was the driver of the vehicle that hit the car. He was issued a ticket for leaving the scene of the accident, a violation.

Scanlan will appear in Owasco Town Court on Tuesday, Nov. 28. He did not respond to a request for comment by The Citizen.

Schenck said he did not know where Scanlan was coming from or going, or whether alcohol was a factor in the accident.

The car that Scanlan struck belongs to Dr. Cyndy King, of Raleigh, North Carolina, she told The Citizen. The car was a total loss.

King was in the area to attend the funeral of Marion Camardo, whose son Joe lives at 12 Fairway Drive. Camardo, an attorney, told The Citizen he intends to "sue (Scanlan's) pants off."

"I'm going to do everything I can to keep him out of office," said Camardo, whose brother, John, is chair of the Cayuga County Republican Committee.

Scanlan, an independent endorsed by the Cayuga County Democratic Committee, won a contentious three-way race last week to succeed longtime Clerk Sue Dwyer beginning in January.

Scanlan preparing to succeed Dwyer as Cayuga County clerk Cayuga County Clerk-elect Brian Scanlan is working with Sue Dwyer, the longtime clerk, on a transition plan as he prepares to succeed her in January.
Hallyu fans are in for a big treat as veteran star Go Hyun Jung confirms her return with a brand new drama this 2024.

Following the success of her latest work "Mark Girl," she is set to headline the French thriller drama remake "The Mantis." Read to know more.

Go Hyun Jung Lands New Drama 'The Mantis'

On November 15, it was reported that Go Hyun Jung was cast to lead the forthcoming drama "The Mantis."

Based on the French Netflix drama of the same name, it follows a serial killer who begins to work with her estranged son, a police officer, after a new serial murderer gets inspired by her killings from years ago.

According to IOK Company, Go Hyun Jung's agency, the actress was cast as the lead character who is a serial killer, which raised the excitement for the work.

Previously, Go Hyun Jung gave a passionate performance in the Netflix series "Mask Girl" in the titular role. She was lauded for her gravity-defying stunts that allowed viewers to see her in a new light.

READ MORE: Here's Why You Should Watch Nana & Go Hyun Jung's 'Mask Girl'

The actress is among the biggest stars in Hallyu who established their careers, thanks to their top-notch work and skills. Through "The Mantis," the actress is set to showcase a never-before-seen side of her.

At the moment, the drama is in the planning stage. The filming begins in early 2024 once the casting lineup has been finalized.

Go Hyun Jung To Finally Fulfill Career Goals

In a previous interview with Netflix, Go Hyun Jung expressed her eagerness to take on new challenges in her career.

Despite having been in the industry for decades, the actress' passion for acting never faded. She stated that she wants to do a drama that will push her to do more.

Go Hyun Jung was even envious of her "Mask Girl" co-star Ahn Jae Hong's performance in the said drama, where he immersed himself in his role and gave a flawless work.

Although she was challenged by the drama physically, she still felt she hadn't done enough. With this, Go Hyun Jung aims to overcome herself in her next project.

YOU MIGHT LIKE THIS: Here's How 'Single In Seoul' Changed Lim Soo Jung & Lee Dong Wook's Views On Relationships

In the upcoming series "The Mantis," she is expected to deliver a more rough and "exaggerated" work while still offering a worthwhile performance as a serial killer.

"I took my previous works as inspiration for "The Mantis" so please anticipate it," Go Hyun Jung stated, amplifying the excitement.

Have you seen Go Hyun Jung's "Mask Girl" performance yet? Check it out here, ICYMI.

KDramaStars owns this article.

Written by Elijah Mully.
Renewing one's wedding vows is a celebration of enduring love, a testament to the strength and commitment that has withstood the test of time. When couples decide to embark on the journey of a vow renewal ceremony, they often seek to do so in a truly unforgettable manner.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend, one that combines the joy of reaffirming love with far-off horizons-destinations. These events take couples to exotic locations, offering a remarkable backdrop for the renewal of their promises.

In this article, we delve into the world of destination vow renewals.

Choosing the Perfect Destination

Choosing the destination for a vow renewal is a pivotal decision that sets the tone for the entire celebration. It's an opportunity for couples to express their love and commitment in a setting that resonates with their hearts.

Several exotic locations around the world have gained popularity for the ceremony, each offering a breathtaking backdrop to reaffirm the bonds of love.

Maldives: With its overwater bungalows, crystal-clear waters, and pristine white-sand beaches, Maldives is a dream destination for couples seeking a romantic ceremony. The serene and idyllic surroundings of this island nation create a sense of seclusion and tranquility, perfect for reconnecting with your partner.

Bora Bora: This Polynesian paradise is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including the majestic Mount Otemanu and the turquoise lagoon. Bora Bora provides a blend of natural beauty and luxury for couples who wish to celebrate their love in a visually stunning setting.

Fiji: Comprising over 300 islands in the South Pacific, Fiji offers a variety of breathtaking locations. From secluded beaches to lush rainforests, it provides a range of options for couples to select the perfect backdrop for their ceremony.

Hawaii: With its diverse landscapes, Hawaii is an ideal destination for vow renewals. From romantic beach ceremonies to adventurous helicopter tours over volcanic landscapes, it offers a multitude of experiences to suit every couple's preferences.

Bali: A sought-after tourist destination, Bali is celebrated for its enchanting Hindu temples, beautiful beaches, and picturesque rice paddies. Its unique culture and rich traditions provide a captivating and mystical atmosphere for couples seeking a memorable experience.

Tuscany: Tuscany, Italy, is renowned for its rolling hills, picturesque vineyards, and charming villages. The region's romantic ambiance makes it an ideal choice for couples who wish for an enchanting, rustic setting.

Santorini: This Greek island is famous for its iconic whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and breathtaking caldera views. The picturesque surroundings of Santorini create a stunning backdrop, especially during sunset.

Positano: The coastal town of Positano, Italy, is known for its dramatic cliffs, colorful houses, and unparalleled views of the Amalfi Coast. It offers an alluring setting for couples who desire a coastal, Mediterranean-inspired ceremony.

Apart from these locations, celebrities Chrissy Teigen and John Legend chose to renew their vows in the picturesque setting of Lake Como in Italy. Geo News notes that it's the very place where they originally tied the knot a decade ago. Their decision highlights the enduring allure of destination, offering couples the opportunity to revisit a place of significance in their love story.

Additionally, Las Vegas, known for its speedy and stress-free nuptials, remains a popular choice for vow renewals. According to Conde Nast Traveler, the city boasts over 50 wedding chapels. Each of them has a touch of nostalgia for the era when Las Vegas emerged as an iconic destination for quick and spontaneous weddings.

Whether you're an A-list celebrity or an average traveler, Las Vegas allows for the swift exchange of vows, emphasizing the city's aura of excitement.

Creating a Meaningful Ceremony

When planning your vow renewal ceremony, the key is to infuse it with deep meaning and personal significance. This occasion provides a unique opportunity to express the depth of your love and appreciation for your partner.

Start by choosing a ceremony format that resonates with both of you. Whether it's a traditional religious service, a secular ceremony, or a custom-created ritual, the choice should reflect your shared values and beliefs.

Integrating elements that symbolize your relationship enhances the ceremony's intimacy. Consider incorporating readings from your favorite books or poems, melodies that hold a special place in your heart, or rituals that carry sentimental value. These personal touches infuse the ceremony with authenticity and emotional resonance.

Remember, your ceremony is a platform to express your love openly and sincerely. Take this opportunity to convey your deepest emotions, expressing gratitude and affection. Speak from the heart, letting your partner know how profoundly they are loved and valued.

Aside from the ceremony, selecting the perfect ring becomes a crucial element in reaffirming your love. More than just a visual delight, a ring carries deep symbolism, representing eternity and the lasting essence of your relationship. For couples in search of a distinctive and significant option, emerald rings shine as an enduring emblem of love and rejuvenation.

Their vibrant green hue signifies growth, harmony, and unity, making them a poetic choice for couples celebrating their enduring commitment. To make this moment even more special, consider exploring Leibish's real emerald rings collection.

Renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and ethically sourced stones, Leibish offers a stunning array of emerald rings that capture the essence of everlasting love.

As you exchange these beautiful gems, you're not just renewing vows. You're also embracing a symbol of growth, harmony, and eternal love. Each glance at this emerald treasure will serve as a reminder of the enduring bond you share, making your ceremony truly unforgettable.

Incorporate Local Culture and Traditions

One of the most appealing aspects of a destination vow renewal is the opportunity to embrace the heritage and customs of the chosen location. This infusion of local flavor can turn an ordinary ceremony into an extraordinary, immersive experience for both the couple and their guests.

According to TLC, integrating local traditions can be as simple as creating a booklet highlighting the top ten cultural facts about the area. Sharing these details with guests in welcome bags at the reception educates them about the region and serves as a delightful conversation starter.

This thoughtful gesture not only builds cultural understanding but also creates a sense of connection between the guests and the destination.

Beyond informational booklets, couples can explore incorporating traditional music, dance performances, or local cuisine into their ceremony and reception. Embracing local customs or even incorporating native flowers and decorations can add a touch of authenticity, immersing everyone in the atmosphere of the destination.

Final Thoughts

As you stand together, reaffirming your love, the echoes of your commitment resonate with your personal story and with the spirit of the locale. Your vow renewal is a bridge between the past and the future, a testament to your enduring love.

In this moment, as you declare your love once again, you are weaving together the threads of your shared history. Your journey, marked by the grandeur of your celebration, becomes a story that transcends time, a story that speaks of everlasting love.
Warrant Officer James Topp leaves the Royal Westminster Regiment during an adjournment during his court martial in New Westminster, on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. The prosecution at the military court martial of Topp is calling for severe punishment for the soldier with more than 30 years of experience for his actions to leverage public support against the Armed Forces and the federal government. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns
Beijing (Gasgoo)- As per BMW Group's official WeChat account on November 15, BMW (China) Insurance Brokers Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "BMW (China) Insurance") obtained the Insurance Brokerage Business License from the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, enabling the company to formally engage in insurance brokerage services.

Photo credit: BMW

The regulatory approval allows BMW (China) Insurance to handle various insurance brokerage services, including devising insurance schemes for policyholders, selecting insurance companies, assisting in claim settlements, reinsurance brokerage, offering risk assessment, management consultancy services, and other related services stipulated by the regulatory authority.

This joint venture between German and Chinese entities, BMW (China) Insurance, is jointly funded by BMW Group's wholly-owned subsidiary in Germany and BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., with a 58% and 42% stake, respectively. BMW will bring an international management perspective, supporting the robust development of BMW (China) Insurance.

BMW Group's official statement highlights this approval as a testament to its commitment to the "At Home in China" corporate strategy, demonstrating alignment with China's efforts to further open up and emphasizing BMW's confidence in China's economic potential and innovative spirit. This move stands as a reaffirmation of BMW Group's dedication to collaborating with Chinese business partners to foster high-quality growth in China's automotive industry.

Apart from BMW, several automakers like XPeng, Li Auto, Tesla, BYD, and NIO have also ventured into the insurance sector in recent years.
FILE - Syrians walk through destruction in the town of Douma, the site of a suspected chemical weapons attack, near Damascus, Syria, Monday, April 16, 2018. French judicial authorities on Wednesday issued international arrest warrants for Syrian President Bashar Assad, his brother Maher, and two army generals alleging their involvement in war crimes and crimes against humanity, including in chemical attacks in 2013 on rebel-held Damascus suburbs, lawyers for Syrian victims said. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar, File)
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I much prefer to be called doctor, to be on the side listening and examining, and hopefully to help find a solution. Finding myself on the converse side; trying to explain my perspective and trying to find an explanation and solution to my own medical issue has been an illuminating experience.

Recently, I crossed over to the other side as a patient. As I waited for my health issue to go away or get better, it not only stayed but continued to get worse. When I could no longer ignore it, I scheduled an appointment with a new doctor as my original physician had left the practice.

I found out that this doctor would also be leaving the practice shortly. I scheduled follow-up appointments to pursue answers and a solution. A long-time diagnosis was called into question. I requested labs and was unable to get a clear grasp of the situation.

I then scheduled an appointment with a second doctor, and the conclusion was that surgery would be the definitive solution. The second doctor told me she would call to discuss the surgery and next steps. I waited for the call and finally sent a message through the online portal. I spoke with a nurse and the surgery scheduler without receiving answers. Finally, I received the doctors message through the online portal; it had journeyed through circuitous routes, gotten lost in a mire of messages, then eventually found its way to me. The message instructed me to schedule the surgery if I wanted to proceed. As our written correspondence was hurried, I still had questions and doubts and did not feel confident enough to schedule the surgery.

I had to accept that my unwelcome medical issue was here to stay, so I scheduled another visit with a third doctor. I told my story and enumerated every question and concern. The third doctor deftly perused my chart to immediately confirm an elusive diagnosis that had gotten lost in the shuffle between doctors. She explained the criteria for this diagnosis and the profound implications of a previously proposed additional procedure. During our visit, she ruefully mentioned comments about patient wait times but said that she could not change how she cared for her patients. As she clearly and carefully presented all the information to me, I realized that I was the grateful beneficiary of her time and expertise. I could confidently move forward with the surgery having had this discussion and having understood the details and implications of the surgery. I decided against an additional, optional procedure which would have profound and irreversible consequences. She checked labs and sent me results that evening. I felt seen and heard and acknowledged.

I know that physicians are dealing with burnout under the crush of a packed, overbooked schedule and numerous patient messages and calls. I do not doubt the clinical acumen or knowledge of any of these doctors. They did their best and sincerely desired to help. How did the third doctor find the time to truly take care of me and my concerns with her voluminous work? How had she retained that primordial spark that draws us to medical school and found her vocation amid this system that inexorably churns through physicians, depleting the scarce personal resources left after work? Although I do not know the answer, I do know that we need these rare and singular physicians.

I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Rose Chang-Jackson during my patient experience. She provided me with straightforward facts and guided me through precarious moments. She possesses both the empathic humanism and the brilliant, keen intellect characteristic of a consummate physician.

Rebecca Kim is a pediatrician.
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.

GAC AION puts Hyper HT onto market

On November 15, GAC AION saw the Hyper HT model under its premium sub-brand Hyper hit the market with a price range of 213,900 yuan to 329,900 yuan. Positioned as a mid-to-large all-electric SUV, the model is powered by the AEP 3.0 platform.

Photo credit: Hyper HT

XPeng's A-segment all-electric sedan code-named 'MONA' set to hit market in Q3 2024

He Xiaopeng, Chairman and CEO of XPeng, revealed at the company's latest quarterly earnings call that the development of XPengs new A-segment full-electric sedan model code-named MONA is progressing smoothly and the model is set to hit the market in the third quarter of 2024.

XPeng to kick off presale of XPeng X9 MPV model at Auto Guangzhou 2023

He Xiaopeng, Chairman and CEO of XPeng, disclosed that the XPeng X9 MPV, the first flagship model riding on the SEPA2.0 architecture, will be showcased at the Auto Guangzhou 2023 with its presale kicking off at the same time.

Xiaomi's first car model included in MIIT's catalog

In a groundbreaking move, Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi's foray into the automotive sector has been solidified with the inclusion of its first car, the SU7, in the latest batch of China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology ("MIIT")'s new vehicle catalog. Positioned as an all-electric sedan, the SU7 bears the Xiaomi brand.

Schaeffler, Geely-backed Qingwei Technology to partner in intelligent steer-by-wire system area

German automotive supplier Schaeffler and Hangzhou Qingwei Technology Co., Ltd. ("Qingwei Technology"), a subsidiary of Geely Auto specializing in intelligent chassis control, recently inked a strategic cooperation agreement. This partnership aims to collaborate in the realm of intelligent steer-by-wire systems, fostering a mutually beneficial strategic alliance to propel the application and development of steer-by-wire technology.

BMW (China) Insurance licensed to operate insurance brokerage in China

As per BMW Group's official WeChat account on November 15, BMW (China) Insurance Brokers Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "BMW (China) Insurance") obtained the Insurance Brokerage Business License from the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, enabling the company to formally engage in insurance brokerage services.

XPeng completes initial closing of DiDi's intelligent vehicle assets

Chinese electric vehicle maker XPeng announced on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange that the initial closing of the acquisition of DiDi's intelligent electric vehicle project assets occurred on November 13, 2023.

WeRide deploys Inner Mongolia's first Robotaxi fleet in Ordos

On November 15, Chinese autonomous driving solution developer WeRide, successfully concluded a month and a half of public open testing operations with the first autonomous driving fleet deployed in Inner Mongolia.

JETOUR unveils 'Shanhai' new energy vehicle range, introduces Shanhai L9 model

Chery's JETOUR brand held the launch event for its fire new new energy vehicle range "Shanhai", alongside the debut of the Shanhai L9 on November 14.

GAC-backed EVAS Intelligence secures over 100 million yuan in Pre-A+ financing

Chinese automotive AI computing chip company EVAS Intelligence recently completed its Pre-A+ financing round, raising over 100 million yuan.
By Tausi Nakato

The Church of Uganda has cleared the royal wedding between the Kyabazinga of Busoga Kingdom, Gabula Nadiope IV, and Ms Jovia Mutesi scheduled for this Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Christs Church Cathedral, Bugembe, in Jinja City.

The Church of Uganda spokesperson, Mr Adam Sadiiki, says so far, they will go ahead to conduct the wedding because they have not yet received any court injunction stopping them.

Kyabazinga is a Christian and he has expressed his desire to be wedded in the Anglican Church, so our duty is to do what he has requested us to do, Mr Sadiiki said in a telephone interview on Tuesday.

He added: We didnt receive any court injunction stopping us from conducting the wedding. What we received was just a petition.

Mr Sadiiki, however, explained that their legal team is assessing the situation and will advise accordingly.

We are waiting for our legal team to finish the process they are working on, then our actions will be guided by the guidance they will give, he said.

The Churchs pronouncement comes after the royal wedding was threatened to be plunged into an abyss of uncertainty by two Court injunction threats filed by Ms Alison Anna Nadiope, who alleged to have been legally wedded to the monarch.

Through her lawyers from UK-based law firm, Anne Cuthbert Solicitors Limited, Ms Alison first dragged the Kyabazinga to court in the United Kingdom (UK) where the alleged civil marriage took place.

In her suit, Ms Alison informed Busoga Kingdom head of clans and clans that the two got married in December 2016, and since then, the Kyabazinga has not divorced her, adding that once he enters into another marriage, he will be committing bigamy.

Bigamy is punishable under UK law and carries imprisonment for up to six months.

The latest Court injunction threat, signed by Mugerwa and Partners Advocates and Solicitors on behalf of Ms Alison dated November 8, was addressed to the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda and Bishop of Busoga Diocese.

The letter also seeks to stop the royal wedding on grounds that the Kyabazinga is legally married, having allegedly celebrated a civil marriage in December 2016 at Milldam House Bunbaby Road, Portsmouth PO13AF under marriage certificate AK5947291.

The letter further alleges that the aforementioned marriage culminated with the couple siring two children namely; Mitchell Muyisa, 8, and Josephine Katali, 6.

The petition adds: This serves to notify the Church of our clients objection and request that the honourable Church of Uganda does not proceed to wed Mr William Kadhumbula Gabula the Kyabazinga of Busoga with Ms Jovia Mutesi during the subsistence of our clients marriage as the same would amount to bigamy and contrary to church canons.

The Prime Minister of Busoga kingdom, Dr Joseph Muvawala, has since issued a statement, saying the Kyabazinga has never been married to anyone under the known forms of marriage and has never sired any children.

Dr. Muvawala has also instructed the Kingdom lawyers to commence civil and criminal proceedings against all persons involved in making such utterances and circulating them on social media, saying they are intended to tarnish the Kyabazingas personality.
By Winnie Watenya

The African Union has been asked to call on all its member governments to immediately cut diplomatic ties with Israel in solidarity with the people of Palestine who are currently caught up in the war in Gaza and the West Bank.

The call was made by Prof Peter Anyang Nyongo, the United Nations Advisor on Local and Regional Governments, who also doubles as the Governor for Kisumu County.

In a press statement on the Israel-Palestine war, Anyang Nyongo says progressive forces led by the African Union cannot stand by and let wide-scale killings happen.

He says the bloody conflict has had a ripple effect across the world.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has often justified the war, saying they were provoked by Hamas, but the Arab and Muslim leaders have dismissed this narrative, blaming the West for the misery in Gaza.

Leaders accuse the US and other powers of hypocrisy over Israels actions.
President Yoweri Museveni has accused foreign governments like the US and UK of meddling in Ugandas internal affairs by issuing travel advisories and terror alerts.

His remarks come days after the annual Nyege Nyege festival, which took place in Jinja amid terror alerts from both the US and UK governments over security concerns.

In a November 15th statement posted on his social media platforms, the president hailed the Uganda Peoples Defence Force (UPDF), the Uganda Police Force, and intelligence organs for successfully patrolling the Nyege Nyege festival and protecting revellers. He says this attests to the strength of the national security network.

I hear that the panicking Americans and British sent out what they call advisories to their citizens not to come to Uganda. These are mistake makers. If the situation was so bad, it would be us to advise people not to come to Uganda, not the British and the Americans, the statement reads in part.

We know what we are doing, always. Even if a mistake occurs, we know how to handle it. These advisories by some of these actors are another form of interference in our internal affairs by these elements, he added.

However, the president was quick to note that it is true that the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels had sent some infiltrators to disrupt the festival.
By Longino Muhindo & Alex Ashaba

Security has been beefed up at the border districts of Bundibugyo and Ntoroko to prevent Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels from crossing into Uganda. The development follows a Sunday night attack by suspected ADF rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The incident, which occurred in Kichanga, Watalinga County inside DRC, approximately 20 kilometres from the Ugandan border in Bundibugyo, prompted an influx of Congolese refugees into Uganda. As of midday yesterday, the number of refugees had risen to 1,202 from the 1,000 who arrived on Monday evening, according to the director of communication at the Uganda Red Cross, Ms Irene Nakasiita.

Our volunteers are instructed to guide refugees to the designated transit centre, Bubukwanga Transit Camp in Bundibugyo District. Simultaneously, some refugees may still opt to use porous entry points. We have deployed our volunteers to various entry points to provide guidance and extend humanitarian assistance, Ms Nakasita said.

She said of the 1,202 refugees who had crossed into Uganda, 293 are adults above 18 years (128 males and 165 females), 293 children aged zero to four (193 males and 200 females), and 516 children aged five to 17 years (275 males and 241 females).

Security operatives have since been deployed at all border points, including porous borders on River Lamia. Lt Col Alex Bright, the Bundibugyo Resident District Commissioner, who doubles as head of security, said security personnel had been deployed at at the porous borders of Bundingoma Busunga, Kachiri, Butoogho, and Kazoroho.
By Abdul-Nasser Ssemugabi

Claire Namirimu and Allen Baronzi are the lucky winners of the all-expenses-paid Desert Challenge trip to Dubai slated for early next year.

The two filled coupons at Bombo Road City Tyres branch, where they serviced their vehicles. And in the fourth raffle draw held at the same branch this morning, Namirimu and Baronzis coupons were picked from a pool of hundreds in the drive-in category.

Meanwhile, Kamada Mutyaba was the luckiest in the taxi driver category. The man who plies the Mbale-Tororo route, has no passport and has never been to Entebbe Airport but he cannot wait for the trip.

City Tyres marketing manager Herbert Bashasha urged customers to grace the promotion because 6 more winners will be selected in the next 2 draws to make the 18 who will relish the 4-day luxurious outing.

Besides the trip, two customers won fuel worth Shs100,000 each from any City Oil branch, while two others got free wheel balancing and alignment services
Beijing (Gasgoo)- Cherys JETOUR brand held the launch event for its fire new new energy vehicle range "Shanhai", alongside the debut of the Shanhai L9 on November 14.

Photo credit: JETOUR

The Shanhai lineup by JETOUR covers scenarios ranging from hybrid family travel to off-road adventures and will progressively introduce products like urban SUV series, hardcore off-road SUV series, and pickup series.

At the event, the JETOUR Shanhai L9 officially hit the market, presenting four variants - Air Light, Air, Pro, and Max, with prices ranging from 166,900 yuan to 188,900 yuan.

Photo credit: JETOUR

Positioned as the first plug-in hybrid electric SUV under the JETOUR Shanhai series, the L9 is a large seven-seater SUV measuring 4,862mm in length, 1,925mm in width, 1,784mm in height, and boasting a wheelbase of 2,850mm. Its array of features includes 41 storage spaces, a 61-inch panoramic sunroof, and a 15.6-inch narrow-framed central screen, epitomizing the L9's spaciousness.

Regarding range and fuel consumption, the Shanhai L9 offers practical solutions. Its maximum comprehensive range reaches 1,100 km, with a pure-electric range of 108 km (CLTC-rated), consuming a mere 5.3L per 100 km.

Highlighting hybrid technology, intelligent experiences, and safety, the Shanhai L9 employs Chery's 5th generation 1.5TGDI hybrid engine boasting a thermal efficiency of 44.5%. It utilizes a P2+P3 dual-motor drive structure, delivering a maximum power of 199kW in pure electric mode and 314kW in HEV mode.

In terms of smart features, the Shanhai L9 incorporates Qualcomm's third-generation 8-core 8155 chip, supports L2 automatic assisted driving systems, and integrates a 6.6KW external power supply for outdoor camping equipment like refrigerators and cookers.

In addition, JETOUR plans to launch eight new hybrid products within the Shanhai series in the next two years, featuring models like the Shanhai L6, T-L, T-1 (Traveler), P-3, T-2, L9, and L7. With a 100 billion yuan investment in new energy R&D over the next five years, JETOUR intends to introduce a 2.0T hybrid engine based on the Travel + ecosystem platform.
Kilkenny Fianna Fail TD, John McGuinness, has called on politicians to 'challenge' the Boundary Commission's report which proposes parts of North-West Kilkenny be subsumed into a new three-seater Tipperary North constituency.

Speaking in the Dail on Tuesday, Deputy McGuiness said: "We will go along with what is proposed, but that goes to show you the level of democracy that is in this place. We are afraid of ourselves in case we do something wrong. We should look at the commission's report, and any report that comes before us, and not be afraid to amend it if it is in the interests of the people that we represent and, in this case, if it is in the interests of democracy, because that is all we have."

"Political parties have derailed democracy to a degree. They have taken charge of it. What we have now is a directed democracy. Parliamentary parties of one kind or another in the House - I can certainly speak for my own  tend to put a straitjacket on each of the Members to ensure there is very little debate," McGuinness claimed.

"The commission might be part of democracy, but the real democratic process is in here and this is where we should challenge the commission or any other state agency."

The commission's report recommends that 13 Kilkenny EDs form part of the Tipperary North constituency, with areas including: Baunmore, Galmoy, Glashare, Urlingford, Johnstown, Lisdowney, Balleen, Clomantagh, Tubbridbrittain, Freshford, Rathealy, Ballybeagh and Tullaroan.

The Carlow-Kilkenny TD expressed his disapproval of the change, labelling the move a 'ridiculous decision'.

"Who in the name of God would think it is okay to put in a big chunk of north Kilkenny into Tipperary when they cannot stand us and we cannot stand them on the hurling field? There is huge attachment to parish and community. I believe in the integrity of the county. It should be protected at all costs. It was a ridiculous decision and one that the House should not feel obliged to adopt.

"We have agreed in principle that we will accept what comes from the commission, but where there is something as blatantly obvious as that it should not happen."

Mr McGuinness went on to say he fears they'll be a low voting turn-out if the change is adopted.

"We are trying to encourage people to vote. All I hear in that part of north Kilkenny is people saying that they will not vote at all. That is sad. I would like to see more done about Members here having a voice. We do not want to gerrymander, but when common sense approaches are brought to the matter being debated we should listen to them. The decision in north Kilkenny is the wrong one," McGuinness remarked.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has accused Sinn Fein of having a policy of shouting down or suing the media and other political parties.

Sinn Fein has faced criticism in recent weeks after party TD Chris Andrews took legal action against Irish Times journalist Harry McGee.

The partys leader Mary Lou McDonald has previously defended the right of individual Sinn Fein politicians to take action against the press in a manner they deem appropriate, including suing the media.

Ms McDonald has also been accused of mounting a strategic lawsuit against public participation (Slapp) against members of the media, a claim she has rejected.

Slapps are often characterised as lawsuits, sometimes disguised as defamation actions, initiated with the intention of silencing or draining the resources of a journalist or publication.

On Wednesday, Mr Varadkar told the opposition party that he would not let it take away our democracy through threats.

After being interrupted by Sinn Fein TD Matt Carthy during Leaders Questions, Mr Varadkar said: May I speak? May I speak? Its a very clear and consistent approach with Sinn Fein towards the Government, towards other opposition parties, towards the media: Shout them down or sue them.

This is a parliament, this is a democracy and Im going to be heard.

The Taoiseach had been responding to a question from Ms McDonald on the Governments approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict when he was interrupted.

He said: It is a serious issue, so may I be heard without being threatened legal action or being shouted down, would that be possible?

This is still a democracy, deputy, and were not going to let you take away our democracy through threats or your activities, I can guarantee you that.

In a follow-up exchange, Mr Varadkar also appeared to accuse Ms McDonald of hectoring him.

Ms McDonald interrupted the Taoiseachs response to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns who said Ireland could use its influence to persuade the EU to suspend a trade deal with Israel.

Mr Varadkar said: There is an opportunity for us to play a role in making sure the European Union has a more active policy in this area but we have to be credible in that regard. We have to work with our allies and not hector them.

The deputys approach again is to hector me. That is how she would behave at a European Council meeting, she would go in there, shed hector people, shed point the finger, shed leave already, shed do a press release, big press conference, make herself look good but ultimately achieve nothing for, nothing for Ireland, nothing for the Palestinians.

Moving the debate on to the next speaker as members from the Sinn Fein benches continued to make comments, Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail said: Can we have a little order and can we please, please show a little respect?
One weather expert has slated a number of national media outlets for reporting Ireland will get 5cm of snow in the next two weeks despite not correlating with weather models.

Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather took issue with the reporting and said the changes of snowfall in Ireland in the near future is "very, very slim."

"The GFS weather model this morning did show some wintry weather over us. The 5cm would have been on the top of Lugnaquilla in the Wicklow mountains but the next update shows the cold weather is nowhere near us," Alan said.

"If you're going to start sharing articles that say there's going to be snow in two weeks, we're going to be here for the next three months every time a weather chart update shows a small chance of snow and it's going to be ridiculous.

"If they've got the Lotto numbers as well, I'll take them," Alan joked as he labelled the reporting as "nonsense."

Getting back to the weather models, he said: "There is a chance of some colder weather towards the end of the month, but it's a chance and may not come near us."

He added: "The chances of snow? Very, very, very slim and trying to forecast that is pretty much impossible so I don't think I'll be stocking up on snow boots just yet."

So an online outlet has decided to look at one GFS weather model for 10 days time and say its going to snow. That model only showed on Wicklow Mountains and the next update shows cold well away from us and now snow. Going to be a long winter with this crap! pic.twitter.com/wyFsKiQFQr  Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) November 15, 2023

Meanwhile, while Met Eireann says the rest of this week will be unsettled with rain and blustery winds, the national forecaster has found some light at the end of the tunnel.

Their forecast from next Monday, November 20, says: "High pressure situated close to the southwest is signalling slightly warmer than average temperatures for the period in most areas, although temperatures remaining close to average along eastern coasts. Precipitation amounts are expected to be slightly below average in parts of the east and south of the country while in the north and east precipitation is expected to be slightly above average."

For the week from November 27, they add: "Currently high pressure is forecast to dominate Irelands weather for this week, steering weather systems away from our shores. Temperatures are expected to be slightly above average in many areas, however temperatures more around average along eastern and southern coastal areas. As a result of the influence of high pressure, precipitation is expected to be below or around average in most areas, with perhaps the far northwest having slightly above average precipitation amounts."

Beyond that and into early December, they say there is "increasing uncertainty" but that "current indications suggest, slightly wetter than average conditions in most areas, although there is a chance that rainfall in the southeast will be closer to average. Temperatures are forecast to be around average."
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- In a groundbreaking move, Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi's foray into the automotive sector has been solidified with the inclusion of its first car, the SU7, in the latest batch of China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology ("MIIT")'s new vehicle catalog. Positioned as an all-electric sedan, the SU7 bears the Xiaomi brand.

The mystery surrounding Xiaomi's automotive manufacturing qualifications, coupled with the absence of any official announcements to date, adds an air of intrigue to this development. According to the MIIT, Xiaomi's car-making entity is registered as Beijing Automotive Group Off-Road Vehicle Co., Ltd., unmistakably bearing the tag "Beijing Xiaomi."

Photo credit: MIIT

As for the product details, the single-motor version of Xiaomi's debut model boasts dimensions of 4,997mm/1,963mm/1,455mm (length/width/height), a wheelbase of 3,000mm, and a total weight of 2,430kg, with approach and departure angles of 14 and 16 degrees, respectively. The dual-motor variant shares the same dimensions in length and width, but with a slightly lower height at 1,440mm and a higher total weight of 2655kg, featuring approach and departure angles of 13 and 16 degrees.

In terms of performance, the single-motor version delivers a peak power of 220kW, achieving a top speed of 210km/h. It is equipped with lithium iron phosphate batteries supplied by BYD's FinDreams Battery and a powertrain provided by Xiaomi Automotive Technology Co., Ltd. Additionally, it incorporates the ABS technology from Bosch.

Photo credit: MIIT

The dual-motor version impresses with peak powers of 220kW and 275kW for the front and rear motors, resulting in a combined peak power of 495kW and a top speed of 265km/h. It utilizes ternary lithium batteries supplied by CATL, complemented by Bosch's ABS.
(Kitco News) China has been on a full-out gold shopping spree  topping up its gold reserves each month for the last 12 months. However, the official numbers are not even close to the actual amounts China is buying, according to Dominic Frisby, Founder of FlyingFrisby.com.

The latest data out of China showed that its central bank bought gold for the 12th consecutive month in October. The latest purchase was around 23 metric tons, which increased the total holdings to 2,215 tons, the World Gold Council reported.

Overall, China's government has recently been among the biggest gold stockpilers during what looks to be another record-breaking year of central bank gold purchases.

And even though China is already the leader in gold accumulation, the real numbers are much more significant, Frisby told Michelle Makori, Lead Anchor and Editor-in-Chief at Kitco News, on the sidelines of the New Orleans Investment Conference.

The official data from China is meant to acquaint the market with the idea that it has more gold.

"They're breaking the news gently. China is extraordinarily ambitious," Frisby said. "I've probably studied this more than anyone, and I will tell you why China's gold holdings are probably ten times what they say they are. And the math on this is quite simple."

China is the world's largest gold producer and gold importer. But the country's motto is "We must not shine too brightly," according to Frisby.

In this century, China has produced roughly 7,000 tons of gold. "More than 50% of Chinese gold mining is state-owned, and China does not export any of the gold it produces. So all the gold that China has mined has stayed in China," he noted.

On the import side, it is not known how much gold China brought in via Switzerland, Dubai, or London, but some estimates can be made. "We know that a lot of gold that enters China goes through the Shanghai Gold Exchange. And we know that 22,000 tons of gold have been withdrawn from the Shanghai Gold Exchange in this century," Frisby elaborated. "So that's 22,000 tons and 7,000 tons  29,000 tons, and there was another 4,000 tons already in China in the year 2000 that was state-owned."

Based on this, Frisby estimated that China is holding at least 33,000 tons of gold, and half of that is likely state-owned. "16,500 tonnes is twice what America has," he said.

If China turns to the U.S. and says, 'We got twice as much gold as you,' that's tantamount to a declaration of war." To find out why Frisby compares China admitting to its real gold stash with a declaration of war on the U.S., watch the video above.

"If China goes to war with the U.S., it will weaponize money," Frisby said.

Frisby also admitted that China could consider backing its currency with gold. To hear when and why China may drop that bombshell, watch the video above.

Gold price to challenge $3,000 next year, Bitcoin to double & hit $100,000

The gold market breached the $2,000 an ounce level at the end of October, and Bitcoin approached $38,000 last week.

Frisby is optimistic about both assets next year. On gold, Frisby noted that momentum is building. "Gold looks like it's getting ready to move. There's a good chance that gold gets to $2,700 and maybe even challenges $3,000 next year," he said.

With speculative mania around the approval of spot Bitcoin ETF, Frisby said that Bitcoin could retest its previous all-time highs of $69,000 and then surge to $100,000.

"If Bitcoin breaks out to new highs above $70,000 and gold breaks out to new highs above $2,100, the passage is clear. There's no resistance. Bitcoin could easily go to $100,000 if there's enough speculative mania and enough institutional money coming in," he added.

Frisby also outlines three possible futures for the gold market. Watch the video above to get the scenarios and his price forecasts.
Atlantic Lithium (AIM:ALL) said today that it rejected an offer by Assore International Holdings to acquire all of Atlantic at an offer price of 0.33 per share (A$0.63).

Atlantic said the offer undervalued the company.

Atlantic Lithium is a mine in Ghana. In October Atlantic was granted a mining lease for its Ewoyaa lithium project. The Company signed a funding agreement with Piedmont Lithium Inc. towards the development of the Project. At the Ewoyaa Project, Atlan?c Lithium intends to be producing spodumene concentrate via a simple gravity only process flowsheet.
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(Kitco News) - Africa-focused gold miner Orezone Gold (TSX: ORE) (OTCQX: ORZCF) announced on Tuesday that its Bombore gold mine, located in Burkina Faso, produced 30,726 oz of gold in Q3 2023, totalling 107,509 oz year-to-date.

The company said its Q3 2023 production decreased by 13% compared to Q2 2023, primarily due to decreases in head grades of 9% and plant recoveries of 2% partially offset by a 4% increase in plant throughput as compared to the prior quarter.

The companys all-in sustaining costs (AISC) per gold ounce sold in Q3 2023 were $1,306, an 18% increase from the AISC per gold ounce sold of $1,109 in Q2 2023, mainly driven by a combination of lower head grades and plant recovery, as well as higher unit operating costs.

Orezone also reported Q3 2023 revenue of $55.8 million (Q2 2023: $66.4 million), earnings from mine operations of $13.9 million (Q2 2023: $27.5 million) and net income of $5.2 million or $0.01 per share (Q2 2023: $11.4 million or $0.03 per share).

President and CEO Patrick Downey commented, Our Bombore mine continues to perform well operationally with third quarter plant throughput reaching a record high of 1.45 million tonnes which is 13% above design. Gold production declined modestly from earlier quarters as lower head grades in Q3 reflects the processing end in Q2 of higher-grade stockpiles accumulated during construction. To improve mining rates which were behind plan, we mobilized a second mining contractor in late July.

We are now realizing the benefits in Q4 as mining rates in October reached a new monthly record. With faster ore release and continued strong plant performance, Q4 production is forecasted to be above Q3 which positions us well to meet our previously guided gold production and costs for 2023.

Orezone Gold is a Canadian mining company operating the open pit Bombore gold mine in Burkina Faso. Bombore achieved commercial production on December 1, 2022.

Orezone is focusing on mining and processing the Phase I near surface free-dig oxides at a planned annual throughput of 5.7 million tonnes. The company said it believes that Bombore has a significant underlying hard rock resource to support a substantially larger expansion.
LOS ANGELESA Calabasas-based developer and former porn director/producer has been sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for filing false tax returns and failing to disclose nearly $6.9 million in income.

According to the real estate publication TheRealDeal.com, the U.S. Department of Justice announced on Nov. 14 that Mark Handel has been fined $20,000 and ordered to forfeit about $3.6 million, which represents the proceeds of the sale of real estate in Alameda County in the San Francisco Bay Area.

U.S. District Judge Otis Wright II, who sentenced Handel, ordered the developer to pay the Internal Revenue Service more than $1.6 million in outstanding tax liabilities, including penalties and interest.

Handel had pleaded guilty on Feb. 23 to one count of making a false statement in bankruptcy filings and one count of submitting a false tax return. He reportedly concealed his income from his creditors by depositing it into accounts for his company DTMM, which stood for Dont Touch My Money.

Handel is also known in the adult industry for directing movies under the name of Khan Tusion, including the controversial series Meat Holes in the mid-2000s. He was active in the industry from 1999 to 2011.

To read the full story, click here.
Former health official Michael Hundleby writes:

Te Whatu Ora just released a report describing its first year of performance. The dryly named Clinical Performance Metrics report describes our 11 key health system performance measures for the year ended June 30, 2023. Unfortunately, it's very technical language means it is hard for the public to understand what it is saying. It is worth analysing the report as it reveals the overall health system performance is very poor and is getting worse. It records what is probably the most staggering decline in health system performance ever.

The decline is staggering. It is no surprise this report came out after the election.

The report is also deliberately unhelpful. It gives results for each former DHB area but fails to give an overall result for New Zealand, which is a key piece of information.

As time allows I will go through the report and do population weighted calculations for NZ, and blog them here so people can see the extent of the failure.

It is therefore little wonder emergency department (ED) presentations are up 5%, and in June 2023 over 28.8% of people waited in EDs for over 6 hours  up in one year from 24.1% who stayed over six hours. When Labour came to power in 2017 only 7% of people were in EDs for more than six hours.

So the proportion waiting more than six hours has quadrupled.

With mental health a key Labour priority, how has that gone? Under 25-year-olds should be seen by a mental health specialist within three weeks of referral. In the year to July 1, 2023, 31.7% were not seen within three weeks. A year ago, 27.6% were not seen within three weeks.

Their big campaign promise in 2017 and Budget in 2019 was about mental health. Another failure.

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An investigation by Lee Enterprises and Type Investigations looked at how agencies have responded to calls for more accountability  including the use of cameras  after George Floyd's murder. Read moreCamera use by local police departments rises, but are they worth it? Experts disagree
COLUMBIA  Columbia Assistant Police Chief Jill Schlude has been selected as the city's next police chief, marking the first female chief in the history of the Columbia Police Department.

The announcement by City Manager De'Carlon Seewood came during a press conference Wednesday afternoon at City Hall.

"[Schlude] has proven [herself] as a strong leader and [her] ideas for the police department match those priorities that the community said they wanted," Seewood said.

Schlude was welcomed with a standing ovation.

"I am humbled by the trust placed in me by city leadership, our department and the community," Schlude said.

"Policing is a noble profession that requires dedication, integrity and a genuine commitment to public service. I want to assure you that I am fully committed to holding the highest standards of professionalism and accountability in leading our CPD team," she continued.

Schlude has served as the assistant police chief since 2019 and has been with the department since 2005, serving as deputy chief of police, a police sergeant and a police officer. She earned her bachelor of arts in criminal justice administration from Columbia College and her masters in strategic leadership from Stephens College.

Schlude was the only candidate from Columbia. Other candidates included Nathaniel Clark, former public safety director and chief of police in Forest Park, Georgia; Dan Haley, a major in the Kansas City, Missouri, Human Resources Division; and Michael Zeller, deputy police chief in Greeley, Colorado.

"We've come a long way, so I appreciate it," Schlude said. "I appreciate the city manager's faith in me, and it's not lost on me that hopefully other women can see that they can do this job as well."

During the press conference, Mayor Barbara Buffaloe thanked the community for sharing their input over the last few months.

"As we go forward, one of the things we always appreciate is that community feedback, whether it's through our public forums, whether that's through city council meetings, or whether it's just one on one reaching out to myself or the city manager, we appreciate that," Buffaloe said.

The citys search for a new police chief started in June after former Police Chief Geoff Jones announced his August retirement plans.

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The city recruited Public Sector Search and Consulting Inc., a California-based firm, to help with the national search, and hosted multiple community forums, including a meet and greet with the four finalists for the position. A community survey also had nearly 1,000 responses.

"By far the police department is the most visible department in the city. They set the tone for who our community is and what they do. That is why it was important for me to allow community members to have a seat at the table," Seewood said.

Seewood also thanked Matt Stephens, who had been serving as interim since Jones' retirement.

"Matt has worked hard to hold the department together and to make sure we had continuity as we moved forward with this process," Seewood said.

Schlude, who will have an annual salary of $165,000, will be sworn in during the Dec. 4 City Council meeting. Schlude said her husband, Sgt. Roger Schlude who also works in the Columbia Police Department, will retire.

Past chiefs of the Columbia Police Department

Randy Boehm took the reins as the chief of the Columbia Police Department in 2000 with a clear vision for enhancing community policing and strengthening communication with neighborhood associations.

Boehm's journey to the chief's office had its share of twists. In October 1999, he assumed the role of interim chief when Chief Norm Botsford departed. However, only a few weeks later, Boehm withdrew his name from consideration for the permanent position, opting instead for an assistant chief role at the MU Police Department.

This move was intended to be a temporary one, as he expressed the intention to return once a new Columbia police chief was appointed. True to his word, Boehm resubmitted his name for consideration in March 2000 and officially became the chief on March 16, 2000.

Following Boehm, Ken Burton assumed the role of police chief in April 2009. However, Burton's time as chief was marred by controversy. Burton was placed on administrative leave in December 2018 and resigned a week later.

Throughout his time as chief, Burton faced criticism from various quarters, including the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police in 2012 for the alleged wrongful termination of an officer, and Race Matters, Friends in 2016 for what they perceived as racial profiling.

Leadership then passed to Geoff Jones, a familiar face who had started as a police cadet while attending Rock Bridge High School.

Returning to CPD in 1998 as a patrol officer, Jones climbed the ranks, serving in various capacities such as narcotics detective, police sergeant, lieutenant, and interim police chief before officially taking on the role of chief in 2019.

Jones' time as chief was characterized by over two decades of dedicated service to the City of Columbia. However, in June, he announced his retirement, effective Aug. 1, concluding a chapter of leadership that spanned more than 24 years with the Columbia Police Department.
COLUMBIA  A special prosecutor reviewing the case of Ashland Police Chief Gabe Edwards says he can't criminally charge the chief because of a delay by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Edwards was placed on paid administrative leave on July 17 due to a "personnel matter." The Highway Patrol starting investigating Edwards in August following a request from the City of Ashland.

Callaway County Prosecutor Benjamin Miller, who's serving as special prosecutor, reviewed the Highway Patrol's reports and believes Edwards could be charged with misuse of official information, a class A misdemeanor.

Miller requested the Highway Patrol provide him with a probable cause statement on Oct. 4. In a Nov. 8 memo, Miller wrote that MSHP still had not provided him with the statement, so he's unable to file charges against Edwards at this time. He said if a probable cause statement is submitted by Nov. 15, 2024, he would reassess the situation.

The delay in providing a probable cause statement has caused concern, City Administrator Kyle Michel said Tuesday in a press release.

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"This statement from Mr. Miller would appear to indicate that a crime has been committed and that the Highway Patrol reached that conclusion as part of their investigation into Chief Edwards," Michel said. "This unusual delay by the Highway Patrol further extends the amount of time that has been invested in this ongoing personnel matter which ultimately further burdens the residents of the City of Ashland."

In October, the City of Ashland was sued by a former police officer who claimed he was wrongfully fired after he accused the police chief of alleged misconduct.

The lawsuit claimed Edwards allegedly accessed restricted criminal justice databases to run unauthorized background checks on local residents and then allegedly published "embarrassing or sensational information about them on Facebook under an alias," among other claims.

In the memo, Miller said Edwards could be charged due to "recklessly obtaining information from the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System (MULES) for a purpose not connected to any official duty or performance on his job."

Michel said the Ashland Board of Alderman will review Miller's memo with the city's attorney in a closed session on Nov. 21. He says any action resulting from the session will be reported at its open session later that day.

Former Columbia police lieutenant Allen "Scott" Young has been serving as interim Ashland police chief since July 26.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, walks to his office at the US Capitol on November 13.
Sammie Magee of Louisburg, Kansas, spent months collecting donations for the Uvalde, Texas community that was devastated by a mass shooting in 2022.
Senseonics (NYSE:SENS  Get Free Report) was upgraded by research analysts at StockNews.com to a sell rating in a report released on Tuesday.

Senseonics Stock Performance

SENS traded up $0.02 during trading on Tuesday, hitting $0.58. 3,458,440 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 4,564,288. Senseonics has a one year low of $0.46 and a one year high of $1.28.

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Senseonics Company Profile

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Senseonics Holdings, Inc, a medical technology company, develops and commercializes continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems for people with diabetes in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company's products include Eversense, Eversense XL, and Eversense E3 which are implantable CGM systems to measure glucose levels in people with diabetes through an under-the-skin sensor, a removable and rechargeable smart transmitter, and a convenient app for real-time diabetes monitoring and management for a period of up to six months.

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(Xinhua) -- In the iconic cityscape of San Francisco, a meeting of global consequence is set to unfold soon as Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden are going to have their first vis-a-vis sit-down since their last meeting in Bali, Indonesia, a year ago.

The international community watches with bated breath, recognizing the weight of this meeting against the backdrop of a complex global landscape and the challenges of post-pandemic economic recovery.

"China-U.S. relations are arguably the most important bilateral relationship on the planet," Jon Taylor, professor of Political Science at the University of Texas at San Antonio, told Xinhua.

"Irrespective of differences in our political systems and approaches to policy, healthy and respectful China-U.S. relations are vital to maintaining political, economic, and national security stability," said Taylor.

PROMOTING PROSPERITY IN ASIA-PACIFIC

Examining the map, one grasps the essence of Xi's statement that "the broad Pacific Ocean is vast enough to embrace both China and the United States, as well as other countries."

The Asia-Pacific region is also the most economically prosperous region globally, remaining on track to contribute about two-thirds of global growth in 2023, the International Monetary Fund said in October in its report on the economic outlook for Asia and the Pacific.

China and the United States are the two giants of the Asia-Pacific region. While the United States is renowned for its prowess in technology and finance, China commands a substantial economic scale and market space.

A recent report, titled Asian Economic Integration Report 2023 from the Asian Development Bank, underscores China's pivotal role, noting that Asia's economic recovery is driven particularly by China, which accounted for 64.2 percent of total growth.

This indicates that China and the United States serve as the "stabilizing anchor" and "engine" of the Asia-Pacific region. When China-U.S. relations are good, the region benefits; when relations sour, the region suffers.

"Cooperation between the United States 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."

The goal of achieving global development and mutual prosperity "transcends anything else," said Paul Frimpong, executive director of the Ghanaian think tank China-Africa Center for Policy and Advisory.

"They (the United States and China) should cooperate to bring development to the world," Frimpong said.
Shares of Blackrock Silver Corp. (CVE:BRC  Get Free Report) rose 8.5% on Tuesday . The company traded as high as C$0.33 and last traded at C$0.32. Approximately 138,986 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 46% from the average daily volume of 257,959 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.30.

Blackrock Silver Trading Up 8.5 %

The stock has a fifty day moving average of C$0.29 and a 200 day moving average of C$0.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 3.14 and a current ratio of 3.24. The company has a market capitalization of C$61.77 million, a PE ratio of -5.33 and a beta of 2.57.

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Blackrock Silver (CVE:BRC  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, September 29th. The company reported C($0.01) EPS for the quarter.

Blackrock Silver Company Profile

Blackrock Silver Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in the United States. The company primarily explores for gold and silver deposits. Its flagship property is the Tonopah West silver-gold project that consists of 100 patented and 279 unpatented claims covering approximately 25.5 square kilometers located in the Walker Lane trend of western Nevada.

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B&M European Value Retail S.A. (LON:BME  Get Free Report) announced a dividend on Thursday, November 9th, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Investors of record on Thursday, November 16th will be given a dividend of GBX 5.10 ($0.06) per share on Friday, December 15th. This represents a yield of 0.95%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 16th. The official announcement can be seen at this link.

B&M European Value Retail Trading Down 1.7 %

Shares of B&M European Value Retail stock opened at GBX 548.20 ($6.73) on Wednesday. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of GBX 558.10 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of GBX 543.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 313.19, a quick ratio of 0.38 and a current ratio of 1.29. B&M European Value Retail has a fifty-two week low of GBX 379.92 ($4.67) and a fifty-two week high of GBX 592.60 ($7.28). The company has a market cap of 5.48 billion, a P/E ratio of 1,576.57 and a beta of 1.13.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities analysts have issued reports on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded B&M European Value Retail to an underweight rating and lowered their price target for the stock from GBX 577 ($7.09) to GBX 513 ($6.30) in a research report on Tuesday, September 5th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered B&M European Value Retail to an underweight rating and set a GBX 513 ($6.30) target price on the stock. in a research report on Tuesday, September 5th. Finally, Shore Capital raised shares of B&M European Value Retail to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 6th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, B&M European Value Retail has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of GBX 523 ($6.42).

About B&M European Value Retail

(Get Free Report)

B&M European Value Retail SA operates general merchandise and grocery stores. The company operates a chain of stores under the B&M, Heron Foods, and B&M Express in the United Kingdom; and stores under the B&M brand in France. It also provides property management services. The company was founded in 1978 and is based in Luxembourg, Luxembourg.

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Cetera Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:MUB  Free Report) by 10.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 215,456 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 20,488 shares during the quarter. Cetera Advisors LLC owned about 0.07% of iShares National Muni Bond ETF worth $22,996,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors have also bought and sold shares of MUB. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. raised its position in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 3.9% in the 2nd quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 235,547 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $25,140,000 after acquiring an additional 8,769 shares during the period. Old North State Trust LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF during the first quarter worth $43,000. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC grew its holdings in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 416.0% in the 1st quarter. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC now owns 28,073 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $3,014,000 after buying an additional 22,633 shares during the period. Clearbridge Investments LLC increased its position in shares of iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 2.8% in the 1st quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 41,917 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $4,516,000 after buying an additional 1,123 shares in the last quarter. Finally, My Legacy Advisors LLC raised its stake in iShares National Muni Bond ETF by 4.1% during the 2nd quarter. My Legacy Advisors LLC now owns 33,138 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $3,546,000 after buying an additional 1,296 shares during the period.

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iShares National Muni Bond ETF Stock Performance

MUB stock traded down $0.28 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $104.31. 764,618 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,443,459. iShares National Muni Bond ETF has a 1-year low of $100.78 and a 1-year high of $108.66. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $102.86 and its 200 day simple moving average is $105.07.

About iShares National Muni Bond ETF

iShares National AMT-Free Muni Bond ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P National AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P National AMT-Free Municipal Bond Index (the Index).

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Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. (CVE:CEM  Get Free Report) shares shot up 4.5% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as C$0.37 and last traded at C$0.35. 207,650 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 199% from the average session volume of 69,562 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.33.

Constantine Metal Resources Stock Up 4.5 %

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.75, a current ratio of 2.08 and a quick ratio of 2.07. The company has a market capitalization of C$22.52 million and a P/E ratio of -10.78. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of C$0.35 and a 200-day moving average price of C$0.34.

About Constantine Metal Resources

(Get Free Report)

Constantine Metal Resources Ltd., a junior mining company, engages in the exploration and development of mineral properties in North America. The company primarily explores for copper, zinc, gold, and silver deposits. Its principal project is the Palmer project that includes 340 federal mining claims and 63 state mining claims located in Alaska, the United States.

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Mizuho Financial Group (NYSE:MFG  Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings results on Sunday. The bank reported $0.09 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.07 by $0.02, MarketWatch Earnings reports. The business had revenue of $16.46 billion for the quarter. Mizuho Financial Group had a net margin of 9.91% and a return on equity of 6.80%. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.10 EPS.

Mizuho Financial Group Stock Performance

NYSE MFG traded down $0.08 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $3.35. The companys stock had a trading volume of 904,130 shares, compared to its average volume of 872,379. The company has a current ratio of 0.94, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.39. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $3.44 and a 200 day simple moving average of $3.23. The stock has a market cap of $42.52 billion, a PE ratio of 9.16, a PEG ratio of 0.78 and a beta of 0.48. Mizuho Financial Group has a 52 week low of $2.25 and a 52 week high of $3.70.

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Institutional Trading of Mizuho Financial Group

Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in MFG. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Mizuho Financial Group by 37.1% in the 1st quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 26,174 shares of the banks stock worth $67,000 after acquiring an additional 7,076 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its holdings in shares of Mizuho Financial Group by 50.8% during the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 29,691 shares of the banks stock valued at $75,000 after buying an additional 10,008 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates boosted its position in shares of Mizuho Financial Group by 236.2% during the first quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 187,439 shares of the banks stock worth $482,000 after buying an additional 131,695 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its position in Mizuho Financial Group by 23.7% in the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 295,682 shares of the banks stock valued at $760,000 after acquiring an additional 56,594 shares during the period. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. raised its stake in Mizuho Financial Group by 25.4% during the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 547,629 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,407,000 after acquiring an additional 110,837 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 0.60% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms have commented on MFG. StockNews.com began coverage on Mizuho Financial Group in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of Mizuho Financial Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, July 20th.

View Our Latest Report on Mizuho Financial Group

About Mizuho Financial Group

(Get Free Report)

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in banking, trust, securities, and other businesses related to financial services in Japan, the Americas, Europe, Asia/Oceania, and internationally. It operates through Retail & Business Banking Company, Corporate & Institutional Company, Global Corporate Company, Global Markets Company, Asset Management Company, and Others segments.

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Moors & Cabot Inc. raised its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Free Report) by 1.7% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 107,812 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,753 shares during the quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc.s holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $6,895,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in BMY. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC lifted its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 2.0% in the 2nd quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC now owns 24,408 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,561,000 after acquiring an additional 485 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Advisors LLC raised its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 4.5% in the second quarter. Cetera Advisors LLC now owns 120,787 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $7,724,000 after purchasing an additional 5,158 shares during the last quarter. Sit Investment Associates Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 4.9% during the second quarter. Sit Investment Associates Inc. now owns 149,675 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $9,572,000 after purchasing an additional 7,005 shares in the last quarter. Beverly Hills Private Wealth LLC grew its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 40.6% during the second quarter. Beverly Hills Private Wealth LLC now owns 9,323 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $564,000 after purchasing an additional 2,692 shares during the last quarter. Finally, AlphaCore Capital LLC increased its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 205.9% in the second quarter. AlphaCore Capital LLC now owns 41,530 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $2,656,000 after buying an additional 27,955 shares during the period. 74.98% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Bristol-Myers Squibb

In other news, EVP Ann Powell sold 17,986 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $61.25, for a total transaction of $1,101,642.50. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 27,868 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,706,915. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

BMY has been the topic of a number of research reports. Daiwa Capital Markets lowered shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and reduced their target price for the stock from $68.00 to $54.00 in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $78.00 to $65.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, July 28th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft began coverage on Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research report on Thursday, November 9th. They set a hold rating and a $55.00 target price for the company. BMO Capital Markets lowered Bristol-Myers Squibb from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $60.00 price target on the stock. in a research report on Friday, October 27th. Finally, Barclays lowered their price objective on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $60.00 to $51.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 27th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have issued a hold rating, four have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $63.59.

View Our Latest Analysis on Bristol-Myers Squibb

Bristol-Myers Squibb Stock Up 0.4 %

NYSE:BMY traded up $0.21 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $50.73. The company had a trading volume of 3,102,279 shares, compared to its average volume of 9,589,973. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $56.14 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $61.20. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a twelve month low of $49.49 and a twelve month high of $81.43. The firm has a market cap of $103.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.78, a P/E/G ratio of 1.57 and a beta of 0.38. The company has a quick ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 1.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11.

Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $2.00 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.76 by $0.24. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 51.59% and a net margin of 18.44%. The business had revenue of $10.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.96 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.99 EPS. The firms revenue was down 2.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts expect that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 7.56 earnings per share for the current year.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 6th were issued a dividend of $0.57 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, October 5th. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.49%. Bristol-Myers Squibbs payout ratio is 57.87%.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Profile

(Free Report)

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis, an oral inhibitor for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in NVAF, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for anti-cancer indications; Pomalyst/Imnovid indicated for patients with multiple myeloma; Orencia for adult patients with active RA and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia.

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N-able (NYSE:NABL  Get Free Report) issued its earnings results on Monday. The company reported $0.09 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.08 by $0.01, MarketWatch Earnings reports. The firm had revenue of $107.60 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $106.83 million. N-able had a net margin of 5.14% and a return on equity of 4.19%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 15.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.01 earnings per share.

N-able Stock Performance

Shares of N-able stock opened at $12.11 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $2.21 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 151.38 and a beta of 0.47. N-able has a twelve month low of $9.26 and a twelve month high of $15.44. The companys fifty day moving average is $13.11 and its 200 day moving average is $13.66. The company has a quick ratio of 2.49, a current ratio of 2.49 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

NABL has been the topic of several recent research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price objective on N-able from $15.00 to $14.50 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday. Needham & Company LLC lifted their price target on N-able from $15.50 to $16.50 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 10th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets lowered their price objective on N-able from $15.00 to $14.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday.

Insider Activity at N-able

In other N-able news, CEO John Pagliuca sold 38,894 shares of N-able stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $13.23, for a total transaction of $514,567.62. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,307,144 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,293,515.12. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, EVP Peter C. Anastos sold 11,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $13.13, for a total value of $144,430.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 288,562 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,788,819.06. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO John Pagliuca sold 38,894 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, August 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $13.23, for a total transaction of $514,567.62. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 1,307,144 shares of the companys stock, valued at $17,293,515.12. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.83% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Trading of N-able

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. WINTON GROUP Ltd bought a new stake in shares of N-able in the 2nd quarter valued at $197,000. Bank of Montreal Can bought a new stake in N-able in the second quarter valued at $196,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of N-able during the first quarter valued at about $141,000. Schonfeld Strategic Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of N-able during the 3rd quarter worth about $132,000. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of N-able in the 4th quarter valued at about $121,000. Institutional investors own 97.34% of the companys stock.

About N-able

(Get Free Report)

N-able, Inc provides cloud-based software solutions for managed service providers. The company's solutions enable MSPs to support digital transformation and growth within small and medium-sized enterprises. Its software platform is designed to be an enterprise-grade solution that serves as an operating system for its MSP partners and scales as their businesses grow.

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Nwam LLC boosted its holdings in Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (NYSEARCA:VYM  Free Report) by 2,256.4% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 111,409 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 106,681 shares during the period. Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF comprises 1.0% of Nwam LLCs holdings, making the stock its 16th largest position. Nwam LLCs holdings in Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF were worth $11,817,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. TI Trust Inc. grew its stake in shares of Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF by 27.1% during the 2nd quarter. TI Trust Inc. now owns 4,496 shares of the companys stock worth $477,000 after acquiring an additional 958 shares during the period. Cetera Advisors LLC increased its stake in Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF by 11.8% in the second quarter. Cetera Advisors LLC now owns 322,021 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,157,000 after acquiring an additional 33,915 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC increased its position in shares of Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 1,098,296 shares of the companys stock valued at $116,496,000 after purchasing an additional 12,514 shares during the last quarter. Oxler Private Wealth LLC raised its stake in shares of Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF by 1.0% during the second quarter. Oxler Private Wealth LLC now owns 80,507 shares of the companys stock worth $8,539,000 after acquiring an additional 790 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Summit X LLC purchased a new position in Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF in the 2nd quarter worth $282,000.

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Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF Stock Up 0.8 %

Shares of NYSEARCA VYM traded up $0.80 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $105.34. The company had a trading volume of 275,197 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,524,823. The firms fifty day moving average price is $103.40 and its 200-day moving average price is $105.10. Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF has a one year low of $98.40 and a one year high of $113.78. The stock has a market cap of $48.39 billion, a PE ratio of 13.80 and a beta of 0.84.

Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF Profile

The Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund (VYM) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the FTSE Custom High Dividend Yield index. The fund tracks the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. The index selects high-dividend-paying US companies, excluding REITS, and weights them by market cap. VYM was launched on Nov 10, 2006 and is managed by Vanguard.

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Private Advisor Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 1.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 72,496 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 1,265 shares during the quarter. Private Advisor Group LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $33,771,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Silicon Valley Capital Partners purchased a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Laffer Tengler Investments bought a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company during the 1st quarter valued at $33,000. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 156.4% during the first quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 100 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 61 shares in the last quarter. Activest Wealth Management bought a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the second quarter worth $40,000. Finally, Riggs Asset Managment Co. Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 50.4% in the first quarter. Riggs Asset Managment Co. Inc. now owns 179 shares of the companys stock worth $61,000 after acquiring an additional 60 shares during the period. 81.38% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on LLY. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating and set a $630.00 price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Wednesday. Argus upped their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $470.00 to $620.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, September 5th. StockNews.com raised shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, November 3rd. Citigroup upped their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $525.00 to $675.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, October 23rd. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upgraded Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $408.00 to $615.00 in a research report on Tuesday, August 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and twenty have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Eli Lilly and Company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $557.00.

Insider Buying and Selling at Eli Lilly and Company

In related news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 1,307 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $555.69, for a total value of $726,286.83. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 100,397,503 shares of the companys stock, valued at $55,789,888,442.07. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 600 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $546.51, for a total transaction of $327,906.00. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 5,378 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,939,130.78. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 1,307 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $555.69, for a total transaction of $726,286.83. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 100,397,503 shares of the companys stock, valued at $55,789,888,442.07. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 536,138 shares of company stock worth $20,881,627,358. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Eli Lilly and Company Trading Down 3.4 %

Shares of NYSE:LLY traded down $20.64 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $590.18. 1,326,054 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,093,061. The company has a current ratio of 1.05, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59. Eli Lilly and Company has a 52-week low of $309.20 and a 52-week high of $629.97. The firm has a market capitalization of $560.26 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 108.18, a P/E/G ratio of 3.72 and a beta of 0.33. The businesss fifty day moving average is $576.99 and its 200-day moving average is $506.23.

Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 8th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 15th will be issued a $1.13 dividend. This represents a $4.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.77%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 14th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 81.88%.

About Eli Lilly and Company

(Free Report)

Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes.

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Scottish American (LON:SAIN  Get Free Report) announced a dividend on Wednesday, November 8th, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 16th will be given a dividend of GBX 3.55 ($0.04) per share on Friday, December 15th. This represents a dividend yield of 0.74%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 16th. This is a boost from Scottish Americans previous dividend of $3.45. The official announcement can be seen at this link.

Scottish American Stock Up 1.1 %

Scottish American stock opened at GBX 505.68 ($6.21) on Wednesday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 486.41 and a 200 day simple moving average of GBX 508.28. The company has a current ratio of 2.47, a quick ratio of 3.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 10.43. Scottish American has a 1-year low of GBX 450 ($5.53) and a 1-year high of GBX 543 ($6.67). The firm has a market capitalization of 901.73 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 977.57 and a beta of 0.63.

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Insider Transactions at Scottish American

In related news, insider Nicholas Macpherson GCB bought 7,000 shares of Scottish American stock in a transaction on Monday, October 30th. The stock was acquired at an average price of GBX 458 ($5.62) per share, with a total value of 32,060 ($39,371.24). Corporate insiders own 5.93% of the companys stock.

Scottish American Company Profile

The Scottish American Investment Company P.L.C. is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Baillie Gifford & Co Ltd. The fund is co-managed by Baillie Gifford & Co and OLIM Property Limited. It invests in public equity markets across the globe. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors.

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(Global Times) The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday congratulated former British prime minister David Cameron on his appointment as UK's foreign secretary after incumbent Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reshuffled his top team, calling on the two sides to work together to promote the healthy and stable development of China-UK relations.

Chinese experts believe Cameron's resume as the former British prime minister gives him a higher degree of international visibility and thus makes him a politician who could potentially play a constructive role, both in mending UK's relations with China and in rebuilding and advancing the UK's post-Brexit diplomatic landscape.

But it remains to be seen how far Cameron will follow his previous pragmatic line on China, as riding on China's economic development does not mean Cameron is particularly different from other Tory members in terms of values, they said.

Cameron, who served as the British prime minister from 2010 to 2016 and resigned after the controversial Brexit vote, made the "surprise comeback" on Monday, replacing James Cleverly, who became home secretary after Sunak sacked divisive incumbent Suella Braverman.

During Cameron's prime minister tenure, the China-UK relationship entered what was termed a "golden age" with boosted trade and investment. When Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the UK in 2015, the two leaders sipped beer at a local pub together.

But Cameron's pragmatic approach toward China in the past may be at odds with the Tory's increasingly hard-line stance today, and he now faces a tenser and more complex geopolitical situation.

Stressing the importance for the UK to "stand by our allies, strengthen our partnerships," Cameron posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday that "working to help ensure stability and security on the global stage is both essential and squarely in our national interest."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning offered congratulations at a routine press briefing on Tuesday, saying that 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.
SIR Royalty Income Fund (TSE:SRV.UN  Get Free Report) declared a monthly dividend on Thursday, November 16th, TickerTech reports. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 30th will be given a dividend of 0.095 per share on Thursday, November 30th. This represents a $1.14 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.99%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 16th.

SIR Royalty Income Fund Stock Up 0.6 %

Shares of TSE SRV.UN opened at C$16.30 on Wednesday. The businesss 50 day moving average is C$16.40 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$16.57. SIR Royalty Income Fund has a 52-week low of C$14.59 and a 52-week high of C$17.95. The firm has a market cap of C$136.59 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.62 and a beta of 2.59.

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SIR Royalty Income Fund Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

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SIR Royalty Income Fund, through SIR Royalty Limited Partnership, owns SIR's restaurants in Canada. The company operates concept restaurants under the Jack Astor's Bar and Grill, Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar, and Canyon Creek Chop House; and signature restaurant brands under the Reds Wine Tavern, Reds Midtown Tavern, Reds Square One, and The Loose Moose brands.

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Vodafone Group Public Limited (LON:VOD  Get Free Report) crossed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of GBX 76.98 ($0.95) and traded as high as GBX 77.90 ($0.96). Vodafone Group Public shares last traded at GBX 77.40 ($0.95), with a volume of 65,471,054 shares.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on VOD shares. Barclays reissued an equal weight rating and set a GBX 95 ($1.17) price target on shares of Vodafone Group Public in a report on Monday, November 6th. Citigroup started coverage on Vodafone Group Public in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a neutral rating on the stock. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on Vodafone Group Public from GBX 95 ($1.17) to GBX 93 ($1.14) in a report on Wednesday, August 16th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of GBX 108.30 ($1.33).

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View Our Latest Stock Report on Vodafone Group Public

Vodafone Group Public Price Performance

Vodafone Group Public Announces Dividend

The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of GBX 77.11 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of GBX 76.82. The company has a market cap of 19.68 billion, a PE ratio of 219.42, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.59 and a beta of 0.51. The company has a current ratio of 0.89, a quick ratio of 0.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 109.39.

The business also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 2nd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 23rd will be given a dividend of 0.05 ($0.05) per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 23rd. This represents a dividend yield of 5.07%. Vodafone Group Publics payout ratio is 2,424.24%.

Vodafone Group Public Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Vodafone Group Public Limited Company provides telecommunication services in Europe and internationally. It offers mobile connectivity services comprising end-to-end services for mobile voice and data, messaging, device management, BYOx, and telecoms management, as well as professional and consulting services; and fixed line connectivity, such as fixed voice and data, broadband, software-defined networks, managed WAN, LAN, ethernet, and satellite; and financial services, as well as business and merchant services.

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By John J. Metzler

As violence explodes throughout the Middle East, from Gaza to Yemen, and Syria to Iraq, the political fingerprints of the Islamic Republic of Iran become increasingly obvious on this regional tableaux of terror. Long deemed a state sponsor of terrorism, Irans Islamic rulers have funded nearly a dozen regimes and proxy movements which directly challenge regional stability and key American interests.

For background, the setting evokes the old days, where Irans expanding oil sales and high petroleum market prices are boosting state revenues and thus fueling Tehrans policy ambitions.

Look at the map. Irans sponsored Hamas terrorists have attacked Israel in the most horrific way; a far more dangerous proxy Hezbollah in Lebanon threatens to spread the current conflict.

On Oct. 7 barbarous Hamas attacks into Israel killed at least 1,200 civilians including 31 Americans. Equally they seized over 220 hostages and brought them into the labyrinth of Gaza.

Tehran also assists Palestinian Islamic Jihad. In the meantime, Iranian-backed Houthi operatives in Yemen attack shipping and pose a threat to Saudi Arabia. The Assad regime in Syria has reasserted its control with the direct aid of Irans Revolutionary Guards and locally supported militia along with Russian airpower.

Nearly totally overlooked has been Iranian-sponsored rocket attacks on American forces in Iraq, across remote areas of Syria; 48 attacks have injured many U.S. troops.

Since its inception in 1979, the Islamic Republic of Iran has become a revolutionary springboard and paymaster to a gaggle of terrorist organizations; the regime has equally come dangerously close to developing nuclear weapons.

Though Irans regime is heavily sanctioned internationally which has curtailed Tehrans theocratic rulers ambitions, the economic tides may be changing. Iran is once again exporting more than a million barrels of oil a day to China, Syria and the United Arab Emirates.

Peopless Republic of China is Irans primary petroleum market with 1.7 million barrels a day (bpd) shipped in August, 1.2 million (bpd) in September and 1.1 million (bpd) in October. Transport is carried out via a shadowy network of merchant tanker ships.

But werent Iranian oil sales sanctioned? Yes. Former President Donald Trump reimposed sanctions in 2018 when he withdrew from the Obama administrations 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Trumps move crippled Irans petroleum industry, with its oil exports falling from 2.8 million barrels per day in 2018 to 100,000 bpd in 2020, according to Reuters.

Yet Irans production has ramped up to 1.4 million barrels a day in October. Iran holds massive petroleum and natural gas reserves.

Since the start of the Biden administration, Iran has exported well north of $80 billion worth of its oil. Billions are, in turn, given to terror proxies. Hamas alone receives $100 million each year from its Iranian patrons, with horrific results, cites the monitoring group United Against Nuclear Iran. Such revenues support research and development of Irans long-sought nuclear weapons program.

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) slammed President Biden for his refusal to enforce existing sanctions, lining the pockets of the Iranian regime with more than $80 billion. Sen. Ernst is fighting to enforce existing U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil exports.

So what can be done?

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit is underway in San Francisco. The meeting of 21 regional countries will focus on food security, health, anti-corruption, digitalization and womens economic empowerment, among other concerns.

Biden is slated to meet with Chinas Chairman Xi Jinping for a series of tough discussions on the summit sidelines (at the time this went to press). Besides reviewing the frayed Sino-American trade relationship, its also incumbent for Biden and the U.S. delegation to focus on:

* Iranian oil sanction enforcement as well as North Korean missile firing curtailment; both Tehran and Pyongyang bypass, evade and flout U.S. and United Nations sanctions.

*Significantly the U.S. should discreetly pressure partner states such as Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia over third-party Iranian petroleum transfers to mainland Chinese ports.

*Develop new maritime enforcement protocols among key states such as Australia, New Zealand and Japan to monitor third-party merchant ships carrying Iranian petroleum.

Let Iran know we are watching and monitoring their illicit oil trade with China; and well toughen enforcement.

John J. Metzler (jjmcolumn@earthlink.net) is a United Nations correspondent covering diplomatic and defense issues. He is the author of "Divided Dynamism The Diplomacy of Separated Nations; Germany, Korea, China."
Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High 43F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch..

Tonight

Steady light rain this evening. Showers continuing overnight. Low 37F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.
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%.
Meaning: To take money from one source to give to another that is virtually

identical.

Background: It seems more likely is that the saying derives from the shared

feast day of St Paul and St Peter and thus to rob the feast of St Peter to pay

for the feast of St Paul is pointless.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nero the wayward Emperor, it was said, played the fiddle while Rome burned. It

was too late to fight the fire, he thought, but time to come up with a fitting

pyromaniac. Two weeks later, one of the dwellers of the ghetto, a fisherman from

Galilee and leader of an obscure cult, was found guilty as the firebug and crucified.

The year was AD 64.

No one would've guessed. Two and a half centuries passed and the former humble

sect rose and their God succeeded all the gods in the Pantheon. On the martyr's

burial site a bascilica was erected, and St. Peter, posthumously, became the

first pope of the Roman Catholic Church.
In a recent opinion piece, a journalist has dissected the glaring absence of K-pop artists, particularly BTS, in the Grammy nominations despite their significant global impact.

The investigation revolves around the question of whether Billboard's distinct K-pop categories inadvertently perpetuate discrimination by segregating K-pop from mainstream recognition.

Journalist Investigates Grammy Awards Bias Against K-pop, Sparks Controversy Over Cultural Barriers

The Grammy Awards have faced accusations of favoring English-speaking artists, creating a perceived barrier that excludes K-pop artists despite their global influence.

This controversy sheds light on the Grammys' emphasis on musicality while potentially sidelining artists who don't align with a particular linguistic or cultural norm.

READ ALSO: BTS Reportedly Submits 4 Songs to Be Nominated at 2023 Grammy Awards

In contrast, Billboard's approach appears somewhat different, evident in the creation of specific K-pop categories. These include Top Global K-pop Artist, Top Global K-pop Album, Top Global K-pop Song, and Top K-pop Touring Artist.

Notably, BTS members and other K-pop acts received nominations in these categories, emphasizing K-pop's growing recognition and influence in the global music market.

However, concerns have emerged over perceived 'double standards' in Billboard's treatment of K-pop. Some fear that confining K-pop artists to a separate category might limit their integration into the mainstream music market.

The American Music Awards, which introduced a K-pop category last year, witnessed BTS' success in both mainstream and K-pop categories, illustrating a potential middle ground between recognition and restraint.

BTS Grammy Drought Continues: 4 Years, No Wins  Journalist Digs Into Ongoing Bias

Despite BTS' consecutive attempts at the Grammy Awards over the past four years, the group has yet to secure a win.

READ ALSO: With BTS Enlisting, THESE Are HYBE's Next Steps- New Groups, Secured Contents, More!

The journalist questions whether the creation of separate K-pop categories truly acknowledges the genre's unique qualities or, conversely, acts as a form of exclusion.

This issue resonates with broader concerns of representation and inclusion within the global music award system.

BTS, having failed to secure nominations for the upcoming 66th Grammys in February 2024, submitted entries across various categories.

Notably, individual members pursued solo endeavors, with Jungkook and V achieving impressive sales and chart positions in the U.S.

Yet, their exclusion from the nominations has intensified criticism around perceived biases in the Grammy Awards.

The complex dynamics in the U.S. music industry towards K-pop reflect a mix of acknowledgment and hesitation.

With South Korea's rising soft power, there's a fear that the music market's center might shift from the U.S. to Korea, the birthplace of K-pop.

This tension highlights the unique position of K-pop as an emerging force challenging existing norms in the global music landscape.

YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: Big Hit Music Under Fire for Not Doing THIS After BTS Won at The Fact Music Awards 2022



Follow and subscribe to KpopStarz for more news.



KpopStarz own this article.

Madison Cullen wrote this.
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US House Speaker Mike Johnson, pictured on Capitol Hill on November 14, 2023, is banking on lawmakers' impatience with recent chaos in the lower chamber
Choosing a Medicare plan that meets your health and financial needs shouldnt be a burden, especially during this time of year when most people are otherwise busy with holidays, get-togethers and celebrations. In fact, a well-chosen plan can serve as a safety net, providing peace of mind for both routine and unexpected circumstances.

The Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Election Period (AEP), which ends Dec. 7, is a yearly opportunity for those eligible for Medicare to review their current plan, and join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage plan. Its an important decision, since the plan you select by the deadline is the plan youll likely have for all of the coming year.

I want beneficiaries in Montana to feel empowered during this years AEP, so here are several key things to consider:

Out-of-Pocket Costs: Medicare Advantage plans have capped out-of-pocket expenses, whereas Original Medicare does not. Be sure to compare deductibles, copays and premiums to understand the financial aspects of each plan. Of note, Medicare Advantage members report they are saving more than $2,400 on average per year on out-of-pocket costs when compared to individuals enrolled in Original Medicare.

Prescription Drug Coverage: Understanding your plan's drug coverage is vital, as medications can get expensive if you arent covered. Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans include prescription drug coverage, whereas Original Medicare requires a separate Part D plan if you want prescription drug coverage. Prepare a list of your current medications to help filter plans and compare costs.

Specialized Offerings: Medicare Advantage plans are designed to help ensure your health care needs are covered, which is why its important to consider a plan that includes dental, vision and hearing benefits. If you are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, look into Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans that may include benefits like transportation to doctor visits and a monthly allowance that can help you pay for necessities, like rent, utilities and over-the-counter products. For example, Humanas D-SNPs include a Healthy Options Allowance that rolls over unused portions to the next month.

Reputation: Having an insurer with an outstanding plan and customer service ratings is useful for gauging how much support youll have as a potential member. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services annually assesses Medicare Advantage plans on a scale of one to five, with five stars representing the highest quality. The scores are available on the Medicare Plan Finder on Medicare.gov when you are comparing plans.

Understanding which plans are the best fit for your needs can be complicated, so be sure to use free, credible resources to help answer your questions before the AEP deadline.

To compare plans and benefits and get an estimated cost for each plan, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) 24 hours a day, seven days a week (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048). You can learn about Humanas options at Humana.com/Medicare101 or by calling 1-800-706-1368 (TTY: 711) 8.am-8 p.m., seven days a week to speak with a licensed sales agent.

Additional Information

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP AND PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Allowance amounts cannot be combined with other benefit allowances. Limitations and restrictions may apply.

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The authors' association PEN is shining a light on writers and journalists who have been imprisoned in regions from Crimea to Tibet. It's also calling for their release.Authors, journalists and publishers are being targeted by unjust regimes around the world, according to PEN International, a worldwide association of writers founded in London in 1921.

Also Read | India News | Terrorist Killed as Army Foils Infiltration Bid in J-Ks Uri.

On "Day of the Imprisoned Writer," 140 PEN centers spread across the world are remembering the plight of persecuted and imprisoned writers and journalists, including Iryna Danylovych, a journalist from the Russian-occupied Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea; Go Sherab Gyatso, a prominent writer in Tibet, an autonomous region of the People's Republic of China; Soulaiman Raissouni, a Moroccan journalist; and Maria Cristina Garrido Rodriguez, from Cuba,

Also Read | Israel-Hamas War: Five Hamas Gunmen Killed in IDF Operation at Al-Shifa Hospital Premises.

The four writers are "acutely threatened," warns PEN, which promotes press freedom.

"As long as one of them is not free, no one is free," Najem Wali, the Writers-in-Prison Representative of the German PEN Center in Darmstadt, told DW.

"Writers put up resistance, stand up for justice and free societies," Wali continued. "For this, many are persecuted, threatened, attacked, imprisoned, exiled and often killed."

One example is the Indian-British writer Salman Rushdie. The author of "The Satanic Verses" barely survived an assassination attempt on an open stage in August 2022. Rushdie was recently awarded the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade in Frankfurt am Main.

Ukrainian Iryna Danylovych held captive by Russian authorities

Iryna Danylovych, a Ukrainian citizen journalist and human rights activist, uncovered abuses in the healthcare system in occupied Crimea.

On April 29, 2022, she was forcibly abducted. On the same day, Russian security forces searched her house and confiscated her phone and equipment.

It was not until two weeks later that her lawyer tracked her down in a remand prison in Simferopol.

She was charged with allegedly handling explosives, listed as a "foreign agent" and sentenced to seven years in prison. In protest against the poor medical care in prison, Danylovych went on a hunger strike in March. According to her family, she is in poor health.

Tibetan writer Go Sherab Gyatso imprisoned by Chinese government

The Tibetan writer, educator and intellectual Go Sherab Gyatso, known as Gosher, is faring no better. The writers' association is also concerned about his health due to a lack of medical care.

Gosher is serving a 10-year prison sentence.

According to PEN, he was sentenced after a secret trial at the end of 2021. Security forces had previously arrested him in Chengdu, the capital city of the Chinese province of Sichuan, on suspicion of "inciting secession." Gosher was transferred to the Tibet Autonomous Region and officially charged there.

His writings are dedicated to Tibetan Buddhism and the language and culture of Tibet. He had criticized China's government for restricting Tibetan children's access to education in their mother tongue.

Arbitrary detention for Soulaiman Raissouni

Moroccan journalist Soulaiman Raissouni, on the other hand, was arrested in May 2020 for alleged sexual assault, which he rejects as politically motivated.

He spent almost a year in custody without trial and was then sentenced to five years in prison.

The trial was marked by irregularities and took place without him and his defense lawyers, reports PEN.

Raissouni was also monitored using Pegasus spyware.

After a long hunger strike, he is not in good health and his appeal has been rejected.

The United Nations and the European Parliament expressed concern about the arbitrary nature of his detention and demanded Raissouni's release.

Cuban activist Maria Cristina Garrido Rodriguez also imprisoned

The charges against Cuban poet and activist Maria Cristina Garrido Rodriguez were also trumped up. She was sentenced to seven years in prison in March 2022 for "public disorder," "assault," "incitement to commit a crime," "contempt" and "resistance."

She had previously taken part in peaceful protests. Rodriguez is serving her sentence in El Guatao Provincial Women's Prison, where she is being treated cruelly, according to PEN.

"The mechanisms used to persecute unpopular authors are the same all over the world," says Najem Wali. "Dictators rule with the hope that people have seen nothing and heard nothing, and therefore remain silent."

The writer Wali experienced this first-hand when he was arrested in Iraq in the 1980s and ended up in the torture centers of ruler Saddam Hussein. Wali has been Writers-in-Prison Representative and Vice President of the German PEN Center since May 2022.

Freedom of expression under threat worldwide

Meanwhile, the International Writers-in-Prison Committee in London paints a bleak picture of the state of freedom of expression.

In its 2022 annual report, PEN International lists at least 68 writers and journalists who have been killed or threatened, "especially in North and South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East."

According to Wali, freedom of expression is currently under the greatest threat in Mexico, measured by the number of murdered journalists and authors. However, similar things are also happening in China, Russia, Turkey, Syria, Zimbabwe and El Salvador. It is difficult to draw up a ranking, says Wali. Nevertheless, there are "hot spots" such as Iran with its women-led protest movement.

Since 1980, the writers' association PEN has commemorated the fate of persecuted authors on November 15. The day of remembrance was established by the "Writers in Prison" committee of the international PEN as a reaction to the "growing number of countries that are trying to silence authors through repression."

This article was originally written in German.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 15, 2023 03:30 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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New Delhi [India], November 15 (ANI): Delhi Police on Wednesday said that the blood-soaked body found in a car East Delhi's Ghazipur earlier today has been identified as that of a 27-year-old man hailing from Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh.

The deceased was identified as Saurabh Kumar.

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"...We got a call about 6 in the morning that a man was shot...Our team reached there immediately... The man who was shot was found in a vehicle. He along with three of his office colleagues were returning from the night shift when someone shot him on the way... A crime team rushed to the spot and examined the scene of the crime... Further investigation is going on...," Amrutha Guguloth, Deputy Commissioner of Police, East Delhi told ANI.

The body was found to have a head injury.

Also Read | Tamil Nadu Shocker: Caretaker Along With Her Husband Decamps With Cash and Jewellery After Gagging and Tying Up Elderly in Virugambakkam; Accused Arrested.

The team also discovered a car parked at the spot, as per police.

A Centralised Accidents and Trauma Services (CATS) ambulance was summoned and ambulance personnel declared the man as dead, police said.

On further enquiry, it revealed that the deceased was a married man and was employeed at a power plant, Ghazipur Dairy Farm. He was travelling with his colleagues in a car bearing a Uttar Pradesh registration mark, police said.

"The deceased was driving his car and his friend Chander Prakash was sitting in the co-driver seat," Amrutha Guguloth, DCP, East Delhi said.

The remaining passengers have not been injured, the police official said.

"The inspection and photographs of the scene of the crime were conducted by forensic experts with the crime team and exhibits were lifted," police said.

The body of the deceased has been preserved in the mortuary of Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital (LBS) hospital and police said it is examining CCTV footage from nearby areas to obtain possible leads on the investigation.

"Further proceeding is being conducted in the case and legal action is being taken," police added. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Carter Klatt, a triage nurse for the Billings Clinic, found the patient he was speaking with to be calm as they went through a questionnaire.

The patient, 36-year-old Panda Emily Aradia, came into Billings Clinic for mental health treatment at the insistence of her family. She and Klatt spoke in a triage room, a private space in the hospitals emergency department. Klatt testified in court Tuesday that Aradia remained polite through every question, right up until she pulled out a handgun and pointed it at him.

She said I had three minutes to get help, or she would shoot, Klatt said during testimony in her trial.

The trial is underway in Yellowstone County District Court to determine whether Aradia endangered the life of Klatt and others at Billings Clinic while armed with a handgun during a mental health crisis.

Aradia, now 37, has pleaded not guilty to assault with a weapon and criminal endangerment charges. Her trial reached its second day Tuesday, during which jurors heard testimony from a detective investigating the brief 2022 standoff between Aradia and police, which ended with Aradia shot two times: once by herself and once by a Billings Police officer.

Along with statements from hospital employees who were in the emergency department during the moments leading up to the shooting, testimony also included bodycam footage from police officer who shot Aradia.

On Oct. 16, 2022, officers with the Billings Police Department gathered at the emergency entrance to the Billings Clinic. They were responding to a report of a woman with a pistol. The woman, according to court documents, was identified as Aradia. She allegedly pulled out the handgun after entering Billings Clinic to be treated for suicide ideation.

A woman who worked the triage desk for Billings Clinic, Caitlin Grusing, also testified that Aradia was respectful as she told Grusing she needed mental health treatment. Grusing called police as soon as she heard from Klatt that Aradia had a firearm. She remained on the line with dispatch until she heard shots fired, then left the hospital along with other staff members and patients. Like Klatt, Grusing told jurors that Aradia never threatened her specifically or showed any indication that she would turn violent.

Just minutes after walking into the Billings Clinic with a handgun in a satchel she carried, Aradia met with Klatt. He was in the middle of asking her questions regarding her thoughts about suicide, Klatt testified, when she drew the pistol. The gun was pointed at him, Klatt said, and Aradias finger was on the trigger. After demanding that Klatt get help within three minutes, Aradia then pointed the gun at herself, Klatt told jurors. Aradia had the muzzle pointed at her abdomen.

As a nurse, I dont know how you can help someone with a gun pointed at themselves, Klatt said.

Montana Funk, an attorney representing Aradia, asked Klatt if Aradia ever specifically threatened to shoot him or anyone else at the hospital that day. He said she did not. When Aradia pulled out the gun, Klatt said he raised his hands in the air and backed out of the room to alert a security guard.

County prosecutors played bodycam footage taken by the officer who shot Aradia, identified as Officer Blaine Lane. The elapsed time between Lane stepping out of his patrol vehicle to the moment he shot Aradia was around two minutes. The footage showed Lane entering Billings Clinic with a group of officers. Within seconds, a gunshot is heard. That was the sound of Aradia shooting herself in the torso.

Seconds later, footage showed Lane approaching the triage room, where Aradia is seen sitting on the ground. A handgun is visible and laying on the floor near her. Aradia pulled the gun toward her, against commands from several police officers, then slid the gun toward police outside the door to the triage room.

After viewing the footage, Detective Rob Miller testified during questions from defense attorneys that Lane firing his pistol and Aradia sliding her pistol toward officers occurred nearly simultaneously. Miller was one of the primary investigators assigned to the shooting.

And officers were giving her multiple commands to not reach for the weapon, Miller said.

Lane fired a single shot that struck Aradia in the head. Although wounded twice by gunfire, footage showed Aradia then laid face-down on the ground and spread her arms above her head. Officers walked into the triage room, pulled the gun away, and place her in handcuffs. Emergency crews then treated Aradia.

After being treated at the Billings Clinic, Aradia entered Yellowstone County Detention Facility on Nov. 1, 2022, and has remained in custody since. Prior to the start of the trial Monday, attorneys representing Aradia filed a motion to have the case dismissed on the grounds that she had not gotten a speedy trial. The motion was denied in October of this year.

Also shown in court were texts and social media messages from Aradia collected by Miller during his investigation. Funk questioned Miller about the Facebook messages and posts written by Aradia in the days and weeks after the shooting. During that time, she wrote she went to the Billings Clinic to be treated for mental health. According to those messages, Funk asked Miller, Aradia went to the hospital to get help.

Yes, Miller confirmed, with a gun.

Yellowstone County District Judge Jessica Fehr is overseeing the trial, which will continue Wednesday.
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Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) [India], November 15 (ANI): The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for fishermen along and off the Andhra Pradesh coast. Due to a low-pressure area formed over the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to intensify into a depression in the west central Bay of Bengal, wind speeds are predicted to increase from Wednesday onwards.

The winds are expected to prevail for the next two days, November 15 and 16. "Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea from Wednesday onwards," IMD Visakhapatnam's MD Sunanda told ANI on Tuesday.

Also Read | National Press Day 2023 Date in India: Know History and Significance of the Day Highlighting the Importance of Free and Independent Press.

"...A low-pressure area is formed over the Bay of Bengal...Later it will intensify into a depression in the west-central Bay of Bengal. Due to this, from Wednesday onwards, along and off the Andhra Pradesh coast, wind speeds are increasing...Winds will be prevailing for the 2 days - November 15 and 16. So fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea from Wednesday onwards," IMD Visakhapatnam, MD Sunanda, told ANI on Tuesday.

A low-pressure area formed over the Andaman Sea is likely to intensify into a deep depression and cause heavy rainfall in parts of Odisha on November 16, said IMD on Tuesday.

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The low-pressure area over the Southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining Andaman and Nicobar Islands is likely to intensify into a depression over the West-Central Bay of Bengal on November 15, said Sunanda, MD, Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre, IMD.

"A low-pressure area formed over the Southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining Andaman and Nicobar Islands on November 14th. It is likely to move west-north-westwards and intensify into a depression over the West-Central Bay of Bengal on November 15th," said Sunanda.

"Thereafter, it would move north-westwards and may intensify into a deep depression over the West-Central Bay of Bengal off the Andhra Pradesh coast on November 16. Subsequently, it would recurve north-northeastward and reach the northwest bay of Bengal off the Odisha coast on November 17. Due to this system, we are expecting heavy to very heavy rainfall activity over some parts of Odisha, especially coastal Odisha," added Sunanda.

IMD also advised fishermen not to venture into the sea from November 15 to November 17 until further notice. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], November 15 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, virtually attended the launch of 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra' by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ranchi on Wednesday.

The L-G joined the event virtually at Raj Bhawan in Srinagar.

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In Jammu and Kashmir, the Sankalp Yatra was flagged off from Budhal, Rajouri Gurez and Bandipora. People, Panchayati Raj institutions and government officials attended the launch function.

The Lt Governor expressed gratitude to PM Modi for starting outreach activities in the tribal districts of Bandipora and Rajouri in line with his stated objective of achieving saturation of flagship schemes, on the birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter, Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

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He also lauded the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra initiative, which is aimed at reaching out to the vulnerable, who, though eligible to be enlisted under various schemes, are yet to derive the benefits of the same.

"This endeavour of the central government, with the objective of reaching the unreached, to generate awareness about tribal, rural and urban schemes, to interact with beneficiaries and enrolment of potential beneficiaries, will make a significant contribution in the socio-economic empowerment of the tribal community, poor, deprived and weaker sections of the society," the L-G was quoted as saying in an official release.

The Lt Governor shared the efforts of the UT Administration, under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, for the welfare of the tribal population. Since August 2019, tribal welfare was given top priority by the administration and various initiatives were launched cutting across sectors to empower tribal communities of J&K UT, he informed.

Sinha said the administration has taken significant initiatives for the holistic welfare of tribal communities. He called for collective efforts from citizens, stakeholders, community leaders, social organizations and administration to address the focus areas for tribal districts under Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra including sickle cell anaemia elimination, enrolment in EKLAVYA, Scholarships, Forest Rights titles, Self Help Groups and Van Dhan Vikas Kendra.

He directed all district commissioners and administrative officials to focus on the saturation of Individual Forest Rights.

Beneficiaries from Rajouri and Bandipora shared their experiences with the Lt Governor through video conferencing and expressed gratitude for welfare schemes. The 'Hamara Sankalp Viksit Bharat' pledge was also administered on the occasion.

In other districts, the outreach activities will start from the third week of November. A route plan for IEC Vans has been prepared and a control room has also been established at the UT and district level for overall coordination. (ANI)

(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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Ranchi, Nov 15 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid floral tributes to tribal icon Birsa Munda in Ranchi on his birth anniversary.

He paid floral tributes to the 25-foot tall statue of the icon at the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Memorial Park-cum-Freedom Fighter Museum, situated at the Old Central Jail where he had breathed his last on June 9, 1900.

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Birsa Munda's birth anniversary is celebrated across the country as the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.

"Respectful tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda on his birth anniversary. Many best wishes to my family members across the country on this special occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas," Modi posted on X.

Also Read | Bhai Dooj 2023 Wishes: PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and Other Leaders Extend Greetings As Nation Celebrates Bhaubeej.

The PM is on a two-day visit to Jharkhand. Later in the day, he will visit Birsa Munda's birthplace Ulihatu village in Khunti district.

From there, he will launch the Rs 24,000-crore project aimed at the development of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). He will also launch the 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra', release the 15th installment 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.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Sausar (Madhya Pradesh) [India], November 15 (ANI): Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday took a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after the latter's "X-ray" remark over the caste census demand and asked the Wayanad MP to explain the meaning of the survey he is demanding.

"I would like to say that first Rahul Gandhi should explain the meaning of caste-based census, then I will give an answer to this question," said Devendra Fadnavis while speaking to ANI.

Also Read | Delhi Police Hails Virat Kohli for Surpassing Sachin Tendulkars Record During IND vs NZ Cricket World Cup 2023 Semifinal With Road Safety Message.

At a rally on Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi reiterated his call for a caste census and termed the exercise an "X-ray" that would give details of various communities in the country.

Notably, the Congress has been demanding from the Centre to hold a caste census across the country.

Also Read | Narayana Murthy Says India Should Spend USD 1 Billion Annually to Train School Teachers.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also launched an attack on the PM Modi-led Centre for not agreeing to their demand.

Meanwhile, other INDIA alliance 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 BJP-led central government has been claiming that the caste census would create "division" in society.

However, speaking about the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections, Fadnavis said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will win the polls with a full majority.

"BJP is going to win Madhya Pradesh with a full majority; the people of Madhya Pradesh have faith in Prime Minister Modi ji, they have faith in Modi ji's guarantee; and also, the government has done very good work under the leadership of Shivraj ji (the Madhya Pradesh CM) and there is goodwill among the people towards the BJP," he added.

Further, calling Congress leaders 'political Hindus', the Maharashtra Deputy CM said that they are seen in temples only during the elections.

"If Ram Bhagwan (Congress) is theirs, then I want to ask a question- when Congress was in power, why did the Congressmen ask for proof of the birth of Lord Shri Ram? Why did you say that there is no evidence that Lord Shri Ram was born in Ayodhya? Why did you give such an affidavit that Ram Setu is imaginary? All Congressis are political Hindus; when elections come, you see them in temples; and where do they go after the elections are over?" he said. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Nagapattinam (Tamil Nadu) [India], November 15 (ANI): Heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu's Nagapattinam district has caused severe damage to around 500 acres of paddy crop cultivation, complained Kuruvai farmers of the region.

Since the onset of the Northeast Monsoon, Nagapattinam recorded heavy rainfall in isolated places. In the past 24 hours, Nagapattinam recorded 15 cm rainfall and on November 15 Nagapattinam recorded 11 cm rainfall.

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Nagapattinam is basically a delta district that hugely depends on agriculture. Farmers of the region claim that many acres of crops in several places were ready for final cultivation but continuous rains in the past two days have affected them badly.

Farmers of the Kadamangudi region claimed that around 500 acres of paddy crops, waiting for final cultivation, were inundated in heavy rainfall.

Also Read | Telangana Assembly Elections 2023: Vijayashanthi Quits BJP, Likely To Join Congress.

Speaking to ANI, SDT Kannan, a farmer said, "Only 4 days were there for the final cultivation of paddy crops but in between this rainfall have inundated the crops"

Another farmer Prema said, "We cultivated crops by taking loans but now heavy rainfall inundated them. There is no way to drain the water. We are shattered."

Likewise in Myladuthurai farmers claim 6000 acres of Samba Thaladi crops were inundated.

Tamil Nadu Disaster Management Minister KKSSR Ramachandran on November 14, while speaking to reporters said that the department is already in touch with the Agriculture Department and assured that the government will take appropriate action.

As rain lashed several parts of Chennai and Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Puducherry and Karaikal areas today under the influence of the Northeast monsoon, the minister further said that the situation is under control.

"The State Government has taken all precautionary measures. The situation is under control. The respective district administrations are taking proper measures to face the rains," he added.

Agricultural and Farmer's Welfare Minister MRK Pannerselvam also assured to take appropriate action to help the farmers.

"Two days of rainfall have inundated the crops. Usually, this won't damage the crops and Officials are monitoring the situation. If rainfall continues and if rain water not drained from the field Government will take required action," Minister Pannerselvam said.

Meanwhile, the Chennai Regional Metrology Department has predicted heavy rainfall for various districts in Tamil Nadu for the next 4 days.

The Indian Regional Metrology Department Chennai said, "Under the influence of the upper air cyclonic circulation over Andaman-Nicobar Islands and adjoining areas of the Andaman Sea and Southeast Bay of Bengal, a low-pressure area has formed over the Southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining Andaman Nicobar Islands. The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to upper tropospheric levels, tilting southwestward with height. It is likely to move west-northwestward and concentrate into a Depression over the West Central Bay of Bengal around November 16."

On November 16 and 17, heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Thoothukudi, Virudhunagar, Madurai, Dindigul, Sivaganga, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Perambalur, Ariyalur and Cuddalore districts of Tamil Nadu. (ANI)

(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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Event ID: 1264239546838639843411044371783545761211
Hunters out and about in southeast Montana during the closing weekend of antelope season found continuing mild weather, and most said they had an opportunity to harvest an animal if they wanted.

Hysham

This past Sunday at the Hysham rest area, 73 hunting parties and 149 hunters passed through the biological check station. Harvest rates were average with 63% of hunters bringing home game. In general, most hunters had a chance to harvest a deer and were satisfied with their hunting opportunity.

In all, 10 antelope (six bucks, four does) and 41 mule deer (38 bucks, three does) were checked at Hysham, which is typical for the last weekend as a majority of the antelope harvest occurs the first couple of weeks.

The number of total mule deer checked was about 25% below average, which is to be expected with the purposeful reduction in Region 7 antlerless mule deer licenses. However, mule deer buck harvest was typical for the third weekend of the general season. Twenty-nine white-tailed deer were checked (23 bucks, six does) which was above average for this point in the hunting season. Three elk (two bulls, one cow) were checked.

The check stations provide an opportunity for Region 7 FWP staff to visit with hunters and to better understand what hunters are experiencing in the field in relation to management prescriptions such as the reduction of mule deer B licenses in response to below-average mule deer numbers across the region.

Many hunters coming through the Hysham check station chose to take advantage of the option to have their deer or elk tested for CWD. Thirty-five CWD samples were collected on Sunday. FWP would like to remind hunters that it is not required to stop at CWD sampling stations, however, it is required by law for all hunters to stop at all biological and enforcement check stations.

Ashland

The pleasant weather this past weekend made it nice for hunters to be out. A total of 85 parties and 152 hunters came through the Ashland check station, with a harvest success rate of 30% (slightly below the 10-year average). The number of hunters is 16% below the 10-year average for this weekend at Ashland. Harvest included three doe pronghorn, six elk (two bulls, four cows), 36 mule deer (33 bucks, three does), four white-tailed deer (three bucks, one doe), two turkeys and three sharp-tailed grouse.

Mosby

Folks enjoyed the mid-50s temperatures over the weekend and reported a great weekend afield. Wildlife biologists Emily Mitchell and Melissa Foster visited with 100 hunters, with a 45% harvest success rate. They checked five antelope, eight elk, 32 mule deer and two white-tailed deer.

Hunters reported having good opportunity to harvest on their trip, and many of those who went home empty-handed plan to come back and try again. CWD regional coordinator Will Fowler assisted in collecting CWD samples from many of the animals that came through the station.
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Event ID: 38621213980762835068136235972313431084
Bangkok, Nov 15 (AP) A Myanmar army battalion based near the Chinese border surrendered to an alliance of ethnic armed groups that launched a surprise offensive last month against the military, a spokesperson for one of the groups said Wednesday.

The surrender of 261 people  127 soldiers and 134 family members  from the infantry battalion in northeastern Shan state appears to be the biggest by regular army forces since widespread armed conflict in Myanmar broke out in 2021 following the military's seizure of power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February that year.

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The alliance expects to soon capture Laukkaing, the area's major city, the spokesperson said.

The surrender  which has not been announced by the military government and could not be independently confirmed by The Associated Press  came two weeks after the Arakan Army, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, calling themselves the Three Brotherhood Alliance, launched a coordinated offensive on October 27.

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The alliance has claimed widespread victories, and the military government made a rare acknowledgement on November 2 that it had lost control of three towns. One is a major border crossing for trade with China.

The offensive in the northern part of Shan state was seen as a significant challenge for the army, which has struggled to contain a nationwide uprising by members of the Peoples' Defence Force, a pro-democracy armed group established after the 2021 army takeover.

The various PDF groups that operate around the country have joined forces with well-organized, battle-hardened ethnic armed groups  including those in the Three Brotherhood Alliance  that have been fighting Myanmar's central government for greater autonomy for decades.

The military government faced another challenge on Monday when the Arakan Army launched surprise attacks on military targets in five townships in Myanmar's western Rakhine state. A yearlong cease fire had previously been declared in the state between the military government and the Arakan Army.

The UN humanitarian office in a situation report on Wednesday said in addition to the attacks in Rakhine, fighting has spread to areas in Myanmar's northwest and southeast. It said there was active combat in Loikaw, the capital of the eastern state of Kayah, which resistance forces are trying to seize.

The UN agency said the city has been bombed by the military, causing civilian casualties.

In northern Shan alone, fighting continues to rage in at least 10 townships, leading to a surge in civilian casualties, with 43 fatalities and 71 injuries reported, it said, adding that the number of new internally displaced people since the recent fighting began has climbed to 60,000.

Le Kyar Wai, a spokesperson for the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, told the AP that each soldier who surrendered in Shan state, including the commander, was awarded 1 million kyat (about USD 480) and family members were each given 100,000 kyat (USD 48).

We give medical treatment to the injured. We delivered them safely to their desired destination, Le Kyar Wai said, adding that the alliance groups planned to launch an operation soon to seize Laukkaing after they surrounded the city.

Laukkaing is known for hosting major organised criminal enterprises including cyberscam operations controlled by Chinese investors in cooperation with local Myanmar warlords.

The Chinese government in recent weeks has pushed a crackdown on these operations, and thousands of people involved have been repatriated to China. Many employed were tricked into working and then held against their will.

The Three Brotherhood Alliance has announced that a goal of its October 27 offensive was to crack down on the scam operations. Le Kyar Wai said the alliance would rescue those held by the scam centeres, arrest the people behind the operations and transfer them to relevant authorities.

The soldiers who surrendered were not the first to lay down their weapons to the alliance groups in Shan state. On October 30, 41 soldiers from another infantry battalion based in nearby Kunlong township surrendered.

Since the offensive began last month, soldiers and police have also surrendered in Karen, Kayah, Rakhine and Chin states and Sagaing region, according to ethnic armed groups and independent local media. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kabul [Afghanistan], November 15 (ANI): People who lost their homes in last year's earthquake the Gayan district of southeastern Paktika province in Afghanistan continue to remain without a roof over their heads, reported TOLO News.

The devastating earthquake of 6.1 magnitude in June 2022 destroyed an estimated almost 7,000 buildings in the region and caused widespread damage

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While over 2,700 buildings are still under construction and that work is planned to begin on 800 houses in the future, 850 houses have already been repaired and more than 3,000 houses remain unfinished, TOLO News reported.

"7,461 houses were completely destroyed in the earthquake, about 8,500 houses were built and handed to the people; more than 2,700 houses are being worked on, and another 800 houses are on the UNHCR list, and the remaining houses still remain without any construction," Khaama Press quoted Mohammad, deputy of the Gayan district, as saying.

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People in the district are pleading with the present administration and its allies for assistance in building the last few homes.

They said that a number of elderly and children perished in the winter months as a result of a lack of shelter.

"Last winter many people lost their lives due to the cold weather," said Abdullah Jan, a Gayan resident, according to Khaama Press.

"I am asking the organizations to take action before the arrival of winter, otherwise if we face heavy rain, it will be difficult for us," said Zarif Jan, another Gayan resident.

In addition to building shelters, people living in the Gayan Paktika district have urged the government to focus on building roads, health facilities, and other aspects of their life.

Since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan, the country's economic situation has deteriorated. The Afghans have repeatedly complained of lack of basic amenities under the interim government and the country is now heavily dependent on humanitarian aid. (ANI)

(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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Event ID: 198980157941253158513033730309042141054
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Event ID: 9022928372934894627121168471727146461
San Francisco, Nov 15 (PTI) The summit between US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping here is an important one and key global players like India will be watching its outcome very closely, the head of a top India-centric business and strategic group has said.

Mukesh Aghi, CEO of the US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF) told PTI that it is important that communication starts between the US and China, the two largest global economies.

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The much-anticipated summit between Biden and Xi will take place on Wednesday on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which the US is hosting in San Francisco from November 11 to 17.

I think the summit is important both from President Biden's perspective and also President Xi's perspective. China is struggling with its economy. There are issues in the growth story, unemployment. And the US is going into an election, and it already has two wars going on, one in the Middle East and one in Ukraine. So, it needs a China which is stable, it needs a China, which is collaborative and cooperative. Will that happen? We don't know, but I think it's important that communication starts between the two countries, Aghi said.

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Now, from an Indian perspective, I think you have two weak leaders coming together. And you have Prime Minister Modi who's a strong leader at the moment. So, I think India is going to watch this carefully because it does have an impact geopolitically or on India's position in the Indo-Pacific region. We wish all the best outcomes at the same time, India will watch this very, very carefully, he said.

Aghi asserted that the India-US relationship is very strong, has momentum, and is moving in the right direction.

Yes, you do have all the time in any relationship, but I think the maturity of the leadership on both sides can handle those issues. So, I feel the momentum continues, he said.

Aghi said bilateral trade is on the rise, the number of Indian students in the US has gone up to 2,70,000, and the Indian American population has gone up to almost five million.

From that perspective, the relationship is moving in the right direction, he added.

The ICET Dialogue that was launched early this year, he said, has started almost 108 different initiatives from artificial intelligence to cybersecurity.

What we have seen is that General Electric has signed a deal with HAL to manufacture GE engines. That will take time. That's a seven to 10-year project. It'll slowly keep on moving in that direction. We have seen in other areas, things have moved forward. I wish that it could move much faster because I think you need to create that momentum, you need to create that urgency, he said.

We are working very closely both with the Biden administration and the Indian government to see how we can support and assist in expediting the whole ICET process, he added.

Observing that India's defence platform is over 52 per cent dependent on Russia, he said the country needs to move away and create a platform that is an Indian platform.

ICET is going to help from that perspective. It's also going to help the US because what happens is you're able to produce the same quality equipment, same quality software at one-fifth the cost so that the pressure on us from defence spending perspective also can get managed, he said.

To me, it's like the old story of generic drugs. Twenty years ago, India didn't have much of the US market. Today it has 30 per cent of the US market bringing savings worth hundreds of billions of dollars to the US health budget. I see the defence also going forward 20 years from now is going to play the same pivotal role as the generic drug credit for the US market, Aghi explained.

Responding to a question on the situation in the Middle East, the USISPF CEO said India is one of the largest victims of terrorism.

Prime Minister Modi was quick to condemn terrorism and at the same time asserted India's position that innocent people should be spared, he said.

So, India has come out quite strongly on the killing of the Palestinians, especially women, children, and innocent men itself. I think India has a strong relationship with Israel. India has a strong relationship with Saudi Arabia and the UAE. I think India can play a very pivotal role trying to find the balance between the region among the Israelis and Arabs, he said.

When asked about the India-Canada diplomatic row, Aghi said it's unfortunate that the prime minister of a country without any evidence, levels allegations in a parliament.

It is a serious violation of statesmanship. It's a serious violation of diplomatic norms. If you have an issue, work through the back channels and India has asked. It has been months now, give us the evidence and there's no evidence coming out, he said.

At the same time money flow from Canadian Khalistani to India continues, he noted.

My thinking is very simple. We went after Pakistan, we put them on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) list itself. There's more money coming from Canada to basically fund terrorism in India. I think we should not think about putting Canada on the FATP list. You have two countries, great countries, democracies because of local politics, the partnership between the two countries has been hijacked.

I think we need to come out of that and lower the temperature. What we are seeing is that India has allowed visa processing to take place. India is kind of bringing the temperature down and I hope that continues, 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)
Guadalajara, November 15: 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. 'We're Here, We're Queer, We're Coming for Your Children' Chants by LGBTQ Activists in NYC's Annual Drag March at Manhattan Park Spark Outrage Online (Watch Videos)

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. Barbie: Pakistan Temporarily Bans Margot Robbie-Ryan Gosling's Movie Over Pro-LGBTQ Content

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.

(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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Event ID: 149698108874842006717652827062462957400
By Reena Bhardwaj

San Francisco [US], November 15 (ANI): On the sidelines of IPEF, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal attended ministerial-level talks on 'Clean Economy and Fair Economy' on Tuesday (local time).

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At the top of their meeting, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) ministers posed for a family photograph.

Besides discussion on the two pillars, ministers from 14 countries signed an agreement on the resilient chain under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) as they sought to forge an alliance to strengthen relations and reduce dependence on China in the post-Covid period.

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On Monday, other members (not including India) 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.

India has so far stayed away from the trade talks while keeping its options open for the future. A decision on the trade pillar, which is being closely watched in the US, will take some time as just around half of it has been negotiated.

Minister Goyal also attended a raft of bilateral meetings including with Ambassador Katherine Tai, United States Trade Representative, on the sidelines of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) in San Francisco. The two leaders held talks on the IPEF and trade pillars.

Goyal, who is on a four-day visit to the US, also took part in the Investors Round Table organised in collaboration with the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum and Indiaspora.

The event was attended by venture capitalists and entrepreneurs from a wide spectrum of industries in the US, including energy, manufacturing, logistics, and technology, among others.

In an interactive session held in San Francisco as part of the first leg of the tour in the US, the Minister held wide-ranging discussions with the participants and highlighted the various steps taken by the government of India to improve the ease of doing business.

"Highlighted how the country offers promising opportunities for investors, thanks to the unique combination of our demographic dividend, manufacturing capabilities & conducive business environment," Goyal posted on X, asserting India as an attractive investment destination for the world.

During the US visit till November 16, 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). India has been invited to the 30th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting 2023 as a 'Guest Economy'.

Goyal arrived in San Francisco on November 13. Kicking off the official tour, the Commerce and Industry Minister visited the Tesla Factory Unit in Fremont and interacted with the senior executives of the Tesla group.

Just shortly after his arrival in the US, Goyal met with Singapore's Minister for Trade and Industry, Gan Kim Yong. The two leaders discussed ways to accelerate cooperation across sectors to further deepen the economic partnership between India and Singapore.

Taking to X, Goyal stated, "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."

One of the key focus of the visit will be the joint event, co-chaired with US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, on the "India-USA Innovation Handshake Initiative", with the aim to lift up and connect the two sides' dynamic startup ecosystems, address specific regulatory hurdles to cooperation, and promote further innovation and job growth, particularly in emerging technologies."

Piyush Goyal is expected to interact with globally renowned technology, entrepreneurship, and academic communities in the Bay Area, particularly in Silicon Valley, to undertake focused discussions with American companies looking to invest or expand in India across sectors - Electronics (including semiconductors), Technology, FinTech etc. (ANI)

(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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Event ID: 2068137866600413507741039271345912756
The fourth weekend of the general big game hunting season brought warm, sunny weather and more hunters than last year to south-central Montana.

A total of 669 hunters visited check stations in Billings, Lavina, Big Timber and Columbus with a total of 268 harvested animals. Last year over the same weekend, 605 hunters visited check stations with 233 harvested animals. Hunters reported signs of bucks entering the rut over the weekend.

Check stations in Billings, Lavina and Big Timber operated on Sunday only. These check stations will operate only on Sundays until the closing weekend of the general season, when they will all operate on both Saturday, Nov. 25, and Sunday, Nov. 26. The Columbus check station operated on both Saturday and Sunday and will maintain this schedule for the entire season. All hunters are required to stop at game check stations, regardless of success.

The success rate was again highest at the Big Timber check station, with 57% of all hunters harvesting game. The Lavina check station saw the lowest hunter success rate  though still relatively high with 29% success  and the most hunters at 225.

The Columbus check station had hunter and harvest numbers for each species below the long-term averages for the same weekend, while the Big Timber check station was above long-term averages for hunter numbers and harvest for all species.

Cumulative elk harvest throughout the region so far this season has been above average, while cumulative antelope harvest has been below average. Mule deer harvest has been variable throughout the region.
London, Nov 15 (PTI) The UK government on Wednesday lost a crucial legal challenge after the Supreme Court in London ruled that its policy to deport refugees to Rwanda while their application for asylum is processed is unlawful.

The country's highest court agreed with a previous Court of Appeal decision to say that there are "substantial grounds" to believe people deported to Rwanda could then be sent to places they would be unsafe by the Rwandan government.

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It was one of the flagship policies championed by recently sacked home secretary Suella Braverman, who in a scathing pre-emptive letter had sought to lay the blame for such a ruling at the door of the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak  claiming he had failed to prepare any sort of credible Plan B to tackle the issue of illegal migration.

Sunak admitted it was not the outcome the government wanted as part of his "stop the boats" pledge but stressed that he had prepared for such an eventuality.

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We accept the Home Secretary's submission that the Rwandan government entered into the agreement in good faith, and that the capacity of the Rwandan system to produce accurate and fair decisions can and will be built up, notes the Supreme Court ruling.

Nevertheless, asking ourselves whether there were substantial grounds for believing that a real risk of refoulment existed at the relevant time, we have concluded that there were. The changes needed to eliminate the risk of refoulement may be delivered in the future, but they have not been shown to be in place now. The Home Secretary's appeal is therefore dismissed, it concludes.

The appeal was lodged by the Braverman-led Home Office after a Court of Appeal decision similarly went against the government. It will now be her successor, Home Secretary James Cleverly, who will be responsible for formulating the government's response and strategy going forward.

We have seen today's judgment and will now consider next steps. This was not the outcome we wanted, but we have spent the last few months planning for all eventualities and we remain completely committed to stopping the boats, Sunak said in a statement.

Crucially, the Supreme Court  like the Court of Appeal and the High Court before it  has confirmed that the principle of sending illegal migrants to a safe third country for processing is lawful. This confirms the government's clear view from the outset. Illegal migration destroys lives and costs British taxpayers millions of pounds a year. We need to end it and we will do whatever it takes to do so, he said.

The unanimous judgment was read out by Lord Robert Reed, President of the Supreme Court, which the Rwandan government has taken issue with.

"This is ultimately a decision for the UK's judicial system. However, we do take issue with the ruling that Rwanda is not a safe third country for asylum seekers and refugees, in terms of refoulement," a Rwandan government spokesperson said.

The deportation scheme as part of a GBP 140-million pact with Rwanda was initially launched by former home secretary Priti Patel and designed to see those arriving in the UK illegally, including via small boats across the English Channel, deported to the east African nation.

Refugee charities have consistently called the proposal "inhumane" and claimed it breaks human rights laws, while Opposition parties have deemed the plan a "gimmick".

An injunction from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) stopped the first flight of deportees to Rwanda from taking off in June last year and the scheme has been embroiled in litigation ever since, which means no asylum seekers have yet been deported to the country under the policy.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Geneva [Switzerland], November 15 (ANI): The UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk said on Wednesday that he was alarmed by reports that the arbitrary expulsion of Afghan nationals from Pakistan has been accompanied by abuse, including ill-treatment, arbitrary arrests and detention, destruction of property and personal belongings, and extortion, said UN Human Rights Office in a press statement.

Pakistan ordered undocumented foreigners, including Afghans residing in Pakistan, to leave the country by a deadline of 1 November this year. Between 15 September and 11 November, over 327,000 people have arrived in Afghanistan from Pakistan, many compelled to leave out of fear of arrest.

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As per the official press statement, despite Pakistani authorities having issued a Government-wide circular stating that individuals in possession of Proof of Registration (PoR) and Afghan Citizen Cards could only be repatriated on a voluntary basis at this time, the UN Human Rights Office has received complaints that, at least in some cases, this has been disregarded. These cards have been issued by the Government of Pakistan with the support of the UN refugee agency, and PoR card holders are Government-recognized refugees.

"These new developments are at variance with Pakistan's decades-long tradition of hosting, generously, Afghan refugees in vast numbers," Turk said.

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The UN Human Rights Office has received first-hand accounts from Afghans crossing the border who allege they were subjected to arbitrary treatment or abuse by Pakistan authorities.

According to the UN statement, one person said, "The local police conducted a night raid on our home. They confiscated cash, jewellery, goats, sheep and other items from our home and took them. They gave us just a few hours to collect the remaining stuff and leave the home by that day at dawn. As we were leaving, a bulldozer began to destroy our home. We felt very helpless and left the village with eyes full of tears."

"Many Afghans are arriving with very few financial resources, having been forced to leave their homes and jobs, in addition to being forced to pay bribes or having their possessions seized," Turk said. "In the current context of Afghanistan, this is exacerbating an already precarious humanitarian situation."

In some instances reported to UN Human Rights, Afghans have been arbitrarily arrested and detained in Pakistan, with some alleging ill-treatment.

According to the press statement, "Arbitrary arrests and detentions are contrary to Pakistan's obligations under international law," Turk added. "The right to liberty of a person is a fundamental right guaranteed to everyone without discrimination, including all migrants, irrespective of status. Immigration detention should be a last resort, and not used to compel return, and should be avoided completely in the case of children and other vulnerable groups."

Women and girls arriving in Afghanistan are particularly vulnerable. The de facto authorities' policies and edicts mean that they will be prevented from continuing their education beyond grade six, from working in most sectors, from accessing parks and other public spaces, and will face other broad restrictions on their participation in daily and public life.

"Pakistan must ensure protection for individuals who may face persecution, torture, ill-treatment or other irreparable harm in Afghanistan, in accordance with the principle of non-refoulement," Turk said. "This includes Afghan women and girls, former government officials and security personnel, ethnic and religious minorities, human rights defenders and civil society activists and media workers.

"The de facto authorities, as the duty bearers of Afghanistan's international human rights obligations, are obliged to ensure that such individuals are not targeted in Afghanistan after their arrival."

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights renewed his appeal to the Government of Pakistan to suspend the Afghan return programme until individual assessment procedures and other safeguards required by international law are in place, and to investigate complaints of abuse by law enforcement officers. (ANI)

(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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Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants participate in an anti-Israel military parade marking the 36th anniversary of the movement's foundation in Gaza City (Photo Credit: Reuters)

Washington, DC [US], November 15 (ANI): The US State Department on Tuesday (local time) labelled Akram al-Ajouri, the leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad's militant wing, as a specially designated global terrorist, CNN reported.

The US Treasury Department also imposed sanctions on "key Hamas officials and the mechanisms by which Iran provides support to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ)."

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Tuesday's actions were the latest penal measures taken in response to the October 7 Hamas attack against Israel, and both the designation and sanctions are intended to imped individuals' and organisations' access to resources and funding, according to CNN.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that Al-Ajouri also serves as PIJ Deputy Secretary General. A separate statement by the US Treasury stated that he "coordinated the militant training and recruitment operations for PIJ in Gaza, Syria, Sudan, Lebanon, and Yemen."

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Meanwhile, the Treasury Department also imposed sanctions on Mahmoud Khaled Zahhar, "a senior member and co-founder of Hamas who has worked closely with Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh."

"Zahhar has spoken publicly on behalf of Hamas, including in formal interviews, to threaten violence against Jewish civilians and emphasise its commitment to the destruction of Israel," the Treasury Department said in a news release, adding, "As a Hamas representative, Zahhar has also acknowledged and thanked Iran for its support of Hamas."

Another individual, Mu'ad Ibrahim Muhammed Rashid al-Atili, was also sanctioned on Tuesday "for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Hamas," according to CNN.

The Treasury Department also imposed sanctions on PIJ Representative to Iran Nasser Abu Sharif, the Muhjat AlQuds Foundation, "a PIJ-run, Iran-funded organisation whose primary mission is to provide financial support to the families of PIJ fighters and prisoners," and the foundation's leader, Jamil Yusuf Ahmad 'Aliyan.

The Treasury Department has also sanctioned the Lebanon-based money exchange company Nabil Chouman & Co, which, according to the department, Hamas uses to transfer money from Iran to Gaza, as well as its founder, Nabil Khaled Halil Chouman, his son Khaled Chouman and another Lebanon-based money exchanger, Reda Ali Khamis.

"For several years, the company has served as a conduit for transferring funds to Hamas, transferring tens of millions of dollars to the terrorist organisation," CNN reported the Treasury Department as saying. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Guwahati, November 15: Assam Police has launched a probe into the death threat of Assam Minister Atul Bora, the Director General of Police (DGP) said on Wednesday. Bora is also the president of BJP's ally in Assam, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP). A few days ago, a man posing as a member of the banned outfit United Liberation Front of AsomIndependent (ULFA-I) came to social media to announce that the group intended to attack Bora's residence. Mukesh Ambani Death Threat: Mumbai Police Arrest Two Youths for Extortion-cum-Death Threats Emails to Reliance Industries Chairman

The person identifying himself as Pranash Shandilya wrote 'Ami ulfa r pora sob kori asu. Besi din jiyai nathake ee (We in the ULFA are doing everything. His days are numbered). Death Threat to Maharashtra Minister: Chhagan Bhujbal Receives Death Threat From Unknown Phone Number on WhatsApp

Taking to X, the Assam DGP G.P. Singh said, "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. No such threat would be acceptable against elected representatives as it threatens the democratic polity." However, no arrests have been made in the case till now.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 15, 2023 01:10 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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Mumbai, November 15: Samsung denies launching a new "Affordable Samsung Galaxy foldable smartphone". Recently, multiple reports said that Samsung would launch a new affordable smartphone in budget or mid-range for the customers. The rumours said that Samsung would launch the smartphone with the next generation of Samsung Galaxy Fold6 and Samsung Galaxy Flip6 devices. According to the reports, the budget foldable smartphone from Samsung would launch under $500.

According to an X user, Revengus (@tech_rev), the device was likely to launch under the budget of $400 to $500, about Rs 33,000 to 42,000. Now, Samsung refuted all these rumours about introducing cheaper Galaxy Z Fold series alternatives. The user said on X," This is a very aggressive goal." The device was expected to be a budget-friendly option for customers who cannot enjoy the foldable smartphone technology. Samsung Likely To Launch First 'Affordable Galaxy Foldable Smartphone' in 2024; Know Price and Other Details Here.

Samsung Has No Plans of Launching a Budget Foldable Smartphone:

According to previous reports, the device was expected to debut in 2024. The reports said the budget-foldable smartphone would likely launch at a lower price than the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (Fan Edition). However, Samsung preferred to stick with the premium-segment foldable smartphone for now with no plans to introduce a budget-foldable device.

Samsung's most recent foldable or flip phones from its Galaxy Z series include the Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5, with starting prices of Rs 1,38,999 and Rs 85,000 on the official Samsung website. Both the prices are for Fab Special offer deals. The actual price for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is Rs 99,999, and the Samsung Galaxy Fold5 starts from Rs 1,54,999. Samsung wishes to stick with its current premium foldable smartphones with flagship performance and specifications. India's Wearable Market Grows by 29.2% in Third Quarter, Smart Ring Category Shows Promise.

According to the India Today report, a Samsung spokesperson clarified Korea JoongAng Daily, denying all the rumours about any Samsung budget-friendly foldable smartphone. The report further said about rumours of an affordable Samsung foldable smartphone were "baseless". However, Investopedia India report said that there could be a Samsung affordable foldable smartphone.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 15, 2023 04:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
West Texas Intermediate crude, the U.S. oil pricing benchmark, was trading at $78.26 per barrel on Tuesday, compared with an average of $89.43 in September and $81.32 in August. The highest price on record was $134 in June 2008.

The state's drilling rig count as of Tuesday was 35, up from an average of 33 in October. The rig count statewide is expected to gradually rise to the mid-forties over the next two years, according to the state Department of Mineral Resources.

Another rig moved out of the Fort Berthold Reservation, highlighting a trend of companies moving beyond the core area of oil production, Mineral Resources Director Lynn Helms said.

Well completion, which is the process needed to prepare a well for production, was at 96 in September, down from 129 in September.
On 14 November Ecuadors President-electmet Presidentfor discussions on the countrys security crisis, which will be a central focus of Noboas government after he takes office on 23 November.

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On 14 November Panamas attorney generals office announced it had ordered the arrest of two protest leaders in Chiriqui province,, and

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On 14 November Mexicos federal government called for the killing of non-binary magistrateto be investigated as a crime against the LGBTQI community.

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On 14 November, the head of Chiles leading business association, Confederacion de la Produccion y del Comercio (CPC), told national news website Emol that he was concerned about recent ransom kidnappings.

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Tensions among House Republicans have boiled over as an altercation between former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy of California and Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee broke out, with the latter accusing the former of elbowing him as he was getting interviewed. Meanwhile, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, McCarthy's archnemesis in the House, is now calling for a House Ethics Committee investigation over this altercation.

That interview was being conducted by NPR, which reported that while its reporter, Claudia Grisales, was speaking with Burchett, McCarthy shoved past him, making the Tennessee Republican stumble forward. This led Burchett to start yelling at McCarthy, telling him, "Why'd you elbow me in the back, Kevin?! Hey Kevin, you got any guts?!" before calling the former speaker a "jerk" and chasing him down the Capitol hallway.

Burchett finally caught up to McCarthy and confronted him, asking, "What kind of chicken move is that? You're pathetic, man. You are so pathetic."

Burchett told NPR that this was the first time he had spoken to McCarthy after he helped oust the California Republican from the House Speakership, adding, "He should have kept his word. I think that just showed what he's about and it's unfortunate."

However, McCarthy denied elbowing Burchett during a separate interview, saying that it was a "tight hall." This issue has now further divided Republicans as many Representatives and Senators have been hampered by infighting, with open feuds such as the one happening between Lauren Boebert of Colorado and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, as well as the one between George Santos of New York and his fellow New York Republicans, currently happening and furthering the divide.

Matt Gaetz Wants House Ethics Committee To Investigate Kevin McCarthy Over Tim Burchett Altercation

Meanwhile, far-right MAGA Republican Matt Gaetz, who was the one who brought up ousting Kevin McCarthy in the first place, says he is filing an ethics complaint against his archnemesis in the House.

READ NEXT: Marjorie Taylor Greene Calling Lauren Boebert a Wh*re to Other Republicans

According to Axios, the controversial Florida Republican wrote a letter to House Ethics Chair Michael Guest of Florida and Pennsylvania Democrat and Ranking Member Susan Wild on Tuesday regarding the altercation between McCarthy and Burchett.

In that letter, In that letter, Gaetz said that McCarthy's actions in elbowing Burchett in the back "deserves immediate and swift investigation by the Ethics Committee" and added that "This Congress has seen a substantial increase in breaches of decorum unlike anything we have seen since the pre-Civil War era."

Kevin McCarthy Says Matt Gaetz Has a Personal Vendetta Against Him Over Sex Trafficking Probe

Gaetz has been a thorn in Kevin McCarthy's side ever since his first attempt to become House Speaker was blocked by Gaetz and his MAGA allies. However, if Kevin McCarthy was asked how this feud began, he says it was because of the House Ethics Committee investigation into Gaetz's involvement in sex trafficking minors.

The DOJ dropped charges against Gaetz in February, but the House Ethics probe against him was still not dropped, and Gaetz is blaming McCarthy for it., according to CNBC.

"He's blaming me for an ethics complaint against him that happened in the last Congress," said the California Republican. "I have nothing to do with it."

"He wants me to try to wipe that away," and then stated, "I'm not going to do that. That's illegal."

READ MORE: Lauren Boebert Sex Scandal: MAGA Republican Says She Broke Up With Man She Fondled Inside a Denver Theater

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Kevin McCarthy GETS SERVED with DEVASTATING Ethics Complaint by...MATT GAETZ - MeidasTouch
Jesus Ociel Baena, the first openly nonbinary Mexico magistrate, was discovered dead in their Aguascalientes home on Monday, AP reports.

The authorities revealed that Baena had been receiving death threats due to their gender identity.

The Aguascalientes state prosecutor's office confirmed the fatalities, identifying the second deceased person as Baena's partner.

State prosecutor Jesus Figueroa Ortega reported at a press conference that both victims exhibited injuries consistent with a sharp object, possibly a knife.

He later noted that razor blades, presumed to be the cause of the wounds, were found in their hands, per The Guardian.

"There were no prints of a third party inside the home, and the front door was locked," Figueroa stated, emphasizing the absence of third-party involvement.

He added that security cameras revealed no unauthorized entries before or after the victims arrived around 1:00 am.

Bloodstains on the bed and bloody footprints throughout the house were discovered by investigators, heightening the complexity of the case.

Mexico's Security Secretary Rosa Icela Rodriguez, during a press briefing, stated that authorities were investigating whether the incident was a homicide or an accident, acknowledging the historical tendency of some murder investigations to be hastily categorized as crimes of passion.

READ NEXT: Mexico: 123 Migrants Trapped in Trailer

Thousands Attend Slain Mexico Magistrate's Vigil

Thousands gathered for a vigil on Monday evening, passionately demanding justice for Mexico magistrate Jesus Ociel Baena, who was found dead in their Aguascalientes home.

Attendees, shouting "We won't stay silent," lit candles in honor of Baena, whose death has raised concerns about violence against the LGBTQ+ community, according to Al Jazeera.

Alejandro Brito, director of the LGBTQ rights group Letra S, expressed deep concern, fearing that Baena's death might fuel intimidation and violence against the LGBTQ+ community.

"If this was a crime motivated by prejudice, these kinds of crimes always have the intention of sending a message," Brito emphasized.

"The message is an intimidation, it's to say: 'This is what could happen to you if you make your identities public," he added.

The National Observatory of Hate Crimes Against LGBTI+ Persons in Mexico documented 305 violent hate crimes against sexual minorities from 2019 to 2022, encompassing acts such as murder and disappearances.

Mexico Magistrate Jesus Ociel Baena

In October 2022, Jesus Ociel Baena etched their name in history by becoming the first nonbinary person to hold the esteemed position of magistrate for the Aguascalientes state electoral court, PEOPLE noted.

Earlier in the same year, Baena achieved another first, becoming one of the inaugural individuals in the country to be issued a gender-neutral passport, a move indicative of Mexico's evolving recognition of diverse gender identities.

Shortly before their untimely death, Baena Saucedo received further recognition from the electoral court, being acknowledged as "maestre" - a gender-neutral term serving as an alternative to the conventional masculine "magistrado" and feminine "magistrada" in Spanish.

"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," Jesus Ociel Baena posted on X in June.

READ MORE: ELN Frees Luis Diaz's Father

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Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Mexico's first LGBTQ+ non-binary magistrate found dead - From Arirang News
Guyana is escalating its territorial dispute with its neighbor, Venezuela, to the International Court of Justice, the highest court in the United Nations, over a massive piece of jungle territory the size of Tunisia that many say is rich in minerals.

The dispute between the two countries has been going on for a long time and it dates back since an arbitration award by an international tribunal in 1899 drew the border between the two South American countries. This disputed territory is located west of the Essequibo River and is the size of the North African country of Tunisia.

According to the Associated Press, this disputed piece of jungle territory is "rich in gold, diamonds, timber, and other natural resources," and both countries are claiming it is part of their territory. Guyana claims it is theirs based on the 1899 ruling, while Venezuela also claims it is theirs.

Guyana first launched its case back in 2018, asking the International Court of Justice to uphold the 1899 ruling. However, the dispute escalated after Venezuelan authorities published five questions for its referendum regarding the Essequibo territory. The vote for that is scheduled for December 3, and Guyana wants the ICJ to stop it.

Guyana Says Venezuela Referendum Is an 'Existential' Threat

The Venezuela referendum on the disputed territory calls the 1899 decision into question as the country has been wanting the territory ever since ExxonMobil discovered oil in Essequibo in 2015.

However, Carl Greenidge, a former minister representing Guyana at the ICJ, told The Hague that "It is not an exaggeration to describe the current threat to Guyana as existential," as the country has long regarded the Essequibo as part of its territory.

READ NEXT: Venezuela Election: Maria Corina Machado Officially Wins Opposition Primary

"I cannot stress enough the urgency of the situation that brought us here today," added the leader of Guyana's legal team, warning the ICJ that the country risks "irreparable and potential permanent loss" of its rights to its own sovereign territory should the referendum push through.

However, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was also at The Hague and claimed on Venezuelan TV that Guyana "lied and manipulated" in its presentation to the court.

"Guyana never ceases to amaze us. We are really very surprised because not only are they the heirs of a territory that the UK had stolen from Venezuela, but they also inherited that... imperialist and colonialist arrogance," stated the Venezuelan VP on state TV.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Expresses Concern Over Guyana and Venezuela's Dispute

As the dispute between Guyana and Venezuela continues to escalate, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his concern.

"The Secretary-General is following with concern the recent escalation of tension between Guyana and Venezuela over the border controversy between the two countries. He trusts that both parties will demonstrate good faith and avoid any action that would aggravate or extend the controversy," stated Secretary General's spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

According to AA, the statement came after Venezuela accused Guyana of allowing the United States to establish military bases in the disputed area.

Meanwhile, Guyanese Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd dismissed these remarks and accused Venezuela of spreading misinformation, saying, "It seems to be Venezuela's usual position which is to deceive and create division in the region, and I think they are failing."

READ MORE: Guyana Pirates Trial: Court Sentences 2 Pirates to Death Over Fishermen's Deaths

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Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: FACT CHECK: Venezuelan Maduro Baselessly Accuses Guyana's Ali of Violating the Treaty of Geneva - Voice of America
Joe Biden's new policy of deporting migrants seems to be working as the number of people trying to cross the US-Mexico border seems to have dropped dramatically, especially among Venezuelans.

The Biden administration has started deporting some migrants directly to Venezuela, which is facing massive socio-economic and political crises. This may have deterred a few more migrants as their numbers have dropped, especially with Venezuelans who are afraid of going back to their beleaguered country.

According to CBS News, Border Patrol agents apprehended 29,637 Venezuelan migrants illegally entering the US last month. This is a significant 46% drop from last September, which saw unlawful crossings by Venezuelans soar to 54,833.

The deportation order began last October after an agreement was reached with the Venezuelan government, which has long refused to accept the return of its citizens trying to flee its oppressive regime. The ones getting deported are those e found to be ineligible for asylum or temporary legal status.

The first deportation flight back to Venezuela was conducted last October 18, with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement then carrying out weekly deportation flights since. Hundreds of Venezuelan adults have since been deported back to their country.

Acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller announced the decrease in arrivals along the US-Mexico border 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," Miller said.

Illegal Border Entries by Migrants Along the US-Mexico Border Decreased in General During October

The number of Venezuelans trying to cross the US-Mexico border was not the only big drop, as migrant numbers in general have also gone down, according to the CBP.

READ MORE: Venezuela Orders Arrest of Ousted Opposition Leader Juan Guaido

The Associated Press reported that illegal l border crossings from Mexico fell 14% in October. This ends a three-month streak of big increases in people trying to illegally enter the United States.

In September, there was a record of 218,763 illegal migrants from various nationalities trying to cross. However, this number has since gone down last month, with the arrests for illegal crossings totaling 188,778 for all nationalities in October,

El Salvador Trying To Help Curb Influx of Migrants Into US-Mexico Border

After the US has gotten the cooperation of Venezuela, other countries in Central America are also trying to help deter migrants from other countries from crossing over. This includes Haiti, which stopped flights going to Nicaragua in an effort to halt the exodus of its citizens.'

Over in El Salvador, the country is experiencing an influx of African and Indian travelers. Many of them are using the country as a springboard to the US in the hope of illegally entering the country through the US-Mexico border. However, El Salvador is now clamping down on this amid US pressure to curb migration.

According to the Associated Press, travelers from dozens of countries arriving in El Salvador must now pay a $1,130 fee on arrival. This is seen to deter migrants from trying to trek to the US-Mexico border from the country. However, this fee was described officially as an "airport improvement fee."

READ MORE: Nicaragua Helping Fuel Migrant Crisis by 'Weaponizing' Haitian Migrants as Leverage Against US

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Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Biden administration will resume deporting Venezuelan migrants - TODAY
A Colorado hiker, Rich Moore, who had been missing since August, was discovered deceased alongside his loyal dog on October 30, according to HuffPost.

Moore, a 71-year-old resident of Pagosa Springs, failed to return from his planned summit of Blackhead Peak on August 19.

Blackhead Peak, a 12,500-foot mountain situated in the rugged San Juan mountains in the southwest portion of Colorado, east of Pagosa Springs, became the focal point of an extensive search effort.

The grim discovery was made by a hunter in the area who stumbled upon Moore's remains and promptly notified the Archuleta County Sheriff's Office.

Notably, a white Jack Russell terrier was found alive at Moore's side.

Prior to this discovery, the sheriff's office, in collaboration with search and rescue groups from the region, had dedicated nearly 2,000 hours to locate the missing hiker.

Despite these efforts, Moore's fate remained unknown until the hunter's report on October 30.

READ NEXT: California Hiker Found Dead in Cape Kiwanda

Colorado Hiker's Retrieval

Following the discovery, a recovery crew was swiftly deployed the next day.

Rich Moore's lifeless body was found more than two miles east of the peak he had intended to summit, as conveyed by Delinda Vanne-Brightyn, a member of Taos Search and Rescue, per PEOPLE.

Vanne-Brightyn, along with her certified K9 partner AkioYodasan, detailed their search efforts, emphasizing the challenging terrain by noting that they were inserted into the area by helicopter due to its steepness.

The dedicated duo combed the region just under the peak-top and directly west in their quest to locate Moore.

Finney, the loyal Jack Russell terrier found alive at Moore's side, underwent a thorough checkup and treatment by a veterinarian.

The sheriff's office confirmed that Finney is now safely reunited with Moore's family, ABC News reports.

Vanne-Brightyn, a seasoned dog trainer with two decades of experience, lauded Finney's "magnificent story of survival" as a testament to the Jack Russell breed's dedication and toughness.

The hunter who discovered Moore's body clarified that it was about 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) east of the peak, a considerable distance from Moore's car, according to Vanne-Brightyn.

Archuleta County Coroner Brad Hunt determined that Moore, despite his experience as a hiker, succumbed to hypothermia.

Hypothermia, known to induce disorientation and confusion, was identified as the cause of death.

In a remarkable twist, Finney, the tiny Jack Russell, managed to survive the harsh conditions.

Vanne-Brightyn speculated that Finney likely sustained herself by hunting small animals such as mice while adeptly avoiding larger predators like mountain lions, coyotes, and bears.

Reflecting on Finney's survival, Vanne-Brightyn expressed the sentiment that if the dog could articulate her experiences, it would be an incredible tale.

Despite the tragic loss of Moore, Finney's return to the family brings a measure of solace.

"We are very glad... that Finney was returned to the family because they have lost their loved one, but they still have this wonderful, loyal dog," Vanne-Brightyn concluded.

Expert Explains Dog's Loyalty

Certified dog behaviorist and trainer Russell Hartstein asserts that it's not uncommon for dogs to develop an intense loyalty to their owners, sometimes to the point of unwavering dedication until death.

Hartstein emphasized the profound connection that can exist between dogs and their human companions during a CNN interview on Monday.

In particular, Hartstein noted that Jack Russell terriers, like the loyal companion in this case, are bred with survival instincts, often relying on their ability to hunt rodents or other small animals.

The Colorado Hiker and his loyal dog's story is not the first of its kind where a missing hiker has been discovered deceased with their faithful furry friend still by their side.

A similar situation unfolded last year in May when 74-year-old Donald Hayes went missing while hiking a mountain near Prescott, Arizona.

Authorities, as per a 2022 release, reported that when Hayes' remains were found nearly a week later in rugged terrain, his dog Ranger was alive and assumed to have steadfastly remained with him throughout the ordeal.

Ranger, Hayes' loyal dog, received necessary treatment at a local animal hospital, as stated in the release.

READ MORE: 10-Year-Old Boy Dead, 4 Injured in a Texas Flea Market Shooting

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Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Colorado hiker missing since August found dead with his dog alive by his side - From 9NEWS
Donald Trump's former attorneys and now co-defendants in the Georgia election case, Sidney Powell and Jenna Ellis, spilled some damning testimony regarding their former client as shown in their leaked deposition videos where they admitted that the former president had no intentions of leaving the White House after losing the election to Joe Biden.

ABC News obtained videos of these leaked depositions and showed that their testimonies could be damaging to the former president. The two former Trump attorneys flipped on him in Georgia after pleading guilty to multiple crimes. As part of their plea agreements, neither of them are going to prison.

In her sworn deposition, Ellis told Fulton County prosecutors that senior Trump White House official Dan Scavino told her that "the boss" refused to leave the White House despite losing the election.

"And he said to me, in a kind of excited tone, 'Well, we don't care, and we're not going to leave,'" said Ellis, describing what the former Trump aide told her. "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.'"

The conversation reportedly happened during a Christmas party held between Trump's inner circle, which was held on December 19, 2020. During that party, Ellis stated that she tried to warn Scavino that it would be illegal, but he told her, "We don't care."

As for Powell, she reportedly told prosecutors about her plans to seize voting machines nationwide and admitted that she had frequent communications with Donald Trump regarding this.

Powell During that leaked deposition, Powell reiterated her false assertion that Trump won the 2020 election. However, she acknowledged that she does not know much about election law, telling Fulton County prosecutors, "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."

READ MORE: Donald Trump Told Australian Billionaire Anthony Pratt About Calls With Foreign Leaders

Leaked Sidney Powell and Jenna Ellis Depositions Could Spell Trouble for Donald Trump in Georgia

Ryan Goodman, a former special counsel for the Department of Defense, spoke with CNN and told the outlet that if prosecutors can prove Trump knew he lost the election and tried to overturn the results, it would be "Game Over" for him and added that the Jenna Ellis deposition could prove that.

"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."

Fani Willis Says Deposition Videos Leaked To Intimidate Witnesses

While the leaked depositions could mean trouble for Donald Trump, Fulton County DA Fani Willis was none too happy about the leaks, saying that her office did not leak the videos and that the only side that has them is the defense.

"These confidential video recordings were not released by the State to any party other than the defendants charged in the indictment, pursuant to the discovery process as required by law," she said in a filing obtained by the Washington Post. "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."

READ MORE: Donald Trump Co-Defendant Jenna Ellis Turns On Ex-POTUS, Calls Him a 'Malignant Narcissist'

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Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Trump's former co-defendant's admit their election fraud claims were the real fraud - MSNBC
Earlier today we posted about "bully" Kevin McCarthy "shoving" and "elbowing" Rep. Tim Burchett in the back while the Tennessee lawmaker was talking to NPR reporter Claudia Grisales. Since then, a recording of the incident was released by Grisales (listen to audio below, reposted on X by Aaron Fritschner).

"Hey Kevin, ya got any guts?" Burchett asked the embittered ousted speaker, before muttering, "Jerk."

"Has he done that before?" Girsales asked.

"No. I'm gonna talk to him," Burchett said.

"Hey Kevin, why'd you go behind me and elbow me in the back?" he said to his aggressor. "What kind of chicken move is that? You're pathetic, man. You are so pathetic. What a jerk. You need security, Kevin!"

This, on the same day that Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin challenged a witness to a fist fight in the committee room, which Bernie Sanders had to break up. Just a snapshot of what every day on Capitol Hill will look like if the rootin' tootin' MAGA party takes over next November.
Daniel Roebuck, the Lehigh Valleys resident Cecil B. DeMille, announced a new film on Monday that would be shot around the Lehigh Valley. After he made the announcement, he expressed his true commitment to his craft by immediately starting to film.

In an event hosted at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem, Roebuck, a veteran actor whos stepped behind the camera for a bevy of films set in the Lehigh Valley, announced the commencement of production on another film, Saint Nick of Bethlehem, according to a release. The film is based on the true story of a man who found purpose in adopting a Santa Claus persona after a family tragedy, and, like the other Roebuck-directed flicks, will feature plenty of notable Lehigh Valley locales. Roebuck will also star in the titular role.

Aside from Hotel Bethlehem, which Roebuck has filmed at before, some of the set locations for the movie include St. Lukes Childrens Hospital, SteelStacks Christkindlmarkt and right on Downtown Bethlehems Main Street.

The insistence to film in the Lehigh Valley should come as no surprise. Three of the actor-directors other films  Getting Grace, The Hail Mary and Lucky Louie  were largely filmed on location in the area using actors and crew members from the Lehigh Valley.

The decision to shoot in the area came after Roebuck and another filmmaker, Spencer Folmar, who collaborated with Roebuck on the story, heard that the Hallmark Channel had announced a film called Miracle in Bethlehem, PA, but had no plans to shoot the movie in the Christmas City  rather, for tax credit purposes, production would take place north of the border in Canada.

That decision makes all the sense in the world to Roebuck the producer. But to Roebuck the storyteller and Roebuck the Lehigh Valley native, theres nothing like the real thing. Im filming this Lehigh Valley-based film completely in the Lehigh Valley, he said in the release.

According to the release, Roebuck and crew are shooting in the area for a week in November and then three weeks in March.

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Connor Lagore may be reached at clagore@njadvancemedia.com.
Four people Tuesday evening were hurt in a chain-reaction collision involving three vehicles in Bethlehem, city police said.

Bethlehem Police Capt. Nicholas P. Lechman told lehighvalleylive.com the accident happened shortly before 6 p.m. in the southbound lanes of Schoenersville Road  just north of Industrial Drive.

The accident began when one of the vehicles struck the back of another stopped in traffic, Lechman said. The impact of the struck vehicle then pushed it into the third vehicle, also stopped in traffic, he said.

One person was hurt and taken to an area hospital for treatment while three others were treated at the scene, Lechman said. Those injured, he said, included each driver, along with a passenger in one of the vehicles.

None of the injuries appeared serious, Lechman said.

The driver that struck the stopped vehicle was cited for careless driving, Lechman said.

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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
A mechanic who led gardai on a chase hitting speeds in excess of 200kph has been jailed.

Dylan Deegan, 25, of 20 Old Town Avenue, Santry, Dublin 9 admitted to dangerous driving, not having a licence or insurance and evading a toll on the M7 in Laois on March 13, 2020.

Garda Stephen OHanlon gave evidence of detecting a red Skoda Octavia on the M7 driving at 164kph. The vehicle failed to stop and Garda OHanlon gave pursuit and observed the car travelling in excess of 200kph.

It tailgated a truck through the toll plaza, said Garda OHanlon.

The car took off at speed once through the toll plaza and the garda helicopter joined the pursuit all the way to Dublin. He said the defendant had 32 previous convictions.

David Nugent BL said his client had been prosecuted for the driving incidents in Dublin on the day. He told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court that the man was being supported by his family in court.

The man had trained with Ford and was a qualified mechanic, said Mr Nugent. There had been tragedy in his life at the time of the offending, he explained.

He and his partner had suffered a tragedy and lost a child, he said.

Mr Nugent said his client wishes to turn his life around and put this behind him.

Judge Andrew Cody described the charges as serious offences. He said in relation to the three dangerous driving charges and the no insurance, he was going to impose six months each concurrent with the final three months suspended. All of the other charges were taken into consideration.

He fixed recognisance in case of appeal.
A prestigious new award in memory of former IFA president and Durrow man Padraig Walshe was presented this month at an event where an emerging Laois farm leader was awarded a Nuffield Scholarship.

The Nuffield Ireland annual conference took place at the Mount Wolseley Hotel in Carlow on November 10. It was officially opened by the Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Pippa Hackett.

The theme for this years conference was Finding Common Ground between consumers and the farming community which was discussed by agri-communicator and keynote speaker Amy Jackson, Director of Oxtale and Nuffield UK 2012 Scholar.

We cannot expect the world to change around us, we need to be part of that change. However, we need to engage on societys terms and not our own. Being willing to come to the table is not enough. What we really need to think about is how we can take charge to bring people to our table in order to develop trust, accountability, and transparency to start to be in control of the issue.

One of the four returning Nuffield Ireland presenting scholars was the inaugural recipient of a new award in honour of the late Mr Walshe who passed away last February. He was a Nuffield Scholar who would later lead the IFA as president.

Joe Leonard, Nuffield Ireland Chairperson, spoke about the inaugural Award.

This award will be given annually to the best presentation by a returning scholar, as voted on by the conference attendees. The award will include a beautiful perpetual trophy which is Ronan Halpins Queen Maebhs Bull and a ticket to a major international agricultural conference or event. Our 2022 Scholars will be the first to compete for the Nuffield Ireland Padraig Walshe Award. This award will honour Padraigs memory and legacy into the future, he said.

Matt OKeeffe and Matt Ryan, two friends of the late Mr Walshe discussed his legacy at the event. They spoke of a life dedicated to leadership and service to agriculture and his fellow farmers.

The award was presented to Cavan native and 2022 scholar Lance Woods. A Ruminant Marketing Manager with MSD Animal Health. His topic explored how animal health can positively impact our climate change targets. Through his studies, Nuffield says Mr Woods investigated how emissions could be reduced by ensuring good animal health while exploring how farmers can change behaviours at farm level to achieve this. Nuffield say the findings highlight that emissions cand be reduced if farmers embrace animal health and husbandry technologies.

The award will be given annually to the best presentation by a returning scholar, as voted on by the conference attendees.

Following in the footsteps of his countyman Padraig Walshe, John Keane, a dairy and beef farmer from Errill, also attended the event to officialy accept his scholarship. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured is John Keane speaking at the conference. Pic: Finbarr O'Rourke

A graduate of University College Dublin with a BSc in Dairy Business in 2014, Mr Keane only recently completed his term as the President of Macra na Feirme.

His scholarship will see him investigating routes to the eradication of Bovine TB here in Ireland.

Nuffield says his passion for the eradication of the disease comes from firsthand experience, along with seeing the impact the disease has on farmers and their families whilst being Macra na Feirme's National President.

He has previously travelled to New Zealand to work in agriculture and broaden his experiences. Since returning home to full-time farming in 2016, John has been an active member of discussion groups, Macra na Feirme, and his local GAA club.

Nuffield says its farming scholarship is a leadership development programme, in which scholars who demonstrate potential are given a bursary to travel, research and present a report on their chosen topic.

Nuffield Ireland says its mission is to discover, inspire and support people to develop their capacity, character and confidence to promote positive change and world-class leadership in agriculture, food and farming.
A Laois man has taken up a post with the United Nations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Evin Joyce, 38, from Glenbarrow, will work for the United Nations in Goma, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where he will be deployed for the next six months.

Evin is the 500th member to be deployed from Irelands Rapid Response Roster. The Roster is a panel of humanitarian experts managed by Irish Aid at the Department of Foreign Affairs.

He will work as a community engagement specialist to ensure the UN knows about and responds to the needs of ordinary people.

Evin explained the nature of his work and the environment on the ground.

The security situation at the moment is very challenging, as there are armed actors encroaching on the town, the electricity is down, whether that is intentional or not.

They are fighting for different bits of territory, so its very important to create humanitarian space so we can access the people who are in greatest need, while always remaining politically neutral,

Evin Joyce was recruited to Irelands Rapid Response Roster in 2017 after gaining five years of professional experience from previous missions working directly with the United Nations.

He works within communities to identify the high priority humanitarian needs of people to ensure reliable and regular aid reaches them.

No two days are the same. I meet with the recipients of the assistance were providing, visiting refugee camps and rural communities, he explained.

I carry out exercises with different demographic groups such as teenagers, elder men, children, to identify what their major needs are and to see what we can do to best match these basic needs. It is challenging and high pressure and there is a culture of emergency.

Evins deployment marks a milestone for Irelands Rapid Response Roster.

Im really honoured to be the 500th Rapid Responder, its a real credit to the guys in Irish Aid who get us out here in the first place with a lot of hidden leg work.

The Rapid Response Roster is so important to have in place as it enables the United Nations to fulfil specialised humanitarian roles when they do not have capacity of people to fill them, Evin said.

Our mission as humanitarians is to try access the most vulnerable to ease their suffering and save lives. Its one of the greatest privileges Ive ever known - to work for the United Nations representing your own country as an expert on a mission and humanitarian operation, he added.

In 2019, Evin went on his first deployment with Irish Aid to Malawi where he helped people affected by a devastating cyclone there. He has also carried out humanitarian work in Mali and Zambia.

Evin will be working with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to help those displaced by violence. The DRC is one of the worlds largest forgotten crises.

One in four Congolese cannot meet their basic food needs. Almost seven million people have been forced to leave their homes due to violence between different armed groups. They are also hosting over half a million refugees from neighbouring countries.

Pictured above: Evin Joyce Sitting on a roof in a remote village in Malawi in order to get coverage to take a call with UN colleagues in the capital city.

Minister of State for International Development, at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Sean Fleming, said: It is great to see a fellow Laois man deploy from the Rapid Response Roster. Through the Roster, Ireland provides different kinds of experts to the UN.

We have experts in nutrition, education, logistics, child protection and lots more. It is all part of Irelands response to humanitarian crises around the world.

We added 50 more people to the Roster in 2023, and I am delighted to be meeting them in Dublin this week.

There is a good gender balance, with 60% male and 40% female, and a good mix of Irish and international members.
Laois people are being urged to take advantage of an expansion in eligibility for the GP Visit Card scheme.

Minister of State and Laois TD, Sean Fleming, says that due to changes in income thresholds and other qualifying criteria it's estimated that about 215,000 more people are eligible for the means-tested cards available to people between 8 and 69.

He said certain costs and bills are now factored into qualification such as rent or mortgages, childcare costs, travel to work costs, house insurance premiums, maintenance costs or nursing home fees.

GP visit card cover the cost of visits to your GP and visits to GP out-of-hours services. Blood tests to diagnose or monitor a condition are covered. The GP visit card does not cover hospital charges.

"This is very welcome news for families in Laois and across Ireland. This will help many people and families with the cost-of-living and also with more access to healthcare," said the Fianna Fail TD.

Minister Fleming outlined the changes to the weekly threshold increased for:

Single person living alone  from 304 to 418

Single person living with family  from 271 to 373

Couple without dependents  from 441 to 607

Couple with dependents  from 441 to 607, plus an allowance for dependents

One-parent family  from 441 to 607, plus an allowance for dependents

He also outlined the an allowance being added for dependents as follows:

57.00 for first and second child aged under 16

61.50 for third and more children aged under 16

58.50 for first and second child aged 16 or over who are financially dependent

64.00 for third and more children aged 16 or over who are financially dependent

117.00 for all children aged 16 or over who are financially dependent, in third-level education and not grant aided

He gave examples of who would be now eligible as follows.

Two parents, with two children earn 104,000 per year. The cost of their rent is 2,700 per month. Their two children are in childcare, costing 700 per week.

A single person earning 36,000 per year who is currently renting at 1,250 per month.

A single parent who earns 40,000 and has one child, who attends creche at a cost of 736 per week.

Minister Fleming said this is the third expansion of the scheme by the Government this year. He said close to 850,000 people in Ireland are now eligible for free GP care. He said his party is committed to making healthcare more accessible to all people in Ireland.
Congress performer Matt Gaetz seized upon this morning's "sucker punch" drama  in which former speaker Kevin McCarthy shoved Rep. Tim Burchett with a sharp elbow  calling for an investigation by the House Ethics Committee into the the former speaker. Because ousting McCarthy from his speakership wasn't enough for Gaetz, who is out for blood after he himself was put under investigation for "sexual misconduct and misuse of funds."

"This Congress has seen a substantial increase in breaches of decorum unlike anything we have seen since the pre-Civil War era," the Florida man wrote, via Axios. "I myself have been a victim of outrageous conduct on the House floor as well, but nothing like an open and public assault on a Member, committed by another Member. The rot starts at the top."

Gaetz also said the matter "deserves immediate and swift investigation by the Ethics Committee." (See full complaint below, posted by Ron Filipkowski.)

McCarthy has since denied elbowing his colleague in the kidney, even though the alleged incident took place in a crowded hallway where others, including NPR journalist Claudia Grisales, say they saw it happen.

And when asked what he thought about Gaetz filing a complaint against him, McCarthy told a reporter, "Oh good. No. I think Ethics is a good place for Gaetz to be."

From Mediaite:

McCarthy has long claimed that Gaetz, who led the effort to oust him as speaker last month, holds a personal grudge against him. McCarthy told CNN last week. "It's driven by Gaetz, and it was all based upon an ethics complaint that happened in the last Congress. He would throw his country away to try to protect himself for what would come out as the truth." "If the Ethics Committee never does anything to Gaetz, then Gaetz was successful in stopping probably what rightfully should come to him," McCarthy told Manu Raju at the time. Gaetz is under investigation over allegations he "engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, shared inappropriate images or videos on the House floor, misused state identification records, converted campaign funds to personal use and accepted impermissible gifts under House rules, among other allegations," reported the New York Times in October.
A public lift at the carpark in the Civic Plaza in Portlaoise has been smashed again by vandals.

It means that the two storey carpark beside Laois County Council offices is effectively out of bounds for people in wheelchairs.

Cllr Thomasina Connell raised concerns by the Laois branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association, to Laois County Council at the October meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District.

"This was brought to my attention by the Irish Wheelchair Association. I hear it is not going to be repaired before the Christmas market next month so unless wheelchair users have assistants, they can't go. The ramp is too steep," she said.

She suggests that a security camera be installed.

Cllr Connell also asked if the council will do "anything to combat vandalism".

Laois County Council however has promised that the lift will be fixed in time.

Director of Services is Simon Walton.

"The lift was repaired, we did significant work in the undercroft to bring it back to use. In recent weeks the lift was vandalised. The push button has been pulled out. We would never seek to exclude any group from the Christmas market. We'll put arrangements in place so the lift will be repaired in time," he said.

On actions to combat vandalism of the lift, he said there would be data privacy issues around using CCTV cameras.

"The lift is there for public use," he said.

The MD Cathaoirleach Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald suggested adding more wheelchair parking spaces to the plaza at ground level as a temporary measure.

However Mr Walton said that he did not think any disability parking spaces were inside the two storey facility.

"All the disability spaces at at plaza level. But the lift needs to be ready by the Christmas market," he said.

Cllr Connell had tabled a motion to the MD meeting asking for an update on the broken lift. The official reply given by the roads section was that it will be repaired shortly.

The Civic Plaza Carpark was built in 2007/2008 on land gifted to Laois County Council by Dunnes Stores. However the lower deck was closed soon after following vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

In 2020 the council launched a tender request to do extensive repairs, describing the damage done.

"The upper and basement level car park had been serviced by an elevator which has been vandalised and is out of order. Recessed lighting and wiring in the exterior walls have all been damaged and there is graffiti on the walls and doors. The entry and exit roller doors and pedestrian doors on the basement level have also been damaged and remain closed," they said.

It got new lights, upgraded CCTV, a panic button and swipe card entry-exit system, entry barries with fobs for drivers, new shutters and doors and a new fire alarm.
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, both of whom are Limerick county TDs 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 31-year-old man was convicted in his absence at Naas District Court on Thursday, November 9 last for driving under the influence of both cocaine and cannabis.

Judge Desmond Zaidan was told about the offence committed by Richard Raymond-Collins, with an address listed as 16 Greenfort Lawns in Clondalkin, Dublin 22, County Dublin.

Gardai told the court that on January 1, 2021, Mr Raymond-Collins was seen driving on the N7 in Quinnsboro, near Monasterevin, and was stopped by gardai at a speeding checkpoint.

It was heard that the gardai who pulled him over said they noticed 'a strong smell of weed' coming from Mr Raymond-Collins.

After he submitted an oral fluid specimen to gardai, he tested positive for both cocaine and cannabis in his system.

Gardai added that an official specimen certificate issued shortly after the incident once again showed that he tested positive for cocaine and cannabis on the date in question.

Mr Raymond-Collins has two previous convictions: one for an unauthorised Learner driver offence, and one for a drink-driving offence, both in 2011.

He was disqualified for driving for a total of four years in 2011.

After consideration, Judge Zaidan imposed two 500 fines on Mr Raymond-Collins (one for the drug-driving offence, and one for speeding), and gave him three months to pay both fines.

He also imposed a one-year driving disqualifiation on Mr Raymond-Collins.
Naas District Court was told on Thursday, November 9 last that an alleged sex offender fled Ireland with the aid of another man.

Gardai made the claim to Judge Desmond Zaidan in the case of Mati Rahman, with an address listed as The Moyle, Prospect Hill, Finglas, Dublin 11, County Dublin.

The court was told that on April 26 last, the 42-year-old allegedly drove the unidentified defendant (who was meant to appear at a sexual assault trial at Naas District Court) up to Northern Ireland.

From there, the other person managed to get on a ferry and fled Ireland.

Gardai further alleged that when they approached Mr Rahman about the alleged offence, he gave them false information, and thus attempted to pervert the course of justice.

It was alleged that Mr Rahman was paid to drive the other person up to Northern Ireland.

A book of evidence was served on the accused, and Judge Zaidan sent his case forward for trial to the present sittings of Naas Circuit Criminal Court.
A number of members of the Defence Forces with Kildare connections were presented with Value Awards at a ceremony earlier this week.

On 13th November 2023 at Casement Aerodrome Baldonnel, the President of the European Court of Human Rights, Ms Justice Siofra O Leary presented Defence Forces members with Values Awards in the company of Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Sean Clancy, Award winners and their families and colleagues.

This is the 6th iteration of the Awards, whose recipients are Defence Forces personnel who have best displayed Selflessness, Loyalty, Integrity, Moral Courage, Physical Courage and Respect. Nominated by their peers, these personnel were chosen as those who best exemplify the values and standards of Oglaigh na hEireann.

Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Sean Clancy extends his gratitude to the families of the award winners and speaks about the Defence Forces Values.

'It gives me great pleasure to be here today to host this years Defence Force Values Award ceremony. I particularly wish to extend our gratitude to your families, whose sacrifices and support enable us to serve and perform our tasks to the highest possible standards. The legacy, standards and traditions of the proud men and women that have preceded us should not be forgotten. The culture they established and developed was and remains one which is underpinned by our values. Our values of respect, loyalty, selflessness, physical courage, moral courage and integrity are the constants that underpin our values-based leadership. The Defence Force values are our key strength. As serving members we must continue to build upon the legacy of our forebears, while demonstrating our core values, which are the foundation on which our organisation is built and guide our behaviour in both our personal and professional lives.'

RESPECT

Corporal Lorraine Byrne ( Kildare )

"Cpl Byrne is credited with exemplifying the Value of Respect in

her approach to her work in Records and Data Management, DFTC Hq. She is widely known

and respected throughout the Formations as the GURU on DFRs and Admin Instructions.

This has not come about with 33 years of service and knowledge gained but by Lorraines

desire to assist, motivate and guide her comrades. Her role in R & D Mgt office is the engine

and Lorraine its driver who assists the wider DF audience in all matters regarding admin and

HR practices. Such is her respect for her profession that on many occasions she has forfeited

personal time and annual leave to ensure the smooth administration in induction of cadets,

apprentices and recruits. Such is her respect to her comrades that the knowledge that she

imparts on a daily basis to those around her and indeed to those who contact her means she is

a constant team player dedicated to her peers, subordinates and superiors."

MORAL COURAGE

Lt Kenneth Godden (student) & Lt Eoin Blake (instructor)

For your joint actions on 26th February 2021 when your Pilatus PC-9M aircraft experienced

engine power loss at 16,000 feet over Co Kildare .

Lt Godden  student (Dublin)

- Acted under intense pressure and conducted the precise and accurate actions to ensure

engine shut down in a timely manner giving optimal glide performance

- Consequences for error would have resulted in abandonment and potentially large loss

of life had the aircraft been lost over a town or city.

- Lt Godden displayed moral courage and resulted in textbook actions which resulted in

the safe recovery of crew and aircraft.

- Displayed precise and effective CRM in a tense situation

Lt Blake  instructor (Wexford)

- Having the moral courage to secure the engine, further damage was prevented which

ensured that the engine did not disintegrate, with potential crew ejection avoided.

- Extreme danger to crew and public was prevented.

- With obscured vision, he glided the aircraft back to Baldonnel and landed safely due

to the excellent use of CRM. By directing his student pilot through relevant check lists and

cross checked all required actions.

- It should be noted that Lt Blake qualified as a Flight Instructor the day before this

incident and was conducting the first instructional flight of his career.

LOYALTY

F/Sgt Thomas Deveraux ( Kildare )

"Recently promoted F/Sgt Tom Deveraux spent the majority of his career before promotion, in

the DFTC, with over 13 years in the Military College (DFPES & NCO Trg Wing) His loyalty

to the Military College with significant time spent undertaking high intensity instructional

duties mark him out for recognition of the DF Value of Loyalty.

He brings boundless energy, enthusiasm and professional expertise to the role of military

instructor and is a devoted NCO who seeks at every opportunity to enhance and develop

students under his tutelage.

His loyalty to his students has been consistent and relentless with his personal ethos of put the

student first. He is not only loyal to the Defence Forces, he is also loyal to his colleagues as a

source of sound advice and his industry and zeal for his profession is a source of inspiration to

many.

SELFLESSNESS

Sgt Maj Kenneth Hurley (RIP) Longwood, Co. Meath, formerly of Clonakilty, Co. Cork, based in DFTC, Kildare

Award accepted by his wife Ann Hurley

Nominated by Lt Eamonn Fitzsimons on behalf of the CIS Group and CIS Corps, who credits

Kenneth as an outstanding conscientious and hardworking NCO. Eamonn continues that he

has served with many exceptional people at home and overseas but it is without doubt that

Sgt Maj Hurleys levels of leadership, empathy, integrity, respect to others, courage and

selflessness set him aside from others I have worked with

 Although living through a period of extreme personal challenge, Sgt Maj Hurley

continues to carry out his wide and varied workload across CIS Technical projects.

 Even whilst receiving robust medical treatment he continued to work on behalf of the

CIS corps progressing many Research & Development projects which required self-sacrifice,

personal commitment & dedication.

 An embodiment of professionalism with outstanding technical and tactical expertise

was an inspiration to all members of the CIS Corps,

 Sgt Maj Hurley was an entirely selfless individual, a senior leader, a valued colleague

and mentor



INTEGRITY

Private Sean Martin & Private Neil Martin (Donegal)

"To recognise the integrity shown by both of you through your actions in your family,

community and Unit in the aftermath of the tragic passing of your Mam Martina, at Creeslough.

Nominated by Sgt Liam Russell, you are both credited with showing many of our values

consistently since your Mothers death and amid the depths of this grief you honoured your

mother at her funeral with dignity, respect and composure. The integrity shown by you both

since you returned to work in Finner Camp has not gone un-noticed and you continue to show

outstanding courage and dedication to service. On a daily basis you have demonstrated

professionalism and commitment when conducting your duties, exercises and training for the

Defence Forces."



PHYSICAL COURAGE

Special Operations Task Unit 6 Army Ranger Wing

"Nominated for their meritorious actions and conduct during their deployment to MINUSMA.

In late June 2021, SOTU 6 responded to an urgent request for support from ISR Coy TAC Hq

who had encountered a Suicide Vehicle-Borne IED leaving many MINUSMA colleagues

injured. On arrival SOTU 6 provided lifesaving medical assistance in the field and led the

CASEVAC by requesting and guiding in five heli-MEDEVACS and acted as stretcher bearers.

Once MEDAVACS were completed SOTU 6 continued to provide support to the mission by

providing vital intel and acting as a mobile QRF for the move back to camp Castor. Letter of

appreciation from Major Bochow, ISR Coy Comd stated: With your effort and capabilities

you saved lives in TARKINT. With your medical experts you supported the medical care of

our wounded comrades in an outstanding way.

OVERALL DF VALUES CHAMPION

Cpl Barry Foley (Donegal)

Cpl Barry Foley, recently received a meritorious promotion to Cpl. Nominated by many

members of 28th Inf Bn across multiple award categories.

- Over 38 years service in 28 Inf Bn

- Consistently displays the values of Oglaigh na hEireann.

- His rank does not reflect his level of influence in the Unit.

- Is a long time mentor and a figure of guidance to personnel of the Bn regardless of rank.

- Provides sound actionable advice which has been developed through his many years of

experience.

- Leader of the Environmental team, managing over 300 acres of land in a manner which

ensures Finner Camp is maintained to its best all year round.

- Carries out his wider duties (regimental, TRRs, ceremonial) without complaint.

- Men of Barrys quality are few and far between but he is a torch bearer who by his

example, passes on the positives aspects of our shared culture to the next generation

Comdt Brendan McGovern

- As IC of the Environmental Section, he has accepted the responsibility and taken on a

leadership capacity managing and directing a small number of his peers in their daily

tasks BSM Patrick Enfield

- Barry is a soldier of the old school who puts the job first, is loyal to his colleagues,
A PUBLICAN in Wexford has issued an apology after allegedly limiting the setlist of a musician performing at their premises.

Luke Whitty, a Wexford artist had all of his scheduled bookings at The Crown Bar in Wexford town cancelled after he refused to remove Irish rebel songs from his setlist.

Taking to Facebook he said; Hi everyone , just wanna clear up for a few things about what happened in a venue last weekend, I was playing a gig where I played a mix of music from country , pop, ballads and everything else that people would enjoy. At the last 20 minutes of my gig I was asked to play a few rebel tunes which included Grace, Come Out Ya Black and Tans and The Streets of New York and a few other well known songs , which I gladly did. 99.9% enjoyed the music and unfortunately 0.1% of people didn't , and they made it known to the manager who rang me today and told me that I was not allowed to play rebel music anymore as it is too controversial and may offend people.

He gave me the option to continue to have gigs but under the restrictions that I was not allowed to play rebel tunes ever again to which I replied; I am a proud Irishman and nobody is going to tell me what I can and cannot sing. He responded by saying; if that's your beliefs then you are no longer welcome. He then informed me that my gigs for the foreseeable future were no longer required.

Many followers have taken his side under the post and under the publican's Facebook apology.

The Crown Quarter took to their followers to say; We extend our sincere apologies to Luke Whitty and all our valued patrons for a decision made by a member of staff following customer complaints this past weekend.This was an isolated incident that does not reflect the values of the Crown Bar. To clarify, there is not, and will not be, a ban on any music or songs at the Crown Bar. We pride ourselves on providing a space for musicians to express our history and culture, as reflected in the many artists who have played in the Crown throughout the years. We are providing additional training for all staff to ensure they are well-equipped to handle customer complaints in the future.
A CORK syndicate were delighted to visit Lotto HQ to collect their incredible top prize of 500,000 which they won on a 20 All Cash Exravaganza scratch card. The winning scratch card was purchased at the Westlink Service Station on the Lower Pouladuff Road in Cork City.

I dont think I have ever been in such a state of shock as I was when we scratched off this ticket. We were double and triple checking the zeroes to make sure we didnt make a mistake. We have been playing together for a while now and we have bought these scratch cards before but we never expected to see the top prize. We were jumping up and down with the excitement at first and then we were shaking  a real rollercoaster of overwhelming emotions, they said.

The 500,000 winners admitted that keeping the ticket safe took priority over the days leading up to their trip to Dublin.

The Rebel County winners are looking forward to putting their windfall to good use.
Lebanons military tribunal has released a man accused of killing an Irish United Nations peacekeeper on bail, security and judicial officials said.

The development comes as Unifil, the UNs peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, monitors ongoing clashes along the border between Hezbollah militants and Israeli troops.

Lebanons military tribunal in June charged Mohamad Ayyad and four others with the killing of Private Sean Rooney, 24, of Newtown Cunningham, following a half-year probe.

He was killed on December 14 2022. Ayyad was detained in December 2022.

The four others facing charges  Ali Khalifeh, Ali Salman, Hussein Salman, and Mustafa Salman  remain at large. All five are allegedly linked with Hezbollah.

Hezbollah has repeatedly denied any role in the killing. Hezbollah representatives did not respond to requests for comment on Wednesday.

Unifil spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said he was aware of reports about Ayyads release due to his deteriorating health and that Unifil is working to confirm this information with the military court.

The Government of Lebanon has on several occasions stated its commitment to bring the perpetrators to justice, Mr Tenenti told the Associated Press. Last June, Mr Tenenti said the indictment was an important step towards justice.

We continue to urge that all perpetrators be held accountable, and for justice for Private Rooney and his family, he said.

Two Lebanese officials confirmed that Ayyad was released on bail due to unspecified health concerns. The official said the trial is still ongoing and that Ayyad would go to jail should he be convicted and sentenced.

On the fatal night, Private Rooney and several other Irish soldiers from Unifil were on their way from their base in southern Lebanon to Beirut airport. Two UN vehicles apparently took a detour through Al-Aqbiya, which is not part of the area under the peacekeepers mandate.

Initial reports said angry residents confronted the peacekeepers, but the indictment concluded that the shooting was a targeted attack. The UN peacekeeper vehicle reportedly took a wrong turn and was surrounded by vehicles and armed men as they tried to make their way back to the main road.

The Lebanese Army on December 27 arrested a suspect but did not disclose their name.

Unifil was created to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon after Israels 1978 invasion.

The UN expanded its mission following the 2006 war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, allowing peacekeepers to deploy along the Israeli border to help the Lebanese military extend its authority into the countrys south for the first time in decades.
It's unlikely that Indiana's beloved human mannequin, Mike Pence, and "Mother" attended Pussy Riot's Nadya Tolokonnikova's protest art action at the Indiana Supreme Court today. This event, dubbed "God Save Abortion," marked the launch of a larger campaign advocating for reproductive rights. In collaboration with Indiana University students, the action drew on Pussy Riot's history of provocative art, mirroring their 2012 "Punk Prayer," which they performed for 40 seconds in Russia's main cathedral, leading to the band members' arrest and imprisonment.

Tolokonnikova highlighted the plight of vulnerable individuals in states like Indiana, where restrictive abortion laws affect even the most tragic cases. Tolokonnikova's choice of Indiana for this protest was in response to the state's swift action in outlawing most abortions after the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

"Even 10-year-old rape victims, and those that support them, like doctor Caitlin Bernard, are subject to harassment and intimidation here in Indiana," Tolokonnikova said in a statement. "I never read the version of the Bible where Jesus mocks and humiliates people who are hurt.

From the release:
RTE director general Kevin Bakhurst has said he wants to minimise uncertainty for staff as redundancies are among the proposed cost-cutting plans for the broadcaster.

The Government has agreed to provide 56 million euros in additional funding to help RTE cover funding shortfalls this year and next year after the organisation published plans to reduce its workforce.

The plan involves cutting staff by 400 people by 2028, but Mr Bakhurst said that this includes 150 staff due to retire over that period.

Mr Bakhurst has also pledged that no-one at RTE will earn more than the director generals salary of 250,000 euro a year, and said that unfortunately 10 million euro in planned cuts next year will impact on TV and radio content.

Ministers signed off on the interim funding package, subject to certain conditions, at cabinet on Tuesday.

The move was confirmed as Mr Bakhurst emphasised to staff that he wants to minimise uncertainty for them.

There is always a degree of uncertainty when there is change, but Im trying to minimise uncertainty, he told media at RTE after a staff meeting.

I have explained how the job losses will work over time, how the process will be transparent and fair, how it will be voluntary, but change does bring uncertainty.

I will try and give staff the reassurance and the engagement they need to minimise that uncertainty and make sure they can engage in this process properly.

The voluntary redundancy scheme, estimated to cost 40 million euros, would reduce headcount by 20% of the current staffing level.

2024 will be a challenging year and one in which we will have to manage our cost base carefully. Hard choices will be made, Mr Bakhurst states in the report.

The hole in the outlets finances has deepened in recent months due to a sharp fall-off in TV licence revenue collected following a summer of controversies at the public service broadcaster.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirmed an additional funding package had been agreed at a press conference in Dublin on Tuesday.

The strategic plan is an RTE plan, written by RTE management and their board, it is not one that requires Government approval, he said. It is a plan by RTE for RTE.

The strategic reform plan, A new direction for RTE, published on Tuesday, will see TV channels RTE One +1 and RTE2 +1 and digital radio stations RTE Radio 1 Extra, RTE 2XM, RTE Pulse and RTEjr Radio axed.

The plan prioritises upgrading technology, live and online content, and the expansion of its production centre in Cork while reducing one in Dublin.

There will also be more reliance on the independent productions as it aims to increase its overall investment by 50%.

We will continue to provide outreach events and multi-genre content, bringing a varied mix of live action and animated video and audio in both English and Irish, created primarily by Irelands independent production sector, it said about reaching younger audiences.

It also said it would hire a disinformation correspondent, and a new factchecking mark and verification service, and said it would invest in the RTE Player, a new audio app, and an enhanced and broader RTE news app.

The report states that it had considered relocating the broadcasters headquarters off the current Donnybrook site, but at this stage it does not appear to be economically viable.

Speaking at RTEs headquarters, Mr Bakhurst insisted the broadcasters restructuring plan is possible if the future of how the broadcaster is funded is clarified.

Thats the basis for this plan, he said.

He said that that a valuation of a part of the site indicated it was worth 100 million euro, and that there was not a pot of gold here, nor an economic reason to move off this site.

On the proposed redundancies, he said: This is obviously an area of concern that I was asked about a number of times: what I said was there are 150 people due to retire over this period, so thats a starting point.

The other thing that is really important is that rest of the job losses will be over a period of four to five years, theyre not in the first year, or the second year so we have a period of time, and they need to fit in with the development of the organisation  so as we commission more content from independents, or as we invest in digital products and need to change our portfolio, the change in the jobs need to match that, so there will be a fair and proper process around it and will be voluntary as I underlined today.

Asked how many RTE staff earn more than him, the director-general indicated not many.

A handful of people, were publishing the top 10 salaries shortly, but its not that many who actually earn more than the director-general.

We need to set the ceiling somewhere and thats the ceiling we chose to impose, he said.

We cant undo contracts that are already in place but this is for future contracts and future employees.

The Government had held off making a decision on interim funding pending the delivery of the strategic reform plan.

RTE is facing a loss of between 10-12 million euros this year and, with a shortfall in TV licence revenue projected at 61 million euros across this year and next, Mr Bakhurst had warned that the organisation would run out of cash if further state funding was 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 34.5 million euros in additional interim funding.

The Government has already allocated 16 million in extra funding for this year in line with recommendations from the states financial advice body, NewERA.

However, since the initial request for additional funding, RTEs 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.

NewERA had recommended an additional 40 million euros in relation to the shortfall of TV licences next year.

The Government has also asked RTE to make 21 million euros of efficiencies to make up the gap created by the shortfall of 61 million euros in licence fee revenue.

The 56 million euros agreed by Cabinet covers the 40 million euros shortfall for 2024 and the additional funding required by the broadcaster this year.

RTE education correspondent Emma OKelly, who is also chair of the chair of NUJs Dublin broadcasting branch, compared the proposed cuts for RTE 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, speaking to media ahead of a union meeting with Mr Bakhurst at RTEs campus in Dublin.

Today, we have had a glimpse of the shark, or were getting a glimpse, and thats kind of the feeling. Theres a lot of fear, a lot of anxiety.
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.
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.
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.
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.

President Higgins today met with 8 year old Irish-Israeli citizen Emily Hand's father and sister Thomas and Natali Hand; as well as Maya Lambroso, Tal Yeshurun and Eylon Keshet, relatives of all of whom are being held hostage in Gaza. Full statement: https://t.co/hxW9a7xWzM pic.twitter.com/V9oYTSnCS8  President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) November 14, 2023

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.
CGTN: International officials expect Xi-Biden meeting to find right path for improving China-U.S. ties





BEIJING, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting is about to commence in San Francisco. The upcoming meeting between the Chinese and the U.S. heads of state is eagerly anticipated.

Officials from heavyweight international organizations and the United States agree that sound China-U.S. relations are particularly important nowadays and that the bilateral conversation is set to bring optimism and opportunities to the world.

Xi-Biden meeting expected to bring 'a strong dose of optimism'

Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria, executive director of the APEC Secretariat, said, "The fact that the two important biggest economies are here to have the very important conversation, a crucial conversation, at this time really opens the door to other opportunities for the world."

"It brings a strong dose of optimism as the year comes to a close and the start of the next year," she said.

She added that countries should look at more holistic benefits that can spur global growth from a broader perspective.

In an exclusive interview with CGTN, former Director-General of the WTO Roberto Azevedo said he hopes the U.S. and China can find a way to move forward through the meeting, as a more positive environment between the two superpowers is "absolutely fundamental for the world to feel safer, to feel that we are on the right path."

He suggested that both sides be open to talking and listening to something they don't want to hear.

Gita Gopinath, the first deputy managing director of IMF, told CGTN that it's critical for China and the U.S. and for the global economy to have close relations and good working relations. "There has to be a way for both countries to be able to work together," she said.

Meanwhile, former U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu told CGTN in an interview that "decoupling" between the U.S. and China is a "bad idea," adding that if they do so, whatever little trust left will also begin to vanish.

Noting China has emerged as a significant player and the world's second-largest economy, Chu said the U.S., China and Europe need to work closely to achieve zero carbon.

New starting point for people-to-people exchanges

The Philadelphia Orchestra is back in China 50 years after its historic trip in 1973 when it became the first American orchestra to visit the country.

From November 9 to 18, it is performing concerts and organizing residency activities in Beijing, Tianjin, Suzhou and Shanghai.

In an exclusive interview with CGTN, Tristan Rais-Sherman, the assistant conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra, said, "We are really excited to celebrate this historic event and this historic moment."

The assistant conductor said he hoped the visit could become a good starting point and that other American orchestras will continue the comeback to play for the Chinese audience.

After the Philadelphia Orchestra concert in Beijing, U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns told CGTN that music unites the two countries. "In 1973, the orchestra came here and brought the two countries together; now we are in another time, where the two countries are reconnecting, our leaders are, our governments are, and our people are."

China and the U.S. also saw regular direct passenger flights increase again starting November 9, bringing more people-to-people exchanges between both countries.

San Francisco, the host city of the upcoming APEC meeting, is well-prepared to draw global attention with its deep cultural and economic ties to the Asia-Pacific region, which could be seen from the historic Chinatown and the fact that a third of its residents have Asian or Pacific Islander ancestry.

Describing the city as a gateway to the Asia Pacific, London Breed, the 45th Mayor of San Francisco, said the city looks forward to building bridges and a better relationship. Breed added that she couldn't wait to see Chinese tourists.

With lanterns always hanging in the city's Chinatown throughout the year, Breed said the city is ensuring they "shine brighter in the APEC."

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-11-15/Xi-Biden-meeting-expected-to-find-right-path-improve-bilateral-ties-1oJGBuvMShq/index.html

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxBsTuDz_5Y

15 november 2023 at 04:54

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VIAJA CON AVELO! Avelo Airlines Takes Flight at Greater Philly's Wilmington Airport with Exclusive Nonstop Flights to Puerto Rico





Very low, one-way fares between ILG and San Juan start at $99

Avelo surpasses flying 200,000 Customers at ILG in first 10 months

PHILADELPHIA and WILMINGTON, Del., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Avelo Airlines takes flight today at the greater Philadelphia / Delaware Valley's Wilmington Airport (ILG) with exclusive nonstop service to San Juan's Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU) in Puerto Rico. More than 250,000 Puerto Ricans reside in the greater Philadelphia /Delaware Valley region - the second-largest Puerto Rican population in the continental United States.

San Juan is Avelo's first destination outside the continental United States and Avelo is the first airline to offer nonstop flights beyond the continental United States at ILG ? the convenient, affordable and travel-friendly alternative to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

Since taking flight at ILG in February, Avelo has flown more than 200,000 Customers at the region's most travel-friendly airport ? more than doubling the prior record number of annual travelers at ILG set in 2014. Avelo has also achieved year-to-date on-time performance rate at ILG of 81% and a flight cancellation rate of 0.4% - providing greater Philly and Delaware Valley travelers with unrivaled operational reliability.

Avelo operates this route twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, utilizing Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. Very low, one-way fares between ILG and SJU start at $99*. Customers can make reservations at AveloAir.com.

Avelo Airlines Founder, Chairman and CEO Andrew Levy said, "Since taking flight in February, more than 200,000 Customers have discovered the convenience, reliability and affordability of flying Avelo at greater Philly's most travel-friendly airport ? Wilmington Airport. Today's inaugural flight to San Juan is the latest example of the smooth and seamless travel experience Avelo is bringing to the four-state Delaware Valley region. With the second-largest Puerto Rican community in the continental U.S., Avelo is making it easier than ever for friends and family to reconnect on both ends of this exciting new Caribbean route, while offering the most convenient way for vacationers to enjoy the sun, culture, beaches of this tropical paradise."

Avelo celebrated the start of this new route today amidst a backdrop of palm trees at a tropical beachfront-themed community ceremony at ILG. The festivities included Puerto Rican fare, lively photo opportunities and a water cannon salute to send the plane off. The event was hosted by Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) and Avelo Airlines leaders accompanied by local and state political and community officials, including Avelo Airlines Head of Brand and Communications Jim Olson, DRBA Executive Director Tom Cook, New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer, Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki, and members of the Hispanic community including Latin American Community Center CEO Maria Matos, and Nuestras Raices VP India Colon-Diaz.

Delaware Governor John Carney said, "It is exciting to see Avelo continue to expand here in Delaware. With flights to San Juan beginning this week, Delawareans have even more opportunities for affordable, convenient travel, and residents of our neighboring states have another great reason to visit Delaware."

New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer said, "Congratulations to Avelo Airlines for adding another flight to the Wilmington Airport. We're thankful for Avelo as they continue to recognize the value and importance of investing in New Castle County and eagerly look forward to what is next."

Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki said, "It's great news that Avelo continues to grow here in the greater Wilmington area and adding Puerto Rico to its ever-expanding list of destinations is especially exciting for our City's Puerto Rican residents and for the larger Hispanic community in general. Being able to bypass larger metropolitan airports in places like Philadelphia and Baltimore should be a boon for tourism as well as make it that much easier for families and loved ones to stay connected. I for one can't wait to see what more Avelo has in store for making air travel convenient and fun again."

Wilmington Councilwoman Maria Cabrera said, "As someone of Puerto Rican descent, from San Juan, Puerto Rico, I am absolutely ecstatic at Avelo's announcement of the addition of Puerto Rico as a destination! This news is an attestation of the economic engine of the Hispanic community, but also a smart investment. Puerto Rico is one of the most Beautiful US territories to visit! Thank you Avelo for Making it convenient for not only tourists, but for families to be able to visit their loved ones, more conveniently and economically! I For one, am very grateful and can't wait to take my first flight out of Wilmington Airport to Puerto Rico!"

Nuestras Raices of Delaware, Philadelphia and South Jersey Vice President India Colon-Diaz said, "Nuestras Raices is thrilled to see emerging growth in local travel of Avelo Airlines at the Wilmington Airport. We are committed to their vision while partnering to support the economic landscape, offering unparalleled connectivity to Delaware Valley's multi-cultural and family travelers alike. We look forward to this promising collaboration and the positive impact it will have on the region."

Deputy Executive Director for the DRBA Stephen D. Williams said, "With Avelo's first flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico, Wilmington Airport ? for the first time in its history ? has nonstop jet service to a destination beyond the continental United States. In addition to this milestone event, our airport recently recorded a new all-time high for customer enplanements, surpassing the previous mark of 104,488 set in 2014. As we always say, If you want to avoid the hassles of big city airports, Delaware's Wilmington Airport has your ticket!"

Puerto Rico: The Heart & Soul of the Caribbean

SJU is the most accessible airport in Puerto Rico. Located in Isla Verde ? in the Carolina district ? this airport is just minutes away from San Juan. Puerto Rico is a place where the Old World is mashed up with the new on an island that is small in size but offers an immense bounty of one-of-a-kind experiences. Rich history and culture, exceptional food, pristine beaches, majestic mountains, relaxation, and adventure are all packed into one sun-kissed Caribbean paradise. Visitors feel like family, and around every corner there's a celebration of life, a vibrant cultural experience, food for the soul and a captivating rhythm.

The Philadelphia / Delaware Valley's Most Travel-Friendly Airport

Wilmington Airport is conveniently located a short drive south of Philadelphia - offering a refreshingly fast, smooth and simple alternative hometown airport experience. ILG's adjacency to multiple major highways and railways makes it the most convenient and travel-friendly airport for Philly and the Delaware Valley, which encompasses portions of four states: Southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, South Jersey and the northern Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Avelo currently serves 11 nonstop destinations from its ILG base. The airline employs approximately 100 ILG-based Crewmembers, including pilots, flight attendants, airport Crewmembers, aircraft maintenance technicians and supervisors.

America's Most Convenient Airline

Avelo was founded to Inspire Travel by saving its Customers time and money. Since taking flight on April 28, 2021, Avelo has flown more than 3.5 million Customers on over 27,000 flights. Today, Avelo serves 44 destinations in 23 states and Puerto Rico with a fleet of 16 Boeing 737 aircraft.

Avelo has unlocked a new era of convenience, choice and competition by flying unserved routes to primarily underserved communities across the country. At least one airport on every Avelo flight is a small, easy to use airport ? making every Avelo journey easier and more enjoyable.

The airline prides itself on its reliability. Through the first nine months of 2023, Avelo has achieved the lowest flight cancellation rate and the second best on-time performance in the U.S. airline industry with 80.8% of all flights arriving within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival time.

Avelo Customers can always change or cancel their itineraries with no extra fees. Additionally, families can travel with ease knowing every child 13 and under will always be automatically seated with an accompanying adult at no additional cost.

Avelo offers advanced seat assignments for sale. One third of its seats are extra leg room seats, ranging from 32 inches to more than 36 inches, offering a more comfortable experience for Customers who value more space. In addition to advance seat assignments, Avelo offers several unbundled travel-enhancing options that give Customers the flexibility to pay only for what they value, including priority boarding, checked bags, carry-on overhead bags, and bringing a pet in the cabin.

Avelo is also distinguished by its Soul of Service culture. The culture is grounded in Avelo's One Crew Value which promotes a welcoming and caring experience. By caring for one another and owning their commitments, Avelo Crewmembers focus on anticipating and understanding Customer needs on the ground and in the air.

About Avelo Airlines

Avelo Airlines was founded with a simple purpose ? to Inspire Travel. The airline offers Customers time and money-saving convenience, low everyday fares and a refreshingly smooth and caring experience through its Soul of Service culture. Operating a fleet of Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, Avelo serves 44 popular destinations across the United States, including its six bases at Los Angeles' Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), Southern Connecticut's Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN), Orlando International Airport (MCO), the Philadelphia and Delaware Valley region's Wilmington Airport (ILG), Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). For more information visit AveloAir.com or the Avelo Newsroom at AveloAir.com/Newsroom.

About The Delaware River and Bay Authority

The DRBA, a bi-state governmental agency created by Compact in 1962, owns and operates the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, and the Forts Ferry Crossing. The DRBA also manages corporate and aviation properties through its economic development powers - two airports in New Jersey (Millville Airport and Cape May Airport) and three in Delaware (Wilmington Airport, Civil Air Terminal and Delaware Airpark). All DRBA operating revenues are generated through the bridge, ferry and airport facilities. For more information, visit www.drba.net.

Media Contacts:

Avelo Airlines

Courtney Goff

[email protected]

Jim Olson

[email protected]

Wilmington Airport (ILG)

James Salmon

[email protected]

Porsha Green

[email protected]

*Very low, one-way fares include government taxes and fees. Fares start at $99 between SJU and ILG for travel between December 1 and December 13, 2023. Fares must be booked by November 19, 2023. Fares are available on a limited number of flights and seats. Additional fees for carry-on and checked bags, assigned seats and other optional services may apply. A $20 charge per seated traveler applies to all bookings or changes made through Avelo's Customer Support Center. For full terms and conditions, please see Avelo's Contract of Carriage.

SOURCE Avelo Airlines

15 november 2023 at 06:00

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ConcertAI's TeraRecon Enhances its Eureka Clinical AI Platform with AI-Based Prostate Cancer Diagnostic Solutions from Lucida Medical





CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ConcertAI's TeraRecon, the advanced visualization and clinical AI SaaS company, today announced the addition of Lucida Medical to its Eureka Clinical AI Platform ecosystem. It will be deployed within the UK's National Health Service (NHS) and European healthcare systems.

Pitm (Prostate Intelligencetm), Lucida Medical's AI-machine learning software, is designed to help radiologists detect prostate cancer lesions from MRI, enabling faster and more accurate prostate cancer detection. MRI is now the preferred technique to assess a range of cancers, including prostate and metastatic disease. However, radiologists currently require a labor-intensive, specialist training for interpreting prostate MRI, creating a growing skills challenge.

Prostate cancer diagnosis using MRI represents a major step forward compared to earlier methods but remains prone to human error. The ground-breaking PROMIS study (Lancet 2017; 389: 815?22) indicated that radiologists can miss 12% of significant cancers on MRI, and lead to 55% of individuals without significant cancer receiving a painful and costly biopsy. The study presented at ECR 2021 suggests that Lucida Medical's AI technology could help cut missed cancers to 7% and unnecessary biopsies to 24%, as well as making the process faster.

"Prostate Cancer is a devastating disease impacting millions of men worldwide. As a company, ConcertAI is committed to advancing cancer research solutions and working with the worlds Biomedical and MedTech innovators," said Jeff Elton, PhD. CEO of ConcertAI. "The addition of Lucida Medical's Pi solution as part of the TeraRecon Eureka Clinical AI ecosystem is an important advance for radiology teams working with urology and oncology healthcare practices. Lucinda's Pitm solution supports earlier and accurate detection, critical to achieving the best possible outcomes and treatment options for the highest quality of life for patients."

"We are delighted to empower the wide community of TeraRecon users with our MR based prostate solution," said Dr. Antony Rix, CEO and Co-founder, Lucida Medical. "This global partnership brings healthcare providers closer to achieving faster and more accurate detection of the most common cancer in men."

Eureka Clinical AI by TeraRecon is a robust platform powering 1st, 2nd, and 3rd party algorithms on one consolidated platform that integrates seamlessly into the PACS, provides a console to see all results and conversations across the patient's health care teams, and allows clinicians to directly interact with the AI to ensure accurate and holistic algorithm training.

Learn more about the Eureka Clinical AI platform capabilities and algorithms that span across neurology, radiology, cardiology, oncology, and more:

https://www.terarecon.com/artificial-intelligence

About TeraRecon: Serving ~1,900 clinical sites globally, TeraRecon, a ConcertAI company, is a Best in KLAS solution provider for AI-empowered radiology, oncology, cardiology, neurology, and vascular surgery. Awarded the 2020, 2021, and 2022 KLAS Category Leader for Advanced Visualization, TeraRecon solutions are independent of any one manufacturer's imaging equipment or PACS system, allowing a single, unified, and simplified clinical workflow that can improve efficiencies and deliver actionable physician-guided insights. For more information, visit us at www.terarecon.com

About ConcertAI: ConcertAI is the leader in Real-World Evidence (RWE) and AI technology solutions for life sciences and health care. Our mission is to accelerate insights and outcomes for patients through leading real-world data, AI technologies, and scientific expertise in partnership with the leading biomedical innovators, health care providers, and medical societies. For more information, visit us at www.concertai.com

About Lucida Medical: Lucida Medical develops AI-based technology to assist clinicians to find cancer more accurately, diagnose and treat it more effectively, and save time. A start-up business from the University of Cambridge, Lucida Medical was founded in 2019 by Dr. Antony Rix, an expert in medical devices, machine learning and AI, and Prof. Evis Sala, who at the time was Professor of Oncological Imaging at the University of Cambridge & Addenbrooke's Hospital, and who is now Chair of Radiology at the Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and Director of the Advanced Radiology Centre at the Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS in Rome. Prostate Intelligencetm (Pitm) is intended for use to assist the diagnosis of prostate cancer, and is the company's first product to complete regulatory approvals. For further information, visit the Lucida Medical website at www.lucidamedical.com

Media Contact: Megan Duero, [email protected]

SOURCE ConcertAI

15 november 2023 at 06:30

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Inflammatix Completes Technical Development for TriVeritytm Acute Infection and Sepsis Test System





Company Reaches Important Product Development Milestone with its Myrnatm Instrument and TriVerity Cartridge

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Inflammatix, Inc., a pioneering molecular diagnostics company, announced today that the company has completed technical development for its TriVeritytm Acute Infection and Sepsis Test System, which includes the Myrnatm Instrument, and for the TriVeritytm Cartridge. TriVerity is intended to be used in emergency department settings in patients with suspected acute infection and sepsis to assess the likelihood of a bacterial infection, a viral infection, and risk of acute decompensation (the need for ICU-level care).

"Myrna will be the world's highest-multiplex point-of-care system capable of quantitating RNA, allowing us to bring 'precision medicine' into acute care settings," said Dr. Timothy Sweeney, CEO and co-founder of Inflammatix. "Completing technical development brings TriVerity a step closer to FDA submission and launch, and enables us to execute key clinical studies."

The Myrna Instrument is capable of sample-to-answer quantitation of up to 64 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) from whole blood or other sample types in about 30 minutes. It is designed to be Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-waivable to enable point-of-care deployments. The disposable cartridges are expected to be room-temperature stable for up to 12 months.

"With the completion of the test system, we look forward to further exploring partnerships that bring existing RNA signatures onto the Myrna ecosystem," Dr. Sweeney commented. "This may be an especially viable pathway given expected changes to the regulation of lab-developed tests and the increased reliance on a biomarker-driven approach to immunotherapy development."

The TriVerity Acute Infection and Sepsis Test, Inflammatix's lead product, incorporates a panel of 29 mRNAs to "read" the body's immune response and thus aid in the diagnosis of patients with suspected acute infection and sepsis. It is designed to potentially facilitate diagnosis of patients with suspected infection that present in US emergency departments. Based on internal analysis of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) database, Inflammatix estimates roughly 20 million patients per year visit emergency departments with symptoms consistent with suspected infection.

The company has resumed completion of its clinical studies, including its SEPSIS-SHIELD study (NCT04094818) required for submission of the TriVerity Test system to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The multi-center study has already enrolled 955 of the estimated 1,500 patients needed. Inflammatix estimates study completion and FDA submission to occur by spring 2024.

The TriVerity Acute Infection and Sepsis Test System is a product in development, is not for sale, and does not have marketing approval or clearance from regulatory authorities in any jurisdiction.

About Inflammatix

Inflammatix, Inc., is an innovative molecular diagnostics company based in Sunnyvale, California, USA, that is developing novel diagnostics that rapidly read a patient's immune system to improve patient care and reduce major public health burdens. Inflammatix's tests will be developed to run on the company's sample-to-answer isothermal instrument platform, enabling the power of precision medicine at the point of care. The company's funders include Khosla Ventures, Northpond Ventures, Think.Health Ventures, D1 Capital, and the Stanford-StartX Fund. For more information, please visit www.inflammatix.com and follow the company on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) at @Inflammatix_Inc).

Inflammatix product development has been funded in part with Federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services; Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, under Contract Nos. 75A50119C00034 and 75A50119C00044.

Myrna, TriVerity, and Inflammatix are trademarks of Inflammatix, Inc. in the US and other countries and regions.

SOURCE Inflammatix

15 november 2023 at 07:00

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HSBC Next Client to Go Live on Broadridge's Newly Launched Distributed Ledger Sponsored Repo Solution





NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Further expanding the network across the global repo market, Global Fintech leader Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR), today announced that HSBC is the next client to successfully go live on the newly launched sponsored repo solution built on Broadridge's DLT enabled Distributed Ledger Repo (DLR) platform. Leveraging the platform's initial successes and harnessing its expanding network within the global repo community, this milestone represents a major leap towards delivering substantial benefits to clients. Through distributed ledger technology and smart contracts, clients can anticipate substantial reductions in settlement costs, streamlined processes, enhanced scalability, and a marked decrease in operational risks. HSBC is the second client to go live since the launch of the sponsored repo solution in early October.

"Digitizing our existing sponsored repo trade flow and seamlessly integrating it into Broadridge's DLR tech stack empowers us to enhance efficiencies, mitigate risks of transaction failures, and significantly lower settlement costs," said John Farrell, Americas Head of Markets Operations, HSBC. "We are committed to exploring innovative avenues to reduce operational risks, and we believe this platform will be instrumental in achieving our objectives."

"We are delighted to announce the next phase of Broadridge's groundbreaking sponsored repo solution, which leverages distributed ledger technology to empower clients with operational efficiencies and substantial reductions in settlement costs," said Horacio Barakat, Head of Digital Innovation at Broadridge. "This marks another significant milestone in our journey to revolutionize global repo market infrastructure, underscoring the immense value and transformative potential of DLR. We are equipping leading financial institutions with the capability to profoundly lower risks and operational expenses, while unlocking enhanced liquidity."

The global expansion of the DLR platform across both sell-side and buy-side firms triggers a network effect, offering amplified benefits and enabling a broader range of transaction types. Broadridge continues to lead the charge in utilizing distributed ledger capabilities to revolutionize the global repo market, with monthly volume capturing $1 trillion dollars.

About HSBC

HSBC Bank USA, National Association (HSBC Bank USA, N.A.) serves customers through Wealth and Personal Banking, Commercial Banking, Private Banking, Global Banking, and Markets and Securities Services. It operates Wealth Centers in: California; Washington, D.C.; Florida; New Jersey; New York; Virginia; and Washington. HSBC Bank USA, N.A. is the principal subsidiary of HSBC USA Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of HSBC North America Holdings Inc. In the United States, deposit products are offered by HSBC Bank USA, N.A., Member FDIC.

For more information, please visit: https://www.us.hsbc.com/

About Broadridge

Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE: BR), a global Fintech leader with more than $6 billion in revenues, provides the critical infrastructure that powers investing, corporate governance and communications to enable better financial lives. We deliver technology-driven solutions that drive business transformation for banks, broker-dealers, asset and wealth managers and public companies. Broadridge's infrastructure serves as a global communications hub enabling corporate governance by linking thousands of public companies and mutual funds to tens of millions of individual and institutional investors around the world. Our technology and operations platforms underpin the daily trading of more than U.S. $10 trillion of equities, fixed income and other securities globally. A certified Great Place to Work, Broadridge is part of the S&P 500 Index, employing over 14,000 associates in 21 countries.

For more information about us and what we can do for you, please visit www.broadridge.com.

Broadridge Contacts:

Investors:

Edings Thibault

Head of Investor Relations, Broadridge

[email protected]

Media:

Tina Wadhwa

Corporate Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

15 november 2023 at 07:00

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I'm not a Disney theme park influencer who receives benefits or freebies from the Disney company, so I didn't receive their new rules outlining the "Brand Guidelines for Influencers" that all their content "must" adhere to. But I did get my hands on a copy of the rules, and they are pretty hilariously impossible to abide by. The Disney theme parks themselves break the rules spectacularly and famously.

In fact, abiding by the rules would pretty much exclude influencers from ever showing, talking about, or referring to one of Disney's most iconic rides, "Pirates of the Caribbean," because it breaks just about all of Disney's rules for influencers.

The rules state that content from these Brand Influencers "may NOT include or mention" certain things, including:

 Tobacco or alcohol. Well, for six months of the year, the EPCOT theme park features a "Food and Wine Festival," so an influencer couldn't mention the name of this prominent aspect of the park, let alone describe or show any of the premium wine and other elaborate alcoholic offerings ubiquitous throughout the park.

And of course there are not only alcohol-serving restaurants and bars throughout their parks worldwide, alcohol and tobacco consumption are depicted on many rides, from the aforementioned pirates, to the pipe held by the animatronic host John in "The Carousel of Progress."

The videos of one of my favorite theme park influencers, the vlogger Mr. Morrow, who meticulously and enthusiastically shows his alcoholic drink choices and consumption, would probably have to be cut by one third.

 Guns or ammunition. Where to start? Pirates, of course, who brandish and shoot guns throughout their ride, a ride that actually puts guests in the middle of a cannonball battle. But there's simulated gunplay throughout the parks, including at the "Frontierland Shootin' Arcade," which actually puts a "replica .54 caliber Hawkins buffalo rifle" in the hands of children.

 Violence, fighting, or war. The biggest recent investment the Disney company has made in their theme parks has been the $2 billion it spent creating new areas that are named for a movie franchise that has the word "war" right in its name: Star Wars. These are huge "lands" devoted to immersing guests in an ongoing interstellar war, including simulated battles and very lucrative sales of toy lightsaber weapons. So influencers wouldn't be able to even enter these lands without running afoul of the rules.

But just about every Disney property and ride includes physical conflict. Just to take a couple of kiddie rides: The Snow White ride includes a poisoning and a fight between seven dwarves and a witch; and "Peter Pan's Flight" features a sword/knife fight. And on and on.

And then there are the pirates.

 Politics, social issues, activism, or advocacy. This means that influencers can't inject politics or social issues into their content, but how can they avoid that in this age when, for example, just the existence of gay people is a hot political and social issue in Disney World's home state of Florida?

And of course, the Disney theme parks are full of political and social issues. For example, the "Hall of Presidents" attraction includes a presentation on slavery and the Civil War, somehow now a controversial political topic. The "Pandora  The World of Avatar" land is all about ecological conservation, anti-colonialism, and the rights of indigenous peoples.

And in June, Disney theme parks sell rainbow-themed merch for Pride Month. Are influencers prohibited from talking about or showing that?

There are other prohibited categories that are vague, or omnipresent in the parks, or both, like "A parody of current or past Disney creative, story, or character," "Creative that could frighten or upset young children or their parents" (most of all the parks, including, most notably and directly, "The Haunted Mansion"), "Illegal or unethical content," and "Sensationalism."

But the bottom line is that for influencers to follow these rules, they'd pretty much have to stay home or only visit, film, show, and write/talk about "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" and the Dumbo ride.

Oh, wait! On the ride, Winnie has a (toy) gun!

And in the movie, Dumbo learned how to fly because he got drunk on champagne!
Post-pandemic Education: 'Excel-erate' Program Focuses on Challenging Advanced Students





Growth in math and ELA are promoted by providing additional coursework and analysis

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Educators around the country have been concerned about the effects of the pandemic on their students. And while much of their focus has centered on learning loss, sagging test scores, and the ability to keep up with current instruction, curriculum experts at National Heritage Academies (NHA) also focus on another group of students: advanced learners.

It's why NHA's curriculum team created Excel-erate, a program developed to challenge students to explore advanced pathways in English Language Arts (ELA) and math.

Excel-erate offers the opportunity for elementary students at NHA partner-schools to work on accelerated content if they are ready to advance beyond grade level. Middle school students who fit that same qualification can begin working on advanced courses for high school credit. Admission into the program is based on test scores and teacher recommendations.

National Heritage Academies operates 101 schools in nine states. Use our school finder to locate one near you: NHA School Finder.

"We are lucky that in the math program we have a large number of students who are ready for Excel-erate," NHA Curriculum Manager Kristy Hagan said. "They didn't have any gaps in their learning from 2020, and they have been ready and raring to move on."

Hagan noted the math program has been active for two years and has seen growth from students who never slowed down during the pandemic.

"A lot goes into making sure the student is ready and that they don't have hidden gaps in their learning," she said. "We look at a lot of data. We also talk with the students and parents to make sure they're ready for this opportunity. We continue to get a lot more interest."

The ELA Excel-erate program was just added for the 2022-23 school year. The program focuses on sixth- through eighth-grade students who show the ability and desire to dive deeper, developing stronger critical thinking skills related to the assigned reading material.

NHA Manager of ELA Curriculum Sarah Montpas:

"Anything we can give students to really develop those critical thinking skills is so important."

"It's about reading ideas, thinking about ideas, being able to verbalize agreements and disagreements with those ideas, and formulating their own ideas," NHA Curriculum Manager Sarah Montpas said. "Anything we can give students to really develop those critical thinking skills is so important."

Montpas said she encourages teachers to challenge their ELA students with additional resources they can explore while other students are still tackling required reading.

"The teachers I have heard from, their kids are loving it," she said.

Flexibility with pace and lesson plans, plus multiple entry points into the program, is important to ensure students don't fall out of love with the subject matter.

"Sometimes you see a student fall out of love with learning, and we don't ever want that to happen," Hagan said. "For that reason, the program is very flexible to meet students where they are. We want students to know that even if they're not in the program right now, they might be in a year or two. We want them to have that opportunity when they're ready. We also want to be able to pull back if a student is not doing well."

In those cases, students are aligned with groups of students that have similar learning paces and patterns, so they stay within the system but in a different group.

Montpas and Hagan both said there is a strong emphasis on identifying students who need intervention. Teachers are very involved in monitoring progress and teach students that it's o.k. to struggle a little bit.

"With so many of these students, it has come so easy to them for so long that when they're put in a position where they do have to struggle, sometimes there's an instant shutdown instead of understanding that it's okay to struggle with this and that's how you grow," Hagan said.

There are some red flags to watch for when students start struggling with advanced work. Missing assignments is often the biggest one, followed by lack of participation. Students will start to withdraw from conversations in class, and that's often a clear sign for some intervention.

"I think it's critical to be really flexible in the program, and it's critical to reassess every year," Hagan said.

Want to learn more about how NHA supports teachers and students to achieve at National Heritage Academies partner-schools? Visit nhaschools.com.

About National Heritage Academies:

National Heritage Academies (NHA) is a network of 101 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 68,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information, visit nhaschools.com. To find the nearest charter school near you, use the NHA school finder.

SOURCE National Heritage Academies

15 november 2023 at 10:39

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Government of Canada supports community-based projects to address HIV, Hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections





WINNIPEG, MB, Nov. 15, 2023 /CNW/ - Today, during a visit to the Nine Circles Community Health Centre, the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced $14.5 million through the HIV and Hepatitis C Community Action Fund (CAF) and the Harm Reduction Fund (HRF) for 15 projects. This investment will support the work of community-based organizations addressing HIV, hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) in the Prairie region.

STBBI are preventable, treatable and in many cases curable. However, these infections remain a significant public health concern in Canada, especially among Indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+, and other equity-deserving communities. Today's funding includes more than $10.7 million through the CAF, which will support 10 community-based interventions to address HIV, hepatitis C, and other STBBI. The Nine Circles Community Health Centre is receiving funding for its project, Accelerating our Response to HIV-STBBI's in Manitoba through Innovation and Collective Impact. The project aims to increase knowledge on effective evidence-based HIV, hepatitis C and other STBBI prevention measures; strengthen capacity of service providers to improve the cultural safety and stigma-free nature of testing, prevention, treatment and ongoing support.

This announcement also includes over $3.7 million through the HRF, which will support 5 projects to help reduce HIV and hepatitis C among people who share injection and inhalation drug-use equipment. One project receiving funding under the HRF is the "By Us, For Us" Peer-led STBBI testing Innovation in Southern Manitoba. This project will improve access to effective STBBI prevention, testing, treatment, and ongoing care and support for people who use drugs by facilitating peer-led community based STBBI events. These events will create a stigma-free, culturally safe environment for people who use drugs to access health care and social services.

The Government of Canada is committed to working with and supporting community-based organizations, Indigenous partners, provinces and territories, researchers, public health, and the health sector to prevent new infections and support the global goal of ending HIV, hepatitis C and other STBBI as public health concerns.

Quotes

"The contributions of community-based organizations like Nine Circles Community Health Centre are central to improving the health of people in Canada and our ability to reach global targets of ending STBBI as public health concerns by 2030. The funding announced today supports projects that will engage with people living with HIV, hepatitis C and other STBBI, as well as those at risk of infection, in order to help communities meet their prevention, testing, treatment, and support needs."

The Honourable Mark Holland

Minister of Health

"The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the contributions of community-based organizations to improve the health of people in Canada, and to help those disproportionally affected key populations known to be more adversely affected by STBBI such as people who use drugs. The projects announced under the Harm Reduction Fund help community-based efforts to reduce stigma toward these populations, to prevent new and reoccurring infections and connect people to testing, prevention, treatment and care."

The Honourable Ya'ara Saks

Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and Associate Minister of Health

"Nine Circles is a grateful recipient of funding through the Community Action Fund. This funding allows us to bring together a broad range of partners all over Manitoba to address complex challenges related to HIV-STBBIs by supporting collaborative efforts that lead to collective impact. This support has allowed us to create innovative tools for education, assessment and action including scale up of HIV Self-Testing and Stigma reducing interventions."

Mike Payne

Executive Director, Nine Circles Community Health Centre

Quick Facts

In 2022, the Government of Canada invested $106.4 million to help address STBBI across Canada .

invested to help address STBBI across . This funding includes $46.2 million under the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada , and $8.9 million under the Hepatitis C Prevention, Support and Research Program.

under the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in , and under the Hepatitis C Prevention, Support and Research Program. Through the HIV and Hepatitis C Community Action Fund, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) invests $26.4 million annually to support time-limited projects (up to 5 years) across Canada to address HIV, hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted infections (e.g. chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis).

(PHAC) invests annually to support time-limited projects (up to 5 years) across to address HIV, hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted infections (e.g. chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis). Through the Harm Reduction Fund, PHAC invests $7 million annually to support time-limited projects (3 to 5 years) across Canada that will help reduce HIV and hepatitis C among people who share injection and inhalation drug-use equipment.

annually to support time-limited projects (3 to 5 years) across that will help reduce HIV and hepatitis C among people who share injection and inhalation drug-use equipment. On August 1 , 2022, the Government of Canada announced $17.9 million in time-limited funding (2022-2023) to improve access to testing, including $8M to community-based organizations to support their capacity to distribute and promote HIV self-tests and link people to care. This also included $9.9M provided to the National Microbiology Laboratory to expand community-based testing in northern, remote, and isolated communities including $1.2M to the BC Centre for Disease Control and BC's First Nations Health Authority to build on previous community-based testing initiatives, including testing for STBBI.

, 2022, the Government of announced in time-limited funding (2022-2023) to improve access to testing, including to community-based organizations to support their capacity to distribute and promote HIV self-tests and link people to care. This also included provided to the National Microbiology Laboratory to expand community-based testing in northern, remote, and isolated communities including to the BC Centre for Disease Control and BC's First Nations Health Authority to build on previous community-based testing initiatives, including testing for STBBI. Efforts to address STBBI in Canada are guided by the Pan-Canadian Framework for Action on STBBI and the Government of Canada Five Year Action Plan on STBBI (Action Plan).

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Associated Links

SOURCE Public Health Agency of Canada

15 november 2023 at 15:00

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AN IRISH Defence Force peacekeeper visited one Limerick school for an informative talk to senior cycle students.

Defence Forces Sergeant Joey Burnett and Irish Ambassador for Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay, Gerard McCoy, visited Ardscoil Mhuire to discuss Irelands engagement overseas with fifth and sixth year students.

This visit was part of the Department of Foreign Affairs Global Ireland Schools Programme and gave the opportunity for students to ask open questions about current global operations.

A total of 229 schools have engaged with the programme since its launch by the Taoiseach in December 2018.

Brid Herbert, Principal of Ardscoil Mhuire, thanked both men for bringing their years of expertise to Ardscoil Mhuire, where students were fascinated by their insights into how foreign policy is practised.

The 2023 Global Ireland Schools Programme took place in late October.

Visits by heads of Irish diplomatic missions abroad as well as Defence Forces peacekeepers gave students around the country the opportunity to learn about Irelands engagement overseas from the point of view of those on the ground.

For Ardscoil Mhuire, the future is bright, as school management is currently working closely with the Department of Education on a new building project to extend the school grounds into an adjacent field.

The Corbally situated school is an all-girls, voluntary secondary school under the trusteeship of CEIST, whose mission is to ensure that all students are valued and assisted to reach their full academic and personal potential.
A LIMERICK-based childrens charity has warned it could face closure due to a lack of funding.

CARI (Children At Risk Ireland) had an emergency conference this Wednesday, November 15 to discuss the emergency situation which they find themselves in.

A lack of government funding is said to be the main cause, with the charitys budget from Tusla dropping by 55% since 2021.

Tusla has confirmed that they will fund just 30% of CARIs 1.1m operating costs for 2024, 337,000.

We cannot operate a support service for child victims for sexual abuse and their families no this budget, said a spokesperson for CARI, who have their main offices based in Limerick.

We will have to begin the process of closing down this week, unless adequate funding is forthcoming now.

Child sexual abuse remains a fact of life in Ireland today. It is not simply an historical problem. In the first half of 2023 there were nearly 4000 cases of suspected child physical or sexual abuse referred to the gardai by Tusla.

CARI is appealing to the Government including the Department of Health, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability Integration and Youth and the Department of Justice for further funding of 763,000 in 2024.

Should CARI be able to keep its doors open in 2024, the board is putting a five year strategy in place to generate new streams of income. CARIs Board AGM takes place on November 17.

Last year, we provided 3175 hours of support to 339 people. Now, in our 35th year, in the nine months between January and October, we already supported 322 people from as young as three-years-old.

The inadequate funding that CARI already receives means children languish on our waiting list for two to three years.

With the huge reduction of our core funding from Tusla forcing our closure, the outcomes for these children would be disastrous, the CARI spokesperson concluded.
A PROGRAMME aimed at female entrepreneurs who want to scale up their companies is seeking entrants for its 2024 intake.

For the 16th year in a row, Going for Growth is back.

Since 2008, more than 900 businesswomen have taken part in these awards, including Adare fashion designer Aoife McNamara.

But the deadline to apply falls soon - this Friday, November 17 in fact.

Supported by KPMG and Enterprise Ireland, Going for Growth helps ambitious female entrepreneurs to achieve their growth ambitions  helping to build stronger companies, create new jobs and increase revenues.

In 2024, up to 60 places will be available, with applications sought from female entrepreneurs across all sectors.

The programme lasts six months and gets under way early next year..

Ms McNamara, who runs a luxury sustainable fashion brand creating garments inspired by nature, encouraged other young female entrepreneurs to take part.

Going for Growth was one of the most incredible experiences. I will cherish for life the relationships I made with other entrepreneurs for life, she explained.

Two other local businesswomen who have taken part in Going for Growth in the past also took time out to share their experiences.

Gillian Horan, founder of The Pudding branding agency based in OConnell Street said: Fill out the form. If you don't get a place the first time, fill it out again. It will change your business and open your network like no other community.

Alice Carroll, the co-founder of Foxes Bow Whiskey added: This programme has given my early stage business an incredible boost. The access to some of the leading entrepreneurs and industry experts along with invaluable resources and support is outstanding.

Going for Growth national director Paula Fitzsimons said: The objective of Going for Growth is to encourage female entrepreneurs to become more ambitious; to support them to achieve their growth aspirations; and to realise the full potential of their businesses.

For more information on the programme, call 01-8450770.
TRIBUTES have poured in from all around Ireland and further afield in the aftermath of the news of the sudden death of Kevin Prendergast this week.

The 83 year-old country music icon enjoyed massive popularity on the country and Irish music circuit for over five decades and attracted big crowds to shows around Ireland and England all down the years.

A vast amount of tributes have been pouring in from both sides of the Irish Sea as well as from the USA since the news broke.

Daniel O'Donnell took to social media to pay his respects, posting a photo of himself and Kevin on Facebook.

"It is with sadness today that I learned of the passing of Kevin Prendergast," the accompanying caption read.

"Through the years Kevin and I were on many shows together. He was a true gentleman. My sympathy to his family at the sad time. Rest in Peace Kevin," Daniel continued.

Margo ODonnell, Irelands queen of country and Irish, was among those leading the tributes to Kevin on Monday evening. Ive known Kevin for what seems like forever. I loved him and he loved me. We were like from the same stalk. We spoke the same language.

Kevin was very special and he touched the hearts of so many people. I recall with fondness the great chats we had on the Gertie Byrne cruises in the Caribbean when we would walk the deck together to stay fit. He never went to Donegal without calling to visit my mother in Kincasslagh. She loved to see him call to the house. He was part of what I was about and we sang from the same hymn sheet. Another good one gone, he was a real gentleman, said a tearful Margo.

Like thousands more, Kevin crossed the Irish Sea in the 1960s. It was in Manchester that he started singing songs in the clubs and pubs, getting various breaks in places like the Ard Ri and the Carousel Club. Manchester provided the grounding that was to serve him well in later years.

In 1980, Kevin wrote a song called 'Lets Go Back To County Mayo', which became hugely requested at his gigs in Manchester, London, Birmingham, Coventry, Leeds and Liverpool. It was the first song he recorded, released on a four-track at the time.

With the advent of the pirate radio stations in the mid1980s, Kevins songs took off in style. He secured a contract with Paschal Mooneys record company and, for the next decade, Kevin's albums were massive sellers in the West of Ireland and much further afield, easily outselling many of the so-called big pop acts from England and America in the region.

When Midwest Radio came on air as the new legalized station for the region, the very first song to be played on that July morning back in 1989 was Kevin Prendergast singing 'My Old Home In Mayo'.

Kevin had resided at Lohan Park, in Brickens, for close on two decades after moving back home from Manchester after living there for almost 40 years.

Many mourners posted their condolences online.

"Sincere condolences to Kevins family a lovely man who will be sadly missed but who has left so many lovely memories for so many and he will never be forgotten .May his gentle soul rest in peace," one commenter wrote under Kevin's notice.

His reposing will take at Donnellan's Funeral Home, Clare Street, Ballyhaunis on Thursday evening from 5 o'clock until 7 o'clock. Funeral will arrive to St Mary's Church, Logboy on Friday for Funeral Mass at 12 noon with burial afterwards in Tulrahan Cemetery.

Funeral mass can be viewed live on Donnellan Undertakers Facebook page. Family flowers only, donations to Lohan Park Comfort Fund, c/o Donnellan Undertakers, Ballyhaunis. House strictly private please.

Kevin, who was predeceased by his parents John Austin and Ann, and his brothers Sean, Brendan, Tom, Ray and Gerald, will be greatly missed by his sisters-in-law Marian and Eileen, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives and a large circle of friends.
Turkey has weathered a decade of turmoil, including a pandemic, earthquakes, and a tumultuous presidential election, which has caused severe economic hardship, high inflation, a weak currency, and widespread business closures. Despite these adversities, Turkeyana Clinic, a leading medical and cosmetic tourism clinic, has upheld its high standards and remained operational. Founded in Turkey to cater to Arabs and foreigners, Turkeyana Clinic has achieved remarkable success and secured its position as one of the top four clinics in the country.

Who is Turkeyana Clinic

Over time, plastic surgery has developed and evolved into a booming industry, with people seeking cosmetic enhancements to improve their appearance and attractiveness, as the rise of social media and unrealistic beauty standards has further fueled the global expansion of plastic surgery.

Turkey has emerged as a popular destination for cosmetic surgery in recent years. Turkeyana Clinic, a leading medical and cosmetic tourism clinic, was founded in 2012 to capitalize on this trend and bridge the gap between Turkey and the Arab market. Initially catering to Arab patients, the clinic has since expanded globally and achieved remarkable success, ranking among the top four clinics in Turkey.

What Services Does Turkeyana Provide

Hair Transplant:

Non-invasive hair transplantation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses hair follicles from the back of the head to restore hair growth and improve appearance in people with hair loss. Hair transplants offer a permanent solution with natural-looking results.

Hair transplants can be used to restore hair growth to the beard, eyebrows, or scalp by harvesting hair follicles from the donor area and implanting them in the desired area using the DHI or FUE techniques.

Beard transplants are used to treat thinning or bald beard areas. Eyebrow transplants are used to address eyebrow hair loss. Women's hair transplants require a delicate approach to achieve natural-looking results. Men's hair transplants can be used to restore hair growth to balding areas of the scalp.

Hair transplant techniques and methods:

FUE: Minimal scar, shorter recovery time. Sapphire FUE: Sharper blades, smaller incisions, faster healing. DHI: More precise placement of hair follicles. Mesotherapy: Non-invasive, stimulates hair growth. Hair laser therapy: Non-invasive, improves blood circulation. Other treatments: Medications, topical treatments, lifestyle changes.

Dental Care:

Turkeyana Clinic offers a comprehensive suite of dental services, including dental implants and artificial tooth roots surgically placed to replace missing teeth. The Hollywood Smile, a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment that combines veneers, crowns, and teeth whitening to enhance the appearance of smiles, is also offered. Veneers and crowns restore and improve the aesthetics of damaged or discolored teeth. Zirconium implants, known for their durability and aesthetics, are also available. Teeth whitening procedures can help patients achieve a brighter and more radiant smile.

Medical Cosmetic:

Turkeyana Clinic harnesses the latest technologies and techniques to provide a wide range of cosmetic treatments, from non-invasive fillers, Botox, age spot treatments, and Baby Face to more complex laser tattoo removal, fat freezing, and spider vein treatment. With state-of-the-art equipment and expertise in the latest non-invasive techniques, Turkeyana is the choice for those seeking optimal cosmetic enhancements and transformations.

Plastic Surgeries:

Turkeyana Clinic transforms lives with a comprehensive portfolio of plastic surgery procedures. From weight loss surgeries like liposuction and tummy tucks that help patients achieve their desired body contour, to Rhinoplasty that enhances the nose's function and appearance, to Mommy Makeovers and Breast Surgeries that offer reconstruction and augmentation options, to Facelifts and Rejuvenating treatments that reverse the signs of aging. Turkeyana Clinic takes a holistic approach to helping patients attain their aesthetic goals.

View Full Image Turkeyana Clinic takes a holistic approach to helping patients attain their aesthetic goals.

Why Turkeyana  This is why we stand out

1- Doctors and Dentists:

Turkeyana Clinic's acclaimed team of plastic surgeons and dentists has decades of experience and a stellar reputation for excellence.

2- High Quality:

Turkeyana Clinic's unwavering commitment to patient comfort and safety is demonstrated by its rigorous adherence to the highest quality standards in all its services.

3- Affordable Prices:

Turkeyana Clinic offers its high-value services at reasonable and market-competitive rates.

4- Full Package Services:

Turkeyana Clinic provides a comprehensive suite of services to support you at every stage of your treatment journey.

5- Medical Follow-Up:

Turkeyana Clinic provides a year of post-operative support to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

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.

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Two out of the three Dabur entities, that were listed as defendants in multiple lawsuits in the United States alleging their products caused cancer, have found relief from the court.

The India-headquartered FMCG major, in a statement, noted that Dabur International and Dermoviva Skin Essentials  two of its subsidiaries  have been removed as defendants in the lawsuits filed before the the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

However, lawsuits filed against its third international subsidiary Namaste Laboratories LLC, would continue before the US court, the company noted.

Also Read: Mahadev Betting App Scam: Dabur chairman-director duo listed in FIR against illegal syndicate

"We wish to inform that Dabur and Dermoviva have been dismissed as defendants in federal cases, which were consolidated as a Multi-District Litigation, before the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, for lack of personal jurisdiction as neither Dabur nor Dermoviva manufactured, marketed, distributed or sold hair relaxer products in the US," the statement noted.

What the legal case is all about?

Three foreign subsidiaries of Dabur India -- Namaste Laboratories LLC, Dermoviva Skin Essentials Inc and Dabur International Ltd -- were facing approximately 5,400 cases in the federal and state courts in the US, which was later consolidated to the Northern District of Illinois, the company had last month disclosed in a regulatory filing.

The companies were facing allegations that their hair-relaxer products caused ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and other related health issues.

Dabur International and Dermoviva were removed and got relief in the multiple suits due to lack of jurisdiction as they have not either manufactured, marketed, distributed or sold hair relaxer products in the US, Dabur noted.

Also Read: 'Bid to block Religare acquisition': Burman family slams arm twisting FIR linking Dabur to Mahadev betting app case

Hence, now only Namaste remains as a defendant in these cases along with many other industry players such as LOreal, SoftSheen/Carson, Luster Products Inc, Avlon Industries, Inc. PDC Brands (Parfums de Coeur, Ltd), Revlon etc," Dabur added.

The homegrown FMCG and Ayurvedic products maker further stated that this lawsuit does not concern any Dabur brand or product and said the sale of hair relaxer products by Namaste contributed less than one per cent of the total consolidated turnover.

"We would like to reiterate that Namaste is confident in the safety of its products and believes that these lawsuits have no legal merits hence denies any liability and has retained counsel to defend it in these lawsuits as these allegations are based on unsubstantiated and incomplete study published in the journal of the National Institute of Health, which study has already been held to be redundant by the Cosmetic, Toiletry & Perfumery Association in the European Union," said Dabur.

Moreover, Namaste has product liability insurance cover in place for any potential damages/claims and defence costs, it added.

Certain consumers using hair relaxer products had complained alleging that some industry players had sold products that contain certain chemicals. Using these hair relaxer products has caused ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and other health issues in the users," Dabur had informed earlier.

According to the latest report, Dabur India has 27 subsidiary companies, which contributed to 26.60 per cent of the consolidated revenue from operations in FY 2022-23.

Its revenue from international business was at 2,867 crore, recording a growth of 11.1 per cent in constant currency terms in FY23.

Dabur India has manufacturing facilities at eight international locations, according to its latest annual report.

(With agency inputs)

DABUR INDIA More Information

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Aequs Pvt. Ltd., an Aerospace components maker based in Karnataka's Belgaum, announced on November 15 that it had signed a contract with aircraft maker Airbus for the supply of components for its single-aisle family of aircraft, the A320, A330neo and A350 over a period of 10 years.

Aravind Melligeri, Chairman & CEO of Aequs, said, "This contract is a significant moment in Aequs' journey with Airbus. It is also a testimony to the confidence in Aequs by global OEMs to enter into a deeper and longer relationship, particularly at a time when the global supply chain is passing through a recalibration. This stems from the robustness of the Aequs Aerospace ecosystem and its supply chain robustness."

Also Read | Dubai's Emirates Airline calls off deal to buy Airbus A350 until Rolls Royce's engine is fixed

According to the agreement, Aequs will manufacture parts for the single-aisle family of aircraft, including parts with bench assembly for wings, fuselage, and pylons, according to the company's statement.

The contract was signed by Gunnar Hansen, Head of Strategic Procurement, Detail Parts, Airbus Aerostructures, and Nils Witt, Chief Procurement Officer, Airbus Aerostructures, and Mohamed Bouzidi, President Aerospace, Aequs at Belagavi in Karnataka recently.

On November 6, Airbus also signed contracts with Dynamatic, Gardner and Mahindra Aerospace for the supply of airframe and wing parts across Airbus' A320neo, A330neo, and A350 programs.

"Make in India is at the core of Airbus' strategy in India. We are proud that we are putting in place all the critical building blocks for an integrated industrial ecosystem that will propel India into the front ranks of aerospace manufacturing nations," Remi Maillard, President and Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia, said in a statement.

Airbus has already procured components and services amounting to $750 million every year from India. The company expects the latest rounds of contracts to add significantly to those volumes. Airbus claimed that its commercial aircraft has components and technologies that are made in India. Together with its supply chain, Airbus supports nearly 10,000 jobs in India. By 2025, this number should rise to about 15,000.

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New Delhi: DS Luxury, a subsidiary of DS Group, plans to invest up to 200 crore in the coming years to introduce more luxury brands to the Indian market.

Currently, the company runs menswear brands such as Berluti, Tom Ford, Brioni and Brunello Cucinelli in luxury malls across the capital.

Ritesh Kumar, the companys promoter, in an interview, told Mint that Indias luxury market is entering a crucial phase and is expected to witness rapid growth in the next decade. The earmarked spending will be directed towards bringing newer brands into the country, with more focus on brands in the luxury womenswear side, for which some deals are currently being inked, he said. Last week, the tobacco-to-FMCG company announced the launch of its first Brioni store in India in Delhis The Chanakya.

Global luxury markets, till now, had considered India to be a very small, one- or two-store market, but this is where things will change now. Luxury houses must understand that the Indian market has evolved and there is now a huge potential, especially if they adapt to the local scenarios, such as being flexible to having more high street stores, make more locally appreciated products and localize their marketing," he said.

DS Groups primary interests are in FMCG and tobacco, but it also has a large retail and growing hospitality division.

The company has so far focused on luxury menswear brands, but its next set of developments will focus on womens luxury wear as well as other formats of luxury retail, to possibly include multi-brand outlets.

The company first brought Tom Ford to India in 2010. In 2021, it got the chance to acquire the business of an existing luxury player that was looking for an exit from brands such as Berluti and Brunello Cucinelli. Berluti, an LVMH-owned company, he said, has done exceptional business for the group as well.

Typically, luxury companies that come to India choose to enter the market either through a master franchise agreement with a local partner or a joint venture. Business flipped post covid. As far as luxury and premium products go, massive growth is projected in the market for the next 5-10 years. A large number of brands are looking to come to India now like never before. The existing luxury supply in malls can only do a certain volume of business. There could also be potential in creating other formats, such as multi-brand luxury outlets," he said.

The group also has brands such as Swiss luxury chocolate Laderach, childrenswear store Les Petis, premium grocery and retail store Le Marche and French patisserie company Lopera. Luxury food is another segment, Kumar said the company will heavily develop under the luxury division.
In a striking revelation, a new Politico report unveils the deep connections between House Speaker Mike Johnson and a controversial Christian publishing house that believes "monkeypox" is "an inevitable and appropriate penalty" for being gay and that former President Obama could be the Antichrist because of "leanings toward Islam."

Johnson has been a board member of Living Waters Publications for the last decade and was interviewed on founder and CEO Ray Comfort's podcast, which was recently deleted. (Last month, Johnson's toddler-voiced wife, Kelly, scrubbed her homophobic beliefs from her own Christian counseling website.)

From Politico:

Last year, Comfort narrated a Living Waters video, titled "Monkeypox and God: Is It a 'Gay Disease'?" in which he quoted Biblical scripture saying that those who engaged in homosexual acts would get "in their own bodies the inevitable and appropriate penalty for their wrongdoing." (The virus was previously known as monkeypox, but last year the World Health Organization changed the name to mpox, saying the term monkeypox could be seen as stigmatizing and racist.) In a Living Waters article published in March, Comfort also bemoaned the fact that Christians could no longer call homosexuality "morally wrong." "There was a time in America when we could say these things without any real repercussions," he noted.

In an attempt to distance himself from Comfort's vile beliefs, Johnson ordered his spokesperson to issue a strange statement. "Speaker Johnson joined the board of Living Waters years ago in support of its mission of spreading Christian gospel," the spokesperson said. "His involvement was limited to two phone calls with fellow board members annually. He had not seen the content in question, was not aware of it, and does not agree with it."

Comfort himself refused to comment, and remains on the board of Living Waters Publications.
Mumbai: Subrata Roys death brings into focus the slew of litigation surrounding the Sahara group, and in particular the 25,000 crore lying with the capital markets regulator for distribution to its investors. Criminal proceedings initiated against Roy, experts said, will be suspended following his death.

In 2011, regulator Sebi ordered two Sahara group firmsSahara India Real Estate Corp. Ltd (SIREL) and Sahara Housing Investment Corp. Ltd (SHICL)to refund the money raised from nearly 30 million investors via bonds known as optionally fully convertible bonds (OFCDs).

The order came after Sebi ruled that the funds raised by the two firms violated its rules and held (among others) Subrata Roy liable for the same.

After appeals and cross-appeals, Supreme Court on 31 August 2012 upheld Sebis directions asking the two firms to refund the money of investors with 15% interest.

Sahara was eventually asked to deposit an estimated 24,000 crore with Sebi for refund to investors, though the group has maintained it had already refunded over 95% of investors.

Retired apex court judge, B.N. Agarwal was appointed to oversee that the orders are complied with within three months. Criticizing the Sahara group, the Supreme Court had said, There can...be no hesitation in accepting that...there was a pre-planned attempt at the hands of the SIREC and SHIC to bypass the regulatory and administrative authority of Sebi...But having so concluded, it is essential to express, that there may be no real subscribers for the OFCDs issued by SIREC or SHIC. Or alternatively, there may be an intermix of real and fictitious subscribers."

According to the regulators latest annual report, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) refunded 138.07 crore over 11 years to investors of two Sahara group firms. The amount in bank accounts for repayment is now over 25,000 crore with interest.

Later, in September 2020, the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies sought a probe by Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) into investments by four cooperatives linked to Sahara group after it got 15,000 complaints. These cooperative societies were alleged to have raised about 86,000 crore.

The credit societies had refuted allegations of wrongdoing and said all their investments were made as per law. In March, the Supreme Court directed that 5,000 crore out of unutilized amount of 24,000 crore in Sahara-Sebi Refund account be disbursed to depositors of Sahara Group of Cooperatives Societies.

In July, cooperation minister Amit Shah launched CRCS-Sahara Refund Portal to facilitate return of the money to investors. Eighteen lakh depositors are registered on the portal. In August, the process to refund the money to the depositors started.

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Subrata Roy, the architect of the vast business empire Sahara Group, passed on on Tuesday due to a cardiorespiratory arrest after a prolonged illness. Subrata Roy was 75. Subrata Roy was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute in Mumbai on Sunday after his health deteriorated. He died at 10.30 pm on Tuesday, November 14.

In a statement, the Sahara Group said Subrata Roy died following an extended battle with complications arising from metastatic malignancy, hypertension and diabetes. Calling him an inspirational leader and visionary", the company said, It is with profound sadness that Sahara India Pariwar informs the demise of our Hon'ble 'Saharasri' Subrata Roy Sahara, Managing Worker and Chairman, Sahara India Pariwar." Subrata Roy death news LIVE updates

SUBRATA ROY DIES AT 75: SEVEN THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT HIM

With the rising popularity, Subrata Roy in 2012 was named one of India's most influential businessmen by India Today magazine. Also Read | Pride of Lucknow: Netizens react to passing away of Subrata Roy Sahara In 2004, Time magazine named the Sahara Group as the second-largest employer in India" for its 1.2 million workforce. The top position in India was held by the Indian Railways. Subrata Roy had created a huge business empire across retail, real estate and financial services sectors but the tragedy struck when his companies were embroiled in a legal tussle with SEBI after the market regulator in 2011 ordered Sahara India Real Estate Corporation Ltd (SIRECL) and Sahara Housing Investment Corporation Ltd (SHICL) to refund the money raised from investors through certain bonds known as Optionally Fully Convertible Bonds (OFCDs) that was later ruled to be illegal. After months of legal battles, in 2012, the Supreme Court upheld Sebi's ruling asking Subrata Roy's two firms to refund the money collected from investors with 15 per cent interest i.e.,  24,000 crore. In 2014, the Supreme Court ordered the detention of Subrata Roy after he failed to appear before the court in connection with the battle with SEBI. Subrata Roy was later granted bail. In March 2014, a man from Gwalior threw ink on Subrata Roy when the Sahara Group chief was brought to the Supreme Court. According to Reuters, Sahara's assets at one point in time included New York's Plaza Hotel and the Grosvenor House in London. Subrata Roy was also co-owner of the former Force India Formula One team.

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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.

View Full Image (Graphic: The Economist)

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."

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 www.economist.com
India is contemplating a significant hike in the threshold for arrests and criminal prosecutions in cases of Goods and Services Tax (GST) evasion, as per a report by The Economic Times. The proposal aims to elevate the threshold to 3 crore from the existing 2 crore, as part of an initiative to decriminalise certain aspects of tax evasion, reducing undue pressure on businesses and fostering a more favourable environment for conducting operations, it added.

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), the apex body governing indirect taxes under the central government, is actively considering amendments to streamline the process of issuing summonses, as per the report. Sources told the paper the contemplation revolves around making summons more restrictive and permitting their issuance only under specific conditions.

Also Read: Centre Notifies 18% GST on Corporate Guarantees

Industry Voices Seek Leniency

Amidst discussions surrounding these changes, voices from the industry have raised concerns about the severity of existing penal provisions. They argue that the current law's stringent nature could potentially impede business operations. Advocates for industry reforms are pushing for alterations in the penal code, urging for a more balanced approach towards regulation.

A deliberation on this proposal is expected to be presented before the GST Council soon. Any alterations to the central and integrated GST Acts could align with the Centre's vote on account preceding the upcoming general elections. Concurrently, individual states are poised to make separate amendments to their respective GST Acts.

Threshold Adjustments and Legal Implications

A senior government official highlighted that discussions involved increasing the threshold for initiating criminal proceedings to 3 crore, while industry representatives had pitched for 5 crore. Presently, Section 132 of the Central GST (CGST) Act criminalises GST evasion above 2 crore, warranting a three-year jail term.

Advocates for these changes argue that rationalising thresholds for decriminalisation could assist in curbing cases with smaller or ambiguous amounts involved. However, officials stressed the importance of maintaining stringent measures for cases involving fake invoices and incorrect input tax credit claims. Highlighting the prevalence of such cases, officials advised against relaxing laws at this juncture.

Also Read | GST Evasion: Government expecting 50,000 crore mop-up on recovery of dues, multiple notices sent

Tax Fraud Cases

The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) initiated a specialized drive in November 2022 targeting input tax credit fraud. Their efforts have resulted in the detection of 6,000 cases amounting to 57,000 crore in fraud, leading to 500 arrests.

In the first half of the current fiscal year, the DGGI detected 1,040 cases of GST evasion, involving 1.36 lakh crore. Notably, 14,000 crore of this amount is related to input tax credit fraud. The enforcement actions have led to a total of 91 arrests pertaining to GST-related offenses in this period.

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Russia will cut the export levy on crude its producers pay for the first time since July following a drop in global oil prices.

The government will lower the duty to $24.7 a ton next month as the price of the countrys key export blend Urals declined, the Finance Ministry said Wednesday. Thats down by 5.7 per cent from November and equates to about $3.37 a barrel.

Crude proceeds are a key source of revenue for Russias budget, which has been strained by Moscows invasion of Ukraine, Western sanctions on the economy and the need to maintain social expenditures ahead of presidential elections. The nations coffers had benefited from oils rally in previous months  compensating for voluntary export curbs  though prices have since weakened on demand fears.

The pullback in global prices has pushed the value of some Russian supplies back down closer to $60 a barrel, the price cap that was introduced by Group-of-Seven countries to limit petrodollar inflows into Russia.

Urals crude was last week assessed as low as $66.19 at the Baltic port of Primorsk, according to Argus Media Ltd. Thats the lowest since July 25, just days after the grade broke through the G-7 threshold.

Still, the average Urals price was $79.23 from Oct. 15 to Nov. 14, down from $83.35 in the previous monitoring period, according to the Finance Ministry. Its discount to North Sea Dated Brent narrowed further to $9.39 in the period.

Russia earlier this month confirmed its commitment to curbing overseas supplies of crude and oil products by 300,000 barrels a day for the rest of this year. Those export curbs come on top of a voluntary reduction in output of 500,000 barrels a day from March through 2024 in response to Western sanctions, in particular the G-7 price cap.

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Mumbai: "Gandha hai par dhandha hai," says a man in a recording of a conversation accessed by Mint . That Hindi saying, loosely translated, means that a dirty job is still a job.

The man speaking is apparently a senior information technology (IT) official at Bank of Baroda (BoB). During this conversation with a colleague, in March this year, he explains how to exploit a loophole in the system to open new accounts and inflate onboarding on the banks mobile app, called bob World.

At the time, BoB branch officials could tap a link to open accounts using their personal mobile phones. To thwart any unwarranted use of the link, the bank has a maker and checker function, where one person initiates the opening and another verifies it. The account opening had to therefore be authorized at the back-end before transactions could happen. However, in the interim, the bob World app could be downloaded by the registered mobile number, and though it could not be used, the registration would add to the apps user numbers.

In the recording, the IT official tells his colleague to reach out to his friends and acquaintances and use their voter identity cards to open accounts. It did not matter if these accounts never see the light of day at the verification level since they had already served the account opening purpose and added to bob World activations, ramping up the count.

Under intense pressure from their seniors, some BoB employees used this and other questionable and unethical methods to ramp up registrations. Seniors at Indias second-largest state-owned lender pushed relentlessly to inflate user numbers without assessing if customers actually required the service on offer. More importantly, the seniors did not seem to be aware of what was transpiring on the ground because of their pressure, with customer consent norms being bypassed in order to comply with their app activation goals.

To be sure, the rise in BoBs app registrations has been phenomenal. Between the end of 2021-22 and the end of 2022-23, bob Worlds activated user base shot up 53%, data from the banks presentation to analysts showed. It is not clear how much of this growth has been driven by the questionable onboarding methods. In comparison, Indias largest lender, State Bank of India, saw a 26% growth in registered users on its app, Yono, albeit on a larger base.

Al Jazeera, on 11 July, was the first to report on the onboarding malpractices for bob World. The lender had then put on a brave face and said it had a current mobile banking activated user base of 30 million customers, all of whom are linked to a unique mobile number seeded with their bank account".

Not only were users registered on the app without their knowledge, some had money stolen from their accounts. Citing internal audit reports, Al Jazeera reported on 12 October that some BoB business correspondents stole 22 lakh from 362 customers. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) finally took cognizance of news reports and cut off further onboarding. BoB is now scrambling to set its house in order.

Mint has tried to piece together the events that led to this mindless target-chasing and how different layers of the banks administration were aware of the workarounds for some time before it made news. We spoke to two bankers at the state-owned lender and another two at branches of rival banks aware of the goings-on at BoB. None of them wanted to be identified.

View Full Image (Graphic: Mint)

The pressure

It all started sometime in 2021, when officials at BoB branches had to come in even on weekends as onboarding targets for bob World had not been met. They were told to go to the field and convince people to download the app and register on it. But some people, particularly in rural areas, neither had smartphones nor saw any reason to give up on branch visits.

We were told to get 100-200 activations per day. The regional and zonal officers would call us and tell us to go to peoples homes and get bob World activated," said a branch manager, adding there was immense pressure, regardless of the branchs potential.

The bank wanted branches to prop up the numbers and it wanted it done quickly. The two bankers from BoB said banks usually have login days across the board, a term used to denote days when employees focus on specific products.

On login days for bob World, employees had to come in at 7am and work till 9-10pm. This especially happened during the yearly closing of accounts. Every hour, there used to be calls from seniors in the regional and zonal offices asking for activation data, putting even more pressure," said one of the bankers.

The other BoB employee said regional managers started raising targets to unrealistic levels. BoB, like many of its peers, works on a four-tier structure, where branches form the bottom of the pyramid, followed by regional offices, zonal offices, and finally the head office and the corporate office. As per the employee, the regional office he reported to had sent all branches a list of accounts that did not have bob World activated.

BoB used a carrot-and-stick policy in its app push. It even incentivized bankers with rewards such as team lunches or other activities for overshooting targets. As per an internal email from March seen by Mint, a branch with up to four employees would get up to 5,000; those with five-nine employees would receive up to 10,000, and branches with 10 or more staff would get up to 15,000 as an incentive for meeting targets.

We were called incompetent at meetings if targets for bob World were not met," said the second BoB source. The first employee said they were threatened with transfers, although nobody from his branch was transferred for not meeting targets.

Insiders said that onboarding pressure continued through 2021, 2022 and the first half of this year. This despite the bank, as per the 11 July Al Jazeera report, conducting a discreet inquiry" in 2022.

A workaround

The list that regional offices sent to branches was of bank accounts that did not have any registered mobile numbers attached to them, making it easier to add a phone number to these accounts and get them registered on bob World.

Succumbing to pressure, some bankers used their own, and other related mobile numbers, to activate the app without the knowledge of the account holder. They even linked several account numbers to a single mobile number. The problem intensified when business correspondents, some of whose numbers were seeded to unrelated bank accounts, decided to make withdrawals without the consent of the account holder. Business correspondents represent banks and facilitate banking services at locations other than a bank branch and ATM.

When the bank realized what was going on, it tried to cover up the wrongdoing.

Senior officers started visiting branches, asking us to check how many accounts are seeded to a single mobile number so that it could be removed from the back-end," one of the BoB employees said and added that while branches can link a number, it is nearly impossible to delete it and this needs authorization from higher-ups.

RBI steps in

On 10 October, RBI said it had come across material supervisory concerns" in the manner in which customers were brought onto the bob World app and barred the bank from acquiring new customers on the app.

Instead of just imposing a monetary fine on banks and non-banks for wrongdoing, the regulator has been using this approach, which takes away potential revenue and income from digital channels. This was seen in the case of HDFC Bank in 2020, when RBI told the lender to halt credit card issuances and not launch any new digital initiatives. Those bans were reversed in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

According to BoB employees, after the Al Jazeera story broke, RBI asked BoB to submit a report on the incident. The employees Mint spoke to said that RBIs deadline was so tight that the bank asked senior branch officials to investigate other branches near them to identify instances of malpractices. The seniors submitted their reports on a portal and these were checked by officials at regional offices.

This seemed like a rare exercise but was perhaps necessitated by the short RBI deadline. We checked limited accounts at some branches while other bankers checked our records," said a banker who had gone through accounts at a nearby branch.

Experts said that while this is correct in principle, as verification was being carried out by someone who did not initiate the transactions, it was not ideal. They could have done it through multiple chartered accountantstime may not be a real justification," said a former RBI official.

The banks audit and inspection cell is also looking into the issue, checking suspect bank accounts, especially those where bob World was registered and deregistered quickly.

A BoB spokesperson, in an emailed response to queries from Mint, stated that there were some gaps in terms of the adequacy of documents and data errors, and that the bank has engaged an external agency to audit and further strengthen the onboarding process.

We would like to reiterate that the banks mobile banking platform is fully secure with robust security controls and features in place," the spokesperson said, and added that the bank is working to address the regulatory concerns at the earliest.

Since the regulatory process is ongoing, we are not in a position to share any further details at this stage," the statement added.

The axe

A month after the fiasco came to light, the banks chief digital officer, Akhil Handa, resigned. The bank said in a regulatory filing that Handa was being replaced owing to the cessation of his employment. In a post on LinkedIn, Handa bade farewell to former colleagues and said he was embarking on a new journey. However, it didnt end there.

After the banks chief executive Debadatta Chand told reporters on 4 November that Handas contract had been terminated, the latter sent out a statement with a screenshot of his resignation email, dated 9 August. His statement said, The narrative of termination seems a deflection of operational lapses at the branch level." Handa did not elaborate when he was asked about this and whether he had faced pressure internally. An email sent to him remained unanswered.

Following RBIs public statement, BoB decided to suspend a clutch of employees, something that the bank has still not officially communicated. As per bank union representatives, about nine people were suspended.

In a comical turn, the bank tried to claw back the incentives it had doled out to employees who had met app activation targets, irrespective of whether they were complicit in the malpractice or not. This was met with resistance and the employees asked their labour unions to take the matter up.

Bankers were receiving informal instructions to return these benefits (the money received) and that has now stopped after the unions stepped in. It is surprising that the bank wanted to take away something as small as money received for team lunches," said one of the bankers.

BoB has also now barred access to the account opening link mentioned on personal devices. It can only be accessed on tablets provided by the bank.

No material impact

The bank has posted strong profit and digital growth over the last few quarters and even sees itself competing against private sector lenders. Despite RBIs directive to stop onboarding new customers on the app, BoB said it does not expect any material impact on its overall business and growth plans.

The size of this is not quite big in banking terms and therefore the loss is not like some of the earlier instances in India. If you look at some of the earlier scams like Nirav Modi, this pales in comparison," said a private sector banker on condition of anonymity, adding that what happened was nonetheless unethical and wrong.

Rating agencies are also not too perturbed as far as the financial impact is concerned. Given the volume of transactions required to make a sizable dent into the profits of the bank, the amount involved in the fraud is unlikely to be much in relation to the profit and capital position of the bank," said a ratings analyst.

The analyst said that, being a public sector bank, BoB is unlikely to suffer any liquidity issues due to the incident as depositors are likely to take comfort in sovereign ownership. However, this raises concerns about the effectiveness of the internal audits and control function of the bank," he added.

Experts say that it is critical to focus on the right metrics while pushing digitization goals. Getting an app downloaded does not necessarily mean the right users and active use. Staff targets and incentives should also be aligned to the right metrics for a more sustainable rollout," said Parijat Garg, a digital lending expert and former senior vice president at credit information company Crif High Mark.

Meanwhile, rival lenders, especially those from the public sector, are keenly watching the developments at BoB, given their own commitments to digitization.
Foreign nationals who are willing to attend Indian weddings and experience the culture and traditions of India can now buy admission tickets to the guestlist by using an app. An app called 'JoinMyWedding' permits such transaction making a win-win situation for both the host and the paid guests.

Well to do Indians have long paid for the presence of blondes to enlighten and add charm to Indian parties but with such apps the trend has reversed.

The official website states, Indian couples who want to share their wedding with the world, you can now be on the guest list - and an active participant - of a traditional Indian wedding."

This allows tourists who visit India to enrich their memories by experiencing Indian weddings as paid guests. Indian wedding are renowned over the world for their extravagance while at the same time the wedding host get additional finances to undertake grand ventures. Over the years a keen interest has been growing among foreign tourists experience India's rich culture.

Indians' admiration of the West culture and tradition with an outlook for modernisation has gained interest for the presence of foreign nationals compounded by the effect of 200 years British rule in India. Indian couples are willing to share their wedding experience with foreigners to standout in terms of power status and the association of large guest list is with good fortune.

JoinMyWedding Inc. founder, Orsi Parkanyi came up with the idea she missed her friends weddings while abroad. Parkanyi said, "There are more than 300 types of different weddings in Indiaand India celebrates around 11 million weddings a year, 80% of which are Hindu weddings," reported Forbes.

Parkanyi further said, In a country of over 1.3 billion, it is not easy. Moreover, Indians are super proud of their culture and traditions and love the fact that others are interested and they can showcase their culture," reported Forbes.

The host couple received an enumeration from paid guests that ranges from $150 (for one day) and $250 per person for 2-3-day weddings. The app offers a wide range of traditional weddings with Punjabi weddings being most popular. This project was first launched by the company in India and now covers Israel, Greece and Japan as well.

Indian traditional wedding functions range from ten to three days with a number of pre-wedding ceremonies ranging from haldi, henna, baraat to reception accompanied with a touch of Bollywood. Indians attach enormous importance to marriages that involve songs, dance, prayer, henna, fire, gold, gifts and traditional food. It was found that most visitors traveling to India are Americans as reported by Forbes.

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Vedanta group on Wednesday said in Saudi Arabia it has set up a new copper unit through subsidiary Malco Energy Limited for SAR (saudi riyal) 1,00,000.

The new unit has been named as Vedanta Copper International VCI Company Limited, the company said in an exchange filing.

In September, Vedantas board had approved a plan to split the business into six separate listed entities.

On 25 August, Vedanta chairman Anil Agrawal had said that the group is considering separately listing all or some businesses, based on feedback from advisors.

He had also said that separately listing the different businesses will help the pure play" businesses grow.

Last year, the company had said that it plans to invest in the mineral sector in Saudi Arabia.

On 6 November, Vedanta Resources and the Zambian government signed an agreement that restores the Indian company's ownership of Konkola Copper Mines (KCM).

The agreement was signed between ZCCM-IH and Vedanta in Lusaka.

The copper assets were seized by the Zambian government in 2019.

The agreement will lead to the re-appointment of the KCM board and withdrawal of all legal challenges that are in court.

Billionaire Anil Agarwal's Vedanta had mounted several legal challenges, including suing Zambia at the arbitration court in London, to regain control of KCM after former president Edgar Lungu's government orchestrated the seizure of the copper assets by forcing the operations into liquidation in May 2019.

The Zambian administration had accused the company of failing to invest to boost copper output.

Shares of Vedanta Ltd closed at 238.70, down 1.34% on Wednesday.

Vedanta group is in discussions with Taiwan-based TFT LCD maker Innolux Corporation for a display fabrication plant in India.

The officials from both the companies recently met minister of state for electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

Earlier, Vedanta had formed a joint venture with Taiwanese electronics manufacturing giant Foxconn which announced plans to invest $19.5 billion in setting up a semiconductor wafer fabrication plant.

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Day trading guide for today: After sharp sell off in late hours, Indian stock market finished close to its intraday low on Monday. Nifty 50 index finished 82 points lower at 19,443 levels, BSE Sensex gained 325 points and closed at 64,933 mark whereas Bank Nifty index added 105 points and ended at 43,891 levels. In broad market, mid-cap index added 0.10 per cent whereas small-cap index ended marginally lower on previous session.

Day trading guide for stock market today

On outlook for Nifty today, Nagaraj Shetti, Technical Research Analyst at HDFC Securities said, "The near-term trend of Nifty continues to be positive. Having placed at the crucial overhead resistance around 19,550 to 19,600 levels, there is a possibility of some more consolidation or minor weakness in the short term before showing any decisive upside breakout of the resistance. Further weakness from here could find support around 19,300 to 19,250 levels."

8 things that changed for the stock market overnight

On outlook for Bank Nifty today, Ashwin Ramani, Derivatives & Technical Analyst, SAMCO Securities said, "Bank Nifty shrugged off its initial weakness and rose steadily throughout the day to end at 43,891, down 105 points. Strong put writing was observed at 43,700 & 43,800 Strike, which led to a steady up move in Bank Nifty. The level of 43,800 is likely to act as a strong support for Bank Nifty, while call writers exiting at 44,000 Strike will result in a strong up move in the coming days."

"In this truncated trading week, we expect market to consolidate in a broader range due to lack of major events and Q2 earning season coming to an end," said Siddhartha Khemka, Head - Retail Research at Motilal Oswal while speaking on outlook for stock market today.

Day trading stocks for today

On intraday stocks for today, stock market experts  Sumeet Bagadia, Executive Director at Choice Broking; Ganesh Dongre, Senior Manager  Technical Research at Anand Rathi and Virat Jagad, Technical Analyst at Bonanza Portfolio  recommended five stocks to buy today.

Sumeet Bagadia's intraday stocks for today

1] Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M): Buy at 2538, target 1660, stop loss 1475.

M&M share price is currently trading at 1538, has recently undergone a bullish reversal, forming new higher lows with substantial trading volumes. This trend indicates a positive momentum shift in the stock. Moreover, M&M is currently trading above critical Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs), including the 20-day, 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day EMAs, underscoring its bullish momentum and suggesting the potential for further upward price movement.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 61.8 and is on an upward trajectory, signifying an increase in buying momentum. Additionally, the Stochastic Relative Strength Index (Stoch RSI) is displaying a positive crossover, further supporting the bullish outlook. The combination of these technical indicators suggests that M&M may have the potential to reach a target price of 1660 in the near term.

2] IndusInd Bank: Buy at 1510, target 1600, stop loss 1470.

IndusInd Bank share is currently trading around 1509.60 levels. The stock is continuously forming higher high higher low formation on daily charts. The stock has a strong support near 1470 levels, which is close to its 20 Day EMA. Currently stock is trading above all important moving averages. The important support of 1470 was prior a resistance and stock sustaining above these levels indicates strength. The momentum indicator RSI is around 63 levels and slopping upwards indicating strength. A small resistance is placed around 1516.30 levels which is also a recent high, once stock surpasses the above-mentioned level it can lead towards the target of 1600 and above.

Ganesh Dongre's stock of the day

3] Coal India Limited: Buy at 350, target 360, stop loss 345.

On the short-term chart, the stock has shown a bullish reversal pattern, so holding the support level of 345. This stock can bounce toward the 360 level in the short term. Hence, the trader can go long with a stop loss of 345 for the target price of 360.

Virat Jagad's buy or sell stocks

4] Hindustan Copper: Buy at 160 to 161, target 175, stop loss 154.

On a Daily time frame Hindustan Copper Ltd. has given a breakout of downward moving channel on the upside, indicating a positive trend in the stock. Buyers have to look more attractive to buy the security above 162 levels. The stock took support at the 50 days EMA and started moving on the positive side indicating a positive trend with price trading above the EMA indicates strength on the upside. In addition to this the MACD is showing positive crossover, which confirms the buying interest. The volume after the breakout is high, suggesting demand for security.

5] Sun TV Network: Buy at 670 to 672, target 720, stop loss 650.

On a Daily time frame Sun TV Network Ltd. had formed a pennant pattern which is known as a continuous pattern. In current formation the security has formed a bullish price action indicating buyers been keen to buy the securities and are expecting the stock to move higher. On EMA front the prices is trading above major EMAs which indicates positive trend. The fast EMA (10) is following the trend and trending upward which is indicating a positive trend. On the momentum indicator MACD, the MACD line has cross the signal line confirms the positivity in the script.

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before taking any investment decision.

HINDUSTAN COPPER More Information

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MUMBAI : Global index provider MSCI has included nine Indian stocks in its MSCI Standard Index in the latest round of rebalancing, which will take Indias representation in the emerging market (EM) index to the highest-ever count of 131 stocks. The rebalancing, which will lead to minor cuts in the weights of some big names, could result in India attracting passive inflows of $1.5 billion after the changes take effect on 30 November.

With this fresh inclusion, Indias representation on the EM index will reach an all-time high, marking a significant increase, with its weight doubling over the past three years," said Abhilash Pagaria, head, Nuvama Alternative & Quantitative Research.

View Full Image Graphic: Mint

The inclusion of IndusInd Bank, Suzlon Energy, Persistent Systems, APL Apollo Tubes, Polycab India, Tata Motors, Macrotech Developers, Paytm ( One 97 Communications) and Tata Communications will see Indias weight in the index rise to around 16.3%, up from 15.9% currently. Suzlon, Persistent Systems and APL Apollo have migrated from the Small-cap Index to the Standard Index.

Since global fund managers use MSCI indices to allocate funds to emerging markets, the rise in weight may attract over $1.5 billion from passive trackers of this index, Pagaria said.

Suzlon, Tata Motors and Paytm traded up between 2% and 4% during the day, following news of the inclusion.

To adjust for the country weighting in the index after the fresh inclusion, leading companies such as Reliance Industries, ICICI Bank, Infosys and HDFC Bank could witness minor weight reductions and consequent outflows between $100 million and 200 million each, according to Pagaria.

Apart from the Standard Index, the MSCI Small-cap Index has also seen inclusions of the likes of SJVN, Gokaldas Exports, PTC India and Hindustan Construction Co.

MSCI India has outperformed the MSCI EM Index, rising 4.7% over the past one year through 13 November, against the latters 0.87% decline, according to Bloomberg data. Indias earnings have been the driving force behind the increase in share prices, which have led to Indias weighting increase doubling on MSCI," said Rajesh Palviya, derivatives and technical head at Axis Securities.

For the 42 Nifty firms that have declared results, earnings are up 35% versus Motilal Oswal Financial Services expectations of 30%.

Similarly, for the 185 companies which have declared results in MOFSL coverage universe, earnings are up 58% versus its expectations of 53%.

MSCI undertakes quarterly index reviews in February, May, August and November.

Indian markets have risen to record highs of 20,222.45 on the Nifty and 67,927.23 on the Sensex due to strong domestic and FPI participation. DIIs have invested 79,686 crore in Indian shares so far this fiscal year, while FPIs have net invested 1.2 trillion.
Hunter Biden has finally had enough, moving to subpoena Donald Trump for his relentless, "vindictive" politically motivated criminal charges against him.

The long-overdue subpoena, filed by President Biden's son this morning, also targets former Attorney General Bill Bar, former Department of Justice officials Richard Donoghue and Jeffrey Rosen.

"Mr. Biden seeks specific information from three former DOJ officials and the former President that goes to the heart of his defense that this is, possibly, a vindictive or selective prosecution arising from an unrelenting pressure campaign beginning in the last administration, in violation of Mr. Biden's Fifth Amendment rights under the Constitution," say the court filings submitted by Biden's attorneys, via The Hill.

"It is clear no measure of charges against Mr. Biden will ever be enough to appease Chairmen Comer and Smith and their MAGA allies," says the motion.

"As anyone can readily tell, it is not just pressure from within the Trump-era Executive Branch that is the problem; it is also incessant, unrelenting outside interference from congressional Republicans and their allies in the prosecutorial process, which is supposed to be independent and free from political interference," the motion continues. "Undoubtedly, the current political climate has jeopardized that longstanding and fundamental American principle."

From The Hill:

Republicans have long criticized the investigation into Biden, portraying his now-defunct plea agreement as a "sweetheart deal" and lambasting prosecutors for not charging him with additional crimes in their subsequent indictment. Biden's subpoena motion extensively references those criticisms, calling out by name House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) and House Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith (R-Mo.). Biden accused Trump and his congressional allies of mounting a "sustained, almost-nonstop public pressure campaign" for prosecutors to bring charges.

And from MTN:
State-owned UCO Bank has reported a technical glitch in some Immediate Payment Service(IMPS) transactions due to which transactions done by account holders of other banks came into account holders of the bank.

During the period from 10.11.2023 to 13.11.2023, technical issue in Immediate Payment Service(IMPS), certain transaction(s) initiated by holders of other banks have resulted in credit to the account holders in our Bank without actual receipt of money from these banks," UCO Bank informed in an exchange filing on Wednesday ( 15 November)

The bank says it is taking a precautionary measure, it has made the IMPS channel offline & is closely following up with stakeholders to resolve the issue and restore the IMPS services at the earliest.

The matter has also been reported to the law enforcement agencies for necessary action, it added.

The Bank re-iterates and assures that all other critical systems are operational and available. The Bank continues to provide safe and secure services to customers.

The Kolkata-headquartered lender said that the financial impact, if any, due to the aforesaid is yet to be ascertained and the Bank will endeavour to ascertainment.

What is Immediate Payment Service (IMPS)?

IMPS of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is an important payment system providing a 24x7 instant domestic funds transfer facility and is accessible through various channels like internet banking, mobile banking apps, bank branches, ATMs, SMS, and IVRS.

UCO Bank stock price went up today, 15 Nov 2023, by 0.23 %. The stock closed at 39.56 per share. The stock is currently trading at 39.65 per share, down 0.13% on NSE.

On November 3, UCO Bank reported a 20 per cent decline in its net profit to 402 crore for the quarter ended September 2023. The bank had reported a net profit of 505 crore in the corresponding quarter a year ago.

UCO BANK More Information

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Being a bank relationship manager is not easy, especially if one has to meet a sales target that is typically in multiples of the take-home salary. These bankers have the unenvious job of convincing their high net-worth clients to invest in various financial instruments, including fixed deposits and mutual funds. However, they prefer to hard-sell guaranteed insurance plans, according to industry executives. And that is because of the huge commissions dangled by the insurance sector.

Industry executives aver that guaranteed insurance plans make up for a bigger chunk of the financial instruments marketed by relationship managers. To be sure, the insurance sector does not segregate data on different types of policies in public domain. The head of a leading banks private wealth division told Mint, on condition of anonymity, that about half of the firms total assets under management (AUM) are deployed in guaranteed insurance plans.

The commissions vary depending on the type of plan and the insurer but are typically around 40-55% of the first year premium and subsequently lowered from the second year onwards. In March, the insurance regulator removed a cap on product-specific commissions. It said the commissions will now be covered under an insurers expense of management.

Insurance is a high commission product and they (the insurers) are incentivizing the bankers to sell it. We dont subscribe to half the AUM going into a product like this. This can just form a part of ones fixed income portfolio but if the horizon is 10 to 15 years, they can have more allocation to equity products," said Himanshu Kohli, co-founder of Client Associates, a private wealth management firm.

Equity products also offer better returns but with higher risk. For instance, the rolling returns from Nippon Bees (Nifty ETF) was 11.74% during a 10-year period. Note that in the case of mutual funds, the investment can be redeemed at any time by paying the applicable capital gains tax and exit load. For guaranteed insurance products, this money gets locked in until maturity.

Nithin Balachandani, who runs Insurance Angels, said that if you discontinue the plan before its term ends, its surrender value would be very nominal compared to the premium amount paid.

Guaranteed insurance plans pay out a fixed lump sum amount or regular payments after a specific period, as defined in the policy documents. Unlike mutual funds, whose returns are variable, these plans offer fixed payments. They also come with a life cover which is typically 10 times the annual premium paid.

Currently, there are various insurance products in the market such as money back plans, guaranteed plans, or endowment plans. These plans come with an annual premium which has to be paid for a few years before the policyholder receives a fixed income every year after a specified period. Some plans fetch a fixed income after the policy term ends. Others offer a fixed lump sum on maturity or a fixed income until the death of the policyholder.

View Full Image (Graphic: Mint)

Tax breaks

One reason why guaranteed insurance plans find favour with investors is their tax-friendly nature, which makes them more attractive than debt mutual funds and government securities.

Under one such insurance plan, if you invest 1 lakh annually for 10 years and then wait for another 10 years, you will get a lump sum of 22.72 lakh at the end of 20 years. Thats a tax-free internal rate of return (IRR) of 5.3%. However, if you were to invest a similar amount in a debt mutual fund over 20 years, the IRR comes to 6.7%. Post tax deductions, considering a 30% income tax slab, the IRR falls to 4.4%. Thereby, these guaranteed tax-free plans yield more returns than most debt mutual funds. A similar tax treatment as that of debt MFs would apply to other fixed-income products like bonds and fixed deposits.

To be sure, premiums paid up to 5 lakh in guaranteed annuity plans are exempt from taxation at the time of maturity. Last years budget introduced a provision that denies tax breaks in case the premium paid for any policy or policies taken together in a year exceeds 5 lakh.

People can also buy these policies in the names of their spouse or children to claim tax benefits on the premium paid. Thus, for a family of four members, a total of 20 lakh can be invested in such guaranteed insurance products. Note that goods and service tax of 4.5% is applicable on all transactions in the first year and 2.25% thereafter. Nitesh Buddhadev, a chartered accountant and founder of Nimit Consultancy, says that, in case, the policyholder stops paying the premium within two years or discontinues the policy thereafter, the deductions claimed earlier are reversed.

To be eligible for tax breaks on the maturity amount, the sum assured should be at least 10 times the annual premium paid. If in any year, the premium paid exceeds 10% of the sum assured, the maturity proceeds are liable to be taxed.

If the insurance policy is not tax-exempt, a 5% tax is deducted at source from the difference between the premium and the maturity amount. For instance, consider that you have paid 2 lakh as premium over 10 years and received 5 lakh at maturity. In this case, a sum of 3 lakh (the maturity amount minus your contribution) is subject to a 5% TDS, or tax deducted at source, by the insurance company.

When the maturity amount reflects in the income tax statement, the policyholder may be liable to pay additional tax, depending on the income slab. The 5% TDS is largely for recording transactions. If the recipient is above 80 and the amount received is less than 3 lakh, then the individual can claim refund of tax deducted. Conversely, earning professionals or businessmen may be subjected to higher taxes.

Balwant Jain, a tax expert, said that there is no proper provision that says how the insurance maturity amount proceeds should be taxed." Whether it should be treated as income from other sources where it is taxed as per slab rate or as capital gains is a question that often arises" If the insurance proceeds are distributed in case of the policyholders death, there are no taxes to be paid.

Kohli of ClientAssociates said investors typically prefer to park their money for the long term of 10-15 years to get more than 6-7% returns. Equities have the potential to deliver double-digit returns (say, around 10-15%). So even if you pay a 10% tax on equities, the returns can be between 9% and 13%, an attractive proposition.

Kohli, however, has a word of caution for investors. Taxation should be given some weightage while buying a product but it should not be the only factor. People should also look at it from an asset allocation approach," he says.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced "promising prospects" of the India-Middle East-Europe Connectivity Corridor (IMEC), while addressing the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2023 on November 15 in New Delhi, ANI reported.

The IMEC initiative aims to revolutionise transportation efficiency, slash logistic expenses, bolster economic cohesion, drive job creation, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions for all involved stakeholders.

Key Highlights of the IMEC Project

Sitharaman detailed that the IMEC inked during India's G20 Presidency at the 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9-10, is a multi-modal economic corridor.

Also Read: Top US officials Blinken, Austin to visit India for Indo-Pacific talks

Encompassing shipping, railways, roadways, electricity cables, high-speed data cables, and a hydrogen pipeline, it seeks to enhance connectivity on various fronts, the report said.

Primarily maritime, the corridor will link Indian ports such as the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Mundra, and Kandla, to West Asian ports such as Fujairah, Jebel Ali, Abu Dhabi in the UAE, and Saudi Arabian ports of Dammam, Ras Al Khair, and Ghuwaifat. Additionally, a rail segment will extend the corridor to Saudi Arabian cities and the port of Haifa in Israel.

Termed the "Northern Corridor," the final maritime segment will connect the Haifa port to Greece's Piraeus port, establishing a direct route to Europe, Sitharaman stated.

Also Read: India-US forge deeper strategic alliance amid escalating security challenges posed by China

Economic Integration and Geopolitical Challenges

IMEC's significance lies in fostering a cost-effective cross-border transit network that supplements existing transport modes, fostering trade, and linking South Asia, West Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. However, Sitharaman cautioned about geopolitical challenges, citing concerns over the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Highlighting India's maritime importance, Sitharaman stressed the nation's commitment to bolstering the maritime sector, emphasising governmental support through fiscal policies and financial resources.

In international shipping, India has significantly climbed the ranks, from 44th in 2014 to 22nd in 2023, as per the report. Furthermore, Indian ports also boast a 0.9-day 'turn-around time', surpassing established maritime centres such as Singapore, the UAE, Germany, the USA, Australia, Russia, and South Africa, as per the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index report 2023, it added.

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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday said that India is not ruling out an investigation but asked Canada to provide evidence in support of its allegations about the involvement of agents of the Indian government in the killing of a Khalistani separatist in that country.

Jaishankar made the comments in response to questions during a conversation with veteran journalist Lionel Barber titled How a Billion People See the World' here.

"If you have a reason to make such an allegation please share the evidence because we are not ruling out an investigation," Jaishankar, who is here on a five-day official visit to the UK, said while responding to a question.

He emphasised that Canada has not shared any evidence with India to support its allegation.

The ties between India and Canada came under severe strain following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's 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 has rejected Trudeau's allegations as "absurd" and "motivated".

Jaishankar said that freedom of speech and freedom of expression comes with a certain responsibility and the misuse of those freedoms and the toleration of that misuse for political purposes would be very wrong, referring to the pro-Khalistani activities in Canada.

He recalled the attacks on the High Commission of India in Canada, or smoke bomb attacks on the High Commission and Consulate General, and said Indian diplomats were intimidated in public, with no action from the Canadian authorities against culprits.

Last week, Prime Minister Trudeau underlined that a "fight" with India was not something Canada wanted to be having right now but reiterated his allegations and said Ottawa wants to "work constructively" with New Delhi on this "very serious matter".

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said India has conveyed to the US side its serious concerns over increasing activities of pro-Khalistani elements in Canada.

"Insofar as Canada is concerned, we have been having very consistent conversations with all our friends and partners. Our position on this matter has been enunciated and explained in full detail on multiple occasions," Kwatra said in New Delhi recently.

Days after Trudeau's 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.

On China, Jaishankar said that the 2020 deadly clash has vitiated the relationship between the two countries.

He said China did not adhere to the agreement not to amass troops at the Line of Actual Control as he asserted that such acts of not following pacts have consequences in terms of credibility.

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Shehla Rashid, a former student of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), has credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for ensuring a bloodless" political solution to Kashmir. When asked if she had sympathies with the stone pelters, Shehla Rashid said, In 2010, yes."

Elaborating on it further, Shehla Rashid told ANI that she is much more grateful for the present situation in Kashmir. but today when I see, I am much more grateful for todays situation because today it has become clear that Kashmir is not Gaza."

Kashmir was involved in this back and forth of protests and sporadic incidents of insurgency, infiltrationssomebody needed to break the ice and for that, I would like to credit the present government, especially the prime minister [Narendra Modi], the home minister [Amit Shah], they have ensured a political solution to it which, I would say, is bloodless."

Shehla Rashid also rejected the allegations that anti-India" slogans were raised at Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi in February 2016 which also involved former student union leaders Kanhaiya Kumar and Umar Khalid. Shehla Rashid said no anti-India" slogans such as Bharat tere tukde honge" slogans were raised at the university.

When asked how the JNU incident changed her life, Shehla Rashid said, It was not just a life changer for the three of us, the entire university sort of suffered the consequences of that incident because there was so much backlash against anything to do with JNU."

So overnight, from being an elite university the queen of liberal arts, social sciences etcJNU became a slur..it was almost like a cussword.no such slogans were raised."

Shehla Rashid has been a staunch critic of the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre over the decision to revoke the special status Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) but lately, the former JNU student has praised the Centre. Recently, Shehla Rashid praised PM Modi and Amit Shah for ensuring long-term peace and safety in Kashmir. Her comments came in the wake of Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

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NEW DELHI : The Centre is prepared with a plan to ensure food security over the coming year, in the wake of an erratic monsoon that disrupted the crop calendar and boosted food prices this year. According to Union consumer affairs secretary Rohit Kumar Singh, this will include sourcing pulses from a variety of countries, intervening quickly and directly in retail markets, and possible export-import related steps, depending on the situation.

As part of the plan, the government is working to create a model to predict food prices that will factor in externalities like weather and trade-related measures, Singh said in an interview.

The ministry of consumer affairs, food and public distribution is developing this with the help of academics from Delhi University. Currently, the ministry uses an artificial intelligence (AI)-based software to help with these predictions.

Mint on 29 October reported that the government was planning to create a real-time supply and demand model for agricultural commodities that will help it plan and evaluate policy for a volatile market.

This comes after a patchy monsoon disrupted the kharif crop calendar, impacting the sowing and vegetative seasons while economists forecast farm output growth in 2023-24 to be slower this year.

The government is also in talks with Argentina and Brazil for urad production, and East African countries, especially Ethiopia and Tanzania for tur production, Singh said.

Singh explained weather patterns have shifted the whole crop calendar. Besides, as income levels grow, food habits are changing.

People will eat more protein and the consumption of 4.4 million tonnes (mt) of tur may go up. So, we will need more, and for some time, import dependency might continue at the same level," Singh said.

In response to a question on whether the government will be able to play a larger role in coming months in stabilizing prices in the wake of an uneven monsoon, Singh said the ministry was fully prepared. He said the assessment of domestic production and imports, estimation of buffer stock and strategy and timing of its deployment were part of the preparation. These, he said, are done scientifically to ensure maximum impact.

Singh said the government was taking extra steps by way of abundant caution, although crop output estimates were confidence-inspiring. Discussions are already on with Mozambique for seamless supply of pulses.

Additionally, we are trying to diversify risk in terms of imports. For urad, there is 99% dependence on Myanmar. Therefore, we are in talks with Brazil, Argentina and other markets. Brazil agreed to look at urad production because they have huge land availability, and they are agro-climatically conducive to growing it. For tur, we are exploring entire East African nations, especially Ethiopia and Tanzania. Both sides agricultural ministries are in talks to identify the right variety." he added.

Singh asserted there is no constraint on deploying funds as the government is committed to keeping prices low.

Resources is never an issue. The government is very committed to keeping prices low." The idea is to use resources to manage prices efficiently using technology, buffer stock and retail mechanisms, he said.

The governments plan entails preparedness for timely action, especially when circumstances warrant strong measures such as export curbs in the interest of price stability and availability in the domestic market, a consideration that other countries also have. Also, direct intervention at the retail level by selling pulses and other items to consumers will be considered as a template for quick cooling of prices in urban centres, he said. Experience has shown that this is more effective than intervention at the wholesale level, as at least some traders may have the capacity to hoard.

Not all traders are bad. There is a small fraction of traders who take advantage of situations, indulge in speculation and hike prices. We have to be tough against them and they have to get the message that if such practices are resorted to, not only the government can take action, but we also have the buffer (stocks to deploy). For that messaging, you dont require lakhs of tonnes," Singh said. Through retail outlets, consumer engagement is direct. Although it is logistically challenging given the size of the country, it is more effective," said Singh.

Singh said the government is now promoting millets through vans following the Prime Ministers vision of popularizing millet consumption.
Ahead of the state assembly elections, BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma lashed out at Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel over his alleged link in the Mahadev betting app case.

Launching an attack against Baghel, the Assam CM said, 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."

Himanta Biswa Sarma is on a visit to poll-bound Chhattisgarh to campaign for his party in the state. On Wednesday, he attacked on Congress while addressing a rally in Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh.

"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 added.

Later, he also said that the Enforcement Directorate has given him time to contest the elections out of its magnanimity" but it will come after the polls. He warned Bhupesh Baghel that the ED will continue its investigation after the elections and will also summon Bhupesh Baghel.

While interacting with the media, Himanta Biswa Sarma said that Chattisgarh has witnessed huge amount of innovation to dupe people in betting. He also said that the Congress must be the first political party that has created an app to loot money in the name of Mahadev.
China had real problems, said US President Joe Biden as he prepared to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping for the 30th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco aimed at repairing ties between the two nations.

Speaking at a fundraising event here, Biden said, President Xi is another example of how reestablishing American leadership in the world is taking hold. They've got real problems."

The two leaders will meet at Filoli Estate, a country house museum about 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of San Francisco, said three senior administration officials, on the condition of anonymity to discuss the venue. The venue had not yet been confirmed by the White House and the Chinese government.

Biden arrived at San Francisco International Airport on 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 US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns.

US-China pledge climate cooperation ahead of Biden-Xi meet

The United States and China on Wednesday pledged to work more closely together to fight global warming and declared that the climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges of our time", AFP reported.

The announcement came ahead of a summit between presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping in San Francisco. It further fuelled hopes that the two nations could mend relations following years of turmoil over issues including trade, human rights, and the future of Taiwan.

In a joint statement, the United States and China recognize that the climate crisis has increasingly affected countries around the world.

And they re-committed to the 2015 Paris climate accord goals of holding global warming to well below 2C while pursuing efforts to limit the increase to 1.5C. They will work together... to rise up to one of the greatest challenges of our time for present and future generations of humankind," the statement read.

The two sides agreed to develop their respective methane reduction targets for inclusion in their 2035 emission-cutting plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions, or NDCs.

Biden-Xi meet: What to expect?

- The White House highlights the summit's objective as 'enhancing communication to prevent potential conflict between the two nations'. Anticipated topics encompass global concerns spanning conflicts in the Middle East and Russia's actions in Ukraine to North Korea's connections with Russia, Taiwan, human rights, artificial intelligence, and trade relations.

- Biden is poised to affirm the US's commitment to supporting Indo-Pacific allies, specifically mentioning Taiwan amidst Chinese pressure. Security commitments to the Philippines will also be underscored.

- Washington seeks concrete outcomes, including progress in restoring military ties and combatting the trade of fentanyl, a harmful synthetic opioid in the US. An agreement on fentanyl could entail lifting human rights sanctions on China's police forensic institute.

- With Taiwan's 2024 elections looming, China seeks assurances from the US against fostering pro-independence sentiments. Additionally, China aims to ease tariffs and export controls on advanced semiconductors. The leaders might discuss enhancing commercial flights and potentially easing journalist visa restrictions, benefiting both nations.

(With inputs from agencies)

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United States President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet prior to the 30th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in San Francisco, aiming to mitigate tensions in what's viewed as a critical global rivalry.

Leaders from the 21-member forum will gather at the global summit. However, the Biden-Xi bilateral will be the marquee moment of the forum, as it comes amid rising tension between the two nations 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.

Also Read: What it took to get Biden and Xi to the table

Biden and Xi have not engaged in any discussions since their last meeting in November, which took place on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Bali, Indonesia.

So, here are the top 7 things to know ahead of the anticipated meeting

Limited Personal Meetings: Despite a decade-long acquaintance and multiple discussions since Biden's inauguration in January 2021, the leaders have met only once in person since then. Xi's last visit to the United States dates back to 2017 during Donald Trump's presidency.

Agenda on the Table: The White House highlights the summit's objective as 'enhancing communication to prevent potential conflict between the two nations'. Anticipated topics encompass global concerns spanning conflicts in the Middle East and Russia's actions in Ukraine to North Korea's connections with Russia, Taiwan, human rights, artificial intelligence, and trade relations.

US Stance and Expected Discussions: Biden is poised to affirm the US's commitment to supporting Indo-Pacific allies, specifically mentioning Taiwan amidst Chinese pressure. Security commitments to the Philippines will also be underscored.

Also Read: China, U.S. Look to a Biden-Xi Summit While Wrestling Tensions

Expected Deals and Agreements: Washington seeks concrete outcomes, including progress in restoring military ties and combatting the trade of fentanyl, a harmful synthetic opioid in the US. An agreement on fentanyl could entail lifting human rights sanctions on China's police forensic institute.

Political Expectations and Economic Implications: With Taiwan's 2024 elections looming, China seeks assurances from the US against fostering pro-independence sentiments. Additionally, China aims to ease tariffs and export controls on advanced semiconductors. The leaders might discuss enhancing commercial flights and potentially easing journalist visa restrictions, benefiting both nations.

Market Impact: Market observers will keenly monitor these talks, seeking cues on bilateral sentiment. APEC members and global stakeholders anticipate a reduction in US-China tensions, albeit potentially short-lived given Taiwan's upcoming elections and the uncertainty surrounding the 2024 US presidential race.

Market Expectations: As Biden and Xi engage, markets await signals amid ongoing geopolitical dynamics, hoping for a positive impact amidst broader uncertainties in the coming political landscape.

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The Rishi Sunak-led government suffered a fresh blow on Wednesday as the UK Supreme Court rejected plans to send migrants to Rwanda. A five-judge panel said asylum-seekers would be at real risk of ill-treatment" after their relocation. The development comes mere hours after former Home Secretary Suella Braverman accused the PM of having no Plan B" if the government lost the Supreme Court case.

The court of appeal was entitled to conclude that there were substantial grounds for believing that asylum seekers would be at real risk of ill treatment," the five judge panel ruled unanimously.

The UK had signed an agreement with Rwanda in April 2022 for the relocation of some migrants. The government argues that this policy will deter people from risking their lives crossing one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, and break the business model of people-smuggling gangs.

Anyone who arrived in Britain illegally after January 1 last year faces deporation under this scheme. Their claims would then be assessed in Rwanda  some 6,400 km away. However, the first deportation flight was stopped at the last minute in June 2022 when the European Court of Human Rights intervened.

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," Braverman wrote in an excoriating resignation letter to Sunak last night.

A Reuters report quoting government officials say that there are options, including negotiating a new deal with Rwanda, upgrading the agreement from a memorandum of understanding and including new safeguards. A new treaty passed by parliament could make it harder for the courts to intervene.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Abram Lucabaugh, superintendent in Pennsylvania's Central Bucks School District, got his contract renewed weeks ago but is already quittingand pocketing a $630,000 severance package. He's getting a full year of his salary, and a $50,000 "settlement" which may expand further to include a $10,000 "consulting" fee and $1,000 per-day fees for further "consulting."

School board member Karen Smith said Monday night she learned of the resignation about 7 p.m. Monday when she saw it was added to the agenda. "I'm staggered by the amount of money included. It well exceeds what the contract specified," she said. "There may have to be some legal review given the lame duck status of this move."

If it isn't obvious, he's a Moms For Liberty-style nutcase. He and outgoing Republican school board members are stuffing their suitcases after voters, sick of the homophobia, transphobia and far-right rhetoric, replaced them wholesale with Democrats in last week's election.
Royal biographer Angela Levin claimed that Prince Harry has changed since leaving the royal family and moving to the United States with Meghan Markle . Levin shared a close relationship with the Prince when they worked together.

The royal biographer contended that Meghan had a significant influence in getting him to leave his family and his native country, The Times of India reported.

In 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their resignation as senior royals, citing worries about Meghan's mental health during her delivery of their first child, Archie.

Following this, they shifted to Montecito, California, and pursued a private life with lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify for a documentary podcast and series, as per TOI reports.

Prince Harry authored the candid memoir "Spare," which attracted a lot of attention and sold more than 664,000 copies in its first three months. In his book, the Prince lamented the absence of his family and country, while also expressing love for them during challenging times.

Speaking to GB News, Levin emphasized that Harry's prior commitment to serving the nation appears to have faded and suggested that a return to the "old" Harry is extremely unlikely.

Levin thought back to her previous work with the Duke, remembering a less resentful person, and she expressed concern that Meghan may have contributed to Harry's disdain for his own family and nation, TOI reported.

She further stated that Meghan wanted her work to have a global focus and expressed her dissatisfaction with the UK, believing it to be too small.

Levin said that Harry had agency over his choices and that he could have made one differently. However, she draws attention to Harry's statement that he fell in love with Meghan right away, implying that both of them had a say in the choices that caused them to break away from the royal family.

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World-renowned author Salman Rushdie has been awarded the first-ever 'Lifetime Disturbing the Peace Award' by the Vaclav Havel Center on November 14, AP reported. This was Rushdie's surprise public appearance since he was stabbed during a literary festival in New York in August 2022.

Rushdie Reflects on Awards and Influence

Rushdie's appearance was unexpected as barely a handful of the 100 attendees were aware of his presence, AP added. Announced by Azar Nafisi, the author of 'Reading Lolita in Tehran', Rushdie said, "I apologize for being a mystery guest. I dont feel at all mysterious. But it made life a little simpler."

At 76, Rushdie, recipient of the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade last month, found himself receiving another accolade, reflecting on the irony of being awarded for "disturbing the peace." He pondered which side of "the fence" this placed him on.

Also Read: Salman Rushdies new novel is an ode to storytelling and freedom

During his speech, Rushdie lauded Vaclav Havel, a close friend and an influential figure who supported him when he was forced into hiding following Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's 1989 decree against his novel, 'The Satanic Verses'. Describing Havel as a hero who balanced artistry with activism, Rushdie expressed deep honor in receiving an award in Havel's name.

The ceremony, hosted by veteran CBS journalist Lesley Stahl, took place at the Havel Center, previously known as the Vaclav Havel Library Foundation. This center, established in 2012 to perpetuate Havel's legacy, focuses on advocating for human rights and free expression.

Honouring Abdel-Fattah's Courage Amidst Adversity

Meanwhile, the 'Disturbing the Peace Award to a Courageous Writer at Risk' was conferred upon Egyptian activist Alaa Abdel-Fattah. Despite being imprisoned, Abdel-Fattah remains a symbol of resistance against Egypt's authoritarian regime.

Also Read | Have to deal with it: Salman Rushdie to write a book on losing eyesight in knife attack

Accepting the award on behalf of her incarcerated nephew, acclaimed author Adhaf Soueif revealed Abdel-Fattah's gratitude, particularly for the award's name, "Disturbing the Peace." She mentioned, "He's very grateful. This really tickled him."

Abdel-Fattah, turning 42 soon, gained international recognition during the 2011 pro-democracy uprisings in the Middle East. His repeated imprisonments under Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi's presidency symbolize the ongoing struggle against autocratic rule in Egypt.

The event drew the presence of numerous writers and diplomats, emphasising the significance of acknowledging individuals dedicated to preserving free speech and human rights in the face of adversity.

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The combined meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League in Riyadh recently came out with a strong statement slamming Israel. However, what is noteworthy is they did not announce any penal measures, either against Israel or any of the Western powers providing military and diplomatic support to Israel, as its defence forces pound Gaza, killing nearly 11,000 people, the vast majority non-combatants, and about 40% children.

It has been reported that some country representatives proposed measures such as an oil embargo and denial of overflight rights, or transit freedom, in the jargon of civil aviation, to punish Israel. This, however, was shot down by all the Arab neighbours of Israel and Palestine, such as Egypt and Jordan, apart from the most significant Arab states, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Syria, however, struck a more hawkish tone, it has been reported.

The OIC meet was significant on one count: the president of Iran attended the meet for the first time since 2012. In 2011, when the Arab Spring began, Saudi Arabia and Iran supported different sides, particularly in Syria, with Iran supporting the regime, and Saudi Arabia, the rebels.

Relations further deteriorated between the two countries, with Saudi Arabia supporting the government of Yemen against rebel Houthis, supported by Iran. The bombing of the Iranian embassy in Yemeni capital Sanaa in 2016, in what is generally considered a proxy fight between Iran and Saudi Arabia in Yemen, saw relations plummet. Matters came to a head a few months later, when the Saudi embassy in Tehran was attacked by angry mobs, following the execution in Saudi Arabia of a respected Shia cleric, Sheikh Nimr. The countries severed diplomatic ties.

Diplomatic relations were re-established following a handshake between Saudi and Iranian representatives in Beijing in March this year. Ibrahim Raisis visit to Riyadh marks the coming together of the two most powerful Muslim countries of the world, Saudi Arabia and Iran. Raisi also reportedly struck an aggressive note at the meet. The eventual outcome, strong denunciation minus any strong action, shows a number of things.

One, there is no homogeneous Muslim opinion on even something as potentially unifying as rallying against the Jewish states assault on Gazas mostly Muslim civilians, which has created much public anger against Israel among the ordinary people of the Middle East.

Two, while Turkey had reportedly sought to draw attention to the failure of the United States and Europe to intervene to stop the gross violation of human rights taking place in Gaza, even as they had waxed eloquent about such violations in Ukraine, the meet failed to come out with any official condemnation of the US and its allies. This shows that it is easy to underestimate the remaining influence in the region of the US, which had pivoted East from Barack Obamas time onwards, and overestimate the relevance of China, just because it brokered peace between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Three, the action-excluding rhetoric of the meet shows that the Abraham Accords are intact and could include Saudi Arabia as well. Till 2020, the Arab countries to establish relations with Israel had been Jordan and Egypt. US President Trump brokered the establishment of formal relations between Israel, on the one hand, and the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco, on the other over August-December 2020. These were called the Abraham Accords, paying tribute to the common patriarch of Jews, Christians and Muslims, Abraham.

Saudi Arabia had been expected to establish normal ties with Israel soon before the Hamas attack and Israels devastating response derailed all prospects of immediate normalcy. However, the restraint shown by the Arab League and the OIC shows that their member nations are ready to keep their options for peace open, provided Israel makes it possible for them to reach accommodation without appearing to be traitors to the cause of the Palestinians.

One element of the meets declaration rules out any solution that keeps the two regions of Palestine, Gaza and the West Bank, separate. This is welcome and conducive to a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

It is up to Israel to recognise the opening offered up by the meet to proceed to normalisation by stopping its attacks on civilians and initiating a political process that would result in the formation of a unified state of Palestine, alongside Israel.
Last week, I was in Brasilia, speaking at Brazil Innovation Week, 2023. Id been invited to talk about how Indias digital public infrastructure (DPI) offers a new approach to data governance and I was glad for the opportunity to test for myself whether the ideas I had set out in my new book held good in the Brazilian context. But while I was expecting to talk about all the cool DPI solutions that India had built, it was not until I got there that I realized that not only was Brazil adept at using technology for public administration, in certain respects, its ministry of management and innovation could teach India a thing or two about digital governance.

When I last visited Brazil, absolutely everyone I met was in awe of Indias tech capabilities. I was constantly being asked to explain to them what exactly it was that had enabled India to become the foremost outsourced provider of software services in the world, and why, despite being in a favourable time zone, Brazil had not been able to replicate Indias success. I remember thinking at the time that it was not as if Brazils information technology (IT) ecosystem was under-developed in any way. Its just that while India had focused its tech capabilities on building export-oriented software service businesses, Brazils IT industry chose to focus its energies inwards, providing services to its domestic market instead of working on outsourced solutions.

Last week, when I returned to the country after well over a decade-and-a-half, it seemed that all anyone wanted to talk to me about was DPI. Thanks to the way in which India had raised global awareness around the concept of DPI during the course of its G20 presidency, Brazil had taken a long hard look at its own digital systems and was keen to understand just how these aligned with the concept of DPI. They were keen to learn from me what, if anything, they needed to do to maximize the potential of all that the DPI approach had to offer. As a result, almost everyone I met over the course of the weekfrom the federal government to local municipalities and academic institutionswanted to know exactly how Indias population-scale digital infrastructure had been built and whether any of it could be replicated in the Brazilian context.

Once again, it took me no more than a few meetings to realize that not only did Brazil not need lessons from India, there was a thing or two India could learn from what Brazil had built. Since my last visit, it looked like the South American country had oriented its tech capabilities towards building robust systems for public administration that, in many ways, exceeded what India has developed.

Some of the comparisons were obvious. Brazils UPI equivalent is Pix, a population-scale fast payment system so ubiquitous that even beggars on the streets of Brasilia display their Pix numbers, so that anyone so inclined can transfer money directly into their Pix accounts. Indias account aggregator framework for consent-based sharing of data within the financial ecosystem has its equivalent in Brazils open finance system that offers a powerful consent-based system for sharing data that has gained considerable traction in the short time since it was launched. As much as everyone I met in Brazil was keen to learn from me about Indias achievements, it was evident to me that their existing systems were impressive in their own right.

The reason this is significant is that in less than a month, Brazil will assume the mantle of President of the G20. Given how similar their approach to digital systems is to ours, it would be great if the Brazilian government could, while shaping its priorities for the next year, build on what India managed to achieve during its G20 presidency.

Notwithstanding all we managed to achieve in making the idea of DPI a part of the global development narrative, much remains to be done. During the course of its presidency, all India could do was build consensus around the term DPI and the principles by which it needed to be built. As a result, there wasnt enough time to discuss the steps that countries needed to take to implement DPI in their local contexts. Whats more, with the exception of the report of the Digital Economy Working Group that set out a definition for DPI and the key principles according to which it should be governed, all we were able to achieve in terms of substantive outcomes was the Report of the Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion, which set out policy recommendations for the use of DPI for financial inclusion.

I believe there is much that Brazil can do to build on all that India achieved during the course of its G20 presidency. Where India focused on bringing the concept of DPI into the public discourse, Brazil can take the discussion much further by highlighting the many different ways in which the DPI approach can help countries transform their public administration through the use of digital systems. By sharing examples from its own set of experiences, Brazil can demonstrate the many ways in which this approach can be used to address complex societal problems all countries face by using the foundational building blocks of digital identity, payments and data sharing.

It is particularly fortuitous that Brazil follows India as President of the G20. We have a short window in which to ensure that the idea of DPI takes root across the world, and if we cannot pull it off in these next 12 months, it is unlikely we ever will.
You can make a pretty good living supplying more than two-thirds of the worlds most-famous consumer gadget. Except when demand for that high-priced smartphone starts to wane and youre left looking for the next big thing. With the boom gone, the worlds largest consumer-electronics manufacturer has little choice but to make new bets.

Foxconn Technology Groups second-straight slide in sales lays bare its folly of relying on Apple for more than half its business just as the iPhone designer is experiencing its largest slowdown in 22 years. A 12% drop for the third quarter puts Hon Hai Precision Industry Company, Foxconns listed flagship, on track this year for its worst decline in history. On Tuesday, the company reiterated that each of its divisions would fall, or, at best, end 2023 flat.

Four years after taking over from founder Terry Gou, chairman and CEO Young Liu no longer has the luxury of hyped-up iPhones and runaway demand for Sony Group games consoles to juice sales. Instead, hes had to branch out into sectors that, on the surface, look well outside Foxconns wheelhouse. That includes products previously limited to industrial companies such as cars and satellites.

Despite a major presence in electronics including computers, servers, games machines and handsets, the company dedicated much of its annual showcase last month to electric vehicles (EVs). It has developed at least five EVs of its own and is working with global carmakers including Stellantis to manufacture future models. A cameo from Nvidia founder Jensen Huangto show off their joint development of AI serverswas one of the few hints that Foxconn is actually focused on anything beyond challenging Tesla and Toyota in the global EV market.

Its no mistake that Huang and Liu kept using the somewhat confusing term AI factory"which simply means servers that collate and process data for use in artificial intelligence. They arent trying to sell to the iPhone and PlayStation crowd. Their audience is executives at industrial enterprises with billion-dollar budgets who see AI as the future of business.

Among the payload of SpaceXs Transporter 9 rocket were Pearl-1H and Pearl-1C, Foxconns first low-earth orbit satellites. Theres no money to be made from these two nano-satellitesinstead the company is using them as a demonstration of its ability to build what amounts to computers that fly among the stars, devices that need to be robust, reliable and able to withstand the rigours of space travel.

It also points to another more subtle change thats underway at Foxconn. Many of the most popular consumer devices over the past 20 years were made at the companys factories in China, including Sonys PlayStation, Apples iPhone, laptops from Dell Technologies and HP, and smartphones from Xiaomi. In the future, more of Foxconns products will be bought by companies rather than consumers. Its already a major supplier of 4G and 5G communications systems sold by European clients.

Most people will not purchase a satellite, but factories, trucks, ships, aircraft and logistics providers will increasingly rely on them to keep information flowing. Those two Pearls, orbiting Earth at 520km off the surface, are designed to show off Hon Hais work in broadband communications and next-generation networks that go beyond 5G technology.

Global technology companies are trying to figure out whats to come after successive booms in desktop PCs, mobile phones, laptops and smartphones. Industrial enterprises arent waiting.

Carmakers, satellite companies, factory operators and infrastructure providers are moving quickly to adapt. Whereas Tesla once had the EV market almost to itself for a decade [at least in the West], every major car company is now adamant that they too will be EV players. Foxconn sees that as an opportunity. The external manifestation of this new plan is a line-up of vehicles ranging from sedans and SUVs to tractors and buses. But the true money-maker is inside, with all the cables, components and microcomputers that a modern vehicle needs to function. For years, this parts market was left almost exclusively to carmakers and an industry of direct suppliers. Now, electronics companies want in.

Foxconns satellite launch is part of this trend. The Taiwanese electronics giant is hoping to remind clients and investors that it has more tricks up its sleeve than deploying a million workers to assemble consumer gadgets. It just needs to find a new set of customers who will trust it to build products for the next industrial boom. Bloomberg
Can a nation be bombed into submission? Does destruction of a nations infrastructure destroy the morale of its people? Will ordinary citizens become panicky and turn against their leaders for having brought the wrath of attackers upon them? These questions that are now being asked in the context of the Gaza conflict were also asked even during World War II.

During World War II, Sir Maurice Hanley, secretary of the Committee of Imperial Defence (CID), feared a widespread psychological breakdown in British cities in case of German bombings. Thousands of troops were to be drafted to control an expected exodus from London and to prevent panic at railway stations. Some reports suggested that Londons population will regress to a state of infantile dependency" and will refuse to leave the safety of underground bomb shelters. Expecting an epidemic of psychiatric casualties, specialist hospitals termed Neurosis Centres were opened on the outskirts of London.

On 7 September 1940, Hitler started his nations ruthless bombing of London to break the British will to fight. Over the next few months, German bomber aircraft dropped more than 80,000 bombs on London. A million buildings were destroyed. More than 40,000 people lost their lives. Entire neighbourhoods were destroyed. In retaliation, Churchill ordered the bombing of German cities. When it finally ended, German towns had ten times more casualties. Most of urban Germany was a heap of smouldering rubble. How did ordinary folks react to the destruction all around them?

Frederick Lindermann, scientific adviser to Churchill, send a team of psychiatrists to Birmingham and Hull, two cities that had taken the heaviest toll during the German blitz. The team interviewed hundreds of people affected by the bombings. The conclusion of the team was printed on the title page of their report:  There is no evidence of breakdown of morale." After the war, a team of economists studied the effects of bombing on German cities. After their investigation, the team concluded that civilian bombings were a fiasco. In fact, they appeared to have strengthened Germanys war-time economy, thereby prolonging the war. One American economist confessed, We were encountering one of the greatest, perhaps the greatest miscalculation of the war."

Most interestingly, the behaviour of survivors was the same in German cities as in London. After bombing raids, people would help each other out, extinguish fires and rescue victims from the rubble. So, bombings actually helped build stronger bonds among locals. There were shopkeepers who posted signs in front of their wrecked shopfronts that said More Open Than Usual." But military planners of the time failed to understand these vagaries of human behaviour.

Thanks to brain plasticity, we humans are adept at making behavioural and emotional adjustments to what is happening in our environment. Whether it is a foul smell or loud noises around us, our brains adjust to those stimuli very quickly. This adaptation process of the brain affects how humans perceive risks too. The feeling of risk that we associate with a dangerous task will be high when we do that task for the first time. But as we indulge in that task more often, the sense of risk attached to that task reduces. This explains why it is often experienced workers who meet with accidents at the workplace. It is because of this inherent adaptation ability of the brain that residents of a city under continual bomb attacks get inured and numb to bombardment.

During World War II, Hitler, Churchill and the military establishment did not want to accept this reality about human behaviour. Latter-day bomb-mongers too did not want to accept this truth. In Vietnam, US forces dropped about three times as many bombs as they dropped in all of World War II. This time, the failure of the bombs to make any impact on the local population was even more stark. Despite its failure to make much of an impact on the local population, why do politicians continue to favour war strategies of bombing?

For politicians, often all that matters is winning the next election. Bombings and the destruction caused in enemy territory can be used as highly visible showpieces of their decisive leadership style. As it happens, such decisive actions sometimes do help their chances of electoral victory. The war in Iraq helped George W. Bush win a second term, while the war in Afghanistan helped Barrack Obama win a second term.

The real impact of these bombings on ordinary citizens was best captured by the report of Wing Commander Kelly , the air attache in Shanghai when Nanking was attacked by Japanese forces during World War II. He reported that Bombings were materially incapable of affecting the will to resist or of producing panic. Even when continued for weeks. It merely produces a strong feeling of hatred, which indirectly strengthens the defences." This feeling of hatred aroused in victims of bombings mentioned in that report is often taken advantage of by opportunistic extremist leaders to mould future extremists. The humiliation imposed on Germany by victors of World War I after it had ended (think Versailles) became a fertile ground for Adolf Hitler to ignite fires that led to World War II.

Those involved in the Gaza conflict should remember a truth from history: The impact of bombs on human lives is not as straightforward as it looks.
RAFAH, Gaza StripHuddled in classrooms and crouching under tarps slung up in the courtyard, Palestinians seeking refuge from the fighting raging in Gaza have crowded into a United Nations-run school here near the Egyptian border.

The U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees runs 183 schools in the Gaza Strip, most of which have been pressed into service as shelters. The agency, which also runs bakeries and clinics and provides financial aid, has been central to life in the Palestinian enclave for more than 70 years.

As Israel and Hamas, the Islamist militant group that rules Gaza, battle, the agency says its ability to cope is fraying. More than 100 of its workers have been killed. An Israeli blockade, imposed after Hamass Oct. 7 attack on Israel, has cut off almost all shipments of food, fuel, water and medicine.

On Tuesday, a U.N. spokeswoman said lack of fuel meant the agencys functions would start gradually collapsing" as ambulances, sewage and sanitation systems shut down.

At least 66 people sheltering in U.N. compounds have been killed in the fighting, and more than 550 others injured, the U.N. says. Hamas, which is designated by the U.S., the European Union and others as a terrorist organization, has blamed Israel, saying it is attacking U.N. sites.

Israels military says Hamas has built tunnels near some U.N. schools and fired rockets from areas close to them. Hamas didnt respond to a request for comment on allegations it builds tunnels under the schools or uses them to hide materiel.

Since the Hamas assault on Israelwhich included terrorist attacks on a music festival and agricultural communities and killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli authoritiesthe country has waged a campaign of airstrikes and ground operations it says are aimed at eliminating Hamas.

On Sunday, the U.N. said shelling from an Israeli warship hit a guesthouse where the agencys international workers stay. The Israeli military said it carried out a strike based on operational requirements, adjacent to a U.N. building."

Unrwa said it inspects its schools to make sure that there is no military equipment or activity that could compromise their neutral status. Spokeswoman Tamara Alrifai said buildings were inspected before the war and that the agency had monitored those entering the schools since.

Last year, Unrwa identified what it called a man-made cavity underneath the grounds of one of its schools in Gaza, in what it said was a serious violation of the agencys neutrality and breach of international law." The agency protested to the local authorities in Gaza, it said.

We ourselves are very intent on making sure that our schools remain neutral U.N. places, but we cannot speak for what Hamas does or doesnt do under our schools," Alrifai said.

Israeli military officials say Hamas operates in and near civilian buildings. The Israeli government also accuses Unrwa of employing Hamas militantsan allegation it denies.

Hamas has taken control of the whole of Gaza including U.N. installations. We have done everything we can in this intensive war to avoid damage to any international installation," said a senior Israeli military official. He said some were hit because Hamas put weapons inside schools."

More than three-quarters of a million people have descended on Unrwa school shelters since the outbreak of war. The average number of people per shelter now is more than 6,250, which the U.N. said is nine times higher than the intended capacity.

In times of peace, U.N. schools form a core part of Gazas education system, teaching about 300,000 pupils, or about half the total number of students in the strip. They come out of here as engineers and doctors and lawyers," said Abu Hisham Subih, a 55-year-old who took shelter in the school here after the war broke out.

Israel says the schools curriculum, which is shared by those operated by the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, contains antisemitic material and teaches hatred.

The agencys commissioner-general, Philippe Lazzarini, said the allegation was false and insidious." The agency says that it adapts textbooks to teach core U.N. principles such as tolerance and nondiscrimination.

In times of war, Palestinians flock to the schools for shelter. It was incredible at first the rush to these Unrwa schools with the deep belief that the schools are protected," said Alrifai. But the reality is that in Gaza theres nowhere safe."

Across Gaza, more than 11,000 people, more than half of them women and children, have been killed since Oct. 7, according to health authorities in the Hamas-run enclave. The figures dont distinguish between civilians and militants.

On Monday, Unrwa said it received reports from witnesses that Israeli security forces entered one school and two health centers in Gaza City and used the installations for military operations.

The U.N. said witnesses reported that Israeli soldiers conducted interrogations and arrested some people sheltering in the installations. The Israeli military didnt respond to a request for comment.

U.N. officials say they share the coordinates of all U.N. installations in Gaza with both sides each day.

Palestinians say they continue to seek shelter in the schools because they have nowhere else to turn. The people in this school, their homes are destroyed. Where are they going to go? In the streets?" said Subih, the Palestinian camped out here.

Founded to address the needs of Palestinians who were forced to flee their homes during the 1948 war at the creation of Israel, the agency now serves both the refugees and their descendants, the majority of Gazas more than two million residents.

Unrwas blue and white logo is everywhere in the strip, a symbol of stability amid years of political and economic turbulence.

Hundreds of thousands of people remain in northern Gaza, many of them still in U.N. schools, with rapidly shrinking supplies, the agency says. The U.N. says it hasnt been able to verify the number of people in the shelters in the north since Oct. 12 due to a lack of access and communications.

In the south, U.N. schools have become severely overcrowded. Palestinians wait in line for hours each day for bread, water and other essentials. Brawls and disputes have begun breaking out in the lines as frustration builds, according to the U.N.

Officials at the agency are increasingly worried about the spread of gastrointestinal and other diseases in the packed facilities, where 160 people share one toilet and 700 a shower.

Issa Fayoumi, a teenager from Rafah who took shelter in the schools, said drinking water is available only once a day. And the bathrooms," he said. I swear to God."

Fatima AbdulKarim contributed to this article.

Write to Jared Malsin at jared.malsin@wsj.com
In June 2020, President Trump consideredand was talked out ofinvoking the Insurrection Act against protesters who took to the streets after the murder of George Floyd. Now Team Trump reportedly is preparing the ground to use this law whenever necessary after he retakes the White House.

Like most Americans, I knew little about the Insurrection Act until recently. But the more I learn, the more I worry about its potential to erode our fundamental liberties.

The Posse Comitatus Act, enacted in 1878, mostly barred the U.S. military from the role in civil law enforcement that it had played during the Civil War and its aftermath. The act permitted legislated exceptions, however. The most important of these is the Insurrection Act.

This act gives the president the authority to deploy the military to assist law-enforcement agencies in three situations: when a state government requests federal aid to suppress an insurrection in that state; when the president deems military deployment necessary to enforce the laws" of the U.S. or to suppress the rebellion"; and when the president deems such deployment necessary to suppress any insurrection, domestic violence, unlawful combination, or conspiracy" in a state whose government is unable or unwilling to enforce the constitutional rights of its citizens or opposes or obstructs the execution of the laws of the United States or impedes the course of justice under those laws."

I quote from the statute to make a point: Its scope, which is both broad and vague, gives the president enormous discretionary power. Key termsinsurrection, rebellion and domestic violencearent defined. As an analysis by the Brennan Center shows, the president alone may decide whether these prerequisites for deploying the military have been met, and the Supreme Court has said it has no authority to review the presidents decision.

To be sure, a 1932 Supreme Court decision held that courts may review the lawfulness or constitutionality of acts the military performs after it has been deployed, but in the swirl of events basic liberties may be curtailed well before the judiciary can step in.

Consider this scenario: After a divisive campaign, a presidential candidate opposed by half the country is inaugurated, and a massive protest breaks out in Washington. While observers and authorities report that the demonstrators are mostly peaceful, the new president disagrees, federalizes the National Guards of Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, and deploys them with orders to suppress the protests.

Or this one: After police in a large city kill an unarmed black man, protests break out and spread to other cities. Although the protests are peaceful at first, the president argues that similar events in the past have turned violent in a manner that exceeded local and state capacity to suppress them. He then orders the deployment of military forces to break them up before threats to life and property arise.

In situations such as these, fundamental rights such as the freedoms of speech and assembly are at stake, and the potential for the arbitrary and capricious use of the Insurrection Act is evident. This possibility should disturb anyone who doesnt trust every president to use his authority prudently and within constitutional restraints. After 2020, Congress should have reformed the Insurrection Act to prevent future presidents from using it to suppress basic liberties.

In one of the most enduring lines of the 2016 presidential campaign, veteran reporter Salena Zito wrote of Mr. Trump that the press takes him literally, but not seriously; his supporters take him seriously, but not literally." She impliedplausiblythat his supporters, not the press, were reading him correctly. But that was then, when his plans were relatively unformed and his understanding of how to staff his administration wasnt informed by any government experience.

Things are different now. In his speech to the Conservative Political Action Conference in March, Mr. Trump declared that he had learned a great deal during his first term about who is strong and who is weak, about who can be trusted and who cant. With the help of such groups as the Claremont Institute and the Heritage Foundation, Mr. Trumps team is busy formulating policies and making lists of people on whom it can rely to staff his administration.

A second Trump term would be much more effective than the first, a prospect that thrills his supporters and sends shivers through those who fear, as I do, that his re-entry into the White House would trigger the biggest threat to constitutional governance since the Civil War. Lets take him literally as well as seriously.
After two former JD(S) MLAs joined Congress, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said it won't be surprising if JD(S), which is now in alliance with the BJP, merges with it in the days ahead.

There will be political polarisation and polarisation of votes in the country in the days to come, with communal forces on one side and seculars on the other. BJP will never come out of Hindutva and their plan of creating a Hindu Rashtra. Deve Gowda and family have joined them," Siddaramaiah said.

Speaking at a party event in Bengaluru, he said that JD(S) is not a political party, it is a Deve Gowda and family party. It's the party of a family."

It won't be surprising if tomorrow JD(S) merges with the BJP....I somehow feel that it will remain as a separate political party until Deve Gowda is there and won't merge for political reasons, but after that it will merge," Siddaramaiah said, adding that these days more than BJP, JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy is speaking against the Congress government.

Two former JD(S) MLAs Gowri Shankar of Tumakuru Rural constituency and Dasarahalli's R Manjunath joined Congress on Wednesday.

Calling the JD(S) communal", Siddaramaiah said: I won't call the Janata Dal -- 'S' (Secular), because after joining hands with BJP they have to remove 'S'. They don't have the eligibility to have 'S' with their party name, because they are no longer a secular party."

On Gowri Shankar and Manjunath joining Congress, he said: The leaders have quit communal Janata Dal and have joined Secular Congress and I welcome them."

Siddaramaiah also mentioned that he along with Gowri Shankar's father late C Chennigappa were earlier in the JD(S) together.

He said, when we were there it was Janata Dal Secular."

When we called them 'B' team of BJP, JD(S) leaders like Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy -- used to get angry, but they are now officially with BJP. What should we call them? Should we still call them JD(S)? They are now only Jananta Dal, if they themselves remove S -- Secular -- from their name it is good, if not people will remove," he added.

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KHERSON, UkraineUkrainian marines slip across the Dnipro River at night in small groups to reinforce a growing contingent of troops engaged in a daring operation to reinvigorate Kyivs military efforts in the occupied south.

They have established three toeholds in and around villages on the eastern bank of the river in recent weeks, cutting off a road Russia uses to supply troops in the area, according to soldiers involved in the operation. The Ukrainians are hunkered down in basements and trenches and heavily outnumbered. Their hold is precarious.

Still, it is a rare bright spot for Kyiv amid a number of somber developments, including the failure of its counteroffensive to gain much ground, a new Russian offensive in the east and uncertainty over additional military aid from the U.S., Ukraines most important backer. Ukraine first publicly acknowledged the cross-river operation this week.

Ukrainian forces recently transferred armored Humvees and at least one infantry-fighting vehicle to support troops on the Dnipros eastern bank, the soldiers said. If the Ukrainians manage to amass sufficient units and armored vehicles there, they could seek to advance into territory where Russian defenses are less extensive than those further east that blunted the main thrust of Ukraines counteroffensive.

That could force Russia to reposition forces needed for offensives to the east, and pose a threat to Russian supply lines from occupied Crimea, a critical staging post and logistics hub for Moscows war effort that Ukraine has been targeting with drone and missile attacks for weeks.

The operation on the opposite bank a few miles from the Ukrainian-held regional capital of Kherson is proving costly and hard going. Soldiers involved in the fight say they are under heavy fire. Russian drones constantly circle over their hastily dug trenches, coordinating artillery strikes each time they detect movement. As darkness falls, the Ukrainian troops use shovels to dig themselves deeper into the ground.

We need to be realistic about what can be achieved here," said Franz-Stefan Gady, an independent military analyst who recently toured the front lines in Ukraine. The terrain is extremely difficult, making it not only a challenge to steadily resupply forces but also generate the necessary momentum to conduct sustained offensive operations."

One private in Ukraines 38th Marine Brigade who crossed to the eastern bank at the start of November said his unit had advanced 100 yards in the six days he was there before he was evacuated for treatment of a concussion.

For every fighter we have there, they have 10," said the 32-year-old private, who gave his name as Andriy. And were sitting in trenches unable to even stick our heads out."

Ukraines recapture of Kherson last November was its last major advance. Russia withdrew troops across the river and began digging defenses.

In June, the destruction of the Kakhovka dam on Russian-held territory to the east of Kherson unleashed a torrent of water that inundated dozens of settlements along the Dnipro. With the river much wider and a crossing less of a threat, Russia moved some troops eastward to fend off Ukraines counteroffensive, which began that month.

As the waters receded over the summer, Ukraine stepped up cross-river raids that initially harassed Russian forces and led to the capture of some soldiers.

Last month, the Ukrainians started establishing a presence on the eastern bank in the villages of Krynky and two other areas farther west.

Ukraine has shrouded the operation in secrecy, offering no official comment until Monday, when Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, acknowledged while on a visit to Washington that there was a Ukrainian military presence on the left bank.

Video posted by pro-Kremlin military bloggers shows houses in Krynky being hit by Russian munitions. They are hiding in hedges, in houses," Russian military analyst Boris Rozhin wrote on Telegram on Monday. Russias defense ministry said on Monday that it had captured a Ukrainian unit that tried to cross the river.

The area around Krynky is heavily mined by Russian forces. The Ukrainians move forward in small groups to limit their exposure. And the onset of winter next month will complicate their efforts to move men and equipment across the water and stage mechanized advances with any armored vehicles brought over.

Andriy, the marine private, arrived on the left bank on the night of Nov. 1. The soldiers disembarked in different locations, avoiding Russian mines and enemy snipers and spotters, and waded through mud to reach the village of Krynky.

The task for Andriys brigade was to move forward in squad and company-size units and push into the forests around the village. They took up positions in rudimentary trenches and dugouts in the forest, but immediately began being pounded by Russian artillery.

In the week Andriy spent on the eastern bank before being injured and evacuated, his unit moved forward 100 yards into the forest, he said. They defended trenches hastily dug in the wet ground, as Russian troops positioned less than 100 meters away blasted them with rocket-propelled grenades.

There was a constant hum overhead as Russian strike and surveillance drones circled over his trench line, with one replaced by another when its battery ran out. Small arms exchanges were constant. Two soldiers in Andriys company were killed by a sniper.

Andriy observed the Russians relaxing a short distance away in elaborate dugouts they had constructed over months, equipped with generators and cooking stoves. They played rap music during lulls in fighting.

Russian armored personnel carriers brought in regular shipments of artillery shells and ammunition during the night. Last week, the Ukrainians said they captured eight Russian soldiers who had changed into Ukrainian uniforms and tried to infiltrate their positions in Krynky.

Yaroslav, a junior sergeant who is a medic in the 38th and was part of the same river crossing as Andriy, set himself up in the basement of a house in Krynky that had been vacated by residents who left during floods unleashed by the Kakhovka dam explosion.

The high floodwaters have long receded, but the walls of the houses are covered with mold, with smelly clothes and rotted furniture inside. They have only basic supplies, with no generators and very few stretchers to carry the dead and wounded to the riverbank.

Yaroslavs job as a medic was to patch up wounded soldiers and transfer them to boats for treatment on the left bank. He said he struggled to keep up with the flow of wounded soldiers to his basement stabilization point in Krynky, and often the shelling was so intense that some of those carrying stretchers were wounded themselves.

Everything you have there is what you brought yourself, and what they manage to bring you on boats," he said. But for that you have to go to the riverbank, and every such trip is Russian roulette."

A Ukrainian special forces soldier involved in the river landings, who has returned to the fight despite losing a foot after stepping on a mine in the spring, said the Ukrainian military is trying before winter to sever Russias supply lines on the left bank.

On Nov. 7, the Russians launched a heavy bombardment of Ukrainian positions around Krynky, using airstrikes and multiple-launch rocket systems carrying thermobaric warheads, soldiers say. Andriy and Yaroslav said they left in a stupor, utterly exhausted.

Yaroslav joined Ukraines counteroffensive after undergoing a month of marine training in the U.K. during the spring. But when his unit entered Krynky, the 45-year-old felt that the British soldiers who trained him had no understanding of the severity of this war.

He said 70% of the homes in the village were intact when he arrived, but when he left six days later, only 30% were still standing. The forests around Krynky were full of corpses, both Russian and Ukrainian, that no one had the capacity to collect.

This is our last chance for a breakthrough until the war becomes a total stalemate," said Yaroslav, who said the Kherson campaign has been his hardest battle since Russias invasion in February 2022. If we dont get support, this operation could be our swan song."

Write to Matthew Luxmoore at matthew.luxmoore@wsj.com
The Hindu, Sikh, Baha'i, Christian, Jewish, Native American and Islamic traditions will come together in the 41st annual Multi-Faith Thanksgiving Celebration from 7 to 8 p.m. next Monday in Westminster Presbyterian Church, 724 Delaware Ave.

Theme for the celebration, sponsored by the NFJC of WNY Inc. and the Network of Religious Communities, is "Thanksgiving During Uncertain Times ... Messages of Hope."

Keynote speaker is Dr. Myron Glick, founder and chief medical officer of the Jericho Road Community Health Center in Buffalo. There also will be readings, music and messages from members of all faiths.

- Dale Anderson
Meta Platforms will let political ads on Facebook and Instagram question the legitimacy of the 2020 U.S. presidential election, one of several changes the social-media company and other platforms have made to loosen constraints on campaign advertising for 2024.

Meta made the change last year, but it hasnt gained wide attention. The company decided to allow political advertisers to say past elections were rigged" or stolen" but prevented them from questioning the legitimacy of ongoing and coming elections.

Executives at Meta made the decision based on free-speech considerations after weighing past U.S. elections in which the results might have been contested by a portion of the electorate, according to people familiar with the issue.

The updated policy is part of a number of changes Meta has made that might fundamentally alter its influence and reach compared with in past elections, including a move to adjust its algorithm in a way that de-emphasizes organic political content on Facebook, the people said.

Some candidates already appear to have questioned elections in ads. Former President Donald Trump ran a campaign ad on Facebook in August that was within the bounds of the updated policy. We won in 2016. We had a rigged election in 2020 but got more votes than any sitting president," Trump said in the ad. Were going to win like never before."

Meta and other platforms have made a number of changes to election policies ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Googles YouTube in June announced that it would stop removing claims that widespread fraud occurred in the 2020 and past U.S. elections. X, formerly known as Twitter, announced in August that it would once again allow political ads after banning them in 2019.

Katie Harbath, a former Facebook public-policy director who wasnt involved in the decision, said it would be challenging for social-media companies to preach free speech yet ban politicians from questioning the results of the 2020 election, which has become such a significant part of the public discourse.

In the U.S., they have a right to say that," said Harbath, who is now elections program lead at the Integrity Institute, an advocacy group that aims to study and address the social harms of internet platforms. Efforts to undermine coming elections can have more consequences, including reducing voter turnout or even leading to political violence. Disputing past elections wont change results, she said.

Metas treatment of political ads is taking on added importance in the 2024 race because the company has already said it is reducing the amount of nonad political content Facebook shows users in their feeds. In April, the company said in a blog post that it would take steps so people dont see several posts about politics in a row."

With this change, politicians who relied on organic social-media exposure to reach potential voters wont be able to do so in 2024, the people said. As a result, the shift is expected to put a greater emphasis on election ads on Facebook and Instagram, testing Metas ability to manage updated policy.

Politicians will be able to produce a barrage of ads questioning past elections, said Gina Pak, chief executive of Tech for Campaigns, a digital marketing political organization that works with Democrats. Today you can create hundreds of pieces of content in the snap of a finger and you can flood the zone," she said.

Contributing to the challenges is Metas decision to lay off many of its employees who were working on election policy, the people said. The company let many of them go over its several rounds of layoffs in the past 12 months that resulted in 21,000 employees, or nearly a quarter of Metas workforce, being terminated.

The effects of those layoffs are being felt, said Pak, adding that her organization has noticed a slower response time from Meta as well as longer waits for election ads to be approved.

Meta updated its election-ads policy last year in the lead-up to the Brazilian general election in October 2022 and the U.S. midterm elections in November 2022, the people said.

The new policy states that Meta doesnt allow ads that call into question the legitimacy of an upcoming or ongoing election" in the U.S., Brazil, Israel and Italy.

The previous policy said the company didnt allow ads that claim voter fraud (such as voter impersonation, duplicate voting, or ineligible individuals voting) is widespread and/or alters the outcome of elections and/or results in a fraudulent or corrupt election."

Last year Meta considered banning political ads altogether. The company temporarily banned new ads in the final week of the 2020 U.S. general election and the months afterward.

Meta ultimately decided that it would continue to accept money to run election ads on its services, a decision Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg weighed in on directly, the people said. The conversation then shifted to how, if at all, its election-ads policy should change.

Among the options on the table were for Meta to keep its 2020 policy in place, scrap its election-ads restrictions, ban the delegitimization of any elections or go with the policy that was ultimately adopted, which allows advertisers to claim that previous elections werent legitimate.

During the decision-making, Nick Clegg, president of global affairs at Meta and former U.K. deputy prime minister, argued that the company should avoid making determinations about which elections of years past in the U.S. and elsewhere were legitimate, the people said.

Among U.S. elections that were cited as reasons for adopting the policy now in place was the 2000 U.S. presidential election, in which a Republican, George W. Bush, won after a Supreme Court decision. Another election cited was the 1960 U.S. election in which a Democrat, John F. Kennedy, won in the midst of allegations of voter fraud from various Republicans.

The company wrote the policy in hopes that it would stand the test of time over several countries elections, the people said.

The new Meta policy was introduced after primary elections for the U.S. midterms in 2022, when Republican candidates who said they believed the 2020 election was stolen werent able to run ads making the claim to distinguish themselves from others in their party.

Write to Salvador Rodriguez at salvador.rodriguez@wsj.com

View Full Image Meta Allows Ads Claiming Rigged 2020 Election on Facebook, Instagram
DEAR Robin, I was delighted when you commissioned me to prepare this report for you after our discussion at the club. As a newly appointed chief executive at a Fortune 500 company, a thrilling yet perilous adventure awaits you. I commend your wisdom in choosing to hire a management consultant to guide you on your way.

I, naturally, would have been ideally positioned, given my many years of experience serving your companys principal rival. Alas, the time comes in every mans life when he must hang up his hat and retire to his home in the Bahamas. As my swan song, I have thrown together, as requested, a few thoughts on how to handle my kind. I hope you find the attached 120-page PowerPoint presentation useful. Below you will find a brief summary.

Be ready for the bait and switch": Do not be fooled by the eloquent veterans who will turn up to your office to plead for your business. The work will mostly be done by clever but pimply 20-somethings, armed with two-by-two matrix frameworks recycled from client to client. What they lack in wisdom will be made up for in long hours. You need not feel sorry for them. They are cocooned in a shell of fancy meals, lavish hotels and private driversat your expense.

At first you will find them to be of no use at alldetrimental, evenas they harry your management team with endless questions and urgent requests for data. Eventually, they will win you over with their brains and gumptionor be quietly replaced. Meanwhile, those grey-haired senior partners will pop by from time to time. Beware.

Watch out for land and expand": We consultants are masters of the clandestine sale. If you hire us for a two-month project, it will assuredly take 12. By the time it ends, our tentacles will have spread. Ask for a new company strategy, blink, and we will be cutting your costs, fixing your IT systems and tinkering with your supply chain.

Like many other bosses, you may one day tire of our eye-watering rates and decide to poach the cleverest consultants for yourself. We will happily oblige. The most reliable missionary for the merits of consulting is one of our own. The more senior, the better. Hire them, but do not give them the cheque book.

Question everything: Every self-respecting consultant knows that big recommendations demand big numbers. As a rule, divide everything you see by two. Never trust a benchmark; I made up most of mine. And carefully read those endless notes at the bottom of charts. That is often where the dirtiest secrets are buried. Be doubly dubious of any consulting reports your underlings happen to commission, especially when they recommend a bigger budget for said underling.

Take none of the blame: As a freshly minted chief executive, you are undoubtedly brimming with ideas. Many of them are terrible. Some may prove catastrophic. Among the valuable services offered by management consultants is the human shield. Make sure your board knows it was they who recommended the disastrous new product line or the overpriced acquisition. You always had your doubts, but trusted their illustrious reputations. Equally, your consultants may, from time to time, stumble upon a good idea. You thought of it first.

Experiment with polygamy: Your consultants will do their utmost to woo you into exclusivity. There will be much talk of long-term partnership". Yet it is a one-sided monogamy they seek. Fidelity is not in a consultants nature. Chances are they are already advising your competitors, with only the thinnest of Chinese walls between teams.

Follow their example and hire their rivals, too. Ideally, sit them in adjacent rooms at your offices. Consultants are fiercely competitive, and nothing will better spur them on to even longer reports than seeing their nemeses wandering the halls of your company. If bored, invite representatives of two warring firms to a meeting and watch them tussle for your favour.

As I look back on my career, I am not too proud to admit that I have occasionally fleeced the odd firm. But I maintain that my profession is a noble one. Impact", after all, is our industrys watchword. (Admittedly, I never was quite clear what it meant, but you cannot deny it sounds lofty.)

One final thought to conclude: there is never a problem too big or small for a consultant. That I can confirm from experience. Your bill, including expenses, is attached. Good luck.

Read more from Bartleby, our columnist on management and work: A refresher on business air-travel etiquette (Aug 4th) The dark and bright sides of power (Jul 27th) Workplace advice from our agony uncle (Jul 20th)

Also: How the Bartleby column got its name
Snapchat users will soon be able to order from Amazon without leaving the popular social media app. The new partnership between the two companies will help Amazon use social media to grow its shopping business.

Meanwhile, Amazon will help Snapchat compete with other social media platforms like TikTok, which has launched its own online shopping platform - TikTok Shop, Reuters reported.

While confirming the partnership, an Amazon spokesperson told AFP: "For the first time, customers will be able to shop Amazon's Snapchat ads and check out with Amazon without leaving the social media app."

"Customers in the United States will see real-time pricing, Prime eligibility, delivery estimates, and product details on select Amazon product ads in Snapchat as part of the new experience." the representative added.

Snapchat users will be able to use the in-app shopping feature for select products advertised on the social media app and sold on Amazon, the spokesperson for e-commerce giant told AFP.

Amazon also has a similar partnership with Instagram owner Meta and Pinterest. The current tie-up is expected to help Snap revive its advertising business, Reuters reported.

Users will also be able to see real-time pricing, Prime eligibility, delivery estimates and product details for select Amazon products, Reuters quoted an Amazon email statement as saying.

Jasmine Enberg, principal analyst at Insider Intelligence told Reuters about the partnership, "The battle with TikTok is on, and the partnership will help Amazon compete in the more impulse-driven, serendipitous type of shopping that happens on social media,"

Earlier this year, Snap and Amazon had collaborated to allow users on the social media app to try eyeglasses using augmented reality (AR) which could then be bought on Amazon.

Snap senior vice president of partnerships Ben Schwerin while speaking at the time said, "With the combined innovation and technology between Snap and Amazon, we are unlocking exciting and fun new try-on experiences for hundreds of millions of Snapchatters," said at the time.

(With inputs from agencies)

Milestone Alert!Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world  Click here to know more.
The information contained on this website shall not be construed as (i) an offer to purchase or sell, or the solicitation of an offer to purchase or sell, any securities or services, (ii) investment, legal, business or tax advice or an offer to provide such advice, or (iii) a basis for making any investment decision. An offering may only be made upon a qualified investors receipt not via this website of formal materials from the Knightsbridge an offering memorandum and subscription documentation (offering materials). In the case of any inconsistency between the information on this website and any such offering materials, the offering materials shall control. Securities shall not be offered or sold in any jurisdiction in which such offer or sale would be unlawful unless the requirements of the applicable laws of such jurisdiction have been satisfied. Any decision to invest in securities must be based solely upon the information set forth in the applicable offering materials, which should be read carefully by qualified investors prior to investing. An investment with Knightsbridge is not suitable or desirable for all investors; investors may lose all or a portion of the capital invested. Investors may be required to bear the financial risks of an investment for an indefinite period of time. Qualified investors are urged to consult with their own legal, financial and tax advisors before making any investment. Knightsbridge is a private investment firm that offers investment services to Qualified Investors, Members and Institutions ONLY. Qualified Investors are defined as individuals who have met those Qualifications in the relevant jurisdictions. Members are defined as individuals who have been accepted into the Knightsbridge membership program. Institutions are defined as entities such as banks, pension funds, and hedge funds. If you are not a Qualified Investor, Member or Institution, you are not eligible to invest with Knightsbridge. All investments involve risk, and there is no guarantee of profit. You may lose some or all of your investment. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Knightsbridge is not a registered investment advisor, and this disclaimer should not be construed as investment advice. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. By accessing this website, you agree to the terms of this disclaimer. Thank you for your interest in Knightsbridge.
In the dynamic world of global investments, discerning investors looking for long-term growth opportunities are increasingly turning their attention to the powerhouse that is China. With robust GDP growth rates and a strategic focus on innovation and development, China has emerged as a compelling destination for long-term investments. This article explores the factors that make China an attractive investment hub for those with a horizon set on the future, citing insights from financial expert Knightsbridge.

Chinas Stellar GDP Growth: Chinas consistent and impressive GDP growth rates over the years have positioned it as a front-runner in the global economic landscape. Knightsbridge, a recognized expert in financial markets, emphasizes that understanding GDP growth is pivotal when evaluating the long-term potential of an investment destination. Chinas GDP growth has outpaced many other major economies, showcasing its resilience and capacity for sustained expansion.

Strategic Economic Reforms: Key economic reforms in China have played a crucial role in fostering a conducive environment for investors. Initiatives aimed at opening up markets, easing regulations, and promoting entrepreneurship have contributed to the countrys economic vibrancy. Knightsbridge notes that these reforms signal a commitment to creating an investor-friendly ecosystem, attracting both domestic and international capital.

Innovation and Technology Leadership: Chinas emphasis on innovation and technology is a driving force behind its economic ascendancy. From advancements in artificial intelligence to breakthroughs in renewable energy, China is positioning itself at the forefront of global technological innovation. Knightsbridge underscores the significance of investing in sectors that leverage Chinas technological prowess, anticipating substantial returns in the long run.

Consumer-Led Growth: The rise of the Chinese middle class has transformed the consumption landscape, presenting a compelling narrative for long-term investors. As incomes rise and lifestyles evolve, consumer demand for a wide array of products and services is escalating. Knightsbridge highlights the potential for investors to tap into sectors catering to the burgeoning consumer market, ranging from e-commerce to luxury goods.

Belt and Road Initiative: Chinas ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a testament to its commitment to infrastructure development on a global scale. Knightsbridge acknowledges the transformative impact of the BRI, creating investment opportunities in sectors such as construction, logistics, and transportation. Investors with a long-term perspective can align their portfolios with the countries and industries benefiting from this expansive initiative.

Global Economic Influence: Chinas growing influence in international economic affairs positions it as a pivotal player in shaping global economic trends. Knightsbridge notes that investing in China allows investors to align their portfolios with a nation that not only contributes significantly to global GDP but also plays a crucial role in shaping the future of various industries.

Conclusion: For investors seeking long-term growth, China stands out as a beacon of opportunity. With a potent combination of robust GDP growth, strategic economic reforms, technological leadership, consumer-driven expansion, and global influence, China presents a compelling case for sustained investment. Knightsbridges insights underscore the potential for investors to thrive in Chinas dynamic and evolving economic landscape, making it a destination of choice for those with a vision for long-term prosperity.

Shayne Heffernan
A 79-year-old Buffalo man who went missing for at least 10 hours last weekend before he was found in Clarence nearly died from exposure to the cold, the Erie County Sheriffs Office said Wednesday.

Emergency room doctors at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Amherst, told a sheriffs deputy that Mohammed Rahmans core body temperature had fallen to the point that he would not have survived much longer without treatment. It was at 92 degrees, where 98.6 degrees is considered normal.

The agency said it received a report at 6:40 p.m. Sunday of an elderly man in the area of Transit and Greiner roads suffering from exposure. Temperatures for that date reached a high of 45 degrees and a low of 31 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Sheriffs Deputy Salvatore Vaccaro, who was dispatched, and State Police Trooper Joseph Sparacino, who happened to be passing by, responded and approached the man they found at the scene.

The two started to perform first aid, tried to warm the man up and requested assistance from emergency responders. They werent able to talk to the man, who had no identification on him, because of a language barrier.

Twin City Ambulance responded and determined he needed to go to a hospital right away because of a faint pulse that soon left him too weak to speak.

At Millard Fillmore Suburban, deputies learned of a notification that Buffalo police had put out earlier Sunday about Rahman, described as a vulnerable adult who has dementia and who may need medical attention. He was last seen at 8:30 a.m., according to the missing-person notice, though the Sheriffs Office put the time at 7 a.m.

Based on the photo of Rahman and description of his clothing, deputies confirmed Rahmans identity. Vaccaro stayed at the hospital until Rahmans family arrived, the Sheriffs Office reported.

It is not clear how Rahman made it all the way to Clarence, Sheriffs Sgt. Jeremy R. Lehning said.

Rahman lives on Moselle Street in Buffalos Genesee Moselle neighborhood, about 12 miles from the Transit-Greiner intersection.

Rahman was admitted for evaluation. Lehning said he didnt know how long Rahman remained in the hospital, but, as far as he knows, Rahman is on his way to a full recovery.
A Georgia county is fighting a ruling requiring it to pay for a transgender deputy's surgery

A Georgia county is asking a federal appeals court to overturn a ruling that it illegally discriminated against a sheriffs deputy by failing to pay for her gender-affirmation surgery
The parents said this all started on Friday when their son, who is a six grader at Tyner Academy, came home and said that he may have to fight a boy on Monday.
Here are a couple of tools that can at least help you make an educated guess about whether or not to wait until Black Friday to buy that holiday gift.
The Western New York startup scene has made some major strides since Jack Greco first began coming to Buffalo 15 years ago.

But theres still plenty of work to be done, he said. And Greco would know better than most.

Greco co-founded ACV Auctions, which won the 43North competition in 2015 and four years later became Buffalos first unicorn  a startup that has grown to have sales topping $1 billion. The company now has a market capitalization of nearly $2.5 billion.

Since his exit from the startup in 2018, the Rochester native has become a serial angel investor in the local community.

Hes directly invested in 132 companies. Greco also launched a venture fund last year, investing mostly in business-to-business software companies.

Buffalo is a place where we still have a lot of nodules  a lot of little things going on  but were not there yet, said Greco, who spoke Tuesday evening during Buffalo Startup Week at Seneca One. We know that. I dont think there is a there that we will ever get to, but wherever there is, we are farther away from it than we want to be.

What hasnt helped is that the pandemic changed the business world and the economy, especially with the rise in remote work that has minimized some natural interaction that helps strengthen a startup ecosystem, he said.

A lot changed after Covid, at least it did for me, when it came to what the community really looks like, Greco said.

Since Covid, theres not that critical mass that has the gravity to pull people together, he added. Having life inside that ecosystem is really important, and it all works around this concept of together.

More than anything, the Buffalo Niagara startup scene  which has expanded rapidly over the past decade  needs to make more noise about what is going on in the area, he said.

If you make a lot of noise, people will pay attention, Greco said. If Buffalo does what it is supposed to  and if anyone has been to a Bills game, we are the loudest  we just have to find a way to do that in the ecosystem.

Theres also been a lack of wealth being spread around the entirety of the Western New York ecosystem, Greco said. While some founders disproportionally get more if it, the strongest communities will give back through time, effort and resources, he added.

This is an amazingly hard job and there are only a few winners, Greco said.

He encouraged those most experienced in the startup ecosystem to spread their knowledge whenever they can, and said founders should be seeking out mentors with experience in the industry where theyre focused.

Greco said he wishes he couldve been more helpful to others when he was a business operator. Its easier to do now that I have money and time, he said. Its really easy to make your job the excuse. Its not an excuse; its your purpose. Helping people is not how you put food on your table and that can be difficult depending on the situation youre in. But its OK to go and give to somebody else  whether thats money, time or whatever else.

He also encouraged more people to get together with others with common interests to build further connections.

I worked really hard and I got lucky. I took the chance, so I get credit for that, but everything after that is a byproduct of luck and someone else helping me out, Greco said.

He supports the idea of building closer ties between Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse. Recently, the three cities collaborated on becoming a federally designated Tech Hub  an opportunity that should reap major benefits for each community. It takes time, effort and allocation, he said. One of the big things is were not promoting enough. I think we do it but can always do it more.
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Well over 1,000 homes across Longford were without power on Tuesday morning as ESB crews struggled to deal with the aftermath of Storm Debi. The county was one of the worst affected when the storm battered the country.

At one point on Monday morning, 100,000 people were without electricity across Ireland after the heavy winds and rain from the storm.

The winds and fallen trees resulting from the red level weather alerts caused major disruptions to power supplies on Monday morning. Tuesday's power check app indicated that 28 areas in Longford continued to be without power.

Clondra, Tarmonbarry, Edgeworthstown, Newtownforbes, Granard, Mullinalaghta, Moyne, Ballymahon and Newtowncashel were among the towns and villages across the county where ESB crews were working on Tuesday morning.

The impact of families, particularly those with young children, was particularly profound.

We've been out of power since 5:45 am on Monday morning, Dessie Connolly from Briskill, Newtownforbes told the Leader, We have two young children. One is five months old and the other is two years old. The effects of being without power are very stressful.

We are not able to sterilise bottles, we can only boil water because we bought a camping stove. There is no heating in the house. We have to light a fire and stay in one room to keep warm. It's a disaster, the distraught parent said.

Mr Connolly is critical of the manner in which the ESB have kept the public updated: The message from ESB keeps changing. They initially said it was going to be back at 12 noon on Tuesday, but now they say it won't be back until 5pm. I'm signed up to the app, which means they update me via email of changes, but there has been no direct contact. I feel sorry for older people who don't have the app.

The Connolly family have relied on relations to charge their phones. The infants are distressed by the ordeal: The kids don't understand why there are no lights. We are using the lights on our phones, but that is running down the battery. Even today we have to pack the kids up and bring them to relatives, because it's impractical to stay in the house.

Mr Connolly says uncertainty was a major issue: The goal posts keep changing. We appreciate it's uncertain times, but there should be clarity. We are told it will be back today, but we don't know if that will be changed.

Businesses across the county were also counting the cost of the disruption. In Clondra McPartland's public house, who do a brisk food trade during the week, have had to inform customers via social media that they are unable to open because of the disruption to their electricity supply.

Schools in Ballymahon, Granard and Ardagh were closed on both Monday and Tuesday as result of Storm Debi while in Killoe, a woman endured a miraculous escape as trees came crashing down on her property in the early hours of Monday morning.
A small collection of letters signed by celebrated 18th century Anglo-Irish novelist Maria Edgeworth sold for over 8,000 sterling at an auction today. The letters were expected to make over 1,000.

The Marie Edgeworth Centre based in Edgeworthstown have expressed their disappointment on Twitter after they missed out on buying the collection of letters after the winning bid at the auction reached over 8,000 sterling.

Their tweet said '' Unfortunately, we just failed in our attempt to purchase a collection of letters by Maria Edgeworth, which have just been sold at auction. They fetched 8000 sterling before fees. Hopefully they have been returned to Ireland''.

Longford novelist Maria Edgeworths letters were expected to make over 1,000 at today's auction.

Valued at up to 1,200, the 14 letters were included in Halls Fine Arts book, stamps and coins auction at the companys Battlefield saleroom in Shrewsbury.

Her most popular work on childhood education is Practical Education, which she wrote in collaboration with her father, Richard Lovell Edgeworth, who contributed to many of her other works.

Unfortunately, we just failed in our attempt to purchase a collection of letters by Maria Edgeworth, which have just been sold at auction. They fetched 8000 sterling before fees. @HeartlandsIRL @Longfordlibrary @Longford_Leader Hopefully they have returned to Ireland. pic.twitter.com/DDU91Qp3up  mariaedgeworthcentre (@medgecentre) November 15, 2023

Her many correspondents across Britain and Europe included Jane Austen, Sir Walter Scott and Rachel Mordecai Lazarus, a Jewish-American educator.

Edgeworth travelled across Europe with her family while writing and spent the rest of her life living in the Edgeworthstown estate in County Longford, Ireland.

Edgeworth (1768-1849) was an educationist and prolific novelist of adults and childrens literature and is credited with making significant contributions to the evolution of the novel in Europe. She was one of the first realist writers in childrens literature.

The letters included in the auction were written between 1818-31, mostly to Mr Lushington and a few to Miss Carr of Frognall, Hampstead.

The letters are written from Edgeworthtown, the town named after the family and Lough Glynn, 31, Merrion Street, Dublin and Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott.

The letters attracted a lot of pre-sale interest from across the UK and Ireland and are expected to sell for more than 1,000, said Chris Moore, books and manuscripts specialist at Halls Fine Art, prior to the auction. There has been a lot of interest in female writers of literature and poetry in the last 20 years and Maria Edgeworth is an important novelist.

There is a Maria Edgeworth Centre in Edgeworthstown, which pays homage to the novelist and tells the story of her life and works. A literary festival is also dedicated to her.

Opened in 2019, the centre pays homage to Edgeworth, whom it says was considered a lioness by literary giants including, William Wordsworth, Sir Walter Scott, Lord Byron and Jane Austen.
The Community Wetlands Forum (CWF) will host a Community Tourism Workshop in Longfords Temperance Hall from 10am - 5pm on Thursday, November 16.

The workshop will hear from representatives of community tourism experiences nationwide including Arigna Mines, a visitor attraction of international standard who launched their successful initiative during a period of community transition.

The event entitled Inspiring Community Tourism Experiences will be chaired by Carmel Fox, a leader in Community Tourism and Local Development who developed the successful Ballyhoura Brand.

Sessions will include:

Community Tourism Success Stories: use what you have

Managing Visitors for Conservation

Making Community Tourism Happen

Challenges and Opportunities for Community Tourism

A host of relevant stakeholders will be on hand to engage with participants and exhibitors who offer services to assist communities with their Tourism Projects.

Paddy Mathews, Head of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands - Failte Ireland, observed, Failte Ireland is pleased to support the Community Wetlands Forums Community Tourism Workshop. Community-based tourism enterprises exist in every part of Irelands Hidden Heartlands delivering powerful and far-reaching economic and social benefits which help local communities across the region to thrive.

Mary Mulvey, Community Wetlands Forum, Company Secretary and organiser of the event, knows from experience both what is involved and the opportunity that is now available:

This region has the potential to transform the tourism offering and what better way than through community-owned and developed accommodation and attractions. Communities have been the cornerstone of Irish Tourism for decades, from organising annual Festivals and Events, to the tireless work of Tidy Towns and Heritage Towns which, every year, present our towns and villages in a way that is great, not just for residents, but for our visitors too. We know from experience that one of the best ways of ensuring great tourism success, is through mobilising a community, getting their buy-in and empowering them to deliver on the future they envisage for their families and communities. Great places to live are also great places to visit."

It is hoped that the event will inspire both policymakers and communities to address the key issues of successful environmentally-focused community tourism experiences. These include:

Ecological regeneration and sustainable Visitor Management

Decarbonised economy

A just resilience

A shared Cost and Burden and access to public assets for reuse

All welcome. Registration is free and tickets can be booked in advance at www.communitywetlandsforum.ie/events
Volunteers from Longford were among the 130 delegates from 18 counties at Foroiges annual volunteer conference.

Foroige volunteers from all over Ireland came together in the Mount Wolseley Hotel in Co. Carlow last weekend, 2nd - 4th November 2023. This was the 51st annual Foroige Volunteers Conference, with over 130 delegates from 18 counties enjoying a wide variety of guest speakers, group discussions and social events aimed at exchanging ideas to continue Foroige volunteers' impactful work throughout Ireland.

Dr. Bernadine Brady, Senior Lecturer of the University of Galway and Senior Researcher with the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, was the keynote speaker at the conference and spoke about the research she has carried out about the impact of volunteer-led youth work and mentoring There is evidence that universal youth work impacts positively on young people in a range of areas, including social connection and belonging, personal development and civic behaviour. These are all priority areas for youth policy so it makes absolute sense to invest in and support youth work'.

Odhran OMahony, the newly appointed Foroige Chairperson, addressed the volunteers at the conference I come to the role of Foroiges Chairperson as somebody who has seen first hand the impact the organisation has on young people and as somebody who passionately believes in the power of community. Having Foroige in communities is hugely important and we need to make sure Foroige is available to young people, who I think it is fair to say, need us now more than ever.

Foroige celebrated its 71st year with the first Club meeting in Mooncoin on 14th March 1952. Foroige now has over 4,500 volunteers working in its 450 clubs, 180 projects and programmes, including Leadership for Life; Be Healthy Be Happy, the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), and Big Brother Big Sister.

Foroige volunteers are essential to the organisations engagement with over 50,000 young people year after year. Foroige, with the help of volunteers, encourages young people to take responsibility for themselves and to be part of shaping the world around them while developing their talents, skills and abilities.
Jack and Jill Children's Foundation is urging people across Longford to support it's Home for Christmas Appeal by purchasing from its Christmas Gift Collection or through once-off, or monthly, donations.

Home and family are synonymous with Christmas, but for over 400 families in communities across the country, including 3 children in Co. Longford being able to have their child at home for the festive season, with the help of their Jack and Jill nurse, is even more important. The Foundation aims to raise 1 million this Christmas which will help to fund up to 55,000 hours of in-home nursing care for families across Ireland . 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. Longford to donate local, support local and shop local 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 who are 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 3 families in Longford. In fact, a total of 25 families have been supported by Jack and Jill in Longford since the charitys foundation in 1997.

This Christmas, members of the public can give the gift of time to families cared for by Jack and Jill, with a Christmas donation or a gift purchase from a wide range of stunning gifts translating into in-home nursing care hours for local children and their families. People can shop the collection that is available now on the Foundation's website https://www.jackandjill.ie/.




Food, Wine, & Dining

By Long Island Published: November 25 2023

Riko's Pizza, known as the home of the hot oil pizza, has opened its second LI location in Merrick.

Riko's Pizza, a popular Stamford, CT-based pizza chain known for its unique thin crust pizzas and creative topping combinations, has expanded to Merrick. The new restaurant, located at 68 Merrick Avenue, marks Riko's second Long Island location, joining its sister store in Levittown.

Pizza enthusiasts who enjoy a pie with a kick can indulge in Riko's signature hot oil pizza made with a batch of stinger peppers. Other adventurous pizza options include clam pizza, Hawaiian pizza, and Nashville hot chicken pizza topped with chopped chicken, onions, pickles, and a drizzle of ranch dressing.

Riko's also caters to traditional pizza lovers with classic cheese, margherita, veggie, and white pizza pies. And for those with a penchant for creativity, the build-your-own pie option provides endless possibilities, with dozens of toppings and a gluten-free crust available.

Those with lighter appetites can choose from a large selection of salads and salad pizzas. Oven-baked wings tossed in a variety of savory, sweet, or spicy sauces complete the menu. And to complement your meal, a full cocktail and beer bar awaits.

Rikos is also hosting special events including live music and music bingo.

For the complete menu and hours of operation, visit RikosPizza.com, call the Merrick Rikos at 516-283-2328, or visit the restaurants Facebook page.

Long Island Rikos locations:

Merrick Riko's: 68 Merrick Avenue, Merrick

Levittown Riko's: 3120 Hempstead Turnpike
Bloomin' Bandit on the Loose: Suffolk County Police Appeal to Public for Help in Identifying Rose Thief from Smithtown Residence!

Local News, Crime

By Long Island Published: November 15 2023

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Fourth Precinct officers are enlisting public assistance to identify and locate a man who stole roses from a Smithtown residence, offering a cash reward for information leading to an arrest.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Fourth Precinct Crime Section

officers are seeking the publics help to identify and locate the man who stole flowers from

a Smithtown residence this month.

A man stole roses that had been delivered to a Smithtown residence, located on New York

Avenue, on October 8 at approximately 2:05 p.m.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest.

Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers

to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can

be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at
It has been a week since Election Day and already, the next race has begun.

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz didnt even have time to return from his post-election vacation before another politician emerged to steal the spotlight from him.

Rep. Brian Higgins, D-Buffalo, finally announced his decision to resign from Congress. For months, the decision was one of the worst-kept secrets in town. The News and other media outlets reported that Higgins is leaving to become president of Sheas Performing Arts Center, though Higgins declined to confirm that detail. Gov. Kathy Hochul congratulated him about the Sheas gig on social media, which made the congressmans silence about it even more strange.

But it all makes sense now. I asked Higgins about this in September and he denied that he was going anywhere, saying that he planned to run for re-election in 2024. But I did not really believe that answer. I figured he was a politician saying what he needed to say at the moment, while something else was going on behind the scenes.

Around that time, Higgins longtime chief of staff and top aide Chuck Eaton was named executive director of the Erie County Water Authority, a plum political patronage post. Some took Eatons hiring as a sign that Higgins was ready to get out after 18 years in Washington  and this weekend, they were proven right.

...

Tuesday morning, I broke the news that State Sen. Tim Kennedy, also a Democrat from South Buffalo, was stepping up to succeed Higgins. It would be a natural step for Kennedy, who came up through Higgins political organization and whose career has mirrored that of his mentor.

But Kennedy is not the only person who might come under consideration by the Democratic Party. Some other names include Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, Poloncarz, Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, as well as underdog candidates like Nate McMurray, who has run for Congress before; Assembly Member Patrick Burke; former mayoral candidate  and Democratic primary winner  India Walton; and Melodie Baker, also a former congressional candidate.

Higgins said he was sick and tired of the dysfunction in Washington after 19 years. Of course, Washington was plenty dysfunctional when Higgins ran for re-election last year. Some have asked why Higgins didnt step down then.

Who knows whether the timing was intentional, but it certainly benefits Kennedy and makes it difficult for Poloncarz to get in the race. Thats because the county executive  while seemingly at his highest point politically after an 18-point victory last week  would have to convince many of his donors to give him more money for a congressional race just after they funded his county executive run. Theres also the problem of optics: Poloncarz could look overly ambitious if he announced a run for Congress right after winning an unprecedented fourth term in the Rath County Office Building.

The ambitious label is sometimes applied to Kennedy, too. The state senator through much of the summer and fall was sending out glossy mailers even though he was not up for re-election. Some of those were paid for by the State Democratic Committee and were more biographical in nature than the usual what I have done for you lately mailers that elected officials send out around election time. Some other potential candidates are grumbling about this, but its one of those things that just happens in politics and is rarely policed, especially if the mailers technically stay within the bounds of the law.
By Chris Boyle Published: November 15 2023

Westbury Has Completed All Six of its Downtown Revitalization Initiative Projects.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of Westburys final Downtown Revitalization Initiative project at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the extensive Streetscape Improvements along the Post Avenue corridor. With the completion of this project, Westbury has now completed all six of its projects funded under the States highly successful Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The Westbury DRI has become an award-winning model for Transit-Oriented Development in the State, a key concept in Governor Hochuls efforts to expand housing opportunities near transit stations.

Westburys accomplishments showcase the transformative impact that a DRI award provides to New York communities, Governor Hochul said. Westburys DRI is a home run combination of project investments that will generate multiple benefits to the community and greater investments for generations to come as the revitalization process continues. The Westbury success story can serve as a model for other communities on Long Island and across the State.

New York Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, The Village of Westbury exemplifies exactly what the Downtown Revitalization Initiative aims to delivera combination of projects and investments that are already bringing new residents and visitors to the downtown and amplifying the energy in the community. Congratulations to the Village, the DRI Local Planning Committee and the residents for this tremendous accomplishment, and I look forward to seeing Westbury benefit from the success of these projects for generations to come.

The DRI provided over $5.5 million for pedestrian, public space and lighting upgrades along the Post Avenue Corridor. This project implemented a series of streetscape improvements along Post Avenue from Northern State Parkway to Old Country Road, including adding new trees, benches and bike racks; upgrading lighting to LED; and expanding some sidewalks at select intersections and along some side streets.

Westbury received a $10 million DRI award in the first round of the DRI in 2016. The Villages Strategic Investment Plan focused on creating a community for all seasons, celebrating its diversity, tolerance and inclusion. Key goals included creating a downtown that supports a vibrant mix of uses within proximity to the LIRR Station, increasing pedestrian activity downtown and enhancing the cultural profile of their arts-centric community.

As part of the DRI, Westbury has completed a total of six revitalization projects:

Rezone the Downtown - $970,000 DRI Award : The Village rezoned 52 acres of blighted property adjacent to its LIRR station to promote transit-oriented development, allow for a mix of residential and commercial uses and encourage increased density near the LIRR Station. The rezoning was completed in 2019.

Create a Pedestrian Plaza and Intersection Improvements at Post and Union Avenues - $785,000 DRI Award: This project improved pedestrian connections between the LIRR Station and the Post Avenue retail corridor and created a new pedestrian plaza at a key Village intersection of Post and Union Avenues.

Streetscape Improvements on Post Ave Corridor - $5,560,000 DRI Award: This expanded project implemented a series of streetscape improvements along Post Avenue from Northern State Parkway to Old Country Road, providing new trees, benches and bike racks; upgrading lighting to LED; expanding some sidewalks at select intersections and along some side streets.

Recreation & Community Space Upgrades - $430,000 DRI Award: The Village upgraded three facilities that make up the Westbury Recreation and Community Center complex. Work included: reconfiguring the parking lot to increase capacity; gym floor renovations; adding LED lighting, a new boiler and new ADA doorways; exterior painting; and roof work.

Secure a Permanent Space for the Westbury Arts Council - $1,355,000 DRI Award: The Village used DRI funds to renovate a recently attained building for the Arts Council facilitating their many programs, public exhibits, lectures, art classes, meetings and other events.

Fund for Retail Capital Improvements - $600,000 DRI Award: DRI funds permitted the continuation of the Villages very successful Retail Incentive Program and its Facade Improvement Program and provided grants directly to targeted retail businesses for capital improvements. Funds were used to improve 10 commercial buildings and 3 public buildings.

The completion of Westburys DRI projects comes about a year after the completion of one of the regions most significant transportation infrastructure projectsthe States LIRR 3rd Track Expansion Project from Floral Park to Hicksville, which also included substantial upgrades to the Westbury LIRR Station, pedestrian amenities and its new parking garage.

The DRI funded Westburys innovative Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) rezoning of 52 acres of blighted property adjacent to the LIRR station. The new TOD zoning is already spurring new housing and retail adjacent to the LIRR station, such as The Cornerstone Westbury, which is bringing 130 rental units to downtown Westbury, 18 of which will be affordable units. Several other TOD developments are in the early planning phases, including the MTAs TOD site on its lot on the southside of the tracks. In Governor Hochuls State of the State message, TOD was cited as an opportunity to address the states housing crisis and expand housing opportunities near transit stations.

Governor Hochul also announced that Empire State Development (ESD) has expanded the Long Island Investment Fund to support transformative housing developments that bolster economic growth and community revitalization across the region. Under the amended guidelines, the Fund will provide preferential funding to projects that redevelop vacant commercial sites, remove blight, are near transit or downtowns, or feature mixed-use spaces. The expansion of the LIIF guidelines aims to address Long Island's housing shortage while creating transformative developments that drive continued economic growth across Long Island. The updated LIIF guidelines can be found here.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The Village of Westbury stands as a shining example of the transformative power of community spirit and visionary planning, as demonstrated through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. With the completion of its DRI projects, Westbury has reinvigorated its downtown into a thriving hub where arts, culture, and commerce flourish. The recently expanded Long Island Investment Fund guidelines will support similar transformative developments across the region by prioritizing projects that create housing, spur economic growth, and revitalize communities."

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "Thanks to the comprehensive work completed through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, Westbury is a shining example of how we can take a $10 million State investment and transform a downtown into a more walkable, culturally vibrant, and transit-oriented community. Congratulations to all those who have been involved in the planning and execution of this initiative  your work will undoubtedly benefit generations of Westbury's residents, businesses, and visitors."

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, Supporting cleaner, more sustainable communities is essential as we combat climate change, and NYSERDA is proud to have provided technical support and guidance on Westburys six revitalization projects. These investments are helping create a healthier, more walkable downtown which includes expanded access to affordable housing and energy efficient public spaces that will benefit both current and future generations of Westbury residents."

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, The revitalization of downtown Westbury is linked with the MTAs Third Track project, which allowed the LIRR to increase service to Westbury by 29 additional trains per day, rebuilt the Westbury station, and replaced the Post Avenue Bridge to eliminate strikes from over-height trucks. When we invest in transit, we invest in downtown revitalization, making walkable communities like Westbury a more attractive place to live, do business, and visit.

Empire State Development Board Chairman Kevin Law said, "The completed Westbury Downtown Revitalization Initiative exemplifies the transformative power of community-driven progress, paving the way for inclusive economic prosperity. Through strategic DRI investments in infrastructure, resources, and community growth, we are strengthening our local economy from the ground up and creating good local jobs that will uplift and benefit future generations."

LIREDC Co-Chairs Linda Armyn, President & CEO at Bethpage Federal Credit Union and Dr. John Nader, President of Farmingdale State College, said, "Through thoughtful planning and dedicated collaboration, the Westbury Downtown Revitalization Initiative has given rise to a thriving downtown that bolsters local business, enlivens the arts, and fosters a sense of welcoming for residents and visitors alike. With expanded public spaces, pedestrian-friendly streets, and a blooming arts and culture scene, we have created a vibrant hub welcoming to all.

State Senator Kevin Thomas said, I am thrilled to see the Downtown Revitalization Initiative projects in the Village of Westbury come to life with such force. The completion of these transformative projects exemplifies the greatness that can be achieved for our communities through shared visions and collaboration between all levels of government. Westbury is paving the way for a brighter future with state-of-the-art community centers, modernized recreational facilities and an improved downtown business area. This is just the beginning - and I am excited for whats to come.

Assemblymember Charles D. Lavine said, It gives me tremendous pride to see remarkable progress achieved in downtown Westbury. The now completed projects funded by a New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grant, have resulted in transformative changes in infrastructure and facilities and make Westbury an attractive destination we all can be proud of.

Nassau County Legislator Siela A. Bynoe said, The success of the Westbury Village Downtown Revitalization Initiative is a blueprint for incentivizing the type of transit oriented, mixed-use development that will help to address our regions persistent housing shortfalls and create new opportunities for young professionals and seniors alike to thrive. As a nearly lifelong Westbury resident, it is tremendously rewarding to see how the collective labor of so many dedicated stakeholders is now coming to fruition.

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena said, Today is a historic occasion for downtown Westbury! The successful completion of these Downtown Revitalization Initiative projects is a testament to the power of community vision and collaborative effort. Thank you to Governor Hochul for your commitment to shaping a vibrant future for Westburys downtown.

Town of North Hempstead Councilmember Robert J. Troiano said, "Westbury now stands tall as a testament to the potential of transit-oriented development and smart growth. This achievement reflects the collective dedication of our community, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Governor Hochul, the Empire State Development Corporation, and the Department of State for their invaluable support in providing this extraordinary funding. Together, we are shaping a vibrant future for Westbury that sets the standard for responsible and visionary urban development."

Village of Westbury Mayor Peter Cavallaro said, Today marks the substantial completion of our DRI Project journey. Each of the seven funded projects was conceived through public engagement with hundreds of residents and stakeholders, and each is truly transformative for our community. Our goal, from the beginning, was to use these funds wisely to bring our redevelopment efforts to the next level and make Westbury a model for other communities seeking to redevelop their downtowns. I think we were able to achieve that while making our community better and more sustainable for the future. I want to thank the Governors office, as well as the offices of the Secretary of State and of Homes and Community Renewal, who were terrific partners with us in the realization of our plans and maximizing the benefits that the DRI program brought to Westbury.

Local DRI Planning Committee Co-Chair Dave Kapell said, "I congratulate Mayor Cavallaro and the Village Board of Trustees for their vision, determination and leadership in leveraging the Downtown Revitalization grant to support significant transit-oriented development, the $2.6 billion-dollar LIRR Third Track project, streetscape improvements and cultural arts to transform Westbury into a sought after destination for a diverse population. Westbury serves as a model for successful downtown revitalization on Long Island."

Long Island Association President & CEO Matt Cohen said, Expanding the tax base and creating more housing opportunities will stimulate economic growth and boost the competitiveness for employers to hire on Long Island. The LIA thanks Governor Hochul for making housing production, particularly more affordable options, a priority with Long Island Investment Fund awards that infuse new development in communities like Westbury, which will also help address our regions affordability crisis.

Long Island Builders Institute CEO Mike Florio said, We applaud Governor Hochuls continued effort to address Long Islands housing crisis. The infusion of hundreds of millions of dollars of incentives from the Long Island Investment Fund to address transformative housing projects is the type of shot in the arm Long Island needs. These incentives will aid us in reimagining how and where we develop new housing stock for both young people and seniors that want to stay here, while boosting economic development and job growth for the region.

Association for a Better Long Island Executive Director Kyle Strober said, "Governor Hochuls initiative that will unlock hundreds of millions of dollars in funding has the means to create transformative housing projects that is a win-win-win for Long Island. It will help spur desperately needed housing projects, via incentives, that will provide homes for young people and allow our seniors to age in place. The initiative will help Main Street businesses with new customers as well as help maintain a young and vibrant workforce which is essential to attracting and retaining larger companies. Lastly, it has the potential to address key infrastructure needs that have hindered our region's economic growth. ABLI commends Governor Hochul for this new effort to address our region's housing crisis.

Westbury Business Improvement District President and Westbury-Carle Place Chamber of Commerce President Peter D Carbone said, Programs like the DRI and Streetscape create a ripple effect that improve the Village, the businesses, and their surroundings. We take great pride in the Village of Westbury, and I look forward to the growth that is to come because of programs such as this.

Downtown Revitalization Initiative

The Downtown Revitalization Initiative was created in 2016 to accelerate and expand the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods in all ten regions of the state to serve as centers of activity and catalysts for investment. Led by the Department of State with assistance from Empire State Development, Homes and Community Renewal and he New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the DRI represents an unprecedented and innovative "plan-then-act" strategy that couples strategic planning with immediate implementation and results in compact, walkable downtowns that are a key ingredient to helping New York State rebuild its economy from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to achieving the State's bold climate goals by promoting the use of public transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles.

In the first five years of the program, the state committed $600 million, investing in 59 downtowns ripe for revitalization that have the potential to become magnets for redevelopment, business, job creation, greater economic and housing diversity and opportunity. More information on the DRI is available here.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: November 15 2023

As more people are caring for an aging friend, family member or loved one, it is more important than ever that we all have access to the necessary resources and support, Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton said.

Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D  Glen Cove) joined with regional leaders on Thursday, Nov. 9 for the inaugural Hofstra University Caregivers Summit, which was hosted by the Universitys School of Medical Professionals and Human Services and cosponsored by AARP of Long Island and the Nassau County Age Friendly Center of Excellence at Glen Cove.

Held as part of Novembers observance as National Family Caregivers Month, panel discussions focused on caregiver stories, strategies and resources; healthcare provider and leadership perspectives on healthcare; research trends and program innovations; and legislative wins and new policy directions. New York State Assemblyman Ron Kim, Chair of the Assemblys Committee on Aging, delivered the keynote address.
Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: November 15 2023

The Defendant Told the Seven-Year-Old Victim That the Abuse Was Exercise.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that a 42-year-old Melville man pleaded guilty to Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree and other related charges, for sexually abusing his seven-year-old niece in August 2023.

This defendant violated the innocence of a seven-year-old child to satisfy his own despicable sexual desires, said District Attorney Tierney. This plea will hold the defendant accountable while sparing the young victim from having to face her uncle in court and testify about the horrific abuse that she endured.

The District Attorneys Office is not naming the defendant in order to protect the identities of the victim and the child witnesses.

According to court documents and the defendants admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on August 11, 2023, the defendant spent the evening at his sisters home. After everyone went to bed, the defendant went into his seven-year-old nieces bedroom and subjected her to sexual abuse. He told her that what he was doing was exercise, and that it would make her strong. The next day, the victims mother noticed unusual behavior from the child, and asked her what was wrong. The victim told her mother what the defendant had done to her, and the mother reported the incident to the police.

On August 14, 2023, the defendant was arrested by detectives from the Suffolk County Police Department, to whom he made admissions to sexually abusing the child.

At the time this incident occurred, the defendant was already registered as a sex offender from a 2008 conviction for Attempted Rape in the First Degree.

On November 13, 2023, the defendant pleaded guilty before County Court Judge, the Honorable Karen M. Wilutis, to the following charges:

Two counts of Criminal Sexual Act in the First Degree, Class B violent felonies;

One count of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a Class D violent felony;

One count of Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor; and

One count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A misdemeanor.

The defendant is due back in court for sentencing on December 20, 2023, and he is being represented by Michael Elbert, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney MacDonald Drane of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau, with investigative assistance from Detective Lisa Hofelich of the Suffolk County Police Departments Special Victims Section.
Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: November 15 2023

Corey Grier and Eric Baldwin stole cash at gunpoint from victim James Diamond, who had just cashed a $55,000 settlement check.

Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that two Freeport men have been sentenced for their roles in the shooting death and robbery of a Long Beach man who had just received a settlement check of $55,000.

Eric Baldwin, 27, pleaded guilty in September before Judge Terence Murphy to charges of Murder in the Second Degree (an A-I felony); two counts of Robbery in the First Degree (a B violent felony); Robbery in the Second Degree (a C violent felony); and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (a C violent felony). Today, the defendant was sentenced to 23 years to life in prison by Judge Murphy.

Corey Grier, 29, pleaded guilty in August to Robbery in the First Degree and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree. Grier was sentenced to 20 years in prison and five years post-release supervision on October 5, 2023.

Eric Baldwin and Corey Grier helped lure 28-year-old James Diamond to his death, when they convinced the young man to meet them in Freeport, DA Donnelly said. Diamond had just been awarded a settlement check and had more than $50,000 in cash on him when Eric Baldwin shot Diamond in a struggle for the money. Jimmy Diamond was a popular and talented young man who was taken too early. We extend our condolences to his countless family members and friends.

According to the indictment, on September 10, 2021, the deceased, James Diamond, 28, and a friend, drove to a law firm in Long Beach to pick up a check for $55,000, that Diamond was awarded as part of a lawsuit.

After receiving the check, the pair picked up Corey Grier and drove to a check cashing business. Grier then directed them in their vehicle to South Bay Avenue in Freeport and Diamond and his friend left to attempt to deposit the cash at a nearby bank.

Grier allegedly called Eric Baldwin and Todd Brant to meet him at South Bay Avenue. Baldwin, Brant, and Akeem Chambers drove to South Bay Avenue to meet up with Grier.

When Diamond and his friend returned to the location, Baldwin and Akeem Chambers allegedly took Diamond and his friend out of their vehicle at gunpoint. A struggle ensued, and Diamond was shot once in the abdomen by Baldwin. Baldwin took Diamonds bag filled with cash and fled. Diamond was later pronounced deceased at South Nassau Communities Hospital. The victim worked as a tradesman and was an aspiring musician.

Baldwin was arrested by NCPD Homicide detectives in East Meadow on November 3, 2021. Grier was arrested by NCPD Homicide detectives in Bayshore on November 3, 2021.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Chief Veronica Guariglia of the Homicide Bureau. Baldwin is represented by Richard Langone, Esq. Grier is represented by Justin Feinman, Esq.
Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: November 15 2023

Matthew Bunai, 28, was charged with Aggravated DWI with a Child (Leandras Law), Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and various traffic violations.

On 11/11/23 at approximately 12:48 AM., Suffolk County Deputy Sheriffs stopped a vehicle on the Long Island Expressway in Brookhaven, NY, for speeding, failure to maintain a lane of travel, failure to use directional signals, and for displaying a partially unreadable and expired license plate.

The driver, Matthew Bunai, 28, of Shirley, NY, demonstrated clues while performing standardized field sobriety tests indicating he was intoxicated. There was a six-year-old child in the rear seat behind the driver seat.

At approximately 1:08 AM Bunai was arrested and transported to the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Headquarters Bureau in Riverhead, NY, where he submitted to a chemical blood test. The results of the blood test are pending laboratory results by the Suffolk County Crime Laboratory. The vehicle was impounded.

Bunai was charged with Aggravated DWI with a Child (Leandras Law), Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and various traffic violations.

Leandras Law (the Child Passenger Protection Act) is a NYS law making it an automatic felony on the first offense to drive drunk with a person aged 15 or younger inside the vehicle. It was named after 11-year-old Leandra Rosado who was killed on the Henry Hudson Parkway on October 11, 2009, when she was the passenger in a car accident, driven by a driver who was allegedly driving while intoxicated.

Also arrested for Driving While Intoxicated over the weekend were:

Juan Castillo-Escobar, 42, of Brentwood, arrested for Aggravated DWI with a .19 BAC

Edgar Sanchez Coello, 24, of Patchogue, arrested for DWI with a .16 BAC

Linda Balsano, 61, of Shoreham, arrested for DWI with a .17 BAC

Kayla Horsley, 27, of Riverhead, arrested for DWI with a .12 BAC

Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. commends his deputies. Suffolk County Deputy Sheriffs are out patrolling our countys roads to keep the public safe. This weekend, they not only prevented five intoxicated drivers from causing an accident with another driver or a pedestrian, but they potentially saved the life of a child passenger. I am proud of their ongoing vigilance in protecting the residents of Suffolk County.

For more information, visit www.suffolksheriff.com.

All information contained in this release has been provided for general informational purposes only. To the extent that pending criminal matters are discussed, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
An IDF M109 howitzer positioned near the Gaza Strip provides artillery support for the 162nd Divisions operations. Photograph by Seth J. Frantzman.

Seth Frantzman is reporting from Israel.

The Israel Defense Forces on November 15 began the task of searching Gazas Shifa hospital for evidence of Hamas use of the facility as a headquarters and weapons storage depot. The numerous buildings composing the hospital complex  Gazas largest  adds to the missions existing complexities. The hospital has grown over the last fifty years, including with additions and renovations conducted by Israel when it ran the Gaza Strip prior to its disengagement in 2005. Since 2014, there have been many reports that Hamas uses areas under the hospital as a command and control node.

On November 15, the IDF entered a specific area of the hospital and searched for evidence of Hamas terrorists use of the premises. An operational command center, weapons and technological assets were found in the MRI building of the hospital; IDF troops are continuing the precise and targeted operation against Hamas in the Shifa Hospital complex, the IDF said.

IDF forces including medical teams and Arabic speakers began the operation at Shifa hospital one week after closing in on the area from the south. Prior to commencing, these IDF forces conducted training tailored to the unique challenges posed by such an environment. The IDF emphasized in numerous statements that it is exercising caution to avoid harming civilians. It also supplied the hospital with humanitarian aid, including incubators.

The hospital is located in the west of Gaza City, not far from the Mediterranean coast. The IDF 36th Division, which had encircled Gaza from the south, played a key role in securing the areas around the hospital. As the IDF began its operation, it had a brief clash with terrorists near the hospital. The IDF says it eliminated the terrorists. During searches in one of the departments of the hospital, the troops located a room with technological assets, along with military and combat equipment used by the Hamas terrorist organization, the IDF said on November 15.

In another area of the hospital, an operational command center and technological assets belonging to Hamas were found. The IDF said it would continue to operate in the hospital compound. It is extracting intelligence from this operation and is also preventing harm to the medical teams and civilians sheltering there. A day before the hospital raid, CNN reported that a US official with knowledge of American intelligence says Hamas has a command node under the Al-Shifa hospital, uses fuel intended for it and its fighters regularly cluster in and around Gazas largest hospital. This confirms Israels claims in recent weeks that Hamas uses the hospital. The IDF also found evidence of terrorist use of a basement in Rantisi hospital in the north of Gaza City.

The IDF on Wednesday provided updates of two additional operations in Gaza. One was related to the 14th Reserve Brigade. This unit, operating in the northern Gaza Strip, took over a Hamas outpost which the IDF said was used by the Hamas terrorist organization as a training base where the terrorists prepared to attack Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers. The IDF also said dozens of terrorists were killed in the battle. This is one of several Hamas strongholds and posts that have been taken in the last week. The Golani and 7th Armored Brigades, operating in the southwest of Gaza City, also took over a number of Hamas-occupied governmental buildings. Other units of the 162nd Division operating along the coast took the Shati Camp. The commander of the 162nd praised these operations, noting the unit had eliminated over 1,000 terrorists since ground operations began. He also said the forces also significantly decreased missile launches towards the State of Israel from the northern Gaza Strip, reducing them by approximately 80 percent.

In addition, the IDF said that 160 tunnel shafts were destroyed and 2,800 terrorist infrastructure were eliminated in these operations in the northwest of Gaza City. The 162nd Division secured strategic Hamas assets, including the Force 17 outpost, the Hamas security quarter, the IDF said. Taken together, these operations illustrate increasing IDF control of Hamas-occupied areas and facilities around Gaza City, leaving what remains of Hamas encircled and deprived of many of its usual outposts, command centers and bases in the northern Gaza Strip.

Outside of Gaza, threats to Israel continued from Hezbollah and the Iran-backed Houthis. The US guided missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner intercepted a drone that was launched from Yemen, according to CBS. A separate report at Reuters claimed that Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh that Iran would not enter the war on behalf of Hamas. On Wednesday, the IDF said that a number of launches were identified from Lebanon toward Israeli territory. No injuries were reported. IDF artillery is currently striking the sources of the fire. Wednesday saw a general reduction of rocket fire from both Lebanon and Gaza.

US National Security Council Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa and Deputy Advisor to President Joe Biden Brett McGurk visited Israel on Wednesday. He met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant. Minister Gallant briefed the Coordinator on operational developments, as IDF troops advance in Gaza and target Hamas terror infrastructure. They discussed the complexity of said operations in light of Hamas entrenchment within urban environments and the cynical use of civilian institutions, including multiple hospitals, the Defense Ministers office said in a statement.

Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the acting news editor and senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
The new Vive Shelter for asylum-seekers is all but ready to open on Main Street after a $7.6 million renovation of the former Bristol Home assisted-living and memory-care facility by Jericho Road Community Health Center.

Now it just needs the Zoning Board of Appeals to re-approve three zoning variances that it previously granted in February 2022 but which Jericho Road inadvertently allowed to expire, so that the shelter can finally get its certificate of occupancy. The ZBA meets Wednesday.

Jericho is relocating the longtime 120-bed emergency shelter from an old brick school building at 50 Wyoming Ave. to the renovated three-story building at 1500 Main St., which the agency acquired for $2.05 million in May 2022, a year after the former healthcare facility for women had closed.

The 38,500-square-foot building, with 54 bedrooms, has been converted by Resetarits Construction of West Seneca into the new Scott Bieler Foundation Vive Shelter, with two- and three-person dormitory rooms to handle the same capacity as the old 24,000-square-foot facility. The facility will include 70 beds on the second floor and 50 on the third. However, the Green Code now allows only 15 beds in a shelter within that neighborhood.

The shelter will also have a beauty shop and workshop, plus administrative and program offices, waiting rooms, examination rooms, a workroom, a computer lab, behavioral health space, and a dining room, kitchen and serving area on the first floor.

Founded in 1984 by a group of Catholic nuns to help Central and South American asylum seekers living on the streets, Vive was initially housed in a Lackawanna convent, but has been on Wyoming for decades. It was acquired by Jericho Road in 2015. It's being renamed for the West Herr Automotive Group CEO, who chaired and led the capital campaign.

Upon approval of the variance, the shelter could be up and running, with occupants, within two weeks, said shelter director Matt Tice.

Separately, the ZBA is also considering a request by Sasiya Davis-Johnson to run an emergency shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

Called the Amazing Women's Shelter, it would be located in a vacant space at 430 Northampton St., and would offer housing, food, personal hygiene resources, workforce skills training and other services, according to the variance application.
(Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of updates by London-listed companies, issued on Tuesday and Monday and not separately reported by Alliance News:

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Tufton Oceanic Assets Ltd - Guernsey, England based investment company, which specialises in second-hand commercial sea vessels - Says Paulo Almeida steps down as Chief Investment Officer of investment manager Tufton Investment Management Ltd, and is replaced by Nicolas Tirogalas. Tirogalas was previously managing director of TMS Cardiff Gas. Chief Executive Andrew Hampson says: "I am delighted to welcome Nicolas to Tufton. Nicolas brings with him a wealth of hands on investment and management experience across a wide spectrum of maritime industry segments. I greatly look forward to working with him to continue the business expansion and development that has been built over the past decade and I am convinced he will be a great asset to the future success of the company."

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Rotala PLC - Tividale, West Midlands-based bus operator - Says it has extended the put-up-or-shut-up deadline to December 12, from Tuesday, for director offerers to make a firm intention or offer for the company. Says discussions between director offerors and independent directors are ongoing. Notes that indicative proposal was received in September from directors Simon Dunn, Bob Dunn and John Gunn, the chief executive, managing director, North West, and non-executive chair respectively. Adds that the deadline can be extended further.

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Zinc Media Group PLC - Edinburgh-based television, brand and audio production company - Says its subsidiary The Edge Picture Co Ltd has met its earnings target set out in its August 2022 acquisition deal. Says the first year earn-out payment, which will be paid to the sellers, is GBP850,000. Says it will pay GBP245,375 in cash and issue 654,637 new shares at 0.914 pence each. Chief Executive Mark Browning said: "We are very pleased with the progress of The Edge in the period post-acquisition. The Edge are performing ahead of acquisition expectations, have integrated well into the Group and have further growth opportunities ahead."

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Hamak Gold Ltd - mining exploration and development company operating in Liberia - Says it has received 1,873 geochemical soil sampling results, which revealed a 3km by 1km gold in soil anomaly with multiple strong gold peaks in its Nimba licence. Says it recommends a programme of detailed structural mapping, pitting and trenching, followed by further drilling, in order to test targets associated with gold mineralisation. Executive Director Karl Smithson comments: "Our understanding of the geology and structural controls have been significantly improved through the drilling and detailed independent review of all exploration data accumulated to date by the Company's technical consultant."

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Reabold Resources PLC - oil and gas investing company with a diversified portfolio of exploration, appraisal and development projects - Says requisition of general meeting by Pershing Nominees Ltd on November 8 is not valid. Pershing owns 7.84% of the company. Says it odes not with to deny any member the right convene a meeting, but says Pershing requisition would raise complex legal challenges and documentation contains material deficiencies. Says requisition proposes removal of Co-Chief Executive Sachin Oza. Previously said requisitioning shareholders are seeking to gain control of the company.

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Adalan Ventures PLC - Russia-focused fintech company, formerly known as Zaim Credit Systems PLC - Says it has completed a fundraise of GBP206,000 via the issue of 5.2 million new shares at 4 pence each. Adds that the issue represents a 11% discount to the closing mid price at November 10. Says the fundraise is to provide working capital.

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NB Global Monthly Income Fund Ltd - invests in traditional credit, such as bonds and loans, and in alternative credit, such as distressed credit and mezzanine - Redeems 29.1 million shares at 80.77 pence per share for cancellation, Says shares 29.1 million shares is 40.86% of its shares in issue. In total, the redemption is worth GBP23.5 million.

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By Harvey Dorset, Alliance News reporter

Comments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2023 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
The non-profit association behind a Luxembourg experiment in supporting businesses based on finding uses for food, clothing and building materials destined for waste heaps acted irresponsibly in hiring more staff than it could afford and accumulated a debt of nearly 1 million, a government review found.

Benu Village in Esch-sur-Alzette could be bound for bankruptcy after an outside analysis of its operating non-profit (in French, "association sans but lucratif", or ASBL) led Luxembourg's environment ministry to decide against further taxpayer funding, the ministry said. The City of Esch also spent on the concept.

"A new public subsidy would not make it possible either to solve the cash management problems of Benu Village Esch ASBL, nor to reduce the (ASBL's) dependence on the public subsidies in the medium or even long term," the ministry said in a statement late Tuesday. "To date, considerable use of public subsidies is the only option considered by Benu to keep the structure afloat."

Staff at Benu Village were told to stay at home following the publication of the ministry report, said Valerie Marx, who works for the project. Employees have requested a meeting with management to find out what will happen next, she told the Luxembourg Times. "Everyone came to this project out of passion and commitment."

Benu (pronounced "be new") Village is an urban development project that started in 2017 on around 2,000 square meters of long-unused land in Esch and sought to build a series of small enterprises each prioritising principles of sustainability and social responsibility.

Buildings were fashioned out of used materials like former shipping containers, the Luxemburger Wort reported in August. One workshop restored old furniture, a clothing shop redesigned previously used textiles, and a restaurant sourced primarily from supermarkets discarding food that was still nutritious but no longer deemed saleable for aesthetic reasons.

Entrance to Benu Village  Photo credit: Anouk Antony

Generated revenue had been stagnant from 2019 to 2022 but was projected to increase this year to 534,000, the ministry said. Despite multiple cash injections from Esch's city treasury, Benu accumulated a 946,000 debt, needed at least 1.3 million to clear up its accounts and another 2 million a year to keep its current 42 staff, the ministry said.

"A large part of the financial imbalance is due to the irresponsible policy of hiring staff" that expanded from 29 at the start of the year and increased personnel costs by about 75%, the ministry said.

(Updated on 15 November at 18:15 to include comments from Valerie Marx.)
A single-engine plane experiencing mechanical issues made an emergency landing Tuesday afternoon in Cattaraugus County, state police said.

The single-propeller plane landed safely at about 4:55 p.m. on State Route 417 in the Town of Carrollton, troopers said in a news release.

No injuries or property damage were reported. The plane was subsequently removed from the highway.

Police identified the pilot as Ethan M. McIntosh, 21, of Wilton, Maine. He was the only person aboard the aircraft, police said.

McIntosh's LinkedIn page says he is a flight instructor and recently graduated from the professional flight program at Purdue University.

- Aaron Besecker
A 32-year-old woman from Canton who Boston police said posed as a Boston public school student over the 2022-2023 school year was indicted on new felony and misdemeanor charges, Boston.com reported.

Shelby Hewitt, 32, of Canton, was charged with identity fraud and forgery in connection with the Boston Public School reported student impersonation. She was arrested on June 27.

On Tuesday at Suffolk Superior Court, she was indicted on three counts of forging a document, two counts of common law forgery, charged with uttering false or forged records, identity fraud, larceny over $1,200, and making a false or fraudulent claim to the Department of Children and Families while she was an employee, the news website reported.

NBC Boston reported that Hewitt was formerly employed at the Department of Children and Families. The agency told the station that Hewitt worked as a social worker on and off between 2016 and February of this year.

Boston Public Schools officials accused Hewitt of using fraudulent paperwork to register as a student and enroll in several Boston high schools over the 2022-2023 school year.

Read more: Springfield shooting leaves four injured

Administrators at the English High School in Bostons Jamaica Plain neighborhood contacted authorities after reviewing some suspicious paperwork from one of their students, MassLive reported in June. School officials told police they became concerned after a students parent said they would be withdrawing their daughter and enrolling her into St. Columbkille school in Boston because she was being bullied.

Administrators were confused since the student enrolled in the school a week prior and the school staff had only just begun addressing the reported bullying. English High School staff began reviewing the students enrollment paperwork and noticed one of the students Department of Children and Families forms was incorrect.

School administrators contacted DCFs Lowell branch to see if the social worker listed under the form was in the office. The agency informed the school that no such person was listed as a DCF employee. Administrators identified irregularities in the students enrollment and immediately called the police.

The student was later identified as Hewitt, authorities have not yet announced any other arrest made in connection with the scheme.

Hewitts arraignment with the new charges is scheduled for Dec. 12.
SPRINGFIELD  Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. is giving $4.25 million to the University of Vermont to further its study of improving human wellness through data.

The grant, part of ongoing funding for the MassMutual Center of Excellence for Complex Systems and Data Science at UVM, will be disbursed to the university over the next five years.

The funding will expand existing university work on mind and body health, the fairness of algorithms, data visualization, cyber security and methods of measurement. The interdisciplinary research includes multiple fields of study, including medicine, psychology, and electrical engineering.

The funding provided to UVM falls under MassMutuals Health and Wellness Program, which aims to help its policyowners lead longer, healthier lives.

MassMutual, an insurance, retirement and investment company, traces its start to 1851 and is headquartered in Springfield.
Andover schools are expected to open on Wednesday after teachers made a deal with the Andover School Committee, ending a three-day-long strike that canceled classes since Monday.

The Andover Educators Association thanked those who supported their strike in an announcement post on Facebook. The union said it had settled a transformational contract that will have an immeasurable impact on Andover Public Schools.

On Saturday, the Andover School Committee proposed a 14% increase for teachers over the next four years, with a 23.4% increase for instructional assistants over the same time period, WCVB reported. The union suggested an 18% increase for teachers and a 34% increase for instructional assistants over four years on Sunday, according to the news outlet.

With a deal reached, the union said there will be a living wage for instructional assistants, with a starting salary of $40,000. The lowest-paid instructional assistants will see a 59.5% increase, while those who are paid higher will receive a 37.5% increase.

Over the life of the teacher contract, teachers at the top step will see an increase to their base salary of approximately 17 to 20%, the union said of the next part of the deal. Educators will also see 12 weeks of paid parental leave with eight weeks fully paid by the employer.

Up to 60 sick days can now be used to care for dependents/ill family members under (the Family and Medical Leave Act), the post continued.

The union also won 15 sick days to be used to care for family members, instructional assistants match their sick days with those of teachers, 30 minutes for lunch and recess at the elementary level and a reduction of meeting time, among other items.

A ratification vote that is expected to pass Tuesday night, CBS News Boston reported.

Read more: Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative teachers form union

We are pleased that students can get back into the classroom tomorrow morning to continue learning, said Tracey Spruce, Chair of the Andover School Committee, told CBS. With this deal, the administration gained important tools to continue strengthening the instructional practices that we know students need to belong, strive, and thrive.

A court order stated the Andover Education Association would face a $50,000 fine if the strike continued past 3 p.m. on Tuesday, and the union would continue to be fined with the fine increasing by $10,000 each time.
Walk into Mias Bakery in Chestnut Hill, and you are greeted by a beautifully colorful display of baked goods from around the globe  all approved by a world-traveled chef who loves what he does.

I love everything that I put in the counter because I like it and then I teach the recipes, Chef Yianis Kaldanis told MassLive on Wednesday during a visit to the bakery located at 49 Boylston St. in Newton.

Kaldanis said the shop, which is the first outside the New York City area, has already been selling out of several popular items like chocolate cookies, macarons and croissants after opening a week prior.

The customers are very happy. A lot of people say they like a lot of the desserts, the chef added. They love it.

After seeing the success bakeshop had at their two Brooklyn locations over the past 15 years, the chef advocated for expanding to the Boston area.

The bakeshop plans on opening more locations in Seaport and Hingham as well, which is something Kaldanis said needs to happen more often.

We felt that its nice to open a bakery, he added. I do this kind of job worldwide in a lot of restaurants and a lot of bakeries and cafes so with this group, I am trying to give something different. Something more interesting.

The bakerys recipes originate from several countries including Italy, France and Kaladanis native Greece. The counter is filled with American desserts like layer cakes, pies, cupcakes and cake pops, as well as French pastries like the macarons, eclairs and tarts.

There are also delicacies from Kaldanis homeland including orange cake, Greek spanakopita and bread.

Other signatures include Mias New York Style Cheesecake that comes in variety of flavors like Brooklyn Blackout Cake and Banana Cream Pie  all available as a whole or by the slice.

Other staples include Mias Tres Leches cupcakes along with several gluten free and vegan options. Everything is baked fresh daily onsite. The Chestnut Hill location is open for dine in and takeout from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

For more information on Mias Bakery and for updates on future locations, those with a sweet tooth can go online or follow Mias bakery on Instagram or Facebook.
Two people were hospitalized following a mulit-car crash on the Massachusetts Turnpike eastbound in Hopkinton on Wednesday afternoon, according to Massachusetts State Police.

The crash happened at mile-marker 106 on Interstate 90, around 1:35 p.m. on Nov. 15, Massachusetts State Police Spokesperson David Procopio told MassLive.

The driver and passenger in one of the vehicles were brought to MetroWest Medical Center in Framingham. Procopio said the department did not yet know the severity of their injuries.

The highway was reduced to one lane because of the crash, MassDOT reported, but all lanes have since reopened. The scene was cleared at 2:50 p.m., according to Procopio. No other information was released.
A Fall River couple convicted of murder and manslaughter in the shooting death of a 26-year-old New Bedford man two years ago was sentenced last Friday, the Bristol County District Attorneys Office said.

Daquan Blanchard, 26, was sentenced to life in prison after he pleaded guilty to charges in the second-degree murder of Adilson Neves, who was shot to death in New Bedford in June 2021, the office said.

In addition to second-degree murder, Blanchard also pleaded guilty to charges of armed assault with intent to rob. His conviction carried a sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole after 20 years.

Read More: Former editor from East Otis accused of distributing child sex abuse images

Blanchards girlfriend, Cheyenne Miranda, 34, also pleaded guilty to charges of manslaughter and armed assault with intent to rob on Nov. 10. Miranda was sentenced to serve five to 10 years in state prison, the office said.

I am pleased the defendant accepted responsibility for the senseless killing of the victim during a drug-related robbery, Bristol County District Thomas M. Quinn III said.

I know the victims family will never get over the loss of their loved one, especially given the violent manner in which his death occurred, he continued. I hope the defendants guilty pleas and convictions for murder and manslaughter will provide them with some closure to this terrible tragedy.

What happened to Adilson Neves?

Adilson Neves was found in the road with a gunshot wound to his back outside 67 David St. in New Bedford on June 2, 2021, the district attorneys office said.

The 36-year-old was found outside of a gray Toyota Camry that had a shattered front drivers side window. The front passenger seat door was open and Neves gold iPhone was found a few feet away from his body.

Neves was rushed to St. Lukes Hospital in New Bedford where he was later pronounced dead. At the time of his death, Neves had $820 in his pocket, according to the district attorneys office.

Surveillance footage from the area where the shooting happened showed the Toyota following a silver SUV. After the shooting, a witness took cell phone video of the SUV leaving David Street and Neves body being dumped in the road. Other surveillance cameras around New Bedford captured the silver SUV as it drove elsewhere.

At the intersection of Coggeshall Street and Acushnet Avenue, a city camera captured the license plate of the silver SUV, which was registered to Miranda.

Investigators began tracking Miranda and, during a traffic stop, police found an empty handgun in the holster of the center console of her car. Police confiscated the car and cell phone, the office said.

From looking through her phone, authorities found calls and texts between Miranda and Neves from earlier in the day about Neves buying Percocet pills from Miranda.

During an interview with police, Miranda admitted that Neves had asked her for the pills, but denied seeing him June 2, and knowing that he was shot.

Miranda also said she had been driving her car all day and that she was never on David Street. She claimed to be with her friend and picking up her children from two separate day cares in New Bedford around 4 p.m.

Miranda then said she went back to her apartment, where she lived with her three young children and boyfriend, Blanchard.

Officers let Miranda go after his interview but would not allow her to go back to her apartment while they searched the residence. During the search, police found a users manual for a Toyota Camry in the trashcan outside the home. The owners manual, which had a handwritten VIN on the cover, was the same VIN for the Toyota Camry driven to David Street by Neves.

Police then found and interviewed Mirandas friend. The friend told police that she was riding with Miranda when Miranda picked up Blanchard and stopped in an industrial area on David Street. It was there that Blanchard got out of the car and the friend heard him arguing with another man.

Gunshots followed and Blanchard got back into the car before Miranda drove away. After picking up her kids, Miranda dropped Blanchard off somewhere else in New Bedford, the office said.

Miranda was arrested on June 4, 2021. After her arrest, another witness told police that the day after the shooting, Miranda confessed to what happened and said it wasnt supposed to happen that way and it was only supposed to be about the money, the district attorneys office said.

Blanchard was found in Greenville, North Carolina and arrested on June 15, 2021. A post-indictment investigation revealed that Blanchards fingerprints were on the Toyota Camry driven by Neves.

Police found that Neves borrowed the Camry from a mechanic in Brockton on June 2, 2021. The car owner did not give permission for anyone to take her vehicle, the office concluded.
The fate of New Yorks congressional maps, and potentially which party controls the House of Representatives next year, now lies with the judges of the states top court.

Attorneys for Republicans and Democrats spent almost two hours arguing their cases Wednesday afternoon before the Court of Appeals in a packed downtown courtroom.

Republicans want the states congressional district maps that were drawn by a court-appointed special master in 2022 to remain in place until the next census in 2030. Democrats want congressional district lines redrawn by a state commission, something an appeals court in July ordered to happen.

The seven judges, who are listening to cases this week in the ceremonial courtroom in Old County Hall, asked questions of attorneys about topics including what they believe the state constitution requires for the map-drawing process; the goals of a 2014 constitutional amendment; the role of the court; and what they thought was decided by this court in a related ruling last year.

Attorneys for Democrats argued the 2022 maps drawn by the special master were meant to be used in the 2022 election only. They were drawn that way because it was an emergency situation and lines were needed to fit election deadlines, the attorneys argued.

Once that election was over, the drawing of the lines should revert to the Independent Redistricting Commission, a bipartisan panel created with a 2014 state constitutional amendment.

The commissions process was created to increase transparency and was something voters enacted, said attorney Jessica Ring Amunson, who represents three of the Democrat-appointed commission members.

But Democrats waited too long to file their legal challenge because they waited to see how their party fared in the elections using the special masters maps, said attorney Misha Tseytlin.

Tseytlin argued the June 2022 lawsuit filed on behalf of 10 voters  litigation paid for by congressional Democrats  didnt fall within the four-month statute of limitations for this type of case.

With the new maps that went into effect for the 2022 election, the GOP flipped four House seats in New York and helped Republicans gain a slim majority.

Tseytlin represents Republicans who successfully challenged the congressional map drawn by the Democrat-controlled State Legislature last year after the 10-member commission failed to produce an agreed-upon map.

Attorney Aria C. Branch, who represents the voters who filed the challenge that launched this case, said the state constitution requires the commission to file a second set of maps.

A 2014 amendment to the state constitution created a 10-member, bipartisan Independent Redistricting Commission tasked after each census with drawing district lines for Congress, as well as the State Senate and Assembly.

The commission submitted congressional district maps in 2022, the first of which were rejected by the State Legislature. The commission never submitted a replacement.

This weeks visit to Buffalo by the Court of Appeals was a homecoming for Associate Judge Shirley Troutman, a longtime prosecutor and judge from Buffalo.

Decisions on most of the cases argued before the court this week are expected to be issued next month, a court spokesman said.

Attorney General Letitia James, whose office filed a friend of the court brief in the case along with Gov. Kathy Hochuls office, sat in the front row of the courtrooms gallery listening to the afternoons arguments.

Many of the judicial panels questions related to the courts 2022 decision that threw out the congressional maps drawn by the Legislature, a case known as Harkenrider v. Hochul. The judges and attorneys debated whether that decision was made on procedural or substantive grounds.

Chief Judge Rowan Wilson asked attorneys if the work by the commission was thought to be the preferred method for drawing district lines, compared with having it done by lawmakers or judges.

Attorney Timothy F. Hill, who represented the five Republican commission members, argued the main goal of the amendment was to rein in overreaches by legislators who abused their power by drawing unfair district maps.

In response, Wilson said courts have been doing that for 40 years. If people were satisfied with that, he said, why would they have bothered to pass an amendment putting that work in the hands of a bipartisan commission?

Associate Judge Michael Garcia asked several of the attorneys whether the more important goal of the 2014 amendment was to prevent gerrymandering or that the specific process involving the commission be followed.

At one point, Associate Judge Madeline Singas said she believes the court provided a remedy to the commissions failure with its decision in Harkenrider, and I dont see a basis to overturn that.

Associate Judge Caitlin Halligan previously recused herself from the redistricting case. Judge Dianne T. Renwick, who presides over the Appellate Division, First Department, was named as her replacement for this case.
A horse that escaped inside a plane as it was flying over the Cape and Islands on Thursday forced the plane to divert back to New York, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

Air Atlanta Icelandic Flight 4592 had taken off from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York at 2:34 p.m. on Nov. 9, and was traveling with at least one horse in a stall in the cargo hold onboard.

The Boeing 747-400 was headed for Liege International Airport in Belgium, the FAA said.

But the plane diverted back to JFK at 2:58 p.m., just as it neared south of Marthas Vineyard and west of Nantucket, FlightAware recorded. It sharply dropped from an altitude of 31,400 feet to 22,000.

Read more: United Airlines flight scrapes tail during takeoff at Boston Logan Airport

Maintaining the 22,000-foot altitude, the plane circled around the Vineyard, then over the Vineyard and Nantucket Sound out about 60 miles into the Atlantic, before rounding back over Nantucket toward JFK and finally landing at 4:06 p.m.

The CapeAndIslands.org reported the plane dumped about 6,000 gallons of fuel over the Cape and Islands in a 20-minute diversion process, which was necessary to emergency-land the plane, as there are certain weight requirements it must meet during takeoffs and landings, Dan Wolf, founder and board chairman of Cape Air in Hyannis, told the outlet.

The fuel dump had minimal environmental impact because it would have either evaporated or come out as an aerosol at the altitude it was released, said David Fisichella, president of the nonprofit Cape Cod Aero Club in Falmouth  it was not raining down and creating a slick on the water, he said.

However, the horse loose onboard posed an issue larger than the concern of fuel dumping, Fisichella said.

The president said horses are often carried in planes, and that one loose would be a lot of weight to be moving around in an aircraft, which could unbalance the planes center of gravity and create a very hazardous condition.

Fisichella added a planes center of gravity is extremely important to a flights safety and is consistently monitored, with airlines even going as far to move passengers on various aircraft sizes to maintain balance, and that cargo does often become loose during turbulence.

CapeAndIslands.org reported the pilot requested a veterinarian to meet the crew after it safely landed in New York.
A crash with injuries was causing delays on the Massachusetts Turnpike East in Hopkinton on Wednesday afternoon, according to officials.

The multi-car crash happened at Mile-Marker 106 on Interstate 90, between Interstate 495 and Route 85, according to a Facebook post from the Westborough Fire Department posted shortly after 2 p.m. on Wednesday.

Read More: Woman killed after car hits tree in Springfield on Monday night

The highway was reduced to one lane because of the crash, MassDOT reported. At about 2:15 p.m. MassDOT reported a delay of up to five minutes on the westbound side, and up to six minutes on the eastbound side.

Drivers were being told to seek an alternate route, Westborough firefighters added.

MassLive has reached out to Massachusetts State Police for more information.
BOSTON  A Springfield man pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court in Boston to his role in an organized theft crew that stole catalytic converters from over 490 vehicles as well as thefts from ATMs and jewelry stores.

The take totaled $2 million prosecutors said and the operation to take down the thieves earned the nickname cut and run.
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, a Medford native who spent 16 years running the Boston-based Teamsters Local 25, 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 OBrien 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 third of all UMass students will qualify for free tuition paid for by the new income surtax on the states highest earners, under a plan the Healey administration rolled out Wednesday to spend an expansion of state financial aid.

The governor announced that $62 million in new program funding included in the fiscal year 2024 budget she signed this summer will go toward expanding the MASSGrant Plus program, which her administration says will benefit approximately 25,000 students attending the states community colleges, state universities and the University of Massachusetts.

The MASSGrant Plus expansion will cover the full cost of tuition and fees for Pell Grant-eligible students, including the federal government-determined expected family contribution, and an additional allowance of up to $1,200 for books and supplies. It does not cover housing costs.

Most Pell Grant recipients typically come from families with an annual income of $40,000 or less, or have otherwise difficult financial situations. About one-third of UMass students are eligible for Pell Grants, according to university President Marty Meehan, as are 40 percent of students at Salem State University, according to its president John Keenan.

MASSGrant Plus Expansion by the Healey-Driscoll Administration is a game changer for state university students. It is simply historic. I know at Salem State University, 40 percent of our students are Pell Eligible and hundreds of our students are considered as being from middle-income families. This unprecedented investment will allow more of the Commonwealths students to pursue their dreams of a college education. Its a win for them and a win for the future Massachusetts workforce, Keenan said in a statement.

In addition to expanding financial aid for the lowest-income students, the expansion program also seeks to alleviate college costs for middle-income students.

Those from families who earn between $73,000 to $100,000 annually in adjusted gross income will have their costs for tuition and mandatory instructional fees reduced by up to half of out-of-pocket expenses, the Healey administration announced Wednesday.

Middle-income students must be enrolled full-time to qualify, while the grant funding will extend to full- and part-time Pell-eligible students. The financial aid only applies to undergraduate students, according to the administration.

The program is retroactive to the start of the fall 2023 semester. The money had been approved prior to most schools starting, when Healey signed the annual budget in August, though the program details were only released on Wednesday.

The $62 million program uses a pot of newly available revenues stemming from a tax increase on the states highest earners.

State budget writers had an extra $1 billion available this year for education and transportation investments, made available by a surtax voters approved last year on individuals annual income over $1 million -- $84 million of which was earmarked for MASSGrant Plus.

The administration is estimating their plans to make college tuition-free for Pell Grant eligible and up to half-price for middle-income students will cost $62 million but is leaving the extra $22 million for wiggle room and other financial aid initiatives.

A press release from the Healey administration says the remaining funds will also help implement a new law that allows qualifying undocumented immigrants who have completed high school in Massachusetts to access state financial aid.

Former Gov. Charlie Baker launched MassGrant Plus in 2018 to cover unmet costs of tuition and mandatory fees for low-income community college students. It started with a $7.5 million investment, which at the time doubled the amount available previously for community college scholarships.

After years of significant investment in K-12 education, advocates have seen the passage of the income surtax as an opportunity to make education more affordable at both the beginning and advanced stages of a students career.

In addition to the MASSGrant Plus expansion, the Legislature this year passed another one of Healeys priorities -- a $20 million last-dollar free community college program for Bay Staters over 25 without a college degree, called MassReconnect.

With everyone in Massachusetts facing the states high costs of living, the governor has said that investments in higher education will help the states economy, and encourage an educated workforce to put down roots in Massachusetts.

For so many Massachusetts residents, higher education can be the ticket to their future career and economic stability. Our employers are looking for graduates of Massachusetts exceptional public colleges to meet their workforce needs, and those graduates are most likely to stay in Massachusetts. But far too many people are held back from pursuing the education of their choice because of high costs, Healey said in a statement.

She continued, This expansion of MASSGrant Plus will open doors for more students to access higher education, which will strengthen our economy as a whole. Were grateful to our Legislative partners for making this funding available and look forward to our continued collaboration to make Massachusetts more affordable.

Healey is announcing the program expansion during a visit to Salem State University on Wednesday morning.
The Massachusetts Senate voted in overwhelming support to approve a $2.8 billion spending bill, one that is at odds with the House on how the state can continue its shelter cap, a day before the end of formal sessions.

Its been a long time coming, Senate Ways & Means Committee Chairperson Michael J. Rodrigues, D-1st Bristol/Plymouth, the upper chambers top budget writer, said ahead of the Senates 36-3 vote approving the bill on Tuesday night.

The Senate bill, like the Houses, includes Gov. Maura Healeys months-long request to allocate $250 million to the states overburdened shelter system.

But Democrats who control the Senate didnt include language authorizing an overflow site within 30 days to maintain the states 7,500-family cap  a key provision in the Houses bill.

Read More: Senate and House bump heads over emergency shelter cap with budget bill

The Senates bill also doesnt break down the governors $250 million request in buckets, as the House companion bill does, Rodrigues said.

We provide flexibility for the administration to make some changes as the issues change  this crisis is changing every day, Rodrigues added.

Tied to the budgets flexibility are provisions for the Healey administration to provide the Legislature with a bi-weekly report that includes the number of families in the states shelter system and the amount spent on the states emergency assistance program.

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Essex/Middlesex, called the request concerning.

The GOP floor leader said that there are still many unanswered questions about such heavy expenditures as the total amount of potential liability, or the amount the state would be spending per month.

I appreciate the fluidity of the situation. I appreciate the fact that it changes  quite frequently, Tarr said. But thats what makes it all the more important  that we make our decisions based on sound current accurate information, responsible projections, and a planned course of action. It is very disturbing that we have none of those.

Rodrigues said that he understood the areas of concern around the $250 million request, but he assured his colleagues that his chamber has to adapt to the unprecedented crisis.

We have to respond and we have to do it quickly, he said. We have to do it responsibly and we got to do it with the best interest, whether its with our families or in this case with other residents here.

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

Amendment to alter right-to-shelter law killed

The supplemental bill also drew 48 proposed amendments. But of the two dozen proposals filed, the amendment that sought to alter the commonwealths right-to-shelter law drew the most attention.

Sen. Ryan C. Fattmans, R-Worcester/Hampden, amendment limiting the right-to-shelter law to Massachusetts residents who have resided in the state for at least six months was overwhelmingly rejected in a party-line, 36-3 vote.

Republicans such as Fattman expressed concern that the commonwealth no longer had the financial resources to shelter unhoused families, especially migrants.

Said Fattman, Continually throwing more money at the problem with no end in sight is not a solution, it belabors the problem.

The Republican senators amendment drew a strong amount of pushback, most notably from Democrats such as Sen. Marc Pacheco, D-3rd Bristol/Plymouth, who said that the chambers counsel believed it would be unconstitutional.

Under federal law, asylum seekers are residents of the United States of America. Stop. Period. Theyre legal residents, he said.

For Pacheco, the issue at hand wasnt the influx of migrants whove taken up a considerable amount of space in the states shelter system. It was the failure of the federal government to provide the commonwealth with the money to house homeless families, he said.

Its not going to fix the problem, Pacheco said. The problem can only be fixed by our colleagues at the federal level and its not our delegation holding it up, I can tell you that right now.

Before voting no, Sen. Lydia Edwards, D-Suffolk, said that Fattmans amendment scapegoated a very vulnerable population.

Edwards, who attended a committee hearing on a bill related to rent control earlier Tuesday, said she heard from dozens of constituents struggling to find a home.

However, no one brought up the migrants as the issue, no one said, I am not housed, Im not able to find housing, I am not able to find shelter because of them, the Boston lawmaker said.

The amendment mirrored a similar effort led by House Republicans last week who also tried and failed to limit the right-to-shelter law.

Lynn City Councilor Nicole McClain speaks at a rally outside the State House in support of lifting a ban on rent control. (Trea Lavery, MassLive)Trea Lavery/MassLive

Amendment to review emergency assistance program OKd

The amendment from Sen. John C. Velis, D-2nd Hampden/Hampshire, to create a nine-member body that would review the states emergency housing assistance program was unanimously adopted.

The body, which will work with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, would  among other things  put forward recommendations regarding the program including if it should be modified, repealed, or preserved.

The body would file a report to the Legislature by March 1, 2024, according to the amendment.

We need to take a hard look at the current shelter structure, the current services and resources provided to individuals and families, the coordination efforts between state programs, resettlement agencies, and local organizations, Velis said. We also need to take a very hard look and honest look at the financial sustainability of our shelter system and response efforts.

An amendment from Sen. John F. Keenan, D-Norfolk/Plymouth, that called for the Healey administration to submit a report to the Legislature regarding contract compliance for alternative temporary shelters was adopted.

The Senate Democrat said that his amendment would prevent illegitimate spending from happening by creating more government oversight during an unprecedented time.
As they look to put the finishing touches on a year-end budget bill, it appears a sure thing that state lawmakers will approve extra disaster relief funding for Massachusetts cities and towns that are still feeling the effects of last summers devastating rains and flooding.

The big question is how much money theyll get.

A $2.7 billion supplemental funding bill previously approved by the state House includes $10 million in assistance. The $2.8 billion supplemental bill approved on a 36-3 vote by the state Senate on Tuesday includes $15 million in assistance.

The two chambers wrap up their voting sessions for the year on Wednesday, which means the House and Senate, both controlled by Democrats, will have to reconcile their differences on the disaster relief funding and other provisions included in their respective budget bills.

But while there may be some disagreement over how much to spend, as far as one Central Massachusetts lawmaker is concerned, theres no doubt over whether to spend the money.

Im hoping we take the higher number, but the House did a great job right? Sen. Joanne Comerford, D-Hampshire/Franklin/Worcester, told MassLive on Tuesday. They got to [$10 million] which is good. This is a good partnership.

During floor remarks, Comerford told her colleagues that the climate crisis is upon us, and its taking a toll on municipal finances.

We have to figure out a sustainable source of revenue that will help our municipalities. My cities and towns are passing really painful overrides and debt exclusions, trying to figure out the way theyre going to pay unthinkable costs, she said, according to State House News Service. Were going to see this more and more.

The Senate funding measure was the target of some parliamentary gymnastics by the chambers Republican minority, as GOP Floor Leader Bruce E. Tarr, R-1st Essex/Middlesex, offered failed amendments to boost the disaster relief to $20 million, and to append more specific instructions on how the money could be spent.

In floor remarks, Tarr called the funding level a Band-Aid approach that needs to be improved in the future, State House News Service reported.

We toured the damage in the Merrimack Valley. There was an expectation when you saw all that damage, windows and doors blown out of buildings in North Andover, business people rolling up their sleeves trying to move damaged equipment by hand out of their building because there was no electricity, when you saw people desperately struggling with a belief that when something this terrible happens, there has to be an effective response  then we saw that belief undermined, Tarr continued.

Earlier in the day on Tuesday, Comerford, joined by Rep. Natalie Blais, D-1st Franklin, rolled out legislation authorizing the creation of a special disaster relief fund that would speed the flow of assistance to disaster-stricken communities.

Right now, Massachusetts is one of only two states that doesnt have a permanent disaster relief fund, the two lawmakers said during a news conference.

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.

The news conference featured first-hand accounts from local officials and residents who still are dealing with the after-effects of last summers heavy weather.

Speaking to MassLive on Tuesday afternoon, as the Senate vote loomed, Comerford reinforced the need for the new legislation.

You heard the stories today. I thought they were really unbelievably moving. Its really characterized as a statewide problem, which is what we were hoping to do ... to be able to lift up the fact that this isnt a [Western Massachusetts] bill or an [Eastern Massachusetts] bill or a [Central Massachusetts] bill. This is a 351 cities and towns bill.
For U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, the calculus for casting his vote against at Republican-authored stopgap bill aimed at averting a government shutdown was a simple one.

The GOPs decision to omit U.S aid for Ukraine from the spending bill meant a no vote for the 4th District Democrat. And when the votes were tallied on Tuesday, Auchincloss, a former Marine whos been outspoken in support for the Eastern European nation, was one of two Democrats who opposed it.

In a statement posted to X, formerly Twitter, Auchincloss said that since the chamber last voted on a stopgap plan earlier this year, he promised himself it would be the last time Id vote to bail out [Republican] dysfunction without a clear, credible, and concrete plan for supporting Ukraine. Today, I am keeping my word.

That vote led to the speedy and historic ouster of former U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., which plunged the House into weeks of political and operational paralysis that prevented the Republican-led chamber from voting on any legislation at all. That included U.S. assistance to Israel, which was the subject of a catastrophic sneak attack by the terrorist group Hamas on Oct. 7.

When House Republicans took us to the brink in September, I vowed it would be the last time Id vote to bail out their dysfunction without a clear, credible, and concrete plan for supporting Ukraine. Today, I am keeping my word.



Full statement  pic.twitter.com/D3VXKZm5o7  Rep. Jake Auchincloss  (@RepAuchincloss) November 14, 2023

Reflecting the frustration of other Democrats and Republicans who support ongoing U.S. aid to Ukraine in its war against Russia, there is no clear and concrete plan from Republicans to demonstrate global leadership to friends and foes alike, Auchincloss wrote.

I cannot support a short-term spending measure, cobbled together as the GOP careens from crisis to crisis, that fails to defend democracy, he continued.

The so-called clean continuing resolution, authored by U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and passed with the assistance of House Democrats, left out controversial spending cuts and border security spending, which angered conservatives. It also omitted U.S. aid to Israel.

Since we last voted on a continuing resolution, the world has only become more dangerous for democracies, Auchincloss wrote. Congress must demonstrate, through the power of its purse, that the United States stands with its allies in Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.

The bill now heads to the majority-Democrat U.S. Senate, which is expected to pass it, and send it to President Joe Biden for his signature ahead of Fridays deadline.
Massachusetts lawmakers want to establish a commission to study the states unique right-to-shelter law as rapidly escalating demand over the past year has pushed the shelter system to the limit and created what legislators are calling a humanitarian crisis.

The state Senate passed a $2.8 billion supplemental budget Tuesday night, with $250 million allotted to the overburdened emergency family shelter system, as well as an amendment to establish a commission tasked with studying the long-term sustainability of the states shelter system.

The House and Senate must now reconcile their respective versions of the spending plan before lawmakers can send a completed budget to Gov. Maura Healey. The two chambers wrap up voting sessions for the year on Wednesday.

State Sen. John Velis, D-Hampden/Hampshire, introduced the amendment, which he described at the most basic level as focused on the sustainability of the states current emergency shelter system and the various supports offered to individuals and families.

The reality is that our states emergency shelters program was never meant to handle the number of individuals that it is currently housing today, Velis said. That is irrefutable.

Velis, a National Guardsman on the frontlines of the shelter crisis, made his remarks on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday night as lawmakers debated the overall supplemental bill. His amendment passed unanimously.

The right-to-shelter law passed in 1983 after then-Gov. Michael Dukakis promised to provide shelter to families in desperate need.

Forty years later, the states shelter system is housing the highest number of families ever with 7,523 enrolled as of Tuesday. The number of families represents 24,000 individuals being temporarily housed by the shelter system and led Healey to declare a state of emergency in August.

We need to take a hard look at the current shelter structure, Velis said. What is the off-ramp for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts?

Should Healey approve the supplementary budget and Veliss amendment, the commission would need to make recommendations by March 1, 2024, on the sustainability of the states current shelter system.

A thoughtful but realistic examination of our response efforts and its impact on individuals throughout the Commonwealth and on the Commonwealth itself, Velis said of the commissions work.

The commission would be made up of 16 individuals from various state agencies, lawmakers, and appointed members by the governor and legislative leadership.

The state shelter system involves services and resources provided to individuals and families that require a lot of coordination between state programs, resettlement agencies and local organizations.

The financial sustainability of the shelter system and related efforts need to be re-examined, Velis said, as well as the financial impacts on communities across the state and on the state itself.

As so many of my colleagues across the legislature have noted, without action from the federal government, without additional resources and support, our Commonwealth will continue to face enormous rising costs and some very difficult decisions, Velis said.

At the opening of Tuesdays Senate voting session, lawmakers of both parties shared their frustrations with President Joe Bidens administration and the lack of action taken toward immigration policies.

The federal government has totally abdicated their responsibility, they have walked away, said Senate Ways & Means Committee Chairperson Michael Rodrigues, D-1st Bristol/Plymouth. They establish immigration policy, we dont establish immigration policy. They are nowhere to be found.

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-1st Essex/Middlesex, warned that the state could not afford the luxury of a misstep referring to budgetary concerns over the $250 million allotted towards the emergency shelter system.

When Veliss amendment came up hours later, however, Tarr said that it set the stage for a productive, bipartisan conversation about how to address the situation.

As for re-examining the right-to-shelter law, Velis said that every single factor should be on the table for consideration.

Starting last Friday, migrant and homeless families in Massachusetts seeking emergency shelter were placed on a waitlist after the state hit its self-imposed capacity limit the day before.

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.

The bill passed by the Senate, like the Houses passed last week, includes Healeys months-long request to allocate $250 million to the states overburdened shelter system.

But Democrats who control the Senate didnt include language authorizing an overflow site within 30 days to maintain the states 7,500-family cap  a key provision in the Houses bill.

An amendment by Sen. Ryan C. Fattman, R-Worcester/Hampden, to limit the right-to-shelter law only for Massachusetts families who have resided in the state for at least six months was overwhelmingly rejected in a party-line, 36-3 vote.
The U.N. Security Council approved a resolution Wednesday calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip after four failed attempts to respond to the Israel-Hamas war.

The vote was 12-0 with the United States, United Kingdom and Russia abstaining.

The final draft watered down language from a demand to a call for humanitarian pauses. It also watered down a demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups.

The resolution makes no mention of a cease-fire. It also doesnt refer to Hamas surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, during which the militants killed around 1,200 people and took some 240 others hostage. Nor does it cite Israels retaliatory airstrikes and ground offensive in Hamas-ruled Gaza, which Gazas health ministry says has killed more than 11,000 Palestinians, two-thirds of them women and children.

Russia proposed an amendment to the resolution before the vote that would have called for durable humanitarian pauses leading to a cease-fire. But it was rejected by a vote of 5-1 with nine abstentions because it failed to get the minimum nine yes votes.

But the resolution, sponsored by Malta, did bring the 15 members of the U.N.s most powerful body together in a first response to the ongoing war that is having catastrophic humanitarian consequence in Gaza.

The resolution asks that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians, especially children.

U.N. Security Council resolutions are legally binding, but in practice many parties choose to ignore the councils requests for action.

Richard Gowan, U.N. director for the International Crisis Group, said the Security Council has called for cease-fires in wars from the Balkans to Syria with little or no impact.

The Security Council, which has the responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, has been paralyzed since the war began by its internal divisions. This is especially the case between China and Russia, which want an immediate cease-fire, and the United States, which has called for humanitarian pauses but objects to any mention of a cease-fire, which its close ally Israel strongly opposes.

The resolution calls for humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip for a sufficient number of days for unhindered access by the U.N., Red Cross and other aid groups to get water, electricity, fuel, food and medical supplies to all those in need. It says the pauses also should allow for repair of essential infrastructure and enable urgent rescue and recovery efforts.

Read more: Debate over Palestinian flag in North Andover leads to town policy change

In the four previous tries for Security Council approval, a Brazil-drafted resolution was vetoed by the United States, a U.S.-drafted resolution was vetoed by Russia and China and two Russian-drafted resolutions failed to get the minimum yes votes.

After the fourth failure, frustrated Arab nations turned to the 193-member General Assembly and succeeded in getting wide approval for a resolution calling for a humanitarian truce in Gaza meant to lead to a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas.

It was the first United Nations response to the war. But unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, though they are a barometer of world opinion.

The vote was 120-14 with 45 abstentions. Of the five veto-holding Security Council members, Russia, China and France voted in favor, the United States voted against and Britain abstained.

The General Assembly resolution was adopted Oct. 27, and Israel agreed Nov. 9 to four-hour pauses. But only very limited aid has been delivered to Gaza through the Rafah crossing from Egypt, and a humanitarian catastrophe has been brewing.

The Crisis Groups Gowan said U.S. opposition to a cease-fire is a gift that keeps on giving for Russia diplomatically. He said that while many diplomats think Russia is demanding a cease-fire for largely cynical reasons to make the Americans look bad, Moscows position is closer to the mainstream of council thinking, and the U.S. looks isolated.

A U.N. cease-fire call would embarrass but not really constrain the Israelis, he told the AP. But the U.S. clearly feels that even such a symbolic move is too much of a political risk.
A West Valley woman who allegedly threatened to blow up a government office in Olean has been remanded to Cattaraugus County Jail in lieu of $2,500 bail after her arrest Tuesday, the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office reported.

According to the report, Nicole L. Quinn, 37, was arrested at her Dutch Hill Road home Tuesday and arraigned before Judge Nicholas DiCerbo in Olean City Court on a charge of making a terroristic threat.

The Sheriff's Office said the warrant was issued after an investigation by Olean police into a threatening call Oct. 6 to the Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services office in Olean.

- Dale Anderson
A woman suspected of stabbing a man to death at a housing complex in Worcester appeared in court on Tuesday.

Velmary Rodriguez is accused of stabbing the man she was dating at a Worcester housing complex. In her initial court appearance on Nov. 10, she pleaded not guilty to one count of assault to murder in Worcester District Court.

Read more: Springfield man who police say shot teen who jumped into idling car arrested

During her dangerousness hearing on Tuesday, Judge Steven Power found her dangerous and ordered her held without bail, revoking her bail on a pending case, the Worcester District Attorneys office told MassLive Tuesday.

Rodriguez, 32, was arrested after police responded to Great Brook Valley housing complex at about 2:45 a.m., according to court documents. Police described her as distraught.

Defense attorney John Roemer told Judge Janet McGuigan that Rodriguez yelled ayuda, Spanish for help, as officers responded, and was not resisting or trying to hide. Police found a man known to the Commonwealth with a puncture wound to his upper chest, Officer Sean T. Riley wrote in a statement of facts filed Friday.

Read more: Woman killed after car hits tree in Springfield on Monday night

Police previously said the man killed was 23 years old, but his name was not released. Officers wrote that the victim and Rodriguez have been in a substantial dating relationship for about a year.

Investigators believe the incident was a case of domestic violence, adding that they would not be releasing any new information about the incident.

Police said Rodriguez had blood evidence on her right hand, as well as on the soles of her feet, and that chemical testing confirmed the presumptive presence of blood. They also found a knife with what appeared to be blood on it, near the victim, according to the statement of facts. He later died at the hospital.

Rodriguez is due to return to court on Dec. 13.
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.
A NEW scheme providing relief for commercial ratepayers with bills of less than 20,000 has been labelled a Ponzi scheme by a Westport county councillor.

Cllr Christy Hyland has described the newly introduced Increased Cost of Business Scheme as a sham and a three-card-trick, claiming it will not offer any relief to businesses in the long-term.

Over 130,000 businesses who pay a commercial rates bill of less than 20,000  approximately 87 percent of businesses  will be eligible for a maximum discount of 50 percent on their rates bill under the scheme.

Cllr Hyland claimed that businesses had seen rates increases that would exceed any relief that they would get under the scheme.

Several businesses in the Westport area are understood to have seen their rates bill multiply in recent revaluations.

Over 4,600 businesses are liable to pay a rates bill to Mayo County Council in 2024. The local authority took in over 37.2 million from commercial rates last year.

You pay 4,000, thats your rates for 2023roll into 2024, your premises has been revalued and its gone up 300 percent, 500 percent, 600 percent. So instead of paying 4,000 in 2024, youre paying 12,000, Cllr Hyland told a meeting of the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District.

But the Government are giving you back half of what you paid in 2023. Its a Ponzi scheme. If I ever saw a three-card trick in my life, he added.



A major issue

CLLR Hylands remarks were supported by Cllr Gerry Coyle, who warned that many rural businesses would not survive ongoing increases in rates and running costs.

Cllr Coyle, who owns a filling station outside of Belmullet, said that he was appealing his rates bill, which he compared to going to the High Court.

The Fine Gael councillor said he was classified as if I was in the middle of Dublin of city despite not having to pay for water and waste and having no access to a town sewer or street lighting.

The frightening thing about one case of someone who contacted me, nobody but nobody came to look at their premises. And I mean nobody, went into the workshop, the garage, the forecourt, or any other bit of the business, and [yet] they could send her out a valuation, Cllr Coyle added.

Cllr Sean Carey, Cathaoirleach of the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District, agreed that commercial rates bills were a major issue, adding that the Increased Cost of Business Scheme would not be enough to help struggling businesses.
THE Cathaoirleach of the Ballina Municipal District has described the killing of Palestinians in Gaza as a genocide as he called for a ceasefire in the region.

Members of Ballina Municipal District backed a call by Independent councillor and Cathaoirleach, Seamus Weir to write to the Taoiseach Leo Varadakar and support his call for a ceasefire in the conflict in Gaza.

The Knockmore-based councillor told the monthly meeting of the municipal district this morning (Wednesday) that it was 'disgraceful' to see women and children being 'slaughtered'.

I feel strongly about it and what I see on tv at night; it is awful stuff to see children and women being killed and the slaughter that's going on. The Taoiseach spoke strongly on it and he used the word revenge and he was right in saying it at the time. We don't condone what happened [on October 7] and the kidnapping of the people and the killing [by Hamas] was totally wrong but we cannot see this slaughter continue.

We should be supporting the Government in asking for a ceasefire. This has been going on for over a month and the slaughter going on is genocide and it is shocking. I don't know what we can do in this council but I will be asking my fellow councillors to support me on this one and look for a proper ceasefire and stop the killing of these children, he told the meeting.

Independent councillor Seamus Weir called for an end to the 'slaughter' in Gaza

Leo Varadkar was among a minority of European leaders to call for a ceasefire in Gaza following the bombardment of the Gaza strip by Israeli military forces. The bombardment has been continuous since October 7 when Hamas militants attacked Israeli communities in the south of the country. Over 1,000 people were killed in the attack and a number of civilians and Israeli soldiers were taken as hostages.

Cllr Weir made a similar appeal at Monday's monthly meeting of Mayo County Council but he failed to receive the support of any of his fellow councillors. However, he received the support of his Ballina Municipal District colleagues who all agreed to write to An Taoiseach to express support for his call for a ceasefire.

Fine Gael councillor Jarlath Munelly supported Cllr Weir in his call to write to An Taoiseach and called for the Irish Government to use its influence to push for a new peace process in the Middle East.

There is no peace process in the Middle East which is a big part of the problem with no political solution being sought. The problems in the Middle East will not be solved by war, he said.

Fianna Fail councillor Annie Mae Reape also supported Cllr Weir adding that she would have supported his motion in the county council meeting on Monday but it was adjourned early and she did not get the opportunity to speak on the matter.

Cllr John O'Hara added that he too supported Cllr Weir's proposal saying that animals are treated better than the children in the hospital in Gaza and there was no regard for human life.

The response of the Israeli military to the October 7 attacks has resulted in the death of over 10,000 people and has led to worldwide protests and calls for a ceasefire.

A number of people attended a demo in solidarity with the Palestinian people in Ballina on Sunday where there were calls for a ceasefire.
A week after the election, there is still no clear winner in the race for the next Cheektowaga town supervisor.

The Erie County Board of Elections reported that a canvass on Wednesday of Nov. 7 election results, including affidavit ballots, showed an unofficial margin less than half of 1%, small enough to require a recount under New York State election law.

A Board of Elections spokesman said that the recount is likely to be held next week.

The canvass showed Democrat Brian M. Nowak continuing to hold a slim lead over Republican Michael C. Jasinski. According to the tally, Nowak received 9,038 votes while Jasinski had 8,981, a difference of 57 votes.

Tuesday was the deadline for absentee ballots to be received and counted, as long as they were postmarked by Nov. 7. The final canvass Wednesday afternoon included reviewing approximately 100 affidavit ballots in Cheektowaga to determine if those votes should be counted, according to the elections board.

Cheektowaga supervisor race too close to call, will come down to absentee, affidavit ballots Democrat Brian Nowak leads Republican Michael Jasinski by just 36 votes as of Wednesday morning, according to results posted by the Erie County Board of Elections.

Despite the close results, Nowak declared victory the day following the election, saying he believes his lead will remain. Jasinski has not conceded.

Nowak had an early lead over Jasinski thanks to early and mail-in votes, but Jasinski made up for that with in-person ballots, according to the results.

Both candidates are on the Town Board, so whoever wins will leave a seat vacant on the board, which can be filled by appointment or during a special election next year.

In the election for Town Board members, Democrat Gerald Kaminski will retain his seat and be joined by Republican challengers Barbara Bakowski and Vernon Thompson. Democrat Richard Rusiniak will be the next Cheektowaga highway superintendent.

Town Clerk Kimberly Burst and Town Justice David Stevens will both hang on to their positions after running unopposed.
State Attorney General Letitia James and Buffalo representatives chose the Canalside boardwalk to announce a lawsuit against PepsiCo Inc. for polluting the Buffalo River with its single-use plastic packaging.

The river has been the subject of a yearslong investigation by the AGs office and Western New York environmental group Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper that showed packaging from PepsiCo products is the most prevalent form of plastics pollution in and along the river, James said at a news conference Wednesday.

The lawsuit filed Wednesday claims that PepsiCo has failed to warn consumers about the risks of single-use plastic packaging and has misled consumers and the public about its efforts to reduce plastic pollution, James said.

Pepsi claims they are reducing production of new plastics, but rather than make good on those pledges, it keeps increasing its use of new plastics year after year, James said.

Since plastic does not degrade, it fragments into tiny particles called microplastics that contaminate our ecosystems and wildlife. But they are also so small they filter through water treatment systems and into our drinking water, she said.

James said the lawsuit is aimed at holding a multinational company accountable for plastics pollution originated in Buffalo. She praised the efforts of Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, which has been deeply involved in the Buffalo River restoration and Canalside revitalization, only to see plastics continue to threaten the waterfront.

PepsiCo did not reply to a request for comment from The Buffalo News as of Wednesday afternoon.

From 2013 to 2022, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper found that 78% of all waste its staff and volunteers picked up in the Buffalo River watershed was plastic. A nationwide study by Break Free From Plastic classified more than 2 million items of plastic waste from 2,373 sites between 2018 and 2022, and in each year determined that PepsiCo was either the No. 1 or No. 2 producer of the branded plastic trash collected.

In 2022, James office conducted its own survey of all types of waste collected at 13 sites along the Buffalo River and its tributaries, and found that of nearly 2,000 pieces of plastic trash, more than 17% were produced by PepsiCo.

PepsiCos plastic packaging was three times more abundant than the next highest contributor, McDonalds, James said. We must hold companies that are harming our environment accountable.

James said the lawsuit, filed in State Supreme Court in Buffalo, seeks to require PepsiCo to stop contributing to pollution of the Buffalo region, clean up the contamination it has caused and take steps to prevent plastic packaging from entering the Buffalo River.

The suit also seeks to stop PepsiCo from distributing products in the Buffalo area that do not contain adequate warnings of the harmful effects of single-use plastics and seeks restitution that would be used to clean up plastics pollution in the region.

James was joined by state Sen. Tim Kennedy, Assembly Member Jonathan Rivera, Deputy Mayor Rashied McDuffie and Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Executive Director Jill Jedlicka, along with members of her staff and volunteers.

Jedlicka said Buffalo Niagara taxpayers, volunteers, fish and wildlife and ecosystems are paying the price of pollution while large companies continue to manufacture and distribute their products in plastic packaging.

Our community has worked hard to restore habitat and clean up and revitalize the Buffalo River, she said. We will not sit idly by as our waterways become polluted again by the proliferation of single-use plastics.

Kennedy called the lawsuit a historic effort to hold companies accountable for harmful actions. These companies can do better, but they are not going to do it on their own, so Attorney General James is seeking to compel them to do better through this lawsuit, he said.

When asked if they support New York State Senate and Assembly efforts to expand the states 40-year-old bottle bill by raising the deposit on bottles from 5 cents to 10 cents and increasing the types of bottles covered by it, both James and Kennedy acknowledged there are other ways to pursue reducing plastics pollution.

But, Kennedy said, This lawsuit will be a big step toward holding companies accountable for what they do to damage the environment.
A federal judge on Wednesday approved a Buffalo developers winning bid of $200,000 to buy a former Catholic high school property in Olean thats owned by the bankrupt Buffalo Diocese.

Olean 2020, a limited liability corporation owned by developer Carl Paladino, outbid three other bidders at an auction Tuesday for the former Archbishop Walsh Academy buildings and grounds.

Proceeds from the sale will likely be used toward a negotiated settlement with more than 850 child sex abuse claimants in the dioceses Chapter 11 bankruptcy case.

The two-story, 55,000-square-foot building is the first of what could be many properties to get sold by the diocese, which has pledged to pay at least $100 million to abuse claimants.

The diocese owns 37 properties across six counties and this past June sought new appraisals on the value of those parcels, which include its Catholic Center on Main Street, five other school complexes, two priest retirement homes and a former seminary campus in the Town of Aurora thats currently on the market for $5.3 million.

The independent Walsh Academy had tried as far back as December 2019 to buy the buildings and grounds from the diocese. But after the diocese filed for federal bankruptcy protection, any such sale had to get court approval.

Proposed sales for $150,000  and later $300,000  that would have allowed Archbishop Walsh to stay in the building crumbled under concerns that they were inside deals between the diocese and an interested party.

Amid the uncertainty, Walsh high school and a Catholic elementary school at the property relocated to a former parochial school at St. John the Evangelist Church in Olean.

Ultimately, the bankruptcy court in September approved a stalking horse bid process, after Walsh Huskies LLC, a real estate development company, signed a purchase agreement with the diocese for $50,000 and agreed to be the stalking horse bidder.

Walsh Huskies ended up being outbid by Paladino and another bidder, Daniel Walton.

Paladino said hes very familiar with Olean and has other properties in the area.

He said he doesnt have a specific plan yet for the former high school campus other than he expects it will be primarily residential.
LONDON  The BBC said Tuesday two more people came forward to complain about Russell Brand since the broadcaster launched a review into the behavior of the actor and comedian.

The BBC gave an update on its investigation after British media outlets in September published claims by four women that they were sexually assaulted by Brand between 2006 and 2013, at the height of his fame.

Brand, 48, denied the allegations.

The comedian worked as a BBC radio presenter from 2006 to 2008. The broadcaster said it recorded a total of five complaints against Brand, including two people who raised complaints and concerns during the time Brand worked there and again after he left the corporation.

Another person made a separate complaint after Brand's departure, and two further people came forward since the BBC launched its investigation in September.

The broadcaster's statement from Peter Johnston, its director of editorial complaints, did not specify the nature of the latest allegations but its news website reported they are "understood to relate to his workplace conduct, and are not of a serious sexual nature."

The claims against Brand, published in September by The Times and Sunday Times newspapers and in a Channel 4 documentary, include allegations that Brand sexually assaulted one woman during a relationship with him when she was 16. Another woman says Brand raped her in Los Angeles in 2012. The accusers have not been publicly identified.

Referring to allegations from one of the women that Brand used BBC cars to drive her from school to his home when she was 16, the broadcaster said it no longer had its records of car bookings from the time.

It said investigations are ongoing.

"Although my work is in no way complete and therefore I cannot yet reach any conclusions, it would appear that no disciplinary action was taken against Russell Brand during his engagement with the BBC in 2006-8 prior to his departure from the BBC," Johnston said.

Two U.K. police forces, the Metropolitan Police and Thames Valley Police, launched investigations against Brand after the claims were published.

Brand issued a statement saying his relationships were "always consensual."
China Medical Supplies Market value was US$ 53,963.2 Mn in 2021 and is estimated to reach US$ 73,228.7 Mn by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5.2% during the projection period from 2022 to 2027.

China being the major exporter of medical supplies is witnessing significant growth during the forecast period. China plays a significant role in the global supply chain for medical supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE), medical devices, antibiotics, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. The market in China is growing due to the growing healthcare expenditure coupled with the rising geriatric population and effective measures of the government to ensure crucial medical supplies.

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Chinas booming population is directly impacting the healthcare sector, leading to a significant increase in healthcare expenditure. This rise in spending is consequently fueling the growth of the medical supplies market. The healthcare industry in China is currently undergoing rapid expansion, driven by various factors such as increasing incomes, growing health consciousness, and a steadily aging population. To put things into perspective, as of November 15, 2023, the population of China stands at a staggering 1,425,486,438, according to Worldometer data. Looking ahead, it is projected that by 2040, the elderly population will reach a staggering 402 million, representing approximately 28% of the total population. Recognizing the importance of healthcare, the government has made it a priority policy area, aiming to bridge any gaps in healthcare services and meet the escalating demand.

The national prevalence of chronic diseases in China was found to be 81.1%, indicating that approximately 179.9 million older adults in China are affected. The prevalence of chronic diseases showed an increasing trend with age, reaching its peak among individuals aged 80 to 84 years, which aligns with findings from studies conducted in other developing countries. Chronic diseases were found to be highly prevalent among older adults in China and exhibited regional variations. Interestingly, the impact of advanced socioeconomic status on the prevalence of chronic diseases was found to be two-fold. As a result, the growing incidence of chronic diseases is expected to drive the demand for medical supplies, thereby boosting market revenue.

An Analysis of Market Revenue Growth

Chinas Hospitals as the Backbone of Health Systems

County hospitals play a pivotal role in Chinas healthcare system, catering to more than half of the countrys population. Enhancing the medical capacity of these hospitals has been a crucial aspect of Chinas healthcare reforms since 2009. The Chinese government has demonstrated its effectiveness in ensuring the provision of essential medical supplies to Hebei Province during the COVID-19 pandemic. The governments adaptability and swift response to the severity of the disease have further accelerated the growth of the medical supplies market.

Ensuring Smooth Transport of Essential Supplies During the Pandemic

In January 2021, the Chinese transport and public security authorities implemented emergency measures to facilitate the uninterrupted transportation of vital supplies to Beijing and Hebei Province in North China. The Ministry of Transport (MOT), the Ministry of Public Security, and the State Post Bureau jointly announced their commitment to ensuring the smooth passage of trucks carrying supplies for the anti-virus efforts in Hebei. These effective measures have significantly contributed to the growth rate of the Chinese medical supplies market.

Addressing Dengue Outbreak with Donated Medical Supplies

China recently provided critical medical supplies to tackle the countrys dengue endemic. This donation was in response to a government request for medical kits to combat an unprecedented dengue outbreak. The consignment includes modern blood component separation machines, advanced blood collection and storage bags, and dengue test kits. Such investments and efforts in bolstering medical supplies are expected to drive substantial revenue growth in the Chinese market.

In conclusion, Chinas focus on strengthening county hospitals, effective measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, and donations to combat dengue outbreaks are all contributing to the significant increase in the revenue of the medical supplies market in China.

China: The Major Exporter Building its Dominance in the Overall Market

China has strategically established a thriving and cost-effective industry for the production of masks, testing kits, and other essential health gear. This initiative has propelled China to a dominant position in the market for protective and medical supplies. The Chinese government has played a crucial role in supporting and protecting this industry, offering various incentives such as affordable land, loans, and subsidies.

One key factor contributing to Chinas success is the encouragement given to Chinese hospitals to procure locally, creating a captive market for Chinese suppliers. This approach ensures a steady demand for their products. Consequently, China has emerged as a significant exporter of medical supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE), medical equipment, orthopedic devices, and other essential medical supplies.

Despite concerns about disruptions to the global supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinas export of medical supplies has not wavered. In fact, China has even increased its import of medical supplies while maintaining its status as a major net exporter. In a given year, the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Medicines and Health Products reported an impressive $52 billion worth of medicine and medical equipment exported in the first six months alone.

Chinas Ministry of Science and Technology has identified the production of medical kits as a vital industry for focused development. This initiative is part of the countrys ambitious $300 billion Made in China 2025 industrial policy, which aims to reduce dependence on imports across several key sectors, including medical devices. The ministry has set a goal to increase Chinas market share by 30 to 40 percentage points in each category of medical supplies.

For The Full Report, Please Follow This Link- https://www.astuteanalytica.com/industry-report/china-medical-supplies-market

In line with this vision, the Chinese government continues to provide unwavering support to the medical supply industry. An excellent example is Guangzhou Aoyuan Biotech Company, which made a strategic decision in 2020 to expand its operations from producing disinfectants to manufacturing N95 masks. In response, a high-ranking local official promptly visited the company, facilitating the acquisition of land in an industrial park, and expediting all necessary administrative procedures.

With the Chinese governments steadfast commitment and support, the countrys medical supply industry is poised for further growth, reinforcing Chinas position as a leading player in the global market for protective and medical supplies.

Key Takeaways from the China Medical Supplies Market

By Type, the sterilization consumables category is projected to experience the most rapid growth during the expected timeframe, with an anticipated growth rate of 7.2%. In 2021, the catheters segment accounted for the largest portion of the market, holding a market share of 14%.

On the basis of Application, the respiratory segment is expected to demonstrate the highest growth rate of 6.9% throughout the predicted duration. In 2021, the cardiology segment dominated the market with a market share exceeding 30%.

In terms of End-User, the ambulatory surgical centers segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 6.6%. On the other hand, the clinics segment is projected to hold an opportunity of US$ 3,145.6 million during 2021-2027.

Key Companies Profiled in the China Medical Supplies Market

China Hua Mei Industrial Co., Ltd.

Guangzhou Maya Medical Equipment Co., Ltd.

Hangzhou Trifanz Medical Device Co., Ltd.

MEDHEALTH BIOTECHNOLOGY LTD

Qingdao Agna Medical Technology Co., Ltd.

SHANDONG LIKANG MEDICAL EQUIPMENT TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.

Shanxian Huayu Suture Materials Co., Ltd.

SHENZHEN CICD TECHNOLOGIES LTD.

Weifang Huaxing Medical Instruments Co., Ltd.

Yangzhou Super Union Medical Material Co., Ltd.

Nanjing Vedeng Medical Co., Ltd.

Hanchuan Fumo Plastics Co., Ltd.

Segmentation Overview

By Type

Advanced Wound Dressings

Catheters

Diagnostic Supplies

Dialysis Consumables

Disinfectants

Infusion & Injectable Supplies

Intubation & Ventilation Supplies

Personal Protective Equipment

Radiology Consumables

Sterilization Consumables

Surgical Wound Care

Traditional Wound Care

Wound Care Consumables

Other Medical Supplies

By Application

Cardiology

Infection Control

Radiology

Respiratory

Urology

Wound Care

Other Application

By End User

Hospitals

Clinics

Ambulatory surgical centers

Other end users

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About Astute Analytica

Astute Analytica is a global analytics and advisory company that has built a solid reputation in a short period, thanks to the tangible outcomes we have delivered to our clients. We pride ourselves in generating unparalleled, in-depth and uncannily accurate estimates and projections for our very demanding clients spread across different verticals. We have a long list of satisfied and repeat clients from a wide spectrum including technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and many more. These happy customers come to us from all across the Globe. They are able to make well-calibrated decisions and leverage highly lucrative opportunities while surmounting the fierce challenges all because we analyze for them the complex business environment, segment-wise existing and emerging possibilities, technology formations, growth estimates, and even the strategic choices available. In short, a complete package. All this is possible because we have a highly qualified, competent, and experienced team of professionals comprising of business analysts, economists, consultants, and technology experts. In our list of priorities, you-our patron come at the top. You can be sure of best cost-effective, value-added package from us, should you decide to engage with us.

    

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by J. Walker Smith , Op-Ed Contributor, November 15, 2023

We know that social causes are good for brands  reputation, recruiting, community relations. But are brands good for social causes?

More specifically, are brands the right advocate for important social issues?

More practically, what is the proper role for brands in social advocacy? Perhaps social issues are a poor fit for brands  not because brands are put at risk, but because brands are a meager ally.

By way of illustration, let me offer a story that Taylor Branch told in Pillar of Fire (1998), the second volume in his award-winning series on the civil rights movement of the 1960s.

In 1964, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., received the Nobel Peace Prize. To honor him, Coca-Cola Chairman Robert Woodruff set the wheels in motion for a local dinner, for which Atlanta Constitution publisher Ralph McGill privately praised Woodruff  in particular, for Woodruffs recognition that he has to sell Coca-Cola all over the world.

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But selling tickets to this dinner proved to be no mean feat. White business leaders were reluctant, and many were defiant.

Some of this resistance crumbled when The New York Times reported on it, but it wasnt until an "NBC Nightly News" broadcast called the dinner a test of Atlantas reputation for leadership and optimism that tickets sold out.

The evening was a success, and press coverage was glowing  which, to the surprise of most of those involved, turned out to be good for business all around.

Warning signs are my takeaway from this story. Acclaiming Martin Luther King, even for something as prestigious as a Nobel prize, was perceived as risky. No business leader, other than Woodruff, was jumping at the chance to do this. And Woodruff couldnt do it alone.

Without the support of other business leaders and companies, the dinner might not have happened at all. In the end, it took the unfavorable light of the media for business leaders to step up.

All of this is endemic to brands and commercial enterprises. Concerns for perceptions that might hurt the business are always top-of-mind, as well they should be.

This works against brands as steadfast allies of social causes. Nor, typically, can individual brands make enough of a difference.

All brands need to rally around for an issue or a cause to receive enough support to matter. Brands are designed to solve category problems for consumers  and frankly, it takes all that brands can muster up just to do that one thing.

When social issues are added to a brands portfolio, purpose is often poorly served.

The learning curve is steep. Distractions build up. Focus gets lost. Anything not central to making money is always vulnerable.

We have seen a few instances over the past year or so that bear this out, with brands that took bold stances only to reverse course quickly when just a minority of consumers  albeit a very vocal minority  pushed back.

If causes are not good for business, then business will not be good to causes.

Many causes come calling on brands these days, for many reasons. Politics have become deadlocked.

Brands have cachet and visibility, not to mention resources of all sorts. Marketplace speed, especially in our digital age, is an advantage. And brands get something in return.

Kantar BrandZ analysis has found that brands strongly identified with purpose grew brand value from 2006 to 2018 at more than double the rate of brands that were weak on purpose.

But did the causes supported by these brands improve that much?

Management guru Peter Drucker once observed that the most effective brands are not focused on doing things right  but instead, on doing the right things.

When brands are built in this way, purpose doesnt have to be layered in. It is built in from the get-go.

Brands do purpose and causes the right way when they put the highest principles at the heart of how they make money. But unless its done this way, social causes get carried around like an outer layer that is easily shed when the heat gets turned up.

Social causes deserve a better steward.
by Fern Siegel , November 15, 2023

Perrier-Jouet champaign is committed to a sustainable future, underscored by the U.S. launch of its new campaign: Fill Your World With Wonder.

The campaign was developed internally by Perrier-Jouets global marketing team and in-house creative studio.

The new creative starts with a flower, evoking the iconic 1902 Art Nouveau-styled anemones bottle designed by Emile Galle, one of the founders of the movement. His artistry still graces the companys Cuvee Belle Epoque champagne line. (Perrier-Jouet was founded in 1811 by Pierre-Nicolas-Marie Perrier and his wife, Adele Jouet.)

To unite the companys founding passions  nature, art and champagne  Perrier-Jouet is unveiling an immersive floral dreamscape  "Perrier-Jouet House of Wonder"  at Hudson Yards in New York City December 1-2. Visitors will also view the campaigns spot, starring French actress and climate-change advocate Melanie Laurent ("Inglourious Basterds," "Now You See Me") and directed by Show Yanagisawa.

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The campaign is targeting luxury consumers ages 30-55, with a focus on champagne aficionados in prestige markets, such as New York, Miami, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. There is a strong focus on affluent New Yorkers and luxury consumers visiting New York in the holiday season.

The spot will run across owned channels and paid social. There is also immersive OOH around Manhattan, experiential, owned and earned touchpoints. The companys global campaign debuted in Tokyo last month.

Perrier-Jouet is also partnering with Flowerbx and Cocktail Courier to offer a premium gift featuring a paper bouquet and Perrier-Jouet Blanc de Blancs, available in the U.S. for a limited time, starting Nov. 30. DoorDash will deliver it to New Yorkers on Perrier-Jouet flower-powered bikes from Nov. 30 through Dec. 2, part of its OOH push.

Kristen Colonna, vice president Marketing Accelerator, Pernod Ricard USA, told Agency Daily: The flower has long been intertwined with the style of Perrier-Jouet. This passion is alive in our years-long commitment to sustainability and biodiversity in our viticulture, and as a voice for a more sustainable future, especially within the luxury industry.

This winter, Perrier-Jouet will return to Design Miami in December, revealing its latest artistic partnership with Fernando Laposse  The Pollination Dance. Via a live exhibition, Perrier-Jouet in partnership with Laposse, extends its desire to inspire people to rethink their relationship with nature.

In 2022, Comite Champagne, a trade organization, reported that French houses had shipped a record-breaking 326 million bottles, a large portion outside France. Champagne sales reaching a new peak of $6.5 billion in 2022, a 1.6% rise from 2021. Perrier-Jouet produces 3 million bottles a year.

Pernod Ricard the parent company of Perrier-Jouet champagnes, has an extensive portfolio of top brands, including Absolut vodka, Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum and Beefeater gin.
by Tanya Gazdik , November 14, 2023

LOS ANGELES, California  Toyota Motor North America unveiled the 2025 model year versions of its best-selling Camry and new Toyota Crown Signia SUV model on Tuesday night ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The ninth generation Camrys now 100% hybrid lineup features the 5th generation Toyota Hybrid System paired with a 2.5-Liter, 4-cylinder engine that produces up to 232 net-combined horsepower on the all-wheel drive model a 30 HP increase over the prior mechanical AWD model.

For the first time ever on a Camry Hybrid, Toyotas electronic on-demand all-wheel drive system will be available on all grades. The AWD system provides additional traction when needed, like during inclement weather or while cornering. Its capability comes from a dedicated rear electric drive motor generator that automatically supplies power to the rear wheels when needed.

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Safety is also improved with the new model. The standard blind spot monitor features rear cross-traffic alert and the automakers full host of safety features in its Toyota Safety Sense 3.0.

The second Toyota Crown model adds a distinctive crossover SUV to the U.S. lineup which is exclusively equipped with a hybrid powertrain with 243 horsepower, standard all-wheel drive and 36 miles per gallon city/highway combined.

With an eye toward performance, the new model features a monochromatic grille which gives it a wide stance, available 21-inch wheels, and Toyota Hammerhead front end.

The interior cabin offers available leather-trimmed seating, and panoramic glass roof. The second row of seats folds flat resulting in a 6.5 foot-long cargo area.

The Toyota Crown Signia takes all of the attributes of the Toyota Crown name and shapes them into a functional, sophisticated package that customers will adore, said David Christ, TMNA group vice president, at the product debut.

Its the first-ever entry into the crossover SUV category for Toyotas longest-running nameplate and it showcases how we continue to elevate our designs, deliver premium quality, and take hybrid efficiency in versatile new directions, Christ said.

The 2025 Toyota Camry is expected to arrive in spring 2024 while the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia is planned for summer 2024.

With the Crown Signias debut, Toyota will soon have 19 electrified models available for sale in its U.S. model lineup.

As part of Toyotas diverse approach to its carbon neutrality goals, the Toyota Crown Signia also plays a part in Toyotas Beyond Zero vision to reach carbon neutrality with products, services, and operations; and find new ways to make a positive impact on the planet and society, the automaker claims.

2025 Toyota Camry





2025 Toyota Crown Signia SUV




by Karlene Lukovitz @KLmarketdaily, November 15, 2023

The House Select Committee on Competition with the Chinese Communist Party has sent a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook questioning whether concerns about Apples relationship with China spurred the termination of the Apple+ series The Problem with Jon Stewart.

Last month, when the shows end was announced just weeks before taping for a third season was set to begin, the New York Times reported that Stewart and Apple parted ways over creative control issues.

Stewart reportedly told staff members that Apple objected to potential show topics that included China and AI.

In the letter, which was made public, the committee wrote that if the reports are accurate, it potentially speaks to broader concerns about indirect Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence over the creative expression of American artists and companies on CCP-related topics. It also highlights an additional reason, beyond the traditionally-cited national security rationales, why we encourage Apple to accelerate its efforts to reduce its dependence on the PRC in its core business.

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"While companies have the right to determine what content is appropriate for their streaming service, the coercive tactics of a foreign power should not be directly or indirectly influencing these determinations, the letter said.

If Jon Stewart can potentially be impeded from offering commentary on the CCP, what does this mean for less prominent personalities? While there is a chance that a high-profile individual like Jon Stewart can locate another streaming service where he can express his views on PRC-related matters, an aspiring comedian who wants to use satire to make broader points about human rights and authoritarianism faces even bleaker prospects. Respectfully, we believe that this needs to change and responsible creative professionals should be able to freely write and perform on PRC-related topics.

The letter, co-signed by the committees chairman, Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and its top Democrat, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL)., asked Apple to provide a briefing on the matter by Dec. 15.

It added that To reassure the creative community in light of these reports, we also respectfully request that Apple publicly commit that content that could be perceived as critical of the CCP or the PRC is welcome on Apple TV+ and other Apple services.

The two-year-old series was among Apple's most-watched unscripted shows, and won four Emmy nominations.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, November 15, 2023

Search engines face challenges as they look to protect assets during difficult economic times and the turmoil of war. Some smaller engines are either trying to sell off assets or partner with larger companies with strong technology they can capitalize on.

Yandexs Dutch holding company is considering selling its Russian search engine assets, rather than keep a controlling stake.

The holding company could complete the deal by the end of the year, three people close to the matter told Reuters.

Yandex search held 65.95% market share in Russia, 1.83% globally, in October, per StatCounter.

Yandex, often referred to as the Google search engine of Russia, became one of the few companies in the country with the potential to expand globally until Moscow started its war with Ukraine in February 2022.

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Yandex dominates the ride-hailing service operates in eight African countries with tests in Israel and the U.S., and online advertising in Russia.

Reuters points out that demands from the Kremlin to comply with certain rules forced Yandex to sell its news aggregator and other online resources to state-controlled rival VK in late 2022.

DuckDuckGo -- which has about 46 million users in the U.S. and Europe -- and Microsoft on Wednesday seemed to be working to renew their partnership. The two companies have collaborated on ways to handle fraud protection, location technology, and shopping experiences.

Steve Fischer, chief business officer at DuckDuckGo, declined to detail whether the company might work with Microsofts generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tools and technology, but didnt say the two were not working on something.

This could explain why Fischer agreed to talk to advertisers on Microsoft Advertisings monthly call with brands and agencies. This is where Lauren Tallody, senior product marketing manager at Microsoft, told attendees that an advertiser in the tech space working with DuckDuckGo garnered 32,000 incremental clicks a week at a 44% cost per click (CPC).

DuckDuckGo pushed browser and search privacy ahead of Google, Microsoft, and others.

The relationship between DuckDuckGo and Microsoft was going well until security researcher Zach Edwards in 2022 found that DuckDuckGos mobile browser allowed some Microsoft sites to bypass its tracker block. The browser was blocking trackers from Facebook and Google, an exception was being made for Microsoft.

That meant DuckDuckGo allowed data to transfer to LinkedIn and Bing, both domains owned by Microsoft.
by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, November 15, 2023







Nicole Hubbard Graham is headed back to Nike, this time as chief marketing officer. Graham, who spent 18 years at the company before leaving to start an agency, replaces Dirk-Jan "DJ" van Hameren, who is retiring after 31 years with Nike, the last six as CMO.

The changes come as Nike continues to face weaker sales in North America and considerable shifts in the way consumers are thinking about footwear and other apparel.

John Hoke, who had been the first chief design officer, moves to chief innovation officer. Martin Lotti, who has worked in the companys design division for 26 years and has been overseeing design at the Jordan brand, moves into the chief design role.

The company says it hopes the changes will elevate its products. "Innovation, design, and storytelling have always been the heart and soul of Nike, said Heidi ONeill, president of consumer, product and brand, in Nikes announcement. These leadership changes enable us to obsess further our unparalleled innovation, product, design, and storytelling to reimagine sport for the next generation of athletes."

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Nike spends about $4.1 billion on marketing per year.

The company also hired Muge Erdirik Dogan, who had been president of Amazon Fashion, as chief technology officer.

In its most recent earnings, Nikes revenues gained 2% for the fiscal first quarter, rising to $12.9 billion.

But Nikes sales fell in North America, with footwear slipping 2% to $3.7 billion, and apparel off 1% to $1.5 billion.

Adidas and Under Armour also face weaker sales as consumers pare back discretionary spending. But newer brands, including On Running and Deckers Brands Hoka, are red-hot and running away with consumers hearts.

Thats made some observers question whether Nike might be losing more than a few steps in its market-share dominance.

We think investors are looking for greater clarity on current product strength and brand health amid concerns that Air Max, Dunks and Jordan are slowing, writes Jonathan Komp, an analyst who follows the company for Baird Securities.

He continues to rate the company as likely to outperform its peers despite near-term uncertainties.

Others are also bullish. The Nike brand gives it considerable power over other companies, writes David Swartz, an analyst who follows the company for Morningstar. We anticipate that Nike will hold its position in North America, he says, forecasting 3% annual average sales growth in the region for the next decade. He notes that the U.S. sportswear market in North America, worth roughly $146 billion in 2022, is more than double the size of China's, the second-largest market.

While the North American sportswear market is highly competitive, he says, we believe Nike can hold its market position due to innovation, sponsorships, and the enduring popularity of its brands.
Tara Sutarias highly-anticipated Apurva has finally been released on Disney+ Hotstar and despite giving her careers best performance, Tara has not been able to save this basic survival thriller.

 Disney Hotstar

The plot

The plot of Apurva is nothing more than what the trailer showcases.

Apurva, who is travelling to Delhi to surprise his fiance on his birthday, gets abducted by some ruthless criminals. How she gets out of this life-threatening situation makes the plotline of the film.

The performances

Tara Sutaria has carried the whole film on her shoulders and she has easily given the best performance of her career.

 Tara Sutaria Instagram

The scenes where we see her vulnerability are the USP of her performance.



Apart from Tara Sutaria, Abhishek Banerjee and Rajpal Yadav have delivered notable performances, and it was a brilliant move to pick Rajpal Yadav as the villain.

 Rajpal Yadav Instagram

We have seen Abhishek Banerjee in negative roles before but Rajpal Yadavs menacing character, on the verge of killing if pushed, looks fresh.



The underwhelming aspects:

The story

Despite the quality performances of the cast, Apurva still falls into the depths of mediocrity due to its story.

The plot of Apurva is highly-predictable and there is nothing new in the story.

There are many survival thrillers, such as Shakti: The Power and NH 10, which had similar stories, but those films were much more engaging due to their geographical accuracy and high stakes.

 Sridevi Productions

In Apurva, you never feel the stakes because the story never takes its villains seriously.



The villains

A good survival thriller needs good villains and Apurva lacks this element.

 Disney Hotstar

The villains in Apurva crack lame jokes with fake accent that doesnt resonate with the fear that Nikhil Nagesh Bhagat wanted to create.



Final verdict

Despite good performances, Apurva pans out to be an average watch due to its predictable plot and appears as NH 10 lite.
CAMDEN, N.J. (AP)  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 O'Hearn 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 on 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 news has been in the wind for months, but few people of any political party can truly welcome it. Rep. Brian Higgins will step down in February. Its a big loss.

The Buffalo Democrat has championed his congressional district for nearly two decades. Before that, he served as a member of the State Assembly in Albany and before that as a member of the Buffalo Common Council. In each, he put his district first.

Credible reports, unconfirmed by Higgins, are that he will take on the leadership of Sheas Performing Arts Center. We dont know how well a successful political career translates to managing something as idiosyncratic as a high-profile performing arts center, but if intelligence, decency and commitment make a difference, Sheas will have made a wise choice. It certainly needs those qualities in a new president after its recent internal drama.

While all of Western New York can wish that it werent so, it is beyond dispute that Higgins has good reason to leave behind the toxic cesspool that Washington has become.

Congress is not the institution that I came to 19 years ago, Higgins told The News last week. 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. The chamber, he said, has become performative.

Who can dispute that? Under the influence of members such as Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Jim Jordan of Ohio and Lauren Boebert of Colorado, too many legislators today are more interested in clicks than in governing. Everybody thats making a name for themselves is making a spectacle of themselves. The more outrageous they act, the more attention they get.

Higgins has never embarrassed his district. He has been simultaneously low key and effective. He has made a difference for Buffalo, most obviously in the development of Canalside, which had previously been an urban wasteland that tragically squandered a spectacular waterfront.

By insisting that Buffalo be compensated for the effects of the Niagara Power Project when the generating facility was relicensed in 2007, Higgins produced the money needed to create a welcome and enormously popular greenspace. It became  and remains  a magnet for thoughtful development, including the latest project offering apartments, restaurants and office space on land once occupied by the old Buffalo Memorial Auditorium.

And, unlike so many in Congress today, Higgins never believed that members of the other party were his mortal enemies. He looked for, and found, avenues to work with Republicans for the benefit of both the country and Western New York. Indeed, the disdain for that approach to governing  emanating mainly from the perpetually embittered political right  could be offered as Exhibit A in Higgins decision to call it quits.

Fortunately for the 26th Congressional District, able successors appear to be available. The name most often mentioned is State Sen. Timothy Kennedy of Buffalo, who promptly announced his candidacy. Other names have included Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and just re-elected Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz. Unsurprisingly, given the political makeup of the district, all are Democrats. Gov. Kathy Hochul must schedule a special election within 10 days of Higgins resignation, with that contest to occur within 80 days.

Whatever comes next for Higgins, he has earned the right to make this decision. If the test of a career is whether you leave your place better than you found it, few in local politics have succeeded better than the gentleman from Buffalo. He has also earned the districts thanks.
With the first cases claiming harm from Camp Lejeune contamination to be heard soon in court, the public has yet to see the results of a landmark study of cancers among thousands exposed to tainted water at the Marine Corps base from the 1950s to the 1980s, despite the study wrapping up months ago.

The comprehensive cancer incidence study launched in 2015 by an agency within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was cleared by an outside peer review in April, but it has not yet been made public. The delay could affect more than 1,100 lawsuits seeking compensation for deaths and illnesses that are moving toward action in federal court in North Carolina, as Congress intended in a law enacted in August 2022.

Another 117,000 damage claims are pending at the Navy Judge Advocate Generals Office, the first step Camp Lejeune victims must take before going to federal court. The Justice Department said in a court filing last month that the claims ask for a total of $3.3 trillion in damages.

To be successful with claims, plaintiffs must prove they spent more than a month at Camp Lejeune when the water was contaminated between 1953 and 1987 and show they were affected by any of varied illnesses linked to the pollution, including kidney, liver and bladder cancer, leukemia and Parkinsons disease.

However, some diseases, including breast cancer and multiple myeloma, are not as strongly connected by studies to the contaminants found at the Marine base. Thats one reason the CDC spent more than seven years tracking cancer cases among those who had lived at the base by examining cancer registries in all U.S. states and territories  an unprecedented effort, given that there has never been a thorough national cancer registry.

That study remains under wraps at the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, an agency within the CDC that was set up to study health impacts from toxic waste sites designated under the federal Superfund law. Camp Lejeune was listed as a Superfund site in 1989.

Unfortunately if theyre successful in slow-rolling this report, it will be the obituary for a lot of these people  as far as their cases go, said Jerry Ensminger, a Marine Corps veteran who has been leading efforts to seek damages from the Defense Department since the 1990s. Their cases would die, because their cases would go to court without that key scientific evidence, and thats bullshit.

The studies are in the beginning phase of the external peer review process, a CDC spokesperson said via email, without elaborating further.

The litigation is the result of the 2022 law known as the PACT Act, which provides compensation for servicemembers exposed to toxic air from burn pits used by the military overseas, including in Iraq and Afghanistan. The law included provisions allowing those harmed at Camp Lejeune, where the water contained a host of contaminants for decades, to file damage claims with the Navy and, if those were not resolved after six months, to file lawsuits in federal court in North Carolina.

As claims piled up, in September the DOJ and the Navy offered settlements to those who wanted to avoid a potentially lengthy process for litigating cases in court. Under the elective option, those who contracted any of five Tier 1 diseases  kidney cancer, liver cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia or bladder cancer  are eligible for $150,000 if they spent less than a year at Camp Lejeune between 1953, when the wells were installed, and 1987, two years after the contaminated wells were shut down; $300,000 if they were at the base between one and five years; and $450,000 if they were there for more than five years.

Those with Tier 2 diseases  multiple myeloma, Parkinsons disease, kidney disease or end-stage renal disease, and systemic sclerosis or scleroderma  would be entitled to $100,000, $250,000 or $400,000, again depending on the time spent at the base.

In addition, the government will pay relatives another $100,000 in cases of premature death from the diseases.

Court hearings early in 2024

The Justice Department and attorneys for the plaintiffs in the more than 1,100 lawsuits filed as of October are currently selecting about 100 bellwether cases that will be heard by the four U.S. District Court judges in North Carolina starting early next year, and the outcomes of those cases will be used to help decide similar lawsuits in the following months.

Attorneys for plaintiffs with Tier 1 diseases, and federal health officials themselves, say there is plenty of scientific evidence to support those claims. However, there are fewer studies showing links to Tier 2 diseases. The ATSDR describes those illnesses as having equipoise, or health effects where the evidence is sufficient to conclude that a causal relationship is at least as likely as not, but not sufficient to conclude that a causal relationship exists.

And there are other illnesses, including breast cancer, that dont even meet the equipoise threshold because fewer studies link them to the contaminants found at Camp Lejeune, which included the solvents trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene, benzene and vinyl chloride, all of which are considered toxic.

All of that makes the cancer incidence study critical for victims of diseases ranked as Tier 2 or below. It was started in 2015, after a study published a year earlier comparing people living at Camp Lejeune to a similar population at Camp Pendleton in California, where the water was not polluted. The earlier study revealed a much higher mortality rate for those at Camp Lejeune due to different types of cancer.

In the cancer incidence study, scientists at the ATSDR compiled service records for military personnel who lived at both Camp Lejeune and Camp Pendleton between 1975 and 1985, because earlier records were not available. They then searched for cancer cases among those veterans using registries in all 50 states and the U.S. territories.

A panel of outside experts completed a peer review of the study in April, members of ATSDRs Camp Lejeune Community Assistance Panel were told in May by the studys chief scientist, Frank Bove. Ensminger, whose daughter Janey died of leukemia in 1985, nine years after she was conceived at Camp Lejeune, has been to every quarterly panel meeting for the past 14 years.

But that was the last that Ensminger and others on the panel heard about the study until the next meeting in August, when Ensminger asked about its status. Ensminger said he was told that a number of comments had been submitted to the agency after the initial peer review, and those were still being reviewed.

Ensminger is convinced the study is being blocked by the DOJ and the Navy because this report is going to bring some cancers that currently are not equipoise or above up to that level. This is a groundbreaking report  I suspect that theres been some shenanigans taking place down there, he said, referring to CDC headquarters in Atlanta.

Spokesmen for both the Navy and the Justice Department said they could not comment on pending litigation.

Ensminger accused the ATSDR and its parent agency, the CDC, of acting as a blocking agent for the Justice Department.

They are a government agency that was created to protect public health, and not to protect the government from being sued and not to protect the government in court, he said.

The post Key study of Camp Lejeune cancers in limbo as cases go to court appeared first on Roll Call.

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2023 CQ-Roll Call, Inc. Visit at rollcall.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
From the Battle of Belleau Wood to the shores of Inchon, the Marine Corps has fought in some of the most hostile conditions America's wars have had to offer. Now, to better prepare for an increasingly unstable future, it's entering the metaverse.

Last month, Marines with the Marine Corps Platform Integration Center, or MCPIC, successfully fielded a "real-time pilot set in a planetary-scale metaverse environment," according to CGI Federal Inc., an information technology (IT) and business consulting firm that presented the pilot to the service.

Not to be confused with Facebook parent company Meta's use of the term, the metaverse that the Marines are hoping to dive into is also a simulated environment, one that will take billions of dollars in Corps equipment and make "faithful twins" of it in a simulated reality.

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"The pilot involved integrating the Marine Corps Platform Integration Center [MCPIC] logistics and asset management systems with digital twins, or virtual replicas of physical assets in a simulated world environment," the CGI press release said. "The integration demonstrated how the Marine Corps can achieve enhanced visualization, real-time monitoring, simulation capabilities, and predictive analytics that will augment training and education, as well as operational efficiency."

In simple terms, this metaverse is billed to be anything between a tabletop exercise of the future to hands-on planning from anywhere in the world: weather simulations, fuel-level measurements, and orientation and locations down to meters -- the high-tech potential for the Corps seems endless.

"We're focused on bridging the real and the surreal a little more closely," Victor Foulk, the vice president of emerging technologies for CGI, told Military.com in a recent interview.

Right now for the Marine Corps, that means taking equipment, scanning it and replicating it into a massive simulated environment with real-world mechanics, physics and geolocation.

What might that look like for the Marine who would use it, and when exactly would it end up in their hands? The Corps is still figuring it out -- but virtual reality (VR) headsets and Star Wars-like interactive maps are not out of the question, CGI and the Corps said.

The push for the metaverse comes from a pressing requirement, the Corps said. As the service sets its sights on the Pacific, Maj. Jeff Planteen, the operations officer for Blount Island Command in Florida, where the pilot was fielded, explained that the need for distributed planning is increasingly important.

"Everything's too far apart to really consolidate our assets as we set the theater," Planteen told Military.com, referring to the many island chains in the Pacific that present planning challenges different than those encountered in landlocked Afghanistan, for example. "So we need a way for local commanders to be able to see where their items are, what is coming to them ... [and] how those items are loaded."

This simulated environment is first being tested with logistics, where it will be used to plan, pack and deploy Marine Corps equipment. That equipment can range from Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs) to LAV-25s, which would then be transformed into replicas within the metaverse, saddled with the same physics and tracked in real time.

Planteen said that the MCPIC already uses "passive RFID [radio frequency identification] tags" to mark that equipment, some of which are just a few dollars and are disposable if need be. Marines then can use tablets to track the equipment and statistics associated with, say, a vehicle and its maintenance status. By piggybacking off this tracking, CGI can then upload "honest replications" of the equipment into an enormous, simulated environment, Foulk said.

A U.S. Marine enters maintenance data into the MCPIC system using a tablet during exercise Atlantic Dragon at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island, Jacksonville, Florida, Mar. 23, 2022. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Jennifer Napier)

So, Planteen said, a supply sergeant or loadout leader could be hundreds or thousands of miles away from where a ship needs to be unloaded and they can see in real time how it is packed, how the vehicles or equipment is oriented and then figure out the best way to offload it once in theater.

"If I can put a VR headset on a Marine and allow them to see exactly how that ship is loaded ... and I can do that anywhere in the world through a headset or a computer," Planteen said, "I don't have to put that Marine on a ship early ... to figure out where everything is or look at that two-dimensional paper load plan like we've been doing forever. "We don't have to do that anymore," Planteen said. "I can show you exactly how things are right now, as loaded."

Military.com spoke to two Marine Corps logistics officers who were granted anonymity to speak freely about the capability, how they would use it and what concerns they might have about embarking into the metaverse.

"You're reducing risk of unknowns, and damage to equipment or loss of personnel," one officer told Military.com. "If I lose an operator to crushed fingers or crushed toes when they're offloading equipment or moving stuff in tight spaces -- that's a licensed kid with hundreds of hours experience. I can't grow him, and I can't simply replace them."

The officers also said that rehearsing the large movements in the metaverse would be advantageous for commanders before they deploy or have Marines put hands on equipment. Plus, it could be used in training and schooling settings to get Marines accustomed to real-world scenarios that they may not see until they reach the fleet.

"We're talking about planning and execution and real-time uploads within 15 meters anywhere in the world. I would even take it back to the schoolhouse setting and when Marines are earning their MOS [military occupational specialty]," the other officer said. "This will give Marines a lot better understanding of what they're actually doing in a practical application sense."

As for concerns, the Marines said that the risk of breaking equipment needed to run the metaverse -- if it was lugged around through rough environments -- could make it less desirable.

"How do you energize things?" one Marine said, asking specifically about how the metaverse would be powered if it were brought to theater, for example. "Is it going to be rugged enough like a hammer ... [or] it's going to fall apart after the third swing?"

Another concern is data security and encryption. Military.com asked if uploading massive amounts of data on Marine Corps assets, ones that could be tracked in real time, would present a security risk, especially if it were a high-priority data target for adversaries.

"I can't argue with you on that," Scott Prouse, supervisor for the Automated Systems Group, Command Data and Analytics Office at Marine Corps Logistics Command, told Military.com.

"I can tell you that MCPIC is a fully accredited platform; we adhere to all the security protocols that are mandated by DoD," he said, adding that the data the MCPIC was working with wasn't "especially sensitive."

"We're in the process of moving to the cloud so we can be even more secure," Prouse said. "So your point is well taken, but we're following all of the rather stringent guidelines that are required to maintain accreditation."

Foulk was hopeful about the Marine Corps foray into the metaverse.

"We're talking about operations planning, like tabletop exercises, based on actual asset management and force readiness conditions, as opposed to postulated," he said. "This is absolutely an elevated tabletop, exercise operational planning tool that can function at a much larger scale, with a much higher fidelity of information based on reality."

-- Drew F. Lawrence can be reached at drew.lawrence@military.com. Follow him on X @df_lawrence.

Related: Marine Corps Wants Lighter .50 Caliber Ammunition to Reduce the Burden of Weight on the Battlefield
News / National

by Staff reporter

Citizens Coalition for Change's (CCC) candidate for the Mabvuku Constituency by-election, Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi, is contemplating withdrawing from the December 9 race following the abduction and murder of Tapfumaneyi Masaya, a key member of his campaign team.Masaya was reportedly abducted while conducting door-to-door campaigns on Saturday by individuals suspected to be Zanu-PF supporters, allegedly using a vehicle belonging to rival Scott Sakupwanya. His lifeless body was discovered on Monday after an extensive search, showing signs of severe injuries and torture.The weight of Masaya's killing is deeply affecting Kufahakutizwi, who expressed that Masaya campaigned for him on the day, driven by the hope of reclaiming their constituency. Kufahakutizwi, a CCC legislator who was part of the controversial recalls by Sengezo Tshabangu soon after Zimbabwe's August 23 polls, initially won a highly contested race against Sakupwanya.Addressing journalists at the CCC's Tuesday press conference, Kufahakutizwi, accompanied by the deceased's wife, Maria Zhuwawo, stated, "We are in pain as the Mabvuku family, as the CCC family. This is a dark cloud that has fallen upon us, and what has made this disturbing is that he was campaigning for me." Kufahakutizwi expressed his concerns about whether participating in the by-election is worth the human cost and intends to engage with the party on this matter.Clothing worn by Masaya on the day of the incident, including his underwear, was reportedly discovered in a police trunk with a concealed Force Number. Jeffrey Kalosi, who was also abducted alongside Masaya, assaulted, blindfolded, and later dumped near Chabwino, is said to be cooperating with police investigations, despite alleged restrictions on describing the incident as an abduction.The postmortem for Masaya is expected on Wednesday, with burial details to be shared soon after. His murder follows the deaths of four other CCC supporters in the past two years, believed to be at the hands of suspected State Security agents or Zanu-PF supporters.
Four members of a Coast Guard air crew were injured late Monday night, Nov. 13, after their helicopter crashed while conducting a search-and-rescue mission off the coast of southeastern Alaska.

Two of the four members of the MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter air crew from Air Station Sitka near Juneau, Alaska, were listed as being in serious condition while the other two were listed in good condition with only minor injuries, as of Tuesday afternoon. The Coast Guard did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

While the circumstances of the crash are still under investigation, according to a statement by the Coast Guard, the crew had been responding to a call for search-and-rescue assistance of a flooding fishing vessel near Read Island when the crash occurred.

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The fishing vessel Lydia Marie first called for help around 8 p.m. local time on Nov. 12. A second call from the vessel was put out to watchstanders notifying them of the helicopter crash around 11:05 p.m. Rescue crews from Alaska Wildfire Troopers and Petersburg Fire and Rescue arrived on scene at approximately 12:50 a.m. while a second MH-60 Jayhawk air crew from Air Station Sitka arrived around 1:39 a.m.

The four injured Coast Guardsmen were then transported to Petersburg for medical care, where they were further transferred to Seattle for follow-on treatment at Harborview Medical Center.

"Our priority is to provide the highest level of care possible for our injured members and their families," Rear Adm. Megan Dean, commander of the Coast Guard's 17th District, said in a statement. "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."

U.S. Coast Guard Cutters Elderberry and Douglas Denman concluded the search-and-rescue assistance to the Lydia Marie, and the vessel was safely escorted back to Petersburg.

This is the second helicopter crash for the U.S. military in the past week.

Five Army Special Operations soldiers were killed Nov. 10 after their MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed in the Mediterranean Sea while conducting aerial refueling training. It is unclear whether the troops were in the region as part of a regular training rotation or as part of a deterrent force positioned following the start of the Israel-Hamas war, but the Defense Department said the crash was unrelated.

According to a department press release, "there are no indications the crash was caused by enemy/hostile actions."

-- 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: Army Identifies 5 Special Operations Soldiers Killed in Black Hawk Crash in Mediterranean Sea
Military construction funding would expire earlier than the rest of the Pentagon budget under legislation on track to become law in order to avert a government shutdown at the end of the week.

It's unclear if the staggered deadlines would have any practical effect on military construction projects, which have garnered increasing attention in recent months as investigations uncover unlivable barracks conditions. Typically, military construction funding that has been previously approved by Congress is allowed to be spent for up to five years, though a government shutdown limits the circumstances in which the money can be spent.

But the novel approach to keeping the government open adds another wrinkle to what has already been a particularly bumpy process to fund the Pentagon and the rest of the government this year.

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The House on Tuesday afternoon overwhelmingly passed the stopgap spending measure, known as a continuing resolution, or CR. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., has said his chamber will take it up before current government funding runs out Friday night, with a vote possible as soon as Wednesday afternoon.

In an effort to buy more time to negotiate 12 individual full-year spending bills and relieve the pressure to reach deals on all spending bills by one date, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., wrote a CR that funds part of the government until Jan. 19 and the other part until Feb. 2.

The two-step CR "is going to change the way we've done this. We have broken the fever. We are not going to have a massive omnibus spending bill right before Christmas," Johnson said Tuesday, referring to the type of catch-all government funding bill that conservatives loathe that has become the norm for Congress in recent years.

Johnson's CR splits the deadlines by appropriations bill, rather than by federal agency, and military construction is funded in a different appropriations bill than the rest of the Pentagon. That means military construction funding would run out in January and funding for the rest of the Pentagon would end in February under the CR.

The Department of Veterans Affairs, which is funded in the same bill as military construction, would fall into the January funding deadline as well.

The Pentagon has not commented on the concept of a two-tiered CR, though the department has long made known its distaste for CRs in general since they do not allow the Pentagon to start new programs.

"You want the Chinese to steal and adopt this model because it's a terrible model," Pentagon acquisition chief William LaPlante said about CRs on Tuesday at an event hosted by Politico.

A CR essentially puts the government on autopilot by extending the previous year's funding level.

While the White House and Democrats initially panned Johnson's proposal as "unserious" since it would set up rolling government shutdown deadlines, they ultimately backed the CR as the least bad option to avoid a disruptive government shutdown. The CR does not include any Democratic red lines such as steep spending cuts or controversial policy riders.

Also left out of the CR is the White House's request for $106 billion in emergency funding for the wars in Ukraine and Israel, as well as national security issues in the Indo-Pacific region and security on the U.S.-Mexico border.

But national security-minded lawmakers who support the Ukraine and Israel funding said the priority at the moment is to prevent a government shutdown. Government shutdowns are seen as particularly disruptive to the military since service members are generally required to continue working without pay.

"We find ourselves running out of time," Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed, D-R.I., said about the government funding deadline at the Politico event. "It's not a question of preference; it's a question of necessity. Keep the government open, and then we can go ahead, I hope, quickly and pass a supplemental with Ukraine and Israel together."

-- Rebecca Kheel can be reached at rebecca.kheel@military.com. Follow her on X @reporterkheel.

Related: Here's How New House Speaker Mike Johnson Voted on Veteran and Military Issues
PARIS  French judicial authorities on Wednesday issued international arrest warrants for Syrian President Bashar Assad, his brother and two army generals for their alleged involvement in war crimes and crimes against humanity, including a 2013 chemical attack on rebel-held Damascus suburbs, lawyers for Syrian victims said.

In addition to President Assad, the arrest warrants were issued for his brother, Maher Assad, the commander of the 4th Armored Division, and two Syrian army generals, Ghassan Abbas and Bassam al-Hassan.

Jeanne Sulzer and Clemence Witt, lawyers at the Paris Bar who represent the plaintiffs, and NGOs behind the complaint, hailed the decision.

It marks a crucial milestone in the battle against impunity, Sulzer told The Associated Press on the phone. It signifies a positive evolution in case law recognizing the grave nature of the crimes committed.

The Paris prosecutors office has not publicly commented on the arrest warrants that remain secret under French law while an investigation is ongoing.

Legally speaking, this is a procedural act as the investigation into the 2013 attacks in Eastern Ghouta and Douma continues, Sulzer said. The four individuals named in the arrest warrants can be arrested and brought to France for questioning by the investigative judges, she said.

More than 1,000 people were killed and thousands were injured in the August 2013 attacks on Douma and Eastern Ghouta.

The investigation into the two chemical weapons attacks has been conducted under universal jurisdiction in France by investigative judges of the Specialized Unit for Crimes against Humanity and War Crimes of the Paris Judicial Court.

The investigation was opened in March 2021 in response to a criminal complaint by the survivors. It was filed by the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression.

Mazen Darwish, the director of the center, said the issuing of arrest warrants is a new victory for the victims, their families and survivors of the 2013 attacks.

Assads government was widely deemed by the international community to be responsible for the Aug. 21, 2013, sarin gas attack in the then-opposition-held Damascus suburb of eastern Ghouta. The Syrian government and its allies have denied their responsibility and claimed the Ghouta attack was carried out by opposition forces trying to push for foreign military intervention.

The United States threatened military retaliation in the aftermath of the attack, with then-President Barack Obama saying Assads use of chemical weapons would be Washingtons red line. However, the U.S. public and Congress were wary of a new war, as invasions in Afghanistan and Iraq had turned into quagmires.

In the end, Washington settled for a deal with Moscow for Syria to give up its chemical weapons stockpile.

Syria says it eliminated its chemical arsenal under the 2013 agreement. However, watchdog groups have continued to allege chemical attacks by Syrian government forces since then.

Alaa Makhzoumi, a survivor of the chemical attack in Eastern Ghouta, said the French decision is an "initial step towards achieving justice and fulfilling the rights of all martyrs and victims we lost that day.

Makhzoumi, now a refugee in Turkey, said she and her husband and son suffered respiratory problems after the attack, and her younger son was born with birth defects that she believes are linked to chemical exposure.

The most important thing about this decision is to bring the chemical (attacks) issue back to the forefront, she said, at a time when international attention has drifted away from Syria following normalization agreements of several Arab countries with Assad's government.

I hope that all countries will contribute to the implementation of the decision by arresting Assad if they have the opportunity," Makhzoumi said.

In addition to France, complaints relating to the chemical attacks in Eastern Ghouta in 2013 and Khan Shaykhun in 2017 were submitted to the authorities in Germany in October 2020, and in Sweden on April 2021, based on witness testimonies, visual evidence and information about the chain of command of the entities suspected of carrying out the attacks.

The volume and detailed evidence in the Eastern Ghouta case filed in France convinced the judges that there is serious or corroborating evidence making it likely that President Assad, his brother Maher and generals Abbas and Hassan, took part in planning an execution of these attacks and bear individual criminal responsibility for the crimes, the NGOs behind the complaint in France said in a statement.

Syria is not a member of the International Criminal Court, meaning it does not have jurisdiction there. However, human rights lawyers in the past have urged prosecutors to open an investigation into crimes during the countrys civil war, arguing that the court could exercise jurisdiction over Syrian civilians forced into Jordan, which is a member of the court.

So far, the court has not opened an investigation.

An investigative team at the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons has repeatedly found that Syrian forces used chemical weapons, including in the April 2018 attack on Douma. However, the OPCW does not have any means of prosecuting perpetrators.

____

Surk reported from Nice, France. Associated Press reporters Omar Albam in Idlib, Syria, and Mike Corder in The Hague contributed to this report.
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip  Israeli forces on Wednesday raided Gazas largest hospital, a beleaguered facility filled with hundreds of patients, including newborns, that is at the heart of clashing narratives around the war and a potent symbol of Palestinian suffering.

Israel viewed Shifa Hospital as a key target in a conflict that has killed thousands of Palestinians and unleashed widespread destruction in Gaza. The war between Israel and Hamas erupted after the militant group killed some 1,200 people and seized around 240 captives in a surprise Oct. 7 attack.

Israel says Shifa is a Hamas command post nestled under civilians, without providing visual evidence  part of its broader accusation that the militants use Palestinians as human shields. Hamas and Gaza health officials deny militants operate in Shifa, and Palestinians and rights groups say Israel has recklessly endangered civilians as it seeks to eradicate Hamas.

A worsening fuel shortage, meanwhile, threatened to paralyze the delivery of humanitarian services across Gaza and shut down the mobile phone and internet network.

Israeli raid into Shifa

Munir al-Boursh, a senior official with Gazas Health Ministry, said Israeli forces had ransacked the basement and other buildings at Shifa, including those housing the emergency and surgery departments.

They are still here, he said by phone from inside the hospital, hours after the raid began. Patients, women and children are terrified.

The Israeli military said it was carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in the hospital, adding that it was separate from where patients and medical staff are located.

It was not possible to independently assess the situation inside.

The military said the soldiers were accompanied by medical teams and bringing in incubators. It shared footage of them unloading equipment  as well as a couple dozen boxes labeled medical supplies and baby food in English  inside the hospital compound.

It added that forces are searching for hostages. The plight of the captives, who include men, women and children, has galvanized Israeli support for the war, and families and supporters of the hostages are holding a protest march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

The raid drew condemnation from Jordan and the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority, which called it a violation of international law. U.N. aid chief Martin Griffiths said he was appalled by the raid, saying the protection of civilians must override all other concerns.

At one point, tens of thousands of Palestinians seeking safety from Israeli bombardment were sheltering at the hospital, but most left in recent days as the fighting drew closer. A few thousand remain behind, along with patients, including premature babies, whose fate has drawn particular concern.

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.

Hours before Israel's raid, the United States said its own intelligence indicated militants have used Shifa and other hospitals  and tunnels beneath them  to support military operations and hold hostages.

With its troops inside Shifa, the burden will shift to Israel to prove its claim that the facility was being used by militants and that it was a big enough military target to justify the battle that isolated its patients for days and a fuel embargo that eventually shut down incubators and other life-saving equipment.

Hospitals can lose their protected status if combatants use them for military purposes, but civilians must be given ample time to flee, and any attack must be proportional to the military objective.

A trickle of fuel for aid workers

The deteriorating conditions at Shifa reflect the broader deprivations across the besieged territory.

Hardly any aid has been delivered to the the north, which has been without power or running water for weeks. About two thirds of the territorys 2.3 million people have fled their homes  and most are now squeezed into the southern part of the narrow coastal strip, where conditions are also deteriorating as bombardment there continues.

After refusing to allow fuel into Gaza for weeks, Israeli defense officials changed course early Wednesday to let in some 24,000 liters (6,340 gallons), but the fuel will only allow the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, to continue bringing limited supplies of food and medicine from Egypt.

The agency is providing basic services to the more than 600,000 people sheltering in severely overcrowded U.N.-run schools and other facilities in the south.

Thomas White, director of UNRWA in Gaza, said that under Israeli restrictions the fuel would only be used for transporting aid from Egypt. No fuel for water or hospitals, he said, adding that the amount is equivalent of only 9% of what we need daily to sustain lifesaving activities.

COGAT, the Israeli defense body responsible for Palestinian civilian affairs, said the decision to allow the fuel came at the request of the U.S. Israel has barred all fuel imports since the start of the war, saying Hamas would use it for military purposes.

The Palestinian telecom company Paltel, meanwhile, said it was relying on batteries to keep Gaza mobile and internet network running, and that it expected services to halt later Wednesday. Gaza has experienced three previous mass communication outages since the ground invasion.

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, with most believed to be buried under the rubble. The ministrys count does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths.

Battle in Gaza City

Israeli troops, meanwhile, have extended their control across northern Gaza, capturing the territorys legislature building and police headquarters. The military says Israeli forces have completed the takeover of Shati refugee camp, a densely built district, and are moving about freely in the city as a whole.

The military says its forces have found weapons and eliminated fighters in government buildings, schools and residential buildings. Israel says it has killed several thousand fighters, including important mid-level commanders, while 46 of its own soldiers have been killed in Gaza.

Inside some of the newly captured buildings, soldiers held up the Israeli flag and military flags in celebration.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Tuesday that Hamas had lost control of northern Gaza and that Israel made significant gains in Gaza City. But when asked about the timeframe for the war, he said: Were talking about long months, not a day or two.

___

Magdy reported from Cairo. Associated Press writer Amy Teibel in Jerusalem contributed to this report.
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 104 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.

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 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.

2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit al.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Gift Ostallos Siziba, the deputy spokesperson for the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has accused the ruling Zanu-PF party in Zimbabwe of transforming the act of voting into a life-or-death situation through coercive measures such as abductions, torture, and murder. This statement comes in the wake of the alleged abduction and murder of Tapfumaneyi Masaya, a key member of the CCC's campaign team.Masaya was reportedly abducted while conducting door-to-door campaigns for CCC's Mabvuku Constituency by-election candidate Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi. Kufahakutizwi is set to contest against Zanu-PF's Scott Sakupwanya in a rerun of August's poll following his recall from Parliament by Sengezo Tshabangu, who claims to be CCC's Interim Secretary General.Siziba, addressing journalists, asserted that voting for CCC has become a life-threatening act, citing the recent murder of another CCC member, Nyasha Zhambe, before Gutu's recent by-election. Siziba highlighted the killings of Mboneni Ncube, Zhambe in Gutu, Moreblessing Ali in Nyatsime, and Tafadzwa Chitsunge in Glenview, describing them as "change champions."Masaya's body was discovered in a state of decomposition, showing signs of injection with an unknown substance by assailants. Siziba expressed concern over the failure of the regime to bring perpetrators of these crimes to justice and criticized the prevailing lawlessness in the country.Siziba emphasized that under President Mnangagwa, voting in Zimbabwe has become a coerced act, with citizens forced to vote for Zanu-PF for the sake of their lives. He argued that voting is no longer about political choice or addressing bread-and-butter issues, characterizing it as coercion.The Zimbabwean government and Zanu-PF have faced criticism for their handling of electoral processes, with the conduct of August's polls raising concerns about voter intimidation, abductions, and torture, prompting questions about the credibility of the outcomes from opposition parties and international observer missions.
The Nationals have avoided arbitration with outfielder Victor Robles and right-handed reliever Tanner Rainey, the team announced. Robles, 26, was eligible for his final year of arbitration, while Rainey, 30, will be arbitration-eligible one last time next winter.

Rainey will earn $1.5MM in 2024 (per Andrew Golden of The Washington Post), which doesnt come as any surprise; he made the same salary this past season in a year almost completely lost to injury, and arbitration-eligible players rarely receive raises after lost seasons. No dollar value has been reported for Robles, although he was projected to earn $2.7MM in arbitration. The center fielder made $2.325MM last year, and the Nationals turned down a $3.3MM club option for his services in 2024. His new deal most likely falls somewhere in between those two figures.

Around the end of the regular season, Washington agreed to a contract with veteran utilityman Ildemaro Vargas, who was eligible for his second year of arbitration. The team now has four players who could still go to arbitration this winter: outfielder Lane Thomas, closer Kyle Finnegan, set-up man Hunter Harvey, and former top prospect Luis Garcia. The Nationals have already DFAd several arb-eligible players ahead of the non-tender deadline on November 17, including first baseman Dominic Smith, right-handed reliever Victor Arano, and utility player Michael Chavis.
The Nationals announced Tuesday that theyve designated first baseman Dominic Smith and right-hander Cory Abbott for assignment. Washington has also granted righty Andres Machado his release so that he can pursue an opportunity in Japan. That slate of moves clears space on the 40-man roster for lefties DJ Herz and Mitchell Parker as well as righties Cole Henry and Zach Brzykcy. That quartet of pitchers is now protected from next months Rule 5 Draft.

Smith, 28, was a first-round pick, longtime top prospect and (more briefly) a quality run producer for the division-rival Mets prior to being non-tendered in the 2022-23 offseason. From 2019-20, Smith treated the Mets to a stellar .299/.366/.571 batting line in 396 trips to the plate. He swatted 21 homers and connected on 31 doubles in that time before stumbling to a .643 OPS over his next two seasons and being cut loose. Smiths lone year in D.C. brought about a rebound to some extent, as he turned in a .254/.326/.366 batting line with a dozen homers, but that wasnt enough for the Nats to retain him and offer him a raise in arbitration.

Also 28 years old, Abbott has spent the past two seasons with the Nats. The former Cubs farmhand has logged 87 1/3 innings of 5.87 ERA ball in the Majors with Washington, fanning 21.3% of his opponents against an 11% walk rate. Abbott posted strong minor league numbers up through the Double-A level and once ranked as one of the Cubs more promising pitching prospects, but hes now struggled in both Triple-A (5.46 ERA in parts of three seasons) and the big leagues. Hes out of minor league options as well, which could make it tough for another club to claim him.

Both Abbott and Smith will be traded or placed on waivers within the next week. Both can become free agents if theyre unclaimed.

As for Machado, hell start the next chapter of his career overseas  likely on a seven-figure guarantee that wouldnt have been available to him in North American ball. Hes out of minor league options and not yet arbitration-eligible, so he was likely to lose his 40-man roster spot and spend next year trying to work his way back to the big leagues.

From 2021-22, Machado was a quietly solid member of the Washington bullpen, tallying 91 appearances and 95 innings of 3.41 ERA ball. He benefited from a .264 average on balls in play and had success in spite of pedestrian strikeout and walk rates of 18.3% and 9.9%, respectively.

Some degree of regression appeared in store, but perhaps not to the extent he saw in 2023 when he was torched for a 5.22 ERA in 50 innings despite marked improvements in his K-BB profile (20.8% strikeout rate, 6.3% walk rate). While Machado improved in terms of missing bats and limiting free passes (to say nothing of a 1 mph uptick in fastball velocity, to 96.7 mph on average), he also become staggeringly homer-prone; in 50 innings he served up 12 long balls  2.34 homers per nine frames (and a home run on 24% of the fly-balls he yielded). Hell take that plus velocity and improved command overseas, though its not yet clear precisely which team hell join.

All four of the prospects added to the Nationals 40-man roster today rank among their top 30 prospects at MLB.com. Herz is 22 years of age, while the others are all 24. Herz was the Cubs eighth-round pick in 2019 and came to the Nats by way of this summers Jeimer Candelario trade. He punched out nearly a third of his opponents while working as a starter in Double-A but also issued walks at almost a 14% clip. Injuries have plagued the career of Henry, a 2020 second-round pick with a potentially plus slider and plus-plus changeup. He pitched just 33 1/3 innings this past season. Similar to Herz, Parker is a lefty who missed bats in droves in the upper minors but did so with shaky command. Brzykcy is a bullpen prospect with a power fastball who missed the 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery.
Summers chorus of birdsong may have disappeared by now, but that doesnt mean you should put away your binoculars.

Late fall is a great time for birdwatching in Michigan, as Northern birds not typically seen here may be spotted as they make their way south this time of year.

Some of these sightings are owed to the months-long annual fall migration, during which many millions of songbirds, raptors, gulls and waterfowl leave their breeding territories farther north and travel southward to spend the winter in warmer climates.

In other instances, certain birds may leave their typical territories in search of food  to the delight of birdwatchers who may suddenly see some new feathered friends at their backyard feeders.

According to Audubon Great Lakes, here are a few special types of birds that might be seen in Michigan this month.

Northern owls: As these late-fall days get ever colder, Northern owl species will be making their way into the Upper Peninsula and even parts of the Lower Peninsula to spend the winter. These spectacular birds include the Great Gray Owl, Snowy Owl, Northern Hawk-Owl and Boreal Owl. If youre lucky enough to see one, remember to keep a respectful distance that doesnt risk disturbing the bird, as getting too close to owls can interfere with their natural behavior.

RELATED: If you see this bird in your backyard, winter is on its way

Golden Eagles: The Cornell Lab of Ornithology describes this powerful hunter as one of the largest, fastest, nimblest raptors in North America. Fall migration in October and November is one of two yearly opportunities to see these majestic birds in Michigan, as they make their way through the state to spend the winter in the central and southern U.S. Look for their enormous wingspans as they soar overhead.

RELATED: Want to be a better birder and wildlife photographer? Follow these 4 tips

Snow Buntings: These sweet, sprightly Arctic songbirds descend upon Michigan in large flocks this time of year, when they can be found gathering in barren fields and along the Great Lakes shorelines. Their plummage changes in late autumn, taking on more brown tones to help them blend in with their surroundings  when searching for them, slowly scan the landscape for movement along the ground.

Long-tailed Ducks: Youd be hard-pressed to find a more attractive duck in the wintertime here in Michigan. After a summer spent breeding in the Arctic, these regal waterfowl flock to the east and west coasts of North America  and, increasingly, the western Great Lakes  where they congregate for the winter months. Listen for their yodeling calls, and look for the males stunningly long tail feathers.

A male Long-tailed Duck photographed on Lake Michigan, near Grand Haven, Mich. | Photo by Emily TorngaEmily Tornga

Northern finches: The sporadic seed-production cycle of cone-bearing trees in the Arctics boreal forests sometimes causes a phenomenon known as an irruption  when flocks of finches leave their typical ranges in the far North to search for food across the Upper Great Lakes and Northeast. Backyard birdwatchers may catch a glimpse of the bright, boisterous Evening Grosbeak at sunflower seed feeders; other special finches that can appear this time of year include the Pine Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, Purple Finch, and arguably adorable Common Redpoll.

For more on Michigan birds, visit MI Birds online.
CRAWFORD COUNTY, MI -- A 48-year-old Grayling Township man is recovering after he suffered burns to his hands and face in an assault that took place Tuesday Morning. The Crawford County Sheriffs Office was dispatched to 615 S. I-75 Business Loop around 8:30 a.m. for a report of an assault.

Police interviewed the victim who said the suspect -- a 24-year-old Roscommon man -- threw boiling hot liquid on him before the suspect then pulled a knife. The suspect fled the scene on foot before police arrived, leading to a search.

The search caused the nearby Grayling High School to go into secure mode as the suspect had reportedly been seen near the school. Police caught up to the suspect and he was arrested shortly after the school went into secure mode and the school was able to return to normal.

An investigation is ongoing, but police have not released the identities of either man involved in the incident.
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI -- Police investigating whether a Saline High School student brought a gun to school learned it was actually a BB gun, police confirmed to MLive/The Ann Arbor News.

Two students told an administrator at Saline High School, 1300 Campus Parkway, Saline, that a group message had been circulating on Tuesday, Nov. 14, indicating another student had a gun, according to Pittsfield Township Police Lt. Jason Hohner.

The student with the gun was immediately questioned and the BB gun was located, confiscated, and guardians were notified, Hohner told MLive/The Ann Arbor News in an email. The School Resource Officer immediately began investigating the matter and took custody of the BB gun.

Police are also investigating additional allegations the student pointed the BB gun at another student, Hohner said. There were no reports the BB gun had been pointed at anyone during the initial investigation, he added.

There is currently no ongoing threat to the community, Hohner said.

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ANN ARBOR, MI - This years Washtenaw Distinguished Citizen honoree has lent his medical expertise to communities from Ann Arbor to West Africa.

Dr. Tim Johnson has been announced as the 2023 Washtenaw Distinguished Citizen by the Michigan Crossroads Council -- the statewide council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA).

Johnson will be presented with the honor during a Nov. 16 event Barton Hills Country Club hosted by the BSA.

The award is intended to recognize a lifetime of giving back to the Ann Arbor community through community service and selflessness, officials said.

Though Johnson said he personally doesnt feel worthy of recognition, he hopes his award will increase awareness of scouting and the training it provides to the boys and girls who will lead the community in the future.

I am a strong believer in community service, especially in a community as committed to social justice and human rights as ours, Johnson told MLive. For me, organizations like (the Boy Scouts) and Rotary, and the many non-profits who serve our community, are great opportunities for service.

Johnson has served on the boards of the Ann Arbor Art Center, the University Musical Society, Safe House and Planned Parenthood. He also previously served as council president for Southern Shores Council of the BSA and currently serves as state chair for the National Eagle Scout Association for the Michigan Crossroads Council.

Johnson also is a recipient of Rotary Club Distinguished Service Award.

Johnson was an undergrad student at the University of Michigan in the 1960s, completing his doctorate at Johns Hopkins University. He returned to Michigan Medicine in 1993 as a named professor and endowed chair of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, officials said.

I have been grateful for the opportunity to work for many community non-profit organizations, Johnson said. As a faculty member at Michigan Medicine -- where the pace and the intensity of the work can be all-consuming -- demonstrating community engagement in service allows me to model commitment beyond the walls of the university.

During his leadership of the department, faculty and researchers more than tripled, officials said. The department was unranked at his time of arrival -- it is now ranked third in the country.

During his career Johnson was instrumental in creating the in-country OB-GYN residency program for Ghana, officials said. Prior to his initiatives, Ghanaian OB-GYN doctors had to leave their country to complete their residency requirement, and most did not return due to offers from where they studied or other countries.

Since establishing the residency program, most now stay in Ghana, officials said. Ghanas Family Health Hospital and Medical School named their library after Johnson in 2015.

If you would like more reporting like this delivered free to your inbox, click here and signup for our weekly newsletter: Michigan Schools.

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FLINT, MI - Growing up in Flint, Alex Grossman always dreamt of becoming a star.

That dream has become a reality.

Grossman is an award-winning filmmaker, stand-up comedian, and actor bringing his new film Thats Funny on Dec. 7 to Flints Capitol Theatre, 140 E. 2nd Street.

Theres been unfortunately so many bad things written about Flint and the state of Michigan, Grossman told MLive-The Flint Journal. Everything has its ups and downs, but I love Michigan. I think theres beauty throughout the entire state and I wanted to show it off in this movie.

Grossman, a Flint native, created this film based on his own life about a middle-aged man who craves fame as a comedian to the point where he misses out on the beautiful moments life has to offer.

Thats Funny which was filmed throughout Michigan -- in Flint, Hartwick Pines, Boyne City, and Charlevoix -- also includes a large supporting cast with Michigan ties, a news release said.

It was in the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic where Grossman thought of the idea of creating the film. With everything shut down, he needed to create a film he could shoot from his home in Santa Monica, Calif. and his fathers home in northern Michigan.

He didnt intend to write a personal story, but the more he visited Flint and spoke with his friends, the story became mostly about himself and is why he also acted in the film.

Grossmans bread and butter is as a commercial director. Before the pandemic, he began dabbling with stand-up comedy and put a ton of pressure on himself.

I said Why am I doing this if its not great? he said. Im 50 years old. Whats the point? And when the pandemic hit, I learned a lesson that it doesnt have to be great. What does great even mean? If you enjoy something, you do it because you love it and hope to get better every day. Let other people decide if its good or not.

The film will be available on streaming platforms beginning Friday, Nov. 17, before opening at select theaters in Michigan for a one-night-only event.

Screenings will include an audience introduction by Grossman as well as a Q&A with him following the films showing.

The red carpet premiere at the Capitol Theatre will include appearances by Flint natives Ben Cain along with Mike Ramsdell (producer) and Stephen Smith (cinematographer). The Q&A following the screening will be moderated by Martin Jennings, Grossman and Cains acting teacher from Flint Central High School.

While growing up in Flint, Grossman actually did see himself doing this one day.

It took 25 years of baby steps to get to where I want to be, he said.

For a look at screening in Michigan, visit here.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The US and UK embassies in Zimbabwe say they are "alarmed" and "saddened" by the abduction and callous murder of CCC activist Tapfumanei Masaya by suspected state security agents weekend.Posting on X Tuesday, the US embassy called for a full investigation into the activist's death."The United States is alarmed by the reported abduction and death of an opposition campaign worker in #Zimbabwe . We call for a full investigation by the local authorities, peaceful preparations for the December by-elections and an end to political violence," said the embassy.Also posting on X, the UK embassy in Zimbabwe also expressed condolences over the activist's murder."Saddened and concerned by the death of Pastor Tapfumanei Masaya following his abduction, after other alleged incidents in recent weeks. We express our deepest condolences to his family and friends," the embassy said.The incident was also condemned by MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora who described on-going abductions as crimes against humanity."Abductions, torture, forced disappearances, murder and hate of political opponents are crimes against humanity. We cannot allow our country to go back to the grim situations of yesteryear," Mwonzora said in a post.According to witnesses, Masaya, who was 51, was seized by men who were driving on Toyota Fortuner vehicles as he joined fellow party activists in Tafara-Mabvuku to conduct door-to-door campaigns ahead of a December 9 by-election set for the area.His lifeless body was positively identified by family dumped at the intersection of Arcturus Road and Lobho Road, Cleveland area, Harare on 12 November 2023.In a statement on Monday, police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police are "currently conducting comprehensive investigations on the circumstances surrounding Tapfumaneyi Masaya's death while at the same time waiting for the full post-mortem report".Few however would believe the pledge to probe the crime by a police force that has been accused of failure to act on past cases of victimisation against opponents of the ruling Zanu-PF party.At a media briefing in Harare Tuesday, CCC deputy spokesperson Ostallos Gift Siziba cited cases in which police have shown reluctance to act even after formally recording reports from the opposition.The cases include the recent abduction and brutal attack on party legislator Takudzwa Ngadziore by assailants the youthful lawmaker bravely captured and broadcast live in the act on his mobile phone.The attacks are a recurrence of the 2022 by-election violence in which CCC activists, among them, sitting MPs were brutalised by suspected state agents flaunting expensive 44 vehicles with some bearing Zanu-PF colours.Despite acknowledging the crimes, police are yet to arrest any of the culprits involved.Siziba said the latest abductions signify "the crisis of impunity that is taking centre stage after the sham elections" August this year.
GRAND HAVEN, MI  Ottawa County Commissioner Roger Bergman, a moderate Republican from Grand Haven, will not seek reelection in 2024.

He was the only incumbent commissioner to beat an Ottawa Impact challenger in the 2022 Republican primary election. Ottawa Impact is a group of far-right Republicans who ran on a platform of individual freedom and parental rights.

Bergman, of District 10, represents the cities of Ferrysburg and Grand Haven and Spring Lake Township precincts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6. Hes been on the county board of commissioners since 2012.

Prior to his role as a county commissioner, Bergman served as Grand Havens mayor and a Grand Haven city council member. He is an Ottawa County native, born in Holland and a graduate of Holland Christian Schools and Hope College.

In 2024, the county commission seats will switch from two-year terms to four-year terms, and Bergman said hes ready to retire from elected office.

RELATED: Ottawa Impacts legacy may be long felt. Why that could be a problem.

Ive done (public office positions) for 23 years, and so if I were to run again, a four-year term would bring me into my 80s and Id rather not do that, Bergman told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press on Wednesday.

Bergmans been a county commissioner for over a decade now. He said he ran in 2022 because he felt he was in a unique position to defeat more extremist Republican candidates who ran as part of Ottawa Impact. During the 2022 election cycle, Ottawa Impact candidates won a majority of seats on the county board and have since made sweeping controversial changes.

Since the Ottawa Impact commissioners took their seats in January, Bergman has consistently voted against resolutions and other actions backed by Ottawa Impact members.

I ran this last time because I needed to, I had name recognition and with the Ottawa Impact candidates, I needed to run, Bergman said.

RELATED: Recall effort for Ottawa Impact county commissioner has enough verified signatures

Instead of running again, Bergman is endorsing another moderate Republican in District 10, former city councilmember Josh Brugger.

I know Josh very well, and I believe hes going to fall in line with a lot of my moderate thinking in terms of moving forward, Bergman said.

On social media, Brugger thanked Bergman for his endorsement.

I want to thank Roger Bergman for his dedication and service to Ottawa County and to the residents of Grand Haven, Spring Lake, and Ferrysburg; especially this past year in the face of so many challenges brought on by Ottawa Impact commissioners, Brugger wrote. As I look toward the future and what will be a challenging campaign, I want to thank Roger for his support.

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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No termination, no $4M settlement finalized: Ottawa County still debating future of health officer
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI  The group seeking to recall an Ottawa Impact county commissioner has enough verified signatures to get the recall on the May 2024 ballot, according to the county clerks office.

However, that targeted county commissioner, Lucy Ebel, now has until Nov. 23 to challenge any of the signatures verified by the county clerks office.

Ebel needs to have 173 verified signatures overturned during the challenge period to avoid a recall election in May. The Ottawa County Clerks Office will call the May election once the challenge period is over and if Ebel was unable to overturn the necessary number of signatures to thwart it.

Ottawa County Clerks Office staff on Monday, Nov. 13, finished verifying the 3,370 signatures submitted to them by the recall group.

About 21.3% of the signatures were thrown out, leaving 2,653 verified signatures, according to Katelyn Bard, elections supervisor with the clerks office.

A total of 2,481 verified signatures were needed to trigger the recall.

Related: Over 3K signatures submitted in quest to recall Ottawa Impact county commissioner

If Ebel is unsuccessful in her signature challenge, the recall election will operate similar to a normal election. Ebel, a Republican, will defend her seat against candidates who choose to run from other political parties or who are unaffiliated.

Ebel represents District 2 on the county board. That district includes a little more than half of Holland Township and one precinct in Park Township.

Ebel is a member of the ultraconservative majority faction on the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners called Ottawa Impact. Ottawa Impact commissioners began their terms Jan. 1.

Larry Jackson, a Park Township resident, submitted the petition to recall Ebel in early July.

The petition to recall Ebel cites her February vote to change the previous boards resolution appointing the current Ottawa County administrative health officer, Adeline Hambley. Other Ottawa Impact county commissioners also voted for the change.

Related: Proposed $4 million settlement with Ottawa County health officer leads to another closed session

That resolution change was later used in court by the countys new corporate counsel to argue Hambley had never been the administrative health officer. The Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled against that argument.

According to Bard, Ebel will be able to challenge any of the signatures on two grounds.

She can challenge that the signer is a registered voter and she can challenge the validity or genuineness of the signature of the registered voter or the petition circulator.

Related: Instead of firing her, Ottawa County commissioners move to settle lawsuit with health officer

In verifying the signatures, clerks office staff went through the signature pages to ensure all information was correctly labeled and then verified that signatures and the accompanying addresses matched the qualified voter file.

Ottawa County commissioners Roger Bergman and Doug Zylstra  both holdovers from the past board and not members of Ottawa Impact  are also facing recall efforts.

It wasnt immediately known how many signatures have been gathered so far in those recall efforts, but Ottawa County Clerks Office officials said Tuesday no signatures have been submitted to them yet for the recall of Bergman or Zylstra.

Related: Recall efforts move forward against two non-Ottawa Impact county commissioners

The recall petition language approved in September is the same for both Bergman and Zylstra, with exception to their individual names being listed: On 6/27/2023, (commissioner name) voted NO, on Resolution B/C 23-120, also known as The Resolution to Protect Childhood Innocence.

That resolution was introduced after staff from Ottawa County Health Department were present at two local Pride festivals. The department is an ongoing target of Ottawa Impact commissioners.

Commissioners on June 27 approved the resolution by a vote of 9-2, with only Bergman and Zylstra voting against it.

Related: Ottawa County forbids staff to support sexualization of children after employees attend Pride festivals

Bergman is a Republican who represents the cities of Grand Haven and Ferrysburg, the village of Spring Lake and most of Spring Lake Township. Bergman has served on the board since 2013.

Zylstra is a Democrat who represents all of the city of Holland located in Ottawa County. Zylstra has served on the county board since 2019.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Luxury goods and watch manufacturer Shinola has delayed the opening of its new downtown Grand Rapids store until mid-January due to a shortage of materials needed for the spaces renovation.

Company spokesperson John Stoll said materials for the stores flooring were not available to meet the retailers goal of opening by mid-November.

The timeline was always to have it open by mid-November, he said. That was definitely our ambition because of the holiday season. Our initial timetable was reasonable based on having really good partners who know Grand Rapids and who are expert at build outs.

Stoll said it would have been meaningful to open the new Grand Rapids location during the Christmas shopping season.

From a business perspective, it thankfully is not a major or material impact on our revenue goals for the year, our profit goals for the year, he said. So from an emotional standpoint, its disappointing. From a business fundamentals standpoint, its completely manageable.

Shinola, which is based in Detroit, announced in late October that it planned to open its new Grand Rapids location in mid-November at the historic Peck Building at 40 Monroe Center St. NW in downtown Grand Rapids. Shinola signed a three-year lease for the space with Rockford Construction, a prominent real estate development company in the city.

The announcement was greeted with much fanfare among the business community, who saw the presence of the company as providing a boost to the Monroe Center retail corridor. The city of Grand Rapids, the Grand Rapids Chamber and the Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority have been working for several years to add more shopping and retailers along the stretch.

Founded in 2011, Shinola sells watches, bicycles, leather goods, clocks, home goods, jewelry and more.

The new store will be the companys 22nd location in the U.S., and joins the companys other West Michigan location at Tanger Outlets in Byron Center.

Earlier this month, the DDA, which is primarily funded by downtown property taxes, approved a $61,000 retail innovation grant for Shinola. The grant essentially cuts the retailers rent in half for 18 months at the new location.

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.
JACKSON COUNTY, MI -- While popular chain restaurants like Taco Bell and Los Tres Amigos might be your usual stop to quell a taco craving, there are plenty of local spots that offer Mexican cuisine that are easy to find if you know where to look.

Jackson County has a wealth of options for those looking to celebrate Taco Tuesday any day of the week, and the five eateries listed below offer bountiful menus sure to satisfy any tortilla-lovers needs.

The interior at The Crazy Cowboy, 215 S. Mechianic St. in Jackson, on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020. The downtown Jackson restaurant specializes in Mexican food and burgers.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

The Crazy Cowboy

Best known for its burritos and growing burger options, The Crazy Cowboy has been a staple in downtown Jackson for years.

Reopening in 2020 after being temporarily shutdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the longtime local favorite eatery recent shook up its menu adding more burger options and new deserts like Fruity Pebbles fried ice cream.

Some things never change though -- the tacos and burritos are still among the most popular items on the menu.

Jacksons Crazy Cowboy features burgers and Mexican cuisine

The Crazy Cowboy, 215 S. Mechanic St. in Jackson, is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sunday. More info can be found on their website and Facebook page.

The interior at La Catrina Bar & Grill, 501 Longfellow Ave. in Jackson, on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. The restaurant offers traditional Mexican food at the location of the former Chilangos Cantina Grill.J. Scott Park | jpark4@mlive.com

La Catrina Bar and Grill

Inhabiting the location formerly home to Chilangos Cantina Grill, La Catrina aims to bring more authentic Mexican cuisine and drinks to Jackson.

Give the Molcajete Catrina a try at La Catrina Bar and Grill

Celebrating its soft opening in early 2023, La Catrina has built a menu full of burrito, taco, enchilada, fajitas and chimichangas options.

So far, the Molcajete Catrina dish has been piquing customers interests. The entree is served with chicken, steak, chorizo, fried onions and jalapenos, all served with a sauce inside a stone bowl.

Customers also love the street corn and the Carne Asada -- ribeye served with fried onions and jalapenos with a side of rice, beans, lettuce, avocado, tomatoes and tortillas.

La Catrina Bar and Grill, 501 Longfellow Ave., is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. More information and updates can be found on its website.

Customers dine at La Esquina Mexican Cafe, 3634 McCain Road in Summit Township, on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022. The new Mexican restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner options.J. Scott Park | jpark4@mlive.com

La Esquina Mexican Cafe

Since opening in fall 2022, La Esquina has aimed to give Jacksonians a place to grab authentic Mexican food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

With their new restaurant, owners Judith and Josue Orozco hope to bring a family friendly restaurant to the community. The inside is full colorful artwork inspired by Frida Kahlo, including a mural of Kahlo on the wall and even an inspirational quote from the famed Mexican painter on another wall that reads, At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.

La Esquina Mexican Cafe is bringing new authentic Mexican food to Jackson

The cafe is also one of the only places in Jackson to feature popular Mexican breakfast dishes such as chilaquiles, huevos rancheros and huevos divorciados. The lunch and dinner menu feature Salchipapas, burritos, fajitas and tacos and more.

La Esquina Mexican Cafe, 3634 McCain Road in Jackson, is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. More information and menu items can be found on La Esquina Mexican Cafes Facebook page.

Barria tacos are served at Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant and Cantina, 2241 Brooklyn Road in Jackson, on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022. The restaurant offers a variety of Mexican dishes and drinks.Chloe Miller | Mlive.com

Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant & Cantina #2

Many great restaurants have been in the building Fiesta Mexicana is in now, and the cantina is continuing that legacy of fine cuisine.

The building at 2241 Brooklyn Road was home to Giglios Italian Restaurant until 2015, and then was taken over by Casa Rodriguez in 2019. Now, Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant & Cantina #2 -- the second in a chain that first opened in Charlotte in 2020 -- is at home in the spot.

Big portions await at Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant & Cantina in Jackson

The menu offers a large range of authentic Mexican food, including tacos, burritos, gorditas, chimichanga, tamales, chalupas, fajitas and more.

Some of the most popular menu items are the wet burrito and birria tacos. Drinks include house margaritas and other mixed drinks. Large portions at great prices are a restaurant trademark.

Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant & Cantina #2, 2241 Brooklyn Road, is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the week. More information can be found on its Facebook page.

Variety of sauces at Zilantros in Jackson, Michigan, on Thursday, July 13, 2023. Christina Merrill | MLive.comChristina Merrill | MLive.com

Zilantros

Zilantros is a food truck that serves most of Southern Michigan -- including Lenawee, Hillsdale, Washtenaw and Jackson counties -- and specializes in cooking all the favorite Mexican street foods.

One of its more popular dishes is the street tacos, which come with a choice of chicken, steak, shredded beef or marinated pork topped with onion and cilantro. Two tortilla shells are used to keep it from getting soggy.

Zilantros also offers loaded options with cheese is melted onto the shell. The only thing not on the tacos are sour cream, lettuce and tomatoes -- since thats not the street-food style -- said co-owner Carlos Alvarez.

Locations, schedules and updates on where to find the food truck can be found on Zilantros Facebook page and Instagram.

Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Jackson daily newsletter.

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5 great places to grab a burger in the Jackson area
KALAMAZOO, MI - A man suspected in the homicide of a Kalamazoo man over the weekend was arraigned on charges of open murder, police said.

Jason Lawrence Blough, a 40-year-old from Kalamazoo, was arraigned Nov. 14 in 8th District Court and denied bond by Judge Kathleen Hemingway, according to a Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety release.
KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI -- A man has been extradited from Spain to face charges in West Michigan stemming from alleged child sex crimes in Kalamazoo County.

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten announced Kristian Ignacio Feliz, 24, of Danbury, Connecticut, was extradited from Spain to the U.S. to face prosecution after being indicted in March 2023 for allegedly committing child sex crimes.
MIDLAND, MI  In an effort to make its annual Christmas parade more inclusive and enjoyable for all families wishing to attend, the 2023 Midland Santa Parade will feature a designated sensory block without loud noises and bright lights.

Many people with sensory issues wont attend or bring their children with sensory issues to the parade because of loud noises and lights are too overwhelming, reads a recent announcement on the Midland Santa Parade Facebook page. To make it possible for everyone to enjoy the parade we are designating a sensory block, a block of the parade where the bands stop playing, lights/horns stop, no extreme noises. ...Thank you for joining us in making this a more inclusive community event.

The Grove Park block on Ashman Street between West Pine and East Grove streets is the designated sensory block. There, bands will stop playing, and lights and horns will be turned off. Signs will be posted to serve as a reminder to parade participants.

The parade is planned for Saturday, Nov. 18. It starts at 10 a.m. at the Midland High School parking lot, 1301 Eastlawn Drive, then travels Eastlawn to Saginaw Road to Ashman Street, ending on Main Street.

For more information, visit midlandsantaparade.org.

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.
SANILAC COUNTY, MI  A 75-year-old man has died after a fire started in his hunting blind on the first day of firearm deer hunting season in Michigan.

Deputies with the Sanilac County Sheriffs Office along with the Argyle Fire Department responded to a report of a fire in the 4600 block of Freiburger Road in Argyle Township.
ROSCOMMON, MI  Just a few hours into the opening day of firearm season for deer hunting, police and U.S. Coast Guard personnel in central Michigan had to rescue a hunter who fell from his tree stand.

Before the sun dawned on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 15, a 61-year-old Almont man was in his stand in the Dead Stream Swamp area of Roscommon County. About 6 a.m., he fell about 25 feet from the stand to the ground, said Michigan State Police Special Lt. Derrick Carroll.
Nigerian afrobeats sensation, Mr Eazi, has dispelled rumors about his wedding, asserting that the ceremony was never concealed from the public eye.

In an interview with Naija FM in Lagos, Mr Eazi reacted to speculations about the silence of his nuptials, directing fans to watch his music video for his song "Legalise" shot in Venice.

"Who told you it was a secret wedding?

Go and watch the video of my song 'Legalise'; you will get the answer to your question.

We shot the video in Venice," he stated.

If you watch the video you will see proofs there. Our outfits werent just costumes. Go and watch the video and you will see everything clearly.

"Its just like what painters do, whenever you see their work you will see the message theyre trying to convey. Thats how its with us musicians too, Mr Eazi clarified during the radio interview.

The internationally acclaimed artist is married to Temi Otedola, the daughter of Nigerian billionaire businessman Femi Otedola.

The couple's relationship had been in the spotlight for several years before reportedly getting engaged in 2022 and subsequently tying the knot a few months later.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said the cause of death for the teen, identified as Jonathan Lewis Jr., 17, was blunt force trauma

GoFundMe Jonathan Lewis

Eight teenagers have been arrested on murder charges in connection with the fatal beating of a 17-year-old teen who died earlier this month.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) announced in a press conference that they have arrested eight people between the ages of 13-17 for the alleged murder of Jonathan Lewis Jr. after videos circulated on social media of Lewis getting beat up by several teens.

Our victim removes his clothing, engages in a fight initially with one subject and the minute the punch is thrown at that person, ten subjects immediately swarm him, Lt. Jason Johansson with the LVMPDs homicide section explained.

What you see in the video though is approximately ten subjects kicking, stomping and punching our victim Jonathan as hes on the ground, not defending himself until the point where he becomes unconscious, Johansson added.

GoFundMe Jonathan Lewis Jr. as seen on a GoFundMe page for him.

He noted that the incident, which happened on Nov. 1, occurred in an alleyway east of the Rancho High School and that all the witnesses, suspects and attendees of the brawl involved were students from that school. He also noted that the fight was "over a pair of stolen wireless headphones and possibly over a marijuana vape pen which was stolen from Lewis or his friends.

Johansson said a citizen nearby saw Lewis on the ground and carried him back to Rancho High School, where 911 was called. The teen was transported to the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada where investigators determined that he had sustained non-survival, head trauma.

On Nov. 7, the LVMPD were told that Lewis was medically declared brain dead, and on Monday an autopsy on his body revealed that his cause of death was blunt force trauma and his death was ruled a homicide.

GoFundMe Jonathan Lewis Jr. as seen on a GoFundMe page raising funds following his death.

Johansson said they worked with Clark County School District Police Department and Rancho High School administrators to identify those in the fight on video. They then executed nine search warrants on Tuesday morning at various residences throughout the Las Vegas Valley where they were able to obtain various clothing that Lewis and his friends wore during the attack.

Story continues

The lieutenant added that eight teens were all booked into the Clark County Juvenile Hall on charges of murder and that their case has now been turned over to the Clark County District Attorneys office, going through the normal steps for them to be certified and tried as an adult.

It is far from over, Johansson explained. Weve identified eight of the ten we believe are responsible for the murder, but through our PIO office, we will be pushing out additional pictures of two individuals that we have yet to identify that participated in the incident. [We are] requesting assistance from the community identifying them.

LVMPD Undersheriff Andrew Walsh added, This should be a reminder for all of us to have those difficult conversations with our children and remind them that their actions have consequences. Their actions have lasting consequences. Their actions have life-altering consequences.

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Lewis' father Jonathan Lewis Sr., opened a GoFundMe  which has collected over $102,000 as of Wednesday  and remembered his son 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 [sic] ones," his dad wrote before Lewis' death. "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."

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14.11.2023 LISTEN

The National Health Insurance Scheme office in Bawku on 11th November engaged media for the support in educating the general public on the two mobile services introduced by the scheme to aid membership enrolment without visiting NHIS offices.

The Scheme Manager, David Samari said one can use his/her mobile phone to dial *929# to renew his/her membership without going to the NHIS office.

He added that with a smartphone one can download MyNHIS app from the Play Store for new registration and renewal.

Mr Samari explained that the MyNHIS app is applicable to those with Ghana cards.

According to him, the app is designed to make registration and renewal of existing members of NHIS without stress.

He noted that the new application is an addition to the several digital platforms introduced to make access easy.

Mr Samari added that persons who are 70 years and above can register and renew their cards for free but not via the new App. "Beneficiaries may have to access the service at the district offices," he indicated.
Ghana National Service Secretariat is deploying and training 1000 National Service Personnel to become agripreneurs by the end of their service year.

The move is executed through a collaboration between the Ghana National Service Scheme, Jospong Group of Companies, and the Asian African Consortium, aimed at boosting Ghana's food security.

The goal is to equip Ghanaian youth with essential skills for the agriculture sector.

The NSPs are currently receiving comprehensive training in various aspects of agriculture across 46 training centers nationwide, covering everything from land preparation to sustainable and data-driven farming techniques.

At a recent induction ceremony in Gomoah Fetteh, Central Region, the Executive Director for NSS Hon Osei Assibey expressed deep appreciation to Jospong Group and AAC for their invaluable partnership.

"Our aim is to bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering practical experiences and fostering entrepreneurship among our youth," he stated.

Hon Osei Assibey appealed to academic institutions to modernize their curricula and incorporate practical attachments, mirroring the successful models in other professions like medicine.

Excitingly, Dr. Siaw-Agyepong, the Executive Chairman of Jospong Group, announced over 100 full scholarship programs for postgraduate studies in agriculture, available in countries like Russia, Thailand, Japan, Nigeria, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

Mrs. Adelaide Araba Siaw-Agyepong, CEO of the Asian-African Consortium, encouraged NSPs to leverage this opportunity to enhance Ghana's rice value chain.

The event was graced by esteemed figures in Ghana's agriculture, including Nana Kwabena Adjei Ayeh II, Ms. Marian Ofori Twumasi, Hon. Alhaji Hardi Tufeiru, Agya Yaw Nsia, and other influential voices who motivated NSPs, highlighting the many opportunities in agriculture.

This initiative is a step towards reducing graduate unemployment and building a sustainable future for Ghana.
Ghanaian morning show host Nicholas Morkah was filming soldiers attacking a man when the soldiers began attacking Morkah, according to news reports. (Screenshot: Courtesy of Akyemansa FM)

14.11.2023 LISTEN

Ghanaian authorities must swiftly complete their investigation into the soldiers who attacked and detained journalist Nicholas Morkah last month and hold the perpetrators to account, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Monday.

On October 19, six soldiers attacked and beat Morkah, a morning show host with the privately owned Akyemansa FM broadcaster, after Morkah began filming the soldiers attacking a man in the Birim Central Municipal District of Ghanas Eastern Region, according to a report by the privately owned Modern Ghana news website and Morkah, who spoke by phone with CPJ.

After noticing Morkah was filming, a soldier approached the journalist, grabbed his shirt by the neck and began to hit him, demanding to know why Morkah was filming. Morkah said five other soldiers then joined in hitting and kicking him all over his body, even as he told them he was a journalist.

Authorities in Ghana must ensure that those responsible for beating journalist Nicholas Morkah are held accountable, said Angela Quintal, CPJs Africa program coordinator, in New York. Ghanas leadership have so far failed to take the necessary actions to ensure security forces do not perpetrate violence against journalists.

The soldiers seized Morkahs cell phone, forced him into their van, and then hit Morkah with his motorcycle helmet at least five times before driving the journalist to their local barracks, where they erased everything on his phone by resetting it. They also accused the journalist of offending them.

While at the barracks, a senior officer requested that Morkah provide a contact for Yaw Yeboah, Akyemansa FMs manager, then called Yeboah, informed him of Morkahs arrest, and said the outlet would be prevented from covering future military events, Morkah told CPJ. Officers at the barracks also found Morkahs second phone and searched it, Morkah said.

Officers then took Morkah to the local police command, where officers interrogated him, handed him a document alleging he had committed offensive conduct, and made him write a statement about the incident on that document.

Morkah said the officers released him the same day without charge on administrative bail for which he had to provide a surety and verbal assurances that he would be available for further questioning. He returned the next day and retrieved both of his phones.

After his release, Morkah said he went to a hospital where he was given medication for severe pain in his knee, back, and head, as well as cuts on his lips and head from the attack. Morkah said the cuts have healed, but added he was still in pain more than a week later.

Morkah filed a police complaint on October 23 and Akyemansa FM wrote to the National Media Commission, which is a national media regulator, the Ghana Journalists Association, a local trade group, as well as officials with Ghana Armed Forces and the Information Ministry, according to Morkah and the privately owned Joy Online news website.

According to a statement by the Ghana Journalists Association provided to CPJ, the Ghana Armed Forces expressed readiness to investigate the incident and hold those responsible to account. CPJ contacted Ghana Armed Forces director of public relations, Micheal Addo Larbi, at a phone number and email address he provided, but he did not respond.

Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, who owns the broadcaster where the journalist works, told CPJ that the armed forces were indeed investigating and promised a report would be out soon. The journalist said he had been questioned in the investigation.

CPJ reporting has identified a broad pattern of impunity in attacks on the press in Ghana, including by security forces.
Accra, Ghana Get ready to mark your calendars as the 9th Edition of the Connected Banking Summit- West Africa is set to take Accra, Ghana on February 21st, 2024. This highly anticipated summit promises two days of unprecedented insights, discussions, and networking opportunities, bringing together global executives, industry experts, and visionary leaders from the BFSI sector. The Connected Banking Summit has garnered a reputation for championing forward-thinking banking models, with a focus on accelerating digital transformation, ensuring impeccable customer experiences, upholding regulatory compliance, and maintaining the highest standards of privacy and security.

The summit will also feature the prestigious Innovation and Excellence Awards, providing a platform for leaders and experts from diverse sectors within the region to engage in insightful discussions. Attendees will include representatives from banks, insurance companies, FinTechs, TechFins, digital and neo-banks, non-banking financial organizations, cooperatives, investment funds, and asset management companies. Together, they will explore the transformative potential of integrated solutions in shaping the future of the banking landscape.

Organized by the International Center for Strategic Alliances (ICSA), the Connected Banking Summit 2024, formerly known as Africa's Digital Banking Summit, is all set for its 9th Edition in West Africa, under the theme "Innovations Powering Digital Inclusion and Sustainable Transformation."

The summit boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, including:

- Dr. Maxwell Opoku-Afari, First Deputy Governor, Bank of Ghana

- Dr. Olorunsola E. Olowofeso, The Director General, West African Monetary Institute (WAMI)

- Victor Yaw Asante, Managing Director, FBN Bank Ghana

- Abena Amoah, Managing Director, Ghana Stock Exchange

- Bernard Gyebi, Managing Director, Prudential Bank Limited

- Benjamin Dzoboku, Managing Director, Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC

- Kwame Oppong, Director Fintech and Innovation, Bank of Ghana

- Pearl Nkrumah, Executive Director, Retail and Digital Banking, Access Bank (Ghana) Plc

- George Mensah, Director Technology, Consolidated Bank Ghana

- Martin Kwame Awagah, President, Ghana Fintech & Payment association

- Abdoul Aziz Faye Group CIO, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated

- Kwasi Akyeampong Chief Transformation Officer, Fidelity Bank Ghana

- Samuel Dakurah Chief Information Officer, First National Bank

- Dr. Philip Oti - Mensah Executive Director, OmniBSIC Bank

Supporting partners for the summit include:

- Bank of Ghana (BOG)

- Ghana Fintech and Payments Association (GFPA)

- West African Monetary Institute (WAMI)

- Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE)

-Fintrak software

- ITSS Global

-Veritas Technologies

The 9th Edition Connected Banking Summit - West Africa promises to be a pivotal event shaping the future of the financial services industry. To learn more about the summit, please visit the official website at https://connected-banking.com/summit/wa/ or connect with us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/connectedbanking

For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:

Mohammed Thoufiq

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +44 20 3808 8625
On Sunday, November 12, 2023, the Bogoso seamstress center received a commitment from Hon. Robert Wisdom Cudjoe, Member of Parliament for the Prestea Huni Valley Constituency, who promised the leaders of the training center.

On behalf of the MP, the Prestea Huni Valley constituency NDC executives presented the items to the training center, which included industrial sewing machines and a GHC1,000 financial gesture.

The donation is meant to help the training center with its training initiatives.

Hon. Robert Wisdom Cudjoe's dedication to helping individuals with skill training, small companies and entrepreneurs in the constituency was reaffirmed by the PHVC NDC leaders during the presentation.

They emphasized the importance of empowering local artisans, skilled workers, and entrepreneurs to contribute to the economic growth and development of the constituency.

The leaders of the Bogoso training center expressed their gratitude for the generosity and thanked Hon. Robert Wisdom Cudjoe for his support. They pledged to make good use of the items to improve their skills, build capacities and create more opportunities for themselves and others in the township.

The donation reflects Hon. Robert Wisdom Cudjoe's dedication to uplifting the lives of the people in his constituency and his commitment to supporting small businesses and local entrepreneurs. The gesture has been well-received by the association and is expected to have a positive impact on the livelihoods of the beneficiaries.

Source: Prestea Huni Valley NDC Communications Bureau
Mali's army has retaken the town of Kidal from Tuareg-dominated rebels. Here we look at the significance of the place which has for years been a northern stronghold for the separatists.

Where and what is Kidal?

Kidal occupies a special place in the geography and consciousness of the Sahel region.

A former French military post from the early 20th century, this right-angled mosaic of streets and flat buildings set in the dust of the desert is a crucial staging post between Mali and Algeria.

Map of Mali showing the strategic town of Kidal, reportedly recaptured by the army. By Sophie RAMIS, Vincent LEFAI (AFP)

Over 1,500 kilometres and 24 hours' drive from the capital Bamako, and hundreds of kilometres from the other major northern towns of Gao and Timbuktu, Kidal is home to a few tens of thousands of people.

The town and its surrounding region have been the hotbed of successive independence uprisings since Mali gained independence from France in 1960.

The head of the current Malian junta, Colonel Assimi Goita, served in Kidal in the past.

What is at stake?

Kidal had been under the control of the Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA) -- an alliance of predominantly Tuareg groups seeking autonomy or independence -- since 2013.

This rebel stronghold had been a stubborn obstacle in the government's bid to secure control over the entire region and country, even more so for the colonels who seized power by force in Bamako in 2020.

They have made this total sovereignty their mantra.

The Kidal region was one of the first to fall into the hands of rebels, some pro-independence, others Salafist, when the insurrection broke out in 2012, the aftermath of which plunged Mali into the turmoil it is still experiencing today.

It came under the sole control of the Salafists, but was taken over by the separatists in 2013 in the wake of French intervention.

Prior to Tuesday's announcement, the Malian army and the state had barely regained even a foothold in Kidal since May 2014, when its armed forces were driven out after a visit by then-prime minister Moussa Mara led to clashes with the rebels, resulting in heavy losses among the army's ranks.

Since then, a governor has exercised only a symbolic presence.

In June, the rebels prevented a constitutional referendum from being held in the region.

Kidal has also been a focal point for tensions between Bamako and Paris.

For some, such as Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga, France had created an enclave from which terrorism spread to the rest of the country, by allowing the independence fighters to retake it in 2013 and preventing the Malian army from entering. France refutes these claims.

How did Kidal fall?

In May 2014, the rebels agreed to a ceasefire, after dozens of soldiers were killed or wounded.

The following year they signed a peace agreement with the government, renouncing their independence plans in exchange for greater inclusion in Malian society, including in a so-called reconstituted army, and more autonomy.

For many Malians, this agreement ratified the partition of Mali, and taking back Kidal was seen as the remedy to this.

The agreement was already in bad shape before the colonels came to power in Bamako in 2020.

Tensions continued to grow afterwards and the rebels resumed hostilities in August.

The withdrawal of the UN MINUSMA peacekeeping mission on the orders of the junta triggered a race between the armed actors in the north -- the army, separatists, jihadists -- for control of the territory and the camps left behind by the peacekeepers.

In the rush for control, Kidal was seen as the ultimate prize.

When MINUSMA left its camp in Kidal on October 31, the rebels were quick to take possession, much to the dismay of the junta.

But the army had already prepared a column which was ready to move towards the town.
The Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources through the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area Sanitation and Water Project (GAMA-SWP) on Tuesday, November 14, held a knowledge-sharing forum for representatives of schools in the region on the operation and maintenance of school sanitation and water facilities.

Through the World Bank-funded GAMA Sanitation and Water Project, over 400 school sanitation and water facilities have been built and handed over to schools in the Greater Accra Region.

The school sanitation and water facilities come with flush toilets, water storage tanks, a water source (if the institution is not already connected to one), handwashing facilities, solid waste management facilities, and changing rooms for menstruating girls.

All the facilities are disability friendly with special access paths and other support items created for the purpose, complying strictly with all the minimum standards of WASH in Schools set by the Ghana Education Service.

To ensure these facilities are put to good use by the schools and properly taken care of, the Ministry of Sanitation through GAMA organised Tuesdays forum to engage the heads of the benefiting schools.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the forum, Ing. George Asiedu who is GAMA Project Coordinator explained the importance of the forum, stating that all facilities must be maintained well to last their 15-year life span at least.

The GAMA Project Coordinator explained that the essence of the forum is to inculcate in the heads of the schools the working arrangement for effective operation and management so that the schools will be able to maintain these facilities.

So, what we are saying is that the school authorities must be up and doing, they must take the bull by the horns. Once government has done its part and has given them these facilities, we have to discuss operation and maintenance arrangements. One of them is that every school must get a janitor dedicated to the facility. What we are also engaging the school authorities with is that government is in the process of coming out with policies for managing school WASH facilities. Before we get there, we can mobilize ourselves, the schools management committees, the PTA, and they can all contribute, Ing. George Asiedu said.

Ing. George Asiedu

He said government is keen on extending the construction and handing over of school sanitation and water facilities to other schools that are lacking.

According to Ing. George Asiedu this will be done as part of governments commitment to promoting good sanitation in the country.

At the forum, poor user practices, poor maintenance culture, inadequate fund mobilization, and vandalism were identified as the main issues that pose threats to the school's sanitation and water facilities.

A consultant with expertise in maintaining the facilities, Mr. Vincent Tay advised the school heads to provide oversight if they appreciate the importance of the facilities and the effect it has on improving teaching and learning.

He urged the heads of the over 30 schools present at the forum to make a plan on how to maintain the facilities to ensure effective maintenance.

The toilet is critical just like all other facilities. If is not well managed it affects the learning environment and affects the studies of school children.

WASH facilities contribute to the delivery of the schools core mandate and need to be managed properly. So, managing these facilities is very important and must be prioritized, Mr. Vincent Tay said.

Among issues raised by the representatives of the schools at the forum, they cited the lack of funds to keep the water in the facilities running as a major challenge.

In response to this and many other challenges, Ing. George Asiedu assured that GAMA will continue its engagement to ensure the issues are addressed.
15.11.2023 LISTEN

A Professor at the University of Ghana Business School, Lord Mensah, has said he is expecting the 2024 budget to outline measures to deal with the high risk that the country has been pushed into.

The Finance Minister will be presenting the budget statement in Parliament on Wednesday, November 15.

Speaking on the Sunrise show on Tuesday, November 14, ahead of the presentation Prof Mensah said I am expecting a budget that will for the first time see a contingency because the risk that the country has been pushed into is very high.

The Finance Ministry has described the 2024 budget statement as a crucial document to be presented by the Minister.

The Ministry said the budget comes on the back of the successful first review of the 3-year programme with the IMF.

A statement issued on Tuesday, November 14 said The budget is crucial because it is developed to support the implementation of the IMF -backed post- COVID -19 programme of economic growth.

It comes just after the successful first review of the three-year US43 billion IMF-ECF programme.

It will also heighten among others, the performance of the economy, efforts to boost the productive capacity of the economy through the new growth strategy, fiscal measures, and debt management strategies to deepen stability and promote growth.

The government is currently discussing with its external creditors for debt relief worth $10.5 billion.

-3news.com
Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, has said there would be no substance in the 2024 budget statement to be presented to Parliament by the Finance Minister on Wednesday, November 15.

He said Ghanaians should expect a budget statement that has been prepared by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) because the Finance Minister is not in charge.

Sam George told TV3 on Tuesday, November 14 that He is coming to read what the IMF has written for him. You have a Finance Minister who has absolutely no control over the budget. Once he has no control over the budget, he is coming to read what the IMF has written for him, there is no substance that you can expect.

The IMF is known for one thing, austerity, and so we should expect that they will tell the government to cut down on expenditure, which means that critical infrastructure that we need like roads, education hospitals, the government will have to it cut down. Don't expect the government to cut down their traveling expenses. So they are going to cut what benefits the public, they won't cut what benefits the president and his appointees.

The Finance Ministry has however described the 2024 budget statement as a crucial document to be presented by the Minister.

The Ministry said the budget comes on the back of the successful first review of the 3-year programme with the IMF.

A statement issued by the Ministry on Tuesday, November 14 said The budget is crucial because it is developed to support the implementation of the IMF-backed post-COVID-19 programme of economic growth.

It comes just after the successful first review of the three-year US43 billion IMF-ECF programme.

It will also heighten among others, the performance of the economy, efforts to boost the productive capacity of the economy through the new growth strategy, fiscal measures, and debt management strategies to deepen stability and promote growth.

The government is currently discussing with its external creditors for debt relief worth $10.5 billion.

-3news.com
Along its Atlantic coast, Benin's government has spent millions of dollars to protect coastal communities from sea erosion. But Doris Alapini can only watch as waves tirelessly eat away at her land and the large seaside restaurant she built.

The ocean is slowly winning the battle.

"The sea is advancing a lot. We have to do dredging or else block it, otherwise it will keep advancing," Alapini said as she walked along Cotonou's long sandy beach.

"I have seen how many times it has destroyed and invaded the neighbourhood."

She has lived for 27 years in the Jak district, one of the oldest and most chic in the economic capital of Benin. Every year, sea waters overflow into her area.

"The neighbourhood is under threat every day," she said.

"No one here has any guarantees. If there is a big wave, it will demolish the entire neighbourhood."

Not all coastal erosion is linked to climate change. But since 2002, Benin has lost kilometres (miles) of coastline, said Esquill Outiclissou, executive of the government's general directorate of environment and climate.

"The state has not remained idle," he said, pointing to protective structures, stone groynes and other installations, particularly to the east of Cotonou.

According to Outiclissou, nearly 100 billion CFA francs ($160 million) have been injected into the protection of Beninese coasts in recent years and the investment helped slow down the ocean's advance.

Africa often finds itself on the front line of climate change impact despite the continent contributing the least to greenhouse gas emissions globally.

Still, Benin and its littoral West African neighbours Togo and Ghana are, just like Pacific islands and coastal South Asian cities, at risk of shore erosion's impact on communities.

With global warming affecting sea levels, coastal erosion will be one of the subjects leaders will address when they meet for COP28 in Dubai in December.

Race against time

Raymond Mekpe, a 40-year-old fisherman, cannot believe the erosion losses.

Born in Cotonou, Mekpe might not be a climate expert but has his own indicators to illustrate the sea's unbridled advance.

"The homes of my grandparents and my parents were there," he said, pointing out to sea.

"We played somewhere there in our childhood," he added, gesturing towards another area where big waves crash.

Benin has introduced measures to counter coastal erosion including stone groynes. By YANICK FOLLY (AFP)

Benin loses approximately 30 metres (yards) of its coastline every year, according to oceanographer Cossi Georges Degbe.

"It's really serious. And if nothing is done, within a few years we will lose the Cotonou Porto-Novo interstate road," the 51-year-old warned, referring to the main coastal route to the capital city.

"When we put protective structures in a given place, we are just moving the phenomenon along," he said.

For Outiclissou, the government must respond segment by segment, but "the segments that are still vulnerable are under study and will be dealt with in due course".

Thirteen structures have been built east of Cotonou starting from the coastal lagoon, he said.

Since then, the waves of erosion have become noticeably weaker, he added.

As well as rising water levels, due to climate change, extreme weather phenomena are increasing, "with very high waves washing over our coasts", explained oceanographer Degbe.

Alain Tossounon, president of a network of media focusing on water, the climate and environment, agrees more needs to be done.

"Efforts have not been sufficient and populations have not yet become aware of the importance of this phenomenon in the years to come," he said.

'Sea advances, destroys'

With Benin not the only country concerned, joining forces with neighbours could bring more results.

"We must consider a regional approach to slow down the advance of the waves," Tossounon said.

Benin loses approximately 30 metres (yards) of its coastline every year, oceanographer Cossi Georges Degbe says. By YANICK FOLLY (AFP)

Benin and Togo have already started working together -- a protective groyne of 18 kilometres (11 miles) in Togo and 24 kilometres in Benin made it possible to slow the waves in the fishing villages of Hillacondji and Aneho.

But despite these actions, seaside restaurant owner Alapini cannot help but feel angry.

"When we have populations who live by the sea, we have to have forecasts for them, a line in the state budget," she said.

"I'm shocked. By the time it takes to get funding, the sea is moving forward and destroying things."
"The preliminary assessment by our legal service is that this is not violating the EU law, it's outside the EU law," Johansson, who is in charge of the home affairs portfolio, said on Wednesday afternoon.

The comments are the first high-level political reaction from Brussels to the nine-page protocol surprisingly announced last week by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her Albania counterpart, Edi Rama. Under the deal, Italy will outsource the processing of up to 36,000 asylum applications per year to the Balkan country.

The procedure will apply to migrants who are rescued at sea by Italian authorities and then disembarked in the Albanian coastal town of Shengjin, where two centres will be built at Rome's expense and exclusively governed under Italian jurisdiction.

Migrants hosted in the hubs will not be allowed to leave the premises as they wait for their claims to be examined, which should not last more than 28 days. According to Meloni, pregnant women, children and vulnerable people will be excluded.

The launch date has been set for spring 2024, although the protocol still needs to be translated into proper legal acts and undergo ratification by the Albanian parliament.

"I consider this to be an agreement with a European scope," Meloni said, next to Rama.

If eventually applied, the deal will represent the first time a member state of the European Union offloads parts of its asylum responsibilities to a third country, an idea that has been floated by Denmark and Austria in reaction to the UK-Rwanda plan, which was deemed unlawful by the British Supreme Court on Wednesday morning.

Italy's project has raised concerns about the extraterritorial application of EU law, as the claims submitted in the Albania centres will be made with the goal of receiving international protection in Italy  not in Albania.

"EU law is not applicable outside EU territory," Johansson said.

But, she added, given Italy's membership in the bloc and the mandatory adoption of common legislation, the rules that will apply inside the Albania centres will effectively be European in nature and mimic the framework that applies on Italian soil.

Story continues

"If the Italian laws are being applied, people should be examined under Italian law by Italian authorities and after a (positive) asylum decision, being brought to Italy, or if not, back to the country of origin, and if not possible, back to Italy," Johansson said.

"Italy is complying with EU law, so that means that this is the same rules. But legally speaking, it's not the EU law but it's the Italian law (that) follows the EU law."

Johansson's comments, however, do not fully resolve the legal uncertainty surrounding the protocol. It's still not clear if Italy will be allowed to deviate from EU norms on Albanian soil and apply a different asylum procedure to the claimants who are transferred to the centres. It's also not clear if potential violations that take place inside the premises could prompt legal action by the European Commission, as the executive appears to have distanced itself from the deal's implementation.

Another yet-to-be-clarified question is whether Italy will be allowed to transfer migrants rescued in Italian waters, which are considered part of its sovereign territory, to a third country, as opposed to those rescued in international waters.

The legal assessment is preliminary and has not yet been made public. Euronews has contacted the European Commission asking for further information.

Amnesty International previously warned the Italy-Albania protocol "could have devastating consequences for people seeking asylum, who could be subjected to lengthy detention and other violations, outside the scrutiny of Italian judicial authorities."
Founder and CEO of IMANI Ghana Franklin Kudjo has confirmed the credibility of Hon. Alan Kyerematen at a stakeholder meeting of CSOs and the former Trade and Industry Minister.

The founder of Imani Ghana eulogized Hon. Alan Kyerematen at a round table discussion between Civil Society Organizations and Hon Alan Kyerematen.

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the country met with the Independent Presidential candidate Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen to discuss his Great Transformational Plan (GTP), his blueprint to put Ghana on a sustained path of economic growth.

The meeting on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at the Movenpick Hotel in Accra, follows on the heels of similar ones with captains of industries among others.

Under the theme: A Transformation Agenda for All Ghanaians Mr. Kyerematen who is also the founder of the Movement for Change, will exchange ideas on his GTP with the CSOs seen as major stakeholders in shaping strategic policies for the development of the country.

Addressing the stakeholders at the gathering, the Imani Boss did not mince words in heaping kind words on the founder of Movement for Change (MFC).

Many people have said these before but knowing who you are, I am confident that you will implement these transformational changes. Franklin Kudjo of Imani celebrates Hon. Alan Kyerematen.

Alan Kyerematen is known for his extensive experience in public service and his commitment to driving positive change. As Ghanas longest serving Minister of Trade, he has been at the forefront of Ghana's most successful development initiatives thanks to his vast knowledge in industrialization, trade and public policy.

The Civil Society Organizations participating in this meeting are a formidable assembly of Ghana's leading advocacy and research groups. Among them are well-known organizations such as IMANI, the Center for Democratic Development (CDD), the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEC), and the National Interest Movement (NIM), along with several others. These groups have consistently played a pivotal role in shaping Ghana's policies and providing valuable insights into various aspects of the nation's development.

Alan Kyerematens Great Transformational Plan, a comprehensive vision for the nation's future, has already garnered considerable attention and acceptance. Indeed, many believe that this meeting with CSOs is another essential step in ensuring the plan's success.

The theme, "A Transformation Agenda for All Ghanaians," summarizes the importance of inclusivity in the nation's development journey. It reflects a commitment to ensuring that the transformational plan put forward by Alan Kyerematen serves the best interests of all Ghanaians, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances.

Similarly, this meeting will provide a platform for open and constructive dialogue between the CSOs and Alan Kyerematen, enabling the exchange of ideas, concerns, and recommendations. This collaborative effort is targeted at refining and enhancing the Great Transformational Plan, making it more robust, comprehensive, and responsive to the needs and aspirations of the Ghanaian people.

This event symbolizes the power of collaboration, inclusivity, and civic engagement, and it underscores the profound potential for positive transformation in Ghana. The discussions, insights, and outcomes of this meeting will undoubtedly resonate throughout the nation and contribute to the realization of a more prosperous and equitable Ghana for all.
15.11.2023 LISTEN

Driver unions are divided over calls for the reintroduction of road tolls in the country.

While the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has strongly opposed the possible reintroduction of tolls, the Concerned Drivers Association insists that the government must bring back the collection through the 2024 budget.

In an interview with Citi News, the public relations officer for the Concerned Drivers Association, David Agboado, emphasized the need for the government to seriously address road infrastructure challenges.

Our roads are very deplorable, and the government should fix them and bring back the toll service so that our physically challenged brothers and sisters will also get work to do and get proceeds to fix the roads.

But reacting to this in a Citi News interview, the relations officer for the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, Abass Imoro, argued that the reinstatement would not benefit Ghanaians as it could lead to additional mismanagement of funds by the authorities.

He bemoaned the lack of transparency in the monies collected at stations with toll policies.

Most of our roads are still very bad, especially where tolls are being paid. The places are very bad, and those who manage the places for us raised issues when we agitated about the money we pay every day as professional drivers. They also came up with a huge amount they have been getting daily, which the Roads and Highways Ministry denied.

citinewsroom
The Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) has urged police personnel to uphold laws and agreements that allow landlocked countries access to the sea through Ghana's transit corridors.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers' Authority (GSA), Ms Benonita Bismarck, in a speech read on her behalf at a police training seminar in Ho, reiterated the economic benefits transit trade gives to Ghana.

A study conducted by GSA in 2015 indicated that a total revenue of $34 million was accrued to Ghanas economy from some quantifiable services provided by stakeholders in the transit trade sector, she added.

That, according to her, is contrary to the widely held perception that the country does not derive any benefit from transit trade through its corridors.

On his part, the Ho Regional Commander of the Ghana Police Service, DCOP Andres Badu-Ekumah, reiterated the desire of the Ghana Police Service to complement the effort of GSA to ensure safety and security on Ghanas transit corridors.

Officers identified persisting challenges along transit routes like Burkina Faso and Niger, including highway robbery, customs clearance delays and harassment of truck drivers and pledged to collaborate with GSA and other stakeholders to improve transit trade.

The seminar forms part of efforts by the Authority to ensure that the country's transit corridors remain the preferred routes for landlocked countries to boost the economy as well as Ghanas image in the international community.

The seminar sought to educate around 60 senior police officers on the importance of the transit trade and their role in ensuring its smooth flow. Presentations covered Ghanas gains from transit trade and the police services responsibilities related to corridor security and traffic management.

Relevant legislation includes UN transit trade conventions, ECOWAS interstate transport agreements and World Trade Organisation accords.

Other legislations include the UNCTAD Convention on the Transit Trade of Landlocked Countries (1965), the International Convention on Multimodal Transport of Goods (1980), the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1994), the ECOWAS Convention on the Inter-State Road Transit of Goods (ISRT) (1982) and the World Trade Organization Agreement (WTO) (2013) among others.
- Source:

15.11.2023 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.

A lire aussi : 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 .

A lire aussi : 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
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) has organized a capacity-building training for 20 journalists in Tourism, Arts and Culture reporting in the Ashanti Region.

The programme, following a 'training of trainers' model, brought together writers selected from the region who specialize in tourism, arts and culture.

A press release signed by the Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr John Yao Agbeko on Tuesday, reaffirmed the vital role of media personnel in deepening knowledge and enhancing reporting on issues related to tourism, arts and culture.

"This, we hope will enable media personnel and journalists to support our domestic tourism drive," it said.

It said the tourism sector is now the third largest contributor to Ghana's GDP after mining and oil and gas.

"One major initiative of the Ministry is to make sure that Tourism, Arts and Culture become the No.1 contributor to Ghana's GDP," it stated.

The Ministry stated that plans were underway to improve attraction sites in the Region, including the Ashanti Traditional Buildings and Bonwire Kente Village to enhance visitor satisfaction.

It disclosed that the Ministry is also training operators in the tourism value chain to provide quality service that will attract repeated visits from tourists and encourage them to lengthen their stays in the country.
15.11.2023 LISTEN

The Minister in charge of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta will be in Parliament later today to lay before the house the 2024 Budget and Economic Statement of government.

In accordance with Article 179 of the 1992 Constitution and section 21 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921) the Minister for Finance will, on behalf of the President, lay before Parliament the Budget Statement and Economic Policy of Government of Ghana for the 2024 Financial Year, on Wednesday, 15th November, 2023, parts of a press release from the Ministry said on Monday.

In its release, the Ministry of Finance said the 2024 Budget is crucial because it is developed to support the implementation of the IMF-backed Post-Covid-19 Programme of Economic Growth (PC-PEG).

The release noted that the 2024 Budget will also highlight, among others, the performance of the economy, efforts to boost the productive capacity of the economy through the new Growth Strategy, fiscal measures, and debt management strategies to deepen stability and promote growth.

In line with usual practice, Government will undertake a comprehensive post-budget stakeholder engagement to explain the various policies to the public.

Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is going to Parliament with the 2024 Budget after the successful First Review of the 3-year US$3 billion IMF-ECF Programme.
ASA Savings and Loans Ltd has organised a free breast cancer screening exercise for women at the Sekondi Market in the Western Region.

The exercise led by the Amanful Business Centre of the Savings and Loans company was held on Tuesday, October 31.

At the end of the important health exercise, 6 women showed breast abnormalities out of the 147 women screened.

As the leader of Holy Child Catholic Hospital at Fijai for the screening, Nurse Manager Theresa Crentsil explained during the exercise that breast cancer is the most common cancer cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide.

She said owing to this fact, creating awareness and sensitizing the public cannot be overemphasized.

Madam Theresa Crentsil further shared that Holy Child Hospital appreciates the fact that early detection of breast cancer is key in preventing the disease and promoting longevity of life.

She applauded ASA Savings and Loans for organising the free screening for the market woman while urging other companies to also do the same.

The facility therefore wishes to appeal for support from individuals, cooperate organizations, and relevant stakeholders in creating awareness and organizing free screening programs which goes a long way to help in preventing deaths from breast Cancer, Madam Theresa Crentsil said.

Also speaking at the programme, the branch manager of the Amanful Business Centre of ASA Savings and Loans, Miss Sabina Boateng said Breast Cancer is the most common cancer among women and the increasing number of women diagnosed in the past years has made it the world's most prevalent cancer.

She disclosed that as a concerned Savings and Loans company, they organised free breast cancer screening as part of their Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) activities.

She said such exercises are important as early detection with adequate diagnosis and available treatment gives a good chance of early cure.

On his part, the Area Manager of ASA, Mr. Samuel Odoom said investing in breast cancer awareness programs will save the lives of women.

He stressed that ASA as a company cares for the people and will continue to give back to society through various CSR activities.
The UK Supreme Court will rule Wednesday on whether a controversial government plan to send migrants to Rwanda is lawful, a decision with major political ramifications for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

The Conservative leader says the scheme is crucial to reduce "illegal" immigration across the Channel on small boats -- an issue set to feature prominently in the next general election.

Five judges will announce their decision on the policy at 1000 GMT, after the government appealed a lower court judgement that it was unlawful.

The ruling is the latest episode in a saga that began in April last year when Britain signed a deal with Rwanda to send undocumented migrants to interim centres in the African country.

A favourable decision could boost Sunak's chances of fending off the opposition Labour party in an election next year, but defeat would leave his immigration agenda in tatters. It could also widen rifts in the ruling Tory party between right-wing lawmakers and moderates.

Hardliner Suella Braverman launched a scathing attack on the UK leader Tuesday, the day after she was fired as interior minister, accusing him of "betrayal" and "magical thinking" over the policy.

She wants Britain to leave or disregard the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and "any other obligations which inhibit our ability to remove those with no right to be in the UK".

'Stop the boats'

The Migration and Economic Development Partnership envisages sending to Rwanda anyone who has made what the government calls "dangerous or illegal journeys, such as by small boat or hidden lorries" to the UK.

Five judges at the UK Supreme Court are being asked to rule on the legality of the deportation scheme. By JUSTIN TALLIS (AFP)

The government insists it is essential to deter migrants trying to cross the Channel from northern France in rudimentary small vessels.

More than 27,000 have made the journey this year.

The government passed legislation in July barring any "illegal" arrivals from claiming asylum.

Sunak's pledge to "stop the boats" is one of his five key priorities for this year, after succeeding Liz Truss in October 2022.

His administration says regular and irregular immigration must be slashed to ease pressure on housing and other social services, such as health.

Opponents decry the Rwanda policy as cruel, expensive and difficult to implement. They also argue it is in breach of international law on asylum and refugees.

The first deportees were on a plane and ready to fly to Rwanda in June 2022 when a last-minute ECHR injunction prevented any deportations.

The Court of Appeal overturned in June an earlier High Court ruling that the plan was broadly lawful, prompting the Supreme Court case.

'Obsession'

The appeal court judges decided that Rwanda was not a safe third country and there were risks that deportees could be sent to their home countries where they might be persecuted.

The UK home secretary at the time Priti Patel signed the deal with Rwanda's Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta in April 2022. By Simon WOHLFAHRT (AFP)

A similar Supreme Court ruling will force the government back to the drawing board to try to drive down the numbers of asylum seekers.

It is also expected to renew demands from right-wingers that Britain withdraw from the ECHR -- a drastic idea that Sunak has so far refused to back.

In her excoriating letter Braverman, who has called sending asylum seekers to Rwanda her "dream" and "obsession", accused the prime minister of having "no appetite for doing what is necessary" on immigration.

She is widely believed to covet the Tory leadership and her hardline stance on the issue is seen as red meat to the party's grassroots.

But Sunak's surprise appointment of ex-prime minister David Cameron as foreign secretary and switch of James Cleverly to the interior ministry suggests he is halting his party's post-Brexit lurch to the right.

Chris Hopkins, politics director at polling firm Savanta, told AFP defeat in the Supreme Court "could highlight and increase" internal Tory divisions.

Observers note that even a courtroom victory could be problematic, with potential challenges from individuals likely, the public unconvinced and time running out to implement it.

"I think the jury will still be out whatever happens tomorrow," added Hopkins.
The Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Liberia, Prof. Attahiru JEGA, Tuesday, November 14, 2023, called on citizens to come out massively to exercise their franchise in a peaceful manner to elect their future president of the Republic and consolidate their democracy.

Prof Jega made the statement after visiting three voting centres in the capital Monrovia in Montserrado County. He was accompanied during these visits by Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Josephine NKRUMAH, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Liberia, Mr. Abdou Kolley, Director of Cabinet of the President of ECOWAS Commission, Representatives of the ECOWAS Parliament, Permanent Representative Committee of Ambassadors accredited to ECOWAS and the ECOWAS Council of Wise.

The Head of the ECOWAS EOM also made this call yesterday Monday, November 13, 2023, during his meetings with the two candidates, namely the President George M. WEAH and Mr. Joseph BOAKAI in the company of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mr. Leonardo Santos Simao.

On this Tuesday, November 14, 2023, in the morning, the ECOWAS delegation visited the voting centres of Matilda Newport High School, William V.S Tubman Silver Jubilee Elem. & Jr. High School, before meeting with the ECOWAS Situation Room where it received briefing on the Vote Opening process, per the data received from the various teams deployed in all the 15 counties of the country.

In the afternoon, Prof. Attahiru JEGA and his delegation visited other polling stations at West Point Administrative Building, Police Station, Central Mosque Elementary School, Clara Town Central School, Famina Islamic School, and other polling stations located within Greater Monrovia District. They visited some situation rooms including that of the Association of Youth, WANEP, the Women association, the NGO Election Coordination Committee (ECC) and Liberian Early Warning Mechanism, where they received fields information from the various teams deployed in the country.

Taking stock of the progress of the elections after reviewing the reports of the ECOWAS observation teams submitted through the Situation Room, the Head of Mission noted that the polling stations opened on time, and no major incidents had been reported and appreciated the calm and order prevailing in the various voting centres visited.

He reiterated his appeal to Liberians to persevere in this direction and to allow the relevant authority, the National Elections Commission (NEC), the responsibility to conduct the voting operations till the end. He stressed the need for a climate of peace, tolerance and consensus around the electoral process until its completion.

After a compilation of the reports of observers deployed by ECOWAS, the head of the ECOWAS Electoral Observation Mission will address a press conference on Thursday, November 16, 2023, during which he will make a preliminary statement.
Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) and its partner Rocksure International have successfully carried out a Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) on the Nyinahins bauxite reserves in the Ashanti region.

In the comprehensive MRE undertaken, a minimum of 375 million metric tonnes of bauxite have been discovered in the three hills assigned GIADEC and Rocksure International, over the previous estimate of 250 million metric tonnes.

GIADEC and Rocksure International on Tuesday formally presented a copy of the MRE report to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House and briefed him on the next stage of the project execution.

This is the first time that a comprehensive validation of bauxite deposits has been carried out on any of Ghanas bauxite resources as the country in the past relied on historical estimates and projections.

President Akufo-Addo, who commended the two companies for the feat chalked in Ghanas quest to explore and enhance its integrated aluminium industry, said this would form a credible basis to attract more investors and improve investor confidence in the bauxite industry.

This is exceptionally good news today, the President stated and assured that he would continue to provide GIADEC and Rocksure International the maximum support in the exploitation of the countrys bauxite resources.

I think that if we can do that, it will justify completely our thinking, the whole GIADEC concept of using a state vehicle that will bring together the bauxite resources in the country under one roof and therefore strengthen the hand of the entity to enter into such transactions, the President indicated.

The CEO of GIADEC, Mr Michael Ansah, said, We have developed all the project agreements relating to this, we are finalising all of that and we are going to be establishing a joint venture company that will be owned by the partners, as in, Rocksure and GIADEC that will be the entity to execute the development of the mine and the refinery solution, he noted.

We are looking at the processes that we have gone through, we have completed the signing, we have completed the mineral resource study [Estimates], and we are closing on the other aspects to do with qualifying this whole project for a mining lease.

That mining lease, according to him, would then come before Cabinet for approval before it is presented to Parliament for ratification.

The partners plan to commence the development of the mine next year while they work earnestly to establish the refinery solution.

On his part, the CEO of Rocksure International, Mr Kwasi Osei Ofori expressed their appreciation to the government for the support given to them throughout the process.

Mr Ofori emphasised that the completion of the MRE report gives credence to the Presidents long-held view that when given the chance, Ghanaian companies can compete with their peers in the global space.

In September 2021, GIADEC announced the selection of Rocksure International, a wholly Ghanaian-owned Company, as its strategic partner for Project 2, one of four projects that define the Integrated Aluminium Industry (IAI), being executed by GIADEC.

Rocksure International was selected after a rigorous competitive three-round investor engagement process in 2019. The process began with about 40 companies expressing interest. Fourteen companies were shortlisted to progress to round two, of which five advanced to the final round.

Rocksure International, following the official announcement, commenced a Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) in Nyinahin Block-B, specifically Hills 4, 5 &6 to validate and define the bauxite resources.

Ghanas bauxite resources are estimated to be around 900MMT. Bauxite in Ghana is mainly concentrated in three areas, that is, Awaso in the Western-North Region with 60MMT, Kyebi in the Eastern Region with 160 MMT and Nyinahin in the Ashanti Region with the highest bauxite resources of 700MMT.
Hong Kong: Firms fined for breaching labour laws

Two companies were fined $132,000 and $220,000 respectively today for contravening labour ordinances with respect to two accidents that occurred in connection with a July 2022 concert at the Hong Kong Coliseum in Hung Hom.

During a concert rehearsal at the Hong Kong Coliseum on July 25 last year, a dancer fell off the stage and was injured. Three days later, two dancers were hit and injured by a display panel that fell during the concert's stage performance.

Following the two accidents, the Labour Department launched the prosecutions against Studiodanz Company for violating the Occupational Safety & Health Ordinance (OSHO) and the Employees' Compensation Ordinance, and Engineering Impact for breaching the OSHO.

At the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts today, Studiodanz Company was fined $132,000 and Engineering Impact received a fine of $220,000.

The department said it hopes the judgment will send a message to duty holders that they have to protect employees' occupational safety, give notice of any accident to the Commissioner for Labour and take out employees' compensation insurance policies for their staff in accordance with the law.

The department stressed that it does not tolerate such offences and spares no effort in prosecuting employers and occupiers of premises who defy the law.

This story has been published on: 2023-11-15. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Heaving: the main dining room (Adrian Lourie)

Go by the sheeting rain and it could have been a miserably dreich afternoon in April; look at a calendar and it was a nothing weekday in early November. But if you happened to walk through the doors of The Devonshire last Wednesday lunchtime, then the precise feeling, through a mysterious quirk of space and time, was of stepping into some unholy, simultaneous combination of St Patricks Day, New Years Eve and the last mobbed Friday night before Christmas.

Every corner of this white-hot, Soho megapubs soft-lit, wood-panelled interior heaved with guffawing crowds of office workers and home counties theatregoers doomed to miss the start of the Moulin Rouge matinee; massed regiments of Guinness swirled and settled on the bar as former Guinea Grill landlord Oisin Rogers, one component of the supergroup of co-founders responsible for the place, frowned beside an overworked restaurant bookings laptop that might as well have been emanating smoke (next available reservation: late January at a push); later, amid the scrum of pint-hefting bodies and sodden jackets, there was the faintly Hogarthian sight of a squalling baby in a pram.

The thing is, began my pal, as we found a scrap of space and tried to make sense of the eye-widening chaos unfurling all around us. People just really love a good pub.

(Adrian Lourie)

This is inarguable. And The Devonshire  a long-simmering, impossible dream of a freehouse and grill restaurant that Rogers and his co-founder, Flat Irons Charlie Carroll, have been plotting for almost 10 years  is truly about as good as pubs get. But I dont think that fully does justice to the strange, special and incredibly specific things that are happening in this capacious, Piccadilly-adjacent former site of a Jamies Italian.

The zealous commitment to detail begins with the bread. Having wangled a very late, post-2pm table upstairs in the narrow, curtain-fringed space, dominated by the fiery grimace of a hulking custom wood grill, we were soon tearing at a pair of the pillowy, butter-glossed dinner rolls that are skilfully teased out of metal dishes by roaming servers. They were good on their own but even better (as a passing Rogers suggested) deployed as an absorbent for the puddled juices beneath baked scallops, crisped lardons of bacon and a sharp dousing of malt vinegar.

Story continues

There is a revelatory elegance and restraint to that combination; a wink towards chippy teas and scallop and bacon baps. And that sense of play, control and deceptive minimalism is all across the curlicued, handwritten menu that executive chef Ashley Palmer-Watts has been working on since February. Wouldnt it be fun if we brushed house-butchered rib-eye steaks and lamb chops with the rendered fat from other aged cuts, and cooked them to buttery, campfire-scented softness over wood? What if the chips were lacy, golden marvels, fried in duck fat? And wouldnt it be a laugh to turn a dish of slow-roasted, buttered carrot nubbins into the delirious, richly caramelised proof of the existence of a higher power?

Most of the dishes at The Devonshire answer all these hypotheticals and pack rigour, mischief and joyfulness into every bite.

If there were slight blots then they came in the form of a pleasant confit tomato tart starter scuppered by somewhat unyielding pastry, and a creamed leek side dish where pointed old school subtlety had edged slightly towards domestic half-heartedness. But I will say that it was very early days. And also that, once more people have visited (thankfully, the race is on to open the larger, second floor dining room before the end of the year), they will realise that it isnt really a place where minor disappointments can get much purchase. Particularly by the time a weightless scoop of chocolate mousse, cleverly sprinkled with crunchable slivers of chocolate, has been set before you.

Most of the dishes at The Devonshire... pack rigour, mischief and joyfulness into every bite.

We ended back downstairs, having one last perfect Guinness and, similarly to the crowds, not quite able to leave the warm, cocooning light of a main bar that seems to have ever-disappearing exits and its own tractor beam.

The Devonshire is both breathtakingly vast and mystically intimate; determinedly old-fashioned yet not remotely stuffy. It takes the decades-long experience, twinkling, cult-leader charisma and detail-oriented romanticism of its founding team and turns it into something that registers as a kind of intangible magic. Yes, it really is just another pub. But, my goodness, it is also so much more than that.

17 Denman Street, W1D 7HW. Meal for two plus drinks about 170. Kitchen open Monday to Friday from noon-10pm (closed between 3pm-5pm), Saturday from 11am-10pm and Sunday from noon-9pm; devonshiresoho.co.uk
Mme Massandje Toure-Liste, the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture of the ECOWAS Commission, and, Mr. Albert Muchanga, the Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals of the African Union, met in Cairo on the margins of the 3rd Intra-African Trade fair on November 12, 2023.

Mr. Albert Muchanga presented the AU vision towards an African custom union and common market, as well as transformative initiatives that would promote industrialisation and generate employment.

ECOWAS is one of the leading Regional Economic Communities in Africa and is progressing towards a Common Market after the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government adopted a Common External Tariff (CET) in 2013.
African leaders and the diaspora have converged in Accra, Ghana to advance the cause of justice and the payments of reparation for the exploitation, inhumane and atrocities meted out to Africans by the Atlantic slave trade.

Dubbed Accra Reparations Conference, leaders on the continent, the diaspora, academia, legal experts and civil society organisations have met in Ghanas Capital to dialogue, share knowledge and formulate actionable strategies to address the historical injustices spanning the slave trade era, segregation, colonialism, apartheid, neo-colonialism and neo-liberalism.

The identification of how slavery, colonialism and racism had impacted the lives of black people across the world has necessitated the advocacies and campaigns to demand reparations, foster healing and restore dignity to Africans.

In his address, the host President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, said Ghana was humbled to host such a conference to demand the reparations for Africans in the slave trade era.

The demand for reparation, according to President Akufo-Addo, is not a plea for alms but the dispensation of justice for Africans, adding that no amount of money can restore the damage caused by the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

However, the Ghanaian President stressed that payment of reparations needed to be made to Africans for the inhumane atrocities committed against them.

President Akufo-Addo argued that if reparations could rightfully be paid to the victims of the holocaust, reparations could be paid to the victims of the slave trade.

We cannot quantify the pain we have suffered from the slave trade atrocities but it has to be acknowledged, the President stated.

Slave trade, according to him, has hugely devastated the psychic and social fabric of Africans and demanded a formal apology from European nations be made to Africans for the inhumane treatment meted out to them in the slave trade.

The Caribbean community, according to President Akufo-Addo, has unequivocally announced its demand for the payment of reparation, adding: It is now time for Africans to revive and intensify the discussions about reparations for the continent, as the time is long overdue.

President Akufo-Addo also supported the return and repatriation of African cultural properties to the continent.

That, he emphasised, would help Africans and in particular the descendants of the communities, groups and individuals who created and produced these cultural properties to reconnect to their history, pioneers, knowledge and skills.

This reconnection to the past and the present, the President explained, would help to build new relations with the international community, especially that of Europe, which was principally responsible for the original thefts of cultural properties.

Most of these cultural properties, he maintained, when returned, would also offer Africans the opportunity to develop local knowledge of the technological, cultural, social and respected value of the objects.

President Akufo-Addo stressed that the reparation and repatriation of stolen and looted African cultural properties under pre-colonial and colonial circumstances must be issues of major concern to all Africans.

Countries such as Senegal, Nigeria and Benin have managed to regain possession of some of their cultural properties that were illegally moved out of their territories.

Ghana has also managed to restitute some of its stolen cultural properties and relics. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has set up a national focal team on restitution and repatriation to research and advice on international best practices and guidelines and how it would support the country in the restitution process.

At no other time in history has the demand for a global black identity been more apparent than this dispensation. However, there has been a significant gap in this renewed energy for advocacy and political commitments.

Experts say the discussions and debates, especially those within Africa are happening in silos. The interventions seem half-hearted, the campaigns appear uncoordinated and there seems to be a lack of comprehensive strategy and agenda for reparations.

However, there is a significant gap in this renewed energy for advocacy and political commitments.

The African Union (AU) for instance, has become more vocal in its demand for restitution for stolen African religious symbols and cultural relics, as well as a recognition of the African diaspora community in the advocacy for reparations.

The four-day event, themed Building a United Front to Advance the Cause of Justice and the Payment of Reparations to Africans, will attempt to address these inconsistencies.

Distinguished leaders at the conference were Prime Minister of Togo, Victoria Tomegah Dogbe; Chairperson of African Union, President Azali Assoumani, representatives of South Africa, Kenya, and Algeria, as well as Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, among other world leaders.
15.11.2023 LISTEN

A National Tobacco Control Strategy (NTCS) was launched on Tuesday in Accra to combat illicit trade in tobacco and advance national efforts to promote a healthier population.

The five-year strategy with a special focus on youth and low-income communities, aims to enhance community engagement and policy implementation on tobacco control.

It outlines how to protect present and future generations from the devastating health, social, environmental, and economic consequences of tobacco use and exposure.

The launch of the strategy was proceeded by stakeholder training on the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products.

The Protocol is a framework designed to confront the illicit trade in tobacco, which undermines health and threatens national development.

Dr Baffour Awuah, Acting Director of the Technical and Coordination Directorate at the Ministry of Health (MOH), said the strategy reflected the nations firm commitment to a healthier, tobacco-free future.

The strategy we are launching today is the climax of extensive collaboration, research, and commitment by various stakeholders, experts, and civil society. Its purpose is to guide us in combatting the devastating effects of tobacco use, both in terms of health and the economy, he said.

He encouraged participants of the training to exchange ideas and contribute valuable insights towards the effective implementation of the strategy.

Your collaboration and dedication are pivotal in transforming this document into tangible actions that will positively impact the health and well-being of our citizens, to build a healthier, tobacco-free Ghana, Dr Baffour said.

Dr Olivia A Boateng, Director of the Tobacco and Substance of Abuse Department at the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), said the tobacco menace continued to pose a significant challenge globally.

She said the issue had been worsened by the illicit trade in tobacco products, which made tobacco more accessible at cheaper prices and undermined the progress Ghana had made through tobacco control policies.

Dr Boateng said illicit trade amplified the tobacco epidemic, especially among the youth, and led to adverse health consequences.

She said the training programme, which was in line with the Ghana Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, would empower relevant stakeholder agencies with a comprehensive understanding of the Protocol and enable Ghana to effectively combat illicit trade in tobacco.

GNA
The UK Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected a controversial government plan to send migrants to Rwanda and upheld a lower court ruling that it was unlawful, in a major setback for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

A five-judge panel at the UK's highest court unanimously sided with Court of Appeal judges that the policy was incompatible with Britain's obligations under international treaties.

"We conclude that the Court of Appeal... was entitled to find that there are substantial grounds for believing that the removal of the claimants to Rwanda would expose them to a real risk of ill-treatment," they concluded.

The judges agreed with the lower court's June verdict that Rwanda risked forcibly returning asylum seekers and refugees to a country where they could face persecution, in a move known as refoulement.

"Having been taken through the evidence we agree with their conclusion," they added in their 56-page ruling.

Sunak's ruling Conservatives have insisted the Rwanda scheme is crucial to reduce "illegal" immigration across the Channel on small boats -- an issue set to feature prominently in the next general election.

But the ruling scuppers a saga that began in April last year when Britain signed a deal with Rwanda to send undocumented migrants to interim centres there, and leaves the UK leader's immigration agenda in tatters.

It is also set to widen rifts in the ruling Tory party between right-wing lawmakers and moderates.

Sunak said the ruling was "not the outcome we wanted" and the government "will now consider next steps" while ministers in Kigali "take issue" with the ruling that Rwanda was not a safe third country.

'Stop the boats'

Hardliner Suella Braverman launched a scathing attack on Sunak Tuesday, the day after she was fired as interior minister, accusing him of "betrayal" and "magical thinking" over the policy.

Five judges at the UK Supreme Court ruled that the deportation scheme was unlawful. By JUSTIN TALLIS (AFP)

She wants Britain to leave or disregard the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and "any other obligations which inhibit our ability to remove those with no right to be in the UK".

The Migration and Economic Development Partnership envisages sending to Rwanda anyone who has made what the government calls "dangerous or illegal journeys, such as by small boat or hidden lorries" to the UK.

The government insists it is essential to deter migrants trying to cross the Channel from northern France in rudimentary small vessels.

More than 27,000 have made the journey this year.

The government passed legislation in July barring any "illegal" arrivals from claiming asylum.

Sunak's pledge to "stop the boats" is one of his five key priorities for this year, after succeeding Liz Truss in October 2022.

His administration says regular and irregular immigration must be slashed to ease pressure on housing and other social services, such as health.

Opponents decry the Rwanda policy as cruel, expensive and difficult to implement. They also argue it is in breach of international law on asylum and refugees.

The first deportees were on a plane and ready to fly to Rwanda in June 2022 when a last-minute ECHR injunction prevented any deportations.

The High Court had ruled the plan broadly lawful, but the senior courts have now quashed that.

'Disgraceful'

The Supreme Court ruling forces the government back to the drawing board to try to drive down asylum seeker numbers, with speculation it may try to strike deals with other countries.

The UK home secretary at the time Priti Patel signed the deal with Rwanda's Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta in April 2022. By Simon WOHLFAHRT (AFP)

It is also expected to renew demands from right-wingers that Britain withdraw from the ECHR -- a drastic idea that Sunak has so far refused to back.

In her excoriating letter Braverman, who has called sending asylum seekers to Rwanda her "dream" and "obsession", accused the prime minister of having "no appetite for doing what is necessary" on immigration.

She is widely believed to covet the Tory leadership and her hardline stance on the issue is seen as red meat to the party's grassroots.

But Sunak's surprise appointment of ex-prime minister David Cameron as foreign secretary and switch of James Cleverly to the interior ministry suggests he is halting his party's post-Brexit lurch to the right.

Migrant advocates welcomed Wednesday's court ruling.

The Refugee Council said it was a "victory for the rights of men, women and children who simply want to be safe".

Sacha Deshmukh, chief executive of Amnesty International's UK arm, urged ministers to "now draw a line under a disgraceful chapter in the UK's political history".
The Centre for Natural Resources and Environmental Management (CNREM) is deeply concerned about the mining contract signed between the Government of Ghana and Barari DV Ghana, a subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium, being touted as the best ever by Mr. Sam Jonah and Mr. Samuel Jinapor. It is sad to say that mining contracts in Ghana are not in consonant with the tenants of the UN Conventions Ghana is a signatory to. It seems our political leaders and the elite technocrats are completely oblivious of the 1962 General Assembly Resolution on permanent sovereignty over Natural Resources (GAR 1803), and Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States 1974, which contents must be incorporated into our Laws that govern our mining contracts to enable Ghana derives full benefits from her natural resources.

Our basic analysis of the terms of contract, especially the percentage of royalties and share ownership, have led us to believe that the terms of this agreement are not favourable to the interests of the people of Ghana. In particular, we are troubled by the fact that the contract grants to Ghana, the sovereign owner of the resources, only 10% royalties and 13% carried interest, and 6% participating interest, and 3.06% share in the mother company, Atlantic Lithium through MIIF, which are associated with capital cost expenditures by Ghana. The agreement is in all respect similar to the Jubilee Field Agreement, except the 3.06% shares in the mother company, thus throwing dust into the eyes of Ghanaians as the best

Unfortunately, royalties in Ghana are calculated on the mind-head prices, determined by the mining companies, and not on the actual international market prices, resulting into huge financial losses to Ghana every year.

The long-term base price of US$1,410 per ton was used to assess the viability of the project, putting the total value of 25 million tons at US$35.25 billion. 10% royalty of it should give Ghana US$3.525 billion which will never materialise. How much of the net gross of US$31.725 billion will accrue to Ghana as the Carried and Participating Interests and the share in the mother company which would be determined by net profits and dividends declared every year, as Ghana will have a tenuous control over the expenses of the company? The colonial royalty mining contracts have not yielded any good results in Ghana over the years, therefore, Ghanaians should not expect any good returns from this lithium contract. The announcement by the CEO of Atlantic Lithium that Ghana would be earning US$6.6 billion yearly is a ruse nobody should believe. Moreover, the current market value of the 25 million tons is US$114.525 billion.

There is a paradigm shift from the Colonial Royalty Contracts Systems to the Mineral Production Sharing Agreements (MPSA) by progressive countries in the Far East and others in East Africa.

Dr. Antwi Danso of University of Ghana, contributing in a public lecture delivered by Prof. Mike Oquaye on the topic, Maximizing Full Benefits from Natural Resources the Constitutional Way, at the IEA conference room on 8th November, 2022, asserted that Eritreans take 40% of the total output of all subsoil minerals mined in their country. That is the MPSA. Under MPSA, there is no question about Royalties and Corporate Taxes. This is the modern, fairer way of sharing wealth from natural resources of a country without the necessary capital input.

Having read the press release by Mr. Jinapor, we are not impressed by the assurance that the agreement would be laid before Parliament for scrutiny, judging by its track record. CNREM knew all these years that IronRidge Resourc Australia was the company exploring Ewoyaa lithium deposits under very bizarre terms. The emergence of Barari DV Limited, as a subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium, granted the exploration in 2012 is mind-blogging. We were even wondering why it is taking IronRidge so long conducting the exploration. It was alleged they were actually mining.

Lots of corruption allegations have been leveled against Atlantic Lithium on various websites about its lithium deals in Ghana. Some of the website are www.reuters.com>article.piedmo, markets.bussinessinsider.com>stocks. It was reported on www.mining.com>web>piedom that, the short seller said it does not believe that authorities in Ghana would ratify Atlantics Mining Licenses tinted by corruption.

Also, the Australian Securities Exchange has raised concerns with Atlantic Lithium relating to its dealing in Ghana, questioning the company over a transaction previously queried by US activist investors. Ref: www.afri.com.

As expected, Atlantic Lithium has put up a defense to deny the corruption allegation.

Comparing the terms of this contract to other nations currently exploiting lithium, such as Mexico, Bolivia, and Argentina, it is evident that Ghana's share in this venture falls far short of securing the maximum benefits for the nation. In those countries, mining contracts often provide for higher percentages of share ownership, ensuring a more equitable distribution of the revenue derived from these resources, and a more significant contribution to the national economy through other agreed terms such as processing the lithium in those countries. Attached are some links to corroborate us.

https://www.greencarcongress.com/2023/02/20230220-mexico.html

https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2023/6/29/bolivia-taps-china-russia-in-bid-to-unlock-huge-lithium-riches

In light of these concerns, the CNREM calls for the immediate cancellation and renegotiation of the contract terms between the Government of Ghana and Barari DV Ghana. We believe that this presents an opportunity to secure more favourable terms that will benefit our nation in the short and long runs.

Furthermore, CNREM advocates for the nationalisation of mineral resources in Ghana, particularly lithium, a green resource, which plays a pivotal role in the development of a green and sustainable economy. Given the strategic importance of lithium in the global shift towards clean energy solutions, it is imperative that the exploitation and management of this vital resource remain in the hands of the Ghanaian people and the nation itself through their government; not private ownership for only a few filibusters made up of connected Ghanaians fronting for foreign interests. The ruse of "local partners" who front in sweet deal contracts to loot Ghanaians must come to an end now. It was high time the modern model of Production Sharing Agreement or Contract is adopted in Ghana too. It is the best option for a poor nation like Ghana and provides a fair and equitable returns to investors, too.

The CNREM firmly believes that by nationalising lithium mining and insisting on local processing, this will ensure a more equitable distribution of the wealth generated. Ghana can then maximises the benefits of this valuable resource for the prosperity of its citizens and the sustainable development of the nation.

The CNREM, therefore, urges the Government of Ghana to consider these recommendations seriously and act in the best interests of the country, its people, and the environment.

The CNREM further calls on the people of Ghana to wake up from their slumber and not allow the Executive and Parliament to collude again to deprive them of their wealth, just as was done with our petroleum and gas deposits. They should rise up and oppose the ratification of yet again another obnoxious contract, which will amount to selling them down the river by their elected representatives who were alleged to have accepted huge sums of dollars as a condition for approving the obnoxious Act 919. Not again!

Thank you.

The Management.

For further inquiries, please contact: +233 24 250 1638 / 024 644 9104.
Ghana has won the bid to host the eighth edition of the Africa Sanitation and Hygiene Conference (AfricaSan8) to be held from October 12 to October 18, 2025.

In that regard, Ghana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOWs) organisers of the conference, held biennially, to promote high-level political prioritization of sanitation and hygiene issues across the continent.

According to a statement issued, Dr Freda Prempeh, the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources (MSWR) signed the MoU on behalf of the government at a high-level ministerial session, as part of the just-ended seventh edition of the AfricaSan conference held in Swakopmund, Namibia from November 6  11, 2023.

In the statement issued by the MSWR and copied to the media, Dr Prempeh assured the conference the Republic of Ghana is willing and ready to host the event and welcomes Africa and the World to AfricaSan8 in Ghana from 12  18 October 2025.

AfricaSan is one of AMCOWs path-breaker initiatives born out of the recognition that investment in sanitation has historically been seriously neglected on the continent and that addressing Africas sanitation challenge involves mobilizing facts and arguments and helping agencies and governments shape strategies for action at many levels.

The conference, therefore, provides a forum for sanitation technical experts to exchange lessons to identify approaches and technologies that work best in their local circumstances and a highly successful brand helping the realization of the eThekwini Commitments.

According to the statement, the AfricaSan8 Conference will focus on leveraging political support, mobilising partnerships and facilitating the application of knowledge and information to support action to meet demands for water, sanitation, and hygiene services delivery in Africa.

The Conference will provide participants an opportunity to shape policy direction for sanitation, hygiene and indeed water resources in Africa.

It will also facilitate learning and foster networking among state and non-state actors, including the private sector. Participants will also have a chance to forge new and consolidate existing partnerships.
Member of Parliament for Yapei-Kusawgu Constituency, Mr John Jinapor, has hinted at voting against the 2024 budget if it includes new taxes.

The MP, a member of the Finance Committee of Parliament, mentioned that he would only vote in favour of such a budget if directed by his party's leadership to do so.

Expressing his concerns, he argued that the current economic climate is not suitable for the introduction of new taxes.

He alleged that the Finance Minister aims to generate approximately GHS11 million through taxes in the 2024 budget, equivalent to one per cent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He criticised this move, citing the numerous taxes introduced by the government in recent years.

The MP emphasised his support for measures to reduce expenditures rather than the imposition of new taxes.

He cautioned against excessive taxation, stating that it could lead to evasion and a decrease in revenue.

Urging the Majority to prioritise the interests of the people over personal agendas, he stated that, as the Minority, they would advocate the interests of Ghanaians, even if success might be unlikely.

These remarks were made in anticipation of the Finance Minister's presentation of the budget on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, as conveyed during an interview on Accra-based Asempa FM.

-Classfmonline
15.11.2023 LISTEN

What the NDC has not realised is that the Montie 3, led by Salifu Maase, alias Mugabe from Kumasi Moshie Zongo, played a meaningful role in the disgraceful defeat of Mr. John Mahama in the 2016 Presidential Election. When the NDC established a radio station and charged Salifu Maase and his colleagues to take on candidate Nana Akufo-Addo on daily basis, little did they know that they were advocating sympathy for the gentleman.

Barely one month to the 2020 general election, these hired Montie 3, made the most serious political mistake, which made Ghanaians move in sympathy with candidate Nana Akufo-Addo. One of them, Arko Gunn, made a statement that he saw Nana Addo drinking Kalyppo, a popular soft drink patronised by both the young and old. He flashed a picture of Akufo-Addo sitting in his car and drinking the soft drink. The trio chastised Akufo-Addo for drinking Kalyppo. According to them, Kalyppo was not good for old men like Akufo-Addo, and that he would die soon if he continued to drink Kalyppo.

Arko Gunn, who today holds a national position in the NDC, did not realise that he had incurred the displeasure of Ghanaians, particularly local businessmen and women who were contributing their quota to national development through the production of soft drinks, which used to be imported into the country with hard currency. To them, the statement was an attempt to kill local industries.

The NPP seized the opportunity to make the best out of the unfortunate propaganda of Arko Gunn and his cohorts. At the last rally of the NPP held at the Trade Fair Center in Accra, almost everybody who attended was drinking Kalyppo. Even ex-President Kufuor was seen at the high table, drinking Kalyppo. Producers of Kalyppo had to quickly cart truckloads of the drinks to the venue since it was in high demand. Kalyppo continued to be popular among Ghanaians up till today. Call it Arko Gunn vile propaganda gone sour and you will not be far from right.

You see, Ghanaian culture abhors insults of elders but the more the Montie 3 continued to insult Akufo-Addo, the more undecided voters moved in sympathy with the gentleman. They asked, What has such a nice gentleman done to these upstarts to warrant these daily insults? At the end of the day, Mr. Mahama who was enjoying the daily insults lost by an unprecedented one million votes to Akufo-Addo. Meanwhile, the late Professor Mills beat Akufo-Addo by just 48,000 votes in the 2008 presidential election. Mr. Mahama was humiliated and he started growing lean.

The Montie 3 led by the Moshie Zongo boy, walked away with one V8 vehicle each and a huge sum of money even though they still have the jail bird tag, firmly fixed on their coats when they were caught and jailed for contempt of court. As for Alistair Nelson, he is lost in action. Maybe the guy has learnt his lessons well, hence, his silence. That is the way the Lord of Israel does His things.

In the face of all these insults, vilification, and sheer disrespect by these crooks called Montie 3, Akufo-Addo never mentioned a word. He concentrated on his campaign messages and just moved forward. He left everything in the hands of God and continued to tell Ghanaians that, the battle is the Lord's. The good people of this country too kept their silence as they kept their cards closely on their chests. Mahama was surprised when Ghanaians punished him at the polls. It left him talking like a mad man. He is yet to recover. He has not learnt a lesson from the experience. He has again assembled irresponsible, opportunistic, hungry rubble-rousers to go on air and insult Dr. Bawumia, the man he fears most.

Now enter Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the flagbearer of the NPP, and the NDC leadership, led by the accomplished loser, John Dramani Mahama, who has released their hounds and German attack dogs to take on the nice hardworking gentleman. But will they get the leeway as they did in the run-up to the 2020 general election? The answer is a very big NO. There are some of us who are self appointed defenders of Dr. Bawumia. It is not for Dr. Bawumia to defend himself. This time around we will join the Lord to fight the battle.

If they spit fire, we will spit acid. If they try to besmear Dr. Bawumia with dirt, they will be opening the underbelly of Mr. Mahama for a vicious and ruthless attack. If they enter the gutter, we will be there with them and together we will make ourselves dirty. And they must remember that Mr. Mahama has a cupboard full of skeletons. Untold stories will be told and hidden secrets will be revealed. Even the sins of the father will visit the son.

The 2024 General Election should be based on issues but not insults. The NDC ruled the country for eight years and by December 2024, the NPP will have been in power for eight years. So much water has passed under the bridge. If the NDC thinks because of the current economic meltdown which has engulfed the whole world, including Ghana, there is a chance for them to ride to power, they should watch out.

The NPP, led by Akufo-Addo has many stories to tell as far as the development of the nation is concerned. The NDC too will tell their stories. It will be up to us, the voters to decide. We are human beings and we can distinguish between the wheat and the chaff. We don't need anyone to insult us and coerce or bully us to make a decision that will suit their whims and caprices.

The main problem we are going to face during the 2024 general election is the untoward behaviour of some so-called TV/radio presenters. These group of hungry, easy to poach and hired half-baked journalists will do everything, including the destruction of the hard won reputation of people, to earn their living. And there are some of us who will also take them on, thereby, opening the floodgates for all fight. It is going to be the struggle between the good and the evil, and God will surely not be neutral in this battle. Full stop

By Eric Bawah
The National Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi has stated that the 2024 elections will be about trust, integrity, competence and vision for economic transformation rather than religious or tribal cleavages.

In a post on X on Wednesday, November 15, Mr. Gyamfi took a swipe at Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, describing him as a "liar" and accusing him of introducing "dangerous, opportunistic, hypocritical, duplicitous and divisive religious campaign" into Ghana's body politics.

"Ghanaians will not be electing a religious leader who will be leading the nation in prayers or sermons come December 7, 2024. Rather, we will be electing an honest, competent, experienced and visionary leader who can stop the economic decline, transform the economy and create jobs and prosperity for all Ghanaians," said Sammy Gyamfi.

He stressed that the NPP and Dr. Bawumia's suggestion that he is "the Messiah coming to unite Christians and Muslims is hogwash and a figment of the imagination" as Christianity and Islam have co-existed peacefully in Ghana for decades.

Instead of fanning religious divisions, Mr. Gyamfi urged Dr. Bawumia and the NPP to focus on his record as head of Ghana's economic management team and outline his plans to transform the ailing economy.
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of playing the religious card to ahead of the 2024 general; elections.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, November 15, the NDC's National Communications Officer Sammy Gyamfi urged Dr. Bawumia and the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) to stop "preaching a solution for a non-existent problem."

"Ghana is a United Country. Christians and Muslims have lived in peace and inter-married in for many years in this country. The claim that Bawumia is the Messiah coming to unite Christians and Muslims is hogwash and a figment of the imagination of the NPP and Bawumia who dont have any meaningful message for the Ghanaian electorate, said Sammy Gyamfi.

He further accused Dr. Bawumia of introducing "dangerous, opportunistic, hypocritical, duplicitous and divisive religious campaign" into Ghana's politics.

Mr. Gyamfi argued that the 2024 elections will be decided based on trust, integrity, competence and vision - not a presidential candidate's religion.

According to him, "Ghanaians will not be electing a religious leader who will be leading the nation in prayers or sermons come December 7, 2024."

The NDC spokesperson wants Dr. Bawumia and the NPP to address issues such as the economy, jobs, and corruption.

"Ghanaians want to hear Bawumia on issues of economy, jobs, corruption and the bread and butter issues that directly affect their livelihoods, stated Sammy Gyamfi.
It is no longer a secret. Paul Biya's country has 369 legalized political parties. At the end of last week, the government unveiled the list of the latest entrants. 40 new formations are making their debut in the Cameroonian political landscape. They are approved to "enrich political debate and encourage the expression of freedoms." The role of the 37 new French-speaking parties and the three English-speaking ones is to participate in the "animation of a contradictory and constructive political debate," as specified by the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji.



Before these political parties, 329 others are registered in the national political file. They have been approved over time since the return to multipartyism in 1990 to play the same role and make the same contribution. However, only about a dozen political parties stand out for their performance and activity on the ground.



In the National Assembly, only eight parties are represented. Following the legislative elections of February 9, 2020, the RDPC won 152 seats, the UNDP 07, the SDF 05, the PCRN 05, the UDC 04, the FSNC 03, the MDR 02, and the UMS 02. In the Senate, in addition to the RDPC, which occupies 95% of seats, we find the ANDP, the MDR, the UPC, the SDF, and the UNDP. The reality is almost the same for municipal and regional elections.



This is because, apart from the RDPC, which is present in all the districts of the 10 regions, other parties have a still limited presence. Some have a communal or regional base, or even influence in two to four regions. Some remain present in a friendly or family circle. All are more or less active as elections approach. It is also during this period that several new parties emerge.



Thus, this multiplication of political formations is rather unfavorable to the opposition, which continues to fragment. Parties lose influential members, and in some cases, they split into several factions, further weakening them in the face of the ruling party, which works to consolidate its leadership every day.
Dr Mary Awusi, the Deputy Director of Interparty and CSOs Relations of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has openly criticised Samira Bawumia, the wife of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for her public appearance.

Dr. Awusi accused Mrs Bawumia of being inconsistent in her dressing, particularly highlighting a perceived shift in her attire during election seasons.

According to Dr. Awusi, Mrs. Bawumia tends to dress in a more conservative manner befitting a married Muslim woman during election campaigns.

However, after elections, her attire allegedly became less conservative.

Dr. Awusi, who herself is married to a Muslim man, emphasised that as a Muslim married woman, it is customary to cover oneself with a scarf, known in local Islamic parlance as Mayafi.

She criticised Mrs Bawumia for wearing dresses that, in her view, are un-Islamic.

The critique emerged in the context of Vice President Bawumia's claim that his Muslim identity played a role in his selection as the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) flagbearer. Dr. Mary Awusi expressed her disagreement, asserting that no true Muslim woman who is married would dress in the manner she attributed to Mrs Bawumia.

Her comments were made during an appearance on The Citizen Show hosted by Kwabena Bobie Ansah on Accra 100.5 FM.

-Classfmonline
Nana Akomea, the Managing Director of the State Transport Corporation (STC), has issued a warning to Alan Kyerematen following the latter's remarks about Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's presidential ambition in the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Alan Kyerematen, during an event organized by his 'Movement for Change' team in the Ashanti Region reportedly stated, "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 one and the same; it is a combined ticket," Kyerematen remarked.

He added, So, whatever my younger brother Bawumia wants and can do, he has done already."

He noted that Dr. Bawumia had already accomplished whatever he wanted in his current role.

Reacting to these remarks, Nana Akomea urged Alan Kyerematen, who resigned from the NPP, to desist from making disparaging comments about the party and its flagbearer.

According to him, Alan should focus on building his political career and stop attacking the NPP.

"If you have decided to go solo, it's okay. Nobody stopped 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," Nana Akomea stated during an interview on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show.

He further emphasized that Alan Kyerematen should concentrate on communicating his message and vision to the Ghanaian people through his Movement for Change.

"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 a like manner. He should do his campaign in peace," Nana Akomea stressed.
The Special Aide to former President John Dramani Mahama, Joyce Bawa Mogtari, has called for the 2024 budget statement to bring hope and relief to struggling Ghanaians rather than further increase their sufferings.

In a social media post on Wednesday, November 15, ahead of the budget reading, Joyce Bawa revealed she is Praying for hope and comfort in the Budget, not additional despair and despondency!"

She said the budget must show empathy for citizens and deliver policies centered around improving livelihoods.

This Budget coming so close to Christmas must show compassion and deliver people-centred incentives, she wrote on X.

The former deputy minister also backed calls by Minority Ranking Member on Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, for the removal of taxes on sanitary pads as promised by Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia as well as dialysis services.

She added that businesses should be given "impactful tax breaks to stimulate growth and employment."

Her comments come amid high public expectations that the 2024 budget will address the worsening economic conditions and rising cost of living in the country.

Many Ghanaians are looking up to the government to use the fiscal policy tool to ameliorate their plight.
The National Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha, has criticised the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George, following the latter's controversial remarks.

Sam George described the Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as a "religious prostitute."

Sam George, in an interview on Metro TV, questioned the Islamic faith of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, suggesting that the Vice President may not be a true Muslim.

The Ningo-Prampram legislator asserted that "no true Muslim in the world believes that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior," and, based on these perceived deviations, labelled Vice President Bawumia as a "religious prostitute."

Reacting strongly to these comments on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show, Salam Mustapha expressed disbelief at Sam George's assertions.

Mustapha questioned the logic behind Sam George's description of a Muslim who interacts with Christians as a "religious prostitute," suggesting that such thinking requires a thorough examination of Sam George's mental well-being.

He said, Me, as a person, Im a Muslim. Most of my contemporaries, my friends, are Christians. In fact, I attended SDA schools.

So, if you dont understand my background, you wont understand my intricate relationship with the Christian faith.

Describing Sam George's comments as the "highest height of buffoonery," Salam Mustapha condemned the use of such language and urged Ghanaians to also condemn religious bigotry in the country.

He stated, "What Sam George did, it is shameful. It is reckless. No wise person will do what he did. You should get your head examined."

Salam Mustapha emphasized that in the upcoming 2024 elections, the focus should be on finding a leader committed to the country.

In the 2024 elections, we are not going to look for a spiritual leader. Were looking for somebody who is committed to his country, he expressed.
Atik Mohammed has criticized Sam George over the latter's recent comments describing Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as a "religious prostitute" for his consistent interactions with Christians and visits to churches.

The Ningo-Prampram Member of Parliament, in an interview on Metro TV contended that the Vice President's actions contradict Islamic practices, asserting that Dr. Bawumia is not "a proper Muslim."

In reaction, Atik Mohammed has fired at Sam George, cautioning him against making what he called "reckless" comments.

Speaking on Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo," Atik Mohammed emphasized the importance of religious tolerance in Ghana, stating that it is the foundation that holds the country together.

"When you haven't seen war before, you take peace for granted. People tend to think, in politics, anything and everything goes; you can say anything and go scot-free but it just took one reckless comment on radio and Rwanda was up the creek," Atik Mohammed warned.

Atik further expressed concern that comments like Sam George's are undermining the religious harmony that has been a cornerstone of Ghana's unity.

"The tolerance that our religious faiths have for one another, that is the reason why Ghana continues to be stable and continues to be an example for other African countries," he remarked.

Atik Mohammed posed a hypothetical question to Sam George, asking how the MP would react if someone who was a traditionalist converted to Christianity and even became a pastor.

"What if someone who was a traditionalist and all of sudden, the person has found Christ and has become a Christian, others even go on and become even Pastors, will you also refer to them in the same manner? he asked.

He warns against divisive comments that could jeopardize the religious harmony in the country.

"Whether somebody is a devout Muslim or not, it doesn't lie in your mouth to say," Atik emphasized, urging Sam George and others to refrain from such comments as they are "becoming one too many."
The leadership of the Ghana Union of Traders' Association (GUTA) on Tuesday donated some items to support the operations of the Ghana Police Service.

The donation comes on the back of the recent stakeholder meeting between the leadership of the police and some selected associations including GUTA at the behest of the Inspector-General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.

The items included street lights, raincoats, torchlights, television sets, and drums of oil, among others.

Presenting the items at the police headquarters, the President of the trader union Dr. Joseph Obeng said their members were overwhelmed by the invitation of the police for the stakeholder meeting and have vowed that they will support the police in anyway possible.

He said their members across the various regions will also donate items to support the various police commands appealing for similar stakeholder meetings in the regions.

Receiving the items on behalf of the police service, the IGP said the police were thankful for the gesture and assured the police will continue to work with the leadership of GUTA to ensure that their security concerns are fully resolved.

The association also presented a citation to the IGP. Among other commendations, parts of the citation read Your exemplary leadership and quality since you took over as IGP in August 2021 is visible for all to see.

-Citi Newsroom
Authorities in Madagascar on Wednesday imposed a curfew in Antananarivo on the eve of a presidential election that is being boycotted by most opposition candidates amid high political tensions.

Angelo Ravelonarivo, the police prefect in the capital, said the measure will come into force at 09:00 pm (1800 GMT) on Wednesday and last until 04:00 am on the day of polling.

The move follows "various acts of sabotage" including the "burning of a polling station" and the "destruction of electoral materials", Ravelonarivo told a press conference.

Polls are due to open at 06:00 am and close at 05:00 pm on Thursday for a first round of voting that comes after more than a month of street protests.

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.

Ten out of 12 opposition candidates on Tuesday called on voters to shun the elections, raising concerns about the vote's regularity.

"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."

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.

Rajoelina, 49, has brushed off criticism and expressed confidence that he will win another term in the first round vote.

His government has repeatedly condemned the protests as moved by a "desire to overthrow power" and to "sabotage the electoral process", accusing the opposition of "threatening the stability of the country".

Further protests

Eleven million people are registered to vote in the country of about 30 million, which gained independence from France in 1960 and has a long history of disputed elections.

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.

The protesting candidates have called for a suspension of the electoral process and urged the international community to intervene.

Speaking on behalf of the group on Tuesday, presidential hopeful Hajo Andrianainarivelo said the 10 candidates will continue to hold demonstrations "until there is an election accepted by all".

Rajoelina 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.
The UK government vowed Wednesday to persevere with a controversial plan to send migrants to Rwanda, despite the Supreme Court upholding a lower court ruling that it was unlawful and should not go ahead.

In a major setback for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, a five-judge panel at the UK's highest court unanimously sided with an earlier Court of Appeal decision that the policy was incompatible with Britain's international obligations.

In a 56-page ruling, the judges agreed there were "substantial grounds" to believe Rwanda could forcibly return asylum seekers and refugees to a country where they could face persecution.

But within hours of the long-awaited judgment, Sunak and his ministers said the government would press ahead with finalising a "new treaty" with Rwanda to address those concerns.

"We anticipated this judgment... and for the last few months have been working on a plan to provide the certainty that the courts demand," newly appointed interior minister James Cleverly told MPs.

The new treaty will "make it absolutely clear" to British and European courts that the Rwanda policy "will be consistent with international law", he added.

In a call shortly after the ruling, Sunak and Rwandan President Paul Kagame "reiterated their firm commitment to making our migration partnership work", Downing Street said.

"Both leaders... agreed to take the necessary steps to ensure this is a robust and lawful policy and to stop the boats as soon as possible," Sunak's office added.

'Appetite'

The Migration and Economic Development Partnership agreed in April last year envisages sending to Rwanda anyone who has made what London calls "dangerous or illegal journeys" to Britain on boats and hidden in lorries.

Five judges at the UK Supreme Court ruled that the deportation scheme was unlawful. By JUSTIN TALLIS (AFP)

The first deportees were aboard a plane to fly to the African country in June 2022 when a last-minute European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) injunction prevented any deportations, prompting the legal challenges.

The government insists the scheme is crucial to deter "illegal" immigration across the Channel from France on inflatable vessels -- an emotive issue set to feature prominently in the next general election.

More than 27,000 have made the perilous journey this year -- down on the nearly 46,000 who crossed in 2022, but still far short of meeting Sunak's vow to "stop the boats".

His administration says both regular and irregular immigration must be slashed to ease pressure on government-funded services, such as health and housing asylum seekers.

Britain's asylum backlog stands at 122,585, after falling 12 percent from a record high in February.

Sunak's government passed legislation in July barring any "illegal" arrivals from claiming asylum, but it relies on finding third countries to send them to.

Opponents criticise the choice of Rwanda, while arguing the policy is overly cruel, costly and difficult to implement.

The government in Kigali said Wednesday it "take(s) issue" with the ruling that it is not a safe third country.

Despite the pledge to push ahead with its Rwanda plan, there is growing speculation London will now try to strike deals with other countries.

Cleverly claimed there was "an appetite for this concept", and said several other European countries were exploring similar agreements.

'Ignore the laws'

The Supreme Court decision could widen rifts in the ruling Conservative party and prompt renewed demands from right-wingers that Britain withdraw from the ECHR.

The UK home secretary at the time Priti Patel signed the deal with Rwanda's Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta in April 2022. By Simon WOHLFAHRT (AFP)

Former interior minister Suella Braverman launched a scathing attack on Sunak on Tuesday, a day after he sacked her, accusing him of "betrayal" over immigration and saying he had "no appetite for doing what is necessary".

In parliament on Wednesday, Sunak told MPs he was "prepared to change our laws and revisit those international relationships" if "domestic legal frameworks or international conventions" frustrated the plans.

Outspoken Tory party deputy chairman Lee Anderson said ministers should "ignore the laws" and deport migrants the day they arrive.

He branded the court judgment a "dark day for the British people" and said the government should "just put the planes in the air now and send them to Rwanda".

The main Labour opposition, riding high in the polls, accused Sunak of failing to "have any serious plan to tackle dangerous boat crossings".

"Labour argued from the start this plan is unworkable and extortionately expensive," said home affairs spokeswoman Yvette Cooper.

Migrant advocates, including the UN refugee agency UNHCR which advised the Supreme Court on international refugee law and protection standards, welcomed Wednesday's court ruling.

Amnesty International's UK chief executive Sacha Deshmukh urged ministers to "now draw a line under a disgraceful chapter in the UK's political history".
The National Peace Council (NPC) and three major faith organizations; Christian Council of Ghana, Office of the National Chief Imam and the Catholic Bishops' Conference in Ghana have called for an end to the increasing use of religion in political discourse ahead of next year's elections.

In a joint statement released on Wednesday, November 15, they said "we have observed with great concern some insinuations and publications on electronic and social media seeking to inflame religious passion into the 2024 General Elections."

The statement, signed by the aforementioned groups warned that such actions "have the tendency to destroy our long cherished pluralistic friendly society."

As the National Institution responsible for peace in the country, the NPC and our partners wish to remind all Ghanaians of the admirable manner in which we have lived together in peace, despite our Religious, Political and Ethnic diversity, stressed the statement.

They urged "all individuals and groups who are engaging in such insinuations and publications to refrain from such destructive mission and should immediately desist from such actions."

The joint statement follows recent politics of religion that could undermine Ghana's history of peaceful coexistence if not curbed in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.
Government has budgeted an amount of GH220 million to support the relief phase for the communities affected by the Akosombo spillage and floods in the Oti, Savannah, and Bono-East Regions.

This was disclosed by the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, during his presentation of the governments Budget Statement and Economic Policy for the 2024 Financial Year in Parliament on Wednesday, November 15, 2023.

Mr. Speaker, Government has budgeted an amount of GH220 million to support the relief phase for the communities affected by the Akosombo spillage as well as floods upstream in the Oti, Savannah, and Bono-East Regions, Ofori-Atta stated.

The Finance Minister noted that for the restoration phase, the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, would allocate additional resources to support the restoration of livelihoods.

We have requested funding from the World Bank under the IDA Crisis Response Window (CRW) to support the resettlement of the victims, restoration of livelihoods, compensation and reconstruction of infrastructure in the affected communities, he added.

The Finance Minister also expressed excitement that no lives were lost during the flooding incident caused by the Akosombo dam spillage.

I convey the sincere appreciation of H.E. The President and the entire Government to all groups and individuals who have empathised with, and supported the affected families. It is in this same spirit that we must continue to be grateful to God that no lives have been lost due to the devastating spillage from the Akosombo Dam.
Note: "Operation Epervier" (Operation Sparrowhawk) refers to an anti-corruption campaign in Cameroon. "Kondengui" is a reference to the Central Prison in Yaounde, which is often used for the detention of individuals involved in high-profile corruption cases.

"Nineteen ministers in Cameroon are on the verge of being arrested.



This exclusive information is reported in the newspaper La Meteo, in its edition of Monday, November 13, 2023.



According to the newspaper, Paul Biya is determined to start his election campaign for the 2025 election with individuals who are not burdened by scandals.



These arrests, it is learned, would be part of the government's efforts to combat corruption and embezzlement of public funds, an initiative aimed at ensuring a scandal-free election in 2025.

The ministers are allegedly involved in financial irregularities and fictitious public contracts, and they are expected to be held accountable.



According to well-informed sources in the judicial circles, the investigations are almost complete, and the alleged wrongdoings of these different personalities are nearly identical. They are presumed to be involved in the misappropriation of public funds and the awarding of fictitious contracts to their friends and family members.



The time to be answerable has therefore come. The famous Sparrowhawk will have something to seize with its relentless beak.






- Source:

15.11.2023 LISTEN

Housing is a critical social determinant of health. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines healthy housing as a shelter that supports physical, mental and social wellbeing.

The WHO has developed guidelines outlining the attributes of healthy housing. These include structural soundness, as well as access to a local community that enables social interactions. Healthy housing protects inhabitants from the effects of disasters, pollution, waste and extreme heat or cold. It provides a feeling of home, including a sense of belonging, security and privacy.

Health risks in the home environment are important to think about because of the amount of time people spend there. In countries where unemployment levels are high or where most work is home based, people spend more than 70% of their time indoors . Children especially spend a large amount of time at home, which exposes them to any health risks in the home environment.

We are researchers from the African Population and Health Research Center with an interest in urbanisation and population dynamics. We recently set out to study the link between housing and children's health . We found that healthy housing generally lowered the chances of children falling ill with three diseases that we tracked: diarrhoea, acute respiratory illnesses and fever.

The impacts of housing quality extend beyond health and can have significant implications for education and subsequent economic outcomes, particularly for children.

The research

Rapid urbanisation and population growth in Africa have pushed many people into informal settlements. Sub-Saharan Africa has 65% of the world's slum dwellers. This population generally lives in poor housing that lacks access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene services. The structures are overcrowded. They tend to have leaking roofs and damp walls, floors and foundations. They may also have indoor pollution, compromising the health of millions of people.

We set out to evaluate the relationship between healthy housing and the likelihood of children falling sick across six African countries: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.

We studied the incidence of diarrhoea, acute respiratory illness and fever among children under the age of five. These three conditions can have severe consequences for child health and wellbeing.

Diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections are leading causes of disease and deaths in children aged below five worldwide. Diarrhoea accounted for 9% of all deaths among children under five in 2019. Acute respiratory illnesses caused about 20% of deaths among children in this age group. The burden of under-five deaths linked to diarrhoea and respiratory illnesses like pneumonia is higher for children in developing countries than those in developed regions.

We selected the six countries in our study because they provided data on the three diseases we tracked. They also allow for a comparative analysis across African countries. Our study used the latest available demographic and health survey data at the time of our research: Burkina Faso (2010), Cameroon (2011), Ghana (2014), Kenya (2014), Nigeria (2018) and South Africa (2016). We sampled data on 91,096 children aged under five.

The findings

Our study found that healthy housing was generally associated with reduced odds of contracting the three illnesses we considered: diarrhoea, acute respiratory illness and fever. Our definition of healthy housing considered several attributes, including sanitation, drinking water sources and housing characteristics.

Homes that protect occupants from the elements, ensure access to adequate space and reduce overcrowding help keep children healthy. Homes that use cleaner cooking and lighting fuels reduce household air pollution, which leads to lower chances of respiratory infections.

Children living in healthy housing had fewer incidences of fever in all countries apart from South Africa. Here, children living in the healthiest homes are twice as likely to have fever than those living in unhealthy homes.

Fever is an indication of an underlying infection that could be viral or bacterial. Such infections are common in South Africa. In addition, the main causes of fevers among children under five are diarrhoea and acute respiratory illnesses . Among the countries included in the analysis, South Africa had the highest proportion of young mothers (aged below 25) and never-married mothers. This increases the chances that these mothers are engaged in work outside the home, leading to the early introduction of complementary feeding. This has been shown to increase the incidence of diarrhoea. These results call for addressing the causes of diarrhoea and respiratory illnesses by, for instance, ensuring South African homes have access to clean drinking water, adequate sanitation and clean energy for cooking.

While healthy housing is crucial, it's not the sole determinant of a child's health. Other factors, such as a sense of community, environmental exposure, parental education, income levels, healthcare access, and maternal and child-level factors also contribute to the overall health status of children . For instance, we found that children in Burkina Faso who were not breastfed had higher chances of getting diarrhoea than those who were breastfed despite the condition of their housing. This tracks with studies that have documented that breastfeeding has a protective role over gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections among children.

What next

From our findings, parents can improve the wellbeing of their children by implementing simple strategies. This includes ensuring they use clean energy for cooking to reduce indoor air pollution and consequently reduce the incidence of acute respiratory illnesses. Similarly, using clean drinking water, hand washing and improving sanitation can help reduce cases of diarrhoea.

Bold but nuanced policy and programme government-level interventions can also help address the incidence of diseases affecting children under five in Africa. This requires efforts that go beyond just addressing the issue of housing to working with complementary sectors, like health, urban planning, environment and education.

Hellen Gitau received funding from Wellcome Trust for this Complex Urban System for Sustainability and Health study.

Blessing Mberu received funding from Wellcome Trust for this Complex Urban System for Sustainability and Health study.

Kanyiva Muindi received funding from Wellcome Trust for this Complex Urban System for Sustainability and Health study.

Samuel Iddi received funding from Wellcome Trust for this Complex Urban System for Sustainability and Health study.

By Hellen Gitau, Research officer, African Population and Health Research Center And

Blessing Mberu, Head of Urbanisation and Wellbeing, African Population and Health Research Center, African Population and Health Research Center And

Kanyiva Muindi, Associate Research Scientist, African Population and Health Research Center And

Samuel Iddi, Research Scientist, African Population and Health Research Center
The Ministry of Communication and Digitalisation has unveiled plans to establish a Digital Youth Village at the University of Ghana.

The initiative, announced by the Sector Minister, Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, during the 75th Annual New Year School Conference in Accra, aims to create a centre of excellence for learning, innovation and creativity.

The Digital Youth Village will have advanced infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies, providing a platform for sustainable learning experiences and empowering young people with modern technology for innovation and digital transformation.

Mrs Owusu-Ekuful highlighted that the goal of this initiative is to promote digital entrepreneurship among the country's youth.

The Minister also praised the University's efforts in Information and Communication Technologies, including campus radio, fibre optic connectivity and responsible communications tower installation.

Additionally, she outlined various projects that focus on formalising the economy through technology, data management, e-governance, the Ghana.gov digital platform, digital addressing system, e-passport initiatives and cybersecurity.

One of the projects, "Smart Community Project," aims at providing affordable or free Wi-Fi services to underserved communities. Another project, the Rural Telephony Project, aims to expand mobile and data services nationwide by the end of the year.

Mrs Owusu-Ekuful emphasised the importance of investing in research in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and supporting educational institutions in integrating digital tools at all academic levels and programmes.

The Provost of the College of Education at the University of Ghana, Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, highlighted the role of the Digital Youth Village in setting national standards and promoting business and competition.

He emphasised its significance in nurturing digital entrepreneurial talent with a global outlook and facilitating access to markets, capital, talents and resources necessary for success in Ghana's digital economy.

The Annual New Year School Conference aims to enhance public participation in governance, promote the adoption of technology and humanism for sustainable development, leverage the digital economy for growth and discuss strategies for overcoming challenges in building resilience.

This year's conference theme is "Nurturing Resilience: Embracing Technology and Humanism for Sustainable Development."
The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Stephen Yakubu, has reiterated the governments commitment to ensuring peaceful elections in the country.

He, therefore, appealed to all stakeholders to support the government to realise this since the peace of the nation affects all.

Mr Yakubu said this on Tuesday at a two-day study tour organised by the Ghana Armed Forces Command Staff College in Bolgatanga.

He described the study, which was organised under the theme, Assessing the long-term prospects for Ghanas democracy and economic development in the context of credible elections, as crucial, saying its outcome would help to entrench the countrys democracy.

On factors that undermine the credibility of elections in the country, he said electoral tensions are often caused by the fielding of unqualified voters in the electoral register, something he blamed the political parties for.

He also stated that the mistrust that exists between the political parties on the one hand and the electoral management body on the other hand, is partly responsible for electoral violence.

The Chief Instructor of the Staff College, Colonel Emmanuel E. Doke, explained that the study tour was aimed at enlightening the students on political electoral processes in the country.
Ghana continues to be the preferred tourist destination in the West African sub-region, according to Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

Delivering the 2024 budget statement in Parliament on Wednesday, November 15, Mr. Ofori-Atta touted Ghana's impact on regional tourism, noting that the country needs more space to accommodate tourists during the forthcoming festive period.

"Ghana remains the preferred tourist destination in the sub-region. The steady stream of domestic and international tourists also requires dedicated spaces in cities to drive a Night Economy and tourism, said the Minister.

The Minister further announced plans to boost the growing nighttime economy through initiatives like "December in GH" and also boost security.

"As we promote December in GH initiatives, we will also work towards enhancing security and the lighting infrastructure.

 A Task Force, comprising Public regulators and Private sector actors, has already been established to drive the Night Economy initiative under a public-private partnership arrangement, Ofori-Atta stated.

'December in GH' refers to seasonal promotions and events staged across Ghana every December to attract more tourists during the festive period.

It aims to showcase Ghana's diverse cultural attractions and cuisines to the many foreigners and investors who visit the country during the festive seasons.
Stakeholders have called on the government to establish effective cattle ranching policies to define boundaries that will prevent indiscriminate cattle grazing in communities.

That, the farmers and community members said, was the surest way to ending acrimonies and conflicts between cattle herders and community members in some parts of the Ashanti and Eastern regions.

These were some of the recommendations of a peace-building workshop, organized for farmer groups, opinion leaders, representatives of herdsmen, researchers and the media at Agogo in the Asante Akim North Municipality of the Ashanti Region.

The programme was part of a research dissemination activity on farmer-herder conflict, which was funded by the International Development Research Centre.

Some members of communities in and around Agogo said the ranching at Agogo, for instance, was perceived to be expensive, hence the likelihood that it would not be fully utilized.

Opanin Kwame Poku, a farmer, noted that: Herders feel it is an expensive way to graze as they will have to buy feed and other supplies for the cattle. They were likely not to obey the laid down rules and regulations of ranching.

Alhaji Isaka, a cattle rancher, said one of the ways to smoke a peace pipe was to hold onto the court order, which had cautioned herders to desist from grazing their cattle in Agogo.

We want to keep it that way, Agogo is a farming community and let's keep it that way, he said.

Going for a new agreement to allow the herders to return will be a no-go option.

He suggested that the Government supported families whose members had been killed or harmed in the conflict between community members and herdsmen.

Farmer groups and ranchers urged government and non-governmental organizations to help in finding a lasting solution to the problem.

Maame Peterson, a PhD Candidate at the University of Manitoba, Canada, studying Peace and Conflict, said her research in other parts of Ghana suggested that cross-cultural programmes could help bridge the gap between herders and the indigenous people of Agogo.

Peace and advocacy education was also necessary to bolster unity among farmers, herders and community members in areas of concern in Ghana.

She observed that there seemed to be a deadlock on the peace processes and both groups (farmers and herders) do not seem to have agreed on the way forward.

GNA
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has lambasted the New Patriotic Party government over the arrest of some Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) who used to collect tolls.

The PWDs, who were toll collectors and had gone to the Roads Ministry to seek an audience with the Minister on the issue of the payment of their unpaid salary arrears, were arrested by the police.

The NDC in a statement issued by its Communication Director, Kakra Essamuah on Wednesday said that Reports that disabled persons, whose entire livelihood depended on the remuneration in these extremely difficult times could be arrested and detained by peace officers in the Ghana of the 21st century are a dark blot on the already terribly blackened human rights record of the Akufo-Addo government.

It is even more baffling that the loud-mouthed Minister for Roads, apparently afraid of a meeting with disabled persons, ordered their arrest and detention.

Mr. Essamuah said the party, in accordance with its mandate to hold the government accountable, will watch closely and demand justice for those whose only crime for their arrest and detention was an opportunity to engage with the Minister for the resolution of their problems.

Read the full statement below

STATEMENT ON THE ARREST BY THE POLICE OF DISABLED TOLL BOOTH COLLECTORS AT THE MINISTRY OF ROADS

The National Democratic Congress has learnt with utter shock and disbelief the arrest of some members of a group of disabled people who, until the arbitrary closure of all road tollbooths in Ghana by the government, were the personnel collecting tolls, and who had gone to the Ministry to seek an audience with the Minister on the issue of the payment of their unpaid salary arrears.

As our people say, if you have no money for your in-laws, you do not go further to insult them, thus adding salt to injury.

Reports that disabled persons, whose entire livelihood depended on the remuneration in these extremely difficult times could be arrested and detained by peace officers in the Ghana of the 21st century are a dark blot on the already terribly blackened human rights record of the Akufo-Addo government.

It is even more baffling that the loudmouthed Minister for Roads, apparently afraid of a meeting with disabled persons, ordered their arrest and detention.

We will, in accordance with our mandate to hold the government accountable, be watching closely and demanding justice for those whose only crime for their arrest and detention, is an opportunity to engage with the Minister for the resolution of their problems.

ISSUED IN ACCRA THIS 15TH NOVEMBER, 2023

KAKRA ESSAMUAH

Communication Director

NDC

-citinewsroom
Member of Parliament (MP) for Cape Coast South, George Ricketts-Hagan, says the Minority caucus in Parliament will unravel the alleged GH11 billion taxes hidden in the governments 2024 budget.

Presenting the governments 2024 budget in Parliament on Wednesday, the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, announced eight tax reliefs the government intends to implement from next year.

These include extending the zero rate of VAT on locally manufactured African prints for two (2) more years; waiving import duties on the import of electric vehicles for public transportation for a period of 8 years; waiving import duties on semi-knocked down and completely knocked down electric vehicles imported by registered EV assembly companies in Ghana for a period of 8 years, and extending the zero rate of VAT on locally assembled vehicles for 2 more years.

The others were zero rate VAT on locally produced sanitary pads; granting import duty waivers for raw materials for the local manufacture of sanitary pads; granting exemptions on the importation of agricultural machinery equipment and inputs and medical consumables, raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry, as well as a VAT flat rate of 5 percent to replace the 15 percent standard VAT rate on all commercial properties, which will be introduced to simplify administration.

However, Mr. Ricketts-Hagan, in an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, said, We know that theres GH11 billion in taxes [in the budget], but it is hidden, so we will unravel it In a couple of days, we will unwrap it and show where they have been hidden.

They have been disguised, and that was the whole idea So we have to open it up.

However, the Deputy Trades Minister, Dr. Stephen Amoah, refuted such claims and urged the Cape Coast South MP and the Minority to focus on things such as the tax reliefs intended by the government to be implemented rather than look for [non-existent] areas to criticize.

-citinewsroom
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE  Get Free Report) saw a significant increase in short interest in October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 5,500,000 shares, an increase of 18.5% from the October 15th total of 4,640,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 1,090,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 5.0 days.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Stock Up 11.7 %

Shares of NYSE:ARE traded up $11.01 during trading on Tuesday, hitting $105.32. The stock had a trading volume of 2,203,038 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,057,362. Alexandria Real Estate Equities has a 12 month low of $90.73 and a 12 month high of $172.65. The company has a market capitalization of $18.30 billion, a PE ratio of 75.77, a PEG ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 1.00. The firms fifty day moving average is $101.49 and its 200 day moving average is $112.39. The company has a quick ratio of 0.22, a current ratio of 0.22 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49.

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Alexandria Real Estate Equities Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 13th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 29th were given a $1.24 dividend. This represents a $4.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.71%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 28th. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess dividend payout ratio is currently 356.84%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. BNP Paribas assumed coverage on Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a report on Wednesday, October 11th. They issued a neutral rating and a $108.00 price objective for the company. Wedbush reissued an outperform rating and issued a $120.00 target price on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a research note on Tuesday, October 24th. Evercore ISI lowered their target price on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $137.00 to $135.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, August 16th. Jefferies Financial Group assumed coverage on Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. They issued a buy rating and a $142.00 target price for the company. Finally, JMP Securities lowered their target price on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $180.00 to $160.00 and set a market outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, July 26th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Alexandria Real Estate Equities presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $144.33.

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Insider Activity

In other news, major shareholder Real Estate Equitie Alexandria sold 155,000 shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $2.41, for a total value of $373,550.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 6,000,077 shares in the company, valued at $14,460,185.57. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 0.96% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $454,000. Spire Wealth Management grew its stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 115.8% in the 1st quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 246 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 132 shares during the last quarter. Resurgent Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in the 4th quarter worth approximately $38,000. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust grew its stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 61.7% in the 3rd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 291 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 111 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Clear Street Markets LLC boosted its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 104.6% during the 1st quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 309 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 158 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 86.36% of the companys stock.

About Alexandria Real Estate Equities

(Get Free Report)

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc (NYSE: ARE), an S&P 500 company, is a best-in-class, mission-driven life science REIT making a positive and lasting impact on the world. As the pioneer of the life science real estate niche since its founding in 1994, Alexandria is the preeminent and longest-tenured owner, operator, and developer of collaborative life science, agtech, and advanced technology campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, including Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle.

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ARIAKE JAPAN Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:AKEJF  Get Free Report) was the target of a large decline in short interest in the month of October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 41,200 shares, a decline of 20.9% from the October 15th total of 52,100 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently  days.

ARIAKE JAPAN Stock Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS:AKEJF remained flat at 35.75 during trading on Wednesday. The stock had a trading volume of 3 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,000. ARIAKE JAPAN has a 1 year low of 34.97 and a 1 year high of 37.65. The businesss 50 day moving average price is 35.75 and its 200 day moving average price is 35.75.

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About ARIAKE JAPAN

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ARIAKE JAPAN Co, Ltd. manufactures, processes, and sells natural seasoning products with extracts from chicken, pork, beef, and other fresh livestock ingredients. It provides chicken bone base soups, ramen soups, chanpon soups, bouillon and consomme products, sauce bases, and Japanese bouillon products; and livestock meat, including beef, pork, and chicken, as well as shrimps, garlic, and seasoning oils.

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Bancolombia S.A. (NYSE:CIB  Get Free Report) passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $26.63 and traded as high as $27.17. Bancolombia shares last traded at $26.95, with a volume of 100,843 shares changing hands.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of analysts recently issued reports on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut Bancolombia from a neutral rating to an underweight rating and set a $30.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Thursday, August 10th. The Goldman Sachs Group cut Bancolombia from a buy rating to a neutral rating and decreased their target price for the company from $35.00 to $31.00 in a research report on Wednesday, September 20th. Jefferies Financial Group initiated coverage on Bancolombia in a research report on Monday, October 16th. They issued a hold rating and a $28.60 target price for the company. Finally, Itau BBA Securities cut Bancolombia from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $33.00 price objective for the company. in a research report on Wednesday, August 30th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $30.65.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Bancolombia

Bancolombia Stock Down 0.6 %

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Bancolombia

The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $26.16 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $26.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a current ratio of 1.02.

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of CIB. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. raised its stake in shares of Bancolombia by 12.0% during the 1st quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 5,173 shares of the banks stock worth $221,000 after buying an additional 553 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. increased its stake in Bancolombia by 14.2% in the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 16,862 shares of the banks stock valued at $719,000 after purchasing an additional 2,099 shares in the last quarter. US Bancorp DE increased its stake in Bancolombia by 7.7% in the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 8,982 shares of the banks stock valued at $383,000 after purchasing an additional 643 shares in the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its stake in Bancolombia by 13.7% in the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 2,719 shares of the banks stock valued at $117,000 after purchasing an additional 327 shares in the last quarter. Finally, BlackRock Inc. increased its stake in Bancolombia by 25.1% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 2,227,183 shares of the banks stock valued at $95,011,000 after purchasing an additional 446,778 shares in the last quarter.

About Bancolombia

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Bancolombia SA provides banking products and services in Colombia, Panama, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Bermuda, and Guatemala. The company operates through nine segments: Banking Colombia, Banking Panama, Banking El Salvador, Banking Guatemala, Trust, Investment Banking, Brokerage, International Banking, and All Other.

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You could break into a sweat when your room feels warm or you've piled on too many blankets. But that's not what we're talking about. "Night sweats" refers to repeated drenching perspiration in the middle of the night that's likely to wake you, and sometimes so much that you need to change your sheets. It's usually related to a medical issue. Dealing with whatever that is may relieve the sweating.

Overactive Thyroid

Sweating more and being sensitive to heat are notable symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Your thyroid gland controls your metabolism, so when it makes too much hormone, your body goes into overdrive. Your body temperature rises, and you could be hungrier or thirstier, have a racing pulse or shaking hands, feel tired and out of sorts, get diarrhea, and lose weight.

Low Blood Sugar

Do you have diabetes? While your blood glucose may be OK when you turn in, it can drop while you're asleep. Maybe you had a very active day, or exercised in the evening, or had a late dinner. If you use insulin or take a sulfonylurea-type drug to manage your diabetes, that may be responsible for your overnight hypoglycemia. When your glucose is lower than 140 mg/dL before bed, or it could fall in a few hours, have a snack.

Sleep Apnea

When you have this condition, you briefly stop breathing over and over during the night. Because your body isn't getting oxygen, it may slip into "fight or flight" mode, which triggers sweating. Each time it has to kick-start breathing means a burst of work from your muscles, too. People who use a CPAP machine to help them breathe at night have night sweats about as often as those who don't have sleep apnea.

Acid Reflux

It's not only the heartburn and chest pain that can wake you up. GERD hasn't been studied much as a cause of night sweats, but doctors say theres a possible connection. And treating it can often ease your night sweats. Eat smaller meals, and not before bed. Avoid trigger foods -- like those that are fatty, fried, or tomato-based. See your doctor if your symptoms are severe or happen more than a couple of times a week.

Lymphoma

Many cancers can cause night sweats, but the most common is lymphoma, which starts in parts of your body's immune system, like lymph nodes, the spleen, bone marrow, and the thymus. About a quarter of people with Hodgkin's lymphoma get night sweats and have a low fever. They may also be tired, itchy, and, after drinking alcohol, hurt where their tumor is. People with aggressive or advanced non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can get drenching night sweats, too.

Medications

Lots of drugs may cause night sweats, including over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen and NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Older antidepressants, called tricyclics or TCAs, as well as bupropion and venlafaxine, hormone replacement therapy, and steroids like cortisone and prednisone are common suspects. Some medicines for glaucoma and dry mouth also stimulate your sweat glands. Check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Anxiety

Stress, worry, and panic can make you break out in a sweat during the day, so it's no surprise anxiety can have the same effect at night. Nightmares and sleep terrors are less common in adults than children, but both can leave anyone sweaty and with a pounding heart. Seek help from a counselor, therapist, or your doctor if these disturbances are ongoing or causing problems in your life.

HIV

Fever, sore or swollen lymph nodes, and joint pain are more common symptoms after you first get the virus and become HIV-positive, but about 1 in 10 people get night sweats. People living with HIV who have symptoms like weight loss and diarrhea may get night sweats once a week or so. AIDS-related opportunistic infections like mycobacterium avium (MAC, MAI) and cytomegalovirus can cause them, too.

Tumors

Prostate cancer, kidney cancer, and some tumors in the ovaries and testicles (both cancerous and not) are common examples of what doctors call "solid tumors" that can cause night sweats. A type of advanced thyroid cancer and cancer in your pancreas could also set them off. Night sweats are a classic symptom of carcinoid syndrome, the effect of a rare cancer usually found in your digestive system or lungs.

Menopause

"Hot flashes" before and after your final period can be hard to distinguish from night sweats. Younger women who've had both ovaries removed or who stopped menstruating because of chemo can also get them. They're more likely to happen when you're anxious, depressed, or have a drink every day. But just because you're a woman of the right age (typically, in your late 40s or 50s), don't assume your night sweats are menopause-related.

Infection

Infections can trigger night sweats. Some infections like bacterial endocarditis (infection of the inner lining of your heart and heart valves) and osteomyelitis (bone infections) can cause it. There are other more rare infections that can cause night sweats as well and yuor doctor will check you for them based on your risk factors, exposure and travel history.

Pheochromocytoma

This rare tumor that grows in the adrenal glands usually isn't cancerous, but it can cause your body to make too many hormones, which raise your blood pressure and cause night sweats, headache, and a racing pulse. Most people with a pheochromocytoma are between 20 and 50. You're more likely to have it if you have a hard time controlling your high blood pressure or have family members who've had one or a related genetic disorder.

Find Relief

A lower temperature in the bedroom and fans to circulate the air may make you more comfortable. Use moisture-wicking quick-dry sheets and PJs. Avoid synthetic fabrics that don't breathe. If you can't figure out what's causing your night sweats, keep a diary to share with your doctor. Ideally, you'll be able to treat the cause and not just the symptom.

Nayana Ambardekar, MD
BlackRock Enhanced Global Dividend Trust (NYSE:BOE  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest in October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 31,500 shares, an increase of 44.5% from the October 15th total of 21,800 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 152,300 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.2 days.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On BlackRock Enhanced Global Dividend Trust

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of BOE. Raymond James & Associates grew its holdings in BlackRock Enhanced Global Dividend Trust by 5.7% during the first quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 347,898 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,935,000 after buying an additional 18,697 shares in the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. grew its stake in BlackRock Enhanced Global Dividend Trust by 4.0% in the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 87,728 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $992,000 after purchasing an additional 3,393 shares during the period. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. grew its stake in BlackRock Enhanced Global Dividend Trust by 20.6% in the 1st quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. now owns 15,231 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $173,000 after purchasing an additional 2,602 shares during the period. Private Advisor Group LLC grew its stake in BlackRock Enhanced Global Dividend Trust by 2.6% in the 1st quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 67,042 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $758,000 after purchasing an additional 1,670 shares during the period. Finally, PNC Financial Services Group Inc. grew its stake in BlackRock Enhanced Global Dividend Trust by 32.6% in the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 15,170 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $171,000 after purchasing an additional 3,730 shares during the period.

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BlackRock Enhanced Global Dividend Trust Trading Up 2.2 %

Shares of NYSE BOE traded up $0.21 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $9.64. 241,575 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 146,576. BlackRock Enhanced Global Dividend Trust has a one year low of $8.80 and a one year high of $10.61. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $9.44 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $9.78.

BlackRock Enhanced Global Dividend Trust Dividend Announcement

BlackRock Enhanced Global Dividend Trust Company Profile

The business also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, November 30th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.063 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 14th. This represents a $0.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 7.84%.

(Get Free Report)

BlackRock Enhanced Global Dividend Trust is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc The fund is co-managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC and BlackRock International Limited. It invests in public equity markets across the globe. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors.

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Westpac Banking Corp reduced its holdings in shares of Brookfield Co. (NYSE:BN  Free Report) by 36.2% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 257,684 shares of the companys stock after selling 146,398 shares during the quarter. Westpac Banking Corps holdings in Brookfield were worth $8,685,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Atria Investments Inc increased its holdings in shares of Brookfield by 68.3% in the second quarter. Atria Investments Inc now owns 52,502 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,767,000 after purchasing an additional 21,305 shares during the period. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp acquired a new position in shares of Brookfield in the first quarter valued at about $191,000. Parkside Investments LLC increased its holdings in shares of Brookfield by 8.7% in the second quarter. Parkside Investments LLC now owns 206,144 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,937,000 after purchasing an additional 16,472 shares during the period. Marks Group Wealth Management Inc increased its holdings in shares of Brookfield by 9.6% in the second quarter. Marks Group Wealth Management Inc now owns 18,310 shares of the companys stock valued at $616,000 after purchasing an additional 1,609 shares during the period. Finally, Jackson Hill Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Brookfield by 6.6% in the second quarter. Jackson Hill Advisors LLC now owns 479,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $16,118,000 after purchasing an additional 29,500 shares during the period. 58.22% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Brookfield Price Performance

BN stock traded down $0.04 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $34.38. 1,323,027 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,579,796. The stocks 50 day moving average is $32.27 and its 200 day moving average is $32.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.34, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a current ratio of 1.22. Brookfield Co. has a 12-month low of $28.25 and a 12-month high of $47.53.

Brookfield Dividend Announcement

Brookfield ( NYSE:BN Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 9th. The company reported $0.73 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.72 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $24.44 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.07 billion. Brookfield had a return on equity of 2.23% and a net margin of 0.12%.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Thursday, November 30th will be issued a $0.07 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 29th. This represents a $0.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.81%. Brookfields dividend payout ratio is presently -933.02%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. BMO Capital Markets cut their price objective on Brookfield from $45.00 to $42.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, November 10th. TD Securities increased their price objective on Brookfield from $54.00 to $55.00 and gave the company an action list buy rating in a report on Sunday. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their price objective on Brookfield from $36.00 to $37.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Friday, November 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on Brookfield from $47.00 to $48.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, November 10th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada lowered their target price on Brookfield from $48.00 to $43.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 24th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Brookfield has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $43.78.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Brookfield

Brookfield Profile

(Free Report)

Brookfield Corporation is an alternative asset manager and REIT/Real Estate Investment Manager firm focuses on real estate, renewable power, infrastructure and venture capital and private equity assets. It manages a range of public and private investment products and services for institutional and retail clients.

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Meitav Investment House Ltd. boosted its stake in Carrier Global Co. (NYSE:CARR  Free Report) by 1.9% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 835,580 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 15,825 shares during the quarter. Meitav Investment House Ltd.s holdings in Carrier Global were worth $41,480,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Tower View Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Carrier Global by 0.3% in the second quarter. Tower View Wealth Management LLC now owns 55,090 shares of the companys stock worth $2,739,000 after acquiring an additional 187 shares in the last quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Carrier Global by 7.3% in the 2nd quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 2,781 shares of the companys stock valued at $138,000 after purchasing an additional 189 shares in the last quarter. Oakworth Capital Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Carrier Global by 12.3% during the 2nd quarter. Oakworth Capital Inc. now owns 1,831 shares of the companys stock valued at $91,000 after buying an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Loring Wolcott & Coolidge Fiduciary Advisors LLP MA grew its position in shares of Carrier Global by 3.3% during the second quarter. Loring Wolcott & Coolidge Fiduciary Advisors LLP MA now owns 6,236 shares of the companys stock worth $310,000 after buying an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Foster & Motley Inc. grew its position in shares of Carrier Global by 1.4% during the second quarter. Foster & Motley Inc. now owns 14,532 shares of the companys stock worth $722,000 after buying an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.47% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

CARR has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Bank of America downgraded shares of Carrier Global from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and reduced their price objective for the company from $62.00 to $55.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded Carrier Global from a neutral rating to an underweight rating and set a $53.00 price target for the company. in a research note on Friday, October 6th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price objective on Carrier Global from $54.00 to $64.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, July 28th. Argus lifted their target price on Carrier Global from $52.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 1st. Finally, Mizuho lowered Carrier Global from a buy rating to a neutral rating and dropped their price target for the company from $63.00 to $61.00 in a research report on Thursday, September 14th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $57.63.

Carrier Global Stock Performance

NYSE:CARR traded up $0.08 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $52.89. The stock had a trading volume of 1,059,024 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,064,207. The company has a current ratio of 1.66, a quick ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $52.58 and a 200-day simple moving average of $50.73. The stock has a market capitalization of $44.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.45, a P/E/G ratio of 1.77 and a beta of 1.45. Carrier Global Co. has a 52 week low of $40.28 and a 52 week high of $60.04.

Carrier Global (NYSE:CARR  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $0.89 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.78 by $0.11. The company had revenue of $5.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.89 billion. Carrier Global had a net margin of 5.43% and a return on equity of 26.60%. Carrier Globals revenue was up 5.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.70 earnings per share. On average, research analysts expect that Carrier Global Co. will post 2.71 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Carrier Global Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, November 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 27th will be given a dividend of $0.185 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 26th. This represents a $0.74 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.40%. Carrier Globals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 52.48%.

About Carrier Global

(Free Report)

Carrier Global Corporation provides heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire, security, and building automation technologies worldwide. It operates through three segments: HVAC, Refrigeration, and Fire & Security. The HVAC segment provides products, controls, services, and solutions to meet the heating, cooling, and ventilation needs of residential and commercial customers.

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Clarius Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 7.3% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 16,253 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,101 shares during the period. Clarius Group LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $1,587,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of PM. Barrett & Company Inc. acquired a new position in Philip Morris International during the first quarter worth $32,000. NewSquare Capital LLC grew its holdings in Philip Morris International by 127.0% in the first quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 370 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 207 shares during the last quarter. Blume Capital Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Philip Morris International in the first quarter valued at $36,000. Spotlight Asset Group Inc. acquired a new position in Philip Morris International during the second quarter worth about $37,000. Finally, Altshuler Shaham Ltd acquired a new position in Philip Morris International during the first quarter worth about $40,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.70% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. UBS Group cut their price objective on shares of Philip Morris International from $116.00 to $112.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on shares of Philip Morris International from $118.00 to $113.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. Stifel Nicolaus reissued a buy rating and issued a $114.00 price objective on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lowered their target price on shares of Philip Morris International from $111.00 to $105.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 13th. One investment 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. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $110.73.

Philip Morris International Trading Up 0.9 %

PM traded up $0.77 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $91.17. 3,054,955 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,268,028. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 1 year low of $87.23 and a 1 year high of $105.62. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $92.31 and a 200 day moving average price of $94.38. The firm has a market cap of $141.53 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.55, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.13 and a beta of 0.77.

Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 19th. The company reported $1.67 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.62 by $0.05. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 9.62% and a negative return on equity of 129.48%. The company had revenue of $9.14 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.21 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.53 earnings per share. Philip Morris Internationals revenue for the quarter was up 13.8% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts forecast that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.18 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Philip Morris International Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced 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 an increase from Philip Morris Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $1.27. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.70%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is 100.97%.

Philip Morris International Company 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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Clarius Group LLC raised its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Free Report) by 4.3% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 22,459 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after purchasing an additional 917 shares during the quarter. Clarius Group LLCs holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $1,793,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Dillon & Associates Inc. grew its position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 3.9% in the 1st quarter. Dillon & Associates Inc. now owns 3,955 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $245,000 after purchasing an additional 150 shares during the period. Abbrea Capital LLC grew its position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 1.5% in the 1st quarter. Abbrea Capital LLC now owns 10,025 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $695,000 after purchasing an additional 150 shares during the period. Westshore Wealth LLC grew its position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 4.3% in the 1st quarter. Westshore Wealth LLC now owns 3,658 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $254,000 after purchasing an additional 151 shares during the period. Providence Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 0.5% during the 1st quarter. Providence Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 28,179 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,952,000 after acquiring an additional 153 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Lebenthal Global Advisors LLC boosted its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 1.5% during the 1st quarter. Lebenthal Global Advisors LLC now owns 10,533 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $730,000 after acquiring an additional 156 shares during the last quarter. 74.98% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts have weighed in on the company. TheStreet downgraded Bristol-Myers Squibb from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Thursday, November 9th. BMO Capital Markets downgraded Bristol-Myers Squibb from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $60.00 price target for the company. in a research report on Friday, October 27th. Barclays dropped their price objective on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $60.00 to $51.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 27th. HSBC upgraded Bristol-Myers Squibb from a reduce rating to a hold rating and dropped their price objective for the stock from $55.00 to $53.00 in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded Bristol-Myers Squibb from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 27th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have assigned a hold rating, four have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $63.59.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Stock Performance

NYSE BMY traded up $0.06 on Wednesday, reaching $50.58. The stock had a trading volume of 3,852,664 shares, compared to its average volume of 9,593,768. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 1.18 and a quick ratio of 1.07. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $56.14 and a two-hundred day moving average of $61.20. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a 1-year low of $49.49 and a 1-year high of $81.43. The company has a market cap of $102.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.78, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.57 and a beta of 0.38.

Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $2.00 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.76 by $0.24. The company had revenue of $10.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.96 billion. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 51.59% and a net margin of 18.44%. Bristol-Myers Squibbs quarterly revenue was down 2.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.99 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 7.56 EPS for the current year.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 6th were issued a dividend of $0.57 per share. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.51%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, October 5th. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 57.87%.

Insider Transactions at Bristol-Myers Squibb

In other news, EVP Ann Powell sold 17,986 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $61.25, for a total transaction of $1,101,642.50. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 27,868 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,706,915. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. 0.08% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

About Bristol-Myers Squibb

(Free Report)

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis, an oral inhibitor for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in NVAF, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for anti-cancer indications; Pomalyst/Imnovid indicated for patients with multiple myeloma; Orencia for adult patients with active RA and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia.

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Clarius Group LLC lifted its stake in Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT  Free Report) by 2.0% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 18,724 shares of the retailers stock after purchasing an additional 373 shares during the quarter. Clarius Group LLCs holdings in Walmart were worth $2,943,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A number of other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Private Advisor Group LLC lifted its position in shares of Walmart by 5.2% in the second quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 160,060 shares of the retailers stock worth $25,346,000 after purchasing an additional 7,938 shares in the last quarter. Nwam LLC lifted its position in shares of Walmart by 16.9% in the second quarter. Nwam LLC now owns 6,476 shares of the retailers stock worth $1,018,000 after purchasing an additional 934 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Advisors LLC raised its position in Walmart by 2.5% during the second quarter. Cetera Advisors LLC now owns 63,874 shares of the retailers stock valued at $10,040,000 after acquiring an additional 1,548 shares in the last quarter. Penobscot Investment Management Company Inc. raised its position in Walmart by 29.1% during the second quarter. Penobscot Investment Management Company Inc. now owns 4,440 shares of the retailers stock valued at $698,000 after acquiring an additional 1,000 shares in the last quarter. Finally, YHB Investment Advisors Inc. raised its position in Walmart by 0.8% during the second quarter. YHB Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 30,101 shares of the retailers stock valued at $4,731,000 after acquiring an additional 228 shares in the last quarter. 33.18% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Walmart Price Performance

Shares of WMT traded up $1.31 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $168.96. The stock had a trading volume of 4,292,189 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,794,696. The companys fifty day moving average is $162.36 and its two-hundred day moving average is $157.67. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a current ratio of 0.83 and a quick ratio of 0.26. Walmart Inc. has a 52 week low of $136.09 and a 52 week high of $169.47. The stock has a market capitalization of $454.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.24, a P/E/G ratio of 3.46 and a beta of 0.53.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Walmart ( NYSE:WMT Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 17th. The retailer reported $1.84 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.69 by $0.15. The business had revenue of $161.63 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $160.22 billion. Walmart had a net margin of 2.23% and a return on equity of 21.47%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 5.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.77 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that Walmart Inc. will post 6.45 EPS for the current year.

Several equities analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Bank of America raised their price objective on shares of Walmart from $175.00 to $190.00 in a research report on Wednesday, August 9th. Raymond James raised their price objective on shares of Walmart from $160.00 to $170.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, August 18th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on shares of Walmart from $165.00 to $168.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, August 18th. Barclays lifted their price target on shares of Walmart from $162.00 to $167.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, August 18th. Finally, UBS Group lifted their price target on shares of Walmart from $173.00 to $190.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 18th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirty have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Walmart presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $178.36.

View Our Latest Analysis on WMT

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Walmart news, EVP John D. Rainey sold 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $161.37, for a total transaction of $161,370.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 169,735 shares in the company, valued at approximately $27,390,136.95. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Walmart news, EVP John D. Rainey sold 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $161.37, for a total transaction of $161,370.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 169,735 shares in the company, valued at approximately $27,390,136.95. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, EVP John R. Furner sold 4,375 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $162.00, for a total transaction of $708,750.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 269,119 shares in the company, valued at $43,597,278. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 31,166 shares of company stock worth $5,066,701 in the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 46.51% of the companys stock.

Walmart Company Profile

(Free Report)

Walmart Inc engages in the operation of retail, wholesale, and other units worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club. It operates supercenters, supermarkets, hypermarkets, warehouse clubs, cash and carry stores, and discount stores under Walmart and Walmart Neighborhood Market brands; membership-only warehouse clubs; ecommerce websites, such as walmart.com, walmart.com.mx, walmart.ca, flipkart.com, and samsclub.com; and mobile commerce applications.

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Clarius Group LLC raised its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 6.0% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 9,602 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 541 shares during the quarter. Clarius Group LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $4,503,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the business. Fairfield Bush & CO. bought a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the 1st quarter worth $107,000. Roundview Capital LLC grew its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2.6% in the first quarter. Roundview Capital LLC now owns 2,056 shares of the companys stock worth $589,000 after acquiring an additional 53 shares during the period. Merit Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company in the 1st quarter worth approximately $210,000. NewEdge Advisors LLC grew its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 9.9% in the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 53,052 shares of the companys stock worth $15,193,000 after purchasing an additional 4,774 shares during the period. Finally, Barometer Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the first quarter worth $561,000. 81.38% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on LLY shares. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $385.00 to $470.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 9th. Argus upped their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $470.00 to $620.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 5th. Bank of America lifted their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $600.00 to $700.00 in a research report on Friday, October 6th. UBS Group reissued a buy rating and set a $710.00 price target (up from $612.00) on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Friday, October 20th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, November 3rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and twenty have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $557.00.

Eli Lilly and Company Price Performance

LLY stock traded down $21.29 on Wednesday, reaching $589.53. 1,535,505 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,094,437. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 1.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59. Eli Lilly and Company has a twelve month low of $309.20 and a twelve month high of $629.97. The firm has a market cap of $559.65 billion, a PE ratio of 108.18, a P/E/G ratio of 3.72 and a beta of 0.33. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $576.99 and a 200-day moving average of $506.23.

Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 8th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 15th will be issued a $1.13 dividend. This represents a $4.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.77%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 14th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is currently 81.88%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Eli Lilly and Company

In related news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total transaction of $382,637.00. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 4,708 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,688,738.80. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 600 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $546.51, for a total transaction of $327,906.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 5,378 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,939,130.78. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 670 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction on Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $571.10, for a total transaction of $382,637.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 4,708 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,688,738.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 536,138 shares of company stock valued at $20,881,627,358. Insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

Eli Lilly and Company Profile

(Free Report)

Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes.

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Clough Global Opportunities Fund (NYSEAMERICAN:GLO  Get Free Report) announced a monthly dividend on Tuesday, October 10th, Wall Street Journal reports. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 17th will be paid a dividend of 0.0483 per share by the investment management company on Thursday, November 30th. This represents a $0.58 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 12.55%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 16th.

Clough Global Opportunities Fund has increased its dividend by an average of 2.5% annually over the last three years.

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Clough Global Opportunities Fund Trading Up 2.4 %

GLO opened at $4.62 on Wednesday. Clough Global Opportunities Fund has a 12 month low of $4.08 and a 12 month high of $6.38.

Institutional Trading of Clough Global Opportunities Fund

About Clough Global Opportunities Fund

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new stake in shares of Clough Global Opportunities Fund during the first quarter worth about $507,000. NewEdge Advisors LLC grew its stake in Clough Global Opportunities Fund by 34.5% during the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 44,951 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $423,000 after buying an additional 11,540 shares during the last quarter. Centaurus Financial Inc. increased its position in Clough Global Opportunities Fund by 96.3% during the first quarter. Centaurus Financial Inc. now owns 259,182 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $2,439,000 after buying an additional 127,121 shares during the period. Guggenheim Capital LLC lifted its stake in Clough Global Opportunities Fund by 10.2% in the first quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC now owns 203,063 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $1,911,000 after buying an additional 18,726 shares during the last quarter. Finally, LPL Financial LLC lifted its stake in Clough Global Opportunities Fund by 9.9% in the second quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 14,833 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $109,000 after buying an additional 1,333 shares during the last quarter.

(Get Free Report)

Clough Global Opportunities Fund is a closed ended balanced mutual fund launched and managed by Clough Capital Partners L.P. It invests in public equity and fixed income markets across the globe. The fund invests in securities of companies operating across diversified sectors. For its fixed income portion, the fund invests in both investment grade and non-investment grade issues.

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CMS Energy Co. (NYSE:CMS  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest in the month of October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 11,500,000 shares, a growth of 45.4% from the October 15th total of 7,910,000 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 2,430,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 4.7 days.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages recently commented on CMS. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their target price on CMS Energy from $71.00 to $64.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, September 6th. UBS Group decreased their target price on CMS Energy from $66.00 to $59.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. Guggenheim decreased their price objective on CMS Energy from $61.00 to $54.00 in a report on Monday, October 9th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on CMS Energy in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a sell rating for the company. Finally, BMO Capital Markets lowered their price objective on CMS Energy from $62.00 to $61.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 16th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, CMS Energy has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $61.73.

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CMS Energy Stock Performance

Shares of CMS traded up $1.94 on Tuesday, reaching $57.25. 2,468,734 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,145,868. The company has a current ratio of 0.90, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.88. The stock has a market cap of $16.70 billion, a PE ratio of 22.54, a PEG ratio of 2.39 and a beta of 0.39. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $54.61 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $57.64. CMS Energy has a 52-week low of $49.87 and a 52-week high of $65.72.

CMS Energy (NYSE:CMS  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The utilities provider reported $0.61 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.63 by ($0.02). The business had revenue of $1.67 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.11 billion. CMS Energy had a net margin of 9.61% and a return on equity of 10.49%. The businesss revenue was down 17.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.56 earnings per share. On average, analysts forecast that CMS Energy will post 3.1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

CMS Energy Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, November 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 3rd will be issued a dividend of $0.4875 per share. This represents a $1.95 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.41%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 2nd. CMS Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 76.77%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, SVP Brian F. Rich sold 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $54.90, for a total value of $274,500.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 88,175 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,840,807.50. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, Director John G. Russell sold 19,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $55.53, for a total value of $1,055,070.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 169,899 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,434,491.47. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, SVP Brian F. Rich sold 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $54.90, for a total value of $274,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 88,175 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,840,807.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 25,667 shares of company stock valued at $1,423,372. 0.40% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On CMS Energy

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Covington Capital Management bought a new position in CMS Energy during the third quarter valued at $27,000. Clear Street Markets LLC boosted its holdings in shares of CMS Energy by 94.9% in the first quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 573 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 279 shares during the period. American National Bank boosted its holdings in shares of CMS Energy by 1,213.6% in the third quarter. American National Bank now owns 578 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 534 shares during the period. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. boosted its holdings in shares of CMS Energy by 41.5% in the first quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 644 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $40,000 after acquiring an additional 189 shares during the period. Finally, Compagnie Lombard Odier SCmA bought a new position in shares of CMS Energy in the third quarter worth $36,000. 95.98% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

CMS Energy Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

CMS Energy Corporation operates as an energy company primarily in Michigan. The company operates through three segments: Electric Utility; Gas Utility; and Enterprises. The Electric Utility segment is involved in the generation, purchase, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity. This segment generates electricity through coal, wind, gas, renewable energy, oil, and nuclear sources.

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Shares of Credit Suisse FI Large Cap Growth Enhanced ETN (NYSEARCA:FLGE  Get Free Report) traded down 1.1% during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $809.53 and last traded at $809.53. 3,100 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 352% from the average session volume of 686 shares. The stock had previously closed at $818.83.

Credit Suisse FI Large Cap Growth Enhanced ETN Stock Performance

The businesss 50 day moving average price is $809.53 and its 200 day moving average price is $809.53.

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The 2022 Success Story

According to the National Program for the Fight Against Tuberculosis (NPFT), 25,286 cases of all forms of Tuberculosis, were reported in Cameroon in 2022. This figure includes 5.3% pediatric TB, and 174 cases of multi-resistant TB.

The total number of TB cases reported in 2022 include 545 cases of prison inmates who were placed on treatment after being detected. Prison inmates are a major priority for TB health care givers.

TB is a leading cause of deaths in persons living with HIV. In 2022, Cameroon saw an 18% decrease in tuberculosis-HIV co-infections compared to 2021. Ninety-eight of co-infected patients were successfully placed on antiretroviral drugs (ARVs).

NPFT officials say sustainable community activities also contributed 5% to the 2022 TB success story.

The Way Forward

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 4000 deaths and 30,000 new cases of the disease are reported every day around the world. The mortality rate for TB is 30 per 100,000 inhabitants.

Cameroon is not excluded from the gloom report of this devastating health problem. As the country embarks on ending TB by 2030, Public Health Minister identifies some challenges that need to be resolved.

One of such setbacks is the inability for most people at risk to access existing tools and resources to protect themselves from the disease or get timely treatment.

The late notification of TB cases, the maintenance of diagnostic tools in laboratories and the establishment of a good system for transporting samples are also primordial concerns.

Dr. Manaouda Malachie says there is an ongoing advocacy for partners and other donors to ensure a consistent mobilization of funds allocated for the fight against TB.

TB Health care givers agree that ending TB requires implementing measures that will amplify communication about the disease and other communicable diseases.

Kathy Neba Sina
Shares of EVCI Career Colleges Holding Corp. (OTCMKTS:EVCI  Get Free Report) were up 66.7% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $0.12 and last traded at $0.12. Approximately 5,000 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 32% from the average daily volume of 7,364 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.07.

EVCI Career Colleges Price Performance

The firm has a 50 day moving average of $0.11 and a 200-day moving average of $0.12.

About EVCI Career Colleges

(Get Free Report)

EVCI Career Colleges Holding Corp., through its subsidiaries, provides on-campus career college education in the United States. The company, through its subsidiary, Technical Career Institutes, Inc, offers college degree programs leading to the associate in applied sciences degree, as well as certain certificate programs.

Further Reading

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Meiwu Technology (NYSE:WNW  Get Free Report) and Blue Apron (NYSE:APRN  Get Free Report) are both small-cap business services companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, dividends, valuation, analyst recommendations, profitability, earnings and risk.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Meiwu Technology and Blue Aprons top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Meiwu Technology $10.98 million 0.51 -$11.07 million N/A N/A Blue Apron $458.47 million 0.18 -$109.73 million ($19.86) -0.65

Meiwu Technology has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Blue Apron.

Profitability

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Meiwu Technology N/A N/A N/A Blue Apron -26.13% -919.86% -48.43%

Risk and Volatility

This table compares Meiwu Technology and Blue Aprons net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Meiwu Technology has a beta of 1.64, meaning that its share price is 64% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Blue Apron has a beta of -3.29, meaning that its share price is 429% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

0.4% of Meiwu Technology shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 39.0% of Blue Apron shares are held by institutional investors. 0.8% of Blue Apron shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of current ratings for Meiwu Technology and Blue Apron, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Meiwu Technology 0 0 0 0 N/A Blue Apron 0 1 1 0 2.50

Blue Apron has a consensus price target of $15.00, indicating a potential upside of 15.47%. Given Blue Aprons higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Blue Apron is more favorable than Meiwu Technology.

Summary

Meiwu Technology beats Blue Apron on 6 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Meiwu Technology

(Get Free Report)

Meiwu Technology Company Limited operates as an online and mobile commerce company in the People's Republic of China. It operates in three segments: Clean Food Platform, Restaurant, and others. The company offers green food, organic food, intangible cultural heritage food, agricultural products, and pollution-free products. It operates Clean Food Platform, an electronic online platform designs to provide primarily clean food to customers in China. The company also engages the provision of restaurant services; sells drinks, fruits, and frozen products; and wholesale of agricultural products, as well as provides short messages services and technical and consulting services. The company was formerly known as Wunong Net Technology Company Limited and changed its name to Meiwu Technology Company Limited in August 2021. Meiwu Technology Company Limited was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Shenzhen, the People's Republic of China.

About Blue Apron

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Blue Apron Holdings, Inc. operates a direct-to-consumer platform that delivers original recipes with fresh and seasonal ingredients. The company also operates Blue Apron Market, an e-commerce market that provides cooking tools, utensils, pantry items, and other products. In addition, it offers Blue Apron Wine, a direct-to-consumer wine delivery service that sells wines, which can be paired with its meals. The company serves young couples, families, singles, and empty nesters. It offers its services through order selections on Website or mobile application primarily in the United States. The company was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

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Fortis Inc. (TSE:FTS  Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Thursday, November 16th, Zacks reports. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 1st will be given a dividend of 0.59 per share on Friday, December 1st. This represents a $2.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.19%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 16th. This is a boost from Fortiss previous quarterly dividend of $0.57.

Fortis Stock Performance

TSE:FTS opened at C$56.35 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of C$27.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.24, a PEG ratio of 2.80 and a beta of 0.23. The business has a 50 day moving average of C$54.44 and a 200 day moving average of C$55.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 128.96, a current ratio of 0.71 and a quick ratio of 0.36. Fortis has a 1-year low of C$49.82 and a 1-year high of C$62.00.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have weighed in on the stock. TD Securities lowered their price target on shares of Fortis from C$63.00 to C$61.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 30th. Credit Suisse Group dropped their price objective on Fortis from C$61.50 to C$60.50 in a research note on Thursday, August 24th. Scotiabank dropped their price target on shares of Fortis from C$58.00 to C$57.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 16th. National Bankshares dropped their target price on shares of Fortis from C$57.00 to C$52.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 19th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reduced their price target on Fortis from C$59.00 to C$58.50 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, September 8th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of C$57.88.

About Fortis

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Fortis Inc operates as an electric and gas utility company in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean countries. It generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 443,000 retail customers in southeastern Arizona; and 102,000 retail customers in Arizona's Mohave and Santa Cruz counties with an aggregate capacity of 3,328 megawatts (MW), including 68 MW of solar capacity and 250 MV of wind capacity.

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Galp Energia, SGPS, S.A. (OTCMKTS:GLPEY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest in October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 3,900 shares, an increase of 44.4% from the October 15th total of 2,700 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 55,800 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days.

Analyst Ratings Changes

GLPEY has been the subject of several recent research reports. BNP Paribas downgraded Galp Energia, SGPS from an outperform rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, September 14th. Morgan Stanley raised Galp Energia, SGPS from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, September 1st. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded Galp Energia, SGPS from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $15.00.

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Read Our Latest Stock Report on Galp Energia, SGPS

Galp Energia, SGPS Stock Up 0.7 %

GLPEY stock traded up $0.05 during trading on Tuesday, hitting $7.44. The company had a trading volume of 21,610 shares, compared to its average volume of 42,192. The business has a 50-day moving average of $7.40 and a 200-day moving average of $6.55. Galp Energia, SGPS has a one year low of $5.04 and a one year high of $7.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58, a quick ratio of 1.36 and a current ratio of 1.70.

Galp Energia, SGPS (OTCMKTS:GLPEY  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, October 30th. The energy company reported $0.21 EPS for the quarter. Galp Energia, SGPS had a return on equity of 27.83% and a net margin of 5.99%. The business had revenue of $6.01 billion for the quarter. As a group, analysts expect that Galp Energia, SGPS will post 0.77 earnings per share for the current year.

Galp Energia, SGPS Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 11th. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 28th were issued a dividend of $0.1471 per share. This is a boost from Galp Energia, SGPSs previous dividend of $0.08. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 25th.

About Galp Energia, SGPS

(Get Free Report)

Galp Energia, SGPS, SA operates as an integrated energy operator in Portugal and internationally. The company operates through four segments: Upstream, Industrial & Midstream, Commercial, and Renewables and New Business. The Upstream segment engages in the exploration, development, and production of hydrocarbons primarily in Brazil, Mozambique, and Angola.

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TXO Partners L.P. (NYSE:TXO  Get Free Report) major shareholder Global Endowment Management, L sold 1,500,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $17.10, for a total value of $25,650,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 1,139,098 shares in the company, valued at approximately $19,478,575.80. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Major shareholders that own at least 10% of a companys shares are required to disclose their sales and purchases with the SEC.

TXO Partners Trading Down 0.1 %

Shares of NYSE:TXO traded down $0.02 on Tuesday, hitting $18.68. The companys stock had a trading volume of 61,300 shares, compared to its average volume of 28,772. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $19.43 and a 200 day simple moving average of $20.53. TXO Partners L.P. has a 1 year low of $17.25 and a 1 year high of $25.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a current ratio of 0.86.

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TXO Partners (NYSE:TXO  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 7th. The company reported $0.27 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.33 by ($0.06). TXO Partners had a net margin of 20.38% and a negative return on equity of 1.33%. The business had revenue of $69.87 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $71.38 million. As a group, research analysts anticipate that TXO Partners L.P. will post 0.69 EPS for the current fiscal year.

TXO Partners Increases Dividend

Hedge Funds Weigh In On TXO Partners

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, November 27th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 17th will be given a dividend of $0.52 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 16th. This is a positive change from TXO Partnerss previous quarterly dividend of $0.48. This represents a $2.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 11.13%.

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Venturi Wealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of TXO Partners by 64.3% during the 3rd quarter. Venturi Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,300 shares of the companys stock valued at $47,000 after purchasing an additional 900 shares during the last quarter. Worth Asset Management LLC bought a new position in TXO Partners during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $31,000. UBS Group AG bought a new position in TXO Partners during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $51,000. Raymond James & Associates grew its position in TXO Partners by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 259,653 shares of the companys stock worth $5,274,000 after acquiring an additional 3,331 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Barclays PLC grew its position in TXO Partners by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 233,565 shares of the companys stock worth $5,057,000 after acquiring an additional 4,107 shares during the last quarter. 17.05% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on TXO. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on TXO Partners from $27.00 to $28.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, August 25th. Raymond James dropped their price objective on TXO Partners from $34.00 to $30.00 and set a strong-buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, July 24th.

Read Our Latest Report on TXO

TXO Partners Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

TXO Partners L.P. focuses on the acquisition, development, optimization, and exploitation of conventional oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquid reserves in North America. Its acreage positions are concentrated in the Permian Basin of West Texas and New Mexico and the San Juan Basin of New Mexico and Colorado.

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HCI Group, Inc. (NYSE:HCI  Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Tuesday, October 17th, Zacks reports. Investors of record on Friday, November 17th will be paid a dividend of 0.40 per share by the insurance provider on Friday, December 15th. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.03%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 16th.

HCI Group has a payout ratio of 29.5% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Research analysts expect HCI Group to earn $7.68 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $1.60 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 20.8%.

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HCI Group Stock Performance

HCI Group stock opened at $79.00 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.04, a current ratio of 0.38 and a quick ratio of 0.38. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $57.46 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $57.39. HCI Group has a 52-week low of $32.42 and a 52-week high of $79.50. The firm has a market capitalization of $678.61 million, a P/E ratio of 18.20 and a beta of 0.89.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Analyst Ratings Changes

Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. BlackRock Inc. increased its holdings in shares of HCI Group by 0.4% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 1,077,392 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $66,561,000 after acquiring an additional 4,127 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of HCI Group by 3.9% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 558,696 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $38,092,000 after acquiring an additional 21,054 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its holdings in shares of HCI Group by 2.6% during the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 380,933 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $25,972,000 after acquiring an additional 9,798 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its holdings in shares of HCI Group by 3.8% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 221,412 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $15,003,000 after acquiring an additional 8,145 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wasatch Advisors LP acquired a new position in shares of HCI Group during the 1st quarter worth approximately $8,558,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 65.82% of the companys stock.

A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on HCI. StockNews.com began coverage on HCI Group in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Compass Point lifted their price objective on HCI Group from $67.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 17th. Truist Financial raised their target price on HCI Group from $80.00 to $96.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, November 8th. Finally, William Blair assumed coverage on HCI Group in a report on Friday, August 11th. They set a market perform rating on the stock. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $82.00.

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HCI Group Company Profile

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HCI Group, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the property and casualty insurance, reinsurance, real estate, and information technology businesses in Florida. It provides residential insurance products, such as homeowners, fire, flood, and wind-only insurance to homeowners, condominium owners, and tenants for properties, as well as offers reinsurance programs.

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HNI Co. (NYSE:HNI  Get Free Report) EVP Vincent P. Berger sold 3,912 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, November 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $37.98, for a total value of $148,577.76. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 70,874 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,691,794.52. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website.

HNI Stock Performance

HNI stock traded up $1.84 on Tuesday, reaching $39.71. 359,046 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 273,114. The company has a current ratio of 1.14, a quick ratio of 0.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68. The stock has a market cap of $1.85 billion, a PE ratio of 42.70, a PEG ratio of 1.32 and a beta of 0.82. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $34.78 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $30.63. HNI Co. has a twelve month low of $24.60 and a twelve month high of $39.71.

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HNI (NYSE:HNI  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The business services provider reported $0.93 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.64 by $0.29. HNI had a net margin of 1.85% and a return on equity of 14.88%. The company had revenue of $711.60 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $712.89 million. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.71 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 18.8% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts anticipate that HNI Co. will post 2.4 EPS for the current year.

HNI Dividend Announcement

Hedge Funds Weigh In On HNI

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 20th will be paid a $0.32 dividend. This represents a $1.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.22%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 17th. HNIs dividend payout ratio is 137.63%.

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in HNI. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC boosted its stake in shares of HNI by 1,015.2% in the 1st quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 1,104 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 1,005 shares in the last quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC acquired a new stake in shares of HNI in the 3rd quarter valued at $56,000. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of HNI in the 3rd quarter valued at $71,000. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. boosted its stake in shares of HNI by 37.9% in the 4th quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 3,047 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $88,000 after purchasing an additional 837 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Point72 Hong Kong Ltd boosted its stake in shares of HNI by 89.9% in the 2nd quarter. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd now owns 2,560 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $89,000 after purchasing an additional 1,212 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.27% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. TheStreet raised shares of HNI from a c+ rating to a b rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 31st. StockNews.com raised shares of HNI from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 1st. Finally, Benchmark lifted their price objective on shares of HNI from $36.00 to $45.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 9th.

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HNI Company Profile

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HNI Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, sells, and markets workplace furnishings and residential building products primarily in the United States and Canada. The company operates through two segments, Workplace Furnishings and Residential Building Products. The Workplace Furnishings segment offers a range of commercial and home office furniture, including panel-based and freestanding furniture systems, seating, storage, benching, tables, and architectural products, as well as social collaborative items under the HON, Allsteel, Beyond, Gunlocke, HBF Textiles, HBF, OFM, Respawn, and HNI India brands.

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Inovalis Real Estate Investment Trust (TSE:INO.UN  Get Free Report)s share price traded up 9.8% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as C$1.28 and last traded at C$1.23. 132,814 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 107% from the average session volume of 64,055 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$1.12.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, National Bankshares lowered their target price on shares of Inovalis Real Estate Investment Trust from C$3.75 to C$3.50 in a report on Tuesday, July 18th.

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Inovalis Real Estate Investment Trust Trading Up 8.0 %

About Inovalis Real Estate Investment Trust

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 78.91, a current ratio of 1.10 and a quick ratio of 0.32. The company has a market cap of C$39.66 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1.91 and a beta of 1.70. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is C$2.72 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$3.17.

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Inovalis Real Estate Investment Trust is an unincorporated, open-ended real estate investment trust established pursuant to a declaration of trust under the laws of the Province of Ontario. The REIT has been created for the purpose of acquiring and owning office properties primarily located in France and Germany but also opportunistically in other European countries where assets meet the REIT's investment criteria.

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Invesco India ETF (NYSEARCA:PIN  Get Free Report)s stock price was up 0% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $23.50 and last traded at $23.43. Approximately 87,835 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 116% from the average daily volume of 40,619 shares. The stock had previously closed at $23.42.

Invesco India ETF Stock Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of $132.71 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.29 and a beta of 0.71. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $23.49 and a 200-day moving average price of $22.98.

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Institutional Trading of Invesco India ETF

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. LPL Financial LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Invesco India ETF by 161.0% in the 2nd quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 66,713 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,536,000 after purchasing an additional 41,154 shares during the last quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC raised its stake in Invesco India ETF by 10.6% during the 1st quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC now owns 25,714 shares of the companys stock valued at $531,000 after acquiring an additional 2,469 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC raised its stake in Invesco India ETF by 2.7% during the 4th quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 22,181 shares of the companys stock valued at $472,000 after acquiring an additional 574 shares during the last quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN raised its stake in Invesco India ETF by 37.5% during the 4th quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 149,655 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,186,000 after acquiring an additional 40,799 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE raised its stake in Invesco India ETF by 3.2% during the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 26,345 shares of the companys stock valued at $561,000 after acquiring an additional 807 shares during the last quarter.

About Invesco India ETF

PowerShares India Portfolio (the Fund) is based on the Indus India Index (Index). The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing substantially all of its assets in a wholly-owned subsidiary located in the Republic of Mauritius (the Subsidiary), which in turn invests at least 90% of its total assets in securities of Indian companies that consists of the Index, as well as American depositary receipts(ADR) and global depositary receipts (GDR) based on the securities in the Index.

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Invesco Pennsylvania Value Municipal Income Trust (NYSE:VPV  Get Free Report) saw a significant decrease in short interest in October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 68,600 shares, a decrease of 26.0% from the October 15th total of 92,700 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 50,300 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.4 days.

Invesco Pennsylvania Value Municipal Income Trust Price Performance

Shares of NYSE VPV traded up $0.14 during trading on Tuesday, hitting $9.32. The company had a trading volume of 47,353 shares, compared to its average volume of 38,241. Invesco Pennsylvania Value Municipal Income Trust has a 52 week low of $8.58 and a 52 week high of $10.58. The businesss 50-day moving average is $9.03 and its 200 day moving average is $9.50.

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Invesco Pennsylvania Value Municipal Income Trust Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, November 30th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 15th will be given a dividend of $0.0278 per share. This represents a $0.33 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.58%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 14th.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Invesco Pennsylvania Value Municipal Income Trust

Invesco Pennsylvania Value Municipal Income Trust Company Profile

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. TD Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Invesco Pennsylvania Value Municipal Income Trust during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $47,000. Almitas Capital LLC purchased a new position in Invesco Pennsylvania Value Municipal Income Trust during the 4th quarter worth approximately $85,000. Grant Street Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in Invesco Pennsylvania Value Municipal Income Trust during the 1st quarter worth approximately $100,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Invesco Pennsylvania Value Municipal Income Trust during the 3rd quarter valued at $110,000. Finally, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC grew its holdings in shares of Invesco Pennsylvania Value Municipal Income Trust by 16.4% during the 4th quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 13,102 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $128,000 after acquiring an additional 1,848 shares in the last quarter.

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Invesco Pennsylvania Value Municipal Income Trust is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Invesco Ltd. The fund is co-managed by Invesco Advisers, Inc, INVESCO Asset Management (Japan) Limited, INVESCO Asset Management Deutschland GmbH, INVESCO Asset Management Limited, Invesco Canada Ltd., Invesco Hong Kong Limited, and INVESCO Senior Secured Management, Inc It invests in the fixed income markets of the United States.

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Cameroon and Gabon have stepped up border security after neighboring Equatorial Guinea confirmed a spreading Marburg virus has killed at least nine people. Despite the controls, people are still traveling across the porous borders, raising fears the virus that causes hemorrhagic fever could spread.

At the government primary school in Kye-Ossi, a town on Cameroon's southern border with Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, children sing that regular hand washing protects people from diseases.

Mireille Evan, head teacher of the school, said more than 15 children from Equatorial Guinea attended classes in Kye-Ossi on Friday. She said those children were separated from their Cameroonian peers and obliged to wash their hands before attending classes.

Evan said Cameroon's public health ministry officials informed her that movement across the border was restricted because of an outbreak of the Marburg virus in Equatorial Guinea. She said it is not her duty to stop children from attending classes.

Cameroon's ministries of basic and secondary education said that several hundred children cross every day from Kie Ntem, an administrative unit in Equatorial Guinea, to study in Kye-Ossi alongside scores of children from Gabon.

Also, several hundred merchants cross borders to Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon each day to conduct business, according to CEMAC, a regional economic bloc.

Authorities in Equatorial Guinea said the Marburg outbreak has killed nine people, but the World Health Organization said the death toll may be as high as 20.

Cameroon's public health ministry said Friday that it had held discussions with health officials in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea on ways to stop or reduce the spread of the disease.

Felix Nguele Ngule, governor of Cameroon's South Region, where Kye-Ossi is located, said surveillance and travel restrictions have been reinforced along the borders.

"What we can assure the population is that the surveillance system has been activated, health staff are mobilized and even the administrative authorities at the border are equally mobilized to monitor the disease," he said. "We want to thank the World Health Organization and the Red Coss that have joined us to see into it that that disease should not cross the border and enter our country."

However, Nguele said the porous borders make it difficult for Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea police to fully control the movement of people.

On February 14, Cameroon's health ministry reported two suspected cases of Marburg virus in the country after a first deadly outbreak in neighboring Equatorial Guinea.

Gabon's state broadcaster, RTG, on Friday reported that after the second Marburg outbreak in Equatorial Guinea in less than two months, the government of Gabon reinforced its contingency plan of zero contamination of Marburg virus disease.

RTG reported Libreville had also dispatched a team of technicians to identify an isolation area for possible suspected cases in border areas.

Cameroon and Gabon said civilians should avoid contact with animals and people who have traveled to Equatorial Guinea and make sure people with fever, fatigue, and blood-stained vomit and diarrhea are isolated.

The WHO said Marburg is transmitted to people from fruit bats, spreads among people through bodily fluids, and has a fatality rate of up to 88%.
Titan Capital Management LLC TX decreased its holdings in iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:SGOV  Free Report) by 3.9% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 132,601 shares of the companys stock after selling 5,415 shares during the quarter. iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF comprises 14.5% of Titan Capital Management LLC TXs investment portfolio, making the stock its 4th largest holding. Titan Capital Management LLC TX owned 0.11% of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF worth $13,344,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Wisconsin Capital Management LLC lifted its position in iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF by 14.1% during the 2nd quarter. Wisconsin Capital Management LLC now owns 27,910 shares of the companys stock worth $2,809,000 after acquiring an additional 3,450 shares during the period. Private Advisor Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF by 48.3% in the second quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 28,473 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,865,000 after acquiring an additional 9,275 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Advisors LLC raised its holdings in iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF by 37.9% during the second quarter. Cetera Advisors LLC now owns 81,321 shares of the companys stock worth $8,183,000 after purchasing an additional 22,339 shares in the last quarter. YHB Investment Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF in the second quarter valued at about $503,000. Finally, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC boosted its holdings in iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF by 87.1% in the 2nd quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 1,228,735 shares of the companys stock valued at $123,648,000 after purchasing an additional 571,836 shares in the last quarter.

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iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF Stock Performance

Shares of SGOV stock traded up $0.01 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $100.49. 1,814,749 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,582,863. iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF has a 1 year low of $99.96 and a 1 year high of $100.70. The companys 50 day moving average is $100.47 and its two-hundred day moving average is $100.43.

iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF Company Profile

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Shares of iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF (BATS:ICF  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low during trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $49.94 and last traded at $50.26, with a volume of 130894 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $50.60.

iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF Stock Up 5.3 %

The firm has a market capitalization of $2.12 billion, a PE ratio of 30.62 and a beta of 0.84. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $50.77 and its 200 day simple moving average is $53.40.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF by 98,482.2% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 95,569,566 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,241,035,000 after purchasing an additional 95,472,622 shares during the last quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its position in shares of iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF by 98,432.0% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 6,734,665 shares of the companys stock valued at $373,100,000 after purchasing an additional 6,727,830 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. raised its position in shares of iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF by 5.1% in the 3rd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 2,500,734 shares of the companys stock valued at $134,189,000 after purchasing an additional 122,094 shares during the last quarter. Cassaday & Co Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF by 4.1% in the 2nd quarter. Cassaday & Co Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,572,610 shares of the companys stock worth $87,390,000 after buying an additional 62,466 shares during the period. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased its holdings in iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF by 3.4% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 1,441,392 shares of the companys stock worth $79,046,000 after buying an additional 47,631 shares during the period.

About iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF

iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Cohen & Steers Realty Majors Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Cohen & Steers Realty Majors Index (the Index). The Index consists of selected real estate investment trusts (REITs).

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Shares of iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (TSE:XBB  Get Free Report) were up 0.9% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as C$27.05 and last traded at C$26.97. Approximately 282,899 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 75% from the average daily volume of 161,324 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$26.74.

iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF Stock Performance

The stocks 50-day moving average price is C$26.45 and its 200-day moving average price is C$26.99.

About iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF

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iShares DEX Universe Bond Index Fund seeks to provide income by replicating, to the extent possible, the performance of the DEX Universe Bond Index, net of expenses. The DEX Bond Index consists of a diversified selection of investment-grade Government of Canada, provincial, corporate and municipal bonds issued domestically in Canada and denominated in Canadian dollars.

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US Financial Advisors LLC increased its position in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:EEM  Free Report) by 15.4% in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 154,596 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 20,619 shares during the period. iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF comprises about 2.6% of US Financial Advisors LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 15th biggest holding. US Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF were worth $6,116,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in EEM. Graham Capital Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF in the first quarter worth approximately $206,823,000. Clearstead Trust LLC purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF in the 1st quarter worth approximately $30,000. Pacific Center for Financial Services acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF during the 1st quarter valued at $31,000. ZRC Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF during the 1st quarter valued at $43,000. Finally, Alaska Wealth Advisors purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF during the 1st quarter valued at $43,000. 76.58% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Trading Up 1.3 %

Shares of NYSEARCA EEM traded up $0.50 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $39.86. The company had a trading volume of 13,241,638 shares, compared to its average volume of 31,068,777. iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF has a twelve month low of $36.38 and a twelve month high of $42.53. The stocks 50 day moving average is $38.02 and its 200-day moving average is $39.09.

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Profile

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, formerly iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index Fund (the Fund), seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of publicly traded equity securities in global emerging markets, as measured by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (the Index).

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Jonestown Bank & Trust Co. (OTCMKTS:JNES  Get Free Report)s share price was up 5.5% on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $20.95 and last traded at $20.95. Approximately 400 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 47% from the average daily volume of 755 shares. The stock had previously closed at $19.85.

Jonestown Bank & Trust Stock Up 5.5 %

The firms 50 day moving average is $20.50 and its two-hundred day moving average is $23.15.

About Jonestown Bank & Trust

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Jonestown Bank & Trust Co provides banking products and services in Lebanon County and Northern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The company offers deposit products, including checking accounts, statement savings, club accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, and individual retirement accounts.

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LSB Industries, Inc. (NYSE:LXU  Get Free Report) saw a significant increase in short interest during the month of October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 1,780,000 shares, an increase of 35.9% from the October 15th total of 1,310,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 434,600 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 4.1 days.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On LSB Industries

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC grew its stake in shares of LSB Industries by 2.9% in the 2nd quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC now owns 36,652 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $361,000 after purchasing an additional 1,028 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its position in shares of LSB Industries by 0.3% during the second quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 403,904 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $3,978,000 after purchasing an additional 1,208 shares during the period. Arizona State Retirement System raised its holdings in LSB Industries by 9.2% during the 3rd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 15,173 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $155,000 after buying an additional 1,274 shares during the period. Bailard Inc. lifted its stake in LSB Industries by 4.1% during the third quarter. Bailard Inc. now owns 35,993 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $368,000 after buying an additional 1,433 shares in the last quarter. Finally, International Assets Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of LSB Industries by 1.3% in the second quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 116,577 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $1,148,000 after buying an additional 1,520 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 54.22% of the companys stock.

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LSB Industries Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:LXU traded down $0.03 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $8.59. The stock had a trading volume of 70,063 shares, compared to its average volume of 691,674. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $9.63 and its 200 day simple moving average is $9.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08, a quick ratio of 4.15 and a current ratio of 4.39. The firm has a market capitalization of $638.58 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.79 and a beta of 1.39. LSB Industries has a 1-year low of $7.72 and a 1-year high of $15.56.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on LXU shares. StockNews.com cut shares of LSB Industries from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, November 9th. TheStreet cut shares of LSB Industries from a b- rating to a c rating in a research note on Thursday, November 2nd. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, LSB Industries currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $13.86.

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LSB Industries Company Profile

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LSB Industries, Inc engages in the manufacture, marketing, and sale of chemical products. The company provides nitrogen-based fertilizers, such as ammonia, fertilizer grade ammonium nitrate (HDAN), and urea ammonia nitrate for fertilizer and fertilizer blends for corn and other crops, and NPK fertilizer blends applications.

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Meitav Investment House Ltd. trimmed its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:EEM  Free Report) by 0.1% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,182,438 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 1,527 shares during the quarter. Meitav Investment House Ltd.s holdings in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF were worth $46,532,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of EEM. Clearstead Trust LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF during the first quarter worth $30,000. Pacific Center for Financial Services acquired a new position in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF during the 1st quarter worth approximately $31,000. ZRC Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF during the 1st quarter worth approximately $43,000. Alaska Wealth Advisors acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF in the first quarter valued at approximately $43,000. Finally, Trivant Custom Portfolio Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF in the first quarter worth $58,000. 76.58% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Stock Performance

EEM traded up $0.35 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $39.71. 9,014,893 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 31,055,666. iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF has a 1-year low of $36.38 and a 1-year high of $42.53. The stocks 50-day moving average is $38.02 and its two-hundred day moving average is $39.09.

About iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, formerly iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index Fund (the Fund), seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of publicly traded equity securities in global emerging markets, as measured by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (the Index).

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Meridian Mining UK Societas (OTCMKTS:MRRDF  Get Free Report) saw a significant decrease in short interest in the month of October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 1,700 shares, a decrease of 26.1% from the October 15th total of 2,300 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 23,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days.

Meridian Mining UK Societas Stock Up 3.9 %

OTCMKTS:MRRDF traded up C$0.01 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching C$0.24. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,500 shares, compared to its average volume of 26,360. Meridian Mining UK Societas has a 1 year low of C$0.21 and a 1 year high of C$0.49. The stock has a fifty day moving average of C$0.26 and a 200-day moving average of C$0.30.

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Meridian Mining UK Societas Company Profile

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Meridian Mining UK Societas, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Brazil. It explores for manganese, gold, copper, and tin deposits. The company holds a 100% interest in the Espigao polymetallic project and the Ariquemes tin project located in Rondonia.

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EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG  Get Free Report) had its price target dropped by research analysts at Mizuho from $158.00 to $150.00 in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a buy rating on the energy exploration companys stock. Mizuhos target price suggests a potential upside of 20.94% from the companys current price.

EOG has been the subject of a number of other research reports. TD Securities upped their target price on EOG Resources from $125.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Friday, August 4th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their target price on shares of EOG Resources from $141.00 to $147.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, August 28th. Sanford C. Bernstein cut shares of EOG Resources from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and decreased their price target for the company from $155.00 to $146.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. UBS Group lifted their price objective on EOG Resources from $164.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 4th. Finally, Truist Financial increased their target price on EOG Resources from $165.00 to $169.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 6th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, EOG Resources has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $147.73.

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EOG Resources Stock Down 0.9 %

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Shares of NYSE:EOG traded down $1.09 on Wednesday, reaching $124.03. The company had a trading volume of 2,082,443 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,286,558. The stock has a market capitalization of $72.33 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.21, a P/E/G ratio of 0.36 and a beta of 1.51. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $127.93 and a 200 day moving average price of $122.26. EOG Resources has a twelve month low of $98.52 and a twelve month high of $146.85. The company has a quick ratio of 2.10, a current ratio of 2.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14.

Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Kingfisher Capital LLC boosted its position in EOG Resources by 1.0% in the third quarter. Kingfisher Capital LLC now owns 39,586 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $5,018,000 after buying an additional 382 shares in the last quarter. Lido Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of EOG Resources by 134.6% in the third quarter. Lido Advisors LLC now owns 70,370 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $8,920,000 after acquiring an additional 40,380 shares during the last quarter. EHP Funds Inc. acquired a new position in shares of EOG Resources in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $685,000. Evergreen Capital Management LLC grew its position in EOG Resources by 1.8% during the 3rd quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC now owns 25,640 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $3,250,000 after acquiring an additional 443 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Alps Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in EOG Resources during the 3rd quarter valued at $1,028,000. 89.21% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

EOG Resources Company Profile

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EOG Resources, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, and natural gas and natural gas liquids. Its principal producing areas are in New Mexico and Texas in the United States; and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The company was formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Company.

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Moors & Cabot Inc. raised its stake in Franco-Nevada Co. (NYSE:FNV  Free Report) (TSE:FNV) by 1.6% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 45,275 shares of the basic materials companys stock after acquiring an additional 698 shares during the period. Moors & Cabot Inc.s holdings in Franco-Nevada were worth $6,456,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. FIL Ltd grew its holdings in shares of Franco-Nevada by 2.7% in the 1st quarter. FIL Ltd now owns 7,583,982 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $1,106,046,000 after purchasing an additional 198,387 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in Franco-Nevada by 3.0% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 6,670,398 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $796,979,000 after buying an additional 192,144 shares in the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE increased its holdings in shares of Franco-Nevada by 69.9% during the first quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 2,679,436 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $390,662,000 after buying an additional 1,102,710 shares in the last quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Franco-Nevada by 4.1% in the second quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 2,475,090 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $352,948,000 after acquiring an additional 98,520 shares during the last quarter. Finally, M&G Investment Management Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of Franco-Nevada by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter. M&G Investment Management Ltd. now owns 1,682,707 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $240,031,000 after acquiring an additional 31,080 shares in the last quarter. 66.70% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on FNV shares. Stifel Nicolaus raised Franco-Nevada from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, August 18th. CSFB cut their price target on Franco-Nevada from $157.00 to $150.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, August 17th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Franco-Nevada in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. HC Wainwright raised their price objective on shares of Franco-Nevada from $180.00 to $185.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 10th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reduced their target price on shares of Franco-Nevada from $155.00 to $140.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 1st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Franco-Nevada has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $168.88.

Franco-Nevada Price Performance

Shares of NYSE FNV traded down $0.67 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $120.58. The companys stock had a trading volume of 139,295 shares, compared to its average volume of 543,342. Franco-Nevada Co. has a one year low of $116.40 and a one year high of $161.25. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $133.77 and its 200-day simple moving average is $141.16. The stock has a market cap of $23.17 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.25, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.55 and a beta of 0.76.

Franco-Nevada (NYSE:FNV  Get Free Report) (TSE:FNV) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 8th. The basic materials company reported $0.91 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.88 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $309.50 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $317.93 million. Franco-Nevada had a net margin of 55.10% and a return on equity of 10.23%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 1.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.83 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Franco-Nevada Co. will post 3.38 EPS for the current year.

Franco-Nevada Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 21st. Investors of record on Thursday, December 7th will be issued a $0.34 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 6th. This represents a $1.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.13%. Franco-Nevadas dividend payout ratio is presently 38.42%.

Franco-Nevada Profile

(Free Report)

Franco-Nevada Corporation operates as a gold-focused royalty and streaming company in Latin America, the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates through Mining and Energy segments. The company manages its portfolio with a focus on precious metals, such as gold, silver, and platinum group metals; and engages in the sale of crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids.

Further Reading

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Aflac (NYSE:AFL  Get Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by Morgan Stanley from $75.00 to $80.00 in a report issued on Wednesday, Benzinga reports. The firm presently has an equal weight rating on the financial services providers stock. Morgan Stanleys price target would suggest a potential downside of 1.31% from the companys current price.

Other equities analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Aflac in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on Aflac from $74.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, November 2nd. Citigroup boosted their price target on Aflac from $69.00 to $76.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 9th. Truist Financial raised their price objective on Aflac from $70.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Thursday, August 3rd. Finally, Bank of America raised their price target on shares of Aflac from $79.00 to $86.00 in a report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Aflac presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $78.30.

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Aflac Trading Down 0.9 %

Shares of AFL stock traded down $0.76 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $81.06. 303,057 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,422,815. The stock has a market cap of $47.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.68, a PEG ratio of 2.00 and a beta of 0.89. The company has a quick ratio of 0.08, a current ratio of 0.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. Aflac has a fifty-two week low of $60.20 and a fifty-two week high of $82.71. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $78.15 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $73.11.

Aflac (NYSE:AFL  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The financial services provider reported $1.84 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.44 by $0.40. Aflac had a return on equity of 17.86% and a net margin of 24.17%. The firm had revenue of $4.95 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.31 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.23 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 5.2% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts expect that Aflac will post 6.25 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, Director Masatoshi Koide sold 32,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $80.32, for a total transaction of $2,570,240.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 55,598 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,465,631.36. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In related news, SVP Albert Riggieri sold 7,649 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $76.09, for a total value of $582,012.41. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 26,210 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,994,318.90. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director Masatoshi Koide sold 32,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $80.32, for a total value of $2,570,240.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 55,598 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,465,631.36. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 173,205 shares of company stock worth $13,995,397. 0.90% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Aflac

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Ameriprise Financial Inc. lifted its stake in Aflac by 0.7% during the third quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 896,897 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $68,850,000 after purchasing an additional 6,102 shares during the last quarter. Axxcess Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Aflac during the third quarter worth $346,000. Glenmede Trust Co. NA lifted its position in shares of Aflac by 15.3% in the 3rd quarter. Glenmede Trust Co. NA now owns 234,795 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $18,021,000 after buying an additional 31,226 shares during the last quarter. Royal Capital Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Aflac in the 3rd quarter worth about $213,000. Finally, Insigneo Advisory Services LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Aflac by 3.4% in the 3rd quarter. Insigneo Advisory Services LLC now owns 5,945 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $456,000 after buying an additional 193 shares during the period. 66.75% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Aflac

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Aflac Incorporated, through its subsidiaries, provides supplemental health and life insurance products. It operates in two segments, Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. The Aflac Japan segment offers cancer, medical, nursing care, work leave, GIFT, and whole and term life insurance products, as well as WAYS and child endowment plans under saving type insurance products in Japan.

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Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust (OTCMKTS:MNARF  Get Free Report) and BRT Apartments (NYSE:BRT  Get Free Report) are both real estate companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, risk, valuation, dividends, profitability, analyst recommendations and institutional ownership.

Profitability

This table compares Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust and BRT Apartments net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust N/A N/A N/A BRT Apartments 1.50% 0.57% 0.19%

Institutional and Insider Ownership

9.6% of Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 28.9% of BRT Apartments shares are held by institutional investors. 38.3% of BRT Apartments shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Earnings & Valuation

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust N/A N/A N/A $1.39 6.85 BRT Apartments $70.53 million 4.63 $49.96 million $0.07 251.00

This table compares Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust and BRT Apartments revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

BRT Apartments has higher revenue and earnings than Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust. Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than BRT Apartments, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of current ratings and price targets for Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust and BRT Apartments, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust 0 0 0 0 N/A BRT Apartments 0 0 2 0 3.00

Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust presently has a consensus price target of $19.50, indicating a potential upside of 104.81%. BRT Apartments has a consensus price target of $26.50, indicating a potential upside of 51.08%. Given Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trusts higher possible upside, research analysts plainly believe Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust is more favorable than BRT Apartments.

Dividends

Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust pays an annual dividend of $0.60 per share and has a dividend yield of 6.3%. BRT Apartments pays an annual dividend of $1.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.7%. Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust pays out 43.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. BRT Apartments pays out 1,428.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. BRT Apartments has increased its dividend for 2 consecutive years. Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio.

Summary

BRT Apartments beats Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust on 9 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Morguard North American Residential Real Estate Investment Trust

(Get Free Report)

The REIT is an unincorporated, open-ended real estate investment trust established under and governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario. The Units of the REIT trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MRG.UN. With a strategic focus on the acquisition of high-quality multi-suite residential properties in Canada and the United States, the REIT maximizes long-term Unit value through active asset and property management. The REIT's portfolio is comprised of 13,089 residential suites and 229,500 square feet of commercial area (as of October 24, 2023) located in Alberta, Ontario, Colorado, Texas, Louisiana, Illinois, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland with an appraised value of approximately $4.0 billion at September 30, 2023.

About BRT Apartments

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BRT is a real estate investment trust that owns, operates and, to a lesser extent, holds interests in joint ventures that own multi-family properties. As of September 30, 2023, BRT owns or has interests in 28 multi-family properties with 7,707 units in 11 states.

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National Wealth Management Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor purchased 10,754 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $705,000.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. Viewpoint Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Charles Schwab in the second quarter worth about $283,000. US Bancorp DE lifted its stake in Charles Schwab by 4.0% in the 2nd quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 2,551,109 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $144,597,000 after purchasing an additional 98,520 shares in the last quarter. Wisconsin Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Charles Schwab by 12.0% in the 2nd quarter. Wisconsin Capital Management LLC now owns 72,251 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $4,095,000 after purchasing an additional 7,725 shares during the period. Private Advisor Group LLC grew its position in shares of Charles Schwab by 27.8% during the 2nd quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 95,836 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $5,566,000 after purchasing an additional 20,865 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Moors & Cabot Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 80.5% in the second quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. now owns 21,412 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,214,000 after purchasing an additional 9,547 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 81.61% of the companys stock.

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Insider Transactions at Charles Schwab

In other Charles Schwab news, CFO Peter B. Crawford sold 3,114 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, November 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $56.19, for a total transaction of $174,975.66. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 41,611 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,338,122.09. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, CFO Peter B. Crawford sold 3,114 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $56.19, for a total value of $174,975.66. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 41,611 shares in the company, valued at $2,338,122.09. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Charles A. Ruffel acquired 833 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 17th. The shares were bought at an average price of $60.55 per share, for a total transaction of $50,438.15. Following the transaction, the director now owns 3,386 shares of the companys stock, valued at $205,022.30. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 21,824 shares of company stock valued at $1,214,937 in the last quarter. 6.60% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on SCHW shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on Charles Schwab from $92.00 to $85.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. Argus boosted their price objective on Charles Schwab from $70.00 to $81.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $70.00 to $69.00 in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. Barclays boosted their price target on shares of Charles Schwab from $55.00 to $57.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. Finally, JMP Securities reaffirmed a market outperform rating and set a $77.00 price objective on shares of Charles Schwab in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Charles Schwab currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $69.91.

View Our Latest Research Report on SCHW

Charles Schwab Trading Up 3.1 %

Shares of NYSE SCHW traded up $1.69 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $56.48. The company had a trading volume of 4,096,156 shares, compared to its average volume of 15,510,058. The stock has a market cap of $100.06 billion, a PE ratio of 18.27, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.39 and a beta of 0.94. The Charles Schwab Co. has a one year low of $45.00 and a one year high of $86.63. The firms fifty day moving average price is $54.16 and its 200-day moving average price is $56.15. The company has a quick ratio of 0.66, a current ratio of 0.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87.

Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $0.77 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.75 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $4.61 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.62 billion. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 30.14% and a return on equity of 24.58%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 16.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.10 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.16 earnings per share for the current year.

Charles Schwab Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 24th. Investors of record on Friday, November 10th will be paid a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 9th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.77%. Charles Schwabs payout ratio is currently 33.33%.

About Charles Schwab

(Free Report)

The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services.

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Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Value Fund (NYSE:NUW  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest during the month of October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 6,900 shares, a decline of 25.8% from the October 15th total of 9,300 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 42,900 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days.

Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Value Fund Stock Performance

Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Value Fund stock traded up $0.18 during trading on Tuesday, reaching $13.16. 57,894 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 35,113. Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Value Fund has a 52-week low of $12.45 and a 52-week high of $14.69. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $13.01 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $13.46.

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Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Value Fund Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 1st. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 15th will be given a dividend of $0.043 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 14th. This represents a $0.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.92%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Value Fund

About Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Value Fund

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in NUW. Tortoise Investment Management LLC lifted its position in Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Value Fund by 41.0% during the second quarter. Tortoise Investment Management LLC now owns 622,579 shares of the companys stock worth $8,548,000 after buying an additional 181,159 shares in the last quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC raised its position in Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Value Fund by 62.6% in the second quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC now owns 413,279 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,674,000 after purchasing an additional 159,140 shares during the period. Rivernorth Capital Management LLC raised its position in Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Value Fund by 81.7% in the first quarter. Rivernorth Capital Management LLC now owns 280,428 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,139,000 after purchasing an additional 126,121 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE raised its position in Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Value Fund by 79.5% in the first quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 155,997 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,148,000 after purchasing an additional 69,102 shares during the period. Finally, Raymond James & Associates purchased a new stake in Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Value Fund in the third quarter valued at $914,000.

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Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Value Fund is a close-ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Nuveen Investments Inc The fund is co-managed by Nuveen Fund Advisors LLC and Nuveen Asset Management, LLC. It invests in fixed income markets of the United States. The fund makes its investments in the securities of companies operating across diversified sectors.

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Old Mutual Limited (OTCMKTS:ODMUF  Get Free Report) shot up 9.7% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $0.64 and last traded at $0.64. 2,100 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 10% from the average session volume of 1,912 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.59.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Barclays cut their price objective on shares of Old Mutual from GBX 60 ($0.74) to GBX 59 ($0.72) in a research report on Thursday, September 7th.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on ODMUF

Old Mutual Price Performance

Old Mutual Company Profile

The companys 50 day moving average price is $0.62 and its 200-day moving average price is $0.62.

(Get Free Report)

Old Mutual Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial services primarily in South Africa and rest of Africa. The company operates through Mass and Foundation Cluster, Personal Finance and Wealth Management, Old Mutual Investments, Old Mutual Corporate, Old Mutual Insure, and Old Mutual Africa Regions segments.

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Beck Bode LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ORA  Free Report) by 9.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 115,028 shares of the energy companys stock after acquiring an additional 10,144 shares during the quarter. Ormat Technologies makes up approximately 2.3% of Beck Bode LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 9th largest holding. Beck Bode LLC owned 0.19% of Ormat Technologies worth $9,250,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its position in Ormat Technologies by 0.8% during the second quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 505,826 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $40,699,000 after acquiring an additional 4,181 shares in the last quarter. Citigroup Inc. raised its position in Ormat Technologies by 29.8% during the second quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 64,984 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $5,229,000 after acquiring an additional 14,917 shares in the last quarter. Swiss National Bank raised its position in Ormat Technologies by 20.9% during the second quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 116,934 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $9,409,000 after acquiring an additional 20,200 shares in the last quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS grew its holdings in Ormat Technologies by 7.4% during the second quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 25,398 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $2,044,000 after purchasing an additional 1,756 shares during the last quarter. Finally, California Public Employees Retirement System grew its holdings in Ormat Technologies by 0.7% during the second quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System now owns 100,529 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $8,089,000 after purchasing an additional 653 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 88.24% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Ormat Technologies

In other Ormat Technologies news, CEO Doron Blachar sold 11,315 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, September 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $75.58, for a total value of $855,187.70. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 17,934 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,355,451.72. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other news, Director Isaac Angel sold 25,144 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, September 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $75.60, for a total value of $1,900,886.40. Following the sale, the director now owns 41,933 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,170,134.80. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Doron Blachar sold 11,315 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, September 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $75.58, for a total transaction of $855,187.70. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 17,934 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,355,451.72. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 63,032 shares of company stock valued at $4,762,366 in the last 90 days. 1.00% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Ormat Technologies Stock Performance

ORA stock traded up $1.14 on Wednesday, reaching $65.39. 127,219 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 438,969. Ormat Technologies, Inc. has a 12 month low of $58.73 and a 12 month high of $100.55. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $68.14 and its 200 day moving average price is $76.87. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.95 billion, a PE ratio of 35.30, a PEG ratio of 1.31 and a beta of 0.48. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64, a current ratio of 0.95 and a quick ratio of 0.87.

Ormat Technologies (NYSE:ORA  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 8th. The energy company reported $0.47 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.36 by $0.11. The business had revenue of $208.06 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $210.69 million. Ormat Technologies had a net margin of 13.45% and a return on equity of 5.35%. On average, research analysts anticipate that Ormat Technologies, Inc. will post 1.94 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Ormat Technologies Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 6th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 22nd will be issued a $0.12 dividend. This represents a $0.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.73%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, November 21st. Ormat Technologiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 26.37%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts have commented on the company. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Ormat Technologies in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a sell rating on the stock. Roth Capital upgraded Ormat Technologies from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, August 7th. Oppenheimer lowered their price target on Ormat Technologies from $96.00 to $84.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on Ormat Technologies from $89.00 to $79.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 19th. Finally, TheStreet downgraded Ormat Technologies from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a report on Wednesday, August 9th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Ormat Technologies presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $89.14.

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Ormat Technologies Profile

(Free Report)

Ormat Technologies, Inc engages in the geothermal and recovered energy power business in the United States, Indonesia, Kenya, Turkey, Chile, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Ethiopia, New Zealand, Honduras, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Electricity, Product, and Energy Storage. The Electricity segment develops, builds, owns, and operates geothermal, solar photovoltaic, and recovered energy-based power plants; and sells electricity.

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Owen LaRue LLC cut its holdings in First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF (NYSEARCA:FPE  Free Report) by 14.9% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 37,540 shares of the companys stock after selling 6,563 shares during the quarter. Owen LaRue LLCs holdings in First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF were worth $602,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the business. Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its stake in First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF by 20.0% in the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 36,572 shares of the companys stock valued at $696,000 after purchasing an additional 6,095 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can grew its stake in shares of First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF by 14.9% in the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 271,002 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,149,000 after buying an additional 35,120 shares during the period. Synovus Financial Corp increased its position in First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF by 12.2% in the 1st quarter. Synovus Financial Corp now owns 86,767 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,651,000 after buying an additional 9,418 shares in the last quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. raised its stake in First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF by 9.4% during the 1st quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 1,768,430 shares of the companys stock worth $33,636,000 after buying an additional 152,045 shares during the period. Finally, Mather Group LLC. bought a new stake in First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF during the 1st quarter valued at $425,000.

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First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF Stock Up 0.1 %

Shares of FPE stock traded up $0.02 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $16.22. The company had a trading volume of 1,117,570 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,978,536. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $15.87 and a 200-day simple moving average of $15.94. First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF has a 12 month low of $15.23 and a 12 month high of $18.29.

First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF Profile

The First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF (FPE) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in broad credit fixed income. The fund is an actively managed fund that attempts to generate income by investing globally in preferred equities and income producing debt across the market cap spectrum.

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Penn Virginia Corporation (PVAHQ) (OTCMKTS:PVAHQ  Get Free Report) shares crossed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of $0.00 and traded as high as $0.02. Penn Virginia Corporation (PVAHQ) shares last traded at $0.02, with a volume of 0 shares trading hands.

Penn Virginia Corporation (PVAHQ) Trading Down 15.7 %

The firms 50 day moving average is $0.02.

About Penn Virginia Corporation (PVAHQ)

(Get Free Report)

Penn Virginia Corporation is an independent oil and gas company. The Company is engaged in the onshore exploration, development and production of crude oil, natural gas liquids (NGLs) and natural gas. Its operations consist primarily of drilling unconventional horizontal development wells, and operating its producing wells in the Eagle Ford Shale field or the Eagle Ford, in South Texas.

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Penobscot Investment Management Company Inc. lessened its stake in Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO  Free Report) by 2.8% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 14,071 shares of the medical research companys stock after selling 405 shares during the period. Thermo Fisher Scientific comprises approximately 1.2% of Penobscot Investment Management Company Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 26th largest holding. Penobscot Investment Management Company Inc.s holdings in Thermo Fisher Scientific were worth $7,342,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership raised its holdings in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 3.7% in the 1st quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 681,679 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $392,899,000 after purchasing an additional 24,376 shares during the period. American Trust lifted its position in shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific by 13.2% during the 1st quarter. American Trust now owns 6,743 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $3,886,000 after buying an additional 784 shares in the last quarter. Sterling Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in Thermo Fisher Scientific in the 2nd quarter valued at $1,074,000. Alta Capital Management LLC raised its position in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 5.1% during the second quarter. Alta Capital Management LLC now owns 88,286 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $46,064,000 after acquiring an additional 4,307 shares during the period. Finally, First Manhattan CO. LLC. lifted its holdings in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 11.2% during the first 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 in the last quarter. 87.06% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Thermo Fisher Scientific Trading Up 2.2 %

Shares of NYSE TMO traded up $9.93 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $469.19. 270,021 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,559,204. The firm has a market capitalization of $181.28 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.10, a PEG ratio of 2.70 and a beta of 0.81. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has a 52-week low of $415.60 and a 52-week high of $609.85. The companys 50-day moving average is $482.55 and its 200-day moving average is $515.78. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a quick ratio of 1.25 and a current ratio of 1.63.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Announces Dividend

Thermo Fisher Scientific ( NYSE:TMO Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly 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 business had revenue of $10.57 billion during 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 businesss revenue for the quarter was down 1.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business earned $5.08 earnings per share. Analysts expect that Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. will post 21.52 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company 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 $0.35 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 14th. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.30%. Thermo Fisher Scientifics payout ratio is presently 9.17%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of brokerages recently weighed in on TMO. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price target on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $657.00 to $579.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Sanford C. Bernstein started coverage on Thermo Fisher Scientific in a research note on Thursday, September 28th. They issued an outperform rating and a $603.00 price target on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company raised Thermo Fisher Scientific from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $475.00 price objective for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 25th. Robert W. Baird lowered their target price on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $664.00 to $625.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, July 27th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $670.00 to $630.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $593.94.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on TMO

Insider Buying and Selling

In other 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 completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 17,556 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,792,210.12. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, CEO Marc N. Casper sold 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $456.15, for a total transaction of $4,561,500.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 131,175 shares in the company, valued at $59,835,476.25. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Gianluca Pettiti sold 3,000 shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $557.77, for a total transaction of $1,673,310.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 17,556 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,792,210.12. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 23,000 shares of company stock valued at $10,778,910. Corporate insiders own 0.32% of the companys stock.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Profile

(Free Report)

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc provides life sciences solutions, analytical instruments, specialty diagnostics, and laboratory products and biopharma services in the United States and internationally. The company's Life Sciences Solutions segment offers reagents, instruments, and consumables for biological and medical research, discovery, and production of drugs and vaccines, as well as diagnosis of infections and diseases; and solutions include biosciences, genetic sciences, clinical next-generation sequencing, bio production to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agricultural, clinical, healthcare, academic, and government markets.

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Checchi Capital Advisers LLC lowered its position in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report) by 7.2% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 63,284 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 4,923 shares during the quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLCs holdings in Pfizer were worth $2,321,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Fifth Third Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Pfizer in the second quarter valued at about $220,000. Atlas Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Pfizer during the 2nd quarter valued at about $273,000. State of Michigan Retirement System raised its holdings in Pfizer by 0.9% in the 1st quarter. State of Michigan Retirement System now owns 1,771,584 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $72,281,000 after acquiring an additional 15,900 shares during the last quarter. MainStreet Investment Advisors LLC lifted 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 acquired a new position in shares of Pfizer during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $2,721,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.05% of the companys stock.

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Pfizer Trading Up 2.3 %

PFE traded up $0.68 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $29.94. 7,184,447 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 25,341,148. The firms fifty day moving average is $32.23 and its two-hundred day moving average is $35.42. The company has a current ratio of 2.38, a quick ratio of 2.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63. Pfizer Inc. has a 1-year low of $28.93 and a 1-year high of $54.93. The company has a market cap of $169.05 billion, a PE ratio of 15.98, a PEG ratio of 1.86 and a beta of 0.63.

Pfizer Dividend Announcement

Pfizer ( NYSE:PFE Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The biopharmaceutical company reported ($0.17) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.32) by $0.15. Pfizer had a return on equity of 16.72% and a net margin of 15.30%. The company had revenue of $13.23 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.77 billion. Equities analysts forecast that Pfizer Inc. will post 1.56 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 4th. Investors of record on Friday, November 10th will be paid a dividend of $0.41 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 9th. This represents a $1.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.48%. Pfizers payout ratio is currently 89.62%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

PFE has been the subject of several recent research reports. Morgan Stanley cut their price target on Pfizer from $39.00 to $37.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 1st. UBS Group reiterated a neutral rating and set a $34.00 price target (down previously from $36.00) on shares of Pfizer in a report on Friday, October 20th. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price target on shares of Pfizer from $44.00 to $33.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $39.00 to $35.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on shares of Pfizer from $36.00 to $34.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 16th. Twelve research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $42.50.

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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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Every four and a half years, the human rights record of each United Nations member state is reviewed by its peers in the Human Rights Council in Geneva as part of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). On November 14, 2023, Cameroon's situation will be examined based on information submitted by the Cameroonian government, national and international non-governmental organizations, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. This is an opportunity for member states to engage with the Cameroonian government regarding its commitments to human rights and to make recommendations aimed at improving the protection and respect for human rights in the country.



Therefore, we, civil society organizations, publicly call on United Nations member states to issue strong recommendations for the protection and respect of human rights during the Universal Periodic Review of Cameroon. We also insist that the Cameroonian government take note of these recommendations and take necessary measures for their implementation.



We particularly want to draw attention to the human rights situation in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon. The inhabitants of the Anglophone regions are victims of illegal killings, murders, sexual violence, home destruction, and abductions committed by Cameroonian defense and security forces, pro-government militias, and separatist armed groups. The latest report from Amnesty International on Cameroon ('With or Against Us,' published in July 2023) documented these atrocities, particularly in the Northwest region.



Atrocities denounced on both sides in the Northwest and Southwest regions



Since October 1, 2017, the date of the proclamation of the independence of the "Federal Republic of Ambazonia" by separatist groups, clashes between the Cameroonian army and separatist armed groups, commonly known as "Ambazonians" or "Ambas," have not ceased. The inhabitants of the Northwest and Southwest regions are caught in the crossfire. Testimonies from these residents describe how the military, suspecting them of collaborating with separatists, pour gasoline on their houses before setting them on fire and commit violence against women and girls in retaliation for attacks against them. On the other hand, separatist armed groups assault villages, kidnap people, demand ransoms, steal livestock, and kill those suspected of collaborating with Cameroonian authorities or not adhering to the new rules they impose.



In response, the Cameroonian government has often reacted with new human rights violations, arbitrarily arresting and detaining individuals accused of being armed separatists or supporting them. To date, hundreds of people are detained, prosecuted, or judged by military courts, whose jurisdiction should be reserved for military offenses according to international human rights standards. Several defendants have spent at least a year in prison without access to a judge. At the same time, although the government claims to have opened investigations into atrocities committed by armed separatists or defense and security forces, there is a lack of transparency about judicial follow-up, raising concerns about impunity and leaving the majority of victims without justice. There are also numerous initiatives to silence human rights defenders, activists, academics, lawyers, and journalists who denounce atrocities committed in the context of armed violence in the Anglophone regions.



Given the gravity of these abuses and human rights violations, we are concerned about the silence surrounding this crisis, which has not received sufficient attention and action at the international and regional levels. Many partner states of Cameroon have continued their military cooperation with the country, despite the real risk of military equipment provided to the armed forces being used or diverted to militias or armed separatists to commit atrocities in the Anglophone regions.



In light of this situation, we call on the Cameroonian government to:



Immediately investigate all allegations of human rights violations committed by Cameroonian armed forces and prosecute those responsible in fair trials.

Immediately investigate all allegations of crimes committed by armed separatists and prosecute those responsible in fair trials.

Ensure that individuals arrested in the context of the Anglophone crisis are promptly brought before a civilian court that respects international standards of fair trial, not military courts.

Immediately and unconditionally release all arbitrarily detained persons in the context of this crisis and more broadly.

Protect journalists, human rights defenders, and activists who receive threats for documenting or denouncing crimes committed in the context of armed violence in the Anglophone regions (or elsewhere).

We also call on international partners of Cameroon to use the UPR process to:



Condemn crimes committed by Cameroonian security forces, militias, and armed separatists and publicly call on the Cameroonian government to urgently open thorough, independent, and impartial investigations.

Highlight the injustice of arbitrary detention cases and call for the release of all arbitrarily detained persons.

Demand the protection of journalists, human rights defenders, and activists, both in the Anglophone regions and nationally.

We hope that the UPR process will send a strong message to the Cameroonian government: We all must be aware of human rights violations in the country. It is time to act to end atrocities and protect human rights.






Private Advisor Group LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL  Free Report) by 10.6% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 213,624 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 20,477 shares during the period. Private Advisor Group LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF were worth $29,157,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Stifel Financial Corp increased its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 29.0% during the 1st quarter. Stifel Financial Corp now owns 1,267,240 shares of the companys stock worth $157,219,000 after buying an additional 284,548 shares during the last quarter. IPG Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 21.7% in the second quarter. IPG Investment Advisors LLC now owns 77,533 shares of the companys stock worth $10,457,000 after acquiring an additional 13,831 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its stake in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 10.5% during the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 1,164,959 shares of the companys stock worth $157,118,000 after acquiring an additional 110,594 shares during the last quarter. Magnus Financial Group LLC raised its position in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 9.5% in the second quarter. Magnus Financial Group LLC now owns 15,189 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,049,000 after purchasing an additional 1,314 shares during the period. Finally, EQ LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 2.8% in the 2nd quarter. EQ LLC now owns 67,957 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,165,000 after purchasing an additional 1,829 shares during the last quarter.

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iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Stock Performance

Shares of BATS QUAL traded up $2.44 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $140.01. 1,721,630 shares of the companys stock were exchanged. The companys 50-day moving average is $134.08 and its 200-day moving average is $133.34. The firm has a market capitalization of $31.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.30 and a beta of 1.03. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF has a 52-week low of $71.96 and a 52-week high of $88.63.

iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Profile

The iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Sector Neutral Quality index. The fund tracks an index of US large- and mid-cap stocks, selected and weighted by high ROE, stable earnings growth and low debt\u002Fequity, relative to peers in each sector.

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OceanaGold Co. (OTCMKTS:OCANF  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant growth in short interest during the month of October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 1,302,500 shares, a growth of 40.3% from the October 15th total of 928,300 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 94,800 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 13.7 days.

OceanaGold Trading Up 5.7 %

OTCMKTS OCANF traded up $0.09 on Tuesday, reaching $1.68. The company had a trading volume of 42,286 shares, compared to its average volume of 62,783. The stocks 50 day moving average is $1.89 and its 200-day moving average is $2.04. OceanaGold has a 52 week low of $1.59 and a 52 week high of $2.60.

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OceanaGold Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 6th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 24th were issued a $0.01 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, August 23rd. This represents a yield of 0.97%.

About OceanaGold

OceanaGold is a growing intermediate gold and copper producer committed to safely and responsibly maximizing the generation of Free Cash Flow from our operations and delivering strong returns for our shareholders. We have a portfolio of four operating mines: the Haile Gold Mine in the United States of America; Didipio Mine in the Philippines; and the Macraes and Waihi operations in New Zealand.

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PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (OTCMKTS:PBCRF  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 27,900 shares, an increase of 34.8% from the October 15th total of 20,700 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 229,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days.

PT Bank Central Asia Tbk Stock Up 1.5 %

Shares of PT Bank Central Asia Tbk stock traded up $0.01 on Tuesday, hitting $0.57. 4,600 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 83,338. The company has a fifty day moving average of $0.56 and a two-hundred day moving average of $0.57. PT Bank Central Asia Tbk has a one year low of $0.51 and a one year high of $0.65.

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About PT Bank Central Asia Tbk

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PT Bank Central Asia Tbk, together with its subsidiaries, provides banking products and services to individual, corporate, and small and medium enterprise customers in Indonesia and internationally. It offers savings accounts; motorcycle financing, as well as car, housing, working capital, and investment loans; mutual funds and bonds; electronic money services; credit cards; business collection services; and home and eBanking, remittance, and customer services.

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Keystone Investors PTE Ltd. decreased its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM  Free Report) by 31.5% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 6,233 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after selling 2,864 shares during the period. Keystone Investors PTE Ltd.s holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $629,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Private Advisor Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 6.7% during the 2nd quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 40,531 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $4,074,000 after buying an additional 2,536 shares during the last quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC increased its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 1.3% during the 2nd quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC now owns 15,041 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $1,518,000 after buying an additional 187 shares during the last quarter. Berger Financial Group Inc increased its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 8.0% during the 2nd quarter. Berger Financial Group Inc now owns 3,322 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $335,000 after buying an additional 245 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 79.6% during the 2nd quarter. Cetera Advisors LLC now owns 31,127 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $3,141,000 after buying an additional 13,791 shares during the last quarter. Finally, YHB Investment Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 298.8% during the 2nd quarter. YHB Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 21,867 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $2,207,000 after buying an additional 16,384 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 16.51% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have recently issued reports on TSM shares. Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating and set a $115.00 price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Friday, October 20th. Susquehanna dropped their target price on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $135.00 to $130.00 in a report on Monday, October 9th. Barclays initiated coverage on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Monday, October 23rd. They issued an overweight rating and a $105.00 target price for the company. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $116.67.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Stock Down 0.1 %

TSM stock traded down $0.11 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $98.80. The companys stock had a trading volume of 5,856,281 shares, compared to its average volume of 10,996,194. The company has a quick ratio of 1.88, a current ratio of 2.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited has a 52-week low of $72.84 and a 52-week high of $110.69. The firm has a market capitalization of $512.42 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.79, a PEG ratio of 2.71 and a beta of 1.04. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $89.66 and a 200-day simple moving average of $94.13.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The semiconductor company reported $1.29 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.16 by $0.13. The company had revenue of $17.28 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $16.90 billion. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a net margin of 41.42% and a return on equity of 28.42%. The firms revenue was down 10.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.79 EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited will post 4.97 EPS for the current year.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Profile

(Free Report)

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides complementary metal oxide silicon wafer fabrication processes to manufacture logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, and embedded memory semiconductors.

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The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW  Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Tuesday, October 17th, RTT News reports. Investors of record on Friday, November 17th will be paid a dividend of 0.605 per share by the specialty chemicals company on Friday, December 8th. This represents a $2.42 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.91%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 16th.

Sherwin-Williams has increased its dividend by an average of 16.8% annually over the last three years and has raised its dividend every year for the last 46 years. Sherwin-Williams has a dividend payout ratio of 21.7% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Research analysts expect Sherwin-Williams to earn $11.17 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $2.42 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 21.7%.

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Sherwin-Williams Trading Up 4.9 %

Shares of NYSE:SHW opened at $266.29 on Wednesday. Sherwin-Williams has a 12-month low of $205.43 and a 12-month high of $283.80. The company has a market cap of $68.16 billion, a PE ratio of 28.51, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.00 and a beta of 1.08. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $252.86 and a 200 day moving average of $253.85. The company has a current ratio of 0.94, a quick ratio of 0.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.25.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Sherwin-Williams ( NYSE:SHW Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 24th. The specialty chemicals company reported $3.20 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.77 by $0.43. The business had revenue of $6.12 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6 billion. Sherwin-Williams had a return on equity of 78.92% and a net margin of 10.50%. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Sherwin-Williams will post 10.3 EPS for the current year.

SHW has been the topic of a number of research reports. Bank of America downgraded shares of Sherwin-Williams from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and reduced their price target for the company from $300.00 to $275.00 in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on Sherwin-Williams from $315.00 to $330.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 25th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on Sherwin-Williams from $300.00 to $290.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, August 25th. Loop Capital upped their price target on shares of Sherwin-Williams from $295.00 to $325.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 26th. Finally, Berenberg Bank lifted their price objective on shares of Sherwin-Williams from $224.00 to $249.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Friday, September 29th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $287.44.

Read Our Latest Report on SHW

Insider Activity at Sherwin-Williams

In other Sherwin-Williams news, CEO John G. Morikis bought 2,125 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 25th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $237.60 per share, with a total value of $504,900.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 317,270 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $75,383,352. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 0.55% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Sherwin-Williams

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Roundview Capital LLC increased its position in shares of Sherwin-Williams by 8.1% during the first quarter. Roundview Capital LLC now owns 8,065 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $2,013,000 after purchasing an additional 607 shares in the last quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. boosted its holdings in Sherwin-Williams by 189.1% in the first quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 10,409 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $2,598,000 after acquiring an additional 6,808 shares in the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. increased its holdings in shares of Sherwin-Williams by 26.5% during the first quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 118,763 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $29,956,000 after acquiring an additional 24,884 shares in the last quarter. Prudential PLC purchased a new position in shares of Sherwin-Williams in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $1,231,000. Finally, Cetera Investment Advisers boosted its stake in Sherwin-Williams by 2.6% in the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 11,387 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $2,842,000 after purchasing an additional 287 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 75.87% of the companys stock.

Sherwin-Williams Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

The Sherwin-Williams Company engages in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of paints, coating, and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers. It operates through three segments: The Americas Group, Consumer Brands Group, and Performance Coatings Group. The Americas Group segment offers architectural paints and coatings, and protective and marine products, as well as OEM product finishes and related products for architectural and industrial paint contractors, and do-it-yourself homeowners.

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US Bancorp DE boosted its position in shares of The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report) by 4.0% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 2,551,109 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 98,520 shares during the quarter. US Bancorp DE owned 0.14% of Charles Schwab worth $144,597,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of SCHW. Key Financial Inc raised its stake in Charles Schwab by 144.3% during the 2nd quarter. Key Financial Inc now owns 447 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 264 shares during the period. AlphaMark Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Charles Schwab during the 2nd quarter valued at about $28,000. Global Trust Asset Management LLC grew its position in shares of Charles Schwab by 633.8% in the 2nd quarter. Global Trust Asset Management LLC now owns 521 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 450 shares during the period. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. increased its stake in Charles Schwab by 1,236.6% during the 2nd quarter. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. now owns 548 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 507 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Worth Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in Charles Schwab during the 1st quarter worth approximately $32,000. Institutional investors own 81.61% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on SCHW shares. Piper Sandler reduced their price target on shares of Charles Schwab from $86.00 to $75.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 9th. Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $71.00 to $64.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 11th. Citigroup lifted their price target on Charles Schwab from $65.00 to $75.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. Barclays upped their price objective on Charles Schwab from $55.00 to $57.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 17th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on Charles Schwab from $92.00 to $85.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 17th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $69.91.

Insider Activity at Charles Schwab

In other Charles Schwab news, General Counsel Peter J. Morgan III sold 8,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $59.61, for a total value of $476,880.00. Following the transaction, the general counsel now directly owns 8,014 shares in the company, valued at $477,714.54. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, General Counsel Peter J. Morgan III sold 8,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $59.61, for a total transaction of $476,880.00. Following the completion of the sale, the general counsel now owns 8,014 shares in the company, valued at $477,714.54. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Charles A. Ruffel bought 833 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 17th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $60.55 per share, for a total transaction of $50,438.15. Following the purchase, the director now owns 3,386 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $205,022.30. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 21,824 shares of company stock worth $1,214,937. Company insiders own 6.60% of the companys stock.

Charles Schwab Stock Performance

Shares of SCHW traded up $1.59 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $56.38. The stock had a trading volume of 3,695,703 shares, compared to its average volume of 15,509,292. The firm has a market cap of $99.89 billion, a PE ratio of 18.27, a P/E/G ratio of 2.39 and a beta of 0.94. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $54.16 and a 200-day simple moving average of $56.15. The Charles Schwab Co. has a one year low of $45.00 and a one year high of $86.63. The company has a current ratio of 0.66, a quick ratio of 0.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87.

Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $0.77 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.75 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $4.61 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.62 billion. Charles Schwab had a return on equity of 24.58% and a net margin of 30.14%. Charles Schwabs quarterly revenue was down 16.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.10 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.16 EPS for the current year.

Charles Schwab Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 24th. Investors of record on Friday, November 10th will be issued a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.77%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 9th. Charles Schwabs payout ratio is presently 33.33%.

Charles Schwab Profile

(Free Report)

The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services.

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US Bancorp DE decreased its position in Oracle Co. (NYSE:ORCL  Free Report) by 4.1% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,393,980 shares of the enterprise software providers stock after selling 59,962 shares during the period. US Bancorp DEs holdings in Oracle were worth $166,009,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its stake in Oracle by 94,707.5% in the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 1,122,984,792 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $133,736,259,000 after acquiring an additional 1,121,800,302 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. grew its stake in shares of Oracle by 1.4% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 117,130,967 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $10,883,809,000 after purchasing an additional 1,618,027 shares during the period. State Street Corp raised its holdings in shares of Oracle by 2.6% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 62,586,810 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $5,815,566,000 after buying an additional 1,570,528 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Oracle by 0.5% during the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 27,753,778 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $2,572,592,000 after buying an additional 136,383 shares during the period. Finally, FMR LLC boosted its stake in Oracle by 12.2% in the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 24,369,890 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $2,264,450,000 after buying an additional 2,644,377 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 42.44% of the companys stock.

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Oracle Price Performance

Oracle stock traded down $0.77 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $115.33. 2,276,472 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 8,888,737. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $109.58 and a two-hundred day moving average of $111.33. The company has a market cap of $315.93 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.57, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.89 and a beta of 1.03. The company has a current ratio of 0.87, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 29.72. Oracle Co. has a twelve month low of $78.06 and a twelve month high of $127.54.

Oracle Announces Dividend

Oracle ( NYSE:ORCL Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, September 11th. The enterprise software provider reported $1.19 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.15 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $12.45 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.48 billion. Oracle had a negative return on equity of 3,631.39% and a net margin of 18.40%. Oracles revenue was up 8.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.81 EPS. Equities analysts expect that Oracle Co. will post 4.51 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 26th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 12th were issued a dividend of $0.40 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, October 11th. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.39%. Oracles dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 47.62%.

Insider Transactions at Oracle

In other news, Director George H. Conrades sold 2,325 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $111.97, for a total transaction of $260,330.25. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 20,161 shares in the company, valued at $2,257,427.17. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Company insiders own 42.80% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

ORCL has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Piper Sandler reiterated an overweight rating and set a $130.00 price objective on shares of Oracle in a research note on Friday, September 22nd. DA Davidson cut their price target on shares of Oracle from $115.00 to $104.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, September 12th. Barclays decreased their price objective on shares of Oracle from $150.00 to $147.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, September 12th. Monness Crespi & Hardt cut shares of Oracle from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 12th. Finally, DZ Bank upgraded Oracle from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $125.00 price target on the stock in a research report on Thursday, September 14th. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $124.23.

View Our Latest Analysis on Oracle

About Oracle

(Free Report)

Oracle Corporation offers products and services that address enterprise information technology environments worldwide. Its Oracle cloud software as a service offering include various cloud software applications, including Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP), Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise performance management, Oracle Fusion cloud supply chain and manufacturing management, Oracle Fusion cloud human capital management, Oracle Cerner healthcare, Oracle Advertising, and NetSuite applications suite, as well as Oracle Fusion Sales, Service, and Marketing.

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VinaCapital Vietnam Opp Fund (LON:VOF  Get Free Report) shares dropped 0.3% on Monday . The stock traded as low as GBX 458 ($5.62) and last traded at GBX 459.50 ($5.64). Approximately 260,104 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 76% from the average daily volume of 147,743 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 461 ($5.66).

VinaCapital Vietnam Opp Fund Trading Up 0.6 %

The companys fifty day simple moving average is GBX 448.53 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is GBX 443.96. The company has a quick ratio of 55.38, a current ratio of 414.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.01. The company has a market capitalization of 750.87 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -269.54 and a beta of 0.44.

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VinaCapital Vietnam Opp Fund Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 4th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 2nd will be given a dividend of $0.07 per share. This is an increase from VinaCapital Vietnam Opp Funds previous dividend of $0.06. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 2nd. This represents a dividend yield of 1.27%. VinaCapital Vietnam Opp Funds dividend payout ratio is currently -689.66%.

Insider Transactions at VinaCapital Vietnam Opp Fund

VinaCapital Vietnam Opp Fund Company Profile

In other VinaCapital Vietnam Opp Fund news, insider Julian Healy bought 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 25th. The stock was acquired at an average price of GBX 449 ($5.51) per share, with a total value of 22,450 ($27,569.69). 0.06% of the stock is owned by insiders.

(Get Free Report)

VinaCapital Vietnam Opportunity Fund Limited specializes in private equity investments. The fund seeks to invest 80 percent of its portfolio in private equity and 20 percent in equitization projects will be re-allocated to listed shares. The fund also makes private investments. It invests in stocks of companies operating across the diversified sectors.

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Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. (TSE:WDO  Get Free Report) Senior Officer Frederic Mercier-Langevin acquired 2,800 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, November 13th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of C$7.24 per share, with a total value of C$20,273.12.

Wesdome Gold Mines Stock Up 3.2 %

WDO stock traded up C$0.23 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching C$7.42. 396,384 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 609,993. Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. has a 12 month low of C$6.00 and a 12 month high of C$9.98. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 10.50, a current ratio of 0.96 and a quick ratio of 0.37. The firms 50-day moving average is C$7.63 and its 200-day moving average is C$7.56. The company has a market cap of C$1.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -81.44 and a beta of 0.62.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

WDO has been the subject of several analyst reports. Desjardins decreased their target price on Wesdome Gold Mines from C$8.25 to C$8.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 27th. National Bankshares decreased their price target on shares of Wesdome Gold Mines from C$11.00 to C$10.25 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 27th.

Wesdome Gold Mines Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. explores and develops of gold deposits in Canada. The company produces gold in the form of dore bars, as well as silver as a by-product. It holds interest in the Eagle River Mine and the Mishi Mine in Ontario; and the Kiena Mine in Quebec. The company was formerly known as River Gold Mines Ltd.

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West African Resources Limited (OTCMKTS:WFRSF  Get Free Report)s share price was up 27.5% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $0.65 and last traded at $0.65. Approximately 250 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 97% from the average daily volume of 8,449 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.51.

West African Resources Stock Performance

The companys 50-day simple moving average is $0.52 and its 200 day simple moving average is $0.58.

West African Resources Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

West African Resources Limited engages in the mining, mineral processing, acquisition, exploration, and project development of gold projects in West Africa. The company has 90% interests in the Sanbrado Gold Project covering an area of 116 square kilometers located in Burkina Faso; and Kiaka gold project located in Burkina Faso.

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Two individuals lost their lives over the weekend in a traffic accident in the locality of Mbang, Kadey department, East region. The driver, Thieri Mbame, and a passenger, Germaine Abeba, have passed away. Several other injured individuals were taken to healthcare facilities, including the Mbang district hospital.



The public transport vehicle, a Saviem brand with registration CH988810, departed from Batouri around 7 a.m. heading to Mbang. It ended up in the watercourse, about two kilometers from the center of Mbang. According to eyewitness accounts, the vehicle lost control on a descent before attempting to cross the bridge. Unexpectedly, it ended up in the waters of Mbang with 19 people on board.



Another traffic accident occurred in the Djebem district, Koung-Khi department, resulting in one fatality. A truck transporting around sixty employees of an agropastoral group overturned on November 10th. Witnesses suggest that the driver, traveling at high speed, misjudged the turn.
Westpac Banking Corp trimmed its position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG  Free Report) by 46.8% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 5,939 shares of the restaurant operators stock after selling 5,230 shares during the quarter. Chipotle Mexican Grill accounts for about 0.9% of Westpac Banking Corps holdings, making the stock its 18th largest holding. Westpac Banking Corps holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $12,704,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of CMG. Panagora Asset Management Inc. increased its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 79.5% in the 1st quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 948 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $1,500,000 after purchasing an additional 420 shares during the period. Cibc World Market Inc. boosted its position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 15.5% during the first quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 171 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $271,000 after purchasing an additional 23 shares in the last quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board boosted its position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 7.3% during the first quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 3,032 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $4,796,000 after purchasing an additional 205 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers boosted its holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 6.1% in the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 777 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $1,229,000 after acquiring an additional 45 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 38.9% in the first quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 218 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $345,000 after acquiring an additional 61 shares in the last quarter. 91.19% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on CMG shares. Stephens restated an overweight rating and issued a $2,330.00 price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their target price on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,250.00 to $2,150.00 in a report on Thursday, July 27th. BMO Capital Markets reduced their price target on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $1,950.00 to $1,925.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 27th. Bank of America boosted their target price on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,200.00 to $2,570.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, July 21st. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,400.00 to $2,200.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 27th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nineteen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $2,161.33.

Insider Buying and Selling at Chipotle Mexican Grill

In related news, Director Patricia Filikrushel sold 57 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,049.81, for a total value of $116,839.17. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 686 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,406,169.66. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, CEO Brian R. Niccol sold 1,058 shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill stock in a transaction on Friday, September 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,928.16, for a total transaction of $2,039,993.28. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 23,347 shares in the company, valued at approximately $45,016,751.52. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Patricia Filikrushel sold 57 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $2,049.81, for a total transaction of $116,839.17. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 686 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,406,169.66. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 4,642 shares of company stock valued at $9,041,139 in the last 90 days. Insiders own 0.96% of the companys stock.

Chipotle Mexican Grill Stock Down 0.7 %

NYSE:CMG traded down $15.41 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $2,150.61. 73,176 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 278,629. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $1,911.77 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $1,978.38. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a 52 week low of $1,344.05 and a 52 week high of $2,177.07. The firm has a market cap of $59.01 billion, a P/E ratio of 51.38, a P/E/G ratio of 1.89 and a beta of 1.33.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The restaurant operator reported $11.36 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $10.46 by $0.90. The business had revenue of $2.47 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.47 billion. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a return on equity of 45.26% and a net margin of 12.27%. The businesss revenue was up 11.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $9.51 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 43.91 EPS for the current year.

Chipotle Mexican Grill Profile

(Free Report)

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. It offers burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads. The company was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Newport Beach, California.

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Westpac Banking Corp reduced its stake in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 77.2% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 55,200 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 186,948 shares during the period. Westpac Banking Corps holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $6,018,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in ABT. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado lifted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 9.8% in the 2nd quarter. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado now owns 1,415,759 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $154,346,000 after purchasing an additional 126,547 shares during the period. Core Alternative Capital lifted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 27.0% in the 2nd quarter. Core Alternative Capital now owns 1,290 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $141,000 after purchasing an additional 274 shares during the period. Fort Sheridan Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 315.5% in the 1st quarter. Fort Sheridan Advisors LLC now owns 12,182 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $1,234,000 after purchasing an additional 9,250 shares during the period. Freestone Capital Holdings LLC lifted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 12.8% in the 1st quarter. Freestone Capital Holdings LLC now owns 99,836 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $10,109,000 after purchasing an additional 11,303 shares during the period. Finally, Harbour Investment Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 0.5% in the 1st quarter. Harbour Investment Management LLC now owns 26,750 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $2,709,000 after purchasing an additional 138 shares during the period. 73.70% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages have recently weighed in on ABT. Raymond James lowered their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $123.00 to $110.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. Citigroup decreased their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $130.00 to $122.00 in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $136.00 to $116.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. Barclays increased their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $127.00 to $132.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, July 24th. Finally, Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $112.00 to $107.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $117.47.

Abbott Laboratories Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:ABT traded up $0.78 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $97.86. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,008,248 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,117,072. The firm has a market capitalization of $169.89 billion, a PE ratio of 33.02, a P/E/G ratio of 4.24 and a beta of 0.69. Abbott Laboratories has a twelve month low of $89.67 and a twelve month high of $115.83. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $96.58 and a 200 day moving average of $103.19. The company has a quick ratio of 1.23, a current ratio of 1.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 18th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.14 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.10 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $10.14 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.82 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 12.92% and a return on equity of 20.15%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 2.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.15 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts expect that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.44 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Investors of record on Friday, October 13th will be given a dividend of $0.51 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 12th. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.08%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is presently 69.39%.

Insider Activity at Abbott Laboratories

In related news, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, October 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $94.05, for a total transaction of $4,702,500.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 6,725,316 shares in the company, valued at $632,515,969.80. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. 1.10% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

About Abbott Laboratories

(Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The Established Pharmaceutical Products segment provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Meniere's disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon.

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Wilson & Boucher Capital Management LLC bought a new position in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:IEUR  Free Report) during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund bought 2,300 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $121,000.

Other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Financial Freedom LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF in the 4th quarter valued at about $50,000. Key Financial Inc raised its position in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF by 2,135.1% during the first quarter. Key Financial Inc now owns 1,274 shares of the companys stock valued at $67,000 after purchasing an additional 1,217 shares during the period. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $267,000. M&R Capital Management Inc. increased its position in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF by 72.5% during the 2nd quarter. M&R Capital Management Inc. now owns 2,105 shares of the companys stock valued at $111,000 after purchasing an additional 885 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Belpointe Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF by 442.0% during the 1st quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 2,309 shares of the companys stock valued at $121,000 after buying an additional 1,883 shares during the period.

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iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF Stock Performance

NYSEARCA IEUR traded up $0.04 on Wednesday, hitting $51.57. 830,169 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 788,816. iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF has a 52-week low of $46.31 and a 52-week high of $54.81. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.19 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.11 and a beta of 0.95. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $49.60 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $51.61.

iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF Company Profile

The iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF (IEUR) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI Europe IMI index, a market-cap-weighted index of developed European securities. IEUR was launched on Jun 10, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock.

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The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has thrown open the registration for its duplex penthouses and luxury apartments along with mid-segment MIG or middle income group flats under the second phase of its Special Festival Housing Scheme 2023, officials said. They said that under this phase of scheme, bids for 1,130 luxury apartments and penthouses under the super high income group (SHIG) and HIG or high income group categories are being accepted along with 963 2BHK MIG flats. The luxury flats and penthouses are located in Sector 19B of the Dwarka sub-city while the MIG flats are in Dwarkas Sector 14 and Lok Nayak Puram, a locality in West Delhi that DDA is developing. Also Read: Delhi Development Authority to sell penthouses with golf course view in Dwarka The luxury and MIG flats will be allotted through e-auction, registrations for which have started from November 30. We are hoping to witness a good response from prospective buyers, a DDA official told Moneycontrol. He said that there had been over 500 registrations till late night on November 30. The DDA has also set up a help desk at its headquarters Vikas Sadan to answer queries related to the housing scheme. Officials said that only 14 penthouses are being offered in the scheme and these will be four-bedroom duplex apartments with a plinth area of 424 square metres. These penthouses will be overlooking an upcoming 18-hole golf course. DDA is offering 170 super HIG flats and 946 HIG flats in the complex in Dwarkas Sector 19B. The complex, with an estimated construction cost of Rs 700 crore, has 11 towers. Since these SHIG flats and penthouses will be allotted through an e-auction, the reserve prices will start from Rs 5 crore and Rs 2.5 crore, respectively. The HIG apartments will be priced from about Rs 1.4 crore. The reserve prices of MIG flats are likely to range from around Rs 1 crore. Also Read: Five things to know about DDAs biggest festival housing scheme offering 32,000 flats According to officials, the penthouses will also have terrace gardens. The housing luxury complex will have larger-than-usual green spaces. According to officials, potential buyers will be given 20 days to visit the property they wish to buy after registering on the DDA portal. The capitals planning and housing body had on November 24 started registration for 28,000 EWS (economic weaker section) and LIG (lower income group) category flats under its festival scheme that offers a total 32,000 flats (including the penthouses and luxury apartments). Also Read: DDA housing scheme 2023: Registration starts for EWS, LIG flats, and penthouses from November 30 The official cited earlier said that applications for the luxury segment will be accepted only through the online mode via the DDA website www.dda.gov.in. The allotment and handing over of possession of the flats will also be done online. Interested applicants can visit the website and log in using their PAN and other details to apply for the scheme.
Passion, Disillusionment, and Claims: The Emile and Melanie Affair Shakes an Entire Village in the West of Cameroon.



In a village in the Bamboutos group in the West of Cameroon, a recent incident has captured the attention of the residents.



Emile, a 33-year-old man, had generously taken care of the education and expenses of a young woman, Melanie, who is now 27, with the hope of marrying her.

However, Melanie fell in love with another man living in England, casting doubt on their marriage plans. The situation reached a boiling point when Melanie's fiance came to Cameroon for the traditional wedding, sparking anger from Emile, who demanded reimbursement for all the expenses incurred for Melanie during their 4-year relationship.



The situation required the intervention of the neighborhood chief to ease tensions, and eventually, Emile left with the promise of being reimbursed, leaving the matter unresolved.



This story has highlighted the intense emotions and complex dynamics that can arise in romantic relationships and has captivated the interest of the local community.
"Cybercrime continues to prevail in the online business sector, as evidenced by the shocking story of Crescence, a 28-year-old alleged cybercriminal. Using sophisticated hacking tactics, she is accused of extorting over 5 million CFA francs from her victims by posing as a legitimate businesswoman. This case highlights the growing dangers faced by online entrepreneurs and underscores the increasing importance of cybersecurity in today's economy. Judicial authorities are taking action to prosecute Crescence and ensure that cybercriminals are held accountable for their harmful actions.



The anti-criminality unit of the Judicial Police in Bonanjo, Douala, arrested and publicly presented a suspected cybercriminal, a 28-year-old woman named Crescence. She is accused of hacking into the WhatsApp account of a businesswoman who sells clothes online and using a fake Facebook account with the businesswoman's photo to extort money from her clients. She managed to deceive a total sum of 5,000,000 CFA francs."

The victim, Francine Ngouabe, testified to the devastating impact of the cyberattack on her business. "I sell various clothes online. At one point, some of my clients started contacting me, accusing me of being a thief and a scammer for taking their money without delivering their orders. This greatly affected my business. I had to ask one of my clients who provided screenshots of a conversation with the cybercriminal. I saw a fake account of myself on Facebook and my WhatsApp was hacked," she explained to journalists.



The suspect's arrest occurred after Francine filed a complaint with the Judicial Police in Bonanjo. An immediate investigation was conducted, leading to the arrest of the suspect. Commander Essono Edou Arsene, head of the research and investigation unit, revealed, "Mrs. Francine approached us after receiving several complaints from her clients. We opened an investigation and arrested the suspect who hacked Francine's WhatsApp account. When she collected money, she blocked the victim. She managed to deceive Francine's clients of the sum of five million CFA francs. The suspect admitted to committing the crimes."



Crescence, 28 years old, will face the charges against her before the judicial authorities in the coming days. This case underscores the importance of increased awareness of cybersecurity and warns online entrepreneurs about the inherent risks in their activities.
It is in a short five-minute video posted on his X account (formerly Twitter) that Guillaume Soro announces his intention to return to Cote d'Ivoire. 'I announce here and now that I am putting an end to my exile because it is painful for me to live away from my ancestral and native land in Africa,' he declares, adding that he was 'attempted to be arrested' at Istanbul airport on November 3 in an attempt to extradite him to his country.



He also detailed having been in France, Belgium, Dubai, and 'to the far reaches of the Asian continent' in recent years. 'I will not go further into my exile; I refuse to be a fugitive. I am guilty of no wrongdoing,' he continues, stating that he wants to 'contribute to the reconciliation of the sons and daughters' of Cote d'Ivoire.

Guillaume Soro did not specify a date for a potential return to Cote d'Ivoire. Already in exile, Guillaume Soro was sentenced in Cote d'Ivoire in June 2021 to life imprisonment for "endangering state security," accused of plotting a "civil and military insurrection" to overthrow the regime of the current president, Alassane Ouattara, in 2019. In April 2020, he had already been sentenced to twenty years in prison for complicity in embezzlement of public funds.

Rupture with Ouattara in 2019



As the leader of the rebellion that controlled the northern half of Cote d'Ivoire in the 2000s, Guillaume Soro had militarily assisted Alassane Ouattara in coming to power during the post-electoral crisis of 2010-2011 against the incumbent president, Laurent Gbagbo, who refused to admit defeat.



Guillaume Soro became the first prime minister under Alassane Ouattara, then president of the National Assembly in 2012, before a rupture in early 2019, reportedly due to his presidential ambitions. In May, he asserted that no "reason" prevented him from being a candidate in the next presidential election in 2025.
France must "act urgently" and conduct reforms to restore its ties with Africa as Russia and China's influence is rising on the continent, according to a parliamentary report published on Wednesday.

The report was issued amid growing alarm in Paris over strong anti-French sentiment in some former colonies.



Penned by Bruno Fuchs of the centre-right Democratic Movement party and Michele Tabarot of the right-wing Republicans party, it said that France was struggling to "adapt" to change in Africa.



Africans, the report says, "are demanding a different policy from France."



"We must act urgently to avoid a risk of contagion and loss of trust."



The 170-page report was released after months of work that included dozens of interviews with African and French politicians, military personnel, representatives of civil society and journalists.



"Eager to renew its ties with Africa and avoid mistakes of the past, deprived of detailed knowledge of the continent and dependent on uncertain political choices, (France) now refuses to adopt a genuine 'African policy'," lamented the authors.
Privacy Policy

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For business transfers: We may use Your information to evaluate or conduct a merger, divestiture, restructuring, reorganization, dissolution, or other sale or transfer of some or all of Our assets, whether as a going concern or as part of bankruptcy, liquidation, or similar proceeding, in which Personal Data held by Us about our Service users is among the assets transferred.

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We may share Your personal information with Service Providers to monitor and analyze the use of our Service, to contact You. For business transfers: We may share or transfer Your personal information in connection with, or during negotiations of, any merger, sale of Company assets, financing, or acquisition of all or a portion of Our business to another company.

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We may share Your information with Our affiliates, in which case we will require those affiliates to honor this Privacy Policy. Affiliates include Our parent company and any other subsidiaries, joint venture partners or other companies that We control or that are under common control with Us. With business partners: We may share Your information with Our business partners to offer You certain products, services or promotions.

We may share Your information with Our business partners to offer You certain products, services or promotions. With other users: when You share personal information or otherwise interact in the public areas with other users, such information may be viewed by all users and may be publicly distributed outside. If You interact with other users or register through a Third-Party Social Media Service, Your contacts on the Third-Party Social Media Service may see Your name, profile, pictures and description of Your activity. Similarly, other users will be able to view descriptions of Your activity, communicate with You and view Your profile.

when You share personal information or otherwise interact in the public areas with other users, such information may be viewed by all users and may be publicly distributed outside. If You interact with other users or register through a Third-Party Social Media Service, Your contacts on the Third-Party Social Media Service may see Your name, profile, pictures and description of Your activity. Similarly, other users will be able to view descriptions of Your activity, communicate with You and view Your profile. With Your consent: We may disclose Your personal information for any other purpose with Your consent.

Retention of Your Personal Data

The Company will retain Your Personal Data only for as long as is necessary for the purposes set out in this Privacy Policy. We will retain and use Your Personal Data to the extent necessary to comply with our legal obligations (for example, if we are required to retain your data to comply with applicable laws), resolve disputes, and enforce our legal agreements and policies.

The Company will also retain Usage Data for internal analysis purposes. Usage Data is generally retained for a shorter period of time, except when this data is used to strengthen the security or to improve the functionality of Our Service, or We are legally obligated to retain this data for longer time periods.

Transfer of Your Personal Data

Your information, including Personal Data, is processed at the Company's operating offices and in any other places where the parties involved in the processing are located. It means that this information may be transferred to  and maintained on  computers located outside of Your state, province, country or other governmental jurisdiction where the data protection laws may differ than those from Your jurisdiction.

Your consent to this Privacy Policy followed by Your submission of such information represents Your agreement to that transfer.

The Company will take all steps reasonably necessary to ensure that Your data is treated securely and in accordance with this Privacy Policy and no transfer of Your Personal Data will take place to an organization or a country unless there are adequate controls in place including the security of Your data and other personal information.

Disclosure of Your Personal Data

Business Transactions

If the Company is involved in a merger, acquisition or asset sale, Your Personal Data may be transferred. We will provide notice before Your Personal Data is transferred and becomes subject to a different Privacy Policy.

Law enforcement

Under certain circumstances, the Company may be required to disclose Your Personal Data if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g. a court or a government agency).

Other legal requirements

The Company may disclose Your Personal Data in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to:

Comply with a legal obligation

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Protect against legal liability

Security of Your Personal Data

The security of Your Personal Data is important to Us, but remember that no method of transmission over the Internet, or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. While We strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect Your Personal Data, We cannot guarantee its absolute security.

Children's Privacy

Our Service does not address anyone under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from anyone under the age of 13. If You are a parent or guardian and You are aware that Your child has provided Us with Personal Data, please contact Us. If We become aware that We have collected Personal Data from anyone under the age of 13 without verification of parental consent, We take steps to remove that information from Our servers.

If We need to rely on consent as a legal basis for processing Your information and Your country requires consent from a parent, We may require Your parent's consent before We collect and use that information.

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We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies or practices of any third party sites or services.

Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may update Our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify You of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page.

We will let You know via email and/or a prominent notice on Our Service, prior to the change becoming effective and update the "Last updated" date at the top of this Privacy Policy.

You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Changes to this Privacy Policy are effective when they are posted on this page.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, You can contact us:
Dear Finance Minister:

I am writing to bring to your attention the fact that public sector banks (PSBs) are undermining the governments effort to provide security to the economically underprivileged through a series of thoughtful insurance schemes.

How is this happening? Banks are given targets to sell these schemes to allow the government to showcase high subscriber numbers. Instead of targeting people who need the insurance and persuading them to buy, banks are enrolling depositors as subscribers without their permission. They are debiting the premium from their accounts. This is theft. However, because banks are doing it and formally mentioning the debit in our account statements, we tend not to recognise it for what it is.

Countless individuals have voiced grievances about such thievery on social media platforms. Moneylife has reported on the issue and bank unions candidly admitted that their members are compelled to engage in such questionable activities by senior management. Yet, the banking and insurance regulators have studiously turned a blind eye to complaints about banks pilfering depositors' funds and the subsequent harassment endured to stop monthly debits.

What is shocking is that these are good insurance schemes that would provide a crucial safety-net amidst rising income inequality, if they reach the right people. Instead, the governments intention is defeated by prioritising enrolment numbers and rather than reaching the right people. You need to ask regulators to do their job by preventing mis-selling and engage with stakeholders to find effective ways to reach insurance benefits to those who need them. Allow me to explain the flaws in what is happening today.

There are seven government-sponsored insurance schemes, of which we are primarily concerned with two:

1) The Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) offers a life cover of Rs2 lakh for those in the 18-50-years age group at an annual premium of just Rs330 (now Rs436).

2) Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), which is an accident cover for those between 18 and 70 years of age with a premium of Rs12 (now Rs20) debited every year from bank accounts.

In addition, the Jan Dhan accounts have a built-in accident cover of Rs1 lakh and life cover of Rs30,000; but you don't see banks making any effort to push these after the massive initial push from the prime ministers office (PMO). In addition, the Jan Dhan accounts have a built-in accident cover of Rs1 lakh and life cover of Rs30,000; but you don't see banks making any effort to push these after the massive initial push from the prime ministers office (PMO).

The theft from depositors accounts is primarily for enrolment for PMJJBY and PMSBY schemes and the mischief is confined to PSBs who can be pressured to meet targets. Consequently, senior management misuses technology to select specific demographics for enrolment based on the money in their accounts. This often ends up targeting students who are living away from home on fixed expenses provided by their parents. In many cases, the insurance may be superfluous since parents may have already purchased family insurance. Thus, the debits become a double blow for students as well as parents. Additionally, banks seem to be targeting senior citizens as well.

Regulatory Failure

The Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI) mandates that insurers, agents and brokers include the phrase Insurance is a subject matter of solicitation in all communication. This implies that buyers must request insurance by filling out the proposal form themselves. In practice, agents hard-sell certain schemes and customers blindly sign forms without reading the terms and conditions. This prompted IRDAI to introduce the two-week look-in clause providing a window in which to reject the policy.

When banks debit your account, ostensibly for a government insurance schemes, these basic protections are thrown to the wind. My colleague Yogesh Sapkale, in his article writes that accident insurance debits often start months after the policy period has begun, so it is not even valid for a full year. Most customers do not notice the premium debits and have no clue that they are insured, so no claim is made in the event of death or an accident. Perhaps the government is turning a blind eye to illegal debits because it ensures that the payouts and, consequently, the premiums remain low. In the first year, when it was hugely publicised, accident insurance claims were high and the premium has increased from Rs12 to Rs20.

Jayanthi, who turned 70 recently, writes that she had already subscribed for the PMSBY accident policy through her private bank. Last year, State Bank of India (SBI) also began to debit Rs20 as accident insurance without her knowledge or authorisation. All her protests to SBI fell on deaf ears. The issue ended when she turned 70 and was no longer eligible. Had she made a claim, she would have been paid only on one policy and SBI got away by taking her money for nothing. Does IRDAIs responsibility end with asking insurers to publish a solicitation proclamation? Why cant banks be asked to email policy terms and conditions to customers? Is it because that would alert them to the debits?

Some, like Canara Bank, indeed reverse these debits on customer objection. But this is not good enough. To make a valid claim, individuals must know that they are insured, as well as the terms of the policy and the claims process, which is usually elaborate and requires the filing of a first information report (FIR) with the police (for accident policies).

In August 2017, DT Franco, then general secretary of the All India Bank Officers Confederation (AIBOC), had complained to IRDAI about banks forcing officers to push insurance schemes based on their corporate arrangements. He had also pointed out how basic concepts, like consent of the customer and suitability, were thrown to the wind and customers were frequently arm-twisted to opt for specific policies. Regrettably, neither IRDAI nor the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cracked down on these practices; so where is the question of doing more to inform customers or the nominees and heirs about their rights?

Way Forward

PSBs are unable to sell government insurance schemes, so they are coerced to debit customer accounts. At the same time, there is little effort to educate less literate, low-income policy-holders on the advantage of these schemes. But there is another category of Indians who may be keen to ensure that the government safety-net is available to people working for them. These include employees of small entrepreneurs and domestic support staff such as drivers, home-helpers, care-givers for children and senior citizens, security guards and cooks.

Even middle-class families in India have multiple people providing a part-time support system. Moneylife Foundations dipstick survey indicates that people are willing to pay the insurance premium for their support staff, but the system lacks appropriate provisions. Simply transferring money to their bank accounts will not work since banks can appropriate it against other dues, or the account holder may use it for a different purpose.

After the COVID pandemic, telecom companies quickly tweaked their systems to enable payment of another persons bill. Why cant this be done for government insurance schemes as well? It shouldnt matter who pays the premium so long as the beneficiary is a low-income individual and receives the entire benefit. If this is permitted, the person paying the premium will take an interest in ensuring proper claims process and the bankers job will be limited to weeding out fake and fraudulent claims.

Should the public be better informed, it could lead to higher claims and insurers are likely to demand increased premiums. The accident insurance premium has already risen from Rs12 to Rs20 and the life cover is up from Rs330 to Rs436; I believe that people buying insurance for their support staff will be willing to pay a little more, so long as it remains reasonable and the claims process is friction-free.

Don't you agree that a socially-oriented government scheme that reaches the intended beneficiary is far better publicity for any government than quoting empty numbers through mass activation of subscriptions by gouging depositor accounts? The key to successful implementation lies in keeping it voluntary. A technology solution is needed to ensure only one policy per individual, since support workers often have part-time jobs. Tech-experts could also suggest ways to prevent fraudulent claims. Following the Odisha train disaster, the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) proposed the idea of sending out automatic alerts to ensure that benefits of PMJJBY and PMSBY reach families of victims who had this insurance. This needs to be put into action urgently.

Lets not forget that our bureaucrats could also kill a good idea by making it obligatory for employers to buy insurance and transfer the cost, duty and burden of the State on to individuals. The way forward would be for you to ask IRDAI to engage with stakeholders to come up with a voluntary and workable step forward to supplement the governments effort and not to replace it.

I look forward to a positive response.

Yours Truly,

A Citizen
The college admissions process can be stressful and time-consuming for high school students, their families and supporters.

University of Wisconsin-Stouts admissions office team aims to simplify the process for first-year, transfer, re-entry and international students.

To support a college-going culture, a new partnership between UW-Stout and Menomonie High School is streamlining the process with direct admissions, to give eligible MHS students a jumpstart with guaranteed admission to UW-Stout even before completing an application.

Direct admission takes the pressure off the application process, as students receive an admissions decision before applying. We are removing barriers. Theres no application fee, no test scores and no admissions essay, said admissions assistant director Lacey Seefeldt.

Were hand-in-hand supporting the student through the enrollment process. We believe in what we do at UW-Stout and want to be accessible for students to reach their dreams, she said.

All 2024 and 2025 Menomonie High School graduating students who have at least a 2.5 grade point average and are on track to graduate are eligible. Students may also be considered with a letter of recommendation from an MHS faculty member who addresses the students academic abilities and preparedness to do college-level coursework.

They can meet with an MHS guidance counselor to opt in and talk about next steps. Participation is open until Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

Students, families and supporters may speak with MHS guidance counselors about participation or may reach out to UW-Stout admissions counselor Abbie Hartung at hartungab@uwstout.edu or call or text 715-232-3199 with questions.

Partnership supports students, states workforce

UW-Stouts partnership with MHS and the community is committed to meeting the college and career goals of students to increase access and degree completion in Wisconsin.

Ediz Kaykayoglu, vice chancellor for enrollment and strategic initiatives, believes UW-Stout is a great opportunity for community members.

Direct admissions supports our Menomonie High School and its students, where we create more opportunities for their success and enhance our educational experiences, he said. Our polytechnic identity and 99.4% employment rate for graduates are wonderful assets for our students. We make sure students are successful and support the local and state workforce.

MHS Principal Casey Drake believes that students benefit from the streamlined application process.

This allows students to have a stress-free experience when determining their application status for an outstanding institution right in their backyard, Drake said. Additionally, time is saved so that our students can continue focusing on their high school academics, activities and outside-of-school responsibilities.

UW-Stout offers a supportive and individualized partnership for the people they serve, he added. Identifying and supporting post-secondary goals through the lens of the individual within a streamlined process is important so that additional educational experiences are within students' reach and at an affordable rate. This program is one of the many ways in which this partnership's values are put into real-life practice.

Students who are admitted through direct admission are not committed or required to attend UW-Stout and may decide to attend after the fact.

Applying is easy; college can be affordable

UW-Stouts first-year student application process is designed to be a seamless and stress-free journey, with just two steps to apply:

Complete either the UW System Application or Common App.

Submit an unofficial high school transcripts or GED certificate/HSED diploma.

Submitting an ACT or SAT score is optional through spring 2025. Admissions is also simplified for transfer, re-entry and international students. The admissions team is available to help with any questions.

The financial aid office provides services to help students, and 75% of first-year, full-time undergraduates receive financial support, with the average financial aid package totaling more than $11,200. There are hundreds of scholarships available for incoming and current students, including the $2,000 Blue Devil First-Year Student Scholarship.

And with a third of students coming to UW-Stout from other institutions, the $1,000 Transfer Student Scholarship is awarded to 50 new entering transfer students each year.

UW-Stouts direct admissions partnership with Menomonie High School has been approved by the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents. Representatives from UW-Stout and MHS will meet as necessary to evaluate academic and administrative aspects of the program, as well as identify barriers and provide solutions.
Chippewa County District Attorney Wade Newell filed a brief Monday arguing the teenage boy accused of killing 10-year-old Lily Peters should be tried as an adult and a request by his defense attorney to move the case to juvenile court should be denied.

The defendant  a 15-year-old whose name has not been released but has been listed as C. P.-B. in court filings  is currently being charged as an adult with first-degree intentional homicide and two counts of sexual assault. A Wisconsin law requires cases against youth charged with intentional homicide to be initially heard in adult court. Hes being held in the Northwest Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Eau Claire on a $1 million cash bond.

C. P.-B. was 14 years old at the time of Peters death. If the case remains in adult court, the defendant faces a minimum sentence of life in prison with eligibility to petition for release on extended supervision after 20 years. If the case is sent to a juvenile court, the accused teen would likely be ordered to participate in the serious juvenile offender program until he reaches the age of 25, less than 10 years from now, Newell stated.

Peters was killed in April 2022 in Chippewa Falls as she was riding her bike home from her aunts house. Her parents reported her missing after she didnt arrive as expected. The next morning, her body was discovered in a wooded area close to her home.

When interviewed, investigators said C. P.-B. told police he punched Peters in the stomach, struck her on the head three times with a heavy stick and then strangled her to death before having sex with her body.

Newell wrote that transferring jurisdiction to the juvenile court system would depreciate the seriousness of the offense. The actions of the defendant were violent and egregious in nature.

He continued, saying that the defendant's actions were premeditated with a particular goal in mind  the rape and murder of a 10-year-old girl. The defendant's actions were not mitigated by impulsivity but involved a premediated plan, which was carried out with brutality and was vicious in nature.

In his brief, Newell listed the injuries found on Peters' body during her autopsy and described in detail the sexual assaults of her body.

Defense attorney Michael Cohen has sought to have the matter sent to juvenile court. The defense has attempted to demonstrate that the accused teenager has an autism spectrum disorder and that he shows signs of poor decision-making along with a lack of impulse control.

Prosecutors point to the violent way that Peters was killed, claiming that moving the accused teen to juvenile court would diminish the fact that he needs to be held accountable for his alleged actions.

"The defendant understood the severity of his actions because he became scared, stopped attempting to have sex with the young victim and fled the area," Newell wrote in his brief. "The defendant stated he returned home, showered and put his dirty clothes in the laundry."

Newell continued writing that the defendant stated that when he found out that people realized the victim was missing, he determined that he needed to hide her better and returned to the body. The defendant proceeded to drag her a few feet and covered the victim with leaves.

Newell wrote that an adult prison sentence would provide C. P.-B. "quality juvenile correctional treatment as long as the defendant is a juvenile and long-term correctional control and treatment until the defendant is found to be eligible for extended supervision as an adult."

Newell wrote that keeping the case in adult court would send the message, to other juveniles, that a serious premeditated violent offense is dealt with in a serious way, which offers protection to everyone."

Newell said the case should remain in adult court unless attorneys for C. P.-B. prove he could not receive adequate treatment in the criminal justice system, that transferring the case would not depreciate the seriousness of the offense and that retaining jurisdiction is not necessary to deter other juveniles.

Newell cautioned, "the defendant could end up being released from confinement under the SJO (serious juvenile offender) program after only one year of confinement.

Newells brief is eight pages and was filed ahead of the Friday deadline to submit paperwork to the court regarding a reverse waiver request filed by the defense to move the case to juvenile court.

Cohen has until Friday to file his own brief, and each attorney has until Dec. 8 to respond to the other's filings.

Chippewa County Circuit Court Judge Steve Gibbs is expected to issue a decision in 2024 whether the accused will be tried as an adult.
Joseph Guthrie, chief deputy attorney general, signs documents at the Office of the Attorney General of Guam at the Guam International Trade Center in Tamuning on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023.
A police cruiser is seen Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, at the Sgt. Frankie E. Smith Police Station in Tumon.
Reporter

Andrew Roberto was raised his whole life on Saipan. He graduated from Saipan Southern High School, holds a degree from Northern Marianas College, and a BA in English from the University of Guam. He once worked for KUAM, UNO Magazine, and the Guam Daily Post.
The Military Times Best for Vets: College Rankings for 2023 has named Central Community College the top two-year school in the United States for veterans.

The list is comprised of both four-year universities and two-year colleges nationwide and focuses on each institutions efforts to support the military community. CCC placed 27th nationally among all institutions and fourth in the central region.

Im very pleased because this shows how much CCC is committed to the success of veterans and other military-connected student success, said Barry Horner, CCC director of veterans and military services. It says a lot about what CCC does for students as a whole, but specifically for those who are militarily connected.

CCCs Veterans and Military Resource Centers (VMRC) are located at the Columbus, Grand Island and Hastings campuses and at the Kearney Center. Each VMRC assists veterans and their family members with benefits, academic advising, referrals and support with disability services, and mental health resources. A tuition waiver program provides 100% tuition for spouses and children of eligible veterans paid by the college, and the Central Community College Foundation provides veteran-specific scholarships.

Central Community College is honored to provide educational opportunities and services for the men and women who have selflessly served our state and nation as part of the armed forces as well as the family members who sacrifice with them, said Elizabeth Klitz, vice president of student success and enrollment management. Our veteran and military resource centers are dedicated to providing the highest quality support to military-connected students, and we are proud of the diligent efforts by the students and the VRMC staff who have received this national recognition.

To see the complete rankings, go to https://bestforvets.militarytimes.com/rankings/colleges.
Smoke rises as displaced Palestinians take shelter at Al Shifa hospital, amid the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, in Gaza City, November 8, 2023.
U.S. and Guam flags, part of the Wreaths Across America event, are seen Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, at the Guam Veterans Cemetery in Piti.
UK Appoints Bim Afolami as Economic Secretary to Oversee Crypto Regulation

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.

Bim Afolami has been appointed as the economic secretary to the Treasury of the United Kingdom, where he will have authority over policies that impact the adoption of digital assets and central bank digital currencies within the country.

According to a recent announcement by the UK government, the appointment is part of a restructuring effort involving ministers and secretaries.

Under the administration of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the former Economic Secretary Andrew Griffith advocated for policies to establish the UK as a prominent crypto hub, including the introduction of stablecoins.

Griffith has now been appointed as the next minister of state in the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology.

CryptoUK, a self-regulatory trade association, has expressed its intention to brief Afolami on the potential contributions of cryptocurrencies to the UK economy, as well as the challenges faced by the sector.

We look forward to working with new EST Bim Afolami to help realise the governments ambition to make the UK a global cryptoasset technology hub, the group said in a recent post on X (formerly Twitter).

We look forward to working with new EST @BimAfolami to help realise the government's ambition to make the UK a global #cryptoasset #technology hub. We will brief Bim on our sector's contributions to the UK economy & ongoing challenges, including #financialpromotions & #debanking. pic.twitter.com/GyEWBgawZd  CryptoUK (@CryptoUKAssoc) November 14, 2023

Afolami had previously met with senior representatives from Coinbase in June 2022, during which they discussed the regulatory environment.

At the time, Afolami emphasized the importance of establishing an appropriate regulatory regime for certain financial services.

UK Government Adopts New Crypto Regulations



The UK government has been actively addressing policies related to artificial intelligence, financial technology, and the metaverse through regulatory measures, enforcement actions, and investigations.

Back in October, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) implemented some new rules pertaining to digital assets, which require crypto firms to register with the financial regulator and have their marketing materials approved by an FCA-authorized firm.

Key updates include exchanges providing clear warnings to customers about the risks associated with crypto investments.

Marketing materials must be fair, transparent, and not misleading. Additionally, a 24-hour cooling-off period for new customers is required.

While the FCA extended the deadline for implementing technically challenging features like the cooling-off period until January 2024, firms are expected to adhere to the core rules from October 8.

As reported, leading crypto exchanges Coinbase, Revolut, and Binance have updated their mobile and web applications to comply with the new regulations.

More recently, the FCA identified some recurring issues in the marketing of cryptoassets following the implementation of new regulations.

The agency highlighted three primary problems, which include misleading claims regarding safety and security, insufficient risk warnings, and the failure to emphasize product-specific risks.

The FCA said that since the introduction of the new rules, it has issued more than 200 alerts against firms suspected of illegally promoting cryptoassets.

Since the regime went live, we have issued 221 alerts. This list will be continually updated as we identify firms that may be illegally communicating cryptoasset promotions and are failing to engage with us constructively.
Chinas state media take a new tone toward the US ahead of meeting between their leaders

Chinas state media take a new tone toward the US ahead of meeting between their leaders View Photo

Ahead of the highly anticipated meeting on Wednesday between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Chinese state media have taken a new tone toward the U.S. with less negative coverage, calls for a return to warmer ties and stories of Americans with positive connections to the country.

The messaging follows several years of unprecedented tensions between the two countries over issues including trade and technology, the status of Taiwan and Hong Kong and the origins of COVID-19.

Chinese media have focused on a recent visit by members of the Philadelphia Orchestra marking the 50th anniversary of its history-making trip to China that helped build then-fledgling U.S.-China ties, and on another visit by members of the Flying Tigers, a group of American military pilots who helped China fight Japan in World War II.

The Chinese people will never forget an old friend, and thats an important message we want to send to the American people, the official Communist Party newspaper Peoples Daily said in its overseas edition on Wednesday.

In recent days the official Xinhua news agency carried a five-part series on U.S.-China relations which called for the countries to meet each other halfway and work together to return to the path of healthy and stable development.

But it also urged the U.S. to follow through on agreements made by Biden and Xi when they met in Bali last November.

Only if we return to Bali, can we look forward to San Francisco, it said.

The two leaders agreed in Bali on areas of cooperation including tackling climate change and maintaining global financial, health and food stability. China says the U.S. has deviated from pledges to not seek out a new Cold War, to respect Chinas system and not oppose China through strengthening its relationships with allies.

Only by handling well U.S.-China relations can the well-being of the two peoples increase, the progress of human society be promoted, and can there be a contribution to the peaceful development of the world, the Peoples Daily said in an op-ed on Wednesday. Op-eds in state media are widely seen as reflections of official policy.

Even the nationalistic and confrontational Global Times newspaper called for the two countries to cooperate in an op-ed Wednesday.

Chinese state media have often focused heavily on negative coverage of the United States in recent years. During the Black Lives Matter protests in the United States in the summer of 2020, Chinese media provided extensive coverage of violence at protests and clashes with police.

The critical coverage of the U.S. and other Western countries aims to show how well China is doing in comparison, said David Bandurski, executive director of the independent China Media Project. Everything is negative in the U.S. (according to Chinese media)  and this is the flip side of the bigger picture of the constructing of legitimacy by Xi Jinping in his third term, he said.

During the coverage of the Black Lives Matter protests, relations between the countries were at a low point, with China defensive over U.S. accusations about the origin of COVID-19.

Ahead of the Biden-Xi talks at a country estate near San Francisco, state media have not played up the citys homelessness problem, although some social media users have posted photos of homeless people urinating and sleeping in the streets along with commentary on how dangerous the city can be.

In one video on Douyin, the Chinese version of Tiktok, a young Chinese man living in San Francisco showed how he kept two bank cards in separate locations, one in his bag and one in his pocket. The point? If I was robbed, Id still have one bank card left, he said.

He also showed his sneakers, saying if he ran into trouble, I can run a bit faster.

The new language of cooperation with the U.S. in state media mirrors what China has said in recent months as it has worked to mend strained relations with Australia and some European countries, Bandurski said.

Despite the change in tone, few expect substantial changes to the overall direction of relations between the two countries.

Theres no fundamental change, they have marked you as a competitor, said Sima Nan, an international affairs commentator with more than 3 million followers on Weibo, a popular social media app.

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AP researcher Wanqing Chen in Beijing contributed to this report.

By HUIZHONG WU

Associated Press
EU reaches deal to reduce highly polluting methane gas emissions from the energy sector View Photo

BRUSSELS (AP)  European Union negotiators reached a deal on Wednesday to reduce highly polluting methane gas emissions from the energy industry across the 27-nation bloc.

According to experts, one of the biggest causes of climate change is methane gas emissions  second only to carbon dioxide. The gas also causes serious health problems. Most emissions come from the energy, agriculture and waste sectors.

Under the provisional agreement announced just weeks before the COP28 climate conference, the fossil gas, oil and coal industry will be forced to properly measure, monitor, report and verify their methane emissions according to the highest monitoring standards, and take action to reduce them, said the European Commission, the EUs executive arm.

The deal needs to be formally approved by both the European Parliament and the Council, which represents member states, before the new legislation enters into force.

The EU deal came as China and the United States pledged to accelerate their efforts to address climate change ahead of the climate conference, making a commitment to take steps to reduce emissions of methane and other greenhouse gases besides carbon dioxide.

The U.S., the EU and other nations have previously committed to reduce overall methane emissions worldwide by 30% by 2030.

The Commission said the compromise requires operators to report about quantification and measurements of methane emissions at source level, and forces oil and gas companies to detect and repair methane leaks on EU soil. It also bans routine venting and flaring, which release methane in the atmosphere, and limits venting from thermal coal mines from 2027, with stricter conditions introduced after 2031.

It requires companies in the oil, gas and coal sectors to carry out an inventory of closed, inactive, plugged and abandoned assets, such as wells and mines, to monitor their emissions and to adopt a plan to mitigate these emissions as soon as possible, the Commission added.

The EU methane regulation for the energy sector is part of the so-called European Green Deal that seeks to establish the worlds most ambitious climate and biodiversity targets.

Since the EU imports large quantities of oil, gas and coal, the deal also stipulates that starting in 2027 any exporters outside the bloc must have the same monitoring, reporting and verification obligations as EU producers, the Commission said.

Flavia Sollazzo, from the non-profit group Environmental Defense Fund Europe, said the methane regulation plans send a clear message ahead of COP28 that climate responsibility doesnt stop at European borders.

As the worlds biggest buyer of natural gas, the EU is strategically leveraging its economic influence to drive global reductions in methane emissions, Sollazzo said.

By SAMUEL PETREQUIN

Associated Press
Greta Thunberg denies public order offense after she was arrested at a London protest

Greta Thunberg denies public order offense after she was arrested at a London protest View Photo

LONDON (AP)  Climate activist Greta Thunberg on Wednesday denied a public order offense after she was arrested last month at a demonstration against a major oil and gas industry conference in London.

The 20-year-old Swedish environmental campaigner was among more than two dozen people charged after protesters sought to block access to the luxury InterContinental Hotel in central London during the Energy Intelligence Forum, attended by some of the industrys top executives.

Thunberg was charged with breaching a section of the Public Order Act that allows police to impose limits on public assemblies. She and four other protesters pleaded not guilty at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Thunberg confirmed her details in court, but her address in Stockholm was not read out due to concerns over alleged threats she has received.

The protesters were granted unconditional bail ahead of a trial in London scheduled for February 2024.

Five others also charged over the protest all denied the same offense on Wednesday. They will face trial at a later date.

The court hearing drew crowds of photographers and Thunbergs supporters from groups including Greenpeace and Fossil Free London, who gathered outside the building chanting and holding banners reading Oily Money Out and Make Polluters Pay.

Thunberg and other climate protesters accuse fossil fuel companies of deliberately slowing the global energy transition to renewables in order to make more profit. They also oppose the British governments recent approval of drilling for oil in the North Sea, off the Scottish coast.

Thunberg inspired a global youth movement demanding stronger efforts to fight climate change after staging weekly protests outside the Swedish Parliament starting in 2018.

In July she was fined by a Swedish court for disobeying police and blocking traffic during an environmental protest at an oil facility. She had already been fined for the same offense previously in Sweden.
Albania proposes a draft law on a contentious deal with Italy to jointly process asylum applications View Photo

TIRANA, Albania (AP)  The Albanian government on Wednesday put forth a draft law on a contentious deal with Italy to jointly process some asylum applications of migrants arriving in Italy by sea.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni earlier this month announced a five-year deal in which Albania agreed to temporarily shelter up to 36,000 migrants a year while Rome fast-tracks their requests for asylum in Italy.

Albanias draft law will be debated and voted on in the 140-seat parliament where Ramas governing Socialists have 74 seats. It is not clear when the parliament will vote.

Albanias opposition is against the plan, while Albanians are divided. Rama considers the deal as a gesture of reciprocation to Italy, which in 1991 welcomed thousands of Albanians fleeing poverty after the fall of communism.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told journalists the agreement would not go through the Italian parliament, as it is not a treaty.

I will come into the (Parliaments) hall to explain, he said on his appointment set for Nov. 22, according to LaPresse.

The European Commission has requested more details. The deal has been criticized by rights organizations and other groups, and it could backfire against Albania as it aspires to join the European Union. Italys left-wing opposition parties oppose the deal.

Dunja Mijatovic, Council of Europes human rights commissioner, said earlier this week the deal raised several human rights concerns, because of its many legal ambiguities.

She mentioned timely disembarkation, impact on search and rescue operations, fairness of asylum procedures, identification of vulnerable persons, the possibility of automatic detention without an adequate judicial review, detention conditions, access to legal aid and effective remedies, among the main concerns.

Italy has sought more solidarity from fellow European Union nations to help it handle the increasing number of arrivals.

It is important that member states continue to focus their energy on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of their domestic asylum and reception systems, Mijatovic said.

Creating safe and legal pathways to allow individuals to seek protection in Europe would avoid having them resort to dangerous and irregular migration routes.

Italy has committed to pay for the construction of two centers that can hold up to 3,000 migrants at a time. Meloni has said she expects them to become operational next spring.

Albania offers two facilities including the port of Shengjin, a tourist spot about 75 kilometers (46 miles) south of the capital, Tirana. Those who will be deported will be sent to Gjader near the Shengjin port, at a former military airport.

Albania would provide external security for the two centers, which would be under Italian jurisdiction.

Italy has agreed to remove people whose applications for international protection have been rejected, but the deal does not outline how they will be repatriated, which is often a long and difficult process.

The deal also doesnt say whether migrants will be screened for transfer to Albania at sea or on Italian soil.

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Associated Press writer Nicole Winfield and Frances DEmilio contributed from Rome.

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Follow Llazar Semini at https://twitter.com/lsemini

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Follow APs global migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration

By LLAZAR SEMINI

Associated Press
Authorities in El Salvador dismantle smuggling ring, arrest 10 including 2 police officers View Photo

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 Generals 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 generals 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.

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Follow APs global migration coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/migration
Tuolumne County government and Jamestown Sanitary District members celebrate grant award View Photo

Jamestown, CA  State funding will allow the expansion of the Jamestown Sanitary District sewer system, wastewater treatment facility improvements, and construction of a Valley Vista water storage tank.

The $3.08 million grant awarded from the California Housing and Community Development Department is intended to strengthen infrastructure to encourage infill housing for all affordability levels.

The grant application was a collaborative effort between the Tuolumne County Community Development Department and the Jamestown Sanitary District.

The state funding is seen as a critical investment for the housing sector in Jamestown, where a lack of sewer system capacity has limited residential development.

District Five Supervisor, Jaron Brandon, who represents Jamestown, says, You cant build what you cant pipe. We are restarting the housing sector, and Jamestown is one of the best places to build, if not the best. This grant is a major step towards collaboration and future development.

The Tuolumne County Community Development Department reports that it is also working to streamline the housing development process, update relevant ordinance codes, and pursue pro-housing policies.

In announcing the grant award, the county indicates that the goal is to prepare for growth and prosperity while retaining the communitys recognizable character. Noting, The planned infrastructure investments include upgrading the Jamestown Sanitary Districts force main at their new facility on Karlee Lane. The increased capacity will facilitate residential development in areas already designated for housing in the Tuolumne County General Plan. The grant award is one step in a multi-phase effort to enhance the overall capacity of Jamestown Sanitary District operations.
House Speaker Mike Johnson View Photo

Washington, DC  A plan authored by new Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson to fund the government through early next year, to avoid a shutdown, was opposed by Mother Lode Republican Congressman Tom McClintock.

The measure passed in the US House on Tuesday, 336-95. It required a 2/3 vote. 209 Democrats voted in favor, along with 127 Republicans. There were 93 Republicans opposed and two Democrats.

The plan will keep the government spending at 2023 levels until late January for departments including HUD, Veterans Affairs, Transportation, and Energy. The other portions of the government will be funded through February 2. Johnson has called for more spending cuts ahead of the next deadline.

Explaining his vote in opposition, Congressman McClintock says, This CR (Continuing Resolution) has no spending reductions, no border security, extends the Pelosi spending binge for another three months and extends the farm bill for a full year, precluding any reforms to the bloated food stamp program. We have met the big spenders, and they is us.

The Continuing Resolution now moves to the Senate where it is expected to pass.
An Iranian rights lawyer detained for allegedly not wearing hijab was freed on bail, husband says

An Iranian rights lawyer detained for allegedly not wearing hijab was freed on bail, husband says View Photo

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  A prominent Iranian human rights lawyer who was detained last month for allegedly violating the countrys mandatory headscarf law was freed on bail, her husband said Wednesday.

Reza Khandan, the husband of Nasrin Sotoudeh, posted on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter, a photo of his wife and said: Nasrin was freed on bail  hours ago.

Sotoudeh was detained in October after she attended the funeral of a teenage girl, Armita Geravand, who died after being injured in a mysterious incident on Tehrans Metro. At the time, authorities said Sotoudeh was arrested on a charge of violating Irans mandatory headscarf, or hijab, law.

Many Iranian news outlets republished the semiofficial Fars news agency report and said there were multiple arrests at Geravands funeral. She also was not wearing a headscarf at the time she was injured.

The 60-year-old Sotoudeh  known for defending activists, opposition politicians and women in Iran prosecuted for removing their headscarves  called the death of Geravand another state murder.

Geravand was injured and in a coma for weeks in Tehran. Her death came after the one-year anniversary of the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in the custody of Irans morality police. She, too, was detained for not wearing a headscarf. Her death sparked nationwide protests at the time.

Its not clear what happened in the few seconds after Geravand entered the train on Oct. 1. A friend told Iranian state television that Geravand hit her head on the stations platform.

Soundless video footage taken from outside of a nearby car is blocked by a bystander and just seconds later, her limp body is seen being carried off.

Activists abroad suspect Geravand may have been pushed or attacked for not wearing the hijab. They have demanded an independent investigation by the United Nations fact-finding mission on Iran, citing the theocracys use of pressure on victims families and state TVs history of airing hundreds of coerced confessions.

Sotoudeh was previously arrested in 2018 on charges of collusion and propaganda against Irans rulers and eventually was sentenced to 38 years in prison and 148 lashes. She was released in 2020 but details about the conditions of her release were not announced. Sotoudeh occasionally visited clinics as she suffered chronic gastrointestinal and foot problems.
A Mechanicsburg man faces a federal charge after he allegedly threatened to kill a U.S. congressman, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Robert Lee Ingalls Jr., 61, was charged with one count of interstate transmission of threatening communications following a call made the day before the municipal election.

Though U.S. Attorney Gerard Karam did not specify which congressman was threatened, he said Ingalls left two threatening voicemail messages on Nov. 6 on the main congressional office answering system in Washington, D.C., in which he specifically threatened to kill one particular congressman.

The U.S. Attorney's Office determined that Ingalls made the calls from his cellphone while he was in Mechanicsburg.

He was arrested Nov. 10 and appeared before federal judge Daryl Bloom on Nov. 13. He was ordered to be held in pretrial detention.

The U.S. Capitol Police investigated the case and were assisted by the Fairview Township Police Department.

The U.S. Attorney's Office said Ingalls faces a maximum term of five years imprisonment, a term of supervised release and a fine.
US and South Korea sharpen deterrence plans over North Korean nuclear threat View Photo

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  The United States and South Korea on Monday updated a bilateral security agreement with the aim of more effectively countering North Koreas evolving nuclear and missile threats.

The move followed high-level military talks in Seoul, where the allies also discussed enhancing three-way defense exercises with Japan and improving information-sharing on North Korean missile launches.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was in Seoul for annual security talks with South Korean military officials, including Defense Minister Shin Won-sik, which were focused on boosting nuclear deterrence against North Korea. They also talked about how the allies could coordinate over broader geopolitical issues, including Russias war on Ukraine and Chinas regional assertiveness, Austin said.

Tensions between the Koreas are at their highest point in years as the pace of both North Koreas weapons tests and South Koreas combined military exercises with the United States have intensified in a cycle of tit-for-tat.

During their Security Consultative Meeting, Austin and Shin signed a new version of their countries Tailored Deterrence Strategy agreement, which was revised for the first time in a decade to address the growing threat of the Norths military nuclear program.

Shin said the new document spells out that the United States would mobilize its full range of military capabilities, including nuclear ones, 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.

Our deterrence commitment to the ROK remains ironclad  that includes a full range of our nuclear, conventional and missile defense capabilities, Austin said at a news conference, referring to South Koreas formal name, the Republic of Korea.

Austin said the U.S. deployments of major military assets to South Korea in recent months, which included a U.S. nuclear ballistic missile submarine, a nuclear-capable B-52 bomber and aircraft carriers, demonstrated the U.S. commitment to defense of the South. He said another U.S. aircraft carrier battle group will travel to the region soon in a further show of force.

Shin said the allies, after conducting their largest-ever live-fire training this year, will continue to further expand their combined military exercises to deter and respond to North Korean threats.

The United States and the government of conservative South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol have also been strengthening their trilateral security cooperation with Japan, which has included joint military exercises and tightened defense planning, in response to North Koreas intensifying weapons development and verbal threats of nuclear conflict.

Arriving in South Korea over the weekend, Austin earlier met Shin during a three-way meeting with Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, who participated in the talks through online video. They agreed to start as planned a real-time information sharing arrangement on North Korean missile launches in December. They also agreed to set up multiyear plans in coming weeks to enhance their trilateral military exercises, South Koreas Defense Ministry said.

Austin also on Sunday met Yoon, who expressed satisfaction over the increased consultations with Washington over nuclear deterrence plans and the more frequent deployment of advanced U.S. military assets to the Korean Peninsula in past months, which he described as crucial for keeping the Norths nuclear and missile threats in check.

Yoon also stressed that the allies should be prepared for any type of provocation by the North, including a Hamas-style surprise attack, and insisted that North Korea was directly and indirectly involved in Russias war on Ukraine and the clashes between Israel and Hamas, according to his office.

U.S. and South Korean officials have accused North Korea of providing munitions and military equipment to Russia to help boost its war in Ukraine. South Korean officials have said North Korea-made rocket-propelled grenades and other weapons could have been used by Hamas during its Oct. 7 assault on Israel and that the North could be considering selling weapons to militant groups in the Middle East amid a deepening confrontation with the United States.

The surprise attack on Israel by Hamas has raised concerns in South Korea about the possibility of a similar assault by North Korea and prompted the Yoon government to openly discuss suspending a 2018 inter-Korean military agreement on reducing border tensions to strengthen front-line surveillance on the North.

The agreement, reached during a brief period of diplomacy between South Koreas former liberal President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, created buffer zones along land and sea boundaries and no-fly zones above the border to prevent clashes. Shin has been a vocal critic of the agreement, particularly the no-fly zones, which he insists prevents South Korea from fully utilizing its air surveillance assets at a time when North Korean nuclear threats are growing.

Without elaborating, Austin said he discussed the inter-Korean agreement with Shin and that the allies will stay in close consultation on the issue moving forward.

Austins meetings in South Korea followed a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who met with Yoon and other members of South Koreas leadership to discuss the North Korean threat and the potential arms cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow.

U.S. and South Korean officials say Kim in return for providing munitions to Russia could seek Russian help to upgrade his own military capabilities, possibly including technical assistance on North Korean efforts to launch its first military spy satellite following two consecutive launch failures in recent months.

North Korean state media had condemned the visits.

On Tuesday, Austin and Shin will participate in an inaugural defense ministerial meeting between South Korea and the U.S.-led United Nations Command member states, which sent forces to fight on behalf of the South during the 1950-53 Korean War.

The Norths Foreign Ministry on Monday criticized the planned meeting, calling it a dangerous scheme to ignite a new war of aggression against the North.

By KIM TONG-HYUNG

Associated Press
YEREVAN, Armenia (AP)  Armenias leader said Tuesday he would not take part in next weeks summit of a Moscow-led security alliance, the latest in a series of moves suggesting a growing strain in relations with longtime ally Russia.

A statement from the office of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said he informed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko that he would not attend the Nov. 23 summit of the Collective Treaty Security Organization in the Belarusian capital, but did not give details.

The CSTO is made up of Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, along with Armenia and Belarus.

Since the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union, Armenia and Russia have been allies and Armenia hosts a Russian military base, but rifts have widened over the past year.

A 2020 war between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh Armenian separatist region ended with a Russia-brokered armistice under which a Russian peacekeeping force was deployed in the region. But Armenia was unhappy that the peacekeepers did not break Azerbaijans blockade of road travel to Nagorno-Karabakh even though keeping the link open was part of their mandate.

Armenia in turn angered Russia by voting to join the International Criminal Court, which this year indicted Russian President Vladimir Putin for alleged war crimes connected with the war in Ukraine.

Pashinyan this year canceled CSTO exercises that were to be held in his country, and in October declined to attend a summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States where Putin made his first trip outside Russia and occupied Ukraine since the ICC indictment.
Lebanon releases a man on bail whos accused of killing an Irish UN peacekeeper View Photo

BEIRUT (AP)  Lebanons military tribunal released a man accused of killing an Irish United Nations peacekeeper almost a year ago on bail, security and judicial officials said Wednesday.

The development comes as UNIFIL, the U.N.s peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, monitors ongoing clashes along the border between Hezbollah militants and Israeli troops.

Lebanons military tribunal in June charged Mohamad Ayyad and four others with the killing of Pvt. Sean Rooney, 24, of Newtown Cunningham, Ireland, following a half-year probe. Rooney was killed on Dec. 14, 2022. Ayyad was detained in December 2022.

The four others facing charges  Ali Khalifeh, Ali Salman, Hussein Salman, and Mustafa Salman  remain at large. All five are allegedly linked with Hezbollah. Hezbollah has repeatedly denied any role in the killing. Hezbollah representatives did not respond to requests for comment Wednesday.

UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said he was aware of reports about Ayyads release due to his deteriorating health and that UNIFIL is working to confirm this information with the military court.

The Government of Lebanon has on several occasions stated its commitment to bring the perpetrators to justice, Tenenti told The Associated Press. Last June, Tenenti said the indictment was an important step towards justice.

We continue to urge that all perpetrators be held accountable, and for justice for Private Rooney and his family, he said.

Two Lebanese officials confirmed that Ayyad was released on bail, which one of them said was in an amount of 1.2 billion Lebanese pounds (approximately $13,377).

The official said the Ayyad had cancer and his lawyer had provided the necessary medical documents, adding that the trial is still ongoing and that Ayyad would go to jail should he be convicted and sentenced.

Both officials spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

On the fatal night, Rooney and several other Irish soldiers from UNIFIL were on their way from their base in southern Lebanon to the Beirut airport. Two U.N. vehicles apparently took a detour through Al-Aqbiya, which is not part of the area under the peacekeepers mandate.

Initial reports said angry residents confronted the peacekeepers, but the indictment concluded that the shooting was a targeted attack. The U.N. peacekeeper vehicle reportedly took a wrong turn and was surrounded by vehicles and armed men as they tried to make their way back to the main road.

The Lebanese Army on Dec. 27 arrested a suspect but did not disclose their name.

The Irish military did not immediately comment on the development.

UNIFIL was created to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon after Israels 1978 invasion. The U.N. expanded its mission following the 2006 war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, allowing peacekeepers to deploy along the Israeli border to help the Lebanese military extend its authority into the countrys south for the first time in decades.

Hezbollah supporters in Lebanon frequently accuse the U.N. mission of collusion with Israel, while Israel has accused the peacekeepers of turning a blind eye to Hezbollahs military activities in southern Lebanon.

By KAREEM CHEHAYEB AND ABBY SEWELL

Associated Press
CHESHIRE  South Korea has long been a key ally of the United States, but local ties between South Korea and Cheshire are also becoming stronger.

A visit to town earlier this year from officials of the Gyeongsangnam-do Office of Education, and a return-visit from Cheshire Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jeffrey Solan to South Korea, are preparing the way for teacher exchanges and other educational cooperation. Now, Hanwha Aerospace, which has operated inside its spacious, hangar-like facility off Knotter Drive at McKee Place since 2016, is planning to add 40 jobs in Cheshire through the relocation of its international engines business, the company announced.

A multi-million dollar facilities upgrade is also planned, according to company officials.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont was the featured guest at the Nov. 9 event celebrating Hanwhas commitment. Among the other attendees were state and local officials, along with employees on duty for the day shift.

The crowd enjoyed local apple cider and donuts as Connecticut officials touted the states commitment to high-tech and well-paying jobs creation. In his remarks, Lamont highlighted the robust presence of aerospace in the states economy, quipping that you cant fly without Connecticut. The Governor also pointed to the importance of a locally-based supply chain and stated that Connecticut has the most sophisticated workforce in the world. They recognize that in South Korea, thats why theyre here.

Hanwha CEO Jae-il Son, who traveled from South Korea in order to attend the event in person, also commented on central Connecticut's rich history of excellence, in the industry, saying his company planned to continue with the development of new technology in cooperation with key partners.

Inside the Hanwha complex, components for aircraft engines are prepared for packaging and shipping or await inspection. Most of what is fabricated there is subject to export controls and strict internal security measures.

The states Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner, Alexandra Daum, pointed out that this includes, mission-critical engines and engine parts, which will form the major focus of Hanwhas work. Also critical, per Daum, is shortening the supply chain.

One of Hanwhas most important partners is aircraft manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, which has offices in East Hartford and Middletown. This has led to the nickname aerospace alley for central Connecticut, Daum said. Daum also noted that while Connecticut makes up approximately 1% of the United States GDP (gross domestic product), it punches above its weight, making up about 25% of the countrys aerospace industry.

Tim te Riele, who took over as Head of Hanwha's International Engine Business in October, addressed the importance of developing a "local workforce" through partnerships with both technical high schools and community colleges in the area. He underlined the companys commitment to producing safe, reliable, efficient aircraft, while adding that it has also invested around $3 million in making the process "more sustainable.

Per Cheshire Economic Development Coordinator Andrew Martelli, Hanwha did consider locating the new office in a different town before ultimately choosing Cheshire. The addition of the senior roles, he suggested, would be a boost to the town.

Cheshire Chamber of Commerce President Yetta Augur commented that bringing those additional jobs at Hanwha creates a ripple effect that helps businesses throughout Cheshire, by spending at local restaurants and other businesses.

Town Council Chair Tim Slocum added that it really is a wonderful thing to see manufacturing, especially a worldwide company, investing in Cheshire.

The South Korean company, originally founded in 1952, first focused on explosives manufacturing. Hanwha since has diversified into multiple business lines, including green energy, finance, and retail enterpises. Hanwha Aerospace has also developed space technology used for the Korea Aerospace Research Institute's (which has a similar role to NASA stateside) Nuri rocket program. It also builds artillery, armored vehicles and other military equipment. Its defense sector clients include NATO allies such as Romania and Poland as well as Australia, Egypt and other key partners of the US military, per its website.

The bulk of the work done at the Cheshire facility will continue to focus on aircraft.
SOUTHINGTON  Named for a small town in Sicily, Noto Americano opened this week to serve freshly made Italian food by an award-winning chef.

Nick LaRosa, a Phoenix-based chef and a Chopped grand prize winner in 2019, and his cousin Frank LaRosa, owner of Alliant Restaurant Brokers and a Southington resident, opened Noto Americano on Monday at 83 W. Main St. after months of anticipation in town.

The cousins made some interior improvements to the former Zingarellas Pizzeria, which had been vacant for about a year. Noto features a new layout and new furniture, lighting, kitchen and paint to recreate the drama of Sicilian dining.

Its iconic, Nick LaRosa said of the building. Its been an Italian restaurant for over 30 years. This location is amazing. Southington deserves an upscale Italian restaurant and were hoping to fit that bill.

Noto has a full bar with specialty seasonal and craft cocktails, a wine list and beverages from local breweries and distilleries, Frank LaRosa said.

Both men have spent their lives in the restaurant industry. With Nick LaRosa in Arizona, the chance to open a restaurant together didnt arise until Frank LaRosa told his cousin about the Zingarellas location. Nick LaRosa moved his family back to Connecticut.

Weve been talking about opening a business for years and Nick left Phoenix, Frank LaRosa said. Noto Americano will be modern in approach on classic dishes but Sicilian in spirit.

The cousins are grateful they opened on a Monday to allow them to train the roughly 30 employees before the weekend.

After opening for only two days, Nick described the response as fantastic with new customers coming in to try the popular Arancini risotto balls, and swordfish.

All the food is made fresh, including the pasta, and pizzas, he said. The menu offers appetizers, from octopus to prosciutto, and beef, chicken, seafood and pasta entries ranging from $17 to $42 for a porcini-rubbed eight-ounce filet with two side dishes.

Frank LaRosa opened Quinns Tavern at 28 W. Main St. in the late 1990s. Hes also been a previous partner or owner in other local restaurants such as The Fire Place and Brix.

Nick LaRosa worked with restaurant partners in Arizona prior to learning about the Zingarellas Pizzeria opportunity.

The whole revitalization is awesome, Nick LaRosa said. We saw the opportunity to get in here and it was great for us to be able to be a part of that.

Town Economic Development Coordintor Louis Perillo hasnt been in the new restaurant yet, but plans to visit soon.

Hes experienced, Perillo said about Frank LaRosa. Im very happy to see someone with experience go in there and take over the operation. Its hard when a business goes out, especially with so much turnover across the streets. We think changing the appearance of an existing business and getting it filled and active benefits the area. Activity breeds activity.

The town made some improvements in the streetscape, including a 37-space parking lot to keep cars from parking on the street. The change has made the area safer, Perillo said, and the business owners waited patiently to see it.

Private property owners have also improved their spaces in the village.

Were starting to see some investment, Perillo said. There is some serious money being spent to improve Plantsville and Noto coming in is fantastic.

Nick LaRosa said the restaurant is open for dinners only now, but he hopes to open a patio in the spring and possibly offer lunch on the weekends.

Potential diners can peruse the full Noto menu, order takeout, and make reservations at the Noto website https://notoamericano.com/.

mgodin@record-journal.com203-317-2255Twitter: @Cconnbiz
MERIDEN  Kelly Drapeau recalled the time her parents Donald and Barbara Drapeau donated a Christmas tree from their yard on Evergreen Lane to the city of Meriden in the 1970s.

It was so exciting for us kids to see, Drapeau said. This year, we passed on the tradition.

A few years later, Donald Drapeau with his son also named Donald Drapeau planted another Norway spruce in the familys front yard.

Every year we decorated it, Kelly Drapeau said. Its been 43 years and is now over 50 feet. It took up our whole front yard.

Before Barbara Drapeaus death in 2000, she asked her children to check her top drawer for a letter. In the letter, she had a request that her children carry on the tree-giving tradition.

Donald Drapeau died in 2004 and the Drapeau children Kelly, Donald and Kamala Zenke continued to decorate the massive spruce in the front yard.

Tradition continued

Earlier in the year, the family asked the city of Meriden if they would accept the tree as a gift, but officials told the Drapeau family that the city doesnt accept Christmas tree donations any more.

So they turned to New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, who referred the request to the citys Tree Warden Anastasia Mixsell, who organizes the holiday tree hunt.

The City goes about finding a holiday tree two ways: donation offers from residents of New Haven and surrounding towns or, in some cases, knocking on doors of houses I drive by that have a suitable tree, Mixsell stated.

This year New Haven received eight calls or emails from the public offering a tree from their yard, Mixsell said.

I then go out to each location and inspect the tree to see if it meets criteria, she said. We look for a healthy Norway spruce, 40 to 50 feet tall with a nice, full shape and good color.

The tree also has to be in an accessible location without utility wires in the way, she added.

We are always looking for future trees and prospective donors can email or call me anytime of the year, Mixsell said. Ideally, I like to have selected a tree by early summer.

Tree moving day

Two weeks before the tree is moved, crews from the Tree Division tie up each of the branches to bundle the tree and protect branches during transport.

On tree moving day, the tree was lifted out with a crane and placed on a trailer.

A police escort led the way to the New Haven Green and the process was reversed, Mixsell said. The crane lifted the tree out and placed the bottom portion of the trunk into a prepared 5-foot-deep hole.

The tree was secured in the ground with cables and then the decorating begins.

The bundled branches are released right away, and the tree settles for a day.

Tree Division staff place over 30,000 LED bulbs on the tree, secured every six inches with a zip tie.

The tree is 45 feet in the hole and weighs 6,800 pounds. It will be illuminated on Nov. 30.

New Haven was a suitable donation city for the tree because their father graduated from the University of New Haven, Kelly Drapeau said.

The tree stump has been ground down and the family plans to plant another tree and decorate it annually.

They will be at the New Haven lighting ceremony on Nov. 30.

What better way to carry on the tradition and mom and dads legacy, she said.

mgodin@record-journal.com203-935-1187
WALLINGFORD  Plans to turn a shuttered nursing home into 71 apartments were before the Planning and Zoning Commission this week, after having been previously withdrawn and resubmitted.

Fifty-Five LLC submitted the application earlier this year but then withdrew it because a problem was discovered with the culverts that run under the driveway of the facility at 55 Kondracki Lane.

For years the building was Quinnipiac Valley Nursing Center, a 180-bed nursing facility. The state forced the closing of the nursing home in March 2022 after several problems were discovered during investigations, including the deaths of some patients due to nursing errors. The building has sat empty since then, and its owners, Genesis HealthCare, sold the property last fall.

The first application drew considerable opposition from neighbors living in the residential area, and Monday night's public hearing was no different, with concerns including flooding, lighting and traffic.

William Lennon, who lives next to the building, said the lighting throws a "tremendous glare" toward his home.

"It's like there's a full moon every night," he said. "It's an irritant. It's like light pollution."

The developers will be switching out the current bulbs for low-intensity bulbs, attorney Dennis Ceneviva, who represents the developers, told the commission.

As a former EMT and firefighter in New York, Lennon said he has seen situations where nursing homes were converted into apartments, and the number of calls for emergency services increased. He said fire trucks have to be able to maneuver easily in and out of the complex, which may be difficult at this location.

"Is there enough attention to detail where they have turning spaces for fire trucks on all three sides of the building or just like one that they want to cherry pick?" he asked.

Commission chairman Jim Seichter said the town has addressed that issue.

"Our fire marshal has looked at the plans and reviewed the plans and has indicated that he has no issues with it," he said.

Lennon said he's also worried that they won't do enough accommodations should a severe storm hit the area. As it is now, water runs across Kondracki Lane during storms, he said, with as much as a couple of inches of water.

The former facility had problems with flooding and at one point had to replace the culverts that run under the driveway. When that work was done, the owners failed to file the proper paperwork with the town at the end of the project, which has become a headache for the new owners and led to the application being withdrawn in order to come up with plans to deal with runoff. The latest application adds a third culvert to handle overflow.

The commission did not take action on the application Monday, opting to wait until the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approves the new plans before taking a vote. Instead the commission continued it to next month.

Lennon said he sympathizes with the new owners for having the unexpected problem arise, but wants to make sure it's addressed.

"I understand you buy something and they didn't check the right box," he said. "I believe in housing, I'm not trying to be a wet blanket on things. I just wonder if the engineering was good enough on the original culvert to handle what we're now facing in the modern age."

"One of my biggest concerns is the school," said resident Doug Myers, referring to Dag Hammarskjold Middle School, which is down the street from the property. "The traffic study with the textbook is fine and dandy but if you are there during the day, the place is jammed up and they really need to take a good look and study the traffic there.The traffic is unbelievable."

He said he has to go around the area in the morning because it's so hard to get through there with cars parked on both sides of the road. Since COVID, it has gotten worse, he said, as more parents opt to drive their children to school rather than have them ride the school bus.

"I am truly having a hard time believing that your calculations are correct with the outgoing and incoming traffic coming in," said Sylvan Way resident Pam Cambrelli. Her road is directly across from the building's driveway, she said.

"The amount of traffic that would come in and out of my street alone to cut through to get to the center of town would increase substantially, and the street doesn't even allow two cars to pass  it's a very narrow street, she said.

"With the extra amount of traffic that would be coming in for the small street that we have, with kids, families constantly walking, it is an extreme concern and danger that I see on the horizon.

But not everyone was against the project.

"I just wanted to come in and support the efforts being made by the new owners," said North Main Street resident Rocco Matarozzo. "I understand there are issues that have to be addressed. It would seem to me they are making every effort to address all the concerns being brought forward. Knowing these owners, they will stand behind the project and make every effort to correct issues they weren't aware of during the purchase.

"I hope Wallingford will get behind this and support it," he said. "We don't need another building sitting idle and deteriorating. It's a nice area and residential would be great in that area. I hope residents in that area will get behind this because the intent is surely to improve it and correct past issues."

kramunni@record-journal.com
Yves here. This post looks at the deep historical roots of the Israels campaign against Palestinians, back to open acknowledgements by Moshe Dayan and other founding fathers of the nation and analogies to long-running political disputes in the US. It argues that an Israeli secular state is a solution.

The problem is that horse left the barn and is in the next county. As Alastair Crooke has described long-form, the Mizrahim, who were formerly an underclass in Israel relative to the European (and for the most part less intensely religious) Ashkenazi, now dominate numerically and in representation in the Knesset. From Wikipedia:

Today, the Ashkenazi vote is associated with left-wing, secular and centrist parties (especially Blue and White, Meretz, Kadima and historically Labour), and the majority of Mizrahim vote for right-wing parties, especially Likud, as well as the Mizrahi-oriented splinter party Shas Whereas Ashkenazi prominence on the left has historically been associated with socialist ideals that had emerged in Central Europe and the kibbutz and Labor Zionist movement, the Mizrahim, as they rose in society and they developed their political ideals, often rejected ideologies they associated with an Ashkenazi elite that had marginalized them. Although these tensions were initially based on economic rivalries, the distinction remained strong even as Mizrahim increasingly moved up the socioeconomic latter around 1990, entering the middle class, and the disparity between Ashkenazim and Mizrahim diminished (but did not completely disappear), with Mizrahi political expression becoming increasingly linked to the Likud and Shas parties. Likud, the largest right-wing party in Israel, became increasingly influenced by Mizrahi political articulation, with the Mizrahi middle class political coming-of-age held by political science commentators to be embodied by the rise of Mizrahi Likud politicians such as Moshe Kahlon and Miri Regev. The Mizrahi turn to the right has been analyzed from many viewpoints. Some consider it a result of the failure of Ashkenazi progressive elites to adequately tackle racism against Mizrahim within their organizations. On the other hand, many Mizrahim came to credit Likud with their socioeconomic advancement, with Likud centers serving as hiring halls. Some models have also emphasized economic competition between Arabs and Mizrahim. However, other analysts partially or mainly reject the economic explanation, arguing that instead cultural and ideological factors play a key role. Whereas Ashkenazi Israelis tend to support left-wing politics, secularism, and peace with Arab peoples, the Mizrahim tend on average to be more conservative, and tend toward being traditionally religious with fewer secular or ultra-religious (Haredi) individuals; they are also more skeptical of prospects for peace with Palestinian Arabs. The skepticism towards the peace process among Mizrahim may be tied to a history of mistreatment by Muslim and Christian Arabs from when they were in diaspora in Arab countries, though many doubt that this alone is sufficiently explanatory. The greater support among Mizrahim compared to Ashkenazim (48% versus 35% as measured by Pew in 2016) for the settlements in the West Bank has also been attributed to economic incentives and the fact that many working-class Mizrahim live there, often in subsidized housing.Another contributing factor is religious views among some Mizrahim who join the settlements. Although Mizrahim form a considerable portion of the settler population, with a particular concentration in and around Gush Katif, they often are ignored by public discourse about the settlements which tends to incorrectly paint all or most settlers as having North American origins, which a disproportionately large but still minority portion do.

And as David in Friday Harbor noted:

I find it endlessly fascinating that the two savage conflicts which currently threaten us with nuclear annihilation stem from the psychology of ethnic cleansing as practiced in Central Europe during the 20th century. Ive been struggling to understand why Kiev feels entitled to kick-out the Russians of Donetsk and Luhansk and why Tel Aviv feels entitled to kick-out the Palestinians. I find myself returning to European ethno-nationalism, antisemitism, and the mindset of 1914-1945, which culminated in the infliction of so much suffering. These motivations are important for us to understand because Climate Change threatens us with a mass-migration of 1.5 Billion people by 2050. The struggle over who gets to inhabit a certain patch of land will become existential for all of humanity.

By Thomas Neuburger. Originally published at Gods Spies

Then-Defense Minister Moshe Dayan surveys the western side of the Suez Canal with Maj.-Gen. Ariel Sharon, in October 1973 (photo credit: DEFENSE MINISTRY)

I want to point to the intersection of two ideas and see what thoughts they lead to.

Moshe Dayan and the Creation of Israel

The first is this now-forgotten set of observations by Israeli Defense Minister (and Zionist freedom fighter) Moshe Dayan.

He has a strongly pro-Zionist past, a fighting past:

At the age of 14, Dayan joined the Jewish defence force Haganah. In 1938, he joined the British-organised irregular Supernumerary Police and led a small motorized patrol.

Haganah was the main Zionist paramilitary organization that operated for the Yishuv in the British Mandate for Palestine. It was founded in 1920 to defend the Yishuvs presence in the region, and was formally disbanded in 1948, when it became the core force integrated into the Israel Defense Forces shortly after the Israeli Declaration of Independence.

In other words, a fighting Zionist true-believer.

Dayan had very strong opinions about the defense of Israel and what it would take to achieve it. One thing it would take is an unblinking acknowledgement of what Israel had done to acquire the land for its own.

Dayan recognized what had been done to create the state of Israel. He understood, therefore, what it would take to defend it.

An Undoable Act

This theft of land is, in Arab eyes, an act that cannot be undone. It should be seen that way in Israeli eyes as well, because of its consequences.

In many ways, this is like Henry VIIIs theft of the wealth of the Catholic Church in England. Once taken and distributed, the act could not be undone, much like a murdered man cannot be brought back. In the time of Shakespeare, England was as Catholic as France; only the government and its dependents were Protestant. It took war to settle the dispute, several in fact.

So with this. It seems to me there must a war, or barring that, a return to the status quo ante, in which people in the occupied land are continuously tortured until they die or decide to leave.

There are only three ways this can go:

One side will win, with Israelis or Arabs driven out.

The torture regime will restart, each side afflicting the other as much as it can.

A single, secular state will be created.

A secular state  not the vaunted two-state solution  is the only humane solution. That solution, if youre not a religionist, seems certainly fair. The other outcomes lead only to rights abuse and war.

But a secular state  often called a one-state solution  is also unacceptable to Zionists. For them, its Greater Israel or bust.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds up a map showing the occupied West Bank and Gaza as part of Israel during his speech at the UN General Assembly, 22 September 2023 (Reuters)

How to get past this problem? Consider the following.

Like the Abortion Battle

The battle for Palestine/Israel is like the US abortion fight in a single, crucial way. Until its completely won by one side or the other, the torture can last forever.

Americans seemed complacent, willing to see abortion limited in one cruel way after another, in one state and the next, so long as it was legal somewhere. They seemed content, in the aggregate, with a slowly eroding status quo.

My wife and I marveled at this, but its been true since the battle against Roe was first enjoined. The movement against the so-called pro-lifers was small and ineffective; where we expected mass insurgency, we saw complaints and protests. There were victories, but it seemed that the most Americans were content to stand by, so long as the losses came in small enough doses that each one unremarkable compared to the last.

What the pro-life movement never should have done, was won completely.

Pro-choice people are now aflame with desire to reinstate Roe. Weve seen this in the past few elections at the regional level. That new-found insurgence may, if the stars are aligned for the Democrats, re-elect Biden against a resurgent Trump.

To make the comparison clear, if the Right had not achieved total victory over abortion, had not repealed all of Roe, the pro-choice movement might never have grown this strong. Sad that is, but true.

The Road to Lasting Peace

Is the same thing true of Israel/Palestine? If the only alternative to war is a secular state, perhaps the only way to get there is for world opinion, face with a total war, to force on both parties.

What will a painful peace, a return to the status quo ante where hundreds are murdered, slowly and by both sides, actually achieve? And whats the cost of achieving it?

The hatred on both sides had already reached the youngest pre-October 7. Its now metastatic. It will take 50 years to clear all of that out. And worse, the world may tolerate another half-centurys hate, since its tolerated the last.

In contrast, what would a blowout battle accomplish compared to its cost? Deaths will be horribly high. But faced with that, will the world finally force an end? Force a secular state, in which none have the upper hand?

I have no answers to this. But I strongly hope for peace, however achieved, and fear Ill never see it.
Attending a meeting with the EU College of Commissioners in Brussels on Wednesday (15 November 2023), Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg thanked European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for being a driving force behind the NATO-EU partnership. He said that both organisations have a lot in common, sharing the same values and facing the same challenges. Mr. Stoltenberg highlighted that NATO and the EU have done more together this year, including working towards lasting stability in the Western Balkans, tackling disinformation and advancing their strategic partnership in areas like military mobility, cyber and space. The Secretary General said that both organisations sent a strong message to President Putin that we will stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes.

NATO and the EU signed in January a new joint declaration to address a broader range of issues, including growing geostrategic competition, resilience and the protection of critical infrastructure. They also set up a NATO-EU Taskforce on Resilience of Critical Infrastructure to reduce vulnerabilities and dependencies on authoritarian regimes like Russia and China; and to boost the resilience of supply chains and technology. The Secretary General said that the war in Ukraine demonstrates the need to ramp up industrial production of key ammunition and welcomed the EUs efforts to increase production capacity and joint procurement.

Mr. Stoltenberg said that as instability grows with brutal wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, the ongoing threat of terrorism, a climate crisis and authoritarian regimes threating the international order, we need strong institutions like NATO and the European Union. He stressed that together, Europe and North America can defend our democratic values, keep our people safe and our nations strong.
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.
Canada expands assisted suicide laws to allow for killing of INFANTS for profit

Canadian Dr. Louis Roy is leading the charge to allow toddlers and infants in Canada to be killed through euthanasia.

Boasting the world's laxest assisted suicide laws, Canada is now a safe haven for young children to be euthanized for profit under the expansive Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) program.

From now on, infants deemed too sickly to live can be signed up for assisted suicide in Canada, even though critics argue that a young child is not old enough to make this kind of decision without coaxing.

Fulfilling what many worried would eventually become the case, MAiD appears to be a program for expanding infanticide rather than assisted suicide, also known as "death with dignity."

By expanding the availability of euthanasia to babies, Canada is becoming a state-sanctioned baby-killing regime, all to exploit the valuable organs of healthy children for the organ harvesting trade.

"An infant is not self-aware and cannot 'commit suicide,'" one report explains about the lunacy of expanding MAiD to include babies. "Infants want to live, eat and be held by their parents."

(Related: Nearly a year ago, Canada expanded its euthanasia law to include "mercy" killings for suffering children.)

Can a baby consent to assisted suicide? Hardly

Even so, at the recommendation of the Quebec College of Physicians, Canada's MAiD program will now be expanded to include little kids. To hear Dr. Roy's rationale for supporting this, check out the video below in which he explained his ideology to the Commons' Special Joint Committee of Medical Assistance in Dying:

As you will see and hear, Dr. Roy believes that in cases where a child is born with "severe malformations," it is not out of the question for that child to want to die rather than have to live an entire life with such problems.

At the same time, a child under one year of age cannot possibly consent to die, no matter how much he is spoon-fed the words by parents or a doctor. At what point does society draw a line on consent for "assistance in dying?"

"Instead of 'assistance in dying,' infants will be euthanized for the convenience of the parents and doctors who no longer want to deal with problematic babies," one report explains.

The Quebec College of Physicians defends its support for the practice by claiming that some babies are suffering from "unbearable pain" that only assisted suicide can quell.

What is unclear from all the support, though, is how custodial situations work in which a child is handled by two different parents who may not both be in agreement that a child's "pain" warrants assisted suicide.

Adults, the college says, can decide for these babes, this acting as a "safeguard" between the child and attending "physicians" who are ready and waiting to kill babies for profit.

One such doctor who loves performing assisted suicides is Dr. Stefanie Green, a MAiD enthusiast who has euthanized more than 300 people. At one time, Dr. Green provided beginning-of-life care  now she has switched to end-of-life "care."

"One's a delivery in. One's a delivery out," Dr. Green joked to CTV News in April 2022. "They're similar in terms of they're both incredibly intimate moments. They're milestones in someone's life. They are intense."

Dr. Green says she gets a thrill out of taking a person's life, describing the feeling as "intense emotions" as she administers death drugs or whatever protocol is being used at the time.

"If tired parents of a sickly child, exhausted from sleepless nights and medical expenses, visit a doctor like Stefanie Green, I expect that MAiD euthanasia will likely be approved and quickly performed," one report warns.

The latest news about the global death march can be found at Depopulation.news.

Sources for this article include:

NewsAddicts.com

NaturalNews.com
Census Bureau: U.S. population projected to begin declining by 2100

The Census Bureau predicts that a population decline is coming to the United States.

According to new data released by the Bureau on Thursday, Nov. 9, the number of Americans is likely to start shrinking by the end of the century in 2100. These projections are based on assumptions about future births, deaths and net international migration.

The population is projected to reach a high of nearly 370 million in 2080 but then it will likely start dropping down to 366 million in 2100  the first to reach so far into the future. Thats only about a 10 percent increase from the population last year.

The Wall Street Journal reported that it is the first time that the Bureau has projected a population decline as part of its main outlook for the coming decades. The report noted that the only time the U.S. had a recorded population decline was in 1918  when the flu pandemic and deployment abroad of more than a million troops produced a small drop in the estimated population.

The first issued report since 2018, the projections reflect years of declining birth rates, higher death rates because of an aging population and increased reliance on immigration for population growth. (Related: Top 7 ways the Democrats in D.C. plan on REDUCING the POPULATION.)

National population projections this year

A population projection gives a picture of what the future size and structure of the population by age and sex might look like.

To project the future size and composition of the national population, the components of population change  fertility, mortality and net migration  are projections for each birth cohort or persons born in a given year.

As the base for projecting the US population from 2023 to 2100, the 2023 National Population Projection series used the official Census Bureaus Vintage 2022 estimates of the resident population on July 1, 2022.

Policymakers and program planners rely on population projections to assess future demand for resources, such as food, water and energy, as well as public services, such as health and education.

Census Bureau demographer Sandra Johnson said, "In an ever-changing world, population dynamics is crucial for shaping policies and planning resources."

Some highlights extracted from the Bureau's projection include:

Total population

As previously mentioned, the total population for the middle series increases to a peak at 370 million in 2080 and then begins to decline  dropping to 366 million by 2100, compared to the projection for the high-immigration scenario, which increases every year  putting the population at 435 million.

The low-immigration scenario is projected to peak at around 346 million in 2043 and decline thereafter, dropping to 319 million in 2100.

Drivers of population change

Reduced fertility and an aging population result in a natural decrease (mortality) in all projection scenarios. Immigration is projected to become the largest contributor to population growth.

"The U.S. has experienced notable shifts in the components of population change over the last five years. Some of these, like the increases in mortality caused by the Wuhan coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, are expected to be short-term while others, including the declines in fertility that have persisted for decades, are likely to continue into the future," Johnson explained. (Related: Depopulation agenda: Government tyranny plus COVID jabs caused more than 13 million DEATHS worldwide, doctor reveals.)

She continued saying, "Incorporating additional years of data on births, deaths and international migration into our projections process resulted in a slower pace of population growth through 2060 than was previously projected."

The Bureau said the U.S. birth rate was 1.64 births per woman as of 2020. Citing falling domestic birthrates, the Bureau projects that rate to be supplemented by immigration.

According to government estimates, immigration has rebounded after slowing during the pandemic. In January, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that 1.3 million people  500,000 of them lacking in legal status  became U.S. immigrants or were here and became legal permanent residents last year.

Preliminary data revealed that the U.S. birthrate was about 19 percent lower in 2022 than in 2007. In the last year before the pandemic in 2019, death rates remained about nine percent higher. By 2038, deaths would exceed births under the most likely scenario.

Over time, the Bureau projected that immigration will make up a larger portion of population growth.

"The convergence of birth and death rates has boosted the role of immigration and with it, uncertainty about population growth. Immigration is affected by changing laws, wars, natural disasters and economic shifts."

Age and sex

Continued declines in fertility are projected to shift the age structure of the population so that there will be more adults aged 65 or older compared to children under age 18 by 2029.

The Bureau said nearly 30 percent of the population is projected to be aged 65 or older by 2100, compared to almost 17 percent under age 18. This crossover happens in 2030 in the high-immigration scenario, 2029 in the low-immigration scenario, and 2028 in the zero-immigration scenario.

In 2100, the projected median age for females ranges from 47.7 in the high-immigration scenario to 54.8 in the zero-immigration scenario. For males, the projected values in 2100 range from 45.4 in the high-immigration scenario to 52.5 in the zero-immigration scenario.

Watch the following video about the U.S. population falling to 100 million in 2025.

This video is from the JonasTheProphet channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Most "COVID" deaths prior to the launch of Operation Warp Speed were actually just ventilator deaths in disguise.

Miscarriage, stillbirth rates exploding worldwide as depopulation continues unabated.

DEPOPULATION assault is working: Sperm viability plunges among men.

Sources include:

WSJ.com

Census.gov 1

TheHill.com

Census.gov 2

CBO.gov

CDC.gov

Brighteon.com
Conservative host under fire for releasing manifesto written by trans school shooter Audrey Hale

Conservative host Steven Crowder is under fire for sharing the manifesto written by trans Nashville school shooter Audrey Hale., who targeted white Christians. The document, which authorities wanted to keep under wraps, is now circulating on social media.

Crowder is the host of the Louder with Crowder talk show on YouTube. He shared leaked images of the first three pages of the manifesto, and they show a violent and deeply disturbed woman pretending to be a man and expressing a strong desire to hurt white people.

The manifesto says things like Wanna kill all you little cr*****s, and Bunch of little f****** w/ your white privlages f*** you f******.

The killers notebook was found in her car shortly after the shooting, and it prompted authorities to conclude the attack was calculated and planned. Hale killed three children and three school employees on the morning of March 27 before being shot by police on the second floor of the Christian Covenant School.

Many critics and journalists have theorized that the manifesto wasnt released because the shooter was transgender and seemed to be motivated by left-wing extremist beliefs, and the leaked manifesto pages support that notion. They were also reportedly concerned it could lead to backlash against the LGBTQ community.

Authorities investigating source of leak

Authorities have reacted strongly to the release. Metropolitan Nashville Police Department Chief John Drake said: "I am greatly disturbed by today's unauthorized release of three pages of writings from the Covenant shooter. This police department is extremely serious about the investigation to identify the person responsible.

Seven detectives have now been suspended by the department over the leak. They were placed on administrative duty while the source of the leak is investigated.

According to Crowder, someone contacted an investigator for his website claiming to have part of the manifesto. He sent someone to Nashville to meet the source, who claimed to have acquired the documents as part of a text exchange with a Nashville detective. Crowder's team authenticated the documents and then released them.

Manifesto's release hotly debated

The release of the manifesto has been the subject of great debate, with the media and some law enforcement groups insisting they need to be in the public domain while the school and authorities opposed their release.

Crowder maintains that the manifestos of other mass shooters were released fairly quickly and that there is no reason this one should be any different. He said: This was one that did not follow along with that narrative. And a lot of people thought it was necessary for this to be out. And there are people involved with the Nashville PD who also believe things have not necessarily been transparent.

Attorney Dan Lennington, who is representing one of the media outlets that sued to obtain the manifesto, said there was no reason to withhold it as it did not contain anything that would compromise their investigation.

He said: I dont see why the FBI needs to say, the public cant know that [Hale] called those three little nine-year-old kids crackers that have white privilege and need to die, he said. What purpose is there in withholding that other than a political purpose?

Authorities also found dozens of other journals in Hale's home, including one in which she kept notes on previous mass shootings. Hale identified as a male named Aiden and had been seeing a doctor for an emotional disorder.

Not surprisingly, YouTube has removed Crowders show from its platform, and Facebook has also suppressed the story.

Actor James Woods posted about the censorship of Crowder on X, writing: Steven Crowder has done Americans a service. Not just because he has published the Nashville killers manifesto of anti-white racist hate, but more importantly has exposed the stranglehold that Google (surprise, surprise) has on the truth. YouTubes censorship of conservative voices has now rendered it as worthless as FaceBook.

Sources for this article include:

Revolver.news

NYPost.com

FoxNews.com

ThePostMillennial.com

WashingtonTimes.com
Thrive Time Show: Seth Keshel says CORRUPTION of U.S. election system has been ongoing since the 1990s  Brighteon.TV

Election analyst Seth Keshel says the corruption of America's election system has been ongoing since the 1990s

"The corruption in our country has been around for a century plus, but the corruption of our election system has been around since at least the '90s," he told ReAwaken America Tour founder and program host Clay Clark during the Nov. 7 episode of "Thrive Time Show" on Brighteon.TV.

According to Keshel, the corruption did not seep into the local level before 2017. That year, people started relaxing election regulations and laws  such as by allowing automatic voter registration, motor voter laws that bundled voting registration with driver's licenses and mail-in voting that started in the state of Oregon.

He added that since the 2020 election that put President Joe Biden in power, the number of voting Americans likely to believe that year's election was marred by fraud has risen from about 44 percent to 62 percent. This Rasmussen poll, Keshel said, means five out of eight likely American voters believe the elections are completely in the tank. (Related: Lawfare with Tom Renz: Seth Keshel says America is in unparalleled crisis due to lack of election integrity  Brighteon.TV.)

Moreover, an incident in Connecticut where a Democratic judge overturned the results of their party's primary election only increases the percentage of Americans who believe election results aren't trustworthy anymore.

"It's been a gradual unwinding and a loosening of our election integrity laws," said Keshel, a former Army captain and Afghanistan veteran. "If a short-term fix is what people are after, they're going to be deeply disappointed. So [the] long-term outlook is where we have to go."

Democrats want to take key seats in the government

Keshel told Clark that the Democrats are engaging in election fraud to ensure their establishment colleagues take key seats in the government. According to Keshel, polling suggests that more mail-in ballots are needed to ensure victory for the Democrats in the upcoming 2024 elections.

Returning to the gradual erosion of America's elections in the 1990s, Keshel pointed to former President Bill Clinton packing the courts with Democratic judges during his term. The former Army captain also noted how cities in America started to become heavily corrupted in the 1990s.

Moreover, he noted that cases of election fraud aren't moving in the courts due to the judicial corruption going on. The benches are either too corrupt or too cowardly to overturn fraudulent elections, such as the Arizona gubernatorial race or the 2020 presidential race. Addressing this issue isn't a walk in the park, Keshel said.

"We are not going to be able to continuously sustain 62 [percent] plus, or two out of three Americans, not believing that our elections are legitimate. We are a constitutional republic based on (the) consent of the governed. So, it's a matter of time," Keshel ultimately remarked.

"People are going to have to plan for all scenarios in 2024, including winning a corrupt election which is that what it's going to be. We just don't know exactly what the flavor of that will be, and what the excuse will be to make it as terrible as possible."

Watch the Nov. 7 episode of the "Thrive Time Show" below. "Thrive Time Show" airs Monday to Friday at 1-1:30 p.m. on Brighteon.TV.

More related stories:

Capt. Seth Keshel tells Matrixxx Grooove: Trump should have been the easy winner of the 2020 presidential election  Brighteon.TV.

Bridgeport ballot fraud is a dry run for the 2024 presidential election.

Election integrity expert: Voter fraud is real, and it happens through mail-in ballots.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

CaptK.com
Jeffrey Prather: DEEP STATE purposely instigated conflict between Israel and Hamas

The Deep State purposely instigated the conflict between Israel and Hamas, according to former intelligence officer Jeffrey Prather.

He shared this theory during the Nov. 8 episode of "The Alex Jones Show" on the InfoWars network, with the Health Ranger Mike Adams as guest host. Prather is also the host of "The Prather Point," which airs Fridays and Saturdays on the Brighteon.TV network under Adams.

According to Prather, Israel's intelligence failure was intentional and the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas  which Israel branded as its version of 9/11  was a setup. "That's the first point that is not being made clear, and it's certainly being covered up by the fake news media that wants to instigate both sides," he said. "They want Jews and Muslims to fight each other; after they destroy each other, then they are coming for Christians as well." (Related: AMP censors Jeffrey Prather for probing Israeli intelligence blunders.)

"This was allowed to happen by the same bad actors  Shin Bet, Mossad, FBI [Federal Bureau of Investigation], CIA [Central Intelligence Agency and the] Saudis. This was instigated purposely first. That's the first point, and people have not really realized that.

The second point, according to the former intelligence officer, focuses on the destruction of America's remaining warrior force. He also noted that this is timed alongside the trials of former President Donald Trump. The Deep State doesn't want people to notice this, as it wants Americans to pay attention to the Middle East.

Prather: Deep State responsible for "calculated chaos" and "engineered evil"

Adams meanwhile said that there is huge pressure on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan from his country's Muslim population to engage Israel in a kinetic war. Prather responded that this pressure not only comes from the population, but also from the Turkish military and the intelligence community. The Health Ranger also noted that other countries such as Iran, Jordan, Syria and Yemen are under pressure from their Muslim populations to respond to Israel.

The "Prather Point" host noted, however, that Iran is less worrisome than Turkey. Ankara is much more likely to take some action, he continued, as Turkey is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Nevertheless, Prather stressed that proxy countries for terrorism such as Iran and Yemen are still something to be concerned about.

"This is about destabilizing the West completely, and that's exactly what's happening. By doing this  because I think there was a failed race war in America  they were trying to emulate and mimic the South African race war where Blacks were going after White farmers," he said. "I think that failed in America, so they are now tying the race war into a religious war."

According to the Health Ranger, Israel's bombing of Gaza and other events in the Middle East can make it easier for extremist leaders in the U.S. to recruit rage-driven, susceptible people. He added that more war, more bombs and more conflict feeds into the control systems of the globalists. America has been engaged in endless wars, to the point that it has distracted people from the real war the globalists are waging against the people.

"This is all calculated chaos. This is not crazy. This is manufactured malice. This is an engineered evil. And it's very been it's being done very systematically," Prather said.

Follow DeepState.news for more news about the Deep State.

Watch the full conversation between Jeffrey Prather and Mike Adams below.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Jeffrey Prather and Mike Adams: U.S., Israeli military forces are NOT prepared to fight in Gaza, nor to defend against the wave of Arab soldiers that seek to destroy Israel.

Intelligence analysts Jeffrey Prather, Gen. Michael Flynn both agree: Israel STOOD DOWN to allow Hamas to unleash terror.

Iranian Foreign Minister warns U.S. will not be spared if the Israel-Hamas war escalates.

CONFIRMED: Israel ordered IDF to STAND DOWN and let Hamas attack  now Israel wants full-scale war to fulfill decades-long plan for "Greater Israel."

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

JeffreyPrather.com
ABSURD: European Parliament strips four conservative Polish politicians of parliamentary immunity over comments about illegal immigration

The European Parliament has voted to strip the parliamentary immunity from four conservative Polish Members of the European Parliament (MEP), who have been accused of so-called hate crimes for raising concerns about the dangers of illegal immigration to Poland and the entire continent.

The four MEPs are Beata Kempa, Patryk Jaki, Beata Mazurek and Tomasz Poreba. Mazurek and Poreba are members of Poland's ruling conservative party, Law and Justice (PiS), while Kempa and Jaki are members of the PiS-aligned, pro-Catholic conservative Sovereign Poland party. All four are currently facing charges in Poland of racially aggravated offenses. (Related: Sweden recruits military to help police amid surge in migrant gang violence.)

This charge comes after it surfaced that the four retweeted and liked a PiS election video on social media ahead of local elections in 2018. This video warned of the threats that an influx of illegal immigrants to Europe could cause. The video also warned how "enclaves" of migrants are causing surges in sexual assaults and violence wherever they are in the continent.

The election video also suggested that, should the liberal opposition retake control of Poland, the country would be flooded with refugees, and that by 2020 the country would see violence on the streets of the type witnessed by nations in the continent with more lax immigration laws.

MEPs argue their freedom of speech is being taken away

The first accusations against the four MEPs were filed by left-wing Polish activist Rafal Gawel and former human rights commissioner Adam Bodnar, who filed a subsidiary indictment in a Polish court in November 2021 after the government prosecutor's office twice dismissed his original claims as unfounded.

The indictment named 12 PiS politicians, four of whom are current MEPs. They are accused of violating Article 256 of Poland's criminal code, which punishes anyone who incites hatred based on national, ethnic, racial or religious differences with up to three years in prison.

A Warsaw district court found that the indictment had a valid legal basis, but that a trial could not take place because the four MEPs had parliamentary immunity from prosecution, leading to the European Union Parliament's legal affairs committee voting in favor of stripping their immunity. A large majority of committee members voted four times to strip the immunity of the four members.

The four MEPs have argued that the EU Parliament's decision to strip them of parliamentary immunity is a political one and an attack on their free speech by the "communist European state" in which someone can be "jailed for clicking [something] on the internet."

"They call it 'hate speech' and want to convict us of par. 256 of the Penal Code, which is punishable by three years in prison," said Jaki in a statement posted on X. Jaki added that a conviction means he will not be able to stand for future EU Parliament elections.

"They want to convict us for our likes [on Twitter]," said Mazurek. "This is a clear demonstration of arrogance and mockery of law and freedom, the foundations of democracy."

Learn more about migration issues all over the world at Migrants.news.

Watch this video of German conservative politician Christine Anderson warning how Europe has already fallen thanks to mass migration.

This video is from the Man in America channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Parisians fear new wave of ILLEGALS in Lampedusa would eventually reach the French capital.

European border agency Frontex confirms: 92% of illegal migrants arriving in EU are fighting-age MEN.

Italy struggles to deal with influx of 6,000 migrants in one day.

Hungarian expert: MIGRATION is the major reason for France riots.

Germany needs 1.5 million migrants per year and they don't need to speak German, says head of government's Council of Experts.

Sources include:

RMX.news

NotesFromPoland.com

EUObserver.com

Brighteon.com
10 Examples from 10 different cities of the Mad Max environment that now reigns in Americas streets

It isnt just your imagination. We really are witnessing a full-blown societal meltdown. Earlier today, a song entitled We Dont Need Another Hero popped into my head. Of course that song was recorded by Tina Turner for a 1985 film called Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome which featured Mel Gibson in his prime. I hadnt thought about that song for many years, and so I pulled it up on YouTube and listened to it. Needless to say, it really is a great song. But why would I be thinking about it today? There had to be another reason. I started going through the news, and I quickly realized what that reason was. In the United States today, there are millions upon millions of people that are completely and utterly lawless. We really have become a Mad Max society, and the future of our country is going to be exceedingly bleak if we continue going down this road.

(Article republished from EndOfTheAmericanDream.com)

I could provide countless examples to prove my point, but for this article I have selected just 10.

The following are 10 examples from 10 different cities of the Mad Max environment that now reigns in Americas streets

#1 Theft has become so rampant in Washington D.C. that CVS has replaced toilet paper and paper towels with framed photos of those products and a buzzer that customers must press to buy them

Witness a CVS store in our nations capital, forced by rampant, serial theft to pull toilet paper and paper towels from the shelves, replacing them with framed photos of the missing products and a buzzer. Customers trying to buy Charmin or Bounty must buzz to summon a clerk, who will (eventually) retrieve the precious commodity from a back room. In other words, the capital of the most powerful nation in human history has been reduced to Third World-style security systems to sell basic goods.

#2 An axe-wielding carjacker in downtown St. Louis was shocked when one potential victim that he approached decided to pray

A St. Louis man did something unexpected when he found himself in a dangerous situation on October 18. Police say his decision to pray and not let fear overtake him resulted in an axe-wielding suspect leaving him alone after an attempted carjacking in the citys downtown area on North Seventh Street, KMOV reported Sunday. The suspect, identified as Romel S. Taylor, 37, was charged with first-degree attempted robbery and felony robbery regarding two unrelated incidents.

#3 Four criminals wearing black ski masks recently robbed a jewelry dealer right in the middle of a highway in Los Angeles

The driver who was robbed by a group of thieves last month after they crashed into his car on the 10 Freeway was a jewelry dealer from Hong Kong, according to the California Highway Patrol. Four men in black ski masks driving a black Dodge Caravan crashed into a black Alfa Romeo about 1:30 p.m. Oct. 24, disabling the car on the eastbound 10 Freeway, near Arlington Avenue, CHP investigators said in a news release. A Ford Mustang was also hit during the crash.

#4 Unconscious addicts are sprawled across the road for hundreds of yards every single morning in downtown San Francisco

Tiktoker Freqmeek captured the pre-dawn horror as she gingerly picked her way through dozens of desperate addicts in the citys Tenderloin district. Some are hunched against the cold while others are too intoxicated to care as cars and buses try to steer a path through unconscious addicts sprawled across the road for hundreds of yards. The anxiety we experience just traveling to work daily in the Tenderloin is unbelievable, she wrote.

#5 In Oakland, a district attorney that got elected with the help of George Soros just had a laptop stolen from her own vehicle

How bad is the crime and theft problem in Oakland, California? So bad the Soros backed DA just got her laptop stolen from her car while she attended a community meeting. She called the police to report the theft and no one showed up, so she was forced to file a report online. Pamela Price is facing a recall election specifically over this issue.

#6 How bad is crime in Dallas? Well, it turns out that retail theft in the city was up 73 percent through the first six months of 2023

The shopping experience in Dallas is starting to change as retail theft increased 73% through the first six months of this year, according to a report released Tuesday. Dallas and Los Angeles, where shoplifting increased 109%, experienced the highest reported retail theft in the first half of this year, according to an analysis of 24 major cities by the nonpartisan Council on Criminal Justice.

#7 In Miami, MMA fighter Javier Baez had to fight for his life after a knife-wielding maniac started attacking him in the parking lot of his apartment complex

A former MMA fighter used his combat skills to open a can of whoop-ass on a knife-wielding assailant in self-defense and the dramatic scene was caught on video. Javier Baez drove back to his Miami apartment complex after a night out on Halloween  and spotted Omar Marrero screaming and brandishing a knife in the parking lot, according to WPLG News. After Baez parked his car, Marrero reportedly walked over and started hitting his window with the knife.

#8 It is being alleged that a 16-year-old girl in Gordon, Nebraska slit the throat of her newborn baby and stuffed the dead body into a bag of dog food

A teenage girl in Nebraska has been accused of slitting her newborn babys throat and cramming the body into a bag of dog food. She has been charged with first-degree murder and use of a deadly weapon. The Star Herald reported that the unidentified teen girl had been charged after the authorities were called to the girls home in Gordon, Nebraska, on November 6, after being told that a girl had given birth and that the baby was not breathing.

#9 In Chicago, conditions have gotten so bad that immigrants are fleeing the city in large numbers, and one even declared that the American Dream doesnt exist anymore

Michael Castejon, 39, an immigrant who came here with his family told the Chicago Tribune that because he was unable to afford rent and unable to get his work permit he was taking his family back to Venezuela. The American Dream doesnt exist anymore. Theres nothing here for us, he said. How many more months of living in the streets will it take? No, no more. Its better that I leave. At least I have my mother back home. We just want to be home. If were going to be sleeping in the streets here, wed rather be sleeping in the streets over there, Castejon added. The report notes that at one station over 40 people have left to either move home or to a different city within the US.

#10 I couldnt do an article like this and leave out New York City. The Big Apple is being overwhelmed by so many immigrants that Mayor Eric Adams is considering handing out tents and allowing them to camp in parks and other outdoor spaces

New York City officials have discussed distributing tents to newly arriving migrants and creating encampments in parks and other outdoor spaces, according to people familiar with deliberations among Mayor Eric Adams and his top advisers.

This is our country now.

We have truly become a lawless nation, and there is no indication that we are going to turn things around any time soon.

If things are this bad now, what is going to happen once cataclysmic events start erupting all around us and our society descends into a state of chaos?

Even now, law enforcement agencies all over the United States cannot handle the level of crime that we are now witnessing.

If America had chosen a better path, things could have turned out much differently.

But we didnt, and so now we are experiencing the very painful consequences of our very foolish decisions.

Read more at: EndOfTheAmericanDream.com
French senators propose CRIMINALIZING anyone who criticizes Israel

Sixteen French senators submitted a bill last week, aiming to penalize anti-Zionism in France . For analysts, this is a seemingly suppressive move in cracking down on pro-Palestinian protests.

Article 25 of the bill specified that those who contest the existence of the State of Israel by one of the means set out in Article 23 shall be punished by one years imprisonment and a fine of 45,000 euros. "Insult committed against the State of Israel, by any of the means set out in Article 23, shall be punishable by two years' imprisonment and a fine of 75,000 euros. Those who, by the same means, have directly provoked hatred or violence against the State of Israel shall be punished by five years imprisonment and a fine of 100,000 euros," the bill stated.

Moreover, Article 23 of the bill covered the transmission of offensive words as follows: by speeches, shouts, or threats made in public places or meetings, or by writings, prints, drawings, engravings, paintings, emblems, images, or any other written medium, speech or image, sold or distributed, offered for sale or exhibited in public places or meetings.

???? French Senators have proposed a bill to BAN criticism of Zionism. Under the proposed new laws, contesting the existence of the state of Israel would lead to a years imprisonment, while provoking "hatred" against Israel could lead to as many as 5 years in jail. Free speech pic.twitter.com/T4xu0MF6Gb  Keith Woods (@KeithWoodsYT) November 3, 2023

Senator Stephane Le Rudulier of the LR party (the Republicans) announced via a series of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he had submitted the text with 15 other politicians. The bill represents "anti-Zionism as prohibited and condemned as anti-Semitism," the politician said. He also likened anti-Zionism to anti-Semitism, arguing that "the rise of anti-Semitism is fueled by the hatred of Israel, a disguised form of hatred towards Jews."

In a letter addressed to France's Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne last month, he deplored the "existence of a fifth column of Palestinian terrorism in France" and called for the dissolution of pro-Palestine parties such as La France Insoumise (LFI), the New Anticapitalist Party (NPA) and the Jeune Garde, which he alleged are promoting terrorism.

Des senateurs francais deposent une loi pour penaliser lantisionisme.  Le risque de limportation du conflit est grand. En France, on brule dans des manifestations des drapeaux israeliens  Stephane Le Rudulier, senateur LR a lorigine du texte pic.twitter.com/mWN97ILQvn  i24NEWS Francais (@i24NEWS_FR) November 3, 2023

Earlier in October France's interior minister ordered local authorities to ban all pro-Palestinian demonstrations. French President Emmanuel Macron urged French people not to allow the war in the Mideast to erupt into tensions at home. Right after Macron spoke on TV about the Mideast conflict, Paris police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters who had defied a ban and demonstrated Thursday against the Israeli government. "Let us not bring ideological adventures here (to France) by imitation or by projection. Let us not add national fractures ... to international fractures," Macron said. "Let us stay united."

France's Jewish population, estimated at more than half a million, is the largest in Europe and the third-biggest in the world, after Israel and the United States.

Paris protesters chant: "Israel, assassin," "Macron, accomplice"

Thousands of protesters marched through the rain-dampened streets of Paris on November 4, with some shouting "Israel, assassin."

They were loudly denouncing Macron, chanting "Macron, accomplice" and showing support for Palestine while shouting "Palestine will live, Palestine will win," as they carried Palestinian flags. Some had placards that read "Immediate ceasefire," a cry also recited repeatedly by the crowd. Banners on a sound system truck at the center of the march read "Stop the massacre in Gaza."

Pariss police chief authorized the march, which ran between two large public squares in eastern Paris, Republique and Nation, but vowed that any behavior deemed "antisemitic or sympathetic toward terrorism will not be tolerated by police officers mobilized to keep order." It was one of the first, big gatherings in support of Palestinians to be legally allowed in Paris since the Hamas attack on October 7.

Ultimately, the rallyists are calling for peace between the two conflicting nations. "We came here today to show the people of France's solidarity with the Palestinian people and our support for peace, for a peace solution with two states, an Israeli state and a Palestinian state," said Antoine Guerreiro, a 30-year-old civil servant. Meanwhile, Wahid Barek, a 66-year-old retiree, lamented the deaths of both Israeli and Palestinian civilians. "I deplore civilian deaths on both sides. Civilians have nothing to do with these actions. It really is shameful," he said. (Related: Days after saying 'every Jewish person is a Zionist,' ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt says anti-Zionist Jews are a 'hate group.')

Catch the latest news about the Israel-Gaza conflict on WWIII.news.

Sources for this article include:

HarapanDaily.com

MoroccoWorldNews.com

APNews.com

TimesOfIsrael.com

VOANews.com
Globalists use geoengineering weather weapons to destroy cities so they can rebuild with a police state infrastructure, warns analyst

On 25 October, Category 5 storm Hurricane Otis made landfall in the Mexican state of Guerrero with a death toll of 46 and 58 people missing as of press time. It left a nightmarish scenario at the popular tourist destination Acapulco.

Media ecologist James Martinez  one of the major proponents of Low-Energy Nuclear Reactions (LENR), or cold fusion technology, which is considered a stable provider of nuclear fusion and a possible future energy source for humankind  was a witness to the devastating calamity. In a recent interview with Mike Adams, founder of the free-speech video platform Brighteon.com, Martinez talked about the horrific experience and the possibility that geoengineering of "weather weapons" was performed in the recent catastrophe.

According to him, he was invited to go to Mexico by presidential candidate Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum to see the next generation of energy power come to life in the country in the form of LENR. He was having a great time in the tourist spot but he immediately noticed that the architectural structures in the place should be changed, even before they were aware that a superstorm would come. He was out with some influential people when they began to realize that indeed a major typhoon was about to happen. He assumed that the public had been pre-informed.

He narrated that they decided to go back to the estate and just have some drinks. "And then as we were sitting in the opening area, which overlooks the bay, the wind factor went up tremendously at about 9:30 to 10 p.m. We didn't think it would go to a category five. But right about midnight, my colleagues got phone calls saying get out of there. And there was no place for us to go to get out of there." As they were just guests of the house, they took shelter inside the residence on the very opposite end of it, which was a huge structure and a very famous architectural landmark. And there's a massive old tree in front of this estate, which protected us, he said. As they awoke, the tree no longer existed, the rooms were flooded, and what they saw was complete, utter and total devastation. "So that took place but it was played down," he said.

"It looks like a bomb went off," Adams quipped and Martinez quickly agreed. "This is where it gets interesting to me because I was very suspicious of the reason why the port authorities or the government of Acapulco did not warn the public about what happened," he said. As the Cold Fusion advocate inspected, there was no sound outside, no airplanes, and no immediate rescue operations. "Acapulco was officially destroyed. All the boats in the bay, including the one that I was on the previous day, had sunk. And it was very quiet as there was no power at all," he observed, adding that he was expecting at least police or military choppers to assist people and tell them what their instructions were going to be.

"I suspected it was a weather weapon used against Acapulco for the construction of a 15-minute city," he said. Adams agreed pointing out that Acapulco was a hub for free speech and freedom of political affiliation. This makes the once-picturesque destination a target for the urban planning concept that the government wants to implement for their total control and tyranny.

Martinez also disclosed how houses, cars, telephone poles, etc., looked like a demilitarized zone after a war. According to him, in any car that was outside, the windows were blown out. "And most people have driven fast cars, the windows are a dominant problem, there's aerodynamics and all these other things. It was truly unusual to see that the glass in the cars looked like it exploded from some type of unusual electronic weapon of sorts," he revealed.

Simultaneous depopulation operations worldwide

At some point in the show, Adams said that globalists are now carrying out any number of crimes against humanity to keep the human race suppressed as they want to keep everybody down. He mentioned the forgotten catastrophe of the Lahaina, Hawaii fires back in August, which melted pipes, polluting the water inside with toxic chemicals.

Officials are now testing for contamination property by property. Early testing has already exposed the presence of the carcinogen benzene and other chemicals but officials are only starting to understand the scope of the problem. They havent widely sampled the core of the burn zone. (Related: Was the Maui wildfire a pretext to reclaim Lahaina and turn it into a smart city?)

"Many people believe direct energy weapons were involved. It was very clear that the government stood down, turned off the water, and allowed fires to take over and obliterate a significant portion of the town," the Health Ranger said, emphasizing that thousands of children were missing. "And we haven't heard a thing about those missing children ever since October 7 when Hamas attacked Israel." For him, globalists are running a Gaza-type experiment for all of humanity. "I've said even like the way Israel engineered Gaza to be an open-air concentration camp, with fully surveilled border walls, nothing goes in or out without their permission. They have restrictions on calories, even coming in restrictions on technology. That's the model for all of us," he lamented.

GeoEngineering.news has more stories about the weaponization of weather by globalists.

Watch the full interview featuring Mike Adams with James Martinez below.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources for this article include:

FoxWeather.com

Brighteon.com

CivilBeat.org
Picky guests: Illegals REFUSE accommodation in tent city, return to Manhattan HOTELS they were formerly housed in

Illegal immigrants in New York City (NYC) have refused accommodation in taxpayer-funded tent cities , instead returning to posh Manhattan hotels they were formerly housed in.

Assemblywoman Jaime Williams, a Democrat, managed to film one such incident that happened on Nov. 12. A group of illegal aliens was transported to the Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, which had been converted into a tent city to address the migrant influx. The site, part of a national park located in the southeast of the NYC borough, is expected to hold 2,000 people.

However, the furious illegals were immediately loaded on a bus back to Manhattan. They complained that they had jobs back in the city, and their kids had schools to attend. Williams, who represents the 59th district in the New York State Assembly, was left stunned.

She then approached a health worker about what just transpired. "When I asked him why did they leave immediately like that, he said the people  were scared," Williams recounted. "They weren't sure what they were doing here; they don't want to be here, and they asked to leave."

The state representative also noted the tent city's distance between where migrants worked and where their children attended school. "They said, 'It's so isolated; how could I possibly get back and forth to work?' or 'Getting my children to school from here would be insane.' So they all asked to leave," said Williams.

One migrant said he was going back to the Roosevelt Hotel, which NYC Mayor Eric Adams turned into a migrant shelter following its 2020 closure. "We didn't know we were coming here; they just said they were taking us to a shelter," he said. "I cannot stay here, this is crazy."

Another migrant who brought his family with him also expressed his intent to return to Manhattan. He told the New York Post: "I work in the Bronx; my kids go to school in the Bronx. For us to live out here is ridiculous."

NYC continues to be burdened by migrant influx

According to a spokesperson for Adams' office, some migrants did reject the tent city at Bennett Field. However, some migrants from the initial bus Williams recorded and another that arrived two hours later stuck it out.

"As we have said time and time again, more than 139,500 asylum seekers have moved through our intake system since the spring of 2022  all of whom have been offered vital services," they said in a statement.

"But with more than 65,600 migrants still currently in our care, and thousands more continuing to arrive every week, we have used every possible corner of NYC and are quite simply out of good options to shelter migrants."

However, one bus driver said he was "shocked" when the migrants turned and left. He added that "only a few people stayed" at the tent city. (Related: Migrants leaving NYC for Canada by bus  on taxpayer dime.)

Williams, meanwhile, deemed the site "a disaster waiting to happen." She also expressed concern that winter weather was starting to arrive at the Big Apple.

"It's not the ideal location for anyone to live," the assemblywoman said. "There's no supermarket. There's no infrastructure."

NYC has by far received the highest number of border crossers of any other northern city  more than 120,000 in just 18 months. The city is currently taking care of more than 60,000 migrants in hundreds of emergency shelters, most of them being bused from Texas through the efforts of Gov. Greg Abbott.

Adams and four other mayors of sanctuary cities  Chicago, Los Angeles, Denver and Houston  have united to demand the White House intervene as their cities become overwhelmed with thousands of illegals arriving every day. While President Joe Biden has asked Congress for $1.4 billion for this purpose, the five mayors said in a letter that the amount is insufficient and asked for a bigger $5 billion.

Visit Migrants.news for more stories about the migrant crisis affecting NYC and other sanctuary cities.

Watch this clip that explains why NYC doubled its migrant population.

This video is from the White Knight channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

NYC migrant crisis: Central Park being considered as HOUSING for migrants.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams mulling unconventional housing solutions for ILLEGALS.

NYC Mayor Adams: OVER HALF of bused illegals avoid the Big Apple for fear of CRIME.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams announces plans to house THOUSANDS OF MIGRANTS on an island in the East River.

BREAKING POINT reached: NYC, other sanctuary cities "tired" of illegal immigrants influx, struggle with local resources.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

Brighteon.com
The FBI is promoting national and local efforts to increase hate crime awareness and encourage incident reporting.

The campaign began Nov. 6 and includes billboards in the Corvallis area as well as in Medford, Eugene and Portland International Airport, according to a news release from the Portland Division of the FBI.

Hate crimes are the highest priority of the FBIs civil rights program because of the devastating impact they have on families and communities, the release states.

A Place to Sleep - episode 6: Brownsville Find out how a man arrested in the 1960s for being a drug addict shaped the law that requires Oregon cities to designate a place to sleep for homeless people.

Sadly though, the amount of hate crimes reported here in Oregon has doubled from what it was just five years ago, Kieran Ramsey, special agent in charge of the Portland field office, said in the news release.

The FBI defines a hate crime as a criminal offense against a person or property motivated by an offenders bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender or gender identity.

Even still, the vast majority of these crimes are going underreported and that needs to change, Ramsey said in the release. Thats why we are spreading the word with this campaign.

The FBI recently released the 2022 Hate Crime Report as part of its Uniform Crime Reporting Program.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by becoming a subscriber today.

In Oregon, 212 of 236 agencies voluntarily submitted data for the report. There were 290 single bias incidents reported in 2022 in the state, and 287 single bias incidents reported in 2021, according to the news release.

The bias motivator in about 60% of Oregon incidents were race/ethnicity/ancestry.

Victims perceived as Black were the racial group targeted most frequently.

Religion was the motivator in about 10% of cases. Victims perceived as Jewish were the religious group targeted most frequently.

Sexual orientation was the motivator in about 18% of reported Oregon incidents.

Anyone who has information about or believes they are a victim of a federal hate crime should contact the FBI by phone at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov.
Ohio enshrines abortion into its constitution despite fervent opposition from pro-life advocates and religious leaders

Ohio has passed a controversial ballot measure that enshrines abortion rights into the state constitution despite fervent opposition from pro-life advocates and religious leaders.

The pro-abortion law, known as the Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety Amendment, was crafted by the Ohio chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union and supported by the advocacy arm of the Ohio Physicians for Reproductive Rights group, the Protect Choice Ohio.

According to the new amendment, women have the right to make and carry out their own reproductive decisions on contraception, fertility treatment, continuing pregnancies, miscarriage care and abortion. It also mandates the state not to "burden, penalize, prohibit, interfere with or discriminate against" the right to abortion. (Related: Ohio voters to decide on making abortion a right in the states constitution in November.)

Physicians also have the authority to determine viability on a case-by-case basis. In short, the amendment allows abortions up to birth if deemed necessary to protect the mother's life or health. This revision goes beyond the existing Ohio law, which permits abortion until 22 weeks of pregnancy.

Furthermore, this new law connects "gender identity" to reproduction. Meaning to say, parents would be forced to allow their children with gender dysphoria to get irreversible treatments like puberty blockers, hormones, or worse, surgical mutilation.

Pro-life advocates rally against Ohio's newly enacted abortion protection

Pro-life advocates are gearing up for a fierce battle to oppose what they call a radical and dangerous initiative.

Ohio Right to Life, a leading pro-life organization, has labeled the law "the most dangerous initiative in Ohio history." The group contends that the law not only permits late-term abortions up to birth with no restrictions but also undermines the ability of the state legislature to pass any future laws protecting the preborn.

Protect Women Ohio also took their sentiments to X on Nov. 7. "Our hearts are broken tonight not because we lost an election, but because Ohio families, women, and children will bear the brunt of this vote." The group highlighted the significant out-of-state funding and the use of fear-inducing ads that contributed to what they consider the most radical abortion agenda in the country.

Even religious leaders, including priests and clergy representing 171 religious congregations in Ohio, expressed strong disapproval of the law. Father Patrick Schultz of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Wadsworth, Ohio, referred to the initiative as "demonic," drawing parallels between modern abortion practices and ancient pagan rituals.

In a joint letter in October, clergymen urged voters to reject the proposal, emphasizing the extreme and radical nature of the measure. Pro-life advocates, including those currently incarcerated for their involvement in anti-abortion, have joined the chorus against the law, urging Ohioans to protect the preborn and reject what they see as a threat to the fundamental values of the state.

Similarly, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, Senate President Matt Huffman, Gov. Mike DeWine, Susan B. Anthony, Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens, President Mark Harrington of Created Equal, Pro-Life America and the Catholic Conference of Ohio vowed to continue defending the unborn alongside the Ohio Right to Life.

"As a 100 percent pro-life conservative, I remain steadfastly committed to protecting life, and that commitment is unwavering," said Stephens. "The legislature has multiple paths that we will explore to continue to protect innocent life."

"We don't have time to lick our wounds. In the coming days, we'll process what led to this defeat. But if abortion doesn't stop, neither do we," added Harrington.

Ohio Right to Life added: "We will never tire of our resolve to defend the innocent, so Ohio will be a state that cherishes life, both born and unborn."

Follow Abortions.news for more news about abortion in America.

Watch this video that talks about why abortion is a murder and not a woman's right.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

911 call reveals woman severely injured by notorious Ohio late-term abortion facility.

Radical group Jane's Revenge attacks, vandalizes Ohio pregnancy.

Abortion industry wants legal immunity to kill live-birth babies who survive botched abortions.

Associated Press instructs all media to use pro-abortion language when reporting on topic.

Bill Gates pledged $7 billion to control population and promote abortion in Africa.

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com

ABCNews.com

Brighteon.com
The end of the era of justice

In the year 2023 Justice Is Nowhere to be Found in the Western World.

(Article by Paul Craig Roberts republished from PaulCraigRoberts.org)

Examples are numerous. I have written about the injustices inflicted on Julian Assange, Trump supporters, and those forced to submit to Covid vaccination. This time I will illustrate the point with the fraud case against Trump for allegedly overstating the value of his real estate holdings and with the entire world standing aside, the genocide of Palestinians under the rubric of Israels self-defense.

The fraud case against Trump consists of an unsupported allegation against Trump by George Soros disciple NY attorney general Letitia James who is on record as a Trump-hater.

It is not a trial. There is no jury. The staged proceeding is only for the judge to determine how big a fine Trump has to pay for allegedlyno proof is supplied, only Letitias accusationoverstating the value of his holdings.

The judge, Engoron, in my opinion, is indulging his publicly-avowed hatred of Trump. It is the judge who should be indicted and placed on trial. He is guilty of ignoring an appellate courts ruling that set a statute of limitations on the case. He granted a summary judgment against Trump of $250,000,000 before the process of determining Trumps fine began.

Engoron and his staff are hardcore Democrats. They have made political contributions to the Democrat Party that are against the rules of conduct for judges and their law clerks.

Additionally, the biased judge has ruled against Trumps ability to speak his mind and has prevented Trumps attorneys from pointing out the ridiculous nature of the charges.

The charge that Trump overstated the value of his real estate holdings is only the unsupported opinion of the biased Trump-hater Letitia James who claims that New York State was damaged by Trumps alleged overstatement of the value of his holdings.

The judge, who has no qualification as a real estate appraiser, says Trumps Mar-a-Lago is only worth $18 million. Forbes magazine gives it a minimum value of $350,000,000.

Neither New York nor anyone suffered from the alleged and unsupported claim that Trump overstated the value of his holdings.

As US Representative Elise Stefanik stated in her ethics compliant filed against judge Engoron in New York, no evidence was presented on trial to suggest fraud, and in fact material evidence suggested the opposite.

The defendant paid back the sophisticated Wall Street banks, on time, in full, with interest, as agreed. No insurance company paid a penny. And these banks and insurance companies, allegedly defrauded, continue to do business with the defendant.

Indeed, two banks had done their own analyses of President Trumps net worth, as revealed in testimonies, and for some development projects the bank had courted President Trumps business, not the other way around.

Trump Organization had valued Mar-a-Lago between $426 million and $612 million in these statements, while Ms. James and the judge valued it at $18 million to $27.6 million, prompting ridicule from prominent real estate brokers who regarded the Trump-hating judges claim as ludicrous.

The judge, who declared Trump to be a bad man dismissed from the record exculpatory evidence for Trump in the form of a sworn affidavit from Lawrence Moens, the top Palm Beach luxury broker, who said if he had the opportunity to market Mar-a-Lago, it would be sold to someone with net worths in the multiple billions, the likes of Elon Musk, kings, emperors, and heads of state. Engoron called the statement an unsubstantiated dream, but admitted testimony from someone on the attorney generals side who helped come up with the $250 million disgorgement figure, suggesting banks lost out on more than $100 million in interest because the financial statements were inflated. THIS IS ONLY THE JUDGES AND LETITIAS CLAIM, NOT THE BANKS CLAIM. THERE ARE NO INJURED PARTIES.

TO BE CLEAR THE FRAUD CASE AGAINST TRUMP HAS NO COMPLAINANT EXCEPT LETITIA

HOW DID SUCH A FAKE CASE GET INTO THE JUSTICE SYSTEM?

THE ANSWER IS THAT THE US JUSTICE SUSTEM IS NOTHING BUT A WEAPON AGAINST OPPONENTS OF THE DEEP STATE. TRUMP IS BEING PERSECUTED FOR ONE REASON ONLYTO MAKE IT CLEAR TO ALL FUTURE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES THAT IF YOU ATTEMPT TO REPRESENT THE PEOPLE INSTEAD OF THE RULING ESTABLISHMENT YOU WILL BE DESTROYED.

Now turn to Israels destruction of Palestine with the support of the United States, the Republican Party, Christian Evangelicals, and the puppet states that comprise the American Empire. After a month of slaughter, Russia, China, Iran, Syria, Hezbollah, and the rest of the world have taken no action to stop it.

No government has lifted a finger against Israels declared intention of destroying the remnants of Palestine still lingering after 75 years of Israels ongoing theft of Palestine from the inhabitants.

The Great Moral Western governments ban citizens from protesting Israels slaughter of Palestinians. US corporations and law firms collect the names of protesting students and blacklist them from employment. What person of integrity would work for such companies?

We have now lived through more than one month of Israeli bombing relentlessly killing 10,000 Palestinian women and children, and the entire world together cannot stop the atrocity. When the UN tries, Washington vetoes the UN. Israels declared policy is to drive every resident of Gaza into the Sinai Desert into tent cities, from which Israel expects Europe and the US to absorb them as immigrants, thus erasing Palestine from history.

Going by news reports of massive US military forces accumulating around Israel and announcements that Washington has Hezbollah, Iran, and Syria in its targets, it seems that the US is employed as Israels agent in behalf of Greater Israelfrom the Nile to the Euphrates. The ethnic cleansing of Palestine is the beginning of the slaughter.

Here is a report about Rep. Stefaniks ethic complaint filed against the judge: https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/house-republican-files-ethics-complaint-against-judge-in-trump-fraud-case-5527003?utm_source=News&src_src=News&utm_campaign=rtbreaking-2023-11-10-1&src_cmp=rtbreaking-2023-11-10-1&utm_medium=email&est=EA%2BpgvlbkS3hC4v4Zw0WTRgMXA1t9dyjOtoZpf5HGyTZWJF870IHW

Read more at: PaulCraigRoberts.org
White House aides frustration with Bidens Israel stance nears breaking point

Dissent is growing within the White House over President Bidens handling of the Israel-Hamas war. As the civilian death toll continues to climb and more Palestinians are displaced, a revolt appears to be imminent as insiders grow increasingly despondent over the official U.S. position on the war.

A leaked memo issued by State Department personnel contained harsh criticism of the administrations Israel policy. One point of contention is the fact that the U.S. is not being more vocal in publicly criticizing Israels approach. The memo was marked as sensitive but unclassified, indicating that those behind it were likely hoping it would leak so their feelings would be known.

It states that the difference between what Biden officials say in private and their public remarks "contributes to regional public perceptions that the United States is a biased and dishonest actor, which at best does not advance, and at worst harms, U.S. interests worldwide."

The memo added that Israel should be criticized publicly for not limiting its operations to military targets. It said: "When Israel supports settler violence and illegal land seizures or employs excessive use of force against Palestinians, we must communicate publicly that this goes against our American values so that Israel does not act with impunity."

Senior White House staffers say they "cannot stomach defending" what is going on

CNN, which generally supports Biden, issued an investigative report that quotes senior staffers at the White House expressing that they cannot stomach defending Israels actions. One senior official for the Biden administration said: It has created great moral anxiety. But no one can say it because we all work at the pleasure of the president and hes all in.

It notes that many insiders are distraught by the numerous images being shared of civilians in Gaza being killed by Israeli airstrikes.

After mentioning the extreme backlash in the State Department, which prompted one official to resign, the report added: "Elsewhere in the administration, officials are quietly fuming as the civilian death toll mounts."

CNN also reported that the Biden administration has been receiving stern warnings from diplomats that its unwavering support for Israels military campaign in the Gaza Strip is sparking deep fury against America in Arab nations.

Meanwhile, hundreds of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) staffers have signed a letter criticizing the White House for failing to hold Israel accountable for its international law violations and the civilian casualties it is causing. They were also angry that the U.S. vetoed a recent resolution by the UN Security Council seeking a pause in the fighting so humanitarian aid can enter Gaza.

On Friday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued one of his harshest condemnations to date of Israels actions in Gaza. Speaking in India, he said that there is more that can and should be done to minimize harm to Palestinian civilians."

"Far too many Palestinians have been killed. Far too many have suffered these past weeks, he added. He said the U.S. is working toward helping more humanitarian aid flow into the besieged Gaza Strip while continuing to focus on securing the release of the 240-plus hostages Hamas is holding there.

He added that there has been some progress when it comes to setting basic principles for peace in Gaza after the war.

Unfortunately, as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens and the world grows increasingly angry over the horrific conditions people are experiencing there, dissent within the administration will only continue to grow if Biden remains steadfast in his unconditional support for Israel.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

Edition.CNN.com

CNN.com 1

CNN.com 2
How Americas bloodthirsty journalism cheers on Israels war on Gaza

In a recent segment on how Hamas frames the civilian casualties of Israels war on the Gaza Strip, CNNs Jake Tapper starts out by acknowledging that we do know that innocent civilians in Gaza continue to be killed by Israeli strikes. It is impossible to not be affected by these horrific images that were seeing, he states, as the humanitarian crisis in the enclave grows increasingly dire.

(Article republished from AlJazeera.com)

What is the solution, then? In Tappers view, apparently, it is for Israel to continue killing innocent civilians and presiding over a humanitarian catastrophe, because it is all Hamass fault anyway.

Near the beginning of the segment, we are shown a clip of Queen Rania of Jordan responding to those who argue that a ceasefire will help Hamas  an argument she says amounts to endorsing and justifying the death of thousands of civilians.

Then it is back to Tapper, who calls Queen Ranias remarks an interesting turn of phrase and goes on to wonder condescendingly whether it did not occur to Hamas, when the organisation undertook its operation on October 7, that Israel would retaliate in a way that would cause innocent Palestinians in Gaza to die.

To start with, the interesting turn of phrase is not so much interesting as a straightforward statement of fact. If you insist there should be no ceasefire in an Israeli onslaught that has now killed over 11,000 people in Gaza in just over a month  well, yeah, you are straight up endorsing and justifying civilian deaths.

And you are especially endorsing and justifying them if  instead of blaming Israel for slaughtering men, women and children in Gaza with abandon  you blame Hamas for failing to foresee the unprecedentedly psychotic nature of Israels retaliation. Were the American media and political establishment not so firmly committed to transmitting a thoroughly decontextualised version of this war  and of Israel/Palestine in general  perhaps a news anchor would ask whether it never occurred to Israel that the Palestinians would ever retaliate for 75 years of ethnic cleansing, suffocating blockades and massacres.

Tapper forges ahead with his assault on logic and humanity with the help of an arsenal of video clips, several of them courtesy of the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), itself an unofficial Zionist propaganda arm  although CNN and other US media outlets are doing a fine job in that respect, as well.

From these clips, featuring former Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal among others, Tapper draws three convenient conclusions, which he conveys with Orientalist smugness and disdain: that Hamas is totally content to have Palestinian civilians die; that Hamas does not care about protecting civilians and only cares about their own military tunnels; and that Hamas is determined to keep attacking Israel for eternity.

In case anyone remains unconvinced, he has also thrown in a clip of former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is evidently unsatisfied with the quantity of blood she already has on her hands and requires more: People who are calling for a ceasefire now do not understand Hamas. That is not possible. It would be such a gift to Hamas.

Near the end of the segment, we are presented with the point of view of Israel, as if that is not what we have been receiving this whole time: They [the Israelis] hear all the calls for a ceasefire. What they do not hear is anyone in the international community proposing any way for them to get back their 240 hostages that Hamas kidnapped.

This is funny, since, as NPR reported this month, a recent opinion poll in Israel found that almost two-thirds of the Israelis surveyed were in favour of a prisoner exchange  something Hamas has repeatedly offered  in which Israel would release its Palestinian detainees in exchange for the hostages held by Hamas. Why look to the international community when there is a solution right there?

It bears emphasising that prisoner exchanges are nothing new. In 2011, for example, Israel freed no fewer than 1,027 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for a single soldier held by Hamas since 2006  chalk the ratio up to the superior value placed on Israeli lives.

And, in 2008, Israel acquired the remains of two Israeli soldiers in exchange for five Lebanese nationals and the remains of 199 Lebanese and Palestinian captives.

As of the Hamas operation of October 7, there were over 5,000 Palestinians languishing in Israeli jails; two weeks later, the number had doubled, as Israel went about maniacally arresting people.

But, hey, we are only supposed to see the point of view of Israel.

Proceeding in his defence of that viewpoint, Tapper laments that the Israelis dont hear anyone proposing any way for Hamas to be removed from the leadership of Gaza. This is an interesting turn of phrase, to borrow Tappers own words, seeing as removing Hamas from leadership isnt really anyone elses business at all.

Recall that, after Hamas won democratic elections in 2006, the US decided it was indeed their business, and helpfully sparked a civil war in Gaza  to Hamass eventual advantage. Oops.

Anyway, who needs a Palestinian civil war when you can just annihilate Gaza altogether?

Tappers segment received praise from various US media figures, with Brit Hume of Fox News lauding his excellent analysis. It is an analysis, of course, that is shared by President Joe Biden and across the US politico-media spectrum: That a ceasefire is off the table and Palestinians must continue to die.

And as Tapper continues to audition for the role of Israeli military spokesperson, an immediate ceasefire needs to be called on bloodthirsty journalism.

Read more at: AlJazeera.com
Bombshell Congressional report uncovers well-funded network of election interference and censorship

Election interference is more intricately planned and well-funded than previously realized. The Committee on the Judiciary and the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government recently released an interim staff report titled : "Weaponization of Disinformation Pseudo-experts and Bureaucrats: How the Federal Government Partnered with Universities to Censor Americans Political Speech."

The report unravels the criminal conspiracy to deprive Americans of their Free Speech rights, originally protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The report also finds that actors within the federal government are collaborating with disinformation-fighting firms to control the information that is shared online and throughout the public square. This criminal conspiracy uses censorship to deceive the public. These censorship operations manipulate public discourse and threaten the very fabric of democracy, while establishing an elaborate system of election interference and engineering.

Multiple organizations working with federal operatives to silence Americans

The Congressional report exposes the Election Integrity Partnership (EIP), which is contracted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the sole purpose of censoring Americans and controlling their conversations. The EIP was developed by the Atlantic Council in 2020 and was immediately used by the U.S. government to target Americans free speech rights. This shadow group has done nothing but promote corporate propaganda and elevate false government narratives, all under the guise of combating disinformation.

The report finds that the federal government and public universities worked together to pressure social media companies to censure conservative political opinions, true information and even jokes. The censorship almost always benefited one side of the political spectrum. Information shared by Republicans and conservatives was targeted as misinformation and routinely removed from platforms, even when true, while false information shared by Democrats and liberals was allowed to flourish through algorithmic programs.

The EIP can be broken down into four other partners, including the following: the Stanford Internet Observatory (SIO), the University of Washington Center for an Informed Public (CIP) Graphika, and, of course, the Atlantic Council. Each organization has a specific role to play in their censorship gambit. One organization conspires to identify and isolate spreaders of misinformation. Another organization is tasked with building a psychological profile on its targets, while detailing the networks and social media sites that their targets interact on. Yet another organization is conscripted to communicate directly with the social media companies and suggest that their targets be censored and removed from their platforms. These companies routinely pressured social media companies to identify offending posts, and kept an open line of communication back to the EIP and the government official that originally demanded the censorship.

The organizations openly talk about their Platform Takedown operation, which was specifically developed to target undesirable information and have it removed from major social media platforms. Accordingly, social media companies may shadow ban a users posts and limit their discoverability. These organizations controlled the narrative on topics like election misinformation and vaccine misinformation  essentially deceiving the public on matters of historical importance.

Former intelligence officials conspire to control what people think and share online

Graphika is openly described as a company that specialized in cutting-edge technology that creates large-scale explorable maps of social media landscapes. Graphika provides so-called in-depth analysis that can help clients and partners understand complex online networks and take decisive action. Graphika works directly with Harvard, Oxford and DARPA to target Americans for wrong-think. These Americans are then slandered across the internet, their professional reputations challenged and their licenses suspended.

The University of Washingtons Center for an Informed Public is all about thought control. Their mission is to resist strategic misinformation, to promote an informed society, and to strengthen democratic discourse." To them, strengthening the democracy and public discourse must include a takedown of public knowledge and targeting Americans for wrong-think. As of November 2023, the CIP is focusing on the identification and takedown of information from X users (formerly Twitter) who they view as the new elites. The new elites that are targeted for censorship and defamation include influencers who have large followings on the X platform.

Likewise, the Atlantic Council employs former U.S. intelligence officers to takedown Americans who tell the truth online. The Council's newfound Digital Forensic Research Lab has operationalized the study of disinformation by exposing falsehoods and fake news, documenting human rights abuses and building digital resilience worldwide. This is fancy doublespeak for: "We are censoring the truth to make the world a safer place, a place where official lies must be honored to comfort our collective consciousness into a state of psychological submission."

According to the Council's website, they are open about their desire to target Americans and falsely label them as harmful, while removing them from the conversation. Further research and capability building are necessary to avoid the further proliferation of these threats, the website reads. "Within industry, decades of trust and safety (T&S) practice has developed into a field that can illuminate the complexities of building and operating online spaces. Outside industry, civil society groups, independent researchers and academics continue to lead the way in building collective understanding of how risks propagate via online platformsand how products could be constructed to better promote social well-being and to mitigate harms."

This is a sophisticated way of saying: We know whats best for everyone to see and hear. We will tell people what is appropriate to think. We, the all-knowing, will determine who is a threat, and we will censor them and eliminate them from the conversation to provide a more perfect 'democracy.'"

Sources include:

Judiciary.House.gov [PDF]

Web.Archive.org

Graphika.com

Web.Archive.org

RWMalone.substack.com

CIP.UW.edu
John Moore: Escalation of Gaza conflict could lead to the ELIMINATION OF ISRAEL

The continuation and possible escalation of the war between Israel and Hamas and other Palestinian militants in Gaza could lead to the eventual destruction of the State of Israel

This is according to United States Armed Forces veteran, former homicide detective and political commentator John Moore, who warned about the fate that could befall Israel during an interview with Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, on the latter's show the "Health Ranger Report." (Related: If its war on Hamas doesn't end, Israel will cease to exist by 2030, warns former U.N. consultant.)

"The Arab World is ready to sacrifice all the people in Gaza to achieve their goal of eliminating Israel. That's very clear," said Moore, who pointed out how, despite their open support for the Palestinian cause, none of the countries neighboring Israel are willing to take in refugees from Gaza.

On the other side of the issue is the fact that Israel does not want to stop fighting in Gaza, with Adams pointing out that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to Palestinians as "Amalek," a nation in the Hebrew Bible that ambushed the Ancient Israelites under Moses who were making their way to the Promised Land.

Following this initial attack, God instructed the Israelites to never forget this atrocity and ordered them to wage an eternal war against the Alamek until no trace of its existence remains. This is essentially Netanyahu calling for genocide against Palestinians in Gaza until, like the Amalek, no trace of them remains.

"Most of these Palestinians and other people in the Middle East  their hatreds go back centuries," warned Moore.

Turkey could use Palestinian genocide as justification for attacking Israel

Moore warned that one of the nations that could pose a significant threat to the future of Israel is Turkey which, under long-serving President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, wants "to reestablish the Ottoman Empire, with once again Constantinople [Istanbul] becoming the capital of the Ottoman Empire, as it was for many, many centuries up until 1917."

The ongoing conflict has already pushed relations between Turkey and Israel, which were previously very friendly, into a "deep freezer."

In one of his latest comments on the conflict amid the mounting death toll on Gaza, Erdogan announced that he had severed all ties with Netanyahu and his government over the onslaught, although he did not lower the level of communications between the two nations.

"Netanyahu is no longer someone we can talk to," said Erdogan, who is trying to position himself as a great humanitarian who cares about the lives of Palestinians. "We erased [Netanyahu] and threw him away."

According to Wolfango Piccoli, co-president of the political risk advisory arm of the public relations firm Teneo, Erdogan's comments suggest he has thrown friendly relations with Israel "into the deep freezer, if not ditched altogether," dashing hopes of a full rapprochement that Ankara and Tel Aviv had been pursuing for years before the conflict.

Before this, Erdogan was one of the first to refer to Israeli operations in Gaza as a "genocide," and also called Israel a "war criminal" state over its indiscriminate bombardment of Gazans.

Diplomats from both nations have already been recalled, and the volume of trade between the two nations has plummeted in just one month.

Watch this episode of the "Health Ranger Report" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, interviews John Moore, the Liberty Man, about the global consequences of the escalation of the war between Israel and Hamas.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Turkish leader pushes to end conflict in Gaza Strip, calls Israel a WAR CRIMINAL.

U.S. launches airstrike in Syria in response to attacks by Iranian-backed militants.

Iran's supreme leader calls for SANCTIONS against Israel, demands halt to Gaza bombing.

Yemen's Houthi rebels join war against Israel to protect Palestinians in Gaza.

Middle East scholar: Iran-backed Hezbollah joining Israel-Hamas war is a "game-changer.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

CommonDreams.org

AlJazeera.com
Europes defense industry unable to achieve Ukraine weapons supply goal: Unattainable, says German official

Despite promising to deliver one million new artillery rounds to Ukraine by next March, the European Union (EU) is now saying that this will no longer be possible because Europe's weapons industry is severely lacking.

According to German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba, the EU will simply not be able to make good on its pledge to further arm Ukraine in its fight against Russia as Brussels promised earlier this year.

The EU had hoped to fulfill its pledge within 12 months by dipping into its existing ammunition stockpiles, as well as by obtaining more shells from arms manufacturers. The reality is that the European bloc is way behind schedule, and the goal is now "unattainable."

"The one million won't be achieved," stated Pistorius ahead of a meeting this week among EU defense chiefs in Brussels. "One must proceed on this assumption."

According to Pistorius, European nations have inadequate production capabilities to achieve this lofty goal. Even if the entire European economy were to shift into wartime mode, it would still not be enough to produce that much ammo for when Ukraine says it needs it.

Pistorius was skeptical about the promise from the very start, fearing early on that it was unrealistically ambitious. It turns out he was spot-on, with Kuleba also echoing to the media that "unfortunately" Pistorius' concerns have come true.

"There are questions, and we are, so to speak, ringing the bells a lot and loudly," the minister stated, adding that the EU is willing to deliver the promised number of shells on principle, but cannot actually do so in reality because of the "pathetic state of the defense industry."

(Related: Back in early October, we reported on NATO's announcement that it is running out of weapons for Ukraine  the "bottom of the barrel" is no visible.)

Ukraine demanding "more and faster" munitions, but Europe and the West cannot deliver

If there is anything thus far that points to Ukraine's failure in the fight against Russia, it is the simple fact that Ukraine is running out of weapons, ammunition and bodies. And its Western welfare suppliers are lagging behind with no way to deliver on their promises.

Ukraine continues to demand that "more and faster is needed," but Brussels is unable to give Volodymyr Zelensky's regime what it is demanding, which points to a soon-realized Russian victory.

According to media reports, the European External Action Service, which functions as the EU's foreign policy division, recently announced that member states are severely lagging with respect to the ammunition pledge.

With less than three months to go before the deadline arrives, the EU has provided just 30 percent of the one million shells, which is hardly enough for Ukraine to continue the fight against Russia.

Russia has clearly indicated that Western nations like those in Europe as well as the United States have already become de facto parties to the conflict simply by their providing of arms, intelligence and training to Kiev's military.

Moscow's view is that no amount of Western defense aid, including the one million rounds that will simply not arrive before the deadline, are enough to change the course of its military campaign. In other words, Russia is already basically declaring victory over Ukraine.

Meanwhile, there are growing fears that there will very soon be a direct conflict between Russia and NATO, the latter of which is clearly siding with Ukraine no matter what.

"By supplying the weapons that are being dropped on hospitals in Gaza, the U.S. is also guilty of genocide and Israel a party to the Gaza war," one commenter also pointed out.

"The same is true here. By supplying weapons to Ukraine that are killing Ukrainians on Ukrainian soil, the EU is a major participant to this war."

The latest news about the war in Ukraine can be found at Chaos.news.

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

NaturalNews.com
NO MORE AMERICAN DREAM: Illegals are leaving sanctuary city Chicago due to harsh living conditions

Illegals who crossed the border and were bused to Chicago are instead turning back and regretting their decision , as the situation in the Windy City is no longer conducive for them.

"Since August last year, 20,700 migrants have arrived in Chicago from Texas," the Daily Mail stated. "[Texas] Gov. Greg Abbott sent migrants to Chicago and other Democrat-run cities because of their proud status as 'sanctuary cities.'" Such cities, the tabloid added, "offer enhanced protection against detention or deportation for undocumented migrants."

But the Mail pointed out that Illinois' harsh winters, lack of infrastructure and ambivalent support from locals have convinced migrants who unlawfully entered the U.S. to return to their countries of origin. The tabloid recounted the story of 39-year-old Venezuelan Michael Castejon, one such migrant forced to return home.

The Castejons arrived in Chicago in June and managed to rent an apartment through a city voucher program that gives up to $15,000 in assistance for up to six months. But when the money ran out, the family gave up their living space. Since then, the family has been sleeping on the floors of police stations and shelters.

Castejon found a job in construction and was getting paid in cash, but realized that this wasn't enough to pay rent and sustain his family. Worse, his work permit had been taking too long to arrive. After five months of rough living, the Castejons packed up their belongings and returned to their home country.

"The American Dream doesn't exist anymore; there's nothing here for us," he told the Chicago Tribune. "How many more months of living in the streets will it take? No, no more. It's better that I leave; at least I have my mother back home. We just want to be home. If we're going to be sleeping in the streets here, we'd rather be sleeping in the streets over there."

Migrants forced to endure more brutal conditions in Chicago

Other migrants have also realized that the reality of asylum-seeking isn't what they had imagined. Twenty-two-year-old Jose Nauh was forced to sleep in a police station in Chicago for two weeks before deciding to return to Texas. He moved to the Windy City to start a new life, but it soon dawned on him that life there wasn't any better.

Diana Vera, another migrant, moved to Chicago with her three children and daughter-in-law and had been sleeping on the floor of a police station for a month. But the family of five decided to board a bus to Detroit to try their luck. "We heard that there are a lot of jobs over there, even if you don't have a permit."

As the winter weather nears, many migrants in Chicago who sleep on the streets are forced to lie on wet, cold mattresses. They eat standing and have to rub their hands together to keep warm due to the lack of facilities. Violent crime is also a serious concern in the Windy City, with migrants sleeping on the streets more vulnerable than most.

Moreover, Chicagoans have been pushing back against the continued influx of migrants in the self-proclaimed sanctuary city. In one instance, protesters stormed a meeting of the Chicago City Council during a debate that tackled the issue of the city being a sanctuary for migrants. The meeting was called after Alderman Anthony Beale proposed asking voters if Chicago should keep its sanctuary city status.

The city's progressives were outraged at the idea, but many of the city's residents  a significant percentage of them being ethnic minorities themselves  are keen to end Chicago's sanctuary cities status. Residents expressed frustration about the millions of dollars the Windy City is spending on migrant shelters. This money, they argued, should have been spent on the city's most impoverished communities. (Related: Chicago's Black community slams city officials over $51 million fund for migrants.)

Visit Migrants.news for more stories about the migrant influx in Chicago and other sanctuary cities.

Watch this segment from "The Five" on Fox News about migrants rejecting sanctuary cities.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Chicago mayor mulls sending ILLEGALS to suburbs in other counties.

GOVERNMENT WASTE: Workers at illegal migrant shelters in Chicago are earning up to $200 AN HOUR.

Chicago officials refuse to disclose how they spent $120M in taxpayer money on ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson plans to relocate 1,600 illegal immigrants into special tent communities.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

Brighteon.com
Pro-life activist sues Justice Department for FBIs September 2022 early morning home raid

A pro-life activist whose home was raided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) early in the morning in the course of his arrest has sued the bureau's parent agency , the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The Epoch Times reported on Nov. 9 that Mark Houck and his wife Ryan-Marie filed lawsuits against the DOJ on Nov. 6. The couple is seeking damages for assault, false arrest, abuse of process, malicious and retaliatory prosecution and "intentional infliction of emotional distress." The Houcks, parents to seven children, are seeking $4.35 million in collective damages.

In October 2021, Mark was involved in an altercation with an elderly Planned Parenthood clinic escort after the latter hassled the pro-life activist's son. Local authorities chose not to press charges, but the DOJ charged him with two counts of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. The FACE Act prohibits violent and threatening conduct intended to interfere with an individuals right to "seek, obtain or provide reproductive health services."

On Sept. 23, 2022, a group of heavily armed FBI agents raided the Houcks' home in East Greenville, Pennsylvania to arrest Mark. The agents reportedly pointed their weapons at Ryan-Marie and some of the Houck children, an act the lawsuit describes as meant to inflict emotional distress. In January of the following year, a jury acquitted Mark of the charges  but the incident left lasting marks on him and his family.

The complaints stated that the Houcks continue to suffer "severe emotional distress" over the ordeal.

Mark lost income and business opportunities following the arrest, and his family has suffered lasting wounds. Ryan-Marie suffered three miscarriages because of the ordeal  and both husband and wife "are now infertile as a result." Their children now suffer from anxiety and sleep problems and have developed deep-seated fears of police, unannounced visitors and losing their parents.

Houck's lawsuit signals that unfair targeting of pro-lifers is now over

"These government agents intentionally sought to assault [Mark] and deprive him of his Fourth Amendment rights by using excessive force to arrest him on non-violent charges  when he had not threatened law enforcement; did not own a gun; and had offered to turn himself in to authorities if indicted," one of the complaints stated.

"[Mark] finds it important to be strong for [his] family," stated another complaint. "But carrying his own emotional burden, alongside the grief and fear of his wife and seven children, has taken an enormous toll on [him]."

Moreover, Mark also pointed out that the indictment against him was riddled with factual errors and false statements. This could only have been adopted by a grand jury, he added, if the DOJ had maliciously presented the facts or concealed critical and material information.

"This is more than just a lawsuit," said 40 Days for Life President and CEO Shawn Carney. "It's a resounding declaration that the era of targeting individuals for their pro-life stance is over."

Carney added that his group, for which Mark has volunteered, also represents the Houcks in this complaint. 40 Days for Life has always cooperated with federal law enforcement, but that dynamic "shifted dramatically" in the wake of the Supreme Court's reversal of the Roe v. Wade ruling.

"Mark's home was besieged at gunpoint  an appalling show of force that was completely unwarranted," Carney commented. "The local authorities saw no crime, yet the DOJ sought to make an example of him." (Related: Pete Santili: Mark Houck case a clear example of government overreach against Christian conservatives.)

"We stand up now to safeguard the rights of all Americans who advocate for life. This is a fight for our most essential freedoms, and we are fully equipped and ready to see it through to victory."

Visit Revolt.news for more stories about pro-life activists like the Houck family pushing back against government tyranny.

Watch this clip from "The Pete Santilli Show" with Mark Houck discussing his January 2023 acquittal.

This video is from The Resistance 1776 channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Corrupt Biden Justice Department, FBI raid homes of Project Veritas journalists for the "crime" of doing their jobs and exposing malfeasance.

Journalist calls FBI raid on pro-life activist 'act of terrorism' as politicized Justice Dept. unleashed to target conservatives.

FBI whistleblower reveals bureau has stepped up spying on pro-Trump conservatives as politicization worsens.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

Brighteon.com
Shipping containers piling up in Australia as ports hit by nationally significant cyber incident

Australia's second-largest port operator has been hit by a cyberattack that paralyzed maritime freight movement Down Under.

Australian Federal Police are said to be investigating the cybersecurity incident, which took down container terminals in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Fremantle.

DP World Australia, which controls about 40 percent of Australia's maritime freight industry, was forced to shutter operations amid the cyberattack, which left the operator's main system down and prevented trucks from picking up or dropping off containers.

"The company, in collaboration with cybersecurity experts, has worked tirelessly, making significant progress in re-establishing landside freight operations at its ports," DP World Australia said in a statement.

The latest updates suggest that DP World Australia has already made "significant progress" in bringing things back online. However, the port operator's main systems were still down as of this writing, though vessels can now load and unload containers at the terminal without issue.

"The cyber incident at DP World is serious and ongoing," tweeted Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil on X.

"DP World manages almost 40% of the goods flowing in and out of our country, and this incident is affecting the ports of Melbourne, Fremantle, Botany and Brisbane."

Australia's National Cyber Security Coordinator, Air Marshal Darren Goldie, also tweeted about the incident, stating that the Australian government is continuing to work with DP World Australia "to resolve a nationally significant cyber incident that has affected operations at a number of ports around the country."

"DP World today advised the Australian government that the timeframe for interruptions to continue is likely to be a number of days rather than weeks," Goldie added.

(Related: Back in August, there was a "big mess" at the Panama Canal as hundreds of ships got stuck in a drought-induced bottleneck, negatively impacting the supply chain.)

Australian officials confirm that cyberattack left DP World's IT systems "disconnected from the internet"

It was confirmed that the cyberattack left DP World's information technology (IT) systems completely offline, which significantly impacted the company's operations at ports in Australia's largest cities.

The only way to fully resume cargo operations as intended is to fix the issue, which the Australian government says it is working on with haste.

"We are continuing to develop our understanding of the flow on impacts to Australia's logistics system," Goldie further said.

"The National Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts and the Office of Supply Chain Resilience in the Department of Industry, Science and Resources will work with DP World to ensure that government and industry stakeholders have appropriate situational awareness necessary to support the management of any disruption to Australia's supply chains."

Ports Australia also issued a statement indicating that the cyberattack only disrupted DP World's terminals, and no others:

"Australia's ports and other terminals remain operational. We understand the importance of accurate reporting in maintaining public confidence and preventing unnecessary concern."

The cyberattack occurred just days after another that struck Chinese bank ICBC, which reportedly affected U.S. Treasury liquidity during a 30-year auction. There have also been other similar cyber breaches at other major world ports in recent years.

"Remember: This is the same Australian government that hunted down people walking alone on a beach with armed police for covid violations," one commenter wrote in response to the news.

"This will be but one more incident that's used to justify the growth of government," said another. "And the populace will nod in approval, not ever seeing the larger picture."

"I'm not sure where the next wave of pro-liberty peoples and ideas will emerge from but it ain't the Republican Party. Of that, I'm sure. Maybe from the rubble of failure? It's certainly happened in the past."

More related news can be found at Chaos.news.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

NaturalNews.com
U.S. official says the actual number of Palestinians killed in Gaza could be A LOT HIGHER than 10,000

In a Congressional hearing on Nov. 8, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf said the actual number of civilian Palestinians killed in Gaza could be higher than the 10,000 reported casualties

During the hearing with the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Leaf said the Gaza Health Ministry does not differentiate between civilians and Hamas combatants in its reported death toll. Instead, "they mingle them." Even President Joe Biden and Israel's supporters in the hearing have cast doubt on whether the ministry could provide an accurate death toll from Gaza while under the control and coercion of Hamas.

As of Nov. 8, the Health Ministry in Gaza reported a death toll of 10,569, including 4,324 children, with 26,475 people wounded and at least 2,550 missing due to Israeli attacks. (Related: World War 3 could be imminent as Israel-Hamas war escalates, experts warn.)

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby has called into question the accuracy of these figures, going so far as to accuse the Gaza Health Ministry of being "just a front for Hamas."

"In this period of conflict and conditions of war, it is very difficult for any of us to assess what the rate of casualties is. We think they're very high, frankly, and it could be that they're even higher than are being cited," Leaf said.

U.S. officials condemn actions of Hamas but support Israel

Leaf also defended the decision of the Biden Administration to refrain from pressuring Israel to agree to an immediate ceasefire. Instead, the administration advocates for humanitarian pauses to facilitate the recovery of hostages, the exit of foreign nationals and the entry of humanitarian aid for civilians.

To call a ceasefire right now that might or might not be honored by Hamas would be to leave Hamas in control of some 240 hostages, including babies and children, and would also leave fairly well intact much of the military infrastructure and warfighting capacity and terrorism capacity of Hamas intact, Leaf said.

Dana Stroul, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East, testified alongside Leaf, highlighting the boundaries of international humanitarian law.

One can not deliberately target civilians or civilian objects, one cannot use civilians as human shields, attacks cannot be indiscriminate, one cannot rape, torture or mutilate, one cannot take hostages and attacks cannot cause excessive loss of civilian life or damage to civilian objects in relation to their military advantage are prohibited, Stroul said.

Moreover, both officials accused Hamas of violating international humanitarian law and committing war crimes and genocide.

Hamas  there is documented evidence, there are plenty of images out there, some of it Hamas has put out itself to praise its use of terror tunnels, its obfuscation of weapons and rockets inside civilian structures including hospitals, mosques and schools, she added.

The Biden Administration severely condemned Hamas and its actions in the hearing and even asked Israel to avoid killing civilians. Leaf also reveals that Israel seeks to eliminate Hamas after causing a brutal massacre, killing around 1,400 people in a few days, and taking 240 hostages.

However, the New York Times reported earlier this month that Israeli officials "believed mass civilian casualties were an acceptable price in the military campaign."

Follow WWIII.news for more news about the Israel-Hamas war.

Watch this clip that talks about the warning signs of World War III.

This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Reuters journalist killed by Israeli missile fire in Lebanon while covering Israel-Hamas war.

MORE WAR: US Diplomats warned by State Dept. to avoid calling for ceasefire in Israel-Hamas conflict.

Middle East scholar: Iran-backed Hezbollah joining Israel-Hamas war is a game-changer.

Iranian Foreign Minister warns U.S. will not be spared if the Israel-Hamas war escalates.

Matrixxx Groove: Jeff and Shady talk about the STAGED WAR between Israel and Hamas  Brighteon.TV.

Sources include:

RT.com

MSN.com

Brighteon.com
No surprise here: Voting machines in several Pennsylvania districts experience technical GLITCH during election for Superior Court judges

Several electoral districts in Pennsylvania were forced to utilize paper ballots during the Nov. 7 election for the state's Superior Court judges following a "technical glitch" that impacted voting machines

According to several reports, the ES&S ExpressVote XL machines mistakenly swapped the votes for Democrat Judge Jack Panella and Republican Judge Victor Stabile. A press release by the Northampton County Elections Office (NCEO) said whenever a voter selected a "Yes" or a "No" for one of the two candidates to be retained on the Superior Court, the selection would record a vote for the opposing candidate on both the paper ballot and the voting machine.

This essentially meant that voters who chose Panella actually picked Stabile, and those who opted for the GOP candidate actually picked his Democratic rival. The NCEO clarified in its press release that "the issue is limited to the retention of Superior Court judges and is only an issue when recording the votes for when a voter selected a 'yes' for one candidate and a 'no' for another candidate."

To make things worse, a programming error with the vote machines caused the names of the two judges to switch places on the verification slip. An ES&S spokesperson also noted that an employee mistakenly mislabeled Superior Court races when determining how they would print out on paper backups.

Northampton County Director of Administration Charles Dertinger said in a news conference on the same day that around 7 a.m., voters first noticed the problem. This led to multiple polling places resorting to emergency paper ballots, and poll workers taking the voting machines offline.

Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure was "livid at the election folks and ES&S," but pointed out that County Judge Abe Kassis ordered that the machines be still used  provided that polling staff would inform voters about the problem before they voted. Voters were instructed to trust the screen rather than the printed slip. (Related: Arizona AGs office demands answers from Maricopa County election officials after widespread voting problems on Election Day.)

Furthermore, Dertinger ensured the public that the machine-readable barcodes on the paper backups were intact, confirming that all votes could be properly counted if needed. McClure, though frustrated at the error, echoed the statement, describing it as relatively minor.

Voters question reliability of voting machines after glitches in separate elections

The glitch on the recent election day echoed a similar problem in 2019, when an incorrectly formatted ballot in a judicial race led election workers to revert to paper ballots. That same year, election security advocates filed a lawsuit challenging the Keystone States's certification of the system in court.

Rich Garella of Protect Our Vote Philly, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, voiced skepticism about the trustworthiness of the ExpressVoteXL machines after the glitch. "Every malfunctioning machine should be immediately pulled from service, and every voter should receive an emergency paper ballot," he said.

The lawsuit was settled in August with an agreement that mandated election officials to document and publicly report any issues with the voting machines.

However, several years after the first incident, another one occurred. Voters in Pennsylvania were frustrated even though the impact of the glitch on the election was minimal, considering the near-automatic retention of statewide judicial incumbents in Pennsylvania.

"It's a joke," said voter Sherri Hahn after casting her vote using a provisional ballot. "We don't even have faith in the electoral system, then this happens?"

Follow VoteFraud.news for more news and information related to election fraud.

Watch this video discussing and analyzing several reports about how voting machines were compromised on election day in Pennsylvania.

This video is from the Red Voice Media channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Kari Lake bombshell: Freedom of information request reveals some 200k FAILED votes occurred on election day in AZ.

Calls grow in Arizona for new election after Kari Lake loses in extended recount following widespread polling station problems on Election Day.

Everything Home: Michele Swinick renews call for probe on AZ corruption, election fraud  Brighteon.TV.

Notes from Georgia election official reveal massive number of election integrity issues despite claims of safe and security balloting.

Cybersecurity expert Phil Waldron says counterfeit ballots found in Arizona audit are illegitimate and dont count  Brighteon.TV.

Sources include:

Infowars.com

LehighValleyNews.com

APNews.com

Brighteon.com
Researchers discovered that regrowing forests in the Amazon are crucial for wildlife and biodiversity conservation amidst the problems of climate change.

Forests are home to many species, from land, and water to air. It provides a crucial habitat, protection and food sources. According to reports, about 1.6 billion people are dependent on forests for shelter, job security, water, fuel and oxygen.

In addition, forests also mitigate the effects of climate change and improve the air from harmful pollution. In coastal areas, forests protect communities and cities from extreme weather events.

However, climate change threatens world forests. The increasing temperatures have been the main concern, which affects wildlife. Forests have suffered from widespread threats, including the following:

Arrival of invasive species and insects

Wildfires

Tree disease

Illegal logging and land use conservation.

Amazon's Regrowing Forests: Why Does It Matter?

In the Amazon, forests have experienced widespread deforestation, causing habitat loss for many species. As a result, the recovery and regrowing of forests in the region is important.

In the new report, researchers found that secondary forests and regrowing can become helpful for the environment and human population. Researchers, from the University of British Columbia, Bangor University and Lancaster University, explained that secondary forests are crucial for biodiversity conservation and habitats.

Environmental Research Letters published the study. Researchers noted that secondary forests help the old-growth forest, serving as a buffer for 41.1% of old-growth edge forests.

Secondary forests can be helpful for forest vegetation and local communities. It is beneficial for the environment and provides essential livelihood for people.

Furthermore, forest restoration can mitigate the effects of global climate change. In the Amazon, effective forest rehabilitation will improve tree quality and resilience to the effects of rising temperatures and extreme weather events.

Also Read: Climate Change-Induced Drought Impacts Global Water Security, New Report Shows

Amazon Forest Threats: How Does It Affect Trees And Plants

Amazon forests have experienced prolonged drought conditions and deforestation. The recent report highlighted that the lack of frameworks worsens the problem. Other threats are habitat degradation, wildfires and drought. Without urgent efforts, it can lead to biodiversity loss.

The forest in the Amazon is crucial for carbon storage. The devastating tree loss will significantly affect known and unknown species in the Amazon.

Furthermore, the Amazon forest has ecological importance. It is an important source of water and food for humans and wildlife. The beneficial carbon storage of the Amazon rainforest mitigates the effects of climate change.z

Recently, wildfires have been a pressing concern in the Amazon forest. Without urgent efforts, it could have a massive impact on animals and other species.

Related Article: Amazon Extreme Drought Exposes Ancient Dozens of Rock Formations, Carvings

For more similar, don't forget to follow Nature World News
A bubble curtain was put in place since the largest green energy power plant's construction is producing noise pollution that may have an impact on marine life.

Bubble Curtains for the Largest Green Energy Power Plant

European countries are transforming the North Sea into the largest green energy hub with numerous offshore wind farms sprouting up. However, the deafening noise from construction harms marine wildlife, prompting the use of bubble curtains to protect creatures like porpoises and seals. These curtains, pioneered by Hydrotechnik Lubeck, shield animals from the clamor of pile-driving that secures turbine foundations into the seabed.

Jorn-Philip Pfeiffer from Hydrotechnik Lubeck highlighted the technology's adoption in Europe and globally, funded by Germany's environment ministry. Originally employed for containing oil spills, bubble curtains now aid in green energy endeavors, reducing CO2 emissions in Europe and emerging offshore markets like the USA and Taiwan.

The curtain operates like a bubbling jacuzzi around turbines, created by air pumped through a perforated hose on the seabed. This innovative solution minimizes noise pollution, showcasing a technological shift from compressed air barriers used in oil spill containment to safeguarding marine life during offshore wind farm construction.

Sound and The Bubble Curtain

The bubble curtain slows underwater sound waves by breaking them up, lessening their energy as they bounce against bubbles, safeguarding endangered harbor porpoises in the North and Baltic Seas. Researchers ensure noise stays at safe levels for these aquatic mammals.

North Sea countries aim to reach 300GW offshore wind capacity by 2050, but WWII munitions, roughly 1.6 million metric tonnes in German waters, pose a clearance challenge before construction. Controlled explosions precede pile driving, involving thousands of hydraulic hammer blows.

Quietening tech like bubble curtains effectively reduces noise, benefiting marine life. Monitoring measures like protected species observers and acoustic monitoring prevent construction when sensitive species are nearby, pausing pile-driving activities to avoid disruption.

The Rise of Wind Farms and Noise Pollution

Wind farms in the North Sea have soared to 4,000 from 80 in 2002, aiming for further expansion to meet global renewable energy goals. For the world to stay below the critical 1.5C warming limit, wind and solar energy must comprise 40% of global electricity by 2030, having reached 12% in 2022, notes Ember, a clean energy think tank.

Turbines, now exceeding 270 meters in height with blades spanning over 100 meters, are becoming larger amidst increasing production. The UK's Dogger Bank, set to be the world's largest wind farm, required a vessel taller than the Eiffel Tower for installation, contributing to substantial noise during transportation.

Pile-driving noise harms harbor porpoises, causing temporary or permanent deafness, disrupting their echolocation crucial for survival, and leading to disorientation and dangerous displacement up to 20km away from food sources.

Also Read: Artificial Photosynthesis Scaled Up Can Replace Solar Panels in Producing Limitless Clean Energy

Germany's wind turbine construction manages environmental impact well, staying below noise thresholds since 2014. Carina Juretzek of Germany's Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency credits a 99% noise reduction due to bubble curtains and steel sleeves around piles. Denmark and the Netherlands also implement porpoise-protecting regulations for wind farm developers.

Studies suggest offshore wind turbine noise is 10-20 dB lower than ship noise at sea frequencies. These turbines, typically distant from land, likely don't disturb shore communities. Underwater sound varies from biological, physical, and human-made sources, with offshore development labeled as "noise."

Impact on Wildlife

Underwater, hearing is vital for marine life communication. Noise causes diverse effects, from injury to hearing loss, masking crucial sounds, and unpredictable behavioral changes. Marine creatures vary in hearing abilities across frequencies, reacting differently to offshore wind farm noises.

Baleen whales excel at low frequencies, while dolphins at higher ones. Fish utilize sound for mating and safety, while invertebrates rely on it for mating and protection. Sea turtles detect mid-frequency sounds, although less is known about their hearing capabilities.

Related Article: Artificial Photosynthesis Scaled Up Can Replace Solar Panels in Producing Limitless Clean Energy
The recent UN report raised concerns about the rising water scarcity in South Asia. About 347 million children are reportedly exposed to worsening problems.

Poor water management and climate change effects have worsened the problem of water scarcity. It can become challenging for poorer communities.

As a result, improving the water supplies is crucial for human health and the environment, especially for children. The intensifying drought can significantly affect the water supplies, making recovery more challenging.

347 Million Children Exposed to Water Scarcity

A recent report found that children in South Asia suffered from water scarcity. Understanding the problem can help communities and policymakers to develop plans to address the water problem in the region.

UNICEF explained that the drying up of water can impact healthcare facilities, schools and communities. The poor water management, planning and mitigation have contributed to the water issues.

In addition, the report emphasized that climate change and unpredictable weather. Poorer communities have also experienced severe weather events, including heavy rains and flooding.

When there are dwindling supplies of water, it can pose widespread damage to crops and wildlife. Farms need sufficient water to grow their crops, and the low water level can affect food security, including transportation.

Meanwhile, water scarcity also threatens wildlife. Animals need water to drink and survive. The increasing water problems can make it challenging to thrive.

Furthermore, water problems can bring harmful diarrhea, cholera and other water-borne illnesses. Researchers warned that it could affect human health, especially people's reproductive and gastrointestinal.

As a result, water-borne diseases are considered public health issues. Children are the most vulnerable to adverse health effects or water contamination.

Also Read: Amazon Extreme Drought Exposes Ancient Dozens of Rock Formations, Carvings

Water Pollution and Plastic Problems

Water and plastic pollution are also pressing environmental and health concerns. The increased production of plastic can enter the world's oceans, which can become deadly for humans and animals. The plastic shards can damage animal's organs or intestines.

Recently, researchers also added that microplastics can also affect people's health. Humans can consume microplastics from animals they eat. It can contaminate the tap water.

Meanwhile, the water contamination is from harmful pollutants, including trash, chemicals and parasites. The toxic chemicals, from pesticides or herbicides, can enter the water that can cause neurological health concerns.

Did you know? According to Harvard Health, water pollution can significantly impact plants and animals. Animals can likely suffer from low chance of reproduction.

Related Article: Climate Change-Induced Drought Impacts Global Water Security, New Report Shows

For more similar, don't forget to follow Nature World News
With fissures extending up to 15 kilometers through the streets of Grindavik, the likelihood of an Icelandic volcano erupting is much higher.

Fissures Open Up the Streets of Iceland

The Icelandic Meteorological Office issued a grave warning on Monday, indicating a substantial probability of an imminent volcanic eruption in Iceland's southern peninsula, despite a recent decline in seismic activity. Once reliant on fishing, Grindavik, now grapples with road fissures and structural cracks, transforming its landscape. The seismic unrest in this town of approximately 4,000 inhabitants, nestled within the Reykjanes Peninsula, resulted in numerous minor earthquakes causing damage to infrastructure.

Iceland  declares emergency in anticipation of a large volcanic eruption, as over 3,000 earthquakes are reported.



Massive fissure splits a road apart in Grindavik...pic.twitter.com/LN9lpOkZUS   Yubbie Umoh  (@Yubbie007) November 14, 2023

Matthew James Roberts, overseeing the meteorological office's service and research division, emphasized the precarious situation, describing the intrusive force as precariously poised, just beneath the Earth's surface. Uncertainty looms large as Roberts raises critical questions: Will an eruption occur, and what magnitude of destruction might ensue?

Evacuation orders were issued for the town's residents over the weekend, anticipating the imminent eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano. On Monday, a brief window allowed inhabitants a mere five minutes to retrieve their most cherished possessions, including livestock.

With Iceland harboring 33 active volcanic systems, a state of emergency was declared, prompting the establishment of shelters and aid centers in nearby towns. Vidir Reynisson, head of Iceland's Civil Protection and Emergency Management Agency, highlighted a 15-kilometer-long fissure as a potential eruption site, underscoring the omnipresent threat.

Evacuating Seismic Activity Prone

Residents of Grindavik, compelled to evacuate on an early Saturday morning, were granted a brief opportunity to revisit their homes and retrieve belongings come Monday. Car queues snaked for hours outside the evacuation perimeter, given mere minutes for entry. Urged by Iceland's emergency response unit, residents hurried to expedite the process.

Observing this scene, one could witness locals cramming their vehicles with prized possessions, ranging from furniture to artwork, and in a peculiar instance, even livestock.

Situated southwest of Iceland's capital, the Reykjanes Peninsula seismic hotspot stands as a prominent geological feature. Vidir Reynisson, heading Iceland's Civil Protection and Emergency Management Agency, noted a fissure stretching approximately 15 kilometers (around 9 miles) long. Experts believe an eruption could potentially transpire anywhere along this geological rift.

Also Read: State of Emergency: Evacuation Ordered in Iceland Town Near Blue Lagoon as Experts Warn Impending Explosive Eruption of Nearby Volcano

In March 2021, a fissure within the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system spewed lava fountains, extending 500-750 meters in length. This event persisted until mid-September 2021, characterized by multiple vents, gas emissions, and lava flows filling Geldingadalur and eventually reaching Meradalir valley.

Notably, three eruptions near Fagradalsfjall occurred in March 2021, August 2022, and July 2023, all distanced from infrastructure and populated regions, sparing direct impact on communities.

Sulfur Dioxide Detected

This week, two DOAS (Differential Optical Absorption Spectrometer) instruments were installed by IMO experts at Husafell to detect sulfue dioxide levels. One instrument detected SO2 near the new graben between Sundhnukagigar and Grindavik. Due to limited daylight, data analysis took time. Recent seismic activity might've triggered SO2 release from beneath Fagardalsfjall, influenced by magma pressure within the upper crust. DOAS placement near Grindavik aids in monitoring.

Related Article: 1000 Earthquakes Shut Iceland Geothermal Spa Blue Lagoon, Rockslide Blocks Road
Climate change is not only the native species of plants and animals but also the ones that humans have introduced to new regions.

A recent study has revealed that the number of non-native species is increasing at an unprecedented rate, especially in North America, Europe, and Australia, where they pose serious threats to biodiversity and ecosystems.

Non-native species come from within and outside the continents

Non-native species are those that have been moved by humans, intentionally or unintentionally, beyond their natural range.

Some of them are beneficial for agriculture, forestry, or horticulture, while others are harmful and invasive, meaning that they can outcompete, displace, or hybridize with native species, alter ecosystem functions, or transmit diseases.

According to the study published in the journal Science Advances, more than half (57%) of the non-native plant species that have established themselves in new areas on the continents of Europe, Australia, and North and South America originally came from their continent.

The researchers analyzed data from the Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species (GRIIS), which contains verified information on the presence and impact of non-native species in 20 countries

The study found that the intracontinental spread of non-native plants was mostly from regions near the equator toward the poles, reflecting the climatic preferences of the species.

For example, in Europe and North America, many of the non-native plants came from the Mediterranean and subtropical regions, while in South America, they came from the tropical and subtropical regions.

However, the study also showed that intercontinental introductions of non-native plants were still common, especially in Australia, where only 15% of the non-native plants came from within the continent.

The researchers attributed this to the high degree of isolation and endemism of the Australian flora, which makes it more vulnerable to invasions by exotic species.

Also Read: Invasive Species: Extreme Weather May Support Non-Native Animals to Dominate Native Animals [Study]

Climate change will accelerate the intracontinental spread of non-native species

The researchers also examined the role of human, climatic, and geographic factors in influencing the intracontinental spread of non-native plants.

They found that long distances and strong climatic differences hindered the spread, while high human population density, trade volume, and land use facilitated it.

The study predicted that climate change will increase the chance of non-native species spreading to new regions within the same continent, as the climatic conditions will become more suitable for them.

The estimated number of established non-native species in Australia will increase by 36% between 2005 and 2050, while in Europe and North America, it will increase by 28% and 25%, respectively.

The study warned that the intracontinental spread of non-native species will have significant ecological and economic impacts, as they can disrupt native biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human well-being.

According to the researchers, effective prevention, early detection, and rapid response measures are needed to reduce the risks and costs of biological invasions.

The study also highlighted the importance of international cooperation and information sharing to monitor and manage non-native species across continents.

Related article: Non-Native Plants Are Expanding Their Range To Higher Latitudes Due to Climate Change
A day after hundreds of thousands of people celebrated Diwali, the annual Hindu festival of light, India's capital was named the world's most polluted city once again.

The deadly cloud that blanketed New Delhi has intensified due to unfavorable weather conditions.

Delhi's Worsening Air Quality

According to Swiss organization IQAir, the air quality index (AQI) for New Delhi was 400+, placing India's national capital in the "hazardous" category for filthy air once again.

This occurred after unseasonably heavy rain in the city reduced the AQI from 400 to 160 on Friday. Fireworks were set off early Sunday morning to kick off Diwali celebrations. A dense layer of smog then engulfed New Delhi, sending the AQI beyond 680 and even over 1,000 in certain locations shortly after midnight.

Delhi was joined by two other Indian cities-Kolkata and Mumbai-in the top ten polluting cities in the world as of Monday.

Delhi had an AQI of 407, Mumbai came in sixth with an AQI of 157, and Kolkata in the east came in seventh with an AQI of 154.

Read Also: India Air Quality Shortens Residents' Lives by 11.9 Years Due To Particulate Pollution Exceeding WHO Standards

Firecracker Ban

Every year, authorities in the capital prohibit the use of fireworks, although these prohibitions do not appear to be enforced.

People disobeyed India's Supreme Court's ban on firecrackers, which was imposed across the country, ahead of the Hindu festival of light on Sunday night.

However, in a clash between religious convictions and civil order, citizens of Delhi have consistently disregarded such laws on the sale, purchase, and usage of chemical firecrackers.

"It is obvious that the ban [on firecrackers] has been flouted with impunity because if you look at the AQI levels across various cities in India, they ranged from very poor to hazardous," said Manish Tewari, an Indian parliament lawmaker representing the Congress party.

However, lawmakers from Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have stated that legislative directives prohibiting the use of polluting firecrackers in order to manage air quality are an attack on their Hindu faith.

"The people in Delhi are already very distressed. They were not allowed the joy of firecrackers. Kids and youth like celebrating a certain way. Very few firecrackers and green crackers were burst but Congress and other parties have a problem with people celebrating Diwali," said Manoj Tiwari, a prominent BJP lawmaker in New Delhi.

Doctors warned that breathing in Delhi's filthy air is similar to the damaging effects of smoking 10 cigarettes every day.

Prolonged exposure to high levels of pollution can induce or exacerbate respiratory disorders like asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to the researchers.

During the winter, unfavorable weather conditions, combined with automobile emissions, paddy-straw burning, firecrackers, and other local pollution sources, lead to dangerous air quality levels in Delhi-NCR.

According to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), the city sees peak pollution from November 1 to 15, when the number of stubble-burning occurrences in Punjab and Haryana rises.

Related Article: Air Quality in India Continues to Worsen as Toxic Pollution Spreads in 132 Cities
Mount Etna erupted recently and prompted Italy's seismic authorities to issue volcano alerts, including an orange level warning and a red code alert, after the stratovolcano spewed dangerous lava and volcanic ash clouds. No evacuations or casualties have been reported as of Wednesday, November 15 local authorities are monitoring the looming threat posed by Mount Etna volcano. It is one of Europe's largest active volcanoes and one of Earth's most active volcanoes.

Etna also erupted in August 2023, causing localized travel disruption, leading to flight cancellations at the Catania airport in Sicily and dangerous conditions in the port city. The Italy volcano has also been active for years, with a notable eruption in 2018 when it killed one person and injured multiple others, as well as damaged surrounding homes and infrastructure. Scientists also estimate that the said volcano has been around for 350,000 to 500,000 years.

Mount Etna Eruption

The Mount Etna eruption occurred on Sunday, November 12, spewing molten rock and ash plume thousands of feet in the night sky. In a media release on Monday, November 13, Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) issued a volcanic activity statement for Etna, confirming that a lava fountain activity occurred from 17:00 UTC to 19:30 UTC and that the eruption produced an eruptive column 4,500 meters high above sea level.

INGV's Etna Observatory stated that the eruptive activity of the stratovolcano persisted with several lava flows in all directions, particularly in its southern angle. While volcanic activity has relatively weakened following Sunday's eruption, INGV personnel are conducting field surveys to determine the threat posed by the lava. Authorities have not issued any ground or air restrictions in the area, but the country's volcanologists are continuing to assess Mount Etna.

Also Read: Catania Airport Operation Halt Due To The Volcanic Activities of Mount Etna In Italy

Volcanic Eruptions Record

Mount Etna is in the coastal city of Catania and on the east coast of the island of Sicily in Italy, towering at the height of 10,900 feet (3,320 meters). It is situated above the convergent plate between the African and Eurasian plates, according to the European Space Agency. The volcano's site is situated on almost 20,000 hectares of uninhabited land. Still, some previous volcanic eruptions had caused widespread disruption in the Italian region.

Some of the earliest records of volcanic eruptions at Mount Etna date back to 1500 BC. Since then, historians have recorded multiple eruptions on the active stratovolcano for centuries. Etna's strongest recorded eruption occurred in 1669 when it spewed 990 million cubic yards of lava but with no mentioned human fatalities.

The explosive emission of volcanic lava and ash from Mount Etna occurred following the increasing threat of a volcanic eruption in Iceland this month. This prompted Icelandic authorities to issue evacuation orders in Grindavik over fears that lava could swallow the town. Furthermore, sulfur dioxide levels were also detected from the Iceland volcano.

Related Article: Mount Etna Volcano Eruption Disrupts Flights Again, Covering Nearby Sicily Towns with Ash
Scientists worry that human activities could trigger the release of "Factor X," an ancient microbial danger, from the permafrost.

Permafrost Harbors Mysterious Ancient Microbe Threat 'Factor X'

Scientists warn of a potential menace within Earth's permafrost. With ongoing global warming, dormant deadly diseases may emerge after centuries of concealment. The conflict in Ukraine hampers preparedness, while polar mining escalates the risk of unlocking this peril. Most concerning is "Factor X," a mysterious ancient microbe threat propelled by human activities.

Permafrost indicates ground frozen for over two years, with Siberian areas frozen for 650,000 years. Each gram harbors myriad dormant microbial species, their identities mostly unknown, shrouded in mystery within the frozen soil.

Resurrecting Viruses From the Permafrost

Professor Birgitta Evengard from Umea University in Sweden highlights the uncharted territory of permafrost, stating its underexplored nature.

In 2014, French and Russian researchers revived a 30,000-year-old virus from Siberian permafrost, a non-threatening amoeba-infecting pandoravirus. This serves as a crucial proof of concept. Jean-Michel Claverie, the study lead, suggests the potential for animal/human-infecting viruses to endure similarly. Animal/human virus DNA has been found in permafrost.

Studies reveal microscopic creatures can revive from it. Climate scientist Kimberley Miner notes specific adaptation mechanisms in extremophiles within permafrost, enabling survival. Claverie underscores permafrost harboring extinct viruses like smallpox, and anthrax, and the heightened spread of current Arctic diseases like tularemia and tick-borne encephalitis. The permafrost holds a hidden reservoir of potentially dangerous pathogens, warranting deeper exploration and precautionary measures.

Pathogens From a Thawing Permafrost

In 2016, a Siberian anthrax outbreak claimed a 12-year-old boy's life and numerous animals due to warmer weather thawing permafrost, exposing a reindeer carcass housing dormant anthrax spores. Evengard explained anthrax's ability to endure centuries of dormancy. Upper permafrost layers may harbor known infections, yet deeper strata concern scientists. Ancient microbes, potentially pre-dating humans, reside there, for which humans lack natural immunity or effective treatments.

Evengard stressed an enigmatic "Factor X" within these ancient pathogens, potentially linked to our ancestors' demise. Claverie theorized these viruses might have affected Neanderthals or mammoths, influencing their extinction. Arctic warming accelerates permafrost thaw, raising concerns.

Additionally, migrating insects like mosquitoes may encounter these ancient viruses, with Claverie citing resident vectors amplifying the worst-case scenario of ancient virus transmission. The thawing permafrost poses diverse health threats beyond Claverie's worries.

Is Precious Metal Worth it?

Thawing permafrost poses multiple hazards beyond biology. Miner's research indicates the potential emergence of human-related threats: mercury, nuclear waste, bomb fallout, DDT, pesticides, and mining-derived heavy metals. 1,700 billion tons of carbon, once locked in the frozen soil, will convert to carbon dioxide upon thawing. Despite gradual climate change, humans expedite permafrost exploration.

As polar ice melts, prospectors seek riches, risking environmental consequences. Evengard warns of rapid mining for tech metals, endangering by delving deep into permafrost. The pursuit of precious metals may unwittingly unleash "Factor X" - an unknown peril from the frozen depths.

Also Read: Is Drinking Raw Iceberg Water Dangerous? 7 Reasons Why Experts Don't Recommend It

Carriers On The Move

Evengard emphasized the global repercussions if a sick miner travels unchecked, citing SARS' rapid worldwide spread. Thawing permafrost, covering a third of Earth, interconnects with oceans, atmosphere, and land, amplifying its impact beyond the Arctic. Understanding Arctic changes is crucial to curb climate warming's effects. Arctic warming renders polar regions habitable, heightening public health risks. Increased human exposure to thawed viruses due to industrial development accentuates these dangers.

Collaborative research interruptions due to the Ukraine conflict hinder understanding permafrost implications. Evengard stressed the necessity to resume research with Russian colleagues for accurate permafrost assessments.

A comprehensive public health strategy, considering zoonotic diseases and shifting species, is imperative. Evengard and Miner advocate melding nature, animal, and human health data for swift action, urging political involvement. Evengard insists on mitigating climate risks by slowing climate change as the foremost solution.

Related Article: Dormant Soil Nematode from Siberian Permafrost Recently Reanimated, Starts Multiplying in Petri Dish
Spain proposed to prohibit short-haul flights where there is a train option that takes less than 2.5 hours.

This move is part of Spain's 2050 climate action strategy, which aims to reduce emissions from short domestic flights and encourage more sustainable travel.

Reduced Carbon Emission

Spain's new coalition government heralds significant changes for the country's air travel.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialist Workers' Party has inked a coalition agreement with the far-left Sumar party that includes 230 policy promises for the next four years, including a pledge to prohibit short domestic flights.

"The train will be the means of transport of the 21st century," said Sumar leader Yolanda Diaz, insisting that short-haul flights "must end."

According to research released last month by Ecologistas en Accion, eliminating short flights where there is a four-hour rail option would save up to 300,000 tons of carbon dioxide and 50,000 air operations per year.

The environmental confederation identified 11 air routes that may be replaced by train journeys, reducing Spain's CO2 emissions from domestic aviation by about 10%.

Flights from Alicante, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia to Madrid may be affected. Flights using the capital city to connect to overseas routes, on the other hand, would be exempt from the prohibition.

However, it is still unclear whether the prohibition will be implemented in Spain.

Because the PSOE-Sumar coalition is insufficient to form a majority, assistance from minor regional parties, especially Catalan separatists, is still required. Former Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has until November 27 to secure a majority, or new elections will be conducted in January 2024.

Read Also: This New App Will Track the Carbon Footprint of Your Flights

Train Travel

Train travel is becoming more popular in Spain, with rail already accounting for 90% of the Madrid-Valencia route, according to Javier Gandara, president of the Spanish airline group ALA.

However, replacing short-haul flights with train journeys is not always easy.

Getting to Madrid's Barajas Airport from a city like Valencia would entail taking a high-speed train to the capital's central station and then changing to a regional service.

As a result, connecting overseas flights are not included in the planned ban, as passengers will most likely choose to connect at other European airports instead.

Iberia, a Spanish airline, has also claimed that the frequency of trains serving major airports is currently insufficient to equal that of short domestic flights.

Rather than imposing a ban, the ALA has advocated that significant airports should be linked to the high-speed rail network, giving passengers the option of flying or using the train.

The network is quickly growing, with Barajas Airport expected to be linked by 2026.

If Spain implements the ban, it will be following in the footsteps of its Western European neighbor France, which prohibited short-haul domestic flights earlier this year.

Travelers in France were unable to fly from Paris to other famous locations, such as Nantes, Lyon, and Bordeaux.

It has also been reported that Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport plans to be the first in Europe to prohibit private planes in order to reduce pollution and CO2 emissions.

Schiphol Airport's board members believe that those who travel by costly private jets are more than capable of traveling on commercial jets, which are significantly less polluting per passenger and go to many of the same places as private planes.

However, it is unknown when Schiphol Airport will implement the aforementioned prohibition. Furthermore, the Amsterdam airport intends to discontinue overnight flights by the end of 2025.

Related Article: Space Tourism Starts to Worry Experts About Potential Environmental Concerns




A startling rate of glacier retreat was observed in Greenland when aerial photographs from 1930 were compared to satellite images from today.

Photographs of 1930 Greenland

During her 2019 visit to Denmark, Laura Larocca, a climate scientist, delved into thousands of ancient aerial Greenland photographs found in a Copenhagen castle 15 years prior. Now stored in the Danish National Archives, these images sparked Larocca's and other researchers' quest to reconstruct Greenland's glacial past amidst a swiftly warming climate.

Digitizing archives dating to the 1930s, Larocca's team merged them with current satellite images, revealing the extensive transformations in Greenland's icy expanse. Shockingly, the comparison disclosed an alarming acceleration in glacier retreat. The research highlighted that in the 21st century, Greenland's glaciers receded twice as fast as in the 20th century, underscoring the dramatic impact of recent climate changes on the region's ice formations.

100 Years Later, The Arctic Started Warming

As the study's lead author during her postdoctoral tenure at Northwestern University, Larocca described the extensive labor and collaborative effort invested, emphasizing the stunning scale of change witnessed in the Arctic due to rapid warming. Over recent decades, the Arctic's temperature surged four times faster than the global average, resulting in escalating consequences. Notably, Greenland's summit experienced unprecedented rainfall in 2021, marking a historic event, while previously stable northern glaciers now present potentially catastrophic implications for rising sea levels.

Larocca was struck by the unforeseen significance of century-old aerial photographs taken by Danish pilots for military purposes, now integral to climate science. She highlighted the intriguing intersection of these images with international and US history. Even a century later, these photos serve as crucial scientific documentation revealing the dramatic alterations in glacier formations.

Now an assistant professor at Arizona State University's School of Ocean Futures, Larocca aims for this visually comprehensive study to raise awareness about the swiftly melting Arctic territory and the imminent threat it poses to global coastlines due to rising sea levels. She hopes that this research will prompt action and further attention to address the pressing concerns arising from the accelerating changes in the Arctic.

Also Read: Ancient Microbe Threat 'Factor X' Released From Permafrost: Scary Possibility Pushed by Human Activity

Emissions and Glacial Retreat

Larocca emphasizes the profound impact of human decisions on glaciers in the forthcoming decades, stressing their vulnerability to temperature changes. She underscores the importance of swift action in reducing emissions to mitigate future glacier loss and its contribution to rising sea levels.

Since the early 1900s, glaciers worldwide have rapidly melted due to human-induced factors, particularly the surge in greenhouse gas emissions since the Industrial Revolution. These emissions have disproportionately elevated temperatures, intensifying glacier melting and retreat, with over a third projected to vanish by 2100. The Arctic has already lost 95% of its oldest and thickest ice, with projections suggesting potential ice-free summers by 2040 if emissions remain unchecked.

This glacier meltdown leads to rising sea levels, amplifying coastal erosion and bolstering storm surges from increasingly frequent and severe coastal storms. Greenland and Antarctica's ice sheets are the primary contributors to global sea level rise, with the Greenland ice sheet diminishing four times faster than in 2003 and currently responsible for 20% of the current sea level increase. The urgency lies in curbing emissions swiftly to minimize the dire consequences of accelerating glacier loss and its ramifications for rising sea levels and coastal vulnerabilities.

Related Article : Earthquakes are Triggered by Rising Sea Levels From Glacial Cycles, New Study Says
A tree planting holiday has been recognized in Kenya as the country targets to plant billions of trees in the next decade. Recently, the Kenyan government announced Monday, November 13, to be a public holiday in relation to this initiative. The non-working holiday encourages Kenyans to plant 100 million trees nationwide. The said program comes to address the East African nation's issue of illegal logging and forest lands affected by a decades-long drought.

In recent months, Kenyan authorities implemented several measures to protect its forests, including a ban that restricted the extraction of timber woods from community and public forests. Aside from excessive logging and drought, forest restoration initiatives in Kenya are also hindered by long heat waves, severe wildfires, and herder migration conflict. Regardless, local authorities are optimistic in the long term as Kenya's forests are also expected to boost the country's economy.

National Tree Planting Day

The Kenyan government's call for a tree planting holiday on Monday across the country saw the participation of hundreds of people in its capital city of Nairobi, where multiple families, civil servants, and students gathered in different parts of the capital. Reports indicate that there seems to be no limit of planted trees for each person. However, the government encourages every citizen to plant two tree saplings as part of the countrywide initiative.

Officially known as the National Tree Planting Day, the November 13 public holiday is one of the ways that Kenya plans to tackle climate change. Kenyan President William Ruto pledged that his administration is aiming to plant 15 billion trees by the year 2032, which is estimated to increase the country's tree and forest cover by 30%.

Also Read: Rainfall Reduction in the Tropics Due to Deforestation, Study Finds

Tree Planting App

To ensure that the Kenyan National Tree Planting Day is successful, the government has launched a digital application called Jaza Miti (Fill the Trees) that monitors the tree planting program, specifically to record where and when a tree sapling has been planted and the type of tree species.

Although the tree planting holiday was announced almost last minute, the app recorded 2 million registrations, according to reports on Wednesday, November 15. Local officials reportedly acknowledge that not all citizens will participate in the initiative, but the majority of Kenyans welcomed the idea.

Kenya Forest Threat

Forest grounds and habitats were once abundant in Kenya, long before human activities like illegal logging and climate change-driven deforestation decreased the nation's overall tree cover. Reports estimate that the annual rate of forest loss in Kenya is 12,000 hectares, a disaster that endangers both flora and fauna.

According to Kenya's National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kenya currently has a total of 7.4% forest cover, which is 3.6% below the "constitutionally accepted" average 10% forest cover. NEMA highlighted that one of the aggravating causes of forest loss is the destruction of trees for charcoal burning.

Related Article: Deforestation Continues To Soar Despite Global Promise To Halt It
The London Internet Exchange (LINX) said on Tuesday that its internet exchange point (IXP) in Nairobi is now live and ready to serve East Africa.

The LINX Nairobi interconnection hub is a multi-site, interconnected platform that can be accessed from IXAfrica, as well as the NBO1 and iColo NBO1 facilities belonging to Africa Data Centres, all located in Nairobi.

Networks located in any of these facilities can plug into the LINX Nairobi hub and peer their traffic, creating a secure and redundant digital environment for them to manage their network more effectively, LINX says.

Nurani Nimpuno, head of global engagement for LINX, said Kenya is uniquely positioned to serve all of East Africa with fast-growing fibre connectivity throughout the region, with a well-connected submarine cable network providing pathways to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia

We can learn a lot from the countrys technical advancements, for example their adoption of M-PESA with Safaricom, taking Kenya strides ahead in the way of digital finance innovation compared to other countries, she said. I strongly believe LINX Nairobi can only compliment and continue to grow the ecosystem in Kenya.
Monika Yadav By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Amid speculation that the government might finally relent to Elon Musks demand for tax exemptions for electric vehicles, commerce minister Piyush Goyal visited Teslas manufacturing facility in Fremont, California, on Monday. During his time at the facility, Minister Goyal expressed his delight at witnessing the notable presence of Indian engineers and finance professionals occupying senior positions within Tesla.

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, Goyal said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

In his tweet, Goyal noted the rising importance of Indian auto component suppliers in Teslas electric vehicle (EV) supply chain. He said Tesla is set to double its imports of components from India, reflecting the high quality and reliability of Indian suppliers.

Also, (I am) 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, Goyal said via his tweet.

However, Commerce Minister Goyal was unable to meet Teslas CEO, Elon Musk, during his visit but he conveyed his well-wishes to Musk for his speedy recovery. Meanwhile, Musk conveyed his apologies for not being able to travel to California. 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, Musk said.

Its been several months since the Indian government and Musk have been discussing about establishing manufacturing unit in India. Reportedly, Musk has been seeking import concessions from the Centre but the Indian Government is standing its ground and not giving any relaxation to Tesla. As per reports, Tesla is planning to set up a facility in India to manufacture a $24,000 car, and develop a comprehensive charging infrastructure across the country.

Foreign news outlets have reported that the Indian government might be considering a plan for five year import duty tax cuts for electric vehicles. India currently imposes 100% duty on fully imported cars.

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NEW DELHI: Amid speculation that the government might finally relent to Elon Musks demand for tax exemptions for electric vehicles, commerce minister Piyush Goyal visited Teslas manufacturing facility in Fremont, California, on Monday. During his time at the facility, Minister Goyal expressed his delight at witnessing the notable presence of Indian engineers and finance professionals occupying senior positions within Tesla. 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, Goyal said on X, formerly known as Twitter. In his tweet, Goyal noted the rising importance of Indian auto component suppliers in Teslas electric vehicle (EV) supply chain. He said Tesla is set to double its imports of components from India, reflecting the high quality and reliability of Indian suppliers.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Also, (I am) 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, Goyal said via his tweet. However, Commerce Minister Goyal was unable to meet Teslas CEO, Elon Musk, during his visit but he conveyed his well-wishes to Musk for his speedy recovery. Meanwhile, Musk conveyed his apologies for not being able to travel to California. 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, Musk said. Its been several months since the Indian government and Musk have been discussing about establishing manufacturing unit in India. Reportedly, Musk has been seeking import concessions from the Centre but the Indian Government is standing its ground and not giving any relaxation to Tesla. As per reports, Tesla is planning to set up a facility in India to manufacture a $24,000 car, and develop a comprehensive charging infrastructure across the country. Foreign news outlets have reported that the Indian government might be considering a plan for five year import duty tax cuts for electric vehicles. India currently imposes 100% duty on fully imported cars. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Online Desk

As many as 37 passengers were killed including the driver and 19 sustained injuries after a bus carrying them skidded off the road and rolled down into a 300-foot gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district on Wednesday.

The death toll is likely to go up, the officials said.

The bus skidded off the road near Trungal-Assar on the Batote-Kishtwar national highway and fell 300 feet downhill. According to sources, the bus was ferrying 56 passengers. Due to the fall from a considerable height, the bus was badly damaged, sources said.

Police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, besides locals, are involved in the rescue operation.

Some of the deceased have been identified and the bodies will be handed over to their families.

#WATCH | J&K | 36 people died and 19 people injured, including 6 critically injured, in a bus accident in Assar region of Doda. The injured have been shifted to hospital.



Visuals from the accident spot. pic.twitter.com/AwA2LzVfCC  ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2023

The injured were first taken to a hospital in Doda and subsequently, four of them were airlifted to the GMC hospital in Jammu.

The cause of the accident is not known yet. The officials said the bus was carrying extra passengers and while negotiating a "U" turn, it overturned and rolled down into the gorge.

#WATCH | Doda bus accident | Injured being airlifted to Jammu by district administration pic.twitter.com/oeSyYSqnnN  ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2023

The bodies were taken out after cutting some parts of the bus, they added. Some of the bodies were badly mutilated, the officials said.

Locals expressed concern over the poor condition of the road which, they said, not only led to this accident but several such incidents in the past.

Mohammad Ashraf, the sarpanch of the area where the accident took place, who along with other local residents, launched the rescue operation, said that at least 10 accidents have taken place in Doda of late, but the administration is yet to act.

"We gave Rs 6 lakh to repair the road. They failed to repair it. They have misappropriated the money. A similar accident took place here only a few months ago and many lives were lost," he added.

This is probably the biggest accident in Doda in the last few years.

Condolences pour in

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to those who lost their lives in the accident. "The bus accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir is distressing. My condolences to the families who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest," the PMO posted on X.

#WATCH | Doda bus accident | Jammu & Kashmir: DC Doda Harvinder Singh says, "A very sad incident has happened in our district. A bus in which 56 people were travelling met with an accident... there have been 37 casualties till now, and 19 are injured... Most of the bodies have pic.twitter.com/Pm2Nuab2jQ  ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2023

The Prime Minister has said that an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund would be given to the families of those killed in the accident. Those injured will receive assistance of Rs 50,000.

Meanwhile, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed profound sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

"Extremely pained by the loss of lives in a tragic bus accident in Assar, Doda. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families & wish for a speedy recovery of those injured in the accident. Directed Div Com & Dist Admin to provide all necessary assistance to affected persons," said LG Sinha.

Similar accidents in the vicinity

On July 1, 2019, 35 people were killed and 17 injured when an overloaded mini-bus veered off the road and fell into a gorge in Kishtwar's Sangwari area

On September 14, 2018, 17 passengers were killed and 16 injured when a mini-bus skidded off the road and plunged into a gorge in the Dandaran area of Kishtwar

On May 24 this year, seven people were killed and three injured after a cruiser vehicle skidded off the road and fell into a gorge at the Dangduru dam site in the Dachan area of Kishwar

Eight people were killed and three seriously injured when their car skidded off the road and plunged into a 300-foot gorge in Kishtwar on August 30

On June 27, five people were killed and 12 injured when their vehicle fell into a gorge on the Bhadarwah-Pathankot road in Doda

Three people were killed in road accidents in Doda district on October 8 and October 20.

(With inputs from PTI and our correspondent Fayaz Wani)

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As many as 37 passengers were killed including the driver and 19 sustained injuries after a bus carrying them skidded off the road and rolled down into a 300-foot gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district on Wednesday. The death toll is likely to go up, the officials said. The bus skidded off the road near Trungal-Assar on the Batote-Kishtwar national highway and fell 300 feet downhill. According to sources, the bus was ferrying 56 passengers. Due to the fall from a considerable height, the bus was badly damaged, sources said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, besides locals, are involved in the rescue operation. Some of the deceased have been identified and the bodies will be handed over to their families. #WATCH | J&K | 36 people died and 19 people injured, including 6 critically injured, in a bus accident in Assar region of Doda. The injured have been shifted to hospital. Visuals from the accident spot. pic.twitter.com/AwA2LzVfCC  ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2023 The injured were first taken to a hospital in Doda and subsequently, four of them were airlifted to the GMC hospital in Jammu. The cause of the accident is not known yet. The officials said the bus was carrying extra passengers and while negotiating a "U" turn, it overturned and rolled down into the gorge. #WATCH | Doda bus accident | Injured being airlifted to Jammu by district administration pic.twitter.com/oeSyYSqnnN  ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2023 The bodies were taken out after cutting some parts of the bus, they added. Some of the bodies were badly mutilated, the officials said. Locals expressed concern over the poor condition of the road which, they said, not only led to this accident but several such incidents in the past. Mohammad Ashraf, the sarpanch of the area where the accident took place, who along with other local residents, launched the rescue operation, said that at least 10 accidents have taken place in Doda of late, but the administration is yet to act. "We gave Rs 6 lakh to repair the road. They failed to repair it. They have misappropriated the money. A similar accident took place here only a few months ago and many lives were lost," he added. This is probably the biggest accident in Doda in the last few years. Condolences pour in Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to those who lost their lives in the accident. "The bus accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir is distressing. My condolences to the families who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest," the PMO posted on X. #WATCH | Doda bus accident | Jammu & Kashmir: DC Doda Harvinder Singh says, "A very sad incident has happened in our district. A bus in which 56 people were travelling met with an accident... there have been 37 casualties till now, and 19 are injured... Most of the bodies have pic.twitter.com/Pm2Nuab2jQ  ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2023 The Prime Minister has said that an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund would be given to the families of those killed in the accident. Those injured will receive assistance of Rs 50,000. Meanwhile, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed profound sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. "Extremely pained by the loss of lives in a tragic bus accident in Assar, Doda. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families & wish for a speedy recovery of those injured in the accident. Directed Div Com & Dist Admin to provide all necessary assistance to affected persons," said LG Sinha. Similar accidents in the vicinity On July 1, 2019, 35 people were killed and 17 injured when an overloaded mini-bus veered off the road and fell into a gorge in Kishtwar's Sangwari area On September 14, 2018, 17 passengers were killed and 16 injured when a mini-bus skidded off the road and plunged into a gorge in the Dandaran area of Kishtwar On May 24 this year, seven people were killed and three injured after a cruiser vehicle skidded off the road and fell into a gorge at the Dangduru dam site in the Dachan area of Kishwar Eight people were killed and three seriously injured when their car skidded off the road and plunged into a 300-foot gorge in Kishtwar on August 30 On June 27, five people were killed and 12 injured when their vehicle fell into a gorge on the Bhadarwah-Pathankot road in Doda Three people were killed in road accidents in Doda district on October 8 and October 20. (With inputs from PTI and our correspondent Fayaz Wani) WATCH VIDEO: Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Narendra Sethi By

Express News Service

DEHRADUN: The process of drilling a horizontal hole across an estimated 30 metres of landslide rubble that has been blocking the exit of 40 workers at an under-construction tunnel since the past three days, began on Tuesday evening in Uttarakhands Uttarkashi area.

Platform laid for the auger drilling machine | PTI

Steel pipes 3 ft wide and 6 metres long are to be pushed through the horizontal hole to rescue the trapped workers on the Silkyara side of the tunnel. Eight such pipes are already at the site. Placed end to end, they would have a total length of 48 metres, more than sufficient to accomplish the task. Besides, five pipes 2.7 ft wide have also been brought in. The drilling is being done by an auger machine for which a platform was laid earlier in the day.

During the drilling, a huge amount of debris came out from the back side. To prevent it, a sand bag wall has been built, Dharasu Police Circle Officer Prashant Kumar told this newspaper. Work was temporarily disrupted due to a fresh landslide. Sources said the trapped labourers may have to wait till Wednesday evening for their evacuation. The labourers sent a hand-written note through a pipe saying, They may be short of food but not oxygen.

Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police Arpan Yaduvanshi said, To provide medicare to the evacuees, medical teams have been deployed at the tunnel gate with specialist equipment and ambulance. Besides, a temporary helipad has been constructed about 0.5 km away from the tunnels mouth at Silkyara. Col Deepak Patil, who was the general manager of the tunnel project for the last five years, but was transferred to Jaipur last week, was recalled and flown to the accident spot on Tuesday morning.

Hole matter

The pipes (pic) that will be inserted in the rubble to rescue the labourers

Over 155 NDRF, SDRF, ITBP and BRO officials deployed at the site

A six-bed temporary hospital set up and 10 ambulances with medical teams put on standby

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DEHRADUN: The process of drilling a horizontal hole across an estimated 30 metres of landslide rubble that has been blocking the exit of 40 workers at an under-construction tunnel since the past three days, began on Tuesday evening in Uttarakhands Uttarkashi area. Platform laid for the auger drilling machine | PTISteel pipes 3 ft wide and 6 metres long are to be pushed through the horizontal hole to rescue the trapped workers on the Silkyara side of the tunnel. Eight such pipes are already at the site. Placed end to end, they would have a total length of 48 metres, more than sufficient to accomplish the task. Besides, five pipes 2.7 ft wide have also been brought in. The drilling is being done by an auger machine for which a platform was laid earlier in the day. During the drilling, a huge amount of debris came out from the back side. To prevent it, a sand bag wall has been built, Dharasu Police Circle Officer Prashant Kumar told this newspaper. Work was temporarily disrupted due to a fresh landslide. Sources said the trapped labourers may have to wait till Wednesday evening for their evacuation. The labourers sent a hand-written note through a pipe saying, They may be short of food but not oxygen.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police Arpan Yaduvanshi said, To provide medicare to the evacuees, medical teams have been deployed at the tunnel gate with specialist equipment and ambulance. Besides, a temporary helipad has been constructed about 0.5 km away from the tunnels mouth at Silkyara. Col Deepak Patil, who was the general manager of the tunnel project for the last five years, but was transferred to Jaipur last week, was recalled and flown to the accident spot on Tuesday morning. Hole matter The pipes (pic) that will be inserted in the rubble to rescue the labourers Over 155 NDRF, SDRF, ITBP and BRO officials deployed at the site A six-bed temporary hospital set up and 10 ambulances with medical teams put on standby Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
T Muruganandham By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Freedom fighter and centenarian leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), N Sankaraiah (102) passed away on Wednesday at a private hospital where he was undergoing treatment for fever and cold for the past two days.

CPM sources said Sankaraiah's mortal remains are being taken to his residence in Chromepet and after public homage, his body will be kept for homage at the CPM headquarters here. Sankaraiah is survived by two sons and one daughter.

Condoling the demise of the veteran leader, Chief Minister MK Stalin announced that state honours would be accorded to the mortal remains of Sankaraiah, during the final rites.

Just after the news about Sankaraiah's demise came, Chief Minister MK Stalin accompanied by senior ministers visited the private hospital where the leader's body was kept and paid his last respects.

CPM State Secretary K Balakrishnan, in a statement here, said, that Sankaraiah's final rites will take place on Thursday at 10 a.m. in the presence of national leaders of the CPM. CPM flags will be flown at half-mast for a week to mourn the demise of Sankaraiah and all party-related engagements will be cancelled during this period.

Sankaraiah was born on July 15, 1922, in Tirunelveli district one of the founding members of the CPM and was drawn towards the communist ideals at a very young age. Sankaraiah had served as a legislator in the Tamil Nadu Assembly thrice in 1967, 1977, and 1980. Sankaraiah spent nearly eight years in prison during the freedom struggle. He was released on August 14, 1947, a day before India was freed from the British Raj.

The DMK government honoured Sankaraiah with the Thagaisal Thamizhar (Distinguished Tamil Personality) Award in 2021.

Recently, the state government decided to honour the centenarian freedom fighter with an honorary doctorate from Madurai Kamaraj University. However, Governor RN Ravi has not given his approval for this to date. State Higher Education Minister K Ponmudy boycotted convocations of Madurai Kamaraj University and Tamil Nadu Open University recently to register his protest.

READ MORE | Thagaisal Thamizhar N Sankaraiah

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CHENNAI: Freedom fighter and centenarian leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), N Sankaraiah (102) passed away on Wednesday at a private hospital where he was undergoing treatment for fever and cold for the past two days. CPM sources said Sankaraiah's mortal remains are being taken to his residence in Chromepet and after public homage, his body will be kept for homage at the CPM headquarters here. Sankaraiah is survived by two sons and one daughter. Condoling the demise of the veteran leader, Chief Minister MK Stalin announced that state honours would be accorded to the mortal remains of Sankaraiah, during the final rites.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Just after the news about Sankaraiah's demise came, Chief Minister MK Stalin accompanied by senior ministers visited the private hospital where the leader's body was kept and paid his last respects. CPM State Secretary K Balakrishnan, in a statement here, said, that Sankaraiah's final rites will take place on Thursday at 10 a.m. in the presence of national leaders of the CPM. CPM flags will be flown at half-mast for a week to mourn the demise of Sankaraiah and all party-related engagements will be cancelled during this period. Sankaraiah was born on July 15, 1922, in Tirunelveli district one of the founding members of the CPM and was drawn towards the communist ideals at a very young age. Sankaraiah had served as a legislator in the Tamil Nadu Assembly thrice in 1967, 1977, and 1980. Sankaraiah spent nearly eight years in prison during the freedom struggle. He was released on August 14, 1947, a day before India was freed from the British Raj. The DMK government honoured Sankaraiah with the Thagaisal Thamizhar (Distinguished Tamil Personality) Award in 2021. Recently, the state government decided to honour the centenarian freedom fighter with an honorary doctorate from Madurai Kamaraj University. However, Governor RN Ravi has not given his approval for this to date. State Higher Education Minister K Ponmudy boycotted convocations of Madurai Kamaraj University and Tamil Nadu Open University recently to register his protest. READ MORE | Thagaisal Thamizhar N Sankaraiah 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 gun battle with some ethnic armed groups in the Chin state of the country and taken refuge in Champhai district of Mizoram.

Defence sources said the personnel were flown to the India-Myanmar border town of Moreh in Manipur from the Hnahlan helipad in Champhai. After landing in Moreh, they moved into Myanmar in the vicinity by crossing the friendship bridge. Tamu is the nearest Myanmar town there.

Two Mi-17 helicopters were used to transport them. We were told two-three others entered Mizoram on Tuesday. They will be evacuated in a similar manner, a defence official told this paper.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 Arakan Army had overrun a Myanmar Army camp in a joint attack. In the wake of the fighting, over 1,500 Chin refugees fled to Mizoram, some in injured state.

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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 gun battle with some ethnic armed groups in the Chin state of the country and taken refuge in Champhai district of Mizoram. Defence sources said the personnel were flown to the India-Myanmar border town of Moreh in Manipur from the Hnahlan helipad in Champhai. After landing in Moreh, they moved into Myanmar in the vicinity by crossing the friendship bridge. Tamu is the nearest Myanmar town there. Two Mi-17 helicopters were used to transport them. We were told two-three others entered Mizoram on Tuesday. They will be evacuated in a similar manner, a defence official told this paper.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. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); A fierce gunbattle erupted at Khawmawi in Myanmar on Sunday evening after the Arakan Army had overrun a Myanmar Army camp in a joint attack. In the wake of the fighting, over 1,500 Chin refugees fled to Mizoram, some in injured state. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Converged open-access digital infrastructure company WIOCC Group has launched what it calls the first truly holistic managed network and infrastructure services company to serve Africa.

Launched at the ongoing AfricaCom event in Cape Town, the new company, Open Access Technical Services (OATS) enables carriers, operators, hyperscalers, major enterprises and governments to outsource the building, management, operation and support of their digital network and infrastructure in Africa to a company with the experience, expertise and local licenced entities to meet their requirements.

In the field of logistics OATS can provide expert support for CDNs (content delivery network operators) and multinationals wanting to establish or expand their footprint in Africa.

For CDNs, carriers and hyperscalers that require connectivity or fibre pairs, OATS can terminate capacity and manage the infrastructure at the cable landing station (CLS), power feeding equipment (PFE) hub or in a carrier-neutral data centre.

OATS can also support services such as backhaul and licence termination, as well as providing comprehensive, expert field service support, while CDNs, carriers and hyperscalers with terrestrial dark fibre management requirements can take advantage of the dark fibre economics with managed capacity expertise from OATS.

In addition, for providers who own a percentage share of spectrum on fibre, OATS can oversee spectrum management and provide a comprehensive solution that encompasses the design, operation and support of core infrastructure.

OATS can also provide an outsourced managed network and operations centres (NOC) service.

As well as OATS, WIOCC Group is the parent company of WIOCC, described as Africas digital backbone, and Open Access Data Centres (OADC), Africas fastest-growing data centre company.
By Associated Press

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 centre in and beneath Shifa Hospital, the largest in the besieged territory. Both Hamas and Shifa hospital staff deny the Israeli allegations.

Israeli defence 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 would divert any fuel for its 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.

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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 centre in and beneath Shifa Hospital, the largest in the besieged territory. Both Hamas and Shifa hospital staff deny the Israeli allegations.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Israeli defence 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 would divert any fuel for its 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. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Yeshi Seli By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju will represent India at the swearing-in of the new President of Maldives Mohamed Muizzu on November 17.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be occupied with the Voice of Global South Summit, which is taking place on November 17.

"At the invitation of the President-elect of Maldives, Dr Mohamed Muizzu, Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju will visit Maldives from 16-18 November 2023 to represent India at the inaugural ceremony of the presidency," said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Muizzu, the pro-China president-elect of Maldives, defeated incumbent president Ibrahim Solih on September 30, winning marginally by nearly 54 percent of the votes.

"Maldives is Indias key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and occupies a special place in Prime Ministers vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the Neighbourhood First Policy," the MEA said.

This high level ministerial representation from India at the inaugural ceremony underscores Indias commitment to further deepen the substantive cooperation and robust people-to-people ties between the two countries, MEA added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had attended President Solihs swearing-in ceremony on November 17, 2018.

Solih and his party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), held a firm India first policy and the election was considered to be a referendum on Maldives foreign policy orientation.

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NEW DELHI: Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju will represent India at the swearing-in of the new President of Maldives Mohamed Muizzu on November 17. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be occupied with the Voice of Global South Summit, which is taking place on November 17. "At the invitation of the President-elect of Maldives, Dr Mohamed Muizzu, Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju will visit Maldives from 16-18 November 2023 to represent India at the inaugural ceremony of the presidency," said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Muizzu, the pro-China president-elect of Maldives, defeated incumbent president Ibrahim Solih on September 30, winning marginally by nearly 54 percent of the votes. "Maldives is Indias key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and occupies a special place in Prime Ministers vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the Neighbourhood First Policy," the MEA said. This high level ministerial representation from India at the inaugural ceremony underscores Indias commitment to further deepen the substantive cooperation and robust people-to-people ties between the two countries, MEA added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had attended President Solihs swearing-in ceremony on November 17, 2018. Solih and his party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), held a firm India first policy and the election was considered to be a referendum on Maldives foreign policy orientation. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

MUMBAI: Former Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Jayant Patil has said that he has tested positive for dengue and has been advised rest.

Patil, who is the state president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction headed by Sharad Pawar, took to X on Tuesday to share that he was down with the viral disease.

Patil said he had a fever since Monday and went for a test (for dengue) on medical advice.

The test was positive.

I will be back to my daily routine after resting for a few days, he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar too was diagnosed with dengue recently.

He broke away from the Sharad Pawar-founded party and joined the BJP-led NDA in July to become a part of the state government.

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MUMBAI: Former Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Jayant Patil has said that he has tested positive for dengue and has been advised rest. Patil, who is the state president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction headed by Sharad Pawar, took to X on Tuesday to share that he was down with the viral disease. Patil said he had a fever since Monday and went for a test (for dengue) on medical advice.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The test was positive. I will be back to my daily routine after resting for a few days, he said. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar too was diagnosed with dengue recently. He broke away from the Sharad Pawar-founded party and joined the BJP-led NDA in July to become a part of the state government. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

BENGALURU: Terming him an unfortunate victim of insensitive bureaucratic red-tapism, the High Court of Karnataka has directed the authorities to release the arrears of a Village Officer dating from 1979 to 1990.

The Village Officer's 88-year-old son has been fighting a legal battle for decades to secure the arrears amounting to Rs 37,000.

"It is unfortunate that the Village Officer became another victim of insensitive bureaucratic red tapism and died without receiving compensation.

His son who is an octogenarian is still fighting for his father's right.

It is rather too surprising that the State has taken an untenable stand that the petitioner's father was not entitled for the compensation because he was not sanctioned ad hoc compensation," a division bench of Justice P S Dinesh Kumar and Justice T G Shivashankare Gowda noted in their recent judgement.

T S Rajan, the son of the late T K Sheshadri Iyengar, a resident of Rajajingar in Bengaluru, approached the High Court in 2021 with a writ petition.

His father was working as a 'Patel' in Thangali village, Kadur Taluk, Chikkamagaluru district.

As per an order passed by the HC and upheld in an appeal (1997) subsequently, the petition filed by the Karnataka State Patel's Sangha was allowed and Rajan's father was also one of the beneficiaries.

The order specified a compassionate allowance of Rs 100 per month from August 1979 to June 1990.

Rajan's father filed several applications and representations for the allowance but it was not granted.

After his father's death, Rajan submitted a representation to the Tahsildar of Kadur requesting for the payment.

It was rejected in 2017.

Rajan then approached the Karnataka State Administrative Tribunal, which also rejected his application, following which he approached the HC.

The Tahsildar had rejected the request made by the petitioner on the ground that his father had not received ad hoc allowance.

Rajan's advocate argued before the HC that such an endorsement by the State Government is unsustainable in law because it was for the government to sanction and release the ad hoc allowance also.

The HC in its judgement rejected the contentions of the State and said, "The contention urged on behalf of the State Government that since the petitioner has not been granted the ad hoc compensation and therefore, he is not entitled to claim the arrears is rather surprising. We may record that it is not disputed by the government that the petitioner's father was working as Patel of Village Thangali."

The HC rejected the Tahsildar's endorsement and said, "Once, there is no dispute that petitioner's father was working as Village Officer of Thangali Village, State ought to have considered the claim for arrears. In view of the same, the reason recorded by the Tahsildar that the petitioner is not entitled to arrears as his father did not receive the ad hoc allowance is wholly untenable."

The HC ordered that the State should calculate and pay the arrears as well as the ad hoc allowance at the rate of Rs 100 between 1979 and 1990.

Further, the allowance and arrears from 1990 to 1994 should be paid at the rate of Rs 500 per month, the HC said.

It also ordered a simple interest of 10 per cent on the amount from the date of entitlement.

The payment is to be made within three months, the court ordered.

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BENGALURU: Terming him an unfortunate victim of insensitive bureaucratic red-tapism, the High Court of Karnataka has directed the authorities to release the arrears of a Village Officer dating from 1979 to 1990. The Village Officer's 88-year-old son has been fighting a legal battle for decades to secure the arrears amounting to Rs 37,000. "It is unfortunate that the Village Officer became another victim of insensitive bureaucratic red tapism and died without receiving compensation.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); His son who is an octogenarian is still fighting for his father's right. It is rather too surprising that the State has taken an untenable stand that the petitioner's father was not entitled for the compensation because he was not sanctioned ad hoc compensation," a division bench of Justice P S Dinesh Kumar and Justice T G Shivashankare Gowda noted in their recent judgement. T S Rajan, the son of the late T K Sheshadri Iyengar, a resident of Rajajingar in Bengaluru, approached the High Court in 2021 with a writ petition. His father was working as a 'Patel' in Thangali village, Kadur Taluk, Chikkamagaluru district. As per an order passed by the HC and upheld in an appeal (1997) subsequently, the petition filed by the Karnataka State Patel's Sangha was allowed and Rajan's father was also one of the beneficiaries. The order specified a compassionate allowance of Rs 100 per month from August 1979 to June 1990. Rajan's father filed several applications and representations for the allowance but it was not granted. After his father's death, Rajan submitted a representation to the Tahsildar of Kadur requesting for the payment. It was rejected in 2017. Rajan then approached the Karnataka State Administrative Tribunal, which also rejected his application, following which he approached the HC. The Tahsildar had rejected the request made by the petitioner on the ground that his father had not received ad hoc allowance. Rajan's advocate argued before the HC that such an endorsement by the State Government is unsustainable in law because it was for the government to sanction and release the ad hoc allowance also. The HC in its judgement rejected the contentions of the State and said, "The contention urged on behalf of the State Government that since the petitioner has not been granted the ad hoc compensation and therefore, he is not entitled to claim the arrears is rather surprising. We may record that it is not disputed by the government that the petitioner's father was working as Patel of Village Thangali." The HC rejected the Tahsildar's endorsement and said, "Once, there is no dispute that petitioner's father was working as Village Officer of Thangali Village, State ought to have considered the claim for arrears. In view of the same, the reason recorded by the Tahsildar that the petitioner is not entitled to arrears as his father did not receive the ad hoc allowance is wholly untenable." The HC ordered that the State should calculate and pay the arrears as well as the ad hoc allowance at the rate of Rs 100 between 1979 and 1990. Further, the allowance and arrears from 1990 to 1994 should be paid at the rate of Rs 500 per month, the HC said. It also ordered a simple interest of 10 per cent on the amount from the date of entitlement. The payment is to be made within three months, the court ordered. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

JAIPUR: The Congress' candidate from Rajasthan's Karanpur assembly constituency, Gurmeet Singh Koonar, died at the AIIMS in Delhi, party leaders here said on Wednesday. He was 75.

Koonar, who was the sitting MLA from Karanpur, was admitted to the Geriatric Medicine Ward of the All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi on November 12.

Koonar died of sepsis with septic shock and renal disease, according to the death certificate issued by the hospital.

He was also suffering from hypertension.

He had been fielded by the party from the seat against BJP leader Surendra Pal Singh for the November 25 polls to the 200-member Rajasthan assembly.

Citing Section 52 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, an Election Commission (EC) official explained that if a candidate fielded by a recognised state or national party dies before a poll, then the returning officer "adjourns" the poll on that seat "to a date to be notified later".

According to Section 52 (2) of the Act, the EC then asks the recognised political party, whose candidate has died, to nominate another candidate within seven days of being asked to do so.

An official of the election office in Rajasthan said, "The election on the Karanpur seat will be adjourned due to the demise of the candidate. A fresh date of polling will be notified by the Election Commission."

Condoling the death, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said on X, "I am deeply saddened by the news of the demise of Karanpur MLA and former minister Gurmeet Singh Koonar."

"Despite being unwell for a long time, he was always striving for development work in his area. Koonar Saheb's demise is an irreparable loss for the Congress party and the politics of Rajasthan. I pray to God to give peace to the departed soul and courage to the family," he said.

Three-time MLA Koonar was a strong leader of the Congress from Karanpur.

He had won the 1998 assembly election on a Congress ticket from Karanpur and in 2008, he reached the assembly as an Independent from the seat.

In 2018, the Congress again fielded him from Karanpur and he won.

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JAIPUR: The Congress' candidate from Rajasthan's Karanpur assembly constituency, Gurmeet Singh Koonar, died at the AIIMS in Delhi, party leaders here said on Wednesday. He was 75. Koonar, who was the sitting MLA from Karanpur, was admitted to the Geriatric Medicine Ward of the All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi on November 12. Koonar died of sepsis with septic shock and renal disease, according to the death certificate issued by the hospital.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); He was also suffering from hypertension. He had been fielded by the party from the seat against BJP leader Surendra Pal Singh for the November 25 polls to the 200-member Rajasthan assembly. Citing Section 52 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, an Election Commission (EC) official explained that if a candidate fielded by a recognised state or national party dies before a poll, then the returning officer "adjourns" the poll on that seat "to a date to be notified later". According to Section 52 (2) of the Act, the EC then asks the recognised political party, whose candidate has died, to nominate another candidate within seven days of being asked to do so. An official of the election office in Rajasthan said, "The election on the Karanpur seat will be adjourned due to the demise of the candidate. A fresh date of polling will be notified by the Election Commission." Condoling the death, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said on X, "I am deeply saddened by the news of the demise of Karanpur MLA and former minister Gurmeet Singh Koonar." "Despite being unwell for a long time, he was always striving for development work in his area. Koonar Saheb's demise is an irreparable loss for the Congress party and the politics of Rajasthan. I pray to God to give peace to the departed soul and courage to the family," he said. Three-time MLA Koonar was a strong leader of the Congress from Karanpur. He had won the 1998 assembly election on a Congress ticket from Karanpur and in 2008, he reached the assembly as an Independent from the seat. In 2018, the Congress again fielded him from Karanpur and he won. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

MUMBAI: A 35-foot-long whale calf that was stranded on the coast of Ganpatipule in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district was on Wednesday pushed back into the sea after 40 hours of efforts, delighting visitors and locals at the tourist spot, officials said.

The whale calf, weighing nearly 4 tons, reached the coast on Monday but got stuck in the sand near the beach as there was a low tide.

Travellers and locals who spotted the marine mammal struggling in shallow waters alerted the authorities, including Ratnagiri police and Coast Guard, resulting in a spirited rescue operation.

Initial attempts by the fire brigade, police and locals to push back the whale calf deep into the sea did not succeed, triggering concerns about its safety and survival.

Moving quickly on their feet, the rescuers began pouring seawater to keep the calf hydrated and covered it with cotton to create the required environment to save it, said the official.

A team of veterinary doctors also reached the spot and administered fluid to the whale calf to keep it alive.

An effort was made to push the sea animal by tying it with a belt and dragging it, but it caused injuries near its tail, prompting authorities to abort the method.

The Whale calf weighing around four tonnes and 30 feet in length, washed away to a beach in Ganpatipule, Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra finally made it to the Arabian Sea. pic.twitter.com/wMbCiySMhL  Lokmat Times Nagpur (@LokmatTimes_ngp) November 15, 2023

Meanwhile, marine experts were also roped in to monitor the whale calf's health, he said.

On Tuesday night, a tugboat was brought and the whale was placed on a net under a new rescue plan.

During high tide, officials and locals again started pushing the calf into the water.

They were inspired to work harder seeing the calf itself making attempts to slide towards deeper water, the official said.

After working relentlessly for several hours, the whale calf was dragged 7 to 8 nautical miles into the sea by the tugboat in the early hours of Wednesday, the official said.

Once back in its natural habitat, the whale calf broke the net and started swimming on its own.

It then swam deeper and vanished in the sea, said Dhanajay Kulkarni, superintendent of police, Ratnagiri district.

Incredible thread on the rescue of a whale calf from Ganapatiphule in Maharashtra by @akshay_journo. https://t.co/diFKvejOSm  Centre for Research on Animal Rights (@CRARIndia) November 14, 2023

"It was an important task to save the marine life. All stakeholders, including the district administration, Coast Guard, a private company, local villagers, and marine experts, were involved in the operation alongside the police to rescue the whale," he said.

Typically, mammals like this calf face survival challenges after being stranded on the shore for more than 35-40 hours, but this calf defied the odds, he said.

"All were very happy as they successfully guided it back into the sea, knowing that it can now resume its natural life," he added.

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MUMBAI: A 35-foot-long whale calf that was stranded on the coast of Ganpatipule in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district was on Wednesday pushed back into the sea after 40 hours of efforts, delighting visitors and locals at the tourist spot, officials said. The whale calf, weighing nearly 4 tons, reached the coast on Monday but got stuck in the sand near the beach as there was a low tide. Travellers and locals who spotted the marine mammal struggling in shallow waters alerted the authorities, including Ratnagiri police and Coast Guard, resulting in a spirited rescue operation.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Initial attempts by the fire brigade, police and locals to push back the whale calf deep into the sea did not succeed, triggering concerns about its safety and survival. Moving quickly on their feet, the rescuers began pouring seawater to keep the calf hydrated and covered it with cotton to create the required environment to save it, said the official. A team of veterinary doctors also reached the spot and administered fluid to the whale calf to keep it alive. An effort was made to push the sea animal by tying it with a belt and dragging it, but it caused injuries near its tail, prompting authorities to abort the method. The Whale calf weighing around four tonnes and 30 feet in length, washed away to a beach in Ganpatipule, Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra finally made it to the Arabian Sea. pic.twitter.com/wMbCiySMhL  Lokmat Times Nagpur (@LokmatTimes_ngp) November 15, 2023 Meanwhile, marine experts were also roped in to monitor the whale calf's health, he said. On Tuesday night, a tugboat was brought and the whale was placed on a net under a new rescue plan. During high tide, officials and locals again started pushing the calf into the water. They were inspired to work harder seeing the calf itself making attempts to slide towards deeper water, the official said. After working relentlessly for several hours, the whale calf was dragged 7 to 8 nautical miles into the sea by the tugboat in the early hours of Wednesday, the official said. Once back in its natural habitat, the whale calf broke the net and started swimming on its own. It then swam deeper and vanished in the sea, said Dhanajay Kulkarni, superintendent of police, Ratnagiri district. Incredible thread on the rescue of a whale calf from Ganapatiphule in Maharashtra by @akshay_journo. https://t.co/diFKvejOSm  Centre for Research on Animal Rights (@CRARIndia) November 14, 2023 "It was an important task to save the marine life. All stakeholders, including the district administration, Coast Guard, a private company, local villagers, and marine experts, were involved in the operation alongside the police to rescue the whale," he said. Typically, mammals like this calf face survival challenges after being stranded on the shore for more than 35-40 hours, but this calf defied the odds, he said. "All were very happy as they successfully guided it back into the sea, knowing that it can now resume its natural life," he added. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Narendra Sethi By

Express News Service

DEHRADUN: Forty labourers remain trapped in Silkyara Tunnel in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. Relief operations to rescue the labourers stranded in the under-construction 4.5-km Silkyara tunnel on the Uttarkashi-Yamunotri highway for the last three days, entered its fourth day on Wednesday.

According to information received, "Many obstacles are arising in the ongoing relief and rescue operation to evacuate these labourers". While rescue operations were on a war footing, a fresh spell of landslide saw rubbles falling from above, thus hampering the rescue mission.

According to sources in the district administration, "In place of the damaged old technology Auger machine, now more advanced machines for drilling are being brought from Delhi, which will be transported to the tunnel with the help of the Air Force".

Colonel Deepak Patil, who is in charge of the relief and rescue work, told this newspaper, "A new US-made Auger machine is being ordered for drilling, which will work faster." Now military operations and air services have also become active in this entire relief and rescue work.

READ MORE | Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: All trapped workers safe, rescue efforts underway; CM Dhami visits site

According to sources, "The length of the new American Auger machine is 4.42 meters, width is 2.22 meters and height is 2 meters. The total weight of the machine is 25 tons".

The working of the Auger drilling machine started on Tuesday night. About three meters of pipe was also inserted between the debris through the machine, but suddenly there was a technical fault in the machine and this work had to be stopped midway.

Sources at the tunnel site told TNIE, "The condition of the labourers trapped in the tunnel has now started deteriorating".

Following complaints from some workers from inside the tunnel, who reported fever, body aches and nervousness, the authorities immediately sent medicines through pipes.

The patience of their fellow labourers outside for the workers trapped in the tunnel also broke on Wednesday, with angry workers protesting outside the tunnel, alleging that there were no more machines in the backup and that rescue work was being lax. Workers say that the second machine should have been kept ready in the backup.

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DEHRADUN: Forty labourers remain trapped in Silkyara Tunnel in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. Relief operations to rescue the labourers stranded in the under-construction 4.5-km Silkyara tunnel on the Uttarkashi-Yamunotri highway for the last three days, entered its fourth day on Wednesday. According to information received, "Many obstacles are arising in the ongoing relief and rescue operation to evacuate these labourers". While rescue operations were on a war footing, a fresh spell of landslide saw rubbles falling from above, thus hampering the rescue mission. According to sources in the district administration, "In place of the damaged old technology Auger machine, now more advanced machines for drilling are being brought from Delhi, which will be transported to the tunnel with the help of the Air Force".googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Colonel Deepak Patil, who is in charge of the relief and rescue work, told this newspaper, "A new US-made Auger machine is being ordered for drilling, which will work faster." Now military operations and air services have also become active in this entire relief and rescue work. READ MORE | Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: All trapped workers safe, rescue efforts underway; CM Dhami visits site According to sources, "The length of the new American Auger machine is 4.42 meters, width is 2.22 meters and height is 2 meters. The total weight of the machine is 25 tons". The working of the Auger drilling machine started on Tuesday night. About three meters of pipe was also inserted between the debris through the machine, but suddenly there was a technical fault in the machine and this work had to be stopped midway. Sources at the tunnel site told TNIE, "The condition of the labourers trapped in the tunnel has now started deteriorating". Following complaints from some workers from inside the tunnel, who reported fever, body aches and nervousness, the authorities immediately sent medicines through pipes. The patience of their fellow labourers outside for the workers trapped in the tunnel also broke on Wednesday, with angry workers protesting outside the tunnel, alleging that there were no more machines in the backup and that rescue work was being lax. Workers say that the second machine should have been kept ready in the backup. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Mukesh Ranjan By

Express News Service

RANCHI: Vikasit Bharat Sakalp Yatra is Modis guarantee to the poor, women, farmers, and youth of this country vowed PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday.

While addressing a gathering at Ulihatu, the birthplace of tribal icon Birsa Munda in Jharkhand the PM said, Viksit Bharat Sakalp Yatra is a kind of guarantee to the women of this country, farmers of this country, youths of this country and the poor people living in this country."

The PM on the occasion of tribal icon Birsa Mundas birth anniversary and the third Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, launched a Rs 24,000 crore mega mission for giving justice to extremely backward tribals from Birsa College ground in Khunti.

Governor CP Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda, and BJP chief Babulal Marandi were also present on the occasion. Modi was on a two-day visit to Jharkhand to launch the Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra from 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 last for two months. Speaking on this occasion, Modi also gave four Amrit mantras to make the nation fully developed by 2047. According to Modi, if we want to develop the nation in the next 25 years of Amrit Kaal, then we have to strengthen the 4 Amrit Stambha.

The four Amrit Stambha of developed India are -- women of the country, farmers of the country, youths and neo-middle class & poor people of the country. The nation will be developed when all these four pillars are developed, said Modi.

The more we develop these four pillars, the more developed the country will be, he added. Modi also expressed satisfaction that the amount of work that has been done in the past 10 years to develop these 'Amrit Stambha' was never done before. Prime Minister Janjatiya Adivasi Nyay Mahabhiyaan According to Modi, so far talks have been made only on the general development of the tribals, but he has come up with the idea of Adivasi Nyay Abhiyan.

The tribal community was ignored for several decades after the independence but Atal Bihari Vajpayee made a separate ministry for the development of the tribals and his government has increased the budget for the welfare of tribals up to six times, he said.

We have also brought this Prime Minister Janjatiya Adivasi Nyay Mahabhiyaan (PMJANMAN) Yojana, under which our government will reach out to the tribal brothers and sisters where no other government had reached so far, said Modi.

This is that primitive tribe which is still compelled to live in the jungles and have not even heard the sound of train, he added. Modi informed that his government has identified about 75 such primitive tribes living in more than 2200 villages in different parts of the country.

They are the most backward among the tribal communities and are several lakh in number, said Modi.

No other government cared for them so his government will reach out to them through various schemes and programmes, he added EoM

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RANCHI: Vikasit Bharat Sakalp Yatra is Modis guarantee to the poor, women, farmers, and youth of this country vowed PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday. While addressing a gathering at Ulihatu, the birthplace of tribal icon Birsa Munda in Jharkhand the PM said, Viksit Bharat Sakalp Yatra is a kind of guarantee to the women of this country, farmers of this country, youths of this country and the poor people living in this country." The PM on the occasion of tribal icon Birsa Mundas birth anniversary and the third Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, launched a Rs 24,000 crore mega mission for giving justice to extremely backward tribals from Birsa College ground in Khunti.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Governor CP Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda, and BJP chief Babulal Marandi were also present on the occasion. Modi was on a two-day visit to Jharkhand to launch the Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra from 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 last for two months. Speaking on this occasion, Modi also gave four Amrit mantras to make the nation fully developed by 2047. According to Modi, if we want to develop the nation in the next 25 years of Amrit Kaal, then we have to strengthen the 4 Amrit Stambha. The four Amrit Stambha of developed India are -- women of the country, farmers of the country, youths and neo-middle class & poor people of the country. The nation will be developed when all these four pillars are developed, said Modi. The more we develop these four pillars, the more developed the country will be, he added. Modi also expressed satisfaction that the amount of work that has been done in the past 10 years to develop these 'Amrit Stambha' was never done before. Prime Minister Janjatiya Adivasi Nyay Mahabhiyaan According to Modi, so far talks have been made only on the general development of the tribals, but he has come up with the idea of Adivasi Nyay Abhiyan. The tribal community was ignored for several decades after the independence but Atal Bihari Vajpayee made a separate ministry for the development of the tribals and his government has increased the budget for the welfare of tribals up to six times, he said. We have also brought this Prime Minister Janjatiya Adivasi Nyay Mahabhiyaan (PMJANMAN) Yojana, under which our government will reach out to the tribal brothers and sisters where no other government had reached so far, said Modi. This is that primitive tribe which is still compelled to live in the jungles and have not even heard the sound of train, he added. Modi informed that his government has identified about 75 such primitive tribes living in more than 2200 villages in different parts of the country. They are the most backward among the tribal communities and are several lakh in number, said Modi. No other government cared for them so his government will reach out to them through various schemes and programmes, he added EoM Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Express News Service

KOZHIKODE: Actor and former Rajya Sabha MP Suresh Gopi was questioned by the Nadakkavu police in the case related to outraging the modesty of a woman journalist on October 27. The actor arrived at 11.30am at the Nadakkavu police station accompanied by his advocates and relatives. He was questioned for over two hours and was let off after serving a notice asking him to appear before the police, if necessary.

BJP leaders including K Surendran, P K Krishnadas, M T Ramesh, and Shobha Surendran arrived in front of the police station at 10 am and waited for the actor. BJP workers took out a Padayathra from the English Church junction to the police station, shouting slogans and raising banners saying they will never let the leader for the hunt.

BJP state president K Surendran told reporters that the LDF government decided to hunt the MP down after he took out a Padayathra in Thrissur against the irregularities in the Karuvannur Co-operative Bank. There was commotion when the convoy of four cars carrying the actor arrived in front of the police station. There was an argument between the BJP leaders and Deputy Commissioner of Police K E Byju over allowing the convoy to enter the police station compound. Police had to push the party workers back and use lathis to control the mob that shouted slogans against the government and the police.

Vehicular traffic was disrupted on the National Highway for a while. Finally, only Suresh Gopis car was allowed to enter the station premises. The actor was questioned by Nadakkavu sub-inspector Vinu Mohan, who is the investigating officer. While he was being questioned, party workers and leaders waited outside. After the interrogation, the BJP leader left the compound in the car.

When the vehicle reached the main road, Suresh Gopi opened the roof of the car and addressed the crowd, thanking the leaders and the cadre for the love they showered on him. He asked the crowd not to create any problems for the police. He left to attend a public programme at Puthuppanam near Vadakara.

Police had charged a case against Suresh Gopi under Section 354 (a) of the IPC for outraging the modesty of woman, on a complaint filed by a woman journalist.

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KOZHIKODE: Actor and former Rajya Sabha MP Suresh Gopi was questioned by the Nadakkavu police in the case related to outraging the modesty of a woman journalist on October 27. The actor arrived at 11.30am at the Nadakkavu police station accompanied by his advocates and relatives. He was questioned for over two hours and was let off after serving a notice asking him to appear before the police, if necessary. BJP leaders including K Surendran, P K Krishnadas, M T Ramesh, and Shobha Surendran arrived in front of the police station at 10 am and waited for the actor. BJP workers took out a Padayathra from the English Church junction to the police station, shouting slogans and raising banners saying they will never let the leader for the hunt. BJP state president K Surendran told reporters that the LDF government decided to hunt the MP down after he took out a Padayathra in Thrissur against the irregularities in the Karuvannur Co-operative Bank. There was commotion when the convoy of four cars carrying the actor arrived in front of the police station. There was an argument between the BJP leaders and Deputy Commissioner of Police K E Byju over allowing the convoy to enter the police station compound. Police had to push the party workers back and use lathis to control the mob that shouted slogans against the government and the police.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Vehicular traffic was disrupted on the National Highway for a while. Finally, only Suresh Gopis car was allowed to enter the station premises. The actor was questioned by Nadakkavu sub-inspector Vinu Mohan, who is the investigating officer. While he was being questioned, party workers and leaders waited outside. After the interrogation, the BJP leader left the compound in the car. When the vehicle reached the main road, Suresh Gopi opened the roof of the car and addressed the crowd, thanking the leaders and the cadre for the love they showered on him. He asked the crowd not to create any problems for the police. He left to attend a public programme at Puthuppanam near Vadakara. Police had charged a case against Suresh Gopi under Section 354 (a) of the IPC for outraging the modesty of woman, on a complaint filed by a woman journalist. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Express News Service

BERHAMPUR: Nayagarh police on Tuesday arrested three persons including an elderly man in connection with the suspected honour killing of a 17-year-old girl at Sorada village in Nuagaon a few days back.

The accused are Bikash Nayak (32), Chinmaya Nayak (26) and Patitapaban Pradhan (68), all relatives of the victim. The girls father Bipra Nayak is absconding.

Police said Bipras daughter was in love with a relatives son. Despite repeated warnings, she continued her relationship with the boy. On November 10, Bipra and other family members beat her mercilessly, causing her death. In a bid to cover up their crime, they took the minors body in a car to Jankakorada forest at Phiringia in Kandhamal district and buried it.

Sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) of Nayagarh Snehashis Sahoo said after getting credible information that the girl was murdered, police exhumed her body from a forest area in Phiringia. Basing on the report of sub-inspector Purusottam Pradhan, a case was registered under sections 120B, 201 and 302 of the IPC in Nuagaon police station.

During the investigation, the three accused, the girls uncle and two cousins, were interrogated. The trio led the police to the forest where the deceaseds body was buried. The body was exhumed in presence of an executive magistrate and sent for postmortem. The SDPO said Bipra is on the run and efforts are underway to nab him. The autopsy report is awaited to ascertain the exact cause of the girls death.

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BERHAMPUR: Nayagarh police on Tuesday arrested three persons including an elderly man in connection with the suspected honour killing of a 17-year-old girl at Sorada village in Nuagaon a few days back. The accused are Bikash Nayak (32), Chinmaya Nayak (26) and Patitapaban Pradhan (68), all relatives of the victim. The girls father Bipra Nayak is absconding. Police said Bipras daughter was in love with a relatives son. Despite repeated warnings, she continued her relationship with the boy. On November 10, Bipra and other family members beat her mercilessly, causing her death. In a bid to cover up their crime, they took the minors body in a car to Jankakorada forest at Phiringia in Kandhamal district and buried it.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) of Nayagarh Snehashis Sahoo said after getting credible information that the girl was murdered, police exhumed her body from a forest area in Phiringia. Basing on the report of sub-inspector Purusottam Pradhan, a case was registered under sections 120B, 201 and 302 of the IPC in Nuagaon police station. During the investigation, the three accused, the girls uncle and two cousins, were interrogated. The trio led the police to the forest where the deceaseds body was buried. The body was exhumed in presence of an executive magistrate and sent for postmortem. The SDPO said Bipra is on the run and efforts are underway to nab him. The autopsy report is awaited to ascertain the exact cause of the girls death. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The Indian Meteorological Department on Tuesday said a low-pressure area has formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining Andaman & Nicobar Islands and it would intensify into a depression and deep depression off the Andhra Pradesh coast by November 16.

Rainfall recorded in the last 24 hours ending 8.30 AM on Tuesday shows Velankanni in Nagapattinam district, for the second consecutive day, recorded the highest rainfall of 17cmin the state. Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam weather stations in Chennai received around 5cm of rainfall till 8 PM on Tuesday.

Deputy Director General of Regional Meteorological Centre S Balachandran said coastal districts and interior districts would continue to receive heavy rainfall over the next two days. Chennai and its suburbs would get moderate to heavy rainfall, Balachandran said.

Another low-pressure area heading towards TN

Several weather stations in Cuddalore, Karaikal, Pondicherry and Chengalpattu recorded rainfall in excess of 10cm. The regional meteorological centre officials said heavy rains would continue over Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Cuddalore, Villupuram and Chengalpattu districts on Wednesday.

A holiday was declared for schools in Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur and Cuddalore districts on Tuesday. There will be a reduction in rainfall activity from November 16-17 as the deep depression will recurve and reach the northwest Bay of Bengal off Odisha coast. There will be a break for a few days.

Models are showing the possibility of another low-pressure area forming in the Bay of Bengal and moving towards the Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh coast. If that happens, we can receive another round of rains sometime next week, said weather blogger K Srikanth. Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday conducted an inspection at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) to assess disaster preparedness.

Stalin instructed officials to closely monitor developments and take immediate steps to mitigate potential damage. Officials gave details about the measures being undertaken across the state to the CM. From October 1 to November 14, the state received 233.3mm of rainfall compared to the normal average rainfall of 272 mm, recording a deficit of 14%.

While eight districts received excessive rainfall, eight districts received normal rainfall, and 22 districts received deficit rainfall so far. Ministers were dispatched to Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, and Nagapattinam districts to oversee precautionary and relief measures based on the heavy rain forecast from the IMD. Senior IAS officers, appointed as monitoring officers for various districts, were directed to reach their designated areas and coordinate rescue and relief efforts.

Stalin virtually communicated with district collectors of Cuddalore and Nagapattinam to inquire about precautionary measures and urged them to ensure the availability of food, water, and medical facilities at relief centres. According to the district administration, around 9,000 acres of samba and thaladi crops are underwater in Nagapattinam.

Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management KKSSR Ramachandran, Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena and other officials accompanied the CM during the inspection. Ramachandran said in anticipation of heavy rain affecting 14 coastal districts, 121 shelters have been prepared to accommodate 113,000 individuals.

Holiday for schools in Chennai, pondy

A holiday has been declared for schools in Chennai on Wednesday and for both schools and colleges in Tiruvallur district. A holiday has also been declared for schools and colleges in Puducherry and Karaikal regions on Wednesday, sources said.

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CHENNAI: The Indian Meteorological Department on Tuesday said a low-pressure area has formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining Andaman & Nicobar Islands and it would intensify into a depression and deep depression off the Andhra Pradesh coast by November 16. Rainfall recorded in the last 24 hours ending 8.30 AM on Tuesday shows Velankanni in Nagapattinam district, for the second consecutive day, recorded the highest rainfall of 17cmin the state. Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam weather stations in Chennai received around 5cm of rainfall till 8 PM on Tuesday. Deputy Director General of Regional Meteorological Centre S Balachandran said coastal districts and interior districts would continue to receive heavy rainfall over the next two days. Chennai and its suburbs would get moderate to heavy rainfall, Balachandran said. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Another low-pressure area heading towards TN Several weather stations in Cuddalore, Karaikal, Pondicherry and Chengalpattu recorded rainfall in excess of 10cm. The regional meteorological centre officials said heavy rains would continue over Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Cuddalore, Villupuram and Chengalpattu districts on Wednesday. A holiday was declared for schools in Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur and Cuddalore districts on Tuesday. There will be a reduction in rainfall activity from November 16-17 as the deep depression will recurve and reach the northwest Bay of Bengal off Odisha coast. There will be a break for a few days. Models are showing the possibility of another low-pressure area forming in the Bay of Bengal and moving towards the Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh coast. If that happens, we can receive another round of rains sometime next week, said weather blogger K Srikanth. Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday conducted an inspection at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) to assess disaster preparedness. Stalin instructed officials to closely monitor developments and take immediate steps to mitigate potential damage. Officials gave details about the measures being undertaken across the state to the CM. From October 1 to November 14, the state received 233.3mm of rainfall compared to the normal average rainfall of 272 mm, recording a deficit of 14%. While eight districts received excessive rainfall, eight districts received normal rainfall, and 22 districts received deficit rainfall so far. Ministers were dispatched to Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, and Nagapattinam districts to oversee precautionary and relief measures based on the heavy rain forecast from the IMD. Senior IAS officers, appointed as monitoring officers for various districts, were directed to reach their designated areas and coordinate rescue and relief efforts. Stalin virtually communicated with district collectors of Cuddalore and Nagapattinam to inquire about precautionary measures and urged them to ensure the availability of food, water, and medical facilities at relief centres. According to the district administration, around 9,000 acres of samba and thaladi crops are underwater in Nagapattinam. Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management KKSSR Ramachandran, Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena and other officials accompanied the CM during the inspection. Ramachandran said in anticipation of heavy rain affecting 14 coastal districts, 121 shelters have been prepared to accommodate 113,000 individuals. Holiday for schools in Chennai, pondy A holiday has been declared for schools in Chennai on Wednesday and for both schools and colleges in Tiruvallur district. A holiday has also been declared for schools and colleges in Puducherry and Karaikal regions on Wednesday, sources said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Express News Service

TIRUNELVELI: Former IAS officer and founder of Samooga Samathuva Padai P Sivakami on Monday said Tirunelveli police are not invoking the sections under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act properly and are trying to compromise the victims.

Sivakami visited the district to meet Nanguneri caste atrocity victims, who were hacked by a few school students in August, and to give her recommendations to the commission led by Justice K Chandru. Speaking to the media, she said the district police were forcing the SC complainants to write the complaints as per their wish intending to avoid sections of the SC/ST (PoA) Act.

The incidents of caste atrocity are increasing in this district. A temporary EB worker, Esakkimuthu, was killed recently after intermediate caste persons intentionally electrocuted him while he was working on the pole. However, the police refused to register a case under the SC/ST (PoA)Act, instead, they made the case as an accident, she claimed.

The former IAS officer further alleged that the police in Radhapuram denied registration of a case under the Act against 15 intermediate caste persons who attacked an SC man. The police also registered a counter case against some SC men with the intention of compromising them, she said.

She alleged that the state government could not give away houses for Nanguneri caste atrocity victims.

However, district Collector K P Karthikeyan denied her allegation stating that the government provided `12 lakh subsidy to the mother of Nanguneri victims, who willingly paid the balance amount of `1.17 lakh to get the house.

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TIRUNELVELI: Former IAS officer and founder of Samooga Samathuva Padai P Sivakami on Monday said Tirunelveli police are not invoking the sections under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act properly and are trying to compromise the victims. Sivakami visited the district to meet Nanguneri caste atrocity victims, who were hacked by a few school students in August, and to give her recommendations to the commission led by Justice K Chandru. Speaking to the media, she said the district police were forcing the SC complainants to write the complaints as per their wish intending to avoid sections of the SC/ST (PoA) Act. The incidents of caste atrocity are increasing in this district. A temporary EB worker, Esakkimuthu, was killed recently after intermediate caste persons intentionally electrocuted him while he was working on the pole. However, the police refused to register a case under the SC/ST (PoA)Act, instead, they made the case as an accident, she claimed.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The former IAS officer further alleged that the police in Radhapuram denied registration of a case under the Act against 15 intermediate caste persons who attacked an SC man. The police also registered a counter case against some SC men with the intention of compromising them, she said. She alleged that the state government could not give away houses for Nanguneri caste atrocity victims. However, district Collector K P Karthikeyan denied her allegation stating that the government provided `12 lakh subsidy to the mother of Nanguneri victims, who willingly paid the balance amount of `1.17 lakh to get the house. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Express News Service

TIRUVANNAMALAI: The arrest and detention of 20 farmers from Tiruvannamalai for over 10 days for protesting against the proposed acquisition of agricultural wetlands for the MELMA SIPCOT project has drawn widespread condemnation. Opposing the detention, social activist Aruna Roy in a statement on Tuesday urged the authorities to immediately release the farmers and drop all charges against them.

The release said, The farmers were engaged in a peaceful sit-in protest on their patta land for over 125 days, opposing the governments plan to acquire 3,200 acres of agricultural wetlands for leasing to private industries. Police arrested them from their houses in the early hours of November 4 based on an FIR filed in August. The report, among various charges, also blamed them for unlawful assembly, carrying a maximum punishment of five years. Five of these farmers have been transferred to various jails across Tamil Nadu, which is a form of harassment. The farmers also face a second FIR filed in July, which might prolong their incarceration. We urge the government to drop all the charges, release the farmers and stop all forceful methods of land acquisition.

Those who signed the statement include V Suresh, advocate at Madras High Court and member of PUCL; Jayaram Venkatesan, convener of Arappor Iyakkam; Nikhil Dey and Shankar Singh from MKSS; and Sudha Ramalingam, human rights activist.

Sources said there is a possibility of invoking the Goondas Act against five protesters, including agriculture activist Arul Arumugam, who was arrested. TNIE tried to reach out to Tiruvannamalai collector B Murugeshan to clarify on this apprehension, but he could not be reached.

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TIRUVANNAMALAI: The arrest and detention of 20 farmers from Tiruvannamalai for over 10 days for protesting against the proposed acquisition of agricultural wetlands for the MELMA SIPCOT project has drawn widespread condemnation. Opposing the detention, social activist Aruna Roy in a statement on Tuesday urged the authorities to immediately release the farmers and drop all charges against them. The release said, The farmers were engaged in a peaceful sit-in protest on their patta land for over 125 days, opposing the governments plan to acquire 3,200 acres of agricultural wetlands for leasing to private industries. Police arrested them from their houses in the early hours of November 4 based on an FIR filed in August. The report, among various charges, also blamed them for unlawful assembly, carrying a maximum punishment of five years. Five of these farmers have been transferred to various jails across Tamil Nadu, which is a form of harassment. The farmers also face a second FIR filed in July, which might prolong their incarceration. We urge the government to drop all the charges, release the farmers and stop all forceful methods of land acquisition. Those who signed the statement include V Suresh, advocate at Madras High Court and member of PUCL; Jayaram Venkatesan, convener of Arappor Iyakkam; Nikhil Dey and Shankar Singh from MKSS; and Sudha Ramalingam, human rights activist. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Sources said there is a possibility of invoking the Goondas Act against five protesters, including agriculture activist Arul Arumugam, who was arrested. TNIE tried to reach out to Tiruvannamalai collector B Murugeshan to clarify on this apprehension, but he could not be reached. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
B kartheek By

Express News Service

HYDERABAD: With the last day for withdrawal of nominations looming, Congress leaders have embarked on a mission to appease disheartened party members to ensure the retraction of their nominations.

Speculations hinted at potential rebellion from approximately 30 leaders within the party, particularly in light of the decision to grant tickets to 30 newcomers. However, the party has successfully mitigated discontent by extending offers of either MP or MLC positions. Notably, AICC general secretary KC Venugopal has personally reached out to these disgruntled leaders via telephone recently.

On Tuesday, AICC Telangana in-charge, Manikrao Thakre, engaged in discussions with over 10 rebel leaders. Thakre reassured them by promising alternative posts following a victorious election outcome.

Among the leaders contacted were Patel Ramesh Reddy (Suryapet), A Sanjiv Reddy (Adilabad), Vennela Ashok (Boath), Janga Raghava Reddy (Warangal West), Vijaya Bhai (Wyra), Gali Anil Kumar (Narsapur), Dandem Ramreddy (Ibrahimpatnam), Nehru Naik (Dornakal), Sudhakar Goud (Palakurthi), Gangaram (Jukkal), Kasula Balaraju (Banswada), Umesh Rao (Sircilla), and others.

A senior Congress official disclosed that these leaders had filed nominations with the expectation of receiving a party ticket, anticipating eventual withdrawal. While some have already retracted their nominations as of Tuesday, the decision of the remaining candidates remains uncertain.Meanwhile, Ramesh Reddy has taken a defiant stance, declaring his intent to contest the election with the explicit goal of defeating the Congress candidate in Suryapet. He affirmed his commitment to rejoin the Congress fold following a triumphant electoral outcome.

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HYDERABAD: With the last day for withdrawal of nominations looming, Congress leaders have embarked on a mission to appease disheartened party members to ensure the retraction of their nominations. Speculations hinted at potential rebellion from approximately 30 leaders within the party, particularly in light of the decision to grant tickets to 30 newcomers. However, the party has successfully mitigated discontent by extending offers of either MP or MLC positions. Notably, AICC general secretary KC Venugopal has personally reached out to these disgruntled leaders via telephone recently. On Tuesday, AICC Telangana in-charge, Manikrao Thakre, engaged in discussions with over 10 rebel leaders. Thakre reassured them by promising alternative posts following a victorious election outcome.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Among the leaders contacted were Patel Ramesh Reddy (Suryapet), A Sanjiv Reddy (Adilabad), Vennela Ashok (Boath), Janga Raghava Reddy (Warangal West), Vijaya Bhai (Wyra), Gali Anil Kumar (Narsapur), Dandem Ramreddy (Ibrahimpatnam), Nehru Naik (Dornakal), Sudhakar Goud (Palakurthi), Gangaram (Jukkal), Kasula Balaraju (Banswada), Umesh Rao (Sircilla), and others. A senior Congress official disclosed that these leaders had filed nominations with the expectation of receiving a party ticket, anticipating eventual withdrawal. While some have already retracted their nominations as of Tuesday, the decision of the remaining candidates remains uncertain.Meanwhile, Ramesh Reddy has taken a defiant stance, declaring his intent to contest the election with the explicit goal of defeating the Congress candidate in Suryapet. He affirmed his commitment to rejoin the Congress fold following a triumphant electoral outcome. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
S Bachan Jeet Singh By

Express News Service

HYDERABAD: With returning officers declaring 114 of the 145 sets of nomination papers filed for the constituency valid, the spotlight is well and truly on the Gajwel Assembly segment from where Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is in the fray.With scrutiny of nomination papers ending on Tuesday, the poll officials said that 35 sets of papers were rejected. Importantly, the nomination papers filed by BJP candidate and former minister Eatala Rajender were found to be in order.

Rajender is also in the fray for the Huzurabad seat which he won in the 2021 byelection on the BJP ticket after parting ways with the TRS (now BRS).In Kamareddy, the other Assembly constituency where KCR is in contention, 58 nominations were deemed valid. TPCC chief A Revanth Reddy is challenging KCR in Kamareddy. Interestingly, 92 sets of nominations were filed in Kamareddy. The ROs deemed 67 nominations valid in Medchal, 57 in LB Nagar, 36 in Serilingampally, 50 in Munugode and 23 in Sircilla.

A total of 2,898 nominations received for the 119 Assembly constituencies in the state were deemed valid after scrutiny by returning officers, while 606 were rejected on various grounds. As many as 4,798 candidates had filed 5,716 sets of nominations by the deadline on November 10. The withdrawal of candidatures is slated for November 15, voting will take place on November 30 and the votes will be counted on December 3, 2023.

Election authorities said that a majority of rejected nominations belong to independent candidates or those affiliated with smaller parties. The BRS is contesting all the 119 seats, while the Congress has reserved one seat for its ally CPI. The BJP is contesting 111 seats, leaving the rest for its ally Jana Sena Party. The AIMIM has fielded candidates in nine seats and has declared support for the BRS in the others.

Interestingly, veteran Congress leader K Jana Reddys nomination papers for the Nagarjuna Sagar seat were rejected while his son Jaiveer Reddys papers were accepted. Also, the returning officers rejected the papers filed by Rajenders wife Eatala Jamuna in both Huzurabad and Gajwel.

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HYDERABAD: With returning officers declaring 114 of the 145 sets of nomination papers filed for the constituency valid, the spotlight is well and truly on the Gajwel Assembly segment from where Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is in the fray.With scrutiny of nomination papers ending on Tuesday, the poll officials said that 35 sets of papers were rejected. Importantly, the nomination papers filed by BJP candidate and former minister Eatala Rajender were found to be in order. Rajender is also in the fray for the Huzurabad seat which he won in the 2021 byelection on the BJP ticket after parting ways with the TRS (now BRS).In Kamareddy, the other Assembly constituency where KCR is in contention, 58 nominations were deemed valid. TPCC chief A Revanth Reddy is challenging KCR in Kamareddy. Interestingly, 92 sets of nominations were filed in Kamareddy. The ROs deemed 67 nominations valid in Medchal, 57 in LB Nagar, 36 in Serilingampally, 50 in Munugode and 23 in Sircilla. A total of 2,898 nominations received for the 119 Assembly constituencies in the state were deemed valid after scrutiny by returning officers, while 606 were rejected on various grounds. As many as 4,798 candidates had filed 5,716 sets of nominations by the deadline on November 10. The withdrawal of candidatures is slated for November 15, voting will take place on November 30 and the votes will be counted on December 3, 2023.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Election authorities said that a majority of rejected nominations belong to independent candidates or those affiliated with smaller parties. The BRS is contesting all the 119 seats, while the Congress has reserved one seat for its ally CPI. The BJP is contesting 111 seats, leaving the rest for its ally Jana Sena Party. The AIMIM has fielded candidates in nine seats and has declared support for the BRS in the others. Interestingly, veteran Congress leader K Jana Reddys nomination papers for the Nagarjuna Sagar seat were rejected while his son Jaiveer Reddys papers were accepted. Also, the returning officers rejected the papers filed by Rajenders wife Eatala Jamuna in both Huzurabad and Gajwel. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Yeshi Seli By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Bangladesh will go to the polls on January 7, 2024, announced the country's chief election commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal on Wednesday. This will be the countrys 12th general elections.

This announcement comes amidst nationwide protests which have led to the deaths of four people (including a policemen), while hundreds have been injured. The opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP) has been protesting against the incumbent government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, demanding her resignation and the formation of an interim government to ensure free and fair polls.

The last day of submission of nomination papers will be November 30. The papers will get scrutinised between December 1 to 4, while the last date for the withdrawal of candidates will be December 17. On December 18, election symbols will be allotted to candidates, said Awal in a live broadcast on their national television.

The BNPs far right allies Jamaat-e-Islami have also taken to the streets demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who is facing allegations of corruption and money laundering.

A few BNP leaders are in jail, while BNP leader Khaleda Zia is under house arrest and her son Tarique Rahman is in exile. The US has been insisting on holding free and fair elections. The US has been highlighting issues of human rights violations in Bangladesh too.

Some reports suggest that over 8000 opposition members and protests have been jailed since the protests began on October 28.

The ruling Awami League has dismissed the opposition's demands, saying elections would be held under Premier Hasina, who also rejected proposals for dialogue with the opposition by the US and other major Western countries, calling the BNP a terrorist organisation.

Senior BNP leader Mahbubuddin Khokon said the Election Commission would have to shoulder responsibilities for any conflicting situation over the announcement of the poll schedule.

Meanwhile, ahead of the announcement of the poll dates, security has been heightened and increased vigil is being maintained across the country. The election campaign as per the announcement will run from December 18 to January 5 midnight.

ALSO READ | US moves to break political impasse in Bangladesh, envoy seeks meetings with major parties

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NEW DELHI: Bangladesh will go to the polls on January 7, 2024, announced the country's chief election commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal on Wednesday. This will be the countrys 12th general elections. This announcement comes amidst nationwide protests which have led to the deaths of four people (including a policemen), while hundreds have been injured. The opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP) has been protesting against the incumbent government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, demanding her resignation and the formation of an interim government to ensure free and fair polls. The last day of submission of nomination papers will be November 30. The papers will get scrutinised between December 1 to 4, while the last date for the withdrawal of candidates will be December 17. On December 18, election symbols will be allotted to candidates, said Awal in a live broadcast on their national television.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The BNPs far right allies Jamaat-e-Islami have also taken to the streets demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who is facing allegations of corruption and money laundering. A few BNP leaders are in jail, while BNP leader Khaleda Zia is under house arrest and her son Tarique Rahman is in exile. The US has been insisting on holding free and fair elections. The US has been highlighting issues of human rights violations in Bangladesh too. Some reports suggest that over 8000 opposition members and protests have been jailed since the protests began on October 28. The ruling Awami League has dismissed the opposition's demands, saying elections would be held under Premier Hasina, who also rejected proposals for dialogue with the opposition by the US and other major Western countries, calling the BNP a terrorist organisation. Senior BNP leader Mahbubuddin Khokon said the Election Commission would have to shoulder responsibilities for any conflicting situation over the announcement of the poll schedule. Meanwhile, ahead of the announcement of the poll dates, security has been heightened and increased vigil is being maintained across the country. The election campaign as per the announcement will run from December 18 to January 5 midnight. ALSO READ | US moves to break political impasse in Bangladesh, envoy seeks meetings with major parties Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By AFP

CAIRO: A fuel truck entered Gaza through the Rafah border crossing from Egypt Wednesday, state-aligned Al Qahera News reported, in the first such delivery since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7.

An Egyptian source said the fuel would be delivered to the United Nations "to facilitate the delivery of aid after trucks on the Palestinian side stopped operating for lack of fuel".

Witnesses at the Egyptian border said two more trucks were waiting to pass through the crossing.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said it was unable to confirm the reported delivery.

"No fuel has come to Gaza since October 7," the agency's director of communications Juliette Touma told AFP, adding that "if there is any change, UNRWA will provide an update".

COGAT, the Israeli defence ministry body that handles Palestinian civil affairs, had said earlier that "UN trucks transporting humanitarian aid through the Rafah crossing will be refuelled at the Rafah crossing, per US request".

FOLLOW OUR LIVE COVERAGE OF THE ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR HERE

The UN had warned on Monday that its operations would "grind to a halt in the next 48 hours" unless it could refuel trucks that have been transporting aid to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced by Israel's unrelenting bombardment.

It is unbelievable that humanitarian agencies have to beg for fuel and operate on life support," UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said in a statement Tuesday.

"Since the beginning of the war, fuel has been used as a weapon of war and this should stop immediately."

Israel's attacks by air and land have killed 11,320 people, mostly civilians, including thousands of children, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.

A shock attack by Hamas on October 7 killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw 240 more taken hostage, according to Israel, which has since laid siege to Gaza and blocked all fuel deliveries.

Aid agencies have repeatedly underlined the desperate need for fuel -- used to power hospital generators and purify drinking water.

The health ministry has said that fuel shortages have forced the shutdown of all hospitals in northern Gaza.

At the Al-Shifa hospital, which Israeli forces raided Wednesday, dozens of intensive care patients have died since the hospital ran out of fuel, according to health officials.

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CAIRO: A fuel truck entered Gaza through the Rafah border crossing from Egypt Wednesday, state-aligned Al Qahera News reported, in the first such delivery since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7. An Egyptian source said the fuel would be delivered to the United Nations "to facilitate the delivery of aid after trucks on the Palestinian side stopped operating for lack of fuel". Witnesses at the Egyptian border said two more trucks were waiting to pass through the crossing.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said it was unable to confirm the reported delivery. "No fuel has come to Gaza since October 7," the agency's director of communications Juliette Touma told AFP, adding that "if there is any change, UNRWA will provide an update". COGAT, the Israeli defence ministry body that handles Palestinian civil affairs, had said earlier that "UN trucks transporting humanitarian aid through the Rafah crossing will be refuelled at the Rafah crossing, per US request". FOLLOW OUR LIVE COVERAGE OF THE ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR HERE The UN had warned on Monday that its operations would "grind to a halt in the next 48 hours" unless it could refuel trucks that have been transporting aid to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced by Israel's unrelenting bombardment. It is unbelievable that humanitarian agencies have to beg for fuel and operate on life support," UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said in a statement Tuesday. "Since the beginning of the war, fuel has been used as a weapon of war and this should stop immediately." Israel's attacks by air and land have killed 11,320 people, mostly civilians, including thousands of children, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza. A shock attack by Hamas on October 7 killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw 240 more taken hostage, according to Israel, which has since laid siege to Gaza and blocked all fuel deliveries. Aid agencies have repeatedly underlined the desperate need for fuel -- used to power hospital generators and purify drinking water. The health ministry has said that fuel shortages have forced the shutdown of all hospitals in northern Gaza. At the Al-Shifa hospital, which Israeli forces raided Wednesday, dozens of intensive care patients have died since the hospital ran out of fuel, according to health officials. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By AFP

GENEVA: The United Nations and the Red Cross voiced alarm Wednesday after Israeli forces raided Gaza's largest hospital, demanding that thousands of patients and civilians be protected.

Israeli forces entered Al-Shifa hospital, targeting what they say is a Hamas command centre in tunnels beneath patients and the civilians seeking refuge there from intense combat.

"I'm appalled by reports of military raids in Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza," UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said on X, formerly Twitter. "The protection of newborns, patients, medical staff and all civilians must override all other concerns. Hospitals are not battlegrounds."

Israel's mission to the UN in Geneva lashed out Griffiths, linking his comments to a meeting he held in the Swiss city on Wednesday with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

"Did you tweet this before or after you met with the Iranian foreign minister this morning? Did you call on him to stop funding and arming a terrorist organisation using hospitals to hide?" it said on X.

"Iran does not care about the people of Gaza. The UN needs to stop being used as pawns in Iran's desire for death and destruction."

FOLLOW OUR LIVE COVERAGE OF THE ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR HERE

'A war zone'

Israel vowed to crush Hamas after the Palestinian militant group launched unprecedented cross-border attacks that Israel says left 1,200 people dead with another 239 taken hostage.

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says Israel's ensuing air and ground offensive has killed 11,320 people, mostly civilians, including thousands of children.

Al-Shifa is a key objective in Israel's campaign.

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.

Witnesses have described horrific conditions inside the hospital, 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.

Griffiths stressed in a separate video statement Wednesday 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.

READ MORE | Israel-Hamas war: Gaza chokes ravaged by Israeli bombardments; 'no fuel entered the Palestinian territory since Oct 7,' says UN agency

'Extremely concerned'

Griffiths said his UN humanitarian agency's main concern was "for the welfare of the patients of that hospital, which is, of course, in great peril at the moment".

"We have no fuel to run it. The babies have no incubators, newly born. Some are dead already. We can't move them out. It's too dangerous," he said.

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the agency had lost touch again with staff at the hospital.

"We're extremely worried for their and their patients' safety."

The International Committee of the Red Cross said it was "extremely concerned about the impact on sick and wounded people, medical staff, and civilians".

"All measures to avoid any consequences on them must be taken," the ICRC said, insisting that "patients, medical staff, and civilians must be at all times protected".

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GENEVA: The United Nations and the Red Cross voiced alarm Wednesday after Israeli forces raided Gaza's largest hospital, demanding that thousands of patients and civilians be protected. Israeli forces entered Al-Shifa hospital, targeting what they say is a Hamas command centre in tunnels beneath patients and the civilians seeking refuge there from intense combat. "I'm appalled by reports of military raids in Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza," UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said on X, formerly Twitter. "The protection of newborns, patients, medical staff and all civilians must override all other concerns. Hospitals are not battlegrounds."googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Israel's mission to the UN in Geneva lashed out Griffiths, linking his comments to a meeting he held in the Swiss city on Wednesday with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. "Did you tweet this before or after you met with the Iranian foreign minister this morning? Did you call on him to stop funding and arming a terrorist organisation using hospitals to hide?" it said on X. "Iran does not care about the people of Gaza. The UN needs to stop being used as pawns in Iran's desire for death and destruction." FOLLOW OUR LIVE COVERAGE OF THE ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR HERE 'A war zone' Israel vowed to crush Hamas after the Palestinian militant group launched unprecedented cross-border attacks that Israel says left 1,200 people dead with another 239 taken hostage. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says Israel's ensuing air and ground offensive has killed 11,320 people, mostly civilians, including thousands of children. Al-Shifa is a key objective in Israel's campaign. 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. Witnesses have described horrific conditions inside the hospital, 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. Griffiths stressed in a separate video statement Wednesday 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. READ MORE | Israel-Hamas war: Gaza chokes ravaged by Israeli bombardments; 'no fuel entered the Palestinian territory since Oct 7,' says UN agency 'Extremely concerned' Griffiths said his UN humanitarian agency's main concern was "for the welfare of the patients of that hospital, which is, of course, in great peril at the moment". "We have no fuel to run it. The babies have no incubators, newly born. Some are dead already. We can't move them out. It's too dangerous," he said. World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the agency had lost touch again with staff at the hospital. "We're extremely worried for their and their patients' safety." The International Committee of the Red Cross said it was "extremely concerned about the impact on sick and wounded people, medical staff, and civilians". "All measures to avoid any consequences on them must be taken," the ICRC said, insisting that "patients, medical staff, and civilians must be at all times protected". Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Online Desk

It has been weeks since Gaza Strip has been gasping for breath choked by deaths and destruction caused by Israeli bombardment. Reports of deaths of doctors, scholars, children, men, women, and elderly people continue to pour in, even as the cries for a ceasefire remain unheeded.

The situation in Palestinian territories remains indescribably grim. For instance, an Orthopedic surgeon, Dr Fadel Naim shared a message on platform X saying, "After a whole month of being unable to leave the hospital, I ventured out today to bury my brother-in-law near the hospital.

Passing by the site where he was martyred, The neighborhoods and streets of my city, which I once knew by heart, are unrecognizable !!," he added.

He further added on Tuesday, November 15, 2023, "Today 170 bodies were buried in a mass grave inside Shifa Hospital because of the Israeli surrounding imposed on the hospital is a shame on all humanity."

"In a phone call with the Israeli military, the director of Shifa Hospital stated, "You can go & do whatever you want inside the hospital, but please ensure the safety of the patients. The 6 floors are filled by patients & families taking shelter, said Younis Tirawi, a "reporter on Palestinian affairs", in a message on X.

Meanwhile, Rabi David Mivasair announced on X the killing of Professor Mohammad Eid Shubair, wife Rehab Mohamad Shubair, daughter-in-law Najat Ayoub Alhelo, and son, Muhammad Malik Shubair in an Israeli airstrike on their home in the vicinity of the Al Shifa hospital in Gaza City.

"Professor Mohammad Eid Shubair was a well-respected scholar and president of the Islamic University in Gaza. Beloved by all in his community, his loss has sent shockwaves across Gaza and the world.

"Their home, in the immediate vicinity of the Al Shifa hospital, was bombed just three days ago. Those who survived the bombing and attempted to walk the close distance to the hospital were shot dead by Israeli forces besieging the hospital," he noted.

In a condolence message for the professor and his family, American Muslims for Palestine pointed out that "Professor Shubair is the father-in-law of our Chicago chapter board member, Alaa Abusamaan. We offer our deepest condolences to Alaa and his wife Hoda Shubair over the devastating loss of their loved ones."

Lately, the Israeli military has reported that it is carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in the Shifa Hospital.

There has been no solid evidence presented of Hamas operating from al-Shifa Hospital, Al Jazeera reports.

Mohammed Zaqout, the director of hospitals in Gaza told The Associated Press over the phone that the patients, including children, are terrified after Israeli forces stormed the buildings.

They are screaming. Its a very terrifying situation we can do nothing for the patients but pray, he was quoted as saying by Al Jazeera.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) noted that the humanitarian response in the Gaza Strip, on which over 2 million people depend, is gradually coming to an end because no fuel has been allowed into the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said in a statement, UNRWA set off alarm bells over the fuel situation three weeks ago, warning about its fast-depleting supplies, and the impact on lifesaving operations. Since then, we have heavily rationed the use of fuel and accessed pre-existing, limited amounts stored in a depot inside the Gaza Strip, through close coordination with Israeli Authorities.

The depot is now empty.

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.

It is unbelievable that humanitarian agencies have to beg for fuel and operate on life support.

Since the beginning of the war, fuel has been used as a weapon of war and this should stop immediately.

I appeal to all parties to make fuel available now and stop using humanitarian assistance for political or military gains, he said.



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It has been weeks since Gaza Strip has been gasping for breath choked by deaths and destruction caused by Israeli bombardment. Reports of deaths of doctors, scholars, children, men, women, and elderly people continue to pour in, even as the cries for a ceasefire remain unheeded. The situation in Palestinian territories remains indescribably grim. For instance, an Orthopedic surgeon, Dr Fadel Naim shared a message on platform X saying, "After a whole month of being unable to leave the hospital, I ventured out today to bury my brother-in-law near the hospital. Passing by the site where he was martyred, The neighborhoods and streets of my city, which I once knew by heart, are unrecognizable !!," he added.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); He further added on Tuesday, November 15, 2023, "Today 170 bodies were buried in a mass grave inside Shifa Hospital because of the Israeli surrounding imposed on the hospital is a shame on all humanity." "In a phone call with the Israeli military, the director of Shifa Hospital stated, "You can go & do whatever you want inside the hospital, but please ensure the safety of the patients. The 6 floors are filled by patients & families taking shelter, said Younis Tirawi, a "reporter on Palestinian affairs", in a message on X. Meanwhile, Rabi David Mivasair announced on X the killing of Professor Mohammad Eid Shubair, wife Rehab Mohamad Shubair, daughter-in-law Najat Ayoub Alhelo, and son, Muhammad Malik Shubair in an Israeli airstrike on their home in the vicinity of the Al Shifa hospital in Gaza City. "Professor Mohammad Eid Shubair was a well-respected scholar and president of the Islamic University in Gaza. Beloved by all in his community, his loss has sent shockwaves across Gaza and the world. "Their home, in the immediate vicinity of the Al Shifa hospital, was bombed just three days ago. Those who survived the bombing and attempted to walk the close distance to the hospital were shot dead by Israeli forces besieging the hospital," he noted. In a condolence message for the professor and his family, American Muslims for Palestine pointed out that "Professor Shubair is the father-in-law of our Chicago chapter board member, Alaa Abusamaan. We offer our deepest condolences to Alaa and his wife Hoda Shubair over the devastating loss of their loved ones." Lately, the Israeli military has reported that it is carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in the Shifa Hospital. There has been no solid evidence presented of Hamas operating from al-Shifa Hospital, Al Jazeera reports. Mohammed Zaqout, the director of hospitals in Gaza told The Associated Press over the phone that the patients, including children, are terrified after Israeli forces stormed the buildings. They are screaming. Its a very terrifying situation we can do nothing for the patients but pray, he was quoted as saying by Al Jazeera. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) noted that the humanitarian response in the Gaza Strip, on which over 2 million people depend, is gradually coming to an end because no fuel has been allowed into the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said in a statement, UNRWA set off alarm bells over the fuel situation three weeks ago, warning about its fast-depleting supplies, and the impact on lifesaving operations. Since then, we have heavily rationed the use of fuel and accessed pre-existing, limited amounts stored in a depot inside the Gaza Strip, through close coordination with Israeli Authorities. The depot is now empty. 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. It is unbelievable that humanitarian agencies have to beg for fuel and operate on life support. Since the beginning of the war, fuel has been used as a weapon of war and this should stop immediately. I appeal to all parties to make fuel available now and stop using humanitarian assistance for political or military gains, he said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By AFP

The Maldives's incoming president Mohamed Muizzu has vowed to expel Indian troops after taking office later this week, but told AFP he does not want to redraw regional balance by bringing in Chinese forces instead.

"Maldives is too small to be entangled in geopolitical rivalry," the president-elect said in an interview on the strategically located Indian Ocean archipelago. "I am not very much interested to engage the Maldivian foreign policy in this."

Muizzu's election success in September hinged on a sustained campaign against India's outsized political and economic clout in the Maldives, and specifically his pledge to eject Indian forces.

But he said he will not allow China -- or any other nation -- to replace them, and dismissed reports of him being closer to Beijing. He insists he is only "pro-Maldives".

"We are going to work together with all the countries, India, China and all other countries as well," the 45-year-old leader, who will be sworn in on Friday, said at his home in the capital Male.

Known for its pristine beaches and secluded resorts as one of the most expensive holiday destinations in South Asia, the Maldives has also become a geopolitical hotspot.

Global east-west shipping lanes pass the nation's chain of 1,192 tiny coral islands, scattered around 800 kilometres (500 miles) across the equator.

Muizzu was regarded as a proxy of pro-China former president Abdulla Yameen, who had shifted the country heavily into Beijing's orbit till his 2018 defeat.

Regional rivalry

Muizzu said he hoped to begin formal negotiations with New Delhi on the withdrawal of an estimated 50 to 75 Indian personnel, a sensitive campaign issue.

"The people of the Maldives did not vote for me to allow any military presence in the Maldives," the British-educated civil engineer added.

"That is why we are talking with the Indian government to remove them, and I'm sure we can do that in a peaceful and democratic manner."

Muizzu said his mandate was to remove a unit of Indian security personnel, deployed to operate three aircraft gifted to the Maldives to patrol its vast maritime territory.

"I'm not asking for the Indian troops to leave our country to make room for any other country to bring their military troops here," he said.

Regional power India had considered the Maldives with its population of about 380,000 Sunni Muslims to be within its sphere of influence, but had been worried about China's expanding footprint during Yameen's administration.

New Delhi has a history of entanglements with Male, including the deployment of soldiers to thwart a 1988 coup attempt.

Maldives first

"For the Maldives, it is very important that we put our interests first... also we want to work together with all the countries, have a good friendly relationship, cordial, candid relationship," Muizzu said.

The party nominated Muizzu after Yameen was barred from running for office following a criminal conviction of corruption during his five-year term when the country saw a spurt of Chinese-funded construction.

Muizzu, a former housing minister, is credited with implementing Chinese-funded infrastructure projects, including the construction of 7,000 apartments and a landmark bridge linking the capital island Male with the nearby airport island of Hulhule.

"We are situated in a very strategic location, in which many of the sea lanes of communication go across our country," he said, adding that he was inviting foreign investment to develop ports and logistics as well as set up a tax-free zone.

Muizzu said he was banking on completing the ambitious expansion of the international airport, in a bid to jump-start an economy that was hit by heavy debt and a decline in tourism during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He was hopeful of filling "funding gaps" for the nearly $1 billion expansion of the Velana International Airport, which he sees as a gateway to attracting more foreign direct investment.

Climate change threat

But the country's public and government-guaranteed debt was about $7 billion, or 113.5 percent of GDP at the end of last year, according to official data.

"When we look at the economy, there's a huge debt that needs to be addressed. The level of confidence of investors to come and invest in Maldives is really low," Muizzu said.

He said he was keen on expanding ports and harbour-related services to increase domestic earnings, while also looking for debt-free financing for his ambitious economic expansion plans.

In addition, Muizzu said he was seeking up to $500 million in international funding to protect beaches and coral as warming and rising waters threaten his low-lying nation.

Eighty percent of the Maldives is less than a metre (three feet) above sea level, making it one of the countries most threatened by rising sea levels linked to climate change.

The president-elect quoted a report that said 60 percent of corals had been bleached by rising water temperatures.

"Every coral has value, every waterway that is contaminated has a value," he said, insisting his country must be compensated for "every fish that dies due to global warming".

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The Maldives's incoming president Mohamed Muizzu has vowed to expel Indian troops after taking office later this week, but told AFP he does not want to redraw regional balance by bringing in Chinese forces instead. "Maldives is too small to be entangled in geopolitical rivalry," the president-elect said in an interview on the strategically located Indian Ocean archipelago. "I am not very much interested to engage the Maldivian foreign policy in this." Muizzu's election success in September hinged on a sustained campaign against India's outsized political and economic clout in the Maldives, and specifically his pledge to eject Indian forces.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); But he said he will not allow China -- or any other nation -- to replace them, and dismissed reports of him being closer to Beijing. He insists he is only "pro-Maldives". "We are going to work together with all the countries, India, China and all other countries as well," the 45-year-old leader, who will be sworn in on Friday, said at his home in the capital Male. Known for its pristine beaches and secluded resorts as one of the most expensive holiday destinations in South Asia, the Maldives has also become a geopolitical hotspot. Global east-west shipping lanes pass the nation's chain of 1,192 tiny coral islands, scattered around 800 kilometres (500 miles) across the equator. Muizzu was regarded as a proxy of pro-China former president Abdulla Yameen, who had shifted the country heavily into Beijing's orbit till his 2018 defeat. Regional rivalry Muizzu said he hoped to begin formal negotiations with New Delhi on the withdrawal of an estimated 50 to 75 Indian personnel, a sensitive campaign issue. "The people of the Maldives did not vote for me to allow any military presence in the Maldives," the British-educated civil engineer added. "That is why we are talking with the Indian government to remove them, and I'm sure we can do that in a peaceful and democratic manner." Muizzu said his mandate was to remove a unit of Indian security personnel, deployed to operate three aircraft gifted to the Maldives to patrol its vast maritime territory. "I'm not asking for the Indian troops to leave our country to make room for any other country to bring their military troops here," he said. Regional power India had considered the Maldives with its population of about 380,000 Sunni Muslims to be within its sphere of influence, but had been worried about China's expanding footprint during Yameen's administration. New Delhi has a history of entanglements with Male, including the deployment of soldiers to thwart a 1988 coup attempt. Maldives first "For the Maldives, it is very important that we put our interests first... also we want to work together with all the countries, have a good friendly relationship, cordial, candid relationship," Muizzu said. The party nominated Muizzu after Yameen was barred from running for office following a criminal conviction of corruption during his five-year term when the country saw a spurt of Chinese-funded construction. Muizzu, a former housing minister, is credited with implementing Chinese-funded infrastructure projects, including the construction of 7,000 apartments and a landmark bridge linking the capital island Male with the nearby airport island of Hulhule. "We are situated in a very strategic location, in which many of the sea lanes of communication go across our country," he said, adding that he was inviting foreign investment to develop ports and logistics as well as set up a tax-free zone. Muizzu said he was banking on completing the ambitious expansion of the international airport, in a bid to jump-start an economy that was hit by heavy debt and a decline in tourism during the Covid-19 pandemic. He was hopeful of filling "funding gaps" for the nearly $1 billion expansion of the Velana International Airport, which he sees as a gateway to attracting more foreign direct investment. Climate change threat But the country's public and government-guaranteed debt was about $7 billion, or 113.5 percent of GDP at the end of last year, according to official data. "When we look at the economy, there's a huge debt that needs to be addressed. The level of confidence of investors to come and invest in Maldives is really low," Muizzu said. He said he was keen on expanding ports and harbour-related services to increase domestic earnings, while also looking for debt-free financing for his ambitious economic expansion plans. In addition, Muizzu said he was seeking up to $500 million in international funding to protect beaches and coral as warming and rising waters threaten his low-lying nation. Eighty percent of the Maldives is less than a metre (three feet) above sea level, making it one of the countries most threatened by rising sea levels linked to climate change. The president-elect quoted a report that said 60 percent of corals had been bleached by rising water temperatures. "Every coral has value, every waterway that is contaminated has a value," he said, insisting his country must be compensated for "every fish that dies due to global warming". Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Geneva, Nov 14

Q uitting smoking may not only keep your lungs and heart healthier, but it can also reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by as much as 30-40 per cent, according to a joint report issued by the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the University of Newcastle.

World Diabetes Day is marked every year on November 14 to raise awareness about the condition.

The IDF estimates that 537 million people have diabetes, a number that continues to rise making diabetes the ninth cause of death globally. Type 2 diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, accounting for over 95 per cent of all diabetes cases. However, type 2 diabetes is often preventable.

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, Akhtar Hussain, President of the IDF, said in a statement.

In addition to lowering diabetes risk, quitting smoking can also substantially improve the management and reduce the risk of diabetes complications. Evidence suggests that smoking influences the bodys ability to regulate blood sugar levels, which can cause type 2 diabetes.

Smoking also increases the risk of diabetes-related complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and blindness. It also delays wound healing and increases the risk of lower limb amputations, posing a significant burden on health systems.

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, Director of Health Promotion, WHO.

Quit smoking to lower risk of diabetes by 40%: Report

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YouTube to crack down on AI-generated videos via labels, removals

San Francisco, Nov 14

G oogle-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.

Well 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, well 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 its labeled, will be removed from our platform if it violates our Community Guidelines, the company informed.

Content created by YouTubes 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 well 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 artists unique singing or rapping voice.

These removal requests will be available to labels or distributors who represent artists participating in YouTubes early AI music experiments.

AIs powerful new forms of storytelling can also be used to generate content that has the potential to mislead viewers  particularly if theyre unaware that the video has been altered or is synthetically created.

To address this concern, over the coming months, well introduce updates that inform viewers when the content theyre seeing is synthetic, YouTube added.

YouTube to crack down on AI-generated videos via labels, removals

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Initially sceptical about workshops for 'Aarya 3', Ila Arun later finds it 'vital'

Mumbai, Nov 15

V eteran actress Ila Arun, who is seen as Nalini in the crime thriller drama Aarya season three, discussed her initial scepticism towards workshops, as she shed light on the nuanced dynamics that unfolded in the new season.

Providing insights into her character preparation,Ilasaid: When the prospect of Aarya 3 came up, I was elated. My personal connection with the excellent director Ram Madhvani heightened my excitement. Given the success of Aarya 2, I was intrigued about where he would position me.

Ram wanted me to do workshops, and my initial thought was, 'Why do I have to do workshops? I already have a good theatre background'. However, these workshops proved vital, including sessions with Sushmita to understand our body language and temperament, said the Jodhaa Akbar fame actress.

She further shared: My character, Nalini, hails from Rajasthan. Despite people associating Rajasthan with my typical persona, in 'Aarya 3', Nalini differs significantly from me. A woman of royalty with considerable wealth, she collaborates with foreigners.

She is not whatIlaArun projects of Rajasthan, deviating from the common man I usually portray. Nalini competes with Sushmitas Aarya in a gracefully challenging role, added the 69 year old thespian.

The Sushmita Sen-starrer crime thriller drama features the actress in the titular character of Aarya Sareen in the show. In the third season, Aarya has her eyes set on the supply and transportation of the narcotic drug but is intercepted byIlaArun, who herself is the undisputed queen on the supply side.

Created and co-directed by Ram Madhvani and co-produced by Amita Madhavni, Ram Madhvani, Ram Madhvani Films and Endemol Shine India, Aarya 3 is streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.

Initially sceptical about workshops for 'Aarya 3', Ila Arun later finds it 'vital'

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US not trying to 'decouple' from China, but seeks improved ties: Biden

Washington, Nov 15

U S President Joe Biden has said that the US is not trying to "decouple" from China, but pursuing better relations with its assertive rival, as he prepares for a summit with the Chinese leader this week.

Biden's remarks on Tuesday apparently set an amicable tone ahead of the summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping slated to take place in San Francisco on Wednesday on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, Yonhap news agency reported.

"As I told you, we are not trying to decouple from China," he said during a press conference on efforts to address climate change. "What we are trying to do is change the relationship for the better."

Asked about how he would define success with the upcoming summit with Xi, Biden said it would mean the normalization of bilateral communication.

"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 militaries still have contact with one another," he said in response to the question.

But Biden staked out his position against China's trade practices.

"I am not going to continue to sustain the support for positions where if we want to invest in China, we have to turn over all of our trade secrets," he said.

In recent months, Washington has been hammering away at the mantra of "de-risking" the relationship with Beijing as it is striving to elicit international cooperation on climate change, public health, global security threats and other challenges.

US officials have said that Biden and Xi are expected to discuss a "whole range" of issues, including bilateral relations, North Korean threats, Taiwan, the war between Israel and the Hamas militant group, and Russia's protracted war in Ukraine, according to them.

This week's meeting between the leaders will be their second in-person summit following their last talks during the Group of 20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, last November. It will also mark their seventh interaction since Biden took office in January 2021.

US not trying to 'decouple' from China, but seeks improved ties: Biden

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Turin, Nov 15

H ome favourite Jannik Sinner earned a dramatic 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-6(2) victory against Novak Djokovic at the ATP Finals group match for his first Head-to-Head win in four tries against the Serbian great.

The result improved Sinner to 2-0 in ATP Finals and put him in command of the Green Group  though his qualification for the knockout semi-final stage is not yet confirmed, reports ATP.

In the pair's first hard-court meeting, Sinner's brilliant ball-striking ended Djokovic's 19-match winning streak, which dated back to his Cincinnati title run. The Italian's career-best season now includes 59 match wins  the most by an Italian in the Open Era  and a 10-5 record against the Top 10.

Sinner also improved to 15-1 indoors for 2023 by earning his second victory against a reigning World No. 1; he also beat then-No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in the Miami semifinal earlier this season.

Djokovic spent much of the three-hour, nine-minute matchup battling back from behind, but he had no answer for Sinner's lightning start to the decisive tie-break.

Long after he won nine straight points to snatch the opening set, breaking from 40/0 before a love hold, Sinner surged ahead in the final tie-break with five consecutive points, hitting huge ground strokes in the face of extreme pressure to build what proved to be an unassailable lead.

In the third set, Sinner led 4-2 but was pegged back immediately as Djokovic broke serve for the first time in the match. There would be no comeback in the tie-break, as Sinner sent the crowd to fever pitch with victory before receiving a warm embrace from his opponent at net.

Djokovic dropped to 1-1 in Turin with the defeat but still remains in with a chance of reaching the semi-finals. He will close out his round-robin campaign against Hubert Hurkacz on Thursday, with the Pole coming in as an alternate to Stefanos Tsitsipas (back injury).

Sinner will meet Holger Rune as he seeks to finish 3-0 in the group.

ATP Finals: Home favourite Sinner shocks Djokovic to go 2-0 in Green Group

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Kharge pays tributes to Birsa Munda on his birth anniversary

New Delhi, Nov 15

C ongress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday paid tributes to great tribal leader Birsa Munda on his birth anniversary and Jharkhand Foundation Day.

In a post on X, Kharge said, "'Abu Raj Ete Jana, Maharani Raj Tundu Jana'. Millions of salutes to the great freedom fighter, great leader of the tribal society, Dharti Aaba, Lord Birsa Munda ji on his birth anniversary."

He said, "By protecting the tribal civilization from aggression against the British, he dedicated his entire life to save water-forest-land and became a source of inspiration for the coming generations."

"Best wishes and congratulations to all the people of Jharkhand, a state full of natural resources, on Jharkhand Foundation Day," he said.

Birsa Munda's birth anniversary, known as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, is commemorated nationwide.

Kharge pays tributes to Birsa Munda on his birth anniversary

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Mumbai, Nov 15

O ne of the biggest YouTubers across the world, Lilly Singh hosted her annual Diwali bash in Los Angeles.

The celebrations were a starry affair as it saw guests like Terry Crews, Jay Sean, Nora Fatehi, Guru Randhawa, Mindy Kaling, Ruby Rose, Tan France, Victoria Justice and Tesher in attendance.

For the occasion, Lilly chose an ethnic outfit by designer duo Falguni Shane Peacock. She took to her Instagram and shared an array of pictures and a video from the party.

She captioned the pictures: I have zero pictures from the event on my phone. In fact, I dont think I saw many people on their phone, period. Community anywhere is important, but I find more and more were only experiencing it online. In fact, we only measure moments, behaviour and worth by whats online these days. These pictures hold memories that a caption or IG post will never do justice toand I love that.

She added: After the party, so many people texted me saying your family and friends are so warm and welcoming, and that makes me really proud. Ive been to one too many events in my life where I walked in and immediately felt awkward. I felt this pressure to put on an act and find acceptance. Thats the opposite of what I want this annual event to be. Whether this is your 30th Diwali, or your first, this party will always be about unity, warmth and inclusion. That good, good energy is mandatory.

She also shared a video from the party which shows all the guests dancing their hearts out.

She wrote: Love & Light 2023 for the culture It was a privilege to host a community filled with people who exude love and light. Because we need that more than ever. There are so many talented people who help bring my vision to life.

Guru Randhawa, Jay Sean, Nora Fatehi, Mindy Kaling throng Lilly Singh's Diwali bash in LA

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New Delhi, Nov 15

F inance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman admitted on Wednesday that the Israel-Hamas war poses a challenge to the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Connectivity Corridor (IMEC) which is aimed at improving connectivity and cutting emissions.

The agreement on the IMEC project was signed at a G20 meeting in New Delhi in September this year under Indias presidency. The rail and ports corridor is envisaged to pass through Israel linking the Middle East and South Asia, and part of the US strategy to counter China's Belt and Road push on global infrastructure.

The corridor is not without its geopolitical challenges and the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza is a worrying manifestation of these," Sitharaman said at Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2023 here.

However, she maintained that the project would be a win-win situation for all stakeholders as it will put in place a more efficient system of transportation that will reduce logistics costs, increase economic unity, create more jobs and lower carbon emissions.

The IMEC will be predominantly maritime in nature. This will connect Indian ports such as Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority in Mumbai, Mundra and Kandla (Gujarat), with West Asias ports including Fujairahand Abu Dhabi in the UAE, and Saudi Arabias Dammam and Ghuwaifat ports.

There will also be a rail segment that will continue the IMEC and provide connection to the Saudi Arabian cities of Haradh and Al Haditha, onward to the port of Haifa in Israel.

"The final segment, which some call the Northern Corridor, will once again be a maritime segment connecting the port of Haifa to the Greek port of Piraeus and there on to Europe," Sitharaman added.

Sitharaman admits Israel-Hamas war poses challenge to plan for India-Middle East-Europe corridor

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After fighting his way out of poverty, Larry Boone rose through the ranks to become the chief of Norfolk, Va.'s police department. After "politics," led to his retirement, he took over as Urbana's Chief of Police this summer.
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With between 15 and 20 positions to fill, the Champaign school board on Monday night approved offering a sign-on bonus in the neighborhood of $2,500 for new driver trainees. Plus, HR director Ken Kleber said: If you are interested, a 40-hour job could be a way-more-than-40-hour-job."
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%.
Waiting for two minutes or longer to clamp the umbilical cord of a premature baby soon after birth could help reduce the risk of death, compared with immediately clamping the umbilical cord, or waiting a shorter time before doing so. Delaying clamping could decrease the child's risk of death by more than half relative to immediate clamping.

The new findings, published today in two companion papers in The Lancet, examined clinical trial data and outcomes of thousands of premature babies which had delayed cord clamping compared to those whose cord was clamped immediately after birth.

Delaying clamping of the umbilical cord allows blood to flow from the placenta to the baby whilst the baby's lungs fill with air. This is thought to help ease the transition to breathing in the infant.

Worldwide, almost 13 million babies are born prematurely each year and, sadly, close to 1 million die shortly after birth. Our new findings are the best evidence to date that waiting to clamp the umbilical cord can help save the lives of some premature babies." Dr Anna Lene Seidler, first author, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney

"We are already working with international guideline developers to make sure these results are reflected in updated guidelines and clinical practice in the near future."

Delayed cord clamping is now recommended routine practice for babies born at full term. However, whilst previous research , including trials led by University of Sydney, showed potential benefit for premature babies, best practice for this vulnerable group remained uncertain. Until recently, clinicians generally cut the cord of preterm babies immediately so urgent medical care could be given.

These uncertainties have led to different recommendations in national and international guidelines.

For instance, for preterm infants not requiring resuscitation at birth, the Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation (ANZCOR) suggest delaying cord clamping for at least 30 seconds.

The World Health Organization and the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommend delayed umbilical cord clamping (not earlier than 1 min after birth) for improved maternal and infant health and nutrition outcomes.

For preterm babies requiring resuscitation, the WHO recommends immediate clamping, while ANZCOR make no recommendation due to insufficient evidence.

Largest delayed cord clamping dataset to date

The studies were the result of a massive global effort (the iCOMP collaboration) among more than 100 international researchers on umbilical cord management, who shared their original data with Dr Seidler and her team for analysis, including the large APTS trial led out of the University of Sydney.

This created one of the largest databases in this research field, with over 60 studies and including more than 9000 babies.

The first paper using data from 3,292 infants across 20 studies found delayed clamping of the umbilical cord, clamped 30 seconds or more after birth, likely reduced the risk of death in premature babies by a third compared to those whose umbilical cord was clamped immediately after birth.

In a subgroup of premature babies where infants were born before 32 weeks of pregnancy, 44.9 percent of the babies with immediate cord clamping experienced hypothermia after birth, compared to 51.2 percent of those with delayed clamping. The average difference in temperature between the deferred clamping group and the immediate clamping group was -0.13 C.

"Our findings highlight that particular care should be taken to keep premature babies warm when deferring umbilical cord clamping. This could be done by drying and wrapping the baby with the cord intact, and then by placing the dry baby directly on the mother's bare chest under a blanket, or using bedside warming trollies," says Prof Lisa Askie, senior author of the study from the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre.

The second paper analysed data from 47 clinical trials, which involved 6,094 babies, and found waiting at least two minutes before clamping the cord of a premature baby may reduce the risk of death compared with waiting less time to clamp the cord.

In comparing different timings, waiting two or more minutes to clamp the cord had a 91 percent probability of being the best treatment to prevent death shortly after birth.

Immediate clamping had a very low (<1%) probability of being the best treatment for preventing death.

"Until recently, it was standard practice to clamp the umbilical cord immediately after birth for premature babies so they could be dried, wrapped, and if necessary, resuscitated with ease," says Dr Sol Libesman, lead statistician for this study and research fellow at the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre.

"Our study shows that there is no longer a case for immediate clamping and, instead, presently available evidence suggests that deferring cord clamping for at least two minutes is likely the best cord management strategy to reduce the risk of premature babies dying shortly after birth."

However, the researchers highlight situations where more research is needed on cord clamping. This includes when there are babies requiring immediate resuscitation, unless the hospital is able to provide safe initial breathing help with the cord intact, or in a low-income setting with limited medical resources.

"We need further research into how to best provide immediate care to the sickest premature babies while the cord is intact. Even for healthier premature babies, it may seem counter-intuitive to some doctors to defer cord clamping when the baby requires care, but with appropriate training and equipment, along with a full team approach involving midwives, doctors and parents, it is possible to successfully defer cord clamping whilst ensuring the baby is warm, breathing, and cared for," says Dr Seidler.
The Biden administration's first major step toward imposing limits on the pharmacy benefit managers who act as the drug industry's price negotiators is backfiring, pharmacists say. Instead, it's adding to the woes of the independent drugstores it was partly designed to help.

The so-called PBMs have long clawed back a fee from pharmacies weeks or months after they dispense a drug. A new rule, which governs Medicare's drug program, is set to take effect Jan. 1 and requires PBMs to take most of their "performance fees" at the time prescriptions are filled.

The clawbacks have ballooned from about $9 million in 2010 to $12.6 billion in 2021, according to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, an agency created to advise Congress on the program for people who are 65 and older or have disabilities.

Performance fees have also boosted Medicare patients' prescription costs at the pharmacy counter by hundreds of millions of dollars, although insurers assert that the fees enable them to charge lower premiums.

Pharmacist groups supported the Medicare rule change, but they didn't anticipate the PBMs' response, which has been to demand they accept new contracts with draconian cuts to their payments for dispensing medicines, said Ronna Hauser, vice president of the National Community Pharmacists Association, which represents independent drugstores. If pharmacies refuse the contracts, they risk losing Medicare customers  likely to the same giant PBM conglomerates, which have absorbed a growing share of the pharmacy business in recent years.

PBMs sit at the center of the U.S. supply chain for drugs, where they say they negotiate lower prices for insurers  including Medicare  and for employers and their workers. But the organizations are loathed by independent drugstores, drugmakers, and patients alike, who accuse them of siphoning money from what is already the world's most expensive health care system without providing additional value.

PBM practices even put the squeeze on national chains like Rite Aid, Kroger, and Walgreens, which aren't part of the conglomerates. Even CVS Health, which owns one of the three leading PBMs, has closed stores or trimmed staff as it pushes consumers to mail-order pharmacy services.

The pressure on in-store pharmacists and technicians has led to a series of walkouts this fall by CVS and Walgreens employees who say tight staffing has caused burnout and threatened patients' safety.

Misery for small pharmacies

Under the current system, when a pharmacy fills a prescription, the PBM tells it what the patient owes and what the PBM will pay the pharmacy. The PBM aggregates these payments and sends a check later. Often, however, the PBM will deduct a performance fee from the pharmacy, said Doug Hoey, CEO of the National Community Pharmacists Association.

"When you're filling the prescription, the PBM tells you the patient pays $20 for this drug, we'll pay you $100," Hoey said. "As the pharmacist, I say, OK, I get a total of $120 for a drug that cost me $110 from the wholesaler. Then three months later, the PBM says, 'Actually, I'm only going to pay you $83.' So I lost $17 on the sale and I have no ability to object."

One performance measure is patient adherence. If patients don't take all their drugs, pharmacists can be slapped with a fee for poor performance, although they have no control over the patient's actions. Sometimes pharmacists are dinged for the prescribing physician's mistakes, Hoey said.

In the early fall, PBM giant Express Scripts sent out confidential contracts announcing that in 2024 it will pay pharmacies roughly 10% below what they typically pay to buy wholesale brand-name drugs  meaning they could lose money on every prescription they fill, according to two independent pharmacists who received the documents. They declined to share the contracts because they are subject to nondisclosure agreements with Express Scripts.

In a statement, Express Scripts said that "our reimbursement rates to pharmacies for brand drugs vary based on a number of factors." The company said nearly 90% of the nation's 20,000 or so independent pharmacies had accepted its terms.

Kare Drugs, which runs two New Mexico pharmacies, was among those that refused the Express Scripts contract. As a result, the pharmacy is "preparing for the hardest part, which will be potentially transferring patients away," said owner Ashley Seyfarth.

Seniors who are currently enrolling in Medicare plans for next year may be confused when they discover that their insurance will no longer allow them to pick up medications at their usual pharmacy, said Ben Jolley, a Salt Lake City pharmacist and consultant to other independent pharmacists. Jolley said his drugstore expects to lose at least 100 customers after refusing a contract with a large PBM.

A double whammy

For the first months of 2024, pharmacies will face a double whammy. PBMs will pay them less for the drugs they dispense, while the pharmacies also face clawbacks on drugs dispensed in the last quarter of 2023.

The Jan. 1 rule change was partly designed to relieve Medicare patients, who often pay a fixed percentage of a drug's price as a copayment. That copay is based on the price the drug plan or PBM promises the pharmacy at the moment of sale. But the clawbacks have resulted in patients overpaying by hundreds of millions of dollars, Hoey said. That's because their copays at the counter ended up being a higher percentage of the drug's final pharmacy price, once the performance fees were deducted.

Seyfarth, who said she paid more than half a million dollars in PBM fees last year, said that to deal with the pending pinch her pharmacy was coming up with new ways to earn cash, including charging patients for delivery services and starting an all-cash concierge clinic.

Some pharmacies are setting aside savings or taking out short-term loans to cover losses in the early months of next year. "I'm hoping we've made the right calculations and will get through this," said Marc Ost, co-owner of Erics Rx Shoppe in Horsham, Pennsylvania.

The unintended consequences of the rule are likely to aggravate the problems of community pharmacists, who find it increasingly difficult to carry the most popular, expensive new drugs, Hauser said.

Integrated PBM-insurance companies  particularly UnitedHealth Group, CVS Health, and Cigna, each of which is composed of a major insurer, PBM, and other companies  have gained an increasing share of their revenues from specialty pharmacy drugs, which account for more than half of U.S. drug spending.

These behemoth companies have negotiating power with drugmakers that enables them to sell a diabetes drug like Ozempic (sold under the name Wegovy for weight loss), for example, for about $900 a month. "An independent pharmacy can't even buy it at that price," Hauser said. "If they dispense Ozempic, they are losing money."

Express Scripts has said it wants to help independent pharmacies survive, Hoey said, but hasn't responded to a June letter in which he asked the company to provide breathing space by imposing the 2023 clawbacks gradually over 12 months. CMS this month said it "strongly recommends" but does not require PBMs to come up with payment plans for pharmacies.

In its statement, Express Scripts said it was "committed to reimbursing pharmacies fairly, ensuring Medicare beneficiaries have safe, quality pharmacies in their network, and giving beneficiaries all available discounts at the pharmacy counter."

After a parade of hearings  and an ad campaign from drugmakers  attacking the PBMs, Senate and House committees have advanced bipartisan bills to tighten controls on the companies. Senate Finance Committee bills would require the Department of Health and Human Services to issue rules ensuring that PBM payments to pharmacies and other contract terms are reasonable, and that PBMs no longer impose unfair pharmacy performance requirements, said Julie Allen, a law firm lobbyist representing the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy.

"These statutory changes are essential to addressing problems with the Medicare Part D program and to saving specialty pharmacies and other pharmacies," she said in an email.
Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) today announced three Research Teams focused on bringing new therapies to clinical trials for the treatment of gastroesophageal cancer (GEC). The Research Teams, a part of a Dream Team Collective supported by the Torrey Coast Foundation, will unite top researchers from 11 institutions to address critical problems in GEC prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The Dream Team Collective aims to foster new and inclusive cancer research on the causes and treatments of GEC, mentor a new generation of scientists focused on GEC, bring new treatments to the clinic, and provide medical professionals with tools and materials to better advocate for GEC screening and treatment with their patients.

SU2C also funded three 2023 Phillip A. Sharp Innovation in Collaboration Awards  which focus on bringing new perspectives together and encourage the inclusion of early-career investigators  and one SU2C Maverick Early Career Scientist Award  which is awarded to an investigator early in their career and supports a cutting-edge idea that has great potential to impact patient care. One of the Phillip A. Sharp Awards includes the Ziskin Prize, which honors legendary Hollywood producer and SU2C co-founder Laura Ziskin, who passed from breast cancer in 2011.

SU2C is constantly seeking out the most promising research opportunities to support our effort to bring new and impactful cancer treatments to patients quickly. I'm excited about each of these new grants as they push critical studies forward and will greatly expand our understanding of cancer  specifically subtypes that are more difficult to treat." Julian Adams, Ph.D., SU2C's chief science officer

The SU2C-Torrey Coast Foundation Gastroesophageal Cancer Dream Team Collective includes:

Targeting Immune Evasion in Gastroesophageal Cancer  This team will focus on finding better treatment strategies for up to 70% of gastroesophageal cancer (GEC) patients for whom current treatments don't work. Led by Yelena Janjigian, M.D., chief of the gastrointestinal oncology service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and co-led by Jedd Wolchok, M.D., Ph.D., the Meyer Director of the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medicine, the team will investigate how GEC evades or suppresses the immune system. Focusing specifically on GEC that is characterized by chromosomal instability, which is associated with worse outcomes, metastasis and a resistance to current therapies, the team hopes to pinpoint drugs  or drug combinations  that can better treat GEC.

 This team will focus on finding better treatment strategies for up to 70% of gastroesophageal cancer (GEC) patients for whom current treatments don't work. Led by Yelena Janjigian, M.D., chief of the gastrointestinal oncology service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and co-led by Jedd Wolchok, M.D., Ph.D., the Meyer Director of the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medicine, the team will investigate how GEC evades or suppresses the immune system. Focusing specifically on GEC that is characterized by chromosomal instability, which is associated with worse outcomes, metastasis and a resistance to current therapies, the team hopes to pinpoint drugs  or drug combinations  that can better treat GEC. Novel Therapeutic Approaches for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma  This team will focus on creating new therapeutic approaches for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Led by Anil K. Rustgi, M.D., director at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and co-led by Kwok-Kin Wong, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology at NYU Langone's Perlmutter Cancer Center, the team will investigate aspects of the local environment within and surrounding ESCC where it occurs in the body  including ESCC metastasis  to propose genetic characteristics that could potentially be targeted with new cancer therapies.

 This team will focus on creating new therapeutic approaches for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Led by Anil K. Rustgi, M.D., director at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and co-led by Kwok-Kin Wong, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology at NYU Langone's Perlmutter Cancer Center, the team will investigate aspects of the local environment within and surrounding ESCC where it occurs in the body  including ESCC metastasis  to propose genetic characteristics that could potentially be targeted with new cancer therapies. Therapeutics for Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma: Application, Translation and Discovery  This team will focus on uncovering new therapies for gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. Led by William Sellers, M.D., core institute member at Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and co-led by Marcela Maus, M.D., Ph.D., director of cellular immunotherapy at Massachusetts General Hospital's Cancer Center, the team plans to define and target the cell surface of gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma through a better understanding of the molecular makeup of these cancers. The team also plans to develop CAR-T cells  an immunotherapy that utilizes a patient's own modified immune cells to fight cancer  for certain types of gastric and esophageal cancers.

The Phillip A. Sharp Awards are:

The Phillip A. Sharp  Laura Ziskin Innovation in Collaboration Award: Development of microfluidic blood exchange as a next-generation parabiosis for tumor/microbiota immunology  This team will pair immunology with bioengineering to build upon current research that shows microbes residing within the human gut communicate with the immune system to enable anti-tumor responses to cancers. The team, led by Rabi Upadhyay, M.D., assistant professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and co-led by Scott Manalis, Ph.D., the David H. Koch professor in engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, hopes to uncover ways in which gut microbes could be used in combination with other treatment strategies for future cancer therapies.

The Phillip A. Sharp Innovation in Collaboration Award: Therapeutic biparatopic antibodies targeting FGFR2 in gastric cancer  This team will work to identify better treatments for the 30% of gastric cancer patients in which a certain protein called FGFR2 is overexpressed, which leads to lower survival rates. Led by Sandra Ryeom, Ph.D., associate professor at Columbia University and co-led by William Sellers, M.D., core institute member at Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, the team will utilize gastric cancer organoids  which are small, simplified, three-dimensional tumors or organs grown in a lab  as well as other scientific methods to test medicines that deliver biologic therapies called 'antibody drug conjugates' with the goal of finding new therapies for FGFR2 positive gastric cancer patients.

The Phillip A. Sharp Innovation in Collaboration Award: Defining immunotherapeutic potential in genome instability-driven squamous cell carcinomas  This team will build on currently funded SU2C research to identify new therapeutic options for Fanconi anemia patients, who are at a high risk of head and neck cancer and have few viable treatment options. Led by Agata Smogorzewska, M.D., Ph.D., professor at Rockefeller University, and Benjamin Greenbaum, Ph.D., director of computational immune-oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the team will evaluate the likelihood that certain cancers  including head and neck cancer  will respond to immune-based therapies.

The 2023 SU2C Maverick Award is:
In a recent study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, researchers examine the discourse of misinformation related to electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) on social media. Pro-vaping and anti-vaping narratives were evaluated to identify key actors involved in spreading or countering such misinformation.

Study: Twitter Misinformation Discourses About Vaping: Systematic Content Analysis. Image Credit: FOTOGRIN / Shutterstock.com

Background

ENDS, which are also known as e-cigarettes or vapes, have become popular among both former smokers and new nicotine users, particularly among the youth. In the United States (U.S.), ENDS usage among middle and high school students increased from 10% in 2011 to over 27% by 2019. This increase is alarming due to the health risks associated with vaping, such as respiratory and cardiovascular issues, and potentially cancer.

Since 2015, e-cigarettes have been the most commonly used tobacco product in the U.S. This has increased concerns from the public health community about the health effects of vaping, particularly among adolescents who might transition to traditional cigarettes due to nicotine addiction. Further research is needed to understand how misinformation about ENDS on social media, particularly Twitter, influences public perception and decision-making, especially given the rapid rise in ENDS use among youth and its associated health risks.

About the study

Researchers used Twitter's academic application programming interface (API) to collect over 6.6 million tweets between August 2006 to August 2022 involving hashtags #vape and #vaping. This dataset, which represented all available relevant tweets on Twitter during this period, was chosen due to Twitter's historical API access, which ceased after Elon Musk's acquisition.

A Python script was used to filter tweets mentioning terms like fact check, misinformation, and fake news in the context of vaping. This narrowed the dataset down to 10,057 tweets from 2,925 users. Further refining by removing retweets and non-English content led to a total of 2,945 tweets, which were accompanied by significant audience engagement.

For content analysis, the researchers developed a codebook through emergent coding. This codebook focused on the tweet's stance towards vaping, discussed topics, and actors implicated in spreading misinformation.

Six main topics and seven actor categories were identified and included public health authorities, news media, government bodies, advocacy groups, health experts, industry representatives, and other influential figures. These categories reflect a pattern of users attributing misinformation to specific sources.

To ensure reliability, a sample of tweets was independently coded by two coders. After initial low agreement, the team refined their approach and incorporated hashtag analysis to improve context understanding and intercoder agreement.

Explicit accusations of misinformation were necessary for a tweet to be coded as misinformation. This refined methodology led to high intercoder reliability, as measured by Krippendorff's alpha scores.

In addition to manual coding, the digital tool QDA Miner-WordStat9 was used to extract further insights from the tweets. This method enabled the researchers to identify prevalent words, phrases, and their interrelations, thus aiding in understanding the dominant themes in the discourse.

From an ethical standpoint, the current study was considered non-intrusive, as it analyzed publicly available social media content and did not require ethics clearance from the university. To ensure privacy, the researchers excluded identifiable user information and Twitter hyperlinks from their analysis.

Study findings

In the present comprehensive study examining Twitter discourse on vaping, researchers discovered an overwhelming dominance of pro-vaping positions in the analyzed tweets. Of the tweets examined, 98.9% supported vaping, with only 1.1% expressing anti-vaping sentiments.

This bias was reflected in audience engagement as well, with nearly all interactions at 99.6% involving pro-vaping content. Pro-vaping tweets averaged higher engagement as compared to anti-vaping tweets.

The most prevalent topic in these tweets was the safety of vaping, followed by discussions on COVID-19, body autonomy, policy actions, and economic issues related to vaping. Despite being a frequent subject, claims of vaping's safety attracted less engagement per tweet as compared to other topics. Moreover, tweets on the harmful effects of vaping, though few, garnered significant engagement per tweet.

Public health authorities (PHA) and news media were the most engaged actors in these discussions, followed by government figures and other entities. While public health experts were less frequently mentioned, they received high engagement per tweet.

News media were often accused of spreading misinformation in pro-vaping tweets, with specific outlets like Cable News Network (CNN) and Bloomberg frequently mentioned. In contrast, anti-vaping tweets targeted different media outlets, primarily those with conservative views. Public health authorities and government figures were also frequently implicated in spreading misinformation, according to pro-vaping narratives.

Economic discussions in pro-vaping tweets focused on the negative effects of vaping bans, such as job losses and the closure of small businesses. These tweets often accused governments and political interests of spreading misinformation to benefit tobacco companies. The Master Settlement Agreement was a recurring theme in these accusations, with claims that it was being used for revenue rather than tobacco control.

Calls for policy action varied between pro- and anti-vaping tweets. Whereas anti-vaping tweets called for stricter regulations and awareness of vaping risks, pro-vaping tweets focused on opposing bans and promoting better regulation to prevent the sale of unsafe products.

Advertising and promotion of vaping products also featured heavily in the discourse. Pro-vaping tweets often accused anti-vaping advocates of spreading misinformation, while also promoting vaping products themselves. Some pro-vaping tweets used the term "fake news" to discredit competitors or advocate for vaping.

A minor but notable aspect of the discourse involved accusations against the tobacco industry, with some tweets from both sides accusing it of spreading misinformation. The researchers noted efforts within pro-vaping tweets to influence politics by using hashtags to encourage voting and exert political pressure.
A Catholic hospital system is suing several California patients and their advocates because the patients allegedly refused to be discharged. The suits invoke a novel legal approach: accusing them of trespassing under a California law intended to stop anti-abortion protesters from blocking access to health facilities.

Dignity Health has filed three lawsuits in Sacramento County accusing patients of "commercial blockade" for refusing to vacate hospital beds even though the health care provider had deemed them medically and legally eligible to either go home or go to another facility. Dignity alleges the patients "unreasonably and unlawfully" refused discharge, disrupting its ability to serve others at a time when health facilities were overwhelmed by covid-19.

Relatives and advocates say the patients were exercising their right to be discharged to a facility that offered appropriate care and that they could afford, not simply sent home without the ability to take care of themselves.

The lawsuits, one of which is scheduled to begin trial proceedings Nov. 15, could set important precedents for both the use of the California commercial blockade statute to go after patients and their advocates and, more broadly, the handling of cases in which the hospital and patient can't agree on a plan for discharge.

The state's hospital lobby recently highlighted discharge delays as a growing problem costing the industry $2.9 billion a year. The California Hospital Association estimates at least 5,000 patients every day experience such delays, often in trying to identify skilled nursing facilities.

Patient advocates, who typically charge patients a fee to help them navigate the health care system, warn that a decision in favor of Dignity could chill their entire profession and give hospitals a new avenue to seek money from patients.

"It could be a watershed case if it goes in either direction," said Tony Chicotel, senior staff attorney with the Berkeley-based California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform, who has worked on hospital discharge cases. "If it's a defense verdict, we'll know our laws are somewhat protective of patients. And if its a plaintiffs verdict, patients around the state could be dumped and us advocates will have to figure out what we can talk about without getting sued."

San Francisco-based Dignity Health, a tax-exempt organization with $9.5 billion in revenue, was founded by nuns to serve the sick and the poor. Spokesperson William Hodges said the health system doesnt comment on pending litigation.

A 68-year-old patient, Daphne Muehlendorf, who is blind, began suffering a series of seizures in 2021 and was in and out of the hospital. Each time she went home, her daughters say, her health declined, with slurred speech and the inability to carry a cup, despite receiving in-home physical therapy. By the time she entered the acute rehabilitation unit at Dignity's Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, she had already applied for Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid program, which covers the cost of nursing homes if the patient demonstrates both financial and medical need.

Dignity, which has not specified an amount it seeks in damages, contends in its lawsuit that doctors determined Muehlendorf was eligible to go home but the family refused for weeks while waiting for her Medi-Cal assisted living waiver to be approved. Once that came through, Muehlendorf was transferred to Bruceville Terrace, one of Dignity's skilled nursing facilities in Sacramento.

"I don't see what the case is and that's what's scary for me," said one of Muehlendorf's two daughters, Terra Khan, about Dignity's legal argument. She is also being sued by Dignity. "I have no idea what's going to happen. I'm terrified."

Dennis McPherson, the attorney representing Dignity, said the hospital made the decision to sue after serious deliberation. Muehlendorf "did cause a significant disruption," McPherson said. "It took a lot more manpower and our unit was full. There were patients wait-listed who couldn't get into this unit."

The family and their patient advocate, Carol Costa-Smith, who runs the company The Light for Seniors in San Diego, said it wasn't safe for Muehlendorf to return home and accused the hospital of delaying filing paperwork for Muehlendorf's Medi-Cal application. State and federal laws require hospitals to arrange care for patients who are likely to suffer adverse health consequences upon discharge, and patients have a right to appeal discharge decisions.

Likening themselves to tax advisers, independent advocates with legal, finance, and insurance backgrounds fill a cottage industry helping patients and their families navigate the health system and long-term care facilities, which often includes applying for Medi-Cal.

Costa-Smith, who charges each client $2,000 to $3,000 a year, said Dignity is trying to put patient advocates out of business so there is less pushback against hospital discharges and other decisions. "I'm the pit bull and I'm not going to let them do a home discharge if it's not safe," she said.

Muehlendorf's trial is scheduled to begin this week.

Dignity's use of the commercial blockade law appears to be new. California lawmakers passed a bill in 1994 allowing civil claims against trespassers at health facilities, authored by then-Assembly member Jackie Speier, who recently retired from Congress and is now running for the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors. The legislature's analysis of the proposed bill from that time showed it was intended to dissuade anti-abortion protesters from blocking people entering or exiting health care facilities by threatening a lawsuit.

The analysis said it could also stop other disruptive activities such as excessive phone calls to tie up phone lines, the use of stink bombs to evacuate health facilities, and fake fire calls that prompt emergency evacuation. It was backed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, California NOW, and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California.

Anti-abortion groups opposed the bill, arguing "those who impede access in order to save babies should not be treated differently than those who might do so to save animals, or to block access to government buildings or bridges." Opponents suggested that pro-choice groups could seek to exploit the bill for profit.

Patient advocates are alarmed by the Dignity lawsuits and say they have never heard of hospitals filing such claims. Dignity is also suing Craig Smedley, who operates Estate Advisory Group in Murrieta. According to a June 30, 2021, complaint, Smedley advised a patient at Mercy Hospital of Folsom "refusal to accept safe and lawful placement and be discharged" even though the patient had been medically eligible for discharge since May 9, 2021.

Dignity contends it lost money because the patient's insurance denied payment, and it accuses Smedley of directing the hospital to send her to a skilled nursing facility when doctors said she had no need for that level of care. Dignity has not specified an amount it seeks in damages. Smedley, who is defending himself, said disagreeing with a hospital's discharge plan was hardly a commercial blockade.

"I'm not chaining myself to the front door to prevent people from passing through to the hospital like an anti-abortion protester," Smedley said. "I've never visited the hospital. I give advice by phone. My clients were the ones communicating with the hospital."

Chicotel, the attorney with the nursing home reform group, said he did not believe Dignity's claims were supported by the law. Hospitals, he said, have a duty to discharge patients to a safe facility they can afford.

"In my experience, the Catholic hospitals are focused on the bottom line," Chicotel said. "We see finances become much more important than the spiritual mission. I see that over and over again."

McPherson argued that the commercial blockade law was written broadly to include any disruption to the normal functions of a health care facility that renders it temporarily or permanently unavailable.

"The outcome of the trial will dictate to the client what we're going to do with respect to the others," he said. Dignity has filed a third lawsuit, against Costa-Smith and another client.

As a registered nurse who has worked for various hospitals, Khan believes she was doing what any person would do in advocating for a loved one. She said her mother, who once lived independently despite her disability, wouldn't have asked for help if she didn't really need it. "I know we moved through this honorably," she said.

Khan is both troubled and comforted knowing that Dignity is going after other patients and patient advocates.

"It makes me feel like, OK, it wasn't that we did something wrong  there's something else at play that we're not privy to."

This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.
A pilot making his descent into Kolkata reported a potentially dangerous encounter with laser lights infiltrating the cockpit.

Kolkata airport officials swiftly escalated the matter to local law enforcement, prompting immediate action to address the situation.

The alarming incident unfolded at approximately 8:05 pm on November 10 when the captain of a SpiceJet flight inbound from Bagdogra communicated with the air traffic control tower at Kolkata airport. The pilot reported distracting laser lights along the aircrafts approach path, a critical phase of the landing process.

Responding promptly, airport authorities relayed the information to both the Bidhannagar Commissionerate and the Barasat police district. The police, in turn, directed their attention to Kali Puja pandals situated in the flight path, urging them to either shut down or reduce the intensity of the laser lights to ensure the safety of incoming flights.

Sources revealed that immediate measures were taken to extinguish the laser lights, averting a potential disaster. An airport official stated, A laser beam disturbance was reported in the flight path on Friday evening. We immediately reported the matter to cops for quick action. On Sunday, however, there were no fresh complaints from pilots.

Highlighting the severity of the situation, experts emphasized that a laser light can temporarily blind a pilot, rendering them incapacitated until their vision is restored. This poses a significant risk during the landing procedure when an aircraft descends at a rate of 1,500-2,000 feet per minute.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the civil aviation regulator, mandates an 18.5km-radius exclusion zone for laser lights around airports. This precautionary measure aims to prevent pilots from being blinded by laser beams during critical phases of landing, underscoring the importance of maintaining a safe airspace around airports.
(TTCO) - Chi so USDIndex lao doc gan 3,5% ke tu inh au thang 10 va xuong muc thap nhat ke tu cuoi thang 8. Trong nuoc, gia mua vao USD cua nhieu ngan hang a tut xuong duoi nguong 24.000 ong/USD.
Karnatakas Higher Education Minister, Dr MC Sudhakar, has criticised All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisis statement on the hijab ban during recruitment exams as a political ploy to sidetrack people.

I did not expect Owaisi to stoop down to this level to mislead innocent people for political mileage. I thought he was a mature politician, but here he is trying to take advantage of the ignorance of people. I feel sorry about the way he stooped down to this level of politics to try and gain brownie points in the Telangana elections, Sudhakar told News18.

Sudhakar clarified that there is no ban on the hijab (Islamic head cover) for candidates appearing for recruitment exams to various boards and corporations. The examinations are to be held on November 18 and 19 across Karnataka.

The minister added that the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) had last month allowed hijab-wearing candidates to appear for the exams, and politicians should stay away from sensationalising issues for personal gains.

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah also joined Owaisis bandwagon to criticise the Congress government in Karnataka on the hijab issue. He asked Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi to work on revoking the ban.

Coming down heavily on Abdullah and Owaisi, the Karnataka minister added: The Congress does not need to learn about secularism from opportunistic politicians. Do not do it at the cost of Karnataka; the Congress will not stoop to Owaisi or Omar Abdullahs level.

The KEA order as part of the dress code to appear for recruitment exams of various boards and corporations to be held on November 18 and 19 across Karnataka specified that any clothing or cap that covers head, mouth, or ears will not be allowed inside the examination hall. This, KEA officials say, is a regular notification that is issued by NEET or other examinations and there was no restriction mentioned on hijab.

We successfully conducted the examination last month with those who wanted to wear hijab coming an hour early for the frisking process. Given the issue that the hijab has created, if we wanted to bring in a ban on that, we would have specifically mentioned hijab. Even the dress code for the womens section does not mention it. It is being done only to deviate the issue. There is no ban on the hijab for those appearing for recruitment exams, Sudhakar reiterated.

An official from the KEA explained that the government order issued by the authority was to ensure that Bluetooth sets or other kinds of electronic devices are not used to cheat during the examinations by students.

In October, the KEA registered a number of cases of malpractices in the Yadgir and Kalaburagi districts where 30 accused, including students, were arrested for malpractices during the recruitment exams. The candidates were found using Bluetooth devices under the guise of hearing aids to cheat, and RD Patil, known to be the kingpin, was also arrested. The KEA examination scam is now being investigated by the Criminal Investigation Department.
The University of Delhis Campus of Open Learning (DU COL) has begun accepting applications for certificate courses. Candidates can enroll in certificate courses of their preference by registering on the official website at col.du.ac.in. The certificate course at DU COL aims to enhance individual skills and practical knowledge across various professions and domains, lasting from 3 to 10 months. Importantly, no entrance exam is necessary for candidates to qualify for admission to these certificate courses.

According to the official website, students should note that a minimum Class 12 qualification is the basic requirement for application. Those who have appeared for qualifying exams and are waiting for their results are also eligible to apply. Students who are presently pursuing bachelors degrees or other courses at Delhi University or other institutions can also apply for these certificate courses. Additionally, students from the School of Open Learning (SOL), Non-Collegiate Womens Education Board (NCWEB), regular colleges, or departments of the University of Delhi are also welcome to broaden their horizons by enrolling for the certificate courses.

DU COL Admissions 2023: How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for a certificate course at DU COL.

Step 1: Visit the official website of DU COL at col.du.ac.in.

Step 2: Click on the admission process option on the homepage.

Step 3: Click on the DU COL application form.

Step 4: Fill all the required details carefully and submit.

Step 5: Upload all necessary documents.

Step 6: Proceed to pay the required fees.

Step 7: Save and print out the confirmation page for future reference.

Certificate courses offered by DU COL

 Medical Transcription

 Airfare and Ticketing

 Airport Management

 Travel and Tourism

 Computerised Reservation System (CRS)

 Skill Program on Financial Markets

 Office Automation and E-Accounting

 Soft skills and Personality Development

 Stenography, Secretarial Practices and IT Skills

 Data Science and Machine Learning using Python

 Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security

 Fashion Design, Merchandising and Entrepreneurship

 Photography for Fashion and E-commerce

 Fashion Modeling and Beauty Pageant Grooming

 Fashion Design and CAD

 Event Management, Marketing and Public Relations

 Interior Design and Architecture Planning

 Filmmaking, Direction and Screenplay

 Mass Communication and Digital Media Productions

 Fine Arts and Digital Arts

 Photography (Still and Video)

 Acting for Films, TV and Theatre

 Radio Jockeying, Anchoring, TV Journalism

 Animation, Motion Graphics and Video Editing

 Digital Marketing and Social Media Advertising

 3D Animation and Video Editing

 Graphic Designing, DTP and Video Editing

 Interior Designing and CAD

 Fine Arts and Illustration
The Sashastra Seema Bal, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, often invites applications for relevant positions. The lowest ranking for an officer under the SSB is Sub Inspector (SI). For SI, a direct recruitment procedure is used. Candidates are chosen based on their performance in the test and physical efficiency. Obtaining two stars on the shoulder and becoming an SI requires completing a demanding 48-week training programme.

The soldiers stars are placed on their shoulders during the convocation ceremony, which takes place only after 48 weeks of intense training. The Centralised Training Centre SSB CTC SSB Srinagar hosted the passing out parade recently. SSB hired 11 new Ace Inspectors following a demanding 48-week training programme. For the sake of national security, they will now be in command of several stations in Naxal-affected areas, including the border between Nepal and Bhutan.

The chosen soldiers have extensive training lasting 48 weeks, during which they learn a variety of military techniques. In addition, they receive training in shooting, hand-to-hand combat, and rescue operations. In addition, their mental fortitude is enhanced for effectively leading their BOP and making the best choice at the appropriate moment. According to SI Annu Kumari, a lot of difficulties arise early in the training process; however, if you master time management skills right away, you may solve half of your problems.

If you have the desire to serve your country or wear the uniform, SI Pawan Preet says you will need to put in a lot of work since there are numerous obstacles to overcome. According to Pawanpreet, there are difficulties during the hiring process as well as more difficulties when starting work and serving after hiring; however, training is the first step towards overcoming these difficulties. The soldier gains mental and physical power during this training period. SMB Numerous outdoor exercises are also conducted during the training, according to SI Sumit.

These activities mostly involve living and surviving in the woods without the use of any sort of logistics. In addition, there is law and order upkeep, dealings, internal training, firing, combat training, and sports.

Sumit, who became SI after 48 weeks of training in SSB, says that the way of working in SSB is different from other paramilitary forces. Along with combat training for any hostile attack, attention is also given to the welfare and protection of the civilians living on the border.
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.
Chhattisgarhiathe best, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he shares his experience from the election campaign in Chhattisgarh.

He wrote, This time during the election campaign in Chhattisgarh, my experiences were amazing and unprecedented. It is said  Chhattisgarhiathe best. I felt its echo all around. The hardworking people of Chhattisgarh are full of new hopes and new energy to make their state better and the best. They know that if anyone can free Chhattisgarh from the clutches of misgovernance and corruption, it is only BJP. BJP has made it, only BJP will improve it.

Chhattisgarh is completing its 25 years in the next few years. Today, the youth in the state, who are going to vote for the first time, are moving forward with the dreams of a prosperous Chhattisgarh. Along with the pledge of developed India in the next 25 years, he has also taken the pledge of developed Chhattisgarh. He is aiming to dedicate the next 25 years of his life to the resolve of developed Chhattisgarh-developed India, the prime minister wrote.

PM Modi further said The way the youth of SC, ST and OBC categories of the state are connecting with our development model is very encouraging. This power of the youth of Chhattisgarh is going to write a new chapter of change. Mahtari of Chhattisgarh, our sisters and daughters have also raised the flag of development of the state. Today, the way India is trying for women empowerment, we can see its impact in Chhattisgarh also.

Congresss crushing defeat in this election is certain. People are trusting the good governance of BJP and not the empty promises of Congress. BJP is determined and committed to fulfill its every resolution. I assure the people of Chhattisgarh that the BJP government coming to the state will be the government of your aspirations and prosperity of the state, PM Modi said.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharges poll rally at Amla in Betul district on Wednesday got cancelled as the helicopter that was supposed to carry him developed some technical snag, a party leader said.

Kharge was scheduled to address the meeting at 11.20 am but the meeting stands cancelled as the helicopter developed some technical snag, the Congress leader said.

The Congress president will address two other meetings in Berasia and Bhopal city as scheduled, he said. Wednesday is the last day for campaigning for the November 17 assembly elections in the state. Votes will be counted on December 3.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday appealed to voters in Madhya Pradesh to elect the BJP to power for a developed state and country, asserting that people are very angry with the dynastic and negative politics of the Congress.

In his posts on X, Modi also assured voters in Chhattisgarh that the BJP is committed to fulfil all its pledges.

The Congress is set for a rout in the elections. People are believing the good governance of the BJP and not the hollow promises of the Congress. I want to assure the people of Chhattisgarh that the coming BJP government in the state will be a dispensation of their aspirations and the states prosperity, he said.

People have this unbreakable faith that only the BJP can make a developed state belonging to the 21st century, he said in the message to Madhya Pradesh voters.

The people of Madhya Pradesh have seen the benefits of double-engine government and appreciate its requirement, Modi said, adding that he witnessed in his public meetings their deep anger with the dynastic politics of negativity of the Congress.

The Congress has no vision or roadmap for the states development, he said.

Modis message came on the last day of campaign for the Madhya Pradesh assembly polls, and the second and final phase of the Chhattisgarh elections.

Most observers have been of the view that the Congress and the BJP are locked in a keen battle in the two states, with both parties claiming the pole position. The Congress is in power in Chhattisgarh and the BJP in Madhya Pradesh.

The prime minister cited his observations and experience during his barnstorming campaign across the two states to exude confidence about peoples support for the BJP and the rejection of the Congress.

Women voters in Madhya Pradesh have made it their priority to return the BJP to power in the same way the party has their empowerment as its goal, he said, adding that they are also taking a lead in developing Chhattisgarh.

The new generation are aligning their next 25 years with the countrys 25 years and have been coming forward to make India a developed country, he said, in a reference to his goal for the country by 2047.

Modi cited his experience during the campaign in Chhattisgarh as wonderful and unprecedented.

The people of the state are full of new expectation and energy to make it better and know that only the BJP can pull Chhattisgarh out of corruption and misgovernance, he said.

The way OBC, SC and ST youths are joining the BJPs development model is very encouraging, he said. This strength of Chhattisgarhs youth will write a new chapter of change. The BJPs campaign in the current round of assembly polls, including in Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram, has revolved around Modi, with the party not declaring its chief ministerial candidate in any of the state.

In his intensive campaign, the prime minister has often emphasised on Modi ki guarantee to convince people the BJP will fulfil all its promises.

Reacting to Modis post on the Madhya Pradesh polls, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said under the prime ministers guidance the state has touched new heights. The next five years are about making it a self-reliant and a golden state which can be achieved only in a BJP government, he added.

He also appealed to people to make the party victorious for the states development and welfare.
Prime Minister Narendra Modis Moorkhon ke sardar jibe on Congress leader Rahul Gandhis made in China phones remark has triggered a controversy, with the grand old party calling out the use of ego-driven and foul language by the BJP during its campaign in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. The saffron camp, however, remained unapologetic with its IT cell head Amit Malviya sharing a mash-up video of Gandhis remark and the prime ministers reaction.

Prime Minister Modis jibe came as Madhya Pradesh votes on November 17. Arey moorkhon ke sardar, said PM Modi on Tuesday (November 14) at a poll rally in the state, while highlighting Indias strides in mobile manufacturing to counter Rahul Gandhis barb. 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, he added.

Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary said the PM has accepted defeat and is now trying to divert people with foul language. He told ANI: PM Modi is already aware of the results of the elections and this is the reason why the prime minister of the country is using such foul language and calling Rahul Gandhi a moorkh.

Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, who has recently been embroiled in the Mahadev app online betting row, said PM Modis ego knows no bounds. The prime ministers ego has increased so much that now he is abusing in public, he told ANI.

Chief minister of poll-bound Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot said the jibe was unfortunate and unbecoming of the prime ministers post. It is very unfortunate. The prime ministers post holds dignity the more it is criticised, the less it is. If a man holds a position of dignity but says things like this, what can you expect from him? he asked.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore said it shows Modis arrogance and how he wants people to be diverted from real issues. It shows the arrogance of PM Modi He always wants to divert from the real issues and goes personal against the political leadership Rahul Gandhi was speaking about an important issueFor each mobile company or instrument that we are using, the majority of the mobiles that are in the price range of below Rs 10,000, are produced in China The number of handsets in that background is a bigger thing The Make in India programme has completely failed The production in the MSME sector and medium-scale industries is suffering because of the wrong policies of PM Modi he told ANI.

Shiv Sena (UBT) also clocked into the controversy as MP Sanjay Raut said the BJP is actively thinking about Gandhi, which was one part of his success. They discuss and think about Rahul Gandhi; this is the success of Rahul Gandhi They have fear about the support that Rahul Gandhi gets You had made a declaration about a Congress-free India You saw the dream of Shiv Sena-free Maharashtra Democracy cannot be sustained in a country by making it free from any political party. he said.
Sonia Gandhi is to be in Jaipur over the next few days, even as the battle for Rajasthan enters a decisive phase. While she is staying here, away from the pollution of Delhi, due to her asthma, its Rahul Gandhis entry into the pink citys political landscape that makes the visit significant.

Just recently, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal issued a statement saying that it was wrong to say the Grand Old Party was giving up the fight in Rajasthan. He said all seniors of the party, like president Mallikarjun Kharge and the Gandhis, would be around to campaign for the candidates in the fray.

The BJP is very hopeful of forming the government in the desert state but the Congress is convinced that with its many schemes and seven guarantees, the path to victory would be easy. However, noting that the saffron party is unleashing its star power like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP chief JP Nadda, and Union minister Smriti Irani among others, the Congress does not want to lag behind.

There are a few messages that Rahul Gandhis stay in Jaipur could convey to the party cadre. One, Rajasthan is not a lost cause. Its a lesson that Congress is trying to learn from the BJP that no battle must be given up.

Also, there is listlessness and some anger among voters with sitting MLAs who have been given a ticket. With its high-powered drive, the Congress plans to counter this by bringing in new faces to campaign in those areas where sitting MLAs are facing anti-incumbency.

More importantly, even though Sonia Gandhi is in Jaipur for health reasons, her mere presence in the capital could infuse some power in the cadre. Across the state, there are several hoardings of Sonia Gandhi with chief minister Ashok Gehlot.

And finally, the Congress hopes the presence of Rahul Gandhi will also counter the perception that the BJP pushes of the former party president being a reticent, seasonal politician.
The elections to Telangana State Assembly to be held on November 30 became quite interesting with wealthy politicians having assets worth hundreds of crores of rupees in the fray as prospective candidates.

Among them, three candidates Gaddam Vivekanand, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy and Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy stood at first, second and third places respectively in terms of wealth based on their affidavits submitted to the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Gaddam Vivekanand, Congress candidate from Chennur constituency in Mancherial district has movable and immovable assets worth Rs 606.66 crores. The 66-year-old former, MP who joined the Congress from the BJP before the assembly elections, possesses movable assets worth Rs 328.91 crores including business organizations, cars, bungalows, valuable ornaments and bank deposits. Being the founder and chairman of Visakha Industries Limited he also had shares worth Rs 285 crores in the company. There is a 127 per cent increase in the value of his assets when compared to the value of the assets he announced when he contested Lok Sabha polls from Peddapalli in 2014.

Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, the Congress candidate from Paleru constituency in Khammam district, has movable and immovable assets worth Rs 461 crores. He won the Khammam Lok Sabha constituency on the YSRCP ticket and later joined the BRS. He was suspended from the BRS on the allegations of taking part in anti-party activities. He joined the Congress in July. He announced the value of his assets as Rs 34 crores in his affidavit submitted to the ECI when he contested the Lok Sabha elections in 2014.

Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy, the Congress candidate from Munugode constituency in Nalgonda district, stood third with movable and immovable assets worth Rs 458.37 crores. He announced the value of his assets as Rs 314 crores when he contested in the 2018 assembly elections. The value of his assets increased to 45 per cent.

Meanwhile, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has shown his total assets worth Rs 58.93 crores and liabilities as Rs 24.51 crores in the affidavit submitted to the ECI.

But he mentioned an interesting point by stating that he took a loan of Rs 1.06 crores from Congress candidate Vivek Venkataswamy.

Supporting his claim, Vivek also mentioned in his affidavit by stating that he lent Rs 1 crore to CM KCR and Rs 1.5 crore to Munugode Congress Candidate Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy.

There is a slight difference between the two affidavits submitted by KCR and Vivek on the loan amount and that became a hot topic among the political circles. Vivek mentioned it as Rs 1 crore whereas KCR mentioned the loan amount as Rs 1.06 crore. There is also an argument that KCR has added the interest amount to the actual loan amount.
In the final weeks of the year, as many staff and customers head off on summer holidays, business activity tends to slow down.

In Australia, its a condition that can often stretch until the end of January. Unfortunately, however, the same cannot be said for cybercriminals. Indeed, past experience shows that many take advantage of quieter times, when staffing levels are lower, to launch concerted cyberattacks.

For them, the logic is simple. When there are fewer staff on hand, it can be easier to initiate an attack undetected. IT and security teams are likely to be smaller which means theres a chance that signs which would have been spotted during the year go unnoticed.

Within many organisations, junior staff are often rostered on to cover holiday periods while their senior colleagues take a break. Their lack of experience could lead to an incorrect response being made to an attempted attack or security tools being misconfigured.

Vacation-themed attacks

In some cases, cybercriminals have been using the holiday season as a hook in targeted phishing attacks. There have been incidents where attackers have impersonated an organisations human resources department and sent misleading emails to staff.

Those emails may encourage staff to click on a link to confirm their holiday dates. However, when they do so, it asks them to confirm their username and password, thus giving the attacker valuable credentials that can be used to gain unauthorised access.

Known as business email compromise (BEC) attacks, they can be surprisingly convincing and may result in the attackers gaining easy access to an organisations IT infrastructure.

Protecting against attacks

Thankfully, there are some practical steps that organisations can take to reduce the likelihood they will fall victim to holiday-themed phishing attacks. They include:

Conducting comprehensive user training:

Experience shows that user awareness training is one of the most effective security measures an organisation can take. Schedule training sessions that clearly explain the types of threats that exist and the practical steps that can be taken to avoid falling victim.



Such training is particularly important as industry research has found more than half of employees use personal mobile phones for work when on holidays. This means that, as well as being targeted by phishing campaigns, they may also be exposed to smishing. This is when attackers send SMS messages to their targets encouraging them to click on an included link. For this reason, it is important for organisations to establish safe mobile working practices for all staff.



Experience shows that user awareness training is one of the most effective security measures an organisation can take. Schedule training sessions that clearly explain the types of threats that exist and the practical steps that can be taken to avoid falling victim. Such training is particularly important as industry research has found more than half of employees use personal mobile phones for work when on holidays. This means that, as well as being targeted by phishing campaigns, they may also be exposed to smishing. This is when attackers send SMS messages to their targets encouraging them to click on an included link. For this reason, it is important for organisations to establish safe mobile working practices for all staff. Ensure staff are able to recognise phishing messages:

In addition to impersonating departments such as HR, cybercriminals also pretend to be an office colleague. If they have somehow gained access to a staff members calendar, they will know when that person is away on holiday. They can then use this opportunity to impersonate them by sending messages to their colleagues with the aim of gaining sensitive data or access rights.



To avoid this happening, it is important for all staff to carefully check all received emails, particularly if they appear to have come from someone who is not actually at work. They should check for wording that appears strange or requests that seem out of the ordinary.



In addition to impersonating departments such as HR, cybercriminals also pretend to be an office colleague. If they have somehow gained access to a staff members calendar, they will know when that person is away on holiday. They can then use this opportunity to impersonate them by sending messages to their colleagues with the aim of gaining sensitive data or access rights. To avoid this happening, it is important for all staff to carefully check all received emails, particularly if they appear to have come from someone who is not actually at work. They should check for wording that appears strange or requests that seem out of the ordinary. Compile a comprehensive contingency plan:

Organisations should develop plans that serve as a comprehensive guide to the steps staff should take if an attack occurs. This will enable them to react quickly and hopefully limit the impact of the incident. The plan should include a list of who should be involved in the response and outline their particular areas of responsibility.



Organisations should develop plans that serve as a comprehensive guide to the steps staff should take if an attack occurs. This will enable them to react quickly and hopefully limit the impact of the incident. The plan should include a list of who should be involved in the response and outline their particular areas of responsibility. Deploy multi-factor authentication capabilities:

Having a multi-factor authentication (MFA) solution in place can prevent attackers from gaining access to an organisations network even if they have obtained the login credentials of staff via a successful phishing attack.



Having a multi-factor authentication (MFA) solution in place can prevent attackers from gaining access to an organisations network even if they have obtained the login credentials of staff via a successful phishing attack. Make use of endpoint security:

Organisations should also ensure they have in place an advanced detection and response capability. This needs to be capable of continuously monitoring endpoints and carrying out automated blocking of anomalous users, machines, and process behaviours. This, in turn, will ensure all network devices are protected in the event of a cybercriminal gaining access to the organisations IT infrastructure.

By undertaking these steps, organisations can be confident they are well placed to avoid cyberattacks during the holiday season and remaining staff are aware of the steps they need to take should one occur.

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Aam Aadmi Party (AA) Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) Raghav Chadha, while commenting on the strained ties between the Congress and AAP  both part of the oppositions INDIA bloc against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections  said that this kind of tu tu main main hurts the hopes of people".

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Many constituents of the INDIA bloc feel the Congress has let go of a big opportunity by failing to come to a seat-sharing agreement or even friendly contests in the election-bound states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram. Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav has been vocal about his disappointment, while Community Party of India (Marxist) (CPIM) general secretary Sitaram Yechury has admitted openly that the talks have failed. Parties such as the AAP have been more subdued in their response, reiterating that the INDIA bloc was formed keeping the Lok Sabha elections in mind. Each party is contesting on its own steam and symbol, even at the risk of dividing the vote of the opposition.

In Delhi, the Congress has gone a step further, alleging Congress parliamentary party president Sonia Gandhi had to leave Delhi due to acute air pollution and will be in Rajasthan to campaign for the party. In any case, Sonia Gandhi should go to Jaipur and campaign for the upcoming elections. However, as far as the attack by the Congress on the AAP is concerned, I dont want to comment on that," said Chadha.

MESSAGE TO CONGRESS: FIGHT UNITEDLY

On his message to the Congress and the future of the INDIA bloc, he said, All of us should strive to keep the INDIA bloc united. When the INDIA bloc was formed, it reflected the popular imagination, thought, hope of an alternative for 135 crore Indians. This kind of tu tu main main hurts the hopes of people."

ALSO READ | Dont Vote for BJP or Congress as They Loot MP, Choose AAP as It Will Fulfil Guarantees: Bhagwant Mann

We should try to make all efforts to ensure that the INDIA bloc remains strong and the sankalp, which led to the birth of this gathbandhan, should not be forgotten. Unitedly, we should fight to remove dictatorship, price rise and unemployment and this would be my message to the Congress," said Chadha.

INDIA GATHBANDHAN IS STRONG

When asked about the INDIA bloc of parties fighting each other in the election-bound states, Chadha said, This gathbandhan was made for the Lok Sabha elections. And this gathbandhan, keeping in mind the Lok Sabha elections, is so strong, the founding principles of this gathbandhan are so strong that it has triggered fear in the BJP. The BJP is so rattled that it has not been able to get over the nomenclature of the gathbandhan. Even now, it is busy attempting to distort the nomenclature of the gathbandhan. This is a strong gathbandhan. I am speaking , not just from my heart, but from my head. Arithmetically and mathematically, I believe that if one BJP candidate is pitted against one candidate of the INDIA bloc, one vs one, the BJP will lose the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in a big way and INDIA bloc will form the government."

ALSO READ | We Will Remember: MP Tests INDIAs Unity as Congress Refusal to Lend A Hand Angers AAP, SP

The AAP is contesting on all seats in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal left for campaigning in Singrauli, MP, on November 2, the day when he was summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Since then, the AAP chief has campaigned in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan along with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

According to sources, no talks on seat sharing have happened between the AAP and Congress either in the five-election bound states or for the upcoming general elections.
Congress candidate Gurmeet Singh Kooner, who was contesting Rajasthan Assembly Polls later this month passed away during treatment at the AIIMS-Delhi.

Gurmeet Singh Koonar, who was contesting the poll from Karanpur assembly constituency, was admitted to the Geriatric Medicine Ward of AIIMS on November 12. Kooner died of sepsis with septic shock and renal disease on Wednesday.

Koonar, a three-time MLA, was a strong leader of the Congress from Karanpur. He had won the 1998 assembly election on a Congress ticket from Karanpur and in 2008, he reached the assembly as an Independent from the seat. In 2018, the Congress again fielded him from Karanpur and he won.

What Happens When an MLA Candidate Dies Before Election?

According to the Section 52 of the Representation of Peoples Act, if a candidate dies on the last date for making nominations and his nomination is found valid on scrutiny; or if the candidate who has not withdrawn his candidate dies; or a contesting candidate dies before the commencement of the poll, the returning officer shall announce the adjournment of the poll to a date to be notified later and report the fact to the Election Commission and also to the appropriate authority.

Therefore, in case of the death of a candidate for legislative assembly, the election to that constituency is cancelled and the Election Commission announces a later date for election to the particular seat.

The voting on Karanpur seat in Rajasthan will not be held on November 25, as per rules, due to the death of Congress candidate Gurmeet Singh Kooner. The voting will therefore be held on the remaining 199 seats in Rajasthan on November 25. However, no official announcement has been made so far regarding the cancellation of poll on the seat.

The date of voting for Karanpur seat will be announced on a later date by the Election Commission. However, after voting on the remaining 199 seats of the state, the election results will be declared on December 3.

Has it Happened for the first time?

In the 2018 Rajasthan assembly polls, the election to the Ramgarh assembly constituency in Alwar district was postponed after Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate Laxman Singh died of cardiac arrest. The polling in 2018 elections was held only on 199 seats instead of 200.

However, in a rare incident, a candidate of YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), who died in a road accident during the campaigning, was elected to Andhra Pradesh assembly from Allagadda in Kurnool district in 2014.

Bhuma Shobha Nagi Reddy died two weeks before the elections by defeating her nearest rival G Prabhakar Reddy of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) by nearly 18,000 votes. The Election Commission announced a by-election for the assembly seat.

The Election Commission did not cancel the election on the seat as YSR Congress is not a recognized party. The poll body continued with the election since her name was already included on the ballot paper and she remained a contesting candidate. In such cases, the byelection would only be held if the candidate gets elected.
India is set to procure the Igla-S a powerful hand-held anti-missile system from Russia to boost defence infrastructure along borders with China and Pakistan.

According to Russian state news agency TASS, Russia has signed a contract to supply the Igla-S hand-held anti-aircraft missiles to India and permit the weapon to be produced in India under licence.

The weapon has been designed to attack low-flying aircraft and can engage all sorts of visually detectable aircraft and helicopters.

What is Igla-S Defence System?

The Igla-S is a man-portable air defence system (MANPADS) that can be fired by an individual or crew to bring down an enemy aircraft. The weapon, an advanced variant of the Igla MANPADS, can engage low-flying aircraft and helicopters and identify air targets such as cruise missiles and drones.

The weapon system comprises the 9M342 missile, the 9P522 launching mechanism, the 9V866-2 mobile test station, and the 9F719-2 test set.

It has a range of 500 metres to 6 kilometres and attack targets up to an altitude of 3.5 kilometres. The speed of the missile is 400 metres per second and the deployment time is 13 seconds.

MANPADS have become popular after being successfully deployed by Ukraine to thwart the Russias air superiority in the ongoing war.

Some Igla-S systems Already in Use

The Army, Navy and the Indian Air Force already have Igla man-portable missiles in their inventories. The Indian Army last year inducted a small number of Igla-S systems under the emergency procurement route to bolster its defence capabilities amid ongoing tensions with China and Pakistan. The contract was signed in December 2020 and the equipment was delivered by December 2021.

India procured 216 missiles, 24 launchers, and additional testing equipment from Russia, which was finally inducted in April last year.

The Defence Ministry was considering a contract to procure Igla-S as a part of the Very Short-Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) deal.

In addition to the Igla-S, the Army variant of the Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) has also been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

India is also looking at production of the Russian missile systems in the country under the Make-in-India initiative, according to PTI.

India-Russia Defence Ties

Though India has heavily cut down its defence imports, however, the country is still reliant on Russian weapons along the western and northern fronts.

Russia accounted for 45% of Indias arms imports between 2018 and 2022, with France providing 29% and the United States 11%, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

India has also purchased S-400 anti-aircraft systems from Russia, which can hit targets at 400 km maximum distance and also have the capability to take out targets at shorter ranges too. India signed a USD 5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400 air defence missile systems in October 2018, despite sanctions warning by the US.

Russia started delivery of the first regiment of the missile systems in December 2021 and it has been deployed to cover parts of the border with China in the northern sector as well as the frontier with Pakistan. The S-400 is known as Russias most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system.

The IAF relies on Russian defence companies for spare parts on the Su-30 MKI, tanks, armoured vehicles and shells. Earlier this year, India and Russia also began the joint production of AK-203 Kalashnikov assault rifles.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast heavy rainfall in the coastal areas of Odisha with windspeeds of 45kmph to 65kmph after the formation of a low pressure area in the Bay of Bengal and one of them is likely to turn into a severe cyclone.

A weather department official said that a low pressure area is formed over the Bay of Bengal, which will later intensify into a depression in the west Central Bay of Bengal. She said that from November 15 onwards, winds speeds are likely to increase along and off the Andhra Pradesh coast. Winds will be prevailing for the two days  November 15 and 16, she was quoted as saying by ANI.

IMD scientist Umashankar Dash on Tuesday said that the low pressure area over Southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining Andaman and Nicobar Islands is likely to move west-northwestwards before intensifying into a depression over West Central Bay of Bengal off Andhra Pradesh coast on November 16.

Dash noted that subsequently the system would re-curve north-northeastwards and reach Northwest Bay of Bengal off Odisha coast on November 17.

IMD has said that if and when the low pressure area intensifies into a depression, becoming a cyclonic storm, it will be called as Midhili.

The IMD advised fishermen to not venture into the sea from November 15 to 17 till further notice. The weather department also predicted light to moderate rain in a few coastal districts of Odisha on November 15, adding that its intensity is likely to increase in the following days with isolated very heavy rainfall on November 16.

According to Down To Earth, meteorologist have observed another air cyclonic circulation, which has formed over the south-western parts of the Bay of Bengal. This might also induce a low-pressure area, said Vineet Kumar Singh, research scientist at the Typhoon Research Centre of South Koreas Jeju National University.

Formation of two low-pressure areas at the same time could also lead to their interaction with one another (second with the first). This interaction is termed as the Fujiwhara effect.

The National Weather Service (NWS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the United States has said that when two oceanic storms  storms, typhoons, cyclones  form in the same region and are spinning in the same direction in a close range to each other, then they begin an intense dance around their common centre, quoted DTE.

NWS said that such close storms move towards each other until they are the common centre, following which they merge or spin around each other until they veer off to their own routes.

The NWS, however, noted that in rare cases when two storms or hurricanes come together, they get added and turn into one giant storm instead of two small storms.

The second low-pressure area is likely to form after the first system cools down, therefore the possibility of their interaction under the Fujiwhara effect is less, Singh was quoted as saying by DTE.

Reportedly, even thought the Fujiwhara threat is a long shot, back-to-back cyclones or storms with rapid intensification  meaning cyclone gaining wind speed of 56 kms per hours or more within 24 hours  could create impacts along the Indian Ocean.

(With PTI inputs)
The Sri Samba Sadashiva Temple, situated in Pamur village within the Komarolu Mandal of Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh, stands as a testament to Indias rich cultural and religious heritage. Devoted to Lord Shiva, this temple holds a unique significance for its devotees, particularly those who staunchly believe in the presence of Nagula Swamy or Naga Devatha (Snake God) in the nagula putta (snake pit) within the temple premises.

According to local reports from Telugu Local 18, followers firmly hold the belief that by performing puja ceremonies with utmost devotion at the Nagula Putta, they can receive the divine darshan of Naga Devatha. The temples sacred snake pit is a place where devotees offer prayers to seek the fulfilment of their wishes, and many claim to have witnessed the manifestation of Naga Devatha during their visits.

Constructed approximately 30 years ago near the Kadapa-Guntur road in Pamurupalle village, the Sri Samba Sadashiva Temple was a collaborative effort of devotees, transcending caste and religion, who contributed financially to its establishment. Noteworthy features of the temple include naturally blooming Amla (Indian Gooseberry) and Bilva (Aegle Marmelos Correa) trees, considered dear to Lord Parameshwara by believers.

The temples allure extends beyond its architectural and natural elements to encompass the revered Nagula Putta, tastefully adorned by the temple priest, as showcased in the Local 18 report. The temple authorities have covered the snake pit with a vessel supported by three chains, creating a visually appealing sacred space. Additionally, an idol of Nandi, the bull, symbolizing Lord Shivas animal form and his dedicated worshiper, adds to the spiritual ambience of the temple.

Residents of Pamur village express a deep sense of gratitude and blessing for having the Sri Samba Sadashiva Temple in their vicinity, considering it a majestic presence that enriches their lives.
KERALA LOTTERY FIFTY FIFTY FF-73 RESULT ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15 LIVE UPDATES: The Kerala State Lottery Department has announced the results of the Fifty-Fifty-FF-73 lottery for Wednesday, November 15. Check the full list of winning numbers below.

ALSO READ: Kerala Lottery Result Today LIVE: WIN-WIN W-744 WINNERS for November 20; First Prize Rs 75 Lakh!

FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR FIFTY-FIFTY FF-73 LOTTERY

WINNING NUMBERS FOR THE CONSOLATION PRIZE WORTH RS 8,000 ARE

FA 772087

FB 772087

FC 772087

FE 772087

FF 772087

FG 772087

FH 772087

FJ 772087

FK 772087

FL 772087

FM 772087

WINNING NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE WORTH RS 1 CRORE IS FD 772087 (THIRUVANANTHAPURAM)

Agent Name: P THANKARAJAN

Agency No: T 2356

WINNING NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE WORTH RS 10 LAKH IS FF 185675 (ALAPPUZHA)

Agent Name: ASWATHY K V

Agency No: A 5497

WINNING NUMBERS FOR THE 3RD PRIZE WORTH RS 5000 ARE

0528 0751 1212 2168 2259 3039 3313 3394 4340 4945 5316 5367 5713 5986 6146 6258 6287 6969 7087 7121 7730 8310 9961

WINNING NUMBERS FOR THE 4TH PRIZE WORTH RS 2,000 ARE

1239 2007 4240 4568 4731 5036 6206 6323 7262 7937 8244 8309

WINNING NUMBERS FOR THE 5TH PRIZE WORTH RS 1,000 ARE

0368 0422 0486 0566 1552 2044 2519 3438 3846 4403 5070 5191 5240 5440 5549 6200 7027 7113 7140 7758 8308 8501 8739 9085

WINNING NUMBERS FOR THE 6TH PRIZE WORTH RS 500 ARE

0174 0183 0324 0390 0618 0764 0886 1008 1037 1216 1482 1673 1882 1912 2103 2125 2204 2319 2345 2431 2646 2782 2791 2795 2846 3016 3244 3383 3538 3620 3633 3638 3799 3836 3867 3962 3975 4013 4036 4124 4149 4288 4429 4638 4651 4826 4879 4891 5371 5443 5537 5866 5913 6179 6355 6376 6381 6448 6596 6640 6867 6923 6944 6968 6997 7033 7038 7071 7177 7324 7329 7382 7494 7508 7688 7741 7810 7840 7953 7963 8055 8242 8474 8768 8781 9012 9072 9135 9177 9307 9431 9571 9692 9827 9848 9915

WINNING NUMBERS FOR THE 7TH PRIZE WORTH RS 100 ARE

0145 0173 0358 0527 0822 0840 0872 0880 0932 0982 1016 1120 1132 1476 1576 1611 1685 1770 2058 2070 2110 2138 2235 2281 2309 2333 2358 2492 2525 2541 2553 2675 2725 2786 2905 2908 3038 3169 3205 3264 3298 3329 3334 3354 3456 3592 3684 3704 3939 3941 4010 4085 4145 4184 4262 4276 4339 4420 4447 4533 4627 4688 4712 4850 4909 5063 5079 5165 5210 5282 5331 5339 5528 5718 5772 5802 5853 5888 5911 5945 6067 6191 6322 6428 6497 6549 6608 6776 6783 6889 6897 6901 6977 7053 7106 7116 7308 7373 7438 7645 7763 7800 7825 7833 7857 8123 8238 8405 8438 8459 8462 8464 8776 8831 8955 8982

KERALA LOTTERY RESULT TODAY: FIFTY-FIFTY FF-73 PRIZE STRUCTURE

1st Prize: Rs 1 Crore

2nd Prize: Rs. 10 Lakh

3rd Prize: Rs. 5,000

4th Prize: Rs. 2,000

5th Prize: Rs. 1,000

6th Prize: Rs. 500

7th Prize: Rs. 100

Consolation Prize: Rs. 8,000

ALSO READ: Kerala Lottery Pooja Bumper BR-94 First Prize Rs 12 Crore; Check Date, Prize Structure & More

HOW TO CONFIRM KERALA FIFTY-FIFTY FF-73 LOTTERY RESULTS?

Visit the official Kerala Lottery Department website at www.keralalottery.info or the Kerala Government Gazette office to get their ticket numbers validated against the results of the FF-73 Fifty Fifty lottery draw.

HOW TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE MONEY?

Individuals need to refer to the Kerala Government Gazette to see if their ticket number corresponds to the winning numbers. They are eligible for a prize if both the numbers match.

The winners will have 30 days from the date of the announcement of the results to claim their prize at the Kerala lottery office in Thiruvananthapuram. Additionally, they are required to bring the winning ticket as well as proper identification for verification.

POOJA BUMPER BR-94 LUCKY DRAW ON NOVEMBER 22

The Kerala State Lottery Department will hold the Pooja Bumper-2023 BR-94 lucky draw on November 22 at 2 p.m. The winner of the top reward would receive Rs 12 crore. The second-place winner will receive Rs 1 crore, while the third and consolation-place winners will receive Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 lakh, respectively. All you have to do is purchase a Rs 300 ticket.

POOJA BUMPER BR-94 PRIZE STRUCTURE
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday predicted heavy rains in several states, including Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal over the next 48 hours due to the intensification of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal into a depression.

The depression over the Bay of Bengal may intensify into a deep depression and make landfall along the Odisha and West Bengal coasts on November 18 leading to heavy rainfall, the weather department said.

Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, IMD Director General, said the (climate) system is likely to initially move northwestwards, then north-northwestwards and intensify into a deep depression over the west-central Bay of Bengal off the Andhra Pradesh coast on Thursday.

Weather Updates

Light to moderate rainfall is likely over coastal Odisha and West Bengal on November 16 and isolated very heavy rainfall on November 17.

Australia and South Africa will keep a close eye on weather forecast as a spell of steady shower is threatening to play spoilsport in the second World Cup semi-final between Australia and South Africa in Kolkata on Thursday. While there is a reserve day for all three knock-out games, as per the weather bulletin, rain would only intensify on Friday.

Odishas agriculture department has issued an advisory for farmers, suggesting that they harvest matured paddy and other crops. The department also urged vegetable growers to take precautions to protect their standing crops.

The weather department predicted a heavy shower warning in Odisha (7 to 11cm) over the districts of Puri, Kendrapada, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, and Balasore on November 16.

The Met department issued an orange alert over Odishas Balasore and Bhadrak districts on November 17.

It is also advised by the IMD that fishermen should not venture into the sea off West Bengal coasts till November 18 as it will remain rough to very rough with a wind speed between 40 kmph and 70 kmph.

The weather cycle will likely bring isolated heavy rainfall in Nagaland, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, and Manipur till November 18.

The regional weather department of Tamil Nadu has predicted light to moderate precipitation till November 17 adding that districts like Thoothukudi, Virudhunagar, Madurai, Dindigul, Sivaganga, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Perambalur, Ariyalur and Cuddalore may witness heavy rainfall.

Meanwhile, the air quality of Delhi on Wednesday turned to severe category again amid stable atmospheric conditions. The national capitals 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI), recorded at 4 pm every day, stood at 401. It was 397 on Tuesday. It was 358 on Monday 218 on Sunday, 220 on Saturday, 279 on Friday, and 437 on Thursday.

(with inputs from PTI)
Imagine a shift in the construction game. The iron rods or sariya you are accustomed to could be replaced with products crafted from stubble (parali) and other agricultural waste.

However, whether this transformation takes place depends on the real estate industry embracing the decade-long project by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi. To solve the problem of stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, IIT-Delhi has been working on a project to push the use of agri-residue to manufacture construction materials. The overall aim of the project is to reduce the carbon footprint to which construction activities are the main contributor.

The institute is in talks with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to frame the standards for the real estate industry. Alongside, IIT is talking with builders and real-estate developers for the adoption of technology.

We are working to find solutions for the problem of air pollution in Delhi-NCR due to stubble burning and also, greenhouse gas emission caused due to the production of steel and other synthetic construction materials, Vasant Matsagar, professor and head of the project at IIT Delhi, told News18.

While the team has been working on a project to convert agro-residues into bio-composite construction materials for the last four years, the institute has been working to create non-metallic reinforcements (sariya) for the last 15 years.

For instance: Under the programme, the team has created greener materials to replace steel reinforcements or sariya with more sustainable materials.

Similarly, beams, slabs, and columns have also been readied by the team of researchers by making use of green materials, replacing the otherwise polluting construction materials.

Moreover, Matsagar said locally available agro-residues are being converted into useful construction materials at local levels, likely by the farmers themselves, which avoids transportation costs of raw materials and finished goods, apart from job creation in villages.

Even the residues from the production of bio-composites are used in making silica brick walls and all-weather road construction, especially in rural parts of the country.

Acceptance remains challenging

While greener options have been created and tested, the biggest challenge is the adoption of the technology by construction companies and builders.

Over time, Matsagar said the cost of using greener, bio-composite options is likely to be about half to one-third of the already available material, which is steel and iron. Such cost-effectiveness depends on the production-utilisation cycle.

To push acceptance among the industry, IIT-Delhi is now in talks with BIS to develop new standards for the use of fibre-reinforced materials for concrete structures that are green construction materials.

Parallelly, we are also in talks with big players in the construction industry to promote the adoption of such sustainable materials, he said, adding that several workshops with industry stakeholders are being conducted to promote the technology in the construction industry.

Some of the developers attending workshops organised by the researchers and postgraduate students running the project include Supertech, Sanrachna Structural Strengthening Pvt Ltd and Direndra Group of Company.
A fresh landslide on Tuesday obstructed ongoing efforts to insert steel pipes through the rubble of the collapsed tunnel to save 40 trapped laborers, who have been under the debris for two days.

Later, a group of workers stationed at the site launched a protest against the authorities due to delayed rescue work. These workers clashed with rescue teams present at the site and continued to chant slogans, saying, humare aadmi nikalo

#WATCH | Uttarkashi tunnel accident | A protest by workers breaks out at the site of the accident where the relief and rescue operation is ongoing. #Uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/bvvXrASSTh ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) November 15, 2023

The falling debris caused injuries to two rescue workers, prompting their immediate transfer to the makeshift hospital established at the site.

VIDEO | Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: "A new machine will arrive here today (to assist in rescue operation). The equipment that came yesterday didn't work because of some technical issues. The new machine will arrive here in a helicopter," says an NDRF official. pic.twitter.com/XCFYT9N6Ec Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 15, 2023

Even though the drilling process started at 10pm on Tuesday, however, the auger machine utilized initially failed to achieve the desired outcomes as it lacked the capability to navigate through the debris-laden terrain.

To cut through the debris, an alternative machine, the American Auger, was requisitioned from Delhi. This advanced machinery boasts superior capabilities and is capable of drilling at a speed of 5 meters per hour.

#WATCH | Uttarkashi tunnel accident | Heavy auger drilling machines have reached Chinyalisaur helipad for relief and rescue in Silkyara Tunnel of Uttarkashi district. These are being connected; drilling work will start soon. #Uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/5EztpsN4Qb ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) November 15, 2023

The American auger arrived in Uttarkashi around noon. An Indian Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft landed with the machine located approximately 30-35 kilometers away from the incident site.

Subsequently, the machinery was loaded on trucks and transported to the designated location.

Disaster Management Secretary Ranjit Kumar Sinha earlier said the authorities had set a target of rescuing the trapped labourers by Tuesday night or Wednesday. Navyuga Engineering Company Limited official GL Nath appealed to everyone not to enter the tunnel and disrupt the rescue efforts.

Only those whose services or help is needed in the ongoing rescue operations should enter the tunnel. Local political leaders are disturbing us a lot by frequenting the tunnel. I appeal to them not to do so. Our priority is to safely evacuate the trapped workers, he said. An expert team of five engineers from the irrigation department is on the spot to oversee the insertion process of the mild steel pipes through the rubble, the State Emergency Operation Centre said.

A team of 160 rescuers from the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Border Roads Organisation, Rapid Action Force and the health department have been on the spot since Sunday, working to reach the trapped workers.

Contact is being maintained with the trapped labourers and the assurance that a huge rescue operation is being carried out by various agencies to evacuate them has also boosted their morale, National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) Executive Director Col (Retd) Sandip Sudehra said.
JHARKHAND FOUNDATION DAY 2023: November 15 marks the Jharkhand Foundation Day. The beautiful state that is located in the northeastern part of India and is also called The land of forest or Bushland. On the Jharkhand Foundation Day, heres a quick look at all the relevant things about this day and state that you need to know:

HOW DID JHARKHAND BECOME A SEPARATE STATE?

It was on November 15 in 2000 when the Chhotanagpur area was segregated from the southern half of Bihar to give rise to another state named Jharkhand. By doing so, the latter became the 28th Indian state.

Right now, the forests of Chhotanagpur plateau and Santhal Pargana make up Jharkhand. The tribals of this state had sought out a separate state for themselves long back as post-independence, the tribal people had got meagre socioeconomic advantages.

They formed Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, which continued to conduct protests and appeal to the government soon after India became independent in 1947.

As a result, the government responded to these demands by establishing the Jharkhand Area Autonomous Council in 1995, and ultimately, in the year 2000, Jharkhand was officially recognized as a distinct state, fulfilling the aspirations of the tribal population.

November 15, therefore, is celebrated as Jharkhand Foundation Day to commemorate the states formation and recognize its unique cultural, historical, and regional identity within the Indian subcontinent.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE STATE

Did you know that since 2000, Jharkhand drew Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) equity which turned out to be 113 million US dollars? This was the value recorded between April 2000 and December 2018.

The tribal state has 24 districts, and the total area of Jharkhand is approximately 79,716 sq. km, which makes it the 15th largest state based on its area size. Wonderful waterfalls, scenic hills, wildlife sanctuary, Panchet Dam on Damodar river, and holy places (Baidyanath Dham, Parasnath, Rajrappa) form Jharkhands tourist attractions.

One of the fascinating folk dance forms of Jharkhand that is quite popular is Chhau nach, a masked dance performance that is a great visual treat.

The state is rich in mineral resources like coal, iron ore, copper ore, uranium, mica, bauxite, granite, limestone, silver, and dolomite.

The tribal populations few of the prominent celebrations include cattle festival, Sohrai; a flower festival called Sarhul; and Mage Parab, a post-harvest festival.

Its existing population is approximately 3.19 crores.

While Ranchi is its capital city, Dumka is Jharkhands sub capital.
A motorbike dealer has just imported a batch of the latest model of the Honda Dream, an iconic vehicle that was all the craze a few decades ago.

Previously the bike used to sell for VND100 million (US$3,970), while the new one is marked at $2,500 in Cambodia, from where they are imported.

The Dream was a classic vehicle near and dear to many generations of Vietnamese, but was discontinued long ago in many countries, leaving Cambodia the sole manufacturer in Southeast Asia.

The 2024 model retains its nostalgic long, sleek body with the name "Dream" etched right beneath its rear seat handle. However, the traditional square panels are replaced with more low-key rounded ones, a design choice that does not sit well with the majority of Vietnamese bike enthusiasts due to the striking similarity to SYM motorbikes.

The Dream utilizes a combination of imported and locally produced parts.

Honda and Yamaha are the two largest imported motorbike brands.

Some dealers speculate that the new Dream, like the previous Wave 125i imported from Thailand, will fetch a hefty VND80 million, twice the price of similar models assembled locally.

With a barely noticeable difference in horsepower, technology or design priced like a premium automatic or performance motorcycle, the 2024 Honda Dream will have a hard time attracting young customers who usually lean toward sleek and modern designs.

It will likely only attract wealthy collectors nostalgic for the good old days.
What are the quintessential ingredients to make the most perfect survival thriller? According to the precedence set by Anushka Sharmas brilliant NH10 in 2015, it should boast of a fast-paced narrative, a spiffy cinematography and ample edge-of-the-seat and nail biting moments that dish out a sensation of fear and danger, peppered with episodes that make you want to close your eyes and take a moment to breathe in and out and yet keep you glued to its gripping storytelling.

Its rather good news that eight and a half years later, we now have a new survival thriller that will perhaps go down as another suspenseful story thats almost as impeccable as the former. Nikhil Nagesh Bhatts Apurva starring Tara Sutaria in the titular character is very NH10-esque in nature. A young and bright girl from Madhya Pradesh meets a dashing banker Siddharth through an arranged marriage set-up and is set to marry him soon. On his last birthday as a bachelor, Apurva decides to surprise him. She takes a bus ride to Agra to meet him and what could have become a memorable time for the two of them turns into her worst nightmare.

A gang of goons-cum-dacoits stops the bus somewhere in the barren lands of Chambal and ends up kidnapping her. Her phone gets snatched away and shes put in the boot of a car and taken to a deserted location. How she manages to break free from the shackles of these sadist men who dont bat an eye lid before killing or sexually assaulting someone forms the rest of the story. Thrown into this is her fiance who fights the indolent police and decides to venture into an unknown territory to rescue her.

Nikhil, who recently received heaps of praise for Kill at the TIFF, creates another impactful story that has violence, gore and gun powder sprinkled all over it. In fact, Apurva begins with a rather bloody sequence where the menacing gang loots and murders a bunch of people travelling to Jhansi in the name of fun and games and competition. And that sets the tone of the rest of the story. Nikhil makes sure that he wastes no time and dives straight into the core theme of the narrative. Here, theres no justification for what made Jugnu, Sukha, Balli and Chhota so sinister, ominous and blood thirsty, and thats quite refreshing.

At 1 hour 35 minutes, Apurva makes for a rather crisp narrative. Nikhil deserves credit for writing a screenplay that rarely loses pace. Its thrilling and gripping and makes you uncomfortable and distressed scene after scene. The tension he builds every time we see Apurva hiding from her perpetrators who are hell-bent on outraging her modesty and killing her ruthlessly is palpable. Many a times, you will catch yourself feeling breathless and even panicking and praying for the protagonist. Cinematographer Anshuman Mahaley perfectly captures the essence of a desolate Chambal and his lenses enhance the fear looming large over the film. Shivkumar Panickers editing chops and Vishal Mishras eerie background score add to the discomfort.

What, however, seems like a misfit is the track encapsulating Apurva and Siddharths love story. While it helps establish her background and why he goes against the tide to fight for her safety, it could have been trimmed further. In fact, Siddharths aim to rescue Apurva as a parallel narrative doesnt quite add any substance to the crux of the plot. Having said that, their moments of bliss as a flashback do bring some amount of respite amid all the tension, suspense and ghoulishness.

In a film career spanning four years, this is the first time that Tara is seen playing such a meaty part and she does a stupendous job. She gives it her all, pushes the envelope, steps out of her comfort zone, makes you root for her against all odds and is a complete revelation. Her helplessness and decision to choose violence over death and defeat tugs at your heartstrings. Having become synonymous with glamorous parts and playing the second fiddle to heroes all throughout her career, Apurva will hopefully mark the beginning of a new chapter for her.

She constantly will remind you of Meera from NH10. In fact, much like the anti-climax from NH10, in a certain scene in Apurva, shes seen trying to drive over Sukha and bring an end to his life in a divine way. You will find yourself clapping and hyping her up even for the smallest of her triumphs as she tries to free herself from the world of evil that she has been trapped in. Theres so much potential lying in Tara and Nikhil deserves applause for tapping it with aplomb.

Rajpal Yadav returns to play an antagonist years after dabbling in comedy roles. His portrayal of Jugnu is menacing and this should be a wake-up call for filmmakers to cast him in more diverse parts. Abhishek Banerjee, who has earlier garnered appreciation for his evil acts in Ajji and Paatal Lok, delivers a spine-chilling performance as Sukha. You end up hating him right since his first scene. His sinister smirk and smile is blood-curdling. It is Dhairya Karwa, however, who fails to create an impact. He has a limited screen time and like mentioned earlier, his character doesnt have much to offer to the plot.

Apurva is a complete surprise package. Helming a well-packed thriller is no cakewalk but this one is well-made and is smartly and intelligently put together by Nikhil. A trigger warning at the beginning of the film would have definitely helped considering its violence quotient. However, it perfectly fills up the void left by the array of lackluster and insipid thrillers that continue to be made in galore. Yes, Apurva will leave you frazzled from time to time and thats where the excellence of the makers lie. Dont give this one a miss!
In the past few years, the global influence of Korean dramas and K-pop has significantly expanded. BTS, one of Koreas most popular bands, has garnered a massive following not just for their exceptional performances but also for the members close connection with fans. In a recent instance, BTS leader RM aka Kim Namjoon, engaged in a live social media session, addressing various topics. What caught everyones attention was RMs expressed interest in visiting India, his subtle hints about military service, and discussions surrounding recent facial scars during the live session.

In response to a fans inquiry about the ideal country for relaxation, RM mentioned Switzerland or Iceland. Seemingly, when addressing a comment from a desi ARMY member about a potential visit to India, RM enthusiastically stated, Yeah, I want to visit India too someday. Why not?

yea i want to visit india too some day, why not?Omg namjoon definitely gonna love our country we desi army's keeps winning #RM #NAMJOON #BTSRM #BTS pic.twitter.com/uV5Q3xjkSZ  Jiya    (@BTSTJ4SR) November 14, 2023

Addressing the topic of his facial scar near the eye, RM shared, Yeah, these are all bruises. I think there might be a scar left (pointing around the area near the eye). I have one scar here from when I was younger. My eye? I got about five stitches. I was filming something, and the camera was too close, so it slid against that area. I had to stop filming and go right to the hospital. However, RM reassured his fans that he is doing well now.

Namjoon: So for my bruise in my eyes, since you guys wonder i was shooting something and i just cut by a machine a camera, the i stitch it for like i dont know like 5 stitches. now its alright. but i still see the bruise, but you know its getting okay. pic.twitter.com/l6RCZTxLvM hope (@winnttaebear) November 14, 2023

When a fan inquired about RMs drivers license, he responded, Not yet, but after military service. Additionally, he expressed a sense of time passing quickly. 1.5 months left till the end of the year? Why is time going by so fast? RM asked.

RM continued the discussion about his fellow members, including Jimin, V, and Jungkook, stating, Have I had a meal with the members recently? No. But Jimin, Jungkook, Tae seem like they have been having fun these days though, he said. Additionally, BTS leader also appreciated Jungkooks songs and pointed out his favourites. He mentioned Standing Next To You and Hate You from the list.

During the live session, RM went the extra mile for ARMY by treating them to renditions of a few songs by other BTS members. He also dropped a hint about working on something for the future, although he refrained from divulging any specific details at that moment. Work-wise, RM released his debut solo album, titled Indigo in December 2022.
Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone recently celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary. Both of them have come a long way and dish out major couple goals. Now, a sneek-peek from their anniversary getaway has gone viral on social media. Deepika and Ranveer jetted off to Brussels to celebrate their special day. The photo that went viral featured the lovebirds sitting next to each other on couch.

Yes, I do, but not a very good one pic.twitter.com/a11XtYWzgv Guy in London (@guy_in_london) November 14, 2023

Ranveer and Deepikas love story began to bloom in 2012 when they were paired in Sanjay Leela Bhansalis film, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela. Their on-screen chemistry sparked rumours about a offscreen romance, especially with their appearances together at events, award shows and shoots. Despite choosing to keep their relationship private, their off-screen chemistry became the talk of the town.

Earlier yesterday, the duo dropped in a bundle of photos from their shooting days. The pair captioned the post saying, 10 years of RamLeela  the one that changed our lives .. in more ways than one!

Among the shared images to mark the special day, a notable photo shed light on the challenges Deepika faced during the filming of the popular Nagada track. The couple shared a picture of Deepika Padukones injured and blistered feet, providing a reminder of the dedication and hard work that goes into creating cinematic magic.

The carousel features photos with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Priyanka Chopra and snapshots from the shoot of Lahu Munh Lag Gaya. The affectionate and intimate pictures showcased the real-life chemistry between the real life couple, captivating fans and reigniting the nostalgia surrounding their on-screen romance.

Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone tied the knot on November 14, 2018. They have been together for over a decade, constantly setting relationship goals. Known for their endearing love story and heartwarming relationship, Deepika and Ranveers journey from dating each other to exchanging vows  is nothing short of a fairytale.
Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary. They are Bollywoods it couple, dishing out major couple goals. A photo from their trip to Brussels went viral on the internet yesterday. The widely circulated photo captured the lovebirds seated beside each other on a couch.

Now, Ranveer has taken to Instagram to share a cherished photo with his wife, Deepika, from a European town. In the picture, Ranveer looks stylish in black trousers, a multicoloured sweater, and a black coat. Deepika is seen in black denims paired with a grey long coat. Both adorned white sneakers and carried sling bags. Ranveer captioned the post, 5 of  ! He used an eternity smiley to convey that they have covered five years of the eternity they have left to go. He also tagged Deepika and dropped a few heart emojis. Many took to the comments section to wish the couple a happy anniversary. Many also thanked them for dropping the loved-up photo.

Ranveer and Deepikas love story began to bloom in 2012 when they were paired in Sanjay Leela Bhansalis film, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela. Their on-screen chemistry sparked rumours about a offscreen romance, especially with their appearances together at events, award shows and shoots. Despite choosing to keep their relationship private, their off-screen chemistry became the talk of the town. On Tuesday, the duo dropped a series of photos from their Ram Leela shoot days. The pair captioned the post, 10 years of RamLeela  the one that changed our lives .. in more ways than one!

Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone tied the knot on November 14, 2018. They have been together for over a decade, constantly setting relationship goals. Known for their endearing love story and heartwarming relationship, Deepika and Ranveers journey from dating each other to exchanging vows  is nothing short of a fairytale.
Bollywood couple Tamannaah Bhatia and Vijay Varma are not shying away from expressing their love for each other anymore. Tamannaah and Vijay went public with their romance during the release of their anthology Lust Stories 2 earlier this year. Now, it seems the duo is all set to take their relationship to the next level as they are reportedly planning to get married soon.

According to a report in a portal, Telugu Cinema, Tamannaah and Vijay are seriously considering tying the knot. The report further states that Tamannaah is under pressure from her parents to get married. It also claims that the actress has not signed any new movie after appearing in Bhola Shankar and the Kaavaalaa song in Rajinikanth starrer Jailer.

In June this year, Tamannaah Bhatia had opened up about her thoughts on marriage. The actress had said that marriage was a big responsibility and one should dive into it only if they know they are ready for it.

Speaking with India Today, Tamannaah Bhatia, 33, confessed that when she began her career 18 years ago, she thought that she would last in the industry for merely eight to 10 years. She envisioned herself being married and having two children by the age of 30, however, life panned out differently.

When I started working years back it was like an actress career span was only for 8-10 years. So I did the math and was like by the age of 30 I would have finished working, married, and would have two kids. I had not planned post-30. So, when I actually became 30 years old, I realised that I am just born, it was like a purna janam, I felt like a brand new baby, she said.

Talking about marriage, Tamannaah said, I feel you should get married when you want to get married. Marriage is a big responsibility. Its not a party. It takes a lot of work, and so is having a plant, having a dog, or having kids. So when you are ready for a responsibility like that which is important then you do it. Not because time or sab kar rahe hain toh karlo.
The word gaddar (traitor) has become a headache for Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde. This time, however, the reason was not Uddhav Thackeray or leaders from his camp, but two top leaders from the Shinde faction  Member of Parliament (MP) from Mumbai North West constituency Gajanan Kirtikar and senior leader Ramdas Kadam, who is also a former cabinet minister.

ALSO READ | Shinde Trailing Fadnavis, Uddhav in Collecting Donations for Chief Ministers Assistance Fund, RTI Reveals

It started with Kirtikars comment that he may not contest the next Lok Sabha elections. Kadam quickly responded to it, announcing that his son Yogesh will contest from the seat. Soon, the war of words escalated to the point that both leaders called each other a traitor and levelled personal allegations against each other.

In a press note, Kirtikar said, While speaking with one newspaper, Ramdas Kadam levelled allegations against me and termed me traitor, but if we see Kadams history one will come to know that in 1990, when I was contesting the state assembly polls from Mumbai, he was contesting from Khed constituency in Konkan. He took all party workers from Mumbai to Khed for campaigning. He wanted me to lose the election, but I won with a good margin. He also should not forget that he had travelled in Sharad Pawars vehicle in which he discussed his plan to join the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

He further said, Kadam had also conspired against his brother, when the latter was contesting the local body elections in Mumbai. Kadam had also told all his party workers not to help him. People also know that in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, he had worked against Shiv Sena leader Anant Gite, but again loyal Shiv Sena voters supported Gite and he won.

Rebutting the allegations, Kadam, too, made personal attacks against Kirtikar. Speaking to news channel ABP Majha, he said, If I speak about his character, not a single woman will vote for him. Everyone knows what he does in Pune. His son and he sit in one office. His son will be getting ticket from the Uddhav Thackeray group. This will certainly give space for some suspicions. Till a few days ago, he was telling me that I dont want to contest the election, but once it was confirmed that the Uddhav Thackeray faction will be giving a ticket to his son, Kirtikar has started saying he wants to contest the election. Does he want to lose the election against his own son purposely so that his son can win? Also, his son uses his MP fund for all developmental work in his constituency. What is happening there?

Shinde on Monday called Kirtikar to listen to his grievances. On Tuesday late evening, the CM called Kadam to address his concerns.

The meeting between the two lasted almost for an hour and so, after which Kadam told the media that he had buried the hatchet and would participate in the campaign for Kirtikar, if he decides to contest the upcoming Lok sabha elections. If he doesnt, my son Yogesh will contest from that seat, said Kadam. Whatever happened between us should have not happened. If I continue to argue with him, it will send wrong message to party workers, he said.
Foldable smartphones have revolutionized the mobile industry, offering sleek and compact devices that combine style with enhanced productivity. With their large screens and unique features, such as capturing photos from unusual angles, ease of multitasking, due to which foldables have become increasingly popular among tech enthusiasts. However, durability is a key consideration for those looking to switch to a foldable smartphone. Samsung addresses this concern with its latest models, the Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5, which boast the highest levels of durability seen in the Galaxy foldable range so far.

As actor Varun Dhawan who has recently switched to the flip side,notes while chilling in a pool and gaming on this fun and innovative, water-resistant foldable, Lifes a game, and its win-win with the Galaxy Z Fold 5!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Samsung India (@samsungindia)

Enhanced Durability with the 5th generation Galaxy Foldables

Lets explore the top durability features of these cutting-edge foldable devices.

Flex Hinge: Redefining Folding Experience

One of the notable improvements in the Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 is the innovative Flex hinge. This zero-gap hinge allows the phone to fold completely flat, making it even more compact and convenient to carry in your pocket. Not only does this hinge provide a smoother folding experience, but it also offers added protection against external impacts. Additionally, the Flex hinge supports the FlexCam feature in the Galaxy Z Flip5, enabling users to capture stunning hands-free shots at various angles from your phone between 75 and 115 degrees.

Bureau Veritas Certification for 2 lakh folds

The Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 are certified by Bureau Veritas for two lakh folds, ensuring their durability even with frequent use. In practical terms, this means you can fold your smartphone up to 100 times daily for at least five years, without compromising its performance.

Armour Aluminium and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2: Unyielding Protection

The Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 are constructed with Armour Aluminium, providing high levels of durability and safeguarding against falls and dents. The foldable screens of these devices feature Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. These 5th generation foldable devices are 25% stronger than their predecessors. With this enhanced protection, the Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 are the most durable foldable smartphones introduced by Samsung.

IPX8 Water Resistance: Accidental Spills? No Problem!

Accidental spills on smartphones can cause significant damage, but the Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 are equipped with IPX8 water resistance, ensuring their resilience against water exposure. These devices can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes, providing peace of mind even in wet environments.

Vapour Cooling Chamber: Uninterrupted Performance

Both the Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 excel in terms of productivity, catering to various usage scenarios. Powered by Samsungs flagship and custom-made 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, these devices offer exceptional performance without overheating, even during extended gaming sessions. The inclusion of a vapour cooling chamber in Galaxy Z Fold5 prevents overheating, ensuring uninterrupted usage and optimal functionality.

Pricing and Offers

Considering the host of new and innovative features designed for durability, the Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 offer incredible value for money. Currently Samsung is running attractive pricing option through 30 months low cost EMI.The Galaxy Z Flip5 is available for just 3,379 per month, while the Galaxy Z Fold5 can be yours for just 5,237 per month. To experience the next level of durability and versatility with a foldable smartphone, visit your nearest Samsung authorized dealership or explore online options on Samsung.com or e-commerce platforms.

In conclusion, the Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 redefine the meaning of durability in the world of foldable smartphones. With their innovative features such as the Flex hinge, Bureau Veritas certification for folding endurance, Armour Aluminium and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, IPX8 water resistance, and vapour cooling chamber, these devices offer unmatched durability and performance. If youre considering a switch to a foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 are the ultimate tools for both productivity and self-expression. Embrace the future of smartphones with Samsungs latest offerings and experience the durability that sets them apart from the competition.

This is a Partnered Post.
Google has tried everything to get Apple to offer iMessage on Android and we dont see that happening anytime soon. So, now it is up to other brands to make this into a reality and that company is Carl Peis Nothing.

Thats right, the brand has announced its new messaging app called Nothing Chats which will let you switch to the blue side, which is Googles take on iMessage. Nothing Chats will be coming to the Phone 2 users in the coming days and Pei says that all users have the right to use any app they want. So how is Nothing doing this?

Blue bubbles on Phone (2).Introducing Nothing Chats. A new messaging solution for Android. Coming soon. pic.twitter.com/5PLl7ByLFm  Nothing (@nothing) November 14, 2023

It has developed the app in partnership with Sunbird which already has the tech which enables iMessage to run on non-Apple devices. The developer has run its own app on the Play Store since its launch in 2022 and already got 10,000 downloads. But if you need to use iMessage on the Phone 2 you will need to sign in using your Apple ID which might invite some concerns with Apple but at least the messages remain secure behind end-to-end encryption which is also pivotal to comply with the privacy rules of Sunbird.

Nothing says that in the beta avatar, Nothing Chats will offer features like single messaging, group chats, live typing indicator for the other person, full-res media sharing and voice notes. However, other options like read receipts and message reactions/replies will be coming soon.

The company is bringing this feature to countries like the US where the battle between iMessage and RCS Messages have been going for years. Were not sure if Nothing has any plan to bring the app to Phone 1 users but those using the Phone 2 can try out the Chats app from November 17 and download it via the Play Store. iMessage is not very common for users in India, so we dont see the company talking about the feature for users in the country.
People who regularly travel by metro in Delhi NCR certainly know about the density of daily passengers on every route. Considering the crowd pressure, it is not rare for passengers to lose their belongings inside the train or at stations. However, there are some individuals who take full advantage of the hassle as instances of pickpocketing are quite common in the Delhi metro nowadays. The most recent incident took place at Rajiv Chowk. It is one of the busiest metro stations in the national capital as passengers can switch between Yellow and Blue lines from here. In a video going viral across social media, three women were seen picking up things from the bag of a passenger waiting at the platform.

The widely-circulated footage was so clear that the faces of the culprits were visible in it. The video will no doubt help police identify the gang. The incident transpired moments before a train arrived at the platform. In the clip, a woman dressed in a pink salwar suit could be seen eagerly waiting for a metro along with other passengers.

When the train had just entered the station, three women came from behind and surrounded their target. One of them covered the passengers bag with a dupatta, while the remaining two kept the fellow passengers in check.

As soon as the metro door opened, the women stepped forward to board the train. The culprits followed her and ultimately managed to steal something from the targeted bag. After their work was done, those three women took a U-turn and went to the other side of the platform. The video has so far garnered over 3,500 views on X, with users asking Delhi Police to take strict action against the lady gang.

Earlier in August this year, a group of four women was arrested by the Delhi Metro police. According to reports, those ladies were also involved in cases of robbery and pickpocketing across several metro stations.

Police later disclosed their tactics to the media, revealing that the members of the gang would encourage one another to stage a crowded scene in public areas before robbing passengers belongings and leaving the area. Police tracked the gang with the help of CCTV footage taken from Kirti Nagar and Rajiv Chowk metro stations. All four arrested women were residents of the Anand Parbat locality in Delhi.
Southeast Asian defense ministers called Wednesday for an end to the Israel-Hamas war and for the world to collaborate on setting up humanitarian aid corridors in Gaza, but they struggled on how to address the prolonged civil strife in Myanmar.

They also reiterated the significance of maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea and respecting international rules to prevent maritime clashes in the disputed waters.

The 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations includes Myanmar, but its defense minister was again barred from attending this weeks meetings due to the military governments failure to comply with a five-point peace plan drafted to ease the violence.

We are saddened with a deteriorating situation in Myanmar, Indonesias Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto said in an opening speech. Indonesia encourages other ASEAN member states to support Myanmar to find a peaceful and durable solution to the current situation.

ASEAN has been trying to enforce the plan it forged with Myanmars top general in 2021, which calls for an immediate end to the violence, the start of talks brokered by a special envoy among contending parties, and the delivery of aid to displaced people. But Myanmars military government, which seized power in 2022, has done little to enforce the plan.

A joint declaration also called on the parties in a decadeslong territorial dispute in the South China Sea involving China and rival claimants from Southeast Asia to agree to an early conclusion of negotiations for a nonaggression pact.

The defense ministers on Thursday will be meeting with ASEANs eight dialog partners, where the territorial disputes are expected to be raised.

Subianto in his speech also touched on the Israel-Hamas war. Indonesia is deeply saddened by the deteriorating situation in Gaza, particularly the horrid humanitarian conditions, he said, adding violence against civilians must stop.

Conversely, efforts to achieve a cease-fire must continue and the safe passage of humanitarian aid must be wide and accelerated, he said.

ASEAN has not made a formal statement about the war, which is not surprising given each member of the bloc sees the conflict differently.

Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei  the three ASEAN members with Muslim-majority populations where religion is significant in domestic politics  have long been strong supporters of the Palestinians. None of them has diplomatic relations with Israel.

Malaysias Defense Minister Mohammad Hasan condemned the bombings of civilians, homes and hospitals in Gaza and the consequential massacre of innocent lives, children, women and men.

Singapore took a firm position against Hamas and strongly condemned the attacks the militant group launched inside Israel on Oct. 7, starting the war. Singapore has close defense relations with Israel, and its strong stance against Hamas leaves it out of step with its larger Muslim-majority neighbors.

The more important lesson for us is that peace can be stolen or lost very quickly, said Ng Eng Hen, Singapores defense minister. While we are now a relative area of peace and security, we can lose it if we as leaders in our nations do not pay attention to the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and Asia.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu were set to join the meetings, but there is little likelihood of a talk between them.

Austin made earlier stops in Asia aimed at showing unity over Russias war in Ukraine and preventing differences on the Israel-Hamas war from deepening. He also met with South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik and others in Seoul to discuss boosting nuclear deterrence against North Korea.

China is represented at the meetings by Jing Jianfeng, the deputy chief of staff of Chinas Central Military Commission, but it is unlikely he will meet with Austin on the meeting sidelines. Chinas previous defence minister, Li Shangfu, was ousted last month, and Beijing has not named his successor.

Military contacts between the US and China were largely severed after then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August 2022, prompting Chinas military to hold unprecedented exercises near the self-governed island.
China has amended its wildlife protection laws, prohibiting the catch and consumption of wild ornate rock lobsters (Panulirus ornatus), and so has stopped importing them from Vietnam.

They prohibit catching and trading of ornate rock lobsters and other species on the endangered list, but allow its imports if farmers raising them comply with certain conditions, according to the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Developments Directorate of Fisheries said.

If they are farmed, China requires clear proof of the farming process, including using only second generation (F2) lobsters for breeding and not wild ones.

Importing firms need to get wildlife protection permits from the Bureau of Fisheries.

Entities that raise and export the lobsters to China must register information about their farming facilities.

Ornate rock lobsters at a seafood shop in HCMC. Photo courtesy of Ganhhaisan

Vietnam exported various kinds of lobsters worth US$76 million to China, its largest market, in the first eight months of this year, down 42% year-on-year.

Ornate rock lobsters are currently sold by farmers for VND1-1.3 million ($41.6-54.1) per kilogram, half the price two months ago and 45% down from a year ago, due to a sharp decrease in both domestic and overseas demand.

The ministry has a project to develop lobster farming and exports by 2025, and targets an output of 3,000 tons per year and exports of $200 million.

The largest lobster farming provinces are Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa and Kien Giang.
Bangladesh will hold a general election on January 7, the countrys chief election commissioner said Wednesday, a vote opposition parties have threatened to boycott fearing that it will be rigged.

The 12th parliamentary election will be held on January 7 in 300 seats, chief election commissioner Habibul Awal said in a live television broadcast, urging parties to hold talks to resolve the political crisis.

Opposition parties said they would hold a nationwide strike on Thursday in protest and warned the country was being driven towards conflict.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has led the South Asian country of around 170 million people for the past 15 years and has been accused of ruling with an iron fist.

She is seen as almost certain to return to power for a fourth time if the opposition boycott goes ahead.

Hasina has overseen impressive economic growth but Western nations have sounded the alarm over democratic backsliding and she has been accused by the opposition of vote-rigging at the past two polls.

Opposition parties have held major rallies calling for her to quit and for elections held by a neutral caretaker government.

Hasina has since launched a crackdown, with most of the top leadership of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) arrested as well as thousands of its supporters.

Pushed Towards Conflict

Obaidul Quader, general secretary of Hasinas ruling Awami League party, said the vote announcement was a joyous day.

The BNP, however, said it will boycott the polls.

So too has Jamaat-e-Islami, the largest Islamist party in the 90 percent Muslim-majority country, and the Islami Andolon Bangladesh (IAB) party.

BNP spokesman Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, who is in hiding as he fears arrest, rejected the polls in a press conference broadcast online.

That an election can be held under this government is a complete lie. We reject this biased election commission, he said.

I want to tell the election commission that the country has been pushed towards conflict.

Thousands of IAB supporters marched on the election commission office in protest against the announcement on Wednesday.

Members said more than 10,000 people took part but police inspector Mizanur Rahman told AFP the numbers were around 3,000.

The election announcement came days after the US ambassador to Bangladesh, Peter Haas, sought meetings with leaders of the three major parties in a bid to break the political impasse.

Washington and the European Union have repeatedly called on the government to hold free and fair polls.
Xi Jinping and Joe Biden will huddle 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 led to quarrels between Washington and Beijing. Both leaders are expected to meet for several hours on Wednesday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden will be holding a crucial bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in California. Both leaders are holding this important meeting as Beijing and Washington relations have taken a hit due to trade tensions, sanctions and the Taiwan question.

Both heads of state landed in San Francisco on Tuesday, a day before the meeting. Xi Jinping was greeted by California governor Gavin Newsom at San Francisco International Airport.

Biden said that the aim of the meeting is to mend the relations between both economic powers. Were not trying to decouple from China. What were trying to do is change the relationship for the better. (We want) to get back on a normal course of correspondence; 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 said.

The Chinese response to what Beijing expects from the summit remained vague. The Chinese officials said that they expect in-depth communication between both leaders and major issues concerning world peace will be discussed.

Whats At Stake for India

Government sources, familiar with the developments, told CNN-News18 said that they do not expect a major breakthrough between the two superpowers. They said that the wars in West Asia between Israel and Hamas and the war in eastern Europe between Russia and Ukraine will be discussed. The US will press China not to support Russia, the aforementioned people said.

The US will also focus on economic cooperation, fair trade and intellectual property. US President Biden himself said the United States was wary of investing in China due to Beijings business practices.

Im 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.

The people mentioned above said small steps will be taken to manage the relationship and avoid any direct clash.

The aforementioned people pointed out that Indo-Pacific will constitute a huge chunk of the discussions but there is no scope for any new agreements.

They said that Chinese President Xi Jinping will not change any of Chinas geopolitical or economic policies in order to continue competing with India economically. They will continue to make false territorial claims in the region and engage in border clashes and disputes.

The aforementioned people told CNN-News18 said lack of breakthrough could turn out to be a positive for US-India bilateral relations.

China has emerged as the worlds largest debt collector, upturning several small nations economies who took loans to develop infrastructure under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Over 150 smaller nations owe China more than $1.1 trillion in debt.

The people mentioned above highlighted that if these smaller countries disagree to clear their Chinese debts, then China can take over their infrastructure but the US may approach India and seek help on handling such a situation, if such a situation arises.

The officials, however, believe that it is difficult to change China. They said India can, however, work with the US and use this as an opportunity to project its global power.

They spoke of a possibility of a power shift if Washington and New Delhi make a move and decide to buy back some of the debt from those countries. In such a scenario, these nations will owe India and the US, rather than China.

If political balance and loyalties can be shifted, it may become harder for China to penetrate those nations and use them for security purposes, they said.

The decision to spend on domestic projects by successive US administrations may have allowed the Chinese government to spread its economic influence over scores of low-income countries, the officials believe.

Bangladesh

China is keeping a close eye on developments coming out of Bangladesh as Sheikh Hasina faces a crucial election while the nation navigates through economic and political challenges.

Bangladesh is next door to India. For China, Bangladesh presents an opportunity as the US is not backing Dhaka, the aforementioned people observed.

The US on several occasions this year has urged Bangladesh to protect press freedom and not take actions that undermine the democratic system of the country.
The Israeli army in the early hours of Wednesday morning said they have entered a certain part of Gaza Citys largest hospital, the al-Shifa. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) claims that the Hamas terrorist group is maintaining a command centre inside the hospital.

The operation is based on intelligence information and operational needs. The operation is not meant to harm patients, medical staff or citizens in the hospital, the IDF said in a statement.

The operation was preceded by an effort to evacuate the hospital of patients and those taking refuge, and a special corridor was even opened, the IDF further added. They said that the management of the al-Shifa hospital was alerted before the IDF entered the compound. The IDF assured that later on incubators, medical equipment and baby food will be transferred to the hospital.

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza told news agency, Al Jazeera that it was informed about the IDF raid into the coastal enclaves largest hospital.

Al-Shifa is now one of the epicentres of the 2023 Israel-Hamas war sparked by the Hamas-led October 7 attacks on Israel which took the lives of over 1,200, mostly civilians, in southern Israel.

Israel has responded by pummeling Gaza Strip with airstrikes and missile strikes, killing over 11,000, also mostly civilians, including women and children, as it vows to eradicate Hamas.

Hamas warned on Tuesday that an attack on the hospital will lead to a massacre of innocent Palestinian civilians. Israel, however, accused Hamas of using these same civilians as human shields.

Israeli army officials said they have entered the medical centre with 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.

We call upon all Hamas terrorists present in the hospital to surrender, the IDF said.

Loud explosions were heard as IDF soldiers entered the compound.

The terrorist group accused the US of giving green signal for the attack. It accused US President Joe Biden for the deaths that will happen during this IDF operation.

We hold the occupation (Israel) and President Biden wholly responsible for the assault on the Al-Shifa medical complex. The adoption by the White House and the Pentagon of the occupations false claim that the resistance is using the Al-Shifa medical complex for military ends has given the green light to the occupation to commit more massacres against civilians, Hamas said.
Yemens Houthi rebels on Tuesday threatened to target Israeli ships in the Red Sea, as the group said they had launched another missile targeting the country over its war with Hamas.

Rebel leader Abdul-Malik al-Huthi said the Iran-backed group was monitoring Israeli vessels in the commercially vital waters, even those that do not have Israeli flags.

Our eyes are open to constant monitoring and searching for any Israeli ship, he said in a speech broadcast by the rebels Al-Masirah TV station.

The enemy relies on camouflage in its movement in the Red Sea, especially in Bab al-Mandab (strait), and did not dare to raise Israeli flags on its ships and turned off identification devices.

We will search and verify the ships that belong to him, and we will not hesitate to target them, and let everyone know that he is afraid, he added.

The Bab al-Mandab Strait is the narrow pass between Yemen and Djibouti at the foot of the Red Sea, one of the worlds busiest shipping lanes, which carries about a fifth of global oil consumption.

The Huthis, declaring themselves part of the axis of resistance of Iran-affiliated groups, have launched a series of drone and missile strikes targeting Israel since last month.

It is the first entry into a foreign war for the Huthis, who control much of impoverished Yemen and have been fighting a Saudi-led coalition since 2015.

Our missiles and drones will continue, Huthi said.

Intercepted

Huthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the rebels had launched a batch of ballistic missiles at various targets, including the southern Israeli resort of Eilat.

This came only 24 hours after another military operation carried out by our armed forces with drones on the same targets, he said on X, formerly Twitter.

The Israeli army said it had identified and successfully intercepted a missile in the area of the Red Sea after sirens sounded in Eilat.

The target did not cross into Israeli territory, and was intercepted according to protocol, it said in a statement on Telegram.

Israel has vowed to rout out and destroy Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, after the Palestinian militants killed 1,200 people and took 240 hostages on October 7, according to Israeli authorities.

More than 11,300 people have since died in retaliatory strikes in Gaza by Israel, the territorys Hamas-run health ministry has said.

But the Red Sea is a potential area of escalation, where the Huthis could lay sea mines, seize ships or use anti-ship missiles and water-borne drones, analysts say.

Huthi criticised the meeting of Arab and Muslim leaders held in Riyadh on Saturday, saying it did not come up with any position or practical action, and this is sad and shameful.

The joint Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation summit condemned Israeli forces actions in Gaza but declined to approve punitive economic and political steps.

The rebel leader also urged countries separating Yemen from the Palestinian territories  Saudi, Jordan and Egypt  to open a land crossing to allow fighters to join the war alongside Hamas.
The EUs executive has proposed banning the import of Russian diamonds and liquefied petroleum gases in a new round of sanctions over the war in Ukraine, according to a document seen by AFP Wednesday.

The package of sanctions  which needs to be approved unanimously by European Union countries  also includes measures aimed at preventing Moscow from circumventing an oil price cap.

The 27-nation bloc has already imposed 11 rounds of sanctions on Russia since its all-out invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, including hitting its key oil and gas exports.

Russias economy has been dented but not devastated by the sanctions, and the Kremlin is still managing to massively increase its military spending.

The latest measures are designed to further cut off income to Russias war chest by targeting its lucrative diamond exports, worth some $4 billion (3.7 billion euro) a year before the war.

The EU ban would apply to natural and synthetic diamonds, and jewellery, from the start of 2024 and to Russian diamonds processed in third countries from next September.

The diamond prohibition is part of broader G7 scheme to put in place a system for tracing the Russian precious stones.

EU member Belgium  home to worlds largest diamond trading market  had long been blocking a ban on the gems until the G7 plan had been set up, fearing the activity would just go elsewhere.

 Expanding blacklist 

Among other measures the new sanctions envision banning the import of liquefied petroleum gases propane and butane from Russia.

The fuel gases are typically used in heating appliances and cooking equipment.

The European Commission also wants to try to make it more difficult for the Kremlin to skirt a G7 oil price cap by better tracking clandestine transfers at sea and making it more difficult for tankers to carry Russian crude.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell confirmed in a statement that the proposal was submitted to EU member states on Tuesday evening.

He said Brussels was pushing to add 120 individuals and entities to a visa ban and asset freeze blacklist.

The proposals for listings include actors from the Russian military, defence and IT sectors, as well as other important economic operators, Borrell said.

In addition there are officials involved in the forced re-education of Ukrainian children, those responsible for holding so-called elections in areas seized by Moscow, and propagandists, he said.

Diplomats say that ambassadors from the EU member states will hold a first round of discussions on the sanctions on Friday.
US President Joe Biden on Tuesday said he believes that the deal with Hamas to free the hostages it is holding in the Gaza Strip will happen but did not offer anything specific. However, Hamas has accused Biden of backing the Israeli raid in the al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City and said his administration is complicit in the killing of innocent civilians along with Israel. This could complicate a deal to secure the release of hostages.

2023 Israel-Hamas War: Full Coverage

Ive been talking with people involved every single day. I believe its going to happen but I dont want to get into detail, Biden said.

Hamas, however, said that the US gave the green signal to the Israeli army to commit a massacre by attacking the hospital. Hamas was referring to comments made by National Security Council spokesman John Kirby who told reporters that al-Shifa hospital is used by the Hamas and Islamic Jihad to operate a command and control node.

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, Kirby told reporters.

We hold the occupation (Israel) and President Biden wholly responsible for the assault on the Al-Shifa medical complex, Hamas said in a statement.

The adoption by the White House and the Pentagon of the occupations false claim that the resistance is using the Al-Shifa medical complex for military ends has given the green light to the occupation to commit more massacres against civilians, Hamas said.

The raid in Al Shifa hospital, Gazas largest, could complicate the hostage release as Hamas thinks the US backed Israel in its raid on Al Shifa after pleading with Israel to protect the hospital.

Israeli army officials said they have entered the medical centre with 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.

We call upon all Hamas terrorists present in the hospital to surrender, the IDF said.

Nine Americans and a person with permanent US residency are among an estimated 240 people taken hostage by Hamas operatives last month when they crossed the border to stage the deadliest attack in Israeli history.

Biden on Monday (local time) said the hospital must be protected.

The White House reiterated the Presidents plea on Wednesday. As weve said, we do not support striking a hospital from the air and we dont want to see a firefight in a hospital where innocent people, helpless people, sick people trying to get medical care they deserve are caught in the crossfire. Hospitals and patients must be protected, a White House spokesperson said.

However, it remains unclear if the raid will help the US and Israel in Doha where officials from these two sides have been urged to hold discussions with Hamas by

Qatar to secure the release of the hostages. On Tuesday, Qatar again urged Israel and Hamas to take up its offer to mediate to reach a deal.

When the US President was asked if he had a message for the families of those being held by the Palestinian militant group, he replied: Hang in there. Were coming.

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 Israels relentless assault in retaliation has killed more than 11,300 people, also mostly civilians, including thousands of children.

(with inputs from AFP)
The UN and humanitarian agencies expressed alarm after Israeli forces raided Gazas largest hospital, demanding protection for thousands of patients and civilians. This comes after the Israeli military said they are targeting a Hamas command centre in tunnels beneath Al-Shifa hospital, where thousands of patients and civilians seeking refuge from intense combat.

Im appalled by reports of military raids in Al Shifa hospital in Gaza, UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said on X, formerly Twitter. The protection of newborns, patients, medical staff and all civilians must override all other concerns, he said. Hospitals are not battlegrounds.

Im appalled by reports of military raids in Al Shifa hospital in #Gaza.The protection of newborns, patients, medical staff and all civilians must override all other concerns. Hospitals are not battlegrounds.  Martin Griffiths (@UNReliefChief) November 15, 2023

World Health Organization chief (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus agreed. Reports of military incursion into Al-Shifa hospital are deeply concerning, he wrote on X, warning that the UN health agency had lost touch again with health personnel at the hospital. Were extremely worried for their and their patients safety.

Reports of military incursion into Al-Shifa hospital are deeply concerning.Weve lost touch again with health personnel at the hospital. Were extremely worried for their and their patients safety.  Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) November 15, 2023

In a statement, the International Committee of the Red Cross said that it was extremely concerned about the impact on sick and wounded people, medical staff, and civilians. All measures to avoid any consequences on them must be taken, it said, insisting that patients, medical staff, and civilians must be at all times protected. The ICRC added that it was in contact with all concerned authorities and we continue to closely monitor the situation.

Israel vowed to crush Hamas after the Palestinian militant group launched unprecedented cross-border attacks that Israel says left 1,200 people dead with another 239 taken hostage. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says Israels ensuing air and ground offensive have killed 11,320 people, mostly civilians, including thousands of children. Al-Shifa is a key target in Israels campaign.

2,300 people inside hospital

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 horrific conditions inside the hospital, 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.

The United Nations Childrens Agency (UNICEF) Director on Wednesday visited the Gaza Strip and met with children and their families in the Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, in the south of the territory. Russell is among the few officials to have visited the Gaza Strip since the war began following a surprise attack by Hamas on October 7.

What I saw and heard was devastating. They have endured repeated bombardment, loss and displacement, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said in a statement. Inside the Strip, there is nowhere safe for Gazas one million children to turn. The parties to the conflict are committing grave violations against children; these include killing, maiming, abductions, attacks on schools and hospitals, and the denial of humanitarian access  all of which UNICEF condemns, she added.

(With agency inputs)
The Israeli army said the raid at Al-Shifa Hospital will be widened if necessary and said that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) knows exactly what it will find there. We are starting small, and the operation will expand as necessary. The entry of troops into Al-Shifa is more of a challenge for the media (optics) than an operation, the official was quoted as saying by the Times of Israel.

2023 Israel-Hamas War: Full Coverage

The decision was that we enter Al-Shifa only if we know exactly what is there and where it is, as we did at Rantisi Hospital, which was only (raided) when we knew exactly what was in its basement, the aforementioned official said.

The IDF has maintained that the raid that it is carrying out is a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area of the largest hospital in the Gaza Strip.

Earlier on Monday, the IDF shared a series of photographs and a video depicting it as proof that the basement of Gaza Citys Rantisi Childrens Hospital was used by Hamas to hide arms and possibly detain hostages kidnapped on October 7.

ALSO READ | US Backs Israel, Calls Gazas Al-Shifa Hospital Hamas Command Centre; Terror Group Warns against Massacre

Israel is facing mounting international pressure to give in to calls for hostage release via mediation and discuss a possible ceasefire to allow for hostage rescue.

Qatar has been urging Israel and Hamas to take up their offer to mediate between both parties to secure the release of an estimated 240 people taken hostage by Hamas last month.

ALSO READ | Has Bidens Backtracking on Al Shifa Hospital Raid Complicated Rescue of Hamas-Held Hostages in Gaza?

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 Israels relentless assault in retaliation has killed more than 11,300 people, also mostly civilians, including thousands of children.

The US also backed Israels decision to storm the hospital compound which is now home to critically ill patients, babies in need of urgent care, pregnant mothers, amputees and thousands of internally displaced refugees. The US backed Israels claim that the hospital is a command and control node of Hamas and the Islamic Jihad.

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, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.

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, he said.
The incoming president of Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, has promised to ensure the exit of Indian troops after taking office later this week but does not want to redraw the regional balance by bringing in Chinese forces instead. His remarks come ahead of the swearing-in ceremony on Friday in the capital Male.

Maldives is too small to be entangled in geopolitical rivalry, the president-elect said in an AFP interview. I am not very much interested to engage the Maldivian foreign policy in this. Back in September, the 45-year-old leader secured his election win with a focused campaign against Indias political and economic influence in the country, stressing his commitment to change the status quo.

However, Muizzu clarified that he opposes any nation, including China, replacing them. The incoming leader of the strategically located Indian Ocean archipelago said he hoped to begin formal negotiations with New Delhi on the withdrawal of an estimated 50 to 75 Indian personnel, a sensitive campaign issue. The people of the Maldives did not vote for me to allow any military presence in the Maldives, the British-educated civil engineer added. That is why we are talking with the Indian government to remove them, and Im sure we can do that in a peaceful and democratic manner.

READ MORE: Maldives President Muizzu Says Talks Have Begun with India on Removal of Troops

In the interview, Muizzu said his mandate was to remove a unit of foreign security personnel, deployed to operate three aircraft gifted to the Maldives to patrol its vast maritime territory. Im not asking for the Indian troops to leave our country to make room for any other country to bring their military troops here, he said. For the Maldives, it is very important that we put our interests first also we want to work together with all the countries, have a good friendly relationship, cordial, candid relationship, Muizzu told the French agency.

The party nominated Muizzu after Yameen was barred from running for office following a criminal conviction of corruption during his five-year term when the country saw a spurt of Chinese-funded construction. Muizzu, a former housing minister, is credited with implementing Chinese-funded infrastructure projects, including the construction of 7,000 apartments and a bridge linking Male with the nearby airport island of Hulhule.

We are situated in a very strategic location, in which many of the sea lanes of communication go across our country, he said, adding that he was inviting foreign investment to develop ports and logistics as well as set up a tax-free zone.

(With agency inputs)
Believing it to be a Hamas command centre, Israeli forces stormed Gazas Al-Shifa hospital on Wednesday. The largest hospital in the coastal city, it is now sheltering at least 2,300 patients, staff and displaced civilians affected by the war triggered by the October 7 attacks.

Israeli and Palestinian officials said military operations are taking place at the hospital, which has been the focal point of days of deadly fighting and nearby aerial bombardments. Eyewitnesses said there were tanks inside the hospital complex as well as soldiers and commandoes in the emergency and reception area.

The Israel Defense Forces described it as a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area. This is despite warnings from the US and others that Al-Shifa must be protected. Israel, however, said the raid was being executed based on an operational necessity.

The fighting has raged on in Gaza for more than five weeks after Hamass shock attack sparked a furious response from Israel, which has vowed to destroy the militant group. At least 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed in Israel in the attack and around 240 people taken hostage. In Gaza, over 11,300 people  mostly civilians  have been killed.

Here are the latest updates:

Israeli forces said its precise and targeted operation against Hamas in the Al-Shifa Hospital is ongoing. We can now confirm that incubators, baby food and medical supplies, provided by the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces), have successfully reached the hospital. Our medical team and Arabic speaking soldiers are on the ground to ensure that these supplies reach those in need, they said.

The IDF said they had provided evacuation routes for civilians and given authorities in Gaza 12 hours notice that any military activity inside the hospital must cease. Unfortunately, it did not, the military said, again calling on all Hamas terrorists present in the hospital to surrender. According to AFP, Israeli soldiers were interrogating people, among them patients and doctors.

The United Nations has said it estimates that at least 2,300 people are inside and may be unable to escape because of fierce fighting. Among them are at least 36 newborns while hospital staff said it was unclear how they will be moved despite an Israeli effort to supply incubators for an evacuation.

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 bodies. There are bodies littered in the hospital complex and there is no longer electricity at the morgues, hospital director Mohammad Abu Salmiya said.

The UN humanitarian agency OCHA said 40 patients had died in Al-Shifa on Tuesday (November 14), while Salmiya said 179 bodies had been interred in a mass grave inside the complex. Seven babies and 29 intensive care patients were among those buried after hospital fuel supplies ran out. The Palestinian health ministrys Abu Rish called on the international community and the UN to intervene immediately and urgently to stop the Israeli storming operation. He said among those inside were 650 ailing people and thousands of injured.

The Palestinian health ministrys Abu Rish called on the international community and the UN to intervene immediately and urgently to stop the Israeli storming operation. He said among those inside were 650 ailing people and thousands of injured. The White House reiterated its concerns for the safety of civilians shortly after the raid began. We do not support striking a hospital from the air and we dont want to see a firefight in a hospital, a National Security Council spokesperson said. But it had earlier said US intelligence sources corroborated Israels claim that Hamas and another Palestinian militant group, Islamic Jihad, had buried an operational command and control node under Al-Shifa.

Hamas, which has repeatedly denied the claims, said US President Joe Biden was wholly responsible for the assault, accusing his administration of giving Israel the green light to commit more massacres against civilians. Israel has said the military use of the hospital jeopardises its protected status under international law, a claim that many international human rights lawyers refute.

The situation in Gazas other hospitals is also dire, with the UN saying 22 out of 36 are not functional due to lack of generator fuel, damage and combat. The 14 hospitals remaining open have barely enough supplies to sustain critical and life-saving surgeries and provide inpatient care, including intensive care, the WHO said.

The WHO has warned that the evacuation of hospitals in the north, as demanded by the Israeli military, would be a death sentence for some patients, because operational hospitals in the south cannot admit more patients, as per OCHA. The humanitarian crisis also includes 1.5 million people who have fled southwards after Israel told them to leave the northern half of the territory.

Qatar urged Israel and Hamas to reach an agreement to release hostages seized in the October 7 attack, warning that the situation in Gaza was worsening every day. Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed bin Mohammed Al-Ansari, whose country has led mediation efforts to reach a deal, said the deteriorating situation in Gaza was hampering mediation efforts.

(With agency inputs)
President Vo Van Thuong arrived in San Francisco on Nov. 14 morning (local time), starting his participation in the APEC Leaders Week and bilateral activities at the invitation of U.S. President Joe Biden.

The president and his entourage were met at the airport by Vietnams Ambassador to the U.S. Nguyen Quoc Dung, Vietnams Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper, and representatives from the APEC 2023 organizer.

The president will join leaders of APEC economies in discussing issues of key significance to the regional and world economy, outlining orientations for cooperation in trade, investment, science-technology, innovation and other fields.

Vietnam will work together with other APEC member economies to promote the spirit of constructive and responsible dialogue, uphold multilateralism and cooperation, and joint actions for sustainable and prosperous development in the region.

President Thuong is scheduled to attend and speak at the APEC CEO Summit, and attend dialogues between APEC Economic Leaders and partners and invited guests and the high-level meeting of the Indo-Pacific economic framework.



He will hold bilateral meetings with leaders of APEC member economies and leaders of countries and international organizations attending the APEC Leaders Week.

The president will have meetings with U.S. leaders, attend and speak at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), and participate in a roundtable meeting on high technology. He also plans to meet executives of some leading U.S. companies.
Prince Harry broke his six-month silence by reaching out to his estranged father, King Charles, with a special call to extend wishes for his 75th birthday. This marked the first contact between the two since April this year, just before Charless coronation as King.

Described as a friendly exchange, it reportedly signals a potential thawing in the strained ties. Plans were made for another conversation, and the UK-based Sun reports that Charles remains open to communication, even extending an open invitation for Harrys visit to the UK.

However, the British newspaper report cautions that while a phone call is a positive step, it doesnt instantly heal deeper issues highlighted in Harrys memoir and Netflix series, Spare. In his explosive book, Harry had labeled his father as emotionally stunted and ineffectual. While the call could be seen as an olive branch, strained relations with Prince William and Queen Camilla might persist.

According to the Sun, Royal sources maintain that Charles has always loved both of his sons, but the extent of communication has been minimal. The King celebrated his birthday with a private gathering of close friends and family at Clarence House. Initial reports of Harrys absence from the celebration were later clarified by his spokesperson, asserting that he wasnt invited.

Harrys spokespersons in the US had earlier dismissed reports suggesting he snubbed Charless birthday invite, saying he hadnt been invited and had no contact with Buckingham Palace staff. The outreach from Harry is significant as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex navigate their lives post-royalty. The call and potential future interactions could play a role in mending the rift created over the years.

While theres a sense of optimism after the phone call, UK media reports stress that addressing the deeper issues will take time. The complexities highlighted in Harrys book, where he cast his father as an old man and his brother as an arch-nemesis, are not easily resolved with a phone call, the reports said.
Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who was recently seen playing sitar, has got applause from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

PM Modi sent his best wishes on the melodious endeavour of Lawrence. The PM said Indias musical history is a symphony of diversity, echoing through rhythms that have evolved over millennia.

May your passion for the Sitar continue to grow and inspire others. Best wishes on this melodious endeavour. Indias musical history is a symphony of diversity, echoing through rhythms that have evolved over millennia. @LawrenceWongST https://t.co/fewFAquSZL Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 14, 2023

In a video on X, Lawrence was seen learning the basic techniques of sitar. In the caption of the post, he wrote, Getting a quick intro to the beautiful tunes of the sitar. Karthigayan here has been learning for a while, and he has been very patient in guiding me through the basic techniques. Enjoyed the experience, and the chance to learn more about the rich classical Indian music heritage!

Getting a quick intro to the beautiful tunes of the sitar.Karthigayan here has been learning for a while, and he has been very patient in guiding me through the basic techniques. Enjoyed the experience, and the chance to learn more about the rich classical Indian music heritage! pic.twitter.com/yLTFCxEcu1 Lawrence Wong (@LawrenceWongST) November 12, 2023

Lawrence also thanked PM Modi and wrote on X, Thank you, PM Narendra Modi

and happy Diwali!
Launching a withering attack on UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Tuesday, outgoing minister and outspoken lawmaker Suella Braverman in her 1,318-word letter revealed a series of secrets from her time in Sunaks Cabinet as she urged him to change course to avoid election defeat.

The former interior minister  who was previously sacked from Liz Trusss short-lived administration  levelled point-blank parting shots at Sunaks character and leadership, and delivered a blunt verdict on his governments future prospects.

Here is a look at what Braverman wrote:

My letter to the Prime Minister pic.twitter.com/7OBzaZnxr2 Suella Braverman MP (@SuellaBraverman) November 14, 2023
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday called Israel a terror state, stepping up his condemnation of the spiralling civilian toll of its war against Hamas militants in Gaza.

Erdogans latest  and one of the most heated  verbal attacks against Israel came two days before he plans to make a sensitive visit to Germany for talks with Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

The Turkish leader took a more nuanced line immediately after Hamass October 7 cross-border attacks, in which about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed and around 240 people taken hostage, according to Israeli officials.

But he stepped up the rhetoric as the scale of Israels military response grew.

Health officials in the Hamas-run territory say more than 11,300 people, also mostly civilians, have been killed in Gaza.

I say clearly that Israel is a terror state, Erdogan told members of his Islamic-rooted ruling party in parliament.

While we curse the Israeli administration, we do not forget those who openly support these massacres and those who go out of their way to legitimise them, he said, pointing to the United States and other Western supporters of Israel.

He called the war Gaza a conflict between the cross and the crescent, suggesting that Christian, Western supporters of Israel were fighting the Muslim world.

They are trying to exonerate the murderers, he said, referring to the West.

We are faced with a genocide, Erdogan added, repeating a term has used on several occasions.

Turkey this month recalled its ambassador to Israel and broke off official contacts with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, suspending recent attempts by the sides to repair their rocky relations.

Israel has also said it was re-evaluating relations with Ankara, after calling back its diplomatic staff from Turkey and other regional countries as a security precaution.

Erdogans heated rhetoric has piled pressure in Germany on Scholz, who has been forced to defend his decision to receive the Turkish leader.

Scholz this week called Erdogans earlier accusation of fascism against Israel absurd, calling Israel a democracy and a country that is bound to human rights and international law.

Defending the planned visit, which will be Erdogans first to Germany since 2020, Scholzs spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said Germany always had difficult partners whom we have to deal with.
The United States did not give Israel any kind of green light for its raid on Gazas main hospital, the White House said Wednesday, adding that such decisions were for the Israeli military.

We did not give an OK to their military operations around the hospital, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters after Hamas said President Joe Biden was wholly responsible for the raid.

Israeli forces pushed into Gaza Citys Al-Shifa hospital in the early hours of the morning, raising fears for the safety of thousands of patients, staff and other civilians trapped inside.

Biden spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday but Kirby declined to say whether the US president had been given forewarning of the offensive.

I wont go into detail about the conversation, he said, adding however that theres no expectation by the United States to map it all out.

The United States had certainly talked to them about concerns over civilians.

The White House on Tuesday backed up Israeli claims that Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants had a command center under the Al Shifa hospital in Gaza.

We are comfortable with our own intelligence assessment, Kirby said on Wednesday.
Ahead of the APEC convention in San Francisco on November 15, which Chinese president Xi Jinping will attend, activists representing Students for Free Tibet, Uyghurs and Hong Kong Democracy Movement have planned a joint protest against Chinese atrocities.

ALSO READ | Biden and Xi are set to meet next week at the APEC summit. No detail is too small to sweat

The main event of the summit will be on the sidelines  US President Joe Bidens meet with Jinping, in the backdrop of the frosty relationship between China and the US and global turmoil from the Israel-Hamas war and Russias invasion of Ukraine. APEC stands for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

APEC is a forum to promote trade, investment and economic development among nations around the Pacific Ocean. The annual leaders conference brings together heads of nations and other top economic and diplomatic leaders. White House aides say the goal for this years summit is to try to make APEC economies more resilient, particularly in the face of growing climate issues and following a global pandemic that killed millions of people and strained supply chains.

The protesters, meanwhile, want to make the world aware of the disappearances, detentions and changing demography tactics of the Chinese. Atrocities by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) have been rising in Tibet, with over 80 detention centres covering most towns and villages. The Uyghur groups have also been facing similar problems.

THE HONG KONG DEMOCRACY COUNCIL SAYS

According to the Hong Kong Democracy Council statement, Hong Kong was turned upside down by excessive police violence, incessant political repression, and a weaponized judiciary system. Xis ambition for a globalized authoritarian regime does not stop at the 1,688 political prisoners in Hong Kong, he continues to wage transnational repression and foreign influence campaigns internationally, including in the United States. President Biden must not give in to short-term economic benefits and illusionary cooperation. Xi  an architect of genocide  is not to be trusted.

WHAT STUDENTS FOR FREE TIBET SAY

Pema Doma, Students for Free Tibets Executive Director, said: Since 1949, the Chinese government has tried to exterminate the Tibetan people through invasion and torture camps. Over the last 10 years of Xi Jinpings reign, he has made it his goal to use Chinas economic and technological resources to destroy the fabric of our identity through his policy of Sinicization. It is clear that delinking human rights from economic engagement has only better equipped China with the tools to commit genocide. The Biden Administration must make human rights a non-negotiable centerpiece of any further economic engagement with China.

ALSO READ | Trade, Fraught US-China Ties in Focus as Biden, Xi Meet on Sidelines of APEC Summit in San Francisco

UYGHURS SAY

The statement by the Uyghurs said: Xi Jinping, the leader of the genocidal regime in China, does not deserve a red-carpet reception. Releasing innocent Uyghurs from the concentration camps should have been a pre-condition from this Administration for Xis arrival in the US. We should not allow Xi to whitewash Chinas atrocities against Uyghurs and do business as usual.

With Agencies Inputs
The United States conducted a new round of precision airstrikes November 12 against facilities in eastern Syria used by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the IRCG, and its proxies.

As Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said in a statement, the strikes were made in response to continued attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria. [They] were conducted against a training facility and a safe house near the cities of Abu Kamal and Mayadin, respectively.

It is the third time the United States has conducted such strikes in response to over 40 attacks by the IRGC-affiliated groups on U.S. bases and forces since October 17. Defense Secretary Austin said President Biden ordered the strikes to make clear that the United States will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests.

About 2500 U.S. troops are in Iraq and 900 are in Syria to help local forces secure the enduring defeat of the Islamic State. At least 56 U.S. personnel suffered either traumatic brain injuries or other minor injuries from the recent attacks by IRGC-linked groups. All the injured U.S. forces are reportedly back to work.

Since the savage attack by Hamas terrorists on Israel October 7 and the subsequent operation by Israeli forces into Gaza to dismantle Hamas, tensions have been elevated throughout the region. The United States has repeatedly warned both state and non-state actors not to take advantage of the conflict. To deter a widening of the war, the U.S. has deployed additional air defenses, as well as two aircraft carrier battle groups to the region.

At a recent press briefing, a senior U.S. defense official said that the United States holds Iran accountable for the attacks on U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria. The U.S. strikes on facilities used by the IRGC are being combined, the official said, with very clear messaging through multiple channels, and the message is to Iranian senior leaders, We want you to direct your proxies and militia groups to stop attacking us.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to Seoul November 13, Defense Secretary Austin declare;d, These attacks must stop, and if they dont stop, then we wont hesitate to do whats necessary  to protect our troops.
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ZIMBABWE Miners Federation president Henrietta Rushwaya has been fined US$5000 for trying to smuggle 6kg of gold worth more than US$333 000 to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, three years ago.

Rushwaya who denied the smuggling 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, was convicted of the crime two weeks ago after Justice Pisirayi Kwenda found her guilty, dismissing her defence of a wrong bag as implausible.

She was ordered to pay a US$5000 fine failure of which she will spend 12 months in jail.

In addition, the court slapped Rushwaya with 18 months imprisonment wholly suspended for three years on condition she does not commit a similar offence during the same period.

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. Herald
UPDATE

Nov 14, 2023 6:35 PM CST

A Wisconsin woman has been found guilty of killing a friend in 2018 by poisoning her with eye drops. A jury found Jessy Kurczewski, 37, guilty of one count of homicide and two counts of theft, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. She will face a mandatory life sentence on the homicide charge when she is sentenced next month. During Kurczewski's trial, defense attorney Donna Kuchler argued that 62-year-old beautician Lynn Hernan was in pain due to multiple health issues and decided to give her friend a lot of money before using the Visine eye drops to take her own life. Prosecutors said Kurczewski "betrayed Lynn out of greed" and stole nearly $300,000 from the woman before poisoning her.

Jun 7, 2021 2:01 PM CDT

Prosecutors have accused a suburban Milwaukee woman of killing her friend by poisoning her with eye drops. Jessy Kurczewski, 37, was charged Friday with homicide and two counts of felony theft, according to online court records. A criminal complaint shows the case began in 2018 when Kurczewski called police to her friend's Pewaukee home, saying her friend wasn't breathing, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. The complaint doesn't name the friend. A deputy found the woman in a recliner with crushed medication on her chest. Investigators initially thought she had overdosed. Kurczewski said there was a possibility her friend was suicidal, reports the AP.
President Biden said Tuesday that he has a message for people whose loved ones are being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza: "Hang in there, we're coming." Sources tell CNN that after prolonged talks, Israel and Hamas are moving closer to a deal to free some of the hostages seized in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. "I've been talking with the people involved every single day. I believe it's going to happen. But I don't want to get into detail," Biden said.

The deal would involve the release of a large group of hostages in return for the release of Palestinian prisoners and a pause in fighting in Gaza that could last for as long as five days, CNN reports, citing a "senior US official familiar with the talks." Reuters reports that Qatar has been leading mediation efforts. The White House said Tuesday that top Middle East adviser Brett McGurk is visiting the region for talks with officials in Israel, the West Bank, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia,

In Israel, McGurk "will discuss Israel's security needs, the imperative of protecting civilians in the course of military operations, as well as ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages, and the need to rein in violent extremist settlers in the West Bank," the White House said. Hamas seized around 240 hostages in the attack and only four have been releaed so far. The Israeli military confirmed Monday that one hostage, a 19-year-old female soldier, had died, the BBC reports. The military called the Hamas release of a video of Corporal Noa Marciano "psychological terrorism." (Read more Israel-Hamas war stories.)
Senate Democrats pushed ahead Tuesday with a resolution that would allow for the quick confirmation of hundreds of military nominees, an attempt to maneuver around a blockade from Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville over a Pentagon abortion policy. The Senate Rules Committee voted 9-7 to approve a resolution that would allow the Senate to confirm groups of the military nominees at once for the remainder of the congressional term, the AP reports. The Senate has traditionally confirmed large batches of military officers together, but that process can be upended by just one senator who objects.

The resolution will now head to the Senate floor for a vote, where Democrats will need at least nine Republican votes for passage. While Republicans on the rules panel opposed the measure, arguing that the move could erode the powers of the minority in the Senate, some have signaled they might change their minds if Tuberville does not drop the holds before then. Senior military officials have warned repeatedly that Tuberville's blockade threatens readiness and national security. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, who criticized Tuberville's holds before the committee vote, said he would oppose the Democratic resolution "at this particular moment."

Of Tuberville, McConnell said that "unfortunately, our colleague has chosen instead to exert his leverage on career military officers with no influence over this administration's policy priorities." Tuberville has said he is open to negotiating an end to his holds on almost 400 military nominees, which he first announced in February. But he has not yet signaled that he will drop them. Earlier this month, frustrated Senate Republicans challenged Tuberville to drop the holds and confronted him on the floor for more than four hours , calling up 61 of the military nominations only for Tuberville to stand up and object every time.

(Read more Tommy Tuberville stories.)
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis says former President Trump's trial for allegedly interfering in the 2020 election in Georgia will probably still be underway when the 2024 election rolls around. "I believe in that case there will be a trial. I believe the trial will take many months," she said at the Washington Post Live Global Women's Summit on Wednesday. "And I don't expect that we will conclude until the winter or the very early part of 2025." She said that when making decisions about what cases to bring, her office doesn't "consider any election cycle or an election season." The election, she said, "does not go into the calculus."

Hours earlier, Willis applied for an emergency request for a protective order to prevent leaks of evidence. She called Monday night's leak of video statements from four co-defendants who have pleaded guilty in the case disappointing but not surprising. She denied that her office was involved in leaking the videos, which had been shared with defense lawyers. The emergency request states that the "release of these confidential video recordings is clearly intended to intimidate witnesses." and "constitutes indirect communication about the facts of this case with codefendants and witnesses." In one leaked video, former Trump lawyer Jenna Ellis said that after the election, Trump's deputy chief of staff told her, "The boss is not going to leave under any circumstances."

A spokesman for Rudy Giulianione of Trump' 18 co-defendantssaid in a statement to Politico that Willis' admission that the case will stretch past the election shows the case is part of the "Democrat Party and permanent Washington political class's attempt to keep Donald Trump out of the White House in 2024." In her remarks at the Washington Post event Tuesday, Willis said she had received more than 100 threats, many of them racist, since launching the investigation. The elected Democrat said that as a prosecutor, she is not partisan. "I am a prosecutor's prosecutor," she said, per the New York Times. "I will put you in jail for life and have a real good night's sleep about it." (Read more Georgia indictment stories.)
Israel says its forces have entered Gaza's 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. 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."

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, the AP reports. Both Hamas and Shifa hospital staff deny the Israeli allegations. The US said Tuesday that it has unspecified intelligence that Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad use some hospitals in the Gaza Stripincluding Shifa hospitaland 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 US does not support "striking a hospital from the air."

Kirby added that the US 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." Conditions at Shifa hospital deteriorated so badly in the days before Israeli forces entered that a World Health Organization spokesman described it as "nearly a cemetery." Thousands of people have been sheltering at the hospital, where authorities say patients, including premature babies, have been dying because of a lack of fuel for generators. The BBC reports that Hamas issued a statement blaming President Biden for the storming of the hospital, saying that the US had given Israel a "green light" by saying intelligence suggested it was used by the group.

(Read more Israel-Hamas war stories.)
The National Book Awards already made headlines earlier this year, when it dropped Drew Barrymore from hosting its annual ceremony due to her resuming her talk show amid the Hollywood strikes. Now, with the event set to take place Wednesday in New York, there's more disruption, this time tied to the current upheaval in the Middle East. The New York Times reports that at least two sponsors won't be attending the prestigious ceremony, after rumors began circulating that some of the authors in attendance would be speaking about the Israel-Hamas war .

It's not entirely clear what those speeches will entail, but the Times notes that "several finalists" had apparently planned to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. One of the sponsors to pull out was Zibby Media, with founder Zibby Owens noting in a Substack post, "I am not comfortable bringing my authors and my team into a politically charged environment like this one, one that will make many of us feel quite uncomfortableincluding myself as a Jewish woman." Owens anticipates that the remarks won't take Israel's side and adds, "We simply can't be a part of anything that promotes discrimination, in this case of Israel and the Jewish people."

The second sponsor, Book of the Month, said it still supports the event but that it wouldn't be in attendance. The withdrawals came after the National Book Foundation, which hosts the event, contacted all sponsors and attendees to warn them that political statements might be forthcoming at Wednesday's ceremony. "Given the extraordinarily painful moment we are in, we felt it best to reach out in case you have any questions or concerns," foundation chief Ruth Dickey noted in her letter, per the Times.

story continues below

Aaliyah Bilal, an awards finalist, says she and other finalists will take the stage while one person reads a statement, though she says they plan to be sympathetic to losses in both Israel and Gaza and will denounce antisemitism. "We don't want to contribute to inflaming that," she says. Not everyone agrees with the sponsors. "Pulling support from this event over a pro-Palestinian sentiment under the presumption that it would be antisemitic by default does not seem to me like an act of heroism," comedian Josh Gondelman, who's Jewish, tells the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. "It feels like a withdrawing of solidarity from members of the literary (and human) community who are also experiencing real pain." (Read more National Book Awards stories.)
The UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital bears the name of the company that donated $25 million to support the hospital's construction in 1998. But Mattel and the UCLA Foundation are now at odds over what the latter claims is the toymaker's decision to renege on a much larger donation. The University of California and UCLA Foundation are suing the Barbie brand over what it says is the company's "inexplicable decision" to walk away from its 2017 pledge to donate $49 million in cash over the next 12 years, thereby violating its contractual obligations, the Los Angeles Times reports. UCLA Health claims it chose litigation after two years of "good-faith attempts to resolve this matter through meaningful dialogue." Mattel counters that UCLA violated the contract first.

Mattel's donation was meant to support construction of a new hospital tower, but UCLA "unilaterally abandoned its plans for the construction," the company says, per the Wrap. "As a result, the conditions for the pledge under the 2017 Agreement have not been met." UCLA says Mattel is just coming up with excuses. It claims the toymaker donated $2 million as promised in 2017, but just $1 million of the $3 million it had promised in 2018. It's apparently given no money since. Mattel entered a three-year pause on donations in 2018 after losing $1 billion the previous year, per the Times. But when that pause ended, the company told UCLA it would donate just $10 million total, with only $2.5 million coming in cash. It offered $5 million in marketing and $2.5 million in toys, according to the suit.

At that time, Mattel argued UCLA wasn't holding up its end of the deal. Specifically, Mattel claimed UCLA had no construction plans for the tower and hadn't launched international health initiatives as outlined. But UCLA says it was Mattel's decision to withdraw funding that jeopardized the tower's construction. Claiming the other arguments are meritless, it's requesting the full $49 million plus damages for "significant financial injury." In its statement, Mattelwhich continues to hold annual fundraisers for the hospital, the last taking place only last weeksays "we are open to continuing a dialogue with UCLA Health in the same spirit of collaboration that has been a hallmark of our relationship for decades." (Read more Mattel stories.)
Last month the New York Times reported on a seeming change in Ukraine's war strategy: Ukrainian forces had started crossing the Dnipro River to carry out raids on its Russian-controlled eastern bank, leading to speculation "that Kyiv might be planning a more ambitious effort to open a new front in the war." Those plans appear to be solidifying: On Tuesday, in what Reuters terms "the first official acknowledgement of its kind," President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff said troops had indeed secured a foothold on the river's eastern bank. Russia echoed that, acknowledging for the first time that Ukrainian troops had managed to cross the riverthough it cautioned peril awaits.

Russian-installed governor Vladimir Saldo said, "The enemy is trapped in [the settlement of] Krynki"located 1.25 miles inland from the river, per the BBC"and a fiery hell has been arranged for him: bombs, rockets, heavy flamethrower systems, artillery shells, and drones." A rep for Ukraine's southern military command was scant on details, asking "for informational silence ... which would allow us to report later on great successes." Writing for the Wall Street Journal, Matthew Luxmoore describes a "precarious" situation, with forces "hunkered down in basements and trenches and heavily outnumbered." Saldo offered a similar detail, saying, "They are sitting in basements and run from one basement to another at night. In the last two or three days alone, total enemy losses have totaled about a hundred fighters."

Luxmoore terms the crossing "a rare bright spot for Kyiv," though he describes Ukraine's progress there as "costly and hard going," with one marine telling him that after reaching the eastern bank, his unit advanced just 100 yards over six days. "Russian drones constantly circle over their hastily dug trenches, coordinating artillery strikes each time they detect movement," writes Luxmoore. "As darkness falls, the Ukrainian troops use shovels to dig themselves deeper into the ground." Reuters describes what's at stake: "Russia has largely held Kyiv's counteroffensive at bay in the southeast, but an advance in occupied Kherson region could spread their defenses thinner and ratchet up pressure." (Read more Russia-Ukraine war stories.)
A flight from Belgium out of New York City took a wild turn last week after a horse managed to get out of its enclosure in the cargo hold, forcing the plane to turn back to the US. Jalopnik reports that Air Atlanta Icelandic Flight 4592 took off Thursday from JFK Airport, headed for Liege, but at around 31,000 feet, the pilots radioed air traffic control with some unexpected news. "We are a cargo plane," one of the pilots says, as heard in a recording . "We have ... [a] horse on board the airplane, and the horse managed to escape its stall. ... We cannot get the horse back secured."

The pilot added, "We don't have a problem ... flying wise, but we need to return" to New York, noting that they'd require a veterinarian upon landing, because "we have a horse in difficulty." The Boeing 747 had to dump 20 tons of fuel off the coast of Massachusetts to safely land, which it did shortly after 6:30pm local time. Flight data shows that the plane finally took off again about three hours after its original takeoff time and safely landed in Belgium. It's not clear how the horse in this case escaped from its enclosure, or what its current status is. CNN Travel notes other wild critters that have broken free midair, including an otter and rat duo, a bear cub, and a cobra that snuck up a pilot's shirt. (Read more strange stuff stories.)
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In recognition of his efforts to advance effective regulation internationally, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners honored Ch. . .
French investigative judges have issued an international arrest warrant for Syrian President Bashar Assad and those close to him. The warrants for Assad, his brother, and two army generals accuse them of complicity in war crimes and crimes against humanity in connection with August 2013 chemical attacks on rebel-held Damascus suburbs. The AP reports that under French law, the arrest warrants remain secret as the investigation continues, though a French judicial official confirmed to the New York Times the warrants were signed Tuesday.

More than 1,400 people died in the attacks on Douma and eastern Ghouta, and survivors filed a complaint that prompted the opening of France's investigation in March 2021; Assad has consistently denied the use of chemical weapons. Syria isn't a member of the International Criminal Court, and as such, there's no international court or tribunal with jurisdiction over Syrian crimes. In the absence of that, the Times reports "a patchwork of efforts for accountability has been underway for some time," with efforts also in the works in Germany and Sweden.

The Times reports this may mark the first time a national court has issued a warrant for the sitting president of another country on suspicion of war crimes. The paper reports it's unlikely Assad would ever end up in French court, though a trial in absentia could occur. AFP recalls that in the wake of the 2013 attack, videos posted to YouTube showed corpses, including those of children, and footage of people convulsing and foaming at the mouth. A UN report later said there was "clear and convincing evidence" that sarin gas had been used. (Read more Bashar al-Assad stories.)
New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy on Wednesday launched a bid for the Democratic nomination for US Senate in next year's contest. Her candidacy, announced Wednesday, puts her in the running to become the first woman elected to the Senate from New Jersey, reports the AP . The Democratic primary already features Rep. Andy Kim and could include Democratic US Sen. Bob Menendez, who has lost significant party support amid federal bribery charges but hasn't ruled out a run in 2024. "We need a senator who will work every single day to lower the cost of living, protect abortion rights, end the gun violence epidemic, and defend our democracy," she said in a roughly four-minute-long video posted online.

Murphy, 58, is a constant at events alongside her husband, Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, and has taken on maternal and infant health and the environment as her top issues during her time as first ladyissues she highlighted in her announcement. A Virginia native, and University of Virginia graduate, Tammy Murphy worked in finance at Goldman Sachs alongside Phil Murphy before the couple settled in New Jersey. Democrats picked up at least five seats in the Assembly in this year's midterm legislative elections, a boon for the governor, who's in the final two years of his second term. Those successes could translate into critical county support for the first lady, who campaigned alongside the governor to increase their party's legislative majorities.

Murphy is well known in New Jersey's political circles. A former Republican, Murphy has spoken about growing up in a GOP-leaning area of Virginia and has previously donated to that party. She became a Democrat before her husband's run for office. But as NorthJersey.com notes, she faces "stiff competition"likely including from the man who currently holds the Senate seat, Menendez, who's been indicted with his wife on various federal bribery charges. The Democratic primary will also include Kim, who announced his candidacy a day after Menendez was indicted. A Public Policy Polling poll released last month found that Kim was the favorite in the race with 42%, while Murphy had 19%, and Menendez clocked in with 5%. The poll left an awful lot of leeway, though, with 34% saying they hadn't made their minds up. Much more on Murphy's background here.

(Read more Tammy Murphy stories.)
The leaders are meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Summit in San Francisco, and Biden plans to hold a news conference later Wednesday, per the New York Times. His comments might shed light on how the closed-door portion of their meeting went, expected to cover a range of thorny issues including Taiwan's upcoming elections, the Israel-Hamas war, Ukraine and Russia, and fentanyl. "For two large countries like China and the United States, turning their back on each other is not an option," said Xi, speaking through a translator. But, he added, "it is unrealistic for one side to remodel the other, and conflict and confrontation has unbearable consequences for both sides." (Read more Xi Jinping stories.)
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Highlights Ardian's evergreen fund has acquired the Honkajoki wind park in Kankaanpaa, Finland, from Access Capital Partners and KGAL Th. . .
HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa launches Cityscape Bahrain 2023

TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com Cityscape Bahrain, the region's most anticipated real estate exhibition and conference, officially opened its doors yesterday at Exhibition World Bahrain. The official inauguration by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa marked the beginning of a successful first day. In light of the overwhelming response and positive momentum, Cityscape Bahrain is pleased to announce that the exhibition will be extended two additional days and will run until Saturday, November 18th. With over 40 exhibitors participating and 58 projects worth $8 billion and an anticipated attendance of 10,000, the exhibition promises visitors to Experience Luxury Living at Cityscape Bahrain, which is being held in conjunction with Jewellery Arabia. The first day saw visitors immerse themselves in an enriching experience that blends luxury living and real estate excellence.

Exhibitors at the event include Bahrain Marina Development Company, Bahrain Real Estate Investment Company (Edamah), Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs (MOHMRA) In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, Ministry of Finance and National Economy, Ministry of Municipalities & Agriculture, Urban Planning and Development Authority, Survey and Land registration Bureau, Durrat Al Bahrain, Danube Properties, Regal London, Infracorp, Diyar Al Muharraq, Carlton Real Estate, Eagle Hills Diyar, Era Projects, Al Janabiyah Gate Real Estate and many more. Several financial institutions are also participating, including Arab Bank, the National Bank of Bahrain and Ahli United Bank.

Naseej, a leading Bahraini real estate developer, signed two landmark agreements setting a new benchmark for excellence in the real estate sector, and underscoring their commitment to sustainable and innovative living. The first announcement highlighted their partnership with Batelco, which will equip Naseej's Nasayim Arad project with smart home solutions, delivering unparalleled convenience, efficiency, security, and personalization. The second announcement, with Bin Hindi Group and KIA Motors, will support the installation of EV charging stations at Nasayim Arad, establishing the first-ever collaboration in Bahrain between an automaker and real estate developer. Durrat Al Bahrain Company unveiled its latest development Jawharat Al Murjan in southern Bahrain, offering over 200 luxurious seafront villas. Visitors at the exhibition were able to view four different villa models, showcasing the project's high-quality specifications and new exclusive features designed according to the latest modern standards. Construction of the project will commence in Q1 2023 and completion is expected within two years.

On the occasion, Alexander Edwards - Exhibition Director - Cityscape, said We are thrilled to welcome everyone to the opening day of the second edition of Cityscape today. This event promises lucrative opportunities for our guests and provides a variety of enriching experiences, bringing together the entire ecosystem and its key stakeholders under one roof. Developers, investors, brokers, architects, and government officials will gather to network, learn, and discover new opportunities. Cityscape is the perfect platform to connect with the people and businesses that are shaping the future of real estate in Bahrain and the GCC." The Cityscape conference under the theme Sustainability and Digital Transformation in the Real Estate Sector is set to kick off on the 15th and 16th of November. It will feature over 20+ hours of content provided by 30 speakers who will address a range of topics focused on sustainability and digital transformation. The list of speakers includes prominent figures in the real estate sector, including executives, government officials, architects, consultants and others and will be attended by 300+ C-level executives.
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rsted and Eversource, developers of Connecticut's first offshore wind farm, Revolution Wind, and UConn Avery Point today announced a collaborati. . .
Pulsar Fusion will make a linear nuclear fusion rocket propulsion system. They will heat hydrogen plasma with microwaves to create fusion propulsion. They will perform laboratory tests next year and in 2025 and then have an orbital test within three years.

Pulsar recently partnered with aerospace R&D company Princeton Satellite Systems (PSS) for a study that will use AI to model the behavior of hot plasma in a fusion rocket engine. It has also announced that it has begun constructing an eight-meter fusion reaction chamber in the UK.

Its goal is to begin firing that chamber in 2025 and achieving fusion temperatures by 2027. The next step after that would be conducting a test firing in orbit  proving that a fusion rocket could potentially power the next era of space exploration.

The Direct Fusion Drive is a revolutionary steady state fusion propulsion concept, based on a compact fusion reactor. It will provide power of the order of units of MW, providing both thrust of the order of ten to hundreds of Newtons with specific impulses between 10,000  15,000 seconds and auxiliary power to the space system.

Pulsar is developing non-fusion products that could bring in revenue. They are working on a Hall-effect electric thruster for spacecraft and a second-stage hybrid rocket engine. Pulsar Fusion is partnering with the University of Michigan to research electric Hall-effect thruster tech. The UK Space Agency is funding the collaboration.

Pulsar Fusion is creating fusion rocket able to move astronauts at 500,000 mph which is twenty times faster than the 24,791 mph speed of fastest a crewed rocket has ever flown. The company has raised over $133 million in funding across 19 funding rounds with 65 investors.




The supreme court in the UK has ruled against the governments plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, describing it as unlawful.

The move was designed to deter people from migrating to the UK illegally through small boats.

In a ruling on Wednesday, Robert Reed, presiding judge, said there were substantial grounds to believe that genuine refugees sent to the country could be at risk of being returned to countries from which they have fled.

Reed said the principle of not sending refugees back to their home countries, if they would be subject to a real risk of abuse, is embedded in British laws.

There is a legal rule that refugees must not be returned to their country of origin if their lives would be threatened in that country, he said.

The judge said Rwanda has a poor human rights record, adding that the UK police have had to warn claimants of threats to kill them.

He also added that there are concerns about media and political freedom in Rwanda, questioning the East African countrys compliance with international obligations.





THE UK-RWANDA SAGA

In April 2022, Britain and Rwanda signed a deal to send some migrants who arrive in the UK as stowaways across the English Channel to the East African country, where their asylum claims would be processed.

Those granted asylum would stay in Rwanda rather than returning to the UK.

But no one has been sent to Rwanda as opposition politicians, refugee groups, and human rights organisations have argued in courts that the plan is unethical and unworkable.





The first flight was scheduled to go in June 2022, but was cancelled when the European court of human rights intervened.

In December 2022, the high court in London ruled that the Rwanda plan was legal, but that the government must consider the individual circumstances of each case before putting anyone on a plane.

However, in June this year, the appeal court backed a challenge by asylum-seekers from countries including Syria, Vietnam and Iran.

The court ruled that the plan was unlawful because Rwanda is not a safe third country and there was a risk that migrants sent there would be returned to the home countries they had fled.
ELKOWith Thanksgiving coming up on the calendar, charities around Elko are finding ways to serve the community.

Timberly Clements, director and founder of Underdog Street Ministries, explained how the organization provides food to people who do not know where their next meal will come from.

Every Sunday, Underdog Street Ministries hands out meals at the train park in downtown Elko. Every Wednesday, they head out to visit people who camp on the streets. For Thanksgiving, they distribute food boxes.

The organization has handed out food for 15 years, and provides food throughout the year.

Food is for anybody who is unable to come down and visit the train park. So, disabled, elderly, low-income families, they just sign up with us and then we deliver food boxes, Clements explained.

She explained what other services the charity offers. For one, they help people obtain IDs. For the folks who are homeless we are helping with sleeping bags, tents, heat. That would be the big thing in wintertime: anything that they are needing for the winter months.

Underdog Street Ministries accepts donations of canned items, sleeping bags, blankets and non-perishable food.

Clements explained the organizations largest sphere of need.

We do not have a stable place to feed folks. So over the last 15 years, we have been in and out of buildings. And in the wintertime we feed outside. So that is definitely a challenge.

Underdog Street Ministries has found some ways to overcome that challenge, though, she said.

We have a lot of folks in the community, different churches, who join in with us. And so that is very helpful.

Spring Creek Baptist Church, Elko Seventh-Day Adventist Church, and Elkos Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are among the places of worship who have partnered with the charity during September and October.

Clements explained how Underdog Street Ministries needs and challenges have evolved over time.

We are seeing a lot of addiction with the folks that we deal with, she said. We help those people, and we are trying to get them to rehab; that is also a challenge, because a lot of them do not have beds available. We go out of state, we go to Idaho. So that always is very challenging without a building.

I would say five years ago we were definitely focused on getting a building, hoping to have a day center. And I think we are still focused on that simply because one of our goals is to help folks who experience homelessness find jobs and permanent housing.

Across town, Thanksgiving celebrations occur in another way. Matt McCarty, executive director of Elko Senior Center, explained how the centers elderly community can enjoy the holiday.

We have a number of agencies and organizations that are donating to us, and then we in turn distribute those back to our members, he said of how the center provides its members with seasonal goodies. We are anticipating that one of the local mines will be donating Thanksgiving baskets once again.

Last year, I believe we received a dozen baskets and we had everything you could want in there. I would guess there was well over $100 worth of food as well as a gift card or cash in each basket, McCarty noted. We are anticipating that again this year.

The Senior Center also receives candy donations through the Mountain City Highway branch of Family Dollar, he said.

The Center will also celebrate Thanksgiving with a community dinner.

We will have our Thanksgiving dinner here at the center on Friday, Nov. 17. Anyone who is 60 and over is welcome to attend. There is a suggested donation of $3.

To learn more about donations to the Elko Senior Center, visit Elkoseniors.org/Donation.html.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has announced its intention to extend the validity of the old N200, N500, and N1,000 noted indefinitely.

This is as the apex bank declared its desire to extend the validity of old naira notes beyond any expiry date. According to the bank, it is working with the relevant authorities to vacate the subsisting court ruling on the same subject.





The bank disclosed this in a statement signed by the Director, Corporate Communications, Isa AbdulMumin, on Tuesday.





The statement titled, CBN To Allow Old Design Naira Banknotes as Legal Tender, Ad Infinitum, said the decision is line with international best practices and to forestall a repeat of earlier experiences.





The statement read, Without prejudice, the Central Bank of Nigeria wishes to inform the general public of its desire to extend the legal tender status deadline of the old design of N200, N500 and N1,000 denominations; ad infinitum.





This is in line with international best practices and to forestall a repeat of earlier experiences. Thus, all banknotes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, in accordance with Section 20(5) of the CBN Act 2007, will continue to remain legal tender, ad infinitum. even beyond the initial December 31, 2023, deadline.





The Central Bank of Nigeria is working with the relevant authorities to vacate the subsisting court ruling on the same subject. Accordingly, all CBN branches across the country will continue to issue and accept all denominations of Nigerian banknotes, old and redesigned, to and from deposit money banks.





The general public is enjoined to continue to accept all Naira banknotes (old or redesigned) for day-to-day transactions and handle these banknotes with utmost care, to safeguard and protect the lifecycle of the banknotes. Also, the general public is encouraged to embrace alternative modes of payment, e-channels, for day-to-day transactions.





This is the third statement the CBN has issued concerning naira notes in recent times. Earlier this month, it clarified that there was no scarcity of naira in the country. Later, it announced that every banknote remains legal tender and should not be rejected by anyone.





The apex bank has had to clear the air on the naira following a March ruling by the Supreme Court that asked the CBN to allow old N200, N500, and N1,000 notes to continue as legal tender till December 31, 2023, after the bank announced a new naira design policy and expiration dates for the denominations.





The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, in October 2022 disclosed a plan to redesign some naira denominations (N200, N500, and N1000 notes) and reduce currency circulation.





According to Emefiele, the currency move was to control currency in circulation as well as curb counterfeit currency and ransom payments to kidnappers and terrorists. He stated that the existing old N200, N500, and N1,000 notes would retain their legal tender status until January 31, 2023.





The apex would later extend its deadline until February 10, 2023, but the Zamfara, Kogi, and Kaduna state governments would on February 3 file a suit against the Attorney-General of the Federation on the policy.





Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti, Kano, Sokoto, Ogun, and Cross River would later join the suit as co-plaintiffs. In a ruling in March 2023, the Supreme Court invalidated the new naira design policy because it was not done with due consultation and in line with constitutional provisions.





With this new CBN directive, Nigerians can now expect to spend old N200, N500, and N1000 beyond December 2023.








Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has declared a state of emergency on education, citing the sectors alarming decline in the state.





In a statewide broadcast on Tuesday, the governor lamented the severe neglect of the education sector, affecting all levels from primary to tertiary institutions in the state.





He noted that the declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector aligns with his campaign promises to the people.





The governor stated that the state government is fulfilling its pledge to overhaul the education sector, which has virtually collapsed.





This is in line with his campaign manifesto, where he made promises to the people of Zamfara to implement policies and programs aimed at reforming the education sector, building and rehabilitating public schools, providing adequate educational facilities, and training and retraining of the existing staff to enhance their capacity, he said.





Governor Lawal added that his administration has started the construction and renovation of 245 schools across the 14 local government areas of the state. Additionally, there is the provision of two-seater desks for pupils and students, totaling 9,542 across schools in the 14 local government areas, and the equipping of the constructed and renovated 245 schools with 619 tables and 926 chairs for teachers.





All teachers and education managers will receive subject-specific training and retraining.





To maintain a minimum level of quality in education delivery, the government has suspended the licenses of private education providers in the state. This ensures that private schools meet the required standards for providing quality education.





Furthermore, in pursuit of quality education, my government has approved sponsoring 50% of Zamfara State indigenes admitted into Federal Government Girls College Gusau for the 2023-2024 academic sessions.





The State Government has paid the National Examination Council (NECO) fees for all Zamfara public school candidates who sat for the 2023 exams. Similarly, certificates for the candidates who sat for the 2019 NECO examinations have been collected and distributed to the students.





The results of the NECO exams taken in 2020, 2021, and 2022 will be released to students before the end of this month. The results were previously withheld by the NECO due to non-payment by the previous administration. However, with our intervention, students who graduated during those years can now access their results and apply to different tertiary institutions for admission.





The government is committed to changing the narrative of constant underperformance. Zamfara will thrive across all sectors. This is just the beginning of our rescue mission.
President Bola Tinubu has claimed that he inherited serious liabilities and assets from his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.

Tinubu disclosed this during his meeting with the Vice-President (Country Programs) of the Islamic Development Bank, Mansur Muhtar, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia and was contained in a statement issued by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale on Tuesday.

Despite the liabilities, Tinubu vowed not to give excuses.

He said: We inherited serious liabilities, but also assets from our predecessors. We do not make any excuses.

There are several sectors replete with investment opportunities 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 clearer vision.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called for the arrest of Dino Melaye, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State.

Kingsley Fanwo, the spokesperson of APC Governorship Campaign Council in Kogi State, made the call at a press conference on Tuesday in Lokoja.

Fanwo said Melaye should be arrested for alleging that he had access to the back-end server of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to Fanwo: Claiming to have access to the back-end server of INEC is like walking into the prison yard and demanding to be locked up.

Security agencies have no tedious job to do on a suspect who confesses to a crime. Dino Melaye has openly confessed that he hacked into the back end of INEC. Melaye should be arrested and prosecuted for cybercrime.
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Kogi State, Dino Melaye, has slammed the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mahmood Yakubu.

He described Yakubu and INEC as frauds over the conduct of the just-concluded governorship election.

Featuring on Arise TV, Melaye claimed that INEC helped the All Progressives Congress, APC, rig the just-concluded governorship election.

The PDP chieftain vowed to write and inform the international communities of Yakubu and INECs alleged aiding of rigging in Kogi State.

He vowed to organize a protest against Yakubu over the conduct of INEC in the last election.

He lamented that results were manipulated, and his votes were deducted and added to APC, among others.

According to Melaye: With comparative analyses from the past, I have seen different types of rigging but the brazen daylight robbery, I have never seen it before.

INEC demonstrated that they are co-travellers with APC in this business, the speed with which they accepted the concocted results written before accreditation, with all the mutations, and reducing votes of PDP openly and increasing that of APC, people voting above accreditation tells it all.

Results shown are more than PVC collected, I have never seen this type before.

This is appalling and we know that the Almighty God that we serve will punish Mahmood Yakubu, he will not go free.

We will organize protest, we will write letters to all embassies, the international communities telling them that he is a fraud, INEC is a fraud and we will not allow it.




President Bola Tinubu has promised the Nigeria Guild of Editors, NGE, that he has no intention to stifle the press.





The President gave the assurance on Wednesday while declaring open the 2023 Nigeria Guild of Editors conference with the theme: Stimulating Economic Growth, Technology: Role of the Media, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.





Represented by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Tinubu also urged the Editors to tackle the issue of fake news and misinformation through fact checking, responsible reporting and digital literacy even as he tasked them on operating within the framework of the ethics of journalism with utmost sense of duty and patriotism.





The President, however, regretted that Nigeria is bedevilled with issues of of misinformation and false narratives, which, according to him, had threatened the fabric of the society.





He noted that it required a collective effort to combat the menace.





Tinubu said, Let me restate the commitment of our administration to a free and robust media without any intention to stifle press freedom.





But we will expect you to operate within the framework of the ethics of journalism and to conduct your activities with utmost sense of duty, patriotism and growth.





As you are aware, we are faced with the proliferation of misinformation, disinformation and false narratives which threaten the fabric of our society, and it is our collective duty to combat this menace. Through fact-fact checking, responsible reporting, promoting media and digital literacy, we can fortify our defenses against the corrosive effects of fake news.





He also announced that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation (FMINO) is working to ensure the implementation of a sustained mass reorientation campaign that would foster unity and patriotism among Nigerians.





In his remarks, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, commended the media for its role in working to ensure justice, equity and unity in Nigeria as well as economic development.





While noting that he was not asking for a pliant press, the governor urged the media to engender a new template of reportage which would be development oriented.





He said, No one desires a pliant media that act like the cheer-leaders to the government, but in trying to break the news, we should be careful not to break the fabric of the society. You need the nation first in order to freely practice your profession.





If there is the constant drib-drib of negative reportage, where the challenges of the process of our nation-building are overly magnified and our symbols of authority, randomly demonized and our potentials routinely talked down on, in spite of how large such a market may be, foreign investors will be wary of coming into such a volatile environment.





In his welcome address, the President, Nigeria Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba said the conference was part of Editors contributions to the growth and development of not only the media industry but the country in general.





Anaba tasked colleagues on balanced, accurate, factual and fair reports even as he implored them to make use of fact-checking tools in disseminating editorial products to the people, noting that it is the only effective and efficient way to discharge their constitutional duty under Section 22 of holding power to account and upholding human rights, the rule of law, good governance and democratic principles.





He also urged political actors not to suppress the press saying, Always remember that a free press is like oxygen to a democracy. Let nothing be done to stifle the press or shrink freedom of expression and media freedom under any guise.
Stella Maris, the wife of ailing actor John Okafor, aka Mr Ibu, has alleged that her husbands second son, Daniel, and the actors adopted daughter, Jasmine, are secretly married.

She claimed that they both plan to relocate to the United Kingdom as a couple with the money people donated for her husbands surgery.

Mrs Ibu made the allegations while responding to social media activist Verydarkmans allegations that she accused Jasmine of siphoning money meant for his surgery because she wanted to buy a brand-new iPhone.

Please Very DarkMan, how can a sensible person be talking about doing BBL, buying an iPhone 15 or any other luxurious thing when her husband is lying terribly sick in the hospital? How can I StellaMaris Okafor, talk about all this when I have been sleeping in the hospital with my husband since he has been sick? So, Ill leave my husband to go and do BBL for who? She asked.

She said Jasmine is blackmailing her with private conversations we had long ago before all this, a causal woman talk we both had, because I thought she was a girl my husband as a daughter and family friend, then she recorded and edited it, presented it to you as if it is happening now, you believed and youre promoting it?

Stella Maris added: Come to think of it, Very Darkman, at the end of all this, the people giving you all the past conversations or informations will all go away, because Jasmine and my second stepson got married secretly and are both traveling to the UK (as a Couple) in December. Ill be the person to live with my husband and our children. As Im talking to you Im the only one living in Mr Ibus house, only me and my children the rest lives elsewhere because of the condition of the house they all left it but Im still there regardless, and theyre coming with all this propaganda only because I asked for an account statement to be shown to me so I can as well be informed on how affairs have been running, is it bad?
The Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress have denied receiving a court order restraining them from embarking on the ongoing indefinite nationwide strike.

The President of the Trade Union Congress, Festus Osifo, disclosed this on Wednesday during an interview with Channels Television.

According to him, NLC and TUC did not receive any notice of a court order restraining it from embarking on strike.

We dont have any court order; NLC and TUC have none. There is no single communication to that effect, he said.

His reaction comes after a court judgement surfaced last week restraining the unions from embarking on strike.

But, on Tuesday, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress commenced a nationwide indefinite strike over an assault on Joe Ajaero, NLC National President, in Imo State.

Affiliate unions, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), National Union of Electricity Employees, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE) and others, have thrown their weight behind NLC, TUC by joining the strike action.
President Bola Tinubu will on Thursday, join other heads of state and government in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, to celebrate the countrys 50th Independence Anniversary and Armed Forces Day.

This follows his week-long engagement in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he participated in the Saudi-Africa summit held on November 10.

Tinubu, who arrives in Bissau on Thursday, is visiting the country for the second time in his administration, this time at the behest of President Umaro Embalo.

A statement signed Wednesday by the Presidents Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed that Guinea-Bissau marked its 50th Independence Anniversary on September 24, 2023.

However, the government had scheduled all celebrations for November 16, 2023.

The statement is titled President Tinubu honours invitation to Guinea-Bissau for Independence Day commemoration.

Ngelale also disclosed that the President is expected to return to Nigeria on Thursday.
A Nigerian woman residing in the United Kingdom, Joy Nsude, has reportedly died.





The mother of two was found dead in her residence in Hartlepool, after speaking with her husband and many others on the phone.





A Facebook user, Ibironke Quadri, disclosed this in a post on Monday.





Quadri said that Nsude died on November 2, adding that the cause of her demise had not been ascertained.

The deceased was said to be a student of International Management at Teesside University, Middlesbrough.





Quadri wrote, It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the passing of our esteemed member of Nigerian Society (Teesside University) Middlesbrough, United Kingdom, Joy Osunde, a student of International Management.





She is a mother of two children who are a two-year-old girl and a four-year-old boy. She passed away in her apartment on November 2, 2023, in Hartlepool England after speaking to many people on the phone including her husband while he was on his way to work on that fateful day.





The cause of death is not yet reviewed. Justice Nwaru, the husband who is devastated at the moment, is soliciting your kind and generous donations from friends, families, groups, institutions, and associations to enable him to arrange her funeral.
The shared goal is to ensure the availability of a comprehensive set of data for every child, where critical real time information on immunisations, health challenges, child and maternal health information is consolidated in one compatible digital system, regardless of the childs location or even of the lost paper records.



Photo: UNDP

On Novermber 7th 2023, 22 laptops, 168 desktops, and 20 barcode readers were distributed in Gia Lai province, as part of the support from the Government of Japan and UNICEF to strengthen the digital health system in Viet Nam. This contribution to the digital transformation of the health system includes a total of 158 laptops, 803 desktops, and 187 barcode readers. The supplies have been distributed to several departments of the Ministry of Health and seven provinces among the most disadvantaged to enhance the use of information technology in maternal and child health management, as well as reproductive health.



"This project is a collaborative effort with UNICEF to enhance the health information management system, beginning with vaccination information data. An aid package totaling 1,267 million Japanese Yen has been allocated for Southeast Asian countries, of which 290 million Yen designated for Viet Nam, said Mr. Sasaki Shohei, First Secretary of the Government of Japan, at the handover event in Gia Lai province. We commend the Vietnamese Government's proactive approach to nationwide healthcare digitization, which aims at improving healthcare service delivery. The Government of Japan hopes that the equipment donated as part of this initiative will serve various purposes in the target provinces, including Gia Lai. We also aspire to see further digital transformation within the healthcare sector throughout Viet Nam, contributing to the enhancement of the healthcare service delivery system," he concluded.



Despite the development and implementation of numerous health information management software solutions, compatibility issues persist. Furthermore, some medical facilities do not have the necessary information technology (IT) equipment for collecting and reporting critical data related to maternal healthcare and vaccinations, including those for COVID-19. As a result, the data is neither compiled nor presented in a way that facilitates real-time decision making, thereby compromising its quality.



"In recent years, maternal and child healthcare has been consistently acknowledged as a vital component of Vietnam's socio-economic development strategy. It plays a key role in improving the quality of life for its citizens, a fact underscored by the Party and State of Viet Nam. With the support we have received today, we are confident that this project will significantly enhance the quality of data, boost the management capabilities of the child healthcare system, and ultimately improve the health and welfare of women and children. This handover ceremony signifies a significant step forward in this mission", stated Mr. Tong Tran Ha, Deputy Director of the Department of Maternal Health and Children, Ministry of Health.



"Significant strides have been made by the Ministry of Health in developing and implementing various health information management softwaresuch as national vaccination software and electronic health books for maternal health and children. A challenge that UNICEF and the Government of Japan seek to help address is to ensure that these systems are updated and talk to each other, so that all information on health status of every child is available across all platforms in real time, remarked Mr. Maharajan Muthu, UNICEF Viet Nam Chief of Child Survival and Development. This includes improving the functionality and interoperability of existing digital health software; offering comprehensive training to healthcare workers, particularly those at the community level to enable proficient use of medical statistical information technology software; and ensuring that specialized medical facilities and community health stations are equipped with all necessary information technology tools for data entry and reporting related to maternal and child health, he added.



Through its partnership with UNICEF, the Government of Japan has provided significant support to Viet Nam's health sector in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. The aid provided this time has been key in enhancing data collection, reporting, and improving data quality. This provides essential evidence for the development and implementation of effective policies, especially in the areas of maternal and child health, as well as broader global health issues. As a result, this aid has effectively driven the digital transformation of health services in line with the directives of the Vietnamese Government./.
A ValueJet CRJ 900 Bombardier aircraft slipped off the runway at Port-Harcourt International Airport, causing momentary panic and chaos among passengers.

The aircraft which landed at 15.32 hours with 62 passengers and five flight crew members overshot the runway.





However, despite the alarming situation, the aircraft with registration 5N-BXR landed safely, leaving passengers perplexed about the unusual occurrence.





It was gathered that the incident did not result in any damage to the aircraft.





Managing Director of ValueJet, Capt. Dapo Majekodunmi explained that Captain Stanley Balami reported the slip was a result of algae on the taxiway, preventing the aircraft from maintaining the centerline.





Assuring the public of ValueJets commitment to safety, Capt. Majekodunmi stated that the airlines operations remain normal without any disruptions.
A man has been arrested on allegations that he attempted to rob five children who thought they were meeting him to purchase a bicycle posted for sale on online, officials said.

The group of kids found the bike on Facebook Marketplace and showed up to Samuel Nelkin County Park in Wallington on October 24 to meet with the seller. The man arrived on the bicycle and pointed a gun at children, attempting to rob them, the Bergen County Prosecutors Office said.

Detectives identified Christopher Pacheo-Rosario, 19, of Bloomfield, as a suspect, authorities said.

After Pacheo-Rosario was arrested on Monday for a separate incident in Bloomfield, the Prosecutors Office charged him with armed robbery, aggravated assault by pointing a firearm and multiple weapons offenses.

He was charged with disorderly conduct and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose in the Bloomfield incident, according to municipal court records.

Pacheo-Rosario is being held in Essex County Jail pending his first court appearance. Attorney information for him was not immediately available.

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Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
A 19-year-old Bloomfield man was charged with robbery after police say he pointed a gun at five teenagers who met with him last month to purchase a bicycle they saw advertised online, authorities said.

The teens arranged to purchase the bike from Facebook Marketplace and were to meet the seller at Samuel Nelkin County Park in Wallington, according to Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella.

The suspect arrived at the park on a bicycle, brandished a firearm and attempted to rob the victims, who all fled on foot, Musella said in a statement.

The incident was reported to Wallington police about 6:25 p.m. on Oct. 24.

On Monday, Bloomfield police arrested Cristopher Pacheco-Rosario, 19, and charged him with an unrelated offense, Musella said.

Police and detectives with the prosecutors office identified Pacheco-Rosario as a suspect in the Oct. 24 robbery and arrested him on Monday, Musella said.

Pacheco-Rosario was charged with first-degree armed robbery, three second-degree weapons offenses, and fourth-degree aggravated assault for allegedly pointing the firearm, Musella said.

He was held in the Essex County Jail pending a court hearing. Online court records did not list an attorney for Pacheco-Rosario on Wednesday morning.

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Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
A 19-year-old man has been arrested in a shooting that left a man dead and a woman injured in Camden last month, officials said.

Avonte Muse, a city resident, was arrested by Camden County Police on November 4 on unrelated charges. He was then additionally charged with murder and aggravated assault and transferred to the county jail, the Camden County Prosecutors Office said.

The unrelated charges included burglary and firearm offenses, according to municipal court records.

The shooting occurred on October 27 on Hull Avenue shortly before 8 p.m. Officers found 33-year-old Akeem Jenkins and a woman on the scene suffering gunshot wounds, officials said.

Jenkins died at Cooper University Hospital at 8:41 p.m., while the woman was treated and later released, authorities said.

Prosecutors did not say how Muse was identified as a suspect in the shooting. His attorney information was not immediately available.

The Camden County Prosecutors Office is asking anyone with additional information to call Detective Matthew Kreidler 856-930-5355 or submit a tip anonymously at camdencountypros.org/tips.

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Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal filed by four New Jersey nurses over the states COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers.

Even though the mandate has since been rescinded, a 2022 lawsuit brought by four nurses from Hunterdon Medical Center was still winding its way through the court system. The nurses had challenged the constitutionality of three of Gov. Phil Murphys executive orders requiring health care workers in New Jersey be immunized.

But the Supreme Court announced Monday that it wouldnt hear the appeal, allowing a lower courts ruling to stand.

The lawsuit was filed by Katie Sczesny, Jamie Rumfield, Debra Hagen and Mariette Vitti, all nurses from the Flemington hospital, who claimed the mandate violated their constitutional rights.

The executive orders signed last year (and lifted earlier this year) were at the center of the case. They required those working in health care and high-risk congregate settings to be up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, including a first booster shot. Workers also had to show proof of vaccination.

The nurses filed an injunction aiming to block the hospital from enforcing the mandate, but that was ultimately denied by a U.S. District Court judge in June 2022 because the nurses failed to demonstrate the policy violated their constitutional rights, according to a report by the New Jersey Business and Industry Association.

By the time the case reached the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the matter was ruled moot because the mandate had already been lifted.

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Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com.
When Chad Wood was a senior at Sparta High School last year, his teacher in Advanced Placement Government and Politics had students create an election website informing the town about all the races.

Five months after graduating, Wood, 18, won one of those elections, gaining a spot on the Sparta Board of Education and becoming one of the youngest people ever in New Jersey elected to such a seat.

It was so interesting to see him be so passionate about it last year and really take what he learned about in class and go for it, teacher Caitlin Jozefczyk said of Wood, 18, who last week won a spot on the Sparta Board of Education.

He was made for that position, Jozefczyk said. Hes very articulate. He knows who he is and what he believes in.

Last year, Wood served as the student representative to the Sparta Board of Education. At his first meeting, the president, Kurt Morris, moved to stop live-streaming school board meetings, as he believed everyone who wanted to attend was present. But Wood disagreed, citing his working parents and others who would be able to watch virtually but not attend. He offered to find volunteers to do the recording. The motion to stop streaming meetings failed.

Now our meetings are getting 1,000 views, Wood said.

Jennifer Lonsky, one of Woods running mates on the Stop Raising Taxes slate, recalls first noticing him at a later meeting when he addressed a controversy over moving a book from the middle school to the high school. The board attorney wouldnt allow him to speak from his seat at the table he shared with board members. So he stood in line to speak as a member of the public.

I said, Wow, look at that kids initiative. He really cares about that, Lonsky said.

Kaitlin Gagnon, his other running mate, saw that as controversies on the board became more tumultuous, Wood became more vocal.

I think we need him tremendously in our district, she said.

The district made headlines recently when parental rights advocates won board control last November and later dropped a policy that provided protections for transgender students. Afterward, the teachers union issued a no-confidence vote of five board members for injecting their politics into board governance.

Those members no longer form the majority of the board, with the victory of Woods, Gagnons and Lonskys slate.

Wood said the issue of whether schools should notify parents when trans students use different pronouns or bathrooms hadnt been a big issue until select parents made it a big issue. He found it extremely troubling that no new policy replaced the dropped one.

A lot more constructive things could be happening instead of these polarizing issues, he said.

When the summer deadline approached to declare his candidacy, he felt he had no choice but to run. I wouldve had to be selfish to say I dont know if I want to put the work in, he said.

But running meant reading letters to the editor like one entitled Chad Wood is too green.

Do you want your school taxes determined by someone who has never paid them before? I dont, wrote Sparta resident Daniel OMalley. Do you want him voting on personnel matters of staff that four months ago were his teachers? I dont.

But Wood carried on, campaigning in neighborhoods and a senior community. Gagnon liked how Wood wanted to meet everyone he could on the campaign trail, had innovative ideas, and helped encourage his peers to register to vote.

In his campaign statement on the towns local news site, Wood wrote, Through every board meeting I experienced, I kept drawing the same conclusion. We have the wrong prioritiesOur Kindergarten program has been housed in temporary trailers for almost 30 years. He promised that one of his first goals would be to hire a second nurse in the high school, as the current one works with 1,200 students.

His to-do list includes pursuing fund-raising activities to help address the districts low reserves and getting the community to work toward common goals to help students instead of focusing on divisive issues.

Wood is attending Sussex County Community College, with plans to transfer later to pursue a degree in business management, but only at a college close enough to allow him to attend board meetings throughout his three-year term. He was an Eagle Scout and served a state-wide role in Key Club, and his interests include clothing design and video games, but he has been spending more time lately watching politics.

Wood joins other board members around the state who won elections the first time they were old enough to vote, including Lisa Qarmont, who was 18 when elected to the Newton school board in 2017, Jamie Serruto, who turned 18 two weeks before being elected to the Millburn school board in 2019, and Adam Parkinson, who joined the West New York board at 18 and became its president at 20, the youngest to do so in recorded state history. The school board association named him School Board Member of the Year for 2023.

According to the New Jersey School Boards Association, candidates must be registered voters and 18 years old to serve on school boards, but can register to vote ahead of turning 18, so long as they do so before filing their nominating petitions. Wood said he just made the deadline.

But the record-holder in the category is likely Peoples Organization for Progress founder Lawrence Hamm, who was 17 when Mayor Kenneth Gibson appointed him to the Newark Board of Education in the early 1970s before current rules were in place.

Jozefczyk said she expects Wood, who sat in the front row of her class, will achieve anything he sets his mind to.

I definitely see him as a lawyer or in politics, she said. Hes such a people person and determined. She said as a teacher, it was rewarding to see a student put lessons into action.

Lonsky predicted he would have a long-lasting impact on the board, and, moving forward, hopefully on the way the community and school district see the students and what they can bring.

Gagnon agreed. He was the perfect example of be the change you wish to see, she said. He is going in there with the intention of serving his peers, the people he graduated alongside, or will graduate from the district in the future, and the people who helped shape his future  his teachers.

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Tina Kelley may be reached at tkelley@njadvancemedia.com.
Newark school officials cut a red ribbon Tuesday for the districts 9th new school since the end of a state takeover, ceremonially unveiling the Nelson Mandela School in a building formerly occupied by a charter school shuttered by the state last spring.

I welcome you to our school, Principal Ryan Silver, a native of Newarks South Ward and product of its public schools, told about 60 parents, teachers, district and city officials gathered in a small auditorium. In this building, youll find tons of love, youll find tons of light, the love and light of that Ive learned from my very first teachers, my very first educators.

The school, on Hartford Street at Morris Avenue in the citys Central Ward, opened in September with about 200 pre-kindergarten through third-grade students, starting with 3-year-olds, said Superintendent Roger Leon. The school will expand each year by one grade level until maxing out at pre-K to eight, said Leon, noting that the practice was common among the citys charter schools.

Silver promised that Tuesdays ceremonial red ribbon would be replaced by a blue one of excellence.

Good is not good enough, he said before greeting each of a dozen third-graders by name as they and their classmates filed through the auditorium to the delight of the grownups on hand.

Leon said Tuesdays ribbon cutting was only the latest for the district since he became its first superintendent under local control, a process begun in 2017 and officially completed in 2020. And he said it would not be the last.

We have nine new schools (since) my start as superintendent, Leon told the gathering. We have about eight more to come.

Leon later said a proposed new school that hit some snags this year, the High School of Architecture & Design, was on track to open in September 2025. This after the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development issued work orders and citations against the projects private developer.

The Nelson Mandela School is named for South Africas first post-Apartheid president, who was elected in 1994 and served until 1999 after having been imprisoned for 27 years by the nations formerly white supremacist regime. Mandela died at 95 in 2015.

Newark is the states largest school district, with 39,000 students in traditional public schools and another 20,000 in publicly funded but privately operated charter schools. Its one of 31 urban districts around the state whose buildings are paid for by the New Jersey Schools Development Authority, not local taxpayers, though charter school buildings must be self-financed regardless of their district.

In the Mandela schools case, the NJSDA bought a .7-acre property and building in February for $15.5 million from an affiliate of the University Heights Charter School network, according to a spokesperson for the agency, Edythe Maier. Although the state paid for the school, the district owns it, Maier said.

The purchase came after the state Department of Education revoked University Heights charter in June 2022 for poor performance, which the school community and the New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association opposed.

In contrast to the mornings speechmaking, a highlight of the event was a performance by the school chorus, whose 11 girls and boys sang the schools simple anthem, Ill Always Be Grateful, which is the title and complete lyrics.

Silver held up a stainless steel cylinder he said would be a time capsule buried on the school grounds until 2040, containing letters that 3rd-graders will write to their future selves. He urged attendees to volunteer for the schools first Family Literacy Day, Nov. 30, 9-11 a.m., when he hopes to pair each student with an adult for one-on-one supplemental reading instruction.

Attendees included Shalamar Brown, a Mandela school parent and staffer. Brown said she transferred her twin 3-year-olds, Amir and Ashae Speller, from another district school in October after she came to the school to apply for a teaching assistant job. She got the job, and now all three spend their days in the same place.

They just want the best for their children, Brown said of the school staff. Even though theyre little 3-year-olds, they instill a lot of concepts that theyre going to need when they grow up.

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Hoboken and Jersey City are feuding over expensive long-term flood mitigation plans in a fast-growing Jersey City neighborhood, and the states second-largest city says it wont cooperate until it receives more financial guarantees.

Part of the states $230 million Rebuild by Design project entails Jersey City granting easements to Hoboken along Grove Street, Marin Boulevard and Jersey Avenue to build a flood wall. The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which is overseeing the project, has promised Jersey City $2.1 million.
Embattled U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez will not be getting the support from his home county for a potential re-election bid after the influential Hudson County Democratic Organization (HCDO) quickly chose to endorse New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy just hours after she announced her bid for Menendezs seat.

Gov. Phil Murphys wife announced the much-anticipated candidacy early Wednesday morning, joining Andy Kim in the 2024 race. Menendez, the one-time Union City mayor, has been lashing out against her candidacy and hinted that he might run for re-election despite federal corruption charges against him.
A New York man was charged with more than 1,800 pills of suspected ecstasy and more than 4.5 ounces of suspected cocaine after a traffic stop in Secaucus, Police Chief Dennis Miller said.

Police Officers Justin Machno and Kiril Petrov, who are assigned to the departments power shift, were on patrol in the area of Harmon Meadow shopping center in Secaucus at 8:23 p.m. Tuesday when Machno observed Noah Gregg, 29, improperly park his 2009 Acura TL, Miller said, noting that the license plate affixed to the vehicle was not on file.
President Vo Van Thuong (sixth from the right) has a meeting with representatives of the Vietnamese community in the US. (Photo: VNA)

Thuong emphasised the foreign policy of diversification and multilateralisation in international relations of the Party and State, noting that Vietnam's foreign activities have contributed to raising Vietnam's role, position, and reputation on the international arena.

He highly valued contributions by the diplomatic sector, including Vietnamese representative agencies in the US, to those achievements.

The leader urged the Embassy and Vietnamese representative agencies in the US to strive to promptly concretise cooperation agreements between the two countries and ordered ministries, sectors, and localities of Vietnam to actively participate in this process.

He asked the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the UN to work harder to expand the ties between Vietnam and international organisations, establish cooperative partnerships, and advance Vietnams position and prestige.

Vietnamese representative agencies in San Francisco and Houston were demanded to strengthen cooperation between Vietnamese and US localities, and encourage overseas Vietnamese to invest in the homeland.

Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung said Vietnamese representative agencies have worked hard on promoting political, economic, and cultural diplomacy, and citizen protection, contributing to mobilising resources for national development and raising Vietnams position.

He highlighted the fruitful development of the Vietnam  US relationship, saying Vietnamese representative agencies in the US have made efforts to adequately prepare for significant diplomatic engagements between the two sides.

President Vo Van Thuong speaks at the meeting (Photo: VNA)

According to the ambassador, about 30,000 Vietnamese students are studying in the US, ranking 5th in the world and first in Southeast Asia. Many US businesses are interested in Vietnam and most large US companies have invested in Vietnam.

Head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the UN, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang said the staff of the agency always strive to overcome difficulties and fulfill the multilateral diplomatic mission in line with the Party and the State's foreign policy./.
New Jersey police can continue using a protocol to identify drug-impaired driving, but with new limits on how they can be used, the state Supreme Court said Wednesday in a long-awaited decision.

The case was brought by the Public Defenders Office, which argued that police officers didnt use scientifically valid methods to determine drug impairment, which could lead to the potential for unjust arrests.

The police who use these methods are known as Drug Recognition Experts (DREs), trained to determine the signs that someone is driving while under the influence of drugs such as cannabis. While drunken driving can be determined by blood alcohol levels, cannabis remains in the blood system long after a person is no longer impaired.
A New Jersey business owner is facing federal charges in a $3.2 million Paycheck Protection Program fraud scheme, authorities said Wednesday.

Daniel Dadoun, 47, formerly of South Plainfield, was charged with four counts of bank fraud and two counts of transacting in criminal proceeds. Dadoun lied on federal applications for PPP funding in early 2020 and then filed altered financial statements for loan forgiveness, authorities said.

Dadoun appeared in federal court in Newark on Monday and remains in custody after requesting a bail hearing. Dadoun also holds French, Canadian and Israeli passports. His attorney Peter Katz declined to comment on the case Wednesday.

Dadoun misrepresented payrolls and overstated the number of employees at several of his businesses between April 2020 and August 2022, according to charging documents.

In addition to altering accounting documents, Dadoun falsified a lease agreement and submitted a false letter signed by a New Jersey accountant to have the loans forgiven, authorities said.

The federal PPP was intended to maintain employee wages while businesses were shut down during COVID-19.

Dadouns businesses listed in the federal complaint include DG Distriservices of Perth Amboy, Seldat Distribution in South Plainfield and a redevelopment company, 200 South Pemberton Urban Renewal registered in Perth Amboy, authorities said.

Seldat Distribution was also associated with two other companies linked to Dadoun that received PPP money, Seldat Staffing and Seldat Fashion.

Dadoun withdrew the loans from three banks and funneled money to personal and business accounts, at least two of which were overseas in Vietnam and Canada, authorities said. Prosecutors also said Dadoun inflated payroll figures in at least one case by almost $700,000.

The largest loan in the scheme of over $2 million was taken from a bank headquartered in Cherry Hill.

Dadoun requested a $2.1 million loan on behalf of Seldat Distribution which claimed to have approximately 400 employees when IRS records indicated the company had 97, authorities said.

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More than a year later, a deadly Neptune Township shooting remains unsolved and investigators are still seeking the publics help in finding the perpetrator.

Devin Agolio-Stout, 26, of Neptune Township, was found with multiple gunshot wounds in the drivers seat of his car, which was parked on the 1700 block of Heck Avenue around 10:45 p.m. on Oct. 6, 2022, according to a statement from the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office.

He was rushed to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries, the office said.

Even over a year after the fatal shooting, no description of a potential suspect has been released nor has any motive for the shooting.

Despite that, the office has asked anyone with information on the incident to come forward and help detectives with their investigation.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Monmouth County Prosecutors Office Detective Aaron Shaw at 800-533-7443 or Neptune Township Police Department Detective Carrie Bartlett at 732-988-8000.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400, by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app, by calling 800-671-4400 or by going to the offices website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com

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Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
Washington  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.

Johnsons 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 and work with Democrats  the same political move that cost the last House speaker, Kevin McCarthy, his job just weeks ago.

This time, Johnson of Louisiana appeared on track for a temporarily 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 McCarthys 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.

Reps. Brandon Williams and Claudia Tenney, Republicans who represent districts that include parts of Central New York, were among 127 Republicans who voted with Democrats for the temporary plan to fund the government.

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.

Johnsons 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.

Were 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, threatened to take the House floor hostage if the chamber doesnt pass all of the appropriations bills by the deadlines.

He said he would give a little bit of room to Johnson, who is three weeks into the job of speaker. But Roy did not hold back on his opinion of the funding bill: Its crap.

The opposition from hardline conservatives left Johnson with few other options than to skip whats typically a party-only procedural vote, and rely on another process that requires a two-thirds tally with Democrats for passage.

Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries 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.

In a statement alongside other Democratic leaders, Jeffries said they would try to find common ground with Republicans whenever possible and pointed out that a federal shutdown would hurt the economy, our national security and everyday Americans.

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 Johnsons package ahead of Fridays 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 Bidens 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 GOPs 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.
A New Jersey man took part in a scam in which his associate impersonated a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and coerced a victim into handing over $50,000 in gold bars, authorities said.

The scheme began in October when someone claiming to be a DEA agent contacted a Clifton Park, New York, resident and said a warrant had been issued for the victims arrest, New York State Police said.

The victim was sent a copy of a fraudulent warrant and credentials for the fake DEA agent, police said. Then, the victim was told to pay more than $3,000 to avoid being jailed.

The person later gave the money to a man police identified as Prashil R. Shah, 22, of Maywood.

Days later, the person posing as the agent contacted the victim again and demanded $50,000 in gold bars, which the victim later gave to Shah, officials said.

Shah never spoke or communicated directly with the victim, New York State Police said in a statement.

The federal Department of Homeland Security and several other law enforcement agencies, including Maywood police, helped track down Shah.

Shah turned himself in Nov. 8 and was charged with two counts of grand larceny.

Attorney information for Shah wasnt immediately available.

New York State Police said its likely there are other victims. Police did not give any information about others allegedly involved with the scam with Shah.

There were other individuals involved, a New York State Police spokeswoman said. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone who has information about the case is asked to call New York State Police at 518-457-6811 or email crimetip@troopers.ny.gov.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy formally declared Wednesday morning she is running to take over the states U.S. Senate seat held by the recently indicted Robert Menendez, saying in a video announcement we owe it to our kids to do better.

The move, anticipated for weeks, means Murphy, 58, the wife of Gov. Phil Murphy and a former finance executive, enters a closely watched primary election for the Democratic nomination next year for the seat Menendez, a Democrat, has held since 2006.
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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh addresses the conference (Photo: VNA)

Chinh said that over the years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic period, the Government has issued many mechanisms and policies to support tourism activities, along with measures to speed up tourism recovery and development, including loosened visa policies and reduction of power prices for tourist accommodation facilities.

Thanks to the joint efforts of the whole political system, businesses and the people as well as cooperation from international partners, Vietnams tourism sector has shown fast recovery and growth.

He noted that in 2022, the total revenue from tourism activities reached 495 trillion VND (20.39 billion USD), 2.75 folds that in 2021. In the first 10 months of this year, tourism was a bright spot in the countrys economy, serving 99 million domestic and 10 million foreign tourists, exceeding the yearly plan by 8 million visitors. Total earnings from tourism activities hit 582.6 trillion VND.

The Government leader highlighted Vietnams outstanding advantages and opportunities to boost tourism, including stable political and security situation, good infrastructure system, diverse natural landscapes, unique cultural identity, and sound relations with many countries.

However, he pointed out that tourism development has yet to meet the countrys potential, with modest number of visitors and poor tourism connectivity among ministries, sectors and localities as well as loose partnership between the public and private sectors, and a lack of large-scale tourism promotion activities.

PM Chinh underscored that the tourism development motto for the coming time is boosting the sectors growth in a fast and sustainable manner, with smooth mechanisms, strong infrastructure system, and smart management.

The leader asked ministries, sectors, localities, and travel firms to foster their comprehensive and effective linkage with clear division of responsibility, promoting the orientation role of national tourism agencies, and forming tourism regions serving as driving forces for tourism growth.

At the same time, it is necessary to develop socio-economic infrastructure system and strengthen public-private partnership in tourism, and support small- and medium-sized enterprises as well as households engaging in tourism activities to speed up digital transformation and access capital.

The PM assigned specific tasks to particular ministries, sectors and localities in building the tourism planning for the 2021-2030 period with a vision to 2045 and removing difficulties in launching direct international air routes.

He ordered stronger efforts in human resources training for the tourism sector and building new and unique tourism products basing on the countrys advantages and potential, as well as greater attention to tourism environment management, heritage preservation, and smart tourism ecosystem development.

Chinh advised domestic travel firms to strengthen cooperation and mutual support to overcome difficulties.

The PM pledged that the Government will work hard to direct ministries, sectors and localities to provide best conditions for the people and business community to join hands in boosting fast and sustainable tourism development.

President and CEO of VietJet Air and President of SOVICO Group Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao gives ideas at the conference (Photo: VNA)

Participants at the conference gave various ideas to boost tourism development. Vu The Binh, Chairman of the Vietnam Travel Association, proposed that the Government adjust policies that was issued in the COVID-19 period, while allowing travel firms to access soft loans from the State, restructuring the international tourism market, strengthening tourism promotion, and switching to green tourism and diversifying tourism products.

President and CEO of VietJet Air and President of SOVICO Group Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao said that Vietnam should launch a national action programme to boost tourism, while building national-scale tourism promotion programmes, designing more favourable visa policy, investing more in technology application in enter-exit activities and e-visa issuance for international visitors, and paying greater attention to training high quality human resources for the tourism sector.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Thi Hanh, Vice Chairwoman of the Peoples Committee of Quang Ninh, underlined the need for ministries and sectors to review their mechanisms and policies to support businesses and investors in the field of tourism. She said she hopes an annual meeting will be held for localities with relevant ministries and sectors to sketch out annual tourism development orientations./.
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."

Editor: WXL
Travelers planning a trip to New Orleans may want to think twice before booking a short-term rental for Mardi Gras.

Thats because, pending the outcome of ongoing litigation between the city and STR companies, the city could end up shutting down many of the rentals currently available on popular platforms  like Airbnb, Vrbo and others  before then.

With so much up in the air, the city is warning travelers to be careful when booking travel.

Travelers should be aware that there currently is heightened uncertainty and litigation affecting short term rentals in the city and should follow all official communications from the City of New Orleans if they opt to book a short-term rental in the coming months, Mayor LaToya Cantrells Press Secretary John Lawson said.

The City Council rewrote permit rules for STRs in residential areas earlier this year, intended as a compromise on previous rules struck down by courts (STRs in commercially zoned areas are not affected). But on Aug. 31, a federal judge ordered the city to hold off on enforcing those new rules until he made a decision on whether or not they were constitutional.

U.S. District Judge Ivan Lemelle has still not ruled on the issue, and ever since that order, the city has held off enforcing old residential STR rules too, allowing the rentals to go unchecked.

The vast majority of STRs listed online in New Orleans are operating illegally. The Times-Picayune reported last week that there were 5,710 listings on STR platforms, but just around 1,260 active permits.

Last week, Lemelle once again delayed ruling in the suit. However, he did seem to indicate at a hearing that his stay on the citys STR rules only applies to those that have permits. That could, in theory, allow the city to begin cracking down on the thousands of illegal STRs.

Lawson told Gambit city enforcement officials are investigating complaints and waiting for a court order to see if they can enforce the old rules.

They are receiving complaints and investigating those as they are able to under the injunction, he said. They are also investigating violations of other laws as they are able.

City Council President JP Morrell has said that if the courts strike down major parts of the rules the council passed this year, the council could ban residential STRs altogether.

New Orleans City Council prepares for residential short-term rental ban The New Orleans City Council Thursday will take the first step toward banning residential short-term rentals in case a federal judge strikes d
A man charged with the attempted murder that left a college student paralyzed is back in custody on Tuesday after cutting himself free from an ankle monitor, OPSO said.

For nearly 24 hours, Louisiana and federal law enforcement had been searching for Tata Say, 20, who was awaiting trial for the shooting of UNO student Noah Hansard while he was on a night-time walk by the lakefront. He now needs care around the clock.

US Marshalls found Say at a family member's house on Tuesday and transported him to the Orleans Parish jail, according to law enforcement officials.
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.
as faith and community leaders with "Together Baton Rouge" hold a press conference Tuesday, July 19, 2016. The event was held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church to address the killings of Police officers Montrell Jackson and Matthew Gerald and Sheriff's Deputy Brad Garafola. (Photo by Ted Jackson, Nola.com | The Times-Picayune)
This photo taken on Nov. 7, 2023 shows a citizen exercising in front of the Bell Tower on the Beijing Central Axis in Beijing, capital of China. The Bell Tower, located in the northernmost part of the Beijing Central Axis, was the clock tolling center of Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties and has a history of over 700 years. First created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Beijing Central Axis, or Zhongzhouxian, stretches 7.8 km between the Yongding Gate in the south of the city and the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north. Most of the major old-city buildings of Beijing sit along this axis.

Chinese authorities have planned to recommend the Beijing Central Axis as China's 2024 world cultural heritage application project. It was included on the preliminary list of China's world cultural heritage sites in 2012. (Xinhua/Luo Xiaoguang)

This photo taken on Nov. 6, 2023 shows a mythical creature sculpture on the Wanning Bridge, the oldest bridge on the Beijing Central Axis, in Beijing, capital of China. The bridge, having a history of over 700 years, is located on the crossing point of the Beijing Central Axis and the Yuhe River section of the Grand Canal. First created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Beijing Central Axis, or Zhongzhouxian, stretches 7.8 km between the Yongding Gate in the south of the city and the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north. Most of the major old-city buildings of Beijing sit along this axis.

Chinese authorities have planned to recommend the Beijing Central Axis as China's 2024 world cultural heritage application project. It was included on the preliminary list of China's world cultural heritage sites in 2012. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

This photo taken on Sept. 29, 2023 shows the Tian'anmen Square on the Beijing Central Axis in Beijing, capital of China. First created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Beijing Central Axis, or Zhongzhouxian, stretches 7.8 km between the Yongding Gate in the south of the city and the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north. Most of the major old-city buildings of Beijing sit along this axis.

Chinese authorities have planned to recommend the Beijing Central Axis as China's 2024 world cultural heritage application project. It was included on the preliminary list of China's world cultural heritage sites in 2012. (Xinhua/Ren Chao)

This photo taken on Nov. 6, 2023 shows a woman walking on the Wanning Bridge, the oldest bridge on the Beijing Central Axis, in Beijing, capital of China. The bridge, having a history of over 700 years, is located on the crossing point of the Beijing Central Axis and the Yuhe River section of the Grand Canal. First created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Beijing Central Axis, or Zhongzhouxian, stretches 7.8 km between the Yongding Gate in the south of the city and the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north. Most of the major old-city buildings of Beijing sit along this axis.

Chinese authorities have planned to recommend the Beijing Central Axis as China's 2024 world cultural heritage application project. It was included on the preliminary list of China's world cultural heritage sites in 2012. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

This photo taken on Nov. 6, 2023 shows the Yongding Gate on the southernmost part of the Beijing Central Axis in Beijing, capital of China. First created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Beijing Central Axis, or Zhongzhouxian, stretches 7.8 km between the Yongding Gate in the south of the city and the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north. Most of the major old-city buildings of Beijing sit along this axis.

Chinese authorities have planned to recommend the Beijing Central Axis as China's 2024 world cultural heritage application project. It was included on the preliminary list of China's world cultural heritage sites in 2012. (Xinhua/Li He)

This photo taken on Oct. 19, 2023 shows the Forbidden City, which was first built in 1406 and was listed as one of the world heritage sites by UNESCO in 1987, seen from the Jingshan Mountain on the Beijing Central Axis in Beijing, capital of China. First created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Beijing Central Axis, or Zhongzhouxian, stretches 7.8 km between the Yongding Gate in the south of the city and the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north. Most of the major old-city buildings of Beijing sit along this axis.

Chinese authorities have planned to recommend the Beijing Central Axis as China's 2024 world cultural heritage application project. It was included on the preliminary list of China's world cultural heritage sites in 2012. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

This photo taken on Nov. 6, 2023 shows an ancient road paved by stones, where the ancient emperors passed from the Forbidden City to the place of sacrifice, in the north of Yongding Gate on the southernmost part of the Beijing Central Axis in Beijing, capital of China. First created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Beijing Central Axis, or Zhongzhouxian, stretches 7.8 km between the Yongding Gate in the south of the city and the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north. Most of the major old-city buildings of Beijing sit along this axis.

Chinese authorities have planned to recommend the Beijing Central Axis as China's 2024 world cultural heritage application project. It was included on the preliminary list of China's world cultural heritage sites in 2012. (Xinhua/Li He)

This photo taken on Nov. 3, 2023 shows the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, or Qiniandian, in the Temple of Heaven, which was listed as one of the UNESCO world heritage sites in 1998, on the Beijing Central Axis in Beijing, capital of China. First created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Beijing Central Axis, or Zhongzhouxian, stretches 7.8 km between the Yongding Gate in the south of the city and the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north. Most of the major old-city buildings of Beijing sit along this axis.

Chinese authorities have planned to recommend the Beijing Central Axis as China's 2024 world cultural heritage application project. It was included on the preliminary list of China's world cultural heritage sites in 2012. (Xinhua/Mu Wenchun)

This photo taken on Oct. 22, 2023 shows people visiting the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, or Qiniandian, in the Temple of Heaven, which was listed as one of the UNESCO world heritage sites in 1998, on the Beijing Central Axis in Beijing, capital of China. First created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Beijing Central Axis, or Zhongzhouxian, stretches 7.8 km between the Yongding Gate in the south of the city and the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north. Most of the major old-city buildings of Beijing sit along this axis.

Chinese authorities have planned to recommend the Beijing Central Axis as China's 2024 world cultural heritage application project. It was included on the preliminary list of China's world cultural heritage sites in 2012. (Xinhua/Mu Wenchun)

This photo taken on Nov. 6, 2023 shows the Zhengyang Gate, or Qianmen Gate, which was listed as one of the protection units of key national cultural relics in 1988, on the Beijing Central Axis in Beijing, capital of China. First created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Beijing Central Axis, or Zhongzhouxian, stretches 7.8 km between the Yongding Gate in the south of the city and the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north. Most of the major old-city buildings of Beijing sit along this axis.

Chinese authorities have planned to recommend the Beijing Central Axis as China's 2024 world cultural heritage application project. It was included on the preliminary list of China's world cultural heritage sites in 2012. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

This photo taken on Nov. 6, 2023 shows a corner of the Forbidden City, which was first built in 1406 and was listed as one of the world heritage sites by UNESCO in 1987, seen from the Jingshan Mountain on the Beijing Central Axis in Beijing, capital of China. First created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Beijing Central Axis, or Zhongzhouxian, stretches 7.8 km between the Yongding Gate in the south of the city and the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north. Most of the major old-city buildings of Beijing sit along this axis.

Chinese authorities have planned to recommend the Beijing Central Axis as China's 2024 world cultural heritage application project. It was included on the preliminary list of China's world cultural heritage sites in 2012. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

This photo taken on Nov. 7, 2023 shows people visiting the Beijing Zhongshan Park on the Beijing Central Axis in Beijing, capital of China. First created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Beijing Central Axis, or Zhongzhouxian, stretches 7.8 km between the Yongding Gate in the south of the city and the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north. Most of the major old-city buildings of Beijing sit along this axis.

Chinese authorities have planned to recommend the Beijing Central Axis as China's 2024 world cultural heritage application project. It was included on the preliminary list of China's world cultural heritage sites in 2012. (Xinhua/Li Jing)

This photo taken on Nov. 7, 2023 shows people taking photos of the Altar of Land and Grain, where the ancient emperors offered sacrifice to the gods of land and grain, at the Beijing Zhongshan Park on the Beijing Central Axis in Beijing, capital of China. First created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Beijing Central Axis, or Zhongzhouxian, stretches 7.8 km between the Yongding Gate in the south of the city and the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north. Most of the major old-city buildings of Beijing sit along this axis.

Chinese authorities have planned to recommend the Beijing Central Axis as China's 2024 world cultural heritage application project. It was included on the preliminary list of China's world cultural heritage sites in 2012. (Xinhua/Li Jing)

This photo taken on Oct. 27, 2023 shows a turret of the Forbidden City on the Beijing Central Axis in Beijing, capital of China. First created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Beijing Central Axis, or Zhongzhouxian, stretches 7.8 km between the Yongding Gate in the south of the city and the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north. Most of the major old-city buildings of Beijing sit along this axis.

Chinese authorities have planned to recommend the Beijing Central Axis as China's 2024 world cultural heritage application project. It was included on the preliminary list of China's world cultural heritage sites in 2012. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

This photo taken on Nov. 6, 2023 shows a visitor passing by the west gate of the Imperial Ancestral Temple, which was built in 1420 for emperors of Ming and Qing dynasties to offer sacrifices to ancestors, on the Beijing Central Axis in Beijing, capital of China. First created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Beijing Central Axis, or Zhongzhouxian, stretches 7.8 km between the Yongding Gate in the south of the city and the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north. Most of the major old-city buildings of Beijing sit along this axis.

Chinese authorities have planned to recommend the Beijing Central Axis as China's 2024 world cultural heritage application project. It was included on the preliminary list of China's world cultural heritage sites in 2012. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao)

This photo taken on Oct. 20, 2023 shows people taking photos of a turret of the Forbidden City on the Beijing Central Axis in Beijing, capital of China. First created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Beijing Central Axis, or Zhongzhouxian, stretches 7.8 km between the Yongding Gate in the south of the city and the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north. Most of the major old-city buildings of Beijing sit along this axis.

Chinese authorities have planned to recommend the Beijing Central Axis as China's 2024 world cultural heritage application project. It was included on the preliminary list of China's world cultural heritage sites in 2012. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

This photo taken on Nov. 6, 2023 shows the Yongding Gate on the southernmost part of the Beijing Central Axis in Beijing, capital of China. First created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Beijing Central Axis, or Zhongzhouxian, stretches 7.8 km between the Yongding Gate in the south of the city and the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north. Most of the major old-city buildings of Beijing sit along this axis.

Chinese authorities have planned to recommend the Beijing Central Axis as China's 2024 world cultural heritage application project. It was included on the preliminary list of China's world cultural heritage sites in 2012. (Xinhua/Li He)

This photo taken on Oct. 27, 2023 shows the Wanchun pavilion on the mountain top of the Jingshan park on the Beijing Central Axis in Beijing, capital of China. First created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Beijing Central Axis, or Zhongzhouxian, stretches 7.8 km between the Yongding Gate in the south of the city and the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north. Most of the major old-city buildings of Beijing sit along this axis.

Chinese authorities have planned to recommend the Beijing Central Axis as China's 2024 world cultural heritage application project. It was included on the preliminary list of China's world cultural heritage sites in 2012. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

This photo taken on Nov. 6, 2023 shows the Forbidden City, which was first built in 1406 and was listed as one of the world heritage sites by UNESCO in 1987, seen from the Jingshan Mountain on the Beijing Central Axis in Beijing, capital of China. First created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Beijing Central Axis, or Zhongzhouxian, stretches 7.8 km between the Yongding Gate in the south of the city and the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north. Most of the major old-city buildings of Beijing sit along this axis.

Chinese authorities have planned to recommend the Beijing Central Axis as China's 2024 world cultural heritage application project. It was included on the preliminary list of China's world cultural heritage sites in 2012. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

This photo taken on Oct. 19, 2023 shows the Drum Tower under maintenance seen from the Jingshan Mountain on the Beijing Central Axis in Beijing, capital of China. First created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Beijing Central Axis, or Zhongzhouxian, stretches 7.8 km between the Yongding Gate in the south of the city and the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north. Most of the major old-city buildings of Beijing sit along this axis.

Chinese authorities have planned to recommend the Beijing Central Axis as China's 2024 world cultural heritage application project. It was included on the preliminary list of China's world cultural heritage sites in 2012. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

This photo taken on Oct. 6, 2023 shows the Tian'anmen Rostrum on the Beijing Central Axis in Beijing, capital of China. First created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Beijing Central Axis, or Zhongzhouxian, stretches 7.8 km between the Yongding Gate in the south of the city and the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north. Most of the major old-city buildings of Beijing sit along this axis.

Chinese authorities have planned to recommend the Beijing Central Axis as China's 2024 world cultural heritage application project. It was included on the preliminary list of China's world cultural heritage sites in 2012. (Xinhua/Ren Chao)

This photo taken on Oct. 22, 2023 shows people visiting the Temple of Heaven, which was listed as one of the UNESCO world heritage sites in 1998, on the Beijing Central Axis in Beijing, capital of China. First created in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the Beijing Central Axis, or Zhongzhouxian, stretches 7.8 km between the Yongding Gate in the south of the city and the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north. Most of the major old-city buildings of Beijing sit along this axis.

Chinese authorities have planned to recommend the Beijing Central Axis as China's 2024 world cultural heritage application project. It was included on the preliminary list of China's world cultural heritage sites in 2012. (Xinhua/Mu Wenchun)

Editor: JYZ
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. 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. 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. 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."
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White cranes gather in great numbers at the Momoge National Nature Reserve in Jilin province. [Photo by Pan Shengyu/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Due to the improvement of ecological and environmental protection in recent years, the western part of Northeast China's Jilin province has seen more rare migratory birds roosting and searching for food in spring and autumn.

With its favorable geographical location and wetlands, Jilin is an important stop for migratory waterfowl, including large numbers of rare species, such as white cranes, red-crowned cranes, Oriental white storks and Chinese merganser ducks.

Western Jilin has focused on water management and initiated major projects such as river and lake connectivity in the past decade to reverse the trend of ecological deterioration.

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Editor: JYZ
Sisters Transportation and Ride Share (STARS) has received a $30,000, three-year general operations grant from Roundhouse Foundation, supporting nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT) for Sisters Country residents. Roundhouse said the multi-year grant was awarded to acknowledge the great work STARS does in the community, and to provide sustainable support in the coming years.

Rennie Morrell, STARS Program Manager, said, "Roundhouse has always believed in STARS and has provided us generous support over the last three years. This new grant will be a cornerstone for keeping STARS successful over the next three years and is very encouraging to the dedicated STARS volunteers."

It is an important moment as STARS begins its transition to an independent nonprofit organization. After operating under the Age Friendly Sisters Country (AFSC) umbrella for four years, STARS is taking this logical next step and Roundhouse Foundation support will enable the mission to continue and thrive.

In 2018, the necessity for better transportation from Sisters to Bend and Redmond was identified in a community endeavor sponsored by Citizens4Community and Senior Alliance, which ultimately became AFSC, with the mission to be an incubator for ideas. Operating as an AFSC Action Team, STARS volunteers have built an essential NEMT service for Sisters Country residents. Operationally sound and highly regarded throughout Central Oregon, STARS has become a flagship model for startup organizations and for other communities looking to address medical transportation challenges.

The need for STARS is not in question. Sisters is a rural community so a round-trip medical ride for specialty care to Bend or Redmond ranges between 50 and 100 miles. Public transit services are not an option for many STARS passengers who have medical challenges that cannot be accommodated by public transport. Since launching on March 1, 2020, STARS volunteers have provided over 1,200 free round-trip rides and driven over 55,000 miles. Volunteers have made STARS successful because they see the need firsthand every single day.

The Roundhouse Found-ation is dedicated to supporting programs like STARS that inspire creativity, connect people with each other and their sense of place, and ensure sustainability for the long-term economic success of Oregon's rural communities. Learn more at https://starsride.org/.
The American Legion High School Oratorical Contest is open.

Sisters American Legion Post 86 is sponsoring the contest in the Sisters area. The contest is an opportunity for students from Sisters High School (and home- school students) to earn scholarships that can be used in any college or university in the USA.

Students can earn scholarships totaling more than $25,000, and over $200,000 can be awarded each year.

For more information, go to https://www.legion.org/oratorical/ where you can learn the details and watch orations from previous national oratorical contests.

Interested students who would like more information or who want to enter the contest may contact [email protected].

Application deadline is January 2, 2024.
Sisters High School (SHS) students brought months of preparation to the stage for four performances of a musical earlier this month.

The SHS auditorium was filled with audience members, the overhead lights were dimmed, and voices were hushed as The SpongeBob Musical began.

The cast members delivered a spectacular performance that both exceeded expectations and delighted audience members.

I didnt expect it to be so funny; it was amazing, stated one attendee as they were leaving the performance.

The SHS choral program had been rehearsing since early May of last year to prepare for their four evenings of performance. This feat wasnt accomplished solely by the choir students; the band, tech, and art departments also played a part in this major project.

This is the hardest play Sisters High School has ever put on, said choir director Rick Johnson.

This is something all cast members could attest to. The Nickelodeon SpongeBob play, written by critically acclaimed artists, was originally performed on Broadway with 131 cast members.

The cast of 30 choir students described themselves as a community of hardworking musicians, gaining personal experiences theyll never forget.

It was incredible. It was one of the hardest things Ive ever done, but it was also so much fun to walk out after shows and see a crowd waiting for all of us, said lead Ava ONeill.

For many of these students this was their first time performing live theater. Johnson, however, made sure that everybody was aware of the importance of their role in the production.

Everybody is a valued member of this play; without every single person participating this play would not be what it is today, Johnson said repeatedly to the students before their shows.

My experience in this play was amazing, said Sophie Gerke, who played multiple roles. I got to connect with my awesome castmates and learn about acting. We all had so much fun and created lasting memories.

All participants and audience members left SHS with a new perspective on this two-dimensional cartoon character. Meanwhile, choir, band, and tech students all walked away knowing they put on a show no one would forget.
The Shibadong Forum on Poverty Reduction and Development is held in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture, Hunan province from Nov.2 to Nov.4. [Photo by Zhu Youfang/for chinadaily.com.cn]

The Shibadong village of Hunan province has become a shining example of China's great success in poverty alleviation, Mao Weiming, governor of Hunan province said on Friday.

He made the remarks at the Shibadong Forum on Poverty Reduction and Development which was held from Nov.2 to Nov.4 in the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture.

The forum marks the 10th anniversary of the targeted poverty alleviation concept put forward by China's top leader during an inspection tour to the village ten years ago.

Mao said the province has made great efforts in poverty alleviation, with all 6.82 million once-impoverished people in 51 counties lifted out of absolute poverty by 2020.

The average annual disposable income of the once-impoverished people increased from 6,461 yuan ($883) to 14,714 yuan from 2014 to 2022, he said.

Guo Weimin, head of the China Public Relations Association, said ten years ago, about 57 percent of villagers in Shibadong were in absolute poverty, and the annual income was only 1,668 yuan per person.

In the past decade, under the support of central and local authorities and through hard work of the local people, the village has transformed from a secluded village in poverty into a modern one with convenient transportation, prosperous industrial development and a good environment, he said.

The transformation has shown that the original inspiration of the Communist Party of China is to seek happiness for Chinese people, he said.

It can also serve as an example for world poverty alleviation, so more efforts should be made to introduce its experience to the world through enhanced dialogue and communication and international cooperation, he added.

Lee Hee-sup, secretary-general of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat, said China has implemented extensive poverty alleviation programs, achieving remarkable results through initiatives like "targeted poverty alleviation" and the "one village, one strategy" approach.

He looks forward to the three countries of China, Japan, and Korea, sharing and learning the experiences in rural revitalization to advance poverty reduction and sustainable development in East Asia, he said.

Editor: WRX
Sisters VFW Post 8138 presented the Patriots Pen Award to student Olivia Newton on November 9. Newton received a letter of recognition, two flag pins for her parents, a Patriots Pen medal, and a check for $400 for her essay, How Are You Inspired by America?

Her essay follows:

Inspiration: the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative. What does inspiration mean to you? What historic events of our country have inspired others? Which historical people have inspired others by the path they led? When you think of America, a diversity of different images or phrases come to mind.Maybe you think Land of the Free, or of our democratic system. When someone asks you, How are you inspired by America? you can either say there are many inspirational aspects, or many things we need to change. America inspires me because we have come so incredibly far from where we started, through hardships, through victories, and through the courage of our veterans.

Another thing that inspires me about America is our freedom of speech, and the people who have used that freedom to improve this country. For example, Martin Luther King, Jr., who used the right to go against racism with his words and actions. Or perhaps the persistence of the founding fathers, how George Washington started simply as a soldier but is now a symbol of our country. This proves that even if you start at the bottom, persistence can guide you all the way to the top.

America is also a country of many different cultures, beliefs, and nationalities. In the early days of America, immigrants would travel over from Mexico, India, China, and many other countries for the promise of freedom and opportunity. This led to the states consisting of people of many different ethnicities. The reason of immigration in itself is proven through all the amazing choices of colleges and universities. These educational opportunities are equally offered to all citizens; including women and people of color.

Therefore, America has many cultural and political achievements that inspire me to grow and use my rights as a woman and citizen of this country. To me, inspiration is learning about those who have not been afraid to use their voice, to take a stand for their beliefs, and the people who have challenged how to expand this country to be inclusive of all. To the colonists who built the ground of our amazing country and government, to the veterans who fought for our freedom, I thank you. Thank you for inspiring the youth to reach for their goals and fighting for, and insisting upon, equality for all.
There is a unanimous consensus on the Sisters City Council that the City needs to plan for expansion of its urban growth boundary (UGB)  though where and how much remains to be determined.

All five councilors concurred in a work session on November 8 that Sisters Community Development Director Scott Woodford should move ahead with a request for proposal to bring in a consultant to nail down the details of a possible UGB expansion. All agreed that such planning is prudent, and that the public needs to be informed and involved.

Failing to make plans for the next 20 years would be a dereliction of duty, according to Councilor Susan Cobb.

Its no question that we should, she said Its our responsibility, I believe.

Population projections from Portland State University say that the population inside the city limits will hit 7,108 in 2043  more than double the current population of 3,475. Sisters currently does not have room to accommodate that kind of population. The City also has identified needs for commercial land. The State of Oregon requires action from cities to accommodate future growth.

The City could, theoretically, opt not to act, though no municipality has done that. It is unclear what response that would draw from the State.

I dont think I want to be the first city to test it, said Councilor Gary Ross. I cant see kicking the can down the road as a viable option. I think its a mistake for this community, and I think its a mistake for the future leaders of this community.

The City of Sisters studied and has implemented some efficiency measures to maximize the use of the land already within the city limits. Those measures have limited efficacy, and the most impactful of those measures appear unpalatable to local residents. Increased density is limited by parking requirements, and the City backed off the idea of allowing taller buildings to accommodate more housing units.

Woodford noted that some in-fill affordable housing projects could be possible with efficiency-based flexibility in regulation.

Councilor Andrea Blum noted that many residents ask why Sisters cant simply stay the way it is. She pondered whether doing so  if that was possible  would lead to higher and higher housing prices that would price locals out, and skew demographics toward older residents, posing a problem for maintaining Sisters schools.

Councilor Jennifer Letz hit those points hard. She noted that Sisters schools can no longer rely on good reputation to attract and retain teachers when they cant afford to live here.

Our good reputation isnt enough to keep teachers, which is frustrating, she said, noting that the Forest Service also has problems with their staffs ability to live in the community.

And, she said, in the last few years our medical services have slid backwards, in part because of housing affordability.

Im especially worried about the kids coming out of our great schools, she said. They are priced out the minute they graduate from high school, and that is not a sign of a healthy community. Were not healthy right now.

The consensus is that the only way to create greater affordability in housing is to make more land available for it.

That doesnt mean that Sisters will grow significantly immediately. Mayor Michael Preedin noted that UGB expansion does not equate to immediate expansion of the city limits. And, he noted, it took 15 years to fill in McKenzie Meadows after that land was annexed into the city.

Preliminary estimates indicate that Sisters would need to add from 206 to 256 acres into the UGB to accommodate projected growth.

If we could find all that land and annex it, it would take 20 years to fill, Preedin said.

Woodford concurred, noting that its a 20-year plan theres no expectation that it would happen all at once.

The process of UGB expansion and then subsequent annexation of property would itself take several years to accomplish.

There was no public commentary at the work session, but a couple of citizens spoke to the matter at the regular city council meeting that followed.

Monica Tomosoy urged the Council to be creative, imagining what they would do if the city was an island or landlocked in such a way that it couldnt physically expand.

Zenia Kuzma said that she is not opposed to well-thought-out growth, with real public input  but she wants the City of Sisters to address the impact of short-term rentals, asserting that some 20 percent of Sisters dwellings are unoccupied (acting as rentals and/or vacation homes).

Woodford and City Manager Jordan Wheeler are to come back to Council with a request for proposal, which councilors would need to approve to hire a consultant.
Shipworms, if you didnt know, were the bane of mariners for many centuries. Shipworms are mollusks that make a living by burrowing into wood immersed in saltwater. These termites of the sea can chew a wooden ship into pieces in a relatively short amount of time. There is even some evidence to suggest, in the writings of Bernal Diaz del Castillo and other contemporaries, that Cortez didnt burn his ships because he wanted to trap conquistadors in Mexico, but because they were so riven with shipworms they were no longer seaworthy.

Well never know if thats true, but it isnt hard to see that America has taken on an unhealthy load of shipworms.

Who could have imagined that a mere twenty years after 9/11, when a handful of Wahhabi-inspired radicals killed more than 3,000 innocent people, Americans would march on the White House chanting jihadi slogans, smearing the pillars with red paint, and demanding the United States withdraw support for the only democracy in the middle east.

Its probably worth remembering that Hamas isnt your friend. The fundamental issue isnt American support for Israel  which is an acutely naive notion that wholly disregards the Hamas Charter and the tenets of fundamentalist Islamism  its the assumption that withdrawing American support for Israel would somehow cause Hamas to abandon their 7th- century view of the world for an embrace of political pluralism and freedom of religion.

Because they wont. Ever. Hamas will keep killing people no matter what we do. And we know this because they tell us they will keep doing it, and then doing it, without hesitation or reservation.

Here in the West we have grown accustomed to ignoring the declarations of our politicians, who will say almost anything except what they actually mean. We are so inured to this charlatanism  it is baked into the process  that we wrongly assume politicians in other, more serious regions of the world do the same.

The great strategic weakness of Wahhabists, Khomeinists, and other extremist middle eastern religio-ideologies  should anyone in the West ever decide to exploit it  is that they tell us exactly what they are thinking, and what they intend to do. If the Taliban say they are going to line up howitzers and destroy the Bamyan Buddhas, or if a Salafi radical says they are going to kidnap civilians and murder them, they are going to do it.

Failing to believe them is an enormous mistake, and images from the evacuation of Kabul, where people knew better and were so desperate to escape the Taliban they were clinging to the sides of C-130s, then falling out of the sky as the planes took off, will hang around Joe Bidens neck like a dead chicken for the rest of his life, whether he knows it or not.

But, infested as we are with wormy notions of moral equivalence, and self-hating suggestions that all of this strife and violence is somehow our fault, it is no longer clear that we in the West still have a determination to defend our way of life  even against people who throw acid in the faces of young girls who want to read, beat women who display their ankles, throw homosexuals off of rooftops or hang them from excavators in the town square, or, in their latest outburst of medieval horror, parade Holocaust survivors through the streets, behead children, tie people together and light them on fire, and rape women in front of their families.

They tell us they are going to do it, and then they do it, and an astonishing percentage of the American public goes wobbly in the knees rather than embrace with moral clarity  as the Israelis certainly have  that fighting these monsters isnt even a choice: it is a sacred duty to defend civilization from primitive savagery.

Its a topsy-turvy world, no-doubt, and one great irony in the offing while the shipworms go chewing through the keel, is the potential reelection of Donald Trump. Nobody should want that, but the law of unintended consequences seems to be forbearing. America has a long and embarrassing history of embracing criminals, which is probably one reason the DNCs big ad-campaign portraying Trump as Criminal was recently yanked from the airwaves  because it wasnt moving the needle of public opinion in the direction they had hoped. And who can be surprised?

For decades now we have been coddling criminals, attempting to explain away their behaviors as the result of an ethereal, intersecting matrix of various grievances, rather than demanding they behave better and punishing them harshly when they dont. So, if Trump ascends to the Iron Throne again, the progressive American left, which rarely finds a crook it doesnt love, can thank itself for so broadly seeding the field.

The Trump question aside, if milquetoast mayors and city councils across the land wont stand up to mobs running riot in their own streets, burning down whole city blocks in the name of a career criminal, imagine how they will defend your values, to say nothing of your life and property, against something as scary as jihadis wired on amphetamines and loaded down with rocket launchers and machine guns, with lists of people to kidnap and kill?

And worse, when they start suggesting that barbarous mentality is your fault, it is abundantly clear that the ship is riven with worms and taking on water.
Last week, Sisters marked Veterans Day observances, Americans annual opportunity to honor those who have served the country in our armed forces. Sisters students met with veterans and celebrated their service in assemblies (see Roundabout Sisters, page 3). Bend hosted its always-impressive Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 11.

What Americans know as Veterans Day grew out of solemn observations of Armistice Day, marking the moment when the guns fell silent on the Western Front of World War I, where Great Britain, France, and Russia  and, after 1917 the United States  had battled Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire from 1914 to 1918 in a titanic and apparently endless slaughter. Untold millions had died, empires crashed in a welter of blood and revolution, and the map of Europe and the Middle East would be redrawn.

In a single moment  the 11th hour of the 11th day, of the 11th month in 1918  the cataclysm of the Great War was over. Statesmen assured their exhausted, shell-shocked populations that it had been the war to end all wars. It was not that. In fact, the treaties and agreements that established a new world order from 1919 to 1922 created what historian David Fromkin called a peace to end all peace.

The two great and gruesome conflicts of 2023 have their roots in the bloody soil of the First World War.

Ukraine did not exist as a nation in 1914. Its territory was divided between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Russian Empire. Those two tottering and militarily inept powers cast away millions of soldiers lives fighting over it. Ukrainians fought and died in both armies. When the Communist Bolsheviks took power in the Russian Revolution, Ukraine became a key theater in the Russian Civil War, a conflict of almost unimaginable savagery. Ukrainian nationalists sought to create a state, anarchists fought for local control, but they were ultimately overwhelmed by the Red Army. Some 1.5 million people died in the fighting.

The Versailles Treaty that created the post-World War I settlement divvied up Ukrainian territory, a little to the new nations of Poland and Czechoslovakia, and the majority left to the tender mercies of the new Soviet Union. Ukraine would be a bloody battleground again in World War II, rolled over by the Wehrmacht of the Third Reich, retaken by the Red Army. In 1941, Ukraine would be the site of a massive two-day Nazi killing of Jews, where 33,771 were gunned down in the Holocaust of Bullets in a ravine in Kyiv called Babi Yar.

Ukraininan national aspirations would rise again after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, but Russian hardliners have never accepted Ukraine as an independent entity. And now it has become a bloodland again, invaded by its ancient nemesis as Vladimir Putin attempts to reassert Russian dominance.

The terrible and apparently intractable conflict between Israel and the Palestinians is even more clearly traceable to the great power machinations of the First World War. Great Britain in particular made a series of incompatible promises to different peoples, and promulgated a deeply cynical backroom deal, all in an effort to topple the Ottoman Empire and to gain control of chunks of its territory and assets after the war.

World War I was a desperate conflict, consuming blood and treasure at a pace and scale never before seen in human history. By 1915-16, it was locked in a stalemate in the trenches that stretched north-to-south across western Europe. Britain hoped to break the stalemate by rolling up the flank of the Central Powers  by attacking the apparently vulnerable Ottoman Empire, which had been in decline for the past 200 years. The Ottomans ruled all the lands we think of as the Middle East.

One way to undermine the Ottomans was to foment a revolt among its Arab subjects. Nationalism, which was on the rise across the globe from the mid-19th century on, had reached the peoples of the Arabian Peninsula and the Fertile Crescent. There were rumblings of efforts to throw off the Turkish Ottoman domination they had lived under for 500 years. To trigger an Arab revolt, the British held out to Sharif Hussein ibn Ali, the emir of Mecca, the promise of support for a new Arab state, led by his family.

The Arab Revolt kicked off in 1916, under the leadership of Husseins son Faisal. It was a guerrilla war run conjunction with a conventional British military campaign. This was the theater of war where T.E. Lawrence  Lawrence of Arabia  gained his fame. Lawrence, at great cost to his soul, recognized that the British had no intention of honoring their promise and establishing a single unified Arab state. Even before the revolt got underway, British and French diplomats Mark Sykes and Francois Picot had hammered out a carve-up of the territory the allies would win in the war.

Another player was introduced to the great powers chessboard in 1917, when Britain issued the Balfour Declaration, a public letter from Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour to Lord Walter Rothschild stating that:

His Majestys Gover-nment view with favour the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, and will use their best endeavours to facilitate the achievement of this object, it being clearly understood that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine, or the rights and political status enjoyed by Jews in any other country.

Jewish nationalism, too, had been on the rise, taking the form of Zionism  the movement to create a Jewish homeland in the ancient lands of Palestine. Just as with the promise of Arab statehood, the Balfour Declaration was a wartime expedient, designed to mobilize Jewish opinion  especially in the United States  behind Britains war effort. Britain didnt really concern themselves with squaring the circle of creating a Jewish national home in Palestine without prejudicing the rights of the Arab population living there.

The declaration was issued just as British troops broke through Ottoman defenses and moved into Palestine. In 1918, they would push into Syria and knock the Ottoman Empire out of the war.

Britain and France wound up with a mandate from the newly formed League of Nations to govern Syria and Lebanon (France) and Palestine, Transjordan and part of Iraq (Great Britain). The two great powers stiffed the Arabs. Faisal ended up being fobbed off with a throne in Iraq, while his Hashemite family had to suffer the indignity of seeing most of the Arabian Peninsula conquered by Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud, whose oil-rich House of Saud rules the land to this day.

Taking the Empire at its word, Jews began immigrating in greater numbers into Palestine.

The Palestinian Arabs resisted this immigration, rising in revolt against the British Mandate in 1936-39. In World War II, the Palestinian Grand Mufti of Jerusalem Haj Amin al-Husseini supported Hitler, declaring that they had the same enemies, the English, the Jews, and the Communists.

In the wake of the Second World War and the Holocaust, on November 29, 1947, the United Nations adopted Resolution 181 to divide Great Britains former Palestinian mandate into Jewish and Arab states in May 1948, when the British mandate was scheduled to end.

The Palestinians and the Arab States that had themselves recently come to independence rejected partition, and went to war against the new state  a war that has never truly ended.

The explosions of rockets and bombs in Israel and Gaza in November 2023 are the long echo of the guns of the great cataclysm of the age  the First World War.
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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)

Editor: WJH
Valparaiso Soup Company is a lunch spot on the Porter County Courthouse Square in downtown Valparaiso that serves up warm bowls of comfort food.

The restaurant at 57 Franklin St. in the former South Bend Chocolate Company space offers soup, salads and sandwiches. Everything is made fresh from scratch with fresh ingredients and you can taste it.

One can build their own salad or sandwich and take it to go or enjoy it in the modern cafe setting. Premade options include Honey Mustard Salad, Blue Beet Salad, Autumn Harvest Salad and Blueberry & Pear Salad. Sandwiches skew toward the classics like a Reuben, a BBQ Russian, a Tuna Salad, a Valpo Cuban and a Valpo Club. Vegetarians have options like Tomato & Feta and Tomato Pesto sandwiches.

The soup rotates daily, ensuring variety and the chance to try something new, even if you're a regular with your own table staked out. On Tuesday, the menu includes Zuppa Toscana, Beef Dumpling, Broccoli Cheddar, Cilantro Chicken, Lentil & Carrot and Vegetable.

Valparaiso Soup Company does an excellent version of the time-honored classic New England Clam Chowder. It's lighter and fresher-tasting than the gelatinous gloop that's been congealing on a pot all day at a diner. The celery is crisp and crunchy, the potatoes soft and tender. The clams taste fleshy and briny, with a piquant bite of saltiness.

It's richly satisfying and served with a big, buttery roll that's perfect for dipping.

It's open from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

For more information, visit valposoup.com.
As technological innovations unfold at a relentless pace, the digital age continues to reshape how people interact with the world.

From a persistent stream of notifications on smartphones to the constant allure of social media, its no wonder that experts say this ever-evolving techscape is affecting lives, relationships and society at large.

People hardly talk on the phone anymore when text messaging takes much less emotional effort than a quality conversation, said Matthew Cross, a Franciscan Employee Assistance Therapist. Individuals then turn to social media as their modality of communication because it reaches a broader spectrum of easy communication that takes little to no effort on the person.

Cross, a licensed mental health counselor and licensed addictions counselor associate who specializes in abnormal psychology of various kinds, says that over time, face-to-face skills tend to dwindle.

Have you ever noticed that most people, when they walk past somebody they do not know, they stare at their phone, even if they are not actively using it? he said. It is because they have that security blanket of not needing to acknowledge the human being walking past them when their lifelines exist on that smartphone.

This begs the question, is it possible to harness the power of technology to enrich lives rather than succumb to its grip?

For local experts, the answer begins with understanding the challenges and finding strategies to navigate this digital era.

Fast-paced world

In todays fast-paced, tech-savvy world, Cross says there are some common challenges and issues.

A few common themes I notice is difficulty in starting projects and seeing them to completion, he said.

Technology can also be a double-edged sword, he says.

Now we see new applications arise, which draws our focus to watching others live their lives as opposed to living our own, Cross said. Technology has contributed to this development of instant gratification that has supplanted the much more sustainable delayed gratification of working toward goals.

Dr. Janet Shlaes, director of the Center for Innovative and Lifelong Learning at Rush Universitys Office of Faculty Affairs, says that when technology is overused, it can lead to multitasking, which then leads to diluted or subpar outcomes. Multitasking can also lead to demand overload, adrenal depletion, increased stress levels, burnout, disengagement and reduced work quality.

Technology can also provide multiple distractions via real-time alerts, social media notifications and rabbit hole seductions to reduce tech-related stressors, she said.

Considering that the brain can be susceptible to distractions, technology can take advantage of these natural tendencies, Cross says.

The brain acts as both the persons best friend and ultimate villain, hopefully not at the same time, he said. The brain is so complex to make sense of it entirely, but what is known is it craves stimulus almost at all hours of the day, and this includes while we are asleep.

In fact, Cross says instant gratification often goes hand in hand with distraction.

Dopamine plays a massive role in keeping oneself distracted because these apps are designed to keep a person glued to them, he said. The brain craves the content constantly.

Digital overload

TikTok has established itself as a top online platform for U.S. teens, with the Pew Research Center estimating that 67% of teens use TikTok. Nearly 16% said in a recent survey that they use the platform almost constantly.

Were living in a TikTok world that encourages the rush of 60-second instant gratification and the accompanying adrenaline feel-good rush, Shlaes said.

A Pew survey found that 95% of teens said they use YouTube, and 35% teens said they use at least one of five platforms  YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook  almost constantly.

According to Think With Google, the company's research arm, an estimated 68% of teens also make purchases online.

Younger individuals have grown up in the age where everything essentially is online, where with only a few searches on their smartphone or tablet, they have access to it, Cross said.

Yet Cross warns its not just young people who have shifted toward wanting everything at their fingertips.

Older populations are falling prey to it as well, he said. Everyone does.

While the convenience can be important, Cross says many dont take into account the cost.

This creates a trickle-down effect that not only impacts our social skills and the ability to maintain conversations with an individual face-to-face, but can isolate a person if they are not careful and overdo transitioning their entire life online, Cross said.

Strategies to stay focused

Shlaes says she manages to stay focused by turning off instant notifications and intentionally scheduling time to check email. She also avoids scheduling back-to-back meetings, especially virtual ones that require intense focus.

I take a few minutes at the beginning of the day to review and tweak my schedule to optimize productivity and include brief periods of mental or focus breaks, she said. This includes a few minutes of walking, deep breathing and mini-meditations every 90 minutes.

At the end of the day, Shlaes says she takes a few minutes to review and feel good about accomplishments.

Other tips she recommends include setting up a workspace environment to limit distractions and scheduling more intellectually or emotionally challenging tasks during the most productive periods.

For me, this is always early morning, she said.

Cross also recommends using technology for its benefits.

Technology has its place when used in moderation, such as keeping up with friends or distant family members, being able to grocery shop on a day if someone does not feel well enough to go to the store or using apps that can help a person relax better, he said. The key word is to ensure it is not excessive. Anything in excess is never a good thing.

For parents to help their children develop stronger focusing abilities, Cross recommends setting parameters.

It is perfectly fine to allow our childs access to their hobbies, but the moment we see those hobbies start taking precedence or interfere in the childs social life, then intervention should be considered in the form of limiting screen time, he said.

Encouraging activities away from the internet can help children remain socially connected with their friends as well, Cross said.

It prevents the risk of isolation, anxiety and other concerns that are often seen today, he said.
VALPARAISO  President Joe Biden announced Wednesday his intent to nominate two women with Valparaiso University degrees to fill judicial vacancies on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana.

The Democratic chief executive said he believes St. Joseph Superior Judge Cristal C. Brisco and Elkhart Superior Judge Gretchen S. Lund are extraordinarily qualified candidates to hold lifetime appointments on the federal court serving Northwest Indiana, South Bend, Fort Wayne, Lafayette and the places in between.

The judicial candidates next are expected to be scrutinized by the Democratic-controlled Senate, which must advise and consent to the president's nominees before they can be seated on the federal bench.

Brisco, a Gary native, earned her bachelor's degree at Valparaiso University in 2002 and graduated from law school at the University of Notre Dame in 2006.

Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb appointed Brisco as a county judge in South Bend in 2021. She previously worked as a St. Joseph County magistrate judge, counsel for St. Mary's College and the city of South Bend, and as an associate at Barnes & Thornburg LLP.

If confirmed, Brisco would be the first Black woman to sit as a judge on the federal court serving northern Indiana.

Lund, meanwhile, earned her law degree from Valparaiso University in 2001 after collecting a bachelor's degree in journalism from Butler University in Indianapolis.

She was elected to the Elkhart Superior Court as a Republican in 2014, and won a second six-year term in 2020. Lund also was judge of the Goshen City Court from 2008 to 2014, and previously worked as a deputy prosecutor, federal law clerk and as an associate at Ice Miller LLP.

U.S. Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., applauded the president's recommendation to elevate both Indiana judges to the U.S. District Court.

"Judge Brisco and Judge Lund are experienced, qualified jurists who have served honorably in state superior courts. I fully expect them to excel on the federal bench, and I anticipate supporting both of them as they enter the confirmation process," Young said.

The nominees will replace U.S. District Judges Theresa Springmann and Jon DeGuilio, who both took senior status on the federal bench in recent years.

Gallery: Get to know these new Indiana laws that took effect July 1 AirTags Alcohol permits Animal facilities Army veteran in Aberdeen repeatedly victimized by teens, calling him a 'terrorist' Book bans Bullying Charter schools Child molesting Childrens hospitals Domestic violence Drinking water Electric/hybrid vehicles Encroachment FAFSA Financial literacy Firefighting equipment Food and beverage tax Gender-affirming care Gary schools Gasoline tax Human trafficking Illiana Expressway Inmate gender Insurance fund Juror pay Juveniles Lake County convention center Lake County recorder Landlords Little Calumet River Lost farmland Machine guns Mail-in ballots Mental health Military bases Military pay Pension investments Public health School board elections Service animals Sex education SNAP assistance Speed cameras State comptroller Storage units Tax sales Taxpayer receipt Teachers unions Throwing stars Transit Development District 21st Century Scholars Valparaiso lawsuit Xylazine
PORTAGE  A report of a potential armed robbery attempt Tuesday at a local gas station resulted in the arrest of a 27-year-old Chicago woman, Portage police say.

Police said they were called out shortly after 1 a.m. Tuesday to the local Meijer gas station along U.S. 6 for a report of a masked man, who was potentially carrying a gun, trying to force his way into the locked business.

Officers stopped the vehicle in question along a nearby stretch of Willowcreek Road where the driver, Kree Richardson, said her boyfriend had been knocking on the windows at the business asking about cigarettes.

A clerk at the gas station reportedly told police the man approached wearing a mask with one hand down his pants and with an item she assumed was a gun. Out of fear that she was being robbed, the clerk said she locked herself in an office and heard the man pounding on the business door.

She showed police where the man had allegedly written "racist (expletive)" on the the business window.

The boyfriend was in the vehicle, police said, along with three children and two cats.

Police said they learned the rental vehicle had been reported stolen in Illinois and Richardson said she thought the rental company would just continue charging her credit card.

Richardson was taken into custody on a felony count of auto theft, police said.

Region coroner identifies bullet-riddled body spotted by passing motorist Gary police said they were called out shortly after 7 p.m. Saturday to the area in question for a death investigation after a motorist noticed the man's body.

Police say they forwarded the case to prosecutors for a possible criminal mischief charge against the boyfriend, who admitted to wearing a ski mask during the encounter.

Child Protective Services took custody of the three children, Portage animal control took the cats and the boyfriend was given the remaining items in the vehicle and released from the scene.

Gallery: Recent arrests booked into the Porter County Jail Lwiyhi Torres-Alvarez Michael Oprisko Shayna McNeil Quentin Heckman Destiny Grakauskas Daniel Sutton Kameron Watkins Lily Stratton Travis Schirato Lewis Stahl Jonathon Daniels Seth Garrison Annie Brasher Jeremy Worley Selena Rivera Jonathan Thien Rachael Trinidad Benjamin Long Raymond Byrd Ryenn Dearing Jennifer Hurt Brian Augustynski Hector Ayala Joshua Vasquez Brett Volk Brock Pappas Antonio Tito-Acatitlan Tonya Worley Kayden Whiteside Patrick Carter Edward Remm Dylan Apgar Luke Bucksbarg Jonathon O'Brien Anthony Kyle Keon Moten Trennell Walker Brooke White Justin Troutwine Willie Armstrong Richard Drescher Holly Hardee Scott Pachowicz James Pierce
VALPARAISO  The Porter County Sheriff's Department warns of a phone scam underway where callers are claiming to be from area police departments.

Woman charged in 2022 St. John drive-by shooting, police say "The occupied dwelling was struck numerous times nearly striking the two individuals who were inside," he said.

"Sometimes callers can mask the caller ID information to make it appear as if the call is coming from a police department or other government entity," the department said.

Anyone receiving such a call is encouraged to hang up and call 219-477-3170 to verify the identity of the caller.

Coroner seeking help locating family of Portage man Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the coroner's office at 219-548-0208.

"If you receive a call from a person claiming to be an officer with another agency and are suspicious, please hang up and call that agency directly to verify their identity."

"Our officers would never call you demanding your social security number, date of birth, bank account information, or telling you to pay a fee to avoid an arrest," police said.

Gallery: Recent arrests booked into the Porter County Jail Lwiyhi Torres-Alvarez Michael Oprisko Shayna McNeil Quentin Heckman Destiny Grakauskas Daniel Sutton Kameron Watkins Lily Stratton Travis Schirato Lewis Stahl Jonathon Daniels Seth Garrison Annie Brasher Jeremy Worley Selena Rivera Jonathan Thien Rachael Trinidad Benjamin Long Raymond Byrd Ryenn Dearing Jennifer Hurt Brian Augustynski Hector Ayala Joshua Vasquez Brett Volk Brock Pappas Antonio Tito-Acatitlan Tonya Worley Kayden Whiteside Patrick Carter Edward Remm Dylan Apgar Luke Bucksbarg Jonathon O'Brien Anthony Kyle Keon Moten Trennell Walker Brooke White Justin Troutwine Willie Armstrong Richard Drescher Holly Hardee Scott Pachowicz James Pierce
School boards in Valparaiso and East Chicago will soon have to replace members who were elected to new political offices last week.

Valparaiso Community Schools' board is typically appointed by the Valparaiso City Council and Center Township trustees but state law tasks remaining members of a school board with filling a seat vacated during a member's term.

VCS board member Jon Costas will soon step down from the board after being elected the city's mayor Nov. 7.

Costas, who was appointed to the school board in May 2022, served as Valparaiso's mayor from 2004 to 2020.

On Tuesday morning, the VCS board met to outline the replacement process.

According to Kurt Minko, the board's president, applications for the board vacancy would be available on the VCS website beginning Wednesday, with the deadline to submit them at noon Dec. 5.

If four or fewer applicants apply, all would be considered, Minko said. If more than four apply, the board may meet to select four finalists.

At 6 p.m. Dec. 12, the VCS board will hold a public meeting to conduct 30-minute interviews with each finalist. The candidates will be asked the same questions, similar to the city council's school board appointment process.

After the interviews, each board member will nominate a candidate and vote on selecting a new member.

Costas will not take part in selecting his replacement, Minko said.

During public comment Tuesday, several individuals urged the school board to select from the applicants that had applied in previous appointment cycles.

Alison Quackenbush, who applied for the school board earlier this year, expressed her interest in applying for the board vacancy.

The School City of East Chicago will also look to fill an upcoming vacancy, as Trustee Vanessa Hernandez-Orange was elected to an at-large seat on the East Chicago Common Council.

According to Jewell Harris Jr., the school board's attorney, the board will look to select Hernandez-Orange's replacement by the start of next year.

GALLERY: The Times Photos of the Week
HAMMOND  Plans to build a train bridge in Hessville have been in the works for over five years, however continued public criticism has caused the project to evolve.

Located just across the boarder from Chicago, the busiest railroad hub in the country, Hammond has long been plagued by stopped trains.

Train congestion is especially problematic in Hessville. In April of this year an InvestigateTV/ProPublica investigation into blocked crossings captured videos of school children crawling through stopped trains in the Hammond neighborhood. The article prompted public outrage; during a public hearing hosted by the Indiana Department of Transportation, or INDOT, over two dozen residents shared concerns about stopped trains and child safety.

Obviously, kids going over stopped trains is unacceptable. We all know that. Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. said during the April meeting.

In 2017, the city of Hammond sought state funding from a pool of money meant to pay for railroad grade separation projects throughout Indiana. Hammond submitted a proposal for a bridge that would lift traffic over the railroad tracks in Hessville. The bridge, called Governors Parkway, would start at 173rd Street east of Parrish Avenue and end on 169th Street, closing the at-grade crossings of the Norfolk Southern line on Parrish and Arizona avenues.

In April of 2018, Hammond was awarded $6.7 million for the project and the city was full-steam ahead. However, the Hessville Dune Dusters  a local group of environmental advocates  say Governors Parkway will destroy valuable habitat and won't solve the issue of children crawling between stopped trains.

An evolving project

Founded by Hessville resident Ken Rosek shortly after the Governors Parkway train bridge was announced, the Dune Dusters group consistently speaks out against the bridge during Hammond Common Council meetings. The Dune Dusters are against the bridge because it would develop about 12 acres of Briar East Woods, a 32-acre dune and swale ecosystem located near the College Bound water tower at Parrish Avenue and 169th Street.

Rosek said the train bridge would cut through the center of the dune ridge, destroying it. He also said the woods serve as an important buffer for noise pollution, provide habitat for the area's wildlife and soak up stormwater, reducing flooding.

The Dune Dusters have been pushing the city to consider an underpass instead.

Earlier this year, the group got their wish. Crawford, Murphy & Tilly Inc., INDOT's engineering consultants, decided to conduct both a qualitative study of Briar East Woods and a cost analysis for a potential Grand Avenue underpass. Nick Batta, a project manager with Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, said the additional studies were prompted by the feedback they received during the April public hearing and during the public comment period.

During the qualitative study of the woods, ecologists assessed the quality and significance of the area's vegetation and ecology. Batta said they were looking for any specific habitat or species that are considered rare. The study is currently being reviewed by INDOT and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

The underpass cost analysis is almost complete and will be reviewed by INDOT later this year.

The total cost of the Governors Parkway Bridge project is estimated at $14 million. The Federal Railroad Administration pledged an additional $7 million to the project in the spring of 2023 and the city has budgeted a $2.5 million contribution.

While the underpass cost analysis is not complete, Hammond City Engineer Dean Button said it is "my expectation that the cost to build an underpass is really prohibitive." Because Norfolk Southern would still have to operate during construction, a temporary track would have to be constructed.

In addition, the Governors Parkway Bridge would only displace two homes. Though the exact number of homes needed for an underpass cannot be determined until the cost analysis is done, Batta said he "can say with complete certainty that it will be much higher than the two relocations needed for the Governors Parkway option."

INDOT still considers Governors Parkway the "preferred alternative."

"I don't expect any change from the course of action that we have planned," Button said. "I expect many more homes and residents to be effected by an underpass. But, that doesn't mean we shouldn't take a look at it."

Button said switching to an underpass would also push the project back a decade.

Were already five years into design and so we would basically be scrapping the project and starting over," Button said.

The ecological study and the cost analysis have pushed back the project's start time from the spring of 2024 to the fall of 2024. Both studies will be published around the start of the new year. Rosek said he would like INDOT to host another public hearing once the studies are complete.

Its not just cost versus cost, its cost versus the collateral damage it's going to cause our environment and they always seem to exclude that," Rosek said.

Crawling through trains

Stopped trains in Hessville create traffic, slow emergency response times and put pedestrians at risk. According to data from the Federal Railroad Administration, over the past 12 months, the third- and fourth-highest number of blocked crossings have been reported in Illinois and Indiana, respectively. Of the 150 blocked crossings reported in Lake County, 80 were reported in Hammond.

Frequent blocked crossings means Hessville school children are often faced with a dangerous decision  be late to school or risk it all and crawl between the trains. ProPublica and InvestigateTV's report detailing the gamble many Hammond students take filled national headlines.

During the INDOT public hearing, which happened to take place the day the ProPublica piece dropped, many residents said the Governor's Parkway bridge would not help school children.

Hessville is home to Morton High and Scott Middle schools, which are off Grand Avenue, and Hess Elementary, which is farther south off Orchard Drive. Many students would have to walk a mile or two to get to school using the proposed train bridge.

After the piece was published, Norfolk Southern started communicating with Hammond leaders and began positioning trains east of Hessville, a spokesperson from the railway said in an email.

"It's incredible  I have seen three parked trains since May," Rosek said, adding that before the ProPublica report "Youd have three a week, youd have three in one day sometimes."

Norfolk has also created an email network that connects the railway with city leaders in the event there is a blocked crossing. The city in Norfolk also plan to collaborate on a pedestrian bridge.

Located at the Grand Crossing near Scott Middle, the pedestrian bridge is currently in the design phase. Button said the city and Norfolk Southern intend to apply for another state railroad crossing elimination grant together. Button estimates the bridge will cost $5 million, the project's timeline will be grant-dependent.

However, residents like Rosek remain skeptical.

"I think the proposal for a pedestrian bridge is only a way to salvage what was a horrible design to begin with," Rosek said. "Now were going to have two giant albatrosses taking up the landscape trying to address a problem that one underpass can solve."

Mayor's Night Out, McDermott's long-running community forum, will be coming to Hessville Wednesday night. The Sixth District Mayor's Night Out will take place at Scott Middle School starting at 6:30 p.m.

PHOTOS: INDOT public hearing on Hessville train bridge Public hearing to discuss the train bridge proposed for Hessville Public hearing to discuss the train bridge proposed for Hessville Public hearing to discuss the train bridge proposed for Hessville Public hearing to discuss the train bridge proposed for Hessville Public hearing to discuss the train bridge proposed for Hessville Public hearing to discuss the train bridge proposed for Hessville Public hearing to discuss the train bridge proposed for Hessville Public hearing to discuss the train bridge proposed for Hessville Public hearing to discuss the train bridge proposed for Hessville Public hearing to discuss the train bridge proposed for Hessville Public hearing to discuss the train bridge proposed for Hessville Public hearing to discuss the train bridge proposed for Hessville
What if you were forever judged by your last action? What if it was a wrong decision? What if it took place on Jan. 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol?

This is the thought-provoking premise posed by Antinika, a new adaptation of the classic Greek tragedy, Antigone, by the fifth century playwright Sophocles. Its themes continue to resonate in the 21st century, and the arts continue to facilitate needed discussions about sensitive topics.

McKenya Dilworth Smith, a playwright from Gary, wrote Antinika with this in mind, tapping in to broader social dynamics by focusing on a polarizing historical event in our lifetime. She and others performed a dramatic reading of her story at the Marshall Gardner Center for the Arts in Miller.

I was nervous about writing this because Im self-identified as a conservative Democrat. I didnt want to be unfair, said Dilworth Smith, executive director of Morning Bishop Theatre Playhouse, Inc.

She revisits the attack at the U.S. Capitol nearly three years ago by modernizing Antigone, the fabled story first performed in 441 B.C., exploring timeless topics such as morality, loyalty and authority. Dilworth Smith draws a parallel between the two versions by posing the question: What if you were judged by the very last thing you did?

Think about that, she told me after the stage performance.

We need to come together and have courageous conversations to ask, Whats going on here? We cant keep pushing it back down and not talking about it openly, publicly and with civility. If we continue to do that, were going to continue to see violent transitions of power. And then we will become a banana republic, she said.

The original Athenian story tells the tale of two brothers who lusted for power and ended up killing each other in battle because of it. Antigone, their oldest sister, performed a proper burial for one of her brothers, got caught for doing it, and sentenced to death. She chose her sibling relationship above the law of the land at that time.

Which loyalty would mean more to you if your loved one was labeled and punished as an insurrectionist on Jan. 6, 2021? Dilworth Smith was motivated to explore this issue when she didnt see enough social discourse beyond political zealotry and rippling rhetoric.

When I didnt see the town halls, the gatherings and the urgency to really talk this through, I got nervous, she said. I didnt understand. It was the same sort of eerie silence that happened right before Trump became president.

Shes referring, of course, to former President Donald Trump just after Election Day, 2016, when his critics were in stunned disbelief.

This is not me being anti-Trump. This is me being pro-American, she said. Our fellow Americans who are now labeled insurrectionists felt like they were doing the right thing that day. They were convinced. Through destroying American property, they felt like they were preserving American tenets.

After the sold-out performance of Antinika, the racially diverse audience lingered in the venue to share their thoughts about not only the performance but its relevance in our fractured nation. They felt compelled to talk through what happened at the U.S. Capitol, the reasons behind it, and what to do moving forward.

There has not been a great deal of candid yet civil discussion about the insurrection from the perspective of average Americans, Dilworth Smith told me while still basking in the moment.

Dilworth Smiths present-day version of the ancient story follows the female protagonist named Antinika, who is battling with U.S. Veterans Affairs, government officials and even the president of the United States to honorably bury her brother at Arlington Cemetery despite his interaction with the insurrection attack on Jan. 6, 2021.

Her brother, named Liel Paul, is implicated in the attack and later found guilty for his involvement. Although he was a decorated military veteran, he cannot be properly buried at Arlington Cemetery.

The lingering question throughout the plays performance remains the same: what if you were judged strictly by your last action? (Watch a video and view more photos at the online version of this column.)

As the character Antinika states in her monologue at the end of the first act: Ask yourself if you would want to be judged by the last thing you did. Is this morally correct or even in alignment with the very essence and nature of what we do and believe as Americans, a nation of second chances and re-invention?"

After being unsuccessful in her plea for a proper burial for her disgraced brother, she visits the sacred cemetery to dig her brother's grave herself, resolved to die "suicide by cop. It echoes the same civil disobedience and conflicted loyalties that Sophocles once posited to a distant society.

I wrote this piece not to be didactic, but as a love letter to America, Dilworth Smith said. Because I love it, I need to criticize it and have the freedom to do so, for everyone, even the insurrectionists.

GALLERY: The Times Photos of the Week
Climate change continues to have a worsening effect on health and mortality around the world, according to an exhaustive report published on Tuesday by an international team of 114 researchers.

One of the starkest findings is that heat-related deaths of people older than 65 have increased by 85 percent since the 1990s, according to modeling that incorporates both changing temperatures and demographics. People in this age group, along with babies, are especially vulnerable to health risks like heat stroke. As global temperatures have risen, older people and infants now are exposed to twice the number of heat-wave days annually as they were from 1986 to 2005.

The report, published in the medical journal The Lancet, also tracked estimated lost income and food insecurity. Globally, exposure to extreme heat, and resulting losses in productivity or inability to work, may have led to income losses as high as $863 billion in 2022. And, in 2021, an estimated 127 million more people experienced moderate or severe food insecurity linked to heat waves and droughts, compared with 1981-2010.

Weve lost very precious years of climate action and that has come at an enormous health cost, said Marina Romanello, a researcher at University College London and the executive director of the report, known as The Lancet Countdown. The loss of life, the impact that people experience, is irreversible.
Detailed. Delicate. Colorful. Laurentine Perilhous three-dimensional flowers look more like embroidery than macrame, the traditional knotting technique long associated with 1970s wall art and plant hangers.

People never imagined we could do this kind of thing with knots, Ms. Perilhou, 38, said as she turned over the arched petal of a knotted white and gold daisy on a recent morning in her rural atelier in Limbrassac, southwestern France, at the foot of the Pyrenees mountain range. But with macrame, everything is possible, she said.

For Ms. Perilhou, an art history graduate whose creations in macrame have included fine jewelry, architectural structures, 3-D works of art and even furniture, this belief in the possible has become her watchword. When a project seems undoable, we always find solutions, she said. Thats what allows us to evolve.
Targeted government programs have completely transformed village in Hunan

After a decade of development, Shibadong village has undergone a monumental transformation thanks to China's targeted poverty alleviation programs.

Located in Shuanglong township of Huayuan county in the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture in Hunan province, Shibadong used to be a poverty-stricken village, where 57 percent of its residents lived below the poverty line before 2013. At that time, their annual per capita net income was only 1,668 yuan ($229), which was less than one-fifth of the national average.

To help increase the income of Shibadong residents, in 2013, the central government began conducting targeted poverty reduction by taking advantage of the village's resources to develop industries such as fruit cultivation, mountain spring water, premium tea and homestay tourism. The following year, local authorities adopted a pattern encouraging villagers and businesses to establish a joint venture that saw around 70 hectares developed into a kiwi fruit base. Nowadays, that base has helped increase the average income of local farmers, with each household member receiving nearly 800 yuan in annual dividends. This year, local villagers started selling kiwi fruit nationwide through e-commerce platforms.

In addition to kiwi fruit, Huayuan county has promoted its "golden" type of green tea by cooperating with businesses to build a 667-hectare plantation base and form a tea cultivation cooperative. In October, a total of 182.4 kilograms of golden tea was supplied to Hong Kong, underlining the success of the county's cross-boundary trade.

Shibadong's high altitude and proximity to mountain water also benefits its residents. The village attracted investment from businesses to build a spring water bottling plant with a fully automated production line that can produce about 10,000 bottles of water per hour. The factory generates collective revenue of around 600,000 yuan per year for the village and provides year-round stable employment for dozens of residents.

Another asset for Shibadong villagers is Miao embroidery. Shi Shunlian, 69, head of the Shibadong farmer cooperative for Miao embroidery, has overseen training in the ancient skill for more than 95 percent of local women since retiring in 2014.

The village has gone the extra mile to ink cooperative agreements with several businesses, making Miao embroidery an important avenue for helping locals escape poverty. In 2018, the cooperative achieved cooperation with CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive, which helped expand the embroidery business to countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative through high-speed railway transportation.

"CRRC Zhuzhou gives us orders of at least 100,000 to 200,000 yuan per year. I am very relieved to see the embroidery workers can earn from stable work," Shi said.

Due to Shibadong's development of the Miao embroidery industry, many former migrant workers have returned to the village to join the business, which generated a production value of 450,000 yuan in 2022.

In addition to developing industries, local authorities have provided targeted assistance to individuals like Long Xianlan, who escaped severe poverty through beekeeping. He keeps more than 400 hives himself and helps more than 100 households maintain in excess of 1,200. Today, between beekeeping and bacon-making, Long earns more than 500,000 yuan annually.

Shibadong's progress in the integration of culture and tourism is another avenue of job creation for villagers. In 2021, the nearby areas of the Aizhai town and Dehang Canyon were rated as national 5A-level scenic spots, while the opening of the Zhangjiajie-Jishou-Huaihua High-Speed Railway and Xiangxi Biancheng Airport has significantly increased the flow of tourists.

Yang Zhengbang, who used to be a migrant worker, has returned to Shibadong and now operates a homestay. "Summer vacation is our peak tourist season, with an average of more than 400 guests served per day and a gross income of 2,000 yuan," Yang said.

In 2022, the village received more than 500,000 visits, official data showed.

As a century-old village of the Miao ethnic group, Shibadong boasts 90 percent Miao-style buildings and 10 percent ancient architecture. In 2018, village authorities invited a planning and design team to renovate its natural resources, historical and cultural sites and infrastructure. The team retained the ancient style of the Miao ethnic group, restored houses of Miao people and built tourist facilities, integrating the buildings with the surrounding landscape of mountains, rivers and fields.

The village has also renovated the ancient post road, opened a Miao embroidery experience hall and set up more than 100 stalls in multiple markets, providing employment opportunities for hundreds of villagers.

Nowadays, rural tourism has engaged 398 villagers in tourism services and related industries, and almost 900 residents have found employment near their homes.

In August, the Xiangxi Biancheng Airport was officially put into operation. The improved transport access has brought Shibadong more development opportunities and helped reverse the brain drain by attracting young people and graduates.

Shi Kang, secretary of the Youth League branch in Shibadong, returned to the village in 2019 after graduating from college.

Shi Kang, who studied animation design, is skilled in photography and video editing. He brought together several like-minded young people to record life in the rural area of Shibadong village and screen it on a short-video platform. Moreover, he registered an account on the Douyin social media platform to help villagers sell agricultural products such as honey, bacon and chili peppers through e-commerce platforms.

"The sales through livestreaming have reached more than 1 million yuan, not only selling many high-quality products for Shibadong village but also boosting the local industries," Shi Kang said. "In terms of employment, besides six full-time team members, we hire villagers to help with packaging and shipping. More than 100 people out of fewer than 1,000 residents in the village have joined us."

Over the past decade, Shibadong village has made remarkable achievements. The per capita annual income of residents has increased from 1,688 yuan in 2013 to 23,505 yuan in 2022, while the collective economy has grown from zero to 3.8 million yuan in 2022, local officials said.

The picturesque scenery of Huayuan county in the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture in Hunan province. CHINA DAILY

From left: Villagers of Shibadong reap a good harvest of kiwi fruit in autumn. Villagers of Shibadong hold a discussion on rural vitalization in a square of the village. CHINA DAILY

Editor: WRX
New York City has not always been a lobster roll town.

Fifteen years ago, Ms. Povich set out to change that. She first learned to love lobster in the backyard of her grandparents house in Maine, which had a kosher kitchen but an outdoor space cordoned off for the family to indulge in shellfish.

She and her husband, Ralph, started out by selling whole lobsters out of a building they had bought in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Soon after, he drove seven hours up to Maine a few times a week to bring back fresh lobster meat and top-split buns, which the couple believes are much better suited to a lobster roll than the side-split version, the only kind then available in New York.

They built a humming business and a reputation for being a great place to hang out on a summer Saturday afternoon.

The pandemic upended everything at the Red Hook Lobster Pound. Prices surged across the board, and by mid-2022, Ms. Povich felt she had no choice but to raise the price of her signature item, a lobster roll and fries.
When the historian Deborah Lipstadt defeated a libel suit brought against her in a British court by the Holocaust denier David Irving in April 2000, it was almost possible to imagine that antisemitism might someday become a thing of the past, at least in much of the West. Taking a trip to Israel was not an ideologically fraught choice. Wearing a Star of David was not a personally risky one. College campuses did not feel hostile to Jewish students. Synagogues (at least in the United States) did not have police officers stationed outside their doors.

Not anymore.

The Anti-Defamation League recorded 751 antisemitic incidents in the United States in 2013. There were 3,697 in 2022. There was a nearly 400 percent increase in the two weeks after the Hamas massacre of Oct. 7 compared with the year before. Last week, Jewish students specifically were warned not to enter M.I.T.s front entrance due to a risk to their physical safety, according to a public letter from Jewish students there. In Montreal a Jewish school was targeted by gunfire twice in a single week.

Today, Lipstadt is the U.S. special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism, and her battle against Irving (the subject of the 2016 film Denial) seems almost quaint. I never imagined antisemitism would get this bad, she told me when I spoke with her by phone on Monday evening. Something about this is different from anything I have ever personally seen.

One of those differences, I suggested, is that antisemitism is the hate that doesnt know its own name  that is, that many of those who call themselves anti-Zionists or chant From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free would vehemently deny that they are engaged in antisemitic behavior.

Lipstadt allowed that at least a few people have no idea what the chant means. But many more do: a call for a purely Palestinian state without Jews. She added, You may want to redefine it, but what it has stood for, for decades, is quite clear. (Yes, there are those who imagine Jews and Palestinians coexisting harmoniously in some future river-to-sea Palestine. Hamas murdered that fantasy, along with so much else, on Oct. 7.)

As for anti-Zionism (never to be confused with ordinary, even stringent, criticism of Israeli policy), we have to make a historical distinction, she said. A century ago, before the creation of the state of Israel, questions about Zionism were more of a political or intellectual debate. But when you are talking about a state with 7.1 million Jews and when you are saying they have no right to exist and should all go someplace else, thats something far more than an ideological point.

What about more specific anti-Zionist arguments, such as the view that the Jews displaced native inhabitants to create Israel? Or that Israel is a racist state that practices apartheid?

Lipstadt made short work of those claims. If Israel ought to be abolished because it is guilty of displacing native inhabitants, then the same should go for the United States or Australia, among many other countries. If Israel is racist, then how is it that more than half of Israeli Jews have non-Ashkenazi roots, because their ancestors came from places like Iran, Yemen and Ethiopia? If Israel is an apartheid state, why are Israeli Arabs in the Knesset, on the Supreme Court, attending Israeli universities, staffing Israeli hospitals?

Then there is the double standard thats so often applied to Jews. On college campuses, she noted, when other groups say, We are a victim, the default position is to believe them. When Jews say it, the default position is to question, to challenge, to say, You caused it or You dont have a right to that or What you say happened to you is not really an example of bigotry.

Why is so much of todays antisemitism coming from well-educated people, the sort who would never be caught dead uttering other racist remarks? Lipstadt recalled that of the four Einsatzgruppen  the German death squads entrusted with the mass murder of Jews in World War II  three were led by officers with doctoral degrees. You can be a Ph.D. and an S.O.B. at the same time, she said.

She also pointed to academic fads of the past two decades, narratives or ideologies that may not start out as antisemitic but end up painting the Jew as other, as a source of oppression instead of having been oppressed. One of those narratives is that Jews are more powerful, richer, smarter, maliciously so, than others and must therefore be stopped by any means necessary.

The idea that opposing Jewish power can be a matter of punching up, rather than down, fits neatly into the narrative that justifies any form of opposition to those with power and privilege, both of them dirty words on todays campuses. Its how Hamass resistance  the mass murder and kidnapping of defenseless civilians  has become the new radical chic.

The challenge that Lipstadt confronts isnt confined to campuses. Its worldwide: the streets of London (which saw a 1,350 percent increase in antisemitic hate crimes in the early weeks of October from the previous year) and on Chinese state media (which hosts discussion pages about Jewish control of American wealth) and in Muslim immigrant communities throughout Europe (with Muslims handing out candy in one Berlin neighborhood to celebrate the Oct. 7 attacks).

Lipstadt was clear about where this leads: Never has a society tolerated overt expressions of antisemitism and remained a democratic society. What to do? Governments alone, she said, cant solve the problem.

I know it sounds ludicrous, but a lot comes down to what happens at the dinner table. She told me of a friend whose fifth-grade daughter was taunted by antisemitic remarks by her classmates at a fancy Washington school.

Where did they get that? Where did it come from? How did they learn it was OK?
Mr. Sunderlands fascination with maps began at a young age. His uncle had a map of Lancashire [England] and he could see all the little towns and villages, Ms. Sunderland-Cohen said. When he was a little older, he was in the Boy Scouts. They used to go with their compasses and do activities, and then he started traveling when he was a student to more remote places like Ethiopia, and overland from Europe all the way to India in the 1960s.

He has always had this sort of spirit of finding out what the rest of the world is like, and what people think. And I think maps are just such an amazing expression of that.

The plan now, she said, is to keep the collection intact, but to share it with a wider audience.

There is an incredibly broad range of people around the world who are interested in maps because theyre such extraordinary objects, she said. Some people just like to admire them. And they trigger all sorts of imaginative stories, like Treasure Island or the map at the beginning of The Lord of the Rings.

Other people just like to look at their hometown 500 years ago, and see if it was there, she said. Still others are completely fascinated by how old maps are and what people were capable of, the skill that people had back then with engraving and color and how the pigments have lasted. And then there are actual map experts, who look at where they sit in the history of European cartography, and what you can tell from different versions of atlases, and the very nitty-gritty scholarship side.
Fani T. Willis, the Atlanta district attorney leading an election interference case against former President Donald J. Trump and 14 of his allies, said on Tuesday that a trial would very likely not conclude until the winter or the very early part of 2025.

She also defended the scope of the racketeering indictment she brought in August, noting that she had prosecuted far larger racketeering cases in her career. Defendants in such cases got involved in the criminal enterprise, she said. They deserve to be charged. In fact, they earned it.

Ms. Williss office charged Mr. Trump and 18 other defendants with participating in a criminal enterprise aimed at changing the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. Four of the defendants have already taken plea deals, agreeing to cooperate with prosecutors.

The timing of a trial for the other defendants is not clear, since a trial date has not been set. But there is growing speculation that the district attorney will seek a summer start.
A second Republican has joined the race in Alaska to challenge Representative Mary S. Peltola, a popular Democrat who holds the states sole House seat.

Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom, who was elected last year, is taking on Ms. Peltola, who became the first Alaska Native woman ever elected to Congress after she defeated former Gov. Sarah Palin in two 2022 elections. Ms. Peltolas first victory against Ms. Palin, in a special election after the death of Alaskas longtime congressman, Don Young, flipped the seat to the Democrats for the first time in 50 years.

Her second victory, in the November midterms, dealt a political blow for Ms. Palin, once considered a standard-bearer in the national Republican Party.

Ms. Dahlstrom, a former state representative and the former commissioner of the states Department of Corrections, is the second Republican to enter the House race, following Nick Begich III. A scion of a prominent liberal political family in Alaska, Mr. Begich finished in third place in previous races against Ms. Peltola.
Just weeks into his new job, Speaker Mike Johnson has already learned a valuable, if painful, lesson: Being an uncompromising conservative hard-liner is much easier from the backbenches of the House than it is from the leadership suites.

The stopgap spending bill he pushed through the House on Tuesday with overwhelming support from Democrats over the objections of a solid bloc of Republicans was a near-exact replica of the funding package he had opposed six weeks ago, when he was still an obscure lawmaker from Louisiana.

But as speaker, Mr. Johnson was forced to bow to the political reality that spending proposals designed to appease the far right cannot become law in a divided government. In doing so, he exhibited a pragmatic side that surprised Democrats and frustrated allies on the right who just days ago were exultant at his sudden rise.

Mr. Johnson made the calculation that House Republicans, divided and known more for acrimony than accomplishment these days, could not afford to be held responsible for a crippling pre-Thanksgiving government shutdown.
Bohumil Vostal, a correspondent for a Czech public television station, spent Sunday reporting on the best parts of San Francisco. He toured an art gallery, visited Chinatown and even hired a guide with a vintage Volkswagen bus to drive him to the Golden Gate Bridge.

He intended to end his segment that sunny afternoon in front of City Lights Bookstore, an indie shop and publishing house that helped start the beat poetry movement.

But thats when San Franciscos dark side came into full view. Suddenly, Mr. Vostal found himself victimized in the exact high-profile way that city leaders had hoped to avoid during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference this week that is drawing President Biden, other world leaders and legions of international journalists.

Image Bohumil Vostal, right, talked with a guide he hired to tour the city in a Volkswagen van. Credit... Milan Nosek

On a sidewalk across the street from the bookstore, assailants in ski masks rushed at Mr. Vostal and a cameraman. The attackers pointed guns at Mr. Vostals head and the cameramans stomach and ordered them to not cause any problems, Mr. Vostal recounted.
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.
The Israeli military said early Wednesday that its troops were carrying out a precise and targeted operation at Gazas largest hospital, a complex of buildings where thousands of Palestinian refugees had taken shelter, as part of the campaign to defeat Hamas and rescue our hostages.

The statement came a day after Israel, facing an international outcry over the increasingly grim conditions at besieged hospitals in the Gaza Strip, sought to bolster its case for further military action by releasing a video of what it said were weapons inside a childrens hospital in Gaza and accounts of sexual violence and other atrocities committed by Hamas during the Oct. 7 attacks.

A spokesman for Gazas Ministry of Health told Al Aqsa TV just before the raid that the Israeli military had warned that an operation at the main hospital complex in Gaza City, Al-Shifa, was imminent.

The Israel Defense Forces also posted a statement about its operation on social media on Wednesday. But it remained unclear how many troops were involved in the assault. In the statement, the Israeli military said that the aim of the raid was not to harm civilians, and the force that went into the hospital included medical teams and Arabic speakers.
Satellite images show that Israeli forces are stationed one block from Al-Shifa, the biggest hospital in Gaza City, an area that has been the site of intensified fighting in recent days.

The Times obtained and analyzed the images, taken Tuesday by a commercial satellite image provider, that show Israeli armored vehicles, likely tanks, 600 feet southwest of the hospital compound. A larger group of Israeli military vehicles is positioned at a school 1,000 feet northeast of Al-Shifa.
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, reads out a congratulatory letter from Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, and delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the 2023 annual conference of the Cross-Strait CEO Summit in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Nov. 14, 2023. The 2023 annual conference of the Cross-Strait CEO Summit, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, opened Tuesday in Nanjing. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

NANJING, Nov. 14 (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. 

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, meets with Liu Chao-shiuan, co-president of the Cross-Strait CEO Summit, and business representatives across the Taiwan Strait before the opening ceremony of the 2023 annual conference of the Cross-Strait CEO Summit in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Nov. 14, 2023. The 2023 annual conference of the Cross-Strait CEO Summit, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, opened Tuesday in Nanjing. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

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, inspects the Itech Electronic Co., Ltd. after the opening ceremony of the 2023 annual conference of the Cross-Strait CEO Summit in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Nov. 14, 2023. The 2023 annual conference of the Cross-Strait CEO Summit, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, opened Tuesday in Nanjing. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

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, inspects an institute of entrepreneurship in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Nov. 13, 2023. The 2023 annual conference of the Cross-Strait CEO Summit, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, opened Tuesday in Nanjing. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

Editor: JYZ
Comedy has been the rare field where square jaws and chiseled features can count against you. Bob Odenkirk once said that it was impossible for men to be funny and sexy. One problem discussing this subject is that you quickly face the eye of the beholder. The question of whether John Mulaney is handsome, it turns out, starts arguments. But the assumption in stand-up has long been that its better to be relatable or ridiculous than ravishing. When Anthony Jeselnik got started, he quickly noticed that his looks prevented him from getting laughs at self-deprecating jokes, so he built a villain persona.

Attractiveness has entered the maw of the culture war because the stigma against beautiful men has been fading.

When Pete Davidson sang, I guess Im hot for dudes in comedy because its an ugly industry in a Barbie spoof on Saturday Night Live last month, the quip already seemed dated. An early sign of change may have been when the boyishly good-looking Jimmy Fallon took over as host of The Tonight Show in 2014. But you now see handsome men everywhere, even at small Brooklyn shows like the one where a comic introduced the endearingly cute Lucas ONeil by citing not his credits but his cheekbones. The dimply Trevor Noah and Colin Jost  comics stunning enough that no one is shocked that they dated movie stars and models  are also part of what one annoyed late-night writer described on Twitter as Prom King Comedy, complaining: Youve let the popular kids appropriate the very art form that helped you deal.

Every year it seems a comic gets buff. Kumail Nanjiani most famously, but Chris Rock showing off his abs in The Hollywood Reporter took me more by surprise. When The Daily Beast runs the headline I Regret to Inform You That Jerry Seinfeld Is Hot, it just goes to show that a new cultural anxiety has been born.
Sumptuous gilded ornamentation still teems throughout the brick home of the Ballantine family of beer makers in Newark, built in 1885. But objects and artworks newly incorporated into the period rooms show how underappreciated strivers maneuvered in Newark society during the Ballantines heyday.

The Ballantine House, long used as an annex to the adjacent Newark Museum of Art on Washington Street, is reopening to the public Nov. 17, after a two-year, $12 million restoration  and rethink. The goal of the overhaul was to wake it up and shake it up, said Linda C. Harrison, the museums director since 2019. The building, she added, was not forgotten but just not able to get the attention that it deserved.

Amy Simon Hopwood, the museums associate curator of decorative arts, who helped spearhead the new installations, said that visitors are encouraged to wonder, Whos doing the work to keep the room glittering?
President Biden and Chinas leader, Xi Jinping, face a host of thorny geopolitical issues as they meet Wednesday in San Francisco: trade, Taiwan and the war between Israel and Hamas.

But they have found some common ground in the cultural sphere. Both leaders have in recent days praised the visit by a delegation of Philadelphia Orchestra musicians to China.

The musicians arrived there last week to mark the 50th anniversary of the orchestras celebrated 1973 visit to Beijing, when it became the first American ensemble to perform in Communist-led China as the two countries worked to re-establish official ties.

Now, with the relationship between the United States and China at its lowest point in four decades, their leaders have highlighted the role of music in easing tensions.
Welcome to Best of Late Night, a rundown of the previous nights highlights that lets you sleep  and lets us get paid to watch comedy. Here are the 50 best movies on Netflix right now.

U.F.C.-SPAN

Senator Markwayne Mullin, Republican of Oklahoma, challenged Sean M. OBrien, the president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, to a physical fight during a Senate committee hearing on Tuesday.

Jimmy Kimmel joked that the hearing had turned into U.F.C.-SPAN all of a sudden. Senator Bernie Sanders, independent of Vermont and the chairman of the panel, had to step in and demand the two behave like U.S. lawmakers.
Carrots. Puffed sleeves. Scrapes. Liniment. Kindred spirits. Bosom friends.

To some readers, this collection of words will read like a haiku gone wrong. But to a certain contingent of old-fashioned bookworms, its a trail of bread crumbs leading to a redheaded Canadian orphan named Anne Shirley. She blazed into the world in 1908 as an unsinkable 11-year-old in Lucy Maud Montgomerys debut novel, Anne of Green Gables, then grew up on the pages of subsequent books. She isnt related to Annie, that other ginger who belted out Tomorrow, but the two share an optimism and magnetism that have exerted their pull on generations of devotees.

Since its publication, Anne of Green Gables has sold around 50 million copies. Its been translated into 36 languages; adapted for stage, television and film; and has inspired spinoffs, knockoffs, fan fiction and many a pilgrimage to Prince Edward Island, where visitors can tour the Anne of Green Gables Museum, Green Gables Heritage Place and Montgomerys birthplace.

Further afield, Anne Fans attend conferences, chat on Reddit threads and organize dinner parties and book clubs, all with an Anne theme. They cultivate an encyclopedic knowledge of trivia, from the names of her childhood nemesis (Josie Pye) and her oldest sons wife (Faith) to the cause of her broken ankle (falling off a roof). Among this sweetly nostalgic crew, Annes husband is shorthand for a perfect match  as in, I found my Gilbert.

But ask the average Anne Fan about Emily Byrd Starr and youre likely to be met with confusion: Are you sure youre not thinking of Emily Harrison from Anne of Avonlea? The one who left her husband because of his rude parrot?
U.S. officials argue that this vast chemical industry is playing a key role in the American fentanyl crisis by supplying the bulk of materials used in illegal drug labs, including in Mexico, which is now the largest exporter of fentanyl to the United States.

The Chinese government denies that its country plays such a pivotal role and instead blames the United States for harboring a culture of drug use.

All-out marketing by pharmaceutical companies, over-prescription by doctors, ineffective government crackdowns and the negative implications of marijuana legalization are among the combination of factors behind an ever-growing market for narcotics, Chinas foreign ministry said in a statement last year.

U.S. officials say they have stopped more fentanyl from coming into the United States in the past two years than in the previous five years combined. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fentanyl and other synthetic opioids may have resulted in more than 77,000 overdose deaths in the United States between May 2022 and April 2023. The problem with fentanyl overdoses is particularly acute in San Francisco, where Mr. Biden and Mr. Xi are meeting.

Ian Johnson, a senior fellow for China studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, said that getting China to agree to do something about fentanyl would resonate more with average Americans than the typical deliverables from international meetings.
Amazon said on Wednesday that it was removing seven eyedrops products from its website after the Food and Drug Administration warned the company that the eyedrops had not been recognized as safe and effective.

The F.D.A. said in a letter to Andrew Jassy, Amazons chief executive, on Monday that Amazon had violated federal regulations by selling the eyedrops, which claimed to help with problems including pink eye, dry eyes, eyestrain and floaters.

These products are especially concerning from a public health perspective, the F.D.A. letter said. Ophthalmic drug products, which are intended for administration into the eyes, in general pose a greater risk of harm to users because the route of administration for these products bypasses some of the bodys natural defenses.

The eyedrops named in the letter are: Similasan Pink Eye Relief, The Goodbye Company Pink Eye, Can-C Eye Drops, Optique 1 Eye Drops, OcluMed Eye Drops, TRP Natural Eyes Floaters Relief, and Manzanilla Sophia Chamomile Herbal Eye Drops.
The United States and China announced an agreement on Tuesday evening to sharply increase clean energy, displace fossil fuels and reduce the emissions that are warming the planet.

The deal comes at a pivotal moment for the United States, the biggest climate polluter in history, and China, currently the largest polluter. Together, they account for 38 percent of the worlds greenhouse gases.

President Biden and President Xi Jinping of China are set to meet today. And in two weeks, representatives from nearly 200 countries will gather in Dubai as part of the United Nations climate talks known as COP28.

The deal between the U.S. and China could deliver a jolt of ambition ahead of the global talks. If the worlds two biggest polluting countries can agree to reduce their fossil fuel emissions, other countries should find it easier to follow suit.
A Moment That Sums It Up: 3:46 p.m.

The millionth vet joined the database on the afternoon of Nov. 8. Employees who had waited a dozen years for this moment wept.

As the goal approached, the department had started an intensive email campaign, encouraging vets to sign up online or at V.A. medical centers. In the few weeks building up to the millionth vet, what had been a few hundred enrollees a day turned into thousands. The department created a ticker, which it posted online, showing the numbers.

This is a gift to the world, said Dr. Shereef Elnahal, the under secretary for health in the Department sVeterans Affairs.

The V.A. will continue to enroll more vets to the database, but this was a symbolic moment.

Why It Matters: A diverse database yields disease insights.

For years, researchers have been building large databases for genetic research. Using them they have found, for example, genes that appear to confer resistance to dementia and ones that most likely contribute to obesity. The discoveries provide paths to understanding these diseases and developing treatments.

There are other large genetic databases, but they have mostly been built in Europe and include few minorities. The V.A. says its database offers a more diverse population: 175,000 people with African ancestry and 80,000 Hispanics joined the Million Veteran Program. The database also includes 100,000 women.

Its a massive investment and scientific opportunity, said Dr. Amit V. Khera, a genetic researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is not a V.A. researcher, but he has used the data through collaborations with researchers who are affiliated with the department.

As the database acquired participants, about 600 V.A. researchers registered to use it. The result so far has been more than 350 papers on diseases and disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder, heart disease, high blood pressure and nonalcoholic liver disease.

For example, said Dr. Sumitra Muralidhar, director of the Million Veteran Program, researchers found genes linked to having flashbacks of traumatic events, a feature of post-traumatic stress. Now, Dr. Muralidhar said, investigators can study those genes and the role they play, which may help in developing treatments for PTSD.

The department also says it is being mindful of patient privacy. Although researchers can examine genetic and other data and links to medical records, fewer than 10 people at the V.A. have the links that tie records to individuals. Those records, Dr. Muralidhar said, are held at a facility in Boston that is heavily secured.

What It Looks Like: Veterans hope the database will help.

In 2019, a nurse at a V.A. hospital told Octavia Harris, 60, of San Antonio, about the Million Veteran Program. She signed up and said participating was a chance to help other vets and to help herself.

Ms. Harris, who retired from the Navy in 2012 after 30 years of service, said three conditions run in her family  diabetes, high blood pressure and arthritis. She is hoping that with her genetic and health information added to that of so many others, researchers will make useful discoveries.

In her family, Ms. Harris said, people died young.

We havent lived beyond the age of 70, she said. I want to go past 70.
The movies pleasure doesnt lie in its plentiful violence (well, some of it does). Its in the humor that arises from these future San Angeleans disgust over Spartans primitive ways, like his desire to use guns and to smoke and to have sex the old-fashioned way, rather than through a virtual-reality headset. They mock him over the fact that he asks for toilet paper. (Everyone now uses something called the Three Seashells, which is never explained.) Spartan is baffled by new technology like the omnipresent Alexa-like morality boxes that issue instant fines for offensive language, and kiosks that offer words of affirmation on the streets (You are an incredibly sensitive man who inspires joy-joy feelings in all those around you). Stallones cop has been subliminally rehabilitated while frozen and wakes up knowing how to knit. Im a seamstress? he laments.

What separates Demolition Man from other sci-fi films of much higher aspiration is that it imagined a future generation who might view our civilization, at the peak of its powers, as utterly barbaric. Were not quite there, but it feels as if the world that the younger generations loathe is the one I was raised in. And in the process, this has turned the film, at least for me, into an explosive, sometimes vituperative allegory for aging. As Spartan finds out, it hurts to wake up one day and find that the world has moved on without you.

Some days I feel like Ive woken up from cryosleep, and am looking around to discover that Im the only one who misses our previous era of casual cynicism and dubious morality and brilliant jerks. Back in the 90s, I sat in the cinema and watched this film like thousands of other people, never imagining that I might one day feel like Spartan. I am living in the future, and I dont belong. Everyone else has moved on. Im still wiping myself with toilet paper instead of the Three Seashells.

Its a shame that Demolition Man doesnt have more of a place in popular culture. If it has any presence at all, its through unhinged libertarians online. Theres a person on X, for example, who takes inspiration from the film and rants about what he describes as the deranged parallel universe were in. These types might be more similar to the only people who reject society in the movie. Led by a cholesterol-loving Denis Leary, who longs to smoke a cigar the size of Cincinnati in the nonsmoking section, they live underground eating rat burgers.

Im more ambivalent. Newly unthawed, how would I live? I turn to Demolition Man for guidance on how to navigate the future. Most everyone else accepts this timid new world. I can see why  its very appealing. Everyone is extremely nice. Theres no crime. Theres the choice of only one restaurant. (Its Taco Bell.) No conflict is necessary because theyve banned everything worth fighting over. If this is where were heading, it might be better than the past, if not as much fun, infused with a whiff of the dystopian. Everyone else seems to have made their accommodation with this future. Why cant I?
People welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco, the United States, Nov. 14, 2023. Xi on Tuesday arrived in San Francisco for a summit with U.S. President Joe Biden, and to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

"China-U.S. relations are arguably the most important bilateral relationship on the planet," Jon Taylor, professor of Political Science at the University of Texas at San Antonio, told Xinhua.

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- In the iconic cityscape of San Francisco, a meeting of global consequence is set to unfold soon as Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden are going to have their first vis-a-vis sit-down since their last meeting in Bali, Indonesia, a year ago.

The international community watches with bated breath, recognizing the weight of this meeting against the backdrop of a complex global landscape and the challenges of post-pandemic economic recovery.

"China-U.S. relations are arguably the most important bilateral relationship on the planet," Jon Taylor, professor of Political Science at the University of Texas at San Antonio, told Xinhua.

"Irrespective of differences in our political systems and approaches to policy, healthy and respectful China-U.S. relations are vital to maintaining political, economic, and national security stability," said Taylor.

PROMOTING PROSPERITY IN ASIA-PACIFIC

Examining the map, one grasps the essence of Xi's statement that "the broad Pacific Ocean is vast enough to embrace both China and the United States, as well as other countries."

The Asia-Pacific region is also the most economically prosperous region globally, remaining on track to contribute about two-thirds of global growth in 2023, the International Monetary Fund said in October in its report on the economic outlook for Asia and the Pacific.

China and the United States are the two giants of the Asia-Pacific region. While the United States is renowned for its prowess in technology and finance, China commands a substantial economic scale and market space.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen speaks during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers' Meeting in San Francisco, California, the United States, Nov. 13, 2023. Yellen said Monday that recent U.S.-China engagements have moved the two sides "along the right path." (Xinhua/Li Rui)

A recent report, titled Asian Economic Integration Report 2023 from the Asian Development Bank, underscores China's pivotal role, noting that Asia's economic recovery is driven particularly by China, which accounted for 64.2 percent of total growth.

This indicates that China and the United States serve as the "stabilizing anchor" and "engine" of the Asia-Pacific region. When China-U.S. relations are good, the region benefits; when relations sour, the region suffers.

"Cooperation between the United States 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."

The goal of achieving global development and mutual prosperity "transcends anything else," said Paul Frimpong, executive director of the Ghanaian think tank China-Africa Center for Policy and Advisory.

"They (the United States and China) should cooperate to bring development to the world," Frimpong said.

COOPERATING FOR COMMON INTERESTS

As Xi has repeatedly said, "Major countries should act like major countries," thus China and the United States, the two global economic heavyweights, bear the responsibility of guiding the world into the future and must exhibit a spirit of responsibility.

Addressing global issues such as climate change requires cooperation between China and the United States. It is imperative to recognize that the challenges of an interconnected world demand a departure from unilateral approaches.

It is critical that the United States and China bridge their differences and cooperate to address major issues, such as climate change and green transition, said Lucio Blanco Pitlo, research fellow at the Philippine think tank Asia-Pacific Pathways to Progress Foundation.

This photo taken on Nov. 11, 2023 shows the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset in San Francisco, the United States. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

It is also "very important to help developing economies catch up to transition away from polluting forms of fuel, to greener and more sustainable forms of energy," Pitlo said.

A stable China-U.S. relationship demonstrates that even amidst differences, nations can find common ground for the greater good, said Joseph Mutaboba, a Rwandan expert in International Relations and Diplomatic Affairs.

"This stability is vital for addressing pressing global issues, from climate change to public health crises, and for promoting a harmonious international order," he added.

Amid geopolitical tensions, such as the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, cooperation between the two countries is more urgently needed than ever before.

"The latest war in Gaza not only serves as a reminder to Americans that China is not a threat to America or world peace, but also offers an opportunity for Washington and Beijing to work together on common global challenges, including the conflict in the Middle East," said an opinion piece published in The Hill. "It's time to reboot America's China policy." 

Editor: JYZ
Can you see flavor? Strictly speaking, no. In reality, though, I start salivating when I look at certain foods. We all do. And what gets me giddy is seeing flavor happening or evolving or revealing itself through cooking. Its like watching a flat sheet of paper turn into an intricate origami figure.

Ill use polenta to illustrate this point because, lets face it, the bar is pretty low when it comes to its initial flavor. I have spent precious time over the years trying to convince reluctant partakers that polenta is actually worth the sweat. Thats because I know that a shot of something punchy can really bring it to life. Once youve added a big heap of freshly grated Parmesan, say, into the bubbling mass of orange-yellow magma, you can actually see it melt away, the consistency change and flavor being created. This moment, followed by the polenta waking up from its slumber like a friendly giant, asserting its delicately sweet, deep corn flavor as a base for all sorts of other delicious things  thats when I feel that I have, hopefully, proved my point.

My recipe today, though, isnt livened up by adding butter and cheese. Instead, the polenta is left as a blank canvas, splashed with roasted-until-golden mushrooms and charred tomatoes. These do what the cheese usually does: load the polenta with the umami richness it needs to get going. But it is the finishing oil, spiked with spices and aromatics, that pulls everything together and brightens the polenta in the same way that Parmesan does.
When David Holmes arrived at rehearsal to perfect a fight scene for the penultimate Harry Potter film, he was strapped into a harness that was supposed to send him flying backward.

But Holmes was jerked back too fast, hitting a wall and breaking his neck, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down.

His career as a stunt performer was over, at age 25. He had portrayed Daniel Radcliffes title character and others, including Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Draco Malfoy and Neville Longbottom, since the franchises first installment.

After years behind the scenes, Holmes will now tell his story in a new documentary, David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived, which is streaming on Max and will air on HBO on Wednesday at 9 p.m. and on Sky Documentaries and NOW in Britain on Saturday.
As police officers guarded the wrought iron gates protecting Columbia Universitys main campus on Tuesday evening, checking for student identification cards, a group gathered around a stone sundial at the center of the quad.

Roughly 400 students held Palestinian flags and handmade signs. Protesters took turns speaking into a microphone, criticizing the Israel-Hamas war, but also their own school over its decision to suspend two pro-Palestinian student groups through the end of the semester.

Weve said it before, that our voices are louder and more powerful than the money that you receive, Columbia, said Mohsen Mahdawi, 33, a student and a Palestinian refugee. We wont be silenced.

And on Wednesday, roughly 200 faculty members walked out to protest the decision to suspend the groups, Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace. Professors, graduate workers and others read statements in support of the groups and their members as a Police Department helicopter buzzed overhead. Hundreds of students joined the crowd to cheer on the faculty members as they spoke.

Where is your moral courage? Premilla Nadasen, 56, a history professor at Barnard College, asked the administration. We are here to tell the students: They can suspend an organization, but they cannot suspend a movement.

Similar scenes have become increasingly common in New York City and across the country as college campuses grapple with the fallout from the war. Divisions over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have existed on campuses for generations, but as the war continues and the death toll in Gaza continues to mount, colleges have faced growing blowback over efforts to contain the discord.

Columbia suspended the groups last week, saying they had violated university policy. The university did not elaborate on how exactly the groups did that except to say they had held unauthorized events that included unspecified threatening rhetoric and intimidation.

Following their suspension, the groups released a joint statement on Instagram, accusing the university of selective censorship of pro-Palestinian groups and calling the move an attack on free speech to distract from and enable Israels genocidal campaign against the Palestinian people.
Republicans currently hold a narrow, five-seat majority in the House. With the number of truly competitive districts dwindling across the country amid a rash of bipartisan gerrymandering, the fate of New Yorks map could determine which party enters 2024 with the upper hand.

A little-known court in New York is in all likelihood about to determine control of Congress, said Evan Roth Smith, a Democratic political strategist, voicing the bipartisan anxiety the case has caused in New York and Washington.

So far, court decisions about redistricting handed down since the 2022 midterm elections have mostly offset one another nationally. The North Carolina Supreme Court cleared the way for Republicans to adopt an aggressive gerrymander last month that could flip three to four seats their way. Democrats could, in turn, net two to three seats across the Deep South, where federal courts have ordered Republican-led states to redraw maps to empower Black voters.

The partisan legal battle over New Yorks map has been raging almost continually for two years.

It started in early 2022 when a bipartisan commission created by voters who adopted a constitutional amendment to take politics out of the mapmaking process deadlocked and failed to finish its work. The Democrats who control the State Legislature then tried to step in with a plan of their own. But after Republicans sued, the Court of Appeals struck down the Democrats plan as an unconstitutional gerrymander.

The court ultimately enlisted a neutral expert to draw up the replacement. It helped Republicans flip four districts last November to claim 11 of the states 26 House seats.
The House Ethics Committee will not call for Representative George Santoss expulsion as a result of its nearly nine-month investigation, the panels chair, Representative Michael Guest, said on Wednesday.

Mr. Guest, a Republican of Mississippi, would not characterize the committees findings in its report, which is expected to be released as early as Thursday. But he said that the panel would refrain from making a recommendation as to Mr. Santoss fate, saying that such a process would have carried out well into next year.

Nonetheless, Mr. Guest said that the report should offer members the information they need to make a decision on whether a penalty  be it expulsion or something less severe, like a censure  is appropriate.

The panel has been investigating a range of alleged criminal and ethical violations including accusations that the congressman fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits, failed to properly file financial disclosures, sexually harassed an employee and violated conflict of interest laws.
Tammy Murphy, the wife of Gov. Philip D. Murphy of New Jersey, announced on Wednesday that she was running as a Democrat for the U.S. Senate seat now held by the states embattled senior senator, Robert Menendez, who has been charged with accepting bribes.

Ms. Murphy, 58, is a first-time candidate for public office who describes herself on tax forms as a homemaker. During her husbands six years as governor, she has been an active first lady who has worked to improve the states high rates of maternal and infant mortality and to expand instruction about climate change in public schools.

Before she and Mr. Murphy married, 30 years ago, Ms. Murphy worked as a financial analyst, and she has since volunteered on nonprofit and philanthropic boards.

Ms. Murphy has been preparing for more than a month to run for the Senate, and she announced her candidacy on Wednesday with the release of a nearly four-minute video.
Lawyers for Donald J. Trump on Wednesday called for a mistrial in the civil fraud case against him in New York, arguing that the judge and his law clerk were politically biased against him.

The long-shot legal effort, filed in New York State Supreme Court, comes after the judge, Arthur F. Engoron, placed separate gag orders on the Republican former president and his lawyers, barring them from commenting on his court staff.

Mr. Trump and his allies have made a habit of attacking the judge and his law clerk, Allison Greenfield, and the former president has twice violated the order, incurring $15,000 in fines. In the filing, Mr. Trumps lawyers refer to the gag orders as unconstitutional.

The evidence of apparent and actual bias is tangible and overwhelming, Mr. Trumps lawyers write. Such evidence, coupled with an unprecedented departure from standard judicial procedure, has tainted these proceedings and a mistrial is warranted.
Such stability is not the case with the third category:

These are social transformations affecting society in powerful ways, literally shifting the norms of cultural acceptability of a given issue position. These can be so powerful that they overwhelm the influence of any short-term partisan differences, driving substantial shifts in public opinion over time, all in the same direction.

Two factors drive these transformations:

large swaths of the American public progressively adopting new, pro-equality positions on the issue and the generational replacement of individuals with once-widespread but no-longer-majority anti-equality opinions  with younger individuals coming of age during a different time and reflecting more progressive positions on these cultural shift issues.

Opinions on these mega-issues, Atkinson and her co-authors argued, have been moving steadily leftward. The overall trend is unmistakable, they wrote: The public becomes more liberal on these rights issues over time, in what Atkinson and her co-authors described as the shifting equality mood.

While trends like these would seem to lead to support for affirmative action, that is not the case. We cannot treat belief in equality as a normative value as interchangeable with a pro-equality policy preference, Atkinson and her co-authors wrote. The continued:

This is particularly true because many pro-equality policies emphasize equality of outcomes rather than equality of opportunity. And while equality of opportunity is the touchstone of a liberal society (i.e., all Americans are entitled to the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness), the right to equality of outcomes has not been equally embraced by Americans. Once equality of opportunity is significantly advanced or de jure equality is established, public support for further government action focused on equalizing outcomes may not exist or at least wanes significantly.

In other words, there has been a steady leftward movement on issues of equality when they are described as abstract principles but much less so when the equality agenda is translated into specific policies, like busing and affirmative action.

Atkinson and her co-authors pointed to growing support for womens equality in both theory and practice, reporting on an analysis of four questions posed by the General Social Survey from the mid-1970s to 2004:

When asked whether women should let men run the country and whether wives should put their husbands careers first, the policy responses look nearly identical to womens equality mood. The series trend in the liberal direction over time and reach a level of approximately 80 percent liberal responses by 2004. But when asked whether it is better for women to tend the home and for men to work and whether preschool children suffer if their mothers work, the responses are far less liberal, and the slopes of the lines are less steep. While responses to these questions trend in the liberal direction during the 1970s and 1980s, by the mid-1990s, the series flattens out, with liberalism holding between 50 and 60 percent.

I asked Stimson to elaborate on this, and he emailed in reply:

We have long known that the mass public does not connect problem and solution in the way that policy analysts do. Thus, for example, most people would sincerely like to see a higher level of racial integration in schools, but the idea of putting their kids on a bus to achieve that objective is flatly rejected. I used to see that as hypocrisy. But I no longer do. I think the real issue is that they just do not make the connection between problem and solution. That is why affirmative action has such a troubled history. People are quite capable of supporting policy goals (e.g., racial balance in higher education) and rejecting the means.

Where does that leave the nation? Galston, in his Brookings essay, provided an answer:

In sum, the countrys half-century experiment with affirmative action failed to persuade a majority of Americans  or even a majority of those whom the policy was intended to benefit  that it was effective and appropriate. University employers  indeed, the entire country  must now decide what to do next to advance the cause of equal opportunity for all, one of the nations most honored but never achieved principles.

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But the sons and daughters of those builders are growing up in a world very different from their parents. They inherited the basic structure  of a nation that is rising once again, ready to make its mark on the world  but they will inevitably want to fill in how it looks and feels and will challenge older mores in the process. There is widespread and growing discussion, for instance, of how to make Chinese society more equitable, green, urban and scientific. China is undergoing a profound transition to a high-tech, highly educated, prosperous and powerful nation that its builder generation could only imagine.

Live in China for a while, and you realize that its not collapsing any time soon, despite what hawks in the United States might hope. Despite Chinas unsteady transition away from low-cost labor and manufacturing toward innovation and consumption, its economy is still growing, albeit more slowly than in the past. Even as China builds coal plants, it has become a global renewables superpower, an exporter of electric vehicles, solar panels and wind turbines. Its tendency to be friendly with governments with which America is not, such as Russia, Iran and North Korea, means that American diplomats increasingly ask Beijing to use its leverage, including in the current Middle East turmoil. And in frontier technologies like artificial intelligence, experts agree that a discussion without China amounts to the West talking to itself.

China is perhaps the greatest rival America has faced. As the U.S. ambassador Nicholas Burns put it, China is infinitely stronger than the Soviet Union ever was, thanks to its economic, scientific and technological power, its capacity for innovation and its global ambition. But rather than a foe, we should see in China  and its many strengths  a powerful potential partner to work with in solving the worlds biggest problems. Investing huge amounts of American money and effort in a struggle for global supremacy does not always lead to the desired outcomes: America supposedly won the Cold War, outlasting the Soviet Union, but did that result in a democratic Russia, friendly to U.S. interests?

Chinas strength is not always easy to digest for Americans, who are used to being No. 1. Its troubling to see the rise of a society of comparable power, operating under a value system that seems so different from Americas. Yet America retains enduring strengths that China envies: the U.S. dollar, the dynamism of American science, its cultural, military and diplomatic clout and the resilience of its economy. This means that U.S. leaders can afford to continue reaching out to China, to look past differences over those rules and boundaries laid down decades ago, to resist posturing for their electorates back home and to start working together on things that matter to young people in both countries. Those things include economic stability, job creation, healthy competition instead of decoupling, scientific collaboration and, above all, climate change.

Each moment that we spend mired in distrust makes the world a little bit hotter. Raised under the threat of climate change, younger generations in both countries intuitively understand that we need new, transformative approaches and that yelling at each other solves nothing. Californians, plagued by wildfires, know that there are more immediate threats to their way of life than China. Shanghais people, living in a river delta, could see their home washed away in a few decades. The resources that Beijing and Washington expend on an unwinnable geopolitical standoff could be far better used in our energy transition or bringing better lives to people in the developing world.
And yes, of course, there were restrictions and impositions. Schools were closed. People didnt go on trips and were very cautious about seeing family. In a lot of places, you couldnt eat inside a restaurant. In others, when you went into stores, the store asked you to wear a mask. In some places, not many, you were being asked to provide a negative test to enter a particular event or social gathering. In many cases and in many ways the restrictions were burdensome and painful. There was mass unemployment, too, and an awful lot of anxiety and fear. But this isnt lockdown like there were lockdowns in China or even Peru. Its how we tried to make it safer to go out and interact during a pandemic that ultimately killed a million Americans.

McLean: I think that youre absolutely right to focus on the definition of what a lockdown is and how we implemented them here in this country. And I think part of the problem is that we implemented them in a way that allowed people who were well off and could work from home via Zoom to be able to maintain very much of their lives while other people couldnt. And then you can ask, well, is there a better way to lock down? Is there a way to lock down that we could have protected people in nursing homes? Is there a way to lock down that we could have protected people who live in multigenerational housing? Is there a way to lock down that we could have protected essential workers?

And I think it depends on who you were, whether you would define this as a lockdown or not. If you were a small business who saw your small business closed because of this, youre going to define it as a lockdown. If youre a restaurant owner who lost their restaurant because of this, you might define it as lockdown. If youre a parent whose child missed out on education because they needed the public schools to be open and who was struggling to balance the demands of having a child at home with having to do their own work, you might call it a lockdown. If you were free to leave your home and roam around and you could work via home from Zoom, you might not call it a lockdown.

But its also hard to separate a lot of that policy impact from social behavior that would have changed to some degree anyway. You mentioned Sweden, Joe, where they had a lighter-touch pandemic policy: There were some restrictions, and secondary schools did go remote, but it was essentially about advisories and guidance. And yet, by the objective data we have about how people actually behaved, for most of 2020 Sweden was not any more open or active than the U.S. was.

McLean: I think youre asking an essentially unknowable question. What is that interaction between the fear that a population might have and the public health policies that are put in place?
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the work to preserve the support of Ukraine by partners continues.

These days, the Ukrainian delegation is in Washington. First Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, Head of the Office Andriy Yermak, representatives of the Ministry of Justice and our teams are advocating, among other things, for stronger sanctions against Russia and the use of Russia's frozen assets to support our country, he said in a video address on Tuesday.

According to him, important meetings took place: the U.S. Secretary of State and his team, national security advisors to the President of the United States and the leaders of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, representatives of American civil society, and heads of international financial and development institutions.

We are preparing for the next year. It will not be easy. We are aware of this. But we are doing everything to ensure that Ukraine's position remains solid. And in the coming weeks, respective work with European and other partners is planned, he said.
I have taught creative writing at Mississippis flagship university for over 20 years, and Ive witnessed a powerful outcome: Students who master written and spoken communication can change the world.

Which is why the educational trend focusing on student outcomes is so alarming. In September, Mississippis state auditor, Shad White, published a report, Plugging the Brain Drain: Investing in College Majors That Actually Work. It notes that many students are likely to leave our state after completing their educations, presumably for more exciting opportunities elsewhere. Mr. White proposes tying educational investments to majors that dovetail with workplace needs in Mississippi.

He cited a Texas bill signed into law in June that overhauls how the state funds its community colleges. Money for those colleges in Texas is now allotted based on student outcomes that prepare them for the work force. Mr. White said the Mississippi Legislature should create a study committee of work force experts to outline the most- and least-needed programs and design a university funding structure with the states work force and economy in mind.

Its worth noting that nowhere in the eight-page report is educational value discussed in relation to anything other than money. I wonder what value hed ascribe to John Keats Ode on a Grecian Urn.
This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email transcripts@nytimes.com with any questions.

My name is Lydia Polgreen, and Im an Opinion columnist for The New York Times and co-host of the Matter of Opinion podcast. I also spent many years as a foreign correspondent for The New York Times, working in Africa and Asia. And I spent a fair amount of time in war zones and in conflict situations over those years.

A few weeks ago, Patrick Healy, whos the deputy opinion editor, had suggested to me that I might want to take a look through some of the images that we typically wouldnt publish that are in the database of photographs that The New York Times has access to. This is a database that includes, basically, all of the wire photographers and different contributors to The New York Times. Theyre all professional images from photojournalists, but theyre sort of unfiltered.

And one of the big and important decisions that you make, particularly if youre in a leadership position at a news organization, is deciding what is acceptable to publish and what is not. And these are very difficult and sensitive decisions. So Ive sort of plunged into these images. And what I noticed was that there were a lot of really, really hard to look at, very graphic images of injured and dead children among these photographs.

And as I was going through this, I found myself and I really sort of felt that I wanted to look away with most of these photographs. They were just really, really hard to look at. I think that I kind of was disassociating, in some ways, a little bit as I was going through these images. And then sort of out of the corner of my eye, this one image that had popped up on the screen really captured my attention.

This photo was taken by a Palestinian photographer in Gaza named Mahmud Hams. Hes a staff photographer for Agence France-Presse. And I thought as I looked at it, wow, this image actually looks like it could be from a slumber party, or it could be a bunch of children on a camping trip. And if youre not looking at it closely, it almost looks like a kind of pastoral scene.

But then you notice that in the upper right-hand corner of the image, there is this drying smear of blood. And then you see that the children are all injured in various ways. And then you realize that the children are all dead when you look at the caption. Its clear that this is a group of children who have been placed on the floor of a morgue, and theyre underneath a white sheet.

There was something about this image that I just really couldnt look away from. And I really thought a lot about what is it about this image. And I think that there were a couple of things. One, that moment where you feel this sense of misapprehension that this could be children sleeping. And in fact, when you look at it closely, you realize, actually, none of them look like theyre sleeping. They all look dead, except for one child, a girl whos in the middle of the frame, and her head is slightly tilted, and it almost looks like shes kind of, in her sleep, whispering something to the child sleeping beside her.

I think the human mind is incredibly good at protecting itself from traumatic things, right? And so there is this kind of eyes glazing over dissociation that happens when youre looking at a lot of images of this type. As it happens, like Susan Sontag wrote about this in her 1977 book On Photography, where she basically says that seeing a lot of graphic imagery has the power to kind of anesthetize us and inure us.

So even if your goal is to show the full horror of war, sometimes by showing graphic images, youre actually kind of, like, dulling that sense. And I could actually feel that happening to me as I was looking at these images, until I came upon this image. And suddenly, my attention kind of snapped back, and I became very curious about what it is about an image that can seize us out of that moment of disassociation and pull us into attention and get us to see and be able to look at difficult things.

And this photograph, I guess, I thought of it as a photograph that had a kind of iconic quality not unlike the photograph of the girl who was burned by napalm during the Vietnam War. I thought of the iconic photograph of Emmett Till. Emmett Till was lynched in 1955, and his mother had insisted that his body be placed in an open casket and photographed, and that it be seen around the world so that the world would have to answer for what had happened to him.

And so those are the images that sort of came to my mind, and I thought, does this image kind of clear that hurdle? And I felt that this image really sort of said something powerful about war, and about this war in particular, and about the toll that its taking on children in Gaza. And as I looked more at this image, I thought, I need to write about this picture.

And as I started writing about it, I realized, I actually think that people should see this picture. And I knew that that was not going to be an easy thing to make happen because having been the editor of a publication, I was editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post at one stage, and Ive been an editor at The New York Times on the international desk, and you make these really difficult decisions about what to show and what not to show. And they are truly wrenching, wrenching, wrenching decisions.

I think the question of whether or not to publish this image is a really difficult one. For me as an individual columnist, I argued passionately that we should publish it and that people should see it. And we had a lot of debates internally about it. The leaders of The Times, including our opinion editor, Katie Kingsbury, made very thoughtful counterarguments, and ultimately, the responsibility lies with Katie in making these decisions. And so I accept her decision and respect it.

And I think one of the big questions is these childrens faces are recognizable. And youre thinking about their families. Youre thinking about the impact that could have on their families, our inability to reach their families, to talk to them about it and get their consent. And I think that intelligent people, caring people, can disagree on these questions. I think ultimately, making a link to the image available so that people who did want to see it, could see it, was the sort of compromise position that we ended on.

So as a kind of baseline, I think that writing about documenting, trying to tell these stories, is a way to say, Im not OK with this. What Im seeing is not something that I can accept. Its not something that I can live with. And that might seem like a pretty feeble outcome or protest or way to take an action, but what I like about that way of thinking is that it doesnt overpromise what can be achieved, but it makes the moral obligation absolutely crystal clear we dont underwrite whats happening here.
This year, DoorDash, which delivers takeout food from restaurants, piloted a warning on its app that if customers dont add a tip at the time they order, their order may take longer to be accepted as a result. The randomly tested warning has served its purpose because nobody wants cold food: Since launching this test, weve seen a meaningful decrease in no-tip orders, the company announced on Nov. 1. (If a no-tip order sits too long, DoorDash will raise the base pay until a driver  known as a Dasher  finally picks it up.)

Im glad to see workers earning more in jobs that tend to be low-paid, grueling and in some cases dangerous. Thats sharing the wealth. Our three-sided marketplace only works if its working for Dashers, consumers and merchants alike, the company said, correctly.

Im not as happy that some portion of the bigger tips will most likely indirectly increase corporate profits. DoorDash, for example, says that the independent contractors who drive for it get to keep all of their tips, and the company doesnt reduce their base pay if theyre tipped. While thats true, money is fungible. You have to assume that if the drivers have started to consistently earn more in tips, over the long run the company will be able to offer less in base pay than it otherwise would have.

The technology-aided shift in the balance of power isnt just about tips. Its about the broader question of whos trying to please whom. For example, Uber allows drivers to rate their passengers. A passenger rated with a single star will have a hard time getting picked up by a driver, so theres a strong incentive to be on ones best behavior. (The driver rates the passenger before seeing the tip, although Im guessing a lot of customers dont realize that.)

Tipping intrigues economists because in some ways it seems irrational. Why leave a tip at a restaurant in a city that you will never visit again? Maybe youre trying to impress your dining companion with your generosity. But what if youre dining alone? Robert Frank, a Cornell economist, wrote in a 1988 book, Passions Within Reason: The Strategic Role of the Emotions, that people develop altruistic habits because getting a reputation for doing the right thing (even when no one is looking) helps them succeed in the long run.
Jeremy Scott had just started interviewing for the job of creative director at Moschino when he had an epiphany of sorts while driving through Los Angeles.

I saw the iconic McDonalds logo, Mr. Scott said, and it just hit me: Moschino, McDonalds.

Ive always been very much about pop culture, he added.

He got the job at Moschino not long after, and he then began to work with its graphics team to contort the fast-food chains golden arches into the shape of a heart, a signature motif of the Italian fashion brand.
Some of the antisemitic and anti-Islam posts have been shared and liked hundreds of thousands of times, even though they appear to violate the rules of social media platforms, many of which ban hate speech.

The content has been most prominent on X, according to the Anti-Defamation League and other researchers. In an analysis by the Anti-Defamation League of 162,958 posts on X and 15,476 posts on Facebook from Sept. 30 to Oct. 13, the surge in antisemitic content on X far exceeded that of Facebook. Nearly two million posts with the hashtag #IsraeliNewNazism appeared on X in that period, and another 40,000 posts featured the hashtag #ZionistsAreEvil or #ZionistsAreNazis.

More than 46,000 posts with the hashtag #HitlerWasRight also appeared over the last month on X, according to Memetica, a digital investigations firm. In previous months, the hashtag appeared fewer than 5,000 times a month. Two other hashtags  #DeathtotheJews and #DeathtoJews  showed up more than 51,000 times in the last month, compared with 2,000 the month before.

The hashtag #LevelGaza appeared nearly 3,000 times on X in the week after the Oct. 7 attacks, up from fewer than a dozen in September, Memetica also found. There were also thousands of posts on the platform with the hashtags #MuslimPig and #KillMuslims.

Other sites, including TikTok and Facebook, have also experienced surges in hate speech but have removed the content that was flagged to them, researchers said. The hate speech that remained was often more veiled, such as a TikTok trend of using Austrian painter as code for Adolf Hitler.

A TikTok spokeswoman said that the Austrian painter videos violated the apps policies and that videos with the hashtag were removed after The Times brought them to the companys attention. From Oct. 7 to Oct. 13, she added, TikTok took down 730,000 videos for violating hate speech rules.

X did not respond to a request for comment. Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, referred to a blog post on how the company is enforcing its policies against hate speech.

Messaging apps such as Telegram have also been used to seed hate speech in the conflict. On Oct. 7, a Hamas-linked Telegram channel shared an image of a paraglider descending with a Palestinian flag and the words I stand with Palestine. The image referred to the Hamas gunmen who used paragliders to enter the Nova music festival in Israel, where more than 260 people were killed in the Oct. 7 attacks.

Within 24 hours, the image was shared thousands of times on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, according to ActiveFence, a cybersecurity company that advises social media platforms. Underneath some of the posts on Facebook and Instagram were comments such as they should have killed more and kill more Jews.

By Oct. 9, a group called NatSoc Florida had created a T-shirt with the image, according to ActiveFence. The image soon spread to 4chan and later appeared in variations with Pepe the Frog, a cartoon character that has been appropriated by white supremacists.

The meme quickly spread through organizations that were primed to embrace antisemitic or racist causes, including those not directly involved in the conflict between Israel and Gaza, said Noam Schwartz, ActiveFences chief executive.

The meme is very, very good, he said. Its a terrible thing to say, but its recognizable, like an icon.

Telegram did not respond to a request for comment.

On several far-right Telegram channels and on 4chan, some users have recently discussed the war as an opportunity to spread antisemitic sentiment to people who are normally ideological opposites. One Telegram channel included instructions for far-right users who espouse antisemitism to post sympathetically about the deaths of Palestinians in Gaza to draw in left-wing activists.

Once you get them there, blame the Jews, one person wrote.

Adi Cohen, the chief operating officer of Memetica, said the rise in antisemitic posts reflected a convergence of goals by far-right and far-left activists.

Some of them explicitly say this is an opportunity to gloat and celebrate the killing of Jews online, he said. They are trying to lure an audience to their content, and this is a huge growth moment for them.
To get to Amigo Family Counseling, I walked down beige hallways on the first floor of a building in a ho-hum Columbus, Ohio, office park a short walk from a Bob Evans restaurant.

The centers clinical director, Dr. Emilio Amigo, waved at me once I got inside. Behind a closed door I heard the voices of his clients  autistic young adults from mostly working- and middle-class central Ohio families  boisterously chatting about their Friday night plans.

I was there to talk about How to Dance in Ohio, a new Broadway musical that features Dr. Amigo and seven of his autistic clients as characters. The show  pop in score and sensibility  is based on Alexandra Shivas 2015 documentary, which follows Dr. Amigo and many more of his clients as they navigate life and eagerly, but anxiously, prepare for a spring formal. (The musical is in previews at the Belasco Theater in Manhattan, where it is scheduled to open on Dec. 10. The documentary is on Max.)

In a room filled with board games and framed illustrations of rainbow-bright robots, I met Tommy Van Atta. I asked him to tell me what it was like to be in the documentary and now be a character in a musical adaptation. Van Atta, 28, who has the frame of a linebacker, paused for a few seconds, then spoke softly.
The Irish have helped perfect, perhaps even invent, the pub as we know it. Storied Dublin locales like Gravediggers and Mulligans keep that tradition alive.

The Irish culinary legacy, on the other hand, is still being rediscovered and refined. Dublin is where much of that reinvention is happening, powered by fresh seafood, pasture-raised meat, sharp and subtle cheeses and a bounty of local produce.

There has long been a small number of globally lauded Dublin restaurants  like Chapter One and Patrick Guilbaud  but in recent years, younger generations of Irish chefs and restaurateurs, many of whom left home and worked abroad, or at least outside Dublin, then returned, have been flourishing in the capital. Some talented foreign chefs have also made Dublin their home. These days, theres a fine range of sophisticated, even surprising, Dublin food to complement all that Guinness, poitin (a traditional distilled spirit) and whiskey.
Christopher A. Wray, the F.B.I. director, said on Wednesday that the bureau had opened a slew of investigations into Hamas as it tries to thwart potential attacks and stymie financial support for the militant group.

We also have a large number of tips and leads related specifically to Hamas and radicalization and recruitment, Mr. Wray said in testimony before the House Committee on Homeland Security about worldwide threats to the United States. We are urgently running down every tip and lead.

He added, We cannot  and do not  discount the possibility that Hamas or another foreign terrorist organization may exploit the current conflict to conduct attacks here, on our own soil.

Mr. Wrays comments reflected rising concern among senior F.B.I. officials that Hamass brazen assault on Israel last month that left about 1,200 dead could inspire similar attacks, including in the United States, as well as provide the terrorist organization with more financial backing.

In the past, Hamas has not been a top priority for American intelligence agencies and federal law enforcement. Indeed, the White Houses 2022 national security strategy refers to the Islamic State and Al Qaeda but makes no mention of Hamas, an indication that the United States has typically not considered the group a direct threat.

Since the Hamas attack, Mr. Wray said, weve seen a rogues gallery of foreign terrorist organizations call for attacks against Americans and our allies, naming Hezbollah, the Islamic State and Al Qaeda.

He added, Weve kept our sights on Hamas and have multiple investigations into individuals affiliated with that foreign terrorist organization.

Among those killed on Oct. 7 were about three dozen American citizens, with another 10 unaccounted for. It is unclear how many Americans were among those that Hamas and other Palestinian groups kidnapped that day and ferried back to Gaza. The Israeli government is still trying to identify human remains. So far, 859 Israeli civilians slain in the attack have been identified.

Mr. Wray also pointed to the threat from Hamas in urging lawmakers to reauthorize a key surveillance tool, known as Section 702, which is set to expire by the end of this year. All of the intelligence on the group that is gathered from electronic surveillance, as opposed to human informants, was assembled using that particular section of the law, he said.

It would be a wildly irresponsible risk if Congress did not reauthorize it, he added.

Mr. Wray reiterated concerns he had raised during a hearing last month with senators on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee, in which he noted the escalating threats against Jews and Muslims in the United States.

Of particular concern are attacks from violent extremists or lone actors in the United States fueled by calls to violence, Mr. Wray said on Wednesday, pointing to homegrown violent extremists inspired by a foreign terrorist organization, and domestic violent extremists targeting Jewish Americans or other faith communities, like Muslim Americans.

Mr. Wray added that the biggest chunk of the threats that have been reported, by a good margin, had been to the Jewish community, including synagogues and Jewish leaders.

Last month, Mr. Wray, citing statistics from 2022, noted that despite representing less than 3 percent of the American population, Jews were the target of about 60 percent of the religious-based hate crimes.

Although Mr. Wray had a mostly friendly reception on Wednesday, Clay Higgins, a Republican congressman from Louisiana, took aim at the director and peddled a conspiratorial claim that has circulated in right-wing circles about the F.B.I.s role on Jan. 6.

In a heated exchange, Mr. Wray said neither F.B.I. agents nor informants had orchestrated the violence on Jan. 6 at the Capitol. The answer is, emphatically not, Mr. Wray said, his temper rising.

Mr. Higgins was not satisfied.

Your day is coming, Mr. Wray, he said.
WHAT WAS SAID

DeSantis gave millions to Chinese companies. DeSantis even voted to fast-track Obamas Chinese trade deals.

 A pro-Haley super PAC, SFA Fund Inc., in an ad

False. There is no evidence Mr. DeSantis directly gave millions to Chinese companies; the ad was referring to technology purchases by state agencies. And the trade-related vote in question, when Mr. DeSantis was in Congress, did not result in the Obama administration signing trade deals with China.

In regards to the claim that Mr. DeSantis gave millions to Chinese companies, a representative for the super PAC cited a 2020 article in The Washington Times, a conservative publication. The article concerned a report that asserted that state governments around the country were introducing security threats because of technology contracts with two companies: Lexmark, which was acquired by a Chinese consortium in 2016, and Lenovo, a Chinese tech company. Both companies disputed the report in statements to the news outlet.

Florida records do show state agencies have spent millions in purchases from the companies, mostly Lexmark, for printers and other products, since Mr. DeSantis took office on Jan. 8, 2019. South Carolina has also worked with the companies, including under Ms. Haleys governorship.

Florida used those companies before Mr. DeSantiss tenure, too, and SFA Fund provided no evidence that Mr. DeSantis himself directly approved the purchases. Last year, Mr. DeSantis issued an executive order instructing state officials to create rules to prevent state entities from buying technology that presents security risks, including because of a connection to China or other foreign countries of concern.

The ads contention that Mr. DeSantis voted to fast-track Obamas Chinese trade deals is similarly flawed. It is based on a vote Mr. DeSantis made as a congressman in 2015 to extend the presidents authority to fast-track trade legislation. He was among 190 Republicans in the House to vote for it.

But Mark Wu, a Harvard law professor with expertise in international trade, said no trade agreements subject to that authority were made with China.

In passing T.P.A. in 2015, Congress agreed only to fast-track trade agreements that addressed tariff barriers (along with possibly nontariff barriers), Mr. Wu said in an email, referring to the trade promotion authority bill that bolstered the presidents power to negotiate trade deals with Asia and Europe. None of the negotiations that the U.S. conducted with China during the Obama administration fell into this category. Nor did these negotiations result in any trade deals with China during the Obama administration.

WHAT WAS SAID

Ron, you are the chair of your economic development agency that, as of last week, said Florida is the ideal place for Chinese businesses. Not only that, you have a company that is manufacturer of Chinese military planes. You have it. They are expanding two training sites at two of your airports now, one which is 12 miles away from a naval base. Then you have another company thats expanding, and they were just invaded by the Department of Homeland Security.

 Ms. Haley during the debate last week

This requires context. Mr. DeSantis previously served as the board chairman of a public-private economic development organization known as Enterprise Florida. The governor signed legislation earlier this year that consolidated the organizations work into what is now the states Commerce Department.

Ms. Haley was referring to an old report. A 2019-2020 report by Enterprise Florida described Florida as an ideal business destination for Chinese companies. Ms. Haleys campaign has hit Mr. DeSantis over reports that the document was taken down this month.

Ms. Haleys other points largely check out.

In October last year, Cirrus Aircraft  which was acquired in 2011 by a Chinese state-owned company that makes military aircraft  announced it had expanded locations at the Orlando Executive Airport and Kissimmee Gateway Airport. The first location provides aircraft sales and concierge flight training, while the other offers aircraft maintenance and management. The Orlando complex is less than 10 miles from a Navy training systems center.

Regarding the company raided by the Homeland Security Department, Ms. Haley was referring to a solar panel company, JinkoSolar, based in China. Homeland security officials in May executed search warrants at its factory in Jacksonville, Fla., and an office in California.

While federal officials have not provided details on that inquiry, it appears to be linked to multiple concerns. Those include whether JinkoSolar misrepresented the source of some imports containing materials from the Xinjiang region of China and incorrectly classified products, resulting in an incorrect duty rate, The New York Times has reported. The company has said that it is confident in its supply chain traceability and that U.S. customs officials have reviewed and released JinkoSolar products.

In June, Jacksonvilles City Council withdrew a bill that would have provided the company tax incentives to expand. A JinkoSolar representative said in a statement that the company still planned to pursue its $50 million expansion.

WHAT WAS SAID

Nikki Haley promised South Carolina she would never support increasing taxes on gas. She broke that promise almost immediately.

 A pro-DeSantis super PAC, Never Back Down, in a post on X last week

This is misleading. As governor, Ms. Haley rebuffed calls to increase South Carolinas gas tax as a stand-alone measure.

The ad included in the post features clips taken from Ms. Haleys State of the State addresses. First she is shown saying, in 2013, But I will not, not now, not ever, support raising the gas tax. She is then shown in 2015 saying, Lets increase the gas tax by 10 cents over the next three years.

But Ms. Haleys full 2015 remarks shows that the super PAC took her comments out of context. She first acknowledged that some have advocated raising the state gas tax to increase revenue for infrastructure projects and later said: As Ive said many times, I will veto any straight-up increase in the gas tax.

Instead, Ms. Haley said she would only support a gas tax increase if the state reduced the income tax rate to 5 percent, from 7 percent, and made changes to the states Department of Transportation.

The state did not ultimately increase the gas tax under Ms. Haley.
An increasing number of migrants arrested at the southern border over the past year are on the United States terrorist watch list, according to government data.

From October last year to this September, officials at the southern border arrested 169 people whose names matched those on the watch list, compared with 98 during the previous fiscal year and 15 in 2021, according to government data. But that is a minuscule fraction of the total number of migrants who were apprehended at the border over the past year, more than two million.

The increase appears to reflect at least two factors, a surge in illegal crossings and the number of people arriving from a wider variety of countries than in previous years.

Still, Republicans have seized on those numbers to assail President Biden for border policies that they say make Americans unsafe.
Zelenskyy: Russia already losing soldiers and equipment near Avdiyivka faster and on larger scale than near Bakhmut

Russia is already losing soldiers and equipment near Avdiyivka faster and on a larger scale than, for example, near Bakhmut, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an evening video message.

Today, the intelligence service, the Commander-in-Chief, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the Minister of Defense reported on the conference call. The overall situation at the front, particular directions. Ammunition, equipment  everything for the front. Avdiyivka, Kupyansk, Bakhmut. Also the southern directions. Russian assaults are very intense, especially in Donetsk region, the President said.

According to Zelenskyy, we have to realize that Putin has a very cynical and specific political goal right now, and he is willing to kill as many of his people as he needs to because he wants to show at least some tactical results in the first half of December. That's when he plans to announce his elections.

Russia is already losing soldiers and equipment near Avdiivka faster and on a larger scale than, for example, near Bakhmut. It is extremely difficult to withstand this onslaught. And each of our warriors holding the positions, each of our warriors performing combat missions there deserves our utmost gratitude, the head of state noted.

The more Russian forces are destroyed near Avdiivka now, the worse the overall situation and the overall course of this war will be for the enemy, he added.

At the same time, Zelenskyy particularly noted the soldiers of the 53rd and 110th separate mechanized brigades and the gunners of the 55th separate artillery Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

All of them are fighting in the Avdiivka sector and have provided Ukraine with the best results these days. Thank you, warriors! the President stated.
In what has been called a silver lining to the pandemic, the share of women who are in the labor force has reached an all-time high, in part because of the increased flexibility that came with remote work, which has allowed mothers to more easily juggle professional and child care responsibilities.

But will the choice to work from home affect womens careers in the long term?

My colleague Sarah Kessler recently wrote about how opting for remote work may make it harder for women to get ahead in their careers. Because office attendance is still often seen as a proxy for productivity, working remotely full time, or working more days from home than others do in a hybrid workplace, could become an updated version of the mommy track, a career path in which flexibility comes at the price of lost chances for advancement.

Sarah told me that she began thinking about this issue after hearing company executives lament that employees were taking a break around 5 p.m. to pick up their children from day care and then logging back on at night to finish their work. In other words, some employers were frowning upon the flexibility of remote work.

The modern work force and the traditional views of what hard work needs to look like dont add up, Sarah said. If companies hire both mothers and fathers, someone is going to have to leave their job on time to pick up the kids. So why is it seen as such a bad thing?
Congress gave final approval on Wednesday to a bill to fund federal agencies into early next year, averting an immediate shutdown crisis but leaving the path toward a longer-term agreement on government spending as rocky as ever.

The Senate voted 87 to 11 to clear the temporary funding patch and send it to President Biden, who is expected to sign it, just days before a deadline at midnight on Friday. The measure was approved by the House on Tuesday with near-unanimous support from Democrats and over the opposition of almost half of House Republicans.

While dodging a short-term disaster, Congress will have only a few months to reach a governmentwide spending agreement. And a Republican mutiny over the measure on the House floor on Wednesday reflected how difficult it will be for the G.O.P. leaders to come to terms with Democrats on a more lasting plan.

The bill, known as a continuing resolution, sets up two deadlines in early 2024, with money for some agencies running out on Jan. 19 and the rest on Feb. 2. It continues funding at current levels and contains no policy conditions  two aspects that pleased Democrats and enraged far-right Republicans who have demanded steep cuts and conservative policy requirements.
A British woman who was killed in Belgium 31 years ago was identified this week thanks to an international campaign that began earlier this year to identify nearly two dozen women who were found dead across Europe, officials said.

The case dates to June 1992, when the body of a woman, given the nickname the woman with the flower tattoo by investigators, was found pushed against a grate in a river in Belgium.

She appeared to have been killed violently, according to details released this spring by the International Criminal Police Organization, also known as Interpol.

The womans most identifiable feature was a flower tattoo with RNick written underneath. At the time, the authorities had hoped her tattoo would jog someones memory.
The posters dotting the streets of Buenos Aires had a certain Soviet flair to them.

There was one of Argentinas presidential candidates, Sergio Massa, dressed in a shirt with what appeared to be military medals, pointing to a blue sky. He was surrounded by hundreds of older people  in drab clothing, with serious, and often disfigured, faces  looked toward him in hope.

The style was no mistake. The illustrator had been given clear instructions.

Sovietic Political propaganda poster illustration by Gustav Klutsis featuring a leader, masssa, standing firmly, said a prompt that Mr. Massas campaign fed into an artificial-intelligence program to produce the image. Symbols of unity and power fill the environment, the prompt continued. The image exudes authority and determination.

Javier Milei, the other candidate in Sundays runoff election, has struck back by sharing what appear to be A.I. images depicting Mr. Massa as a Chinese communist leader and himself as a cuddly cartoon lion. They have been viewed more than 30 million times.

Argentinas election has quickly become a testing ground for A.I. in campaigns, with the two candidates and their supporters employing the technology to doctor existing images and videos and create others from scratch.
Mr. Ali sent his children to their mothers home. But unable to find a place to go himself, he ended up staying. I was awake the whole night, he said. Our lives are all up in the air.

The evacuation has drawn fresh attention to the construction of Britains public housing high-rises. Flammable cladding forbidden in many other countries contributed to the fast spread of one of Britains deadliest residential fires, in London in 2017. The Grenfell Tower fire, which killed 72 people and left hundreds homeless, prompted a national reckoning over safety measures and construction of high-rise buildings. Critics have accused governments of prioritizing cost-cutting over safety, and housing advocates in London and elsewhere have since raised concerns about other buildings.

In Bristol, where a fire last year at a public housing tower killed one person and injured others, city officials said they had ordered the evacuation of Barton House as a precautionary measure after surveys of three of the blocks 98 apartments found the tower may not have been built to the specifications of its design. The block appeared to lack structural ties between floors and external walls, and structural elements had lower fire resistance and less concrete cover than originally planned, according to the mayor.

That meant there was a material risk to the structure of the block in the event of a fire, explosion or large impact, Mr. Rees said in a statement on Wednesday. While there was no evidence of an immediate risk to life, he said the decision was made to evacuate.

Barton House was built in 1958 and is among the oldest of the citys public housing projects, or council housing estates, as they are called in Britain. There was no evidence yet to suggest the blocks issues appeared in other estates, the city said.
Britains Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that a policy to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda is unlawful, dealing a major blow to a Conservative government that has long described the plan as central to its pledge to stop the arrival of the small boats that cross the English Channel.

Justice Robert Reed, one of five judges who heard the case, said the court supported an earlier Court of Appeal decision that found Rwanda was not safe for refugees, saying bluntly, We agree with their conclusion. He emphasized that the plan would breach both British and international law.

The courts unanimous rejection of a flagship government policy is the latest setback for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at a time of intense political turmoil in the Conservative Party, which has held power for 13 years and is lagging in the polls.

The government said after the ruling that it was still committed to sending asylum seekers to Rwanda, although how that might work  and whether it could happen before the general election expected next year  was unclear.
For month after endless month, nights in Kyiv were punctuated by the wail of air raid sirens and the sound of explosions from missile and drone attacks. Now, an unusually long lull in nighttime bombardments of the city by Russian forces is allowing residents to do something they have been dreaming of  finally getting some sleep.

I really feel the difference, said Anastasia Tsvion, looking rested after a good nights sleep, undisturbed by missiles dropping or sirens going off and forcing her to seek safety in a nearby subway station. I can live a normal life, said Ms. Tsvion, 27, who works as an analyst for a group tracking malicious Russian information campaigns. Physically, I am not exhausted.

Air raid sirens sounded only six times in Kyiv last month, the smallest number since the beginning of Russias full-scale invasion last year, according to public data.

While no one expects the lull to continue for long, it has been welcomed by residents of a city that has been subject to more than 1,000 hours of air raid sirens from the start of the war through late September of this year, according to local authorities, as Russia sent waves of missiles and drones in an attempt to destroy crucial energy and military infrastructure, and break the will of the population.
The first time orcas appeared near his catamaran, Florian Rutsch was surprised, but prepared.

Like many venturing around the Iberian Peninsula, Mr. Rutsch had browsed Facebook groups, Telegram chats and other online platforms where sailors have been swapping tips on a relatively recent phenomenon: How do you get orcas to leave your boat alone?

In May, when the crew of his catamaran, which he charters for high-end voyages and retreats, encountered an orca group while crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, he tried some of those ideas. He scattered sand in the water, which some sailors thought could act as a deterrent (unsubstantiated). Then he slammed the engine into full throttle, moving away from the group (advice supported by the Spanish government).

The orcas left them alone. But his second encounter with the animals in November was less civil.

This time, to deter them, the crew also tried another idea that had been passed along: booming a curated playlist of heavy metal  titled Metal for Orcas  through an underwater speaker. But the animals had moved quickly, targeting the rudder and disabling the boats steering. The crew had to call for help, and eventually Spanish rescue authorities arrived and towed the vessel to port.
French investigative judges have issued an international arrest warrant for President Bashar al-Assad of Syria that accuses him of complicity in war crimes and crimes against humanity over the deadly use of chemical weapons against his own people, a judicial official said on Wednesday.

The move is a dramatic step, albeit a largely symbolic one, toward holding Mr. al-Assad and his circle accountable for some of the worst atrocities committed in the yearslong Syria conflict.

Warrants also were issued for the Syrian leaders brother, Maher al-Assad, and two senior officials  Gen. Ghassan Abbas and Gen. Bassam al-Hassan  according to the French judicial official, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the case.

While it is unlikely that Mr. al-Assad will ever stand trial in France, the warrants offer a measure of comfort to some Syrians that their suffering has not been overlooked.
Zelenskyy: Ukraine take out more than 200 people from Gaza Strip, following groups being prepared for evacuation

Ukraine has already taken more than 200 people out of the Gaza Strip, and the following groups are being prepared for evacuation, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Today, I will highlight the work of our entire team and those who helped to rescue Ukrainian citizens from the Gaza Strip. This is a very, very complex, sensitive, multi-level operation. More than 200 people have been rescued. We are preparing the next groups for evacuation, he said in his evening video address.

The Head of State thanked the Egyptian and Israeli authorities, Ukrainian diplomats, Sky Up airline, Rabbi Jonathan Markovitch and the officers of the GUR for their assistance.

As he noted, Ukraine's success in such operations once again demonstrates to the world how much our country values its citizens, wherever they are, and how effective our state institutions are.
Israel believes that Wednesdays raid on Al-Shifa Hospital will put pressure on Hamas to finish a deal to trade dozens of Israeli captives for Palestinian prisoners, according to two senior Israeli officials.

Negotiations for a deal are underway, with the various players working on a framework of an agreement, according to the two Israeli officials, who are involved in the Israeli effort to release the hostages through a deal, as well as a third with knowledge of the matter. Under the proposal, Hamas would release 50 women and children abducted during the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks for roughly the same number of Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons.

The three officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive negotiations as did two other Israeli officials who discussed the hostage negotiations.

The deal, being negotiated by Qatari, Egyptian and American officials, would also include the cessation of hostilities for several days, a so-called humanitarian pause, four of the officials said.

Hamas confirmed the broad outlines of this agreement on Tuesday but blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel for delaying it.

We want your children returned to you, Osama Hamdan, a Hamas spokesman, told reporters on Tuesday in Beirut, but the one who is obstructing you is Netanyahu and his war government.

In addition to about 1,200 people killed in the Oct. 7 attack, there were also 240 hostages taken to Gaza, according to Israeli officials. After the attack, Israel declared war on Hamas, which according to health officials in Hamas-controlled Gaza has resulted in more than 10,000 deaths. Freeing the hostages  and ensuring their survival during the war  is one of Israels declared targets but also among its most tactically difficult and politically fraught challenges.

Despite movement from both sides toward a deal, Mr. Netanyahu must first present the proposal to his government for a vote.

Until prisoners are actually being exchanged, the situation remains fluid. The swap could be scuttled by hard-liners in Israels government who do not want to make any deal with Hamas, or who want Israel to secure the release of more hostages.

The deal was being worked out by officials from the tiny Gulf emirate of Qatar, which has hosted the Hamas political leadership in exile for years. The United States and Israel have long used Qatar as an intermediary to get messages to Hamas and to coordinate aid efforts in Gaza.

Hamas is willing to release at least 50 women and children, two of the officials said. Israel, they said, believes the total number of women and children that Hamas is holding is closer to 100 and is pushing for more hostages to be released in the deal, though so far without success.

Two of the Israeli officials said Hamas has not provided the names of the hostages it is willing to trade but that the sides have agreed that members of the same family would not be separated.

Under the proposal, some of the exchanges, they added, would take place at the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza  the only functioning entrance to the enclave and the site at which Israel has allowed foreign aid to enter the strip.

An earlier proposed agreement that would have seen the release of 50 hostages in exchange for a temporary cease-fire was derailed last month, at least in part, by Israels decision to send ground troops into Gaza after weeks of airstrikes. But Israel believes that by taking Shifa, which it says Hamas uses as a military command center and its patients as human shields, the militant group is deprived of a key asset and more inclined to trade hostages, according to officials. Hamas and hospital officials deny its use as a military facility.

Hamas previously released a small number of hostages in two rounds last month  an American mother and her daughter who also have Israeli citizenship, and later two elderly Israeli women.

Hwaida Saad contributed reporting form Beirut, Lebanon.
How Each Member Voted on the House Stopgap Spending Measure

With the help of House Democrats, Speaker Mike Johnson successfully pushed forward a stopgap measure that would keep the government funded into the beginning of next year.

Loading... Answer Democrats Dem. Republicans Rep. Total Bar chart of total votes Yes 0 0 0 No 0 0 0 Notes: The bill needed the support of two-thirds of those voting, or 288 members, to pass. See a breakdown of individual member votes below.

The two-step continuing resolution would fund some federal agencies until late January and others through early February, a strategy employed to appease hard-right lawmakers wary of passing bills that fund the entire government in one go. On Tuesday, House Democratic leaders endorsed the measure, which needed bipartisan support to pass. Notably, the bill contains no aid for Ukraine or Israel, which would have to be passed separately.

The continuing resolution is the second one passed this year. The first, passed in late September, caused a furor among hard-right House Republicans that cost Kevin McCarthy the speakership. The House was paralyzed for three weeks while Republicans worked to coalesce around a new speaker, going through three unsuccessful candidates before Mr. Johnson eventually garnered enough support to become speaker.

With 336 in favor, the measure crossed the threshold of 288 required to pass, since three members did not vote. It now goes to the Senate. See how each member of the House voted.

How Every Representative Voted
BizCom Associates

450 Century Pkwy., #250, Allen, TX 75013

214/458-5751

Business-to-bus. PR, consumer products and services, environmental, franchising, social media, start-ups, technology.

Employees: 21. Founded: 1999.

Agency Statement:

Named 2023 Top Franchise PR Agency byand 2022 Small Agency of the Year by the Dallas chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, BizCom Associates is a Dallas area-based public relations and marketing communications firm helping dynamic entrepreneurs, innovative franchise brands and other creative business leaders promote their products and services worldwide.

Scott White, CEO; Monica Feid, COO; August Johnson, VP/dir., client rels.; Lauren Moore, VP/dir., client svcs.; Melissa Rubin, VP/dir., creative svcs.

Clients Include:

All About VisionasTechBest Life Brands - Blue Moon EstatesBest Life Brands - CarePatrolBest Life Brands - ComforCareBurning Tree ProgramsCollaborative Research FoundationConnemara ConservancyDina Dwyer-OwensEdible ArrangementsEmerson PartnersEmpower BrandsFranchiCzar - Iron 24 Fitness + RecoveryFranchiCzar - Valhallan Esports TrainingMr. Gattis PizzaMuseum of IllusionsMyEyeDrNeighborly - Aire ServNeighborly - CorporateNeighborly - Dryer Vent WizardNeighborly - Five Star PaintingNeighborly - Glass DoctorNeighborly - The Grounds GuysNeighborly - HouseMasterNeighborly - Molly MaidNeighborly - Mosquito JoeNeighborly - Mr. ApplianceNeighborly - Mr. ElectricNeighborly - Mr. HandymanNeighborly - Mr. RooterNeighborly - Rainbow International RestorationNeighborly - Real Property ManagementNeighborly - Window GenieOutdoor Living BrandsPropelled Group - FASTSIGNSPropelled Group - My Salon SuitePropelled Group - Nerds To GoRepairifySalad and GoSchool of RockStellar Brands - bluefrog Plumbing + DrainStellar Brands - Restoration 1Stellar Brands - SoftrocStellar Brands - The Driveway CompanyTitus Center for FranchisingWingstop

BizCom Associates in the news with O'Dwyer's:

 Accounts in Transit: Hemsworth Signs on Maison & Co. Wed., Nov. 15, 2023 ...vision over the next few years, said Maison & Co. founder and president Anthony Hernandez. BizCom Associates adds Fowling Warehouse DFW to its roster of clients. The agency is tasked with generating...

 Accounts in Transit: The Pollack Group Lands Latino Donor Collaborative Wed., Aug. 9, 2023 ...an organization as impactful and transformative as the LDC," said The Pollack Group president Stefan Pollack. BizCom Associates is selected to drive an integrated media relations and digital strategy program for PrimoHoagies,...

 News of Firms: Bliss Teams with Ringer Sciences Fri., Nov. 11, 2022 ...leading to increased shopping opportunity, brand loyalty, and a strong customer lifetime value," said Harrison. BizCom Associates is launching an employee-based philanthropic program, BizComCARES. The program is designed to empower the agency...

 Accounts in Transit: Rubenstein PR Picks Up New Empire Corp. Fri., Jul. 15, 2022 ...help people better manage their stress and anxiety," said Reflect founder and CEO Noga Sapir. BizCom Associates signs Salad and Go, a salad drive-thru restaurant chain with more than 50 locations...

 Accounts in Transit: Allen & Gerritsen Signs Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston Fri., May 13, 2022 ...for purpose-driven organizations made it an easy decision, said CJP chief marketing officer Jane Price. BizCom Associates adds Valhallan and Iron 24, franchise concepts created and launched by software developer FranchiCzar, to its client roster....

 Accounts in Transit: VSC Launches NFT Effort for Yat Labs Wed., May 4, 2022 ...from which users can surf the web by simply entering emojis into the URL bar. BizCom Associates adds Museum of Illusions to its client roster. BizCom will support the organizations national and global...

 On the Move: National Research Group Recruits Apple TV's Wed., Mar. 23, 2022 ...technology trends will super charge our marketing, said National Research Group CEO Jon Penn. Monica Feid BizCom Associates names Monica Feid chief operating officer. Feid, one of three co-founders and a principal with...

 Accounts in Transit: Champion Signs On Tazikis Mediterranean Cafe Thu., Feb. 17, 2022 ...to deliver data and analytics into customer shopping behaviors as well as shopping preferences. BizCom Associates adds Denver-based home improvement brand Sam the Concrete Man to its client roster. BizCom has already...

 On the Move: SpinLab Communications Names Mango VP-Communications Wed., Jul. 14, 2021 ...deep bench of executive talent on both coasts, said SpinLab Communications CEO John Vlautin. August Anderson BizCom Associates promotes August Anderson to vice president. Anderson has been with the agency since 2018,...

 Accounts in Transit: R&J Strategic Comms. Dishes for Dartcor Fri., Jul. 9, 2021 ...the office is mission critical for companies in every industry, said R&J president Scott Marioni. BizCom Associates signs up Propelled Brands, the corporate umbrella of service-oriented brands such as FASTSIGNS, NerdsToGo, MY SALON...

 Accounts in Transit: IPG's Golin, Virgo Health Focus on CooperVision Wed., Jul. 7, 2021 ...on themes that include freedom of expression, migration & change, environment deforestation, and cultural diversity. BizCom Associates lands All About Vision, an online resource for information about vision health and wellness, to increase...

 Accounts in Transit: Altus Marketing Adds Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries Fri., Jun. 11, 2021 ...this team brings to the table, said Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries president Dr. Chad Audi. BizCom Associates lands LINE-X, a manufacturer of high-performance protective coatings, as well as automotive and lifestyle...

 Feid Becomes BizComPR President Fri., Jan. 13, 2017 ...Monica Feid has been named president of BizCom Associates  new standalone PR division, BizComPR. Monica Feid The move comes as the result of a recent restructuring...

 BizCom Drafts Rubin Wed., Jul. 20, 2016 ...PR and marketing communications agency BizCom Associates has appointed Melissa Rubin to the role of account supervisor. Melissa Rubin Rubin arrives at BizCom...
Lou Hammond & Assocs. has inked a two-year contract to drive awareness in the US and Canada about the tourism attractions offered by Dubai.

The US ranks as Dubais No. 6 source market, while Canada checks in at No. 18.

Dubai Corp. for Tourism and Commerce Marketings RFP lists the key barriers to visiting the emirate.

They include perceptions that it is unsafe as part of the Middle East box, artificial with no culture or heritage, and overly expensive. There also are concerns about Dubais poor human rights record.

Lou Hammonds agreement calls for brand positioning, establishment of an always-on press office, fam/press trips, content partnerships, out-of-the-box activations, media monitoring and crisis management.

The PR firm has an eight-member Dubai team, which includes the presidents of its Charleston office (Gina Stouffer), New York (Terry Gallagher), Atlanta (Carter Long), and Toronto (Charmaine Singh).

The contract stipulates that Stephen Hammond or any subsequent CEO of the firm, shall be available to Dubai, as when reasonably required, to access the progress of the effort.

Lou Hammonds annual fee is capped at $325K.


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.
Clara native and past pupil of Killina Presentation Secondary School, Dr. Siobhan Buckley B.L. LLB., received her Ph.D. Degree from Dr. Fergus Ryan, Head of the School of Law and Criminology at Maynooth University recently.

Siobhans PhD research interests are in the areas of youth justice, young adult justice, comparative criminology, punitiveness, cross-sectoral differences between criminal justice sectors and transitions from youth to adulthood from a criminal justice perspective.

Siobhans PhD research examined the contrasts and similarities of approach between the adult, young adult and youth criminal justice sectors in Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands.

The research identifies the drivers of penal policy and assists in the development of policy concerning the relationship between adult and youth criminal justice sectors and in particular young adults within the criminal justice system.

Siobhan joined Ulster University School of Law in September 2023. Before joining the School of Law at Ulster University, Siobhan worked as an Assistant Lecturer in Law at Maynooth University and has taught at the School of Law and Government, Dublin City University and the Faculty of Law, Catholic University of Lyon as part of the dual undergraduate degree BCL (Etudes Juridiques) with Maynooth University.

Siobhan completed her PhD at Maynooth University having been awarded the Maynooth University John and Pat Hume Scholarship (2017-2020) and Irish Research Council Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship (2020-2022). Siobhan was awarded her Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) from Maynooth University, her Barrister at Law Degree (BL) from the Honourable Society of Kings Inns and her Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning from Maynooth University.
ROSCREA Stands Up have arranged a public meeting planned for this week to hear concerns over several issues causing distress for the local community.

Roscrea Stands Up - formed in 2014 to address issues relating to drug problems shot to national attention after an impromptu march on Roscrea Garda Station happened after their inaugural meeting - have called on the community to attend the public meeting in the Muintir na Tire Hall on Chapel Lane this Friday (Nov 17) at 7:30pm.

The depletion of Garda resources in Roscrea and dissatisfaction with Roscrea Garda Station's opening hours, rising anti-social behaviour and overburdening the town's essential services due to the sudden dramatic influx of asylum seekers are the main focus of the meeting.

Derek Russell, founder of Roscrea Stands Up, told the Tribune the activist group has returned to address building tension in Roscrea, because local people want the worsening situation highlighted.

Mr. Russell said local people feel Roscrea is once again neglected and that because Garda resources are overstretched, crime rates are spiraling and the community are fearful about the future.

"The future of Roscrea Garda Station and the number of Gardai currently working in the town are a serious concern", Mr. Russell said, adding that lack of information about the dramatic influx of people seeking international protection who moved to the town in recent weeks is exasperating the problem.

Repeated delays in securing Roscrea's long promised Garda CCTV system to assist Gardai police the town and an update on the future of the Dean Maxwell Community Nursing Home are also up for discussion, he said.

Last week public representatives called for a meeting with the Minister for Justice and Minister for Integration and Equality to address the issues in Roscrea. Local Independent Councillor, Shane Lee, made the appeal to government ministers after his own car was stolen and involved in an incident where two members of the Gardai were injured and required medical care after an incident at a checkpoint in Roscrea last month.

Separately, Tipperary TD, Deputy Michael Lowry, raised the current situation in Roscrea in the Dail and told Minister for Integration and Equality, Roderic O'Gorman, that people in Roscrea are "afraid" and that vital healthcare and policing services in the town are "overwhelmed and cannot cope" after the sudden increase in people seeking asylum in Ireland now living in Roscrea.

Roscrea Stands Up have invited all members of the public from Roscrea and surrounding areas to attend the meeting and contribute their views. The meeting begins at 7:30pm in the Muintir na Tire Hall this coming Friday night.
ON Friday, October 27 a Mass of celebration was held in St. Cronan's Church in Roscrea to say farewell and show appreciation to Fr. Lorcan Kenny for the 26 years of outstanding service he has given the Parishes of Roscrea, Bournea, Kyle and Knock.

Fr. Lorcan was the main celebrant and Mass was con -celebrated by nine of Fr. Lorcans colleagues and friends, some of whom traveled long distances to attend the very special occasion.

James Gleeson, one of Lorcan's first students, came forward at the beginning of the Mass to light a candle to represent all of his students over the 26 years.

The Mass was enhanced beautifully by Roscrea Youth Center Choir, the Church Choir led by Seamus Dyer and the Folk group led by Margaret Moloney. Tadhg Maher and Sophie Rowland sang 'A Mhuire Mhathair' and Mai Phelan played 'The Bells of Shandon' on the accordion. All the music was chosen by Fr. Lorcan and had special meaning to him.

There were 27 white candles lighting across the front of the Altar for Lorcan's students in Heaven. Fr. Lorcan said he prays to them dailu and is asking them to pray that the School will get a new Chaplin soon.

Pamela Landy, Chairperson of Roscrea Pastoral Council, welcomed everyone on the night and special welcome was given to Lorcans family, his colleagues from Colaiste Phobal both past and present and former students of all ages.

Fr. Lorcan is pictured above with Mary and Damian McKelvey, Eamonn Redmond, Meadbh Murray and Paul McKelvey - several of whom are students who developed a close frioendship with their Chaplain, in Roscrea Youth Centre after the Thanksgiving Mass. Photo: PJ Wright

Lorcan spoke about his time in Roscrea as being half his life and he would always remember the people of Roscrea in his prayers.

Lorcan thanked everyone involved in organising the night with a special thanks to his friend Anne -Marie Rowland.

In the 26 years of Fr. Lorcan's Ministry he has had a huge impact on countless numbers of young people through his job as Chaplain in Colaiste Phobal.

He treated every student with sensitivity and kindness, going above and beyond, year after year, to be there to support and help the students.

Fr. Lorcan has been involved with numerous organisations and projects in the community over the years. Roscrea Youth Centre has always been close to his heart and he will be hugely missed by the children and the Committee.

Fr Lorcan is pictured above with his friends and local photographers Sean Hogan (left) and PJ Wright

Lorcan has a great connection with Sr. Mona and Sr. Eileen Maher and the two girls Elizabeth and Christine. He has raised money for Uganda through all the little things, like-no uniform days, coppers for sr. Mona, singing Christmas Carols, street collections, cake sales and the proceeds from his three books.

Fr. Lorcan was thanked for all his work, prayers and friendship and for being a huge part of the story of Roscrea.

Fr. John Molloy (PP)and Fr. Tom Corbett (AP) presented Lorcan with a beautiful bog oak piece carved by Para Havatitye representing unconditional love being poured onto the nations of the world.

Sean Rowland presents Fr. Lorcan with a candle display made of ash wood. Photo: PJ Wright

Fr Tom spoke with emotion about Lorcan's easy personality and his willingness to always help those around him. Fr. Tom wished him every blessing in his new Parish and said our loss is Portroe's gain.

After Mass everyone was welcomed to Roscrea Youth Centre where Bernie Teehan had prepared a delicious array of cakes and sandwiches and teas and were enjoyed by all.

See the full collection of pictures from the event in this week's edition of The Midland Tribune - on sale now
A Palestine solidarity demonstration was held in Roscrea last week which was organised by Breandan O'Conchuir, a local Sinn Fein activist and member of the Irish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign.

Mr. O'Conchuir spoke about the importance of International solidarity in bringing an end to Israels attacks on innocent civilians in Gaza, he said.

It is over a month since Isreal began its bombing campaign on Gaza in that month over 10,000 people have been killed and over a million people displaced, many of those displaced are already refugees in their own country having being forced from the homes by Israel in previous attacks, he said.

The Irish people's messages of solidarity is sadly an outlier in western politics as the EU, the UK and the US continue to enable Israel through the sale of arms and diplomatic support. This is why it is vital that Irish people continue to stand in solidarity and lobby Irish politicians to do what they can to put international pressure on Israel to respect international law and end its attacks on civilians andvits policy of illegal settlements in the West Bank, he said.

Mike McDonnell from Nenagh Friends of Palestine said Ireland should expel the Israeli ambassador as Ireland can not continue to have diplomatic relations with a country actively involved in ethnic cleansing and encouraged people to sign their petition.

Another solidarity rally is planned for Roscrea on November 29.
Bogs in Offaly and the Oldcroghan Man Walking Tour will feature in Ruin in Portach (Secrets in the Peat), a three-part series which explores the magnificent peatlands in Ireland and around the globe, which starts on TG4 tonight, Wednesday, November 15, at 9.30pm.

Peatlands cover just 3% of our planet but store more carbon than all the forests of the world combined. In the fight against climate change could they be our silent saviours? This series 'Ruin na bPortach' takes a fresh perspective on the bogs and peatlands of Ireland and the world - the role they play in the delicate balance of the worlds ecosystem, how they have influenced history, and indeed culture with their sometimes overlooked wild and distinct beauty.

Presenter Cormac O hAdhmaill takes us on a journey from the boreal peatlands of Canada, to the expansive peat plains of Finland and the beautiful bogs of home. We meet people who are seeing pharmaceutical breakthroughs using our native bog plants, as well as those who care for Scotlands Red Stag in the peaty uplands of the Outer Hebrides, and discover how changes to the peat industry are affecting peoples way of living.

Episode one will broadcast on TG4 on November 15 at 9.30pm and looks at the cultural influence of boglands on the art and music of Scotland and Ireland.

Professor Matthijs Schouten tells us about how visiting Ireland in the 1970s prompted him to start a campaign to save Irish bogs, having seen the impact of the Dutch peat industry on the already low-lying land of the Netherlands.

Annemarie Ni Churreain tells us about how bogs and landscape inspire her poetry as Cormac meets with her in Donegals stunning Poison Glen.

We see some of the unusual wildlife of boglands, and Cormac travels to Finland where he meets people who believe peat should be considered a renewable resource. Stiofan Mac Lochlainn a farmer in Co. Donegal, Art Agnew Chairman Patrick Kavanagh Centre, Writer John Connell, Jonny Dillon Associate Archivist, the National Folklore Collection, UCD/ Cartlannai are also in the first episode of Ruin na bPortach that will air next Wednesday.

In the second episode (22/11/23) of the series Cormac uncovers the layers of history preserved by peat. In the National Museum of Ireland Eamonn Ned Kelly speaks to us about the fascinating human remains found preserved in time in our bogs and what they can tell us about a time before our history books began. We meet Professor Helen Sheridan who has been studying with her team the medicinal benefits of a variety of plants found on bogs, and which have been used as folk cures for generations.

We also meet Miriam Ryan - Oldcroghan Man Walking Tour, Prof. Seamas Caulfield Archaeologist, Mayo's Ceide Fields, Martin Downes Professor Emeritus, Biology, Maynooth University and Sophie Whyms Research Assistant in the second episode of Ruin na bPortach. In Canada an indigenous First Nations community are handed back the reigns as they are tasked with being a key part in an innovative peatlands research centre.

In episode three (29/11/23) we meet some of the worlds leading experts in bogland science and restoration. Cormac meets with Irish researchers who are using 19th century maps to identify areas of bogland that could potentially be restored to active living bog. Eugene Dunbar Local Activist, Cloncrow Bog and Micheal Callaghan, Development Officer, Community Wetlands Forum are part of episode three of Ruin na bPortach.

In Canada world expert in bog restoration Dr. Line Rochefort explains her methods of replanting sphagnum. And we meet a Wildfire Research Scientist who explains how healthy peatlands quell the spread of potentially devastating fires.

Presenter Cormac O hAdhmaill said; Its arguable that a series of three one-hour programmes does not give enough time to reflect the huge importance of bogs in the archaeology, history, culture and psyche of Ireland. In making this series, we did go some way towards that goal. I looked at bodies ritually buried in bogs, customs and practices associated with bogs, what science can reveal about how bogs grow and develop and the life found within them. And I also learned to appreciate in a deep visceral way how important bogs are in mitigating some of the excesses of modern life and the existential threats we face. But nothing is ever simple. When I stood on a bog in Finland ripped apart for fuel and left a brown lifeless desert, I was nearly brought to tears at what we were doing to the environment, putting short-term gains ahead of long-term security of the Earth. But when I spoke both to those cutting turf for personal use and those harvesting it on an industrial scale, I was struck by the economic arguments driving these practices and, though necessary, how difficult it will be to bring them to an end. I was given lots to think about in this series and so too will viewers.

This wonderful landmark factual series Ruin na bPortach is a Below the Radar TV, Mac TV, and Ideacom International UK-Canada Treaty co-production for TG4, BBC NI, MG Alba, Radio-Canada and RTBF.

The series received funding from Northern Ireland Screen's Irish Language Broadcast Fund, Screen Scotland, and the Canada Media Fund, and was also supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Celtic International Fund. Proinsias Ni Ghrainne, the Commissioning Editor for TG4, highlighted during the launch that Ruin na bPortach is a shining example of a successful co-production between Ireland North and South, Canada and Scotland. This is how we can work together to make projects of big ambition and scale that remain true to our audience interests and language.

Ambassador of Canada to Ireland, Nancy Smyth travelled to Galway City last week to launch the international documentary series Ruin na bPortach. TG4 and Creative Europe MEDIA Office Galway co-hosted the launch in the Galmont Hotel and was attended by the Mayor of Galway City Councillor Eddie Hoare as well as broadcasters and documentary experts from Sweden, Denmark, France, the UK and Ireland.
The investigators of the Main Department of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in Kharkiv region, under the procedural guidance of the Regional Prosecutor's Office, detained and reported suspicion of high treason committed under martial law (Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) to a 49-year-old associate professor of the university.

"An associate professor of one of Kharkiv universities through the telegram messenger received an offer from a Russian citizen to cooperate on a confidential basis in carrying out subversive activities against Ukraine, to which he agreed. The teacher collected and transmitted to the Russian curator information about the movement of the defense forces and the deployment of defense fortifications in Kharkiv," the press service of Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office reports.

According to the investigation, the suspect recorded the consequences of missile strikes on one of Kharkiv defense enterprises, which was systematically shelled by Russia. In addition, he monitored the activities of foreign volunteer organizations in the regional center.

On the instructions of the curator, the suspect collected and gave him data on the political position of his fellow teachers.

During searches in the suspect's apartment, law enforcement officers found and seized a mobile phone and computer equipment with evidence of cooperation with a representative of the Russian Federation.

The court satisfied the motion of the prosecution and chose a preventive measure for the suspect in the form of detention without the right to post a bail.
More than 20 Irish citizens have left the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing into Egypt.

Irish premier Leo Varadkar said arrangements are in place for staff from the countrys embassy in Cairo to provide consular assistance to them, including travel back to Ireland.

He told a meeting of Fine Gaels parliamentary party on Wednesday night that diplomatic relations are being maintained with all countries and ambassadors to ensure Irish people get out of Gaza safely.

Mr Varadkar said he was glad to see this has resulted in up to 30 Irish citizens and their dependants gaining entry to Egypt from today.

He said every effort is ongoing across Government to ensure the safety of all Irish people in Gaza, the release of Irish-Israeli girl Emily Hand from Hamas and the security of 450 troops in the region.

Twenty-three Irish citizens had crossed the border by mid afternoon.

Around 35 to 40 Irish passport holders were understood to be in the enclave prior to Wednesdays crossings.

Irelands deputy premier Micheal Martin confirmed the crossings on Wednesday.

We will bus them from there to Cairo, our diplomatic team are on the ground there at Rafah, and then for onward transport to Dublin or wherever the citizens may wish to go. It is good news, he told RTE.

Mr Varadkar said calls to expel the Israeli ambassador to Ireland will not be helpful and in turn, will lead to the Irish ambassador to Israel being expelled.

He told the meeting of his parliamentary party that those calls from Opposition parties are not common sense or responsible politics, adding they are each trying to outflank each other.

Mr Varadkar added that recent remarks by world leaders on ceasing fighting near hospitals, explicitly calling for a ceasefire by all sides and adhering to international law were somewhat encouraging.

Meanwhile Mr Martin met his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry and secretary general of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit in Cairo on Wednesday and will have talks with senior representatives from Israel and the Palestinian Authority in the coming days.

He said it was a fluid situation in terms of the number of citizens, and their dependants, who were still to come out through the crossing.

Were continuing to work on that with the Israeli authorities in terms of finalising lists and so forth, he said.

Mr Martin said Irelands diplomatic network had been engaging with the authorities in Israel and Egypt to secure safe passage for the Irish citizens trapped in Gaza.

We had concerns that they hadnt come out earlier, if Im honest, and Im more relieved today now than I have been for a while because of course the situation in Gaza is very serious, very dangerous, he said.

Mr Martin said he had been engaging with authorities in Qatar in a bid to secure the release of Emily Hand, eight, who was believed to be a hostage of Hamas in Gaza.

Its very traumatic to have an eight-year-old young girl in captivity with no next of kin, so were very focused on that, he said.

Mr Martin is in Egypt ahead of other planned trips in the region.

Emilys Dublin-born father Tom and her half-sister Natali have been in Ireland this week along with relatives of other hostages to raise awareness of the situation and ask for Irish support to secure their release.

They had a meeting with Mr Martin in Dublin and also met Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and President of Ireland Michael D Higgins.
Coimbatore, A Paradise For Start-up Companies In Tamil Nadu

Chennai

oi-Oneindia English Desk

Due to special attention given by CM Stalin, Coimbatore is progressing in the industrial sector in the DMK regime. CM Stalin has a special fondness for Coimbatore which was evident during the Corona period. At the peak of lockdown, Stalin bravely entered the hospital premises in Coimbatore wearing protective gear to cheer the patients.

After coming to power, Stalin allotted 400 crore for road safety works alone in Coimbatore. Preliminary construction works for metro rail and one of the largest elevation flyovers in Tamil Nadu which enables the vehicles to travel 10 km without touching the ground, is going on.

The reason for the special attention on Coimbatore is the presence of e-bike manufacturing, electronics manufacturing and aerospace industries and the Western Ghats. The industries in Coimbatore have the potential to challenge the competition at the national level and the protection of Western Ghats has several environmental benefits. For the protection of Western Ghats and its biodiversity, Stalin has launched many projects including the Nilgiri Tahr conservation project.

Thirumurugan, the General Manager of Coimbatore District Industries Centre said, "In Coimbatore district alone, there are 1.42 lakh Udyam registered operational MSMEs. On account of the vast industrial presence, Coimbatore is known as the Manchester of South India.

A city which existed as a paradise of textile industries has now metamorphosed into a hub of industries which manufactures machineries and engineering related spare parts in India. Coimbatore has also become a hub of MSMEs which comprises 95% of the industries in the city including the industries which manufactures machine spare parts and motor pumps.

Coimbatore is an Indian hub for motor pump manufacturing, a sector worth Rs.6000 crore. Apart from this, Coimbatore is home to multi-sector composite industries like wet grinder manufacturing, compressor manufacturing, auto parts manufacturing, aerospace and defence component industries.

Jewellery manufacturing is now a booming industry in Coimbatore which makes the city stand next to Mumbai in the sector. Pollachi, a taluk in Coimbatore district, is excelling in the coconut based value-added industries. On the whole, in an industrial aspect, Coimbatore is a diverse district in Tamil Nadu.

The Tamil Nadu government is providing loan assistance for the expansion of MSMEs. Accordingly, if a small or micro industry of value 1 crore or with turn-over less than 5 crore is established in any part of Coimbatore, the government will provide 25% investment subsidy and an additional subsidy of 10% (total 35% investment subsidy).

Besides this, if one of the considered 25 types of MSMEs is started in Coimbatore with an investment of upto 5 crore, then the government will provide a maximum subsidy of 1 crore 50 lakhs. Excluding this, CM Stalin has created many schemes to provide subsidies like power subsidy, payroll subsidy, back-end interest subsidy, quality certificate subsidy etc.

The intention behind the provision of subsidies is to give means for the growth of the company and its infrastructure. In the past 2 years alone, 57 crore rupees was given to MSMEs as investment subsidy, power subsidy and payroll subsidy."

Coimbatore District Collector Kranthi Kumar Pati said, "CM Stalin's focus is on Coimbatore when it comes to holding programs related to MSMEs in Tamil Nadu. The recently held industrial conference in Coimbatore proves the importance given by CM Stalin to the city of Coimbatore.

The Needs scheme which is operational in Tamil Nadu was introduced to create new entrepreneurs. The first phase of Annal Ambedkar Business Champions scheme has been implemented to aid the SC (Scheduled Caste) and ST (Scheduled Tribe) entrepreneurs. Under the scheme, a subsidy of upto 1 crore 50 lakhs is given to the entrepreneurs and 35% of the investment is subsidised."

Karuppanasamy, a beneficiary of the scheme said, "I started my own business in 1988 after working in a private company for 8 years. In the initial phases, my small scale company contained a lathe and a drilling machine which later developed into Bharani Groups of organisation, a company with 3 manufacturing units and 500 employees.

Our company's focus is to manufacture hydraulic press machines which were earlier imported from the foreign countries. When all the companies in India were procuring machinery from abroad, I started a small company for the manufacture of hydraulic presses as a service to the automobile industry.

When we came across the scheme introduced by the government for the MSME subsidy, we applied and obtained a huge funding which helped us to increase our workforce and resulted in employment creation. My sincere thanks to CM Stalin for introducing such a scheme."

Although the company has been running for many years, the expansion efforts have been taken by them in the last few years only. The institution benefitted by getting around 50 lakhs subsidy under the Dravidian model government. After the receipt of subsidy, the company's branches also applied for expansion. Another person like Karuppannasamy, started a drone based farming company and received subsidy for the same.

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Story first published: Wednesday, November 15, 2023, 12:39 [IST]
Pudukkottai Barren Lands Transmuted Into High Yielding Fertile Lands, That Too Free Of Cost

Chennai

oi-Oneindia English Desk

After making Tamil Nadu a leading state in many sectors, CM Stalin has now decided to increase the agricultural production of the state and bring it in the top 3 places. To make this into a reality, the Dravidian model government has taken a novel measure by formulating a separate budget for agriculture.

In the following stages, CM has set the target to rehabilitate and cultivate an additional 11.75 lakh hectares of barren land in Tamil Nadu to increase the existing cultivation area from 60% to 75% and to double the dual cropping land from 10 lakh to 20 lakh hectares in the next 10 years.

Overall, the policy of the government is to increase the yield of food grains and other crops like coconut, cotton, sunflower, sugarcane and advance the agricultural sector of Tamil Nadu to the top three places in India. The pioneer project launched to realise this dream is Kalaignar's All Village Integrated Agriculture Development Programme (KAVIADP).

The objective of the programme is to turn the Agriculture and Horticulture graduates into entrepreneurs by providing subsidies, to increase yield. As per the scheme, 16 acres of barren land in Pudukkottai was converted to cultivable land.

Moreover, a young man named Vivian Richard fulfilled his farming dream under the scheme. Vivian Richard from Keeranur opened an 'Agri Clinic' after finishing his MSc Agriculture course. He said, "As an individual aspiring to set up a fertiliser shop after studies, I benefited under the Kalaignar's All Village Integrated Agriculture Development Programme.

The intention behind the shop is to help farmers get easy access to quality seeds, pesticides and fertilisers, thereby making life easy for them. When there was financial constraint to open a shop, government authorities briefed about the scheme which gives subsidies upto 1 lakh to create young entrepreneurs. I applied and got the loan, and for the last 3 years I have been running this shop.

Farmers in our area are not aware of the basic details of technology based agriculture. After the inauguration of the Agri Clinic, more than 50 farmers visit the shop daily seeking agri-related advice."

Another young beneficiary of the scheme said, "A total of 18 acres which was lying as a garbage dump was transformed into cultivable land by planting mango saplings given by the Department of Agriculture. Drip irrigation was set up after cleaning the land and installing bore wells from which water was supplied to the plants. After 2 years, trees will start bearing fruits and after 3 years yield can be obtained. Besides mangoes, watermelon was decided to be planted as intercrop to get additional income."

Farmer Sridevi said, "My 1 acre of waste barren land was cleaned by the agricultural department who also installed bore wells, gave free electricity connection and provided a variety of saplings such as lemon, mango and guava.

Groundnut and black lentil are planned to be planted as intercrops. The thought of getting yield from the land in 2 years is making me happy. My heartfelt thanks to the government authorities who transformed my barren land into a fertile land and special thanks to CM Stalin who is trying to make Tamil Nadu green through his great efforts."

The location of the barren land is Veerapatti village in Pudukkottai district. Under the Kalaignar's All Village Integrated Agriculture Development Programme, 16 acres of barren land was transformed into cultivable land and distributed to 18 farmers.

A bore well has been set up for supply of water to the transformed land via drip irrigation which has been laid out at a cost of 1.18 lakh rupees. Since the 1020 mango saplings and 130 lemon saplings were provided free of cost, the burden of production cost has been eliminated for the farmers.

"Since the inception of the scheme, pattas for 16 acres land have been duly transferred to the names of 18 farmers which helped in avoiding ownership-related issues", said Periyasamy, Assistant Director of Agriculture, Pudukkottai district.

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Story first published: Wednesday, November 15, 2023, 15:34 [IST]
Extension of AFSPA in Disturbed Areas of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland: What You Need to Know

Arunachal Governor Launches Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra to Make India a Developed Nation by 2047

Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K T Parnaik launched the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, an outreach programme to make people aware of benefits of various government schemes, in Ziro. The yatra has a special focus on the development and progress of tribal communities.

India

-Krishna Kripa

Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K T Parnaik flagged off the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, an outreach programme to make people aware of benefits of various government schemes, in Ziro in Lower Subansiri district of the state on Wednesday. The governor said that the yatra has a special focus on the development and progress of tribal communities.

Yatra to Reach Every Corner of the State

Parnaik said, "The yatra must reach every corner of the state and sincere effort must be put in to ensure that targeted people avail benefits from the state and central government schemes and programmes." He advised the government officials to reach out to the rural communities, stay with them and discuss and address their challenges.

Yatra is a Gift from the Prime Minister

The yatra is a gift from the prime minister and to make it successful, every citizen needs to contribute, an official communique said. He appealed to the people to come forward to assist and cooperate with the government machinery for the successful implementation of the Viksit Bharat mission.

Main Focus of the Yatra

The main focus of the yatra will be on reaching out to people, creating awareness and providing benefits of welfare schemes like sanitation facilities, essential financial services, electricity connections, access to LPG cylinders, housing for the poor, food security, proper nutrition, reliable healthcare, clean drinking water, etc.

Prime Minister Launched the Programme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the nationwide programme from Khunti in Jharkhand to reach out to citizens who are eligible for various central schemes but have not benefitted so far. The campaign to reach out to beneficiaries of the Centres flagship programmes both in rural and urban areas will culminate on January 25, 2024.

Governor Paid Floral Tribute to Birsa Munda

Earlier, the governor paid floral tribute to Birsa Munda, the tribal icon whose birth anniversary is celebrated as the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. On this occasion, he also distributed certificates and cash awards to the winners of a walkathon. An exhibition of tribal heroes in the country's freedom movement was also displayed.

The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is an important initiative to ensure that the benefits of various government schemes reach the intended beneficiaries. The yatra will focus on reaching out to people in rural and tribal areas and creating awareness about the schemes. The success of the yatra will depend on the active participation of government officials, local communities, and other stakeholders.
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Maldivians Vote In A Runoff Presidential Election That Will Decide Whether India Or China Holds Sway

Chhattisgarh Polls: Campaigning Ends, Voting On 70 Seats On Friday

India

oi-PTI

The high-octane campaigning, marked by bitter exchanges between the ruling Congress and opposition BJP, for the second and last phase of Chhattisgarh polls scheduled on November 17 ended on Wednesday evening. The BJP's campaign was virtually spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who addressed four well-attended rallies for the second phase and targeted Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel-led government over corruption, particularly the alleged Mahadev betting app scam and recruitment scandal, and Naxalism.

Union ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and Smriti Irani, BJP president JP Nadda, and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma extensively campaigned for the saffron party, targeting Baghel over the alleged betting app scam and "religious" conversion, and accused the ruling Congress of indulging in appeasement politics.

BJP leaders claimed that the Congress had been battered in the first phase of polls and would be wiped out in the second.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, senior leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi and CM Baghel led the campaign for the ruling party and mounted a counter-offensive claiming that their party is concerned about the interest of the poor while the BJP-led Centre only works for the welfare of the rich.

Chhattisgarh Election: Cong To Give 15,000 To All Women, Rs 3000 More Than BJP's Rs 12,000 For Married Women

Congress based its campaign on a slew of welfare schemes rolled out by the Baghel government for farmers, women, tribals and Dalits, and accused the Centre of "handing over" resources to "industrialist friends". It has tried to woo farmers with a promise of loan waiver, also made by it in 2018, and Other Backward Castes (OBCs) with the promise of caste census.

Notably, Baghel on Sunday announced that if his party retains power in the state, women in the state would get annual financial assistance of Rs 15,000.

The announcement, which came just ahead of the second phase of Chhattisgarh elections on November 17, is being seen as a counter to the opposition BJP's promise in its poll manifesto of giving Rs 12,000 per year to married women, which, according to political observers, could work in the favour of the saffron party.

Of the 90 assembly constituencies in the state, the second phase of voting will be held in the 70 spread in 22 districts of the state on Friday.

The time of polling in all 70 constituencies is from 8 am to 5 pm, except nine polling booths in the Naxal-affected Bindranawagarh seat in Rajim district, where voting will be held from 7 am to 3 pm.

The polling booths in Bindranawagarh seat where voting will be held from 7 am to 3 pm are Kamarbhaudi, Amamora, Odh, Bade Gobra, Ganwargaon, Gariba, Nagesh, Sahbinkachhar and Kodomali.

Campaigning in these polling station areas ended at 3 pm, while it went on till 5 pm at other places. In the second phase, the political fate of 958 candidates, including 827 men, 130 women and one transgender, will be decided by an estimated 1,63,14,479 voters, including 81,41,624 male, 81,72,171 female and 684 third-gender. As many as 18,833 polling booths have been set up for the second phase.

Of these polling booths, 700 are 'sangwari' booths which will be managed by women polling personnel, an official said.

At 26, the Raipur City West seat has the highest number of contestants, while it is the lowest in the Daundilohara constituency where 4 candidates are in the fray.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel (Patan seat), assembly speaker Charan Das Mahant (Sakti), Deputy CM TS Singh Deo (Ambikapur) and eight state ministers, including Tamrdhwaj Sahu (Durg Rural) and Ravindra Choubey (Saja), are among prominent candidates from Congress in the first phase.

From BJP, state chief and MP Arun Sao (Lormi), leader of opposition Narayan Chandel (Janjgir-Champa), Union minister of State for Tribal Affairs Renuka Singh (Bharatpur-Sonhat-ST), MP Gomti Sai (Pathalgaon-ST), senior MLA and former ministers Brijmohan Agrawal (Raipur South), Ajay Chandrakar (Kurud) and Punnulal Mohile (Mungeli) are among key candidates for the November 17 elections.

'We Hug You, BJP Urinates On You': Rahul Gandhi In Chhattisgarh Rally

Chief Minister Baghel has been contesting from his traditional Patan seat where BJP has fielded his distant nephew and party MP Vijay Baghel. The entry of Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (J) state president and son of former chief minister Ajit Jogi, Amit Jogi, in the fray from Patan has added another dimension to the contest.

BJP has fielded a fresh face, Rajesh Agrawal, against TS Singh Deo in Ambikapur. Agrawal had joined the BJP, quitting Congress ahead of assembly polls in 2018.

On the last day of campaigning, Amit Shah, JP Nadda, Himanta Biswa Sarma and Rahul Gandhi were among the prominent leaders who canvassed for their respective parties.

In the previous assembly polls in 2018, Congress had won 51 of these 70 constituencies, while BJP ended up with 13 and Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (J), or JCC (J), four and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) two. Congress later won one more seat in the bypoll.

The first phase of elections on 20 seats was held on November 7, which saw a high voter turnout of 78 per cent.

The Congress had registered a landslide victory in the 2018 polls, winning 68 seats, and comfortably formed the government. The BJP was reduced to 15 seats, while the JCC (J) and the BSP bagged 5 and 2 seats, respectively.

The current strength of the Congress is 71.
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Cong Will Provide 24 Hours Free Electricity To Farmers If Voted To Power In Telangana: Revanth Reddy

India

oi-PTI

The Congress will provide 24 hours of free electricity to the farming sector if the party came to power in Telangana after the November 30 Assembly polls, state Congress president A Revanth Reddy has said.

Addressing election rallies at various places in the state on Tuesday, he recalled that the Congress government led by Y S Rajasekhara Reddy provided free power to farmers way back in 2004. Revanth Reddy dismissed the BRS' charge that free power supply to ryots will not be ensured if the Congress came to power.

''The Congress will take the responsibility of providing 24-hour free, quality power to farmers,'' he assured.

Telangana Polls: 2,898 Nominations Found Valid, 606 Rejected After Scrutiny

The Congress has delivered on the promise of Telangana statehood to enable the youth to become professionals like doctors, engineers, scientists and IAS officers to steer the state on the path of progress, he added.
Ex-CM Kumaraswamy Booked For Lighting Up House Using 'Stolen Electricity' During Deepavali

India

pti-PTI

The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company on Tuesday registered a case against former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy after the Congress in Karnataka accused him of drawing power illegally to illuminate his JP Nagar residence here for Deepavali.

The case was registered by the Vigilance Wing of BESCOM at its Vigilance Police Station under section 135 of the Indian Electricity Act (Theft of electricity).

Earlier, the ruling Congress posted a video along with a statement on social media platform X, criticising the JD(S) leader and son of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda.

In his response, Kumaraswamy said it was not his fault but of a private decorator who gave the connection directly from a nearby electricity pole. When he got to know, he immediately got it removed and took the electricity connection from the meter board of the house, he said.

The lone honest person in the world H D 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 a poverty has struck a former CM to steal electricity! the Congress said, taking a dig at him.

Further taking a swipe at Kumaraswamy, the party said the Congress governments 'Gruha Jyoti' scheme offers 200 units of free electricity a month for residential connections and not 2,000 units.

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 hit out at the Congress for making a big deal out of a "petty issue".

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said BESCOM will initiate action.

The Congress taunted earlier: If you were so poverty stricken, then you should have applied for the Gruha Jyoti scheme. Oh, you didn't know that only one electricity meter is allowed under the Gruha Jyoti scheme whereas there are many meters in your name!

Despite power shortage in the state, measures were taken by us to provide seven hours electricity to the farmers; you are facing such a "drought" that you resort to such a cheap theft? 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.

The ruling party sought to know why he was saying that Karnataka was in the dark when his house was shining with decorative lights!

"To ask a question your own style  Do you need to light up your home when the state is facing drought? Do you want to have fun stealing electricity meant for the farmers? Do you want the 'Diwali (referring to bankruptcy in Kannada) of people for 'Deepavali festival in your house? the Congress asked.
Chinese buyers looking to purchase international products that cater to the evolving needs of consumers said the sixth China International Import Expo, which concluded in Shanghai last week, served as a one-stop destination for the latest and best products due to the expo's global display and procurement platform. Nearly 400,000 industrial buyers registered for the sixth CIIE this year to shop from 3,400 exhibitors without having to step outside the country. The exhibitors included a record 289 Fortune 500 companies and leading enterprises in their respective industries. "Nowadays, Chinese consumers prefer high-quality and shareable experiences in every corner of their homes that please both body and soul. I'm here at the CIIE, looking for more unique, wonderful home possibilities," said Chen Yi'an, whose company in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, imports items for household use. "I also believe that when buyers from Shanghai and its neighboring provinces Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Anhui come together to the CIIE for purchasing, it will help build a more mature supply chain in the Yangtze River Delta region," Chen, whose firm is one of the 42,000 buyers from the province, added. The Large Retail Purchaser Alliance of the Shanghai trading group at the CIIE, which has 33 member companies, reached preliminary agreements for 55 procurement projects totaling 3.5 billion yuan ($480 million), according to Bailian Group, the chair unit of the alliance. "The CIIE enhances competition between domestic and foreign enterprises as well as that among foreign enterprises, which will promote the transformation of the economy from general imports to high-quality imports," said Luo Changyuan, a professor at the School of Economics at Fudan University. The CIIE platform also helps multinational companies as well as local institutions and businesses to further connect and integrate their respective resources and form partnerships. US-based pharmaceutical company MSD and Peking University inked an agreement at the CIIE to establish the PKU-MSD Joint Lab. Playing up their respective R&D and academic strengths, the lab, focusing on infectious diseases prevention and control technologies, will carry out long-term projects in technological innovation regarding public health and real-world research in key disease areas. "By integrating our advantages, I believe such cooperation will accelerate the efficiency of producing sci-tech innovation results and contribute to constructing a more complete public health system," said Xiao Yuan, deputy director of the Peking University Health Science Center. Roche and seven domestic partners, including United Family Healthcare, medicine express providers Meituan and Dingdang, and online diagnosis and treatment platform WeDoctor, reached a collaboration agreement at the CIIE in the fields of flu prevention and control among children and medicine and digitalization, which aims to help reduce disease burdens on society during the flu season.
Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, Development of Education, Science and Technology  Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov advocates the establishment of incentive taxes for the crypto industry; in his opinion, this will increase revenues to the country's budget and increase its investment attractiveness.

"Taxes should be at the level of 5% for the income of individuals and 18% for companies with the additional opportunity to take advantage of the tax regime of Diia.City," Fedorov wrote on his Facebook page on Wednesday.

He added that the establishment of incentive taxes for the crypto industry would contribute to the shadowing of a new segment of the economy.

The Deputy Prime Minister referred to the Ukraine Economic Outlook study, according to which, due to the lack of regulations in the period from 2016 to 2022, Ukraine potentially lost $48.8 billion in GDP and $4 billion in tax revenue in the cryptocurrency sector.

The study notes that the main problem of the crypto sector is its shadowing. At the same time, it is proposed to solve this problem through the creation of tax reform for the crypto sector, including the establishment of correct tax rates, which will create the preconditions for the legalization of cryptocurrencies and increasing tax revenues to the budget.

"Thus, de-shadowing of even 20-40% of the sector will lead to an increase in budget revenues," the study says.

In addition, on November 7, 2023, MP from the Servant of the People faction Oleksandr Sova submitted bill No. 10225 on amendments to the Tax Code of Ukraine on the taxation of transactions with virtual assets to the Verkhovna Rada for consideration. This bill also contains a new version of the law on virtual assets.

According to Interfax-Ukraine data, we are talking about a bill that was previously developed by the National Securities and Stock Market Commission, which declared that it took into account the standards of the European Directive Markets in Crypto assets (MISA).

With regard to taxation, it is proposed that it be carried out once a year, and the overall financial result from transactions with virtual assets is determined by the taxpayer.
Kashmir Is Not Gaza: Ex-JNU Student Shehla Rashid Hails PM Modi, Shah For Peace In J&K

India

oi-Prakash KL

Shehla Rashid, once a bitter critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a former student leader at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), has hailed the PM and Home Minister Amit Shah for securing a "bloodless" political resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

In an interview with ANI, Rashid claimed that the Prime Minister is not affected by criticisms and hailed him for taking "radical decisions at the cost of his popularity".

She stated, "Right now, we see a really well-intentioned administration. The Prime Minister - he doesn't care about criticism. He has taken so many radical decisions, even at the cost of his popularity. He doesn't care about criticism. He is a selfless man who works for the national interest. You look at the Home Minister - he has ensured peace in Kashmir, regardless of what anyone criticised at that time."

It has to be noted that Shehla Rashid had criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, opposing the government's move to revoke the autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019, along with its subsequent bifurcation into two Union territories.

On asking whether if she sympathies with stone pelters at this stage, she said, "In 2010, yes" and further elaborated, "But today when I see it, I am much more grateful for today's situation. Kashmir is not Gaza, it has become clear that Kashmir is not Gaza, because Kashmir was just involved in these back-and-forth protests and sporadic incidents of insurgency and infiltrations."

She acknowledged the efforts of PM Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah for the progress witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir. She said, "All of those things, somebody needed to break the ice, and for that, I would like to credit the present government, especially the Prime Minister and the Home Minister. They have ensured a political solution to it, which I would say is bloodless."

Shehla Rashid also spoke about the changes that have taken at the JNU and the impact on the institution due to protests against India and the subsequent arrests of Umar Khalid, a former research scholar, and Kanhaiya Kumar, the then JNU Student Union president. They were charged with criminal conspiracy and sedition in connection to the anti-Hindu riots in northeast Delhi.

She said, "It was not just a life changer for the three of us, the entire university's life, the entire university sort of suffered the consequences of that incident because there was so much backlash against anything to do with JNU. So overnight, from being an elite university, the queen of liberal arts and social sciences, etc., JNU became a slur. It was almost like a cuss word. What are the usual slogans in JNU," she asked and added "Lal Salam. No such slogans as 'Bharat Tere Tukde Honge' have ever been raised at JNU."

Recently, she hailed the BJP government's stand in the Israel-Palestine issue. She said, "While narratives & counter-narratives muddy the waters, India's clear and principled stance emphasises the basics. Proud that Dr S Jaishankar an alumnus of our University is leading India's foreign policy under PM Narendra Modi."
Man Dies After Being Summoned to Police Station in Kolkata

A middle-aged man died after being called to Amherst Street police station in Kolkata in connection with theft of a mobile phone, with his family alleging he was tortured. Police, however, maintained he had a sudden bout of seizure and collapsed.

India

-Krishna Kripa

A middle-aged man died on Wednesday after being called to Amherst Street police station in Kolkata in connection with the theft of a mobile phone. His family has alleged that he was tortured, but police maintain that he had a sudden bout of seizure and collapsed.

Family Alleges Torture

The man, identified as Ashok Kumar Singh, a native of Bihar residing on Patuatola Lane in Kolkata, was declared brought dead after being taken to Kolkata Medical College and Hospital. Following Singh's death, his family members staged a protest outside Amherst Street police station and blockaded College Street, affecting road traffic for at least an hour.

A relative of the deceased said, "He was summoned by the police and asked to bring with him the phone he was using. He went inside Amherst Street police station and my wife, who was his niece, was waiting outside. After some time, we found him lying on the floor with blood oozing out of his nose. He was not responding and when we took him to the hospital, he was declared brought dead."

Police Deny Allegations

Police, however, denied that Singh was beaten up at the police station and claimed he had a sudden bout of seizure and collapsed on the floor. "There was no incident of any beating... he experienced a sudden bout of seizure and collapsed on the ground," a senior officer of Kolkata Police said. "We will, however, investigate the matter and go through CCTV footage. We are awaiting the post-mortem examination report. We have to be sure that the man had no diseases, which could also be the cause of his death."

Complaint Lodged

Singh's family members have lodged a police complaint with the Amherst Street police station over the incident. The police have assured them of a thorough investigation into the matter.

The death of Ashok Kumar Singh in police custody has raised serious questions about the conduct of the police. The family's allegations of torture must be thoroughly investigated, and those responsible must be brought to justice. The incident also highlights the need for police reform in India, to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.
PM Modi Releases Rs 18,000-Crore PM-Kisan Installment, Congress Questions Timing

India

oi-PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday released Rs 18,000 crore as the 15th installment of the PM-Kisan scheme to more than 8 crore farmers across the country.

From a function celebrating the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas in Jharkhand's Khunti district, the PM transferred the money digitally to the bank accounts of the farmers by clicking a button.

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) aims to support farmers in meeting their agricultural and other incidental needs. Under the scheme, financial assistance of Rs 6,000 per year is transferred to the bank accounts of farmers in three equal installments. Before this installment, more than Rs 2.62 lakh crore was transferred.

PM Modi Pays Floral Tributes To Birsa Munda In Ranchi

The Congress, meanwhile, questioned the release of the money just two days ahead of assembly elections in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, and wondered if it was ''intentional''. While polling in Madhya Pradesh will be held in a single phase on November 17, in neighbouring Chhattisgarh, voting for the second-phase will be conducted. The first phase was held on November 7.

The sixth installment of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi was released on August 1, 2020, while the ninth installment on August 9, 2021, Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X in Hindi.

The 12th installment was released on October 17 last year, said Ramesh, whose party aims to retain power in Chhattisgarh and defeat the BJP in Madhya Pradesh.

''The 15th instalment under PM-Kisan is coming today i.e. on November 15, 2023. Now when elections are to be held in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh in two days, in Rajasthan in 10 days and in Telangana in 15 days, the 15th installment is being released today,'' he said in the post.

Centre To Launch Scheme Worth Rs 24,000 cr For Welfare Of Tribals: PM Modi

''Is this delay not intentional?'' Ramesh asked.

Polling in Rajasthan is scheduled for November 25 and in Telangana for November 30. The counting of votes for these states along with Mizoram will be held on December 3.

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Story first published: Wednesday, November 15, 2023, 13:57 [IST]
Uttarakhand CM Dhami: Uniform Civil Code Not Aimed At Appeasement Or Targeting Any Community

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday said the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the hill state was not aimed at appeasing any section or targeting a community, and asserted its implementation would empower all sections of society.

India

-Krishna Kripa

Indore: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday said the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the hill state was not aimed at appeasing any section or targeting a community, and asserted its implementation would empower all sections of society.

Dhami Meets Uttarakhand Sanskritik Sanstha

Dhami was speaking to the media in Indore after attending a program organized by the Uttarakhand Sanskritik Sanstha, a local organization of people originally hailing from the northern state. He said it was a resolve of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to implement a Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand and voters have extended their electoral support to the party for the measure.

Dhami Rejects Appeasement Charges

Dhami said those who ruled the country for a long time on the basis of appeasement policy are creating doubts among common people of Uttarakhand about the UCC. "But the purpose of implementing this code is not to appease any class or to target other classes. This code will be applicable for empowerment of all sections. After its implementation, reservation of any class, marital rights, customs etc. will not be affected, the CM assured.

Suggestions From 2.34 Lakh People

A government-appointed committee, headed by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, has sought suggestions from 2.34 lakh people on UCC during the last one-and-a-half years, while directly meeting 20,000 persons from different walks of life, he said. The committee is compiling all these suggestions. After compilation, we will move towards implementing the Uniform Civil Code after completing remaining formalities, Dhami asserted.

Article 44 Of The Constitution

Article 44 of the Constitution provides that the state shall endeavor to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India. UCC is supposed to be a common code of personal laws for people of all religions.

Dhami Praises Modi Government

Dhami praised the Modi government and said people of all states now want a double engine government (BJP in power at the Centre and also in state). The central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is doing a great job, he said.

BJP To Get Clear Majority In MP

Dhami claimed the ruling BJP will get a clear majority in the November 17 assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, keeping its double-engine government intact in the state.
Cyclone Mocha: Low-pressure area formed over Bay of Bengal; Alert issued in Odisha, WB and TN

Know All About Cyclone Tej In Arabian Sea & Hamoon In Bay Of Bengal As Indian Seas Witness Twin Storms

Tamil Nadu Weather: Rain Might Play Spoilsport To Diwali Celebration In These Districts

Cyclone Midhili To Make Landfall In Bangladesh Coast, Fishermen Warned Not To Venture Into Sea

Well-Marked Low Pressure Over Bay Of Bengal Develops Into Depression

India

oi-PTI

A well-marked low pressure area over the Bay of Bengal sea moved westwards and concentrated into a depression on Wednesday, a Meteorological Department official here said.

In the wake of this weather system, the Meteorological Department has forecast rainfall in parts of Andhra Pradesh on Thursday.

The low pressure weather system from the west-central and adjoining east-central areas of the Bay of Bengal moved west and northwestwards around 8.30 am on Wednesday to develop into the depression.

The depression is currently centred about 510 km southeast of Visakhapatnam, 650 km southeast of Paradip (Odisha) and 790 km south of Digha (West Bengal), the official said in a press release.

According to the Meteorological Department, the weather system is likely to move northwestwards initially and further north to northwestwards and intensify into a deep depression over west-central Bay of Bengal off Andhra Pradesh coast by Thursday morning.

Tamil Nadu Weather: Rain Might Play Spoilsport To Diwali Celebration In These Districts

Further, the weather system has been forecast to recurve towards the northeast direction and hover over northwest Bay of Bengal off Odisha coast by Friday morning.

Moreover, the weather system is expected to lay centred off north Odisha and West Bengal coasts on Saturday morning.

Incidentally, the upper air cyclonic circulation over southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Sri Lanka lay over north Sri Lanka and its vicinity around 8:30 am on Wednesday, which is extending up to the middle tropospheric levels.

Furthermore, the Meteorological Department noted that a trough was running from the cyclonic circulation over north Sri Lanka and its vicinity to the cyclonic circulation associated with the depression over west-central Bay of Bengal around 8:30 am on Wednesday.

This trough extends up to 3.1 km above mean sea level while the lower tropospheric northeasterly winds prevail over Andhra Pradesh and Yanam.

Under the influence of the weather system, the Meteorological Department forecast that thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely to occur in parts of North Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam.

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Story first published: Wednesday, November 15, 2023, 16:44 [IST]
Man Accused Of Attacking Nancy Pelosi's Husband Reveals Motive In Trial

International

-Sathish Raman

In a remarkable turn of events at the federal trial in San Francisco on November 14, David DePape offered an emotional testimony regarding his assault on Paul Pelosi, husband of former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The incident that shook the nation has now come under intense scrutiny as DePape's motives and actions are dissected before the court.

DePape stood accused of attacking Paul Pelosi with a hammer during a home invasion which occurred in the early hours of October 28, 2022. According to prosecutors, this violent act unfolded just days before the pivotal midterm elections and involved premeditated elements such as rope and zip ties. Despite pleading not guilty to attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assaulting an immediate family member with intent to retaliate against their official duties, DePape did not deny carrying out the attack while testifying.

A Shift in Political Ideology

Drawing attention to his political transformation from left-wing ideologies to right-wing beliefs, DePape attributed this change to reading comments on YouTube about former President Donald Trump. He described how he was driven by a desire to confront Nancy Pelosi over Russian involvement in the 2016 electiona confrontation he had planned to record while dressed bizarrely in an inflatable unicorn costume.

Defendant's Regret

Throughout his testimony, which lasted over an hour, DePape became visibly emotional and expressed remorse for injuring Paul Pelosi. "He was never my target and I'm sorry that he got hurt," said DePape when reflecting on hearing from a neurosurgeon who had operated on Mr. Pelosi following the attack. When asked why he resorted to violence against Mr. Pelosi, DePape mentioned it was because his original plan had been thwarted.

The Defense's Argument

Jodi Linker, defense attorney for DePape, argued that her client's charges were misaligned with his intentions; asserting that Nancy Pelosi wasn't targeted due to her congressional role but rather as part of a misguided attempt by DePape to combat perceived government corruption and societal issues like child abuse by politicians and actors.

An Elaborate Scheme Gone Awry

Further detailing his convoluted scheme during testimony, DePape revealed plans beyond confronting Nancy Pelosiit extended towards extracting confessions from various targets about their alleged corruption leading up until securing pardons from President Joe Biden himself.

Painful Recollections From Paul Pelosi

The courtroom also heard firsthand from Paul Pelosi who recounted last years harrowing experience publicly for the first time since being attacked within what should have been the sanctuary of his own homedescribing waking up abruptly only then realizing imminent danger after seeing his assailant demand Nancys whereabouts armed with menacing tools intended for restraint or worse.

Implications If Convicted

If convicted on these serious charges including attempted murder among others levied at state levelwhich yet awaits schedulingDePape faces life imprisonment sentencing; painting him potentially as one more individual radicalized into taking extreme measures based upon online conspiracies or misinformation campaigns.

In conclusion, David DepaPes ongoing trial offers insight into both personal tragedy experienced by Pelosis coupled alongside broader societal concerns over rising political extremism & associated violence increasingly observed across United States today; outcomes here could well set important precedents moving forward concerning accountability amidst such acts regardless underlying motivations claimed behind them whether they be rooted within disillusionment or delusions alike.
White House Says It Has Intelligence That Hamas And Other Militants Shelter In Gaza Hospitals

International

oi-PTI

The US said Tuesday that 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 House's national security council spokesperson, John Kirby, said the US 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."

Israel-Hamas War: Fighting Continues Near Al-Shifa Hospital

Kirby said the US 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 wouldn't be more specific.

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Story first published: Wednesday, November 15, 2023, 10:38 [IST]
President Xi Jinping has arrived on his first visit to the US since 2017. The leaders of the world's two largest economies will hold one-on-one talks in San Francisco later on Wednesday.
Xi Jinping has arrived in the United States for his first visit since 2017. The talks come amid rising tensions between the two superpowers over trade and geopolitical flashpoints.
High Representative of the European Union for Foreign and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, is convinced of the possibilities for the European military industry to produce 1 million ammunition per year.

He said this 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, commenting at the request of journalists on the statement of German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius that this task is unrealistic.

It depends on what we are talking about. Do we talk about production capacity? Do we talk about concrete deliveries, which are already in the front line, being ready to be used? Do we talk about orders? It is a whole process. In which moment are we describing the goal? According to Commissioner Breton, the European industry has the capacity to produce 1 million rounds a year. It does not mean that we [will] already have 1 million shots ready by March. So, maybe we will not have 1 million [rounds] ready by March, but it will depend on how quickly the orders come to the industry, and how quickly the industry reacts. Both things could be true at the same time. The capacity of the industry, and the deliveries to the industry and from the industry to us, and from us to Ukraine, he said.

Borrell reiterated that 1 million rounds of ammunition "remains a political goal." It is ambitious, but it remains our goal  and we will continue pushing for it, doing everything, every day, in order to deliver quicker and more ammunition, he added.

The High Representative also said that during the meeting he again stressed the urgency of increasing military support to Ukraine, in particular, in order to meet the medium-term needs of the Ukrainian army. This means air defence - we reviewed the work in progress of the training of the pilots for the F-16, winter equipment - because it is clear that the war will last during the winter, and ammunition. We are doing a lot, but everybody agreed that we have to do more and faster. This is something that I have repeated so many times: more and faster. Time  is being measured not only in [the] destruction of infrastructure, houses, it is [also] being measured in losses of human lives, Borrell said.

He again turned to the issue of supporting Ukraine in the long term. It is part of our security commitments. We are working with the ministers on the framework of the security commitments, the High Representative noted.

Borrell recalled that he would present the framework of Ukraine's security obligations in December, and the relevant EU mission would go to Kyiv for talks with the Ukrainian side in the first days of December.
Upworthy 21 Nov 2023

US President Joe Biden speaks during a meeting on progress to counter the flow of fentanyl into the US, in the Roosevelt Room of..
Israel has launched an overnight raid on Gaza's largest medical facility - al Shifa hospital - hours after the US backed claims it was being used by Hamas fighters.
Southeast Asia's youngest nation, Timor-Leste, is making strides to become a new hub for the global iGaming industry, establishing the Virtual Gaming Association (VGA) to oversee licensing and regulatory best practices.

Timor-Leste's Leap into iGaming Industry: Southeast Asia's youngest country, Timor-Leste, is advancing towards becoming a central hub for the global iGaming industry. This significant move involves the establishment of the Virtual Gaming Association (VGA) of Timor-Leste, aiming to cultivate a policy of best practices for the licensing and regulation of iGaming within the country.

Establishment of the Virtual Gaming Association

The creation of the VGA marks a pivotal moment for Timor-Leste's entry into the iGaming sector. The association is tasked with developing and implementing best practices and regulatory frameworks, ensuring the country's iGaming industry aligns with global standards. This initiative will include establishing player protection measures, technological requirements for operators, and a business-friendly commercial framework.

Global Collaborations and Industry Feedback

Efforts to integrate Timor-Leste into the global iGaming market are underway, with partners involved in this initiative currently attending the SiGMA tradeshow in Malta. Here, they are engaging with international gaming operators to gather industry feedback. This input will be instrumental in shaping the sector's policies in Timor-Leste, positioning the country as a friendly global licensing jurisdiction for iGaming.

Diplomatic Engagement and Insights

Timor-Leste's Ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Filomeno Alexio, recently shared insights at the Malta Experts Insight Summit. Alongside experts like Antonio Sampaio of Capital S, Richard Leather of TheRegulationService, and Patrice Rodrigue of Angular Legal, Alexio addressed questions about this emerging jurisdiction. Furthermore, President and Nobel Laureate Jose Ramos-Horta introduced the country's potential through a video at the summit, highlighting Timor-Leste's unique position in Asia.

Timor-Leste's Youthful Potential

With two-thirds of its population under 30, Timor-Leste is poised to create significant opportunities within the iGaming industry. The country plans to establish call and data centers and develop a luxury resort and casino, tapping into the young and vibrant demographic.

About The Virtual Gaming Association of Timor-Leste

The Virtual Gaming Association of Timor-Leste, serving as the trade association for the iGaming industry in the country, is currently focusing on industry consultation. This involves gathering feedback from its membership to develop a robust regulatory framework for iGaming in Timor-Leste, aiming to position the country as one of the most business-friendly jurisdictions globally for the iGaming industry.

Explore more gambling authorities and regulatory bodies in the OCR Gambling Licenses section.
Reprinted with permission from The Times of Israel.

Also reprinted in Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan Today, Malawi: The Maravipost, Sri Lanka: Lankaweb, South Korea: The Seoul Times, Romania: Cadran Politic, Nigeria: The Street Journal, World Service: The Free Library, Ghana: Modern Ghana, Ukraine: The Times of Ukraine and Pakistan: The Lahore Times.

By Dr. David R. Leffler

Attn: Herzi Halevi, Commander-in-Chief, Israel Defense Forces

I am writing to you today with great urgency and hope regarding the precarious situation in Israel.

Israel has faced more than its fair share of challenges and conflicts over the years, but the Israel-Hamas war is a much more dangerous conflict that has alarmed nations around the world. In these perilous times, it is crucial to explore innovative strategies that go beyond conventional military strategies and tactics.

The Transcendental Meditation (TM ) technique and its advanced TM-Sidhi program can be utilized by your armed forces to relieve collective societal stress, proactively end the present conflict, and prevent further hostilities with neighboring nations. A Prevention Wing within your military could be trained to use the evidence-based TM technique to stem aggression.

The TM program is a well-established, non-religious technique that has been scientifically shown to reduce individual stress through deep physiological rest that enhances mental clarity and focus. In addition, when it is practiced collectively , it has demonstrated a profound positive impact on war, conflict, violence, crime, and other forms of societal turbulence. Such social problems arise from unresolved collective societal stress.

When the size of the TM group meets a specific threshold (the square root of 1% of the target population), there is a measurable decrease in the incidence of negative outcomes. For Israel's population of under 10 million, a group of about 320 experienced TM meditators would then have the potential to deflect hostile elements; a group of 500 would exert an even more powerful ability to achieve positive results in the entire Middle East region.



Increased Indications of Peace and Reductions in Violence in Lebanon

(Image by Dr. David Orme-Johnson) Details DMCA





Longitudinal Study Conducted During the Lebanon War

(Image by Dr. David Orme-Johnson) Details DMCA



The extensive research on the societal impact of the advanced TM program utilizes robust statistical methods and objective data sources, including government statistics and databases by independent researchers. Rigorous controls for various alternative factors have been applied. These findings have been consistently replicated across diverse populations and published in reputable journals such as the Journal of Conflict Resolution, Journal of Social Behavior and Personality, Social Indicators Research, Medicina and World Journal of Social Science. The results reveal statistically significant reductions in war-related fatalities, improved economic conditions, heightened quality of life, and decreased levels of crime, violence, accidents, drug-overdose deaths and illness.



Decreased Crime in Washington DC

(Image by Dr. David Orme-Johnson) Details DMCA





Effectiveness of a Large Group of Consciousness-Technology Experts

(Image by Dr. David Orme-Johnson) Details DMCA



For example, a study published in the Journal of Offender Rehabilitation (based on global data from the Rand Corporation) showed that when the size of large TM groups exceeded the threshold predicted to give rise to a measurable effect, annual deaths due to worldwide terrorism decreased 72%, international conflict decreased 32%, and violence was reduced in other nations without intrusion by other governments.

As Chief of the General Staff for Israel Defense Forces (IDF), please consider establishing a Prevention Wing that incorporates the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi programs into its daily routine.

By applying proven techniques that reduce cumulative societal stress, we can work towards ending current conflicts, preventing future conflicts, and building a more stable future for Israel and its neighbors. The evidence-based approach that the TM program offers, once implemented in Israel, could serve as a valuable model for peace-building programs in other volatile locations worldwide. Action taken now by the IDF could ultimately lead to lasting world peace.



Broad-Based Improvements in US Quality of Life Indices

(Image by Dr. David Orme-Johnson) Details DMCA





Seventeen Year Study of a Large US Group of Peace-Creating Experts

(Image by Dr. David Orme-Johnson) Details DMCA



I am ready to provide additional research and support to help implement this initiative. A proactive approach like this can contribute significantly to the peace and security of Israel and the entire Middle East.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I eagerly await your response and hope for a brighter and more peaceful future for Israel.


Israel strikes and seals off Gaza after attack by Hamas Israel increased airstrikes on the Gaza Strip and sealed off the Palestinian territory from food, fuel, and other supplies in retaliation ...

(Image by YouTube, Channel: Eyewitness News ABC7NY) Details DMCA



Smoke from Israel's assault on Gaza

When one looks at the current crisis in Gaza-and not to oversimplify it- it could have been resolved long ago if a truly independent sovereign Palestinian state had been established by the UN adjacent to Israel based on the pre-1967 borders.

That of course never happened and the current crisis in Gaza has its roots in that failure.

On its own Israel would never allow such a Palestinian state to exist adjacent to it.

Israel would have had to be compelled to accept it.

Let's not forget it was the UN that established Israel in May 1948 by the partition of Palestine into a Jewish and Arab state. Arab groups were against the partition and war broke out but eventually ended when Israel's neighbors Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, and Transjordan accepted the reality of Israel's existence.

So as the UN did in 1948 it would have had to compel Israel to accept a sovereign Palestinian state adjacent to it.

But let's face it the US has stood in the way of that happening.

With Israel the victor in the 1967 war with Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan the West Bank has been under Israeli occupation. Gaza was under Israeli occupation as well until Israel unilaterally withdrew in 2005 supposedly to improve its security and gain international status in light of no peace negotiations with the Palestinians.

Since 1967 Israel has continued to establish Jewish settlements in the West Bank even though they're considered illegal under international law. The US government verbally agrees the settlements are illegal yet does nothing to stop it.

The US gives Israel $3.5 billion dollars each year and in all probability clandestinely helped Israel get nuclear weapons-one of the worst kept secrets in the world.

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(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
Are we being duped to focus only on Gaza suffering? (my latest post which can also be accessed at click here )

Israel's genocide of Gaza is intentional, planned and ongoing with no sign of slowing down. The contrary, with no water, food and medicine it is accelerating. Israel leaders boast openly that they do not care about what the UN says or what world leaders say. Israeli fascist leaders say they do not care what statements are issued by governments of Muslim and Arab countries. Nor do they care if public pressure causes some western leaders to moderate their language from unconditional support for Israel to show concern for the "humanitarian catastrophe" unfolding in Gaza (without naming the perpetrator). Israel actually can use the humanitarian catastrophe (as if it is an act of God not their agency) as bargaining chips. Israel can offer pauses in the slaughter in exchange for further weapons from Western governments and for release of Israeli prisoners. Maybe even a temporary ceasefire and fuel to any remaining hospitals in exchange for additional support to continue the genocidal occupation and for impunity from facing tribunals for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Israeli leaders are crystal clear about their crimes and they get their way by genocide and total state terrorism against populations. If you have any doubt, listen to them (see below). They even say openly that if Hizbollah continues its resistance in South Lebanon, then all of Lebanon will pay a devastating price and Beirut will be like Gaza (i.e. totally devastated). Israeli military spokesemen gave the same threats to cities in the West Bank like Jenin and Tulkarem and even Ramallah. These are not idle threats. If the world is not willing to to stop Israel from devastating cities in Gaza strip and is even giving it more weapons to commit its genocide there, why would it not also devastate Lebanon or the West Bank. If you get away with one genocide you get away with others. Afterall International law cannot be enforced in this case. According to Israeli leaders global public opinion and "diplomatic" pressure will not end its carnage. Many human rights advocates are at a loss as to how to end the carnage.

Israel is the only country on earth that did not set any border for itself. It is also the first colonial power whose base is not a geographic area away from the are it colonized (e France was the base for colonizing Algeria). The Zionist base is wherever Zionists occur in positions of power in Western Countries(originally France and England but now the US and oher countries). The original Zionist plan is setting up an Eretz Yisrael is in the area between the Nile of Egypt to the Euphrates. But this is changing where Israel dominion as Netanyahu showed in a map at the UN includes the Arabian Peninsula and the gulf states. But the Zionist plans are far more than about geography. Geography is negotiable if there are guarantees of economic and colonial hegemony. Gaza is needed because of the gas fields there worth hundreds of billions but that is a small part of a wider plan for which 2.3 million people are dispensible.

The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are already colonized economically and are run by easily contolled leaders who will do the US/Israel bidding. Zionist grip on the US system is visible everywhere from Hollywood to mainstream media to congress that allocates more mone to Israel than South America and Africa combined. In many western countries, the Zionist lobby succeeded in even silencing free speech so asking for freedom in Palestine is persecuted. There is a waron truth.

So what is to be done? First please note that while many media like Al-Jazeera show Palestinian suffering, they do not provide coverage of Israeli/Zionist statements, ideology, or intent. The genocidal statements are rarely seen in either Western but also in Eastern media. This is important because humanitarian suffering elicits sympathy from those with peope who care about fellow human beings. But most people and certainly most leaders are willing to ACT only if they see direct impact on them. TUnfortunately, the statements of Zionist leaders and their direct actions including suppression of free speech in supposed "democratic countries" if exposed would be more likely to get results than pleading to save Palestinian children (as important as that is). Thus, we must spend at least as much time in publicizing the Zionist plans and words . Documenting slaughter must be accompanied by documenting the intent and plans for slaughter. We must expose why this is not merely about Palestine but about an evil tribal ideology called Zionism that is not content with Palestine but subverts and hurts people around the world. For example, it is critical to show how Israel is hurting US public interest and destroying the US and even got away with killing US citizens like the sailors of the USS Liberty. Millions of people are mobilizing. You do make a difference. All individual efforts count. Below are materials you can use and publicize. Telling the truth is a revolutionary act. The pen can be mightier than the sword sometimes.

Anyway, please do take the time to look over this material and use them extensively:

click here

click here

Israeli President says there are no innocent civilains in Gaza and that they are responsible wire.in/world/northern-gaza-israel-palestine-conflict

"The only solution is the complete destruction of Gaza: Moshe Feiglin tu.be/rjLW847tvig?feature=shared

Zionist thought about Churches and mosques .facebook.com/reel/308177298660625 about civilians .facebook.com/reel/308177298660625

"When 2.5 million people live in a closed-off Gaza, it's going to be a human catastrophe. Those people will become even bigger animals than they are today, with the aid of an insane fundamentalist Islam. The pressure at the border will be awful. It's going to be a terrible war. So, if we want to remain alive, we will have to kill and kill and kill. All day, every day." Amnon Sofer, Israeli demographer in 2004 There will be no food, no electricity, no food, no fuel. Everything is closed. We are fighting animal people, and we are acting accordingly Yoav Galant, Israeli Defense Minister on 9 October 2023 We will turn Gaza into an island of ruins Benjamin Netanyahu 8 October 2023 We are dropping hundreds of tons of bombs on Gaza. The focus is on destruction, not accuracy Daniel Hagari, Israeli army spokesperson 10 October in Haaretz Animal Humans will be treated accordingly, you wanted hell and youll get hell Ghassan Major General of the Israeli army October 9 Social media post There is an entire nation who are responsible. This rhetoric about civilians supposedly not being involved is absolutely untrue () We will fight until we break their backs Yitzhak Herzon, Israeli President Press conference Jericho missile! Doomsday weapon! That is my opinion. Powerful rockets to be fired without limits/borders. Gaza to be smashed and razed to the ground. Without mercy Tally Gotliv Likud Partly, 9 October on X/Twitter Wipe out their families, their mothers and their children. These animals must not be allowed to live any longer Ezra Yachin, Israeli Veteran who participated in the ethnic cleansing of 1948 (Nakba) Now there is only one goal: Nakba. A Nakba in Gaza that will dwarf the Nakba of 1948 Ariel Kellet, :Likud Party Politician 7 October on X/Twitter "The only thing that needs to enter Gaza are hundreds of tons of explosives, not one ounce of humanitarian relief" Itamar Ben Gvir (Israeli minister in Charge of Police and arming setters) "They should go, as well as the physical homes in which they raised the snakes in. Otherwise more little snakes will be raised there" Ayelet Shakid "We can forgive the Arabs for killing our children, We cannot forgive them for forcing us to kill their children " Golda Meir (old but shows the racist ideology) "I am here today not only as the US Secretary of State but also as a Jew as long as the US exists, you will never have to do this [alone] because we will always be with you" US Secretary of State Blinken 12 October (already hundreds of special US Delta force boots are on the ground). Michael Ben-Ari, ex-member of the Knesset: There are no innocents in Gaza. Mow them down ... Kill the Gazans without thought or mercy. Israel Katz, Minister of Transportation: Gaza should be bombed so hard the population has to flee into Egypt. Avi Dichter, Current Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Former Shin Bet director and Minister of Internal Security: Gaza should be wiped clean with bombs. Israeli military Rabbi and Israeli soldiers: click here And here on this link you can find more damning statements from Zionist leaders: click here
Nike on Tuesday announced a string of executive changes designed to accelerate efforts to develop new products and get them to market quicker, a focus which analysts have said is needed.

The moves include new heads of innovation, design, marketing and technology. They follow a May executive shuffle that was designed to spur breakthrough innovation.

Innovation, design, and storytelling have always been the heart and soul of Nike, Heidi ONeill, Nike president of Consumer, Product and Brand, said in a press release. These leadership changes enable us to obsess further our unparalleled innovation, product, design, and storytelling to reimagine sport for the next generation of athletes.

In recent months, analysts have said Nike needs to get more new products to market, including in running, Nikes legacy category, but one where competitors are taking market share.

Nike has really fallen behind in innovation, said Matt Powell, senior adviser for BCE Consulting. During the pandemic they played it very safe with their top-selling items and didnt bring a lot of new products to market. Theyve recognized that they need to re-energize that engine.

The changes Nike announced Tuesday:

John Hoke, a 30-year company veteran, who previously served as chief design officer, is now chief innovation officer. He will work with Tom Clarke, Nikes president of innovation.

Martin Lotti, a 26-year veteran, is the new chief design officer. He previously served as the chief design officer of Nikes Jordan brand. Hell oversee all of Nikes design work, including footwear, apparel and in retail stores.

Nicole Hubbard Graham, who previously worked for Nike for 18 years, is the new chief marketing officer. She succeeds Dirk-Jan DJ van Hameren, whos retiring next summer after 31 years with the company. Graham most recently worked as a cofounder of Adopt , a minority-owned creative agency. Graham is the first woman to hold the title chief marketing officer at Nike, although Liz Dolan led the companys marketing efforts with a different title.

Muge Erdirik Dogan is Nikes new chief technology officer. She most recently served as president of Amazon Fashion. She also worked as vice president of Last Mile Delivery and general manager of Beauty and Baby in North America. She holds a Ph.D. in mathematical modeling from Carnegie Mellon University.

Lois Sakany, OTR Global director of retail research, said the Jordan brand has had recent success at reaching women and growing its apparel business. Lottis promotion means hell bring that skillset to the entire Nike brand.

But like Powell she said the bigger story for Nike is a lack of fresh product.

Theyre being hounded by Wall Street about newness, she said. They see that as their main issue now and they are reorganizing because theyre not happy with whats in the pipeline.

Hoke and Lottis new roles are effective immediately. Dogan starts on Nov. 27. Graham will start on Jan. 2.

Hoke, Lotti and Graham will report to ONeill. Dogan will report to Nike CEO John Donahoe.

Muge is a consumer-driven leader who prioritizes connecting technology and science to customer experience, product innovation, and supply chain efficiency to drive profitable growth, Donahoe said in the release. She joins our deep bench of leadership talent across the enterprise that will lead us to capitalize on the great opportunities ahead.

Update: This article has been updated with comments from Lois Sakany.

 Matthew Kish; mkish@oregonian.com
Four months after the fatal stabbing of Cascadia Health aide Haley Rogers, 26, her family members are still processing the events that led to her violent death. Rogers mother, who worked for the behavioral health and substance use treatment services organization from 2015 to 2022, said the feeling is indescribable.

Nothing feels real, and then all of the sudden the reality of it comes crashing down out of nowhere, Meshell Rogers said of her oldest daughter. Haley was a beautiful person.

Gresham police officers found Haley Rogers dead at McCarthy Place in the 900 block of Northeast 165th Avenue in Gresham on July 16. The suspect, 59-year-old James C. Smith, was a resident at the treatment facility with a history of violence, according to court records.

According to a probable cause affidavit, a day-shift employee found Haley Rogers body in the common area of the building after arriving at work at 7 a.m. Police found bloody footprints leading from her body to Smiths room, the document said.

Meshell Rogers said her daughter shouldnt have been alone in the 10-person facility that morning, which was common practice at Cascadia Health due to staffing difficulties, she said.

She should have had support, her mother said. Somebody should have been there with her.

Haley Rogers started at Cascadia in 2018 and floated between facilities. She faced debilitating anxiety while growing up, and having to navigate those challenges motivated her to help her clients, Meshell Rogers said.

She wanted to help other people accomplish what she was able to accomplish, her mother said. She wanted to advocate for those that werent strong enough or capable of fighting for themselves.

Meshell Rogers described her daughter as positive and supportive, especially to her brothers, 20 and 25, and her sister, 19. The family held a memorial service July 30, which Gov. Tina Kotek attended, Rogers said. Since then, the family has been trying to adjust to life without Haley Rogers.

Knowing that her siblings have to face everything else in life without her love, support and encouragement just kills me, Meshell Rogers said. For me, its kind of scary. They seem to be taking it well and then they just fall apart. It comes in waves.

Meshell Rogers moved back to Oregon from Kansas this month to support her other children, who were still in Oregon, and pursue legal action, she said. Shes applied to be the representative of her daughters estate and once thats approved she said she will consult with a lawyer on her next steps.

My biggest motive for anything involved with this case is that Haley didnt die for nothing, she said. I need her death to have meaning, something she would be proud of.

After the stabbing, Cascadia Health CEO Derald Walker said the health provider would assess what happened to ensure something like this does not happen again. A representative for Cascadia did not immediately respond Tuesday to requests for comment on safety improvements.

Smiths next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 10.

 Austin De Dios; adedios@oregonian.com; @austindedios; 503-319-9744

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Though it premieres on the Netflix streaming service in December, Portland viewers will have an opportunity to see May December, the latest movie from director Todd Haynes, earlier than that, and on the big screen. The Hollywood Theatre, in Northeast Portland, will screen May December both in 35mm and digitally, beginning Friday, Nov. 17.

While May December has been generating Oscar buzz and lively conversation since it was greeted with a standing ovation at its May premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, theres particular pleasure in the film showing on a Portland movie screen. Haynes has lived in Portland since 2000, and though he doesnt make films here, Haynes has shown support for the local film community, including serving on the board of directors for the Hollywood Theatre.

Haynes has won acclaim and award nominations for such works as Safe, Far From Heaven, Carol, Velvet Goldmine, Im Not There, the documentary, The Velvet Underground, the HBO limited series, Mildred Pierce, and more.

May December tells a story that will sound familiar to anyone who followed the 1990s news coverage of Mary Kay Latourneau, a schoolteacher who had sex with a 12-year-old student, and who twice became pregnant by him. Latourneau served time for second-degree child rape, before ultimately marrying the former student.

Julianne Moore, who has worked with Haynes on such films as Safe and Far From Heaven, stars in May December as the Latourneau-inspired character of Gracie, who is married to the now-grown Joe (Charles Melton), the minor with whom she had a scandalous relationship decades earlier.

Natalie Portman costars as Elizabeth, an actress who is preparing to play the role of Gracie in a movie and who decides to visit the real Gracie and Joe at their home in Savannah, to do research for the project.

May December is written by Samy Burch, and is based on a story by Burch and Alex Mechanik. The Hollywood Theatre schedule says the film will be shown in 35mm Nov. 17-19., Nov. 21, and Nov. 24-25.

The film will also be shown in digital format on Nov. 17-20, Nov. 22, Nov. 24-30.

Following the theatrical showings, May December will begin streaming on Netflix on Dec. 1. As Variety reported, the film sparked competitive bids at the Cannes Film Festival, and a bidding war raised an initial asking price of $6 million for domestic rights to Netflixs winning bid of $11 million.

 Kristi Turnquist

503-221-8227; kturnquist@oregonian.com; @Kristiturnquist

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There is corruption in Ukraine, as in other countries, but the state is fighting it, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna has said.

"Currently, the Russian Federation is conducting many information special operations both on the territory of Ukraine and beyond its borders, since we are awaiting a decision from the European Union, since decisions are being prepared through NATO, as well as decisions on bilateral military assistance. This narrative is now actively being fueled, and it manifested itself at all important stages of the development of our country. But this is not an excuse - there is corruption in Ukraine. But the most important message that the state sends to its citizens today is that we are fighting corruption. This is a continuous process," Stefanishyna said in interview with the Estonian publication ERR.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that corruption exists everywhere, but the question is whether it interferes with people's lives, whether it limits their rights. "If people feel it, it gives rise to their dissatisfaction with the state. If not, then it is enough to create all the necessary institutions so that they work, and so that citizens know that if there is a case of corruption, then there are consequences, that is, sentences. Today in Ukraine, all this is there, but this is still not enough for people to feel that such a phenomenon as corruption does not interfere with their lives," she concluded.
Late October and early November are cranberry harvest season for the roughly 80 cranberry growers located outside Bandon on the southern Oregon coast.

Along U.S. 101, travelers can see flooded fields where acres of cranberries, in shades from cream to crimson, swirl and bob in the water.

With the wind going and the way the current goes, they all push together, and it almost looks like a mosaic picture, said Glenn Murphy, whos harvested on farms in the area for the past five years. Ive gotten lots of photos before we start in the morning of the mosaic. Theyre epically beautiful.

Bandon is Oregons cranberry capital, and the area around it is home to roughly 80 cranberry growers. Bob Donaldson, chair of the Oregon Cranberry Growers Association, has 10 bogs over 15 acres in Denmark, Oregon, 16 miles south of Bandon.

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Donaldson has grown cranberries there for about 25 years.

" When I came back from the Army, one of my friends dads was working for a grower up in Bandon, and he was saying, Hey, we need help with harvest. So I went up and helped him, and its like, Oh, I like this. This is nice work. Thats how I got into it.

For the most part, cranberry growing is a one-person operation, except during the harvest. Thats when a half-dozen workers, including Murphy, join him in the bogs.

Its a job where you can work by yourself, Donaldson said. Its just so rewarding to grow a big crop and see how much food youve grown.

A man holds up a handful of Oregon cranberries as they are harvested.Samantha Swindler/ The Oregonian

Cranberries are native to North America and historically grew in the northwestern region of Oregon, where they were harvested by Indigenous people. Early white settlers, according to the Oregon Encyclopedia, would eat cranberries as a source of Vitamin C to prevent scurvy, and the berrys naturally waxy coating allowed for long keeping.

Oregons first commercial cranberry farm was established in 1885 in Coos County by Charles McFarlin, who migrated from Massachusetts and brought cranberry cuttings with him. Coos and neighboring Curry County are where Oregons cranberry industry still thrives today. The two counties are home to about 2,700 acres of cranberries and represent about 95% of the states cranberry crop, Donaldson said. A handful of farmers also grow cranberries near Warrenton, south of Astoria.

The coasts temperate climate and long growing season give Oregon cranberries a deeper red color and slightly sweeter flavor than those grown in other states.

Still, Donaldson acknowledges, Theyre an acquired taste.

Raw cranberries are crisp, like an apple.

When you bite into them, they have a real crunch, he said. Theyre very tart, so they look like a cherry, but they dont taste like one.

Wisconsin is, by far, the primary producer of the countrys cranberries, followed by Massachusetts. In 2021, Oregon was the fourth largest cranberries producer in the U.S., just behind New Jersey, accounting for 7% of the nations production.

Cranberry farmer Bob Donaldson uses a machine called a beater to knock cranberries from their vines for cranberry harvest on Nov. 2, 2023.Samantha Swindler

The most common public misconception about cranberries is that they grow in water, but cranberry beds are only flooded for the harvest.

Cranberries develop on low-growing vines. Each bed  or bog  of cranberries is grown in a bowl-like field. Donaldson pumps water from a nearby retention pond to flood each bog with about a foot and a half of water for harvest.

The bogs are tiered, so after one bog is harvested, the water is drained into a lower field and reused.

Donaldson drives over the flooded beds with a harvesting machine called a beater, which knocks the berries from the cranberry vines.

It kind of combs the vines, and the berries come off as you comb it, Donaldson said. The berries have little air nodules inside, so they all float.

A team then uses floating cran-barriers, a modified oil spill boom, to corral the floating cranberries toward an elevator, where they are lifted into a truck bed and shipped out for processing.

As long as the wind doesnt blow so hard that the berries dont blow away, we can pick, Donaldson said. The other thing is lightning. If theres any lightning, we just go home because thats my elevator down there, and its a big steel rod that sticks up in the air in a pool of water. One little thunderstorm, and were done.

An assortment of Oregon cranberry products, clockwise, from left: cranberry syrup and concentrate from Grandpa Jack's, cranberry cider poured from the Itty Bitty Inn, cranberry jalapeno mustard from Misty Meadows, cranberry wine by On the Waterfront, cranberry ketchup and cranberry sauce from Peters' Cranberries, cranberry salsa from Misty Meadows and cranberry fudge from Cranberry Sweets.Samantha Swindler/ The Oregonian

Oregon cranberries become a mix of consumer products, from the Ocean Spray trademarked dried Craisins, to juice and ingredients for other food manufacturers.

Cranberry foods are ubiquitous on the southern Oregon coast. Stores and farm stands sell cranberry-flavored ketchup, mustard, salsa, fudge and more.

The Itty Bitty Inn in North Bend keeps free cranberry cider on tap for guests. In downtown Bandon, Cranberry Sweets, a 61-year-old candy shop, got its start making cranberry jelly candies. Across the street, the Wheelhouse Restaurant brings out fresh cranberry bread with its complimentary rolls.

The farm stand at Peters Cranberries, located in Sixes just north of Port Orford, sells a variety of cranberry products made with time-tested family recipes. That includes cranberry apple chutney, cranberry barbecue sauce and traditional cranberry sauce flavored with Oregon Pinot.

Cranberries are really a good, versatile berry, said Sara Osborne, co-owner of Peters Cranberries with her son, Whit Peters. Theyre actually pretty healthy, and they dont have a lot of sugar naturally. But they do need some doctoring up for most people, so theres lots of great products you can make with cranberries that add a lot to your meals.

Other places to enjoy Oregon cranberry products:

- Misty Meadows, a family-owned jam maker just south of Bandon, sells a variety of cranberry products, including honey and jellies. Visit the store at 48052 U.S. 101.

- On the Waterfront wine sells a semi-sweet cranberry wine made with gewurztraminer and 100% cranberry concentrate. Find it at Farm & Sea On The Waterfront in the Oldtown Marketplace, 250 S.W. First St. in Bandon.

- The farm stand at Grandpa Jacks Cranberries sells bottles of cranberry concentrate and cranberry syrup. (Bring cash for this and other farm stands in the area.) They also offer guided tours of their bogs at 87303 McTimmons Lane in Bandon by appointment. For more information, call 541-290-5530.

-- Samantha Swindler, sswindler@oregonian.com, @editorswindler
Two big little bundles of joy are on the way for Portland  The Oregon Zoo is expecting an eastern black rhinoceros baby in the next couple months and, in 2025, a new elephant calf.

Why 2025? Thats because elephant gestation lasts longer than that of any other living mammal, nearly two years.

The double pachyderm pregnancy means Jozi, an eastern black rhinoceros, and Rose-Tu, an Asian elephant, are both expecting at the same time, but by the time that baby elephant is born, the baby rhino wont be a baby anymore.

Both announcements from the zoo are hopeful ones for threatened species.

For the eastern black rhinoceros, which include Jozi and her male companion King, this is especially true,

These two rhinos  soon to be three, we hope  represent a species thats among the most endangered on the planet, said Kelly Gomez, who oversees the zoos Africa area, in a statement from the zoo. Poaching and the illegal wildlife trade have wiped out 96% of the worlds black rhino population.

In Elephant Lands, the news of a possible calf is also hopeful. Zoo officials say that Samson, 25, is the father of the newest calf and think that conception occurred in late May, and the calf might be born in early 2025.

The announcement is also a reminder of how difficult gestation and life can be for a young elephant. If Rose-Tu, 29, delivers a live calf, it will be her third. Her second calf, Lily, died suddenly at age six in 2018 from a viral infection. Her first calf, Samudra, is 15 and lives with her at the Oregon Zoo.

In 2019, another Asian elephant, Chendra, suffered a miscarriage about eight months into her pregnancy while she was under treatment for tuberculosis, which the zoo said was not related to the miscarriage.

Miscarriage is common in all mammal species, zoo officials noted at the time.

Were hoping for the best, Steve Lefave, who oversees the zoo elephant area, said in the press release of the two current pregnancies. We have an excellent animal-care team, and theyll be doing everything they can to help each of these moms have a successful birth.

 Lizzy Acker

503-221-8052; lacker@oregonian.com; @lizzzyacker

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A week after almost dying from hypothermia, covered in brush at the bottom of an embankment in Baker City, 92-year-old Larry Hendrickson has one word about how hes feeling: Better.

The Newport, Washington man disappeared about 3 p.m. on Nov. 7 while traveling with his wife in separate vehicles from Yuma, Arizona, to their home in northeastern Washington. An Oregon State Police trooper found Hendricksons white Corvette about 15 hours later parked in the middle of a secluded road near the Baker City Municipal Airport. The car was unlocked and the key was still in the ignition, but there was no sign of Hendrickson, his wife, Shirley Hendrickson, said Tuesday.

The trooper searched the area and called out for Larry Hendrickson, but didnt hear anything. He was about to give up and call for a search and rescue team when his flashlight illuminated a white sneaker and about 4 inches of a pant leg down an embankment on the side of the road, Shirley Hendrickson said.

The trooper rushed down the embankment and found Larry Hendrickson, who had buried himself in brush to protect himself from the 34-degree temperature. The trooper called for an ambulance and grabbed some blankets to cover him. He was still breathing but unconscious.

Larry Hendrickson was taken to a nearby hospital where he was treated for severe hypothermia, and was transported to a larger hospital in Nampa, Idaho, the next day.

He had been out there long enough that he was going into the last throes before death, said Shirley Hendrickson. They said a few more minutes and he wouldnt have made it.

The couple had just sold their winter home in Yuma and were driving separately  Larry in the Corvette and Shirley, 76, in a moving truck  back to Newport when Shirley Hendrickson got a flat tire.

They pulled over on Interstate 84, about 20 miles north of Baker City, to call for help. Shirley Hendrickson said she last saw her husband as he got back into his Corvette and headed toward Baker City to find a tire shop.

Larry Hendrickson said the last thing he remembers was driving back to his wife as the sky darkened.

He started getting confused and scared and worried, she said. Then he must have missed the entrance to the freeway.

Shirley Hendrickson said she called 911 to report her husbands disappearance. Police searched for his car until they spotted the Corvette parked on West Airport Lane at about 6 a.m.

We are grateful for this positive outcome, said Cpt. Kyle Kennedy, an Oregon State Police spokesperson. Cold weather exposure can be life-threatening and another night in these conditions may have been fatal.

Larry Hendrickson was discharged Friday from the Nampa hospital, and doctors said it would be about two months before his muscles function normally again, Shirley Hendrickson said. While he has knee injuries and difficulty using his arms and fingers, he is back to walking on his own.

The couple, who have been married for 45 years, still hope to visit their grandchildren for Thanksgiving. And Larry Hendrickson hopes to get back to working on cars in his shop.

It was really the grace of God and his persistence, Shirley Hendrickson said. He showed inner strength  he didnt give up.

-- Catalina Gaitan, cgaitan@oregonian.com, @catalinagaitan_

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Even after the states chief financial officer confirmed the validity of Portland Public Schools revenue figures last week, the teachers union has continued to claim that the district is leaving out some $20 million to $31 million a year that could go toward their contract demands.

Why union officials keep insisting on this phantom pot of money is a mystery. Gov. Tina Kotek said in a statement Sunday  and her office reconfirmed in an email to The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board on Tuesday  that the CFO did not find the discrepancy that leaders for the Portland Association of Teachers are claiming exists. The only question raised by the states analysis was whether the district might receive $12.4 million more next year than its projecting, depending on enrollment numbers.

The bigger mystery, however, is how to move from this false narrative of missing money to an agreement that fairly compensates teachers, acknowledges the financial constraints of the district and finally gets students back into school. This strike, now in its third week, is wreaking destruction with the greatest pain falling on students, who are losing out on instruction, extracurriculars and the sense of stability theyve only recently rediscovered. While elected leaders from the city and county on up should be pushing hard for schools to reopen, the governor in particular must take a higher profile in resolving this dispute immediately.

Certainly, Kotek has provided key support for keeping negotiations moving forward and validating PPS revenue picture. But she should directly acknowledge the harm the strike is causing students and families and publicly press the teachers union  which has long been a generous and loyal donor to her campaigns  to get real about the districts budget. While Kotek has consistently encouraged the two sides to reach an agreement, she has not conveyed the personal investment or urgency that she, as the states superintendent of public instruction, should share along with PPS 43,000 students and their families. Oregon already has one of the shortest school years in the nation, and the teachers strike is now among the longest on the West Coast in recent years. Instruction and opportunities for PPS students have been on hold for all of November. We need the states top education official to stand up for them and demand that the union deal in fiscal reality.

Instead, the union has derided PPS latest $147 million offer as insulting, even though the pay increases, class-size adjustments and other offerings would require the district to cut $100 million from operations over the next three years. Meanwhile, the unions proposal would cost $358 million over that same time period  about $14 million less than its previous ask. That does not even include a demand that the district provide land for affordable housing development and take on housing initiatives. The estimate, notably, was developed by PPS because PAT declined to provide cost assessments.

While Koteks press secretary said the governor has urged the teachers union to curtail its requests, the governor should share that message broadly with the public. The strike has divided the community with many believing that the district has the money to meet the unions demands, which include big cost-of-living increases and class size caps that would require adding hundreds of teachers. Educators and families understandably want smaller class sizes, but the sheer cost of those additional hires would trigger even more painful cuts than those the district would need to make under its own offer. With more than 80% of its operating budget going to teachers, bus drivers, principals, school counselors, nutrition services workers, payroll administrators and other staff, who should the district lay off? How many school days should be cut? What critical functions, from foreign language translation for families to restorative justice coordination, should PPS remove from its administrative ranks?

Clarity from the governor is important not just for ending the PPS strike, but for districts and teachers around the state that are or will be negotiating new contracts. While legislators boast that they gave a historic level of money to K-12 districts, they neglected to note that they only funded what districts said would cover continuing operations for the next two years  not the major investments the union is seeking.

There is nothing wrong with the union advocating for its members to get the best deal possible. But refusing to recognize PPS fiscal limits, promoting inaccurate financial claims and continuing a strike that has kept students out of school for nine days are causing significant and long-lasting pain to the community. The governor should recognize her obligation to speak up for students and use her considerable influence to end this strike.

-The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board

Read our earlier editorial on the need to revamp education funding: Oregons education funding formula needs a 21st century upgrade

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As the Portland Association of Teachers strike stretches into nine missed school days, Gov. Tina Kotek has made small steps to nudge the negotiations towards the finish line, leaving some parents wondering when the governor will take a larger role.

The teachers union on Tuesday night indicated it would be willing to change its request to cap class sizes, the first major sign of progress amid a strike that stretched into its 11th day Wednesday.

Kotek has played a supporting role in the negotiations so far, walking a fine line publicly as the strike has dragged on. She asked both sides to continue negotiating before the strike, saying that a walkout would not be in the best interest of students. Since the strike began, Kotek and advisers on her staff have spent dozens of hours on the phone with both parties, according to her office.

But she has not done as much as some parents want, nor as much as a former governor did, to get students back in school.

It feels to me as though the adults in the room  PPS and PAT, but also the Legislature and Gov. Kotek  have royally messed up, said Kara Colley, a mother of two children in Portland Public Schools.

The governor has long supported labor unions, walking the picket lines with union members during some strikes. And she took in almost $400,000 from the state teachers union to support her run for governor last year.

In an Oct. 30 statement, Kotek said, I respect the collective bargaining situation that they are in at Portland Public Schools and I expect the adults in the room to come together and figure it out for kids and their families.

The governor also secured a state mediator to remain at the table amidst a flurry of labor disputes across Oregon and last week directed the state Chief Financial Officer Kate Naas to act as a resource for both parties regarding budget concerns.

Kotek dispatched analysts from the Department of Administrative Services and the Oregon Department of Education to help both parties clarify how much funding is available for the unions requests without making harmful budget cuts.

Looking only at the districts main source of money, the state school fund, they concluded that the districts account of how much money it would take in this school year and next  $467 million  exactly matched the states, except for $12.4 million that could materialize for the 2024-2025 school year, depending on statewide enrollment. The state experts disproved the unions repeated assertions that the state fund would provide the district an additional $20 million plus per year.

It wasnt until Sunday evening that Kotek spoke out about the findings, however, and even then she chose her words carefully, noting the $12.4 million but not expressly calling out the far larger amount of money that the union had inaccurately asserted would be available over three years.

I expect both negotiating parties to use the information provided by the CFO to update their proposals and get students back in the classroom, Kotek said in a Sunday statement.

Colley, who has one child at West Sylvan Middle School and another at Lincoln High, said she is furious about the indefinite school closures. She wants teachers to have higher wages, she said, but not knowing when school might start again is starting to take a toll on families citywide.

Our children are paying the price and their education is paying the price, Colley said. These are the same children that suffered the longest remote schooling and then one of the dinkiest returns to hybrid learning. Every day I am like, Get it together.

An Oregon governor has stepped in on teacher contract negotiations on at least one occasion, The Oregonian/OregonLives archives show.

In 2005, former Gov. Ted Kulongoski submitted a proposal for a settlement between the Oregon Trail School District and its teachers union 13 days into a strike. Kulongoski proposed that the two parties meet halfway on salaries and health care benefits and form a joint committee to resolve other bargaining issues.

Kulongoskis proposal was initially rejected by the district, but representatives from both the district and union later credited the governors proposal for providing the framework for a settlement the two sides agreed to six calendar days later, according to an article published in The Oregonian on Nov. 16, 2005.

The challenge for a governor is that contract negotiations are the role of locally elected school boards, said Anna Richter-Taylor, Kulongoskis former communications director. Of course, any governor would care about the impacts of a strike on all involved, especially the kids who need to be in school, and it can be frustrating because while the state writes the check, it is up to local districts on how it is spent.

Elisabeth Shepard, a spokesperson for Kotek, declined to say at what point the governor would take a hard line on the strike.

Gordon Lafer, professor and co-director of the Labor Education & Research Center at the University of Oregon, said Kotek could wield her political authority to apply pressure to both parties, though she could not force a settlement through any legal action.

Its not a legal authority, but its a very powerful form of influence, Lafer said. Once the governor gets involved, nobody wants to be the bad person. Nobody wants the governor to identify them as the problem.

Lafer said Kotek faces a potential political risk if she were to insert herself more directly into the bargaining process and receive pushback from either side, adding that is probably part of the reason why shes been trying to stay out of it.

Its a tough position because theres powerful people on both sides who want different things, and most politicians want to avoid situations like that because theres no way to come out of it with everybody liking you, Lafer said.

Shepard said Koteks involvement in the negotiations has not been impacted by the massive support she received from unions during her campaign for governor, including from the Oregon Education Association.

The educators union donated $389,106 to Koteks 2022 campaign for governor  making the union her 12th largest contributor, campaign finance filings show.

Oregonian reporters Julia Silverman, Sami Edge and Hillary Borrud contributed to this report.

 Carlos Fuentes; cfuentes@oregonian.com; 503-221-5386; @carlos_reports

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Moms for Liberty has no intention of slowing down after a slate of losses in last weeks elections.

The extremist group endorsed candidates in school board elections across the country, spending big on those who vowed to advance their so-called war on woke, which includes ridding schools of mask mandates, critical race theory and academic material regarding gender and sexual identity. But voters rejected the groups ultra-conservative agenda, electing moderates and Democrats instead in a majority of races.

In the aftermath of Moms for Libertys defeat, the group is gearing up to spend even more money and recruit more candidates for 2024.

Moms for Liberty co-founder Tiffany Justice touted last weeks election as a big victory during an appearance on a conservative podcast Tuesday and assured Moms for Liberty supporters that it was just the beginning.

Im excited for 2024 because were going to take all the things that were learning and were going to turn them into better options and better resources for parents and community members who are running for office, she told conservative commentator Tyler ONeil.

Justice chalked this years losses up to fierce competition with teachers unions, who see the group as a looming threat, according to Ohio Federation of Teachers president Melissa Cropper.

As Moms for Liberty promotes their new gameplan for 2024, Ohio teachers are focusing on combating the groups efforts. Cropper said schools in Ohio are facing a crisis in teacher recruitment and retention, partly due to intimidation from Moms for Liberty. She also said students face great barriers, like housing insecurity and food insecurity outside of the classroom that teachers feel an obligation to address.

So, they can try to run on this platform of parental choice and I think these elections will just show again that parents are choosing school board candidates who are focusing on the real issues and not culture war issues, Cropper said.

Earlier this month, Moms for Liberty supported one parent in her push to ban several books in an Ohio high school, which sparked protests from students. The state saw a surge in such attempts the year prior.

We havent seen them get a real firm stronghold or foothold across Ohio yet, but their presence is always there. she said. It feels a little bit like theres people out to get you all the time. That's a feeling that our teachers have, like theyre being watched in a way that they havent been watched before.

Cropper said a new sense of urgency around school board elections drew people to the polls and ultimately saw teachers and parents triumph over the conservative push by groups like Moms for Liberty.

Last week, only two of eight Ohio Moms for Liberty endorsees secured school board seats; Julie Liskany and Denise DAngelo. The pair signed Moms for Libertys pledge to implement parent advisory curriculum teams, which grant parents permission to review curriculum, and to increase parental and community involvement, including a positive school culture and critical thinking skills. DAngelo and Liskany narrowly beat their opponents, securing 52.8 percent of the vote.
Ms. V., do you have a sanitary napkin?

This is a common question Mai Villasenor hears throughout the school year. Whether its in class, where she supports her assigned students as a special education classroom assistant (SECA), or during one of the extracurricular activities she sponsors, like the Filipino American Club, Villasenor finds herself discreetly passing period products to students.

On the days when she isnt carrying a menstrual pad herself, she directs students to one of Lane Tech College Preps restrooms, but they arent always stocked. The main office serves as the schools most trusted source for students menstrual needs.

You can always find them in the main office. But who thinks to go to the main office for a pad? she asks.

Villasenor is a former Chicago Public Schools (CPS) student herself and remembers machines installed on the bathroom walls of Lincoln Park High School that required quarters to dispense tampons. She graduated before state law required all public schools to provide these products for free.

According to CPS, the district began providing free period products to students in 2019, when the Learn with Dignity Act first went into effect. CPS policy states that all schools serving grades 3-12 must make menstrual hygiene products available, at no cost to students, in bathrooms of every school building. The way that this has been implemented looks different in schools across the city.

What is menstrual equity?

Earlier this year, IL Latino News looked into the laws that support menstrual equity in Illinois.

Menstrual equity, or period equity, as first defined by Jennifer Weiss-Wolf, co-founder of Period Equity, refers to the affordability, accessibility and safety of menstrual products for all people, including laws and policies that acknowledge and consider menstruation. Weiss-Wolf first coined the term in a 2015 Cosmopolitan article about ending the tampon tax, which many consider to have catapulted the menstrual equity movement forward. The term has since expanded, with many organizations now including education about menstruation and reproductive care in the definition.

According to Obstetrics & Gynecology, 64% of women reported having difficulty affording pads or tampons. Laws like the Learn with Dignity Act work to ensure menstrual equity by providing access to these essential health products, which many cannot afford.

This is especially important in districts like CPS where 73% of students come from low-income households, and 82% of students are Hispanic or African American.

Rep. Barbara Hernandez, whos sponsored several bills expanding access to free products, says that many people have a misconception of who period poverty impacts.

They never really think about it happening right here in your hometown, in your country. Its very important to just take a step back and actually see that it is happening in our community and its happening in our low income households, she said.

Products outside of restrooms create additional barriers

According to staff members in some schools, products are not always as easily accessible as the policy implies.

At Corkery Elementary School, counselor Giovanna Cruz keeps products stocked in her classroom, something she started doing after conversations with students made her realize the inconvenience they faced if they forgot a pad or tampon at home  or if their families couldnt afford products.

They felt really uncomfortable, Cruz explained. We do have them, but theyre just in the office.

The main office of Corkery sits on the ground floor, where there are no classrooms.

Fifth and sixth grade classrooms at the school are on the top floor, which leaves menstruating students who need a product traveling down three floors, walking over to the office, then back up to the top, stopping in a restroom along the way.

You cant just say I need to go to the bathroom, because the teachers know how long it takes you to go to the bathroom. So you have to be specific and then you know, you have to raise your hand and be like, can I go to the office to get [a pad]. Its just Cruz said, her voice trailing off as she shook her head.

At Lane Tech, Villasenor says that products kept in the restrooms arent consistently restocked.

We can always find the napkins, but rarely ever the tampons in the main bathrooms, she said, leaving students who need a period product to check in the next nearest bathroom, or walk to the main office. This feat isnt easy on Lane Techs massive campus. It is the largest school in the city, consisting of 607,000 square feet  which students have 5 minutes to navigate during passing periods.

Damaris Pereda, the National Programs Director of PERIOD. says that keeping products stored in the main office or a nurses office creates additional barriers and more time that students are not in class.

They have to go to the restroom first to visually realize that they might need [a product], then they need to go to another office, said Pereda. All of that is time that they are not in school or school activity, which is impacting their academic outcome.

Students miss school when they dont have products

I did have a student, a sixth grade student who would refuse to come to school during her period, said Cruz.

This isnt uncommon. The 2021 State of the Period national survey found that 4 in 5 teens have either missed class time or know a classmate who missed class time because they did not have access to period products.

Periods typically last three to seven days, which means a student missing school due to not having hygiene products is missing a significant amount of learning time. A student who misses 10% of days in a school year whether excused or not is considered chronically absent. In CPS, this is 18 school days.

Studies show that chronic absenteeism has negative impacts on both grades and standardized test scores, which is especially concerning given that students are already academically behind due to the pandemic.

Sparking conversations about accessibility

Cruz says her students have expressed shame and embarrassment around having to ask for pads in the office.

I feel for them, said Cruz, who purchases the products she provides to students out-of-pocket. Its easier to be like, can I go to the counselors office? Instead of saying can I go to the main office?

She says that the same students tend to cycle back to her office every month looking for pads, which she doesnt mind providing.

It really just got me thinking of what are other ways that we can supply them in the school? What other conversations can we have?

_________________________________________________________

Publishers note: This reporting is supported by a fellowship with the Journalism & Women Symposium (JAWS) in partnership with IL Latino News.
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 friend had been pestering me for months about this winery he had discovered. I think the phrase game changer was used. Last summer, I agreed to meet with the winemaker in a nondescript White Salmon, Washington, office building.

I havent stopped obsessing about Travis Allen and Mario Kobayashis wines since.

Kobayashi Winery is best known for: Without missing a beat, Allen answered, Producing interesting and delicious wines.

I know, I know. Every winemaker thinks this is the case. Allen, however, walks the talk. Few wines have given me more joy and provoked more conversations over the past year than the ones with Kobayashi on the label.

Innovation: In 2019, Allen became the first American winemaker to age a wine in a Mizunara oak cask imported from Japan. Mizunara is a native Japanese oak whose wood is used to make casks revered from Tokyo to Glasgow for their whisky-maturing magic.

Allens curiosity about aging wine in a 450-liter Mizunara oak cask began in 2013. Years of persistence and a letter Kobayashi wrote in Japanese finally made it happen.

The Mizunara oak helped to create a cabernet franc that smelled like a walk through a cedar forest filled with blackberries and what Allen described in a newsletter as Japanese incense and sandalwood.

The Mizunara does not offer the aromas typically associated with American or French oak, Allen said. But you can feel its presence as effortless structure on the palate, which tells me this wine will provide enjoyment for decades.

Allen also enjoys experimenting each year with different processes of making wine. One of my favorites is his whole-cluster fermented, unsulfured 2021 Kobayashi Sans Soufre Syrah made with fruit from the WeatherEye Vineyard near Benton City, Washington.

Allen is the only winemaker I know who uses Washington syrah fruit to make an unsulfured wine. Allen and Kobayashi add each individual syrah cluster by hand, one at a time, which Allen said is probably why they only make 700 bottles.

Due to its lack of added sulfur and commercial yeast, many will pigeonhole Allens sans soufre syrah as a nothing added, nothing taken away natural wine. Allen said he makes his sans soufre wine almost as an anti-natural natural wine if that makes sense. Allen said hes had so many bad natural wines that he doesnt give them a hall pass.

I dont buy the dogma that a wine is somehow better than other wines because nothing is added, Allen said. Each wine has to stand on its own merit.

Trust me, Allens natural wine stands tall and proud in all its silky black-fruited syrah glory. Sadly, this wines recently released 2022 vintage is now sold out.

HERE IS OREGON: HereisOregon.com | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok

A must try  current release: 2022 Kobayashi Marsanne-Roussanne ($65  14% ABV).

Allen described the wine as distinctive and unique because it is a white wine made like a red wine, with skin contact only pre-fermentation. Allen described the wine as full-bodied, with some texture, big, rich fruit, and a pronounced melon aroma.

Hot tip: Purchase a case of Kobayashi wines through the mailing list to receive an extra posh black hoodie that is comfort personified. The hoodies design changes each vintage, so collect them all.

History: Allen was a surfer kid who met Mario Kobayashi while she studied English at San Diego State University. Allen was into health food at that point, not alcohol. An epiphany experience while tasting at Havens Winery in Napa, California, caused Allens interest in all aspects of wine to take off.

After Allen completed his studies in California to become a nurse anesthetist, the couple moved to Seattle in 2007. Allen went to work with pediatric patients as a certified registered nurse anesthetist at Seattle Childrens Hospital.

Kobayashi and Allen took the winemaking plunge in 2014 by making 25 cases of cabernet franc. Today, Kobayashi Winery produces 1,000 cases annually at Force Majeure Wines in Milton-Freewater, Oregon.

What we dont know: Allen said that when hes pouring at tasting events, most people are surprised to learn that he maintains his day job as a nurse anesthetist.

Biggest inspiration: Thierry Allemand, a winemaker based in the Cornas appellation of Frances northern Rhone wine region.

The first few years he was building his domaine, he worked as an electrician. Those early times when I was building my winery while working full-time at the hospital, I often thought about Thierry Allemand, Allen said.

Last book read: 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami.

Where to buy: Kobayashi wines arent on any Oregon retail shelves quite yet. Your best bet is to sign up on their website for the mailing list.

kobayashiwinery.com or info@kobayashiwinery.com.

-- Michael Alberty writes about wine for The Oregonian/OregonLive and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. He can be reached at malberty0@gmail.com. To read more of his coverage, go to oregonlive.com/wine
Linfield University in McMinnville is looking for a new leader for their Center for Wine Education for the second time in two years.

On Friday, Nov. 10, Linfield Universitys Office of Human Resources posted a new job opening for Chair of the Linfield Center for Wine Education. The position is currently held by Tim Matz, who was hired by the university in 2021.

Linfield University is offering an $80,000 annual salary and a comprehensive benefits package for Matz replacement. The phrase immediate start appears in the job listing.

The university confirmed Tuesday evening that Matz will retire by the end of 2023. Matz came to Linfield with more than three decades of wine industry experience with companies such as Foley Family Wines, Jackson Wine Estates International and Zonin USA.

Matz was hired by the university to replace outgoing director Gregory Jones, who resigned in June 2021.

News of Matzs exit comes just days after Linfield University President Miles K. Davis announced he would leave his post in early 2024.

One highlight of Matz tenure came in February 2023, when the center was named the most innovative interdisciplinary wine studies program in America and one of the top three worldwide by Learys Global Wineology: A Guide to Wine Education, published by wine writer and educator Charlie Leary.

As a collaboration between Linfields College of Arts & Sciences and the School of Business, the Evenstad Center for Wine Education is a singular program that produces graduates well-versed in every element of the wine industry, from viticulture to international logistics, Matz said in a press release announcing the accomplishment. Its interdisciplinary nature is unique not just to Oregon but, we believe, in the entire United States.

Grace and the late Ken Evenstad, founders of Domaine Serene Winery in Dayton, made a multi-million dollar contribution to Linfield University in 2018 to fund the Evenstad Center for Wine Education, Evenstad Wine Laboratory and the endowed faculty position first held by Jones and now Matz.

The Evenstad name is not listed by Linfield University In the new job posting for the Center for Wine Education.

This is an ongoing story that will be updated.

-- Michael Alberty writes about wine for The Oregonian/OregonLive and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. He can be reached at malberty0@gmail.com. To read more of his coverage, go to oregonlive.com/wine
As of 12:00, it is known about one dead and three wounded as a result of a missile strike by Russian occupiers on Wednesday night in a residential area of the town of Selydove (Pokrovsky district of Donetsk region), acting head of Donetsk Regional Military Administration Ihor Moroz reports.

"All the wounded received emergency medical care, their condition is stable. According to operational information, another four people are missing under the rubble," Moroz wrote on the Telegram channel on Wednesday afternoon.

According to him, as a result of the strike, 16 private houses were damaged in the town and one was completely destroyed. "A four-storey building, which was directly hit, was partially destroyed. Seven more high-rise buildings were damaged: three two-storey buildings, two five-storey buildings and two four-storey buildings. A rescue operation is underway at the hit site," Moroz said.

Earlier, Moroz reported one dead and two wounded in Selydove as a result of a Russian S-300 missile hitting a four-story apartment building, one entrance of which collapsed. The deceased is an 85-year-old woman whose body was pulled out from under the rubble. The search for one person at the site of the collapse continued.
Brussels, Belgium (PANA)  The European Union (EU) and its member states signed on Wednesday a new Partnership Agreement with the Members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACPS) that will serve as an overarching legal framework for their relations for the next twenty years
Washington, DC, US (PANA) - The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) said on Tuesday that it would resume food assistance across Ethiopia from the beginning of December following implementation of comprehensive reforms of the food assistance structure by the Government and humanitarian partners
ABB Marks 10th Anniversary of European Regional Execution Center with Investment into Major Expansion

ABB's European Regional Execution Center provides project management and strategy support to the company's pulp and paper teams across Europe. ABB's European Regional Execution Center provides project management and strategy support to the company's pulp and paper teams across Europe.

Nov. 15, 2023 - ABB's European Regional Execution Center (EUREC), which provides project management and strategy support to the technology leader's pulp and paper teams across the continent, has reached its 10th anniversary of operations and benefited from an expansion to meet growing customer demand.

With regional project governance and lead execution resources in the Czech Republic, EUREC teams have successfully deployed a coordinated resource planning and execution model across Europe for Quality Control System (QCS) and Distributed Control System (DCS) solutions since 2013, leveraging expertise from local ABB units as well as from the recently expanded R&D center in Dundalk, Ireland.

This year, ABB has undertaken a major expansion of the center that will offer a broader geographical scope to increase operational efficiency. The portfolio scope expansion will ensure that ABB's expertise is scaled for the future, building on the relationship between local operations and EUREC, and drawing on additional service at ABB's product development center and in close connection with ABB factories.

To further deliver enhanced coordinated resource planning across Europe, dedicated positions have been created including the recent appointment of Pamela Murphy, Europe Operations Manager for Pulp and Paper.

"The expansion will benefit our pulp and paper customers in Europe by ensuring continued high-quality project outcomes no matter which country in Europe the paper mill is located, through the application of common leadership processes and tools. Local service teams will be better supported by a centrally managed group of experts," said Stefano Cinquina, Global Business Line Manager, Pulp and Paper, ABB. "Our priority is to continuously build and sustain our application know-how to better serve the industry, and this expansion will be a big factor in that success and the build-up of knowledge."

Serving customers in over 40 countries for more than 100 years, ABB Pulp and Paper brings together deep industry knowledge, world-class solutions and local expertise delivering end-to-end solutions for pulp and paper mills.

ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company's solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered and operated.

SOURCE: ABB
Photo: (Photo : Joe Raedle / Getty Images)

In a startling development of a murder-for-hire plot, Donna Sue Adelson, aged 73, the mother of a Florida dentist, Charlie Adelson, convicted in connection to the death of Dan Markel, a Florida State University law professor, was apprehended on Monday night.

The arrest not only highlights the family's alleged involvement in the murder but also reveals an alleged escape plan to Vietnam, a country without a U.S. extradition treaty.

The arrest unveils the complexities of the murder-for-hire scheme. The unfolding saga began with court and jail records revealing that Donna Sue Adelson is currently held in a Miami jail on suspicion of murder and other crimes, linked to the murder-for-hire plot that led to the recent conviction of her son, Charlie Adelson.

Authorities acted swiftly upon discovering that Donna and her husband had booked airline tickets to Vietnam, suggesting a calculated attempt to evade legal consequences.

Recorded Calls Expose Escape Plans and Financial Resources

Crucial evidence in the case emerged from recorded phone calls to Charlie Adelson's jail, where Donna Adelson divulged her intention to leave the country. The calls unveiled detailed plans to create trusts, ensure the financial security of her grandchildren, and even contemplated suicide.

The arrest warrant underscored Donna's substantial financial resources, implying a level of capability to execute escape plans successfully.

In addition to the first-degree murder charge, Donna Adelson faces accusations of solicitation and conspiracy.

These additional charges paint a complex picture of the murder-for-hire plot, extending beyond Charlie Adelson's involvement. Katherine Magbanua, an ex-girlfriend of Charlie, was also implicated and convicted of first-degree murder in the slaying last year.

Family Ties and Legal Consequences

The roots of the murder-for-hire scheme trace back to a dispute between Dan Markel and his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson, Donna's daughter.

Following their divorce, Wendi sought to relocate with the children from Tallahassee to South Florida. This decision sparked repeated attempts by Donna Adelson to coerce Wendi into influencing Markel's decision.

Donna proposed a monetary incentive of $1 million and suggested threats related to the religious upbringing of Markel's children. The arrest of Donna and her husband at Miami International Airport introduced another layer of complexity to the case.

While Donna is currently in custody, her husband was not arrested, leaving questions about his potential role in the alleged escape plan.

The legal proceedings have cast a spotlight on the intricate web of familial ties, implicating not only Charlie Adelson but also underscoring the broader family dynamics involved in the murder-for-hire plot.

Read Also: Gender Pricing Battle Erupts: China's Women Rally Against 'Pink Tax' on Singles Day

Vietnam Escape Plan Adds Complexity to the Story

The choice of Vietnam as a destination for an alleged escape plan adds a layer of intrigue and complexity to the unfolding narrative.

The fact that Vietnam lacks a U.S. extradition treaty suggests a determined effort by Donna Adelson and her husband to avoid the legal consequences of their alleged involvement in Dan Markel's killing.

This strategic choice adds a geopolitical dimension to the story, emphasizing the lengths to which individuals might go to evade justice.

As the investigation continues to unfold, the story captivates public attention, offering a profound exploration into the dark complexities of familial ties and the shocking details surrounding the murder-for-hire of Dan Markel in the heart of Florida.

Related Article: Louisiana Tech University Rocked by Random Stabbings: Graduate Student Arrested in Shocking Campus Violence
Photo: (Photo : by Redd F on Unsplash)

In a pivotal move, the South Carolina State Board of Education is deliberating over a new policy that would define "age-appropriate" educational materials across schools and libraries in the state. This proposal aims to restrict access to content that includes sexual conduct descriptions or visuals deemed obscene or indecent. The regulation aligns with recent efforts by conservative policymakers nationwide to limit public school students' exposure to books discussing race, gender identity, and sexual orientation.

Debate Intensifies Over Educational Content and Censorship in South Carolina

The board's decision to proceed with the policy on Tuesday marks only the initial step in a process expected to culminate next year. Following this, the Republican-led state legislature will review the proposal, which mirrors a similar bill presently under discussion in a state lawmakers' conference committee.

The public reaction to this development was palpable in a packed Columbia conference room where the policy was discussed. The audience was a mix of individuals, some representing Moms for Liberty, a conservative group known for advocating book bans, and others supporting local diversity-promoting organizations.

Patrick Kelly, representing the Palmetto State Teachers Association, suggested limiting the complaint process to students, their families, and school employees. He expressed concerns that the proposed policy could distract educators from focusing on student needs due to the potential influx of complaints.

Opponents of the regulation argue that it undermines local authority and risks limiting access to inclusive literature that addresses sensitive topics and resonates with students from diverse backgrounds. Melinda Henrickson, the founder of Families Against Book Bans, emphasized the importance of local decision-making in educational content, citing the removal of nearly 100 books in Beaufort County, including notable titles like Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale."

Read Also: Parents Express Frustration at School Board After 6-Year-Old Student Shoots Teacher

Proponents Advocate for Unbiased, Age-Appropriate Educational Resources

Proponents of the proposal, however, see it as a vital measure to ensure an unbiased and developmentally appropriate curriculum for students across South Carolina. The policy's definitions of "obscene" and "indecent" are derived from federal statutes and broadcast television regulations and stipulate that materials should not be removed solely due to viewpoint disagreements.

Miles Coleman, a partner at Nelson Mullins specializing in First Amendment law and president of the Federalist Society's Columbia chapter, reassured that the policy is not about extensive removal of materials but about ensuring appropriateness.

The proposal also suggests that school district boards evaluate if library collections could benefit from more "rigorous" or "objective" materials. This suggestion comes amidst concerns from some residents about the presence of certain books in district libraries, such as a feminist retelling of "Little Red Riding Hood," recommended for ages 14-18, and other titles addressing abuse, violence, and LGBTQ+ experiences.

The debate in South Carolina reflects a broader national trend, with at least seven states having enacted laws since last year that restrict classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation in lower grades, often leading to book removals from classrooms and libraries. These laws, already in place in states like Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, and others, highlight the intensifying cultural and educational battlefields across the United States.

As the South Carolina State Board of Education inches closer to finalizing its decision, the implications of this policy continue to stir debates about educational freedom, censorship, and the role of state authority in shaping the learning environment of future generations.

Related Article: Parents React to School Board Resigning After Mocking Scandal
As a result of the repeated attack of the occupiers on the civil infrastructure in Zaporizhia region, two employees of the State Emergency Service were killed, three more rescuers and four civilians were injured, said Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko.

"Zaporizhia region. The Russians have once again shelled civilian infrastructure. There was a fire. Employees of the State Emergency Service were already at the scene in a matter of minutes. Then the invaders struck again. As a result of enemy shelling, unfortunately, two employees of the State Emergency Service were killed," the minister wrote on the Telegram channel on Wednesday.

According to Klymenko, three more rescuers were injured. Four civilians were also injured.
Eight years ago, Jan & I retired from our respective positions, she as research librarian at the wondrous Perkins School for the Blind, and me as minister of the First Unitarian Church of Providence. We shrunk our worldly goods as best we could, sold our home, and moved back to our native California.

Our intention was to be near Jans mom who lives in the once independent city and since 1932, a neighborhood of Los Angeles called Tujunga. (A fun fact. While it sounds Spanish, Tujunga is actually from the indigenous Tongva and means, quite suitably for us, the old womans place.)

Mom was aging and we wanted to be nearby. We explored locations as far away as four hours, but despite an interest in a co-housing community in Fresno and a love affair with the Central coast, quickly realized the foolishness of relocating across the continent, and still being that too far away for being very useful. We began to look much closer to mom, decided an hour was a good outer distance, and quickly fell in love with Long Beach.

We were able to swap pretty close dollar to dollar the price of our house in Pawtucket for a condo four blocks from the beach in the Alamitos Beach neighborhood. We loved it. And for eight years its been our home. I think it fair to say as far as homes and neighborhoods go weve never been happier with where we were.

And all things change.

While mom is in pretty good health for 96, she is 96. And in order to avoid assisted living we are moving in with her.

The move has been a trial for all of us. As I write this weve emptied moms living room and put our furniture there, the balance of the furniture, shrunk once more, is stacked in half of moms garage along with the remains of the most drastic cutting of my personal library ever. With about fifty or sixty or seventy books on shelving here and the last hundred or so beyond are boxed and stored with the furniture. (The balance of the rest, some eighty or so boxes are going to a home where they will be loved and cared for.)

Today we drive back to the condo to carry away (we desperately hope) the very last of our worldly goods. Friday the condo will be painted, then theres the matter of a new carpet, replacing a damaged door to one of the bathrooms, and, well, then, are you interested in a condo in a lovely neighborhood filled with coffee shops and restaurants and interesting stuff walking distance from the beach? It will be for sale for an obscenely high price.

And. Well. Here we are. In the course of our lives, my mother lived with us for the last seven years of her life. My maternal auntie lived with us for the last twenty plus years of her life. And now were going to live with Jans mom.

I think about that showing up.

And I think about duty. Especially I think of the spirituality of duty.

Here I find my thoughts going to the Bhagavad Gita. It was much beloved among my Transcendentalist ancestors. Although I also love pointing out Ralph Waldo Emersons enthusiastic endorsement of the Bhagavad Gita as a great Buddhist classic. For me, in part enjoying emphasizing his mischaracterization of the great Hindu classic. But, not to be missed, Emersons enthusiasm for the text itself, if sorting out the differing spiritualities of the East wasnt quite yet in place.

In the Gita I find a thread that calls to the heart and tells us something about death and birth, and life, and our choices in that place among the living. Chapter three is devoted to karma yoga. Here yoga means spiritual discipline, while karma means both the sum of a persons actions, and here those specific actions that create a spiritual life. Conscience and action. In that meeting of intention and action we begin to find a sense of conscience that is both spiritual, and very much grounded in this world. In the specifics of life.

Duty.

The karma yoga of the Bhagavad Gita is the spiritual practice of action in this world. It is informed by seeking a proper understanding of what is going on. And then, well, and then acting. It is complicated. The Gita itself turns on a fratricidal war where God tells Arjuna to take up his responsibility and to fight. There is within the mess a unity. And, well. Also. In another situation where a Zen master advises a samurai to fight knowing that everything is empty. Much like Krishna telling Arjuna to fight knowing everything is the play of the mystery. But my spiritual grandfather calling us to notice theres going to be blood. Real blood. And real widows. And real orphans.

Its messy. Its awful. And. And. Karma and the yoga of karma. Duty is not an easy thing. Discerning and then acting are difficult and can be very hard.

And In my own life Ive learned we have to act on insufficient information. Pretty much always. But, nonetheless, we must act. Here is duty.

In this world even opting out, a choice to not acting, is itself an action, of course. Because everything is connected, and every choice has a consequence. Or really there are many actions coming together in any given situation, and many consequences flowing from the moment of choice. That crimson ribbon, knotted for a moment. Like blood coagulating.

And, so, conscience. What is it that we find when we dig in deep, when we look honestly at our hearts and at the world? What is it that says it would be okay to lay our life down for another, friend, or country, or something else?

Our human experience is buffeted and tossed, bruised, and banged; and somewhere along the line all of us, every precious one of us is damaged. You. me. No one escapes. If you think otherwise, youre a master of denial. And, while denial might be a pretty good strategy for a while, in the long haul it betrays us.

Instead, I try to not turn away from the hurt, the hurts. As the Gita tells us, notice, and act. The yoga of duty.

The reason these hurts become a great hurt living a coiled serpent within us is simple enough. Our sense of these hurts rises out of our intuitions of wholeness and the fact of our separateness.

We need to see how we are separate, where babies die, and old people starve to death, where each and every one of us has experienced loss and longing. For some harder than for others, but none escapes. In this realm all of us are damaged goods. And, somehow, damaged or not, each separate thing, each of us, is precious beyond saying. That, too, is true.

Within the bruising, if we allow ourselves to experience it, we see, we taste, we know another truth.

Wholeness. Just about everyone, maybe everyone, has some body-knowing we are connected, totally connected each of us with everyone and everything else. Why is this so? I dont know, although I have opinions. What I do know is that our sense of this wholeness comes to us unbidden out of our experience of separation. A grace. A thread, a crimson ribbon winding around our hearts tugging us in directions.

It is the source of our conscience, it tells us who we are, and it tells us our place in this world. It is the sacred text written on our hearts. We notice how our dreams are invaded by this deep knowledge of our source and home: our radical interdependence. Our quiet moments proclaim it. Instances of grace intrude it into our lives, singing the angel song of deepest connection.

Our bodies know the connection. And, so, I invite the critical step of turning our hearts to noticing this unity when it presents. Here the mysteries of duty reveal themselves.

And then, perhaps, another question comes to us. If we continue to follow the ribbon we discover a mystery: we are separate and one. A conundrum. But a reality. Its not that we are either separate or we are connected. And with that the thread leads to another invitation, to move beyond the conundrum, beyond self and other.

Out of that wonderment the great invitation sung to us from before the creation of the heavens and the earth. The words and the music proclaim a connection deeper than two or one. Found as we engage our lives, our responsibilities, as we step up.

A healing way that can be found as we explore the connections, as we follow the thread, as we trace along the ribbon.

Our world can go in several different ways. Most of them not good. All of them dangerous.

But we have some guidance and we have some examples.

What we need to learn in our lives both as individuals and citizens follows the same course. And that course was so wonderfully sung to us by the poet Mary Oliver.

To live in this world you must be able to do three things: to love what is mortal; to hold it against your bones knowing your own life depends on it; and, when the time comes to let it go, to let it go.

Here we are, mortal beings. We are herd animals. We need each other. For so much from care in our infancy, to the gift of language, to the skills it takes to survive, to others to love and be loved by, to having caring hands to deliver us back to the soil. All of that mortal mortal stuff.

For me I experience this and I experience many many things. But most of all, an electric current running through it all is that most human thing: love.

And then there is the current of our actual lives. The bones that give us our shape. Family, of course. For good and for ill. Our nation states, for sure. For good and for ill. And, our shared humanity and our shared obligations as the conscious creatures for the care of this whole beautiful fragile world. All of it. For good and for ill.

Here I find our duty. To care and to be engaged.

We need the larger perspective. We need to avoid the blandishments of turning away from the perceived other.

But if we love and keep loving. If we show up. And we show up again.

If we learn the art of letting go even as we hold to our bones, then things happen.

Here is our duty.

The yoga of duty. The spirituality of duty.
Reviews are starting to appear of The A to Z of the New Testament. Alden Swan wrote on Amazon, This is an outstanding resource for anyone who wants to understand the New Testament, and its a very enjoyable read. McGrath is extremely knowledgeable and also has a great sense of humor, and the clever A to Z organization makes for a very interesting read as he touches on nearly every topic of NT study that you can think of. Also on Amazon Jordon Jeffery Wright writes, If youre looking for a fun and accessible introduction to the New Testament, look no further! James McGrath is a brilliant scholar who also happens to be a gifted writer. Which means he knows how to take the findings of New Testament scholarship and communicate them to beginners. But dont think this is just a book for new students of the New Testament. This book is great for anyone who is interested in learning more about the New Testament!

Jim West offers a review in which rightly pushes back on one of the slogans Eerdmans used in publicizing the book. As someone who teaches adult Sunday school, and whose experience doing that informs the book, that choice on their part was ironic. Here is an excerpt from his blog review:

Adults need to attend Bible Study too. And Sunday School is just another name for Bible Study. One never graduates from studying the Bible, of that I can assure you. The book blurb on the back cover notwithstanding, this is a genuinely interesting and well written book. McGrath crafts an artful piece of biblical scholarship in language accessible to people who are not trained New Testament scholars Each section asks readers to think about a basic issue like the Christmas story or the notion of hell and then McGrath provides the scholarly consensus (and I would emphasize both words here- the SCHOLARLY and not the dilettantish; and the CONSENSUS and not the extremists) for each topic broached. McGrath provides readers with a bibliography at the end of each chapter and, regarding this I am genuinely quite impressed and appreciative, in each instance save 4 he provides the name of at least one woman New Testament scholar and their work on the issue. McGrath includes a range of perspectives, in other words, that other New Testament studies do not. This is an interesting, informative, useful, and well written book. Theres an index of subjects and a Scripture index as well so readers can go right to the thing theyre looking for without having to go through the whole thing till they find it. I truly enjoyed it. And I am positive that you will too. One final thing worth drawing to your attention- be sure to read the acknowledgements at the end of the book. It contains a beautifully touching remembrance of one of Jamess students and you need to read it. Please dont skip it as an irrelevancy.

I am really grateful for that last point he emphasized. The Acknowledgments explain the dedication at the beginning of the book.

A Facebook friend shared a quote from the book:

Most religious people doubt the claims of other religions, and they critically examine the arguments that are brought by those who disagree with them. The historian cultivates and hones precisely these tools, the key difference being that they seek to apply them fairly across the board. This too is at the very least compatible with Christian values, if not indeed an expression of them. Jesus taught us to do to others what we would want done to us. We should treat the arguments and claims of others the way we want our own to be treated. Conversely, if we treat the claims of others with what we consider appropriate skepticism, we should be willing to subject our own assumptions and views to the same sort of skeptical analysis. Far from being something antithetical to faith, this rigorous analysis can be considered an expression of faith. If we take God seriously, then avoiding deception and error ought to be a high priority. If we are unwilling to allow our assumptions and views to be challenged, how will we ever discover if we are wrong about something? Historical tools are skeptical, and for that very reason Christians should embrace them, however difficult and painful the result may be.  James McGrath The A to Z of the New Testament: Things Experts Know That Everyone Else Should Too (2023: Eerdmans), 138.

When I asked if he is enjoying the book then he said Very much so. Around halfway through and am already thoroughly recommending others buy a copy. Such casual recommendations to friends and social media are ever bit as valuable, and as meaningful to me, as official reviews, and sometime more so. With each of my recent and one of my forthcoming books there have been things people have said that I love would to add onto the back cover alongside the official blurbs.

I have also had some video conversations about the book. I like the image that Jacob Berman came up with (presumably AI generated but still hilarious)!

A conversation on the Potential Theism YouTube channel.

If you will be at ETS or at SBL/AAR in San Antonio, I gather that Eerdmans will have a 50% discount there while supplies last. If you wont be attending, Christianbook.com still has the best price on the book.

In other news, the cover of the Romanian translation of What Jesus Learned from Women has been revealed. Also, I gave a talk about my John the Baptist research at Butler University that you may find interesting:
Microsoft Edge is making it easier to find links shared with colleagues through a new Shared Links feature, which will roll out both in the browsers new tab page and even in the address bar.

The problem Edge is trying to solve is simple: your boss shares a link to a Web site that you need to take action on. But its immediately lost in the maze of Teams channels and email. What now?

Edge for Business (which works if your company pays for a corporate version of Microsoft 365 or an enterprise subscription) is the answer. Shared Links will detect and collect links that other colleagues have shared with you, much like a net collects fish. Youll be able to open them within an Edge sidebar called Shared Links, which will be filterable by person, date, link type or even the app it came from. (Links will be shared via Outlook and Teams, at least at the beginning.)

But theres more: Shared Links will be understood by the address bar, too, in the way that other links are understood. Start typing, and Edge will autofill the rest. When you open a new tab, youll also begin to see the list of links that Edge has shared with you. It might not totally do away with the okay, I know Claudia said something about this recently, but where? syndrome, but at least youll have an easily remembered place to start looking.

Microsoft Shared Links feature within Edge, viewed on a mobile browser. Microsoft

Shared links in Microsoft Edge for Business is currently available as prepopulated results in the Edge address bar, is in current preview in the Edge new tab page and within Edge mobile, and will be coming soon to the sidebar, Microsoft said.
Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan Constituency, Hon. Joe Ghartey, has donated medical equipment to the Model Health Centre in Kojokrom.



The items donated on November 13, 2023, included delivery Beds Delivery Sets, Episiotomy Set, Suture Set, two Screens Three Drip Stands, Five Adult Weighing Maxhines, Sinks, Nebulisers, Two Accosin BP Apparatus, Digital BP Apparatus, Fridge Air Conditions, Washing Machines, television Set and Two Computers



Receiving the items the Metro Director of Health, Dr Pius Mensah, expressed his gratitude to the Member of Parliament. He said after the completion of the facility he approached the MP for assistance to furnish the facility.



He said he was happy that the promoised had been fulfilled. Dr Mensah said the facility will take care of the whole population of Kojokrom and its environs in addition he also said that, services such as delivery devices and minor surgical operations will be done in this Health Centre. It is envisaged thst the Kojokrom Model Health Centre with a staff strength of over twenty medical personnel would serve over 20,000 people.



On his part, Hon. Joe Ghartey said he was happy the facility had been completed and was ready for use. He recounted that a similar facility had been completed in Anoe. He also mentioned other health facilities in the Essikado Ketan Constituency such as the Diabene Chip compound and the Ahanta Abassa Chip Compound which was converted from a krall for cattle. He also said that in addition medical equipment had been supplied at various times to heath facilities in the Constituency.



Hon Joe Ghartey also stated that he was happy that as a Cabinet Mnister during the First Term of the Akufo Addo government he represented the Western Region properly and ensured that Western Region was also allocated a given a Regionsl Hospital when other Regions such as the Eastern Region were being considered for the construction of Regional Hospitals.



Joe Ghartey also said he was instrumental and led the MP for Selondi, Hon Mercer, to ensure the reconstruction of the Effia Kwanta Hospital. He noted that the construction of the La Hospital was about to commence and was optimistic that soon attention would also be paid to the Shama Hospital.



In conclusion, Hon. Ghartey said that from the era of President Kufour who introduced the National Health Insurance Scheme to the era of President Akufo Addo which is seeing a massive expansion of health facilities the NPP had been faithful to Ghanaians in the health sector and he pleaded with Ghanaians to vote for NPP, its Presidential Candidate, Dr Bawumia and its Parliamentary Candidates to enable them continue the good work.









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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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









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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President Akufo-Addo has commended the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) and its partner for Project 2, Rocksure International for successfully conducting a Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) on Nyinahin Block B (Hills 4,5, and 6) of the Nyinahin hills in the Ashanti region.



The timely completion of the MRE, provides a critical impetus in advancing the construction of a bauxite mine with a refinery solution as part of the national objective to add value to bauxite mining in Ghana.



At a brief event at the Jubilee House, to formally present the MRE results to President Akufo-Addo, the President commended the CEO of GIADEC, Mr. Michael Ansah and the CEO of Rocksure International, Mr. Kwasi Osei Ofori for their commendable and professional collaboration which characterized the joint commitment of the two Ghanaian companies towards the execution of Project 2, which represents one of the four (4) projects being executed under the Integrated Aluminium Industry (IAI).



This is an exceptionally good news today . I congratulate all of you involved in this very important step for the country that is being taken. I will continue to provide you with the maximum support that you need to make sure that this whole thing becomes a reality. I think that if we are able to do that it will justify completely our thinking, the whole GIADEC concept of using a state vehicle that will bring together the bauxite resources in the country under one roofand therefore strengthen the hand of the entity to enter into such transactions the President added.



The President emphasized that the results from the MRE is the first ever to have been conducted on any of Ghanas bauxite resources as the country has in the past relied on historical estimates and projections. This, according to him, bodes well for the Integrated Aluminium Industry as it provides a credible basis for attracting more investors into the industry and improve investor confidence in the process.



President Akufo-Addo further charged GIADEC to ensure that the processes of value addition i.e refining raw bauxite into alumina, smelting alumina into aluminium and the development of the downstream industry, is done in Ghana with strong participation from Ghanaian Companies.



Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. George Mireku Duker who represented the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Abu Jinapor assured GIADEC and Rocksure of the Ministrys continuous assistance and support towards the development of the Integrated Aluminium Industry.



The Chief Executive Officer of GIADEC, Mr. Michael Ansah, thanked the President for his support and stated that GIADEC, in collaboration with its partners, will conduct similar MREs in other operational areas of the Corporation before the commencement of any mine activity.



According to Mr. Ansah, results from the Mineral Resource Estimate show a significant increase in the quantity of bauxite resources historically estimated to be in the Nyinahin area. The MRE results also validated the quality of bauxite resources found in the area, he added.



Historically we estimated that we had in the region of 250MMT of bauxite deposits in the three hills we are talking about, that is hills 4,5 and 6. Following the work that we have done now, we have been able establish that we have a minimum of 375MMT of bauxite in those three hills, so a 50% appreciation on the historical figures.



Mr. Ansah also revealed that GIADEC will, in the coming weeks, announce a reputable European firm that will partner with the Corporation to execute Project 3A of the IAI Projects which is the Development of a mine in Nyinahin Block C and construction of a refinery.



On his part, the CEO of Rocksure International, Mr. Kwasi Osei Ofori emphasized that the completion of the MRE gives credence to the Presidents call that when given the chance, Ghanaian Companies can compete with their peers globally.



Background



In September, 2021, GIADEC announced the selection of Rocksure International, a wholly Ghanaian owned Company, as its strategic partner for Project 2, one of four projects that define the Integrated Aluminium Industry (IAI), being executed by GIADEC.



Rocksure International was selected after a rigorous competitive three-round investor engagement process in 2019. The process began with about 40 companies expressing interest. Fourteen (14) companies were shortlisted to progress to round two, of which five (5) advanced to the final round.



Rocksure International, following the official announcement commenced a Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) in Nyinahin Block-B, specifically Hills 4, 5 &6 to validate and define the bauxite resources.



Ghanas bauxite resources are estimated to be around 900MMT. Bauxite in Ghana is mainly concentrated in three (3) areas i.e Awaso in the Western-North region with 60MMT, Kyebi in the Eastern region with 160 MMT and Nyinahin in the Ashanti Region with the highest bauxite resources of 700MMT.



The validation of the bauxite resources in parts of the Nyinahin area through an MRE is the first time Ghana is taking steps to validate all of its bauxite resources across the country.





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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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President Akufo-Addo has stated that the call by Africans and Africans in the diaspora for the payment of reparations by European nations who carried out the transatlantic slave trade some 400 years ago is not a plea for alms but it is a demand for justice.



The demand for reparatory justice, according to President Akufo-Addo, must go hand in hand with the subject of restitution. He indicated that the restitution should be executed through the return of all cultural properties of African nations that were illegitimately and barefacedly taken from Africa and transported to European countries.



Speaking at the maiden edition of the Accra Reparations Conference (ARC 2023) held at the Kempinski Hotel, Gold Coast City, on Tuesday, 14 November 2023, President Akufo-Addo said reparations for African and Africans are long overdue, noting that victims of other injustices in human history have rightly received reparations and that, Africans deserve the same for the damage caused by the transatlantic slave trade.



The call for reparation is not a plea for alms but a valid demand for justice. If reparations can rightly be paid to victims and the descendants of victims of the Holocaust, so can reparations also be paid to the descendants of the victims of the slave trade. It has been four hundred years, and we want to bring closure to this tragedy.



While at it, let me point out that the subject of reparations must go along with the subject of restitution. The initiative for the return of African cultural properties to the continent must also be an issue of major concern for all Africans. We must call for the return of African cultural properties that were illegally and shamelessly transported from the continent President Akufo-Addo said.



Tracing the history of the transatlantic slave trade, President Akufo-Addo, said It began with some 20 slaves from West Africa being forcefully sent in 1619 to the commonwealth of Virginia, in what was to become part of the United States of America. This initial action he noted, was the first of 36,000 voyages to and from Africa which resulted in some 20 million Africans from Central and West Africa being sold into slavery in the Americas and the Caribbean.



We are also told that 10% of this number, that is, some 2 million Africans lost their lives en route to their destinations with the Atlantic Ocean serving as their final resting place. As if this was not enough, the continent had to endure centuries of being colonized by the same people who undertook the slave trade.



The identity and personality of Africans were brutally assaulted, and the imprints of colonialism and imperialism woven deeply into the fabric of our lives. The effects of the slave trade have been devastating to the African continent and to the African diaspora. The entire period of slavery meant that our progress economically, culturally, and psychologically was stifled President Akufo-Addo stated.



Fair treatment



In his statement, President Akufo-Addo traced the history of the payment of reparations to victims of historic injustices such as the holocaust and even those who owned slaves when the slave trade was finally abolished. To this, President Akufo-Addo noted that there must be no reason why the payment of reparations to Africans who suffered from the devastating effects of the transatlantic slave trade should be questioned.



"Reparations for Africa and the African diaspora are long overdue. Predictably, the question of reparations becomes a debate only when it comes to Africa and Africans. When the British ended slavery, all the owners of enslaved Africans received reparations to the tune of some 20 million pounds sterling, the equivalent to some 20 billion pounds sterling but enslaved Africans themselves did not receive a penny.



"Likewise, in the United States of America, owners of slaves received $300.00 for every slave they owned, the slaves themselves, and received nothing. Take the case of Haiti, which had to pay reparations amounting to 21 billion United States dollars to French slave owners in 1825 for the victory of the Haitian revolution, the first in the Americas and the Caribbean which freed the slaves" President Akufo-Addo said.



"It was a payment made under duress that impoverished Haiti throughout the 19th century until today. Native Americans received and continue to receive reparations, Japanese Japanese-American families who were incarcerated in internment camps in America during World War Two, received reparations. Jewish people, six million of whom perished in the concentration camps in Hitlerised Germany, received reparations including homeland grants and support.



"So, it is time for Africa, 20 million of whose sons and daughters had their freedoms curtailed and sold into slavery, also to receive reparations. No amount of money can restore the damage caused by the transatlantic slave trade and its consequences which have spanned many centuries, but surely, this is a matter that the world must confront and can no longer ignore" he added.



Demand for apology



President Akufo-Addo also called on Africa's "slavemaster" to render a formal apology to the entire continent for carrying out the slave trade "crime."



"Even before these discussions of reparations conclude, the entire continent of Africa deserves a formal apology from the European nations involved in the slave trade for the crimes and damage it has caused to the population, psyche, image, and character of the Africans the world over" President Akufo-Addo remarked.



Shared commitment to justice



The conference was organized by Ghana in close collaboration with the African Union (AU) Commission. In her solidarity statement, her Excellency, Dr Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, said the demand for reparations is not an attempt to rewrite history or to continue the cycle of victimization but, it is a call to recognize the undeniable truth and right the wrongs that have gone unpunished for far too long and continues to thrive presently.



"Reparations demonstrate our shared commitment to justice, reconciliation, and healing. We gather here today with a sense of unity that transcends geographical borders and ideologies. Our shared belief in the necessity of reparations binds us together, and it is only through our collective strength that we will be able to put what we believe into action.



"We are here today to chart a new course, one that will pave the way for a better, more equitable world devoid of keeping Africa under subjugation while other parts of the world thrive. Reparations are more than merely financial transactions; they are a moral and ethical obligation. They represent our acknowledgment of past wrongs and, more importantly, the resolve to make amends," Dr Monique Nsanzabaganwa said.



"It is a tangible step toward justice, equality, and healing for those who have suffered and continue to suffer the consequences of historical injustices. To build this "united front," I reiterate the importance of working together in a collaborative and cooperative spirit.



"The cause of justice knows no bounds, and only by working together can we overcome the challenges that lie ahead. In the pursuit of reparations, it is also our duty to address the lingering structural inequalities. It is about quality education with the conscious effort to work towards the positive transformation of the psyche of Africans, quality access to healthcare, economic empowerment, and the reconstruction of our dignity as a people. Our vision is to make Africa an influential global player in a more equitable world, " Dr Nsanzabaganwa added.







ARC objectives/outcomes



The objectives of the ARC are, among others, facilitating meaningful discussions and knowledge sharing among experts policymakers, academics, and stakeholders on the topic of reparations, examining the legal and moral grounds for reparations and exploring different models of reparatory justice and exploring mechanisms for truth-telling, acknowledgment, reconciliation, and healing both within African and African diaspora societies and in relationships with former colonial powers.



It is the hope of organizers of the ARC 2023 that the conference will result in an African reparations action plan/program, outlining key strategies,

timelines and the responsible stakeholders for a sustainable reparatory justice process.



They are also looking forward to increased awareness and mobilization of support from all relevant stakeholders on

the issue of reparations at the global level through engagement with international institutions and to strengthen unity and collaboration among Africans, peoples of African descent, the diaspora, through the establishment of an African - Caribbean

Joint Mechanism on reparatory justice, among others.



High profile dignitaries



Among the high profile dignitaries who attended the conference were his excellency (H.E.), Azali Assoumani, President, the Union of the Comoros, and AU Chairperson, H.E. Victoire Tomegah Dogbe, Prime Minister of the Republic of Togo, H.E. Gervais Ndirakobuca, Prime Minister, Republic of

Burundi, Dr Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and

Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Republic of Kenya and H.E. Adao Francisco Correia De Almeida, Senior Minister & Chief of Staff, Republic of Angola.



The others were H.E. Ronald Lamola, Minister of Justice, Republic of South Africa, H.E. Eldevina Materula, Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Mozambique, H.E. Mr Laid Rebiga, Minister for War Veterans and Rights Holders, Peoples' Democratic Republic of Algeria,Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP - Chair, All Party Parliamentary Group for Afrikan Reparations and H.E. Dr. Monique Nsanzanaganwa Deputy Chairperson, African Union Commission.

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U.S. Ambassador Virginia Palmer joined local officials today to officially open the new American Corner at Top Martins Complex in Kumasi, Ashanti Region.



The American Corner Kumasi is a cultural and information center that will provide free and open access for young Ghanaians to learn more about the United States, attend free educational programming, develop new skills, and access a wide range of resources.



Kumasi is home to important universities, businesses, and leaders, all deepening ties to the United States. U.S. Embassy Accra is empowering young Ghanaians to take the lead in shaping the future of Ghana and strengthening their bonds with the people of the United States.



This new American Corner will help provide the resources and knowledge needed to be successful in those endeavors, said Ambassador Palmer at the opening.



Hosted by ACE Consult at the Top Martins Complex in Asokwa, Kumasi, the American Corner Kumasi is a venue to host academic, U.S. Government exchange alumni, diaspora, entrepreneur, and youth audiences in the Ashanti Region.



The Corner will host programs and information sessions for Ghanaian students seeking information about educational opportunities in the United States through EducationUSA. The American Corner will be open Monday  Friday, 8:30am to 4pm, as well as for special events.



As part of the opening at the American Corner this week, a team from the U.S. Embassy is hosting the American Spaces roadshow offering two days of entrepreneurship and education-focused events.



American Spaces offer modern and welcoming environments equipped with advanced technologies, high-speed internet access, helpful staff, and innovative programming.



Last year, the American Center and American Corner in Accra hosted more than 30,000 participants in online, hybrid, and in-person programs focused on developing 21 st century work skills, STEM learning, entrepreneurship, education, and media literacy.



Visitors can explore and share ideas, access information, and participate in activities that develop professional skills or provide educational opportunities.



American Spaces also provide communities overseas an opportunity to meet and engage U.S. citizens in person or virtually to learn more about American culture, education, and more.



Funded by the U.S. Department of State and hosted at U.S. embassies, consulates, and various local partner institutions, approximately 600 American Spaces in 140 countries host programs and events that foster learning, discussion, and civic

engagement around democratic principles.



For more information, visit:



https://gh.usembassy.gov/ education-culture/american- corners/

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Solar Africa, a Civil Society Organization (CSO) has learnt with dismay, the absolute machinations and sheer sabotage of all efforts of McDan Group of Companies and its subsidiary, Electrochem Gh. salt mining company who have been legally authorized for the mining of salt in the Ada Songhor Lagoon for exploration and extraction.



The Mcdan Electrochem Ghana has secured a leasehold by Government of Ghana, a 41,000 acreage within the Songhor Salt Mining Lagoon, for a period of 15 years effective 2020.



This was backed by the Parliament of the Republic. Subsequently, Mcdan Group has employed about 3,000 youth this year and augment the labour force with an additional 4,000 employees in 2024.

By this gesture, the chiefs and people of Ada are overly excited to benefit from these natural resources which have been politicized and have been unproductive for decades.



The forces militating against the good job of McDan Group of Companies is simply intolerable and condemnable.



The enormous benefits of this progressive government initiate to lease the project to McDan include but not limited to the following;



1. The Salt extraction project shall serve as a source of human and community development.

2. Shall be a reliable source for public finance and state revenue.

3. Shall serve as a source for job creation.

4. Shall end all family and community disputes since the ancient of days in the Ada Traditional Area.

5. Shall accelerate infrastructural development.

6 .The company shall embark on a sensitization exercise through radio programs and community engagement to encourage the youth to apply for employment with the Electrochem Gh. to rather reduce crime rate in the traditional area and beyond.



Solar Africa wishes to appeal to all citizens of Ada and beyond to let cool heads prevail for the youth of Ada to cooperate with the chiefs to ensure progressive development in the Traditional area.



Similarly, the exploits of Electrochem Gh. in Ada shall encourage other Ghanaian local entrepreneurs to invest in other natural resources in other parts of the country.



All must take note that investment in our natural resource exploration is quite expensive. Thus our local businessmen/women deserve encouragement rather than pull him down attitude.



Ghana needs peace and harmony to help develop our human and natural resources into their full utilization.



Solar Africa is appealing to all religious organizations, chieftaincy secretariat, all human rights and civil society organizations, the security agencies to also voice their indignation against reactionary forces working against the progress of Ada Traditional Area.



The Ada Songhor Lagoon is the property of the state and it behooves on the political authorities including the Member of Parliament and the Municipal Chief Executive as well as the media to offer their maximum support to the Electrochem Gh. to help transform the lives of the people in Ada and the Satellite Communities.



Kenteman Nii Laryea Sowah Nii Naate Atswele Agbo Nartey

(Founder & Executive Chairman) (Co-Founder)

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Angela Mensah-Poku, the Director for Digital Transformation and Commercial, bid farewell to Vodafone Ghana last week after 15 years of impressive service.



Angela played a crucial role in enhancing commercial and operational excellence at Vodafone Ghana, not only in the country but also beyond. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on the telecommunications industry in Ghana. Angela served as the Chief of Staff at Vodafone Ghana since 2009 and was among the first diaspora talents to return to her homeland following Vodafone's acquisition of Ghana Telecom.



Throughout her career, she has held several significant positions in the organization, such as Head of Fixed Services, Head of Corporate Sales, Director for Vodafone Business Solutions, Managing Director of Vodafone Wholesale, and most recently, the Director for Digital and Commercial Operations. Prior to joining Vodafone, Angela gained valuable experience while working at British Telecom in the UK.



Angela's vision and leadership were instrumental in transforming Fixed Services to deliver exceptional customer experience across various segments. As the Director of Digital and Commercial Operations at Vodafone Ghana, she championed the company-wide digital transformation agenda & the introduction of ToBi, AI Chatbot and My Vodafone App. Her initiatives resulted in accelerated commercial growth, digital efficiency, and showcased Angela's commitment to embracing cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).



Angela's leadership shone even brighter during the pandemic, where she prioritized the safety of frontline employees while ensuring the continuity of critical customer operations. Her hands-on approach, which included accompanying engineers on their visits and providing support to retail stores, exemplified her commitment to leading from the front, especially during times of adversity.



Beyond her corporate endeavours, Angela is a key contributor in driving Women in STEM through her own personal mentorship and as an early supporter of the WiSTEM Programme at KNUST. Angela's exceptional contributions have earned her numerous accolades and recognitions, including the special recognition for her outstanding contribution to the Enterprise and Small Business sector at the ninth edition of the Ghana Information Technology and Telecoms Awards (GITTA) in July 2019, as well as the Best Digital Enabler in 2020, at the Tenth GITTA awards.



Angela Mensah-Poku holds an MSc in Information Systems and a BSc in Politics. Her continuous pursuit of knowledge and expertise includes completion of the Executive Leadership Programme at the London Business School and Executive Programme in Service Automation: Technologies and Implementation



She is a member of the British Chartered Institute of IT, and the Ghana Institute of ICT Professionals, with a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, and Internet of Things (IoT).



As Angela Mensah-Poku embarks on her next chapter, her legacy of leadership and innovation in Ghana's telecom industry will continue to inspire and shape the future of the sector.

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Zelenskyy: I believe that relations between Ukraine and Germany will become one of most reliable pillars for whole of Europe

Relations between Ukraine and Germany can become one of the most reliable pillars for the whole of Europe, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said and called on the mayors of Ukrainian cities and communities to cooperate more closely with their German counterparts, in particular, in the field of creating new enterprises.

Speaking via video link at the German-Ukrainian conference of municipal partnerships, the President of Ukraine thanked Germany for its support and added that currently the two states have achieved the best relations for the entire time of relations.

And we appreciate that our relations yield real results in protecting human lives and our European way of life. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Federal Chancellor Scholz and the entire German government team. Our agreements with the Chancellor are being implemented clearly and on time. Thank you for that! Zelenskyy stated.

He also recalled how President Steinmeier in the fall of 2022 visited the affected by the Russian occupiers the village of Yahidne in Chernihiv region.

For almost a month, while the village was occupied by the Russian invaders, they kept 350 villagers  in fact, all the villagers!  in a small basement of the village school. Both babies and the elderly, women and men. Ten people died during that time right in that basement. Mr. President Steinmeier saw the conditions and the contempt the Russians had for people in general that led to the creation of such a concentration camp in Yahidne  What happened in Yahidne characterizes the very essence of this war  the threat that the current Russian regime poses to many ordinary European towns and villages. Not only in Ukraine, he said.

In our cities and communities, there should be no place for the opposite attitude to people and life  anti-European attitude  that Russia demonstrates in the occupied territory of Ukraine, the president added.

In particular, he stressed that cooperation between Ukrainian and European communities can provide significant protection.

Since President Steinmeier's visit to Ukraine last year, we have managed to almost double the number of intercity partnerships. Today we have 190 such partnerships. There are already six interregional partnerships. There is also German patronage over the restoration of Chernihiv region of Ukraine, the very region where the village of Yahidne, which I mentioned, is located, the head of state said, thanking many German cities and communities for the assistance provided to Ukraine, including generators, fire trucks and other equipment.

Zelenskyy also noted that currently there is a developed joint work with German companies and funds to modernize energy opportunities in the regions of Ukraine. In addition, according to him, Germany also helps a lot with air defense systems and other means of physical defense.

I am sure that representatives of Ukrainian cities can also point to opportunities for joint economic cooperation existing in Ukraine today. Not only in rebuilding what has been destroyed by Russia's aggression, but also in launching new businesses and creating new productive stories, Zelenskyy noted.

In particular, according to him, Ukraine now, despite the war, provides economic growth of almost 5% of GDP in annual terms.

This is a testament to how strong our way of life is and how much our people are capable of doing. I believe that relations between Ukraine and Germany will become one of the most reliable pillars of the entire Europe. A security, economic, and social pillar. And especially when Ukraine becomes a full-fledged part of the European Union. And I am proud of all the examples of our cooperation and sincerely wish success to all of you in developing relations between cities, between regions, between the self-government of our countries, the President said.
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.





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Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Ministry of Education, Kwasi Kwarteng has declare his intention to contest Asante Akyem North seat on the ticket of the New Patriot Party (NPP).



According to him, "I am excited to share with you my decision to contest in the upcoming New Patriotic Party's parliamentary primaries on January 20, 2024, aspiring to represent the Asante Akyem North constituency in Parliament."



He further stated that, "My motivation to embark on this journey is deeply rooted in a sincere desire to contribute to the developmental agenda of Asante Akyem North. Recognizing the challenges faced by our constituency, I am committed to addressing them with unwavering dedication, hard work, and the invaluable support I seek from leaders like yourself. I firmly believe that your endorsement will be instrumental in the success of my candidacy and the realization of our party's objectives for the constituency."



"I am aware of the importance of collaboration and unity in achieving our shared goals. Therefore, I am reaching out with the hope that you will consider extending your support to my candidacy. Together, I am confident that we can navigate the path towards positive change and progress for the people of Asante Akyem North.," he said.









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United Auto Workers members will vote this week on a new contract with Mack Trucks.
SHERMAN, Texas (AP)  A Texas school district has apologized and reversed a decision that ousted a transgender student from a part in the musical Oklahoma!

The school board in Sherman voted unanimously Monday to reinstate the original show and cast after a meeting in which dozens criticized them and spoke in support the 17-year-old transgender boy whod lost his role in the production because of a new policy.

We want to apologize to our students, parents and our community regarding the circumstances that they have had to go through to this date, President Brad Morgan said in a statement on behalf of the board following the vote.

Sherman, a city of 45,000 about 65 miles north of Dallas and near the Oklahoma border, became the latest community embroiled in the national debate over the rights of transgender students this month over its production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic.

In early November, Max Hightower, a senior and theater enthusiast, was cast in a prominent part that included a solo. Hightower had been excitedly preparing for the role of a peddler but was devastated when the schools principal told his family that, based on a new policy, he would lose the parts.

The school also removed girls from the male roles theyd been cast in, according to The Dallas Morning News.

Phillip Hightower, Maxs father, recalled the principal describing the policy as, only males can play males, and only females can play females.

The school later changed course again, saying it would not consider gender in casting but instead put on an abbreviated version of the show tailored for young audiences.

On Monday, speaker after speaker condemned the decisions to the school board  a consistent outpouring of support that Max Hightower called unexpected and empowering.

This is something that feels so big and out of my hands, he told WFAA-TV. To know there is a big group out of people who want to help me, and help everyone affected, it feels like were on even sides now and can actually win this fight.
The Wine School of Philadelphia recently announced details on the winter semester of its Sommelier Core Wine Course.

Beginning Jan. 21 and continuing through March 10, 2024, this comprehensive program offers both wine enthusiasts and aspiring professionals the unique opportunity to earn the esteemed sommelier pin from the National Wine School. The school is located at 109 S. 22nd St., Philadelphia.

The course seamlessly integrates the Foundation and Intermediate programs, immersing students in a semester-long exploration of the world of wine. Participants will delve into wine regions, master advanced tasting techniques, and gain insights into varietals from major wine-producing countries.

This structured approach not only provides a holistic wine education but also presents significant cost benefits compared to enrolling in the Foundation and Intermediate programs separately.

Weve been able to offer National Wine School programming for several years now, said Keith Wallace, president and founder of The Wine School of Philadelphia. We thought it would be great for our students to offer all the necessary classes to earn the sommelier pin in one single semester, catering to both novices and seasoned wine professionals. Weve been experimenting with this format for a while now, and its been a huge hit.

Course Highlights:

Acquire the skills to become an exceptional wine taster, with a focus on identifying major wine varietals during blind tastings.

Navigate the intricate realms of wine, understanding diverse styles, climates, and varietals from globally renowned wine-producing regions.

Ideal for those on the path to sommelier qualifications, budding winemakers, and wine aficionados aiming to deepen their expertise.

Upon course culmination, graduates will be conferred with the Level III certification by the National Wine School (NWS), a recognition that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with accolades from other institutions such as the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.

The course will run from 1:25 to 6 p.m. Sundays. Enrollment is $1299 and at a reduced cost ($999) for members.

The Wine School of Philadelphia is located at 109 S. 22nd St.Wine School of Philadelphia

The National Wine Schools reputation as a premier sommelier credentialing entity is well-established in the wine and hospitality sectors. The meticulous training, exacting standards, and affiliations with universities underscore the value and prestige of NWS certifications.

The program welcomes all, with no prerequisites, making it accessible to novices and seasoned wine professionals alike.

For detailed information or to enroll in the Sommelier Core Wine Course, click on this link or contact Wallace at wsop@vinology.com.
By PATRICK ORSAGOS and JOHN SEEWER, The Associated Press

ETNA, Ohio (AP)  A charter bus filled with high school students was rear-ended by a semitruck on an Ohio highway Tuesday morning, leaving six people dead and 18 injured, officials said.

Five vehicles were involved in the crash, including a Pioneer Trails charter bus carrying students and chaperones from the Tuscarawas Valley Local School District in eastern Ohio, said Licking County Emergency Management Agency Director Sean Grady.

Three passengers on the bus, which was carrying a driver and 54 students and chaperones, were pronounced dead at the scene, the Ohio State Highway Patrol said Tuesday night. They were identified as John W. Mosely, 18, of Mineral City; Jeffery D. Worrell, 18, of Bolivar; and Katelyn N. Owens, 15, of Mineral City.

This is our worst nightmare, when we have a bus full of children involved in a crash, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said during a news conference at the scene. Prayers go out to the families, everyone who was on the bus.

A total of 15 students and the bus driver were taken to hospitals, while other students were taken to a reunification site, officials said.

Both directions of Interstate 70 were closed in Licking County, Ohio, after a fatal crash 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)AP

All three people in one of the passenger vehicles involved also were pronounced dead at the scene, the highway patrol said. They were identified as Dave Kennat, 56, of Navarre; Kristy Gaynor, 39, of Zoar; and Shannon Wigfield, 45, of Bolivar.

The driver of the other passenger vehicle was also taken to a hospital. Of the drivers of the commercial vehicles involved, one was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening and the other was treated at the scene, the highway patrol said.

All of the vehicles were traveling westbound on Interstate 70 in Licking County, about 26 miles east of Columbus, about 9 a.m. when the chain-reaction crash happened. At least three vehicles subsequently caught fire, the highway patrol said. The cause of the crash is under investigation. A team of National Transportation Safety Board investigators was headed to the scene.

The bus was carrying the students and chaperones to an Ohio School Boards Association conference in Columbus, Tuscarawas Valley Superintendent Derek Varansky said.

The conference was canceled after organizers learned of the crash, said spokesperson Jeff Chambers.
By Melina Walling, Amanda Loman and Brooke Herbert, The Associated Press

MOUNT ANGEL, Ore.  On a bright day this fall, tractors crisscrossed Gayle Goschies farm about an hour outside Portland, Oregon. Goschie is in the beer business  a fourth-generation hops farmer. Fall is the offseason when the trellises are bare, but recently, her farming team has been adding winter barley, a relatively newer crop in the world of beer, to their rotation, preparing barley seeds by the bucketful.

In the face of human-caused climate change impacting water access and weather patterns in the Willamette Valley  a region known for hops growing  Goschie will need all the new strategies the farm can get to sustain what they produce and provide to local and larger breweries alike.

All of a sudden, climate change was not coming any longer, Goschie said, it was here.

Climate change is anticipated to only further the challenges producers are already seeing in two key beer crops, hops and barley. Some hops and barley growers in the U.S. say theyve already seen their crops impacted by extreme heat, drought and unpredictable growing seasons. Researchers are working with growers to help counter the effects of more volatile weather systems with improved hop varieties that can withstand drought and by adding winter barley to the mix.

Researchers have known for a while that beer production will be affected by climate change, said Mirek Trnka, a professor at the Global Change Research Institute. He and his team recently authored a study modeling the effect of climate change on hops, out last month in Nature Communications, that projected that yields in Europe will decrease between four to 18% by 2050. His first study on hops 15 years ago issued a similar warning to his latest paper.

Jose Vasquez, left, and Eloy Luevanos fill up a grain hopper with winter barley seeds before planting at Goschie Farms in Mount Angel, Ore., Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)AP

If we dont act, were just going to also lose things that we consider not to be, for example, sensitive or related to climate change. Like beer, he said.

Climate change moves faster than we might realize  but still too slowly for many to notice, he said. The fact that researchers have started picking up on this means that theres promise for adaptation and solutions in the form of farming changes, but Trnka still has his concerns.

Hops declines in Europe mean changes for American producers too. One craft brewery that gets some of their hops from Goschie said that the company is trying to replicate the flavors of German hops using new varieties grown in the U.S. because the ones they depend upon from Europe have been impacted by hot, dry summers over the last couple of years.

Thats why some researchers are working on varieties of hops that can better withstand summer heat, warmer winters, changing pests and diseases and less snowfall, which could mean less available irrigation, said Shaun Townsend, an associate professor and senior researcher at Oregon State University. Townsend is working on a project where he subjects hops to drought stress to eventually create more drought-tolerant varieties.

Its no easy task, one that can take a decade, and one that also has to take into account brewers main considerations, taste and yield. But the possibility of running out of water is a reality thats on peoples radars, he said.

Better hops might still be a technology thats a work in progress, but the story of barley improvements is already well underway. Kevin Smith, professor of agronomy and plant genetics at the University of Minnesota, said that while spring barley is the dominant type for the U.S. beer industry, winter barley  which is planted in the fall and kept on fields during the coldest months of the year  may be more feasible now in the Midwest, where other barley types had been given up due to climate, plant disease and economic factors in favor of crops that are less risky.

Winter barley may also be desirable for craft breweries that have started emphasizing local ingredients and who want something grown close by. And it can also be grown as a cover crop, meaning that farmers can prevent erosion, improve their soil health and keep carbon stored in the ground by planting it during the off-season when fields are normally bare.

But there hasnt always been complete consensus on the promise of winter barley. Smith told a story about his predecessor, who was a longtime spring barley breeder. Another scientist  Patrick Hayes, a professor at Oregon State University  was describing to him his hopes for the future of winter barley. Smiths predecessor wrote on a business card, it cant be done, referring to his firm belief that winter barley just wasnt worth the trouble.

Gayle Goschie, co-owner of Goschie Farms, stands in front of a barn on her family's fourth-generation farm after planting winter barley in Mount Angel, Ore., Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. Fall is the off-season, but recently, her farming team has been adding winter barley, a relatively newer crop in the world of beer, to their rotation. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)AP

Hayes kept the card in his office, and has made it his lifes mission to work on improving winter barley.

There are now winter barley programs at nearly every state in the country, said Ashley McFarland, the vice president and technical director of the American Malting Barley Association. She doesnt think winter barley will ever be the entirety of the crop in the U.S., but says that producers will need to diversify their risk in order to be more resilient to climate shocks.

Molson Coors and Anheuser Busch, the two biggest beer companies in the U.S., issue annual environmental reports that pledge commitments to sustainably sourcing hops and barley and reducing water usage, but neither company responded to an Associated Press request for comment on the specifics of those efforts.

Hops can be a finicky crop when it comes to their climate, and without water, you simply cant make beer, said Douglass Miller, senior lecturer at Cornell who teaches a class on beer. He added that the price of beer might rise due to climate impacts on the supply chain  but so will the price of everything else on the menu. All beverage categories are being impacted by this, he said.

No matter what farmers and companies do with hops and winter barley, climate change may affect what beer-lovers are able to buy in the future.

It will be increasingly difficult for us as plant breeders to provide new varieties of barley and new varieties of hops that can meet, just, all of the terrors of the climate change process, Hayes said. And I say terrors because  its that volatility, which is so, so frightening.

Associated Press journalist Dee-Ann Durbin contributed from Detroit. Walling reported from Chicago.

Follow Melina Walling on X, formerly known as Twitter: @MelinaWalling

Read more of APs climate coverage at http://www.apnews.com/climate-and-environment

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.
By Seth Borenstein, The Associated Press

Humanitys 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 Lancets 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 hadnt 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 were 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 wasnt 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 theyre 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.

FILE - A woman drinks from a public fountain tap amid extreme heat in Madrid, Spain, Aug. 9, 2023. The world is off track in its efforts to curb global warming, a new international report calculates Tuesday, Nov. 14. (AP Photo/Paul White)AP

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.

Levins 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.
Representatives of the Defense Ministry of Ukraine has met with a delegation from the European Peace Facility (EPF) monitoring mission to discuss EU experts' monitoring of accounting the assistance provided by the EU member states (weapons, military hardware, and military property).

The ministry informed the foreign colleagues on the procedure of accounting the property supplied by the EU and expressed its readiness to fully support an audit.

The EU officials, for their part, praised the openness of the Ukrainian side, its willingness to cooperate, and also noted that such a transparent approach has a positive impact on EU member states' decision to continue providing Ukraine with military assistance.

"In addition, this allows to actively and effectively counteract the propaganda and fake accusations of Ukraine's alleged illegal transfers of weapons to third parties. The sides agreed to continue their joint work," the press service of the Defense Ministry said.

The total amount of military assistance provided to Ukraine by EU member states since the beginning of Russia's full-scale aggression is estimated at around EUR 27 billion, of which EUR 5.6 billion is the money provided within the EPF.
A Tuesday morning crash involving a car and a flatbed truck killed a Lancaster County woman and critically injured a teenager, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

The crash took place at the intersection of State Route 41 (Gap Newport Pike) and State Route 372 (Newport Avenue) in Sadsbury Township at 7:04 a.m., according to a police report.

The truck was driving south on State Route 41 when it failed to stop at a red light and hit 36-year-old Arlene Pacheco Figueroa, of Christiana, as she made a left turn onto northbound State Route 41 at the intersection, police said.

The driver of the truck had difficulties seeing the red light due to sun glare, the release said.

The truck hit Pacheco Figueroas car on the drivers side, according to a press release. Pacheco Figueroa was pronounced dead at the scene by the Lancaster County Coroners Office at 8:42 p.m.

Her cause and manner of death are pending release, but the coroners office noted trauma during their initial physical assessment. An autopsy will take place, the coroners office said.

The driver of the tractor-trailer  a York man  was not injured in the crash, but Figueroas passenger  a 16-year-old boy  was taken to a local hospital in critical condition after he was mechanically extracted.

The current condition of the teenager is not known at this time.

State police closed some roads in the area but as of 5 oclock Tuesday afternoon, 511PA.com lists the roads as open.
A 61-year-old Cumberland County man is being charged with one count of criminal complaint with the interstate transmission of threatening communications following voicemails that said he would harm a U.S. congressman, the United States Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania said.

The Department of Justice says Robert Lee Ingalls Jr., of Mechanicsburg, called the main congressional office answering system in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 6 and left two voicemails saying he was going to kill a specific congressman, according to a press release.

The release did not specify which congressman Ingalls threatened.

It was later determined that Ingalls made phone calls from his cell phone while in Mechanicsburg.

Ingalls  who faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, a term of supervised release, and a fine  was arrested on Nov. 10 and appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Daryl F. Bloom on Nov. 13. He will be sentenced at a later date, the release said.

The investigation was handled by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Fairview Township Police Department.
WILLIAMSPORT  A man accused in a fatal shooting will not spend any more time in jail as the result of a plea agreement that dropped the homicide charge.

Antwan Michael McClain, 40, who now lives in Philadelphia, pleaded guilty Tuesday in Lycoming County court to a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

He had been found guilty in September 2022 to a charge of fleeing to avoid apprehension but jurors could not reach a verdict on the other charges including homicide.

Judge Nancy L. Butts placed McClain on probation for seven years but allowed him to petition the court to end it at the halfway point. He had spent 670 days in jail prior to being released in July.

District Attorney Ryan C. Gardner had stated he planned to retry McClain on all the charges on which the jury could not reach a verdict.

The reason that did not occur, he explained, is after the hung jury additional evidence was sent to a police lab with the results being mixed or not favorable to the prosecution.

The reluctance of several witnesses to testify was another factor, he said.

McClain was charged with killing Jimia Alston, 31, at the front door of her home in the 500 block of Louisa Street in Williamsport. Other people were in close proximity, police said.

One of the witnesses said during a police interview she was sitting on the top step of the porch at Alstons home when McClain approached, fired one shot and walked away.

There were allegations McClain and the victim, who was married, were having an affair.

McClain did not have a license to carry a firearm and was not permitted to possess one because of a 2019 conviction of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

He fled the city after the shooting and was arrested by federal marshals in Schenectady, New York, on Dec. 10, 2020.
A Democratic-led state House committee on Tuesday advanced two more firearms safety bills despite fresh indications that gun reform remains largely intractable along partisan lines.

The measures  requiring secure gun storage around children and imposing parental liability  are the latest pitched in the Democratic-majority House this session. Two previous bills were approved by the full House over the summer and moved to the Republican-controlled Senate, whose judiciary chair said this week she has no intention of running them.

I have no plans to advance the bills, Senate Judiciary Chair Lisa Baker, R-Luzerne County, wrote in an email Monday regarding the two House bills already in her committee.

I said we would invite proposals from anyone that represented something of a consensus on approaches deemed constitutional, enforceable, and practical, Baker said, referencing her committees prior hearing on the matter. To date, we have not received such a proposal.

One of the new bills approved by the House Judiciary Committee on party-line votes would make parents and guardians liable for actions  negligence or willful misconduct  committed by their child with a firearm if the parent granted them access to the gun.

The statute would apply only if the adult knows that the child has a delinquent or criminal background, or has reason to believe the child is prone to violent or criminal behavior. The original version of the bill established criminal and civil liability, but was amended to be limited to only civil damages

The second bill requires that guns be housed in a locked container or a location which a reasonable person would believe to be secure if they know that a child could gain access to them. The bill also requires gun retailers to have signs notifying buyers of this requirement.

Violations would start as a summary offense with subsequent offenses a misdemeanor; the original bill included language allowing for felony charges if the gun is used in a crime or causes injury or death, but this was amended out.

Bill sponsor Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Philadelphia, pointed to recent mass shootings  such as the 2021 Michigan high school killings  which resulted from irresponsibility and lack of situational awareness by parents who ignored warning signs and allowed their child access to guns.

Republicans countered that disincentives for this already exist, with Rep. Tim Bonner, R-Mercer County, saying Im not sure that this bill is needed, or that the prior bill is needed, given that we have remedies under the criminal code that can be used, and are being used, such as reckless endangerment and even involuntary manslaughter charges in cases of gross negligence on the part of gun owners.

The two bills address the same issue as a much broader safe-storage bill passed earlier this year by the committee, but which has not been brought to the House floor for a full vote. That bill was part of a four-piece package, of which two bills  universal background checks and a red flag law  cleared the House, while a measure on mandatory reporting of lost or stolen guns failed by a single vote.

Our committee wants to make this a clear priority, that were going to be advancing gun violence prevention, said Judiciary Committee Chair Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery County, when asked if the two new bills were intended as a replacement for the waylaid safe storage bill.

Its a conversation we have to have with the larger membership of the caucus, Briggs continued. Right now, its our committee sending a bill out and were going to advocate for a floor vote.

Democrats firearm bills have picked up only a handful of Republicans in past floor votes, with most GOP members saying the issue can be addressed with stiffer enforcement of existing laws, particularly in Philadelphia.

I can support no further gun control and punitive measures against my law-abiding gun owners when laws are not being enforced  yes, I will go there  in the City of the First Class, said Rep. Rob Kauffman, R-Franklin County, the House Judiciary Committees ranking Republican.

The use of Philadelphia as a scapegoat is deeply disturbing and offensive, shot back Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Philadelphia, and its problematic that we keep centering this conversation around perceived lawlessness in Philadelphia given the serious gun issues  particularly suicides  in rural parts of the commonwealth.

Rabb also faulted Republicans rhetoric on law-abiding gun owners, given that the bills under debate are intended to address situations that are technically legal but not ethical.

Those parents often are law-abiding gun owners who leave their guns around for their kids to do any number of things. Thats legal, but its a problem, Rabb said. The irony of this critique is we are law makers. We decide what is law-abiding by creating, amending, and repealing state law.

Since the initial run of bills moved in the spring, gun safety advocates have pressed to get them across the finish line. At a press event Monday, CeaseFire PA unveiled a countdown clock that will stay in the Capitols East Wing lobby, tallying the number of days Baker and Senate Republicans have not acted on the House bills.

It is a failure of the Senate chamber that we have failed to move or pass this bill, Sen. Amanda Cappelletti, D-Montgomery County, said of the universal background check bill.

That bill would require background checks for all gun sale, including the sale of long guns between parties who are not licensed dealers who are currently exempt. The second bill that passed the House would establish extreme risk protection orders or ERPOs, often called red flag laws, which allow judges to order the temporary confiscation of a persons firearms if they are found to be a danger to themselves or others.

Republicans have rejected such ideas. Baker said Monday the issue would be more appropriately addressed through a modernization of the mental health procedures law as it relates to gun rights to ensure those in need of treatment receive it and that due process is maintained.

Pennsylvanias has a statute for involuntary mental health commitments, which also bars a person from possessing guns, potentially for life. Advocates for red flag laws have said their goal is to create an option that falls between allowing a troubled person unfettered access to firearms and institutionalizing them against their will.

Some Democrats have suggested some of the gun measures could pass the Senate if GOP leadership would call them up. Given the 28-22 split, Democrats would need the support of three Republicans.

I would like to believe there would be a handful that would, but I cant speak for them, Cappelletti said.
WILLIAMSPORT  The legal battle stemming from Weis Markets being stuck with 17,725 cases of disinfectant spay whose sales were banned by the state Agriculture Department has been settled.

Based on the settlement notice, U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann on Monday dismissed the suit brought by Weis against Tatanka Trading Co. and the now-defunct SF Group Liability, both of Medford, New Jersey.

The product has been returned to the vendor, Weis spokesperson Dennis Curtin said.

The dispute stemmed from Weis in October and November 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic placing nine purchase orders for 24,192 cases of spray with shipment to begin Jan. 1, 2021.

Weis claimed SF Group asserted the spray would be registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency before it was shipped but that did not occur.

Due to a decrease in demand for the product, Weis sought to cancel the five remaining purchase orders after receiving shipments of the first four.

In response to threatened litigation, Weis accepted the shipment of the other five orders and paid SF Group a lump sum of $847,048.

Two months after the settlement was signed, SF Group Liability was dissolved by, Richard Lees, its CEO, and Connor Lees, chief operating and chief financial officer.

Weis claimed the assets were used to compensate the Lees and SFs creditors, one of which was Tatanka.

The Agriculture Department on Dec. 15, 2021, issued to Weis a stop-sale order because the pesticide product was not registered as required by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Pennsylvania Pesticide Control Act (PPCA).

Weis claimed it was unaware at the time the spray was not registered so it was left with $649,415 worth of stock it could not sell or register.

During the legal battle, SF Group and Tatanka accused Weis of trying to profit off the global spike for disinfectant spray and paper towels during the COVID-19 pandemic.

They also contended there was nothing in either of the two acts that prevented Weis from registering the spray.

Weis countered it could not register the spray because it is not an EPA-approved pesticide-producing entity and it is not in the business of pesticide product development, testing, labeling and production.
By Sharon Sedlar

The debate surrounding K-12 education continues between lawmakers, politicians, and school boards on the national stage, but the fact remains that parents know best when it comes to choosing an education that best suits their child and allows them to excel. However, too often, lack of resources can serve as a barrier to empowering parents to choose the best school for their childs unique needs.

School choice is a solution that I know personally. As a mother to six daughters, my children attended a private elementary school and later switched to district school because it provided a better learning environment. My first two daughters greatly benefited and graduated from district education, but over the years, the district changed. When it was time for my youngest daughter to attend as a 2nd grader, it became clear that district education would not be able to meet her needs.

My daughters spark-- her smart, bright, and quick-witted disposition-- was quickly dampened that school year  within weeks of the start. Instead of support to build on her academic success, she was met with a ruptured learning environment where her teacher did not address her needs. After several requests for a classroom transfer were denied by the school, we tried a Student Accommodation Plan (SAP), but were met with further problems from an educational institution that seemed more inclined to point fingers and protect the teachers reputation than to help my daughter with the tools and resources she needed to feel confident in the classroom.

The current education system fails children every single day. The Nations Report Card proves that these problems are widespread, and families desperately need options. Regardless of the reason for which we find our nations K-12 education system in its current predicament, education choice for the children of today and tomorrow is a necessary pursuit we must all undertake.

While my child was apologizing for failing - we were the ones who miserably failed her.

District schools are a great fit for many children, but one size does not fit all. I enrolled my daughter in a cyber charter school, an option available to Pennsylvania families and one that allows her to continue to improve to today. We were empowered to choose a school that provided the safety, security and learning environment my child needed to excel.

Far too many children, however, both in Pennsylvania and nationwide, need something different  whether public, private, or home-based  and cannot access it because of family income or residential assignment

Studies of existing programs show overwhelmingly that parents and families are satisfied, outcomes are good, and public district schools are not harmed. Especially as the country continues to strive to recover from generational learning loss after the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no excuse not to empower every family with the options necessary to make the choices that will change their childrens lives  and maybe even save them like my daughter was saved.

While Pennsylvania does have K-12 scholarship tax credit programs, out of 139,000 applications only 63,000 K-12 scholarships were awarded an average scholarship of $2,534 in the 2021-21 school year. Over 76,000 children were denied due to arbitrary program caps.

That is why passing programs on a federal level, like the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), will be a critical step toward that child-centered goal. Scholarships would be funded with private donations, not federal money, and individual and business donors receive a tax credit on their federal income tax liability. Students could use scholarships for tuition, tutoring to address learning loss, special needs serrvices, or education technology.

We are grateful to U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) for being an original co-sponsor, and to the more than 120 House members and two dozen Senate members who have co-sponsored the bill.

It is time to put power and increased resources into parents hands to serve each unique students needs most appropriately, particularly given the challenges todays students face. Whether continually growing achievement gaps, increased student distress, or the lasting effects of the pandemic, students need immediate options.

Passing policy like the ECCA will help ensure that those options are not limited to certain states, and that children across our great nation will have the chance to learn, is sorely needed and would be live saving for so many.

Our childrens barriers must be demolished now. It is time for the adults to step up and put them in the center of the conversation and remake education around students, not systems.

Sharon Sedlar is founder of Pennsylvania Families for Education Choice.
Swearing to God or other religious oaths are no longer required if you run for elected office in New Jersey.

The petitioner has the option to make a solemn affirmation or declaration in lieu of an oath, Lauren Zyriek, acting director of the states Division of Elections said in a memo to county clerks.

The Oct. 24 memo came weeks after Bergen County resident James Tosone  who hopes to run for Congress  filed a federal lawsuit against Secretary of State Tahesha Way. The lawsuit claimed New Jersey forces people who run for office to swear to a religious oath.

Zyriek states in the memo that elections officials who accept petitions from candidates who choose to run for public office may now accept a solemn affirmation or declaration in lieu of an oath.

In addition, in the affirmation or declaration, the words so help me God shall be omitted, Zyrieks memo states.

In his lawsuit, Tosone, 70, of Washington Township, claimed that his conscience would not let him swear to God.

By requiring plaintiff to swear so help me God, in order to run for public office, without a secular option, the secretary of state has inflicted, and will continue to inflict, irreparable harm upon (Tosone), the suit says.

Federal court records show Tosones attorneys filed a notice to dismiss the lawsuit on Monday. A judge signed the dismissal order on Tuesday, court records show.

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

More: Let peace begin in Central Pennsylvania | Social Views
By Ford Turner, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (TNS)

HARRISBURG  Saying she wants to improve safety for alleged sexual harassment victims and transparency in Pennsylvania government, Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward on Tuesday unveiled outlines of a potential new state approach to handling harassment claims.

Ward, R-Westmoreland, the first female president of the state Senate, told the Post-Gazette that the proposed approach will be formalized in a pair of bills she supports that will be introduced soon. The initiative comes about seven weeks after the abrupt resignation in September  without a stated reason  of one of Gov. Josh Shapiros top lieutenants, Mike Vereb.

A day after Verebs resignation as secretary of legislative affairs was announced, reports revealed that he had been accused of sexual harassment early in the year by a woman who worked for him. Vereb has not commented publicly on the allegations.

Last month, in response to a Right-to-Know request, the Shapiro administration disclosed the existence of a $295,000 taxpayer-funded settlement in the case. The settlement does not allow the parties to discuss it, and Shapiro has said his administration and the accuser have a responsibility to abide by the terms of the nondisclosure agreement.

But Ward said Tuesday that when taxpayer dollars are being used behind closed doors, thats not OK.

At the same time, she said, an accuser should not have to fear losing their job or being worry about being safe in the workplace. Beyond that, Ward said, all parties in a case deserve a fair and unbiased investigation.

Those concepts will be addressed in the pair of bills. One, Ward said, would require the state and the legislature to report the number of financial settlements involving sexual harassment, and to have those reports posted in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. The other would require the use of an outside third party to investigate sexual harassment claims.

That outside party, Ward said, could be a human resources expert or company. The intent, she said, is to make sure all parties are treated fairly and these filings are taken seriously.

The third-party investigation bill will be sponsored by Ward and Sen. Maria Collett, D-Montgomery. The bill calling for reports and posting in the Pennsylvania Bulletin will be sponsored by Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, R-York, and Sen. Tracy Penncuick, R-Montgomery.

Separately, several Republican women in the state House are set to introduce their own set of bills Wednesday in response to the allegations against Vereb and the Shapiro administrations handling of the matter.

Collet said sexual harassment cannot be tolerated in any workplace, especially one intended to serve the public.

Our government agencies and public servants should be held to the highest standards, and when misconduct occurs, there must be a clear path to accountability and justice, Collet said. This package of bills will do just that by helping to strengthen workplace protections and improve transparency.

Phillips-Hill said the intent is to fill critical voids that exist, referring to protecting victims and providing transparency. Pennycuick said recent events showed the inadequacies of the existing process for handling complaints, which she described as lacking transparency and public accountability.

When the allegations against Vereb came to light, Shapiro defended the existing process for investigating harassment complaints as thorough and robust. A spokesperson for the governor said the procedures are implemented as soon as complaints arise and provide detailed guidance for the investigations.

A spokesperson for Shapiro, Manuel Bonder, on Tuesday said the governor has been a strong advocate for accountability and for survivors having the space to speak their truth. Shapiro, he said, supports efforts to ensure every branch of government participates in an independent process and transparency measures, like the administration follows itself.
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault says if Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre had "any sense of moral decency," he would "admit" that 97 per cent of fuel used by Canadian farmers is already exempt from the carbon price. A farmer harvests hay on a farm near Cremona, Alta., on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Mayor of Kyiv Vitali Klitschko met in Leipzig with Federal President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier and talked with Federal Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany Svenja Schulze, the press service of the mayor reports.

It is noted that the interlocutors discussed support and further assistance to Ukraine, the development of local self-government and cooperation between the communities of Ukrainian and German cities.

"I met with Federal President of Germany Steinmeier at the German-Ukrainian conference of municipal partnerships. I also talked with Federal Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany Schulze. I thanked the partners for the assistance that Germany has provided and plans to provide to Ukraine. In particular, EUR 8 billion next year. He also stressed that it is very important to strengthen support for Ukraine - with weapons that we need so much at the front, financially and economically. Because today we cannot talk about fatigue from the war. After all, this is what Putin is counting on. European partners and the democratic world should unite around Ukraine more than ever, strengthen their position and support," Klitschko said, commenting on the meeting.

He noted that they also talked with Schulze about helping Ukrainian cities. In particular, during the critically difficult winter period, when Russian barbarians will again try to destroy critical infrastructure. The Minister assured that Germany would support the Ukrainian communities as long as necessary.

"Burkhard Jung, the mayor of Leipzig, a city that of the German communities has the oldest partnership with the Ukrainian one (with Kyiv), in particular stressed that the partnership is more effective when cities of different countries cooperate directly. Because the local authorities know the needs of communities better and ensure their livelihoods. That is why the communication of mayors and representatives of local self-government, which is taking place at the German-Ukrainian conference of municipal partnerships in Leipzig, is very important. Many mayors and representatives of local self-government from Ukraine and Germany gathered here," Klitschko stressed.

During his speech at the conference, Klitschko stressed that the success of the recovery, the restoration of Ukraine depends, first of all, on its implementation of important reforms, already today - anti-corruption, public administration, economic transformations, decentralization. And in this, Ukraine also counts on the help of partners.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday.

"We coordinated our joint efforts and agreed to start work on bilateral security guarantees in development of the corresponding G7 Vilnius Declaration," Zelensky said in his Telegram channel.

The interlocutors also discussed defense cooperation and the need to accelerate the adoption of the 12th package of European Union sanctions against Russia.

In a conversation with the Italian Prime Minister, the President of Ukraine expressed gratitude for her personal efforts and Italy's strong steps in support of Ukraine.

"Italy is showing strong leadership and I look forward to the Italian G7 Presidency in 2024 achieving important new milestones," he said.

In addition, the head of state thanked Italy for supporting the Peace Formula and invited Prime Minister Meloni to take part in the second Grain From Ukraine summit.
Nov. 14, 2023-Todd Fornstrom, of Laramie County, was elected to his eighth term as President of the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) at the organization's 104th Annual Meeting held Nov. 9-11 in Cheyenne.

"Year after year, people are willing to show up and have input in the grassroots process that is Farm Bureau," Fornstrom said. "Being elected to my eighth term is an incredible honor. After all these years of involvement, it is the people that continue to motivate me each and every year."

"It is hard to put into words what an honor it is to represent people like our members that contin...
Eric Tsai has been followed around all week by a cameraman documenting his run at the World Series of Poker Europe. Today on Day 4, he put on a cinematic masterpiece that ended with the Taiwan poker ambassador taking the chip lead into the final table of the WSOP Europe Main Event.

Tsai was on the right side of a flurry of eliminations, including the last one of the night when he busted Yulian Bogdanov in ninth place, to end up with 23,650,000 and in pole position to bring the Main Event gold bracelet back to Asia.

A number of Asian-born poker players have won WSOP Main Events in the past, but they had all settled in the United States long before achieving poker stardom. Tsai would be the first Asian-based poker player to capture a Main Event title. The popular content creator, with more than 125,000 subscribers to his SixPoker YouTube channel, recognizes what a win tomorrow would mean for the poker community back home.

In the past poker in Asia, its not so popular. Maybe 20 or 30 percent know about Texas Holdem, he said after bagging up his chips. But during COVID, poker is blooming now. Not just in Taiwan but also Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Korea. Its unbelievable. So, I think if I can get a good result, even win the bracelet. I think its a very important milestone for Asias poker.

In order to get there, Tsai has to overcome a talented group of seven opponents challenging him at the final table for the bracelet and 1,500,000 top prize. Kasparas Klezys, in second place with 13,950,000, already has five cashes at the WSOP Europe, including a third-place finish in the 5K Pot-Limit Omaha event. The Lithuanian pro is looking for his first bracelet, but he does have two WSOP Circuit rings and finished second in a WSOP Online event last year.

Final Table Seat Draw

Seat Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Michele Tocci Italy 6,525,000 26 2 Michael Rocco United States 8,000,000 32 3 Eric Tsai Taiwan 23,650,000 95 4 Nils Pudel Germany 9,875,000 40 5 Kasparas Klezys Lithuania 13,950,000 56 6 Max Neugebauer Austria 10,325,000 41 7 Ruslan Volkov Ukraine 6,000,000 24 8 Alf Martinsson Sweden 3,150,000 13

Max Neugebauer (10,325,000) and Nils Pudel (9,875,000) are also in the top half of the leaderboard. Then there is Michael Rocco, the most accomplished player remaining at the final table with more than $4.3 million in live earnings. Rocco finished second to Daniel Dvoress in the GGMillion$ earlier this series and has four WSOP final tables on his resume, but hell still be looking for his first bracelet when he returns tomorrow with 8,000,000.

Rocco credits his recent success, including four six-figure cashes since the start of 2022, to a newfound focus on his health and fitness. He skipped the WSOP in Las Vegas this summer, enjoying the freedom of playing only when he wants and practicing meditation during the breaks to get in the proper mindset to survive the grind of long tournament days.

I would say only playing when I want to play and working on myself the other time that Im not playing, he said. Im grateful to be here. Been running well. Happy to be playing.

Michael Rocco

The rest of the final table is rounded out by Michele Tocci (6,525,000), Ruslan Volkov (6,000,000), and the unknown at the table, Alf Martinsson of Sweden, who has only one recorded live cash for $1,840 and is the short stack with 3,150,000.

Day 4 Action

Day 4 began with 35 players remaining out of a record-breaking field of 817. Aaron Duczak, the seventh-place finisher from the 2022 WSOP Main Event, and Uruguayan high roller Francisco Benitez were the first to be sent home on the day. Jacob Amsellem began the day third in chips but lost an early big pot to Andrea Radicchi when Radicchi flopped two pair to crack Amsellems kings.

Davidi Kitai also hit the rail early when he shoved the river with kings but Volkov snap-called with a rivered flush to eliminate the three-time bracelet winner in 33rd place. Andrej Desset then got all his chips in the middle as part of a three-way all in against Darius Samual and Jonathan Pastore. All three players showed the same hand, ace-king, and were headed toward a chop until Desset hit a miracle flush on the river to triple up.

Pastore, runner-up to Omar Eljach last year, was eliminated the next hand. Amsellems stunning collapse was then completed when he shoved for 1,100,000 with ace-nine and Radicchi picked him off with ace-king, becoming the first player to climb past 10,000,000.

Hyunsup Kim called off his last 300,000 with a pair of aces but Klezys had a higher kicker; Tamas Adamszki was eliminated at the same time at another table, bringing the field down to the last three tables.

Armin Rezaei, the only remaining player from last years final table, shoved with king-queen and was called by Vito Vella with ace-jack. Rezaei couldnt improve and was eliminated in 22nd place, as was Borys Rozhanovskyi (23rd). Serkan Kuru then picked up kings and was all in for 1,300,000 against Klezys deuces. The board, though, brought four hearts and Klezys held the deuce of hearts to crush Kurus Main Event hopes and eliminate him in 21st place.

Kasparas Klezys

Dario Sammartino, trying to make his third WSOP Main Event final table and second in Europe just since 2019, flopped a set to eliminate Timo Kamphues in 20th place, followed soon after by Ion Tabacaru (19th).

Levan Rcheulishvili, the chip leader back on Day 1b, looked to reduce the field by one more as he woke up with aces after Vella shoved for 1,410,000 with two queens. The board was safe for Rcheulishvili through the turn and he was poised for the knockout, but the cruel river brought a queen and Vella spiked his two-outer to stay alive.

Rcheulishvili was visibly devastated by that beat, burying his face in his hands and shaking his head well after the hand was over. He was eliminated shortly after in 18th place before Eusebiu Jalba fell in 17th and the remaining players drew for seats at the last two tables.

Radicchi, who built up a big chip lead early in the day, began his downfall when he bluff-shoved the river with a missed straight draw and Pudel snap-called for 1,800,000 with the nut flush. Desset finally fell in 16th, then Lachezar Petkov was eliminated in 15th when he called Roccos river shove for 2,640,000 with a pair of aces but Rocco showed a set of sixes.

Tsai then began his run, eliminating Sammartino in 14th and picking up kings to bust Vella in 13th. Andrej Cintula shoved with a flush draw on the flop, but Rocco already had a king-high flush and held on through the turn and river as Cintula was eliminated in 12th.

Dario Sammartino

After Giuseppe Mazza-Boussemart departed in 11th, the field settled into a stalemate as the remaining 10 players tried to avoid finishing on the final table bubble. Big pots were few and far between for the better part of an entire level until Tocci looked like he was going to be the one to fall short. He moved all in for 1,290,000 and was called by both Radicchi and Neugebauer. Neugebauer bet the flop to force out Radicchi and showed two queens, beating the two nines of Tocci until the turn brought the two-outer to give Tocci a triple up.

Radicchi then raised to 320,000 on the button and Neugebauer defended his big blind. The flop came jack-high and Radicchi continued for 440,000. Neugebauer called, then called another bet of 480,000 on the turn queen. Radicchi shoved the river for 1,650,000 and Neugebauer tanked for several minutes until calling. Radicchi knew he was beat and flipped over a king-high bluff as Neugebauer slammed down a pair of jacks to win the pot and set the nine-handed final table.

Max Neugebauer Andrea Radicchi

Bogdanov, who began the day as chip leader, was still amongst the leaders at the final table until two tough beats. In the first, Pudel was all in with ace-queen and Bogdanov had him at risk with ace-king. A queen fell on the flop and Pudel doubled up to leave Bogdanov a short stack. Bogdanov was then all in for 1,800,000 with ace-queen against Tsais king-jack, and Tsai spiked a king on the flop to send Bogdanov out as the first casualty of the final table.

Yulian Bogdanov

The remaining eight players return tomorrow at 2 p.m. local time to play down to a champion. The action picks up on Level 30 with blinds of 125,000-250,000 and a 250,000 big blind ante. The final table will be streamed on an hour-long delay on the Kings Resort official YouTube channel, with PokerNews coverage beginning at 3 p.m.

Eight players have a date with destiny tomorrow. They've already locked up 148,000, but only one will be able to forever call themselves a WSOP Main Event champion. Its a short and illustrious list, an accomplishment that can make a poker career. It will have one more name tomorrow, and PokerNews will be along as the WSOP record books are rewritten here in Rozvadov.
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Six fake electors who tried to help Trump overturn the 2020 election are now under criminal investigation in Nevada.

Politico reported:

The attorney general of Nevada is quietly investigating Republican activists and operatives who falsely pledged the states six electoral votes to Donald Trump in 2020 despite Joe Bidens victory in the state.

In recent weeks, investigators have questioned witnesses about the attempts of the so-called alternate electors to present themselves as viable representatives of the states voters, according to three people familiar with the probe. Investigators have also asked about documents those people prepared as part of the effort.



In Nevada, six Republicans, including state GOP chair Michael McDonald, signed fake certificates on Dec. 14, 2020, falsely declaring themselves to be the states duly appointed Electoral College representatives. Trump and his allies then invoked that slate of false electors and similar slates in six other states as they tried to block Congress certification of the election results on Jan. 6, 2021.

Fake electors are facing criminal charges in Georgia and Michigan. Fake electors are now under investigation in Arizona and Nevada.

The fake elector scheme was nationally coordinated by Donald Trump and his presidential campaign.

The Republicans who are under investigation and facing criminal charges are in legal jeopardy because of Trump. The fake electors are a national scandal, and it involves state Republican officials. Trump tried to use the Republican Party to carry out his coup.

Too often, when Trumps 2020 attempt to overturn an election is discussed, it is often talked about as just Trump and his criminal co-conspirators, but the coup plot was about the former president using the Republican Party in a bid to overturn an election.

The Republican Party wasnt an innocent bystander as Trump attacked democracy. The GOP was a willing and helpful accessory.

It has taken years, but in state after state, Republicans are being held accountable for crimes against democracy.
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Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) was talking about FBI Director Wray reading her Twitter account to censor her as a part of the Department of Homeland Security only to have Wray tell her that he is not in Homeland Security.

Wray said as Greene was holding up photos, I havent seen the photos that youre holding up.

Greene replied, Maybe, well, I posted them on my Twitter account. Its public.

Wray answered, You know, maybe I dont spend a lot of time on Twitter.

Greene kept going, Well, you know, you, you, oh, Im sure you do. Because the Department of Homeland Security and organized with other offices, has censored many Americans, including myself.

Wray tells Greene, Im not part of the Department of Homeland Security.

Video:

It would be easy to laugh at Marjorie Taylor Greene until one realizes that she is on the Homeland Security Committee and doesnt know that the FBI Director is not a part of the Department of Homeland Security.

Any other member of Congress might have been embarrassed to have such ignorance exposed, but Marjorie Taylor kept rolling on with her attack on Wray and claims that the 1/6 terrorists are unjustly prosecuted.

One of the best things for the country that will happen if Democrats take back the House will be the removal from power of Marjorie Taylor Greene.

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Rachel Maddow says that the flare-up of Republican violence in Congress represents a threat to democracy.

Maddow said on CBSs The Late Show:

Its so stupid and hilarious and also super scary and bad. And thats our lives now. Thats the Venn diagram where we live right in the middle of super stupid and really bad because, I mean, the thing thats bad is that one of the things you watch for in a democracy in danger is for violence to start encroaching on the political space.

People doing normal political things. Going to a hearing, being a poll worker, certifying an election result. Those people are intimidated. Or threatened with violence or actually subjected to violence. When that starts happening, it means normal people get out of politics. And it becomes a place for brawlers and for people to take power by force.

Thats one of the big warning signs. And for these guys to be playing with it literally inside the Senate is so stupid and also so bad.

Video:

What happens when violence starts to encroach on the political space? Rachel @Maddow explains.#Colbert pic.twitter.com/ZUJppPHhvM  The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) November 15, 2023

Trump has been attempting to normalize violence for years. His 2016 campaign rallies contained regular threats of violence. The years of the normalization of violence culminated in the 1/6 attack on the Capitol.

What happened on Tuesday wasnt some cartoon character senator from Oklahoma wanted to throw down with a witness, but it was a person who tried to use his political position and power to incite violence against someone who had criticized him.

As Maddow pointed out, the scene itself was funny because of how Sen. Mullin acted, but it also represents an erosion of democratic values and more movement within the Republican Party toward fascism.

A Special Message From PoliticusUSA

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Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

A steady rain this morning. Showers continuing this afternoon. High near 65F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Cloudy with showers. Low 58F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
Aiken County will have a new election board chairman for the 2024 elections.

Andrew Marine, Aiken County Board of Voter Registration and Elections chairman for the past two and half years and a member of the board for almost 12 years, announced his resignation at a meeting held Monday evening.

"I'm not angry or upset about things, it's just time," Marine said Tuesday afternoon.

Though he resigned Monday, Marine said he made the decision to resign last November after the 2022 elections. He said he wanted to resign in July to give his successor an opportunity to get acclimated before the 2024 elections.

But, July became November.

"I planned to leave in July but due to a request from our legislators and other matters I stayed until now," Marine said.

The amount of time required to be the chairman of the board overseeing elections for Aiken County's 174,450 residents was a major factor, Marine said.

"This has been taking a lot of my time: I have a practice, I'm Edgefield County attorney," Marine continued. "It's just having the time for it. I just decided it was time to have new people be on the commission."

He added he only receives $100 per month to be the election board chairman.

The "increasing partisanship" surrounding elections was another factor, Marine continued.

Following the 2020 presidential election, former President Donald Trump and his supporters made unproven allegations of election integrity issues in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

This led some people to question the integrity of South Carolina's elections and an increased presence of concerned residents at the county election board meetings.

Election board meetings that drew three or four people now draw 20 or 30, Marine added.
Ukraine has returned home six more children, Head of Kherson Regional Military Administration Oleksandr Prokudin has said.

"I have more good news. Within a week, we managed to return six children to Ukrainian-controlled territories. Two of them are orphans," he said in his Telegram channel on Wednesday.

"Both families and children are in a safe place. Doctors and psychologists are working with them," he said.
The Timberland High School girls basketball team returns a seasoned group for the 2023-24 campaign on the hardwood. The Lady Wolves bring back four starters from a squad that won 18 games and captured a region crown for the second year in a row in 2022-23. Read moreLady Wolves going to court with seasoned group
The last of the four participants in what's believed to be the largest fraud in South Carolina involving the federal government's emergency Paycheck Protection Program has learned his fate.

Christopher Conrad, a commercial trucker from Holly Hill who'd never been in trouble until falling prey to the allure of fast money that "was too good to be true," was sentenced Nov. 14 to a year and a day in prison and three years in a supervised program after his release.

Conrad, 41, also was ordered to pay back $893,300 he took from the $4.8 million pot that was divided up among him and three co-conspirators.

All of them pleaded guilty last year to charges of wire fraud by submitting false information to obtain a dozen forgivable loans that the U.S. Small Business Administration offered employers to help them maintain jobs during the worst stretch of the pandemic.

Most of the proceeds were spent on unauthorized personal purchases, ranging from automobiles to real estate to plastic surgery.

The government had requested that Conrad, who cooperated with investigators, be sent to prison for 21 months, partly as a deterrent to others. He expressed remorse and said he took full responsibility for his role.

"I looked around and saw others making an easy penny, and I wanted it to be easy for me, too," Conrad told U.S. District Court Judge David Norton.

Norton already has sentenced the other defendants to prison time and supervised release. He also ordered them to repay the government.

Jontrell Wright, 37, of Holly Hill is serving a 15-month term in Estill Federal Correctional Institute, while Catherine "Cassie" Needham, 38, of Manning faces 21 months of incarceration.

Lori Hammond, a trucking business owner from Summerville, was found to be the most culpable of the group. She handled most of the paperwork and took more than half of the money.

Her name came up repeatedly at Conrad's hearing.

Norton, who years ago had sentenced Hammond for a different financial scam, gave her 80 months based on her role as the ringleader and on her lengthy criminal record.
HOPKINS  Congaree National Park will close for 24 hours beginning the evening of Nov. 15 while staffers hunt for wild hogs, some of which have gotten too close to human visitors.

The invasive species has long wreaked ecological havoc on Congaree vegetation and pathways, but recent reports add another concern for park managers. Some hogs have become comfortable hanging around where people are, posing a higher risk to park visitors.

The animals aren't a major threat overall, said Jon Manchester, Congaree's chief of visitor services. No one is recent memory has been injured by one, but Manchester notes that with sharp tusks and a drive to protect their young, there's always the potential for a dangerous interaction.

Manchester is mainly concerned about the diseases the feral pigs can spread.

"They're vectors for at least 40 types of viruses, bacteria and parasites," Manchester said. "As they become habituated to human presence, they won't leave when a human approaches, and that increases the chance of a negative reaction occurring."

Congaree will close to the public at 4 p.m. Nov. 15 and reopen at 5 p.m. Nov. 16. Cedar Creek downstream from the South Cedar Creek Canoe Landing will remain open for day paddlers to use.

National Park Service staffers and members of other federal entities will use high-powered rifles to cull some of the pigs. They'll focus their efforts along the boardwalk and the Weston Lake Loop Trail, both highly visited areas.

Wild hogs have roamed the Southeast for generations. Ancestors of today's feral swine were brought to North America in the 1500s by early explorers and settlers as a source of food. Populations that exist today are often a combination of domestic pigs and Eurasian boar.

The USDA estimates the pigs have played a role in the decline of nearly 300 native plants and animals in the United States.
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.
COLUMBIA  The breakup of South Carolina's health and environmental agency into separate divisions and separate addresses is moving forward  and it's proving to be expensive.

A top legislative panel has given initial approval to a half-billion dollar plan to relocate several state health agencies scattered throughout South Carolina's state capital, formalizing the split between the health side and the environmental side of the Department of Health and Environmental Control.

The move was approved by the General Assembly this past legislative session.

The deal, approved by a unanimous vote of the Joint Bond Review Committee on Nov. 14, proposes to move several state agencies currently located within the up-and-coming Bull Street District in downtown Columbia to a pair of new locations in the citys suburbs at a total anticipated cost of $495.7 million over the next 20 years.

Impacted agencies include the Departments of Public Health; Mental Health, Disabilities and Special needs; and Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse.

They would move into a rental space located at the former Dominion Energy campus at 400 Otarre Parkway in Cayce.

The facility was purchased earlier this year by Bill Stern, a Columbia state real estate developer and a well-connected Republican donor in South Carolina who has given thousands of dollars to figures like Gov. Henry McMaster, House Speaker Murrell Smith and current Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis.

While an agreement has been signed between the two parties, the sale has yet to be finalized as of Nov. 15.

The other impacted agency, the Department of Environmental Services, will move into a separate 29,000-square-foot facility at 1200 Colonial Life Blvd.

The decision comes as the result of a proviso passed during the 2023 legislative session.
Incumbent Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg and challenger William Cogswell are heading to a runoff mayoral election on Nov. 21. The winner will face a difficult task: determining the best path forward to protect the Holy City from rising sea levels and a changing climate.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts sea levels in the Charleston region will rise 14-18 inches over the next 30 years. By 2051, the city will experience an average of 60 flooding event days per year. Meanwhile, warming oceans will fuel stronger hurricanes.

Charlestons next mayor will help lay the groundwork to protect the city for decades to come. Here's where they stand on the issues, from wetland restoration to multimillion-dollar infrastructure projects.

Where do you stand on the proposed peninsula sea wall?

Context: Charleston is weighing a proposal to wrap a $1.3 billion sea wall around roughly 8 miles of the peninsula. The city would be on the hook for about $300 million. The proposed wall would protect the city from Hurricane Hugo-level surge (a Category 4 storm) plus an additional 2 feet.

The wall has been criticized by environmental groups and city leaders outside the peninsula who cite concerns over its price tag, allege its scope is too limited and say that it prioritizes the citys most affluent neighborhoods.

Proponents contend the peninsula is one of the most often-flooded areas in the city, that most of the bill will be footed by the federal government and that the city has launched projects to address flooding in other parts of Charleston.
Bierkeller to host holiday market. Here's what to expect.

Thousands of miles from the cozy, centuries-old Christmas market in Dresden, Germany, Columbia brewer Scott Burgess will bring a smaller iteration to South Carolina.

Bierkeller, the German-style brewery that Burgess opened as a brick and mortar location this fall, will host weekend Christmas Markets from late November until mid-December. The market will host a handful of local vendors and artisans such as Cosmic Flower, an artist based out of Lexington, Indah Coffee and Carolina Wildlife, a Columbia-based nonprofit.

Burgess said the layout and offerings at the market are meant to emulate those of a German Weihnachtsmarkt. On top of vendors set up around Bierkeller's plaza, Burgess said the brewery will have live music from a five-piece brass band, a specialty hot-spiced wine and a play area for children.

Along with buying gifts from local vendors and listening to live music, Burgess said commemorative Gluhwein  or mulled wine  mugs which will include a first pour and cost $10.

Burgess expects the event to be bigger than others he's hosted in the past  including both the pop-ups he once held on the river when Bierkeller was a roaming operation or at this year's inaugural Oktoberfest event. The event, which Bierkeller posted to Facebook, has nearly 13,000 people interested, according to the social media platform.

The market will take place on Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 25 until Dec. 17. It will run on Saturdays from noon until 10 p.m. with vendors operating from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. Sunday markets will be open 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. with vendors operating from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

"People need to see this side of Columbia," Burgess said. "They need to see the riverfront. They need to see what it can be and what it's going to be and how it's going to grow."

Bierkeller opened in August of this year in the retail space under Canalside Lofts, an apartment complex right on the river that divides Columbia and West Columbia. The development sits on the land that once-housed the state's first prison, Central Correctional Institution, until the late-1990s.
SPARTANBURG  Texas-based hamburger chain Whataburger is expanding into South Carolina with the first stores opening next year in Anderson, Greenville and Spartanburg. The brand has an eye on other markets like Columbia and Myrtle Beach down the road.

In 2025, North Carolina cities  say, Charlotte and Raleigh  could also get Whataburgers as it expands along the Interstate 85 corridor, executives told the Post and Courier.

Were gonna earn that right to be called your hometown Whataburger, President and CEO Ed Nelson said.

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Other potential South Carolina cities outside the Upstate and Columbia arent set in stone, but the chain would eventually like to be in all of the Palmetto States major population centers, expanding at a pace of about 10 spots per year.

Thats going to be fluid as we start to think about and identify the communities, said Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Debbie Stroud. But its about 10 a year to get started and were excited about that.

Whataburger is a brand synonymous with the Lone Star State.

Born in Corpus Christi in 1950, its known for its 24/7 operating hours, fresh beef burgers, patty melts and spicy ketchup, among other famous offerings like the honey butter chicken biscuit. Its orange numbered table tents resemble the early Whataburger A-frame restaurants, which have since earned an unofficial spot in Texas iconography.

But the number of states outside Texas where you can find a Whataburger is growing. In 2019, Chicago-based investment firm BDT Capital bought a majority stake in the company and the brand began to expand. There are now more than 930 restaurants in 14 states. It went from expanding by four or five stores per year to around 80 per year.
PORT ROYAL  An accident claimed the life of a construction worker in Port Royal late in the morning of Nov. 14.

The victim was identified as George Rundell, a 21-year-old resident of St. Petersburg, Fla. He was an employee of Harbormasters International.

"He was a great kid," said Christopher Clark, president of Harbormasters International.

A press release issued Nov. 15 by the Port Royal Police Department said officers were flagged down at 10:40 a.m. and notified of the accident. They were directed to a construction site at 517 Paris Ave., the former location of the Port of Port Royal.

There, officers found that Rundell had been struck and pinned by a large steel form. A preliminary review by detectives at the scene revealed that the steel object became unstable and fell, pinning Rundell against a concrete slab. Foul play is not suspected.

Clark called the accident a "complete fluke," adding that the form was released as workers were preparing to move it.

"They were waiting. (Rundell) got in between it and a pontoon, and a gust of wind came  25 mph, that's what they're saying  and blew it over," Clark said. "There was a two-minute window on what we were doing that this could have happened in, and that's when it happened."

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was notified of the accident, which was, according to Clark, the first accident on the construction site.

Fire and emergency medical services responded to the scene, and Rundell was transported to Beaufort Memorial Hospital.

Beaufort County Coroner David Ott said Rundell was pronounced dead at the hospital at 11:20 a.m.

"We are having a forensic autopsy here at the Beaufort County Coroner's Office today," Ott said Nov. 15.

Rundell traveled to from Florida to do welding work for a subcontractor on the Port Royal project this past summer. In July, he signed on as a fulltime employee with Harbormasters International, which is now based in Port Royal.
On November 13th, a group of Eurasian Spoonbills was spotted at the Huatang River Wetland Park in Chaohu Peninsula, Anhui Province. They gracefully flew and foraged on the water surface of the wetland park.

According to the park staff, more than 20 Eurasian Spoonbills were observed this time, marking the largest number of Eurasian Spoonbills ever recorded in the Huatang River Wetland Park. Eurasian Spoonbills have pure white feathers, with slender and agile necks, and exhibit a charming and elegant appearance. They are known as 'beauty among the flying birds' and are also referred to as 'Pipa Spoonbills' due to their beak resembling a pipa, a Chinese musical instrument.

Eurasian Spoonbills are classified as a second-level protected species in China and belong to the large wading birds. They have an average length of about 80 centimeters and often inhabit marshes, riverbanks, and reed ponds. They feed on small aquatic animals and occasionally consume aquatic plants. During flight, they extend their necks and legs, alternating between flapping their wings and gliding.

In recent years, the Chaohu Peninsula Wetland has become a migration rest stop and winter habitat for numerous water birds. During the winter season, flocks of wild migratory birds such as ducks, black-headed gulls, herons, sandpipers, and Oriental white storks gather here for feeding and play.

Source: anhuinews.com
The Ukrainian prosecutor's office, jointly with the International Criminal Court (ICC), continues to investigate the case of the forced deportation of 19,546 Ukrainian children from the territory temporarily occupied by the Russian forces, Prosecutor General of Ukraine Andriy Kostin has said on the air of the national telethon on Wednesday.

He emphasized that the prosecutor's office records all the elements of genocide and investigates the facts of the forced deportation of Ukrainian children.

"It was for this crime that a historic arrest warrant was issued for [Russian President Vladimir] Putin and [Russian Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria] Lvova-Belova in March of this year. This indicates that these crimes were planned and encouraged by the top leadership of the Russian Federation. We continue close daily cooperation with the ICC on this case, as well as on other priority areas," the Prosecutor General said.

He also said that information on the movement and deportation of 19,546 children from territories that were or remain temporarily occupied by the Russian forces is currently being verified in criminal proceedings.

"These are children from 1 to 18 years old. Most of them are from Donetsk region  13,600 children, as well as from Kherson (1,600), Zaporizhia (1,300), and Luhansk (1,100) regions. However, there are children from Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, Sumy, and Kyiv regions," Kostin said.

He drew attention to the fact that Russia forcibly removes children under the pretext of "rescue" and "health improvement."

"However, the facts indicate one thing  this is a deliberate policy of destroying the Ukrainian identity of our children. They are subjected to Russian propaganda and militarization, and the procedure for obtaining Russian citizenship has been simplified for them," the Prosecutor General said.

Kostin also noted that 386 children have currently been returned thanks to the joint work of the competent authorities of Ukraine and non-governmental organizations.
The Summerville Orchestra is the 2023 winner of The American Prize in Orchestral Performance in the community division. The orchestra, with Wojciech Milewski as music director, was selected from applications reviewed from across the country. Read moreSummerville Orchestra wins 2023 American Prize in Orchestral Performance
Hemingways Mites, Small Fry and Cheerleading teams hit the road to Charlotte to see the Carolina Panthers take on the Houston Texans on October 29. Thirty-seven children, ages 7-12, many sponsored by community members, were able to experience the NFL for the first time. Read moreHemingway football teams get NFL experience
RVs, campers, and tiny homes will soon face tighter regulations in Williamsburg County according to a new ordinance being passed by Williamsburg County Council. Read moreNew regulations for temporary housing in Williamsburg County
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
CONWAY  A plan to build more than 1,100 homes and shops in one of Horry County's fastest-growing communities failed to win the support of county leaders Nov. 14.

County officials said they shot down development agreements and rezoning requests for the project because of objections from Carolina Forest residents and concerns about infrastructure.

"The community doesn't want it," said Horry County Councilman Dennis DiSabato, who represents Carolina Forest. "The voters don't want it. And my understanding is that the applicant has already begun the process of trying to annex into the city limits, so there's really no point to it at this point."

The plan  likened to Myrtle Beachs popular residential and shopping district The Market Common  included rezoning two plots of land, nearly 214 total acres, for a mixed-use development off Postal Way and U.S. Highway 501.

The changes would have allowed retail spaces, offices and homes such as townhomes and single-family and multifamily units. If approved, the project would have been completed by 2029, according to county records.

The proposal sparked a months-long debate over its impact on traffic and schools in Carolina Forest, and votes on the plan were postponed for months.

Discussions on the plan finally came to a close Nov. 14 when Horry County Council ultimately rejected the plan via a unanimous vote.

DiSabato said he thought the proposed development agreements for the project were a "step in the right direction" because they required the developer to contribute to the infrastructure in that area.

He said he ultimately could not support the proposal because it didn't go far enough in addressing his infrastructure concerns.

Conway officials confirmed Nov. 14 that the city has not received any formal annexation requests related to the Postal Way properties. The city has said that for any property to be annexed into the city, it would need to be contiguous to the city limits and the property owners would have to request annexation.
Two Charleston attorneys whose law licenses had been suspended can return to the practice of law, the South Carolina Supreme Court has ruled.

In separate orders released Nov. 15, the state's highest court granted petitions form Justin M. McGee and Allan Riley Holmes to lift the suspensions of their law licenses.

McGee was placed on interim suspension June 7 following his arrest a month earlier on charges of burglary and domestic violence in the first degree. The May 23 charges resulted from encounter with his estranged wife in which he was accused of throwing her down and forcing his way into her home.

At a preliminary hearing in August, the domestic violence charge was reduced and the burglary charge was dismissed, according to court records. The reduced charge of domestic violence in the second degree is pending.

Holmes was suspended from the practice of law for nine months back in 2012. He was arrested in December 2011 on a charge of possession of heroin with intent to distribute. The criminal charge was dismissed but according to the court's order of suspension, Holmes admitted to possessing heroin.

In the Nov. 15 order lifting the suspension of Holmes' law license, the Supreme Court set several conditions: he must enter into a three-year monitoring agreement, fully comply with addiction treatment and submit quarterly reports to the Commission on Lawyer Conduct.

The conditions may be reviewed by the commission at the end of three years to determine if the restrictions should continued.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the country cannot afford a stalemate at the front.

"If this is a stalemate and a frozen conflict, we must honestly say that our children will fight; or our grandchildren will fight. We have already lost a lot of people. Do we want to live like this, knowing that we will raise children who will definitely fight later?" he told African journalists on Tuesday.

"Since Russia will come again if it is not put in its place. Be that as it may, the war must end. We want peace. Yes, this ending may be different, some may like it, some may not, but it is necessary. And it is necessary for evil to suffer," Zelenskyy said.

"A stalemate is a temporary weakness. If we want to end the war, we must end it," he said.

Speaking about the Peace Formula, Zelenskyy said "if Russia fulfils one point  respect for territorial integrity and the UN Charter, it will withdraw troops from our territory. This is the end of the war."

"Yes, this is not the return of justice yet, because something needs to be done about what they have done here. This will not solve all the issues, but it is definitely the end of the war," he said.
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'
PHOENIX  A group of South Carolina students not only helped to restore a stretch of the state's shoreline, protecting it from hurricanes and high tides, but they received national recognition for their hard work.

The South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics "From Seed to Shoreline" collaboration with the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium received the Innovative Partnership Award on Nov. 14.

The National Consortium for Secondary STEM Schools presented the award at its professional conference in Phoenix. The award recognizes inventiveness in partnerships between member schools, businesses, corporations and post-secondary institutions.

Governor's School for Science and Mathematics marine biology students gathered tens of thousands of smooth cordgrass seedlings in Charleston. The school's botany students replanted them at Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet.

Jennifer Brown teaches both marine biology and botany students. She started the From Seeds to the Shoreline program at the governor's school.

"Congratulations to Dr. Jennifer Brown, her students and the team at the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium," Governor's School for Science and Mathematics President Danny Dorsel said. "Any time we can connect coursework 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."

Governor's school students traveled to the College of Charleston Grice Marine Laboratory at Fort Johnson on James Island in December 2022 to collect the smooth cordgrass seedlings. The students put on waders and jumped into the Charleston Harbor's cold water to collect more than 20,000 specimens.

When students returned from their holiday break, Brown and her class placed the seeds into a 70-degree incubator based in a classroom on the school's campus in Hartsville.

The incubator tricked the seedlings into "springtime" development, speeding up their timeline. Students replanted the seedlings into tiny pots and they were eventually placed into a small, temperature-controlled greenhouse.
COLUMBIA  The question of who should pick judges in South Carolina has rankled the Legislature during the past year. The debate came to a head in the last few weeks as the state House of Representatives held hearings on potential changes to the system.

South Carolina and Virginia are the only two states in which the Legislature alone elects judges. In most states, popular elections or combinations of the governor and lawmakers select judges.

Critics of S.C.'s legislative elections charge that a conflict of interest exists when legislators who are lawyers  about one-third of them in the Palmetto State  vet and vote on judges they may eventually appear before. They say that lawyer legislators receive preferential treatment from judges, creating a crisis of confidence in the states justice system.

Everyone I talk to wants change in our system because they lost confidence in the way we select our judges. The optics are horrible, First Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe, a Democrat who has been among the loudest voices calling for change, told lawmakers Nov. 14.

Solicitors and law enforcement have led the reform charge with allies in state Attorney General Alan Wilson and a bipartisan group of lawmakers who range from staunch Democratic state Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter of Orangeburg to the ultra-Conservative House Freedom Caucus.

Defenders of the current system and those who believe only minor changes are in order say that theres little evidence to support charges of widespread favoritism toward lawyer legislators and that the reforms pitched by critics wouldnt achieve their desired goals.

The narrative of wholesale changes and starting from scratch, I dont hear anywhere, state Supreme Court Justice John Kittredge told legislators Nov. 7. I hear very mature and measured responses of wanting to make improvements within the system that we have.

In South Carolina, candidates for circuit court, family court and appellate judgeships are vetted by a citizens committee in their area and a qualifications committee of the state bar association before going before the Judicial Merit Selection Commission, which is made up of six legislators and four non-legislators appointed by the speaker and the president of the Senate. Customarily, all 10 members are attorneys.
Mika Gadsden, who finished in fifth place in the first go-round of the Charleston mayoral race, endorsed candidate William Cogswell ahead of the Nov. 21 runoff.

Gadsden's Nov. 14 announcement came the day before early voting begins for City Hall's top position, where Cogswell is challenging two-term Mayor John Tecklenburg.

Though the election is nonpartisan, some candidates are tied to political parties. Tecklenburg, for instance, is linked with Democrats. Cogswell is a former Republican state lawmaker. Gadsden branded herself as a progressive candidate.

Both campaigns sought her support after the Nov. 7 general election, Gadsden told The Post and Courier.

Gadsden didn't make up her mind about a formal endorsement until a Nov. 14 interview with Cogswell. The 40-minute conversation was about accountability, she said, and figuring out where Cogswell stood on the issues most important to Gadsden, her supporters and Charleston's marginalized communities.

The former opponents discussed a variety of topics, from affordable housing and public safety to Cogswell's alleged ties with conservative parents' rights group Moms for Liberty.

Cogswell's campaign released the video endorsement along with a letter from Gadsden explaining her decision. She criticized Tecklenburg for failing to make "any serious positive impacts on the Black community" in his eight years in office.

"It is time for a change  a change that prioritizes the needs of the working class, the poor, and the marginalized over divisive politics," the letter states.

Tecklenburg respects everyone's choice in giving their endorsements, his campaign manager Jennifer Mieras said. She pointed to Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn's recent statement of support for the incumbent mayor.

Tecklenburg is Clyburn's go-to partner for progress in Charleston, the senior House Democrat said.
FORT MILL  As growth concerns continue in northern York County, residents are wary of a development that would feature a 400-unit age-restricted community, a 130-room assisted living facility and commercial space.

"We all know that development in this area is happening at a really rapid pace," county resident Teresa Sword told the Town Council at its November 13 meeting. "Year after year, Fort Mill continues to make the top list of fastest growing cities towns in South Carolina."

And the development project itself is growing, compared to what was previously proposed by the Charlotte-based Crossroads Development Partners.

The 129-acre project is off the Fort Mill Parkway near Haire Road that includes 14 acres in unincorporated York County off North Doby's Bridge Road, which the firm is requesting to be annexed into Fort Mill and is part of an amendment to the development plan previously passed by the town.

The residential makeup of the project is increasing from the previous 240-unit proposal to 405, a 68% increase with a mix of up to 150 apartments, 125 townhomes and 130 single family homes.

Sword and her partner, Glenn House, live near the proposed development.

"I can't support adding the highest level of residential development, which would be the apartments," House said. "I'm questioning the council about whether that fits in with their vision for Fort Mill. Many of them ran on limiting growth."

Crossroads eliminated an independent living facility from the plan.

A new traffic study is being conducted for the revisions. There's no indication when the study will be complete.

"As that traffic study gets completed, I urge you to take a very close look at it and pay attention to whether this is the right intensity in that particular area," Sword said to the council. "We already see a lot of traffic on Doby's Bridge."

At the November 13 meeting, Crossroads had requests to back up the dates for its 14-acre annexation and for the rezoning of some of the land. The council voted 6-1 on the first readings of each of the Crossroads requests. Councilman Chris Moody voted no to all three.
Nearly 300,000 citizens from around the United States gathered peacefully on the Mall in Washington yesterday to express support for Israel and opposition to anti-Semitism. The Biden administration found a peculiar way to respond. It freed up an additional $10 billion for Iran by reapproving a sanctions waiver that will allow Iran to access that amount in frozen assets.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller explained the logic of the action at a briefing yesterday (watch video at bottom to the end). A rational person may find the logic baffling.

Former NSC official Richard Goldberg commented to the Washington Free Beacons Adam Kredo: The White House just responded to October 7th with a $10 billion reward. He urged Congress to act quickly to cut off Irans access to every penny. I find the logic supporting Goldbergs statement somewhat easier to understand.

Say what you will about Neville Chamberlain and the policy of appeasement, neither funded Nazi Germany let alone the Holocaust.
Ukrenergo and General Electric signed a memorandum of cooperation providing for joint actions on the research and implementation of projects for the installation of STATCOM devices, construction and modernization of high-voltage substations, said chairman of the board of Ukrenergo Volodymyr Kudrytsky.

According to his Facebook post on Wednesday, the memorandum was signed with the director of GE Energy Power Conversion GmbH (a subsidiary of General Electric) Jorg Nuttelmann.

One of the new technologies that we plan to use in our network is STATCOM devices. They will significantly enhance the stability of the Ukrainian energy system and ensure the reliability of our connection with the energy system of continental Europe, Kudrytsky noted.

According to him, such devices are quite actively used by ENTSO-E system operators, and their installation and use in the Ukrainian network is one of the technical measures that Ukrenergo has agreed to implement with its European colleagues.

Kudrytsky noted that General Electric and its subsidiaries are long-time partners of Ukrenergo, thanks to which in the pre-war years joint projects for the modernization and reconstruction of Ukrenergo substations in the east, south and central regions of the country were successfully implemented.

I am convinced that our further cooperation will be a significant contribution to European energy security, summed up the head of the system operator.

As reported, in July of this year, Ukrenergo, the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Finance signed two agreements with the World Bank to provide the company with grant assistance in the amount of $240 million to improve the reliability of the energy system.

One of them provides for the provision of grant funds to the German government by Ukrenergo, which will be used for the purchase and installation of STATCOM special devices that increase the stable operation of the energy system.
Clifford May is founder and president of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) and a columnist for the Washington Times. He is a veteran reporter, foreign correspondent, and editor for the New York Times and other publications. Cliffs current is Dont know much about Middle Eastern history (at FDD, where it is posted with links). Cliff has kindly given us his permission to post his column on Power Line. He writes:

Brit Hume noted last weekend that hes been watching interviews with students participating in pro-Palestinian demonstrations and has found them truly discouraging. The level of ignorance of the history of the region and even the events of the past month is breathtaking.

Why are these young people seething with anger over a situation they dont begin to understand?

Im going to leave that troubling question for another day. Instead, Im going to address less impassioned readers who may not know much about Middle Eastern history for the very good reason that they have jobs and families and a multitude of other concerns.

If thats you, give me five minutes to draw you a map of the long and winding trail that has led to the current conflict.

Start with this observation by the late Charles Krauthammer: Israel is the only nation on earth that inhabits the same land, bears the same name, speaks the same language, and worships the same God that it did 3,000 years ago.

Jews also may have been the earliest anti-imperialists.

Punishments for their rebellion against the Roman Empire in 132 CE included slaughter, slavery, and expulsion.

Adding insult to injury, Emperor Hadrian renamed Judea, the land of the Jews, Provincia Syria Palaestina.

Palestine referred to the Philistines, a sea-faring people from Greece who settled in in the coastal territory of Canaan and became enemies of the Jews. Think David and Goliath, Samson and Delilah.

The Philistines would later be defeated by Assyrians and Babylonians and cease to exist as a separate people.

It was not until the 7th century CE that an army from Arabia, fired by the new religion of Islam, conquered, occupied, and ruled what Jews and Christians had come to call the Holy Land.

Over the centuries that followed, one empire after another ruled Jerusalem, also known as Zion, and the territories around it. Small communities of Jews remained and survived in Palestine, which never became an independent nation-state.

Jews forced to flee to other lands and their descendants reminded themselves of their roots by closing Passover dinners with, Next Year in Jerusalem and facing the ruins of the Temple of Solomon when praying.

Early in the 16th century, the Ottoman Turks conquered and ruled the land, using their own names for their provinces.

In the late 19th century, Jews in Europe, increasingly subject to pogroms and other forms of persecution, began returning to their ancient homeland where they purchased land, irrigated deserts, drained swamps, and built collective farms known as kibbutzim.

In 1909, they founded a city on a sand dune north of Jaffa and called it Tel Aviv. The economic opportunities they created attracted immigrants, not least Arabs, from surrounding lands.

Following World War I, the British Empire displaced the Ottoman Empire, and with a hat tip to the Romans renamed the land Palestine.

In 1921, the British awarded the eastern 77% of Palestine to the Hashemites, the clan that had for centuries ruled Mecca but whose continuing presence in Arabia would not be tolerated by the ascendant Royal House of Saud.

Under a mandate from the League of Nations, the British were to develop within the remainder of Palestine a Jewish National Home in recognition of the historical connection of the Jewish people with Palestine.

The goal, said Winston Churchill in 1922, was the further development of the existing Jewish community that is in Palestine as of right and not on sufferance.

In 1947, after World War II and the Holocaust, the U.N. proposed partitioning western Palestine into two states: One for the Jews and one for the Arabs.

Jewish leaders agreed. Arab leaders did not and, joined by five neighboring Arab nations, waged a war to kill the fledgling Jewish state. They failed and called their failure the Nakba, the catastrophe.

Over the years that followed, Jews were driven out of Iraq, Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, Yemen, and other lands where they had lived since before the advent of Islam.

Israel absorbed the refugees. Today, only about 30% of Israelis are from families who emigrated from Europe.

Egypt, Syria, and Jordan waged another full-fledged war to wipe Israel off the map in 1967. Again, the Israelis prevailed, dislodging Egyptians from Gaza and Jordanians from the West Bank  formerly known as Judea and Samaria  including east Jerusalem from which, after 1948, the Jordanians had expelled the Jews they didnt kill.

The Israelis suggested a land-for-peace deal. But the Arab League issued The Three Nos: no peace with Israel, no recognition of Israel, no negotiations with Israel.

In 2005, the Israelis did something unprecedented: In hope of peaceful coexistence, they voluntarily withdrew from Gaza, uprooting almost 9,000 Israeli citizens from a territory which had a long Jewish history.

After defeating its rival, Fatah  first in an election and then militarily  Hamas could have made Gaza free from the Israeli border to the sea.

But killing Israelis was its obsession, with support from Irans rulers who for 44 years have threatened the Jewish-majority state with genocide because, in the brave new empire they intend to establish, there cannot be self-determination for infidels.

In response to the meta-holocaust of Oct. 7, Israeli soldiers are now stripping Hamas of its military capabilities, so that never again can these savages engage in genocidal terrorism on Israeli soil.

To express their opposition to this mission, supporters of Hamas and Tehran and their know-nothing fellow travelers spent Veterans Day in New York City pulling down American flags, and Remembrance Day in London draping Palestinian flags over war monuments.

They may not know much about Middle Eastern history and the events of the past month, but we know what they will destroy if we let them.
You may have heard that Home Secretary Suella Braverman has been forced out of the British Cabinet, apparently because she correctly complained about the fact that Londons Metropolitan Police show favoritism toward Muslim demonstrators (often, rioters) compared with other groups, like the far right. Bravermans critique was not gratuitous; as Home Secretary, she had ultimate responsibility for the Metropolitan Police. Nevertheless, it was enough to get her fired.

Braverman did not go quietly. She wrote a three-page letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, which she made public on Twitter. Here it is:

My letter to the Prime Minister pic.twitter.com/7OBzaZnxr2  Suella Braverman MP (@SuellaBraverman) November 14, 2023



I encourage you to read it all. Bravermans complaints will sound familiar to American conservatives. A few highlights:

As you know, I accepted your offer to serve as Home Secretaryon certain conditions.  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.

In other words, to govern as a conservative. But that hasnt happened:

You have manifestly and repeatedly failed to deliver on every single one of these key policies.

***

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.

***

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.

Bravermans final grievance was Sunaks failure to address the rampant anti-Semitism that has taken over the streets of British cities:

Another cause for disappointmentand the context for my recent article in the Times [the one that got her fired] has been your failure to rise to the challenge posed by the increasingly vicious antisemitism and extremism displayed on our streets since Hamass 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 radicalization 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.

Braverman concluded:

I will, of course, continue to support the Government in pursuit of policies which align with an authentic conservative agenda.

I wrote quite a few years ago that in America, you can vote for conservative government, but you cant get it. That seems to be even more true in the U.K., where all observers expect the Conservatives to be swept out of office in the next election.
IDF Lt. Col. (reserve) Jonathan Conricus is the spokesman who has become one of our favorites in Israels current war on Hamas. Conricus arrived on the scene at the al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City a few hours ago to document the ocular proof demanded by the AP of the Hamas way of war. The video seems almost to be addressed to the Hamasniks inside the AP.

Hamas must have abandoned the hospital in a hurry. The video documents the guns, ammo, laptop, and other terrorist paraphernalia left behind  left behind the MRIs in the radiology wing of the hospital.

Students of cinema may observe the use of the tracking shot to film this video. Think Orson Welles in Touch of Evil. Think Martin Scorsese in Goodfellas. The IDF has done a good job with this video. Lets look forward to the sequel.

No cuts, no edits, just the undeniable truth. Watch as LTC (res.) Jonathan Conricus exposes the countless Hamas weapons IDF troops have uncovered in the Shifa Hospital's MRI building: pic.twitter.com/rDd64to2eN  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 15, 2023

UPDATE: It was fun while it lasted. The tweet no longer appears on the IDF account where I found it. I can find no explanation.

ARE WE BACK IN BUSINESS?
This is the top of the Morning Wire disseminated by the Associated Press today: In the news today: Israel raids a Gaza hospital that has become a symbol of the suffering of Palestinian civilians The brief summary links to this story by Wafaa Shurafa and Samy Magdy and holds out the tin cup: The Associated Press now accepts reader contributions to support our fact-based, nonpartisan journalism. To make a donation, visit apnews.com/donate. Shamelessness has its uses.

The AP declares the Shifa Hospital a symbol of the suffering of Palestinian civilians. That is of course precisely how Hamas wants it to be viewed. More realistically, it has become a symbol of the Hamas way of war, but you can be sure that is not how the AP renders it:

Mohammed Zaqout, the director of hospitals in Gaza, said Israeli tanks were inside the medical compound and that soldiers had entered buildings, including the emergency and surgery departments, which house intensive care units. It was not clear if he was speaking from inside the compound. The occupation forces stormed the buildings, he said angrily over the phone. He said the patients, including children, are terrified. They are screaming. Its a very terrifying situation  we can do nothing for the patients but pray. The Israeli military said it was carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in the Shifa Hospital. It said the soldiers were accompanied by medical teams and had brought medical supplies and baby food as well as incubators and other equipment.

Who ya gonna believe? The AP remains gripped by metaphysical doubt about the uses of the hospital:

Israel says Hamas has a massive command center inside and beneath Shifa, but has not provided visual evidence, while Hamas and the hospital staff have repeatedly denied the allegations. Hours before the raid, the United States said its own intelligence indicated militants have used Shifa and other hospitals  and tunnels beneath them  to support military operations and hold hostages.

The Daily Mails Geoff Earle expands on the findings of American intelligence in White House says Hamas and Islamic Jihad DID hide under hospitals in Gaza, backing up Israeli claims. David Hazony provides a useful reminder from the archives of the Washington Post.

Oh and here's a @washingtonpost piece from 2014 that describes the Shifa hospital as "a de facto headquarters for Hamas leaders" https://t.co/1O7OCZ11hk  David Hazony (@davidhazony) November 15, 2023

Todays AP story is accompanied by the products of AP staff photographers working inside the Gaza Strip. The work of the AP photographers seems to constitute a key component of the Hamas way of war. Is this photo for real? Query whether the wailing without tears is fakery for the APs Fatima Shbair.

Caption: Palestinians mourn their relatives killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, in the hospital in Khan Younis, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)
PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-15 15:54:43

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PORTLAND, OR and MONTREAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Belle Bonica Luxe Corp. / BlockChain Loyalty Corp. (OTC PINK:BBLC) is pleased to announce the signing of a Definitive Agreement with Sinoex Limited Dba Touchpoint, a Hong-Kong based AI (Artificial-Intelligence) and marketing firm, acquiring 12.5% of Touchpoint on October 20th, 2023. This strategic acquisition is part of BBLC's plans to create recurring organic revenue streams; by not only utilizing the services of Touchpoint's technology to drive sales toward its wholly owned subsidiary True + Luscious; but also offering and recommending its use by other brands that BBLC acquires in the near future. BBLC believes that the possibilities of generating income are threefold and very encouraging. One, being through Touchpoint's existing customers; another, as an increased spotlight by AI-generating advertisements geared at driving traffic and sales towards True + Luscious' website www.trueluscious.com; and the third via signed contractual agreements with Touchpoint, by its subsidiaries.Transaction terms:BBLC will pay the value of $730,000.00 in Consideration Shares & cash and will jointly raise capital for Sineox Limited Dba Touchpoint in the amount of $102,000. The Consideration Shares have a per unit value of $0.42 USD. The transaction will be broken down into 3 segments of 5% and 5% in shares, and 2.5% in cash. Each issuance of Consideration Shares and cash payment will take place over the course of 60 days per segment, until the entire 12.5% is acquired. Sinoex Limited Dba Touchpoint shall issue the same number of units to Belle Bonica Luxe Corp. in-order to consummate the purchase."This is an extremely important acquisition that will bring value to BBLC through AI-powered technology and access to sales channels and methods, used by Touchpoint and their team. This is very exciting" said Joel DeBellefeuille, Chairman & CEO of BBLC.Key takeaways include:Synergy in AI Marketing Services: The acquisition of Sinoex by BBLC has the potential to create a synergistic relationship in the field of AI algorithm-based marketing services. Sinoex's expertise in this area can significantly enhance BBLC's capabilities, allowing it to offer advanced marketing solutions to corporations, SMEs, and marketing agencies worldwide.Competitive Advantage: By incorporating the AI marketing tool into the operations of its subsidiary companies, BBLC can gain a competitive edge in the market. The tool's ability to provide marketing intelligence and adapt to dynamic market changes can help BBLC's subsidiaries stay ahead of the competition and make informed decisions to maximize their marketing efforts.Financial Strength: The steady stream of cash flow and recurring income generated by Sinoex will contribute to the financial strength of BBLC. This increased financial capability can support BBLC's growth initiatives, such as investing in research and development, expanding into new markets, or acquiring other strategic assets.Global Expansion: Sinoex's addition to BBLC's portfolio aligns with their global business diversification and expansion strategies. With Sinoex's international presence and expertise, BBLC can leverage their resources to expand its operations into new markets and strengthen its position as a global player in the lifestyle industry.About Sinoex Limited Dba TouchpointSinoex Limited Dba Touchpoint, headquartered in Hong Kong, is a pioneering company revolutionizing marketing and sales processes to build business intelligence, optimize customer targeting and enhancing business results for business clients around the globe. With advanced data analysis and machine learning capabilities, Touchpoint adopts an omnichannel approach to provide effective, efficient, and accurate solutions.About Belle Bonica Luxe Corp.Belle Bonica Luxe Corp. OTC: (BBLC) is dedicated to promoting a lifestyle of health, beauty, and wealth; through the acquisition and development of creative & innovative brands catering to luxury markets that are aimed at improving your way of life, while seeking long-term shareholder value. BBLC's promise is to commit to optimizing shareholder value by continuously sourcing un-paralleled revenue generating brands that match the group's 5 pillars of: "No limits. Passionate. Creative. Innovative. Fun"For more information visit: www.bellebonica.com Joel DeBellefeuille, Chairman & CEOE. joel@ bellebonica.com Tel. 1.888.653.1268To learn more about Joel visit: www.joeldebellefeuille.com Investor Relations: Just3 Public Relations E. ir@ bellebonica.com This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 27E of the Securities Act of 1934 as well as relevant Canadian securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's expectations regarding future business prospects and opportunities. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict", "potential", "continue", "target" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. Actual performance and results may differ materially from that projected or suggested herein due to certain risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the ability to obtain financing and regulatory and shareholder approval for anticipated actions.The Company does not assume any responsibility to update or revise any past statements regarding plans or projections related to any expected future events in cases where such plans or projections have not materialized or developed as previously stated or expected.SOURCE: Blockchain Loyalty Corp.
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Basin East Mineral Resource Estimate Uploaded to SEDARplusBRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Bradda Head Lithium Ltd (AIM:BHL)(TSX-V:BHLI)(OTCQB:BHLIF), the North America-focused lithium development group, announces that, further to its press release of 28 September 2023, it has, on 14 November 2023, filed a Technical Report ("Report") on SEDARplus for the updated Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") at the Company's Basin East ("BE") asset in Arizona.The Report is available to be downloaded from Bradda Head's profile on SEDARplus at www.sedarplus.ca/landingpage/ . A copy of the Report is also available on the Company's website, www.braddaheadltd.com The Basin East MRE, reported by SRK Consulting (UK) Ltd ("SRK"), was updated in September 2023 (see RNS dated 28 September 2023).Highlights of the BE MRE: Bradda Head added 729 kt of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent ("LCE") to the Inferred Mineral Resource, for an updated total Inferred LCE content of 1.0 Mt (million tonnes). Following this, the Company received the next milestone of US$ 2.5 million under the Royalty Agreement. Increase in confidence levels in achieving the next milestone of 2.5Mt of LCE in situ, that enables Bradda Head to receive a further US$ 3.0 million payment from the Royalty Agreement. The average in situ grade of the Inferred Basin East Mineral Resource has increased from 694 to 900 ppm Li, a 30% increase. Extensive lateral continuity of the Basin East clay package identified, as well as impressive consistency in the stratigraphic position and grade profile of a high-grade clay-rich sub-unit, over an approximately 2.7 x1.8 km areaQualified Person SRKThe Mineral Resource statement has been authored by Mr. Martin Pittuck, CEng, MIMMM, FGS who works for SRK Consulting (UK) Ltd, an independent mining consultancy. Mr. Pittuck has over 25 years' experience undertaking and reviewing Mineral Resource Estimates and has worked on lithium clay estimates for over 5 years. Mr. Pittuck consents to the inclusion of the technical information in this release and context in which it appears.Qualified Person (BHL)Joey Wilkins, B.Sc., P.Geo., is Head of North America at BHL and the Qualified Person who reviewed and approved the technical disclosures in this news release. Mr. Wilkins is a graduate of the University of Arizona with a B.Sc. in Geology with more than 37 years of experience in mineral exploration and is a qualified person under the AIM Rules and a Qualified Person as defined under NI-43-101. Mr. Wilkins consents to the inclusion of the technical information in this release and context in which it appears.ENDSContact:Bradda Head Lithium Limited+44 (0) 1624 639 396Ian Stalker, Executive ChairmanDenham Eke, Finance DirectorBeaumont Cornish (Nomad)+44 (0) 2076 283 396James Biddle / Roland CornishPanmure Gordon (Joint Broker)+44 (0) 2078 862 500John Prior / Hugh RichShard Capital (Joint Broker)+44 (0) 2071 869 927Damon Heath / Isabella PierreRed Cloud (North American Broker)+1 416 803 3562Joe FarsTavistock (Financial PR)+ 44 20 7920 3150Nick Elwes / Adam Baynesbraddahead@ tavistock.co.uk About Bradda Head Lithium Ltd.Bradda Head Lithium Ltd. is a North America-focused lithium development group. The Company currently has interests in a variety of projects, the most advanced of which are in Central and Western Arizona: The Basin Project (Basin East Project, and the Basin West Project) and the Wikieup Project.The Basin East Project has an Indicated Mineral Resource of 17 Mt at an average grade of 940 ppm Li and 3.4% K for a total of 85 kt LCE and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 210 Mt at an average grade of 900 ppm Li and 2.8% K (potassium) for a total of 1.09 Mt LCE. In the rest of the Basin Project SRK has determined an Exploration Target of 250 to 830 Mt of material grading between 750 to 900 ppm Li, which is equivalent to a range of between 1 to 4 Mt contained LCE. The Group intends to continue to develop its three phase one projects in Arizona, whilst endeavouring to unlock value at its other prospective pegmatite and brine assets in Arizona, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. All of Bradda Head's licences are held on a 100% equity basis and are in close proximity to the required infrastructure. Bradda Head is quoted on the AIM of the London Stock Exchange with the ticker of BHL, on the TSX Venture Exchange with a ticker of BHLI, and on the US OTCQB market with a ticker of BHLIF.Technical GlossaryKtThousand tonnesPpmParts per millionExploration TargetAn estimate of the exploration potential of a mineral deposit in a defined geological setting where the statement or estimate, quoted as a range of tonnes and a range of grade (or quality), relates to mineralisation for which there has been insufficient exploration to estimate a Mineral Resource.Inferred Mineral ResourceThat part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade (or quality) are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. Geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological grade (or quality) continuity. It is based on exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings, and drill holes. An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to an Ore Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration.Indicated Mineral ResourceThat part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade (or quality), densities, shape and physical characteristics are estimated with sufficient confidence to allow the application of Modifying Factors in sufficient detail to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. Geological evidence is derived from adequately detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings, and drill holes, and is sufficient to assume geological and grade (or quality) continuity between points of observation where data and samples are gathered.Forward-Looking StatementsNeither 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 includes certain "forward-looking statements" which are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and stat
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Northern Virginia Technology Council Recognition Highlights BrainGu's Role as a Leading Force in the Cybersecurity IndustryMCLEAN, VA / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / BrainGu, a trailblazer in software development platforms, proudly announces its recognition as a 2023 Cyber50 honoree by the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC), one of the nation's largest and most established tech councils, uniting tech companies, government contractors, academic institutions, and nonprofits to drive tech innovation across the region. This honor shines a spotlight on the top cyber companies and leaders in the National Capital Region's vibrant tech community, celebrating BrainGu's essential role as a key innovator in helping the community build secure and resilient software for mission-critical use, bolstering the region's reputation as a key cybersecurity hub."We're thrilled to be part of the NVTC Cyber50 list," shared John "Spence" Spencer-Taylor, CEO, CTO, and co-founder of BrainGu. "It's a fantastic nod to our team's tireless efforts to raise the bar on global cybersecurity outcomes through the evolution of our flagship product Structsure. The announcement came just as we were at KubeCon in Chicago, debuting version 5.0 of our Structsure platform, further proving that our team's commitment to crafting resilient, scalable, reliable, and secure solutions is truly making waves in the industry. We're honored to be recognized for our contributions." In addition to the NVTC Cyber50 honor, BrainGu's recent ranking at number 173 on Deloitte's 2023 Technology Fast 500 list, celebrating an incredible 818% growth, underscores BrainGu's swift rise and pioneering spirit in the tech world.Software is critical to mission success, we help deliver it. Discover more about BrainGu's software solutions for Government, Enterprise, and beyond at braingu.com/solutions About BrainGuBrainGu is a technology company specializing in developer-centric DevSecOps platforms and operator-driven mission applications. We solve complex challenges by taking a human approach to incubating and scaling technologies that solve real-world problems in the hands of operators and mission owners. BrainGu's platforms deliver resilient, scalable, reliable, and secure solutions at the speed of relevance. We deliver results in weeks, not years.Contact InformationSunny Dasgupta Marketing & Communications Manager sunny.dasgupta@braingu.com Related Files1699986712174.jpegSOURCE: BrainGu
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PHOENIX, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / The Stock Day Podcast welcomed C-Bond Systems, Inc. (OTC PINK:CBNT) ("the Company"), a San Antonio-based nanotechnology company and marketer of the patented C-Bond technology, which is proven to strengthen glass for architectural applications. CEO of the Company, Scott R. Silverman, joined Stock Day host Matthew Dunehoo.Dunehoo began the interview by asking about the Company's background and current projects. "C-Bond Systems, Inc. and our subsidiary Patriot Glass Solutions is a one-of-a-kind business," shared Silverman. "We have unique technology with a unique intellectual property portfolio with 22 patents pending, as well as a valuation for over $33 million for our IP by a 3rd-party valuation firm," he explained. "The majority of our portfolio came out of Rice University," said Silverman. "Our technology is focused on strengthening brittle materials." "Our technologies today are in the architectural business and are marketed primarily through our Patriot Glass Solutions subsidiary," continued Silverman. "We have two products that have evolved through our technology," he added. "Our original product, C-Bond Secure, is a forced entry-resistant technology," said Silverman, adding that the product is designed to deter break ins. "Our flagship product is C-Bond Bullet Resistant System (BRS), which actually stops bullets," he said. "We have been certified by a 3rd-party independent source with the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standards up to level IIA to stop five rounds at 15 feet." The conversation then turned to the Company's record-breaking 3rd quarter financial results, which included $814,000 in revenues. "The catalyst has been Patriot Glass Solutions and the technologies we just discussed," shared Silverman. "We have a strong presence in Texas, our home state, which is currently the only state in the country that has mandated the use of security window film and/or fencing on the first level of all public schools with a deadline of August 2025," he said. "We did have a substantial amount of growth this quarter in the commercial sector as well, including airports, police departments, and other commercial buildings," said Silverman. "We also recently announced some purchase orders that are not reflected in that revenue." "We expect the 4th quarter to be strong and we expect 2024 to be very strong," continued Silverman. "We have the right technology at the right place and the right time for the issues that this country is facing right now." "What is the company looking forward to shortly after the New Year?", asked Dunehoo. "We do currently have a backlog of orders," said Silverman. "We expect to grow significantly by the school markets, followed by the government and commercial sectors," he said. "We have continued to build out our dealer network with Patriot Glass Solutions dealers, which now includes 36 dealers around the country," said Silverman, before elaborating on the potential of this network. "We are in business to create revenue and create value for our shareholders, but what we do can help save lives." "Would you ever consider growth by acquisition or are you focused on organic growth at this time?", asked Dunehoo. "Yes, we would consider growth by acquisition," said Silverman. "We have made one acquisition in the last five years, which was our largest distributor, which has formed the foundation of Patriot Glass Solutions. "We expect growth from our own division and from our dealer body, but acquisitions may be smart if the balance sheet is lined up appropriately with the capitalization." "Do you expect to raise additional capital in the future?", asked Dunehoo. "We now have just one convertible note left, which was facilitated by the sale of our automotive division," said Silverman. "We do not currently need to raise any capital," he shared. "However, an acquisition would take additional capital raises, but operationally we are fine and I do not foresee any capital raises in the near future." To close the interview, Silverman encouraged listeners and shareholders to keep up-to-date on the Company's current and upcoming announcements as they continue to grow.To hear Scott Silverman's entire interview, follow the link to the podcast here: https://audioboom.com/posts/8401055-c-bond-systems-inc-discusses-record-breaking-3rd-quarter-results-with-the-stock-day-podcast Investors Hangout is a proud sponsor of "Stock Day," and Stock Day Media encourages listeners to visit the company's message board at https://investorshangout.com/ About C-BondC-Bond Systems, Inc. (OTC: CBNT) is a San Antonio-based nanotechnology company and marketer of the patented C-Bond technology, which is proven to strengthen glass for architectural applications. The Company's Patriot Glass Solutions subsidiary sells ballistic-resistant glass solutions and forced entry deterrent solutions to private enterprises, schools, and government agencies. For more information, please visit our websites: www.cbondsystems.com www.patriotglasssolutions.com , Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cbondsys/ and Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBondSys and https://twitter.com/Patriot_Glass Forward-Looking StatementsStatements in this press release about the Company's future expectations, including the likelihood that the Company expects the 4th quarter to be strong and we expect 2024 to be very strong; the likelihood that the Company expects to grow significantly by the school markets, followed by the government and commercial sectors; the likelihood that the Company expects growth from its own division and from its dealer body; constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and as that term is defined in the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time, and our actual results could differ materially from expected results. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the Company's ability to successfully commercialize its products; the Company's and its customers' ability to source materials; construction delays; film delays; the Company's ability to raise capital; regulatory risks; as well as other risks. Additional information about these and other factors may be described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") including its Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2023, its Forms 10-Q filed on November 14, 2
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COPL Announces Q3-2023Operational and Financial ResultsLONDON, UK and CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Canadian Overseas Petroleum Limited and its affiliates ("COPL" or the "Company") (CSE:XOP)(LSE:COPL), an international oil and gas exploration, production and development company with operations focused in Converse and Natrona counties, Wyoming, USA, announces the publication of its Financial Statements and Management Discussion and Analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and provides an operations update.Third Quarter 2023 Operational Highlights:The Company's working interest average crude oil sales before royalties averaged 1,029 bbls/d (1,193 bbls/d gross lease) as compared to 1,103 bbls/d (1,267 bbls/d gross lease) in the second quarter of 2023. Production was impacted primarily due to downtime at high productivity wells. Field work was undertaken to repair and dome access roads, with numerous required inspections and repair programs to all low-pressure heater-treater-separator units to prepare the upgraded gas gathering system for the resumption of enriched natural gas liquid ("NGL") injection.The Company completed upgrades to its gas gathering system in the third quarter of 2023 to debottleneck restrictions at certain well locations and to recover produced gas back to the gas injection plant for recycle.With the system commissioned, the Company concluded its permitted gas flaring program since receiving approval in October 2022.Current Trading Update:The Company commenced increased enriched NGL injection to the Shannon miscible flood in mid-October and early responses to oil production are being monitored closely.October 2023 average gross lease oil production was 1,110 bbls/dNovember 2023 average gross lease oil production to November 13, 2023 was 1,136 bbls/dThe Company plans to provide forward production guidance for 2024 prior to the end of 2023.The Company is focused on delivering its strategic objectives for the further development of its Wyoming Assets.Third Quarter 2023 Financial Highlights:Petroleum sales, net of royalties was $5.8 million as compared to $5.6 million in the second quarter of 2023. The increase is due mainly to the rise in the realized sales price of oil of $78.34/bbl as compared to $71.75/bbl in the second quarter of 2023, partially offset by a reduction in oil production.The Company incurred a net realized hedging loss of $2.2 million on crude oil and butane hedge contracts ($NIL in the first half of 2023 due to a hedge restructuring executed in December 2022). In October 2023, the Company terminated its commodity swap contracts and the outstanding obligations in respect of these contracts were replaced with a loan ("Swap Loan"), with an initial principal amount of $11.9 million and a maturity of March 2025. The Company also negotiated a capitalization of interest for both the senior credit facility and the new Swap Loan from October 2023 to January 2024.The operating netback was $20.83/bbl before the net realized loss on hedge contracts as compared to $20.93/bbl in the second quarter of 2023. The increase in the realized sales price of oil of $6.59/bbl was offset by an increase in royalties and production taxes of $1.38/bbl and an increase in operating expenses of $5.31/bbl in the third quarter of 2023. Operating costs were impacted by certain one-off costs related to landowner payments, repairs and maintenance following severe and abnormal weather conditions in the first half of 2023 and increased workovers at specific well sites in the Barron Flats Shannon Unit ("BFSU") to prepare for increased NGL injection.The Company initiated G&A reductions in the quarter as costs were $1.7 million as compared to $1.9 million in the second quarter of 2023. Further G&A reductions to remove more than $2.5 million of annualized costs will be completed prior to the 2023 year-end.A cash position of $2.2 million as of September 30, 2023 compared to $4.0 million as of December 31, 2022.The Financial Statements and the Management's Discussion and Analysis as at and for the quarter ending September 30, 2023, can be viewed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca or at the Company's website at www.canoverseas.com . The Company encourages interested parties to read the Management's Discussion and Analysis along with the Financial Statements and accompanying notes.John Cowan, CEO and Director commented:"The third quarter represents a period of important transition in all aspects of COPL. In the third quarter, G&A was reduced as an ongoing process in accordance the Company's previously announced commitments, with significant and required field infrastructure upgrades completed. Oil production remained stabilized, and importantly, the permitted gas flaring program has ceased." "Since the third quarter in 2023, COPL was able to use working capital to increase NGL injection at the BFSU at double the rate compared to recent periods. This miscible flooded field requires injection of NGLs to enhance oil production and field recovery factors as capital restraints in earlier periods restricted the rates of NGL injection. A technical review of the oil response to increase NGL injection will be monitored closely this quarter, and it will form the basis for future production guidance and 2024 plans." "The negotiations regarding a possible joint venture announced by the Company in July 2023 are ongoing and the parties are working to agree all outstanding matters." About the Company:COPL is an international oil and gas exploration, development, and production company actively pursuing opportunities in the United States with operations in Wyoming.The Company operates the Cole Creek Unit 100% WI, Barron Flats Shannon (Miscible) Unit 85% WI and holds Barron Flats Federal (Deep) 85% WI in addition to non-unitized lands 100% WI.The Company's Wyoming operations are one of the most environmentally responsible with minimal gas flaring and methane emissions combined with electricity sourced from a neighbouring wind farm to power production facilities.For further information, please contact:Mr. Tom Richardson, ChairmanMr. John Cowan, CEOMr. Ryan Gaffney, CFOCanadian Overseas Petroleum LimitedTel: + 1 (403) 262 5441Cathy HumeCHF Investor RelationsTel: +1 (416) 868 1079 ext. 251Email: cathy@ chfir.com Charles GoodwinYellow Jersey PR LimitedTel: +44 (0) 77 4778 8221Email: copl@ yellowjerseypr.com Peter KrensEquity Capital Markets, Tennyson SecuritiesTel: +44 (0) 20 7186 9033Andrew Chubb / Neil PassmoreAdvisors/Joint Brokers, Hannam & Partners+44 (0) 20 7907 8500The Common Shares are listed under the symbol "XOP" on the Can
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Receipt of Government Approval for Operatorship and Acquisition of Additional 60% Interest in Orinduik Block offshore GuyanaTORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd. (AIM:ECO)(TSXV:EOG), the oil and gas exploration company focused on the offshore Atlantic Margins, is pleased to announce Government approval of the transfer of 60% Working Interest and Operatorship in the offshore Orinduik Block in Guyana from the Minister of Natural Resources, Cooperative Republic of Guyana.On 10 August 2023, the Company announced the signing of a Sale Purchase Agreement pursuant to which its wholly owned subsidiary, Eco Guyana Oil and Gas (Barbados) Limited ("Eco Guyana"), will acquire a 60% Operated Interest in Orinduik Block, offshore Guyana, through the acquisition of Tullow Guyana B.V. ("TGBV"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Tullow Oil Plc. ("Tullow") in exchange for a combination of upfront US$700,000 cash and contingent consideration. The Company is pleased to announce that it has now received approval from Minister of Natural Resources and the Government of Guyana for the transfer of the one hundred percent (100%) shareholding interest in TGBV to Eco Guyana.On completion of the transaction, Eco will become the Operator and hold an aggregate 75% Participating Interest in the Orinduik Block, via subsidiary Eco Orinduik B.V. following a scheduled name change ("Eco Orinduik"), which will hold a 60% Operated Interest, and Eco (Atlantic) Guyana Inc. which holds a 15% Participating Interest. TOQAP Guyana B.V will continue to hold a Participating Interest of 25%. Completion of the transaction is expected before year-end 2023.Colin Kinley, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Eco Atlantic, commented:"We are very happy to have support from the Minister of Natural Resources and the Government of Guyana and their approval to transfer 60% of the Working Interest and Operatorship of the Orinduik Block to Eco. We have always been very involved with the exploration and interpretation of the Block, and our experienced team will step directly into Operatorship to finalize target selection."After nearly 10 years of exploration and interpretation, and multiple regional discoveries at the Cretaceous level of close to 11 Billion Barrels of recoverable oil, our team has a good understanding of the Cretaceous play and we have a great deal of confidence in drilling our first well, targeting a stacked pay target in this well proven horizon. This Transaction structure allows Tullow to continue to share upside in a discovery."Eco now seeks qualified partners in this high-value play and has commenced a formal farm-out process for the Block. Recent interest from supermajors and other well capitalized energy companies in the latest licencing bid round in Guyana, for blocks up dip of us, supports our thesis of the oil migration and the high quality and charged reservoirs we see on our Block." **ENDS**For more information, please visit www.ecooilandgas.com or contact the following:Eco Atlantic Oil and Gasc/o Celicourt +44 (0) 20 8434 2754Gil Holzman, CEOColin Kinley, COOAlice Carroll, Head of Corporate Sustainability+44(0)781 729 5070Strand Hanson (Financial & Nominated Adviser)+44 (0) 20 7409 3494James HarrisJames BellmanBerenberg (Broker)+44 (0) 20 3207 7800Matthew ArmittDetlir EleziEchelon Capital (Financial Adviser N. America Markets)Ryan Mooney Simon Akit+1 (403) 606 4852+1 (416) 8497776Celicourt (PR)+44 (0) 20 7770 6424Mark AntelmeJimmy LeaThe information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 as it forms part of United Kingdom domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (as amended).About Eco Atlantic:Eco Atlantic is a TSX-V and AIM-quoted Atlantic Margin-focused oil & gas exploration company with offshore license interests in Guyana, Namibia, and South Africa. Eco aims to deliver material value for its stakeholders through its role in the energy transition to explore for low carbon intensity oil and gas in stable emerging markets close to infrastructure.Offshore Guyana in the proven Guyana-Suriname Basin, the Company holds a 15% Working Interest in the 1,800 km2 Orinduik Block Operated by Tullow Oil. In Namibia, the Company holds Operatorship and an 85% Working Interest in four offshore Petroleum Licences: PELs: 97, 98, 99, and 100, representing a combined area of 28,593 km2 in the Walvis Basin.Offshore South Africa, Eco is Operator and holds a 50% working interest in Block 2B and a 26.25% Working Interest in Block 3B/4B operated by Africa Oil Corp., totalling some 20,643km2.This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@ lseg.com or visit www.rns.com SOURCE: Eco (Atlantic) Oil and Gas Ltd.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during a conversation with African journalists, proposed holding a Ukraine-African Union summit and stated that he was ready to come to any African country for this purpose.

According to the head of state, Ukraine is interested in a strategic partnership with the states of the African continent, and such a partnership should be based on mutual respect for territorial integrity, sovereignty, language and traditions.

"This should be on a cultural plane, and on an economic plane, and in respect between people. Without violating your and our rights, without affecting your and our freedom. We respect any state that respects us," he said.

As the next step in the development of strategic cooperation, Zelenskyy announced his readiness to come to any state on the African continent.

"I don't have any priorities here [in relation to this or that African state]. I believe that if we can organize where we can meet, so that I have maximum contact with the maximum number of leaders, the maximum number of communities, I believe that it will be better this way. And I would like to have the opportunity to hold such a meeting Ukraine-African Union or Ukraine - countries of the African continent," the president said.

"I'll tell you honestly: frankly, I don't care what the format is called. The main goal is for us all to do the maximum to achieve stability in the world, and to achieve peace on the territory of our state. And to ask the question not only in Russia, but about this war and by completing this war, put in place any aggressor with any colonial ambitions for the future," he said.

As he noted, "this is also very important for the future, because such things, such outbreaks and such wars can happen anywhere."
PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-15 18:10:45

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NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Edison International:On Veterans Day, Southern California Edison honors employees who served their country.Rob Roel (center), an SCE Enterprise Cybersecurity senior advisor is pictured manning tanks patrolling the Czechoslovakian border during the 1980s. PHOTO CREDIT: Rob RoelEnergized by Edisonby Taylor Hillo, ENERGIZED by Edison WriterFrom a small town in southern Louisiana to the jungles of Latin America, Bryan Landry had quite the journey before joining Southern California Edison. At 17, he enlisted in the Louisiana Army National Guard and was soon deployed with the 769th Engineer Battalion."I joked with my wife the other day, I know we've only been in this house six years, but I think it's the longest I've ever lived in one place," said Landry, SCE senior advisor of Enterprise Risk Management.Landry is now part of some of SCE's wildfire risk management programs. He works with fire science, engineering, regulatory and wildfire safety teams to ensure SCE deploys cost-effective risk management solutions, such as covered conductor. He also performs risk modeling for other natural hazards."When I talk about wildfire risk, I'm not just talking about physical wildfire risk, like how the wildfire moves across the landscape. I also consider factors like social vulnerability, poverty, disabilities and low income," he said. "Understanding the vulnerability perspectives helps us prioritize where we deploy mitigations." Growing up, it wasn't a question of whether Landy would join the military but which branch he would choose."It was weird if you didn't enlist in my town, Breaux Bridge, Louisiana," he said. "My grandfather, father, uncles and cousins all joined."I wanted to join the National Guard specifically because there are always hurricanes in South Louisiana, and you can see the National Guard's direct involvement in the community. I also had the opportunity to serve in a number of other locations including Latin America during the 1990s," he said. "I'm really thankful for those experiences." Rob Roel, an SCE Enterprise Cybersecurity senior advisor, had much different military experiences stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division, manning and repairing tanks patrolling the Czechoslovakian border during the 1980s."I was stationed there at the end of the Cold War before the Berlin Wall came down. To me, that was probably one of the biggest things to have happened in my lifetime," he said.Roel started his SCE career developing cybersecurity for the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. He now continues that same type of risk assessment but for technology related to the grid. He serves as SCE's first line of defense against digital threats to generation, transmission and distribution systems."I look at a component, system or network to identify what may have a potential for risk," Roel said. "I work with the business organizations and third-party vendors to address potentials for risk before we put their tech in operation." After nearly 20 years, Roel continues to help SCE keep the grid secure from cyberthreats, a career he now enjoys sharing with the next generation of employees he helps train."Paying it forward, I think that's kind of a military thing," he said.For more information on SCE career opportunities, visit edisoncareers.com View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Edison International on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: Edison InternationalWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/edison-internationalEmail: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Edison International
PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-15 19:01:34

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 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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Discover the Artistry Behind Iconic Handbags in the 'Handbag Designer 101 Podcast' - Unveiling the Craft and Creativity with Creators Across the Handbag IndustryNEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Handbag enthusiasts, fashion aficionados, and design mavens have a new reason to celebrate as the highly anticipated "Handbag Designer 101 Podcast", hosted by the illustrious Emily Blumenthal, fondly referred to as the 'Handbag Fairy Godmother,' takes center stage.This captivating podcast offers an unprecedented peek into the captivating world of handbag design, exploring the riveting stories, insights, and journeys of industry icons. With Emily Blumenthal, Founder of the Handbag Awards, Author of "Handbag Designer 101," and Creator of the Handbag Designer 101 Masterclass, as the driving force behind the mic, listeners are in for an unparalleled experience.Handbag Designer 101 Podcast unravels the mysteries and nuances of the handbag industry, unveiling the captivating narratives behind successful handbag designers. Emily Blumenthal, who walked the path herself as a handbag designer, brings authenticity and a deep understanding of the trials and triumphs inherent in crafting a brand.Handbag Designer 101 Podcast features an impressive lineup of industry luminaries sharing their unparalleled experiences. From the remarkable journey of Julie Deane CBE, the visionary behind the Cambridge Satchel Company, to the inspiring narratives of ASHYA founders Ashley Cimone and Moya Annece, the episodes are a treasure trove of wisdom and motivation.Listeners will also have the pleasure of hearing from trend and industry expert Nancy Forman of the Accessory Think Tank, shedding light on the significance of cohesive brand identity and strategy, and also what it takes to create a truly socially responsible handbag brand with Camille Tagle of FabScrap. Additionally, a stellar lineup including Sherrill Mosee of MinkeeBlue, Handbag Historian Catherine Buckland, handbag social media stars like Jada "Afropuff" Holmes, Tanner Leatherstein, Antoine Manning of Homage Year, and designers like Adrian Furstenburg, Doris Izquierdo, and Monica Botkier share their invaluable insights."Handbag Designer 101" is not just a podcast; it's a gateway to understanding the intricate world of handbag design, its evolution, and the incredible stories woven by the remarkable personalities in the industry. Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major podcast platforms every Tuesday, the podcast promises an engaging and enlightening experience for enthusiasts worldwide.To stay updated on the latest episodes and delve deeper into the handbag universe, follow @handbagdesigner on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok for clips, and YouTube for full podcast episodes.For media inquiries, interview requests, or further information, please contact: info@ handbagdesigner101.com About Handbag Designer 101: Handbag Designer 101 is a captivating podcast hosted by Emily Blumenthal, the 'Handbag Fairy Godmother,' offering an exclusive glimpse into the world of handbag design. Featuring industry luminaries, the podcast delves into the stories, journeys, and insights of successful handbag designers, providing a wealth of knowledge for enthusiasts and design aficionados. Follow @handbagdesigner for more information and updates.Contact InformationEmily Blumenthal Founder info@ handbagdesigner101.com 646-209-1418SOURCE: Handbag Designer 101
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COEUR D'ALENE, ID / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Idaho Strategic Resources (NYSE American:IDR) ("IDR" or the "Company") announces results of its 2023 trenching program at Lemhi Pass. A total of 1,070 linear feet was divided to construct eight trenches over three prospects. The three historical prospects known as In-Trust, Sparky, and Independence mark the first prospects out of IDR's expansive land position to be tested in the district. IDR maintains approximately 11,425 acres of unpatented claims and state lease land at Lemhi Pass.Two of the three In-Trust trenches encountered strong REE mineralization associated with faults. The 13 samples in the table below assay up to 3.28% total rare earths (TREE) and average 1.5% TREE. Of note, are very strong enrichments of neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), samarium (Sm), and dysprosium (Dy). These elements are used in the manufacture of rare earth permanent magnets and are among the most valued of all the rare earth elements (REEs). In the listed assays, the distribution of rare earth elements is 58% Nd, 8% Pr, 8% Sm, and 2% Dy. Incredibly, these four components combined account for up to 76% of the total rare earth element percentage.Table 1: Lemhi Pass samples showing rare earth elements plus yttrium and scandium for TREE.At Sparky, four samples collected from material during trenching returned the highest published total rare earth elements assay (5.2% TREE) in the Lemhi Pass district to date. These samples, although not in place, are considered representative of the mineralization source below. The trenching was unable to uncover structural features as the site had been historically excavated and reclaimed and the bedrock proved deeper than the excavator limits. The mineralized rock samples from Sparky show yellow-brown to red-brown frothy, boxwork textured rock, flooded with golden brown jasperoidal material.Similar to the results from the In-Trust trenches, the samples from the trench at the Sparky prospect show very strong enrichments of neodymium, praseodymium, samarium and dysprosium, as seen in the table below.Table 2: Sparky samples showing rare earth elements plus yttrium and scandium for TREE.IDR's Vice President of Exploration, Rob Morgan commented, "This latest work is just beginning to scratch the surface of the great REE potential of our Lemhi Pass project. Our work alone has already more than doubled the district's historical high TREE values of 2%, to up over 5%. The high neodymium concentrations, accounting for more than 50% of the TREE content in many samples, speaks to the depth and strength of this regions' mineralizing system. We plan to use this knowledge and look deeper in the subsurface next year, likely with air-rotary or core drilling." The greater Lemhi district straddles the Idaho-Montana border in central Idaho, occupies more than 55 square miles, and encompasses more than 250 prospects. Exploration sampling by IDR in 2022 confirmed the presence of rare earth elements mineralization along a 1.5-mile-long section of the Lemhi Pass Fault; where other large regional structural features, such as the Bull Moose and Dan Patch faults, either intersect or approach one another. REE mineralization in this area occurs in intense shear/fracture zones hosted in Mesoproterozoic metasediments.Trenching highlights came from the In-Trust prospect which lies in the middle of the regional structural intersection. Three trenches were cut in the In-Trust area; one trench failed to reach bedrock and was abandoned, while the other two trenches uncovered strong REE mineralization associated with structures manifested as chocolate brown to purple-black clay fault gouge with specular hematite. The fault clay ranges in thickness from 10 to 50 cm and displays mylonitic and fluidized textures. We expected shallow flat, basal thrust in orientation, but instead we were pleased to find moderate to high angle dipping features as well. In Trench 2, the thrust feature was exposed for 25 meters along strike. The mylonite is west-dipping with elongated and rounded fluidized clasts. The listed samples are continuous 3-meter channels along strike of the mylonite. In Trench 3, the same chocolate-colored mineralized material was encountered, but along moderate to high angle dipping structural features. Assay results, showing rare earth elements plus yttrium and scandium, for the two trenches are displayed in the table above.This years' trenching at Independence failed to uncover the REE bearing fault. The rock units in this area were observed to be sheared with moderate to strong alterations. Assay results showed this area to have moderately elevated niobium values of up to 1200 ppm, but low REE values.Qualified personIDR's Vice President of Exploration, Robert John Morgan, PG, PLS is a qualified person as such term is defined under S-K 1300 and has reviewed and approved the technical information and data included in this press release.About Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc.Domiciled in Idaho and headquartered in the Panhandle of northern Idaho, Idaho Strategic Resources (IDR) is one of the few resource-based companies (public or private) possessing the combination of officially recognized U.S. domestic rare earth element properties (in Idaho), the largest known concentration of thorium resources in the U.S., and Idaho-based gold production located in an established mining community.Idaho Strategic Resources produces gold at the Golden Chest Mine located in the Murray Gold Belt (MGB) area of the world-class Coeur d'Alene Mining District, north of the prolific Silver Valley. With over 7,000 acres of patented and unpatented land, the Company has the largest private land position in the area following its consolidation of the Murray Gold Belt for the first time in over 100-years.In addition to gold and gold production, the Company maintains an important strategic presence in the U.S. Critical Minerals sector, specifically focused on the more "at-risk" Rare Earth Elements (REE's) and Thorium. The Company's Diamond Creek and Roberts REE properties are included the U.S. national REE inventory as listed in USGS, IGS and DOE publications. IDR's Lemhi Pass Thorium-REE Project is recognized by the USGS and IGS as containing the largest concentration of thorium resources in the country. All three projects are located in central Idaho and participating in the USGS Earth MRI program.With an impressive mix of experience and dedication, the folks at IDR maintain a long-standing "We Live Here" approach to corporate culture, land management, and historic preservation. Furthermore, it is our belief that successful operations begin with the heightened responsibility that only local oversight and a com
PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-15 20:15:38

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HAGENS BERMAN, NATIONAL TRIAL ATTORNEYS, Encourages Investors with Substantial Losses to Contact Firm's Attorneys, Securities Fraud Lawsuit PendingSAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Hagens Berman urges Medical Properties Trust, Inc. (NYSE:MPW) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Class Period: May 23, 2023 - Aug. 17, 2023Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Nov. 28, 2023Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/MPW Contact An Attorney Now: MPW@ hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895Medical Properties Trust, Inc. (NYSE:MPW) Securities Fraud Class Action:The litigation focuses on the propriety of Medical Properties Trust's statements about its recapitalization transaction ("Recap Transaction") with its third largest tenant, Prospect Medical Holdings.The complaint alleges Medical Properties Trust misrepresented and failed to disclose that: (i) the Recap Transaction was subject to regulatory approval and (ii) on or about July 20, 2023, the company had received an order from the California's Department of Managed Health Care ("DMHC") placing the transaction on hold.Investors learned the truth on Aug. 18, 2023, when the Wall Street Journal reported on Medical Properties Trust and, referring to the Recap Transaction, said that "[t]he nation's largest hospital landlord said an unusual transaction that provided crucial financial support for one of its biggest tenants was a done deal[]" and "[i]t wasn't." The WSJ further reported that on Aug. 8, 2023, the company said the transaction boosted its revenue while in possession of an order by a California state regulator putting the transaction on hold and observed that Medical Properties Trust did not disclose the regulator's order when it filed its quarterly earnings report.In response, the price of Medical Properties Trust shares fell significantly lower on Aug. 18, 2023."We're focused on investors' losses and investigating whether senior management had a duty to disclose the California regulator's hold order," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.If you invested in Medical Properties Trust 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 Medical Properties Trust case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Medical Properties Trust 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 MPW@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens BermanHagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Attorney advertising.Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.Contact: Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-15 14:44:37

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NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Tapestry, Inc.:To continue their shared goal of destigmatizing the mental health conversation in the Black community, The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation and kate spade new york bring the first-of-its-kind "She Care Wellness Pods" to a second HBCU campus this Fall.The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (BLHF) and kate spade new york proudly announce the expansion of their joint program, the "She Care Wellness Pods", which aims to reach over 25,000 Black women on HBCU campuses with frontline mental wellness care. After a successful inaugural launch at Alabama State University in April of this year, BLHF and kate spade are expanding the initiative to a second HBCU campus location, Hampton University in Virginia.Part of the Tapestry house of brands, kate spade new york believes that good mental health is foundational to women and girls' empowerment. KSNY has committed to supporting 100,000 women and girls by 2025.Through this groundbreaking program for HBCU students, BLHF and kate spade new york, in partnership with trusted Hampton University community resources, bring access to mental health facilities and resources directly to Black women on campus. The multifaceted program features the opening of "She Care Wellness Pods" - physical structures installed on campuses that offer a range of services, including:Free mental health therapy sessions for female students experiencing an exacerbation of stress, anxiety and hopelessness.Hangout spaces that allow students to connect with peers or avoid isolation and grief during the school year and vacation periods.Unique programming including yoga, meditation, art and drama therapy, African dance, nutrition and more, all provided by certified practitioners.Workshops that offer resources and tools for those who suffer with anxiety, sleep deprivation and insomnia.Quiet spaces for silence, rest and respite to reset from daily stressors.Founded in 2018, The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation's mission is to eradicate the stigma around mental health in the Black community. As a leading Black mental health advocacy group, BLHF provides competent therapy and integrated wellness resources. For kate spade new york, women's empowerment has been at the forefront of the brand's purpose for over a decade and remains a core pillar of the brand. This year, kate spade and the kate spade new york Foundation will invest $5 million in programming to further destigmatize the mental health conversation and continue to provide services to women and girls in need. By continuing to expand the "She Care Wellness Pods" initiative, the joint partnership aims to provide 25,000 Black women on HBCU college campuses with frontline mental healthcare."When we first had the idea to create the Boris L. Henson Foundation Self-Care Wellness Pods, I knew we had to start with women, and specifically women on HBCU campuses. I can remember through my own experiences with stress and anxiety, not having the adequate support to deal with my issues or the education to name what I was experiencing," said BLHF Founder, Taraji P. Henson. "Our shared vision and partnership with kate spade new york has been vital in promoting conversations and offering support to students to take care of their mental health, starting with our successful launch of She Care Wellness pods at Alabama State University. We are proud to open our second installment at Hampton University this fall," Henson stated."At kate spade new york, we believe that mental health is foundational to women's empowerment, and recognize that it has long been under-acknowledged, underfunded, and stigmatized. We are committed to increasing accessibility of mental health resources to women and girls around the globe through our social impact work and trusted partners in this space," said kate spade new york CEO and Brand President, Liz Fraser. "We are proud to expand our partnership with Taraji, Tracie and The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation. By offering space and resources dedicated to mental health, together we can create a positive difference for young women on HBCU campuses and in their communities." As a member of kate spade new york's Social Impact Council, which was established in January 2022, Taraji P. Henson, has continued her work with the global lifestyle brand to increase mental health resources. Alongside other social impact members, including Sofia Wylie and Jazz Thorton and Latham Thomas and more, the cohort brings unique expertise and work hand-in-hand with kate spade to propel positive change, and encourage more conversation, education and research around the cause.Ribbon cutting at Hampton UniversityView additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Tapestry, Inc. on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: Tapestry, Inc.Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/tapestry-incEmail: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Tapestry, Inc.
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MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Kisses From Italy Inc. (OTCQB:KITL), a publicly listed U.S.-based company, restaurant chain operator, franchisor, and product distributor in the United States, Canada, and Europe, along with new business partner and newly elected board member celebrity Chef, Scott Conant, have officially launched the Company's exclusive online store which will initially feature the Company's current gluten-free pasta line, specialty pasta sauce and will include soon to be released products. Our products and selections will be offered on the Company's Shopify page at https://kissesfromitaly-retail.myshopify.com Michele Di Turi, President, co-CEO, and co-founder of Kisses From Italy, commented, "Over the years we have had a resounding demand from our customers and shareholders for our products. Up until this moment, our products were available in retail stores in the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario. Now, we are extending our product offerings with our online store across North America." Claudio Ferri, co-CEO, CIO, and co-founder of Kisses From Italy, also commented, "The team is excited to be rolling this out. We went with the Shopify platform as it offers great flexibility and reliability in all factors related to the online shopping setup and overall customer service experience. The product offerings will definitely grow as we go. Ferri added, "I am also happy to mention that we are currently working on new products and personalized merchandise that will be coming very soon. Scott, myself, and the rest of our team are well into the process of finalizing the last steps to make the next set of products available to everyone. These products are definitely something we enjoy ourselves and are very happy to be sharing it with everyone"This release by the Company follows the most recent update Kisses From Italy and celebrity chef Scott Conant unveiling the team's new brand logo of the The Ponte San'gwich & Italian Deli' the Company's newest wholly-owned subsidiary to house the new brand and concept. This release also follows the recent announcement of Scott Conant being appointed and accepting the nomination to Kisses From Italy's board of directors.Kisses From Italy Retail Store: https://kissesfromitaly-retail.myshopify.com About Chef Scott ConantScott Conant is a two-time James Beard Award-winning chef, cookbook author, and TV personality. With a career spanning more than 35 years, Conant brings a deft touch and unwavering passion to creating culinary experiences with thoughtful hospitality and soulful cuisine. His portfolio of acclaimed restaurants includes Mora Italian (Phoenix, AZ), The Americano (Scottsdale, AZ and Atlanta, GA), and Cellaio at Resorts World Catskills (Monticello, NY). He has also published four cookbooks: New Italian Cooking, Bold Italian, The Scarpetta Cookbook, and his newest and most personal book to date, Peace, Love, and Pasta: Simple and Elegant Recipes from a Chef's Home Kitchen, which launched in September 2021. Conant has been a popular presence on Food Network for years, becoming a fan favorite as a recurring judge on Chopped since 2009 and frequent co-host of Beat Bobby Flay. As Chef Conant embarks on new opportunities, he looks forward to continuing to share his enduring philosophy that emphasizes the beauty of simplicity. For more information, visit ScottConant.com About "The Ponte San'gwich Shoppe and Italian Deli"The Ponte San'gwich Shoppe and Italian Deli is a wholly-owned subsidiary by Kisses From Italy and houses the new brand alliance and concept developed with Scott Conant, Food Network celebrity, two-time James Beard Award-winning chef, and cookbook author. Chef Scott Conant and his team will be taking the lead on the branding and concept development initiative in collaboration with the Kisses From Italy team. Fransmart, a worldwide industry leader in the global franchise development market and current advisor to Kisses From Italy, will play the key role of serving as the group's exclusive global franchise developer and representative.The Ponte San'gwich Shoppe & Italian Deli SM name is inspired by the tight-knit Italian community, nicknamed "Pontes," who lived in Scott's neighborhood where he was born and raised in Waterbury, Connecticut. They were a group of ex-pats from Pontelandolfo, Italy that settled in the States in the late 1930's. The camaraderie that they fostered, and many years spent around the kitchen table with family conjures up nostalgic and fond memories.About FransmartFransmart is a global leader in franchise development, selling over 5,000 franchises worldwide and turning emerging restaurant concepts into national and global brands for 20 years. Company founder Dan Rowe identified and grew brands like Five Guys Burgers & Fries, QDOBA Mexican Grill, and The Halal Guys from 1-5 unit businesses to the powerhouse chains they are today. Fransmart's current and past franchise development portfolio brands have opened thousands of restaurants globally. Fransmart and its partner brands are committed to franchise development growth. For more information, visit www.fransmart.com About Kisses From Italy Inc.Kisses From Italy Inc. is a U.S.-based restaurant chain operator, franchisor, and product distributor with locations in North America and Europe. The company offers a quick-service menu and a unique take on traditional Italian delicacies with an All-American flair. Kisses From Italy offerings include sandwiches, salads, Italian roasted coffee, coffee-related beverages, and various other products. In November 2020, Kisses From Italy launched its retail branded products for distribution stores across Canada. Currently, our products are offered in grocery stores and retail food stores.The company operates three corporate-owned stores and two franchised locations in the U.S. and Canada. It successfully commenced operations in May 2015 with its flagship location in Ft. Lauderdale at 3146 NE 9th St. The company opened its inaugural European location in Ceglie del Campo, Bari, Italy, in October 2019. In September 2019, FINRA approved our common stock for trading, and in October 2019, it approved our common stock for up-listing to the OTCQB tier of the OTC Markets Group under the ticker symbol KITL.Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release may contain forward-looking statements based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions involving risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those anticipated or expected. These risks and uncertainties are further defined in filings and reports by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commis
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HAGENS BERMAN, NATIONAL TRIAL ATTORNEYS, Encourages FMC Corporation (FMC) Investors Who Suffered Substantial Losses to Contact Firm's AttorneysSAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Hagens Berman urges FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Expanded Class Period: Nov. 1, 2022 - Oct. 30, 2023Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Jan. 8, 2024Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/FMC Contact An Attorney Now: FMC@ hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895FMC Corporation (FMC) Securities Fraud Class Action:The litigation focuses on the propriety of FMC's sales and inventory management practices, and on the sustainability of growth and financial results flowing from its patented diamide insect control products.The complaint alleges that FMC made false and misleading statements and failed to disclose that: (1) the diminishment of patent protection for FMC's flagship products following legal defeats in India, China, and Brazil key markets opened the door to increased competition from generics; and (2) FMC repeatedly misled 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.Investors began to learn the truth on July 10, 2023, when FMC slashed its Q2 2023 revenue outlook by about 30%, reduced its FY 2023 revenue outlook by over 14%, and blamed the reduced guidance on reductions in channel inventory that adversely impacted the company's sales volumes in the quarter.Then, on Sept. 7, 2023, Blue Orca published a report alleging that "FMC has concealed from investors that it has suffered a recent string of defeats around the globe that have enabled competitors to now launch competing generics at prices up to 80% below the price of FMC's flagship insecticide product[]" and "[c]ontrary to the Company's claims, FMC's process patents do not protect its flagship product from generic competition." On Oct. 23, 2023, FMC announced it was again cutting its Q3 2023 outlook and issued disappointing Q4 2023 and FY 2024 revenue guidance, blaming substantially lower sales volume in Latin America.Finally, on Oct. 30, 2023, FMC announced disappointing Q3 2023 results, including a 29% decline in revenue for the quarter, and blamed lower customer demand in Brazil and India.These events drove the price of FMC shares sharply lower and was accompanied by several analyst downgrades."We're focused on investors' losses and are investigating whether FMC may have intentionally misled investors about the strength of certain patent protections," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.If you invested in FMC 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 FMC case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding FMC Corporation 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 FMC@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens BermanHagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Attorney advertising.Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.Contact: Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-15 16:21:22

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Recognition highlights the bank's steadfast commitment to recruiting, retaining and advancing career opportunities for veterans, service members and military spouses.By Jeremy KingBIRMINGHAM, AL / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Regions Bank on Friday announced it has been designated as a 2024 Military Friendly Employer by Military Friendly, an organization that measures the commitment of companies to create professional opportunities that leverage military experience.Regions Bank is designated among Silver 2024 Military Friendly Employers. The Military Friendly Silver Designation is awarded to companies who meet the requirements and score within 20% of the 10th ranking Employer in their category. Only a select group of companies achieve this honor. Details are available at this profile."Regions recognizes the value veterans and their spouses bring to the bank by leveraging their strengths, talents, and knowledge to serve our customers and communities," said Clara Green, head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Regions Bank. "We are grateful to everyone who served in the military, and we are committed to having a military-friendly culture where all can thrive. We are extremely proud to receive this recognition again." Regions recognizes the value veterans and their spouses bring to the bank by leveraging their strengths, talents, and knowledge to serve our customers and communities.Clara Green, head of Diversity, Equity & InclusionRegions Bank has several ways it supports military friendly career opportunities. Those include:Regions established a career transition program called BRAVE - Building Regions Associate Veteran Experience - specifically for the purpose of supporting veterans and military spouses during their transitions to the civilian workforce.The bank is a member of the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), a Department of Defense career program connecting military spouses with hundreds of member employers who commit to recruit, hire, promote and retain military spouses.Regions works with the national program Hiring Our Heroes, which helps connect transitioning service members and their families with career opportunities."Organizations earning the Military Friendly Employers designation have wholeheartedly invested in comprehensive and impactful initiatives that bring about positive, life-changing results for our valued service members, dedicated military spouses, and esteemed veterans within their ranks," said Kayla Lopez, Senior Director of Military Partnerships at Military Friendly. "We salute these exemplary employers who raise the bar and understand that hiring military personnel is not merely an act of goodwill but a testament to a standard that truly embodies sound business wisdom. Their steadfast commitment to integrating military personnel into their workforce not only reflects their compassion but also underscores their business acumen." Institutions earning the Military Friendly Employer designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 1,200 companies participated in the 2024 Military Friendly survey.Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by VIQTORY with input from the Military Friendly Advisory Council of independent leaders in the military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining an organization's survey score with an assessment of the organization's ability to meet thresholds for Recruitment, New Hire Retention, Employee Turnover, and Promotion & Advancement of veterans and military employees.Regions Bank will be showcased in the 2024 Military Friendly Employers in the Winter issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com About Regions Financial CorporationRegions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $154 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates approximately 1,250 banking offices and more than 2,000 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com About Military Friendly EmployersMilitary Friendly is the standard that measures an organization's commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. Over 2,100 organizations compete annually for Military Friendly designation. Military Friendly ratings are owned by Viqtory, Inc., a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Viqtory is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the federal government. Results are produced via a rules-based algorithm. The data-driven Military Friendly lists and methodology can be found at https://www.militaryfriendly.com/mfcguide/ About VIQTORYFounded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its owned assets such as Military Spouse Magazine, Vetrepreneur, G.I. Jobs and Military Friendly brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at https://www.viqtory.com/ View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Regions Bank on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: Regions BankWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/regions-bankEmail: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Regions Bank
PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-15 20:01:50

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WALNUT CREEK, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Sydnic, LLC ("Sydnic"), a leading franchisee of Precision Garage Door Service ("Precision"), a Neighborly company brand, has announced its acquisition by SBJ Capital ("SBJ"), a private investment firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Sydnic was recently named Precision Garage Door Service Franchise Owner of the Year.SBJ Capital/Sydnic Founded by Doug Kale in 2006, Sydnic is one of the largest franchisees in the Precision system with 10 franchise locations serving the North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia markets. Sydnic technicians repair, maintain, and install residential garage doors, openers, and related equipment. All Sydnic technicians complete a proprietary training program to ensure industry-leading quality and provide same-day service in all company territories."We are thrilled to partner with SBJ as Sydnic enters its next phase of growth," said Sydnic Founder Doug Kale. "We chose to partner with SBJ due to the team's many years of consumer services and franchise experience and for their passion for partnering with founders to accelerate growth. As one of the leading operators within the Precision system, Sydnic is well-positioned to take advantage of the growing demand for home services within garage doors and beyond." "We are ecstatic that Doug selected us to help build upon Sydnic's extraordinary growth. We strive to partner with like-minded, founder-owned businesses to help them be the best in their industry and to empower them with the systems and resources to achieve that goal," said Tom Barber, Managing Director at SBJ. Porter Hall, Principal at SBJ, added, "The residential services market, including garage repair, is witnessing rapid growth driven by secular tailwinds, and our experience as investors in consumer and franchise companies positions us well to support Sydnic in continuing to deliver world-class service to its growing customer base." "We look forward to expanding our relationship with Syndic to grow our Precision Garage Door Service in key markets, along with additional Neighborly brands," said Jon Shell, interim Chief Executive Officer at Neighborly. "This acquisition is a testament from astute investors, like SBJ, to the growth potential in the residential services market, the strength of our brands, and the entire Neighborly system." Going forward, Doug Kale will serve on the board of Sydnic as Chairman, and the remaining management team will continue to lead Sydnic, including Chad Aspinwall as President.Sydnic is actively seeking to extend its relationship with Neighborly by acquiring other Precision franchises in adjacent markets, as well as franchises of other Neighborly brands in Sydnic's current and adjacent markets, to create a multi-brand residential services platform.Tree Line Capital Partners provided debt financing in support of SBJ's acquisition of Sydnic. Truist Securities, Inc. served as the exclusive financial advisor to Sydnic. O'Melveny served as legal advisor to SBJ, and K&L Gates served as legal advisor to Sydnic.To learn more about SBJ Capital, go to www.sbjcap.com Contact Information:Katelyn Wood Operations Manager katelyn@ sbjcap.com 6155873885Related FilesSydnic Press Release.pdf SOURCE: Syndic
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the Ukrainian Armed Forces cannot send enough pilots to F-16 training because "they are fighting."

"Training missions have started. So far, in my opinion, they are minimal. We want to speed this up, we need pilots for this," he said in an interview with African journalists.

"We are at war. This means that our pilots are now fighting. And this means that you must take some of them, tear off this part of the pilots and send them to study on aircraft of a different class. Therefore, the military must manage this balance specifically so as not to lose the fleet that we have," the president said.

Noting that "Russia has complete advantage in the skies," Zelenskyy said Ukrainian aviation is "at least some kind of deterrent."

He also noted the need to strengthen air defense at the front. "The air defense, which is at the front, on the battlefield, in order for your troops not to stand still, but to move forward, this means that it is necessary to reduce the presence of Russia in the sky, in our sky. Can install air defense, and they themselves will be afraid," the president said.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-15 16:31:18

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 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: 2023-11-15 16:47:29

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Medical Properties Trust, Inc. ("MPW" or the "Company") (NYSE:MPW) and certain officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and docketed under 23-cv-08597, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired MPW securities between May 23, 2023 and August 17, 2023, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act").If you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired Archer securities during the Class Period, you have until November 28, 2023 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com . To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.[Click here for information about joining the class action]MPW is a self-advised real estate investment trust that was formed to acquire and develop net-leased healthcare facilities. MPW's financing model purportedly facilitates acquisitions and recapitalizations and allows operators of hospitals to unlock the value of their real estate assets to fund facility improvements, technology upgrades, and other investments in operations.On May 23, 2023, MPW issued a press release announcing that it had entered into a recapitalization transaction (the "Recap Transaction") with Prospect Medical Holdings, Inc. ("Prospect"), a health care management services organization. Pursuant to the Recap Transaction, in relevant part, MPW would take an equity stake in Prospect's managed care business, PHP Holdings, LLC ("PHP"), in lieu of a cash payment of outstanding loans and accrued but unpaid rent and interest owed by Prospect to MPW.As a result of PHP's involvement in the deal, the Recap Transaction was subject to regulatory approval by the Department of Managed Health Care of the Health and Human Services Agency of the State of California ("DMHC"), the regulatory body responsible for governing managed health care plans in California. On July 20, 2023, the DMHC issued an order (the "DMHC Order") putting the Recap Transaction on hold in order to obtain further information from the Company. Despite the foregoing, MPW elected not to disclose the DMHC Order to MPW shareholders when the Company reported its Q2 2023 results on August 8, 2023 or in its quarterly report filed with the SEC on August 9, 2023. Instead, MPW continued to tout the benefits of the Recap Transaction by stating that the deal had boosted the Company's revenueThe truth regarding the Recap Transaction's approval status was revealed on August 18, 2023 when the Wall Street Journal ("WSJ") published an article entitled "Cracks Deepen for America's Biggest Hospital Landlord: Struggling Tenants, a Bailout on Hold" (the "WSJ Article"). The WSJ, which had obtained a copy of the DMHC Order and other documents from the DMHC under California's Public Records Act, discussed the DMHC's decision to halt the Recap Transaction and the negative impact MPW and Prospect could each experience if the deal is permanently rejected.That same day, MPW issued a press release responding to the WSJ Article, in which the Company downplayed the DMHC Order as a "standard, expected, and non-controversial part of the approval process for [the Recap Transaction]" and attempted to excuse the Company's non-disclosure of the DMHC Order to shareholders by stating that the "DMHC's request was deemed immaterial to [MPW's] financials and thus did not require disclosure." Despite MPW's attempts to reassure investors, following publication of the WSJ Article, MPW's stock price fell $0.57 per share, or 7.6%, to close at $6.93 per share on August 18, 2023.The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) the Recap Transaction was subject to regulatory approval and had in fact been placed on hold by the DMHC; (ii) accordingly, MPW had misrepresented the regulatory process for the Recap Transaction's approval; (iii) as a result of the foregoing, MPW overstated the approval prospects and benefits of the Recap Transaction; and (iv) as a result, the Company's public statements regarding the Recap Transaction were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.On August 18, 2023, the Wall Street Journal published an article entitled "Cracks Deepen for America's Biggest Hospital Landlord: Struggling Tenants, a Bailout on Hold".That same day, MPW issued a press release responding to the WSJ Article, in which the Company downplayed the DMHC Order as a "standard, expected, and non-controversial part of the approval process for [the Recap Transaction]" and attempted to excuse the Company's non-disclosure of the DMHC Order to shareholders by stating that the "DMHC's request was deemed immaterial to [MPW's] financials and thus did not require disclosure." Despite MPW's attempts to reassure investors, following publication of the WSJ Article, MPW's stock price fell $0.57 per share, or 7.6%, to close at $6.93 per share on August 18, 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.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
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Craveworthy Brands & The Budlong team are ready to share the brand's southern-style chicken with fans in DFW. This marks the first location for The Budlong outside of Chicago.DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / The Budlong Southern Chicken, the Nashville hot chicken brand defying the status quo of uninspiring chicken joints, is about to wow a whole new legion of fans as parent company Craveworthy Brands targets November 15, 2023 as the opening date of their new corporate-owned store in Irving, Texas.The Budlong now in DFW Situated on the grounds of the Toyota Music Factory, the iconic venue at 316 W Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, TX 75039, The Budlong will be a part of the lively retail and restaurant area of the property located on the Las Colinas Blvd. Ample parking is available on-site for guests dining in or picking up. The hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The restaurant will extend their hours on event days. Fans can walk in, call ahead, or order online at thebudlong.com or third-party delivery sites: Door Dash, Uber Eats and GrubHub."The Budlong is by far a leader in the chicken category, and we can't wait to open our doors in Irving to get more fans excited about the brand and our southern chicken experience," said Gregg Majewski, CEO of Craveworthy Brands. "Awareness is what this brand needs more than anything, and our location at the Toyota Music Factory is the perfect fit for the spirit of our brand and the fan base we serve. The Budlong experience has thrived in Chicago, and we're now ready for bigger markets like Dallas." The Budlong is a powerhouse of southern flavor offering chicken sandwiches, tenders, salads, popcorn chicken, sides, and desserts, including homemade Banana Pudding. All chicken is locally sourced, seasoned and hand-pressed in our propriety breading. There's no other southern-style hot chicken concept with the flavor profile, chef-inspired ingredients, and the quick-serve atmosphere fans want. The location at Irving, TX, is planning to offer a full bar once the liquor license is processed and issued.Grand Opening events and promotions are being planned. The brand asks fans to visit our website, www.thebudlong.com , and follow us on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook to get the latest news and updates.About The Budlong Southern ChickenFrom our humble roots in Chicaglando to the bright lights of the big stage, The Budlong Hot Chicken embodies the spirit of rock and the soul of southern homestyle cooking. With a perfect balance of heat and flavor, our signature hot chicken has earned us a reputation for electrifying tastebuds. Whether you like it mild or so-hot-you-cry, The Budlong has the signature scratch-made sauces and rubs that'll make fans scream for an encore. Our hot chicken masterpiece is always prepared fast, fresh and deliciously simple with unbeatable quality at an unbeatable price.Contact InformationJustin Egan press@ craveworthybrands.com (860) 595-2496SOURCE: Craveworthy Brands
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ORLANDO, FL / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Last week the 2nd Annual Pizza Tomorrow Summit and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show sponsored by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association brought together thousands of movers and shakers in the restaurant, pizza, foodservice, and lodging industries to source new products from hundreds of exhibiting companies, gain knowledge from subject matter experts in dozens of education sessions and enjoy several culinary competitions. The trade shows were held for the first time together at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL."We were thrilled with the great energy and excitement that was created on the expanded exhibit floors. By bringing these two incredible industry events together we were able to nearly triple the size of the event and provide the exhibitors with a high quality and quantity of buyer attendees," said Glenn Celentano, Partner, Restaurant Events LLC, new owners of the event. "'We thank the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, the US Pizza Team as well as all our exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, attendees, media partners, and supporting organizations who helped to make the events a huge success." For access to photos, click here.The combined expanded exhibit halls featured hundreds of leading vendors occupying 450 booths providing demonstrations and sampling of products and services. Exhibitors were extremely pleased with the event.Rey Santos, Marketing Director, Premium Blend commented, "My sales director said that out of his 30+ years of experience at trade shows he never saw a booth as busy as Premium Blend's booth. We have gotten some solid leads, new customers, and old customers to purchase new products. Overall, it was an amazing show for Premium Blend."Chef Luca Donofrio, culinary director of RCN Imports Inc. said, "Great to be in the sunshine state for a killer roundup of pizza pros. There are so few shows of this size to focus on pizza making so when it's on you do not want to miss it."Carlos Santiago with Skytab/Shift4 said, "Another successful event #SkyTab stays present and dominate. Thank you FRLS for this amazing event. Great show, amazing exhibitors, and a lot of pizza."Mike Turmel with Meazureup said, "Great time at the FRLS! Looking forward to working with all the new companies we met this week."Billy with Manzo Pizza said, "Pizza summit is about building relationships. It's just like building a pizza, each time you put a different topping on a pizza it's like building a team which makes for a great Pizza Summit. The show was a huge success."The Culinary Innovation Theater, sponsored by Ser.vi , the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Central Florida Chapter and UberEats, featured demonstrations by local chefs from the ACF Central Florida Chapter including Hari Pulapaka, PhD, Jason Lynn, Keith Keogh, Nora Galdiano and Christopher Tanner. Congratulations to Chef Ken James from Orlando-based My Plates on Deck who won $1,000 and the title Rapid-Fire Challenge Champion for his Cajun Crab Cake. The competition was judged by Master Chef Shaun O'Neale who was joined by Kate Reed and Philip Marro from the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival.On Thursday, November 9, Rachel Duncan from Pineapples Restaurant in Melbourne, FL won the Hip Sip: Battle of the Modern Bartender Competition. The competition was sponsored by Savage & Cooke Distillery and judged by Art Sutley, Hospitality & Nightlife Expert, Savage & Cooke Distillery; and Bar Rescue's Mia Mastroianni, and Phil Wills, The Spirits in Motion. Rachel won a trip to the Savage & Cooke Distillery, which includes airfare, 2-night accommodation in Napa, a tour of the distillery and a meet & greet with the master distiller.The '23 Galbani Professionale Pizza Cup & Acrobatic Trials (GPPC) crowned a new champion from 26 talented pizzaioli who competed. Congratulations to Niles Peacock of Niles Peacock Kitchen & Bar in Edmond, Wash. Peacock took home the grand prize title as well as a trip to Parma, Italy to compete in the Campionato Mondiale della Pizza in April 2025. Daniel Saccone of Saccone's Pizza & Subs in Austin Tex. took home 2nd place overall in the GPPC, using a cheese pizza off his menu, followed by Dustin Finnegan of The NONA slice house in Safety Harbor, Fla.On Thursday, November 9 the '23 Galbani Professionale Pizza Cup and Acrobatic Trials showcased 10 of the country's best pizza athletes in categories ranging from Largest Dough Stretch to Fastest Pie maker, Fastest Box Folder and the visually stunning Freestyle Acrobatics. The winners were:Freestyle Acrobatics: 1st prize went to McKenna Carney, The NONA slice house, Safety Harbor, Fla.; 2nd place to Wilhelm Rodriguez, Papa's Pizza, Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico; and 3rd place to Matt Hickey, Caliente Pizza & Drafthouse Pittsburgh, Penn.Largest Dough Stretch: 1st place to Matt Hickey, 34.125"; 2nd place to Wilhelm Rodriguez, 32"; and 3rd place to Kevin Knott, The Nona Slice House, 28.75"Fastest Pie Maker: 1st place went to David Whisker, B.C. Pizza of Boyne, Boyne City, Mich., 33.28 sec.; 2nd place to Joey Streeter, The Nona Slice House, 40.88 sec.; and 3rd place to Wilhelm Rodriguez, 43.31 sec.Fastest Box Folder: 1st place went to David Whisker, 20.72 sec.; 2nd place to Justin Adams, Sicily Pizza & Restaurant, Nazareth, Penn., 24.44 sec.; and 3rd place to Matt Hickey, 31.85 sec.The following sponsors made the Pizza Tomorrow Summit competitions possible: Galbani Professionale US, The Pizza Tomorrow Summit, Fiero, Gi.Metal , MFG Tray (Molded Fiber Glass Tray),@ Grain Craft, Margherita Meats, Palazzolo's Cheese Hog and Lillsun Peels. The team is also sponsored by REAL CALIFORNIA MILK, La Nova Wings, Burkett Restaurant Equipment & Supplies, Univex Corporation, Perfect Crust Pizza Liners, and PMQ Pizza.Thirty education sessions, many standing-room only, provided actionable solutions and ideas, from industry subject matter experts focused on People, Process and New Technology; How to Lease Restaurant Space; Growing Your Restaurant Through your Chamber of Commerce, Building a Team, How to Recognize Talent and Develop Leaders and much more. In addition, dozens of restaurant professionals participated in the Restaurant Management 201 Workshop. This brand-new workshop guided the entire management team through the process of becoming a cohesive team with strong leadership. Darren Denington and Alison Anne provided the knowledge, skills, and systems needed for a team to properly run a business' daily operations, while still having the time and focus to manage the business details that will drive you to success.The Florid
PR-Inside.com: 2023-11-15 22:15:14

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Top Five Conveyor Car Wash Company Expands Footprint in Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and South CarolinaTHOMASTON, GA / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Tidal Wave Auto Spa, one of the nation's fastest-growing express car wash companies, is pleased to announce the opening of six brand-new locations this week in New Port Richey, FL, Salina, KS, Somerset, KY, Clarksville, TN, Clinton, TN, and Cheraw, SC.To celebrate the Grand Openings, the newest Tidal Wave locations are offering eight days of free car washes from November 15-November 22. This limited-time promotion provides an opportunity for car owners living in-and-around these communities to experience Tidal Wave's premium wash option, Graph-X4, at no cost. Additionally, any new customer that joins a Clean Club unlimited wash membership plan during Grand Opening week at these locations will enjoy their first month of unlimited washes for only $9.97 - for savings up to $40."We're excited to open six brand-new washes this week," said founder and CEO Scott Blackstock. "Each of these locations are built with our industry-leading car wash technology to provide customers with the ultimate car wash experience that is easy, efficient, and enjoyable. We've been working to expand our footprint in each of these five states and look forward to our continued growth in the future. We've opened 20 new locations so far this quarter, and we don't have any plans to slow down as we approach the end of the year." Tidal Wave Auto Spa was founded in 1999 by Scott and Hope Blackstock in Thomaston, GA. In the years since, the company has earned its reputation as an industry leader, known for their cutting-edge car care technology, pristine locations, and dedication to delivering an exceptional car wash experience to every customer. The company offers single wash options and unlimited wash memberships to fit any budget, and customers planning to wash more than once a month can save money by joining any of Tidal Wave's Clean Club unlimited wash membership options.New Port Richey, FL Location: 5136 Little Rd, New Port Richey, FL 34655Salina, KS Location: 2351 S 9th St, Salina, KS 67401Somerset, KY Location: 2350 S Hwy 27, Somerset, KY 42501Clarksville, TN Location: 1768 Madison St, Clarksville, TN 37043Clinton, TN Location: 120 Doe Run Blvd, Clinton, TN 37716Cheraw, SC Location: 970 Chesterfield Hwy, Cheraw, SC 29520Tidal Wave Auto Spa currently has 13 Florida locations, six Kansas locations, eight Kentucky locations, nineteen Tennessee locations, and nineteen South Carolina locations, with plans for continued growth in each state in the future. For more information, please visit: https://www.tidalwaveautospa.com/ About Tidal Wave Auto SpaTidal Wave Auto Spa is an industry-leading conveyor car wash company founded in 1999 by Scott and Hope Blackstock in Thomaston, GA. Tidal Wave is committed to providing cutting-edge car care technology and exceptional customer service at each of their 210 locations operating in 23 states across the South, Midwest, and Northern United States. In 2020, Tidal Wave partnered with Golden Gate Capital to facilitate their accelerated growth across the country. Tidal Wave is one of the top five conveyor car wash companies in the country and has been included in the Inc. 5000 list for America's Fastest Growing Companies since 2020. The company was recognized as a 2023 Champion of Charity Honoree by Professional Carwashing & Detailing and has raised over $3 million dollars for organizations in their communities.Contact InformationHeather Coleman Marketing Manager media@ tidalwaveautospa.com Andrea Traylor Senior Director of Digital Marketing andrea.traylor@tidalwaveautospa.com 2058212220SOURCE: Tidal Wave Auto Spa
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REYKJAVIK, ICELAND / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / GreenBank Capital Inc. (CSE:GBC)(OTC PINK:GRNBF)(FRA:2TL) ("GreenBank" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Staminier Ltd. ("Staminier") has today signed a Head of Terms initiating the sale of The Substantia Group Limited ("The Substantia Group") to its previous owner. The Company is also pleased to announce a new non-brokered private placement offering raising up to $ C1.25 million and a proposed debt conversion approximately to C$700.000 in Company debt.Staminier signs Head of Terms with Substantia Acquisitions and seeks extension of Convertible Debt.Staminier Ltd, in which the Company holds a 48.5% stake, has on the 15th November 2023 signed Heads of Terms ("HoT") with Substantia Acquisitions Ltd. ("Substantia") to sell The Substantia Group back to Substantia, its prior owner for total consideration of $1.027.399.The HoT, which reflects Staminier's strategic priorities and commitment to enhancing shareholder value, contemplates:The transfer by the buyer to Staminier of 18,847,970 shares at $0.05 total of $942.399 in Greenbank Capital, Inc. (GBC).The transfer by the buyer to Staminier 1,000,000 shares at $0.085 total of $85.000 in Ubique Minerals Ltd (UBQ), a Canadian Securities Exchange-listed entity.The parties aim to execute the Share Sale Agreement (SSA) within 30 days.The execution of the HoT is the first step in completing the sale of The Substantia Group and aimed at consolidating Staminier's position and focusing its core business strategy. The HoT are conditional upon achieving a definitive binding agreement, customary regulatory approvals and, if determined to be necessary, the consent of Staminier's lenders.Staminier has also confirmed that it has informed the Future Fund (operated by the British Business Bank) that it plans to request an extension of the Convertible Loan Agreement (the "CLA") with the Future Fund, the Company, and another lender, as is permitted under the existing loan agreement. Such an extension is conditional on, amongst other things, the agreement of the Future Fund. Staminier's management has indicated that if the extension can be obtained it will be committed to diligently pursuing the conversion of the extended loans into equity during that period. While this outcome is the goal, it will require Staminier to raise a material amount by way of the issue of new equity.Staminier has confirmed to the Company that it is committed to transparency throughout these processes.The Company is committed to hold it's 48.5% stake in Staminier Ltd.Private Placement and Debt Conversion.The company is planning to offer a non-brokered $1,250,000 private placement offering (the "Offering") of 25,000,000 units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.05 per Unit, each Unit being comprised of one common share and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one Greenbank common share at an exercise price of C$0.075 for a term of 2 years from its date of issuance.The Company also proposes to complete a debt settlement (the "Debt Conversion") with certain of its creditors by issuing them Units having the same terms as those issued in the Offering. The Company anticipates eliminating approximately $700,000 in debt pursuant to the Debt Settlement, including debt owed to its current and past directors and officers and Staminier. This is a part of the restructuring of the Company towards being debt free and an aggressive supporter of its investments. As part of these arrangements, Staminier has signed agreements to settle (in exchange for the issue of Units) $245,000 of debt owed by it to previous CEO, Terry Pullen, and companies owned or controlled by him. Staminier has also agreed not to demand repayment of the balance of the debt owed by GreenBank to it until no sooner than the date on which the convertible debt owed by Staminier to GreenBank under the CLA either becomes payable on demand or is converted into equity. Under the terms of the CLA it is not permissible for the two debts to be set off against each other until the CLA debt becomes repayable.The Company expects to close the Offering and Debt Conversion in one or more tranches, with the first tranche expected to close on or before 30th November 2023.The debt conversions with present and past directors and officers and companies owned or controlled by them will be a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101. The Company will be 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 per cent of the market capitalization of the Company, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101. The Company will not be filing a material change report in respect of the related party transaction at least 21 days before the closing of the Offering and Debt Conversion, a decision which the Company deems reasonable in the circumstances as to be able to avail itself of the proceeds of the Offering in an expeditious manner.Suni Iron ProjectThe company is please to announce that the previously announced on 17th October 2023 purchase of the Suni Iron project has been completed.Resignation of CFOThe Company announces that Miles Nagamatsu has resigned from his position as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Nagamatsu for his dedicated service to the Company over a number of years and are pleased that he will remain associated with the Company as a consultant.During the interim period, Pete Wanner, a Director and the Chairman of the Audit Committee, will fulfill the responsibilities of CFO. Mr. Wanner brings over 25 years of expertise to this role, ensuring robust oversight of our financial reporting, audit processes, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.The search for a new permanent CFO is underway, and we are committed to a smooth transition to sustain the integrity of our financial operations.Vilhjalmur Thor Vilhjalmsson CEO and Chairman of the Company commented "Our strategic moves, including the private placement and the restructuring of our debt, mark a pivotal step towards fortifying GreenBank's financial foundation. Staminier's return of The Substantia Group to its original stewardship allows us to realign with our core investment strategies, ensuring long-term growth and shareholder value. We acknowledge Miles Nagamatsu's significant contributions as CFO and wish him all the best in new endeavors." About GreenBankGreenBank is a business-transformation fi
As part of efforts to bolster the well-being and general health care delivery in its host communities, Dangote Cement Plc Ibese has donated multi-million Naira worth of medical items to Ibese Public Health Centre in Ogun State.

The donation which was part of the activities marking the 2023 Dangote Sustainability Week included items such as mattresses, wheelchairs, drip stands, sphygmomanometers, infrared thermometers, solar lamps, and baby cots, amongst others.

According to the Ibese Plant management, the donation, which was received by the leaders and members of the Ibese community, led by Tajudeen Adewuyi, the Somofe of Ibeseland, and officials of Yewa North Local Government, Ogun State led by Babatunde Sheteolu, reflected Dangote Cement Plcs commitment to improving the health and well-being of members of its host communities.

Speaking during the presentation, Dangote Cement Plant Ibese Sustainability Lead, Annabelle Umoetuk, explained that the items donated were decided upon following the needs assessment carried out to determine what is lacking at the health centre and the provision of the items would surely improve the delivery of medical services to the people.

She pledged that the Cement Plant would continue to partner with the stakeholders for the development of the local communities.

In their response, the representatives of the Ibese community and the local government thanked Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese for the donation and gave assurance that the donated items would be deployed for the benefit of the people of the community.

They described Dangote Cement, Ibese plant, as a trusted and worthy partner which has been living up to the expectations of the people of the host community and also promised that the people would reciprocate by ensuring peace and tranquillity continue to reign in the area.

This years sustainability week with the theme Sustainable Production and Production- the Dangote Way offered employees of the plant the opportunity to volunteer in various projects to impact the people and the environment positively.

One such was a medical outreach for the Ibese community in collaboration with Novia Hospital which afforded community people the chance to undergo medical checks and get medical advice from a team of professionals that were on the ground. The company also used the avenue to deepen relationship with the locals for improved bonding to foster peaceful co-existence.

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The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Wednesday urged the organised labour to call off their nationwide strike which began on Tuesday.

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) embarked on the strike on Tuesday to protest against the attack on the NLC president, Joe Ajaero, in Imo State on 1 November.

Mr Ribadu, in a statement by theHead of Strategic Communications in the NSA office, Zakari Mijinyawa, expressed concerns over the implications of the ongoing strike, but assured the striking workers that some of the attackers of the NLC president had been arrested.

He also said the matter was being investigated and that the outcome of the prove would be made public.

The NSA is particularly worried about the implications of the strike action on the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians and its potential impact on economic security and other strategic national interests.

As attested by the NLC leadership, the NSA immediately intervened on learning about the travails of the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joseph Ajero who was assaulted in Owerri, Imo State.

The NSA regrets the incident and condemns it in its entirety as it was against the rule of law and the principles of freedom of association and expression subscribed to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration.

The Federal Government will never condone such an act.

As a fallout of the incident relevant authorities were directed to conduct thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the assault and bring to book the culprits, the statement read, in part.

Assuring the NLC justice in the case, Mr Ribadu, on behalf of the federal government, on Wednesday, appeals to the labour leadership to call off the current strike action and allow the dialogue process underway to be exhausted.

Background

Some thugs and police officers had reportedly on 1 November attacked Mr Ajaero and other members of the NLC who had assembled at the union secretariat in Owerri, the Imo State capital, ahead of a planned protest against the state government.

The workers said the protest was imperative because the Imo State Government reneged on its agreements with them. They said their protest was against non-payment of workers salaries for months and arbitrary sacking of workers in the state, an allegation Governor Hope Uzodinma has denied.

The national leadership of the NLC later alleged that Mr Ajaero was arrested by police operatives in the state.

The union also accused the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, of mobilising the thugs and the officers to attack the NLC president to frustrate the planned protest in the state.

But the police later denied arresting Mr Ajaero, saying they only placed him in protective custody to shield him from attack by the thugs.

On his part, Governor Uzodinma blamed Mr Ajaero for his alleged partisanship in the state.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had assured of an investigation into the case ahead of the 11 November governorship election which held in the state.

Mr Egbetokun also redeployed the commissioner of police, Mohammed Barde, on whose watch the attack took place.

Not satisfied with the action so far taken on the attack on the NLC president, the organised labour, on Tuesday, embarked on a nationwide strike to further press for justice for him.

The federal government, through the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, on Friday obtained a court order to stop the strike. But the workers defied the court order to begin the strike on Tuesday.

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The national leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has listed six conditions that must be met before labour unions in the country will call off their ongoing indefinite strike.

It listed the six conditions in a post via its official X handle (formerly known as Twitter) on Tuesday.

The NLC said, first, Chinasa Nwaneri, a special adviser to the Imo governor on special duties who allegedly led the attack on the NLC president and other workers in the state must be arrested and prosecuted.

The union also said all police officers as well as thugs involved in the attack on the labour leader should be arrested, prosecuted and dismissed.

It also demanded the arrest, prosecution and dismissal of the Chief Security Officer in Imo State Government House simply identified as SP Shaba.

He led, participated and provided cover for thugs to brutalise workers in Imo State, the NLC alleged.

Another condition given by the labour union was the arrest, persecution and dismissal of an unnamed police area commander who it said supervised the brutalisation of the NLC president and other workers in the state.

The sixth condition for peace was that the former Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Ahmed Barde, must be investigated and prosecuted for his alleged involvement in the assault of the NLC chief.

Our demands are simple. We want justice, the group wrote in the X post.

Background

The NLC, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and its affiliates including the Academic Staff Union of Universities, on Tuesday, began a nationwide strike, in defiance of a restraining court order barring them from embarking on the industrial action.

The two major labour unions, NLC and TUC, had declared the strike, to protest 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 NLC also accused the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, of mobilising the thugs and the officers to attack the NLC president to frustrate the planned protest in the state.

But the police later denied arresting Mr Ajaero, saying they only placed him in protective custody to shield him from attack by the thugs.

In his first comments, Governor Uzodinma blamed Mr Ajaero for his alleged partisanship in the state.

The unions on Monday directed its members to down tools across the country from Tuesday, despite a restraining order issued by the National Industrial Court, in Abuja, on Friday, stopping the labour unions from embarking on the strike.

NSA Wades In

On Wednesday, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, waded into the crisis. He called on the labour unions to end the strike and announced that some suspects who assaulted the labour leader have been arrested.

The outcome of the investigation will be made public as soon as it is concluded, Zakari Mijinyawa, the NSAs spokesperson said in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES.

As attested by the NLC leadership, the NSA immediately intervened upon learning about the travails of the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joseph Ajaero who was assaulted in Owerri, Imo State.

The NSA regrets the incident and condemns it in its entirety as it was against the rule of law and the principles of freedom of association and expression subscribed to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration, Mr Mijinwaya wrote.

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Nigerias organised labour has suspended its nationwide strike, which began on Tuesday.

The Joint National Executive Council of the two leading labour unions which declared the strike  the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC)  announced the suspension of the industrial action at the end of a meeting Wednesday evening.

The development came a few hours after the labour leaders listed six demands and subsequently met with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

The meeting was held at the instance of Mr Ribadu, who earlier in a statement on Wednesday appealed to the labour unions to call off the strike to give room for negotiations.

The NLC, TUC and their affiliates had declared the strike against the background of the attack on the NLC president, Joe Ajaero, in Owerri, the Imo State capital, on 1 November.

The unions accused the Imo State government and the police in the state of sponsoring thugs and giving them a cover to brutalise Mr Ajaero.

The NLC president was attacked and brutalised while preparing to lead a protest against the Imo State government over alleged non-payment of civil servants salaries for months and inhumane treatment of some government workers in the state.

In their demand list which they released Wednesday, the labour unions demanded that justice be done with respect to Mr Ajaeros attack for the strike to be called off.

Among their six requests were demands for investigation, prosecution and dismissal of government and police officials involved in the attack on Mr Ajaero.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting with the NSA on Wednesday, TUC president, Festus Osifo, said the federal government, through Mr Ribadu, had given assurance to meet their demands.

Resolution

The labour unions in a joint statement on Wednesday signed by the NLC, General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, and the TUC, General Secretary, Nuhu Toro, said: This suspension is intended to facilitate further discussions after the federal government had met our crucial demands to address the distressing abduction and brutalization of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and others.

These incidents occurred at the hands of the Police and Governor Hope Uzodimmas thugs in Owerri, Imo State, on the 1st day of November 2023.

The unions noted that an apology was tendered on behalf of the government by the NSA, who promised to coordinate the investigation.

Some of the perpetrators have been arrested, and we were given high assurances that all others will be fished out and prosecuted.

High-powered investigation is currently being carried out and the leadership of the labour centres will be briefed continuously as progress is being made.

We extend our commendation and salute to all affiliates and state councils for their unwavering commitment and tenacity, which contributed to the success of the nationwide strike.

Therefore, all affiliates and State councils of both the NLC and TUC are hereby directed to demobilize, cease any further escalation of the indefinite strike action, and fully resume work tomorrow, Thursday, the 16th day of November 2023, the unions said.

Background

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 on 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.

Meanwhile, the presidency called the strike an illegal and unwarranted act, describing it as a blackmail of 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 200 million people over a personal matter involving the NLC President.

On Monday, the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation similarly advised the unions against the strike, asking them to respect the subsisting court order, which it said had been served on them.

The office urged the unions not to embark on what it described as a contemptuous act after being served with the court order.

PREMIUM TIMES reported partial compliance with the strike directive of the leadership of the unions by workers in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and across states on Tuesday.

As compliance deepened on Wednesday, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, waded into the crisis. He called on the labour unions to end the strike and announced that some suspects who assaulted the labour leader have been arrested.

The outcome of the investigation will be made public as soon as it is concluded, Zakari Mijinyawa, the NSAs spokesperson said in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES.

READ ALSO: Reps move to end labour strike

As attested by the NLC leadership, the NSA immediately intervened upon learning about the travails of the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joseph Ajaero who was assaulted in Owerri, Imo State.

The NSA regrets the incident and condemns it in its entirety as it was against the rule of law and the principles of freedom of association and expression subscribed to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration, Mr Mijinwaya wrote.

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Kuleba welcomes Czech govt decision to freeze Russian state assets, calls on other countries to follow this example

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed gratitude to the Czech Republic for the "principled step," the decision to freeze all Russian state assets and called on other countries to follow this example.

"Czech Republic has just frozen all Russian state assets. I applaud this principled step and thank my counterpart and friend Jan Lipavsky. All countries that haven't yet done so should follow suit. Russian money should be used for Ukraine's recovery instead of murder and destruction," Kuleba wrote on X (Twitter).

Earlier, Czech Foreign Minister Lipavsky said the Czech government supported his proposal to freeze all Russian state assets.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has again spoken on his rift with Joe Ajaero, the national president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

Background

There was an uproar in the state on 1 November when some thugs and police officers reportedly attacked Mr Ajaero and other members of the NLC who had assembled at the unions council secretariat ahead of a planned protest against the state government.

The workers said the protest was imperative because the Imo State Government reneged on its agreements with them, most notably the accord agreement on 9 January 2021 among others.

The national leadership of the NLC later alleged that Mr Ajaero was arrested by police operatives in the state.

The union also accused the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, of mobilising the thugs and the officers to attack the NLC president to frustrate the planned protest in the state.

But the police denied arresting Mr Ajaero, saying they only placed him in protective custody to shield him from attack by the thugs.

In his first comment, Governor Uzodinma blamed Mr Ajaero for his alleged partisanship in the state.

What has happened in this ugly coincidence is that the national president of the Nigeria Labour Congress is from Imo state and has not been able to demarcate the difference between being a national leader of an organisation and then an interested party in local politics, Mr Uzodinma said at the presidential villa earlier this month in Abuja.

The NLC, on Tuesday, embarked on an indefinite strike to protest the assault on its president. Other affiliate groups have joined the industrial action to show solidarity with the NLC.

My grouse with the NLC president

While addressing Imo State Council of Elders who visited him at the Government House, Owerri on Tuesday to congratulate him for his re-election, Mr Uzodinma described the rift with the NLC president as a politically-sponsored antagonism.

The governor said his government regrets any assault meted out to the NLC president in the state.

But, at the same time, I condemn in its entirety, the attempt by the president of Nigeria Labour Congress to take the leadership of Imo State for granted, Mr Uzodinma said without giving details.

The governor said Mr Ajaero, who hails from the state, should use his position as the NLC president to benefit the state and not otherwise.

He said as the governor of Mr Ajaeros home state, he deserved to be officially informed by Mr Ajaero that he had been elected president of the NLC.

Not even one visit, not even one phone call to the governor of the state. Rather, he came in here (Imo) holding nocturnal meetings with (my) political opponents. Thats not acceptable and government must not be cowed by any non-state actor.

I will not submit to that. I can never be intimidated, he declared.

The governor said, contrary to claims, his administration has been paying salaries of 98 per cent of workers in the state promptly, adding that he paid about 24 months salary arrears of judges on assumption of office.

Imo State Government is not owing any worker. The two per cent of workers that were not being paid had discrepancies. Some of them before this time were transferred from one department to another department.

And they were receiving salaries from where they left and where they went to. Some of them were not existing, (and) never existed. And those ones were offloaded because we applied bio metrics, Mr Uzodinma said.

And we gave up to nine months to every civil servant who is not receiving his or her salary to come forward. Those who came forward and made some strong genuine cases, were admitted into our payroll, the governor added.

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The Senate says it is looking at the possibility of privatising the Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST) for optimal performance.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Sani Musa, said this at an interactive session on 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).

The Postmaster General of the Federation, Tola Odeyemi, who appeared before the committee to defend her agencys 2024 -2026 input in the MTEF, FSP had angered the senators, when she said her agency projected N18 billion as personnel cost for the 16,000 NIPOST workers across the country.

Mr Musa who said the impact of NIPOST across the country was not being felt, rhetorically asked why it would increase its personnel cost from N13 billion in 2023 to N18 billion for 2024.

The explanation of the Postmaster General that the increment was due to recent increase in personnel cost of NIPOST occasioned by federal governments payment of peculiar allowance to workers did not appease members of the committee.

Ireti Kingibe (LP-FCT) said NIPOST as a partially funded agency needed to be a vibrant postal agency.

NIPOST should not be scrapped but should be turned to a revenue generating agency.

The only thing is that the agency was stuck in the 19th century analogue operation instead of migrating to digital service for efficient services.

There is nothing stopping NIPOST to digitalise their offices across the country to offer electronic services for Nigerians, deliver government services at all local government areas and even engage in financial services.

Osita Izunaso, however, argued that NIPOST as it is currently structured, should not be encouraged, if the country was interested in generating revenue to fund its annual budgets.

Mr Musa consequently asked the Chief Executive Officer of NIPOST to forward to the committee, details of her business plan to reposition the agency to a highly revenue generating agency.

READ ALSO: NIPOST staff optimistic as new PMG Odeyemi assumes office

NIPOST should have been fully privatised before now because nobody is feeling their impact anywhere in the country.

We are ready to recommend to the Senate in plenary, full privatisation of the NIPOST except the Postmaster General convince us otherwise.

The CEO of NIPOST should forward to the secretariat of our committee details of her business model on how the agency would be generating adequate revenues for the country through creative ideas.

Failure to do this would leave the Senate with no other option than to recommend the full privatisation of NIPOST, Mr Musa said.

(NAN)

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A group, APC Renewed Hope Integrity Network (ARHIN), has described as fictitious, bizarre and scandalous media reports insinuating that Dauda Lawal, the Governor of Zamfara State, singlehandedly sponsored the legal team of Atiku Abubakar, the presidential flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in his quest to verify the academic records of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with the Chicago State University.

The Supreme Court recently upheld the decision of the presidential election tribunal that unanimously affirmed the victory of President Tinubu in the 25 February election thus bringing to an end all litigations regarding the election.

In a press release signed and made available to journalists in Abuja by the groups National Coordinator, Danjuma Umar, on Tuesday, the group insisted that those behind the allegation that Mr Lawal sponsored the legal team of Atiku are nothing but clout chasers working for some disgraced politicians in Tinubus government who are currently under investigation for fraudulent activities and must not be taken seriously.

This sham of a media story trying to tie Dauda Lawal with the Chicago State University certificate saga is nothing but a vain attempt to create animosity between Mr President and Governor Dauda Lawal by certain politicians from Zamfara State who hope to use their current positions under the Tinubu administration to alienate the governor and, in the process, evade accountability for their crimes, a part of the statement read.

The group dismissed as hilarious, attempts to implicate Mr Lawal in Tinubus travails as he fought to exonerate himself from the legal battles surrounding the authenticity of his certificate from the Chicago State University, arguing that, There is no transaction receipt or evidence indicating that such payments were made and since Atiku Abubakar himself is a self-made businessman, it is only a work of mischief to insinuate that he got broke and needed a sponsor.

Who sponsored Atikus legal battles before the arrival of Dauda Lawal on the political scene? Is Dauda the only PDP Governor in Nigeria? These are questions for those who feel that by tarnishing Daudas image and relationship with the President, they can get away with their fraud, the statement added.

The group equally described as laughable, the barefaced lie Governor Lawal sponsored the legal team of Atiku Abubakar to prove his worth as a newcomer in the field of politics, adding that how else can an opposition politician prove his worth more than defeating an incumbent Governor with all the state resources at his disposal. For the avoidance of doubt, Dauda does not need to prove his worth to anybody. He has already shown the people of Zamfara State that he is a worthy leader and has already started delivering people-oriented leadership. He has gone after corruption to recover stolen property and funds from the rightful owners. That alone is proof enough of his competency, character and integrity, the release added.

The statement said that as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr Lawal has every right to comment on issues of national importance and even if he called for the resignation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over allegations of certificate forgery, which he never did, he will only be exercising his freedom of speech and voicing his opinion as a leader. The Nigerian constitution frowns at forgery, and those found wanting cannot be trusted with public office. It was not wrong for Atiku Abubakar to seek legal clarification, and those who supported him should not be seen as targets for cheap blackmail. 

Plot to block Governor Lawal from having access to Tinubu uncovered

Meanwhile, the group said it has unravelled a plot by Bello Matawalle, minister of state for defence, and his cohorts to disconnect Zamfara State from the centre by blocking Mr Lawal from having access to the President.

This move, the group insisted, is not just callous but highly inimical to the development and welfare of the good people of Zamfara State who are just recovering from state-sponsored insecurity and poverty by the past administration of Matawalle and his bedfellows.

ALSO READ: Zamfara govt accuses Matawalle of wasting billion on abandoned hotel project

We are also sadly aware that Matawalle has sworn to block Governor Dauda Lawal from having access to the President not minding the suffering and loss of lives such blockage can cause. Its unfortunate that this rogue tactic is being employed in total disregard to the suffering of Zamfara Citizen by a man too desperate to cover his thieving mess without considering the collateral damage his unpatriotic action is doing to the security and wellbeing of the Zamfara citizens.

It has now become clear that Matawlle is behind the baseless accusations and propaganda against Lawal so as to advance his so-called political grip on the President while manipulating him and at the same time setting on a collision course with Gov Dauda Lawal.

As a group, we are forced to send a stern warning to Matawalle to stop dragging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the mud by shamelessly mentioning his name as he fights his travails back at home in Zamfara State. If Matawalle is not guilty, he should be man enough to face the damning allegations of public theft and misappropriation of billions of naira belonging to the good people of Zamfara State. It is disrespectful to use the person and office of the President as a shield to cover past misdeeds and atrocities, the statement added.

The group urged President Tinubu and indeed Nigerians to dismiss such unfounded speculations and concentrate on building an economically strong and prosperous Nigeria of our dreams in line with the renewed hope agenda now that the Supreme Court has affirmed the election of Tinubu instead of looking for non-existent scapegoats.

Background

Mr Matawalle is the immediate past governor of Zamfara State and current minister of state for defence.

He lost his second term bid in the March governorship election to Dauda Lawal of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Ever since Mr Matawalle left office on 29 May, he has been at loggerheads with the state government which recently accused him of financial recklessness and embezzlement of funds belonging to the state in a recent publication, including illegally paying over one billion Naira to a contractor for the construction of a hotel.

Before then, the state government had accused the former governor of embezzling funds for the construction of the Gusau cargo airport in the state. Mr Matawalle, through his then information commissioner, Ibrahim Dosara, denied the allegation, saying his government inherited the project from his predecessor and that whatever he did was done in the interest of the state with evidence to show.

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Members of statutory commissions of Osun State dissolved last month have sued Governor Ademola Adeleke, demanding N2 billion as compensations.

The members filed four suits on Tuesday at the National Industrial Court in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Governor Adeleke had dissolved the states electoral commission (OSSIEC), judicial service commission, civil service commission, and the House of Assembly Service Commission.

On Monday, he reconstituted the commissions by inaugurating new members that he appointed and were cleared by the states legislature.

The dissolution of the commissions effectively sacked the old members before the expiration of their tenures, which were fixed by the laws of the state.

The sacked commissioners were appointed by former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, who last year lost his reelection bid to Mr Adeleke.

Through their counsel, Muhydeen Adeoye, they asked the court to declare the dissolution of the commissions and the withholding of their salaries and emoluments as unlawful.

In the four separate suits, members of each of the four commissions prayed the court to award them N500 million for the damages caused by their dismissal.

In one of the suits, the former chairman of the OSSIEC, Segun Oladitan, and six other members, also prayed the court to order the governor to reinstate them to complete their five-year term.

The counsel for the claimants told the court that all the parties had been notified of the suits and said they were awaiting the court schedule for the hearing date.

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As the strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) entered its second day, activities at the Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja, went on smoothly on Wednesday.

A check by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) showed that judges, staff, lawyers and litigants in the court complex were going about their businesses without hindrance.

From the 1st floor to the 5th floor that housed the 13 courts in the building, NAN observed that no fewer than eight courts were sitting.

It would also be recalled that court activities went on uninterrupted on Tuesday.

However, a notice of congress meeting by the Federal High Courts chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) signed by its Public Relations Officer, G.A. Maku, said there would be an emergency meeting of all staff by 11 a.m. on Wednesday

This meeting is noteworthy as members will be briefed on the position of the union with regards to the ongoing NLC strike action and other important issues please.

ALSO READ: NLC lists six conditions to call off strike

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and their affiliates embarked on the strike on Tuesday to protest against the attack on the NLC president, Joe Ajaero, on 1 November in Imo State.

The workers said the protest was imperative because the Imo State Government reneged on its agreements with them. They said their protest was against the non-payment of workers salaries for months and the arbitrary sacking of workers in the state, an allegation Governor Hope Uzodinma has denied.

The striking workers are seeking justice for the brutalised president of the NLC.

(NAN)

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A bill seeking to convert the Federal Technical College in Ilara-Remo in Ogun State to the College of Aviation Technology has passed a second reading at the Senate.

The bill was sponsored by Gbenga Daniel (APC, Ogun East).

The bill was read the second time on Wednesday and was transferred to the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions for further legislative actions.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, directed the committee to report to the Senate within four weeks.

Mr Daniel, while leading a debate on the bill, said conversion of the technical college to an aviation college should be considered to resolve some of the challenges facing the Nigerian aviation sector.

The former governor of Ogun State, listed infrastructural development, security measures, research and technological innovation as some of the challenges that would be resolved when the technical college is finally upgraded to a college of aviation technology.

The senator said if the challenges are resolved, the Nigerian aviation industry will be developed to a high standard and the sector will improve the economy of the nation.

While Nigeria has made significant progress in aviation technology, there are still challenges to address. These include the need for continued investment in infrastructure development, the enhancement of safety and security measures, and the promotion of research and innovation in aviation technology.

By addressing these challenges, Nigeria can further strengthen its aviation sector, boost economic growth, and promote connectivity both domestically and internationally, he said.

Mr Daniel also explained that the establishment of the college of aviation technology in Ilara-Remo will improve academic training, research on aircraft maintenance, air traffic control, and pilot training.

The establishment of the aviation technology college in Ilara-Remo, will no doubt boost academic trainings and researches in the areas of aircraft maintenance, air traffic control, and pilot training while complementing the existing Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria.

It may interest you to know that the Ogun State Government already has an existing Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, Ilishan-Remo and also planning an Aerotropolis; a city whose development will be centred around the airport. The existing Federal Technical College, Ilara-Remo is in disuse and can conveniently begin to offer the courses for the Federal College of Aviation Technology, Ilara-Remo, he said.

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Yusuf Gagdi, a member of the House of Representatives, representing Pankshin/Kanam/Kanke federal constituency of Plateau State, has asked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to stop blaming the judiciary for the sack of its members from the National Assembly.

Mr Gagdi, a member of the APC, in a statement on Wednesday, said the sacking of PDP lawmakers from the state was self-inflicted and that the party should not blame the President of the Court of Appeal, Monica Dongban-Mensen, for the development.

Mrs Dongban-Mensem is an indigene of Plateau State.

Background

The Court of Appeal has sacked several PDP lawmakers from Plateau State in the National Assembly over pre-election matters.

They include former Senate Minority Leader, Simon Mwadkwon, Napoleon Bali, Dachung Bagos, Beni Lar, Isaac Kwalu and Peter Gyendeng.

The Court ruled that the PDP was wrong not to have obeyed subsisting orders from a High Court in Plateau that asked the party to conduct a new congress.

The removal of the lawmakers has led to protests by their supporters.

Dont undermine the Court  Gagdi

Mr Gagdi said the PDP is trying to undermine the integrity of the Court of Appeal with the campaign against Mrs Dongban-Mensem.

The PDP and its hired hands in Plateau State must desist from casting aspersion on the person and Office of the President of the Court of Appeal as any effort to throw mud at her will be stoutly resisted by all well-meaning Nigerians.

For the avoidance of doubt, the President of the Court of Appeal is not a member of the panel handling the appeals from Plateau State and there is nowhere it can be imagined that she lobbied their justices to give the sound verdicts that have been given on the appeals before them, he said.

He added that the APC is optimistic that the court will also sack Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

For the PDP in Plateau to now act surprised at its fate and desperately look for whom to blame for their woes is the height of hypocrisy, and a disgrace to decency and due process.

While we rejoice with utmost decorum, and relish our victory at the Appeal Court, and anticipate a possible victory at the Supreme Court for our gubernatorial candidate, we want to categorically remind the PDP and its hirelings that Nigerian Courts are courts of law, not courts of sentiments and emotions, he said.

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, last week, reserved judgment in the appeal by the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Plateau State, Nentawe Goshwe, challenging the victory of Mr Mutfwang.

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A Senator from Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, has condemned the recent assault on Joe Ajaero, the national president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

Mr Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North District in Nigerian Senate, spoke on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa Abuja when he and other members of the APC visited to congratulate President Bola Tinubu on the victories of the party in the just concluded off-cycle governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo States.

Mr Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State, South-south Nigeria, also served as the national president of the NLC between 1999 and 2007.

Background

There was an uproar in the state on 1 November when some thugs and police officers reportedly attacked Mr Ajaero and other members of the NLC who had assembled at the union secretariat ahead of a planned protest against the state government.

The workers said the protest was imperative because the Imo State Government reneged on its agreements with them.

The national leadership of the NLC later alleged that Mr Ajaero was arrested by police operatives in the state.

The union also accused the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, of mobilising the thugs and the officers to attack the NLC president to frustrate the planned protest in the state.

But the police later denied arresting Mr Ajaero, saying they only placed him in protective custody to shield him from attack by the thugs.

On his part, Governor Uzodinma blamed Mr Ajaero for his alleged partisanship in the state.

What has happened in this ugly coincidence is that the national president of the Nigeria Labour Congress is from Imo state and has not been able to demarcate the difference between being a national leader of an organisation and then an interested party in local politics, Mr Uzodinma had said.

The NLC, on Tuesday, declared an indefinite strike to protest the assault on its president, with other affiliate groups joining in the industrial action to show solidarity.

I do not support brutalisation

Mr Oshiomhole said he does not support brutalisation of any Nigerian, including the labour leader.

Let me be clear. I do not support the brutalisation of any Nigerian. I emphasise, any Nigerian, including a journalist, including the unemployed. Of course, including labour leader, he said.

The senator, however, suggested that the NLC was wrong in their demands explaining that the labour union should have focused on confronting state governments to implement N30, 000 minimum wage.

The former APC national chairperson said, based on what he termed hierarchy of needs and the current challenges facing Nigerians, the issue of minimum of wage should have been their concern.

So if you mobilise private sector workers, state employees workers, local government workers, and now there is an agreement on N35,000 across the board, I want to see NLC saying there will be no sleep in any state where this is not being implemented, he said.

Political partisanship

Like Governor Uzodinma, Mr Oshiomhole suggested that the NLC president was being driven by political motives rather than interests of the countrys workers.

The former governor of Edo State said he would have supported NLC on the ongoing industrial action if their demands were based on the workers minimum wage and welfare.

Unfortunately, this strike is not about those issues. And I think we have to be careful not to mix our political opinion with our responsibilities, because the issues confronting workers are so many that they should become the priority, he said.

He suggested that the NLC president was supporting a candidate in the governorship election in Imo State.

Mr Oshiomhole claimed that during his time as NLC president, he did not make friends with any politician in Edo State.

We must recognise that however hard you try, when it comes to politics, people are going to have different reasons for supporting different candidates. You have to be careful not to be seen to be doing the bidding of a particular candidate or a particular political party, he said apparently referring to the alleged political partisanship of Mr Ajaero.

I was not anybodys boy. I wanted to make my decisions. I took responsibility for those decisions. You couldnt find me in the house of a politician, Mr Oshiomhole said, recalling his time as NLC president.

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The contractor handling the renovation of the House of Representatives chamber has said the 31 December deadline given by the Speaker of the House Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to complete the project is not sacrosanct.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Project Manager of the contract, Tajudeen Olanipekun, said this while reacting to the deadline given by the Speaker, who along with his Deputy, Benjamin Kalu, paid an unscheduled visit to the project site on Tuesday.

Mr Olanipekun said the delay is not caused by funding, adding that the project is well-funded.

The renovation, which began in April 2022, has lasted over one year without any signs that the job is nearing completion.

The project is being handled by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCDA) and not the management of the National Assembly.

Mr Abbas gave the 31 December deadline for the completion of the job to enable lawmakers to begin year 2024 legislative work at the newly-renovated chamber.

Mr Olanipekun described the lawmakers as mere end users, adding that the deadline was not sacrosanct.

According to him, We are dealing with end users and not the client. Whatever we do, we report to the client. We cannot stop the end users from coming to see their property, he said.

NAN reports that the Speakers unscheduled inspection is to ensure that the deadline for the conclusion of the project is met.

This would also ensure that the House sitting commences in the new chamber upon resumption from the end-of-year recess.

Meanwhile, before the renovation work commenced, the National Assembly complex was always flooded due to heavy rainfall.

Also, in 2019, over N30 billion was budgeted for the renovation of the complex, but the amount generated a lot of criticism and was reviewed downwards to N9 billion.

Amos Daniel, the Chairman of the House Services Committee, also gave the assurance of diligent supervision of the contractor to ensure that the project was delivered on schedule and according to specification.

(NAN)

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Media organisations and journalists in Africa have been advised to embrace quality journalism to excel editorially and financially.

The managing editor of PREMIUM TIMES newspaper, Idris Akinbajo, and other panellists gave the charge on Tuesday in Abuja while speaking on the topic of Digital tech, media practice and sustainability issues in African newsrooms in the ongoing Media and Development Conference 2023 organised by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).

Other panelists include Dipo Oladehinde, an Assistant Editor at BusinessDay newspaper, Ben Whitelow, a senior consultant, Financial Times Strategies and Eche Uji, manager of advisory  strategy at PWC. The panel was moderated by Akintunde Babatunde, the Director of Programmes at the CJID.

The panellists unanimously agreed that without quality journalism, newsrooms and journalists in the continent will continue to face challenges.

Mr Whitelow spoke on the need for media organisations and journalists to ask the right questions about the needs of their audiences.

What do they require from me as a journalist? What challenges do they encounter on a daily basis? What day-to-day issues do they face? How can I provide information that will positively impact their lives and offer assistance in new and meaningful ways? Mr Whitelow, who joined virtually, said.

Mr Akinbajo called on journalists to ask themselves what type of journalism they want to practice before going ahead to build their capacities.

Journalism can be profitable. Theyre journalists whove spent two to three years in journalism but have won local and international awards due to the quality of journalism they practice and theyre earning legitimate money, the PREMIUM TIMES managing editor said.

He explained that media organisations can only retain existing readers and make new ones by creating a niche for themselves. Like I said, you cant sell he said, she said journalism and expect people to pay for it. Its not possible. You must do quality journalism. You need to improve on your content.

Mr Akinbajo added that due to its type of journalism, PREMIUM TIMES learnt very early not to rely on advertisers but to source for funds in other ways including book publishing, events, and partnerships among others.

On his part, Mr Oladehinde of BusinessDay, said journalists need to constantly ask themselves what value are they adding to the media organisation theyre joining.

Another important thing I want to mention is curiosity; how curious you are as a journalist. The truth is you can only write as far as the curiosity of your mind allows you, as writing clearly about everything around you.

And then the ability to report it using digital tools like Idris (Mr Akinbajo) mentioned. Its very important because journalism is changing. Things have evolved and people are doing a lot of things with infographics, people are doing a lot of things with explainers, people are doing a lot of things with simply fact-checking information around the world, he said.

The maiden Media and Development Conference is tagged Bridging Democracy, Development, Innovation, and Media Sustainability and it aims 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.

The 250 delegates attending the conference from within and outside Nigeria include journalists, media experts, technologists, academics, and policymakers.

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Shmyhal: We invite our African partners to work on finding as many common points as possible

Ukraine will strengthen cooperation with African countries, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said at a meeting with African journalists held in Kyiv on November 15.

"Today we invite our African partners to work to find as many common points as possible. We feel the readiness of African countries to cooperate more actively with Ukraine," the press service of the Ukrainian government said, citing the Prime Minister.

Shmyhal, in particular, is convinced that Ukraine is of interest to African states as a powerful educational hub. He also said Ukrainian IT companies are already operating in some African countries. According to him, our state seeks to extend cooperation to public-private partnerships.

During the meeting, the participants touched upon current important issues, including the accession of African countries to the implementation of the Peace Formula of the President of Ukraine.

Shmyhal noted the points of the Peace Formula are global in nature and influence, and its key element is food security. Separately, the parties touched upon the work of the alternative Black Sea grain corridor.

"Despite the blockade of the Black Sea ports, Ukraine retains its status as one of the guarantors of global food security. The lives of about 400 million people in different countries of the world, including on the African continent, depend on the export of our food," Shmyhal said.

The Prime Minister also said the humanitarian initiative of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Grain from Ukraine, is currently in effect. As part of this initiative, Ukraine sent 170,000 tonnes of its grain to Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya.


A judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Emeka Nwite, on Wednesday, threatened to strike out the treasonable felony charge filed against Sahara Reporters publisher and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore.

The judge issued the warning over what he perceived to be a lack of preparation by the prosecution.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the matter was slated for re-arraignment of the defendants but when the matter was called, only Mr Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), was present in court. His co-defendant, Olawale Bakare, was absent.

The prosecuting counsel, Mariam Okorie, confirmed that the court had ordered that the hearing notice for the arraignment be served on Mr Bakare. She, however, said that she was not aware if Mr Bakare had been served with the notice.

The registrar of the court, however, confirmed that Mr Bakare had not been served.

Counsel for Mr Sowore, Marshall Abubakar, told the court that he believed the prosecution was only trying to frustrate his client by its inability to serve the second defendant the hearing notice for him to appear in court.

Mr Abubakar told the court that he had written a letter to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice asking that the charge be severed so that his client could take his plea and stand trial alone.

My lord, this is the fifth year since this charge was filed. The defendant has been denied access to his family since then because he has not been allowed to travel outside the country where his family lives.

You cannot continually and perpetually hold the man under suspicion that he committed a crime and so we will apply that this case be struck out until the prosecution is ready to prosecute it, Mr Abubakar said.

The prosecuting counsel told the court that since they had written to the minister, they would have to wait for the ministers response to know the next line of action.

Mr Nwite ruled that he was minded to grant an adjournment on the condition that by the next adjourned date, the prosecution should comply with the order of the court to serve the 2nd defendant.

The judge warned that if the order of the court to serve the 2nd defendant was not complied with, the matter would be struck out.

If you are not ready to go on with the matter, I am sounding this as the last warning that at the next adjourned date, I will strike out the matter even if heaven falls let it fall, the judge said.

He adjourned the matter until 5 December.

NAN reports that the federal government charged Messrs Sowore and Bakare with allegations of treasonable felony and attempts to overthrow the former president.

The then President Muhammadu Buhari administration filed the charges against Mr Sowore and his co-defendant following the 2019 #RevolutionNow protest they organised against bad governance and maladministration.

The prosecution accused the defendants of trying to topple the government.

. (NAN)

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The Senate on Wednesday invited the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) for a meeting to resolve the ongoing nationwide strike.

The upper chamber also urged the labour unions to immediately suspend the strike in national interest.

The resolution was a result of a point of order raised by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, at the plenary.

The TUC President, Festus Osifo, on Monday announced that the unions would commence an indefinite national strike from midnight to protest the brutalisation of the NLC National President, Joe Ajaero, in Owerri, the Imo State capital on 1 November.

The strike has affected activities in many public institutions across Nigeria

Debate

Mr Bamidele, while raising the point of order, called on the leadership of the labour unions to reconsider their decision on the national strike in the spirit of patriotism and adherence to the rule of law.

The senate leader said most of the demands of the labour unions were not meant to enhance the welfare of Nigerian workers.

He said the demands were based on the involvement of the NLC National President in Imo State politics.

Mr Bamidele, therefore, called for an emergency meeting between the Senate leadership and the labour unions to resolve the issues that led to the declaration of the strike.

During the debate on the issue, many of the senators supported the suspension of the strike.

Muhammad Aliero (PDP, Kebbi Central) complained that lawmakers and their aides were finding it difficult to access the National Assembly complex due to the strike.

Mr Aliero urged the Senate to immediately intervene in the crisis to avoid further devastation.

Adams Oshiomole (APC, Edo North) expressed concern over the manner police officers treat protesters.

Mr Oshiomole, a former president of the NLC, urged the Senate to condemn the brutality of protesters.

He called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to prosecute all the officers involved in the manhandling of Mr Ajaero in Imo State.

Mr Oshiomole urged the federal government to implement the agreement reached with the labour unions and also called on state governors to implement the N35,000 wage increase.

Ali Ndume, the chief whip of the Senate, also condemned the strike declared by labour.

Mr Ndume, who represents Borno South, stressed that ordinary Nigerians should not suffer for the maltreatment of one person.

READ ALSO: Reps move to end labour strike

In his ruling, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, urged the labour unions to suspend the strike.

Mr Akpabio also directed the Clerk of the Senate, Chinedu Akubueze, to immediately fix a date for an emergency meeting with the unions and communicate with their leadership accordingly.

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The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, has dismissed an appeal by the PDP and its governorship candidate in Lagos State, Abdulazeez Adediran, against the re-election of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat.

The court upheld the 25 September decision of the Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal affirming the victory of Mr Sanwo-Olu and Mr Hamzat in the 18 March governorship poll.

It held that the appellants failed to prove their allegations of forgery and non-qualification against Sanwo-Olu and his deputy.

Though they were all pre-election matters, the appellants, PDP and its candidate, Adeniran, still failed to prove them.

READ ALSO: Appeal Court reserves judgement on Lagos governorship election

The appellants came empty-handed and left empty-handed.

Their petition lacked merit and is dismissed, the court held.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that, as of the time of this report, the court was delivering judgment in a similar appeal by the Labour Party and its candidate for the election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.

(NAN)

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The Government of Ukraine on Wednesday said it is set to invest $25 million in establishing nine embassies in African countries.

This was revealed by Ukraines Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Kyiv while meeting with African journalists.

He said the establishment of these embassies was a part of Ukraines African renaissance and rekindling its relationship with its African counterparts.

Mr Shmyhal said Ukraine saw potential in economic and trade relations for his country and Africa, adding that they (Ukraine) are serious about their plans.

Ukraine, according to the prime minister, already has 11 embassies in Africa and is ready to open 10 more.

Clarifying, he said plans to open an embassy in Ghana have already been finalised and not included in the $25 million budgeted for the other nine.

The other nine countries include Sudan, Mozambique, Botswana, Mauritania, Cote dIvoire, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Tanzania.

The above countries will have Ukrainian embassies established in them from the $25 million fund, he said.

Reiterating that Ukraine intends to build a mutually beneficial relationship with African countries, Mr Shmyhal said Ukraine stands as a credible partner for Africa.

According to the prime ministers office, the plan to establish these embassies in Africa and other parts of the world had been developed in 2019 by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy until the war derailed the plans.

Asked if he was concerned by the growing presence of Russias Wagner Group in Africa, he said, We are not afraid of Russias presence in any African country.

Several human rights reports have highlighted the operations of Russias Wagner Group in Africa including their involvement in human rights violations.

He added that the presence of Wagner in any part of the world is a bad signal although no third party will stop us from moving forward.

Mr Shmyhal also invited African countries to reciprocate the actions of Ukraine by opening their embassies in the country.

Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine on 24 February 2022, the country has intensified its efforts to gain the support of African countries.

The countrys minister of foreign affairs, Dymytro Kuleba, has visited 12 countries in Africa including Nigeria since the war began.

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The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, warned lawyers to the parties in the trial of a former Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Dibu Ojerinde, and four of his children, against frivolous requests for adjournment.

The trial judge, Inyang Ekwo, gave the warning following a plea for an adjournment by B.A. Oyefeso, a new lawyer in the matter.

Mr Ekwo threatened to make a consequential order should the trial get stalled at the next sitting.

Mr Oyefeso, who stood in for a defence lawyer, Ahmed Raji, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, had told the court, at the resumed hearing, that they were not ready to proceed with the trial.

According to him, their team had requested some evidence needed to prepare adequately for defence but had yet to get it.

Ebenezer Shogunle, the anti-graft ICPC prosecuting counsel, said he would provide Mr Raji with the documents they requested. He said he only got to know of the request earlier before the proceedings.

You were given two days for trial? Mr Ekwo asked Mr Shogunle.

Yes, we are ready and they just came into the matter.

We know that the previous counsel was served in the interest of justice, we are ready to serve them afresh.

We will make copies available to them, he responded.

The judge, therefore, expressed displeasure that the matter would not proceed.

I am not happy that this matter is not going on.

I am adjourning this matter very reluctantly and there will be consequences if the matter does not go on, on the next date.

The counsel responsible will be personally penalised, he warned.

Mr Ekwo then adjourned the matter until 18, 20, 21, and 22 February 2024 for trial.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the trial was, on Monday, stalled when Ibrahim Isiyaku, a SAN, counsel for Mr Ojerinde and six others, sought an adjournment to enable him to make proper arrangements for the defendants representation.

The senior lawyer had told the court that having studied the case file, he realised that he could not appear for all the 11 defendants but seven of the defendants only to avoid a conflict of interest.

Therefore, while Mr Isiyaku would be representing the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 9th and 10th defendants, Mr Raji would be appearing for the 3rd, 5th, 6th and 8th defendants, respectively.

NAN reports that the ICPC had, on 15 June, arraigned the ex-JAMB registrar on charges of official corruption and abuse of office.

In a charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/119/2023, Mr Ojerinde (1st defendant) was arraigned alongside four of his children; Mary Ojerinde, Olumide Ojerinde, Adebayo Ojerinde and Oluwaseun Ojerinde as 8th to 11th defendants.

Also joined as defendants in the case with 17 counts are six companies linked to him, namely: Doyin Ogbohi Petroleum Limited, Cheng Marbles Limited, Sapati International Schools Limited, Trillium Learning Centre Limited, Standout Institutes Limited and Esli Perfect Security Printers Limited, the 2nd to 7th defendants, respectively.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the counts preferred against them and were granted bail by the court.

Charges

In the 17 charges, ICPC alleged that the former JAMB boss conspired with three of his children (Oluwaseun Ojerinde, Olumide Ojerinde, and Adebayo Ojerinde) to sell off property worth $150,000 after it had been forfeited to the federal government by a court order.

The property is located at House No. 4 Ahomko Drive, Achimota Phase 2, Accra, Ghana.

The prosecution also accused Mr Ojerinde of incorporating companies and taking up simultaneous appointments as chairman and director, while being a public officer on full-time appointment as registrar/chief executive of National Examinations Council (NECO), Minna and the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Bwari, Abuja.

ICPC said this was despite that Mr Ojerinde knew very well that the Code of Conduct for Public Officers forbids public officers from engaging in private business other than farming or participating in shareholding of joint stock companies.

The commission also alleged that Mr Ojerinde, in order to avoid various anti-corruption and anti-money laundering policies of government, notably Know Your Customer (KYC) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) policies, took measures to conceal his ownership and active participation in the management of some of these companies by using forged documents, stolen identities and synthetic names.

According to ICPC, some of the alleged offences are contrary to and punishable under Sections 17, 19, 22 and 24 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Some of the offences were also said to be contrary to, and punishable under Section 1 of the Advanced Fee Fraud Act, 2006.

(NAN)

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The House of Representatives has resolved to broker a deal between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the federal government to end the ongoing strike.

The lower chamber said it would collaborate with the Senate to wade into the labour crisis.

The decision was reached on Wednesday following the adoption of a motion moved by Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu (APC, Abia).

Background

The unions and their affiliates including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), on Tuesday, began a nationwide strike, in defiance of a court order barring them from embarking on the industrial action.

The Labour centres had declared the strike, to protest the brutalisation of the NLC president, Joe Ajaero, in Imo State on 1 November.

Mr Ajaero was attacked in Owerri, the state capital, during a protest by the NLC against the Imo State Government over alleged maltreatment of workers in the state.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the unions listed six conditions that the government must meet before it calls off the strike.

For two days in a row, the National Assembly workers have barricaded the entrance to the complex.

Motion and debate

Moving the motion, Mr Kalu said the House almost did not hold Wednesdays plenary session because of the shutdown of the National Assembly Complex by the workers.

He said the federal legislature could not afford to ignore the ongoing strike and called on the unions to suspend it.

We were called early in the morning not to come for sitting. That the rooms are going to be locked and those that would put on the light would not be around. But on a second call, I was told that you braved it because you said we cannot engage our people in our various homes.

It would be unworthy of us not to discuss this. I want to pray that the NLC and other unions should trust us to use diplomacy to resolve the problem, he said.

Most of the lawmakers who contributed to the debate criticised the NLC for using what they said was a personal dispute as a premise to embark on a strike.

House Leader Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo) said the strike should not become a trivialised issue. He urged the unions to call off the strike.

My initial reaction would be to stay on the side of Labour. But on this, the government has responded effectively to the fallout of the subsidy removal.

It is not those who engaged the labour leader in Imo that are suffering. My secretary could not enter the office, he said.

Speaking on the motion, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas said the House was not going to pass any judgment on any of the parties.

He said rather it would rather collaborate with the leadership of the Senate to deliberate on the issue.

Following the long debate, Mr Abbas directed the Committee on Labour to coordinate the intervention.

The Senate had earlier resolved to invite the Labour leaders to a meeting just as it urged the unions to call off the strike.

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The Court of Appeal in Abuja, on Wednesday, reserved judgement on the appeal filed by Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State challenging the nullification of his election by the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tribunal had in a split 2-1 judgement on 2 October, declared David Ombugadu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the 18 March governorship election.

Mr Sule had won the poll on the ticket of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

At the hearing of the matter in Abuja, parties argued their grounds before the three-member panel led by Onyemenam Uchechukwu.

The panel, thereafter, reserved the judgement and said that the date would be communicated to the parties as soon as the verdict is set to be delivered.

The court also reserved judgment on the cross-appeal filed by the PDP candidate challenging the dissenting judgment of the tribunal.

Earlier, Woke Olanikpekun, counsel to Governor Sule, adopted his five grounds of appeal and called on the court to set aside the judgment of the tribunal and uphold the dissenting judgment.

On his part, Kanu Agabi, counsel to Mr Ombugadu, adopted his brief of argument and urged the court to dismiss the appeal by the governor and uphold the judgment of the tribunal.

(NAN).

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The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has said that the National Task-Shifting and Task-Sharing (NTSTS) Policy for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs-NTSTS) in Nigeria is set to be adopted.

When adopted it will be an addendum to the ministrys Task-Shifting and Task-Sharing Policy for Essential Health Care Services, Anyaike Chukwuma, director of Public Health in the Ministry, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday, in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

Mr Chukwuma spoke on the sidelines of a Technical Session of the 64th National Council on Health (NCH).

NAN reports that the NCH, a top policy-making body in the Nigerian health sector, brings together leaders in the health sector such as Permanent Secretaries, commissioners of health, heads of parastatals and directors, to discuss health-related issues.

Every year, the NCH is held to discuss ways to improve the countrys health sector and approve excellent policies aimed at bringing the health sector closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

How policy will work

Mr Chukwuma said that this policy was designed to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases by decentralising comprehensive NCD prevention, diagnosis, care, treatment, and rehabilitation services to primary healthcare (PHC) facilities.

The policy emphasises the need for multi-sectoral engagement and curriculum review, as well as training, re-training, mentoring, and supportive supervision of PHC workers to effectively prevent and control prioritised NCDs in Nigeria.

By implementing this policy, the country hopes to adopt a patient-centred approach, accelerate progress towards NCD prevention and control, achieve universal health coverage, and work towards the Sustainable Development Goals, he said.

The director said that one of the key benefits of this policy was the early detection and timely treatment of simple, uncomplicated NCDs.

He said that by shifting tasks to PHC workers, the policy would reduce the need for more expensive treatments at higher levels of healthcare, thereby improving resource efficiency.

Additionally, he said that task shifting would enable the available human resources for health to effectively address the emerging burden of chronic diseases, save lives, and allow physicians to focus on high-risk cases.

He said that the adoption of the NTSTS policy in the country was seen as a crucial step in combating the rising burden of non-communicable diseases at the primary healthcare level.

He said that the policy was expected to improve access to NCD prevention and control services, enhance patient care, and contribute to the overall improvement of the countrys healthcare system.

Effect of non-communicable diseases

NAN reports that the global impact of NCDs causes 74 per cent of all deaths annually, with 86 per cent occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

In Nigeria, NCDs contribute to 27 per cent of annual deaths, emphasising the urgency to address this through Primary Health Care (PHC) systems.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends devolving NCD care to PHCs, utilising task-shifting and task-sharing strategies.

It calls for strengthening PHC systems, outlining tasks for different health cadres, and emphasizing task-shifting benefits aimed at improving NCD management, reducing workload, and enhancing patient satisfaction. (NAN)

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The UK Supreme Court has declared the UK governments policy of sending certain asylum seekers to Rwanda illegal, BBC reports.

The court ruled that there was a chance that any asylum applicant brought there would be sent back home, in violation of both UK and international human rights legislation. It also mentioned Rwandas history of mistreating refugees and its dismal record on human rights as reasons for its decision.

Announced in April 2022, the five-year pilot called for sending certain asylum seekers to Rwanda to file claims for protection there. They may have been awarded refugee status under the proposal, allowing them to remain in Rwanda. If not, they may have requested refuge in a different safe third country or applied to live there under other circumstances.

At this point, no one has been relocated to Rwanda as an asylum seeker. A legal challenge forced the cancellation of the maiden flight, which was originally planned for June 2022.

The strategy, according to the government, will discourage individuals from entering the UK via illegal, dangerous, or unnecessary methods, such as travelling across the English Channel in tiny boats. In 2022, more than 45,700 travellers arrived in the UK using this route  the largest number since statistics were kept.

The number of asylum seekers who could have been sent to Rwanda remained unclear. However, before 1 January 2022, the government said that anyone entering the UK illegally may be sent, with no cap on the numbers. As per the agreement, Rwanda has the option to request that the UK accept some of its most vulnerable refugees.

Although the UK has already given the Rwandan government 140 million (approximately $174 million), the total cost of the programme has not been disclosed. According to an economic impact study done for the governments Illegal Migration Bill, it would cost 63,000 (approximately $73,000) more to remove each person to a third country, like Rwanda, than to keep them in the UK.

The case was being heard against the backdrop of the public immigration debate in Britain, which had a role in the countrys 2016 referendum vote to exit the European Union. More than 25,000 individuals have entered Britain illegally on tiny boats this year, surpassing the record 45,755 that were found in 2022. Mr Sunak listed stop the boats as one of his five key goals in an effort to turn around his partys prospects. As of now, his Conservatives are behind in surveys by roughly 20 points, ahead of an election that is anticipated to take place in 2024.

In April 2022, then-prime minister Boris Johnson announced the Rwanda plan, which aimed to discourage asylum seekers from taking the perilous trek from Europe across the Channel. In a report released on Tuesday, 14 November 2023, Human Rights Watch said Rwanda had demonstrated contempt for human rights norms and urged Britain to cancel its plan.

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A PREMIUM TIMES journalist, Nike Adebowale-Tambe, and 39 other journalists from different African countries have been selected to cover the 3rd International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) in Lusaka, Zambia.

Mrs Tambe, a senior reporter on PREMIUM TIMES development desk, has written extensively about health and has been commended for her work on the issues.

According to the list published on CPHIA2023 official website, Mrs Adebowale-Tambe is one of four Nigerian journalists selected to cover the high-level event in Zambia and also participate in a six-month fellowship programme.

Other selected Nigerian journalists are Lara Adejoro, The Punch newspaper; Thelma Thoma-Abeku, Nigeria Health Watch, and Rahma Jimoh, Al Jazeera Nigeria.

Other fellows are from Kenya, Uganda, Mozambique, Gambia, Cote d Ivoire, Eswatini, Liberia, Tunisia, Congo, Morocco, Zimbabwe, Egypt, and South Africa, among others.

The 40 fellows were chosen from a pool of more than 800 applicants, through a rigorous and competitive selection process. Fellows were chosen based on their compelling submissions and commitment to elevating public health reporting on the continent, the organisers said.

About CPHIA 23

CPHIA is an annual conference organised by the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The conference provides a unique African-led platform for leaders across the continent to reflect on lessons learned in health and science and align on a way forward for creating more resilient health systems.

This years conference, themed: Breaking Barriers: Repositioning Africa in the Global Health Architecture will hold in Lusaka, Zambia from 27 to 30 Novemberto showcase new and exciting scientific discoveries.

Journalism Fellowship Programme

The Africa CDC said media plays a significant role in global health, from reporting on public health emergencies and challenges to getting public health messages to the communities.

Recognising the importance of media in shaping public health discourse and imparting critical information to the African people, the Africa CDC has built on the media fellowship programmes for CPHIA 2021 and CPHIA 2022 to establish the CPHIA 2023 Journalism fellowship programme, the health body said.

It noted that through the six-month programme, journalists will have the opportunity to receive training on scientific writing and communication, participate in conference sessions, gain first-hand knowledge of health challenges and innovations on the continent, interact with leading stakeholders in the health sector, and provide in-depth reportage of new research findings, scientific breakthroughs, and key takeaways from the conference.

The aim of the fellowship is to build a cohort of journalists across the continent with skills in the nuances of health reporting, which is expected to enhance public health discourse, promote knowledge dissemination, and strengthen accountability for health policies and programmes.

The Director, Institute of Health Research and Co-chair of CPHIA 2023, Margaret Gyapong, implored the fellows to utilise the opportunity the fellowship will provide to develop skills and networks that will advance their work, improve coverage of public health issues across the continent, and help achieve the new public health order.

The Head of Policy, Health Diplomacy and Communication at Africa CDC, Benjamin Djoudalbaye, said the programme was borne out of the desire to build a network of specialist health reporters who understand the importance of public health communications.

Mr Djoudalbaye said the organisation looks forward to supporting the inaugural fellows over the next six months and beyond to improve their skills and report on significant public health challenges, solutions and innovations in Africa.

The CPHIA Journalism Fellowship Programme will be delivered in partnership with AllAfrica.com, one of the official media partners for CPHIA 2023.

The Managing Editor at AllAfrica.com, Juanita Williams, said the programme has been designed to provide critical skills to the fellows through training, mentorship, and on-the-ground experience.

Ms Williams said: We have taken into account the needs and challenges of public health reporting on the continent, and have developed the fellowship curriculum to address the gaps and challenges that many health reporters face.

We look forward to undergoing this journey with the fellows and supporting them during and after the fellowship.

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The topic of expanding investment in the Ukrainian economy was discussed at the meeting by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and the CEO of the South Korean company POSCO, Jeong Tak.

"The leading Korean company will take part in the restoration of Ukraine. We had a meeting with POSCO CEO Jeong Tak and his team. The company, which remains operating in the Ukrainian market, is interested in further investments in our economy," Shmyhal wrote on the Telegram channel.

According to the prime minister, in particular, the parties considered cooperation in three areas: the agricultural industry with an emphasis on processing, metallurgy using green technologies and construction with a full cycle of materials production in Ukraine.

"I thanked POSCO for considering Ukraine as a potential country for investment and development. South Korea's experience in post-war reconstruction will be useful for the implementation of projects in Ukraine," he concluded.

POSCO International is the largest South Korean corporation. POSCO International Ukraine is engaged in transshipment at the MKHP terminal, trading, and processing.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has identified education and skills development as panacea for poverty and hunger in Nigeria.

He stated this Wednesday during a meeting with a delegation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation led by the President of its Global Growth & Opportunity Division, Rodger Voorhies, at the Presidential Villa.

Mr Shettima underscored the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity and the urgent need to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices to ensure food security for Nigerias growing population.

Accordingly, the vice president urged the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to forge a strategic partnership with the Nigerian government to enhance agricultural productivity, improve nutrition and strengthen the education sector.

He also charged the foundation to support President Bola Tinubus gender empowerment initiatives, noting that the programmes which are focused on the girl child are critical to Nigerias drive to alleviate poverty.

Mr Shettima expressed his appreciation for the foundations significant contributions to Nigeria, particularly in the areas of polio eradication and primary healthcare delivery.

Highlighting the need for the foundations continued support in the Nigerian agricultural sector, the VP said, We are investing heavily in agricultural innovation and best agricultural practices to enhance productivity. However, we need the expertise and resources of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to accelerate our progress.

Mr Shettima also emphasised the importance of education and skills development in addressing poverty and hunger, just as he urged the foundation to collaborate with the Nigerian government in expanding access to quality education and further provide opportunities for skills development, particularly in the agricultural sector.

By the end of the century, we are projected to be the most populous nation on earth. This demographic bulge can be transformed into a dividend or a disaster. Investing in education and skills development is crucial for ensuring that our growing population becomes a source of strength and not a burden, he stated.

Reiterating his call for a strong partnership between the Nigerian government and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, VP Shettima expressed confidence that such a partnership could yield transformative results in addressing Nigerias agricultural, nutritional, and educational challenges, paving the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future for the nation.

If a nation is not independent in food production, it remains a dependent nation. So, I am soliciting your partnership and attention. Join us in our drive towards combating poverty and hunger in sub-Saharan Africa as you did in South-east Asia, he added.

Earlier, Mr Voorhies said he and his team were in the country to strengthen existing collaborations with Nigeria and also seek other areas of partnership with the new administration especially in priority sectors.

He commended the Tinubu administrations agenda on food security and healthcare delivery while acknowledging the VPs leadership and commitment to nutrition and agricultural transformation. He assured of the foundations commitment and readiness to support efforts aimed at achieving set goals and objectives.

Present at the meeting were Jeremie Zoungrana, outgoing Country Director of the foundation; Uche Amaonwu, Interim Country Director; Chief of Staff, Nutrition, Carol Welch; Senior Programme Officer, Agriculture, Audu Grema and Senior Programme Officer, Policy and Advocacy, Katja Schiller Nwator.

Stanley Nkwocha

Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications

(Office of the Vice President)

15th November, 2023

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There is no contention that the FELDA scheme also marked a major turn around in the palm oil industry in Malaysia, a country which is the second largest producer and exporter of palm oil in the world. Malaysia now has 5.9 million hectares of land under oil palm cultivation, producing 19.86 million tonnes of palm oil and 2.32 tonnes of palm kernel oil. The industry also employs over half a million workers, which includes not only farmers but also farm support workers, and factory and milling experts that work in factories.

Introduction/Background

The agricultural sector in Nigeria currently employs over 23 million people and has the potential to employ over four million more in the next couple of years. However if you live in Nigeria, you know there is a stark difference between being employed and being gainfully employed.

Take a cursory look at any list of well-paying jobs in Nigeria, and you will hardly find anything related to agriculture. In fact, there is a popular conception that being a farmer is equivalent to being poor. Thus, despite the numerous contributions of the smallholders farmers, who constitute a reasonable percentage of these 23 million employed people, more than 70 per cent of them live below the poverty line of $1.9 per day. This does not have to be the case. If properly harnessed, the agricultural sector is one that has a huge potential to not only employ millions of Nigerians, but to also ensure that every single one of them is well rewarded. The sector can also contribute more significantly to the countrys foreign exchange.

However, one of the most notorious reasons why the agricultural sector continues to perform below its potential is the fact that the countrys heavy dependence on oil exports has caused laxity on the part of successive governments to implement policies that support the agricultural sector. The need to diversify the Nigerian economy has been repeatedly written and spoken about by several experts across different fields. Most of these tend to primarily answer the why and where  why should we diversify? Where should we diversify? A common answer to this latter question is: the agricultural sector. The reason for this is not far-fetched. Nigeria is blessed with a good climate that makes it a fertile ground for cultivating different crops, such as cocoa, cashew, sesame and soybeans, in commercial quantities. However, our discussion needs to start shifting to the how? That is: how do we diversify into this sector? This article addresses this question and proposes that one way to do this, through deliberate pro-poor government initiatives.

An example of such pro-poor initiatives was introduced in Malaysia. Known as the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) scheme, the state-led settlement scheme was established in 1956 by the government of Malaysia to support the development of plantation land for landless families, as a strategy to alleviate poverty in rural areas and address the unemployment problems in the country. Under the scheme, FELDA developed land into plantations for crops such as oil palm and allocated 10 acres per household to poor settlers. Beyond that, FELDA also managed these plantations and the Malaysian government provided all the associated costs in advance. All the costs were then subsequently recovered in instalments from these settlers, when their allocated plots began to yield income. As mentioned, participants in the scheme were primarily those from poor socio-economic backgrounds. The scheme gave them an opportunity to own something, since ownership of the land was transferred to them after they settled all their debts. With the scheme, several settlers who were earning between MYR200-400 ($42-85) were able to increase their earning to as much as MYR 1,000-3,000 ($212-638) monthly.

There is no contention that the FELDA scheme also marked a major turn around in the palm oil industry in Malaysia, a country which is the second largest producer and exporter of palm oil in the world. Malaysia now has 5.9 million hectares of land under oil palm cultivation, producing 19.86 million tonnes of palm oil and 2.32 tonnes of palm kernel oil. The industry also employs over half a million workers, which includes not only farmers but also farm support workers, and factory and milling experts that work in factories. All these benefit both the people and the country as a whole, flowing directly from the enabling FELDA initiative.

If there is one thing that is clear from the establishment and operation of the FELDA initiative, it is the fact that the Malaysian government was very clear about its core priorities  diversifying the economy from dependence on rubber and alleviating poverty, while still maintaining traditional values. This clarity made it possible to determine those who qualified to be settlersand even the choice of crop for these plantations.

Can Nigeria Borrow a Leaf from the Success of FELDA?

Yes we can. Of course, the FELDA model is not without its downsides, which is why the model has continued to evolve in Malaysia. Thus, if we adopt this initiative in Nigeria, we have to make necessary adjustments to make it fit our local context. However, I have no doubt that this type of scheme can go a long way in drastically reducing the unemployment rate in Nigeria, giving people a decent source of income and contributing significantly to the countrys foreign exchange.

From studying the FELDA model, I have observed some interesting factors that contributed to its success, and some important lessons from its weaknesses.

The Need to Have Defined Priorities

If there is one thing that is clear from the establishment and operation of the FELDA initiative, it is the fact that the Malaysian government was very clear about its core priorities  diversifying the economy from dependence on rubber and alleviating poverty, while still maintaining traditional values. This clarity made it possible to determine those who qualified to be settlers (people within a certain age bracket and from various parts of the country), and even the choice of crop for these plantations. Bringing this home to Nigeria, beyond diversifying the economy and alleviating poverty, our government can prioritise issues such as designing the scheme to be attractive to young people, and focusing on crops such as cocoa, cashew, sesame, and soybeans, which are vital export crops.

The Need to Focus on Consistent Growth

FELDA has evolved over the years, but it has prioritised consistent growth. From only 55,000 hectares in 1960 under oil palm cultivation, Malaysia now has about 5.9 million hectares of land under cultivation. Rome was not built in a day, and the success of the FELDA initiative is clearly a result of several years of growth. If such a scheme is implemented in the country, Nigerians should not expect to see all the changes at once, but they should rather focus on the consistent improvement and indications that steps are being taken in the right direction.

The success of the Malaysian estate management system and smallholder scheme strategy relied heavily on investment in research and development to see what works and make improvements when necessary. Thus, investments in research and development to drive innovation and technological advancements must be a key part of the initiative, if implemented in Nigeria.

The Non-Negotiable Importance of Engaging Competent Professionals and Experts

The pioneering professionals that ran the FELDA scheme did such a good job that the World Bank loan used to finance it was settled way ahead of time. However, when they left, they were reportedly replaced with less-competent hands, which impacted the pace and overall success of the project. This shows how essential it is that for such a scheme to work, the best hands have to be on ground to lead it, free from political influence. If the scheme is adopted in Nigeria, the selection of professionals to run it should be strictly based on merit and competence and with continuity in mind. They must be professionals who would prioritise important practices such as transparency and accountability, while also ensuring that internal controls and regular audits are put in place to consistently deliver high-quality results.

The Importance of Government Commitment

Malaysia has been able to reduce its poverty rate from 49.3 per cent in 1970 to only 1.7 per cent as of 2012. This is largely because of the governments commitment to this goal, evidenced through various Malaysian policies. The FELDA initiative was born out of one of such policies. The commitment of the government makes a lot of difference. It was why this scheme was introduced in Malaysia in the first place. It was also why certain measures were put in place to address some of the downsides of the initiative, such as the competency issue. The Nigerian government needs to fully buy-in and support this initiative, since the allocation of land will be done by the government. Its evident support also gives legitimacy to the initiative, thereby making entities like the World Bank more willing to provide funding. The role of government equipped with the right political will is therefore highly essential because this initiative is a national agenda.

A Focus on Promoting Investment in Research and Development

The success of the Malaysian estate management system and smallholder scheme strategy relied heavily on investment in research and development to see what works and make improvements when necessary. Thus, investments in research and development to drive innovation and technological advancements must be a key part of the initiative, if implemented in Nigeria. It is particularly important in this century to enhance efficiency, product quality, and global competitiveness.

In conclusion, I have no doubt that a similar initiative can work in Nigeria, yielding benefits such as employment creation and increase in foreign exchange. However, it needs to be properly structured and the right people must be on board at all times. The best time for the government to start actively working towards the diversification of our economy was several years ago; the next best time is now.

Olasunkanmi Owoyemi runs a commodities exporting company.

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The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Aminu Maida has applauded the proposal by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani, to enlist and train three million Nigerians over a period of four years, which will make the country an exporter of digital skills.

Mr Maida, who spoke recently in Lagos at the City Business News Summit, said the programme, which has already attracted one million applicants, is capable of increasing Nigerias pool of technically-skilled persons in the global market leading to potential employers of digital and technical skills in the international scene to begin to engage more Nigerians.

Speaking on the theme of the summit, Repositioning Nigerian Economy through Telecommunications: 2023 and Beyond, the NCC boss noted that, in recognition of the rapid pace of technological advancement that is disrupting industries across the globe, Nigerias vision is rooted in the belief that embracing this disruption and fostering innovation will propel the nation toward sustainable growth, economic diversification, and enhanced living standards for all Nigerians.

Represented by the Commissions Director of Research and Development, Ismail Adedigba, the NCCs chief executive officer said the vision is, thus, to accelerate the growth of Nigeria as a global technical talent hub and a net exporter of talent; to deepen and accelerate our position in global research in key technology areas and raise the complexity and dynamics of our economy by significantly increasing the level of digital literacy across Nigeria. In this regard, the Honourable Minister is looking to create a pipeline of three million technical talents.

This programme, which has commenced already with over one million applications by potential trainees, is expected to increase the level of digital and technical skills among Nigerians, especially young and middle-level talents, to 70 per cent by the end of 2027. This will position Nigerians to productively contribute to the economy and place us in the top 25 percentile of research globally in the key areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), IoT, Robotics, Blockchain, and Additive Manufacturing in keeping with the strategic plan unveiled by the Honourable Minister, he said.

Mr Maida said the policy direction of the Ministry, which is being driven by five pillars, will deliver on the goals of fostering economic growth and development. These pillars which include policy; infrastructure; innovation, entrepreneurship and capital; trade and knowledge, are the bedrock of the Strategic Vision Plan (2023  2025) and form the guide to channel our efforts to harness the potential of the telecommunications sector and drive positive change in Nigeria.

He said the Commission remains committed to providing an enabling environment for the building of the critical infrastructure required to power a strong digital economy, guarantee improved access to quality broadband connectivity, and the efficient management of the nations spectrum resources.

As we work with our supervising Ministry  Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy  to take these steps to provide the enabling environment for repositioning the Nigerian Economy through telecommunications in 2023 and beyond, we call on Nigeriansand especially our compatriots in the mediato tap into the aspects of these interventions that are relevant to them.

The ambitious plans we have set out may seem lofty and even incredible, but through strategic partnerships and collaborations with all stakeholders, we believe that they are achievable, the EVC said.

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Arla Foods Nigeria, maker of Dano milk, has unveiled a 4-year energy transition plan to build a solar power plant for its state-of-the-art dairy farm in Damau, Kaduna State, aiming to generate up to 750KVA installed capacity by 2027.

The Managing Director, Arla Foods Nigeria, Peder Pedersen, disclosed this while speaking during the opening session of the 2023 Nordic Nigeria Connect held on Tuesday at the Lagos Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos, with the theme Innovation for a Greener Future.

Pederson explained that the energy transition plan aligns with the companys sustainability strategy and vision to create the future of dairy that brings health and inspiration to the world, naturally, by taking actions that support a stronger planet, thereby improving the environment for future generations.

He noted that the farm has been operating on diesel generators since its inauguration in May 2023, as there is no connectivity to the national grid.

In the same vein, the Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs, Arla Foods Nigeria, Akalaka Obazei, while making a presentation in the Energy Transition deep dive session, gave a breakdown of the companys plan for the implementation of the solar power transition of the company.

Obazei stated that Phase 1 of the project would be a hybrid solution of 250kVA standard solar plus diesel that will lead to an annual diesel cost saving of about Euro 143, 910 while also reducing carbon emissions (CO2e) by about 300  350tons per year with one-year payback period.

She further revealed that the power generation is expected to grow to 550kVA installed capacity between 2024 and 2025, while the full potential of up to 750kVA is expected to be achieved by 2027 when the farm reaches full operation

Speaking on the companys preparedness for energy transition, she said, Right from inception during the farm design phase, we had the energy transition in our minds, we have the roof space that can give us the targeted 750kVA already in place, and there is room for further expansion.

On financing for the project, she noted that Arlas 8500 farmer-owners will be bankrolling the project as they strongly believe in energy transition and in line with their long-time commitment to sustainability. She added that businesses, including Arla Farm, must shift toward renewable energy, mainly due to the increasing cost of fossil fuel and its environmental implications.

In his presentation, Senior Manager, Raw Milk Supply and Production, Arla Foods, Snorri Sigurdsson, while advancing a solid case for the Arla farm in Kaduna, stated that there is no doubt that the farm is the most advanced in Africa given the fact that it was designed with the highest known standards in the world and operates with global best practices.

According to Sigurdsson, the farm, which has a high-yielding breed from the best European farms, boasts state-of-the-art technology for optimal cow comfort and performance of both cows and feed.

He noted that Arla Foods remains committed to sustainable dairy farming in Nigeria, stating that it is investing a lot in backward integration to ensure that Nigeria becomes self-sufficient in milk production.

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Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, Tuesday, presented a budget proposal of over N298.14 billion for the 2024 appropriation bill of the state before the states House of Assembly.

Mr Namadi said the budget tagged, Budget for a Greater Jigawa, will transform the state tremendously and provide for the creation state an anti-corruption agency and a board for Tsangaya (Almajiri schools).

The budget proposal is 23 per cent higher than the total appropriations presented in the 2023 fiscal year in the state.

He explained that N10.72 billion has been earmarked as a stabilisation and contingency fund. This is the equivalent of about 4 per cent of the real recurrent revenue estimates.

The sum of over N111 billion, representing about 37 per cent of the total budget is earmarked for recurrent expenditure while the balance of about N175.44 billion, representing 59 per cent is allocated to capital investments.

He stated that the N131.8 billion is more than two-fifths of the total budget underscoring the priority attached to human capital development.

He assured the members and citizens of the state of his commitment to implement the budget with utmost fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability.

Meanwhile, the 2024 appropriation also made provisions for the creation of agencies, which he said would be done before the end of the first quarter of 2024.

The new agency includes the State ICT and Digital Economy Agency, the States Hisbah Board, the States Tsangaya Board (Almajiri schools) State Resident Identity Management Agency, and the State Anti-Corruption.

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The court, within the framework of criminal proceedings opened by law enforcement officers, blocked the privatization of the entire property complex of the state-owned enterprise (SOE) Volyntorf, for the purchase of which at a tender in the ProZorro system Agrobiostandard LLC (Terebovlia, Ternopil region) paid UAH 254.7 million, the company that bought the SOE accuses the Volynpryrodoresurs municipal company and law enforcement officers of a corrupt attempt to disrupt privatization.

"Today, these corrupt officials receive an illegal benefit of UAH 500,000 every day. That is, every day of delay in privatization is UAH 500,000," Kostiantyn Brovchenko, Agrobiostandard auctioneer and investor, said at a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine.

According to him, after losing at the auction of the State Property Fund (SPF) of Ukraine for the sale of Rivnetorf, despite the proposed price of UAH 200 million, Agrobiostandard became interested in Volyntorf, the sale of which was announced in ProZorro in September. As a result, the company became the only participant in the auction held on October 6, offering UAH 221.2 million at a starting price of UAH 190.2 million. Including VAT, Agrobiostandard paid UAH 254.7 million on November 1, and on November 6 the company entered into a purchase and sale agreement with the regional branch of the State Property Fund in Lviv, Zakarpattia and Volyn regions.

As the company said, at the same time, the State Bureau of Investigation and the prosecutor's office in Kyiv saw this as a "criminal conspiracy" and accused Agrobiostandard and the State Property Fund of understating the price by UAH 100 million, and the Pechersky District Court of Kyiv seized the company.

According to a press release, law enforcement officers opened criminal proceedings two weeks after the announcement of the winning bidder. The decision to recognize SOE Volyntorf as material evidence was issued in four days  on October 23, and the court granted the request for the seizure on October 25.

"To date, the amount of damage to Agrobiostandard LLC is almost UAH 254.7 million and it was caused by the actions of the investigator and the prosecutor, since the company, having paid the entire amount, cannot take ownership of the acquired property," the company said in the press release.

At the press conference, Brovchenko linked the problems that arose with the privatization of Volyntorf with the municipal enterprise Volynpryrodoresurs and its director Anatoliy Kapustiuk. This enterprise was created in 2016 and received four licenses for the extraction of amber and peat in the region, as well as a license for the extraction of copper ores.

According to Brovchenko, thus Volyntorf without the necessary licenses was forced to work with Volynpryrodoresurs on enslaving conditions, selling peat for UAH 2,000, while the market price was UAH 5,000, which per year means a loss of almost UAH 100 million and gives the buyer benefits of about UAH 500,000 per day.

According to the shareholder of Agrobiostandard, Volynpryrodoresurs also planned to purchase Volyntorf, but at a lower price.

Brovchenko said that after the auction, the director of the municipal enterprise Kapustiuk contacted him. "He comes to me with a specific proposal that we close all criminal cases, we are the authors of these criminal cases, we close all your problems, and you give us 50% of your company. That is, they failed to delay privatization, they failed to disrupt privatization. It was not possible to buy for three kopiikas in the third, fourth round. Well, then we create a problem for you and solve it this way," the Agrobiostandard shareholder said.

He said that in connection with the current situation, the company turned for protection to the president of the country, the secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, and the Security Service of Ukraine.

Agrobiostandard's lawyer Oksana Malenko separately stated that the law enforcement officers' accusations of the absence of an assessment of Volyntorf before its sale were unfounded, since, according to the updated law, property assessment is not carried out, and the starting price of the auction is determined based on its book value, and this is exactly what the SPF did.

She added that even based on the plot that the investigator wrote, this case is subject to investigation by the NABU, and not the SBI.

The State Property Fund and Volynpryrodoresurs have not yet commented on the situation. Interfax-Ukraine sent them relevant requests.

As representatives of Agrobiostandard reported at the press conference, the group of companies employs more than 10,000 people. All enterprises operate during the war; the company already has experience in privatization during the war.

According to the public register, Agrobiostandard was registered in June 2019. The charter capital is UAH 2.5 million. The final beneficiary is Viacheslav Suprunenko, Brovchenko's share is 20%.

As the SPF said, the new owner of Volyntorf is obliged to pay the company's debts of approximately UAH 20 million, continue to provide services for the supply of thermal energy to consumers with whom Volyntorf has entered into relevant agreements, and within six months to pay off debts on wages and to the budget and do not fire employees.

The Fund said that Volyntorf specializes in the production of peat briquettes. It has licenses for the use of subsoil at the Zasvittia Sytneliuk (for 18 years) and Soine (19 years) fields.

In the first half of 2023, it received UAH 90.4 million in income, and for the whole of 2022  UAH 200 million. At the same time, in January-June 2023, Volyntorf earned UAH 6.2 million in net profit, and for the whole of 2022  UAH 10.6 million.

As of June 30, 2023, Volyntorf's current accounts payable were UAH 20.2 million (in particular, according to budget calculations, UAH 8.9 million, and according to wage calculations, UAH 2.6 million).

The facility includes 109 units of real estate (industrial, warehouse, administrative premises, etc.) with a total area of more than 16,000 square meters. It employs 302 people and has 164 vehicles on its balance sheet. The state-owned enterprise also includes a separate division, Manevytsky Peat Plant.

At the beginning of July, the State Property Fund held an auction for the sale of Rivnotorf, for which they offered UAH 205 million, while Zhytomyrtorf, which was put up for sale without a license, did not find a buyer.
NEW DELHI, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The BSV Blockchain is pleased to announce that it will be attending the upcoming Digital Acceleration and Transformation Expo (DATE), taking place on 23-24 November at the Yashobhoomi IICC (India International Convention & Expo Centre), Dwarka, New Delhi. Recognised as India's leading B2B technology expo, DATE brings together government bodies, enterprises, technology leaders, start-ups, and global investors.

The event is known for its unique framework, featuring ten power-packed streams, three dedicated conference stages for insightful discussions, and multiple zones showcasing technological innovations. DATE provides an actionable perspective into both contemporary and forthcoming tech trends.

Martin Coxall, Marketing Director at BSV Blockchain, said "The BSV Blockchain has seen significant growth in India in recent years as enterprises and start-ups in the region recognise the true value of the technology. India could provide the breakthrough that the BSV blockchain is looking for in terms of mass adoption. This expo is a terrific opportunity to reach out to our rapidly growing Indian BSV blockchain community and connect with others in the space to collaborate and grow."

BSV Blockchain will have a physical presence on the show floor where we encourage attendees to learn more about the technology and why it is a good fit for your start-up, enterprise, or government. Several BSV blockchain companies will also showcase the power and utility of the technology to the public including:

James Marchant, Chief Commercial Officer at nChain said, "At nChain, we are deeply committed to the growth and success of the BSV Blockchain, and it is a privilege to be part of the upcoming Digital Acceleration and Transformation Expo in New Delhi. The BSV Blockchain's presence at DATE is a testament to our dedication to advancing blockchain technology in India. This event is a unique opportunity for us to engage with innovators, leaders, and visionaries at the forefront of India's digital transformation. We are eager to showcase how nChain and the BSV Blockchain are contributing to this journey, fostering a new era of digital innovation and economic growth in India."

The BSV Blockchain is the only public blockchain capable of scaling to meet the demands of enterprise-scale applications and was designed to function as an extension of the Internet that allows for peer-to-peer payments and complex data transfers without intermediaries.

As India's digital economy is slated to reach $1 trillion, emerging technology such as the BSV blockchain is becoming the bedrock for India's economic vision. This transformation is not just about economic growth; it's a pivotal enabler of improved governance across the nation.

The BSV blockchain will redefine how industries operate by optimizing operations, enhancing efficiencies, and unlocking a world of new possibilities for the country. In this digital age, India's forward-looking approach is propelling it to shape a connected and prosperous society.

The Big Blockers movement started in India with the EUBS conference hosted by Timechain Labs in August. The citadel inauguration meetup followed by the BSV Roadshow of meetups spanning 8 cities of India has built up the regional BSV Chapters for the BSV India Hub. The regional chapters regularly have community-led initiatives to conduct meetings, workshops, hackathons, open days, and events across these 8 cities. Any big blocker who believes in the vision of Satoshi can participate by joining the local chapter of the Big Blockers community in India.

Rohan Sharan, Founder at Timechain Labs and BSV Blockchain Ambassador said, "Embracing the BSV Blockchain represents a pivotal moment in India's technological evolution. At TimeChain Labs, we are thrilled to be at the forefront of this transformation. The Digital Acceleration and Transformation Expo offers an unparalleled platform for us to showcase the potential of BSV Blockchain. We are committed to contributing to India's digital revolution and believe that BSV's capabilities align perfectly with India's vision for a technologically empowered future."

Discover the BSV blockchain and sign up for attendance now. Several purchase options are available - including a free expo pass, a business pass, and a VIP pass. Further details about the agenda and location can be found on the DATE website here.

About BSV Blockchain

One Blockchain for Everyone.

The BSV Blockchain leads the BSV Blockchain for Enterprise and Government initiatives. This Switzerland-based global non-profit industry organisation supports the use of the BSV blockchain. The BSV Blockchain oversees the creation of technical standards and educates enterprises, government agencies, start-up ventures, developers, and users on creating a global blockchain ecosystem. The original Bitcoin protocol and its scripting language provide powerful technical capabilities that BSV has restored.
Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9225051-134th-canton-fair-draws-to-a-stellar-close/

The Fair, a remarkable blend of online and offline experiences, attracted a substantial number of global buyers from 229 countries and regions by Nov 3. 197,869 buyers attended the fair onsite, an increase of 53.4% over the previous session. 63.9% of overseas buyers, or 126,343, were from the countries jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative. 165 leading multinational enterprises organized buyers to the exhibition, including Wal-Mart, Tesco, Aldi and AEON.

At the Fair, exhibitors have impressively presented a grand total of over 2.75 million exhibits through the online platform. This diverse range includes over 700,000 new products, about 110,000 cutting-edge smart products, more than 430,000 environmentally sustainable and low-carbon items, and roughly 230,000 independently patented products. Additionally, the fair hosted close to 400 exclusive product launches.

The Canton Fair has achieved a total offline export transaction volume of US$22.3 billion, with brand enterprises contributing US$ 6.35 billion. Apart from signing orders on-site, buyers also arrange follow-up appointments to visit factories and workshops and assess production capacity, which signifies the anticipation of increased cooperation in the future.

The Canton Fair has been a driving force for global economic growth, with 61 "Trade Bridge" Global Promotion and Matchmaking Events and 21 themed forums. The Fair's Product Design and Trade Promotion Center (PDC) hosted 91 design companies from 8 different countries and regions for design matchmaking.

Following the wrap-up of the Canton Fair, the online platform will continue to offer its services throughout the year. The Fair will also host a range of trade matching and industry-focused activities, designed to meet supply and sourcing demands. For more details, please visit the Canton Fair's official website https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US/posts/646531331412942848 or contact Cai Yiyi, [email protected].

SOURCE Canton Fair

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DUBLIN, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Insights on Asian OEMs' Over-the-Air Update (FOTA/SOTA) Strategies" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



This research study identifies the key drivers and constraints influencing growth in this domain and explores various use cases tailored for automakers. It culminates by shedding light on the emerging growth opportunities within this sector, which market players and stakeholders can capitalize on.

This research service scrutinizes Over-The-Air (OTA) updates originating from Asian original equipment manufacturers, offering insights into how market participants can enhance their OTA capabilities to gain a competitive advantage. The study encompasses both Firmware OTA (FOTA) and Software OTA (SOTA) strategies. The increasing prevalence of embedded technology and the advent of 5G are poised to elevate the utilization of connected services and advanced infotainment features, consequently fueling the demand for OTA software updates that create more personalized user experiences.

The study segments OTA updates into 12 distinct categories, encompassing Powertrain, Infotainment Services, Connected Services, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)/Autonomous Driving (AD), Chassis, Remote Services, Bug Fixes, User Manuals, Health, Wellness, and Well-being, Passive Safety, Active Safety, and Comfort/Convenience.

In addition, the study provides detailed profiles of key players such as the Hyundai Group, Toyota Group, and Honda Group, outlining their service and subsegment penetration for each type of OTA update. It also offers a breakdown of the number of OTA updates offered by each company across these categories. Country-specific analyses are included for Japan, South Korea, and India.

KEY ISSUES ADDRESSED

Which OEMs offer OTA updates?

Which segments and subsegments account for most of the OTA updates?

Which regulations and standards impact the OTA updates?

To date, how many OTA updates have the profiled companies offered?

Key Topics Covered:

1 Strategic Imperatives

Why Is It Increasingly Difficult to Grow?

The Strategic Imperative

The Impact of the Top 3 Strategic Imperatives on Over-the-air (OTA) Updates in the Automotive Industry

Growth Opportunities Fuel the Growth Pipeline Engine

2 Growth Opportunity Analysis

Scope of Analysis

Growth Drivers

Growth Restraints

3 Introduction to OTA Updates

OTA Updates in the Automotive Industry: How and Why

Key Participants and OTA Update Types

OTA Update Segmentation

OTA Updates in the Automotive Industry: A Timeline

OTA Update Trends Affecting On-demand Feature Adoption

OEMs Recalling Vehicles with and without OTA Updates: A Case Study

OTA Updates: The Future

4 Privacy Data Regulations and Standards Impacting OTA Updates: South Korea and Japan

Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA): South Korea

Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI): Japan

Digital Personal Data Protection Bill (DPDPB), 2023: India

Cybersecurity Regulation: UNECE WP.29

Cybersecurity Regulations WP.29

WP.29 Key Requirements and Mandates

UNECE Cybersecurity Regulation: R155

UNECE Regulation on Software Updates and Software Update Management Systems (SUMSs): R156

Regulations across Asian Countries: A Snapshot

5 Automaker OTA Updates by Segment: India

Indian Automakers' OTA Updates: A Snapshot

Indian Automakers' OTA Updates by OEM

Mahindra's Future Strategies Impacting OTA Updates

Tata Elxsi's OTA Update Strategy

Maruti Suzuki Motors's OTA Update

6 Automaker OTA Updates by Segment: Japan

Japanese Automakers' OTA Updates: A Snapshot

Japanese Automakers's OTA Updates by OEM

Toyota's OTA Updates: A Snapshot

Toyota OTA Updates: A Timeline

Toyota's OTA Update Comparison by Segments

Toyota OTA Update Penetration by Subsegments

Nissan, Mazda, and Mitsubishi's OTA Updates: A Snapshot

Honda's OTA Updates: A Snapshot

Honda's OTA Updates: A Timeline

Honda OTA Update Comparison by Segment

Honda OTA Update Penetration by Subsegments

7 Automaker OTA Updates by Segment: South Korea

South Korea Automakers' OTA Updates: A Snapshot

South Korea Automakers' OTA Updates by OEM

Hyundai Motor Group's OTA Updates: A Snapshot

Hyundai Motor Group's OTA Updates: A Timeline

Hyundai Motor Group's OTA Update Comparison by Segment

Hyundai Motor Group OTA Update Penetration by Subsegments

OTA Update Penetration by Segment in Asian OEMs

Segment/Category Benchmarking by Automakers

Asian OEMs: Comparison by Number of OTA Updates

Asian OEMs: OTA Update Snapshot

Asian OEMs OTA Updates: Comparison of Number of OTA Updates by Segment

Asian OEMs: OTA Update Summary

8 Growth Opportunity Universe

Growth Opportunity 1: In-cabin Features and OTA Updates

Growth Opportunity 2: Continuous Software Updates

Growth Opportunity 3: Autonomous Vehicles and EVs

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/1hcanh

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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SOURCE Research and Markets
SHANGHAI, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The five winners of the 2023 World Laureates Association Prize (WLA Prize) received their awards for their ground-breaking achievements in computer science or mathematics and life science or medicine on Nov. 6 at the opening ceremony of the 6th WLA Forum held in China's financial hub Shanghai, the forum's permanent site.

Five WLA Prize Laureates received medals at the 2023 WLA Prize Award Ceremony of the 6th World Laureates Forum on November 6. (PRNewsfoto/World Laureates Forum (WLA Forum))

Initiated by the World Laureates Association, the WLA Prize is an annual international science prize established in Shanghai in 2021 and exclusively funded by venture capital and private equity firm HongShan. The WLA Prize, with an award of 10 million yuan for each prize, aims to recognize and support eminent researchers and technologists worldwide for contributions to the two categories of computer science or mathematics and life science or medicine.

"This is a truly exceptional honor for me, a level of recognition the magnitude of which I never dreamt of," said Prof. Arkadi Nemirovski, one of the two laureates of the WLA Prize in Computer Science or Mathematics. Prof. Yurii E. Nesterov, the other laureate, considered receiving this prize "as a recognition for our life-time achievements."

Arkadi Nemirovski is from the U.S. Georgia Institute of Technology, and Yurii Nesterov is from the Universite Catholique de Louvain in Belgium. They won the WLA Prize in Computer Science or Mathematics "for their seminal work in convex optimization theory."

Daniela Rhodes from the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, the United Kingdom, Karolin Luger from the University of Colorado Boulder, the United States, and Timothy J. Richmond from ETH Zurich, Switzerland, were named the winners of the 2023 WLA Prize in Life Science or Medicine "for elucidating the structure of the nucleosome at the atomic level."

"They have left an indelible mark on the history of our understanding of chromosome structure," said Prof. Randy Schekman, Chair of 2023 WLA Prize Selection Committee for Life Science or Medicine.

The award offers an account of their decades-long research journey in elucidating the structure of the nucleosome.

"Science is a lonely, selfish, excruciatingly frustrating, and obsessive occupation," said Prof. Karolin Luger. For Prof. Timothy J. Richmond, "success in groundbreaking research also requires a great deal of patience and perseverance." But "to do research is a great privilege," said Prof. Daniela Rhodes.

The 6th WLA Forum, which is also livestreamed online, attracted the attendance of over 300 participants, including the world laureates, academicians, senior scientists, young scientists, and professionals from 25 countries and regions.

Both the inaugural WLA Prize laureates and the new winners attended the forum, participating in a series of events like the WLA Prize Laureates Lecture and the WLA Prize Laureates Roundtable, engaging in meaningful conversations with other scientists and sharing insightful inspirations with the scholars across the globe.

Image Attachments Links:

Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=443084

Caption: Five WLA Prize Laureates received medals at the 2023 WLA Prize Award Ceremony of the 6th World Laureates Forum on November 6.

SOURCE World Laureates Forum (WLA Forum)
Help for Ukraine Charitable Foundation plans to open rehabilitation center for military based on Morshyn sanatorium in early 2024

KYIV. Nov 15 (Interfax-Ukraine)  The Help for Ukraine charitable foundation plans to open the Step By Step center for psychological and physiotherapeutic rehabilitation of military personnel at the base of Morshyn sanatorium in Lviv region in early 2024, said foundation president Stepan Aslanyan.

At a press conference at the Interfax-Ukraine agency, he clarified that the project will be implemented on the basis of rented space in the central building of the sanatorium.

It was noted that the center for psychological and physiotherapeutic rehabilitation of the military will be equipped with comfortable wards with functional medical beds, equipped with equipment for ultrasound diagnostics and laboratory tests.

We are currently negotiating with specialized certified laboratories to treat the consequences of acubarotrauma in collaboration with professional psychologists, he said.

In turn, the vice-president of the organization, Vilen Fatalov, noted that over a year and a half of work, the fund has already implemented a number of projects, including a project to provide equipment to JSC Mykolaivoblenergo, which suffered from attacks by the Russian aggressor on energy infrastructure facilities in 2022. As part of this project, with the support of German partners, the fund delivered 169.7 tonnes of urgently needed equipment to Mykolaivoblenergo, including transformers and generators.

In addition, the fund delivered humanitarian and medical supplies to Mykolaiv and the deoccupied territory of Kherson region.

As part of the project, a mobile water purification unit was delivered and launched for the frontline settlement of Kozatske, Kherson region.

Currently, the project continues to implement the Save Kherson Water project, which involves the purchase and installation of mobile water purification systems in populated areas of Kherson and Mykolaiv regions.

The foundation is also implementing the Beds for IDPs and Orphanages project, within the framework of which IDPs and orphanages will be provided with 140 beds.

Unfortunately, the need for humanitarian assistance is not decreasing, it is only growing, and we need to intensify our efforts to support the military and the population, Aslanyan said.

In turn, the foundations ambassador, Yevhen Koshovy, emphasized that the organization continues to work towards providing the front with passenger cars.

Unfortunately, cars at the front have become expendable, so we will concentrate our efforts in this direction, he said.

For his part, Fatalov noted that when implementing its projects, the foundation does not turn to the population for help, but attracts business and international partners.

We did not launch funds collection from our citizens, we focused on Ukrainian business and foreign partners. We must continue to consolidate our efforts and remain united, as we were in February 2022. The needs are not getting smaller, he said.

The annual report on the Foundation's activities is available at the link
New survey reveals risky gap between knowing and doing

Survey Key findings:

79% of Black men know genetic information can help improve prostate cancer treatment options.

75% of Black men know inherited gene mutations can increase their risk for prostate cancer.

33% of Black men uncertain or unwilling to provide DNA samples even if it means finding new treatment options.

64% of Black men report concerns about the privacy and security of their DNA information if shared with medical institutions.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new survey, Prostate Cancer and Black Men: From Disparity to Discovery, commissioned by Advancing Cancer Treatment and the National Alliance of State Prostate Cancer Coalitions, 3 out of 4 (75%) Black men know that inherited gene mutations can increase the risk for prostate cancer for themselves and their families. And nearly 4 out of 5 (79%) understand that genetic information can help improve treatment options. Yet, despite being well informed of these potential benefits, more than 1 out of 3 (33%) survey respondents say they are either uncertain or unwilling to provide DNA samples with researchers or doctors even if it means finding new treatment options.

"DNA may be a man's most powerful weapon in the fight against prostate cancer" Post this Black men and prostate cancer. Moving from disparity to discovery.

With nearly 3 out of 5 (64%) Black men citing concern for the privacy and security of their DNA information, survey findings suggest mistrust of the research community remains a hurdle to bringing diversity to research participation, even when it comes to diseases like prostate cancer that impact Black men disproportionately.

Merel Grey Nissenberg, president, National Alliance of State Prostate Cancer Coalitions said, "Black men are at a disadvantage because they are underrepresented in valuable research that could impact their lives and the lives of their family members. Survey data underscores the importance of addressing health information privacy and security concerns to bridge this dramatic health divide and move us from disparity to discovery for all men."

According to Channing Paller, MD, medical oncologist at Sibley Memorial Hospital, associate professor of oncology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and co-lead investigator of the PROMISE Registry, a registry of prostate cancer patients participating in a research study to learn how genetic differences can affect patient outcomes, "DNA may be a man's most powerful weapon in the fight against prostate cancer. A genetic database built from a racially diverse group of men is a critical step forward in prostate cancer research. We hope to bring personalized medicine to prostate cancer for all men, in the same way the research community has done for women with breast cancer."

Added Heather Cheng, MD, PhD, director, Prostate Cancer Genetics Clinic and associate professor, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, associate professor, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington, and co-lead investigator of the PROMISE Registry, "Black men are disproportionately affected by prostate cancer, with more aggressive disease, and higher mortality rates versus White men. To address these disparities, we need to focus on enrolling and retaining Black men in prostate cancer clinical trials and observational studiesthe length and quality of Black prostate cancer patients' lives are depending on it, and the lessons learned can benefit all patients with prostate cancer."

Visit here for information about the PROMISE Registry. Visit here for information on the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act.

See full press release for information on survey methodology, Advancing Cancer Treatment and the National Alliance of State Prostate Cancer Coalitions.

SOURCE Advancing Cancer Treatment
HAMBURG, Germany, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Following a press inquiry on November 6, NDR was confronted with serious allegations against documentary filmmaker Hubert Seipel. The author, who produced films such as "Ich, Putin - Ein Portrait" [I, Putin: A Portrait] (2012) and the interviews with Edward Snowden and Vladimir Putin in Moscow (2014) for NDR, allegedly received money from a Russian businessman over a long period.

The NDR[1], from its German acronym, Norddeutscher Rundfunk [Northern German Broadcasting Corporation] contacted the author and the management of the production company following the press inquiry. Seipel admitted to NDR that he had received money from the Russian entrepreneur Alexey Mordashov in the form of two "sponsorship contracts" in 2013 and 2018 and explained it had been for two book projects. Mordashov has been on the EU sanctions list since March 2022 and is considered a pro-Kremlin oligarch. At the time, Seipel did not inform NDR that he had secured these contracts. The broadcaster sees this as a significant conflict of interest that challenges Seipel's journalistic independence. The contract should have been disclosed to the production company and NDR. The author last worked for NDR in 2019.

Joachim Knuth, Director-General: "It is suspected that we, and therefore our audience, have been deliberately misled. We are looking into this now and are considering legal action. We will thoroughly examine the procedures surrounding the commissioning and production of the films Hubert Seipel made for NDR. To do so, we have engaged the former Spiegel editor-in-chief Steffen Klusmann."

Within its production contracts and compliance policies, NDR requires the disclosure of any conflicts of interest and for journalistic work to be carried out independently from any third-party influence. None of the films are currently available in the ARD media library.

Contact:

NDR Norddeutscher Rundfunk

Mail: [email protected]

www.twitter.com/NDRpresse

[1] NDR is one of nine regional broadcasters comprising the ARD, which stands for "Association of Public Broadcasting Corporations in the Federal Republic of Germany".
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Airwavz Solutions Inc., a leading provider of wireless solutions, announces the latest addition to its Market Advisory Board  Mr. Craig Richardville, Chief Digital and Information Officer at Intermountain Health. Mr. Richardville's appointment brings a wealth of expertise in healthcare technology and digital transformation to Airwavz' respected roster of advisors.

Currently, Mr. Richardville serves as a member of the Enterprise Leadership Team at Intermountain Health, where he leads the charge in revolutionizing the health system's information technology and digital services. His responsibilities encompass strategy, applications, operations, information security, informatics, data, and analytics, all aimed at steering Intermountain Health's digital transformation and information automation.

Before joining Intermountain Health, Mr. Richardville served as Senior Vice President & Chief Information and Analytics Officer at Atrium Health for over two decades. During his tenure, he played a transformative role in shaping Atrium Health into a national leader, effectively leveraging technology, data, and digital services as driving forces and differentiators.

Throughout his career, Mr. Richardville achieved multiple accolades, including the 2021 National CIO of the Year ORBIE Award, the 2020 Colorado CIO of the Year Award, and the 2017 Carolinas CIO of the Year Award, all recognizing his outstanding leadership and impact in leveraging technology and digital services across various industries. He was also honored with the 2015 John E. Gall, Jr. National CIO of the Year Award from CHIME and HIMSS.

Brad Davis, CEO of Airwavz Solutions, Inc., expressed his enthusiasm for Mr. Richardville's appointment: "We are delighted to have Craig Richardville join our Market Advisory Board. His experience in healthcare technology and digital transformation is critical as we continue to provide innovative wireless solutions to meet the needs of the evolving healthcare industry."

Mr. Craig Richardville's appointment to Airwavz' Market Advisory Board takes on added significance as the company has consistently demonstrated excellence in delivering wireless solutions to hospitals and healthcare networks. Mr. Richardville's industry-specific insights will prove instrumental in guiding Airwavz as it continues to provide enhanced wireless solutions to hospitals and healthcare campuses. Airwavz looks forward to embracing Mr. Richardville's knowledge and experience to further elevate the impact of their solutions in the industry.

About Airwavz Solutions

Airwavz Solutions is a telecommunications infrastructure company that specializes in delivering wireless solutions for hospitals, healthcare campuses and more. Airwavz designs, installs, and operates 5G-ready fiber backbone wireless infrastructure, providing doctors, patients, and staff with the services they need to meet the surging demand for connectivity.

For further information about Airwavz Solutions and its innovative in-building wireless solutions, please visit www.airwavz.com.

Media Contact:

Allison Horinko

Senior Manager, Marketing and Communication

[email protected]

484.629.4125

SOURCE Airwavz
Nan, Inc. Acquires one of Hawai'i's Largest Paving Contractors; Expands Footprint in Hawai'i

HONOLULU, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. (NYSE: ALEX) ("A&B" or "Company"), a Hawai'i-based company focused on owning, operating, and developing high-quality commercial real estate in Hawai'i, announced today, it has sold Grace Pacific LLC to Nan, Inc., Hawai'i's largest, locally owned construction company.

Nan, Inc. Logo

A&B acquired Grace Pacific, one of the state's largest asphalt paving contractors, materials, and construction companies, in 2013. Grace Pacific has been an integral force in Hawai'i's infrastructure growth for over nine decades, providing a reliable local source of construction materials and playing a pivotal role in the development and maintenance of critical infrastructure such as roads, highways, runways, and harbors that connect our island communities.

"The sale of Grace Pacific marks the culmination of A&B's simplification strategy, allowing us to sharpen our focus on our core business as the preeminent commercial real estate company in Hawai'i," said Lance Parker, A&B president & CEO. "This transaction not only marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the Company but also facilitates a path for success and growth of Grace Pacific under the stewardship of Nan, Inc."

Nan, Inc., specializes in large-scale preconstruction, general contracting, and design-build services statewide. Nan, Inc.'s acquisition of Grace Pacific ensures continued local ownership and marks a significant expansion of its presence in the Hawai'i construction industry, further strengthening its growth and fostering economic development in the state.

"We are thrilled to welcome Grace Pacific to the Nan, Inc. family," said Nan Chul Shin, founder and owner of Nan, Inc. "This acquisition allows us to enhance our service offerings and better serve our clients and partners throughout Hawai'i. We are excited about the potential for innovation and growth this partnership will bring."

The addition of Grace Pacific, with its talented team of professionals and state-of-the-art facilities, will significantly contribute to the continued success of Nan, Inc. This acquisition demonstrates Nan, Inc.'s commitment to investing in Hawai'i's infrastructure and supporting local job opportunities.

"Grace Pacific will continue to operate under its well-established brand, and its existing management and staff will remain in place to ensure a seamless transition," added Shin. "Clients and partners can continue to expect to receive the same high-quality service and dedication they've come to rely on over the years, now backed by Nan, Inc.'s extensive resources and expertise."

ABOUT ALEXANDER & BALDWIN

Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. (NYSE: ALEX) (A&B) is the only publicly-traded real estate investment trust to focus exclusively on Hawai'i commercial real estate and is the state's largest owner of grocery-anchored, neighborhood shopping centers. A&B owns, operates, and manages approximately 3.9 million square feet of commercial space in Hawai'i, including 22 retail centers, 13 industrial assets and four office properties, as well as 142 acres of ground leases. A&B is expanding and strengthening its Hawai'i CRE portfolio and achieving its strategic focus on commercial real estate by monetizing its remaining non-core assets. Over its 153-year history, A&B has evolved with the state's economy and played a leadership role in the development of the agricultural, transportation, tourism, construction, residential and commercial real estate industries.

Learn more about A&B at www.alexanderbaldwin.com.

ABOUT NAN, INC

Nan, Inc. is Hawai'i's largest, locally owned construction company with a rich history of providing exceptional services to clients throughout the state. With a commitment to excellence, innovation, and community support, Nan, Inc. has earned a reputation as one of Hawai'i's premier construction firms with a presence throughout the State of Hawai'i, Guam and Kwajalein. In November 2023, Nan, Inc. acquired Grace Pacific, LLC, representing a significant step forward in Nan, Inc.'s growth and ability to serve the local community.

Learn more about Nan, Inc at www.nanhawaii.com

Media Contact:

Andrea Galvin

Manager, Corporate Communications at Alexander & Baldwin

T: 808-525-8404; E: [email protected]

SOURCE Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.
Addressing the new frontier in metaverse design through decentralized AI governance.

Images: Link

ZUG, Switzerland, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dacoco, the driving force behind Alien Worlds, the #1 played metaverse on DappRadar, announces at Web Summit in Lisbon a collaboration with revered Science Fiction author Kevin J. Anderson (Star Wars, Dune, Saga of the Seven Suns). Together, they introduce AI-Driven Tokenized Story-Telling, also known as the "Large Lore Model," a pioneering concept that merges the power of AI with the vibrant creativity of the global community, all governed through decentralized on-chain mechanisms. With over 9 billion plays in Alien Worlds, this feature will be the largest AI system governed by DAOs at scale.

This revolutionary storytelling approach is designed to augment and scale the new and rich lore created by the co-author of the Dune Prequel series through community contributions worldwide. Through advanced AI tools, the decentralized community can leverage this strong lore foundation to build collaborative Alien Worlds games, media, and more.

Saro McKenna, co-founder of Alien Worlds, remarks, "Given the recent Hollywood writers' strike, we're navigating a crucial juncture when it comes to AI and media. We aim to safeguard the integrity of creators while unlocking the vast potential AI offers. By governing our AI models transparently via on-chain communities, we're uniquely positioned to govern this intersection of technology and storytelling."

She adds, "With Kevin J. Anderson's masterful storytelling as our foundation, the community has a dual opportunity  they can appreciate and integrate the literary contributions of giants like Anderson, who wrote fan favorites like Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights, and simultaneously harness the formidable power of AI, along with the imaginative contributions of participants across the globe."

Within the vast expanse of Alien Worlds, six planetary DAOs vie for Trilium tokens. Trilium will play a pivotal role in governance decisions and the management of AI-assisted content for an ever growing metaverse enjoyed by countless participants .

Though AI offers unmatched efficiency, its integration also raises concerns about potential misuse. Dacoco's use of blockchain technology will explore how communities can address these challenges, facilitating proper authenticity, transparency, and attribution of training data. In this way, Alien Worlds is launching the world's largest decentralized AI management system.

Kevin Rose, Chief Marketing Officer of Dacoco, added, "The next great franchise will be built by a community, not a corporation. When launched, our AI-driven 'Large Lore Model' will only be trained on community-approved lore, whether in games, art, video, or other media. Dacoco's battle-tested DAO technology will serve as the foundation to support the community as it embarks on this journey. Over time, we will see a community entirely responsible for maintaining the canon of the Alien Worlds metaverse."

This initiative is the first step in evaluating the need for decentralized governance systems to oversee AI systems, an important topic of debate as AI becomes more integrated into people's everyday lives. Dacoco's goal is to ensure AI systems remain accountable, auditable, and true to their intended purpose.

"In today's interconnected world, storytelling has the power to unite global communities. AI tools can act as the essential bridge that ensures we are weaving a consistent and cohesive universe without requiring direct collaboration between every member of that community. As we meld the time-honored craft of storytelling with the innovative capabilities of AI, we're not just telling stories; we're creating universes." - Kevin J. Anderson

Kevin J. Anderson, a luminary in the science-fiction domain with over 24 million books in print, boasts iconic works, including the expanded Dune series, Saga of Seven Suns, and adaptations for franchises like Star Wars and The X-Files.

Saro McKenna added, "Harking back to the open letter to pause AI development signed by Elon Musk and others, regulation, oversight, and transparency, were all strong themes that need to be addressed for AI to be developed responsibility. Dacoco believes that decentralized governance can play a role here, however, the efforts to mitigate the risks posed by AI through decentralization reveal that the touch points between the two are imperfect, leaving much room for government or collective regulation.

Stay updated with Alien Worlds by following @AlienWorlds on Twitter and exploring the universe at alienworlds.io.

About Alien Worlds:

Alien Worlds is a pioneering metaverse ecosystem, ranking as one of the world's premier blockchain games. Players delve into a universe of unique digital assets (NFTs), embark on interstellar missions, partake in planetary elections, and strategize in planetary councils. Six Planet DAOs vie for dominance, fostering collaboration, competition, and strategy among users.

With a staggering player base of nearly 8 million and an active monthly user count exceeding 300,000, Alien Worlds tops DappRadar activity/usage charts, inspiring players to push the boundaries of creativity in the metaverse.

Engage with Alien Worlds at www.alienworlds.io.

About Dacoco:

Established in 2018 in Zug's Crypto Valley, Dacoco emerged as a solution to real-world challenges faced by on-chain DAOs. With years of hands-on experience, Dacoco boasts some of the industry's most robust DAO code and methodologies.

SOURCE Dacoco GmbH
NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- AlphaPoint , a leading provider of digital asset infrastructure of exchanges, brokerages, payment networks, and banking, is proud to announce its 10th anniversary. Since its founding in 2013, AlphaPoint has been at the forefront of developing institutional-grade infrastructure to power the digital asset ecosystem.

As one of the earliest companies in the digital asset space, AlphaPoint's founders recognized early on the need for robust, scalable solutions to enable mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies. The company launched with a flagship white label exchange product and has since expanded its offerings to include brokerage solutions, OTC solutions, wallets, payments, liquidity services, asset tokenization, and more.

Over the past decade, AlphaPoint has powered over $1 trillion in transactions across more than 10 million users globally. The company's exchange technology has powered some of the biggest names in crypto, enabling fast, efficient, and compliant trading.

"AlphaPoint has all the world experience to offer technological solutions, financial services and access to Bitcoin for millions of Salvadorans who are actively using the Chivo wallet." Through this global undertaking, "the objective of President Nayib Bukele with Chivo is to provide millions of Salvadorans with the opportunity to know about bitcoin, access financial services, as well as the possibility of receiving and sending remittances without charging commissions."

Milestones include:

Supporting over 150 customers across 35+ countries, including leading exchanges, banks, and brokerages

Over $1 trillion has been traded and billions of assets deposited on the platform

has been traded and billions of assets deposited on the platform Providing technology to global leading financial institutions such as CME Group, XP Securities, RBC, Scotiabank, Guardian Life, and the largest retail banks in two countries

Powering the Chivo digital wallet for the government of El Salvador , the first state-backed implementation of its kind

, the first state-backed implementation of its kind AlphaPoint is the proud recipient of the 2023 US Fintech Awards Best Use of Blockchain Technology, Financial Times The Americas' Fastest Growing Companies for 2021, Inc 5000 America's Fastest Growing Private Companies for 2020, and numerous other prestigious awards.

Completing SOC1 and SOC2 security audits to meet institutional standards

"When we started AlphaPoint 10 years ago, our goal was to enable mainstream crypto adoption by building solutions to make digital assets accessible, trusted, and reliable," said Founder Joe Ventura. "Today our infrastructure powers millions of users globally, and we are proud to have helped progress the industry from its nascent stages to the maturing ecosystem it is now."

As AlphaPoint enters its second decade, the company remains committed to developing best-in-class products and supporting the next generation of blockchain innovation. "The next 10 years will see exponential growth in crypto adoption worldwide," said CEO and Co-Founder Igor Telyatnikov. "Our solutions make it easy for partners across financial institutions, government and startups to build the digital asset products and solutions that will drive and power mainstream integration."

Click here to learn more on AlphaPoint's 10-year journey enabling the digital asset revolution.

About AlphaPoint

AlphaPoint is a global financial technology company providing digital asset infrastructure to power the next generation of exchanges, brokerages, payment networks, and banking. Our full-suite products provide trusted, secure, scalable, and customizable solutions for trading, payments, lending, custody, and more.

AlphaPoint has enabled over 150 customers in 35 countries including the CME Group, XP Securities, and Chivo. AlphaPoint has powered over 1 trillion in trading volume and the technology has handled billions in assets on the platform. Over the past decade, we have received multiple prestigious awards recognizing our innovations, exponential growth and leading technology in the fintech and digital asset space, positioning us to continue empowering our clients. For more information, please visit https://alphapoint.com/ and connect with us on LinkedIn, and Twitter.

SOURCE AlphaPoint Corporation
Investment validates ALTR's unique and progressive Shift Left approach to enforcing protection protocols early in the data lifecycle.

MELBOURNE, Fla., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ALTR Solutions, Inc., the leading innovator of automated data governance and data security solutions, today announced that it has closed on its $25 Million Series C Preferred financing to meet the overwhelming demand for its SaaS-based data access governance and security solutions. Led by John Stafford III, and including new investors from the financial, medical, and data space, the Series C will be used to bolster ALTR's market position in the cloud data access governance and security space, fast-track its go-to-market strategy by expanding its footprint across various data sources, grow partner integrations, and develop channel relations.

"Data owners need to protect data during the entire journey from source systems to the cloud. They now realize it isn't sufficient to rely on securing data only after landing in a cloud data warehouse or analytical store," said Jonathan Sander, former Field Security CTO at Snowflake and ALTR Board member. "ALTR's unique solution helps some of the world's biggest brands expand data governance and security from inside the cloud upstream into data pipelines and catalogs. It's the power to orchestrate protection across the whole data journey that defines their 'Shift Left' approach. ALTR's highly available, cloud-native service powers this Shift Left orchestration by keeping data secure and compliant throughout its entire journey from source to cloud to user. I am excited to be working alongside James and the entire ALTR team to help the company continue to capitalize on this tremendous market opportunity and I cannot wait to see where this trajectory will take us."

Since the close of ALTR's $15 million Series B in 2020, the company has realized significant milestones, including:

An annualized increase in Snowflake Partner Connect (SPC) activations of over 325%, accounting for hundreds of new ALTR + Snowflake customers since ALTR was first launched on SPC in September 2021 .

. Snowflake-based ARR grew 472%, database connections by 70%, active policies 130%, and conversion from ALTR Free Forever to ALTR Enterprise by 40% YTD in 2023.

Introduced Snowflake Native Format-Preserving Encryption Using Snowpark, the industry-first solution module running natively on Snowpark.

Announced an Open-Source Data Governance Integration Initiative built for the Snowflake Data Cloud, including direct integrations with Matillion and Alation to bolster ALTR's Shift Left interoperability approach across the modern data ecosystem.

Appointed James Beecham as Chief Executive Officer.

as Chief Executive Officer. Secured a multi-year contract with a leading Fortune 10 company and realized a 70-fold increase in its customer base across industries such as financial services, healthcare, oil & gas, retail/CPG, advertising and technology, and logistics.

"Sensitive and regulated data that is left unprotected prior to reaching the cloud data warehouse means that data is at a high risk of exposure," said Sanjeev Mohan, Principal at SanjMo and former Gartner analyst. "The architectural advantages of ALTR's pure SaaS solution points to its growth and sustainability strategy around enterprise customers who are looking to govern and secure sensitive data in the cloud with minimal friction. ALTR is the only data access governance and security solution that ensures organizations can protect data 'to the left' moving from source system to the cloud to data consumer."

ALTR enables database administrators, data engineers, and data architects to drastically reduce manual tasks and/or hand them off completely to deliver greater value from their data, quicker. Today, hundreds of companies - and thousands of users - leverage ALTR's data governance platform to gain unparalleled visibility into data usage, automate data access control, and secure data with patented rate-limiting and tokenization-as-a-service.

"This latest funding is a true testament to ALTR's customer-centric approach and to our growth and sustainability strategy around enterprise customers who are looking to govern and secure sensitive data in the cloud," said James Beecham, Founder and CEO of ALTR. "2023 has been a year of exponential growth and development for ALTR that includes the expansion of customers, further development of internal teams, and a broadening of our product offerings. We are thrilled to be recognized by visionaries in the data ecosystem as it underscores the importance of establishing a solid data governance and security approach and will ensure we continue to deliver on our mission of helping organizations use data effectively and responsibly, so they remain compliant with an ever-growing number of regulations."

About ALTR

ALTR is the leading innovator of automated data access governance and data security solutions for Snowflake. ALTR uniquely blends the needs of data and security teams into a single platform and is the only automated data access control and security solution that allows organizations to easily govern and protect sensitive data in the cloud. Unlike other offerings, ALTR's unique "shift left" approach ensures the protection of data throughout its journey; from source system to the cloud to data consumer, helping organizations ensure that their data is secure in motion, at rest, and in use. To learn more visit www.altr.com or connect with the company on LinkedIn or Twitter.

ALTR and Shift Left are trademarks or registered trademarks of ALTR Solutions, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

SOURCE ALTR Solutions, Inc.
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthony, part of Dover Food Retail and Dover (NYSE: DOV) and a leading manufacturer of glass refrigerator and freezer doors, lighting systems and display equipment for use in commercial refrigeration systems, today announced the launch of its all-new Automatic Beer Cave Door for Walk-In Cooler applications. The doors feature a motion sensor on both the interior and exterior, allowing for easy two-way traffic and a better customer experience.

"The merchandising appeal, durability and thermal efficiency of our new Automatic Beer Cave Door is second to none and will help keep customers' beer caves cold, save money, and sell more merchandise," said Uri Rainisch, Senior Product Manager for Anthony.

"Through our partnership with Horton Automatics, a certified dealer will offer full-service installation services for this unique and robust product," Rainisch continued. "The Automatic Beer Cave Door will appeal to retailers and beer aficionados alike, as retailers seek to provide fast and easy accessibility to their beer caves."

Demand for beer caves has increased because retailers want to be ready for the weekly rush that hits on Fridays and Saturdays  which, in some cases, can account for 50% of convenience store beer sales. The Anthony Automatic Beer Cave Door is an ideal choice for retailers looking to provide a better shopping experience for customers through improved merchandising.

Click here to learn more about Anthony's Automatic Beer Cave Door for Walk-In Coolers.

About Anthony:

Anthony branded products deliver innovative design and manufacturing of merchandising solutions in glass doors, lighting systems, and display equipment for use in commercial-refrigeration display systems. For more information, visit anthonyintl.com, or call 800-772-0900.

About Dover Food Retail:

Dover Food Retail, part of Dover Corporation with headquarters in Conyers, Georgia, is the partner to customers seeking to create unique food experiences. Employing the capabilities of our industry-leading brands, Anthony, Hillphoenix, Advansor, and The AMS Group, we can provide insight and a comprehensive portfolio of innovative solutions that enable our customers to sell more food profitably. Our ability to evolve with the ever-changing market demands is driven by our passion for understanding our customer's business and providing them with the best quality products and services they need to succeed today and in the future. Our focused, forward-thinking approach, combined with the strength of our brands, sets the stage for streamlined product development, a broader product portfolio, and cutting-edge technology, redefining what is possible for customers in the food retail value chain.

About Dover:

Dover is a diversified global manufacturer and solutions provider with annual revenue of over $8 billion. We deliver innovative equipment and components, consumable supplies, aftermarket parts, software and digital solutions, and support services through five operating segments: Engineered Products, Clean Energy & Fueling, Imaging & Identification, Pumps & Process Solutions and Climate & Sustainability Technologies. Dover combines global scale with operational agility to lead the markets we serve. Recognized for our entrepreneurial approach for over 65 years, our team of over 25,000 employees takes an ownership mindset, collaborating with customers to redefine what's possible. Headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, Dover trades on the New York Stock Exchange under "DOV." Additional information is available at dovercorporation.com.

Dover Food Retail Contact:

Uri Rainisch

(818) 365-9451

[email protected]

Dover Media Contact:

Adrian Sakowicz, VP, Communications

(630) 743-5039

[email protected]

Dover Investor Contact:

Jack Dickens, Senior Director, Investor Relations

(630) 743-2566

[email protected]

SOURCE Dover
The "Global Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market Size By Component, By Technology, By End-User Industry, By Geographic Scope And Forecast" report has been published by Verified Market Research. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the global Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market, including its growth prospects, market trends, and market challenges.

JERSEY CITY, N.J., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 47.80 % from 2023 to 2030, according to a new report published by Verified Market Research. The report reveals that the market was valued at USD 1.56 Billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 52.37 Billion by the end of the forecast period.



Download PDF Brochure: https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/download-sample?rid=6834

Browse in-depth TOC on "Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market"

202 - Pages

126  Tables

37  Figures

Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market: Transforming Industries and Paving the Future

Revolutionizing Industries with AI Technology

In a groundbreaking development, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the landscape of manufacturing, enabling machines to take on tasks that were once the domain of human expertise. From learning and planning to speech recognition and problem-solving, AI's impact is far-reaching, touching key sectors such as gaming, expert systems, vision systems, intelligent robots, and natural language processing.

AI's Impact on Robotics

The fusion of computer vision and machine learning within AI is not only transforming but revolutionizing the robotics industry. Material processing, aviation, healthcare, agriculture, and energy are witnessing a paradigm shift in operations through the implementation of AI-driven automation, fostering enhanced equipment issue detection and operational automation.

Government Investment and Industry Adoption

The spotlight on AI has attracted significant attention from governments, resulting in increased investments and initiatives. Industries spanning aerospace, healthcare, manufacturing, and automotive are swiftly adopting AI, creating a burgeoning demand for innovative industrial solutions.

Cloud Computing and Dynamic Solutions

The confluence of robust cloud computing infrastructure and dynamic AI solutions is a game-changer for the Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market. AI's pervasive role in expediting commercial processes, automating risky tasks, and supplementing skilled labor positions this technology as a cornerstone for the future of manufacturing.

Unlocking the full potential of AI systems necessitates a specialized skill set. Managing, developing, and integrating AI systems demands the expertise of experienced data scientists or developers, contributing to the current scarcity of skilled professionals and posing a unique challenge to Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market growth.

Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market Challenges and Opportunities

Despite challenges such as manufacturers' initial reluctance, a shortage of qualified labor, data privacy concerns, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the potential of AI in manufacturing remains promising. The technology's ability to enhance operating efficiency, intelligent business processes, and combat the impacts of COVID-19 through automation signals substantial opportunities for Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market players.

Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market Regional Dynamics

North America emerges as a frontrunner in AI adoption, propelled by successful government initiatives. Simultaneously, the Asia-Pacific region is poised for remarkable growth, driven by exponential investments in artificial intelligence, marking a pivotal shift in the global manufacturing landscape.

Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market Key Players

The global stage witnesses the dominance of major players such as Google LLC, Microsoft, Advanced Micro Devices, Arm Limited, Atomwise, Inc., Clarifai, Inc, Enlitic, Inc., International Business Machines Corporation, IBM Watson Health, and Intel Corporation. This competitive landscape is characterized by strategic development, market share dynamics, and a comprehensive ranking analysis.

In the dynamic realm of Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market, this transformative journey unfolds with unparalleled opportunities, challenges, and industry leaders driving the future of manufacturing innovation.

To get market data, market insights, financial statements and a comprehensive analysis of the Global Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market, please Contact Verified Market Research.

Based on the research, Verified Market Research has segmented the global Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market into Component, Technology, End-User Industry, And Geography.

Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market, by Component Hardware Software Services

Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market, by Technology Deep Learning Machine Learning Natural Language Processing Machine Vision

Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market, by End-User Industry Healthcare Manufacturing Agriculture BFSI Media & Advertising Automotive & Transportation Healthcare Others

Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Market, by Geography North America U.S Canada Mexico Europe Germany France U.K Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India Rest of Asia Pacific ROW Middle East & Africa Latin America



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TEL AVIV, Israel and AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Authomize today announced its participation in the Microsoft Security Copilot Partner Private Preview. Authomize was selected based on their proven experience with Microsoft Security technologies, willingness to explore and provide feedback on cutting edge functionality, and close relationship with Microsoft.

"In the context of security, AI's impact is likely to be profound, tilting the scales in favor of defenders and empowering organizations to defend at machine speed. At Microsoft, we are privileged to have a leading role in advancing AI innovation, and we are so grateful to our incredible ecosystem of partners, whose mission-driven work is critical to helping customers secure their organizations and confidently bring the many benefits of AI into their environments." said Vasu Jakkal, CVP, Microsoft Security.

Authomize is working with Microsoft product teams to help shape Security Copilot product development in several ways, including validation and refinement of new and upcoming scenarios, providing feedback on product development and operations to be incorporated into future product releases, and validation and feedback of APIs to assist with Security Copilot extensibility. To learn more, read the announcement.

"We are excited to take this next step in our journey with Microsoft to extend identity and access protection for customers beyond their Microsoft platforms to their multi-cloud, identity infrastructure services, applications, and hybrid environments," says Authomize's CEO and Co-founder Dotan Bar Noy. "Together with Microsoft Security Co-pilot, we are empowering SOC teams to shorten their time to detection and resolution, mitigating risks and protecting against identity-based attacks. By leveraging our cross-cloud monitoring of all identities, privileges, and access activities, we enable users to not only understand who and what is at higher risk for improving posture and reducing the impact of attacks. Authomize detects active attacks on every cloud service to provide them most actionable context and let SOC teams close the remediation loop faster via a single pane of glass and automated workflows."

Security Copilot is the first AI-powered security product that enables security professionals to respond to threats quickly, process signals at machine speed, and assess risk exposure in minutes. It combines an advanced large language model (LLM) with a security-specific model that is informed by Microsoft's unique global threat intelligence and more than 65 trillion daily signals.

About Authomize:

The first agentless IDentity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) Platform, Authomize continuously monitors identities, access privileges, assets, and activities to secure apps and cloud services. Our full-stack yet granular visibility across IaaS and SaaS environments enables organizations to understand how their access privileges are being used and ensure effective control over the security of their assets. Backed by Innovation Endeavors, Blumberg Capital, Microsoft M12 venture fund, Entree Capital, and Tenable, Authomize is headquartered in Tel Aviv and Austin. Learn more at www.authomize.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for news and updates.

Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

For additional information:

Gabriel Avner

gabriel.avner@authomize.com

SOURCE Authomize
AMIC ENERGY and Dignitas fund handed over the first 25 drones to the Ukrainian army as part of the MAVIC from AMIC charitable initiative

The Austrian gas station chain in Ukraine AMIC ENERGY and the Dignitas fund have announced the transfer of the first batch of drones to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

As a part of the joint initiative MAVIC from AMIC, 25 DJI MAVIC 3 drones have been sent to the Ukrainian soldiers on the frontlines. These drones are mainly used for surveillance, as the Mavic is equipped with a high-resolution camera.

"The need for drones remains one of the most widespread. Where there are no drones, people go under fire for reconnaissance, and our defenders risk their lives and health. In order to change this, we need to work with the causes, not the consequences, to find and destroy weapons before they are fired," says Lyuba Shipovych, founder of the Dignitas Foundation. "Mavics are the eyes of the military, without which it is impossible to wage this technological war, and the more drones, the more our lives are lost. I'll quote our partner Protez hub: Prosthetics in Ukraine are free, donate for drones."

In addition to handing over the first batch of drones, AMIC ENERGY has reached a milestone in accumulating the necessary amount to purchase 100 DJI MAVIC 3 drones as part of a charity initiative.

"Every effort dedicated to advancing Ukraine's triumph is vital, and as such, we cannot remain indifferent during this crucial moment," commented Gunter Maier, Managing Director of AMIC ENERGY. "We are pleased to achieve this important goal together and I would like to thank every AMIC ENERGY customer for visiting our filling stations and bringing Ukraine closer to victory."

The MAVIC from AMIC initiative was launched in August this year, where every 5 UAH from the purchase of gasoline or diesel fuel at AMIC ENERGY filling stations is used to purchase DJI MAVIC 3 drones. Additional information on the terms of the fundraiser can be found on the official website dedicated to the charity initiative.

Support the Armed Forces of Ukraine and bring the victory closer by joining the charity fundraiser.

MAVIC from AMIC: The enemy cannot hide!

Additionally:

AMIC ENERGY is an Austrian company that owns a network of 470 retail service stations in Austria, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine. Since the full-scale invasion, AMIC ENERGY has been continuously providing assistance to units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, military administrations, territorial communities of different regions, and charitable organizations, and has already sent: more than 300 thousand liters of fuel, more than 65 units of special military devices and hardware complex for suppressing control channels of the ANTIDRON KVSG 6+ UAV, military clothing and body armor, almost 200 travel heaters, cars, universal mobile batteries Hama Supreme, etc.

Dignitas is a charitable foundation that has been helping to build a strong, technologically capable, and modern army since 2014 by providing the Armed Forces of Ukraine with technical and other tactical assistance, equipment, and high-quality knowledge and practices.

The Foundation was created by a large team of like-minded people, including Lyuba Shipovych and Maria Berlinska.
Hand-sculpted metal artwork collection celebrates the intricate details that make single barrel bourbon unique

CLERMONT, Ky., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Baker's Bourbon, an ultra-premium single barrel bourbon, is proud to unveil an original collection of five distinctive art pieces as unique as the brand and its namesake. Titled, "Made Different," the collection of hand-sculpted metal artwork was created by acclaimed metal sculptor, Barbie The Welder, who found inspiration in the individualistic spirit that she shares with former Beam family distiller Baker Beam and the single barrel bourbon named after him.

A hand-sculpted metal piece titled, "The Distinguished Single," from the Baker's Bourbon "Made Different" Art Collection.

As a single barrel bourbon, no two barrels of Baker's Bourbon are the same. Within each bottle is a bold bourbon made of distinct nuances that deliver a unique experience. Similarly, art thrives on individuality, is derived from experience, and no two pieces are the same. Crafted from repurposed metal, each elaborate, sculpted art piece in the "Made Different" collection brings to life the legacy and craftsmanship behind the Baker's Bourbon, celebrating the small details and nuances that make a masterpiece, a masterpiece.

The collection includes:

'Rebel With a Cause' - Inspired by Baker Beam's life and one-of-a-kind, rebellious spirit, this sculpture replicates our namesake's iconic leather jacket.

- Inspired by Baker Beam's life and one-of-a-kind, rebellious spirit, this sculpture replicates our namesake's iconic leather jacket. 'Time's Sweet Promise' - Paying homage to the benefits of time in crafting bourbon, this piece celebrates the distinction between good and great as we wait patiently for the perfect moment to transition our bourbon from barrel to bottle.

- Paying homage to the benefits of time in crafting bourbon, this piece celebrates the distinction between good and great as we wait patiently for the perfect moment to transition our bourbon from barrel to bottle. 'The Distinguished Single' - In both bourbon and art, creating a masterpiece is derived in the details. This unique hand-sculpted piece honors the nuances that make each barrel of Baker's Single Barrel Bourbon unique and noteworthy.

- In both bourbon and art, creating a masterpiece is derived in the details. This unique hand-sculpted piece honors the nuances that make each barrel of Baker's Single Barrel Bourbon unique and noteworthy. 'Kentucky Love' - A love letter to the origin of Baker's Bourbon, this piece honors Baker Beam's home and the love that he and the entire Beam family of distillers have for Kentucky with a sculpture featuring the limestone water, Kentucky woods and, of course, a bourbon rackhouse.

- A love letter to the origin of Baker's Bourbon, this piece honors Baker Beam's home and the love that he and the entire Beam family of distillers have for with a sculpture featuring the limestone water, woods and, of course, a bourbon rackhouse. 'The Craftsman's Legacy' - A tribute to the craftsmanship of generations of Beam master distillers, this piece honors those who have contributed countless hours to perfecting their skills and share a profound passion for bourbon.

When creating the collection, Barbie The Welder explored another art form important to herself and the Baker's brand: storytelling. To capture the story of Baker's Bourbon, she connected with the Beam family's seventh and eighth generation Master Distillers Fred and Freddie Noe, absorbing their stories about bold bourbon and Jim Beam's motorcycle-riding, maverick grandnephew, Baker Beam. She was then able to bring both facets to life through her own vision and creativity, creating elaborate, tangible pieces of art made from repurposed metal that celebrate the originality of both bourbon and art.

"I'm incredibly honored to have had the opportunity to work with Baker's Bourbon to create this unique art collection which resonated with me and inspired me personally," said Barbie Parsons, professionally known as Barbie The Welder. "With this collection, I wanted to make sure that I demonstrated my commitment to creating high-quality, detailed pieces just like the craftsmen and craftswomen at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. do with Baker's Bourbon. It's truly amazing how both bourbon and art can bring people together."

"We're thrilled for the opportunity to breathe life into the narrative of Baker's Bourbon and the remarkable journey of Baker Beam through art as exquisite and refined as our bourbon itself," said Seventh Generation Master Distiller Fred Noe. "I could tell right away that Barbie was the perfect partner to bring this treasured brand to life. Her meticulously handcrafted sculptures stand as one-of-a-kind masterpieces and will offer a fresh perspective that truly celebrates the intricacies of our bourbon like never before."

Starting on November 17, fans of bourbon and art alike can find more information and purchase each piece on Barbie The Welder's website, www.barbiethewelder.com/bakersbourbon . For more information about Baker's Bourbon, please visit www.bakersbourbon.com .

About Baker's Bourbon

Baker's Bourbon is a Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey bottled at 107 proof and aged a minimum of seven years. Created in 1992 by Sixth Generation Beam Master Distiller Booker Noe as part of the original Small Batch Bourbon Collection, Baker's Bourbon is named in honor of Baker Beam  grand-nephew of Jim Beam and a tenured distiller who worked at the Jim Beam Distillery for 38 years. Originally created as a small batch bourbon, Baker's Bourbon re-emerged as a single barrel product in 2019 to celebrate the individual characteristics inside each and every Baker's Bourbon barrel, while delivering the smooth, medium-bodied bourbon fans enjoy.

About Barbie The Welder

Barbie The Welder is an American sculptor who creates detailed, unique art pieces from repurposed metal that have been featured across the globe. Exemplifying the same maverick spirit as Baker Beam, Barbie uses her creativity to interpret themes through her own lens. As a self-taught designer, she paved her own way into the art world by honing in on her love of creativity and craftsmanship.

About Beam Suntory

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, Basil Hayden and Knob Creek bourbons; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki; and leading Scotch brands including Teacher's, Laphroaig and Bowmore, Beam Suntory also produces leading brands such as Courvoisier cognac, Tres Generaciones, El Tesoro and Hornitos tequila, Roku and Sipsmith gin, Canadian Club whisky, and is a world leader in ready-to-drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in more than 30 countries, one of Beam Suntory's core values is Growing for Good and through its Proof Positive sustainability strategy, the company has committed to ambitious goals and investments to promote environmental sustainability in its operations, ensure the company has a positive impact on the communities where employees live and work, and programs to educate and inform consumers to make the right personal choices about drinking. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com .

Baker's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 53.5% Alc./Vol. 2023 James B. Beam Distilling Co., Clermont, KY.

SOURCE Beam Suntory Inc.
DUBLIN, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Border Security Technologies: Emerging Trends, Key Opportunities & Market Forecasts 2022-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The value of the border security technology market will exceed $70 billion globally in 2027; rising from $48 billion in 2022. Growing 47% over the period, the new report predicted that the adoption of AI-integrated technologies, such as advanced surveillance systems will be a key driver. However, this adoption is causing controversy, with campaigners raising concerns over privacy issues.



Border perimeter technologies, comprised of camera systems and perimeter intrusion detection systems, will account for 36% of market revenue globally by 2027, up from 26% in 2022. It found that countries are increasingly seeking automated border perimeter technologies to secure borders from the growing illegal movement of people.



Furthermore, the adoption of AI-integrated surveillance towers will be critical to driving growth, with the total value of camera systems globally expected to reach $22.8 billion by 2027; up from $10.1 billion in 2022. Surveillance towers are capable of creating a virtual border, detecting, identifying, and tracking threats over great distances.



AI-integrated surveillance towers are at the centre of growing concern by campaign groups regarding their potential to analyse the behaviour of the general population, possibly infringing upon people's human rights. These concerns may slow adoption unless addressed. Vendors must ensure that privacy regulations, such as GDPR, are adhered to and the population is made aware of the data protection measures in place to protect people's privacy.

The latest Border Security Technologies research provides detailed analysis of this evolving market growth for the forecast period. The report analyses major drivers of the market, such as growing defence budgets, the threat of terrorism, technological advancements and the increasing illegal movement of people across international borders.



Furthermore, this report on the advanced border security market focuses on the growing militarisation of the border security infrastructure; considering factors including the increasing use of unmanned vehicles, such as UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). Additionally, the research includes an extensive evaluation of company profiles for 16 border security technologies vendors via the Competitor Leaderboard.

The comprehensive analysis of this essential market report covers current market opportunities, market share, key recommendations and future prospects for the border security systems market. It also includes a comprehensive dataset for key border security technologies metrics, featuring total revenue of various forms of border security technologies:

Aerial Vehicles

Border Perimeter Technologies

eGates

Naval Vehicles

Port Security

Radar Systems

Software

UAVs

Market Dynamics: Through this comprehensive report, discover market drivers, key trends and challenges within the border security technologies market; addressing challenges posed by illegal activities, such as drug smuggling and the illegal movement of people, the potential benefits of increasing defence spending, and the increasing militarisation of border control in the border security market. The detailed analysis also includes a regional analysis examining the current development of the border security technologies market in 20 countries, as well as looking at contested borders and providing future prospects for enhanced border security.

Key Market Statistics

Market size in 2022: $48bn

Market size in 2027: $70bn

2022 to 2027 Growth: 47%

Competitor Leaderboard:

Key player capability and capacity assessment for 16 border security technology vendors in the defence sector, via the Competitor Leaderboard, including company profiles in the competitive landscape for:

ATOS

Controp Precision Technologies

Elbit Systems

General Atomics

Giesecke+Devrient (G+D)

IDEMIA

Indra Sistemas S.A

Leidos

Leonardo

Lockheed Martin

Moog

Raytheon Technologies

Saab AB

SITA

Teledyne FLIR

Thales

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/qvnkzd

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SOURCE Research and Markets
Welcomes Arizona Governor Katie Hobbes to Celebrate the Renewable Power and Economic Benefits for Arizona

FLORENCE, Ariz., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BrightNight, the next-generation global renewable power producer built to deliver clean and dispatchable solutions, its joint venture partner Cordelio Power, and Southwest Public Power Agency (SPPA), Inc., announced today the groundbreaking of the Box Canyon Solar Project.

The 300-megawatt project, located in Pinal County, Arizona, near the Town of Florence, represents the largest renewable energy procurement in SPPA's history, and a major step in Arizona's clean energy transformation. The project is the first in the 2 GW Arizona portfolio owned by BrightNight and Cordelio Power to commence construction.

BrightNight announced today the groundbreaking of the Box Canyon Solar Project. Post this

At the site today, BrightNight CEO Martin Hermann, SPPA President of the Board Ken Robbins, and Pinal County leaders welcomed Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs to celebrate the occasion.

"While our state continues to experience historic economic growth, we must ensure this growth is sustainable, and there is no better place to do that than in our rural communities," said Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. "This monumental project will not only generate clean energy, it will provide consistent revenue for the state and good paying jobs for local residents. My administration is committed to ensuring Arizona's potential for solar energy is fully realized so that we can make our state the best place to live, work, and raise a family."

The groundbreaking marks a major milestone since SPPA selected the Box Canyon project in a competitive process beginning in December of 2020.

BrightNight led development of the Box Canyon project as part of its joint venture with Cordelio Power.

The Box Canyon Solar Project will produce enough electricity to power 77,000 Arizona homes and businesses annually with clean, reliable, and affordable energy, offsetting ~600 metric tons of CO2 emissions every hour. The project features a design optimized to maximize performance and deliver the highest-value project at the lowest cost with the help of BrightNight's proprietary artificial intelligence-based platform.

Community Benefits

The project will provide significant economic benefits at the local level. According to an economic impact study by Elliott Pollack and Associates, the project will generate $47M in Pinal County economic impact during the construction period and create 300 American jobs. During operation, the Box Canyon Solar Project will generate an estimated $134 million in additional local economic benefits in the form of local property taxes, wages, and more, bringing the total county-level economic contribution from construction and operations to over $180 million.

Other local benefits from the project will include education scholarships for technical degrees. During the groundbreaking remarks, BrightNight CEO Martin Hermann announced that a portion of the project's operating proceeds would be used to send 50 students through the Central Arizona College's electrician program over the next five years. Hermann applauded the college for its local leadership and characterized the local support as just one of the ways BrightNight works to support the communities in which it operates: "At BrightNight, together with Cordelio, we are a long-term owner and operator of this project and committed to the local community and Pinal County."

The project's value also extends beyond the local level. From the very beginning of the project, BrightNight worked with the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) to site the project on State Trust Land. Under the arrangement, over $65 million in lease payments will be made over the life of the project, which are allocated to the State of Arizona land trust. The trust's beneficiaries include K-12 education, university education, state hospitals, the department of corrections, and more across the state.

Committed Arizona Partnership

The Box Canyon Solar Project is an integral part of a broader vision for Arizona that includes a 2 GW portfolio with 900 MW in advanced stages across three counties, slated to create over 800 local skilled jobs and generate hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue for the state and local municipalities.

The Box Canyon Solar Project is expected to become operational in the first half of 2025. "We are delighted to partner with SPPA, one of the most forward-thinking utilities in America, to help them meet their power needs and deliver on their sustainability goals," BrightNight CEO Martin Hermann said. "The Box Canyon Solar Project is a model of utility-scale renewable power. At over 900,000 MWh of projected annual production, our project will provide reliable, clean energy for over 40 years, generating local revenue, strengthening domestic energy security, and creating valuable American jobs."

"SPPA is proud to supply its members with safe, clean, reliable, and affordable electricity from an industry-leading renewable power producer. BrightNight was able to understand our long-term goals and propose a solution to meet the needs of our members and their customers, while remaining cost-effective," said SPPA President of the Board Ken Robbins.

"We are delighted to have BrightNight as Pinal County's newest business partner. The Box Canyon Solar Project will create new economic opportunities for small businesses and contractors and will generate revenue for the County that will enhance the quality of services for residents, and help fund local school districts, libraries, fire districts, and more. Additionally, we're excited about the partnership between BrightNight and Central Arizona College. This should be a model for other companies looking to do business in Pinal County," said Leo Lew, Pinal County Manager.

"We'd like to thank the leaders and people of Pinal County, who have been great to work with throughout this process," said Hermann. "If you are seeking a place to grow a business and serve a supportive community, there is no better place than Pinal County."

The groundbreaking ceremony held today at the project was attended by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs; SPPA President of the Board Ken Robbins; BrightNight CEO Martin Hermann; Pinal County Supervisor Stephen Miller; Dr. Mary Gilliland, Vice President of Academics at the Central Arizona College (CAC); and Erik Ellis, BrightNight Vice President of Project Development.

About BrightNight

BrightNight is the first global renewable integrated power company designed to provide utility and commercial and industrial customers with clean, dispatchable renewable power solutions. BrightNight works with customers across the U.S. and Asia Pacific to design, develop, and operate safe, reliable, large-scale renewable power projects optimized to better manage the intermittent nature of renewable energy. Its deep customer engagement process, team of proven power experts, and industry-leading solutions enable customers to overcome challenging energy sustainability standards, rapidly changing grid dynamics, and the transition away from fossil fuel generation. To learn more, visit: www.brightnightpower.com

About Cordelio Power

Cordelio is a renewable power producer that manages an operating portfolio of over 1,200 MW of renewable power assets in Canada and the U.S. We also oversee a large growth pipeline of wind, solar and storage projects across the U.S. We strive to work with all of our stakeholders in an efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible manner. Cordelio is wholly owned by Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.

About SPPA

SPPA is a Joint Action Agency, authorized under Arizona state law, which manages through a formal pool all or most of its members' power resources and facilitates the supply of additional energy needed to meet their customers' loads. SPPA's General Manager is Frank McRae and SPPA's Project Manager is Dennis Delaney, P.E., a Partner of K. R. Saline & Associates, PLC.

To learn more, visit: SPPA.biz

Forward Looking Statements & Information

Certain information contained in this news release constitutes forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). All statements other than statements of historical fact are forwardlooking statements. Forwardlooking statements typically contain words such as "anticipate", "believe", "confirms", "continuous", "estimate", "expect", "may", "plan", "project", "should", "will", or similar words suggesting future outcomes, and include, without limitation, all financial projections, estimates of future costs, and projected performance or results. Forward-looking statements by their nature are subject to risks, assumptions and uncertainties which may cause the actual outcomes of such events to differ from Cordelio and BrightNight's expectations as of the date hereof. Whether forward-looking statements ultimately prove to be accurate will depend on factors outside of the control of Cordelio and BrightNight. Readers are encouraged to undertake their own analysis and investigation as to the reasonableness of any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and Cordelio and BrightNight disclaim any intent or obligation to update or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements.

SOURCE BrightNight
CHICAGO, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The building automation system market is expected to reach USD 155.9 billion by 2028 from USD 88.4 billion in 2023, at a CAGR of 12.0% during the 2023- 2028 period according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Many companies are investing in building automation system which gives an opportunity for growth in the building automation system market. The building automation system market is in the development phase at present, with the presence of multiple players offering building automation system technology. Asia Pacific is likely to contribute significantly to the growth of the building automation system market. Similarly, the North America, Europe and RoW regions are expected to be the growing market for the forecasted period.



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Building Automation System Market Report Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2023 $ 88.4 billion Estimated Value by 2028 $ 155.9 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 12.0% Market Size Available for 20192028 Forecast Period 20232028 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Offering, Communication Technology, Application & Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge Lack of standardized communication protocols Key Market Opportunities Integration of building automation system with renewable energy Key Market Drivers Revolutionizing wireless protocols and wireless sensor network technology for building automation systems



Wireless Technology hold the largest market share of communication technology of building automation system market during the forecast period.

The wireless technology segment will exhibit a higher compound annual growth rate (CAGR) than the wired technology segment. This growth can be attributed to the advantages offered by wireless technology, including enhanced mobility and cost savings in building automation systems. Additionally, wireless technology simplifies installation, especially in existing buildings, and provides reliable network connectivity through various security algorithms. It offers scalability, link reliability, real-time capabilities, and energy independence when used in conjunction with energy-harvesting devices, particularly in building management systems. Furthermore, wireless technology networks find wide-scale applications in healthcare, surveillance, agriculture, and industrial sectors. Notable wireless technologies used in building automation systems include ZigBee, EnOcean, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi.

Building Energy Management Software to register the highest CAGR between 2023 and 2028 forecast.

The rising costs of energy and the introduction of stringent energy efficiency regulations have underscored the importance of monitoring energy consumption within buildings. Building energy management software plays a pivotal role in enabling building operators and homeowners to continually oversee and assess the energy usage in structures. These systems not only alert building operators and owners about deviations in energy consumption but also furnish actionable insights for achieving energy savings. Companies like Schneider Electric (France), Siemens AG (Germany), and International Business Machines Corporation (US) are among those offering building energy management software. Furthermore, with advancements in technology, manufacturers of building automation systems are placing emphasis on creating user-friendly software for efficiently managing energy consumption within buildings. This development is subsequently spurring global demand for building energy management software.

High emphasis on constructing energy efficient and ecofriendly buildings leads to increase in the building automation system market.

The building sector stands out as a significant global energy consumer, consistently accounting for over one-third of the world's total energy consumption. Additionally, it constitutes a substantial contributor to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. As noted by the International Energy Agency (IEA), in regions highly reliant on traditional biomass, energy consumption in buildings can represent an astonishing 80% of the entire regional energy use. The proliferation of electrical systems within buildings is further exacerbating energy consumption and carbon emissions. Consequently, the effective and sustainable utilization of energy resources is paramount.

In light of this imperative, there is a growing demand for building automation systems. These systems are gaining prominence due to their ability to reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs in buildings. Notably, building automation systems play a pivotal role in optimizing energy utilization, with a particular focus on HVAC and lighting control systems, known for their energy-intensive operations. According to IEA statistics, air heating, cooling, and water heating jointly constitute approximately 60% of global energy consumption within buildings, presenting a significant opportunity for energy reduction. Building automation systems offer the added benefit of automating HVAC and lighting systems, resulting in potential energy savings ranging from 5% to 30% of a building's overall energy consumption.

Moreover, building automation systems provide a proactive approach to building maintenance by enabling early detection of operational issues within equipment. This proactive approach not only prevents unexpected breakdowns but also contributes to reduced building maintenance costs.

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Building automation system market for the Asia Pacific region to register the highest CAGR between 2023 and 2028 forecast.

The Asia Pacific building automation system market has been analyzed, focusing on China, Japan, India, South Korea, and the rest of the Asia Pacific region. During the forecast period, this market is expected to exhibit the highest Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) in the region. The growth of the building automation system market in Asia Pacific can be attributed to the economic expansion in the area, coupled with a significant increase in construction and industrial activities observed in key Asian Pacific countries. Consumers in this region primarily aim to achieve energy and cost savings through the implementation of building automation systems. Notably, countries like China and India are increasingly embracing the development of smart cities, with building automation systems playing a pivotal role in helping them achieve their energy-saving goals.

Key Players

The report profiles major players in the building automation system market Honeywell International Inc. (US), Siemens (Germany), Johnson Controls (US), Schneider Electric (France), Carrier (US), Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany), Legrand (France), Hubbell (US), ABB (Switzerland), Trane Technologies plc (Ireland), Lutron Electronics Co., Inc (US), Crestron Electronics, Inc. (US), Hitachi, Ltd. (Japan), Delta Controls (Canada), Beckhoff Automation (Germany), Lennox International Inc. (US), Current Lighting Solutions, LLC. (US), ACUITY BRANDS, INC, (Canada), Dialight (UK), Cisco Systems, Inc. (US), Rockwell Automation (US), Snap One, LLC (US), Signify Holding (Netherlands), Emerson Electric Co. (US), Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. (US), Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan), Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. (China), Bajaj Electricals Ltd (India), and Beijer Electronics, Inc. (Sweden).

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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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SOURCE MarketsandMarkets
Bringing together expertise to pool wisdom in China and around the world.

TIANJIN, China, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2023 edition of the Chinese Congress of Holistic Integrative Oncology will be held from November 16th to 19th in Tianjin, China. Organized by the China Anti-Cancer Association and co-hosted by Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin Anti-Cancer Association, and the China Institute of Integrative Medicine Development Strategy, the congress aims to strengthen the action and impact of the cancer community. It features over one hundred sessions covering the full spectrum of cancer, from prevention to palliative care, with the attendance of many academicians and top-level experts.

The Chinese Congress on Oncology (CCO), established by the China Anti-Cancer Association (CACA) in 2000, has a history of more than twenty years and is a highly influential academic conference in the field of oncology in China. Over the years, the CACA has been adhering to the concept of integrated medicine with the motto ' Cancer prevention and control win through integration .' Starting this year, the CCO has been renamed the Chinese Congress of Holistic Integrative Oncology (CCHIO).

The Chinese Congress of Holistic Integrative Oncology (CCHIO) is an internationally recognized academic event that facilitates effective knowledge transfer and best practices exchange among global cancer prevention and health experts. Using a "1 + N" model, there will be a main venue in Tianjin and 30 satellite venues in provinces and cities across the country.

During the congress, prestigious scholars will discuss global strategies for cancer prevention, treatment, and control. They will also present the latest, cutting-edge scientific and clinical advances across the entire field of oncology of relevance at a global level, and for the Asia-Pacific region. The CCHIO serves as a base, platform, and lever to actively consolidate expert knowledge, academic accomplishments, advanced technologies, and industry resources to advance the development of an integrated oncology medical service system. It supports a mission statement " Bringing about expertise to pool wisdom in China and around the world ".

China Anti-Cancer Association (CACA) is a non-governmental and non-profit organization in the field of oncology in China. Founded in 1984, it has developed into the largest organization in cancer field with long history and great influence in China. Up to now, CACA has 680,000 individual members, 175 professional societies, 113 organization members, and 31 local anti-cancer associations.

Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital (TMUCIH) is the birthplace of Oncology in China. It is one of the largest specialized cancer hospitals in China with integrated patient care, education, training, research and preventative medicine, and one of the first National Clinical Research Centers for Cancers. Oncology is a national key discipline and a national "double first-class" discipline. It has been included in the national construction project to improve the diagnostic and treatment capacity for difficult diseases. TMUCIH is the Supportive Hospital for National Regional Medical Center Construction. It has 4 national key clinical specialties, 4 municipal clinical diagnosis and treatment research centers, 5 provincial and ministerial key laboratories, 2 national innovation teams designated by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science and Technology, and it is the National Clinical Drug Trial Institution, National Continuing Medical Education Base and the Clinical Pharmacist Training Pilot Base commissioned by National Health Commission. TMUCIH publishes the cancer journal Chinese Journal of Clinical Oncology (CJCO) and its English edition Cancer Biology & Medicine.

SOURCE CCHIO
NETANYA, Israel, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cellcom Israel Ltd. (TASE: CEL) (the "Company") announces that an Annual General Meeting of Shareholders ("the Meeting") will convene on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 15:00 p.m. (Israel time), at the offices of the Company, 10 Ha'gavish Street, Netanya, Israel. An adjourned Meeting, if required, will be held on Thursday December 28, 2023, at the same time and at the same place. The record date for the Meeting is Wednesday, November 22, 2023.

The Agenda of the Meeting

(1) Consideration of the Company's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022;

(2) Appointment of KOST FORER GABBAY & KASIERER, a member of Ernst & Young, as the Company's independent auditors;

(3) Reappointment of Nataly Mishan Zakai (Chairman), Gustavo Traiber (independent director), Michael Joseph Salkind and Baruch Itzhak as directors of the Company and appointing Mr. Samy Backlash as a director of the Company.

Voting Instructions

The summon statement, and the voting card published by the Company on Wednesday November 15, 2023 regarding the convening of the Meeting (the "Meeting's Documents") may be viewed on the Magna distribution website at: www.magna.isa.gov.il and on the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange Ltd. website at: www.maya.tase.co.il.

Section 2.11 of the summon statement contains voting instructions for shareholders whose shares are not held via a member of the TASE Clearinghouse (for trading on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange) but instead via a member of the Depositary Trust Company (DTC) or Shareholders who are registered directly with the Company's U.S. transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company.

An Unregistered Shareholder is entitled to vote through the Electronic Voting System. Voting through an Electronic voting card shall be possible until six (6) hours before the assembly time of the General Meeting. In addition, an Unregistered Shareholder shall be entitled to deliver the certificate of ownership through the Electronic Voting System

A shareholder is also entitled to vote at the General Meeting through a voting card. Voting in writing shall be made by way of the second part of the voting card, which is attached to the Report.

The voting card and documents that must be attached thereto as set forth in the voting card, must be delivered to the Company's offices (including by registered mail) including the certificate of ownership (and with respect to a registered shareholder - including a photocopy of an identity card, passport, or certificate of incorporation, as applicable) until four (4) hours before the assembly time of the General Meeting. For this purpose, "time of delivery" is the time on which the voting card and the documents attached thereto arrived at the Company's offices.

Company Contact

Gadi Attias

Chief Financial Officer

[email protected]

Tel: +972-52-998-4774

Investor Relations Contact

Elad Levy

Investor Relations Manager

[email protected]

Tel: +972-52-998-4774

SOURCE Cellcom Israel Ltd.
BEIJING, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting is about to commence in San Francisco. The upcoming meeting between the Chinese and the U.S. heads of state is eagerly anticipated.

Officials from heavyweight international organizations and the United States agree that sound China-U.S. relations are particularly important nowadays and that the bilateral conversation is set to bring optimism and opportunities to the world.

CGTN: International officials expect Xi-Biden meeting to find right path for improving China-U.S. ties

Xi-Biden meeting expected to bring 'a strong dose of optimism'

Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria, executive director of the APEC Secretariat, said, "The fact that the two important biggest economies are here to have the very important conversation, a crucial conversation, at this time really opens the door to other opportunities for the world."

"It brings a strong dose of optimism as the year comes to a close and the start of the next year," she said.

She added that countries should look at more holistic benefits that can spur global growth from a broader perspective.

In an exclusive interview with CGTN, former Director-General of the WTO Roberto Azevedo said he hopes the U.S. and China can find a way to move forward through the meeting, as a more positive environment between the two superpowers is "absolutely fundamental for the world to feel safer, to feel that we are on the right path."

He suggested that both sides be open to talking and listening to something they don't want to hear.

Gita Gopinath, the first deputy managing director of IMF, told CGTN that it's critical for China and the U.S. and for the global economy to have close relations and good working relations. "There has to be a way for both countries to be able to work together," she said.

Meanwhile, former U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu told CGTN in an interview that "decoupling" between the U.S. and China is a "bad idea," adding that if they do so, whatever little trust left will also begin to vanish.

Noting China has emerged as a significant player and the world's second-largest economy, Chu said the U.S., China and Europe need to work closely to achieve zero carbon.

New starting point for people-to-people exchanges

The Philadelphia Orchestra is back in China 50 years after its historic trip in 1973 when it became the first American orchestra to visit the country.

From November 9 to 18, it is performing concerts and organizing residency activities in Beijing, Tianjin, Suzhou and Shanghai.

In an exclusive interview with CGTN, Tristan Rais-Sherman, the assistant conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra, said, "We are really excited to celebrate this historic event and this historic moment."

The assistant conductor said he hoped the visit could become a good starting point and that other American orchestras will continue the comeback to play for the Chinese audience.

After the Philadelphia Orchestra concert in Beijing, U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns told CGTN that music unites the two countries. "In 1973, the orchestra came here and brought the two countries together; now we are in another time, where the two countries are reconnecting, our leaders are, our governments are, and our people are."

China and the U.S. also saw regular direct passenger flights increase again starting November 9, bringing more people-to-people exchanges between both countries.

San Francisco, the host city of the upcoming APEC meeting, is well-prepared to draw global attention with its deep cultural and economic ties to the Asia-Pacific region, which could be seen from the historic Chinatown and the fact that a third of its residents have Asian or Pacific Islander ancestry.

Describing the city as a gateway to the Asia Pacific, London Breed, the 45th Mayor of San Francisco, said the city looks forward to building bridges and a better relationship. Breed added that she couldn't wait to see Chinese tourists.

With lanterns always hanging in the city's Chinatown throughout the year, Breed said the city is ensuring they "shine brighter in the APEC."

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-11-15/Xi-Biden-meeting-expected-to-find-right-path-improve-bilateral-ties-1oJGBuvMShq/index.html

SOURCE CGTN
cQuant.io is now providing a new service for companies that want to utilize portfolio analytics but have not yet built the expertise in-house.

DENVER, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- cQuant.io ("cQuant"), an industry leader in analytics for portfolio management and asset optimization announced today their newest offering called Portfolio Management as a Service or PMaaS. The PMaaS service was specifically created for companies that want to forecast their risk position or optimize their portfolio but have not yet built the expertise in-house.

The renewable energy transition has created significant new opportunities for both established energy companies and new market entrants. Renewable assets, battery storage, and related contracts require robust analytic solutions to forecast value and uncertainty. Optimal management of these assets can be the difference between financial success or failure. If a company cannot accurately forecast value and uncertainty of these assets, how can it accurately predict financial outcomes?

cQuant's Energy Analytics Platform (EAP) simulates future outcomes of any energy asset or contract and the entire energy portfolio. cQuant also helps companies to optimally hedge their portfolio in order to maximize future financial outcomes. Smaller and newer energy companies often lack the staff to utilize cQuant's tools. cQuant's PMaaS solution was created to meet the needs of smaller teams.

"At cQuant, we saw a need in the marketplace for organizations that are not yet staffed to execute on energy portfolio analytics, and we wanted to provide a solution," said Mark Bosse, VP of Business Development at cQuant. "cQuant developed PMaaS to allow these organizations to lean into our expert staff at a cost-effective basis. cQuant can now be your experts until you are staffed to bring your own analytics team in house."

With PMaaS, a client can rely on cQuant's deep bench of PhD quants and energy analysts to execute the simulation-based analytics necessary to manage their portfolios including asset valuation, risk management, hedge optimization, and ad hoc analysis to direct time-urgent decisions. Once a client is ready to begin managing the analytics for their portfolio on their own, their team can take back control of their already configured portfolio within the cQuant Energy Analytics Platform.

About cQuant.io

cQuant.io is an industry leader in analytic solutions for energy and commodity companies. Specializing in Total Portfolio Analysis, cQuant's cloud-native platform enables physical asset, financial contract, market simulation and risk management analytics in one place. cQuant is the leader in analytics for renewable, storage and other clean energy technologies. cQuant's customers have greater insight into their financial forecasts and the drivers of value and risk in their business. To learn more or schedule a demo, visit https://cquant.io/.

Media Contact:

Noelle Demo

1.888.313.0303

[email protected]

SOURCE cQuant.io
DALLAS, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- D CEO Magazine has honored John Billingsley, Chairman and CEO of JBB Advanced Technologies, with its 2023 Energy Award in the Excellence in the Innovation and Technology category. Launched in 2018, the annual awards recognize leaders in oil and gas, energy finance, and renewable energy who are leveraging opportunities and finding solutions to current industry challenges. The awards are open to businesses and executives from East Texas to the Permian Basin who have ties to North Texas.

John Billingsley is Chairman and CEO of JBB Advanced Technologies. JBB Advanced Technologies innovates at the intersection of renewable energy, blockchain, and advanced technology.

JBB Advanced Technologies (www.jbbat.com) is a Dallas-based company pioneering innovations in the fields of blockchain, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. The company has filed for multiple patents, including one using blockchain to integrate ever-increasing amounts of solar energy seamlessly into the electric grid for greater robustness and resiliency.

Billingsley has been involved in renewable energy for nearly 15 years. He founded and built Tri Global Energy into one of America's 10 largest developers of renewable energy before selling the company in 2022 to Enbridge, Canada's largest energy company. "Renewable energy has the potential to reshape our world, but we will not get there without great strides in supporting technologies to harness and deliver that power to every corner of the globe," said Billingsley. "I'm proud that North Texas is an important global hub for that type of transformative innovation."

The D CEO Energy Awards comprise 10 categories: Legacy Award, Energy Finance Leader of the Year, Upstream Executive of the Year, Midstream Executive of the Year, Renewable Energy Executive of the Year, Rising Star/Future Leader Award, Private Equity Executive of the Year, Private Equity Firm of the Year, Energy Deal of the Year, and Excellence in Innovation and Technology.

ABOUT JBB ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES

JBB Advanced Technologies is a Dallas-based holding company that innovates in the segments of clean renewable energy, blockchain, and artificial intelligence. Through our in-house research and development division, JBB Labs, we are developing blockchain-based solutions for today's world, including one to integrate ever-increasing amounts of solar energy seamlessly into our electric grid for greater robustness and resiliency. We also have a division that is bringing clean, affordable solar energy systems to commercial concerns. And via the acquisition of our Web3 operation, we are developing next-generation blockchain-based customer loyalty programs with applications across multiple industries. JBB Advanced Technologies continually cultivates a pipeline of acquisition and partnership opportunities in both the private and public sectors to catapult the company's growth.

Media Contact:

Karla Neely

945-232-9755

[email protected]

SOURCE JBB Advanced Technologies
The national Black, Trans-led LGBTQ nonprofit reflects on its milestones and announces new programs serving the Atlanta community

ATLANTA, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As Transgender Day of Remembrance approaches, national LGBTQ+ nonprofit Destination Tomorrow reflects on its impact within the Atlanta community after one year of operating a community center tailor-made to serve queer and Trans individuals living in southern states.

Within the first year of operation, Destination Tomorrow's Atlanta Center hosted four free name change clinics for TGNC individuals, an HIV testing event with nonprofit 3Keys at The Welcome House and a weekly food pantry in partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Additionally, the center made history in May when it became the first LGBTQ+ organization to receive a grant from the City of Atlanta . The grant provided funds for a first-of-its-kind mentorship program for LGBTQ+ youth, which is in the process of being developed. OUT Georgia Business Alliance also recognized Destination Tomorrow as the state's Nonprofit of the Year, acknowledging the center's significant impact on the community.

"We are grateful for the opportunity to provide critical services to our Transgender siblings in Atlanta," said Alex Santiago, Destination Tomorrow's Chief Operating Officer. "This work has never been more critical given the rising violence and anti-TGNC discourse across the nation. Our center looks forward to continuing to create a space of inclusivity for members of all identities and invite all within the Atlanta community to join us in this necessary work."

Destination Tomorrow plans on hosting several new initiatives before the end of 2023, including:

A day-long Trans Day of Remembrance celebration at Atlanta City Hall on Monday, 11/20, beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET . The celebration will feature panel discussions, a town hall, workshops and a commemorative slideshow honoring those whose lives were lost of anti-Trans violence over the last year.

of Remembrance celebration at City Hall on Monday, 11/20, beginning at . The celebration will feature panel discussions, a town hall, workshops and a commemorative slideshow honoring those whose lives were lost of anti-Trans violence over the last year. A World AIDS Day Ball on Friday, 12/1, at 5134 Old National Hwy in College Park, GA , sponsored by Fulton County's Department of Health.

on Friday, 12/1, at 5134 Old National Hwy in , sponsored by Department of Health. A Christmas toy distribution event with United Way in December.

Alongside these end-of-year services, the organization will continue to host weekly food pantries, community clinics and job training programs which are open to the community and dedicated to closing the gap of support for Queer and Trans folks.

"Transgender Day of Remembrance serves as a reminder of the strides our center has taken to connect with and support Transgender folks over the past year," said Sean Ebony Coleman, the founder and executive director of Destination Tomorrow. "It also reminds us that our work is not done  as a center, community or state. We are thankful for our partners and funders who see the value of our work, as well as the local Atlanta community for welcoming us with open arms."

For media inquiries regarding Destination Tomorrow, please contact Kyle McIntyre at 646-639-1379 or [email protected].

About Sean Ebony Coleman and Destination Tomorrow

Sean Ebony Coleman is the founder and executive director of Destination Tomorrow, a national LGBTQ organization with centers located in the South Bronx and Atlanta, serving the community through educational, financial, housing, health and personal support programs. The grassroots organization puts an emphasis on providing support to vulnerable members of the LGBTQ community that takes them off the path of requiring emergency care, focusing on economic, social and mental empowerment on a holistic level. As a nationally recognized leader in the Transgender community and the first African American of Transgender experience to operate a LGBTQ center in the state of New York, Sean plays a key role in advocating for policies that directly impact the lives of millions of LGBTQ individuals. Through Gilead Science's TRANScend Community Impact Fund, Sean is the only Black Trans grant maker in the country, providing crucial funding to Transgender and Gender Nonconforming-led grassroots organizations nationally. Sean is also the founder and managing partner of Sean Ebony Coleman Consulting, where he has worked with companies including Unilever, Lululemon and Equinox on campaigns and DEI strategies to support the LGBTQ community.

Contact: Kyle McIntyre

The TASC Group

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Destination Tomorrow
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. The second Baku Forum on Sustainable Finance and Investments, organized by the National Coordinating Council for Sustainable Development of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Economy and the UN Development Program office in Azerbaijan, started on November 15, the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan told Trend.

The moderator of the event, TRT World journalist Maria Ramos, expressed satisfaction with the holding of the forum in Baku. She noted that representatives of various countries and international organizations are taking part in the event.

Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Chairman of the National Coordinating Council for Sustainable Development Ali Akhmedov regarded the holding of the second Baku Forum on Sustainable Development as a significant event.

In addition, the deputy prime minister stressed that the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reflected in the "Transforming Our World: The Agenda for Sustainable Development for the Period Up to 2030" document is among the priorities of the Azerbaijani government.

Azerbaijan is one of the few countries that voluntarily submitted three national reports to the UN High-Level Political Forum. The next report is scheduled to be submitted in 2024. The republic's development programs are adapted to the SDGs, which simplifies the financing of the implementation of these global goals.

Moreover, the forum reviewed the measures being implemented in Azerbaijan to develop inclusive education, combat climate change, and ensure sustainable and social development. Ali Akhmedov noted the importance of accelerating the measures being implemented to achieve the SDGs in the next seven years and the importance of regional cooperation in this area.

Minister of Economy and Deputy Chairman of the National Coordinating Council for Sustainable Development Mikayil Jabbarov noted that the main recommendations for achieving the SDGs include accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources, expanding the reach of digitalization, building a society based on the principle of continuous learning, providing people with decent work and improving social security, opening jobs, especially in areas of the green and digital economy, and fighting against climate change.

Furthermore, during the meeting, it was noted that contamination by mines prevents the rehabilitation of territories liberated from occupation and the implementation of multi-vector projects for economic revival. It is no coincidence that President Ilham Aliyev has put forward the initiative to add the 18th SDG - mine action to the "Agenda for Sustainable Development for the period up to 2030".

The minister noted that the upcoming discussions and cooperation within the framework of the forum will help to make a positive contribution to the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda in Azerbaijan.

The Head of the Representative Office of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN, Muhammad Nasar Hayat, thanked the organizers for hosting the forum. He noted that public funds are not enough to finance the SDGs, and it is important to involve the private sector in this matter. For this purpose, the SDG investment map will be prepared. He highlighted the importance of the joint work of civil society and the private sector in the field of SDGs.

In addition, the Head of the FAO Representative Office noted the role of the high-level dialogue held in Baku in October this year in ensuring green transformation and socio-economic inclusiveness to achieve the SDGs. Expressing satisfaction with the cooperation with the Azerbaijani government, he stressed the importance of the second Baku Forum for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals until 2030 and holding discussions that will make a significant contribution to the development of the region.

Ruslan Edelgeriev, adviser to the President of Russia on climate issues, informed about the measures to achieve the SDGs carried out in Russia based on the UN methodology, including in the areas of public health and poverty reduction. He pointed out the importance of focusing on water problems and climate change, as well as the implementation of ecosystem projects.

Furthermore, First Deputy Secretary of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, Merve Kavakci noted that sustainable development should be one of the main policy directions of any country. The SDGs include 17 goals that serve to ensure the well-being of every person and the security of the planet. All sectors of society should play an active role in achieving this goal. She stressed the influence of good neighborly relations serving peace and stability on the economic and social environment.

Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus, Valery Belsky, noted that the SDGs play a significant role in solving all the problems facing society today. Discussions to achieve these goals should be broader. He informed about the work being carried out in Belarus to form national associations for Sustainable Development Goals, increase interest in the SDGs in the education sector, and create a unified monitoring system.

In addition, a video dedicated to the ongoing work and the results of achieving the SDGs in Azerbaijan was shown at the forum.

Discussions continued during the sessions.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
NASSAU, Bahamas, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Douglas Elliman | Knight Frank announced today a new affiliate partner for luxury real estate in the Bahamas. While Douglas Elliman and Knight Frank have shared a formal global alliance for more than a decade, this new affiliate platform, beginning with The Isles Group, is the first-of-its-kind affiliation between one of the largest independent brokerages in the U.S. and its UK-headquartered international partner. It heralds Douglas Elliman's arrival to the Caribbean property market and Knight Frank's expansion. Headquartered in Nassau, The Isles Group is a full-service, luxury real estate company active in the key markets of the Bahamas where neither brokerage currently operates.

Through their longstanding partnership, Douglas Elliman | Knight Frank comprise the world's largest privately-owned global property network, with broad visibility and in-depth insights on prime property, major investments, high-net-worth individuals ($1M+) and ultra-high-net-worth individuals ($30M+) at the highest echelon of international real estate. With almost $100 million of sales under their belt within the past 30 days, The Isles Group is well-positioned to tap into the global brands' formidable marketing and public relations resources, as well as their vast network of agents around the world.

"The value of our enduring partnership with Knight Frank has always been greater than the sum of its parts," said Howard M. Lorber, Executive Chairman of Douglas Elliman. "The launch of this affiliate partner not only expands our combined global footprint, but it also represents an exciting new chapter for our two great brands."

Commenting on the affiliate partner, Paddy Dring, Head of Global Prime Sales at Knight Frank said: "This is an exciting step in our relationship with Douglas Elliman. It is the first time Knight Frank has entered an affiliate partnership like this and we have found a strong local market partner with The Isles Group. We will work with Douglas Elliman to gain access to clients from the US who have an interest in the Bahamian market and will be able to tap into Knight Frank's existing Caribbean and wider global network to service clients from elsewhere in the world.

"We are confident that this affiliation will be a success and are working with Douglas Elliman to roll-out similar partnerships in several other Caribbean markets where neither business currently has a presence," added Stacey Watson, Partner, International Residential at Knight Frank.

Led by Chairman David Dingman and Managing Partner James Mosko, The Isles Group provides brokerage services across the entire Bahamas with a focus on luxury properties. Founded in 2015 as Cross and Mosko before rebranding in 2023, the firm maintains extensive inventory in Nassau, Paradise Island and across the country's 700 islands, including Harbour Island, Eleuthera, The Abacos and The Exumas and their extensive international client base is a clear synergy with Douglas Elliman | Knight Frank.

"James and I pride ourselves on the deep local knowledge and bespoke, best-in-class service we provide our clientele in the Bahamas and beyond," said Dingman. "Our alliance with Douglas Elliman | Knight Frank will not only empower us to elevate our service with new technologies and continuous innovation, it will also spotlight the Bahamas as an international wealth investment destination."

"On top of their 40-plus years of combined experience in real estate and construction, both David and James have deep family and business roots in the Bahamas that go back more than a century," said Scott Durkin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Douglas Elliman Realty. "I can't think of a better ally to join us."

About Douglas Elliman Inc.

Douglas Elliman Inc. (NYSE: DOUG, "Douglas Elliman") owns Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC, which is one of the largest residential brokerage companies in the United States with operations in New York, Florida, California, Texas, Colorado, Nevada, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. In addition, Douglas Elliman sources, uses and invests in early-stage, disruptive property technology ("PropTech") solutions and companies and provides other real estate services, including development marketing, property management and settlement and escrow services in select markets. Additional information concerning Douglas Elliman Realty is available on its website, www.elliman.com.

Investors and others should note that we may post information about Douglas Elliman Inc. on our website at investors.elliman.com or, if applicable, on our accounts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube or other social media platforms. It is possible that the postings or releases could include information deemed to be material information. Therefore, we encourage investors, the media and others interested in Douglas Elliman to review the information we post on our website at investors.elliman.com and on our social media accounts.

About Knight Frank

Knight Frank LLP is the leading independent global property consultancy. Headquartered in London, the Knight Frank network has 604 offices across 58 territories and more than 25,000 people. The Group advises clients ranging from individual owners and buyers to major developers, investors, and corporate tenants. For further information about the Firm, please visit www.knightfrank.com.

About The Isles Group

The Isles Group is a full-service, luxury real estate company headquartered in Nassau, The Bahamas. Operating in alliance with Douglas Elliman | Knight Frank, two of the world's leading real estate players, The Isles Group couples expert local Bahamas knowledge with true global reach.

With a focus on ultra-luxury properties in premier destinations in The Bahamas, The Isles Group has access to extensive inventory in the top private communities in Nassau and Paradise Island. Coverage extends to The Bahamas's 700 islands  including The Exumas, Eleuthera, The Abacos, and numerous smaller islands and private cays. The Isles Group also supports clients in accessing exclusive off-market real estate opportunities.

The Isles Group is led by Managing Partner  James Mosko and Chairman  David Dingman, who collectively have over 40 years of experience in the real estate, investment and construction industries. David and James have also led multi-generational, family-owned businesses with over 100 years of history in The Bahamas. Our team includes both local agents in The Bahamas and agents in the Douglas Elliman | Knight Frank global network  ensuring we are able to serve our clients at a truly global level.

For further information about The Isles Group, please visit www.theislesgroup.com.

SOURCE Douglas Elliman | Knight Frank
Qualifying Duke Energy customers can receive up to a $300 account credit annually

Over the last year, Duke Energy has supported more than 2,500 Indiana households with more than $300,000 in energy bill assistance

PLAINFIELD, Ind., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- To help lower energy costs for low-income families this winter, Duke Energy Indiana is making more than $425,000 in financial aid available to eligible customers through the company's Share the Light Fund .

"The assistance we offer through the Share the Light Fund will help community members who may struggle to pay their electric bills as the temperatures dip," said Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy Indiana. "Customers with past-due utility bills or in need of ongoing assistance can take advantage of these funds to get the help they need."

Duke Energy works in partnership with the Indiana Community Action Association to distribute funds to qualifying customers to pay energy bills, deposits and reconnection/connection charges.

"As the weather gets colder, the cost of heating a home and keeping the lights on can become a significant burden for families who are already struggling to make ends meet," said Ed Gerardot, executive director of the Indiana Community Action Agency. "These funds can provide much-needed relief for our neighbors in need, helping ensure they can stay warm through the winter."

Eligibility for the Share the Light Fund is based on income, family size and the availability of resources. Customers can receive up to a $300 credit annually on their account. Individuals should contact their local community action agency to see if they are eligible. Click here to find a listing of service providers by county.

Duke Energy offers a number of other tools and resources to help customers take control of their energy use and save money. To learn more about these programs, visit duke-energy.com/HereToHelp .

Duke Energy Foundation



The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation contributes more than $2 million annually in charitable gifts to Indiana and is funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars. More information about the Foundation and its Powerful Communities program can be found at duke-energy.com/Foundation .

Duke Energy Indiana



Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), provides about 6,300 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 890,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it Indiana's largest electric supplier.

Contact: McKenzie Barbknecht

24-Hour: 800.559.3853

SOURCE Duke Energy
Multiple Micronutrient Supplements hold promise to improve nutrition care for pregnant women and help the next generation survive and thrive

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Eleanor Crook Foundation (ECF) has made a $1.2 million investment in Helen Keller Intl to introduce Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) to pregnant women in Nepal to advance implementation research. This project is in service of the vision of Nepal's Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) to ensure that the nutritional needs of pregnant women are met in the country. MMS is a prenatal supplement that is proven to be safe and effective in improving the nutrition of pregnant women and the long-term health of their children.

Nepal's female population grapples with a high burden of micronutrient deficiencies caused by poor nutrition and infectious diseases, among other factors. Pregnant women with micronutrient deficiencies face a higher risk of maternal mortality, and their children are more likely to suffer from poor birth outcomes. Despite making significant progress in the last two decades, Nepal's maternal mortality remains high at 151 per 100,000 live births. Furthermore, in Nepal, nearly one in every ten children is born with low birth weight, a condition that can lead to malnutrition. Helen Keller will explore the barriers and opportunities for integrating MMS into Nepal's antenatal care system  with the ultimate aim of finding a pathway to improve the health outcomes for millions of pregnant women and their babies.

"Investing in maternal health and nutrition through evidence generation on Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation is vital to improve the health of pregnant women and their children," said Anil Neupane, Nepal Country Director, Helen Keller Intl. "Helen Keller Intl deeply appreciates the Eleanor Crook Foundation's invaluable support to further this research in Nepal."

In Nepal  as in many other low- and middle-income countries  pregnant women suffer from various micronutrient deficiencies that can increase the risk of preterm birth and early pregnancy loss. For decades, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended provision of iron-folic acid (IFA) supplements for pregnant women to address these risks. But IFA supplementation alone is not enough to meet all the nutritional needs of pregnant women, as it only addresses two deficiencies. MMS, on the other hand, contains 15 essential vitamins and minerals, including both iron and folic acid. Remarkably, three recent reviews have shown that MMS has a similar impact on anemia in comparison to IFA, but is more effective at improving birth outcomes, especially among anemic and underweight women.

Nepal's healthcare system currently endorses IFA for pregnant women, and has a successful IFA implementation program. However, because the country continues to grapple with a significant burden of micronutrient deficiencies, Nepal's MoHP has signaled a strong interest in this MMS project. Over the next 24 months, Helen Keller will conduct implementation research in three of Nepal's seven provinces. This research will assess how well pregnant women adapt to taking MMS.

"This new partnership on MMS is a great opportunity to improve the nutrition of women and children in Nepal," said Dr. Bibek Kumar Lal, Director of the Family Welfare Division at the Nepal MoHP. "We look forward to working with all the partners to support the success of this initiative."

"MMS has the potential to save millions of children's lives around the world, but sadly very few pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries have access to it," said William Moore, CEO of The Eleanor Crook Foundation. "We're thrilled to collaborate with Helen Keller Intl to support the Government of Nepal's efforts to introduce MMS. It's time to eliminate this double standard and provide all pregnant women with good quality prenatal vitamins, regardless of where they live."

About the Eleanor Crook Foundation (ECF) :

The Eleanor Crook Foundation is a growing U.S. philanthropy fighting to end global malnutrition through research, policy analysis, and advocacy.

About Helen Keller Intl :

By delivering the essential building blocks of good health, sound nutrition and clear vision, Helen Keller Intl helps millions of people around the world create lasting change in their own lives so they can reach their true potential.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Eleanor Crook Foundation

Nyequai Harte, Associate Director of Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE The Eleanor Crook Foundation
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. and FITCHBURG, Wis., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Encompass Health (NYSE: EHC) announces the opening of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Fitchburg, a 56-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital located at 5535 Nobel Drive. The hospital serves patients recovering from debilitating illnesses and injuries including strokes and other neurological disorders, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations and complex orthopedic conditions.

In addition to 24-hour registered nursing care, the hospital offers physical, occupational and speech therapies to restore functional ability and quality of life. Care is provided by highly specialized nurses, therapists and physicians. The hospital features all private patient rooms, a large therapy gym with advanced rehabilitation technologies and an activities of daily living suite, a therapy courtyard, a cafeteria and a dayroom.

"We are excited to open this rehabilitation hospital to help individuals recovering from major illnesses and injuries regain the strength and function needed to reach their highest levels of independence," said Dodi Purtell, CEO of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Fitchburg. "Our team of experts will provide specialized care, close to home at this state-of-the-art hospital. We are greatly appreciative of the support we've received from the community and for the opportunity to serve as the region's trusted choice for rehabilitation."

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Fitchburg is Encompass Health's 161st inpatient rehabilitation hospital nationwide and its second inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Wisconsin.

About Encompass Health

Encompass Health (NYSE: EHC) is the largest owner and operator of rehabilitation hospitals in the United States. With a national footprint that includes 161 hospitals in 37 states and Puerto Rico, the Company provides high-quality, compassionate rehabilitative care for patients recovering from a major injury or illness, using advanced technology and innovative treatments to maximize recovery. Encompass Health is ranked as one of Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies and Modern Healthcare's Best Places to Work in Healthcare. For more information, visit encompasshealth.com, or follow us on our newsroom, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Encompass Health Media Contact:

Danielle Hall | 205-970-5912

[email protected]

SOURCE Encompass Health Corp.
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- This holiday season prepared to be enchanted as Envy applesone of the top branded apples in the U.S. teams up with Hallmark actor and entrepreneur Andrew Walker for the ultimate apple experience.

There's nothing quite like the holiday magic of celebrating with your loved one's while being surrounded by comforting yet delectable recipes. Apple enthusiast Andrew Walker has partnered with Envy apples to curate some of the most mouth-watering holiday recipes, using one of his favorite holiday must-haves, Envy apples.

Envy apples teams up with Hallmark actor and entrepreneur Andrew Walker for the ultimate apple experience. Apple enthusiast Andrew Walker has partnered with Envy apples to curate elevated holiday recipes.

Hallmark fans can also expect an apples-lutely surprising cameo from Envy apples this holiday season in Hallmark's new extended cut of Walker's hit Christmas film, Three Wise Men and a Baby. In the new extended cut of the film, viewers will see Andrew Walker as Luke Brenner along with his two brothers Taylor and Stephan, get the surprise of their lives when they are brought together to care for a baby over the holidays. This time, we'll also get a feature from his secret holiday ingredientEnvy apples.

Envy apples are the perfect, balanced combination of sweetness, crunch, and aroma  making them Andrew's go-to ingredient for some of his favorite holiday recipes. Among Walker's recommended dishes for an Envy-ious holiday spread are Wintery Envy Baked Brie | Envy Apple US, Make-Your-Own Merry Envy Pops | Envy Apple US, and Envy Apple Bliss Cups | Envy Apple US. Because Envy apple slices remain naturally white for longer, Walker also loves to showcase them in a beautiful platters like the Envy Apps on a Sleigh | Envy Apple US and Festive Envy Platter | Envy Apple US.

"With my busy schedule, the holidays are when I look forward to spending quality time with my family and making the recipes we anticipate all year - especially those using my favorite holiday ingredient, Envy apples. Even the kids love using them to make some of their favorite holiday sweet treats! Envy apples truly makes entertaining and celebrating with my loved ones super easy and delicious!"

From effortlessly elegant recipes that elevate your celebrations to stunning table decor the beauty of Envy apples is their versatility. If you need to upgrade your table setting  Envy apples can add the perfect shade of red to your holiday decor. Keep the kids busy and provide a nutritious snack by letting them create apple cut outs by using Envy apples and their favorite holiday cookie cutter shapes. Can't seem to find the missing ingredient you looking for your holiday salad? Add some crunch using Envy apples! Need something to spruce up your leftovers? Make sandwiches using your leftovers and elevate it with some thinly sliced Envy apples. No matter the audience at your holiday gathering, Envy has the magic of keeping everyone satisfied.

Envy apples remain the best-selling premium apple brand for the past 52 weeks ending on February 25, 2023; according to Nielsen1. For more information about Envy apples, visit https://envyapple.com/us.

Media contact

Nikki Kang

Padilla PR

[email protected]

ABOUT T&G GLOBAL

Our story began over 125 years ago as Turners and Growers, and today T&G Global helps grow healthier futures for people around the world. Located in 13 countries, our team of 2,000 people both grow and partner with over 1,200 growers to market, sell and distribute nutritious fresh produce to customers and consumers in over 60 countries. As kaitiaki, we do this guided by kaitiakitanga. For us, this means we treat the land, people, produce, resources, and community with the greatest of respect and care, as guardians of their future. Learn more at www.tandg.global .

About Envy

Envy is a registered trademark owned by the T&G group of companies. It was developed in New Zealand and patented in 2009. Envy is grown under license by T&G in selected prime apple growing regions across the globe, including New Zealand, North America, South Africa, Australia, and Europe. Envy apples have become an international success story with increasing global demand, and they're sold and distributed in over 60 countries. Learn more at https://envyapple.com/us/ .

SOURCE Envy Apples
Texas expansion set to continue in 2024

CEDAR PARK, Texas, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for its Cedar Park clinic and more clinic openings to follow, Family Care Center continues its commitment to providing mental health care in the Austin metropolitan area.

The ribbon cutting at the Cedar Park clinic exhibits Family Care Center's dedication to delivering transformative mental health care in the Austin metropolitan area. This new location offers patients a comprehensive spectrum of treatment options right in their neighborhood, from counseling to medication management and innovative treatment such as transcranial magnetic stimulation [TMS].

Earlier this year, Mental Health America , ranked Texas last in the nation for access to mental health resources. The study cited a higher prevalence of mental illness and a lower rate of access to care. To help address these concerns, Family Care Center opened four Austin-area clinics, beginning with Round Rock, followed by Pflugerville, then Central Austin and now Cedar Park. Since then, the company has become one of the leading providers of outpatient mental health in the United States.

"2023 has been a pivotal year for Family Care Center," said Chief Executive Officer Wayne Cavanaugh. "When we decided to expand to Texas, we immediately knew Austin would be the right fit because of the ongoing community growth and need for mental health support."

This expansion means increased access to behavioral health care in not only Travis County, but also nearby Williamson County, which is one of the fastest growing counties in the country. The new Cedar Park clinic joins the Round Rock clinic in serving Williamson County residents.

Cedar Park, itself, is the third-largest city in the Austin metropolitan area. As the city grows, the need for mental health care for its citizens will grow, too. While the Cedar Park clinic is just 16 miles from the center of Austin, it provides suburban residents with the healthcare they need right in their own community.

"Cedar Park residents now have a new choice for the mental health support they need, right around the corner," Jamie Stobaugh, Cedar Park Clinic Director, said. "With our newest location, we are excited to assist the Cedar Park community with therapy, medication management, transcranial magnetic stimulation and more."

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-approved treatment (since 2008) that is proven to be an effective, medication-free option for treatment resistant depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and many other mental health disorders. Using TMS in its state-of-the-art clinics, Family Care Center consistently achieves results that surpass the industry benchmark for severe depression by over 65%.

Some of Family Care Center's additional services include counseling for individuals, couples and families, child play therapy and medication management. Plus, they offer provide a spectrum of evidence-based individual treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and more.

"By offering access to mental health services like these in more locations, Family Care Center strives to make mental health care more widespread and commonplace and break the stigma surrounding mental health. With this in mind, the company is looking forward to providing additional clinics across Austin and Texas in 2024," Cavanaugh said.

To learn more about Family Care Center's comprehensive mental health services or to schedule an appointment at the new clinic, please visit https://fccwellbeing.com or call 888-374-5066.

About Family Care Center

Family Care Center is one of the nation's leading providers of mental health services and is dedicated to making a positive impact on the well-being of local communities. Their top-rated, multi-specialty clinicians provide comprehensive, evidence-based care that yields lasting positive results for patients of all ages. In addition to individual, couples and family therapy, as well as psychiatric services, Family Care Center leads in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), an innovative treatment for depression and more. Family Care Center is one of the fastest-growing providers of mental health in the United States. With nearly 25 outpatient locations across Colorado, Tennessee and Texas, they continue to expand nationally in collaboration with Revelstoke Capital Partners.

SOURCE Family Care Center
Today's Action also Opens the 510(k) Pathway for Other Tests for These Infections with At-Home Sample Collection

SILVER SPRING, Md., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted marketing authorization to LetsGetChecked for the Simple 2 Test. This is the first diagnostic test for chlamydia and gonorrhea with at-home sample collection to be granted marketing authorization. Prior to today's authorization, the only cleared tests for either condition were used with samples collected at the point of care, such as a doctor's office. The Simple 2 Test is available over-the-counter (OTC) and is intended for use in adult patients ages 18 years and older. It is the first FDA-authorized test with at-home sample collection for any sexually-transmitted disease other than HIV.

"This authorization marks an important public health milestone, giving patients more information about their health from the privacy of their own home," said Jeff Shuren, M.D., J.D., director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health. "We are eager to continue supporting greater consumer access to diagnostic tests, which helps further our goal of bringing more health care into the home."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Sexually Transmitted Infections Surveillance Report , chlamydia and gonorrhea are the first and second most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STI) in the United States, and the rate of these STIs is steadily increasing, with an estimated 1.6 million cases of chlamydia and more than 700,000 cases of gonorrhea, in 2021 alone. Typically, both infections can be easily treated, but if left untreated, both infections can cause serious health complications for patients, including infertility. Expanding the availability of STI testing can help patients get quicker results and access to the most appropriate treatment, ultimately helping to curb the rising rates of STIs.

The Simple 2 Test which uses vaginal swabs or urine specimens, as appropriate, can detect the presence of the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which cause chlamydia and gonorrhea, respectively. The test is a direct-to-consumer test that can be purchased without a prescription. The user activates the collection kit online and fills out a health questionnaire for a health care provider to evaluate. The individual collects the specimen at home using the provided collection kit, which is then sent back to the designated laboratory for testing. Results are delivered online, with follow-up from a health care provider in cases of positive or invalid test results.

The Simple 2 Test includes the Simple 2 Home Collection Kits that were validated for use with the cleared Hologic Aptima 2 Combo Assay. The FDA also evaluated data from LetsGetChecked demonstrating lay users can safely use the kit and have a general understanding of the results and any necessary follow up actions and validated their home collection kits with the intended test.

The risks associated with the test are mainly the possibility of false positive and false negative test results. False negative test results can result in delays to effective treatment, progression to disseminated disease, and spread of infection to other persons throughout your community. If exposed to a person with either gonorrhea or chlamydia, CDC guidelines indicate that you should be treated by a healthcare provider with antibiotics, regardless of the test result. False positive results could lead to an inappropriate diagnosis of, and unnecessary treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhea, respectively. This could lead to psychological distress, delay in receiving a correct diagnosis as well as the expense and risk for side effects from unnecessary treatment.

The FDA reviewed the Simple 2 Test under the FDA's De Novo premarket review pathway, a regulatory pathway for low- to moderate-risk devices of a new type. Along with this De Novo authorization, the FDA is establishing special controls that define the requirements related to labeling and performance testing. When met, the special controls, in combination with general controls, provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness for tests of this type. This action creates a new regulatory classification, which means that subsequent devices of the same type with the same intended use may go through FDA's 510(k) premarket process, whereby devices can obtain marketing authorization by demonstrating substantial equivalence to a predicate device, which may save a developer time and expense compared to other review pathways.

Media Contact: Jim McKinney , 240-328-7305

Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration
CHICAGO, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Feminine Hygiene Products Market by Nature (Disposable, Reusable), Type (Sanitary Napkins, Panty Liners, Tampons, Menstrual Cups), Region (Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, South America) - Global Forecast to 2028", size is projected to grow from USD 24.6 billion in 2023 to USD 32.2 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2023 to 2028. Feminine hygiene products are designed to help women maintain cleanliness, comfort, and health during their menstrual cycle and for general vaginal care. These products manage menstrual flow, maintain personal hygiene, and prevent discomfort or odour. The rise in awareness about feminine hygiene management and the increasing disposable income of females drives the market growth.

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The disposable segment accounted for the largest feminine hygiene products market share in 2022.

By nature, the disposable category dominated the market share in 2022. This category encompasses feminine hygiene products like sanitary pads, tampons, and panty liners. Over the past few decades, disposable absorbent feminine hygiene products have largely supplanted traditional methods of managing menstruation worldwide. These products consist of internal tampons, full-sized sanitary napkins or towels for menstruation, and panty shields designed to safeguard undergarments from light menstrual flow, spotting, or vaginal discharge while ensuring cleanliness. The significant presence of the disposable segment can be attributed to the widespread awareness and extensive use of these convenient feminine hygiene products.

In 2022, the sanitary pads category dominated the market share for feminine hygiene products.

In terms of product type, the sanitary pads category held the most significant market share in 2022. This prominence can be ascribed to the heightened awareness of sanitary pads compared to other feminine hygiene products and their wide accessibility. Notable brands offering sanitary napkins encompass Kotex, Camelia, Always, Just., This is L, Stayfree, Carefree, o.b., and Lil-lets.

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Asia Pacific accounted for the largest share of the global feminine hygiene products market in 2022.

In 2022, the Asia Pacific region held the most significant portion of the feminine hygiene products market. The countries under study in this market segment encompass China, India, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. The growth in disposable income, rapid urbanization, and increased awareness of menstrual hygiene management are key drivers of the feminine hygiene products market in this region. Additionally, there has been a noteworthy development in India, where the government revealed a commitment to invest USD 160 million in the Suvidha initiative. This initiative aims to ensure widespread access to sanitary napkins in rural areas of the country. Through this scheme, the government plans to provide biodegradable sanitary napkins to the masses at USD 0.00014. The government intends to involve high net-worth individuals (HNIs) and corporations to distribute sanitary napkins to underprivileged women nationwide. These developments will further boost the demand for feminine hygiene products.

Johnson & Johnson (US), Procter & Gamble (US), Kimberly-Clark (US), Essity Aktiebolag (PUBL) (Sweden), Kao Corporation (Japan), Daio Paper Corporation (Japan), Unicharm Corporation (Japan), Premier FMCG (South Africa), Ontex (Belgium), Hengan International Group Company Ltd. (China), Drylock Technologies (Belgium), Natracare LLC (US), First Quality Enterprises, Inc. (US), Bingbing Paper Co., Ltd. (China), TZMO SA (Poland), Redcliffe Hygiene Private Limited (India), The Keeper, Inc. (US), Diva International Inc. (Canada), Tosama (Slovenia), Lambi (Mexico), Cotton High Tech - Cohitech (South Africa), Edgewell Personal Care (US), Bostik (Spain), Corman (Italy) and Seventh Generation (US), among others are the key players operating in the feminine hygiene products market.

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Nonwoven Fabrics Market - Global Forecast to 2025

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School Bus Operators, Monitors Secure Union Representation

HUDSON, Mass., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bus operators and monitors at First Student in Hudson have voted to join Teamsters Local 170. These 29 bus workers provide student transportation for Hudson Public Schools.

"Local 170 is proud to welcome the hardworking men and women at First Student in Hudson to the Teamsters," said Shannon George, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 170. "These workers play a pivotal role in the Hudson community, and we look forward to getting to work on an industry-leading supplemental agreement for them. A special thank you to Local 170 Organizer Shawn Stevens and Business Agent Jim Marks for their dedication and commitment to getting these workers the Teamsters representation they deserve."

The workers are now covered under the First Student National Master Agreement, the largest collective bargaining agreement at any private school bus company in the United States.

"Having union representation in this industry is critical to ensuring we have fair working conditions and a voice on the job," said John Flinkfelt, a bus driver and trainer at First Student in Hudson. "My co-workers and I are thrilled to be Teamsters, and I am grateful to my colleagues Lisa Montague and Robert Marchand who were a big help in organizing our yard."

Located in Worcester, Massachusetts, Teamsters Local 170 has been helping the working class and the community since 1933. For more information about Local 170, go to teamsterlocal170.com.

Contact:

Matt McQuaid, (202) 624-6877

[email protected]

SOURCE Teamsters Local 170
BEIJING, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from People's Daily: "Should old acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne..."

Accompanied by melodious accordion music, a delegation of the U.S. Flying Tigers veterans and their descendants joined teachers and students from the Kunming Foreign Language School, a "Sino-U.S. Hump Airlift Memorial School", in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan province, in singing the song "Auld Lang Syne" during a visit to the school.

Members of a delegation of Flying Tigers veterans and their descendants listen to a docent telling the story behind a stone roller at the site of Chenggong Airport in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan province. Chenggong Airport was one of the main bases of the Flying Tigers in Kunming. During the construction of the airport, local people made tremendous efforts to level the runway with the stone roller. (Photo by Liu Lingling/People's Daily) Flying Tigers veterans and their descendants sing the song "Auld Lang Syne" with teachers and students at the Kunming Foreign Language School in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan province. (Photo by Liu Lingling/People's Daily)

The song reminded Flying Tigers veteran Harry Moyer of the days when the Flying Tigers fought alongside the Chinese people against Japanese aggression and forged a deep friendship.

Reliving that history and seeing the smiles on students, Moyer was moved to tears by the performance of the song in the auditorium of the Kunming Foreign Language School.

The friendship did not come easily, said Moyer.

Their visit to the Kunming Foreign Language School was part of a recent China tour organized by the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation for members of the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force, known as the "Flying Tigers," and their descendants.

The delegation visited Chinese cities including Beijing, southwest China's Chongqing municipality, Kunming, and Liuzhou city of south China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, renewing friendship between the Chinese and American people.

Moyer told People's Daily that Kunming was the place he looked forward to visiting the most in this tour of China.

The city was where the Flying Tigers first took off to combat in China, and also the starting point and logistics hub of the famous "Hump" air route, a vital airlift route over the Himalayas and the primary way the Allies supplied China between 1942 and 1945 in World War II.

In 1942, after Japan occupied Myanmar and cut off China's last international connection, the Flying Tigers blazed a new air route - the "Hump" route over the Himalayas. The route was extremely difficult to fly, but the fearless and selfless members of the Flying Tigers braved all challenges and built an "air bridge" over Kunming.

Back then, people in Yunnan also overcame tremendous difficulties to provide supplies for the Flying Tigers, and did their utmost to rescue downed members of the Flying Tigers, making the legendary American Volunteer Group a symbol of mutual assistance between the Chinese and American people.

During the visit to the Kunming Foreign Language School, members of the delegation watched the musical "Green Path and Rainbow: the Story of the Flying Tigers and the Hump", which showed the Flying Tigers' adventure to open the "Hump" air route. The musical was voluntarily created by locals of Kunming.

As actors playing locals gave a thumbs-up gesture and praised the bravery of members of the Flying Tigers as "ding hao" ("top-notch") in local dialect, Moyer, sitting in the audience, also raised his hands and gave a thumbs-up to the actors on stage.

The American people speak a different language from the Chinese people, but the friendship and emotions between the two peoples are connected, said Moyer's granddaughter Sarah Moyer.

Deeply touched by the performance, she said she will definitely pass on this sincere friendship.

At the Kunming Flying Tigers Museum, exhibits including pilot goggles, military oil stoves, and group photos of members of Flying Tigers and Chinese soldiers and civilians evoked memories of the Flying Tigers.

Jane Bonner Scott, daughter of Flying Tigers pilot Steve Bonner, couldn't help but shed tears as she saw her father's photos in the museum.

Her father loved China very much, according to Jane Bonner Scott, who recalled that her father, who passed away two years ago, often talked to her about China and the Chinese people.

Coming to China to visit the place where her father had fought made her think of him a lot, Jane Bonner Scott said.

The history and memories of the Flying Tigers belong not only to her and her family, but also to the people of both countries, noted Jane Bonner Scott, who added that she hopes more young people will learn about the Flying Tigers' story and cherish peace and friendship.

The name "Flying Tigers" can be frequently seen along the streets of Kunming, where there are buildings, avenues, theme restaurants, among other facilities named after the Flying Tigers, which have become a vivid demonstration of the profound friendship between the Flying Tigers and the Chinese people.

Nell Calloway, granddaughter of U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault, who led the wartime Flying Tigers pilots to fight Japanese invaders in China during World War II, has visited Kunming more than once.

All the members of the Flying Tigers she knows have told her that they received warm welcome and support from the Chinese people, said Calloway, who disclosed that she was present at the opening of the Kunming Flying Tigers Museum.

During her recent visit to Kunming, Calloway expressed her heartfelt wish for the deep friendship between the Flying Tigers and the Chinese people to continue to be passed down from generation to generation, and for a continuation of the beautiful story of friendship between the American and Chinese people.

SOURCE People's Daily
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has invested over $800 million in more than 60 projects in Azerbaijan over the past 30 years, the representative of IFC in Azerbaijan Aliya Azimova said at the II Baku Forum on Sustainable Development, Trend reports.

"The IFC is one of the world's major multinational financial institutions, promoting private sector investment in developing countries. We have invested over $800 million in over 60 projects in Azerbaijan over the last 30 years. Furthermore, we have contributed to government programs in over 20 different areas, including the investment climate, renewable energy, corporate governance, SME growth, agribusiness, and the financial sector," Azimova said.

"There are numerous prospects for private sector investment in digital communications in all of the region's countries, particularly given regional integration and collaboration, as well as new transportation corridors. In terms of Azerbaijan, I'd like to refer to our recent study on the country's private sector diagnostic, which offers potential for encouraging private sector investment. It describes the possibilities of attracting more than $1 billion in private investment in digital infrastructure, more than $700 million in soft logistics investment every year, and more than $6.5 billion in digital financial investment if these opportunities are achieved in Azerbaijan," she said.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
270 MW Blevins Solar Project located in ERCOT market

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- National Grid Renewables has announced the execution of two power purchase agreements (PPAs) for its Blevins Solar Project (Blevins), a 270-megawatt (MW) development located in Falls County, Texas. Under the PPAs, Fujifilm has contracted 125 MW of solar, and Bristol Myers Squibb has contracted 145 MW of solar.

Blevins is estimated to begin construction in 2024 and reach operations in 2025. Including the Blevins project, National Grid Renewables has a total investment of nearly 1 gigawatt (GW) of renewable energy projects in Texas, including Great Plains Wind Farm, Noble Solar & Storage Project, and Copperhead Solar & Storage Project. Additionally, Blevins is the second National Grid Renewables project located in Falls County, marking a significant commitment to bringing clean energy and associated benefits to local residents.

Blevins is anticipated to benefit local and statewide communities through the production of millions of dollars in new tax revenue and landowner income, the creation of new jobs, and local spending. The project community will also benefit from a dedicated charitable fund, which is unique to National Grid Renewables amongst its competitors. In total, Blevins' direct economic impact is estimated to reach approximately $35 million over the first 30 years of operation.

"Blevins represents our strong belief that renewable energy projects deliver a sustainable and reliable source of power, all while invigorating the local economies and unlocking new potential for both direct and indirect revenue streams. Projects like Blevins not only benefit Texas with a clean energy solution, but they also provide reliability and security for the overall electrical grid," said Blake Nixon, President of National Grid Renewables.

Bristol Myers Squibb's (BMS) longstanding commitment to environmental responsibility includes working with partners to help achieve its goals. For this project, Bristol Myers Squibb worked with Edison Energy, LLC as an independent advisor, providing renewables market expertise and analytics support, which allowed BMS to assess long-term implications of its investment.

"Environmental sustainability is an important component of our business strategy and embedded within our enterprise operations," said Danielle Menture, Vice President, Environment, Occupational Health, Safety and Sustainability at Bristol Myers Squibb. "This agreement is another critical step in our journey towards achieving our goal of 100% purchased electricity from renewable sources and supporting the move toward cleaner energy."

Fujifilm engaged World Kinect Energy Services to identify renewable energy projects that would accelerate their corporate strategy to cover 100% of the company's total electricity consumption with green energy in the United States and Canada. A great example of the power of partnerships, this project is the culmination of the creative and collaborative work from all involved and helps build momentum for Fujifilm's achievement of their renewable energy and CO 2 emissions reduction goals.

"Fujifilm strives to be a company that contributes to solving society's greatest challenges, including addressing climate change through our business strategy and operations," said Chisato Yoshizawa, Director and Corporate Vice President, General Manager of Corporate Communications Division and General Manager of ESG Division, FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation. "This Power Purchase Agreement is aligned with our policy, which emphasizes securing a stable supply of renewable electricity with additionality."

About National Grid Renewables

National Grid Renewables develops, owns and operates large-scale renewable energy assets across the United States, including solar, wind, and energy storage. As a farmer-founded and community-focused business, National Grid Renewables repowers America's electricity grid by reigniting local economies and reinvesting in a sustainable, clean energy future. National Grid Renewables supports National Grid's vision of being at the heart of a clean, fair, and affordable energy future for all. To learn more about National Grid Renewables, visit www.nationalgridrenewables.com or follow the company on LinkedIn.

Contact: National Grid Renewables

[email protected]

612.429.7050

SOURCE National Grid Renewables
ATLANTA, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- National Utility Scam Awareness Day is today (November 15) and Georgia Power is highlighting new, sophisticated tech scams that are targeting Georgia Power customers. So far this year, the company has received thousands of reports of scam attempts  including more traditional scams via phone and email, as well as new digital and mobile tech scams. Customers are encouraged to report scams at www.GeorgiaPower.com/ReportAScam.

New Tech SCAM- Georgia Power Payment Through Cash App : Recently, the company has become aware of scammers requesting funds from customers via Cash App, asking customers to pay an account that "looks like" Georgia Power, including illegal use of the company's logo. Georgia Power does not accept payments via Cash App . Valid Georgia Power payment options include Venmo, Apple Pay, Amazon Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal  learn more here.

New Tech SCAM  Fake Digital Ads: Georgia Power is receiving reports of digital ads on Google and other platforms that direct customers to non-company websites to pay their bills, which then request personal or financial information. Customers should always ensure that the webpage is the official Georgia Power website, with correct spelling: www.GeorgiaPower.com. Don't be fooled by ads that lead to fake websites.

Georgia Power works every day to combat new digital scams and continues to partner with law enforcement and other agencies in supporting their efforts to identify and prosecute criminals who pose as Georgia Power employees to defraud customers. The company reminds customers of the following additional tips and guidelines to avoid becoming a victim of a scammer:

Georgia Power:

Does not call to ask a customer to provide a credit card or pre-paid debit card number over the phone.

Does not accept cryptocurrency as a payment option. Scammers often demand Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies , or demand use of money transfer apps for immediate payments.

as a payment option. Scammers often demand or other , or demand use of money transfer apps for immediate payments. Does not call customers to set up automatic payments, to "update" credit cards or other sensitive account information or to ask customers to "pay for a new meter."

The company also does not send employees into the field to collect payment in person or to pay anywhere other than an Authorized Payment Location (APL).

Tips to #StopScams:

If a customer receives a suspicious call from someone claiming to be from Georgia Power and demanding immediate payment to avoid disconnection, the customer should hang up and log-on to their account at www.GeorgiaPower.com to confirm the status of their account.

As scammers have tried to promote the use of fraudulent 800 numbers, customers should direct-dial the company's customer service line using the number on their bill (888-660-5890), which can be verified at www.GeorgiaPower.com/ContactUs. Do not trust "Caller ID" identifications.

Customers are also asked to report any scam attempts online at www.GeorgiaPower.com/ReportAScam.

Delete all emails that demand immediate payment or personal information or that are from a company that is not Georgia Power.

If an account becomes past due, Georgia Power will contact the customer via a pre-recorded message to the primary account telephone number or by letter requesting that the customer call the number on their bill to discuss the account. Georgia Power's pre-recorded message will not ask customers to remain on the line or press a number to speak to a representative immediately.

In the rare event that an employee needs to visit a customer's home or business for a service-related issue, they will be in uniform and present a badge with a photo, their name and the company's name and logo. They will also be in a vehicle marked with the company's logo.

To learn more about how you can defend yourself against scammers and avoid falling victim to common mistakes, additional information is available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Scams.

About Georgia Power

Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

SOURCE Georgia Power
Gilde Healthcare Venture&Growth VI closes at its hard cap with 740 million from a balanced mix of international investors

Gilde Healthcare invests in fast growing companies that enable better care at lower cost, supported by its dedicated Impact Council

In three years' time, Gilde Healthcare raised 1.7 billion across three funds

UTRECHT, Netherlands, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Gilde Healthcare today announces the final close of its Gilde Healthcare Venture&Growth VI fund with 740 million in commitments. Fund VI reached the hard cap following a first close at 600 million in April this year. The new fund focuses on fast growing companies developing solutions for better care at lower cost. Gilde Healthcare invests in companies in Europe and North America active in digital healthcare, medical technology (MedTech) and therapeutics. Gilde Healthcare Venture&Growth VI is an Article 9 Fund under the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR).

The fund is backed by a balanced mix of international investors, including healthcare corporates, (Dutch) pension funds, banks, insurers, fund-of-funds, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, family offices, entrepreneurs and the Gilde team.

Pieter van der Meer, Managing Partner at Gilde Healthcare: "The strong interest from institutional investors driven to make a substantial impact, is a clear endorsement of our mission: investing in solutions to improve the quality of patient care while keeping it affordable. Our broad strategy, covering digital health, MedTech and therapeutics, results in a holistic approach allowing us to select the most optimal and cost effective solution for the individual patient. With a team of sector experts, we help companies to further scale medical innovations and to make them accessible globally."

The healthcare expenditure in the Western World continues to grow, already exceeding 20% of GDP in the United States. The society at large is in need of affordable solutions to counter this growth. Gilde Healthcare's mission to invest in better care at lower cost, is supported by a dedicated Impact Council, chaired by the former executive director of the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

The new fund will invest 10-70 million per new portfolio company. Together with the previous Venture&Growth fund (closed in 2020) and Gilde Healthcare Private Equity IV (closed in 2022), Gilde Healthcare has raised 1.7 billion in capital over the last three years.

About Gilde Healthcare

Gilde Healthcare is a specialized healthcare investor managing over 2.6 billion across two fund strategies: Venture&Growth and Private Equity. The Venture& Growth fund of Gilde Healthcare invests in fast growing companies active in digital health, medical technologies (MedTech) and therapeutics, based in Europe and North America. The Private Equity fund of Gilde Healthcare participates in profitable lower mid-market healthcare companies based in North-Western Europe. For more information,: www.gildehealthcare.com

SOURCE Gilde Healthcare
DUBLIN, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.

Competitive Landscape



The global copper market is fragmented with many players holding an insignificant share of the market.

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/i6dg9h

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.



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SOURCE Research and Markets
The legendary virtual pet game continues to evolve with new launches, new leadership, and new activations!

Image download link

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Neopets , a hallmark of early 2000s nostalgia for millennials across the globe, celebrates two significant events this November: its 24th year in existence and its first birthday under new leadership. As the pioneering virtual pet website, it has given rise to games, merchandise, and a dedicated fanbase forging global friendships and gaining invaluable skills.

Neopets 24th Anniversary (CNW Group/Neopets)

Launched in 1999, Neopets started as a side project that evolved into a cultural phenomenon with over 35 million monthly active users at the site's peak in 2005. Since then, the whimsical World of Neopia brand has inspired a wide variety of official merchandise, including an official Neopets cookbook , tarot cards , and must-have apparel . A recent website overhaul spearheaded by the brand's new leadership team aims to inspire a Neopian renaissance and introduce innovative new ways for players to connect with their fandom.

As we celebrate this incredible milestone and eagerly await the monumental 25th anniversary next year, the brand is gearing up with grand plans for expansion. Here's a glimpse of what's in store:

Brand Activations & New Launches

This year's exclusive Neopets Era Party, which brought fans together beyond the screen at San Diego Comic-Con, marked the start of a revived commitment to showing up for Neopets fans in the real world! With a diverse roster of live events to speak for since then, Neopets has lined up a busy schedule for the coming months to stay connected to the community. Fans can expect to see the brand activation for the first time at LA Comic-Con (LACC) and Hong Kong Fashion Walk this December, with exclusive merchandise and networking opportunities planned for both events.

Globally, Neopets fans can enjoy upcoming merchandise and eShop launches. Neopets has unveiled a 2024 calendar and NeoHood that will keep fans counting down the days until the website's 25th anniversary, a journey that's sure to be chock full of exciting surprises. From apparel and jewelry to exciting new game experiences, the road to our 25th birthday is poised to expand the World of Neopia like never before.

New Gaming Experience

Neopets' exciting updates will span both the physical and virtual realms. The brand is working on a brand new NeoPass system to connect games like Faerie's Hope and some community-driven gaming projects to the mainline Neopets website. The NeoPass system will kick off alongside the long-awaited relaunch of Island Builders in Q1 of 2024. The virtual world will also continue to expand with new plot lines, taking the beloved Neopian characters and stories to new heights!

New Leadership

Neopets' longevity has proven to be a testament to a dedicated fanbase and the team leading the brand. The brand's renewed direction came to light when CEO Dominic Law and his robust leadership team took the helm in July, sparking a marked uptick in interest and activity from the brand. In the months since, the brand has launched a Community Ambassador pilot program, bestowing notable community members with the opportunity to advise The Neopets Team on the wants and needs of the wider Neopian community, be among the first to see and test new launches, and represent the brand! Neopets has also demonstrated its commitment to its fans with community-led initiatives like monthly AMAs with the CEO, product giveaways, and more! With the help of Flash-emulator Ruffle, the brand team has brought back 100+ mini games, allowing loyal players to play nostalgic favorites! The brand's myriad efforts have resulted in a 5-year peak in monthly active users (MAU), revenue, website ranking, and Google searches of "Neopets."

"Growing up on the website myself, I've had the opportunity to see how Neopets is about so much more than simply raising a virtual pet online," said Dominic Law, CEO of Neopets. "The community behind Neopia have kept the magic of the website alive for over two decades and credit the platform for everything from starting lifelong relationships to learning the basics of coding."

Nearly everyone who grew up on the internet in the mid-2000s has a story of how the world of Neopia enchanted them one way or another. With new life being breathed into the franchise ahead of its quarter-century birthday, the loyal and dedicated community who have kept Neopets active is only expected to grow. Fans can celebrate the 24th anniversary all year long year with these must-have Neopets products and game experiences, including:

NEW Neopets 2024 Calendar

NEW Neopets NeoHoods

Upcoming Neopets.com plot (2024)

Upcoming 25th Anniversary Plushies (2024)

Upcoming 25th Anniversary Limited Edition Monopoly (2024)

Upcoming Neopets Battledome Trading Card Game with Upper Deck (2024)

Print-on-demand merch through the Neopets eShop

And so much more !

"We are excited to continue to bring leading licensing partners to the World of Neopets. Neopets is a truly immersive property that translates well into highly collectable merchandise, Said Carlin West CEO of CWA."

To commemorate the brand's milestone, Neopets' CEO Dominic Law will be hosting a live AMA on the brand's 24th birthday, November 15th. Fans are invited to join the conversation to ask him their burning Neopian questions. As a special perk, annual premium subscribers will have early access to the 2024 Calendar and NeoHood premium set in early November. Fans who missed this opportunity can look forward to a public pre-order of the premium set, which begins on November 10th.

For more information on Neopets, head to Neopets.com and join the community! Make sure to follow the Neopets social channels to keep track of all upcoming Neopets news:

About Neopets

Neopets is an immersive, online virtual pet game in which players can adopt, customise, and interact with Neopets in the vast world of Neopia. Known for its multi-generational, passionate community, Neopets offers players a vast world of storytelling, collecting, pet care, and exciting social gaming experiences. Since its launch in 1999, Neopets has galvanised unique adventures, games, stories, and challenges for over 150 million players worldwide.

About Carlin West Agency

CWA (Carlin West Agency LLC.) is a leading brand building and merchandise licensing company representing licensing rights to children's/pop culture entertainment brands such as Neopets, global pop star Hatsune Miku, Winx Club, Pet Rock and others. CWA is based in New York City. For more information, please visit www.carlinwestagency.com.

SOURCE Neopets
HOUSTON, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 28th Annual Frankel Lecture, hosted by the Houston Law Review at the University of Houston Law Center, will examine the intersection of race and immigration, focusing on the political representation of the Latinx community in the United States. Rachel F. Moran, a leading expert in civil rights, race and the law will deliver the keynote presentation on "The Perennial Eclipse: Race, Immigration, and How Latinx Count in American Politics."

Moran is a Professor of Law at Texas A&M University School of Law and has previously held positions as the Distinguished and Chancellor's Professor of Law at UC Irvine, Michael J. Connell Distinguished Professor of Law and Dean Emerita at UCLA, and Robert D. and Leslie-Kay Raven Professor of Law at UC Berkeley.

Commentators for the lecture are:

Ilya Somin , Professor of Law at George Mason University

, Professor of Law at Joseph Fishkin, Professor of Law at UCLA School of Law

Moran has written over 100 articles, book chapters, and short commentaries exploring topics such as bilingual education, desegregation, and affirmative action. As the inaugural Neukom Fellows Research Chair in Diversity and Law, she collaborated with Robert Nelson to launch "The Future of Latinos in the United States: Law, Opportunity, and Mobility."

The Frankel Lecture is scheduled for both in-person and online from 11 a.m.  1 p.m. (Central), on Friday, Nov. 17. Participating attorneys will receive two hours of Texas MCLE credit.

Click here to register.

Click here for more information.

University of Houston Law Center media contacts: Carrie Anna Criado, UH Law Center Assistant Dean of Communications and Marketing, 713-743-2184, [email protected]; Bonnie Buffaloe, Communications Manager, 713-743-9137, [email protected].

About the University of Houston Law Center

The University of Houston Law Center (UHLC) is a dynamic, top tier law school located in the nation's 4th largest city. UHLC's Health Law, Intellectual Property Law, and Part-time programs rank in the U.S. News Top 10. It awards Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees, through its academic branch, the College of Law. The Law Center is more than just a law school. It is a powerful hub of intellectual activity with more than 15 centers and institutes which fuel its educational mission and national reputation. UHLC is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools.

About the University of Houston

The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university recognized with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter for excellence in undergraduate education. UH serves the globally competitive Houston and Gulf Coast Region by providing world-class faculty, experiential learning and strategic industry partnerships. Located in the nation's fourth-largest city and one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse regions in the country, UH is a federally designated Hispanic- and Asian-American-Serving institution with enrollment of more than 47,000 students.

About the Houston Law Review

The Houston Law Review is a scholarly journal published by students at the University of Houston Law Center. Houston Law Review was founded in 1963 under guidance of Dean Newell Blakely, and with contribution from 20 lifetime sponsors including Houston firms such as Baker Botts, Norton Rose Fulbright and Vinson & Elkins. Now in its 60th year of publication, the law review has over 1,000 alumni members making valuable contributions to legal community all across the nation. These include judges on United States District Courts and the Texas Supreme Court, renowned practitioners, and general counsel to Fortune 500 companies. Recent alumni members of Houston Law Review have served as judicial clerks to federal district and circuit judges.

SOURCE University of Houston Law Center
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.

SOURCE Hyundai Motor Group

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Integris seeks feedback from military and law enforcement on its new soft armor vests

PARIS, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Integris Composites, the global leader in armor protection for the world's elite military and law-enforcement units, invites active military and law enforcement people attending Milipol Paris 2023 to visit Stand 5 F009 and review prototypes of the company's new Rapid Don/Doff body-armor vests, making their debut at the event.

Soft body-armor vests, carriers and tactical gear constitute a new category of personal protection from Integris Composites, the new name for TenCate Advanced Armour.

"For more than 25 years the company has been the go-to producer of ballistic plates that slide into the pockets of vests and carriers made by body armor manufacturers and used by the world's leading military and law enforcement teams," said Jan Grimberg, the senior vice president of marketing and sales EMEA at Integris.

"Moving one step further in the value chain, we are developing a new system of ballistic vest gear for law-enforcement and military units. Milipol marks the first public presentation of equipment that dramatically reduces time for donning and doffing one's body armor rigby 50 percent or more," said Stephen Jackson, regional director Turkey, Middle East & Africa.

Public debut of the Integris Rapid Don/Doff vests is taking place at Integris Composites Stand 5 F009 during Milipol Paris 2023, Nov. 1417 at the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre.

Early versions of Integris Rapid Don/Doff vests/carriers have been tested in recent months by law enforcement groups in Eastern Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, as well as by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

During Milipol, military and police visitors in active service will be invited to test three prototype vests, each featuring a different magnetic latch and Rapid Don/Doff one-side or two-side opening system.

Message to Police and Military Users

"Our message to users? 'Put it on and take it off as many times as you want. We want to hear your questions.' We are not telling people, 'This is what you need.' We are saying, 'Tell us what you need, and we will deliver. We are committed to making the gear you want and need,'" said Jackson.

"Using our magnetic buckle system, they can take it off, put it on in two seconds much faster than traditional gear with only hook-and-loop Velcro fasteners. Even more, it enables us to create a personalized fit the first time it is set up. Users are now able to rapidly don and doff vests repeatedly without losing their settings," added Jackson.

Integris is also displaying standard vests, custom-designed plate carriers and shields that are also part of the personal protection portfolio.

New Focus for Integris

"Integris began a pivot from a standalone supplier of ballistic plates into the role of an end-to-end solution integrator in early 2022 and we are continuing to build momentum following the announcement of our name change in September," explained Grimberg.

"The company is becoming a full-spectrum supplier of the highest level of personal protection for military forces and law enforcement. "We want to position Integris as a holistic protection companythe resource for whatever protection you need," Grimberg added.

Integris is an engineering company and the manufacturer of composite armor for land vehicles, aircraft, naval craft, protective housing for optronics and other sensitive technology in addition to personal protection gear. The company's scope includes the design, development, production, sales, and services of composite armor solutions. Integris' product portfolio consists of panels or ready-to-install kits made from high-strength materials like HDPE, aramids and ceramics. For more information go to: www.integriscomposites.com.

Milipol Paris 2023 is the leading event dedicated to homeland security and safety, with over 30,000 visitors and 1,000 exhibitors. It is presented every two years under the auspices of the French Ministry of the Interior in partnership with several governmental bodies. For more information go to: www.milipol.com.

Media Contact:

Jonas Holck, Group Vice President Strategy

[email protected]

Photos:

https://www.prlog.org/12993970

Press release distributed by PRLog

SOURCE Integris Composites
ANDOVER, Mass., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Invest in Others Charitable Foundation ("Invest in Others"), a non-profit organization helping financial professionals support charitable causes in their communities, announced today that four additional leaders in the financial services industry have joined its Board of Directors.

Joining the Invest in Others (IiO) Board are:

"Joe, Brian, Tom, and John are industry veterans who understand the important role that financial advisors play in the communities where they live and work," said R. Barkley Payne, Executive Director of the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation. "Their input and commitment will help us continue to grow, so we can draw attention and give support to more advisor-supported non-profits in communities across the countryand optimize the impact the members of our industry can make."

Joseph P. Lombardo, Jr. oversees the development of all UBS field leaders and all future-generation talent in the firm's Wealth Management U.S. organization. He is responsible for managing the design, development, and delivery of training and professional development programs in the U.S., including the Graduate Training, Wealth Planning Associate, and Team Associate Training programs. Mr. Lombardo began his career in financial services in 1990 before joining UBS in 2005 as a Financial Advisor. He has served at UBS in a leadership capacity since 2007, having achieved UBS's Leadership Council three times.

Brian McLaughlin served as CEO and Co-Founder of Redtail Technology prior to its acquisition by Orion in June 2022. He has worked closely with advisors, broker-dealers, and industry partners for more than two decades as part of his effort to make the industry a better place for those who depend on it. Mr. McLaughlin is highly respected as an industry thought leader, having appeared as a speaker or panelist at many industry events over the years, and having frequently contributed to publications such as InvestmentNews, Financial Planning, and ThinkAdvisor.

Tom North leads the Ameriprise Independent Advisors franchise business in the Mid-Atlantic region, which encompasses more than 1,500 financial advisors from New York Metro, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania down to North Carolina. He also supports national brand strategy for the Ameriprise franchise channel, and is responsible for the growth of assets, advisor headcount, revenue, profitability, and execution. Mr. North has 29 years of experience in the financial services industry and holds the Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Financial Consultant designations.

John A. Vaccaro is responsible for delivering insurance and wealth management solutions to over 3 million clients as Head of MassMutual Financial Advisors. The organization encompasses more than 7,500 financial advisors and 3,000 field support personnel spread across 1,600 locations nationwide. Mr. Vaccaro is also Chairman and CEO of MML Investors Services, LLC, a national broker-dealer and RIA with over $250 billion in assets under management, and Chairman of MassMutual Trust Company, FSB. Prior to joining MassMutual in 2007, Mr. Vaccaro served as a Vice President at The Hartford, WS Griffith, Prudential Financial, and Liberty Financial. He serves on the Board of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), and is a former Chair of the SIFMA Advisory Council.

About the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation

The Invest in Others 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation is supported by the financial services industry to amplify the charitable work of financial advisors, employees, and their firms. Invest in Others is a catalyst to channel philanthropy and volunteerism to where it is needed most.

For more information, visit investinothers.org or follow Invest in Others on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

Media Contact:

Sabrina Scarpa

JConnelly for Invest in Others

[email protected] | 973.309.0051

SOURCE Invest in Others Charitable Foundation
CHICAGO, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Jersey Mike's Subs is partnering once again with Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization, to help member food banks keep their shelves stocked this holiday season. This weekend, on Saturday, November 18, and Sunday, November 19, Jersey Mike's will donate 20 percent of sales to Feeding America. Watch the national commercial.

This weekend, Jersey Mike's will donate 20 percent of sales to Feeding America. Post this This weekend, on Saturday, November 18, and Sunday, November 19, Jersey Mikes will donate 20 percent of sales to Feeding America.

"Everyone deserves nutritious food to thrive, yet every day, tens of millions of individuals across the U.S. continue to experience food insecurity," said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America. "Feeding America is deeply grateful for partners like Jersey Mike's in the movement to end hunger. Their ongoing commitment to the mission is helping to support communities and nourish futures."

In the past two years, Jersey Mike's has donated more than $11 million to Feeding America, helping provide over 110 million meals* through the organization's nationwide network of more than 200 local member food banks.

"We'd like to invite you to Jersey Mike's this Saturday and Sunday when 20 percent of all sales will be donated to Feeding America, helping families in need," said Peter Cancro, Founder and CEO of Jersey Mike's Franchise Systems, Inc. "Raising up together, we always make a difference."

Guests can place orders in-store or for pickup through Jersey Mike's website or app . Delivery is available through the app or third-party delivery partners.

*$1 helps to provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local partner food banks.

About Feeding America

Feeding America is committed to an America where no one is hungry. We support tens of millions of people who experience food insecurity to get the food and resources they say they need to thrive as part of a nationwide network of food banks, statewide food bank associations, food pantries and meal programs. We also invest in innovative solutions to increase equitable access to nutritious food, advocate for legislation that improves food security and work to address factors that impact food security, such as health, cost of living and employment.

We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations, and supporters, united with them in a movement to end hunger. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.

Kyle Potvin, 917-838-4500, [email protected]

SOURCE Feeding America
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. The 4th periodic report of Azerbaijan was reviewed within the framework of the 44th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend.

Azerbaijan was represented by a delegation headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Samir Sharifov.

During the UPR examination, which is held once in 5 years, the state of fulfillment of international obligations by a UN member state in the field of human rights protection is assessed and recommendations are given to the state, whose report is presented to other states, in relevant areas.

Samir Sharifov, speaking within the framework of the periodic report, spoke about the work carried out in Azerbaijan, cooperation within the framework of international human rights mechanisms, provided detailed information on the "Great Return" state program, the problem of refugees and IDPs resulting from Armenian aggression, facts of violation of Azerbaijanis' rights, the problem of missing persons, etc.

Within the framework of the UPR survey on Azerbaijan, about 120 representatives of UN member states made speeches and presented their recommendations on the state of human rights in Azerbaijan.

The overwhelming majority of the member countries highly appreciated the human rights reforms carried out in Azerbaijan and recommended continuing the positive dynamics in this field.

The majority of speakers highly appreciated the use of information technologies for the protection of civil, economic and cultural rights, ensuring sustainable economic and social development, further improving the living standards of the population, as well as providing public services in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan's important role in promoting the model of multiculturalism, intercultural and interreligious dialogue, as well as its active chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement was emphasized.

Voluntary, safe and dignified return of IDPs to Azerbaijani territories liberated from Armenian occupation, as well as large-scale reconstruction and rehabilitation work carried out in these territories, restoration of destroyed settlements in accordance with the concepts of "Smart City" and "Smart Village" were highly appreciated.

The speeches also paid attention to the work carried out by Azerbaijan on demining and elimination of environmental damage in its territories liberated from Armenian occupation.

In addition, the steps taken by Azerbaijan in the field of science and education, as well as ensuring the rights of women and children, were highly appreciated.

Azerbaijan's national report as well as other relevant documents are available here.

In total, along with Azerbaijan, reports of 14 countries are scheduled to be considered this year on November 6-17.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
KANAZAWA, Japan, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Researchers at Kanazawa University report in Nature Communications how they can control chirality inversion in  helical peptides.

The function of a protein is determined by its structure  prompting great interest in how to manipulate these structures. The structure is defined not just by the sequence of amino acids that make it, but the shape these acids make - the secondary structure - as well as how that shape is then folded. The most common secondary protein structure is the -helix, which can coil to the right (P) or left (M). This coiling direction in turn determines how it engages with other chiral structures, which may be the form of a light beam or another molecule. Although molecular components and environmental factors can favor a particular coiling direction over the other, helical molecules tend to flip between the two coil directions. Now Naoki Ousaka, Mark J. MacLachlan and Shigehisa Akine at Kanazawa University in Japan have shown how they can control and fix the coil direction.

Helical proteins are chiral molecules, which means that the molecule's shape cannot be fitted into its mirror image. In nature helical proteins often have other chiral components, such as sugars or amino acids, and these will determine which way the protein coils. However, there is a lot of interest in synthesizing artificial helical proteins that have different chemical components and hence functions not found in nature, and these may not have other chiral components. Nonetheless having both types or "enantiomers" of the chiral molecule can be hazardous because of the significant differences in behavior between the two chiral forms, one of which may be benign or even therapeutic while the other is toxic. Hence, there is demand for other ways of selecting and fixing the chirality.

Ousaka, MacLachlan and Akine synthesized  helical molecules solely from achiral components. They included bulky segments so that the molecule tended towards the larger rings of the  helical structure, as well as side chains of piperidine - molecular components that are common in pharmaceuticals. These side chains can be cross linked to "staple" the molecule into either the righthanded or lefthanded coil, inhibiting flipping between the two  chiral inversion. Finally they added another molecular component, known as an ester  the L-Val-OH residue. This would switch the direction of the coil in response to acidic or basic environments due to preferences in the interaction between oxygen atoms in the ester and the amino acid backbone (Fig 1).

The researchers used a range of chiral characterization methods including circular dichroism, nuclear magnetic resonance and liquid chromatography. They found that with the molecule stapled just once, it would slow down the flipping between enantiomers by a factor of 106, although this still occurred over minutes. Changing the solution from to acid or alkali also successfully determined which enantiomer was favoured. However, stapling the molecule twice slowed down the chirality inversion by a factor of 1012, so that the molecular chirality was stable for years (Fig 2). This increased energy barrier to chirality inversion could then be overcome by heating the sample to very high temperatures to switch between the enantiomers.

They conclude in their report of the findings, "These findings may contribute to the development of -helical peptide-based drugs, asymmetric catalysts and next-generation chiral materials, which may require the robust -helical structures."

Eye-catching image: Doubly stapled -helix consisting only of achiral amino acids. Its one-handed form can be isolated because the interconversion between the right- and left-handed forms is almost completely suppressed.  2023 Ousaka, et al., Nature Communications

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/Eye-catching-image_EN-1.png

Caption Fig. 1: Molecular structures of singly and doubly stapled -helix. The rigid biphenyl structure was used as the staple. The L-valine group is introduced at the terminal in order to determine the timescale of P/M inversion by acid/based addition.  2023 Ousaka, et al., Nature Communications

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/Figure-1-9.png

Caption Fig. 2: Timescales of P/M inversion of the nonstapled, singly-stapled, and doubly stapled  helices. Each stapling increased the timescale by approximately 106 times so that the double stapling effectively prevented from the racemization of the -helix.  2023 Ousaka, et al., Nature Communications

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/Figure-2-7.png

Glossary

The -helix

Protein function is determined by its structure at a number of levels. The primary structure is given by the ordering of the amino acids that forms the polypeptide backbone of the protein. The polypeptide then forms a secondary structure, which may be " sheets" or " helices", as well as a few other less common secondary structures. The -helix is the most common secondary structure and forms a coil. Finally, these secondary structures fold into a conformation that gives the protein its the tertiary structure.

Hydrogen bonds crossing the helical turns that bond between specific atoms in each peptide describe additional rings in the structure. The -helix is defined by having 3.6 amino acids in each turn such that each amino acid residue wraps itself around 100, and 13 atoms in each ring.

Chiral molecules

Chiral molecules come in two types or enantiomers that are mirror inversions of each other and cannot be superposed. The type is often referred to as the handedness of the molecule, likening them to the right and left hand, which also cannot be superposed.

Chirality often results from a "chiral centre" such as a carbon atom, where the four limbs describing its tetrahedral bonding directions offer the opportunity for two arrangements of the groups on each limb that are mirror images of each other. This type of chirality is traditionally considered fixed, although researchers have recently demonstrated that it is possible for one enantiomer to convert to the other for these molecules (www.doi.org/10.1038/s41557-023-01156-7)

Another source of chirality is molecules with some kind of helical structure that can either spiral one way or the other. Helical chirality is known to be able to switch between one enantiomer and the other but until now it has not been possible to both accelerate and decelerate the process.

Circular dichroism

One of the oldest and still most widely used methods for determining chirality is measuring the "circular dichroism" of the sample. This uses illumination with a circularly polarized light beam where the direction of the electric field describes -helix as the beam moves through space. The absorption of this circularly polarized light differs depending in whether the "handedness" of the light beam coincides or is opposite to that of the chiral molecule.

NMR

Nuclear magnetic resonance looks at the response of nuclear spins to magnetic fields. It gives an indication of the environment of the nucleus and so the molecular structure. The researchers also defined the binding constants of the molecules by integrating the NMR spectra obtained.

Liquid chromatography

This separates molecular components of a liquid depending on their size and/or structure. The liquid is drawn up some sort of stationary phase  traditionally paper or cloth but now often a gel  for example, by capillary action such that the larger molecules take longer than the smaller molecules. By incorporating chirality in a derivatizing agent, or the mobile or stationary phase, the different enantiomers of a sample can be separated.

Reference

Naoki Ousaka Mark J. MacLachlan and Shigehisa Akine, Stapling strategy for slowing helicity interconversion of -helical peptides and isolating chiral auxiliary-free one-handed forms, Nature Communications 14, 6834, 2023. DOI10.1038/s41467-023-42493-y

URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-42493-y

Contact

Hiroe Yoneda

Senior Specialist in Project Planning and Outreach

NanoLSI Administrative Office

WPI Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI)

Kanazawa University

Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +81 (76) 234-4550

About Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI)

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/

Nano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI), Kanazawa University is a research center established in 2017 as part of the World Premier International Research Center Initiative of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The objective of this initiative is to form world-tier research centers. NanoLSI combines the foremost knowledge of bio-scanning probe microscopy to establish 'nano-endoscopic techniques' to directly image, analyze, and manipulate biomolecules for insights into mechanisms governing life phenomena such as diseases.

About Kanazawa University

http://www.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/e/

As the leading comprehensive university on the Sea of Japan coast, Kanazawa University has contributed greatly to higher education and academic research in Japan since it was founded in 1949. The University has three colleges and 17 schools offering courses in subjects that include medicine, computer engineering, and humanities.

The University is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan in Kanazawa  a city rich in history and culture. The city of Kanazawa has a highly respected intellectual profile since the time of the fiefdom (1598-1867). Kanazawa University is divided into two main campuses: Kakuma and Takaramachi for its approximately 10,200 students including 600 from overseas.

SOURCE Kanazawa University
AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Inc. Business Media recently announced the second annual Power Partner Awards, honoring B2B organizations across the globe that have proven track records supporting their customers and helping drive growth. Lead2Pipeline was selected in this exclusive group of 389 companies across more than 100 categories.

Lead2Pipeline honored with 2023 Inc. Power Partner Award

"Trusted B2B partners provide guidance and expertise that founders rely on at various steps of their organization's journey. Partners that possess a demonstrated ability to deliver quality support are at the core of entrepreneurship and help bring big ideas to life," said Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. Business Media.

Companies were put through a months-long vetting process by Inc., and then assessed on direct feedback provided by their clients. According to Inc., the Power Partner Award was created to help leaders make better decisions about which vendors to hire, recognizing those B2B partners that truly put their clients first.

"Our customers have evolved their demand generation strategies with a hyper focus on targeted accounts. They rely on our database and full funnel programs to keep their sales pipelines healthy, as competition for tech platforms has never been more intense. Thus, knowing exactly which prospects to target with each offer has become a core capability for modern tech marketers, replacing older "spray and pray" campaigns." said Chip Klang, Co-Founder and CEO at Lead2Pipeline.

While numerous B2B marketing agencies and demand gen providers cut staff this year, Lead2Pipeline has seen continued growth for its global team. Refusing to outsource its campaigns to offshore prospecting companies, Lead2Pipeline saw significant growth in late stage and tailor made campaigns for larger tech clients.

"Some demand gen providers require their clients to fill out extensive templates specifying every aspect of their campaign. Why? If you're the expert and you're sitting on mountains of real-time intent data, why aren't you actively designing campaigns for your clients? After all, you're the last mile between your client and active buyers." explained Lead2Pipeline Sales Manager, Sean Tuohy.

Demand for low cost, unqualified top-of-funnel leads plummeted in 2023. In part, due to AI-enabled prospecting services and enhanced profile data offered by platforms like ZoomInfo, 6sense, and TechTarget, amongst others. This shift in demand generation practices for tech marketers is part of a strategic realignment with their sales teams.

"There is only one leading indicator and one lagging indicator that determines your marketing ROI. The number of Marketing Qualified Leads (MQLs) converting to meetings, and your bookings." added Martha Aviles, CMO at Web3 solutions company Aventus Networks.

As B2B marketing budgets are heavily scrutinized, campaigns are increasingly measured by contributions to pipeline and revenue for strategic accounts. Tech marketers are favoring programs that nurture key prospects considering or actively spending with key competitors. Additionally, disciplined reporting and attribution metrics show that B2B buyers are researching solutions much longer than marketers had presumed.

"For years we've heard that B2B buyers complete 80% of their research before revealing themselves to you. This year this has become a reality. We recently received an inquiry that quickly converted to an opportunity. But upon further research, we discovered this buyer had first heard of our capabilities four years ago." added Jonathan Moore, VP Demand Generation at network automation company BackBox.

As a recipient of Inc.'s 2023 Power Partner Award, Lead2Pipeline expects to see continued growth in 2024, working closely with its customers to evolve GDPR-first marketing programs across its proprietary database of 57 million IT, business, and public sector buyers worldwide.

To view the complete list of Inc. 2023 Power Partner Award recipients, go to: https://www.inc.com/power-partner-awards/2023

About Inc. Business Media

The world's most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community they need to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com .

About Lead2Pipeline

Lead2Pipeline drives growth for the world's most innovative technology companies, including Proofpoint, Slack, and Splunk. Using artificial intelligence and privacy-protected intent data with full CAN-SPAM, CCPA, and GDPR compliance, the company delivers top, middle, and bottom of funnel demand generation campaigns in up to 9 languages to its proprietary database of 57M technology, business, and public sector buyers worldwide. For more information, please visit www.lead2pipeline.com .

Media Contact:

Sourabh Kothari

415-418-0195

[email protected]

SOURCE Lead2Pipeline Inc.
New Foundation embodies the Lennox commitment to giving back to communities where employees live and work.

RICHARDSON, Texas, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lennox, a leading provider of innovative solutions in the HVACR industry, recently established the LII Lennox Foundation to further the company's commitment to giving back to communities where employees live and work. Volunteerism is an important part of the LII Lennox Foundation. Lennox provides employees with annual Volunteer Time Off (VTO) to encourage them to volunteer for their favorite charitable causes. In addition, the LII Lennox Foundation matches employee donations of up to $5000 to eligible charities every year, and employees can apply for volunteer and Foundation grants to give to charities that matter most to them.

LII Lennox Foundation partners with Operation Warm to provide winter coats for children in need. LII Lennox Foundation partners with Operation Warm to provide winter coats for children in need.

The LII Lennox Foundation is pleased to announce its philanthropic contribution and expanded partnership with Operation Warm, a national nonprofit dedicated to providing warmth, confidence and hope for children in need. Founded in 1998, Operation Warm and its partners have served over 5 million children across North America with brand-new coats and shoes. Lennox employees at many locations have been involved with Operation Warm for over four years, and the new grant expands the relationship to more Lennox locations in the USA.

The expanded contribution will enable Operation Warm to purchase brand-new winter coats for children in need. Furthermore, Lennox employees will volunteer and hand out coats at schools in communities where the company operates. This year, the partnership is focused on the following locations: Richardson, Texas; Carrollton, Texas; Marshalltown, Iowa; and Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Commenting on the Foundation's impact, CEO Alok Maskara emphasized, "The LII Lennox Foundation remains dedicated to making a meaningful difference, and I'm proud of our engagement with Operation Warm. Through strategic partnerships and volunteer initiatives, we aim to uplift communities where our employees live and work."

ABOUT LII Lennox Foundation

Founded in 2023, the LII Lennox Foundation amplifies the scope and impact of charitable initiatives at Lennox focused on health, education and the environment. With an emphasis on sustainability, the Foundation broadens the impact on the communities where Lennox employees live and work through matching donations, grants, and volunteer opportunities. Through the LII Lennox Foundation, Lennox will give back up to 1% of its net income yearly.

For additional information or media inquiries about the LII Lennox Foundation's philanthropic work, please contact Allison Cohen at [email protected].

ABOUT LENNOX

Lennox (NYSE: LII) is a leader in energy-efficient climate-control solutions. Dedicated to sustainability and creating comfortable and healthier environments for our residential and commercial customers while reducing their carbon footprint, we lead the field in innovation with our cooling, heating, indoor air quality, and refrigeration systems. Additional information on Lennox is available at www.investor.lennox.com or by contacting [email protected].

SOURCE Lennox International Inc.
GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Liquid Wind is proud to announce that they are joining a delegation of leading Swedish green industry companies, academia and organizations to participate in the 2023 European Hydrogen Week in Brussels between November 20-23.

The delegation participates in a joint expo aimed at raising awareness of the green industrial revolution currently taking place in northern Sweden. One key aspect of this initiative is to welcome additional stakeholders to become part of an emerging hydrogen ecosystem, critical for transitioning industries and the reduction of carbon emissions within the European Union as well as globally.

Caroline Bath, Public Affairs Manager at Liquid Wind, says:

"Liquid Wind is proud to be part of the North Sweden delegation at European Hydrogen Week this year. Northern Sweden is a very attractive geographical location for our electrofuel development projects, and together with our valued partners we are fully committed to playing an active role in shaping the future of sustainable energy and driving the green industrial transition in Sweden and Europe."

Participating companies and organizations in the North Sweden Pavillion 2023:

SSAB, H2 Green Steel, Nordion Energi, Ionautics, Liquid Wind, Zelk Energy, Lhyfe Sweden, Umea Energi, Lulea University of Technology via CH2ESS, Umea University, RISE, Swerim, Skelleftea Kraft, Region Norrbotten, Region Vasterbotten, the County Administrative Board of Norrbotten, Invest in Norrbotten and the municipalities of Boden, Gallivare, Lulea and Pitea.

Booth: The North Sweden Pavillion  I60  Hall 7.

About the European Hydrogen Week:

European Hydrogen Week is an annual thematic week that brings together EU policy makers, public authorities and companies involved in the green transition via hydrogen. It is the largest annual event entirely dedicated to hydrogen and is led by the European Commission together with the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and its members, Hydrogen Europe, and Hydrogen Europe Research. The Week includes both a high-level conference for institutional delegates and industry representatives, a research conference, and an expo with an exhibition area where prominent hydrogen ventures showcase their projects. Hydrogen is seen as an exellent opportunity to store and deliver energy without carbon dioxide emissions and is an area where northern Sweden is in many ways at the forefront of development.

Contact:

Klaudija Cavala, Head of Digital, Marketing & Communications

[email protected]

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/18536/3876177/2431383.pdf PRESS RELEASE_Liquid Wind_European Hydrogen Week_15 November 2023 https://news.cision.com/liquid-wind/i/h2-week-brussels-image,c3239375 H2 Week Brussels image https://news.cision.com/liquid-wind/i/caroline-ba-th-public-affairs-manager-liquid-wind,c3239392 Caroline Ba th Public Affairs Manager Liquid Wind

SOURCE Liquid Wind
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lo Siento, an ultra-premium tequila at an attainable price point, is pleased to announce its presence across all Pavilions locations in Southern California.

The latest news comes on the heels of similarly exciting news regarding Lo Siento's presence in all Total Wines across Southern California; to read the full release click here.

Lo Siento Lo Siento

The company's Blanco ($37.99) varietal is now available at all Pavilions across the Southern California region. To find your closest Pavilions location, click here for a store locator.

"We are truly humbled at the fast-paced growth of the business across the state of California, especially given the expansive nature of the state itself," states Ryan Tierney, Founder and CEO of Lo Siento. Tierney proceeds, "We're developing an effective playbook that we have confidence will work in many additional markets in the year(s) to come  in the meantime, we are grateful for this exciting opportunity to partner with Pavilions in California and look forward to a fruitful partnership ahead."

Lo Siento is a premium, approachable tequila that is growing in popularity across California and Tennessee. All Lo Siento products are 100% additive free. The brand is working closely with a single-family estate distillery in the Jalisco Highlands where quality control and sustainability are the top priorities. All of the agave is single-plot, grown on property, and raised 6-10 years to ensure full maturity. Both the Blanco and Reposado are ultra-high-quality products that are priced below $45.

To learn more, visit www.losientotequila.com or check out Instagram.

Communications Contact

Taylor Foxman

The Industry Collective

609-432-2237

[email protected]

Company Contact

Jack Enright

Lo Siento Tequila

368722@email4pr.com

SOURCE Lo Siento
Nearly 1000 current owners and prospective buyers weigh in, revealing strong industry perspectives, with a staggering 90% planning to flock to the LA Auto Show for an up-close look at the latest EV innovations

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With a few days remaining before the Los Angeles Auto Show opens its doors to hundreds of thousands of consumers on November 17-26, organizers have released the results of an EV-focused survey conducted last week to previous attendees of the annual event. The results highlight the strengths of the current electric vehicle marketplace.

Insights from 2023 LA Auto Show EV Survey include:

Test drive area at the Los Angeles Auto Show LA Auto Show outdoor track at the LA Convention Center.

65% are considering an EV purchase

47% were more likely to purchase an EV following the collaboration between Tesla and more than 17 car makers to utilize Tesla's Supercharging network

72% of current owners say their satisfaction increased since owning an EV

62% of owners were influenced by California's EV rebates, tax credits, or incentives

While every manufacturer and battery producer is developing new technology that will increase range and reduce charging times, it seems that charging station availability is a continuing conversation for potential owners. However, several respondents expected to see a shift as Tesla charging stations were made available to owners of other brands, with very positive comments about Tesla facilities.

Another factor of EV ownership for California drivers was the new Time-of-Use electricity rates, which attempts to encourage homeowners to reduce electrical consumption during peak evening hours. The variable rates could be seen as an incentive to EV owners charging at home and suggests most EV owners have been able to adopt strategies to charge outside of the peak rates.

On another positive note, it appears that EV owners have far less concern than expected about a wide number of issues including vehicle safety, safety at charging stations, performance, maintenance and reliability. The latter two are in stark contrast to some owners of conventional gasoline vehicles, where servicing, breakdowns, and recalls can receive high dissatisfaction scores. There was also less concern about resale value, which might reflect that 56% of respondents had owned their EV for less than two years. However, 46% have used their EV for more than three years and resale remains less of a concern.

UNPRECEDENTED GAS & EV DRIVING OPPORTUNITIES

The 116th Los Angeles Auto Show will run from November 17-26 at the LA Convention Center. The show will feature displays and brand showcases from a wide range of automotive brands, with eligible drivers taking advantage of demo opportunities in the latest models from Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Lucid, Mazda, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Volkswagen, and Volvo outdoors on Electric Avenue. Four brands will offer indoor vehicle experiences, including Ford, Hyundai, Nissan and Volkswagen, while Ford, Subaru, and recently added Tesla, will offer street test drives in Downtown LA.

For current or prospective new car shoppers, the LA Auto Show offers an unrivaled opportunity to drive the widest selection of electric vehicles, with more than 50 different electrified (EV and PHEV) vehicles at the show. It will give consumers an ability to cross-shop the various models and brands, helping them identify their next new electric car, SUV or truck as well as directly compare against the many gas models on display.

EV DISCOVERY CENTER

Innovation will be an overriding theme of the 2023 LA Auto Show, with visitors able to learn about the latest breakthroughs. For new and prospective EV owners, the Electrification Discovery Center staffed by bilingual EV ambassadors fluent in both Spanish and English will guide visitors through the electrification journey. The center is an educational hub, tasked to demystify the complexity of EV ownership. Attendees will gain insight into driving characteristics, charging options, enticing purchase incentives, and an extensive array of EV products and vehicles on display.

TICKETS

The 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show will be cashless. All tickets can be purchased online at laautoshow.com/tickets with a credit card or bank card. Tickets purchased for attendance on November 18-19 will include complimentary admission to the USA Street Food Awards. For additional show information visit laautoshow.com .

ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW (LA AUTO SHOW)

Founded in 1907, the Los Angeles Auto Show is widely recognized as one of the most influential shows globally. Reflective of its location, the show celebrates the love affair Angelenos have with their cars and offers a global platform to industry technology and innovation, synonymous with California.

The show runs for 10 full days over the Thanksgiving period and is a must-attend destination for many industry influencers, car enthusiasts and families wanting to enjoy a day out over the holiday season. Held annually at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the LA Auto Show contributes several hundred million dollars to the local economy, stimulates the local job market, and is the number one revenue generator for the LA Convention Center.

For media inquiries, please email [email protected]

SOURCE LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW
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.

SOURCE Mallinckrodt plc
Growing amount and complexity of data drives the growth of the global master data management market.

PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Master Data Management Market by Component (Solution and Services), Deployment (On-premises and Cloud), Enterprise Size (Large Enterprise and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)) and End User (BFSI, IT and telecom, Healthcare, Retail and E-commerce, Government, Manufacturing, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032" According to the report, the market was valued at $16.8 billion in 2022 and is estimated to reach $74.5 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 16.3% 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 amount and complexity of data drive the market growth. In addition, rise in need for data governance and regulatory compliance drive the growth of the market. However, increasing cost & ROI and rise in culture barriers posed by organizations is expected to hamper the growth of the market. Furthermore, rise in integration of new technologies is anticipated to create lucrative growth opportunities for the market.

Download Sample Pages: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/775

Report coverage & details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20232032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $16.8 Billion Market Size in 2032 $74.5 Billion CAGR 16.3 % No. of Pages in Report 349 Segments covered Component, Deployment Mode, Enterprise Size, End User and Region. Drivers Growing amount and complexity of data Rise in need for Data governance and regulatory compliance Opportunities Rise in integration of new technologies Restraints Increasing cost and ROI Rise in culture Barriers posed by organizations

COVID-19 scenario

The COVID-19 pandemic raised attention to the significance of master data management (MDM), which provides accurate and trustworthy data for decision-making. Organization required comprehensive understanding of their data as they traverse the crisis in order to make wise decision and respond fast in response to shifting market condition.

Robust MDM solutions are growing more important than ever due to pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital technology and remote work. MDM system that guarantee data quality, consistency and security across several platforms and devices are necessary for organization that staff work remotely and access data from multiple sources.

Additionally, the outbreak impacted market dynamic and consumer behavior. To satisfy the changing needs of their customers, businesses need to adapt their business plans and method. In a market environment that is constantly evolving, MDM solutions are essential in giving businesses a single, unified understanding of their customer data. This allows them to personalized their products, boost customer interaction and increase customer loyalty.

Buy this Complete Report (349 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) at:

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/master-data-management-market/purchase-options

The Solution segment to rule the market

By component, the solution segment held the major share in 2022, garnering nearly two-third of the global master data management market revenue, as it enables organizations to make knowledgeable decisions, increase operational effectiveness, improve customer experience, and generate revenue by giving them a single source of truth for master data propels the market growth significantly. The services segment would also showcase the fastest CAGR of 18.6% during the forecast period, owing to businesses in maximizing the value of their data assets, enhancing decision-making, and enhancing operational effectiveness.

The On-premise segment to maintain its dominance during the forecast period

By deployment mode, the on-premise segment accounted for nearly three-fifth of the global master data management market share in 2022, and is expected to rule the boost by 2032, as organization want to have complete control over the hardware, software, and data, also enabling more customization and security, which propels the market growth significantly. The cloud segment would also display the fastest CAGR of 18.3% throughout the forecast period, owing to enables businesses to make use of cutting-edge technologies like AI and ML for data analytics and insights, promoting innovation and competitive advantage.

The Small and Medium-sized enterprise segment to dominate by 2032

By enterprise size, large enterprise segment accounted for nearly three-fifth of the global master data management market share in 2022, and is expected to rule the boost by 2032, as it aids in enhancing data governance and compliance, enabling businesses to make smarter choices. The small and medium-sized enterprise segment would also display the fastest CAGR of 18.7% throughout the forecast period, owing to utilize advanced data management capabilities without making substantial upfront investments.

The Healthcare segment to dominate by 2032

By end user, the BFSI segment accounted for nearly one-fifth of the global master data management market share in 2022, and is expected to rule the boost by 2032, owing to allowing them to gain insightful information, spot trends, and make defensible decisions. The healthcare segment would also display the fastest CAGR of 21.1% throughout the forecast period, owing to provide a single, centralized portal for accessing data, MDM features include consolidating, organizing, auditing, updating, de-duplicating, and managing diverse data from every source..

Asia-Pacific garnered the major share in 2032

By region, North America garnered the highest share in 2022, holding nearly two-fifth of the global master data management market revenue in 2022, and is projected to retain its dominance by 2032, as it offers a centralized repository for high-quality, consistent data that is essential for decision-making based on data. aiding the growth of the master data management market. The Asia-Pacific region would also portray the fastest CAGR of 20.0% during the forecast period, owing to data quality, streamline processes, and boost competitiveness which is expected to fuel the market growth in Asia-Pacific.

Enquiry Before Buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/775

Leading Market Players-

IBM

Broadcom Inc

SaS Institute Inc.

Cloud Software Group, Inc.

SAP SE

Informatica Inc.

Ataccama

Oracle Corporation

Talend

Amazon Web Services

The report analyzes these key players in the global master data management 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.

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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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David Correa

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Delaware 19801 USA.

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SOURCE Allied Market Research
Restaurant offers new one-of-a-kind celebration menu that engages all five senses

TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Melting Pot, the premier fondue restaurant known for creating unforgettable dining experiences that turn moments into memories, is rolling out the red carpet with an over-the-top VIP experience like never before. The new Ultimate 5-Course Experience features five full courses that will dazzle all five senses.

Melting Pot is rolling out the red carpet with new Ultimate 5-Course Experience that will dazzle all five senses. Post this Available at all Melting Pot locations just in time for the holiday season  the Ultimate 5-Course Experience features a lavish celebration, from Chef-Crafted Cheese Fondue with NEW! Double Dippers to Premium Entrees to the grand finale with a Chocolate Explosion Fondue that arrives with fire and sparkles.

Available at all locations just in time for the holiday season  the Ultimate 5-Course Experience features a lavish celebration, from Chef-Crafted Cheese Fondue with NEW! Double Dippers to Premium Entrees to the grand finale with a Chocolate Explosion Fondue that arrives with fire and sparkles.

"The Ultimate 5-Course is an elevated menu experience with new offerings that will capture guests interests while surprising and delighting our loyal Fondue Fanatics," said Jason Miller, Executive Chef for Melting Pot. "This Melting Pot experience is so distinct and exceptional; it has no comparison. From the extra course to the new menu items, guests will enjoy the next level service topped with our genuine hospitality."

The five courses engage all the senses: the delicious taste of its food and beverages; the exquisite sight of each course; the pleasures of dipping into melted cheese and chocolate; the beauty and scent of flowers decorating the table; the sounds of excitement from everyone at the party.

"Melting Pot is all about creating lasting memories, so it only makes sense for us to now offer a VIP experience that families and friends are excited to interact with," said Ana Malmqvist, Chief Marketing Officer for Melting Pot. "The Ultimate 5-Course Experience is perfect for any occasion - anniversaries, birthdays, promotions, graduations, engagements whatever guests want to commemorate in a truly special way to celebrate like a VIP, and we'll take care of the entire experience right down to offering a bouquet of celebration flowers."

The Ultimate 5-Course menu with guest's choice of celebration flowers (seasonal bouquet or romantic rose bouquet) includes:

First Bite: Green Goddess and Bacon-Stuffed Tomato.

Green Goddess and Bacon-Stuffed Tomato. Chef-Curated Cheese Fondue: Choice of any delectable cheese fondue paired with NEW! Double Dippers  first dip in the cheese fondue and then dip again in one of six crunchy, savory dippers scallions, bacon, everything bagel seasoning, crispy pickle chips, beet sticks and parmesan; accompanied by artisan breads and seasonal fruits and veggies.

Choice of any delectable cheese fondue paired with NEW! Double Dippers  first dip in the cheese fondue and then dip again in one of six crunchy, savory dippers scallions, bacon, everything bagel seasoning, crispy pickle chips, beet sticks and parmesan; accompanied by artisan breads and seasonal fruits and veggies. Salad: Any fresh salad from the dinner menu.

Any fresh salad from the dinner menu. Entree Fondue: Celebration Entree  6 oz. center cut filet mignon, teriyaki-marinated steak, herb-crusted chicken breast and shrimp  or Ultimate Celebration Entree, which adds a lobster tail to the options.

Celebration Entree  6 oz. center cut filet mignon, teriyaki-marinated steak, herb-crusted chicken breast and shrimp  or Ultimate Celebration Entree, which adds a lobster tail to the options. Chocolate Explosion Fondue: A smoking mountain of chocolate fondue topped with bundt cake, cotton candy and fireworks for the ultimate (photo-worthy) indulgence, with a choice of Raspberry Dark Chocolate Fondue topped with Red Velvet Cake or Birthday Cake White Chocolate Fondue topped with Confetti Cake. Served with a variety of sweet treats and fresh fruits.

And the Ultimate experience is not complete without Melting Pot's Ultimate Sips featuring:

The 1975: Named after the year when Melting Pot was founded, this creative cocktail includes Hendrick's Gin, La Marca prosecco, fresh lemon juice and Monin Cupcake Syrup and is topped with cotton candy, edible gold glitter and a rock candy stick.

Named after the year when Melting Pot was founded, this creative cocktail includes Hendrick's Gin, La Marca prosecco, fresh lemon juice and Monin Cupcake Syrup and is topped with cotton candy, edible gold glitter and a rock candy stick. Tropic Haven Punch: Each sip of this tasty smoke show is an escape to a tropical paradise, combining RumHaven coconut rum, sour mix, pineapple juice, passion fruit puree, Blue Curacao and Red Bull Original.

The Ultimate 5-Course Experience is available every day. Advanced reservations required. To reserve a table today and pre-order the Ultimate 5-Course Experience, visit https://www.meltingpot.com/ultimate-five-course-experience.aspx.

About Melting Pot

Founded in 1975, Melting Pot has offered a unique fondue dining experience for more than 40 years. As the premier fondue restaurant franchise, Melting Pot has more than 90 restaurants in 31 U.S. states and Canada. Known for offering a variety of fondue cooking styles and unique entrees, Melting Pot's menu also features cheese fondues, salads, fine wines, and chocolate fondue desserts. Melting Pot is an affiliate of Front Burner, a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Florida. For more information, visit www.meltingpot.com. To learn more about franchise opportunities with Melting Pot, please visit www.meltingpotfranchise.com.

CONTACT: Jackie Rodriguez, jrodriguez@tilsonpr.com

SOURCE Melting Pot
Memorial Hermann-GoHealth is now Houston's largest urgent care network

HOUSTON, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Memorial Hermann-GoHealth Urgent Care has tripled its footprint in the last 12 months and is now Greater Houston's largest urgent and on-demand care network.

Monday, Memorial Hermann-GoHealth opened its 29th location as three Prime Urgent Care locations transitioned to the network. Memorial Hermann-GoHealth's accelerated growth is a significant investment in bringing quality, connected care to all Houstonians, whether in a conveniently located neighborhood center or virtually throughout the state of Texas.

Memorial Hermann-GoHealth Urgent Care Triples Houston Footprint

"After joining forces in 2022, Memorial Hermann-GoHealth has focused on expanding convenient access to high quality, affordable care in the Greater Houston area. Today, we deliver effortless and connected health care experiences and serve as the physical and virtual front door to the vast health resources and expertise found throughout the Memorial Hermann Health System," said Manny Singh, market president for Memorial Hermann-GoHealth Urgent Care. "We will continue to invest in the well-being of our communities by rising to meet Houstonians' health care needs."

Memorial Hermann-GoHealth centers are open throughout Greater Houston, from Willis to Webster and from Katy to Kingwood. They provide community members a more affordable choice for high-quality and efficient care outside of higher-cost settings such as emergency rooms.

They also provide personalized and connected care through integrated electronic medical records and access to Memorial Hermann's robust network, which regularly earns regional and national recognition for excellence in quality, safety, research and innovation.

"These centers provide Houston-area residents with an affordable option for safe and efficient health care close to home," said Dr. Michael Bublewicz, chief medical officer of emergency medicine and urgent care at Memorial Hermann. "Memorial Hermann's commitment to delivering high-quality care coupled with GoHealth's advanced technology and expertise in urgent care provides patients of all ages with the best possible health care experience."

Memorial Hermann-GoHealth's centers are located in busy retail hubs with easy access and parking, reaching customers where they live, work and play. The newest centers are:

Pearland

In The Crossing at 288 shopping center, next to Floor Gallery

2510 Smith Ranch Road, Suite 102

Pearland, TX 77584

Sugar Land  Riverpark Shopping Center

Located in the Riverpark Shopping Center, next to Chick-fil-A

20022 Southwest Freeway

Sugar Land, TX 77479

Missouri City

Located on Highway 6 in the retail center, near Elite RX Pharmacy

8035 Highway 6, Suite 170

Missouri City, TX 77459

Maneesh Mehra, founder of Prime Urgent Care, said, "Patients will find many of the same friendly faces and the customer-first experience they've come to know and trust. Now, they'll also benefit from the innovative and connected care experience Memorial Hermann-GoHealth Urgent Care offers."

The new centers are open 365 days a year, including holidays. They offer patients ages 6 months and older a wide array of services for non-life-threatening conditions, including on-site X-ray services, testing for upper respiratory infections like COVID-19 and RSV, and flu vaccines.

Patients can walk into any Memorial Hermann-GoHealth center or use Memorial Hermann-GoHealth's online "save-a-spot" tool to save time by securing their spot in line, checking in and completing registration before arriving.

For details about all Memorial Hermann-GoHealth locations, visit gothealthuc.com/memorialhermann.

About GoHealth Urgent Care

GoHealth is an on-demand consumer-centric care platform that serves as the digital and physical front door to the health care ecosystem. Through our partnerships with market-leading health systems and our technology-enabled and data-driven approach, we aim to provide timely, accessible and high-quality on-demand care to patients, both virtually and in person. GoHealth operates over 250 on-demand care centers in the greater New York metropolitan and Hudson Valley area; the Portland, Oregon-Vancouver, Washington, metropolitan area; the San Francisco Bay Area; Hartford and Southeastern Connecticut; Winston-Salem, Charlotte and Asheville, North Carolina; St. Louis, Springfield and Joplin, Missouri; Oklahoma City; Northwest and Central Arkansas; Delaware and Maryland; the greater Detroit, Michigan metropolitan area; the greater Houston, Texas metropolitan area and Northern Virginia. GoHealth Urgent Care is a portfolio company of TPG Growth, the middle market and growth equity investment platform of TPG, which has more than $212 billion of assets under management.

About Memorial Hermann

Charting a better future. A future that's built upon the HEALTH of our community. This is the driving force for Memorial Hermann, redefining health care for the individuals and many diverse populations we serve. Our more than 6,600 active medical staff and 33,000 employees practice the highest standards of safe, evidence-based, quality care to provide a personalized and outcome-oriented experience across more than 250 care delivery sites. As one of the largest nonprofit health systems in Southeast Texas, Memorial Hermann has an award-winning and nationally acclaimed Accountable Care Organization, 17* hospitals and numerous specialty programs and services conveniently located throughout the Greater Houston area. Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center is one of the nation's busiest Level I trauma centers and serves as the primary teaching hospital for McGovern Medical School at UTHealth. For more than 116 years, our focus has been the best interest of our community, contributing nearly $500 million annually through school-based health centers and other community benefit programs. Now and for generations to come, the health of our community will be at the center of what we do  charting a better future for all.

*Memorial Hermann Health System owns and operates 14 hospitals and has joint ventures with three other hospital facilities, including Memorial Hermann Surgical Hospital First Colony, Memorial Hermann Surgical Hospital Kingwood and Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Hospital-Katy.

SOURCE Memorial Hermann-GoHealth Urgent Care
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the UK Leo Docherty will arrive in Azerbaijan soon, a source at the British Embassy in Baku told Trend.

The minister is set to engage in numerous meetings with government officials during the forthcoming visit. Other details of the visit's agenda have not been disclosed yet.

Docherty had previously traveled to Azerbaijan in February 2023.
BOCA RATON, Fla., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Radius Method is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Medellin ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/mtmedellin/ ) as its new Senior Vice President of Strategy and Growth. In this pivotal role, Mr. Medellin will be responsible for leading and implementing the company's strategic initiatives, driving growth, and fostering innovation.

Mr. Medellin brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Radius Method. He has a proven track record of delivering results and leading teams to success, making him a valuable addition to the company's leadership team.

Prior to joining Radius Method, Mr. Medellin held several posts in the private sector serving as the Director of Engineering at the United States Air Force Lifecycle Management Center's prestigious Kessel Run Software Factory. At Kessel Run he was the key architect behind engineering the All Domain Common Platform designed for house the modernization of a subset the Air Force Weapons Systems. On the private sector side he served as Principal Product Manager at Zimbra, Synacor and most recently Rebellion Defense. His deep knowledge of Private, Military, and Governmental sectors and his ability to develop and execute growth strategies will be instrumental in helping Radius Method achieve its ambitious goals.

"We are thrilled to welcome Michael Medellin to the Radius Method team," said Danny Gershman, Founder and CEO at Radius Method. "His strategic acumen, leadership skills, technical prowess, outcome oriented approach, and dedication to driving growth align perfectly with our company's vision. We are confident that his expertise will play a crucial role in taking Radius Method to new heights."

Mr. Medellin expressed his excitement about his new role, saying, "I am thrilled to join Radius Method and playing a key role in the growth of the company. This is an extremely talented team who is passionate about the software and cybersecurity challenges facing our nation's most important missions. I look forward to collaborating closely with our customers and partners to deliver operational capabilities quickly and further strengthen Radius Method's position as a software leader in our industry."

About Radius Method

Security Driven Outcomes

Radius Method is a cybersecurity firm that is committed to providing deliverables that contribute to the protection of our nation. Through their experience, they have identified zero-trust architecture, moving target defense, and early breach detection as the most effective strategies for ensuring organizational success in terms of cybersecurity.

Zero-trust architecture is a security concept that assumes no user or device within a network can be trusted by default. It requires strict authentication and authorization protocols to verify and control access to resources. This approach helps organizations mitigate the risk of unauthorized access and potential breaches.

Moving target defense is a proactive strategy that involves constantly changing the attack surface of an organization's systems. By regularly altering network configurations, software versions, and other variables, it becomes more difficult for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities and gain unauthorized access.

Early breach detection is another crucial aspect of a strong cybersecurity strategy. By implementing advanced threat detection technologies and continuously monitoring network traffic, organizations can identify and respond to potential breaches before they escalate and cause significant damage.

By focusing on these strategies, Radius Method aims to provide its clients with the best possible cybersecurity solutions to protect their organizations and contribute to national security.

Website: https://radiusmethod.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/radiusmethod/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radiusmethod1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_radiusmethod/

SOURCE Radius Method
PITTSBURGH, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Federated Hermes, Inc. (NYSE: FHI), a global leader in active, responsible investing, today announced that monthly fund composition and performance data for Federated Hermes Premier Municipal Income Fund (NYSE: FMN) as of Oct. 31, 2023, is now available in the Products section of FederatedHermes.com/us. To order hard copies of this data or to be placed on a mailing list, call 800-245-0242 x5587538, email [email protected] or write to Federated Hermes, 1001 Liberty Avenue, Floor 23, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

Federated Hermes, Inc. is a global leader in active, responsible investment management, with $715.0 billion in assets under management, as of Sept. 30, 2023. We deliver investment solutions that help investors target a broad range of outcomes and provide equity, fixed-income, alternative/private markets, multi-asset and liquidity management strategies to more than 10,000 institutions and intermediaries worldwide. Our clients include corporations, government entities, insurance companies, foundations and endowments, banks and broker/dealers. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Federated Hermes has more than 2,000 employees in London, New York, Boston and offices worldwide. For more information, visit FederatedHermes.com/us.

###

SOURCE Federated Hermes, Inc.
PORTLAND, Maine, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The M&T Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of M&T Bank (NYSE: MTB), announced today that it has committed $100,000 to five separate charities in Maine to support the ongoing response to the horrific mass shooting in Lewiston.

"The tragedy in Lewiston is unfathomable and the effort to recover is immense," said Phil Cohen, Regional President of Maine for M&T Bank. "We are committed to supporting the community every step of the way."

The organizations supported by the charitable donation include:

The Maine Community Foundation's Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund  Created to address current and emerging needs associated with the tragedy, every dollar donated will be allocated to people impacted, and the organizations that will help guide Lewiston-Auburn through the process of healing.

Maine Association of the Deaf (deafmaine.org) - The deaf community in Maine has been greatly impacted by this tragedy. The Maine Association of the Deaf is committed to creating a safe place with access to resources to help the community mourn and heal.

Tree Street Youth - Tree Street Youth is a Lewiston-based community of youth and adults who use their diverse experiences and collective empowerment to create youth-centered programs and partnerships to encourage leadership. Tree Street Youth immediately organized support and a place for families to gather, which will continue in the coming months.

Spurwink - Spurwink responds to community needs by providing behavioral health care, substance use disorder services, and support services for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, and their families. Spurwink's Public School Counseling program places skilled, master's level therapists in public schools so they can provide counseling services to children, adolescents, and their families.

Maine Paws for Veterans  Founded in 2012, this organization supports veterans living with Post Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injuries. The organization's vision and mission is to improve the quality of life for veterans and their families by reconnecting them with a sense of belonging, purpose, and community.

Additionally, M&T has provided employees throughout the bank's footprint an opportunity to make donations to the Maine Community Foundation. The bank is also currently running a campaign to deliver letters of support from M&T employees to the Lewiston-Auburn community.

About the M&T Charitable Foundation

The M&T Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of M&T Bank, is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization founded in 1993 and funded by M&T Bank. The M&T Charitable Foundation awards over $40 million in grants per year to thousands of nonprofit organizations focused on improving the quality of life in the areas the bank serves.

About M&T Bank

M&T is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. M&T's principal banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, provides banking products and services in 12 states across the eastern U.S. from Maine to Virginia and Washington, D.C. Trust-related services are provided in select markets in the U.S. and abroad by M&T's Wilmington Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank.

New England Media Contact:

Christopher Loh

(617) 581-2676

[email protected]

National Media and Trade Publications:

Frank Lentini

[email protected]

 2023 M&T Bank. Member FDIC.

SOURCE M&T Bank Corporation
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- National Medical Fellowships (NMF) announces the Future Clinicians Scholarship Program , an initiative designed to support and empower diverse health care leaders in the United States. NMF is one of eight partners in the United Health Foundation's 10-year, $100 million commitment to deepen and scale health workforce diversity efforts.

The scholarship program intends to create a more equitable future in health care by providing opportunities to a diverse and talented group of scholars who are committed to advancing health equity. The program offers a $5,000 scholarship, which is renewable for up to four years.

Scholars receiving this prestigious scholarship represent a range of backgrounds that are underrepresented in medicine. While the program has no specific diversity targets, key statistics for this year's cohort highlight the remarkable diversity and commitment of these scholars:

Race/Ethnicity: Awardees identify as Black (56%), Hispanic/Latine (18%), Cambodian/Vietnamese (6%), American Indian (2%), and multiracial/other (18%).



Awardees identify as Black (56%), Hispanic/Latine (18%), Cambodian/Vietnamese (6%), American Indian (2%), and multiracial/other (18%). Geography: Scholars receiving this scholarship come from 22 states, the District of Columbia , and Puerto Rico .



Scholars receiving this scholarship come from 22 states, the , and . Gender: The scholarship program boasts a 60% female and 40% male ratio, demonstrating a strong commitment to promoting gender diversity in health care fields.



The scholarship program boasts a 60% female and 40% male ratio, demonstrating a strong commitment to promoting gender diversity in health care fields. Career Paths: While 70% of awarded scholars are pursuing medical degrees, the Future Clinicians Scholarship Program also supports those seeking advanced degrees in various health care disciplines. These include dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, physician assistant, and social work.

"The odds say I am not supposed to be in this field which is why this scholarship is so important to me. It tells me that I do belong and not only that, but I also have people who are here to support me through it," said scholarship recipient Tyria Health, a first-year medical student at Oregon Health & Science University. "I am an enrolled member of the Stockbridge-Munsee Mohican tribe and member of the Menominee tribe in Wisconsin."

"If I could go back in time and speak to my younger self, the little boy growing up on the streets of Freetown, Sierra Leone, I would tell him to 'DREAM, dream BIGGER, help will come.' I promise to continue to earn this award with continued dedication to working, caring, and advocating for underserved populations," said scholarship recipient Hamid George Bangura.

"National Medical Fellowships is proud to support these exceptional scholar leaders who are already working to eliminate unnecessary and unjust health disparities. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact these scholars will have on countless lives," said NMF President and CEO Michellene Davis. "NMF extends its deepest appreciation to the United Health Foundation for its generous support in making the Future Clinicians Scholarship Program a reality. With its help, NMF is increasing diversity and representation within the industry, ensuring that the health care system is better equipped to address the needs of all communities in our society. We welcome others to partner with NMF in similar fashion to accelerate this needed transformation."

"We are committed to help expand the number of talented health professionals who are prepared to deliver high-quality, culturally responsive care to our diverse society," said Anne Yau, president of the United Health Foundation, the philanthropic foundation of UnitedHealth Group. "We are honored to support these scholars, and we thank National Medical Fellowships for its partnership and dedication to advancing health equity."

National Medical Fellowships remains dedicated to fostering diversity, inclusion, and equity in health care by empowering the next generation of diverse health care leaders. The Future Clinicians Scholarship Program represents an essential step forward in addressing the pressing need for diversity in health care and supporting students pursuing careers in medicine and allied health fields. The program's impact will be felt not only by the scholars themselves but also by the communities they will serve, making health care more accessible and responsive to the needs of all.

For more information about the Future Clinicians Scholarship Program and other initiatives by National Medical Fellowships, please visit https://nmfonline.org/scholarships/future-clinicians-scholarship-program/ .

About National Medical Fellowships

National Medical Fellowships (NMF) is a non-profit organization committed to improving the quality of healthcare by supporting and increasing the number of underrepresented minority physicians and other healthcare professionals. NMF offers scholarships, awards, and mentoring programs to help students pursue careers in medicine and allied health fields. Through their initiatives, NMF aims to create a diverse and equitable healthcare workforce that better serves the needs of our diverse society.

About United Health Foundation

Through collaboration with community partners, grants and outreach efforts, the United Health Foundation works to improve the health system, build a diverse and dynamic health workforce and enhance the well-being of local communities. The United Health Foundation was established by UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) in 1999 as a not-for-profit, private foundation dedicated to improving health and health care. To date, the United Health Foundation has committed more than $700 million to programs and communities around the world. To learn more, visit www.UnitedHealthFoundation.org .

Contact:

Skai Blue Media

[email protected]

SOURCE National Medical Fellowships
DUBLIN, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Smart Cities: A Guide to Municipal Technology Demands" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

With precise municipal observations gleaned from technology reviews, RFPs, and academic papers, Smart City vendors can position their products and services as the ideal solution, position their brands as trusted advisors and collaborative partners, and develop tailor-made offerings. For these reasons, this report is also useful for navigating public-private partnerships generally.

Smart City technology providers strive to deliver innovative solutions that transform the urban landscape. But how can they ensure they check off the right boxes for the procurement managers wading through bids, and the government IT leaders overseeing complex tech stacks? How can technology providers illuminate the value of data in terms of more efficient, sustainable municipal services? And how can city governments rally together support internally?

This report pools together the perspectives of municipal stakeholders, delivering a crucial understanding of Smart City technology adoption. It's a must-read for technology providers aiming to align their products with city needs, for tech companies' investors, and for city leaders or policymakers seeking to review internal processes, benchmark progress, and plan effectively. This report will also detail practical approaches to help technology providers maximize their market share in futuristic cityscapes.

Key Report Highlights:

Smart City technologies are tools that augment municipal intelligence and optimize operations, but they still require human operators and approvals. Therefore, technologists' success hinges on a complete understanding of these stakeholders' needs and perspectives.

Even with the novelty and specificity of the "Smart Cities" concept wearing thin, it's still a recurring term and a valid conversation starter. It calls for a synergistic approach to municipal partnerships, followed by ongoing digital support structures.

Smart City implementations must balance the technical need for modernization with budgetary constraints, necessitating a multi dimensional approach. Modular and scalable Smart City solutions allow cities to invest within their means and scale up as needed, emphasizing the importance of quickly deriving actionable insights for efficient resource allocation and service improvement.

As cities grow, there's an increasing emphasis on transparent, data-driven decision-making, evidenced by initiatives like NYC Open Data, DataSF, and Dublinked.

An efficient, interconnected, and dynamic data ecosystem works to support resilience and adaptability in city infrastructure.

A unified focus on data security, privacy, and regulatory compliance shows an understanding and respect for the seriousness of these endeavors, further cements new alliances, and works to thwart bad actors and negative outcomes.

A commitment to training and support ensures that unique value propositions lead to full value delivery.

The confluence of these pivotal tenets transcends the traditional vendor-client relationship, leading instead to a digital partnership characterized by innovation, trust, and service of communities.

This report will provide answers to the following questions:

What are the non-functional requirements of Smart City technology adopters?

What are their key considerations around usability, interoperability, and scalability?

What factors complicate cities' perceptions of cost-effectiveness?

How do cities think about data security, privacy, and regulatory compliance?

How are reliability and future-proofing sometimes at odds?

Why is training and support a foundational, yet often overlooked, requirement?

Key Topics Covered:

1. Introduction to Municipal Technology Demands

1.1 Key Benefits of This Report

1.2 Target Audience

1.3 Companies Mentioned in This Report

1.4 Methodology

1.5 Executive Summary

2. Municipal Technology Demands

2.1 Data-Driven Efficiencies

2.2 Cost-Effectiveness

2.3 Interoperability

2.4 Usability and Scalability

2.5 Data Security, Privacy, and Regulatory Compliance

2.6 Reliability and Future-Proofing

2.7 Training and Support

2.8 Key Takeaways

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes

Cisco

Granicus

Palo Alto Networks

Schneider Electric

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/bie5bw

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Research and Markets
STOCKHOLM, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Polar structure, through its Pan-European LoRaWAN operator Netmore Group, announces the commencement of operations and planned expansion of the France LoRaWAN Network through the acquisition of Objenious LoRaWAN assets from Bouygues Telecom. This acquisition, facilitated by its owner, Polar Structure, ensures the network's continued operation to support long-term projects enabled by a European vision of the market and sustainable network infrastructure deployments.

The transition encompasses services such as network infrastructure management, monitoring, radio planning, maintenance, and customer support. Integral to this offering is the SPOT platform, a dedicated LoRaWAN management portal used by the Objenious customers. By including the SPOT platform in this transition, we aim to ensure continuity and a seamless experience for existing clientele. Furthermore, Netmore Group will also provide full access to its expanding European LoRaWAN macro network and will offer coverage on demand for large-scale IoT projects in France and other European regions.

Reflecting on the company's commitment to long-term growth, Netmore is engaged in discussions with industry stakeholders who are seeking dependable long-term connectivity solutions for at least the coming ten years, with a fully dedicated LoRaWAN operator aiming to both ensure continuity and develop the network to support future use cases and applications.

Netmore Group, under the ownership of infrastructure investor Polar Structure, have jointly expanded their physical presence and network infrastructure in eleven European markets.

Arnaud Delprat, Netmore Group's Managing Director in France, stated, "With the completed acquisition, the French IoT market now has stable and long-term access to professional LoRaWAN services. We are actively in dialogue with existing and potential customers and partners, particularly utilities, resource management, smart building companies, property owners, to understand how we can best support their long-term and large-scale IoT projects. I encourage more companies within the IoT sector to initiate discussions on the connectivity solutions we offer. We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Bouygues Telecom and Objenious for their valued collaboration. To the esteemed customers of Objenious who have opted, or will opt, to pursue the LoRaWAN journey with us, we anticipate contributing collectively to the advancement of the LoRaWAN market in France."

Ove Anebygd, CEO of Netmore Group, noted, "Our Pan-European strategy highlights our commitment to integrating across diverse markets, with France playing an integral role. This expansive approach not only strengthens connectivity but also amplifies the commercial reach for our French partners, allowing them to tap into wider European opportunities."

Bernardo Cabrera, Director of BU Objenious by Bouygues Telecom, states, "We are very proud to announce our deal with Netmore, which will significantly benefit our LoRaWAN customers. It was important for us to find an alternative solution for our LoRaWAN clients who wish to continue using this technology, and we believe that Netmore is the right actor at the right moment. Netmore has a proven track record with LoRaWAN technology across Europe, and we have confidence in their ability to further our work in this field. Objenious, as Bouygues Telecom's IoT brand, will continue to develop its technology portfolio with LTE-M, NB-IoT, 4G, and 5G technologies, which are complementary to the LoRaWAN IoT use cases."

Contact details:

Arnaud Delprat / Managing Director / Netmore France

Phone: +33 (0)7 83 54 83 07

E-mail: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnaud-delprat/

Ove Anebygd / CEO / Netmore Group

Phone: +46 705 195 798

E-mail: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ove-anebygd-3244017/

Bernardo Cabrera / Director / Objenious by Bouygues Telecom

Phone: +33 (0)6 60 31 31 52

E-mail: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernardocabrera/

---

Netmore Group is an IoT operator building a leading Pan-European LoRaWAN network purpose-built for connecting millions of meters and sensors. We offer future-proof connectivity solutions and expertise in the utilities, properties, and tracking/tracing sectors. The main owner is the Nordic infrastructure investor, Polar Structure.

Founded in Sweden in 2010, Netmore Group has been listed on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market since 2017. Redeye AB serves as the company's certified adviser.

The following files are available for download:
NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Neuberger Berman, a private, independent, employee-owned investment manager, announced that funds advised by Neuberger Berman ("NB") have led a minority recapitalization of Health & Safety Institute ("HSI" or "the Company"). Neuberger Berman joins existing investor Waud Capital Partners ("WCP"), a leading private equity firm based in Chicago, IL, which will retain a majority stake in HSI.

Headquartered in Texas, HSI is an environmental, health, safety, and quality (EHSQ) compliance software and training platform. Through its proprietary content and integrated cloud-based technology, the company reduces the financial and reputation risk of its customers, improves business outcomes, and helps with compliance in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. Its comprehensive portfolio of solutions includes workplace safety and skills training, a full-suite EHSQ platform, HR compliance and leadership training, and CPR/AED training and certification.

NB Capital Solutions led the process, with investments made from several NB client portfolios. Terms of the investment were not disclosed.

"We are excited to partner with management and WCP to support HSI's continued growth. We have long admired HSI as a clear market leader in making workplaces safer, with a demonstrated track record of organic growth that has been augmented by a thoughtful acquisition strategy." said Nikhil Krishnan, Managing Director, Neuberger Berman Capital Solutions.

"Powered by a proven management team and a market leading offering at the intersection of software and training, HSI has experienced a period of transformational growth and success, and we are excited to continue the partnership with HSI and our new partner NB to support the Company's next phase of growth," said Justin DuPere, Partner at WCP.

"We've enjoyed the partnership with Waud Capital Partners and look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with WCP as well as our new partners at NB," said Chad Birckelbaw, CEO of HSI. "With the support of WCP and NB we will continue investing to make workplaces safer and smarter through our unique solution offering combining a highly-configurable EHS platform tightly integrated with a best-in-class training content library delivered through a single interface."

Harris Williams served as financial advisor, and Latham & Watkins served as legal advisor to Neuberger Berman. Moelis & Company and Robert W. Baird served as financial advisors, and Kirkland & Ellis served as legal advisor to HSI.

About HSI

HSI is a single-source partner for EHS, training, compliance, and professional development solutions. HSI provides integrated e-learning content, training solutions, and cloud-based software designed to enable your business to improve safety, operations, and employee development. Across all industries, HSI helps safety and technical managers, human resources, first responders, and operational leaders train and develop their workforce, keep workers safe, and meet regulatory and operational compliance requirements. For more information, visit www.hsi.com.

About Waud Capital Partners

Based in Chicago, Waud Capital Partners is a leading growth-oriented private equity firm with $4.6 billion of assets under management as of December 31, 2022. Waud Capital seeks to partner with strong management teams to build market-leading companies within two industries: healthcare and software & technology. Since its founding in 1993, Waud Capital has successfully completed more than 450 investments, including platform companies and follow-on opportunities. For additional information on Waud Capital, visit www.waudcapital.com.

About NB Capital Solutions

NB Capital Solutions provides bespoke capital solutions to private equity-owned companies, enabling sponsors and management teams to achieve long-term strategic objectives. NB Capital Solutions manages $6 billion in capital commitments and has made investments in over 90 companies across its two funds. For more information, please visit www.nbcapitalsolutions.com.

About Neuberger Berman

Neuberger Berman, founded in 1939, is a private, independent, employee-owned investment manager. The firm manages a range of strategiesincluding equity, fixed income, quantitative and multi-asset class, private equity, real estate and hedge fundson behalf of institutions, advisors and individual investors globally. Neuberger Berman's investment philosophy is founded on active management, engaged ownership and fundamental research, including industry-leading research into material environmental, social and governance factors. Neuberger Berman is a PRI Leader, a designation awarded to fewer than 1% of investment firms. With offices in 26 countries, the firm's diverse team has over 2,750 professionals. For nine consecutive years, Neuberger Berman has been named first or second in Pensions & Investments Best Places to Work in Money Management survey (among those with 1,000 employees or more). The firm manages $439 billion in client assets as of September 30, 2023. For more information, please visit our website at www.nb.com.

Media Contact: Alex Samuelson, 212 476 5392, [email protected]

All Neuberger Berman information is as of September 30, 2023, unless otherwise indicated and is subject to change without notice. Firm data, including employee and assets under management figures, reflects collective data for the various affiliated investment advisers that are subsidiaries of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. Firm history/timeline includes the history of all firm subsidiaries, including predecessor entities and acquisitions.

This material is being issued on a limited basis through various global subsidiaries and affiliates of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. Please visit www.nb.com/disclosure-global-communications for the specific entities and jurisdictional limitations and restrictions. The "Neuberger Berman" name and logo are registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Group LLC.  2023 Neuberger Berman Group LLC. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Neuberger Berman
Peer-Reviewed EuroIntervention Journal Publishes First-in-Human Study Finding Filterlex Medical's CAPTIS Embolic Protection Device Performed Well and is Safe During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).

CAESAREA, Israel, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Filterlex Medical Ltd., a cardiovascular medical device startup, announced today the publication of a first-in-human (FIH) study in the peer-reviewed cardiovascular journal, EuroIntervention. The study validates the safety and feasibility of the next generation CAPTIS full-body embolic protection device during TAVR procedures.

In the new study published in EuroIntervention, Filterlex Medicals CAPTIS system captured a high number of embolic debris particles, showing promise in providing embolic protection and enhancing safety during TAVR procedures.

TAVR is an emerging minimal invasive alternative treatment to surgery in patients with aortic stenosis. The increased risk in peri-procedural stroke is the result of calcified heart valve or tissue particles that break loose and travel in the bloodstream towards the brain. In the published study, the CAPTIS system captured a high number of embolic debris particles, providing embolic protection and enhancing safety during TAVR procedures.

The study, which included 20 patients undergoing TAVR procedures with the CAPTIS device, demonstrated a 100% success rate in the use of the device. TAVR procedures were completed with no device-related complications, and most significantly, no cerebrovascular events.

Giora Weisz, MD, CMO of Filterlex Medical, remarked, "The positive outcomes and strong performance of the CAPTIS device in a clinical setting showcased in the EuroIntervention publication are indeed encouraging. This study sheds light on the capability of the CAPTIS device to deliver neurovascular and systemic embolic protection, crucial for lowering the risk of stroke and other embolic events during TAVR procedures. It also highlights its promise for improving patient outcomes in other complex cardiac procedures."

The easily-deployed CAPTIS device is securely positioned in the aorta, protecting its surface, while facilitating a seamless TAVR procedure  all performed uniquely without needing additional arterial access.

Filterlex Medical continues to pursue the development and clinical investigation of the CAPTIS device, aiming to substantiate its use in TAVR and other left-heart procedures.

About Filterlex

Filterlex Medical Ltd. is a cardiovascular medical device startup developing CAPTIS, a full-body embolic protection device. In 2016, Filterlex joined Alon MedTech Ventures incubator, owned by Dr. Shimon Eckhouse, a leading entrepreneur and investor. The company's founders have vast clinical knowledge and extensive experience in medical device development, commercialization, and marketing. For more information: www.filterlex.com.

This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 881076.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2277643/Filterlex_image.jpg
Firm hires portfolio manager with 30 years in mortgage-backed securities and structured credit

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- American Century Investments, a $200 billion* global asset manager, named Paul Norris its new lead for the Securitized Markets team. Norris, who joined the firm Nov. 6, 2023 as vice president and senior portfolio manager, will co-manage 9 strategies and 11 funds/ETFs. As team lead for the Securitized Markets team, Norris joins the Global Fixed Income Investment Committee and serves on the U.S. Multi-Sector, Government, and Income Portfolio Construction teams.

Paul Norris, vice president, senior portfolio manager, American Century Investments

"Not only does Paul bring more than 30 years of experience to his role, but he has an invaluable combination of experiences in both mortgage-backed securities and structured credit. In addition to this tremendous experience, Paul has built and led securitized teams at multiple organizations and shown himself to be a skilled communicator and extremely collaborative. We are excited to add Paul's expertise in securitized markets and strong leadership experience to our Global Fixed Income team," said Charles Tan, Global Fixed Income co-chief investment officer for American Century Investments.

Based in American Century's New York office, Norris will co-manage:

U.S. Ginnie Mae Bond ( Ginnie Mae )

) U.S. Intermediate Government Bond (Government Bond)

U.S. Short-Term Government Bond (Short-Term Government)

U.S. Core Fixed Income (Diversified Bond)

U.S. Core Plus Fixed Income (Core Plus)

U.S. Short Duration Bond (Short Duration)

U.S. Multi-Sector Floating Rate Income (Multisector Floating Income ETF)

Multi-Sector Credit Income (Multisector Income, Multisector Income ETF)

Short Duration Multi-Sector Credit Income (Short Duration Strategic Income, Short Duration Strategic Income ETF)

Paul Norris' experiences in mortgage-backed securities and structured credit

Norris joins American Century after 14 years in asset management, most recently at Conning Asset Management. As managing director and head of Structured Products, he led a team of analysts and traders managing structured product portfolios. Norris helped raise over $1.5 billion in assets from institutional clients during his tenure at Conning. As a portfolio manager at Mariner Investment Group, he managed an absolute return mortgage strategy and helped design the firm's agency mortgage trading platform. And as an executive vice president and head of Securitized Products at Dwight Asset Management, he directed the investment strategy for residential mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, and commercial mortgage-backed securities. He also managed core and core plus total return strategies.

Prior to asset management, Norris spent 17 years with Fannie Mae, where he started as a junior trader and progressed to the director of Mortgage Portfolio, directing the investment of over $200 billion in mortgage assets. Prior to his role as director of Mortgage Portfolio he led the discretionary investment activity of $120 billion in non-mortgage asset-backed securities. He also created and managed the firm's Benchmark Repo Lending Facility and was honored with the Chairman's Award for this accomplishment.

Norris holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Towson University and a master's degree in finance from the University of Maryland.

About American Century Investment

American Century Investments is a leading global asset manager focused on delivering investment results and building long-term client relationships while supporting breakthrough medical research. Founded in 1958, American Century Investments' 1,400 employees serve financial professionals, institutions, corporations and individual investors from offices in Kansas City, Missouri; New York; Los Angeles; Santa Clara, California; Portland, Oregon; London; Frankfurt, Germany; Hong Kong; and Sydney. Jonathan S. Thomas is president and chief executive officer, and Victor Zhang serves as chief investment officer. Delivering investment results to clients enables American Century Investments to distribute over 40% of its dividends to the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, a 500-person, nonprofit basic biomedical research organization. The Institute owns more than 40% of American Century Investments and has received dividend payments of nearly $2 billion since 2000. For more information about American Century Investments, visit www.americancentury.com .

*Assets under supervision as of 10/27/2023.

You should consider the fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before you invest. The fund's prospectus or summary prospectus, which can be obtained by visiting americancentury.com, contains this and other information about the fund, and should be read carefully before investing.

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are bought and sold through exchange trading at market price (not NAV), and are not individually redeemed from the fund. Shares may trade at a premium or discount to their NAV in the secondary market. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns.

Investment return and principal value of security investments will fluctuate. The value at the time of redemption may be more or less than the original cost. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs): Foreside Fund Services, LLC  Distributor, not affiliated with American Century Investment Services, Inc.

Mutual Funds: American Century Investment Services, Inc., Distributor.

2023 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.

Contact: Laura Kouri

(816) 340-4710

SOURCE American Century Investments
Asia's suppliers see largest rise in idle capacity since June 2020 as the region's economic resilience fades

Europe reported a 7 th successive month of substantial excess vendor capacity, and 17 th successive month of subdued demand, reflecting recessionary conditions

In contrast, supplier spare capacity across North America is rising, albeit modestly, highlighting greater economic resilience in the U.S. economy and its divergence from Europe

CLARK, N.J., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index  a leading indicator tracking demand conditions, shortages, transportation costs, inventories and backlogs based on a monthly survey of 27,000 businesses  decreased again in October to -0.41, from -0.35 in September, indicating a 7th successive month of rising spare capacity across the world's supply chains. Additionally, the extent to which supplier capacity went underutilized was even greater than in September and August. Coupled with October's downturn in demand for raw materials, components and commodities, this shows rising slack in global supply chains.

Interpretating the data: Index > 0, supply chain capacity is being stretched. The further above 0, the more stretched supply chains are.; Index < 0, supply chain capacity is being underutilized. The further below 0, the more underutilized supply chains are.

"While the shrinking of global suppliers' order books is not worsening, there are no signs of improvement," explained Jamie Ogilvie-Smals, vice president, consulting, GEP. "The notable increase in supplier capacity in Asia, which was driven by China, provides global manufacturers with greater leverage to drive down prices and inventories in 2024."

A key finding from October's report was the strongest rise in excess capacity across Asian supply chains since June 2020. Sustained weakness in demand, coupled with falling pressures on factories in Asia, indicates that the global manufacturing recession has further to run. With the exception of India, which continues to perform strongly, large economies in the region, such as Japan and China, are losing momentum.

Suppliers in Europe continue to report the largest level of spare capacity. In fact, the lower levels in GEP's supply chain index for the continent have only been seen during the global financial crisis between 2008 and 2009. They highlight sustained weakness in economic conditions across the continent. Western Europe, particularly Germany's manufacturing industry, is a key driver behind the region's deterioration.

A relative bright spot is North America, where supply chains have excess capacity, but to a much lesser extent than elsewhere as the U.S. economy continues to display its resilience, in stark contrast to Europe.

OCTOBER 2023 KEY FINDINGS

DEMAND: Demand for raw materials, components and commodities remains depressed, although the downturn seems to have stabilized. There are still no signs of conditions improving, however, as global purchasing activity fell again in October at a pace similar to what we've seen since around mid-year.

Demand for raw materials, components and commodities remains depressed, although the downturn seems to have stabilized. There are still no signs of conditions improving, however, as global purchasing activity fell again in October at a pace similar to what we've seen since around mid-year. INVENTORIES : With demand falling, our data shows another month of destocking by global businesses, signalling cashflow preservation efforts.

: With demand falling, our data shows another month of destocking by global businesses, signalling cashflow preservation efforts. MATERIAL SHORTAGES: Reports of item shortages remain at their lowest since January 2020 .

Reports of item shortages remain at their lowest since . LABOR SHORTAGES: Shortages of workers are not impacting global manufacturers' capacity to produce, with reports of backlogs due to inadequate labor supply running at historically typical levels.

Shortages of workers are not impacting global manufacturers' capacity to produce, with reports of backlogs due to inadequate labor supply running at historically typical levels. TRANSPORTATION: Global transportation costs held steady with September's level, although oil prices have declined in recent weeks.

REGIONAL SUPPLY CHAIN VOLATILITY

NORTH AMERICA : The index fell to -0.34, from -0.30. This remains much softer than the global average and continues to suggest the U.S. economy is poised for a soft landing.

EUROPE : The index rose to -0.90, from -1.01, but still remains at a level that is indicative of considerable economic fragility.

U.K.: The index edged slightly higher to -0.93, from -0.98. Still, the data point to a substantial rise in excess capacity at suppliers to U.K. markets.

ASIA : Notably, the index dropped to -0.38, from -0.20, highlighting the biggest rise in spare supplier capacity in Asia since June 2020 as the region's resilience fades.

For more information, visit www.gep.com/volatility

Note: Full historical data dating back to January 2005 is available for subscription. Please contact [email protected].

The next release of the GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index will be 8 a.m. ET, December 14, 2023.

ABOUT THE GEP GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN VOLATILITY INDEX

The GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index is produced by S&P Global and GEP. It is derived from S&P Global's PMI surveys, sent to companies in over 40 countries, totaling around 27,000 companies. The headline figure is a weighted sum of six sub-indices derived from PMI data, PMI Comments Trackers and PMI Commodity Price & Supply Indicators compiled by S&P Global.

A value above 0 indicates that supply chain capacity is being stretched and supply chain volatility is increasing. The further above 0, the greater the extent to which capacity is being stretched.

A value below 0 indicates that supply chain capacity is being underutilized, reducing supply chain volatility. The further below 0, the greater the extent to which capacity is being underutilized.

A Supply Chain Volatility Index is also published at a regional level for Europe, Asia, North America and the U.K. For more information about the methodology, click here.

About GEP

GEP delivers AI-powered procurement and supply chain solutions that help global enterprises become more agile and resilient, operate more efficiently and effectively, gain competitive advantage, boost profitability and increase shareholder value.

Fresh thinking, innovative products, unrivaled domain expertise, smart, passionate people  this is how GEP SOFTWARE, GEP STRATEGY and GEP MANAGED SERVICES together deliver procurement and supply chain solutions of unprecedented scale, power and effectiveness. Our customers are the world's best companies, including more than 550 Fortune 500 and Global 2000 industry leaders who rely on GEP to meet ambitious strategic, financial and operational goals.

A leader in multiple Gartner Magic Quadrants, GEP's cloud-native software and digital business platforms consistently win awards and recognition from industry analysts, research firms and media outlets, including Gartner, Forrester, IDC, ISG, and Spend Matters.

GEP is also regularly ranked a top procurement and supply chain consulting and strategy firm, and a leading managed services provider by ALM, Everest Group, NelsonHall, IDC, ISG and HFS, among others. Headquartered in Clark, New Jersey, GEP has offices and operations centers across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. To learn more, visit www.gep.com.

About S&P Global

S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) S&P Global provides essential intelligence. We enable governments, businesses and individuals with the right data, expertise and connected technology so that they can make decisions with conviction. From helping our customers assess new investments to guiding them through ESG and energy transition across supply chains, we unlock new opportunities, solve challenges and accelerate progress for the world. We are widely sought after by many of the world's leading organizations to provide credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help the world's leading organizations plan for tomorrow, today.

Disclaimer

The intellectual property rights to the data provided herein are owned by or licensed to S&P Global and/or its affiliates. Any unauthorised use, including but not limited to copying, distributing, transmitting or otherwise of any data appearing is not permitted without S&P Global's prior consent. S&P Global shall not have any liability, duty or obligation for or relating to the content or information ("Data") contained herein, any errors, inaccuracies, omissions or delays in the Data, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. In no event shall S&P Global be liable for any special, incidental, or consequential damages, arising out of the use of the Data. Purchasing Managers' Index and PMI are either trade marks or registered trade marks of S&P Global Inc or licensed to S&P Global Inc and/or its affiliates.

This Content was published by S&P Global Market Intelligence and not by S&P Global Ratings, which is a separately managed division of S&P Global. Reproduction of any information, data or material, including ratings ("Content") in any form is prohibited except with the prior written permission of the relevant party. Such party, its affiliates and suppliers ("Content Providers") do not guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, timeliness or availability of any Content and are not responsible for any errors or omissions (negligent or otherwise), regardless of the cause, or for the results obtained from the use of such Content. In no event shall Content Providers be liable for any damages, costs, expenses, legal fees, or losses (including lost income or lost profit and opportunity costs) in connection with any use of the Content.

Media Contacts

Derek Creevey Joe Hayes Director, Public Relations Principal Economist GEP S&P Global Market Intelligence Phone: +1 732-382-6565 T: +44-1344-328-099 Email: [email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE GEP
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter to President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas, Trend reports.

"Dear Mr. President,

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my heartfelt congratulation and best wishes to you and through you, your entire people on the occasion of the national day of the State of Palestine.

Establishment of Azerbaijans diplomatic mission in Palestine last year was a positive step to develop bilateral relations. Construction of a school by our side in Palestine is also on the agenda.

We hope for the soonest de-escalation of tension in Gaza. Azerbaijan has always demonstrated solidarity with respect to the Palestine issue and advocated for the two-state solution of a problem based on the UNs respective resolutions and decisions. Our country will continue to provide support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

I believe that friendly relations and cooperation based on good traditions between our countries will continue to successfully develop.

On this festive day, I wish you the best of health, happiness, success in your endeavors, and the brotherly people of Palestine peace and prosperity," the letter reads.
DUBLIN, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "E-commerce in the Mattress Industry" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Report E-commerce in the mattress industry offers a detailed analysis of the online mattress market with a focus on three world areas (North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific), and the most up-to-date data and statistics of the sector.

The study analyses the largest retail mattress markets, estimating the current incidence of online mattress sales in key countries (the USA, Canada, China, India, South Korea, Germany, the UK, France, Italy, and Spain), the e-commerce mattress sales of the leading retailers (e-tailers, brick-and-mortar retailers, online mattress companies and mattress manufacturers) and providing company profiles highlighting their activity and performance in this sector.

Mattress sales and e-commerce mattress sales are provided for the time series 2020-2023 (preliminary) by country/region.

FEATURES OF THE ONLINE MATTRESS BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATION:

The most important peculiarities of the e-commerce business in the mattress industry, including services (delivery and logistic issues, payment methods, return strategies), product features (bed-in-a-box, one-size-fits-all mattresses) and the role of industry suppliers.

ECOMMERCE IN THE MATTRESS INDUSTRY. THE LARGEST MARKETS:

The report focuses on three world areas, North America (the United States and Canada), Europe (the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), and Asia Pacific (China, South Korea, and India).

For each considered geographical area and country the report provides:Retail and e-commerce sales (sector overview of economic and e-commerce indicators enriching the analysis) and E-commerce mattress sales (mattress sales and e-commerce mattress sales by country) up to 2023.

COMPETITION AND PROFILES OF THE LEADING COMPANIES IN THE ONLINE MATTRESS MARKET:

Online mattress sales by distribution channels and by leading retailers in Europe, the US, Canada, and the Asia Pacific.

The study also profiles the leading retailers and manufacturers operating in the online mattress market, highlighting their e-commerce activity and financial performance.

For online mattress companies, the report describes the most important supply features (number of trial nights, years of warranty, price of a twin mattress, in-home-delivery, and setup) and distribution strategy (presence of physical stores) and profiles of leading online mattress companies by country.

As regards mattress manufacturers selling online, leading players for each considered country are provided, together with information about their online activity.

SURVEY RESULTS: GLOBAL E-COMMERCE MATTRESS MARKET

The Report E-commerce in the mattress industry was also carried out through direct interviews with leading mattress manufacturers and retailers operating in the e-commerce mattress business and an online survey carried on in August-September 2023, addressed to global retailers and manufacturers involved in the mattress industry.

E-COMMERCE BUSINESS MODELS.

The report identifies the leading online retailers involved in mattress sales by business model:

E-tailers (pure e-commerce companies)

Brick and Click companies (dealers with physical stores and web-store)

Non-furniture specialists' chains (large multichannel dealers selling furniture, homewares, accessories, home improvement, lighting fixtures, and electronics).

Online mattress companies (direct-to-consumer and start-ups selling online via their own web platform or through e-tailers)

Mattress manufacturers selling online via own website

Topics:

E-commerce activity and Location

Incidence of e-commerce sales on mattress sales

Delivery and type of mattresses

E-commerce mattress sales by sales channels

The top promising markets for e-commerce mattress sales

The most important services offered for e-commerce mattress sales

Share of mattresses returned back

Expected sales variation in 2023 over 2022 for online and total sales

Key Topics Covered:

INTRODUCTION: Data gathering, terminology, processing methodology and sample of companies

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: E-commerce in the mattress industry performances and market peculiarities, companies insights for the first half of 2023

1. E-COMMERCE IN THE MATTRESS MARKET: An overview of the world mattress market

1.1. An overview of the world mattress market: mattress consumption and consumption by country. International trade of mattresses

1.2. E-commerce in the mattress market: Mattress sales and e-commerce mattress sales by country/region; Share of e-commerce mattress sales

1.3. Models of e-commerce business

E-tailers (pure e-commerce retailers)

Brick-and-Click companies (dealers with physical stores and webstore)

Non-furniture specialist chains

Online mattress companies (direct-to-consumer)

Mattress manufactures selling online via their own website

2. FEATURES OF THE ONLINE MATTRESS BUSINESS

2.1. The business evolution and organisation

Delivery options

Services and return strategies

Bed-in-a-box

The role of industry suppliers

One-size-fits-all mattresses and related bedding products

Payment methods

3. E-COMMERCE MATTRESS MARKET IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA

3.1. Retail and e-commerce sales: overview and demand drivers

United States . E-commerce as a percentage of total retail sales

. E-commerce as a percentage of total retail sales United States and Canada : Macroeconomic and e-commerce indicators

3.2. E-commerce mattress sales in the USA and Canada

3.3. Competition: online mattress sales by distribution channel in a sample of companies and online mattress sales by leading retailers in the USA and Canada

3.4. E-commerce retailers (pure e-tailers, retailers selling online)

3.5. Online mattress companies (direct-to-consumer): Supply features comparison of the Leading online mattress companies and Price for a twin mattress in a sample of online mattress companies

3.6. Mattress manufacturers selling online

4. E-COMMERCE MATTRESS MARKET IN EUROPE: France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK

4.1. Retail and e-commerce sales: overview and demand drivers

Europe . Economic and E-commerce Indicators

. Economic and E-commerce Indicators France , Germany , Italy , Spain and the United Kingdom : e-commerce indicators

4.2. E-commerce mattress sales in Europe

Mattress sales and e-commerce mattress sales in France , Germany , Italy , Spain and the United Kingdom

4.3. Competition: online mattress sales by distribution channel in a sample of companies and online mattress sales by leading retailers in Europe

4.4. E-commerce retailers (pure e-tailers, retailers selling online)

4.5. Online mattress companies (direct-to-consumer): Supply features comparison of the Leading online mattress companies and Price for a twin mattress in a sample of online mattress companies

4.6. Mattress manufacturers selling online

5. E-COMMERCE MATTRESS MARKET IN ASIA PACIFIC: China, India and South Korea

5.1. Retail and e-commerce sales: overview and demand drivers

Asia Pacific : China , India and South Korea . Economic and E-commerce Indicators

5.2. E-commerce mattress sales in Asia Pacific

Mattress sales and e-commerce mattress sales in China , India , South Korea

5.3. E-commerce retailers (pure e-tailers, retailers selling online)

E-commerce retailers selling mattresses in Asia Pacific : China , India , South Korea

5.4. Online mattress companies (direct-to-consumer)

5.5. Mattress manufacturers selling online

6. ANNEX: Results of the survey on the Global e-commerce mattress market

6.1. Survey results: Global e-commerce mattress market

E-commerce activity

Location

Incidence of e-commerce sales on mattress sales

Shipments and types of mattresses

E-commerce mattress sales by sales channels

Top 5 promising markets for e-commerce mattress sales

Services offered for e-commerce mattress sales

Share of mattresses returned back

Expected sales variation in 2023 over 2022 for online and total sales

7. MENTIONED COMPANIES

List of mentioned companies selling mattresses online: country, retailing format, activity, website

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes

Amazon

bett1

Casper

Emma

IKEA

JD.com

Kurlon

Mattress Firm

Mlily

Nectar Sleep-Resident

Otto

Pepperfry

Purple

Simba

Saatva

Serta Simmons

Simba Sleep

Suning

Taobao

Tempur Sealy

Tmall

Tuft&Needle

Wayfair

Zinus

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/srlq8d

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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SOURCE Research and Markets
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- One Call, a care coordination leader within the workers' compensation industry, today announced that Montserrat "Montse" Gallegos, is the 2023 recipient of the Kids' Chance of Florida One Call Scholarship.

Montserrat Montse Gallegos  2023 recipient of the Kids Chance of Florida One Call Scholarship.

One Call established the scholarship in 2018 in partnership with Kids' Chance of Florida, a state chapter of Kids' Chance of America, to help cover the cost of a college education for children of seriously or fatally injured workers in the company's home state of Florida. The employee-funded scholarship commits to providing each recipient with $7,000 annually for four years.

Montse follows Jared Cooper  the inaugural recipient of the scholarship in 2018  who utilized the funds to attend Stetson University in DeLand, Fla. This past spring, Jared graduated from Stetson with a bachelor's degree in biochemistry, opening the door for a new recipient.

During her senior year at Vero Beach High School this past spring, Montse was identified by Kids' Chance of Florida as the next ideal candidate for the scholarship. While there, she was an exemplary student, graduating with a 3.78 GPA. She was also an involved student, serving as the president of the photography club, as well as the acceptance club, which aims to provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ students.

Montse graciously accepted the scholarship and is currently using the funds to attend Indian River State College in Fort Pierce, Fla. Her goal is to graduate with an associate degree before transferring to a four-year university.

"It's hard to overstate just how much this scholarship means to me," said Montse. "I am really dedicated to my education, as I know how important it will be in helping me to succeed. With the help of this scholarship, I am focused on earning a bachelor's degree. I would become the first person in my family to have ever graduated from college."

In August 2022, Montse's father, a warehouse manager, passed away due to injuries following a workplace accident. Later that year, Montse's mother was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. On the heels of an extremely tragic year, the Kids' Chance of Florida One Call scholarship is enabling her to attend college without the added stress of tuition payments.

"Workplace injuries affect the whole family," said One Call CEO Jay Krueger. "While trying to overcome grief, families are also forced to deal with mounting financial pressures. We are sensitive to these burdensome situations, which is why we want to be a part of the solution. This scholarship provides the children of critically or fatally injured workers with a path forward. We are proud to play a small role in helping them attain a much brighter future."

About One Call

As a care coordination leader within the workers' compensation industry, One Call has an unwavering commitment to get people the care they need when they need it. Leveraging more than 30 years of industry experience and innovative solutions, One Call alleviates costs and burdensome administrative work for clients and positions injured workers for high quality of life and long-term success, both in and out of the workplace. For more information and the latest news, visit onecallcm.com, LinkedIn (One Call), and Facebook (@onecallcm).

Kids' Chance of Florida

Kids' Chance of Florida is a state chapter of Kids' Chance of America, a charitable organization that is dedicated to making a significant difference in the lives of all children affected by a workplace injury by helping them pursue and achieve their educational goals. Children of these workers can no longer count on the income of the injured or deceased parent. Accompanying the grief of loss, or the need to deal with an injured parent, is the increased likelihood that they cannot afford a college education. Since its founding in 1988, Kids' Chance of America has awarded more than 10,000 scholarships totaling more than $36 million.

Media Contact:

Lisa Noakes

One Call, Sr. Director, Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE One Call
MILAN, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Onemile, a trailblazer in the e-bike industry, is celebrating a successful showcase at the recent EICMA 2023 and is now gearing up to launch its largest sale of the year. Starting from November 15 through December 15, 2023, customers can avail of a 15% discount across all products on the Onemile website using the coupon code BFD15.

EICMA Onemile Nomoad

This year, the EICMA Motorcycle Show in Milan, Italy, provided a global stage for the leading innovators in the world of two-wheel transportation. Among them, Onemile stood out with its impressive display of state-of-the-art electric bikes, particularly the NOMAD Foldable E-bike. The NOMAD, a perfect blend of design aesthetics, comfort, and advanced technology, garnered significant attention and accolades from the international community.

The NOMAD Foldable E-bike is designed for modern urban riders who value both style and functionality. Its compact, foldable design ensures it can be conveniently stored or carried, while its innovative features and reliable performance make it a top choice among e-biking enthusiasts.

The SCRAMBLER S PRO and SCRAMBLER V PRO, designed for the more adventurous, also drew acclaim at EICMA. These speed bikes feature robust construction, enhanced performance, and unique design aesthetics, catering to riders who crave off-road experiences without compromising on style or sustainability.

Building on the momentum from EICMA, Onemile is now initiating its most ambitious sale of the year: the Black Friday Mega Sale. For a whole month, customers can avail of a sweeping 15% discount across all e-bikes, e-scooters, and accessories on the Onemile website. The Black Friday Mega Sale starts on November 15, 2023, and will continue until December 15, 2023, using the coupon code BFD15.

The team at Onemile expressed their excitement about the upcoming Black Friday Sale, stating, "This is our way of showing gratitude to our loyal customers and welcoming new ones. We're thrilled to make our top-quality, innovative products more accessible to all, especially our flagship product, the NOMAD Foldable E-bike."

To explore Onemile's range of e-bikes and learn more about the Black Friday Mega Sale, visit www.onemilebike.com today.

About Onemile

Onemile is a leading E-Bike brand dedicated to the research, development, promotion, and manufacture of new energy vehicles for urban micro-mobility. Founded in 2017, the company's mission is to advocate for a green and healthy lifestyle.

Onemile's products are known for its agility, foldability, fashion-forward design, and eco-friendliness. The company strives to offer its users a comfortable, low-carbon, and healthy travel experience.

Onemile has been recognized with prestigious accolades, such as the 2017 Red Dot Award and the esteemed Good Design Award. It has also proudly sponsored renowned events like the French Formula 1 race.

Onemile: YOUR CONVENIENT AND ECO-FRIENDLY TRANSPORTATION SOLUTION

Media Contact:

Kusley Chan

+8613534212762

[email protected]

SOURCE Onemile
P.F. Chang's Northfield offers limited-time holiday menu and an elevated Asian dining experience just in time for seasonal celebrations.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- P.F. Chang's announced the opening of a new full-service Bistro at The Shops at Northfield in Denver, Colorado, today. The Northfield location is part of the brand's continued growth across Colorado and marks the eighth Bistro location in the state. From crave-worthy menu favorites to stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, guests at P.F. Chang's Northfield are guaranteed an outstanding dining experience.

P.F. Chang's new location at The Shops at Northfield in Denver marks the brand's eighth location in continued growth across the state.

As P.F. Chang's continues a nationwide brand refresh, the Northfield location opens with an upscale ambiance, providing a unique and memorable moment for every dining occasion. Opening in time for the holidays, P.F. Chang's Northfield will offer a limited-time seasonal menu featuring expertly crafted dishes such as the Chili Crab and Pork Belly Fried Rice, Flaming Filet Mignon Wontons, Oolong Chilean Sea Bass, Chang's Apple Crunch, and two specialty cocktails (the Espresso Martini and Good Fortune featuring cognac and yuzu sake, served in a keepsake ornament).

"P.F. Chang's Northfield offers a premier destination for guests to celebrate any and all occasions, especially when it comes to holiday gatherings with family and friends," said Art Kilmer, chief operating officer at P.F. Chang's. "We've been proud to serve guests in the Denver area for nearly three decades and look forward to sharing our unique take on elevated Asian cuisine."

P.F. Chang's Gold Rewards members can earn points with every purchase when they visit or order online from the new P.F. Chang's Northfield location. Gold Rewards members and receive a $15 reward with every 2,000 points earned, a complimentary birthday dessert, and have access to surprise and delight offers such as bonus rewards and complimentary appetizers.

P.F. Chang's Northfield is located at 8260 Northfield Boulevard, Suite 1360, Denver, CO 80238. It spans an impressive 6,000 square feet and can accommodate 155 guests. Operating hours are Sunday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Twenty-seven years after P.F. Chang's opened its first Bistro in the state (Littleton, Colorado), the Northfield locations brings more than 100 new job opportunities to the community. Qualified job candidates interested in a career at P.F. Chang's may apply at jobs.pfchangs.com .

For more information about P.F. Chang's Northfield, the limited-time holiday menu, seasonal offers, and holiday celebrations at P.F. Chang's, please visit pfchangs.com.

About P.F. Chang's

Founded in 1993 by Philip Chiang and Paul Fleming, P.F. Chang's is the first internationally recognized multi-unit Asian culinary brand to honor and celebrate the 2,000-year-old tradition of wok cooking as the center of the guest experience. With roots in Chinese cuisine, today's menu at P.F. Chang's spans across all of Asia, honoring cultures and recipes from Japan, Korea, Thailand, and beyond. Each item offers a unique exploration of flavor, whether it's a handcrafted cocktail, wok-fired lunch bowl, or celebratory multi-course dinner. Worldwide, P.F. Chang's has more than 300 restaurants in 22 countries and U.S. airport locations, including a growing number of convenient P.F. Chang's To Go locations offering takeout and delivery. For more P.F. Chang's news, visit pfchangs.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @pfchangs.

SOURCE P.F. Changs
Social Media, Content Creators, Creator Economy, Social Media Tech Post this

Planoly has evolved its brand to address the most pressing needs of creators. Turning a passion into a paycheck isn't always easy. To do so, creators have to juggle a million things, from building a strategy and filming content to writing engaging captions and keeping a consistent post schedule. With the newest iteration of Planoly, creators can say goodbye to the hassle of using multiple tools, and say hello to more time for creating, ideating, and engaging with their audiences.

"The power of the creator economy is undeniable, with Goldman Sachs estimating the creator economy TAM at $250 billion, and 29% of Gen-Z saying they want to become content creators," says Katelyn Sorensen, CEO of Planoly. "Because half of our team is made up of passionate content creators, we have a front-row seat to the challenges of consistently growing a brand on social media. Trends and platforms are constantly changing, so our brand and product need to evolve as well. With this launch, we are ushering in a new era for Planoly, and doubling down on creators - providing innovative tools to simplify the creator workflow and empower them to build a profitable business"

Planoly launched in 2016 as the first visual Instagram planner, helping creators curate the perfect grid. As social media and the creator economy have progressed, so has the brand. Today, Planoly is a robust, multi-channel tool that seeks to simplify every piece of the creator workflow - from inspiration to planning, scheduling, and monetization. Auto-posting capabilities exist across seven social media channels (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and Pinterest), and users have access to essential content creation tools like Canva integration and hashtag manager. All of these elements come together in one simplified workspace, making it easier than ever for creators to grow their businesses on social media.

Planoly's new branding was developed and inspired by their in-house team, many of whom are creators themselves, representing a variety of different niches (including beauty, design, fitness, and small business). The Planoly team knows the hardships of making a legit business out of social media better than anyone.

The star in the new Planoly logo represents a creator's passion and drive and is a symbol that's been a part of the brand since the very beginning. The new brand colors foster a friendly, familiar, yet unique feel, while the product experience continues to be a space that allows creators' content and ideas to be the star.

"Planoly is inspired by the people who use and build our product. As the brand is evolving into a bolder version of all of us, updating the visual brand felt like the right next step into our new era," says Carra Sykes, design director at Planoly. "We want our visual brand to continue to grow and feel fresh, just like our product which is regularly improving to keep up with the social landscape."

Following the relaunch, Planoly will also be introducing its AI Caption Writer. This auto-magic AI tool will help creators level up their content while still maintaining their authentic voices. The AI Caption Generator, run by GPT 3.5, will also include different writing styles to choose from, so AI will write captions in the tone of, 'Your in-the-know bestie', 'Corporate slay', 'Everyone's favorite teacher', or 'The eclectic artist'.

As the brand reveals its relaunch, Planoly extends an invitation to creators to embark on their own, transformative, social media journey. This renewed focus centers on empowering and serving as the ultimate social media-savvy sidekick to creators.

Start with a 7-day free trial, and you'll wonder how you ever did social media without Planoly.

About Planoly

Planoly is the first social media management tool built for creators, by creators. Planoly is trusted by over eight million to take care of inspiration, organization, and consistency so creators can focus on all the other things that made them want to be creators in the first place.

Contact : Madi McGuire, madison.mcguire@planoly.com

SOURCE Planoly
CHICAGO, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Plastic Additives Market by Type (Plasticizers, Stabilizers, Flame Retardants), Plastic Type (Commodity Plastics, Engineering Plastics, High Performing Plastics), Application (Packaging, Construction, Consumer Goods), and Region - Global Forecast to 2028", size was USD 43.5 billion in 2023 to USD 57.0 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2023 to 2028.

Plastic additives are a wide set of chemical chemicals or substances that are used with polymers to modify and improve their properties. These additives play an important role in defining the properties and performance of plastic materials, making them safer, more durable, and adaptable to a variety of applications. Plastic additives are utilized in a variety of plastic applications, including packaging, construction, automotive, consumer goods, and others. Plastic additives are necessary components in the manufacture of plastic products. During the production process, they are mixed with the base polymer to obtain specified results. Plastic additives' principal role is to improve the mechanical characteristics of polymers.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Plastic Additives Market"



291  Tables

65 Figures

275  Pages

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=722

"Plasticizers estimated to be the largest type of plastic additives market during the forecast period, in terms of value."

The plastic additives market is experiencing significant growth driven by several key factors. Plasticizers are the most used form of plastic additive. The plasticizers segment is the largest in the plastic additives market because of the broad range of applications, the adaptability of plasticizers to meet regulatory and environmental requirements, and the significant demand from industries like construction, automotive, and packaging. These factors collectively contribute to the prominence of plasticizers in the plastic additives market.

"Commodity plastic estimated to be the largest plastic type of plastic additives market during the forecast period, in terms of value."

The commodity plastics dominate the plastic additives market due to their widespread use in everyday products, versatile applications across multiple industries, cost-effectiveness, and ongoing innovations in plastic additives to enhance their properties and meet regulatory and environmental demands. These factors collectively contribute to the large market share of commodity plastics in the plastic additives market.

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"Packaging was the largest application in plastic additives market in 2022, in terms of value."

Packaging is estimated to be the largest application in plastic additives market in the forecasted year due to several factors. Plastic packaging is the most common type of packaging on the entire globe. This is because plastic packaging is lightweight, sturdy, and reasonably priced. Plastic additives are used in many different types of plastic packaging, including food and beverage packaging, pharmaceutical packaging, and personal care packaging. The plastic additives market in the packaging segment is predicted to rise in the forecasted year, owing to rising demand for plastic packaging, increased knowledge of the benefits of leveraging plastic additives in packaging applications, and significant trends.

"Asia Pacific estimated to account for largest market share in plastic additives market during the forecast period, in terms of value."

The North America region is a significant market for automotive films, driven by rising automotive production, rapid urbanization, and climate conditions. With its large population, expanding industrial base, and rising consumer demand, the region represents a substantial market for automotive films. The market is expected to continue growing due to infrastructure projects, urbanization, and industrialization across countries in the region.

The Asia Pacific region is dwelling to some of the world's fastest-growing economies, including China, India, and Indonesia. This economic expansion is driving up demand for plastic products, which in return is driving up demand for plastic additives. The region is also rapidly urbanizing, with an increasing number of people moving to cities. This urbanization is driving up demand for plastic products in a wide range of industries, including packaging, construction, and consumer goods. The Asia Pacific region is a key global manufacturing powerhouse. The Asia Pacific region's industrial industry uses a large range of plastic items, and plastic additives are required for their production. Specifically, China is the largest market for plastic additives in the Asia Pacific region. This is because of China's vast manufacturing sector and its expanding customer base. China is also a significant producer of plastic additives, giving it a competitive advantage in the worldwide market.

Market Players

The key market players identified in the report are BASF SE (Germany), Clariant AG (Switzerland), Albemarle Corporation (US), Songwon Industrial Co., Ltd. (South Korea), Nouryon (Netherland), LANXESS AG (Germany), Evonik Industries AG (Germany), Kaneka Corporation (Japan), and Dow Inc. (US).

Browse Adjacent Market: Specialty Chemicals Market Research Reports & Consulting

Related Reports:

Plastic Antioxidants Market - Global Forecast to 2025

Impact Modifiers Market - Global Forecast to 2025

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The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

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DETROIT, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Regrid and Zoneomics are unveiling their powerhouse partnership, merging Regrid's unrivaled land parcel data with Zoneomics' market leading standardized zoning information and boundaries. Regrid promises to transform the landscape of property insights with the planned release of its enhanced data products, slated for early 2024 release.

Regrid, a prominent innovator in land parcel mapping and location intelligence, offers the only 100% Land Parcel Coverage Map of the United States. The company has joined forces with Zoneomics, a leading zoning data intelligence technology company, in a groundbreaking collaboration. This partnership represents a significant milestone in Regrid's pursuit of providing comprehensive geospatial property insight.

Regrid is constantly striving for innovation and has invested in additional products such as Building Footprints, Secondary Addresses, and Enhanced Ownership datasets. This investment demonstrates their commitment to providing unparalleled property insights. By integrating with Zoneomics' meticulously curated zoning data, spanning the United States, Canada and Australia, Regrid will enrich its suite with robust zoning content.

Regrid intends to utilize these new zoning products across the entirety of its solution suite beginning in early 2024. Bookmark www.regrid.com/zoning to keep up with the latest developments.

Regrid CEO Jerry Paffendorf says, "Land parcels combine property boundaries with attributes like ownership, occupancy, use, and permission, and zoning is critical to understand use and permission. After an extensive review of the zoning landscape, we learned that no one is doing zoning better than Zoneomics, and their team is awesome. Whether you want to change zoning or conform to it, step one is clearly seeing it as it is today. We're excited to partner with Zoneomics to bring the best land parcels plus zoning perspective to our customers."

Zoneomics CEO, Matthew Player says, "We are thrilled to announce our strategic partnership with Regrid, the leading provider of nationwide parcel data and mapping solutions. This collaboration will enable Regrid to leverage our cutting-edge zoning data and analysis platform, Zoneomics, to enhance their products and services for their customers. We believe that by combining our strengths, we can create a powerful synergy that will transform the real estate industry and unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation. We look forward to working with Regrid's talented team and sharing our vision of making zoning data accessible, accurate, and actionable for everyone."

About Regrid

Regrid provides a public map and app for exploring national land parcel data in the US. It makes parcel data available to businesses, developers, and researchers via API, downloads, cloud delivery, and Esri-compatible Feature Service. Regrid's Data with Purpose program provides academics and non-profits access to land insight at a pay-what-you-can-afford price. To learn more about Regrid, visit regrid.com .

About Zoneomics

Zoneomics is a real estate intelligence platform powered by AI and machine learning that collects and puts crucial zoning data, land-use data, and analysis into the hands of users at the click of a button. Built by experienced real estate professionals and technology experts, they understand the challenges modern users face when seeking this information for important decision-making. The Zoneomics platform extracts and standardizes the latest zoning data from thousands of sources around the clock and then delivers insights in multiple popular formats including a map-enabled web platform, various zoning reports, zoning data APIs, and GDE-Enabled APIs. Visit www.zoneomics.com for more information.

(Zoneomics was founded in 2018 and has its headquarters in Boca Raton, Florida)

Contact: Email: parcels@regrid.com

SOURCE Regrid
BURNSVILLE, Minn., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Distinguished spinal surgeon, Dr. Hamid Abbasi, CMO of Inspired Spine was invited to India to showcase his groundbreaking Oblique Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (OLLIF) technique at the prestigious Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Association of Bharat (India) Conference (MISSABCON). Dr. Abbasi's visit not only marks a significant contribution to the advancement of spinal surgery in the country but also signals his intent to expand his innovative approach to spinal interventions within India.

Dr. Hamid Abbasi held an educational Trans Kambin OLLIF Cadaver Lab while in India. Pictured here with the Faculty and Organization Staff. Over 30 staff and surgeons attended the lab. Dr. Hamid Abbasi shown here presenting his groundbreaking Trans Kambin OLLIF technique at the MISSABCON conference in India.

The MISSABCON conference provides a unique platform for spine surgeons in India to witness Dr. Abbasi's OLLIF technique in action. Known for its minimally invasive nature and exceptional patient outcomes, the OLLIF technique has captured the attention of the global medical community. Dr. Abbasi's presentation and hands-on cadaver lab at MISSABCON aim to share valuable insights and expertise with Indian physicians, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Impressed by the rapid growth and evolution of the medical and technology landscapes in India, Dr. Abbasi expressed his enthusiasm for contributing to the country's healthcare sector. "India is experiencing remarkable growth in the field of medicine, and I am thrilled to be a part of this vibrant community. The invitation to present at MISSABCON reflects a shared commitment to advancing spinal surgery techniques and improving patient care. Witnessing the dynamic developments in India has inspired me to explore opportunities for expansion and collaboration within this burgeoning healthcare environment," stated Dr. Abbasi.

The OLLIF technique, renowned for its precision and effectiveness in treating lumbar spine disorders, aligns with the evolving needs of patients seeking minimally invasive solutions for spinal conditions. Dr. Abbasi envisions establishing a presence in India, with plans for partnerships, training programs, and collaborations with local medical institutions.

"As a spinal surgeon dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation, I see tremendous potential in contributing to India's healthcare landscape. My goal is to make advanced spinal care more accessible to patients across the country, and I am exploring avenues for long-term partnerships that will facilitate the integration of the OLLIF technique into the Indian healthcare system," added Dr. Abbasi.

Dr. Abbasi's visit to India not only underscores his commitment to advancing global spinal care but also highlights the growing importance of international collaboration in the medical field. As he shares his expertise at MISSABCON, Dr. Abbasi looks forward to laying the foundation for a lasting impact on spinal surgery practices in India.

For media inquiries, please contact Amanda Armagost at [email protected]

SOURCE Inspired Spine
Next-Generation Satellite Network is Key for Resilient Connectivity and Business Growth

Unique global data constellation using satellite-to-satellite laser links

Ultra-secure and extremely low latency network

Combining the speed of fiber with the reach of satellite

Rivada aims to be part of the Trusted Network initiative being championed by NOW in the Indo-Pacific region

MUNICH, and MANILA, Philippines, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NOW Corporation, a telecom, media and technology company listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange, is partnering with Rivada Space Networks to provide a unique next generation connectivity network for the Philippines.

Enterprises' increasing demand to move large quantities of data securely and quickly around the world is fast outpacing the current infrastructure used to carry it. Terrestrial and legacy satellite networks, in particular, are clearly sub-optimal for business communications in terms of speed, security and latency.

NOW Corp Pres and CEO Henry Andrews Abes and Rivada Space Networks Chairman and CEO Declan J Ganley during the virtual signing of the MoU Partnership. Rivada's OuterNET offers unprecedented coverage, capacity and speed. (PRNewsfoto/Rivada Space Networks)

NOW Corporation will harness the OuterNET where Rivada's seamless connectivity will ramp up performance, improve security, and increase customer efficiency. Rivada's industry-leading solutions will provide resiliency for high quality voice, video and data solutions to enterprises that require secure infrastructure, such as banking and financial services, mining and transportation.

Rivada's OuterNET is also particularly well suited for the low latency and secure connectivity required by national and local government and defence sectors and will play a key role in NOW Corp's goal of providing trusted connectivity to critical infrastructure projects in the Philippines.

NOW Telecom, NOW Corp's associate and telecom arm, recently secured a grant from the US Trade and Development Agency for the development of reliable and secure nationwide 5G mobile and broadband networks in the Philippines.

Rivada's global low-latency point-to-point connectivity network of 600 low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, the "OuterNET," is a unique next-generation architecture combing inter-satellite laser links with advanced onboard processing that provide unique routing and switching capabilities to create an optical mesh network in space. This approach to "orbital networking," in which data stays in space from origin to destination, creates an ultra-secure satellite network with pole-to-pole coverage, offering end-to-end latencies much lower than terrestrial fiber over similar long distances. And by routing traffic on a physically separated network, it provides a layer of defense for any organization that needs to securely share data between widely distributed sites.

NOW Corp President and CEO, Henry Andrews Abes said: "We welcome Rivada as one of the satellite partners that NOW has forged an alliance with. As we aim to link and to secure critical infrastructures in the Philippines, we aim to provide the most reliable and secure connectivity to our intended market. Rivada's OuterNET will revolutionize how telecom services are provided to government agencies and companies employing mission-critical and security-sensitive applications and services across the 7,600 islands of the Philippines. We look forward to working with Rivada alongside other trusted partners."

Declan Ganley, CEO, Rivada Space Networks, said: "We are delighted to be working with a dynamic company like NOW Corp and be part of its Trusted Network initiative." Ganley added: "The OuterNET allows satellites to go beyond their traditional role of 'gap-filler.' The OuterNET is a fully inter-connected space network, which is rapidly becoming the infrastructure of choice for secure data communications."

Rivada's OuterNET will solve essential connectivity and networking challenges and open up new opportunities for business communications globally. The first satellite launch is set for 2025, with global service starting in 2026.

About Rivada Space Networks

Rivada Space Networks GmbH is deploying the first true "OuterNET": a global low latency point-to-point connectivity network of LEO satellites. By connecting its satellites with lasers, Rivada Space Networks will provide resellers and B2B customers with the ability to securely connect any two points on the globe with low latency and high bandwidth. The constellations, comprising 600 low-earth-orbit communications satellites, will represent a fundamental change in the availability of secure, global, end-to-end enterprise-grade connectivity for Telecom, Enterprise, Maritime, Energy and Government Services markets. Rivada Space Networks is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rivada Networks, Inc. www.rivadaspace.com

Follow Rivada Space Networks on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rivada-space/

Twitter: @rivadaspace

Media Contacts

Melanie Dickie, SVP Marketing & Communication

Rivada Space Networks GmbH

Tel: +31 6 14 22 97 62

Email: [email protected]m

Brian Carney, SVP Corporate Communications

Rivada Networks, Inc

Tel: +1 (207) 256-0386

Email: [email protected]

About NOW Corp

The NOW Group is Philippine-based conglomerate with investments in telecom, media, and technology (TMT). Among its portfolio of companies is NOW Corporation, a publicly traded company in the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE: NOW). NOW specializes in offering Unified Connectivity, ICT Applications for Business Enhancement, Managed ICT Services, IT Manpower Services, and Cybersecurity solutions.

In November 2022, the U.S. Government recognized NOW Telecom, an affiliate of NOW Corp, as its partner in deploying 5G technologies and establishing a secure nationwide broadband network across the Philippines. For a preliminary insight into the partnership between NOW Telecom and the U.S. Government, kindly visit https://now-telecom.com/usgovpartnership/

Moreover, the White House has officially commemorated our collaboration in their statement. You can read more about it https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/11/20/fact-sheet-vice-president-harris-launches-new-initiatives-to-strengthen-u-s-philippines-alliance/

www.now-corp.com

SOURCE Rivada Space Networks
PALO ALTO, Calif., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SGNL.ai, the industry's first Continuous Access Management company, today announced its participation in the Microsoft Security Copilot Partner Private Preview. SGNL was selected based on their proven experience with Microsoft Security technologies, willingness to explore and provide feedback on cutting edge functionality, and close relationship with Microsoft.

"In the context of security, AI's impact is likely to be profound, tilting the scales in favor of defenders and empowering organizations to defend at machine speed. At Microsoft, we are privileged to have a leading role in advancing AI innovation, and we are so grateful to our incredible ecosystem of partners, whose mission-driven work is critical to helping customers secure their organizations and confidently bring the many benefits of AI into their environments," said Vasu Jakkal, CVP, Microsoft Security.

SGNL.ai announced its participation in the Microsoft Security Copilot Partner Private Preview during Microsoft Ignite. Post this

SGNL is working with Microsoft product teams to help shape Security Copilot product development in several ways, including validation and refinement of new and upcoming scenarios, providing feedback on product development and operations to be incorporated into future product releases, and validation and feedback of APIs to assist with Security Copilot extensibility. To learn more, read the announcement .

"Security has and continues to be a significant priority and area of investment for businesses as their systems and processes need to keep pace with the ongoing sophistication of adversaries," said Erik Gustavson, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of SGNL.ai. "Given our aligned priorities, we are excited to be teaming with Microsoft to ensure Security Copilot meets the needs of customers."

Security Copilot is the first AI-powered security product that enables security professionals to respond to threats quickly, process signals at machine speed, and assess risk exposure in minutes. It combines an advanced large language model (LLM) with a security-specific model that is informed by Microsoft's unique global threat intelligence and more than 65 trillion daily signals.

About SGNL.ai:

With an initial team of security experts and executives who formerly worked at Google, Microsoft, Okta and Salesforce, SGNL is working to modernize enterprise authorization. SGNL's continuous access management platform provides zero standing access, protecting access to sensitive data and guarding against potential security compromises. SGNL. was founded in 2021 with venture backing from Costanoa Ventures, Fika Ventures, Moonshots Capital, and Resolute Ventures. For more information about SGNL visit https://sgnl.ai.

Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

SOURCE SGNL.ai, Inc.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. Construction of a school by our side in Palestine is also on the agenda, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said in a letter to President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas, Trend reports.

"Establishment of Azerbaijans diplomatic mission in Palestine last year was a positive step to develop bilateral relations. Construction of a school by our side in Palestine is also on the agenda.

We hope for the soonest de-escalation of tension in Gaza. Azerbaijan has always demonstrated solidarity with respect to the Palestine issue and advocated for the two-state solution of a problem based on the UNs respective resolutions and decisions. Our country will continue to provide support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

I believe that friendly relations and cooperation based on good traditions between our countries will continue to successfully develop," President Ilham Aliyev said.
PRINCETON, N.J., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SkillSignal, a pioneer in construction technology, in collaboration with Princeton University's Kahneman-Treisman Center for Behavioral Science & Public Policy, is proud to unveil the Construction Wellbeing Initiative (CWI)  the world's first database exclusively devoted to mental health interventions in the construction community. This groundbreaking repository is a testament to the commitment both organizations have toward promoting mental wellbeing and suicide prevention for construction workers.

Construction Wellbeing Initiative logo SkillSignal is working to raise wellbeing and mental health in the construction industry.

The construction sector has grappled with alarming mental health issues and suicide rates for years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) starkly highlight that 53.3 construction workers out of every 100,000 succumb to suicide, a rate significantly overshadowing the U.S. average of 12.93 per 100,000. This equates to a tragic loss of approximately 5,000 construction professionals to suicide annually.

Brendan Loftus, director of member assistance for the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 1, emphasizes, "People are discussing mental health more than ever before. We are trying to change the culture in the construction industry." BTEA president and CEO, Elizabeth Crowley, further underscores the urgency, noting, "The construction profession is both physically and emotionally taxing. Our industry's unique challenges necessitate specialized interventions to bolster mental wellbeing."

Key Features of the Construction Wellbeing Initiative:

Robust Industry Solutions: After interviewing hundreds of global construction professionals, the CWI Team compiled proven interventions that have been successfully implemented to improve workers' mental health on job sites.

Partnership with Princeton University : Each intervention has undergone thorough analysis to ensure practical applicability on construction sites and deliver tangible results.

: Each intervention has undergone thorough analysis to ensure practical applicability on construction sites and deliver tangible results. Combatting Stigma: The initiative ardently champions mental health awareness within the construction sector, with a vision to eradicate associated stigmas.

SkillSignal's CEO, Sebastien de Ghellinck, expresses his vision for the initiative's future: "This is merely the beginning. Our aim is to continuously enrich this database, pooling insights from countless wellbeing initiatives across the industry," Vivian Burgnon, Head of Client Success at SkillSignal, adds, "Our commitment is unwavering. We strive to provide construction leaders with actionable techniques and solutions to tangibly enhance wellbeing on job sites."

To explore the CWI's comprehensive range of interventions and resources, please visit wellbeing.construction .

About SkillSignal: SkillSignal , headquartered in Skillman, New Jersey, is a pioneering construction technology platform. Renowned for its unique suite of apps tailored for construction professionals, SkillSignal's solutions assist construction firms in bolstering safety, minimizing risks, and simplifying compliance.

SOURCE SkillSignal Inc
BANGALORE, India , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Smart Mobility Market is Segmented by Element (Bike Commuting, Car Sharing , and Ride Sharing ), Solution ( Traffic Management , Parking Management, Mobility Management and Others), and Technology ( 3G & 4G , Wi-Fi, GPS, RFID , Embedded System , and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast - 2027.

The global smart mobility market is projected to reach USD 70.46 Billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 20.2%.

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Major Factors driving the growth of Smart Mobility Market:

The global market for smart mobility is expanding as a result of factors like the growing popularity of on-demand transport services and government initiatives for smart cities. However, the variables anticipated to offer profitable prospects for market expansion are enhanced autonomous vehicle performance and intelligent transportation systems.

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TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF SMART MOBILITY MARKET:

Numerous governmental endeavors have been launched to execute the notion of intelligent mobility worldwide. The market for smart mobility has expanded globally as a result of this. The implementation of investment and subsidy programs by various governments worldwide has resulted in the expansion of the global market.

One of the main factors driving the expansion of the smart mobility industry is the swift advancement of technology, especially in the areas of artificial intelligence , the Internet of Things, and the 5G connection. These developments have made it possible for different forms of transport to seamlessly integrate and communicate with one another, opening the door to a more connected and effective mobility environment. The advent of intelligent automobiles, furnished with sensors and communication apparatuses, amplifies security, streamlines vehicular movement, and furnishes users with up-to-date information to facilitate enhanced decision-making.

The demand for smart transportation solutions is largely driven by the global trend towards urbanization and the ongoing population expansion. Sustainable and intelligent transport systems are becoming more and more necessary in densely populated cities to alleviate traffic, cut pollution, and enhance general urban mobility. In densely populated locations, smart mobility solutionssuch as ride-sharing, micro-mobility options, and smart public transportationoffer practical substitutes for conventional means of transportation. Concerns about climate change and rising environmental consciousness are causing a movement in favor of eco-friendly and sustainable transportation options. By streamlining routes, lessening traffic, and encouraging the use of electric vehicles, smart mobility solutions are essential for advancing sustainability.

Convenience, accessibility, and customized experiences are becoming more and more important in today's changing expectations and preferences of consumers. These shifting tastes are met by intelligent mobility solutions including integrated mobility platforms, on-demand transportation services, and ride-sharing apps. The need for adaptable, user-focused transit solutions is driving innovation in the smart mobility market to meet changing customer demands. Globally, governments are realizing how smart mobility may help solve transport issues and spur economic growth. Intelligent traffic management systems, electric vehicle incentives, and the creation of smart infrastructure are just a few of the policies and programs that many nations are putting into place to promote the adoption of smart transportation solutions. Investments and encouragement from the government stimulate the market for smart transportation.

Smart mobility solutions increase total transportation efficiency, which has a positive economic impact. Businesses and people can save money through better logistics, less fuel usage, and optimized traffic management. Organizations are becoming more motivated to invest in these solutions as they become aware of the financial advantages of using smart mobility technologies, which is further propelling the market's expansion.

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SMART MOBILITY MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS

Between 2020 and 2027, Asia-Pacific would have the highest CAGR of 22.2%. Asia-Pacific market, as a result of top service providers working together and utilizing cutting-edge technology like RFID for intelligent mobility. Wireless service providers are also striving to offer cutting-edge wireless platforms for smart transportation, which is anticipated to support the expansion of the smart mobility market in the Asia-Pacific region.

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Major Players:

Cisco

Excelfore Corporation

Ford Motor Company

Innoviz Technologies. Inc.

MAAS Global Oy

QuaLiX Information System

Robert Bosch GmbH

Siemens

TomTom International

Toyota Motor Corporation

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SIMILAR REPORTS

- The global micro mobility market is projected to reach USD 195.42 Billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 17.4% from 2021 to 2030.

- Enterprise Mobility in Retail market size is projected to reach USD 23777590 million by 2027 at a CAGR of 21.3%.

- Mobility Aids Market

- Recycled Materials For Mobility Applications Market

- Personal E-Mobility Device Market

- Micro Mobility Battery PACK Market

- The Mobility Scooter market was valued to reach USD 1297 million by 2029, witnessing a CAGR of 9.1% during the forecast period 2023-2029.

- Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) Services for Wearables Market

- Medical Equipment Rental Software Market

- Mobility Service Market

- Shared Mobility market size is projected to reach USD 145460 million by 2027 at a CAGR of 6.5%.

- Battery Swapping Infrastructure Market

- Urban Air Mobility (UAM) market size is projected to reach USD 12970 million by 2028, from USD 7105.8 million in 2021, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.8% during 2022-2028.

- Advanced Air Mobility Market

- The U.S. enterprise mobility management market size is projected to reach D48.53 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 26.8%.

- Electric Vehicle (EV) Battery Swapping Service Market

- The globally connected car market size is projected to reach USD 225.16 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 17.1%.

- The global wireless electric vehicle charging market size is projected to reach USD 210.1 Million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 36.4%.

- The global small cell 5G network market is projected to reach USD 19,628 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 37.1%.

- The global connected motorcycle market size is projected to reach USD 304.1 million by 2027, registering a CAGR of 39.6%.

- Smart City Platforms market size is projected to reach USD 198650 million by 2027 at a CAGR of 9.3%.

Click here to see related reports on Smart Mobility Market

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Michele Szczypka will lead branding, PR, and communications for the firm and its clients.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Stamats Communications Inc., a leading full-service digital marketing agency specializing in higher education, health care & B2B marketing, has appointed Michele Szczypka as its new chief marketing and communications officer (CMCO).

Michele will oversee branding, marketing, and reputation management for the firm and its clients. Drawing from over three decades of experience as a branding and communications executive, Michele will lead the firm's growing PR and communications solutions and expand its branding and marketing capabilities.

Stamats Names New Chief Marketing & Communications Officer Post this Michele Szczypka CHIEF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Stamats

"We're fortunate to have Michele join our team," said Peter Stamats, president and CEO of the firm. "As a seasoned marketing executive, she will add a new level of expertise to our marketing clients. We are recognized as the nation's leading marketing agency for higher ed and health care, and her expertise and leadership will help shape a bright future for our firm and clients."

Michele's experience building strong brands and storytelling spans communications, digital solutions, business development, and strategic partnerships. She has led brand development, market strategy, PR and media relations, research, and growth strategies for various national health systems.

She's a three-time Emmy Award-winning writer and producer and has been named a Top 100 Marketer globally by OnCon Icon.

"I'm thrilled to join Stamats at such a critical time for both higher education and health care," said Szczypka. "Both are poised for explosive growth, even amid shrinking student and workforce populations and the complex issues these industries continue to navigate. We see opportunities for these industries to level up their marketing and PR, and I'm looking forward to unleashing all we can do for our clients."

"As Stamats celebrates its 100th year as the go-to source for all things higher ed and health care marketing, we're excited to see this new era include honing and leveraging our capabilities in branding and PR," said Bill Stamats, executive vice president of the firm.

About Stamats:

Stamats is a national-leading, full-service digital marketing and research company specializing in the higher education, health care, and B2B industries. Capabilities include full marketing and communications services from brand development and PR to website design and development, mobile marketing, PPC, SEO/SEM, content marketing, email marketing, research, traditional media, live events, database marketing, and more.

Contact: Sabra Fiala

[email protected]

SOURCE Stamats Communications, Inc.
CPUC Backtracks on Cruise, but Robotaxis Remain on California Roads

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) decision to halt the autonomous vehicle company Cruise's robotaxi permit in San Francisco, California Teamsters are calling on CPUC Commissioner John Reynolds to resign.

"Reynolds needs to step down immediately," said Peter Finn, Teamsters Western Region International Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer of Local 856. "He was the lead attorney for Cruise for two years. He almost certainly had direct insight into what the whole country now knows about this company  it prioritized profits over public safety and put its dangerous technology on the streets at a reckless pace.

"Reynolds fully supported Cruise's expansion of autonomous vehicles for unlimited commercial use in San Francisco," said Jason Rabinowitz, President of Teamsters Joint Council 7. "The CPUC's decision to backtrack and quietly pull Cruise's permit is not enough to keep our streets safe  not when our regulatory agencies are wrought with corruption and blatant conflicts of interest that put corporate greed before people."

Even though Cruise had its permit revoked, the CPUC will continue to allow Alphabet-backed robotaxi subsidiary Waymo to operate on California roads. The company recently expanded its operations to Los Angeles County. Public records reveal that Waymo has spent nearly $2 million lobbying the state government this year, a massive increase from the year prior.

"The Cruise fiasco is what happens when you let big business regulate itself," said Lindsay Dougherty, Teamsters Western Region International Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer of Local 399. "I doubt Californians would be happy with attorneys from Big Tobacco running the Dept. of Public Health or attorneys from Big Oil running CalEPA. Big Tech shouldn't be an exception. John Reynolds never should have been at the CPUC to begin with, and the Teamsters demand he step down immediately."

"Reynolds needs to accept responsibility and immediately step down from his post, and Gov. Newsom, who appointed and later reappointed Reynolds to the CPUC, needs to stop polluting our regulatory agencies with Big Tech cronies," said Chris Griswold, Teamsters International Vice President At-Large and President of Teamsters Joint Council 42. "It's time California starts putting safety first."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org to learn more. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact:

Zoe PiSierra

[email protected]

Matt McQuaid, (202) 624-6877

[email protected]

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Locals and Joint Councils Nationwide to Stand in Solidarity

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters is strongly encouraging its Joint Councils and local unions nationwide to stand in solidarity with Starbucks Workers United during unfair labor practice strikes scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 16.

The Teamsters Union represents workers throughout the supply chain who make Starbucks' overall operations possible. With 1.3 million members at more than 360 local affiliates, Teamsters perform critical work in a variety of trade divisions, including food processing, warehousing, the dairy industry, and transport and delivery logistics.

"The Teamsters Union is proud to encourage all of our affiliates to stand with Starbucks workers," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. "Starbucks' Board and executives can only ignore the collective voices of thousands of Starbucks workers for so long. This is what happens when greedy CEOs deny workers a contract and union bust. You get a Red Cup Rebellion."

"Starbucks workers across America saw the power of the unified Teamsters victory at UPS this year. We are deeply honored to feel the strength of their solidarity as partners opposing unfair labor practices during our Red Cup Rebellion across America on November 16 and beyond," said Lynne Fox, International President of Workers United.

Starbucks Workers United has organized more than 9,500 workers at 368 stores across 42 states over the past two years. Starbucks workers will be conducting unfair labor practice strikes at close to 200 stores, nearly twice as many as last year's Red Cup Rebellion. Workers and customers at hundreds more stores will learn more about how to join this movement on Thursday in one of the largest expansions of the campaign to date. Learn more at sbworkersunited.org.

Starbucks Workers United is a campaign of Workers United, an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union, which represents 80,000 members in multiple economic sectors in the U.S. and Canada. Learn more at workersunited.org.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact:

Kara Deniz, (202) 497-6610

[email protected]

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters
LISHUI, China, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from Yunhe County Media Integration Center: Hosted by the China Toy & Juvenile Products Association (CTJPA) and the People's Government of Yunhe County, the 7th Yunhe Fairy-tale Wooden Toy Festival and China Wooden Toy Town Brand Development Conference, began in Yunhe, a county in Lishui, Zhejiang province, on November 10.

In its seventh installment, the Yunhe Fairy-tale Wooden Toy Festival established itself as a key global platform for wooden toy manufacturers and buyers. This year's event saw participation from 79 local brands in Yunhe and successfully attracted buyers from over 30 countries and regions, as well as numerous provinces and cities within China. The festival welcomed globally renowned toy brands such as Germany's Hape, Haba, and Delta-Sport, and America's Melissa & Doug.

This prominent event honored 17 entrepreneurs and 29 companies with the "Yunhe Wooden Toy 50-Year Outstanding Contribution Award", reflecting their significant impact in the industry. Additionally, the festival witnessed the signing of eight major projects, amounting to a total investment of 760 million yuan. The event brought together representatives from both the Chinese and international toy markets, and a group of industry insiders and experts. They engaged in comprehensive discussions on critical topics such as the transformation of the wooden toy industry, fostering exceptional industrial development, and the integration of wooden toys into early childhood education.

Wooden toys represent a traditional industry in Yunhe. Today, the county stands as China's largest and most varied wooden toy production and export hub, earning the designations as "China's Wooden Toy City" and the "National Export Quality and Safety Demonstration Zone".

As a frontrunner in wooden toy production both globally and nationally, Yunhe is set to utilize the 7th Yunhe Fairy-tale Wooden Toy Festival as a catalyst for revitalizing consumer engagement. This initiative is designed to foster a synergistic relationship between Chinese wooden toy producers and global peers, promoting a reciprocal strengthening of cultural creativity and the real economy.

Yunhe is embarking on an ambitious three-year action plan to propel its local wooden toy industry. The plan includes driving R&D innovation, broadening market development and boosting brand promotion. This strategic initiative is directed towards advanced development and the intelligent evolution of its traditional sector. The county aspires to become a leading global center for wooden toy production and manufacturing, elevating Yunhe's wooden toys to global prominence.

SOURCE Yunhe County Media Integration Center
The Landing Dispensaries support at-risk members of Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Monroe and Huron communities this Thanksgiving season through turkey donations

CLEVELAND, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Landing Dispensaries are celebrating Ohioans' overwhelming support for the passing of the citizen-led adult-use cannabis ballot initiative Issue 2 by partnering with the Cleveland Food Bank, Mid-Ohio Food Collective, Freestore Food Bank and Second Harvest Food Bank to feed 10,000 through turkey donations this Thanksgiving season.

"Community leadership and service are key pillars of the company ethos at Firelands Scientific and The Landing Dispensaries," said Rob McCourt, Firelands Scientific Vice President of Commercial. "Our teams came together to find an impactful way to contribute to communities where we have a retail presence, so we partnered with Atlantic Food Distributors and key food banks across Ohio for a large quantity turkey donation to feed at-risk Ohioans this Thanksgiving."

The recent opening of The Landing Dispensary's Cincinnati location marks Firelands Scientific's fifth Ohio dispensary and brings its full dispensary roster to 10 stores, serving patients across five The Landing West Virginia locations as well as its five stores located in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Monroe, and Huron.

"We stand ready to work with Governor DeWine and the new Division of Cannabis Control to ensure that Issue 2 is quickly and effectively implemented, as voters intended." said Jeff McCourt, Firelands Scientific CEO. "We are particularly excited that Ohio has the potential to be a national leader with the strong social equity provisions included in Issue 2 and also for our patient advocate and hobbies community to have access to legal home grow."

The Landing offers a full lineup of medical cannabis products, including offering the best prices in Ohio on in-demand Firelands Scientific flower, edibles, vapes, concentrates and more for patients, who remain The Landing's primary focus both in a medical and future adult-use market.

About The Landing Dispensary: Founded in 2022 by Firelands Scientific, The Landing Dispensaries offer patients premium and practical medical cannabis products at affordable prices at convenient locations across Ohio and West Virginia. Fueled by best-in-class service made possible by a staff of extensively trained patient care representatives, new or veteran patients will always feel at home at The Landing.

The Landing Dispensary

Nate Darling

[email protected]

SOURCE Firelands Scientific
NEW YORK and PARIS, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --The PolG Foundation is a nascent foundation established in 2022 by a PolG family, with the mission to support and accelerate research to find effective treatments and a cure for PolG mitochondrial disorders.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:

https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9224051-polg-foundation-awards-academic-grants-pioneer-polg-research/

THE PoLG FOUNDATION Mei Fa Tan , Montreux Media Ventures

With both a dedicated and experienced Board of Directors and Scientific Advisory Board, including some of the top mitochondrial scientists in the world, the Foundation is quickly becoming a leading funder of basic, translational, and clinical PolG research. Working with the global scientific community, we are investing in developing critical tools and continue to make our findings available to mitochondrial scientists, clinicians, and patients worldwide.

In addition to the development of IPS Cell Lines, RNA Sequencing and two transgenic mouse models for the use of PolG researchers, the Foundation is also actively working on the creation of a PolG global registry and prospective natural history study.

Frederik de Nassau, a POLG warrior and son of founding parents, designs a MITO clothing line to raise awareness and funds for The PolG Foundation. View Shop - https://shopmito.polgfoundation.org/

A central pillar of the Foundation is to raise funding and provide grants to world-class investigators of basic science, clinical trial research and development of novel therapies for PolG mitochondrial disorders in both paediatric and adult PolG populations. Today, The PolG Foundation is pleased to announce four awardees granted to our first Call for Research Initiatives proposals.

We are excited to see these grants being implemented by the four research groups who will pursue outstanding R&D work in the field of POLG biology:

Prof Vamsi K. Mootha

Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Boston (USA)

Title: A variant-to-function map of POLG via deep mutational scanning

Synopsis of the work: POLG-deficiency is associated with tremendous allelic heterogeneity, and at present it is very challenging to know which observed variants are benign versus pathogenic. The goal is to create a comprehensive dashboard for POLG that connects all possible variants to biological and biochemical functions. Next generation DNA synthesis to create a saturation mutagenesis library for POLG will be combined with functional genetic screens that quantitatively score POLG variants. It will be a durable toolbox that will be valuable for both basic research and clinical communities.

Prof Anu Suomalainen Wartiovaara

University of Helsinki, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine (Finland)

Title: TargetPOLG: Mechanisms of POLG-disease and approaches to therapy

Synopsis of the work: The Finnish POLG patient's cohort we support has the same homozygous mutation, however, manifest with a variability of symptoms, indicating that strong environmental and/or genetic factors affect the variable outcomes of POLG disease, from childhood to middle-age. Understanding and targeting such mechanisms have the potential to control the progression of POLG disease. Specifically, mechanisms will be explored and identified that might contribute and promote POLG-disease manifestations. Selected molecular targets will be tested and challenged to generate preclinical evidence for human trials.

Dr Kristina Xiao Liang,

Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen (Norway)

Title: Stem Cell-Based Study for Drug Discovery for POLG disease

Synopsis of the work : The overarching goal of the project is to establish a human stem cell-based 2D neural system and 3D brain organoid platform for drug discovery and to identify mitochondria-targeting therapies that are repurposing-ready and can quickly trigger clinical trials in POLG patients.

Dr Yi Shiau Ng,

Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research (WCMR), Newcastle University (UK)

Title: Coalition for trial readiness in POLG (C4TR-POLG): Clinical trial readiness for POLG-related mitochondrial disease and ataxia: a prospective, longitudinal study identifying sensitive and ecologically valid biomarkers

Synopsis of the work: Studying treatments for ultra-rare forms of mitochondrial disease is challenging. Participant pools are small and restricted by rigid inclusion and exclusion criteria. There is often incomplete understanding of genotypephenotype relationships and natural history to inform trial endpoint development. Tackling these disparities is recognised as a long-standing, complex conundrum. Leveraging value in multi- stakeholder innovative networks is urgently needed.

Fully aligned with the strategy of the Foundation, these research grants cover different building blocks that characterise the disease: from understanding how the disease develops and progresses, to monitoring phenotypes with outcome measures. Herewith, we are committed to discovering and developing potential new medicines and therapies.

As a standard bearer for the global PolG community, we are deeply moved by all the interest and support received from individuals, foundations, scientific, biotech, pharma, patient advocacy and medical ecosystems. With your help and financial backing we can further our ambitious mission by discovering new therapies and a potential cure for PolG. Thank you!

www.polgfoundation.org

Donate:

https://polgfoundation.kindful.com/

2023 | The POLG Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. EIN 87-1876876. Donations are tax-deductible in the USA as allowable by law. Donations may be sent to: THE POLG FOUNDATION, 99 Park Ave., 24th Floor, New York, NY 10016

Contact:

Paula Casanova

[email protected]

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SOURCE The PolG Foundation
"Treasures of Tenacity" Exhibit Empowers Students With Dyslexia to Celebrate Spirit of Determination and Resilience

MIAMI, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Roig Academy, a specialized school in Miami for students in Grades K-8 with dyslexia and attention deficit disorder (ADD), is hosting a special event THIS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17 from 11:30am to 1:30pm to launch its "Treasures of Tenacity" student showcase inspired by heroes who have triumphed over adversity.

Presented as an interactive exhibit lovingly curated by students, "Treasures of Tenacity" features 50+ life-size cutouts of famous leaders, celebrities, scientists, artists, and mentors selected by the students for their strength in overcoming struggles  including dyslexia.

Among the highlights: Richard Branson, Walt Disney, Thomas Edison, Salma Hayek, Michael Jordan, Gen. George S. Patton, Vera Wang, and Oprah Winfrey.

Roig Academy plans to set "Treasures of Tenacity" on an empowering journey as a traveling exhibit to be shared with other educational institutions.

"This special showcase is a celebration of the enduring spirit of perseverance  something our students understand personally," explains Gustavo Roig, Co-Founder of The Roig Academy. "We hope to foster a sense of unity and collaborative learning across different schools by inviting each hosting school to contribute their unique additions, continuously expanding and enriching the exhibit's scope."

The Roig Academy is the only private International Baccalaureate (IB) school in Florida serving students with dyslexia.

"At The Roig Academy, we're committed to helping our dyslexic students excel in reading and writing," notes Jennifer Roig, Co-Founder. "With events like 'Treasures of Tenacity', we're actively raising awareness and understanding about dyslexia, emphasizing that these children are exceptionally talented despite the challenges they face in learning to read."

MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.

*NOTE: All students of The Roig Academy have parental/guardian signed consent for their names/images/photos/videos to be shared with media outlets, including print, digital and television.

The Roig Academy is located at: 8000 SW 112 St., Miami, FL 33156.

Contact: CecilePR (305) 842-7523 | [email protected]

About The Roig Academy

Founded in 2000 in Miami, FL, The Roig Academy is a specialized school for students in Grades K-8 with dyslexia and attention deficit disorder (ADD). The only private International Baccalaureate (IB) school in Florida of its kind, Roig Academy is focused on providing evidence-based instruction and innovative teaching techniques supported by research.

SOURCE The Roig Academy
NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Threat Detection Systems Market by Application (Defense, Commercial, Industrial, Public infrastructure, and Residential), Type (Hardware, Software, and Services), and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America) - 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 threat detection systems market between 2022 and 2027 is USD 94.14 billion. Get deeper insights into the market size, current market scenario, future growth opportunities, major growth driving factors, the latest trends, and much more. Buy the full report here

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Threat Detection Systems Market 2023-2027

The increasing number of terrorist activities is notably driving market growth. The surge in territorial conflicts, geopolitical instability, and terrorism has led to a heightened demand for more sophisticated threat detection methods. The increasing frequency of terrorist attacks has underscored the urgency for advanced security systems capable of averting such incidents. For example, the deployment of metal detectors proves crucial in detecting explosives or firearms in public spaces.

Market Challenge

The high cost of threat detection systems is the major challenge impeding market growth. The substantial costs directly impact the interests of companies committed to implementing and embracing new technologies for threat detection. The expense of implementing threat detection systems can vary based on factors like the extent of integration, required functionalities, and the number of connected devices. Achieving a high level of integration is crucial to enhancing the seamlessness of threat detection systems, yet it concurrently drives up the overall cost. In addition to these considerations, the cost and time involved in establishing a connectivity model for each network and on-site device are pivotal factors that contribute to the expense of these systems.

Learn about additional key drivers, trends, and challenges available with Technavio. Read Sample PDF Report Now

The threat detection systems market share growth of the defense segment will be significant during the forecast period. Defense forces rely on intricate, multi-layered threat detection and screening solutions to uphold high-level security, enabling their personnel to prioritize vital missions over safeguarding infrastructure. Consequently, the surge in terrorist attacks and heightened concerns regarding the security of defense facilities are driving the demand for security and threat detection solutions in defense applications.

North America is estimated to account for 37% of the global market growth during the forecast period.

View Sample Report for insights into the contribution of all the segments and regional opportunities in the report.

Key Companies in the Threat Detection Systems Market:

Alert Logic Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Axis Communications AB, ChemImage Corp., Chemring Group Plc, Corptz, Fortra LLC, Group IB Service Ltd, Honeywell International Inc., LogRhythm Inc., Mirion Technologies Inc., OSI Systems Inc., PerimeterX Inc., Safran SA, Smiths Group Plc, Stellar Cyber, Synapse Technology Corp., Teledyne Technologies Inc., Thales Group, and Vectra AI Inc.

Related Reports:

The Security Analytics Market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 10.15% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 6,512.26 million.

The Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) Market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 18.65% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 4,936.48 million.

ToC:

Excustive Summary

Market Landscape

Market Sizing

Historic Market Sizes

Five Forces Analysis

Market Segmentation by Application

Market Segmentation by Type

Customer Landscape

Geographic Landscape

Drivers, Challenges, & Trends

Company Landscape

Company Analysis

Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com

SOURCE Technavio
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. At the hydrometeorological observation points located in Azerbaijani liberated territories, observations were suspended during the occupation and all infrastructure, including observation devices, was put out of operation, Azerbaijani Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mukhtar Babayev said, Trend reports.

He spoke at the II Meteorological Forum of the Turkic World.

The minister noted that ecological assessment and restoration work is currently ongoing in these territories.

There are 11 automatic hydrological stations and 6 automatic meteorological stations installed on the flowing rivers. According to the relevant order of the President of Azerbaijan regarding "I State Program on Great Return to the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation", this observation network will be expanded in the coming years.

"The introduction of "green technologies" will create a high quality ecological environment in these territories and turn them into a space of "green energy". These activities will reduce the impact of climate change, as well as make it more resilient to these impacts," the minister added.

The I Meteorological Forum of the Turkic World was held on February 19, 2021 in Ankara, Turkiye.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BEIJING, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from People's Daily: This year marks the 30th anniversary of the first Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting. Chinese President Xi Jinping has been invited to attend the 30th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, which fully showcases the great importance China attaches to Asia-Pacific economic cooperation.

China will continue to contribute wisdom and strength to deepen Asia-Pacific cooperation and promote the building of an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future.

Journalists and staff members work at the international media center of APEC 2023 in San Francisco, the United States, on Nov. 12, 2023. (Photo by Chen Yiming/People's Daily) Highlights of Xi Jinping's Quotes on APEC

The Asia-Pacific region accounts for one-third of the world's population, over 60 percent of the world's economic output, and nearly half of global trade. It is the most dynamic economic area of the world.

As an important economic cooperation platform in the Asia-Pacific region, APEC has made continuous progress in promoting regional trade and investment liberalization and facilitation and played a positive role in driving global and regional economic growth.

Currently, the Asia-Pacific region enjoys overall stability, and regional cooperation continues to make progress. Peaceful development and win-win cooperation remain the mainstream.

All parties expect the Asia-Pacific region to follow the path of peaceful, open, cooperative, win-win and inclusive development, respond to the challenges of the times, promote regional economic integration, explore new development prospects, and lead global economic growth.

China has been actively advocating for the building of an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future and firmly led the direction in promoting cooperation in the region.

Since 2013, Xi has attended or chaired APEC Economic Leaders' Meetings and delivered important speeches.

China has promoted Asia-Pacific cooperation through its propositions, promoted the development of the region with its contributions, built consensus in the region with its wisdom, and promoted the joint construction of an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future featuring openness and inclusiveness, innovation-driven growth, greater connectivity, and mutually beneficial cooperation.

At the 30th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, Xi will deliver an important speech to fully elaborate on China's major propositions on deepening Asia-Pacific cooperation and driving regional and global growth.

China will steadfastly work with all parties to promote the prosperity and development of the Asia-Pacific region and create a better future for the region.

China, as a key player in the Asia-Pacific region, holds immense potential for economic growth and plays a significant role in driving regional economic development.

The Asian Development Bank's Asia Economic Integration Report 2023 indicated that China contributed 64.2 percent to the region's total economic growth, 37.6 percent of the growth in trade in goods, and 44.6 percent of the growth in trade in services.

The country is dedicated to deepening the Asia-Pacific partnership featuring mutual trust, inclusiveness and mutually beneficial cooperation. It aims to build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future that is peaceful, stable, clean and beautiful, a region where all are ready to help each other and that brings prosperity for all.

The commitment will create new opportunities and inject fresh impetus into the development and prosperity of both the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large.

China's development has benefited from the Asia-Pacific region, and China reciprocates by benefiting the region through its own progress.

China stays committed to opening up in a wider scope and broader areas and at a deeper level. It sticks to Chinese modernization and builds new systems for higher-level open economy. China will continue to share its development opportunities with the world, especially with the Asia-Pacific region.

It is widely recognized that a prosperous and strong China not only serves the fundamental interests of the Chinese people but also brings more benefits to the Asia-Pacific and the world.

The peace, stability, and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region belong to all the people in the region, and the future of the Asia-Pacific relies on the joint efforts of the people.

All parties should stay true to their original aspirations, adopt a strategic and long-term perspective on regional cooperation, and uphold APEC's role as the main channel in regional cooperation and keep Asia-Pacific cooperation in the right direction, so as to work together to build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future.

SOURCE People's Daily
Providing evidence-based solutions for individuals with cognitive decline leading to enhanced patient engagement, reduced costs and improved health outcomes

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Together Senior Health , a brain health company delivering evidence-based solutions for individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD), today announced a new strategic partnership with Rainier Health Network , a prominent Accountable Care Organization (ACO) overseeing the healthcare of over 60,000 Medicare patients. Rainier Health Network is solely owned by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, a division of the national nonprofit health system CommonSpirit Health. The partnership will introduce Together's evidence-based suite of dementia-specific programs, including in-home virtual interventions, to patients across Rainier Health Network in Washington state.

Together Senior Health Partners with Rainier Health Network for Dementia-Specific Care Programs Post this Providing evidence-based solutions for individuals with cognitive decline leading to enhanced patient engagement, reduced costs and improved health outcomes

Alzheimer's and related dementias affect more than 6.7 million Americans with 14 million projected cases by 2060 . The associated healthcare costs for individuals with dementia are among the highest of any condition, and payers, providers and risk bearing entities face significant challenges in managing this expanding population. According to a recent survey conducted by Sage Growth Partners , 77% of health plans and value-based care organizations agree the need to address the growing cost of ADRD is urgent or very urgent; however, only 4% have a fully-developed solution in place to support this population. Approximately half of those surveyed also indicated a concern with the costs of Leqembi and other high-cost pharmaceuticals.

Rainier Health Network, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and CommonSpirit are deeply committed to serving vulnerable populations, including making dementia care more accessible.

"Supporting our members with ADRD is critical," said Dr. Francis Mercado, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Board Chair, Rainier Health Network. "It's a vulnerable population and Together Senior Health's Moving Together solution is a proven, natural way to improve their lives and control costs."

Together's Moving Together program, grounded in over ten years of clinical research in neuroscience with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has emerged as a highly effective solution for providers, health systems, and payers. Results from Together's randomized control trial show statistically significant improvements in quality of life for individuals with cognitive decline and in caregiver ability to manage stress. Program data also support a reduction in falls and proven annual cost savings of up to $4,300 per participant per year. Participants in the Moving Together program are highly engaged and experiencing positive health outcomes , with studies showing a +72 NPS score, 96% program satisfaction rate as well as improvements across physical and cognitive function, emotional wellbeing and social connection. Caregivers in the program have also benefited, reporting enhanced caregiving skills and better health.

"We are proud of the positive impact Together is making on the lives of those affected by dementia and are excited to partner with one of the nation's premier ACOs to extend dementia-specific programs to its patients," said Alissa Meade, CEO, Together Senior Health. "Rainier Health Network, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and Together share a deep commitment to providing holistic dementia solutions that enrich the lives of participants while empowering forward-thinking, risk-bearing organizations to engage and manage this rapidly growing patient population effectively."

Together's Moving Together program provides an evidence-based, non-pharmacological intervention for dementia, and a safe, cost-effective alternative to high-cost drugs that are not clinically appropriate for many ADRD patients and which have potential side effects. The program allows payers and risk-bearing healthcare organizations to more effectively manage ADRD patients, resulting in improved engagement, reduced costs and improved health outcomes. Built-in partnership with healthcare innovation company Redesign Health, Together Senior Health's novel solution is positioned to become the leading dementia-specific virtual program and alternative to high-cost pharmacologicals. The company has been gaining significant industry traction, with notable commercial partnerships and research affiliates including VNS Health, VillageMD and the Alzheimer's Association.

The company offers a spectrum of curricula with additional behavioral interventions to address a range of severities from mild cognitive decline to Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, Together is commercializing RADAR, its proprietary ADRD identification and stratification algorithm. With RADAR, payors and risk-bearing healthcare organizations can identify people at highest risk for Alzheimer's disease, dementia and cognitive decline using claims data, electronic health record information and other relevant data.

About Together Senior Health

Together Senior Health is a brain health company delivering evidence-based solutions to improve quality of life and health outcomes for individuals with Alzheimer's, dementia and cognitive decline. Founded by brain scientists, therapists and changemakers, Together Senior Health's integrated solution combines over a decade of clinical evidence, real-world user experience and engaging community-based programming. The company partners with Medicare Advantage health plans, ACOs and other risk bearing healthcare organizations to provide its tailored solutions and deliver impact. Together Senior Health has received over $8M in grant funding and is collaborating with leading institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) to advance new field research in cognitive health. To learn more, visit togetherseniorhealth.com .

About Rainier Health Network

As an accountable care organization (ACO), Rainier Health Network (solely owned by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health) is transforming health care delivery with physician-led and patient-centered care. With a network of more than 7,000 health care providers in the Puget Sound region, patients are supported every step of the way. Our value-based approach brings together patients, providers and payers in a system that rewards high-quality care and healthy outcomes. Rainier Health Network is a participant in the Puget Sound High Value Network (PSHVN), comprised of the highest quality health care organizations. We provide flexible, affordable health care for members of the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) and Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) programs. Rainier Health Network is located throughout Western Washington and includes leading providers from:

About Virginia Mason Franciscan Health

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is an integrated health system serving the Puget Sound region, offering access to some of the country's most prestigious experts and hospitals that are internationally known for superior quality. With a team of 18,000 team members, including nearly 5,000 employed physicians and affiliated providers, we unite the brightest healthcare minds in the region to provide world-class clinical excellence at 10 hospitals and nearly 300 sites of care throughout the Puget Sound area. We are proud to be the home of Bailey-Boushay House, the first skilled nursing and outpatient chronic care management program in the United States designed specifically to meet the needs of people with HIV/AIDS, and Benaroya Research Institute, which is internationally recognized for autoimmune disease research. We embrace our community's uniquely vibrant, active culture by providing holistic, personalized and patient-centered care. We are committed to caring for the most vulnerable in our communities, especially the poor and underserved, providing more than $300 million in community benefit  free, subsidized, and reduced cost health care and programs. Learn more at www.vmfh.org .

SOURCE Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) market size is expected to grow by USD 1.06 billion from 2022 to 2027. However, the growth momentum of the market will be progressing at a CAGR of 6.74% during the forecast period. The market is segmented by type (Medium-altitutde UCAV and High-altitude UCAV), platform (defense, government, civil, and commercial), 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 on the growth of the market. View a PDF Sample

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) Market 2023-2027

The growing export demand from smaller economies is a key factor driving the growth of the global Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) market share. Recent popularity in unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) can be attributed to their cutting-edge technology. The deployment of autonomous systems represents a significant advancement in combat, driven by the progress in artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The potential applications of UCAVs in security and surveillance operations within urban areas have further motivated nations to make substantial investments in this sector.

Key Higlights:

The report recognizes the following as some of the key players in the unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) market: Aeronautical Systems Inc., AeroVironment Inc., BAE Systems Plc, Baykar Tech, Bluebird Aero Systems, C Astral d.o.o., China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp., Dassault Aviation SA, Denel Dynamics, Edge Autonomy, Elbit Systems Ltd., General Atomics, Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., Kratos Defense and Security Solutions Inc., Lockheed Martin Corp., Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Parrot Drones SAS, Skyeton, Textron Systems, The Boeing Co., and Ukrspecsystems

Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) Market is fragmented in nature.

Market to observe 6.59% YOY growth in 2023.

Market Dynamics: Trends & Challenges

The development of long-range spy combat drones is the primary trend in the global UCAV market growth. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have gained increasing significance as vital tools in countermeasure operations aimed at enhancing national security. Furthermore, driven by the rising demand for autonomous platforms, nations are making substantial investments in the development and procurement of UAVs, particularly combat UAVs, due to their multifaceted roles.

The rapid development of anti-drone technology is a major challenge to the growth of the global UCAV market. The use of drones by one nation presents a potential security threat to others, necessitating the development of effective anti-drone technology. A notable instance is Boeing's recent test of a 10 kW anti-drone laser cannon designed to intercept and disable drones.

The report also covers information on upcoming trends and challenges. Explore detailed information by purchasing a report

Keg Segments:

The unmanned combat aerial vehicle market share growth by the medium-altitude UCAV segment will be significant during the forecast period. With the growing need for the escalating demand for versatile UAVs, defense authorities are intensively concentrating their efforts on the development of medium-altitude Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) rather than land-based UAVs. This strategic shift is primarily driven by the superior surveillance and strike capabilities of medium-altitude UCAVs.

Get a glance at the market contribution of the segments, Request a Sample

Related Reports:

The UAV ground control station market size is estimated to grow by USD 271.02 million accelerating at a CAGR of 6.42% between 2023 and 2027.

The Tethered Drones Market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.72% between 2022 and 2027, and the size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 21.64 million.

ToC:

Executive Summary

Market Landscape

Market Sizing

Historic Market Sizes

Five Forces Analysis

Market Segmentation by Type

Market Segmentation by Platform

Customer Landscape

Geographic Landscape

Drivers, Challenges, & Trends

Company Landscape

Company Analysis

Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com

SOURCE Technavio
LAPLACE, La., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm will join hundreds of members of Together Louisiana, the state's largest grassroots organization, on Thursday, November 16 to celebrate the completion of a Community Lighthouse that will serve residents during disasters. It is located in St. John the Baptist Parish, the most vulnerable county to climate change in the U.S., according to the 2023 Climate Vulnerability Index.

The new Community Lighthouse at New Wine Christian Fellowship in LaPlace, Louisiana is the seventh  and largest  to come online in a network of solar+storage resilience hubs that will span the entire state.

U.S. Energy Secretary to Visit Louisiana, Celebrate Together Louisiana's Newest Community Lighthouse Post this

Last month, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a $250 million federal investment in Louisiana that will support a major expansion of Together Louisiana's Community Lighthouses.

The event will begin at 10 a.m. with a tour for Secretary Granholm and press followed by a press conference and ribbon cutting. The event will continue at 11 a.m. as part of the DOE Energy Justice to the People Roadshow  River Parishes until 5:30 p.m.

An initiative of Together Louisiana, the Community Lighthouse project aims to provide commercial-scale solar power and back-up battery capacity to congregations and community institutions throughout the state. During extended power outages, the lighthouses will immediately assess need and aid area residents. They will provide cooling and heating stations, charging stations, food distribution, oxygen exchange, light medical equipment, and other critical services.

Beyond their role in neighborhood-level disaster response, the lighthouses represent a significant investment in clean, renewable energy that will significantly reduce energy costs, as well as workforce development that includes project labor agreements to hire local workers at living wages for all stages of the process.

About Together Louisiana

Together Louisiana is a statewide network of more than 250 religious congregations and civic organizations across Louisiana, representing more than 200,000 people. It is one of the largest grassroots organizations in the history of Louisiana. The mission of Together Louisiana is to give faith and community-based organizations an opportunity to develop the leadership capacity of their members and affect change on a larger scale than they could alone. Together Louisiana is currently working on issues that include tax fairness, access to healthcare, flood recovery, access to healthy food, workforce development, criminal justice reform and improving infrastructure and transportation.

SOURCE Together Louisiana
KYIV, Ukraine, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- u.ventures, a leading venture capital fund based in Kyiv, Ukraine, has invested $4 million in eight promising Ukrainian and one Moldovan startup since Russia's full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022. This marks a significant commitment to Ukraine's resilient tech sector amid ongoing conflict.

The funded startups include Instock (Robotics Warehouse Automation), Haiqu (Quantum Computing Software), Cloudprinter (Global Print-On-Demand Network), NewHomesMate (New Construction Homes Marketplace), Speedsize (AI Media Content Optimization), Bloomcoding (Online Coding School for children), and three undisclosed companies. These innovative startups demonstrate the adaptability and determination of Ukraine's tech entrepreneurs, as they continue building globally-oriented products and services despite enormous challenges.

"The Ukrainian tech community has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity," said Jaroslawa Johnson, President and CEO of WNISEF. "While 2022 was devastating on many fronts, Ukraine's IT exports were one of the only industries to show growth. This is a testament to the sector's robust innovation and focus on the future."

She added, "As technologies like AI, AR, and quantum computing unlock new possibilities in the coming decade, we believe Ukrainian startups are well-positioned to lead and take advantage of the opportunities ahead."

u.ventures was established by the Western NIS Enterprise Fund (WNISEF), a $285 million regional fund, which has over 29 years of experience investing in high-growth companies in Ukraine and Moldova. Even amidst the war, u.ventures remains committed to backing Ukraine's next generation of global tech leaders.

About u.ventures: With more than two decades of successful experience investing in small and medium-sized companies in Ukraine and Moldova, Western NIS Enterprise Fund established u.ventures in 2017 to invest up to $1,000,000 in early stage tech startups (from pre-seed to Round A) with world-class teams and potential for a global growth. To date, u.ventures invested over $7.5 million in 23 Ukrainian and Moldovan startups. https://u.ventures/

About WNISEF: Western NIS Enterprise Fund (WNISEF) is a $285 million regional fund, a pioneer in Ukraine and Moldova with over 29 years of successful experience in investing in small and medium-sized companies. WNISEF was funded by the U.S. government via the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). https://wnisef.org/

Media Contact:

Liudmyla Markitan,

[email protected],

+380 96 833 5973

SOURCE WNISEF
Company Adds Former Intelligence Leader, Reinforcing Commitment to Serving the US Department of Defense and Intelligence Community

PASADENA, Calif., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Virtualitics, Inc. , an Artificial Intelligence and Data Exploration company, today announced the appointment of Cynthia "Didi" Rapp, a renowned former national intelligence executive, to the company's Board of Advisors.

Virtualitics harnesses an AI platform to transform data science into actionable intelligence, enhancing operational readiness, optimizing investments, and bolstering mission support for the federal government. This strategic appointment reinforces Virtualitics' dedication to supporting the vital work of the US Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community.

Rapp brings to Virtualitics a wealth of knowledge and experience with decades of dedicated public service, predominantly with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Beginning her career as a geographic analyst, Rapp's expansive expertise spans intelligence issues from the Cold War and counterterrorism to the intricacies of the multipolar world and renewed Russian aggression.

A distinguished leader with deep management acumen, Rapp has held various pivotal roles in her career. Notably, she managed the content and senior-level review of the President's Daily Brief (PDB), the Intelligence Community's premier analytic product. She oversaw the CIA's Middle East analytic program, progressing through numerous executive positions, including the Deputy Chief Operating Officer responsible for the agency's day-to-day operations. In her final analytic tenure, she served as the Director for Analysis, responsible for the quality of all-source analysis and leading the entire analytic cadre. Rapp concluded her CIA tenure serving as the Chief of Staff for the agency's first female director.

"Virtualitics is immensely honored to have Ms. Rapp join our advisory board," said Michael Amori, Virtualitics CEO and co-founder. "Her unparalleled perspective and vast experience in intelligence analysis align with our mission to deliver cutting-edge AI solutions. As we continue to expand our work with the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community, Ms. Rapp's guidance will be invaluable."

Rapp has received numerous accolades throughout her long career, including two Presidential Rank awards and the Director's Award for Distinguished Service. Additionally, she has been honored with the Distinguished Career Intelligence and National Intelligence Exceptional Achievement medals.

"I am honored to join the Virtualitics board of advisors at this exciting time in the company's next phase of growth," said Cynthia Rapp. "Having witnessed firsthand the transformative power of artificial intelligence and data exploration, I'm deeply inspired by Virtualitics' commitment to illuminating complex datasets for the defense and intelligence sectors. With my decades of service and their innovative and explainable approach to AI, we're poised to shape AI-driven analytics, ensuring actionable insights to safeguard our nation."

Virtualitics combines AI and data exploration to enhance US defense and intelligence operations. Since 2017, Virtualitics has collaborated with key defense institutions on projects from operational readiness to intelligence analysis . The company's dedication to AI-driven analytics has not only garnered the trust of government agencies but has also inspired two esteemed former military leaders to join their federal advisory board .

Virtualitics recently raised a $37 million Series C investment from Smith Point Capital and was named to the Inc. 5000 List of Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America list.

About Virtualitics

Virtualitics, Inc., the Intelligent Exploration company, is pioneering the power of AI- and machine learning-guided data exploration to transform organizations. The Virtualitics AI Platform is an advanced analytics solution empowering everyone with faster, ready-to-use AI that is easily understood by analysts and business leaders. The company's patented technology is based on more than 10 years of research at the California Institute of Technology and has been tested, proven, and leveraged by the federal government and large enterprises. For more information visit virtualitics.com .

SOURCE Virtualitics
DALLAS, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- VizSense, a globally recognized authority in influencer solutions and leading innovator in consumer insights, is excited to announce today a significant leadership transition. After almost nine years of dedicated service as the CEO and Founder of VizSense, Dr. Jon Iadonisi will move into the role of Executive Chairman. Concurrently, the company is pleased to welcome Kristen Standish as the new CEO of VizSense.

In 2015, with a bold fusion of social science and computer science, Dr. Jon Iadonisi founded VizSense, a company that today stands at the forefront of the influencer marketing industry.

Kristen Standish ascends to the helm of VizSense as the newly appointed CEO, bringing a formidable blend of expertise and success in Influencer Relations, Media, and Software as a Service (SaaS). Standish's distinguished career is marked by significant achievements in team development, revenue growth, and multiple exits in the influencer industry. She most recently served as Founder & CEO of RazHer Collaborative (pronounced RAISE-HER), a company she founded in fall 2021. As an accomplished leader in driving sales for a variety of businesses over her career, she built a woman-owned, full-service marketing agency designed to bring BIPOC-founded and mission-driven brands closer to their audiences through influencer relations, help them reach more consumers, and increase sales. Her seasoned leadership is poised to propel VizSense to unprecedented levels of success and innovation in the industry.

Guided by Jon's unwavering dedication to data-centric and customer-focused strategies, coupled with his world class team and accountability approach to leadership, VizSense has established itself as a key player in the transformative world of consumer insights and influencer marketing . The company has provided value-added solutions to an impressive roster of over 80 clients, ranging from startup brands to leading names in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) sector.

As Chairman of the Board, Jon will continue to provide strategic guidance, leveraging his extensive industry, leadership, and technical expertise to support VizSense's long-term vision and growth. He will collaborate closely with the board of directors to ensure the company's continued success.

Kristen shared her excitement about joining VizSense, saying, "This is an amazing opportunity to grow revenue and expand the company's offerings and market presence. At RazHer, we have established a unique approach to influencer marketing, PR and events to grow awareness and sales for mission-driven clients. I'm thrilled to now harness VizSense's proven and innovative AI-driven technologies and talented team members to expand and bring even more innovation to influencer marketing."

Jon commented on the transition, stating, "VizSense has been an amazing journey for me since it was envisioned in 2015. I've been blessed to work for the industry's best employees, whose dedication and limitless contributions have made this company what it is today. The board of directors and the entire VizSense team are looking forward to the opportunities and growth that lie ahead under Kristen's leadership. She's a proven leader and visionary who I know will take us even further. I'm thrilled to have Kristen leading the next chapter."

Regarded as one of the pioneering data-centric influencer platforms, VizSense has experienced exponential growth and sustained profitability, setting industry benchmarks under Jon's guidance. The company's roster of accolades are testament to its innovation and excellence, with recent commendations including a spot among the top ten AI enterprises . Moreover, in 2022, VizSense garnered industry acclaim as a finalist in two esteemed categories: Best Influencer Marketing Campaign for their collaboration with an international tequila brand, and Best Social Commerce Campaign in partnership with a leading CPG product. Iadonisi's role has been instrumental not only in forging the company's strategic direction but also in embedding a relentless pursuit of excellence within its corporate ethos.

About VizSense

VizSense puts the consumer and data at the forefront of its influencer solutions and managed services offering, empowering brands to learn more about their audiences. To see VizSense's work, visit www.vizsense.com/results-delivered or follow @VizSense on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.

Media Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE VizSense
By aligning services and patented AI technologies, Woolpert plans to advance geospatial data collection and delivery per client demand.

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Woolpert has reached a strategic agreement with Allvision, a geospatial analytics and asset management company based in Pittsburgh, to enhance geospatial artificial intelligence capabilities and applications. This agreement will combine the AI, machine learning, and deep learning technologies of Allvision with Woolpert's lidar and imagery collection and processing expertise to develop new and enhanced geospatial solutions for clients worldwide.

This agreement combines the AI technologies of Allvision with Woolpert's lidar and imagery expertise. Post this This agreement will combine the AI, machine learning, and deep learning technologies of Allvision with Woolperts lidar and imagery collection and processing expertise to develop new and enhanced geospatial solutions for clients worldwide.

Under the agreement, Woolpert receives the exclusive rights to Allvision's proprietary AI technology for processing lidar and imagery on a market-specific basis. This will complement Woolpert's patents for high-resolution topographic and bathymetric lidar technologies and its proprietary machine learning program that employs AI technology, algorithms, and workflows to produce geospatial data and insights.

This collaboration leverages the terrestrial, aerial, and hydrographic lidar data and imagery capabilities of Woolpert with Allvision's AI and ML technologies to support the assessment, inventories, and management of natural infrastructure and the built environment.

A team of former Allvision staff members, including co-founders Aaron Morris and Ryan Frenz, have joined Woolpert to help develop customer-focused solutions via these integrated geospatial technologies. Co-founder Elmer Bol will continue to lead Allvision in the delivery of AI-based asset mapping, and Woolpert will continue to partner with Allvision on a range of mobile lidar projects.

"Allvision is a startup founded on software and AI to enable use of geospatial data at a massive scale, and collaboration with a global leader like Woolpert makes that possible," Morris said. "By coupling Woolpert's full range of geospatial data with our AI technologies and processing, we can efficiently interpret the real world and translate it into the digital world. This creates a digital twin, a representation of the world that is up-to-date, accurate, and actionable, that will allow us to build a whole new future."

Woolpert Senior Vice President and Geospatial Sector Leader Joseph Seppi said in addition to advancing innovation, this agreement was formed in response to client demand.

"The core benefit of geospatial AI is that it creates efficiencies in data processing and automated feature extraction to yield a faster turnaround, all while providing the high level of accuracy required by our clients," Seppi said. "We are continually working on new delivery methods for our data products because there is a huge demand from our customers to deliver data digitally, host it for them, and provide analytics capabilities. Easy access to high-density lidar point clouds, digital elevation data, and lidar-derived vector mapping is our goal, and this collaboration with Allvision supports that."

With the addition of the Allvision team, Woolpert has established a geospatial AI and technology hub in Pittsburgh. This will not only support Woolpert's geospatial solutions but will further expand AI capabilities and insights to benefit Woolpert's architecture and engineering clients. With its world-class technology community and universities, including Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, the city has a strong regional talent pipeline.

"We're excited to expand in a city known for innovation, robotics, AI, technology, and computer science," said Woolpert Chief Corporate Development Officer Neil Churman, who is also based in Pittsburgh. "Aaron, Ryan, and their team will rapidly advance our geospatial AI capabilities as we continue to enhance our geospatial solutions for our clients. We are thrilled to have them at Woolpert as we move the industry forward together."

About Allvision

Allvision develops the platform to enable street level analytics at global scale. We provide the means to make sense of our dynamic environment to solve the world's most pressing problems from the human point of view. The founders have spent their careers at the intersection of the digital and physical worlds and are experts in geospatial analytics and machine learning. For more information, please visit www.allvision.io.

About Woolpert

Woolpert is the premier architecture, engineering, geospatial (AEG) and strategic consulting firm, with a vision to become one of the best companies in the world. We innovate within and across markets to effectively serve public, private and government clients worldwide. Woolpert is an ENR Top 150 Global Design Firm, recently earned its sixth-straight Great Place to Work certification, and actively nurtures a culture of growth, inclusion, diversity, and respect. Founded in 1911 in Dayton, Ohio, Woolpert has been America's fastest-growing AEG firm since 2015. The firm has more than 2,000 employees and 60 offices on four continents. For more, visit woolpert.com.

Media contact: Jill Kelley; 937-531-1258, [email protected]

SOURCE Woolpert
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Yeske Buie, one of the most respected and influential financial planning firms in the country, has announced the promotion of its next generation partners and owners to C-level positions.

Yusuf Abugideiri will serve as Chief Investment Officer.

will serve as Chief Investment Officer. Lauren Stansell will serve as Chief Planning Officer.

will serve as Chief Planning Officer. Lauren Mireles will serve as Chief Operating Officer.

Yeske Buie's next-generation leaders: Yusuf Abugideiri (back), Lauren Mireles (left), and Lauren Stansell (right).

This promotion serves as an important piece of Yeske Buie's plan to continue operating as an independent firm long into the future, further solidifying the legacy of the firm's Founders, Dr. Dave Yeske and Elissa Buie, and the values they've imbued upon the firm including serving Clients to the highest standard of excellence (known to the firm as the value of Client Big).

These three professionals each have over ten years of experience working at Yeske Buie and have dedicated their careers to serving the firm's Clients, growing the business, and being advocates for the firm's core values under the guidance and mentorship of the firm's Founders. They each became partners and part-owners of the firm in 2019.

Yeske Buie CEO, Elissa Buie, CFP, sent the following message to the firm's Clients sharing the announcement:

Since its inception, Yeske Buie's sole focus has been to serve its Clients  not just 'for now' but from now on. As the firm's Founders, Dave and I sought to build a business that cares for its Clients to the highest standards of excellence, while operating under our shared set of core values. Today's milestone is a culmination of over fifteen years of diligence and mentorship to ensure that the foundational principles of the firm are carried forward for you, your children and family, and for the generations to come.

These three next-generation owners shouldn't be new to you. Each of them has over ten years of experience working with Yeske Buie's Clients, and has earned their title because of the competence, commitment, creativity, integrity, and resilience they've demonstrated in serving you the Yeske Buie way throughout their careers. Dave and I will continue to serve as the Managing Director and CEO, respectively, and we hope this announcement reassures you that we are committed to fostering the longevity of our relationship in a way that is integrous to the core values you've come to expect from Yeske Buie.

While many financial planning firms are selling their businesses to private equity firms, we believe that remaining an independent firm indefinitely best serves you. We will continue to be an evidence-based financial planning firm, steeped in grounded wisdom, working in support of your Live Big life. Yusuf, Lauren, and Lauren are among the brightest and most trustworthy people in the profession, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside them to serve you for decades to come.

Learn more about Yeske Buie at www.YeBu.com.

Contact: Lauren Mireles, [email protected]

SOURCE YESKE BUIE
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. The hydro-meteorological services of Turkic countries should complement each other with innovative technologies and cooperate to address the upcoming challenges of global climate change, Azerbaijani Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mukhtar Babayev said, Trend reports.

He made the remark at the II Meteorological Forum of the Turkic World.

The minister noted that environmental issues, especially factors like water, weather, and climate, do not recognize borders.

"Just like in various regions of the Northern Hemisphere, Turkic countries are particularly susceptible to natural disasters, including extreme weather and climate events. To minimize the consequences, it's crucial to establish effective coordinated preparedness and response mechanisms in line with the World Meteorological Organization's Early Warning for All initiative," Babayev said.

"Our country is ready to contribute to regional cooperation in this endeavor and share information on a unified platform obtained from modern observation systems implemented in our country," added the minister.

The forum is attended by ministers of environment and climate change from Turkic countries, heads of hydro-meteorological services, representatives of state entities, and experts.

The event aims to carry out coordinated activities in the field of climate change and expand the exchange of experience in creating an early warning system for extreme weather conditions.

The I Meteorological Forum of the Turkic World was held on February 19, 2021, in Ankara, Turkiye.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan congratulated Palestine on the national holiday, Trend reports.

"We congratulate Palestine on the occasion of their National Day! Happy National Day!" - said the ministry on X.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. First Lady of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva has addressed the participants of the "One Heart for Palestine" meeting of first ladies in Istanbul.

Trend presents the address of First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva.

- Dear Mrs. Erdogan,

Dear meeting participants,

First of all, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the First Lady of the Republic of Turkiye, Honorable Emine Erdogan, for her invitation to participate in this event.

I would like to specifically note and highly appreciate Mrs. Erdogans activities in the humanitarian and social fields, including her contribution to the provision of assistance to civilians, women and children suffering from military conflicts.

The Republic of Turkiye, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, is a powerful state that has made important achievements in all fields and enjoys a great reputation in the international world. Brotherly Turkiye always stands by peace and justice and makes an important contribution to ensuring stability and security in the region and the world. The Azerbaijan-Turkiye brotherhood and unity are at their highest level today.

Dear meeting participants,

It is causing a serious concern that the scale of tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict zone is growing by the day, causing an enormous human tragedy. Each of us is deeply moved by the unbearable human suffering we are watching with a heartache. It is very sad that civilians, especially women and children, are the ones who suffer the most from this armed conflict. It is necessary to observe international humanitarian law during military operations. I offer my condolences to the relatives of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery.

Azerbaijan supports calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and voted in favor of a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly in October regarding the latest tensions. Our country supports the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two states solution in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions. Since 2019, during our chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, we have constantly paid attention to the issue of Palestine. I believe that the opening of the Representative Office of our country in the city of Ramallah this year will stimulate the development of Azerbaijan-Palestine relations.

Over the past 10 years, our country has repeatedly provided humanitarian and financial assistance through the UN Middle East Agency for Relief and Affairs to Palestinian Refugees. At the same time, Azerbaijan has hosted a number of international events to attract political and financial support to Palestine. Among them, I would like to mention the founding conference of the Islamic Financial Security Network to help the State of Palestine and the donor conference to support the development of the city of Jerusalem. Palestinian youths are receiving higher education in our country on the basis of scholarships provided by the state of Azerbaijan. The school to be built by Azerbaijan in Palestine will be another manifestation of our support of the Palestinian people.

The current crisis facing international institutions with broad powers is preventing the resolution of important issues. This deep-rooted crisis is another topic of discussion. I would like to note that the failure to resolve military conflicts in modern times is largely due to the selective application of international law. Double standards and bias make this crisis worse.

False stories are circulated by biased media platforms to mislead public opinion and manipulate international law. Even more dangerous are cases of abuse of moral values for the purpose of manipulation.

As a result of 30 years of Armenia's aggression against Azerbaijan, our territories were occupied, nearly one million of our compatriots were displaced from their ancestral homes, more than 300 cities and villages were destroyed, and our religious and cultural heritage was destroyed. Sixty-five out of 67 mosques in our occupied lands were destroyed.

I would like to note with regret that the four resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council in 1993 remained on paper for 27 years. In 2020, Azerbaijan freed its lands from occupation in the 44-day Patriotic War. In September this year, by carrying out an anti-terror operation, we completely restored our sovereignty by ending the existence of the remnants of the Armenian armed forces and separatism.

At the end of my address, I would like to emphasize that even in the most difficult moments, humanity should not lose its sense of compassion. Therefore, I once again express my deep gratitude to Mrs. Erdogan for organizing this important event.
Gaza, Nov 15 : Delegates of Israel and Hamas have reached an initial agreement to implement a temporary humanitarian cease-fire under international and Arab sponsorship, a media report said, citing an informed Palestinian source.

The source, who requested to remain anonymous, told Xinhua news agency that the delegates have to report to senior authorities on both sides for approval and the agreement could be "implemented at any moment".

The source refused to talk about the details of the agreement, but said that "it will be implemented in stages".

He added that a humanitarian truce was expected to be announced soon, under which civilian hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip will be released in exchange for the release of women and children detained by Israel.
2 more IDF soldiers killed in Gaza, total increases to 46 (IANS IN ISRAEL). Image Source: IANS News

Cairo, Nov 15 : Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have agreed to intensify international efforts toward an immediate ceasefire in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip.

During a phone conversation on Tuesday, both leaders focused on the latest developments in the Palestinian coastal enclave, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a statement by the Egyptian Presidency.

They also agreed on exerting efforts to allow urgent access to humanitarian aid and taking the necessary measures to protect civilians and stop the bloodshed.

They stressed that this would pave the way for the political track, which aims to resolve the conflict based on the two-state solution, according to the statement.

Meanwhile, Sisi reviewed Egypt's efforts to restore calm and the steps it was taking to deliver relief aid and evacuate foreign nationals and wounded Palestinians from Gaza.

Israel launched a massive attack on Gaza in retaliation for the surprise strike led by the Gaza-ruling Hamas movement on October 7, in which Hamas killed about 1,200 people in Israel and took more than 200 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

The ongoing conflict, raging into the second month, has killed over 11,500 Palestinians in the coastal enclave, said the Hamas-run Health Ministry.
Washington, Nov 15 : US President Joe Biden has said that the US is not trying to "decouple" from China, but pursuing better relations with its assertive rival, as he prepares for a summit with the Chinese leader this week.

Biden's remarks on Tuesday apparently set an amicable tone ahead of the summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping slated to take place in San Francisco on Wednesday on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, Yonhap news agency reported.

"As I told you, we are not trying to decouple from China," he said during a press conference on efforts to address climate change. "What we are trying to do is change the relationship for the better."

Asked about how he would define success with the upcoming summit with Xi, Biden said it would mean the normalization of bilateral communication.

"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 militaries still have contact with one another," he said in response to the question.

But Biden staked out his position against China's trade practices.

"I am not going to continue to sustain the support for positions where if we want to invest in China, we have to turn over all of our trade secrets," he said.

In recent months, Washington has been hammering away at the mantra of "de-risking" the relationship with Beijing as it is striving to elicit international cooperation on climate change, public health, global security threats and other challenges.

US officials have said that Biden and Xi are expected to discuss a "whole range" of issues, including bilateral relations, North Korean threats, Taiwan, the war between Israel and the Hamas militant group, and Russia's protracted war in Ukraine, according to them.

This week's meeting between the leaders will be their second in-person summit following their last talks during the Group of 20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, last November. It will also mark their seventh interaction since Biden took office in January 2021.
LU team gets patent for software for credit score. Image Source: IANS News

Lucknow, Nov 15 : The Lucknow University (LU) has introduced a unique registration number system in a bid to enhance the educational experience of students.

The initiative is aimed at improving efficiency, communication and the overall learning environment at the university, officials said.

The introduction of registration numbers for students will have manifold benefits, officials said.

First, it will simplify the application process. Students applying for various courses at LU will be given a unique Student Registration Number (SRN) upon registration, making it easier for them to track their admission progress and communicate with the university.

Secondly, the allotment of SRN will increase transparency by allowing applicants to check their admission status, including application status, document verification and fee payment, in real time.

"This fosters transparency and reduces anxiety during the admission process," said an official.

Thirdly, the SRN is expected to streamline administrative processes such as easy access to academic records, quick verification of student identities ensuring a more efficient and convenient experience for students.

In addition, it will enhance security by protecting students' personal and academic information, reducing the risk of unauthorised access or identity fraud.

With SRN in place, students can conveniently access academic services, such as course registration, exam results and library services, said LU vice-chancellor Prof. A.K. Rai said.
UP Police on high alert along border after trouble in Nepal district. Image Source: IANS News

Lucknow, Nov 15 : An alleged extra-marital relationship possibly led to the murder of an inspector rank officer Satish Kumar (47), posted as a quartermaster in the 4th battalion of PAC in Prayagraj.

Kumar was shot dead outside his house on Sunday night in the presence of his wife and daughter in Krishna Nagar locality, police said on Wednesday.

A senior police officer said they began probing on these lines after his wife Bhawna told newspersons that Satish had been in a relationship with a woman in adjacent Shringar Nagar locality.

She alleged Satish had brought a woman home some time back and their daughter had seen her entering the house. "That woman is a tenant in a house owned by our family, but I had never been allowed to go to that house," the deceased's wife claimed, adding that she would identify the woman if brought before her.

DCP South Zone, Vineet Jaiswal, said police were probing the murder from all angles.

Inspector Satish Kumar, his wife Bhawna and minor daughter Pakhi had gone for dinner at the house of their relative on Diwali night.

"The family returned home around 2 a.m. As Satish got out of his car to open the gate, an armed man shot at him thrice," said a police officer.

"Satish slumped to the ground and died on the spot," he said.

DCP Jaiswal said he was rushed to a government hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Five teams have been formed to work out the case.
Two shooters of Arsh Dalla gang arrested in Delhi, grenade recovered. Image Source: IANS News

Patna, Nov 15 : A day after Sub Inspector (SI) Prabhat Ranjan was mowed down by sand mafias in Jamui, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted for the purpose, has arrested one of the accused.

"The main accused Krishna Ravidas is still absconding. He was the one who was driving the tractor and crushed SI Ranjan and home guard Jawan Rajesh Kumar Saw on Tuesday morning," said Shaurya Suman, SP of Jamui.

According to the SP, accused Mithilesh Thakur was arrested from Nawada.

Thakur was accompanying Krishna Ravidas at the time of incident.

SI Ranjan and home guard Saw were deployed at Garhi police station in the district.

They led the barricades on Chanwar bridge and signaled a speeding tractor laden with sand to stop for checking.

Instead of stopping the vehicle, the tractor driver mowed them under the wheels.

While the SI died on the spot, Saw was critically injured.

After committing the crime, the tractor driver fled leaving the tractor abandoned some distance away from the crime scene in the border area of Jamui and Nawada.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. It is causing a serious concern that the scale of tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict zone is growing by the day, causing an enormous human tragedy. Each of us is deeply moved by the unbearable human suffering we are watching with a heartache, said First Lady of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva as she addressed the participants of the One Heart for Palestine meeting of first ladies held in Istanbul, Trend reports.

It is very sad that civilians, especially women and children, are the ones who suffer the most from this armed conflict. It is necessary to observe international humanitarian law during military operations. I offer my condolences to the relatives of the deceased, and wish the injured a speedy recovery, the First Lady noted.
New Delhi: Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai speaks at the 'Google for India' event, in New Delhi on Monday, December 19, 2022. (Photo: Anupam Gautam/IANS). Image Source: IANS News

Washington, Nov 15 : Google is paying Apple 36 per cent of Safari search engine revenue under the terms of a default search agreement, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai has confirmed.

Testifying in a lawsuit filed against Google by Fortnite developer Epic Games in Washington, DC, Pichai on Tuesday confirmed the deal details presented by a Google witness in the case are accurate, reports CNBC.

An attorney for Epic asked Pichai if the detail presented by Google's witness was accurate.

"That's correct," Pichai responded.

About the Samsung deal, Pichai told the court that "it's like apples and oranges".

The Google CEO added that the deals sometimes pay carriers.

He later said that Google competes "fiercely with Apple."

"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," the report mentioned.

Apart from Epic Games, Alphabet (Google's parent company) is facing two separate US Justice Department lawsuits related to alleged anti-competitive behaviour.

Epic is arguing that Google's 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 had earlier told the court.

Google has been defending its 30 per cent cut on transactions for apps via its Play store.
Seoul, Nov 15 : South Korea asked the European Union on Wednesday to recognise the country's own carbon credit certification system regarding the EU's new carbon border tax mechanism in an effort to prevent unnecessary burdens on companies, Seoul's Finance Ministry said.

South Korea's First Vice Finance Minister Kim Byoung-hwan made the request during a meeting with Gerassimos Thomas, Director-General in the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union at the European Commission, in Seoul.

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) calls for levying an import charge on steel, cement, electricity, fertiliser, aluminium and other related items equivalent to their carbon emissions from production.

The transition period for the new mechanism began last month before the full implementation in 2026, Yonhap news agency reported.

Kim said South Korea "shares the need for efforts to respond to climate challenges by implementing the CBAM and other regulations, but they should not add unnecessary burdens on companies".

He then called on the EU to recognise South Korea's own carbon credit system, which will ease corporate burdens of double taxation.

Thomas said the EU will consider opinions from the South Korean government and businesses, and will continue close consultations on the issue.

The two officials also discussed ways to boost cooperation on base erosion and profit shifting, or BEPS, which refers to multinationals' tax planning strategies to avoid taxes, according to the Ministry.
Turin, Nov 15 : Home favourite Jannik Sinner earned a dramatic 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-6(2) victory against Novak Djokovic at the ATP Finals group match for his first Head-to-Head win in four tries against the Serbian great.

The result improved Sinner to 2-0 in ATP Finals and put him in command of the Green Group a" though his qualification for the knockout semi-final stage is not yet confirmed, reports ATP.

In the pair's first hard-court meeting, Sinner's brilliant ball-striking ended Djokovic's 19-match winning streak, which dated back to his Cincinnati title run. The Italian's career-best season now includes 59 match wins a" the most by an Italian in the Open Era a" and a 10-5 record against the Top 10.

Sinner also improved to 15-1 indoors for 2023 by earning his second victory against a reigning World No. 1; he also beat then-No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in the Miami semifinal earlier this season.

Djokovic spent much of the three-hour, nine-minute matchup battling back from behind, but he had no answer for Sinner's lightning start to the decisive tie-break.

Long after he won nine straight points to snatch the opening set, breaking from 40/0 before a love hold, Sinner surged ahead in the final tie-break with five consecutive points, hitting huge ground strokes in the face of extreme pressure to build what proved to be an unassailable lead.

In the third set, Sinner led 4-2 but was pegged back immediately as Djokovic broke serve for the first time in the match. There would be no comeback in the tie-break, as Sinner sent the crowd to fever pitch with victory before receiving a warm embrace from his opponent at net.

Djokovic dropped to 1-1 in Turin with the defeat but still remains in with a chance of reaching the semi-finals. He will close out his round-robin campaign against Hubert Hurkacz on Thursday, with the Pole coming in as an alternate to Stefanos Tsitsipas (back injury).

Sinner will meet Holger Rune as he seeks to finish 3-0 in the group.
Washington/San Francisco/Seoul, Nov 15 : The top diplomats of South Korea, the US and Japan have reiterated that the growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia poses a "serious threat" to peace and stability, vowing to act together with the international community over the issue.

Foreign Minister Park Jin, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa reaffirmed the consensus during the trilateral talks on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco on Tuesday (local time), as they are stepping up cooperation to address North Korean threats and other regional and global issues.

The three-way talks took place less than two months after they held brief talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Yonhap news agency reported.

Their meeting came as Washington is seeking greater cooperation from regional allies and partners in the middle of multiple security challenges, including the war between Israel and the Hamas militant group and Russia's protracted war in Ukraine.

"Looking around the world, there is so much work for us to do together," Blinken said, noting that the agenda for Tuesday's meeting included North Korea's military cooperation with Russia, support for Ukraine and other regional and global issues.

Park noted that cooperation among the three nations has been reaching "unprecedented heights" since the summit between President Yoon Suk Yeol, US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at Camp David in August.

"The agreements among our leaders are, one by one, bearing fruit," he noted, pointing to the arrangements from the trilateral summit, which include holding various trilateral meetings on various topics, including space, on a regular basis.

He added, "The rules-based order is facing multiple challenges in this poly-crisis era. Strengthening cooperation among like-minded countries is more important than ever."

The three discussed "the situation in the Middle East, the North Korea's increasingly destabilising actions, including Pyongyang's support for Russia amid Russia's war of aggression, and the importance of greater economic cooperation," State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said.

They "reaffirmed their commitment to build on the historic Camp David Summit to enhance US-South Korea-Japan trilateral efforts in strengthening regional security, promoting economic prosperity, and advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific," Miller added.

Burgeoning military relations between North Korea and Russia, and the recent forced repatriation of North Korean defectors in China, were among the key agenda items for Tuesday's meeting, Seoul's Foreign Ministry said.

"The Ministers and Secretary of the three countries again highlighted that the Russia-North Korea military cooperation is a serious threat to international peace and stability beyond the Korean Peninsula," the Ministry added.

They "agreed to respond together with the international community based on closed coordination among South Korea, the US and Japan," it said.

At the talks, they reaffirmed the commitment to helping promote human rights in North Korea and agreed to continue working together at the UN Security Council level.

The top diplomats also pledged to bolster efforts to block Pyongyang's method of financing through illicit cyberactivities used to fund its nuclear and missile development.

Noting the importance of three-way cooperation in economic security, from supply chains, space and cutting-edge technologies, they vowed to continue the close partnership in these fields.

Tuesday's talks came ahead of the high-stakes summit between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which is slated to take place in San Francisco on Wednesday.

Seoul and Tokyo have watched developments in the relations between the world's two largest economies due to the implications for their diplomacy, security and trade.

Last week, Blinken visited Tokyo and Seoul on a multi-nation trip, during which he highlighted US' "intense focus" on the Indo-Pacific despite the Israel-Hamas war and Russia's war in Ukraine.
Kolkata, Nov 15 : Involvement of contract killers in political violence seems to have become a trend in West Bengal, the latest being the murder case of Trinamool Congress leader Saifuddin Lashkar at Jaynagar in 24 Parganas.

The incident led to a counter-lynching and carnage on the same day.

Records of political murders in the state for the last few years have revealed that the involvement of contract killers in such cases are becoming increasingly evident.

In March last year, Trinamool Congress councillor from Panihati Municipality Anupam Dutta was shot dead from point-blank range.

Dutta had reportedly become a victim of infighting in the ruling party.

Subsequently, contract killer Amit Pandey was arrested. In the same month last year, Congress councillor from Jhalda Municipality in Purulia district Tapn Kandu was shot again and again from point-blank range on the open street while the slain leader was on evening walk with his wife Purnima Kandu.

In this case also a contract killer, Kalebar Singh was netted by police.

Again in April this year, coal trader and BJP leader Raju Jha was shot dead and again from point-blank range in front of a sweetmeat shop at Shaktigarh in East Burdwan district of the state while he was travelling to Kolkata.

Jha was also questioned by central agencies in connection with the multi-core coal smuggling case in the state.

The theory of involvement of contract killers surfaced in this case as well.

The three common factors in all these killings area" a proper homework to study the routines of the victims for quite some time before the actual assassination, the precision with which the killer or killers escape even from a crowded place after completing the assassination assignment and finally multiple rounds of firing from point-blank or very close range to ensure the death of the victim.

Veterans feel that such precision and factors are typical of contract killers.
Chennai, Nov 15 : Over the moon with great delight, director Karthik Subaraj penned a note of gratitude to Thalaivar Rajinikanth after the latter blessed him and the crew for the success of his film 'Jigarthanda Double X'.

Taking to X, the director shared a picture of himself and the film crew alongside the megastar.He wrote: "Thanks a lot Thalaivaa for showering your Love and Praises to #'JigarthandaDoubleX'."

He added: "Your one hour long conversation with us gave me and the whole team such a Positive vibe n aura sir.Loads of Love to you Thalaivaa from team #'JigarthandaXX'."

Rajinikanth is someone whom a lot of figures throughout the South Indian industry seek blessings from, something which he is only more than happy to comply with.

Before this, Thalaivar had written a letter to the film's team, where he lauded the film and its direction. The letter which was written in Tamil was also something that Karthik greatly appreciated who wrote in response: "When Thalaivar said'For my boys' (heart emoji)'Jigarthanda Double X'.Love you Thalaivaa."

The movie is an action gangster film written and directed by Karthik Subbaraj. National award-winning cinematographer Tirru, who shares a great rapport with Karthik Subbaraj and has worked with him in films such as 'Mercury' and Superstar Rajinikanth-starrer 'Petta', is the Director of Photography for 'Jigarthanda Double X'.

The film has been produced by Kaarthekeyen Santhanam and Stonebench Films.

The film stars Raghava Lawrence, S. J. Suryah, Nimisha Sajayan, Shine Tom Chako, among others.
Guwahati, Nov 15 : Assam Police has launched a probe into the death threat of Assam Minister Atul Bora, the Director General of Police (DGP) said on Wednesday.

Bora is also the president of BJP's ally in Assam, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP).

A few days ago, a man posing as a member of the banned outfit United Liberation Front of Asoma"Independent (ULFA-I) came to social media to announce that the group intended to attack Bora's residence.

The person identifying himself as Pranash Shandilya wrote 'Ami ulfa r pora sob kori asu. Besi din jiyai nathake ee (We in the ULFA are doing everything. His days are numbered).'

Taking to X, the Assam DGP G.P. Singh said, "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. No such threat would be acceptable against elected representatives as it threatens the democratic polity." However, no arrests have been made in the case till now.
New Delhi, Nov 15 : The Supreme Court has said that entering into an agreement to sell does not transfer ownership rights or confer any title in favour of the proposed buyer.

"The Agreement to Sell is not a conveyance; it does not transfer ownership rights or confer any title," observed a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Rajesh Bindal as it decided a special leave petition filed against an order of the Karnataka High Court.

In 1990, the parties had executed an agreement to sell after the entire sale consideration was paid and possession was handed over to the appellant-proposed buyer. Under this agreement, it was also stipulated that the sale deed would be executed once restriction under the Karnataka Prevention of Fragmentation and Consolidation of Holdings Act was lifted.

Later in 1991, the Fragmentation Act was repealed but respondents refused to execute the sale deed. This resulted in filing a suit for specific performance which was decreed by the first appellate court.

On appeal, the High Court in its impugned 2010 decision had dismissed the suit for specific performance saying that the Agreement to Sell was void in view of the prohibition imposed on registration of the sale deed under the Fragmentation Act.

"In the absence of any issue framed, and given that neither party has pleaded any violation of Section 5 of the Fragmentation Act, the High Court apparently fell in error in holding that Agreement to Sell was in violation of Section 5 of the Fragmentation Act," the Supreme Court said, adding that lease, sale, conveyance or transfer of rights were barred and "the Agreement to Sell cannot be said to be barred under 5 the Fragmentation Act."

"The appeal deserves to be allowed. The impugned order and judgment of the High Court dated 10.11.2010 is hereby set aside, and the judgment of the First Appellate Court dated 17.04.2008, decreeing the suit of the appellant, stands restored," the top court held.
Seoul, Nov 15 : South Korea and the US staged joint air drills on Wednesday, involving two US B-52H strategic bombers, over the Yellow Sea, Seoul's Defense Ministry said, in the latest show of force against North Korea.

South Korean F-35A, F-15K and US F-35B and F-16 fighter jets escorted the nuclear-capable bombers during the drills, the Ministry said, as the allies seek to bolster security cooperation against growing North Korean military threats.

The exercise marked the key US military asset's return to the peninsula in less than a month after it made its first-ever landing at a South Korean air base on October 17, Yonhap news agency reported.

With the latest exercise, South Korea and the US have staged seven combined air drills, involving the B-52H bomber, over the peninsula this year. They have staged 12 such exercises this year with US strategic bombers in total, including the B-1B bomber, which is no longer nuclear-capable.

The frequent deployments of high-profile military assets this year come amid US efforts to bolster its security commitment to South Korea against evolving nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.

During annual bilateral security talks on Monday, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin reaffirmed America's extended deterrence commitment to using the full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear weapons, to defend its ally.

"In line with this commitment, this exercise expands the frequency and intensity of the deployment of US strategic assets to demonstrate an effect equivalent to constant deployment," the Ministry said, describing the drills as "extended deterrence in action".

On Monday, Austin also hailed the B-52's first landing in South Korea as "a milestone" for the US deterrence efforts and unveiled there will be "another carrier battle group that comes soon".

According to sources, the USS Carl Vinson nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is expected to dock at the Busan naval base early next week.
Lakhimpur Kheri : , Nov 15 (IANS) The renowned Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) on Wednesday reopened its doors to tourists with a substantial reduction of about 33 per cent in tariff rates for Dudhwa safari, encompassing entry fees, accommodation, and even elephant rides in the rhino area.

Children below six years will enjoy free entry, aiming to attract a diverse range of visitors to Dudhwa National Park (DNP), Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, all integral parts of DTR.

Lalit Verma, the field director of DTR, said, "Tariff rates for tourists visiting Dudhwa Tiger Reserve have been significantly lowered to entice a greater number of visitors this season, starting from November 15."

He highlighted the enhanced experience awaiting tourists this season, with renovated jungle routes, Tharu huts, cottages, and rest houses.

Nature guides, primarily locals, will accompany visitors, offering detailed insights into Dudhwa's wildlife and ecology.

Verma further detailed the upcoming seasonas novel experiences, including the operation of the Dudhwa base camp canteen by the local ecotourism society.

This initiative aims to provide tourists with a unique culinary experience featuring Tharu recipes.

For those planning a visit, Verma advised securing bookings in advance through the UP Ecotourism Official Website.

This platform offers online accommodation booking for Uttar Pradesh Ecotourism spots, providing detailed information on nine circuits and 35 ecotourism destinations.

However, the limited availability of only two guesthouses at Dudhwa and Bankati for night stays may disappoint some tourists.

Guesthouses in Kishanpur, Salukapur, south Sonaripur, Sathiyana, Madaha, Belrayan, Kila, and Bela Parsua remain closed for bookings since last year due to their location in the core zone of DNP, following a Supreme Court verdict restricting tourist activities in this area.

The Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, encompassing Dudhwa National Park, Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, is located on the India-Nepal border.

This year, Dudhwa gained attention for a remarkable 64 per cent growth in the number of royal Bengal tigers, reaching a total of 135 within DTR.

Apart from its iconic royal Bengal tigers, Dudhwa hosts the worldas most successful rhino relocation program.

The region boasts 46 rhinos, with 40 in the south Sonarpur area and six in the recently developed Belrayan range.

Visitors to Dudhwa can also witness the presence of 400 avian species, including the critically endangered Bengal florican, a variety of deer species, aquatic life, and rare butterflies.

The vast grasslands, rich forest cover, and flourishing wetlands contribute to Dudhwaas beauty and ecological balance.

The Centre established the Terai elephant reserve in Dudhwa last year, including parts of the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. The number of services provided by state bodies in "ASAN xidmt" (public services agency) centers has been reduced in Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

President Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree on amendments to the decree "On ensuring the activity of the State Agency for Citizens' Services and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan".

Thus, certificates to teachers who passed certification in state bodies will no longer be issued in "ASAN xidmt" centers.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
New Delhi, Nov 15 : India, the US and 12 other IPEF partner countries have signed the first Supply Chain Resilience Agreement aimed at strengthening global supply chains.

The agreement was signed by Commerce and Industry Ministry Piyush Goyal on India's behalf at the IPEF meeting in San Francisco.

"India joins U.S. and 12 other IPEF partners to ink the IPEF Supply Chain Resilience Agreement, a first-of-its-kind international agreement that will fortify and strengthen global supply chains; and foster adaptability, stability and sustainability," Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal posted on X on Wednesday.

The agreement is expected to make Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) supply chains more resilient, robust, and well-integrated, and contribute towards economic development and progress of the region as a whole.

Speaking at the event, Goyal emphasised enhanced collaboration to realize collective aims of the IPEF, particularly on the need for mobilizing affordable financing for clean economy transition and for enhancing technology cooperation. He also urged early implementation of the envisaged cooperative work under IPEF, including on bio-fuels alliance suggested by India.

Further, the Ministers from IPEF partner countries also had productive discussions on the substantial progress made by the IPEF partners on Pillar-III (Clean Economy) and Pillar-IV (Fair Economy). Speaking at the Ministerial meeting, the Minister suggested enhanced collaboration among IPEF partners.

Also, on the sidelines of the IPEF Ministerial, the Minister held bilateral meetings with Gina Raimondo, United States Secretary of Commerce, Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Minister of International Trade & Industry, Ministry of International Trade & Industry, Malaysia, and Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Republic of Indonesia.

During these ministerial meetings, he discussed bilateral collaboration on trade, commerce and investment, enhanced business engagements, WTO matters, and other issues of mutual interest. During the interaction with his counterparts from ASEAN countries, the Minister suggested expedited conclusion of the AITIGA review.

The Minister and the US Secretary of Commerce alsoco-chaired a kick-off industry roundtable titled, "Decoding the "Innovation Handshake": U.S.  India Entrepreneurship Partnership", which was co-hosted by the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and supported by National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) and Startup India, CEOs from major ICT companies, executives from venture capital firms, and founders of startups in the critical and emerging technology space.

Capping off the day's engagements, the Minister held an interaction with Indian entrepreneurs in the Western United States. The interaction was organised by the Consulate General of India in San Francisco in collaboration with IIT Alumni & TIE Global.

--IANS

pannu/dan
Seoul, Nov 15 : South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol departed for San Francisco on Wednesday to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, where he is expected to call for stronger solidarity, promote trade liberalisation, and discuss a response to military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.

Yoon and first lady Kim Keon Hee embarked on the three-day visit to San Francisco to attend the gathering of leaders from the 21 APEC member economies under this year's theme of "Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All".

During what will be his first attendance at an APEC summit, Yoon plans to address a leaders' session on Thursday and stress South Korea's commitment to contributing to the transition to clean energy and overcoming the climate crisis, according to Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo.

The following day he plans to attend the second session, or the leaders' retreat, and talk about the need for APEC members to work together to restore the multilateral trading system, strengthen regional supply chains and establish a digital moral code, Yonhap news agency reported.

"I will urge the member economies to work together in the spirit of stronger solidarity and cooperation to advance trade and investment liberalisation, innovation and digitalisation as well as inclusive and sustainable growth," Yoon said in a written interview with the Associated Press (AP) published on Tuesday.

Yoon will also attend a summit of the US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) on the sidelines of the APEC gathering on Thursday.

IPEF is widely regarded as a US initiative to counter China's growing influence in the region and the meeting's outcome will draw attention in the wake of a planned summit between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco on Wednesday.

Whether Yoon and Xi hold their own bilateral summit will also be watched closely, as the South Korean President has stressed his administration's commitment to increasing economic and people-to-people ties between the two countries through "mutually beneficial" cooperation.

If a Yoon-Xi summit materialises, it will be their second meeting after meeting for the first time on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, last November.

Also planned is a discussion led by Yoon and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at Stanford University on Friday, during which the leaders are expected to share ways South Korea and Japan, and the two countries together with the US, can cooperate in the cutting-edge technology sector.

Other bilateral summit arrangements are currently in the works.

Yoon said in the AP interview that he plans to raise the issue of North Korea-Russia military cooperation in his meetings with other leaders.

"I will emphasise that the illegal cooperation between Russia and North Korea is a serious threat to security not only on the Korean Peninsula and in the region, but also in the world, and discuss ways to cooperate," he added in the interview.

In San Francisco, Yoon will also host a meeting with Korean residents, attend an APEC CEOs summit and meet with young Korean leaders working in the cutting-edge technology field.

"President Yoon's attendance at the APEC meeting will be an occasion to enhance the status of South Korea, which fulfills its responsibilities and contributions in terms of regional and global issues, and to deepen cooperation with members of APEC, which is the world's largest regional cooperation body," Kim, the Deputy National Security Adviser, told reporters last week.
Kozhikode, Nov 15 : Ahead of Suresh Gopi's appearance before the Nadakkavu police near here for questioning in the "improper touching" of woman journalist case on Wednesday, thousands of people turned up at the police station to express their solidarity with the superstar-turned-politician.

Right from 9 a.m., supporters of the BJP, laymen and women were waiting for the top state BJP leaders to lead a protest march towards the Nadakkavu Police station.

State BJP president K.Surendran, while inaugurating the protest march said, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is jittery after the actor led a march supporting the depositors of the Karuvannur Service Cooperative Bank at Thrissur.

"Vijayan's police have framed the case, but none will be able to even touch Gopi. The people are all fully supporting him and this is nothing but a vindictive action by the police who are taking instructions from Vijayan's office," said Surendran.

Among the other top leaders of the BJP who walked towards the Police station included former party president Krishna Das, veterans Sobha Surendran and M.T.Ramesh.

By around 12 p.m., the actor arrived at the police station and the huge police force manning the station premises had a tough time allowing his car to enter the station premises.

Dressed in a white shirt and sunglasses, the actor who has played memorable police roles in his nearly four-decade long film career waved out to his supporters as he entered the station with his counsels.

"He is a God to us, we do not know what wrong he did, as we all saw the particular incident that led to this. He is such a nice person and we will not go from here till he is let free," said an angry woman.

Another woman said the complainant has to come clear on what wrong did Gopi do. "We are ready to meet her and find out about it. Things will go wrong if something untoward happens to Gopi," said a woman.

On October 27, Gopi, while addressing the media persons, had placed his hand on the woman journalist's shoulder while responding to her questions.

Following the incident, the journalist bodies protested against the "inappropriate" behavior of Gopi and demanded an apology.

Despite Gopi tendering an apology the next day, the issue snowballed into a heated discussion on the social media platforms leading to the woman journalist filing a complaint against the actor.

Gopi is all set to contest the Thrissur Lok Sabha seat on BJP ticket and many of his supporters allege that Vijayan has done a wrong thing which the time will prove.
Tel Aviv, Nov 15 : The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have claimed that it killed five Hamas terrorists at the premises of the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza where the IDF is conducting massive raids.

The IDF in a statement on Wednesday said that it was inside the Al-Shifa hospital.

The IDF also added that several guns were recovered from the Al-Shifa hospital premises indicating the presence of terrorists within the hospital premises as alleged by the IDF and Israel.

The IDF also said that it expect to get information regarding the hostages, who were kidnapped on October 7 from within Israel by Hamas men.

The IDF has been on a ground invasion within Gaza since October 27 to clean the city from Hamas terrorists.
New Delhi, Nov 15 : Recent investigations by the Delhi Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) have uncovered alleged financial irregularities in BharatPe's operations.

Co-founder Ashneer Grover and his family members are allegedly involved in questionable practices, including the use of backdated invoices to channel funds.

Eight HR consulting firms associated with Grover's family, such as True Work Co., Team Source, and Impulse Marketing, filed bills with closed bank accounts, indicating the potential fabrication of invoices, as per the reports.

The investigation reveals that these seemingly distinct entities shared the same registered address, sparking concerns about their legitimacy and independence, possibly hinting at a conflict of interest.

"The use of backdated invoices not only raises issues of financial impropriety but also questions the transparency and accountability of BharatPe's financial operations," stated the reports.

Additionally, the EOW's difficulty in tracing vendor payments adds a layer of complexity, prompting scrutiny into BharatPe's due diligence in its business transactions.

In May this year, the EOW had registered an FIR against former BharatPe managing director Ashneer Grover for cheating and fraud of Rs 81 crore.

The FIR, which was registered on the basis of a complaint filed by the company BharatPe, also mentions the name of his wife Madhuri Jain Grover, and family members, including Deepak Gupta, Suresh Jain, and Shwetank Jain.

The FIR was registered on Wednesday under Sections 406 (criminal breach of trust), 408 (criminal breach of trust by clerk or servant), 409 (criminal breach of trust by public servant, or by banker, merchant or agent), 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), 467 (forgery of valuable security, will, etc.), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating), 471 (using as genuine a forged document or electronic record) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code at EOW police station.

A senior police officer privy to the investigation said that a probe is going on while refraining from going into the details of it.

"We welcome the registration of an FIR by the EOW in the company's complaint in relation to the criminal offences by Mr. Grover, his wife Madhuri Jain and other family members. For the last 15 months, the company has been facing a vicious and malicious campaign run by Grover against the company, the board and its employees," BharatPe had said in a statement.

"The registration of the FIR is a step in the right direction which unearths various suspicious transactions made by the family for their personal pecuniary gains. This FIR will now enable the law enforcement agencies to investigate deeper into the criminality and bring the culprits to books," it said.

"We have full faith in our country's judicial and law enforcement systems and are optimistic that this case will reach its logical conclusion. We will continue to extend all possible cooperation to the authorities. MZM legal is advising us (BharatPe) on the criminal case," it had added.
Gaza, Nov 15 : Dozens of the Israeli army forces on Wednesday carried out a raid at the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza city amid heavy gunfire, according to a senior medical official.

In a press statement sent to Xinhua news agency, Monir al-Bursh, director-general of the pharmaceutical department at the Gaza Health Ministry, said that "the Israeli army officially informed the hospital in a phone call that the raid was being carried out, demanding that people not approach windows, balconies or doors".

For its part, the Israeli army said that it was carrying out a precise operation against Hamas in a specific area inside Al-Shifa hospital based on intelligence information and an operational need, Xinhua news agency reported.

Ashraf al-Qedra, the spokesman of the Health Ministry, said, "There is nothing that would require shooting inside the hospital because there is no form of resistance there, and what the occupation is doing constitutes terrorism for those in the complex."

About 1,500 staff members and 7,000 displaced people are currently stuck in the hospital, depending on capacity, according to al-Qedra.

Israeli tanks surrounded several hospitals in Gaza city over the past few days, claiming that they contain tunnels that constitute a base used by Hamas to shelter its leadership in addition to leading military operations against the Israeli army.

Both Hamas and the Health Ministry in Gaza denied Israel's accusations, considering them "an attempt to mislead and incite in preparation for the destruction of hospitals and the killing of patients".
New Delhi, Nov 15 : Out of the 1,181 candidates contesting the Chhattisgarh assembly pols, 1,178 have criminal cases against them, while 72 face serious charges, a report revealed on Wednesday.

The report said that 17 out of 90 BJP candidates and 16 out of 90 candidates of the Congress have criminal cases against them.

The report released by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Chhattisgarh Election Watch analysed the self-sworn affidavits of 1,178 out of 1,181 candidates, who are contesting the Chhattisgarh assembly elections Phase I and II.

The report said, "Out of 1,178 candidates analysed, 296 are from national parties, 114 are from state parties, 339 are from registered unrecognized parties and 429 candidates are contesting Independently."

It said, "Out of the 296 candidates from national parties, 18 per cent or 52 candidates are facing criminal charges while 24 have declared serious criminal cases against themselves."

The report stated that out of the 114 state parties candidates, 17 have declared criminal cases against them while 8 have declared serious criminal cases. Similarly, out of the 341 (339 candidates analysed) candidates of the registered unrecognised party 36 have declared criminal cases against them while 26 have serious criminal charges against them.

"Out of 430 independent candidates (429 analysed) 21 have declared criminal cases, while 14 have declared serious criminal cases against them," it said.

The report pointed out that in the Phase 1 polls, out of 223 candidates 26 candidates had criminal cases against them while 16 were facing serious criminal cases.

In the Phase 1 polls, there were 46 out of 223 crorepati candidates, with an average asset of Rs 1.34 crore.

The report said in the second phase out of the 958 candidates (955 analysed) 100 candidates are facing criminal cases, while 56 have serious criminal cases.

In the second phase, the report said, "There are 253 crorepati candidates out of the 955 analysed and average asset of the candidates is Rs 1.99 crore."

The report stated that from the national parties, the BJP has the maximum candidates with criminal cases. "BJP has 17 candidates (19 per cent) out of 90 who are facing criminal cases, followed by Congress' 16 candidates (17 per cent). 16 out of 54 candidates analysed of the AAP, 14 out of 77 candidates analysed of Janta Congress Chhattisgarh (J) and three out of 59 candidates analysedfrom BSP have criminal cases against them," the report said.

The report said that eight out of 90 candidates of the BKJP are facing serious criminal cases, while seven out of 90 from the Congress, seven out of 54 candidates analysed of the AAP, six out of 77 candidates analysed of the Janta Congress Chhattisgarh (J) and two out of 59 candidates analysed of the BSP have serious criminal cases against them.

The report added that two candidates have declared cases related to crime against women, one candidate has declared a case related to murder (IPC Section 303) against himself and four candidates have declared cases related to attempt to murder against themselves.

The report also stated that in 2018, the BJP has seven per cent candidates against whom criminal cases were registered which rose to 19 per cent in 2023. Similarly, the Congress has fielded 28 per cent candidates in 2018 against whom criminal cases were registered which came down to 17 per cent in the 2023 assembly polls.

The report said that thereare21 red alert constituencies in the state.

Red alert constituencies are those where three or more candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves. The report said that 18 constituencies in the Chhattisgarh assembly elections in 2018 had three or more candidates with criminal cases against them.

Polling for the first phase in 20 assembly seats in Chhattisgarh took place on November 7 and voting for 70 assembly seats is scheduled on November 17. Counting of votes will take place on December 3.
Los Angeles, Nov 15 : Actress Michelle Pfieffer and her husband David E. Kelley have reached a major relationship milestone. The 65-year-old actress and her writer-producer husband celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary recently and marked the occasion with a sweet selfie.

"30 years of bliss," Pfieffer wrote alongside a photo she posted of the pair on Instagram, reports People magazine.

Pfieffer and Kelley met on a blind date in 1993 and went on to tie the knot that November. The 'Scarface' actress opened up about the set-up during her appearance on 'The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon' last year.

She said, quoted by People: "I was kind of nervous ... and I'd had a couple of bad blind dates and I had sworn off of them, and my best friend said, 'Please, just this last time, meet this guy, David Kelley,' and I said, 'Okay'. I thought it was a good idea to do something like a bowling party."

Funny enough, Pfeiffer recalled that the Ally McBeal creator had been "chatting it up" with her sister at a group dinner before the party. "I say to my best friend 'I think I should set Dedee (Pfeiffer's sister) up with him they seem to be really hitting it off.' My friend said, 'Don't you dare I will kill you,'" she continued, adding as a joke, "It didn't start off great."

As per People, before the two met, Pfeiffer was already in the process of adopting her daughter Claudia Rose.

The year they married, Kelley also adopted Claudia and the pair welcomed their son John Henry the following year.
Uttarkashi, Nov 15 : As the rescue operation at the Uttarkashi collapsed tunnel site entered the fourth day, a fresh landslide has delayed the rescue of 40 labourers trapped in an under-construction tunnel for over 80 hours.

With the assistance of the Air Force, heavy auger drilling machines are being arranged for the rescue operation.

Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar has stated that they will soon rescue all the workers.

This machine, equipped with pipe pushing technology, will drill through the debris in the tunnel and insert a pipe of 880 to 900 mm, creating an escape passage for the workers

The landslide occurred in the Silkyara tunnel during construction on Sunday morning. After the landslide, debris has spread within a radius of 60 meters. From Monday to Tuesday, approximately 25 meters of the area was cleared of debris. However, intermittent falling of debris continues, affecting relief and rescue work.

On Tuesday night, around 12 a.m., drilling work with the machine began, raising hopes of rescuing the workers. The drilling for inserting the first pipe into the tunnel began. However, technical issues arose with the auger drilling machine, affecting the rescue operation. After removing the faulty machine, the work of levelling the platform for installing a new drilling machine began.

However, the rescue work was affected when a fresh landslide caused debris to fall from above, causing a stampede-like situation that left one labourer injured. After this incident, those involved in the task of removing the soil and the machine operators have been given instructions to work cautiously.

A portion of the under-construction tunnel between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Yamunotri National Highway in Uttarkashi district collapsed due to a landslide early on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in touch with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and is continuously taking updates from him.
Patna, Nov 15 : Six persons were injured in LPG cylinder explosion in Bihar's Sitamarhi district on Wednesday.

The incident occurred at Khairvi village under the Banthaha police station when a woman, named Sangeeta Devi, switched on the gas stove to make tea. As the pipe was leaking it soon caught fire.

The police said that the fire spread quickly in the house followed by an explosion of the LPG cylinder.

Six members of the family, including Sangeeta Devi, sustained burn injuries. They were admitted to the Sadar hospital in Sitamarhi with 30 to 40 per cent burn injuries.

Following the incident, a team headed by Prashant Kumar, the SDPO of Sadar range rushed to the spot and investigated the incident. He also took the statements of the victim. Further investigation is underway.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. Azerbaijan supports calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and voted in favor of a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly in October regarding the latest tensions, said First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva as she addressed the participants of the One Heart for Palestine meeting of first ladies in Istanbul, Trend reports.

The address, in particular, says, Our country supports the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two states solution in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions. Since 2019, during our chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, we have constantly paid attention to the issue of Palestine. I believe that the opening of the Representative Office of our country in the city of Ramallah this year will stimulate the development of Azerbaijan-Palestine relations.

First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva underlined that over the past 10 years, Azerbaijan repeatedly provided humanitarian and financial assistance through the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, adding, at the same time, Azerbaijan has hosted a number of international events to attract political and financial support to Palestine. Among them, I would like to mention the founding conference of the Islamic Financial Security Network to help the State of Palestine and the donor conference to support the development of the city of Jerusalem. Palestinian youths are receiving higher education in our country on the basis of scholarships provided by the state of Azerbaijan. The school to be built by Azerbaijan in Palestine will be another manifestation of our support of the Palestinian people.
New Delhi, 15 Nov : A large number of current and futuristic issues pertaining to the Infantry in operations, training, capability-development and infusion of technology were discussed at the 37th Infantry Commanders' Conference.

According to the Ministry of Defence, this discussion took place during the conference that was successfully conducted on November 14 and 15 at the Infantry School, Mhow.

This biennial conference was presided over by General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), the official added.

The MoD said that a large number of current and futuristic issues were discussed. While assessing the capabilities of the Infantry in a conventional war scenario and in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, necessary decisions were made to further enhance the capability of the Infantry in sync with the future challenges.

During the conference, the Infantry showcased its latest acquisitions in various arenas of lethality, mobility, battlefield transparency, situational awareness and survivability.

The demonstration of recently-acquired advanced New Generation Weapons and Equipment systems infused confidence in the emerging capabilities of the Infantry to counter the adversaries, the official added.

The conference was conducted in hybrid mode and was attended by the Vice Chief of Army Staff, six General Officers Commanding-in-Chief, 17 officers of the rank of Lieutenant Generals and 14 officers of the rank of Major Generals besides Colonels of the Infantry Regiments and Regimental Center Commandants.

While many participants were physically present at Mhow, others attended the conference in online mode from major Military Stations across the country.

The COAS complimented the participants for the dedicated and unflinching efforts being made at all levels towards infusion and adoption of the latest technology to transform the Infantry into a formidable force for the future.

The forum fostered the Infantry spirit and further strengthened the bonds of the larger Infantry fraternity cutting across regimental lines, official added.
New Delhi, Nov 15 : Five people were injured after a fight and stone pelting over sending a message to the one of the victim's sister-in-law in east Delhi, an officer said on Wednesday.

The injured were identified as Anurag (20), Ishan (16), Badal (19), Ismit (14) and Bulbul (34).

According to police, on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday, PCR calls were received regarding a "quarrel in 12 block, Kalyanpuri" at Kalyanpuri police station.

Acting on the call, a police team rushed to the spot.

On inquiry, it revealed that a 16-year-old boy had sent a message to Anurag's sister-in-law, who is also 16-years-old.

"Anurag objected to it and warned the boy not to talk with his sister-in-law. At about 10.45 p.m., Anurag and his friend went to 12-13 block Chowk and started arguments with the minor, which turned into a fight. The minor called his relatives and friends, and they started pelting stones," said a senior police official.

"In this fight and stone pelting, Anurag, Ishan, Badal, Ismit, and Bulbul also sustained injuries. All the injured were taken to LBS Hospital," said the official.

Accordingly, a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.

"During the investigation, raids were conducted to nab the six alleged and efforts bore fruits, one of the culprits, Jassi alias Jagpal Singh was apprehended," said the official.

"On checking the records, two previous involvements have been found against Jassil. Efforts are being made to nab the co-accused. Further investigation is on," the official added.
Bangalore, Nov 15 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had criticised the Congress government for implementing many guarantee programs, is now campaigning in the name of "Modi Guarantee".

"It is a shame that Prime Minister Modi is promoting government programs funded by the people of the state and the people of Karnataka as his programme," the Chief Minister was talking at the induction programme of various party leaders held at the KPCC office in Bengaluru.

The Chief Minister said that the people of the state and the government does not Modi's support.

The Chief Minister also appreciated Gauri Shankar and Dasarahalli Manjunath of Tumkur Rural Constituency for upholding the secular and constitutional values by leaving JD (S) and joining Congress.

"Janata Dal was secular when we were in the party. Now "S" has been removed and only Janata Dal remains. Since JD (S) joined hands with the BJP in the past, all the secularists remained separate in the Janata Parivar. Now JD (S) is joining hands with BJP again. They were annoyed when I called JD (S) the "B" team of the BJP.They have proved it right what I had said then," he said.

He said that the JD (S) is no longer a mass political party. "It is limited to just being a family party. With Gourishankar and Manjunath who have understood the double game of JD (S) and have joined Congress. Many of them will follow," he said.

KPCC President D.K Shivakumar, Secretary Salim Ahmed and other leaders were also present on the occasion.
New York, Nov 15 : New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Wednesday signed a historic legislation making Diwali a school holiday in public schools.

The legislation requires that all public schools in the city be closed on the "15th day of the eighth month of the Indian calendar in each year, which is known as Diwali".

"New York City is rich in different religions and cultures, and we're taking an important step to recognize and celebrate this diversity in the school calendar," Governor Hochul said in a press statement.

"This legislation to designate Diwali as a New York City school holiday is an opportunity for our children to learn about and celebrate traditions from across the world," she added.

The legislation was signed during a special reception at the Hindu Temple Society of North America in Flushing during Diwali celebrations.

"I believe that a celebration of light should not be commemorated in the dark. That's why tonight, we took action to bring people together," Hochul wrote on X.

The press statement from Hochul's office said that the legislation "amends the education law to declare Diwali a holiday for New York City public schools".

"Many people of the Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist faiths in New York City and throughout the state observe the festival of Diwali and more than 1 billion people around the world celebrate this holiday," the statement read.

The move came after the New York State legislature on June 9 passed a Bill to make Diwali a school holiday in the city with efforts from NYC Mayor Eric Adams and Indian-origin Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar.

"With the signing of my bill, we have lit an everlasting lamp in the hearts and minds of all New Yorkers... By signing my bill, we say to over 600,000 Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist New Yorkers, 'We see you, we recognise you, and Diwali is an American holiday,'" Rajkumar, the first Hindu American and first South Asian American woman elected to New York state office, said.

Rajkumar said that for over two decades, the South Asian community has lobbied for the Diwali holiday. Two earlier attempts to pass the legislation in 2021 and 2022 did not succeed.

"In this time of local and global racism and anger, Diwali's message is critically important and needed. The Diwali celebration not only represents the rich cultural heritage of our diverse community, but also serves as a reminder of the values that bind us together," State Senator Joseph Addabbo said, thanking Hochul.

According to city officials, more than two lakh New York residents celebrate Diwali which is observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists.

Earlier this year, Pennsylvania became the first US state to officially recognise Diwali as a public holiday.
Vadipatti : , Nov 15 (IANS/101Reporters) "I have been cleaning human faeces for 35 years for extremely low wages. Already my life is very bad, they made it miserable by not paying me for almost 16 months," laments M Pitchaiyammal (50), a part-time sanitary worker at Mannadimangalam village panchayat in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu.

Similarly, her son M Parthiban (27) did not receive his wages for 15 months, citing a lack of proof of attendance. Both allege that they have not been given the opportunity to sign the attendance register despite repeated attempts. "Whenever we visit, the panchayat office is either locked or the panchayat secretary would tell us that the register was not present," they claim.

In this case, the panchayat office is about three km from their village Ayyappanayakanpatti and the travel time, including the bus wait time, is not less than an hour. So, they usually try to sign once a week or fortnight.

Pitchaiyammal came to Ayyappanayakanpatti as a child bride. She initially helped her mother-in-law who was a sanitary worker. After her demise, Pitchaiyammal and her husband P Murugan (55) took up the work.

The illiterate couple from Malai Kuravar community, a Scheduled Tribe, does not exactly know how long they have been doing this job. "When I was married, I was just 15. Now I am 50. As soon as I came, they made me clean faeces," says Pitchaiyammal, looking at her husband with a satirical smile. "However, as per the records, I started working about 25 years back."

The couple made a few hundred rupees initially, but now Murugan earns Rs 8,500 and Pitchaiyammal Rs 7,500 a month. Parthiban, who had dropped out after class eight, has been in the job for three years. He earns Rs 7,200 per month. Besides Parthiban, the couple has three daughters.

In the villages of Tamil Nadu, the preference to employ sanitary workers in other menial jobs has always been less due to the stigma associated with their work such as cleaning public toilets, open defecation and sewage drains. Hence, they rely on whatever they make through sanitary work.

"This is the only tribal family in the village. Their ancestors lived on a small hill nearby. They came down to work for the dominant castes and were treated like slaves in the olden days. Unable to bear the discrimination, many families returned to the hills decades ago," says K Mangaiyarkarasi, a native of Ayyappanayakanpatti affiliated to the Communist Party of India (MarxistLeninist) (CPI-ML).

The ordeal begins

After not receiving wages for March last year, Pitchaiyammal and Parthiban received partial payments by April-end. But neither of them knew that it would take another 15 months for the next payment. Pitchaiyammal, who has no idea about the Gregorian calendar, says the Tamil calendar has entered into the 16th month since she last received wages.

"My wages were credited every two or three months. Whenever I inquired with panchayat clerk V Thirusenthil [now re-designated as panchayat secretary] about the pending wages of my wife and son, he kept on saying that the money will be credited once the Central fund comes," says Murugan.

However, Vadipatti Block Development Officer (BDO) S Kathiravan tells101Reportersthat the wages of sanitary workers are paid from the state funds. "The Rural Development Department is not dependent on any Central fund for this expense," says Kathiravan, the top authority for 23 village panchayats in Vadipatti block.

All these months, Murugan's wages ran the household with six members, including one of his widowed daughter and her three school-going children. Parthiban, who lives with his spouse, earned money by selling vegetables and doing electrical works.

With no positive signals from the panchayat, Pitchaiyammal registered her grievance with BDO Kathiravan this June. "However, the deputy BDO's report suggested that there was no evidence of them working in the attendance register. We met the BDO and asked why no show-cause notice was sent to the workers if they did not report for duty. He had no answer," says C Mathivanan, a senior CPI-ML functionary.

Mathivanan brought the issue to the notice of National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) Chairperson M Venkatesan in July. Though no formal complaint was filed, Venkatesan informed Mathivanan about the rights and entitlements of sanitary workers. The CPI-ML activists listed those rights and pasted wall posters across the villages in Mannadimangalam panchayat.

"This time, the officials were ready to disburse the pending wages, on condition of providing proof. Pitchaiyammal took a paper and pen when she went to work, and requested the residents of Ayyappanayakanpatti to sign the statement that she had delivered her duty. After submitting the signed statement, the administration started releasing her pending wages in instalments, along with her full monthly wages," Mathivanan says.

"We remove faeces, blood-stained menstrual clothes and all the dirt that others will not even look at. After returning from work, we have to wait at least an hour to forget the odour and the nauseous visuals before having food. How can my heart allow me to go unpaid," asked Pitchaiyammal.

Mangaiyarkarasi, who was instrumental in escalating the non-payment with the panchayat union office, alleges that this is not administrative apathy but caste discrimination. Hailing from a dominant Other Backward Class, she has invited the wrath of many villagers for opposing discrimination.

Though the grievances of the sanitary workers have been partially addressed, no action has been taken against Thirusenthil.101Reportersdid not approach him for comments as the workers feared repercussions. Panchayat secretaries are often more influential than the presidents as they are rarely transferred. Thirusenthil has been the panchayat secretary of Mannadimangalam for over 21 years.

The BDO too did not give a direct answer on why the other sanitary workers of the panchayat began to receive partial wages every month after the issue came to public eye. "Now the issue has been sorted out and the workers are paid every month," he claims.

Though manual scavenging is prohibited by law in India, Pitchaiyammal and Pathiban claim that they manually remove the defecation around public toilets in the panchayat. Speaking to101Reporters, all the sanitary workers confirm that no machinery has been provided for their work, other than brooms and dustpans.

Missing benefits

The situation is no different for the other sanitary workers in Mannadimangalam panchayat.101Reportersspoke to seven of them, living next to each other and belonging to the Arunthathiyar community, a Scheduled Caste (SC).

One among them, M Ramuthai (34) stays about 300 m from the panchayat office and gets to sign the register regularly. But she too gets her wages only every two or three months. Sometimes, I get it only in the fourth month. "After the posters were pasted, we started getting it every month," says Ramuthai, who has been in the job for six years.

Ramuthai did not get any financial assistance from the panchayat when she fell off the e-rickshaw collecting garbage a few months ago. "I suffered a leg fracture and had to be hospitalised. I was out of duty for two weeks. I was paid for these days, but I did not receive any other monetary support," she says.

The panchayat appoints sanitary workers after fixing their payments, which is usually around Rs 5,000 at the time of appointment. All of them are entitled to full wages, but they get only partial wages every month. That too, sometimes as low as Rs 1,500.

Ramuthai and others are unaware of the financial assistance provided by the Tamil Nadu Sanitary Workers Welfare Board to the families of sanitary workers in case of accidents, marriage and more. None of the seven female workers was aware of the emoluments or employee insurance.

All sanitary workers (full-time and part-time) are eligible to join the welfare board. However, there is neither active enrolment by local bodies nor proper communication from the board. The membership application forms are usually distributed through the respective local bodies and the primary requirement is the ID card. The panchayat has not issued ID cards to Ramuthai and fellow workers.

Arunthathiyars are among the three most populous Dalit castes in the state, but they are the most subjugated one too, sometimes even by fellow Dalits. Due to its backwardness, a 3% sub-reservation has been made for them within the 18% reservation for SCs.

Though their working hours are fixed (9 am to 12 pm daily), the women claim it takes about five hours to complete. "Let alone regular wages, we were buying even the shovel and broom with our own money. We spend Rs 200 to 300 every few months on them," says M Muthumari (45).

Rural local bodies neglected

The state has 21 municipal corporations, 122 municipalities and 529 town panchayats, all categorised as urban local bodies. Last December, Chief Minister MK Stalin launched in Madurai the Sanitation Workers' Development Scheme, meant to benefit 53,301 sanitary workers in urban local bodies, of which 18,859 are permanent employees.

This October, the state government announced the formation of the corpus fund of Rs 50 crore (Rs 10 crore from government and rest mobilised by urban local bodies and state public sector undertakings). Again, there was no mention of rural local bodies, which accounted for about half the state population. By looking at the number of urban sanitary workers, it can be assumed that the per capita allocation under the corpus fund would be a meagre Rs 938.

As for rural local bodies, Tamil Nadu has 37 district panchayats that are divided into 388 block panchayats, which in turn are further divided into 12,525 village panchayats. In the recent months, the district administrations have been calling for enrolment of sanitary workers with the welfare board to make them eligible for various financial assistances. However, Ramuthai and her fellow workers are yet to know about it.

(Vignesh A is a Tamil Nadu-based freelance journalist and a member of101Reporters, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters)
Patna, Nov 15 : Angry over the murder of an former Mukhiya candidate in Bihar's Rohtas district on Wednesday morning, a mob thrashed the three killers, leaving two of them dead and another badly injured, police said.

The incident occurred at 10 a.m. when three bike-borne assailants gunned down Vijendra Singh in Kalyani village under Suryapura police station in the district and fled.

The villagers, however, managed to chase them, nabbed all three and brutally assaulted them.

Two of them died on the spot while another was brutally injured.

The injured attacker was rescued by local police and admitted to a sub-divisional hospital in Bikramganj where he is battling for his life.

Following the incident, a team of police personnel was deployed at the village to present any untoward incident.

The district police recovered all three dead bodies and sent them for autopsy.

They are waiting for the recovery of the third injured to know the motive of murder.
Udupi, Nov 15 : The Karnataka police have cracked the murder case in which four members of a family were killed in Udupi district of Karnataka and arrested a suspected jilted lover on Wednesday.

The arrested person was identified as 37-year-old Praveen Arun Chougale, a resident of Sangli in Maharashtra. He worked at the Mangaluru International Airport.

He is alleged to have killed Haseena (46), her daughter Afnan (23), Aynaz (21) and son Aseem (12) at their residence. Haseena's husband works in Dubai. The shocking incident was reported on November 12 from Trupthi Nagar in Udupi.

The deceased Afnan, second daughter of Haseena, worked at the Mangaluru International Airport. It is suspected that the accused who also worked there was known to Afnan. He fell in love with her and when his proposal was rejected, he had resorted to murder, the police said.

The accused Praveen has been subjected to intense grilling by the police who are yet to issue an official statement in this regard.

Five special teams formed to crack the murder case had gathered information that the accused had taken an auto and got off near the residence of the victims. Later, the teams found that Praveen was sheltering at a relativeas house in Kudachi in Belagavi district.

He had also assaulted Haseena's mother-in-law and threatened a young girl in the neighbourhood, who had tried to raise an alarm and had come forward to help. He had forced her to run away
New Delhi, Nov 15 : The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of indulging in character assassination of its National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal to influence the ongoing elections in various states across the country.

AAP Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha said that the party will file a complaint with the Election Commission against the BJP, which he claimed is indulging in ruining the image of the Delhi Chief Minister through "derogatory, defamatory" posts on its official social media accounts and those of its office-bearers.

"The BJP is alive on character assassination, it thrives on character assassination. From Nehru to Kejriwal, the BJP has spared no one from character assassination. They do not improve their own image, but defame others," Chadha said.

He claimed that these acts of the BJP were "weakening the idea of free and fair election" in the country.

He added that the AAP will file a detailed complaint against the BJP with the Election Commission.

"We expect them (Election Commission) to act," Chadha said here in a press conference.
Hyderabad, Nov 15 : A dark and gritty crime-thriller, the trailer for 'Atharva' is filled with suspense, action, and mystery as actor Karthik Raju is investigating a string of mysterious murders, one of which includes the death of a Telugu heroine.

Soon discovered to be a kind of depraved game, these murders are forming a web which has one connecting branch, but what and where it lies is trickier than it looks as there is a whole dark web of corruption, and secrecy.

Investigating this string of murders, it is initially believed that the actress was killed by her boyfriend who later killed himself. However, the leading detective of the case is not convinced.

Searching for evidence, the killer is a very smart and elusive one as this person has left no trace of anything, be it fingerprints, hair fibres, or pieces of clothing. But the protagonist is convinced that this murder was pre-planned, and soon he is proven right as a bunch of other killings begin taking place.

However, being an officer of the law while investigating the case, Karthik Rajuas determination to catch the criminals leads him to violating rules and stepping outside his jurisdiction. As the bureaucracy is bound by regulations, the protagonist is suspended.

But being a clever person, he is still pushing forward and chasing every lead available, and he begins connecting the dots to see that there is some pattern and connecting factor to all these killings.

Violent, dark, serious, aAtharvaa is a no-holds-barred murder-mystery-crime-thriller-drama movie directed by Mahesh Reddy and stars Karthik Raju, Simran Choudhary, Ayraa, Arvind Krishna, Kabir Duhan Singh, G.Marimuthu, Anand, Kiran Macha, Shiva Kumar Vijaya Rama Raju, Gagan Vihari.
Ankara, Nov 15 : Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan increased his criticism of Israel, calling it a "terrorist state" and claiming it is intent on destroying Gaza along with all of its residents.

In a fiery speech to members of his party, Erdogan also says his country will take steps to ensure that Israel's political and military leaders are brought to trial in international courts, The Times of Israel reported.

"Israel is implementing a strategy of total destruction of a city and its people," Erdogan says.

"I say openly that Israel is a terrorist state."

The Turkish leader also describes Hamas terrorists as "resistance fighters" trying to protect their lands and people.

Erdogan made the comments days before he is set to depart on an official visit to Berlin.

On Tuesday, German Chancellor said Erdogan's accusations of fascism against Israel were "absurd".

Erdogan has been an increasingly vocal critic of Israel's war against Hamas, which was launched after the terror group carried out a murderous rampage across southern Israel on October 7, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

Israel was a long-time regional ally of Turkey before Erdogan came to power, but ties imploded after a 2010 Israeli commando raid on the Gaza-bound Mavi Marmara ship, part of a blockade-busting flotilla, that left dead 10 Turkish activists who attacked IDF soldiers aboard the ship.

Netanyahu and Erdogan repeatedly aimed brickbats at each other in the ensuing years, including mutual charges of genocide. In July 2014, Erdogan accused the Jewish state of "keeping Hitler's spirit alive" during a war with Gaza.

Ties later saw a moderate improvement, but both countries withdrew their ambassadors in 2018 amid violence in Gaza and the Trump administration's relocation of its embassy to Jerusalem.

Facing hardening diplomatic isolation and economic woes, Erdogan began to publicly display an openness toward rapprochement in December 2020.

In August of last year, Israel and Turkey announced a full renewal of diplomatic ties. Earlier this month, Ankara said it was recalling its ambassador to Israel for consultations due to Israel's refusal to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. The current crisis facing international institutions with broad powers is preventing the resolution of important issues. This deep-rooted crisis is another topic of discussion, said First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva as she addressed the participants of the One Heart for Palestine meeting of first ladies in Istanbul, Trend reports.

Failure to resolve military conflicts in modern times is largely due to the selective application of international law. Double standards and bias make this crisis worse.

False stories are circulated by biased media platforms to mislead public opinion and manipulate international law, the First Lady pointed out.
Srinagar, Nov 15, : An infiltration bid was foiled in a joint operation of the army and police at Uri sector in North Kashmir's Baramulla district on Wednesday, officials said.

"Security forces successfully thwarted an infiltration attempt in the URI sector along the LOC," police said.

There have been a series of infiltration attempts that were foiled by security forces in the recent past.

On October 26 aninfiltrationbidwas successfully foiled in a joint operation launched by Police and Army along the Line of Control in Machil sector of north Kashmir's Kupwara district.

On October 30, one terrorist was killed after aninfiltrationbidwas foiled in a joint operation of the police and army in Kupwara.
Tel Aviv, Nov 15 : War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz says Israel will hunt down Hamas leaders "in Gaza and around the world".

"There will be no sanctuary cities, no sanctuary houses. We will go wherever we need to in order to eradicate child murderers -- above and below ground. In Gaza and around the world. We will reach the heads of government just as we reached the centres of government," Gantz said in a Tel Aviv statement to the press.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are currently operating in a portion of Gaza's largest hospital, Al-Shifa, where Israel and the US say Hamas has military infrastructure, The Times of Israel reported.

"IDF soldiers continue to operate deep inside Gaza City against those who have turned hospitals into command centres, from which war crimes are committed," he added.

Turning to the Israel's increasingly tense front with Lebanon, Gantz warns that "what we're doing effectively in the south, can work even better in the north, if necessary".
Tel Aviv, Nov 15 : Israel's Opposition Leader Yair Lapid on Wednesday denounced Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after the latter said that Israel is a "terrorist state".

"We won't take lessons in morality from President Erdogan, a man with an appalling human rights record," Lapid wrote on X as quoted by The Times of Israel report.

"Israel is defending itself against brutal terrorists from Hamas-ISIS, some of whom have been allowed to operate under Erdogan's roof," he said.

Turkey has long served as a safe haven for senior leaders of Hamas.
'Deepika has set rules which I need to follow,' says Ranveer. Image Source: IANS News

Mumbai, Nov 15 : Bollywood star couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, whose film 'Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela' celebrates its 10th anniversary on Wednesday, were spotted in Brussels.

The two celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary on Tuesday and were seen holidaying in Belgium.

A picture of the couple, sitting inside a property with their backs facing the street has emerged on the Internet.

Taking to X, a fan claimed to have spotted the couple in Brussels. He also shared a snapshot capturing the duo engaged in a conversation inside a salon, seated on a plush couch.

Another picture, shared by a fan, shows the couple posing with their fans and donning warm clothes.

Ranveer-Deepika tied the knot on November 14, 2018, at Italy's Lake Como after dating for six long years. Their romance started with 'Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela'.

Recently, on popular chat show 'Koffee With Karan' Ranveer Singh shared that in 2015, he had proposed to Deepika. He said, "Iske pehle ki koi aur aa jaye main jaake chappal rakh deta hoon (sic)".
Ratnagiri : , Nov 15 (IANS) In what is billed as the first ever rescue operation of its kind, a massive whale calf (baby) which was stuck on the famed Ganpatipule Beach on Monday, was finally rescued and successfully pushed back into the Arabian Sea early on Wednesday, a local resident said.

The mammoth operation involved the district fire brigade, police, fisheries department, Indian Coast Guard and local volunteers who toiled to save the whale against a possible death after it got beached here and lay helpless in the shallow sandy waters during the low tide.

The hapless calf whale was noticed on the beach, stuck in the sand and furiously struggling to get into the sea waters, by some locals and tourists around dawn and alerted the local police and fisheries department, and the ICG which got into the act.

The baby mammal measured around 30-feet long and was estimated to weigh more than four tonnes, making it a difficult rescue missions. Two cranes were deployed to help out.

At one point, a team of veterinary doctors administered fluid to the bewildered and struggling mammal to ensure it survived the ordeal.

The rescue teams tied belts and a rope net to haul it to the waters, though it reportedly suffered a minor injury near the tail portion.

Finally after many hours of patience and hard work, the rescue teams managed to push it back in the sand, virtually inch-by-inch, till it could comfortably swim into the sea and return to its freedom in the deep waters a" as louds cheers and claps went up from the assembled crowds of onlookers, locals and tourists.

Officials monitoring the developments said that after it went back to safety in the deep waters, the calf whale was visible at least thrice at some distance from the beach and then finally disappeared into the waters, indicating that it was healthy and unharmed post-rescue.

Earlier, at least two attempts proved unsuccessful and the calf whale was pushed back to the shore, compelling the rescuers to start over again till they conquered the challenge.
Panaji, Nov 15 : Following the arrest of three persons for allegedly demanding protection money from fish selling agents in Goa, state Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar on Wednesday urged the fishing community to complain to the police against any such demand.

"The home department has been active in arresting the miscreants. Hence, if any fish selling agent faces such threats or demands, he should submit a written complaint," Halarnkar told reporters here.

"I have not received any complaint from fish selling agents. But if someone receives extortion threat or demand for protection money, they should go to the nearest police station and lodge a complaint," the minister said.

On Tuesday, the Crime Branch Police had arrested three persons for allegedly demanding protection money from fish selling agents.

According to the police, Satheeb Ramchandran, a resident of Ratnagiri in Maharashtra having an office at Malim jetty in North Goa, complained about protection money demand from him and others.

In his complaint, Ramchandran 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 been arrested and remanded to two-day police custody," the 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.
Jammu, Nov 15 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced Rs 2 lakhs as ex gratia relief to the next of kin of those killed in the road accident in J&K's Doda district.

"The bus accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir is distressing. My condolences to the families who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Rs 50,000 would be given to the injured," the PMO wrote on X.

Amit Shah also expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident.

Thirty six people were killed and 19 injured in the Doda road accident.

Officials said that the driver of a passenger bus lost control in Assar area of Doda district in J&K and the vehicle fell into a deep gorge.

"Thirty six people have died in this accident so far and 19 are seriously injured. The injured have been shifted to hospital. Doctors said some of the injured have sustained critical injuries. Security forces and civilians started a relief and rescue operation immediately after the accident," the officials said.

"Extremely pained by the loss of lives in a tragic bus accident in Assar, Doda. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families & wishing for a speedy recovery of those injured in the accident. Directed Div Com & Dist Admin to provide all necessary assistance to affected persons," J&K L-G wrote on X.

The hilly Doda and Rajouri districts are known for bad roads leading to major accidents while the traffic department officials said over speeding and rash driving were the main reasons for accidents in these districts.

Meanwhile, the locals blame the traffic department for lack of supervision on overloaded passenger buses and over speeding private vehicles.
Kolkata, Nov 15 : A youth was shot from point blank range and died on the spot late on Tuesday night near a fairground at Dalkhola in North Dinajpur district of West Bengal. This came to light after the police gave a statement to the local media persons on Wednesday afternoon.

The victim has been identified as Zeda Soren a.k.a. Raja (22). According to the police, Soren had a negative police record. According to the statement given by the victimas wife Sakuntala Soren, on Tuesday night her husband left the house after receiving a call from an unknown person.

She followed him and after some time she saw her husband being stopped near a local fairground by a masked person. After some initial exchange of words, the masked man brought out a firearm and shot her husband. He died on the spot, said his wife.

The body has been sent for postmortem. Preliminary investigation suggests that the killing might be because of some old rivalry.
Chandigarh, Nov 15 : Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal on Wednesday condemned the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for closing down 1,559 grain markets in Punjab despite the fact that paddy was still arriving in mandis and demanded that paddy procurement operations should be continued across the state till November 20.

"This government has discriminated against farmers from day one by refusing to pay compensation for crop losses and is now closing down mandis arbitrarily leaving farmers in the lurch," the SAD chief said in a statement here.

Badal said it was shocking that despite the fact that 2.91 lakh metric tonnes of paddy had arrived in mandis till Tuesday, which was 18 per cent more than the corresponding period last year, the AAP government was closing down procurement centres.

He said a large amount of produce was yet to reach the mandis due to delayed harvest due to rains.

"Farmers who went in for re-transplantation of paddy after their crop was destroyed due to floods in July are also yet to bring their produce to the market. The government should close down the procurement centres only after the entire produce has been procured," he asserted.

Badal also demanded a CBI inquiry into the sudden influx of 4.7 lakh metric tonnes of paddy into the state on Diwali day.

"Farmers know that procurement comes to a standstill on Diwali because the procurement staff and arhatiyas are not present in Mandis on this day," he said, adding that despite this 4.7 lakh metric tonnes of produce were procured on Diwali.

"It is clear that either paddy has been recycled to book profits or arrivals have been procured from outside the state." He said since this could only be done with political patronage the case should not be probed by the state vigilance and should be handed over to the CBI so that the truth could be laid threadbare.
New Delhi, Nov 15 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the bus accident in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda is "distressing" and announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh for families of deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured from Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

"The bus accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir is distressing. My condolences to the families who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest," said a post released by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) wrote on X.

"An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Rs 50,000 would be given to the injured," the post added.

President Dropadi Murmu said that she is "deeply saddened" by the accident and expressed her condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

"I am deeply saddened by the news of the unfortunate death of several passengers in a bus accident in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. I express my condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured," she wrote on X.

"The news of many casualties in the bus accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir is extremely painful. The local administration is engaged in relief and rescue work. I express my deep condolences to the bereaved family. I pray to God for the speedy recovery of the injured and peace to the departed souls," BJP President Nadda wrote on X.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said that he is "pained and anguished" to hear about the terrible bus tragedy and urged authorities to expedite the rescue and relief work.

"Pained and anguished to hear about the terrible bus tragedy in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir which has resulted in loss of many precious lives. We urge the authorities to expedite the rescue and relief work. Congress workers must extend all possible help. In this hour of grief, our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. May they get the strength to overcome their losses," he said in a post on X.

Officials said that the driver of a passenger bus lost control in the Assar area of Doda district in J&K and the vehicle fell into a deep gorge resulting in the death of at least 36 people and leaving 19 seriously injured.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. Russia stands for the complete unblocking of economic and transport communications in the South Caucasus, Spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said during a weekly briefing, Trend reports.

"We advocate for the comprehensive unblocking of economic and transportation communications in the South Caucasus, rather than simply one single route. We advocate for this to occur under transparent, mutually beneficial conditions. It's not just words, it's work," she said.

She emphasized that such work in the interests of both Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as their neighbors, is being carried out within the framework of a trilateral working group co-chaired by the deputy prime ministers.

"Don't the Armenians know about this?" They are well aware. Was this group's work criticized? Never. Why? Because it is equal. "The trilateral working group operates on the basis of agreements reached by the leaders of Azerbaijan, Russia, and Armenia," Zakharova said.

She pointed out that the process of unblocking communications, which was initiated by the leaders of the three nations in January 2021, has yet to be finished.

"At the 12th meeting of the working group, significant progress was recorded in the negotiations on June 2. In particular, a common understanding was reached regarding the restoration and organization of railway communication between Armenia and Azerbaijan. However, something prevented the Armenian leadership from finalizing the agreements on paper. We know well what prevented it. These are the "good" advice of Western friends of the current leadership of Armenia," she said.

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San Francisco, Nov 15 : A federal court in the US has rejected social media giants' motion to dismiss dozens of lawsuits, accusing them of running platforms "addictive" to kids and allegedly spreading child sex abuse materials.

Meta, ByteDance, Alphabet, and Snap are dealing with dozens of lawsuits that accuse their platforms of allegedly harming children.

US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has rejected their motion, saying that Meta, ByteDance, Alphabet (Google's parent company), and Snap (Snapchatas parent company) must proceed with a lawsuit alleging their social platforms have adverse mental health effects on children, reports The Verge.

"Because children still developing impulse control are uniquely susceptible to harms arising out of compulsive use of social media platforms, defendants have 'created a youth mental health crisis' through the defective design of their platforms," according to the ruling.

"Further, these platforms facilitate and contribute to the sexual exploitation and sextortion of children, as well as the ongoing production and spread of child sex abuse materials (CSAM) online. To that end, defendants know that children use their products, both from public and internal data," it read.

Millions of children use defendantsa platforms "compulsively".

Many report that they feel they are addicted to the platforms, wish they used them less, and feel harmed by them.

School districts across the US have filed suit against Meta, ByteDance, Alphabet, and Snap, alleging the companies cause physical and emotional harm to children.

Meanwhile, 42 states sued Meta last month over claims Facebook and Instagram "profoundly altered the psychological and social realities of a generation of young Americans". The court order addresses the individual suits and "over 140 actions" taken against the companies.

A Google spokesperson said the allegations in these complaints are "simply not true", adding the company has "built age-appropriate experiences for kids and families on YouTube, and provide parents with robust controls".

Snap, Meta, and ByteDance didnat immediately respond to the ruling.

--IANS

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IT raid on Uflex company continues for the second day. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Nov 15 : UFlex Ltd on Wednesday reported a 67 per cent decline in consolidated net profit to Rs 63.3 crore for the July-September quarter of the current financial year, as against a net profit of Rs 190.7 crore in the same quarter last year.

The standalone revenue of the packaging solutions company decreased to Rs 1,650.5 crore during the quarter from Rs 1720.5 crore in the same period of the previous year.

UFlex recorded a sales volume increase of 8.9 per cent to 64,232 MT during the quarter.

The consolidated revenue of the company decreased from Rs 3,848.8 crore to Rs 3,389.5 crore in Q2.

UFlex Group CMD Ashok Chaturvedi said: "In Q2, our flexible packaging business witnessed increased sales volumes both on QoQ and YoY basis. The Packaging Films business witnessed increased sales volumes on a QoQ basis but was almost flat on a YoY basis. While the EBITDA margins (excluding exceptional items with respect to currency devaluation) are down on a YoY basis."

"The margins have improved significantly on a sequential quarter basis, which has led to EBITDA (excluding exceptional items with respect to currency devaluation) increasing to Rs 405.9 crore in Q2 from Rs 303.7 crore in Q1. We expect that the Packaging Films business margins will improve further from Q4 onward," he added.
Bhopal, Nov 15 : The high voltage election campaign for the Madhya Pradesh Assembly election ended on Wednesday evening with polling on November 17. The rallies of some of the star campaigners continued beyond the scheduled time of closure at 6 p.m. prompting the Election Commission to step in.

With this, a political controversy also erupted as the Congress lodged a complaint with the Election Commission (EC), accusing the BJP of violating provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

A delegation of Congress leaders reached the EC office in Bhopal with a complaint that in a large election advertisement taken out by the BJP in newspapers across Madhya Pradesh, it has been announced that Shivraj Singh Chouhan, BJP candidate and Chief Minister of the state, will be speaking/interacting with all the brothers and sisters of Madhya Pradesh at 5.30 p.m. on Wednesday.

In its representation, the Congress complained that Shivraj Singh Chouhan and the BJP's election speech scheduled for 5:30 p.m. will be in violation of the silence period since there is no time limit provided for the speech. It cannot be allowed to be publicized in the remaining constituencies where the silence period shall be in effect from 6 p.m.

The EC stopped the election campaign and has issued directions to the Chief Electoral Officer, Madhya Pradesh to take the necessary steps to ensure that no campaigning takes place after the commencement of the silence period at 6 p.m. as per the provisions of Section 126(1)(b) of the RP Act 1951.

As per Section 126(1)(b), no person shall display to the public any election matter by means of cinematography, television or other similar apparatus in any polling area during the period of forty eight hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of polling.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was addressing his last rally in Bhopal but his speech lasted a few minutes after the scheduled time was already over. Kharge was addressing the rally of former minister P. C. Sharma who is contesting the election from Bhopal and who reminded him twice about the time. Kharge, however, said that he canat finish his speech in the next two minutes, no matter if he is put in jail.

The voting for the single phase election for 230 assembly seats will be held on November 17. The voting will start at 7 a.m. and end at 5:30 p.m. The results will be announced on December 3 along with those of four other states a" Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Assam.
Jaipur, Nov 15 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday accused the Gehlot Government of corruption and disturbing law and order in Rajasthan and said that the 'Lal Diary' has now started speaking loudly.

"Punish the corrupt and press the lotus button as if you are hanging them," he said while addressing an election rally in the Baytoo Assembly of Barmer district.

"These people call Lal Diary fake, but now their own letters have started coming out. The Lal Diary has started speaking loudly. Now, should even a single Congressman win? If any Congress candidate comes, ask him, 'What is the Lal Diary issue and whose diary is it? Earlier you used to deny everything, now facts have started coming out of it'", he added.

Taking a dig at Gehlot, Modi said that when the Chief Minister declares atrocities against women "fake", when a minister in the Assembly endorses atrocities against women by calling it "mardon ka pradesh", then the morale of the oppressors will rise. He has insulted the men and women of Rajasthan, he added.

Modi said that pro-terrorism slogans are being raised in Rajasthan. Wherever the Congress comes to power, the courage of terrorists, bullies and rioters increases. The Chief Minister remains busy saving the chair for five years, he added.

Modi said that after Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the Congress will be completely wiped out from Rajasthan too as it has brought the state to the forefront in the matter of corruption.

He further commented on the recent seizure of gold and cash from lockers in Jaipur and said, "Lockers are opening, looted goods are becoming visible. Lots of money and gold are being recovered from Rajasthan. This gold is not made of potatoes (Aaloo se sona). Otherwise they will go and say that we have made it from potatoes."

"Action should be taken against people involved in corruption. The public should take the first action. In elections you press the lotus button as if you are hanging them," Modi said.

Introducing himself as a brother on the festival of Bhai Dooj, he said, "Today is Bhai Dooj. I have come among the sisters of Rajasthan and am concerned about their health. Your brother saved you from smoke by giving you free gas connections. I was concerned about the dignity and respect of mothers and sisters that is why crores of toilets were built across the country."

Modi also spoke on free grains being distributed to the poor. He said, "To ensure that no one in my country sleeps hungry, I gave free food grains to 80 crore people. This is the power of your one vote. Every poor person should get food, hence the scheme of free food grains was extended by five years."

Attacking corruption in the state, he said, "Haath ka Panja has become habitual of hitting anywhere. I don't know where the claws of Congress go and loot. I send money to provide tap connections to homes, but the Congress works to earn money in this noble cause. The Jal Jeevan Mission was not implemented in Barmer-Jaisalmer but its payment was made."

Further commenting on the law and order situation in the state he said, "Riots take place frequently in Rajasthan, and curfew is also being imposed. Pro-terrorism slogans are also being raised in Rajasthan. Why does the courage of terrorists, bullies and rioters increase wherever the Congress comes? The answer is the Congress' appeasement policy."

Modi also praised his government's approach and said, "When there were terrorist attacks during the Congress Government, it used to take the issue to foreign countries. They used to ask for help. However, we kill terrorists by entering their house."
New Delhi, Nov 15 : Government-owned upstream oil giant ONGC is looking at investing around Rs 1 lakh crore to diversify into the manufacturing of petrochemicals to move up the value chain from crude oil, senior company executives said in a conference call on Wednesday.

ONGC Director, Finance, Pomila Jaspal said the company is looking to build separate oil-to-chemical (O2C) projects.

ONGC's Executive Director and chief of Joint Ventures & Business Development, D. Adhikari, said: "Our plan is to raise petrochemical capacity to 8.5-9 million tonnes by 2030."

Demand for petrochemicals, used as inputs for making plastics, fertilisers, and pharmaceuticals, is expected to remain robust due to their wide range of uses across large industries, including construction, automobiles and electronics. Strengthening its chemicals business will help ONGC to improve profitability as it moves up the value chain.

ONGC already has two subsidiaries a" Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) and ONGC Petro-Additions Ltd (OPaL) that run petrochemical units at Mangaluru in Karnataka and Dahej in Gujarat, respectively.

While MRPL is a profit-making entity, OPaL has a "distorted" capital structure, Adhikari said.

To correct this, the ONGC board has approved infusing Rs 18,355 crore capital in OPaL to raise its stake in the firm to over 96 per cent from 49.35 per cent at present, Adhikari added.
New Delhi, Nov 15 : Delhi Police have arrested two close aides of the Tillu Tajpuriya gang wanted in an attempt to murder case registered in the city, an officer said on Wednesday.

The accused were identified as Lalit a.k.a Chetan and Sachin alias Tinku, both residents of Valmiki Mohalla, Alipur Delhi.

An attempt murder case was registered on November 11 at Alipur police station after the injured stated that three persons came on a bike and intercepted his scooty and indiscriminately fired several rounds on him and fled from the spot.

"Based on specific input one accused namely Lalit was apprehended," said the Deputy Commissioner of Police (outernorth) Ravi Kumar Singh.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Lalit along with Sachin, Rohit alias Laddu, Rahul, and Shanky were involved in the present crime.

"Meanwhile, a police team also arrested co-accused namely Sachin," said the DCP.

On interrogation, Lalit disclosed that on the direction of Chiku (Tillu Gang) who is currently lodged in Tihar Jail, he executed this crime. "Rohit and Shanky opened fire on victim Piyush Mann," said the DCP.

"Investigation of the case is in progress and serious efforts are being made to nab the remaining accused," the DCP added.
New Delhi, Nov 15 : Marvelled at the case of the US woman who is pregnant with two baby girls in both her uteruses, city doctors on Wednesday called it as "miracles of life" and "reflects the power of God's creation".

Kelsey Hatcher, 32, a massage therapist was born with a rare condition called uterus didelphys in which a person has two uteruses. It occurs when the two tubes that normally fuse to form a single uterus during foetal development fail to join completely, resulting in two separate uteri.

Hatcher and her husband Caleb, who are already parents to three children aged 7, 4, and 2, are expecting the babies on Christmas.

"I find this case of a woman pregnant with two babies in two uteruses both intriguing and extraordinary," Dr. Archana Dhawan Bajaj, Gynaecologist, obstetrician and IVF Expert, Nurture IVF Clinic, told IANS.

"As a gynaecologist, I am amazed at the resilience and strength of women's bodies, and this case is a prime example. It's a testament to the miracles of life and the extraordinary capabilities of the human body. However, it also underscores the importance of regular prenatal care and the role of healthcare professionals in ensuring a safe pregnancy and delivery," she added.

Hatcher, currently in her third trimester (34th week), discovered about the babies in each of her uteruses during a routine eight-week ultrasound visit in May.

"We were kind of blown away! During that first ultrasound we had LOTS of laughs," she wrote in a post on her Instagram account "doubleuhatchlings," where she is documenting her story.

"This is indeed the rarest of the rarest cases and reflects the power of God's creation. Despite technological advances in IVF, even today nature has its own surprises! This is a completely natural pregnancy.

"To have two completely well-developed uteruses and to have a pregnancy in each which is viable and growing well is indeed a marvel. We don't know what to call them-- twins is the easy terminology at best," (Lt Col) Dr. Leena N Sreedhar, HOD And Consultant - Obstetrics & Gynaecology at HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, told IANS.

However, the doctors mentioned that the situation presents unique challenges and risks, both for the mother and the babies.

"Each pregnancy would be considered high-risk due to the increased potential for complications," Dr. Archana said.

"While it is uncommon and if diagnosed it does come with some increased risks and challenges such as preterm birth, pregnancy loss, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm rupture of membranes, breech presentation, C-section," Dr Deepa Dewan, Senior Director- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Gurugram told IANS.

"Since each uterus provides limited space for the growing babies, there may be a higher likelihood of intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth and breech presentation, where one or both babies are positioned feet or buttocks first instead of headfirst. There may also be an increased risk of uterine rupture," she added.

Meanwhile, Hatcher hopes to go into labour 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 "thriving", she wrote on Instagram.
New Delhi : People from Manipur stage a protest against the ongoing ethnic violence in the state. Image Source: IANS News

Guwahati, Nov 15 : In solidarity with the Manipur victims, the Meitei community in Assam will not be celebrating Ningol Chakouba, one of their most important festivals, this year.

Senior Meitei community members in Assam claimed that this year's celebration will not be observed by their community in Bangladesh, Manipur, Mizoram, or Assam for the same reason.

According to Seram Herajit, chief advisor of the Manipuri Youth Front of Assam (MAYFA), this will be the first time that they will not celebrate Ningol Chakouba.

"We celebrate the role that women play in our lives during this festival, but our sisters in Manipur have been suffering for the past seven months. They are living in shelter homes, experiencing attacks, and losing family members. We have requested every Meitei individual in Assam to stay away from Ningal Chakouba because we cannot ignore Manipur," Herajit stated on Wednesday.

He mentioned that the celebration of Ningal Chakouba, which falls on the second lunar day of the Hiyangei month in the Manipur calendar, is centered around the idea of fortifying the love between married ladies (Ningol) and their father's family.

Married ladies are called to their parents' house for a feast (Chakouba) during this holiday, according to Reena Singh, chairperson of the Manipuri Development Council in Assam.

The men in the family plan everything and purchase presents for the women (daughters and sisters).

According to Reena, this is one of the community's oldest celebrations, and the women look forward to this day all year long.

"At this festival, we get the opportunity to spend lovely times at our parents' house, but we are not happy this year. We cannot physically stand with our sisters who are being abused in Manipur, but we still support them," she said.

For the same reason, according to Reena, the majority of Meitei families in Assam skipped Diwali celebrations this year.

She said, "We prayed and lit diyas for our Manipuri sisters and brothers. We didn't even use any different lights at home, nor did we prepare any special meals. We are hoping that Manipur's dark era will soon come to an end so that we can celebrate festivals."

Kamalakanta Singha, a social activist and advisor to the All Assam Manipuri Students' Union (AAMSU), stated that Meiteis in Assam and other Northeastern states are doing the same.

"It is regrettable that we do not commemorate the historical accounts of Ningol Chakouba. However, it is tragic what our sisters in Manipur are going through," he said.

Singha claimed that the majority of the more than 3 lakh Meitei residents of Assam participate in this annual celebration.
Imphal, Nov 15 : The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), an apex body of tribals in Manipur, on Wednesday after a massive rally announced to set up a 'self-government' soon to govern the tribal inhabited areas of the northeastern state.

The ITLF Secretary Muan Tombing said that over six months have passed after the ethnic violence continued in Manipur and nothing has been done to their demand of 'separate administration' (equivalent to separate state) for the tribals.

"As our voice is not heard, just within a couple of weeks we would set up our self-government, whether the Centre recognises it or not, we would go ahead. Our proposed 'self-government' would look into all matters in the Kuki-Zo tribal areas," Tombing told the media in Churachandpur.

The ITLF leader said that 10 tribal MLAs including seven BJP legislators, various civil society groups and all other tribal based organisations have been demanding total separation from Manipur.

Thousands of people including women and youths on Wednesday organised a massive rally in Churachandpur district, one of the tribal inhabited districts and worst hit areas of the ethnic riot.

Senior ITLF leader and spokesman Ginza Vualzong said that while the Manipur government is dominated and run by the Meitei leaders led by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, the Central agencies including the NIA and CBI have not taken up brutal cases relating to Koki-Zomi tribals.

Highlighting 20 serious brutal cases, Vualzong said that the NIA and the CBI considered selective cases to probe the accusations.

"The Wednesday's rally was held to protest the barbaric ways in which innocent Kuki-Zo civilians are murdered by mobs and the cherry-picking of cases by Manipur police and central investigating agencies like the CBI and NIA to appease the majority Meitei community at the expense of minority tribals," the ITLF spokesman said.

The ITLF after the mega rally sent a memorandum to Home Minister Amit Shah through Churachandpur Deputy Commissioner Dharun Kumar demanding immediate resolution of the Manipur crisis and resolving their demands.

"We urge to handle the ongoing ethnic strife between the two communities with equity, unprejudiced and equivalently and recommend the CBI to probe into the matters highlighted by the ITLF and appeal you to unequivocally delve into the plight and woes of the Kuki-Zo tribal populace correspondingly," the ITLF memorandum said.

The Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights expressed deep concern over the alleged atrocities of Manipur police commandos upon innocent civilians in Manipur's border town Moreh.

KWOHR President, Ngaineikim Haokip said that the organisation is deeply disturbed by the relentless torture of seven arrested civilians from Moreh by the Meitei police commandos.
Bhopal, Nov 15 : Senior BJP leader and former minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Wednesday said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vigorous vow for good governance and national security has protected India from trouble of terrorism and vicious Jihadi violence amid the ongoing global turmoil.

Addressing a poll rally in Khandwa district in Madhya Pradesh, Naqvi said that while on one hand the Modi government's commitment to national security has instilled a sense of security among the people of the country, on the other hand it has created fear among the terror elements.

"Had there been the Congress in power at the Centre today, its weak and shaky leadership and knee-jerk policies would have made the country suffer from the scourge of terrorism and Jihadi fanaticism," BJP leader claimed.

Naqvi said that before 2014, every part of the country was affected by unrestrained terrorism; every 15 days one or other part of the country witnessed bomb blasts and other terror attacks in which many innocent people were killed.

"PM Modi has tackled terror activities with iron fist by adopting a zero tolerance policy against terrorism and broke the backbone of terrorism and those who give shelters to terrorists," he said.

The BJP leader said that PM Modi led BJP government has demolished "duping appeasement" by his "determination to development with dignity".

"The champions of communalism and their cartel of conspiracies have again become active to denigrate and defame the country. We have to remain cautious of these nefarious elements as carelessness causes accidents," he said.

"Wiping out the stains of communal and criminal acts of foreign invaders, a grand and magnificent Ram Mandir is being constructed at Ram Janmbhoomi in Ayodhya and this has filled every Bharatwasi and Ram Bhakt with immense pride," he said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. The Grand National Assembly of Turkiye (GNAT) has extended the service life of the Turkish military in Azerbaijan for another year, Trend reports.

The proposal was adopted by a vote at the end of the discussions.

The document emphasizes that the implementation of the measures provided for by the trilateral statement signed by Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia on November 9, 2020 continues.

In addition, it was noted that Turkiye will continue to make an important contribution to the preservation and strengthening of peace and stability in the region.

In November 2021 and 2022, the service life of the Turkish military in Azerbaijan was extended by a year.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Macherla : , Nov 15 (IANS) Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday mocked the mini election manifesto of opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jana Sena Party (JSP).

He said that people are not ready to believe the 11- point 'false election promises of Chandrababu Naidu and his foster son'.

Addressing a huge public meeting at Macherla in Palnadu district, he targeted Naidu and JSP leader and actor Pawan Kalyan, whom he calls Naidu's 'foster son' Jagan Mohan Reddy has said that YSRCP is the natural ally of people, unlike the TDP which has ganged up with 'foster son' and 'friendly media' to cheat the people with false election promises.

He was reacting to the TDP and JSP drafting a preliminary joint manifesto for 2024 polls. It focussed on poverty, farmers and other issues.

The 11 finalised points cover the Sowbaghya scheme, drinking water for every house, protection Act for BCs, Amaravati as capital, free sand and welfare of the workers among others.

"Who would believe Naidu who had cheated self-help groups of women and farmers with false promises of loan waiver, who had created the illusion of Amaravati while neglecting decentralization, who helped his son and grandson pursue education in corporate schools while opposing English medium schools and who opposed allotment of house sites to the poor citing demographic imbalance," Jagan asked.

The chief minister claimed that the government has so far spent Rs 2,40,000 crore and Rs 1,70,000 crore through DBT and non-DBT schemes respectively implementing 99.95 per cent of its election promises besides creating 2.7 lakh government jobs during the last 53 months. The government has been striving hard for the social, political, economic and educational empowerment of SC, ST, BC and minorities, he said, adding that the welfare schemes and people's confidence in the government are his courage.

"Despite Covid-19 pandemic and heavy borrowings thrust on us by the TDP rule, we never stopped implementing welfare programmes and development works. That was our commitment and this is the right time for people to compare the present and previous rule," he said.

Jagan said that Naidu always boasts of his 14 years' experience as Chief Minister but his political history has been confined to backstabbing, telling lies and cheating people with false promises.

"Naidu failed to grant revenue division to his own constituency Kuppam and even provide drinking water to it during the TDP rule. How can anyone expect good things from such a person who didnat implement even a single welfare scheme?" he questioned.

The Chief Minister said while YSRCP government changed the landscape of rural economy and village administration with village and ward sectarians, revolutionized the medical and health sector with new medical colleges, village clinics, family doctors and Jagananna Aarogya Suraksha, strengthened educational institutions and hospitals with Nadu-Nedu and digitalisation and handholding the farmers with the unique RBKs, Naidu only talks of the vision 2047 while neglecting the present.

He alleged that Naidu never thought of decentralization and doing justice to the three regions of the state.

"Naidu is not humanist and has no empathy towards the problems of the people, While I depend on you and God, Chandrababu relies on the band of robbers and foster son to share the spoils and pursue the policy of plunder, stash and devour," he said, and urged people to bring YSRCP back to power if they benefited from the government.
Patna, Nov 15 : A day after a Bihar Police SI and a Home Guard jawan were run over down in Jamui, a speeding truck mowed down two teenage youth in the same district on Wednesday.

Aayush Kumar, 18, died on the spot while friend Rakesh Kumar was critically injured.

The incident occurred at Dadpur-Kabar main road at Machindra village under Jhajha police station in the district.

Police said that Aayush, along with his friend Rakesh, were on the way on a bike to a nearby computer shop to repair his laptop when the speeding truck mowed them down at Machindra village.

After committing the crime, the driver of the truck sped away from the spot and finally left the vehicle abandoned at the railway crossing as it was closed. The driver and helper fled from there.

The police said that the truck driver had unloaded sand and was returning when the accident occurred.

Aayush was a class 11 student and studying in Patna and had come to his native village Kesopur in Jamui.

On Tuesday, SI Prabhat Ranjan and home guard Jawan Rajesh Kumar Saw, deployed at Garhi police station in the district, were mowed down by a speeding tractor laden with sand.

A police team at the barricades on Chanwar bridge and signaled a speeding tractor laden with sand to stop for checking. Instead of stopping the vehicle, the tractor driver ran over them.

The SI 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.
Panaji, Nov 15 : Goa Police on Wednesday detained a man and a woman for allegedly creating a bomb hoax during a security check at Dabolim International Airport, which delayed the flight bound for Bengaluru.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (Vasco) Salim Sheikh told IANS, that Atulkumar Kewat,29, from Madhya Pradesh and Tritiya Jana,29, from Kolkata were detained in the wee hours of Wednesday in this connection.

"Both of them were in Goa for sightseeing and were returning to their respective states," he said. According to Sheikh, they created a bomb hoax during a security check of an Indigo flight, which was supposed to fly to Bengaluru from Goa.

"The incident occurred around 23.42 hours on Tuesday. These people were waiting for a security check to board the Bengaluru-bound Indigo flight. The man, while standing in a queue, said 'uske bag mein bomb hai (there is a bomb in the bag).' We don't exactly know whose bag he pointed out. But later a fellow passenger informed the security officers about it," senior police said.

He said that a formal complaint was filed by the Indigo manager and later the man and the woman were detained for questioning.

An offence has been registered under Section 505 of the Indian Penal Code.
New Delhi, Nov 15 : A court here has pulled up a Delhi Police investigating officer for a "shoddy," "manipulated," and seemingly deliberate attempt to protect the actual offender, who remains at large.

The court, presided over by Additional Sessions Judge Dhirendra Rana, has acquitted three individuals in a 2014 murder case expressing suspicion that the case was related to human sacrifice rather than the initially proposed drug consumption theory.

The case involved the discovery of a decapitated and mutilated body in Bawana in December 2014, leading to the arrest of three individuals for the alleged murder.

The judge questioned the prosecution's claim that the victim and the accused were drug addicts and had an altercation over sharing contraband.

The court stressed on the absence of contraband in the blood samples and the lack of evidence supporting the prosecution's narrative.

It raised concerns about the alleged weapon, a blade, being used to mutilate the body in a manner inconsistent with typical murder cases.

The judge criticised the investigating officer for not tracing the victim's head and noted the victim's post-mortem report indicating signs of human sacrifice.

The court stated that the crime scene suggested occult practices, but the investigating officer chose not to explore this angle.

It acquitted the trio, stating that the prosecution failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt and criticised the investigation for doing injustice to both the deceased and the accused.

Highlighting the failure to apprehend the actual killer, the court directed the deputy commissioner of police to take suitable departmental action against the investigating officer.
New Delhi, Nov 15 : Hundreds of Indian Youth Congress (IYC) workers on Wednesday staged a protest outside the ED office over the silence of the agency in connection with the alleged monetary transactions of Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar's son.

Hundreds of IYC workers led by its national president Srinivas BV raised slogans against the ED outside its office.

However, the Delhi Police personnel soon detained them. Srinivas BV wondered that after the revelations in the case of Devendra Singh Tomar, son of the Union Minister "what is the ED waiting for now"?

He said: "The video of Narendra Singh Tomar's son has surfaced in front of everyone today, in which he is talking about crores of rupees. All the BJP leaders of Madhya Pradesh are involved in corruption, but PM Narendra Modi does not get them investigated, why?"

He also said that out of all the actions taken by ED since 2014 till now, 95 per cent of these actions have been taken against opposition leaders.

"In the last 5 years, many big raids took place on media houses and journalists, but Narendra Singh Tomar's son is doing dealings worth hundred of crores. The ED, CBI and the I-T are missing," he said.

The IYC leader said that the Election Commission should take suo motu cognizance of this video and take action. "There should be a judicial inquiry into this matter by a retired judge of the Supreme Court. Narendra Singh Tomar should be removed from the post. A case of money laundering should be registered and the ED, IT, the CBI should take action," he added.

The protest in the national capital came a day after another video clip surfaced showing Union Minister Tomar's son Devendra Singh Tomar allegedly discussing transactions worth "hundreds of crores", mounting trouble for the ruling BJP ahead of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections.

The latest video is said to be the second clip of the same video that surfaced a couple of weeks back.

Even as the authenticity of the video is yet to be confirmed, the Congress, however, missed no time to corner the ruling BJP by highlighting the matter.

The fresh clip of the viral video shows Devendra Singh discussing transactions worth hundreds of crores of rupees. The person talking on the other side of the phone call can be heard telling Devendra Singh that the CA of some unknown person from Chandigarh will tell them every month whether it is Rs 50 crore, Rs 100 crore or Rs 500 crore.
Imphal, Nov 15 : The Manipur government on Wednesday announced a permanent housing scheme for the displaced families whose houses were set afire or damaged during the violence that broke out on May 3, an official said.

The officials said that around 4,800 to 5,000 houses have been reported to have been destroyed in valley and hilly areas of Manipur.

The scheme is exclusively for those whose houses had been damaged or burnt down during the ethnic strife between the non-tribal Meitei and tribal Kuki-Zomi communities in the aftermath of the Tribal Solidarity March organised by All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM), the official said.

The implementation of the scheme shall be done in a balanced approach based on need assessments certified by the district administration concerned.

Kuki-Zomi tribals are mostly in five hill districts -- Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Chandel, Tengnoupal and Pherzawl, while non-tribal Meiteis live in another five valley districts -- Bishnupur, Kakching, Thoubal, Imphal West, and Imphal East.

Under the scheme, Rs 10 lakh would be provided to those affected families whose concrete houses were burnt down or damaged, Rs 7 lakh would be given to families whose semi-permanent houses were burnt down or damaged, while Rs 5 lakh would be given to those affected families with kutcha (temporary) houses that were burnt down or damaged in the riots.

For the repair of partially damaged or burnt houses, 50 per cent of the package amount (as per pucca/ semi-pucca/ kutcha structure) or actual cost of repair, whichever is lesser, shall be disbursed to the violence-hit families.

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh recently said that prefabricated houses are being constructed to rehabilitate displaced people temporarily at a cost of Rs 149 crore while the permanent houses would be built in the original places for those affected by the violence in the state.

Last month, around 3,000 families were relocated from the relief camps to newly constructed prefabricated houses while more such temporary prefabricated houses are being constructed in different districts of the state.
Kolkata, Nov 15 : Tension is prevailing at the Amherst Street-College Street junction in central Kolkata since Wednesday evening after the alleged custodial death of a person at the Amherst Street police station earlier in the day.

The local people have blocked the busy College Street crossing, creating massive traffic congestion in the area. A huge police contingent is present at the sport, trying to persuade the agitators.

The deceased has been identified as Ashoke Sau, who ran a stall in the locality selling cigarettes and other items.

Sau's family members have alleged that he was summoned to the Amherst Street police station after being accused of stealing a mobile phone from his neighbour.

He went to the police station on Wednesday afternoon, and after some time his family members were informed by the police that Sau has expired at the police station.

Bijay Sau, a nephew of the deceased, told mediapersons that after being informed by the police, Sau's wife Rajani Sau rushed to the Amherst Street police station.

"There she saw my uncle's body lying at the police station premises. She even spotted injury marks on his body. It was evident that the cops had beaten him up in the name of interrogation, which led to his death," said Bijay Sau.

Speaking to mediapersons, local BJP councillor Sajal Ghosh said that some videos of the body of the deceased have been provided to him by the family members.

"Our demand is simple. Under no circumstances the post-mortem should be conducted at any state-run hospital. All attempts will be made to manipulate the autopsy report in that case. The autopsy has to be conducted at a central hospital, such as the Command Hospital," Ghosh said.
IDF allows fuel truck to enter Gaza for 1st time since breakout of war. Image Source: IANS News

Tel Aviv, Nov 15 : The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has allowed the first fuel truck carrying over 20,000 litres of diesel to enter Gaza Strip from Egypt since the breakout of the war amid outcry from international aid organisations that underlined the people's sufferings due to acute fuel shortage.

Sources with United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNWRA) told IANS that the fuel is only for the use of the UN and not for hospital purposes. The UNRWA director in Gaza, Thomas White posted on 'X' that it received fuel.

The shortage of fuel has led to the malfunctioning of hospitals, water treatment plants, sewage removal and even communications, according to the UNRWA.

The UNRWA has been actively involved in the humanitarian aid work in Gaza.

The UN had warned that it would have to halt humanitarian operations in Gaza since it was running out of fuel.

Tamara Al Rifai, Executive Director, Communications of UNRWA told IANS that Gaza Strip requires a minimum of 500 trucks per day of provisions, aid materials, fuel and other essential commodities for the minimum functioning of life, saying Gaza was receiving only around 30 trucks per day, which was highly inadequate.

Sources in the UN aid agency told IANS that two more trucks carrying fuel were lined up outside the Rafah crossing but it was not clear as to when these trucks would be allowed into Gaza Strip.

It may be noted that the trucks that cross the Rafah border will have to pass through strict scrutiny of IDF soldiers, which will lead to a lot of time consumption in delivery of aid materials to UN relief centres and warehouses.
Hyderabad, Nov 15 : In yet another big blow to the BJP just two weeks before the Telangana Assembly elections, veteran actor and National Executive member M. Vijayashanthi resigned from the party on Wednesday.

She is likely to join the Congress in a day or two.

Vijayashanthi, who was not actively participating in party activities for the last few months, sent her resignation to state BJP chief G. Kishan Reddy.

The former MP is likely to join the Congress on Friday in the presence of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. She is the fourth key leader to quit the BJP in less than a month.

Former MPs Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy and G. Vivekanand and another leader Enugu Ravinder had quit the BJP. Rajagopal Reddy and Vivekanand joined the Congress.

It was in December 2020 that Vijayashanthi had returned to the BJP after 15 years. Popular as aLady Amitabha for her action roles in Telugu films, Vijayashanthi had joined the BJP in 1997 and served as General Secretary of the partyas womenas wing.

She quit the BJP in 2005 to float a separate outfit, Talli Telangana, to fight for separate statehood for Telangana. She later merged Talli Telangana with TRS (now BRS) and was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Medak constituency in 2009.

In August 2013, a few months before the formation of Telangana state, the TRS suspended Vijayashanthi for anti-party activities. She later joined the Congress and unsuccessfully contested from the Medak Assembly constituency in the 2014 polls.

After lying low for four years, Vijayashanthi again became active in Congress in 2017 and was named its star campaigner for the party in 2018 Assembly polls. After the partyas debacle, she was not active in the party and returned to the BJP in 2020.

Vijayashanthi, whose film career spans nearly four decades, has acted in over 180 films in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi. Her movie appearances had become rare from 1999 after she started focusing on politics. After a sabbatical of 13 years, she returned to silver screen in 2020 with "Sarileru Neekevvaru", which stars popular actor Mahesh Babu in the lead.
Bhopal, Nov 15 : A high-decibel campaigning led by the star campaigners of both the BJP and the Congress ahead of the November 17 Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections came to an end on Wednesday with the voters across 230 constituencies all set to decide the fate of the nominees after two days.

Both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress have made a slew of promises to lure the voters in a bid to gain power.

Senior leaders of both parties, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have addressed over 12 rallies.

A total of 2,533 candidates are in the fray for the 230 assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh, where the main contest is between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress.

As many as 5,60,60,925 voters -- 2,88,25,607 males, 2,72,33,945 females and 1,373 third gender individuals -- are eligible to exercise their franchise on Friday when single phase voting opens from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 2,049 polling stations in the state.

On the last day of campaigning, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister Smriti Irani and Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis have put in their last-minute efforts to woo voters for their respective candidates.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav also addressed rallies on the last day.

BJP's star campaigner, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, paid nine visits to Madhya Pradesh and addressed as many as 14 public rallies after the election schedule was announced

The BJP has been banking heavily on the Prime Minister's charisma and popularity to retain power.

The campaign saw other top leaders a" Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president J.P. Nadda, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, among others, touring the state and addressing election meetings to drum up support for saffron party nominees in all the 230 seats.

Congress President Kharge, his predecessor Rahul Gandhi, party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, MPCC chief Kamal Nath, former chief minister Digvijaya Singh, among others, addressed public rallies to garner support for their 230 candidates.

The BJP's campaign was centralised on slogans a" "MP Ke Mann Mein Modi".

The saffron party also tried its best to take an edge by highlighting the completion of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

The Congress leadership, on the other hand, focused on the promise of a caste survey and the welfare of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) who constitute around 48 per cent of the state's population.

The party's national general secretary Priyanka Gandhi, who led the entire campaign, and state unit chief Kamal Nathfocussed mainly on issues like corruption, unemployment, poor governance system and more to corner the BJP's two decades of rule in Madhya Pradesh.

In 2018, the Congress emerged victorious by clinching 114 seats against BJP's 109 and formed the government with the help of the Bahujan Samaj Party, Samajwadi Party and Independent MLAs under the leadership of Kamal Nath.

However, Kamal Nath's regime collapsed in March 2020 after a rebellion by now Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Congress MLAs loyal to him, paving the way for the return of the BJP government headed by Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

The voting for the single phase election for 230 assembly seats will be held on November 17.

The results will be announced on December 3 along with those of four other states a" Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. The United States has decisively sided with Armenia, openly expressing support. James O'Brien, the US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, stated during hearings in the House Foreign Affairs Committee that the US has suspended military and other aid to Azerbaijan, canceled high-level visits, and signaled to Baku that normalization of bilateral relations won't occur until progress is made in peace talks with Armenia, Trend reports.

O'Brien noted that the US "has made it clear that things will not be normal with Azerbaijan after the events of September 19 unless progress is seen on the peace track".

"We have repeatedly signaled... that the use of force within Armenia is entirely unacceptable," O'Brien said.

Azerbaijan has repeatedly informed its international partners that it has no intentions of using force against Armenia, and O'Brien has even acknowledged that.

The US, particularly the State Department, which had ignored Armenia's occupation of Azerbaijani territories, ethnic cleansing, the Khojaly genocide, the presence of a million Azerbaijani refugees and internally displaced persons for almost 30 years, is basically threatening Azerbaijan right now. This absurd step might severely impact US-Azerbaijani relations and further undermine Washington's image as an impartial moderator of negotiations.
Hyderabad : Union Minister and Telangana BJP president G. Kishan Reddy during the party meeting. Image Source: IANS News

Hyderabad, Nov 15 : The BJP-Jana Sena alliance has fielded 39 candidates from the backward classes for Telangana Assembly elections, Union Minister and Telangana unit BJP president G. Kishan Reddy said on Wednesday.

The BJP, which has promised to make a leader from backward class as the chief minister, has fielded 36 candidates from backward classes.

Jana Sena Party (JSP) led by actor Pawan Kalyan has fielded three backward class candidates.

Elections for 119-member Telangana Assembly are scheduled on November 30.

The BJP is contesting 111 seats, leaving the remaining for its ally.

Kishan Reddy said that the Congress has fielded only 22 backward class members while Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has given tickets to 23 backward class members.

Kishan Reddy said the BJP had also fielded two candidates from Scheduled Castes (SCs) in the general category seats.

He claimed that BJP has also fielded 14 women candidates while the BRS has given tickets to only eight women.

The BJP leader said almost all the dissidents who had filed nominations have withdrawn from the contest.

Describing the elections as crucial for the future of Telangana, he said voting for BRS and Congress will only result in loss to the state as both the parties indulge in family politics and corruption.

He claimed that for the last 10 days, the BJP was getting good response from people.

He alleged that surveys were being done in the name of some fake companies.

He remarked that some people sitting at home were releasing surveys.

He alleged that Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao was contesting from two seats as he feared defeat from Gajwel.

Kishan Reddy stated that KCR has been spending sleepless nights ever since Eatala Rajender's name was announced as BJP candidate from Gajwel.

He also predicted that KCR will suffer defeat at the hands of Venkatramna Reddy in Kamareddy constituency.

He also alleged that Rahul Gandhi fielded Revanth Reddy from Kamareddy to save KCR.
Bengaluru, Nov 15 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written a letter to the Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar seeking early release of financial assistance from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for drought relief.

"As you are aware, a large part of Karnataka is affected by severe drought. The delayed monsoon coupled with sluggish progress during June resulted in deficit rainfall, which is the third lowest in the last 122 years for the state. Thereafter, there were spells of heavy rains during the 3rd and 4th week of July, which was only confined to 10 days.

"Many farmers were unable to take up sowing in early July because of rainfall deficiency in June. However, during August 2023, the crucial phase for agriculture and horticulture crops growth, Karnataka as a whole received 73 per cent deficit rainfall, which is the lowest in the last 122 years for the month of August," the letter read.

It mentioned that Karnataka has witnessed above normal temperatures along with large deficit rainfall during August and "this has severely affected the standing crops in large parts of the rain-fed areas".

During September, interior parts of the state which comprises major Kharif area witnessed deficit rainfall which resulted in soil moisture stress during maturity stage of the crops.

Moreover, the drought conditions have further deteriorated during October.

After adhering to all norms and procedures delineated in the Drought Manual 2020, Karnataka has declared drought in 223 taluks out of 236 taluks out of which 196 taluks are categorised as severely drought affected.

The state government on September 22 submitted the Kharif Drought Memorandum seeking funds from NDRF for undertaking drought relief and mitigation measures in the 195 drought affected taluks.

Consequently, a 10-member Inter-Ministerial Central Team visited some of the drought affected areas of Karnataka from October 5 to October 9 to assess the gravity of the drought situation in the state.

For Kharif 2023, the agriculture and horticulture crop loss have been reported in more than 48 lakh hectares with the estimated loss (cost of cultivation) of Rs 35,162.05 crore.

The state government has sought Rs 18,171.44 crore from NDRF for undertaking drought relief measures in the state.

The state government has been seeking Rs 12,577.9 crore to facilitate payment of Gratuitous Relief towards subsistence of the Small and Marginal Farmers whose lives and families.
New Delhi, Nov 15 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday said it has registered two cases in connection with alleged attempt to grab eight acres of prime land abutting the upscale VIP Road in Punjab's Zirakpur.

A CBI spokesperson here said that the agency has registered two cases on the orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court dated October 18 on a petition filed by a private trust based at Daryaganj in Delhi.

The official said that the agency has taken over the investigation of these cases, earlier registered on March 10, 2022 at Zirakpur Police Station in Punjab's Mohali and another FIR dated October 4, 2023 at Derebassi Police Station in Mohali.

In both the cases, the CBI has named Sanjiv Kumar Gaba, a resident of SAS Nagar in Punjab, Rajesh Kumar Gaba, a resident of Sri Muktsar Sahib, Rajinder Kumar, a resident of Gandhi Nagar in Delhi and Sarabjit Singh also a resident of Delhi.

It has been alleged in the petition that the Guru Nanak Vidya Bhandar Trust, Daryaganj, New Delhi was having land measuring 32 bighas (eight acres) situated at Zirakpur-Patiala Highway, which was purchased in the year 1986 and since then, the same is in the possession of the Trust.

The official said as per the complaint, the accused and others hatched a conspiracy to usurp and grab the said property of the trust by preparing fake and forged documents so as to create a semblance over the title of the property, filing a mischievous suite of injunction over the property in the court.

The complaint also alleged that they sent goons and muscle men armed with deadly weapons to take over the possession of the property by illegal means, misuse of judicial process by the accused with the help of an advocate by attempting to shift the entire forum of litigation from district Mohali and putting pressure on the complainant by filing multiple frivolous civil and criminal suites in the courts.

The official said that the probe has begun in both the cases. As per the plea, the trust, which is over 100 years old, had purchased various properties from time to time.

It has been alleged that a fake trust was created by forging documents by the accused, Rajinder Kumar and Sarabjit Singh, to forcibly take possession of the eight-acre land chunk along VIP Road.

Two others, Sanjeev Kumar Gaba and Rajesh Kumar Gaba, are also named as accused in the FIR.
Washington, Nov 16 : US President Joe Biden told his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Wednesday that they should keep their communications lines open and get to understand each other so as "to ensure that competition (between their countries) does not veer into conflict" while the Chinese President reiterated his opposition to describing the relationship as competition saying it "is not the prevailing trend of current times".

The Chinese leader went on to warn that conflict and confrontation between the two countries will have "unbearable consequences" for both sides.

Biden hosted Xi at a mansion outside San Francisco where they are for the annual summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. This was their first meeting in more than a year; they last met in Bali, Indonesia in September 2022 on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

Ties between the two countries have been on a rollercoaster ride since, hitting a new low in June when a Chinese spy balloon entered US airspace and wafted across the American mainland till it was shot down by the US air force over the Atlantic Ocean. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had postponed his upcoming visit to Beijing in protest and communications between the two sides plummeted even further. Beijing had snapped the military-to-military communication in August 2022 in anger over then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan.

The Biden administration had been pressing the Chinese to reopen communications arguing, as the president reiterated it to his Chinese counterpart, the two sides need to talk so that they are pushed into a conflict of miscommunication or the failure to understand each other. Several top-level visits were exchanged between the two sides, leading up to the leaders' summit in San Francisco.

"I value our conversation because I think it's paramount that we understand each other clearly, leader to leader with no misconceptions or miscommunication," Biden said to Xi as they sat across a table with their delegations ahead of the talks. "We have to ensure that competition does not veer into conflict. And we also have to manage responsibly the competition."

The Biden administration had framed the relationship with China as competition between two of the world's largest economies and has announced major investments into equipping the United States for it, which includes preventing the export of critical components in the high-tech sector to China. The administration further defines its policy towards China as managing this competition.

The first step towards that goal is keeping the lines of communication open.

Biden has been a long-time believer in personal meetings and interfaces with world leaders and his appeal to Xi on Wednesday to develop a "leader-to-leader" understanding was a piece of that framework.

Xi pushed back in his opening remarks. "The China-US relationship has never been smooth sailing over the past 50 years or more, and it always faces problems of one kind or another," he said, speaking through a translator.

"Yet it has kept moving forward amid twists and turns. For two large countries like China and the United States. turning their back on each other is not an option. It is unrealistic for one side to remodel the other, and conflict and confrontation have unbearable consequences for both sides."

He added: "'I am still of the view that major country competition is not to the prevailing trend of current times and cannot solve the problems facing China and the United States or the world at large. Planet Earth is big enough for the two countries to succeed."

US officials have kept expectations from the visit low, highlighting essentially the need for the two countries to agree to keep talking and keep open the lines of communications  especially the military-to-military lines. They have also expressed the hope to discuss trade in Fentanyl. Chinese versions of these painkillers are flooding the US market, leading to high levels of dependence and addiction.

The Chinese side could be looking for some respite or concessions on the economy. The Chinese economy is struggling with record youth unemployment, a deepening crisis in the real estate sector and increasing export controls on high-tech components and growing reluctance on the part of international investors to go to China.
Washington, Nov 16 : The US House passed a stopgap measure to keep government funding open to federal agencies, but President Joe Biden's $106 billion funding package for Israel and Ukraine remains stuck as the two war-ravaged countries fight an existential crisis while Republicans and Democrats fight internal battles "mindlessly" in the House, media reports said.

The House of Representatives did manage to take steps Tuesday to avert a threatened government shutdown, passing a plan to temporarily fund the federal machinery. However, the Senate still needs to approve the measure, which would only delay the next funding deadlines until early next year, reports said.

The people of Israel and Ukraine are waiting in vain for billions of dollars in help from the US as they wage existential fights for their futures; media reports said criticising Congressmen of inaction and fighting their own battles in the House.

"The 118th Congress, which took an initial step to punt funding deadlines to the winter, looked more like a fourth-grade class on a day that will further erode trust in government ahead of next yearas elections," a prominent US Media network said.

Though the House voted for temporary reprieve, it was enough to expose the forces that could soon tear the chamber apart again. With 93 Republicans opposing the bill, Conservatives wonder what rookie Speaker Mike Johnson would do as he had failed to include massive spending cuts that GOP hardliners want in the bill, political analysts at CNN said.

The Democratic-run Senate or the White House would certainly oppose any deep spending cuts as it runs roughshod through the partyas social welfare programmes. That would guarantee a shutdown that would damage the GOP and bring pain to millions of Americans, the analysts said.

This may go down well with some hard right-wingers in the Congress who abhor Washington and see chaos as a "worthy goal". "But on the eve of President Joe Bidenas critical summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the political tomfoolery will only bolster perceptions among US adversaries that Americaas global power is being undermined by polarization at home," CNN said in its analysis.

Kevin McCarthy, the ousted Speaker of the House, was accused of delivering a painful blow to Rep. Tim Burchett, one of the GOP rebels who was among right-wingers who removed him from holding the gavel in the House. "It was a clean shot to the kidneys," the Tennessean told CNN.

McCarthy denied the claim, blaming a tight hallway for the collision. Quick-witted McCarthy said: "If I kidney punched someone, they would be on the ground. But that wasn't even the fiercest showdown of the day."

Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz was engaged in a bitter exchange with House Oversight Chairman James Comer over the latter's probe into the Biden family's business affairs.

Georgia's Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, normally the ringmaster of the Capitol Hill circus, found herself overshadowed.

Donald Trump-style stunt politics has often become dominant in the Capitol. Congress is consumed by fighting within and between the parties. And the febrile mood is only likely to intensify in the coming election year. Normal standards of decorum and respect have been thrown in the trash, and nearly three years after the Capitol insurrection, trust is fractured, political analysts at the network said.

Congressional leaders said the near altercations and foul tempers reflected the stress of an extraordinary session that saw the House sit for 10 weeks in a row, ignoring the fact such behaviour would be a sackable offence in many workplaces.

"Everybodyas tensions are high," McCarthy said. South Dakota Sen. John Thune a" a member of GOP leadership a" noted with understatement that "we are living in fairly polarized times". He said: "There is a lot going on not only here but around the world. Emotions are running high."

Some people might see heart-breaking footage from the Middle East following the horrendous Hamas attacks against civilians and the carnage in Gaza wrought by Israel's response a" as a reason for greater seriousness among the nation's leaders, analysts said.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, however, suggested that policing the Capitol was beyond even his wily capacity to enforce discipline within his conference. "It's very difficult to control the behaviour of everybody whoas in the building. I don't view that as my responsibility. Thatas something the Capitol Police will have to deal with," the Kentucky Republican said.
Uttarkashi, Nov 16 : Three special aircraft of the Indian Air Force on Wednesday brought a 25-tonne heavy auger machine to speed up efforts to rescue 40 labourers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel of Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district, part of which collapsed after a landslide on Sunday.

The auger machine, having a penetration rate of the new machine is 4-5 metres per hour, was brought from Delhi.

The auger machine, brought in three batches by Hercules aircraft of the Air Force, landed at Chinyalisaur airport. It was taken to the tunnel site through a green corridor.

The first Hercules aircraft of the Air Force, carrying parts of the new machine from Hindon Airbase in New Delhi, landed at Chinyalisaur airstrip at around 1 p.m. on Wednesday, after which the parts were transported by truck to the Silkyara Tunnel at around 4.45 p.m.

Colonel Deepak Patil, in charge of the relief and rescue operation, said that the Jack and Push Earth Auger machine, made in the US, is very advanced, and works fast. Now the military operation team has also joined the relief and rescue mission.

"Apart from this, the help of special teams from Norway and Thailand is also being taken to rescue 40 labourers trapped in the tunnel. A rescue company in Thailand has been contacted. This is the same company that had rescued children trapped in a cave in Thailand. Suggestions have been also sought from Norway's NGI agency. Besides, suggestions are also being taken from experts of Indian Railways, RVNL, RITES and IRCON," he added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. Azerbaijan is an important partner for the EU in the Caucasus, Chief Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of the European Council Simon Mordue wrote on his X page, Trend reports.

Simon Mordue wrote that he discussed EU-Azerbaijan relations with Assistant of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Head of Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmet Hajiyev.

"Stressed that Azerbaijan is an important partner for the EU in the Caucasus. The EU will continue to support the Armenia-Azerbaijan normalisation process to advance a peaceful and prosperous South Caucasus," he noted.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. Establishing a transport corridor through the use of force would provoke a strong response, said James O'Brien, the US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, as he addressed the issue of the Zangezur corridor, a project proposed by Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

This route aims to create a transportation link between Azerbaijan's mainland and its exclave, Nakhchivan, by traversing Armenian territory. This corridor emerged as part of the trilateral agreement following the 2020 second Karabakh war.

Any corridor should only be created with Armenia's consent, leading to a transit boom for regional countries and global markets as access to specified goods will be ensured. A transport corridor created in any other way, through the use of force, or involving Iran, will face a resolute response, O'Brien said.

Here O'Brien hints at the fact that Azerbaijani officials have repeatedly stated that the country is ready to lay the Zangezur corridor through Iran, if Armenia delays this process.

Additionally, the US State Department representative suggests that there should be an alternative to the Russian peacekeepers stationed in Azerbaijans Karabakh as per the trilateral agreement. He states that the US is prepared to present an initiative, and Azerbaijan and Armenia should engage in talks with the US. It raises curiosity, why O'Brien's thinks Azerbaijan is interested in US mediation when it comes to controlling its sovereign territories, and what negotiations with Armenia on this matter could be considered?

President Ilham Aliyev has consistently stressed that Azerbaijan has no plans to address the Zangezur corridor matter through military actions.

We don't need a new war. We have achieved what we wanted, we have restored international law, we have restored historical justice, we have restored our national dignity, and we have shown the enemy where it belongs, said President Ilham Aliyev, thereby dispelling all concerns of Armenia and its Western allies about any military threat.

Regarding the transit route project through Iran, Azerbaijan has the right to autonomously determine its cooperation preferences with other countries. Especially, since Azerbaijan and Iran are currently well cooperating on various transit projects.

O'Brien seems to be attempting interference in Azerbaijan's internal matters. The State Department representative could be more effective by urging Armenia to fulfill its long-standing promises regarding regional communication, taking tangible steps for the Zangezur corridor, and signing a peace treaty with Azerbaijan. Baku will not permit external imposition of decisions, as it has steadfastly resisted such influence in the past.
Employees at Drawn & Quarterly, the Montreal-based literary graphic novel publisher, and its sister bookstores have been certified as a union by the Administrative Labor Tribunal of Quebec, under Canada's Federation du Commerce of the Confederation des Syndicats Nationaux.

"We welcome the workers of Drawn & Quarterly. The Federation is proud to welcome such a committed group among its ranks," said Serge Monette, v-p of the Federation du commerce, in a statement. "They make Drawn and Quarterly the essential institutions that they are."

D&Q employs roughly 15 workers across the publishing house and two bookstores, a representative for the Federation told PW. In Quebec, unlike in the U.S., the Tribunal Administratif du Travail, its labor board, automatically recognizes any union that has a majority of workers sign union cards.

According to a press release issued by the union, the workers "seek to foster transparent and reciprocal lines of communication between employees and employers, as well as secure a more active, consultative role in their employment conditions." The release notes that D&Q's workers "admire and commend their employers' dedication to compensating artists above current industry standards," and that the union "appreciates that D&Q empowers its employees to make substantive decisions that impact the selection of titles published and stocked."

While "working with the publishing team and D&Q authors is a joy," one publishing assistant, commenting under condition of anonymity, said in a statement, "we often work long hours and engage with the comics industry outside of our jobs because we are passionate about bringing excellent comics to readers without additional compensation. While there are lots of opportunities to take on more responsibilities and learn more skills in the publishing office, there are rarely paths to promotion for assistants. It's hard to see or commit to a future if there are not transparent conversations about what all our learning and acquired skills might lead to."

Drawn & Quarterly did not respond to request for comment before press time.

D&Q was founded in 1990 in Montreal, and over the ensuing three decades grew into one of the most respected publishers of literary graphic novels in North America, publishing such creators as Lynda Barry, Michael DeForge, the late manga artist Yoshihiro Tatsumi, Adrian Tomine, and Chris Ware. The publisher also has two bookstores, Librairie Drawn & Quarterly and La Petite Librairie D+Q, both in Montreal. Since 2015, it has been led by publisher Peggy Burns and her husband, executive editor Tom Devlin, following a decision by founder Chris Oliveros to step down and focus on his own work as a cartoonist.

This article has been updated with further information.
Once considered the most incendiary band in the world, this side project from Ice-T tackled themes like police brutality and white supremacy with a brutal sound that shattered musical boundaries.

Music writer Ben Apatoff chronicles how the all-Black hardcore band's self-titled 1992 album sparked an uproar: There were protests and boycotts, with the band earning a censure from the federal government. Despite being banned to this day, the album, Apatoff argues, revolutionized modern music and helped reshape the world's cultural conversation.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. By the decision of Baku Court, Azerbaijan's Muganbank was recognized bankrupt, and the Deposit Insurance Fund was appointed as a liquidator of the bank, Deposit Insurance Fund told Trend.

In accordance with the Law of Azerbaijan "On Deposit Insurance", November 24, 2023 was determined as the day of the insured event in Muganbank.

According to the Deposit Insurance Fund, compensation payments will be made through International Bank of Azerbaijan and Kapital Bank from November 27. According to Article 28.3 of the Law of Azerbaijan "On Deposit Insurance", the Deposit Insurance Fund accepts depositors' applications within one year from the date of the first publication of the notice on compensation payment.

Insured depositors can receive statements on their savings accounts at the head office of Muganbank (21B Ahmad Rajabli Street, Narimanov district, Baku). In accordance with the order of compensation payment it is necessary to submit deposit agreement, deposit book or other documents confirming making a deposit in accordance with the legislation and their copy, as well as the depositor's ID, when applying to any branches and offices of International Bank of Azerbaijan and Kapital Bank. If the representative of the depositor applies for compensation, he/she should provide a notarized power of attorney together with the above documents.

Insured depositors will be able to get application forms from November 27 in branches and offices of International Bank of Azerbaijan and Kapital Bank, as well as on the website of the Deposit Insurance Fund (www.adif.gov.az). Compensation will be paid by all branches and departments of International Bank of Azerbaijan and Kapital Bank.

Deposits will be compensated in accordance with the Law of Azerbaijan "On deposit insurance". The amount of compensation will be in the amount of 100 percent of the insured deposit, but not exceeding 100,000 manat ($58,823), and the amount of compensation of funds on bank accounts opened by individuals in connection with entrepreneurial activity will not exceed 20,000 manat ($11,764).

Detailed information on the procedure of compensation payment can be found on the website of the Deposit Insurance Fund.

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It appears the regions emergency dispatch system will relocate into the former Bobs Budget Pharmacy in Tucumcari after a purchase agreement is finalized.

The Tucumcari Quay Regional Emergency Communications Board had a purchase agreement for the building on its agenda during its meeting Wednesday at the Tucumcari Police Department.

Board President Rodney Paris said the purchase contract wasnt ready.

Paris said the building would be a good fit for the eventual relocation of dispatch.

Paris said he anticipated the purchase agreement would be ready by the boards next meeting on Nov. 27, with final approval by the Quay County Commission in December.

Justin Knight appraised the former Bobs Budget Pharmacy building at 511 S. Second St. at $190,000. It has been owned by Tucumcari-based Rafter E LLC since May.

The appraisal states the recently remodeled building is 2,000 square feet with a 1,000-square-foot carport and storage area.

The regions 911 center is housed in less than 400-square-foot room at the police department.

Bobs Budget Pharmacy, built in 1983, became Bestcare Pharmacy in 2018 after the death of longtime pharmacist and co-owner Bob McClelland earlier that year.

The pharmacy closed in September 2022 after the store could not find another pharmacist to replace one who moved away.
The administrator for the Quay County Detention Center and county manager said the jail likely will be converted to a scaled-down model that will lower the countys costs.

Jail administrator Johnny Reid said employees would undergo training in Roosevelt County after Thanksgiving that would give them a mandated pay raise.

Reid and county manager Daniel Zamora said more county inmates are being taken to larger facilities that offer more certified services. As of that morning, there were 16 inmates in the Quay County Detention Center that soon would be shipped to the De Baca County jail before detention center employees undergo their training.

During low inmate populations, Reid said jail employees are using their time to do more cleaning and maintenance work there.

Zamora said because many inmates will be taken to other facilities, he said the county will reduce its number of budgeted jail employees from 22 to 12 without layoffs, saving about $400,000. He said the jail has trouble even keeping 12 employees.

Zamora said the county jail likely will embrace a book-and-hold model like Sierra Countys, where many inmates will be taken to larger detention facilities that offer more certified services.

In other business:

 Road superintendent Stephen Salas said state highway officials recently met and decided they would not reopen a 1931 bridge on Old Route 66 after a flash flooding in May destroyed a new low water bridge. Salas said the old bridge is rated the worst in the state.

Zamora said a motorist recently drove through a barricade on the closed section of Old Route 66 and landed the vehicle in a sinkhole, caused by the flooding, near the old bridge. He said a sheriffs deputy ticketed the driver.

Zamora said after the county filed a lawsuit last month against the architect, contractor and state insurance authority over the lack of coverage on the destroyed bridge, he said the parties involved have begun talking again.

During public comments, Louis Brown said the closing of the old bridge has led to hardship or endangerment for entities and at least 20 residents. Brown, a former county road worker, said a hardship declaration opens the door for exceptions and options for an alternate route around the bridge.

 Zamora said a recent executive order of $750,000 in disaster aid wont cover the estimated $5 million in damage to county roads after the May storm.

However, he said the governor might issue a second executive order for more money. The county still has to cover 25% of the cost of storm repairs.

Zamora said he and Salas would make repairs to Quay Road M the first priority. Flash flooding damaged miles of the road south of Bard.

 Commissioners approved the transfer of extrication equipment from Nara Visa to the District 1 fire department. County fire marshal Lucas Bugg said Nara Visa firefighters hadnt used the equipment since obtaining it in 2015. Bugg also stated in a letter that Logan Fire and Rescue provides extrication for Nara Visa.

 Commissioners approved a $56,023 grant agreement with the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The grant will cover half of the salary and benefits of county emergency manager Pierce Gutierrez.

 Commissioners approved a letter from Zamora to the countys road viewers for their efforts over a dispute regarding the closure of Quay Road 41. The letter thanked their time and efforts over viewing the road and issued an apology for any confusion in the matter.

 Connie Loveland, executive director of Tucumcari MainStreet, gave the organizations annual performance report.

She said its business accelerator program has led to 39 jobs created and the purchase of $390,000 worth of property in downtown.

Loveland also said this years Shop Small Saturday on Nov. 25 would be a tax-free holiday.

 Brenda Bishop of the Quay County Health Council gave its end-of-year report. She presented a video that detailed the councils activities over the past year.

Since 1992, the council has leveraged over $26 million, or $37 in community benefit for each $1 in taxes given.

The councils focuses are reducing substance and alcohol abuse and deaths, increase consumer health literacy, increase domestic violence knowledge and resources, provide more equitable access to healthcare, families choosing healthier eating and more exercise and increase vaccine uptake.

Commissioners also approved a resolution that recognized the health council.

 Renee Hayoz, administrator of the Quay County Family Health Center in Tucumcari, said her clinic ran out of high-dose influenza vaccines but still had plenty of regular flu shots.

Hayoz said the clinic probably wont offer the latest COVID-19 boosters because they cost $12,000 for 100 doses, and its refrigerator is too small. The clinic probably wont offer RSV shots, either.

 Sheriff Dennis Garcia gave a quarterly report of his department from July 1 to Sept. 30. He said the number of crashes, traffic stops, theft and livestock calls rose. He also reported that morale among staff was high due to support from the county.

 Rico Marano, DWI Program coordinator, said 10 drunken-driving arrests were made during the last quarter, which was high. He said most of them occurred during Labor Day weekend at Ute Lake.
The Tucumcari City Commission on Thursday unanimously voted to appoint C. Renee Hayoz as District 4 commissioner to serve the rest of Christopher Arias' term.

Hayoz, administrator for the Quay County Family Health Center in Tucumcari, was chosen from five candidates.

Arias resigned from the commission for personal reasons in September. Arias was elected to a four-year term in 2021. Hayoz would serve through 2025.

Commissioners made their choice after a 30-minute closed executive session. Paul Villanueva made the motion to appoint Hayoz, and Mike Cherry seconded. All three voted for her with no other discussion.

The other District 4 candidates who applied:

- Krishana Sandoval, general manager of Rocky Mountain Cannabis in Tucumcari;

- Clayton M. Thorne, owner of the CCMS motorcycle repair shop;

- Desary Dawn Urioste, housing manager at the Eastern Regional Tucumcari Housing Authority;

- Toni A. Wilson, bartender at The Annex Bar & Grille in Logan.

Candidates were interviewed by commissioners in late October.

District 4 sits in the southeast side of the city, with boundaries generally along South Third Street and Tucumcari Boulevard.

Mayor Ralph Moya asked City Clerk Angelica Gray to contact Hayoz about her appointment on Friday morning.

Hayoz cited her previous experience as city clerk for the villages of Roy and Mosquero in neighboring Harding County as a reason she applied for the city commissioner position.

"I want to improve Tucumcari and help it move forward," she said in a phone interview Friday. "I want to increase tourism into Tucumcari and help grow our gross receipts tax so we can put that money to our streets, improve abandoned properties, bring more business to Tucumcari.

"At the same time, I understand there's a process in how that goes with legislative funds and stacking all your funding sources so you can get a bigger bang for your buck, such as grants, to help you achieve your goal for that project. I'm looking forward to seeing what I can contribute to the city for the better."

According to a resume Hayoz submitted with her application, she has been administrator at the Quay County Family Health Center since 2017.

She also was a human resources recruiter and licensing technician at the Pueblo of Sandia for 3 1/2 years, an administrative officer for Bernalillo County's Department of Substance Abuse Programs for about 3 1/2 years, and a human resources administrative assistant for New Mexico State Police for a year.

Other business

Robert Hockaday, president of the Greater Tucumcari Economic Development Corp., said he and the EDC board were trying to track down all the information and funds used after director Patrick Vanderpool left for another position in June.

Hockaday said the EDC and Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce are considering one director to serve both offices. For now, Kristine Olsen is serving as interim director.

He said the EDC is working to update its website with information about sites and incentives available for prospective employers.

"There are several companies looking at Tucumcari right now," Hockaday said. "There's a lot of exciting stuff, but I can't tell you about it."

Manager's report

Items from city manager Paula Chacon's report:

- A recent bid on city-owned property at 407 E. Maple Ave. was $1,001, below the minimum bid of $2,000. The commission will decide at its next meeting whether to accept the bid.

- She said a new request for proposals for a tourism marketing position has been issued, and the bid window would close on Dec. 15. A previous RFP for the position drew no bidders.

- She said she would attend a meeting this week in Santa Fe to discuss state health insurance premiums, which are set to rise 10% on Jan. 1 and "will affect the budget."

- Chacon said roof repairs on the chamber of commerce building would begin on Nov. 20. The building has been closed since a severe hailstorm damaged it in May.

- Chacon asked the commission to consider moving its Nov. 30 meeting to Dec. 4 because she would be out of town at a conference.

Public comments

- Kristina Colby, a representative for the former Quail Ridge assisted-living facility, asked for a status report on a rezoning application for the property filed this summer. Moya asked Chacon to check on it.

- Bobby Hockaday, the city's film liaison, said five film productions are looking at Tucumcari as a shooting site. He said film production in general is "ramping up" after the recent resolution of an actors union strike. Hockaday also said the city's annual film festival is tentatively slated for April 26-27.

- Derrick Matthews, a resident at the Pow Wow Inn, complained about mold, dead insects and residents who are dealing drugs. Moya asked that code enforcement look into the matter.
Voters last week approved tax questions at all four of Quay Countys public schools, including one that would lead to a new school at San Jon.

A renewal of a gross receipts tax to support Trigg Memorial Hospital also passed comfortably.

In San Jon, a $250,000 bond question passed by a 2-to-1 margin, with 73 voting yes and 38 voting no.

The district now is eligible for a $22 million state grant to build a new school. School officials have said campus current infrastructure  including its boiler, plumbing and roofs  is declining.

San Jon superintendent Alan Umholtz said he first learned of the bond issues passage from his business manager, Stormi Sena, about 90 minutes after the polls closed last Tuesday night.

Im excited, Umholtz said after the school boards regular meeting Wednesday. We were going to need a new school building no matter what in the next few years. I dont think well have another opportunity like this for a long time.

Umholtz, noting San Jon is highest on the states priority list for a new building, said he expects to receive the $22 million from the New Mexico Public School Facilities Authority as soon as January once the required paperwork is submitted.

After that, he said, he anticipates construction to begin by summer. He expects building a new school will take about 18 months.

The Tucumcari Public Schools $3 million general-obligation bond question for a new Rattler Stadium track surface and new climate-control units at the middle school passed by more than a 2-to-1 margin. A total of 574 voters approved the measure, with 231 opposed.

The school districts continuation of a two-mill tax for general maintenance also was approved by 452 to 258.

Tucumcari superintendent Aaron McKinney said he was confident both measures would pass because it has in the past.

Everybody kind of supports what the school does, he said. Ive found Ive had support of the community.

House Municipal Schools $400,000 bond question for security fencing and housing for teachers passed with 46 in favor and 21 opposed.

House Municipal Schools has the good fortune of having deeply rooted pride and support from our community, House superintendent Coby Norman stated in an email. We are so very appreciative of their willingness to continue supporting our efforts to maintain quality facilities and educational programs for all of our present and future generations of students.

Logans $1.1 million bond question for fencing, new doors and locks and other security improvements sailed to approval by nearly a 3-to-1 margin.

A renewal of a one-eighth-cent gross-receipts tax to support Trigg Memorial Hospital gained 955 yes votes and 370 opposed.

The tax, which generates about $200,000 a year for the hospital and its primary care clinic in Tucumcari and Logan, goes to operations and maintenance.

The tax has been in place since 1987.

We want to say thank you to the voters  this is wonderful news for our team and our community, hospital administrator Vickie Gutierrez stated in an email. We appreciate the trust and confidence that community members place in our incredible team every day. I think Quay County residents understand just how important it is to keep healthcare services close to home, and the GRT helps us do that.
Tom and Mimi Sidwell of the JX Ranch south of Tucumcari recently won the Leopold Conservation Award for New Mexico.

The $10,000 award honors ranchers, farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in managing soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

The Sidwells will be presented with the award Friday at the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau's annual meeting in Albuquerque.

JX Ranch was a semifinalist for the award in 2021.

The Sidwells have adopted grazing practices that create a resilient landscape and mitigate drought. It once took 58 acres of grass to annually feed a cow at JX Ranch, but now takes just 27.

According to a news release from the Sand County Foundation, the Sidwells over a 20-year period transformed an arid landscape that was overgrazed and overrun by invasive species. They bulldozed mesquite trees and juniper shrubs and later installed fencing and water distribution to create 30 pastures.

When cattle only graze a pasture for three to five days, the grass has more time to recover. Rather than reseeding pastures, natural grasses began regrowing on once-bare soils. More ground cover led to better water infiltration, less erosion and improved soil health and forage production.

Rotational grazing created a more resilient ecosystem better able to retain moisture and mitigate drought. More living plants on the ground pull more carbon from the atmosphere and store three to four tons of carbon per acre.

Six wells powered by solar pumps move water through 10 miles of pipe, and storage tanks can hold about 100,000 gallons of water. Water evaporation is curbed by covering storage tanks and placing black plastic shade balls in drinking tanks.

Improved forage and water resources for cattle also provide benefits for wildlife including quail, turkey, antelope and elk.

"Tom and Mimi Sidwell understand the meaning of soil health and water conservation," said Willard Hall, New Mexico Association of Conservation district president. "They have hosted many ranch tours and serve as mentors to many conservationists."

A video about JX Ranch can be viewed at https://youtu.be/CCpquGNCcIA?si=RM6WsNW7l8DNpoaG.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement.

In his 1949 book, "A Sand County Almanac," Leopold called for what he called "a land ethic," an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Among the New Mexico landowners that were finalists were Lanford Livestock of Truth or Consequences and Philmont Scout Ranch of Cimarron.
Officials from Xcel Energy got an earful from Tucumcari officials and residents dissatisfied with the utilitys response to a 19-hour power outage in May.

Three Xcel officials attended a city commission work session Thursday to respond to complaints.

A tornado in Curry County knocked down the only electrical transmission line that serves Tucumcari. Xcel workers took longer than expected to fire up a diesel-powered generator that provides emergency backup power for the entire city.

Mayor Ralph Moya said businesses lost a huge amount of production due to the 19-hour outage. He said the Tucumcari Fire Department opened an emergency station to refill oxygen bottles and that Trigg Memorial Hospital was overwhelmed with patients. He said travelers low on fuel were stranded in Tucumcari because gas stations were inoperable.

Wed like some answers, he told Xcel officials in attendance.

Moya said city contracts with Xcel are very loose, and he would like to see future city commissions update them.

Todd Hancock, plant manager at Xcel, said an inverter and programmable logic controllers at the Tucumcari generation plant both failed during the outage.

Also, he said the severe storm delayed the dispatch of Xcel workers from Amarillo for several hours.

Hancock said the utility was forced to transport components from Hobbs to repair the city generator.

Xcel regional manager Mike McLeod said the generator had been tested monthly before and after the outage, with no problems.

We had some equipment go down at the worst possible time it could go down, he said.

Hancock said the inverter had indicated problems before the outage, and Xcel ordered a new one earlier in the year.

McLeod pointed out the generator was made for a four- to six-hour outage and not an electricity interruption of one to two hours.

He said without Xcels action, the outage could have stretched to 36 to 48 hours.

Its unfortunate, and we hope it doesnt happen again, McLeod said.

McLeod said the generator, once it finally ran, worked flawlessly. He admitted, however, to being nervous during a storm the next night that brought severe hail.

McLeod said adding a second transmission line to Tucumcari might not help, especially during an ice storm.

He said other communities in New Mexico, such as Loving and Hagerman, are served by just one line.

McLeod said Farmers Electric Cooperative has been contacted about possibly being an alternate energy source for the city, but it may not have the capacity.

Jeff Nunn of Citizens Bank said the 19-hour outage was not acceptable.

Weve got to get this fixed, he said. Dont worry about it is not going to fly.

Nunns comment elicited Xcels first apology, from Hancock, about 30 minutes into the work session.

We take it (the outage) personally, Hancock said. We apologize.

Cooper Glover, another Citizens Bank official, said he was not feeling confidence about Xcel.

Quay County Sheriff Dennis Garcia said peoples lives were at risk because phones were down during the outage. He also said businesses doors fitted with magnetic locks stood open because of the outage.

Garcia said his wife, who works in the healthcare field, told him local clinics lost doses of vaccines because the outage disrupted protocols in administering them.

McLeod said the company was looking into backup power alternatives and that grant money might be available for generators.

Jamie Luaders, coordinator of the regions 911 system, said backup generators can work only so long and that another alternative power source is needed.

She said callers were wondering whether they would die because the outage had rendered oxygen and CPAP machines inoperative. She said her own insulin pump didnt work because its linked to her cellphone.
Debates over free speech have deeply immersed themselves into the fabric of our culture over the past few years. Wild and sharp finger-pointing has gone in both directions.

This month, a Cornell University junior accused of posting violently threatening statements against Jewish people on campus was held without bail after his first appearance in federal court, as he should have been.

Patrick Dai, from Rochester, N.Y., has been charged with using interstate communications to post death threats. The graphic, anonymous messages posted on a Greek life forum rattled Jewish students on the Ivy League campus.

While we take some measure of relief in knowing that the alleged author of the vile anti-Semitic posts that threatened our Jewish community is in custody, it was disturbing to learn that he was a Cornell student, Cornell President Martha E. Pollack said in a message to the university community.

There is no question the violence in Israel and Gaza has heightened tensions on college campuses across the U.S. Pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian student groups are weighing in online and in person, with many of their statements and protests provoking strong reactions from the other side.

The truth is Hamas actions on Oct. 7 were nothing short of sadistic and abominable. We must start with this assertion, as everyone must accept this indisputable fact. There is no room for debate here. The consensus must be unanimous.

Now, college campuses are supposed to be forums for the rational examination and exchange of ideas among people with diverse, pluralistic views. In these important spaces, individuals can become intensely immersed in various forms of inquiry. This intellectual universe is deeply embedded in the American social and cultural imagination. However, the current Middle East conflict has resulted in numerous universities morphing into battlegrounds where ideas have been weaponized in a manner that has become more and more acrimonious, leading to an increasingly bellicose inquisition.

This drama is occurring at a time when the public opinion of higher education  always ambiguous at best, especially among conservatives  has reached new depths. The sector has come under increased scrutiny from many quarters: politicians, students, college graduates themselves, and the public at large.

According to a Gallup poll conducted earlier this year, just a third of the roughly 1,000 randomly selected people surveyed stated they had confidence in institutions of higher education, down from about half in 2018. Although this is hardly a scientific study, it is a barometer for the public mood on the issue, provided that a broad swath of Americans from various walks of life were interviewed.

There is no doubt that such a dramatic drop is the result of a constant barrage of criticism regarding the increasing cost of a college education as well as merciless attacks from right-wing pundits, politicians, neoliberals, and those without a degree. Needless to say, as a professor who has served as a member of academia for more than a quarter of a century, this erosion of public confidence is troubling and disturbing.

Dissension and criticism aside, higher education has been (and continues to be) the pathway for upward mobility in American society.

Elwood Watson is a professor of history, Black studies, and gender and sexuality studies at East Tennessee State University. Contact him at:

[email protected]
In a state often lacking statesmanship, two crime-fighters are emerging who are giving us hope.

Listening to Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman and Attorney General Raul Torrez talk about crime, you wouldnt know theyre Democrats. Or Republicans, or independents or anything else for that matter.

Few New Mexicans outside law enforcement likely knew that police officers had been prosecuting shoplifting cases in Albuquerques Metropolitan Court. And their conviction rates were abysmal, only about 15%.

Bregman said the old system was being gamed like a Playstation.

When 85% of the people who are shoplifting have no consequences whatsoever, what do you think theyre gonna do? Bregman asked business leaders recently. Theyre gonna keep shoplifting, right? From now on, there will not be a shoplifting case in Bernalillo County which we are not prosecuting.

Bregman has hired 40 prosecutors since becoming DA in January and wants to have 20 more in the coming months. With a beefed up staff, the Second Judicial District Attorneys Office has prosecuted 59 shoplifting cases in Metropolitan Court since the beginning of September.

Its so destructive to businesses  small and large businesses  but its also damn scary for anybody in the store to see shoplifting going on right in front of them, Bregman also told business leaders.

Good for Bregman. Getting tough on crime is going to require tough prosecutors who are more interested in holding criminals accountable than holding their hands.

AG Torrez is making strides at the state level, not by engaging in never-ending discussions about the root causes of crime, but by building bipartisan coalitions to actually tackle crime.

Sheriffs, police chiefs, prosecutors and district attorneys from across the state suggested solutions during the Sept. 26 summit that include harsher juvenile punishment, more youth programs to keep them out of trouble, stiffer sentences for those found armed in a drug crime, and more drug treatment.

Torrez wants to make state courts work more like federal courts, which have high conviction rates, mandatory sentences, harsher penalties for violent offenders and arent prone to releasing dangerous defendants before trial. For example, the feds have a mandatory 5-year minimum jail sentence for any crime when a firearm is involved.

Knowing there will be a penalty has a powerful impact on the system, Torrez said. We need the political wherewithal to change.

Two things stood out the most and were repeated throughout Torrezs 3-hour summit:

1. Law enforcement needs help from state lawmakers to fix the crime problem, and

2. We need to change the growing negative perception of law enforcement to retain and recruit new officers.

Legislators have the power to fix many of the problems that plague our states judicial system. We dont have enough prosecutors, enough cops on the street, enough judges willing to be stern on crime, or enough mandatory jail sentences.

Law enforcement has clearly spelled out to legislators what needs to be done. Whether or not they listen and take meaningful action will determine if New Mexico is a crime-ridden state people want to stay away from, or a state that embraces law and order and fosters economic growth and prosperity for all.

 Albuquerque Journal
It can be cataclysmic when Gods plan for us forces a change in the whole way weve lived our lives up to that point.

Ive seen it happen several times since I was called to serve as a pastor.

I have no Bible behind me when I say this, but experience leads me to assert that its especially difficult for men of action, or activity, to encounter a change in their circumstance that forces them to spend some time in what feels like doing nothing.

This is because men especially are tempted to view themselves in light of what they do or accomplish. You hear it in our conversation when we meet each other for the first time. After weve shaken hands, one of the first questions will be, So, what do you do?

If we ever get to the point of talking about family, or whats really important to us, or what wed really like to pursue, its after weve defined ourselves by sharing our present activity.

If the question is Who are you? well answer with our job. Im a rancher. Im in construction. Im retired military.

This isnt great, but its understandable. Since the fall of Adam and Eve into sin, a mans labor has been central to his existence. By the sweat of your brow you shall eat your food, Genesis 3:19.

If anyone in the Bible had a legitimate reason to feel displaced by a sudden shift in his own plans, I imagine the apostle Paul was that guy. In Acts 23, Jesus shows up and says to him, Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.

From that point forward, Paul is never a free man again. The rest of the book encompasses about five years, and the apostle is a prisoner for all of it. The book ends with him still confined. Tradition has it that this captivity didnt end until Nero had Paul beheaded in Rome in the late 60s A.D.

Paul spent the previous years as a man on the go. He made three large circuits throughout the region of Asia Minor that encompassed many years. He planted churches; survived riots and death threats; and was even stoned once and left for dead.

His life was marked by controversy and drama.

It mustve been jarring to spend the last years of his life cooling his jets in the ol Gray Bar Hotel. We speculate that he did a lot of writing from captivity, though. Several books of the New Testament probably come from that period of relative inactivity.

Its noteworthy that he refers to himself as the prisoner of the Lord in Ephesians 4:1. He was confined by the Romans, at the insistence of the Jews, but he doesnt blame them or speak resentfully about his situation. Hes learned who and what should really define him. Hes not summed up so much by what hes doing (which was a whole lot of sitting there) but by what the Lord was doing in him.

How do you define yourself? How does God define you? Its of some importance that we make these match.

Gordan Runyan is pastor of Tucumcaris Immanuel Baptist Church and author of Radical Moses: The Amazing Civil Freedom Built into Ancient Israel. Contact him at:

[email protected]
At the Training for Future Entrepreneurs event, which took place within the SME World Forum 2023 in Baku, schoolchildren received information about business activities from foreign experts and local entrepreneurs.

The purpose of the forum, held within the framework of World Entrepreneurship Week and with the support of the Ministry of Economy, the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA) and the International Council of Small Businesses (ICSB), is to study best practices in the field of support and development of small and medium-sized businesses, expanding institutional partnerships, identifying stakeholders, new opportunities for cooperation, promoting young entrepreneurship, a favorable business environment and potential investment opportunities in Azerbaijan.

As part of the forum, which takes place on November 13-16, a number of events are being organized.

The first event within the framework of the SME World Forum 2023 took place on November 14 at the XXI Century International Education and Innovation Center. Representatives of KOBIA, ICSB and the XXI Century International Education and Innovation Center, 6th and 9th grade students, and entrepreneurs took part in the event entitled Training for Future Entrepreneurs.

The event, organized with the aim of teaching schoolchildren the basic secrets of entrepreneurship, is considered one of the innovative educational events. In an event that included essential elements for preparing future business leaders, ICSB experts provided schoolchildren with essential information on core entrepreneurship concepts, including marketing, pricing and customer behavior. In the entrepreneurship simulation, students traded using fictitious money and gained experience building real business relationships and managing finances.

About 100 schoolchildren from the XXI Century International Education and Innovation Center, Landau School, Eureka Lyceum, Azerbaijan British College and Baku British School took part in the event.

At the end, schoolchildren who successfully completed the program were awarded ICSB certificates.
In May 2021, L. Gordon Crovitz, a media executive turned start-up investor, pitched Twitter executives on a powerful censorship tool.

A self-described vaccine against misinformation.

In an exchange that came to light in the Twitter Files revelations about media censorship, Crovitz, former publisher of the Wall Street Journal, touted his product, NewsGuard, as a Vaccine Against Misinformation. His written pitch highlighted a separate product  beyond an extension already on the Microsoft Edge browser  for internal use by content-moderation teams. Crovitz promised an out-of-the-box tool that would use artificial intelligence powered by NewsGuard algorithms to rapidly screen content based on hashtags and search terms the company associated with dangerous content.

L. Gordon Crovitz, ex-Wall Street Journal publisher and co-CEO of NewsGuard.

How would the company determine the truth? For issues such as COVID-19, NewsGuard would steer readers to official government sources only, like the federal Centers for Disease Control. Other content-moderation allies, Crovitzs pitch noted, include intelligence and national security officials, reputation management providers, and government agencies, which contract with the firm to identify misinformation trends. Instead of only fact-checking individual forms of incorrect information, NewsGuard, in its proposal, touted the ability to rate the "overall reliability of websites" and prebunk COVID-19 misinformation from hundreds of popular websites.

NewsGuards ultimately unsuccessful pitch sheds light on one aspect of a growing effort by governments around the world to police speech ranging from genuine disinformation to dissent from officially sanctioned narratives. In the United States, as the Twitter Files revealed, the effort often takes the form of direct government appeals to social media platforms and news outlets. More commonly the government works with through seemingly benign non-governmental organizations  such as the Stanford Internet Observatory  to quell speech it disapproves of.

Steven Brill, journalist and co-CEO of NewsGuard.

Or it pays to coerce speech through government contracts with outfits such as NewsGuard, a for-profit company of especially wide influence. Founded in 2018 by Crovitz and his co-CEO Steven Brill, a lawyer, journalist and entrepreneur, NewsGuard seeks to monetize the work of reshaping the Internet. The potential market for such speech policing, NewsGuards pitch to Twitter noted, was $1.74 billion, an industry it hoped to capture.

Instead of merely suggesting rebuttals to untrustworthy information, as many other existing anti-misinformation groups provide, NewsGuard has built a business model out of broad labels that classify entire news sites as safe or untrustworthy, using an individual grading system producing what it calls nutrition labels. The ratings  which appear next to a websites name on the Microsoft Edge browser and other systems that deploy the plug-in  use a scale of zero to 100 based on what NewsGuard calls nine apolitical criteria, including gathers and presents information responsibly (worth 18 points), avoids deceptive headlines (10 points), and does not repeatedly publish false or egregiously misleading content (22 points), etc.

Numerically precise, but subjective: NewsGuard's "nutrition labels."

Critics note that such ratings are entirely subjective  the New York Times, for example, which repeatedly carried false and partisan information from anonymous sources during the Russiagate hoax, gets a 100% rating. RealClearInvestigations, which took heat in 2019 for unmasking the whistleblower of the first Trump impeachment (while many outlets including the Times still have not done so), has an 80% rating. (Verbatim: the NewsGuard-RCI exchange over the whistleblower.) Independent news outlets with an anti-establishment bent receive particularly low ratings from NewsGuard, such as the libertarian news site Antiwar.com, with a 49.5% rating, and conservative site The Federalist, with a 12.5% rating.

As it stakes a claim to being the Internets arbiter of trust, the companys site says it has conducted reviews of some 95% of news sources across the English, French, German, and Italian web. It has also published reports about disinformation involving China and the Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Hamas wars. The model has received glowing profiles in CNN and the New York Times, among other outlets, as a viable solution for fighting fake news.

Above, NewsGuard product offerings: The BrandGuard tool provides an exclusion list to deter advertisers from buying space on sites NewsGuard deems problematic.

NewsGuard is pushing to apply its browser screening process into libraries, academic centers, news aggregation portals, and internet service providers. Its reach, however, is far greater because of other products it aims to sell to social media and other content moderation firms and advertisers. An advertisers worst nightmare is having an ad placement damage even one customers trust in a brand, said Crovitz in a press release touting NewsGuards BrandGuard service for advertisers. "We're asking them to pay a fraction of what they pay their P.R. people and their lobbyists to talk about the problem, Crovitz told reporters.

NewsGuards largest investor and the biggest conglomerate of marketing agencies in the world. Its clients include Pfizer, whose COVID vaccine has been questioned by some news outlets that have received low scores.

NewsGuards BrandGuard tool provides an exclusion list that deters advertisers from buying space on sites NewsGuard deems problematic. But that warning service creates inherent conflicts of interest with NewsGuards financial model: The buyers of the service can be problematic entities too, with an interest in protecting and buffing reputations.

A case in point: Publicis Groupe, NewsGuards largest corporate investor and the biggest conglomerate of marketing agencies in the world, which has integrated NewsGuards technology into its fleet of subsidiaries that place online advertising. The question of conflicts arises because Publicis represents a range of corporate and government clients, including Pfizer  whose COVID vaccine has been questioned by some news outlets that have received low scores. Other investors include Bruce Mehlman, a D.C. lobbyist with a lengthy list of clients, including United Airlines and ByteDance, the parent company of much-criticized Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok.

NewsGuard has faced mounting criticism that rather than serving as a neutral public service against online propaganda, it instead acts as an opaque proxy for its government and corporate clients to stifle views that simply run counter to their own interests.

The criticism finds support in internal documents, such as the NewsGuard proposal to Twitter, which this reporter obtained during Twitter Files reporting last year, as well as in government records and discussions with independent media sites targeted by the startup.

And although its pitch to Twitter (now Elon Musks X) "never went anywhere," according to Matt Skibinski, the general manager of NewsGuard, his company remains "happy to license our data to Twitter or any platform that might benefit." Coincidentally (or not), X comes in for criticism in NewsGuards latest misinformation monitor headlined: Blue-Checked, Verified Users on X Produce 74 Percent of the Platforms Most Viral False or Unsubstantiated Claims Relating to the Israel-Hamas War.

Meanwhile, one of the sites targeted by NewsGuard earlier, Consortium News, has filed a lawsuit against it claiming First Amendment violations and defamation.

Beginning last year, users scanning the headlines on certain browsers that include NewsGuard were warned against visiting Consortium News. A scarlet-red NewsGuard warning pop-up said, Proceed With Caution and claimed that the investigative news site has published false claims about the Ukraine-Russia war. The warning also notifies a network of advertisers, news aggregation portals, and social media platforms that Consortium News cannot be trusted.

But Consortium News, founded by late Pulitzer Prize finalist and Polk Award winner Robert Parry and known for its strident criticism of U.S. foreign policy, is far from a fake news publisher. And NewsGuard, the entity attempting to suppress it, Consortium claims, is hardly a disinterested fact-checker because of federal influence over it.

NewsGuard attached the label after pressing Consortium for retractions or corrections to six articles published on the site. Those news articles dealt with widely reported claims about neo-Nazi elements in the Ukrainian military and U.S. influence over the country  issues substantiated by other credible media outlets. After Consortium editors refused to remove the reporting and offered a detailed rebuttal, the entire site received a misinformation label, encompassing over 20,000 articles and videos published by the outlet since it was founded in 1995.

Above, NewsGuard's warning label as found on Consortium News. It's suing NewsGuard and letting readers know.

The left-wing news site believes the label was part of a pay-for-censorship scheme. It notes that Consortium News was targeted after NewsGuard received a $749,387 Defense Department contract in 2021 to identify false narratives relating to the war between Ukraine and Russia, as well as other forms of foreign influence.

Joe Lauria, Consortium News editor: "Every news article we publish is defamed with that label of misinformation."

Bruce Afran, an attorney for Consortium News, disagrees. Whats really happening here is that NewsGuard is trying to target those who take a different view from the government line, said Afran, He filed an amended complaint last month claiming that NewsGuard not only defamed his client, but also acts as a front for the military to suppress critical reporting.

"There's a great danger in being maligned this way," Afran continued. "The government cannot evade the Constitution by hiring a private party."

Joe Lauria, the editor in chief of Consortium News, observed that in previous years, anonymous social media accounts had also targeted his site, falsely claiming a connection to the Russian government in a bid to discredit his outlet.

NewsGuard has got to be the worst, said Lauria. They're labeling us in a way that stays with us. Every news article we publish is defamed with that label of misinformation."

Both Lauria and Afran said that they worry that NewsGuard is continuing to collaborate with the government or with intelligence services. In previous years, NewsGuard had worked with the State Departments Global Engagement Center. Its not clear to what extent NewsGuard is still working with the Pentagon. But earlier this year, Crovitz wrote an email to journalist Matt Taibbi, defending its work with the government, describing it in the present tense, suggesting that it is ongoing:

For example, as is public, our work for the Pentagons Cyber Command is focused on the identification and analysis of information operations targeting the U.S. and its allies conducted by hostile governments, including Russia and China. Our analysts alert officials in the U.S. and in other democracies, including Ukraine, about new false narratives targeting America and its allies, and we provide an understanding of how this disinformation spreads online. We are proud of our work countering Russian and Chinese disinformation on behalf of Western democracies.

The company has not yet responded to the Consortium News lawsuit, filed in the New York federal court. In May of this year, the Air Force Research Lab responded to a records request from journalist Erin Marie Miller about the NewsGuard contract. The contents of the work proposal were entirely redacted.

Asked about the companys continued work with the intelligence sector, Skibinski replied, We license our data about false claims made by state media sources and state-sponsored disinformation efforts from China, Russia and Iran to the defense and intelligence sector, as we describe on our website.

The Daily Sceptic

Other websites that have sought to challenge their NewsGuard rating say it has shown little interest in a back-and-forth exchange regarding unsettled matters.

Toby Young, Daily Sceptic: Hoped to improve his site's rating, to no avail.

Take the case of The Daily Sceptic, a small publication founded and edited by conservative English commentator Toby Young. As a forum for journalists and academics to challenge a variety of strongly held public-policy orthodoxies, even those on COVID-19 vaccines and climate change, The Daily Sceptic is a genuine dissenter.

Last year, Young reached out to NewsGuard, hoping to improve his sites 74.5 rating.

In a series of emails from 2022 and 2023 that were later forwarded to RealClearInvestigations, NewsGuard responded to Young by listing articles that it claimed represent forms of misinformation, such as reports that Pfizers vaccine carried potential side effects. The site, notably, has been a strident critic of COVID-19 policies, such as coercive mandates.

Anicka Slachta, an analyst with NewsGuard, highlighted articles that questioned the efficacy of the vaccines and lockdowns. The Daily Sceptic, for example, reported a piece casting COVID-19 lockdowns as "unnecessary, ineffective and harmful, citing academic literature from Johns Hopkins University.

Anicka Slachta, NewsGuard analyst: Favored one side on COVID lockdowns, an issue still under debate.

Rather than refute this claim, Slachta simply offered an opposing view from another academic, who criticized the arguments put forth by lockdown critics. And the Hopkins study, Slachta noted, was not peer-reviewed. The topic is still, of course, under serious debate. Sweden rejected the draconian lockdowns on schools and businesses implemented by most countries in North American and Europe, yet had one of the lowest "all-cause excess mortality" rates in either region.

Young and others said that the issue highlighted by NewsGuard is not an instance of misinformation, but rather an ongoing debate, with scientists and public health experts continuing to explore the moral, economic, and health-related questions raised by such policies. In its response to NewsGuards questions about the lockdown piece, Young further added that his site made no claim that the Hopkins paper was peer-reviewed and added that its findings had been backed up by a paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research.

Yet to NewsGuard, Youngs site evidently posed a misinformation danger by simply reporting on the subject and refusing to back down. Emails between NewsGuard and the Daily Sceptic show Young patiently responding to the companys questions; he also added postscripts to the articles flagged by NewsGuard with a link to the fact checks of them and rebuttals of those fact checks. Young also took the extra step of adding updates to other articles challenged by fact-checking non-governmental organizations. "I have also added postscripts to other articles not flagged by you but which have been fact checked by other organisations, such as Full Fact and Reuters, Young wrote to Slachta.

Matt Skibinski, NewsGuard: "We simply call them for comment and ask questions about their editorial practices. This is known as journalism.

That wasnt enough. After a series of back-and-forth emails, NewsGuard said it would be satisfied only with a retraction of the articles, many of which, like the lockdown piece, contained no falsehoods. After the interaction, NewsGuard lowered the Daily Sceptics rating to 37.5/100.

Im afraid you left me no choice but to conclude that NewsGuard is a partisan site that is trying to demonetise news publishing sites whose politics it disapproves of under the guise of supposedly protecting potential advertisers from being associated with mis- and disinformation, wrote Young in response. Why bother to keep up the pretence of fair-mindedness John? Just half my rating again, which youre going to do whatever I say.

NewsGuard's Skibinski, in a response to a query about the Daily Sceptic's downgrade, denied that his company makes any "demands" of publishers. "We simply call them for comment and ask questions about their editorial practices," he wrote. This is known as journalism.

The experience mirrored that of Consortium. Afran, the attorney for the site, noted that NewsGuard uses an arbitrary process to punish opponents, citing the recent study from the company on misinformation on the Israel-Hamas war. "They cherry-picked 250 posts among tweets they knew were incorrect, and they attempt to create the impression that all of X is unreliable," the lawyer noted. "And so what they're doing, and this is picked up by mainstream media, that's actually causing X, formerly Twitter, to now lose ad revenue, based literally on 250 posts out of the billions of posts on Twitter."

The push to demonize and delist the Daily Sceptic, a journalist critic of pharmaceutical products and policies, reflects an inherent conflict with the biggest backer of NewsGuard: Publicis Groupe.

Publicis client Pfizer awarded Publicis a major deal to help manage its global media and advertising operations, which encompass the $2.3 billion the pharmaceutical giant spent on advertising last year.

Upon the launch of the deal with NewsGuard, Maurice Levy, chairman of the Publicis Groupe, said, "NewsGuard will be able to publish and license white lists of news sites our clients can use to support legitimate publishers while still protecting their brand reputations."

Put another way, when corporate watchdogs like the Daily Sceptic or Consortium News are penalized by NewsGuard, the ranking system amounts to a blacklist to guide advertisers where not to spend their money.

"NewsGuard is clearly in the business of censoring the truth," noted Dr. Joseph Mercola, a gadfly voice whose website was ranked as misinformation.

"Seeing how Publicis represents most of the major pharmaceutical companies in the world and funded the creation of NewsGuard, it's not far-fetched to assume Publicis might influence NewsGuard's ratings of drug industry competitors, Mercola added, in a statement online.

Lee Fang is an independent journalist based in San Francisco. He writes an investigative newsletter on Substack via www.leefang.com.

Correction, 11:55 PM, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023

This article has been revised to reflect the following correction:

An earlier version misstated an accolade of late Consortium News founder Robert Parry. He was a Pulitzer Prize finalist, not a winner.

Corrections, 2:57 PM, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023

This article has been revised to reflect the following corrections:

An earlier version misidentified NewsGuard's top investor, relying on an outdated ranking. Eijk van Otterloo is the No. 1 investor, not Publicis Groupe, now ranked third by NewsGuard and its No. 1 corporate investor.

The earlier version also omitted attribution for the claim that NewsGuard's labeling Mercola.com as misinformation resulted from the latter's reports of "COVID-19's potential origin from a lab in Wuhan, China." The claim was made by Dr. Joseph Mercola, who runs the site; NewsGuard says its rating preceded such claims. The passage has been removed.
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Matt LeBlanc is honoring his friend and former Friends co-star Matthew Perry.

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The 56-year-old actor paid tribute to Perry in a post Tuesday following the actor's death.

LeBlanc and Perry played Joey Tribbiani and Chandler Bing on Friends, which had a 10-season run on NBC from 1994 to 2004.

Perry died at age 54 in October. LeBlanc and fellow Friends stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow and David Schwimmer attended Perry's funeral in early November.

In his post, LeBlanc remembered Perry as a friend and brother with whom he shared some of his favorite moments in life.

"It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye. The times we had together are honestly among the favorite times of my life. It was an honor to share the stage with you and to call you my friend," LeBlanc wrote.

"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 said. "And I guess you're keeping the 20 bucks you owe me."

Perry's autopsy was conducted in October but his cause of death was deferred pending toxicology reports.

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LeBlanc and the surviving Friends stars issued a group statement about Perry, saying they are grieving an "unfathomable loss."

The Simpsons voice actor Hank Azaria was among the other celebrities to mourn Perry on social media. In a video on Instagram, Azaria remembered Perry and credited the actor with helping him get sober.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. Baku is hosting the II Meteorological Forum of the Turkic World, Trend reports.

The forum involves the participation of ministers responsible for the environment and climate change from Turkic-speaking countries, heads of meteorological services, representatives of governmental entities, and experts.

The aim of the forum is to coordinate activities in the field of climate change and to expand the exchange of experience in creating an early warning system for extreme weather conditions.

Held within the framework of the 100th anniversary of the national leader Heydar Aliyev, the forum is supported by the UN Development Program.

Among the participants are Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan (as observer), Uzbekistan, Turkiye, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (as observer) and Hungary (as observer)

The First Meteorological Forum of the Turkic World took place on February 19, 2021, in Ankara.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Not enough elbow room? McCarthy accused in incident, he denies it
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.
'A few years back two big politicians -- both good friends of mine -- came to me and offered (to keep with) me big money. They said they had full faith in me and they wanted to keep Rs 10,000 crore-Rs 15,000 crore with us.'

On the passing of Subrata Roy, we excerpt his most detailed interview, from Sahara: The Untold Story by Tamal Bandyopadhyay, with the author's kind permission.

IMAGE: Sahara group chairman Subrata Roy. Photograph: The Late Danish Siddiqui/Reuters

In Subrata Roy's walled city [Sahara Shahar in Lucknow], there are no restricted zones. "He is our guardian; anyone can walk into his house," the driver told me. We drove into the compound of his residence. The guards watched, but did not stop our car.

Post lunch, we met at his secretariat for an interview. I had chased him for months for this meeting. We had met the previous day in the same room that boasts a big black-and-white photograph of Roy holding the hand of Mother Teresa. "When she held my hand there was something going inside my body; something really difficult to express," Roy says

Settling for the interview, we had tea and spoke while he munched on homemade kucho nimki, a tea-time snack in Bengali households, salty and crunchy.

Roy's key argument in his fight with Sebi is that Sahara, being unlisted, does not come under the purview of the market regulator. Two former chief justices and two additional solicitor generals have given affidavits in favour of Sahara's argument, and former law minister M Veerappa Moily, too, said that the Sahara group was right, Roy stated.

In April 2010, Sebi had forwarded some OFCD investors' complaints to the registrar of companies in UP and Maharashtra, saying these Sahara companies were unlisted and had not filed prospectus for raising funds with it. It requested the two registrar of companies "for examination (of the complaints) and necessary action," Roy said.

He remains unfazed by Sebi's determination to target the group, because, he said, he was sitting on a massive 36,631-acre land bank, possibly the biggest held by any corporate entity in India. However, Roy doesn't want to sell this land. "We are an unlisted company. We don't need to take care of EPS (earnings per share). Why should we sell?" he asked.

Our conversation meandered through a range of issues. Here are some edited excerpts from the interview conducted in January 2013:

What happened in 2005? You seemed to be terribly unwell. Nobody knew what happened to you.

There was no health problem. It was created by the media. I had developed (high) blood pressure, which used to shoot (up) and come down in 15 minutes. The fluctuation continued between 200 and 100/110.

The doctors said only a change in lifestyle would help me; overwork for 28 years and little sleep have created the problem. They advised me to follow a routine at least for three months -- I was advised to get up in morning, go for a walk, do yoga, stop travelling, etc.

I wanted to consolidate all group activities. That gave me an opportunity to stay back at home and plan. I was not even aware of the problem till one day, my wife showed me two magazines carrying nasty things about me and my health. I spoke to all (TV) channel owners. I gave one statement.

Why was former RBI governor (Y V) Reddy after you?

It was a problem in Delhi -- I am 100% sure; beyond that, I cannot say anything.

The RBI first told us that the disputed IT amount could be part of the directed investment -- they asked us to give them at least two examples of refund -- but later withdrew the directive. We had to bring in Rs 1,400 crore -- that too in the form of capital, not debt. We could put up only Rs 600 crore.

The RBI first issued a show cause notice, and on the third day, they clamped down a prohibitory order. We had to go to the (Allahabad) high court; they ran to the Supreme Court. They had to change that order -- such a thing never happened in the RBI's history.

They took it with vengeance. We were investing Rs 500 crore in the State Bank, but the bank refused (at the instance of the RBI). The RBI threw our directors out.

(H N) Sinor (who was on the SIFCL board) once said if anybody should get a bank licence, Sahara should get it. He was positive. Nobody was willing to hear positive things.

Out of 100% (deposits), if 80% investment are done as per the RBI directive, and there is an RBI inspection, (then) where is the problem? They gave us time till 2015 (to close business); we completed by 2012 -- only Rs700 crore to Rs 800 crore is (now) left to be paid. We are tracing some depositors... It will take a while.

Does Sahara make money by forfeiting people's deposits?

I can only say one thing and you can record it ten times -- I have never done one wrong thing in my life. That's how I can fight. People can make all sorts of stories. I call them chandukhana ki kahani (tales from the opium house). We read (things) about ourselves which we don't know.

Does Sahara keep politicians' money?

Never. In fact, a few years back two big politicians -- both good friends of mine -- came to me and offered (to keep with) me big money. They said they had full faith in me and they wanted to keep Rs 10,000 crore-Rs 15,000 crore with us.

I told them, I am thankful to you that you have so much trust in me, but I will never keep your money. In 1978-1979, when there was question of existence for us, my chartered accountant in Gorakhpur told me if we could just make an entry of Rs 10 lakh-Rs 15 lakh, we can earn a few thousand rupees, but I said no to it.

I told these politicians, if I didn't do it then, why should I do it now?

I challenge you to prove (that we keep politicians' money).

We hear that former UP chief minister Vir Bahadur Singh left a pot of money with you and from there you had started...

I met him twice in my life. Once we took some action against our own people and he called me to tell me I should not have done that. We met for the first time for ten minutes. The second meeting was at a family function of the inspector general of police -- I was his tenant. I was introduced to him and I said namaste.

Will you join politics?

No. Everybody offered me Rajya Sabha (seat), but I said no. I will never join politics.

Who is your closest friend? Amar Singh or Mulayam Singh Yadav?

How can I tell you? I am close to everybody. If you are my friend, you're my friend -- I cannot be a nopungsak (coward) and disown you -- I am not a fair-weather friend.

Is Sahara a vehicle for turning black money white?

In 34 years, we have not given any unsecured loan to anybody. Not even to our directors. If you keep Rs 100 worth of securities, we give you Rs 70.

The Supreme Court said you cooked up names like Kalawati and Haridwar as depositors.

It's a baseless allegation. A newspaper sent its reporters to track them down and they recorded their statement.

I hate to bribe people. They say all this because they have to justify themselves. I will not do it even if somebody wants to kill me. I don't get involved in these things.

There have been allegations that money raised by your group from investors through OFCDs has been partly used to buy the London hotel. This is round-tripping.

If they find anything wrong, they can hang Sahara. We haven't done anything against the law.

When we bought a guesthouse in Chelsea, somebody suggested some ways to buy the property, but I said we would buy openly -- cant we spend $25 million for a guesthouse? We are very strict on law matters.

We vehemently oppose the allegation that the money for the acquisition of Grosvenor House Hotel was remitted from SIRECL (Sahara India Real Estate Corp). The funds were remitted from Aamby Valley (Ltd) to its subsidiary Aamby Valley (Mauritius) (Ltd) which invested in the hotel.

SIRECL is a real estate company. As per the objects of the company mentioned in its OFCD prospectus, it made a joint venture investment in some real estate projects with SICCL (Sahara India Commercial Corp.), another group company.

Sebi had not banned SIRECL in any manner whatsoever at the time it made a joint venture investment in SICCL on 20 November 2010.

Thus, at any stage, there has not been a single incident of violation of any regulatory or legal requirement. The flow of funds is very much in accordance with the objects of the respective companies and we have been very open right from the beginning about the entire transaction.

Tell us about your failed aviation venture.

The reason for getting into aviation was that it would serve the nation. India needed a top-notch airline and Air India was incapable of delivering. Then came the price war as the competition intensified and more players were allowed in.

At that time, I told the concerned ministers, 'Look, you should ask us -- the existing players -- to go for a low price model.' I would also like to mention that there is nothing called a low cost model. It's a low price model. The cost is the same. We only save on in-flight food and beverages.

I even said, don't open the skies; there will be a problem. The minister said, no. So, I said, fine, we will not be in the picture.

We got our money out of it. I am very happy we got out at the right time.

Except for finance, Sahara has not done well in any other areas.

It's a very wrong impression. Today the asset value of the group is Rs 152,000 crore. I knew that one would never regret owning land if one purchases a right piece. I have done that continuously.

We have 36,000 acres of land. We are not listed; we don't need to maintain EPS. I prefer to save tax and give the money to my workers; spend on social work. Tax savings is not a crime. Had we been listed, you would have seen the money. Recently, we have adopted 1,100 villages, spending Rs 550 crore.

You claimed to have repaid Rs 170,636 crore to 147 million people. How?

We started with prize chit schemes in 1978, but that was banned in 1980.

Then we went for unincorporated body -- Sahara India. When it was disallowed, we shifted to a housing finance company. It did not have any ceiling.

When ceiling was imposed (on raising deposits), we went for mutual benefit company. When that too was banned, we went for the RNBC. We were doing very well -- we were very happy. Right from the first year, we were making profits.

But the RNBC was banned. Then we had to go for the OFCDs.

Now we are into cooperatives. Our 10 million people (agents and employees) were depending on daily accounts. They wanted to start cooperatives. I told them to go ahead. They are the promoters; we are not.

Not a single brilliant young entrepreneur who is not from a very rich family can ever hope to develop a big business in India.
... while learning from past tech revolutions, suggests Ajit Balakrishnan.

Every two decades or so, we, humans, are forced to deal with a technological wave that tests the limits of our intelligence and survival skills, and the current wave of artificial intelligence is one such testing time.

These tech waves all have some things in common.

When one such tech wave first emerges, an infinitesimally small minority of us is busy shouting out its praises, while the rest of us keep wondering what these lunatics are wasting their time and ours for.

Then, as the tech wave gathers force, a sense of anxiety grips the thinkers among us.

Once the wave gathers force, we look around and see the price the tech wave is extracting from our society with no real benefits in sight.

And finally, by the time the benefits to society start appearing, we struggle to make the changes demanded of us as humans so that we can benefit from the wave.

The artificial intelligence tech wave (ChatGPT is an early example from this wave) is right now at the second stage as described above, where the thinkers and policymakers among us are anxiety-struck and are busy issuing policy diktats and forming expert committees -- the latest one is by US President Joe Biden, who, a few days ago, issued such a diktat which, since it has come from the United States, a country normally in the forefront of embracing tech waves, is getting a lot of attention.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also called a group of countries to discuss the possibility of similar diktats.

The American and British anxieties have some common themes: AI should not be weaponised by terrorists and cyber criminals, methods should be devised to spot fake news and fake images, and, most of all, their countries should not fall behind in the race to win the AI battle.

But there is little mention about what we can learn from similar tech waves of the past and what opportunities and what threats to watch out for. So, let me do that for you.

The first such tech wave was the Industrial Revolution, which first emerged in the 1750s in Manchester, England, and worked its way through society and the world during the next 100 years.

What it achieved was constructing machines that did the spinning and weaving of cotton fibre and cloth at many times the speed of human spinners and weavers, and powered not by humans or animals but by a new gadget called the steam engine.

Of course, the entrepreneurs who put all this together sang its praise as a 'revolution', but other some observers, like the two German visitors to Manchester, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, thought it was the worst thing that mankind had encountered and organised a world movement against it, communism, which is still with us today.

Very few people at that time applauded what the industrial revolution truly did: It made cotton clothes affordable not just for the landed wealthy but also for the common man throughout the world.

And, of course, enterprising political entrepreneurs like Mohandas Gandhi used the widespread anxiety about the power and 'magic' (something we have not seen before) of spinning and weaving machines to organise the Indian Independence movement and evict the British from India.

The chemical industrial revolution, which followed, made it possible with synthetic indigo blue, for example, to have cloth dyed in attractive colours and then went on to use that chemistry knowledge to create synthetic chemical fibres like nylon and polyester, which allowed cheap clothing.

But all this came at a price. One such example is that of the more than 80 cotton textile mills, which had made Bombay the industrial centre of India in the 1950s, found by the 1980s that they could no longer sell the cotton cloth they manufactured and consequently found it difficult to pay wages to their 150,000 workers, who then went on strike, ending with the closure of practically all these mills.

Of course, practically all analysts (surprisingly even today) blame the mills' closure on 'labour unions trouble' and even today ignore the true cause: The chemical revolution, which created the insanely popular synthetic polyester and nylon fabric for saris, dhotis, shirts, trousers, bedsheets, etc, making their cotton equivalents defunct.

There have been other such tech waves as well with similar benefits and costs, but, for the moment, let's skip them and see what lies ahead for us in the age of the artificial-intelligence revolution.

Let's learn from the examples of the industrial and chemical revolutions and locate what features to look for and what pains to minimise in this one.

What products or services will the artificial-intelligence revolution make cheaper and more affordable and what jobs will they make redundant?

Is it likely that the first group of services to be made cheaper are those supplied by 'professions' like doctors, lawyers, bankers, writers, film-makers, and school and college teachers (the list is not complete)?

Will all these services be done by ChatBots and the like in the next few years at a price that is a small fraction of what they cost users today?

Will this mean that such services will become affordable to all of India's citizens and not just for the well-to-do as it is at present?

If so, is there a strong possibility that these professions will shrink dramatically in their earnings and numbers, just as the spinners and weavers did?

Are these professions not the backbone of what we treasure as the Indian middle class, and can we allow that to be threatened by the artificial intelligence revolution?

And, most worrisome, will these disruptions be met with strong resistance and even revolts as past tech revolutions have done?

Or can sensible policies allow us to reap the productivity gains from artificial intelligence while making this transition peaceful?

Ajit Balakrishnan (ajitb@rediffmail.com), founder and CEO, Rediff.com, is an Internet entrepreneur.
'Earlier in my career DGs were nearly 100 per cent honest.'

'By the time I retired, many DGs have not been honest.'

'One DG asked me to go and meet a home minister whom everybody knew is corrupt.'

IMAGE: Then Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh, left, accused then Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh, right, of seeking Rs 1 billion in bribes every month.

Kindly note the image has only been posted for representational reasons. Photograph: PTI Photo

In the second part of a must-read interview with Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com, Dr Meeran Chadha Borwankar, former Pune police commissioner and author of Madam Commissioner -- The Extraordinary Life of an Indian Police Chief, discusses the corruption among politicians in Maharashtra and the nexus between politicians-police-criminals-bureaucrats-builders.

Throughout Madam Commissioner you've talked about about the political-criminal-corporate-nexus destroying the Indian civil services. How could this erosion of independence and transparency be restored? Would you suggest any measures?

I see two-three common themes in all the chapters: One is increasing corruption (in the police force), second is a very long delay in trials and the third is the political interference and the nexus between politicians, policemen, bureaucrats and builders-developers.

As Pune police commissioner, I was asked to hand over a piece of land (part of the Yerawada police station), and I've quoted this example (in my book; the chapter is titled The Minister). But in many other places, I felt that for the political leaders, the focus was neither the good nor the welfare of police force or of citizens.

They (the politicians) collude a lot with builders, developers, because kickbacks from builders, developers and industrialists are much more attractive than the abstract idea of the good of citizens.

As police officers, we could see it from a very close quarter. To restore transparency and independence of civil services, we need very aware, watchful and interested citizens who would protest against erosion of civil services. And an alert media too.

Talking about the Yerawada police station land scam, if there was a scam, in your opinion, why wasn't it further investigated and the guilty booked? What happened to the case?

See, it was very cleverly portrayed as an auction done for the welfare of policemen by providing them housing quarters. It came out now (in my book), but when I objected to this deal then, nothing was in public domain. Everything was within a government files.

Now, when this chapter came out and he (the then divisional commissioner of Pune Dilip Bund) was asked, he said a builder approached us, and he said that he (the builder) has a patch of land and the police station (at Yerawada) was in that patch.

If we shifted (the police station), he will build quarters for police in the existing police lines at Shivajinagar (in Pune).

Now, if the divisional commissioner has himself come out saying that the builder wanted this patch of land which was divided into two because of the presence of police station to be shifted, whose interest was uppermost? It was the builder's. But they (the politicians, bureaucrats and builders) spun it in a way that it would sound the police force was getting benefited out of this decision.

Then a committee was formed and the committee was headed by this very divisional commissioner. But he is still insisting that it was for the better of the policeman and Meeran Borwankar was very negative and therefore he told the district guardian minister (Maharashtra's current Deputy Chief Minister Ajit A Pawar was then Pune's guardian minister).

My point is that at that time they had given it a very nice facade of proper procedure having been followed. My refusal to part with the land aborted their plan.

I am again alleging that the good of the citizens or the (police) department not the focus. It is the builder-politician-bureaucrat-police nexus (that would have benefitted from this deal).

Talking about your posting as Additional Director General CID Pune, then chief minister Prithviraj Chavan told you that 'they' have made it a prestige point.

Who are these 'they'?

I am asking because in Madam Commissioner you have named lot of names but you have not named a lot of names including that of Ajit Pawar, mentioning him as the 'guardian minister' who was known popularly as 'Dada'.

In Maharashtra everyone knows who 'Dada' is. That time the CM (Prithviraj Chavan) only told me 'they' (the Nationalist Congress Party, which was part of the then Congress-NCP government) have not agreed (to my appointment as ADG CID). But neither he told me who 'they' were nor I asked.

Now, he has told the media, that it was the NCP that said we do not want Meeran Borwankar in CID but 'they' -- the NCP -- did not give any reason. The former CM has now accepted that the then NCP opposed my posting as the chief of state CID.

So you've always been a thorn for corrupt politicians?

Actually, I have not consciously tried to be a thorn. My only minus point is that I don't appreciate gray. For me things are either white or black. But I guess if you are a practical administrator or police officer, you have to understand the grays. But I am unable to understand the grays.

In many chapters of your book one recurrent theme is corruption and immorality seeping into the police force.

Like you have often times said, the police force has become more corrupt now and how the bureaucrat-politician-police-criminal-corporate nexus have formed a cartel at the cost of benefit of the common man.

How do you go about unraveling this cartel?

Or do you believe we have reached a stage where this cartel has itself become a lawful institution.

In all these chapters I conclude with some recommendations which include more interest by citizens (in the governance of police affairs and government) and quick trials.

I have read that as of July 2022, 44 per cent of Lok Sabha members and 31 per cent of Rajya Sabha members have criminal cases pending against them.

So politicians have criminal cases which are pending for long. Similarly cases against criminals and corrupt officers keep dragging on for years. If they are tried fast within a year and the verdict is given, say within two years, this cartel can be broken.

The media and citizens taking more interest in governance, in policing can also help break this unholy cartel. RTI (Right to Information Act) can also be used for keeping watch on malpractices.

This cartel that has become institutionalised, can be de-institutionalised provided citizens and the media are more vigilant and the judiciary adds to our strength.

Do you believe the media can hold the politicians accountable? Do you see this happening?

Media today is taking sides. I don't think media is being neutral and is in a mood to explore what actually is going on beneath the surface. But a genuinely concerned media can sincerely play the role of the fourth pillar and help unravel this nexus.

In one of the chapters where you narrate the incident of one DIG demanding money from a senior officer in your presence, and who was later reprimanded by his seniors, and you say at least 'in those days Maharashtra cops were honest'.

How much has the situation changed since then, if at all, Madam Commissioner?

That time I knew the DGs (director generals of police) were very honest. I could write to him (the then DG) and expect that he will take action which he did.

But beech main hamare DGs hi itne corrupt aaye hai (but some of the lot of the DGs since then were so utterly corrupt)... now if you say ask me to prove whether this DG was corrupt or not I'm not able to. But we all know who takes money and who doesn't, right?

Earlier in my career DGs were nearly 100 per cent honest. By the time I retired, many DGs have not been honest. And I have also talked about one DG asking me to go and meet a home minister whom everybody knew is a corrupt guy.

Now some of the home ministers and DGs have become so corrupt that police stations are 'auctioned'.

Police stations are auctioned?!

That's a bitter reality.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. Social media have released footage of Russian security forces coming to an event celebration by Azerbaijanis in a restaurant in Voronezh and handing out summons to join the Russian Army, Trend reports.

About 50 Azerbaijanis received a summons for further military service after checking the documents.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
As United States President Joe Biden prepares for a rare summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the ongoing wars in Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas set the stage for high-stakes discussions, CNN reported on Tuesday.

IMAGE: Chinese President Xi Jinping waves as he arrives at San Francisco International Airport to attend the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Summit in San Francisco, California, on November 14, 2023. Photograph: Brittany Hosea-Small/Reuters

The American and Chinese delegations plan to address both the Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Hamas wars in their extensive meetings in the San Francisco Bay Area, as stated by senior administration officials.

During these discussions, President Biden and his national security advisers will work to persuade their Chinese counterparts that it is in Beijing's interest to utilise its influence with Russia and Iran to contain both conflicts.

The heightened global unrest adds significance to Biden's face-to-face meeting with Xi, their first in a year.

As Biden grapples with two conflicts that could define his presidency -- Ukraine and Israel -- he is keen on enhancing ties with Beijing and averting additional crises during his term.

The US has sought to manage expectations for the talks, highlighting the restoration of military communication and an agreement to curb narcotics trafficking as key objectives, as reported by CNN.

Biden told reporters Tuesday that his objective in meeting with Xi will be to normalise communication channels between the two powers.

When asked how he defined success for Wednesday's sit-down, Biden said, "To get back on a normal course."

He said that the sit-down also included 'corresponding, being able to pick up the phone and talk to one another if there's a crisis, being able to make sure that our militaries still have contact with one another'.

The US officials have been working to restore military communications with China after Beijing severed them last year, according to CNN.

Among prime concerns of the US is the risk for miscalculation or miscommunication that leads to conflict, including in the tense waters around Taiwan and the South China Sea.

"As I told you, we're not trying to decouple from China," Biden said, adding, "What we're trying to do is change the relationship for the better."

He also mentioned China's relative economic weakness saying that he was looking to bolster a relationship that benefits both countries.

Even as he applies pressure on Xi, Biden's own ability to shape the wars in the Middle East and Europe is being tested, as Israel continues its assault on Gaza's civilian infrastructure and as Ukraine struggles to regain territory following Russia's invasion 20 months ago.

His staunch support and billions of dollars in military assistance from the United States haven't necessarily led to outcomes US officials had hoped for, as reported by CNN.

"The president will underscore our desire for China to make clear in its burgeoning relationship ... with Iran that it is essential that Iran not seek to escalate or spread violence in the Middle East," a senior administration official said.

President Biden will make the point to President Xi that Iran acting in an escalatory, destabilising way that undermines stability across the broader Middle East is not in the interests of China or any other responsible country, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Monday at the White House.

While applying pressure on Xi, Biden aims to shape China's role in the Middle East, urging them to leverage their alliance with Iran for de-escalation. China's growing influence in Iran, driven by shared antipathy toward the United States, presents an opportunity for diplomatic intervention.

The US president is expected to emphasise the necessity for China to play a constructive role in calming tensions in the Middle East.

This includes a focus on Iran refraining from provocative actions, with a clear message that the United States is prepared to respond promptly to any such actions.

The summit's outcome will determine the success of Biden's efforts to enlist China's support in managing global conflicts.

The challenge lies not only in urging restraint in the Middle East but also in influencing China's stance on Russia, especially concerning its economic alliance and role in the Ukraine conflict.

The complex geopolitical dynamics will test the diplomatic skills of both leaders during this critical summit.

To that end, in Wednesday's meetings, US officials intend to 'underscore our continuing concerns around those provocations to China, who continues to be a substantial patron of North Korea', CNN reported.
High-decibel campaigning came to an end on Wednesday evening for the November 17 assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, where top leaders of contesting parties criss-crossed the state addressing rallies, holding roadshows, trading charges and making a slew of promises to seek votes for their candidates.

IMAGE: Gathering at a public meeting addressed by Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (unseen) for the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections, in Sidhi, November 15, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

Electioneering ended in Madhya Pradesh at 6 pm except in Naxalites-hit districts of Balaghat, Mandla and Dindori, where campaigning drew to a close early at 3 pm.

A total of 2,533 candidates are in the fray for the 230 assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh, where the main battle for power is between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress.

As many as 5,60,60,925 voters -- 2,88,25,607 males, 2,72,33,945 females and 1,373 third gender persons -- are eligible to exercise their franchise on Friday when single phase voting opens from 7 am to 6 pm at 2,049 polling stations in the state.

On the last day of campaigning, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, his party's general secretary Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union minister Smriti Irani and Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis (all three from BJP) made last minute efforts to woo voters for their respective candidates.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav also addressed rallies on the last day.

On the penultimate day of electioneering, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed three election rallies and held a roadshow in Indore. Union Home Minister and BJP's chief strategist Amit Shah also addressed a similar number of gatherings and held a roadshow in Jabalpur on Tuesday.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and others, too, campaigned for their candidates on Tuesday.

Electioneering saw PM Modi, Shah, BJP president JP Nadda, Union minister Rajnath Singh, MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, among others, touring the state and addressing election meetings to drum up support for saffron party nominees in all the 230 seats.

Congress president Kharge, his predecessor Rahul Gandhi, party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra, MPCC chief Kamal Nath, former chief minister Digvijaya Singh, among others, addressed public rallies to garner support for their 230 candidates.

The campaigning saw a crack in the opposition INDIA alliance with its constituents Congress, the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) fielding candidates against each other after failing to arrive at a pre-poll tie-up. Their leaders also engaged in a war or words.

Modi, the BJP's top campaigner, paid nine visits to MP and addressed 14 public meetings after election schedule was announced. The BJP is banking heavily on the Prime Minister's charisma and popularity to retain power.

The saffron party campaign's was woven around slogans and chants of MP Ke Mann Mein Modi" and "Modi Ke Mann Mein MP.

Modi, Shah and other BJP leaders accused the previous Congress governments in the state and at the Centre for allegedly indulging in corruption and loot of public money, and also spoke about the upcoming Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

The BJP did not miss a chance to emphasise that it has pulled MP out of 'BIMARU' (laggard) category when power cuts, pathetic road conditions and water scarcity were the order of the day and cautioned people that if the Congress returns to power it will ruin the state again.

The Congress electioneering focused on promise of a caste survey and welfare of Other Backward Classes who constitute around 48 per cent of the state's population.

Priyanka Gandhi opened her party's campaign for MP on June 12 by launching a blistering attack on Bthe JP saying that 225 "scams" had taken place in the 220 months of BJP rule in the MP.

She claimed only 21 government jobs were provided in the state by the BJP government in the last three years.

The Congress campaign targeted the BJP government over unemployment, price rise and alleged that 50 per cent "commission raj" was prevailing in the state.

Electioneering brought to fore the fissures in the INDIA bloc ahead of next year's general elections with SP chief Akilesh Yadav accusing the Congress of betraying him by not conceding six seats to his party as promised. The SP has fielded 71 candidates in MP.

Similarly, an ally of the INDIA grouping, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Singh Mann addressed more than 12 rallies and carried out roadshows to muster support for their 66 candidates.

Another constituent of the opposition grouping, Janata Dal-U, is contesting polls in 10 constituencies.

The Mayawati-led BSP has fielded 183 candidates, while its ally Gondwana Gantantran Party, a tribal outfit, has given tickets to more than 45 nominees. BSP president Mayawati addressed 10 rallies and attacked the Congress for not acting on the Mandal Commission report while in power at the Centre.

She and Akhilesh Yadav, at separate election meetings, blasted the Congress for seeking a caste-based survey now, saying the party did nothing on the issue when it was in power after independence.

The Congress, with 114 seats, emerged as the single largest party after the 2018 polls and formed the government with the help of BSP, SP and independent MLAs under the leadership of Kamal Nath.

However, the Nath regime collapsed in March 2020 after a rebellion by now Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Congress MLAs loyal to him, paving the way for the return of the BJP government headed by Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) reported that its forces are operating in what was described as a targeted manner at Shifa Hospital in Gaza.

IMAGE: Medics look at the damages in the smoke-filled wards inside Al Shifa hospital following an Israeli raid, in Gaza City, on November 15, 2023. Photograph: Gaza Ministry Of Health/Handout via Reuters

While under fire, the IDF forces delivered medical equipment, incubators and baby food on behalf of the State of Israel to the hospital.

Medical teams of the IDF, together with Arabic-speaking soldiers, are present in the field to make sure that the medical equipment reach those who need it.

The activity, said the IDF, takes place in a specific complex at the hospital, where it has intelligence information indicating terrorist activity by Hamas.

Before entering the hospital, Israeli forces encountered explosives and terrorist squads and a firefight ensued in which terrorists were eliminated.

Also, on Tuesday, fighters from the Nahal infantry brigade and others raided the training base of the terrorist organisation Hamas, where they found tunnel shafts, dozens of weapons and means of warfare of various types, including rockets and RPGs, classrooms and intelligence materials.

In addition, IDF aircraft identified a number of terrorists who came out of a building with an anti-tank missile launcher in the north of the Gaza Strip, carrying bags suspected of being explosives and placed them in the path of Israeli forces.

The aircraft followed the terrorists and eliminated two of them.

The IDF also coordinated large-scale hospital evacuations and kept lines of communication open with hospital administration.

"We call upon all Hamas terrorists present in the hospital to surrender," the IDF said.

The IDF on Tuesday announced that it is coordinating the transfer of incubators from Israel to hospitals in the Gaza Strip, reported The Times of Israel.

Shifa and other hospitals in Gaza City have complained of fewer supplies and patient deaths due to the Israel-Hamas war, which has pressured Israel to put more effort into protecting Gazan civilians caught in the crossfire, The Times of Israel reported.
The Indian Navy has been keeping a close watch on the movement of Chinese warships and a submarine which are participating in a mega naval exercise with Pakistan, government sources said on Wednesday.

Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo

The navies of China and Pakistan on Monday kicked off their largest naval exercises in the Arabian Sea which included their first joint maritime patrol.

The China-Pakistan Sea Guardians-3 joint maritime exercise, with the theme of "Joint Response to Maritime Security Threats", began at a naval base in Karachi.

China's PLA Navy has deployed a number of platforms including frontline warships and a submarine for the exercise from November 11 to 17.

The Indian Navy is monitoring the movements of the Chinese warships and the submarine which are participating in the Sea Guardian exercise with Pakistan from the moment they entered the Indian Ocean through Malacca Strait, the sources said.

As part of our comprehensive maritime domain awareness, the Indian Navy maintains a close watch on all the movements in the Indian Ocean Region in line with national security interests, the sources said.

Participating troops from the Chinese PLA Navy consist of six vessels, including the guided-missile destroyer Zibo, guided-missile frigates Jingzhou and Linyi, and the comprehensive supply ship Qiandaohu, along with two shipborne helicopters and dozens of Marines, China's state-run Global Times reported.

For 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, it said.

The Indian Ocean region is largely considered as the backyard of the Indian Navy. In the last few years, China has increased its naval forays into the region triggering some concerns in New Delhi.
But Indians work less than smaller countries with small populations like Bhutan, the Congo, Lesotho and Gambia.

IMAGE: Kindly note the image has been posted only for representational purposes. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters

Infosys Co-Founder N R Narayana Murthy triggered a debate recently when he said youth should work 70 hours a week, but in fact, Indians are already the sixth most hardworking out of 163 countries in the world.

The ranking is based on taking the average number of hours per week for each employed person in India, which works out to 47.7 hours, according to the latest International Labour Organisation (ILO) data of April 2023.

This figure shows that Indians work longer than workers in China (46.1 hours), Vietnam (41.5 hours), Malaysia (43.2 hours), the Philippines (39.2 hours), Japan (36.6 hours), the United States (36.4 hours) and the United Kingdom (35.9 hours).

But Indians work less than smaller countries with small populations like Bhutan, the Congo, Lesotho, and Gambia.

The issue, as many industrialists who engaged with Murthy in the debate, is not hours but productivity.

India is ranked at 131 out of 189 countries based on GDP per hour worked (GDP constant at 2017) for 2021, adjusted for purchasing power parity.

Based on this parameter, India is pegged at $8.47, lower than Vietnam ($10.22), the Philippines ($10.07), Indonesia ($12.96), China ($13.35), Mexico ($20.23) and Malaysia ($25.59) countries with which India either competes for exports or woos for investment.

A similar result can be seen through another measure to calculate labour productivity. This one is based on the annual growth rate of output per worker in percentage terms (based on GDP which is constant at 2015).

India's annual growth rate of output per worker was up by only 3.1 per cent in 2022, much lower than Vietnam (4.8 per cent), China (3.4 per cent), Cambodia (3.6 per cent) and even Bangladesh (4.1 per cent).

For some perspective, while India's output per worker fell in both 2019 (by 2.9 per cent) and 2020 (minus 2 per cent) to recover by 3.5 per cent in 2021, China saw massive growth in these two years of 6.4 per cent and 6 per cent, respectively, slowing down to 3.6 per cent in 2021.

Vietnam recorded a similar trajectory for the same period.

Many people have responded to Murthy by saying workers need better pay given that Indian wages are among the lowest in the world.

According to Morgan Stanley Research, manufacturing wages here are $0.8 per hour.

In China, they are eight times higher, in Malaysia almost six times higher and in Vietnam twice as high.

Only Indonesia at $1 per hour was the closest to India out of the competing countries.

The call for a 70-hour week also has to be put in the context of ILO data which shows that only three countries currently have a longer than 50 hour week. The UAE came out on top with over 52 hours.

Further, ILO s historical data from 13 countries (which include India, South Korea, and Brazil) show that China was the only country which had hit over 2,500 hours a year since the 1950s (Murthy suggests 3,640 days).

By 2000, no country did more than 2,000 hours a year as country after country introduced regulation to fix the working week.

But a more detailed look at ILO data on the percentage of employed workers who work more than 49 hours a week shows some interesting trends.

Bangladesh tops the list with 50 per cent of the employed working more than 49 hours.

In Indonesia it was 26 per cent, in the Philippines 19 per cent and in South Korea and Thailand it was over 17 per cent. (On this, data for India was not available with the ILO).

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
Israeli soldiers entered part of Shifa Hospital in the early hours of Wednesday and began fighting Hamas there, the Israel Defence Forces announced.

IMAGE: An Israeli military armoured vehicle operates at a location given as Al-Shati, Gaza, in this still image taken from video released November 14, 2023. Photograph: Israel Defence Forces/Handout via Reuters

"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 military said.

The military added that forces were joined by 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'.

Briefing reporters on Tuesday night, IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari warned that Gaza's medical facilities were losing their protected status because of Hamas activities there.

"In recent weeks we have stressed again and again, that because of Hamas's use of hospitals for military purposes, it will lose its special protection under intentional law," Rear Admiral Hagari said.

"We are forced to operate in a focused and careful manner against Hamas's terror infrastructure in the hospitals," he said.

"We call on the Hamas operatives who are hiding in the hospitals to surrender so as not to endanger those in the hospitals."

The White House confirmed Israel's assessment on Tuesday.

"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," White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters.

Citing American findings, Kirby added, "Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad members operate a command and control [center] 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."

As reported by the Tazpit Press Service, Hamas makes extensive use of the Shifa Hospital.

Located in Gaza's North Rimal neighborhood and boasting 570 beds, Shifa is the Strip's largest medical center, serving the medical needs of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. It was originally built by British authorities in 1946. In the 1980s, Israel renovated and expanded Shifa as part of an initiative to improve Gaza living conditions.

As far back as 2009, the Israeli Security Agency (Shin Bet) reported during the Gaza war of that year that Hamas operatives were hiding in the hospital, and that the basement had become Hamas's headquarters.

In addition to being used to hide Hamas leaders and hostages, the terror group is known to have launched rockets, tortured suspected collaborators and hoarded a half-million liters of fuel in the hospital compound.
At least 38 people were killed and 20 injured when a bus carrying passengers skidded off the road and rolled down into a 300-foot gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district on Wednesday, officials said.

Photograph: ANI on X

The bus bearing registration number JK02CN-6555 was reportedly carrying 56 passengers, they said, adding that it skidded off the road near Trungal-Assar on the Batote-Kishtwar national highway and fell 300 feet downhill.

A rescue operation has been launched and some bodies have been retrieved, they said.

The death toll is likely to go up.

According to a police spokesperson, the accident occurred at around 11:50 am at Trungal-Assar and the bus was on its way from Kishtwar to Jammu.

In a statement, public relations officer (Defence) Lieutenant Colonel Suneel Bartwal said 38 people were killed in the incident, with 32 passengers declared dead initially, and 20 sustained injuries.

"In a commendable display of promptness and coordination, the Indian Army, in collaboration with civil administration, conducted a swift rescue operation in response to a grievous accident on National Highway 244 at Assar, near Wani Mod, approximately 4 km from COB ASSAR towards Batote," he said.

Bartwal said the bodies are being sent to the Assar Primary Health Centre and Doda Civil Hospital.

There were a total of 58 individuals on board the ill-fated bus at the time of the incident, he added.

Doda deputy commissioner Harvinder Singh had earlier said 37 people were killed and 19 injured, including four who were shifted to the Government Medical College (GMC) hospital in Jammu.

"It is an unfortunate incident. It was said that the bus was not being run on the right side, which resulted in the accident," Singh told PTI.

Some of the deceased have been identified and the bodies will be handed over to their families.

"We checked all the details of the vehicle. Maybe it was not being driven in the right manner. The vehicle jumped over the crash barriers and rolled down," Singh said.

An inquiry will be held into the incident, he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed grief over the incident.

"The bus accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir is distressing. My condolences to the families who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest," Modi said on X.

He announced that an ex-gratia amount of Rs 2 lakh each would be given to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each would be given to the injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.

"Deeply anguished to learn about the loss of precious lives due to a tragic bus accident at Doda, Jammu and Kashmir. The local administration is conducting the rescue operation in the gorge where the bus had the accident. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured," Shah said on X.

Due to the fall from a considerable height, the bus was badly damaged, sources said.

The police and State Disaster Response Force personnel, besides locals, are involved in the rescue operation, they said, adding that some of the injured passengers have been shifted to hospitals.

The injured were first taken to a hospital in Doda and subsequently, four of them were airlifted to the GMC hospital in Jammu.

Top police and civil administration officers are supervising the rescue operation on the spot. The officials said the bus was carrying extra passengers and while negotiating a "U" turn, it overturned and rolled down into the gorge.

The bodies were taken out after cutting some parts of the bus, they added.

Some of the bodies were badly mutilated, the officials said.

Locals expressed concern over the poor condition of the road which, they said, not only led to this accident but several such tragedies in the past.

"The bus was going from Kishtwar to Jammu. Thirty-six people were killed on the spot," Mohammad Ashraf, the sarpanch of the area where the accident took place, told reporters.

Ashraf, who along with other local residents, launched the rescue operation, said at least 10 accidents have taken place in Doda of late, but the administration is yet to act.

"We gave Rs 6 lakh to repair the road. They failed to repair it. They have misappropriated the money. A similar accident took place here only a few months ago and many lives were lost," he added.

"Extremely pained by the loss of lives in a tragic bus accident in Assar, Doda. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families and wishing for a speedy recovery of those injured in the accident.

Directed Div Com and Dist Admin to provide all necessary assistance to affected persons," Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on X..

This is probably the biggest accident in Doda in the last few years.

On July 1, 2019, 35 people were killed and 17 injured when an overloaded mini-bus veered off the road and fell into a gorge in Kishtwar's Sangwari area.

On September 14, 2018, 17 passengers were killed and 16 injured when a mini-bus skidded off the road and plunged into a gorge in the Dandaran area of Kishtwar.

On May 24 this year, seven people were killed and three injured after a cruiser vehicle skidded off the road and fell into a gorge at the Dangduru dam site in the Dachan area of Kishwar.

Eight people were killed and three seriously injured when their car skidded off the road and plunged into a 300-foot gorge in Kishtwar on August 30.

On June 27, five people were killed and 12 injured when their vehicle fell into a gorge on the Bhadarwah-Pathankot road in Doda.

Three people were killed in road accidents in Doda district on October 8 and October 20.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said it won't be surprising if Janata Dal-Secular, which is now in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party, merges with the saffron party in the days ahead.

IMAGE: Former JD-S leaders Gowrishankar, R Manjunath and others join Congress in the presence of Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar, in Bengaluru, November 15, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

Calling former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda-led party "communal" following its alliance with the BJP, he urged Janata Dal-Secular, to remove the word 'Secular' from its name.

"There will be political polarisation and polarisation of votes in the country in the days to come, with communal forces on one side and seculars on the other. BJP will never come out of Hindutva and their plan of creating a Hindu Rashtra. Deve Gowda and family have joined them," Siddaramaiah said.

Addressing a party event here, he said, JD-S is not a political party, it is a Deve Gowda and family party. "It's the party of a family."

"It won't be surprising if tomorrow JD-S merges with the BJP....I somehow feel that it will remain as a separate political party until Deve Gowda is there and won't merge for political reasons, but after that it will merge," he said, adding that these days more than BJP, JD-S leader Kumaraswamy is speaking against the Congress government.

The chief minister was speaking after inducting former JD-S MLAs Gowri Shankar of Tumakuru Rural constituency and Dasarahalli's R Manjunath into Congress.

Claiming that more people from JD-S will be joining Congress in the days ahead and, in case he reveals their names today, they might be pressured by JD-S leadership, he said, "JD-S MLAs were kept in a Hassan resort and were forced to undergo certain things. They might do black magic too....no one should fear such things."

Kumaraswamy was jealous of him and hence was spreading lies about him, Siddaramaiah said. "I got two chairs done from Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd. of Karnataka, for which the government pays. Kumaraswamy alleged someone brought it for me paying Rs 2 crore. Will two chairs cost Rs 2 crore? only lies..."

"Kumaraswamy is 99.99999 per cent of lies out of one hundred, he only speaks lies," he added.

Further calling the regional party "communal", the chief minister said, "I won't call the Janata Dal -- 'S' (Secular), because after joining hands with BJP they have to remove 'S'. They don't have the eligibility to have 'S' with their party name, because they are no longer a secular party."

"The leaders have quit communal Janata Dal and have joined Secular Congress and I welcome them," he said.

Pointing out that he along with Gowri Shankar's father late C Chennigappa, a former minister, were earlier in JD-S together, Siddaramaiah said, "when we were there it was Janata Dal Secular."

"When we called them 'B' team of BJP, JD(S) leaders like Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy -- used to get angry, but they are now officially with BJP. What should we call them? Should we still call them JD-S? They are now only Jananta Dal, if they themselves remove S -- Secular -- from their name it is good, if not people will remove," he added.

Noting that Janata Dal was divided into JD(S) and JD(U) in 1999 over the issue of joining hands with BJP, Siddaramaiah said, as he along with Deve Gowda and other leaders were against the decision of some party leaders to go with the BJP, and JD-S came into existence.

"The other faction that came to be known as Janata Dal-United went with BJP."

"As long as I was there in the party I did not allow for any political links with BJP," he added.

Despite BJP and JD-S joining hands, Congress will win the upcoming (Lok Sabha) elections, the CM claimed, "People are happy with our government and implementation of our guarantee schemes (pre-poll promises)."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that it was impossible to implement five guarantees and if done so, Karnataka will be bankrupt. "Mr Narendra Modi do you know the economy of this country? What is your party announcing in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh?", the chief minister asked.

Alleging that the PM has assured 'Modi/PM government guarantee' for implementation of some Centrally sponsored schemes in which state is also a contributor, he also hit out at the Central government criticising its 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra', a nationwide programme aimed at reaching out to citizens who are eligible for various Central schemes but have not benefited so far, as part of which specially designed IEC (Information, Education and Communication) vans have been flagged off.

"Today the Karnataka Governor has gone to Mysuru, Mandya and Chamarajanahgara for this programme, but I have asked our officials not to attend".

"They (Centre) have written a letter to the Governor asking him to attend the event. The Governor did not want to go...as per protocol, the deputy commissioner and superintendent of police have to go. I said follow the protocol but we (state government) will not cooperate in any way including gathering people at Gram Panchayat," he said, adding that it is being used for campaigning as "PM's guarantees."

The Karnataka government is forced to oppose such a programme, as the state is not given credit despite its contribution in some of these Centrally sponsored schemes, Siddaramaiah said, adding, it is against the federal structure. "The PM has stopped to such a low."
Mumbai-based author Ranjit Hoskote has quit the Finding Committee for the upcoming Documenta art festival in Germany, following criticism for signing a letter that compared Zionism and Hindu nationalism.

IMAGE: Author Ranjit Hoskote. Photograph: Kind courtesy @ranjithoskote/X

Documenta is one of the world's biggest exhibitions of contemporary art, which takes place every five years at Kassel in Germany.

The 16th edition of Documenta will be held in 2027.

Hoskote's resignation follows an article published in Germany's daily Suddeutsche Zeitung on November 9, accusing him of 'BDS sympathies and anti-Semitism', based on his signing of a 2019 BDS petition against a far-right event on 'Zionism and Hindutva', co hosted by the Consulate General of Israel in Mumbai.

The BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement works to end international support for Israel's oppression of Palestinians.

In his resignation letter to Andreas Hoffmann, managing director of Documenta, Hoskote said, 'These last few days have been among the most deeply distressing days of my life. The monstrous charge of anti-Semitism has been brought against my name in Germany, a country I have regarded with love and admiration, and to whose cultural institutions and intellectual life I have contributed for several decades, as a writer, curator, and cultural theorist.'

Hoskote said those who have 'no acquaintance with my life and work have judged, denounced, and stigmatised me on the basis of a single signature on a petition, taken out of its context and not approached in the spirit of reason'.

'I have been written about with harshness and condescension, and none of my detractors has thought it important to ask me for my point of view. I feel, strongly, that I have been subjected to the proceedings of a kangaroo court,' Hoskote said.

He said he was being asked to 'accept a sweeping and untenable definition of anti-Semitism' that conflates the Jewish people with the Israeli state.

'Let us now consider the so-called evidence that has been presented against me: my signature on a petition circulated by the Indian Cultural Forum and dated August 26, 2019, protesting a discussion hosted by the Consulate General of Israel in Mumbai, on 'Leaders' Idea of Nations: Zionism and Hindutva.'

'The invitation for this event presented a portrait of Theodor Herzl, the founding figure of Zionism, alongside a portrait of V D Savarkar, a founding figure of Hindutva.

'My reason for signing this petition was because the event clearly posited an equivalence between Herzl and Savarkar, and was intended to develop intellectual respectability for an alliance between Zionism and Hindutva.

'I found this highly ironic, since Savarkar was known to be an admirer of Hitler and openly expressed his admiration for Nazi ideology and methods, which he proposed as a model for a Hindu-majoritarian India to follow, especially with regard to the treatment of the religious minorities,' Hoskote said in his resignation letter.

'I have dedicated my life to opposing authoritarian forces and discriminatory ideologies,' the poet and art critic said.

In a release, Hoffmann said, 'I would like to thank Ranjit Hoskote for his willingness to stand by us in these difficult times and believe that his decision to resign is a logical and respectable one. We need to consistently distance ourselves from all forms of anti-Semitism.'
In a historic move, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation making Diwali a holiday for public schools in the major American city.

IMAGE: Devotees celebrate Diwali inside the visitor center that features Burmese teakwood from Myanmar, at BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey, on November 12, 2023. Photograph: Bing Guan/Reuters

"New York City is rich in different religions and cultures, and we're taking an important step to recognise and celebrate this diversity in the school calendar," Hochul said Tuesday.

The legislation requires that all public schools in New York City be closed on the '15th day of the eighth month of the Indian calendar in each year, which is known as Diwali', a press release issued by Hochul's office said.

Hochul said that the legislation to designate Diwali as a New York City school holiday is 'an opportunity for our children to learn about and celebrate traditions from across the world'.

Hochul signed the legislation during a special reception at the Hindu Temple Society of North America in Flushing in New York to commemorate Diwali.

In a post on X, Hochul said that she believes a celebration of light should not be commemorated in the dark.

'That's why tonight, we took action to bring people together. As we gathered to celebrate Diwali, I was proud to sign historic legislation making Diwali a New York City public school holiday!'

According to the New York City Department of Education, there were 1,047,895 students in the NYC school system, the largest school district in the United States, in 2022-23.

Of those students, 16.5 per cent were Asians. There are 1,867 schools within the Department of Education as of Fall 2022, including 275 charter schools.

The press release said that the legislation amends the education law to declare Diwali a holiday for New York City public schools.

'Many people of the Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist faiths in New York City and throughout the state observe the festival of Diwali and more than 1 billion people around the world celebrate this holiday,' the release added.

New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, who is the first Indian-American and first Hindu elected to New York State Office and led efforts to make Diwali a school holiday in New York City, said generations of New Yorkers to come will now observe Diwali, the Festival of Lights.

'By signing my bill, we say to over 600,000 Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist New Yorkers, 'We see you, we recognise you, and Diwali is an American holiday',' Rajkumar said.

Rajkumar said she was proud to lead and win the fight for the Diwali School Holiday this year.

"Today, my historic Diwali bill is officially signed into law," she said as she thanked Hochul for signing 'my momentous bill'.

Rajkumar noted that for over two decades, the South Asian community has lobbied for the Diwali holiday.

"With the signing of my bill, we have lit an everlasting lamp in the hearts and minds of all New Yorkers. This is an achievement that will outlive me," she said.

New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo said that in this time of 'local and global racism and anger', Diwali's message is critically important and needed

"Diwali is a joyous occasion that holds immense significance for millions of people around the world and in our state. As we come together to commemorate this festival, we are reminded of the Diwali holiday's message -- the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil," Addabbo said.

"The Diwali celebration not only represents the rich cultural heritage of our diverse community but also serves as a reminder of the values that bind us together. It reminds us of the importance of compassion, kindness, and understanding in our interactions with one another," he said.

Addabbo voiced appreciation for Hochul's approval to acknowledge Diwali as a school holiday and commended Rajkumar for her initiative in passing the legislation in the Assembly and working with his legislative team in passing the bill in the Senate.

New American Voter Association President Dr Dilip Nath said in the release he is proud to see Hochul finally fulfilling a long past Diwali recognition holiday into law.

"On the day of the Diwali so no student will have to choose between celebrating with their family or their school obligations."

Indian Diaspora Council International President Ashook Ramsaran termed the signing of the legislation as a 'significant achievement following decades of grassroots efforts' in New York.

Ramsaran said in the press release that Diwali is the 'triumph of light over darkness, of good over evil' and its lessons are more relevant as turmoil, inhumanity and divisiveness impact many people worldwide.

"Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad New York President Bhajan Sarker said the 300,000 New Yorkers who celebrate Diwali will now able to celebrate it with their entire families without being forced to forgo sending their children to school."

Nepali Community Leader and Executive Member of the Hami Nepali NabarajKC said, "On behalf of the Nepali Community we are profoundly grateful to our beloved Governor Kathy Hochul for recognising the Hindu community and Diwali festival of lights."
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. The construction of the DOST (Sustainable and Operational Social Security) Center in Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan city is almost over, Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population told Trend.

"The DOST Center will be commissioned soon to provide the population of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic with easier access to state-provided labor, employment, and social protection services, utilizing modern, efficient, and electronic services from the unified center," the ministry said.

"By 2025, Azerbaijan plans to increase the number of DOST Centers to 17 and the number of DOST branches to 55," added the ministry.

The DOST concept, initiated by First Vice President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva, allows providing 154 social services in a single window, rapidly, transparently, and on a modern, innovative basis.

From January to early September of this year, about 165,000 services were provided in DOST centers, and overall, services were provided to more than 1.4 million citizens, while the level of satisfaction of citizens with these services was 98.5 percent.

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Over 5,000 Myanmar nationals have crossed over to neighbouring Mizoram following Monday's airstrikes by the Myanmar army in its Chin state, reports ANI.

"More than 5,000 people took refuge in two Mizoram villages along the Myanmar border," Mizoram Inspector General of Police Lalbiakthanga Khiangte says.

"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," IGP Khiangte says, adding that one of the injured succumbed to his injuries last evening.

As many as 42 Myanmar army personnel have surrendered to the Mizoram police, IGP Khiangte says and they have been handed over to the Assam Rifles. "(Government of) India will decide their fate."

The injured are being taken care of by Mizo non-governmental organisations.

The fighting reportedly started after the People's Defence Force attacked two military bases at Khawmawi and Rihkhawdar in Chin state near the Indian border. In retaliation, the Myanmar army launched airstrikes.

Myanmar nationals, who were injured in the Myanmar army airstrikes, crossed the international border and entered Mizoram's Champhai district.

The latest influx of refugees is in addition to the thousands of Myanmarese who have taken refuge in the North Eastern state since 2021.

Mizos share ethnic ties with the Chin community.

IMAGE: Young Mizo Association and other NGOs help refugees from Myanmar in Champhai on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. All photographs: ANI Photo

IMAGE: Refugees from Myanmar enter Mizoram's Champhai.

IMAGE: Refugees eat their meals at a relief camp.

IMAGE: Refugees at a relief camp.

IMAGE: Young Mizo Association and other locals help the refugees.

Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff.com

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com
Two more Myanmarese soldiers entered Mizoram after militia group People's Defence Force (PDF) overran their camp in the neighbouring country's Chin state, a police officer said on Wednesday.

IMAGE: Refugees at a camp after entering from Myanmar into Mizoram's Champhai following clashes between armed resistance forces and the military junta, in Champhai on November 14, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

The two Myanmarese soldiers entered Mizoram and came to the Zokhawthar police station on Tuesday evening, the officer said.

"The Myanmarese soldiers were handed over to the Assam Rifles as per the Centre's directive and all of them have been airlifted to a safer place by Indian defence authorities," he told PTI on condition of anonymity.

With these, a total of 45 Myanmarese soldiers have fled to Mizoram, the police officer said.

He said that in the first place, 39 soldiers crossed the international border and came to Zokhawthar police station along with their arms on Monday evening.

Three more came to Zokhawthar police station on Tuesday noon and two others in the evening, he said.

The officer said that 39 soldiers were airlifted to a safer place by Assam Rifles on Tuesday and the remaining 6 have also been evacuated to a safer place on Wednesday.

An official of the state Home department said that the Myanmarese soldiers were airlifted from Champhai district to Moreh, a border town in Manipur, from where they were sent to Tamu, the nearest Myanmarese town from Moreh.

The police officer said that the situation along the Indo-Myanmar border now is calm as there are no more clashes between the Myanmar army and the People's Defence Force (PDF).

"The situation as of now is calm and we expect normalcy to return along the Indo-Myanmar border in the next two to three days. At the same time it is difficult to predict the future," he said.

Officials said around 5,000 people from Khawimawi, Rihkhawdar and neighbouring villages in Myanmar's Chin state have fled and sought shelter in Zokhawthar following gunfight between the Myanmar army and PDF.

Champhai Deputy Commissioner James Lalrinchhana said that the gunfight began on Sunday evening and continued till Monday evening after the PDF attacked two military camps at Khawmawi and Rihkhawdar in Chin state close to the Indian border.

Mizoram shares a 510-km-long porous international border with Myanmar.

The northeastern state has hosted more than 31,000 refugees from the neighbouring country, who fled after the military coup in February 2021, before the recent clashes.

The Myanmar nationals, who took shelter in Mizoram, are of the Chin community.

The Chins and Mizos belong to the same Zo ethnic group.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in San Francisco for a China-United States summit meeting and the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, China's official state news agency, Xinhua, reported.

IMAGE: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives at San Francisco International Airport to attend the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Summit in San Francisco, in California, on November 14, 2023. Photograph: Brittany Hosea-Small/Reuters

US President Joe Biden is set to meet his Chinese counterpart on Wednesday in the San Francisco Bay Area, CNN reported, citing senior US administration officials.

The meeting will test whether the two leaders can slow a downward spiral in relations at a moment of heavy global turbulence.

However, reportedly, the talks are not likely to soften the world's most consequential bilateral relationship.

Instead, the fact that the meeting is happening at all is viewed by White House aides as a positive sign after months of friction.

Moreover, the US officials stressed that the leaders hoped to develop a 'framework' for managing successful competitive relations between the two powers, with the goal of clearing up misperceptions and avoiding surprises, according to CNN.

Additionally, the US officials said that Biden's aides were entering the summit with realistic expectations and did not anticipate a long list of outcomes later on.

As the conflict continues in West Asia and there is a war in Ukraine, Biden is eager to prevent another world crisis from exploding on his watch.

IMAGE: President Xi waves as he arrives at San Francisco International Airport. Photograph: Brittany Hosea-Small/Reuters

Moreover, one of his top foreign policy priorities stands for restoring stability to the Washington-Beijing relationship, even as global tensions rise, CNN reported.

The two leaders are expected to discuss various issues, including restoring military-to-military communication between the two countries, a chief objective for Biden, who plans to press Xi on the issue.

Moreover, it also includes the conflicts in Israel and Ukraine, areas of potential cooperation like climate change and countering narcotics trafficking, deep disagreements over human rights issues and military escalation in the South China Sea and around Taiwan.

According to the US officials, the talks would be expansive and spread out over multiple working sessions, CNN reported.

Meanwhile, the US has pressured China to play a more constructive role in both the Israel-Hamas war and the Russia-Ukraine war and encouraged the country to step up its role on the world stage.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

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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%..

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Rain showers this evening with mostly cloudy conditions overnight. Low 34F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. Grigoriy Ivliev, President of the Eurasian Patent Office, which is the executive body of the Eurasian Patent Organization (EAPO), is on an official visit to Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

The main purpose of the visit is to discuss the prospects of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EAPO in the field of intellectual property, to get acquainted with the work done in this area in Azerbaijan, and, in particular, to study the experience of the Intellectual Property Agency, which was created within the framework of institutional reforms successfully implemented by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

A round table on "priority areas of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EAPO" was held on November 15. Opening the event, Chairman of the Board of the Intellectual Property Agency of Azerbaijan, Kamran Imanov, expressed confidence that the issues to be discussed at the round table will make an important contribution to the improvement and deepening of cooperation. He noted the exceptional importance of Ivliev's activities as President of the EAPO and the initiatives he put forward, stressing that his approach to solving problems related to the activities and development of the organization is the key to successful progress towards achieving high goals for the organization.

Furthermore, Imanov stated that Azerbaijan is a country undergoing active economic and institutional reforms and that the steps implemented as a result of President Ilham Aliyev's policies are long-term in nature. As a result of the enormous victory obtained in the second Karabakh war, all lands were liberated from occupation, and a magnificent development activity on these lands began, kicking off the "Great Return." He emphasized that the agency's mission is to assure the attainment of the most essential goals established by the president of our state and to transform the autonomous intellectual property management founded by the country's head into a true reform actor.

Ivliev, thanking the Intellectual Property Agency for organizing the round table, expressed special gratitude to Kamran Imanov for his scientific approach to the development of the intellectual property system.

Moreover, Ivliev, noting that the growing importance of patents dictates the need to improve the quality of work of patent offices, recalled the adoption in May of this year of the EAPO Development Program until 2028, which includes eight main areas of activity and provides for increasing the availability and convenience of intellectual property services for applicants in the region, and thanked the Azerbaijani side for supporting strategic vector development.

Ivliev, touching upon the prospects for the activities of the EAPO, brought to the attention of colleagues that an Assembly of Eurasian Patent Attorneys has been created, the creation of Eurasian organizations of inventors is envisaged, the status of the EAPO pharmaceutical register data continues to improve, and a thematic project for technoparks is being implemented jointly with the World Intellectual Property Organization. He noted that cooperation in the field of digitalization of intellectual property offices will contribute to the expansion of the use of common electronic services to simplify the work of national structures. The head of the EAPO expressed readiness, with the support of the member countries, to create a single Eurasian trademark registration system and a single Eurasian utility model, as well as to form an Eurasian dispute resolution system in the field of intellectual property.

Furthermore, Ivliev said that during the 41st meeting of the Administrative Council of the EAPO, held in September 2022 in Moscow, Chairman of the Board of the Intellectual Property Agency Kamran Imanov was given the award of the Eurasian Patent Organization - the gold medal of V.I.Blinnikov for contribution to the inventor and patent case.

Ivliev will hold high-level meetings during the visit.

The EAPO was established in 1994 to perform administrative duties in the field of the functioning of the Eurasian Patent System and the issuance of Eurasian patents. Currently, this international organization includes eight countries (Azerbaijan, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan). Azerbaijan has been a full member of the EAPO since 1995.

The Protocol on the Protection of Industrial Designs to the Eurasian Patent Convention of September 9, 1994, entered into force on March 17, 2021. In 2022, the Intellectual Property Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, with the support of the EAPO, implemented a pilot project to receive applications with the possibility of adding 3D models to the claims.

In general, the EAPO has received 525 applications for the issuance of an Eurasian patent for inventions from Azerbaijan (45 in 2022, 25 in 2023) to date. Currently, 9,496 Eurasian patents are valid on the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The documents for patent applications are dominated by the mining industry, pharmaceuticals and medicines, medicine, and veterinary medicine. In addition, 381 Eurasian patents were issued to applicants from Azerbaijan.

The most actively applying organizations from Azerbaijan include the Oil and Gas Projects Institute, the Institute of Control Systems, Sumgayit State University, Azerbaijan Medical University, and the Institute of Petrochemical Processes, named after academician Yusif Mammadaliyev. In general, 60 percent of applications from Azerbaijan were submitted by individuals.

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Changes are seen at Cambodias Ream naval base between Jan. 3, 2023 and Nov. 11, 2023. Credit: Planet Labs

The China-backed Ream naval base in southwestern Cambodia has expanded quickly over the past year, satellite images show.

Since July, when Radio Free Asia reported about the development of a new deep-draft pier that could accommodate aircraft carriers at the bases center-west, more land reclamation and construction has been carried out.

Theyve cleared a lot more land in the southeast part of the base, said political analyst Tom Shugart, who has been following the project since the beginning. The newly cleared area is now approximately 30 hectares (75 acres).

The deep-draft pier appears completed in the latest images provided by the Earth imaging company Planet Labs.

The long side of the new pier is about 330 meters (1,082 feet) [long enough for a carrier], the short side is about 250 meters (820 feet), long enough for every other ship in the PLA Navy, said Shugart, Adjunct Senior Fellow with the Defense Program at the Center for a New American Security. The analyst referred to the Chinese Navy by its official name the Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).

A closer examination revealed four fuel tanks that may be under construction on the east side of the base, each about 20 meters (65 feet) in diameter, according to Shugart.

A number of structures, probably barracks, administration buildings and workshops, are seen at the center and northwest of the base.

PLA naval base?

In June 2021 China and Cambodia began developing the Ream Naval Base, in Preah Sihanouk province on the Gulf of Thailand, with Beijings funding.

Cambodia has repeatedly denied that China is being given exclusive military access to the base, saying that would be in contradiction to the countrys constitution. If operating from the base, this would be Chinas first naval staging facility in Southeast Asia and the second foreign base in the world after one in Djibouti.

The Ream base now appears even more expensive and capable than previous reports suggested, said well-known maritime blogger H.I. Sutton in an article on the Naval News website.

There is clear evidence of a new dry dock being constructed, he added, pointing at what appears to be a structure on a reclaimed land area at the south of the base.

Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Banh, rear center left, and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian, rear center right, preside over the groundbreaking ceremony at Ream Naval Base, Sihanoukville, Cambodia, June 8, 2022. Credit: Fresh News via AP





Shugart from the Center for a New American Security, however, cast doubt on the statement saying that the length of the structure is about 150m and too short for PLAN destroyers and larger vessels.

The article in Naval News focused on the increased strategic importance of the Ream base which is, in the authors opinion, one of several throughout the Indian Ocean, Middle East and Africa.

The war in Ukraine reminds us that the ability to perform maintenance and repairs on warships is critical to sustain combat operations, Sutton wrote, China will not want to face the same challenges that Russia does currently in the Mediterranean.

The bases size and construction suggest it is not designed for the Cambodian Navys use as Cambodias small navy barely has any naval vessels over 50 meters (164 feet) in length.

There is now little doubt that it is a PLAN overseas base, he concluded.

In March, the then Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen lashed out against the bases critics, accusing them of a campaign to slander his country.

Hun Sen said the base is not a threat against anyone while U.S. officials repeatedly called for Cambodia to be transparent about the true plans for Ream.

Neighbors concerns

Virak Ou, a Cambodian analyst who serves as president of the Future Forum think tank, said the whole conversation seems to have been driven by the U.S.

He added: "There are legitimate concerns of our neighbors but more ASEAN voices are needed in the discussions.

Thailand should be aware about this, said Dulyapak Preecharush, Associate Professor of Asian Studies at Thammasat University in Bangkok.

The base may increase Cambodian naval capability over the overlapping area between Thailand and Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand, Dulyapak told RFA, noting that this is an important area which has abundant oil and natural gas deposits.

The two neighbors share overlapping claims over approximately 26,000 square kilometers of waters in the gulf and have been engaged in discussions about joint development arrangements there.

In the future, this base might pose maritime security threat to Thailand, said Dulyapak, adding that both Ream and the nearby China-funded Dara Sakor economic zone are not so far from Thailands U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield built by the U.S. army during the Cold War.

Chinese strategic influence in Cambodia and the Gulf of Thailand can stimulate the U.S. to increase its strategic engagement with Thailand for counterweighting China, resulting in Thailands strategic adaptation between these two major powers, Dulyapak noted.

The Ream naval base is less than 30 km (18 miles) from Vietnams Phu Quoc island. Hanois officials, when asked about the project, have been insisting that the cooperation between nations should contribute to peace, security, stability and prosperity in the region as well as across the world.

The Vietnamese Navy is often invited to visit not Ream but the Sihanoukville port some 20 kilometers (12 miles) away.

Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang.
Prime minister says there is no plan to station Chinese police in Thailand for joint patrols.

Chinese family tourists rent traditional Thai costumes and take selfies at Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn, in Bangkok, Thailand, on Jan. 12, 2023.

The Thai government has ruled out a proposal for Chinese police to be stationed at tourist hotspots around the kingdom amid a public backlash.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand, TAT, on Sunday said the country was in talks with China about introducing joint police patrols as a way to appease Chinese visitors fears about safety.

But the announcement sparked an outcry and earned pushback from the national police chief, Gen. Torsak Sukvimol, who said having Chinese officers on Thai soil was a breach of sovereignty," according to a report from BenarNews, an affiliate of Radio Free Asia.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who is in San Francisco for the APEC summit, said Monday there was no plan to station Chinese police in the country for joint patrols.

Thailand only wanted to exchange information with China on criminal gangs operating in the Southeast Asian nation, Srettha said, according to a report from Bloomberg News.

In Bangkok, Tourism Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol echoed the prime ministers comments, saying there was no policy to bring Chinese police to Thailand.

The Thai police are already adequate  and are working hard to ensure tourist confidence, he told reporters on Tuesday.

TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool apologized the same day for the misunderstanding and any negative sentiment stirred up by her comments.

Chinese tourists accounted for a quarter of nearly 40 million tourist arrivals in Thailand in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. But visitor numbers from the worlds No 2 economy have been slower to bounce back than anticipated after Beijing lifted its hardline pandemic rules in January.

Thailand expects between 4 million and 4.4 million Chinese visitors this year, the TAT said.

On Wednesday, Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Han Zhiqiang paid a courtesy visit to Sudawan to stress the importance of the bilateral relationship.

Chinas government supports Chinese tourists visiting Thailand, he said in a video posted by the tourism ministry. This helps stimulate the economy, the tourism industry and, moreover, brings the two countries closer together.

The countrys image as a safe tourist destination for Chinese has been knocked by a spate of recent kidnap-for-ransom cases and reports of people being tricked into being trafficked as workers at scam call centers in nearby Myanmar.

A shooting spree that left three people dead, including one Chinese national, at a popular Bangkok shopping mall last month has also raised safety concerns.

The presence of Chinese police on foreign soil has become a sensitive issue worldwide after it was revealed by Spain-based Safeguard Defenders group in a September 2022 report that China was carrying out transnational policing operations across five continents, without the approval of the jurisdictions they were operating in.

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.

BenarNews is an online news outlet affiliated with Radio Free Asia.
From left: Eric Chu, Taiwans main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) chairman, Hou Yu-ih, KMT presidential candidate, Ma Ying-jeou, former Taiwan president and Ko Wen-je, presidential candidate from the Taiwan Peoples Party (TPP) pose following a meeting in Taipei on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023.

Two key opposition parties in democratic Taiwan have joined forces to fight forthcoming presidential elections, in a late bid to deliver candidates who will likely focus on the islands future amid growing military incursions from Beijing.

The main opposition Kuomintang, which lost the presidency to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's Tsai Ing-wen for two successive terms amid ongoing fears of Chinese Communist Party infiltration, and the Taiwan People's Party agreed to run a joint campaign in a political breakthrough on Wednesday that has ended months of deadlock over an opposition platform that will likely promise better relations with Beijing amid ongoing military tensions.

The deal came after a two-hour meeting between Kuomintang presidential nominee Hou Yu-ih, Taiwan People's Party chairman and presidential nominee Ko Wen-je, Kuomintang Chairman Eric Chu and former Kuomintang President Ma Ying-jeou.

A recent opinion poll put incumbent vice president Lai Ching-te at about 29.7%, followed by Ko Wen-je at 25.6% and Hou Yu-ih at 21.1%, ahead of the Jan. 13, 2024 poll.

From left Taiwan People's Party chairman, TPP chairman and presidential nominee Ko Wen-je, former president Ma Ying-jeou, KMT presidential nominee Hou Yu-ih and KMT Chairman Eric Chu hold up a joint statement in Taipei, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2023. Credit: KMT via AP

In a joint statement, the parties said they would decide jointly on which candidates to field for president and vice president after running a nationwide opinion poll.

"Polling statistics experts will review and evaluate the poll results ... from Nov. 7-17, and the Kuomintang and the People's Party will each provide the results of the internal reference poll," the statement said, adding that three polling experts would be recommended, one each by Ma, the KMT and the People's Party.

"Witnessed by former President Ma, the Kuomintang and the People's Party hereby promise to establish a model for Taiwan's third wave of democratic reforms, and must form a coalition government," it said, adding that defense matters, foreign relations and the cross-strait relationship with Beijing would be the preserve of the president, should they win the January 2024 election.

Other ministerial posts would be distributed among the two parties according to the number of seats their candidates hold in the legislature, it said.

The poll results will be formally announced on Nov. 18.

"No matter the outcome ... [we] will work together to make the land and people of the Republic of China safe," Hou told journalists on Wednesday, using the formal name of the Taiwanese government that dates back to the 1911 republic founded by Sun Yat-sen after the fall of the Qing dynasty (1644-1911).

Hou later commented that he hopes the two parties can work together to "unite Taiwan."

"We should follow public opinion ... remove the corrupt and incompetent Democratic Progressive Party and ensure peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and peace of mind for our people," he said.

A sense or urgency

Yet Ko and the Kuomintang appear to make uneasy bedfellows.

Ko, who has previously quipped that the things he hates most are "mosquitoes, cockroaches and the Kuomintang," was asked at a youth forum why he has now chosen to work with the party.

"I have an answer to this," Ko told the students who challenged him on the move. "I hate the Democratic Progressive Party even more."

He said there is now a sense of urgency around peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, citing the topic as a key item on the agenda when Chinese leader Xi Jinping meets with U.S. President Joe Biden in the United States.

"Taiwan is the place where war is most likely to happen," Ko said.

"War in Taiwan isn't an impossibility," he warned, adding: "The risk is there."

Taiwan Peoples Party Chairman Ko Wen-je speaks to the media in Taipei, Taiwan November 15, 2023. Ko has previously quipped that the things he hates most are "mosquitoes, cockroaches and the Kuomintang." Credit: Ann Wang/Reuters

Ma, who facilitated the negotiations, told the media that the agreement had made political history.

"I believe this is a very memorable day for Taiwan and for our two parties, and we will go all out, in accordance with the cooperation agreement," he told reporters.

The agreement comes amid growing concerns over the Kuomintang's appetite for ever-closer ties with Beijing, as a local media outlet reported that Ma Ying-jeou Foundation director Hsiao Hsu-tsen attended the Beijing Forum hosted by Peking University at the Diaoyutai Hotel, during which time he met with senior officials of the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office.

Hsiao later denied meeting with Taiwan Affairs Office director Song Tao, or attending any activities organized by his staff.

Tung Li-wen, an advisory committee member of a Taiwanese think tank, said he doesn't believe Ma was motivated by unity in brokering the deal.

"It seems that Ma Ying-jeou's most important consideration is the relationship with Beijing, which also involves his positioning in cross-strait relations after the election," Tung told Radio Free Asia. "It is not about his positioning within the Kuomintang."



Translated by Luisetta Mudie.
Expanded cooperation allows the allies scope to tackle crises in Europe and the Middle East.

A trilateral meeting between the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, center, and Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko, right middle, and South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, left middle, at the APEC Summit, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, in San Francisco.

Updated Nov. 15, 2023, 2.50 a.m. ET

The United States, South Korea and Japan jointly issued a stern warning against Russia, North Korea and Hamas  highlighting the expanding scope of the trilateral cooperation, as they address global security challenges that extend beyond Asia.

The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and his South Korean counterpart Park Jin, and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa met in San Francisco Tuesday. The three called the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea a serious threat to international peace and stability, according to a statement from South Koreas foreign ministry on Wednesday.

To counteract the move, the foreign ministers of the allies agreed to strengthen cooperation to block North Koreas illegal cyber activities used for nuclear and missile funding, as they vowed to further solidify the ongoing enhancement of security cooperation among the three democratic nations.

The statement came as 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. In exchange, the North is most likely to have received technology transfer for what it claims as satellite launch from Russia, the spy agency said.

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 allies on Wednesday pledged to counter the intensifying cooperation between the authoritarian regimes through a coordinated response with the international community, underpinned by the close collaboration between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan.

Hours after the trilateral meeting, North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency reported the successful testing of a new solid-fuel engine for an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM). The tests, conducted on Saturday and Tuesday, were to assess the technical specifications of the high-thrust solid-fuel engines developed for Pyongyangs new type of IRBM, KCNA noted.

North Koreas IRBM has a range of some 4,000 km, capable of striking U.S. territories in the West Pacific, including Guam.

During the trilateral meeting, the South Korean foreign minister also indirectly criticized China during the meeting, reiterating Seouls serious stance on concerns about the forced repatriation of North Korean defectors. Park reaffirmed the commitment to enhance cooperation for the promotion of human rights in North Korea, including coordinated efforts in next years Security Council, the statement added.

Recent media reports alleged that hundreds of North Korean defectors detained in China have been forcibly repatriated to North Korea. Human Rights Watch reported last month that Chinese authorities had forcibly returned over 500 North Koreans to the reclusive nation. The organization urged governments worldwide to condemn Beijings actions. Most of these North Koreans were civilians and religious figures who were arrested while attempting to travel to South Korea from China, Radio Free Asia has learned.

The allies also issued a joint criticism against Hamas. The ministers condemned Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel, urging for the prompt release of hostages, and emphasizing the need for strict adherence to international law to protect civilians. The three democratic nations also agreed to actively cooperate to resolve the crisis.

Hamas has used weapons sourced from the North and Iran to target Israel, the Israeli military said last month, supporting RFAs earlier report on the alleged arms connection between the North and Hamas.

RFA reported on the potential use of North Korean weapons by Hamas militants. RFAs thorough analysis was based on a video that displayed a man holding what seemed to be North Korean-made rocket launchers.

The expanded trilateral security cooperation to tackle global challenges was already reinforced on Monday, as the defense ministers of the U.S. and South Korea agreed to evolve their military alliance into a broader global partnership. The expansion hinted that the allies would counter not just threats from North Korea, but also to confront a range of issues that affect regional and global peace.

Such a move could be crucial for the U.S. in implementing its global strategy, especially in the face of complex challenges. In doing so, Washington may reinforce its strategic position and capabilities amid the security crisis in Europe and the Middle East.

The trilateral meeting took place ahead of the upcoming gathering of foreign ministers of China, South Korea and Japan in the Souths Busan city in less than two weeks  a move that could indicate Seoul and Tokyos diplomatic prioritization of ties and cooperation with Washington.

Edited by Elaine Chan and Taejun Kang.



Updated to add North Korea's test of a new solid-fuel engine for an intermediate-range ballistic missile.
More than 120 troops laid down their arms  the second battalion in the area to surrender since Oct. 30.

Members of the Myanmar armys Light Infantry Battalion 129 surrender to the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance on Nov. 12, 2023 in northern Shan state.

A light infantry battalion with more than 120 troops surrendered to ethnic rebels  the second time in two weeks that a battalion belonging to Myanmars military junta has laid down arms to rebel forces in northern Shan state.

The entire Light Infantry Battalion 129, including its commander and 134 family members, surrendered on Sunday to the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance, a spokesman for the rebel group told Radio Free Asia.

We welcome the soldiers who have surrendered to us, MNDAA spokesman Li Kyarwen said. We are also safeguarding them. The injured persons are getting medical treatment. We have safely transported them to their expected destination.

Each of the junta soldiers was awarded 1 million kyat (US$476) while one family member was given an additional 100,000 kyat (US$47), Li Kyarwen said.

The junta battalion was based near the border with China in Laukkaing, one of about a half dozen areas in Shan state targeted during a coordinated military offensive launched last month by an alliance of three ethnic armies.

Reports show that the Three Brotherhood Alliance  made up of the MNDAA and the Taang National Liberation Army in Shan state and the Arakan Army in Rakhine state  has taken some 150 military camps in battles throughout Shan state, causing alarm among top military brass.

On Oct. 30, all 41 members of Light Infantry Battalion 143, including a deputy commander and two company commanders, surrendered to the MNDAA in Shans Kunlong township.

A total of 127 Myanmar army soldiers and 134 of their family members  261 people  surrendered to the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance on Nov. 12, 2023 in northern Shan state. Credit: Three Brotherhood Alliance





Junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said last week that the alliances Operation 1027  named for the date that the offensive began  could break the country into pieces if left unchecked.

RFA attempted to contact a spokesman for the military junta for comment on the latest battalion surrender, but phone calls went unanswered on Tuesday.

No reinforcements

On Sunday, the junta declared martial law in eight townships in Shan state, including Laukkaing.

But troops in the region havent received military reinforcements recently, which must have been a contributing factor in the battalions choice to give up, said Than Soe Naing, a military and political observer.

They didnt think that it was worthy for them to sacrifice the lives of more than 200 people, including soldiers and their families, he said. In this helpless situation, they made the decision to surrender.

That was the right decision for commanders to make, said Captain Lin Htet Aung, a former military officer who joined the non-violent Civil Disobedience Movement, or CDM, in opposition to the junta.

We have seen considerable losses to the military in recent battles, and we havent heard the military express condolences or offer encouragement, he said. So, junta soldiers should think about whether they should sacrifice their lives to protect these leaders.

Junta forces also suffered a loss during fighting on Monday near the Indian border in western Myanmars Chin state. More than 40 junta soldiers fled across the border and were later handed back to Myanmar authorities by Indian forces.

Additionally, fighting between the Arakan Army and junta troops in Rakhine state has intensified in recent days. And in northeastern Myanmar, Karenni Nationalities Defense Force targeted junta bases in Loikaw University and a prison in the capital of Kayah state on Saturday.

Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster.
Seoul said it is also willing to consider raising the level of travel warnings for the region.

People maneuver a small boat along the Mekong river in front of the Kings Roman casino opposite Sop Ruak in the Golden Triangle region where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet Jan.15, 2012.

South Korea has announced that 19 citizens have been rescued by Myanmar police after being held by a local illegal business in a border town in eastern Myanmar.

Tachileik is located in the Golden Triangle region, a mountainous area bordering three countries  Myanmar, Laos and Thailand. The area is known to be a hotbed for illegal activities such as online fraud, voice phishing and human trafficking.

All 19 of our nationals in detention in Myanmar have been transferred to a safe location, said a spokesperson of South Koreas Ministry of Foreign Affairs during a regular briefing on Nov. 14.

Recently, there has been an increase in the number of criminal incidents in this region [the Golden Triangle], including the kidnapping and imprisonment of our nationals to force them to commit illegal acts in exchange for lucrative rewards.

We urge our nationals to exercise extreme caution.

The spokesperson added that the ministry will continue its preventive activities to combat such crimes and is also willing to consider raising the level of travel warnings for the region.

There have been an increasing number of cases of South Koreans being scammed into participating in crimes such as voice phishing, or being forced to seek help because they fear for their safety in the region.

In August, the government issued a special travel warning for the Golden Triangle region in northern Laos.

Separately, the South Korean Embassy in Laos released a statement in April to warn against illegal job scams.

There have been a number of cases where South Korean nationals have been targeted by voice phishing or cryptocurrency investment scams in certain areas, such as the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in Bokeo, northern Laos, the statement read.

South Korean citizens who have entered these areas for employment have not only ended up engaging in criminal activities that are not part of their normal job duties, but have also been imprisoned and assaulted by their employers with their passports taken away, and have not received any of the promised compensation.

If you are considering working in a foreign country, such as Laos, we urge you to take special care to avoid becoming a victim.

Edited by Mike Firn and Elaine Chan.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. A new requirement is being established in Azerbaijan in connection with bankrupt banks, Trend reports.

The corresponding amendment to the law "On Banks" was discussed at today's meeting of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) of Azerbaijan.

The assets of the bank declared bankrupt will be distributed among its creditors in the order of the new order. In this case, taxes are payable to the state budget, contributions to compulsory state social insurance and unemployment insurance to extra-budgetary state funds, as well as amounts payable on contributions to compulsory medical insurance to the Federal Compulsory Medical Insurance Fund.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The tool comes amid Chinas growing restrictions on linguistic and cultural rights in Tibet.

Geshe Lobsang Monlam, founder and CEO of the Monlam Tibetan IT Research Centre, says developers are working on software functionalities that will recognize Tibetan religious manuscripts within images carved on wood and convert them into machine-encoded text.

Developers hope that a new Tibetan language AI software tool will help preserve Tibetans vast repository of cultural heritage, including literature, history, music and Buddhist texts against ever-encroaching efforts by China to erode the Tibetan language, including banning Tibetan language instruction in schools in some areas.

Tibetan is widely spoken in the Himalayan region, used not only in the Tibet Autonomous Region, but also in western parts of China, northern Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and parts of India. But its 30-letter syllabic alphabet, script format, lack of punctuation and several dialects can make translation difficult.

Considered a breakthrough in Tibetan education software development, the software created by the Monlam Tibetan IT Research Centre uses artificial intelligence to translate written and spoken Tibetan into English, Chinese and other languages faster and more accurately than any existing translation software.

The final prototype of the software, dubbed Monlam AI, was presented to the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, on Nov. 3, in Dharamsala, India, according to the Central Tibetan Administration, the formal name of the government-in-exile.

One of the many capabilities of this AI tool is that it will increase the efficiency and accuracy of translating Tibetan religious texts, teachings and literary writings, said Geshe Lobsang Monlam, founder and CEO of the center.

Also, in the initial phase of experimenting with this AI tool, some Tibetan and non-Tibetan translators have observed that these tools will not only speed up the process, but also facilitate a better setting in this fast-evolving environment, Lobsang said.

Technically speaking, the software offers users access to four machine learning models comprising machine translation, optical character recognition, speech-to-text and text-to-speech functionalities.

Developers are also working on other functionalities to recognize Tibetan religious manuscripts within images carved on wood and convert them into machine-encoded text, he said.

The launch of Monlam AI represents a significant step forward for the Tibetan community, as it embraces modern technology to preserve its cultural heritage and facilitate communication in the digital age, said a statement issued by the Tibet Rights Collective, an India-based advocacy and policy research group that aims to increase access to information about Tibetan politics, culture and language.

Chinese officials have denied any human rights violations against Tibetans or efforts to prevent them from practicing Buddhism.

Lobsang founded his company in April 2012 to focus on developing software, fonts and other digital tools related to the Tibetan language and culture.

He contributed to the design or standardization of fonts  which play a crucial role in representing written languages on computers and other digital platforms  for Tibetan script, developing the first Monlam Tibetan Font in 2005.

In 2022, Lobsang and a team of more than 150 editors and staff published the Grand Monlam Tibetan Dictionary, containing Tibetan-language definitions for over 360,000 words and that in print format totaled 223 volumes. The dictionary has given rise to 37 apps and a website.

The nine-year project, undertaken with support from the Dalai Lama Trust, has helped preserve and disseminate Tibetan Buddhist teachings and served as a reference tool for general use.

Translated by Tenzin Dickyi for RFA Tibetan. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster.
Groups suffer from religious persecution, lack of access to resources and land grabs.

A Montagnard clasps his hands as he walks out of a forest in Ratanakiri province, Cambodia after fleeing Vietnam in 2004.

Activists campaigning on behalf of Vietnams ethnic minorities will tell the United Nations about widespread discrimination at the end of this month, according to one protest group.

Boat People SOS (BPSOS) is a U.S.-based organization focusing mainly on human rights issues faced by ethnic minorities in Vietnam.

Vietnam joined the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination in 1982. The U.N. holds periodic reviews to assess the performance of signatory nations.

Vietnam has joined seven out of nine U.N. human rights conventions.

This month, Vietnam and other member countries will have to tell the U.N. what steps they have taken to eliminate ethnic discrimination. The U.N. will also allow civil society organizations to present their own testimony.

The reason why BPSOS participates in United Nations reviews is to create an environment and forum for the people in the country to make the state accountable, the groups executive director Nguyen Dinh Thang told Radio Free Asia.

In Vietnam today, the state has not fulfilled their responsibility because they look down on the people,

When people know how to make reports, they can approach the United Nations directly or through intermediaries.

They can raise issues with the Vietnamese state and the state must answer to the people through specialized committees on human rights.

Nguyen Dinh Thang said his organization plans to denounce the Vietnamese government for implementing religious, economic, and cultural repression policies targeting ethnic groups and minorities such as the Montagnards in the Central Highlands, the Hmong in the north, and the Khmer Krom in the south of Vietnam.

We have had many reports on human rights violations in general, and in fact, the indigenous ethnic groups are the most severely affected, including the Montagnards, the Hmong, and the Khmer Krom, he said.

The Vietnamese side never reports these things, but the United Nations has received hundreds of reports of violations, coming directly from people, most of whom come from the indigenous communities I just mentioned.

Vietnamese state media regularly write about the alleged illegal religious activities of ethnic minorities. Minority groups have accused the police of targeting and repressing them.

Undocumented, ignored

Vang Seo Gia is a Hmong man who was born in northern Vietnam. When he was eight, his family had to flee to the Central Highlands due to religious persecution and eventually sought asylum in Thailand.

We have a list of about five thousand to seven thousand H'mong people living in the Central Highlands, he told RFA Vietnamese.

They do not have any identification documents.

Everyone knows the consequences of living for more than twenty years, nearly two generations, without papers  They do not have any civil rights.

Without identification documents, you cannot access education [or] find a job in urban areas, because if you do not have documents, no one will know who you are or dare to accept you.

They live as forest people in such areas. Then they give birth to children who cannot go to school and do not enjoy any social benefits.

Vng Seo Gia chose to take a Vietnamese name and avoid using his real H'mong name, to avoid being recognized and discriminated against because of his ethnic origin.

Loss of language is also an issue of concern for ethnic minorities according to Y Quynh Bdap, an Ede person from Dak Lak province, currently a refugee in Thailand.

We Montagnards have our own language and in the Central Highlands, the Ede language has been used since the French period  but currently there are no schools for the Montagnards. As a result, many Montagnards now cannot speak Ede, he said.

Montagnards in the Central Highlands have also lost land to urban and farm projects causing conflict between the state and indigenous communities.

In June this year, nine people were killed in an attack on two commune committee headquarters in Dak Lak province. The government has prosecuted 92 people for allegedly being involved in the incident, all of whom are members of ethnic minorities in the Central Highlands.

Translated by RFA Vietnamese. Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang.
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.
Pakistan has issued an ultimatum to the Afghan Taliban: Expel the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) extremist group from Afghanistan or face the consequences.



Pakistans special representative for Afghanistan, Asif Durrani, repeated the warning on November 11, saying that the Afghan extremist group must choose Pakistan or the TTP.



The Afghan Taliban denies sheltering the TTP, with which it has close ideological and organizational ties. The TTP has intensified its deadly insurgency against Pakistan since the Afghan militants seized power in Afghanistan in 2021.



By refusing to rein in the TTP, Pakistan believes the Afghan Taliban has made its choice. Islamabad has sought to strongarm the Afghan militants by expelling hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, shutting key border crossings, and temporarily blocking Afghan transit goods in recent months.



Experts said the relationship between Pakistan and the Taliban, which have been close allies for decades, has reached a crisis point. They warn that further escalation could have major security and economic ramifications for both countries.



Pakistan and the Taliban are on a collision course, said Asfandyar Mir, a senior analyst at the United States Institute of Peace.



Pakistan's pressure campaign has the potential to be very painful for the Taliban and the Taliban's retaliatory measures, like letting the TTP undertake even more attacks, can impose serious costs on Pakistan as well, Mir added.



Pressure Tactics



The Afghan Taliban has accused Pakistan of using pressure tactics to make the group bow to Islamabads demands.



Last month, Islamabad ordered 1.7 million undocumented Afghan refugees and migrants to leave the South Asian country or face arrest and forced deportation after November 1.



Over 400,000 Afghans have returned to their homeland since then, in a move that has further aggravated the devastating humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, the worlds largest.

Pakistan said its decision was in direct response to the Taliban's alleged refusal to expel the TTP, also known as the Pakistani Taliban.



"After noncooperation by the Afghan interim government, Pakistan has decided to take matters into its own hands, and Pakistan's recent actions are neither unexpected or surprising," Pakistani caretaker Prime Minister Anwar ul-Haq Kakar said on November 8.



Kakar claimed that terrorist attacks inside his country have increased by around 60 percent since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in August 2021. Since then, he said, some 2,300 Pakistanis have been killed in those attacks.



Pakistan also temporarily blocked the transit of thousands of containers filled with imports bound for Afghanistan that were stranded at Pakistans port city of Karachi for months.



To open alternative international trade routes for landlocked Afghanistan, the Taliban has sought access to Iran's strategic Chabahar Port, located in the countrys southeast.



Pakistan has also sporadically closed the border with Afghanistan, stranding thousands of mostly Afghan civilians and halting hundreds of vehicles carrying goods between the two countries.



Pledge Of Allegiance



Some experts said Pakistans tactics are unlikely to change the Afghan Talibans calculations.



Sami Yousafzai, a veteran Afghan journalist and commentator who tracks the Taliban, said it was unlikely that the Afghan Taliban would expel the TTP.



In 2001, the Taliban refused to hand over the Al-Qaeda leaders that Washington held responsible for the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In response, the United States invaded Afghanistan and ousted the Taliban regime from power.



Today, the TTP is a much closer ally, said Yousafzai.



Successive TTP chiefs have sworn allegiance to the Talibans spiritual leader. Like the Afghan Taliban, many TTP fighters are from the Pashtun ethnic group. The TTP also hosted and fought alongside the Afghan Taliban during its nearly 19-year insurgency against the Western-backed Afghan government and international troops in Afghanistan.



The TTP made many sacrifices to enable the Taliban to return to power, Yousafzai said. How can the Taliban abandon them now?



Yousafzai said the Afghan Talibans confrontation with Pakistan has also allowed it to shed its image as a Pakistani proxy. Islamabad has been the Afghan Talibans key foreign sponsor since the mid-1990s, when the extremist group first emerged.



The current tensions give the Taliban a golden opportunity to undo those accusations, he said.



Military Option



Islamabad could resort to military force to compel the Afghan Taliban to change its behavior, according to some experts.



The Afghan Taliban has tried to appease Pakistan. In June, the Afghan Taliban relocated TTP fighters and their families away from the border with Pakistan to other areas of Afghanistan, a move intended to placate Islamabad.



Last year, the Afghan Taliban brokered yearlong peace talks between the TTP and Islamabad that broke down.



Ihsanullah Tipu Mehsud, an Islamabad-based director at Khorasan Diary, a website tracking militant groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan, said that senior Pakistani officials feel they have exhausted all diplomatic and political options.



Here, the current mindset is that the TTP can only be contained through force, he said. One possible option being considered here now is to begin cross-border strikes on suspected TTP bases and hideouts inside Afghanistan.



In April 2022, Pakistan carried out unprecedented air strikes in eastern Afghanistan, killing dozens of people. Pakistan said it was targeting the TTP. The air strikes provoked harsh exchanges, with the Taliban issuing threats against Islamabad.

There have been reports of other Pakistani cross-border attacks that have targeted the TTP over the past year. Some of those incidents have led to the TTP launching retaliatory attacks against Pakistani forces, Mehsud said.



Pakistani attacks inside Afghanistan have raised fears of a direct conflict between Islamabad and the Afghan Taliban.



But experts said they expect the sides to reach a compromise that would prevent a worst-case scenario.



Mir of the United States Institute of Peace said that the Afghan Taliban is unlikely to rein in the TTP unless Pakistan offers concessions to the Pakistani militants.



During the failed peace negotiations with Pakistan, the TTP demanded that Islamabad withdraw a large portion of the tens of thousands of Pakistani troops stationed in northwestern Pakistan, the extremist groups former stronghold.



The TTPs other demands included the implementation of Islamic Shari'a law in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the reversal of democratic reforms in the same province.



Pakistan may settle for less than a Taliban crackdown or expulsion of the TTP, said Mir. But, at a bare minimum, it will want an end to the TTP violence.
Welcome back to the China In Eurasia briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter tracking China's resurgent influence from Eastern Europe to Central Asia.

I'm RFE/RL correspondent Reid Standish and here's what I'm following right now.

Listen to the Talking China In Eurasia podcast. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | YouTube

As Biden and Xi Meet, What's At Stake?

In a renewed effort to stabilize increasingly shaky relations between the two powers, U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping will meet today in San Francisco.

But what can be expected from the November 15 meeting on the sidelines of the APEC summit?

Finding Perspective: This marks their first meeting as leaders since Biden and Xi sat down together at the G20 summit in Bali a year ago and it's been a difficult diplomatic road to reach this point, including degraded ties following a suspected Chinese spy balloon that flew over the United States in February.

The focus of the talks is expected to be Taiwan, which remains a source of tensions between Beijing and Washington. The self-governing island, which China regards as its own territory, is set to hold elections in January 2024 and the meeting will also factor into discussions around the upcoming U.S. election that will take place in a year's time, in November 2024.

Politico also reported that Biden will raise tensions in the Middle East with Xi and urge him to use his influence with Iran to prevent Tehran and its proxies from exploiting the Israel-Hamas war to stoke a broader conflict.

With those potential obstacles for relations ahead, White House officials have said they expect tough discussions. Most analysts say that the goal on both sides is to lower the temperature in the relationship and serve up some favorable optics for each leader's domestic audience.

"For both sides, the preferred outcome from the meeting is that there will not be much to write home about," said Agathe Demarais, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations.

Why It Matters: We already saw some early steps taken ahead of the November 15 meeting, which U.S. officials said could last four hours with simultaneous interpretation.

On November 13 and 14, reports have signaled a series of measures that could be unveiled at the meeting and would work towards raising the floor of the relationship with Washington.

They include: China buying 3 million tons of U.S. soybeans, Beijing ending a long commercial freeze on sales of Boeing's 737-max aircraft, restricting the export of chemicals to the United States that are used as precursors to make fentanyl, and a decision to raise the number of regular flights between both countries.

The United States has also agreed to lift sanctions on China's forensic police institute and both countries have announced some further cooperation to fight climate change, the State Department said.

Few expect that the meeting will stall the deepening rivalry, but a shift in tone may provide a welcome reprieve as Xi faces an increasingly bleak economic outlook and Biden prepares for a difficult election cycle.

Unlike the last time the two leaders met in Bali and Xi adopted a more conciliatory message, Ukraine is unlikely to factor into discussions between Beijing and Washington in San Francisco.

"U.S. calls that China clamp down on the export of high-tech goods to Russia are wishful thinking and the American side should probably not spend too much time on making such demands," Demarais said.

Podcast Corner: Big Questions After 10 Years of Belt and Road

Listen to the latest episode of the China In Eurasia podcast. You can find the show on Spotify, Apple, Google, and YouTube.

Back when it was launched 10 years ago, Beijing dubbed it the "project of the century" and it became known as Chinese leader Xi Jinping's signature foreign policy initiative as he announced plans to revive the ancient Silk Road.

But what do we really know about the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) -- China's global infrastructure program -- after a decade of investments around the world?

On the latest episode of Talking China In Eurasia, I'm joined by Jacob Mardell, the editorial coordinator for China at the German NGO N-Ost, to unpack where the ambitious project stands today and to take a deeper look at where it's headed.

Be sure to listen and leave a review on your listening platform of choice. I'd also love to hear what you think. Reach out at Standishr@rferl.org

Three More Stories From Eurasia

1. A Baltic Sea Drama Grows

A Chinese ship suspected of damaging an underwater gas pipeline and two telecom cables in the Baltic Sea is returning to China through the Russian Arctic as Finnish investigators continue to search for answers about the vessel's role in the incident, I reported here.

The Details: Estonia and Finland have been investigating the rupture of the Balticconnector gas pipeline and of a telecommunications cable connecting the two countries, both damaged sometime during October 7 and 8. A telecom cable linking Estonia to Sweden was also damaged the same night, along with one of Russia's telecom cables in the Gulf of Finland.

Authorities have pointed to the Hong Kong-flagged NewNew Polar Bear container ship as the prime suspect, with its tracked location in the Baltic Sea coinciding with the time and place of the pipeline damage.

Investigators say it's too early to determine whether the pipeline damage was sabotage or an accident, but the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said the involvement of a state actor "cannot be ruled out."

In the latest development, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna told Politico Europe on November 13 that Helsinki and Tallinn had both submitted a legal notice to China for cooperation as part of their investigation.

The minister added that the length of the investigation will depend "on China -- how cooperative China is."

Beijing had previously promised "full cooperation" with Estonia and Finland, but it remains unclear what has been done so far.

2. The China Angle On The Balkan Route For Migrants

As tens of thousands of migrants traverse the so-called Balkan Route looking to claim asylum inside the European Union, my colleague Marija Augustinovic from RFE/RL's Balkan Service tells the story of one Chinese migrant's journey to Germany.

What You Need To Know: Ming -- a pseudonym to protect his identity -- is a 26-year-old native of Shijiazhuang in northeastern China's Hebei Province and is currently awaiting a verdict on his asylum application in Germany.

He told Marija about his difficult journey from China to Germany, which included illegally entering Croatia from Bosnia-Herzegovina and being detained, and as he also alleges, robbed by Croatian police.

Ming is one of thousands of Chinese nationals that are currently looking to leave the country -- legally and illegally. While Europe is still a less common destination, the number of Chinese looking to claim asylum across the southern U.S. border has skyrocketed in 2023, as have legal avenues for leaving China.

3. Taiwan And The Baltics

Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu recently completed a tour of the three Baltic countries -- Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania -- where his visit made waves, including a small diplomatic dustup with Beijing over the warm reception for the Taiwanese official.

What It Means: The focal point of Wu's trip became his stop in Tallinn, which was overshadowed by Estonia's plans to open a "Taipei Representative Office."

Taiwan is only officially recognized as a country by a handful of governments and therefore is not allowed to operate an embassy, with the representative offices serving a similar function for Taiwanese officials posted abroad.

The November 8 episode that sparked a swift rebuke from China erupted over initial reports that Estonia planned to open a "Taiwanese Representative Office," a semantic difference that carries major political weight. Beijing considers the use of "Taiwanese" over "Taipei" as a slippery slope toward recognition and has looked to punish countries inching closer to the island nation.

One major example is Lithuania opening a "Taiwanese Representative Office" in 2021, when China responded by targeting Vilnius with an effective trade embargo, prompting the EU to enact its newly developed anti-coercion instrument, which is a trade tool used by the bloc to tackle governments using economic means to pressure its members.

China also downgraded its diplomatic ties with Lithuania amid the row.

Tallinn elected to not follow this route, a decision that many commentators view as influenced by Vilnius's own experience and the tough reaction from Beijing.

In a related development, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said on November 10 that officials from the Baltic country were in discussions with their Chinese counterparts over how to normalize relations.

Across The Supercontinent

New Scanners At The Border: My colleague Sonja Gocanin from RFE/RL's Balkan Service reports on a new Chinese donation of mobile scanners for the Serbian border amid a surge in migrants in the country.

A Beijing-Brussels Summit: The first EU-China summit in four years has been tentatively scheduled for December 7-8. Those dates are not yet finalized, but the summit will be hosted by China.

Opportunity Strikes: According to a new report from the German Marshall Fund's Alliance for Securing Democracy, the Israel-Hamas war has been a boon for online messaging pushed by state-affiliated actors from China, Iran, and Russia.

Visa-Free: A new agreement between China and Kazakhstan on 30-day visa-free travel for their citizens came into force on November 10, RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reported.

One Thing To Watch

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron made a shock return to the U.K. government as foreign secretary on November 13 and brought some complicated baggage on dealing with China.

As prime minister, Cameron famously welcomed Xi to London and shared a pint at a pub. That visit was hailed on both sides as the start of a "golden era" of relations that the British treasury hoped would turn China into Britain's second-biggest trading partner within a decade.

That never materialized, but expect it to stay in the spotlight as Cameron takes up his new role. Adding to his past China dealings, as recently as October he was also working to drum up foreign investment in the controversial Colombo Port City project, a Sri Lankan venture that is being built by a Chinese firm and is part of China's Belt and Road Initiative.

That's all from me for now. Don't forget to send me any questions, comments, or tips that you might have.

Until next time,

Reid Standish

If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition, subscribe here. It will be sent to your inbox every other Wednesday.
The European Union is looking to sanction more Central Asian companies that it says are aiding Russia's war effort in Ukraine, according to a document seen by RFE/RL.

The draft for the EU's 12th sanctions package looks to add 31 new entities to its ever-growing embargo list -- including two from Kazakhstan and one from Uzbekistan -- that it has been compiling since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

The proposal also looks to issue a ban on Russian diamonds, which Brussels has not yet enacted but Washington already approved.

The inclusion of firms based in Central Asia points to the growing role the region is playing as an intermediary working around Western sanctions meant to limit Moscow's ability to wage war on Ukraine.

Russian imports of dual-use goods from Central Asian firms have skyrocketed since the start of the war, including electronics and components produced by Western and Chinese companies, such as microchips and drones.

According to a draft memo seen by RFE/RL, the new measures look to limit loopholes around nonlethal but militarily useful equipment that "might contribute to the technological enhancement of Russia's defense and security sector." It adds that there is a need to target "certain other entities in third countries involved in the circumvention of trade restrictions" in order to curb Russia's war effort.

The new Central Asian companies are the Kazakh-based Aspan Arba (Sky Chariot) and Da Group 22 as well as the Tashkent-based Mvizion.

Aspan Arba imported drones and allegedly sent them to the Russian company Skymec, aka Sky Mechanics, which in turn sold them to organizations inside the country linked to Russia's military-industrial complex.

According to an investigation by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) in May, the two companies have the same Russian national as an owner.

Kazakh trade data shows the imported drones are made by the Chinese-firm DJI, which makes up more than 90 percent of the global consumer drone market, according to DroneAnalyst.

Despite the company announcing measures to prevent the drones from appearing on Ukrainian battlefields, DJI drones have become a mainstay of the war for both sides. An RFE/RL report from October showed how the Chinese-made drones are being bought by pro-war groups in Russia, with Skymec -- which lists Russia's Interior Ministry, the Federal Protection Service, and the Emergency Situations Ministry as distribution clients on its website -- among them.

Da Group 22 shows up in Russian customs data as the exporter of thousands of microchips to Russia from Kazakhstan in the last year, and the OCCRP investigation linked the company to a Russian family with business dealings in Germany.

Mvizion was sanctioned in early November by the U.S. Commerce Department for sending "electronic components and computer software" to a sanctioned Russian firm linked to the country's war effort.

The set of proposed EU measures would add the three Central Asian-based companies to its June sanctions list that included entities from that region, when it added two Uzbek-based entities to its 11th sanctions package.

Those included two Tashkent-headquartered companies: Alfa Beta Creative and GFK Logistics Asia. Both companies were previously sanctioned by the Commerce Department in April, which said they were designed to "evade export controls" and aid in "acquiring or attempting to acquire U.S.-origin items in support of Russia's military and/or defense industrial base."

Beyond the three Central Asian-based firms, most of the proposed new entities on the draft list are registered in Russia, apart from the Singapore-based Deflog Technologies.

Central Asia's role in circumventing Western sanctions against Russia has been a target of the EU's recent dealings with the region's leaders.

In September, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz raised the issue during a visit to Berlin by Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev. French President Emmanuel Macron also pressed for a greater effort to crackdown on companies based in the region when he visited Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in early November.

The draft also looks to introduce tougher reporting requirements designed to prevent the sale of Russian oil, which violates sanctions and is then sold with falsified documents.

The proposal does not include any new Chinese companies.

Brussels originally included seven Chinese firms in its 11th sanctions package but removed four before passing it in June. The final version only included the Hong Kong-based Asia Pacific Links, Tordan Industry, and Alpha Trading Investments. There had been speculation that the remaining four firms would be added to the new package, but Sinno Electronics, 3HC Semiconductors, Sigma Technology, and King-Pai Technology are not included on the draft.

EU member states will begin discussions on the new sanctions proposals this week and are looking to agree on the package before Christmas, according to an EU official familiar with the matter.

The entities included on the list seen by RFE/RL are not final and additional companies and persons could be added or removed before a final version is passed.
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."
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov held a meeting with the Head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission to Azerbaijan, Anna Bordon, Trend reports.

The meeting stressed the multi-vector and successful relationship between Azerbaijan and international financial institutions, as well as the importance of expanding links for the widespread implementation of innovations in Azerbaijan.

Furthermore, information was offered on a variety of topics, such as macroeconomic data and forecasts, prospects for the development of the energy sector, tax reforms now in place in the country, and actions planned in this area.

The parties reviewed the impact of global trends on economic processes, as well as indicators and goals for Azerbaijan's economic development, new areas of collaboration, and other problems.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- This wasnt the picture that most people associate with domestic violence.

The suspect: a boyish-looking 43-year-old who was once the countrys youngest-ever minister and who enjoyed wealth and privilege beyond most of his compatriots dreams.

The victim: his fashionable wife, a self-professed astrologist who was beaten to death at the age of 31.

The location: a plush restaurant in an Astana food court co-owned by the suspects family.

It was not the first time Kazakhstan has exploded the myth that the problem of violence against women can be reduced to families living on the breadline in dilapidated apartments or in far-flung villages.

And it was not the first time that women are asking if this might just be the tragedy that leads to change and toward a system that protects rather than punishes them.

We dont want the resonance from this case to die down and for everyone to act as if everything is normal, because it is not, said Aleksandra Akanaeva, editor in chief of The Village, a Kazakh media website.

We want zero tolerance now. In my opinion, our laws are disgusting. How can you say otherwise when one-in-three women say they have experienced some form of violence? Akanaeva told RFE/RL.

But career activists remain skeptical that there is political will to revise the status quo.

'Never Seen So Many Wounds'

First, to the tragedy.

Former National Economy Minister Quandyq Bishimbaev and his spouse, Saltanat Nukenova, had been married for less than a year at the time of her death.

Nukenova was Bishimbaevs third wife.

His second wife, Nazym, supported him over the course of his arrest, trial, and imprisonment in a corruption case that cut short the political career of perhaps the fastest-rising official of Kazakhstans independence era.

But their marriage ended not long after his release -- two years into a 10-year sentence -- under an amnesty in 2019.

Like Bishimbaev, whose father was one of the countrys most decorated university rectors and a reputed friend of former President Nursultan Nazarbaev, Nukenovas family was involved in politics.

After her death in a VIP room of the Bau restaurant on November 9, Nukenovas uncle, the former governor of Pavlodar, Qairat Nukenov, gave an interview in which he raised doubts about the objectivity of the investigation.

Speaking to Pavlodar-based journalist Bolat Amanbaev on November 12, Nukenov claimed that the women who had washed his nieces corpse had emerged petrified from the experience.

They had washed a lot of corpses, and they had never seen so many wounds on a womans body, Nukenov said, also accusing Bishimbaevs supporters of paying bloggers to spread false rumors about Nukenova.

Beyond the apparently heavy blows to the head sustained by Nukenova during the alleged assault, one especially disturbing detail in media reports that have emerged in lieu of sparse police statements about the incident is that Nukenova probably did not die quickly.

She may have even been kept in the restaurant for an extended period before an ambulance was finally called and a dazed-looking Bishimbaev was detained.

Astana police stated on November 12 that related charges of failing to report a crime and criminal neglect were being brought in connection with the case.

On the same day it became known that the director of the Gastro Center food court was under arrest on suspicion of covering up a crime.

The Bishimbaev family has refused to comment on the case.

'The Law Is The Same For All'

Even in a week where Nazarbaevs infamous younger brother Bolat Nazarbaev died, Nukenovas death has received rolling coverage in the press and on social media.

At present, a petition calling for stronger punishment for domestic abusers has more than 100,000 signatories -- well over the threshold required for authorities to have to consider the demand.

On November 15, President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev held a meeting with Interior Minister Erzhan Sadenov, Prosecutor-General Berik Asylov, and Supreme Court Chairman Aslambek Merghaliev, among others, ordering them to give special attention to the case, while reminding them that the law is the same for all.

It was necessary to decisively combat any instances of violence against women and children, Toqaev added.

But despite some 400 women dying every year from violence, according to United Nations statistics, Kazakh law enforcement has a habit of shrugging when it comes such a mandate.

In May, an Interior Ministry spokesman stated that only 17 percent of suspected wife beaters had faced punishment -- mostly administrative -- in the first months of 2023.

The reason, he said, was that complainants tend to withdraw their complaints against their abusers.

But many rights defenders argue that the system actively encourages them to do just that.

That contention was backed up in a video widely shared online last week in which a woman can be heard crying as a policeman -- apparently outside her front door -- tried to persuade her to withdraw a criminal complaint against a man.

Tomorrow it will be difficult for you to prove it, the policeman warns her, while suggesting that she was wasting money by hiring a lawyer.

The woman in the video, an Almaty resident named Ulzhan, has issued a desperate online appeal to Toqaev to help her secure justice after describing how a man who she did not know snuck into her apartment in the center of the city and raped her.

But Gulzada Serzhan, a rights activist and the co-founder of the Feminita movement, told RFE/RL that it is corruption that often drives police to make such offers to complainants.

The abuser wants to buy his way out of trouble. Then perhaps there are other factors, like male solidarity, and the police leaderships desire to minimize the number of cases open that require investigation, said Serzhan. "This is the system."

A Film Called 'Happiness'

As if Nukenovas death in Astana and the horrific story surrounding Ulzhans appeal to Toqaev werent enough, a shocking piece of news from the southern city of Taldyqorghon has added to revulsion over the state of that justice system.

On November 13, the Zhetysu provincial police department announced that a policeman had been detained on suspicion of raping a 27-year-old resident of the city while performing official duties.

The suspect is thought to be not just any policeman but the citys chief of police, Marat Kushtybaev, who media say had been identified as a suspect in a rape case before the announcement was made.

Just as Bishimbaevs arrest has breathed new life into the question of why he was released from his jail sentence for corruption in 2019, so it is the same with Kushtybaev.

The police boss had in the past been cautioned and suspended after audio of him verbally abusing subordinates surfaced online.

And it is those subordinates who are on the front lines of the battle with violence against women.

Back in 2020, the first year of Toqaevs presidency, rights groups were speaking positively about a draft law that would have strengthened protections for survivors of domestic abuse. But after passing a first reading in parliament, it hit the skids.

Since then, legislative improvements have been piecemeal.

Just two months ago, a lawmaker from the ruling Amanat political party dared to suggest that women should face administrative punishments for provoking abuse -- a proposal that the international watchdog Human Rights Watch said pointed to a deep-seated culture of victim-blaming.

Yet, even if the authorities are reluctant to reopen the conversation about gender-based violence, independent and influential voices are having their say.

Last year saw the Kazakh film Baqyt (Happiness), which was centered around domestic violence, win the Audience Award at the Berlin International Film Festival. The screenplay was written by journalist and activist Asem Zhapisheva, directed by Asqar Uzabaev, and produced by media personality Bayan Alagozova.

It was in some ways a brutal attack on Alagozova carried out by her then-husband Baqytbek Esentaev in 2016 that eased the taboo surrounding discussions of violence against women in Kazakhstan.

Esentaev served jail time for the attack and was released early -- with Alagozovas blessing -- last year.

In 2020 -- the year of the COVID-19 pandemic and an annus horriblus for domestic violence worldwide -- there were 180,000 complaints of domestic violence in Kazakhstan versus a prepandemic average of 50,000, and the figure has been above 100,000 since then.

WATCH: When 29-year-old Symbat Kulzhagharova fell to her death from her 11th-floor apartment in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, the police said it was suicide. Kulzhagharova's social-media posts claiming she was being beaten by her husband have raised doubts about this, and some 70,000 people have signed a petition demanding tougher punishment for domestic violence.

In an interview earlier this year for RFE/RL Kazakh Service correspondent Manshuk Asautais podcast Zere, Zhapisheva said the recent rise in cases likely shows that women feel more able to overcome the stigma surrounding speaking out than in the past.

Zhapisheva said that she wrote Baqyt to mirror our lives, to reflect the reality in our society.

[Kazakhs] have always concealed things. We ask, What would people say? and feel ashamed. But we would like to be seen as happy and well-off. So we chose the title Happiness as a manifestation of that hypocrisy, Zhapisheva said.

Because for Kazakhs, happiness means you are seen by others as being happy. Even if you are not really happy and there is no happiness in your home. If people think there is, then there is no happier person than you.

RFE/RLs Kazakh Service contributed to this report.
Ukrainian troops continue to hold out in Avdiyivka as Russian forces attack the industrial city in the Donetsk region. Moscow launched an offensive on the area in early October in an effort to seize the frontline territory. Russian forces have suffered heavy losses during the onslaught, according to Ukrainian officials. Despite the daily fighting, some 1,500 residents continue to live among the ruins of their once peaceful neighborhoods.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. Azerbaijan is one of the world's top five hazelnut producers, according to Azad Jafarli, Head of the Staff of the Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan, speaking at the international conference titled "Increasing the Potential of Hazelnut: Innovative Approaches to Increase Productivity, Quality, and Export Volume" being held in Baku, Trend reports.

"As a result of these extensive measures of state support, the agricultural sector's sustainable development has been secured, and the favorable development dynamics have been maintained in both 2023 and 2022. The total volume of agricultural production was 9.9 billion manat ($5.8 billion), with crop production accounting for 5.5 billion manat ($3.2 billion) and livestock products accounting for 4.5 billion manat ($2.6 billion). Among agricultural crops, hazelnut agriculture is one of the most significant. It ranks number 1 among custard fruits in terms of exports. Last year, the country received more than $110 million in foreign currency as a result of hazelnut exports," he said.

Will be updated
Jammu Road Accident

PM Narendra Modi announces 2 lakh relief each to family of deceased.

Jammu Road Accident News: As many as 38 passengers were killed after a bus carrying them plunged around 200 meters down a steep slope near the Doda district of Jammu region.

An official said that the incident occurred when the bus travelling from Kishtwar to Jammu veered off the road and plunged down the steep slope near Trungal in the Assar area.

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The local authorities, including the police and rescue teams, rushed to the scene to initiate rescue operations and assess the extent of the tragedy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X, said that the bus accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir is distressing. My condolences to the families who have lost their near and dear ones. "I pray that the injured recover at the earliest," he said.

An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Rs. 50,000 would be given to the injured

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"J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed profound sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families," he added.

"Extremely pained by the loss of lives in a tragic bus accident in Assar, Doda. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families and wish for a speedy recovery of those injured in the accident. Directed Div Com & Dist Admin to provide all necessary assistance to affected persons," said LG Sinha.

Also Read: Viral Video: Nana Patekar slaps fan who came to take selfie with him
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. The prevailing majority of finishing works within the Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB) are now successfully completed, the ICGB, the pipeline operator, told Trend.

"The implementation of anti-erosion measures is still ongoing in some mountainous areas with steep slopes, completion is expected within the next few months," said the company.

The gas interconnector Greece  Bulgaria connects the natural gas transmission network of Greece near the town of Komotini with the Bulgarian transmission network near the town of Stara Zagora.

The interconnector has an overall length of 182 km and a technical capacity of 3 bcm per year with an option for increasing the transmission capacity to up to 5 bcm per year with the construction of a compressor station on Greek territory that would also allow for reverse flow.

IGB is being developed in great synergy with the LNG terminal near the Greek city of Alexandroupolis, which is set for completion by the end of 2023. With the terminals implementation, IGBs capacity may see a significant boost of up to 5 bcm/y, which will further ensure the independent energy deliveries in the region.

Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn
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.

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YouTube will soon begin to require creators to label AI-generated content on its platform.

YouTube, owned by Google, will prohibit "technically manipulated content that misleads viewers and may pose a serious risk of egregious harm."

According to the company, AI's powerful new forms of storytelling can also be used to generate content that has the potential to mislead viewers.

"Not all content will be removed from YouTube, and we'll consider a variety of factors when evaluating these requests," the company said in the blog post. "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."

To address these issues, over the coming months, YouTube will introduce updates that inform viewers when the content they're seeing is AI generated.

The company will also require creators to disclose when they've created altered or synthetic content that is realistic, including using AI tools.

This is especially important in cases where the content discusses sensitive topics, such as elections, ongoing conflicts and public crises, or public officials.

YouTube will have a similar request removal process for its music partners when an artist's voice is mimicked for AI-generated music. These requests will be available to labels or distributors who represent artists in YouTube's "early AI music experiments" first, then it will be expanded to additional artist representatives.

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Business News
Shares of Alstom SA were losing more than 19 percent in the morning trading in Paris after the French rolling stock maker reported Wednesday negative cash flow and weak orders in its first half, despite reporting a small profit, compared to prior year's loss. Going ahead, the company projects higher margin and organic sales in its fiscal 2024 and confirmed its mid-term objectives.

Further, Alstom initiated a commercial and operational efficiency, costs saving plan to reduce its leverage after negative cash flow. The company announced around 1,500 job cuts, scrapped dividend and plans to sell certain assets, with a view to cut short its debt burden. The firm is targeting a reduction in its net debt position by 2 billion euros by March 2025.

The free cash flow was negative 1.12 billion euros for the first half, as compared to negative 45 million euros during the same period last year.

Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "The negative free cash flow of Alstom during this first half is a clear call for change. While demand remains sustained, despite some volatility, our commercial performance has been soft. The Bombardier Transportation integration continues to progress. However, the delivery of Aventra program has been more complex than anticipated. .. We are undertaking a comprehensive action plan to maintain our investment grade rating and secure our mid-term objectives."

Regarding its cost efficiency plan, the company said it aims at accelerating the third phase of the Bombardier Transportation merger roadmap.

Alstom would continue growing the margin in backlog through quality order intake, expecting 0.5 percent increase per year in coming three years.

The firm plans efficiency and working capital discipline, notably through reduction of inventory days of sales and contract assets reduction through improved execution.

The planned around 1,500 job cuts to reduce overhead costs represents close to 10 percent of total S&A positions.

Depending on market conditions, Alstom is considering a range of transactions to accelerate the company's deleveraging, including an assets disposal program, which has already been launched, generating proceeds of 0.5 billion euros to 1.0 billion euros.

The company also plans equity and equity-like issuances, including the refinancing of certain assets; as well as a capital increase with pre-emptive rights for shareholders.

Further, the Board will propose to the Shareholders' General Assembly in July 2024 that no dividend will be paid for fiscal year 2024.

At the next Shareholders' General Meeting, the Board will also propose Philippe Petitcolin, former CEO of Safran, to be elected as a Board Member, then Chairman of the Board.

With this, the role of Chairman and CEO will then be dissociated, and Henri Poupart-Lafarge will keep the CEO role.

Looking ahead for fiscal 2024, the company projects organic sales growth of above 5 percent, and aEBIT margin around 6 percent, compared to last year's margin of 5.2 percent.

The company also confirmed its mid-term objectives to be reached in fiscal 2026. Alstom is aiming at sales Compound Annual Growth Rate over 5 percent supported by strong market momentum and 90.1 billion euros backlog as of September 30. This would help secure sales of around 38 billion euros to 40 billion euros over the next three years.

The adjusted EBIT margin is projected to reach between 8 percent and 10 percent from 2026 onwards.

In its first half, net profit (Group share) was 1 million euros, compared to last year's loss of 21 million euros.

Adjusted net profit amounted to 174 million euros, compared to 179 million euros in the same period last fiscal year.

Alstom's adjusted EBIT was 438 million euros, equivalent to a 5.2 percent aEBIT margin, compared to prior year's 397 million euros, or margin of 4.9 percent.

The Group sales reached 8.44 billion euros, up 5 percent from prior year's 8.05 billion euros. Organic sales growth was 8.8 percent.

Alstom booked 8.45 billion of orders in the period, down 16 percent from last year's 10.07 billion euros. Organically, orders declined 14 percent. The decrease was mostly driven by last year's landmark contract awarded by Landesanstalt Schienenfahrzeuge Baden Wurttemberg network in Germany.

Meanwhile, the company recorded commercial success across multiple geographies, notably in Europe, Asia/Pacific and in Americas, and product lines.

In Paris, Alstom shares were trading at 11.46 euros, down 19.12 percent.

For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com.

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The U.S. Treasury Department has issued another round of sanctions against Hamas leaders and the mechanisms by which Iran provides support to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).

This is the third round of sanctions by the United States since the October 7 terror attacks by Hamas in Israeli cities.

Announcing this, NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said, "Together with our partners, we're going to be decisively moving to degrade Hamas's financial infrastructure, cut them off from outside funding, and block the new funding channels that they seek to finance their terrorism."

The Treasury Department said the latest designations are coordinated with action by the U.K. and are aimed at protecting the international financial system from abuse by Hamas and their enablers.

"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," said Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen. "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."

Washington alleges that Iranian support, primarily through its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has enabled Hamas's and PIJ's terrorist activities, including the transfer of hundreds of millions of dollars in financial assistance and the furnishing of both weapons and operational training.

Nasser Abu Sharif, the PIJ representative to Iran, PIJ political official Jamil Yusuf Ahmad Aliyan, and the Muhjat AlQuds Foundation in Gaza have been targeted by the Treasury.

Nasser Abu Sharif serves as the group's primary financier. IRGC has trained PIJ fighters to build and develop missiles in Gaza.

The U.S. Department of State is concurrently designating Akram al-Ajouri, the Damascus-based Deputy Secretary General of PIJ and leader of its military wing.

The United States also imposed sanctions on Mahmoud Khaled Zahhar, who is a senior member and co-founder of Hamas, and Muad Ibrahim Muhammed Rashid al-Atili.

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Business News
A decade later Rhodes University says we told you so on rankings obsession

By Ilva Pieterse, Senior Social Media Officer, Rhodes University

Rhodes University has persistently opposed the fixation on international ranking systems dating back to at least 2013. That year, a panel was hosted by Rhodes University's Education Department to "explore what can and cannot be measured in universities, and where the 'obsession' with measurement comes from."

Panellists included former Vice-Chancellor, Dr Saleem Badat, and Distinguished Professor Heila Lotz-Sisitka, SARChI Chair for Global Change Social Learning Systems Development. The panel was chaired by Professor Sioux McKenna, Director of the Rhodes University Centre for Postgraduate Studies, who had made an observation about a significant rise in the global preoccupation with university rankings over the preceding decade or two.

"The results of ranking systems are front page news in many countries, and universities invest a great deal of time and money to improve their position on these lists," she said.

Prof McKenna said at least three fundamental issues stood out:

The assumption that a number of measurable items that are quantified and averaged can stand as a proxy for quality;

The weighting of the items is a subjective matter, and slight shifts in the weighting have a major impact in the ranking raising real questions about validity;

There are a great many issues that should be of considerable concern to universities that are immeasurable - and that these issues will be neglected in the race for improved ranking.

Over the past ten years, Prof McKenna has steadfastly held these beliefs and has campaigned against international rankings for South African universities. However, in 2022, Rhodes University still stood as the sole South African institution to take a principled stand against engaging with ranking systems. Prof McKenna articulated her views in a 2022 Daily Maverick article, describing university rankings as an unscientific and socially damaging billion-dollar game.

Rhodes University's decision to abstain from participating in global rankings reflects the University's commitment to addressing the genuine needs of the (South) African education sector without subscribing to a one-size-fits-all approach to excellence.

"Global international rankings suffer from weaknesses in data, contain arbitrary processes and indexes, and undermine validity. They present Western, North American universities as the pinnacles of education ideals," said Dr Badat, referring to such framings as 'world-class universities'.

Ironically, more and more of these 'Western universities are now adopting Rhodes University's decades-long approach. Yale and Harvard Law Schools, which are less affected by the detrimental effects of the 'ranking race' than South African universities, both announced their withdrawal from US News & World Report university rankings last year.

Heather Gerkin, Dean of Yale Law School, stated, "We have reached a point where the rankings process is undermining the core commitments of the legal profession," echoing Dr Badat's sentiments from 2013. Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, and the University of Pennsylvania followed suit.

Last month, Utrecht University withdrew from Times Higher Education World University Rankings, citing concerns about the rankings' emphasis on scoring and competition.

Critiquing rankings as 'unreliable and unscientific' is not a novel concept. In his 2018 book 'The Soul of a University, Rhodes University Distinguished Alumnus and renowned logistician Professor Chris Brink devoted a chapter to what he called 'the phenomenon of university world rankings being nothing more than a global confidence trick.

In a recent University World News article, Professor Brink stated: "The methodological argument against 'university world rankings' is well known and has been made many times. Essentially, it boils down to this: to compile a ranking, you need to make so many arbitrary choices between equally plausible alternatives that the result becomes meaningless."

His piece explains how any ranking of universities reflects the choices made by the ranker at least as much as it might reflect any reality about those universities.

Some universities use their international rankings as a marketing tool, often conflating the quality of their offerings with their ranking. Many parents, potential students, and other stakeholders may not fully comprehend how these ranking systems operate and the motivations behind them. With a growing number of academics and institutions highlighting the troubling flaws and problematic assumptions within these systems, there is optimism that this attempt at commercialising higher education can be revealed for its true nature and halted.
The Toyota Innova Hycross Limited Edition based on GX trim gets a bunch of cosmetic updates inside and out, that command a price premium of Rs. 60K

Within Toyotas Innova sub-brand, GX trim seems to be the most popular choice among variant lineup. We say this because Toyota recently launched Limited Edition of Innova Crysta based on GX trim. Now, we get to see Toyota Innova Hycross Limited Edition based on GX trim too, featuring cosmetic changes inside and out, costing Rs. 40,000 extra (ex-sh).

Toyota Innova Hycross Limited Edition  Cosmetic updates

As of now, Toyota is offering GX trim in 7s and 8s seating layouts with Platinum White as a premium colour option. This yields four variants within GX trim. Toyota Innova Hycross Limited Edition gets the same number of variants with the same variants too  7s, 8s, non Platinum White and Platinum White.

The price premium to jump from a respective GX variant to Limited Edition variant is Rs. 40,000 (ex-sh). The additional price is put to good use in cosmetic updates that Toyota is offering. Some of these cosmetic upgrades on Toyota Innova Hycross Limited Edition come from VX trim, which is one above GX in trim hierarchy.

On the outside, the differences are noticeable at the fascia. The grill now gets a chrome jewel garnish that runs across it in the middle. Front bumper gets a silver treatment, instead of typical black unpainted section on regular Hycross GX. This same is effect is seen with the rear bumper as well, beautifying this Limited Edition.

On the inside, there are multiple differences as opposed to regular GX variant. The main noticeable difference is the Chestnut coloured dashboard and door trims. These used to be black before. As part of Innova Hycross Limited Edition, Toyota is offering soft touch Chestnut plastics on dashboard, similar to VX trim.

Does this Limited Edition seem VFM?

Door pads now get a wood-finish effect that looks better than regular GX. Except for these, seat upholstery is now the same plush units that Toyota offered with VX trim. These seat covers have a dual tone effect with brown in the middle and black towards edges. Except for these there are no other changes when compared to regular GX trims.

The Rs. 40,000 increment for Innova Hycross Limited Edition is when ex-sh prices are considered. On-road, the price gap between GX and GX Limited Edition is almost Rs. 70,000. These minor cosmetic changes should have been more prominent for rear occupants, considering this is mostly a chauffeur-driven car.

Like before, GX trim still only gets a sole 2.0L petrol option with a sole 10-step CVT gearbox choice. Performance metrics include 171 bhp peak power and 206 Nm peak torque.
Details added (first version published at 09:29)

BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. Azerbaijan exported 9.8 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Europe in the first ten months of 2023, the country's Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov wrote on X, Trend reports.

Shahbazov specified that exports to Turkiye totaled 8.1 billion cubic meters, while exports to Georgia amounted to 1.9 billion cubic meters.

Additionally, the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline reportedly played a significant role, delivering 4.7 billion cubic meters of gas to Turkiye during the same period.

Azerbaijan began gas supplies to Europe via the Southern Gas Corridor on December 31, 2020. The total cost of the project amounted to $33 billion, notably less than the initially forecasted $45 billion. Capital expenditures for the Southern Gas Corridor project are expected to be fully reimbursed within 810 years.

In July 2022, Azerbaijan and the EU reached an agreement to increase the volume of gas supplies via the Southern Gas Corridor from the existing 10 billion cubic meters to 20 billion cubic meters by 2027.

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A community discussion on preventing and treating drug and alcohol addiction, including what is being done locally to fight the opioid epidemic, will be held April 16 in Rancho Santa Fe.

The free forum, organized by the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, will feature a panel of experts from the nonprofit foundation and San Diego County District Attorneys Office.

Collaborators on the event include The Nativity School, The Church of the Nativity, the San Diego Diocesan Mental Health Ministry and the Betty Ford Center in San Diego, an outpatient addiction treatment center that opened in early 2017 and is the newest of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundations 17 sites across the country.

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The event also marks the 100th anniversary of late former first lady Betty Fords birth April 8, 1918, and recognizes her efforts to establish the foundation and its recovery centers.

Attacking the opioid epidemic and the underlying issue of addiction requires we all work together  treatment providers, law enforcement officials and community residents, said chief medical officer of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, Dr. Marvin Seppala, who will be one of the speakers.

Other speakers include William Moyers, panel moderator, best-selling author and vice president of public affairs and community relations at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation; San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan; Kiersten Simon, executive director of FCD Prevention Works, which is part of the Hazelden foundation; Dr. Joseph Lee, medical director at the foundations Youth Continuum; and Terri Perez, deputy district attorney and narcotics division chief at the San Diego County District Attorneys Office.

The free event is open to the public; space is limited. Registration is at 6:30 p.m. followed by presentations at 7 p.m. and community discussion at 8:30 p.m. in the Nativity School Holy Family Activity Center, 6309 El Apajo Road, Rancho Santa Fe.

Pre-registration is recommended at hazeldenbettyford.org/letstalk.
Both paid and volunteer signature-gatherers are trying to beat a looming deadline to qualify an anti-development initiative for the November election.

Backers of the Safeguard Our San Diego Countryside initiative say they realistically must submit more than 100,000 signatures to the Registrar of Voters by the first week of June if the measure is to qualify. And even if that happens, they say, they may still face a battle later this summer.

The measure would force countywide votes before large housing projects in rural parts of the county are allowed.

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Proponents of the initiative stopped paying signature-gatherers for a couple months earlier this year due to financial problems caused in part by a glut of statewide initiatives that gatherers were collecting.

Now that most other initiatives have already qualified, the paid gatherers have lowered their price per signature and once again are asking registered voters to sign Save Our Backcountry petitions.

Several paid gatherers this week said they are getting $3.10 per signature.

For financial reasons, we were forced to just stop the paid signature gathering and focus on volunteers, said Diane Coombs, president of the group backing the ballot measure.

Subsequently, theyve dropped the prices by about half. Were back on the street big-time now because we got several large infusions of cash that will get us through the end of the month.

Coombs on Friday said she is confident enough valid signatures will be gathered. Last month, several people familiar with how the signature drive was going expressed some doubt it would succeed.

Because it is a countywide initiative, exactly 67,837 valid signatures of registered voters are needed, Registrar of Voters Michael Vu said. The intent of proponents has been to gather about 110,000 signatures as some are always deemed invalid  because people have signed more than once, have failed to fill out all the necessary information, or have changed addresses without notifying the Registrar.

Things have increased dramatically in the last three or four weeks, said Bob Glaser, owner of the political consulting firm The La Jolla Group, which is working with the Safeguard San Diego proponents. Weve had a surge in signatures.

Glaser wouldnt say how many signatures have been gathered so far, but said he is confident there will be enough to qualify the measure. He said about half of the signatures have been obtained by volunteers.

The exact date is more problematic, he said. Although technically the proponents have until July 23 to turn in signatures, in reality, Glaser said, they need to be submitted within the next three weeks.

Thats because the Registrar of Voters has up to 30 business days to validate the signatures. After that, a hearing must be scheduled before the Board of Supervisors, who have only two options: they can accept the initiative as law or pass a resolution agreeing to put it on the November ballot.

Considering a majority of the supervisors have already said they oppose the initiative, the first option seems highly unlikely.

Complicating things further, the supervisors have the right to ask their staff to prepare a report about the initiative before they make a decision, which could further delay things.

Vu said everything needs to be completed by Aug. 10 for the measure to appear on the November ballot.

Coombs said she is worried the supervisors might drag their feet.

It could get nasty, she said.

The measure deals only with the unincorporated parts of the county. It would require a public vote on general plan amendments that seek to drastically increase the number of housing units that could be built on property as it is currently zoned.

If approved, minor changes undertaken by small property owners would be unaffected, as would commercial and industrial development and future density increases in towns and villages. Projects meeting state standard for affordable housing would also be unaffected.

The initiative, if it qualifies for the ballot and if it is approved by voters, would take effect next year. However, this year the county plans on making decisions on seven major projects seeking general plan amendments, including highly controversial ones like Newland Sierra (2,135 homes on land five miles north of downtown Escondido just west of Interstate 15); Warner Ranch (780 homes in Pala) and probably Lilac Hills Ranch (1,746 homes in Valley Center just east of I-15 near W. Lilac Road).

None of those decisions would be subject to a public vote under the terms of the ballot initiative because the measure would not be retroactive.

Coombs, however, says the decision by the county to vote on all the pending projects this year by bundling some of them together has motivated supporters of the measure. State law limits the number of general plan amendments to four a year; the county has already approved one. It is proposing to use a provision in the law that allows several applications to be considered as one.

I think whats happened at the board of supervisors with the bundling has energized a lot of people, Coombs said. I think a lot of people are just plain mad. Sometimes anger can be a good motivator.

The majority of the supervisors have already gone on record opposing the initiative, saying the current process works well and that the decisions should be left with the people who have been elected to represent the county, aided by their professional planning staff.

Proponents say the measure is needed because the building industry and developers hold too much sway with supervisors via campaign contributions and lobbyists.

Shortly after the plans to get the initiative on the ballot were announced, Borre Winckel, president of the San Diego Building Industry Association, said the initiative would restrict housing growth at a time when it is most needed.

Housing is already crushed by regulations, he said. A successful campaign like this would mean even further constraints on housing and poor folks having to travel even further away by commuting from their house to their job.

jharry.jones@sduniontribune.com; 760/529-4931; Twitter: @jharryjones
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. One memorandum and 1 contract were signed between the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) and the Science, Technology and Economic Knowledge Base Department of the Iranian President Office in order to maintain and increase production in oil and gas fields, Trend reports.

The mentioned memorandum and contract were signed by Deputy Oil Minister and CEO of the NIOC Mohsen Khojasteh Mehr, and Rouhollah Dehgani Firouz Abadi, deputy director of the Science, Technology and Economic Knowledge Base Department of the Iranian President Office.

A memorandum of understanding on the creation of a strategic center for artificial intelligence and digital oil and gas fields was signed. Iran's oil and gas fields will be focused on maintaining and increasing production using artificial intelligence.

At the same time, a contract was signed between the NIOC and the Science, Technology and Economic Knowledge Base of the President's Office in order to acquire technology for drilling long and multi-faceted horizontal wells with the localization of RSS (Really Simple Syndication) tools.

It is planned to use mainly the potential of local companies in memorandums and contracts.

Detailed information about the memorandum and agreements was not provided.

Irans total hydrocarbon reserves are estimated at 1.2 trillion barrels. With the available technology and equipment, Iran can extract 340 billion barrels. Thus, 30 percent of the country's hydrocarbon reserves are recoverable, while 70 percent remain underground.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. Strategic documents on the natural gas supply have been signed between Azerbaijan and Serbia, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Ministry of Energy.

Thus, a Memorandum of Understanding outlining cooperation development between the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and Srbijagas, the state-owned natural gas provider in Serbia, was signed, along with an agreement for gas sales.

Additionally, the Memorandum of Understanding goes beyond gas supplies, encompassing the potential for supplying LNG to Serbia. It also entails cooperation with SOCAR in relation to gas storage facilities, exploring participation in the company's gas trading operations, and engaging in the construction of natural gas-fired power plants.

The documents were signed within the framework of a meeting between Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov and a delegation led by Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka edovic Handanovic, who is on a visit to Baku.

"The meeting emphasized the important role of friendly relations between the presidents of Azerbaijan and Serbia in the comprehensive development of relations based on strategic partnerships between the two countries. Wide opportunities for cooperation in the fields of natural gas and electricity were assessed. It was noted that energy cooperation is extremely important for raising bilateral relations to a new level. In this regard, it was stated that Azerbaijan and Serbia attach great importance to partnership in the field of natural gas," the ministry said.

Parviz Shahbazov said that strategically important documents signed today laid the foundation for the first time for multifaceted cooperation in the field of gas, including gas supplies from Azerbaijan to Serbia.

"Serbia is Azerbaijan's new partner in the diversification of the European gas market. As a result of annual deliveries of up to 400 million cubic meters of gas to Serbia, the number of countries supplied with Azerbaijani gas will reach 8. This is vivid evidence of Azerbaijan's expanding mission as a reliable energy partner and its increasing role in ensuring energy security," the minister said.

In turn, Dubravka edovic Handanovic said that today relations between Azerbaijan and Serbia have entered a new stage of bilateral economic cooperation.

"Thanks to the supply of Azerbaijani gas to Serbia through the Bulgaria-Serbia interconnector, which is expected to be put into operation in the near future, we will achieve our strategic goal of diversifying our sources of supply, including strengthening our role as a transit country," she said.

Noting that the signed contract envisages the transportation of up to 400 million cubic meters of gas during the next year, she expressed hope that this volume will increase in the coming years.

SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf emphasized that the gas contract will open a new chapter in cooperation between SOCAR and Srbijagas. He emphasized the importance of the successful implementation of the agreement in strengthening Serbia's energy security as well as relations between the two countries and companies.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Timeline

According to court records on the Monday night fatal shooting that killed Carmen Navarrete, 46, and her 16-year-old son Axel Gonzales at a home on Prince of Peace, the following events unfolded.

9:04 p.m.: The Albuquerque Police Department receives a call from a man who says his father, intoxicated, has taken a shotgun from his residence and might be intending to harm his ex-girlfriend in Santa Fe. The father left more than an hour earlier, the man says.

9:13 p.m.: Emergency dispatchers in Santa Fe receive a call from Albuquerque police dispatchers requesting a welfare check on Carmen Navarrete.

9:18 p.m.: A nearby Santa Fe County deputy is dispatched for the welfare check on Prince of Peace.

9:19 p.m.: Dispatchers receive a 911 call from one of Navarretes children at the Prince of Peace residence.

9:22 p.m.: The deputy arrives at 1449 Prince of Peace just as a man enters a white pickup truck and attempts to drive away. The truck rams the deputys vehicle and crashes in a ditch, and the suspect, later identified as Jose Antonio Adrian Roman, 44, of Albuquerque, runs off. A multi-agency manhunt is launched. Roman is arrested a day and a half later at a home in Albuquerque.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. Serbia hopes for increasing the volume of gas imports from Azerbaijan in the future, said Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic, as she visited Baku, Trend reports.

The announcement was made at a ceremony of signing documents on natural gas supplies.

The minister highlighted the evolving stage of bilateral economic cooperation between the two countries. She emphasized the significance of the upcoming Bulgaria-Serbia interconnector, through which Azerbaijani gas will be supplied to Serbia. Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic expressed that this collaboration aims to diversify Serbia's supply sources and strengthen its role as a transit country.

The signed contract outlines the transportation of up to 400 million cubic meters of gas in the next year, with hopes for increased volumes in the subsequent years.

Notably, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) and Srbijagas, along with a Gas Sales Agreement. The memorandum also explores the potential for supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Serbia, cooperation on gas storage facilities, and exploring the potential for participation in the companys gas trading operations and the construction of natural gas power plants.

Azerbaijan commenced gas transportation to Europe through the Southern Gas Corridor on December 31, 2020, facilitating gas movement from the Caspian Sea region to European nations via Georgia and Turkiye.

In July 2022, Azerbaijan and the EU agreed to double the gas supplies via the Southern Gas Corridor from the current 10 billion cubic meters to 20 billion cubic meters by 2027.

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In a paper published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society A: Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences, researchers at the University of Cambridge analyzed the potential of cometary impacts to deliver the initial prebiotic molecules required for the origins of life on rocky exoplanets. They found that in order to deliver prebiotic molecules, comets need to be traveling relatively slowly  at speeds below 15 km per second; at higher speeds, the molecules would not survive  the speed and temperature of impact would cause them to break apart. The most likely place where comets can travel at the right speed are compact planetary systems, where a group of planets orbit closely together; in such a system, the comet could essentially be passed or bounced from the orbit of one planet to another, slowing it down.

Comets are known to contain a range of the building blocks for life, known as prebiotic molecules.

For example, samples from the Ryugu asteroid, analyzed in 2022, showed that it carried intact amino acids and vitamin B3.

Comets also contain large amounts of hydrogen cyanide, another important prebiotic molecule.

The strong carbon-nitrogen bonds of hydrogen cyanide make it more durable to high temperatures, meaning it could potentially survive atmospheric entry and remain intact.

Were learning more about the atmospheres of exoplanets all the time, so we wanted to see if there are planets where complex molecules could also be delivered by comets, said Dr. Richard Anslow, a researcher with the Institute of Astronomy at the University of Cambridge.

Its possible that the molecules that led to life on Earth came from comets, so the same could be true for planets elsewhere in the Milky Way Galaxy.

Most of the comets in our Solar System sit beyond the orbit of Neptune, in what is known as the Kuiper Belt.

When comets or other Kuiper Belt objects collide, they can be pushed by Neptunes gravity toward the Sun, eventually getting pulled in by Jupiters gravity.

Some of these comets make their way past the asteroid belt and into the inner Solar System.

We wanted to test our theories on planets that are similar to our own, as Earth is currently our only example of a planet that supports life, Dr. Anslow said.

What kinds of comets, traveling at what kinds of speed, could deliver intact prebiotic molecules?

Using a variety of mathematical modeling techniques, the researchers determined that it is possible for comets to deliver the precursor molecules for life, but only in certain scenarios.

For planets orbiting a star similar to our own Sun, the planet needs to be low mass and it is helpful for the planet to be in close orbit to other planets in the system.

The scientists found that nearby planets on close orbits are much more important for planets around lower-mass stars, where the typical speeds are much higher.

In such a system, a comet could be pulled in by the gravitational pull of one planet, then passed to another planet before impact.

If this comet-passing happened enough times, the comet would slow down enough so that some prebiotic molecules could survive atmospheric entry.

In these tightly-packed systems, each planet has a chance to interact with and trap a comet, Dr. Anslow said.

Its possible that this mechanism could be how prebiotic molecules end up on planets.

For planets in orbit around lower-mass stars, such as M-dwarfs, it would be more difficult for complex molecules to be delivered by comets, especially if the planets are loosely packed.

Rocky planets in these systems also suffer significantly more high-velocity impacts, potentially posing unique challenges for life on these planets.

The results could be useful when determining where to look for life outside the Solar System.

Its exciting that we can start identifying the type of systems we can use to test different origin scenarios, Dr. Anslow said.

Its a different way to look at the great work thats already been done on Earth.

What molecular pathways led to the enormous variety of life we see around us?

Are there other planets where the same pathways exist?

Its an exciting time, being able to combine advances in astronomy and chemistry to study some of the most fundamental questions of all.

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R.J. Anslow et al. 2023. Can comets deliver prebiotic molecules to rocky exoplanets? Proc. R. Soc. A 479 (2279): 20230434; doi: 10.1098/rspa.2023.0434
Scientists have been looking for signs of extraterrestrials. A new study could potentially help their search for life outside planet Earth.

Bouncing Comets Deliver Building Blocks For Life

One theory about how the molecular blocks for life end on Earth is through comets. A new study from the University of Cambridge researchers explained how "bouncing comets" did the job and potentially do the same in exoplanets.

According to the researchers, comets must move relatively slowly, at least 15 kilometers per second, to carry biological stuff. The critical molecules would not be able to withstand higher speeds. The impact's temperature and speed would force them to disintegrate.

Peas in a pod system are a collection of planets that orbit closely together, the most likely locations for comets to be able to travel at the appropriate speed. This would allow the comet to be 'bounced', or passed from one planet's orbit to another, decreasing its speed.

If the comet were to strike a planet at a slow enough pace, it would deposit intact molecules on its surface, which scientists think are the building blocks of life.

The findings imply that should cometary delivery play a significant role in the origins of life, then such systems would be viable targets for extrasolar life exploration. Prebiotic compounds, which are the building blocks of life, are present in various comets.

In 2022, for instance, analyses of samples from the Ryugu asteroid revealed that it contained vitamin B3 and complete amino acids. Large concentrations of hydrogen cyanide (HCN), another significant primordial chemical, are also found in comets. Due to its carbon-nitrogen solid connections, HCN is more resistant to high temperatures, which means it may be able to withstand atmospheric entry and stay intact.

"We're learning more about the atmospheres of exoplanets all the time, so we wanted to see if there are planets where complex molecules could also be delivered by comets," said first author Richard Anslow from Cambridge's Institute of Astronomy. "It's possible that the molecules that led to life on Earth came from comets, so the same could be true for planets elsewhere in the galaxy."

The researchers, however, clarified that they intended to set some restrictions on the kinds of worlds where complex compounds, like HCN, may be successfully delivered by comets rather than claiming that comets are essential to the emergence of life on Earth or any other planet.

ALSO READ: Massive Comet Sprouts Gigantic Bright Horns After a Rare Volcanic Eruption

Devil Comet Explodes

In related news, the enormous "Devil Comet" recently burst and supposedly sped toward Earth, frightening some people. Astronomers picked up a massive outburst on Oct. 5 from the comet, which went bright dozens of times before it exploded. However, according to experts, it wasn't a threat to us.

The comet 12P/Pons-Brooks last appeared in Earth's skies 70 years ago. Its enormous size, roughly double Mount Everest's, and its ominous appearance from cloud horns made it the subject of headlines. Since it was larger than other comets, it was dubbed the "Devil Comet."

Teddy Kareta, a postdoctoral researcher at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, said the Devil Comet was massive and rare, and while it was visible to the naked eye due to its brightness, it didn't mean that it was "super close" to us.

RELATED ARTICLE: Halley's Comet Brings Orionid Meteor Shower This Weekend: Here's How To Watch This Stargazing Marvel

Check out more news and information on Space in Science Times.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. Romania is ready to supply Azerbaijani gas to Moldova, said the country's Minister of Energy Sebastian Burduja, Trend reports.

Speaking at a conference organized by the Romanian National Committee of the World Energy Council (CNR - CME), he pointed out that Romania is set to navigate the cold season relying solely on its domestic gas reserves. Burduja mentioned that Romania is well-prepared for winter, with its gas stock reaching almost 103 percent, including both stored reserves and ongoing production.

"In the event of specific requests from neighbors like the Republic of Moldova, Romania has contingency plans in place. If necessary, Romania can activate the secured option established with Azerbaijan last spring, providing access to an additional one billion cubic meters of gas. Furthermore, to meet any potential shortfall, Romania has the flexibility to import liquefied natural gas through two routes: either via Greece - Bulgaria - Romania or through Turkiye - Bulgaria - Romania," the minister said.

On February 3, 2023, SOCAR, Azerbaijan's state oil company, and Romgaz S.A., Romania's energy company, signed a gas supply agreement during the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council's meeting in Baku. The agreement outlines the transportation of 1 billion cubic meters of gas from Azerbaijan to Romania from 2023 to 2024.

This contract builds upon previous agreements signed by the two companies on October 9 and December 16, 2022, which established the legal framework for energy relations between Azerbaijan and Romania.
Central African Republic: Vote on MINUSCAs Mandate Renewal*

Tomorrow morning (15 November), the Security Council is expected to vote on a draft resolution renewing the mandate of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) for another year, until 15 November 2024.

France, the penholder on the Central African Republic (CAR), circulated an initial draft to Council members on 2 November and convened one round of negotiations on 6 November. A revised text was then circulated to members on 8 November for comments until 9 November. Subsequently, a second revised text was placed under silence procedure until Friday afternoon (10 November). China and Russia broke silence on several aspects, including the role of bilateral partners, references to human rights, language related to the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), as well as the missions drawdown and withdrawal. Following the silence break, the A3 members (Gabon, Ghana, and Mozambique) submitted similar comments. This necessitated a further revision of the text, which was then placed under a second silence procedure until Monday afternoon (13 November). Russia broke silence again, noting that a number of its concerns remained unaddressed. Nevertheless, the penholder placed the draft in blue on Monday afternoon after making technical adjustments, without making substantial changes to the text.

It appears that while this years mandate renewal negotiations were difficult, they were not as contentious as last years negotiations, which were overshadowed by several controversial issues, including SOFA violations. (For more information, see our 13 November 2022 Whats in Blue story.) It seems that the CARs bilateral engagement with some of the Councils permanent membersincluding Franceat the highest level has contributed to easing tensions this year. A French delegation went to Bangui ahead of the mandate renewal negotiations to listen to the views and concerns of the host country, which the penholder sought to accommodate in the draft text. In her statement at the Councils latest meeting on the CAR, held on 26 October, CAR Minister for Foreign Affairs, Francophonie and Central Africans Abroad Sylvie Valerie Baipo Temon expressed her appreciation to France, saying that [t]he turbulence of the past cannot make us forget Operation Sangaris, which managed to stem the bloodshed caused by the Seleka at the height of the crisis. (Operation Sangaris was a French military deployment to the CAR from late 2013 until 2016.) In a departure from past practice, Temon did not send a letter to the Security Council outlining her countrys position ahead of this years mandate renewal negotiations. Instead, she outlined this position in her statement at the Council briefing and in bilateral consultations with some Council members.

It seems that the relationship between the mission and the host country has also improved significantly, although there are still reports of SOFA violations, as noted in the Secretary-Generals most recent report on the CAR, dated 16 October. At the Council meeting, Temon argued that SOFA violations by the UN have led to a loss of revenue amounting to more than 150 billion CFA franc (approximately $245 million) and called for a review of the SOFA. It seems that this issue was raised during the negotiations, but the penholder explained that it would be difficult for the Council to address this matter in the context of the mandate renewal process since it relates to the implementation of the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the UN, which applies to all UN missions and offices across the world. Eventually, Council members agreed to include operative language in the draft resolution in blue that encourages continued efforts to improve communication and coordination between CAR authorities and MINUSCA, including on the implementation of the Status of Forces Agreement and security coordination, and strengthen established coordination mechanisms.

The draft resolution in blue renews MINUSCAs mandate for a period of one year within its existing troop ceiling of 14,400 military personnel and 3,020 police personnel. During the negotiations, China, supported by Russia and the A3, apparently underscored the need to start considering troop reductions in light of the evolving security situation in the CAR. In this regard, the draft text in blue expresses the Councils intention to keep the troop ceiling under continuous review, taking into account progress on the security situation and the objective of transition and eventual drawdown of MINUSCA when conditions are met. It also requests the Secretary-General to conduct, no later than 15 August 2024, an independent strategic review of MINUSCA through broad consultations with the CAR government and other relevant partners and to provide detailed recommendations regarding the missions possible reconfiguration and options for gradually adapting its civilian, police, and military components, as appropriate, including recommendations for a possible transition plan on the missions eventual drawdown and withdrawal.

The draft text in blue also retains the missions priority tasks, as most recently outlined in resolution 2659 of 14 November 2022 which renewed MINUSCAs mandate. However, the task of support for the extension of state authority, the deployment of security forces, and the preservation of territorial integrity is now listed as the second priority task, in response to a request by the CAR government. The missions other priority tasks include the protection of civilians; good offices and support to the peace process and the 6 February 2019 Political Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic; and facilitation of the immediate, full, safe, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance. The draft text in blue underlines the progress made to restore State authority in all parts of the country, with MINUSCAs assistance, to overcome the threats posed by armed groups. It seems that Russia, supported by China and the A3, sought to mention the contribution to this progress of bilateral partnersan apparent reference to the Wagner Group, a Russian private security company. This proposal was unacceptable to other Council members, however, and it was not incorporated in the draft resolution in blue.

During the negotiations, the A3, supported by China and Russia, apparently advanced the host countrys position on the need to avoid equating armed groups with the CAR government, an issue that was also raised in past negotiations. It seems that these members argued that armed groups should be singled out for committing human rights violations and abuses. Other members, such as Switzerland, apparently cautioned that international humanitarian law and human rights law apply to all parties. It appears that the penholder accommodated the A3s proposals in the draft text in blue, where applicable, while also retaining language calling on all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law. It seems that there were also some disagreements about language on humanitarian principles relating to humanitarian emergency assistance, which the penholder resolved by using previously agreed language from other resolutions on Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan.

The issue of violations committed against children was also raised during the negotiations. The Secretary-Generals 16 October report indicates a 294 percent increase in the number of reported grave violations committed against children in the CAR. Switzerland, supported by Malta, apparently proposed to reinsert language from resolution 2659, which was not included in early drafts circulated by the penholder, that calls for the full and immediate implementation of action plans [to end and prevent grave violations against children] signed by some armed groups and for other armed groups to sign such action plans. This language was subsequently incorporated in the draft resolution in blue.

Another issue raised during the negotiations related to MINUSCAs reporting on human rights. Malta, supported by several other members, proposed language requesting the mission to provide a report to the Security Council no later than 15 September 2024 on violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international law committed in the CAR. MINUSCAs human rights division releases an annual report on the human rights situation in the CAR, but last years report came out in December (after MINUSCAs mandate renewal) and this years report has also yet to be released. The proposed language sought to ensure that the next report will be available before next years mandate renewal negotiations. China, Russia, and the A3 opposed this language, however. In an apparent compromise, the draft resolution in blue requests MINUSCA to report annually and timely on human rights, without mentioning a deadline for the presentation of the report.

Issues related to climate change also coloured the negotiations process. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), supported by Switzerland and several other members, proposed operative language highlighting the adverse effects of climate change in the CAR. This was opposed by Brazil, China, and the US, which apparently felt that the proposed operative paragraph would create a new task for the mission. Although bilateral discussions were held among concerned Council members to address this issue, no agreement could be reached. The penholder therefore proposed the deletion of the UAE-proposed language to achieve consensus, while retaining agreed language on climate change from resolution 2659 in the preambular section of the draft resolution in blue.

Recent negotiations on the renewal of UN peace missions in Africa have often featured discussions on sanctions. It appears that the Council created a precedent when it lifted the notification requirement imposed under the 1533 Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) sanctions regime through the adoption of resolution 2667 of 20 December 2022. (For more information, see our 19 December 2022 Whats in Blue story.) During the MINUSCA mandate renewal negotiations, China and Russia apparently raised issues related to the 2127 CAR sanctions regime, alluding to the improved situation in the CAR and urging the Council to make adjustments accordingly. These members proposed language based on a 31 August 2022 presidential statement, which expressed the Councils readiness to review, adjust and terminate, when appropriate, its sanctions regimes taking into account the evolution of the situation on the ground and the need to minimize unintended adverse humanitarian effects. Other Council members opposed the inclusion of this language in a draft text addressing MINUSCAs mandate, arguing that this issue should be discussed in July 2024, when the 2127 CAR sanctions regime is set for an extension. Eventually, language on the adjustment or termination of the CAR sanctions regime was not included in the draft resolution in blue.

__________________________________________________________

Post-script: On 15 November, the Security Council adopted resolution 2709, renewing the mandate of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) for another year, until 15 November 2024. Fourteen members voted in favour and one member abstained (Russia).
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, November 15. Chairman of the Turkmenaragatnashyk Agency (Turkmen Communication) Hajymyrat Hudaygulyev held a meeting with a delegation of a Chinese JD.com Incorporation, engaged in online retail trade during which they discussed the prospects for further cooperation, Trend reports.

During the meeting, the parties held constructive talks aimed at a deeper understanding of the prospects for cooperation, paying special attention to the introduction of e-commerce and advanced technologies in the telecommunications sector of Turkmenistan, in order to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the local market.

The Turkmen side showed deep interest in the advanced solutions provided by the company, especially in advanced solutions in the field of online commerce and digital technologies

The participants of the meeting highlighted the strategic importance of establishing partnerships with major players in the global market, attaching particular importance to the development of information and communication technologies (ICT) in Turkmenistan.

Meanwhile, it is expected that these negotiations will not only deepen cooperation, but also contribute to the introduction of best practices and innovative solutions in the field of e-commerce of Turkmenistan.

JD.com Incorporation is a Chinese public company engaged in e-commerce (mainly online commerce), as well as logistics, retail and marketing. It is one of the largest merchants in the Chinese segment, while the second largest Chinese e-commerce and services platform after Alibaba Group.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Learning and skills specialist Malvern International announced the appointment of Stephen Harvey as its chief development officer on Wednesday.

The AIM-traded firm said that in the role, Harvey would be responsible for expanding its global network of university and higher education partnerships.

It said that Harvey, with 40 years of experience in the global education sector, would bring a wealth of expertise to his new position.

His career had encompassed various senior roles, including non-executive director at Sannam S4, founder and global managing director of Cambridge Education Groups Oncampus higher education pathways division, head of higher education advisory services at KPMG UK, and project manager at the UK Department for Educations strategy and innovation unit.

Harvey had also served as the UK managing director of Study Group and currently held the trustee position at Cumberland Lodge.

Furthermore, Stephen Harvey held leadership positions at multiple UK universities, including director of a university business school, principal lecturer, head of department in accounting and finance, and director of the international office.

I am extremely pleased to welcome Stephen to Malvern, said chief executive officer Richard Mace.

As a leading authority in our industry, Steves extensive experience and network will be invaluable to the next stage of Malverns development as we look to expand our university partnerships.

At 1347 GMT, shares in Malvern International were up 8.09% at 25.4p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
Transport technology provider Tracsis reported revenue of 82m in its final results on Wednesday, up 19% year-on-year.

The AIM-traded firm said adjusted EBITDA reached 16m in the 12 months ended 31 July, reflecting 13% growth, albeit with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 19.4%, down by 120 basis points.

Its cash position stood at 15.3m, slightly lower than the prior years 17.2m, while adjusted diluted earnings per share increased 19% to 38.5p.

Operating profit surged 123% to 7.3m, and profit before tax saw a substantial 179% increase to 7.1m.

Basic earnings per share experienced a boost of 348% to 22.8p.

The board declared a final dividend per share up 9% to 1.2p, resulting in a total dividend per share of 2.2p, up by 10%.

Tracsis said it achieved strong revenue growth across both of its divisions.

Rail technology and services revenue increased 26% to 37.9m, while data, analytics, consultancy and events saw a 14% rise in revenue, reaching 44.1m from 38.8m in the previous year.

Rail technology and services also recorded a 9% increase in annual recurring and repeat revenue, rising to 23.1m from 21.1m in 2022.

The company reported a 10% organic revenue growth for the entire group, adding that the adjusted EBITDA margin reflected an investment of around 1m in enhancing capabilities and integrating the groups activities.

Tracsis managed cash outflows of 9.6m for contingent and deferred acquisition considerations, with all material earn-outs now settled.

The firm said it maintained healthy cash generation and a solid debt-free balance sheet, positioning it well for further growth.

Tracsis reported continued growth in rail technology software licence usage and annual recurring revenue.

It successfully delivered three large multi-year software-as-a-service (SaaS) contracts and experienced high demand for remote condition monitoring solutions.

Additionally, it secured two new pay-as-you-go (PAYG) smart ticketing technology contracts, while Rail Technology North America also made a significant contribution with a growing pipeline of opportunities.

In Data, analytics, consultancy and events, Tracsis saw high activity levels, including benefits from new contract wins.

The company said it made progress in simplifying its organisational structure based on common operating models.

Looking ahead, Tracsis expected its performance in the 2024 financial year to align with market expectations.

The company anticipated continued organic growth in rail technology and services software revenue, with the financial performance of data, analytics, consultancy and events remaining at a similar level to 2023.

Growth in 2024 was likely to be weighted towards the years second half due to delivery timelines and the transition to SaaS for new contract wins in North America.

Tracsis said it was well-positioned to capitalise on future growth opportunities, particularly in the rail industrys digital transformation, with a strong pipeline in all rail markets.

Furthermore, the confirmation of Network Rail CP7 funding of 43.1bn and government plans for rail reform, including PAYG ticketing across the UK, indicated favourable conditions for Tracsis business.

This has been a year of significant financial and operational progress for Tracsis, said chief executive officer Chris Barnes.

We have delivered strong organic and earnings-accretive acquisitive growth, have completed the implementation of several large, complex enterprise software contracts, and have made further progress in integrating the groups activities and enhancing our capabilities.

The performance of our North American rail business has been particularly pleasing alongside the strong performance of all businesses within the data, analytics, consultancy and events division.

Barnes said trading in the first quarter started in line with expectations, adding that the group was well-positioned to deliver further growth in the coming year.

We have a strong order book and a fast-growing opportunity pipeline across both divisions.

We expect 2024 growth to be weighted towards the second half given the impact uncertainty in UK rail has had on delivery timescales and the impact an expected software-as-a-service transition will have on the phasing of rail revenues in North America.

Digital transformation will continue to play a significant role in the rail industrys transition to a data-driven, customer-focused, safety-critical future.

Chris Barnes said the breadth of Tracsis product offering and digital end-to-end solutions had a clear alignment to the growing needs of the rail industry and increased demands from a customer experience perspective.

We are well placed to help the industry to increase passenger revenues whilst also delivering operational performance improvements and efficiency savings.

We remain committed to implementing our overall strategic growth and investment plans, and will continue to pursue both organic and acquisitive growth supported by a strong balance sheet.

At 1317 GMT, shares in Tracsis were up 3.48% at 739.9p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
Alstom tumbled on Wednesday as it said it was considering a range of options to accelerate its deleveraging, including asset disposals, a capital increase and job cuts.

The train maker - whose shares tanked last month after it warned that free cash flow was set to turn negative this year - said the asset disposal program was intended to generate proceeds of between 500m and 1bn.

It also announced plans to cut around 1,500 jobs to reduce overhead costs. In addition, it wont be proposing a dividend for the fiscal year 2023.24.

Alstom said it was looking to cut debt by 2bn by March 2025.

In its cash flow warning last month, the company highlighted a rolling stock program delay in the UK and order intake delays. It guided to a range of negative free cash flow of 500m to 750m, having previously said it would be "significantly positive".

In its preliminary results for the first half, Alstom said free cash flow was negative 1.15bn, compared to negative 45m in the same period a year earlier.

Chairman and chief executive Henri Poupart-Lafarge said on Wednesday: "The negative free cash flow of Alstom during this first half is a clear call for change. While demand remains sustained, despite some volatility, our commercial performance has been soft. The Bombardier Transportation integration continues to progress. However, the delivery of Aventra program has been more complex than anticipated. Production and sales growth is accelerating.

"We are undertaking a comprehensive action plan to maintain our investment grade rating and secure our mid-term objectives. Confident in the strength of our backlog and on the solid business foundations of Alstom, Im fully committed to take up this challenge."

At 1030 GMT, the shares were down 18.6% at 11.54.
Diversified Energy Company reported an average net daily production of 804 million cubic feet in its third quarter on Wednesday, equivalent to 134,000 barrels of oil daily.

When adjusted for extraordinary maintenance, the FTSE 250 firm said that average net daily production stood at 814 million cubic feet, or 135,700 barrels, per day.

It recorded a strong September exit rate of 806 million cubic feet or 134,400 barrels daily, making for an industry-leading consolidated corporate decline rate of about 10%.

Financially, Diversified Energy reported adjusted EBITDA of $140m, reflecting a 2% reduction in adjusted operating cost per unit to $1.63 per million cubic feet equivalent compared to the first half.

The company achieved an adjusted EBITDA margin of 52%.

Its annualised free cash flow yield stood at 22%, including the impact of working capital changes.

At the same time, it maintained a leverage ratio of 2.4x and received affirmation from Fitch for all five of its rated ABS notes as BBB or higher.

The firms current liquidity was $135m, and the company declared a third-quarter interim dividend of 4.375 US cents per share.

Diversified said it was on track to retire around 200 wells in 2023, with 136 of 169 external wells already retired year-to-date, in collaboration with state orphan well programmes.

We have once again delivered consistent and reliable results during the third quarter despite continued commodity price headwinds, said chief executive officer Rusty Hutson Jr.

Our solid operational execution against the high-quality assets we manage, the ongoing integration of our most recent acquisitions of Tanos II and ConocoPhillips, and our focus on efficiency delivered sequential cost improvement, translating into 52% adjusted EBITDA margins.

The asset performance and stability of cash flows were further corroborated by Fitchs recent affirmation of its ABS notes rating.

Hutson said the combination of peer-leading, low capital intensity, and low corporate declines created a distinct competitive advantage for the company, mitigating the need to replace production while maintaining free cash flow generation from an asset base and providing consistent production.

Implementing our smarter asset management programs enhances the discretionary cash flow we generate and increases the availability of capital for reinvestment, debt repayment, and return of capital to shareholders, ultimately creating long-term value.

I am also incredibly proud of the ongoing focus on sustainability, with our achievements being rewarded by a distinguished panel of European judges bestowing our 2022 report, decarbonising while delivering, with the ESG Report of the Year, recognising it as the most accurate, best structured and informative report.

Our commitment to providing long-term total returns to shareholders is underscored by our consistent dividend history, declaring our 25th consecutive dividend, returning over $800 million of capital to shareholders, including share repurchases, since going public in 2017.

At 0842 GMT, shares in Diversified Energy Company were up 2.82% at 72.74p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
India and the US have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to connect the startup ecosystems of both countries, specifically in Critical and Emerging Technologies (CET). The MoU is called 'Enhancing Innovation Ecosystems through an Innovation Handshake' and was signed by Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal during his 4-day US visit. Minister Goyal also had a bilateral meeting with his US counterpart, Gina Raimondo, on the sidelines of the IPEF Ministerial Meeting to discuss the growing commercial cooperation and business engagement between India and the US.

During his visit to the United States, Piyush Goyal co-chaired an industry roundtable with Raimondo titled 'Decoding the Innovation Handshake: US-India Entrepreneurship Partnership'. In this roundtable, CEOs of various Information Communication Technology (ICT) companies, startups, and investors in critical and emerging technology discussed ways to enhance US-India technology collaboration. Moreover, India signed the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) supply chain resilience agreement along with the United States and 12 other IPEF partners. Goyal said that this agreement will "fortify and strengthen" global supply chains.

India and the US are among the 14 supply chain resilience partners of IPEF along with Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. This global supply chain resilience agreement is seen as a counter to reducing massive reliance on China, particularly after severe supply disruptions after the COVID-19 shock.

The IPEF partners have proposed an agreement to establish a framework for better understanding significant supply chain risks and improving crisis coordination and response to supply chain disruptions. The agreement aims to ensure that businesses, especially micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, and workers benefit from resilient, robust, and efficient supply chains. It also aims to ensure the availability of a sufficient number of skilled workers in critical sectors and key goods by upskilling and reskilling workers, among others.

To achieve a more resilient future, Union Minister Goyal expressed his gratitude to his US counterpart, Gina Raimondo, for her leadership and personal commitment. During an interactive session held in San Francisco as part of his US tour, the Minister engaged in wide-ranging discussions with participants. The Indian government has taken several steps to make it easier to do business. He has already held several bilateral meetings with counterparts from different countries.
India, the US, and 12 other IPEF partner countries have signed the first Supply Chain Resilience Agreement aimed at strengthening global supply chains. The agreement was signed by Commerce and Industry Ministry Piyush Goyal on Indias behalf at the IPEF meeting in San Francisco. "India joins U.S. and 12 other IPEF partners to ink the IPEF Supply Chain Resilience Agreement, a first-of-its-kind international agreement that will fortify and strengthen global supply chains and foster adaptability, stability and sustainability", Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal posted in X

The agreement is expected to make Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) supply chains more resilient, robust, and well-integrated and contribute towards the economic development and progress of the region as a whole. Speaking at the event, Goyal emphasized enhanced collaboration to realize the collective aims of the IPEF, particularly on the need for mobilizing affordable financing for clean economy transition and for enhancing technology cooperation. He also urged early implementation of the envisaged cooperative work under IPEF, including on bio-fuels alliance suggested by India.

Further, the Ministers from IPEF partner countries also had productive discussions on the substantial progress made by the IPEF partners on Pillar-III (Clean Economy) and Pillar-IV (Fair Economy). Speaking at the Ministerial meeting, the Minister suggested enhanced collaboration among IPEF partners. Also, on the sidelines of the IPEF Ministerial, the Minister held bilateral meetings with Gina Raimondo, United States Secretary of Commerce, Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Minister of International Trade & Industry, Ministry of International Trade & Industry , Malaysia, and Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Republic of Indonesia.

During these ministerial meetings, he discussed bilateral collaboration on trade, commerce, and investment, enhanced business engagements, WTO matters, and other issues of mutual interest. During the interaction with his counterparts from ASEAN countries, the Minister suggested an expedited conclusion of the AITIGA review. The Minister and the US Secretary of Commerce also co-chaired a kick-off industry roundtable titled Decoding the Innovation Handshake U.S. India Entrepreneurship Partnership, which was co-hosted by the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and supported by National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) and Startup India, CEOs from major ICT companies, executives from venture capital firms, and founders of startups in the critical and emerging technology space. Capping off the days engagements, the Minister held an interaction with Indian entrepreneurs in the Western United States. The interaction was organized by the Consulate General of India in San Francisco in collaboration with IIT Alumni & TIE Global.
Online and e-commerce consumers today seek personalized experiences and seamless interactions across channels, making customer loyalty and retention a top priority for businesses to flourish. Addressing this need is Appstle , a premier B2B SaaS company that reshapes customer retention in online retail, across product categories. Through cutting-edge software solutions, the firm empowers digital vendors, notably on Shopify and Shopify Plus platforms, to deliver unparalleled shopping experiences, resulting in amplified profits.Central to Appstles capabilities is its in-depth comprehension of challenges that e-commerce players encounter when creating advanced functionalities to achieve their desired business models, use cases, and customer value. These functionalities include essential e-commerce elements such as incorporating a subscription-based buying model into the business, comprehensive technical support, a friction-free shopping experience, and a sharp focus on customer retention and CLTV. While behemoths like Amazon and Walmart can afford an arsenal of engineers to build and maintain these capabilities, other players (even relatively large retailers) encounter difficulties with limited resources. Appstle bridges this gap by offering three exceptional products that cater to the needs of smaller e-commerce merchants, namely Appstle Subscriptions, Appstle Memberships, and Appstle Loyalty and Rewards.

We build sophisticated features that enhance subscription for products and services, membership, and loyalty program functionalities, enabling merchants to achieve strong revenue, profit, brand value, and exceptional customer experiences, says Rakshithaa (Ria) Mahesh, co-founder and CEO of Appstle.



Similar to Amazons Subscribe and Save, Appstle Subscriptions enables merchants to offer subscription-based solutions with customizable payment options. Whether it is physical goods or digital content, this comprehensive tool provides convenience for both sellers and customers.



Inspired by Amazons Prime membership, the Appstle Membership allows merchants to create exclusive member plans tailored to individual preferences. Businesses can use this product to foster high levels of customer loyalty while boosting revenue streams.



The firms latest product, Appstle Loyalty and Rewards, focuses on customer loyalty and retaining their attention in the face of numerous alternatives in todays e-commerce market. This functionality allows merchants to implement comprehensive loyalty programs, rewards points, and referral incentives across industries, from airlines to credit cards, significantly increasing the customer lifetime value (CLTV) and overall customer experience.



Appstle has a dedicated merchant success team consisting of highly qualified engineers who provide 24/7 hands-on assistance to help clients resolve any technical issues. Whether it is troubleshooting obstacles or understanding complex coding requirements, the company ensures that merchants receive the necessary guidance to maximize their products potential.



The firm also follows a step-by-step onboarding procedure to provide merchants with product access. They can find the Appstle Subscription App through the Shopify app store and Appstles website and install the app to sign up. During the onboarding process, merchants configure payment processors, define order management preferences, and integrate widgets into their unique website themes.


STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Police took six people, including at least one youth, into custody in connection with a pro-Palestinian rally that attracted hundreds of people in St. George on Tuesday evening.

Five of the people were issued summonses to appear in Criminal Court for alleged disorderly conduct. A minor was issued a juvenile report before being released to his or her parents, according to a spokesman for the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information.

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists flooded the streets of St. George on Tuesday to demand a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war that organizers repeatedly referred to as ethnic cleansing and genocide.

The rally, organized by pro-Palestinian group Within Our Lifetime, was held outside Borough Hall, a fitting location given the growing frustration of attendees with Staten Islands elected officials over their outspoken support of Israel.

What weve been seeing this past month is media and politicians and really all across the world, people have been putting up this one-sided perspective on whats been going on in Palestine and specifically in Gaza, said Abdullah Akl, co-organizer and member of Within Our Lifetime. What weve been seeing also is over 11,000 Palestinians have been murdered by Israel and by the occupation simply for being Palestinian.

53 1 / 53 Flood Staten Island For Gaza pro-Palestinian rally held in front of Borough Hall

The group had first gathered on the steps of Borough Hall, before NYPD officers made them relocate onto Richmond Terrace, blocking off and rerouting traffic as a result.

Activists waved Palestinian flags, held signs condemning Israel and showed photos of children who had been killed in Gaza as various chants in support of a free Palestine echoed throughout the area.

Many of those in attendance took aim at President Joe Biden and the U.S. government for continuing to provide funding to Israel, at one point chanting Israel bombs, USA pays. How many kids have you killed today?

What other words can be used for this besides ethnic cleansing? Besides genocide? Words that these mainstream media outlets still refuse to use, said Nerdeen Kiswani, founder and chair of Within Our Lifetime.

There are Palestinian men, women and children, every day, on our screens begging people to look at the world and tell the world to stop this genocide. But they are not stopping it. In fact, countries like the one we live in, like the United States, are funding it, she added.

Roughly halfway through the rally, Borough Hall was lit up blue in support of Tuesdays March for Israel in Washington D.C., as local elected officials continued to show their unwavering support.

If any community knows the full effects of terrorism, it is Staten Island, given the tragedy of 9/11. We should have zero tolerance for terrorist organizations and their willingness to slaughter innocent people, including children. That is what happened in Israel over a month ago. We stand with the people who wish to live their lives in peace, free from the shadow of fear, said Borough President Vito Fossella.

If there are some who are angered by seeing these blue lights, tough luck, said Councilman Joe Borelli (R-South Shore). I was angered seeing the murder of innocent civilians on live TV. I am angered by seeing New Yorkers tearing down the hostage posters that clearly give them shame. I am angered by seeing those who hate Israel and Jews, making it clear that they also hate America and all Americans who disagree with them.

Speakers at Tuesdays rally referred to the blue lights as disgusting, claiming that the local politicians have turned their back on a large portion of their constituency that theyve previously claimed to support.

They know our communities, they come to our Eid prayers where we have upwards of 10,000 people showing up and they come and they speak to our communities, asking for their votes, pleading to try to understand our community, and our community has made it very clear that what theyre doing is not representing us, said Akl.

And so its really a slap in the face to the Muslim community, specifically on Staten Island, to see the same elected officials that come to our prayers turn around and not even ask us for our opinion, and just completely go out with these one sided statements, he continued.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Workers chanted, marched and held signs during a strike Wednesday morning at a popular Starbucks location on Forest Avenue in West Brighton.

The Red Cup Rebellion at 480 Forest Avenue at Bard Avenue was part of a work action on Wednesday and Thursday in New York City and throughout the nation, according to a news release from the organizers.

The walkout happened in conjunction with Red Cup Day when the company distributes tens of thousands of free, reusable cups on one of its busiest customer-traffic days of the year, according to the news release.

The workers are striking for a contract and demanding that Starbucks bargain over what some workers consider to be a staffing crisis, according to the news release.

Workers are striking at a Starbucks location at 480 Forest Avenue at Bard Avenue in West Brighton on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel

Picket lines were expected to form outside nine stores in Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan; some locations in Nassau and Suffolk counties in Long Island also participated.

Workers were demanding the coffee giant stop illegally refusing to bargain with baristas over staffing, scheduling and other issues, according to the news release.

The strikers want Starbucks to turn off mobile ordering on future promotion days, which company executives are scheduling with increasing frequency, according to the news release.

The action was scheduled for 8 to 10 a.m. in West Brighton, and was observed by the Advance/SILive.com on-schedule in front of the store.

Staff chanted No contract, no coffee.

Were under-staffed and over-worked, said a worker in front of the store.

In a statement, Starbucks expressed disappointment in what it calls a lack of the response from the union, claiming that it has twice -- in April and May of this year -- requested Workers United meet to discuss the West Brighton location.

Starbucks said that the Staten Island location is one of hundreds waiting on Workers United to come to the bargaining table, accusing the union of refusing to meet for any negotiations for the past five months.

WORKERS DETAIL STRUGGLE WITH MANAGEMENT

Strikers on Staten Island and in the rest of New York City claim that the company is not following the citys Fair Work Week law, passed in 2017 to provide workers with certainty around their schedules to help them sustain themselves and their families. The law requires employers to provide workers with a regular, consistent schedule and give current workers the opportunity to work more regular hours before hiring new employees, according to a news release supporting the strike.

Across the country, workers are calling attention to the companys increasing reliance on big promotion days, like Red Cup Day, which cause a flood of customers to stores, without any additional staffing to cover the influx in orders, the news release said. Workers earlier this fall filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board over Starbucks refusal to bargain around staffing on promotion days.

Some 9,000 Starbucks workers at more than 360 stores nationwide have unionized, according to the news release.

We respect our partners right to engage in lawful protest activity, a statement from Starbucks reads. Our focus remains on all partners and our commitment to continue to work together, side-by-side, to make Starbucks a company that works for everyone.

We remain committed to working with all partners to elevate the everyday, and we hope that Workers Uniteds priorities will shift to include the shared success of our partners and working to negotiate contracts for those they represent.

We continue to be disappointed by the lack of progress and response from Workers United and are unable to negotiate with our partners at Forest and Bard Avenue until Workers United responds to our request for bargaining, the company went on to say.

Workers are striking at a Starbucks location at 480 Forest Avenue at Bard Avenue in West Brighton on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel

Workers are striking at a Starbucks location at 480 Forest Avenue at Bard Avenue in West Brighton on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel

Workers are striking at a Starbucks location at 480 Forest Avenue at Bard Avenue in West Brighton on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel

Workers are striking at a Starbucks location at 480 Forest Avenue at Bard Avenue in West Brighton on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  New York City families who celebrate Diwali will no longer need to miss classes, as the holiday was officially signed into law as a day off for city public schools.

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation on Tuesday that makes Diwali a school holiday for public schools in the five boroughs  requiring they be closed on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Indian calendar each year.

New York City is rich in different religions and cultures, and were taking an important step to recognize and celebrate this diversity in the school calendar, said Hochul. This legislation to designate Diwali as a New York City school holiday is an opportunity for our children to learn about and celebrate traditions from across the world.

Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, which celebrates the triumph of good over evil, and the blessings of victory, freedom and enlightenment. It is one of the major events celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists.

On the night of Diwali, celebrants light dozens of candles and clay lamps, called diyas, and place them throughout their home and in the streets to light up the dark night. This symbolizes the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. Though religious, it has also become a cultural event in North America that is celebrated with sweets and special food.

Its also celebrated in other Indian religions, becoming a national festival enjoyed by non-Hindu communities. For instance: in Jainism, Diwali marks the nirvana, or spiritual awakening, of Lord Mahavira on Oct. 15, 527 B.C.; in Sikhism, it honors the day that Guru Hargobind Ji, the Sixth Sikh Guru, was freed from imprisonment; Buddhists in India celebrate Diwali, as well.

The bill was first introduced by Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar, who represents South Queens. An estimated 200,000 New Yorkers celebrate Diwali with elaborate festivities each year in New Yorks South Asian and Indo-Caribbean community.

For over two decades, the South Asian community has lobbied for the Diwali holiday, said Rajkumar. With the signing of my bill, we have lit an everlasting lamp in the hearts and minds of all New Yorkers. This is an achievement that will outlive me. Generations of New Yorkers to come will now observe Diwali, the Festival of Lights. By signing my bill, we say to over 600,000 Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist New Yorkers, We see you, we recognize you, and Diwali is an American holiday.

As a new public school holiday, it would mean thousands of students, parents and faculty wouldnt have to choose between observing Diwali or missing school or work.

The legislation removes another public school holiday  Anniversary Day, also known as Brooklyn-Queens Day  which originated as a Protestant holiday celebrated in the 1800s. This is because New York City cannot add another school holiday to the current calendar, unless it removes another day off. New York state education law mandates there be a minimum of 180 days of school instruction.

In removing the antiquated Anniversary Day school holiday ... my legislation makes the rule for Diwali to be a school holiday while also meeting the 180-day minimum requirement for days of school instruction, said Rajkumar last year.

Upon its signage into law, the New York City Department of Education will now designate the Diwali school holiday. However, the department has already prepared for its designation as a new holiday  with time given off for Diwali over the next three years in the city public school calendars.

Diwali is observed in October or November as designated by the Indian calendar.

This year, it was celebrated starting on Sunday, Nov. 12  with festivities held over the course of five days.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. Swiss companies are exploring the potential of the Kazakhstan's market, Ambassador of Switzerland to Kazakhstan Salman Bal told Trend.

"Switzerland's companies are active in many different fields. We see important potential in various areas. It is important to explain the Kazakh market and its specific potential to the Swiss private sector," he said.

According to him, most Swiss companies are small and medium-sized enterprises  despite being world leaders in their respective field of activity, they sometimes don't have enough resources to evaluate the chances of remote new markets.

"This is where our Embassy comes into the play: our role is to help Swiss companies to understand the peculiarities of the Kazakh economy," the ambassador said.

Salman Bal noted that the dynamics in the trade relations between Switzerland and Kazakhstan are good, and the trend is positive.

"In 2022 Switzerlands exports to Kazakhstan reached 357 Swiss franks. The main share of the exports were pharmaceuticals (65 percent), followed by watches and precision instruments (19 percent) and machines (6 percent). In the first 8 months of 2023 we noticed an increase of 6 percent in Swiss exports to Kazakhstan. Switzerlands imports from Kazakhstan reached 344 million Swiss frank in 2022 and consisted mainly of energy sources (excluding gold trade)," Salman Bal said.

Switzerland is among the top 3 investors in Kazakhstan, after the Netherlands and the US. The volume of Swiss direct investment in Kazakhstan since 2005 has exceeded $31 billion.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Be upstanders, not bystanders.

That lesson was front-and-center on Tuesday, when more than 200 Staten Island teens from a variety of races, faiths and backgrounds attended the 8th Annual Egon J. Salmon and Family Commemoration of Kristallnacht and the St. Louis, held in the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Manhattan.

The event was held to honor the late Egon J. Salmon, a Staten Islander who was a witness to Kristallnacht, a horrific night of anti-Jewish destruction and death in 1938 that signaled a turning point toward violence in the history of Nazi Germany. Salmon came to Staten Island as a German-Jewish refugee after being denied entry into the U.S. by strict immigration laws.

We should all emulate those in history who stepped up in the fight against hate, the teens, representing all Staten Island high schools, were told by speakers, including Dr. Lori Weintrob, founding director of the Wagner College Holocaust Center, which coordinated the event along with Staten Islands Public School District 31s Office for Family Engagement and Strategic Partnerships.

Weintrob told the group to seek inspiration from the 43,254 New Yorkers who died while fighting the Nazis in World War II. She named three Staten Islanders who stepped up to fight in the armed forces: Lloyd Ikefugi, who was killed on the Italian front, William A. Morris, who survived to testify to the horrors of war, and Salmon, whose wife, Marie, and sons, Jon and Henry Salmon, were in attendance at the event.

Together, we can fight antisemitism, Islamophobia and racism, she said, after encouraging them to become upstanders, or people to stand up for victims, in matters large or small.

Students shared their experiences with the group at the Commemoration of Kristallnacht and the S.S. St. Louis. (Staten Island Advance/Ann Marie Barron)Staten Island Advance/Ann Marie Barron

The students were also addressed by Carsten Rupke, deputy consul general of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Rev. Karen Jackson, of the Staten Island Inter-Religious Council, and Lou Brusci, of District 31s Partnerships for Community Engagement, who all encouraged the students to stand up for others in need.

Staten Islander Egon J. Salmon, a New Dorp High School alumnus who died in September 2022 at the age of 98, sought to flee Nazi Germany on the ill-fated S.S. St. Louis, but few nations were willing to accept him along with the other refugees, Jon Salmon told the students in his remarks.

Artifacts in the Holocaust exhibit, including the trunk used by Egon J. Salmon on his journey to the U.S., are on permanent display at the museum.

Students were visibly moved after breaking into groups and touring one of two museum exhibits, The Holocaust: What Hate Can Do, which illuminates the story of Jewish life before, during and after the Holocaust, and Courage to Act: Rescue in Denmark -- the story of the rescue of 95% of Jewish people in Denmark by ordinary citizens who showed enormous courage in the face of grave danger.

I like how Danish fishermen were willing to use their own fishing boats and risk their lives and businesses to save people  and they didnt even share the same beliefs, said Caroline White, a senior at Curtis High School. I found it really shocking. It gives hope.

Amber Houghtaling, a classmate of Whites, said she was most moved by the artifacts, specifically suitcases and childrens shoes, in the Holocaust exhibit. To actually see photographs of people and hear their stories. . . its very heartbreaking, she said. It really put things into perspective for me.

Today, as the Israel-Hamas war continues, and hate crimes and racism are reported around the nation, the speakers urged the students to heed lessons from the Holocaust.

Students tour an exhibit at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Manhattan as part of the 8th Annual Egon J. Salmon and Family Commemoration of Kristallnacht and teh St. Louis. (Wagner Newsroom/Max Dickstein)Wagner Newsroom/Max Dickstein

Sadly now, today, this atmosphere of hate and its lessons continue to be on full display for the world to see and are still relevant, said Jon Salmon, who was joined by his brother, Henry, in welcoming the students. But, thankfully, so are the interfaith efforts to never forget that are part of our Staten Island and citywide community.

Jon Salmon extolled the power of young people to conquer hate.

You inspire us, he said. In your hands rests the hope that this next generation, your generation, learns from the mistakes of the past.

At the suggestion of Marie Salmon, the event was moved from the Wagner College campus to the lower Manhattan museum this year for the first time to highlight the importance of Holocaust education and the accomplishments of the Wagner College Holocaust Center beyond Staten Island, organizers said.

The Holocaust Center, the boroughs first permanent Holocaust exhibit, opened in April 2022 at Wagner College.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Michelle Niles of Groundglass Casting, a premier casting company that specializes in casting real people in commercials, is searching for centenarians and super centenarians to partake in an interesting project.

Im reaching out because were currently working on a very ambitious project . . . and were on the lookout for centenarians in the New York City and the five boroughs area, for a meaningful private healthcare commercial, says the casting agent.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  It was a rock and roll wedding almost made on Staten Island.

But it wasnt to be. And now the church where the event was supposed to take place is no more.

It was December of 1982, and the borough was abuzz with rumors that legendary Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards would soon wed his fiancee, top fashion model and Tottenville native Patti Hansen, at century-old Eltingville Lutheran Church.

Richards and Hansen met on a blind date in 1979, thanks to Rolling Stones front man Mick Jaggers then-girlfriend and Hansens fellow top model, Jerry Hall, who invited Hansen to a party being held for Richards.

In true Hollywood fashion, Hansen had been discovered when she was 16 years old and selling hot dogs from her fathers cart on Staten Island.

After dating for three years, it was rumored that Richards and Hansen would tie the knot at Eltingville Lutheran, her familys church, on Sunday, Dec. 12.

Hansens mom, Beatrice, initially told the Advance at the time that she knew nothing about it. But then she said that her daughter had called from France about the wedding. She said she told Patti that the ceremony couldnt be arranged that quickly.

Word then came that the wedding would take place at the church on Sunday, Dec. 19, 1982, the day after groom-to-be Richards 39th birthday.

Eltingville Luteran Church is seen in this Advance photo from 1981. (Advance file photo)Advance file photo

Fans, photographers and reporters swarmed the area around the church all that weekend, hoping to get a glimpse of the couple and any rock-and-roll royalty attending the ceremony. That included Jagger, who was set to serve as his longtime bandmates best man.

But the weekend passed without the wedding taking place. The event was postponed another two times in the following weeks for unknown reasons. Beatrice Hansen told the Advance that the wedding would take place in January of 1983.

But the wedding didnt happen then either because of sad circumstances: The death of Patti Hansens dad, Alfred Hansen.

Keith Richards and Patti Hansen at Rock and Roll Songwriters Hall of Fame induction on May 2, 1993. (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Richards in his 2010 autobiography Life tells of his rocky introduction to the Hansen family in Tottenville on Thanksgiving Day, 1980.

Richards, who was still coming off his longtime addiction to heroin at the time, said that hed been up for days and brought a bottle of vodka or Jack Daniels to the Hansen home.

Though his well-earned reputation as a rock-and-roll reprobate and hard-core substance abuser preceded him, Richards broke the ice by playing guitar for the Hansen family.

But while others were being polite at dinner, Richards writes, to Big Al, Pattis father, I was just kind of weird. He was a Staten Island bus driver and I was an international pop star.

Feeling increasingly under the grill at the dinner, Richards said, I went berserk and smashed the guitar on the table.

But the family wasnt offended, even though Patti Hansen was mortified. Richards apologized profusely and had a cry with Patti on the front steps of the Hansen home as the family looked on. He later took his future father-in-law to his favorite bar for some pool.

And I let him think that hed drunk me under the table, Richards said.

He said, But it was Beatrice, Pattis mum, who was the key to my acceptance. She was always there for me and I had great times with her later on.

Richards and Patti Hansen eventually wed on Saturday, Dec. 18, 1983 in the Mexican resort town of Cabo San Lucas. It was the grooms 40th birthday.

The wedding plans were kept so secret that Jagger didnt know about the ceremony until the day before, according to news reports at the time. He chartered a private jet and flew to the wedding from Barbados, where hed been vacationing.

Most of the brides relatives had been told of the date the prior week but were sworn to secrecy. Hansens mom, three brothers and a sister of the bride attended the ceremony.

The site of the near nuptials in Eltingville was recently demolished in order to make room for 20 two-family homes. The church had a history of financial difficulties. An accompanying school also fell to the wrecking ball.

Richards and Hansen remain married and have two children together. The Rolling Stones, first formed in 1962, recently issued their acclaimed Hackney Diamonds album, their 26th studio LP in the United States.
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP)  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 militant group.

The army surrounded the facility as part of its ground offensive against Hamas. Israeli authorities claim the militants conceal military operations in the facility. But with hundreds of patients and medical personnel inside, Israeli authorities have refrained from entering.

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.

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 militant 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 militant 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.

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 militants 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 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 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.

The White Houses 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.

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.

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.

___

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.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  New York state may revise its graduation requirements for high school students after a commission presented recommendations to create a flexible and inclusive framework, accommodating diverse learning styles, and ensuring equity for all students.

The New York State Education Department presented the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures to the Board of Regents this week as part of the Graduation Measures Initiative that brought together student voices and stakeholders. The commission was tasked with creating a roadmap for learning-centered education to best meet the needs of every student in New York, while also incorporating skills that prepare them for the future.
UPDATE: NYPD: 6 people taken into custody at pro-Palestinian rally on Staten Island >>

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists flooded the streets of St. George on Tuesday to demand a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war that organizers repeatedly referred to as ethnic cleansing and genocide.

The rally, organized by pro-Palestinian group Within Our Lifetime, was held outside Borough Hall, a fitting location given attendees growing frustration with Staten Islands elected officials over their outspoken support of Israel.

What weve been seeing this past month is media and politicians and really all across the world, people have been putting up this one-sided perspective on whats been going on in Palestine and specifically in Gaza, said Abdullah Akl, co-organizer and member of Within Our Lifetime. What weve been seeing also is over 11,000 Palestinians have been murdered by Israel and by the occupation simply for being Palestinian.

The group had first gathered on the steps of Borough Hall, before NYPD officers made them relocate onto Richmond Terrace, blocking off and rerouting traffic as a result.

Activists waved Palestinian flags, held signs condemning Israel and showed photos of children who had been killed in Gaza as various chants in support of a free Palestine echoed throughout the area.

Many of those in attendance took aim at President Joe Biden and the U.S. government for continuing to provide funding to Israel, at one point chanting Israel bombs, USA pays. How many kids have you killed today?

What other words can be used for this besides ethnic cleansing? Besides genocide? Words that these mainstream media outlets still refuse to use, said Nerdeen Kiswani, founder and chair of Within Our Lifetime.

There are Palestinian men, women and children, every day, on our screens begging people to look at the world and tell the world to stop this genocide. But they are not stopping it. In fact, countries like the one we live in, like the United States, are funding it, she added.

Roughly halfway through the rally, Borough Hall was lit up blue in support of todays March for Israel in Washington D.C., as local elected officials continued to show their unwavering support.

If any community knows the full effects of terrorism, it is Staten Island, given the tragedy of 9/11. We should have zero tolerance for terrorist organizations and their willingness to slaughter innocent people, including children. That is what happened in Israel over a month ago. We stand with the people who wish to live their lives in peace, free from the shadow of fear, said Borough President Vito Fossella.

If there are some who are angered by seeing these blue lights, tough luck, said Councilman Joe Borelli (R-South Shore). I was angered seeing the murder of innocent civilians on live TV. I am angered by seeing New Yorkers tearing down the hostage posters that clearly give them shame. I am angered by seeing those who hate Israel and Jews, making it clear that they also hate America and all Americans who disagree with them.

Speakers at Tuesdays rally referred to the blue lights as disgusting, claiming that the local politicians have turned their back on a large portion of their constituency that theyve previously claimed to support.

They know our communities, they come to our Eid prayers where we have upwards of 10,000 people showing up and they come and they speak to our communities, asking for their votes, pleading to try to understand our community, and our community has made it very clear that what theyre doing is not representing us, said Akl.

And so its really a slap in the face to the Muslim community, specifically on Staten Island, to see the same elected officials that come to our prayers turn around and not even ask us for our opinion, and just completely go out with these one sided statements, he continued.

On Wednesday the Israeli military raided Gazas largest hospital conducting a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area of the facility, according to the Associated Press. The news outlet said the hospital has been the site of a standoff with the militant group. The war began with a violent Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7. Casualties thus far have resulted in more than 1,400 people in Israel killed, with as many as 240 hostages still being held captive by Hamas.The death toll in Gaza exceeds 11,200 people, two-thirds of them women and minors, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah. About 2,700 people in Gaza have been reported missing, said the Associated Press.

Roughly two hours into the rally, attendees marched from outside Borough Hall to the highly-trafficked intersection of Bay Street and Richmond Terrace before continuing onto the bus ramp for the St. George Ferry Terminal.

The borough presidents office had issued an advisory earlier in the day that Staten Island Ferry service may be disrupted as a result of Tuesday nights protest, though the Department of Transportation issued no such warnings and did not report any service disruptions throughout the course of the evening.
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. Kazakhstan is working on a new system of state planning, Deputy Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan Bauyrzhan Kudaibergenov said at the second Baku Forum on Sustainable Development, Trend reports.

"Around 80 percent of Kazakhstan's state budget is now dedicated to funding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as the indicators and objectives of the SDGs. The country's Ministry of Economy is now developing a new state planning system, with one of its liabilities being to integrate strategic, economic, and budgetary planning. I'd like to highlight the synchronization of SDG tasks and indicators in particular," Kudaibergenov said.

He noted that the most necessary tool for attracting private capital is infrastructure.

"We are preparing a major document, Kazakhstan's national infrastructure plan, within the framework of the new state planning system. It will serve as a foundation for providing private capital with infrastructure and energy resources, including compensation for private capital investors' development and infrastructure costs, as well as shared financing of certain expenses," he said.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Flight Centre boss Graham Skroo Turner has accused Transport Minister Catherine King of being responsible for higher airfares and criticised the slow return of seats on international flights for Australian travellers.

Speaking at the companys annual general meeting in Brisbane on Wednesday, Turner said the lack of airline capacity and competition was stifling the travel agencys recovery.

Flight Centre managing director Graham Skroo Turner called Catherine King the minister for higher airfares. Credit: Dan Peled

He reiterated Flight Centres strong support for Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways bids for additional flights to and from Australia.

We are still concerned about the lack of available seats on services between Australia and Europe via the Middle East, he said, claiming that the transport minister is now known as the minister for higher airfares within the travel industry.
The metal is being shipped from Russia to refineries in countries such as the UAE that do not have sanctions against Russia. There, the gold is melted down to scrub it of its association with Russia before being sold on. Once melted down and recast or refined, the origin cannot be determined by examination, as any hallmarks are lost, the NCA warned. Gold is being shipped from Russia to refineries in countries such as the UAE that do not have sanctions against Russia. There, it is melted down to scrub it of its association with Russia before being sold on. Credit: Reuters The trail of gold is generating a vital source of revenue for President Putins war machine. And it is becoming glaringly clear that the bulk of this is moving through the UAE. London is the centre of the worlds gold trade and London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), which regulates the trade, banned Russian gold shortly after the invasion of Ukraine.

The LBMA, which accredits gold refineries and sets the standard for global trade, banned bars made in Russia from March 7, 2022 onwards from being traded. Western allies followed suit and banned all Russian gold exported from July 2022 onwards. Yet rather than crush the trade, it has been rerouted. UN data shows that UAE imports of Russian gold increased 15 times over between 2021 and 2022. Other data suggests the true figure may be even higher. Russian customs records obtained earlier this year by Reuters showed that the UAE had imported 75.7 tonnes of gold from Russia worth a total of $US4.3 billion in the year since the war in Ukraine began. This was 58 times the volume by weight that was imported across 2021. The UAE was by far the largest destination for Russian gold, followed by China (primarily via Hong Kong) and Turkey, which each imported around 20 tonnes. This data suggests sanctions on Paloma Precious are hitting only the tip of a very large iceberg.

Based on the customs records, the $US300 million in Russian gold traded by Paloma is equivalent to only about 7 per cent of the total that entered the UAE in the first 12 months of the war. The majority of the worlds gold refineries are accredited by the LBMA, which means they have to prove the source of every gram of gold handled and are subjected to annual external audits. LBMA-accredited refineries account for around 90 per cent of annual mined gold production around the world. Russia has evolved into a barter-style economy where they are using products from their extractive industries such as oil, gas and metals mining, to pay for the purchase of weapons overseas as well as for consumer goods. But in the recycled gold sector there is less oversight. LBMA-accredited refineries cover about 50-60 per cent of recycled gold production. It is the recycled gold that makes up the bulk of the UAEs market. In the UAE, there are three or four major gold refineries. None are accredited by the LBMA.

Until July this summer, the Emirates Gold refinery was an affiliate member of the LBMA. But after the LBMA completed a due diligence review this summer, it suspended the refinerys membership until further notice. The suspension is understood to be driven by suspected links to Russia. Separately, the UAE also blocked Emirates Gold from delivering into Dubais gold market after it failed to meet standards for responsible sourcing and anti-money laundering. The current owner of Emirates Gold is Paloma Precious. In September, London-listed Rockfire Resources announced a deal to acquire 100 per cent of Emirates Gold, provided it was reinstated to the UAEs good delivery list. Rockfire has since said it is taking urgent legal advice to determine the impact of UK sanctions on the transaction. Paloma Precious did not respond to a request for comment. Because the UAE has no sanctions on Russia, Putin is free to export Russian gold to these refineries. Russias reliance on friendly countries such as the UAE to wash its gold mimics the way Putin has managed to circumvent the G7 oil price cap by building a dark fleet of tankers operating outside the Western insurance market.

The bulk of the Russian gold that passes through the UAE is likely going on to China and India, but some will also be coming to the UK. It cannot be imported into the UK as bars because it lacks LBMA certification, but it can be imported as jewellery or even in electronics. British holidaymakers who buy jewellery in the UAE may also inadvertently be purchasing Russian gold and bringing it home. UAE is now under intense scrutiny for its role in the global market for shadowy Russian gold. Credit: iStock The end result is a lifeline for the Kremlin. Russia produces more than 300 tonnes of gold per year and the sector was worth 12.6 billion ($24.2 billion) to the economy in 2021. It is a critical revenue stream for Russias war effort and one of the largest after oil and gas, the Foreign Office warned. Gold is essential to Russia, says Christopher Swift, a national security lawyer at Foley & Lardner and formerly an official in the US Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control. Loading
Its practically impossible to see Meg Ryan and not think about Nora Ephron. By the time Ryan starred in Youve Got Mail (1998)  her third film either written or directed by Ephron  the two were officially a package deal.

Thats why all I could think about when I saw Ryan had made a new film, What Happens Later, was the late, Oscar-nominated screenwriter. Ephron, who died in 2012, revolutionised the romantic-comedy genre, highlighting not only strong female characters but also their sexuality (we all want what shes having now).

Nora Ephrons Mixed Nuts is a sleeper Christmas hit. Credit: TriStar Pictures

Where Ephron goes, the holy trinity follows: When Harry Met Sally (1989), Sleepless in Seattle (1993) and Youve Got Mail. We romcom lovers collectively recite the Katzs Delicatessen fake-orgasm scene word-for-word, we worship the ground Tom Hanks walks on (in either film, take your pick) and we give thanks to how far weve come since ye olde email.

But has our devotion to this sentimental triad overshadowed Ephrons other gems  or nuts?
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Tips & adviceFood waste How to save money by using the ingredients languishing in your pantry Were all looking for easy budget wins that will leave a little more in the bank to fund those necessary extravagances. Heres how to shop from the pantry and use up whats already there. Kimberley Gillan November 16, 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

Food rescue charity OzHarvest says that Aussies waste vegetables, bread, fruit, bagged salad and leftovers at an extraordinary rate. Recent research from the UK found that vinegar, stock cubes and tinned vegetables topped the list of ingredients sitting in most pantries. Thankfully chefs Mel Alafaci, the author of Culinary Quickies, and Bridget Foliaki-Davis, from Bridgets Healthy Kitchen, have some clever tips for using up these common strays. My friends hate me because I can come over to their place and theyll go, Ive got nothing in the fridge, but I can do a seven-course degustation, Alafaci says. Its an exciting opportunity to cook with those ingredients that you have  it makes you thrifty and youre going to feel really good about yourself afterwards. Heres how.

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Vinegar Vinegar doesnt exactly expire, but the longer you leave it, the less flavour and acidity its likely to have. Making your own salad dressings is a fantastic way to use up your vinegars  relying on bottled ones is not living; theyre so dismal, Alafaci says. How to make (and dress) the best green salad ever For a classic French [vinaigrette], mix two parts white or brown vinegar to one part extra-virgin olive oil, some dry herbs and a teaspoon of mustard. Shake it up and voila, youll feel very cheffy. You can also drizzle vinegar on some lovely house-made hot chips from the air fryer.

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Pickling vegetables and making chutney is another easy hack for using up vinegar and almost-kaput carrots, onions, cucumbers and beetroot. Use them to elevate your burgers, bowls and brekkies. Recipe collection Get picklin': 35+ easy ways to get your pickle on You can literally pickle any type of vegetable, Foliaki-Davis says. The idea is you pop 200ml of vinegar in a pot with the chopped vegetable, add a bit of a sweetener such as honey, maple syrup or erythritol, and bring it to the boil so the sugar dissolves. Pop it in a sterilised jar and use it as a side with your omelette. Blitz up white beans into a creamy puree to serve with protein like this harissa lamb. Katrina Meynink Stock cubes

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Stock cubes are a crafty home cooks secret salty weapon for adding a hit of flavour to soups, gravy and bolognese, especially if youre feeding fussy kids. I love to take a can of chickpeas, butter beans or cannellini beans, half a stock cube and 80ml of cream and blitz it up, then serve as the sexiest puree, Alafaci suggests. Its quick, cheap and easy, and its just like what theyre doing in restaurants. Butterflied harissa lamb with white bean and feta puree Tapenade flatbreads with white bean puree and fried capers

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Canned vegetables Canned foods tend to clutter up our pantries, but Alafaci thinks of them as a necessary evil to have on hand for quick meals. You can make amazing things with tinned vegetables  I see them as my superpower because theyre so versatile, she says. But you have to make sure you keep using the ones youve already got, and not constantly topping up [your supply]. Foliaki-Davis turns a can of tomatoes into a simple passata by warming it on the stove-top with some herbs, salt and pepper, and a little bit of soy sauce. Cook it for half an hour until the acid goes out of the tomatoes and blend it  you can add it to lasagne or curries, she says.

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Recipe collection 20+ ways with a tin of tomatoes Adam Liaws vegetable frittata. William Meppem Old vegetables Did you know that almost halfof all fruit and vegetables are wasted? Help reverse that stat by making like Foliaki-Davis and having regular fridge forage stir-fries, soups and frittatas.

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You can also make a beautiful roast Mediterranean vegetable traybake using languishing carrots, cauliflower, capsicum or zucchini (that arent yet slimy). Set the oven to 250C so its swear-word hot  if you do them at 180 degrees, it will make them steam  and bake your carrot, cauliflower or zucchini, Alafaci says. EASY A powerful weapon in your cooking arsenal: Adam Liaw cracks the formula for the perfect roasted veg frittata I also like to peel sweet potato into ribbons  drizzle a little bit of olive oil and put them into the air fryer or hot oven. In four minutes, youve got sweet potato chips to give some crunch to a curry or stir-fry or stack. As for bagged salads (which also top the most binned list), if theyre looking a little listless, Alafaci suggests stir-frying them for an antioxidant-rich side.

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Heat some sesame oil or peanut oil in a frypan and add the kale slaw or mixed leaves, serve with some ready noodles and soy sauce, feed it to your kids and call it noodle box, she says. You can also put old vegies and bagged salads through a food processor to make a gravel to add to your bolognese or slow-cooked meal. Adam Liaws best garlic bread. William Meppem Bread Chewy, days-old bread can be refreshed in the oven. Spread garlic butter to make a garlic bread side, or rip it into croutons to sprinkle on salads, soups and pastas for a bit of extra crunch.

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To make croutons, drizzle or spray with some extra virgin olive oil and a bit of salt and put it into the air fryer, Foliaki-Davis suggests. And if you dont use them all up on your salad, blitz them into breadcrumbs to put in a zip-lock bag in your freezer for future use. EASY Adam Liaw's best garlic bread Recipe collection 40 brilliant ways with breadcrumbs Fruit

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The oven can be a helpful tool for extending the life of less-than-fresh fruit. I like to slice and roast apples, pears and pineapple  put it in a 250C oven until its nice and brown, then add it to salads; or serve roasted pear with prosciutto and goats cheese, Alafaci suggests. EASY Coconut-roasted pineapple Leftovers A meal plan for the week can help you predict some leftover repurposing, so that they dont sit there for three days before you bin them.

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I love making what I call a gut healing bowl  Ill use [a scoop of] leftovers, some pickles, raw vegetables, a boiled egg and some nuts and seeds or olives or whatever else is in my fridge, Foliaki-Davis says. You have this amazing, delicious variety of food and ... leftovers get used. Recipe collection Stand-by solutions: Recipes using pantry, fridge and freezer essentials

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Parents at a major regional Catholic college are fighting back against plans by the school to cut time in the classroom to four days a week, a move that will allow students to learn at home on Mondays with no formal teaching.

Chevalier College in the Southern Highlands is proposing students in years 10 to 12 learn remotely for one day each week, with the schools principal saying the overhaul will set students up for success in the modern world.

Chevalier College in Bowral intends to reduce in-person learning to four days a week as part of a trial in 2024.

The plan has provoked fierce backlash from parents who say the outrageous decision will put untenable pressure on families and cause major disruption for HSC students.

Principal Greg Miller told parents that students in year 10 and up will be invited to learn from home on some Mondays from next year if they complete a flipped learning micro-credential to make them eligible for remote learning. A similar plan for year 9 was dismissed.
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.
The Muslim vote. The Chinese vote. After decades of multicultural policy and with the recent historically high immigration intake, the emerging phenomenon of federal electorates that are ethnically or religiously specific is reshaping our politics.

Seats with large diasporic communities are deciding elections. Last year, voters of Chinese origin, offended by Scott Morrisons regular verbal aggression towards China, helped hand power to the Labor Party. Three Liberal-held seats with big Chinese communities  Chisholm, Bennelong, and Reid  swung hard to Labor, which won office with just a two-seat margin.

Australian society is becoming increasingly more complex and diverse. Credit: Dionne Gain

Now, were seeing the potential electoral power of the Muslim vote being asserted over the Israel-Hamas conflict. This time, the diasporic vote presents some difficulties for the ALP.

Its true that in times past, religious and cultural ties have played outsized roles in important Australian political debates. The Catholic Church and Irish Australians heavily influenced the outcomes of two highly controversial issues in the 20th century: the conscription question during World War One, and the presence of communists in the labour movement in the 1950s. Both debates caused the Labor Party to split.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 15. At the initiative of Kazakhstan, a methodology is being developed to assess the impact of integration processes on the development of the economies of the EAEU member states, Trend reports.

The Eurasian Economic Commission will use the tools of country and cross-country input-output tables. Using this methodology, calculations of the total effect of integration on the economies of the EAEU member states will be carried out.

The Eurasian Economic Commission will use the data of each country, as well as data of other countries' trade to calculate the potential effect of integration on the economies of the EAEU member states.

It will also make it possible to calculate the contribution to GDP of indicators of mutual trade in goods and services, mutual investments and migration of labor resources.

The study and use of the experience of the member countries of the EAEU (Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia) can be used in the future when calculating the national inter-sectoral balance.

It is also possible that the methodology will be in demand for assessing the development of national economies and the EAEU as a whole.

Approval of the methodology is planned before the end of this year.
Labor has rejected a Coalition proposal to ban the Nazi salute, in a rare split of federal parliaments powerful security and intelligence committee on the heated issue of restricting the display of hate symbols.

The parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security was, however, united in calling for the government to drop a plan to ban the public display of the Islamic State flag because of concerns that it would criminalise the displays of legitimate Islamic imagery.

Coalition committee member Andrew Wallace. Credit: Rhett Wyman

In dissenting comments in a committee report released on Wednesday, Coalition members said they strongly disagreed with the Labor majority on the committee who argued the proposed ban on Nazi hate symbols should be limited to symbols such as the swastika and Nazi flag.

As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton clashed in question time over rising antisemitism, Liberal MP Andrew Wallace, the deputy chair of the committee, said in a written statement: It beggars belief as to why government members wont support the banning of the Nazi salute.
A last-ditch campaign to save the Murray-Darling Basin Plan has been launched by Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek, who is seeking a deal with the Greens or the Coalition to back her otherwise doomed plan to extend the looming deadline for water recovery.

Plibersek says the plan, to recover water from farmers to boost river flow and the environmental health of the ecosystem by the end of the year, is set to fall 750 gigalitres short of its 3200 gigalitre target  equivalent to one-and-a-half Sydney Harbours.

Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek, centre, with farmers and community members who support water buybacks. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen.

The ministers Restoring Our Rivers Bill would extend the deadline until January 2027, but it must be enacted before the current deadline at the end of 2023. With just two parliamentary sitting weeks left, time is running out.

The bill has passed the House of Representatives and the government must secure support from either Greens or Coalition senators to legislate it.
The case was brought on behalf of a plaintiff under the pseudonym of NZYQ, a stateless Rohingya man who lost his Australian visa after being convicted of raping a 10-year-old boy. The individuals legal team argued it was unconstitutional for the Commonwealth to hold a person with no prospect of leaving Australia. High Chief Court Justice Stephen Gageler. Credit: Oscar Colman Gageler agreed. It is declared that, by reason of there having been and continuing to be no real prospect of the removal of the plaintiff from Australia becoming practicable in the reasonably foreseeable future  the plaintiffs detention was unlawful  [and] the plaintiffs continued detention is unlawful, Gageler ruled.

This overturned a 2004 decision made by the High Court, which upheld the constitutional validity of indefinite immigration detention in the case of Al-Kateb v Godwin. Loading Why was the High Court decision made? Barrister for the plaintiff Craig Lenehan, SC, told the court his client was a Rohingya man, a member of a persecuted group in Myanmar, meaning he could not gain citizenship from that country. The detained man had been imprisoned since he was paroled in 2018 and several attempts were made by the Department of Home Affairs to deport him, but were unsuccessful as he was not recognised as a citizen in any country.

In Lenehans written submission, he argued aliens in Australia have a freedom from being detained by mere administrative decision or action. The Commonwealth Executive cannot take away that freedom, he wrote. Gageler ultimately agreed with this argument, making the order that the government cannot detain people indefinitely if there was no prospect of deporting them in the foreseeable future. Who are the 83 people released? Murderers, sex offenders and people smugglers are included in the detainees released from immigration detention on bridging visas.

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles confirmed on Tuesday three of the detainees were murderers and several were sex offenders. Western Australias premier Roger Cook told parliamentary question time on Tuesday that seven of the states 32 released were known sex offenders. Loading The released detainees include brothers, Juma and Zackaria Chol, who gained refugee visas after fleeing Sudan in 2001. The pair had their visas cancelled by the former Coalition government after they were convicted and jailed for attacking a man with a baseball bat in March 2012, fracturing the victims skull. Gus Kuster, who was born in Papua New Guinea and claims Torres Strait Islander heritage, has also been released after being placed in immigration detention after several stints in jail for domestic violence and drug, motor vehicle and weapons-related offending.

Former Sudanese child soldier William Yekrop is another freed detainee after 10 years in immigration detention. He was convicted of offences relating to property damage, drink driving, dangerous driving, violence and miscellaneous other offences. Former Malaysian prime ministerial bodyguard Sirul Azhar Umar is also walking free after being held for almost nine years. Sirul was sentenced to death over a gruesome, politically charged murder in 2006 of pregnant 28-year-old Mongolian translator and model Altantuyaa Shaariibuu. The Australian government does not deport people who are facing the death penalty, making Siruls detention indefinite. Why is the decision controversial? Immigration Minister Andrew Giles and Home Affairs Minister Clare ONeil have acknowledged the risk the individuals convicted of significant crimes pose to the community and are considering new laws and regulations available to it to deal with the fallout.

Those crimes and those people are absolutely despicable. Im raising three children in this country and I can tell you that if there was anything in my power to keep these people in detention I would absolutely do it, ONeil told Sevens Sunrise program on Wednesday. Home Affairs Minister Clare ONeil. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen In the governments released response on Tuesday, it stated the individuals were under strict conditions, including regular reporting of their whereabouts, personal details and social media profiles to authorities. The government is exploring further measures, including legislative and regulatory options, to ensure community safety as we work through the implications of the High Courts decision noting the court is yet to hand down its reasons, the statement said. Dutton disagreed, saying on Wednesday the government should have been prepared for this outcome and that it had the ability to make legislative changes without the High Courts reasons.
Melbourne Airport Rail has survived a federal review of infrastructure projects, with the Commonwealth deciding to push on with the long-awaited train line even as a feud erupts with the Allan government over who is to blame for delays.

But one in 10 projects promised across the country face the axe to make financial space for major road, rail and bridge works that have blown out in cost by $33 billion.

An artists impression of a proposed elevated rail station at Melbourne Airport.

Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King will on Thursday release the Albanese governments review of the national infrastructure pipeline, with select findings provided to The Age calling for an overhaul of the Commonwealths funding priorities.

While the review does not contain findings about the Suburban Rail Loop, it does have recommendations that require it be proven to have national significance, and force Victoria to provide annual updates on its project spending.
A planned school student climate protest threatens to derail West Australian Premier Roger Cooks green energy message in the states first-ever energy transition summit on Friday.

The strike will intensify scrutiny of the summit at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, which has drawn ire from environmental groups due to the heavy presence of gas lobbyists and companies at an event billed by Cook as a chance to chart WAs course to becoming a global green energy superpower.

The school strike for climate will take place outside WA Premier Roger Cooks energy summit on Friday. Credit: Lauren Pilat

The peaceful strike is the WA iteration of the National Schools Strike 4 Climate and is the fifth year that Australian students have wagged school to demand governments end coal and gas projects and adopt more ambitious targets like net-zero emissions and 100 per cent public renewable energy by 2030.

Margaret River student and WA strike organiser Emma Heyink, 17, said hundreds of protestors would walk from Woodsides headquarters to the summit, to send the message that her generation wanted action on climate change that didnt involve gas.
Leongatha woman Erin Patterson, who is accused of poisoning family members with mushrooms, has sold her property in Mount Waverley for an undisclosed price.

She listed the three-bedroom townhouse for sale with a guide of $960,000 to $1.05 million, and it was due to go to auction on Saturday morning.

A Mount Waverley property owned by Erin Patterson found a buyer. Credit: Pricefinder

However, the listing for the property was withdrawn earlier today, and real estate agency Ray White confirmed the townhouse had sold to a local buyer.

It is not the home where the mushroom lunch was served.
It said it warned relevant authorities in Gaza that all military activities within the hospital must cease. Unfortunately, it did not. Loading The military said a number of Hamas terrorists were killed by troops before entering the hospital. Less than an hour earlier, about 1am Gaza time, a Gaza Health Ministry spokesman said Israel had told officials in the enclave that it would raid the hospital complex in the coming minutes. Dr Munir al-Bursh, director-general of the ministry, told Al Jazeera television that Israeli forces had raided the western side of the medical complex. There are big explosions and dust entered the areas where we are. We believe an explosion occurred inside the hospital.

In recent weeks, the Israel Defence Forces have publicly warned time and again that Hamas continued military use of the Shifa Hospital jeopardises 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. Hamas has denied the Israeli accusations that it uses the hospital for cover. 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 militant group.

Inside some of the captured buildings, soldiers held up the Israeli flag and military flags in celebration. For days, the Israeli army has said Hamas hides in, and beneath the hospital, to use civilians as shields for its main command base. Hospital staff and Hamas deny the claim. After days without refrigeration, morgue staff on Tuesday dug a mass grave in the yard for more than 120 bodies, officials said. Meanwhile, Israeli defence officials said they had 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 Hamas bloody cross-border invasion on October 7.

Plight of hospitals Fighting has raged for days around Al Shifa Hospital, a complex several city blocks across at the centre of Gaza City that has now turned into a cemetery, its director said in a statement. Loading The Gaza Health Ministry said 40 patients, including three babies, had died since the hospitals emergency generator ran out of fuel on Saturday. Another 36 babies were at risk of dying because there was no power for incubators, according to the ministry. The 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 had not received any response, ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said on Tuesday.

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 that Hamas operates a command centre in and beneath Al Shifa are based on intelligence, but it has not provided visual evidence of a command centre to support them. Denying the claims, the Gaza Health Ministry said it had invited international organisations to investigate the facility. Al Shifa is a sprawling complex of buildings and courtyards a few hundred metres from Gaza Citys fishing port. Buildings on the western side of the complex, which the Gaza official said was the site of the raid, include the internal medicine and dialysis departments. Hamas says 650 patients and 5000 to 7000 other civilians were trapped inside the hospital grounds, under constant fire from Israeli snipers and drones.

At nearby Al-Quds hospital, remaining patients, doctors and families have been evacuated, the Palestinian Red Crescent aid group announced earlier. 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.

Earlier the White Houses national security council spokesperson, John Kirby, said the US had unspecified intelligence that Hamas and other Palestinian militants use Al Shifa and other hospitals and tunnels underneath them to support military operations and hold hostages. The intelligence is based on multiple sources, and the US independently collected the information, a US official said on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters. Kirby said the US didnt support airstrikes on hospitals and did not want to see a firefight in a hospital where innocent people were trying to get care. The Agence France-Presse reported that Hamas said the White Houses remarks about a command centre at Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza was a green light for Israel to commit brutal massacres targeting medical facilities in the Palestinian territory.
China suspended regular contact with the US military in August last year, after Pelosi visited Taiwan, despite Beijing threatening repercussions. But the contact began eroding long before Pelosi defiantly stepped onto the tarmac in Taipei. Nancy Pelosis 2022 Taiwan trip inflamed tensions between China and the US. Credit: AP Indeed, US officials say that China has not responded to multiple Department of Defence requests for top-level dialogues since 2021. The US views military contact as crucial to avoiding any missteps that could result in a war, particularly across the Asia-Pacific, where China has ramped up its efforts to militarise man-made islands in the South China Sea.

Having our two militaries in communication is the way you reduce mistakes, you avoid escalation, and you manage competition, so it doesnt veer into conflict, said Bidens national security adviser Jake Sullivan. Combating fentanyl Its the deadliest drug in America: 50 times more powerful than heroin and responsible for almost 74,000 overdose deaths last year alone. But in a potential breakthrough, the meeting could result in a crackdown on fentanyl under a deal that would lead to China going after chemical companies, while the US would lift restrictions on Chinas forensic institute. A protester reacts as delegates from China exit the St Regis Hotel on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco. Credit: Bloomberg

Fentanyl largely comes into the US thanks to China, which produces most of the source chemicals used to make the synthetic drug. It is then mass-produced in Mexico and enters America via drug cartels. I wont get too far ahead of the meeting, and Ill let the president speak for himself after he has the chance to meet with President Xi, Sullivan said. But we believe that there are areas where our interests overlap, like our efforts to combat the illicit fentanyl trade. The wars in Gaza and Ukraine As Xi Jinping was en route to the US for his first visit since 2017, tens of thousands of demonstrators were gathering at Washingtons National Mall for a March for Israel rally.

The protest came as the latest Middle East conflict entered its sixth week. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is rejecting calls for a ceasefire and Biden is under growing pressure in the US  and among the APEC nations  to do more to stop the carnage in Gaza. Tens of thousands of Americans attended the March for Israel in Washington on Tuesday. Credit: AP Against this backdrop, and alongside the ongoing war in Ukraine, Biden will attempt to convince Xi that its in his interest to use Chinas leverage with Iran and Russia to help contain the conflicts. Taiwan Next year will be big for elections, with the US set to go to the polls in November, and Taiwans presidency up for grabs in January.

Loading Both could inject more uncertainty into the bilateral relationship, says Bonny Lin, the director of the China Power Project at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. The US has a long-standing One China policy, which recognises formal ties with China rather than the island of Taiwan. The policy also acknowledges that there is only one Chinese government. At the same time, Biden has sent mixed signals on where he stands, which has exacerbated tensions.

To that end, China  which views Taiwan as its own  is likely to push Biden for additional reassurances that the US does not support Taiwanese independence. Biden, meanwhile, will underscore US concerns about Beijings military activities around Taiwan and set out a vision for peace and stability and the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) ahead of his high-stakes meeting with US President Joe Biden. Credit: Bloomberg Technology For the past year, the US has imposed sweeping restrictions on technology exports to China to thwart American chips and equipment from strengthening the countrys military.

Needless to say, Beijing has bristled over the export controls, accusing Washington of trying to suppress Chinese companies. Loading The US needs to stop politicising and weaponising trade and tech issues and stop destabilising global industrial and supply chains, Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said last month after a new round of rules were announced, this time in relation to AI chips. Xi will use the meeting as a way to shift the trajectory, while Biden is expected to defend the US position, while at the same time, seek to assure Xi that he is not trying to wage an economic war. The United States does not seek to decouple from China, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said at APEC on Monday. We have no interest in such a divided world and its disastrous effects.
Gold Royalty reports third quarter 2023 financial and operating resultsa continued growth driven by recent acquisitions

Gold Royalty Corp. (aGold Royaltya or the aCompanya) (NYSE American: GROY)  https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/gold-royalty-corp/  A is pleased to announce the filing of its operating and financial results for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2023. The Company will be hosting an Investor Webcast to discuss these results on Wednesday, November 15 at 11:00 AM ET. All amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.

David Garofalo, Chairman and CEO of Gold Royalty, commented: \I am very encouraged by our teama?s progress in Q3 2023, having achieved a 48% increase in quarterly Total Revenue and Land Agreement Proceeds* in addition to a 50% decrease in quarterly Cash Operating Expenses* year over year. Our business is currently on track to deliver on our 2023 guidance and poised to break into positive free cash flow in 2024. The recently announced acquisitions of the Cozamin royalty and the SOQUEM royalty portfolio supplement what we believe is one of the strongest organic growth pipelines in the sector. Odyssey, CAtA and REN have had positive advancements during the quarter with initial production from CAtA expected by its operator in early 2024.\

Highlights for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, include:

Continued decrease in Cash Operating Expenses* for the quarter as a result of the Companya?s efforts to reduce costs. Cash Operating Expenses* in the quarter decreased by 50% to $1.6 million from $3.3 million in the comparative period. For the same period total expenses decreased to $2.2 million from $3.7 million.

Total Revenue and Land Agreement Proceeds* for the quarter increased by 48% to $1.4 million, from $0.9 million in the comparative period. Revenue, under IFRS, was essentially unchanged at $0.8 million in the current quarter. Full year Total Revenue and Land Agreement Proceeds* guidance of $5.5 million to $6.5 million is maintained.

Adjusted Net Loss Per Share* for the third quarter of 2023 improved to $0.01 per share from $0.03 per share in the comparative period. For the same period net loss per share improved to $0.01 per share from $0.03 per share.

Cash used in operating activities before movements in working capital improved by 67% to $0.9 million in the third quarter of 2023 from $2.7 million in the comparative period due to higher Total Revenue and Land Agreement Proceeds* and lower Cash Operating Expenses*.

On August 30, 2023, the Company completed an acquisition of a 1.0% net smelter return (\NSR\) royalty on portions of the producing Cozamin copper-silver mine in Mexico (\Cozamin\) operated by Capstone Copper Corp. (\Capstone\) for a cash consideration of $7.5 million from Endeavour Silver Corp. and its subsidiary.

On November 2, 2023 the Company announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire a portfolio of royalties located in QuAbec from SOQUEM (SociAtA QuAbAcoise d\-exploration miniAre), a subsidiary of Investissement QuAbec, for C$1 million in common shares of the Company.

The Company generated 2 new royalties through its Royalty Generator Model and has now created 39 new royalties through this model since 2021.

The following table sets forth selected financial information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023:

For further detailed information, please refer to the Company\-s unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements and management\-s discussion and analysis, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, copies of which are available under the Company\-s profile at www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov.

Outlook

Management currently believes the Company is on track to meet its previously disclosed forecast of $5.5 million and $6.5 million in Total Revenue and Land Agreement Proceeds in 2023 based on the production guidance published to date by the operators of the properties underlying the Company\-s interests, a forecasted gold price ranging from $1,700 to $2,000 per ounce and expected payments from land agreements. The Company expects to incur $7.0 to $8.0 million in recurring Cash Operating Expenses in 2023 (forecasted cash operating expenses, excluding transaction-related and other non-recurring expenses) which remains unchanged as well. The Company currently expects that it will generate positive net operating cash flow in 2024 (forecasted operating cash flow before movement in non-cash working capital adjusted for land agreement proceed credited against mineral properties) when select key growth projects are expected to ramp up in production, including the long-life cornerstone mines at CAtA and Odyssey.

The foregoing projected outlook constitutes \-\-forward-looking information\ and \forward-looking statements\ within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws and is intended to provide information about management\-s current expectations for the Company\-s 2023 fiscal year. Although considered reasonable as of the date hereof, such outlook and the underlying assumptions may prove to be inaccurate. Accordingly, actual results could differ materially from the Company\-s expectations as set forth herein.

In preparing the above outlook, management assumed, among other things, that the operators of the projects underlying the Company\-s royalties will meet expected production milestones and forecasts for the applicable period and that operators of land agreements will elect to make all expected payments over the period. See \Forward-Looking Statements\.

Portfolio Update

Odyssey Project (3.0% NSR over the northern portion of the project): On October 25, 2023, Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (\Agnico Eagle\) issued a news release reporting strong quarterly gold production and provided an update on the Odyssey Project. It disclosed that production via the ramp at the Odyssey South deposit increased through the quarter reaching 3,300 tonnes per day (\tpd\) in September, approaching the planned mining rate of 3,500 tpd for 2024. Agnico Eagle stated that the internal zones continue to provide upside in tonnage and grade at Odyssey South and exploration drilling in the quarter focused on infilling the internal zones at the Odyssey South deposit and mineral resource expansion of the East Gouldie deposit to the east and west.

CAtA Gold Project (0.75% NSR royalty over the southern portion of the project): In a news release dated October 23, 2023 IAMGOLD Corporation disclosed that, as of September 30, 2023, the CAtA Gold Project was estimated to be approximately 92% complete and first production is expected to commence in early 2024. It further disclosed that mining activities have built the current ore stockpile to 3.7 million tonnes of material, on track to the target build-up of 5.0 million tonnes by the end of the year.

Ren Project (1.5% NSR royalty and 3.5% NPI): On September 12, 2023, Barrick Gold Corporation (\Barrick\)issued a news release that included an update on the embedded growth projects driving value and an expected rise in production. It disclosed that at Carlin, Ren was highlighted as a continued driver of growth with expected increases in resources and a pre-feasibility study targeted for 2026.

Granite Creek Mine Project (10.0% NPI): In a news release dated October 11, 2023, i-80 Gold Corp (ai-80a) provided a development and exploration update on the Granite Creek operation. At Granite Creek, i-80 disclosed that it achieved 592 tons per day of mineralized material production as the operation continues to ramp-up. It stated that mining is focused on the extraction of high-grade gold mineralization in the Ogee Zone while development progresses towards the South Pacific Zone (aSPZa) and that the SPZ is host to high-grade gold mineralization located immediately north of the underground mine workings and is expected to become the minea?s main horizon beginning in 2024.

Cozamin Mine (1.0% NSR over a portion of the mine): In a news release dated November 3, 2023, Capstone reported its third quarter 2023 results including an update on operations at Cozamin. 2023 YTD copper (aCua) production of 17.8 kt Cu was reported with recoveries and grades consistent with the same period last year. It disclosed that planned exploration work at Cozamin is focused on infill drilling which is expected to support an updated mineral resource estimate in 2024.

Royalty Generation Model Update

The Companya?s Royalty Generator Model had a productive third quarter with two new royalties added in. The Company has now generated 39 royalties since the acquisition of Ely Gold Royalties Inc. in 2021 through this model. Details of the new royalties generated during the quarter are as follows:

The Rays property was sold to Barrick with Gold Royalty retaining a 2.0% NSR royalty over the property.

The Butte Highlands property was sold to Butte Highlands JV with Gold Royalty retaining a 2.0% NSR royalty over the property.

The Company currently has 31 properties subject to land agreements and 7 properties under lease generating land agreement proceeds. The model continues to incur low operating costs with under $80,000 spent on mineral interests maintenance expense during the third quarter of 2023.

Investor Webcast

An investor webcast will be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 11:00 am ET (8:00 am PT) to discuss these results. Management will be providing an update to interested stakeholders on the Companya?s quarterly results including key recent catalysts that have been announced on the assets underlying the Companya?s royalties. The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session where participants will be able to ask any questions they may have of management.

To register for the investor webcast, please click the link below: https://www.bigmarker.com/vid-conferences/GROY-Q3-Results

A replay of the webcast will be available on the Gold Royalty website following the presentation.

About Gold Royalty Corp.

Gold Royalty Corp. is a gold-focused royalty company offering creative financing solutions to the metals and mining industry. Its mission is to invest in high-quality, sustainable, and responsible mining operations to build a diversified portfolio of precious metals royalty and streaming interests that generate superior long-term returns for our shareholders. Gold Royalty\-s diversified portfolio currently consists primarily of net smelter return royalties on gold properties located in the Americas.

Gold Royalty Corp. Contact

Peter Behncke

Manager, Corporate Development & Investor Relations

Telephone: (833) 396-3066

Email: info@goldroyalty.com

In Europe:

Swiss Resource Capital AG

Jochen Staiger & Marc Ollinger

info@resource-capital.ch

www.resource-capital.ch

Qualified Person

Alastair Still, P.Geo., Director of Technical Services of the Company, is a \qualified person\ as such term is defined under Canadian National Instrument 43-101 (\NI 43-101\) and has reviewed and approved the technical information disclosed in this news release.

Notice to Investors

For further information regarding the project updates regarding properties underlying the Company\-s interests, please refer to the disclosures of the operators thereof, including the news releases referenced herein. Disclosure relating to properties in which Gold Royalty holds royalty or other interests is based on information publicly disclosed by the owners or operators of such properties. The Company generally has limited or no access to the properties underlying its interests and is largely dependent on the disclosure of the operators of its interests and other publicly available information. The Company generally has limited or no ability to verify such information. Although the Company does not have any knowledge that such information may not be accurate, there can be no assurance that such third-party information is complete or accurate.

Unless otherwise indicated, the technical and scientific disclosure contained or referenced in this news release, including any references to mineral resources or mineral reserves, was prepared by the project operators in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101, which differs significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (aSECa) applicable to domestic issuers. Accordingly, the scientific and technical information contained or referenced in this news release may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC.

Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain of the information contained in this news release constitutes \forward-looking information\ and \forward-looking statements\ within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws (collectively, \forward-looking statements\), including but not limited toA statements regarding: estimated future Total Revenues and Land Agreement Proceeds and expected future cash flows;; expectations regarding the operations and/or development of the projects underlying the Company\-s royalty interests, including the estimates of the operators thereof their timing and ability to achieve production; and expectations regarding the Company\-s growth and statements regarding the Company\-s plans and strategies. Such statements can be generally identified by the use of terms such as \may\, \will\, \expect\, \intend\, \believe\, \plans\, \anticipate\ or similar terms. Forward-looking statements are based upon certain assumptions and other important factors, including assumptions of management regarding the accuracy of the disclosure of the operators of the projects underlying the Company\-s projects, their ability to achieve disclosed plans and targets, macroeconomic conditions, commodity prices, and the Company\-s ability to finance future growth and acquisitions. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements including, among others, any inability to any inability of the operators of the properties underlying the Companya?s royalty interests to execute proposed plans for such properties or to achieved planned development and production estimates and goals, risks related to the operators of the projects in which the Company holds interests, including the successful continuation of operations at such projects by those operators, risks related to exploration, development, permitting, infrastructure, operating or technical difficulties on any such projects, the influence of macroeconomic developments,A the ability of the Company to carry out its growth plans and other factors set forth in the Company\-s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended September 30, 2022 and its other publicly filed documents under its profiles at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Non-IFRS Measures

The Company has included, in this document, certain performance measures, including: (i) Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted Net Loss Per Share; (ii) GEOs; (iii) Total Revenue and Land Agreement Proceeds: and (iv) Cash Operating Expenses which are each non-IFRS measures. The presentation of such non-IFRS measures is 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. These non-IFRS measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS, and other companies may calculate these measures differently.

Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted Net Loss Per Share

Adjusted Net Loss is calculated by adding land agreement proceeds credited against mineral properties, adding the pre-acquisition royalty revenue credited against the CozaminA purchase price and deducting the following from net income: Transaction related and non-recurring general administrative expenses[1], share of (income)/loss and dilution income in associate, impairment, changes in fair value of derivative liabilities and short-term investments, loss on loan modification, foreign exchange gain/(loss), other income/(expense) and land agreement proceeds credited against mineral properties. Adjusted Net Loss Per Share, basic and diluted have been determined by dividing the Adjusted Net Loss by the weighted average number of common shares for the applicable period. The Company included this information as management believes that they are useful measures of performance as they adjust for items which are not always reflective of the underlying operating performance of our business and/or are not necessarily indicative of future operating results. The table below provides a reconciliation of net loss to Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted Net Loss Per Share, basic and diluted for the periods indicated:

Total Revenue and Land Agreement Proceeds

Total Revenue and Land Agreement Proceeds are determined by adding land agreement proceeds credited against mineral properties and the pre-acquisition royalty revenue credited against Cozamin purchase price to total revenue. The Company has included this information as management believes certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company\-s performance in comparison to other gold royalty companies in the precious metal mining industry. Below is a reconciliation of our Total Revenue and Land Agreement Proceeds to total revenue for the three and nine months ended SeptemberA 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively:

Cash Operating Expenses

Cash Operating Expenses are determined by adding the impact of non-cash expenses, revenue, other income and tax expense or recovery to net loss. The Company has included this information as management believes certain investors use this information to evaluate our performance in comparison to other gold royalty companies in the precious metal mining industry. The table below provides a reconciliation of net loss to Total expenses and then to Cash Operating Expenses.

[1] Transaction related and non-recurring general administrative expenses are a supplementary financial measure comprised of operating expenses that are not expected to be incurred on an ongoing basis. During the three and nine months ended SeptemberA 30, 2023, transaction related and non-recurring administrative expenses related primarily to professional fees related to changing the Companya?s fiscal year-end, tax restructuring following the completion of corporate transactions, establishing a dividend reinvestment and finance programs and select corporate development activities and in the same periods of 2022, related primarily to consulting fees and professional fees associated with corporate transactions.
Gold Terra Intersects 12.93 g/t Gold over 1.7 Metres in the Campbell Shear 200 metres below the Con Deposit, Con Mine Option Property, NWT

Gold Terra Resource Corp. (TSX-V: YGT; Frankfurt: TX0; OTCQX: YGTFF) (aGold Terraa or the aCompanya)  https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/gold-terra-resource-corp/  is pleased to announce that assay results including 12.93 g/t Au over 1.7 metres in drill hole GTCM23-055 confirm the extension of high-grade gold mineralization in the Campbell Shear (CS) below the Con Mine underground workings on the Con Mine Option (CMO) Property. The CMO A Property is under option from subsidiaries of Newmont Corporation and is 100% acquirable by the Company upon fulfillment of certain conditions set out in the CMO Property agreement, as reported in the Company\-s news release datedA November 22, 2021

Chairman and CEO, Gerald Panneton, commented; aThe results from drill hole GTCM23-055 have confirmed our interpretation and given us great confidence to find additional high-grade ounces at depth typical of the CS as:

This is a 100% technical success in extending the Campbell Shear at depth,

High grade gold has been intersected with the presence of quartz veining and alteration,

This may be a narrow intersection, but typical of the CS structure variance in width and grade,

This opens the entire 1-kilometre strike length with a potential for more ounces with more drilling at depth near the current bottom of the Robertson shaft (-1900 metres),

Drilling is continuing with a lateral wedge from the Master hole targeting the CS some 75 metres north of the first intersection,

More wedges are to be done from this Master hole in the coming months. a

Highlights

The Campbell Shear was successfully intersected from a downhole depth of 2,075 to 2,137.5 metres for a total of 62.5 metres. This intersection demonstrates the continuity of this major structure below the deepest mining operations with the presence of a substantial shear structure with impressive widths (See figures 1 and 2). A Approximately 30 metres of the CS within the footwall of the structure is moderately to strongly sheared and contains intermittent zones of prominent smoky quartz veining and pyrite, pyrrhotite, sphalerite, arsenopyrite, and stibnite mineralization, and most importantly high-grade gold.

A quartz vein at 2,116 metres contained fine specks of visible gold.

Assay highlights include 2.93 g/t Au over 8.2m from 2,115.8 to 2,124m, including 12.93 g/t Au over 1.7m from 2,115.8 to 2,117.5m and, including 30 (uncut) g/t Au over 0.5 metres from 2117 to 2117.5 metres.

The mineralized section of the core is very similar to historic mineralized sections that were mined out in the former Con Mine (see Photo 1).

Directional drilling

The company is continuing its drill program using hole GTCM23-055 as a master hole to add multiple wedges or cuts into the Campbell shear structure. With Foracoa?s Control Directional Drilling team, already on site in Yellowknife, we are able to continue our assessment of the Campbell Shear to obtain more intersections on a 50 to 100m spacing laterally and up dip.

Qualified Persons

Joe Campbell, P. Geo., Senior Technical Advisor for Gold Terra is a Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release.

About Gold Terra

The Yellowknife Project (YP) encompasses 918 sq. km of contiguous land immediately north, south and east of the City of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories. Through a series of acquisitions, Gold Terra controls one of the six major high-grade gold camps in Canada. Being within 10 kilometres of the City of Yellowknife, the YP is close to vital infrastructure, including all-season roads, air transportation, service providers, hydro-electric power, and skilled tradespeople. Gold Terra is currently focusing its drilling on the prolific Campbell Shear, where 14 Moz of gold has been produced, and most recently on the Con Mine Option (CMO) property claims immediately south of the past producing Con Mine which produced 6.1 Moz between the Con, Rycon, and Campbell shear structures (1938-2003).

The YP and CMO properties lie on the prolific Yellowknife greenstone belt, covering nearly 70 kilometres of strike length along the main mineralized shear system that hosts the former-producing high-grade Con and Giant gold mines. The Company\-s exploration programs have successfully identified significant zones of gold mineralization and multiple targets that remain to be tested which reinforces the Company\-s objective of re-establishing Yellowknife as one of the premier gold mining districts in Canada.

Visit our website at www.goldterracorp.com.

For more information, please contact:

Gerald Panneton, Chairman & CEO

gpanneton@goldterracorp.com

Mara Strazdins, Investor Relations

Phone: 1-778-897-1590 | 604-689-1749 ext 102

strazdins@goldterracorp.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.

Information Concerning Estimates of Mineral Resources Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Therefore, investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource could ever be mined economically. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of aMeasured Mineral Resources,a aIndicated Mineral Resources,a or aInferred Mineral Resourcesa will ever be upgraded to a higher category. The Mineral Resource estimates contained herein may be subject to legal, political, environmental or other risks that could materially affect the potential development of such mineral resources. Refer to the Technical Report, once filed, for more information with respect to the key assumptions, parameters, methods and risks of determination associated with the foregoing.

Cautionary Note to United States Investors

The Company prepares its disclosure in accordance with the requirements of securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of U.S. securities laws. Terms relating to Mineral Resources in this news release are defined in accordance with NI 43-101 under the guidelines set out in CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Council on May 19, 2014, as amended (\CIM Standards\). The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the \SEC\) has adopted amendments effective February 25, 2019 (the \SEC Modernization Rules\) to its disclosure rules to modernize the mineral property disclosure requirements for issuers whose securities are registered with the SEC under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As a result of the adoption of the SEC Modernization Rules, the SEC will now recognize estimates of \Measured Mineral Resources\, \Indicated Mineral Resources\ and \Inferred Mineral Resources\, which are defined in substantially similar terms to the corresponding CIM Standards. In addition, the SEC has amended its definitions of \Proven Mineral Reserves\ and \Probable Mineral Reserves\ to be substantially similar to the corresponding CIM Standards.

U.S. investors are cautioned that while the foregoing terms are \substantially similar\ to corresponding definitions under the CIM Standards, there are differences in the definitions under the SEC Modernization Rules and the CIM Standards. Accordingly, there is no assurance any Mineral Resources that the Company may report as \Measured Mineral Resources\, \Indicated Mineral Resources\ and \Inferred Mineral Resources\ under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the Mineral Resource estimates under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules. In accordance with Canadian securities laws, estimates of \Inferred Mineral Resources\ cannot form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies, except in limited circumstances where permitted under NI 43-101.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements made and information contained in this news release constitute \forward-looking information\ within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (\forward-looking information\). Generally, this forward-looking information can, but not always, be identified by 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 statements that certain actions, events, conditions or results \will\, \may\, \could\, \would\, \might\ or \will be taken\, \occur\ or \be achieved\ or the negative connotations thereof.

All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently 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. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information regarding the current drilling on the Campbell Shear, potentially adding ounces to the Companya?s current YCG mineral resource, and the Company\-s objective of re-establishing Yellowknife as one of the premier gold mining districts in Canada.

There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as the Company\-s actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of the factors discussed in the \Risk Factors\ section in the Company\-s most recent MD&A and annual information form available under the Company\-s profile at www.sedar.com.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that would cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on information available to the Company as of the date of this news release. 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. All of the forward-looking information contained in this news release is qualified by these cautionary statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information due to the inherent uncertainty thereof. Except as required under applicable securities legislation and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, November 15. The launch of direct air flight between Kyrgyzstan and Hungary was discussed during the 3rd session of the intergovernmental Kyrgyz-Hungarian Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation, Trend reports.

Chaired by Kyrgyz Minister of Economy and Commerce Daniyar Amangeldiev and Hungarian foreign ministry's state secretary for bilateral relations Tamas Menczer, the commission highlighted that this move would enhance trade and economic collaboration, significantly contributing to the development of the tourism industries in both countries.

During the talks, it was also noted that the current trade turnover doesn't fully harness the potential of both countries. There's a need to diversify the range of traded goods and increase mutual trade volume.

Emphasis was placed on the importance of ongoing dialogue between the business communities of both countries to identify new opportunities for cooperation.

The Kyrgyz minister also mentioned that currently, Kyrgyz-Hungarian cooperation covers a wide range of issues, including political, socio-economic, cultural, humanitarian, and scientific-technical collaboration. Hungary was the first EU country with which Kyrgyzstan established a strategic partnership.

The discussion about the direct flight has been ongoing among official representatives of both countries for at least three years.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, November 15. The World Health Organization (WHO) is ready to collaborate with Kyrgyzstan in digitization regarding the healthcare sector, Hans Kluge, Director of the WHO's European Regional Office, said, Trend reports.

He made these remarks during his meeting with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov, as part of Kluge's visit to Kyrgyzstan.

Kluge highlighted the high significance of digitalization in advancing medical practices. He underscored that the WHO supports governmental and societal efforts aimed at improving the population's health and well-being.

He also commended on Kyrgyzstan's plans within the Population Health Protection Program.

Moreover, Kluge expressed satisfaction with the country's leadership's attention to the healthcare sector, stressing the strong correlation between the country's development level and the enhancement of human capital.

President Zhaparov, for his part, emphasized the positive collaborative experience between Kyrgyzstan and the WHO in healthcare sector reforms, medical staff training, maternal and child health protection, as well as the implementation of comprehensive reforms in treating various diseases.

He further emphasized that Kyrgyzstan regards the WHO as its key partner in developing the healthcare sector.
By Katrya Bolger and Shaistha Khan

New Canadian Media

Immigrant settlement and integration organizations say that while the federal governments announced capping of immigration numbers is a step towards managing demand for services, more needs to be done to help them effectively deliver support to newcomers.

The federal announcement comes at a time when public perceptions of immigration are rapidly shifting. According to Environics Institutes latest report, 44 percent of Canadians agree with the statement that there is too much immigration to Canada, a 17-percentage-point jump from last year.

Leah Hamilton, vice dean of Research and Community Relations at Mount Royal University in Calgary, notes that public opinions towards immigration have become increasingly negative in recent years. Often attitudes can become negative because its perceived as a competition for resources, such as housing or employment opportunities, she says. Were seeing a bit of scapegoating of immigrants for the housing crisis.

Earlier this month, the Liberal government announced that it aims to keep its target of welcoming 500,000 new permanent residents in 2026. It will also maintain its target of 485,000 permanent residents for 2024 and 500,000 for 2025. In the news release, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), emphasized that the plan is tailored to support the labour market and economic growth, while coping with pressures on housing, healthcare and infrastructure.

In recent years, the federal government has upped the intake of immigrants to support gaps in the workforce and to deal with the realities of an aging population. Last year, Canada welcomed a record-breaking number of immigrants, adding over 437,000 permanent residents.

Settlement and integration organizations that New Canadian Media spoke to note that these numbers need to be coupled with proper support to ensure newcomers can smoothly integrate into life in Canada.

Alfred Lam, executive director of the Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS), sees the latest federal announcements on immigration as a positive for organizations like his supporting newcomers in the Greater Toronto Area. I think its a good sign in the sense that the government is recognizing that welcoming newcomers into the country is only a first step, he says, adding they require the proper infrastructure to support people once they arrive.

Despite this, he says he does not foresee the demand at CICS slowing down any time soon. Were constantly struggling to keep up services for those who just arrived but also to keep taking care of clients who have been with us for a couple of years.

These pressures also come against the backdrop of recent funding cuts for settlement organizations. Kelly Ernst, chief program officer at the Calgary-based Centre for Newcomers (CFN), says the last federal budget resulted in a marked decrease in funding for immigrant-serving organizations and immigration generally. In July, for example, CFN was forced to lay off 65 employees due to cuts in government funding.

[The budget] just doesnt fit with the level of newcomers arriving in Canada, Ernst said.

Like Lam, from CICS, he says the stabilization of immigration numbers does not necessarily mean demand will slow down. I want to see that people are settled well and make sure that the supports for the half a million people coming here each year are in place, including funding for language classes, housing and employment.

Tingting Zhang, a junior policy analyst at the C.D. Howe Institute in Toronto, says that she is glad that the IRCC is holding the numbers. She is also concerned about how realistic the target levels are. As Canadians, we welcome immigrants because we know they benefit our economic growth. But, does Canada have the capacity to reach these targets [successfully], so that they contribute to Canadas prosperity?

Zhang, who studies labour market shortages, changing demographics, and Canadian healthcare, highlights the fact that more than six million Canadians do not have primary care providers. She hopes that provincial governments will work more closely with regulatory bodies to streamline the foreign credentials and work experience recognition to address this.

We want to make sure [the healthcare system] can treat and take care of patients in the Canadian system, she explains. We have some good practices in a few provinces and some international examples. I think the whole process can be sped up.

According to her, the question policy-makers should be asking is: What is the objective of economic immigration? It should be designed to bring the best and brightest talent to Canada so that they improve our economy.

Coming out of the pandemic, housing affordability has been top of mind for Canadians over the past year, with some citing concerns that immigration levels put added pressure on limited housing supply. Hamilton, the vice dean at Mount Royal University, suggests that this narrow focus doesnt take into account other factors affecting accessibility.

The housing crisis is more than a decade long in the making, with myriad factors, she says. We have to look at municipal zoning laws, developers and the role of Canadian governments. Hamilton hopes that will include more attention by federal and provincial governments on how best to support immigrants once they arrive, including putting enough money into resettlement.
Guest Commentary

By David Macdonald

Canada is getting closer to the federal governments historic vision of a universal, publicly-funded childcare system for all. But more needs to be done to realize it fully.

In 2021, the federal budget funded a program to cut childcare fees in half by December 2022 and reach $ 10 a day by 2025-26. Now, the provincial and territorial governments are trying to hit those goals with federal cash.

In the spring of 2023, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) conducted our ninth annual phone survey of licensed childcare fees in 37 big cities to see how the provinces and territories were doing.

The good news is that Canada is making solid progress toward achieving the federal December 2022 objective. More than half of the big cities cut fees by 50 percent or more. Another quarter got close. The final quarter of cities in Alberta, B.C. and P.E.I. saw reduced fees, but the drop was in the 20 to 30 percent range  a distance from the federal target.

This means that the provinces and territories mostly delivered on the federal governments fast-tracked plan of halving fees by December 2022.

Additionally, seven provinces and territories now have set fees, which means that all parents across the province pay the same provincially-set amount and each centre charges the same fee. And five of these are already at $10 a day or less, three years ahead of target.

Yet, despite fees mostly falling by 50 percent, they remain high in many cities  though theyre lower than in 2019.

Currently, infant care remains the most expensive, with a median fee level of $900 a month for full-time care, in Richmond, B.C. and Toronto. Toddler child care is also the most expensive in Richmond, B.C., with a median of $905 a month, followed by $808 a month in Calgary and $725 a month in Toronto. For preschoolers, Calgary is the most expensive city, at $810 a month, followed by $800 a month in Richmond, B.C. and $600 a month in Oakville, Vaughan, Toronto, Burnaby, and Surrey.

In contrast, full-time childcare fees are lowest in cities where provinces have moved to set fees across all age groups. This includes Quebecs cities but also St. Johns, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, and Iqaluit, where fees are now $10 a day.

Establishing set fees in the six provinces and territories that dont have them should be an immediate next step before ratcheting them down to $ 10 a day over the next three years. Our survey showed that parents in big cities pay a wide range of fees well above the median. Moving to set fees would make fees more predictable for parents as each centre would not differ in what they charge.

Unfortunately, dropping fees is the easy part of this process; what comes next is harder.

Lower fees create much more demand from families, which was part of the plan. But that requires building more spaces. Our survey showed that in half the cities analyzed, centres said they have no room to accept new children in the next week. The current system is full.

The provinces and territories are not done yet. They now need to develop expansion strategies to ensure new spaces are created near where children live, not just in the downtowns of big cities. They also need to focus expansion on public or non-profit spaces to keep costs down, and they need to ensure that new funding models include improvements to wages to retain staff.

The success achieved so far in reducing childcare fees across much of Canada is worth celebrating. But all provinces and territories must keep pushing for the system to meet the goal of universal accessibility at $ 10 a day.

David Macdonald is a senior economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, November 15. Turkmenistan and Pakistan discussed the development of trade and economic cooperation, Trend reports.

These issues were discussed between the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan Atadjan Movlamov, President of the Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries Sajjad Sarwar and President of the President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari.

During the meeting, the sides considered in detail the prospects for expanding trade and economic ties between Turkmenistan and Pakistan, discussed various aspects of strengthening bilateral partnership and considered opportunities for further joint development.

During the meetings, Turkmenistan shared its economic programs, the country's foreign and domestic policy, and also highlighted issues related to the active construction of the new administrative center of the Ahal region, the 'smart' Arkadag city.

Meanwhile, in mid-September of this year, Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan Anwaar ul Haq Kakar, during a meeting with the Ambassador of Turkmenistan in Pakistan Atadjan Movlamov, expressed his country's interest in strengthening economic partnership with Turkmenistan.

Stay up to date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The Big Four accounting company pointed to a host of reasons for the anticipated decline in total spend to 5.6 billion compared with 7.1 billion forecast for the event in 2022. Factors included the cost of living crisis impacting certain purchasing decisions and some older generations being less tempted by promotions.
Michelle Ovens, Director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: Small businesses definitely need a boost this winter, after sustaining so many years of challenges. With over fourth fifths relying on the festive peak season to carry them through, its vital that the nation throws its weight behind all our favourite small firms up and down the country on Small Business Saturday and beyond.
This is a film that has its central General, at the critical moments of his most famous conflicts, agonising over what to write to the love of his life. Tell me there are no snakes in your bed, inside what is mine? he purrs obsessively as thousands of troops wait on his orders. There are as many sex scenes as there are battles, and quite outrageous (and often kinky) they are too.
 Unlike a tenant, a lodger lives in the landlords home with them and shares certain areas, such as the bathroom or kitchen

 While a lodger has their own room, they dont have the right to exclude the landlord from it or any other part of their home

 The landlord can ask the lodger to move rooms if required

 Unlike a tenancy, the landlord does not have to register a deposit with a deposit scheme

 The landlord does not have the same repair responsibilities as with a tenancy agreement but they must still make sure their home is fit for habitation and that gas and electrics are safe to use

 Even though a lodger has fewer rights than a tenant, a reasonable notice period is still required for evictions. This is usually the time between rental payments
He didnt care what happened to Mark Lang and the prosecution say when he made that final decision he must have intended to at least cause some really serious injury to his victim and we say he is guilty of Mark Langs murder

David Elias KC, prosecuting
Mrs Duncan said she was given essential visit status but she told the inquiry these would take place in an interview-style room and not her mothers own bedroom, which was distressing for Mrs Scott as she would have to be hoisted from somewhere where she was comfortable and placed in a wheelchair and moved to the room.
Toufique Hossain, head of public law at law firm Duncan Lewis  which represented six of the lead claimants  said that politicians will have to bear in mind the waste of taxpayers money if they try to make a new asylum deal before its tested in the courts.
In an interview he allegedly confessed to killing his wife with a screwdriver after losing his temper during an argument.
According to the Guardian, the Foreign Office has refused to say which roles Lord Cameron held. It is usual practice for this type of information to be made public as the persons financial and work interests could be in conflict with his or her departmental work. This could be especially critical in the case of the foreign secretary if he has had relations with overseas governments or businesses.
Working in solidarity with trade unions and others to combat antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of hatred in Scotland is crucial and I am absolutely committed to sending a clear message that hatred or prejudice directed at any community has no place in our modern Scotland.
Im very focused on that particular issue. As an Irish eight-year-old citizen I think its imperative that shes released, and indeed all the hostages, and particularly the children who have been abducted, Mr Martin said.
What has happened to us as a country, what has happened to the UK Government that their first instinct when people who are arriving to our country to seek sanctuary from persecution, from war, from extreme poverty, their first reaction, their first instinct, is to put those individuals on a plane and send them thousands of miles away to Rwanda.
Diplomacy is not always or only about friendly relations, and nor is it an endorsement of the policies or actions of a given country. It is precisely at times of conflict and tension that diplomacy is most useful and most needed, and it is vital to maintain communication links.
To alleviate the Supreme Courts concerns that Rwanda could send genuine refugees back to the countries they have fled, he said new plans being drawn up mean that anyone removed to Kigali cannot be sent to another country than the UK.
But he made clear the judgment was only based on the current failure to eliminate the risk in Rwanda and said that the changes needed to reduce this may be delivered in the future.
She added that the centre had helped more than 8,200 survivors of rape and sexual assault  with the youngest of the centres clients being just three months old and the oldest 82 years old.
So, the first tranche will be then and the second tranche in the second half. NewERA will also be engaging with that, so for example, the 10 million in cost efficiencies to make sure that that is being delivered upon.
Charlotte Hill OBE, CEO of The Felix Project said: "This unique birthday message has a deep and poignant purpose. The Felix Project recently found that one in four working families regularly struggled to afford enough food to feed their families and one in ten have less than 20 a week, after paying all their bills, to buy food. That is why the Coronation Food Project is vital, without help like this we cannot grow our operations and ensure we have enough food, enough money and enough volunteer power to start taking organisations off our waiting lists and deliver much needed, delicious surplus food to those that need it most."
The Daily Telegraph, The Times, the Daily Express and The Independent all lead with Suella Bravermans claims the Prime Minister has betrayed Britain.
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees said on Tuesday that its fuel depot 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 severely overcrowded UN-run schools and other facilities in the south.
So let me say in the spirit of Voltaire I equally support the right of Jeremy Corbyn to his views on Hamas. I may find those views repellent, but I will defend his right to hold them  it is not just the Left that is guilty of cancel culture, he added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. Iran's use of nuclear technology in the field of health and treatment is developing day by day, Spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Behrouz Kamalvandi said, Trend reports.

He made the remark at the 2-year achievements exhibition of the Iranian government in the Qom city on November 15, 2023.

Kamalvandi stressed that in this direction, the contracts signed among the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education, the Iran Food and Drug Administration (IFDA) and the AEOI for the production of 66 types of radiopharmaceuticals can be mentioned.

The spokesman also pointed out that some radiopharmaceuticals are in the field of diagnosis and treatment of various types of diseases, including cancer. The quality of these radiopharmaceuticals is international.

He added that in the future, drugs will be produced on the basis of radioisotopes. Unlike chemotherapy, these drugs will not have negative consequences. Therefore, heavy water produced in Iran and other substances produced from it have many customers in the world.

One of Iran's achievements in the nuclear field is that currently Iran can detect uranium up to 15,000 meters by means of airplanes, helicopters and drones, the official noted.

Last Iranian year (March 21, 2022 through March 20, 2023), 159 achievements of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran in the field of nuclear industry were recorded.

Iran claims that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only, but according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran has increased its highly enriched uranium by 27 percent in the last three months and currently has 4,745 kilograms of enriched uranium. This is 15 times more than the amount allowed for Iran in the JCPOA.

On January 16, 2016, Iran's nuclear program triggered the creation of the JCPOA between Iran and the P5+1 group (US, Russia, China, UK, France, and Germany). However, on May 8, 2018, the US announced its withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and the 5+1 group (Russia, China, the UK, France, the US, and Germany) and imposed new sanctions against Iran as of November 2018.

Iran has been seeking various ways to restart talks with the other parties on its nuclear issue and revive the JCPOA. The main goals of Iran are to end the sanctions imposed by the US and Western countries, access funds frozen abroad, and resume its crude oil exports.

---

Follow the author on X (Twitter):@BaghishovElnur
Aircraft leaves Otopeni Airport with aid for population of Gaza Strip

A cargo aircraft made available by the European Commission took off, on Wednesday, from the "Henri Coanda" International Airport in Bucharest, with aid provided by the Romanian state for the civilian population of the Gaza Strip, told Agerpres.

"We are talking about items taken from the state reserves - tents, beds, mattresses, pillows and bedding", declared the spokesperson for the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU), Bogdan Toma.

He stated that the aircraft would transport the materials to Egypt, near the Gaza Strip.

On October 19, the National Committee for Emergency Situations (CNSU) approved a decision that provided for the granting of free international assistance to the affected civilian population in the Gaza Strip, consisting of food products and bedding, made available by the National Administration of State Reserves and Special Issues.

"Free international assistance is provided for the affected civilian population in the Gaza Strip, consisting of food products and bedding, made available by the National Administration of State Reserves and Special Issues. The transportation of the products will be carried out with the support of the Ministry of National Defence, by air, through European humanitarian assistance, respectively of the international organizations involved", stated a statement from the Government.

According to the annex to the CNSU Decision, Romania sends to the Gaza Strip 30 tons of canned vegetables, 10 tons of sunflower oil, 20 tons of sugar, 10 tons of rice, 20 tons of flour, 20 tons of mineral water, 500 tents , 2,000 beds, 2,000 mattresses, 2,000 blankets, 4,000 sheets, 2,000 pillows, 4,000 pillowcases, 2,000 sleeping bags.
ForMin Odobescu in Tirana addresses significance of maintaining ethnic identity of Aromanians of Albania

Foreign Affairs minister Luminita Odobescu on an official visit to Tirana on Tuesday, stressed the importance of multiplying bilateral political contacts at all levels, but also of maintaining the ethnic, cultural and linguistic identity of the Aromanian minority in Albania, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs in a press release.

The visit of the head of Romanian diplomacy to Albania represents the first part of a tour in the Western Balkans, which also includes the Republic of North Macedonia and Montenegro.

In Tirana, amid the celebration, in 2023, of 110 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Romania and Albania, the Romanian minister had political consultations with the minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the government of the Republic of Albania, Igli Hasani. The two interlocutors underlined the importance of multiplying political contacts at all levels and diversifying economic exchanges and sectoral cooperation, including in the fields of justice, defence, cybersecurity, energy and education. The field of education and youth promotion are, in fact, priorities of the projects carried out by Romania in Albania, through Official Development Assistance, MAE specifies.

The Romanian side expressed the expectation that the launch of direct flights between Bucharest and Tirana in October 2023 will lead to significant growth and diversification of bilateral trade and people-to-people contacts. Also, the head of the Romanian diplomacy evoked the importance Romania attaches to maintaining the ethnic, cultural and linguistic identity of the Aromanian national minority in Albania. Odobescu also expressed confidence that the process of restitution to the Romanian state of the Iorga House in Saranda should be completed as soon as possible.

At European level, the Romanian chief of diplomacy appreciated Albania's "full alignment" with the Common European Security Policy, as a reflection of this country's clear strategic orientation, an approach that Romania encourages in dialogue with all partners in the region, and welcomed the majority support among the Albanian population for EU accession, as well as the commitment of the entire political class in Albania. The Romanian minister underlined the need for the efforts dedicated to European reforms to continue at a sustained pace, with a transformative role and modernization of the entire society.

Romania's chief diplomat appreciated Albania's active role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in the 2022-2023 mandate, especially Tirana's essential role in promoting Security Council resolutions condemning the Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine.

On the sidelines of consultations with Igli Hasani, the Action Plan 2024-2025 on cooperation between the ministries of Foreign Affairs of Romania and the Republic of Albania was signed.

Minister Odobescu also met with the Albanian chief negotiator for accession to the European Union, Majlinda Dhuka, on which occasion the practical ways of continuing and strengthening Romania's support for Albania's advancement in its European path were discussed. In the context of the publication by the European Commission of the enlargement package, on November 8, 2023, minister Luminita Odobescu conveyed her support for the objective of effectively opening accession negotiations with Albania. Odobescu also stressed the need to continue reforms, including in the field of rule of law and fight against corruption. In this respect, she confirmed her readiness for Romania to continue providing expertise in the process of Albania's accession to the EU.

AGERPRES
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. Armenian and British military plan to hold staff negotiations in November, amidst deepening defense cooperation, as stated in a joint statement following the first meeting of the strategic dialogue between Armenia and the United Kingdom in London, Trend reports.

The document notes that defense cooperation between Armenia and the UK continues to deepen, along with an increase in the number of Armenian military and police officers learning English, an increase in training places in the UK for senior and junior command and control personnel, as well as multinational peacekeeping and outreach programs about mine danger

In addition, the parties are reported to soon enter into an agreement on a comprehensive and enhanced partnership. Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the UK Leo Docherty is also expected to visit Armenia.
Hidroelectrica's net profit up by 42 pct in the first nine months of 2023

Hidroelectrica Group recorded a net profit of RON 5.184 billion in the first nine months of 2023, up 42% from RON 3.648 billion in the same period last year, shows data submitted to the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB).

The energy produced and sold (net) increased by 38% to 14,101 GWh, with net production by 22% higher in the third quarter of 2023, year-over-year.

"Considering the 38% surplus production compared to the same period of the previous year, together with the new wholesale market operating conditions (with the implementation as of January 1, 2023 of MACEE [the Centralized Electricity Purchase Mechanism]), as well as the SPOT price variation in the period January-September 2023, year-over-year, (62% decrease), the revenues related to these transactions increased by 25% in the first 9 months of 2023 compared to the same period of 2022," informs the report sent to the BVB.

Revenues from the electricity supply activity increased by 123% to 2.522 billion RON from 1.146 billion RON in the first nine months of 2022, due the increase in the customer portfolio.

Hidroelectrica is the largest green energy producer in Romania and the main provider of technological services required in the National Energy System, being a vital company for a strategic sector with implications for national security. The company operates a total of 187 power plants with a hydropower capacity of 6.3 GW. To these are added the Crucea wind farm, with an installed capacity of 108 MW.

Hidroelectrica was listed this year on the Bucharest Stock Exchange, with the first day of trading of the company's shares being July 12, 2023.

AGERPRES
Pension law penalizes those who are active and creates false expectations (BNS)

The draft law on the public pension system penalizes those who are still active and creates false expectations, the only real beneficiaries of this law being those who are retired, Dumitru Costin, president of the National Trade Union Bloc (BNS), told a press conference on Wednesday.

"The only ones who will be, so to speak, real beneficiaries of this law's provisions are those who are retired today, but we would like to draw attention to the following element: these planned increases, some of them are absolutely inexplicable to us. So we are no longer talking about percentages such as 13.8%, 5.6% and so on, instead, we are talking about percentages between 45% and 89% next autumn, so some "wow" pension increases. In our opinion, all this is nothing more than electioneering, and we honestly do not know to what extent they will be able to be financially sustained in the years to come, except with sacrifices for the others who will come later on in the labour market, those who have stayed and those who are coming. We are notifying the [European, ed.n.] Commission. We hope to have an effective dialogue with them, because, unfortunately, in our country we have not found any willingness for dialogue," said Dumitru Costin.

He mentioned that the organisation does not consider that this could be a milestone that has been met correctly, "when you put in a law of such importance, a lot of vulnerabilities, things or principles, mechanisms, instruments that can be changed from one year to another".

"There is absolutely no more predictability in the public pension system. On the contrary, all these instruments will become electoral tools in the hands of those who will lead us in the years to come and, depending on the interests of the moment, they will know how to juggle with it. It does not seem to be the solution we were expecting and neither does the European Commission. I don't think this was expected," said Dumitru Costin.

According to the source, the National Trade Union Bloc notified the European Commission last week on the draft law adoption procedure.

AGERPRES
President Iohannis pays visit to Nairobi National Park, meets Kenya's Minister of Wildlife

President Klaus Iohannis met on Wednesday with Kenya's Minister of Wildlife Alfred Nganga Mutua, and Director General of the Kenya Wildlife Service Erustus Kanga, during a visit to Nairobi National Park, the Presidential Administration said.

The head of state is on a state visit to Kenya from Tuesday.

The Presidential Administration shows that, during his state visit to Kenya, President Klaus Iohannis, like other heads of state, was invited by the Kenyan side to visit the Nairobi National Park, which is unique in the world as it brings a varied biodiversity close to the urban environment.

According to the source, Kenya is a country with a strong profile of national and international involvement in environmental protection, having hosted the United Nations Environment Programme, the COP12 Climate Summit in 2006 and, very recently, the Africa Climate Summit.

Cooperation in the area of climate change mitigation and environmental protection is a central theme of President Iohannis' state visit to Kenya and comes against the background of the President's keen interest in these areas, as well as their presence as important themes in Romania's recently adopted Strategy for Africa, the Presidential Administration added.

"The visit to Nairobi National Park provided an opportunity for a discussion on nature conservation with Kenya's Minister of Wildlife Alfred Nganga Mutua, and Director of the Kenya Wildlife Service, Dr Erustus Kanga," the source said.

Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management is an important component of the Memorandum of Understanding in the area of environmental protection and climate change, signed on Tuesday between Romania and Kenya, in the presence of President Klaus Iohannis and President William Ruto, the source added, saying that through this document, the two countries intend to work together to promote education on climate change and the environment.

"President Klaus Iohannis has highlighted that education is essential in protecting the environment and limiting climate change and that he will support and promote cooperation between Romania and Kenya in the area of environmental education. During the visit, also discussed were strategies for involving local communities in protecting biodiversity, as well as ways to effectively reconcile nature protection with urban development, and Romania and Kenya will cooperate in these areas," the Presidential Administration said.

President Klaus Iohannis has been on a tour to African countries from Tuesday until 23 November, which includes state visits to Kenya, Tanzania and Cape Verde, as well as an official visit to Senegal.

On Tuesday, he met his Kenyan counterpart, William Ruto, paid a working visit to the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), the African headquarters of the United Nations and a centre for promoting multilateralism and sustainable development, and laid a wreath at the Jumo Kenyatta Mausoleum.

According to the agenda, he will pay a visit to Uthiru Girls High School on Thursday.
Transilvania Investments profit surges 176pct nine months into 2023

Transilvania Investments has reported a net profit of RON 151.99 million for the first nine months of 2023, 176% higher y-o-y.

On September 30, the net income of Transilvania Investments was RON 172.42 million, a positive jump of almost 136% y-o-y. Dividends received from the companies in the Transilvania Investments portfolio had an important share in the income, and the increase in dividends from the companies in which the fund holds the majority stake was noted.

"The changes brought, in the last two years, in the development strategy of the companies in which we are the majority shareholder, are beginning to bear fruit. The transition to profit of THR Marea Neagra, whose business model has changed radically, the very good results recorded by Aro Palace Brasov, and also other implemented decisions, directly influenced the dividends received from the companies in which we are the majority shareholder. Their value increased significantly compared to the value on August 30, 2022, thus demonstrating the ability of these companies to become relevant in their industries, to make investment and to increase their operating income. Beyond the numbers, we have set a common vision for the companies in the portfolio, in which the focus is on increasing the performance that investors expect from us," says Radu Rosca, executive president of Transilvania Investments, in a press statement released on Wednesday.

The company reported at the end of the first nine months net assets of RON 1.585 billion, up 23.8% y-o-y. The value of the total assets held by the fund as of September 30 was RON 1.676 billion, an increase of 24.4% y-o-y.

In the last nine months, Transilvania Investments carried through a series of key projects in accordance with the strategy of developing the assets in its portfolio. Turism Felix completed the first phase of the development of Aqua Park Venus, an investment of EUR 14 million. Aro Palace Brasov will complete, at the beginning 2024, the selection of suppliers who will manage the extensive modernisation project of the Capitol Hotel, which is to be reopened in 2025 under the name Mercure Brasov Centre, following an association with the Accor group.

Transilvania Investments is one of the largest investment funds in Romania, listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange, under the symbol TRANSI. The fund's mission is to maximise investors' returns, by managing a complex portfolio of assets that includes companies from the financial, tourism, real estate, energy and IT sectors.
Yet another 17 Romanian citizens with their families from Gaza Strip, evacuated to Egypt

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) announces that 17 Romanian citizens and their family members left the Gaza Strip on Tuesday through the Rafah border crossing and are on Egyptian territory, on their way to Cairo.

According to MAE, the Romanian citizens and their families were taken from the border by a team from the Rapid Reaction Unit of the MAE Crisis Cell and representatives of the Romanian Embassy in Egypt, in order to be accompanied to Cairo by another mobile team of the MAE Crisis Cell.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentions that the evacuation was carried out following the complex efforts of the Interinstitutional Crisis Cell, through the Romanian Embassy in Cairo and the Romanian Representation Office in Ramallah.

So far, 220 Romanian citizens and family members evacuated from the Gaza Strip have arrived in Romania.

AGERPRES
St. Louis International Film Festival closes out its annual event with a celebration Nov. 19 at the Hi-Pointe Theatre. A Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to veteran Hollywood figure and East St. Louis native Reginald Hudlin.

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.

Cinema St. Louis executive director Bree Maniscalco and Hudlins longtime friend Lyah LeFlore-Ituen present the award, and I will sit with Hudlin for a live conversation about his noteworthy career.

Director, producer and writer Hudlin, the first Black executive producer of the Emmys as well as a co-producer of the Academy Awards in 2016, first made his mark in the industry producing music videos and making short films in the 1980s.

Hudlin made his directorial debut with House Party (1990) and has been busy ever since, from Boomerang to Django Unchained, The Great White Hype to The Ladies Man, Bebes Kids to The Black Godfather.

His latest movie Candy Cane Lane, starring Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross, is his first Christmas flick, streaming Dec. 1 on Prime Video.

Here, we spotlight 8 essential Hudlin projects.

House Party

1990, director, writer

Hudlin scored big with his directorial debut, a cult classic with rap duo Kid n Play at the center of a wild high school house party. The Library of Congress added House Party to its National Film Registry in 2022, the same year a reboot of the movie was released.

Watch House Party on Pluto TV, Prime Video.

Boomerang

1992, director

Hudlin ventured into adult rom-com fare with Boomerang, starring Eddie Murphy as a successful playboy who meets his match in a woman portrayed by Robin Givens, while later finding happiness with his true love played by Halle Berry. The movie was rebooted as a TV series on BET, which ran a couple of seasons beginning in 2019.

Watch Boomerang on Prime Video.

Bebes Kids

1992, writer, producer

Forever etched in urban lingo is the term Bebes Kids, used to describe a group of really bad young children. The term was taken from Hudlins animated movie Bebes Kids about a man voiced by comedian Robin Harris charged with watching a group of unruly children during an amusement park outing.

Watch it on Prime Video, Pluto TV.

The Ladies Man

2000, director

Hudson successfully took a Saturday Night Live skit, not an easy thing to do, and fleshed it out to full-length feature with The Ladies Man starring Tim Meadows.

Watch it on Prime Video.

Django Unchained

2012, co-producer

Hudlin co-produced this epic, gloriously violent Oscar-nominated western directed by Quentin Tarantino about a freed slave out to rescue his wife from a plantation owner starring Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington Christoph Waltz and Samuel L. Jackson.

Marshall

2017, director, producer

Boasting a cast that included Chadwick Boseman, St. Louis native Sterling K. Brown, Kate Hudson and Josh Gad, Marshall looked at an early career chapter of historic figure Thurgood Marshall, the State of Connecticut v. Joseph Spell, before hed go on to become the first Black Supreme Court Justice.

Watch it on Netflix and Prime Video.

Phat Tuesdays: The Era of Hip Hop Comedy

2022, director, producer

Phat Tuesdays: The Era of Hip Hop Comedy is a three-part docuseries detailing Phat Tuesdays, which was a night giving new opportunities to Black comics at the famed Comedy Store in Los Angeles from 1995 to 2005. St. Louis native Guy Torry created and hosted Phat Tuesdays, which helped change the culture of comedy.

Watch it on Prime Video.

Sidney

2022, director, producer

Teaming up with producer Oprah Winfrey, Hudlin presented a touching tribute honoring the life and legacy of the Oscar-winning Sidney Poitier, one of the greatest actors to ever live. Among the A-list participants in the documentary are Robert Redford, Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Morgan Freeman, Halle Berry, Lou Gossett Jr., Quincy Jones, Barbra Streisand and most notably Poitier himself.

Watch it on Apple TV+.

The closing night event also features SLIFFs juried-competition awards, music from Trackstar the DJ and more.

What St. Louis International Film Festivals Closing Night Awards Presentation  When 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19  Where Hi-Pointe Theatre, 1005 McCausland Avenue  How much $5  More info cinemastlouis.org/sliff/festival-home

St. Louis film festival focuses on underrepresented people, and everyone else More than 270 films of all types will screen at the festival, which is now in its 32nd year.

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.
Businesses slated for the Delmar Maker District have expressed little concern over reported lead contamination at Brew Tulum, a well-loved coffee shop and Mexican eatery that was one of the first in the district to open.

Lead contamination closed Brew Tulum in September and the owners say they are doubtful they can reopen at their Central West End location after disagreements over cleaning with their landlord, Third Degree Glass Factory co-founder Doug Auer.

The cafe sits along Delmar Boulevard in the Delmar Maker District, an effort by Auer and his business partner, Square co-founder Jim McKelvey, to bring life back into the neighborhood with retail and food options and social spaces.

I have no worries or concerns whatsoever, Ben Poremba said, of moving his restaurants to the district. If there is any evidence [of lead] in my buildings Im sure theyll take proper action to remediate.

Four of Porembas eateries, Nixta, Elaia, Olio and a fourth unnamed spot, are all set to open next year. Im in contact with them every week. Weve had no conversations about the lead, he said.

The Delmar Maker District is home to Third Degree, MADE Makerspace, Craft Alliance Center of Art + Design, and The Magic House at MADE. Also in the works for the area is 5095 Delmar Boulevard, a new restaurant space with two residential units upstairs and SMOOTH House, a Smart Home for Occupational Therapy Healing headed by a team out of Washington University.

Laura McNamara and Alberto AJ Juarez opened Brew Tulum a year ago at 5090 Delmar Boulevard. The business has been lauded by local food critics but closed in late September after the couple learned of high levels of lead in the blood of their 1 12-year-old son, following a routine test this summer.

McNamara said subsequent building inspections found lead dust on the walls, the floor and inside the HVAC system.

Since then, McNamara and Juarez have been at odds with Auer. A statement from a spokesperson for the building owner says the building is in compliance with regulations governing lead and a hired risk assessor found no hazards there.

McNamara said theyve asked for Auer to have the space properly remediated, which she said environmental experts told her includes wet-wiping all surfaces followed by HEPA vacuuming, wet-wiping everything again and then sealing the walls and floors with paint to trap grout dust. The couple would also like to see the HVAC system specially cleaned or replaced, rent relief and business reparations.

McNamara said Auer and his team have only presented partial solutions for their Brew Tulum space. She said he has offered to do only one step of the recommendations defined by an environmental expert or only clean part of the restaurant.

Theyve offered piecemeal at best, McNamara said. He never agreed to clean the entire space. I dont know why. Im baffled.

Traci Dale Pupillo, a Capes Sokol attorney who said she represented the building owner, did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

Brew Tulum shares the 1919 building with Craft Alliance, a community making space. Craft Alliance executive director Bryan Knicely said their side has tested negative for lead. He said their landlord, Auer, notified them of the levels at Brew Tulum about two months ago.

Danni Eickenhorst, co-owner of Steves Hot Dogs and owner of The Fountain Off Locust, who plans to open both spots in the district in a few months, said she reached out to Auer immediately after learning about Brew Tulums lead contamination. She said he assured her that this is a non-issue.

Our projects are protected and safe, Eickenhorst said. He said there is no lead being used on-site and he said whatever this is does not apply to our projects and we will not be impacted. Were still on track to open in March.

Similarly, Derrick Langeneckert, head brewer and founder of Alpha Brewing Company, said hes unconcerned about lead in the distillery planned for Delmar Boulevard. Were doing a total gut remodel of the building, he said. Im not particularly concerned. Were excited about opening.
WENTZVILLE  Workers at the General Motors plant in Wentzville have voted down what union officials have described as a record contract offer.

Still, nationally, votes to approve the contract had pulled ahead as of Wednesday evening.

Members at the United Auto Workers Local 2250 in Wentzville were among several plants to reject the agreement, with about 1,600 here voting against the contract, and 1,400 in favor.

Some said, Its a great contract  just not exactly what they wanted to see, said Katie Deatherage, president of Local 2250. They think we can go back and get more.

Though local union chapters hold separate, staggered elections, GM workers vote to approve or reject contract offers as a national unit. If approved nationally, union-represented Wentzville employees would work under the new contract.

Final results are expected as early as Thursday afternoon, when local chapters results are officially due to the UAW. As of 6 p.m. Wednesday, the UAW vote tracker showed workers nationwide approving the contract so far, with 54% in favor and 46% opposed. But results from nine plants were still pending.

The strike has been one of the boldest union campaigns in recent years, idling tens of thousands of auto workers for weeks, winning double-digit wage increases, and carving, at one point, hundreds of millions of dollars each week out of GM revenues.

If ratified, the almost five-year-long contracts would give GM workers general wage increases of at least 25%, plus cost-of-living bumps.

Deatherage said she was not altogether surprised by the results of the vote at Wentzville. Some workers expressed that they wanted to see the wage increase up front, rather than spread out over the length of the contract, and pension and retiree health care are perennially topics of concern.

Thankfully, they have a way to use their voice, and their vote, and they did so, she said.

Glenn Kage, political director and former president of UAW Local 2250, said that in his 40 years in labor unions, he has never seen such a lucrative contract. He said he had publicly supported the agreement, and voted in favor of it.

Kage said he suspected the deal may have faltered in Wentzville because workers expectations were so high going into negotiations. Some hoped to achieve every one of the big, audacious goals the UAW outlined at the outset of bargaining  but negotiations dont work that way, Kage said, and no labor agreement is ever perfect.

The union employed a new strategy in this round of negotiations with the Big Three automakers  GM, Ford and Stellantis. For decades, when labor agreements approached their expirations, the UAW focused on talks with one company, and used that agreement as a template for the others, a so-called pattern bargaining strategy.

This time, the union went on strike at all three companies  but only at specific plants. The union called on more plants to join the strike as time went on, the cadence depending on progress with negotiations.

UAW President Shawn Fain called the new format a stand-up strike, an homage to the sit-down strikes of 1936 and 1937, when auto workers sat down at a GM plant in Flint, Michigan, and refused to leave.

The UAWs approach seemed designed to keep the companies guessing, and foil any efforts to stockpile parts or otherwise plan ahead. Fain didnt announce the first plants to walk out until two hours before the strike began, and in the days leading up, workers and experts alike were left guessing whether the UAW would target large, money-making plants like Wentzville, or execute a bottleneck strike by walking out at smaller plants that supply the larger ones.

Kage, who was president of the Wentzville union chapter during the strike in 2019, said he thinks the new strategy will change the way the UAW handles contracts with the Big Three automakers going forward.

The walkout this year drew unprecedented public support and attention, including visits in Michigan from President Biden and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. The Wentzville workers hosted a rally with U.S. Reps. Cori Bush, D-St. Louis, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.

U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., also visited.

We havent seen support like that as long as I can remember, Kage said. Overwhelming public support, overwhelming political support. This was a big deal.

Around 4,100 people work at GMs assembly plant in Wentzville  one of the companys largest U.S. sites  3,700 of them represented by UAW Local 2250.

UAW Local 2250 in Wentzville was on strike longer than any other union chapter in the sprawling walkout of UAW members at GM, Ford and Stellantis. Workers walked off the job and onto the picket lines the night of Sept. 14, when the labor agreement expired, and did not leave until GM reached a tentative deal on Oct. 30, days after similar deals with automakers Ford and Stellantis.

The plant resumed regular production shortly after the tentative deal was reached, and most workers were back on the job within a couple of days.

Workers at Ford and Stellantis are also voting on the companies tentative agreements this week, and those votes were on track to pass by wider margins, as of Wednesday evening.

As of 6 p.m., Stellantis hourly workers were at 72% approval, with 11 plants results still pending, and Ford hourly workers were at 66% approval, with 12 plants results pending. Should the contracts fail at one or two companies, but pass elsewhere, the UAW will face questions about how to return to the bargaining table on any rejected deals.

During the 2019 strike, the GM contract was approved by 57% of members nationwide. In Wentzville it passed by even wider margins, with approval from 64% of production workers and 70% of skilled trades workers. That contract included a commitment for a $1.5 billion investment in the plant, which was recently completed, to ready it to make the next generation of GMs midsize pickup trucks.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 15. Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia (ASALA) has claimed responsibility for an attack on a Jewish community center in Yerevan, Trend reports.

The youth wing of ASALA has set the synagogue in Armenian capital on fire.

In its statement, following this barbaric act, ASALA claims that they are not going to stop, and that the next attack on the Jewish community will be carried out outside of Armenia.

This is not the first anti-Semitic stance in Armenia. Back in October this year, the same youth wing of ASALA doused a synagogue with liquid and knocked out windows.

ASALA has then openly threatened war, saying that it "will wage a war against Israeli Jews in Europe, America, Canada, Georgia. No Israeli jew will feel safe coming to these countries".
Joe Holleman Political correspondent/columnist Follow Joe Holleman 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 Republican U.S. senators  each with their own set of conservative fans  clashed recently over, of all things, the TikTok social media site.

Missouris own Josh Hawley proposed a bill last week that would effectively bar the Chinese-owned site to operate in the U.S., reported The Hill, a political news website.

Hawley pointed to a New York Times story which reported that TikTok engineers based in China have accessed users drivers licenses, addresses and photos of app users. He added that Chinese law requires corporations to make information and data available to the Chinese government.

But Sen. Rand Paul, who has strong libertarian leanings, slammed the door on Hawleys effort to get unanimous consent for his measure.

"If there is a better national strategy to permanently lose elections for a generation, Ive not heard of it, the Kentucky Republican said, referring to TikToks popularity with young people.

Suggesting that Hawley was promoting censorship, Paul compared the effort to McCarthyist paranoia.

Paul said Hawleys move comes while the GOP is complaining that liberal U.S. social media companies are canceling and censoring conservatives.

So without a hint of irony, many of these same, quote, conservatives now agitate to censor viewpoints they dont like, Paul said.

Hawley said his effort was not aimed at curbing free speech, but rather at China spying on the U.S. He pointed out that Congress last year approved removing TikTok from government-owned devices  legislation that Paul also opposed.

Paul said the best way to combat TikToks influence is to counter flawed ideas or falsities with more speech and better arguments.
Joe Holleman Political correspondent/columnist Follow Joe Holleman 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

U.S. Senate hopeful  and Marine Corps veteran  Lucas Kunce made it loud and clear last week that he was not going to observe Veterans Day by mincing words or pulling punches.

Kunce, a Democrat, took to social media on Friday to issue a long, scathing statement that took politicians to task for their posturing on Veterans Day.

Its that time of year again. When a bunch of politicians drape themselves in the American flag and praise those of us whove served this great country, Kunce wrote.

This isnt a new phenomenon. Politicians, most of whom have never worn the uniform, have always used Veterans Day as a patriotic (male appendage)-measuring contest, Kunce said, then added, Its time we stop letting them get away with it.

Its that time of year again. When a bunch of politicians drape themselves in the American flag and praise those of us whove served this great country.



And then most of us veterans roll our eyes at their pandering, share their cringiest messages in our group chats, and enjoy a  Lucas Kunce (@LucasKunceMO) November 11, 2023

(According to Military Times, there were 97 military veterans in the U.S. Congress in January 2023; 72 with the GOP and 25 Democrats. No members of Missouris delegation to Congress are veterans. In Illinois, Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth and GOP U.S. Rep Mike Bost of Murphysboro are veterans.)

Taking the brunt of Kunces blast was U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, the only politician specifically named by Kunce.

Tuberville was lambasted for blocking numerous high-level service appointments because of his opposition to the militarys policy on abortion for personnel and spouses.

I hope Tommy and all of his enablers in the Senate leave their flags at home and enjoy some nice BBQ and R&R for Veterans Day (while over a million vets are on food stamps), Kunce concluded.

Concluded Kunce, It obviously doesnt mean any more to them than that.

As to Tuberville, he posted this message on Veterans Day: Today, and every day, we thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. Happy Veterans Day.

One name not mentioned in Kunce's stricture was that of his likely opponent in the November 2024 general election, incumbent GOP U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley.
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.
FERGUSON  A manslaughter charge against a former Ferguson QuikTrip gas station security guard was dismissed last week after a grand jury declined to indict him in the case.

Maury Adams, 34, of Florissant, was charged last month with voluntary manslaughter and armed criminal action after he shot and killed a 39-year-old customer during an Oct. 7 gun battle at the QuikTrip at 10768 West Florissant Avenue.

All charges were dismissed after a grand jury on Nov. 8 found there was not enough evidence to indict Adams on the charges.

St. Louis County prosecutors bring most serious felony cases they've already charged to a grand jury to judge if there's enough evidence for the case to move forward.

Police said Jason Weaver was a customer and Adams was working security in the gas station store at about 1:30 a.m. the day of the shooting. The two got into a disagreement when Weaver failed to show an ID for an item he was trying to buy, Ferguson police said last month.

Weaver left the store, but then returned. Police said video footage showed both men pulled guns on each other before Weaver shot the guard first.

Charging documents alleged that Weaver then dropped the gun and ran down a hallway before the guard, Adams, followed and shot him several times while Weaver was on the floor with his hands raised.

Weaver was pronounced dead at the scene. Adams was wearing a bulletproof vest and was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Adams defense attorney Stephen Zarky said that from his initial look at the charges, he'd argue Adams actions would be considered self-defense under Missouri law.
UPDATED with victim photo

CLAYTON  The man slain at his Clayton apartment Monday in the citys first homicide in 17 years has been identified as 41-year-old Joshua Harris.

The St. Louis County medical examiner's office identified Harris on Tuesday through his fingerprints.

Police, meanwhile, were mum, refusing to provide his name or answer questions about where their homicide investigation stands.

Harris was shot to death in the 7500 block of Wydown Boulevard just before 5:30 a.m. Monday. He died at the scene.

Neighbors said Harris had a wife and child and recently moved to the apartment complex in the Moorlands neighborhood of Clayton.

Both Clayton police and the Major Case Squad, a regional group of detectives brought in to help with the investigation, refused to release Harris name on Tuesday.

Asked why police were withholding that public information, Cpl. Jenny Schwartz of Clayton said, We are respecting the familys wishes.

Two of the victim's relatives declined to speak to a Post-Dispatch reporter as they left the Clayton Police Department after talking with detectives Monday.

On Tuesday, Schwartz declined to say if police had anyone in custody. Police have not indicated a possible motive for the killing or announced publicly if they think it was a random attack or if the victim was targeted.

Schwartz said 25 detectives are working on the case.

On Monday, neighbor Brooke Burris told the Post-Dispatch that she heard five or six gunshots outside her bedroom window, then a car sped off. Burris said she was the first to call 911. Her window overlooks a parking lot where police placed evidence markers.

Mondays shooting marked the first homicide in Clayton since 2006, when a lawyer was shot to death in his office. His killing remains unsolved.

Nearly 36 hours after the killing, the Major Case Squad issued one update late in the day on Tuesday, about 5 p.m., to explain that they wouldnt be releasing the name of the person who died. The squad called their probe "active and evolving."

The squads update, posted on social media, also said police are determined to bring those individuals responsible to justice. The commander of the case squad did not return a message from a reporter.

Claytons mayor, Michelle Harris, said she has confidence in her citys police force and urged residents to have faith in the investigation. The mayor and the victim both have the last name of Harris, but the mayor said she is not related to the man who died.

Anyone with information about the killing is asked to call police at 314-955-0817.
ST. LOUIS  A man was shot and killed in a motel room Tuesday evening in the city's Penrose neighborhood.

Officers were called to the Carousel Motel, 3930 N. Kingshighway, just after 7 p.m., police said.

They found a man in his forties or fifties who had been shot in the chest. Police said he was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Investigators have no identified any suspects.

Additional information was not immediately released.
JEFFERSON CITY  Missouri Gov. Mike Parson on Wednesday criticized Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Bakers prosecution of the first Kansas City police officer found guilty for killing a Black man, laying the groundwork for a potential commutation of the former officer.

Parson, a Republican, in an interview host Pete Mundo on KCMO Talk Radio said that he has not yet made a decision whether to grant clemency to Eric DeValkenaere, who had been found guilty at trial in Jackson County in 2021 on charges of second-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in the killing of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb.

However, Parson, a former Polk County sheriff, took aim at the way in which Baker prosecuted the case.

Its been one of the toughest issues thats really on my desk, Parson said. But the one thing that bothered me more than anything about that case was the way the prosecutor handled that in Kansas City, by the accusation she was making about guilt or innocence without actually even knowing the facts herself.

He added that you dont ever want anybody convicted because of the political side of things. But she set a poor example of setting the stage and making this more of a political issue when she should be doing whats right by the law.

Parsons comments came as DeValkenaere remains in protective custody in an out-of-state prison after the Missouri Court of Appeals decided to uphold his conviction. DeValkenaere was previously held in the state prison in Fulton. Attorneys for DeValkenaeres family submitted a request for clemency to Parsons office last month.

The Missouri Constitution gives Parson the power to delay, reduce or eliminate the punishment of state-level crimes. A full commutation would allow DeValkenaere to be released from prison while a partial commutation would reduce the terms of his sentence.

A spokesperson for Bakers office declined to comment on Wednesday. But Democratic lawmakers from Kansas City criticized the Republican governor, saying he and other Republicans were the ones politicizing the situation  not Baker, who is a former chair of the Missouri Democratic Party.

The Governor made this political by teasing a pardon while the case was still in appeal, and now again by talking about commutation despite no new facts coming to light, state Rep. Eric Woods, a Kansas City Democrat, said in a statement.

The justice system has spoken, he said. The shooting of Cameron Lamb was tragic, and a pardon or commutation would simply open old wounds for a family and community that is now finally beginning to heal.

State Rep. Jamie Johnson, a Kansas City Democrat, said in a statement that Parsons comments were a huge affront to anyone who believes in the principle of law and order, saying that the judges decision was grounded in evidence and the law.

It is disheartening but not surprising that in Missouri and this country, some republicans seem to uphold the rule of law only when it aligns with their personal view of which citizens are worthy of freedom, protection, and justice, she said.

State Rep. Ashley Bland Manlove, a Kansas City Democrat, said Parsons comments were really scary.

They are the ones who made it political, she said of Republicans. Cops dont get to kill you because they are scared or just for fun.

Gwen Grant, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, said in a phone interview that Parson should be focused on the facts of the case and the decision by the courts  not Baker.

The governor should focus on upholding the law and not sending a message that if youre a cop, youre held to a different set of legal standards, she said.

After the radio interview, Parson spokesperson Johnathan Shiflett said in a statement to The Star that the governor has not yet made a decision whether he will or will not grant clemency, of any kind, to DeValkenaere.

Attorneys for DeValkenaere have filed a formal request with the Court of Appeals for a rehearing. In addition, they have applied to have the case transferred to the Missouri Supreme Court, a decision supported by the attorney generals office.

As of Wednesday, the appeals court has yet to rule on the rehearing request.

Legal experts and attorneys not associated with the case say that the United States Attorneys Office could still file a civil rights violations complaint against DeValkenaere for illegally going onto Lambs property without permission and without a search warrant.

In the appeals courts ruling, the judge-panel upheld that DeValkenaere and his partner, Troy Schwalm violated Lambs Fourth Amendment rights by entering onto the property without a search warrant.

DeValkenaere fatally shot Lamb nine seconds after he drove up to his house.

The panel also found there was sufficient evidence that DeValkenaere fatally shot Lamb, that he acted with criminal negligence that did not justify the use of deadly force and he illegally entered Lambs property.

Local activists and civil rights leaders have repeatedly pleaded with Parson not to issue a pardon or commute the prison sentence.

Its a shame that the governor would have comments about the possibility of pardoning DeValkenaere when he hasnt even reached out to Camerons family to see how they are doing, said Steve Young, a founder of the Kansas City Law Enforcement Accountability Project or KC LEAP.

This shows where his loyalty is. There is a true disconnect between Parson and our community. The Lamb family is not invisible and deserve to be heard, and the governor cant just write them off as if their voice doesnt matter in this case.

Young continued: There was a life taken and it seems Governor Parson cares more about the life of the person who took the life than the family who lost one.
ST. LOUIS  A murder case was dismissed this week after a grand jury failed to indict a man previously charged with a May shooting in north St. Louis.

Jay'Shaun Payton was charged in September with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the killing of 56-year-old Andrew Smith.

Court documents said a silver Chrysler 300 pulled up near the scene of the shooting. Two people, including one who matched Payton's description, got out of the car and walked off camera where shots were fired. The two people then ran back toward the vehicle and drove away.

Authorities found Payton's fingerprints at a separate shooting scene that they believed was connected to Smith's death. Payton also admitted to owning a Chrysler 300, court documents said.

It is unclear why the grand jury failed to indict. Such proceedings are confidential, and a spokeswoman for the circuit attorney's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

In St. Louis, it is common practice for prosecutors to bring serious felony cases before a grand jury to determine if there is enough evidence for the case to move forward.

Payton's attorney, Robert Taaffe, said he believed they didn't indict because there was no evidence connecting his client to the crime.

For example, Taaffe said, Payton does drive a Chrysler 300 similar to the one on the video, but there was no indication that his car was the one near the scene. Payton's car had no damage, but witnesses told investigators that they noticed specific blemishes on the vehicle at the shooting.

Payton was also captured on surveillance footage from the day of the shooting wearing different clothing than the alleged killer. He also didn't have any passengers in the car.

"That case was thin," Taaffe said. "I'm very happy the grand jury did their job."
EAST ST. LOUIS  A 19-year-old woman was shot and killed last week here.

Officers were called around 7:30 a.m. Friday to the 4000 block of State Street, Illinois State Police said.

There they found Trenadi Mary Bateman, who died of a gunshot wound, said St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr.

Trenadi been shot after an altercation. She was pronounced dead at a hospital, police said.

Additional information was not available Wednesday.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 16. The UN Security Council approved a resolution calling for an urgent and prolonged humanitarian pause in the fighting in the Gaza Strip, the UN says, Trend reports.

According to the information, the document was prepared by Malta. 12 countries voted for the document, and three more abstained.

At the beginning of the meeting, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation Vasily Nebenzya proposed an amendment calling for an instant truce in the Gaza Strip. Five countries supported the proposal, one (the United States) voted against it, and nine abstained. The amendment was not adopted because it did not receive the required number of votes.
CLAYTON  St. Louis County is considering cutting 26 health department positions, including 16 layoffs, as part of an administrative shakeup planned for next year.

Health director Dr. Kanika Cunningham said the cuts are from administrative offices, which include communications and information technology staff, as well as employees who do long-term strategic planning and grant-writing.

No clinical staff positions, such as nurses or people who directly serve the public, would be eliminated, Cunningham said at a budget hearing Tuesday.

She said it was part of a department reorganization, and comes on the heels of her creating two new leadership positions  a director of administration and a diversity director  and hiring three new leaders this year, including a director of clinical services, a new chief of medical services at the jail, and a CEO who will spearhead efforts to qualify for more federal funding.

The reason I feel we need to reorganize is so that we can focus equally on our public health, our clinics, as well as just the overall functioning of the health department with having the three strong leaders in place, said Cunningham, who started her job in January.

But the health department originally suggested only eliminating 10 vacant positions, according to county budget Director Paul Kreidler. County Executive Sam Page then suggested the department also lay off 16 employees in his recommended budget.

A spokesman for Page didnt immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

The health department is running a deficit. By 2028, without any changes, it will have used up all its savings.

The 16 layoffs will save the department $1.6 million, according to the budget director.

The budget office was still calculating how much the vacant positions are worth, but the health department estimates cutting them would save an additional $1 million.

Eliminating the jobs will help offset a roughly $4 million requested budget increase for next year  to $85 million from about $81 million this year. The increase accommodates rising personnel and medical supply costs, Cunningham said.

Because potential layoffs include discussing sensitive personnel issues, the countys attorney recommended the council avoid discussing specific positions during the public hearing Tuesday.

But the County Council still has to approve the health departments request before its official, and some of the councilmembers are staunch defenders of public health.

Councilwoman Lisa Clancy, a Democrat from Maplewood, said she wanted more information on the positions that would be eliminated before she makes a decision.

I would like to see the fine print and understand what the impact is going to be, Clancy said.

Republican Councilman Dennis Hancock of Fenton praised the health departments cost-cutting move.

I would encourage other departments to do the same thing, Hancock said.

The health department cuts would not help St. Louis Countys budget deficit in its general fund, which it uses to pay for most expenses  the health department is not part of the general fund.

The COVID-19 pandemic thrust the county health department into the spotlight as it advised county leaders on policies to limit the virus spread. The agency was tasked with testing and contact tracing, and with launching a vaccination campaign.

The added strain came on top of the departments existing responsibilities, including animal care and control, restaurant inspections, handling birth and death records, and investigating suspicious deaths.

Though the pandemic expenses have decreased, the cost of the health care business has not. The budget for 2019 was $54 million, or about $31 million less than the requested budget for next year.

Medical workers are scarce, so the county relies on costly temporary staffing contracts. The cost of manufacturing medical equipment and supplies has also steadily increased since the pandemic, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Clancy asked if the jobs that would be eliminated were created during the pandemic. Cunningham said she didnt know.

But any of the eliminated positions could eventually be reopened with council approval.
JEFFERSON CITY  When it comes to controversy swirling around Dean Plocher, Missouri Democrats have largely withheld judgment  a notable break with some of the embattled House speakers fellow Republicans.

Plocher has been facing scandal surrounding his push for new constituent management software, as well as his acknowledgement that he filed false expense reimbursement requests totaling nearly $4,000.

But unlike a faction of House Republicans who have called for Plochers ouster, no similar bloc of House Democrats has emerged, limiting the pressure on Plocher as he tries to navigate the various scandals.

We just have popcorn and were watching the show, Rep. Donna Baringer, D-St. Louis, said on talk radio Friday.

Another Democrat said Republicans had political motivations in not giving Plocher the benefit of the doubt.

In response, one of the Republicans calling for Plochers ouster said Democrats were motivated to keep the current speaker so that they can tell voters in swing districts that the Republicans did not clean out their own, that they were OK with his corruption.

Plocher has so far been able to weather the storm  with his speakership surviving a closed-door Republican caucus meeting Thursday. A significant number of House Republicans are likely waiting on the results of a House Ethics Committee probe into Plocher before taking a position.

But four of 111 House Republicans havent been as patient:

Reps. Doug Richey, who is running for state Senate; Chris Sander, who has clashed with the speaker; Mazzie Boyd, who worked for outspoken Georgia U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene; and Adam Schwadron, who is running for secretary of state, have publicly called on Plocher to abandon the speakership.

Outside the House, a chorus of statewide Republican candidates has demanded that Plocher exit as they try to differentiate themselves from the pack to GOP primary voters.

This is really the Republicans. This is all the Republicans, Baringer said. They are fighting amongst themselves, so we have found the crack in the party. And its between the ultra-conservatives and the moderates. And Dean Plocher is more of a moderate.

Rep. Peter Merideth, the top Democrat on the House Budget Committee, said this week he feels like some Republicans may be inflating and politicizing the allegations against Plocher for next years statewide GOP primaries.

Plocher is running for lieutenant governor. So is state Sen. Holly Rehder, R-Sikeston.

In the wake of the Plocher controversy, former state Sen. Bob Onder, R-Lake Saint Louis, has said he was also considering a bid for lieutenant governor. Onder has called on Plocher to resign.

I have suspicions that its been significantly blown out of proportion by some of the loud voices on the far right who just see an opportunity to attack an opponent in an upcoming statewide primary, Merideth said.

Merideth said he was no apologist for Dean Plocher. I have been incredibly frustrated with him in so many contexts.

One of the controversies surrounding Plocher has to do with his push for $800,000 constituent management software opposed by House staff. The nonpartisan chief clerk of the House said in an email she had growing concerns of unethical and perhaps unlawful conduct surrounding the deal, tied to two Jefferson City lobbyists.

They just generally believe that privatizing a thing is going to be better  while also, you know, making lobbyists happy who they like to make happy, and making someone a buck off of the government, Merideth said.

Yes, it is not how I wish government worked. But, with Republicans running our state government, that seems to be par for the course, Merideth said.

Merideth said there were red flags with the expense reimbursements.

But it also seems like its such a small amount that sloppiness is as likely the reason it happened as any corruption, Merideth said.

In an Oct. 26 Facebook post, Merideth said it wasnt unreasonable to call for Plochers resignation as speaker. But he said the ridiculous disingenuousness of far-right Republicans stood out.

These guys act like they actually care about integrity and corruption and all these things, over a contract that never happened and a couple thousand dollars that has been repaid, Merideth said.

Schwadron on Wednesday said his call for Plocher to resign was based on allegations he threatened Chief Clerk Dana Rademan Millers job, the false reimbursements, and the possible firing of his chief of staff who may have had a whistleblower protection.

When you take all three of those together, that right there tells me that there is an issue with the speaker, Schwadron said.

Rep. Ashley Aune, a Kansas City Democrat and minority party whip, said the developments so far were concerning, and said she wanted to see what the House Ethics Committee produces.

She noted that Republicans have given former President Donald Trump, who has faced more than 90 criminal charges, the benefit of the doubt. But the same hasnt been true for Plocher.

We have folks in the Republican caucus in Missouri calling for Deans resignation over this, Aune said, and it just doesnt seem to make sense to us that they would be giving Trump the benefit of the doubt but not Plocher.

She added, There are political motivations there.

Schwadron said, Im doing it because its the right thing to do.

I do have things that I still have to get across the finish line. And going after the speaker threatens that, Schwadron said.

He said Democrats have political motivations of their own.

Their motivation is to keep him in there, Schwadron said, so that way they can say to people in swing districts, or battleground districts, that they did not clean out their own, that they were OK with his corruption.

In response, Aune said, regardless of whether or not the Republicans have a speaker ... embroiled in scandals, the Democrats can still point to the failures of the Missouri GOP in swing districts across the state.

If you knock doors in a swing district like I do, you will hear from average Missourians who are tired of being at the bottom of the list, Aune said.
UNIVERSITY CITY  A 28-year-old man was sentenced to 7 years in prison this month for shooting and killing a man in 2021 inside a University City Chinese restaurant.

Tyson Blanks, 28, pleaded guilty to first-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action Nov. 3 in the May 27, 2021, shooting death of 25-year-old Levante Falls. Blanks was originally charged with the higher-level felony of first-degree murder in the case before reaching a plea deal with prosecutors.

Chris King, a spokesman for the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell's Office, said Tuesday that "newly developed issues with witness availability and credibility" were a factor in prosecutors accepting the plea deal in the case.

Blanks' defense attorney Scott Rosenblum said he was satisfied with the outcome.

"It was a case we were ready to bring to trial," he said Tuesday. "It was a good result for my client."

Blanks admitted that on the day of the killing, he shot Falls in the head inside the China King restaurant at 7848 Olive Boulevard.

Charging documents said eyewitnesses identified Blanks as the shooter and that Blanks fled to Illinois after the shooting. He was eventually arrested and remained in custody awaiting trial.

Another man who was at the scene of the killing was also charged in 2021 with unlawful possession of a firearm, court documents show. He was accused of picking up a gun off of the killed man's body, despite a previous felony conviction barring him from carrying a gun. Prosecutors eventually dropped the charge against him in the case.
MAMOUDZOU, Mayotte  Drop by disappearing drop, water is an ever more precious resource on Mayotte, the poorest place in the European Union. Taps flow just one day out of three in this French territory off Africas eastern coast, because of a drawn-out drought compounded by years of underinvestment and water mismanagement.

Diseases like cholera and typhoid are on the rebound, and the French army recently intervened to distribute water and quell tensions over supplies. The crisis is a wakeup call to the French government about the challenges and cost of managing human-caused climate change across Frances far-flung territories.

Racha Mousdikoudine, a 38-year-old mother of two living in Labatoir, washes dishes with bottled water, when she can get it. When the water taps run, she says, "I have to choose between taking a shower or preserving my water supply.''

This shortage will be global in a few years. This is an opportunity for all French people to stand in solidarity with us. To be with us, to find solutions and make visible the situation happening in Mayotte," she said. "Because this can happen in all French departments."

She is helping coordinate a protest movement called Mayotte is Thirsty that is demanding accountability for alleged embezzling, leaks and lack of investment in sustainable water supplies. At one recent protest, residents sang, shouted and banged empty plastic bottles as they marched into the Mayotte water management company.

The government is pinning its hopes on the upcoming rainy season, though residents say it won't be enough to fix the deep-seated water problems. On a crisis visit last week, France's minister for overseas territories thanked the people of Mayotte for "accepting the unacceptable."

The water taps determine the rhythm of life in Mayotte, an island territory of about 350,000 people northwest of Madagascar.

Once every three days, water flows between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. Families rush to prepare food, wash dishes, clean their homes and anything else involving water. Those living in Mayottes poorer neighborhoods without plumbing line up at public taps with paint buckets, plastic jerrycans, reused bottles  anything to collect water.

Then for 48 hours, theyre dry again.

It is important to keep talking with the authorities, but we are not going to sit idly by, said Mousdikoudine. If we stay at home, politicians will still say that the population is resilient, that we can manage this situation. But we cannot do it, lives are at stake, our physical and mental health, as well as our childrens lives."

The most disadvantaged communities are hit the hardest by the water crisis in Mayotte, where the population is majority Black and many are struggling migrants from neighboring Comoros facing a new government crackdown.

Previously, water was among Mayottes rare riches. The mountainous and forested district of Combani, in central Mayotte, is full of springs and interspersed with rivers. The reservoirs of Combani, and Dzoumogne further north, provide 80% of the water distributed on the island.

Now the bare banks of the reservoir at Combani are cracked by the sun. Its capacity is 1.75 million cubic meters, but it now stands only 10% full. The Dzoumogne reservoir is at 6.5% capacity.

Mayotte is in its sixth year of drought, and just had its driest year since 1997, according to the national weather service. Scientists say human-induced climate change has made drought more frequent and extreme in some parts of the world.

But even without drought, Mayotte's water system wasnt capable of fulfilling local needs.

Overseas Affairs Minister Philippe Vigier said during a visit last week that 850 leaks have been spotted since September. Residents regularly film facilities of water network management company Smae, a subsidiary of big French utility Vinci, spewing water into the void and share them online.

And only one new water borehole, delivering a few hundred cubic meters per day, has been put into service so far as part of an ambitious Marshall Plan for water announced in September.

The local water union blames the water rationing on lack of production capacity, not lack of water.

The central government is promising emergency work on drilling for new springs, the renovation of a desalination plant, and extending state distribution of bottled water to all residents and not just the most vulnerable.

Residents worry it wont come fast enough, and have heard such promises before. The desalination plant has already faced years of delays, missed deadlines and allegations of pocketed subsidies.

It doesnt have to be this way.

In the neighboring Comoros, with a similar volcanic terrain and wet and dry seasons, the U.N. Development Program has a $60 million water management project aimed at better capturing rainwater and tracking usage.

While Comoros is one of the worlds poorest countries, France is one of the worlds richest and shouldnt need U.N. aid. But Mayottes water crisis underlines inequalities and often awkward relationships between the central government in Paris and former colonies that remain part of France.

On Mayotte, richer residents invest in personal water tanks at a cost of $1,700 for each installation, to ensure water flows continuously.

But most of the Mayotte population lives below the French poverty line and must heed the local governments repeated messages that every drop counts. With 50% living on less than $170 per month, according to state statistics agency Insee, $5.90 packs of bottled water imported from mainland France are not an option for most.

States with the worst droughts States with the worst droughts #51. Ohio #50. Alaska #49. New York #48. Indiana #47. Pennsylvania #46. New Jersey #45. Vermont #44. West Virginia #43. Maine #42. New Hampshire #41. Kentucky #40. Delaware #39. Illinois #38. Maryland #37. Michigan #36. Massachusetts #35. Washington DC #34. Rhode Island #33. Connecticut #32. Wisconsin #31. Virginia #30. Mississippi #29. Tennessee #28. Missouri #27. Iowa #26. Arkansas #25. Minnesota #24. Florida #23. Louisiana #22. North Carolina #21. Alabama #20. Washington #19. North Dakota #18. South Dakota #17. Oklahoma #16. South Carolina #15. Kansas #14. Georgia #13. Nebraska #12. Montana #11. Texas #10. Hawaii #9. Oregon #8. Idaho #7. Colorado #6. Wyoming #5. California #4. Utah #3. New Mexico #2. Nevada #1. Arizona States with the worst droughts #50. West Virginia #49. Alaska #48. Ohio #47. Illinois #46. Kentucky #45. Tennessee #44. Indiana #43. Wisconsin #42. Arkansas #41. Maine #40. New Hampshire #39. Massachusetts #38. Vermont #37. Connecticut #36. Rhode Island #35. New York #34. Pennsylvania #33. Mississippi #32. Missouri #31. Michigan #30. Delaware #29. South Carolina #28. Georgia #27. Virginia #26. Louisiana #25. Arizona #24. New Jersey #23. Alabama #22. Maryland #21. North Carolina #20. Minnesota #19. California #18. Colorado #17. Washington #16. Wyoming #15. Iowa #14. New Mexico #13. Oklahoma #12. Texas #11. Kansas #10. Montana #9. Florida #8. Hawaii #7. Oregon #6. Utah #5. Nevada #4. Idaho #3. Nebraska #2. North Dakota #1. South Dakota
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.

The army surrounded the facility as part of its ground offensive against Hamas. Israeli authorities claim the militants conceal military operations in the facility. But with hundreds of patients and medical personnel inside, Israeli authorities have refrained from entering.

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.

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 territory's legislature building and its police headquarters, in gains that carried high symbolic value in the country's quest to crush the ruling Hamas militant 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 militant 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.

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 militants' 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 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 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.

The White Houses 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.

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.
The events currently roiling Israel and Palestine are admittedly complex and difficult to address in the limited space of a newspaper editorial. But in its efforts to do so, the Post-Dispatch Editorial Board last week missed the mark. The editorial Censure over anti-Israel rhetoric is a crucial show of bipartisan support (Nov. 10) was heartless, misleading, and inconsistent with American values of free speech and political debate.

First, in applauding the censure of U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., the editorial completely discounted the real distress of Rep. Tlaib and all those watching in horror at the demolition of Gaza. In describing her motivations as sinister, a classic Islamophobic trope, the editorial dismisses the possibility that the congresswoman  the only Palestinian American in Congress  might be genuinely distraught by a bombing campaign that is killing civilians apace and that has been met by international calls for a ceasefire from the International Committee of the Red Cross, from humanitarian organizations, from close U.S. allies, and from the U.N. Secretary General.

As of this writing, in addition to at least 11,000 Palestinian deaths, more than 100 U.N. employees have been killed, including teachers, doctors, engineers, and sanitation and tech workers. Rep. Tlaibs personal reaction is understandable, just as anyone in our country would be upset to see a calamity occurring in their country of origin.

We have all felt compassion for the victims of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack and cried over the heartrending testimonials we have witnessed on national television. Where is the compassion for those who have lost families and friends in Gaza?

The editorial describes the 11,000 dead as inevitable casualties and the war as tragic but necessary, glib conclusions that even the most seasoned foreign policy experts have disputed. Yet even in war international law applies. The extraordinary number of civilian casualties, combined with the complete siege and blockade of Gaza, are not inevitable, but result from conscious choices made by individuals responsible for the conduct of hostilities.

Just as hostage-taking and murders committed by Hamas are war crimes, so is siege warfare and starving a civilian population. Everyone, every side, is required to comply with the laws of war. A newspaper of the Post-Dispatchs stature should not need to be reminded that Palestinians are people, too.

The insensitivity of the editorial is compounded by its incomplete analysis of the words from the river to the sea. I personally would not use the phrase, as it is often misunderstood. I understand the distress that many Jewish individuals have when they hear it, and their trauma is real. My own work has centered on the victimization wrought by the Holocaust, and the intergenerational trauma still felt today, which is undeniably a wound that never heals.

At the same time, surely the Editorial Board is aware of the fact that this phrase was actually written into Israels Likud Party Charter which states: The right of the Jewish people to the land of Israel is eternal and indisputable ... therefore ... between the Sea and the Jordan there will only be Israeli sovereignty.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains this view and has publicly declared that he will never agree to the establishment of a Palestinian state. So, the distress of Palestinians who have heard this same phrase from Israeli politicians for decades is real too, as is their intergenerational trauma.

To suggest that someone using this phrase exhibits genocidal intent simply by uttering it is thus both incorrect and misleading. Omission of this important context from the editorial confuses rather than educates the reader and contributes to the swirling morass of bias and hate this conflict has already provoked.

Finally, the editorial cheers on Congress for punishing one of its members for her political views. But whose political views are beyond the pale? Whose arent? As Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., laid out in extensive detail, the censure resolution was about punishing Rep. Tlaibs speech. Not her actions, not her conduct, but her (unpopular) political views.

Indeed, in the Nov. 3 video which the movers of the resolution used as the primary evidence against Rep. Tlaib, she does not even personally use the language from the river to the sea; it is only heard in a clip shown of protestors chanting it.

There is no sinister undertone in the video; Rep. Tlaib is clear in expressing her opposition to the bombing of Gaza, the continued occupation of Palestine, and she describes Israel as an apartheid state. Those may be unpopular political views, but they are constitutionally protected speech.

Words do matter and should be carefully chosen right now given the trauma and prejudice so many are experiencing. Antisemitism is real. Islamophobia is real.

However, education, compassion, and kindness are the only real long-term solution to this awful conflict. This otherwise excellent newspaper should either refrain from comment or do the hard work of educating and informing its readers on these deeply complex, upsetting, and critically important issues of global concern.

Leila Nadya Sadat is the James Carr Professor of International Criminal Law at Washington University School of Law in St. Louis.
EQS-Ad-hoc: European Healthcare Acquisition & Growth Company B.V. / Key word(s): AGM/EGM

General meeting of European Healthcare Acquisition & Growth Company B.V. adopts all resolutions, extending business combination deadline by up to one yea



15-Nov-2023 / 13:05 CET/CEST

Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Munich, 15 November 2023

European Healthcare Acquisition & Growth Company B.V. ("EHC"), a Dutch operators-led special purpose acquisition company listed on Euronext Amsterdam aiming to acquire one or more companies in the European healthcare sector, announces that its extraordinary general meeting of shareholders has adopted all resolutions on the agenda at the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders held today at 10:00 CET ("EGM").

The adopted resolutions relate to the extension of the original business combination deadline with one year, until 17 November 2024 (the "Extended Business Combination Deadline") and the conditional dissolution of EHC, which will become effective on the earlier of: a) the end of the Extended Business Combination Deadline if no business combination agreement has been entered into by EHC; or b) 20 trading days on Euronext Amsterdam after the publication by the Company of a written notice on its website, announcing that the resolution to dissolve the Company shall become effective on such 20th trading day after the publication of such written notice. The resolution to dissolve EHC shall lapse upon the condition subsequent of EHC entering into a business combination agreement before the end of the Extended Business Combination Deadline.

The voting results from the EGM will be published on the website of EHC in the "Investor Relations" section under Shareholder Meetings: www.ehc-company.com . The minutes will be made available on the Companys website in due course.

-----

General Enquiries

+49 89 4523240

info@ehc-company.com

Media Enquiries EHC

FGS Global

Kai Peter Rath

+49 211 43079 209

kai.rath@fgsglobal.com

Disclaimer

This press release may include forward-looking statements, which are based on EHC's current expectations and projections about future events and speak only as of the date hereof. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future whether or not within or outside the control of EHC. Such factors may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. accordingly, no undue reliance should be placed on any forward-looking statements. EHC operates in a rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties, nor to assess the impact that these factors will have on EHC. Forward-looking statements speak only as at the date at which they are made and EHC undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

This press release contains information that may qualify as inside information within the meaning of Article 7, paragraph 1, of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.
At the end of October, an Israeli Arrow 3 long range air defense missile made its first intercept of a hostile target. A Green Pine over-the-horizon Israeli radar detected a ballistic missile launch somewhere along the Red Sea coast and headed for Israel. An Arrow 3 missile intercepted the threat in space, which was the first ever intercept of a hostile missile in space.

Even before that Arrow 3 had attracted attention from potential export customers. One of these was a European coalition consisting of Germany, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Slovenia, Latvia and the Netherlands. This coalition was formed to jointly select and purchase enough air defense systems to protect them all against missile attacks from Russia. These nations are only part of the coalition. Another nine nations in eastern Europe are making similar joint purchasing plans. The most likely purchases will be of systems like the American Patriot, the European IRIS-T, the Norwegian NASAMS and the Israeli Arrow 3 ABM (Anti-Ballistic Missile) system for use against longer range, and thus faster ballistic missiles. Iran has these and is now threatening to use them against Europe. Israel has been subject to that threat for over a decade and developed the Arrow system to deal with it.

The war in Ukraine has caused several major NATO nations to increase their defense spending and change their weapons purchasing plans. Germany is considering purchasing the Israeli Arrow 3 to defend against Russian ballistic missile attacks. Arrow 3 is comparable to the American THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system. The U.S. financed the research on Arrow 3 and U.S. firms built nearly half the Arrow system components.

Arrow 3 is a two-stage high-speed interceptor able to hit long-range ballistic missiles. Arrow 3 entered service in 2017, complementing and eventually replacing Arrow 2, which entered service in 2009. The original Arrow 1 entered service in 2000 and was then the worlds most advanced ABM system. Arrow 1 and 2 have been successfully used in combat while Arrow 3 has been successful in realistic tests against incoming ballistic missile warheads.

Each generation of Arrow used a smaller but more capable interceptor missile and increased system capabilities. That was one reason for the United States long prohibiting Israel from exporting Arrow. That ban was recently lifted, which led to an Azerbaijan order and Germany seriously considering a similar purchase. Azerbaijan, which borders Russia and Iran and is a major customer for Israeli weapons, ordered two batteries of Arrow 3 in 2021 to protect itself from Iranian ballistic missiles.

Germany and Israel have long been purchasing each others weapons and cooperating in weapons development. For example, in 2011 Germany agreed to lend Israel a Patriot anti-aircraft system radar so that the radars in Israel's six Patriot batteries could be sent back to the United States for upgrades. At the same time Israel was developing its own Magic Wand (now David's Sling) air and missile defense system as a replacement for Patriot. The David's Sling missiles have a longer range (300 kilometers) and better capabilities. The American manufacturer of Patriot cooperated with an Israeli firm to develop and produce Davids Sling, which entered service in 2017, David's Sling depends on longer range radars to get target location and speed information to the David's Sling launchers. Once launched, the Stunner missile fired by Davids Sling is guided to the general location of the incoming rocket, until the Stunner's on-board sensors pick it up, and then home in and destroy the long-range rocket.

Arrow was always meant to be a more capable ABM system than Patriot or American systems like THAAD and Aegis. This has helped American air-defense system manufacturers by providing a source of useful Israeli patents to use for American systems. Germany is a customer for German Spike ATGM (Anti-Tank-Guided-Missiles) and both nations sell each other weapons tech. Last year Israel joined a U.S. sponsored regional air defense network called MEAD (Middle East Air Defense Alliance). Israel is a vital component of MEAD, which includes other Middle East nations, like Saudi Arabia and the UAE that have purchased American air and missile defense systems like Patriot and THAAD. MEAD makes sense with Israeli participation because Israel not only purchased Patriot, but also developed a similar but superior system called Davids Sling as well as the unique Arrow anti-ballistic missile system.

Israel also developed and uses Iron Dome against rocket and mortar attacks as well as new systems that can detect and destroy low and slow cruise missiles which Iran has successfully used to evade Saudi air defenses and attack oil infrastructure targets. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been regularly attacked by Iranian ballistic missiles and cruise missiles launched by Iran-backed Shia rebels in northern Yemen. This need for Israeli air defense systems played a role in the 2020 American sponsored effort to secure diplomatic recognition of Israel by Arab states in the Middle East and led to Israel exporting some air defense systems to the UAE for protecting commercial aircraft from Iranian missile attacks.

After that diplomatic breakthrough, MEAD became a real possibility at the end of 2020 after Israel conducted two weeks of anti-aircraft system tests in the eastern Mediterranean against targets simulating multiple missile and rocket threats. To handle this kind of multiple threat attack Israel ran successful tests demonstrating three different air-defense systems communicating with each other using a centralized target detection and fire control network to take down multiples of different types of targets. This new fire-control network enabled each air-defense system to successfully attack the specific targets it was most capable of destroying. This test also showed that Iron Dome was capable of destroying an incoming cruise missile. Other incoming weapons included unguided rockets, a simulated ballistic missile and UAVs. The test was mainly about proving that a new integrated sensor and fire control system worked. The integrated system provided a single 3-D picture of the battlefield by combining data from the American Missile Defense Satellite early warning system plus the local radar systems used by Iron Dome, C-Dome (Iron Dome mounted on Israeli corvettes and offshore natural gas extraction platforms), Davids Sling (formerly Magic Wand), and Arrow 3, the Israel based ABM (Anti-Ballistic Missile) system. Such an integrated system was needed to protect Israel from a massive Iranian attack using rockets, explosives-laden UAVs and cruise missiles launched from Lebanon and Gaza as well as IRBMs (Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles) launched from Iran and shorter-range ballistic missiles launched from Syria or (illegally) Iraq.

The IRBM interception capabilities of Arrow had already been tested in 2017 and Davids Sling had been used against incoming missiles from Syria in 2018. Iron Dome has intercepted nearly 3,000 rockets, mortar shells and UAVs since 2011 and demonstrated its ability to deal with cruise missiles during tests. Detecting and taking down cruise missiles is a new capability for Iron Dome and C-Dome. This new capability was seen as essential for Iron Dome because these can come from any direction and be used in large numbers in a single attack. Iron Dome is designed to deal with such mass attacks by rockets and, using the new integrated command and control system, it was found that the target data could quickly and successfully be used from other radar systems.

In early 2017 Israel successfully completed a final round of tests for its Davids Sling anti-aircraft/missile system and began deploying it in late 2017. At the same time the new Arrow 3 completed its final tests and was cleared for mass production as the version of Arrow that can intercept the longer-range Iranian IRBMs.

Iron Dome has a unique feature in which the radar system computes where the incoming rocket will land. If the rocket will not hit an inhabited area, it will be ignored. Otherwise, one or two interceptor missiles will be fired. Davids Sling adopted some of that technology for its anti-missile mode. The Davids Sling Stunner missile can be used against larger rockets that will be aimed (by Syria, Hamas or Hezbollah) at large urban areas, and these will almost always get a Stunner fired at them.

Davids Sling is expected to eventually replace Israels old 17 Hawk anti-aircraft batteries as well and, eventually, the six Patriot batteries. Davids Sling is very similar to Patriot and one option is to offer Davids Sling components as upgrades for existing Patriot equipment. Stunner is already available as a Patriot upgrade because Stunner has a max range of 300 kilometers, which is longer than Patriot. Many of the Davids Sling technologies were developed jointly by American and Israeli firms with Patriot upgrades in mind. The Stunner missile's long range allows two Davids Sling batteries to cover all of Israel. A Davids Sling battalion would have three batteries each with six truck mounted launchers (each with four missiles), a radar vehicle and control vehicle.

Arrow 3 was earlier tested in the Eastern Mediterranean against Israeli ballistic missile warheads launched from high-flying jets. In 2019 Arrow was also tested from the American PSCA (Pacific Spaceport Complex-Alaska) in Kodiak, Alaska against three different ballistic missile targets. Israeli Sparrow ballistic missile targets are often used for testing the ABM capabilities of Davids Sling, Patriot and Arrow. These targets are missiles carried to a high altitude by an F-16, F-15 or a large transport aircraft. When launched, the missiles fly higher and then plunge earthward at a speed and trajectory nearly identical to that of a ballistic missile warhead. This provides an adequately similar target for testing anti-ballistic missile systems.

The 2020 tests completed a decades-long Israeli effort to provide an integrated air defense system that makes the most of their numerous innovative air defense weapons. MEAD needs a networked system and the only one that incorporates the latest Israeli and American air defense tech is what Israel successfully tested at the end of 2020. There followed a year of discussions and negotiations between the U.S., Israel and major Arab partners in the anti-Iran alliance. Arab members of MEAD were not announced initially because Saudi Arabia had to determine if Saudi public opinion would tolerate belonging to MEAD. The Saudis have been a leader in anti-Israel rhetoric since the 1950s and only in the last two decades, as the Iranian threat grew, did Saudi political and business leaders realize that they needed Israel as an ally, not an alien entity that must be removed from the Middle East. The Saudis are the guardians of the most holy of Moslem pilgrimage sites and Saudis are proud of that. Some Saudis are still unwilling to accept Israel as a valued neighbor and ally. So far, the Saudis have established informal but effective diplomatic, intelligence and military links with Israel. To use MEAD the Saudis would have to go public with their acceptance of Israel. Thats risky for the Saudi government but so is staying out of MEAD. It is even more risky in 2023 because of the aftereffects of the Hamas attack on Israel. For Israel and the Gulf Arab states the major threat still comes from Iran. Because of that Iran would like to see MEAD fail and Arrow 3 be kept as far away from Iran as possible.
The fighting going on in Ukraine and, to a lesser extent in Syria involves a lot of efforts to jam GPS navigation signals and degrade the accuracy of weapons using GPS navigation. In theory, jamming GPS navigation is relatively straightforward. The jammers disrupt the signal GPS navigation systems receive from space satellites that provide worldwide signals to GPS receivers in the air, at sea or on the ground. If someone jams the GPS signal, most GPS-based guidance systems will switch to an INS (inertial Navigation System) back up.

In the last few decades new technologies have greatly improved INS accuracy and lowered costs. In the last decade, new INS tech resulted in INS that was nearly as accurate as GPS and almost as compact. The new INS tech was more expensive, but as more of it was sold, the cost will come down. Cost was initially a factor because the new INS units with the new tech cost more than 10 times GPS. Despite that, there were markets for the more expensive INS. The new INS devices can be used to more effectively monitor GPS and alert the user that their GPS has either developed a problem or is being jammed. INS cannot be jammed because it is self-contained and does not rely on any external signal. INS does receive constant position updates from the GPS unit it works with. That keeps the INS as accurate as possible. But if those updates suddenly stop or become erratic, INS systems are programmed to stop using GPS signals and switch to INS only mode.

This feature is often essential in some weapons. For example, some very fast or highly maneuverable missiles sometimes briefly lose their GPS signal as they maneuver. A more complex task is INS equipped to effectively deal with the growing use of GPS spoofing, or misdirecting. This involves Electronic Warfare (EW) equipment that can mislead rather than jam without alerting the victim that their navigation system might not be reliable. Thus, even with the ability of GPS anti-jamming tech to keep up with jammer technology, there is still a demand for a new INS. That has led to smaller, cheaper and more accurate INS systems. Aside from airlines and commercial shipping, there is not much of a mass market for these new INS systems because for most users, GPS is reliable enough to keep the INS gear out of the more cost-sensitive markets. But the demand from the airlines, shipping companies and the military is huge. INS tech is becoming a popular feature for high-end smartphones and other consumer items, because some smartphone and smartwatch manufacturers seek to use INS to automatically fill in if the user temporarily loses the GPS signal.

Several nations, particularly the U.S., Russia and Israel, develop electronic systems that disrupt satellite navigation systems like GPS or the Russian GLONASS. Both nations use their jamming and anti-jamming tech against each other because Russia maintains a naval base and airbase on the Syrian coast while Israel is constantly under attacks by Iranian UAVs and missiles launched from Syria. Israeli missiles regularly hit Iranian targets in Syria and Russia uses its GPS jamming systems to disrupt these attacks. Israel has responded with new tech installed in the missile guidance systems that reduces or eliminates the effectiveness of the jamming. This GPS jamming and counter-jamming competition has been going on for several decades and became particularly intense when Russian forces arrived in Syria in late 2015. Before that Russia had provided their ally Syria with these jamming weapons while Israel and the United States cooperated in developing new jamming tech. Now the new tech is showing up in Ukraine, where there is a lot of jamming, spoofing and general mayhem directed at new satellite navigation and INS tech.

Details of the new jamming technologies are usually kept secret but those that are sold as commercial products must reveal some technical details. For example, in 2021 the Israeli military announced that it was the prime backer of the new Advanced Navigation Technology Center. This new division of state-owned IAI (Israel Aerospace Industries) develops and manufactures new generations of INS technology to complement or replace satellite (GPS) guidance. IAI did not provide any more details of the new INS technology, not even the name of the new system. IAI already develops and makes INS systems as unjammable backups for GPS systems, but the future is seen as a better INS that is less reliant on GPS.

Many defense specialists on navigation and electronics experts believe current anti-jamming efforts are sufficient to keep military GPS use viable for a while, but the improvements in GPS jamming and spoofing technology have been arriving faster than expected. Despite the secrecy about GPS disruption, since 2017 there has been growing evidence that Russia has been frequently jamming or spoofing GPS signals, mainly to hide the exact location equipment that allows GPS tracking. Those techniques continued to show up in Ukraine.

Developing equipment like this is easily within Russian capabilities. In early 2019 a report made the news revealing that there had recently been nearly 10,000 instances where someone, apparently Russia, had been jamming or spoofing satellite navigation signals. Not just the American GPS, but also signals from non-American satellite navigation systems (Chinese Beidou, EUs Galileo, Japans QZAA and even the Russian GLONASS). Much of this activity was not outright jamming but harder to detect spoofing. This was apparently done to conceal the true location of key Russian officials, like President Putin, and Russian military units. The spoofing was particularly common for Russian military forces in Ukraine and Syria. Spoofing replaced the actual satellite signal with a false one that rendered smart bombs or planned attacks on targets inaccurate. Spoofing can introduce false signals gradually and sometimes delay a navigation system's realization that it is being deceived. Thats one function of INS, to act as a monitor for GPS as well as a backup.

Current INS tech relies on receiving an accurate GPS location initially and periodically thereafter to keep both GPS and INS location data in sync. GPS depends on continuous satellite signals to operate, and the INS is used to step in and replace GPS when the satellite signal becomes temporarily too weak, or absent. When an accurate GPS signal is achieved, INS goes back into standby mode. Spoofing can now mimic these momentary disruptions and evade detection as a false signal by the INS, which is completely self-contained. This is sometimes a problem for American guided weapons sent to Ukraine that do not have the latest jamming detection and countermeasures tech installed.

Israeli INS researchers are not the only ones seeking an INS that is accurate and persistent enough to replace GPS for extended periods. INS has long suffered from the inability to provide as accurate a location as satellite navigation systems while also suffering from drift as the gyroscope and acceleration capabilities now performed by microelectronics of the chip-based INS cannot maintain as continuously precise location as the space satellite-based system can. This is no longer seen as an insurmountable problem, nor is the large cost-difference between GPS and INS tech. Israel apparently feels it is closer to a solution than anyone else.

Meanwhile, spoofing satellite navigation systems has become more popular and practical because it does not require expensive or high-tech equipment. While American weapons and military navigation systems have a backup in the form of unjammable INS systems, these are useless if the spoofing is not detected. American systems are supposed to detect spoofing and revert to INS but the Americans do not disclose details of how these systems work in order to make it difficult for spoofing systems to be modified to be less detectable. That is one reason why the U.S. has not released detailed information on spoofing incidents because some of them may have evaded the INS spoofing detection tech.

To further complicate the issue there have also been instances where mandatory AIS (Automatic Identification System) transponders that all large ships must carry are more frequently reporting instances of getting no GPS signal at all. Large ships usually carry two AIS units, in case one malfunctions so AIS failure can be ruled out as a cause. But when something else is manipulating the GPS signal it becomes possible to deceive the unjammable INS. New INS systems can eliminate that risk by replacing GPS most of the time.

The new INS technology has attracted a lot of attention in the military as backups are always appreciated because when equipment fails in combat, or for commercial users like aircraft or ships, its literally a matter of life or death. Meanwhile, the U.S. is building and testing more compact GPS anti-jamming systems for smaller (as small as 200 kg/440 pounds) UAVs. This is part of a program to equip all American UAVs, even the smallest ones, with more secure GPS. While all UAVs can be flown by the operator, the GPS makes it a lot easier for the operator to keep track of exactly where his UAV is at all times, and sometimes the UAV is programmed to simply patrol between a series of GPS coordinates. If the GPS jams or fails, the operator can usually use the video feed to find landmarks on the ground and bring the UAV back to where it can be seen and landed. Other UAVs have a failsafe system for the GPS. When it is no longer available the UAV turns around and heads back in the general direction of the operator. When the operators detects the returning UAV it can send it a signal to determine if this is because of equipment failure or possible jamming. This is preferable to allowing the GPS-less UAV to keep flying until it runs out of fuel and crashes somewhere,

Most GPS reliability threats are coming from a few suppliers like Russia, China and North Korea. These nations have developed all manner of GPS jamming technology, and in 2019 it became public that the Russians were using GPS new spoofing technology to conceal the true location of senior leaders and some military units.

Developers and users of GPS jamming gear tend to keep quiet about what they do because this sort of thing is illegal in peacetime, especially when civilians experience GPS disruptions themselves. When the United States tests military GPS jamming it does so at sea or in remote areas and warns nearby civilians who might encounter GPS problems to be aware of the tests and act accordingly. This warning policy has been in use for decades because of the growing number of new electronic equipment designs that could cause problems for civilians if the disruptive effect extended farther than expected.

Other nations are not as secretive in complaining and often the culprit is Russia. In late 2018 Finland and Norway went public with their accusations that Russia deliberately jammed GPS signals in northern Finland and Norway from a location near the Russian military bases in the Kola Peninsula on the Barents Sea. The jamming took place as NATO held its largest training exercise since the Cold War ended in 1991. Russia denied any responsibility even though they are known to possess long-range jammers for GPS and other signals. Norway said they had tracked the jammer to a specific location but when Russia refused to admit any involvement Norway refused to explain how they tracked the signal because that would provide Russia with information on Norwegian EW equipment that might be useful to them.

In 2020 Iran was caught testing spoofing tech at a military facility in the capital Tehran and trying to keep it secret. It is not known if the Iranians developed the spoofing tech themselves or received it from Russia or China.

Until the appearance of the new spoofing tech, GPS jamming had little or no impact on the NATO military exercises and even commercial airliners operating in the area had INS backup in case GPS signals were not working properly. The potential victims were civilians with smaller aircraft or on the ground who depend on commercial navigation gear using GPS. Then again, that may have been the point because Russian firms have long been producing a wide variety of GPS jammers that are generally ineffective against military GPS users but would be useful for criminals, terrorists or anyone involved in irregular warfare, as Russia has been in Ukraine since 2014. As for the damage to diplomatic relations with Norway and Finland, these two nations need no reminders of what a bad neighbor Russia is and historically has been.

GPS spoofing equipment has also found a market among criminal gangs. This was first encountered during 2018 in Shanghai, China where local gangsters were found to be using technology for spoofing GPS signals. Shanghai was just the beginning because this spoofing tech was subsequently encountered in twenty other Chinese coastal cities where gangsters ran profitable smuggling operations. The Chinese GPS spoofing was implemented differently from the Russian method. The Russian spoofing would make all GPS devices in an area appear in the same position instead of the many different positions they actually were. In contrast, the Chinese spoofing, when active, would show individual ships each in a different location but always around the same central point that was apparently where the spoofing signals were broadcast. This produced what was called a crop circle pattern. This was first noted by crews of ships slowly entering the port of Shanghai. While doing so they would watch the location of other ships via their AIS transponders. International law requires all large seagoing ships to carry and use AIS equipment which constantly broadcasts the GPS position of the ship, but there were cases where ships suddenly saw the AIS positions of ships near them change. The bridge crew could see, often with/or without, the use of binoculars, where the other ships actually were while, at the same time, the AIS display was showing them somewhere else within a circular area. After a few minutes, AIS signals would accurately report location again. In situations like this, it was noted that no GPS receivers onboard were receiving a signal, nor were GPS devices ashore that were within the circle.

The Chinese government denied responsibility for this GPS spoofing and blamed it on smugglers who apparently used a spoofing device to avoid being caught by the police while a smuggler ship was carrying illegal cargo. In one case the smuggler was caught anyway, because of an accident caused by the spoofing, and the smuggler ship was found to be carrying an illegally obtained spoofing system while transporting sand from, the port for sale elsewhere. Sand mining had been banned in this region because this valuable commodity was in great demand elsewhere and exporting more of it was damaging the environment.

GPS spoofing declined during 2020 but China revealed no details about what happened. In the past China has given local hackers a choice between going to prison or quietly working for the Chinese government. Russia uses similar tactics as do many other governments. One thing that was noted about the Shanghai Spoofer was that the spoofing often took place around oil terminals where ships smuggling oil for Iran or to North Korea often operated. The governments of Iran and North Korea also noticed this and could have received useful information on how the Shanghai spoofing gear worked. Thats one of the conspiracy theories popular with many Iranians and South Koreans.

Since 2022, many new spoofing and anti-spoofing technologies have shown up in Ukraine. While this battlefield is invisible, its impact is not. This is especially true when normally reliable guided systems suddenly become unreliable.
Iran has been having a bad year. The most recent disaster was the Hamas attack on Israel, which means the end of one of Irans major paramilitary assets. The Israeli military is one of the best in the world and did not expect Hamas to self-destruct like this, killing as many Israelis as it could before Hamas was gone and their base in Gaza severely damaged. Iran may have ordered this in an effort to disrupt the recent alliance between Israel and the Gulf oil states against Iran. The Hamas attack was a major intelligence failure for Israel and the Arab neighbors realize that this was an Iranian intelligence victory. If Iran could do this again, it would most likely be used against one the Arab states that oppose the expansion of Iranian influence in the region. Expending Hamas to accomplish this attack on Israel reminds Arab states that it could happen to them. Iran is a common enemy or threat to Israel, Arabs and Turks. Surviving Hamas members were surprised to discover that Iran had not ordered Hamas to attack. It was Hamas leaders that approved the attack and many of them died during the subsequent fighting.

The end of Hamas will be another side-effect of the long, since 1979, Iranian efforts to destroy Israel and America which Iran called the two Great Satans and has been largely one-sided but increasingly expensive as the Iranian defeats piled up. It didnt take long for many Iranians to figure out that this war against former allies was not really a war but rather an excuse for the clerics to spend a lot of money on an army of Islamic terrorists whose main job was to protect the ruling clerics from the Iranian people. The clerics thought they could control popular dissent by maintaining a militia of religiously minded volunteers who could earn some extra cash and other favors by bullying or beating anyone who openly opposed the religious dictatorship. These government approved thugs were a common feature of dictatorships, Nazis and communists both used them. By the 1990s the government had organized street gangs, composed of young men who are Islamic conservatives, paid to break up pro-reform demonstrations by force and attack any groups that openly oppose the government for whatever reason. There has always been the risk that a series of street brawls could escalate and lead to another mass revolution like the one in 1979. So far that has been avoided but more and more of the young men who were prime candidates to join these gangs have changed sides.

Once more there are protests and even attacks on local religious leaders in towns and cities that do not have a lot of religious conservatives, or a local Islamic conservative militia unit. The militia had a name; the Basj, which provided the manpower for pro-government street gangs since the 1990s, when popular protests the dictatorship became more common and threatening. The Basj is actually part of the IRGC (Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps) whose main job is to protect the religious rulers from any internal threat (including from the national police or regular armed forces). Although the Basj officially has 11 million members, the number that the government could depend on has been declining. A few years ago, it was several hundred thousand but now it is less than 100,000 and falling. Basj members have families and feel the economic decline like everyone else.

The IRGC also decided to aid Hamas, a militant Palestinian group that appeared in the 1980s and took control of Gaza after the Israelis left in 2007. Hamas always had one primary goal: the destruction of Israel. Since the United States was a steadfast supporter of Israel, the Americans would have to be eliminated as well. Few believed Hamas would choose self-destruction and try to act on their goals of destroying Israel. At the same time, Hamas eventually became dependent on Iranian financial support, which enabled Hamas to buy a lot of support and some loyalty in Gaza.

The Sunni Palestinians in Gaza were not happy about being dependent on Iranian cash. The rest of the Arab population was not happy with Hamas becoming subservient to Iran, which was at war with all Arab governments, plus Israel and the United States. Arabs see Iran as a potential threat and a perpetual nuisance. Subsidizing and then expending Hamas was seen as typical Iranian behavior with allies and against enemies. The large number of Israelis Hamas killed pleased Iran, even as it horrified most of the world.

With Hamas now weakened from combat losses, attention is turning to Hezbollah, an earlier and larger Iranian creation in Lebanon which is composed of Shia Muslims. Hezbollah is also, like Hamas, seen as a ruthless Iranian tool that is capable of anything. As Hamas attacked Israel it called on Hezbollah to join in. Hezbollah declined. Hezbollah has always been more cautious and rational than Hamas. Hezbollah continues to concentrate on its own survival. This definitely does not include another war with Israel. Hezbollah always saw Hamas as an erratic and undependable ally and the feeling was mutual. With Hamas gone, Hezbollah continues to concentrate on preserving its power in Lebanon.

Israel and Hezbollah fought a five-week war in 2006 that could have meant the end of Hezbollah were it not for an UN effort to arrange a truce and then a peace deal. Hezbollah is very aware that Israel can destroy its armed forces whereupon its Sunni Arab and Christian neighbors will drive all the Lebanese Shia into Syria. This is why Hezbollah is basically ignoring the demands of Iran and Hamas to join in attacking Israel. Hamas has a death wish, Hezbollah does not. While both Hamas and Hezbollah receive financial support from Iran, Hezbollah is pretty much ignoring Iranian calls to attack Israel, particularly in not launching the 100,000 missiles and rockets Hezbollah has stored in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah knows that it will be destroyed if it makes a significant attack on Israel, and that Iran doesnt care about that as long as some Israelis get killed. Iran appears willing to continue subsidizing Hezbollah as a threat to Israel, but it is possible that it might not insist on another suicidal attack given that it would result in an enormous political disaster from the ethnic cleansing of Lebanese Shia, with Iran doing nothing about the cleansing for lack of means. All this fighting by forces belonging to various religious factions has destroyed the Lebanese government as well as the Lebanese military. Since World War 2, Lebanon has survived on cooperation and compromise. This system is unstable and often fails, as it recently did Iran tried to use pro-Iran militias to attack Israel. That did not work, and Lebanon has neither the resources nor any eagerness to improve the situation.
DUBAI, UAE / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / In a monumental stride towards environmental sustainability, Save Earth Mission's asset, Yes Coin, is forging a path that redefines the concept of a rewarding ecosystem. Yes Coin is not just an asset; it's a key component of the world's largest environmental mission, Save Earth Mission, with a bold objective to achieve global carbon neutrality by 2040.

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Yes Coin stands as the backbone of the world's biggest community-driven ecosystem. With a target to make the world carbon-neutral, this asset is intricately tied to Save Earth Mission's overarching goal. The tokenomics of Yes Coin reflect a strategic allocation aimed at promoting community engagement, sustainability, and a global shift towards eco-conscious practices.

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A groundbreaking initiative, the Community Climate Airdrop allocates a significant 63% of the token supply. This airdrop invites individuals to participate in tasks contributing to the mission's objectives. Completing allocated tasks ensures eligibility for getting absolutely free of cost coins through the airdrop campaign, promoting engagement and environmental consciousness. Yes Coin, backed by a thriving community of 10 million, plans to reach a billion community members within the next three years.

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Recognizing the importance of its existing community, Yes Coin allocates 18% of its supply for rewarding loyal members. Through a unique rewards program offering 9x returns, the existing community becomes an integral part of the mission's success. Various tasks are introduced regularly, providing instant rewards and fostering a sense of active participation.

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A forward-looking approach is evident in Yes Coin's commitment to environmental tasks. 10% of the token supply is reserved for mission task rewards, encouraging a clean climate drive until 2040. Additionally, 2% is dedicated to sustainable development and food security, allowing community-driven decisions through a DAO system.

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Yes Coin recognizes the value of expertise in achieving its mission. The onboarding of advisors is coupled with a strategic allocation of 1% equity, released monthly over a five-year period. This rewards system encourages contributions from individuals aligned with the mission's industry-specific goals. Notably, just the same 1% of the total equity is reserved for the founders, senior management, and thousands of project contributors also making it a first of it's kind project.

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The project allocates 1% each for climate emergency charity and the mission team fund. These dedicated funds address urgent environmental situations and boost the morale of the dedicated team working towards the ambitious goal of a carbon-neutral world by 2040.

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Maximizing potential returns and creating an additional revenue source, Yes Coin allocates 1% for APY rewards. Stacking Yes Coin brings a fixed 12% annual growth, offering participants an attractive incentive for their involvement.

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Save Earth Mission's innovative Department of Burning ensures a sustainable token model. Monthly, quarterly, and yearly burning events are scheduled, where a percentage of profits from ecosystem businesses will be burned. The first burning event is set for December 31, 2023.

Save Earth Mission's asset, Yes Coin, is not just a digital asset; it's a catalyst for environmental change. With its groundbreaking tokenomics, community-driven approach, and strategic vision, Yes Coin creates history by developing the world's most rewarding ecosystem, setting a precedent for projects with a purpose. As the world grapples with climate-related challenges, Yes Coin stands as a beacon, demonstrating that impactful change is achievable through innovative and community-centric initiatives.

https://saveearthmission.com/

Media Contact

Organization: Save Earth Mission

Contact Person: Junaid Kazi

Website: https://saveearthmission.com/

Email: [email protected]

City: Dubai

Country: United Arab Emirates

SOURCE: Save Earth Mission

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / BioNxt Solutions Inc. ("BioNxt" or the "Company") (CSE:BNXT)(OTCQB: BNXTF)(FSE:BXT) is pleased to provide further development details on its recently announced 100% Cladribine IP acquisition and related development program. BioNxt has commenced the development and commercialization of a proprietary oral dissolvable film ("ODF") based Cladribine product for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, namely Multiple Sclerosis ("MS").

After ten years of use as a niche oncology therapeutic for the treatment of certain forms of leukemia, Cladribine was re-discovered as a powerful agent for the treatment of MS. Launched by a major drug company in 2017 in Europe and 2019 in the US as a proprietary tablet formulation for the treatment of MS, Cladribine tablets reached over one billion in global sales in 2022 with a three-year CAGR of 18%. MS represents the largest market segment for the sale of Cladribine with approximately 2.3 million people living with MS worldwide, with the highest prevalence in North America and Europe. The global Multiple Sclerosis drug market is expected to top US$ 41 Billion by 2033 according to Market.us.

BioNxt's new proprietary Cladribine ODF formulation is designed to provide several advantages over conventional tablet formulations. The primary expected advantage is instant dissolution in the oral cavity and absorption into the bloodstream thereby bypassing the stomach and upper intestine where absorption may be limited. As a result there is potential for greater dosing precision and efficiency which may permit a reduced daily and course dose for patients. The Company also recognizes the potential for greater application of ODF versus tablet formulations, particularly with dysphagic patients who cannot swallow or have difficulty swallowing, which represents over 40% of MS patients.

BioNxt is planning human bioequivalence studies for 2024 with preclinical work already underway. The Company will provide greater details on its clinical strategy in due course.

The Company has filed Cladribine ODF-related preliminary patent applications with three to four patent applications expected to be on file in major international jurisdictions by late 2024 to early 2025 with potential patent protection extending to 2044.

About BioNxt Solutions Inc.

BioNxt Solutions Inc. is a bioscience accelerator focused on next-generation drug formulations and delivery systems, diagnostic screening tests, and new active pharmaceutical production and evaluation, including: precision transdermal and oral dissolvable drug formulations; rapid, low-cost infectious disease and oral health screening tests; and standardization and clinical evaluation of emerging active pharmaceutical ingredients for neurological applications. The Company has research and development operations in North America and Europe, with an operational focus in Germany, and is currently focused on regulatory approval and commercialization of medical products for European markets.

BioNxt Solutions Inc.

Hugh Rogers, CEO and Director

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +1 780-818-6422

Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information

Some of the statements contained in this news release are forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "expects", "intends", "is expected", "potential", "suggests" or variations of such words or phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements and information are not historical facts and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties beyond the Company's control. Actual results and developments are likely to differ, and may differ materially, from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.

SOURCE: BioNxt Solutions Inc.

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Six Full-Time Bank On Fellows Selected to Lead Coalitions of Government Leaders, Community Organizations and Financial Institutions to Increase Banking Access

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Wells Fargo / The Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund) announced today $1 million in funding from the Wells Fargo Foundation to expand the Bank On Fellowship program to a fourth cohort and work to expand banking access for unbanked residents living in Arizona, California, Ohio, Kentucky, Louisiana, and New Mexico. The Wells Fargo Foundation's investment will support six full-time Bank On Fellows for two years to help connect the more than 24 million people living outside of the U.S. financial system with safe, low-cost banking accounts.

The goal of the national Bank On program is to ensure that everyone has access to safe and affordable financial products and services. The Bank On National Account Standards define characteristics of a safe, affordable, and fully functional consumer account; accounts certified as meeting Bank On Standards are available at over 400 banks and credit unions across the country in over 46,000 branches, comprising 60% of the U.S. deposit market share. For example, Wells Fargo's Bank On-certified Clear Access Banking is a low-cost, no overdraft fee account and gives access to Wells Fargo's mobile app, and nationwide branch and ATM network.

This fourth cohort of Bank On Fellows includes: Bank On Arizona; Bank On Cleveland; Bank On Inland SoCal; Kentucky Bank On Network; Bank On New Mexico; and Bank On Northeast Louisiana. They will join a community of 100 local Bank On coalitions across the country, led by or working closely with local government to expand access to financial products through payment and program opportunities including unemployment insurance, workforce development programs, and more. This cohort includes three statewide coalition leaders who will work to expand banking access across their entire states.

"Banking access is foundational to financial stability," said Jonathan Mintz, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund. "A safe, affordable, mainstream account is critical to helping people manage their money and improve their financial health. Bank On coalitions across the country connect people to safe accounts at scale, and a dedicated coalition leader will only supercharge this work. We're thankful to the Wells Fargo Foundation for their ongoing investment in this work, and excited to partner with these coalition leaders for the next cohort of Bank On Fellows."

"We're excited to support the continuation of our partnership with CFE Fund and welcome our fourth cohort of Bank On Fellows to lead banking inclusion efforts in markets with high concentrations of unbanked households," said Bonnie Wallace, head of Financial Health Philanthropy at Wells Fargo.

Launched with support from the Wells Fargo Foundation in 2017, the Bank On Fellowship program is the first national initiative of its kind focused on building a multi-city network of Bank On coalition leaders, equipping them with the training, tools, and resources to accelerate banking access while also generating best practices for other coalitions around the country.Dedicated local leadership is critical to moving beyond general education and literacy efforts and instead into identifying systemic integration points to connect unbanked people to safe, affordable accounts at scale.

The Wells Fargo Foundation's investment in the Bank On initiative also enables the CFE Fund to provide local coalitions with funding and technical assistance to boost their local efforts in expanding access to safe and affordable banking accounts that are certified as meeting the Bank On National Account Standards. The Standards identify critical product features for appropriate bank or credit union accounts, making it easier for local coalitions across the country to connect consumers to accounts that meet their needs. Core account features include low costs, no overdraft fees, robust transaction capabilities such as a debit or prepaid card, and online bill pay.

About the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund)

The CFE Fund supports municipal efforts to improve the financial stability of households by leveraging opportunities unique to local government. By translating cutting-edge experience with large scale programs, research, and policy in cities of all sizes, the CFE Fund assists mayors and other local leaders to identify, develop, fund, implement, and research pilots and programs that help families build assets and make the most of their financial resources. The CFE Fund is currently working in over 100 cities and counties representing 75 million people, and has disbursed over $64 million to city governments and their partners to support these efforts. For more information, please visit www.cfefund.org or follow us on Twitter at @CFEFund.

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Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/wells-fargo

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE: Wells Fargo

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SPREE BAR Master Distributor Agreements Signed, Purchase Orders and Cash Deposits Received

COSTA MESA, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Charlie's Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: CHUC) ("Charlie's" or the "Company"), an industry leader in the premium vapor products space, today reported results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2023, and provided an update on recent business highlights.

Key Financial Highlights for Q3 2023 (compared with Q3 2022)

Revenue decreased 58% to $2.7 million

Gross profit decreased 60% to $1.1 million

Operating loss of $0.7 million compared to operating income of $0.046 million

Net loss of $0.7 million compared to net income of $0.2 million

Key Financial Highlights for Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 (compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022)

Revenue decreased 51% to $10.7 million

Gross profit decreased 56% to $4.1 million

Operating loss increased by $2.2 million to $2.3 million

Net loss was $2.1 million compared to net income of $0.3 million

Key Business Highlights

Charlie's awarded seven SPREE BAR Master Distributor and Distributor contracts in the third quarter

The Company accepted purchase orders and corresponding 50% cash deposits for each SPREE BAR distributor's initial order

Subsequent Event

Charlie's received notification that U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") Acceptance Letters for the Company's 2022 Pre-Market Tobacco Application ("PMTAs") will be issued and the FDA will place Charlie's applications into filing review.

Management Commentary

"In the third quarter management focused nearly all of its resources on the product line that we believe holds the greatest long-term promise for Charlie's: SPREE BAR," stated Matt Montesano, Charlie's Holdings, Inc. Chief Financial Officer. "At the same time, while laying the groundwork for what we expect will be an outstanding 2024, we implemented substantial expense reductions over the past several months in order to minimize 2023 operating losses."

Ryan Stump, Charlie's Chief Operating Officer, explained, "Though we are disappointed at the weakness across our legacy product lines, SPREE BAR holds tremendous promise for the future and we believe the product will be a market leader in 2024." Stump, continued, "Additionally, we are cautiously optimistic about the large opportunity represented by our Age Gating Product Development Initiative. There is a huge unmet need for effective, consumer-acceptable, age-gated product technologies that can satisfy or accommodate concerns the FDA has related to under-age youth access in the ENDS marketplace. We believe that our IP and product development initiatives in this arena could prove exceptionally lucrative for Charlie's."

Henry Sicignano III, Charlie's President, commented, "The SPREE BAR product line really is Charlie's headline this year. We invested many, many months and extraordinary efforts to develop what we believe is an unbeatable product: (i) SPREE BAR provides adult consumers with the same satisfaction that typical disposable vapes provide, but without nicotine; (ii) SPREE BAR is not subject to FDA Pre-Market Tobacco Application requirements; and (iii) perhaps best of all, 6,000-puff SPREE BAR flavor pods have an MSRP that is LESS THAN HALF that of the industry-leading 5,500-puff disposables."

SPREE BAR

Featuring nicotine substitute "Metatine" in lieu of tobacco-based and synthetically derived nicotine, SPREE BAR perfectly replicates the sensation of vaping a traditional nicotine disposable  but is not subject to FDA PMTA requirements .

Having invested more than $6MM in what Charlie's believes are some of the strongest FDA PMTAs in the industry for the Company's e-liquid and electronic nicotine delivery system devices, Charlie's has been frustrated by the facts that (i) more than three years after its applications were submitted, its 2020 PMTAs remain in "substantive review" with the FDA, (ii) no company in the world, to date, has received an FDA marketing order for a flavored disposable vape product, and (iii) illegal nicotine products continue to be imported into the U.S. market on a daily basis.

Accordingly, in late 2022 Charlie's initiated a plan to dramatically shift its business away from tobacco-based and synthetically-derived nicotine products in favor of nicotine substitute products. Though redirecting resources away from the sales of legacy nicotine products in favor of new nicotine substitute technologies has significantly reduced Company revenue in 2023, Charlie's believes that its breakthroughs with Metatine and with the development of the SPREE BAR product line will give the Company extraordinary long term competitive advantages in the vapor and alternative products marketplace.

As of the end of the quarter, the Company awarded SPREE BAR Master Distributor and Distributor contracts to seven large customers. As part of these agreements, purchase orders were accepted and corresponding 50% cash deposits were collected for each distributor's initial order. It is the Company's plan to sign additional Master Distributor agreements with as many as ten new SPREE BAR Distributors. Given the novelty of the product, its compelling value in the marketplace as a disposable pod system (with a reusable battery), and its very significant regulatory advantages, SPREE BAR represents the single largest, most important commercial opportunity in Charlie's history.

SPREE BAR, with Metatine, is indistinguishable from a conventional disposable vape; SPREE BAR provides adult consumers with the same satisfaction that typical nicotine disposables provide& but without nicotine.

As a disposable pod system  with a reusable battery  6,000-puff SPREE BAR flavor pods have an MSRP that is LESS THAN HALF that of the industry-leading 5,500-puff disposables.

Because Metatine is not made or derived from tobacco, and because Metatine does not consist of or contain nicotine from any source, SPREE BAR is not subject to FDA Pre-Market Tobacco Application ("PMTA") requirements.

Age-Gating Technology

The Company has begun to develop intellectual property around technologies designed to prevent youth access to nicotine vapor products. Edward Carmines, Ph.D., a member of Charlie's Board of Directors and an accomplished scientist and regulatory affairs expert, is spearheading Charlie's development of patented "age-gating technology" for both Charlie's and potential licensees of the Company. Currently, there is a need for age-gated product technologies that can satisfy or accommodate concerns the FDA has related to under-age youth access in the ENDS market. If Charlie's age-gated e-cigarettes-in-development are recognized as "products of merit" by the FDA, Charlie's e-cigarettes could emerge among the select minority of flavored nicotine disposables able to be sold legally in the $7 billion U.S. vapor products market.

Synthetic Nicotine PMTA Update

On November 4, 2022, the FDA issued two Refuse to Accept Letters ("RTAs") covering multiple 2022 PMTA submissions for certain of the Company's synthetic nicotine products. The Company exercised its right to appeal the decision with the FDA and, on March 6, 2023, the Company filed a request for supervisory review with FDA's Center for Tobacco Products. On October 30, 2023, the Company received notification from the FDA that its supervisory review appeal had been granted. Therefore, the FDA has rescinded the RTAs, notified the Company that Acceptance Letters for the PMTAs will be issued, and will place these applications into filing review.

Financial Results for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023:

Revenue: For the three months ended September 30, 2023, revenue was $2.7 million, a decrease of $3.7 million, or 58%, compared with $6.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The decrease in revenue was primarily due to a $3.6 million decrease in Charlie's nicotine-based vapor product sales.



The decrease in Charlie's nicotine-based vapor product sales was primarily driven by decreased sales of its Pacha Disposable line as well by periodic, voluntary stockouts of its e-liquid products. The FDA has continued to enhance enforcement efforts in recent quarters, including the periodic halting of shipments into U.S. shipping ports which has caused supply chain issues and further marketplace unrest. As a result, the domestic market for nicotine-based disposable vapor products has continued to move "underground" as brands attempt to avoid attention from FDA. The illegal importing of nicotine disposable products, which are sold at a discount in an attempt to capture market share, continues to negatively impact the Company's top line Voluntary stockouts of e-liquid products were the result of diverting working capital to the launch of the Company's new SPREE BAR line of nicotine substitute vapor products.



The decrease in sales for Charlie's hemp-derived business during the quarter was directly related to the diversion of working capital and other resources towards the launch of the Company's SPREE BAR line of nicotine substitute vapor products. Despite achieving increased market share for the PINWEEL brand of hemp-derived products, the Company believes that the market for alternative alkaloid products, such as SPREE BAR, offers the Company the most significant opportunity for growth. However, the Company continues to believe that the hemp-derived category offers short- and medium-term potential for the Company and will continue to pursue actionable opportunities in this segment.



For the three months ended September 30, 2023, revenue was $2.7 million, a decrease of $3.7 million, or 58%, compared with $6.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The decrease in revenue was primarily due to a $3.6 million decrease in Charlie's nicotine-based vapor product sales. The decrease in Charlie's nicotine-based vapor product sales was primarily driven by decreased sales of its Pacha Disposable line as well by periodic, voluntary stockouts of its e-liquid products. The FDA has continued to enhance enforcement efforts in recent quarters, including the periodic halting of shipments into U.S. shipping ports which has caused supply chain issues and further marketplace unrest. As a result, the domestic market for nicotine-based disposable vapor products has continued to move "underground" as brands attempt to avoid attention from FDA. The illegal importing of nicotine disposable products, which are sold at a discount in an attempt to capture market share, continues to negatively impact the Company's top line Voluntary stockouts of e-liquid products were the result of diverting working capital to the launch of the Company's new SPREE BAR line of nicotine substitute vapor products. The decrease in sales for Charlie's hemp-derived business during the quarter was directly related to the diversion of working capital and other resources towards the launch of the Company's SPREE BAR line of nicotine substitute vapor products. Despite achieving increased market share for the PINWEEL brand of hemp-derived products, the Company believes that the market for alternative alkaloid products, such as SPREE BAR, offers the Company the most significant opportunity for growth. However, the Company continues to believe that the hemp-derived category offers short- and medium-term potential for the Company and will continue to pursue actionable opportunities in this segment. Gross Profit: For the three months ended September 30, 2023, gross profit was $1.1 million, a decrease of $1.7 million, or 60%, compared with $2.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The resulting gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2034 was 40.5%, compared with 42.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2022. Gross margin declined slightly due to lower overhead cost absorption resulting from reduced sales activity, as well as a decrease in the amount of shipping cost passed on to customers.



For the three months ended September 30, 2023, gross profit was $1.1 million, a decrease of $1.7 million, or 60%, compared with $2.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The resulting gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2034 was 40.5%, compared with 42.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2022. Gross margin declined slightly due to lower overhead cost absorption resulting from reduced sales activity, as well as a decrease in the amount of shipping cost passed on to customers. Total Operating Expenses: For the three months ended September 30, 2023, total operating expenses, including general and administrative, sales and marketing and research and development costs, were $1.8 million, a decrease of $0.9 million, or 32%, compared with $2.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022.



For the three months ended September 30, 2023, total operating expenses, including general and administrative, sales and marketing and research and development costs, were $1.8 million, a decrease of $0.9 million, or 32%, compared with $2.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. Operating Loss/Income: For the three months ended September 30, 2023, operating loss was $0.7 million, compared with an operating income of $0.046 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022.



For the three months ended September 30, 2023, operating loss was $0.7 million, compared with an operating income of $0.046 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. Net Loss/Income: For the three months ended September 30, 2023, net loss was $0.7 million, compared with a net income of $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. Of note, net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2023 included a $0.2 million gain in fair value of derivative liabilities and a $0.1 million interest expense, compared with $0. 2 million gain in fair value of derivative liabilities and a $0.0 million interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2022.



For the three months ended September 30, 2023, net loss was $0.7 million, compared with a net income of $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. Of note, net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2023 included a $0.2 million gain in fair value of derivative liabilities and a $0.1 million interest expense, compared with $0. 2 million gain in fair value of derivative liabilities and a $0.0 million interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2022. EPS: For the three months ended September 30, 2023, diluted earnings per share was $0.00, compared with diluted earnings per share of $0.00, for the three months ended September 30, 2022.

Financial Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022:

Revenue: For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, revenue was $10.7 million, a decrease of $11.2 million, or 51%, compared with $21.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The decrease in revenue was primarily due to a $10.3 million decrease in Charlie's nicotine-based vapor product sales, as well as a $0.9 million decrease in sales of the Company's hemp-derived products. The decrease in Charlie's nicotine-based vapor product sales was primarily driven by decreased sales of its Pacha Disposable line as well by periodic, voluntary stockouts of its e-liquid products in anticipation of the Company's SPREE BAR product launch.



The decrease in sales for Charlie's hemp-derived business was directly related to an eight-week pause in manufacturing, and a subsequent lack of inventory, when the Company changed some of the ingredients in its PINWEEL products in order to avoid compounds that were newly deemed "controlled substances." However, inventory was restored during the second quarter, resulting in a modest rise in sales.



For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, revenue was $10.7 million, a decrease of $11.2 million, or 51%, compared with $21.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The decrease in revenue was primarily due to a $10.3 million decrease in Charlie's nicotine-based vapor product sales, as well as a $0.9 million decrease in sales of the Company's hemp-derived products. The decrease in Charlie's nicotine-based vapor product sales was primarily driven by decreased sales of its Pacha Disposable line as well by periodic, voluntary stockouts of its e-liquid products in anticipation of the Company's SPREE BAR product launch. The decrease in sales for Charlie's hemp-derived business was directly related to an eight-week pause in manufacturing, and a subsequent lack of inventory, when the Company changed some of the ingredients in its PINWEEL products in order to avoid compounds that were newly deemed "controlled substances." However, inventory was restored during the second quarter, resulting in a modest rise in sales. Gross Profit: For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, gross profit was $4.1 million, a decrease of $5.2 million, or 56%, compared with $9.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The resulting gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was 38.1%, compared with 42.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.



For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, gross profit was $4.1 million, a decrease of $5.2 million, or 56%, compared with $9.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The resulting gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was 38.1%, compared with 42.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Total Operating Expenses: For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, total operating expenses, including general and administrative, sales and marketing and research and development costs, were $6.4 million, a decrease of $3.0 million, or 32%, compared with $9.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.



For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, total operating expenses, including general and administrative, sales and marketing and research and development costs, were $6.4 million, a decrease of $3.0 million, or 32%, compared with $9.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Operating Loss: For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, operating loss was $2.3 million, an increase of $2.2 million, as compared with an operating loss of $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.



For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, operating loss was $2.3 million, an increase of $2.2 million, as compared with an operating loss of $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Net Income/Loss: For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, net loss was $2.1 million, compared with net income of $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Of note, net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 included a $0.6 million gain in fair value of derivative liabilities and a $0.4 million interest expenses, compared with $0.6 million gain in fair value of derivative liabilities and a $0.1 million interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.



For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, net loss was $2.1 million, compared with net income of $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Of note, net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 included a $0.6 million gain in fair value of derivative liabilities and a $0.4 million interest expenses, compared with $0.6 million gain in fair value of derivative liabilities and a $0.1 million interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. EPS: For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, loss per share was ($0.01), compared with diluted earnings per share of $0.00, for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

About Charlie's Holdings, Inc.

Charlie's Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: CHUC) is an industry leader in the premium vapor products space. The Company's products are sold around the world to select distributors, specialty retailers, and third-party online resellers through subsidiary companies Charlie's Chalk Dust, LLC and Don Polly, LLC. Charlie's Chalk Dust, LLC has developed an extensive portfolio of brand styles, flavor profiles, and innovative product formats. Don Polly, LLC creates innovative hemp-derived products and brands.

For additional information, please visit Charlie's corporate website at: Chuc.com and the Company's branded online websites: CharliesChalkDust.com, Pacha.co, Pinweel.com and SPREEBAR.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to statements regarding the Company's overall business, existing and anticipated markets and expectations regarding future sales and expenses. Words such as "expect," "anticipate," "should," "believe," "target," "project," "goals," "estimate," "potential," "predict," "may," "will," "could," "intend," variations of these terms or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions, are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond the Company's control. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to: the Company's ongoing ability to quote its shares on the OTCQB; whether the Company will meet the requirements to uplist to a national securities exchange in the future; the Company's ability to successfully increase sales and enter new markets; whether the Company's PMTA's will be approved by the FDA, and the FDA's decisions with respect to the Company's future PMTA's; the Company's ability to manufacture and produce products for its customers; the Company's ability to formulate new products; the acceptance of existing and future products; the complexity, expense and time associated with compliance with government rules and regulations affecting nicotine, synthetic nicotine, and products containing cannabidiol; litigation risks from the use of the Company's products; risks of government regulations, including recent regulation of synthetic nicotine; the impact of competitive products; and the Company's ability to maintain and enhance its brand, as well as other risk factors included in the Company's most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q, annual report on Form 10-K, and other SEC filings. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and were based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections as well as the beliefs and assumptions of management. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or changes in its expectations.

Investors Contact:

[email protected]

Phone: 949-570-0691

SOURCE: Charlie's Holdings, Inc.

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By Laura Quintana

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Cisco Systems Inc.

Defense personnel are often unsung heroes-potentially putting their lives on the line to serve their communities. Giving back to those who choose to serve, or are transitioning out of the armed forces, is clearly the right thing to do. We're proud that Cisco Networking Academy partners with organizations around the world looking after the unique needs of current and former military service people.

Training-up down under

Soldier On is a not-for-profit organization delivering support services that enable current and former Australian Defence Force personnel-and their families-to lead meaningful civilian lives. It does this by providing psychology support services, employment support, education programs, and community-building activities.

Amy Cooper, CEO of Soldier On, is particularly aware of those needs-her father-in-law and partner are respectively former and current Australian Defence Forces personnel. Amy also sits on the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide reference committee, which gives her an even greater insight into the challenges facing current and former veterans and their families.

In Australia, a Royal Commission is a public hearing, independent of government, with broad powers to summon witnesses or seize documents and receive public submissions. The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide was established in 2021 to inquire into systemic issues and risk factors relevant to veteran deaths by suicide, or other lived experience of suicide risk factors, and to provide a systemic analysis of the contributing factors. To date, the Commission has received more than 4,000 submissions.

Unique challenges

"One of the interesting pieces that have come out of the Royal Commission is the fact that around 80 percent of the veterans go on to have really successful civilian lives," says Amy. "Unfortunately, 20 percent face really significant challenges."

She says this is significant because an increasing number of service people are transitioning out of the armed forces. "Those numbers have traditionally tracked around the 5,000 mark," she says. "This year it's anticipated it will be closer to 7,000 people making that transition, and that number has risen over the last three years."

"We're also seeing trends with younger veterans discharging, so from an increased number from 25-year-olds right up to mid-30s, which changes the nature of the support that might be required for transitioning veterans."

Soldier On is supporting around 11,000 service people, veterans, and their families this year, with programs designed to aid with health and wellbeing, employment support, and education, as well as helping make connections within the community.

Values-driven

"What attracts people to serve their nation is often very values-driven," says Amy. "It's about being able to serve and support the community and often they're looking for roles that have that same altruistic service or are an intrinsic value to them."

"Cisco Networking Academy is a strong part of our mission, particularly for our veterans and family members to thrive," she says. "It is really focused on that positive aspect of being able to offer practical support through a range of education opportunities that the partnership provides& the courses have been a great opportunity to get many of our participants into the IT industry."

"The very nature of the program, being very skills directed, provides good options for participants as they balance serving, or starting to think about that transition time, which is often a very busy time with relocating," says Amy. "I think that's a tremendous investment in veterans and their families."

Helping veterans around the world

Soldier On is not alone in its mission to help veterans transition into new careers. In the UK, TechVets is another Cisco Networking Academy partner that helps more than 20 people per month to start new careers in IT. TechVets was founded to address a fast-growing skills gap with the rise of tech, and a national issue with unemployment and underemployment within the British Military Forces community.

And in the US, Cisco-which has consistently been recognized as a Top 10 Military Friendly Employer-has a range of veteran programs to assist veterans transitions into meaningful IT careers, including Onward to Opportunity, a program run by Syracuse University's D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) to help service members, veterans, and spouses on their journey to meaningful employment after military service.

IVMF is also a Cisco Networking Academy partner, dedicated to serving military personnel and part of CyberVetsUSA, a fully-sponsored "veterans-first" workforce development initiative, do amazing work helping veterans transition into in-demand tech jobs.

Cisco also runs CX Apprenticeship Programs in the US and India to develop networking skills for non-traditional candidates leading to the opportunity to interview for the highly technical, customer-facing role of a Technical Consulting Engineer in Cisco's Customer Experience organization. Around a third of the current cohort are veterans.

Cisco Networking Academy success stories

In France, Arnaud found he wasn't academically-inclined and joined the Army, where he realized that his colleagues' lives depended on reliable communications. After serving his country, Arnaud knew his future was in IT, and after undertaking Cisco Networking Academy training now works for a French ISP as a Network Engineer.

Vanessa was in the Brazilian Army while doing postgraduate studies in Computer Networks. Unfortunately, that knowledge wasn't required for her job. After leaving the Army she became interested in cybersecurity, eventually taking the CyberOps Associate course with Cisco Networking Academy and landing a job as a cybersecurity analyst.

Michael joined the fire service to contribute to his community, but was called up twice to serve in Iraq. An injury ultimately ended his firefighting career, leading him to pursue a career in cybersecurity incident response. Through Cisco Networking Academy training, Michael has found a new passion in the field, driven by his commitment to service and continuous learning.

Transition to tech with

Cisco Networking Academy

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Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Cisco Systems Inc.

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cisco-systems-inc

Email: [email protected]

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NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Edison International:

On Veterans Day, Southern California Edison honors employees who served their country.

Rob Roel (center), an SCE Enterprise Cybersecurity senior advisor is pictured manning tanks patrolling the Czechoslovakian border during the 1980s.

PHOTO CREDIT: Rob Roel

Energized by Edison

by Taylor Hillo, ENERGIZED by Edison Writer

From a small town in southern Louisiana to the jungles of Latin America, Bryan Landry had quite the journey before joining Southern California Edison. At 17, he enlisted in the Louisiana Army National Guard and was soon deployed with the 769th Engineer Battalion.

"I joked with my wife the other day, I know we've only been in this house six years, but I think it's the longest I've ever lived in one place," said Landry, SCE senior advisor of Enterprise Risk Management.

Landry is now part of some of SCE's wildfire risk management programs. He works with fire science, engineering, regulatory and wildfire safety teams to ensure SCE deploys cost-effective risk management solutions, such as covered conductor. He also performs risk modeling for other natural hazards.

"When I talk about wildfire risk, I'm not just talking about physical wildfire risk, like how the wildfire moves across the landscape. I also consider factors like social vulnerability, poverty, disabilities and low income," he said. "Understanding the vulnerability perspectives helps us prioritize where we deploy mitigations."

Growing up, it wasn't a question of whether Landy would join the military but which branch he would choose.

"It was weird if you didn't enlist in my town, Breaux Bridge, Louisiana," he said. "My grandfather, father, uncles and cousins all joined.

"I wanted to join the National Guard specifically because there are always hurricanes in South Louisiana, and you can see the National Guard's direct involvement in the community. I also had the opportunity to serve in a number of other locations including Latin America during the 1990s," he said. "I'm really thankful for those experiences."

Rob Roel, an SCE Enterprise Cybersecurity senior advisor, had much different military experiences stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division, manning and repairing tanks patrolling the Czechoslovakian border during the 1980s.

"I was stationed there at the end of the Cold War before the Berlin Wall came down. To me, that was probably one of the biggest things to have happened in my lifetime," he said.

Roel started his SCE career developing cybersecurity for the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. He now continues that same type of risk assessment but for technology related to the grid. He serves as SCE's first line of defense against digital threats to generation, transmission and distribution systems.

"I look at a component, system or network to identify what may have a potential for risk," Roel said. "I work with the business organizations and third-party vendors to address potentials for risk before we put their tech in operation."

After nearly 20 years, Roel continues to help SCE keep the grid secure from cyberthreats, a career he now enjoys sharing with the next generation of employees he helps train.

"Paying it forward, I think that's kind of a military thing," he said.

For more information on SCE career opportunities, visit edisoncareers.com.

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Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Edison International

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/edison-international

Email: [email protected]



SOURCE: Edison International

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Focusing on "Technology & Our Future," the meeting offered data-driven insights and predictive intelligence on priority issues, consumer trends, and the impacts of emerging technologies

WASHINGTON, D.C. / ACCESSWIRE / November 14, 2023 / Fragrance Creators Association (Fragrance Creators) gathered members and industry stakeholders to celebrate the association's achievements and to anticipate what is coming around the corner during its 2023 Annual Meeting, held today, November 14, at The Chart House in Weehawken, New Jersey.









"We focus on helping our members future-proof their businesses," said Farah K. Ahmed, President & CEO, Fragrance Creators. "I am proud that the association is at the forefront of using and developing new tools that optimize data and technology; our first-of-its-kind Data Insights Program will continue to deliver unique insights that empower our future-focused agenda for people, perfume, and the planet."

Fragrance Creators' 2023 key achievements demonstrate how the association has relied on foresight to advance regulations and policies that are good for people, perfume, and the planet. Top 2023 achievements include:

prioritizing sound science, including through the publication of a white paper on the importance of comprehensive assessments in evaluating fragrance ingredients;

advocating for risk-based regulatory systems, including through the submission of dozens of comments to state and federal regulatory bodies;

providing access to key leaders at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Congress through exclusive meetings with individuals in the EPA Office of New Chemicals and Safer Choice, the FDA Office of Cosmetics and Colors and Office of the Chief Scientist, and in dozens of meetings with Members of Congress during our 2023 annual fly in; and

advancing whole-of-industry stewardship by launching our Responsible Industry Stewardship pledge and advancing policies that support bringing sustainable innovation to market.

During today's meeting, attendees heard from former Senator Doug Jones and former Representative Phil English of ArentFox Schiff LLP as they offered insights into the 2023 legislative landscape, including developments on key Fragrance Creators' priorities such as research and development expensing and trade policy. They also shared perspectives on the 2024 election cycle and explained how engaging with Fragrance Creators can benefit the industry.

In addition, attendees heard from EPA's Acting Director of the New Chemicals Division, Shari Barash, as she shared EPA's perspectives and insights on the New Chemicals Program and potential ways it can be improved. This built upon ongoing advocacy work by Fragrance Creators to encourage the approval of newer, greener fragrance ingredients at EPA.

The meeting wrapped up with a consumer focus. During the last session, media and consumer insights experts Maria Burquest and Jennifer James shared consumer data, discussed ever-evolving consumer trends, and the impact that technology is having now and in the future. They emphasized that being finely attuned to societal shifts and emerging trends is vital to succeeding in today's marketplace and how sustainable sourcing, ingredient knowledge, online shopping, and AI experiences are changing the way consumers shop.

During the meeting, Fragrance Creators members voted to confirm the 2024 Board of Directors Slate. Fragrance Creators was pleased to announce its 2024 leadership - with Cynthia Reichard, Executive Vice President of Arylessence, and Robert Weinstein, Ph.D., CEO of Robertet USA, continuing to co-chair the organization.

"Together, art and science have always pushed society towards brighter futures," said Weinstein. "With a deeper understanding of the intersection of regulatory and consumer trends, Fragrance Creators remains optimally positioned to advocate for policies and regulatory pathways that enhance the fragrance industry's ability to bring newer, greener innovation to market."

"Fragrance Creators' strong sense of purpose - to serve as responsible stewards - is what brings us together, and helps drive inclusivity, respect, and consensus building throughout our diverse membership," said Reichard. "The association's use of data and technology has allowed us to operationalize our purpose more efficiently and deliver results more effectively."

###

Fragrance Creators Association is the trade association representing the majority of fragrance manufacturing in North America. We also represent fragrance-related interests along the value chain. Fragrance Creators' member companies are diverse, including large, medium, and small-sized companies that create, manufacture, and use fragrances and scents for home care, personal care, home design, fine fragrance, and industrial and institutional products, as well as those that supply fragrance ingredients, including natural extracts and other raw materials that are used in perfumery and fragrance mixtures. Fragrance Creators established and administers the Congressional Fragrance Caucus, ensuring ongoing dialogue with members of Congress and staff. Fragrance Creators also produces The Fragrance Conservatory, the comprehensive digital resource for high-quality information about fragrance - www.fragranceconservatory.com. Learn more about Fragrance Creators at fragrancecreators.org - for people, perfume, and the planet.

Contact Information

Katie Cross

[email protected]

SOURCE: Fragrance Creators Association

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TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Gratomic Inc. ("Gratomic", "GRAT", or the "Company") (TSXV:GRAT)(OTCQX:CBULF)(FSE:CB82) is pleased to provide the following operational update for its 100% owned Aukam graphite mine and processing plant in Namibia.

Since commencing the Commercial Commissioning phase at the end of June 2023 (see Press Release dated June 30, 2023), Gratomic has processed 80 tonnes of material through the processing plant at a grade of 94% Cg concentrate which is being stored on-site in the storage silos. The material has been processed and treated prior to the arrival of two pieces of equipment, "the stirred medium mill and the polishing mill" which act as the refining circuit for the Aukam Graphite plant and upgrades the material to a grade of 97-99% Cg concentrate. The commercial phase has delivered identical results to the pilot testing done both on site and at SGS Lakefield in Canada. The initial 6-month program was hindered by the delay in receiving critical equipment; a problem which has plagued most of the industry. We are relieved to state that all equipment is now on site and being installed into the assembly line.

Although it only took about one week to process the material to current grade, there were several modifications undertaken to optimize the operation of the processing plant for future production. Commercial commissioning is important as it identifies bottle necks in the plant at an early stage and allow for them to be eliminated without causing any downtime to future production.

With the recent announcements out of China, the majority of western OEMs have been put on edge and are taking all necessary steps to bring on new critical mineral supply. Graphite has received most of the attention as it is still very much controlled by China. Gratomic has been in discussions with several new potential buyers and has delayed its product development program for a few weeks to ensure that we get all the relevant product specifications to fulfill end user requirements.

The Company anticipates needing a further CAD $4.7 million capital expenditure on the Aukam Graphite facility in Namibia. The capital will push the output of the Aukam Graphite facility to 12,000 tonnes by November 2024 from its current kick off level if 7,600 tonnes. The Company has shown great foresight in its engineering of the facility that allows for rapid expansion in the mid sections of the processing plant as demand picks up, with the front end and back end of the facility built and engineered at full production capability. This does not only optimize expansion but also manages costs as the Company grows into full production capabilities.

The Company has stockpiled enough mined material to currently feed operations for a full year and once the final pieces of equipment are in place, it will start producing graphite at a steady pace expanding as we go until the full 22,500 tonne capacity is achieved in 2025.

If all goes well, the plant is expected to start producing in Q1 of 2024. Initial product is to be sold to a European Carbon trader initially until the product can be successfully included into the anode market.

Arno Brand, President and CEO of Gratomic stated "The past few months have been challenging and time consuming, it is with great relief that we now see ourselves in the final steps in preparation of production at the Aukam Graphite mine in Namibia.".

Gratomic wishes to emphasize that no Preliminary Economic Analysis, Preliminary Feasibility Study or Feasibility Study has been completed to support any level of production. In fact, no mineral resources let alone mineral reserves demonstrating economic viability and technical feasibility, have been delineated on the Aukam property.

The Company is working towards completing a Feasibility Study (FS) on the Aukam Processing plant. The study, its recommendations, and their subsequent implementation, will provide conclusions and recommendation at a FS level of comfort relating to the scale up of the existing processing plant to a commercial scale processing facility capable of producing the desired concentrate grades and production rates.

Gratomic wishes to emphasize that the supply of graphite is conditional on Gratomic being able to bring the Aukam project into a production phase, and for any graphite being produced to meet certain technical and mineralization requirements.

Risk Factors

No mineral resources, let alone mineral reserves demonstrating economic viability and technical feasibility, have been delineated on the Aukam Property. The Company is not in a position to demonstrate or disclose any capital and/or operating costs that may be associated with the processing plant until the FS (Feasibility Study) is completed.

The Company advises that it has not based its production decision on even the existence of mineral resources let alone on a Preliminary Feasibility Study or FS of mineral reserves, demonstrating economic and technical viability, and, as a result, there may be an increased uncertainty of achieving any particular level of recovery of minerals or the cost of such recovery, including increased risks associated with developing a commercially mineable deposit.

Historically, such projects have a much higher risk of economic and technical failure. There is no guarantee that production will begin as anticipated or at all or that anticipated production costs will be achieved.

Failure to commence production would have a material adverse impact on the Company's ability to generate revenue and cash flow to fund operations. Failure to achieve the anticipated production costs would have a material adverse impact on the Company's cash flow and future profitability.

About Gratomic

Gratomic is a multinational company with projects in Namibia, Brazil, and Canada. The Company aims to become a leading graphite supplier and to secure a strong position in the electric vehicle battery supply chain through the development of its flagship Aukam graphite mine and ongoing exploration at the Capim Grosso property. The Company will continue to explore graphite opportunities that show the potential to produce the specific flake size and purity required for active anodes.

Large quantities of high-quality vein graphite have been shipped for testing to confirm its suitability as anode material. Gratomic is confident that the test results will provide a unique competitive advantage in the desired target markets. The Company will continue to update the public on the status of these tests and will share results as they become available.

On the January 25, 2023 Gratomic announced that it had entered into a LOI with Graphex Technologies to supply graphite through existing facilities and develop a downstream processing facility in the continental US.

Gratomic has entered into a collaborative agreement with Forge Nano to use its patented atomic layer technology (ALD) to coat of spherical graphite required in lithium-ion batteries.

For more information: visit the website at www.gratomic.ca or contact:

Arno Brand at [email protected] or (416) 561- 4095

Subscribe at gratomic.ca/contact/ to be added to our email list.

For Marketing and Media information, please 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."

Forward Looking Statements:

This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and by those made in our filings with SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedarplus.com)

SOURCE: Gratomic Inc.

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NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Tapestry, Inc.:

To continue their shared goal of destigmatizing the mental health conversation in the Black community, The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation and kate spade new york bring the first-of-its-kind "She Care Wellness Pods" to a second HBCU campus this Fall.

The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (BLHF) and kate spade new york proudly announce the expansion of their joint program, the "She Care Wellness Pods", which aims to reach over 25,000 Black women on HBCU campuses with frontline mental wellness care. After a successful inaugural launch at Alabama State University in April of this year, BLHF and kate spade are expanding the initiative to a second HBCU campus location, Hampton University in Virginia.

Part of the Tapestry house of brands, kate spade new york believes that good mental health is foundational to women and girls' empowerment. KSNY has committed to supporting 100,000 women and girls by 2025.

Through this groundbreaking program for HBCU students, BLHF and kate spade new york, in partnership with trusted Hampton University community resources, bring access to mental health facilities and resources directly to Black women on campus. The multifaceted program features the opening of "She Care Wellness Pods" - physical structures installed on campuses that offer a range of services, including:

Free mental health therapy sessions for female students experiencing an exacerbation of stress, anxiety and hopelessness.

Hangout spaces that allow students to connect with peers or avoid isolation and grief during the school year and vacation periods.

Unique programming including yoga, meditation, art and drama therapy, African dance, nutrition and more, all provided by certified practitioners.

Workshops that offer resources and tools for those who suffer with anxiety, sleep deprivation and insomnia.

Quiet spaces for silence, rest and respite to reset from daily stressors.

Founded in 2018, The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation's mission is to eradicate the stigma around mental health in the Black community. As a leading Black mental health advocacy group, BLHF provides competent therapy and integrated wellness resources. For kate spade new york, women's empowerment has been at the forefront of the brand's purpose for over a decade and remains a core pillar of the brand. This year, kate spade and the kate spade new york Foundation will invest $5 million in programming to further destigmatize the mental health conversation and continue to provide services to women and girls in need. By continuing to expand the "She Care Wellness Pods" initiative, the joint partnership aims to provide 25,000 Black women on HBCU college campuses with frontline mental healthcare.

"When we first had the idea to create the Boris L. Henson Foundation Self-Care Wellness Pods, I knew we had to start with women, and specifically women on HBCU campuses. I can remember through my own experiences with stress and anxiety, not having the adequate support to deal with my issues or the education to name what I was experiencing," said BLHF Founder, Taraji P. Henson. "Our shared vision and partnership with kate spade new york has been vital in promoting conversations and offering support to students to take care of their mental health, starting with our successful launch of She Care Wellness pods at Alabama State University. We are proud to open our second installment at Hampton University this fall," Henson stated.

"At kate spade new york, we believe that mental health is foundational to women's empowerment, and recognize that it has long been under-acknowledged, underfunded, and stigmatized. We are committed to increasing accessibility of mental health resources to women and girls around the globe through our social impact work and trusted partners in this space," said kate spade new york CEO and Brand President, Liz Fraser. "We are proud to expand our partnership with Taraji, Tracie and The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation. By offering space and resources dedicated to mental health, together we can create a positive difference for young women on HBCU campuses and in their communities."

As a member of kate spade new york's Social Impact Council, which was established in January 2022, Taraji P. Henson, has continued her work with the global lifestyle brand to increase mental health resources. Alongside other social impact members, including Sofia Wylie and Jazz Thorton and Latham Thomas and more, the cohort brings unique expertise and work hand-in-hand with kate spade to propel positive change, and encourage more conversation, education and research around the cause.

Ribbon cutting at Hampton University

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Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Tapestry, Inc.

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/tapestry-inc

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE: Tapestry, Inc.

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MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Kisses From Italy Inc. (OTCQB: KITL), a publicly listed U.S.-based company, restaurant chain operator, franchisor, and product distributor in the United States, Canada, and Europe, along with new business partner and newly elected board member celebrity Chef, Scott Conant, have officially launched the Company's exclusive online store which will initially feature the Company's current gluten-free pasta line, specialty pasta sauce and will include soon to be released products. Our products and selections will be offered on the Company's Shopify page at https://kissesfromitaly-retail.myshopify.com

Michele Di Turi, President, co-CEO, and co-founder of Kisses From Italy, commented, "Over the years we have had a resounding demand from our customers and shareholders for our products. Up until this moment, our products were available in retail stores in the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario. Now, we are extending our product offerings with our online store across North America."

Claudio Ferri, co-CEO, CIO, and co-founder of Kisses From Italy, also commented, "The team is excited to be rolling this out. We went with the Shopify platform as it offers great flexibility and reliability in all factors related to the online shopping setup and overall customer service experience. The product offerings will definitely grow as we go. Ferri added, "I am also happy to mention that we are currently working on new products and personalized merchandise that will be coming very soon. Scott, myself, and the rest of our team are well into the process of finalizing the last steps to make the next set of products available to everyone. These products are definitely something we enjoy ourselves and are very happy to be sharing it with everyone"

This release by the Company follows the most recent update Kisses From Italy and celebrity chef Scott Conant unveiling the team's new brand logo of the The Ponte San'gwich & Italian Deli' the Company's newest wholly-owned subsidiary to house the new brand and concept. This release also follows the recent announcement of Scott Conant being appointed and accepting the nomination to Kisses From Italy's board of directors.

Kisses From Italy Retail Store: https://kissesfromitaly-retail.myshopify.com

About Chef Scott Conant

Scott Conant is a two-time James Beard Award-winning chef, cookbook author, and TV personality. With a career spanning more than 35 years, Conant brings a deft touch and unwavering passion to creating culinary experiences with thoughtful hospitality and soulful cuisine. His portfolio of acclaimed restaurants includes Mora Italian (Phoenix, AZ), The Americano (Scottsdale, AZ and Atlanta, GA), and Cellaio at Resorts World Catskills (Monticello, NY). He has also published four cookbooks: New Italian Cooking, Bold Italian, The Scarpetta Cookbook, and his newest and most personal book to date, Peace, Love, and Pasta: Simple and Elegant Recipes from a Chef's Home Kitchen, which launched in September 2021. Conant has been a popular presence on Food Network for years, becoming a fan favorite as a recurring judge on Chopped since 2009 and frequent co-host of Beat Bobby Flay. As Chef Conant embarks on new opportunities, he looks forward to continuing to share his enduring philosophy that emphasizes the beauty of simplicity. For more information, visit ScottConant.com.

About "The Ponte San'gwich Shoppe and Italian Deli"

The Ponte San'gwich Shoppe and Italian Deli is a wholly-owned subsidiary by Kisses From Italy and houses the new brand alliance and concept developed with Scott Conant, Food Network celebrity, two-time James Beard Award-winning chef, and cookbook author. Chef Scott Conant and his team will be taking the lead on the branding and concept development initiative in collaboration with the Kisses From Italy team. Fransmart, a worldwide industry leader in the global franchise development market and current advisor to Kisses From Italy, will play the key role of serving as the group's exclusive global franchise developer and representative.

The Ponte San'gwich Shoppe & Italian Deli SMname is inspired by the tight-knit Italian community, nicknamed "Pontes," who lived in Scott's neighborhood where he was born and raised in Waterbury, Connecticut. They were a group of ex-pats from Pontelandolfo, Italy that settled in the States in the late 1930's. The camaraderie that they fostered, and many years spent around the kitchen table with family conjures up nostalgic and fond memories.

About Fransmart

Fransmart is a global leader in franchise development, selling over 5,000 franchises worldwide and turning emerging restaurant concepts into national and global brands for 20 years. Company founder Dan Rowe identified and grew brands like Five Guys Burgers & Fries, QDOBA Mexican Grill, and The Halal Guys from 1-5 unit businesses to the powerhouse chains they are today. Fransmart's current and past franchise development portfolio brands have opened thousands of restaurants globally. Fransmart and its partner brands are committed to franchise development growth. For more information, visit www.fransmart.com.

About Kisses From Italy Inc.

Kisses From Italy Inc. is a U.S.-based restaurant chain operator, franchisor, and product distributor with locations in North America and Europe. The company offers a quick-service menu and a unique take on traditional Italian delicacies with an All-American flair. Kisses From Italy offerings include sandwiches, salads, Italian roasted coffee, coffee-related beverages, and various other products. In November 2020, Kisses From Italy launched its retail branded products for distribution stores across Canada. Currently, our products are offered in grocery stores and retail food stores.

The company operates three corporate-owned stores and two franchised locations in the U.S. and Canada. It successfully commenced operations in May 2015 with its flagship location in Ft. Lauderdale at 3146 NE 9th St. The company opened its inaugural European location in Ceglie del Campo, Bari, Italy, in October 2019. In September 2019, FINRA approved our common stock for trading, and in October 2019, it approved our common stock for up-listing to the OTCQB tier of the OTC Markets Group under the ticker symbol KITL.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions involving risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those anticipated or expected. These risks and uncertainties are further defined in filings and reports by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Actual results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from those projected in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to several factors detailed from time to time in our filings with the SEC. Reference is made to cautionary statements outlined in the company's most recent SEC filings, available at www.sec.gov and the company's website at www.kissesfromitaly.com. The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, unanticipated events, or changes to future operating results.

For more information, please visit www.kissesfromitaly.com.

Contact Information:

Kisses From Italy Inc.

305-423-7129

[email protected]

SOURCE: Kisses From Italy Inc.

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Celebrations at the Planet OMEGA exhibition continued on Tuesday, as Cindy Crawford and her daughter Kaia Gerber were welcomed to the showcase in New York. Following last weeks Opening Night event at the Chelsea Factory, Cindy and Kaia were the latest special guests to walk through the doors, representing two generations of OMEGA ambassador

Planet OMEGA brings the Swiss brands renowned watchmaking history to life, with a display 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.

The legendary fashion model, Cindy Crawford, became OMEGAs very first ambassador in 1995. She has remained a close part of the brands family ever since then, having attended numerous events across the world, while also appearing in some of the most recognised advertising campaigns  particularly for its Constellation collection, for which she has become a recognisable face.

Cindy Crawford and Kaia Gerber  Omega

Speaking in New York, she said. Ive been with Omega for almost 30 years. Its a brand I really value, and weve experienced so many different things together over the years. This exhibition is a great reminder of OMEGAs incredible journey. I feel quite proud that weve grown together, and always been able to support each other in our passions.

Following in her mothers famous runway footsteps, Kaia Gerber has brought her own youthful energy and style to the fashion world. Having grown up with OMEGA, it was only natural that Kaia would join the OMEGA ambassador family, which she did in 2017.

She said, OMEGA watches have been part of my life from the very start. Ive always loved their quality and the expressive designs they create, but also the impact theyve had outside of watchmaking, whether thats going to the moon or timing the Olympics. Its a joy to be part of this iconic brand.

Cindy Crawford and Kaia Gerber  Omega

Both Cindy and Kaia were part of a panel discussion during their visit to Planet OMEGA, as they spoke about their careers, as well as their connection to OMEGA and time. It was also a chance to reflect on their first OMEGA experience together in 2014, when they travelled to Peru for the filming of The Hospital in the Sky  an OMEGA documentary about Orbis International and its fight against blindness.

The Planet OMEGA exhibition is filled with watches and stories from across the decades. Some of the highlights to see up close include the OMEGA wristwatch worn by Elvis Presley as well as the OMEGA Slimline timepiece worn by John F. Kennedy at his presidential Inauguration Ceremony in 1961.

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.
KANSAS CITY, MO / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / MyDigiRecords, a leading innovator in digital health record management, is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Michael Monopoli to its leadership team as the Head of Global Strategy and Public Health.

Dr. Michael Monopoli

Headshot of Dr. Michael Monopoli

Dr. Monopoli brings to MyDigiRecords a wealth of experience in public health and policy, having previously served as the Vice President of Grant Strategy at CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. His expertise in developing and implementing strategic initiatives that improve health outcomes will be instrumental in guiding MyDigiRecords as the company continues to scale globally.

"We are absolutely delighted to welcome Dr. Monopoli to the MyDigiRecords family," said Dr. Saroj Gupta, Founder & CEO of MyDigiRecords. "I had the privilege of meeting him during my fellowship at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, where his role as faculty was not only instrumental in shaping the future of dental public health but also left a lasting impression on me," said Dr. Saroj Gupta, CEO of MyDigiRecords. "Dr. Monopoli has maintained a strong affiliation with both the dental school and the Harvard Chan School of Public Health, contributing to groundbreaking work in healthcare. His depth of knowledge and his passion for improving public health outcomes will be a tremendous asset to our team as we continue to expand our reach and impact in the health tech space."

In his new role, Dr. Monopoli will oversee the strategic direction of MyDigiRecords, ensuring comprehensive integration of health information - including the integration of oral health. There's a misconception that oral health and overall health are separate entities. They're not. Gum disease has been associated with a range of health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, dementia and more. In fact, a recent study found that diabetics who were treated for periodontal disease saw their overall health care costs decrease by 12 to 14 percent. (JADA 2023)

His appointment underscores MyDigiRecords' dedication to drive meaningful impact for healthcare consumers, while upholding the highest levels of data integrity, security, and compliance as the company navigates the complex landscape of global health policy.

"I am thrilled to join MyDigiRecords, a company at the forefront of transforming personal health management," said Dr. Monopoli. "I look forward to leveraging my experience to enhance our strategic initiatives and navigate the public health environment to promote equitable access to personal health information and improve health outcomes for individuals around the world."

Dr. Monopoli's appointment is a clear signal of MyDigiRecords' commitment to excellence and innovation in the realm of healthcare data management. Under his strategic guidance, MyDigiRecords is set to redefine the standards of digital health records and continue its mission to empower consumers with control over their health information.

Contact Information

Chris Humphreys

Chief Marketing Officer

[email protected]

(816) 831-3310

SOURCE: MyDigiRecords

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MONTREAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Quebec Precious Metals Corporation (TSXV:QPM)(FSE:YXEP)(OTCQB: CJCFF) ("QPM" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce the identification of drill targets. at the Ninaaskumuwin spodumene discovery (see press releases of October 24, 2023, and November 7, 2023). Drill targets have been confirmed following the completion of the follow-up prospecting program in the discovery area combined with geological mapping and structural interpretation.

"We have been able to go from initial discovery to confirmation of drill targets in only a few weeks.

The presence of a sill is significant as it suggests potential stacking which may define a large mineralized body. We plan to drill in early 2024. This is very encouraging and further validates the very high lithium exploration potential at Elmer East.", commented Normand Champigny, CEO of QPM.

The discovery area is easily accessible from the paved Billy Diamond highway located about 50 km north of the km 381' rest stop that can provide accommodation, catering, fuel and power ( Figure 1 ).

The lithium-bearing pegmatite body:

is hosted in a metasedimentary unit comprised of sandstone, arenite and greywacke, which appears to have undergone ductile, polyphase deformation;

has a length of 175 m, width of 42 m, and contains up to 15 - 20%, 3 - 55 cm-long, light-grey to light-green spodumene crystals, of varying grain size and orientation;

is a shallowly dipping sill (rather than a steeply dipping dyke), with an estimated thickness of up to 5 m, but the true thickness remains unknown as the upper contact is above the current erosional level ( Figure 2 );

); is interpreted as forming in a late, extensional tectonic environment. The random orientation of spodumene crystals within the sill also supports the interpretation of an extensional regime. Extensional environments are favourable for forming stacks of sills (of varying dimensions), often connected by feeder dykes;

has a mean orientation of 227 / 32 (average of contact and igneous banding measurements), and is interpreted to dip shallowly to the northwest under the marsh ( Figure 3 );

); remains untested at depth to the north and northwest of the outcrop, and untested near the surface and at depth, to the northeast (dives under a marsh, Figure 4 ); and

); and can form significant open pit targets if they occur near surface due to the flat'/shallowly-dipping nature of sills (e.g., the Whabouchi lithium deposit near Nemaska, James Bay).

On the basis of this interpretation, QPM intends to:

perform a diamond drilling program that aims to test: 1) the down-dip extent of the sill under the marsh to the north and northeast of the discovery outcrop, and 2) the presence of potential stacked sills; and

carry out geological mapping during next spring in and around the discovery outcrop and collect additional structure measurements.

The first assay values from the prospecting campaign at Elmer East are expected towards the end of November.

The field work and geological interpretation were performed by GeoVector Management Inc. with the assistance of ALS GoldSpot Discoveries Ltd.

Qualified Person

Normand Champigny, Eng., Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Qualified Person under NI 43-101 on standards of disclosure for mineral projects, has prepared and reviewed the content of this press release.

About Quebec Precious Metals Corporation

QPM is primarily focused on advancing its Sakami gold project, located in Eeyou Istchee James Bay territory in Quebec, near Newmont Corporation's Eleonore gold mine. In addition, the Company holds a 68% interest in the Kipawa/Zeus rare earths project located near Temiscaming, Quebec. This is the only rare earths project in North America which has a fully completed feasibility study.

For more information please contact:

Normand Champigny

Chief Executive Officer

Tel.: 514 979-4746

[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.

SOURCE: Quebec Precious Metals Corporation

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Recognition highlights the bank's steadfast commitment to recruiting, retaining and advancing career opportunities for veterans, service members and military spouses.

By Jeremy King

BIRMINGHAM, AL / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Regions Bank on Friday announced it has been designated as a 2024 Military Friendly Employer by Military Friendly, an organization that measures the commitment of companies to create professional opportunities that leverage military experience.

Regions Bank is designated among Silver 2024 Military Friendly Employers. The Military Friendly Silver Designation is awarded to companies who meet the requirements and score within 20% of the 10th ranking Employer in their category. Only a select group of companies achieve this honor. Details are available at this profile.

"Regions recognizes the value veterans and their spouses bring to the bank by leveraging their strengths, talents, and knowledge to serve our customers and communities," said Clara Green, head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Regions Bank. "We are grateful to everyone who served in the military, and we are committed to having a military-friendly culture where all can thrive. We are extremely proud to receive this recognition again."

Regions recognizes the value veterans and their spouses bring to the bank by leveraging their strengths, talents, and knowledge to serve our customers and communities. Clara Green, head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Regions Bank has several ways it supports military friendly career opportunities. Those include:

Regions established a career transition program called BRAVE - Building Regions Associate Veteran Experience - specifically for the purpose of supporting veterans and military spouses during their transitions to the civilian workforce.

The bank is a member of the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), a Department of Defense career program connecting military spouses with hundreds of member employers who commit to recruit, hire, promote and retain military spouses.

Regions works with the national program Hiring Our Heroes, which helps connect transitioning service members and their families with career opportunities.

"Organizations earning the Military Friendly Employers designation have wholeheartedly invested in comprehensive and impactful initiatives that bring about positive, life-changing results for our valued service members, dedicated military spouses, and esteemed veterans within their ranks," said Kayla Lopez, Senior Director of Military Partnerships at Military Friendly. "We salute these exemplary employers who raise the bar and understand that hiring military personnel is not merely an act of goodwill but a testament to a standard that truly embodies sound business wisdom. Their steadfast commitment to integrating military personnel into their workforce not only reflects their compassion but also underscores their business acumen."

Institutions earning the Military Friendly Employer designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 1,200 companies participated in the 2024 Military Friendly survey.

Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by VIQTORY with input from the Military Friendly Advisory Council of independent leaders in the military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining an organization's survey score with an assessment of the organization's ability to meet thresholds for Recruitment, New Hire Retention, Employee Turnover, and Promotion & Advancement of veterans and military employees.

Regions Bank will be showcased in the 2024 Military Friendly Employers in the Winter issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com.

About Regions Financial Corporation

Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE: RF), with $154 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates approximately 1,250 banking offices and more than 2,000 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.

About Military Friendly Employers

Military Friendly is the standard that measures an organization's commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. Over 2,100 organizations compete annually for Military Friendly designation. Military Friendly ratings are owned by Viqtory, Inc., a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Viqtory is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the federal government. Results are produced via a rules-based algorithm. The data-driven Military Friendly lists and methodology can be found at https://www.militaryfriendly.com/mfcguide/.

About VIQTORY

Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its owned assets such as Military Spouse Magazine, Vetrepreneur, G.I. Jobs and Military Friendly brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at https://www.viqtory.com/.





View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Regions Bank on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Regions Bank

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/regions-bank

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE: Regions Bank

View source version on accesswire.com:
WALNUT CREEK, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Sydnic, LLC ("Sydnic"), a leading franchisee of Precision Garage Door Service" ("Precision"), a Neighborly company brand, has announced its acquisition by SBJ Capital ("SBJ"), a private investment firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Sydnic was recently named Precision Garage Door Service Franchise Owner of the Year.

SBJ Capital/Sydnic

Founded by Doug Kale in 2006, Sydnic is one of the largest franchisees in the Precision system with 10 franchise locations serving the North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia markets. Sydnic technicians repair, maintain, and install residential garage doors, openers, and related equipment. All Sydnic technicians complete a proprietary training program to ensure industry-leading quality and provide same-day service in all company territories.

"We are thrilled to partner with SBJ as Sydnic enters its next phase of growth," said Sydnic Founder Doug Kale. "We chose to partner with SBJ due to the team's many years of consumer services and franchise experience and for their passion for partnering with founders to accelerate growth. As one of the leading operators within the Precision system, Sydnic is well-positioned to take advantage of the growing demand for home services within garage doors and beyond."

"We are ecstatic that Doug selected us to help build upon Sydnic's extraordinary growth. We strive to partner with like-minded, founder-owned businesses to help them be the best in their industry and to empower them with the systems and resources to achieve that goal," said Tom Barber, Managing Director at SBJ. Porter Hall, Principal at SBJ, added, "The residential services market, including garage repair, is witnessing rapid growth driven by secular tailwinds, and our experience as investors in consumer and franchise companies positions us well to support Sydnic in continuing to deliver world-class service to its growing customer base."

"We look forward to expanding our relationship with Syndic to grow our Precision Garage Door Service in key markets, along with additional Neighborly brands," said Jon Shell, interim Chief Executive Officer at Neighborly. "This acquisition is a testament from astute investors, like SBJ, to the growth potential in the residential services market, the strength of our brands, and the entire Neighborly system."

Going forward, Doug Kale will serve on the board of Sydnic as Chairman, and the remaining management team will continue to lead Sydnic, including Chad Aspinwall as President.

Sydnic is actively seeking to extend its relationship with Neighborly by acquiring other Precision franchises in adjacent markets, as well as franchises of other Neighborly brands in Sydnic's current and adjacent markets, to create a multi-brand residential services platform.

Tree Line Capital Partners provided debt financing in support of SBJ's acquisition of Sydnic. Truist Securities, Inc. served as the exclusive financial advisor to Sydnic. O'Melveny served as legal advisor to SBJ, and K&L Gates served as legal advisor to Sydnic.

To learn more about SBJ Capital, go to www.sbjcap.com.

Contact Information:

Katelyn Wood

Operations Manager

[email protected]

6155873885

Related Files

Sydnic Press Release.pdf

SOURCE: Syndic



View source version on accesswire.com:
Southern Company

ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Southern Company Gas recently announced its board of directors has elected Bradley J. Henderson, CEO of P33 Chicago and Eric S. Smith, vice chair of BMO Bank to join the board, effective Oct. 15.

"We are excited to have Brad and Eric join our board of directors," said Jim Kerr, chairman, president and CEO of Southern Company Gas. "I am confident their vast leadership and strategic experience will prove invaluable as we continue to evolve as an industry and as a business, committed to creating a more sustainable energy future for our 4.4 million customers."

Kerr also thanked Vanessa Allen Sutherland, executive vice president of government affairs, general counsel and corporate secretary at Phillips 66, for her two plus years of service on the Southern Company Gas board. "Vanessa brought expertise and passion to the board, and we are grateful for her contribution," he said. Sutherland stepped down from her director role Sept. 15.

Brad Henderson brings 20 years of management consulting experience within and leading The Boston Consulting Group's North American operations practice. Today he is CEO of P33, a nonprofit organization founded by business and technology leaders across the private and public sectors to transform Chicago into a tier one tech innovation hub and promote inclusive economic growth.

Henderson and his team orchestrate critical dialogue between commercial, civic and public leaders and officials to advance P33's mission and Chicago's economic growth. He currently serves on the Chicago Council of Global Affairs board of directors, the Chicago History Museum board of trustees, the Rush University Medical Center board of directors and Rush University board of governors.

Eric Smith has more than 30 years of banking experience and currently serves as vice chair of BMO Bank. Smith is responsible for working with the U.S. Commercial Banking team and across other lines of business to develop the bank's strategy and product capabilities, while maintaining effective governance practices as it expands nationwide by cultivating new and existing client relationships.

Smith is an integral senior leader responsible for executing the successful integration of BMO's recent acquisition of Bank of the West. He also leads BMO Empower which is the Bank's $40 billion, five-year commitment to providing increased access to capital for minority businesses and communities.

"I am particularly excited to add Brad and Eric to our board given their experience and proven leadership in Illinois," Kerr said. "With the vital role Nicor Gas and Southern Company Gas play in more than 650 communities, their service on our board will be invaluable to the customers and communities in northern Illinois we are privileged to serve."

About Southern Company Gas

Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.4 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states with more than 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.

SOURCE Southern Company Gas

For further information: Amoi Geter, [email protected]

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Southern Company on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Southern Company

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/southern-company

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE: Southern Company

View source version on accesswire.com:
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AdImpact Details Trends at First Political Summit

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Political ad spend is expected to reach $10.2 Billion in the 2024 election cycle, surpassing the $8.9 Billion spent in the 2022 election cycle and the $9 Billion spent in the prior Presidential election cycle of 2020, according to AdImpact.

The leading ad intelligence SaaS company detailed spend and other political ad trends in their first AdImpact Political Summit, held Wednesday, November 15th in New York City.

The Summit featured a 2023/2024 political spend outlook led by Kyle Roberts, CEO, AdImpact, and Michael Beach, CEO, Cross Screen Media. An overview of AdImpacts Political competitive spend and creative platforms, as well as their Advanced TV Solutions focusing on Incremental Reach across Broadcast, Cable, and CTV were highlighted by other AdImpact executives.

The Summit was attended by executives and high-level decision makers across the buy-side political community.

According to AdImpact, Broadcast TV will maintain its position as market-share leader with anticipated expenditures in the 2024 election cycle totaling $5.09 Billion, while Cable will account for $2.10 Billion, and Digital at $1.18 Billion. CTV will continue to advance its market position as the anticipation of total spend in the space to fall around $1.34 Billion.

For more information on AdImpact, please visit www.adimpact.com.

About AdImpact

AdImpact is a leading advertising intelligence (SaaS) company, specializing in tracking and analyzing advertising data across various media channels, including traditional, digital, and emerging platforms. With real-time monitoring that captures over one billion TV ad occurrences daily, we maintain the industrys most extensive ad catalog consisting of over 1.2m unique creatives. This coverage extends across all 210 designated market areas (DMAs), over 41,000 zip codes, and across more than 20 million IP addresses. Currently capturing the data and analytics for over 88,000 brands and advertisers, AdImpacts real-time data and analytics empowers users to monitor competitor occurrences, spending, messaging, and creatives, facilitating quick and informed decision-making.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115589536/en/

Media

Bill Daddi

[email protected]

Source: AdImpact
BEIJING--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- InnoCare Pharma (HKEX: 09969; SSE: 688428), a leading biopharmaceutical company focusing on the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases, announced today that 10 studies from InnoCares oncology pipeline were selected for presentation at the 65th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting on December 9-12, 2023 in San Diego, California, United States.

Title Report Information Oral Presentation A Prospective Multicenter Phase II Study of Orelabrutinib-Lenalidomide-Rituximab (OLR) in Patients with Untreated Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) in China (POLARIS Study): Preliminary Analysis on Efficacy, Safety, Mutation Spectrum and Impact of Mutation Profiling on Treatment Responses Abstract Number: 736



Session Name: 623. Mantle Cell, Follicular, and Other Indolent B Cell Lymphomas: Clinical and Epidemiological: Poster II



Presentation Time: 11:15 AM, Dec. 11, 2023 (Monday, EST)

First Presenter/Corresponding Presenter: Huilai Zhang Poster Presentation Orelabrutinib, Fludarabine, Cyclophosphamide, and Obinutuzumab (OFCG) for First-Line Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Multicenter, Investigator-Initiated Study (cwCLL-001 Study) Abstract Number: 4642



Session Name: 642. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Clinical and Epidemiological: Poster III



Presentation Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Dec. 11, 2023 (Monday, EST)



First Presenter: Huayuan Zhu Orelabrutinib Monotherapy in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia in a Single-Arm, Multicenter, Open-Label, Phase 2 Study: Long Term Follow-up Results Abstract Number: 3039



Session Name: 623. Mantle Cell, Follicular, and Other Indolent B Cell Lymphomas: Clinical and Epidemiological: Poster II



Presentation Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Dec. 10, 2023 (Sunday, EST)



First Presenter: Xinxin Cao Online Publication Preliminary Safety, Pharmacological, and Efficacy Data from Patients with Relapsed or Refractory B-cell Malignancies Treated with the ICP-248, a Next Generation BCL2 Inhibitor Abstract Number: 6149



First Presenter/Corresponding Presenter: Shuhua Yi Effectiveness and Safety of Orelabrutinib Combined with Rituximab As First-Line Treatment in Marginal Zone Lymphoma Abstract Number: 6146



First Presenter: Jiadai Xu



Corresponding Presenter: Peng Liu Orelabrutinib plus R-CHOP Regimen in Treatment-Naive Patients with TP53-Mutated Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) Abstract Number: 6289



First Presenter/Corresponding Presenter: Yi Xiao Efficacy and Safety of Orelabrutinib - Containing TORM Regime as First-Line Therapy in Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma (PCNSL): A Retrospective Analysis Abstract Number: 6322



First Presenter: Shaojie Wu



Corresponding Presenter: Yuhua Li Phase 1 Trial of Orelabrutinib in Combination with Rituximab, Methotrexate, and Dexamethasone in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Primary CNS Lymphoma Implementing Bayesian Design for Dose-Seeking Abstract Number: 6225



First Presenter: Yan Yuan



Corresponding Presenter: Tong Chen Effectiveness and Safety of Orelabrutinib in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma: A Retrospective, Real-World Study in China Abstract Number: 6552



First Presenter: Kaiyang Ding



Corresponding Presenter: Chunyan Ji Pomalidomide, Rituximab, Orelabrutinib, and Minichop-like (PRO-miniCHOP) in Elderly Patients with Newly Diagnosed Diffuse Large-B Cell Lymphoma: Preliminary Results from a Phase II Study Abstract Number: 6238



First Presenter: Nana Ping



Corresponding Presenter: Zhengming Jin

About Orelabrutinib

Orelabrutinib is a highly selective BTK inhibitor developed by InnoCare for the treatment of cancers and autoimmune diseases.

On Dec. 25, 2020, orelabrutinib received approval from the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in two indications: the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) and the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). At the end of 2021, orelabrutinib was included into the National Reimbursement Drug list, allowing it to benefit more lymphoma patients. On Nov. 22, 2022, orelabrutinib was approved for the treatment of R/R MCL in Singapore. On April 20, 2023, orelabrutinib was approved for the treatment r/r MZL in China.

In addition to the approved indications, multi-center, multi-indication clinical trials are underway in the US and China with orelabrutinib as monotherapy or in combination therapies, such as for the first line treatment of MCD subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Orelabrutinib was granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for the treatment of r/r MCL by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Patient enrollment of the phase II registrational trial for R/R MCL was completed in the U.S. The Company expects to submit the NDA to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) in the middle of 2024.

In addition, orelabrutinib is being advanced in other autoimmune trials, worldwide, including: a phase III registrational trial for the treatment of primary immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) ongoing in China, a global phase II study for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a phase II study for the treatment of SLE in China that has achieved proof of concept (PoC), and a phase II study for the treatment of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) ongoing in China.

About InnoCare

InnoCare is a commercial stage biopharmaceutical company committed to discovering, developing, and commercializing first-in-class and/or best-in-class drugs for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases with unmet medical needs in China and worldwide. InnoCare has branches in Beijing, Nanjing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and United States.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114350129/en/

Media

Chunhua Lu

86-10-66609879

[email protected]

Investor Relations

86-10-66609999

[email protected]

Source: InnoCare Pharma
The company will provide technical, project management and site supervision services under the new program for Irelands public water utility

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AECOM (NYSE: ACM), the worlds trusted infrastructure consulting firm, today announced it has been appointed to Uisce Eireanns new Capital Works PMO Framework and is the only supplier to be appointed to all four lots on the program. In this role, AECOM will support Uisce Eireann, Irelands public water utility, in its mission to transform the delivery of water services, including providing cleaner, safer drinking water and more effective management of wastewater, and to support social and economic growth.

Our history of successful delivery for Uisce Eireann and on water projects across Ireland positions us to support this essential program, said Colin Wood, chief executive of AECOMs Europe and India region. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Uisce Eireann, as we apply the experience and expertise of our teams in Ireland, and around the globe, in the delivery of the critical infrastructure needed to support its future operations.

AECOM will provide a range of services including project and program management, design, stakeholder consultation, and site supervision. Projects will include the construction and upgrading of water and wastewater treatment plants, water and sewerage networks, and dams and reservoirs infrastructure. The five-year contract, with the option to extend by a further two years, replaces and combines several previous frameworks under one program.

We are seeing demand for modern and efficient water systems increasing at a rapid rate around the world, such as the substantial expected growth in U.S. EPA spending and in AMP 8 investments in the U.K., and we are well positioned to deliver on our clients ambitions with our leading expertise in this market. said Beverley Stinson, chief executive of AECOMs global Water business. Having managed some of the worlds most ambitious drinking water and wastewater programs, our teams are prepared to apply their globally recognized expertise to support positive social, environmental, and economic outcomes through safe, clean drinking water.

About AECOM

AECOM (NYSE: ACM) is the worlds trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle  from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and the environment, our public- and private-sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $14.4 billion in fiscal year 2023. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at aecom.com and @AECOM.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this communication other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements for purposes of federal and state securities laws, including any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives for future operations, profitability, strategic value creation, risk profile and investment strategies, and any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance, and the expected financial and operational results of AECOM. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in any of our forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results, performance and achievements, or industry results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: our business is cyclical and vulnerable to economic downturns and client spending reductions; limited control over operations that run through our joint venture entities; liability for misconduct by our employees or consultants; failure to comply with laws or regulations applicable to our business; maintaining adequate surety and financial capacity; potential high leverage and inability to service our debt and guarantees; ability to continue payment of dividends; exposure to political and economic risks in different countries, including tariffs; currency exchange rate and interest fluctuations; retaining and recruiting key technical and management personnel; legal claims; inadequate insurance coverage; environmental law compliance and adequate nuclear indemnification; unexpected adjustments and cancellations related to our backlog; partners and third parties who may fail to satisfy their legal obligations; AECOM Capital real estate development projects; managing pension cost; cybersecurity issues, IT outages and data privacy; risks associated with the expected benefits and costs of the sale of our Management Services and self-perform at-risk civil infrastructure, power construction and oil and gas construction businesses, including the risk that any contingent purchase price adjustments from those transactions could be unfavorable and result in lower aggregate cash proceeds and any future proceeds owed to us under those transactions could be lower than we expect; as well as other additional risks and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements set forth in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115788270/en/

Media:

Brendan Ranson-Walsh

Senior Vice President, Global Communications

1.213.996.2367

[email protected]



Investors:

Will Gabrielski

Senior Vice President, Finance, Treasurer

1.213.593.8208

[email protected]

Source: AECOM
The partnership enabled Alyrica to expand high-speed internet access to 750+ rural locations with Taranas next-generation fixed wireless access broadband solution.

PHILOMATH, Ore. & MILPITAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Alyrica Networks has completed its Rural Broadband Project in partnership with Polk County to bring affordable high-speed internet to residents throughout the county using Taranas next-generation fixed wireless access (ngFWA) broadband solution.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115586125/en/

Alyrica Networks has completed its Rural Broadband Project in partnership with Polk County to bring affordable high-speed internet to residents throughout the county using Taranas next-generation fixed wireless access (ngFWA) broadband solution. (Photo: Business Wire)

Through survey efforts and public discussion opportunities in 2019, Polk County residents made it clear to their county commissioners that quality broadband access was largely unavailable, despite the indications of the FCCs broadband coverage reports. As the ability to participate in critical online activities like telehealth, education, and remote work gained importance during the pandemic, county officials recognized something had to be done, and fast.

Polk County Commissioners worked diligently with multiple local internet service providers (ISPs) to foster broadband efforts that would quickly bring high-quality internet access to their residents and make the best use of public dollars. Alyrica was selected for their proposal leveraging Taranas ngFWA G1 platform. G1 takes a whole new approach that overcomes previous wireless technology limitations thereby delivering reliable high-speed broadband, even in the face of significant signal obstructions and interference.

Sam Dotson, CEO of Alyrica noted, "With Taranas ngFWA solution, were delivering download speeds up to 625 Mbps to customers in the most rural parts of Polk County, and still maintaining a monthly price point below $100 across all service packages.

Dean Anderson, Project Manager at Polk County, shared, We were not sure fiber was going to reach everywhere or be cost-effective, so this was a great alternative. In fact, the average cost per home to cover these rural locations with ngFWA was roughly 15% what it would have required to reach them with fiber.

Alyrica received $795,000 in local grant and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from Polk County for the project, and announced their partnership with Tarana in the summer of 2022. Now, five new towers equipped with Tarana ngFWA have made affordable high-speed internet service available to more than 750 underserved county residents, including those located in the well-forested and previously hard-to-reach hills north of Dallas, Oregon.

One Polk County resident reported that their new Tarana-backed service has been great faster and cheaper than before! Another thanked the Alyrica team for quadrupling their speeds and giving us country folks absolutely amazing internet through the upgraded ngFWA network.

Sam Dotson commented, It was an honor to serve the residents of Polk County and we were privileged to work with various county officials throughout this project.

To learn more about Alyricas internet service, visit https://www.alyrica.net or call 541.929.3330.

About Alyrica Networks

Alyrica Networks, based in Philomath, Oregon, is a trusted internet service provider that has served the Mid-Willamette Valley for over twenty years. Alyricas vision is to build a network that will deliver the best customer experience in telecommunications. The team is highly experienced in serving rural and unserved / underserved communities with access to high-quality internet service. Alyrica is proud to offer local customer support, transparent pricing, and internet that just works!

About Tarana Wireless

Taranas mission is to accelerate the deployment of fast, affordable internet access around the world. Through a decade of R&D and over $400M of investment, the Tarana team has created a unique next-generation fixed wireless access (ngFWA) technology instantiated in its first commercial platform, Gigabit 1 (G1). It delivers a game-changing advance in broadband economics in both mainstream and underserved markets, using either licensed or unlicensed spectrum. G1 started production in mid-2021 and has since been embraced by more than 200 service providers in 21 countries. Tarana is headquartered in Milpitas, California, with additional research and development in Pune, India. Learn more at www.taranawireless.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115586125/en/

For Alyrica:

Madison Yock

[email protected]

For Tarana:

The Guyer Group

[email protected]

Source: Tarana Wireless
The American social network Instagram has blocked the accounts of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov and his four sons, Akhmat, Adam, Eli, and Hamzat Kadyrov. Additionally, three channels of the Chechen television and radio company Grozny have become inaccessible on YouTube.

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Chechen Minister for National Policy and Foreign Relations Akhmed Dudayev announced this on his Telegram channel. He was outraged that the Americans had restricted the freedom of speech of the war criminal and his heirs, who promoted the idea of the genocide of Ukrainians to the masses.

Ironically, the Russians did not share Dudayev's dissatisfaction. They reminded him that Instagram has been included in the register of banned sites by Roskomnadzor since March 14, 2022, and advised Kadyrov to maintain a page on Odnoklassniki.

"The United States and the collective West have long been the epitome of double standards. Where is this notorious freedom of speech that American 'democrats' are endlessly shouting about? Where is the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information, which is one of the most important political and personal human rights included in the Universal Declaration of Rights?" the Chechen minister said.

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He said that he would appeal the social network's decision so that Kadyrov's sons and himself could post photos and communicate with their followers.

Despite Putinists' expectations, the angry post did not evoke sympathy among readers who have been using only social media allowed in the country for almost two years, as Facebook and Instagram were only accessible to Russian citizens with a VPN.

"Why are you on the social networks of the collective West? Keep your pages on VK and Odnoklassniki," "But wait, these sites are banned in Russia, what's the problem?" "You are stupid. I wish you love in your heart, not anger," they wrote in the comments.

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Earlier, OBOZ.UA reported that the accounts of Ukrainian users are sometimes blocked for a short period. For instance, TV presenter Masha Efrosinina's account was affected. The star believes that the reason for this action was her stance on Russia and her commitment to the truth about the war.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Don't fall for fakes!
OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of aa- (Superior) of Primerica Life Insurance Company (Nashville, TN) and its affiliates, National Benefit Life Insurance Company (Long Island City, NY) and Primerica Life Insurance Company of Canada (Mississauga, Ontario), collectively referred to as Primerica Group. Additionally, AM Best has affirmed the Long-Term ICR of a- (Excellent) of Primerica, Inc. (Primerica) (headquartered in Duluth, GA) [NYSE: PRI], which is the holding company for the groups insurance and non-insurance operating companies. AM Best also has affirmed the Long-Term Issue Credit Rating of a- (Excellent) on $600 million, 2.8% senior unsecured notes, due 2031, of Primerica. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect Primerica Groups balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its very strong operating performance, favorable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

Primericas ratings continue to recognize the groups strongest level of risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Bests Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). In addition, the ratings reflect good liquidity, financial flexibility and an investment portfolio that is focused on fixed income with no alternative asset classes, and modest exposure to commercial mortgage-backed securities. Primerica continues to operate and report earnings on a consistently high level with its return-on-equity measures among the highest across its industry peers. This performance is supported by steady premium growth driven by its vast distribution system geographically diversified in U.S. and Canadian marketplaces. Primerica has an extensive agent recruitment process with a well established monitoring system to ensure compliance of its processes and procedures. This is also a reflection of Primericas appropriate enterprise risk management assessment, which is capable of identifying, assessing, monitoring and mitigating the companys risks. Much of these risks have been managed through ceding business to highly rated reinsurance partners and using captive reinsurance companies quite extensively, reflecting higher reinsurance leverage ratios compares to its peers.

The groups business profile revolves centrally around its core term life insurance offering and in particular, the investments made in its simplified issue product. Those not qualifying for a simplified issue term life product have the option to apply for a traditional underwritten product. Beyond the Primerica Group, Primerica also offers the distribution of primarily third-party Investment & Savings Products and other non-life products. Recently Primericas strategy has included a product expansion beyond its core term life and investments offerings. With its expansion through e-TeleQuote and easyMed Insurance Services, its product distribution has expanded to Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement products.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Bests website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Bests Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Bests Credit Ratings, Bests Performance Assessments, Bests Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Bests Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright  2023 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115963412/en/

Wayne Kaminski

Senior Financial Analyst

+1 908 882 1916

[email protected]

Jacqalene Lentz

Director

+1 908 882 2011

[email protected]

Christopher Sharkey

Associate Director, Public Relations

+1 908 882 2310

[email protected]

Al Slavin

Senior Public Relations Specialist

+1 908 882 2318

[email protected]

Source: AM Best
Recipients include 30 nonprofit organizations across American Waters national footprint

CAMDEN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., announced today it awarded a combined total of $500,000 to 30 organizations in 10 states across the U.S., supporting communities served by American Water through the 2023 Workforce Readiness and STEM Education Grant Programs.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115898324/en/

California American Water External Affairs Manager Nichole Baxter presents Meristem with a $25,000 Workforce Readiness grant on behalf of the American Water Charitable Foundation. (Photo: Business Wire)

The American Water Charitable Foundation is thrilled to partner with organizations to offer inclusive programs that prioritize career preparedness, STEM education, and related initiatives, said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. The Workforce Readiness and STEM Education Grant Programs provide opportunities to train and develop key skills for future leaders throughout American Waters national footprint.

The Workforce Readiness and STEM Education grants are part of the Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, which focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. The total award of $500,000 will support high-impact projects and initiatives that further American Waters commitment to support ESG, as well as inclusion, diversity and equity.

The American Water Charitable Foundations support will further our efforts to prepare neurodiverse young adults for a life of greater independence and fulfillment. Assisting young autistic adults gain job skills through social enterprise is a critical component of the services we provide, said Meristems Executive Director, Erin Schirm. We are grateful to the American Water Charitable Foundation and California American Water for their support and dedication to inclusion, diversity, equity and the local community.

Grant recipients positively impact local communities and directly align with American Waters regulated state subsidiaries in California, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Regional events to celebrate local efforts are being coordinated and will be announced at a later date.

The 2023 Workforce Readiness and STEM Education grant recipients are:

Meristem

Generation Steam

Museum Foundation of Pacific Grove

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois

Lansdowne Up

Sun Foundation

Girls Incorporated of Wayne County

Jackson County Industrial Development Corporation

Community Action Council

Explorium of Lexington

Stl Youth Jobs

Boys and Girls Club of Joplin Missouri

Hispanic Family Center Southern NJ

Girls Inc of Greater Philadelphia & Southern NJ

Hopeworks N Camden

Raritan Headwaters Association

Main Line Chamber Foundation

Chester County Futures Inc.

Lacawac Sanctuary Foundation Inc.

Coatesville Youth Initiative

Junior Achievement of South Central Pennsylvania

Skills In Scranton Business Education Partnership

Berks Latino Workforce Development Corporation

Berks Nature

Teach For America

Project Return Inc.

Northern Neck Food Bank Inc.

Mission West Virginia

WVMA (West Virginia Manufactures Assoc.) Educational Fund

Communities In Schools of West Virginia Inc.

Due to the volume of grant applications received, each application was evaluated on a competitive basis, funding programs with a strong impacts and measurable outcomes that align with the Foundations funding priorities.

Learn more about the American Water Charitable Foundation here.

About American Water

American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Waters 6,500 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the companys national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formally Twitter) and Instagram.

About American Water Charitable Foundation

The American Water Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a formal way to demonstrate the companys ongoing commitment to be a good neighbor, citizen, and contributor to the communities where American Water and its employees live, work and operate. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf and follow the American Water Charitable Foundation on Facebook.

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Media

Alicia Barbieri

Director, Communications & External Affairs

American Water

(856) 676-8103

[email protected]



Source: American Water Charitable Foundation
TOKYO & DUSSELDORF, Germany & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Asahi Kasei, Gentari Hydrogen Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PETRONAS clean energy arm Gentari Sdn Bhd (Gentari), and JGC Holdings Corporation (JGC) today announced the completion of a detailed feasibility study for production of up to 8,000 tonnes per year of green hydrogen using a 60 megawatt (MW) class alkaline water electrolyser system. The parties also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a front-end engineering design (FEED) study for the said project. This project is supported by the Green Innovation Fund for Large-scale Alkaline Water Electrolysis System Development and Green Chemical Plant Project by Japans New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115141989/en/

Nobuko Uetake of Asahi Kasei, Michele Azalbert of Gentari, and Masahiro Aika of JGC at the MOU signing ceremony. (Photo: Business Wire)

Pursuant to the MOU, the parties are preparing for the FEED study to commence in January 2024. The operation is planned for start-up in 2027.

This collaboration between Asahi Kasei, Gentari, and JGC will advance the deployment of a 60 MW class water electrolyser paired with an integrated control system to produce green hydrogen. This commercial-scale project demonstrates the companies' commitment to fostering markets for green hydrogen and establishing a foundation for regional green hydrogen production, aligning with the broader mission of decarbonisation in Japan, Malaysia, and across Southeast Asia.

We are pleased to collaborate with these two companies on a project that will demonstrate to the world the practical application of green hydrogen. Asahi Kasei's experience from demonstration experiments in Germany and managing a 10 MW electrolyser in Japan for over three years will play a pivotal role in this project's success," said Nobuko Uetake, Lead Executive Officer of Asahi Kasei and Senior General Manager of its Green Solution Project.

This strategic collaboration between Gentari, Asahi Kasei, and JGC, amplifies value for all involved. The project stands as a catalyst for advancing Malaysias hydrogen economy towards achieving its green hydrogen target of 200,000 tonnes per year by 2030, aligning with the National Energy Transition Roadmap and Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap. Beyond this, Gentari is developing hydrogen projects with national and state entities to position Malaysia as the regions leading hydrogen hub, leveraging PETRONAS assets and the countrys strategic advantages, said Michele Azalbert, Gentaris Chief Hydrogen Officer.

I would like to express our sincere appreciation for the efforts to conclude this MOU. JGC Group is currently constructing a demonstration facility of clean ammonia production adjacent to Asahi Kaseis electrolyser at Namie-machi, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, together with an integrated control system. We look forward to applying the lessons learnt from the demonstration and to utilising its technical outcomes toward the execution of this project in Malaysia, said Masahiro Aika, Senior Executive Officer, Technology Commercialization Officer and General Manager, Sustainability Co-creation Unit of JGC.

About Asahi Kasei

The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its foundation in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber businesses, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 48,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to a sustainable society by providing solutions to the world's challenges through its three business sectors of Material, Homes, and Health Care. The hydrogen-related business is positioned as one of Asahi Kasei's "10 Growth Gears" (GG10) businesses to drive future growth, and the company plans to focus proactive investment in this domain. Asahi Kasei is also a member of industry associations such as the Hydrogen Council in Europe and the Japan Hydrogen Forum in the U.S., emphasizing its dedication to advancing green solutions in key focus areas. For more information, visit https://ak-green-solution.com/en/.

About Gentari

Gentari is focused on delivering the solutions required to put clean energy into action today, to transform how we live tomorrow. Gentaris three initial core pillars of Renewable Energy, Hydrogen and Green Mobility form a comprehensive portfolio of solutions to help our customers in their decarbonisation journey. Its global 2030 aspiration is to achieve 30-40 GW of installed capacity in renewable energy, up to 1.2 million tonnes per year of clean hydrogen, and over 10% share of the public charging points and Vehicle-as-a-Service market across key countries in the Asia-Pacific region. In the long term, Gentari aims to be the most valued clean energy solutions partner, creating greater impact, connecting businesses, and making the journey to a net zero future possible.

For more information, visit www.gentari.com.

About JGC

JGC group operates Engineering, Procurement and Construction businesses for plants and facilities in a variety of regions throughout the world, contributing to economic growth and industrial development in not only Japan, but also in various countries worldwide. JGC group established our purpose as Enhancing planetary health, aiming to solve the three social issues of "achieving both a stable supply of energy and decarbonization," "reducing the environmental impact of resource use," and "establishing and maintaining infrastructure and services that support our daily lives" with making full use of the capabilities it has cultivated.

For more information, please visit https://www.jgc.com/en/.

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Company Contact North America:

Asahi Kasei America, Inc.

Christian OKeefe

E-mail: [email protected]

Company Contact Europe:

Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH

Sebastian Schmidt

Fringsstrasse 17, 40221 Dusseldorf

Tel: +49 (0) 211-3399-2058

E-mail: [email protected]

Source: Asahi Kasei
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BBX Capital, Inc. (OTCQX: BBXIA) (PINK: BBXIB) (the Company) announced today that it intends to commence a cash tender offer to purchase up to 500,000 shares of its Class A Common Stock at a purchase price of $8.00 per share. The closing price of the Companys Class A Common Stock on November 14, 2023 was $7.75 per share.

If the tender offer is commenced and completed, the total purchase price for the shares proposed to be purchased would be $4,000,000. If more than 500,000 shares are tendered in the tender offer, then, subject to the terms and conditions of the tender offer, the Company will purchase shares from shareholders who properly tender shares on a pro rata basis based on the aggregate number of shares tendered.

The terms and conditions of the tender offer will be described in an offer to purchase and related letter of transmittal that will be mailed to the Companys shareholders shortly after commencement of the tender offer. The tender offer will be subject to certain conditions described in the offer to purchase. The Company currently anticipates commencing the tender offer within five business days. The tender offer will be held open for at least twenty business days following its commencement. To be valid, tenders of shares must be made prior to the expiration of the tender offer period and otherwise in accordance with the instructions for tendering shares to be set forth in the offer to purchase and related letter of transmittal.

None of the Company or its Board of Directors, the Information Agent for the tender offer or the Depositary for the tender offer will make any recommendation to shareholders as to whether to tender or refrain from tendering their shares in the tender offer. Shareholders must make their own decision as to how many shares they will tender, if any.

Important Information About the Tender Offer

The Company has not yet commenced the tender offer referred to in this press release. This press release does not constitute an offer to buy or solicitation of an offer to sell any securities. This press release is for informational purposes only. The offer to purchase the shares of the Companys Class A Common Stock and the solicitation of the shares will be made only pursuant to the offer to purchase and related letter of transmittal, which are expected to be mailed to the Companys shareholders shortly after commencement of the tender offer. The Companys shareholders should read those materials and the documents incorporated therein by reference carefully when they become available because they will contain important information, including the various terms and conditions of the tender offer. If the tender offer is commenced, the Company will also file a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO (the Tender Offer Statement) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), which will include as exhibits, among other things, the offer to purchase and related letter of transmittal and other tender offer materials. The Tender Offer Statement, including the offer to purchase and related letter of transmittal and other tender offer materials, will be available free of charge on the SECs website at www.sec.gov and on the Companys website at www.bbxcapital.com. The Companys other public filings with the SEC, including Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, are also available free of charge on the SECs website at www.sec.gov and on the Companys website at www.bbxcapital.com. When available, the Companys shareholders may also obtain the offer to purchase, letter of transmittal and other related materials in connection with the tender offer by contacting MacKenzie Partners, Inc., the Information Agent for the tender offer, toll-free at (800) 322-2885. The Companys shareholders are urged to carefully read these materials prior to making any decision with respect to the tender offer.

About BBX Capital, Inc.: BBX Capital, Inc. (OTCQX: BBXIA) (PINK: BBXIB) is a Florida-based diversified holding company whose principal holdings include BBX Capital Real Estate, BBX Sweet Holdings, and Renin. For additional information, please visit www.bbxcapital.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including those 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. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and information and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those relating to the contemplated tender offer described in this press release, including that the Company may determine not to proceed with the tender offer if events or circumstances occur that would, in the Companys discretion, make it inadvisable to proceed with the tender offer, uncertainty about the timing of the tender offer, that, if the tender offer is commenced, the conditions to closing the tender offer may not be satisfied or, to the extent permitted by applicable law, may be waived by the Companys Board of Directors in its sole discretion, uncertainties as to the amount of shares that will be tendered and purchased in the tender offer, and risks relating to the price and liquidity of the Companys Class A Common Stock. Reference is also made to the risks and uncertainties detailed in reports filed by the Company with the SEC, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 (including the Risk Factors section thereof) and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, each of which may be viewed on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and on the Companys website at www.bbxcapital.com. The Company cautions that the foregoing factors are not exclusive. Readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement, which speaks only as of the date made. In addition, past performance may not be indicative of future results.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115548749/en/

BBX Capital, Inc. Contact Info:

Investor Relations Contact:

Sharon Stennett

P: 954-940-5300

Email: [email protected]

Media Relations Contact:

Kip Hunter, Kip Hunter Marketing

P: 954-303-5551

Email: [email protected]

Source: BBX Capital, Inc.
Third consultation period ends November 30, 2023

Guidance and future Public Consultations will address other technical matters, administration and QRTCs

Bermuda Government aims to reduce costs and enhance Bermudas attractiveness as a place to work and live

HAMILTON, Bermuda--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today the Government of Bermuda issued a third Public Consultation paper regarding the proposed introduction of a corporate income tax (CIT) that would be applicable to Bermuda businesses that are part of a Multinational Enterprise Group (MNE) with annual revenue of 750M or more.

Since 2021, over 140 countries, including Bermuda, have advanced towards alignment on international tax rules to create a level playing field. The proposed Corporate Income Tax regime would reinforce Bermudas continuing commitment to global compliance and transparency and will maintain its international competitive positioning. Concurrently, Bermudas Tax Reform Commission was recently empaneled by the Government to review and draft proposals to adjust existing taxes to lower the cost of living and working in Bermuda.

The Ministry of Finance conducted two previous Public Consultations concerning the introduction of a CIT in 2023, in August, and October, respectively.

As a result of consultation feedback, the current proposal would introduce a corporate income tax that would be a covered tax under the OECDs GloBE rules. This approach aims to minimize Top-Up taxes levied on Bermuda MNEs in other jurisdictions where they operate. The CIT legislation is intended to come into force in its entirety in January 2025, providing MNEs time to make transition adjustments.

The Government has proposed a statutory tax rate of 15% and is developing a robust package of Qualified Refundable Tax Credits (QRTCs) to maintain Bermudas attractiveness. Investments by corporations that meet the QRTC requirements will benefit Bermuda through development of the workforce, and investments in key areas targeted by the Government, including infrastructure, sustainability, innovation and housing.

This third Consultation Paper includes Illustrative Draft CIT Legislation to provide stakeholders with a comprehensive view of the proposed policy. Certain aspects of the law will be clarified with Guidance in 2023 and expanded in regulations intended to be published in 2024 and subsequent periods. Further amendments to the draft legislation may be made prior to being tabled in Parliament, including those to address feedback provided in response to this Consultation. The legislation is expected to be debated in the House of Assembly in December 2023.

As we enter this third consultation period, it bears repeating that this will be the most fundamental tax reform in Bermudas history, said Premier and Minister of Finance, the Hon. David Burt JP, MP. The Government places enormous importance on hearing from industry stakeholders and the public as we further develop this legislation. The Government received significant feedback from the previous consultations, which is shaping the proposal into a comprehensive and robust regime that the Government can implement.

The introduction of the Corporate Income Tax, which will only apply to large multinational corporations, in parallel with the work of our newly empaneled Tax Reform Commission, will allow the Government to fulfill its commitment to reduce the cost of living and doing business in Bermuda, benefitting both Bermuda's residents and businesses. It also fulfills Bermuda's commitment to participate in the Global Minimum Tax initiative being implemented around the world. I look forward to the introduction of the new tax regime in Bermuda to both reinforce Bermuda's reputation and maintain its competitiveness as a thriving international business hub."

The third consultation period begins on November 15, 2023. All comments should be submitted prior to the deadline of November 30, 2023.

For more information visit: https://forum.gov.bm/en/ or: https://www.gov.bm/.

Published by the Government of Bermuda (https://www.gov.bm)

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115738839/en/

Media Contact

Honey S. Adams

[email protected]



Consultation Feedback

Collin J. Anderson

[email protected]

Source: Government of Bermuda
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Black Hat, the cybersecurity industrys most established and in-depth security event series, today announced its full schedule programming for Black Hat Europe 2023. Taking place at ExCeL London from December 4 to December 7, this years event will feature 40 Briefings, four days of Trainings, over 50 Sponsored Sessions, and 54 Arsenal tool demos.

Black Hat Keynotes

Ollie Whitehouse will present his talk, Industrialising Cyber Defence in an Asymmetric World, on Wednesday, December 6 at 9:00 AM. Whitehouse is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), where he is responsible for maintaining the NCSCs status as the National Technical Authority for cyber security and is influential in tackling the challenges of tomorrow.

Joe Sullivan will present his talk, My Lessons from the Uber Case, on Thursday, December 7 at 9:00 AM. Sullivan is the CEO of Ukraine Friends, a nonprofit focused on providing humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine. Sullivan has worked at the intersection of government, technology, and security since the internet went mainstream, and has dedicated his career to helping make the online world a safer place for everyone.

Black Hat Briefings

Briefings will take place on December 6 and December 7, and feature 40 Briefings hand selected by the Black Hat Europe Review Board. Attendees will learn the latest in information security risks, research, and trends on topics covering everything from enterprise security, exploit development, reverse engineering, and more.

Black Hat Trainings

Cybersecurity professionals interested in enhancing their skills can participate in this years Trainings, being held both in-person and virtually from December 4 to December 7. These two- and four-day, deeply technical, hands-on courses are led by the information security industrys top trainers and professionals. Courses will feature a variety of topics, including application security (AppSec), forensics, penetration testing (pentesting), and more. All participants will also receive a Certificate of Completion.

New for Black Hat Europe 2023, Black Hat will be hosting the Black Hat Certified Pentester (BCPen) exam virtually at Black Hat Europe. A core component of Black Hat Trainings, this intermediate level, practical exam is intended to be taken by professional pentesters, bug-bounty hunters, red and blue team experts, security operations center (SOC) analysts, and anyone wanting to evaluate or appraise their existing knowledge in topics involving hands-on pentesting.

Black Hat Business Hall

Business Hall passes, or Business passes, are available for the 2023 event. The Business Hall showcases the latest products and technologies from leading information security solution providers. Hours to access the Business Hall will be 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on December 6, and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on December 7. Business passes will provide access to the Keynote, Arsenal, Sponsored Sessions, Exhibitor Booths, Bricks & Picks, and more. All Black Hat Europe 2023 pass holders will have access to the Business Hall.

Black Hat Features

New for 2023, Black Hat Europe will welcome additional Features. Highlights include:

Executive Programs: This years Executive Programs at Black Hat Europe 2023 will include the Black Hat Executive Summit and the Executive Roundtable. The Executive Summit will begin on Tuesday, December 5 at 8:00 AM, and offer CISOs and other cybersecurity executives an opportunity to hear from industry experts helping to shape the next generation of information security strategy. For the first time at Black Hat Europe 2023, the Executive Roundtable will debut and provide Sponsors the intimate opportunity to converse with senior-level decision makers from top global corporations, organizations, and government agencies. The Executive Roundtable will take place on Wednesday, December 6 at 10:30 AM.

Omdia Analyst Summit: The second annual Omdia Analyst Summit at Black Hat Europe will begin on Thursday, December 7 at 11:00 AM. The Omdia Analyst Summit will feature the industrys leading cybersecurity analysts and provide attendees with actionable insights, innovative approaches, and a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence cybersecurity outcomes for organizations within the European landscape.

The second annual Omdia Analyst Summit at Black Hat Europe will begin on Thursday, December 7 at 11:00 AM. The Omdia Analyst Summit will feature the industrys leading cybersecurity analysts and provide attendees with actionable insights, innovative approaches, and a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence cybersecurity outcomes for organizations within the European landscape. Bricks & Picks: New for 2023, Bricks & Picks will be a combined activity space for attendees to delight their playful and creative sides with plastic building bricks and locks. This activity area will be led by experts in both areas, feature competitions, hands-on demonstrations, and more. Bricks & Picks will take place in the Business Hall on Wednesday, December 6 and Thursday, December 7.

Community Program: The Community Program will include sessions that encourage collaboration among attendees and presenters through discussions of current issues impacting the cybersecurity community. Topics will cover inclusion, mental health, cyber policy, and more.

Black Hat Arsenal

Black Hat Arsenal brings together researchers and the cybersecurity community to showcase and demonstrate their latest open-source tools and products in a conversational environment where presenters can interact with the attendees. This years event will feature 54 in-person tool demos spanning exploitation and ethical hacking, malware defense, network attacks, reverse engineering, and more.

The Arsenal Lab will also now be featured at all regional events. Arsenal Lab is an interactive, hands-on environment designed for hacking enthusiasts of all skill levels to learn about specialized tools and targets that may be difficult to access otherwise. The on-site Arsenal Lab at Black Hat Europe 2023 will include six labs.

Scholarship Program

As a way to introduce the next generation of security professionals to the Black Hat community, Black Hat Europe will be awarding complimentary Briefings passes to a limited number of student applicants. Black Hat holds its own annual Student and Veteran Scholarship programs, and partners with a variety of associations on additional scholarship opportunities.

Returning to Black Hat Europe this year is the IN Security Scholarship. In partnership with KnewStart, this scholarship stems from the desire to provide access to women in cybersecurity. As a result, 25 applicants have been awarded to receive Briefings passes to Black Hat Europe 2023.

Sustainability Initiatives

In July 2023, Black Hat officially announced its Sustainability Pledge to outline key initiatives Black Hat will be prioritizing across all of its events. This Pledge stemmed from Black Hats commitment to positively impact the cybersecurity community and planet, continue to deliver responsible and inclusive events, and as part of its plan to become a net zero carbon business by 2030. To learn more about Black Hat Europe 2023s commitment to sustainability, please visit https://www.blackhat.com/eu-23/sustainability.html.

Top Sponsors and Partners of Black Hat Europe 2023 include:

Diamond Sponsors : Axonius, Bionic, KnowBe4, NCC Group, Snyk, ThreatLocker, and VMware Carbon Black.

: Axonius, Bionic, KnowBe4, NCC Group, Snyk, ThreatLocker, and VMware Carbon Black. Platinum Sponsors: Appdome, Claroty, GitHub, INCIBE, Synopsys, and Upwind Security.

Appdome, Claroty, GitHub, INCIBE, Synopsys, and Upwind Security. Sustaining Partners: Armis, CrowdStrike, KnowBe4, ManageEngine, Qualys, SentinelOne, Sophos, Sysdig, Trend Micro, and VMware Carbon Black.

Armis, CrowdStrike, KnowBe4, ManageEngine, Qualys, SentinelOne, Sophos, Sysdig, Trend Micro, and VMware Carbon Black. Global Partners: Adaptive Shield, Akamai, ARCON, Binalyze, Bugcrowd, Contrast Security, Corellium, CYBER RANGES, DataDome, INE, KnowBe4, Microsoft, Snyk, Sonar, Swimlane, Synopsys, Varonis, Veracode, and VMware Carbon Black.

For registration and additional information on Black Hat Europe 2023, please visit https://www.blackhat.com/eu-23/.

About Black Hat

For over 25 years, Black Hat has provided attendees with the very latest in information security research, development, and trends. These high-profile global events and trainings are driven by the needs of the security community, striving to bring together the best minds in the industry. Black Hat inspires professionals at all career levels, encouraging growth and collaboration among academia, world-class researchers, and leaders in the public and private sectors. Black Hat Briefings and Trainings are held annually in the United States, Canada, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Asia. More information is available at: blackhat.com. Black Hat is brought to you by Informa Tech.

About Informa Tech

Informa Tech is a leading provider of market insight and market access to the global business technology community. Through in-depth expertise and an engaged audience community, Informa Tech helps business professionals make better technology decisions and marketers reach the most powerful tech buyers and influencers in the world. Across its portfolio of over 100+ trusted brands, Informa Tech has over 1000 industry experts, including over 400 research analysts and consultants in global research group Omdia, and a monthly audience reach of over 125 million. Informa Tech is a division of FTSE 100 company Informa plc. For more information, please visit informatech.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114708893/en/

PRESS

Stephanie DeAngelo, Informa Tech

619.510.1564

[email protected]

Source: Black Hat
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BNY Mellon Alcentra Global Multi-Strategy Credit Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") today announced the final results of its quarterly tender offer (the "Tender Offer") for up to 2.5% of the Fund's issued and outstanding shares of common stock (the "Shares").

The Tender Offer, which expired at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on November 14, 2023, was oversubscribed.

Therefore, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Tender Offer, the Fund will purchase Shares from all tendering shareholders on a pro rata basis, after disregarding fractions, based on the number of Shares properly tendered ("Pro-Ration Factor"). The final results of the Tender Offer are provided in the table below.

Number of Shares

Tendered Number of Tendered

Shares to Be

Purchased Pro-Ration Factor Purchase Price* 362,019 48,948 0.135922 $88.44 *Purchase Price is equal to 100% of the Fund's net asset value per Share as of September 30, 2023.

If you have questions about the Tender Offer and hold Shares through a broker or other nominee holder, you can call your broker or other nominee holder directly. You may also call Georgeson LLC ("Georgeson"), the Fund's Tender Offer information agent, toll free at (877) 278-9670, with any questions.

The terms and conditions of the Tender Offer were set forth in the Fund's Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal and other related documents. The Fund filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") a tender offer statement on Schedule TO and related exhibits, including an Offer to Purchase, a related Letter of Transmittal and other related documents (the "Offer Documents"). Shareholders may obtain copies of the Offer Documents, without charge, by contacting Georgeson toll free at (877) 278-9670. Shareholders can also obtain the Offer Documents free of charge on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

The Fund also announced the tentative dates for the Funds tender offers in 2024, subject to approval of the Funds Board of Directors (the "Board"). The tentative dates are as follows:

1st Quarter Tender

Offer 2nd Quarter Tender Offer 3rd Quarter Tender

Offer 4th Quarter Tender

Offer Commencement Date January 17, 2024 April 17, 2024 July 17, 2024 October 16, 2024 Expiration Date and Time February 13, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, unless otherwise extended May 14, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, unless otherwise extended August 13, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, unless otherwise extended November 13, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, unless otherwise extended Price Net asset value per share determined as of December 29, 2023 Net asset value per share determined as of March 29, 2024 Net asset value per share determined as of June 28, 2024 Net asset value per share determined as of September 30, 2024

These tentative dates are still subject to Board approval and should not be relied on. There can be no assurance that the Board will proceed with any tender offer and the terms of any future tender offer, including the applicable dates associated with those tender offers, are subject to change.

The Fund intends, but is not obligated, to conduct quarterly tender offers for up to 2.5% of its shares of common stock ("Shares") then outstanding in the sole discretion of the Board. In determining whether the Fund should conduct a tender offer, the Board will consider the recommendation of BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc. ("BNYM Investment Adviser"), the Fund's investment manager, and Alcentra NY LLC ("Alcentra"), the Fund's sub-investment adviser, as well as a variety of operational, business and economic factors. In any given quarter, BNYM Investment Adviser and Alcentra may or may not recommend to the Board that the Fund conduct a tender offer, and even if BNYM Investment Adviser and Alcentra do recommend to the Board that the Fund conduct a tender offer, the Board may not approve such recommendation.

While the Fund intends to conduct quarterly tender offers as described in the Fund's initial public offering prospectus, the Fund is not required to do so and may amend, suspend or terminate any such tender offer program at any time. Holders of Shares ("Shareholders") have no right to require the Fund to redeem their Shares. Quarterly tender offers may be delayed or discontinued at any time. It is also possible that if a tender offer is conducted, it may be oversubscribed, with the result that Shareholders may only be able to have a portion of their Shares repurchased. There is no assurance that a Shareholder will be able to tender their Shares when or in the amount that they desire.

This announcement is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation, an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell Shares. The Offer Documents in connection with the Fund's tender offers in 2024 (if such tender offers are approved by the Board) will be distributed to Fund shareholders, when available, without charge, from Georgeson. Shareholders will also be able to obtain the Offer Documents, when available, free of charge on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Shareholders should read these documents and related exhibits carefully as the documents contain important information about the tender offers.

BNY Mellon Alcentra Global Multi-Strategy Credit Fund, Inc. is a diversified, closed-end management investment company. BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc., the investment adviser for the Fund, is part of BNY Mellon Investment Management. BNY Mellon Investment Management is one of the worlds largest asset managers, with $1.8 trillion in assets under management as of September 30, 2023. Through a client-first approach, BNY Mellon Investment Management brings investors specialist expertise through its seven investment firms offering solutions across every major asset class and backed by the breadth and scale of BNY Mellon. Additional information on BNY Mellon Investment Management is available on www.bnymellonim.com. Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest company news and activity.

BNY Mellon Investment Management is a division of BNY Mellon, which has $45.7 trillion in assets under custody and/or administration as of September 30, 2023. Established in 1784, BNY Mellon is America's oldest bank. Today, BNY Mellon powers capital markets around the world through comprehensive solutions that help clients manage and service their financial assets throughout the investment life cycle. BNY Mellon is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE: BK). Additional information is available on www.bnymellon.com. Follow us on LinkedIn or visit our newsroom for the latest company news.

BNY Mellon Investment Management's website is intended to allow investors public access to information regarding the Fund and does not, and is not intended to, incorporate the website in this release.

The Fund's investment returns and principal values will fluctuate so that an investor's shares may be worth more or less than the original cost. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115946968/en/

For Press Inquiries:

BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc.

Sue Watt

(212) 815-3757

For Other Inquiries:

BNY Mellon Securities Corporation

The National Marketing Desk

240 Greenwich Street

New York, New York 10286

1-800-334-6899

Source: BNY Mellon Alcentra Global Multi-Strategy Credit Fund, Inc.
OTTAWA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, Boann Social Impact LP announced its pioneering investment as part of the Government of Canada's $755 million Social Finance Fund (SFF). This landmark investment demonstrates the SFFs potential to back ideas and initiatives that will produce positive outcomes for our communities and our climate.

The Raven Indigenous Outcomes Fund (RIOF) is a first-of-its-kind fund (C$50M) that manages outcomes-based financing instruments to address priority issues in Indigenous communities. The fund will manage outcomes contracts in health and climate. In health, Minoayawin, a community-centred lifestyle intervention initiative, aims to reduce T2 diabetes prevalence using a two-eyed-seeing approach, incorporating Indigenous knowledge systems with Western methods. Outcomes contracts in climate will advance the net zero transition for on-reserve housing through electrification and climate-conscious retrofits targeting energy efficiencies, GHG emission reductions, and localized training and employment opportunities. The Raven Indigenous Outcomes Fund is part of the group of funds on the Raven Indigenous Capital Partners platform, the first Indigenous-focused private equity firm in Canada and the United States. With a targeted first close in December 2023, this fund seeks to build economic reconciliation and implement UNDRIP.

This is the first investment through which Boann Social Impact will help advance social finance in Canada. RIOF was selected by Boanns Investment Committee, an independent body with exclusive responsibility over investment decisions. This investment affirms Boanns commitment to fostering positive change by nurturing a strong social finance sector in Canada and modeling what investing for impact can look like.

Quotes

Indigenous Peoples and communities have long deserved a higher level of wellbeing and the ability to shape how human services are provided. We are at a unique moment in history where we have the social finance fund and the work of our wholesaler aligning with community priorities and government objectives. Outcomes finance operates at this unique nexus aligning public, private and philanthropic capital. However, most importantly it actions UNDRIP to create self-determined services, this collective action will reshape the landscape of social finance and, more importantly, improve the lives of countless individuals and communities. I invite investors to really put their capital to work in this unique opportunity. Together we will do great things.  Jeff Cyr, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Raven Capital Partners

This first round of investments is an exciting milestone for Boann and everyone involved in the Social Finance Fund. It is our first opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to fund investees which promote social good, particularly those centered on sustainability and equity deserving communities. As we fulfil our mandate, we look forward to supporting a diverse portfolio of funds that are building a better Canada for us all.  Derek Ballantyne, CEO, Boann Social Impact

Social purpose organizations are making critical contributions across sectors to solve our most pressing social and environmental challenges. In our efforts to advance reconciliation, we will continue to work closely with Indigenous partners to provide important programs and services that improve quality of life and support healthy and thriving Indigenous communities and families. These investments by Boann Social Impact, one of our investment managers under the Social Finance Fund, are the first of many that will help build a more inclusive and equitable economy for all Canadians.  The Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development, Jenna Sudds

About Boann Social Impact

Boann Social Impact LP is a partnership created to mange capital contributed by the Government of Canadas Social Finance Fund. Created collaboratively by the Table of Impact Investment Practitioners (TIIP) and Encasa Impact, Boann will invest $135 million over 5 years to support purpose driven intermediaries and enterprises across Canada. For more information, visit: http://www.boann.ca/

About the Social Finance Fund

The Government of Canada's Social Finance Fund (SFF) is a $755 million initiative that seeks to accelerate the growth of Canadas social finance market. The SFF will support charities, non- profits, social enterprises, co-operatives and other social purpose organizations (SPOs) in accessing flexible financing opportunities. Greater access to social finance through the SFF will help them grow, innovate, and enhance their social and environmental impacts. The SFF Is being managed by three Investment managers: Boann Social Impact, Fonds de finance sociale - CAP Finance and Realize Capital Partners. https://socialfinance.fund

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115331429/en/

Media Inquiries:

Dana Granofsky  [email protected]

Source: Boann Social Impact LP
Global real estate investment, development, and management company CA Ventures is excited to announce the $65 million sale of 281 Willow, an ideally-located apartment community in Fort Collins, Colorado.

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CA Ventures, an international real estate investment, development and management company, is excited to announce the sale of 281 Willow, an apartment building ideally located in Fort Collins, Colorado.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114275042/en/

CA Ventures recently sold 281 Willow to Borello Asset Management Inc. (Photo: Business Wire)

The $65 million sale, which closed on September 28, was made possible due to the leadership of CA Ventures CEO Tom Scott and Chief Investment Officer John Diedrich. The sale was arranged by the Walker & Dunlop Denver Investment Sales team on behalf of CA Ventures, the client, and Borello Asset Management Inc., which was the buyer.

281 Willow is a 197-unit, newly constructed Class A apartment community conveniently located in the flourishing market of Fort Collins, Colorado, which has strong multifamily fundamentals.

Located directly adjacent to downtown Fort Collins, the apartment community offers residents central access to everything that the city has to offer, including abundant restaurants, retail and recreation outlets to employment opportunities.

281 Collins is also a little more than one mile from the heartbeat of Fort Collins -- the campus of Colorado State University, which is home to 33,000 full-time students and 2,600 faculty.

Residents who live at the apartment community will have an easy commute to downtown Fort Collins, the CSU campus, numerous UTHealth hospitals as well as major employment centers throughout the city.

281 Collins isnt just about the ideal location, though. The amenities of the property are quite impressive, too -- from rooftop decks to an oversized spa, fitness center, resident lounges and more.

The features inside the apartments are just as attractive. All are designed in a trendy, upscale and modern way. There are studio, one- and two-bedroom floor plans, and most come with a personal patio or balcony to provide outdoor space.

Each unit features quartz countertops throughout, oversized windows, programmable thermostats, open-concept living areas, a washer and dryer, stainless steel appliance package, designer faucets and tile backsplashes.

Some units even come with large walk-in closets, expansive nine-foot and vaulted ceilings and a kitchen prep island.

Other conveniences and security features include online rent payments, service requests, leasing and applications, as well as professional on-site management and maintenance. Covered parking is also available for select units.

CA Ventures has grown from a small niche company started in 2004 to a multi-faceted, global commercial real estate firm. Today, it has more than $10 billion in global assets.

Based in Chicago, CA Ventures is led by founder and CEO Tom Scott and Chief Investment Officer John Diedrich.

For more information, please visit ca-ventures.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114275042/en/

Jessica Brown

Mercury News Media

[email protected]

303 800 6186

https://www.mercurynewsmedia.com

Source: CA Ventures
ALLEN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CapturePoint LLC (together with its affiliates, CapturePoint) announced today that a subsidiary of Southwestern Energy Company (Southwestern) (NYSE: SWN) has agreed with its midstream provider, Energy Transfer LP (NYSE: ET), to dedicate CO2 from its Haynesville natural gas processing to sequestration deep underground in CapturePoints Central Louisiana Regional Carbon Storage Hub (CENLA Hub). The CENLA Hub, under development by CapturePoint affiliate CapturePoint Solutions LLC, will permanently store captured CO2 in suitable geologic formations in Rapides and Vernon Parishes.

CapturePoint CEO Tracy Evans said, We are excited to be providing critical carbon management solutions for the Haynesville Basin. The agreement announced today is another significant milestone for the future success of the CENLA Hub. Our team has positioned this project on the leading edge of carbon management innovation, and the CENLA Hub is now well on its way to being one of the largest onshore CO2 storage centers in the United States.

CapturePoints data collected from cores and open hole logs from its stratigraphic well have confirmed that the CENLA Hub has the capacity to absorb more than a billion tons of CO2. The company has filed two permit applications for Class VI carbon sequestration injection well sites in the CENLA Hub, with one located in Rapides Parish and the other in Vernon Parish. The Vernon Parish application is the first deep underground carbon sequestration project in the nation accepted for FAST-41, the fast-tracking review process across federal agencies.

Southwestern Energy is committed to meeting growing global demand for reliable, lower-carbon energy, said Bill Way, Southwestern Energy President and Chief Executive Officer. Through innovation and collaboration with leaders like CapturePoint, we are continuing to minimize our carbon footprint while driving sustainable value creation. We are proud to participate in the CENLA Hub to reduce CO2 emissions in the Haynesville basin, one of our core operating areas.

Mr. Evans added, The Haynesville is one of the largest natural gas producing regions in the country, and it offers significant opportunities for effective carbon management. We are reaching out to other producers in that area and across Louisiana to offer our expertise and introduce them to the carbon storage potential of the CENLA Hub.

We appreciate the support of Energy Transfer and Southwestern Energy Company. Their early commitments to deep underground carbon storage in the CENLA Hub will help us secure millions of tons of CO2 annually that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.

===

CapturePoint LLC is a privately held company based in Allen, Texas focused on leading-edge carbon management services in an era of energy transition. For more information, visit the CapturePoint website at www.capturepointllc.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release may include certain statements concerning expectations for the future that are forward-looking statements as defined by federal law. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond managements control. In addition to the risks and uncertainties previously stated, CapturePoint has also been, or may in the future be, impacted by new or heightened risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we cannot predict the length and ultimate impact of those risks. CapturePoint undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect new information or events, nor to update the status of federal or state permits or approvals or other external factors that may affect potential future operations.

The information contained in this press release is available on our website at www.capturepointllc.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115792020/en/

Investor Relations:

Tracy Evans, CEO

Aaron Johnson, CFO

832-300-8225

[email protected]

[email protected]



Media Contact:

Sherry Tucker, VP  Communications, Community

Engagement and Government Relations

202-258-0700 (cell)

[email protected]

Source: CapturePoint LLC
Ukrainian actor Ostap Stupka, who caused a car accident in Kyiv on April 4, was charged with violating traffic safety rules while intoxicated, which caused serious bodily harm to the victim. Prosecutors in court asked for a three-year prison sentence.

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The article also provides for deprivation of the right to drive a vehicle for up to 5 years. The press service of the Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office announced this on Facebook after the hearing (scroll to the bottom of the page to see the photo).

The driver of the Range Rover, Ostap Stupka, was detained at the scene of the accident and his blood alcohol content was checked. It showed 1.62 ppm, while the norm is 0.3.

"Previously, the incident was classified under Part 1 of Article 286-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violation of traffic safety rules while intoxicated, which caused the victim a moderate bodily injury). However, taking into account the findings of the forensic medical examination, which established that the victim's injuries were severe, the criminal proceedings were reclassified to Part 2 of Article 286-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine," the official statement said.

ADVERTISIMENT

Before the defendant's last word, the court adjourned after the debate. The next court hearing will take place on November 23.

To recap, the victim named Yaroslav, who was hospitalized after the accident, said that he spent three days unconscious in intensive care, underwent surgery and continues to undergo treatment. According to the driver of the Mitsubishi that the actor's Range Rover hit, he saw the culprit only a few times.

The accident happened on Fedorov Street in the Holosiivskyi district of Kyiv. Investigators found that Stupka drove into the oncoming lane and crashed into a parked car driven by a 38-year-old driver.

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On April 6, the Shevchenkivskyi courtroom imposed a pre-trial restraint on the actor. He spent two months under nightly house arrest.

Afterwards, he said that he did not consider himself a criminal and called all this an accident. Moreover, according to the celebrity, this incident was sent to him by fate or "a father from heaven."

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, the Ivan Franko National Academic Theater publicly reacted to the accident. They believe that the accident is not a reason to fire the actor. Stupka himself has recently confidently stated that he is thankful to God that "everyone is alive and well," and that this story is supposed to end soon.

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Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
MUNICH & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Celonis, the global leader in Process Mining, today launched its new Material Emissions App designed to make it easier for customers to continuously measure, report and reduce Scope 3 emissions in procurement. Announced at the companys global annual user conference, Celosphere, the app features automated material mapping that ensures data accuracy by reducing the risk of human errors. It is also a one-stop shop for automated and consolidated measurement and recommended actions, providing a more comprehensive assessment of Scope 3 emissions sources. Furthermore, it allows sustainability and procurement leaders to find shared solutions that meet their financial and sustainability goals.

Organizations are under huge pressure to meet sustainability targets, as regulatory bodies worldwide introduce and enforce more reporting and carbon reduction requirements. For instance, under the new Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act, public and private companies that do business in California and exceed $1 billion in annual revenue will be required to publicly disclose their greenhouse gas emissions from 2026 onwards.

According to Janina Bauer, Global Head of Sustainability at Celonis: "The heat is on to meet and exceed critical sustainability and business performance metrics throughout the entire supply chain. This takes constant collaboration across multiple teams, from procurement, who own the purchasing process and are looking to reduce costs, to sustainability leads who are the main drivers of evaluating Scope 3 emissions. Celonis vision is to embed sustainability practices into everyday business processes. Our new Material Emissions App bridges the gap between sustainability and procurement teams, empowering them to manage complexity, work better together and ultimately reduce Scope 3 emissions.

Tobias Hartmann, Head of ESG Reporting & Ratings at Heidelberg Materials, says: Celonis can help us with granular, continuous emissions measurement, reduction opportunity identification and progress tracking against our reduction targets.

Alexander Carls, Director of Procurement at Durr, says: At Durr our objective is to measure and systematically reduce all emissions within our supply chain to fulfill our climate strategy, the requirements of the recently introduced EU CBAM and the upcoming CSRD regulations. Celonis, Climatiq and Durr initiated a co-innovation project to bundle their expertise in process mining, AI, carbon emissions measurement and machine building. Results were achieved with lightning speed: a prototype is already in operation and the rollout to our organization is planned for the beginning of 2024.

Drive Sustainable Purchasing Decisions and Reduce Scope 3 Emissions

The Material Emissions App allows organizations to:

Accurately measure procured goods and services emissions. By using predefined mapping generated by Celonis partner Climatiqs Carbon Intelligence Engine, the app intelligently maps material emission factors to procured materials. Climatiq sources emission factor data directly from government agencies and academic institutions, applying a methodology based on the greenhouse gas (GHG) protocol.

By using predefined mapping generated by Celonis partner Climatiqs Carbon Intelligence Engine, the app intelligently maps material emission factors to procured materials. Climatiq sources emission factor data directly from government agencies and academic institutions, applying a methodology based on the greenhouse gas (GHG) protocol. Continuously track material emissions, take targeted action and progress towards environmental goals. As a result, sustainability and procurement teams are able to tell where current emissions stand, compared to yearly targets, and make purchasing decisions accordingly.

As a result, sustainability and procurement teams are able to tell where current emissions stand, compared to yearly targets, and make purchasing decisions accordingly. Assess opportunities to reduce Scope 3 emissions. Leveraging the capabilities of the Celonis platform, the app proactively recommends the best ways to reduce an organizations Scope 3 emissions in procurement. For example, it immediately flags all materials which can be sourced from more sustainable regions without sacrificing business performance. This enables customers to make sustainably-intelligent purchases.

The Material Emissions App complements Celonis existing sustainability solutions, which help companies measure and reduce their carbon impact and achieve their sustainability goals, without compromising key supply chain performance metrics.

To learn more about Celonis sustainability solutions, register here to join the virtual Celosphere event on December 6.

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 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.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115113175/en/

Celonis

[email protected]

Source: Celonis
LENEXA, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Centralized Supply Chain Services, LLC (CSCS) in partnership with Applebees and IHOP recognized Suppliers of the Year at each brands respective 2023 Franchise Conference.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115659778/en/

Koch Foods Named Applebees Supplier of the Year (Photo: Business Wire)

While so many of IHOPs suppliers deserve recognition for their service to the system, Diannes Fine Desserts earned this years award as IHOP Supplier of the year.

CSCS President and CEO, Mike Leikam, noted, Diannes was extremely responsive to the needs of the IHOP Culinary team on the product development front, and they leveraged every capability at their disposal to maximize production on a key product to keep IHOPs restaurants in stock when promotional demand dramatically exceeded our forecasted need. Their performance was remarkable.

Koch Foods earned Applebees Supplier of the Year honors.

Leikam said, Koch Foods provided significant margin relief to our restaurants and was instrumental in supporting our record breaking All You Can Eat Boneless Wings promotion. Their commitment to support Applebees restaurants was exemplary.

ABOUT CENTRALIZED SUPPLY CHAIN SERVICES, LLC

Centralized Supply Chain Services, LLC is the exclusive buying agent for the IHOP and Applebees systems. Formed as a supply chain cooperative to leverage the combined buying power of both systems, CSCS manages approximately $2 billion in spend on behalf of its Member operators.

CSCSs primary mission is twofold. First, to assure that Member restaurants receive the benefit of continuously available goods and services in adequate supplies at the lowest sustainable delivered prices; and second, to coordinate with IHOP and Applebees in their ongoing efforts to develop new and innovative products and programs to promote their respective concepts.

ABOUT DINE BRANDS GLOBAL INC.

Based in Pasadena, California, Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), through its subsidiaries and franchisees, supports and operates restaurants under the Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar, IHOP, and Fuzzys Taco Shop brands. As of September 30, 2023, these three brands consisted of over 3,500 restaurants across 18 international markets. Dine Brands is one of the largest full-service restaurant companies in the world and in 2022 expanded into the Fast Casual segment. For more information on Dine Brands, visit the Companys website located at www.dinebrands.com.

ABOUT KOCH FOODS

Koch Foods is a leading food company and among the countrys largest integrated poultry processors. We are a U.S.-based, privately-held company, employing over 13,000 people. Our companys heritage is in foodservice, national accounts, and most recently, in retail under the Koch Foods and Oven Cravers brands. Koch Foods is focused on innovation, continuous improvement and delivering our customers the highest-quality and best-tasting chicken products.

ABOUT DIANNES FINE DESSERTS

A leading provider of premium frozen thaw-and-serve desserts to the foodservice industry, Diannes Fine Desserts has been serving up inspiring, mouth-watering and memorable desserts for over 40 years. The Companys product line includes cheesecakes, layer cakes, specialty pies and tarts, brownies/bars, individual minis and specialty desserts; all created at two state-of-the-art GFSI-certified manufacturing facilities. Diannes Fine Desserts has strong core markets, an established customer base and product lines that anticipate consumer demand and support customer initiatives and goals. Diannes Fine Desserts is a proud subsidiary of Dessert Holdings, a premium dessert group of companies.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115659778/en/

Susan Nelson

SVP, Chief Communications Officer

Dine Brands Global

[email protected]

Source: Dine Brands Global, Inc.
SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Cequence Security today announced its participation in the Microsoft Security Copilot Partner Private Preview. Cequence was selected based on their proven experience with Microsoft Security technologies, willingness to explore and provide feedback on cutting-edge functionality, and close relationship with Microsoft.

In the context of security, AIs impact is likely to be profound, tilting the scales in favor of defenders and empowering organizations to defend at machine speed. At Microsoft, we are privileged to have a leading role in advancing AI innovation, and we are so grateful to our incredible ecosystem of partners, whose mission-driven work is critical to helping customers secure their organizations and confidently bring the many benefits of AI into their environments, said Vasu Jakkal, CVP, Microsoft Security.

Cequence is working with Microsoft product teams to help shape Security Copilot product development in several ways, including validation and refinement of new and upcoming scenarios, providing feedback on product development and operations to be incorporated into future product releases, and validation and feedback of APIs to assist with Security Copilot extensibility. To learn more, read the announcement.

Cequence and Microsoft are helping customers achieve peace of mind by providing innovative technology that empowers security teams to focus on critical tasks, said Ameya Talwalkar, founder and CEO of Cequence. APIs are the connective tissue of todays digital world and a cornerstone of generative AI, which makes them a prime target for threat actors. Cequence saw shadow API abuse skyrocket by 900%, highlighting a lack of API visibility. AI is poised to revolutionize API security, helping organizations discover, comply, test, and protect their APIs more effectively. It will streamline operations, empower security teams to counter the constant onslaught of threats, and automate manual tasks, freeing up time and ensuring better and more efficient risk management.

Security Copilot is the first AI-powered security product that enables security professionals to respond to threats quickly, process signals at machine speed, and assess risk exposure in minutes. It combines an advanced large language model (LLM) with a security-specific model that is informed by Microsoft's unique global threat intelligence and more than 65 trillion daily signals.

About Cequence Security

Cequence, a pioneer in Unified API Protection, is the only solution that unifies discovery, compliance, and protection across all internal and external APIs to defend against fraud, business logic attacks, exploits, and unintended data leakage. It takes less than 15 minutes to onboard an API and requires no instrumentation, SDK, or JavaScript deployment. 24% of Cequence customers are large Fortune 500 organizations. Cequence secures more than 6 billion daily API calls and protects more than 2 billion user accounts across these customers. Its flexible deployment model supports passive/inline, 100% on-prem, SaaS, and hybrid deployments.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115027377/en/

Allison Knight

[email protected]

Source: Cequence Security
CHESTERMERE, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- After seventeen months of bargaining, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and the City of Chestermere have reached a settlement for a first contract covering 130 employees.

The negotiations have been drawn out and difficult, with CUPE charging the City with unfair labour practices for dragging negotiations backwards and promoting efforts to decertify the union.

CUPE local 37 President Matt Sjogren gave credit to a mediator for bringing the negotiations to a close.

We needed an outsider to give the employer a shake, explain to them they were bound by law to try and reach a deal, said Sjogren. Thankfully, we now have a deal we can take to our members.

Sjogren said the union wont release details of the contract until its been voted upon by members. That process is expected to be completed by the end of the month. The union will be recommending acceptance.

Whats important now is that we turn down the drama and get back to serving the people of Chestermere.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115996612/en/

Lou Arab

Communications Representative

780.271.2722

[email protected]

Source: Canadian Union of Public Employees
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Electriq Power Holdings, Inc. (Electriq) (NYSE: ELIQ), a trusted provider of intelligent energy storage and management solutions for homes and small businesses, today announces its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.

Quarterly Financial Highlights:

Net Revenues of $0.8 million

Operating Expenses of $7.1 million

Net loss of $20.0 million (inclusive of $14.9 million in unrealized fair value adjustments)

Adjusted EBITDA* of ($3.3) million, representing a $5.1 million improvement compared to the second quarter 2023, primarily as a result of the finalization of a contract termination settlement

No outstanding debt obligations as of September 30, 2023

Reached settlement with former customer to return over $6 million in (finished goods) inventory, resulting in Electriq having over 12 months of battery supply on-hand

*Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure and a reconciliation table for this non-GAAP measure to the GAAP Net Loss, the most directly comparable financial measure, is included at the end of this press release.

Subsequent Highlights and Developments:

Announced Derby, CT as first Sustainable Community Network (SCN) outside of California

Successfully validated capabilities with first Virtual Power Plant (VPP) in Californias new Demand Side Grid Support program

Mutual collaboration with Meteora by entering into a binding term sheet to equitize and extinguish the forward purchase agreement for a fixed number of shares and warrants having a fixed value of $3.5 million, in lieu of any cash requirement, eliminating cash outflows and provides financing flexibility to Electriq

Frank Magnotti, CEO of Electriq commented, We continue to see robust demand for reliable, storable and clean power sources from consumers and energy solutions providers alike, thanks to the unique cost benefits, energy efficiency gains and other technology features that our solutions-focused platform provides. We are seeing momentum in signing Sustainable Community Networks with two signed prior to 2023 and four signed in 2023. Consequently, our signed power purchase agreements, now over 100, are trending sharply higher as well. Our recent partnership with Derby, Connecticut, which we announced earlier this month, represents our initial SCN expansion to the East Coast, which is another large and untapped market for us.

Just last week, we announced the successful validation of our technical capabilities by demonstrating compatibility with Californias new Demand Side Grid Support program. Owners of Electriqs PowerPod 2 battery storage system can earn money by discharging excess energy to the grid and help stabilize it during periods of high demand. With Electriqs proprietary software, owners have the ability to ensure theyre optimizing their stored energy to achieve the energy resilience goals they desire  from retaining sufficient backup power and utilizing stored energy during peak electric rates, to participating in grid services programs.

With over 100 signed power purchase agreements in backlog worth approximately three million dollars as of September 30, we anticipate higher deliveries and revenues as we enter into 2024. While there may be some fluctuations from quarter-to-quarter, we would expect to end 2024 at an annualized sales run-rate that is substantially higher than where we entered the year. Thanks, in part to a 2023 settlement with a customer that returned more than six million dollars worth of finished goods inventory, we also expect to lower procurement costs in the year ahead. In addition, we are taking steps to right-size our cost structure to reduce our cash needs.

With this being our first quarter as a public company, I want to thank everyone that has helped get us to this huge company milestone. We look forward to the future and authoring new chapters of progress.

Conference Call and Webcast

Management will host a live conference call tomorrow, November 15, 2023 at 9:00 AM ET to discuss Electriqs financial results and provide an update on corporate developments. The conference call will consist of prepared remarks from Electriqs executive management team, and a Q&A session, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time (6:00 a.m. Pacific Time). Please refer to the information below for conference call dial-in information, webcast registration, and Q&A instructions.

Conference date: Wednesday, November 15, 9:00 AM ET

Conference dial-in: (888)-350-3870

International dial-in: (437)-900-0985

Conference Call Name: Electriq Power Third Quarter Conference Call, ID #9507937

The conference call will also be available through a live webcast, available through this Live Webcast URL: https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/513319862.

A replay will be available one hour after the call via the below information:

Conference Call replay: US Toll Free: (800)-770-2030

International Toll: (647)-362-9199

Replay Access Code: 9507937

Replay Access: 11/15/2023  11/29/2023 at 11:59PM ET

About Electriq Power

Electriq (NYSE: ELIQ), founded in 2014 in Silicon Valley, provides turnkey intelligent energy storage and management solutions for homes and small businesses. Electriqs solutions deliver always-available, low-cost clean energy, even during intermittent outages and inclement weather. Those solutions enable cities, municipalities, and utilities to provide their constituents with a path to sustainable and resilient sources of energy, regardless of socio-economic status.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain of these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as anticipate, believe, could, continue, estimate, expect, forecast, intend, may, might, outlook, plan, possible, potential, predict, project, scheduled, seek, should, will, would or similar expressions, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements regarding: (i) expectations regarding the continued demand for clean energy from our customers and energy solutions providers, (ii) trends relating to our power purchase agreements, including the anticipation of higher deliveries and revenues throughout 2023 and into 2024, (iii) expectations regarding our addressable market and opportunities for Electriq in new geographies, (iv) the ability of our technical capabilities to continue to be compatible with Californias new Demand Side Grid Support program and the demand for excess energy by the grid, (v) quarterly fluctuations and expectations regarding our 2024 sales run-rate at both the beginning of 2024 and 2024 annualized, (vi) expectations regarding our 2024 procurement costs, cost structure and cash needs and (vii) expectations regarding cash outflows and financing flexibility. These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of Electriqs management. Although Electriq believes that its plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, Electriq cannot assure you that it will achieve or realize these plans, intentions, or expectations. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Generally, statements that are not historical facts, including statements concerning possible or assumed future actions, business strategies, events or results of operations, and any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. You should understand that these statements are affected by factors set forth in Electriqs filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including but not limited to those described under the headings Risk Factors and Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements in Amendment No. 2 to Form S-1 filed with the SEC on November 7, 2023, and in its other filings made with the SEC from time to time, which are available via the SECs website at www.sec.gov. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Electriq 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. Electriq does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.

ELECTRIQ POWER HOLDINGS, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS September 30, December 31, 2023 2022 (unaudited) Assets Current assets: Cash $ 8,099,738 $ 5,480,960 Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $40,449 and

$30,429 as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively 371,923 317,423 Inventory, net 20,929,486 13,532,475 Inventory deposits 238,068 5,182,045 Forward purchase contract asset 2,101,424  Prepaid expenses and other current assets 752,391 368,117 Total current assets 32,493,030 24,881,020 Property and equipment, net 1,730,670 1,422,293 Right of use assets 3,346,958 3,241,705 Deposits 131,257 109,539 Total assets $ 37,701,915 $ 29,654,557 Liabilities, mezzanine equity and stockholders deficit Current liabilities: Current portion of loan payable $  $ 11,377,297 SAFE notes  51,600,000 Accounts payable 8,201,251 1,377,123 Warrants liability  14,114,411 Accrued payroll and employee benefits 2,233,598 629,773 Lease liability 718,027 347,131 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 2,294,996 5,196,432 Total current liabilities 13,447,872 84,642,167 Derivative warrants liability 3,039,603  Convertible note payable  5,000,000 Cumulative mandatorily redeemable preferred stock liability 21,465,335  Other long-term liabilities 2,605,293 2,503,038 Total liabilities 40,558,103 92,145,205 Commitments and contingencies (Note 7) Mezzanine equity: Common stock; $0.0001 par value; 3,734,062 and zero shares contingently redeemable, respectively at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 39,523,511  Stockholders deficit: Common stock; $0.0001 par value; 38,020,283 and 21,902,477 shares issued and outstanding, respectively at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 3,802 2,190 Additional paid-in capital 76,075,014 42,500,855 Accumulated deficit (118,458,233 ) (104,993,411 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (282 ) (282 ) Total stockholders deficit (42,379,699 ) (62,490,648 ) Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and stockholders deficit $ 37,701,915 $ 29,654,557

ELECTRIQ POWER HOLDINGS, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited) Three Months Ended

September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 2022 2023 2022 Net revenues $ 834,262 $ 5,988,248 $ 1,019,207 $ 15,334,583 Cost of goods sold 853,615 5,621,589 1,921,367 13,957,964 Gross (loss) profit (19,353 ) 366,659 (902,160 ) 1,376,619 Operating expenses: Research and development 1,011,633 901,058 3,147,943 2,716,351 Sales and marketing 1,308,928 909,871 3,522,731 2,790,657 General and administrative 4,806,693 2,626,179 14,235,262 6,975,600 Total operating expenses 7,127,254 4,437,108 20,905,936 12,482,608 Loss from operations (7,146,607 ) (4,070,449 ) (21,808,096 ) (11,105,989 ) Other expense (income): Interest expense 1,291,851 918,035 3,292,932 1,223,254 Unrealized fair value adjustments 14,895,081 5,170,186 (10,891,144 ) 32,128,614 Other (income) expense, net (3,380,090 ) 4,428 (745,062 ) 5,864 Loss before income taxes (19,953,449 ) (10,163,098 ) (13,464,822 ) (44,463,721 ) Income tax expense     Net loss (19,953,449 ) (10,163,098 ) (13,464,822 ) (44,463,721 ) Cumulative preferred stock dividends 45,803 451,895 978,752 1,283,334 Net loss attributable to common

stockholders $ (19,999,252 ) $ (10,614,993 ) $ (14,443,574 ) $ (45,747,055 ) Net loss per share attributable to common

stockholdersbasic and diluted $ (0.74 ) $ (6.65 ) $ (1.40 ) $ (29.57 ) Weighted average number of shares of common

stock outstandingbasic and diluted 26,944,552 1,595,724 10,290,182 1,546,928

Non-GAAP Financial Metrics

This press release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a companys performance, financial position, or cash flows that either excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Reconciliation of each non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure can be found in the accompanying tables. Our non-GAAP financial measures presented are EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. We define EBITDA as net loss plus interest expense, interest income (benefit), income tax expense, depreciation and amortization and Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA plus the net change in the fair value of derivatives including the change in the fair value of outstanding notes and warrants, non-cash equity- based compensation expense and transactions costs.

We use these non-GAAP financial measures to analyze our operating performance and future prospects, develop internal budgets and financial goals, and facilitate period-to-period comparisons. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures reflect an additional way of viewing our operations that, when viewed with our GAAP results, provide a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our business. However, these non-GAAP financial measures do not reflect a comprehensive system of accounting, differ from GAAP measures with the same captions and may differ from non-GAAP financial measures with the same or similar captions that are used by other companies. In addition, these non-GAAP measures have limitations in that they do not reflect all the amounts associated with our results of operations as determined in accordance with GAAP. As such, these non-GAAP measures should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.

The following table reconciles net loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively (in thousands):

Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 2022 $ Change % Change Net loss $ (19,953 ) $ (10,163 ) $ (9,790 ) NM Interest expense 1,292 918 374 41 % Interest income (116 )  (116 ) NM Income tax expense     Depreciation and amortization 42 31 11 35 % EBITDA (18,735 ) (9,214 ) (9,521 ) NM Stock-based compensation 493 287 206 72 % Unrealized fair value adjustments 14,895 5,170 9,725 NM Adjusted EBITDA $ (3,347 ) $ (3,757 ) $ 410 11 % NM = Not Meaningful

The following table reconciles net loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and June 30, 2023, respectively (in thousands):

Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 June 30, 2023 $ Change % Change Net loss $ (19,953 ) $ 16,522 $ (36,475 ) (221 %) Interest expense 1,292 985 307 31 % Interest income (116 )  (116 ) NM Income tax expense     Depreciation and amortization 42 40 2 5 % EBITDA (18,735 ) 17,547 (36,282 ) 207 % Stock-based compensation 493 1,280 (787 ) (61 %) Unrealized fair value adjustments 14,895 (27,260 ) 42,155 NM Adjusted EBITDA $ (3,347 ) $ (8,433 ) $ 5,086 60 % NM = Not Meaningful

The following table reconciles net loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively (in thousands):

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 2022 $ Change % Change Net loss $ (13,465 ) $ (44,464 ) $ 30,999 70 % Interest expense 3,293 1,223 2,070 169 % Interest income (137 )  (137 ) NM Income tax expense     Depreciation and amortization 123 119 4 3 % EBITDA (10,185 ) (43,122 ) 32,936 (76 %) Stock-based compensation 3,289 765 2,524 330 % Unrealized fair value adjustments (10,891 ) 32,129 (43,020 ) NM Adjusted EBITDA $ (17,788 ) $ (10,228 ) $ (7,560 ) (74 %) NM = Not Meaningful

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Investor Contacts:

Core IR

Bret Shapiro,

[email protected]

Media Contacts:

Electriq Power

[email protected]

Source: Electriq Power Inc.
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- FLEETCOR Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: FLT), a leading global business payments company, today announced that the Company will participate in the following investor conferences:

On Tuesday, November 28, 2023, the Company will host a fireside chat at the UBS Global Technology Conference. The discussion will begin at 2:15 PM MST.

On Monday, December 4, 2023, the Company will host a fireside chat at the Raymond James TMT and Consumer Conference. The discussion will begin at 10:55 AM ET.

Investors and interested parties can access these presentations by visiting the Companys investor relations website at http://investor.fleetcor.com/.

About FLEETCOR

FLEETCOR Technologies (NYSE: FLT) is a leading global business payments company that helps businesses spend less by providing innovative solutions that enable and control expense-related purchasing and payment processes. The FLEETCOR portfolio of brands automate, secure, digitize and manage payment transactions on behalf of businesses across more than 150 countries in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. For more information, please visit www.FLEETCOR.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115470317/en/

Investor Relations

Jim Eglseder, 770-417-4697

[email protected]

Source: FLEETCOR Technologies, Inc.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. & CASTRES, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Foundation Medicine, Inc., and Pierre Fabre Laboratories today announced a collaboration to develop Foundation Medicines high-quality genomic tests, FoundationOneCDx and FoundationOneLiquid CDx, as companion diagnostics for new targeted therapies to treat patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The companies will work collaboratively to seek the regulatory approval for Foundation Medicine assays which detect mutations including BRAFV600E to identify patients for potential treatment with Pierre Fabre Laboratoriess BRAF/MEK inhibitor combination regimen, BRAFTOVI (encorafenib) and MEKTOVI (binimetinib), in the European Union. This combination therapy is currently under evaluation by the European Medicines Agency for patients with BRAFV600-mutant advanced NSCLC and was evaluated in a clinical trial sponsored by Pfizer and supported by Pierre Fabre.

Lung cancer  the number one cause of cancer deaths worldwide  remains an area of high unmet need notably for those people living with BRAFV600E mutations, which occur in approximately 2% of all non-small cell lung cancer.1 FoundationOne CDx and FoundationOne Liquid CDx are U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved in-vitro diagnostics used to identify potentially targetable mutations, including BRAF, in blood- and tissue-based solid tumor samples.

Today, as the number of indications and approvals in oncology grow rapidly, companion diagnostics provide information that is critical for the safe and effective use of targeted therapies. And thats why we are excited to work with Foundation Medicine, said Nuria Perez-Cullell, Head of Medical and Patient Consumer Department, Pierre Fabre Laboratories. Thanks to those companion diagnostics, physicians will have comprehensive, reliable information about what is driving a patients cancer, such as BRAFV600E mutations, so they can make personalized treatment decisions.

Foundation Medicine has the only FDA-approved portfolio of comprehensive genomic profiling tests offering physicians both blood- and tissue-based testing options for detecting genomic alterations like BRAFV600E to help guide personalized treatment decisions. Foundation Medicine has demonstrated initial success in navigating the new In Vitro Diagnostics Regulation (IVDR) in Europe through activation of dozens of global clinical studies or using patient samples from over 20 European Union member states in compliance with IVDR Authorization and Notification pathways.2

High-quality companion diagnostics play a crucial role in helping physicians match their patients with targeted treatment options, said Troy Schurr, Chief Biopharma Business Officer at Foundation Medicine. We are excited to support Pierre Fabre Laboratories in offering more treatment options for cancer patients, and to increase access to precision therapies in the European Union.

Foundation Medicine and FoundationOne are registered trademarks of Foundation Medicine, Inc.

About Foundation Medicine: Your Essential Partner in Cancer Care

Foundation Medicine is a pioneer in molecular profiling for cancer, working to shape the future of clinical care and research. We collaborate with a broad range of partners across the cancer community and strive to set the standard for quality, scientific excellence, and regulatory leadership. Our deep understanding of cancer biology helps physicians make informed treatment decisions for their patients and empowers researchers to develop new medicines. Every day, we are driven to help our partners find answers and take action, enabling more people around the world to benefit from precision cancer care. For more information, please visit us on www.FoundationMedicine.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

About FoundationOneCDx

FoundationOne CDx is a next-generation sequencing based in vitro diagnostic device for detection of substitutions, insertion and deletion alterations (indels), and copy number alterations (CNAs) in 324 genes and select gene rearrangements, as well as genomic signatures including microsatellite instability (MSI) and tumor mutational burden (TMB) using DNA isolated from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissue specimens. FoundationOne CDx is for prescription use only and is intended as a companion diagnostic to identify patients who may benefit from treatment with certain targeted therapies in accordance with their approved therapeutic product labeling. Additionally, FoundationOne CDx is intended to provide tumor mutation profiling to be used by qualified health care professionals in accordance with professional guidelines in oncology for patients with solid malignant neoplasms. Use of the test does not guarantee a patient will be matched to a treatment. A negative result does not rule out the presence of an alteration. Some patients may require a biopsy. For a full list of targeted therapies for which FoundationOne CDx is indicated as a companion diagnostic, please visit www.F1CDxLabel.com.

About FoundationOneLiquid CDx

FoundationOne Liquid CDx is a qualitative next generation sequencing based in vitro diagnostic test for prescription use only that uses targeted high throughput hybridization-based capture technology to analyze 324 genes utilizing circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) isolated from plasma derived from anti-coagulated peripheral whole blood of advanced cancer patients. The test is FDA-approved to report short variants in over 300 genes and is a companion diagnostic to identify patients who may benefit from treatment with specific therapies (listed in Table 1 of the Intended Use) in accordance with the approved therapeutic product labeling. Additional genomic findings may be reported and are not prescriptive or conclusive for labeled use of any specific therapeutic product. Use of the test does not guarantee a patient will be matched to a treatment. A negative result does not rule out the presence of an alteration. Patients who are negative for companion diagnostic mutations should be reflexed to tumor tissue testing and genomic alteration status confirmed using an FDA-approved tumor tissue test, if feasible. For the complete label, including companion diagnostic indications and complete risk information, please visit www.F1LCDxLabel.com.

About Pierre Fabre Laboratories

Pierre Fabre Laboratories is a leading French medical and beauty care company with 4 decades of experience in innovation, development, manufacturing, and commercialization in oncology. The company dedicated about 80% of its R&D spendings to oncology in 2022 and has recently declared targeted therapies as its main R&D priority. Its current commercial portfolio in oncology covers colorectal, breast and lung cancers, melanoma, hematology, and pre-cancerous skin conditions like actinic keratosis.

In 2022, Pierre Fabre Laboratories posted 2.7 billion euros in revenues, 69% of which came from international sales in 120 countries. Established in the South-West of France since its creation in 1962, the Group manufactures over 90% of its products in France and employs some 9,600 people worldwide. The company is 86%-owned by the Pierre Fabre Foundation, a government-recognized public-interest foundation, and secondarily by its own employees through an international employee stock ownership plan. Pierre Fabre Laboratories 's sustainability policy has been assessed by the independent AFNOR Certification body at the "Exemplary" level of its CSR label (ISO 26 000 standard for sustainable development). Further information about Pierre Fabre Laboratories can be found at www.pierre-fabre.com, @PierreFabre.

1 American Cancer Society. What is Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer? https://www.cancer.org/cancer/non-small-cell-lung-cancer/about/what-is-non-small-cell-lung-cancer.html

2 Data on file.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115525953/en/

Media Contacts:

Foundation Medicine:

Abigail Linehan, 781-534-3210

[email protected]

Pierre Fabre Laboratories

Laure Sgandurra

[email protected]

+33 6 32 54 92 01

Source: Foundation Medicine
Technology upgrade includes a broader suite of shopping options ranging from grocery, to prepared foods to recurring orders, along with the most efficient fulfillment technology in the market

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. & BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Gala Foods, a full supermarket banner with on-site butchers, bakery, full deli, pharmacy, flower shop and hot food, has one of its ownership groups upgrading its online shopping experience and has chosen eGrowcery, developer of the leading retail food industry eCommerce platform for grocers, as its digital partner for the future. Gala Foods is offering online shopping for customer pick up or delivery beginning at the Bridgeport, CT location.

Our customers want to us be a modern retailer and that means offering them every option for shopping. eGrowcery helps us provide our quality products to shoppers demanding the convenience of ordering online and either picking up at the store or having it delivered to their home, said Carlos Pena, President of Gala Foods, Bridgeport, CT. Its very important to us to retain and grow our online shopper base, and eGrowcery truly partners us to do this and even further, supports our operations with a level of fulfillment technology we have never had before.

eGrowcery, which operates both in the United States and abroad, is seeing an increasing number of retailers transition off of other eCommerce platforms to the companys white-label platform.

We are helping Gala Foods create of a vibrant online shopping site that digital brings to life their in- store experience. Our team is actively collaborating with the Gala team to develop and customize the optimal platform for the retailer and its customers, said Patrick Hughes, CEO of eGrowcery. We expect them to quickly see an increase in sales and a reduction in operating expenses.

About Gala Food

Gala Foods, the esteemed leader in Latin American, Hispanic, and Caribbean products, has carved a remarkable path in the grocery industry, bringing the vibrant flavors of home right here to the heart of the United States. What began as a modest bodega in Queens, New York, founded by the visionary Pena family, has blossomed into a supermarket empire dedicated to providing an exceptional food shopping experience to its community. Gala Foods proudly caters to a diverse and international customer base, reflecting its mission to bridge the gap between cultural roots and new environments.

With four decades of unwavering commitment, Gala Foods has flourished well beyond its roots in Queens, now boasting a presence in 24 supermarkets across five states. While our core values of quality, service, and community engagement remain unaltered, our customer base has expanded exponentially, illustrating the insatiable appetite for the genuine tastes of Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Hispanic world. Gala Foods is poised for continued growth, driven by our steadfast dedication to nurturing our presence, forging lasting partnerships and providing vital support to the communities we serve.

About eGrowcery

eGrowcery is the market-leading, white-label, SaaS based eCommerce solution designed to service grocery retailers. The eGrowcery platform is a true end-to-end, omnichannel solution that integrates with back-office/point of sale systems while enabling retailers to personalize their own shopper experience. Serving companies in the US and abroad, eGrowcery empowers retailers with the ability to personalize their shopping experience while providing the most efficient in-store fulfillment solution in the industry.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115779407/en/

Media

Ron Margulis

RAM Communications

+1 908.337.0020

[email protected]

Source: eGrowcery
PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Heliogen, Inc. (Heliogen or the Company) (OTCQX: HLGN), a leading provider of AI-enabled concentrating solar energy technology, today announced that the companys common stock has commenced trading on the OTCQX Best Market under the ticker symbol HLGN. The OTCQX, operated by OTC Markets Group Inc., is the highest tier of OTC Markets, where over 12,000 U.S. and international securities are traded.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to maintaining the highest levels of transparency and governance. OTCQX is an important platform for us to deliver this shareholder value to our long-term investors, said Christie Obiaya, Chief Executive Officer at Heliogen. We have a uniquely differentiated technology and stand firmly behind our strategic plan, which, coupled with our steadfast commitment to integrity, forms the cornerstone of our efforts to deliver enhanced value to our shareholders.

Heliogens innovative technology provides an industry-leading solution to decarbonize hard-to-abate emissions across industrial sectors. As the company begins trading on the OTCQX, it remains committed to providing transparent and efficient access to investors while reflecting resilience and adaptability in an ever-evolving energy market.

The OTCQX offers a valuable and convenient trading experience for U.S. investors, brokers, and institutions. It is the premier market of the OTC Markets Group, designed for established, investor-focused companies worldwide. Eligibility for trading on this platform requires companies to fulfill stringent financial and governance standards, adhere to U.S. securities laws, and maintain transparent and current disclosure.

About Heliogen

Heliogen is a renewable energy technology company focused on decarbonizing industry and empowering a sustainable civilization. The companys concentrating solar energy and thermal storage systems aim to deliver carbon-free heat, steam, power, or green hydrogen at scale to support round-the-clock industrial operations. Powered by AI, computer vision and robotics, Heliogen is focused on providing robust clean energy solutions that accelerate the transition to renewable energy, without compromising reliability, availability, or cost. For more information about Heliogen, please visit heliogen.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical in nature, including the words may, will, anticipate, intend, expect and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to the Companys business strategy and plans, the potential future quoting of the Companys securities on the OTCQX, and exposure and access to information due to listing on the OTCQX . Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: logistical issues associated with transferring the trading of the Companys securities from the NYSE to the OTC; the Companys ability to satisfy the criteria for having its securities trade on OTCQX; and there is no assurance that an active market will be maintained for the Companys common stock or public warrants. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Risk Factors section in Part I, Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as supplemented in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023, and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and 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.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115451363/en/

Heliogen Investor Contact:

Louis Baltimore

VP, Strategic Finance & Investor Relations

[email protected]

Heliogen Media Contact:

Sam Padreddii

Manager, Corporate Communications

[email protected]

Source: Heliogen, Inc.
Vacation-ownership company ranked first in the Hotel and Travel Industry category for the fourth consecutive year

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. (NYSE: HGV) announces it has once again ranked among the top 100 companies on Dave Thomas Foundations Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces list, which recognizes organizations that strive to build families through adoption. For the fourth consecutive year, HGV was named first in the hotel and travel industry on the Foundations Best By Industry list.

What an honor to be recognized once again by the Dave Thomas Foundation for our industry-leading adoption assistance benefits, said Pablo Brizi, executive vice president, chief human resources officer & corporate affairs at Hilton Grand Vacations. This is a great reflection of our Putting People First-mission and our family-focused culture. At HGV, team members are the heart of everything we do, and Im extremely proud of HGVs continued commitment to support adoptive parents and families.

The company offers corporate, hourly and resort-based team members an adoption assistance benefit of up to $10,000 per child to help offset the cost of adoption. HGV also provides 12 weeks of paid parental leave for all eligible U.S. team members who have been with the company for 90 days. The parental leave program applies to birth and adoptive mothers and fathers, as well as team members who have a child via surrogacy.

The Foundation is thrilled to see a growing number of organizations offering robust benefits to employees who open their hearts and homes as foster and adoptive parents, said Rita Soronen, president & CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. According to research conducted by The Harris Poll on the Foundations behalf, 68% of Americans say that having paid leave and other adoption benefits in the workplace impact their decision to adopt. When organizations offer benefits and join the Foundation in raising awareness of their importance to inspire others, we are one step closer to ensuring that every child has a permanent home and a loving family.

The Dave Thomas Foundation partnered with RTI International, an independent, nonprofit research institute, to survey employers across the U.S. and score participants based on three criteria: financial reimbursement, paid leave and the percentage of employees eligible for those benefits. In addition to the 100 Best list, the Foundation ranks employers by size, industry, paid leave, foster care benefits and impact. View the complete 2023 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces list at davethomasfoundation.org/AFW.

To learn more about HGV's culture and benefits and for available openings, visit hgv.com/careers.

About Hilton Grand Vacations Inc.

Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. (NYSE: HGV) is recognized as a leading global timeshare company and is the exclusive vacation ownership partner of Hilton. With headquarters in Orlando, Florida, Hilton Grand Vacations develops, markets, and operates a system of brand-name, high-quality vacation ownership resorts in select vacation destinations. Hilton Grand Vacations has a reputation for delivering a consistently exceptional standard of service, and unforgettable vacation experiences for guests and more than 525,000 Club Members. Membership with the Company provides best-in-class programs, exclusive services and maximum flexibility for our Members around the world. For more information, visit www.corporate.hgv.com.

About the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is a national nonprofit public charity dedicated to finding permanent homes for the more than 140,000 children waiting in North Americas foster care systems. Created by Wendys founder Dave Thomas who was adopted, the Foundation implements evidence-based, results-driven national service programs, foster care adoption awareness campaigns and innovative grantmaking.

More than 30 years ago, Dave Thomas led an initiative advocating for better adoption benefits in the workplace. The Foundation has carried that legacy forward through the Adoption-Friendly Workplace program. The Foundation recognizes organizations that offer best-in-class adoption and foster care benefits, offers a toolkit to help employers develop their policies and shares stories of impact. Learn more at davethomasfoundation.org/AFW.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231113389880/en/

Lauren George

407-613-8431

[email protected]

Source: Hilton Grand Vacations Inc.
Another country has threatened to block the border with Ukraine. Following the Polish far-right, carriers from Slovakia may resort to blackmail. They, like some of their Polish colleagues (a minority supports the border strike in Poland), are demanding the return of discriminatory rules for Ukrainian businesses.

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The Union of Road Carriers of Slovakia (UNAS) announced the threat of a strike, as reported by the Pravda newspaper. The head of UNAS, Stanislav Skala, said that the association is ready to go on strike if the European Commission does not return the issuance of commercial permits to Ukrainian carriers.

According to Skala, in this case, UNAS will block traffic from Slovakia to the border of Ukraine. The organization has already appealed to the Slovak government with this demand, and they promised to raise the issue at the European level.

"There is an agreement throughout the EU that no permits are needed until June 30, 2024. In early December, the EU Council of Ministers will be held in Brussels, where the Slovak Minister of Transport will propose to reconsider this decision. The massive increase in the number of shipments through the EU by Ukrainian carriers is at the expense of European carriers, which negatively affects the economy of the European Union," the Slovak Ministry of Transport said.

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According to Slovak media reports, there is already an accumulation of trucks on the Slovak-Ukrainian border. According to estimates by the Slovak Association of Transport Companies (CESMAD Slovakia), due to Russia's full-scale military invasion of Ukraine and the blockade of ports in the Black Sea, the traffic of Ukrainian goods through Slovakia has increased 6-8 times over the past year and a half.

Earlier, Mustafa Nayem, head of the State Agency for the Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine, explained that Ukraine would not agree to return the system of permits for freight transportation. In addition, the Cabinet of Ministers believes that the Polish side violated Ukraine's rights under the free trade zone (FTA) with the EU.

"Ukraine does not even intend to discuss a return to the permit system. The agreement on freight liberalization was ratified and agreed by all EU members and signed between the European Union and Ukraine, not by any individual country," Nayem explained.

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Polish and now Slovak carriers are demanding the return of the system that was in place until June 2022. Back then, every carrier heading to the EU had to obtain permission to cross the border of a particular country.

"It was extremely important to abolish this practice because since the EU-Ukraine FTA came into effect in 2016, the EU has become Ukraine's main trading partner (40.8% of total foreign trade). And further growth was limited precisely by the lack of permits for international transportation, the number of which either remained unchanged or significantly decreased in some areas," Nayem explained.

Poland's border with Ukraine is blocked by the far right

Polish truck drivers have been blocking border crossings since November 6. The Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, Mykola Solsky, has already explained that the blockade was not organized by the Polish government but by "a specific association and a small number of carriers." Ukrainian carriers confirm that the border blockade was supported by only one association of Polish carriers that had previously worked extensively with Russia.

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The political representation was taken over by a Polish politician and Ukrainophobe, Raphael Mekler. His party has a small representation in the Sejm, representing the far right: they are against Poland's integration into the EU and in favor of limiting ties with Ukraine. However, the far right does not enjoy much support in Poland (it has only 6 seats out of 460 in parliament).

At the same time, as Illia Neskhodovskyi, an economist and head of the analytical direction of the ANTS Network for the Protection of National Interests, explained, the demands of the protesting Poles are illegal and discriminatory. In addition, they violate the Ukraine-EU free trade agreement.

"Are the Polish carriers right to go on strike? Absolutely not. This is free competition, and they demand certain preferences for themselves... They are demanding quotas for Ukrainian road carriers, preferences for themselves, a separate queue for Ukrainians to stand and spend money, and for them to pass without any problems. They demand that Ukrainian companies that have opened branches in Poland and carry out transportation should not use the opportunities available to any European company. All their demands are discriminatory conditions for Ukrainian carriers," Neskhodovsky said.

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As reported by OBOZ.UA, the blocking of checkpoints on the border with Ukraine by far-right Polish carriers costs the latter about 164 thousand euros in daily losses. However, the losses of Ukraine itself are much higher, as they include the non-fulfillment of contracts by enterprises and the suspension of production.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
KasadaIQ for Fraud enables enterprises to predict and prevent account takeover and online fraud before it happens

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Kasada, the pioneers transcending bot management by countering the human minds behind automated threats, today announced KasadaIQ, its new suite of attack prediction services. The first service in this suite  KasadaIQ for Fraud  supplies actionable signals, collected across millions of points across the Internet, for businesses who need insight into how bots target their digital channels and customer data. With Kasadas unparalleled visibility into non-traditional data sources and adversary communities, KasadaIQ for Fraud provides a market-leading capability to detect attacks before they happen and confirm threats that would otherwise go undetected.

Bot fraud is incredibly costly for businesses  amounting to lost time, money, and reputation, while putting customers at risk. In fact, global eCommerce fraud is increasing and is projected to exceed $48 billion this year. Additionally, according to Kasadas 2023 State of Bot Mitigation Report, 96% of IT professionals lost revenue in the last year due to bot attacks.

Nearly 80% of business leaders say bots are becoming more sophisticated and difficult for their security tools to detect, while still relying on outdated solutions that are slow to evolve, said Sam Crowther, founder and CEO of Kasada. Combined with our current bot detection platform, KasadaIQ for Fraud gives companies the competitive edge to get ahead of and defend against attackers. Ultimately, it will prevent businesses from being in the headlines for the wrong reasons.

KasadaIQ for Fraud now allows organizations to predict and prevent fraud before it happens. This includes credential stuffing, which leads to Account Takeover (ATO) and other fraud that targets their online business to damage security, reputation, and bottom line.

With KasadaIQ for Fraud, the core functions incorporate discovery, alerts, and analysis with features such as:

Unconventional Sourcing : to obtain the most comprehensive signals for automated threats, Kasada monitors activity within non-traditional sources -- including resale marketplaces, fraud groups, proxy providers, account generation groups, and hosting providers.

: to obtain the most comprehensive signals for automated threats, Kasada monitors activity within non-traditional sources -- including resale marketplaces, fraud groups, proxy providers, account generation groups, and hosting providers. Early Warnings : Kasadas analysts first identify and vet current and emerging threats within Kasadas data system, then send out advance alerts.

: Kasadas analysts first identify and vet current and emerging threats within Kasadas data system, then send out advance alerts. Bot Acquisition and Analysis : Kasada secretly purchases bots in circulation and extensively analyzes how they work.

: Kasada secretly purchases bots in circulation and extensively analyzes how they work. Stolen Credential Analysis : Kasada purchases and evaluates stolen credential sets from criminal marketplaces to help the customer remedy security gaps and online fraud.

: Kasada purchases and evaluates stolen credential sets from criminal marketplaces to help the customer remedy security gaps and online fraud. Dedicated Analyst Hours : Customers receive a set amount of analyst hours for Kasada to investigate whats most relevant to their needs, such as intel on fraud groups or reverse-engineering attacks.

: Customers receive a set amount of analyst hours for Kasada to investigate whats most relevant to their needs, such as intel on fraud groups or reverse-engineering attacks. Professional Services: Kasada will scope custom requirements and provide expert guidance on how to best achieve the desired outcomes.

Unlike traditional monitoring of networks and systems, the activities and communities Kasada monitors provide insight into business logic abuse, said Nick Rieniets, Field CTO of Kasada. Our unique understanding of the minds behind bot attacks enables us to provide actionable data that companies can use to help remedy automated fraud and predict forthcoming automated attacks.

Customized to monitor the unique threats that organizations face and backed by unmatched adversarial insight, KasadaIQ for Fraud enables companies to save money, protect brand integrity, and improve customer satisfaction.

Kasada plans to add future capabilities to this suite of attack prediction services. Get started with a free KasadaIQ snapshot.

Additional Resources

About Kasada

Kasada has developed a radical approach to defeating automated cyber threats based on its unmatched understanding of the human minds behind them. The Kasada platform overcomes the shortcomings of traditional bot management to provide immediate and enduring protection for web, mobile, and API channels. Its invisible, dynamic defenses provide a seamless user experience and eliminate the need for ineffective, annoying CAPTCHAs. Our team handles the bots so clients have freedom to focus on growing their businesses, not defending it. Kasada is based in New York and Sydney, with hubs in Melbourne, Boston, San Francisco, and London. For more information, please visit https://www.kasada.io and follow on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114138114/en/

Alex Daigle

Offleash PR for Kasada

[email protected]

Source: Kasada
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- L Squared Capital Partners (L Squared or the Firm) is thrilled to announce that it recently held the final closing for its fourth private equity fund (Fund IV), at $840 million. L Squared fully committed its $505 million third fund earlier this year with the investment in ERA Industries. Since its founding in July of 2014, L Squared has now raised four funds and accepted commitments of over $2 billion from its investors. This fundraise received strong support from existing investors and was supplemented by several new high-quality limited partners that included both institutions and additional large family offices, both domestically and internationally.

To date, L Squared has completed 17 platform investments and is in the process of closing its 50th add-on transaction, acquiring over $3 billion of enterprise value. All investments have been made within the Firms sectors of focus including Education Technology, Tech-Enabled Services & Software, and Industrial Technology & Services. The vast majority of these transactions have been completed with founder-led companies undergoing their first institutional transaction. The Firm has successfully completed several exits thus far across Funds I and II. L Squared currently manages ten platform investments across its predecessor three funds. L Squared intends to add eight to ten new platform investments within Fund IV while continuing to manage the Firms portfolio from its predecessor funds. The Firm will continue to focus on majority investments in growing companies based in North America that operate in its sectors of focus.

To support the continued growth, L Squared has added four highly talented individuals to its investment team at the Vice President and Associate levels and has continued investing in the Firms back office through the addition of a Vice President of Finance. L Squared is also very pleased by the continued progress of its long-tenured team members as their careers continue to flourish. L Squared will continue to selectively add talent to the organization.

L Squareds strong relationships with existing investors drove very high investor retention in Fund IV from prior funds and also opened the path to a number of new investors as introductions were made within the Firms network. L Squareds unique structure attracted several new family office investors in Fund IV in addition to new institutional investors that valued L Squareds unique private equity model and long-term track record of value creation in partnership with its portfolio company management teams.

Co-Founder and Managing Partner Rob Healy commented, The strong growth in our business in a somewhat more challenging economic environment is a great testament to the hard-working management teams that run our businesses. We could not do what we do without their tremendous dedication to excellence. All of us at L Squared owe them a debt of gratitude. We are also humbled and honored by the incredible support that we received from our investors. We plan on working very hard to ensure their capital is invested wisely in growth businesses within our areas of expertise.

The firm is managed by Rob Healy, Jeff Farrero, Sean Barrette, Randall Hunt and Adam Kimura, all of whom worked together at Chicago Growth Partners prior to founding L Squared in July 2014.

About L Squared Capital Partners

L Squared Capital Partners is a private equity investment firm with over $2 billion of equity commitments under management and is headquartered in Newport Beach, CA, that seeks to make long-term investments in leading growth companies that operate in targeted sectors: Education Technology, Tech-Enabled Services & Software, and Industrial Technology & Services. L Squareds unique investor base of family offices and institutions enables the Firm to focus on long-term value creation driven by revenue and earnings growth, not financial engineering or market timing. The principals of L Squared have worked together for over 15 years and have over 125 years of combined experience investing in growing private companies.

For additional information, please visit www.LSquaredCap.com.

Vedder Price, PC served as legal advisor and Eaton Partners, a Stifel Company, served as the placement agent to L Squared as part of the fundraising process.

This press release is for informational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice or an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase of any investment. Investing with any investment firm is suitable only for qualified investors that fully understand the risks of such an investment. L Squared Capital Partners is an investment adviser registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Investments with L Squared Capital Partners are only offered in accordance with applicable securities laws.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115676387/en/

Liz Hunt

[email protected]

Source: L Squared Capital Partners
Preclinical results indicate robust antibody activity against tuberculosis and antimicrobial resistant virus strains

Data presented at The Union World Conference on Lung Health 2023

BETHESDA, Md. & GAITHERSBURG, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Longhorn Vaccines and Diagnostics, a One Health company developing vaccines and diagnostic tools for global public health and zoonosis concerns, today presented new data from an animal study of LHNVD-301, the companys lead tuberculosis vaccine candidate. The data showed that a mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) vaccine could generate broader protection against other pathogens susceptible to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The study was presented at The Union World Conference on Lung Health 2023, which is taking place in Paris on November 15-18, 2023.

LHNVD-301 is an unconjugated, peptide-based vaccine that combines a MTB heat shock protein epitope and a peptidoglycan (PGN) epitope. PGN is a cell wall component of bacteria that plays an important role in infections. The combination of heat shock protein and PGN generates broad reactive antibodies. It represents a novel approach that combats AMR, while targeting tuberculosis by combining multiple epitopes specific to MTB and common to gram-positive bacteria into a peptide vaccine.

AMR is a global threat to public health, and MTB is one of the highest priority viruses among drug-resistant strains that contributes to AMR, said Longhorn CEO Gerald W. Fischer, MD. Longhorns mission is to combat pandemics and infectious diseases that pose a large public health issue with broad based vaccines. We are developing LHNVD-301 to address MTB as a global threat and combat AMR. Unconjugated peptides targeting epitopes of multiple pathogens enable a cost-effective, easily scalable approach for vaccine development, which is crucial for covering those most at risk for TB. We look forward to further investigating the safety and efficacy of LHNVD-301.

Results of the study, Unconjugated Peptides Comprising Mycobacterium tuberculosis Heat Shock Protein and Staphylococcus aureus Peptidoglycan Generate Broadly Reactive Antibodies to Gram-positive Bacteria, include:

Robust and broad IgG1 antibodies were induced to both PGN and TB Pep01, and demonstrated higher titers with 10 and 20 g doses, compared to 1 g dose.

Unconjugated peptides comprising MTB HSP16.3 and PGN from SA generated broadly reactive antibodies to fixed and live mycobacteria, staphylococci, streptococci, and bacilli.

Combining MTB-specific epitopes with common epitopes among gram-positive bacteria could be a useful strategy for mitigating the global threat of AMR and provide novel treatment options for tuberculosis.

ICR mice were immunized with 1, 10, and 20 g of TB Pep01 and ultrapure PGN, formulated with AddaVax adjuvant. Serum IgG1 titers to TB Pep01, PGN, and various gram-positive bacteria including MTB were analyzed by indirect fixed ELISA. Titers to Mycobacterium smegmatis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Group B Streptococcus were also assessed using live bacteria by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, known as ELISA.

For more information about Longhorn, visit www.LHNVD.com.

About Longhorn Vaccines and Diagnostics

Longhorn Vaccines and Diagnostics LLC is a closely held One Health company based in Maryland that is developing broad coverage vaccines and diagnostic tools for worldwide public health concerns and to prevent future pandemics. Since its inception in 2006, Longhorn has focused on developing broad coverage vaccines and diagnostic tools that can impact a pandemic on a global scale and at all socio-economic levels. Since pandemics flow between humans and animals, Longhorn caters to both in order to surveil, diagnose, prevent and treat the next infectious disease.

Longhorn developed and patented a composite peptide platform for generating vaccines against challenging pathogens, multiple pathogens, and engineering multiple targets for preventing the effects of a disease. LHNVD-105, an adjuvated universal influenza vaccine targeting NA, M1, M2, M2e, HA head and HA stalk, is Longhorns lead vaccine candidate. An IND-enabling stage vaccine, LHNVD-105 is expected to enter phase I clinical trials in Q2/Q3 2024. Longhorn has multiple vaccines and monoclonal antibody candidates in pre-clinical testing for viral and respiratory diseases.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115871700/en/

Longhorn Vaccines and Diagnostics LLC

Jeffrey Fischer

Email: [email protected]

Media

Alexis Feinberg  ICR Westwicke PR

Email: [email protected]

Investor Relations

Stephanie Carrington  ICR Westwicke IR

Email: [email protected]

Source: Longhorn Vaccines and Diagnostics LLC
Delivering on Key Commitment in Working Peoples Agenda, Free Digital Resource Available to All New Yorkers 13-17 Years Old

Facing High Levels of Anxiety and Depression, Teens Can Connect with Licensed Therapist at No Cost

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan today announced TeenSpace  the citys tele-mental health service available to all New York City teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 years old at no cost. Launching this month, the service  created in partnership with online therapy platform Talkspace  will allow New York City teenagers to connect with a licensed therapist through phone, video, and text.

As levels of anxiety and depression among youth and teenagers have risen during and since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, this new program will help connect teens with appropriate support and referrals to more care if needed. The launch delivers on a key commitment from Mayor Adams Working Peoples Agenda and Care, Community, Action, his mental health plan for New York City released in March.

When we took office nearly two years ago, we promised all New Yorkers that we would build a healthier city together, and invest in not just our physical health, but our mental health as well, said Mayor Adams. Earlier this year, we pledged to make mental health support available to all New York City teens, and today we are delivering on that promise. Beginning today, all New York City teenagers, ages 13 to 17, can talk, text, or make video calls to a licensed therapist for free through the citys online TeenSpace service. Our young people shouldnt ever feel alone. Were here for them, and together I know well build a healthier, stronger city together.

Coming out of a once-in-a-century pandemic, we know that levels of anxiety and depression have increased particularly among our young people, said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. Across New York City in recent years, approximately 40 percent of Latino and Black young people and 30 percent of white young people reported experiencing anxiety, depression, or an associated condition. Nationally, we have witnessed these numbers climb even higher. Thats why todays announcement is so important  it puts access to mental health support right in the hands of our young people. They can use their smart phone or other devices to connect with a practitioner in a time and space that works for them. Thank you to the team at DOHMH and to everyone that made this possible.

There are few issues more important than the health of our children, and study after study has reinforced what we have been seeing  the mental health of our young people is on a clear downward trajectory, said DOHMH Commissioner Dr. Vasan. TeenSpace will provide our citys teens with a tangible resource to support their mental health and wellbeing and reduce barriers to accessing care  helping teens take greater control of their mental journey on their own terms. Supporting healthy minds from a young age will lay a foundation for the future of a healthier New York City.

Mental health is an essential component in the lives of our young people and ensuring that our students are fully supported sets our children up for academic and lifelong success. Student safety and wellbeing includes physical safety and emotional wellbeing, said New York City Department of Education Chancellor David C. Banks. Our public schools offer a robust set of mental health supports, including social workers, school counselors, mental health clinics, partnerships with community-based mental health providers, and an emphasis on mindfulness, and I am glad that our teens will have access to another tool to engage with when they need it. It is our responsibility to provide our young people with every resource at our disposal, and I am grateful to our agency partners at DOHMH for helping to maintain this commitment.

When speaking with young people at our six youth town halls on gun violence, Mayor Adams, Commissioner Dr. Vasan, and I heard the message over and over again  mental health is a top priority, said New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Commissioner Keith Howard. Teens are often reluctant to reach out for help, and TeenSpace will allow them to open up on platforms they are already using. DYCD looks forward to working with our agency partners in connecting this exciting new resource to young people in our programs.

We thank the Health Department for creating TeenSpace, making it easier for young people to tap into mental health support whether theyre looking for help to cope with life stressors or simply need a compassionate listening ear, said Mayor's Office of Community Mental Health Executive Director Eva Wong. Tele-mental health can be a powerful tool to engage and address the rising need for mental health support amongst teens and young adults. Making access to free therapists available through this innovative tele-mental health program is intuitive and responsive to the calls from our young people, particularly those in communities with limited mental health resources who have told us they need support but do not know where to start. Lowering barriers to care and closing gaps in mental health care are precisely the goals our office prioritizes. We are thrilled to be supporting this monumental initiative.

DOHMH Commissioner Vasan and Executive Deputy Commissioner Deepa Avula have worked tirelessly to deliver on the mayors vision to address the escalating mental health crisis in teens, said Jon Cohen, M.D., CEO, Talkspace. We are proud to power this groundbreaking citywide program providing one-on-one therapy that is convenient, confidential, accessible 24/7, and free of charge.

Talkspace will operate the innovative service connection to a therapist, helping to introduce young people to care. Teens will be able to engage with a professional through video, phone, and unlimited chat on the platform. If a client is in need of extended services, they can be referred to additional external resources.

The city and Talkspace designed the service with input from New York City teenagers, convening focus groups to best understand their mental health needs and to build a platform that is as useful and responsive as possible to those who will use the platform. By leveraging telehealth tools, this approach also reduces physical and financial burdens for young people.

The TeenSpace platform arrives as mental health challenges are becoming increasingly prevalent among young people in New York City and across the country. New data published by DOHMH revealed that, between 2011 and 2021, there was an increase in the percentage of city students who reported feeling sad and hopeless, non-suicidal self-injury, and suicidal ideation. In 2019, 36 percent of New York City high schoolers reported feeling so sad or hopeless almost every day for at least two weeks during the past 12 months that they stopped doing their usual activities  that figure rose to 38 percent in 2021. Latino and Black students were significantly more likely than white students to report feeling sad or hopeless. Over the last 10 years, rates of suicide ideation increased among adolescents, with 9.2 percent of New York City public high school students in 2021 reporting attempting suicide over the past 12 months.

Issues such as depression and anxiety are real, and millions of teens are affected across the country. We have witnessed the ramifications of mental health crises faced by individuals, families, and particularly, our young people, said U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat. I commend the Adams administration for its work to address mental health among teens with this new initiative. TeenSpace is an innovative tele-mental health service available to New York teenagers that will allow them to connect with licensed therapists for free while using their device. Todays announcement reaffirms our commitment to supporting the mental health agenda and is a great step towards caring for our youth, getting them connected to services, and putting them on a path toward healthy and successful futures.

When people are suffering, talking about it with the right people helps, said New York State Senator Simcha Felder. I applaud Mayor Adams for this investment in teenage mental health and well-being that has lifesaving potential.

As the representative of Harlem, I am profoundly committed to the well-being and future of our youth," said New York State Assemblymember Inez Dickens. The launch of TeenSpace, a groundbreaking tele-mental health service, marks a monumental step forward in this commitment. This initiative, spearheaded by Mayor Eric Adams and Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan, is not just a service but a lifeline for the teenagers of New York City, including those in Harlem. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly amplified mental health challenges among our youth, making accessible mental health care more vital than ever. TeenSpace, developed in partnership with Talkspace, offers a no-cost, innovative solution, enabling teenagers between 13 and 17 years old to connect with licensed therapists via phone, video, and text. This is especially crucial for my constituents in Harlem, where such resources can be transformative. By investing in the mental health of our teenagers, we are investing in the strength and resilience of our community. TeenSpace is more than a platform; it's a beacon of hope and support, ensuring that our youth are not alone in their struggles and have the care they need to thrive. This aligns perfectly with the vision set forth in Mayor Adams State of the City address and reinforces our city's commitment to mental health and the future of our young people.

Our mental health is as critical to wellness as our physical health, said New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar. TeenSpace is a cutting-edge solution that will make free mental health providers accessible to our teens with just the touch of a button. This groundbreaking service will, at no cost, help prevent mental health crises among our teenage New Yorkers and give them the essential support they need to be our future leaders. New York continues to be an innovation hub and beacon of hope for the mental health of our nation at a time when suicide among our teenagers has risen by 60% in the past decade. I will continue to partner with Mayor Adams and Commissioner Vasan so that all New Yorkers, of all ages, across our city and state, will have access to low-cost, innovative, quality mental healthcare.

We want to applaud the mayor and DOHMH Commissioner Vasan for launching this service which will help so many teens who are suffering from post-COVID-19 anxiety and depression, said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella. This app opens up a new novel avenue to address these important issues.

With the launch of TeenSpace, our youngest New Yorkers will now have easy and accessible access to virtual therapy and mental health services, said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. Many of our youth and adolescents are seeking someone to speak to about their issues, and this service will help eliminate barriers for our youth to communicate with a licensed mental health professional. I want to thank Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan for their work on this project and commitment to ensuring every New Yorker has equitable access to healthcare services.

Teens were greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and are still feeling its impact today, said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. This new service will surely help many of our teens in Queens and beyond to find the support they need and begin their mental health journey. I applaud the Mayor's Office and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for prioritizing our young people's health and wellness with TeenSpace.

As New York City continues to recover from COVID-19, it is more important than ever to ensure support for the mental health struggles our teens faced during the pandemic and continue to experience, said New York City Councilmember Lynn Schulman, chair, Health Committee. Todays announced telehealth service for teens represents an innovative way to reach teens through their most comfortable social environment - online. Thank you to Mayor Adams and DOHMH Commissioner Vasan for elevating the importance of teen health and bringing this 'TeenSpace' initiative to fruition.

Mental health has become more important now than ever before, and the launch of TeenSpace proves that when we put the health and well-being of our youth at the forefront, we can influence real change, said New York City Councilmember Marjorie Velazquez. Many teens are nervous to ask for help, fearing backlash, getting mocked by classmates, and scrutiny. This new addition allows our youth to receive the critical mental health care they need to thrive. Im excited about this program and look forward to Bronxites taking advantage of its benefits.

As someone who has personally experienced the challenges of navigating mental health as a teenager, I am not only thrilled, but deeply grateful for the launch of the tele-mental health app for teens by the New York City Health Department, said New York City Councilmember Erik Bottcher. This initiative is a crucial step towards providing the necessary support and resources for our young people during a time when mental health needs are more important than ever. As a City Councilmember and advocate for mental health awareness, I commend the New York City Health Department for recognizing the urgent need for accessible mental health services for our teenagers. This tele-mental health service will undoubtedly make a significant impact in improving the well-being of our youth and fostering a community of support.

All signs point toward better outcomes for students when they have reliable access to mental health services, said New York City Councilmember Gale A. Brewer. Socio-emotional support can make an enormous difference, literally changing the course of students entire lives for the better. An alarming number of schools lack funding for a full-time social worker or mental health professional. I commend the mayor for exploring methods to deliver culturally appropriate mental health services to all teens.

Tele-mental health is a significant resource that empowers youth and families to respond to their mental health needs quickly and flexibly while addressing long standing, systemic challenges to accessing care, said Jennifer Geiling, president, 1digit, LLC. I commend Mayor Adams and Commissioner Vasan for their unwavering commitment to mental health care and putting into action the visionary goals set forth in Care, Community, Action: A Mental Health Plan for New York City. Todays announcement is an important step in supporting the success of our youth today and cultivating a healthy, resilient future for New York City.

The Jed Foundation (JED) applauds Mayor Adams, Dr. Vasan, and New York City on these actionable and culturally responsive next steps for local teens to access tele-mental health services in real-time, said John MacPhee, CEO, JED. Telehealth technology is a powerful tool to give youth free access to mental health care, helping protect their emotional well-being and mitigate risks of suicide for as many youths as possible. Together, we can help connect teens to care where they spend most of their time  at school and in digital spaces  while also helping remove barriers for families with busy schedules and reaching the teens who need it most.

We applaud New York City's steadfast commitment to addressing the current mental health crisis among our youth with an actionable, comprehensive plan for those at greatest risk, said Bunny Ellerin, CEO, Digital Health New York. Only with this level of innovation, collaboration, and care, will we begin to make a difference for young New Yorkers living with mental health issues.

The access to care that tele-mental health services will open up for New York City youth in need could not be more timely, said Kelsey Louie, CEO, The Door. The mental health crisis has been escalating at an alarming rate, especially among young people. That urgent need not only demands that we expand mental health services for New York City young people, but also innovate and broaden how and where we provide those services. At The Door, we know that means offering multiple, accessible points of entry into mental health care. Further, as DOHMHs Care, Community, Action Plan states, prevention is key to addressing the current youth mental health crisis and to driving equitable access to care. Tele-mental health is a vital tool that can help our citys young people get connected with the supportive, culturally responsive behavioral health care they need to thrive.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115220959/en/

John Kim | [email protected]

[email protected] | (212) 788-2958

Source: Talkspace
Company building safety and security ecosystem to connect public safety agencies and enterprises to help protect people, property and places

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, Motorola Solutions will proudly ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, celebrating its continued, purposeful transformation centered on safety and security. The company is announcing its new brand narrative, Solving for safer, which highlights its sharpened focus on solving for safer communities, safer schools and safer businesses.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114438772/en/

Motorola Solutions launches its new brand narrative Solving for safer at the New York Stock Exchange (Photo: Business Wire)

From our storied history, today we bridge to an even stronger future. Everyone is entitled to feel safe in their community, school and workplace, but that often isnt the reality, said Greg Brown, chairman and CEO of Motorola Solutions. How Motorola Solutions is helping keep people, property and places safe is far more comprehensive than ever. While we recognize technology is not the only way to a safer future, it does play a vital role, and its our purpose to make that technology the best it can be.

Motorola Solutions, traditionally known for public safety communications, has invested about $12B in organic R&D and acquisitions over the past nine years to create a robust technology portfolio spanning mission-critical communications, video security & access control and command center solutions powered by artificial intelligence. These solutions enable more powerful collaboration between public safety agencies and enterprises, connecting those in need with those who can help. For example, a school teacher can press a panic button on a phone during an emergency which can automatically notify law enforcement, trigger a lockdown, share live video feeds with first responders and send mass notifications.

Motorola Solutions transformation focusing on public safety and enterprise security has led to a sizable increase in its total addressable market which is expected to be $66 billion next year. In addition, its growth in video security, access control, command center and services is significant and now accounts for approximately 50% of company revenue.

To learn more about Motorola Solutions safety and security ecosystem, please visit: www.motorolasolutions.com/solvingforsafer.

About Motorola Solutions

Motorola Solutions is solving for safer. We build and connect technologies to help protect people, property and places. Our solutions enable the collaboration between public safety agencies and enterprises thats critical for a proactive approach to safety and security. Learn more about how were solving for safer communities, safer schools, safer hospitals, safer businesses  safer everywhere  at www.motorolasolutions.com.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable federal securities law. These statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and generally include words such as believes, expects, intends, anticipates, estimates and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are statements other than statements of historical fact and may include, among other things, statements in relation to the companys current expectations regarding its 2024 total addressable market. All information set forth in this release is as of the date hereof. The company does not intend, and undertakes no duty, to update this information to reflect future events or circumstances. Actual results are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and may differ materially from the current expectations and beliefs discussed in this press release. Certain potential factors, risks and uncertainties that could affect the companys business and financial results and cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements include those under the heading Risk Factors in the companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2023, each of which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and available at the SECs website at www.sec.gov.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114438772/en/

Media Contact

Alexandra Reynolds

Motorola Solutions

[email protected]

+1 312 965 3968

Investor Contact

Tim Yocum

Motorola Solutions

[email protected]

+1 847 576 6899

Source: Motorola Solutions
New, Larger Facility Offers Holistic Care and Greater Access for Boulder County

BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Naropa Community Counseling (NCC), a leading provider of affordable and accessible mental health care in Colorado, today announced the opening of its new counseling center in Boulder County. The expanded facility affirms NCCs dual mission to provide essential services through accessible, Medicaid-covered care, while preparing therapists on the path to licensure with a robust training program.

Naropa Community Counseling provides adolescent, individual, group and couples counseling at affordable rates and also serves Medicaid patients. NCC integrates more traditional modes of talk therapy with contemplative practices and holistic methods, including wilderness, art and somatic therapy programs to meet a wide range of client needs. The unique set of offerings is designed to help individuals who occupy a wide variety of social locations and identities, and often experience marginalization in the community.

"Our new facility allows Naropa Community Counseling to deepen its commitment to creating an accessible, holistic and compassionate healing environment for our clients and nurturing the next generation of mental health professionals," said Bill Monroe (LCSW LAC), director of Naropa Community Counseling. "Since 2015, we have also supported nearly 130 students on track for licensure, providing a vital resource for clinical training. With what is happening in the world around us, our community needs access to these affordable services now more than ever.

The therapy programs are led by NCC clinical supervisors working in concert with second- and third-year graduate students who are seeking to become licensed in mental health counseling and clinical social work. The training includes students of Naropa University, Regis University, University of Northern Colorado, University of Denver and Metropolitan State University of Denver.

We continue to seek funding through the Naropa Community Counseling Client Access Fund, assisting 30 to 40 individuals annually with 10 sessions at $20 each to help more people in need, Monroe said. Additionally, accepting Medicaid has also broadened access since therapists in Colorado are often at capacity. Many interns train with us to learn Medicaid billing administration to serve vulnerable populations."

Recent data reveals that the share of Americans aged 18 to 44 who received mental health treatment increased from 18.5 percent to over 23 percent between 2019 and 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2022, NCC served 475 clients, with 50% of them on Medicaid.

For more information, please visit the NCC website.

About Naropa Community Counseling

Naropa Community Counseling (NCC), a branch of Naropa University, was the vision of former faculty member and Graduate School of Counseling and Psychology founder Deborah Bowman. It was 25 years in the making and, since NCC opened in 2015, it has offered genuine and growing support for the mental health needs of the Boulder community. Learn more: naropacommunitycounseling.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115112217/en/

Leland Radovanovic

Grasslands: A Journalism-Minded Agency

[email protected]

Source: Naropa University
SANTERAMO IN COLLE, Bari, Italy--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Natuzzi S.p.A. (NYSE: NTZ) (Natuzzi or the Company) will disclose its unaudited 2023 third quarter financial information on Friday November 24, 2023, after the market closes.

The Company will host a conference call on Monday November 27, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern time (4.00 p.m. Italy time, or 3.00 p.m. UK time) to discuss financial information.

To join the live conference call, interested persons will need to either:

i) dial-in the following number:

Toll/International: + 1-412-717-9633, then passcode 39252103#,



or



ii) click on the following link:

https://www.c-meeting.com/web3/join/3PQUFXRW48XTKQ to join via video. Participants also have option to listen via phone after registering to the link.

A replay of the call will be available from Monday November 27, 2023, approximately 3 hours after conference end time, until Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at 11:59 pm U.S. ET. To access the replay of the conference call, interested persons need to dial + 1-844-512-2921 (toll-free) for calls from U.S. and Canada, or + 1-412-317-6671 for calls from other countries. The access code for the replay is: 13742733.

_______________________________________________________________________________

About Natuzzi S.p.A.

Founded in 1959 by Pasquale Natuzzi, Natuzzi S.p.A. is one of the most renowned brands in the production and distribution of design and luxury furniture. With a global retail network of 694 monobrand stores and 497 galleries as of June 30, 2023, Natuzzi distributes its collections worldwide. Natuzzi products embed the finest spirit of Italian design and the unique craftmanship details of the Made in Italy, where a predominant part of its production takes place. Natuzzi has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since May 13, 1993. Always committed to social responsibility and environmental sustainability, Natuzzi S.p.A. is ISO 9001 and 14001 certified (Quality and Environment), ISO 45001 certified (Safety on the Workplace) and FSC Chain of Custody, CoC (FSC-C131540).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115851165/en/

Natuzzi Investor Relations

Piero Direnzo | tel. +39 080-8820-812 | [email protected]

Natuzzi Corporate Communication

Giacomo Ventolone (Press Office) | tel. +39.335.7276939 | [email protected]

Source: Natuzzi S.P.A.
VIENNA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Navy Federal Credit Union has improved home life for three Veteran homeowners in partnership with Rebuilding Together, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that creates safe housing for vulnerable populations through essential home repairs.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115743447/en/

Navy Federal volunteers partner with Rebuilding Together in Arlington, VA, to support a Veteran homeowner with needed home repairs and modifications. (Photo: Business Wire)

Navy Federal team members volunteered at three Veterans at Home rebuilds across Atlanta, GA; Arlington, VA; and Dallas, TX, to go beyond banking to serve Veterans in the community. Each project provided home modification and repairs at no cost to the homeowner, improving the safety, accessibility and independence for Veterans aging in place.

About 18 million American are Veterans and over 75% are homeowners. With Navy Federal serving 2 million Veteran members globally, its Real Estate Lending division sponsored the Veterans at Home projects and served as boots on the ground. Many Veterans face accessibility challenges due to aging and/or disabilities connected to military service, and roughly 1.5 million Veterans live below the federal poverty level.

Senior Vice President of Mortgage Lending at Navy Federal Fred Quick volunteered his time working at the Dallas, TX, site. We know homeownership offers a sense of pride; its something our members and the Veterans on this project value, said Quick. Its truly rewarding to have the opportunity to come together as a team and spend our time helping them with home improvement projects. It shows our team is committed to not only our service to our members, but to going above and beyond in their communities as well.

The credit union has a longstanding partnership with Rebuilding Together  spanning over two decades in Virginia. Through philanthropic giving and volunteer work with the nonprofit, Navy Federal has completed at least 30 revitalization projects to support local homeowners and nonprofit organizations, many of which serve Veterans in the area. In total, more than 1,400 Navy Federal volunteers have contributed over 10,000 volunteer hours to Rebuilding Togethers mission, exceeding $380,000 in community impact.

Veterans at Home provides no-cost preventative home modifications and repairs to Veterans and their families to improve safety and accessibility, increase independence and facilitate aging in place, said Caroline Blakely, President & CEO of Rebuilding Together. We are incredibly grateful of Navy Federals investment and commitment to the well-being of our nations Veterans. Together, we are deepening our impact and helping Veterans and their families receive the support they need and deserve.

Navy Federal is honored to provide meaningful support to Veterans and their families throughout the year. This partnership has created a long-lasting impact for local Veterans in need, as illustrated in a story on Navy Federals blog about a home repair project in Arlington, VA., for William Johnson, an 89-year-old Army Veteran.

Navy Federal Credit Union: Established in 1933 with only seven members, Navy Federal now has the distinct honor of serving 13 million members globally and is the worlds largest credit union. As a member-owned and not-for-profit organization, Navy Federal always puts the financial needs of its members first. Membership is open to all Department of Defense and Coast Guard Active Duty, Veterans, civilian and contractor personnel, and their families. Dedicated to its mission of service, Navy Federal employs a workforce of 24,000 and has a global network of more than 350 branches. For more information about Navy Federal Credit Union, visit navyfederal.org. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Rebuilding Together: Rebuilding Together is the leading national nonprofit organization repairing the homes of people in need and revitalizing our communities. Through its national network of affiliates, Rebuilding Together works proactively and collaboratively with community leaders, long-term residents, funders, and volunteers to foster dialogue and create safe, healthy communities across the country. Learn more and get involved at rebuildingtogether.org | Twitter: @RebldgTogthr

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115743447/en/

Haley Revette, Navy Federal Credit Union

[email protected]

Chelsea Quenum, Rebuilding Together

[email protected]

Source: Navy Federal Credit Union
The toy drive will accept new, unwrapped and nonviolent toys for children of all ages and monetary donations now through December 8.

MAUMEE, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA)  a full-time, tuition-free, online public school for grades K-12  has partnered with alumni to host their Ninth Annual Christmas Toy Drive benefiting Nationwide Childrens Hospital.

Our Christmas Toy Drive has become a beloved tradition for our staff and students and a great way to foster a passion for giving back to those who can use extra support around the holidays, said Dr. Kristin Stewart, head of school at OHVA. We are incredibly proud of our current students and our alumni for carrying on this annual event and helping the children at Nationwide Childrens Hospital have a memorable holiday.

Now through Friday, December 8, the OHVA Agricultural Society will be accepting new, unwrapped and nonviolent toy donations for children of all ages, ranging from babies to teens. All toys collected will be donated on December 9 to children at Nationwide Childrens Hospital who are unable to be home with their families for the holiday. Examples of acceptable toys include:

Baby  Rattles, teethers, stacking cups, shapes, plastic links, mirrors, and musical or light up toys.

Rattles, teethers, stacking cups, shapes, plastic links, mirrors, and musical or light up toys. Preschool  Crayons and coloring books, molding clay, puzzles, bubbles, books, board games and dolls.

Crayons and coloring books, molding clay, puzzles, bubbles, books, board games and dolls. School Age  Books, games, playing cards, craft sets, ink kits and painting supplies.

Books, games, playing cards, craft sets, ink kits and painting supplies. Teens  Drawing and painting supplies, model kits, playing cards, word search and nail polish.

We started the toy drive with the goal of spreading holiday cheer by providing gifts to children who are in the hospital during the holidays, said Tyler Slaven, Ohio Virtual Academy alumnus. It has been terrific to see the toy drive continue to grow over the past eight years and I hope that this year we are able to donate a record number of toys..

Tyler and his sister Monica Slaven, also an alumna of Ohio Virtual Academy, first started the toy drive in 2015. Since then, they have donated more than 80,000 toys to the hospital through the drive. Today, both Tyler and Monica continue to support the drive working alongside students in OHVAs Agricultural Society to collect and deliver the toys to the children at the hospital.

All new, unwrapped and nonviolent toy donations can be dropped off at the following locations through December 8:

Buckeye State Bank  101 North Main Street, DeGraff, Ohio 43318

 101 North Main Street, DeGraff, Ohio 43318 Dave Carothers Custom Auto Sales  1318 OH-540, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311

 1318 OH-540, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311 Family Farm and Home  1710 South Main Street, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311

 1710 South Main Street, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311 Marysville Rural King  1000 North Main Street, Marysville, Ohio 43040

 1000 North Main Street, Marysville, Ohio 43040 Ohio Virtual Academy Office  1690 Woodlands Dr., Suite 100, Maumee, OH 43537

 1690 Woodlands Dr., Suite 100, Maumee, OH 43537 Provico Farm Supply  225 South Main Street, Botkins, Ohio 45306

 225 South Main Street, Botkins, Ohio 45306 Sidney Walmart  2400 West Michigan Street, Sidney, Ohio 45364

 2400 West Michigan Street, Sidney, Ohio 45364 Springfield Rural King  1476 Upper Valley Pike, Springfield, Ohio 45504

 1476 Upper Valley Pike, Springfield, Ohio 45504 Walmart  2281 State Route 68, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311

 2281 State Route 68, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311 Way Public Library  101 E Indiana Ave., Perrysburg, OH 43551

Gifts can also be shipped to the Ohio Virtual Academy Office in Maumee. Monetary donations will be accepted via PayPal at the following link: bit.ly/3tGgTHr.

For more information about the toy drive, email [email protected].

About Ohio Virtual Academy

Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA) is an accredited, full-time online public charter school authorized by the Ohio Council of Community Schools (OCCS) that serves students in grades K-12. As part of the Ohio public school system, OHVA is tuition-free and provides families the choice to access the curriculum and tools provided by K12, a Stride Company (NYSE: LRN). Stride offers learners of all ages a more effective way to learn and build skills for their future. For more information about OHVA, visit ohva.k12.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115610848/en/

Alexia Garcia

[email protected]

616-893-2696

Source: Stride, Inc.
Newly elected chairman of national Republican Attorneys General organization leads out with resolution and letter imploring Congressional aid to Israel.

SALT LAKE CITY & WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) announced it has elected Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes as its new chairman. Reyes, who was elected over the weekend, used his new role to promote the passage of a unanimous resolution in support of Israel after the horrific terrorist attacks by Hamas. Over 20 Republican attorneys general joined together to express unflinching resolve to stand with Israel.

Reyes is a past multiple term vice chairman for RAGA, the national organization currently representing 28 Republican attorneys general in America.

Commenting on Reyes leadership style, skill, and the respect he has earned nationwide from fellow attorneys general, four-term South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson stated, When Sean came into office in 2013, he immediately rose in RAGA leadership ranks and became a voice for the U.S. Constitution and rule of law. By leading out on many legal victories, Sean has regularly put Utah front and center in the national spotlight.

In addition to the resolution adopted by RAGA member states, Reyes penned an impassioned plea to U.S. Congressional leaders for immediate military, humanitarian and other aid for Israel. Joining Utah in reaffirming Americas commitment to its longstanding ally, 26 state AGs added their names to the letter. While condemning Hamas and arguing for Israels right to defend herself, the letter also denounces violence against the Jewish Community worldwide and states that American support for the Jewish people is urgently needed more today than at any time since World War II.

Wilson added, I leaned on Seans counsel when he served as RAGA Vice Chairman during my two prior terms as RAGA Chairman. He is widely respected by his peers and is a national leader. Utah is fortunate to have such an effective Attorney General.

Echoing Wilsons sentiments, Indiana AG Todd Rokita explained why AG Reyes was chosen to serve, Sean has been at the forefront of some of the most important constitutional fights in America and has a long track record of success. He is deeply respected by his peers and has earned our admiration because he is a principled and fearless fighter with tremendous integrity. Like our colleagues and I, Sean is willing to take on difficult issues like human trafficking, the border, ESG, opioids, mental health, social media and federal overreach, all of which are critically important today as we face strong attacks from those who want to weaken America.

We are extremely confident in General Reyes and our newly elected RAGA leadership team, said RAGA Executive Director Peter Bisbee. General Reyes is a tireless advocate for his home state of Utah and utilizes all opportunities to elevate Utahs priorities on a national stage, many times resulting in other states following his lead on matters of public and legal policy. This year, General Reyes will work closely with his colleagues and the RAGA staff to flip control of open seats in North Carolina and Pennsylvania. RAGA spent more than $23 million in the 2022/2023 election cycle, and will once again resolutely stand by General Reyes and our other incumbents up for re-election with all the resources our organization has at its disposal.

Reyes will serve as RAGA chairman through November 2024. For more information about Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes, visit www.seanreyes.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115416865/en/

Lee Rech

for Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes | Friends of Sean Reyes 801.556.8423

[email protected]

Source: Comprehensive Strategic Solutions
Scientists have examined fragments of a Homo sapiens skull found in Crimea in 2009 along with stone tools and pierced mammoth ivory beads. This made it possible to identify a link with the ancient DNA of people who settled Western Europe.

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The journal Nature Ecology & Evolution published the results of the research. The skulls, which are approximately 37,000-36,000 years old, were found in the Buran Kai III archaeological site.

Scientists conducted analyses that helped to recreate the modern model of population movement in Europe during the Upper Paleolithic period (about 40,000-12,000 years ago). This period is characterized by the spread of anatomically modern people around the world.

The skulls indicate that these are the oldest representatives of Western Europe, who permanently settled in Europe and left traces in the genomes of modern Europeans.

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Scientists believe that these individuals settled in the region after the Ice Age about 38,000 years ago. Also during this period, there was an eruption of a supervolcano near Naples, which covered southeastern and eastern Europe with ash.

This ecological crisis, combined with low temperatures, led to the extinction of Neanderthals and the first populations of Homo sapiens in the early Upper Paleolithic.

The people from Buran Kai III are linked to 740,000 genetic variations of other ancient individuals, indicating that they were part of the second wave of European settlement after the environmental crisis.

Scientists have also found that the DNA of the skulls found has a genetic link to modern and much later Caucasian populations. The tools found in the South Caucasus are similar to those found in Crimea. This indicates the direction of migration of the ancestors of Buran Kai III in Europe, namely from the Middle East through the Caucasus to the territory of modern Ukraine.

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The strongest genetic link has been found between people from Buran Kaya III and populations in southwestern France, northeastern Spain, Austria, and the Czech Republic. These individuals are associated with the classical Gravettian period and were the creators of the iconic female ivory statuettes known as "Gravettian Venuses."

This indicates that the former were the ancestors of the latter and already practiced a culture that can be described as proto-Gravettian. Genetic links show that these populations spread from east to west.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA published a prediction of scientists that humanity could become extinct if the Southern Ocean disappears.

Subscribe to OBOZ.UAchannels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.
Life Care Services Ranks Highest in Both Study Segments

TROY, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Senior living communities have managed to maintain steady levels of resident and family member satisfaction despite steadily rising costs, which as of the third quarter of 2023 have increased 5.4%1 on an annual basis industry-wide. According to the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Senior Living Satisfaction Study,SM released today, overall satisfaction is largely flat year over year among residents for independent senior living providers and among family members/decision-makers for assisted living/memory care providers.

Coming out of the pandemic, the major challenge for senior living providers was staffing, said Andrea Stokes, hospitality and senior living practice lead at J.D. Power. The good news is that were no longer seeing declines in resident satisfaction linked directly to staff reductions or facilities management. However, the new challenge is residents perception of value for money paid for independent living. Rents continue to rise considerably, and lower ratings provided for prices paid for services received are creating a drag on resident satisfaction.

Following are some key findings of the 2023 study:

Staffing and community scores rise in assisted living communities: The average satisfaction among the families/decision-makers of assisted living/memory care community residents is 837 (on a 1,000-point scale), up 8 points from a year ago. The increase is driven by improvements in satisfaction with community staff (+11 points) and with resident activities (+9).

Cost pressures limit improvement in independent living communities: Satisfaction with valueor price paid for services receivedamong independent living residents is 604, 15 points lower than a year ago.

Accessibility of senior management in assisted living/memory care: When family members/decision-makers of assisted living/memory care residents perceive it is very easy to contact the communitys executive director, overall satisfaction scores increase 118 points on average. Yet less than half (48%) of family members/decision-makers say this is the case at their loved ones community.

Activities offerings play key role: In both independent living and assisted living/memory care, satisfaction with resident activities has increased year over year, likely due to providers continuing to reinstate many in-person group activities.

Study Rankings

Life Care Services ranks highest in independent living resident overall satisfaction for a fifth consecutive year, with a score of 827. Five Star Senior Living (744) ranks second.

Life Care Services ranks highest in family member/decision-maker overall satisfaction with assisted living/memory care providers, with a score of 869. Atria Senior Living (855) ranks second and Frontier Management (846) ranks third.

See the rank chart for each segment at http://www.jdpower.com/pr-id/2023161.

The U.S. Senior Living Satisfaction Study measures resident satisfaction with the nations largest providers2 of independent living for seniors and family member/decision-maker satisfaction with the largest providers of assisted living/memory care service providers. Overall satisfaction is measured across six factors of the senior living experience (listed in alphabetical order): community buildings and grounds; community staff; dining; price paid for services received; resident activities; and resident apartment/living unit. The 2023 study is based on 3,838 responses from residents living in an independent communityor from family members/decision-makers on behalf of residents of assisted living/memory care communitieswithin the previous three years. Reponses were collected from July through August 2023.

For more information about the U.S. Senior Living Satisfaction Study, visit http://www.jdpower.com/business/resource/senior-living-study.

About J.D. Power

J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services and data and analytics. A pioneer in the use of big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic modeling capabilities to understand consumer behavior, J.D. Power has been delivering incisive industry intelligence on customer interactions with brands and products for more than 50 years. The world's leading businesses across major industries rely on J.D. Power to guide their customer-facing strategies.

J.D. Power has offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. To learn more about the companys business offerings, visit JDPower.com/business. The J.D. Power auto shopping tool can be found at JDPower.com.

About J.D. Power and Advertising/Promotional Rules: www.jdpower.com/business/about-us/press-release-info

_____________________

1 NIC MAPVISION 3Q23 Market Fundamentals https://info.nicmapvision.com/nic-map-quarterly-market-fundamentals.html

2 Independent living providers included in the study must have had at least 7,000 living units and could not solely operate entrance-deposit communities. Included assisted living/memory care providers must have had at least 10,000 assisted living and/or memory care living units. Living unit data based on the Argentum Largest Providers Report, 2022.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115403988/en/

Geno Effler, J.D. Power; West Coast; 714-621-6224; [email protected]

John Roderick; East Coast; 631-584-2200; [email protected]

Source: J.D. Power
MONROVIA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SiLC Technologies, Inc. (SiLC), a leader in silicon photonics, today announced $25 million in additional funding to bring the total funding proceeds to date, from its Seed and Series A, to $56 million. New strategic participants in the round include Hokuyo Automatic, Hankook & Company, and ROHM Semiconductor, all industry leaders with a strategic focus on industrial, robotics, and mobility vision. They join SiLCs roster of existing high-caliber investors including Epson, Yamato, UMC, Sony, Dell Technologies Capital and Alter Venture Partners.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115588403/en/

SiLC is bridging the AI gap for machine vision with its FMCW LiDAR-based Eyeonic Vision System. Empowering machines to see like humans, SiLCs technology brings vision detection capabilities that span short distances to over 1 kilometer. (Graphic: Business Wire)

The new funding announcement comes on the heels of SiLCs most recent introduction of four versions of its FMCW LiDAR-based EyeonicTM Vision System. Bridging the artificial intelligence (AI) gap for machine vision, SiLC has engineered the Eyeonic Vision System for vision detection capabilities that span from short distances to over 1 km. The company points to AI as a driving factor for machines requiring the ability to perceive and understand their surroundings in the same way as humans.

We have significant momentum and support from our customer base, which is recognized by our world-class syndicate of investors. This shows that a genuinely differentiated technology that is proven to work and adds real value will get support from its investor and customer base, said Dr. Mehdi Asghari, SiLCs CEO and founder. Even in todays economic climate we have nearly doubled our total fund raise. We are excited to have such notable industry leaders join us on our journey.

The new funds will be used to expand production to support design wins for its Eyeonic Vision solutions as well as continued product development to further application deployments in mobility, robotics, smart cameras, security, and other leading markets.

SiLCs on-chip FMCW LiDAR is very competitive in terms of sensor performance, chip integration and manufacturing know-how. We expect this technology to be applied in various industries in the future, such as industrial robots, autonomous vehicles, ADAS, and AR/VR wearable consumer devices, said Sumio Utsunomiya, COO, Epson X Investment Corp.

Silicon photonics is key for the miniaturization of 3D sensors, while FMCW LiDAR enables the use of eye-safe wavelengths, provides instantaneous velocity, and removes the need for high-power lasers to reach long distances. The combination of these two techniques, as SiLC is demonstrating, will soon enable every electronic device, including drones, robots, and wearable devices, to be aware of its surroundings, commented Dr. Jose Pozo, CTO of Optica, the society advancing optics and photonics worldwide.

SiLCs mission to enable machines to see like humans is the driving force for the company, where the goal is to equip machines with vision that far surpasses human capabilities. Weve logged in milestone achievements in chip integration, precision and resolution performance, range detection, and customer engagement, added Asghari. Moving forward, this new funding will help to further fuel our march to bring advanced machine vision to a broader range of applications.

For more information, please visit www.silc.com.

About SiLC Technologies

On a mission to enable machines to see like humans, SiLC Technologies is bringing forth its deep expertise in silicon photonics to advance market deployment of FMCW LiDAR solutions. The company's breakthrough 4D+ Eyeonic Chip integrates all photonics functions needed to enable a coherent vision sensor, offering a tiny footprint while addressing the need for low cost and low power. SiLC's innovations are targeted to robotics, autonomous vehicles, biometrics, security, industrial automation, and other leading markets.

SiLC was founded in 2018 by silicon photonics industry veterans with decades of commercial product development and manufacturing experience. SiLC's 4D LiDAR chip has been recognized by Frost & Sullivan as ideally positioned to disrupt the global LiDAR market and the company has been named a Cool Vendor in Silicon Photonics by Gartner. Investors in SiLC include Dell Technologies Capital, Sony Innovation Fund by IGV, FLUXUNIT  ams OSRAM Ventures, UMC Capital, Alter Ventures, Yamato, and Epson.

For more information, visit www.silc.com or connect with the company on LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115588403/en/

Christian Brantley, APR

Lages & Associates, Inc.

(949) 453-8080

[email protected]

Source: SiLC Technologies, Inc.
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SmartMetric, Inc. (OTC: SMME) the miniature nano fingerprint scanner built by SmartMetric to fit inside a standard credit and debit card takes credit card security to the next level.

Before using your pin or any other clumsy old credit and debit card security, cards with the SmartMetric nano fingerprint scanner inside provide a powerful first step in securing the card prior to it being used. The card holders fingerprint is matched with their fingerprint that is scanned by the nano internal scanner each time the card holder goes to use their card.

A small square fingerprint sensor sits on the surface of the card that is connected to a circuit board inside the card. On this circuit board are extremely small and very low-profile electronic components that allow the users fingerprint to be scanned and matched in less then a second. On a fingerprint match the cards contact chip and contactless RFID is unlocked allowing the card to then operate at any standard card reader and ATM.

Enrolling a fingerprint on the card for the first time is as simple as enrolling your fingerprint on a mobile phone. Touch the sensor up to four (4) times and your fingerprint is then forever embedded inside the cards encrypted memory. The memory for storing the fingerprint is firewalled and uses extremely strong encryption.

We had to build a super thin and small device that fits inside a standard credit card having amongst a number of components, a MCU, Power Management System, Internal Memory along with other components. Not to mention a super thin rechargeable hybrid nano battery, said SmartMetrics President and CEO, Chaya Hendrick.

Well over a decade of research and development has gone into creating the new GEN4 SmartMetric biometric card according to SmartMetric.

The new GEN4 card is now in mass production. A small sample run of the assembled card was completed to test the cards latest operating system developed by SmartMetric. The software testing and the cards functioning has been successfully completed.

We are excited about the future prospects for our 'patent protected' product after spending so many years of research and development, said Chaya Hendrick.

Patents for the technology have been issued recently in the United States while other patents covering other parts of the world have been filed.

These recently issued patents disallow others from making biometric credit cards that have a fingerprint sensor on the card according to SmartMetric.

A massive market for an incredible next generation credit card, said SmartMetrics President and CEO, Chaya Hendrick.

Over 300 million credit cards have been issued in the United States. Consumer research reveals that up to 70% of existing credit card holders are willing to pay for a biometric secured credit card.

The SmartMetric biometric credit card has taken years to develop and its Gen4 product designed for credit card issuing banks, is now in production said SmartMetric.

The SmartMetric biometric fingerprint activated credit card brings the power of biometric security to the regular credit and debit card. Using the cardholder's own fingerprint only the cardholder is able to use the card. Touching the cards sensor on the cards surface awakens the card to scan the users fingerprint in less than a second. The fingerprint is matched with the users pre-stored fingerprint that has been registered inside the cards internal cryptographically secured memory.

Research has shown that up to 70% of existing credit card users are attracted to using a biometric credit card. However, for this to be achieved the card itself must be as easy and simple to use as a current credit card and must most definitely be able to be biometric secured and safe in all card reading situations, said Chaya Hendrick.

SmartMetric is now in mass market production of its GEN4 advanced biometric credit card. The company is preparing to release its advanced biometric credit card to the global credit card issuing community.

The SmartMetric GEN4 Biometric Fingerprint Card has been developed to meet the specific demand of the credit card industry and credit card users for enhanced credit card security. The card has an in-the-card nano fingerprint scanner that is used to recognize the card holders fingerprint and in turn activate the card.

The SmartMetric biometric credit card is the only advanced biometric payments card product with an internal rechargeable battery that allows the card to be used in all card usage cases such as restaurants and ATMs. Having its own power inside the card allows the SmartMetric biometric card to work prior to the card being inserted into a card reader.

The SmartMetric biometric fingerprint recognition technology built inside of the credit and debit card uses embedded biometric technology to positively recognize the card holder and then only after a positive fingerprint recognition, turn on the cards EMV contact and contactless payments chip.

According to an article published by Finder.com1 the number of credit card accounts open in the United States is 564,500,000. This is an all-time high for the United States.

The average American owns three credit cards. 83% of Americans own at least one credit card. 14% of Americans own at least 10 credit cards.

SmartMetric plans to sell its advanced biometric credit card to card issuing Banks for $50.00 a card. In turn Banks will decide whether or not to provide the card for free to its card users or offer it as a premium card to its top tier card users for a fee.

To view the SmartMetric Biometric Card please follow this link - Video of the SmartMetric Biometric Card. To view the company website: www.smartmetric.com

1 2023 Credit card debt and spending statistics in the US | finder.com

Safe Harbor Statement: Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Also such forward-looking statements are within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "may," "could," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "likely," "will," "would" and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us and our management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, if we are unable to access the capital necessary to fund current operations or implement our plans for growth; changes in the competitive environment in our industry and the markets where we operate; our ability to access the capital markets; and other risks discussed in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which filings are available from the SEC. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are made as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any of these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information or future events, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable laws. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements. Investors and security holders are urged to carefully review and consider each of SmartMetric Inc. public filings with the SEC, including but not limited to, if applicable, Annual Reports on Form 10-K, proxy statements, Current Reports on Form 8-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

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SmartMetric, Inc.

Chaya Hendrick

Tel: (702) 990-3687

Mobile: (305) 607-3910 (Pacific Time)

[email protected]

www.smartmetric.com

Source: SmartMetric, Inc.
Over half of all consumers indicate concerns that GenAI outputs not informed by media companies will be inaccurate (54%) and biased (59%)

Overwhelmingly, consumers agree companies should be transparent about how theyre sourcing the data theyre using to train and power GenAI models

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- More than half (55%) of consumers surveyed believe they understand how Generative AI (GenAI) models are trained. However, nearly two-thirds (60%) were not aware that some media companies (recently, The New York Times) have restricted access to its information and data, including articles and general site content, in the training of GenAI models.

Thats according to a recent TELUS International (NYSE and TSX: TIXT) survey of 1,000 U.S. adults who are familiar with GenAI.

On the impact of GenAI not being informed by media companies, over half of all consumers indicate concerns the content will be inaccurate (54%) and biased (59%). When asked what alternative sources they would most likely trust to educate and inform GenAI models, higher education institutions (48%) and scientific journals (44%) were the top choices. Conversely, the most untrusted sources were social media conversations (45%), reviews websites (27%) and brand websites (25%).

Transparency And Responsibility Lies With Brands

There is growing concern by media companies and content creators about what becomes of their intellectual property when it is used as source material to train GenAI models, so naturally they are beginning to set guardrails. Many media companies have already updated their terms and conditions to include rules that forbid its content from being used to train AI systems and are blocking AI web crawlers from accessing their text, images, audio and video clips, and photos, said Siobhan Hanna, VP and Managing Director, AI Data Solutions, TELUS International. Given that we are in the early stages of developing industry regulations for all aspects of GenAI, including the sourcing of data, it's crucial that companies take responsibility to do the right thing from the very beginning. To protect themselves from potential fines, penalties, legal action and negative brand impacts, those working on AI deliverables must carefully consider where they are scraping or otherwise extracting the data from to power their models. Moreover, this is where a humanity-in-the-loop approach to AI is so critical. Despite the fact that regulations and permissions around copyrighted material may still be emerging, companies need to consider the broader societal impacts of their actions to ensure that they are operating in a fair and ethical manner.

No matter the source, 75% of consumers want companies to be transparent and explicit about how theyre sourcing the data theyre using to power their GenAI models. Additionally, more than half (52%) of all consumers believe the companies developing and building GenAI applications have a responsibility to police the information thats being used and determine if it is being used with the content creators permission.

Consumers Unsure About Accuracy, Concerned About Bias; Sentiment Varies by Generation

Those aged 25-34 had the most trust in GenAI-generated content being accurate (47%) compared to 16% of those aged 54+

Nearly half (43%) of all consumers dont trust GenAI content to be unbiased, with those aged 54+ having the strongest response (51%)

Among those aged 18-24, 42% indicated they trust GenAI content to be unbiased, which is a stark contrast to just 16% of those aged 54+

Since its launch a year ago, we have witnessed the unprecedented rise and development of GenAI. While many of the use cases are incredible, including its ability to fast track medical diagnoses and pharmaceutical developments, as well as aiding accessibility for those with disabilities, so too are the potential threats posed by its irresponsible use and the possibility of perpetuating and exacerbating false or biased data, said Hanna. To effectively mitigate against this and to ensure a safe online experience for all users, companies must source trusted and diverse training datasets created by leveraging a combination of technology and humans to oversee the output when deploying GenAI.

TELUS International is a leading provider of comprehensive, end-to-end AI data solutions including dataset engineering, the creation of training and test datasets, content generation and enhancement, model testing and prompt generation and enhancement. The company also provides software engineering services to implementers of GenAI technologies, with extensive capabilities for application development through the consultancy, design, build, deployment and maintenance phases. Backed by the power of GenAI, the companys enhanced solution, Fuel iX, delivers end-to-end CX innovation and AI-fueled intelligent experiences (iX) to help global clients meet critical CX business needs. To learn more, visit https://www.telusinternational.com/solutions/ai-data-solutions.

Survey Methodology: The survey findings are based on a Pollfish survey that was conducted on Sept. 13, 2023, and included responses from 1,000 men and women aged 18+ who live in the United States and indicated a familiarity with GenAI.

About TELUS International

TELUS International (NYSE & TSX: TIXT) designs, builds and delivers next-generation digital solutions to enhance the customer experience (CX) for global and disruptive brands. The companys services support the full lifecycle of its clients digital transformation journeys, enabling them to more quickly embrace next-generation digital technologies to deliver better business outcomes. TELUS Internationals integrated solutions span digital strategy, innovation, consulting and design, IT lifecycle including managed solutions, intelligent automation and end-to-end AI data solutions including computer vision capabilities, as well as omnichannel CX and trust and safety solutions including content moderation. Fueling all stages of company growth, TELUS International partners with brands across strategic industry verticals, including tech and games, communications and media, ecommerce and fintech, banking, financial services and insurance, healthcare, and others.

TELUS Internationals unique caring culture promotes diversity and inclusivity through its policies, team member resource groups and workshops, and equal employment opportunity hiring practices across the regions where it operates. Since 2007, the company has positively impacted the lives of more than 1.2 million citizens around the world, building stronger communities and helping those in need through large-scale volunteer events and charitable giving. Five TELUS International Community Boards have provided $5.4 million in funding to grassroots charitable organizations since 2011. Learn more at: telusinternational.com.

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TELUS International Investor Relations

Jason Mayr

(604) 695-3455

[email protected]

TELUS International Media Relations

Ali Wilson

(604) 328-7093

[email protected]

Source: TELUS International
RMS North America has once again partnered with OHI (formally ARVC) and RVshare to release the 2023 Generational Campground Report.

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- RMS North America, a leading provider of reservation and property management systems to the outdoor hospitality industry, has partnered again with OHI (formerly ARVC) and RVshare to release this years Generational Campground Report. This annual report details the latest trends of campers across the US.

This report is crucial to campground owners and operators, giving them insight into their campers backgrounds, behaviors, and future travel plans. This data helps operators strategically plan their operations to increase their occupancy, drive revenue, and bring an excellent guest experience to visitors of all generations for the 2024 camping season, says Adelle Rodriguez, Senior Director of Marketing at RMS North America.

Key data points include:

94% plan to camp the same or more in the next 12 months.

49% prefer to make their reservations completely online, with 26% stating no preference

82% selected using online search platforms (Yahoo, Google, Bing, etc.) as their preferred method to find the right campground

Price is still a driving factor in campground destination decisions, with 33% selecting the cost of reservation as their top concern

Campers will travel 179 miles from home to get to a campsite

Campers spend on average $50 per person/per day or $200 per day/per site for a family of four.

This report includes generational data as well, highlighting the difference in camping behaviors between campers of different demographics. Campground owners and operators can make more informed operational decisions based on the diverse preferences of their visitors.

The modern camper demographic is changingskewing younger every yearso it is of vital importance to understand these generational differences when making business decisions, says David Basler, OHIs Chief Strategy Officer. For outdoor hospitality businesses, the real value in this report is the year-over-year data we can share that shows these generational changes.

Reviewing this data each year is an important planning step for campground owners and operators, agrees Jon Gray, CEO of RVshare. Adapting to the changing demographic and preferences is crucial industry-wide. We are coming off the biggest tailwind this industry has ever seen, and to maintain category interest, we need to meet the customers where they are. From RV rentals to campground operators, its vital to understand our challenges and opportunities as we plan for 2024 and beyond.

Accommodating these preferences can also be accomplished with the right property management and reservation software. Campground owners and operators can use this data to prioritize software with the most efficient communication tools, like triggered correspondences & SMS abilities, a customizable rewards program, and a robust rate manager.

This report was prepared by Readex Research, a nationally recognized independent research company. The survey was designed jointly by OHI, RMS, RV Share and Readex. The response was tabulated, and this report was prepared in accordance with accepted research standards and practices.

The full report is available for free to OHI members here.

About RMS North America

RMS North America is a leading cloud-based reservation and property management system tailored to the outdoor hospitality industry. Backed by 40 years of continual innovation, RMS works with hundreds of properties across the Americas and Canada. Its feature-rich technology is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of campgrounds, RV parks & resorts, National & State Parks, glampgrounds, and marinas. For more information, please visit americas.rmscloud.com.

About RVshare

RVshare is the largest online community for RV renters and owners. Founded in 2013 in Akron, Ohio, we connect RV owners and renters, offering an additional source of income for RV owners and the option for a unique and memorable vacation for renters. Learn more at rvshare.com.

About OHI

OHI, a leader in the Outdoor Hospitality Industry, is the only national association dedicated to representing the interests and needs of the outdoor hospitality industry in the US and Canada. We are deeply committed to providing our more than 3,000 members with exclusive access to continuing professional development, networking, business and marketing tools, member-only benefits and discounts, and advocacy at the local, state and national levels. Visit the OHI website to learn more.

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Adelle Rodriguez, Senior Director of Marketing

[email protected]

Source: RMS North America
Third Quarter 2023 results

PORT-GENTIL, Gabon--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News:

TotalEnergies EP Gabon (Paris: EC):

Main Financial Indicator

Q3 23 Q2 23 Q3 23 vs. Q2 23 9M 23 9M 22 9M 23 vs. 9M 22 Average Brent Price $/b 86.7 78.1 +11% 82.1 105.5 -22% Average TotalEnergies EP Gabon crude price (1) $/b 81.1 75.8 +7% 77.2 96.7 -20% Crude oil production from fields operated by TotalEnergies EP Gabon kb/d (2) 14.4 15.7 -8% 15.5 15.5 - Sales volumes (3) Mb (4) 1.4 1.3 +8% 4.0 4.1 -2% Revenues (5) M$ 120 107 +12% 332 415 -20% Funds generated from operations (6) M$ 42 63 -33% 163 163 - Capital Expenditures M$ 15 25 -40% 64 27 x2.4 Net Income M$ 18 17 +6% 57 41 +39%

(1) The crude price calculation excludes profit oil reverting to the Gabonese Republic as per production sharing contracts, these barrels being handed over in kind to the host state. (2) kb/d: Thousand barrels per day (excluding gas production) (3) Sales volume excludes profit oil reverting to the Gabonese Republic as per production sharing contracts, these barrels being handed over in kind to the host state. (4) Mb: Million of barrels. (5) Revenue from hydrocarbon sales including profit oil reverting to the Gabonese Republic as per production sharing contracts. (6) Funds generated from operations are comprised of the operating cash flow, the gains or losses on disposals of assets and the working capital changes.

Third quarter and first nine months 2023 statements

Selling price

The selling price of the crude oil grade marketed by TotalEnergies EP Gabon averaged $81.1/b in the third quarter 2023, up 7% compared to second quarter 2023 in relation with average Brent price increase (11%) and despite market conditions less favourable for Mandji quality crude with sea freight tariffs up.

In the first nine months of 2023, the average selling price of the crude oil grade marketed by TotalEnergies EP Gabon amounted to $77. 2/b, down 20% year-on-year ($96.7/b), in line with Brent price evolution over the period.

Production

TotalEnergies EP Gabon crude oil production in third quarter 2023 amounted 14.4 kb/d, down 8% compared to the second quarter 2023 (15.7 kb/j). It is mainly impacted by the lower availability of gas-lift compressors on Anguille, Torpille and Ile Mandji fields and fields natural decline, partially offset by the first positive results of workover campaign.

In the first nine months of 2023, TotalEnergies EP Gabon crude oil production amounted to 15.5 kb/d, stable compared to first nine months of 2022 (15.5 kb/d).

Revenues

Revenues in third quarter 2023 amounted to $120 million, up 12% compared to second quarter 2023 ($107 million), in line with the improvement in the average price of crude oil grade marketed by TotalEnergies EP Gabon.

In the first nine months of 2023, revenues amounted to $322 million, down 20% compared to first nine months 2022 ($415 million). This variation is explained by the decline in the average selling price ($ 77.2 b compared to $96.7/b).

Funds generated from operations

Third quarter 2023 cash flow from operations amounted to $42 million, against $63 million for the second quarter 2023, impacted negatively by the increase in working capital between the two quarters in relation with sales receivables increase.

During the nine first months of 2023, cash flow from operations reached $163 million, stable year-on-year.

Investments

Capital expenditures amounted to $15 million in the third quarter 2023, declining by 40% compared to second quarter 2023 ($25 million). The investments during the third quarter cover the workovers campaign preparation on Anguille fields, our projects aiming at reducing direct greenhouse gas emission, and integrity works.

In the first nine months of 2023, capital expenditure amounted to $64 million, up compared to first nine months of 2022 ($27 million), reflecting workovers campaign start, integrity works acceleration and our projects aiming at reducing direct greenhouse gas emission.

Net income

The net income amounted to $18 million in the third quarter 2023, slightly improved compared to second quarter 2023 ($17 million). It is positively impacted by the increase of average selling price of crude oil marketed by TotalEnergies EP Gabon, partially offset by the tax charge increase.

In the first nine months of 2023, net income was $57 million, against $41 million in the first nine months of 2022. It is positively impacted by the application of new tax terms in accordance with the agreements signed in December 2022 and by the improvement in the remuneration of cash positions over the period, and negatively by the decline in average selling prices and volume of crude oil marketed by TotalEnergies EP Gabon and less favourable euro/dollar exchange rate .

Highlights since the beginning of third quarter 2023

The Board of Directors of TotalEnergies EP Gabon, meeting on August 30, 2023, in Paris, approved Companys financial statements for the first-half 2023. The press release and the Interim 2023 Financial Report were published the same day, and made available to the public on the Companys website.

About TotalEnergies EP Gabon

TotalEnergies EP Gabon is 58.28% owned by TotalEnergies SE, 25% by the Gabonese Republic and 16.72% by the public.

About TotalEnergies

TotalEnergies is a global multi-energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Its more than 100,000 employees are committed to energy that is ever more affordable, cleaner, more reliable and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in more than 130 countries, TotalEnergies puts sustainable development in all its dimensions at the heart of its projects and operations to contribute to the well-being of people.

@TotalEnergies TotalEnergies TotalEnergies TotalEnergies

Cautionary Note

The terms "TotalEnergies", "TotalEnergies Company" and "Company" appearing in this document are used to refer to TotalEnergies SE and the consolidated entities that TotalEnergies SE controls directly or indirectly. Similarly, the terms "we", "us", "our" may also be used to refer to these entities or their employees. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE holds a stake directly or indirectly are separate and autonomous legal persons. TotalEnergies SE cannot be held liable for acts or omissions emanating from these companies.

This document may contain forward-looking statements. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are dependent on risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries undertakes or assumes any commitment or responsibility to investors or any other stakeholder to update or revise, in particular as a result of new information or future events, any or all of the statements, forward-looking information, trends or objectives contained in this document. Information regarding risk factors that could have a material adverse effect on TotalEnergies' financial results or operations is also available in the most up-to-date versions of the Universal Registration Document filed by TotalEnergies SE with the Autorite des marches financiers and Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

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Contacts TotalEnergies EP Gabon

[email protected]

Media Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 99 l [email protected] l @TotalEnergiesPR

Investor Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 46 l [email protected]

Source: TotalEnergies EP Gabon
A live webcast will be available on Twilios investor relations website

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Twilio (NYSE: TWLO), the customer engagement platform that drives real-time, personalized experiences for todays leading brands, today announced that Chief Financial Officer Aidan Viggiano will participate in a fireside chat at the UBS Global Technology Conference on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at 3:35 p.m. (ET) / 12:35 p.m. (PT).

A live webcast and replay will be available on Twilios investor relations website at investors.twilio.com.

Disclosure Information

Twilio uses its investor relations website (https://investors.twilio.com) and the X (formerly Twitter) accounts of the company (@twilio) and its Chief Executive Officer (@jeffiel) as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD.

About Twilio Inc.

Today's leading companies trust Twilio's Customer Engagement Platform (CEP) to build direct, personalized relationships with their customers everywhere in the world. Twilio enables companies to use communications and data to add intelligence and security to every step of the customer journey, from sales to marketing to growth, customer service and many more engagement use cases in a flexible, programmatic way. Across 180 countries and territories, millions of developers and hundreds of thousands of businesses use Twilio to create magical experiences for their customers. For more information about Twilio (NYSE: TWLO) visit www.twilio.com.

Source: Twilio Inc.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115537163/en/

Investor Contact:

Bryan Vaniman

[email protected]

or

Media Contact:

Caitlin Epstein

[email protected]

Source: Twilio Inc.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Frederique Martineau, a dedicated Starbucks partner and shift supervisor for almost five years, was fired due to her outspoken support for unionization among Starbucks workers, according to Starbucks management. Martineau, who had recently been transferred to the 16th and MacDonald Street store after the closure of the unionized Dunbar Starbucks, expressed her disappointment and sense of betrayal over her termination.

Disappointed, sad, angry and betrayed, thats how Im feeling right now after being fired and humiliated in front of store customers, said Martineau.

In February 2023, Martineau helped organize the Starbucks on Dunbar Street in Vancouver, which became the first Starbucks in Vancouver to successfully unionize since the late 2000s.

I was told by another shift supervisor that I needed to have a conversation with the store managers, so I took off my apron and joined the managers in the cafe lobby of our busy store. In front of customers, the store managers accused me of complaining to other partners about reduced hours, while I was only seeking to understand if other baristas were experiencing similar reductions as I was no longer being utilized as a shift supervisor and was down to 12 hours a week working as a barista which caused me to lose my benefits, said Martineau.

Martineau persisted in raising concerns about her decreased hours in contrast to her co-workers increased schedules, as well as the hiring and training of new baristas and shift supervisors. Store management further alleged that multiple employees had filed complaints about profanity and discomfort stemming from Martineaus discussions about her previous unionized store experience.

Managements allegations are absolutely not true and unfounded. In the five years that I have worked at Starbucks, I have never had a warning or any note in my file. I have always had exemplary conduct, said Martineau. As a nursing student, I have amazing restraint and I always have maintained a professional appearance and attitude. Id be very interested in seeing the proof or video footage of the alleged incidents because it seems to me that Starbucks is simply worried about other stores unionizing. Ive been painted with a giant target, so Starbucks thinks if they get rid of me that will solve their problems.

When Martineau and her co-workers were going through the unionization process, they were interrogated by Starbucks managers.

Its no secret that Starbucks is opposed to unions and Starbucks is doing everything in its power to push back on unionizing efforts by closing stores and firing partners. All you need to do is look at the hundreds of violations and unfair labour practice complaints against the company in both Canada and the United States, said Martineau. When our store unionized, it seemed like everyone and their dog from Starbucks showed up at our store to put pressure on the workers.

Martineau says they are proud of the success and the positive changes that followed at the Dunbar store, despite the store closing.

Even though we didnt reach the point of negotiating a first contract, because of our union we won positive changes, such as new equipment and better working conditions. We even got wage increases owed to us that Starbucks was withholding in its effort to punish us and deter other partners from joining unions, said Martineau.

Even after her termination, Martineau continues to advocate for Starbucks partners to voice their concerns and shape their workplace conditions.

When I chose to join the USW, I did so to improve our workplace safety, seek better wages and demand better staffing to protect the mental health of our partners in our store. Im very proud of what we achieved together, and I really do love working at Starbucks. I honestly believe that we can continue winning better rights for all baristas in North America, and not just Starbucks baristas, said Martineau. Look, if I was offered a job back at Starbucks, Id go back in a heartbeat. I am really good at my job. I just loved making the drinks and talking to my regulars and I had so much fun doing that. But at the same time, I will never shy away from standing up and fighting for workers.

The USW stands in solidarity with Frederique and all Starbucks workers who seek to exercise their right to organize and collectively bargain, said Scott Lunny, USW District Director for Western Canada. It is imperative that workers feel empowered to advocate for fair wages, benefits and working conditions without fear of retaliation.

USW encourages Starbucks to reconsider its decision to terminate Frederique Martineau and engage in constructive dialogue with workers regarding their concerns. The union remains committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of all Starbucks partners.

The USW represents Starbucks workers at stores in Victoria, Surrey and Langley in British Columbia and Calgary, Edmonton and Sherwood Park in Alberta, as well as recently organized stores in Waterloo and Ajax, Ontario. The USW also represents 225,000 members in nearly every economic sector across Canada and is the largest private-sector union in North America, with 850,000 members in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean.

Each year, thousands of workers choose to join the USW because of our strong track record in creating healthier, safer and more respectful workplaces and negotiating better working conditions and fairer compensation  including good wages, benefits and pensions.

Starbucks workers interested in joining the USW can learn more about the benefits at betterworknow.ca/starbucks.

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Frederique Martineau, former Starbucks partner/USW Local 2009 member, 778-996-3206

Brett Barden, USW Communications, 604-445-6956, [email protected]

Source: USW
New clinical evidence review capabilities in Clinical Genomics Workspace platform learn users reporting preferences and remember past reporting decisions to drive more rapid report signout

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Velsera, a global healthcare technology company offering a universal software platform to connect clinical care with discovery, is proud to introduce new capabilities for its Clinical Genomics Workspace (CGW) to streamline and transform the way clinical laboratory professionals interact with medical evidence and finalize complex molecular diagnostic reports.

CGWs groundbreaking somatic tertiary analysis and reporting workflow will be available for demonstration by Velsera representatives in booth #1419 at the AMP 2023 Annual Meeting, Nov. 14-18 in Salt Lake City.

Velsera's latest offering combines expertly curated evidence, dynamic interpretations and adaptive behavior to drive significantly shorter signout times and smarter clinical interpretation.

Memory of Biomarker Reporting Decisions : Velsera's CGW can now remember and reuse biomarker reporting decisions, including interpretations and reported treatment options. This functionality saves time and ensures consistency in reporting.

: Velsera's CGW can now remember and reuse biomarker reporting decisions, including interpretations and reported treatment options. This functionality saves time and ensures consistency in reporting. Facilitated Biomarker Interpretation : With automated draft interpretations, including for meaningful combinations of variants and for complex biomarkers, CGW accelerates the reporting process, enabling quicker signout.

: With automated draft interpretations, including for meaningful combinations of variants and for complex biomarkers, CGW accelerates the reporting process, enabling quicker signout. Highlighted Updates to Clinical Evidence : CGW calls attention to changes made since a laboratorys last encounter with the biomarker, ensuring clinicians stay up to date with the latest information.

: CGW calls attention to changes made since a laboratorys last encounter with the biomarker, ensuring clinicians stay up to date with the latest information. Reporting Comprehensive Molecular Results: CGW automatically matches content to complex biomarkers, such as combinations of variants and genomic signatures like tumor mutation burden and microsatellite instability. This feature simplifies the representation of comprehensive results in a single report.

Our team at Velsera is dedicated to continuously improving the clinical genomics workflow for broad adoption of clinical NGS-based diagnostics, said Rakesh Nagarajan, MD, PhD, chief medical officer at Velsera. We understand the challenges that clinical laboratories face. Our new clinical evidence review and reporting tools in CGW are designed to address those challenges head-on, making the interpretation of comprehensive molecular results faster and, ultimately, benefiting patients by enabling quicker, more targeted decision-making."

CGW is an all-in-one analysis and reporting tool for clinical NGS data, based on an industry-leading knowledgebase, robust clinical reporting and tailored lab services. Attendees at AMP 2023 can learn more about CGW and its full capabilities at the Velsera booth and by attending two insightful workshops:

Wednesday, Nov. 15

"Oncology Molecular Profiling at Weill Cornell Medicine: Implementation of Complementary NGS Assays, presented by James Solomon, PhD, MD, medical director at the Clinical Genomics Laboratory at Weill Cornell Medicine.

High Quality, Automated Oncology Omics Reporting with Velseras Knowledgebase, presented by Will Moller, director of product management at Velsera.

Learn more about Velseras activities at AMP 2023.

About Velsera

Velsera is the precision engine company. Launched in January 2023, we connect healthcare and life sciences to reveal the true promise of precision medicine -- a continuous flow of knowledge among researchers, scientists and clinicians around the world, creating insights that radically improve human health. For more information, visit www.velsera.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115536359/en/

Bill Taggart

Head of Brand & Communications

Velsera

[email protected]

510.846.2718

Source: Velsera
WhiteHawk acquired additional Marcellus Shale natural gas mineral and royalty assets for a total purchase price of $54.0 million

The acquisition increases WhiteHawks mineral and royalty ownership in its existing 475,000 gross acre position focused in Greene and Washington counties, Pennsylvania

WhiteHawks acquisition increases its Marcellus Shale assets by 100%

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- WhiteHawk Energy, LLC (WhiteHawk or the Company) announced today the acquisition of additional Marcellus Shale natural gas mineral and royalty assets for a total purchase price of $54.0 million. The acquisition increases WhiteHawks mineral and royalty ownership in its existing 475,000 gross acre position by 100% (collective with WhiteHawks existing position, the Marcellus Assets). WhiteHawks Marcellus Assets are primarily located in Washington and Greene counties, Pennsylvania, which represents some of the highest quality natural gas reserves in the United States.

These assets include all the ideal mineral and royalty attributes  diversified acreage positions in the core of well-established basins, operated by best-in-class companies, generating significant cash flow with no additional capital expenditures, stated Daniel C. Herz, Chief Executive Officer of WhiteHawk. Since acquiring our initial mineral and royalty interests in the Marcellus Assets in 2022, the assets have performed very well and we are pleased to increase our ownership under some of the best natural gas operators in the world.

WhiteHawks Marcellus Assets cover approximately 475,000 gross unit acres, with production from approximately 1,315 horizontal shale wells. Additionally, WhiteHawk owns mineral and royalty interests in 72 wells-in-progress, 64 permitted wells, and nearly 900 undeveloped Marcellus locations, with additional potential from the underlying Utica Shale. As a result of the acquisition, WhiteHawk will double its net revenue interest in each well across its Marcellus Assets. Approximately 95% of production, cash flow, and present value associated with the Marcellus Assets are operated by EQT Corporation (NYSE: EQT), Range Resources Corporation (NYSE: RRC) and CNX Resources Corporation (NYSE: CNX).

Earlier in 2023, WhiteHawk acquired natural gas mineral and royalty assets in the Haynesville Shale, covering approximately 375,000 gross unit acres. Combined, WhiteHawk currently owns interests in approximately 850,000 gross unit acres within core operating areas of the Marcellus Shale and Haynesville Shale, with interests in more than 2,550 producing horizontal wells. The Companys Haynesville Shale assets are actively being developed by Southwestern Energy, Chesapeake Energy, Aethon Energy Management and Comstock Resources. The Companys Marcellus Shale assets cover 475,000 gross unit acres focused in Greene and Washington counties, Pennsylvania, and are predominately operated by EQT, Range Resources, and CNX Resources. The diversified position benefits from sales points in both the Northeast and Gulf Coast regions with combined operator market capitalization of approximately $50 billion.

About WhiteHawk Energy

WhiteHawk Energy, LLC is focused on acquiring mineral and royalty interests in top tier natural gas resource plays, including the Haynesville and Marcellus Shales. The management team at WhiteHawk has successfully grown over $13 billion of minerals, midstream, and exploration and development companies over the last 20 years. Please visit www.whitehawkenergy.com for more information.

Advisors

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP acted as legal counsel to WhiteHawk.

For more information, please visit the Companys website at www.whitehawkenergy.com, or contact its corporate relations department at [email protected].

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain matters discussed within this press release are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be attained. The Company does not undertake any duty to update any statements contained herein (including any forward-looking statements), except as required by law. This document contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. The Company cautions readers that any forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future financial and operating results, resource potential, and the Companys plans, objectives, expectations, intentions and other statements that are not historical facts. Risks, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause actual results to materially differ from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those associated with general economic and business conditions; changes in government environmental policies and other environmental risks; the availability of drilling equipment and the timing of production; tax consequences of potential balance sheet and other transactions; and global health conditions, including the impact of COVID-19. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update such statements, except as may be required by applicable law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115446337/en/

Corporate Relations

[email protected]

Source: WhiteHawk Energy, LLC
The blockade of checkpoints on the border with Ukraine by far-right Polish carriers is costing the latter about 164 thousand euros in daily losses. However, Ukraine's losses are much higher, as they include the failure of companies to fulfill contracts and the suspension of production.

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This was reported by Iryna Kosse, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting. She noted that, according to the Ministry of Infrastructure, "about 20,000 cars remain blocked at the border due to the strike that began on November 6."

"There is only one checkpoint for trucks left on the border with Poland: 'Shehyni-Medica' (the rest allow only vehicles up to 7.5 tons). Given this, exports and imports of goods will be significantly hampered," Kosse stated.

What are Ukraine's losses

According to Oleksandr Kyryliuk, director of the international road transportation department at ZAMMLER group of logistics companies, 1 day of truck downtime costs Ukrainian carriers 300-350 euros. Kosse notes that according to the system's statistics, there was a queue in October, with an average of 1,140 trucks with cargo crossing Polish border crossing points per day. At the same time:

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The three currently blocked checkpoints allowed an average of 960 vehicles per day in October.

Another 285 vehicles per day left the other two checkpoints empty.

"Out of these 960 cars, some of them got their bearings in time, listened to the strike warning and went to other borders, some managed to get through, and some are now standing in line at the border. For example, on November 7-10, an average of 70 cars crossed the Yahodyn-Dorohusk checkpoint per day, while 270 and 74 cars crossed the Krakivets-Korchova and Rava-Ruska-Hrebenne checkpoints, respectively," the expert notes.

Thus, she summarizes, about 546 cars at these three checkpoints were unable to cross the border per day and got stuck in the queue. Multiplying this number by 300 euros, we get 164 thousand euros per day of direct damage in terms of downtime.

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"However, this is only the tip of the iceberg, as Ukrainian losses are not limited to those of carriers. The total amount of losses will be much higher, covering risks for businesses, exporters, and importers. Non-fulfillment of contracts and suspension of production become a mandatory part of this scenario," stated Kosse.

Poland will suffer the same losses

It is noteworthy that Poland is also facing problems. Moreover, according to Kosse, they are proportional to Ukraine's.

"Polish businesses will also suffer losses from this blockade. And it is possible that these losses are comparable to those of Ukraine," the expert summarized.

The border with Ukraine is blocked by a far-right party

Ukrainian carriers say that only one association of Polish carriers, which had previously been actively working with Russia, supported the border blockade. Polish politician and Ukrainophobe Rafa Mekler took over the political representation.

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His party has a small representation in the Sejm, representing the far right: they are against Poland's integration into the EU and in favor of limiting ties with Ukraine. However, the far right does not have much support in Poland (they have only 6 seats out of 460 in the parliament).

Rafa Mekler represents the far-right party Ruch Narodowy. He actively spreads Russian propaganda fakes about Ukraine and tells his voters about "Banderites." A few days after the outbreak of a full-scale war and the influx of Ukrainian refugees in Poland, he declared the "need to preserve the ethnic system."

Poles' demands are specific

At the same time, the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Mykola Solskyi emphasized that the blockade of the border was not organized by the Polish government but by "a specific association and a small number of carriers." Moreover, he noted, other associations of Polish carriers have a different position.

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According to him, the situation is complicated by the specific demands of the strikers. "It is difficult to find any constructive things there," the minister stated.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, due to the blocking of checkpoints on the border with Ukraine by far-right Polish carriers, drivers from Poland are forced to wait several days to enter our country. For example, at the Hrebenne checkpoint, they have to wait 125 hours, which is more than 5 days.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
MALTA, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Wright Electric and Axter Aerospace, leading innovators in electric aircraft technology, are thrilled to announce the successful completion of the maiden flights of their hybrid-electric crop duster aircraft, boasting 800 kW of combined shaft horsepower. This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone in the companies commitment to revolutionizing the aviation industry and reducing its environmental footprint. Wright also announced that its industry-leading electric propulsion unit has achieved 1.2 megawatts (MW) of peak shaft horsepower and 1.1 MW continuous power output.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114111644/en/

Wright Flight Test (Photo: Business Wire)

The hybrid-electric crop duster aircraft is the result of a collaborative effort between Wright Electric and its Spanish partner, Axter Aerospace. As they work together to refine the hybrid-electric crop duster aircraft, they are setting a new standard for environmentally responsible aerial agricultural and skydiving operations.

Key Highlights of the Hybrid-Electric Crop Duster Aircraft:

- 800 kW of Shaft Horsepower: The aircraft features a powerful electric propulsion system with 800 kW of combined shaft horsepower between the turbine engine and electric motor, offering unprecedented performance in the crop dusting industry.

- Environmentally Friendly: By leveraging electric propulsion, this aircraft significantly reduces emissions, ensuring a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional crop dusters.

- Comprehensive Sub-Component Testing: The test aircraft will be used to evaluate and refine critical sub-components such as inverters, motors, and batteries, advancing the technology and reliability of electric aviation systems.

Key Highlights of the Electric Propulsion Unit:

- 2 MW Electric Propulsion Unit: Designed to decarbonize the regional jet and large turboprop sectors.

- 10 kW/kg Power Density: Industry leading compact size and light weight.

- Tested to 1.2 MW: Building on Wrights announcement of achieving 1 MW at the Paris Air Show in June, now Wright has achieved 1.2 MW peak output and 1.1 MW continuous output.

Jeff Engler, CEO of Wright Electric, stated, "The successful maiden flight of our hybrid-electric crop duster aircraft marks a significant step forward in our mission to transform the aviation industry. We are excited about the possibilities that this technology presents and are grateful for our partnership with CT Axter Aerospace, which has been instrumental in making this project a reality."

Miguel Suarez, CEO of Axter Aerospace, added, "Our collaboration with Wright Electric signifies our commitment to pioneering environmentally responsible solutions in agricultural aviation. The hybrid-electric crop duster aircraft is a testament to our shared vision of creating cleaner, more sustainable alternatives for the future of agricultural operations. Together, we're redefining what's possible in the industry."

Jane Ashton, Director of Sustainability at easyJet, said, Not only will this be a monumental move for the agricultural sector, but successes like these are important for the aviation industry as a whole as we continue our work to develop and deploy a suite of technology solutions to decarbonize.

Wright Electric and Axter Aerospace are proud to be at the forefront of innovation in the aviation sector. This achievement is a testament to their dedication to advancing electric aviation and meeting the evolving needs of the industry. It also underlines their joint commitment to creating cleaner and more sustainable solutions for agriculture.

For more information about Wright Electric and its innovative projects, please visit https://www.weflywright.com/ or reach out to Jill Gottlieb at [email protected].

ABOUT WRIGHT: Wright Electric Inc. (Wright) is a U.S.-based company working to decarbonize the industries that are hardest to decarbonize. Wright focuses on three main areas: (1) propulsion systems for electric aircraft, (2) lightweight generators for industrial and defense applications, and (3) specialized energy storage solutions for the aerospace and defense industries. The company was founded in 2016 by a team of aerospace engineers, powertrain experts, and battery chemists. Wright works with airlines such as easyJet, and has development contracts with NASA, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Department of Energy ARPA-E. Wright has been funded through Y Combinator, Evergreen Climate Innovations, venture funds, and family offices. Please visit Wrights website at https://www.weflywright.com/.

About Axter Aerospace: Axter Aerospace is a European based company with proprietary technology of battery management systems and electric motor/generator controllers. Axter Aerospace provides power electronics and batteries solutions to Aerospace and Defense sectors. Axter Aerospace is an integral part of the CT family, a leading technological company that provides innovation and engineering services in the aeronautical, space, naval, automotive, rail, energy and industrial plants sectors. With over 35 years of experience, today CTs success is driven by more than 1,800 talented employees based in nine countries, spanning three continents. https://www.axteraerospace.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114111644/en/

Jill Gottlieb

[email protected]

Source: Wright Electric
FILE PHOTO: Oil pump jacks are seen at the Vaca Muerta shale oil and gas deposit in the Patagonian province of Neuquen, Argentina, January 21, 2019. REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian/File Photo

By Arathy Somasekhar

HOUSTON (Reuters) -Oil prices tumbled more than 1.5% on Wednesday on a bigger-than-expected rise in U.S. crude inventories and record production in the world's biggest producer, along with mounting worries about demand in Asia.

Brent futures settled down $1.29, or 1.6%, at $81.18 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) fell $1.60, or 2%, at $76.66.

WTI's front month contract was also lower than the second month, or in contango, for the first time since July. Prices for oil six months ahead also looked poised to rise above front month contract.

U.S. crude stocks rose by 3.6 million barrels last week to 421.9 million barrels, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), far exceeding analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 1.8 million-barrel rise. [EIA/S]

The weekly government data, which was not published last week due to systems upgrade, also showed U.S. crude production was holding at a record 13.2 million barrels per day that it hit in October.

"U.S. supply activity is headwind for the market, and U.S. is a problem for OPEC+," said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital LLC in New York, adding he does not think Saudi Arabia can cut more output to boost prices.

Top oil exporters Saudi Arabia and Russia, part of OPEC+, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies, said this month they would continue with their additional voluntary oil output cuts until year end.

U.S. gasoline stocks showed strong demand with a surprise draw of 1.5 million barrels last week. Diesel inventories fell more than expected at 1.4 million barrels.

The International Energy Agency on Tuesday joined OPEC in raising oil demand growth forecasts for this year, despite projections of slower economic growth in many major countries.

China's oil refinery throughput eased in October from the previous month's highs as industrial fuel demand weakened and refining margins narrowed. Still, its economic activity perked up in October as industrial output increased at a faster pace and retail sales growth beat expectations.

Japan's economy contracted in July-September, snapping two straight quarters of expansion on soft consumption and exports.

U.S. retail sales fell in October for the first time in seven months.

European Union diplomats said Russian oil tankers are not targeted in the European Commission's proposal for tightening implementation of a price cap on the country's crude oil.

Earlier, the Financial Times reported that Denmark will be tasked with inspecting and potentially blocking Russian tankers sailing through its waters under new EU plans as a way of enforcing a $60 per barrel price cap on Moscow's crude.

(Reporting by Arathy Somasekhar in Houston, Paul Carsten in London and Sudarshan Varadhan and Laura Sanicola; Editing by Marguerita Choy and David Gregorio)
CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CF) today announced the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (HSR Act), in connection with its previously announced agreement to purchase Incitec Pivot Limiteds (IPL) ammonia production complex located in Waggaman, Louisiana.

The expiration of the HSR Act waiting period was a condition to the closing of the pending transaction. CF Industries and IPL expect to complete the transaction effective December 1, 2023, subject to the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

Under the terms of the agreement, CF Industries will purchase the Waggaman ammonia plant and related assets for $1.675 billion. The companies will allocate approximately $425 million of the purchase price to a long-term ammonia offtake agreement under which CF Industries will supply up to 200,000 tons of ammonia per year to IPLs Dyno Nobel subsidiary at production economics. CF Industries expects to fund the remaining $1.25 billion of the purchase price with cash on hand.
Chegg, Inc. (NYSE: CHGG), the leading student-first connected learning platform, today announced that it has entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement (ASR) with Morgan Stanley Bank, National Association, to repurchase $150 million of Cheggs common stock.

Under the ASR, Chegg will make an initial payment of $150 million to Morgan Stanley Bank, National Association, and will receive an initial delivery of approximately 13.5 million shares of its common stock by November 15, 2023. The final number of shares to be repurchased will be based on the volume-weighted average price of Cheggs common stock during the term of the ASR, less a discount. The final settlement of the ASR is expected to occur by the second quarter of 2024.

We are excited about the opportunities before us and believe Chegg is in a great position to build the most impactful, AI-enabled, personal learning assistant for learners around the world, said Dan Rosensweig, CEO & President of Chegg, Inc. This accelerated share repurchase demonstrates our ability to generate strong free cash flow and our continued commitment to enhancing shareholder value.

The ASR transaction will be effectuated pursuant to Cheggs previously announced $2.2 billion securities repurchase program. As of October 31, 2023, $153.7 million remained available for future repurchases under this program and $3.7 million will remain available after completion of the ASR. There is no expiration date for the repurchase program, and it will continue until otherwise suspended, terminated or modified at any time for any reason by our board of directors.
Mallinckrodt (NYSE: MNK) (OTC: MNKTQ) has disclosed:

On November 14, 2023 (the Effective Date), the Plan and the Scheme of Arrangement became effective and the Debtors emerged from the Chapter 11 Cases and the Company emerged from the Irish examinership proceedings.

Additionally, on the Effective Date, the Company issued a press release announcing the consummation of the Plan and the emergence from the Chapter 11 Cases and the Irish examinership

proceedings. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference. The information contained in Exhibit 99.1 shall not be deemed to be filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), and shall not be incorporated by reference into any filings made by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), or the Exchange Act, except as may be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
Manulife Investment Management (NYSE: MFC) has signed an agreement to acquire multi-sector alternative credit manager CQS. Upon completion of the transaction, Manulife Investment Management will acquire the CQS credit platform and the CQS brand.

The acquisition of London -based CQS will give the clients of both Manulife Investment Management and CQS enhanced access to their complementary global investment solutions. Manulife Investment Management will retain CQS's rigorous investment philosophy and process and bring its differentiated capabilities to new investors while scaling its distribution footprint across broader client segments and geographies. CQS and its clients will benefit from Manulife Investment Management's strong capital base to continuously invest in the business and support growth across its strategies. The CQS credit platform has approximately US$13.5 billion in assets under management as of October 31, 2023 .

"We are pleased to enter into this agreement which we see as mutually beneficial to both firms as well for those who have been investing with CQS for decades," said Paul Lorentz , president and CEO, Manulife Investment Management. "CQS brings to our portfolio a proven investment process, robust performance, and expertise across market cycles, and a culture that has attracted both talent and flows into the firm. We are very excited for the opportunity as CQS's capabilities are a complement to our existing fixed income and multi-asset solutions business and a powerful addition to our global credit offering."

"In Manulife Investment Management we have found the optimal long-term partner. We share a client-focused culture, and the support of its strong platform and global distribution combined with the autonomy of our investment teams will ensure we continue to strive to deliver attractive long-term returns to our client base," said Soraya Chabarek , CEO, CQS. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Lord Hintze for the personal support and wise counsel he has given me as CEO. Over the last decade we have transformed CQS into a global alternative credit platform and this transaction is an exciting and important strategic step forward for our business, our clients, and our employees."

CQS is one of the most established names in alternative credit, having managed research-driven credit strategies for over two decades across multiple market cycles and geographies. CQS was founded in 1999 by Lord Hintze as a hedge fund manager, and under the leadership of Ms. Chabarek , who joined the firm in 2012, along with the Senior Partners Group that was formed in 2021, it has evolved into a multi-sector credit platform. Today, CQS offers alternative credit strategies including corporate credit (loans and bonds), asset backed securities (ABS), collateralized loan obligations (CLOs), regulatory capital, convertible bonds, and structured credit. It has ESG principles integrated throughout the organization and into the investment approach.

CQS will continue to be led by Ms. Chabarek and her fellow Senior Partners Craig Scordellis , CIO Credit, and Jason Walker , CIO ABS. Manulife Investment Management will acquire the CQS brand and intends to align it with the Manulife brand as a co-branded logo  Manulife | CQS Investment Management  where permitted.

Lord Hintze 's founder's hedge fund, the Directional Opportunities Fund, and certain related mandates are not included in the transaction. Lord Hintze will be forming his own firm under which he will continue to manage his fund on behalf of investors.

Lord Hintze said, "I'm delighted that CQS has found the right partner in Manulife Investment Management. It provides a long-term platform that will enable CQS to thrive as a leading alternative credit manager for years to come under Soraya's exceptionally able leadership. I will now focus full-time on running the Directional Opportunities Fund, an opportunity that I am excited about. I wish Soraya and the CQS team every success as they embark on this exciting new chapter."

The transaction is expected to close in early 2024 subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. At close, CQS will begin the process of integrating with Manulife Investment Management over time. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Piper Sandler & Company served as exclusive financial advisor and Simmons & Simmons LLP served as legal counsel to CQS in this transaction.
TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) (the Company) today announced the next step in its ongoing, multi-year transformation effort to optimize its operating model and advance its market-leading technology. The Company will transition additional roles to its successful Global Capability Centers (GCCs) to improve productivity, reduce costs and fund growth. TransUnion will also leverage Neustars cloud-native technology to create its next-generation integrated data management, identity resolution, analytics and delivery platform. The Company believes these actions will reduce costs, accelerate innovation and increase organic growth.

The Company expects to deliver $120 to $140 million of annualized operating expense savings and a $70 to $80 million capital expenditure reduction in 2026 relative to 2023 levels. Approximately half of the operating expense savings, which exclude depreciation and amortization, are expected to be realized in 2024.

This initiative encompasses two components:

Optimize Operating Model: TransUnion established its award-winning GCC network in 2018 to centralize, standardize and automate work in locations with deep talent pools. Since then, the network has grown to more than 4,000 employees, or about one-third of TransUnions employee base, in India, South Africa and Costa Rica, supporting a wide range of functions. The Company plans to transition additional roles to the GCC locations over the course of the next two years, driving material cost savings and productivity benefits. In addition, the Company plans to eliminate roles in the near-term to further reduce operating expenses.

Expand Technology Capabilities: TransUnion expects to successfully complete its cloud migration, called Project Rise, by the end of 2024 as planned. This initiative migrates the majority of TransUnions technology applications to a new software foundation within leading public clouds. TransUnion intends to further leverage Neustars state-of-the-art technology to streamline its product delivery platforms, achieve material savings and increase innovation velocity. This new, integrated product platform, branded OneTruTM, will provide customers with seamless access to TransUnions broad portfolio of data, solutions and capabilities for more rapid product development and commercialization.

Todays announcement reflects our continued focus on creating shareholder value. We believe these investments will help optimize our global operating model and enhance our market-leading technology to reduce costs, accelerate innovation and drive growth. Im excited about TransUnions direction and believe that these changes enhance our ability to deliver even more innovative solutions that help customers grow and protect their businesses, said Chris Cartwright, President and CEO, TransUnion. To capture the benefits, TransUnion expects to incur approximately $355 to $375 million of one-time pre-tax expenses, with the majority incurred by the end of 2024. Employee separation and facility exit costs are expected to make up approximately $155 million of the total. The remaining expense includes approximately $65 million already planned and communicated to complete Project Rise plus approximately $145 million to implement OneTruTM and optimize the operating model.

Capital expenditures are expected to increase to 9 percent of revenue in 2024 and return to 8 percent in 2025. In 2026 and going forward, the Company expects capital expenditures to be 6 percent of revenue.

Altogether, the program is expected to impact approximately 10 percent of the Companys current workforce through relocation to the GCC locations and position eliminations. TransUnion expects to make these investments while continuing to prioritize debt prepayment with a targeted net leverage ratio of 3.0x.

While these changes involve difficult decisions, they strengthen TransUnion and create an opportunity to extract more value from our recent acquisitions. As a leadership team, we recognize that many talented TransUnion colleagues will be impacted by these decisions and we are committed to supporting them through this transition, said Cartwright.

The transformation program will be implemented with a focus on maintaining operational continuity and high levels of service to consumers, customers and partners.

As previously announced, Chris Cartwright will present at the J.P. Morgan Ultimate Services Investor Conference on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 8:10 a.m. CT (9:10 a.m. ET). A live webcast of the presentation will be made available on the TransUnion Investor Relations website at http://www.transunion.com/tru. A replay will also be available on the Companys website following the conclusion of the presentation.
Shares of Advance Auto Parts (NYSE: AAP) fell nearly 5% in early trading Wednesday after posting mixed third quarter results, lowering its FY guidance, announcing a new CFO, and initiating separate sale processes for Worldpac and Canadian businesses.

Third quarter net sales rose 2.9% to $2.7 billion, which modestly beat the consensus of $2.68 billion. Comparable store sales increased by 1.2%. The company reported a loss of ($0.86) per share, versus the consensus of $1.44.

The company lowered the top end of its next sales guidance for the year and its EPS guidance. They now see net sales of $11.25-$11.3 billion, versus the prior of $11.25-$11.35 billion. They see comparable store sales of (0.5%)-0.%, versus its prior outlook for (0.5%)-0.5%. For EPS, they see $1.40-$1.80, versus its prior outlook of $4.50-$5.10.

Tony Iskander, interim chief financial officer, said, Based on our year-to-date results and current business trends, we are adjusting our previously provided full year outlook ranges. Our updates include the impact of non-recurring expenses in Q3 as well as continued pressure in Q4 from higher product costs that we do not expect to offset with price. We are taking significant steps to improve our cost structure and remain focused on returning the business to profitable growth.

In addition, Advance Auto Parts said it is initiating separate sale processes for Worldpac as well as its Canadian business.

Worldpac, a premier distributor in the automotive industry, specializes in providing original equipment and aftermarket parts for a wide range of vehicle makes and models. Renowned for its cutting-edge technology, extensive catalog, diverse product brands, and top-notch training programs, Worldpac stands out in its field. In Canada, the company primarily caters to commercial clients and operates under the Carquest brand.

The company has engaged Centerview Partners to assist in the sale processes.

The company also announced the appointment of Ryan Grimsland as executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective November 27, 2023. Tony Iskander, who has served as interim chief financial officer since August 2023 will continue in his role as senior vice president, finance and treasurer.

By StreetInsider.com Staff
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alpha Lithium Corporation (NEO: ALLI) (OTC: APHLF) (German WKN: A3CUW1) ("Alpha") or the (Company) is pleased to report that its interim consolidated financial statements and associated managements discussion and analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 have been filed under the Companys profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

The Company also advises that, pursuant to the planned transition of management following the expiry of Tecpetrol Investments S.L.'s board-recommended offer to acquire all of the common shares of Alpha for $1.48 in cash per share, Brad Nichol has resigned from his role as President and CEO of the Company. Jorge Dimopulos, Director and Chairman of Alpha will replace Mr. Nichol as Interim CEO. Further, Juan Jose Mata, Director of the Company, will replace Nathan Steinke as Interim CFO.

Brad Nichol, former Director, President & CEO of Alpha stated, I am immensely proud of what the Alpha team has accomplished during my tenure as President & CEO. I am grateful to, and thankful for the support of, Alphas shareholders throughout this journey. Going forward, Mr. Nichol may be reached at https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-nichol-7a986329a/.

The Company thanks Messrs. Nichol and Steinke for their years of dedicated service to the Company, and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.

About Alpha Lithium (NEO: ALLI) (OTC: APHLF) (German WKN: A3CUW1)

Alpha Lithium is a team of industry professionals and experienced stakeholders focused on the development of the Tolillar and Hombre Muerto Salars. In Tolillar, we have assembled 100% ownership of what may be one of Argentina's last undeveloped lithium salars, encompassing 27,500 hectares (67,954 acres), neighboring multi-billion-dollar lithium players in the heart of the renowned "Lithium Triangle". In Hombre Muerto, we continue to expand our 5,000+ hectare (12,570 acres) foothold in one of the world's highest quality, longest producing, lithium salars. Other companies in the area exploring for lithium brines or currently in production include Allkem Ltd., Livent Corporation, and POSCO in Salar del Hombre Muerto; Orocobre in Salar Olaroz; Eramine SudAmerica S.A. in Salar de Centenario; and Gangfeng and Lithium Americas in Salar de Cauchari.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward looking information". Forward-looking information is not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events and is therefore subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "plans", "expects", "intends" or variations of such words, and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.

Although Alpha believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and have been based on information and assumptions that may prove to be inaccurate, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking information and such factors and assumptions are based on information currently available to Alpha, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the beliefs and opinions of Alpha at the time the information is given, and there should be no expectation that this forward- looking information will be updated or supplemented as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, and Alpha expressly disclaims any obligation to do so except as required by applicable law.

For more information:Alpha Lithium Investor Relations Tel: +1 844 592 6337[email protected] www.alphalithium.com

Source: Alpha Lithium Corp
Amplifires entry into accounting and professional services brings advanced, brain science-powered training and next-generation content development to forward-thinking firms.

Boulder, Colorado, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amplifire announces its entry into the Accounting and Professional Services vertical to revolutionize learning and development. The Amplifire platform combines advanced brain science with adaptive learning algorithms, resulting in training that is designed to meet professional regulatory requirements in less time, enabling firms to blend compliance with competence. Required training can be transformed into learning that translates to measurable performance improvement with a wealth of personalized insights and learner analytics. With a track record of success helping over 25 leading health systems in the US achieve successful learning outcomes that include cost reduction, time efficiency, skill proficiency, and improved patient care, Amplifire is now expanding its revolutionary training model to accounting and professional services.

Amplifire emerges as a comprehensive training solution for innovators in the profession to stay ahead of the curve. Firms leverage the Amplifire platform to meaningfully improve professional performance and reduce training time and cost. Firms can also elect to join the Accounting & Professional Services Alliance, a collaborative model centered around content development. All firms have access to the platforms new artificial intelligence (AI) content capabilities, making exceptional instructional design accessible, fast, and easy. Its been a true privilege to partner with Amplifire in bringing this transformative technology to our accounting firm clients, exclaims Lisa Chamberlain, CRO at LCvista.

The founding partners and members, who were instrumental in launching the Alliance and demonstrate unique initiative in the profession, include: LCvista, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), The California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA), Eide Bailly, BPM LLP, Cohen & Co, Sax LLP, Spiirall, Withum, and Rea & Associates. Furthermore, Ann Lerner, former managing director at Deloitte, has joined Amplifire to lead the Accounting & Professional Services vertical.

Bob Burgin, CEO of Amplifire, expresses, It has been an honor to collaborate with such a passionate group of firms and their learning leadership to develop this new Alliance. Together, we will have a big impact on the profession as a whole.

We embrace innovation to fuel our aspiration of becoming a firm of the future, and we view our partnership with Amplifire as one way to transform how we adapt learning to meet our colleagues needs, says Heather Esposito, Director of Learning and Development at BPM LLP.

The Amplifire adaptive platform is reshaping the landscape for tax, audit, and professional services firms, offering an unparalleled opportunity for growth and excellence. For further insights and information, please reach out to Rebecca Kaufman at [email protected].

About Amplifire

Amplifire is a next-generation adaptive learning platform with more than four billion learner interactions and is an innovator in high-stakes workforce training for critical roles. The Amplifire platform harnesses advances in cognitive and learning science to create personalized learning and drive successful outcomes. The platforms adaptive algorithm guides millions of learners to mastery across healthcare, government, military, food service, corporate, and education segments, providing unique learner analytics that offer valuable insights.

Attachment
Another eruption of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, took place on the Italian island of Sicily. This is not the first time in 2023. The volcano does not pose a strong threat to local residents and tourists. However, people still have to suffer from ash emissions, which settle in the surrounding areas. This causes problems with transportation and may close the airport in the Sicilian city of Catania.

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The news of the volcanic eruption certainly scares potential travelers. If you were planning a vacation in Catania and eastern Sicily, you probably started to doubt the safety of this idea. The Euronews portal answered whether tourists should be worried.

How often does Mount Etna erupt?

Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in Europe, and it has been in an almost constant state of activity over the past decade. Eruptions can occur several times a year and even within a month.

In 2021, in just six months, Etna ejected so much volcanic material that it grew in height by almost 30 meters. This year, there have already been several eruptions, including in May and August, and now in November.

For the most part, Etna's explosions are classified as low-level volcanic activity. That is, most eruptions do not pose a threat to those living in the area. Among the "side effects" are ash plumes, lava spouts, and weak magma explosions, which are nevertheless impressive. However, the volcano has caused considerable damage in the past. For example, in 2002, lava destroyed shops, hotels, and restaurants in the Piano Provenzana area.

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The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology of Italy reported that the height of the eruption column on the night of November 12 is estimated at about 4,500 meters above sea level.

Is it safe to visit Etna?

As we have already noted, Etna is considered a safe volcano. Most of the time, the biggest inconvenience is the ash that covers the surrounding cities during eruptions. It also causes the Catania airport to close from time to time, as it did earlier this week and in May of this year. However, it is now operating as usual. However, problems with the operation of ground transportation still remain unresolved.

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The volcano is under intensive monitoring. The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology of Catania has a system of cameras, sensors, computers and human control on site that record and report tremors in real time.

There were episodes in history when a volcano seriously harmed people and cities around it. In addition to the case in 2002 mentioned above, we can also recall 1928. Back then, Etna literally wiped out the entire city of Mascali. And in the 1990s, the lava that came to the surface threatened the city of Zafferana-Etnea, and it had to be diverted by digging canals.

The Go Etna tour company advises visitors to Etna during the "quiet" period to always go with a local guide or agency. They also recommend that tourists inform the hotel or guesthouse where they are staying about their itinerary.

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Is it possible to visit Etna during an eruption?

Speaking about the current state of affairs, there are many hiking trails that are laid out at a sufficient distance from the summit and the craters where explosions occur. That is, you can visit Etna even during the eruption period, as volcanic activity is at a low level.

Experts say that it is a fascinating experience, and some guides organize tours at night, specifically to admire the "fiery light show." However, you should realize that independent tours are strictly prohibited. Without knowing all the nuances, travelers can put themselves in danger.

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On the night of August 13, the most active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna, erupted on the east coast of Sicily. As a result, the streets of the city of Catania were covered with ash, and transportation was paralyzed.

The previous powerful eruption of Mount Etna took place in May 2023. As a result of the natural phenomenon, cities in Sicily were covered with ash.

OBOZ.UA also wrote that another eruption of Mount Etna caused disruption of transportation. Read what scientists say here.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
TORONTO and MELBOURNE, Australia, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Banxa Holdings Inc. (TSXV: BNXA) (OTCQX: BNXAF) (FSE: AC00) ("Banxa" or the "Company") announces an update on the audit from the Companys audit firm, PKF Antares (PKF). PKF has notified Banxa that the audit is moving to the final review stage with Senior Partners of the firm. PKF has provided a revised timeline to complete this final review process and it is anticipated to be completed by December 3, 2023.

This revised timeline is tentative due to PKF having challenged Banxas revenue recognition policy as it relates to revenue recognized on an agency basis. Banxa is fully committed to ensuring all its accounting policies are sound and as such has engaged an independent third party to review its revenue recognition policy which has caused the additional delay in closing this years audit. Banxa is in the process of compiling supporting documentation to defend its agency revenue recognition policy. Banxas agency revenue recognition policy has been in place for the past four years. The outcome of Banxas agency revenue recognition policy review does not have an impact on the financial statements beyond revenue and cost of sale. Gross profit and net income will remain unchanged, regardless.

Banxa and PKF are diligently working to finalize the audit as soon as November 30, 2023. This is still well within the deadline provided by the British Columbia Securities Commission of December 29, 2023. Banxa will continue to update the market on a bi-weekly frequency on the audits progress.

Although this delay is frustrating, it does not dim in any way Banxas tremendous future prospects. Accounting conventions for crypto are complex and still being shaped, a reality faced by publicly traded companies in the industry. Banxa and PKF are committed to completing a thorough audit, which is critical for instilling confidence into all our stakeholders heading into 2024 and beyond, said Director and Head of Corporate Affairs, Zafer Qureshi.

CONTACTS

Investors:Zafer Qureshi[email protected]

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORSPer: "Holger AriansHolger Arians = Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (1-888-218-6863)

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 Information

This press release contains statements including forward-looking information (Forward-looking statements). Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the date of the Meeting. In making the forward-looking statements in this release, the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable, including that the Company will hold the Meeting on the expected date. However, the forward-looking statements in this release are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Such uncertainties and risks may include, among others that the Company will hold the Meeting on the expected date. 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. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Source: Banxa Holdings Inc.
Orlando, FL, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Biostax Corp (OTC Pink: BTAX) (Biostax), a hub and spoke biotech development engine, announces the appointment of Influential Business Leader Roger Craig Suro.

Renowned Virginia native, Mr. Suro, has emerged as a driving force in the realms of business innovation, public policy, and community revitalization. With an extensive background in business development and public service, Mr. Suro has continually spearheaded transformative initiatives that have left a lasting impact on Virginia's economic landscape.

In welcoming Mr. Suro, the Companys CEO, Noreen Griffin, remarked, "We are thrilled to have Craig join our team. His remarkable track record in driving capital, innovation, and funding for transformative projects is unparalleled. His expertise will undoubtedly amplify our company's growth trajectory. With Craig on board, we anticipate a surge in innovation, unparalleled opportunities for our company, and increased funding avenues that will propel us to new heights of success."

Mr. Suro's journey began as Virginias Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Resources under the office of Secretary Jane Woods where he exhibited exceptional leadership in policy coordination, legislative affairs, and relationship building with state healthcare agencies. His expertise in healthcare policies laid the foundation for his venture into the private sector, where he co-founded Caretime LLC in 2010. This private healthcare software company, under Mr. Suro's guidance, achieved remarkable success, experiencing an average annual revenue growth of 52%. Caretime's innovative solutions empowered healthcare providers across 26 states in detecting fraud within Medicaid- and Medicare-funded home healthcare services.

Recognized for his entrepreneurial acumen, Mr. Suro ventured into the aquaculture industry in 2014, founding the not-for profit, Tangier Island Oyster Company. His vision revitalized the economy of Tangier Island, providing over 1 million premium brand oysters annually to select restaurants creating a range of new employment opportunities and establishing a sustainable market for premium oysters.

In recent years, Mr. Suro's focus has shifted towards the burgeoning field of Biotechnology. Collaborating with leading companies in the Richmond/Petersburg region, he has been instrumental in driving innovative drug research and manufacturing projects. His consultancy work ensures that these initiatives maximize growth, fostering synergies that benefit communities, national safety, and public health.

Mr. Suro's dedication to community development is reflected in his service on several boards and committees. He serves on the Greater Richmond YMCA Board and currently volunteers on the Property and Facilities committee. Presently, he serves on the HCA Central Division Region Market Advisory Committee, the Community Board for Blue Ridge Bank, and the Board of Trustees for The Steward School.

With a legacy marked by innovation, collaboration, and community empowerment, Craig Suro continues to shape Virginia's future. His dynamic approach and visionary leadership make him a driving force behind transformative change, leaving an indelible mark on businesses, communities, and industries alike.

About Biostax

Biostax is an innovative biopharmaceutical company that acquires and develops immune restoration pharmaceutical and medical technology (MedTech) products with a well -defined path to market. We use a hub-and-spoke business model, where the parent company (hub) holds a centralized management and administrative team, and each subsidiary (spoke) operates a specialized development team focused on individual product pipelines.

Where Biostax has a diversity of product pipelines that will provide revenue while reducing risk, our goal is to develop new therapies that provide disease remission by restoring immune balance for patients with autoimmune, inflammatory, and infectious diseases without suppressing their immune system. Restoring homeostasis or balance to the immune system is the first step to a cure by improving patients lives in chronic illness caused by immune dysfunction and inflammation. www.biostaxcorp.com

Forward Looking Statement

This press release may contain information about our views of future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based on managements beliefs, assumptions, and expectations of Immunes future economic performance, considering the information currently available to it. These statements are not statements of historical fact. Although Immune believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be attained. Immune does not undertake any duty to update any statements contained herein (including any forward-looking statements), except as required by law. No assurances can be made that Immune will successfully acquire its acquisition targets. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of factors, risks, and uncertainties, some of which are not currently known to us, that may cause Immunes actual results, performance, or financial condition to be materially different from the expectations of future results, performance, or financial position. Actual results may differ materially from the expectations discussed in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include general industry considerations, regulatory review and approval of our prospective products, changes in local or national economic conditions and other risks set forth in Risk Factors included in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this press release is intended for general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Biostax Contact:

Noreen M. Griffin

Chief Executive Officer

[email protected]
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Baldwin & Obenauf, Inc. (BNO) announces its intent to renew its Old City Philadelphia office lease, extending the creative agencys commitment to the city for the next seven years. This decision underscores BNO's dedication to investing in the Philadelphia community as it continues to rebound from the challenges posed by the global pandemic.

For nearly a decade, BNO has called Philadelphia its home, formerly as the Garfield Group, while also proudly serving clients from its two other locations in Somerville, New Jersey, and Saint Petersburg, Florida. BNO's Old City lease renewal signifies a strong vote of confidence in Philadelphia's potential and reaffirms BNO's unwavering commitment to the regions they serve. In fact, Philadelphia is the headquarters for the agencys public relations team, which has grown exponentially in recent years.

"We have deep roots in Philadelphia, and our love for this city runs deep, says Trista Walker, President & CEO, who also serves on the board and executive committee of Jefferson Health/Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphias largest healthcare organization, and is a new member of YPO (Young Presidents' Organization) and YPO Philadelphia. Im incredibly optimistic about our future here. Philadelphians are well-known for their ability to best adversity. Were here, sleeves rolled up, excited to be a part of the citys recovery alongside the Old City community.

BNO's presence in Philadelphias Historic District has contributed to the neighborhoods vibrant, creative scene, and their decision to renew their lease exemplifies their commitment to playing an active role in the city's revival.

As Philadelphia rebuilds and looks toward a brighter future post-pandemic, BNO stands firmly as a dedicated partner, fostering growth, creativity, and community in the heart of the city.

About Baldwin & Obenauf, Inc. (BNO)BNO is a full-service creative agency with a unique model that blends CX expertise with high-end brand creative designed to influence consumers, businesses, and employees. BNO helps clients develop relevant and meaningful brand connections and helps global brand leaders and talent acquisition executives attract and engage best-fit candidates. Headquartered in Somerville, NJ, BNO has remained proudly independent, smartly strategic, and fearlessly creative for more than 40 years. For more information, visit https://bnoinc.com/.

Media Contact:Sarah Johndrow[email protected]

Source: BNO
Clinical trial data from a multi-national, double-blinded trial of FT011 being developed for the treatment of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting 2023 (ACR Convergence)

FT011 was safe and well tolerated; clinically meaningful improvement in patients with scleroderma over placebo in both treatment arms after 12 weeks

Transcriptomic analysis confirmed positive impact of FT011 on fibrosis disease gene signature

Patients in the open label extension show that clinical benefits continue beyond 19 months

Preparations for a global pivotal trial of FT011 as a treatment for scleroderma are advancing

MELBOURNE, Australia, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Certa Therapeutics (Certa), a biotechnology company developing innovative precision therapies for patients with inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, announces the presentation of results of its Phase 2 clinical trial of FT011 in patients with scleroderma at ACR Convergence 2023, the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Rheumatology being held in San Diego, California (10  15 November 2023).

The positive clinical trial data was presented by study investigator Professor Chris Denton MD (University College London, UK), describing that treatment with FT011 for 12 weeks resulted in a clinically meaningful improvement in 60% of patients treated with FT011 400mg (p = 0.019 vs. placebo) and 20% of patients in the FT011 200mg group compared with 10% in the placebo group.1,2

The multi-national, double-blinded trial recruited a total of 30 adults who were randomly assigned to 3 treatment arms: oral FT011 400mg or FT011 200mg or placebo once daily, in addition to standard of care, for 12 weeks. In totality, treatment with FT011 led to significant improvements across multiple efficacy measures, including the American College of Rheumatology Combined Response Index in diffuse cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis (CRISS) score3, skin thickness (defined by the modified Rodnan Skin Score, mRSS), lung function (%FVC), physician-reported assessment and quality of life evaluations.

The study safety profile demonstrated that FT011 was safe and well tolerated, with no differences in adverse event (AE) rates between the treatment arms. There were no serious AEs reported in the study, nor any AEs resulting in study drug interruption, withdrawal or discontinuation.

Transcriptomic analysis was conducted from skin biopsy samples to investigate changes to gene signatures over the clinical trial. These transcriptomic results indicated that the systemic fibrotic disease gene signature is modulated after 12 weeks, with an increased fibrosis signature score in the placebo group but significantly, a decrease in the same fibrosis signature score following FT011 400mg treatment. This suggests that FT011 may have a positive effect for scleroderma patients by reducing the inflammation and fibrosis associated with the disease.

Initial results from an ongoing open label extension phase of the trial were also presented, where a subset of patients who completed the main study (up to week 12) elected to remain on FT011 400 mg treatment for up to an additional 24 months. Encouragingly, this open label extension indicates that FT011 continues to be safe and well tolerated, with clinical benefit for the scleroderma patients observed over the 19 months of therapy.

Professor Denton, a leading rheumatologist and Joint Director of the Centre for Rheumatology, Royal Free Hospital, London and Professor of Experimental Rheumatology at University College London, said The Phase 2 trial demonstrates promising efficacy and safety data for FT011 after 12 weeks of treatment and certainly warrants a further study to assess the potential of FT011 to improve clinical outcomes for scleroderma patients. These results are very encouraging for the scleroderma community and a significant step towards helping patients with this debilitating disease.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently granted Orphan Drug Designation for its investigational therapy FT011 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).4

Certa is progressing preparations toward a pivotal clinical trial of FT011 as a treatment for scleroderma. Supported by global clinical experts, the clinical trial design and associated development plans will be discussed with the FDA in early-2024, with complementary scientific advice sought from the EMA mid-2024. The company intends to start the pivotal study in late-2024.

Professor Dinesh Khanna MD, Frederick G.L. Huetwell Professor of Rheumatology and Director, Scleroderma Program at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI, USA), a global expert in the clinical development of novel therapeutics for scleroderma, said, The mechanism of action for FT011 offers an important point of difference for the scleroderma research field as the upstream inhibition of inflammation and fibrosis may offer meaningful clinical outcomes. It is important to advance safe and effective treatments through clinical development, given the limited therapeutic options for scleroderma patients. I look forward to collaborating with the company in the FT011 development program ahead.

Certa Therapeutics CEO and founder Professor Darren Kelly said, We are pleased to have these exceptional clinical trial results presented to the scientific community at ACR Convergence, with FT011 demonstrating clinically important differences in multiple efficacy measures on top of standard of care in a short treatment timeframe. It is imperative that effective, safe, and well-tolerated therapeutics are efficiently developed, and which are truly beneficial for a scleroderma patient's quality of life.

Professor Darren Kelly added, Scleroderma is a debilitating and life-threatening condition, and extremely complex in the way that the disease manifests itself in patients. As the biological mechanism by which FT011 works precisely targets the root cause of fibrosis, we believe that FT011 is notably differentiated from previously unsuccessful clinical candidates. With the benefit of input from world-leading experts in the field, we are highly focused on advancing the clinical development program for FT011 towards the pivotal efficacy study.

1. C Denton, W Stevens, N Kruger, M Papadimitriou, F Khong, M Bradney, D Kelly, R Lafyatis FT011 for the Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis. Results from a Phase II Study ACR Convergence 2023, abstract 2593

View at - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/ft011-for-the-treatment-of-systemic-sclerosis-results-from-a-phase-ii-study/

(Presentation Time: Nov 15 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM PST (San Diego); Nov 16 06:00  06:15 AM AEDT Melbourne)

2. A formal sample size calculation for efficacy endpoints was not conducted for this study.

3. D Khanna, et al., Arthritis Rheumatol. 2016; 68(2): 299311. doi:10.1002/art.39501

4. https://certatherapeutics.com/certa-therapeutics-ft011-granted-us-fda-orphan-drug-designation-for-the-treatment-of-systemic-sclerosis/

For further information please contact

Media  AustraliaKirrily Davis, E: [email protected] M: +61 (0)401 220228

Media - InternationalSue Charles, Charles Consultants E: [email protected] M: +44 (0)7968 726585

About Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma) Scleroderma is an extremely debilitating, potentially life-threatening autoimmune condition characterised by inflammation and fibrosis of the skin and other organs (commonly the lungs, kidneys, and heart). This condition results in high morbidity with substantial detriment to quality of life, with patients commonly experiencing loss of mobility and function, pain, and fatigue, often accompanied with a significant impact to their mental health. Scleroderma has the highest mortality among rheumatic diseases, associated with a 2.5-fold higher risk of mortality than the general population.

About the Phase 2 study

A Phase II, randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled study of the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamic effects and safety of oral FT011 doses in participants with diffuse systemic sclerosis (SSc) ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04647890

About Certa Therapeutics & FT011Certa Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on improving lives by treating patients with debilitating diseases via novel targeted therapies. Since its inception in 2018, Certa has secured over $28m from Australian investors Brandon Biocatalyst and Uniseed.

FT011 is a novel, first-in-class oral therapy for the treatment of chronic fibrosis in multiple organs. It targets a previously important but undrugged membrane GPCR receptor with an extensive body of data demonstrating promising efficacy in multiple models of fibrotic disease. Transcriptomic research has demonstrated that treatment with FT011 results in reversal in the activation of genetic markers associated with fibrosis, providing potential for precision therapy.

These targeted drug candidates have established proof of concept as potential treatments for multiple fibrotic diseases including serious and chronic conditions impacting the kidney, lung, eye, skin, and heart. The morbidity and mortality impact of fibrotic diseases is substantial, ultimately causing 45% of all deaths globally.

Certa Therapeutics seeks to combine these innovative therapeutics with biomarkers and genetic analysis to identify those patients most likely to benefit from treatment. Significant breakthroughs are urgently needed in this field, addressing a global market worth more than US$15B annually.

FT011 is an investigational product that has not received marketing authorisation or approval by any regulatory agency, including the US Food and Drug Administration, the European Medicines Agency, or the Australian Therapeutic Goods Agency. The investigational drug products being developed by Certa Therapeutics are undergoing clinical studies to evaluate their safety and effectiveness in humans.

https://certatherapeutics.com/Follow us on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/certa-therapeutics/

Source: Certa Therapeutics
Bautzen, Germany, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Hagen Thiers

From humble beginnings to world-renowned brand, Hagen Thiers and Waveguard have established themselves as pioneers in protecting the public from the harmful effects that are emitted from numerous forms of technology such as WIFI and 5G. The company has made a lasting impact on the lives of over 125,000 customers in 45 countries.

As of 2020 Waveguard became the world market leader in the radiation protection industry, having achieved remarkable success through a journey of self-discovery that began with a personal search for relief from health issues caused by mobile phone radiation. The founder, Hagen Thier, began his journey to find solutions for those affected by electromagnetic fields and has since established Waveguard as a successful business, providing services to those with electrosensitivity around the world.

Thiers' story is one of resilience, which is reflected in his journey of three years hitchhiking across Europe. After experiencing for multiple months a digital detox, without cell phone reception, electricity, or even running water in a national park within Finland. After returning to the city or normal life, Thiers was all the more encouraged to bring this healthy environment to people living in the big city, as not everyone can live in the great outdoors.

It was this experience that sparked his lifelong passion for creating shield solutions. Waveguards origins were never about making money or building a business; it was born from a passion for solving the electrosensitive problems that plague people around the world.

Everyone is affected by this radiation but some more so than others. Many people around the world suffer from ailments such as headaches, sleeping disorders, and hormonal disbalances. These people have never been diagnosed with electrosensitivity and struggle because they are electrosensitive, they just never knew.

Hagen Thiers

The company's growth, unlike traditional startups, was not fueled by external investments or loans but by hard work, dedication, and self-financing. Thiers' commitment to legitimacy led to partnerships with legal experts and electromagnetic field analysts, culminating in Waveguard's approval in 2014 for harmonizing magnetic fields and radiation. This marked the beginning of a decade-long journey dedicated to improving the quality of life for electrosensitive individuals.

Waveguard's success of having over 125,000 customers in 45 countries is a sign of their dedication to delivering real solutions. Thiers admits that there's a lot of skepticism about the industry when it comes to what it takes to succeed. He proudly asserts, "We were investigating the principle of action, eight years before the University of Athene released a paper about its workingsa significant breakthrough."

Beyond the numbers, the companys success can be attributed to the world's first groundbreaking study on 5Gs impact on human cells. As a pioneer in the field, Thiers stresses the importance of understanding the potential risks of electromagnetic fields. Thiers research, which includes studies on wound healing, establishes Waveguard as a pioneer in safer solutions in the age of 5G.

Waveguards products, such as the Qi Shield, Qi Home, and more, are designed to meet the unique needs of those with electrosensitivity. The companys founder, Mr. Thiers, shares his personal experiences with people with severe sensitivities, and the companys mission to make a difference in their lives. Whether youre looking for a portable Qi Shield or a Qi Home for a larger living space, the goal is to empower these individuals to protect themselves from the radiation that can not turn off themselves, like the WIFI routers in their neighbors homes.

Waveguard has recently been awarded the Invention of the year award by the association of european inventors. This award once again highlights the effect that Waveguards products are having on the world, and solidifies them as a leader in the industry. Hagen continues to focus on the companys mission. He urges users to make small lifestyle changes, like wearing wired headsets and turning devices off at night, to protect themselves from electromagnetic radiation. I believe in the power of consciousness and the role of the individual in protecting their health, Thiers says. Im now looking forward to networking with companies in the health industry to expand my reach.

Media Contact

Name: Hagen Thiers

Email: [email protected]

Source: Waveguard
KUFSTEIN, Austria, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Praxmarer has been an integral part of the Tyrolean company Single Use Support, which was founded in 2016, for almost five years and is now taking over the position from co-founder Thomas Wurm. The latter is withdrawing from the operational business and will act as a strategic consultant in the future.

The successful recipe for management with two CEOs will now be continued with co-founder Johannes Kirchmair and Christian Praxmarer. Kirchmair knows that the company is in good hands: "The choice was very easy. Christian Praxmarer will work with the entire team to drive forward the company's successful further development." Praxmarer adds: "My aim is to use the previous successes as a fundamental basis for further successful company growth."

Further Information: www.susupport.com

Job Opportunities: jobs.susupport.com

Michael Eder[email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e5a2d519-0d31-40ab-9e58-5b4344498fd4

Johannes Kirchmair and Christian Praxmarer form CEO duo at Single Use Support Former Managing Director and COO Christian Praxmarer will become the new CEO of Single Use Support on November 15, 2023. Together with co-founder Johannes Kirchmair, he will now form the top management of the successful Tyrolean company.

Source: Single Use Support
Panama City, Panama, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a move that promises to alter the way users engage with digital media, Flickrz is excited to launch its "Enjoy and Earn" (E&E) strategy. This innovative approach is designed to transform user interaction by offering rewards for enjoying a selection of webtoons and digital content. Flickrz champions the notion that enjoyment should be inherently rewarding, thereby removing the need for users to put in extra work to receive incentives.

Users can accumulate EP points in Flickrz's internal wallet, which can then be used to improve NFT stats or be exchanged for the platform's proprietary FLKZ Tokens. The FLKZ token, grounded in the BEP-20 standard, serves as the linchpin of Flickrz's ecosystem, providing users with the ability to effortlessly trade and optimize their rewards. FLKZ tokens will soon be listed on global exchanges, enabling users to trade and leverage their rewards seamlessly. Additionally, Flickrz announced its intent to explore the incorporation of BNB and ETH as a potential payment option in the future.

Flickrz's integration of NFTs not only fosters enhanced user engagement but also activates distinct E&E features. Rewards collected through E&E can be applied to advance NFTs or converted into FLKZ tokens for a wide array of applications, including making purchases, participating in governance, casting votes, staking, and executing external transactions.

Flickrz is reimagining the digital content landscape by focusing on user satisfaction and seamless reward processes. With a steadfast commitment to simple engagement and progressive tokenomics, Flickrz aims to ensure that users are not just entertained but also consistently receive rewards for their time and participation.

Discover the World of Flickrz:Begin your exploration by visiting the Flickrz Website

Editors' Note:For additional insight into Flickrz's token ecosystem and its novel approach to digital content consumption, please consult the Flickrz Website. High-resolution images, opportunities for interviews, and other materials are available upon request.

https://tradeflickrz.com/

Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, or intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended that you practice due diligence (including consultation with a professional financial advisor) before investing in or trading securities and cryptocurrency.

Edward Ueom Flickrz hello-at-flickrz.com

Source: Flickrz
Vancouver, BC, Canada, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Media are invited to join Eric Waltz, President and CEO of GCT Global Container Terminals (GCT), along with government and port authority officials for the announcement of GCTs signing on to the federal Net Zero Challenge.

GCT is taking meaningful steps to reach net zero by 2050, and is proud to formalize its commitment through this federal government program. As a Climate Smart and Green Marine certified leader in Canadas marine container handling industry, GCT is dedicated to making sustainability a priority  this is the foundation of the Global Commitment Program, which reflects GCTs dedication to the environment, safety, and community.

WHERE: Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver 999 Canada Pl #300, Vancouver, BC V6C 3B5 Coal Harbour Suite

WHEN: Thursday, November 16, 2023 4:30pm

About GCT Global Container Terminals

GCT Global Container Terminals has been making waves in the container terminal industry for over a hundred years. Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, GCT operates two Green Marine certified gateway terminals: GCT Vanterm in Vancouver and GCT Deltaport in Delta. Beyond operating these facilities, GCT has also played a major role in developing Canadas Pacific Gateway.

Visit www.globalterminals.com or follow us @globalterminals to find out more about GCT.

Denise Trent GCT Global Container Terminals +1 604 267 5396 [email protected]

Source: GCT Global Container Terminals Inc.
Company announcement no. 23/2023



Good momentum in Q3 2023

11% revenue growth in Q3 2023 including a negative impact from currencies and acquisitions of 4 percentage points. EBITDA result was DKK 21m corresponding to an EBITDA margin of 6.0% up from 5.2%. During Q3 we have prepared our next strategic journey  New Heights  with ambitious financial goals and plans to enter a new high growth industry; Life Science.

We have a strong starting point for our newly launched three-year growth strategy New Heights with the opportunity to improve profitability significantly, says CEO & President, Sren Krogh Knudsen

Q3 2023 highlights

Revenue growth of 11% amounting to DKK 345m. 15% growth adjusted for acquisitions and currency.

EBITDA amounted to DKK 21m.

EBITDA margin was 6.0% compared to 5.2% in Q3 2022.

Efficiency of 65% in Q3 2023, a 4 percentage point increase compared to Q3 2022.

Q3 YTD 2023 highlights

Revenue growth of 10% amounting to DKK 1,126m. 14% growth adjusted for acquisitions and currency.

EBITDA growth of 25% amounting to DKK 78m.

EBITDA margin was 6.9% compared to 6.1% YTD 2022.

Efficiency reached 67% YTD 2023, compared to 63% in Q3 YTD 2022.





Service revenue split on Business Lines

DKK 000 Q3 2023 Q3 2022 % YTD 2023 YTD 2022 % Dynamics 178,636 157,542 13.4% 566,278 516,463 9.6% M3 64,666 69,749 -7.3% 219,978 228,461 -3.7% Digital Commerce 38,116 40,044 -4.8% 146,999 133,007 10.5% Data & Analytics 18,115 13,294 36.3% 56,200 42,928 30.9% Customer Experience & Engagement 15,468 9,851 57.0% 46,923 33,916 38.4% Security 9,769 0 - 22,070 0 - Strategy & Change 1,719 782 119.8% 6,839 5,155 32.7% Other Local Business 3,750 3,003 24.9% 12,322 11,767 4.7% Total sale of services 330,239 294,265 12.2% 1,077,609 971,697 10.9% Total sale of products 14,559 15,261 -4.6% 48,160 52,804 -8.8% Total net revenue 344,798 309,526 11.4% 1,125,769 1,024,501 9.9%





Service revenue split on Market Units

DKK 000 Q3 2023 Q3 2022 % YTD 2023 YTD 2022 %



Sweden 112,317 107,676 4.3% 405,912 388,521 4.5% Denmark 76,121 58,568 30.0% 240,206 185,056 29.8% Norway 46,802 55,789 -16.1% 175,947 193,051 -8.9% UK 61,614 41,085 50.0% 161,356 119,153 35.4% US 23,225 21,209 9.5% 64,584 59,472 8.6% Other 8,990 9,020 -0.3% 26,488 23,577 12.3% GDC 1,170 918 27.5% 3,116 2,867 8.7% Total sale of services 330,239 294,265 12.2% 1,077,609 971,697 10.9% Total sale of products 14,559 15,261 -4.6% 48,160 52,804 -8.8% Total net revenue 344,798 309,526 11.4% 1,125,769 1,024,501 9.9%





Outlook 2023 maintained

Based on the development in the first nine months of 2023, our strong pipeline and order backlog, we maintain our 2023 expectations:

Revenue guidance expected to be in the range of DKK 1,550m  1,600m, corresponding to an organic growth of 8-12% (constant currencies)

EBITDA guidance expected to be in the range of DKK 119m  139m, equal to a margin of 7.4 - 9.0%





Live webcast and conference call on 15 November 2023

Columbus is hosting a live webcast and conference call on 15 November 2023 at 13:00 CET. The webcast is hosted by CEO & President Sren Krogh Knudsen and Group CFO Brian Iversen.

Webcast: Please login to the webcast via Columbus investor site where you can follow the presentation and submit your written questions during the call: https://ir.columbusglobal.com/calendar-and-events

Conference call:

1. Participants are required to register in advance of the conference using the link provided below. Upon registering, each participant will be provided with Participant Dial In Numbers, and a unique Personal PIN.

2. In the 10 minutes prior to call start time, Participants will need to use the conference access information provided in the e-mail received at the point of registering. Participants may also use the call me feature instead of dialling the nearest dial in number.

Online Registration to the call:

https://register.vevent.com/register/BI93da014605ed40cdad1324369655aba3

Live presentation on 22 November 2023

H C Andersen Capital will host a live presentation of Q3 2023 results and new strategy on 22 November 2023 at 15:30 CET. Presenters from Columbus A/S will be CEO & President Sren Krogh Knudsen and Group CFO Brian Iversen.

You can already now submit questions and sign up for the event via this link: https://www.inderes.dk/videos/columbus-presentation-of-q3-2023-results-and-new-strategy

A recording of the presentation will be available via the same link.

For further information, please contact:

Sren Krogh Knudsen, CEO & President, Tel.: +45 7020 5000

About Columbus

Columbus is a global IT services and consulting company specialized in digital transformation. Our more than 1,550+ digital explorers collaborate with our customers in the manufacturing, retail & distribution, and food & process industries. We advise, implement and manage business critical solutions within Strategy & Change, Customer Experience, Digital Commerce, Data & Analytics, Application Management and Cloud ERP. Headquartered in Denmark, we have offices and partners worldwide - delivering locally on a global scale. www.columbusglobal.com . Columbus A/S is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen  COLUM

For more information visit www.columbusglobal.com.





Attachment
WESTMINSTER, Colo. and DAYTON, Ohio, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KPA and the Reynolds and Reynolds Company , two well-established industry leaders in automotive software and compliance, today announced a strategic partnership to provide dealerships greater access to LAW F&I Libraries across all 50 states and KPAs F&I compliance consulting services, software, and resources. LAW has long been the trusted leader in F&I documents for dealers throughout the U.S.



With this partnership, dealers will have access to a comprehensive suite of F&I services, software, and resources that will lower risk, save money, and better streamline dealership sales processes.

We are excited to partner with Reynolds to offer our customers access to the industry-leading F&I document program, LAW F&I State Libraries, said Chris Fanning, president and CEO of KPA. The partnership between KPA and Reynolds provides dealers the tools they need to run the most efficient and profitable F&I department possible while ensuring their compliance with federal and state regulations.

As more and more lenders move to eContracting and modern consumers continue to adapt to digital retailing and hybrid online/in-store shopping, it is vital for F&I documents to be legally reviewed for legislative and regulatory updates as well as be available in both print and digital formats.



We look forward to partnering with KPA to pair their expert F&I compliance capabilities with the LAW F&I State Libraries, said Kasi Edwards, Reynolds senior vice president of strategy and corporate development. Through this partnership, we are able to better serve our respective customers and provide them with the tools they need to manage their risk.

For over 30 years, KPA has been advising dealerships on how to be safe and compliant by offering software and expert consulting across the spectrum of environment, health and safety (EHS), human resources, and sales/F&I. For nearly a century, Reynolds has been providing documents to dealers to help them manage their businesses and thrive. Today, with LAW F&I documents, dealers are able to provide their customers the flexibility to shop the way they want  whether in-store, online, or a combination of both  without sacrificing profitability or control over compliance.

About KPA

Stay Compliant. Reduce Liability. KPA makes automotive sales and F&I compliance simple. Our on-site services and online tools help dealerships comply with state and federal regulations, protect the reputations of their brands, minimize legal liability, and maximize customer satisfaction.



About Reynolds and Reynolds
The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Uzhhorod is about $60,000. Prices here have increased by 20% on average in dollar terms. The reasons are that there is almost never any missile fire from the Russian Federation and no curfew.

ADVERTISIMENT

This is stated in an article by OBOZ.UA. In dollar terms, the cost of apartments has fallen almost all over Ukraine. In Kyiv, apartments that were sold for $70 thousand back in 2021 can now be purchased for $55-60 thousand. Moreover, if converted into hryvnias, in 2021, $70 thousand was UAH 1.9 million. And in 2023, 60 thousand dollars is already almost 2.6 million UAH.

That is, even though prices have fallen in dollars, they have risen significantly in hryvnia. This is the situation in most Ukrainian cities, but not in Uzhhorod. Here, prices have risen in both dollars and hryvnia. "Now an apartment costs about 20% more than it did in 2021," says realtor Olena Birovchak.

Oksana Stanko, a realtor, explains that while it is still possible to bargain in the secondary market, it is becoming increasingly difficult with new buildings. The cost of construction has increased significantly, some materials have to be imported from abroad, logistics have deteriorated, and competition for materials has increased. All this has led to the fact that developers have to spend much more money. As a result, the cost of an apartment is also affected.

ADVERTISIMENT

"The situation with apartment purchases has stabilized. Previously, IDPs were actively buying, but now there are more locals. Construction has risen in price, so prices in new buildings have increased significantly. However, some bargaining is still possible in the secondary market and there are more chances to find housing for different budgets," Stanko explains.

The number of new buildings is growing, and the high demand for real estate will continue until the end of the full-scale war. After that, there are several possible scenarios. The demand for real estate in Uzhhorod may decrease due to the loss of a specific advantage: the absence of shelling and curfews. However, another scenario is also possible.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, the cost of apartments in Ukraine has been recalculated. Prices are gradually rising across the country. The situation has changed dramatically.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
MARKHAM, Ontario, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dr. Meivys Garcia, Dr. Marta Wais, and Dr. Crystal Chan, co-owners of Markham Fertility Centre (MFC) proudly announce that Mark Evans, one of the top healthcare directors in the country in assisted reproduction, will be joining MFC as its Managing Director effective December 1, 2023.

Mark Evans has 20 years of experience leading public and private healthcare organizations. He led the Ottawa Fertility Centre between 2005 and 2015, where he collaborated with some of the most recognized fertility specialists and lab scientists in the country. Between 2015 and 2018, Evans led the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS) as its Managing Director, strengthening the Societys role as the voice of assisted reproduction in Canada. In 2018, Evans was recruited by Mount Sinai Hospital as a director in the Business Innovation and Development Group, where he also led Mount Sinai Fertility (MSF).

Evans brings a depth and breadth of knowledge about leading quality and patient-focused assisted reproduction centres. He also brings a passion for improving the lives of others. Between 2015 and 2017, Evans served as President of Fertile Future, a Canadian national non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for those whose fertility is affected by a cancer diagnosis. For the last three years, Evans has contributed to the masters program in human embryology, offered through the University of Torontos Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. There, he teaches up-and-coming embryologists about innovation and the selection of assisted reproductive technologies.

Dr Meivys Garcia, Medical Director and co-owner of MFC states: We are thrilled to welcome Mark Evans to our leadership team. Mark's career spans over two decades which is a testament to his dedication to excellence in healthcare. At MFC, we extend beyond medical treatment, we focus on nurturing hope, providing compassionate care, and positively impacting our community. Mark's values reverberate deeply with our ethos. His expertise in innovation and advanced technologies in assisted reproduction will significantly enhance our vision of delivering the highest standard of care and support to our patients. We are confident that Mark's involvement will be instrumental in propelling Markham Fertility Centre to new heights of success and excellence.

Evans commented on joining MFC: Throughout my career, I have been surrounded by incredible mentors and leaders who have shaped my philosophy and approach to leadership. They all possessed one thing in common: an enduring commitment to improving the world in which we live. Now, I have the opportunity to work with Dr Garcia, Dr Chan and Dr Wais, who exemplify the values and spirit of excellence and selflessness that resonate with me. Markham Fertility Centre is more than a fertility clinic, it is a vehicle to positively impact the lives of others, whether they be patients, employees, or the broader community. I am proud to join this outstanding organization.

Evans joins a highly experienced management team, including Alison Gilmour, an accomplished clinical leader with extensive hospital and fertility experience and a acute focus on excellence in patient care. Evans also joins Heather Sheridan and Andrea Brough. Together, they lead MFCs embryology lab and have consistently produced world-leading outcomes for the last two decades. Undoubtedly, MFCs future is in great hands.

About Markham Fertility Centre:

Founded in 1988 by Dr. Michael Virro, Markham Fertility Centre (MFC) is now led by three female physicians, Dr Garcia, Dr Wais, and Dr Chan. MFC has a well-deserved reputation as a leading and innovative fertility centre, having helped over 12,000 families conceive. MFC was one of the first clinics to achieve full accreditation by Accreditation Canada. It offers comprehensive fertility related services including in vitro fertilization (IVF), egg freezing, intrauterine insemination, preimplantation genetic testing with in-house genetic counselling, as well as donor gamete and surrogacy programs. MFC is one of the only clinics in Canada to offer anaesthesiology-assisted egg retrievals, which enables MFC to offer a more comfortable experience and offer care to more complex patients.

Markham Fertility Centre, where you are the hero of your own story, and the centre of ours.

Source: Markham Fertility Centre
CARMEL, Ind., Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MBX Biosciences, Inc., a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing Precision Endocrine Peptide (PEP) therapeutics to treat an array of endocrine disorders, today announced that Kent Hawryluk, President and Chief Executive Officer, will present at the Piper Sandler 35th Annual Healthcare Conference on Wednesday, November 29th, 2023, at 9:10 a.m. Eastern Time and will host 1-on-1 investor meetings.

About MBX Biosciences

MBX Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering Precision Endocrine Peptide (PEP) therapeutic candidates to help people with endocrine disorders live fuller and healthier lives. MBX is advancing a pipeline of PEPs for clinically validated targets designed to deliver superior pharmaceutical properties and overcome key limitations of native peptide therapeutics. MBXs pipeline includes its lead product candidate MBX 2109, which has completed Phase 1 development for the treatment of hypoparathyroidism, and MBX 1416, in Phase 1 development for the treatment of post-bariatric hypoglycemia. The company is supported by leading life science investors including Frazier Life Sciences, New Enterprise Associates, Norwest Venture Partners, OrbiMed, RA Capital Management and Wellington Management. MBX is based in Carmel, Indiana. To learn more, please visit the company website at www.mbxbio.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).

Media Contact:Ian StoneEvoke Canale[email protected]619-849-5388

Investor Contact:Irina KofflerLifeSci Advisors[email protected]917-734-7387

Source: MBX Biosciences, Inc.
CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Minto Communities (Minto), a division of Minto Group, is pleased to announce that it was the successful purchaser of the Viscount Bennett property following an advertising sale by the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) earlier this year. This project, within Calgarys Richmond Knob Hill community, will now be referred to as 2501 Richmond (its municipal address) throughout the application and redevelopment process.

Minto Communities is reimagining how 2501 Richmond will continue to serve the community of Richmond Knob Hill for future generations. Redevelopment of the site presents a unique opportunity to deliver enhanced public amenities and housing options that are not currently available in the area. The vision for this site is to incorporate multi-unit residential buildings, with distinctive open green spaces that will connect to the existing community. This ensures that buildings and spaces in-between coalesce into a place of comfort, convenience, usability and enjoyment.

Mintos proposed redevelopment plan is based on the belief that diverse and connected places contribute to resilient communities and neighbourhoods. Introducing a greater variety of housing types will attract different demographics and create more housing options during a time when residential housing in Calgary is more urgent than ever.

With Alberta leading the nation in population growth, Calgary is expected to outperform the province, with its growth rates ranging between two to 2.5 per cent through 2026. Calgary is set to gain around 68,000 new residents this year alone, translating into a demand for approximately 22,000 residences. 2501 Richmond aims to offer 2,500 residences.

At Minto, we see the 2501 Richmond redevelopment as an opportunity to enhance the community green space, while bringing much needed housing to Calgary during such a crucial time, says Greg Mills, President, Minto Communities Calgary.

Calgarys estimated population is growing at the fastest pace among major metropolitan centres with a 4.7 per cent increase compared to this time last year, says Jackson Cornelius, Lead Economist, M3 Development Management Ltd. The year-over-year increase of rental rates is substantial. The proposed redevelopment of 2501 Richmond aims to provide a solution. It provides a structured plan to bring a substantial amount of desperately needed units to the market, with convenient access to primary employment and education hubs. Projects like this have impacts that extend beyond affordability as they work to inject diversity, energy and commerce to local businesses.

Minto envisions three distinct and connected open spaces for the redevelopment, providing versatile space that supports year-round use. The spaces are intended to encourage community connections and gatherings, while offering a range of opportunities to promote physical activity, creativity, and social interaction. Successful placemaking in this context can help ensure economic prosperity, social well-being and a sense of community, which Minto believes are fundamental elements in evolving urban environments.

Future residents will be conveniently connected to downtown, Mount Royal University, University of Calgary, and major hospitals through the transit network. There is a focus on enhancing and expanding places to walk, run and cycle to enable a more sustainable urban environment. Many desirable shops, eateries and essential services are also located within walking distance in Marda Loop, just across Crowchild Trail.

The 2501 Richmond site is one of very few re-development opportunities of this scale within Calgarys established communities and is centrally located along a transit route, says Kathy Oberg, BEDs, MEDes, RPP, MCIP and Managing Partner with B&A Studios. Its exciting to be part of the Minto team and the applicant on this meaningful redevelopment opportunity for our city.

Minto submitted the land use re-designation today, November 15 to the City of Calgary and expects to begin site work in 2024. Minto will be meeting with community groups throughout the land use re-designation process that concludes with a Public Hearing of City Council prior to a Council decision.

For more information about Minto, visit www.minto.com.

For more information about the 2501 Richmond project, visit 2501Richmond.com.

About Minto Communities

A division of the Minto Group established in 1955, Minto Communities is a family-owned, fully integrated real estate development, construction and management company with operations in Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary and South Florida, and has been instrumental in the design and construction of 100,000 homes. An industry leader, Minto Communities is known for high-quality and sustainable urban developments. A testament to its outstanding leadership in sustainable practices and innovative construction methods, Minto Communities has been recognised as the BILD and DHRHBA Green Builder of the Year (Lowrise), GOHBA Production Builder of the Year and the Avid Diamond Award for Customer Experience.

Media Contact:

Rebecca Hurl Brookline Public Relations, Inc.[email protected]

 City of Calgary Economic Forecast Q3-2023, Alberta Migration Dashboard (Q3-2023)

Source: Minto Communities
Washington, DC, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a historic move coinciding with National Philanthropy Day, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is proud to announce the launch of its philanthropic arm, the NCAI Foundation (NCAIF). The day marks a profound and unprecedented commitment to supporting Tribal Nations on their transformative journey toward shared prosperity and resilience.

"Today marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing journey towards equity and empowerment for Tribal Nations," said Greg Masten (Yurok), President of the newly formed NCAI Foundation. "The NCAIF is not just a foundation; it's a beacon of hope and a testament to our unwavering commitment to uphold tribal sovereignty, empower our leaders, and build a resilient future for our youth and our Nations. Through the NCAIF, we are forging true partnerships between Tribal Nations and Philanthropy, dedicated to creating a future where Tribal Nations thrive, supported by the resources and recognition they rightfully deserve."

The NCAI Foundation's mission is multifaceted, focusing on four core areas: Upholding Tribal Sovereignty, Empowering Tribal Leadership, Cultivating Youth Leadership, and Fortifying Tribal Nations. By offering grant funding under the Fortifying Tribal Nations program, NCAIF aims to be a catalyst for change, providing more than just financial resources but also serving as a pivotal connecting point for Tribal Nations and the philanthropic sector.

Despite American Indian and Alaska Natives representing nearly 3 percent of the U.S. population, they have historically received less than 0.5 percent of philanthropic dollars for their strategies or initiatives. NCAIF seeks to address this disparity by ensuring that more resources are directed toward supporting tribal communities in diverse areas of work.

A cornerstone of NCAIF's approach is the innovative Equity and Sovereignty Framework. This framework guides the foundations grantmaking processes, ensuring they are deeply rooted in principles of equity and respect for tribal sovereignty. The framework will also inform NCAIFs approach to address the philanthropy sector's interaction with Tribal Nations, emphasizing collaboration, respect for tribal governance, and the promotion of culturally appropriate practices. It's a significant step toward rectifying historical imbalances and fostering true, respectful partnerships between philanthropic entities and Tribal Nations.

Traditional Philanthropy vs. Equity & Sovereignty Framework

Traditional philanthropy often operates with a top-down approach, where donors decide what is best for beneficiaries, which can unintentionally perpetuate systemic inequities.

Shared Ownership: The new framework ensures that Tribal Nations are active participants in decision-making, creating solutions that are rooted in their lived experiences.

Cultural Respect and Integration: While traditional philanthropy may sideline Native wisdom, the equity and sovereignty approach centers connection and respect.

Long-term Solutions: Rather than temporary fixes, this approach seeks sustainable, regenerative change, grounded in the unique needs and aspirations of each Tribal Nation.

"As we stand at the threshold of a new era with the launch of the NCAI Foundation, I am reminded of the profound responsibility we carry as stewards of our communities' future," said Larry Wright, Jr., a citizen of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska and the Executive Director of NCAI. "Our leadership is charting a strategic course for the organization and the NCAI Foundation that is a journey of both honor and duty. The Equity and Sovereignty Framework is more than just a policy tool; it is a commitment to Tribal Nations that every decision we make, and every partnership we forge will be done with the utmost respect for our sovereignty and with an unwavering focus on equity. This is our pledge to create a lasting impact that honors the past while building a resilient and prosperous future for tribal communities."

The Foundation will soon announce various opportunities for Tribal Nations to apply for grant funding. These initiatives, which reflect the priorities identified by tribal leaders and representatives in recent dialogues, emphasize areas such as education, infrastructure, cultural preservation, economic development, environmental, and addressing social inequities.

NCAIF is set to redefine the philanthropic landscape for Tribal Nations. By embracing the wisdom and expertise of Tribal Nations, the Foundation is poised to foster strategic partnerships and drive significant change. The initiative is more than just a response to historical disparities; it is an opportunity to embark on a transformative journey, forging pathways to a future of shared prosperity and resilience for Tribal Nations.

###

About the National Congress of American Indians:Founded in 1944, the National Congress of American Indians is the oldest, largest and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization in the country. NCAI advocates on behalf of tribal governments and communities, promoting strong tribal-federal government-to-government policies, and promoting a better understanding among the general public regarding American Indian and Alaska Native governments, people and rights. For more information visit www.ncai.org.

Attachments

NCAI Press National Congress of American Indians 202-466-7767 [email protected]

Source: National Congress of American Indians
Press Release

Nokia partners with Mavenir to prove Open RAN system performance

Interoperability testing has been successfully completed between Nokia Baseband (DU/CU) and Mavenir Radio Unit (O-RU) using the O-RAN Alliance 7-2x fronthaul interface

Testing was completed at Nokias Open RAN Innovation Center in Dallas, Texas

Nokia has now integrated four Radio (O-RU) suppliers highlighting the openness and industry-leading performance of Nokia's AirScale O-RAN DU/CU

This step reaffirms Nokias tangible commitment to Open RAN through its anyRAN approach, which offers mobile operators more choices in building 5G networks

15 November 2023

Espoo, Finland  Nokia today announced that they have successfully completed interoperability testing with a Mavenir radio using the O-RAN Alliance 7-2x interface at Nokias Open RAN Innovation Center in Dallas, Texas.

During the trial, both companies validated the interoperability of Mavenirs CBRS Radio Unit and Nokia AirScale Baseband supporting the O-RAN compliant 7.2x interface. The testing was performed according to O-RAN Alliance specifications, demonstrating end-to-end configurations with 5G user devices. Nokia and Mavenir are able to demonstrate 5G peak performance by activating 4CC Carrier Aggregation using TDD and FDD spectrum in a 5G Standalone configuration.

Nokia's anyRAN approach is designed to give mobile operators and enterprises more flexibility in building networks that combine purpose-built, hybrid, and Cloud RAN architectures with common software. Nokia is supporting Open Fronthaul features on top of its high-performance RAN software which ensures mobile operators have performance parity with their existing RAN.

Nokia and Mavenir are long-term supporters of open networks and have invested heavily to advance the goals of the O-RAN Alliance to build open, interoperable, and intelligent networks. This industry milestone highlights both parties' ongoing commitment to open interfaces as well as their investment in R&D in the U.S. market.

John Baker, SVP, Business Development at Mavenir, commented: This solution demonstrates a full circle of O-RAN interoperability whereby our industry-leading RAN portfolio integrates and interoperates in both directions with products from other RAN suppliers. This is real Open RAN  not the version where one supplier only connects their own products to each other. It is a great credit to both teams that they could integrate our Radio with Nokias Baseband in record time.

Mark Atkinson, Head of RAN at Nokia, said: Our technology collaboration with Mavenir is further evidence of our commitment to Open RAN. We have developed our baseband software in a way that ensures that multi-supplier O-RAN systems can be deployed without compromises in performance, energy efficiency, security, or resiliency. This is key when people depend on wireless connectivity in all aspects of their daily lives. We have now completed operability with Radios from four different suppliers using the O-RAN compliant 7.2x interface.

Resources Webpage: Nokia AirScale Cloud RANWebpage: Nokia anyRANWebpage: Nokia AirScale Baseband Whitepaper: Cloud RAN: A Guide to Acceleration OptionsExecutive Summary: Nokia Cloud RAN and Open RAN Solution RoadmapBlog: In-Line architecture: bringing efficiency and performance to Cloud RANBlog: The collaborative advantage: Nokia and partners delivering best-in-class Cloud RAN solutions

About NokiaAt Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today  and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

Media InquiriesNokia CommunicationsEmail: [email protected]

Follow us on social mediaLinkedIn Twitter Instagram Facebook YouTube

Source: Nokia Oyj
OSLO, Norway, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nykode Therapeutics ASA (OSE: NYKD), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of novel immunotherapies, today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter of 2023.

The financial report can be accessed in the Investors section of the Companys website: https://nykode.com/investors/financial-reports-and-presentations

The Company will host a webcast presentation at 4 p.m. CET / 10 a.m. ET. A live and archived webcast of the presentation can be accessed in the Investors section of the Companys website and on the following link: https://event.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1640257&tp_key=2a6664ef92

About Nykode TherapeuticsNykode Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of novel immunotherapies with a focus on the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. Nykodes modular vaccine technology specifically targets antigens to Antigen Presenting Cells (APC), which have been shown to induce broad, strong, and long-lasting antigen specific immune responses which correlates with clinical responses in cancer.

Nykodes lead product candidates are VB10.16, a therapeutic vaccine for the treatment of HPV16 induced malignancies which demonstrated favorable safety and efficacy results from its Phase 2 trial for the treatment of cervical cancer; and VB10.NEO, an individualized cancer neoantigen vaccine, which is exclusively out-licensed to Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.

The Companys partnerships include Genentech, within oncology, and a multi-target collaboration with Regeneron, within oncology and infectious diseases.

Nykode Therapeutics shares are traded on the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE: NYKD). Further information about Nykode Therapeutics may be found at http://www.nykode.com.

Contact for Nykode Therapeutics ASA:Alexandra Deschner, Head of IRNykode Therapeutics ASA[email protected]

Nykode Therapeutics ASAOslo Science ParkGaustadalleen 21N-0349 Oslo, Norway

Forward-looking statements for Nykode TherapeuticsThis announcement and any materials distributed in connection with this announcement may contain certain forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they reflect the company's current expectations and assumptions as to future events and circumstances that may not prove accurate. A number of material factors could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

A PDF attachement accompanying this announcement is available at: http://ml-eu.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/c7d11982-69c1-43df-b290-1769571f99d0

Source: Nykode Therapeutics ASA
NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced JBT Bancorp Inc. (OTCQX: JBTC), the parent company of Jonestown Bank & Trust Co., has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market. JBT Bancorp Inc. upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink market.



JBT Bancorp Inc. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol JBTC. U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

Graduating to the OTCQX Market marks an important milestone for community banks in the U.S. public markets. The OTCQX Market enables banks to maximize the value of being a public company by providing transparent trading and easy access to company information for shareholders. To qualify for OTCQX, community banks must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

Ascending to the OTCQX Market reflects positively on our commitment to high standards, integrity, and our mission to improve the financial lives of our clients. This year is special for our independent community bank as we are celebrating our 150th year in business and to begin trading on the OTCQX Market adds to our celebration. We believe this important step allows for broader exposure of our stock and is a positive move for our existing shareholders, said President & CEO, Troy A. Peters.

Janney Montgomery Scott LLC acted as the companys OTCQX sponsor.

About JBT Bancorp Inc.

JBT Bancorp, Inc., the parent company of Jonestown Bank & Trust Co. (JBT) is a bank holding company Pennsylvania chartered community bank established in 1873 and headquartered in Jonestown, PA. The Bank operates 11 full-service and 2 limited service branch locations in Lebanon, Lancaster and Berks Counties. JBT serves small to mid-sized businesses and consumer households fulfilling deposit, loan, and payment needs.

About OTC Markets Group Inc.

OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX Best Market, OTCQB Venture Market and Pink Open Market.

Our OTC Link Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN and OTC Link NQB are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

Media Contact:

OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, [email protected]
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prime Mining Corp. (Prime, or the Company) (TSX.V: PRYM) (OTCQX: PRMNF) (Frankfurt: O4V3) is pleased to report its operating and financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. Prime is focused on the exploration and development of its wholly owned high-grade Los Reyes Gold-Silver Project in Sinaloa State, Mexico (Los Reyes or the Project).

Prime Chief Executive Officer Daniel Kunz commented, With 51,000 metres drilled to date and six drills now turning, we are well on our way to completing 2023s planned 60,000 metre drill program at Los Reyes. Recent results from both expansion and generative drilling continue to demonstrate solid potential to contribute to resource inventories and develop an outstanding high-grade gold-silver project. Early-stage technical analysis is underway as we advance our understanding of the Los Reyes project. Working with our community partners, we supported a back-to-school program in September. We ended the quarter in strong financial condition to execute on our upcoming plans for 2024 and into 2025.

Corporate Highlights During the Quarter (Unless otherwise stated, all amounts are presented in Canadian dollars.)

On July 17h, the Company announced its AGM voting results.

On August 16th, the Company reported its Second Quarter 2023 Financial and Operating results.

On September 28th, the Company announced the grant of incentive options in accordance with its long-term incentive plan.

Exploration Highlights During the Quarter

On July 11th, the Company reported drill results from nine core holes at the Central Area, one of three main zones hosting the gold-silver mineral resource estimate (MRE) at the Companys Los Reyes Project, located in Sinaloa State, Mexico.

Highlight intercepts include:

4.99 grams per tonne (gpt) gold-equivalent (AuEq) (4.11 gpt Au and 67.9 gpt Ag) over 9.1 metres (m) estimated true width (etw) in hole 23NB-46, located 150 m along strike from the bottom of the MRE pit, including:

37.48 gpt AuEq (31.40 gpt Au and 470.0 gpt Ag) over 1.1 m etw.

1.50 gpt AuEq (1.23 gpt Au and 20.5 gpt Ag) over 14.0 m etw in hole 23NB-39, located immediately adjacent to the MRE pit, including:

5.17 gpt AuEq (4.19 gpt Au and 76.0 gpt Ag) over 2.0 m etw.

2.25 gpt AuEq (1.86 gpt Au and 30.2 gpt Ag) over 5.7 m etw in hole 23NB-40, located 80 m along strike and below the MRE pit, including:

5.62 gpt AuEq (4.75 gpt Au and 67.6 gpt Ag) over 1.4 m etw.

On September 6th, the Company reported high grade drill results from the Las Primas and Fresnillo generative targets.

Highlight intercepts include:

Las Primas Area:

12.34 gpt AuEq (10.85 gpt Au and 114.9 gpt Ag) over 2.5 metres (m) estimated true width (etw) in hole 23LP-14, including: 17.50 gpt AuEq (15.40 gpt Au and 162.2 gpt Ag) over 1.7 m etw.

1.73 gpt AuEq (1.70 gpt Au and 2.3 gpt Ag) over 9.6 m etw in hole 23LP-06, including: 4.94 gpt AuEq (4.88 gpt Au and 4.7 gpt Ag) over 3.0 m etw.

1.20 gpt AuEq (0.87 gpt Au and 25.8 gpt Ag) over 14.6 m etw in hole 23LP-07, starting just below surface.

Fresnillo Area:

0.74 gpt AuEq (0.56 gpt Au and 14.3 gpt Ag) over 23.8 m etw, and

0.48 gpt AuEq (0.41 gpt Au and 5.3 gpt Ag) over 20.8 m in hole 23FRE-12.

1.65 gpt AuEq (1.06 gpt Au and 45.2 gpt Ag) over 10.9 m etw in hole 23FRE-19, including: 12.30 gpt AuEq (6.63 gpt Au and 438.0 gpt Ag) over 0.85 m etw.

1.39 gpt AuEq (0.87 gpt Au and 40.4 gpt Ag) over 7.5 m etw in hole 23FRE-20.

On September 12h, the Company reported expansion drilling results from Los Reyes.

Highlight intercepts include:

Z-T Zone:Tahonitas Area

3.87 grams per tonne (gpt) gold-equivalent (AuEq) (3.16 gpt Au and 54.9 gpt Ag) over 20.5 metres (m) estimated true width (etw) in hole 23TA-71, including:

8.72 gpt AuEq (7.63 gpt Au and 84.0 gpt Ag) over 5.5 m etw.

Zapote South Area

2.22 gpt AuEq (1.91 gpt Au and 24.3 gpt Ag) over 7.9 m etw in hole 23ZAP-118, including: 5.20 gpt AuEq (4.65 gpt Au and 42.7 gpt Ag) over 2.55 m etw.

3.51 gpt AuEq (3.07 gpt Au and 34.4 gpt Ag) over 4.8 m etw and 0.94 gpt AuEq (0.69 gpt Au and 19.5 gpt Ag) over 11.4 m etw in hole 23ZAP-115.

0.87 gpt AuEq (0.56 gpt Au and 24.2 gpt Ag) over 18.5 m etw in hole 23ZAP-112.

Zapote West Area

4.24 gpt AuEq (3.77 gpt Au and 36.6 gpt Ag) over 3.6 m etw, including 7.12 gpt AuEq (6.37 gpt Au and 57.6 gpt Ag) over 2.1 m etw, in hole 23ZAP-106

Guadalupe Zone:

13.51 gpt AuEq (10.10 gpt Au and 263.8 gpt Ag) over 2.2 m etw in hole 23GE-142, including:

23.46 gpt AuEq (17.80 gpt Au and 437.0 gpt Ag) over 1.2 m etw; and,

44.39 gpt AuEq (18.20 gpt Au and 2,024.0 gpt Ag) over 1.0 m etw

15.06 gpt AuEq (5.46 gpt Au and 742.0 gpt Ag) over 0.8 m etw in hole 23GE-136.

Central Zone:Noche Buena Area

2.87 gpt AuEq (2.63 gpt Au and 18.8 gpt Ag) over 2.5 m etw in hole 23NB-48.

Maintaining Health and Safety Protocols

The Company has avoided possible health issues that may have had a material effect on the Companys activities. Prime remains engaged with local stakeholders and is proactive in monitoring employees and contractors concerning general health conditions. The Company continues to closely adhere to the directives of all levels of government and relevant health authorities in Mexico and Canada.

Community Engagement and Environmental Stewardship Strategy

We continued to gather environmental and community data in the quarter in support of our ESG programs, including completion of a materiality assessment, strategic plan, and disclosure matrix. We strive to minimize the environmental footprint of our activities and ensure that Los Reyes has a positive impact on our host communities.

The Company released its initial sustainability report during April 2023 which establishes a baseline and a new yardstick to measure our progress in meeting our commitments regarding sustainability and stewardship of the environment, relevant social issues, and corporate governance.

Selected Financial Data

The following selected financial data is summarized from the Companys consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto (the Financial Statements) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022. A copy of the Financial Statements and MD&A is available at www.primeminingcorp.ca or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Three months ended September 30, 2023 Three months ended September 30, 2022 Loss and comprehensive loss $ (5,235,461 ) $ (5,891,219 ) Loss per share  basic and diluted $ (0.04 ) $ (0.05 )

September 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Cash $ 39,231,792 $ 23,811,434 Total assets 53,352,971 38,105,206 Total current liabilities 998,874 1,209,140 Total liabilities 1,850,853 2,092,161 Total shareholders equity 51,502,118 36,013,045

Qualified Person

Scott Smith, P.Geo., Executive Vice President of Exploration, is a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical content in this news release.

Los Reyes Gold and Silver Project

Los Reyes is a rapidly evolving high-grade, low sulphidation epithermal gold-silver project located in Sinaloa State, Mexico. Since acquiring Los Reyes in 2019, Prime has spent approximately US$32 million on direct exploration activities and has completed over 158,000 m of drilling. On May 2, 2023, Prime announced an updated multi-million-ounce high-grade open pit constrained resource (see below, and refer to Note 1 and the May 2, 2023 press release for more details).

May 2, 2023 Pit Constrained Resource Statement

Drilling is on-going and suggests that the three known main deposit areas (Guadalupe, Central and Z-T) are larger than previously reported. Potential also exists for new discoveries where mineralized trends have been identified outside of the currently defined resource areas.

Historic operating results indicate that an estimated 1 million ounces of gold and 60 million ounces of silver were recovered from five separate operations at Los Reyes between 1770 and 1990. Prior to Primes acquisition, recent operators of Los Reyes had spent approximately US$20 million on exploration, engineering, and prefeasibility studies.

Notes

Mineral Resource Estimate is based on economically constrained pits using a $US 1700/ounce gold price, $US 22/ounce silver price, and an assumed 0.22 gpt gold cutoff grade. For more information and other assumptions, please see Primes May 2, 2022 press release, or our website. Gold equivalent (AuEq) grades are calculated as in-situ contained grades, applying the assumed ratio of gold to silver prices using the following formula: AuEq grade (gpt) = Gold grade (gpt) + Silver grade (gpt) x ($US 22 / $US 1700). Relative recoveries are not considered in the in-situ contained grade estimate but are assumed to have mill recoveries of 93% and 83% for gold and silver, respectively and heap leach recoveries of 73% and 25% for gold and silver, respectively. For more information and other assumptions, please see Primes May 2, 2022 press release, or our website.

About Prime Mining

Prime is managed by an ideal mix of successful mining executives, strong capital markets personnel and experienced local operators all focused on unlocking the full potential of the Los Reyes Project. The Company has a well-planned capital structure with a strong management team and insider ownership. Prime is targeting a material resource expansion at Los Reyes through a combination of new generative area discoveries and growth, while also building on technical de-risking activities to support eventual project development.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORSDaniel KunzChief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:

Daniel KunzChief Executive Officer and DirectorPrime Mining Corp.1307 S. Colorado Ave.Boise, Idaho 83706Telephone: +1 (208) 926-6379 officeemail: [email protected]

Scott HicksExecutive Vice PresidentPrime Mining Corp.710  1030 West Georgia StreetVancouver, BC, V6E 2Y3Telephone: +1 (604) 428-6128 officeemail: [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 Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation as may be amended from time to time, including, without limitation, statements regarding the perceived merit of the Companys properties, including additional exploration potential of Los Reyes, potential quantity and/or grade of minerals, the potential size of the mineralized zone, metallurgical recoveries, the timing and results of permitting and the Companys exploration and development plans in Mexico. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts which address events, results, outcomes or developments that the Company expects to occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Companys management on the date the statements are made, and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements were made, including without limitation, assumptions regarding the price of gold, silver and copper; the accuracy of mineral resource estimations; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; that all required approvals will be obtained, including concession renewals and permitting; that political and legal developments will be consistent with current expectations; that currency and exchange rates will be consistent with current levels; and that there will be no significant disruptions affecting the Company or its properties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include, but are not limited to: risks related to uncertainties inherent in the preparation of mineral resource estimates, including but not limited to changes to the cost assumptions, variations in quantity of mineralized material, grade or recovery rates, changes to geotechnical or hydrogeological considerations, failure of plant, equipment or processes, changes to availability of power or the power rates, ability to maintain social license, changes to interest or tax rates, changes in project parameters, delays and costs inherent to consulting and accommodating rights of local communities, environmental risks, title risks, including concession renewal, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, risks relating to COVID-19, delays in or failure to receive access agreements or amended permits, risks inherent in the estimation of mineral resources; and risks associated with executing the Companys objectives and strategies, including costs and expenses, as well as those risk factors discussed in the Company's most recently filed management's discussion and analysis, as well as its annual information form dated April 22, 2022, available on www.sedar.com. Except as required by the securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if managements beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b4bcfab6-1de7-4f19-b28f-970ce08c82f1

May 2, 2023 Pit Constrained Resource Statement May 2, 2023 Pit Constrained Resource Statement

Source: Prime Mining Corp.
BALTIMORE, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Royal Farms is opening a new location in Georgetown, Delaware on December 14, 2023.

The new store and gas station will be located at 21092 Arrow Safety Rd., Georgetown, DE 19947 just 1 minute away from the Marvel Carriage Museum and 4 minutes away from the center of Georgetown, The Circle. This location will feature a gas station with sixteen standard flow fueling positions that will offer Regular88 (E15) and FlexFuel (E85), along with a high flow diesel canopy that will also include Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) and operate 24 hours and 365 days a year to service all convenience, food, and fuel needs.

Royal Farms is thrilled to join the diverse community of Georgetown and bring our World-Famous chicken to an area so rich in tradition and charm. Said Shannon Keenan, District Leader.

Royal Farms will host a ticketed soft opening event where customers can check out the new store and be served one free meal from the soft opening menu. The free tickets are available on Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/royal-farms-georgetown-de-soft-opening-tickets-759193166197?. Be sure to follow Royal Farms on our social media for all news on store openings and events.

Royal Farms will be making a monetary donation to Georgetowns annual Wings and Wheels event - where the sky meets the road. To learn more, go here: https://wings-wheels.com/

For Delawareans interested in working for Royal Farms, please visit https://www.royalfarms.com/careers/. Royal Farms offers competitive pay, medical and dental insurance, a 401(K)-retirement plan, opportunities for advancement, flexible schedules, vacation time, and our employee store discount.

Customers can sign up for RoFo Rewards on the Royal Farms mobile app or on RofoRewards.com. RoFo Rewards Members save money throughout the year, earn fuel discounts with RoFo Pay, receive rewards for everyday purchases, and redeem other surprise freebie offers.

How to Register as a RoFo Rewards Member

Download the Royal Farms app here: https://engagement.punchh.com/b/royalfarms and click "Sign Up" to create a RoFo Rewards account. You can also visit https://www.roforewards.com/register/ to create an account.

About RoFo Rewards

By registering a RoFo Rewards card or downloading our app you gain access to special member offers and can earn rewards points on purchases. Every time you visit Royal Farms and make a purchase, you will receive 2 points for every dollar you spend, and one point for every gallon of gas you purchase. If you upgrade your card to RoFo Pay, you will also receive a discount on gas when you use your RoFo Rewards card to pay at the pump except for New Jersey Stores. You can keep track of points and offers at www.roforewards.com or by downloading the RoFo Rewards app on your phone.

About Royal Farms

Royal Farms is a renowned operator of fast and friendly neighborhood convenience stores with nearly 300 locations throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Royal Farms opened its first store in Baltimore, MD in 1959 under the name White Jug. Today, the chain has locations in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. Royal Farms has been satisfying customers hunger for Real Fresh food served Real Fast. The Royal Farms Kitchen is well known for its Always Fresh, Never Frozen World-Famous Royal Farms Chicken that is lightly hand-breaded and pressure-cooked in Trans Fat Free cooking oil to golden brown perfection. Royal Farms Western Fries are hand-cut from fresh Idaho potatoes, hand-breaded, and cooked right in store. Most locations are open 24 hours, 365 days a year. For more information about Royal Farms, visit: www.royalfarms.com

Contact:Aliyah Atayee[email protected]

Source: Royal Farms
CHICAGO, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Peapod Digital Labs (PDL), the e-commerce engine for the companies of Ahold Delhaize USA, has been named The Griffin and Shelby Report 2023 NE and SE eCommerce Retailer of the Year.

Were extremely proud of our entire team at PDL who made it possible for our company to receive this outstanding recognition, said Keith Nicks, Executive Leader of PDL. Every day, our teams provide innovative, seamless omnichannel solutions for the brands of Ahold Delhaize USA. This award acknowledges our role in shaping the broader omnichannel and e-commerce landscape and are honored to receive this recognition.

According to The Shelby Reports selection decision, PDL was chosen for this distinction in part because of major innovations made to the world of e-commerce, including the new proprietary store-picking app, the successful launch of its proprietary e-commerce platform, PRISM, for the Food Lion brand, several native mobile app releases and its new in-house Retail Media team. These recent achievements have propelled PDL and the brands it supports to the forefront of omnichannel retail, helping to provide a seamless shopping experience across all channels: in-store, mobile and online.

In addition to its technical achievements, PDL stood out in part due to its work culture among its associates.

Our culture is rooted in a deep belief among our leadership team where we focus on investing in career development and growth opportunities for associates along with attracting strong talent to our company, added Nicks. We have created a culture and environment where our shared values and purpose drive innovative thinking, foster creativity and collaboration, and nurture a sense of belonging for our employees. Its the reason our teams enjoy coming to work every day. This is a significant accomplishment to be recognized for both our business achievements and the community we've built here.

The Shelby Report, launched in 1967, is a national publication for the grocery industry, focusing on supermarket news and insights to the retail food trade. More information on their publications can be found here.

About Peapod Digital Labs

Peapod Digital Labs is the digital, e-commerce and commercial engine of leading grocery retail group Ahold Delhaize USA. As the innovation lab for the U.S. brands, Food Lion, Giant Food, The GIANT Company, Hannaford and Stop & Shop, Peapod Digital Labs promotes digital and e-commerce innovation, technology and experience to meet the changing needs of customers of each Ahold Delhaize USA local brand, regardless of when, where and how consumers choose to shop. Learn more at www.peapoddigitallabs.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Theresa Funk

[email protected]
Germany plans to spend at least 8 billion euros to help Ukraine in 2024. The decision, which has already been agreed upon in principle by the ruling coalition, may be adopted by the German parliament next week.

ADVERTISIMENT

Plans to increase spending on support for Ukraine were confirmed by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius at a meeting of EU defense ministers on November 14. In particular, the German defense concern Rheinmetall has already begun preparing 25 Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks, five Bergepanzer 2 armored evacuation vehicles, and two driver training tanks for Ukraine on behalf of the German government, which will be delivered to Ukraine in 2024.

On November 14, Pistorius confirmed Berlin's intention to allocate 8 billion for military aid to Ukraine and another 2 billion for commitment allocations. According to him, this will be a strong signal of the unwavering support that Germany provides to Ukraine.

"Yes, eight billion can come. I hope that they will come, it is a good initiative... The Parliament, of course, has to make a decision next week," Pistorius said.

ADVERTISIMENT

The head of the German defense ministry also called on other partners to help Ukraine more.

Initially, the German Ministry of Finance provided only 4 billion in the federal budget for 2024 for military assistance to Kyiv. However, almost all of the money was allocated to support projects that had already been promised.

The parties in Germany's ruling coalition have currently reached an agreement in principle to increase spending on aid to Ukraine to 8 billion.

Meanwhile, the German defense concern Rheinmetall confirmed that it has started preparing tanks and armored evacuation vehicles for the Ukrainian army on behalf of the German government.

"The Ukrainian government has signed a contract with Rheinmetall to supply Leopard 1 systems, including 25 Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks, five Bergepanzer 2 armored recovery vehicles and two driver training tanks. The order, funded by Germany and worth several million euros, also includes training, logistics, spare parts, maintenance and other support services," the concern said in a statement.

ADVERTISIMENT

Rheinmetall added that deliveries will take place in 2024. The Leopard 1s scheduled for delivery are currently undergoing major repairs at the group's plants.

Rheinmetall also reminded that the concern, on behalf of the government, recently began work on the supply of 80 Marder infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine. Most of them have already "proved their resilience".

The concern is currently waiting for a new order for the supply of another 20 Marder infantry fighting vehicles, which are ready for operation. In late 2023 and early 2024, five Caracal airborne vehicles are scheduled to be delivered.

At the same time, the governments of the Netherlands and Denmark have financed the delivery of 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks in 2024.

"In addition to equipment, Rheinmetall helps the Ukrainian armed forces with ammunition, drones, medical supplies, etc.", the company emphasized.

ADVERTISIMENT

Earlier that day, it was reported that Germany had allocated a new military aid package to Ukraine. It includes 10 Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks, 14 Bandvagn 206 all-terrain vehicles and five Carrier Warthog all-terrain vehicles.

The Germans will also provide our defenders with a Wisent 1 demining vehicle and 14 Ground Observer 12 radar stations.

As for ammunition, the Armed Forces will receive 1,020 155-mm shells and 1.4 million rounds of ammunition for firearms.

The package includes 10,000 Vector drones for reconnaissance, three patrol vehicles, 16 Zetros trucks, four HX81 tank tractors with trailers, 16 Zetros trucks and 13 MAN heavy-duty trucks.
Issy-les-Moulineaux, France, November 15th, 2023



In line with its ambition to become the leader in sustainable food and valued experiences, Sodexo has organized the second edition of its Sustainable Chef Challenge, a yearly global competition of Chefs to develop and promote tasty creations that have low CO 2 emissions.

The Sustainable Chef Challenge is only one of the many ways Sodexo celebrates the power of sustainable and healthy eating. That is why Sodexo keeps using new ingredients and designing plant-forward recipes to ensure that 70% of its main dishes can be labelled low-carbon by 2030.

For the second year in a row, Sodexo gathered 7 talented Chefs from all over the world to take part in the Sustainable Chef Challenge, a culinary competition organized on November 15 in Landsberg am Lech, Germany, in partnership with Rational AG, Eaternity and the WWF.

The Chefs were evaluated on their ability to deliver two sustainable dishes based on core four criteria:

Promoting plant-based and sustainable meals

Supporting flavor, nutrition, health, well-being

Sourcing responsibly

Preventing food waste

During the event, the Chefs largely showcased their skills and passion to create healthy and delicious meals. Facing a panel of experts including the German three-Michelin stars Chef Thomas Buhner, two Chefs illustrated themselves:

Chef Sharon McConnell (Northern Ireland) with her Pistachio Crusted Celeriac Steak and Vegan Chocolate Mousse with Dates and Nuts.

Chef Ricardo Machado (Brazil) with his Sauteed banana peel medallion with sweet potatoes and Banana and Coconut Mash.

They were awarded a Culinary Experience Grand Prize for their demonstration of tasty and sustainable cooking.

Today sustainability is a major focus of the changes both our clients and our consumers are looking for. For Sodexo its about continually pioneering to build better experiences for our guests, to support our employees and to enhance our virtuous contribution to the environment. Alexandra Serizay, Sodexos Group Chief Strategy and Services Innovation Officer.

The Sustainable Chef Challenge is a true illustration of Sodexos ambition to drive change towards tasty sustainable food. We aspire to offer our consumers meals that are both desirable and low-carbon. With our expanded plant-forward offering, Sodexo also contributes directly to our clients' sustainability goals. Anna Notarianni, Sodexos Group Chief Impact Officer.

We are very thankful to have had the opportunity to work with such talented people, united by a common purpose: paving the way for environmentally friendly and flavorful food. Sharon McConnell & Ricardo Machado, winners of the 2023 edition of the Sustainable Chef Challenge.

About Sodexo

Founded in Marseille in 1966 by Pierre Bellon, Sodexo is the global leader in sustainable food and valued experiences at every moment in life: learn, work, heal and play. The Group stands out for its independence, its founding family shareholding and its responsible business model. Its portfolio of activities includes Sodexo Food and Facilities Management Services and Pluxee Employee Benefit Solutions, activity for which the Group announced a spin-off and listing project in early 2024. This diversified offer meets all the challenges of everyday life with a dual goal: to improve the quality of life of our employees and those we serve, and contribute to the economic, social and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. For Sodexo, growth and social commitment go hand in hand. Our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all.

Sodexo is included in the CAC Next 20, CAC 40 ESG, CAC SBT 1.5, FTSE 4 Good and DJSI indices.

Key Figures

22.6 billion euros in Fiscal 2023

consolidated revenues

consolidated revenues 430,000 employees as at August 31, 2023

#1 France-based private employer worldwide 45 countries

80 million consumers served daily

14.3 billion euros in market capitalization

(as at October 25, 2023)

Media contacts

Sodexo CLAI Serena Borsani



+33 06 21 47 80 52



[email protected] Valentine Serres



+33 07 78 41 45 91



[email protected]

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CRANBURY, N.J., Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Targeted Oncology, a multimedia resource that offers engaging content and expert opinions on standard and emerging treatments in the field of oncology, is thrilled to announce the distinguished recipients of the prestigious Oncology Icons award program. This program recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the field of oncology through their expertise, dedication and innovation.

This quarters recipients have demonstrated remarkable leadership and have shown a deep commitment to improving cancer care and outcomes. These individuals have set new standards of excellence and serve as an inspiration to the entire oncology community.

The Oncology Icons are:

Daniel Efiom-Ekaha, M.D., FACP. Efiom-Ekaha is a community-based hematologist/oncologist at Cancer Care Associates of York in York, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, in Nigeria with internship and residency training at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Cornwall Regional Hospital in St. James Parish, Jamaica. He then completed his internal medicine training at The Brooklyn Hospital Center in New York and his hematology and medical oncology fellowships at the State University of New York. Ive been practicing in the field for over a decade. I am fortunate to have been able to see, through the last several years, concepts and ideas that we thought would make sense, being tested out in the bench with a basic science research, and over the years, transcend and come to fruition, in terms of what were able to deliver and results and outcomes were able to get for our patients, said Efiom-Ekaha.

Efiom-Ekaha is a community-based hematologist/oncologist at Cancer Care Associates of York in York, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, in Nigeria with internship and residency training at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Cornwall Regional Hospital in St. James Parish, Jamaica. He then completed his internal medicine training at The Brooklyn Hospital Center in New York and his hematology and medical oncology fellowships at the State University of New York. Ive been practicing in the field for over a decade. I am fortunate to have been able to see, through the last several years, concepts and ideas that we thought would make sense, being tested out in the bench with a basic science research, and over the years, transcend and come to fruition, in terms of what were able to deliver and results and outcomes were able to get for our patients, said Efiom-Ekaha. Maen Hussein, M.D. Hussein is a medical oncologist and hematologist at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) and has recently been elected to serve as president in 2024 for the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO) board of directors. He joined FCS in 2011 after finishing his residency at Brown Universitys Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Hussein also serves on the Finance Committee of the FCS executive board and on the FCS Foundation board of directors, of which he is the immediate past chair. Oncologists strive to get patients to remission, maintain quality of life, prolong survival, and I wanted to be part of this. You can see the advances we have had in the last 20 yearsEvery success motivates us to do even better, said Hussein.

We are honored to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of these Oncology Icons, said Erik Lohrmann, senior vice president of, oncology and urology. Their work has transformed the field of oncology, and we are grateful for their relentless dedication to improving the lives of cancer patients.

Targeted Oncology will also feature in-depth profiles of each recipient in an article published in Targeted Therapies in Oncology and on the Targeted Oncology website, offering readers an opportunity to gain insights into their remarkable journeys and contributions to the oncology community.

Submissions for the Oncology Icons award program are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. To submit a nomination, please click here.

About Targeted OncologyTargeted Oncology, a leading resource for oncologists and hematologists, empowers practice-changing outcomes through innovative learning formats and peer engagement. Its journals, Targeted Therapies in Oncology and Peers & Perspectives in Oncology, are delivered 18 times a year. TargetedOnc.com offers daily content and an e-newsletter subscription and hosts 500-plus virtual and in-person events annually, fostering engaging discussions among oncology peers. Targeted Oncology is a brand of MJH Life Sciences, the largest privately held, independent, full-service medical media company in North America delivering trusted health care news.

Media Contact:Lauren GarafolaMJH Life Sciences[email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5a714c66-faf7-4799-83ce-b897f3b92bdd

Targeted Oncology announces Daniel Efiom-Ekaha, M.D., FACP and Maen Hussein, M.D. as the recipients of its Oncology Icons award program This program recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the field of oncology through their expertise, dedication and innovation.

Source: Targeted Oncology
Santa Fe, NM, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Earlier this year, FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) rolled out new regulations for the 20242025 award year, including important changes that impact 529 education savings plans. Under the new regulations, grandparent contributions will no longer negatively affect a students financial aid eligibilitycreating further flexibility for grandparents to contribute to their grandchildrens future educational opportunities. By utilizing a 529 education savings plan, like the one offered through The Education PlanNew Mexicos direct-sold 529 education savings plangrandparents can save as theyre able and contribute for future qualified education-related expenses.

Not only do 529 plans offer flexibility in terms of facilitating the education path that best fits your child or grandchilds needs, but the funds can be used for a variety of expenses, making them one of the most robust options for forward-thinking family planning, said Natalie Cordova, Executive Director of the Education Trust Board of New Mexico, the organization that administers The Education Plan.

Under previous FAFSA regulations, withdrawals from grandparent-owned accounts counted toward the students available funding for college. Funds were reported as untaxed income, with 50% of the funding counting as available funds for collegediminishing financial aid eligibility. With the recent change, grandparent-owned 529 accounts are not reported as income, gifts, or available funding, meaning the students eligible financial aid amount will no longer be impacted.

This is a huge opportunity for all families, added Cordova. Any amount saved now can help reduce the burden of student loan debt. Studies show that students with as little as $500 saved for college are three times more likely to attend college and four times more likely to graduate. With the holidays around the corner, its a perfect time to think outside the box and into the future by gifting contributions to a 529 plan. Youll be setting them up for a brighter future with the gift of education.

529 plans can be used for a wide range of qualified education expenses including tuition, books, room and board, meal plans, computers and software, educational special needs services, K-12 tuition (up to $10,000 per year), apprenticeship expenses, and even student loan repayment (up to $10,000). Funds can be used at any accredited trade or vocational school, college, or university throughout the nation.

For more information or to open an account, visit TheEducationPlan.com.
Lisbon, Portugal, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New Native, renowned for their approach to aggregating cutting-edge AI technologies, has proudly secured the Best New Tech Startup award in the Artificial Intelligence category at The Europas.

Founded in 2009 by Mike Butcher, editor-at-large at Tech Crunch, The Europas boasts a 15-year legacy of spotlighting outstanding startups, with past winners including industry giants like Spotify, Farfetch, and Depop.

New Native is a platform that integrates advanced AI technologies to help businesses and users scale the development and distribution of solutions. With a unique business model, they are dedicated to developing applications for various sectors, including corporations, technology providers, financial institutions, and government agencies.

Simon Olson, Co-founder of New Native, expressed his excitement about the recognition, stating, "Winning the Europas Best New Tech Startup in AI is a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of our team. At New Native, we are on a mission to empower businesses and individuals with the latest AI technologies, and this award reaffirms the impact of our approach."

One of New Native's standout initiatives is lablab, one of the largest communities for AI developers, offering a sandbox environment for rapidly testing and deploying technologies. With access to over 75,000 developers, it has evolved into a vibrant hub for enthusiasts eager to explore and create with the latest advancements in AI.

As New Native advances into its next growth phase, the company gears up to elevate its affiliated brands, including lablab, GAIA, and Slingshot. The company is focused on refining the narratives for each brand, ensuring a smooth integration into the complete end-to-end cycle. This cycle encompasses prototyping for lablab (with further business solutions coming soon), Slingshot's incubation process, and GAIA's acceleration phase.

About New Native Inc:New Native is a leading AI platform designed to aggregate the latest AI technologies, allowing businesses and users to develop AI solutions and distribute them at scale. In addition, New Native capitalizes on its own AI platform by constantly innovating and building its own set of AI applications targeting corporations, technology providers, financial institutions, and government agencies. New Native has built one of the largest communities for AI developers with the aim to provide AI labs with a sandbox environment where they can perform rapid testing and deployment of their technologies with access to over 75,000 developers and growing who are keen on building with the latest AI technologies. For more information, please visit their website at https://newnative.ai/

For media inquiries, please contact: Yasmine Oronos Luna PR [email protected]

Source: New Native
Veyond Metaverse and RapiDiagnostics Collaborate to Redefine Global Surgery with Leading-Edge AI and XR Healthcare Technologies

SAN FRANCISCO, CA,, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Marking a historical achievement in healthcare technology, Veyond Metaverse, renowned for its pioneering work in extended reality (XR) technology platform Veyond Connect, successfully performed the worlds first digital surgery on September 13, 2023. Following this, the company's latest innovation, an AI-powered Natural Language Processing (NLP) real-time translation system, was tested and validated on November 10, 2023. Building on this success, Veyond Metaverse is now ready to implement this technology in live XR digital surgery at one of the world's first XR operating rooms, located in Yangon, in December 2023. Demonstrated in collaborative digital simulations between researchers in Canada and Ecuador, this technology effectively transcends geographical barriers, connecting medical professionals across continents. This pivotal development marks a new era in digital surgery and global healthcare communication, moving closer to their vision of democratizing healthcare access worldwide.



"In a world where healthcare innovation knows no borders, language barriers can still pose formidable challenges," says the Veyond Metaverse team. "Andres Bajana, a project member from RapiDiagnostics, experienced these challenges, being limited in collaboration due to language barriers. Our AI-powered NLP real-time translation system transformed the collaborative landscape for Andres and many others."



"Before the introduction of Veyond Metaverse's real-time translation technology, I faced significant challenges in collaborating with my English-speaking colleagues. The language barrier was not just a hurdle; it was a wall. With this groundbreaking tool, that wall has been dismantled. I now participate in critical discussions and collaborations seamlessly, feeling empowered and more connected than ever. This technology hasn't just changed the way we work; it has revolutionized it, enabling a true exchange of knowledge and expertise across linguistic divides."



With the introduction of our AI-powered Natural Language Processing (NLP) real-time translation system, we've taken a significant step in enhancing global healthcare accessibility. This technology not only facilitates seamless communication across language barriers but also dramatically expands the reach of medical expertise. From serving a limited audience to now enabling access on a global scale, Veyond Metaverse is at the forefront of democratizing healthcare through advanced technology.



Jimmy Silva, CEO of RapiDiagnostics says It's a remarkable moment for us at RapiDiagnostics to see such advanced XR healthcare technology making significant strides in Latin America. The integration of Veyond Metaverse's AI-driven NLP system is a monumental step forward. It eradicates language barriers, ensuring the technology's accessibility to the entire continent. This is more than technological advancement; it's a leap towards inclusive and equitable healthcare.



Advancing Global Healthcare with AI Innovations:

At the vanguard of healthcare transformation, Veyond Metaverse utilizes advanced AI to improve healthcare accessibility and quality globally. Already proficient in languages like Spanish and Korean, the company is expanding to include Burmese, overcoming the challenges of limited data for less common languages. This commitment to technological refinement is reshaping international medical collaboration, perfectly aligning with the mission to democratize global healthcare.



In the forthcoming year, significant investments in AI research and development will propel Veyond Metaverse into a leading position as an AI-powered XR healthcare provider. This strategic focus on technology enhancement aims to refine our systems' understanding and response to human language, thereby enabling seamless real-time communication for healthcare professionals globally.



We are also dedicated to enhancing the user-friendliness of our digital surgical tools, ensuring that doctors can use them intuitively and efficiently. Additionally, we are actively developing AI tools for tasks such as medical data analysis and improving situational awareness during surgeries.



These enhancements will not only facilitate the teaching and practice of surgery using our technology but also benefit healthcare education as a whole. Our substantial investment in AI research and development is poised to revolutionize real-time immersive 3D communication, enabling advanced data analytics and big data mining. These advancements will greatly enhance data management for educational purposes and elevate situational awareness in operating theaters, ushering in a transformative era in digital surgery and healthcare education.



A Testament to Collaborative Innovation:

In a strategic alliance with RapiDiagnostics S.A., a leader in healthcare technology in Ecuador and Peru, Veyond Metaverse has established a cutting-edge XR Digital Surgery training center in Latin America. This facility is poised to become a pivotal center for state-of-the-art surgical training and telemedicine consultations, promising to revolutionize the accessibility of quality healthcare. This collaboration exemplifies Veyond Metaverse's commitment to forging impactful and cooperative healthcare solutions.



Gabriel Honce, Project Leader says Our collaboration with Veyond Metaverse in bringing this AI innovation to our XR Operating Room Training Center validates our commitment and vision. We're not just building a facility; we're pioneering a new chapter in digital surgery and medical training, setting the benchmark for healthcare innovation in Latin America.



Global Impact and Recognition:

The international medical community recognizes this achievement as a pivotal moment in digital surgery. Renowned surgeons, such as French urology expert Prof. Dr. Thierry Flam, have praised the AI NLP system for its capacity to connect global experts with regional healthcare professionals, effectively bridging distance and language barriers. Veyond Metaverses innovations have also received international acclaim, including a recent nomination for 'VR Healthcare Solution of the Year' at the 7th International VR Awards and Digital Health Awards 2023.



A Future Powered by AI and XR:

The co-founders of Veyond Metaverse, Adam Choe, Dr. Joon Chung, and Prof. Dr. Flam, envision a future where AI and XR Healthcare technologies revolutionize the teaching and execution of surgeries worldwide. 'Our objective goes beyond mere technological progression,' states Choe. 'We are devoted to democratizing healthcare access and revolutionizing its delivery globally through cutting-edge AI solutions.'



About Veyond Metaverse:

Veyond Metaverse specializes in real-time 3D immersive communication systems, connecting the international medical community with the latest XR and AI technologies. Its flagship product, Veyond Connect, leads in digital surgery, telemedicine, medical education, and training solutions, establishing new benchmarks in digital healthcare innovation.



About RapiDiagnostics S.A.:

RapiDiagnostics S.A. is at the forefront of healthcare advancement in Ecuador and Peru, dedicated to enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality through innovative solutions, including telemedicine and advanced surgical training.

Adam Choe

Veyond Metaverse

[email protected]

There is no offer to sell, no solicitation of an offer to buy, and no recommendation of any security or any other product or service in this article. Moreover, nothing contained in this should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security, or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. It is your responsibility to determine whether any investment, investment strategy, security, or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your investment objectives, financial circumstances, and risk tolerance. Consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax advisor regarding your specific business, legal, or tax situation.
Oakland, California, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Pacific Institute, a global water think tank, today released a major update to its Water Conflict Chronology, adding over 350 new instances of conflicts associated with water resources and water systems identified from news reports, eyewitness accounts, and other conflict databases. The Water Conflict Chronology, created by the Pacific Institute during the 1980s, is the worlds most comprehensive open-source database on water-related violence. The database includes verified instances where water or water systems have been a trigger, weapon, or target or casualty of violence.

With todays update, the Water Conflict Chronology now includes over 1,630 cases and shows a clear worsening trend of water-related violence during recent decades. The database shows 228 incidents in 2022 and 117 incidents between January and June of 2023.

The new cases reflect an increase in the past two years in intentional attacks on civilian water systems in the ongoing violence in the Russia-Ukraine War and in the Middle East, including in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as Yemen, Syria, Iraq, and Israel. Also notable is the ongoing violence in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, especially Burkina Faso, Mali, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Somalia, and Kenya, where traditional herders and farmers continue to compete for scarce water resources, and South Africa where unrest over the failure to provide safe water and sanitation is growing.

Violence over water resources has notably increased during the past 20 years with a spike starting in 2022. Far more must be done to develop and implement strategies to move toward cooperation and peaceful sharing, said Peter Gleick, Co-Founder and Senior Fellow of the Pacific Institute. The extensive attacks on dams and water delivery systems in Ukraine have contributed to the recent dramatic increase in water-related violence. We also see a worrying increase in violence associated with water scarcity worsened by drought, climate disruptions, growing populations, and competition for water.

Protecting civilian water infrastructure and resources and developing water-governance structures that are just and equitable are necessary for both peacebuilding and peacekeeping, said Morgan Shimabuku, Senior Researcher at the Pacific Institute. Water can be part of the solution, and in many places, it is a critical part.

Each event in the Water Conflict Chronology database is identified by date, location, category (trigger, weapon, or casualty), short description, and verifying citation or source. Figure 1 shows the overall increase in the number of events in the Water Conflict Chronology between 2000 and 2023. Notably, the data shown for 2023 reflect events for the first six months of the year. Figure 2 shows the number of events per year by type (water as a weapon, casualty, or trigger) of conflict, with a significant increase in attacks on water systems (casualty) in recent years.

The Pacific Institutes work on water and conflict is focused on identifying and understanding the risks of water-related violence, but also identifying strategies for reducing these risks, including technical and engineering solutions to improve access and efficient use of water, the application of political and legal tools to protect civilian water systems, and new economic approaches to address inequities in freshwater availability and affordability.

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For more information, contact Dr. Peter Gleick, Co-Founder and Senior Fellow of the Pacific Institute, at [email protected] or Dr. Amanda Bielawski, Director of Communications and Outreach of the Pacific Institute, at [email protected].

About the Pacific Institute

Founded in 1987, the Pacific Institute is a global water think tank that combines science-based thought leadership with active outreach to influence local, national, and international efforts in developing sustainable water policies. From working with Fortune 500 companies to frontline communities, our mission is to create and advance solutions to the worlds most pressing water challenges. Since 2009, the Pacific Institute has also acted as co-secretariat for the CEO Water Mandate, a global commitment platform that mobilizes a critical mass of business leaders to address global water challenges through corporate water stewardship. For more information, visit pacinst.org.

Attachments

Dr. Amanda Bielawski Pacific Institute [email protected]

Source: Pacific Institute
SACRAMENTO, Calif., Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thanks to the support of California dairy farmers, processors and families, Dairy Council of California will be continuing its cause to promote the science-based health benefits of milk and dairy foods and foster sustainable food systems. A recent California Department of Food and Agriculture public continuation hearing served as a vital platform for the dairy community and the broader public to express their support for Dairy Council of California's ongoing work. These hearings are held every five years.

With a legacy spanning over a century, Dairy Council of California has consistently demonstrated commitment to elevating the health of children, families and communities. Throughout its extensive history, the organization has navigated a series of successful hearings, which have served as a testament to its dedication to promoting dairy's role in a sustainable economy and food system.

The most recent hearing was held in September 2023. Partners from various sectors, including the dairy community, public health, education, health care and academia, enthusiastically showed their strong support by submitting letters of endorsement and delivering oral testimonies.

We are immensely proud of the overwhelming support we have received during the recent CDFA public hearing, said Amy DeLisio, CEO of Dairy Council of California. This resounding endorsement from our partners in various sectors reinforces our unwavering commitment to promoting the health benefits of dairy and its role in healthy eating patterns. We look forward to continuing our vital work to improve the health of children, families and communities.

Testimonies underscored Dairy Council of California's unique point of distinction and its pivotal role in educating the public about the health benefits of milk and dairy foods. Additionally, these partners highlighted the organization's substantial contributions to community health on behalf of the dairy community, solidifying its position as a critical advocate for the industry.

John Dolan, Chairman of Dairy Council of California and Owner of Driftwood Dairy explains further, Dairy Council of California continues to be a key part of our mission to not only produce milk and dairy foods, but to support nutrition education in schools and community settings. By supporting Dairy Council of California, we can help ensure milk and dairy foods continue to be a valued part of healthy, sustainable eating patterns.

Dairy Council of California remains steadfast in its cause to educate the public about the importance of milk and dairy foods while supporting the dairy industry's role in sustainable nutrition and a healthy food system.

About Dairy Council of California

Dairy Council of California is a nutrition organization working together with champions to elevate the health of children and communities through lifelong healthy eating patterns. Focusing on education, advocacy, dairy agricultural literacy and collaboration, Dairy Council of California advances the health benefits of milk and dairy foods as part of the solution to achieving nutrition security and sustainable food systems. Learn more at HealthyEating.org.

Contact:Meggan RushCommunications ManagerDairy Council of California916.633.3644[email protected]

Source: Dairy Council of California
Gratomic (TSX.V: GRAT) (OTCQX: CBULF) (FSE: CB82), a multinational company with projects in Namibia, Brazil and Canada, has released an update on its wholly owned Aukam graphite mine and processing plant in Namibia. According to the report, since the company began the commercial commissioning phase in June, Gratomic has processed 80 tonnes of material through the processing plant at a grade of 94% Cg concentrate; the material is being stored in storage silos on the project site. The company noted that the commercial phase has delivered identical results to the pilot testing done both on site and at SGS Lakefield in Canada. The report also observed that modifications were undertaken to optimize the operation of the processing plant for future production as the commercial commissioning process identifies bottlenecks and provides an opportunity to eliminate those without causing downtime to future production. In addition, the company explained that, with the recent announcements out of China, the majority of western original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are taking all necessary steps to bring on new critical mineral supply, with graphite receiving a lot of the focus because it is still very much controlled by China.

Gratomic has been in discussions with potential buyers and has delayed its product-development program for a few weeks to ensure that all the relevant product specifications are met to fulfill end-user needs. The report noted that an additional C$4.7 million capital expenditure is needed for its Aukam Graphite facility, which will push the output of the facility to 12,000 tonnes by November 2024, a significant increase from its current kick-off level if 7,600 tonnes. The past few months have been challenging and time consuming, said Gratomic president and CEO Arno Brand in the press release. It is with great relief that we now see ourselves in the final steps in preparation of production at the Aukam Graphite mine in Namibia.

To view the full press release, visit https://ibn.fm/1aETG

About Gratomic Inc.

Gratomic is a multinational company with projects in Namibia, Brazil and Canada. The company aims to become a leading graphite supplier and to secure a strong position in the electric vehicle battery supply chain through the development of its flagship Aukam graphite mine and ongoing exploration at the Capim Grosso property. The company will continue to explore graphite opportunities that show the potential to produce the specific flake size and purity required for active anodes. Large quantities of high-quality vein graphite have been shipped for testing to confirm suitability as anode material. Gratomic is confident that the test results will provide a unique competitive advantage in the desired target markets. The company will continue to update the public on the status of these tests and will share results as they become available. In addition, in January 2023, Gratomic announced that it had entered into a LOI with Graphex Technologies to supply graphite through existing facilities and develop a downstream processing facility in the continental United States. Gratomic has also entered into a collaborative agreement with Forge Nano to use its patented atomic layer technology (ALD) to coat of spherical graphite required in lithium-ion batteries. For more information about the company, visit www.Gratomic.ca.

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Sekur Private Data (CSE: SKUR) (OTCQB: SWISF) (FSE: GDT0), a leading Swiss hosted secure and private communications platform, today announced the launch of its SekurRelay Enterprise Email Solution, allowing corporate executives and management to split their company email domain. This enables companies to benefit from SekurMails SekurSend/SekurReply feature and other Swiss-hosted privacy and security solutions SekurMail offers without having to migrate all employees, eliminating a huge roadblock to mass adoption of SekurMail by large corporations and government agencies. We are excited to provide SekurRelay to our customers as it provides protection from BEC attacks to C-level executives and managers who traditionally send highly sensitive emails inside and outside of their organizations, said Alain Ghiai, CEO of Sekur Private Data. We have had many instances where a company wanted to keep their existing email provider for convenience for most of their employees, but wanted to have their C levels use Sekur, while keeping the same company or government domain email. This feature cannot come soon enough, as we read constantly about banks, large organizations, law enforcement agencies and governments being compromised in their email. Fortunately, we can offer the only Swiss-hosted, proprietary, private and secure communications platform that does not rely on big tech infrastructure, open-source coding or data mining, therefore reducing exponentially the risk of cyber penetration. Our prime directive is to provide private and secure communications for everyone, and as we are not connected to any big tech platform, we offer a truly independent, private and secure means of communications, without any data mining, through our proprietary technology and our secure servers based in Switzerland.

To view the full press release, visit https://ibn.fm/voHZz

About Sekur Private Data Ltd.

Sekur Private Data is a cybersecurity and internet privacy provider of Swiss hosted solutions for secure and private communications. The company distributes a suite of encrypted e-mails, secure messengers and secure communication tools. Sekur Private Data sells its products through its own website, www.Sekur.com, approved distributors and telecommunications companies. The company serves consumers, businesses and governments worldwide.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to SWISF are available in the companys newsroom at https://ibn.fm/SWISF

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TechMediaWire (TMW) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on pioneering public and private companies driving the future of technology. It is one of 60+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, TMW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists, and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in todays market, TMW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. TMW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.

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AWKN-P001 is a N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor-Modulating Drug Used in Combination with Psycho-Social Support for the Treatment of Severe Alcohol Use Disorder

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2023) - Awakn Life Sciences Corp. (NEO: AWKN) (OTCQB: AWKNF) (FSE: 954), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing therapeutics to treat addiction with a near-term focus on Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), announces today that it has received clinical trial authorization from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and ethical approval from the Health Research Authority in the UK for a phase III clinical trial for its lead program AWKN-P001 for the treatment of Severe Alcohol Use Disorder (SAUD).

SAUD, the most acute type of alcohol use disorder, affecting approximately 12.5 million people in the US and the key European markets of Germany, UK, France, Italy, and Spain.

AWKN-P001 is a novel combined therapeutic of a N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-modulating drug (ketamine) used in combination with psycho-social support to treat SAUD. Results from AWKN-P001 phase II study were very positive, achieving 86% abstinence in the 6 months post treatments vs. 2% abstinence pre-trial, and 25% abstinence in current standard of care.

The trial is being funded by Awakn, The University of Exeter, and a partnership between the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the Medical Research Council (MRC). The phase III trial will be a n=280, two-armed randomized placebo-controlled trial. It will be delivered in the UK across ten UK National Health Service (NHS) sites. Awakn will contribute approx. GBP 800,000 towards the costs of the trial, with the NIHR, the MRC, and the University of Exeter contributing the balance of the costs.

The MHRA and Health Research Authority's approval and continued support reflects their confidence in the rigorous research, ethical standards and promise of this trial. Enrollment for the phase III is due to start in Q1 2024.

Prof. Celia Morgan, Head of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy at Awakn and Principal Investigator of the trial commented,"We are thrilled to have received the green light to proceed with this landmark trial, which will be the largest and most rigorous study of ketamine-assisted therapy for Alcohol addiction to date. We believe that ketamine, when combined with psychological support, has the potential to offer a new treatment paradigm for millions of people who suffer from alcohol addiction, and another vote of confidence from these organizations is an amazing and critical step in the process."

Anthony Tennyson, Awakn CEO, commented, "This regulatory and ethical approval is not only a testament to our commitment to scientific rigor and patient well-being, but also a pivotal step in our commercial journey. It opens new horizons for Awakn, as we move one step closer to delivering a potentially transformative therapy to the market. Our Phase 3 clinical trial represents a crucial bridge between cutting-edge science and a commercially viable solution for addressing severe alcohol use disorder."

About Awakn Life Sciences Corp.

Awakn Life Sciences Corp. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing therapeutics targeting addiction. Awakn has a near-term focus on Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), a condition affecting approximately 51 million people in the US and key European international markets and 285m people globally for which the current standard of care is inadequate. Our goal is to provide breakthrough therapeutics to addiction sufferers in desperate need and our strategy is focused on commercializing our R&D pipeline across multiple channels.

www.AwaknLifeSciences.com | Twitter | LinkedIn

About National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)

The mission of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research. We do this by:

Funding high quality, timely research that benefits the NHS, public health and social care;

Investing in world-class expertise, facilities and a skilled delivery workforce to translate discoveries into improved treatments and services;

Partnering with patients, service users, carers and communities, improving the relevance, quality and impact of our research;

Attracting, training and supporting the best researchers to tackle complex health and social care challenges;

Collaborating with other public funders, charities and industry to help shape a cohesive and globally competitive research system;

Funding applied global health research and training to meet the needs of the poorest people in low and middle income countries.

NIHR is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care. Its work in low and middle income countries is principally funded through UK Aid from the UK government.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements reflect current expectations or beliefs regarding future events or the Company's future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "continues", "forecasts", "projects", "predicts", "intends", "anticipates", "targets" or "believes", or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, including statements relating the business of the Company. All forward-looking statements, including those herein are qualified by this cautionary statement.

Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the statements. There are certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking information. These include, but are not limited to:COVID-19; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; the business plans and strategies of the Company; the ability of the Company to comply with all applicable governmental regulations in a highly regulated business; the inherent risks in investing in target companies or projects which have limited or no operating history and are engaged in activities currently considered illegal in some jurisdictions; changes in laws; limited operating history; reliance on management; requirements for additional financing; competition; fluctuations in securities markets; inconsistent public opinion and perception regarding the medical-use of psychedelic drugs; expectations regarding the size of the addiction market; and regulatory or political change. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date or dates specified in such statements.

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 information. For more information on the Company, investors are encouraged to review the Company's public filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward- looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities in the United States. The Company's and Awakn's securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws 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.

Investor Enquiries:

Anthony Tennyson, CEO, Awakn Life Sciences

[email protected]

Media Enquiries:

Gordo Whittaker, CMO, Awakn Life Sciences

[email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187468
On the night of Wednesday, November 15, the occupiers launched a missile attack on the Odesa region. This latest terrorist attack was called a "clear signal" to Ukrainians, which, fortunately, did not have significant consequences.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was stated by the Southern Defense Forces of Ukraine. In particular, the military emphasizes that this attack signals to Ukrainians the need to strictly observe security measures during the alert.

As reported, after a prolonged alert due to the flight of the Mig-31K carrier in Odesa region, the enemy launched an Kh-31P anti-radar missile, which fortunately hit the field and did not cause significant damage.

"But this is a clear signal of the need to observe security measures during drills. The enemy is testing us for strength, endurance and resilience. Probably, he is measuring the directions of future attacks," the military said.

ADVERTISIMENT

As reported by OBOZ.UA, on the night of November 15, Russian invaders launched a missile attack on the town of Selydove in Pokrovsk district, Donetsk region. This caused the destruction of the entrance of a four-story residential building. There are dead and wounded.

On the morning of November 14, the occupation forces again shelled residential areas of Kherson and Osokorivka in the Kherson region. At least three people were injured when they came under enemy artillery fire.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2023) - ICEBERG Financial is proud to announce the release of GraySpectre's second consecutive quarterly report showcasing outstanding results. This report will be available to the public on GraySpectre.com.

GraySpectre.Com, a startup that was acquired by ICEBERG Financial last year at the Dubai IFIN Expo for a sum of $4M, has been achieving significant strides since its acquisition. With a dedicated focus on handpicking and ranking signal service providers, GraySpectre is offering a refined quantitative approach. This method is tailored to cater to asset managers and algo traders, equipping them with a reliable signal stream solution.

Despite the acquisition, ICEBERG Financial had initially held back on marketing efforts for GraySpectre to ensure consistent and dependable results. Following two quarters, the parent company, ICEBERG Financial, has given the green light for GraySpectre to commence its marketing campaigns Beginning From September 26th in the Dubai FX Expo 2023, aiming to broaden its client base throughout the MENA Region.

Moreover, as part of its continuous commitment to innovation and user experience, GraySpectre will be rolling out new features this quarter. Clients can soon look forward to the "Delivery API" and "Auto Execution Service", empowering them with even more versatility in their trading. Those in need of an automated trading system will find the GraySpectre Signal Stream service enhancing their asset management strategies.

ICEBERG Financial have always believed in nurturing and allowing startups like GraySpectre to flourish.

Media Contacts:

Name: Public Relation (Sarah Travis)

Website: https://iceberg.financial / https://grayspectre.com

Business email: [email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/180917
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2023) - Independence Gold Corp. (TSXV: IGO) (OTCQB: IEGCF) (the "Company") wishes to announce a proposed equity financing (the "Financing") of up to a maximum of 8,333,333 shares comprised of flow-through common shares (the "FT Shares") and units (each a "Unit"). The FT Shares will be offered at $0.18 and the Units will be offered at a price of $0.18 for a maximum aggregate proceeds of $1,500,000, and a combined total of a maximum 8,333,333 shares issued. Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (a "Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant (a "Warrant") will entitle the holder to purchase one additional Share at an exercise price of $0.24 per common share for a period of 24 months. Subject to compliance with applicable securities laws and the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, finders' fees may be payable to eligible arm's length persons with respect to certain subscriptions accepted by the Company.

President & CEO Randy Turner commented "The successful completion of recent drilling and exploration programs, including the discoveries of multiple new veins on the property, indicates the potential for future expansion of the current resource. We are excited to continue to advance the 3Ts Project with further drilling and exploration programs in 2024."

The proceeds from the sale of the offering will be used by the Company to fund further exploration programs, including drilling, at the Company's 3Ts Property located in central British Columbia, as well as a portion of the proceeds from the Units is also intended to be used for general and administrative purposes.

Closing of the Offering is subject to receipt of applicable regulatory approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The securities issued will be subject to a four month hold period.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF INDEPENDENCE GOLD CORP.

"Randy Turner"

Randy Turner, President and CEO

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.

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to Independence within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements with respect to the Company's planned drilling and exploration activities. The Company provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to those identified and reported in Independence's public filings under Independence Gold Corp.'s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Although Independence has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results 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. Independence disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law.

UNITED STATES ADVISORY. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), have been offered and sold outside the United States to eligible investors pursuant to Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act, and may not be offered, sold, or resold in the United States or to, or for the account of or benefit of, a U.S. Person (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the United States Securities Act) unless the securities are registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act is available. Hedging transactions involving the securities must not be conducted unless in accordance with the U.S. Securities Act. 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 the state in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO US NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATON INTO THE USA

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187425
Pioneering company in Native AI Content Management Software underscores the commitment to excellence through diversity in leadership

New York, New York and Brno, Czech Republic--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2023) - Kontent.ai, whose mission is to help the world's leading organizations deliver an unparalleled return on their content, today announced a powerhouse trio of leaders to run key roles in Global Revenue Operations for the organization. Jo Tyrer takes the reins as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) with Lynne O'Donnell as Vice President Revenue Operations and Corrie Sahli as Vice President Sales for North America. These key hires will lead and scale the commercial organization for the industry's first CMS with native AI capabilities.

"We are excited to have such an accomplished and strategic leadership team joining us at Kontent.ai," said Mark Ruddock, CEO. "I am looking forward to working closely with this talented group of professionals as we build out a truly customer-centric organization and accelerate our growth."

Jo Tyrer brings decades of industry leadership, global strategy, operational experience, and transformation. She states, "Revenue Operations looks at the entire customer lifecycle from Marketing to Sales to Customer Success and the opportunity of Artificial Intelligence requires a steady hand. The impressive track record of these female leaders in the team means our Revenue Operations team can bring a unique perspective to the Go To Market strategy. We are part of something groundbreaking at Kontent.ai and I am privileged to be a part of creating that."

Both Lynne O'Donnell and Corrie Sahil have extensive leadership and industry experience across the SaaS and CMS space to enhance the Kontent.ai leadership team. Lynne O'Donnell has an expertise in process improvement and data analysis and Corrie Sahli's STEM background and operational knowledge enhance her expertise and sales leadership.

To learn more about how Kontent.ai delivers unparalleled return on content, download The Total Economic Impact Report here.





Kontent.ai's Commercial and Revenue Operations Team

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The first CMS with native AI

Cannot view this video? Visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD8Jj_Mie6A

###

About Kontent.ai



Kontent.ai is the headless CMS that enables organizations to achieve unparalleled return on their content. In the Kontent.ai platform, control over content underpins all operations and workflows. Content creators, enabled by native AI skills, collaborate in real-time, making it easier to land on the best ideas, reduce bottlenecks, and maximize the impact of everything that's created while maximizing content velocity. Kontent.ai is an incredibly adaptable API-first cloud-native solution, so developers can use their favorite technologies, languages, and frameworks to deliver seamless experiences that look and feel great on any channel.

With offices in New York, London, Amsterdam, Brno, and Sydney, Kontent.ai supports global customers including Zurich Insurance, Cadbury, and Oxford University. Kontent.ai is a Microsoft partner and MACH Alliance member, recognized by both Gartner and Forrester. Visit kontent.ai to learn more about how we empower leading organizations.

Contact:

Erika Goldwater

[email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187424
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2023) - Lara Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: LRA) ("Lara") is pleased to report the final results of the recently completed 9,100m diamond drill program at the Planalto Copper Project.

A significant new zone of shallow copper mineralization was identified in the northern extension of the Cupuzeiro target where drill hole 23-018 intersected 21.49m @ 0.583% Cu from 43.51m down hole. This hole is located approximately 500m to the north of the near surface Cupuzeiro high-grade copper zone. Deeper copper intersections in this same area of the Cupuzeiro target were identified in holes 23-016 (16.3m @ 0.55%Cu from 310.7m down hole) and in hole 23-021 (28m @ 0.358%Cu from 246m down hole).

Significant new intersections in the east and north of the Homestead target include holes 23-013 (with 54.52m @ 0.529%Cu from 311m down hole) and 23-020 (with 24.8m @ 0.641%Cu from 88m down hole).

At the Silica Cap target, hole 23-017 made a significant high-grade intersection of 15.36m @ 1.014%Cu from 141m down hole. This intercept is located between two previously recorded high grade copper intersections (19-018: 15.8m @ 0.94%Cu and 19-025: 13.1m @ 0.65%Cu) and indicates that the copper mineralization in the mafic volcanics close to the granite contact in the Silica Cap target may be more widespread than previously interpreted.

The results for the first part of this program were reported on October 4, 2023. The new results include assays for five holes in the northern extension of the Cupuzeiro target (holes 23-016, 23-018, 23-019-, 23-021 and 23-022), five holes (23-011, 23-013, 23-014, 23-015 and 23-020) in the north, east and west parts of the Homestead target and two holes (23-017 and 23-023) in the Silica Cap target. Significant drill intersections for all the holes are reported in Table 1.

Table 1: Composite copper and gold analyses for the Q2-23 to Q3-23 drilling on the Cupuzeiro, Homestead and Silica Cap targets of the Planalto Copper Project, Para, Brazil.

Drillhole Cut off (%) From (m) To (m) Width (m) Cu (%) Au (ppm) Cu Eq (%) 23-011 0.1 9 23 14 0.182



23-013 0.1 235 411 176 0.352



Including 0.3 251.5 276 24.5 0.434 0.033 0.459 and 0.3 291 303.02 12.02 0.397 0.029 0.419 and 0.3 311 365.52 54.52 0.529 0.045 0.564 and 0.3 385 389 4 0.377 0.070 0.431 And 0.1 427 502 75 0.215



Including 0.3 467 470 3 0.327 0.024 0.345 23-014 0.1 230 250 20 0.215



and 0.1 268 359 91 0.179



Including 0.3 330 334 4 0.358 0.019 0.373 And 0.1 369 409 40 0.255



including 0.3 371 375 4 0.778 0.146 0.890 And 0.3 385 393 8 0.331 0.025 0.350 And 0.1 293.86 333.88 40.20 0.279



And 0.1 417 457 40 0.188



Including 0.3 418.7 422 3.3 0.538 0.048 0.575 And 0.3 431 435 4 0.447 0.031 0.471 23-015 No significant intercept 23-016 0.3 93 101 8 0.543 0.030 0.566 And 0.1 156 174.99 18.99 0.252



And 0.1 195 223 28 0.222



including 0.3 209 213 4 0.349 0.043 0.382 And 0.1 290 327 37 0.345



Including 0.3 310.7 327 16.3 0.550 0.213 0.714 23-017 0.1 139 156.36 17.36 0.930



Including 0.3 141 156.36 15.36 1.014 0.006 1.019 23-018 0.1 4 181 177 0.246



including 0.3 43.51 65 21.49 0.583 0.100 0.660 And 0.3 69 73 4 0.35 0.048 0.387 And 0.3 92 97 5 0.610 0.062 0.658 And 0.3 158 164 6 0.473 0.023 0.491 And 0.1 256.13 276 20.87 0.144



23-019 0.3 18 22 4 0.475 0.091 0.545 And 0.1 53.6 66 12.4





And 0.1 80 91.3 11.3





including 0.3 84 91.3 7.3 0.354 0.085 0.419 23-020 0.1 62 136 74 0.364



including 0.3 88 112.85 24.85 0.641 0.053 0.682 And 0.3 156 160 4 0.511 0.008 0.517 And 0.1 197 254 57 0.226



including 0.3 214 224 10 0.435 0.029 0.457 And 0.1 286 310 24 0.214



And 0.1 317 347 306 0.258



23-021 0.1 230 282 52 0.306



including 0.3 231.2 237 5.8 0.502 0.031 0.526 And 0.3 246 274 28 0.358 0.070 0.412 And 0.1 314 323 9 0.304



including 0.3 314 320 6 0.382 0.032 0.407 23-022 0.1 87 114.35 27.35 0.168



And 0.1 137.37 172 34.63 0.179



And 0.1 184 214.47 30.47 0.212



including 0.3 190 198 8 0.453 0.328 0.706 And 0.1 281 295 14 0.226



23-023 0.1 1.4 26 24.6 0.167



And 0.1 65 103.19 38.19 0.162



including 0.3 98 103.19 5.19 0.437 0.019 0.452

Notes: Copper equivalent values in this table were calculated using a copper price of US$3.40/lb and a gold price of US$1,800/oz, with only sulphide values, a minimum interval width of 4m and a maximum of 6m of internal waste considered. No allowance has been made for metallurgical recoveries of either copper or gold. The intercepts reported are down hole intervals and additional offset holes are required to better define the trend and attitude of the mineralized envelope and the higher-grade zones within it.

Link to Figure 1 - Planalto Drillhole Map:

Planalto Drillhole Map

Drillhole collars, Sampling methodology, Chain of Custody, Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Drillhole E-UTM N-UTM Azimuth Hole Angle Length (m) 23-011 637603 9295215 270 -45 348.14 23-013 637320 9295200 270 -35 532.32 23-014 637283 9294991 270 -60 483.88 23-015 636423 9294899 120 -45 478.90 23-016 636778 9296277 090 -45 367.61 23-017 637645 9294554 230 -45 247.67 23-018 636895 9296161 090 -60 392.73 23-019 636774 9296277 270 -65 320.30 23-020 636812 9295226 100 -60 369.46 23-021 637228 9296164 270 -45 327.70 23-022 636852 9296026 90 -60 350.78 23-023 637394 9294767 230 -50 206.72

All the drill core is cut and sampled under the supervision of the company's Vice President Exploration and the chain of custody of the drill core from the Project area to the Company's sample preparation facility in Cana dos Carajas was continuously monitored. Sample intervals for the drill core were mostly maintained at about 2m with some variation in the weathered saprolite zones and at times guided by the degree of copper mineralization. Blank, duplicate core or certified gold and copper reference materials were inserted at approximately every 10th sample.

The drill core samples were delivered by courier to the ALS preparation laboratory located in Parauapebas, 65km to the north from the Project, where they were crushed and pulverized. The sample pulps were then dispatched to the ALS laboratory in Lima for analysis. The pulps were subjected to multi-acid digestion with copper and 47 other elements were determined by ICP-MS. Gold was determined by fire assay fusion and an ICP-AES finish on a 30-gram charge.

Michael Bennell, Lara's Vice President Exploration and a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and has approved the technical disclosure and verified the technical information in this news release.

About the Planalto Project:

The Planalto Copper Project covers volcano-sedimentary sequences and intrusives of early Proterozoic-age, located between Vale's Sossego copper mine and Cristalino copper development project, and BHP's Pedra Branca copper mine and Antas mill, in the Carajas Mineral Province of northern Brazil. Lara owns 100% of the Homestead discovery, subject to a 2% NSR royalty payable on any production (Lara retains the right to purchase 50% of this royalty for a cash payment of US$2 million). Lara has further options to acquire outright two adjacent licenses, covering northward strike extensions to the Homestead mineralization and the new Cupuzeiro discovery, from Mineracao Tariana and Mineracao Zaspir (see news releases of January 11 and March 15, 2021, for details). To date 26,016m of diamond drilling have been completed on the Planalto Copper Project, with the latest holes reported linking Homestead and Cupuzeiro into a single body of mineralization. Lara plans to deliver a maiden mineral resource estimate and then complete a Preliminary Economic Assessment in 2024.

About Lara Exploration

Lara is an exploration company following the Prospect and Royalty Generator business model, which aims to minimize shareholder dilution and financial risk by generating prospects and exploring them in joint ventures funded by partners, retaining a minority interest and or a royalty. The Company currently holds a diverse portfolio of prospects, deposits and royalties in Brazil, Peru and Chile. Lara's common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "LRA".

For further information on Lara Exploration Ltd. please consult our website www.laraexploration.com, or contact Chris MacIntyre, VP Corporate Development, at +1 416 703 0010.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187384
Dubai, United Arab Emirates--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2023) - Polytrade, a leading real-world asset protocol, is taking a major step in its evolution, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to addressing the critical issues surrounding real-world assets. The platform is changing the way RWAs are aggregated and serves as a comprehensive solution for discovering, tokenizing, and facilitating liquidity for real-world assets.

Though the supply of real-world assets has seen significant improvement in recent times, the challenge remains on the demand side. The real-world asset space needs a dedicated platform purpose-built to facilitate discovery, primary sales, and secondary liquidity. Polytrade is stepping up to fill this crucial void by building an RWA Marketplace, the foremost platform that solves these issues.

Polytrade's RWA Marketplace will serve as a dynamic hub where diverse assets find their value and participants can confidently interact in a secure environment. The marketplace shall have solutions not just for buyers, but also asset originators and secondary sellers. Assets on the marketplace will include everything that derives value off-chain including treasury bills, real estate, loans, structured finance as well as physical collectibles such as Pokemon cards, watches, sneakers, and other goods.

To achieve this Polytrade has partnered with protocols such as Ondo Finance, OpenEden, Goldfinch Finance, 4K, Swarm Markets, Pine, Teller, Clearpool, Maple Finance, Unikura, Atlendis, and others.

By bringing together these protocols and spurring interoperability and usability of the assets beyond simple purchase, Polytrade will create an ecosystem where RWAs can truly flourish. For example, Polytrade is working with protocols such as Teller and Pine to provide collateralized loans on the underlying RWA assets. Polytrade sees more partners emerging in areas such as derivatives, white-label distribution, investment banking, ratings, custody, and more.

In addition, Polytrade is also partnering with multiple chains to bring cross-chain interoperability for RWAs, starting with Ethereum and Polygon but soon expanding into other chains. This is key to matching liquidity supply and demand effectively since most RWA assets currently sit on Ethereum.

"We believe in bringing RWA players together, breaking down silos, and fostering a collaborative environment that benefits everyone. Together, we can create a more inclusive and efficient financial landscape." - Piyush Gupta, CEO of Polytrade.

The first phase will be focused on creating discovery and consideration for all assets and building secondary trading for the collectibles asset class. The launch is expected in December 2023.

Polytrade's core mission is to empower individuals from all walks of life with the ability to invest in easily accessible assets. Polytrade believes in providing financial freedom to everyone, regardless of their economic background, through equitable access to asset ownership. Tokenized real-world assets are the perfect tool to achieve this mission as they level the playing field for all users, from professions and institutions to individuals in developed and emerging markets. In particular, users in emerging markets in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Latin America face an acute shortage of hard currency investment options, which can be addressed by access to these tokenized assets intuitively.

Polytrade has achieved remarkable innovations that have transformed the asset tokenization industry. Polytrade pioneered the tokenization of trade finance and authored the revolutionary ERC-6960 standard. The RWA Marketplace is set to redefine the landscape further.

Polytrade recently announced its participation in Mastercard's Multi-token Network Innovation Sprint and its selection in the Mastercard StartPath Program. Mastercard has selected 7 startups including Polytrade for its global startup engagement program to scale innovation in blockchain and digital assets.

Link to announcement: [https://twitter.com/Polytrade_fin/status/1704123843181424972]

While Polytrade is moving to its next phase, it continues to stick to its trade finance roots. Trade Finance is the protocol's long-standing expertise and is the first listed asset class on the RWA Marketplace.

"Polytrade was born out of a realization that core challenges in our current financial systems can be solved using blockchain, leading to not just better capital allocation but the meaningful last-mile impact. As our products mature, we are seeing the applicability of our standards across multiple asset classes," says Piyush.

Launched in 2021, Polytrade has been known for bringing the $5T trade finance market on-chain, having funded assets of over $6M. While Polytrade is going beyond its home ground of Trade Finance, it remains a key focus area. One of the key innovations in trade finance is the new structure. Polytrade, for the first time in both TradFi and DeFi, is bringing a bankruptcy-remote trade finance trustee & auditor model. This means tokenized trade finance assets can be serviced directly by a trustee without direct involvement from Polytrade and each data point from insurance coverage, risk rating to yield and the counterparty will be confirmed by an auditor and on-chained via a trusted oracle.





Polytrade

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Overall, Polytrade is now gearing up to solve a major roadblock for RWAs as a whole to succeed - the lack of a single platform for users to navigate the world of Real-World Assets. Users can be excited for this next leg of innovation to propel RWAs to the next level. Register for the upcoming marketplace: https://lnk.polytrade.finance/whitelist

Read more about Polytrade 2.0 in this official release note: [https://lnk.polytrade.finance/release-note]

Join Polytrade Communities:

English: https://lnk.polytrade.finance/english

Spanish: https://lnk.polytrade.finance/spanish

SEA: https://lnk.polytrade.finance/Asia

Turkish: https://lnk.polytrade.finance/turkish

Media Contact:

Name: Alexander Maxwell

Company: Polytrade Finance

Email: [email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187332
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2023) - Moovly Media Inc. (TSXV: MVY) (OTCQB: MVVYF) (FSE: 0PV2) ("Moovly" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a significant reinforcement of its partnership and collaboration with Acquia, a digital experience leader and provider of award-winning digital asset management (DAM) and product information management (PIM) solutions.

Acquia's DAM platform empowers organizations to manage all their brand, marketing, and product content, including images, audio files, and videos. The existing integration enabled companies to access their digital assets within Moovly and seamlessly create new videos that are fully aligned with company brand guidelines. As announced this week at the Partner Summit taking place at Acquia Engage Boston, Moovly extended this integration with major enhancements.

Geert Coppens, co-founder and CTO of Moovly, explains: "Enterprises can now not only access and utilize DAM assets for video creation but also directly publish these videos back into their DAM system. Our enhanced integration also enables them to use Moovly's AI-powered features, such as generating subtitles and translations, for videos hosted in their DAM. Additionally, our platform now also features an integration with Acquia's PIM solution, enabling e-commerce stores to swiftly create videos based on PIM assets for their entire product catalog."

"This enhanced integration allows Acquia's customers to repurpose their assets, generate more relevant content, save them time, and broaden their reach," said Deanna Ballew, Senior Vice President, Product DXP at Acquia. "Our partnership with Moovly and the extension of the AI-powered video creation and generation capabilities underscores how AI is fueling the content lifecycle and delivering AI-crafted digital experiences."

For more information, please visit www.moovly.com and www.acquia.com.

About Acquia:

Acquia empowers ambitious digital innovators to craft the most productive, frictionless digital experiences that make a difference to their customers, employees, and communities. We provide the world's leading open digital experience platform (DXP), built on open-source Drupal, as part of our commitment to shaping a digital future that is safe, accessible, and available to all. With Acquia DXP, you can unlock the potential of your customer data and content, accelerating time to market and increasing engagement, conversion, and revenue.

About Moovly:

Moovly is the leading provider of AI-powered creative tools to create compelling marketing, communications and training videos and video presentations. Moovly's advanced Studio Editor with millions of assets seamlessly integrated (via a partnership with Getty Images) is all you need to create engaging video content to promote, communicate or explain your product, service or message. Moovly's API and Automator technologies allow third parties to automate parts or all of the content creation process, including mass video customization, personalized videos (video version of mail merge), automatic content creation or updating by connecting data sources. With clients including users from over 300 of the Fortune 500, small businesses, freelancers and Ivy league universities, Moovly is an intuitive, cost effective choice for DIY creation of engaging video-based content.

"Your story begins with Moovly"

Files are available for download in our press room at www.moovly.com/pressroom.

For additional information about Moovly, please visit www.moovly.com.

Brendon Grunewald

President, CEO and Director

Email: [email protected]

Reader Advisory

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "objective", "ongoing", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plans", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward looking statements and information with respect to Moovly's future business plans and the expected benefits of its products. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct.

By its nature, such forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties, which could cause the actual results and expectations to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed. These risks and uncertainties, include, but are not limited to, Moovly's inability to continue to commercialize its products or demand for its products decreases or disappears. Other risk factors are set forth in detail in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis dated June 30, 2023, which is available for review under the Company's corporate profile at www.sedar.com. Some other risks and factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information also include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions in Canada, the United States and globally; industry conditions, unanticipated operating events; failure to obtain any necessary third party consents and approvals, if and when required; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; stock market volatility; competition for, among other things, capital and skilled personnel; changes in tax laws; and the other factors. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date hereof, and to not use such forward-looking information for anything other than its intended purpose. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187454
0.30 g/t Gold over 32.50 Meters Returned at the Golden Mask Anomaly

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2023) - Onyx Gold Corp.(TSXV: ONYX) ("Onyx" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the final assay and exploration results from its summer drilling and exploration program (the "Program") at the King Tut Property ("King Tut" or "Property") located in Yukon, Canada. (Figure 1). Previous fieldwork on the Project had identified large-scale undrilled gold-in-soil anomalies in a comparable geological setting situated 50 kilometers from Snowline Gold's Rogue/Valley Discovery, one of Canada's most significant new gold discoveries.

Results from the inaugural nine-hole drill program confirm widespread gold mineralization across the Main Tut and Golden Mask anomalies, validating the existence of potential bulk-tonnage reduced intrusion-related gold systems ("RIRGS") on the Property. In addition, new airborne magnetic surveying and soil sampling have also significantly expanded the size of the mapped intrusions at both targets.

"Our field program at King Tut has been a real success," said Brock Colterjohn, President & CEO. "The drilling has validated that these anomalies have potential as large, bulk tonnage targets with the opportunity to vector in on a higher-grade zone, and the geophysical and geochemical surveys have also significantly expanded the extents of the Golden Mask intrusive by 7x relative to previously mapped outlines. The increase in scale of the intrusion at Golden Mask, especially below cover on the valley floor, provides more room to expand the mineralized footprint, potentially including a higher-grade core."

"The results at Golden Mask, in particular, have demonstrated gold grades and widths consistent with what is known about Snowline Gold's Valley intrusion outside of the Valley target high-grade core. We look forward to interpreting this data as the "smoke" to the high-grade "fire", and we are anxious to get back on the ground at King Tut again next year."

The goal of the 2023 program was to determine the potential for RIRGS on the known gold-in-soil anomalies with a Phase 1 ~2,100-meter drill program. This year's results will be analyzed to inform next year's program to vector towards potential high-grade cores in these intrusions.

Highlight 2023 Drill Hole Results

Main Tut Anomaly

0.12 g/t Au over 122.0 meters in hole KT23-001, including 0.20 g/t Au over 18.1 meters

in hole KT23-001, including 0.13 g/t Au over 187.0 meters in hole KT23-002, including 0.36 g/t Au over 21.0 meters, including 2.93 g/t Au over 1.0 meter

in hole KT23-002, including

Golden Mask Anomaly

0.13 g/t Au over 53.0 meters in hole KT23-003B

in hole KT23-003B 0.30 g/t Au over 32.5 meters in hole KT23-005, including 0.56 g/t Au over 8.0 meters

in hole KT23-005, including 0.21 g/t Au over 20.0 meters in hole KT23-006

2.14 g/t Au over 0.7 meters in hole KT23-008

0.24 g/t Au over 10.9 meters in hole KT23-008

0.24 g/t Au over 14.7 meters in hole KT23-009, including 1.16 g/t Au over 0.7 meters

1.30 g/t Au over 4.0 meters in hole KT23-009

in hole KT23-009 6.31 g/t Au over 1.0 meters in hole KT23-009

2023 Program Summary

The 2023 Yukon exploration program focused on Phase 1 drill testing of the promising Main Tut and Golden Mask gold-in-soil anomalies, which are associated with two separate intrusion-related gold systems, and also the execution of property-wide geophysical surveys, geochemical surveys, and mapping and prospecting programs to refine drill targets and identify prospective area for future exploration. The Program included 2,123 meters of diamond drilling in two (2) completed holes at the Main Tut target and seven (7) completed holes and one (1) lost hole on the Golden Mask target, 1,353 soil samples, 1,692-line-kilometer of property-wide drone-based magnetic geophysical surveying, property-wide high-resolution LiDAR topographic surveying, and geological mapping, prospecting, and geochemical sampling.

Discussion of Golden Mask and Main Tut Drill Results

Golden Mask Anomaly

The Golden Mask anomaly occurs within and adjacent to a granitic stock that is interpreted to be the upper carapace of a reduced intrusion. The Golden Mask soil anomaly is roughly 1,400 meters by 1,400 meters in size and hosts coincident strongly anomalous gold and RIRGS pathfinder geochemical signature (Bi, Te, W, As). The Golden Mask anomaly is almost entirely comprised of soil samples that returned > 20 ppb gold, with a majority of samples over 50 ppb gold to a peak of 1,423 ppb gold. The anomaly is open for expansion to the west and south.

The Company completed seven (7) drill holes totaling 1,483.5 meters at Golden Mask (Figure 2) as two northwest-southeast fences of holes across the known mapped intrusion to cut the observed northeast-trending fracture/vein sets and one drill hole located at the valley bottom to test the newly interpreted intrusive outline based on the summer magnetic survey results. The holes intersected broad zones of gold mineralization within Golden Mask granitic intrusion and hornfels aureole including 0.13 g/t Au over 53.0 meters in hole KT23-003b, 0.30 g/t Au over 32.5 meters in hole KT23-005 (including 0.56 g/t Au over 8.0 meters) and 0.21 g/t Au over 20.0 meters in hole KT23-006, 0.24 g/t Au over 10.9 meters in hole KT23-008, and 0.24 g/t Au over 14.7 meters, 1.30 g/t Au over 4.0 meters, and 6.31 g/t Au over 1.0 meter in hole KT23-009. The gold is associated with fracture-controlled and locally pervasive, strong iron oxidation associated with fine-grained disseminated and quartz vein-hosted pyrite and arsenopyrite (+/- bismuthinite, stibnite, sulfosalts).

The highest gold values were returned in KT23-009, the last drill hole completed in the Program at Golden Mask, setting the Company up for a strong start to its 2024 exploration plans.

Main Tut Anomaly

The Main Tut anomaly is located nine kilometers east of Golden Mask, near the center of the Property and within the hornfelsed aureole and aplite dykes surrounding the northern side of the large quartz monzonite/granite stock. It has an arcuate shape that is over six kilometers in length and 200 to 1,500 meters in width. It is defined by a broad zone of moderately to strongly anomalous gold-in-soil values to a peak of 13,390 ppb gold, with coincident strongly anomalous RIRGS pathfinder geochemical signature (Bi, Te, W, As).

The Company completed two (2) drillholes totaling 639.3 meters at the Main Tut anomaly (Figure 3) targeting two large east-west trending aplite dykes with elevated gold surface geochemistry. The holes intersected widespread gold mineralization with the intrusion including 0.12 g/t Au over 122.0 meters in hole KT23-001 (including 0.20 g/t Au over 18.1 meters) and 0.13 g/t Au over 187.0 meters in hole KT23-002 (including 0.36 g/t Au over 21.0 meters). The gold is associated with fine-grained disseminated and quartz vein-hosted pyrite and arsenopyrite (+/- bismuthinite, stibnite, sulfosalts), but especially in units where fractures and vein margins are coated by muscovite.

A summary of significant assay intercepts can be found in Table 1.

Airborne Geophysical Survey Results

Pioneer Exploration Consultants Ltd. completed a 1,692-line-kilometer property-wide drone-based magnetic geophysical survey over the King Tut project in August and September. Final results have been received and have dramatically increased the projected size of the granite body at Golden Mask from 600 by 400 meters to approximately 1,300 by 1,300 meters - a 700% increase in size (Figure 4). A large portion of the new Golden Mask geophysical feature projects beneath the broad valley floor, downslope of the area drilled, and is masked by glacial overburden.

Drill hole KT23-008 was drilled to test the southwestern lobe of the newly acquired horizontal gradient magnetic anomaly and successfully confirmed that the geophysical signature was caused by a large granite body overlain by hornfelsed country rock (Figure 4). Additional analysis of various geophysical products has identified numerous lineaments internal to the intrusion that may represent key target structures and mineralizing fluid pathways.

Surface Mapping and Geochemical Results

The Company collected 1,353 contour and grid soil samples to expand on existing data collected by a previous operator. The results from the survey were very encouraging and expanded the size of the Golden Mask anomaly to the northwest by 400 meters with high values up to 1,070 ppb gold , which is above the upper 99th percentile of gold-in-soil values on the Property (Figure 4).

Q4-2023 Ontario Drill Program

The Company has now shifted its attention to its Timmins, Ontario portfolio where a 4,000 meter drill program is now underway at our flagship Munro-Croesus Gold Project. The program is focusing on follow-up holes at new targets proximal to the historic high-grade Croesus Gold Mine and on the new bulk-tonnage-style Argus Zone.

Soil sampling has also been completed and an airborne drone-magnetic geophysical survey is in progress at the Timmins South Project.

Figure 1 - Tombstone Gold Belt

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Figure 2 - Plan Map Showing Location of 2023 Drill Holes at the Golden Mask Target

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Figure 3 - Plan Map Showing Location of 2023 Drill Holes at the Main Tut Target

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Figure 4 - Plan Map Showing Results of 2023 Soil Geochemistry and Airborne Drone-Magnetic Survey

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Table 1 - Significant Assay Intercepts from the 2023 Drilling Program

Drill Hole From To Length Au Ag Main Tut Target (meters) (meters) (meters) (g/t) (g/t) KT23-001 63.0 185.0 122.0 0.12 1.1 Including 65.0 74.0 9.0 0.22 2.7 And Including 94.0 98.0 4.0 0.29 12.4 Including 94.0 95.0 1.0 0.35 40.1 And Including 114.9 133.0 18.1 0.20 0.6 And Including 151.0 157.0 6.0 0.27 0.0 And Including 166.0 171.0 5.0 0.23 0.0 KT23-002 7.0 194.0 187.0 0.13 0.2 Including 7.0 18.0 11.0 0.18 0.1 And Including 27.0 35.8 8.8 0.18 0.0 And Including 109.0 125.0 16.0 0.32 0.5 Including 115.0 116.0 1.0 1.52 0.6 And Including 173.0 194.0 21.0 0.36 0.2 Including 186.0 194.0 8.0 0.56 0.2 Including 193.0 194.0 1.0 2.93 0.0 And 289.5 298.1 8.6 0.23 3.4 Including 289.5 291.0 1.5 1.07 6.8 Drill Hole From To Length Au Ag Golden Mask Target (meters) (meters) (meters) (g/t) (g/t) KT23-003B 119.0 172.0 53.0 0.13 0.3 Including 119.0 120.0 1.0 1.35 0.7 And Including 156.1 160.0 3.9 0.34 0.2 KT23-004 No Significant Results KT23-005 62.0 94.5 32.5 0.30 0.5 Including 78.0 86.0 8.0 0.56 0.5 Including 85.0 86.0 1.0 1.06 0.8 KT23-006 113.0 133.0 20.0 0.21 0.3 And 113.0 118.5 5.5 0.32 0.4 Including 117.1 118.5 1.4 0.62 0.5 Including 171.0 172.0 1.0 0.71 0.0 And 189.0 219.0 30.0 0.11 0.3 KT23-007 68.0 69.0 1.0 0.22 0.0 KT23-008 142.5 143.2 0.7 2.14 0.0 And 172.4 173.5 1.1 0.88 1.0 And 185.0 195.9 10.9 0.24 0.0 And 215.6 233.6 18.0 0.11 0.0 And 244.9 260.0 15.1 0.14 0.9 KT23-009 16.3 31.0 14.7 0.24 0.7 Including 19.5 27.0 7.5 0.41 0.8 Including 19.5 20.2 0.7 1.16 0.0 And 44.0 51.0 7.0 0.80 0.6 Including 44.0 48.0 4.0 1.30 1.1 And 104.0 105.0 1.0 6.31 2.5 And 112.0 114.0 2.0 0.19 0.3

*True widths unknown.

About the Yukon Gold Properties

Onyx controls a portfolio of greenfield gold properties in eastern Yukon, totaling 210 km2. The King Tut Property is Onyx's most advanced and compelling property, located in the heart of an emerging reduced intrusive-related gold district in Yukon's Selwyn Basin. Previous fieldwork identified large-scale undrilled gold-in-soil anomalies in a comparable geological setting 50 km from Snowline Gold's Rogue/Valley Discovery, one of Canada's most significant new gold discoveries.

About Onyx Gold

Onyx Gold is an exploration company focused on well-established Canadian mining jurisdictions, with assets in Timmins, Ontario, and Yukon Territory. The Company's extensive portfolio of quality gold projects in the greater Timmins gold camp includes the Munro-Croesus Gold property, renowned for its high-grade mineralization, plus two additional earlier-stage large exploration properties, Golden Mile and Timmins South. Onyx Gold also controls four properties in the Selwyn Basin area of Yukon Territory, which is currently gaining significance due to recent discoveries in the area. Onyx Gold's experienced board and senior management team are committed to creating shareholder value through the discovery process, careful allocation of capital, and environmentally/socially responsible mineral exploration.

Qualified Person and Quality Assurance

Ian Cunningham-Dunlop, P.Eng., Executive Vice President for Onyx Gold Corp. and a qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release.

On Behalf of Onyx Gold Corp.

"Brock Colterjohn"

President & CEO

For further information, please visit the Onyx Gold Corp. website at www.onyxgold.com or contact:

Brock Colterjohn, President & CEO

or

Nicole Hoeller, VP of Corporate Communications

Phone: 1-604-629-1165 or North American toll-free 1-855-629-1165

Email: [email protected] or [email protected].

Website: www.onyxgold.com

X : @OnyxGoldCorp

Additional Notes:

Starting azimuth, dip and final length (Azimuth/-Dip/Length) for the drillholes reported today are noted as follows: KT23-001 (180/45/243.3m), KT23-002 (112/45/396m), KT23-003 (292/45/91.5m), KT23-003b (292/45/240m), KT23-004 (112/55/87m), KT23-005 (292/45/249m), KT23-006 (112/45/237m), KT23-007 (235/45/117m), KT23-008 (165/45/267m), and KT23-009 (112/45/195m)

Samples of drill core were cut by a diamond blade rock saw, with half of the cut core placed in individual sealed polyurethane bags and the remaining half of the cut core placed back in the original core box for permanent on-site storage. Sample lengths range from a minimum of 0.2-meter to a maximum of 3.0-meter intervals, with an average sample length of 1.0 meter. Drill core samples were delivered by truck in sealed woven plastic bags to ALS Geochemistry laboratory facility in Whitehorse, Yukon for sample preparation with final analysis at ALS Geochemistry in North Vancouver, BC.

Gold is determined by fire-assay fusion of a 50-gram sub-sample with atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Samples that return values >10 ppm gold from fire assay and AAS are determined by using fire assay and a gravimetric finish. Various metals including silver, gold, copper, lead and zinc are analyzed by inductively-coupled plasma (ICP) atomic emission spectroscopy, following multi-acid digestion. The elements copper, lead and zinc are determined by ore grade assay for samples that return values >10,000 ppm by ICP analysis. Silver is determined by ore-grade assay for samples that return >100 ppm. All ALS Geochemistry sites operate under a single Global Geochemistry Quality Manual that complies with ISO/IEC 17025:2017. ALS Geochemistry follows the quality management and operational guidelines set out in the international standards ISO/IEC 17025 - "General Requirement for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories" and ISO 9001 - "Quality Management Systems".

The Company maintains a robust QA/QC program that includes the collection and analysis of duplicate samples and the insertion of blanks and standards (certified reference material).

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 information: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively "forward looking statements").

Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections, and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "forecast", "expect", "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's planned exploration programs and drill programs and potential significance of results are forward-looking statements that involve various 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. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Company's expectations include actual exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital, and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials, and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events, or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187447
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2023) - Silver Storm Mining Ltd. (TSXV: SVRS) (OTCQB: SVRSF) (FSE: SVR) ("Silver Storm" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the Company is attending the upcoming 121 Mining Investment London Conference. Greg McKenzie, Director, President & CEO will be presenting about the Company's recent and future planned activities.

The conference is London's largest dedicated mining investment event and will feature a record-breaking 175 mining companies and over 500 investors. The event is scheduled for Nov. 20-21, 2023, at etc.venues 133 Houndsditch in London, United Kingdom.

Any institutional investors who would like to attend 121 Mining Investment London can register for a free pass here: https://www.weare121.com/121mininginvestment-london/register-investor/. Please visit Silver Storm at Level 2 Booth #A44.

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 Silver Storm Mining Ltd. (formerly Golden Tag Resources Ltd.)

Silver Storm Mining Ltd. holds advanced stage silver projects located in Durango, Mexico. Golden Tag recently completed the acquisition of 100% of the La Parrilla Silver Mine Complex, a prolific operation which is comprised of a 2,000 tpd mill as well as five underground mines and an open pit that collectively produced 34.3 million silver-equivalent ounces between 2005 and 2019. The Company also holds a 100% interest in the San Diego Project which is among the largest undeveloped silver assets in Mexico. For more information regarding the Company and its projects, please visit our website at www.silverstorm.ca.

For additional information, please contact:

Greg McKenzie, President & CEO

Ph: +1 (416) 504-2024

[email protected]

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.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements:

Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are within the meaning of the phrase 'forward-looking information' in the Canadian Securities Administrators' National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations. Forward-looking statements are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding presentations and investor relation activities. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: the ability to predict and counteract the effects of COVID-19 on the business of the Company or its service providers; disruptions in information systems upon which its service providers relies in connection with the delivery of its services to the Company; and those risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187365
Mogadishu, Somalia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2023) - On 6th November 2023, SIMAD University hosted an official launching ceremony for The Institute of Climate and Environment (ICE Institute) with the presence of esteemed officials from the office of the President of Somalia, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development, and private sector and civil society organizations. The event was filled with vibrant colors and excitement as the university unveiled its latest initiative to address the most pressing issue of climate change and environmental degradation in Somalia.







Official Ribbon Cutting on the ceremony for The Institute of Climate and Environment (ICE Institute)

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The ICE Institute, a brainchild of SIMAD University, aims to become a leading center for research, education, and advocacy on climate change and environmental sustainability in Somalia. The institute will offer specialized programs and courses in areas such as climate change adaptation, sustainable development, and environmental policy. With the support of the government and development organizations, the ICE Institute is positioned to make a significant impact in addressing the environmental challenges threatening Somalia's existence as nation.

At the launching ceremony, Dr. Dahir Hassan Arab, the Rector of SIMAD University, justified the establishment of the institute as a noble contribution of university's commitment to realization of National Development plan 9 and Sustainable Development Goals in Somalia. In his remarks the Rector asserted, "Building a climate resilient, sustainable, and green Somalia requires collective contribution from different stakeholders, including academia, and that why we established the ICE Institute to generate evidence, ideas, and innovative solutions to compact climate change in Somalia." He added, "We are committed to working closely with the government and other stakeholders to make a positive impact on our environment."

Among many relevant key stakeholders, the event was also graced by the presence of Dr. Said Mohamed Ali, the Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change, who praised SIMAD University for taking the initiative to establish the ICE Institute. "We welcome the launch of the ICE Institute, which will be a place where we come together for collaboration to achieve our national environmental aspirations." He emphasized the importance of addressing climate change and environmental issues in Somalia and assured the government's support in this endeavor.

The launch of The Institute of Climate and Environment (ICE Institute) marks a significant milestone for SIMAD University and Somalia in their efforts towards a Greener Somalia where people and nature thrive. Therefore, The ICE Institute is actively seeking partnerships with governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, businesses, and international bodies to make a significant impact in the region. The university's commitment to addressing environmental challenges through research, education, and advocacy is commendable and is expected to have a positive impact on the country's development.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ABOUT ICE INSTITUTE: To address the ecological and climate change crises in Somalia and beyond, SIMAD University founded the ICE Institute, a renowned policy and action research organization. The Institute pursues its mission through action research, policy engagement, and capacity development to contribute to building climate-resilient, sustainable, and green Somalia. Our work spans a wide range of areas, including climate, environment, energy, water, ocean, food, governance, and equity. The Institute works with governments, the private sector, communities, and civil society to contribute towards climate resilience. Our publications and findings are accessible to all stakeholders to empower people, inform decision-makers, and apply knowledge. The ICE Institute is dedicated to making a positive impact on our planet's future.

Contact Details

Name: Mohamed Okash

Email: [email protected]

Institute: ICE Institute, SIMAD University, Mogadishu, Somalia

Website: https://ice.simad.edu.so/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ICESomalia/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ICESomalia

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icesomalia/

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@icesomalia

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ICESomalia

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187233
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2023) - The House of Suntory, a pioneer of Japanese whisky, proudly announces the launch of Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend, a limited-edition whiskey breaking new ground in the bourbon category. In addition to selections of bourbon matured in French Oak wine casks and Spanish Oak sherry casks, this unique blend also features a selection of bourbon aged in Spanish Oak sherry casks previously used to mature The House of Suntory's flagship Yamazaki Single Malt Japanese Whisky.

To view the full announcement, including downloadable images, bios, and more, click here.

Key Takeaways:

The House of Suntory launches Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend, a limited-edition whiskey breaking new ground in the bourbon category.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Suntory Whisky and the establishment of Yamazaki Distillery.

The liquid starts as Kentucky Straight Bourbon, is aged for eight years in Kentucky, and then travels to Kyoto for finishing and blending at the Yamazaki Distillery: a true blend of east meets west.





Click image above to view full announcement.

About Legent Bourbon



Launched in 2019 by Beam Suntory, Legent(R) Bourbon is a masterful collaboration between two celebrated whisk(e)y legends; expertly distilled by Fred Noe, seventh-generation Master Distiller of Jim Beam, bourbon's pioneering family, and artfully blended by Shinji Fukuyo, fifth-ever Chief Blender of Suntory, the founding house of Japanese whisky. A first-of-its-kind, unique innovation that starts as a Kentucky Straight Bourbon with Beam Suntory's classic family recipe and is aged in wine and sherry casks before being blended with more Kentucky Straight Bourbon, resulting in a perfectly balanced yet complex and layered whiskey that is truly extraordinary. Please visit legentbourbon.com or follow along @legentbourbon for more information and cocktail recipes.

About The House of Suntory

Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as a pioneer of Japanese Whisky for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. Founder Shinjiro Torii built Japan's first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Torii's son and Suntory's second Master Blender, Keizo Saji, who continued to establish distilleries including the Hakushu Distillery. As the generations of Suntory's master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014). Suntory Whiskies are subtle, refined and complex. The portfolio includes Yamazaki, Hakushu, Chita, Kakubin, Hibiki, Suntory Whisky Toki and Ao. The House of Suntory portfolio also offers Roku Japanese Gin and Haku Japanese Vodka. Created from Japanese ingredients by the master artisans at the House of Suntory, Roku Gin and Haku Vodka represent the nature and spirit of Japan. This year, Suntory Whisky celebrates one hundred years of whisky innovation--a major milestone not only for the brand's history, but for Japanese spirits culture as a whole. To mark this anniversary, the House of Suntory will be rolling out its centennial campaign throughout 2023.

About Beam Suntory

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam(R), Maker's Mark(R), Basil Hayden(R) and Knob Creek(R) bourbons; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki(R), Hakushu(R), Hibiki(R) and Toki(R); and leading Scotch brands including Teacher's, Laphroaig(R) and Bowmore(R), Beam Suntory also produces leading brands such as Courvoisier(R) cognac, Tres Generaciones(R), El Tesoro(R) and Hornitos(R) tequila, Roku and Sipsmith(R) gin, Canadian Club(R) whisky, and is a world leader in ready-to-drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in more than 30 countries, one of Beam Suntory's core values is Growing for Good and through its Proof Positive sustainability strategy, the company has committed to ambitious goals and investments to promote environmental sustainability in its operations, ensure the company has a positive impact on the communities where employees live and work, and programs to inform consumers as they make choices about drinking. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Enjoy Responsibly.

Legent(R) Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Partially Finished in Wine & Sherry Casks, 47-57% Alc./Vol. (c)2023 Legent Distilling Co., Clermont, KY

Contacts:

Jacklyn Gilmor

[email protected]

Lindsay Craven

[email protected]

Source: Legent

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/187477
Ukrainian defense forces are making progress on the left bank of the Kherson region. Our heroes managed to take a bridgehead on the temporarily occupied left bank of the Dnipro River.

ADVERTISIMENT

The head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andrii Yermak, first confirmed the advance of the defenders in this area on Tuesday, November 14. This happened during his speech at the Hudson Institute, a non-governmental think tank, on The Decisive Moment for Ukraine. The text of Yermak's speech was published on the official website of the department's press service.

"We are strongly committed to the restoration of Ukraine's sovereignty over its entire internationally recognized territory. Against all odds, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have seized a foothold on the left bank of the Dnipro River," the head of the OP said.

ADVERTISIMENT

He also noted that Ukrainian soldiers are "demilitarizing" the enemy-held Crimea step by step.

"We have covered 70% of the distance. And our counteroffensive continues. We know how to achieve victory," Yermak assured.

He emphasized that the state aims to develop its own defense industry and launch weapons production. However, right now Ukraine needs help from partners because of Russia's full-scale war.

In particular, we need strong air defense, Yermak reminded.

"I'll tell you the truth: this winter will also be difficult for us. They will again resort to terrorist attempts against our citizens, attacking energy networks and infrastructure. But strengthening air defense will be the key to recovery. Ukraine needs a reliable umbrella to rebuild," the head of the OP said.

ADVERTISIMENT

As OBOZ.UA previously reported:

- Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov did not rule out that Russia's war against our country could last for a long time. Such a development is possible if Moscow refuses to sign any peace treaties with Kyiv. There have been similar precedents in history.

- According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, four missile and 42 air strikes were recorded on November 14 (as of 18:00). More details about the situation on the front line can be found here.

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2023) - Trail Blazing Ventures Ltd. (TSXV: BLAZ.P) ("TBV"), a capital pool company as defined under Policy 2.4 - Capital Pool Companies ("CPC") of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"), is pleased to announce that, further to its news release dated October 11, 2023, it has entered into a definitive amalgamation agreement dated November 15, 2023 (the "Amalgamation Agreement") with Hempalta Inc. ("HEMPALTA"). Pursuant to the Amalgamation Agreement, TBV's wholly-owned subsidiary, 2562764 Alberta Inc. ("Subco"), will amalgamate with HEMPALTA (the "Amalgamation") to complete TBV's qualifying transaction (the "Transaction") in accordance with the policies of the Exchange.

In connection with the Amalgamation, it is intended that TBV will be renamed to "Hempalta Corp." (the "Resulting Issuer") and is expected to trade under the symbol "HEMP". The Transaction is subject to the receipt of all necessary regulatory and shareholder approvals required by applicable corporate law, including the approval of the Exchange, as well as the satisfaction of conditions to closing as set out in the Amalgamation Agreement. It is intended the Resulting Issuer will continue the business of HEMPALTA and be listed on the Exchange as an Industrial issuer, subject to Exchange approval.

About HEMPALTA

HEMPALTA is a private company incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) ("ABCA") incorporated in November 2021 under the name 2387761 Alberta Ltd. HEMPALTA" is an agricultural technology company focused on harnessing the immense potential of industrial hemp. HEMPALTA is pioneering the global hemp carbon credit industry and utilizing advanced agricultural technology to process industrial hemp at scale.

HEMPALTA makes products from hemp grown sustainably in Southern Alberta and processes the hemp using a state-of-the-art HempTrain" Advanced Processing Plant at the company's production facility in Calgary, Alberta into various consumer products which are sold and distributed through various retail channels. HEMPALTA is led by passionate advocates for industrial hemp who have years of operations, manufacturing, marketing, consumer packaged goods, and retail sales experience. The Company has been named one of the Top 10 Startups in 2023 by Calgary's Launch Party and recognized as one of the 50 most investable cleantech companies in Canada by Foresight Canada.

HEMPALTA has 47,176,627 common shares ("HEMPALTA Shares") issued and outstanding, 2,629,964 common share purchase warrants ("HEMPALTA Warrants") issued and outstanding, and 4,700,000 incentive stock options to purchase common shares ("HEMPALTA Options") issued and outstanding. Additionally, HEMPALTA has an aggregate of $565,000 in convertible debentures presently outstanding which are expected to convert into 3,531,250 HEMPALTA Shares automatically in connection with the closing of the Transaction.

Terms of the Proposed Transaction

The Transaction will be carried out pursuant to the terms of the Amalgamation Agreement, a copy of which is, or shortly will be, filed on TBV's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The below description of the terms of the Transaction and the Amalgamation Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Amalgamation Agreement.

Pursuant to the terms of the Amalgamation Agreement, at the effective time of the Amalgamation, HEMPALTA will amalgamate with Subco to form an amalgamated entity ("Amalco"), which will continue as a wholly-owned subsidiary of TBV. In connection with the completion of the Amalgamation, each holder of HEMPALTA Shares shall exchange their HEMPALTA Shares for common shares in the capital of the Resulting Issuer (on a post-Consolidation (as defined below), "Resulting Issuer Common Shares") on the basis of one (1) fully paid and non-assessable Resulting Issuer Common Share for every one (1) HEMPALTA Share held, for a deemed price of $0.17 per HEMPALTA Share.

The Transaction is expected to constitute a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Securityholders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). As TBV's common shares are only listed on the Exchange, TBV intends to rely on an exemption to the formal valuation requirement of MI 61-101. For greater certainty, it is expected that the Transaction will be subject to approval of the minority shareholders of TBV (excluding Darren Bondar) and accordingly TBV is expected to call a special meeting of shareholders to seek approval of the Transaction by TBV's minority shareholders.

TBV intends to hold an annual and special meeting of its shareholders (the "TBV Meeting") in December 2023 to approve certain matters related to the Transaction, including, among other matters, the:

Appointment of Geib & Company, Chartered Professional Accountants as the auditors of TBV and the authorization of the board of directors of TBV to fix the remuneration thereof;

Minority approval of the Transaction;

Election of the directors of TBV to hold office from the effective time of the completion of the Transaction;

Change in the name of TBV from "Trail Blazing Ventures Ltd." to "Hempalta Corp." or such other name as the board of directors of TBV deems appropriate;

Consolidation of the TBV common shares on a 1.7:1 basis (the " Consolidation "); and

Approval of the Resulting Issuer stock option plan (collectively, the foregoing approvals, the "Required Approvals").

Additional details regarding the TBV Meeting will be available in a management information circular that is expected to be delivered to shareholders of TBV. The Amalgamation will be approved by the sole shareholder of Subco by way of a written resolution. The Amalgamation will further require the approval of the shareholders of HEMPALTA.

In connection with the proposed Transaction, it is expected that 47,176,627 Resulting Issuer Common Shares will be issued to the holders of HEMPALTA Shares (not including HEMPALTA Shares issuable upon the conversion of Subscription Receipts (as defined below)). Based on the number of HEMPALTA Shares outstanding as of the date hereof, and assuming the exchange of each Subscription Receipt into underlying securities, it is expected that there would be a minimum of approximately 82,766,701 Resulting Issuer Common Shares and a maximum of approximately 93,825,524 Resulting Issuer Common Shares (assuming no exercise of the Agent's Option (as defined below)) outstanding upon completion of the Transaction, on a non-diluted basis. On completion of the Transaction, the current shareholders of TBV are expected to hold an aggregate of approximately 23,529,412 Resulting Issuer Common Shares, representing approximately 28.43% of the minimum number of Resulting Issuer Common Shares and approximately 25.08% of the maximum number of Resulting Issuer Common Shares (assuming no exercise of the Agent's Option), the current shareholders of HEMPALTA would hold an aggregate of 50,707,877 Resulting Issuer Common Shares, representing approximately 61.27% of the minimum number of Resulting Issuer Common Shares and approximately 54.04% of the maximum number of Resulting Issuer Common Shares (assuming no exercise of the Agent's Option), and investors in the Private Placement (as defined below) would hold an aggregate of a minimum of approximately 8,529,412 Resulting Issuer Common Shares (assuming the Minimum Offering) and a maximum of approximately 19,588,235 Resulting Issuer Common Shares (assuming the Maximum Offering), representing approximately 10.02% of the minimum number of Resulting Issuer Common Shares and approximately 20.88% of the maximum number of Resulting Issuer Common Shares.

The completion of the Amalgamation is conditional on obtaining all necessary regulatory and shareholder approvals in connection with the matters described above and other conditions customary for a transaction of this type. TBV and HEMPALTA anticipate closing the Transaction in mid to late January 2024.

Summary Financial Information of HEMPALTA

Based on the audited annual financial statements for HEMPALTA as at and for the year ended September 30, 2022 and the unaudited financial information for the year ended September 30, 2023:

September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022 Assets Current Assets $1,163,249 $401,080 Total Assets $4,641,971 $3,542,107 Liabilities Current Liabilities $822,278 $361,205 Total Liabilities $2,929,649 $1,663,919 Total Shareholders Equity $1,712,322 $1,878,188 For the year ended September 30, 2023 For the year ended September 30, 2022 Revenues Product Revenues $436,083 $277,189 Grant Revenues $99,977 $22,561 Total Revenues $536,060 $299,750 Expenses Cost of Sales $615,488 $316,213 General and Administrative $954,016 $957,549 Total Expenses $1,727,306.00 $1,524,933.00 Net Loss -$1,806,734.00 -$1,541,396.00

Further financial information will be included in the filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction.

Private Placement of Subscription Receipts of HEMPALTA

Prior to the completion of the Transaction, HEMPALTA is expected to complete a brokered private placement (the "Private Placement"), through Canaccord Genuity Corp. as lead agent (the "Agent") with a syndicate of agents including Research Capital Corporation and Haywood Securities Inc., for aggregate gross proceeds of a minimum of $1,450,000 (the "Minimum Offering") and a maximum of $3,330,000 (the "Maximum Offering"), subject to the Agent's Option, of subscription receipts of HEMPALTA (the "Subscription Receipts"), at a price of $0.17 per Subscription Receipt. It is anticipated that the Agent will be granted an option, exercisable in whole or in part at any time prior to the closing of the Private Placement, to increase the size of the Private Placement by up to an aggregate of 15% or $499,500 (the "Agent's Option").

The Subscription Receipts will be created and issued pursuant to the terms of a subscription receipt agreement (the "Subscription Receipt Agreement") to be entered into among Odyssey Trust Company, as subscription receipt agent (the "Subscription Receipt Agent"), HEMPALTA, TBV and the Agent.

Each Subscription Receipt will be automatically converted, without payment of additional consideration or further action by the holder thereof, into one HEMPALTA Share, subject to adjustment in certain events, immediately before the completion of the Transaction upon the satisfaction or waiver of the Escrow Release Conditions (as to be defined in the Subscription Receipt Agreement) on or before April 30, 2024 (the "Escrow Release Deadline").

In consideration for their services in connection with the Private Placement, HEMPALTA will pay to the Agent a commission equal to 6% of the aggregate gross proceeds from the sale of the Subscription Receipts (including Subscription Receipts issued pursuant to the exercise of the Agent's Option) payable in cash or Subscription Receipts, or any combination thereof at the option of the Agent, which shall be paid in connection with the release of the proceeds from escrow. As additional consideration for the services of the Agent, concurrently with the exchange of the Subscription Receipts into underlying securities (if and when), HEMPALTA will issue to the Agent warrants to purchase Resulting Issuer Common Shares, in an amount equal to 6% of the number of issued Subscription Receipts (including Subscription Receipts issued pursuant to the exercise of the Agent's Option), which warrants shall be exercisable at any time up to 24 months following the date of issuance thereof at a price of $0.17 per Resulting Issuer Common Share (the "Broker Warrants"). A reduced cash commission equal to 3% is payable and a reduced number equal to 3% of Broker Warrants are issuable in respect of the sale of Subscription Receipts (including Subscription Receipts issued pursuant to the exercise of the Agent's Option) to purchasers identified by HEMPALTA to the Agent. As further consideration for the services provided in connection with the Private Placement, HEMPALTA has agreed to pay Canaccord Genuity Corp. a corporate finance fee of $25,000 plus applicable taxes and a number of HEMPALTA Shares equal to $25,000 on the closing of the Private Placement and the expenses of the Agent up to $40,000 (plus applicable taxes and disbursements).

Upon closing of the Private Placement, the aggregate gross proceeds of the Private Placement, less the full amount of the Agent's reasonable expenses incurred up to and as of the closing date of the Private Placement, will be deposited in escrow with the Subscription Receipt Agent pending satisfaction or waiver of the Escrow Release Conditions, in accordance with the provisions of the Subscription Receipt Agreement. All such reasonable expenses of the Agent will be paid out of proceeds from the sale of Subscription Receipts. If the Escrow Release Conditions are not satisfied at or before the Escrow Release Deadline, each of the then issued and outstanding Subscription Receipts will be cancelled and the Subscription Receipt Agent will return to each holder of Subscription Receipts an amount equal to the aggregate purchase price of the Subscription Receipts held by such holder plus an amount equal to the holder's pro rata share of any interest or other income earned on the escrowed funds (less applicable withholding tax, if any). To the extent that the escrowed funds are insufficient to refund such amounts to each holder of the Subscription Receipts, HEMPALTA shall be liable for and will contribute such amounts as are necessary to satisfy the shortfall.

Proceeds of the Private Placement

It is intended that the net proceeds from the Private Placement will be used to expand the Calgary-based HEMPALTA processing plant including the purchase of new equipment, and for general working capital following completion of the Qualifying Transaction.

Sponsorship

Under the policies of the Exchange, the parties to the Transaction will be required to engage a sponsor for the Transaction unless an exemption or waiver from this requirement can be obtained. TBV intends to apply to the Exchange for a waiver from the sponsorship requirements for the Transaction based upon the waivers available in Exchange policies. There is no assurance that a waiver from this requirement can or will be obtained.

Resulting Issuer

Immediately following the completion of the Transaction, the Resulting Issuer is expected to change its name to "Hempalta Corp.", and the Resulting Issuer will be an Industrial issuer under the policies of the Exchange.

Conditions to Completion of the Transaction

It is intended that the Transaction, when completed, will constitute TBV's "Qualifying Transaction" in accordance with Policy 2.4 of the Exchange. Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, (i) acceptance by the Exchange and receipt of other applicable regulatory approvals; (ii) receipt of the Required Approvals at the TBV Meeting; (iii) receipt of the requisite approval of the shareholders of HEMPALTA of the Amalgamation; and (iv) completion of the Private Placement. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Proposed Management and Board of Directors of Resulting Issuer

Concurrent with the completion of the Transaction, it is expected that certain directors and officers of TBV will resign and the directors and officers of the Resulting Issuer will be as follows:

Darren Bondar - President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Mr. Bondar is the founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of HEMPALTA. Previously, Mr. Bondar was the founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Inner Spirit Holdings Ltd. ("Inner Spirit"), the first cannabis retail company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange. Mr. Bondar led the growth of Inner Sprit from its formation to its acquisition by Sundial Growers Inc. in July 2021. Mr. Bondar previously served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Watch It! Incorporated and Comfortable Image Inc., consumer retail and franchising businesses, serving in such roles since 2004 and 1999, respectively. Mr. Bondar holds a Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Alberta, a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Western Ontario and has completed the Public Companies: Financing, Governance and Compliance course at Simon Fraser University.

Craig Steinberg - Director

Mr. Steinberg is a lawyer practicing with Steinberg Law. Mr. Steinberg is also the designated broker for Fortius Mortgage Corporation, a mortgage brokerage licensed by the Real Estate Counsel of Alberta. Mr. Steinberg has practiced law in private practice or as corporate counsel since July 1998. He is a former partner of Miller Thomson LLP, a national law firm. Mr. Steinberg has extensive experience in advising companies on various real estate and corporate matters. In addition, Mr. Steinberg served as a director of Paragon Capital Corporation Ltd., a private Calgary based mortgage investment company that underwrote over $1 billion in loans and joint ventures during Mr. Steinberg's tenure. Mr. Steinberg holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree from Queen's University and a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of Western Ontario, and has completed the Canadian Securities Institute's Canadian Securities Course (CSC) and Partners, Directors and Senior Officers Course (PDO).

L. Russell Wilson - Director

Mr. Wilson holds a Master of Business degree from Queensland University of Technology. He is the Vice President, Business Development of Prairie Merchant Corporation, a private investment company. From November 2016 to February 2019, Mr. Wilson was the Manager, New Business Ventures of Prairie Merchant Corporation. Mr. Wilson previously served on, and was the chair of the audit committee of, the board of directors of GABY Inc., a cannabis wellness company listed on the CSE, and was a director of Inner Spirit Holdings Ltd., a cannabis retailer, also listed on the CSE.

Adrian Stokes - Director

Mr. Stokes currently heads up ADL Private Office in Monaco, a Private Family Office for the majority partner of Fullbrook Thorpe Investments LLP. His over 20 years of experience in financial services includes multiple positions with Barclays Wealth & Investment Management. Mr. Stokes is a board observer for Rent Plus UK Ltd, an affordable housing "Rent to Buy" offering, and holds a Double Major Business degree from Greenwich Business School in London.

The fifth director for the Resulting Issuer will be appointed by Hempalta and TBV, acting reasonably, prior to the closing of the Transaction. Additionally, the Chief Financial Officer of Hempalta and the Resulting Issuer will be appointed by Hempalta prior to closing of the Transaction.

Michael Ginevsky, Corporate Secretary

Mr. Ginevsky is a partner at DS Lawyers Canada LLP where he focuses primarily in the areas of capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and securities regulatory compliance. Mr. Ginevsky received a bachelor of commerce degree from the University of British Columbia and Juris Doctor from the University of Alberta and resides in Calgary. Mr. Ginevsky was previously the corporate secretary of Inner Spirit Holdings Ltd., a cannabis retailer listed on the CSE.

Other Insiders of the Resulting Issuer

Each of Prairie Merchant Corporation ("PM") and Fullbrook Thorpe Investments LLP ("FTI") currently hold more than 10% of the issued and outstanding Hempalta Shares. It is anticipated that, following completion of the Transaction, each entity will hold more than 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Resulting Issuer, and accordingly will be an insider of the Resulting Issuer under the policies of the Exchange.

PM is a corporation existing under the laws of the Province of Alberta and is controlled by W. Brett Wilson of Calgary, Alberta. FTI is a limited liability partnership existing pursuant to the laws of the United Kingdom and is controlled by Andy Leaver of the United Kingdom.

Arm's Length Transaction

Darren Bondar is the Chief Executive Officer, President and a director of both HEMPALTA and TBV and holds 6,521,000 common shares of TBV (16.3%) and 10,000,000 HEMPALTA Shares (21.2%). However, as no party is a control person of both TBV and HEMPALTA, the proposed Transaction does not constitute a "Non-Arm's Length Qualifying Transaction" within the meaning of Exchange Policy 2.4 and, as such, Majority of the Minority Approval (as defined in Exchange Policy 2.4) is not required to approve the proposed Transaction pursuant to the policies of the Exchange.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, as disclosed above, the Transaction is expected to constitute a "related party transaction" within the meaning of MI 61-101, and it is expected that the Transaction will be subject to approval of the minority shareholders of TBV (excluding Darren Bondar) and accordingly TBV is expected to call a special meeting of shareholders to seek approval of the Transaction by TBV's minority shareholders.

Finder's Fees

No finder's fees or commissions are payable by TBV or HEMPALTA in connection with the closing of the Transaction, other than with respect of the Private Placement.

Information Circular

In connection with the Transaction and pursuant to Exchange requirements, TBV will file an information circular under its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, which will contain details regarding the Transaction, the Amalgamation, the Private Placement, TBV, HEMPALTA and the Resulting Issuer.

Shareholder approval is not required with respect to the Transaction under the rules of the Exchange, however, as the Transaction constitutes a related party transaction pursuant to MI 61-101, minority shareholder approval will be required. In the event any of the conditions set forth above are not completed or the Transaction does not proceed, TBV will notify shareholders. Trading in the common shares of TBV will remain halted and is not expected to resume trading until the Transaction is completed or until the Exchange receives the requisite documentation to resume trading.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction, nor shall there be any offer, sale, or solicitation of securities in any state in the United States in which such offer, sale, or solicitation would be unlawful.

ABOUT TBV

TBV is a capital pool company (a "CPC") that has not commenced commercial operations and has no assets other than cash. Except as specifically contemplated in the Exchange's CPC Policy, until the completion of its qualifying transaction, the Corporation will not carry on business, other than the identification and evaluation of businesses or assets with a view to completing a proposed qualifying transaction.

For further information, please contact:

Craig Steinberg

Director

Trail Blazing Ventures Ltd.

Telephone: 1-800-503-1875

Email:[email protected]

Darren Bondar

Chief Executive Officer

Hempalta Inc.

Telephone: 1-877-622-3354

Email:[email protected]

ANY SECURITIES REFERRED TO HEREIN WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE "1933 ACT") AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO A U.S. PERSON IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE 1933 ACT.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF U.S. SECURITIES LAW.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the content of this press release.

The information contained or referred to in this press release relating to HEMPALTA has been furnished by HEMPALTA. Although TBV has no knowledge that would indicate that any statement contained herein concerning HEMPALTA is untrue or incomplete, neither TBV nor any of its respective directors or officers assumes any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such information.

Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance, receipt of requisite regulatory approvals, minority shareholder approval, and completion of the Private Placement. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approvals, and any ancillary matters thereto, are obtained. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.

This forward-looking information in respect of TBV and HEMPALTA reflects HEMPALTA's or TBV's, as the case may be, current beliefs and is based on information currently available to TBV and HEMPALTA, respectively, and on assumptions TBV and HEMPALTA, as the case may be, believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, management's assumptions about the Exchange approval for the Transaction, closing of the Private Placement, closing of the Amalgamation announced above and HEMPALTA's assumptions regarding its business objectives.

Forward-Looking Information Cautionary Statement

This release includes forward-looking information ("forward-looking information") within the meaning of Canadian securities laws regarding TBV, Subco, Amalco, HEMPALTA, the Resulting Issuer and their respective businesses, which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the completion, and the terms and conditions, of the Transaction, the HEMPALTA business plans, the satisfaction of conditions to closing, the sponsorship requirements and intended application for exemption therefrom, the proposed composition of the board of directors of the Resulting Issuer, the proposed business and business plans of the Resulting Issuer, the Private Placement and the amount of the financing, the terms and timing on which the Transaction and the Private Placement are intended to be completed, the use of the net proceeds from the Private Placement, the ability to obtain regulatory and shareholder approvals, the name of the Resulting Issuer, the appointment of the certain auditors and the continuance of the Resulting Issuer upon completion of the Transaction. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "is expected", "expects", "scheduled", "intends", "contemplates", "anticipates", "believes", "proposes", "estimates" 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 statements are based on the current expectations and views of future events of the management of each entity, and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. Although the management of each respective entity believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking information as applicable to them or their respective businesses or the Transaction are reasonable, such 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 TBV, HEMPALTA and the Resulting Issuer to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information and may prove to be incorrect. The forward-looking information, events and circumstances discussed in this release, including but not limited to regulatory approval, minority shareholder approval, completion of the Transaction (and the proposed terms upon which the Transaction is proposed to be completed) and the Private Placement, may not occur by certain specified dates or at all and could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting the companies, including the risk that HEMPALTA and TBV may not obtain all requisite approvals for the Transaction, including the approval of the Exchange for the Transaction (which may be conditional upon amendments to the terms of the Transaction), risks of the hemp and carbon credit industry, failure to obtain regulatory or shareholder approvals, general business, economic, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; any estimated amounts, timing of the Private Placement, the equity markets generally and risks associated with growth, exploration and development, general capital market conditions and market prices for securities, junior market securities; carbon credit and hemp prices; agriculture company market conditions and the market conditions of the agriculture industry in general; competition; and changes in legislation, including environmental legislation affecting TBV, HEMPALTA and the Resulting Issuer. Although TBV and HEMPALTA have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking information contained herein. No statements comprising forward-looking information can be guaranteed. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking information contained herein speak only as of the date on which they are made and TBV and HEMPALTA undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR

FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

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AA Consulting, under the leadership of Arsal Afzal, is on a mission to create a community of empowered individuals who can achieve greatness with the right support.



AA Consulting has announced the expansion of its financial services, reaching beyond private finance loans for high-net-worth individuals to embrace a broader community of dreamers and doers to stand behind. In the ever-evolving landscape of financial services, with this expansion, AA Consulting, under the leadership of Arsal Afzal, is making a significant impact, not just in the world of numbers and artificial intelligence, but in building lasting relationships and fostering financial empowerment.



The firm, once focused on catering to the financial needs of high-net-worth individuals, has now broadened its scope to include a diverse array of ambitious individuals eager to build something great. This strategic shift is not merely about business expansion; it reflects a philosophy centered on inclusivity and a belief that everyone, regardless of their starting point, deserves a chance to realize their dreams and get access to the same capital as the top 1%.



AA Consulting is not just in the business of providing financial solutions; it is on a mission to identify and empower winners. Arsal and his team are dedicated to funding individuals with the capital they need to turn their dreams into reality, and they are doing it with the best possible terms in the marketno questions asked. This commitment reflects a profound belief in the potential of every individual and the firm's determination to be a catalyst for positive change in their lives.



As part of their commitment to community welfare, AA Consulting is hosting a charity event in New Jersey. This event is a celebration of financial success and a demonstration of their dedication to giving back. Arsal and his team pledged to provide 50,000 free meals to the local neighborhood in 2024, underscoring their understanding of the interconnectedness of financial prosperity and community well-being.



With eight years of expertise in the funding business, Arsal Afzal has become a driving force behind AA Consulting's recent expansion of services, reaching beyond private finance loans for high-net-worth individuals to embrace a broader community of dreamers and doers to stand behind.



Sharing his journey in the financial arena, Arsal Afzal said, My story has been marked by a dual passion for the intricate dance of AI and numbers and equally for cultivating meaningful connections with clients and being involved in their business growth. With AA Consulting, Arsal Afzal has shown that commitment goes beyond mere transactions; it is about understanding aspirations and setting clients on a trajectory toward financial success. The recent expansion of AA Consulting's offerings is a testament to this commitment.



In an industry often criticized for its exclusivity, AA Consulting is rewriting the narrative. Arsal Afzal shared the vision behind AA Consulting: Our vision is not just about financial transactions; it's about creating a community of empowered individuals who can achieve greatness with the right support. As we navigate the complexities of the financial world, AA Consulting stands out as a beacon of inclusivity, commitment, and genuine care for the dreams of the many, not just the few.



To learn more, visit: https://aaconsultingcorp.org/

For updates, follow AA Consulting Corp on social media:

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Email: Send Email

Organization: AA Consulting Corp

Website: https://aaconsultingcorp.org/



Release ID: 89113295

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Paid press release content from The Financial Capital. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation.

Piurify, a pioneering company in the field of innovation within the health and wellness business, is pleased to announce the debut of its ground-breaking Hydrogen Water Bottle.



With a commitment to providing consumers with the best possible hydration solution, Piurify's Hydrogen Water Bottle has quickly become the top choice on the market. Here's why:

Cutting-Edge Hydrogen Infusion Technology: Piurify's Hydrogen Water Bottle utilizes state-of-the-art technology to infuse water with molecular hydrogen (H2). Molecular hydrogen is known for its potential health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The advanced infusion technology ensures that each sip is rich in hydrogen molecules, offering maximum health benefits.

Superior Quality And Materials: Piurify takes pride in using premium, food-grade materials in the construction of its Hydrogen Water Bottle. The water bottle is fabricated from high-quality, BPA-free food grade polycarbonate, which guarantees its durability, safety, and extended usage. In addition, it is easy to keep clean and take care of, which makes it a practicable alternative that can be utilized on a consistent basis. Because of this, selecting it is a prudent course of action.

Enhanced Portability: The Piurify Hydrogen Water Bottle is designed with portability in mind. Because of its streamlined and ergonomic form, it can easily be stored in the majority of cup holders and luggage, making it the ideal companion for an active lifestyle like yours. Whether you're at the gym, office, or on the go, staying hydrated with hydrogen-rich water has never been easier.

Long-Lasting Battery Life: A single charge of the strong rechargeable battery included in the Hydrogen Water Bottle is sufficient to run the device for an exceptionally extended period of time. You can enjoy hydrogen-enriched water throughout the day without worrying about constant recharging.

Sustainable And Eco-Friendly: Piurify is committed to sustainability. The Hydrogen Water Bottle helps reduce the consumption of single-use plastic bottles, contributing to a cleaner and greener planet. It's a responsible choice for both your health and the environment.

Easy-To-Use And Maintenance: Piurify's Hydrogen Water Bottle is user-friendly, with a one-touch operation that makes it easy to start enjoying hydrogen-rich water immediately. Cleaning and maintaining the bottle is a breeze, ensuring a hassle-free experience for users.

Comprehensive Warranty And Customer Support: Piurify stands behind the quality and performance of its products. The Hydrogen Water Bottle comes with a comprehensive warranty and exceptional customer support, giving consumers peace of mind and confidence in their purchase.

Piurify's Hydrogen Water Bottle represents the future of hydration, combining cutting-edge technology with health-conscious design. Experience the benefits of hydrogen-rich water like never before and make the Piurify Hydrogen Water Bottle your hydration companion today.

To learn more about the Piurify Hydrogen Water Bottle and its benefits, visit https://www.piurify.com/ or contact [email protected] for media inquiries and product reviews.

About Piurify: Piurify is a pioneering company in the health and wellness market, and its mission is to provide customers with goods of superior quality that contribute to an improvement in their general state of health. Piurify remains dedicated to quality and environmental stewardship, and as a result, the company continues to push the limits of innovation in order to provide greater solutions for living a healthy life.

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Name: Piurify LLC

Email: Send Email

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Address: 3422 Old Capitol Trail #842 Wilmington, DE, 19808 United States

Website: https://www.piurify.com/



Release ID: 89113351

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With focus on simplicity, value and availability, Mileage Plan members will have new options to choose from across our 24 partner airlines; award redemptions to start at 4,500 miles each way

SEATTLE , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles have long offered outsized value for our members who work hard to earn and save their miles. That's why we're making it even easier and more rewarding to go global with our Mileage Plan program with upfront information that's clearer and more user-friendly. We're also expanding award availability so our members can find more award space when they want to travel.

We now have a more straightforward set of award charts for all our oneworld and partner airlines that will be effective in March 2024 . The new charts are divided into three regions: the Americas ; Europe , Middle East and Africa ; and Asia-Pacific . They provide clearly defined 'starting from' redemption rates that vary depending on the distance being flown*.

With the new distance-based structure, 60% of partner nonstop routes in economy class and 64% of routes in business class will start at a lower price point. The streamlined information gives a better idea of how many miles are needed to fly to and within regions of the world with short-haul awards starting as low as 4,500 miles each way (down from 7,500). Many shorter-distance flights within continents will start at up to half the current price.

We're also expanding access to premium economy awards with more partners than ever before, including American Airlines and Japan Airlines, at award levels starting just 30% higher than economy*. Awards start at only 6,000 miles one-way in premium economy (down from 12,500) and business class is available from 9,000 miles each way (down from 20,000).

All our partner redemption pricing will be one-way so our guests can mix and match which airlines they're flying, say British Airways on an outbound flight from Seattle to London and then Finnair from Helsinki to Seattle for the return.

"Mileage Plan has long been known for offering great value on global redemptions with access to some of the most aspirational premium products and destinations," said Brett Catlin , vice president of loyalty, alliances and sales at Alaska Airlines. "We're excited to provide a more straightforward award proposition while doubling down on the opportunities our guests will have to find amazing values."

Alaska has consistently offered some of the best global award redemptions in the industry. Our March 2024 enhancements will provide our guests with more options and even more value:

We're creating additional itineraries when combining Alaska flights with partner flights, providing more availability when connecting to global partner destinations.

flights with partner flights, providing more availability when connecting to global partner destinations. We'll open access to increased award inventory on 10% of partner routes covering more than 370 global destinations. This gives members the flexibility to use additional miles to fly when they want in the cabin they want.

We're adding new awards between and within regions outside of North America , such as Madrid to London , Paris to Sydney , or Tokyo to Singapore .

, such as to , to , or to . We're reducing the miles required to some of our most sought-after global destinations. For example, award pricing to London and Tokyo will be reduced by 15% on average when traveling nonstop from the West Coast .

and will be reduced by 15% on average when traveling nonstop from the . Beginning in 2024, we'll offer regular global partner award sales with quarterly, limited-time promotions featuring special pricing of up to 50% off specific partners, routes or destinations.

We'll continue to offer one of the most generous stopover policies on award tickets in the industry. Stopovers allow for a free stop in a partner's hub on the way to a final destination, squeezing in two trips for the price of one. Many other carriers allow no stopovers at all or only one stopover on roundtrip itineraries.

We're committed to continuing to develop new ways of adding flexibility for our Mileage Plan members. In the future, members will be able to redeem award tickets with a combination of miles and money that will give them more control. We'll also offer mileage redemption when combining two partner airlines in a single itinerary on a one-way trip. Plus, we'll further enhance the value of Mileage Plan miles by introducing the ability to redeem miles on car rentals.

*For partner-only nonstop itineraries. Pricing may vary on partner awards that include connecting segments on Alaska .

Additional taxes and fees will apply and vary depending on the partner and itinerary selected.

About Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines and our regional partners serve more than 120 destinations across the United States , Belize , Canada , Costa Rica and Mexico with new service to the Bahamas and Guatemala beginning in December. We strive to be the most caring airline with award-winning customer service and an industry-leading loyalty program. As a member of the oneworld alliance, and with our additional global partners, our guests can travel to more than 1,000 destinations on more than 25 airlines while earning and redeeming miles on flights to locations around the world. Learn more about Alaska at news.alaskaair.com and follow @alaskaairnews for news and stories. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alaska-airlines-is-rolling-out-new-global-award-redemptions-301988401.html

SOURCE Alaska Airlines
Addressing the new frontier in metaverse design through decentralized AI governance.

Images: Link

ZUG, Switzerland, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dacoco, the driving force behind Alien Worlds, the #1 played metaverse on DappRadar, announces at Web Summit in Lisbon a collaboration with revered Science Fiction author Kevin J. Anderson (Star Wars, Dune, Saga of the Seven Suns). Together, they introduce AI-Driven Tokenized Story-Telling, also known as the "Large Lore Model ," a pioneering concept that merges the power of AI with the vibrant creativity of the global community, all governed through decentralized on-chain mechanisms. With over 9 billion plays in Alien Worlds, this feature will be the largest AI system governed by DAOs at scale.

This revolutionary storytelling approach is designed to augment and scale the new and rich lore created by the co-author of the Dune Prequel series through community contributions worldwide. Through advanced AI tools, the decentralized community can leverage this strong lore foundation to build collaborative Alien Worlds games, media, and more.

Saro McKenna , co-founder of Alien Worlds, remarks, "Given the recent Hollywood writers' strike, we're navigating a crucial juncture when it comes to AI and media. We aim to safeguard the integrity of creators while unlocking the vast potential AI offers. By governing our AI models transparently via on-chain communities, we're uniquely positioned to govern this intersection of technology and storytelling."

She adds, "With Kevin J. Anderson's masterful storytelling as our foundation, the community has a dual opportunity  they can appreciate and integrate the literary contributions of giants like Anderson, who wrote fan favorites like Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights , and simultaneously harness the formidable power of AI, along with the imaginative contributions of participants across the globe."

Within the vast expanse of Alien Worlds, six planetary DAOs vie for Trilium tokens. Trilium will play a pivotal role in governance decisions and the management of AI-assisted content for an ever growing metaverse enjoyed by countless participants .

Though AI offers unmatched efficiency, its integration also raises concerns about potential misuse. Dacoco's use of blockchain technology will explore how communities can address these challenges, facilitating proper authenticity, transparency, and attribution of training data. In this way, Alien Worlds is launching the world's largest decentralized AI management system.

Kevin Rose , Chief Marketing Officer of Dacoco, added, "The next great franchise will be built by a community, not a corporation. When launched, our AI-driven 'Large Lore Model ' will only be trained on community-approved lore, whether in games, art, video, or other media. Dacoco's battle-tested DAO technology will serve as the foundation to support the community as it embarks on this journey. Over time, we will see a community entirely responsible for maintaining the canon of the Alien Worlds metaverse."

This initiative is the first step in evaluating the need for decentralized governance systems to oversee AI systems, an important topic of debate as AI becomes more integrated into people's everyday lives. Dacoco's goal is to ensure AI systems remain accountable, auditable, and true to their intended purpose.

"In today's interconnected world, storytelling has the power to unite global communities. AI tools can act as the essential bridge that ensures we are weaving a consistent and cohesive universe without requiring direct collaboration between every member of that community. As we meld the time-honored craft of storytelling with the innovative capabilities of AI, we're not just telling stories; we're creating universes." - Kevin J. Anderson

Kevin J. Anderson , a luminary in the science-fiction domain with over 24 million books in print, boasts iconic works, including the expanded Dune series, Saga of Seven Suns, and adaptations for franchises like Star Wars and The X-Files.

Saro McKenna added, "Harking back to the open letter to pause AI development signed by Elon Musk and others, regulation, oversight, and transparency, were all strong themes that need to be addressed for AI to be developed responsibility. Dacoco believes that decentralized governance can play a role here, however, the efforts to mitigate the risks posed by AI through decentralization reveal that the touch points between the two are imperfect, leaving much room for government or collective regulation.

Stay updated with Alien Worlds by following @AlienWorlds on Twitter and exploring the universe at alienworlds.io.

About Alien Worlds:

Alien Worlds is a pioneering metaverse ecosystem, ranking as one of the world's premier blockchain games. Players delve into a universe of unique digital assets (NFTs), embark on interstellar missions, partake in planetary elections, and strategize in planetary councils. Six Planet DAOs vie for dominance, fostering collaboration, competition, and strategy among users.

With a staggering player base of nearly 8 million and an active monthly user count exceeding 300,000, Alien Worlds tops DappRadar activity/usage charts, inspiring players to push the boundaries of creativity in the metaverse.

Engage with Alien Worlds at www.alienworlds.io.

About Dacoco:

Established in 2018 in Zug's Crypto Valley, Dacoco emerged as a solution to real-world challenges faced by on-chain DAOs. With years of hands-on experience, Dacoco boasts some of the industry's most robust DAO code and methodologies.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alien-worlds-partners-with-celebrated-sci-fi-author-to-launch-groundbreaking-ai-driven-community-governed-sci-fi-franchise-301989409.html

SOURCE Dacoco GmbH
TEL AVIV, Israel and AUSTIN, Texas , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Authomize today announced its participation in the Microsoft Security Copilot Partner Private Preview. Authomize was selected based on their proven experience with Microsoft Security technologies, willingness to explore and provide feedback on cutting edge functionality, and close relationship with Microsoft.

"In the context of security, AI's impact is likely to be profound, tilting the scales in favor of defenders and empowering organizations to defend at machine speed. At Microsoft, we are privileged to have a leading role in advancing AI innovation, and we are so grateful to our incredible ecosystem of partners, whose mission-driven work is critical to helping customers secure their organizations and confidently bring the many benefits of AI into their environments." said Vasu Jakkal, CVP, Microsoft Security.

Authomize is working with Microsoft product teams to help shape Security Copilot product development in several ways, including validation and refinement of new and upcoming scenarios, providing feedback on product development and operations to be incorporated into future product releases, and validation and feedback of APIs to assist with Security Copilot extensibility. To learn more, read the announcement.

"We are excited to take this next step in our journey with Microsoft to extend identity and access protection for customers beyond their Microsoft platforms to their multi-cloud, identity infrastructure services, applications, and hybrid environments," says Authomize's CEO and Co-founder Dotan Bar Noy . "Together with Microsoft Security Co-pilot, we are empowering SOC teams to shorten their time to detection and resolution, mitigating risks and protecting against identity-based attacks. By leveraging our cross-cloud monitoring of all identities, privileges, and access activities, we enable users to not only understand who and what is at higher risk for improving posture and reducing the impact of attacks. Authomize detects active attacks on every cloud service to provide them most actionable context and let SOC teams close the remediation loop faster via a single pane of glass and automated workflows."

Security Copilot is the first AI-powered security product that enables security professionals to respond to threats quickly, process signals at machine speed, and assess risk exposure in minutes. It combines an advanced large language model (LLM) with a security-specific model that is informed by Microsoft's unique global threat intelligence and more than 65 trillion daily signals.

About Authomize:

The first agentless IDentity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) Platform, Authomize continuously monitors identities, access privileges, assets, and activities to secure apps and cloud services. Our full-stack yet granular visibility across IaaS and SaaS environments enables organizations to understand how their access privileges are being used and ensure effective control over the security of their assets. Backed by Innovation Endeavors, Blumberg Capital, Microsoft M12 venture fund, Entree Capital, and Tenable, Authomize is headquartered in Tel Aviv and Austin . Learn more at www.authomize.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for news and updates.

Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

For additional information:

Gabriel Avner

gabriel.avner@authomize.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/authomize-is-a-proud-participant-in-the-microsoft-security-copilot-partner-private-preview-301989404.html

SOURCE Authomize
Today's flights commemorate Avelo's first non-continental U.S. service

Avelo will connect San Juan with two of U.S.'s largest Puerto Rican communities

Very low, one-way fares between New Haven and San Juan start at $99

HOUSTON , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Avelo Airlines will depart today for the first time beyond the continental U.S.  inaugurating exclusive nonstop service to San Juan, Puerto Rico from Greater Philly and New Haven, Conn. These two new routes will connect the Island of Enchantment with two of America's largest Puerto Rican communities.

Avelo is the only airline offering nonstop service between Puerto Rico's San Juan Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU) and Southern Connecticut's most convenient airport  Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN) and the Greater Philadelphia / Delaware Valley's Wilmington Airport (ILG)  a convenient and travel-friendly alternative to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

Avelo operates both routes twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, utilizing Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. Very low, one-way fares between HVN and SJU start at $99 *. Customers can make reservations at AveloAir.com.

Avelo Airlines Chairman and CEO Andrew Levy said, " Puerto Rico  Viaja con Avelo! We are excited to depart for San Juan today  Avelo's first destination beyond the continental U.S. Today marks another significant milestone in Avelo's journey to introduce a new era of convenient, affordable and reliable air travel. These exclusive nonstop routes will make travel between the Island of Enchantment and the Greater Philly and Southern Connecticut easier and faster than ever. And with two of the largest Puerto Rican populations in the U.S. , Philadelphia and Connecticut were a natural choice for Avelo's inaugural service to San Juan . We also look forward to making Puerto Rico's famous beaches, as well as the island's abundance of outdoor and cultural activities, more accessible to more people this winter."

Puerto Rico Tourism Company Executive Director Carlos Mercado Santiago said, "We are very pleased to welcome Avelo's first flight into Puerto Rico's Luis Munoz Marin International Airport and congratulate the airline for the expansion of its operations beyond the continental United States . The start of these new routes between New Haven , Philadelphia and San Juan reinforce Puerto Rico's position as the Caribbean's main air access hub, increases the Island's competitiveness, creates more flight options for travelers, and will result in more jobs and economic activity for local tourism industry."

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said, " New Haven has a large and growing Puerto Rican community and a long and rich cultural tie to the island. The new direct flight from New Haven to San Juan will further strengthen this bond by providing easy, accessible and affordable travel, allowing residents to connect with their friends and families. It's also a great opportunity for other residents to visit the island for the first time, whether it be for vacation getaway or a business trip."

Connecticut is home to roughly 300,000 Puerto Ricans who represent almost half of the entire Hispanic population in the state (46.5%), one of the highest percentages in the nation. Additionally, there are roughly 90,000 Puerto Ricans in the greater New Haven region.

Tweed-New Haven Airport is located on Connecticut's coast and is a convenient gateway to all 15 towns that make up Greater New Haven . HVN's adjacency to multiple major highways and commuter railways makes visiting the New England and New York regions easier than ever. The airport is a refreshingly smooth and simple alternative hometown airport experience that will make this passport-free overseas journey faster, easier and more relaxing than ever.

Delaware Governor John Carney said, "It is exciting to see Avelo continue to expand here in Delaware . With flights to San Juan beginning this week, Delawareans have even more opportunities for affordable, convenient travel, and residents of our neighboring states have another great reason to visit Delaware ."

More than 250,000 Puerto Ricans live in the Greater Philadelphia / Delaware Valley region - the second-largest Puerto Rican population in the continental United States.

Wilmington Airport is conveniently located a short drive south of Philadelphia - offering a refreshingly fast, smooth and simple alternative hometown airport experience. ILG's adjacency to multiple major highways and railways makes it the most convenient and travel-friendly airport for Philly and the Delaware Valley , which encompasses portions of four states: Southeastern Pennsylvania , Delaware , South Jersey and the northern Eastern Shore of Maryland .

America's Most Convenient Airline

Avelo was founded to Inspire Travel by saving its Customers time and money. Since taking flight on April 28, 2021 , Avelo has flown more than 3.5 million Customers on over 27,000 flights. Today, Avelo serves 44 destinations in 23 states and Puerto Rico with a fleet of 16 Boeing 737 aircraft.

Avelo has unlocked a new era of convenience, choice and competition by flying unserved routes to primarily underserved communities across the country. At least one airport on every Avelo flight is a small, easy to use airport  making every Avelo journey easier and more enjoyable.

The airline prides itself on its reliability. Through the first nine months of 2023, Avelo has achieved the lowest flight cancellation rate and the second best on-time performance in the U.S. airline industry with 80.8% of all flights arriving within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival time.

Avelo Customers can always change or cancel their itineraries with no extra fees. Additionally, families can travel with ease knowing every child 13 and under will always be automatically seated with an accompanying adult at no additional cost.

Avelo offers advanced seat assignments for sale. One third of its seats are extra leg room seats, ranging from 32 inches to more than 36 inches, offering a more comfortable experience for Customers who value more space. In addition to advance seat assignments, Avelo offers several unbundled travel-enhancing options that give customers the flexibility to pay only for what they value, including priority boarding, checked bags, carry-on overhead bags, and bringing a pet in the cabin.

Avelo is also distinguished by its Soul of Service culture. The culture is grounded in Avelo's One Crew Value which promotes a welcoming and caring experience. By caring for one another and owning their commitments, Avelo Crewmembers focus on anticipating and understanding Customer needs on the ground and in the air.

About Avelo Airlines

Avelo Airlines was founded with a simple purpose  to Inspire Travel. The airline offers Customers time and money-saving convenience, low everyday fares and a refreshingly smooth and caring experience through its Soul of Service culture. Operating a fleet of Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, Avelo serves 44 popular destinations across the United States , including its six bases at Los Angeles' Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), Southern Connecticut's Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN), Orlando International Airport (MCO), the Philadelphia and Delaware Valley region's Wilmington Airport (ILG), Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). For more information visit AveloAir.com or the Avelo Newsroom at AveloAir.com/Newsroom.

Media Contacts:

Courtney Goff

[email protected]

Jim Olson

[email protected]

*Very low, one-way fares include government taxes and fees. Fares start at $99 between SJU and ILG for travel between December 1 and December 13, 2023 . Fares start at $99 from SJU to HVN for travel between December 1 and December 13, 2023 . Fares start at $179 from HVN to SJU for travel between December 1 and December 13, 2023 . Fares must be booked by November 19, 2023 . Fares are available on a limited number of flights and seats. Additional fees for carry-on and checked bags, assigned seats and other optional services may apply. A $20 charge per seated traveler applies to all bookings or changes made through Avelo's Customer Support Center. For full terms and conditions, please see Avelo's Contract of Carriage.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/avelo-airlines-departs-for-puerto-rico-from-greater-philly-and-southern-connecticut-301988459.html

SOURCE Avelo Airlines
251% YoY Increase in Gross Merchandise Volume from Video and Live Broadcasting commerce

SHANGHAI , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bilibili Inc. ("Bilibili" or the "Company"), an iconic brand and a leading video community for young people in China , announced outstanding performance for this year's Double 11 shopping festival in China . The platform's Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) generated from video and live broadcasting commerce rose 251% compared to the same period last year.

Backed by its thriving community engagement, Bilibili saw the amount of video commerce during China's biggest online shopping festival increase 233% year-over-year, and live broadcasting commerce sessions grow 105% year-over-year. An increasing number of brands and merchants are leveraging Bilibili's comprehensive marketing solutions, cementing its status as a significant driver for incremental growth for both e-commerce platforms and brands.

Cultivating User Mindshare and Strong Conversion Capabilities

This year, the number of users on Bilibili who searched for Double 11-related keywords achieved a 25% year-over-year increase, demonstrating that more users are relying on the platform for their consumption decisions. The fastest-growing searched categories during the period were Pets, Electronics, Household Items, Baby and Maternity Products, as well as Automotive.

User interest in commodities on Bilibili ultimately translated into transactions. Starting from last year, Bilibili began to explore video and live broadcasting commerce. Double 11-related video commerce GMV on the platform swelled 376% year-over-year, and live broadcasting commerce GMV grew rapidly at 186%. These reaffirm Bilibili's status as a powerhouse of youth-driven consumer dynamics and emphasize the platform's prowess in combining content and commerce seamlessly.

In terms of video commerce, one Chinese home appliance brand achieved ROI of nearly 15 by working with content creators on high-quality reviews. For live broadcasting commerce, top Bilibili content creator @MrMiDeng accumulated a total GMV of RMB 1.68 billion across all channels on Double 11, a 500% year-on-year increase.

Deep Collaborations with E-commerce Platforms to Drive Consumption

As part of an open and collaborative strategy, Bilibili formed deep strategic partnerships with e-commerce leaders including Taobao & Tmall, JD.com, and Pinduoduo. Leveraging its popularity among young Chinese consumers, Bilibili rolled out integrated marketing campaigns, app updates, and live broadcasting promotions to create a celebratory Double 11 atmosphere, as well as recruit creators to join live broadcasting and video commerce, providing users with more shopping opportunities.

In partnership with Tmall, Bilibili launched an integrated marketing campaign to stimulate and attract young consumers on the platform through heart-touching videos. The Bilibili app temporarily rebranded its "Membership Store" tab as the "Double 11 Store" tab and added a designated "Tmall Double 11" subsection on the platform to showcase more products and create more consumption scenarios for its users. Tmall Double 11-related content creation on the platform also rose 133% year-over-year.

Bilibili also worked closely with JD.com and Pinduoduo on traffic-sharing programs and consumption insights-sharing initiatives, to encourage Bilibili content creators to direct its users to these platforms and brands, while enhancing efficiency and conversion rates. Bilibili launched the "Jinghuo Plan" campaign with JD.com during the pre-sale period, helping merchants better understand consumers' purchase intentions. In addition, the number of influencers collaborating with Pinduoduo on Bilibili increased over 140% compared to last year's Double 11, further boosting traffic and conversion for Pinduoduo.

Providing Strong Incremental Value

By leveraging its youth community and directing traffic to e-commerce sites, Bilibili provided brand partners access to new shoppers this Double 11. Over 50% of new users brought to brand partners across 8 verticals originated from Bilibili, reaching 89% for mother and baby brands. One Chinese cosmetics brand reached over 20 million target users on Bilibili during the pre-sale period of Double 11, and significantly lowered the brand's customer acquisition cost.

Bilibili has been actively exploring diverse monetization avenues to drive commercialization, while upholding its commitment to empowering content creators. Bilibili provides brands with abundant options for quality content collaborations via its Sparkle Platform, which matches brands with creators. Furthermore, Bilibili launched the incubation program Supernova for aspiring e-commerce creators to enhance their live broadcasting commerce capability.

Bilibili continues to explore tailored strategies for key verticals including cosmetics, food, appliances, education, automotive, e-commerce, healthcare, and gaming. Among those verticals, e-commerce ads have become a new engine for Bilibili's revenue growth. In Q2 this year, e-commerce ads grew 140% and gaming ads 40% year-on-year.

ABOUT BILIBILI INC

Bilibili is an iconic brand and a leading video community with a mission to enrich the everyday life of young generations in China . Bilibili offers a wide array of video-based content with All the Videos You Like as its value proposition. Bilibili builds its community around aspiring users, high-quality content, talented content creators, and the intense emotional bond among them. Bilibili pioneered the "bullet chatting" feature, a live commenting function that has transformed the viewing experience by displaying the thoughts and feelings of other audiences viewing the same video. It has now become the welcoming home of diverse interests for young generations in China and the frontier to promote Chinese culture worldwide.

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SOURCE BILIBILI
NEW DELHI , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The BSV Blockchain is pleased to announce that it will be attending the upcoming Digital Acceleration and Transformation Expo (DATE), taking place on 23-24 November at the Yashobhoomi IICC (India International Convention & Expo Centre), Dwarka, New Delhi . Recognised as India's leading B2B technology expo, DATE brings together government bodies, enterprises, technology leaders, start-ups, and global investors.

The event is known for its unique framework, featuring ten power-packed streams, three dedicated conference stages for insightful discussions, and multiple zones showcasing technological innovations. DATE provides an actionable perspective into both contemporary and forthcoming tech trends.

Martin Coxall , Marketing Director at BSV Blockchain, said "The BSV Blockchain has seen significant growth in India in recent years as enterprises and start-ups in the region recognise the true value of the technology. India could provide the breakthrough that the BSV blockchain is looking for in terms of mass adoption. This expo is a terrific opportunity to reach out to our rapidly growing Indian BSV blockchain community and connect with others in the space to collaborate and grow."

BSV Blockchain will have a physical presence on the show floor where we encourage attendees to learn more about the technology and why it is a good fit for your start-up, enterprise, or government. Several BSV blockchain companies will also showcase the power and utility of the technology to the public including:

James Marchant , Chief Commercial Officer at nChain said, "At nChain, we are deeply committed to the growth and success of the BSV Blockchain, and it is a privilege to be part of the upcoming Digital Acceleration and Transformation Expo in New Delhi . The BSV Blockchain's presence at DATE is a testament to our dedication to advancing blockchain technology in India . This event is a unique opportunity for us to engage with innovators, leaders, and visionaries at the forefront of India's digital transformation. We are eager to showcase how nChain and the BSV Blockchain are contributing to this journey, fostering a new era of digital innovation and economic growth in India ."

The BSV Blockchain is the only public blockchain capable of scaling to meet the demands of enterprise-scale applications and was designed to function as an extension of the Internet that allows for peer-to-peer payments and complex data transfers without intermediaries.

As India's digital economy is slated to reach $1 trillion , emerging technology such as the BSV blockchain is becoming the bedrock for India's economic vision. This transformation is not just about economic growth; it's a pivotal enabler of improved governance across the nation.

The BSV blockchain will redefine how industries operate by optimizing operations, enhancing efficiencies, and unlocking a world of new possibilities for the country. In this digital age, India's forward-looking approach is propelling it to shape a connected and prosperous society.

The Big Blockers movement started in India with the EUBS conference hosted by Timechain Labs in August. The citadel inauguration meetup followed by the BSV Roadshow of meetups spanning 8 cities of India has built up the regional BSV Chapters for the BSV India Hub. The regional chapters regularly have community-led initiatives to conduct meetings, workshops, hackathons, open days, and events across these 8 cities. Any big blocker who believes in the vision of Satoshi can participate by joining the local chapter of the Big Blockers community in India .

Rohan Sharan , Founder at Timechain Labs and BSV Blockchain Ambassador said, "Embracing the BSV Blockchain represents a pivotal moment in India's technological evolution. At TimeChain Labs, we are thrilled to be at the forefront of this transformation. The Digital Acceleration and Transformation Expo offers an unparalleled platform for us to showcase the potential of BSV Blockchain. We are committed to contributing to India's digital revolution and believe that BSV's capabilities align perfectly with India's vision for a technologically empowered future."

Discover the BSV blockchain and sign up for attendance now. Several purchase options are available - including a free expo pass, a business pass, and a VIP pass. Further details about the agenda and location can be found on the DATE website here.

About BSV Blockchain

One Blockchain for Everyone.

The BSV Blockchain leads the BSV Blockchain for Enterprise and Government initiatives. This Switzerland -based global non-profit industry organisation supports the use of the BSV blockchain. The BSV Blockchain oversees the creation of technical standards and educates enterprises, government agencies, start-up ventures, developers, and users on creating a global blockchain ecosystem. The original Bitcoin protocol and its scripting language provide powerful technical capabilities that BSV has restored.

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SOURCE BSV Blockchain
BEIJING , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinese President Xi Jinping was warmly welcomed by U.S. officials at the airport after he arrived in San Francisco on Tuesday for a summit with U.S. President Joe Biden , and the 30th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.

U.S. officials, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen , were present at the airport to welcome President Xi .

Along the way from the airport to the hotel, many overseas Chinese people were seen lining up waving the national flags of China and the United States to greet Xi.

"We are very welcoming to him. It's really important that you know with APEC that it's a good opportunity for he and Biden to really reset our relationship and to continue growing," said Robert Weisenmiller , former chair of the California Energy Commission.

The two presidents will have in-depth discussions on issues of strategic, overarching, and fundamental importance in shaping China - U.S. relations and major issues concerning world peace and development, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday.

Xi's upcoming talks with Biden will be the first face-to-face meeting between the two presidents since they met on the sidelines of the G20 summit last year in Bali, Indonesia . However, 2022 proved difficult for ties between the two nations, with then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to China's Taiwan region badly straining relations.

Optimism slowly crept up later this year. Beijing and Washington have reestablished communication and maintained frequent interactions across various sectors in recent months, setting new conditions for the upcoming talks between the two leaders.

The world is watching whether the two heads of state can improve on the outcomes from Bali and make new developments in bilateral ties in San Francisco .

"I got excited when I saw the leaders of China and the leaders of the United States putting aside all of the differences in the geopolitical challenges that their teams are discussing on a regular basis to sit down at APEC. Because they recognize the importance of this type of engagement," said Ertharin Cousin , former director of the UN World Food Programme.

During his stay, Chinese President Xi Jinping will also attend a series of events, aiming to find common ground with leaders from Asia-Pacific economic entities. San Francisco is the host city for APEC Leaders' Week 2023 from November 11 to 17 , with the theme "Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All."

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-11-15/Xi-arrives-in-San-Francisco-for-talks-with-Biden-APEC-meeting-1oKETzq1lUA/index.html

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SOURCE CGTN
EU High Representative Josep Borrell called on Western partners to provide Ukraine with urgent military assistance. He emphasized that the transfer of one million artillery rounds, which the EU promised to deliver back in March, requires accelerating defense production.

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Borrell made the statement in Brussels during a press conference following the EU Foreign Affairs Council (defense). It was reported by Ukrinform.

"When we are talking about the issue of ammunition, implementation continues as it is an ongoing process. We are focusing on these three 'tracks' that were agreed in the spring by the member states. The delivery of 1 million rounds of ammunition remains a political goal that we have set. It is an ambitious intention, but it remains our goal. And we will continue to push for it, to do everything we can every day to deliver more and faster," Borrell said.

The head of diplomacy added that EU member states have already supplied Ukraine with more than 300,000 shells on their own.

"Under the joint order we have placed through the European Defense Agency, as well as through the leading states, France and Germany in particular, at least 180,000 shells have already been ordered from the industry, they have already been contracted and are to be delivered in 2023-2024. I insist that this is a work in progress and these numbers will grow as there is room for more orders," the EU official added.

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According to Borrell, based on the European Commission's data, the European industry is capable of producing 1 million shells a year. However, a certain part of them should be exported to third countries.

"According to European Commissioner Thierry Breton, the EU has the capacity to produce 1 million shells per year. But this does not mean that we will have this million rounds by March. We probably won't have them by March. But it also depends on how quickly the industry responds to our orders. If the industry has the capacity to produce them, it's up to the member states to place the appropriate orders to speed up production. So we are talking about different stages of this process," the EU High Representative said.

Borrell added that a strategy for the European defense industry will be created early next year.

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Military assistance, he said, includes equipment for defense against the Russian occupiers. Namely, an increase in the number of air defense equipment, training for F-16 pilots, winter equipment and ammunition.

"The ministers talked about Ukraine today. I emphasized the urgent need to increase our military assistance to Ukraine. I also reminded them of the urgent needs of the Ukrainian army to protect itself from Russian aggression. This means supplying air defense equipment, making working progress in training F-16 pilots, and providing winter equipment and ammunition. We are already doing a lot for this, but all (ministers - ed.) agreed that we must do more and faster. Time is now measured not only by the destruction of infrastructure and homes but also by the loss of human lives," Borrell emphasized.

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According to him, the training of the Ukrainian military within the framework of the EU Military Assistance Mission for Ukraine (EUMAM-Ukraine - Ed.) is progressing "very well."

As reported by OBOZ.UA, France plans to train 7,000 Ukrainian soldiers by the end of this year. This will happen as part of the European Union's mission to provide military assistance to our country, which began a year ago.

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
BEIJING , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting is about to commence in San Francisco . The upcoming meeting between the Chinese and the U.S. heads of state is eagerly anticipated.

Officials from heavyweight international organizations and the United States agree that sound China - U.S. relations are particularly important nowadays and that the bilateral conversation is set to bring optimism and opportunities to the world.

Xi-Biden meeting expected to bring 'a strong dose of optimism'

Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria , executive director of the APEC Secretariat, said, "The fact that the two important biggest economies are here to have the very important conversation, a crucial conversation, at this time really opens the door to other opportunities for the world."

"It brings a strong dose of optimism as the year comes to a close and the start of the next year," she said.

She added that countries should look at more holistic benefits that can spur global growth from a broader perspective.

In an exclusive interview with CGTN, former Director-General of the WTO Roberto Azevedo said he hopes the U.S. and China can find a way to move forward through the meeting, as a more positive environment between the two superpowers is "absolutely fundamental for the world to feel safer, to feel that we are on the right path."

He suggested that both sides be open to talking and listening to something they don't want to hear.

Gita Gopinath , the first deputy managing director of IMF, told CGTN that it's critical for China and the U.S. and for the global economy to have close relations and good working relations. "There has to be a way for both countries to be able to work together," she said.

Meanwhile, former U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu told CGTN in an interview that "decoupling" between the U.S. and China is a "bad idea," adding that if they do so, whatever little trust left will also begin to vanish.

Noting China has emerged as a significant player and the world's second-largest economy, Chu said the U.S. , China and Europe need to work closely to achieve zero carbon.

New starting point for people-to-people exchanges

The Philadelphia Orchestra is back in China 50 years after its historic trip in 1973 when it became the first American orchestra to visit the country.

From November 9 to 18 , it is performing concerts and organizing residency activities in Beijing , Tianjin , Suzhou and Shanghai .

In an exclusive interview with CGTN, Tristan Rais-Sherman , the assistant conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra, said, "We are really excited to celebrate this historic event and this historic moment."

The assistant conductor said he hoped the visit could become a good starting point and that other American orchestras will continue the comeback to play for the Chinese audience.

After the Philadelphia Orchestra concert in Beijing , U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns told CGTN that music unites the two countries. "In 1973, the orchestra came here and brought the two countries together; now we are in another time, where the two countries are reconnecting, our leaders are, our governments are, and our people are."

China and the U.S. also saw regular direct passenger flights increase again starting November 9 , bringing more people-to-people exchanges between both countries.

San Francisco , the host city of the upcoming APEC meeting, is well-prepared to draw global attention with its deep cultural and economic ties to the Asia-Pacific region , which could be seen from the historic Chinatown and the fact that a third of its residents have Asian or Pacific Islander ancestry.

Describing the city as a gateway to the Asia Pacific , London Breed, the 45th Mayor of San Francisco , said the city looks forward to building bridges and a better relationship. Breed added that she couldn't wait to see Chinese tourists.

With lanterns always hanging in the city's Chinatown throughout the year, Breed said the city is ensuring they "shine brighter in the APEC."

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-11-15/Xi-Biden-meeting-expected-to-find-right-path-improve-bilateral-ties-1oJGBuvMShq/index.html

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SOURCE CGTN
HONG KONG , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CNOOC Limited (the "Company", SEHK: 00883 (HKD Counter) and 80883 (RMB Counter), SSE: 600938) announces that Payara Project has commenced production safely.

Payara Project locates in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana and produces with 1 FPSO and 41 subsea wellheads. The FPSO is the third production facility in the Block following the two serving Liza Phase I and Liza Phase II. It was constructed in China and Singapore , and arrived in Guyana in April 2023 . It is moored in water depth of about 1,930 meters and will be able to store around 2 million barrels of crude oil. Payara Project is expected to reach its peak production of approximately 220,000 barrels of crude oil per day in 2024.

Mr. Zhou Xinhuai, CEO and President of the Company, said, "The delivery of Payara Project was a milestone for the partnership and production growth of the Stabroek Block. By 2024, the daily production of the Block is expected to reach approximately 620,000 barrels of crude oil per day, which will further fuel the high-quality development of the Company."

CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds 25% interest in the Stabroek Block. ExxonMobil Guyana Limited is the operator and holds 45% interest, and Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30% interest.

 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 macro-political and economic factors, fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas prices, the highly competitive nature of the oil and natural gas industry, climate change and environmental policies, the Company's price forecast, mergers, acquisitions and divestments activities, HSSE and insurance policies and changes in anti-corruption, anti-fraud, anti-money laundering and corporate governance laws and regulations.

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]

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SOURCE CNOOC Limited
Software and Service Enable RIAs of All Types to Implement and Administer a Comprehensive Compliance Program with an All-in-One Solution

NEW YORK , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- COMPLY, the global market leader of compliance software, consulting and education resources for the financial services sector, has launched COMPLY Program Management and Annual Review Service, an integrated solution which addresses the market need for more comprehensive compliance resources, enabling firms to meet additional regulatory requirements and demands.

Given the rapid pace of rulemaking in today's landscape, compliance professionals are increasingly moving towards full-service compliance technology partnerships to support growing program needs. As noted in our proprietary research, 44% of compliance professionals have stated such full-service offerings are a key driver in their selection of outsourced compliance solutions.

COMPLY Program Management simplifies and automates a multitude of compliance duties and deliverables, thereby reducing risk, improving efficiency and easing year-end compliance obligations. The integrated solution provides a centralized, comprehensive platform for managing the full scope of a firm's compliance program. This software package includes:

The Compliance Calendar automatically populated and continuously updated with deadlines, requirements, best-practice instructions and refreshed compliance guidelines tailored to a firm's policies and procedures.

COMPLY's Annual Review Tool which guides firms through their Annual Review process, culminating in a comprehensive documented report, to meet Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requirements outlined in Rule 206(4)-7 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

(SEC) requirements outlined in Rule 206(4)-7 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Additionally, for firms seeking enhanced assistance in adhering to the latest regulations, COMPLY has introduced an accompanying service offering with the COMPLY Program Management software that provides regimented and on-going compliance consulting services aimed at easing the challenges of the annual review process and defining compliance priorities throughout the year.

David Bliss , COMPLY's Chief Product Officer, said, "This advancement to our software and services delivers on the promise of offering a unified COMPLY solution. With COMPLY Program Management and Annual Review Service, we combine the benefits of the wide range of solutions available from across our product portfolio, integrating software, consulting and education, and enhancing our clients' ability to develop and execute a comprehensive and scalable compliance program from a single platform. As regulatory obligations continue to evolve, such as the recently enhanced regulation of private fund advisers and investment advisers, the ability to easily adapt your compliance program has never been more critical. This is an ideal time for firms to examine their compliance processes and consider moving to a single comprehensive platform."

Additional information regarding COMPLY Program Management and Annual Review Service is available here.

About COMPLY

As a global market leader in regulatory compliance solutions, COMPLY combines the power of regulatory technology, services and education to empower Chief Compliance Officers (CCOs) and compliance professionals to easily navigate the regulatory landscape. COMPLY enables firms to scale their growth, while remaining vigilant in their compliance efforts, by providing solutions designed to manage the burden of complex compliance tasks. Our deep bench of industry expertise  which includes expansive knowledge in technology enablement and regulatory compliance protocols and processes from our product portfolio offerings ComplySci, RIA in a Box and NRS  supports more than 7,000 clients, including investment management, private equity firms, hedge funds, broker-dealers, registered investment advisers and other financial service sector participants.

COMPLY continually supports clients in their work to proactively address core compliance challenges  minimizing risk, addressing critical priorities and meeting new demands as the industry evolves and the firm scales.

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SOURCE COMPLY
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ConcertAI's TeraRecon, the advanced visualization and clinical AI SaaS company, today announced the addition of Lucida Medical to its Eureka Clinical AI Platform ecosystem. It will be deployed within the UK's National Health Service (NHS) and European healthcare systems.

Pi (Prostate Intelligence), Lucida Medical's AI-machine learning software, is designed to help radiologists detect prostate cancer lesions from MRI, enabling faster and more accurate prostate cancer detection. MRI is now the preferred technique to assess a range of cancers, including prostate and metastatic disease. However, radiologists currently require a labor-intensive, specialist training for interpreting prostate MRI, creating a growing skills challenge.

Prostate cancer diagnosis using MRI represents a major step forward compared to earlier methods but remains prone to human error. The ground-breaking PROMIS study (Lancet 2017; 389: 81522) indicated that radiologists can miss 12% of significant cancers on MRI, and lead to 55% of individuals without significant cancer receiving a painful and costly biopsy. The study presented at ECR 2021 suggests that Lucida Medical's AI technology could help cut missed cancers to 7% and unnecessary biopsies to 24%, as well as making the process faster.

"Prostate Cancer is a devastating disease impacting millions of men worldwide. As a company, ConcertAI is committed to advancing cancer research solutions and working with the worlds Biomedical and MedTech innovators," said Jeff Elton , PhD. CEO of ConcertAI. "The addition of Lucida Medical's Pi solution as part of the TeraRecon Eureka Clinical AI ecosystem is an important advance for radiology teams working with urology and oncology healthcare practices. Lucinda's Pi solution supports earlier and accurate detection, critical to achieving the best possible outcomes and treatment options for the highest quality of life for patients."

"We are delighted to empower the wide community of TeraRecon users with our MR based prostate solution," said Dr. Antony Rix , CEO and Co-founder, Lucida Medical. "This global partnership brings healthcare providers closer to achieving faster and more accurate detection of the most common cancer in men."

Eureka Clinical AI by TeraRecon is a robust platform powering 1st, 2nd, and 3rd party algorithms on one consolidated platform that integrates seamlessly into the PACS, provides a console to see all results and conversations across the patient's health care teams, and allows clinicians to directly interact with the AI to ensure accurate and holistic algorithm training.

Learn more about the Eureka Clinical AI platform capabilities and algorithms that span across neurology, radiology, cardiology, oncology, and more:

https://www.terarecon.com/artificial-intelligence

About TeraRecon: Serving ~1,900 clinical sites globally, TeraRecon, a ConcertAI company, is a Best in KLAS solution provider for AI-empowered radiology, oncology, cardiology, neurology, and vascular surgery. Awarded the 2020, 2021, and 2022 KLAS Category Leader for Advanced Visualization, TeraRecon solutions are independent of any one manufacturer's imaging equipment or PACS system, allowing a single, unified, and simplified clinical workflow that can improve efficiencies and deliver actionable physician-guided insights. For more information, visit us at www.terarecon.com

About ConcertAI: ConcertAI is the leader in Real-World Evidence (RWE) and AI technology solutions for life sciences and health care. Our mission is to accelerate insights and outcomes for patients through leading real-world data, AI technologies, and scientific expertise in partnership with the leading biomedical innovators, health care providers, and medical societies. For more information, visit us at www.concertai.com

About Lucida Medical: Lucida Medical develops AI-based technology to assist clinicians to find cancer more accurately, diagnose and treat it more effectively, and save time. A start-up business from the University of Cambridge, Lucida Medical was founded in 2019 by Dr. Antony Rix , an expert in medical devices, machine learning and AI, and Prof. Evis Sala , who at the time was Professor of Oncological Imaging at the University of Cambridge & Addenbrooke's Hospital, and who is now Chair of Radiology at the Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and Director of the Advanced Radiology Centre at the Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS in Rome . Prostate Intelligence (Pi) is intended for use to assist the diagnosis of prostate cancer, and is the company's first product to complete regulatory approvals. For further information, visit the Lucida Medical website at www.lucidamedical.com

Media Contact: Megan Duero , [email protected]

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SOURCE ConcertAI
Backing from TruStage Ventures and other investors will advance Happy Money's mission of happier lending and accelerate the company's growth in its next chapter.

TORRANCE, Calif. , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Happy Money , a leading platform for unsecured lending in partnership with credit unions, today announced that TruStage Ventures and other major institutional investors are entering into a strategic transaction to help fund the next phase of Happy Money's growth and advance the company's mission. At close of the transaction, Happy Money will remain a privately held company with independent operations.

Happy Money is setting a new standard for lending that keeps people and their happiness at the heart of it all. The company partners with credit unions to offer consumers the money they need to achieve their goals while simultaneously helping those credit unions achieve greater scale and connectivity. Through its platform, Happy Money delivers unique lending solutions, high-performing assets, and national reach to help credit unions strengthen their balance sheets and accelerate growth.

"For the last six years, we have partnered with Happy Money on loan originations to strengthen and diversify our lending portfolio while simultaneously furthering our commitment to improving consumers' financial well-being," said Greg Mitchell , President and CEO of First Tech Federal Credit Union. "We're excited for the future of Happy Money as they continue to bring their expertise in unsecured lending and portfolio management capabilities to credit unions nationwide."

TruStage Ventures, which invests in financial technology companies focused on innovation, first began its relationship with Happy Money in 2017 as an early-stage investor. Earlier this year, the two companies partnered on a first-of-its-kind solution for loan payment protection to provide consumers with peace of mind and greater financial resiliency. And now, this TruStage-led strategic transaction will enable a path to profitability and provide a significant growth opportunity for Happy Money .

In addition to financial and strategic backing, TruStage's national sales team will bolster efforts to bring Happy Money's technology platform and lending capabilities to even more credit unions nationwide  thereby reaching more consumers looking for a digital, customer-centric approach to lending.

"Lending is critically important to credit unions, and more credit unions need digital lending capabilities to serve the needs of their members," said Brian Kaas , President and Managing Director of TruStage Ventures. "TruStage and Happy Money share a deep commitment to credit unions and members. TruStage recognizes the lending power and capabilities that Happy Money brings to credit unions, and we are excited to continue working with Happy Money as we embark upon this next chapter of our partnership."

As the company transitions into this next chapter, Happy Money has appointed Joe Heck as CEO. Heck most recently served as the company's Chief Operating Officer and has a deep commitment to credit unions and a track record of driving transformation and innovation in the lending industry. With his combination of grit and creativity, he is uniquely positioned to steer the company through this next season and drive the team forward in creating value for Happy Money's stakeholders, partners, and consumers alike.

"I see tremendous opportunity for Happy Money as we drive our mission and vision forward from a position of strength," said Joe Heck , CEO of Happy Money . "We believe credit unions' community-oriented approach is vital for the financial ecosystem, and we're committed to leveraging our platform to help them unlock greater balance sheet connectivity, simplicity, and diversity while simultaneously advancing a happier approach to lending that meets the needs of today's consumers."

Guggenheim Securities is serving as an exclusive financial advisor and Cooley is serving as legal advisor to Happy Money in connection with the transaction, which is expected to close by end of year 2023 subject to regulatory approvals.

About Happy Money

Happy Money is designing a happier way of lending that helps borrowers achieve their goals and helps credit unions achieve greater impact. Our mission comes to life through our platform, which enables happier lending at scale by connecting consumers with capital sourced from financial institutions who keep their best interests at heart. Through this model, we also bring credit unions access to technology solutions, high-performing assets, and national reach to help increase their strength and resilience.

Backed by leading investors, Happy Money has helped over 300,000 members since inception  working with community-focused lending partners to fund more than $6 billion in loans*. As a leader in remote work, Happy Money has a passionate and purpose-driven employee base of over 200 people across the United States . For more information, please visit happymoney.com .

*As of November 1, 2023 .

About TruStage Ventures

TruStage Ventures, LLC, is the venture capital arm of TruStage, a financially strong insurance, investment and technology provider. We believe a brighter financial future should be accessible to everyone, and our products and solutions help people confidently make financial decisions that work for them at every stage of life. TruStage Ventures, LLC, houses two investment funds: a general fund focused on strategic investments and partnerships to connect fintechs with credit unions and financial institutions, and the Discovery Fund, focused on early-stage investments in fintechs with diverse founding teams. TruStage Ventures, LLC, has invested in over 50 fintechs, including 16 in the Discovery Fund, and is committed to continuing to invest in fintechs that help make brighter financial futures accessible to all. For more information, visit www.trustage.com/ventures.

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NEW YORK , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- DiCello Levitt commends a Toronto, Canada jury decision on Sunday that found 82-year-old former fashion mogul Peter Nygard guilty of four counts of sexual assault committed between the late 1980s to 2005. According to prosecutors, Nygard lured his victims between the ages of 16 to 28 to a private suite at his firm's Toronto headquarters, where he sexually assaulted the women.

The Toronto guilty verdict comes against the backdrop of DiCello Levitt's years-long investigation that resulted in the landmark sexual assault class action complaint filed in February 2020 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of 57 women, detailing the fashion mogul's sprawling international sex-trafficking venture built to lure hundreds of in part underage women to be drugged and assaulted by Nygard. DiCello Levitt is confident that Nygard will soon be extradited to the United States to stand trial here.

Just six months after DiCello Levitt's filing against Nygard, the U.S. Department of Justice indicted Nygard, charging him with racketeering, sex trafficking, and related crimes against dozens of victims in several countries, resulting in the raid of multiple Nygard properties. In May 2023 , the U.S. court ruled that Nygard should be extradited to the United States to face a criminal trial after conclusion of the trial in Canada .

"As we detailed in our complaint, Peter Nygard raped, sexually assaulted, molested, and sex-trafficked his victims, many of whom were minors or even impoverished children and women. He is a textbook sexual predator who lured his victims with false promises of lucrative modeling opportunities to assault, and rape them later. We applaud the long overdue guilty verdict by a Toronto jury and look forward to now seeing Nygard finally to be brought to justice in the United States ," said DiCello Levitt partner Greg Gutzler .

"We look forward to many more convictions in both the U.S. and Canadian courts. Hopefully as his jail cell is locked for the rest of his life, his victims will feel some sense of justice and a measure of relief," said DiCello Levitt founding partner Mark DiCello .

DiCello added, "It's also deeply rewarding that due to the incredible courage of the victims in coming forward and the herculean efforts of our partner, Greg Gutzler , Nygard was finally brought to justice. Without that team lead by Greg, Nygard would never have been taken off the streets."

DiCello Levitt now represents more than 130 of Peter Nygard's victims and anticipates filing more civil proceedings against Nygard and his enablers.

About DiCello Levitt

At DiCello Levitt, we're dedicated to achieving justice for our clients through class action, business-to-business, public client, whistleblower, personal injury, civil and human rights, and mass tort litigation. Our lawyers are highly respected for their ability to litigate and win caseswhether by trial, settlement, or otherwisefor people who have suffered harm, global corporations that have sustained significant economic losses, and public clients seeking to protect their citizens' rights and interests. Every day, we put our reputationsand our capitalon the line for our clients.

DiCello Levitt has achieved top recognition as Plaintiffs Firm of the Year and Trial Innovation Firm of the Year by the National Law Journal, in addition to its top-tier Chambers and Benchmark ratings. For more information about the firm, including recent trial victories and case resolutions, please visit www.dicellolevitt.com.

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SOURCE DiCello Levitt LLP
HONG KONG , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- DL Holdings Group Limited ("DL Holdings" or the "Company", together with its subsidiaries, the "Group", Stock Code: 1709.HK) issued a voluntary announcement on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange today, announcing that the Company officially launched the global artificial intelligence (AI) family office with a year of preparation, which would accelerate the global strategic planning of AI wealth management on top of the foundation of the existing digital family office.

With the rapid development and global industrial application of AI technology in recent years, the wealth management and asset management industries are also facing great opportunities and challenges. Traditional wealth management methods, asset allocation methods, valuation structure logic, and most importantly, customer needs are all constantly changing and developing in a non-linear manner.

In order to adapt to and lead the future development trend of family office wealth management, DL Holdings is building a decentralized AI platform based on large models and big data, which will become the underlying logic and new architecture for the future development of family office and the wealth management industry.

Andy Chen , Chairman of DL Holdings Group, stated, " The advancement of artificial intelligence is poised to revolutionize traditional family offices. Previously, family office services were exclusive to ultra-high net worth clients; however, in the era of artificial intelligence, individuals from all walks of life can now have their own family offices, enabling them to enhance their financial investment capabilities and strive towards self-improvement. Undoubtedly, artificial intelligence will spearhead the prevailing trend, and DL Holdings is committed to wholeheartedly embracing the opportunities and challenges presented by this technology."

DL Holdings established DL Institute For New Economic Research and digital family office this year, transforming the asset management business into a smart asset management and wealth inheritance platform supported by digital technology. On this basis, the Group has established the global AI business department, The AI family office system based on DL-GPT API are currently in the research and development stage and are nearing launch, and they are expected to become available in January 2024 .

The presidents of China and the United States will convene in San Francisco, USA, to engage in discussions encompassing a wide range of bilateral and global subjects, including science and technology, economy, and education, between the two nations. DL Holdings has incorporated an AI technology company in Silicone Valley , US, with the goal being to forge a new ecosystem of AI wealth management, utilizing AI technology and blockchain technology to empower the continued philosophy of "Delivering Legacy" of the Group, giving everyone access to an AI steward that can learn and evolve independently, to truly possess their own family office, and command over their wealth and life.

About DL Holdings Group Limited (Stock Code: 1709.HK)

DL Holdings Group (1709.HK) is a Hong Kong -listed asset management and financial services platform with a core focus on investment banking business, covering securities trading, financial consulting, multi-strategy investment fund management, investment research, financial loans and other financial services. Its subsidiary, DL Securities, holds SFC licenses for Type 1 (securities trading), Type 4 (advising on securities) and Type 6 (advising on corporate financing) regulated activities. The Group's subsidiary, DL Capital, mainly provides asset management services, holding SFC licenses for Type 4 (advising on securities) and Type 9 (asset management) regulated activities. The Group's subsidiary, ONE Advisory, provides one-stop, bespoke and comprehensive global identity planning consulting services and solutions for high-net-worth individuals and families. The listed company also holds a Singapore RFMC fund license and a Cayman Islands SIBL fund license. The Group has established 18 limited partnership funds in Hong Kong , which mainly invest in private equity. The Group's subsidiary, Seazon Pacific, is committed to providing overall solutions for supply chain management.

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SOURCE DL HOLDINGS GROUP LIMITED
PASADENA, Calif. , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ExchangeRight, one of the nation's leading providers of diversified real estate DST and REIT investments, has announced the company's Essential Income REIT is now being tracked and reported on by Blue Vault. Blue Vault's platform is committed to improving transparency in the Alternative Investment industry with in-depth research to help educate financial advisors and protect investors, including regular reports on non-traded REITs, private offerings, and more.

Blue Vault's quarterly reporting will give advisors convenient access to valuable performance insights about the Essential Income REIT on an ongoing basis and compare it alongside other offerings tracked by the research firm. Blue Vault ranks performance profits of REITs based on Operating Performance, Financing Outlook, and Cumulative Modified Funds from Operations Payout. A summary from the second quarter report on the Essential Income REIT is presented below:

Operating Performance: The Essential Income REIT has a "High" 12-month average Return on Assets ("ROA"), above the median ROA for all non-traded REITs for the previous four quarters. According to the report, "at its current cost of debt and level of borrowing, [the Essential Income REIT's] use of debt is contributing to increased returns for shareholders."

The Essential Income REIT has a "High" 12-month average Return on Assets ("ROA"), above the median ROA for all non-traded REITs for the previous four quarters. According to the report, "at its current cost of debt and level of borrowing, [the Essential Income REIT's] use of debt is contributing to increased returns for shareholders." Financing Outlook: Blue Vault reports that the Essential Income REIT has a lower need for financing, citing that the REIT's interest coverage ratio "exceeds the 2.0x benchmark and the REIT does not have more than 20% of debt maturing within two years." The Essential Income REIT has 100% fixed-rate financing.

Blue Vault reports that the Essential Income REIT has a lower need for financing, citing that the REIT's interest coverage ratio "exceeds the 2.0x benchmark and the REIT does not have more than 20% of debt maturing within two years." The Essential Income REIT has 100% fixed-rate financing. Cumulative MFFO Payout: The Essential Income REIT's Modified Funds from Operations ("MFFO") since inception "exceeds the cumulative cash distributions to common shareholders." Considering this, Blue Vault concludes that cash distributions are generated from the REIT's real estate operations and "trends suggest the distributions can be maintained."

Warren Thomas , a managing partner at ExchangeRight, shared that this reporting relationship will help educate advisors about the Essential Income REIT's successful performance to date, broadening its reach to more investors who need the kind of stable income that the REIT has historically generated.

"Blue Vault's research is an industry standard for a reason, so we are excited that the Essential Income REIT's performance will be tracked and analyzed by them going forward," Thomas said. "We believe that the REIT's inclusion in Blue Vault's reporting will help to demonstrate the offering's strong positioning in the market, providing third-party confirmation of how it favorably compares to other non-traded REITs in the industry."

To view Blue Vault's full second quarter report, please visit the Resources section of ExchangeRight's Class A website for broker-dealers, registered representatives, and their investors, or the Resources section of ExchangeRight's Class I website for RIAs, advisors, family offices, institutions, and their investors.

About ExchangeRight

ExchangeRight and its affiliates' vertically integrated platform features more than $5.7 billion in assets under management that are diversified across over 1,200 properties, and 23 million square feet throughout 47 states. ExchangeRight pursues its passion to empower people to be secure, free, and generous by providing REIT, fund, and 1031 DST portfolios that target secure capital, stable income, and strategic exits, all of which have historically met or exceeded investor projections since ExchangeRight's inception. The company structures and manages net-leased portfolios of assets backed primarily by investment-grade corporations that successfully operate in the necessity-based retail and healthcare industries, as well as diversified value-add portfolios of inline and outparcel retail properties shadow-anchored by strong-performing grocery tenants. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Please visit www.exchangeright.com for more information.

About Blue Vault

Founded in 2009, Blue Vault is committed to providing the most in-depth and thorough research on Alternative Investments to help educate financial advisors and help protect investors. Blue Vault improves transparency by providing access to valuable performance information buried deep inside financial statements and filings, and often difficult to obtain. It is the company's mission to provide its subscribers with the factual performance metrics, from beginning to end, needed to make better informed decisions concerning non-traded REITs, BDCs, Closed-End Funds, Interval Funds, and Private Offerings. Blue Vault helps educate financial advisors and protect investors by providing the transparency the industry has lacked in the past, educating investors on the true performance of these investments.

Media Contact

Lindsey Thompson

Senior Media Relations Officer

[email protected]

(626) 773-3448

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SOURCE ExchangeRight
SILVER SPRING, Md. , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona entered a consent decree of permanent injunction ordering Smart Women's Choice, Inc., an Arizona -based company, and Jennifer A. Richard , its chief executive officer, to stop distributing drugs until the company complies with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and other requirements listed in the consent decree. According to the complaint, which was filed with the consent decree by the U.S. Department of Justice, Smart Women's Choice and Richard unlawfully distributed unapproved new drugs within the U.S. marketplace.

"Americans expect and deserve drugs that have been scientifically proven to be safe, effective and of high quality," said Jill Furman , director of the Office of Compliance in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "The FDA remains fully committed to taking enforcement action against companies and executives responsible for marketing unapproved drugs in violation of federal law."

The FDA has not approved Smart Women's Choice's drug, a vaginal cream the company has marketed as a safe and effective contraceptive. Smart Women's Choice has disseminated these claims on its website and social media accounts, among other sources. According to the complaint, despite the FDA's issuance of a warning letter in 2021 advising Smart Women's Choice that the distribution of its contraceptive drug product is unlawful under the FD&C Act, the company and Richard continued to violate the law.

The consent decree prohibits Smart Women's Choice, Richard, and any persons or entities in active concert or participation with them who receive notice of the decree, from directly or indirectly manufacturing, preparing, processing, packing, repacking, receiving, labeling, holding and/or distributing any drug at or from their facilities unless and until they meet certain requirements to ensure they are operating in compliance with the FD&C Act, the FDA's regulations and the decree, and they receive written notice from the FDA that they appear to be in compliance with these requirements.

Media Contact: Audra Harrison , 301-908-6101

Consumer Inquiries: Email or 855-543-3784

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

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SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration
TOKYO , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Health Innovative Technology Fund (GHIT Fund) is pleased to announce today to welcome EIKEN CHEMICAL CO., LTD. (hereinafter "EIKEN," headquartered in Tokyo ), a pioneer in clinical diagnostics that will join GHIT as a new sponsor.

Dr. Osamu Kunii , CEO of the GHIT Fund, said, "We are excited to be partnering with EIKEN and for its support not only in terms of product development but also in terms of funding aligned with GHIT 3.0, our third five-year plan. We expect that EIKEN's expertise and experience in diagnostics will further drive product development."

Mr. Tsugunori Notomi, president & CEO of EIKEN, said, "We have been actively involved in product development to contribute to the diagnosis of infectious diseases in developing countries. We have decided to join the GHIT Fund as a sponsor particularly because we empathize with the GHIT Fund's mission, 'leveraging Japanese innovation to fight against infectious diseases through partnerships.' We expect that our support for this initiative will further accelerate efforts to eliminate infectious diseases in developing countries."

About EIKEN CHEMICAL CO., LTD.

EIKEN CHEMICAL CO., LTD., founded in 1939, is a general manufacturer of clinical diagnostics. Under the corporate philosophy of "protect the health of the public through health care services," we are committed to research and development of products and technologies to meet advanced medical needs in various fields such as Immunological and serological test, Molecular test (LAMP), and Microbiological test, and provides reliable and excellent products and services to contribute to the development of medical care and the extension of healthy life expectancy of people all over the world.

For more information, please visit www.eiken.co.jp/en/

The GHIT Fund is a Japan -based international public-private partnership (PPP) fund that was formed between the Government of Japan, multiple pharmaceutical companies, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Wellcome, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The GHIT Fund invests in and manages an R&D portfolio of development partnerships aimed at addressing neglected diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases, which afflict the world's vulnerable and underserved populations. In collaboration with global partners, the GHIT Fund mobilizes Japanese industry, academia, and research institutes to create new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics for malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases.

https://www.ghitfund.org/en

For more information, contact:

Katy Lenard at +1-301-280-5719 or [email protected]

Mina Ohata at +81-36441-2032 or mina.ohata@ghitfund.org

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SOURCE GHIT Fund
The Russian occupiers complain to their propagandists about the Ukrainian guerrilla movement in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. In particular, in the Russian-occupied Luhansk region, they claim, "guerrilla warfare is in full swing."

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Hospitable Ukrainians generously treat the uninvited "guests" with dumplings with poison and needles, energy drinks with sulfur, give them exploding lighters, and sometimes whole families with children, armed with light mortars, send mines to the positions of the invaders. The Russian "military commander" Romanov spoke about the "atrocities" of Ukrainians in the Kreminna district of Luhansk region, according to the occupiers.

The propagandist published screenshots of correspondence with one of the occupiers, who complained about how the poor invaders suffer from bloodthirsty Ukrainians in Luhansk region, in particular, in the Kreminna district.

"14.11.2023, Kreminna district, Luhansk People's Republic, Russia. Soldiers write from the field. I would like to remind you once again to observe safety rules (including nutrition) in the frontline areas," the propagandist said.

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People living in the Kreminna district obviously do not agree with the fact that the occupiers have decided that the land where Ukrainians have lived for centuries and where their ancestors' graves are located has suddenly become "LPR, Russia" - and they are using all available means to show this to the occupiers.

The "available means" are dumplings stuffed with needles or poisoned filling, which are sold to the occupiers in local stores. There they can also "treat themselves" to bottled energy drinks with sulfur, which, the occupier writes, "corrode stomachs" and "people with holes go to evacuation." Attempts by the invaders to cope with the problem by seizing consignments or even terrorizing retail outlets have not been successful: the poisonings continue.

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Also, exploding lighters or disposable cigarettes that "self-destruct" in the occupier's mouth add to the headaches of Russians on Ukrainian soil.

The propagandist's "informant" also told about several cases when couples with children, risking their own lives, drove through checkpoints, drove into the forest belt and from there used light mortars to send "greetings" to the occupiers' rear.

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Earlier, Kherson "gauleiter" Volodymyr Saldo was hinted at an imminent death. On the left bank of the Kherson region, which is still under Russian occupation, Ukrainian resistance activists created a "grave" for the traitor.

The ritual plaque on the cross bears the name, surname and patronymic of the occupiers' accomplice, as well as two dates: birth and death. It is predicted that the "gauleiter" will go to "Kobzon's concert" on December 1, 2023.

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SINGAPORE , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Group-IB, a leading creator of cybersecurity technologies to investigate, prevent, and fight digital crime, was honored with the Anti-fraud Project of the Year award in the 6th Regulation Asia Awards for Excellence 2023 during an in-person ceremony held in Singapore , on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 .

This award recognizes exceptional projects that have significantly contributed to the fight against fraud and the protection of financial institutions and their customers from losses, including through the use of innovative technology and collaboration with industry and regulators.

Group-IB was recognized for its Cyber Fraud Intelligence Center Project, built upon Group-IB's proprietary Fraud Protection Platform. It is a first-of-its-kind solution that is used for monitoring diverse data sets such as device fingerprints, IP addresses, malware signatures, and fraudster profiles. It facilitates the aggregation of such anonymized data to generate insights on fraud threats and patterns, simplify fraud detection, and disrupt the laundering of fraud proceeds.

Group-IB works closely with law enforcement agencies across the world to gather threat actors' TTPs. Group-IB draws on its extensive experience in the field to aid governments in establishing Cyber Fraud Intelligence Centers. Through real-time monitoring and analysis of financial transactions from multiple sources, Group-IB can provide detection and prevention of fraudulent activities.

The fight against money laundering is facilitated through information sharing among participating organizations. Cyber Fraud Intelligence Centers can quickly identify and investigate suspicious activity, enabling the disruption of money laundering networks during the "warm-up" phase and preventing criminals from exploiting them.

Judges on the Regulation Asia awards panel credited Group-IB for its innovative approach to enabling the sharing of data between institutions, promoting collaboration among public and private sector entities, and contributing to the global fight against fraud groups and organized crime. "The ability to pool data from various sources makes a huge difference in fraud detection. This solution can serve as a model for other jurisdictions and institutions globally," said one judge on the Regulation Asia awards panel.

"We are honored to receive the Anti-fraud Project of the Year award," says Wei See Wong , Group-IB's Head of Business Development in the Asia-Pacific region . "This recognition from our industry peers underscores Group-IB's commitment to combating crime and supporting the financial industry in safeguarding its stakeholders. Cybercrime knows no boundaries. Swift fraud intelligence exchange is the way forward to fight against fraudsters effectively. We will continue constantly enhancing our technologies to improve collaboration within the industry."

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/group-ib-awarded-anti-fraud-project-of-the-year-301988863.html

SOURCE Group-IB
BEIJING , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from China.org.cn:

From November 9 to 12 , the 2023 Global Young Leaders Dialogue (GYLD) China Tour made its way to Anhui . The event brought together about a dozen international young individuals from 10 countries to explore the unique charm of Anhui , delve into the province's thriving scientific and technological innovations and bear witness to its remarkable achievements in high-quality development.

Anhui's relentless pursuit of scientific and technological innovations has unveiled captivating wonders. The research seed is taking root and flourishing in Hefei , a prominent national pilot city for science and technology innovation and the capital city of Anhui Province . On the " Science Island " in Hefei , an enormous "jar" with a five-star red flag on top of it caught the attention of these international young individuals. This is the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), also known as the "artificial sun" that scientists from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (HFIPS) are working on. Through exchanges with young scientists from the HFIPS, the global young leaders acquired scientific knowledge about nuclear fusion energy, the promising energy source for future generations, and were thrilled by the HFIPS's ambitious objective of "illuminating the 'artificial sun' with unrivaled brilliance."

"I am very thrilled and feel privileged to personally visit the 'artificial sun' that shattered world record! It is truly a marvel!" exclaimed Pavle Mocilac , a Croatian professor from the School of Nuclear Science and Technology at Lanzhou University. "This gem of Chinese scientific endeavour is an important piece of puzzle that, once assembled will bring us into completely new world of energy abundancy," he added.

Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets. Anhui has been dedicated to reinforcing eco-environmental conservation and fostering green and low-carbon development. While strolling through the ecologically diverse Shibalianwei Wetland, the global young leaders were captivated by the picturesque sight of abundant aquatic plants and birds gracefully gliding in the sky. Over the past few years, a remarkable restoration effort has been made to successfully revitalize 1,109.2 hectares of this wetland, and an impressive 117 bird species have been recorded in this region. This scenic spot truly presented the enchanting beauty of Anhui landscape to these guests. Meanwhile, Hefei is committed to building itself into a "City of New Energy Vehicles", making the development of new energy vehicles an important path to achieve the goals of carbon dioxide emissions peak and carbon neutrality in China . At NIO's second manufacturing plant in Hefei , the young leaders closely observed the production process of intelligent electric vehicles. They also had the opportunity to take test rides on the products and talk to the company's leaders. This experience offered them valuable insights into the innovative practices employed to meet green and low-carbon development requirements in the new energy vehicle industry.

Mielnik Maciej Dominik from Poland , General Manager of Wuhan Haoduohuo International Logistics Company, also known by his Chinese name Hu Luobo, lauded: "In my perspective, NIO stands out as a premier new energy vehicle brand worldwide. With the growing popularity of electric vehicles, I eagerly anticipate witnessing NIO's advancements in materials, batteries, and other aspects."

Culture boasts a rich and vibrant history that transcends generations. The traditional Huizhou culture, in particular, seamlessly adapts and melds with the modern world through innovative approaches. Hongcun Village in Yixian County, with its densely arranged Huizhou-style architecture, beautifully narrates a tale of a millennium-long history to these young visitors. The awe-inspiring water culture, meandering through millennia, showcases the distinct allure of Huizhou . The global young leaders were also invited to participate in the opening ceremony of the 13th Anhui International Culture and Tourism Festival and the the Exhibition of Traditional Craftsmanship of China's Intangible Cultural Heritage. They had the opportunity to appreciate the exquisite beauty of the Guest Welcoming Pine amidst the enchanting mist of Mount Huangshan . During their trip to Anhui , the global young leaders shared their "Impressions of Anhui " through a series of pictures, depicting the blending of Anhui's rich Chinese heritage with its international allure.

" Anhui culture is endowed with an abundance of tangible and intangible cultural heritage," stated Nicole Elizabeth Johnson , a senior designer from the United States who also goes by the Chinese name Xie Min . "Culture serves as a universal language, surpassing geographical and ethnic barriers, and plays a crucial role in acquainting ourselves with China and gaining a deeper understanding of it."

The event was co-hosted by the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies and the Information Office of Anhui Provincial People's Government. As a dedicated exchange initiative organized within the Global Young Leaders Dialogue program, the GYLD China Tour seeks to foster a profound understanding of China by inviting young individuals from all over the world to explore diverse parts of the country. Through immersive experiences, the tour aims to cultivate meaningful connections, foster mutual friendships, and propel collective growth among participants.

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SOURCE China.org.cn
HAIKOU, China , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from Hainan International Media Center (HIMC):

On Nov. 15 , the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP)'s one-stop policy enquiry platform (https://policy.hnftp.gov.cn) was launched, giving users access to the key FTP policies, Q&A sheets from many different government departments, and all the information they need to confidently invest in China's southern Hainan Province .

The platform serves as a guide for investors, entrepreneurs, and workers coming to Hainan , using cutting-edge AI technologies to provide friendly, useful advice in Chinese and English as well as original texts of Hainan's policies, policy interpretations, use cases, use conditions, step-by-step guides to different procedures, and more.

The platform also provides detailed consulting services for each policy, as well as connections to a variety of other local government service portals (such as "Haiyiban" and "12345"), bringing a huge variety of services and information together in one site. If users have any questions or suggestions, they are welcome to leave a message - the government work hotline "12345" will respond promptly.

In order to promote awareness and understanding of Hainan FTP policies, this platform provides FTP information meeting the needs of many different types of users, interpreting Hainan's policies from an international perspective and offering a decision-making reference for investors, entrepreneurs, and individuals from around the world in one convenient, easy to use location.

Development of the Hainan FTP, the world's largest free trade port, began in 2020. A master plan laying out policy direction for the new FTP was released on June 1 of that year. Since then, Hainan has implemented over 180 policies, including zero tariffs, low tax rates, and a simplified tax system. The FTP policy and institutional system has been established to facilitate free trade and investment, free cross-border capital flows, free and convenient transportation, and safe and orderly data flows. The FTP will continue working to create a convenient international business environment governed by the rule of law, flinging open the door to doing business in China .

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SOURCE Hainan International Media Center (HIMC)
HOUSTON , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 28th Annual Frankel Lecture, hosted by the Houston Law Review at the University of Houston Law Center, will examine the intersection of race and immigration, focusing on the political representation of the Latinx community in the United States . Rachel F. Moran , a leading expert in civil rights, race and the law will deliver the keynote presentation on "The Perennial Eclipse: Race, Immigration, and How Latinx Count in American Politics."

Moran is a Professor of Law at Texas A&M University School of Law and has previously held positions as the Distinguished and Chancellor's Professor of Law at UC Irvine, Michael J. Connell Distinguished Professor of Law and Dean Emerita at UCLA, and Robert D. and Leslie-Kay Raven Professor of Law at UC Berkeley.

Commentators for the lecture are:

Ilya Somin , Professor of Law at George Mason University

, Professor of Law at Joseph Fishkin, Professor of Law at UCLA School of Law

Moran has written over 100 articles, book chapters, and short commentaries exploring topics such as bilingual education, desegregation, and affirmative action. As the inaugural Neukom Fellows Research Chair in Diversity and Law, she collaborated with Robert Nelson to launch "The Future of Latinos in the United States : Law, Opportunity, and Mobility."

The Frankel Lecture is scheduled for both in-person and online from 11 a.m.  1 p.m. (Central), on Friday, Nov. 17 . Participating attorneys will receive two hours of Texas MCLE credit.

Click here to register.

Click here for more information.

University of Houston Law Center media contacts: Carrie Anna Criado , UH Law Center Assistant Dean of Communications and Marketing, 713-743-2184, [email protected]; Bonnie Buffaloe , Communications Manager, 713-743-9137, [email protected].

About the University of Houston Law Center

The University of Houston Law Center (UHLC) is a dynamic, top tier law school located in the nation's 4th largest city. UHLC's Health Law, Intellectual Property Law, and Part-time programs rank in the U.S. News Top 10. It awards Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees, through its academic branch, the College of Law. The Law Center is more than just a law school. It is a powerful hub of intellectual activity with more than 15 centers and institutes which fuel its educational mission and national reputation. UHLC is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools.

About the University of Houston

The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university recognized with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter for excellence in undergraduate education. UH serves the globally competitive Houston and Gulf Coast Region by providing world-class faculty, experiential learning and strategic industry partnerships. Located in the nation's fourth-largest city and one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse regions in the country, UH is a federally designated Hispanic- and Asian-American-Serving institution with enrollment of more than 47,000 students.

About the Houston Law Review

The Houston Law Review is a scholarly journal published by students at the University of Houston Law Center. Houston Law Review was founded in 1963 under guidance of Dean Newell Blakely , and with contribution from 20 lifetime sponsors including Houston firms such as Baker Botts , Norton Rose Fulbright and Vinson & Elkins. Now in its 60th year of publication, the law review has over 1,000 alumni members making valuable contributions to legal community all across the nation. These include judges on United States District Courts and the Texas Supreme Court, renowned practitioners, and general counsel to Fortune 500 companies. Recent alumni members of Houston Law Review have served as judicial clerks to federal district and circuit judges.

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SOURCE University of Houston Law Center
RESTON, Va. , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- IDEMIA, the global leader in identity technologies, and HTX (Home Team Science and Technology Agency), the science and tech arm of the Ministry of Home Affairs, in Singapore , today signed a master agreement under a Strategic Partnership for Innovation (SPI) to collaborate on research and development in biometrics and forensics technologies. The partnership will accelerate the development of cutting-edge solutions to ensure the safety and security of Singapore citizens, residents, and visitors.

Today's announcement marks a pivotal next step in the collaboration between the parties and a significant milestone in IDEMIA's role in supporting Singapore's homeland security with technologies and solutions. Under the agreement, IDEMIA and HTX will jointly be designing and piloting solutions to address present and future challenges in Singapore .

Mr. Chan Tsan , Chief Executive, HTX, said, "Fostering innovative technology is critical to keeping Singapore safe and secure. This partnership will provide opportunities for HTX and IDEMIA's engineers and scientists and to work together to develop cutting-edge homeland security solutions. I look forward to the outcomes that this partnership will bring in the near future."

Matt Cole , CEO Public Security and Identity, IDEMIA, said, "Innovation is the core of IDEMIA's identity and today's partnership marks a major milestone in our collaboration with HTX. It reflects our long-standing commitment to bringing cutting-edge technology and expertise to homeland security in Singapore , where IDEMIA was selected to supply an automated border control system earlier this year."

The SPI agreement leverages IDEMIA's strong presence in Singapore and the company's more than 3,000 global R&D experts, alongside HTX's scientific and engineering capabilities, to innovate and deliver transformative and operationally ready solutions for homeland security.

About IDEMIA - As the leader in identity technologies, IDEMIA's mission is to unlock the world, make it saferbacked by cutting-edge R&D and a long-standing expertise in biometrics and cryptography. IDEMIA develops technologies of excellence that are unique in the world, with an impactful, ethical, and socially responsible approach.

IDEMIA unlocks simpler and safer ways to pay, connect, access, identify, travel, and protect public places. Every day, IDEMIA secures billions of interactions across the physical and digital worlds.

With nearly 15,000 employees, IDEMIA is trusted by over 600 governmental organizations and more than 2,300 enterprises spread over 180 countries.

About HTX -

HTX is the Science and Technology agency in Singapore that integrates a diverse range of scientific and engineering capabilities to innovate and deliver transformative and operationally-ready solutions for homeland security. As a statutory board of the Ministry of Home Affairs, HTX works at the forefront of science and technology to empower Singapore's frontline of security. The mission is to amplify, augment and accelerate the Home Team's advantage and secure Singapore as the safest place on planet earth. Singapore's Home Team Departments include Singapore Police Force, Singapore Civil Defence Force, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, Singapore Prison Service, Central Narcotics Bureau, etc.

Media contacts:

Genevieve de Vera

IDEMIA

(978) 808-7047

[email protected]

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SOURCE IDEMIA
CHICAGO , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Jersey Mike's Subs is partnering once again with Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization, to help member food banks keep their shelves stocked this holiday season. This weekend, on Saturday, November 18 , and Sunday, November 19 , Jersey Mike's will donate 20 percent of sales to Feeding America. Watch the national commercial.

This weekend, Jersey Mike's will donate 20 percent of sales to Feeding America .

"Everyone deserves nutritious food to thrive, yet every day, tens of millions of individuals across the U.S. continue to experience food insecurity," said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot , CEO of Feeding America. "Feeding America is deeply grateful for partners like Jersey Mike's in the movement to end hunger. Their ongoing commitment to the mission is helping to support communities and nourish futures."

In the past two years, Jersey Mike's has donated more than $11 million to Feeding America, helping provide over 110 million meals* through the organization's nationwide network of more than 200 local member food banks.

"We'd like to invite you to Jersey Mike's this Saturday and Sunday when 20 percent of all sales will be donated to Feeding America, helping families in need," said Peter Cancro , Founder and CEO of Jersey Mike's Franchise Systems, Inc. "Raising up together, we always make a difference."

Guests can place orders in-store or for pickup through Jersey Mike's website or app . Delivery is available through the app or third-party delivery partners.

* $1 helps to provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local partner food banks.

About Feeding America

Feeding America is committed to an America where no one is hungry. We support tens of millions of people who experience food insecurity to get the food and resources they say they need to thrive as part of a nationwide network of food banks, statewide food bank associations, food pantries and meal programs. We also invest in innovative solutions to increase equitable access to nutritious food, advocate for legislation that improves food security and work to address factors that impact food security, such as health, cost of living and employment.

We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations, and supporters, united with them in a movement to end hunger. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.

Kyle Potvin , 917-838-4500, [email protected]

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SOURCE Feeding America
KANAZAWA, Japan , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Researchers at Kanazawa University report in Nature Communications how they can control chirality inversion in  helical peptides.

The function of a protein is determined by its structure  prompting great interest in how to manipulate these structures. The structure is defined not just by the sequence of amino acids that make it, but the shape these acids make - the secondary structure - as well as how that shape is then folded. The most common secondary protein structure is the -helix, which can coil to the right (P) or left (M). This coiling direction in turn determines how it engages with other chiral structures, which may be the form of a light beam or another molecule. Although molecular components and environmental factors can favor a particular coiling direction over the other, helical molecules tend to flip between the two coil directions. Now Naoki Ousaka, Mark J. MacLachlan and Shigehisa Akine at Kanazawa University in Japan have shown how they can control and fix the coil direction.

Helical proteins are chiral molecules, which means that the molecule's shape cannot be fitted into its mirror image. In nature helical proteins often have other chiral components, such as sugars or amino acids, and these will determine which way the protein coils. However, there is a lot of interest in synthesizing artificial helical proteins that have different chemical components and hence functions not found in nature, and these may not have other chiral components. Nonetheless having both types or "enantiomers" of the chiral molecule can be hazardous because of the significant differences in behavior between the two chiral forms, one of which may be benign or even therapeutic while the other is toxic. Hence, there is demand for other ways of selecting and fixing the chirality.

Ousaka, MacLachlan and Akine synthesized  helical molecules solely from achiral components. They included bulky segments so that the molecule tended towards the larger rings of the  helical structure, as well as side chains of piperidine - molecular components that are common in pharmaceuticals. These side chains can be cross linked to "staple" the molecule into either the righthanded or lefthanded coil, inhibiting flipping between the two  chiral inversion. Finally they added another molecular component, known as an ester  the L-Val-OH residue. This would switch the direction of the coil in response to acidic or basic environments due to preferences in the interaction between oxygen atoms in the ester and the amino acid backbone (Fig 1).

The researchers used a range of chiral characterization methods including circular dichroism, nuclear magnetic resonance and liquid chromatography. They found that with the molecule stapled just once, it would slow down the flipping between enantiomers by a factor of 106, although this still occurred over minutes. Changing the solution from to acid or alkali also successfully determined which enantiomer was favoured. However, stapling the molecule twice slowed down the chirality inversion by a factor of 1012, so that the molecular chirality was stable for years (Fig 2). This increased energy barrier to chirality inversion could then be overcome by heating the sample to very high temperatures to switch between the enantiomers.

They conclude in their report of the findings, "These findings may contribute to the development of -helical peptide-based drugs, asymmetric catalysts and next-generation chiral materials, which may require the robust -helical structures."

Eye-catching image: Doubly stapled -helix consisting only of achiral amino acids. Its one-handed form can be isolated because the interconversion between the right- and left-handed forms is almost completely suppressed.  2023 Ousaka, et al., Nature Communications

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/Eye-catching-image_EN-1.png

Caption Fig. 1: Molecular structures of singly and doubly stapled -helix. The rigid biphenyl structure was used as the staple. The L-valine group is introduced at the terminal in order to determine the timescale of P/M inversion by acid/based addition.  2023 Ousaka, et al., Nature Communications

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/Figure-1-9.png

Caption Fig. 2: Timescales of P/M inversion of the nonstapled, singly-stapled, and doubly stapled  helices. Each stapling increased the timescale by approximately 106 times so that the double stapling effectively prevented from the racemization of the -helix.  2023 Ousaka, et al., Nature Communications

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/Figure-2-7.png

Glossary

The -helix

Protein function is determined by its structure at a number of levels. The primary structure is given by the ordering of the amino acids that forms the polypeptide backbone of the protein. The polypeptide then forms a secondary structure, which may be " sheets" or " helices", as well as a few other less common secondary structures. The -helix is the most common secondary structure and forms a coil. Finally, these secondary structures fold into a conformation that gives the protein its the tertiary structure.

Hydrogen bonds crossing the helical turns that bond between specific atoms in each peptide describe additional rings in the structure. The -helix is defined by having 3.6 amino acids in each turn such that each amino acid residue wraps itself around 100, and 13 atoms in each ring.

Chiral molecules

Chiral molecules come in two types or enantiomers that are mirror inversions of each other and cannot be superposed. The type is often referred to as the handedness of the molecule, likening them to the right and left hand, which also cannot be superposed.

Chirality often results from a "chiral centre" such as a carbon atom, where the four limbs describing its tetrahedral bonding directions offer the opportunity for two arrangements of the groups on each limb that are mirror images of each other. This type of chirality is traditionally considered fixed, although researchers have recently demonstrated that it is possible for one enantiomer to convert to the other for these molecules (www.doi.org/10.1038/s41557-023-01156-7)

Another source of chirality is molecules with some kind of helical structure that can either spiral one way or the other. Helical chirality is known to be able to switch between one enantiomer and the other but until now it has not been possible to both accelerate and decelerate the process.

Circular dichroism

One of the oldest and still most widely used methods for determining chirality is measuring the "circular dichroism" of the sample. This uses illumination with a circularly polarized light beam where the direction of the electric field describes -helix as the beam moves through space. The absorption of this circularly polarized light differs depending in whether the "handedness" of the light beam coincides or is opposite to that of the chiral molecule.

NMR

Nuclear magnetic resonance looks at the response of nuclear spins to magnetic fields. It gives an indication of the environment of the nucleus and so the molecular structure. The researchers also defined the binding constants of the molecules by integrating the NMR spectra obtained.

Liquid chromatography

This separates molecular components of a liquid depending on their size and/or structure. The liquid is drawn up some sort of stationary phase  traditionally paper or cloth but now often a gel  for example, by capillary action such that the larger molecules take longer than the smaller molecules. By incorporating chirality in a derivatizing agent, or the mobile or stationary phase, the different enantiomers of a sample can be separated.

Reference

Naoki Ousaka Mark J. MacLachlan and Shigehisa Akine , Stapling strategy for slowing helicity interconversion of -helical peptides and isolating chiral auxiliary-free one-handed forms, Nature Communications 14, 6834, 2023. DOI10.1038/s41467-023-42493-y

URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-42493-y

Contact

Hiroe Yoneda

Senior Specialist in Project Planning and Outreach

NanoLSI Administrative Office

WPI Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI)

Kanazawa University

Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +81 (76) 234-4550

About Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI)

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/

Nano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI), Kanazawa University is a research center established in 2017 as part of the World Premier International Research Center Initiative of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The objective of this initiative is to form world-tier research centers. NanoLSI combines the foremost knowledge of bio-scanning probe microscopy to establish 'nano-endoscopic techniques' to directly image, analyze, and manipulate biomolecules for insights into mechanisms governing life phenomena such as diseases.

About Kanazawa University

http://www.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/e/

As the leading comprehensive university on the Sea of Japan coast, Kanazawa University has contributed greatly to higher education and academic research in Japan since it was founded in 1949. The University has three colleges and 17 schools offering courses in subjects that include medicine, computer engineering, and humanities.

The University is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan in Kanazawa  a city rich in history and culture. The city of Kanazawa has a highly respected intellectual profile since the time of the fiefdom (1598-1867). Kanazawa University is divided into two main campuses: Kakuma and Takaramachi for its approximately 10,200 students including 600 from overseas.

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SOURCE Kanazawa University
Nearly 1000 current owners and prospective buyers weigh in, revealing strong industry perspectives, with a staggering 90% planning to flock to the LA Auto Show for an up-close look at the latest EV innovations

LOS ANGELES , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With a few days remaining before the Los Angeles Auto Show opens its doors to hundreds of thousands of consumers on November 17-26 , organizers have released the results of an EV-focused survey conducted last week to previous attendees of the annual event. The results highlight the strengths of the current electric vehicle marketplace.

Insights from 2023 LA Auto Show EV Survey include:

65% are considering an EV purchase

47% were more likely to purchase an EV following the collaboration between Tesla and more than 17 car makers to utilize Tesla's Supercharging network

72% of current owners say their satisfaction increased since owning an EV

62% of owners were influenced by California's EV rebates, tax credits, or incentives

While every manufacturer and battery producer is developing new technology that will increase range and reduce charging times, it seems that charging station availability is a continuing conversation for potential owners. However, several respondents expected to see a shift as Tesla charging stations were made available to owners of other brands, with very positive comments about Tesla facilities.

Another factor of EV ownership for California drivers was the new Time-of-Use electricity rates, which attempts to encourage homeowners to reduce electrical consumption during peak evening hours. The variable rates could be seen as an incentive to EV owners charging at home and suggests most EV owners have been able to adopt strategies to charge outside of the peak rates.

On another positive note, it appears that EV owners have far less concern than expected about a wide number of issues including vehicle safety, safety at charging stations, performance, maintenance and reliability. The latter two are in stark contrast to some owners of conventional gasoline vehicles, where servicing, breakdowns, and recalls can receive high dissatisfaction scores. There was also less concern about resale value, which might reflect that 56% of respondents had owned their EV for less than two years. However, 46% have used their EV for more than three years and resale remains less of a concern.

UNPRECEDENTED GAS & EV DRIVING OPPORTUNITIES

The 116th Los Angeles Auto Show will run from November 17-26 at the LA Convention Center . The show will feature displays and brand showcases from a wide range of automotive brands, with eligible drivers taking advantage of demo opportunities in the latest models from Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Lucid, Mazda, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Volkswagen, and Volvo outdoors on Electric Avenue . Four brands will offer indoor vehicle experiences, including Ford, Hyundai, Nissan and Volkswagen, while Ford, Subaru, and recently added Tesla, will offer street test drives in Downtown LA.

For current or prospective new car shoppers, the LA Auto Show offers an unrivaled opportunity to drive the widest selection of electric vehicles, with more than 50 different electrified (EV and PHEV) vehicles at the show. It will give consumers an ability to cross-shop the various models and brands, helping them identify their next new electric car, SUV or truck as well as directly compare against the many gas models on display.

EV DISCOVERY CENTER

Innovation will be an overriding theme of the 2023 LA Auto Show, with visitors able to learn about the latest breakthroughs. For new and prospective EV owners, the Electrification Discovery Center staffed by bilingual EV ambassadors fluent in both Spanish and English will guide visitors through the electrification journey. The center is an educational hub, tasked to demystify the complexity of EV ownership. Attendees will gain insight into driving characteristics, charging options, enticing purchase incentives, and an extensive array of EV products and vehicles on display.

TICKETS

The 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show will be cashless. All tickets can be purchased online at laautoshow.com/tickets with a credit card or bank card. Tickets purchased for attendance on November 18-19 will include complimentary admission to the USA Street Food Awards. For additional show information visit laautoshow.com .

ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW (LA AUTO SHOW)

Founded in 1907, the Los Angeles Auto Show is widely recognized as one of the most influential shows globally. Reflective of its location, the show celebrates the love affair Angelenos have with their cars and offers a global platform to industry technology and innovation, synonymous with California .

The show runs for 10 full days over the Thanksgiving period and is a must-attend destination for many industry influencers, car enthusiasts and families wanting to enjoy a day out over the holiday season. Held annually at the Los Angeles Convention Center , the LA Auto Show contributes several hundred million dollars to the local economy, stimulates the local job market, and is the number one revenue generator for the LA Convention Center .

For media inquiries, please email [email protected]

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LOS ANGELES , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- GirlsBuild an initiative of LA Promise Fund, was thrilled to have first female Mayor of Los Angeles - Mayor Karen Bass - deliver the keynote for this year's Summit. The event took place on November 13th, 2023 , at the Academy Museum's David Geffen Theater. In anticipation of the milestone ten-year anniversary of GirlsBuild, Bass shared her journey as Mayor and empowered the GirlsBuild teams to help tackle the homelessness crisis during their year-long program. Bass joined a notable and prestigious list of past speakers, including Michelle Obama , Hillary Clinton , Kamala Harris , Nancy Pelosi , Pharrell Williams , Octavia Spencer , Janelle Monae , Jason Momoa and Becky G.

In addition, the Academy Museum's President Jacqueline Stewart was on hand to welcome the 1,000 girls to the institute and introduce a special screening of Warner Brother's Barbie. The girls also heard from a panel of inspiring speakers who focused on themes of female empowerment and leadership: Councilwoman Nithya Raman , LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvahlo , and Amazon Prime Video's VP of Global Operations, Molly Park .

Veronica Melvin , President & CEO of LA Promise Fund said: "Our GirlsBuild program has positively benefited more than 120,000 residents and counting. Past projects have successfully advocated for the legalization of street vending, building a solar powered tent for the homeless, and closing the tech divide for senior citizens. The annual GirlsBuild Summit fuels the girl's tenacity and leadership to be change makers."

Event chairs for this year's summit include: Megan Chernin (LA Promise Fund Board Member) and Peter Chernin (CEO, The Chernin Group), Kathleen Kennedy (President, LucasFilms) and Frank Marshall (Principal, The Kennedy/Marshall Company), US California Senator Alex Padilla , Sue Kroll (Global Head of Marketing, Amazon and MGM Studios), Robbie Brenner (President, Mattel Films), Pamela Abdy and Michael DeLuca (Co-Chair and CEO of Warner Bros., Motion Picture Group), Alison Temple (CEO, WildCard Creative Group, LA Promise Fund Board Member), and Nick Temple (Founder and Chief Creative Officer, WildCard Creative Group).

GirlsBuild, an initiative of LA Promise Fund, empowers over 60,000 young women in Los Angeles , fostering leadership and social change by addressing local challenges. The annual summit kicked off year-long initiatives and celebrated the girls' remarkable achievements. Since 2014, GirlsBuild had become a leading youth program, connecting girls with trailblazers and change-makers to collectively address pressing community issues.

For more information about Girls Build, please visit - https://www.girls-build.org

Link to photos:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/x2bvwexl145u2tshzkavu/Photo-Nov-13-2023-11-17-37-AM.jpg?rlkey=83lttq8z6iergctbmxsjbhsmq&dl=0

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For press and coverage inquiries, please contact Heather Phillips at: 213-304-2321, [email protected]

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SOURCE GirlsBuild
The Chen Chemotherapy Model identifies those at-risk of complications after chemo

ST. LOUIS , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --Chemotherapy is a lifesaving treatment for many cancer patients, but the side effects can lead to hospitalizations. Named The Chen Chemotherapy Model after lead data scientist Jiajing Chen, the new AI-driven texting platform is proving valuable at keeping patients out of the hospital by raising red flags before symptoms become severe. Click to see pictures of Chen and her family.

Chen served Mercy for nearly four years before she lost her own battle to cancer earlier this year. Prior to her diagnosis, Chen used her expertise in statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms and predictive analytics to develop the model that would later help others like her.

"Jiajing always had a passion for medicine and for helping people," said Andy Greenwood , Chen's husband. "She was a medical student in China for a few years before coming to the U.S. , then found herself in public health using her analytical and computer skills to help patients."

The Chen Chemotherapy Model creates a risk score for non-leukemia chemotherapy patients over age 18. Continuously learning, the model predicts the likelihood of outpatient chemotherapy patients experiencing symptoms that may result in hospitalization within 30 days of their chemotherapy treatment.

Once opted into the smart texting platform, patients receive a daily text for seven days, except weekends and holidays. The text includes a list of symptoms including diarrhea, pain, fever, fatigue, nausea/vomiting or no symptoms.

"Historically, we have not known which patients are having a problem until they presented to the ER or called the office, which was typically late in the day when we had limited options available," said Dr. Jay Carlson , Mercy Cancer Care Performance Acceleration medical director. "The Chen Chemotherapy Model and smart texting allows us to proactively manage these patients and identify when they are having problems earlier in the journey. This means they may be able to be treated in the office, recover faster and feel better overall."

When a patient selects a symptom, they are prompted to rate it and, based on their answers, the information may be escalated to their provider.

Greenwood said this project meant so much to Chen, whose short battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer interrupted her work. "When she was in the hospital, she used all her strength to make sure her knowledge was passed along to her Mercy colleagues," Greenwood said. "The project, named for Jiajing, will be a legacy I can share with our children, ages 1 and 4, to help them know their mother."

Chen won Innovator of the Year at the 2020 ACCC National Oncology Conference for her work on the model, which has been improved with Epic workflow integration and texting technology. The new smart texting program using The Chen Chemotherapy Model is the first of many use cases made possible by the Mercy and Microsoft collaboration.

More about Jiajing Chen , her contributions and life's work



Chen held a Ph.D. in health outcomes research and a master's in biostatistics and epidemiology from Saint Louis University. Her expertise included statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms and predictive analytics. She chaired a Mercy analytic work group involved in a comparative electronic health record study, known as real-world evidence, leading to Food and Drug Administration approval for a medical device label extension.

Prior to joining Mercy, Chen was a faculty member at the Saint Louis University Department of Health and Clinical Outcomes Research. Her research interests included health and economic outcomes research associated with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and organ transplants. She had extensive experience working on large national databases including private health insurance administrative data, SEER-Medicare data and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network.

Mercy, one of the 20 largest U.S. health systems and named the top large system in the U.S. for excellent patient experience by NRC Health, serves millions annually with nationally recognized quality care and one of the nation's largest Accountable Care Organizations. Mercy is a highly integrated, multi-state health care system including more than 40 acute care, managed and specialty (heart, children's, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, convenient and urgent care locations, imaging centers and pharmacies. Mercy has 900 physician practices and outpatient facilities, more than 4,000 physicians and advanced practitioners, and more than 45,000 co-workers serving patients and families across Arkansas, Kansas , Missouri and Oklahoma . Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas , Louisiana , Mississippi and Texas .

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SOURCE Mercy
The media identified the names of four Russian servicemen who were killed in the Ukrainian armed forces' attack on Sevastopol on September 13. The graves of two submariners who served on the Rostov-on-Don submarine that was hit and the obituaries of two more sailors from the destroyed large amphibious assault ship Minsk were discovered on social media by journalists and activists.

ADVERTISIMENT

At the same time, the obituary of one of the liquidated occupants hints that the list of losses of the Russian Armed Forces that day is far from complete. The details are reported by the Russian publication "Can We Explain".

According to Russian journalists, two graves of sailors who died as a result of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' strike on the Ordzhonikidze shipyard in the temporarily occupied Sevastopol were found among the graves of the Russian occupiers near Novorossiysk in the Krasnodar Territory of the Russian Federation. Ensigns Andrey Krasnoyarov and Nikita Sheiko served on the Ukrainian-held Rostov-on-Don missile submarine. The photos of the graves published by local activist Vitaliy Votanovskiy show the chevrons of the Fourth Separate Submarine Brigade, which includes this submarine.

ADVERTISIMENT

The date of death on both graves is September 13.

The journalists found the names of two sailors who served on the Minsk warship, which was hit on the same day, among the obituaries published in Russian social media. These are first lieutenants Andrey Korshunov from Tambov and Artem Faizov from Kaliningrad, the latter, according to his obituary, was a medic.

ADVERTISIMENT

The date of Korshunov's death in the obituary is still September 13. According to the report, Faizov died on September 22. At the same time, the authors of the obituary clarify that the cause of his death was Ukrainian missiles that flew into the ship repair dock, and that he "died along with the entire ship's crew," from which the journalists conclude that the four names of the liquidated occupiers are not a complete list of Russian sailors "denazified" that day.

ADVERTISIMENT

As a reminder, on September 13, 2023, the Defense Forces fired missiles at a shipyard in temporarily occupied Sevastopol Three epicenters of fire were recorded at Sevmorzavod.

The Russian Defense Ministry said that the Ukrainian Armed Forces attacked Sevastopol using ten missiles, seven of which were allegedly shot down by Russian air defense. The occupiers were also forced to admit that two ships were damaged: the Rostov-on-Don submarine and the Minsk large amphibious assault ship, which were in the dock. According to the invaders, the damage to the ships was allegedly not that serious, while Ukraine's military intelligence stated that both vessels were "beyond repair." This verdict was also confirmed by satellite images.

Russia did not report anything about the deaths of Russian soldiers as a result of the attack.

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Middle school students can apply today

Finalists will receive free access to Khanmigo, Khan Academy's AI-powered tutor, to study civics

WASHINGTON , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today announced the launch of the 2024 National Civics Bee. The competition is expanding to 27 states for the 2023-2024 school year, tripling its reach from nine states last year. Students may apply for the competition here. The deadline to enter is January 8, 2024 .

The National Civics Bee is a nationwide competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Middle school students in grades 6-8 flex their civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes. Chambers of commerce across 27 states will host in-person contests in their communities this school year. Top performing students will advance through local and state rounds, culminating in a national competition held in Washington D.C.

This remarkable expansion reflects the deepening civics education crisis in America and has been made possible by significant multi-year grants from supporters like the Daniels Fund. Recent studies have shown alarming gaps in Americans' understanding of our democratic processes and systems. More than one third of U.S. adults cannot name the three branches of government. The National Civics Bee taps into business leaders' deep commitment to strengthening civics education and the long-term health of our democracy.

"We are sounding the alarm on the declining civic knowledge among our nation's youth," said Carolyn Cawley president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. "The National Civics Bee is designed to showcase the knowledge and skills all of us need to thrive in the 21st Century. We encourage students, parents, and teachers nationwide to visit our website and sign up today. Let's work together to address this crisis in civics education."

National Civics Bee Teams Up With Khan Academy

This year, for the first time, students who advance to the local competitions will receive free tutoring support through Khan Academy's new AI-powered tutor and teaching assistant, Khanmigo. The pilot of this technology will allow these students to be some of the first in the nation to use the power of AI for education, starting with learning foundational knowledge about civics. Khanmigo includes important guardrails to encourage proper use of the innovative AI tool.

"We are excited to help students practice for the National Civics Bee through quizzing and conversations with Khanmigo," said Kristen DiCerbo , Khan Academy's chief learning officer. "These interactions will be richer than traditional practice activities and we look forward to seeing the learning that happens."

How to Apply for the 2024 Competition

Enrollment for the 2024 National Civics Bee is now open. Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders in participating states are invited to submit a 500-word essay addressing a community issue. The submission period is open through January 8, 2024 . The full list of participating states can be found on the map available at this link.

A panel of judges will review the essay submissions and the top 20 students will move on to their local competition to show off their civics knowledge. The top local winners will then advance to a state competition, and state champions will compete in the national round in Washington, D.C. , for a chance to win the national title and more than $50,000 in prizes.

"The National Civics Bee is an opportunity for middle school students to gain a deeper understanding of our nation in a fun, engaging way. Continued collaboration among philanthropies, community leaders, elected officials, educators, and parents is essential if we're to reprioritize civics education as a nation and protect our institutions and system of government," said Hanna Skandera , president and CEO of the Daniels Fund. "As we focus our efforts on expanding the National Civics Bee to students in all 50 states, we are grateful for partners like those at the U.S Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Khan Academy who are diligently working to make it possible."

You can learn more and sign up to participate in the National Civics Bee by visiting this link. You can watch this video for key highlights from the 2023 competitions.

About National Civics Bee

The National Civics Bee , a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Civic Trust, is an annual competition aimed at improving civics education and literacy among middle school students, their families, and communities. The National Civics Bee helps elevate civics as a national priority through a network of state and local chambers across the country. The National Civics Bee is made possible through the generous support of its founding partner, the Daniels Fund, and other funders.

About U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation harnesses the power of business to create solutions for the good of America and the world. We anticipate, develop, and deploy solutions to challenges facing communitiestoday and tomorrow.

Media Contact:

Yagmur Cosar

202-770-9828

[email protected]

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SOURCE U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Flagship US Property Joins Worldwide "Hotels with a Heart" Program to Host St. Jude Patients & Families

Jude Patients & Families Offers Special "Holidays With a Heart" Glass Ornaments to Support St. Jude

NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NH Collection New York Madison Avenue announces the US debut of NH and NH Collection's 'Hotels with a Heart' program, in collaboration with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, this holiday season. Hotels with a Heart is an initiative that aims to ensure that children and young people suffering from a serious illness, who have been hospitalized far from their usual place of residence, can be accompanied by their closest family members while they receive treatment. Throughout the year, and especially during the holidays, NH and NH Collection hotels work closely with NGOs and charity foundations in the main cities of Europe and America to provide free accommodations to families with limited resources, so that they can accompany their loved ones.

Every NH Collection 'Holidays With a Heart" ornament supports St.Jude Children's Research Hospital

Launching this month and extending throughout 2024, NH Collection New York Madison Avenue will donate hotel stays to St. Jude patients and their families seeking specialized treatment in New York City reinforcing the brand's commitment to social causes in the communities in which it operates.

Hotel employees also play an integral role in this program's success, which has been ongoing at NH Hotels around the world for the past twenty years. Since the program began, more than 20,000 employees have acted as the program's "ambassadors", welcoming families, and personalizing their stays. Carlos Salomon, NH Collection New York Madison Avenue's General Manager, commented, "It is our company's passion to create unforgettable experiences and bring happiness to all of the families we host through this charitable initiative."

In addition to the room donations, beginning on November 20th , NH Collection New York Madison Avenue will be selling beautifully hand-crafted red glass heart ornaments for the holiday season, and donating 100% of their purchase price to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to support its mission: Finding cures. Saving children.

The limited-edition ornaments are made from 100% lead-free recycled soda bottles by skilled glass-blowing artisans and will be on display throughout the hotel and decorating the lobby holiday tree. The "Holidays with a Heart" gift-boxed ornaments will be available for purchase at the front desk for $20 each while supplies last.

About NH Collection:

NH Collection is Minor Hotel's upper-upscale brand, noteworthy for its unique and emblematic hotels in the principal cities of Europe , America, and Asia . Based on the chain's premium value proposition, these hotels retain their local character to inspire and captivate their guests. Striving for going beyond the ordinary, NH Collection Hotels are designed for those who want to make the most of their stays and live truly extraordinary moments through unique, creative, and innovative experiences.

At NH Collection hotels, the staff provides the utmost attention to detail through their personalized and superior guest service. Whether for business travel or for leisure, as well as for those simply searching for relaxing moments, NH Collection hotels are inspiring, versatile, and stimulating venues designed to maximize guests' creativity and enjoyment. There are currently 92 NH Collection hotels worldwide.

About St. Jude Children's Research Hospital:

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats, and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.. It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. When St. Jude opened in 1962, childhood cancer was largely considered incurable. Since then, St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate from 20% to more than 80%, and it won't stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes to help doctors and researchers at local hospitals and cancer centers around the world improve the quality of treatment and care for even more children. Because of generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food, so they can focus on helping their child live. Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Support the St. Jude mission by donating at s t jude.org , liking St. Jude on Facebook , following St. Jude on Twitte r, Insta g ram , LinkedIn and TikTok , and subscribing to its YouTube channel .

About Minor Hotels:

Minor Hotels is an international hotel owner, operator, and investor currently with more than 530 hotels in operation. Minor Hotels passionately explores new possibilities in hospitality with a diverse portfolio of properties designed intelligently to appeal to different kinds of travelers, serving new passions as well as personal needs. Through our Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Tivoli, M Collection, NH Collection, NH, nhow, Elewana, Marriott, Four Seasons, St. Regis, Radisson Blu and Minor International properties, Minor Hotels operates in 56 countries across Asia Pacific , the Middle East , Africa , the Indian Ocean , Europe , South America , and North America.

With dynamic plans to expand existing brands and explore strategic acquisitions throughout opportunistic markets, Minor Hotels pursues a vision of a more passionate and interconnected world.

Minor Hotels is part of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty program, enabling travelers to savor every moment at home or away, while being recognized and rewarded at participating hotels and resorts worldwide. For more information, please visit www .g hadiscovery.com .

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TULSA, Okla. , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The largest Starbucks in Oklahoma opened this month in The University of Tulsa's McFarlin Library to the delight of students, faculty, staff and those who live nearby. The campus community has more than 3,000 square feet of gleaming, coffee-scented space to enjoy a beverage and meet up with friends.

"We are excited to offer this new dining option and bright space to our students. Moreover, we are pleased that the project was completed in time to welcome the alumni and families who are joining us for the TU Homecoming activities this week," said President Brad R. Carson . "Much like the recent upgrade of the campus Chick-fil-A, Starbucks is extremely popular among students, and no university treats students better than The University of Tulsa."

Construction for the spacious new venue was completed in just four months. It is located on the main floor of TU's iconic McFarlin Library in the heart of campus. The computer lab that was housed in the library has a been moved into a completely renovated space in the Student Union just east of the library.

At 3,014 square feet, the TU location is now the largest Starbucks in the state. Regular operating hours began Nov. 1 . They are: Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ; Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. ; and Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hours may be adjusted during special events or during university holidays.

The full-service coffee bar and retail store features two new state-of-the-art espresso machines that provide the unique Starbucks experience that is open to the public. Modern furniture and art are specific to the location's decor, and students can use their Hurricane Gold Dollars to make food and beverage purchases.

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SOURCE The University of Tulsa
WUXI, China , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- 2023 BIO-Europe just closed last week. In line with previous conferences, this BD carnival attracted more than 2,000 companies, 5,000 attendees from close to 60 countries all over the world.

Recently, we interviewed a global BD expert, Dr. Kaan Certel . He was formerly the Global Head of Oncology External Innovation, Sanofi Partnering. Now he serves as Chief Business Officer of Biocity Pharmaceutics, a Chinese biotech. Form both angles, he shared his views on Chinese biotech transformation and the key points and prospects of BD collaboration between Chinese biotech and MNCs.

Q: Congratulations on your new position! Firstly, why did you choose to join BioCity? What are the highlights of this company?

A: BioCity is a young, significantly differentiated innovative Chinese biotech with a competitive portfolio in oncology and chronic kidney disease including 7 exciting assets in clinical development phase. The company was founded by Mr. Xiang Bo Jia and Dr. Ivy Wang in 2017. Subsequently, the cofounders recruited Dr. Yong Jiang Hei as the Co-CEO and CMO. The leadership built the company on solid foundation: A patient-centric approach that aims to develop innovative drugs with urgency, born out of a deep understanding of the disease biology and target space. Importantly, each decision point of the development process is data driven. While patient care is front and center, this strategy also creates programs with robust commercial value across all geographies. The approach and the philosophy of the company is an excellent example of the transformation that is exciting the multinationals, who are seeking novel pathways and biology to target, particularly in oncology. In my assessment of thousands of companies during my previous role in Sanofi as the Global Head of Oncology External Innovation, I have rarely come across biotech that brought together all these qualities in China or elsewhere. Therefore, it was not a difficult decision to join this progressive company.

Q: Thank you. According to your experience and observation, how's the biotech scene changing in China ?

A: Over the last few years, China has taken the global lead in scientific innovation. A report published by Japan's National Institute of Science and Technology Policy (NISTP) and printed by the Guardian found that China now publishes the highest number of papers annually, followed by the US and Germany . According to the article, China not only overtook the US in terms of the number of papers published but also in terms of the high impact studies. We're now beginning to see the translation of this progress into innovative pipelines, transforming the face of biotech in China . While emulating the success of proven assets with a fast-follower, me-too approach still prevalent, a few companies are taking the lead by building exciting pipelines with First-in-Class assets targeting novel pathways and biology. The clear recognition of the success of this approach is evident by the recent partnerships between multiple multinational pharma and relatively small Chinese biotech companies. The relatively rich deal terms reflect the potential impact of these programs on improving patients' lives. Oncology still dominates the innovation space, but a few companies are expanding this horizon into additional therapeutic space, such as immune/inflammation, metabolic disorder, and kidney disease.

Q: Let's get back to BD. What strategies should a biotech company follow to create a competitive pipeline?

A: The company pipeline must strategically combine three concepts: addressing unmet need, performing high quality science, and creating commercial opportunity. This philosophy is essential to create value for patients and shareholders. The pathways and biology explored must be well-validated in the context of the disease. Companies should be open-minded about the modality, the mode-of-action of addressing a target should be scientifically driven. Innovation does not reward copycats, nor should it be taken at face value. Nowadays it becomes more and more difficult to draw a fine line between small molecule companies andbiologics companies. Of course, platform companies will continue to emerge, but they will continue to face significant challenges on the investment side since it's very difficult to assign value to a platform.

One productive model is to build a pipeline consisting of pillars that can create synergies through potential combination therapy strategies to address multiple indication spaces, maximizing the opportunity space and asset reach by those in need. The growth of the company will be catalyzed by building around these pillars to solidify the position of the company. BioCity has accomplished this by building a portfolio that focuses on three pillars in oncology: DNA Damage Response (DDR) pathway, Immunooncology, and Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). As a result, BioCity is well-positioned to address both the FIC and the BIC spaces with multiple modalities including small molecules, multi-specific antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) across multiple therapeutic areas.

Q: How should biotech companies think about the risks associated with innovation?

A: An important component for the continued success of Chinese biotech transformation is the strategic focus. Creating a portfolio of innovative products require novel approaches and calculated risk taking. A great example of this is the current dominant position of Chinese biotech companies in ADC space. Novel targets, novel conjugation methods, and novel cytotoxic payloads differentiate the assets and grab the attention of large pharma companies that are on the hunt for novel assets. The approach should be a strategic one. The value of yet another KRasG12C, or PD-1 inhibitor is not compelling for the investors or the patients. The strategy should begin with understanding the current need and the landscape for each indication and finding the right path to innovation. It is critical to understand the Return on Investment (ROI) for each portfolio asset. The leadership must carefully analyze the investment necessary to develop each program to a point of partnership and put that in the context of expected return from that asset, including the patient population that could potentially benefit from it. Of course, the goal is not to create a pipeline solely focused on a large ROI. The company strategy should favor a balanced portfolio driven by both science and business.

Q: What are MNCs prioritizing for potential collaborations, and what are the key points to be taken for Chinese biotech?

A: Large pharma companies look for First-in-Class (FIC)/Best-in-Class (BIC) assets with significant commercial potential across the globe. Currently, multiple large pharma companies face significant portfolio challenges in the form of patent cliffs and clinical trial failures. The industry overall is under significant stress and the investor confidence is low. Multinationals are continually reassessing their strategic priorities while focusing their pipelines. Loss of exclusivity and late-stage clinical trial failures pressure the large pharma companies to leverage partnerships, especially on clinical-stage programs, to bridge the revenue gap they are facing. In this current climate, there's significant incentive to focus on and expedite the development of promising programs with compelling data. In order to reduce risk, large pharma companies are prioritizing programs with efficacy signal and good safety profile. Although multinational companies rely heavily on scientific and commercial diligence in their collaboration decisions, they understand that when they enter into a partnership, they are also investing into team expertise in addition to the asset. Therefore, the quality of the teams is just as important as the assets. In this regard, once again, BioCity presents a great example. At BioCity, high-quality pipeline assets are developed by an experienced and dedicated team both in China and the US.

Q: What are some important considerations in structuring a deal that you could share?

A: First and foremost, it is crucial to select the right partner to enter into complex, at times difficult negotiation process. The partner should be willing to listen to BioCity concerns and address them in mutually beneficial ways. The process moves much more efficiently with a partner that share the same fundamental philosophies.

The economic terms of the deal are, of course, important, particularly for the small biotech whose investment represents a significant risk. The upfront and milestone amounts should reward the success of the programs in recognition of that fact.

Partners will also have to align on sharing the rights to the programs across various geographies. Promotion and commercialization terms in this regard are very important as strength in this area will determine the reach of the drug and drive sales. For example, BioCity will prioritize retaining the rights in China for development and commercialization while utilizing partner capabilities in the rest of the world as it would not be practical to invest into a global commercialization force for BioCity at this phase of the company.

Similarly, rights governing further clinical and preclinical research on the targets must be balanced to allow both parties to expand the benefits of the program. In doing so, however, small biotech companies need to be cognizant of the resource limitations as overstretching the goals could create significant financial stress on the company.

Finally, in my view, one of the most critical parts of the contract is the termination clause. While we always plan for success, we should also be prepared for the failure of the programs at various stages and plot exactly how we will manage potential outcomes before we face them.

Q: Thank you. Our second-to-last question: what is BioCity's partnering strategy?

A: A successful partnering strategy should focus on maximizing the value of the programs and providing global access to patients across geographies expeditiously. Most large oncology indications remain as high unmet need spaces with dismal 5-year survival expectancy. Therefore, BioCity BD team will focus on partners that will help speed up progress in clinic across broad indication spaces. Our aim is to create deal structures that will set up a win-win-win scenario for both partners as well as the patients. As we develop into a global company born in China , we also recognize the importance of retaining significant value of our programs in China through creative deal structuring. This will pave the path for strengthening our clinical development capabilities and building a commercial force in China . For ex- China territories, we will focus on leveraging partner's global capabilities in clinical development and commercialization. The goal of our BD activities at BioCity is to create value for our shareholders and the patients.

Q: Last question. How will the BioCity BD team work together to execute on this strategy?

We have now begun to reach out to MNCs to socialize our clinical stage programs to explore potential partnership paths. As we meet with our potential partners, we are learning about what additional data that might be necessary to move into deeper licensing discussions. Based on this information we are in the process of assessing each program under multiple partnership scenarios to position the entire portfolio in the strongest possible shape. We have initiated good dialogue with multiple potential partners, and we will continue to cultivate these relationships as we advance the programs to their appropriate inflection points. We believe the inflections would happen not far in the future.

Based on the portfolio with great potential, BioCity has built a young, energetic, and competent BD team. As the leader of this team, I am excited to work side by side with my team members and help guide their professional development process. I have all the confidence that the team will blossom into a strong group of BD professionals in a relatively short period of time. The team's development will play an important role in the short-term partnering activities as well as the long-term growth phase of the company.

About Dr. Kaan Certel

Dr. Kaan Certel has over 20 years of academic and industry experience. He is a globally recognized business development expert, also he is a cancer biologist with a deep understanding of genetics, cell biology, and immunology.

Recently, Kaan has been appointed as the Chief Business Officer of Biocity Biopharmaceutics. In this role, he is responsible of leading the company's global BD activities, and supporting strategic management affairs. Before joining BioCity, he was the Global Head of Oncology External Innovation, Sanofi Partnering, where he led a team of senior level professionals to identify and assess potential in-licensing and collaboration opportunities.

His previous R&D experience includes small molecule discovery at X-Chem Pharmaceuticals and antibody discovery at X-Body Biosciences, which is now a part of Bristol Myer Squibb . His expertise expands multiple therapeutic areas such as oncology, immune-oncology, and autoimmune diseases.

Kaan received his Ph.D. degree in Genetics from the University of Iowa and had his postdoctoral training in the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT.

About BioCity

Founded in December 2017 , BioCity is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to developing novel and highly differentiated, modality-independent therapeutics for cancer and autoimmune disorders including chronic kidney diseases (CKD). The company has established a pipeline of more than 10 innovative drug candidates based on diversified modalities including small molecules, monoclonal and bispecific antibodies, as well as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).

Currently, BioCity Biopharma has 6 oncology assets in Phase 1 development, including the first-in-Class CDH3-targeting ADC, agents targeting the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway via a WEE1 and an ATR inhibitor, and agents targeting the immune system including a T cell engager (CD3/EGFR BsAb), an immune checkpoint inhibitor (TIM-3 mAb), and a T cell activator (4-1BB mAb). In addition, an endothelin A (ETA)-receptor selective antagonist for CKD is in phase 2 randomized trial.

For more information, please visit:

www.biocitypharma.com

Contact:

[email protected]

IR@biocitypharma.com

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SOURCE BioCity Biopharma
Fully Integrated Airport Operations & Passenger Processing Systems to enhance the overall Airport Performance & Passenger Experience at Neom Bay Airport

DUBAI , UAE , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Innovative Contractors for Advanced Dimensions announced today that it has selected Collins Aerospace, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, for delivery, deployment, and support services for airport operational and passenger processing systems for the NEOM Bay Airport in NEOM City, Saudi Arabia .

ICAD is the prime contractor on the current airport project, with Neom vision on developing one of the largest airport hub, in terms of passenger traffic, in the world. Collins will provide its suite of connected Airport System products, including operational database, resource management, messaging, baggage and self-bag drop systems.

"Collins is working closely with ICAD to implement data-driven solutions to save time and increase the operational efficiency of this airport," said Rakan Khaled General Manager Airport Solutions at Collins Aerospace. "We are dedicated to improving the passenger journey for travelers around the globe, and meeting the modernization needs of airports and airlines."

The Terminal 1 & Terminal 2 phase of the NEOM Bay Airport expansion is scheduled to be completed by end 2023. It will feature Collins' common use self-service kiosks for check-in, the VeriPax travel document verification system, the BagLink system for baggage and Muse for passenger processing. Flight information displays will be powered by Collins' AirVue system. Behind the scenes, the Collins AirPlan AODB system will manage resources and operations.

"Collins is working closely with ICAD to build state of the art system integration solution to streamline airport technology for Saudi Arabia ," said Ghassan Sayegh , ICAD's chief executive officer. "Their end-to-end solutions, history of innovation, and dedication to excellence are closely aligned with the mission and vision of ICAD."

NEOM Bay Airport is scheduled to complete its four phases of construction in 2026.

About Collins Aerospace

Collins Aerospace is a business of RTX. Our global team of 80,000 employees dreams, designs and delivers smarter, more connected solutions for passenger safety and comfort, mission success, space exploration, and operational efficiency and sustainability. We make the most powerful concepts in aerospace a reality.

About RTX

RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. With more than 180,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses  Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon  we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems for operational success, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2022 sales of $67 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia .

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact [email protected]

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SOURCE RTX
DENVER , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Catalyst Solutions, a leader in healthcare business process outsourcing (BPO), technology, and consulting services announces the appointment of Sas Mukherjee as President, starting November 15, 2023 . Mukherjee's appointment marks a pivotal step in Catalyst's growth journey, bringing his extensive experience and proven leadership to guide Catalyst through a new era of growth and transformation.

Rachel Spilo , CEO & Founder, commented on Mukherjee's experience "Sas is the quintessential leader for Catalyst's next phase. His diverse expertise across healthcare payer, provider, and physician sectors, coupled with his success in roles ranging from Board Member to CEO and CFO roles across a variety of company types, makes him uniquely qualified for this role. Sas's approach to leadership  inclusive, empowering, and focused on nurturing talent and building high-performance teams, aligns perfectly with our culture. His track record in exponential growth and M&A is exactly what Catalyst needs. I could not be happier to have him on board."

Sas Mukherjee shared his vision for Catalyst: "My background in C-level roles, particularly in the private equity space, has shown me that Catalyst embodies the type of platform with marquee clients and differentiated solutions that are highly sought after in the market. I'm impressed with Catalyst's talent and culture, making it a privilege to lead the company into its next chapter. With 25 years of Catalyst's track record of providing expertise in top-tier BPO, technology, and consulting services, we stand at the forefront of the healthcare industry, ready and able to deliver transformative and sustainable solutions."

Mukherjee's career has spanned around the confluence of healthcare/ BPO/ technology services, M&A, transformation, and globalization in private equity portfolio, publicly traded and start-up segments. Select highlights of his career:

Americas Chief Executive at Blackstone portfolio Global BPO Services company - exponential growth in healthcare BPO services and sale to a strategic buyer

Chief Executive at portfolio Global BPO Services company - exponential growth in healthcare BPO services and sale to a strategic buyer Divisional CFO and Head of Strategy & Business Excellence at Kaiser Permanente - setup of Shared Services and Revenue Cycle supporting membership growth and Electronic Medical Record deployment

- setup of Shared Services and Revenue Cycle supporting membership growth and Electronic Medical Record deployment Managing Director/ Partner at big 4 consulting company - managing a global center of excellence as a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies on transformation, technology implementation and globalization/ outsourcing

CFO at Gainwell Technologies - serving ~60 million Medicaid Members, standing up the company through a carve out, subsequent M&A and synergy savings delivery supporting growth and differentiated solution delivery

CFO and Chief Strategy Officer at York Risk, portfolio company of Onex, Managed Care and Insurance Services company - turnaround and transformation leading to a sale to Carlyle

CFO & Head of Corporate Development at Serco Global Services, Division of FTSE 100 Serco Plc ., global BPO Services company - growth, carve out, and sale to Blackstone

100 ., global BPO Services company - growth, carve out, and sale to Board member at several non-profit and industry organizations

Sought after regular speaker at industry conferences and advisor to analyst firms & institutional investors

About Catalyst Solutions:

For 25 years, Catalyst Solutions has provided business process outsourcing (BPO), technology and consulting services to health and dental plans. Catalyst's payer BPO offering includes fully outsourced and co-sourced enrollment and member services, provider data management, configuration, claims administration, and contact center support. Additionally, Catalyst offers tailored consulting services across health plan strategy, operations, and technology with deep emphasis on opportunities to optimize revenue, reduce costs, and improve outcomes.

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SOURCE Catalyst Solutions
INDIANAPOLIS , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Static Media is pleased to announce the relaunch of the beloved food brand Chowhound , a digital gathering place for obsessive food lovers that ceased operations in 2022. Additionally, Static Media has launched three new websites, further expanding and rounding out its portfolio  Foodie , Money Digest , and Outdoor Guide .

Static Media announces the relaunch of food brand Chowhound, a place for food lovers that ceased operations in 2022.

Chowhound and Foodie join Static Media's robust family of food brands  Tasting Table , Daily Meal , Food Republic , and Mashed  which reached a combined 17 million U.S. unique viewers in September, making it the 6th largest "Lifestyles  Food" audience, according to Comscore*.

Relaunched by Static Media in Q4 2023 after ceasing publishing in 2022, Chowhound was originally founded in 1997 by writer Jim Leff and Bob Okumura as a place for New York restaurant lovers, later becoming a nationwide forum for dining and culinary discourse. Chowhound had an early influence in contributing to America's growing appreciation for regional cuisine, serving a particular user base, from food adventurers to dilettantish foodies seeking delicious, local, and hard-to-find foods outside the mainstream culture.

With this relaunch, Chowhound will continue to serve food aficionados and everyone who wants to know the best way to prepare a dish and the science behind it. We'll dig deep into the history of food and how it works, from the best time of year to buy oysters to the reason American cheese has such a perfect melt (and whether or not it's actually cheese).

Foodie is a brand-new culinary site from Static Media. It's more than your average food site. It's not just about filling your belly; it's about the experience. If your camera eats before you do, and you're willing to drive three hours to try the newest viral bite, you've found your people. From food trends to cooking tips, dining advice you can trust, food hacks you have to try, and the latest from your favorite celebrity chefs, we've got you covered as you take on your next food-filled adventure.

Money Digest is Static Media's first personal finance site, designed with a broad audience in mind. On the site, you'll get approachable personal finance tips, advice, and explainers, all from a team united by the mission to demystify the financial topics that impact all of our lives.

Outdoor Guide is your online base camp for outdoor living. We cover everything from the backyard to the world's most far-flung destinations. Whether you're an amateur adventurer seeking tips for your first hike, a seasoned pro looking for high-test gear recommendations, or a DIYer looking to learn useful tips to improve your home's outdoor spaces, we're here to prep you for any and all excursions out in the fresh air.

"We're excited to bring Chowhound back to life and launch these three new sites. Food is obviously a strong vertical for us, and we feel that we can drill down and reach specific audiences by having a breadth of sites in this category. We've also always wanted to enter the personal finance space and are confident Money Digest will be able to provide unique angles on this fundamental topic that's important to everyone. Finally, entering the active outdoor category with Outdoor Guide will complement our rapidly growing travel site, Explore ," said Reggie Renner , CEO and co-founder of Static Media.

*Source: Comscore Media Metrix Multi-Platform, Total Digital Audience, Lifestyles  Food Category including [M] Static Media Food, September 2023 , U.S.

About Static Media

Established in 2012, Static Media is a leading digital media company. The company owns and operates twenty-two brands, serving an audience of over 100 million monthly website visitors. Through a strong digital presence, Static Media brands cover a wide range of topics, providing real-time news, original insights, exclusive interviews, and expert advice. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana , the company comprises more than 230 employees, with editorial and creative teams making up the majority of the workforce. This virtual-first team produces and distributes content across its brands.

For more information, please visit www.static.com.

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SOURCE Static Media Inc.
ATLANTA , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power announced today that it has elected T. Dallas Smith to the company's board of directors, effective January 1, 2024 . Smith is founder and CEO at T. Dallas Smith & Company (TDS&Co), the largest African American-owned pure tenant representation commercial real estate firm in the country. Since founding the firm in 2007 in Atlanta , Smith has led the team to incredible growth. Collectively, the team at TDS&Co has worked on assignments in 40 states exceeding $15 billion in aggregate value. As CEO, Smith is responsible for the firm's branding and strategy, which includes creating and overseeing all new business opportunities that align with the company's core business.

Smith's roots in Georgia , and in the real estate community, run deep. He began his commercial real estate career in 1982 at Atlanta Air Center Realty and, in 1989, he became the first African American broker at Cushman & Wakefield of Georgia. In 1995, he pioneered the brokerage division for H.J. Russell & Company, where he served as Vice President of the Brokerage Division. In 2006, with the support of the late Herman J. Russell , Dallas opened T. Dallas Smith & Company, specializing in tenant representation.

"We're excited to welcome Dallas to our board of directors at Georgia Power," said Kim Greene , chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power. "Through his decades of experience in business, he has helped uplift communities all across the country, while fostering commercial development, bringing jobs to Georgia and strengthening our economy. That commitment to community is a hallmark of our state, and it's because of leaders like Dallas that Georgia continues to grow and thrive as the number one state in which to do business. Dallas brings a unique perspective that will serve our customers and communities well as we continue to deliver clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy to millions of Georgians."

Widely recognized as an innovator and thought leader in the commercial real estate community, Smith is also intentional about cultivating and developing diverse talent, as well as giving back to the industry and Georgia . Smith's notable leadership and service roles include serving as 2023 President of the Atlanta Commercial Board of REALTORS; a member of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia , and chairman of its Real Estate & Facilities Committee; a member of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce board; and serving on the board of the Westside Future Fund. He has also served as Real Estate Committee Chair of the Georgia State University Foundation Board, and on the board of the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

Smith is a graduate of Georgia State University, as well as Leadership Atlanta. He has been recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians (Georgia Trend), as well as Most Admired CEO (Atlanta Business Chronicle), and has received the Entrepreneur of the Year award from the Atlanta Business League.

About Georgia Power

Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

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SOURCE Georgia Power
This eco-friendly mouse is made from 85 percent post-consumer recycled plastic, comes in packaging from recycled materials, and uses an ultra-low power Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) chipset that is four times more energy efficient than standard BLE chipsets

ANAHEIM, Calif. , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Targus, the number one laptop bag brand in the US1 and a leader in laptop cases and mobile computing accessories, today announced that its ErgoFlip EcoSmart Mouse has been named a CES 2024 Innovation Award Honoree in the Sustainability, Eco-Design & Smart Energy category. This eco-friendly, ambidextrous mouse demonstrated innovative features that scored highly by an elite panel of industry expert judges for incorporating sustainability into the product's design and manufacturing processes.

"Receiving this CES Innovation Award is an honor and a testament to our company's ongoing commitment to bringing purposeful products to market that are helping to pave the path toward a greener future," says Mike Sexton , Sr. Director of Global Product Management & Development. "What makes this product so unique is that it's the first ergonomic mouse available in the market that easily works with either hand while also delivering eco-friendly benefits that are important to today's consumers and businesses."

The patent-pending ErgoFlip EcoSmart Mouse combines ergonomics with a sustainable design to convert from left- to right-hand use with a simple twist of the top. Part of Targus' lineup of EcoSmart tech accessories, this eco-friendly mouse is made from 85 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, comes in packaging made from recycled materials, and uses an ultra-low power Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.0 chipset that is four times more energy efficient than standard BLE chipsets to reduce power consumption and extend battery life.

Additionally, the mouse comes equipped with a 4000 DPI Pixart PMW3310 infrared optical sensor to deliver gaming-level performance and precision for power users. Compatible with various operating systems, it can be easily paired with three devices then switched between devices at the press of a button.

For added protection, it incorporates Targus' DefenseGuard, an antimicrobial additive that is infused into the product to help create a cleaner surface while working continuously to protect the mouse by preventing the growth of microorganisms.

This unique mouse is the latest addition to Targus' lineup of EcoSmart tech accessories following the launch of its CES 2023 Innovation Award Honoree, the Sustainable Energy Harvesting EcoSmart Keyboard, which launched earlier this year. The ErgoFlip EcoSmart Mouse is now available at Targus.com and through participating retailers throughout the US, Canada , and Europe .

Consumers and media can get a firsthand glimpse of this CES Innovation Award Honoree during CES 2024, the most powerful tech event in the world happening in Las Vegas , Jan. 9 th-12th. Targus' booth #15945 will be located in the Central Hall within the Las Vegas Convention Center . Additionally, the product will be on display in the CES Innovation Awards Showcase and at CES Unveiled, CES' premier media preview event taking place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center on the evening of January 7 th.

About the 2024 CES Innovation Awards

The CES Innovation Awards program, owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), is an annual competition honoring outstanding design and engineering in consumer technology products. The program recognizes honorees in a multitude of consumer technology product categories and distinguishes the highest rated in each. An elite panel of industry expert judges, including members of the media, designers, engineers and more, reviewed submissions based on innovation, engineering and functionality, aesthetic and design.

The CES 2024 Innovation Award Honorees, including product descriptions and photos, can be found at CES.tech/innovation. More will be revealed in January. Many honorees will showcase their winning products in the Innovation Awards Showcase at CES 2024.

About Targus



For 40 years, Targus has been revolutionizing mobile computing accessories for large enterprises and consumers, alike  connecting people and technology in meaningful ways. From laptop bags to tablet cases, to peripherals and universal docking stations, we persistently conceive, design, and produce innovative, productivity-boosting solutions that make the complex, simple; and seamlessly integrate into the lifestyles of mobile professionals wherever they work  at home, in the office, or wherever they go. We cross categories, regions, industries, and lifestyles with a breadth and depth of products that provide you with the solutions you need to live, dream, and do.

A global leader in docking, Targus has deployed more than 3 million universal docking stations around the world in more than 12,000 organizations  with more than 90% of Fortune 1000 companies using Targus products and maintains the number one spot in US B2B Universal Docks (3rd party only)2.

Headquartered in Anaheim , California, Targus has global operations in more than 24 offices and distribution in more than 100 countries. Learn more about us at Targus.com, like or follow us on Facebook, and LinkedIn.





1Source: Circana, US/Canada Retail and US B2B Reseller in Unit Sales for 12ME June 2023 (Laptop Bag case type = Briefcase, Sleeve, Attache, Slipcase, Messenger Bag)

2Source: Circana, US B2B Reseller, Docking Stations Unit Sales, 12ME June 2023

Targus, ErgoFlip, EcoSmart, and DefenseGuard are trademarks or registered trademarks of Targus International LLC in the U.S. and in certain other countries. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

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SOURCE Targus
SACRAMENTO, Calif. , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Winter is a cherished time for gatherings with family and friends, filled with celebrations and traditions that hold profound significance in Asian cultures. From Thanksgiving and Diwali to Japanese New Year and Chinese New Year , these intergenerational connections are vital to our mental and emotional well-being. However, the approaching winter also brings an increased risk of respiratory viruses, including influenza (flu), RSV and COVID-19, which can disrupt these cherished gatherings and pose severe health risks to those who are most vulnerable.

"It is important to encourage community members, especially those at high risk, to prioritize vaccination. This includes our beloved elders, who are not only already at an increased risk of severe illness but have greater exposure if they live in multigenerational households with young kids or several people working outside the home. Pregnant individuals are also vulnerable and need better protection, as pregnancy heightens the risk of severe illness. Those with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems should consider vaccination a top priority," said Dr. Rohan Radhakrishna , Chief Equity Officer of the California Department of Public Health.

Immunization remains one of the most effective tools against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths caused by winter respiratory viruses.

COVID-19 vaccines continue to be covered through most health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal and regular health care providers. For those who are uninsured or underinsured, vaccines can be accessed through the Center for Disease Control's Bridge Access program and the Vaccines For Children program, available via the county's health department or community clinics. Free tests and medications to treat COVID-19 infection are also available.

In addition to vaccination, adopting other preventive measures can help protect families and communities. This includes masking, proper indoor ventilation, hand hygiene, staying home when feeling sick and testing for flu and COVID-19 if you have symptoms, and seeking medication if you test positive. For more prevention tips, visit cdph.ca.gov.

ABOUT THE OFFICE OF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

The Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications (OCPSC) manages the State's highest priority community engagement and public awareness efforts including COVID-19 vaccines and climate justice, water conservation and extreme heat. The Office works with the respective agencies and departments to help inform campaign efforts and supports greater coordination and collaboration within state government.

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SOURCE Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications
The temporarily occupied Kinburn Spit in the Mykolaiv region is included in the set of measures for the offensive actions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. If everything goes according to the General Staff's plan, the spit will soon be ours.

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This was stated by Major General Dmytro Marchenko in an interview with Yanina Sokolova. According to him, the General Staff has a plan to liberate Kinburn (to watch the video, scroll to the bottom of the page).

"I can't say for sure and disclose details, but if what the General Staff has planned works out, the spit will soon be ours," General Marchenko said.

He also spoke about the situation in the southern sector. According to the general, Ukrainian troops are steadily advancing on the left bank of the Kherson region.

"Our troops are moving to the left bank. I will not reveal any military secrets when I say that we have already redeployed some forces, and they are now trying to gain a foothold to plan further offensive actions. This is the maximum I can tell you now," the general said.

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At the same time, Dmytro Marchenko noted that although the situation is very difficult, Ukrainian marines are coping with their task.

"The transfer is taking place under fire, under the control of the Russian side, their UAVs are constantly flying in the sky. But our marines are coping with the task, although it is difficult for them, but they are doing it," the general emphasized.

Earlier, it was reported that it would be difficult for the Russian military command to deploy combat-ready reinforcements to respond to the Ukrainian Armed Forces' operations on the left bank of the Kherson region. In particular, while simultaneously defending its positions in western Zaporizhzhia and supporting other offensive efforts in eastern Ukraine.

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As OBOZ.UA reported earlier, according to ISW, the Ukrainian Defense Forces may conduct larger-scale operations on the left bank of the Kherson region. The Russian occupiers, who are now entrenched on this bank of the Dnipro, are already panicking.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
"Treasures of Tenacity" Exhibit Empowers Students With Dyslexia to Celebrate Spirit of Determination and Resilience

MIAMI , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Roig Academy, a specialized school in Miami for students in Grades K-8 with dyslexia and attention deficit disorder (ADD), is hosting a special event THIS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17 from 11:30am to 1:30pm to launch its "Treasures of Tenacity" student showcase inspired by heroes who have triumphed over adversity.

Presented as an interactive exhibit lovingly curated by students, "Treasures of Tenacity" features 50+ life-size cutouts of famous leaders, celebrities, scientists, artists, and mentors selected by the students for their strength in overcoming struggles  including dyslexia.

Among the highlights: Richard Branson , Walt Disney , Thomas Edison , Salma Hayek , Michael Jordan , Gen. George S. Patton , Vera Wang , and Oprah Winfrey.

Roig Academy plans to set "Treasures of Tenacity" on an empowering journey as a traveling exhibit to be shared with other educational institutions.

"This special showcase is a celebration of the enduring spirit of perseverance  something our students understand personally," explains Gustavo Roig , Co-Founder of The Roig Academy. "We hope to foster a sense of unity and collaborative learning across different schools by inviting each hosting school to contribute their unique additions, continuously expanding and enriching the exhibit's scope."

The Roig Academy is the only private International Baccalaureate (IB) school in Florida serving students with dyslexia.

"At The Roig Academy, we're committed to helping our dyslexic students excel in reading and writing," notes Jennifer Roig , Co-Founder. "With events like 'Treasures of Tenacity', we're actively raising awareness and understanding about dyslexia, emphasizing that these children are exceptionally talented despite the challenges they face in learning to read."

MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.

*NOTE: All students of The Roig Academy have parental/guardian signed consent for their names/images/photos/videos to be shared with media outlets, including print, digital and television.

The Roig Academy is located at: 8000 SW 112 St., Miami, FL 33156.

About The Roig Academy

Founded in 2020 in Miami, FL , The Roig Academy is a specialized school for students in Grades K-8 with dyslexia and attention deficit disorder (ADD). The only private International Baccalaureate (IB) school in Florida of its kind, Roig Academy is focused on providing evidence-based instruction and innovative teaching techniques supported by research.

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SOURCE The Roig Academy
Banking Giant Joins Growing Roster of Top-tier Banking Groups as a Transcend Client

NEW YORK , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Transcend, a leading provider of liquidity, funding, and collateral optimization solutions, welcomes Citi as their latest investor.

Transcend Secures Citi Investment to Accelerate Global Deployment of Enterprise-wide Inventory Optimization Solutions

The investment was made through Citi's Strategic Investments arm, which invests in innovative fintech companies globally that are strategically aligned to Citi's institutional businesses.

Citi's funding will continue to support Transcend's global roll-out of its solutions including its groundbreaking optimization technology. Citi is the third global bank to invest in Transcend, which was formed in 2013 by Bimal Kadikar , along with other institutional investors.

Additionally, a long-term business agreement will enable Citi as a client to significantly enhance the efficiency of how it deploys cash and collateral across its global network.

The Transcend solution harmonizes and integrates activity across Bi-lateral, Cleared, and Triparty collateral requirements and allows allocation of the best collateral.

"The industry-wide solutions that Transcend is developing have the promise to dramatically shift the efficiency and profitability of the entire industry and we're glad to play our part in facilitating these advances," said Alain Verdickt, Head of collateral optimization at Citi.

In the last two years, Transcend has seen significant growth across the global banking community. The company has added additional board members, expanded their European branch, and added a number of industry & technology experts to its global team.

"Transcend is excited to welcome Citi as an investor and a client," said Bimal Kadikar , Founder and CEO of Transcend. "Additionally, we are delighted that Citi's funding will allow us to expand our solutions, which are already yielding tremendous savings for the industry."

The use of collateral has moved beyond operations and is now being seen as a strategic enterprise-wide business opportunity. The streamlining of collateral and funding is already helping financial institutions save tens to hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Transcend continues to be at the forefront of these industry innovations with its cross-triparty collateralization and other solutions for institutional market participants.

About Transcend

Transcend is on a mission to help global market participants achieve next-level performance results through innovative solutions that enhance liquidity, funding, and collateral decisions. With a growing roster of world-class banks, broker-dealers, asset managers, and custodians as clients, the firm is quickly becoming the gold standard for inventory analytics, optimization, and automation within a business line or across the enterprise. Led by a team of 145+ domain experts, Transcend addresses an array of complex financial, operational, and regulatory concerns challenging the capital markets industry. For more information, visit transcendstreet.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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

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SOURCE Transcend
FAIRFAX, Va. , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CGI Federal Inc. (CGI), the wholly-owned U.S. operating subsidiary of CGI Inc. (NYSE: GIB) (TSX: GIB.A), today announced the award of a five-year contract from U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) to develop and maintain data integration hardware, systems, and software across the command's Global Data Integration (GDI) environment. Through advanced data usage and integration capabilities, CGI will enable USSTRATCOM to deliver more safe, secure, and effective operations.

"Data is essential and integral to USSTRATCOM's mission," said Stephanie Mango , President, CGI Federal. "We are proud of this opportunity to collaborate with USSTRATCOM in strengthening the nation's most sophisticated and critical defense capabilities and supporting the Department of Defense's IT strategy."

CGI's work will be performed at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska . CGI teams will deploy a wide range of data fusion and transformation solutions to strengthen and extend USSTRATCOM's operations, scope, capabilities, and resilience. A key component of the U.S. Joint All-Domain Command and Control initiative, USSTRATCOM GDI's framework enables the integration of multiple domains to deliver global situational awareness and decision-making capabilities.

"USSTRATCOM's vital defense mission demands innovative, proven solutions and an approach that views data as a strategic enabler," said Horace Blackman , CGI Senior Vice-President, Defense, Intelligence and Space Business Unit Lead. "CGI is committed to ensuring that our clients are equipped with the technology they need to deliver on their critical national security missions."

Within the defense and intelligence sector, CGI delivers secure, large-scale programs that strengthen and advance clients' critical operations and missions. As a partner of hundreds of governments in Europe , North America and Asia-Pacific , CGI brings global insights to transform citizen experiences while maximizing performance and reducing costs.

About CGI Federal Inc.

CGI Federal Inc. (CGI), a wholly-owned U.S. operating subsidiary of CGI Inc., is dedicated to partnering with federal agencies to provide solutions for defense, civilian, healthcare and intelligence missions. Founded in 1976, CGI Inc. is among the largest IT and business consulting services firms in the world. With 91,500 consultants and other professionals across the globe, CGI Inc. delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI Inc. works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. With Fiscal 2023 reported revenue of C$14.30 billion , CGI Inc. shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at cgi.com.

Forward-looking information and statements

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other applicable United States safe harbors. All such forward-looking information and statements are made and disclosed in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws. Forward-looking information and statements include all information and statements regarding CGI Inc.'s intentions, plans, expectations, beliefs, objectives, future performance, and strategy, as well as any other information or statements that relate to future events or circumstances and which do not directly and exclusively relate to historical facts. Forward-looking information and statements often but not always use words such as "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "anticipate", "foresee", "plan", "predict", "project", "aim", "seek", "strive", "potential", "continue", "target", "may", "might", "could", "should", and similar expressions and variations thereof. These information and statements are based on our perception of historic trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other assumptions, both general and specific, that we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. Such information and statements are, however, by their very nature, subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, of which many are beyond the control of CGI Inc., and which give rise to the possibility that actual results could differ materially from our expectations expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not restricted to: risks related to the market such as the level of business activity of our clients, which is affected by economic conditions, and our ability to negotiate new contracts; risks related to our industry such as competition and our ability to attract and retain qualified employees, to develop and expand our services, to penetrate new markets, and to protect our intellectual property rights; risks related to our business such as risks associated with our growth strategy, including the integration of new operations, financial and operational risks inherent in worldwide operations, foreign exchange risks, income tax laws, our ability to negotiate favorable contractual terms, to deliver our services and to collect receivables, and the reputational and financial risks attendant to cybersecurity breaches and other incidents; as well as other risks identified or incorporated by reference in this press release, in CGI Inc.'s annual and quarterly MD&A and in other documents that we make public, including our filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators (on SEDAR at www.sedar.com ) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (on EDGAR at www.sec.gov ). Unless otherwise stated, the forward-looking information and statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and CGI Inc. disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. While we believe that our assumptions on which these forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are based were reasonable as at the date of this press release, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking information or statements. Furthermore, readers are reminded that forward-looking information and statements are presented for the sole purpose of assisting investors and others in understanding our objectives, strategic priorities and business outlook as well as our anticipated operating environment. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Further information on the risks that could cause our actual results to differ significantly from our current expectations may be found in the section titled "Risk Environment" of CGI Inc.'s annual and quarterly MD&A, which is incorporated by reference in this cautionary statement. We also caution readers that the above-mentioned risks and the risks disclosed in CGI Inc.'s annual and quarterly MD&A and other documents and filings are not the only ones that could affect us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial could also have a material adverse effect on our financial position, financial performance, cash flows, business or reputation.

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SOURCE CGI Federal, Inc.
SAN FRANCISCO , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Vial , a global tech-driven contract research organization (CRO) providing next-generation clinical trial management services, has announced its strategic partnership with Mason America Inc. ("Mason"), a provider of mobile infrastructure for smart hardware products. As part of the collaboration, Mason will provide Vial with hardware as a service for clinical sites, enabling remote management of devices for eSource at a global scale. This partnership empowers Vial to focus on accelerating the development of new therapies and devices for its sponsors and patients.

Vial, led by CEO and Co-Founder Simon Burns , promises to deliver faster, more efficient trials for biotech sponsors while maintaining cost-effectiveness. The Vial CRO distinguishes itself by leveraging digital technology, such as its technology platform, combining eSource , EDC , and ePRO in one connected system to streamline site processes. Vial EDC is a modern, intuitive, and hyper-responsive EDC platform powered by eSource. Vial's technology delivers a consumer-grade experience and next-generation performance to eClinical software.

"Vial's mission is to bring innovation and efficiency to clinical trials. Our partnership with Mason allows us to leverage cutting-edge technology and hardware infrastructure to bring direct data capture into reality, and ensure seamless shipping, setup, and user experiences at clinical sites," stated Simon Burns , CEO and Co-Founder of Vial.

Mason, founded by President Jim Xiao , is enthusiastic about joining forces with Vial in this venture. "We are excited to collaborate with Vial to transform the clinical trial landscape globally. Mason's infrastructure and hardware expertise, coupled with Vial's commitment to innovation, will undoubtedly bring about groundbreaking changes in the healthcare and biotech sectors," said Jim Xiao , President of Mason.

The collaboration between Vial and Mason has already yielded significant results, with Mason's tablets successfully deployed to clinical trial sites across the United States . These tablets are now actively in use on Vial-conducted trials, streamlining data collection and providing a seamless eSource experience for healthcare professionals and patients alike.

About Vial: Vial is a tech-first, next-generation CRO that promises faster and higher-quality execution of trials for less cost. The Vial Contract Research Organization (CRO) delivers on the promise of more efficient trials through its innovative technology platform that powers trials end-to-end from site startup to database lock. Vial's technology platform combines modern, intuitive eSource , EDC , and ePRO into one connected system, streamlining site processes and enabling considerable efficiencies. Vial operates across multiple Therapeutic Areas ( Dermatology CRO , Ophthalmology CRO , Oncology CRO , Gastroenterology CRO , Neurology CRO , Cardiology CRO , Medical Device CRO , Rare Disease CRO , and Digital Therapeutics CRO ). Vial is a San Francisco, California -based company with over 100+ employees.

About Mason: Mason provides a unified platform designed for the complete control, automation, innovation, and speed needed to collect the data that powers a business. Mason offers a fully customizable Android-based operating system, comprehensive remote control and fleet management, and durable smart devices boasting life cycles of over five years. With integrated services covering operations, logistics, and connectivity, Mason is the only partner a company needs to facilitate mission-critical data collection in healthcare for eCoa , medical devices , and remote patient monitoring . With Mason, healthcare technology companies have one platform, one partner, and the freedom to focus on what they do best  Mason takes care of the rest. Connect with Mason on LinkedIn and access additional resources here .

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SOURCE Vial
MUMBAI, India , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Come December and hundreds of cloud and data center industry experts and thought leaders from around the world will come together in Mumbai for W.Media's Mumbai Cloud & Datacenter Convention and Awards 2023. The day-long convention will be held at St. Regis, Mumbai on December 1st .

This exclusive event will bring together over 600 delegates, including C-level executives, digital infrastructure professionals including architects, engineers and consultants (AECs), key buyers, decision makers, data center owners and operators.

Mumbai as a hub for the Cloud & Data Center Industry

Two centuries ago, Mumbai was a sleepy archipelago of fisherfolk and farmers. There was some trading activity given its location on the west coast of India , but things began to pick up after the British reclaimed land from the sea and Mumbai became the contiguous land-mass we know it as today. Soon, traders from across the world started gathering here to buy and sell silks and spices, gems and jewelry, metalware and handicrafts, and a variety of agricultural produce. Today, it is a bustling hub or trade and transport, banking, business, and finance. Mumbai , home to close to 20 million people, is a megapolis that is also the financial capital of India .

Mumbai has emerged as a data center destination of choice in India . Today, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region , that includes the city of Mumbai as well as adjacent sister cities like Thane and Navi Mumbai that have large industrial belts and land parcels, accounts for nearly 45 percent of all data centers in India . Today, this region is home to nearly three dozen data centers by national and internal players such as Amazon, Adani, Colt, CtrlS, Equinix, Nxtra, NTT, Reliance, Sify, STT Global, WebWerks, Yotta, among others.

In fact, it was reported earlier this year that Mumbai has emerged as the third largest data center market in the Asia Pacific region. A report by Knight Frank found that Mumbai with 2337 MW of capacity had claimed the spot just behind Shanghai (2,692 MW) and Tokyo (2,575 MW).

Industry Leaders are Betting Big on Mumbai

According to Vipin Shirsat , Managing Director, Princeton Digital Group, India , " Mumbai is the financial and commercial capital of India with an established data center market that enjoys highly reliable power supply, established as well as scalable network, substantial WIP (work-in-progress) supply of quality data center capacity, a strong vendor ecosystem to support data center operators and the authorities have a deep understanding of the infrastructure industry needs, which makes data center delivery in Mumbai a comparatively lesser demanding proposition." In fact, Princeton Digital Group predicts, 'The data center market in Mumbai is estimated to reach a CAGR of 22% for the period 2017-2023, housing 31% of India's colocation footprint.' Shirsat will be delivering a special keynote address on internet infrastructure at the Mumbai Cloud & Datacenter Convention and Awards 2023.

Sanjay Motwani , VP - Asia Pacific (Data, Power and Control) for Raritan (a brand of LeGrande) says, " Mumbai accounts for nearly 48 per cent of the DC market and even with the additional growth being planned across the country it's likely to remain between 45-50 per cent." He will be making a special industry presentation at the Mumbai Cloud & Datacenter Convention and Awards 2023.

What has attracted the data center industry to Mumbai , is its infrastructure. Over a dozen subsea cables connect Mumbai to other strategic global destinations in the Middle East , Africa , and the established and emerging economies of the Asia Pacific . Data centers are also power guzzlers and Mumbai has relatively better power supply than many other parts of India .

According to NK Jain, the Founder of NK Jain Consulting Engineers, this makes all the difference. " Mumbai is the most favorable location for data centers, due to the proximity of under-sea cable landing station and availability of very stable power as compared to the rest of the country," he says. Jain will be part of an exciting panel discussion on renewable energy at the Mumbai Cloud & Datacenter Convention and Awards 2023.

Renowned data center consultant Mahesh Trivedi concurs, saying, "Both network and power are equally important for the data center business. Mumbai is blessed with both compared to other metros, hence the demand for data center space in Mumbai is more than other cities." He will be moderating a power-panel discussion on the role of Edge at the Mumbai Cloud & Datacenter Convention and Awards 2023.

According to Nick Parfitt , W.Media's Specialist in Research, Production and Content, "The strong transition towards digitalisation in India is combined with a series of unique and seismic economic and demographic factors. These include urbanisation, the evolution of service industries, strong standards of tech education, a balanced economy and the growth in consumption of hardware and software more widely across the country." He further says, "It's not just about the digital, in India's case it has to be about the broader national direction. Mumbai is at the epicenter of the transition as the key city for key service industries including finance, media, commerce and trade, and information technology." Parfitt will also moderate a power panel discussion on building data centers at scale at the Mumbai Cloud & Datacenter Convention and Awards 2023.

What to expect at Mumbai Cloud & Datacenter Convention and Awards 2023

The day-long convention will include several power-packed panel discussions, where the best and brightest minds in the industry will share their ideas on important subjects such as building at scale to meet growth requirements, the era of connectivity, future of data centers in India , trends in liquid cooling, the role of Edge, and much more.

The panelists and speakers include industry stalwarts like Kamal Nath (CEO, Sify Technologies), Sumit Mukhija (CEO, STT Global Data Centers  India ), Sujeet Deshpande (Founder & CEO - India , Lumina Cloud Infra), Shekhar Sharma (CEO NTT Data), Sanjay Bhutani (CEO, AdaniConneX), Vinod Javur (COO, Digital Edge DC), Manish Shangari (VP, AECOM), Sujit Panda (CTIO, BDx Data Centers), and Anuj Kapur (VP & Head  India Region , Iron Mountain ), among others

There will also be insightful presentations by industry leaders on a wide variety of subjects such as cooling and ventilation solutions, internet infrastructure, quality management, data center infrastructure, and new innovations. The Convention will also include a modest technology expo that will showcase the latest innovations and futuristic technologies and advancements in the cloud and data center industry.

Many top companies that provide a variety of services to data centers in the region have joined hands with W.Media as sponsors for the Mumbai Cloud & Datacenter Convention and Awards 2023.

Fuji Electric, Gold Sponsors, say, "We are thrilled to be a part of the Mumbai Cloud & Datacenter Convention and Awards 2023, as it offers us a great platform to showcase our latest solutions designed for data center applications." They further say, "We at Fuji Electric look forward to partnering with data center end users to offer them reliable and technologically advanced solutions Made in India ."

Princeton Digital Group is Silver Sponsors and their Managing Director Vipin Shirsat who will be attending the Mumbai Cloud & Datacenter Convention and Awards 2023 says, "I look forward to interacting with industry colleagues, including analysts, supplier partners, clients, financing partners as well as representatives from authorities. I am keen to hear their experiences, expectations, learnings, and growth plans. I also look forward to celebrating the winners who continue to inspire all of us to do better."

Raritan (a brand of LeGrande) is also a Silver Sponsor and Sanjay Motwani , their VP - Asia Pacific (Data, Power and Control) says that he is looking forward to "meaningful discussions, thoughts and industry presentations."

The event will conclude with an Awards ceremony where the best of the best will be recognized and rewarded in as many as 15 different categories.

Join us at St. Regis on December 1st, 2023 , for the Mumbai Cloud & Datacenter Convention and Awards. Click here to register, and learn more about the agenda, speakers, schedule, and session information.

For sponsorship, exhibition and further involvement opportunities, get in touch at [email protected]

Media Contacts:

Naveen Lawrence

+91-9867831994

[email protected]

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SOURCE W.Media
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WEPACK ASEAN 2023, organized by Reed Exhibitions (RX), will be held at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre from November 22-24, 2023 .

WEPACK ASEAN 2023, the international trade show by WEPACK featuring themed sections including CORRUGATED ASEAN 2023, FOLDINGCARTON ASEAN 2023, DPRINT ASEAN 2023, and PAPER ASEAN 2023, aims to leverage the international cooperation advantages of RCEP. Through exhibitions, forums, and in-booth demonstrations, participants can establish close collaboration channels with major Southeast Asian national industry associations and packaging manufacturers. This setup is designed to build an international buyer network in Southeast Asia , stimulate market vitality, and promote business cooperation.

Top exhibitors lead the way in shaping the future of the packaging industry

More than 200 suppliers from the global packaging industry, including FOSBER ASIA , WONDER, HSIEH HSU , WANLIAN, XIEHELONG, FULI, SANSIN and other premium players, will participate in this event. With an exhibition area of 10,000 square meters, the showcase is expected to attract 4,000 professional buyers and other industry stakeholders from Southeast Asia and across the globe. The exhibition will establish itself as the largest packaging industry event in Southeast Asia .

Industry leaders meet to discuss emerging packaging trends

Alongside the main event, a diverse range of international forums will take place, featuring topics such as "Future Trends in Intelligent Manufacturing of Corrugated Board", "Future Trends in Carton and Digital Printing", "Intelligent Production of Cardboard and Carton", and "Malaysia Exchange Conference on CMVU Machine Vision Enabling Automated Factories". These forums will delve into the latest technologies and developments within the carton, colored box and broader packaging sectors. They will highlight successful cases from Asia and around the globe, and discuss advancements in machine vision applications and solutions for automated factories. Designed to facilitate knowledge exchange across the packaging industry supply chain, the events aim to build a globally beneficial value chain and foster synergy throughout the international packaging sector.

In a period marked by global market transitions, RX is set to present an exhibition that promises to be a major influence on the Southeast Asian packaging industry. The event is intended as a key platform for exchanging industry knowledge and enabling trade activities, significantly boosting the growth of the region's logistics and commodity packaging-related businesses.

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SOURCE RX (China) Investment Co., Ltd.
GLENDALE, Ariz. , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), performs the nation's first and only accreditation process for automotive training programs. The process is engineered to evaluate a program's structure, processes, resources, materials and mission.

Recently, ASE came to Western Maricopa Education Center's (West-MEC) Northwest Campus to review the Automotive Technology program. ASE was on campus for two full days interviewing students and staff, examining the classroom and lab, and reviewing evaluation documents required by ASE.

These documents are extensive and provide a thorough overview of what the program teaches and provides the students. The NWC Automotive Technology instructor, Brady Mitchell , worked for over a year to put these documents together for the ASE review.

After the thorough evaluation of the program, West-MEC is excited to announce that the NWC Automotive Technology passed the accreditation process with flying colors. The program received a 5.0 in 2 standards, no scores below 4.0, and an average of 4.4 overall in 10 standards.

"This is great news for automotive-minded young people and their parents," said Michael Coley , ASE Education Foundation President. "Because this program increases cooperation between local education and industry leaders, it gives added assurance that West-MEC's graduates will be employable entry-level technicians."

This is the highest grade the ASE evaluator has given to a high school in his 25+ years of work and stated that this is the standard all schools should follow.

In Arizona , there are only five high school programs that have ASE Education Foundation accreditation, and West-MEC NWC is now part of this group of auto programs in the state. In Phoenix , there are only 3 high school auto programs that have ASE Accreditation, with West-MEC NWC being the only one in the West Valley .

The work put in to the program by Mitchell and West-MEC will open the door to more opportunities in the future for students.

About West-MEC:

West-MEC is a career technical education public school district focusing solely on innovative career and technical education (CTE) programs that prepare students to enter the workforce and pursue continuing education. West- MEC CTE programs provide students opportunities to earn college credit and industry credentials. West-MEC serves more than 37,000 students from 48 high schools across 3,800 square miles in the northern and western cities of the Phoenix Metropolitan area. West-MEC now also offers adult education programs. Visit www.west-mec.edu for more information about West-MEC's career-driven education opportunities, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Contact: Grant Greabell

623.738.0037 | [email protected]

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SOURCE West-MEC
A portion of proceeds from the collection will support the next generation of skilled trade workers.

ROCKFORD, Mich. , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Wolverine, the 140-year-old boot brand, and Metallica Scholars, the workforce education initiative within Metallica's foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH) have teamed up for a fourth time to support the next generation of skilled workers. 50% of all proceeds from the collection will be donated directly to Metallica Scholars, the workforce education pillar of AWMH.

The highlight of the 2023 co-branded collection is a limited-edition high-top sneaker featuring debossed artwork from Brandon Heart , a long-time Metallica collaborator and artist. Each pair of high-top sneakers is handcrafted in Mexico with a premium leather upper, a Wolverine x Metallica Scholars woven tongue label, and a leather lining that provides added comfort and easy break-in. The sneakers will retail for $160 on wolverine.com and will be available in men's sizes 7 - 14.

"Wolverine is dedicated to supporting the next generation of skilled trades workers and closing the skilled trades gap," said Scott Schoessel , VP of Global Marketing for Wolverine. "The ongoing partnership with Metallica Scholars is a key component of that mission. This new collection embodies our partnership and purpose, and are the perfect blend of heavy metal, quality, and purpose."

In addition to the limited-edition high-top sneakers, the collection includes a Wolverine x Metallica Scholars Encore Shirt-Jac (retailing for $75 ) and Wolverine x Metallica Scholars Trucker Hat (retailing for $20 ). All items are available on Wolverine.com.

Since 2019, Wolverine has donated over $750,000 to All Within My Hands. Notably, Wolverine product has been featured throughout Metallica's M72 World Tour at concert merch stands and surrounding popup shops. All proceeds from the Wolverine x Metallica Scholars Tour Merch benefit Metallica Scholars.

ABOUT WOLVERINE

Wolverine, the 140-year-old boot and clothing company, is on a mission to honor the spirit and tenacity of the American worker and build the next generation of skilled tradespeople. Taking pride in crafting durable boots with unrivaled craftsmanship and the highest quality materials, Wolverine is dedicated to serving hardworking people all over the world. Through Project Bootstrap, Wolverine has contributed nearly $2 million over the last 5 years to organizations in support of the skilled trades. For more information, visit www.wolverine.com. Wolverine is a division of Wolverine Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: WWW)

ABOUT ALL WITHIN MY HANDS

Founded in 2017, AWMH is a non-profit, philanthropic organization created by the members and management of Metallica dedicated to creating sustainable communities by supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services. Metallica Scholars is a major workforce education initiative that provides direct support to community colleges, in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges, to enhance career and technical education programs. These programs provide skills and services to students who are looking to enter a traditional trade or other applied learning program. 100% of donations made to AWMH go directly to local organizations that the Foundation supports. Please visit AllWithinMyHands.org for more information.

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SOURCE Wolverine
BEIJING , Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The first Young Scientist SDGs Award ceremony was held at the opening session of 2023 World Young Scientist Summit (WYSS) Saturday in Wenzhou of east China's Zhejiang province, with three young scientists from around the world awarded.

The award was jointly initiated by the WYSS and the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to recognize young scientists who have made significant achievements and outstanding contributions through natural science research or engineering technology in support of one or more of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

It is learned that the first Young Scientist SDGs Award focused on the 17 SDGs goals set by the UN in seven fields. Since it was launch in March, the award has attracted applications from 35 countries and regions around the world.

After a two-month evaluation process conducted by 11 internationally renowned experts, Professor Henry Snaith of the University of Oxford, Professor Xiong Wen (David) Lou of the City University of Hong Kong, and Professor Zhang Qiang of Tsinghua University won the award for their outstanding contributions to the fields of perovskite-based photovoltaic cells (PSCs), synthesis and application of nanostructured materials, lithium-sulfur batteries advanced energy materials.

The World Young Scientist Summit (WYSS) is jointly sponsored by China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) and the People's Government of Zhejiang Province , with a vision of promoting a community with a shared future for mankind. It is now an important window for Zhejiang's opening-up to the outside world, as well as a key platform for Wenzhou to link global resources.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/337167.html

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Medics look at the damages in the wards inside Al Shifa hospital following an Israeli raid, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, in Gaza City, Gaza November 15, 2023. Gaza Ministry Of Health/Handout via REUTERS

By Abir Ahmar

DUBAI (Reuters) -A doctor in Gaza's Al Shifa hospital said staff, patients and displaced Palestinians sheltering there were terrified as Israeli forces moved to raid the complex to root out Hamas militants they said were hiding underneath.

Dr Ahmed El Mokhallalati, a surgeon born in Ireland who trained in Cairo and practiced in London, said explosions and gunfire which he and others in the hospital had heard for more than a month suddenly stepped up early Tuesday evening.

"The sound was really horrible," he said by telephone.

"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."

Israel said the military had launched the raid because Hamas has a command centre under the hospital and uses connected tunnels to hold hostages.

"We know this is a big lie," Mokhallalati said.

Speaking on Wednesday morning, he said he felt relief when troops finally entered the complex even though staff did not know what would happen to them, because the fear of being bombarded from outside had been immense.

"All kinds of weapons were used around the hospital. They targeted the hospital directly. We try to avoid being near the windows," he said, describing a large hole that had been blasted through the wall of a room in an outpatient building.

"Everyone got really, really terrified."

Explosive sounds rang out as he spoke.

"It's continuous shooting from the tanks," he said.

Israel has denied targeting the hospital and said its soldiers had entered one specific location within the Shifa complex, with no fighting inside the facility and no friction with staff. An unnamed senior military official said they had found weapons, but provided no immediate visual evidence.

Mokhallalati said Israel had warned the administration in advance of the raid, but staff did not know how it would be carried out.

Contacted later, he said Israeli forces were moving between the buildings of the hospital, which was completely frozen.

"No one is operating, no one is seeing anyone. We are all waiting for the end point of this one, are we going to survive this moment or not. We are unable to perform anything, we are all waiting for the attack to settle down or to come to an end."

The fate of Al Shifa, Gaza's biggest hospital, has become a focus of international alarm because of worsening conditions with fuel, medicine, food and water in ever shorter supply.

People began digging a mass grave inside the complex on Tuesday to bury around 100 bodies of patients that were decomposing. Three newborns died after they had to be moved from incubators to ordinary beds.

The surgeon said none of the 36 other newborns had died in the past 24 hours but patients in intensive care had.

"We are losing a lot, more and more of the ICU patients, almost five daily, because of the lack of oxygen which is very important for these patients," he said.

Israel's military said it had left medical supplies at the gates of the hospital and that patients could be moved out in ambulances. It was unclear if a plan had been put in place for evacuation through the battle zone outside.

(Reporting by Abir Al Ahmar; additional reporting by Nadine Awadalla; writing by Michael Georgy and Crispian Balmer; editing by Philippa Fletcher)
As of 18:00 on Tuesday, November 14, 57 combat engagements took place at the frontline in Ukraine. The General Staff of the Armed Forces stated that the operational situation in the east and south remains difficult.

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The General Staff of the Armed Forces published a new report on the 629th day of Russia's full-scale invasion on Facebook. Four missile and 42 enemy air strikes were recorded during the day.

The occupiers fired from multiple launch rocket systems at the positions of our troops and populated areas 26 times. Private houses and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed and damaged, and there were dead residents.

The operational situation in the Volyn and Polissia sectors remains unchanged. There are no signs of the formation of offensive groups. Some units of the Armed Forces of Belarus are performing tasks in the areas bordering Ukraine.

ADVERTISIMENT

The enemy maintains a military presence in the border area in the Seversk and Slobozhansk directions, as well as conducts sabotage and reconnaissance activities, shells settlements from the territory of the Russian Federation, and increases the density of minefields along the state border. About 15 villages and towns have been subjected to enemy artillery and mortar attacks, including Kliusy, Senkivka and Hremiach in the Chernihiv region; Volfyne, Veselivka and Turia in the Sumy region; and Veterynarne, Starytsia and Budarky in the Kharkiv region.

The Russian Armed Forces conducted assault operations in the areas of Synkivka and Petropavlivka in the Kharkiv region in the Kupiansk direction. Our troops repelled seven attacks there. The enemy launched air strikes near the settlements of Vilshana and Cherneshchyna. Dvorichna, Synkivka, Petropavlivka, Ivanivka and Berestove came under artillery and mortar fire.

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The invaders conducted unsuccessful assault operations in the area of Nadiia and Serebryanske forestry in the Luhansk region in the Lyman direction. They carried out air strikes near Pishchane in te Luhansk region and Serebryanka, Siversk and Spirne in the Donetsk region. Artillery and mortar shelling affected about 10 settlements, including Nevske and Bilohorivka in the Luhansk region and Yampolivka, Torske, Spirne and Rozdolivka in the Donetsk region.

The occupants conducted assault operations near Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka and Andriivka in the Bakhmut direction, where our defenders repelled 10 attacks. The enemy launched an air strike near Klishchiivka. Khromove, Chasiv Yar, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka and Andriivka came under artillery and mortar fire.

The enemy conducted unsuccessful assault operations in the Avdiivka direction near Severne, Tonenke, Vodiane and east of Pervomaiske in the Donetsk region, where the Defense Forces repelled 15 attacks. They carried out air strikes near Arkhanhelske, Novokalynove, Lastochkyne and Avdiivka. They shelled more than 10 localities with artillery and mortars, including Keramik, Novokalynove, Stepove, Avdiivka, Severne and Pervomaiske.

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The invaders, supported by aviation, conducted unsuccessful assault operations in the areas of Marinka and Novomykhailivka in the Donetsk region in the Maryinka direction. Our troops repelled 18 attacks there. Krasnohorivka, Marinka, Heorhiivka, Peremoha, Novomykhailivka and Antonivka came under artillery and mortar fire.

The enemy conducted an assault near Staromaiorske in the Shakhtarsk direction but was unsuccessful. They launched an air strike near Urozhaine. Artillery and mortar attacks hit about 10 settlements, including Vuhledar, Prechystivka, Zolota Nyva, Blahodatne and Urozhaine in the Donetsk region.

Russian troops launched air attacks on Novodarivka in the Zaporizhzhya direction. More than 25 localities came under enemy artillery and mortar fire, including Robotyne, Orikhiv, Novoandriivka, Pyatikhatky, Lobkove and Plavni in the Zaporizhzhia region.

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The enemy conducted air strikes in the areas of Novoberisl and Beryslav in the Kherson direction. Kherson, Osokorivka, Shliakhove, Beryslav and Olhivka in the Kherson region came under artillery fire.

The Ukrainian Defense Forces continued to conduct an offensive operation in Melitopol and Bakhmut directions, inflicting losses in manpower and equipment on the occupation forces, and exhausting the enemy along the entire front line.

Over the past day, our aviation conducted 10 strikes on the areas of concentration of Russian personnel, weapons and military equipment. Air defense also destroyed two Shahed-136/131 kamikaze drones and one X-59 guided missile.

ADVERTISIMENT

The missile troops hit six areas of concentration of personnel, weapons and military equipment, a command center, 17 artillery pieces, three air defense systems and an enemy fuel and lubricant depot.

ADVERTISIMENT

As OBOZ.UA wrote earlier:

- Commander of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi said that fierce fighting is now taking place near Kupiansk and north and south of Bakhmut.

- According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the enemy has increased the number of attacks in a number of areas, including Avdiivka, Kupiansk and Donetsk.

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: Gina Rinehart poses at Roy Hill's berths in Port Hedland, Australia in this undated photo obatined January 23, 2018. Hancock Prospecting/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo

By Melanie Burton

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Australian mining moguls who have gatecrashed the country's recent international lithium deals have pushed bankers into trying fresh measures to fend off interlopers unwilling to pay the full price for their target.

Australia's vast lithium deposits needed for batteries for electric vehicles and the energy transition are drawing interest from global chemicals makers but local mining moguls Gina Rinehart, the country's richest person, and Chris Ellison have already thwarted two deals and threaten another.

While Rinehart's Hancock Prospecting and Ellison's Mineral Resources have refrained from full takeovers of the companies in the local lithium sector, their tactical efforts to keep foreign companies from doing so gives them time to establish a stronger footprint in the emerging industry.

Hancock disrupted a proposed $4.3 billion deal between Australia's Liontown Resources and top lithium maker Albemarle after it bought a 19.9% stake in the lithium developer, enough to block Albemarle's bid under Australian law.

Hancock and Mineral Resources are threatening the same with the deal between Azure Minerals and Chile's SQM, the world's second-biggest lithium chemicals maker, after the companies accumulated shares of 18.9% and 13.6%, respectively.

In taking the stakes, Hancock has underscored its expertise in building mining projects, while Mineral Resources has said it wants to be part of projects that will sustain its growth for decades. Neither company has made an outright bid for Azure or Liontown.

Hancock and Mineral Resources declined to make additional comments.

Building these stakes offers influence over lithium developers for less money than a full takeover, and an option to take a bigger part in the growing industry, which will include downstream processing, said Marc Upcroft, a partner at PwC in Australia.

"If you have a blocking stake, that means that no one else is going to be able to easily come in and take control of the project. Then you've effectively, for a smaller price, built your role to play with that project going forward," he said.

Falling lithium prices over the past year, leading to lower stock prices for the developers, have propelled the interest in the acquisitions, along with the outlook for surging demand for the metal.

As well as Liontown, Core Lithium, Leo Lithium Latin Resources Patriot Metals, Chalice, Centaurus and Rex Minerals have all been cited by brokers as buyout prospects.

TWO-PRONGED SOLUTION

Their deep pockets, risk appetite and Australia's competition laws means mining magnates have a home advantage against listed companies, industry sources say.

"M&A in Australia is a rough game and home players have a big advantage especially when it's private money," said a financier at a global bank active in the lithium space, who asked to remain unidentified because of company policy.

One example that bankers offered in the case of SQM's bid for Azure was a two-pronged solution to erode any interloper advantage.

SQM's $900 million offer for Azure was set up as a so-called scheme of arrangement which must be court-approved and where 75% of voting shareholders must also back the plan.

The offer also included an off-market takeover option where SQM could go directly to shareholders if the scheme of arrangement should fail because an interloper accumulated 19% of the stock.

This dual-pronged approach has only been done in Australia six times, said Richard Lustig, head of Australian M&A at law firm Baker McKenzie in Melbourne.

"It started as a curiosity, now it's getting some kind of traction," he said.

The dual offer is useful for firms that are open to holding less than a 100% stake.

It offers a route for shareholders to accept a direct offer if an interloper appears, which can be faster than waiting months for the scheme of arrangement to complete.

It becomes harder for an interloper to build a blocking stake, and they are faced with the prospect that a bidder can take control even if they block the scheme, potentially leaving them as a minority shareholder and eroding their influence over the target firm.

"If there is a concern a scheme may get blocked by an existing shareholder or an interloper who has no intention of making an offer for the whole company then yes, this structure will be used more often," said a second banker involved in global lithium acquisitions.

(Reporting by Melanie Burton; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
FILE PHOTO: The city skyline is reflected in a puddle at sunrise following rainy weather in Sydney, Australia, August 28, 2022. REUTERS/Loren Elliott

By Lewis Jackson

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia will on Thursday introduce two previously announced tax bills that will raise petroleum tax revenue and legislate the government's response to a national scandal over confidential tax plans leaked by a PwC Australia partner.

Legislation to reform the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT), first flagged in the May budget, will reduce the proportion of income which can be offset by deductions and is expected to raise A$2.4 billion ($1.56 billion) out to June 2027.

The change is one of 11 recommendations from a Treasury review, eight of which the government adopted in August. Consultation on further changes will begin later this year.

"The PRRT changes will ensure the offshore LNG industry pays more tax, sooner," Treasurer Jim Chalmers said in a statement late on Wednesday.

The centre-left Labor government will also on Thursday introduce legislation prepared in response to revelations a former PwC Australia partner leaked confidential government tax plans then used it to drum up work with multinational companies.

The previously announced reforms will raise the maximum penalty for promoting tax exploitation schemes 100-fold to A$780 million and make prosecution easier by expanding how the rules, which have only been used six times, are applied.

More changes could follow. Chalmers in August announced a two-year Treasury review into the rules governing large consulting and auditing firms.

($1 = 1.5389 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Lewis Jackson; editing by Miral Fahmy)
People clean the floor at the stall of the BAIC Group automobile maker at the IEEV New Energy Vehicles Exhibition in Beijing, China October 18, 2018. Picture taken October 18, 2018. REUTERS/Thomas Peter/File Photo

BEIJING (Reuters) -A unit of Beijing-based automaker BAIC Group <1958.HK> has applied to regulators for approval to build two Xiaomi-branded <1810.HK> electric vehicles (EVs), China's industry ministry website showed on Wednesday.

The foray by Xiaomi, best known for making smartphones and appliances, could intensify competition in the world's largest auto market, where overcapacity and slowing demand have fanned a bruising price war and hit supplier margins.

BAIC ORV is proposing to build two versions of the new Xiaomi-branded model in Beijing, according to its filing: the SU7 with BYD's lithium iron phosphate batteries and a top speed of 210 kilometres per hour (kph); and the SU7 Max with CATL's nickel- and cobalt-based lithium batteries and speed of up to 265 kph.

Both models bore a "MI" logo in the front and carried the "Xiaomi" name on their rear, pictures published on the Ministry of Industry and Information's (MIIT) website showed.

The filing indicates that BAIC will be the manufacturer for these two models, even though Xiaomi has built a plant that can produce 200,000 EVs annually in Beijing. The new EVs will be built at a site that is the same address as the Xiaomi plant, China Business News reported.

Xiaomi has listed many job openings for auto sales, including postings for new energy vehicles sales manager and Xiaomi car showroom manager in Beijing and Shanghai, business publication STAR Market Daily reported on Wednesday.

Both BAIC and Xiaomi did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the EV applications.

Reuters reported in August that China's state planner had given approval to Xiaomi to build electric vehicles but that it still needed clearance from the MIIT, which assesses new automakers and models for technical and safety requirements.

The ministry publishes lists almost on a monthly basis of aspiring auto manufacturers applying for approvals, but Xiaomi was not among firms named on the latest list published on Wednesday.

The company's progress on EV manufacturing is ahead of schedule, Xiaomi President Lu Weibing told a company earnings call in late August. Its revenue fell 4% in the second quarter from a year earlier amid a shrinkage in China's smartphone market.

The world's largest automotive market, however, is grappling with overcapacity and a deepening price war that has pulled in over 40 brands and is weighing on the supply chain's profit margins.

Tesla Inc had yet to win a regulatory nod to proceed with its Shanghai plant expansion plan, Reuters reported in June. U.S. luxury EV maker Lucid Group, keen on made-in-China cars, has also been advised of the low likelihood for approval, sources have told Reuters.

(Reporting by Qiaoyi Li, Zhang Yan and Brenda Goh; Additional reporting by Mo Yelin in Beijing; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman and Kim Coghill)
U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the White House initiative on climate change, at the White House in Washington, November 14, 2023. REUTERS/Tom Brenner

By Trevor Hunnicutt and Nandita Bose

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday attacked former President Donald Trump for using the word "vermin" to refer to his political enemies, saying it echoed the language of Nazi Germany.

At a recent rally in New Hampshire, Trump repeated his false claim that fraud cost him the 2020 presidential election and told the crowd he would "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."

Biden said Trump's comments echoed language heard in Nazi Germany in the 1930's.

"In just the last few days, Trump has said if he returns to office he's gonna go after all those who oppose him and wipe out what he called the 'vermin...in America'... it echoes language you heard in Nazi Germany in the 30s. It isn't even the first time," Biden said at a fundraiser in San Francisco.

"Trump also recently talked about quote, 'the blood of America is being poisoned'... Again, echoes the same phrases used in Nazi Germany." Biden said.

Trump's comments drew immediate criticism online, with some historians saying his language mirrored that of autocrats who have sought to dehumanize their foes.

Trump, the frontrunner for the Republican nomination to challenge Biden in November 2024, has a long history of using incendiary rhetoric to describe his perceived enemies. He told a right-leaning news site recently that immigrants who entered the country illegally were "poisoning the blood of our country."

Steven Cheung, a Trump campaign spokesman, has previously rejected the comparisons to Nazis, Hitler and Italy's Mussolini.

"Those who try to make that ridiculous assertion are clearly snowflakes grasping for anything because they are suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome and their sad, miserable existence will be crushed when President Trump returns to the White House," Cheung said.

Snowflake is a term used to dismiss a person as easily offended or overly sensitive.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt in San Francisco and Nandita Bose in Washington; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a bilateral meeting at Filoli estate on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, in Woodside, California, U.S., November 15, 2023. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

By David Lawder

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) -China is objecting to a U.S. proposal for Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members to incorporate sustainability and inclusivity into their trade and investment policies, a source briefed on the negotiations said on Wednesday.

Talks on the issue were continuing at the APEC summit in San Francisco to try to find language that the group's 21 member states could agree on, the source said.

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai told a trade-focused plenary meeting she hoped the proposal, dubbed by the Biden administration as the "San Francisco Principles for Integrating Inclusivity and Sustainability into Trade and Investment Policy" could be still be finalized.

Tai said the U.S.-led effort was "supported by all economies but one and, as such, it is unclear if APEC will fulfill that mandate. Nonetheless, I remain optimistic that economies will finalize the San Francisco Principles soon."

Few details of the U.S. proposal were available, but the Biden administration is promoting the idea that APEC economies increase opportunities for more people, particularly disadvantaged populations, and to incorporate clean energy and carbon emissions reductions goals into their development, growth and trade policies.

"Our economies are more than just numbers," Tai said when describing the U.S. proposal. "They are made of people, so we need to make sure that our economic and trade policies work for our people and that the benefits created are shared by all."

Tai is separately seeking to negotiate a green steel arrangement with the European Union that aims to disadvantage Chinese steelmakers on the basis of their higher carbon emissions.

News of China's objections at the APEC summit come as U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping met south of San Francisco in high-stakes talks that included discussions between the superpowers over Taiwan and the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

A spokesperson for China's embassy in Washington did not directly address China's objections but said that all APEC parties should "focus on the region's urgent needs, deepen solidarity and cooperation, deliver on the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 in an all-round and balanced way," a reference to declarations by APEC leaders in 2020 in Malaysia.

The Putrajaya vision called for working to "deliver a free, open, fair, non-discriminatory, transparent and predictable trade and investment environment."

(Reporting by David Lawder; Editing by Jonathan Oatis; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
By Luis Jaime Acosta

BOGOTA (Reuters) - Rising use, low production costs and logistical advantages could eventually lead drug producers to focus on fentanyl instead of cocaine, a high-ranking Colombian police official said, but for now cocaine remains that country's top drug export.

Rocketing consumption of synthetic drug fentanyl in the U.S. has led some - including Colombia's President Gustavo Petro - to forecast declines in cocaine production in the Andean country, the world's leading producer.

Cocaine finances left-wing guerrillas and criminal gangs, fueling the country's internal armed conflict of almost six decades, which has left more than 450,000 dead.

"We're very committed to the work we're doing with seizures, targeting production, because the illegal drug industry certainly continues to be seen as an attractive criminal income," said General Nicolas Zapata, deputy director of Colombia's national police.

Petro recently said that higher fentanyl consumption in the U.S. and its expansion to other geographies including Europe, could discourage cocaine production and open a window of opportunity for peace as the country's illegal armed groups abandon the industry.

Crops of coca - cocaine's main ingredient - rose 13% last year in Colombia to hit a record 2,300 square kilometers (568,342 acres), while its potential cocaine production rose 24% to 1,738 metric tons per year, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Coca production is taking place in new areas and fresh trafficking routes are opening up, Zapata said.

Ecuador has become a major stepping stone for exporting Colombian cocaine, according to security sources.

Ecuador's incoming president, Daniel Noboa, who takes office this month, has promised to confront rising crime in the country, where violence linked to drug trafficking has increased sharply.

Colombia hopes to destroy 200 square kilometers of coca crops by the end of the year and seize a record 834 tons of cocaine.

"Drug trafficking is changing. It's changing because the dynamics are different, especially with the arrival of synthetic drugs. But we haven't stepped back from the task; we've always been clear about what we have to do," Zapata said.

(Reporting by Luis Jaime Acosta; Writing by Oliver Griffin; Editing by Marguerita Choy)
A satellite image shows Al-Shifa hospital, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Gaza November 11, 2023. Maxar Technologies/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo

(Reuters) -Israeli soldiers entered Gaza's biggest hospital, Al Shifa, on Wednesday and were searching the premises, after Israel said Hamas fighters had their headquarters in tunnels beneath the facility, a charge the Palestinian group denies.

Here are reactions to the fighting at Al Shifa and other Gaza hospitals:

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO)

"Reports of military incursion into Al Shifa hospital are deeply concerning," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

"We've lost touch again with health personnel at the hospital. We're extremely worried for their and their patients' safety."

UNITED NATIONS AID CHIEF

"The protection of newborns, patients, medical staff and all civilians must override all other concerns," U.N. aid chief Martin Griffiths wrote on X, adding he was "appalled" by reports of the raids.

"Hospitals are not battlegrounds."

DOCTOR AT AL SHIFA HOSPITAL

"Bombardment. Shooting around the hospital and within the hospital. It's really horrible you can feel that it's very near to the hospital. And then we realised that the tanks are moving around the hospital," Doctor Ahmed El Mokhallalati told Reuters by phone.

"They just parked in front of the hospital emergency department. All kinds of weapons were used around the hospital," and staff avoided being near the windows.

He said he felt relief when troops finally entered the complex, despite concerns among staff, as the fear of being bombarded from outside had been immense.

UNITED STATES

"We do not support striking a hospital from the air and we don't want to see a firefight in a hospital where innocent people, helpless people, sick people trying to get medical care they deserve are caught in the crossfire," a White House National Security Council spokesperson said.

"Hospitals and patients must be protected."

EGYPT

Health minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar told local TV station Extra News Eqypt was ready to help with incubators needed for newborn babies.

"There are 35 cases (of babies needing incubators), we are ready with 35 ambulances equipped with field and mobile incubators."

"We are ready at the borders, at the (Rafah) crossing, we hope for these cases to reach us to deal with them."

CANADA

"I urge the government of Israel to exercise maximum restraint," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Tuesday, before the raid. "The world is witnessing this killing of women, of children, of babies. This has to stop."

He also said Hamas needed to stop using Palestinians as human shields and should release all its hostages.

ISRAEL

Based on intelligence information, "IDF forces are carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas" at the hospital and the intention was not to harm civilians, the Israeli Defence Forces said in a statement.

Israeli troops found weapons and "terror infrastructure" at Al Shifa, a senior IDF official said, while another military spokesman said there was "concrete evidence that Hamas terrorists used the Shifa hospital as a terror headquarter."

There was no fighting inside the hospital complex after troops arrived during the night, and medical staff and patients were in a different area of the site, IDF said.

HAMAS

"The White House and the Pentagon's adoption of the false (Israeli) narrative, claiming that the resistance is using Al Shifa medical complex for military purposes, was a green light for the occupation (Israel) to commit more massacres against civilians," Hamas said.

(Compiled by Bernadette Baum; Editing by Edmund Blair, Tomasz Janowski and Barbara Lewis)
FILE PHOTO: Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar arrives as Denmark hosts a meeting on the future of the EU, at Christiansborg Castle in Copenhagen, Denmark, Tuesday November 14, 2023. Martin Sylvest/Ritzau Scanpix/via REUTERS/File photo

DUBLIN (Reuters) - Ireland will decide in the coming weeks whether to mount a legal challenge against a new British law giving amnesties to former soldiers and militants involved in decades of violence in Northern Ireland, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Wednesday.

Victims' families, human rights organisations and all major political parties on the island of Ireland - including British unionist and Irish nationalist - have condemned the law which offers immunity from prosecution for those who cooperate fully with a new investigative body.

Varadkar said he had received advice from Ireland's attorney general on the matter. He did not disclose what it stated, only that it would provide an essential contribution to ministers' consideration of whether to take or support an inter-state case under the European Convention on Human Rights.

He said the government was also studying the implications of such a decision, including the potential impact on the bilateral relationship between Ireland and Britain.

"I want to stress that the initiation of an inter-state case would be a very significant step and would have to be taken on solid grounds. It's not one which we would take lightly," Varadkar told parliament.

"Based on the attorney general's advice, there is a period during which we can take a case and after which it becomes more difficult. So we will have to make a decision on this in the next few weeks."

A number of victims' families have already begun challenges against the new law in the Northern Ireland courts.

(Reporting by Padraic Halpin Editing by Kate Holton)
FILE PHOTO: European Union flags are seen outside the EU Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium April 1, 2019. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Euro zone industrial production declined broadly in line with expectations in September, wiping out a rise in August as output of consumer goods dropped sharply in the month.

The European Union's statistics office Eurostat said on Wednesday that industrial production in the 20 countries sharing the euro fell by 1.1% month-on-month in September for a 6.9% year-on-year decline.

The latter was the steepest drop since June 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Economists polled by Reuters had expected declines of 1.0% month-on-month and 6.3% from a year earlier.

The month-on-month fall was chiefly the result of 2.1% decline of durable and non-durable consumer goods, along with a 1.3% drop of energy output.

Production of intermediate goods, such as steel or wood, declined by 0.3%, while output of capital goods, such as machinery, rose by 0.3%.

Eurostat also published data on euro zone trade, showing that the bloc achieved a 10 billion euro surplus in September, against a 36.6 billion euro deficit a year earlier, when EU countries were forced to pay far higher prices for energy.

Adjusted for seasonal swings, the euro zone recorded a trade surplus for the fifth consecutive month - of 9.2 billion euros against 11.1 billion euros in August.

For Eurostat release, click on:

https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/main/news/euro-indicators

(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop, editing by Bart Meijer)
By Holger Hansen and Sarah Marsh

BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's constitutional court ruled last week that the coalition government's decision to reallocate 60 billion euros ($65.21 billion) of unused debt from the pandemic era to its climate and transformation fund (CTF) was unconstitutional.

The ruling, however, potentially also affects other off-budget funds that the country has used over the years to finance government policy in order to comply with its self-imposed debt brake restricting the public deficit to 0.35% of GDP.

Here are some of the implications for the budget, the economy, German fiscal policy and Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-way coalition:

WHAT COMES NEXT FOR THE 2024 BUDGET?

The ruling did not directly impact the regular 2024 budget, which is due to be voted on by parliament on Dec. 1.

Still, it means there is a funding gap for projects that were due to be covered by the CTF and other funds that may be affected by the ruling - both this year and next.

If you consider, for example, that the annulled CTF funds were due to be spent by 2027 that implies a gap in funding of about 10-20 billion euros per year, according to Scope Ratings.

As such, Scholz's coalition of his Social Democrats (SPD), the Greens and the Free Democrats (FDP) could end up making alterations to next year's budget, currently amounting to 446 billion euros.

The government looks set to postpone talks planned for Thursday on the 2024 budget as it struggles to figure out solutions.

Some politicians from the fiscally hawkish FDP have argued in favour of cutting some social expenditure - a move to which the centre-left SPD and Greens object.

The government currently looks likely to suspend its debt brake for 2023, five government sources told Reuters. That however does not necessarily account for the funding gap next year and it is unclear if the government might suspend the brake again.

Germany can suspend the debt brake if it is hit by a natural disaster or "exceptional emergencies" that are beyond the control of the state and significantly affect its finances. The question is whether the current circumstances can be considered an "exceptional emergency" - and whether or not the FDP agrees to a suspension.

WHAT PROJECTS ARE IN JEOPARDY?

The government has been relying on the CTF to finance much of its agenda to support industry, keep it competitive and transition towards a carbon neutral economy.

German industrial projects in jeopardy from the blow to the CTF include chip factories, decarbonised steel production and expansion of the battery supply chain, according to government sources.

Projects that had been expecting state support include a planned TSMC chip plant, an expansion of an Infineon plant in Dresden and an Intel plant planned for Magdeburg.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN WITH OTHER SPECIAL FUNDS?

There are currently 29 special funds at the federal level, with a total volume of 869 billion euros, according to the independent auditing institution Bundesrechnungshof.

Several of these could be at risk from last week's verdict although it is still not clear which, with the exception of the 100-billion special fund for Germany's army that is covered by a separate constitutional exemption from the debt brake.

Berlin has blocked spending from the 200-billion euro Economic Stabilisation Fund for this year and wants to close it by year-end, a government source told Reuters on Tuesday.

HOW WILL IT AFFECT GERMAN FINANCIAL POLICY?

Germany has in the past few years used what some analysts call accountancy tricks to get around its debt brake, which it introduced in the wake of the global financial crisis of 2008/09 to avoid excessive debt.

The ruling indicates that Berlin will in the future have to stick more closely to the spirit of the brake - or reform it altogether.

"The debt brake in its current form is not suitable for the challenges of the future, as the constitutional court ruling ... has shown," said the leaders of the SPD parliamentary groups in the Bundestag lower house, European Parliament and states.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES FOR THE GERMAN ECONOMY?

The ruling and its fallout could drag economic growth down by as much as half a percentage point next year, an economy ministry source told Reuters on Friday. Last month, the economy ministry predicted 1.3% growth for next year.

In the long-term, the 60-billion euro hole will make structural changes harder and hence increases the likelihood of a longer stagnation, ING's economist Carsten Brzeski said.

Scope Ratings said it already estimated German under-investment at around 300 billion euros over the past decade vis-a-vis other AAA-rating economies.

WHAT WILL BE THE IMPACT ON RULING COALITION?

The ruling has already heightened tensions in Scholz's fractious three-way coalition, which has seen support slump since taking office nearly two years ago as it tackles a series of crises, in part due to public infighting.

Just a third of voters would vote for the parties of the coalition if an election were to be held now, according to the latest survey by pollster Forsa. And some politicians from the coalition parties say they are not sure it makes sense for it to them to continue governing together.

But the parties are likely to hammer out a compromise no matter how great their divisions, analysts say, because they would all stand to lose from a fresh election, and no workable new majority appears possible in the current parliament.

Other coalitions have also faced speculation they would fall apart, say analysts, but the last time one did was in 1982, when SPD leader Willy Brandt was forced to resign after a close aide was exposed as a spy for Communist East Germany.

(Reporting by Berlin bureau; Writing by Sarah Marsh and Maria Martinez; Editing by Susan Fenton, Miranda Murray and Alex Richardson)
On the night of November 15, the occupiers launched a rocket attack on the town of Selydove in Pokrovske district, Donetsk region. This caused the destruction of the entrance of a four-story residential building.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was reported by the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko. As of 7 a.m., rescuers and law enforcement officers who arrived at the scene of the shelling evacuated the wounded man and woman, who were taken to a medical facility.

Rescuers also evacuated three other people, including a child, from the damaged apartment on the fourth floor.

Unfortunately, a woman died as a result of the missile strike, and rescuers found her body under the rubble. There is probably at least one other person who remained under the rubble.

ADVERTISIMENT

According to the Donetsk regional prosecutor's office, the occupants hit Selydove with four missiles from the S-300 anti-aircraft missile system.

As a result of the shelling of one of the streets, a 50-year-old local resident was injured and hospitalized for treatment of a moderate hypertensive crisis.

A 82-year-old woman and a 56-year-old man were wounded in a residential building. The body of his 85-year-old mother was pulled from the rubble.

ADVERTISIMENT

The city military administration reported that as of 10:20 a.m., four people may be under the rubble.

As of 14:00, the State Emergency Service reported that they found the body of another victim under the rubble. 2 people are now known to be dead, 3 people are injured. There are probably 2 more people under the rubble. Search and rescue operations are ongoing.

ADVERTISIMENT

As reported by OBOZ.UA, on the morning of November 14, the occupiers once again shelled residential areas of Kherson and the village of Osokorivka in the Kherson region. At least three people were injured when they came under enemy artillery fire.

Also on November 14, Russian terrorist troops attacked Nikopol, Dnipropetrovs'k region, with kamikaze drones. They sent three "Shahed" drones to the city. The attack resulted in one wounded and one dead.

ADVERTISIMENT
A view of the border between Russia and Finland at the Nuijamaa border checkpoint in Lappeenranta, Finland on November 15, 2023. An increasing number of citizens from third countries have arrived via Russia to Finnish border-crossing points without proper

By Essi Lehto

HELSINKI (Reuters) -Further groups of asylum seekers arrived on Wednesday at Finland's southeastern border via Russia, part of a sudden surge that the president said appeared to be Russian revenge for his country's defence cooperation with the United States.

Finland, a European Union country whose accession to the NATO alliance earlier this year after decades of non-alignment angered Moscow, shares a 1,340-km (833-mile) border with Russia that also serves as the EU's external border.

Finland's government on Tuesday accused Russia of funnelling asylum seekers to crossing points along the frontier and said it might limit access unless Russian authorities reverse course.

"I don't see the border traffic ending in any other way than with very clear Finnish action," President Sauli Niinisto told a news conference on Wednesday.

He said he believed Russia, which normally stops people without valid EU visas from crossing, had begun letting them through in response to Helsinki's plans to soon sign a defence cooperation agreement with Washington.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova dismissed his statement as "absolutely groundless". Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow deeply regretted that the Finnish leadership had chosen to distance itself from what it said were previously good bilateral relations.

Last year, Finland adopted legislation that would allow crossing points stop receiving asylum applications if they experienced mass immigration orchestrated by another country.

Arrivals are far from mass levels but Finnish Border Guard Lieutenant Colonel Jukka Lukkari said they were rising, with 55 recorded on Tuesday and 66 by Wednesday afternoon; most people crossing are originally from Iraq, Yemen, Somalia and Syria.

"I assume many more will come today," he said.

Jukka Laine, a border studies professor at the University of Eastern Finland, said Helsinki was overreacting to a Russian attempt to exert pressure, which was just what Moscow wanted.

"This is hybrid-influencing machined by Russia and a key element in it is to create havoc and panic," he said. "If this is what they are aiming at, I would say they got it with very little effort."

The Finnish Refugee Council said the right to seek refuge should be respected, regardless of where applicants came from or how they accessed the border.

(Reporting by Essi Lehto and Moscow newsroom; editing by Anne Kauranen, Mark Heinrich and Philippa Fletcher)
FILE PHOTO: An aerial view shows burnt trees near a river in The Pantanal, the world's largest wetland, in Pocone, Mato Grosso state, Brazil, August 28, 2020. Picture taken August 28, 2020. REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli/ File Photo

BRASILIA (Reuters) - The number of fires in Brazil's Pantanal, the world's largest wetland, surged in the first few days of November, breaking the record for the month since monitoring began in 1998, data from space research agency Inpe showed on Tuesday.

The 2,387 fires recorded by Inpe in early November is already more than double October's figure and more than half of the total fires seen this year so far. On Sunday, Inpe detected 706 active fires.

Fires have more than tripled in the Pantanal compared with 2022, which was mild compared with the two previous years.

Weather experts point to the El Nino phenomenon, aggravated by climate change, as being behind the sharp increase in fires.

Normally, the region starts to receive rains at the end of September, said Vinicius Silgueiro, a coordinator at the Centro de Vida Institute.

"We're having a very unusual November with the climate change situation and the effects of El Nino: very high temperatures at a time when we would have already had rain and higher air humidity," he said.

"There was sporadic rainfall at the end of October, but two or three days after it stopped, the fires came back," he added.

Historically, November averages 442 hotspots. The previous record for the month, set in 2002, was 2,328.

Last Saturday, the federal government redoubled firefighting efforts in the region, bringing its team tackling the blazes to nearly 300, while also adding four aircraft.

"Much of the area that had burned in 2020 is burning again. These are areas that had just started natural regeneration," Silgueiro said, explaining that burned soil is very fragile, which hinders its recovery.

"The government has to prepare for a recurring risk as a result of the climate crisis, which requires measures to prepare, prevent and respond. Even more so in a biome that has lost 57% of its surface water since 1985," he said.

(Reporting by Lisandra Paraguassu; Editing by Gerry Doyle)
A UBS logo is seen next to Credit Suisse at the Bahnhofstrasse before a news conference of Swiss bank UBS in Zurich Switzerland, August 30, 2023. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo

By Tassilo Hummel, Mathieu Rosemain and Noele Illien

PARIS (Reuters) - France's top court on Wednesday ruled a new trial should be held over a 1.8 billion-euro ($1.95 billion) fine against UBS for promoting illegal banking services and money laundering in the country.

The court, which also upheld the guilty verdict against the bank, said a new trial would need to take place at the Paris appeals court to determine a new fine, if any.

The ruling reverses and annuls the decision of the Paris Court of Appeal from Dec. 13, 2021, but only insofar as it relates to penalties and civil interests, all other provisions being expressly maintained, the court said.

UBS's shares, which were already up on the day, spiked as much as 3% more after news broke that the 1.8 billion-euro fine was struck down. However, they then erased those gains and more, to last stand up around 1.6%.

The decision by the Cour de Cassation, France's highest judicial court, means the guilty verdict on UBS is final. The court said a new trial over penalties was needed because the previous decision on the fine did not follow all the correct legal procedures.

UBS said it was disappointed the court had upheld the overall verdict against it, adding it continued to maintain that it acted in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, and would defend itself in the forthcoming trial.

The ruling once again extends uncertainty over the fine for the Swiss bank, which sought to overturn the verdict and penalty for having wooed wealthy French clients into hiding undeclared funds in Swiss bank accounts between 2004 and 2012.

"UBS may be able to partially reduce the 1.1bn euros of provisions currently set aside (for the case)," Keefe, Bruyette & Woods said in a note to clients before the ruling was released.

"However, we would caveat that a new trial may lead to a final settlement above or below the 1.8bn euros," it said, adding that it expected the case to take "multiple years" to come to an end.

LEGAL SAGA

The legal saga has lasted for more than a decade and saw some of the bank's representatives grilled by French judges.

The 1.8 billion-euro fine ordered two years ago against UBS in France was less than half an initial overall penalty of 4.5 billion imposed on the bank after a first trial in 2019.

It is comprised of a 1 billion-euro penalty and 800 million euros in damages owed to the French state.

UBS reported in its third quarter results that it had put aside over $4 billion in provisions for litigation and regulatory matters, roughly half of which is for Credit Suisse. It estimated that the financial implications from the French case alone would come to 1.1 billion euros.

France's top court reviewed whether the Paris appeals court ruling had complied with the law, not the facts that underpinned its decision.

UBS remains involved in a string of litigation and regulatory matters including claims related to the sale of mortgages and residential mortgage-backed securities in the United States.

It also assumed a number of cases from Credit Suisse when it officially took over its former rival and has already settled a number of those, such as with Mozambique over the decade-old $1.5 billion-plus "tuna bond" scandal

($1 = 0.9207 euros)

(Reporting by Tassilo Hummel, Mathieu Rosemain and Noele Illien; Additional reporting by Stefania Spezzati; Editing by Silvia Aloisi and Mark Potter)
FILE PHOTO: Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, departs federal court after a plea hearing on two misdemeanor charges of willfully failing to pay income taxes in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S. July 26, 2023. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo

By Andrew Goudsward

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden on Wednesday sought a federal court's permission to subpoena documents from former President Donald Trump and top Justice Department officials in his administration as part of his defense against federal gun charges.

The younger Biden's lawyers in a filing in U.S. District Court in Delaware cited public reporting suggesting "incessant, improper, and partisan pressure" applied by Trump to then-Attorney General William Barr and senior Justice Department officials Richard Donoghue and Jeffrey Rosen to investigate Biden.

Barr declined to comment. Rosen, Donoghue and a spokesperson for Trump did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Hunter Biden, 53, in October pleaded not guilty to charges that he lied about his drug use while buying a handgun, in the first-ever criminal prosecution of a sitting U.S. president's child.

Special Counsel David Weiss brought the charges against Hunter Biden after a proposed plea deal unraveled under questioning from a judge.

The president's son has been the subject of relentless criticism from Trump and Republican lawmakers, who have set his foreign business dealings at the center of an impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden by Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The White House argues the impeachment probe is politically motivated and unsubstantiated by evidence of wrongdoing by the president.

Hunter Biden's lawyers argued in their court filing that political pressure by Trump during his administration tainted the investigation.

The filing cities instances in which Trump reportedly raised the Hunter Biden investigation with Justice Department officials, including conversations where Trump was reportedly rebuffed. In his memoir, Barr wrote that he told Trump in an October 2020 conversation that he would not discuss the younger Biden.

Hunter Biden's lawyers are seeking the documents by Dec. 1, arguing that may be relevant to pretrial legal motions he plans to file.

(Reporting by Andrew Goudsward; Editing by Scott Malone and Jonathan Oatis)
A man walks within the premises of Al Shifa hospital during the Israeli ground operation around the hospital, in Gaza City November 12, 2023. Ahmed El Mokhallalati/via REUTERS

By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Ari Rabinovitch

GAZA/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Palestinian medics said on Thursday they are increasingly afraid for the lives of hundreds of patients and medical staff at Gaza's biggest hospital, cut off from all links to the outside world for more than a day after Israeli forces entered.

Israel said its commandos were still searching through Al Shifa hospital on Thursday, more than a day after they entered its grounds as part of an offensive Israel says aims to wipe out Hamas militants in the Palestinian enclave.

Israel believes a vast underground Hamas command headquarters was operating in tunnels beneath the hospital and on Thursday night the military said troops had found a tunnel shaft and vehicle with weapons inside the hospital complex.

"In the Shifa Hospital, IDF troops found an operational tunnel shaft and a vehicle containing a large number of weapons," the military said, using the acronym for the Israel Defense Forces.

The military released videos and photographs which it said showed the tunnel shaft and weapons.

It also said the body of an Israeli woman, one of around 240 hostages taken by Hamas gunmen when they stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, was recovered by troops in a building near the hospital.

Military equipment including Kalashnikov rifles and rocket-propelled grenades were also found in the building, it said.

Human Rights Watch cautioned that hospitals have special protections under international humanitarian law.

"Hospitals only lose those protections if it can be shown that harmful acts have been carried out from the premises," the watchdog's U.N. Director Louis Charbonneau told Reuters.

The director of Al Shifa Complex, Muhammad Abu Salamiya, said the hospital had been "under occupation authority for 48 hours and every minute that passes" more patients will die.

"We are waiting for slow death," he told Al Jazeera TV.

Gaza's health ministry said Israeli soldiers had removed bodies from the hospital grounds and destroyed cars parked there, but they were not letting staff or patients leave.

Ministry spokesman Ashraf Al-Qidra said there was no water, food or baby milk in Shifa, which was packed with 650 patients and about 7,000 people displaced by weeks of Israeli air strikes and artillery bombardments.

He demanded that the Israeli troops leave.

Medics have previously said dozens of patients including three premature babies had died from of a lack of fuel and basic supplies during a days-long siege.

UNRWA OPERATIONS 'STRANGLED'

Elsewhere, Israel ordered civilians to leave four towns in the southern part of the Gaza Strip on Thursday, raising fears war could spread to areas where it had told people they would be safe.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said in a statement Israeli forces had cleared the entire west part of Gaza City and that the "next stage has begun". The Israeli military's chief of staff said Israel was close to destroying Hamas's military system in the northern Gaza Strip.

"We will complete it," said Lieutenant-General Herzi Halevi.

Humanitarian agencies issued some of their direst warnings about the harm Israel's military campaign in Gaza was causing to civilians since it began retaliation against Hamas for its rampage in southern Israel.

The World Food Programme (WFP) said the Gaza Strip faced widespread hunger, with supplies of food and water almost exhausted.

"With winter fast approaching, unsafe and overcrowded shelters, and the lack of clean water, civilians are facing the immediate possibility of starvation," said WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain.

The head of the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) said he believed there was a deliberate attempt to "strangle" its humanitarian work in Gaza, warning the agency may have to entirely suspend its operations due to a lack of fuel.

Israel refuses fuel imports, saying they could be used by Hamas for military purposes.

"If the fuel does not come in, people will start to die because of the lack of fuel. Exactly as from when, I dont know. But it will be sooner rather than later," said UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini.

Gaza's main telecommunications companies, Paltel and Jawwal, said all telecom services in Gaza had gone down, as all energy sources supplying the network had run out.

HOSPITALS CLOSED

Reuters journalists have been unable to reach anyone inside Shifa hospital for more than 24 hours.

The World Health Organization said it was trying to arrange a medical evacuation of patients from Shifa, but was hindered by security concerns and the inability to communicate with anyone there.

All hospitals in northern Gaza have effectively been shut down by Israeli forces, who have ordered the evacuation of the entire northern part of the enclave, home to more than half its 2.3 million people.

At the Indonesian Hospital in Gaza, about 45 patients who need urgent surgery have been left in the reception area, hospital chief Atef al-Kahlout told al Jazeera.

Hamas fighters burst through the fence around Gaza on Oct. 7 in an assault that Israel says killed 1,200 people in the deadliest day in its history.

Israel has pounded Gaza with air strikes and cut off food and fuel. Gaza health authorities deemed reliable by the United Nations say more than 11,000 people have been confirmed killed, more than 40% of them children.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Gaza and Emily Rose and Ari Rabinovitch in Jerusalem; Writing by Peter Graff and Nick Macfie, Editing by Angus MacSwan and Toby Chopra)
FILE PHOTO: European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson and European Commission vice president Margaritis Schinas hold a news conference after the European Commission College meeting in Strasbourg, France December 13, 2022. REUTERS/Yves Herman/F

ROME (Reuters) -A deal allowing Italy to build reception camps in Albania for thousands of migrants arriving by sea does not breach EU law which is not applicable, the bloc's top migration official said on Wednesday.

The scheme, announced last week, has drawn criticism from human rights groups and evoked comparisons with the British government's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, judged illegal by Britain's Supreme Court.

"The preliminary assessment by our legal service is that this is not violating EU law, it's outside EU law," EU migration Commissioner Ylva Johansson said about the Italy-Albania agreement in Brussels.

Her remarks suggested that the scheme could not be challenged before the EU Court of Justice.

Italy, an EU member, is planning to open two camps in Albania, a non-EU member, next spring, one to screen migrants on arrival and a second to detain them while asylum applications are processed, and hopes they can process as many as 3,000 cases a month.

The camps are due to operate under Italian jurisdiction, with Italian staff. It is unclear how the plan would work in practice, since there is no precedent for such an arrangement.

Johansson said "EU law is not applicable outside EU territory, but Italian law is", but she did not clarify how this squares with Italy's obligations as a member of the EU.

The Albanian government said on Wednesday it has put forward a law to parliament that will approve the deal with Italy. It is not clear when parliament will vote.

(Reporting by Alvise Armellini; additional reporting by Fatos Bytyci in PristinaEditing by Keith Weir and Nick Macfie)
FILE PHOTO: Jimmy Kimmel hosts the Oscars show at the 95th Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., March 12, 2023. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File Photo

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Comedian Jimmy Kimmel will host the 96th Oscars next year, his fourth time helming the pinnacle event of the Hollywood awards season, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said on Wednesday.

I always dreamed of hosting the Oscars exactly four times, Kimmel said in the Academy statement.

The 96th Oscars will air on Walt Disney-owned ABC and broadcast outlets around the world on March 10, 2024.

Kimmel also hosted the 95th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre last March and delivered a back-to-basics show that sought to celebrate a moviegoing rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, earning an Emmy nomination for his stint.

The host and executive producer of ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live" also hosted the Oscars in both 2017 and 2018.

(Reporting by Mary Milliken in Los Angeles; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
By John Davison and Maya Gebeily

MARJAYOUN, Lebanon (Reuters) - From his office overlooking the border with Israel, Dr. Mounes Klakesh can hear the thump of artillery rounds and air strikes landing on nearby Lebanese towns. The increasing frequency of those strikes has the staff of his small hospital on edge.

"Weve already had to treat 51 people wounded by explosions in the last month or so. Seventeen of those died, or arrived dead. More than that and wed be overwhelmed, Klakesh said.

Klakesh, director of the Marjayoun Hospital in southern Lebanon, said it serves nearly 300,000 people in the area. It has 14 emergency beds and struggles to operate because of a lack of staff and, crucially, lack of fuel.

The hospital runs on generators 20 hours a day and has to pay up to $20,000 a month for the fuel. None of that money comes from the government anymore. We rely on what funds the hospital has from one week to the next, Klakesh said.

If the fuel runs out, the hospital closes. We cant just switch off part of the hospital.

Dozens more public hospitals are in a similarly precarious state. Lebanon's economic collapse in 2019 left them barely able to cope in peacetime.

Now, an escalating conflict on the southern border with Israel is pushing the healthcare sector into a new crisis. Doctors worry the latest Middle East war could stretch it beyond breaking point.

Fighting broke out here after Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas went to war in the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7.

The Iran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah, a Hamas ally, has fired rockets at Israeli troops and Israel has bombed and shelled areas along the border in increasing attacks that are fuelling concerns of a widening conflict.

It is the deadliest violence here since Israel and Hezbollah fought a devastating war in 2006 and has killed more than 70 Hezbollah fighters, 10 Lebanese civilians and 10 Israelis, mostly soldiers. Shells land on Lebanese towns and villages on a daily basis.

The hilltop hospital in Marjayoun has had its share of worse humanitarian crises. Doctors evacuated patients under Israeli air strikes during Israels 2006 invasion in which hundreds died. In the 1980s another Israeli invasion cut south Lebanon off from the rest of the country.

But this time, Klakesh and doctors in other hospitals say they are ill-equipped to handle any more than current levels of violence, let alone another major war.

Lebanon has lurched from one crisis to another in recent years. The 2019 financial collapse and a devastating chemical explosion at Beirut port in 2020 left the state crumbling.

Government money dried up, thousands of doctors and nurses left the country and hospital budgets were slashed.

'WE EXPECT STRIKES ON HOSPITALS'

Marjayoun Hospital is no exception. Many of its staff left for bigger cities or foreign countries, Klakesh said.

We had four or five surgeons, bone doctors and womens doctors, and weve maybe got one of each now which means theyre working long shifts on their own with no one to rotate in, he said.

The Lebanese health ministry has said its budget can no longer meet demand. It rushed trauma kits to state hospitals this week, anticipating the worst. The International Committee of the Red Cross said it supplied fuel to hospitals including Marjayoun.

Emergency aid will only go so far if fighting intensifies, a surgeon at a private hospital in nearby Nabatieh said.

Hospitals could maybe absorb 40 to 50 wounded a week, but if its more than that no hospital in Lebanon would cope properly, Dr. Moussa Abbas said.

The Lebanese exodus after the financial crisis at least means there are fewer people left to treat, Klakesh said. But an influx of patients would clog the narrow driveway that feeds into the joint emergency room and reception area.

Klakesh equipped and renovated the hospital in the months before the financial crash, when government money was still available. He bought kidney dialysis machines and moved a laundry room to an outhouse to create more space to treat patients.

He worries that could all vanish in an air strike and has watched with horror the failure to protect medical staff in Gaza.

Israel's Gaza bombardment has knocked out 25 hospitals in the besieged Palestinian enclave, Hamas officials say. Closer to home, Lebanese authorities said an Israeli shell hit a small hospital near the border last week.

We dont just worry about Israel hitting a hospital, we expect it. After what happened the other day we could be next, he said.

(Reporting by John Davison in Marjayoun, Maya Gebeily in Beirut; writing by John Davison; Editing by Toby Chopra)
By Lovasoa Rabary

ANTANANARIVO (Reuters) - Madagascar announced a night-time curfew on Wednesday on the eve of a tense first round of presidential elections which follows more than six weeks of protests that authorities quelled with tear gas and violence.

The move comes days after ten of 12 opposition candidates pulled out of the race, saying current President Andry Rajoelina is ineligible to run and calling on their supporters to boycott Thursday's vote on the Indian Ocean island.

"We must strengthen the security of the election to prevent things from happening," said police prefect Angelo Ravelonarivo.

Marc Ravalomanana was one of two former presidents to join calls for a boycott.

"If this election is not postponed, Madagascar will experience a major crisis because the population will reject the results," he said in a meeting with other opposition candidates on Tuesday.

Despite reserves of nickel, cobalt, gold, uranium and other minerals, Madagascar is one of the world's poorest countries. Just over 11 million people out of a population of roughly 30 million are registered to vote.

Calls by the opposition to postpone the elections were echoed by the organisation grouping Madagascar's four biggest Christian churches, which declared on Wednesday that it would not observe the vote, citing an unsuitable political environment and lack of standards.

The island's president appeared undeterred and at a campaign rally on Sunday urged supporters to cast their ballots.

The head of the constitutional court on Monday appealed for calm and urged people to resolve their differences via the ballot box.

The court had not heard from the leader of the national assembly asking for the vote to be postponed, and the first round was expected to go ahead as planned on Thursday, court head Florent Rakotoarisoa told a news conference.

(Reporting by Lovasoa Rabary; writing by Giulia Paravicini; editing by Nick Macfie)
A woman smokes next to barricades that have been set up by the police to prevent protesters from accessing the Spanish parliament ahead of the investiture debate as Spain's Socialists seek to clinch a new term following a deal with the Catalan separatist

By Belen Carreno

MADRID (Reuters) -Spanish lawmakers began debating a new term on Wednesday for acting premier Pedro Sanchez, whose offer of an amnesty to Catalan separatists in return for support has roused protests.

Several thousand protesters, many draped in Spanish flags, rallied outside the headquarters of Sanchez's Socialist Party (PSOE) in Madrid, chanting "No to the coup!" and burning Catalan flags.

Having won the backing of Catalan separatist parties Junts and ERC, and other regional parties, the PSOE says Sanchez has enough support to win a vote scheduled for Thursday.

"There is no prosperity in discord, we have to make a push for coexistence and forgiveness," Sanchez told lawmakers.

He defended the amnesty bill, which the opposition labelled unconstitutional.

"We are convinced that a united Spain is a better Spain," he said, causing visible discomfort among some of the Catalan separatists, who still hope for independence for the wealthy region via a referendum.

"If we are here today it is to make things really change. But if there is no progress, we will not approve any initiative presented by your government. It is linked to progress and compliance with agreements," warned Junts bench leader Miriam Nogueras.

Right-wing opposition lawmakers called out "shameless" and "liar" as Sanchez spoke, prompting the house speaker to intervene.

Alberto Nunez Feijoo, leader of the conservative People's Party (PP), accused Sanchez of "pathological ambition" and trading an amnesty for personal gain.

"He hasn't secured the support of anyone, he has bought it signing cheques that we will all pay for," Feijoo said, telling Sanchez: "History won't amnesty you, I can assure you."

The new premiership bid of Sanchez, who has governed since 2018, is expected to garner 179 votes in favour and 171 against in the 350-member assembly.

PROTESTS

The amnesty deal kindled a wave of protests across Spain. Authorities said 80,000 people gathered in the capital Madrid on Sunday, while tens of thousands attended demonstrations in Granada and Seville.

In Madrid on Wednesday, protesters held signs with slogans such as "Pedro Judas Traitor" or "RIP Spanish democracy". A bus with a large image depicting Sanchez as Adolf Hitler on its side, organised by ultra-conservative activist group Hazteoir.org, circulated in the streets nearby.

People's Party vice secretary Esteban Gonzalez Pons on Tuesday compared the amnesty deal to violations of rule of law by some eastern European countries such as Hungary, and suggested the European Union could intervene.

Spain's Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected an injunction by the far-right party Vox to suspend the Sanchez investiture vote.

After PP leader Feijoo failed in his attempt to become prime minister following an election in July that produced no outright winner, the PSOE spent weeks negotiating support with smaller parties to back Sanchez in the investiture vote and on key pieces of legislation.

The hard-left Sumar party is set to become the junior partner in the next coalition government.

(Reporting by Belen Carreno, Miguel Gutierrez, Emma Pinedo and David Latona; Writing by Charlie Devereux and Andrei Khalip; Editing by Aislinn Laing, Emelia Sithole-Matarise and Bernadette Baum)
The Russian terrorist army continues to violate all international conventions and use chemical munitions against Ukraine. Thus, two cases of the occupants' use of chemical weapons were recorded at the Svatove and Bakhmut directions.

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This is stated in the DeepState report as of the end of the day on November 14, 2023. It is likely that the enemy used chlorpicrin, which the Russian army has in abundance in its stockpile and which has been used against our troops before.

It should be noted that chloropicrin is a toxic chemical with irritating effects. Chloropicrin is hazardous to humans because it can be absorbed through the breath, swallowing or skin.

In high concentrations, chloropicrin causes severe irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Although less dangerous than other types of chemical weapons, this chemical can cause vomiting, dizziness, acute inflammation of the eyes, nose, and throat, and convulsions. It can also cause loss of consciousness and skin lesions.

All of these symptoms occur suddenly, and in high concentrations can lead to death in just a few minutes. In addition, chloropicrin can contaminate food and water.

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During World War I, German forces used concentrated chloropicrin as a tear gas against the Entente forces.

As of today, the use of chloropicrin for military purposes is prohibited under the Chemical Weapons Convention, along with phosgene, chloroacetic acid, and hydrocyanic acid.

Despite this, the Russian army continues to use chemical munitions with chloropicrin against Ukraine.

As a reminder, more than 60 combat engagements took place at the frontline in Ukraine over the past day. The Ukrainian defenders inflicted new losses on the enemy, in particular, striking 16 times at the areas of concentration of personnel and destroying 3 enemy air defense systems.

The ISW also reported that the occupiers are conducting simultaneous offensives in several directions and are trying to regain the initiative north and south of Bakhmut. However, Ukrainian troops continue to put pressure on the enemy and are making progress at the tactical level along the front line.

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Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
By Jarrett Renshaw

(Reuters) - New Hampshire on Wednesday officially set the date of its presidential primary for Jan. 23, defying a plan pushed by U.S. President Joe Biden and the Democratic Party to have the state give up its first-in-the-nation primary.

New Hampshire will remain first on the primary calendar, but faces punishment from the Democratic National Committee, including the loss of delegates to the Democratic convention.

The dispute between New Hampshire and the Democratic Party also means Bidens name will be missing from the New Hampshire presidential primary ballot this year.

Biden ousted Iowa and New Hampshire from the first spots on the party's nominating calendar in favor of South Carolina, a more diverse state. Biden credits South Carolina and its large Black population with catapulting him to the White House in 2020.

The move forces any Democratic challenger to Biden to compete first in South Carolina instead of Iowa and New Hampshire, two largely white states that rejected him in 2020. The winner of the New Hampshire primary is not expected to get any delegates necessary to secure the nomination, making South Carolina the first vote of any consequence.

The official date sets the table for the Republican nomination for the candidates seeking to challenge Biden in the general election. They will compete in the Iowa caucuses on Jan. 15 before turning to New Hampshire, followed by the Nevada caucuses on Feb. 8 and South Carolinas primary on Feb. 24.

For Democrats, South Carolinas primary will be on Feb. 3, followed by Nevadas on Feb. 6.

(Reporting By Jarrett Renshaw; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
Trevor Milton, founder and former-CEO of Nikola Corp., exits the Manhattan Federal Courthouse following an appearance in New York City, U.S., July 29, 2021. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz/File Photo

By Jonathan Stempel

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Trevor Milton, the convicted founder of electric- and hydrogen-powered truck maker Nikola, is seeking to avoid prison, with his lawyers saying his case differed from that of Theranos' Elizabeth Holmes, another startup founder convicted of fraud.

Milton, 41, had been found guilty by a federal jury in Manhattan in October 2022 on two counts of wire fraud and one count of securities fraud, after prosecutors branded him a "con man" who lied to investors about Nikola's technology.

Prosecutors said Milton's improper statements included that Nikola had built a pickup from the "ground up," developed batteries he knew it was buying elsewhere, and had early success creating a "Nikola One" semi-truck he knew did not work.

In a Tuesday night court filing, lawyers for Milton said he should get probation at his Nov. 28 sentencing, in part to care for his ailing wife.

The lawyers said there was "not a shred of evidence" that Milton had ill intent, and any misstatements resulted from his "deeply-held optimism and belief" in his Phoenix-based company.

Milton had been a frequent user of Twitter, and often appeared on television and podcasts.

"Trevor has his faults, but if he is made aware of them, he will make the effort to correct them," the filing said.

The lawyers distinguished Holmes' case by saying Theranos, which promised to run many medical tests on one blood drop from a finger prick, was not a "real company with real products," and that Holmes' lies put people at medical risk.

Holmes is serving an 11-1/4-year prison term, which she is appealing. She had sought 18 months of home confinement.

The office of U.S. Attorney Damian Williams in Manhattan is expected to submit its own sentencing recommendation.

Probation officers calculated that Milton deserves 17-1/2 to nearly 22 years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines, which are advisory and judges need not follow. Milton's lawyers said the range should be 12 to 18 months.

Nikola shares trade near $1, giving the company a $1.1 billion market value. That value peaked above $30 billion in June 2020.

The case is U.S. v. Milton, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 21-cr-00378.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
General view during the 10th meeting of the Trade, Economic and Scientific and Technological Cooperation Committee between the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the government of Russia, in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this picture

SEOUL (Reuters) - Russian and North Korean officials held talks in Pyongyang to discuss expanding cooperation in economy, science and technology to follow up on the agreements reached by their leaders in September, the North's state media reported on Thursday.

The meeting took place on Wednesday in Pyongyang, led by North Korea's minister of external economic relations Yun Jong Ho and Russia's natural resources minister Alexander Kozlov, the KCNA news agency said.

"The meeting discussed and confirmed in detail the measures for revitalizing and expanding the multi-faceted bilateral exchange and cooperation in different fields, including trade, economy, science and technology," the news agency said.

The two countries signed a protocol of the meeting, KCNA said, without disclosing details.

Sports ministers of the two countries also held talks in Pyongyang to expand cooperation and agreed on a plan for exchanges in 2024-2026, KCNA said.

A Russian delegation led by Kozlov arrived in North Korea on Tuesday as Moscow and Pyongyang have been stepping up cooperation following their leaders' summit in September.

Washington has said North Korea is supplying military equipment to Russia for use in its war with Ukraine, while Moscow is providing technical support to help North Korea advance its military capabilities.

North Korea and Russia have denied any arms deals.

(Reporting by Soo-hyang Choi; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
FILE PHOTO: An Ocado grocery delivery van is driven along a street in London, Britain, March 25, 2023. REUTERS/Toby Melville

LONDON (Reuters) -Britain's Ocado Group has secured its first deal outside grocery retail to provide its robotic warehouse technology to a site of drug distributor McKesson Corp's Canada unit, it said on Wednesday.

The online supermarket and technology group said there was huge potential for expansion beyond grocery, one of the most complex supply chains that has given it expertise to apply to other sectors.

Shares in Ocado closed up 5.6% on Wednesday, paring losses over the last year to 22.6%.

CEO Tim Steiner said Ocado's robotic, AI and machine learning technology was ideally suited to supply chains that required dense storage, highly accurate inventory management and secure stock control.

"It has been proven over 20 years in one of the most complex supply chain environments, online grocery, and we're now bringing our experience and IP to more sectors," he said.

The group has technology deals with 12 grocery retailers, including Kroger in the United States, Aeon in Japan and Casino in France. It also holds a 50% share of Ocado Retail in the UK in a joint venture with Marks & Spencer.

The deal with McKesson will see Ocado receive upfront fees during the construction process with the final payment upon final installation. Ocado will also receive an ongoing annual fee related to the servicing and maintenance of the technology.

Ocado said the impact of the deal will be minimal on cash flow and earnings in its current financial year. It will be cash and EBITDA positive in full year 2025.

In July, the group reported a return to first half underlying profit.

The group's shares soared by as much as 47% on June 22 after the Times newspaper reported possible takeover interest from more than one U.S. suitor including Amazon. Ocado and Amazon declined to comment at the time.

(Reporting by James Davey in London and Prerna Bedi in Bengaluru Editing by Shilpi Majumdar, Kirsten Donovan and Barbara Lewis)
Rescuers work at a site of an apartment building damaged at night by Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Selydove, Donetsk region, Ukraine November 15, 2023. Press service of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine/Handout via REUTE

By Max Hunder

SELYDOVE, Ukraine (Reuters) -A Russian missile smashed into an apartment block in the sleepy eastern Ukrainian town of Selydove on Wednesday, killing two people and wounding at least three others, Ukrainian officials said.

Rescuers at the site raced to clear rubble to find anyone trapped after four S-300 missiles struck the town shortly after midnight, damaging six apartment buildings and 20 homes, according to the police.

The State Emergency Service said in the afternoon that a body had been recovered from the rubble, pushing up the death toll to two. "There are probably two people under the rubble," it said on Telegram messenger.

The rescue work continued, it said.

"There were no soldiers living there, only civilians," Olha, a 64-year-old woman who lives next door to the ruined building, told Reuters.

Through tears, she said she knew a woman who had been killed.

"Of course I knew her and her son. He was given medical help, he was recovering from an operation. But (she) died."

"People have been left with nothing," Olha said.

Her neighbour, 66-year-old Natalia, looked shocked by the night's tragedy.

"Now I'm scared to be in my own flat."

About half of the apartment block had been destroyed by the missile, which had torn out a gaping triangular hole that spanned at least ten metres at its top.

Rescuers cleared the debris and warned residents against approaching a surviving corner of the structure as it teetered, close to collapse.

A large crane assisted workers in clearing a mass of loose rubble from where the top floor once had been. Many onlookers were in shock, some cried.

Russia has carried out regular missile and drone strikes on population centres behind the front line of its 21-month-old invasion of Ukraine.

Moscow denies targeting civilians. Ukraine regularly reports that Russian missile and drone strikes have killed and hurt civilians and damaged civilian infrastructure during the full-scale war launched by Russia in February 2022.

(Reporting by Max Hunder and Ivan Lyubysh-Kirdey;Editing by Tom Balmforth, Alexandra Hudson)
(Reuters) -A Russian missile killed two emergency workers in southern Ukraine on Wednesday as they put out a fire from an attack only minutes earlier, Ukrainian officials said.

At least seven other people were wounded in the strikes in the Zaporizhzhia region, in which Russian forces fired three missiles in about half an hour, regional governor Yuriy Malashko said.

He said a civilian facility had been hit but gave no details and that homes, cars and outhouses nearby had been damaged.

Rescue workers had rushed to the scene after the first strikes but another attack followed, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said on the Telegram messaging app.

"Employees of the State Emergency Service were already at the scene in a matter of minutes. Then the (Russian) invaders struck again," he said, adding that the two men killed were aged 31 and 34.

He said the wounded included three emergency workers and four civilians.

Ukraine says many civilians have been killed in Russian missile and drone strikes since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Moscow, which did not immediately comment on the latest Ukrainian reports, denies targeting civilians.

(Reporting by Yuliia Dysa; editing by Tom Balmforth and Bernadette Baum)
Paraguay's President-elect Santiago Pena speaks during an interview with Reuters ahead of his inauguration, in Asuncion, Paraguay August 7, 2023. REUTERS/Cesar Olmedo/File Photo

ASUNCION (Reuters) - Paraguay and Venezuela have decided to reestablish diplomatic ties, the Paraguayan foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday, after the South American countries broke off relations nearly five years ago.

Formal diplomatic ties were severed in January 2019, when Paraguay recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's interim president.

Following talks between Paraguay's recently-elected President Santiago Pena and his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro, the ministry said ambassadors should be formally accredited in the coming days.

"Both parties have committed to restart bilateral relations with complete respect to the fundamental principles of equal rights, the self-determination of peoples, non-intervention in internal affairs of other states and of solidarity," according to the statement.

(Reporting by Daniela Desantis; Writing by Sarah Morland; Editing by David Alire Garica)
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia said on Wednesday that Armenian Prime Minister's Nikol Pashinyan's decision to stay away from a summit of the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) was the latest anti-Russian move by Armenia orchestrated by the West.

Relations between Russia and Armenia, which are formally allies, have soured in recent months, with Yerevan publicly questioning the value of its partnership with Russia and trying to deepen ties with the West.

The trigger was Azerbaijan retaking its breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh in September, prompting almost all of the territory's 120,000 ethnic Armenians to flee despite the presence of Russian peacekeepers.

Some Armenians blamed Russia for failing to stop what Baku called an anti-terrorist operation, an allegation that Moscow has rejected.

Russian Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters that Russia saw Pashinyan's refusal to attend the CSTO summit as the latest in a "chain" of events.

"The West is obviously behind it. The West, whose plans in Ukraine have failed, is now gripping Armenia, trying to tear it away from Russia," she said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Armenian state news agency Armenpress cited Pashinyan as telling the country's parliament that the CSTO had repeatedly failed to protect Armenia's interests.

He said that Armenia was looking to diversify its security arrangements, but that it had not yet decided whether or not it would leave the CSTO.

(Reporting by Dmitry Antonov; Writing by Felix Light; editing by Andrew Osborn)
FILE PHOTO: The Kakao messaging application and the Kakao T taxi booking application are seen on a mobile phone in this illustration photo March 13, 2018. REUTERS/Thomas White/Illustration/File Photo

SEOUL (Reuters) - Kakao Mobility, a South Korean taxi-hailing service provider, plans to acquire European taxi platform FreeNow, Maeil Business Newspaper reported on Wednesday.

Kakao Mobility will make a proposal as early as next week to acquire about an 80% stake in the Germany-based mobility service provider, the newspaper reported, citing an unidentified source.

Responding to a Reuters request for comment, Kakao Mobility said it did not have anything to say on the matter.

Kakao Mobility, a subsidiary of South Korean tech giant Kakao, has a market share of more than 90% of the country's taxi-hailing market. It is facing growing regulatory scrutiny after the president urged a review into its taxi app amid complaints about monopolistic practices.

(Reporting by Jihoon Lee; Editing by Mark Potter)
FILE PHOTO: South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol gives a speech on the government budget at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, 31 October 2023. JEON HEON-KYUN/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

By Soo-hyang Choi

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol heads to the United States on Wednesday to attend an APEC summit where he plans to seek support from other leaders for a coordinated response to growing military ties between North Korea and Russia.

This year's Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum takes place in San Francisco, at a time when there are concerns in the region that the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine are distracting Western powers from focusing on hot spots in the Indo-Pacific.

Yoon has criticised what he called illegal cooperation between North Korea and Russia, describing it as a "serious threat" to regional security in an interview with the Associated Press this week. The president said he would discuss with world leaders ways to jointly respond to the development.

His U.S. trip follows back-to-back visits to Seoul by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, where they sought to provide reassurances on Washington's commitment to the region as well as voicing concerns over growing Russia-North Korea ties.

Austin said on Tuesday China and Russia were helping North Korea expand its military capabilities by enabling it to evade sanctions, an allegation the Kremlin dismissed as "absolutely unfounded."

Washington has said North Korea is supplying military equipment to Russia for use in its war with Ukraine, while Moscow is providing technical support to help North Korea advance its military capabilities.

North Korea and Russia have denied any arms deals, though their leaders pledged closer military cooperation at their September summit.

In the latest sign of warming ties, a Russian delegation led by natural resources minister Alexander Kozlov arrived in Pyongyang on Tuesday, the North's state media reported, as the politically isolated country announced new progress in its banned ballistic missile programme.

In San Francisco, Blinken held talks with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts on Tuesday and vowed a coordinated response to the North Korea-Russia cooperation.

Yoon plans to attend the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and a roundtable on technology cooperation with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at Stanford University before heading home.

South Korea and China are also in talks for a possible meeting between their leaders, Seoul's foreign ministry said.

(Reporting by Soo-hyang Choi; Editing by Ed Davies and Stephen Coates)
Slovakia has decided not to continue transferring military aid to Ukraine from its warehouses. At the same time, Bratislava will continue to support Kyiv with humanitarian, civilian, and technical non-lethal assistance.

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This was confirmed in Brussels (Belgium) in a conversation with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg by Defense Minister Robert Kalinak, the Defense Ministry's website reported on November 14. "Our foreign partners fully respect the decision of the new government," the press service said.

The ministry said that the new government aims to strengthen the capacity and capabilities of its Armed Forces "in performing tasks aimed at preserving the security of the people and the state." In particular, it is planned to modernize the Slovak Armed Forces.

Kalynak emphasized: "Bratislava is a responsible partner that is ready to build capacity both at the individual and collective level."

"Both sides reaffirmed during the bilateral meeting that NATO and the Slovak Republic will continue to work together to improve the readiness, deployment and interoperability of their armed forces," the Defense Ministry said.

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As OBOZ.UA previously reported:

- On November 8, the new government of Slovakia did not approve the 14th package of military aid to Ukraine worth 40.3 million euros. This aid package was prepared by the former leadership of the Slovak Defense Ministry.

- Following the September elections, leftist leader Robert Fico became the country's prime minister. He and his Smer party took the lead in the election race with rhetoric about stopping aid to Ukraine, theses about "independent from the US and EU" policy, and protests against the expansion of transgender rights. He had previously served as prime minister three times, resigning in scandal in 2018.

- The day after his victory, Fico said he did not support military aid to our country.

- As a result, key departments in the Slovak cabinet were headed by officials who also oppose further military support for Kyiv.

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Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
By Daniel Wiessner

(Reuters) - Tesla Inc did not violate U.S. labor law by prohibiting workers at its flagship Fremont, California, assembly plant from wearing pro-union t-shirts, a federal appeals court has ruled.

The New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a decision on Tuesday said that because Tesla required all employees to wear company-issued shirts while allowing them to display union stickers, its uniform policy was lawful.

The court reversed a 2022 decision by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which had said that any attempt to ban union insignia was unlawful unless an employer could show "special circumstances" such as safety concerns.

Tesla and the NLRB did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The electric vehicle maker adopted its uniform policy in 2017 amid an organizing campaign by the United Auto Workers union (UAW). The union has accused Tesla of various unlawful tactics to stifle organizing, which the company has denied.

The UAW has said that it plans to aggressively organize at non-union U.S. auto plants after winning new contracts with the Detroit Three automakers. President Joe Biden said last week that he supported the union's efforts to organize workers at Tesla and Toyota.

Tesla's "team wear" policy required employees to wear black shirts imprinted with the Tesla logo. The company has said the policy was necessary to ensure that vehicles were not damaged during assembly.

On Tuesday, the 5th Circuit said that it was wrong for the NLRB to require Tesla to prove that special circumstances justified its policy.

The company still allowed workers "to affix any number or size of union stickers to their team wear," so it was not unlawfully interfering with union organizing, the court said.

The full 5th Circuit is separately considering Tesla's appeal of an NLRB decision that said CEO Elon Musk violated federal labor law by tweeting in 2018 that employees would lose stock options if they joined a union.

A three-judge 5th Circuit panel in March had affirmed the labor board's decision.

(Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York; Editing by Nick Zieminski)
FILE PHOTO: The logo of Tesla is seen in Taipei, Taiwan August 11, 2017. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu/File Photo

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Tesla is facing growing pressure in Sweden from unions backing mechanics demanding a collective bargaining agreement with the U.S. carmaker, with workers at one of its suppliers set to go on strike next week.

Tesla has no manufacturing plant in Sweden but its electric cars are serviced at workshops across the country, where around 130 mechanics affiliated with Swedish union IF Metall began a strike on Oct. 27.

They were soon joined by dockworkers and car dealerships who refused to handle Tesla products.

About 50 unionised workers at Hydro Extrusions, a subsidiary of Norwegian aluminium and energy company Hydro, will stop work on Tesla car products next Friday, a spokesperson for the company said. The rest of the plant, located in the city of Vetlanda, will keep running, the spokesperson added.

Hydro Extrusions's Vetlanda plant makes aluminium profiles - aluminium alloys transformed into shapes, and is the first Tesla supplier in Sweden to down tools in support of the mechanics' strike.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The carmaker told IF Metall on Nov. 6 it did not want to sign a collective agreement, the union said.

"We want Tesla Sweden to sign a collective agreement... We want this conflict to be as brief and short as possible," IF Metall spokesperson Jesper Pettersson said.

German unions have pressured the carmaker to implement a similar agreement for its 11,000 workers in Gruenheide, near Berlin.

It raised wages by 4% earlier this month, but German union IG Metall claims wages remain around 20% below those offered under collective agreements.

(Reporting by Marie Mannes, Victoria Waldersee, Johan Ahlander; Writing by Victoria Waldersee, Marie Mannes; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
By Daisy Chung, Ernest Scheyder and Clare Trainor

(Reuters) - The International Seabed Authority is working to set regulations for deep-sea mining as companies engaged in the clean energy transition clamor for more minerals. That transition will be a central focus at the United Nations COP28 climate summit in Dubai from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12.

The seafloor, especially in parts of the Pacific Ocean, is covered by potato-shaped rocks known as polymetallic nodules that are filled with metals used to make lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles.

Many scientists say it's unclear whether and to what extent removing these nodules could damage the oceans ecosystem. Automaker BMW, tech giant Google and even Rio Tinto, the worlds second-largest mining company, have called for a temporary ban on the practice.

The metals in those nodules can be used to build electric vehicle (EV) batteries, cell phones, solar panels and other electronic devices. They are separate from rare earths, a group of 17 metals also used in EVs.

With climate change escalating, governments are under pressure to rein in emissions  especially from the transportation sector, which was responsible for about 20% of global emissions in 2022.

By 2040, the world will need to use twice the amount of these metals as it is using today in order to meet global energy transition targets, according to the International Energy Agency. And the world will need at least four times today's amount in reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Learn more here: GRAPHIC-The promise and risks of deep-sea mining

(Editing by Julia Wolfe, Katy Daigle and Claudia Parsons)
DUBLIN (Reuters) - Twenty-three Irish citizens left Gaza on Wednesday through the Rafah border crossing into Egypt, the first Irish group to do so since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war, local media quoted foreign minister Micheal Martin as saying.

The Irish government has previously said around 40 Irish citizens were stuck in Gaza and Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said earlier that he expected additional Irish citizens to be added a list of those allowed to leave in the coming days.

"The good news today is that 23 Irish citizens have come through - or are in the process - at Rafah," the Irish Times quoted Martin as telling reporters in Cairo on Wednesday.

(Reporting by Padraic Halpin; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
FILE PHOTO: A view of Palestinian goods trucks in front of the commercial crossing of Kerem Shalom after the Israeli ban on Gaza exports deals a blow to the long-suffering economy, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip September 5, 2023. REUTERS/Ibraheem Ab

GENEVA (Reuters) - U.N. aid chief Martin Griffiths on Wednesday implored Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing in Israel as part of a 10-point plan to respond to the population's needs.

"Kerem Shalom, please Israel, give us that for our crossing point," Griffiths told reporters in Geneva.

The Kerem Shalom crossing was used to carry more than 60% of the truckloads going into Gaza before this conflict, Griffiths said.

Aid currently being allowed into Gaza comes through the Rafah crossing on the Egyptian border, which was designed for pedestrian crossings and not trucks.

Other components of the plan presented by Griffiths include facilitating aid agencies' efforts to bring in a continuous flow of aid convoys and allow them to set up relief distribution hubs for civilians.

Griffiths also stressed the need to expand the number of safe shelters for displaced people in schools and other public facilities across Gaza and ensure that they remain free of hostilities.

"These are the actions required to rein in the carnage," Griffiths said. "The plan is comprehensive, and we are determined to push for every step, but we need broad international support."

Separately, in a posting on X, formerly Twitter, Griffiths said he was "appalled" by reports of the Israeli raid on Gaza's Al Shifa hospital.

"The protection of newborns, patients, medical staff and all civilians must override all other concerns," Griffiths wrote.

(Reporting by Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber; Editing by Madeline Chambers and Bill Berkrot)
By Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A U.S. Navy warship shot down a drone in the Red Sea that emanated from Yemen, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Wednesday, in what appeared to be only the second time the United States has brought down projectiles near its warships since the Israel-Hamas conflict began.

Washington is on heightened alert for activity by Iran-backed groups as regional tensions soar during the conflict and has been trying to ensure that it does not spread in the region.

The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Thomas Hudner, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, took down the drone early morning local time.

The officials did not say whether the drone was armed or how close it came to the ship before being shot down. The action was first reported by Reuters.

Last month, another U.S. warship intercepted four cruise missiles and 15 drones launched by the Iran-aligned Houthi movement from Yemen towards Israel.

Yemen's Houthi leader said on Tuesday his forces would continue its attacks on Israel, and that they could target Israeli ships in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

Last week, the Houthis shot down a U.S. military MQ-9 drone while it was in international airspace.

The Houthis, who have been at war against a Saudi-led coalition since 2015, have emerged as a major military force in the Arabian Peninsula, with tens of thousands of fighters and a huge arsenal of ballistic missiles and armed drones.

The U.S. has sent a significant amount of naval power to the Middle East in the past month, including two aircraft carriers, their support ships and thousands of U.S. troops.

The United States has so far carried out three sets of air strikes against Iran-linked militia in Syria in response to a series of attacks against U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria.

U.S. and coalition troops have been attacked at least 55 times in Iraq and Syria since Oct. 17, injuring 59 personnel, though all have returned to duty, the Pentagon has said.

Statements, purportedly from the militant groups responsible, have said the assaults are in response to U.S. support for Israel in the war in Gaza.

Reuters has reported that the U.S. military was taking new measures to protect its Middle East forces during the ramp-up in attacks by suspected Iran-backed groups, and was leaving open the possibility of evacuating military families if needed.

The measures include increasing U.S. military patrols, restricting access to base facilities and boosting intelligence collection, including through drone and other surveillance operations, officials say.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
By Elias Biryabarema

KAMPALA (Reuters) - Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni on Wednesday denounced the United States and UK for issuing adverse security advisories to their citizens in Uganda, and accused both countries of creating and conserving insecurity in Africa.

Last week the U.S. and UK both issued travel warnings urging their citizens not to travel to Jinja town in eastern Uganda to attend a cultural festival that was held over the weekend, with the UK citing the killing of tourists and the risk of threats against foreigners.

Assailants from the Islamic State-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces on Oct. 17 attacked a honeymooning couple in Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park and shot them dead alongside their Ugandan guide.

The U.S. cited unspecified security concerns.

In a statement, Museveni said the British and the Americans were panicking and making a mistake in issuing unwarranted advisories.

"These advisories by some of these actors is another form of interference in our internal affairs by these elements. Moreover, part of the terrorism in Africa is either created or conserved by some of the actors that try to be global policemen," Museveni said.

(Reporting by Elias Biryabarema, Editing by Bhargav Acharya and Toby Chopra)
Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak walks outside No. 10 Downing Street ahead of Prime Minister's Questions at the Houses of Parliament in London, Britain, November 15, 2023. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

By Andrew MacAskill and Michael Holden

LONDON (Reuters) -After suffering a devastating defeat in the country's top court, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak aims to revive his flagship immigration policy though legal experts question whether it will be enough to overcome the legal obstacles.

The UK Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled the government's scheme to send asylum seekers to Rwanda was unlawful, leading members of parliament in Sunak's Conservative Party to demand he find a way to enact one of his government's centrepiece pledges.

Sunak said he was working on a new treaty with Rwanda that would address the points made by the court, would pass an emergency law to designate Rwanda a safe country, and was "prepared to do what is necessary" to stop any foreign court blocking deportation flights.

But whether his actions will be enough to satisfy the courts, or restless members on the right of his party, some of whom have warned of a leadership challenge, remain to be seen.

"The PM was right to say we have to do 'whatever it takes' - but it's now clear that what it will 'take' is more than a reheat of this, or a new treaty with Rwanda," said Conservative lawmaker Neil O'Brien.

"We tried the cautious approach and that was reasonable - but we now know for sure - tinkering won't work."

In their ruling, the judges said Rwanda had to make "significant changes" before it could be considered a safe third country for migrants, highlighting judicial failings as well as its record of compliance with other international treaties.

James Cleverly, Britain's new interior minister, said the Rwanda deal would be upgraded to a legally-binding treaty from a memorandum of understanding, and ensure that anyone removed to Rwanda could not be sent to another country apart from Britain.

"You would have to have Rwanda promising to fix all these things, but even that on its own I am not sure, reading the judgment, would be enough to make it safe," Gavin Phillipson, professor of law at the University of Bristol, told Reuters.

Alan Greene, a reader in Constitutional Law and Human Rights at Birmingham Law School, said it was not clear how a new treaty would solve the concerns raised by the Supreme Court about Britain's adherence to international obligations.

DEAD AND BURIED

Legal experts said the emergency law could address domestic issues, but those facing deportation would still be able to seek remedy in the European Court of Human Rights.

The Bar Council, which represents barristers, said it had "grave concern" about the prospect of parliament passing legislation intended to deem Rwanda a safe country and therefore upend the Supreme Court's finding.

"That would raise profound and important questions about the respective role of the courts and parliament in countries that subscribe to the Rule of Law," Bar Council Chair Nick Vineall.

With those on the right wing of the Conservative Party vociferously advocating abandoning the European rights' convention and other international treaties, Sunak said he would not accept a foreign court blocking flights.

"We need to end the merry-go-round," Sunak told a press conference in Downing Street, saying he thought deportation planes to Rwanda could start flying by the spring of next year.

However, Phillipson and others said the emergency law on which he was relying was likely to be held up by parliament's upper chamber, the House of Lords, for a year, and no flights were likely before the next election - which must be held by January 2025 at the latest, with the opposition Labour Party currently far ahead in opinion polls.

That meant Sunak needed to go further and faster, right-wing critics in his party said.

"We have no time left. This bill - which must come to parliament within weeks - must have everything in it to ensure that flights are in the air within months," a statement from the chairs of the New Conservatives group of lawmakers said.

However, another Conservative politician in the moderate wing of the faction-ridden party was pessimistic about the plan's future. "I think the policy is dead and buried," he said.

(Additional reporting by Sam Tobin and Sachin Ravikumar; Editing by Alex Richardson)
File photo: Ukrainian sappers dig up a rocket of multiple launch system in a field, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kherson region, Ukraine November 9, 2023. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi/File photo

By Tom Balmforth and Yuliia Dysa

KYIV (Reuters) -Ukrainian troops have crossed the vast River Dnipro into occupied areas of Kherson region and are operating in small groups, Russia conceded on Wednesday, saying it had dispatched more troops to stop them.

Ukraine said on Tuesday it had secured a foothold on the eastern bank of the Dnipro "against all odds", a potentially major setback for Russian occupation forces in the south where Kyiv is trying to open a new line of attack.

A Ukrainian military spokesperson added on Wednesday that Ukrainian troops were trying to push Russian forces back from the eastern bank of the river, a formidable natural barrier.

Military expert Oleksandr Kovalenko told media outlet RBK Ukraine that the growing area of contested control on the eastern bank "significantly reduces the mobility and capability of the Russian occupiers".

Vladimir Saldo, the Russian-installed governor of the part of Kherson region under Moscow's control, noted that Ukrainian forces had crossed the river, but were taking heavy losses.

Ukrainian forces, he said in a statement, were operating in small groups spread over an area from a railway bridge to the village of Krynky, a distance of around 20 km (12 miles).

"Our additional forces have now been brought in. The enemy is trapped in (the settlement of) Krynky and a fiery hell has been arranged for him: bombs, rockets, heavy flamethrower systems, artillery shells and drones," said Saldo.

Citing information from Russia's "Dnepr" military grouping, he said Ukrainian forces were pinned down in basements in the day and predicted the Ukrainian assault would be thwarted.

The village of Krynky lies close to the Dnipro around 30 km northeast of the city of Kherson, which Ukraine recaptured almost exactly a year ago.

Natalia Humeniuk, spokesperson for Ukraine's southern military command, described the frontline as "fairly fluid" and said Kyiv's forces had been putting pressure on Russian troops.

"The pushback from our side is taking place on a line from 3 to 8 km along the entire bank from the water's edge," she said.

"For now, we will ask for informational silence ... which would allow us to report later on great successes."

Reuters could not verify either side's accounts.

In Ukraine's east, the head of the military administration in Avdiivka said the Ukrainian-controlled eastern town was "being wiped out" by a month of unrelenting Russian attacks.

There were now fewer than 1,500 residents remaining from a pre-war population of 32,000, with increasing numbers seeking evacuation, Vitaliy Barabash told national television.

Russian military bloggers reported fighting to the northeast, near the town of Horlivka, controlled by Russian troops and their separatists who seized the town in 2014. There was no comment from Ukrainian officials or commentators.

GAINING A FOOTHOLD IN THE SOUTH

Russia has largely held Kyiv's counteroffensive at bay in the southeast, but an advance in occupied Kherson region could spread their defences thinner and ratchet up pressure.

"Against all the odds, Ukraine's defence forces have gained a foothold on the left (eastern) bank of the Dnipro," President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's chief of staff said on Tuesday.

The official, Andriy Yermak, said Ukraine's counteroffensive, launched in June, was "developing" and that Kyiv knew "how to achieve victory".

Russia's military said last week its forces had thwarted a Ukrainian attempt to forge a bridgehead on the eastern bank and nearby islands, inflicting heavy losses.

Yermak made his remarks in the United States, which has provided military assistance since the February 2022 invasion, although questions now swirl over the sustainability of the aid.

While cautious not to compromise any of its operations, Kyiv has been eager to tout its battlefield successes after the much-vaunted counteroffensive, has retaken only a series of villages.

Russian troops seized Kherson region in the early days of their invasion, but retreated a year ago from the city of Kherson and other positions on the western side of the river.

This week, in a highly unusual incident, two Russian state news agencies published alerts saying Moscow was moving troops to "more favourable positions" east of the river, language it has used in the past to describe retreats.

The agencies quickly withdrew the news report, which Russia's defence ministry said was false.

(Reporting by Tom Balmforth and Yuliia Dysa; Additional reporting by Olena Harmash; Editing by Alex Richardson, Ron Popeski and Lincoln Feast)
FILE PHOTO: Delegates observe a minute of silence for the victims of the October 7 attack on Israel by Palestinian Islamist group Hamas and for Palestinians who died in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, during a meeting of the United Nations Security

By Michelle Nichols and Daphne Psaledakis

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday called for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses in fighting between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip for a "sufficient number of days" to allow aid access.

The 15-member council overcame an impasse, which saw four unsuccessful attempts to take action last month, to adopt a resolution that also calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas.

The United States, Russia and Britain, who are council veto-powers, abstained from Wednesday's vote on the resolution drafted by Malta. The remaining 12 members voted in favor.

The council stalemate has largely been centered on whether to call for a humanitarian pause or a ceasefire. A pause is generally considered less formal and shorter than a ceasefire, which has to be agreed by the warring parties. The United States has backed pauses, while Russia has pushed for a ceasefire.

Russia failed in a last minute bid to amend the resolution to call for a truce leading to a cessation of hostilities. Russia abstained because there was no call for an immediate ceasefire, Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the council.

The resolution was the fifth council attempt to take action since Israel says Hamas militants killed 1,200 people and took about 240 hostage in a surprise assault on Oct. 7. The text also does not condemn the Hamas attack - a point of contention for Israel's ally, the U.S., and Britain.

"Ultimately, the United States could not vote 'yes' on a text that did not condemn Hamas - or reaffirm the right of all member states to protect their citizens from terrorist attacks," U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the council after the vote.

Britain also abstained because there was no condemnation of the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas.

"The barbarity of those attacks should be clear to us all," Britain's U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward told the council. "But let me be absolutely clear, it was vital and overdue for the council to speak on this crisis and we strongly support the resolution's purpose: to get aid in, and hostages out."

The council called "for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip for a sufficient number of days to enable ... the full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access."

Israel has vowed to wipe out Hamas, which rules Gaza, striking the enclave of 2.3 million from the air, imposing a siege and invading with soldiers and tanks. Gaza health officials, considered reliable by the United Nations, say about 11,500 Palestinians are confirmed killed.

"Hamas has deeply embedded itself within the civilian population in Gaza," Thomas-Greenfield said. "But we have been clear at the highest levels: Hamas's actions do not lessen Israel's responsibility to protect innocent people in Gaza."

The Security Council attempted four times in two weeks in October to act. Russia failed twice to get the minimum votes needed, the United States vetoed a Brazilian-drafted resolution and Russia and China vetoed a U.S.-drafted resolution.

The resolution adopted on Wednesday demands compliance with international law, specifically the protection of civilians, especially children. It also calls on all parties not to deprive civilians in Gaza of basic services and humanitarian aid needed for their survival, welcomes the initial, limited deliveries of aid, but calls for that to be increased.

In the wake of the Security Council deadlock last month, the 193-member U.N. General Assembly adopted on Oct. 28 - with 121 votes in favor - a resolution drafted by Arab states that called for an immediate humanitarian truce and demanded aid access to the Gaza Strip and protection of civilians.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Paul Grant, Emelia Sithole-Matarise, Grant McCool and Daniel Wallis)
Ukrainians have a limited amount of medicines on the left, temporarily occupied bank of the Kherson region. There is a shortage in pharmacies as most of the medicines are taken for the needs of the enemy army.

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This was reported on November 14 by the National Resistance Center on its official website. It notes that the Russian invaders do not provide medical services to the civilian population of the temporarily occupied territories (TOT).

Several civilian hospitals have been reformatted and organized as military hospitals for the Russian Armed Forces. Therefore, it is not easy for Ukrainians to receive quality medical services and medicines in the TOT.

"Each of you can bring back a decent life to your region by informing the Defense Forces about the enemy's movements and location," the NRC addressed the residents of the territories temporarily occupied by Russian troops.

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As OBOZ.UA wrote:

- On November 14, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andrii Yermak, recognized the advance of the Defense Forces in the Kherson region for the first time. He said that our soldiers had seized a bridgehead on the left bank of the region.

- On November 13, Russian media reported that occupation units from the Dnipro group had taken "more favorable positions" on the left bank of the Kherson region. Later, the propagandists refuted their own words, saying that it was a "false message" and a "provocation."

- The Russians reacted strongly to the incident, and the Telegram channel "Nikolaevskiy Vanyok" suggested that this was a way for the Russian leadership to test the reaction of the Russians.

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- The NRC clarified that the withdrawal of Russian troops from the left bank of the Kherson region has not been recorded yet.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
FILE PHOTO: UNICEF Executive Director Catherine M. Russell speaks during a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Threats to International Peace and Security, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in New York City, U.S., March 7, 2022. REUTER

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell was injured in a car accident in Egypt on Tuesday while traveling to the Gaza Strip and has had to postpone a visit to Israel due to her injuries, a UNICEF spokesperson said on Wednesday.

"While en route to Rafah, we believe the car hit or tried to avert a big pothole that made the car go over a deep ditch and flip on the side," said UNICEF head of media Kurtis Cooper, adding that Russell "experienced significant bruising, and is in quite a bit of discomfort, but her injuries are not considered serious."

He said Russell continued her visit to Gaza and then doctors determined she required further care, so she postponed the rest of her visit to the region, which included Israel, where she had hoped to meet with families of abducted children.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; editing by Paul Grant)
FILE PHOTO: Comedian and talk show host Jon Stewart arrives on the red carpet before receiving the Mark Twain Prize For American Humor, at The Kennedy Center in Washington, U.S., April 24 2022. REUTERS/Cheriss May/File Photo

By Patricia Zengerle and Michael Martina

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. lawmakers asked Apple Inc to explain the abrupt end of political comedian Jon Stewart's television show on its streaming service, according to a letter made public on Wednesday, citing concerns that content related to China was behind the cancellation.

The New York Times reported last month that Stewart's show on Apple's streaming service was ending, the result of creative differences. The newspaper said Stewart told members of his staff that potential show topics related to China and artificial intelligence were causing concern to Apple executives.

Apple declined comment to the Times.

"While companies have the right to determine what content is appropriate for their streaming service, the coercive tactics of a foreign power should not be directly or indirectly influencing these determinations," the Republican and Democratic leaders of the House of Representatives' Select Committee on Competition with the Chinese Communist Party said in the letter to Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook.

The letter asked representatives of Apple for a briefing on its concerns by Dec. 15, 2023. It said the committee also expected to speak with representatives of Stewart.

"To reassure the creative community in light of these reports, we also respectfully request that Apple publicly commit that content that could be perceived as critical of the CCP or the PRC is welcome on Apple TV+ and other Apple services," said the letter, signed by the panel's Republican chairperson, Representative Michael Gallagher, and Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, the panel's ranking Democrat.

Representatives for Stewart and Apple did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

The letter was released ahead of a dinner expected on Wednesday night at which top U.S. business leaders were to dine with Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco as he seeks to court American companies and counter his country's recent struggles to entice foreign investment.

The dinner on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum would follow a day of talks between Xi and U.S. President Joe Biden, aimed at stabilizing fraught ties between the world's two largest economies.

The House committee has made China's controls on media a focus of its work.

U.S. lawmakers have long expressed concerns about potential Chinese government censorship given the ruling Communist Partys strict media controls. The concern is particularly acute for Hollywood films, as some studios have altered or self-censored scripts to appease Chinese government minders and gain access to the countrys market.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle and Michael Martina; Additional reporting by Stephen Nellis and Dawn Chmielewski; Editing by Stephen Coates)
FILE PHOTO: Meta and Facebook logos are seen in this illustration taken February 15, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A bipartisan group of U.S. senators have asked Meta to "provide documents related to senior executives knowledge of the mental and physical health harms associated with its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram," they said in a statement released on Wednesday.

The members of the Senate Judiciary Committee in a letter asked the social media giant's chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, to provide the documents by Nov. 30, the statement said.

(Reporting by Richard Cowan; writing Susan Heavey)
FILE PHOTO: A steel coil is unrolled on the line at the Novolipetsk Steel PAO steel mill in Farrell, Pennsylvania, U.S., March 9, 2018. REUTERS/Aaron Josefczyk/File Photo

By Ananta Agarwal and Nathan Gomes

(Reuters) - U.S. steelmakers are on course to post higher profits in the first quarter of 2024 as prices spike from a scramble by buyers to restock following a brief halt in procurement before the strike at the Detroit Three automakers.

Spot prices for hot-rolled coil (HRC), the most actively traded form of finished steel, have climbed to around $950 per short ton (st) currently from an average $734 in September, as per commodity research firm CRU Group.

Service centers - facilities that play a crucial role in supplying manufacturing companies nearly finished steel products - had paused purchases ahead of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union's coordinated strike against the Detroit automakers.

However, many of them were soon forced to place large orders as stocks ran low and operations resumed at the carmakers.

"Perceiving a price bottom, they began placing large orders from the mills again on stable demand, leading steel prices to once again resume an upward trajectory two weeks into the UAW strikes," said Ryan McKinley, senior analyst at CRU.

The automotive segment makes up about 25% of the total U.S. sheet demand, with about 65% of that attributable to the Big Three Detroit automakers in any given year, CRU data showed.

Demand had already been trending higher. Cleveland Cliffs' shipments of steel, used by automakers to make parts such as boots, hoods and doors, increased sequentially in the third quarter to a record high.

That prompted the company, which supplies flat-rolled steel and iron ore pellets to mainly automakers, to raise its charges for HRC spot orders a fourth time since September to 1,000/st, about $50 higher than current spot rates.

Nucor Corp has raised HRC prices to $950/st while U.S. Steel recently announced a $100/st price increase, without specifying a final rate.

The upward momentum in pricing may continue as more service centers re-enter the market to replenish lean inventories, J.P. Morgan analysts said in a note on Oct. 29.

Still, steelmakers expect a sequential decline in fourth-quarter core profit as lower prices they booked in the summer show up in the results, KeyBanc Capital Markets Philip Gibbs said.

Meanwhile, automakers stare at higher costs for a key raw material if prices extend their upward trajectory for longer.

Automakers generally have annual contracts with steel companies, usually negotiated in October and April.

"It may not show up immediately, but it will show up," if the price gains hold, said Gordon Lee Johnson, founder of boutique research firm GLJ Research.

(Reporting by Ananta Agarwal and Nathan Gomes in Bengaluru; Editing by Arpan Varghese and Sriraj Kalluvila)
FILE PHOTO: A woman carries an infant as she queues in line for food, at the Tsehaye primary school, which was turned into a temporary shelter for people displaced by conflict, in the town of Shire, Tigray region, Ethiopia, March 15, 2021. Picture taken M

By Daphne Psaledakis

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Washington will resume food aid for people across Ethiopia next month, after assistance was paused earlier this year, following implementation of comprehensive reforms, according to a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) statement seen by Reuters on Tuesday.

Ethiopia's food crisis has deepened in recent years as a result of war in the Tigray region and the Horn of Africa's worst drought in decades.

"USAID is committing to a one-year trial period of the nationwide resumption, during which we will continuously monitor and evaluate the efficacy of the reforms put in place by USAID, implementing partners, and the government of Ethiopia," the statement said.

USAID in June said it was suspending food aid to Ethiopia because its donations were being stolen, and last month resumed food assistance to refugees in the country.

The decision impacted dozens of refugee sites, but none were in Tigray, an official said, where a two-year war between the federal government and forces led by the region's dominant political party ended in a truce in last November. The conflict led to tens of thousands deaths and created famine-like conditions for hundreds of thousands.

USAID in the statement on Tuesday said Washington was resuming food aid across the country after significant diplomatic engagement over the last several months resulted in "widespread and substantial reforms of the food assistance structure by the government of Ethiopia and our humanitarian partners."

The agency said the reforms will "fundamentally shift" Ethiopia's food aid system, including by strengthening program monitoring and oversight and reinforcing commodity tracking, among other measures.

The government of Ethiopia agreed to operational changes in their work with humanitarian partners that will improve the partners' ability to identify beneficiaries, USAID said, and also committed to providing unimpeded access for the agency and third-party monitors to review sites throughout the country.

"USAID places the highest priority on taking every possible measure to make sure that U.S. humanitarian assistance is used for its intended purpose, reaches the most vulnerable, and ultimately saves lives," the statement said.

"Given the significant number of people in need of food assistance in Ethiopia, we are pleased these important reforms will allow the delivery of food assistance to those who need it most."

(Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis and Jasper Ward; editing by Dan Whitcomb and Bill Berkrot)
FILE PHOTO: Vanuatu President Nikenike Vurobaravu addresses the 77th United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York City, New York, U.S., September 23, 2022. REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs/File Photo

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Vanuatu's President Nikenike Vurobaravu has rejected a request to dissolve the Pacific Island nation's parliament after political leaders agreed to withdraw a no-confidence motion against the prime minister, he said on Wednesday.

Vanuatu has experienced political instability since Ishmael Kalsakau was unseated as prime minister in August by lawmakers, and his replacement, Sato Kilman, was voted out in a no-confidence motion a month later.

As political allegiances continued to shift, a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Charlot Salwai was lodged by opposition parties last week.

Amid the revolving door of leaders, Vanuatu has skipped international meetings ranging from the United Nations General Assembly, a Pacific Islands leaders meeting at the White House with U.S. President Joe Biden, and last week's Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Cook Islands.

In a livestreamed press conference, Vurobaravu said there were serious disagreements on policy direction among political leaders, and the uncertainty was making it difficult for the public.

"As a developing country we must be united," he said, also calling for more inclusive representation in politics.

After meeting with all political party leaders on Tuesday, Vurobaravu said he had decided against dissolving parliament, and the opposition had agreed to work with the government to find a way forward.

Opposition leader Bob Loughman said in a press conference the opposition would withdraw the no-confidence motion when parliament next sits.

Vanuatu's Council of Ministers sent the request for parliament to be dissolved, which would have triggered a national election, on Friday.

China, the United States and Australia are seeking to increase security and economic ties with Vanuatu amid a geopolitical contest for influence in the Pacific Islands.

(Reporting by Kirsty Needham; Editng by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
FILE PHOTO: A general view of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands August 22, 2023. REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw/File Photo

THE HAGUE (Reuters) - Venezuela told the World Court on Wednesday that it will go ahead with a referendum on Dec. 3 over its rights to a potentially oil-rich territory that is the subject of a border dispute with Guyana, which asked the court to halt the vote.

In April the International Court of Justice, as the World Court is formally known, ruled that it had jurisdiction over the issue. But a final ruling on the main case could be years away.

The referendum asks Venezuelans among other things if they agree with Caracas' position to reject the ICJ's jurisdiction over the Esequiba region and agree to a plan to incorporate it and create a state called Guayana Esequiba. It would also grant its population Venezuelan citizenship.

Guyana on Tuesday asked the court to issue emergency measures to stop the vote. Venezuela said that demand interfered with its internal affairs and constitutional order.

"Nothing will prevent the referendum scheduled for the Dec. 3 from being held," Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez told the court.

She added that her appearance in court did not mean she recognized its jurisdiction over the dispute.

The 160,000 square km (61,776 square mile) territory of Esequiba is mostly impenetrable jungle and has long been the subject of a border dispute between the two neighbours.

Venezuela's claim over Esequiba was reactivated in recent years after the discovery of oil and gas near the maritime border. Just last month Guyana announced another significant discovery in offshore areas.

The Venezuela referendum has been described by critics as a way for the ruling party to test its support ahead of planned elections next year and to encourage the international courts to give it full rights over the disputed border territory.

No date has been set for a ruling but the ICJ usually issues a decision on emergency measures within a few weeks.

The ICJ is the United Nations highest court for disputes between states. Its rulings are final but it has no way of enforcing its decisions.

(Reporting by Stephanie van den Berg, Editing by Angus MacSwan)
By Francesco Guarascio

HANOI (Reuters) -Vietnamese authorities arrested a prominent parliamentary official on suspicion of links to an extortion racket, the ministry of public security said on Wednesday, while a U.N. representative on human rights visited the country.

Luu Binh Nhuong, an outspoken former member of Vietnam's National Assembly until 2021 and current deputy chair of a parliamentary committee, was arrested on Tuesday night, state media reported.

He was known for occasionally expressing critical opinions about government officials and the security forces.

Nhuong's detention coincided with a visit to Vietnam of the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the right to development, Surya Deva.

In a press conference on Wednesday at the end of his 10-day visit, Deva warned about "the selective use of the law" by authorities in Vietnam to target some human rights defenders and climate activists.

When asked about Nhuong's arrest, Deva said he had not been informed, adding: "The government should not use the law as a device to target certain people because of their political or religious views".

In a subsequent comment sent to Reuters via email, he said it was hard to say from newspaper reports whether he had actually committed the crime or was being framed for his critical views, but because the latter may be inferred by some people, "the government should dispel any perceptions of selectivity in applying the law".

Vietnam's ministry of foreign affairs, which is in charge of communicating with foreign media, did not immediately respond to questions about the timing of Nhuong's arrest.

Reuters was not immediately able to contact people close to Nhuong, and his mobile phone was turned off.

In September, days after U.S. President Joe Biden signed agreements with Vietnam and elevated bilateral relations, an energy expert was detained in the Communist-ruled country for misappropriating government documents.

That followed the arrest of five climate activists since 2021 over tax evasion charges. That apparent crackdown occurred while Hanoi was negotiating with Group of Seven (G7) nations for financial support to reduce the use of coal.

(Reporting by Francesco Guarascio; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore, Robert Birsel)
Evgenia Kara-Murza, wife of jailed Russian opposition figure Vladimir Kara-Murza, addresses the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy in Geneva, Switzerland May 17, 2023. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo

By Mark Trevelyan

LONDON (Reuters) -The wife of jailed Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Murza, who suffers from a nerve disorder after surviving two poison attacks, said on Wednesday she feared for his life after his transfer from Moscow to a Siberian penal colony.

Kara-Murza, 42, has a condition called polyneuropathy that takes away the sensation in his limbs unless controlled by medicines and exercise.

His wife Evgenia Kara-Murza said exercise was now impossible for him in a cell measuring just 3 x 1.5 metres (9.8 x 4.9 feet), furnished with only a bed and a backless stool, where he has been held since September in a maximum-security penal colony in the city of Omsk.

"His medical condition will of course deteriorate in the present situation ... They're using these punishment cells as a method of torture," she said during a ceremony at Britain's House of Lords to receive a freedom award on his behalf.

She also fears her husband is vulnerable while in prison to another attempt to kill him, after poisoning episodes in 2015 and 2017 that both times sent him into a coma.

Bellingcat and other investigative news outlets have reported that Kara-Murza was tailed before both attacks by the same squad from the FSB security service that tried to assassinate opposition leader Alexei Navalny with a nerve agent in 2020. Russian authorities denied involvement in either attack.

"I have no reason to believe that no further attacks would take place. The fact that they've isolated him to the maximum of course makes me very concerned for his life," Evgenia Kara-Murza said.

Reuters has requested comment from Russia's federal penitentiary service.

'ANOTHER SAD MEETING'

Kara-Murza, who holds Russian and British passports, was jailed for 25 years in April for treason and spreading "false information" about Russia's war in Ukraine, following a trial he compared to the Stalinist show trials of the 1930s.

He is one of a small number of prominent opposition figures who stayed in Russia and continued to speak out against President Vladimir Putin after his February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Evgenia Kara-Murza was critical of what she described as a lack of effective support from Britain's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for one of its own citizens.

She said she had held "another sad meeting" at the FCDO on Tuesday with an official whom she did not name but said was unfamiliar with her husband's case.

"Every time I go to the FCDO I meet new people ... I dont have any continuous dialogue with anyone. Every time I come to see them, I have to tell the entire story yet again. And the lady I met for the first time yesterday, she has no idea who Vladimir is," she said.

An FCDO spokesperson said Britain regularly raised Kara-Murza's case with Moscow and would continue to do so. It had also imposed sanctions on two people involved with his poisoning and 11 in relation to his sentencing.

"The politically motivated conviction of Vladimir Kara-Murza is deplorable. We reiterate the Prime Minister's call on Russia to release Mr Kara-Murza immediately and unconditionally," the spokesperson said.

"Our staff are providing tailored support to Mr Kara-Murzas family as they continue to highlight this gross injustice."

Accepting the award from Liberal International, a worldwide federation of liberal political parties, Evgenia Kara-Murza read out a letter from her husband in which he wryly apologised that he could not be there in person "for reasons beyond my control".

He added: "I have no doubt that in the end, our vision of Russia will prevail. I say this because I am a historian by background and know that even though it may not bend as fast as we would like, the arc of history does bend towards liberty."

(Reporting by Mark TrevelyanEditing by Mark Heinrich and Gareth Jones)
HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwean police said 22 people were killed and two injured late on Tuesday after a minibus collided with a truck on a highway, which links the country to the South African border.

The fatal accident, on the Bulawayo-Beitbridge road, involved the minibus, which was carrying 21 passengers, and the truck with one passenger on board, police said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

It was not immediately clear if bystanders were also hurt or killed.

The two people who were wounded were receiving treatment in the southwestern city of Bulawayo.

Road accidents are frequent in Zimbabwe, where transport operators are often accused of overloading vehicles that are then driven on pothole-ridden roads.

(Reporting by Nyasha Chingono; Editing by Anait Miridzhanian and Bernadette Baum)
Russian terrorist troops are probably waiting for the cold weather to strike Ukraine en masse. Theoretically, it could be more than 100 missiles, but in practice it is unlikely.

ADVERTISIMENT

The occupiers are currently amassing ammunition and trying to optimize their attacks. This opinion was expressed by Oleksandr Kovalenko, a military and political observer of the Information Resistance group, in a commentary to TSN. He believes that the absence of large-scale shelling is a temporary phenomenon.

According to the expert, last year the Russian command was dissatisfied with the shelling of Ukraine, so this year it is changing its tactics somewhat. Kovalenko emphasizes that the Russians are stockpiling supplies and waiting for the cold weather, and until then they can only occasionally launch ballistic and aerial missiles.

"But as for cruise missiles and Kalibr, they will stockpile them in order to strike Ukraine more intensively with the onset of frost," Kovalenko is convinced.

According to his estimates, the enemy is also using less Shahed-136 kamikaze drones. Given the forecasts of weather forecasters, the expert noted that the winter is likely to be warm, so the occupiers will try to "squeeze in" with their attacks during short periods of frost.

ADVERTISIMENT

The observer believes that the Russians are capable of striking using a hundred or more air targets. At the same time, Kovalenko expressed doubt that the Russians would be able to simultaneously launch all the carriers, because not all of them are combat-ready.

"So I don't think there will be a strike using more than a hundred missiles. On paper, it is possible, but in reality, it is not," the analyst summarized.

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

- The Ukrainian Navy reported that Russia has not been using Kalibr sea-launched cruise missiles to strike Ukraine for a long time, probably because of the enemy's logistics problems. The invaders were forced to relocate their missile launchers from the temporarily occupied Crimea to Novorossiysk.

- The Ukrainian Air Force reported that the Russian terrorist army is capable of producing about 100 missiles per month. Today, the Russian army's stockpile of precision missiles is estimated at about 800 units.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
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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):

__________________________

Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

__________________________

Federally Chartered Corporation 000-51397 13-6400946 (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.)

101 Park Avenue , New York , New York 10178-0599 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code: ( 212 ) 441-6616

Not Applicable

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

__________________________

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instructions 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))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered None N/A N/A

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. 

Item 8.01 Other Events.

On November 15, 2023, the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York ("FHLBNY") issued a President's Report ("Report") to FHLBNY members announcing a dividend declaration by the FHLBNY's Board of Directors for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. A copy of the Report is attached as Exhibit 99.1.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

Exhibit Number Description 99.1 FHLBNY Presidents Report dated November 15, 2023. 104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

2

SIGNATURES

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 thereunto duly authorized.

Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Date: November 15, 2023 By: /s/ Kevin M. Neylan Name: Kevin M. Neylan Title: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

3

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K/A

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)

P2 SOLAR, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware 333-91190 98-0234680 State or other jurisdiction of incorporation (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification Number)

13718 91 Avenue , Surrey , British Columbia, Canada V3V 7X1 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrants telephone number, including area code: ( 778 ) 321-0047

_______________________________________________

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant 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))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Title of Each Class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act:

None

(Title of class)

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. 

Item 4.01 Changes in Registrants Certifying Accountant.

On October 11, 2023, P2 Solar Inc. (the Company) was informed that Gries & Associates, LLC (Gries) had sold its business to GreenGrowth CPAs (GreenGrowth). The board of directors of the Company, acting as the audit committee, approved the decision to change the Companys independent accountants to GreenGrowth.

On October 30, 2023, the Company engaged and executed an agreement with GreenGrowth, as the Companys new independent accountant to replace Gries.

Former Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The reports of Gries regarding the Companys financial statements for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, being the two most recent fiscal years for which the Company has filed audited financial statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles, except to indicate that there was substantial doubt about the Companys ability to continue as a going concern.

During the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, and through November 6, 2023, the Company had no disagreements (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions to Item 304 of Regulation S-K) with Gries on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Gries would have caused Gries to make reference thereto in connection with its report.

During the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, and through November 8, 2023, the Company did not experience any reportable events (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K), except that management of the Company discussed with Gries the continued existence of material weaknesses in the Companys internal control over financial reporting.

The Company has provided Gries with a copy of this Form 8-K prior to its filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company requested Gries to furnish it with a letter addressed to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission stating whether or not it agrees with the above statements in response to Item 304(a) of Regulation S-K. A copy of Gries letter dated November 9, 2023 is filed as Exhibit 16.1 to this Form 8-K.

2

New Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

During the Companys fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, and through November 8, 2023, neither the Company nor anyone on the Companys behalf consulted with GreenGrowth regarding any of the following:

(i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Companys financial statements, and neither a written report nor oral advice was provided to the Company that GreenGrowth concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or

(ii) any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions to Item 304 of Regulation S-K) or a reportable event (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits:

The following exhibits are included with this Current Report on Form 8-K:

* Filed Herewith

3

SIGNATURES

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.

P2 SOLAR, INC. Date: November 15, 2023 /S/ Raj-Mohinder Singh Gurm Raj-Mohinder S. Gurm, Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

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A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bomber flies south of the Korean Peninsula alongside U.S., South Korean and Japanese fighter jets, Oct. 22, 2023. (Karla Parra/U.S. Air Force)

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  An Air Force bomber returned to South Korean airspace with U.S. and South Korean fighter jets in tow Wednesday, nearly a month after one landed in the country for the first time in at least 30 years.

The B-52H Stratofortress bomber was escorted from Seoul to the Yellow Sea by an unspecified number of American F-35B Lightning IIs and F-16 Fighting Falcons, as well as South Korean F-35As and F-15K Slam Eagles, the Ministry of National Defense said in a news release Wednesday.

Reached by phone Wednesday, the ministry and the 7th Air Force declined to elaborate on the exercise.

Wednesdays drill is the 12th appearance by a U.S. bomber over South Korea so far this year. The latest exercise was an example of the increased frequency of U.S. military assets in South Korea, the release said.

President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol agreed to deploy strategic military assets in a timely and coordinated manner following a summit in May, according to a joint statement at the time.

A nuclear-capable B-52H landed in South Korea on Oct. 18 and performed flyovers during Seouls Aerospace and Defense Exhibition, a biennial military convention hosted by the National Defense Ministry.

Five days later, that B-52H out of Barksdale Air Force Base, La., flew with U.S., South Korean and Japanese fighter jets over the air-defense zones south of the Korean Peninsula, marking the first-ever air drill between the three countries.

In addition to Wednesdays aerial demonstration, warships from the United States and South Korea conducted a naval drill in the East Sea, or the Sea of Japan, to hone their anti-submarine and maritime blocking capabilities.

The guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta joined 10 South Korean warships, including the ROKS Seoae Ryu Sungryong, a destroyer equipped with the Aegis missile-defense system, for a four-day exercise that kicked off Monday, according to a Ministry of National Defense news release Tuesday.

The drills come two days after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik met in Seoul for an annual conference between senior U.S. and South Korean defense officials.

Following the meeting, Austin told reporters that Seoul and Washingtons alliance had never been better and that South Koreas defense included the full range of our nuclear, conventional and missile defense capabilities.

North Koreas state-run Korean Central News Agency reported Wednesday that the regime successfully tested two solid-fuel engines for an intermediate-range ballistic missile.

Pyongyang has fired 21 ballistic missiles in 14 days of testing so far this year.
The USS Thomas Hudner, an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, fires during training March 30, 2023, in the Atlantic Ocean. (Tyler Thompson/U.S. Navy)

WASHINGTON  The guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner shot down a drone launched from Yemen over the Red Sea early Wednesday, according to two defense officials.

While transiting the international waters of the Red Sea, the crew of the USS Thomas Hudner engaged a drone that originated from Yemen and was heading in the direction of the ship. There were no U.S. casualties or any damage to the ship, a defense official said in a statement on the condition of anonymity.

It was not clear Wednesday who is responsible for launching the drone. Earlier this week, the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen threatened to attack ships in the Red Sea.

This is the second intercept by a U.S. Navy vessel since Hamas militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7. Last month, the USS Carney shot down several drones and missiles fired by Houthi forces in the direction of Israel.

The latest incident comes after the Houthis shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone last week over the Red Sea.

The U.S. 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 in the region.

The United States has also carried out three airstrikes in Syria at sites tied to Iran-backed militants. Most recently, two strikes occurred in Syria on Sunday. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the strikes targeted a training facility near the city of Albu Kamal and a safe house near the city of Mayadeen. The previous strikes occurred Oct. 26 and Nov. 8.

Stars and Stripes reporter J.P. Lawrence contributed to this report.
The Crazy Water Hotel is a renovated building in Mineral Wells, Texas, with the towns most upscale restaurant. This hotel is turning Mineral Wells into a renewed tourist destination, residents say. (Chitose Suzuki, The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Movers and shakers in the small Texas town of Mineral Wells 80 miles west of Dallas are ready for redemption. In a few years, this sleepy town known for its proximity to Possum Kingdom Lake could become a renewed Texas tourism destination. And, maybe, Mineral Wells can become a boomtown once again.

Ask anybody about Mineral Wells history, and it starts in the late 1870s. Underground.

Its really all about the water, said Cynthia Nelson, an Austin transplant who moved to Mineral Wells to be the general manager of the newly reinvented Crazy Water Hotel.

People came from far and wide. For the water, said Carol Elder, who grew up in Mineral Wells. She vowed never to move back, then moved back because she wanted to raise her kids in a small town. Carol Elder and her husband, Scott, purchased the only remaining mineral water company in the town  before theyd even tasted the water.

Everybody was coming here for the water, said Rose Jordan, director of tourism for the Mineral Wells Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB. Shes speaking of the late 1800s, when families settled on a minor fault line in the Palo Pinto Mountains. Think rugged plateaus, not ski slopes.

Settlers drilled a well and found pockets of yummy mineral water underneath the city, Elder said. It was thought to have healing properties, and families would travel to this welcoming Texas town to stay for an entire season, drinking the water that sometimes cost a nickel a cup.

Lyndon B. Johnson, before he was president, visited Mineral Wells. So did the Three Stooges, actor Clark Gable, Judy Garland and President Dwight Eisenhower. The city had thousands of hotel rooms and dozens of hotels, Jordan said, all to house the travelers visiting its spas and drinking its naturally-occurring minerals and vitamins.

It was our liquid gold, Jordan said. It was our everything.

Its hard to picture it today, now that Mineral Wells population is a slim 17,000 people, a fraction of what it used to be, Jordan said. Eventually, the Food and Drug Administration told businessowners in Mineral Wells that they couldnt advertise the health benefits of their water  even though many touted its ability to cure headaches, body aches and even more serious ailments. Soon, aspirin was used as a common pain reliever, replacing more holistic methods. In 1973, nearby military base Fort Wolters, a primary training center for the Vietnam War, especially for helicopter pilots, was decommissioned. Mineral Wells boom was a bust.

Since then, it has remained a small town  not quite thriving, more just existing, Elder said.

But thats about to change. In summer 2023, Mineral Wells was named the Wellness Capital of Texas in a bill signed by Gov. Greg Abbott in the 88th Legislature of the State of Texas. The Crazy, a hotel that recently finished a $22 million renovation, is back open and housing travelers. The citys famous Baker Hotel, vacant since 1972, is expected to reopen next, in 2026.

Theres been a multi-generational rivalry between the two hotels, residents of Mineral Wells say. That started from the beginning, when the Crazy Water Hotel opened in the early 1900s and offered an extended-stay spot for travelers to take mineral water baths. It burned down in 1925 and reopened in 1927. Entrepreneur T.B. Baker decided hed build a hotel down the street, twice as tall, with twice the capacity. The Baker opened in 1929.

Fast-forward to today, and Elder said shes heard her neighbors say for years: When the Baker is redone, Mineral Wells is going to be saved.

Local couple Randy and Misty Nix came up with a different plan, to save ourselves first, as Elder puts it. The Baker Hotel has three main investors and a plan for at least a $76 million renovation. Its the talk of the town. The smaller Crazy Hotel has a different model, with 88 investors, all who live in Palo Pinto County or own property there.

The Crazy is whats bringing the town together, many have said.

You have 88 people who are putting their money where their mouth is and reinvesting in their community, Elder said. She and Scott are among the 88 investors. It was really the energy that was needed, for people to be like, I love this little town.

Shes seen a noticeable shift in the past few years.

That sense of pride is really building, she said.

The hotel rooms at the renovated Crazy Water Hotel in Mineral Wells, Texas, have spacious kitchens. (Chitose Suzuki, The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Are they Crazy?

Whats with the name? As the story goes, in the late 1800s, a woman with a history of mental illness sat and drank water by a well in Mineral Wells. One day, she was not so crazy anymore, Elder said.

Starting in 1904, pharmacist Ed Dismuke started selling the water, as did nearly two-dozen other entrepreneurs. Dismuke was convinced that drinking Mineral Wells water cured his stomach disease.

In 1999, the Elders bought the Famous Mineral Water Company, which bottles Crazy Water, basically, for heritage tourism, Elder said. She didnt know anything about Famous Mineral Water, despite being raised in Mineral Wells. The company in 1999 had a total of about $30 in sales per day.

At that point, nobody drank still mineral water, she said.

They bought it at just the right time. Crazy Water now bottles an H-E-B-branded sparkling mineral water called 1877, which is becoming a rival to Topo Chico. Elder was once the sole full-time employee, and now Famous has over 50 full-time workers. Crazy Water has also been used by chefs who can taste the difference between it and other bottled water. At Tatsu, a tiny omakase restaurant in Dallas where dinner costs $185 per person, chef Tatsuya Sekiguchi uses only Crazy Water No. 2 to boil his sushi rice.

Many in Mineral Wells use the word crazy to describe the town. The Elder family bought a flailing water company at just the right time. The Nix family convinced all their neighbors to put their money into the more-than-100-year-old Crazy Hotel. In the basement of that hotel, a spa is expected to open in 2024, offering massages, facials and the mineral-soak baths that put this town on the map.

A lot of people pass through Mineral Wells. And now theres a reason to stop, said David Bull, executive chef of the restaurant.

Hummus and Garden Vegetables are on the menu at Second Bar + Kitchen at the renovated Crazy Water Hotel in Mineral Wells, Texas. (Chitose Suzuki, The Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Mineral Wells finest restaurant

The most upscale restaurant in Mineral Wells has been open for about two weeks.

Executive chef Bull moved his family from Austin to Mineral Wells to open Second Bar + Kitchen, a farm-focused restaurant in the lobby of the Crazy Hotel. Bull previously worked at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas for chef Dean Fearing before he moved south to join a team that reopened the landmark Driskill Hotel in Austin.

The Crazy is the opportunity to revitalize a historical spot, Bull said. Theres not anything quite like this.

Nelson, the GM of the hotel, has a similar story. You ever heard of someone having a calling? I was called [to Mineral Wells], she said. And even though the rivalry might still exist between the Crazy and the Baker hotels, they will be managed by the same company. Nelson says the hotels will be more successful if they work together, and she will eventually work at both hotels.

She said of her new job in Mineral Wells, a 290-step walk from home to office, I have to do this.

Lunch or dinner at Second Bar + Kitchen could start with a $5 Wellness Shot, which was added to the menu in honor of the towns wellness past. The non-alcoholic shot has pineapple and orange juices, rosemary, agave, cilantro and Fire Cider, an apple cider vinegar made from Mineral Wells company Rocky Hill Farms. Its a blast of vinegar, and itll wake you up.

The local companies where Bull buys mushrooms, cheese, flour, polenta, stone-ground oats, pies and more are listed on the front of the menu, a reminder that the community supports itself. And that everybody seems to know everybody.

Bulls restaurant is a buzzy subject in Mineral Wells right now, partly because its the finest place for dinner with friends or a date. But also, Bulls vegetable-forward menu matches Mineral Wells healthy approach that one-woman-tourism-department Jordan wants consumers to rediscover. She said the target tourist  a wellness traveler whos the present-day version of the people who visited Mineral Wells 150 years ago  seeks healthy food and experiences in nature.

Mineral Wells has the nature part covered, with one of the most scenic stretches of the Brazos River nearby, Jordan said. But healthy food? Thats something we really need to grow into, Jordan said.

When she saw Second Bar + Kitchens menu, she said, I had tears in my eyes. It is exactly what we need.
Workers supporting Joint Task Force-Red Hill transfer fuel to a merchant tanker at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, on Oct. 19, 2023. (Kyler Chatman/U.S. Army)

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii  The Pentagon announced Tuesday that a newly created task force will take the lead this spring in closing the defunct underground fuel storage facility in Hawaii responsible for widespread water contamination two years ago.

Rear Adm. Stephen Barnett, commander of Navy Region Hawaii, will head Navy Closure Task Force-Red Hill while continuing in his current position.

Dual hatting the Commander enables operational and reputational synergy for the execution of closure and remediation actions, while also leveraging the Commanders position in the community to continue rebuilding trust with the State of Hawaii and the local community of Oahu, Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, said in a statement Tuesday.

Joint Task Force-Red Hill, the Department of Defense entity overseeing the emptying of 104 million gallons of fuel from the World War II-era Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, is expected to complete its work in the first few months of 2024.

The Navy task force is slated to take charge of the closure operations on April 1, according to a supplemental defueling plan issued by the DOD on Tuesday.

Putting the Navy in charge of closure brings the service full circle in the Red Hill saga.

For decades, the Navy operated the Red Hill facility, which lies only a few miles outside Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, maintaining all the while that the massive underground tanks were crucial to national security and posed no risk to the environment.

The tanks and piping, however, sprung numerous leaks throughout those years, and jet fuel from a leak in November 2021 made its way into one of three wells used by the Navy for a water distribution system that served thousands of people living in military communities on and near the joint base.

A Navy investigation into the spill released in July 2022 described a litany of Navy shortcomings that led to the disaster. Among them was a culture of ignoring proper procedures, poor training and supervision, ineffective command and control and a lack of timely, accurate reporting of problems and defects.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in March 2022 ordered the facility permanently closed.

Joint Task Force-Red Hill and Navy Closure Task Force-Red Hill will conduct a tightly-coordinated transition of command-and-control responsibilities to ensure seamless continuity of all health, safety, and environmental protection operations at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility as facility closure begins, Brendan Owens, assistant secretary of defense for energy installations and environment, said Tuesday in a news release by Joint Task Force-Red Hill.

As of Friday, the task force had emptied almost 90 million gallons of fuel from the facility via gravity into tanker ships moored at the joint base. The fuel is being sent to San Diego, Subic Bay in the Philippines, the Port of Singapore and a pair of depots in Hawaii.

About 99.9% of the fuel will be drained that way; roughly 60,000 gallons must be drained by other means.

Joint Task Force-Red Hill expects it will complete that work by March, the news release said.

The Navy task force will have to drain the last bit of fuel, approximately 4,000 gallons, by destroying and disassembling piping, according to the release.

The task force will also remove the pipelines and the sludge in the bottoms of the tanks (approximately 28,000 gallons) and will remove any unknown quantities of residual fuel or related products in the facility until the [facility] is permanently closed, the release said.

Navy Region Hawaii is prepared for a seamless transition, Barnett said in the release.

Navy has served proudly as part of the JTF, and we will build upon its good work and bring with us the knowledge and processes developed, to ensure the same discipline and transparency as we do the work of closing Red Hill, he said.

Once the facility is fully closed, the Navy task force will continue long-term environmental remediation and aquifer restoration efforts in coordination with state and federal stakeholders in order to protect public health and the environment, while continuing to rebuild trust with the State of Hawaii and the local community of Oahu, the supplemental plan states.
Israeli troops advance near the border with the Gaza Strip on Nov. 14, 2023, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. (Menahem Kahana, AFP via Getty Images/TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  As the Israel-Hamas war has unleashed a growing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and roiled global politics, one superpower has claimed neutrality: China has called on both sides to exercise restraint and for the international community to expedite a two-state solution  distant goals in this fraught moment.

But other actions leave little doubt where China stands.

Its foreign minister has criticized Israel for the massive bombardment of Gaza that he said went beyond the scope of self-defense. China has never publicly condemned the brutal Oct. 7 attack by the militant group Hamas that started the latest war.

And Chinas strict internet censors have allowed a flood of Chinese-generated antisemitism, including tropes of Jews controlling finance and media, praise for Adolf Hitler and comparisons of Israeli soldiers to Nazis.

Experts said Chinas aim is clear: It views the Israel-Hamas war as an opportunity to gain ground against the United States in the battle for influence in the Arab world.

At the end of the day, its nothing to do with the Palestinians or even the Israelis, said Mor Sobol, assistant professor of diplomacy and international relations at Tamkang University in Taiwan. Theres a bigger game being played here. They are framing the whole conflict through the lens of a great power rivalry.

That rivalry is sure to be on display Wednesday when President Joe Biden meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco. The Israel-Hamas war is expected to be high on the agenda.

In the Middle East, the United States has long held sway as a principal power broker and often the only mediator Israel would trust, while maintaining some respect in parts of the Arab world. But in recent years both China and Russia have made inroads into the region, striking alliances with players anathema to U.S. interests, including Iran and Syria.

With the current conflict, what many in Arab countries see as the Biden administrations lopsided embrace of Israel has given China a new opening. It has played to public opinion in Arab and Muslim nations with harsh criticism of its American foe.

A recent editorial by the state-run newspaper China Daily accused the U.S. of adding fuel to the fire by blindly backing Israel. Chinese officials have castigated the U.S. for voting against a resolution in the United Nations Security Council  which China is chairing this month  that called for a pause in fighting. The resolution would have also condemned the Hamas attack, but the United States and Israel say a sustained break in bombing would give Hamas a chance to regroup.

Its a very cost-effective strategy, trying to portray the U.S. as a biased actor, Sobol said. Its just statements, but those statements score points with the Arab or Muslim world.

In a show of its growing clout in the region, China helped broker a deal in March reestablishing diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, longtime bitter foes. Embracing the image of a global peacemaker, China had also aspired to mediate between the Palestinians and Israel, meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in June and inviting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Beijing for a state visit in October.

But since war broke out, China has adhered to a playbook that it has used in other global conflicts.

After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Beijing adopted what some analysts referred to as a pro-Russian neutrality, in which it claimed the middle ground while using state and social media to spread stories and commentary in favor of Russia.

Similarly, China has been guided by a philosophy of anti-Western neutrality when it comes to the Israel-Hamas war, said Ahmed Aboudouh, a Middle East and North Africa specialist at Chatham House, a London-based think tank. He added that China and Russia have been working together on Middle East policy, another sign of their growing collaboration opposing the West.

A deep distrust of Western powers has long shaped Chinas stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Viewing itself as a defender against imperialism and colonialism, China was one of the first countries to support the Palestine Liberation Organization and in 1988 became one of the first to recognize Palestine as a state. In contrast to the United States and much of Europe, China does not designate Hamas as a terrorist group.

Its expressions of support for the Palestinian cause have been tempered somewhat by growing trade and investment with Israel, including in its high-tech industries.

They have been keeping a very light touch, said Aboudouh, suggesting that other Middle Eastern nations want China to take a stronger stance. What we have been seeing from China is just statements and rhetoric, which is not enough, from the perspective of the Arabs.

As for the antisemitism proliferating on Chinese websites, it is difficult to determine how much is officially sanctioned. Experts said that anti-Jewish conspiracy theories have flared up during previous military clashes in the Middle East and that they fit into the broader narrative adopted by the Chinese government.

This is the national political correctness, and that entails being very critical of Israel, Tuvia Gering, a researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, said on a recent episode of the China Global podcast.

Asked about antisemitism online in a recent briefing with journalists, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Chinas laws prohibit the dissemination of extremism, ethnic hatred, discrimination and violence on the internet.

China has defended its stance on the Israel-Hamas war as one of peace and in line with much of the international community, which is alarmed by the growing death toll in Gaza. The Hamas-run Health Ministry says the number of deaths now exceeds 11,000. Militants killed at least 1,200 in the Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel and took roughly 240 people hostage.

At the same time, China is looking for ways to use the conflict to position itself as a global leader.

Upon assuming the presidency of the U.N. Security Council for the month of November, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jun named the war in Gaza  and a push for a cease-fire  as the panels top focus.

Gedaliah Afterman, head of the Asia Policy Program at the Abba Eban Institute for International Diplomacy in Herzliya, Israel, said China could gain a stronger foothold in regional diplomacy by assisting in negotiations to free hostages or help bring more humanitarian aid to Gaza.

China has the ability to talk to all the different players, Afterman said. If the Chinese push at the right moment, it will have an impact.

And despite their differences, both China and the U.S. have a vested interest in preventing the war from triggering a wider regional conflict.

China imports more than half its crude oil from the Middle East, and a bigger war would threaten energy security for the country at a time when its economy is struggling. Such a conflict would also increase security concerns for China.

At the end of the day, regardless of what narratives we see from China, it does seem to me that Chinas broader interest in the Middle East is aligned with that of the United States, said Bonny Lin, director of the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank in Washington.

That common ground could be the key to achieving a detente when the two leaders meet Wednesday.

Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson in Washington contributed to this report.

2023 Los Angeles Times.

Visit at latimes.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The army of the aggressor country, Russia, continues to impress with its statutory procedures. The leadership throws the occupiers to the front line, but they are officially registered in Moscow.

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This became known from the conversation of the mother of a Russian serviceman intercepted by the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine. The woman promised to get her son out of the front (to listen to the audio, scroll to the bottom of the page).

The Russian woman claimed that the Russian army personnel, including her son, were unqualified and then involved in assault operations on the territory of Ukraine.

She admitted that there are few such opponents of the Kremlin regime in the country and urged other military personnel and their relatives to file complaints against the top leadership.

"Are you on the first line? Are you in the same place? They are listening to our conversation. Dima, I told you I'll get you out! I'm the only one who files complaints, I'm the only one who is involved in everything. That's why the command is so angry. Let all the guys call. Are you registered in Moscow? Son, come on," said the mother of the Russian occupier.

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As OBOZ.UA reported earlier, the Russian occupier complained about the significant losses of the Russian army's assault units. Another Russian soldier said that the Russian army had no chance of advancing at the front. According to him, the invaders cannot move forward and capture even the smallest settlements.

Only verified information on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The Japanese helicopter carrier JS Kaga conducted sea trials Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, to test modifications that allow the ship to embark F-35B Lightning II fighter jets. (Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force)

One of Japans largest naval vessels took part in sea trials this week, brandishing modifications that bring it closer to embarking fifth-generation, U.S.-made fighter jets, local media reported.

The JS Kaga, a flat deck carrier for helicopters, kicked off the trials Monday after departing Kure Naval Base in Hiroshima prefecture, the Asahi Shimbun reported Tuesday. The Kagas bow and flight deck were modified to accommodate F-35B Lightning II fighter jets.

The F-35B variant, employed by the U.S. Marine Corps aboard U.S. Navy amphibious assault ships, is capable of short takeoffs and vertical landings, making them suitable for Japans helicopter carriers, provided alterations are made.

A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force spokesman, reached by phone Wednesday, confirmed that the Kaga was at sea Monday but would not provide additional details, citing concerns for operational security.

Modifications visible Monday on the carrier included new markings to assist with takeoffs and landings and a square bow intended to reduce turbulence and extend the flight decks length, the Asahi reported.

The Kagas flight deck has been strengthened to withstand the heat of an F-35B landing, the Self-Defense Force said. The modifications began in 2022 and may be completed by March.

The Kagas activities on Monday did not include F-35s, and flight operations are not expected any time soon because a second phase of modifications has yet to be scheduled, the spokesman added.

Japan, however, has been preparing to adapt the Kaga and its sister ship, the JS Izumo, to embark the fighters for years. Japans Ministry of Defense said the ability to possess flexible operations and acquire air superiority utilizing highly capable fighters was essential for Japans defense, according to a 2019 white paper.

It added that improvements to the Izumo and Kaga that allow aircraft like the F-35B to operate from their flight decks was vital and the bare minimum for the Self-Defense Forces.

In 2020, the Defense Ministry asked for about $795 million to purchase six F-35Bs from the United States and around $29 million to repair and upgrade the Izumo. The following year, the ministry requested $474 million for four more F-35Bs and $61 million to refurbish the Kaga and Izumos flight decks.

Additional modifications to the Izumo, including bow modifications, are scheduled for next year, Asahi reported.

In October 2021, two U.S. Marine Corps F-35Bs took off and landed aboard the Izumo, which underwent similar upgrades as the Kaga, becoming the first fighter jets to operate from a Japanese carrier since World War II.

Japan has since purchased 42 F-35Bs and expects deliveries to begin within the next few years.
At a Nov. 6, 2023, rally in Jerusalem, Yonatan Zeigen holds a photo of his mother, Vivian Silver, who was believed to have been kidnapped from her home in Kibbutz Beeri in Israel last month. Her family confirmed this week that shed been killed in the initial attack. (Kobi Wolf/for The Washington Post)

Vivian Silver, a Canadian Israeli peace activist who was feared to have been taken hostage by militants last month, was killed in Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel, her family said.

Silver, well known in Israel for her peace activism, was among at least 80 people killed during Hamas militants attack on the Beeri Kibbutz, her son Chen Zeigen confirmed. About 30 people were kidnapped, and Silvers sons feared she was among them.

The Washington Post spent nearly every day over more than two weeks with Zeigen and his brother Yonatan during their agonizing wait for news. Her remains were found at the kibbutz where she lived but were only identified now, nearly five weeks later.

The October attacks that killed about 1,200 people in Israel sparked a war that rages more than a month later and has killed at least 11,000 in Gaza.

Silver moved from Winnipeg to Israel in 1974 and was a longtime member of Women Wage Peace and other organizations campaigning for peace in the region.

She was dedicated to denouncing Israels treatment of Palestinians; she had fought against the blockade of Gaza, in place since 2007, and would pick up Gazan children at the border to drive them to Israeli hospitals.

In a post written when she was believed to be kidnapped, Women Wage Peace said that Silver was a humanist, peace loving, determined, wise and steadfast.

Our hearts are shattered, the organization said in a social media post Tuesday, at the news of her death.

On Oct. 7 she had run into a safe room  which was later discovered incinerated  when Hamas descended on Beeri Kibbutz, a community of about 1,000 residents, The Post reported. In text messages with her son Yonatan, she wrote, We might be witnessing a massacre.

He told her he was with her as she hid, afraid. I feel you, she wrote back. Then she stopped replying; her phone was later geolocated in Gaza.

Her two sons, believing she was among the hostages, had hoped her staunch advocacy for Palestinians would save her and have tried anything they thought could have helped bring about her safe return. They have been marching, meeting with Israeli politicians and speaking with media.

After more than a month, they have learned she was one of those killed during the initial attack.

Beeri Kibbutz was among the worst-hit communities when Hamas militants broke through the border barrier separating Gaza from Israel. For 48 hours after the surprise incursion, the kibbutz became a battleground between the Israel Defense Forces and the militants.

In a social media post Tuesday, John Lyndon, executive director of the Alliance for Middle East Peace, shared a photo of Silver overlooking a Gaza she wanted to be free, & at peace.
President Biden, after speaking again Tuesday with Netanyahu, told reporters about a potential hostage release that Ive been talking with the people involved every single day. I believe its going to happen. Asked whether he had a message for families awaiting news of the captives, nine of whom are believed to be American citizens, along with one permanent U.S. resident, Biden said: Hang in there. Were coming. (Wikimedia Commons)

Hamas has agreed in principle and Israel is now considering a proposal for the release of at least 50 women and children among about 240 foreign and Israeli hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza, according to an Arab diplomat familiar with the negotiations.

In exchange for the hostages, Israel would agree to a three-to-five-day pause in place in the fighting, increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the release of an unspecified number of women and children held in Israeli prisons.

Amid reports that agreement on at least some components of a deal may be near, U.S. officials and other interested parties spent much of Wednesday awaiting word from Israel, where internal discussions were said to be underway. Senior Biden administration officials have said this week that the United States is engaged in hour by hour negotiations over a hostage release with Israel and the government of Qatar, which is serving as a go-between for Hamas.

But the Arab diplomat and others familiar with the talks, all of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity about the sensitive negotiations, cautioned that the arrangement currently under discussion could fall apart, as have others up to now. Previous proposals have outlined some of the same parameters, with different numbers of hostages involved and conditions placed on their release. The current outline has been agreed only in general terms, the diplomat said.

We should be hearing back today, the diplomat said. If the Israelis agree, Its going to happen quickly. If they reject it, then were at it again.

The hope is that agreement on a deal for the release of at least some of the captives could lead to further talks on freeing the remainder of those held in Gaza. Hamas has indicated previously that it will keep Israeli military hostages, estimated to number several dozen, apparently for use in separate exchanges for Palestinian militants held in Israeli prisons.

The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other members of his war cabinet refused to comment Wednesday on a potential hostage deal.

Speaking at a military post in southern Israel, Netanyahu said, Theres no place in Gaza we wont reach. Theres no hiding, no shelter, no refuge for Hamas murderers. . . . The hostages will be released and Hamas will be destroyed.

President Biden, after speaking again Tuesday with Netanyahu, told reporters about a potential hostage release that Ive been talking with the people involved every single day. I believe its going to happen. Asked whether he had a message for families awaiting news of the captives, nine of whom are believed to be American citizens, along with one permanent U.S. resident, Biden said: Hang in there. Were coming.

Since the captives were taken from Israel into Gaza during Hamass Oct. 7 attack, a number of factors have complicated the talks.

Neither Israel nor the United States speaks directly to Hamas, even when senior negotiators from all sides have gathered in Doha, the Qatari capital. Officials said, however, that significant progress was made when CIA Director William J. Burns and his Israeli counterpart, Mossad Director David Barnea, met there indirectly with Hamass political leaders late last week.

But events on the ground in Gaza have also influenced the extent of cooperation by the combatants. Israel has to date refused to suspend its operations, including thousands of airstrikes on alleged Hamas facilities and fighters and a ground operation in which troops are moving block by block through the heavily populated northern part of the enclave.

Outsiders and Western media have had only a highly restricted view of what is going on inside Gaza  although virtually everyone agrees that the war is a humanitarian disaster for civilians. In recent days, Israeli forces have moved to encircle al-Shifa Hospital, Gazas largest medical facility, which the Israel Defense Forces and the United States claim is used by Hamas as a key command and control military facility and arms depot.

Israel says it is taking great care to avoid harm to patients and other civilians, while the United States has repeatedly cautioned that hospitals should not come under attack. Gazans and local health-care workers have said that critically and chronically injured civilians are dying as Israeli attacks intensify.

Hamas has told negotiators that it does not have control, or know the location, of all of the hostages  some of whom it says are being held by Palestinian Islamic Jihad, another militant group inside Gaza. U.S. officials have said that a significant pause of several days is necessary to assemble hostages to be released and arrange for their safe passage.

Israel has so far agreed only to several hours a day of safe passage along two major roads for civilians to travel south from northern Gaza, where combat is focused, and in certain neighborhoods to enable delivery of humanitarian assistance. The United Nations and the Palestine Red Crescent have said that they have been unable to deliver any aid to the north for more than a week.

Israel has said locating the hostages is one goal of the operation to secure al-Shifa Hospital  but none have been found there as of Wednesday.

An IDF spokesman, Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, told CNN early Wednesday that this mission at Shifa wasnt focused on hostages. We were focusing on bringing intelligence and dismantling certain capabilities that we had intelligence on. It was something that was very, very focused and we went in a very sort of cautious way into the hospital. More information, Hecht said, would be coming out on what we found.

The roughly 240 people who have been held in captivity since the Oct. 7 attack include nationals from 26 countries, according to Israels Foreign Ministry. In a letter posted Wednesday on Facebook, Sara Netanyahu, the prime ministers wife, appealed to first lady Jill Biden as a mother to help obtain their release. The captives, she said, included a baby born in captivity and a 10-month-old boy, kidnapped even before he learned how to walk or talk.

We must speak out on behalf of these children, Sara Netanyahu wrote to Jill Biden in a letter she also reportedly sent to the wives of French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and others. We must call for the immediate release of them and all those being held. . . . These children need our help.

Speculation in the Israeli media that foreigners would be the first to be freed has presented an agonizing dilemma for the families of the hostages, with many saying that order of release would undermine their demand that every hostage be returned.

This selection, which plays right into the hands of the terrorists, has come back to haunt us from another historical time, said Kinneret Stern, referring to the Holocaust-era process of separating Jewish prisoners into groups sent to the gas chambers and others to forced labor camps.

Stern, whose cousin Moran Yanai was among those abducted, spoke Wednesday afternoon at a forum in Tel Aviv for the hostage families before he joined at least 100 of the relatives on a five-day march to the prime ministers office in Jerusalem. There, they plan to appeal for government action to secure the release of the captives, even at the price of releasing Palestinians in Israeli prisons, including men who were directly involved in carrying out the attack that left at least 1,200 Israelis dead on Oct. 7. Shira Rubin in Tel Aviv contributed to this report.
Soldiers deployed to the al-Tanf garrison in Syria watch for the impact of a mortar from an observation point during a readiness exercise in 2020. (William Howard/U.S. Army)

WASHINGTON  Nearly 60 U.S. troops at military bases in Syria and Iraq have been injured in 56 missile and drone attacks launched in the last month by Iran-backed militant groups, the Pentagon said Tuesday.

Militant groups in the region began increasing attacks on U.S. bases in the two countries in mid-October, within two weeks 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.

On Tuesday morning, a multi-rocket attack was launched against a U.S. base at Mission Support Site Euphrates in Syria. No casualties and damage to infrastructure were reported, said a defense official who spoke on the condition of anonymity. It brings the number of attacks on U.S. forces to 29 in Syria and 27 in Iraq by a mix of one-way attack drones and rockets.

Tuesdays incident comes after four 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 at Green Village and Euphrates are in eastern Syria near its border with Iraq and Shaddadeh is farther north.

There were also three attacks last week against U.S. troops at al-Harir air base in northern Iraq. There were no casualties from the drones used in the attack but there was damage to infrastructure, the defense official said.

The U.S. is tracking 59 personnel who have been injured during the strikes.

Approximately, 27 personnel have been evaluated for [traumatic brain injuries] and 32 for other non-serious injuries. As of today, all 59 have returned to duty, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said.

In response to the attacks against American forces, the U.S. has conducted multiple airstrikes in Syria at sites tied to Iran-backed militants.

Most recently, two strikes occurred in Syria on Sunday. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the strikes targeted a training facility near the city of Albu Kamal and a safe house near the city of Mayadeen. The previous strikes occurred Oct. 26 and Nov. 8.

While defense officials have said the airstrikes are meant to deter further attacks, the militant groups continue strikes against U.S. forces in the region.

Singh said the Pentagon believes the deterrence strikes are working because the fighting between Israel and Hamas has not spread into a wider regional conflict.

I think we are being very deliberate on how and when we conduct our strikes against these groups. And I think that Iran is certainly seeing that message, she said.
The situation on the battlefield in Ukraine remains dire. NATO countries and European allies should help Kyiv more to prevent Russian dictator Vladimir Putin from winning.

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This was stated by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels (Belgium), Ukrinform reports. He expressed hope that the issue of Ukraine would be discussed at the planned business breakfast within the EU Council of Ministers for Foreign Affairs.

"We cannot allow President Putin to win. Ukraine must remain as a sovereign independent state in Europe, and it is in our interest to support it," the NATO Secretary-General said.

Regarding possible negotiations with Russia to end the war, Stoltenberg once again emphasized that this is up to Ukraine alone. The task of the allies is to help and demonstrate their commitment to the rule of international law.

In addition, according to the NATO Secretary-General, no one can say when this war will end. At the moment, there is no desire on the part of Russia or Putin to negotiate. Therefore, the partners should increase assistance to convince the Kremlin leader that he cannot win.

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"If we want to solve it through negotiations, the way to do that is to continue military support for Ukraine," Stoltenberg said.

Earlier, Stoltenberg warned that Ukraine's partners should prepare for a long war. He is convinced that only continued support for the Ukrainian army will help Ukraine preserve its sovereignty and independence, defend its democratic values and make Russian President Vladimir Putin understand that Russia will not be able to win the war against Ukraine.

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

- Ukraine needs high-quality weapons and more military assistance, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said. Investing in Ukrainian security is a contribution to the security of the entire North Atlantic Alliance.

- The NATO Secretary General said that the partners will continue to supply weapons to Ukraine, despite Slovakia's decision to stop military assistance. NATO believes that this will contribute to their security.

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Senior Airman Brent Kyzar, 92nd Operations Support Squadron air traffic control apprentice, uses his binoculars to locate aircraft on the flightline at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., Jan. 5, 2023. ATC Airmen are responsible for clearing pilots during takeoff and landing and also play a significant role in communicating vital flight patterns and weather information. (Stassney Davis/U.S. Air Force)

An increasing reliance on overtime to staff air traffic control facilities and outdated technology is putting aviation safety at risk, a panel of experts assembled by the Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday in a report.

The group, which includes former FAA administrator Michael Huerta and former National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Robert L. Sumwalt, said the agency quickly needs to take steps to boost hiring and overhaul its aging systems.

Air traffic controllers who must climb stairs to the top of a 200-foot air traffic control tower because of an elevator outage may find functioning equipment when they finally arrive, but they are not in the best physical or mental condition to perform their duties, the group wrote. These challenges inject risk into the system.

The panel was assembled as part of the FAAs response to near misses involving airliners early this year that alarmed the aviation industry. Many of the reports conclusions echo testimony in recent congressional hearings and findings from the Transportation Departments inspector general.

Michael Whitaker, the FAAs new administrator, said he welcomed the panels work and would review the findings.

We appreciate the teams time and expertise to help us pursue our goal of zero serious close calls, he said in a statement.

The FAA logged 23 of the most serious kind of close calls in the past year and the NTSB is investigating more than a half-dozen incidents, including a collision between two private jets at a Houston airport last month. Jennifer Homendy, the boards chair, said after a Senate committee hearing that the aviation industry needs to take urgent action.

All the red flags are there, Homendy told reporters. We are sounding the alarm bells and we need action.

The FAA is trying to boost air traffic controller hiring, but Wednesdays report makes clear its current plans are unlikely to lead to a significant increase in air traffic controllers anytime soon, calling the agencys academy a bottleneck.

The hiring plan produces a negligible improvement over todays understaffed levels, the report says.

The panel also said the agency is too reliant on outdated technology and has failed to achieve efficiency gains from a major technological overhaul known as NextGen.

There is a limit to how far the challenges of inadequate, obsolete, and unreliable facilities, equipment, and technology can be managed to preserve safety by sacrificing efficiency, the panel wrote.
Retired Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston speaks at a ceremony at Fort Bliss, Texas, June 16, 2023. Grinston is slated to become the new leader of Army Emergency Relief, a nonprofit agency that aids soldiers with financial needs. (Micah Merrill/U.S. Army)

Recently retired Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Grinston is slated to become the new leader of Army Emergency Relief, a nonprofit agency that helps soldiers with a range of financial needs.

Grinston will take over as director on Jan. 1, making him the first former enlisted soldier to hold the position, Army Emergency Relief said in a statement Saturday.

Grinston will replace retired Lt. Gen. Raymond V. Mason, who has done the job since 2017.

The Armys former top noncommissioned officer said that he is already getting his feet wet, working alongside Masons team to get up to speed.

Retired Sgt. Maj. of the Army, Michael A. Grinston, during his relinquishment of responsibility ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., in April. Grinston is slated to become the new leader of Army Emergency Relief, a nonprofit agency that aids soldiers with financial needs. (Ethan Scofield/U.S. Army)

Being a prior enlisted soldier will bring additional pressure, Grinston said in a LinkedIn post last week. Not only do I want to be a great director of AER, so that we can provide the best support possible to our soldiers, I also want to make sure that I do well so that other enlisted will get a similar opportunity.

Grinston had a reputation for being an outspoken champion of soldier causes during his Army leadership tenure. AER said that its board of directors unanimously elected Grinston to the post.

Grinston is no stranger to the organization, having been a member of AERs board of managers for the previous seven years, the organization said.

Grinston retired in 2023 after a 36-year career that included numerous combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Jonathan Lubecky speaks at a Capitol Hill news conference on the Douglas Mike Day Psychedelic Therapy to Save Lives Act, Wednesday, June 14, 2023. Behind him are Reps. Jack Bergman, R-Mich., and Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas. (Joe Gromelski/Special to Stars and Stripes)

WASHINGTON  Researchers and veterans testifying Tuesday on the use of psychedelic drugs to relieve post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidal thoughts urged House lawmakers to back more studies into the alternative treatments.

Treating serious depression with psychedelics puts the mind, body and spirit in the place it needs to be so the therapy can work, said Jonathan Lubecky, who served in the Army and Marine Corps.

Lubecky told lawmakers that he had suicidal thoughts after returning home from Iraq in 2006. He learned about and enrolled in a four-month clinical trial with MAPS Public Benefit Corp. that involved treatment of PTSD with psychedelic drugs followed by intensive psychotherapy, which he completed in 2015.

MAPS is the Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies, a nonprofit research and educational company.

I not only worked through my trauma from Iraq, but my whole life, and excised those demons for good, Lubecky said, adding he has not used the drugs since his supervised treatment.

He now serves as legislative director of Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions, a nonprofit that advocates for psychedelic-assisted therapies for veterans. The organization provides grants for veterans to receive treatments outside the United States.

At the House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing conducted by its health oversight subpanel, veterans and clinicians talked about experiences and promising outcomes from psychedelic-assisted therapies offered in research settings.

The hearing looked at emerging therapies where testing is underway. Lawmakers sought to collect information from researchers, clinicians and veterans about their views on the effectiveness of psychedelic-assisted therapies and understand the guidelines for administering treatments.

Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, the subcommittee chairwoman, said she has witnessed the struggles veterans face with PTSD and suicidal symptoms.

For many veterans this treatment is lifesaving, said Miller-Meeks, who is a physician and Army veteran.

But we must urge caution, she added. We are not advocating for the legalization or casual use of psychedelics. What we are discussing is the clinically administered doses of these substances in combination with targeted therapy sessions in a clinical setting.

Miller-Meeks and other lawmakers asked about the progress into the science and research of psychedelic-assisted therapies as well as the challenges ahead.

Witnesses urged support for more studies and testing by the VA, and several noted they hope the Food and Drug Administration will grant regulatory approval for the clinical delivery of certain psychedelic drugs for treatment of PTSD.

What do you see as the key things for the VA and the committee to focus on, on the very near term? asked Rep. Julia Brownley of California, the top Democrat on the committee.

Juliana Mercer, a Marine Corps veteran and director of veteran advocacy and public policy for the nonprofit Healing Breakthrough, said the VA needs to plan for challenges in implementing the novel treatment if it receives regulatory approval.

Weve worked really closely with VA stakeholders to identify some of these critical logistical challenges and potential solutions. Theyre going to need to train thousands of clinicians, find the right facilities and have the [capacity] to facilitate this treatment.

The focus is not just on advancing the best innovative treatments for veterans but achieving it safely, Dr. Carolyn Clancy, assistant undersecretary for health with the Office of Discovery, Education and Affiliate Networks at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

This is especially true for studies that test compounds such as MDMA and psilocybin as part of an intensive psychotherapy program to treat veterans with PTSD, depression and other mental health conditions.

By MDMA, she referred to the clinical use of small doses of a psychedelic drug commonly known as ecstasy in controlled settings. Psilocybin is a mushroom extract that has hallucinogenic properties.

Clancy said current studies are funded largely by outside philanthropic organizations. The substances are listed as Schedule 1 drugs that are federally banned and illegal.

Schedule 1 drugs are not currently accepted as medical treatments.

Funding for psychedelic-assisted research is not restricted by statute but requires oversight and approval by the FDA and Drug Enforcement Agency, which can delay research and testing.

VA ensures the treatments take place in safe environments and potential participants undergo comprehensive evaluations, Clancy said, adding potential research participants undergo careful medical and psychiatric screening to make sure it is safe for them to participate.

She said the Veterans Health Administration held a conference last month on the use of psychedelics in improving the mental health of veterans that enabled researchers to discuss and understand the state of scientific evidence.

Clancy said the conference determined the need for more clinical trials for enrolling more veterans. She said trials using MDMA treatment for PTSD have shown significant reductions in PTSD symptoms.

At the same time, Clancy said the VHA is looking at other promising treatments for severe depression that include transcranial magnetic stimulation for PTSD and depression, even with patients whove experienced traumatic brain injuries.
Maj. Gen. Peter J. Boylan Jr., right, commanding general, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), visits a unit of the division in the field, Oct. 1, 1988. (U.S. Army/National Archives)

(Tribune News Service)  Another American military hero has died.

Retired Army Maj. Gen. Peter J. Boylan Jr. died Sunday morning at his home in Milledgeville surrounded by family. He served as president of Georgia Military College and Prep School for over two decades following a distinguished military career that included being critically wounded in Vietnam in 1966. He was 87.

Baldwin County Commissioner Henry R. Craig said he always had great respect for Boylan, which is why he addressed him as General or Sir.

As those who knew him will agree, he gave great encouragement in the activities of my lifes endeavors, said Craig. Often that encouragement and advice was direct, loud and pushy. I was better for it. To disagree with him was always a challenge in intellect and perseverance.

Craig said the community lost a hero.

Maj. Gen. Peter Boylan has gone the way of all heroes, into our memories of those who have heroically served our country, our community and their families, Craig said. His military awards are a history of great physical and personal courage.

Craig said what Boylan accomplished at GMC and in the community was a continuation of his courage to make great things happen for the community he adopted as his final home.

I will miss him, Craig said. The community will miss him.

Boylan reflected on his life of service in an in-depth interview in 2021. While talking about his life in the military, Boylan mentioned that he was wounded three times in enemy gun battles while fighting in the Vietnam War in 1966. He was also involved in an explosion that resulted in pieces of shrapnel being propelled into his body.

He never once called himself a hero, though.

Im no hero, Boylan said in the office of his home. I just did my duty, and what I was supposed to do.

During his Army career that spanned more than 3 1/2 decades, Boylan was also involved in combat missions in Grenada and Central America.

He was a highly decorated ranking member of the Army. Boylan was the recipient of the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars for Valor and the Silver Star  the nations third-highest award for valor.

Boylan grew up a long way from Milledgeville in the small town of Portage, Wis.

It was a small rural town, Boylan said. It was a place where everybody knew your business. You couldnt get away with anything.

The oldest of three boys, he grew up poor. His parents worked hard for what they had. Boylan never let the poverty of his upbringing in a small town stop him from achieving great milestones in his life.

He later joined the Army and was appointed to West Point.

I went to West Point, and West Point changed my life, Boylan said. I learned a lot about myself  a lot of which I didnt like.

He later became a professor at West Point.

Boylan and his wife, Kathy, were married for more than 62 years. The couple had five children and several grandchildren, one of whom is also a graduate of West Point.

George Hogan, chairman of the Georgia Military College Board of Trustees, issued the following statement following Boylans passing.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I share our deepest condolences for the Boylan family. Maj. Gen. Boylan fostered a legacy that will resonate for generations to come, Hogan said. He left an indelible mark on GMC, and his memory will live inside our gates forevermore.

Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell, who is currently president of GMC, also issued a statement.

We are incredibly grateful to Maj. Gen. Boylan for his leadership for 21 years, Caldwell said. Through his commitment and dedication to our institution, he left a legacy that we continue to build on today. We will remember him and the contributions and impact he made on our great institution.

Lyn Chandler, a longtime member of the Baldwin County Board of Education, recalled the time that he and Boylan served together on the board of directors with the Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce. Working together, the local Communities in Schools (CIS) affiliate was founded out of a discussion at a chamber of commerce retreat held in 2000.

In that meeting, there was a discussion between him and me that our two committees should be combined as one committee, said Chandler. He was chairman of the adult education program, and I was chairman of the education committee. We felt like the two committees should be combined toward a common effort. And thats really how our CIS program was created here in Baldwin County.

Chandler said although the program got off to a slow start, it has since turned into an outstanding program.

He said Boylan was an outstanding person in every way.

But I think one of his major contributions to our community was his leadership at Georgia Military College because it really turned that school around, Chandler said. If you go back and talk to people at GMC prior to his arrival, he really had a tremendous impact toward turning the school around and turning it into what it is today.

Asked what he thought made Boylan such an exceptional leader, Chandler said it was his character.

You want to say was it his military training; was it his upbringing, etc., Chandler said, he was just an outstanding person in every aspect. He had a tremendous commitment to make a difference with young people.

Chandler said Boylan wanted people to have respect and honor America.

He wanted young people to have character, Chandler said. Duty, honor and character wasnt just a slogan to him. It was his way of life.

Chandler said Boylan influenced him as a leader.

He helped to make me a better leader, absolutely, Chandler said.

Todd Dixon, former chief executive officer at Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin hospital in Milledgeville, worked closely with Boylan when he served as chairman of the local hospital board.

The thing that always stuck out to me about Gen. Boylan was how humble he was considering his accomplishments and how connected he was, said Dixon, who now is CEO of a health care company in Buford. I could mention anyone from Gen. George Patton to Gen. Lloyd Austin, and Gen. Boylan would have a personal story about them and their families. He seemed to have a particular affinity for Gen. Colin Powell and spoke highly of him frequently.

Dixon described Boylan as a true patriot who could speak expertly about various wars and conflicts in American history.

I always appreciated his knowledge and insight, Dixon said.

Boylan appreciated the importance of having a sense of urgency, and as a leader, he expected not only action, but results, Dixon said.

This was important for our hospital because we were aligned in that expectation, Dixon said. Gen. Boylan placed a premium on leadership and leadership skills, and he was obviously an expert in this area.

The former local hospital administrator said Boylan was instrumental in leading the hospital through numerous changes during his tenure as board chairman.

Gen. Boylan was committed to Baldwin County and truly cared about the community, Dixon said. Gen. Boylan was also a family man and spoke frequently about his family, of which he was understandably proud. He will definitely be missed.

Dr. Amy Wright, executive director of Georgias Old Capitol Heritage Center at the Depot Inc., fondly remembered Boylan.

I adored Gen. Boylan, she said. He was a giant of a man. Wherever he was, his mind was constantly thinking of positive things, especially when it came to education.

Wright said her connection to Boylan began in the 90s when he saw the need for a museum of local history.

The next thing I knew, a world-class museum became part of the Georgia Military College campus, and that was as long as he remained president, Wright recalled.

A committee was formed to come up with an idea, technically a gift to the community of Milledgeville, in commemoration of Baldwin 2000 Plus. The committee floundered around for a while trying to find a place to build the kind of museum that they wanted. When GMC started the renovation of the Old Capitol Building, Gen. Boylan invited the committee to consider putting the museum on the entire ground floor of the Old Capitol building. It just seemed like such a perfect place.

The museum on the campus of GMC opened its doors in 2001 with a small exhibit. Four years later, 10 galleries had been completed.

I then came along and joined the board in 2007, and I was just amazed at the grand ideas that Gen. Boylan had and how things could be done, Wright said. He didnt just have the ideas. He made those ideas happen.

At the same time, he wanted GMC to be recognized as a big part of the Milledgeville community, she said.

He wanted people in Milledgeville to see that GMC wanted to give back to the community, she said.

Wright said Boylan was always an insightful, strong-willed man, and the world is a much better place because he was in it.

(c)2023 The Union-Recorder (Milledgeville, Ga.)

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Journalist and TV presenter Hubert Seipel, who has long been considered one of Germany's leading independent experts on Russia, received at least 600,000 euros from companies linked to oligarch Alexei Mordashov. He is a Russian steel and banking magnate who has been subject to Western sanctions for his close ties to the Kremlin.

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Mordashov is known as a member of Putin's elite. According to media sources, he was part of a select group of business leaders who gathered in the Kremlin on February 24, 2022, a few hours after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops. The fact that Mordashov's companies transferred large sums of money to Seipel was reported by the Cyprus Confidential project of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and the German newspaper Paper Trail Media. The authors shared the materials with their reporting partners, including The Guardian.

It turned out that the writer, who has been widely criticized for his sympathies for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, received at least 600,000 euros in undisclosed offshore payments.

Investigators said the money was supposed to support the journalist's work on two German-language books: "Putin: The Logic of Power" (2015) and "Putin's Power: Why Europe Needs Russia" (2021). Both were released after biographical films made by Seipel and are complimentary of the Russian president.

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Seipel is one of the few journalists in the world who has had direct and regular contact with the Russian leader. By his own admission, he has met with the Kremlin leader "almost 100 times."

After the publication of the investigation, the German writer admitted that he had indeed received money from accounts linked to oligarch Mordashov. The man did not comment on the amount.

He claims that this money is "support for exclusively book projects," and he allegedly remained impartial. "I have always set clear legal boundaries that guaranteed my independence," Seipel assured.

Seipel's publisher, Hoffmann und Campe, said it had no knowledge of the payments. "If this is confirmed, we reserve the right to take further action with respect to the books that were contracted by management in 2013 and 2016, respectively, based on the television documentary," a spokesperson for the firm told reporters.

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The NDR television company (where the German journalist's films about Putin were broadcast) also said it was unaware of the sponsorship deal. They claim to have taken the allegations "very seriously" and blocked access to Seipel's films until further notice.

"Mr. Seipel should have informed [NDR] of a possible conflict of interest, such as a payment," the company emphasized.

As OBOZ.UA wrote, The Economist magazine recently released a cover with the expected trends of 2024. The main topics were the war in Ukraine and the US elections.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Over the last few weeks, while covering the high-profile trial, many people have asked me about the killer

Jozef Puska is not the first killer Ive looked in the eye, and he wont be the last.

The 33-year-old was convicted for the murder of primary school teacher Ashling Murphy on January 12th 2022 in a brutal killing that shocked outraged people across the country.

Over the last few weeks, while covering the high-profile trial, many people have asked me about the killer.

They asked me what he looked like, how he was acting and if I could tell just by looking at him that he was guilty.

While many probably assumed I would describe a monster, smug and terrifying with evil in his eyes and an aura of arrogance that was not necessarily the case.

When I first laid eyes on Jozef Puska I wasn't sure I was in the right courtroom. I popped into the pre-trial hearing one day while I was in the central criminal court attending a different trial.

Sat in the dock, Puksa looked significantly different to the man who was arrested for the murder of Ashling Murphy 21 months prior.

His hair had grown out, and wearing a short-sleeved shirt, the man looked considerably more muscular looking than the man who was pictured as he was taken into Tullamore court to be arraigned following his arrest.

Of course, though, his changes are symptomatic of a man who had just spent almost two years in prison with little else to do than work out.

But the truth is that Puska, while accused of a horrific crime, looked like any other man. People expect these vile killers to look like monsters, but what is the face of evil? What does a person who randomly attacks, assaults and murders a random woman in broad daylight look like?

Early criminologists argued that criminals looked distinctly different to the rest of the popular. In particular, they said that murderers had cold glassy stares, bloodshot eyes and hawk-like noses.

And while their theories have been long dismissed, there remains a consensus from the people Ive spoken to that killers look a certain way. Maybe they do, and I fail to see it. Maybe Im the one who needs to start seeing less humanity in killers.

While some people, myself included, have commented that Puska looks normal, it has to be said that its hard to look like a threat while flanked by gardai and prison officers.

His demeanor wasnt anything too significant either. He was someone who appeared overwhelmed, perhaps even bored by the proceedings, as his translator spoke to him in whispered Slovakian.

While on the stand though, I automatically assumed an air of self-assurance and even narcissism. Its the only thing that could explain why a killer could get up in a court of law and lie through his teeth about murdering an innocent young woman.

He not only lied about being a killer, but he also tried to claim that he was trying to save Ashling Murphys life, even though it was he who stabbed her in the neck 11 times. I dont doubt that speaking through a translator gave him the benefit of feeling like there was a safe space, a step removed, from being the one who had to speak to the court.

Jozef Puska isnt the first killer to look like a regular Joe, and he wont be the last.
She has quite a network in that area and is the head of an organised crime group in Newry, said the officer

THE PSNI has told a court that the daughter of a drug dealer shot dead last year is the head of an organised crime group.

Mark The Chicken Lovell was gunned down in Newry in December  a killing believed to have been ordered by a local drug gang.

Lovells daughter, Whitney Hughes (31), who faces a series of drug charges, was released from prison on compassionate bail to attend his funeral.

She is now on bail in connection with the alleged offences.

Hughes was back in court last week seeking a variation of her bail conditions so that she could travel to Dublin for the weekend with her partner.

However, the application was opposed by the PSNI.

A police officer told Newry Magistrates Court they would object to Hughes being allowed to visit Dublin.

She has quite a network in that area and is the head of an organised crime group in Newry, said the officer.

The application to change Hughes bail conditions was refused by a judge.

Mark Lovell.

Lovell (58) was shot a number of times at close range inside his car while he was parked outside the home of a relative at Ardcarn Park in Newry on December 1, 2022.

He had survived another murder attempt at his home in Dundalk, Co Louth, shortly before he was killed.

Two men were arrested in connection with the murder following searches of a number of properties in Newry.

However, no one has been charged with Lovells killing.

Local sources have claimed he was gunned down by members of a local drugs gang.

In the weeks before the murder, a number of houses in Newry were attacked as part of a feud.

Speaking in the wake of Lovells murder, PSNI District Commander for Newry, Mourne and Down, Norman Haslett, described the attack on a defenceless man as brutal and senseless.

We believe those responsible went to great lengths to plan this attack and that they lay in wait for their victim to come home and essentially ambushed him and executed him, he said. The victim was a husband, a father and a son. He was shot multiple times at close range.

Whitney Hughes

The level of violence used was reprehensible, particularly given the time of the day  tea-time on a week night in a busy residential area of Newry with people coming home from work.

Hughes is out on bail awaiting trial on a number of drug offences, along with charges of possessing criminal property and trading in counterfeit products.

In court this week, an application was made on her behalf to vary the bail conditions to allow her and her partner to travel to Dublin later this month for a two-night stay in a hotel.

However, in objecting to the application, a police officer told the court that Hughes was already in breach of two of the five bail conditions in place.

These related to obtaining details of PINs of a phone seized by police.

Hughes solicitor said his client told police she did not remember the PIN to the phone, and when she did provide one, it was wrong. The solicitor said this was now being held against Hughes.

He added: My client has been on bail for quite a considerable length of time.

This case started over a year ago and since her release from custody, Hughes had adhered to her bail conditions.

She simply wants to go away for a weekend with her partner.

Refusing the application to vary the bail conditions, District Judge Eamonn King said: This young lady has made certain lifestyle choices and she must live with those consequences.

The charges against Hughes arose from a search police carried out on a storage container on July 4 of last year.

In this container, police discovered a significant quantity of class A and class B drugs which included four to five kilos of cannabis, as well as mobile phones.

A quantity of cocaine was also in the drugs haul.

Initial estimates put the value of the drugs in excess of 100,000.

The court heard there are a different ties between Hughes and the container, including that quite a substantial amount of paraphernalia for a business she was running at the time was found.

Hughes is due to appear in court later this month in connection with the alleged offences.
Counsel for CAB said in court today that the case has been back and forth and a year and a half has been lost

GANGLAND figure James Mago Gately has been warned to file a defence or a Criminal Assets Bureau case will go ahead without it next month.

Gately and his wife Charlene Lam have been targeted by CAB who claim the 440,000 spent on their Coolock home was proceeds of crime.

Counsel for CAB said in court today that the case has been back and forth and a year and a half has been lost with no substantial affidavits filed.

Last July Judge Alex Owens agreed to allow 14,000 free legal to pay for a forensic accountant and a quantity surveyor to carry out a report for the couple.

However, counsel for CAB told the court neither had yet been forwarded to them.

Gatelys counsel said both reports are now at an advanced stage and said they would be available next month.

Judge Owens warned they must be done by then or a hearing would go ahead without them.

Mago Gately survived being targeted by the Kinahan Cartel during the infamous Kinahan-Hutch feud

In July the judge described as outrageous, fees quoted for the reports totalling 34,000 and capped them instead at 14,000.

The case against Mago and his partner Charlene Lam centres on their Coolock home which CAB say they spent 440,000 on refurbishing using the proceeds of crime

Judge Owens previously said he was gobsmacked when he read the initial quote from a UK-based forensic accountant who said it would cost the equivalent of 24,000 for him to carry out the work.

James 'Mago' Gately

A quantity surveyor had also quoted almost 10,000 to travel to the north Dublin property and to write up his report.

A lawyer for the couple said it had not been possible to find someone in this jurisdiction to carry the reports.

It was added the reports were needed because CABs case to seize the house rests on their valuations of the work carried out.

They claim the work was carried out far more cheaply and using less expensive materials than suggested by CAB.

Judge Owens said at the July hearing that it took him just eight hours to read the entire CAB case of 1,152 pages.

He said he would allow legal aid in respect of an accountant at 150 per hour to be capped at 80 hours for total of 10,000 plus Vat.

He then allowed 16 hours for a total of 4,000 for a quantity surveyor adding that they now have money to wave in front of people to carry out the work.

CABs case was first filed in 2021 and is against both Gately and his partner Charlene who previously won the argument to have some free legal aid to help them in their legal battle.

During that hearing , it was stated by counsel for CAB the couple had taken luxury cruises and enjoyed eye- watering foreign travel.

They went on two cruises including one that started in Singapore in which they had a cabin complete with a balcony visiting Korea, Japan and China.

Two cars and a 4,400 ladies Rolex watch are also being targeted by CAB which alleges the goods were paid for with the proceeds of crime.

Gately was lucky to survive in 2017 after being shot and wounded in an assassination bid caried out by Kinahan gunman Caolan Smith.

The Sunday World previously revealed how the Coolock house is also the focus of another court case which a bank is trying to repossess.
He pickpocketed an elderly lady, that doesnt impress me one bit, Judge Smyth said.

An asylum-seeker had been in Ireland for two months when he pickpocketed an elderly shopper, taking her mobile phone, a court heard.

Zakarik Titouah (24) also stole from another woman in a separate theft, snatching her purse and trying to use her Revolut card.

He was spared prison when Judge Bryan Smyth gave him a six-month suspended sentence.

Titouah, with an address at Citywest Hotel, Saggart, pleaded guilty to stealing a womans mobile phone on September 30.

He also admitted theft of the second womans purse and Revolut card on September 12, and trying to use the card to steal cash on the same date.

Dublin District Court heard in the first incident he took an elderly womans mobile phone from her pocket while she was in Dundrum Town Centre.

In the second, he was at Harbour Court, Dublin 1 when he stole a womans purse. He then tried to use the card by tapping it at a premises at Lower Abbey Street.

The accused accepted what he did was wrong, his lawyer said.

He pickpocketed an elderly lady, that doesnt impress me one bit, Judge Smyth said.

Titouah was recently arrived in this country, the lawyer said, to which the judge replied: That doesnt excuse that sort of behaviour.

What happened was a crime of opportunity, the lawyer continued.

Titouah was a very young man living in a hostel with no family here and this went some way to explaining what happened, the lawyer said.

The second theft was to get money to pay for groceries as he had only arrived in Dublin, was not in receipt of any income and had no money.

Judge Smyth suspended the sentence for two years.
A young Wicklow man who posed as a teenage girl on Facebook to sexually exploit over 60 young children by getting them to send him naked photos of themselves has been sentenced to five years in prison.

Lorcan Tracey (26), a single man of The Commons, Rathnew, Co Wicklow appeared before a sitting of Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court in relation to a total of 190 charges on sexual exploitation and child pornography offences.

Judge Patrick Quinn said Tracey had adopted the online persona of a 12-13 year-old girl to get his victims to send them naked photos of themselves and on one day alone had targeted 20 young people online.

The court heard that there were a total of 64 victims of the accused including one boy who was aged just 8 years.

Judge Quinn said Tracey had engaged in cruel and intrusive behaviour of young children whose ages he knew and had exploited their personal vulnerabilities and frailties.

The judge remarked that the offences contained a strong element of depravity.

However, he acknowledged that Tracey had never physically met any of his victims and had made no commercial gain from distributing some of the photos he had been sent.

Lorcan Tracey of The Commons, Rathnew, Co. Wicklow pictured leaving Bray Circuit Court. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

The judge also noted that there was no suggestion that the accused was part of a paedophile ring.

Many of his victims lived in Ireland but others were based in the UK, the US, Australia and Belgium.

The court heard Tracey had sent naked photos of a teenage girl to his victims via Facebook, purporting to be photos of the sender, in order to get them to send similar photos back to him.

In some cases, he asked young boys for photos of themselves engaging in sexual activity with another child.

Tracey urged one victim to take a picture of the penis of his three-year-old cousin but the boy refused.

He faced 142 counts of the sexual exploitation of a child contrary to Section 3 of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998 as well as 37 counts of the possession of child pornography and 11 counts of distributing child pornographic images.

Tracey pleaded guilty to 26 sample charges relating to offences committed in 2015 when he was aged 17-18 years.

At a sentencing hearing on Wednesday, Judge Quinn said Tracey had used coercive and threatening language with some of his victims.

The judge noted the accused, while posing as a teenage girl, warned many of his victims that he would take his own life or engage in self-harm unless they sent him naked photos of themselves.

He also observed that Tracey had suggested to some of his victims that they had special needs, while some of his victims were so young that they were unaware of the sexual nature of what they were being asked to do.

Detective Garda Georgina Earley of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau had previously told the court that gardai were alerted about the offences by the US National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children in October 2015.

Det Garda Earley gave evidence that Tracey had asked one of his young victims if he was horny and to prove it by forwarding a photo of his penis.

He asked the same victim to also send him nude photos of his two younger brothers who were aged 12 and 10.

The court heard the accused had persuaded three young siblings based in the UK, for photos of their genital areas. They included a young girl aged 10, whose photos he redistributed online.

When her eight-year-old brother indicated he would not send him a photo of his penis, the accused told him to get a photo of his older brother sucking it instead.

Det Garda Earley said the accused threatened the same boy that he would not send any more nude photos of a purportedly naked teenage girl if he did not do as requested.

She said he ultimately sent 12 images to the defendant via Facebook.

When another victim with a moderate learning disability who had already sent him naked pictures refused to comply with a request, the accused warned him: Tell me to f**k off one more time and Ill put them on Facebook for everyone to see.

Det Garda Earley said he threatened another 13-year-old victim who had autism that he would tell his mother, whom he had added as a friend on Facebook, if he did not comply with his instructions.

When the same boy asked, whom he thought was a girl, if she wanted a relationship, the accused texted back: No. Youre a handicap.

The court heard that at one stage, the accused pretended to be a 13-year-old girl from Wales who wore a wig as a result of chemotherapy and threatened victims that she would self-harm if they did not respond to her requests.

In another case, he tried to persuade an 11-year-old boy to send him a photo of his sperm via Instagram.

At the same hearing in October, the accuseds father, Kevin Tracey, gave evidence that he only fully understood the gravity of his sons offending for the first time after what he had heard in court.

Asked if he was surprised, the man replied: Shocked.

He added: I apologise for what he has done. Honestly, I dont know what was going on in his mind.

Judge Quinn said IP addresses were identified and traced to Tracey who originally denied all knowledge of the Facebook accounts used to commit the offences when he was arrested in January 2017.

The judge noted that the accused had refused to give a PIN number for his computer to gardai, while he had also tried to blame his brother for operating one of the accounts.

Judge Quinn said Tracey had engaged in multiple incidents of intimidating, inducing and coercing young people to send him naked photographs of themselves for his personal pleasure.

He claimed the accused had engaged in a wholly unacceptable level of deception and cruel duress.

Judge Quinn assessed Traceys offending at slightly short of the higher range.

The court heard that many of the victims did not engage with the criminal investigation as they would have found it too upsetting.

Judge Quinn also observed that Tracey, who left school at the age of 16, had a dysfunctional family history and suffered from a number of health issues including a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The judge gave him credit for pleading guilty to the offences and saving the State a criminal trial that could have lasted up to two months.

He acknowledged that Tracey had apologised to his victims and had expressed deep remorse and recognised the gross effect his actions had on them.

However, the judge also took into consideration that a probation report found him at a high risk of re-offending.

Sentencing Tracey to six years in prison for the offences relating to the sexual exploitation of children, Judge Quinn suspended the final 12 months on condition that he places himself under the supervision of the Probation Service for a period of five years upon release and follows all referrals relating to counselling and treatment.

He sentenced the accused to three years and 18 months for the distribution and possession of child pornography respectively to run concurrently.

Judge Quinn also directed that Traceys name be placed on the register of sex offenders.
Stephen Buckley of Glencloy Road, Whitehall, said the offences were a moment of madness. He was spared jail

An out-of-control man repeatedly punched his sister in an attack at their family home, then threw his mother over a bed headboard when she intervened.

Stephen Buckley (30) also kicked a garda in the head, struck another in the groin and bit a third when they were called to the house days earlier.

Judge Treasa Kelly spared him jail, giving him a six-month suspended sentence after he said the offences happened in a moment of madness.

Buckley pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to his mother and sister and three counts of garda obstruction at his home at Glencloy Road, Whitehall.

Sergeant Derek Spain told Dublin District Court gardai were called to the house on October 10 last year, as the accused had been causing his family distress.

He was asleep and when gardai woke him, Buckley became very aggressive and tried to grab an object with a sharply pointed syringe.

When gardai intervened, he lashed out and as he was taken from the house, he kicked one of them in the chest and side of the head. He struck another garda in the groin area.

On his way to the station, he bit a third garda on the hand, drawing blood.

Three days later, gardai were again called to the house after Buckley assaulted his mother and sister while extremely intoxicated.

He had punched his sister repeatedly in the back of the head, neck and shoulders, leaving her bruised.

When their mother tried to pull him away, he threw her over a headboard, causing two small cuts to the back of her legs.

The accused, a qualified painter, had been going through a lot of psychological difficulties, his solicitor Murrough ORourke said.

He was totally out of control when these incidents happened, his family were very concerned, Mr ORourke said.

Reading reports, the judge noted that the accuseds mental health was now in a better place and he was no longer at a high risk of re-offending. He had cooperated with the probation service.

The judge told the accused he had to have respect for the gardai.

I understand that, it was just kind of a moment of madness thing, Buckley told the judge.
The Central Criminal Court also heard how Cameron had 'extended the hand of friendship' to his murderer earlier in the night

A then-teenager who armed himself with a 21cm knife and murdered college student Cameron Blair by plunging the weapon into his neck has appealed his life sentence, arguing that the sentencing judge did not sufficiently take his immaturity and "dysfunctional background" into account.

Mr Blair had told his friend: Dont worry lad, I dont want to be fighting moments after the teenager had stabbed him in the neck as the victim acted as a peacemaker outside a house party in Cork city three years ago.

The Central Criminal Court also heard how Cameron had 'extended the hand of friendship' to his murderer earlier in the night when he suggested the teenager and his friends be allowed come into the party.

In a preliminary hearing last May, the Court of Appeal found that, should it find a lower court has made an error in sentencing a juvenile, it would not be able to impose a new sentence once the appellant has turned 18.

The issue arose as the appeal court is confined to imposing a sentence which was open to the court where the trial took place, in circumstances where children are sentenced to detention and cannot be sentenced to imprisonment, while an adult cannot be sentenced to detention.

Karl Finnegan SC today submitted to the three-judge court that while Mr Justice Paul McDermott delivered "detailed" reasons when passing sentence on the then 17-year-old defendant, the judgement took into account the accused's age more than his maturity or immaturity.

Cameron Blair's funeral

The now 21-year-old appellant, who cannot be named as he was a child at the time of the murder, was sentenced to detention for life by the Central Criminal Court in April 2020 with a review after 13 years after he pleaded guilty to murdering Mr Blair (20) by stabbing him in the neck at a house party on Bandon Road in Cork City on January 16, 2020.

The defendant was sentenced to life in detention at Oberstown Children Detention Campus in Lusk, Co Dublin, with the sentence backdated to January 24, 2020, when the then-teenager was taken into custody.

He was transferred to an adult prison after his eighteenth birthday. A review of the sentence is to be conducted by the court on November 15, 2032, and an earliest release date of January 24, 2033 was ordered.

The court further ordered that a probation report be furnished to the court every three years.

Mr Finnegan submitted to the court that the sentence imposed on his client was "disproportionate and excessive in light of the circumstances of the case and his client's difficult personal circumstances".

Mr Finnegan further submitted that the trial judge had acknowledged that the appellant did not leave his home with a knife on the night of the murder and that it was "likely the appellant formed the relevant intention very shortly before the incident".

"It is submitted that the offence was without such aggravating factors as might in other circumstances justify a minimum period of incarceration of 14 years. Such factors, it is submitted, include a lack of any real or significant premeditation or planning, callous disregard for the victim or an unremorseful attitude," said counsel.

Gardai at the scene where Cameron Blair was stabbed

"Furthermore, it is submitted that the impulsivity, immaturity and a serious lack of judgement by which the offence was characterised, bring it into a lower category than that for which the sentence actually imposed would be appropriate," submitted Mr Finnegan.

Mr Finnegan also submitted that the trial judge failed to attach appropriate weight to the mitigating factors, which included his client's "dysfunctional background and family life, his early guilty plea, his youth and immaturity and lack of previous convictions".

Counsel said the trial judge appeared to have taken a view that his client benefited by his age alone, rather than sufficiently taking into account his immaturity, in that he was to be sentenced under a different regime than an adult person.

"It is submitted that this was an error of principle and that it was incumbent on the trial judge to have regard to the specific youth and level of maturity displayed by the appellant on the information available to him," submitted Mr Finnegan.

Counsel said "immaturity was raised in the very first probation report from the sentencing hearing and that still is something that is a factor".

Mr Finnegan said the trial judge referenced his client's immaturity but "ultimately, more emphasis was on the appellants age. There was less emphasis placed on the question of maturity".

Mr Finnegan also submitted that the trial judge erred in setting any review of the sentence for his client at 13 years from the date of incarceration, when the Parole Act 2019 entitles his client to apply for a parole review after 12 years.

Anne Rowland SC, for the DPP, said the trial judge took "significant" account of mitigating factors in a case where the accused armed himself with a 21cm bladed knife taken from a kitchen and then hid it on his person and also down the side of a sofa at the house party.

Ms Rowland submitted that the trial judge noted that while alcohol had been consumed by the appellant, he "had not been very intoxicated" on the night.

Ms Rowland further submitted that the appellant took the knife from the house and went to an off-licence before returning and entering into an altercation.

Counsel said that the appellant had also initially denied the stabbing of Mr Blair to gardai before handing over a different set of clothes for analysis.

"The learned sentencing judge opined the fatal blow was 'vicious, deliberate and cowardly on a man who was, with great difficulty and restraint, trying to calm people down and was unarmed'," submitted Ms Rowland.

Ms Rowland said the sentencing judge also noted that the appellant "fully understood the nature and likely consequence of what he was doing".

"The appellant armed himself with a very large knife approximately one hour before he inflicted the fatal wound on the deceased. Although he was on the periphery of matters in the lead up to the fatal stabbing, he was watching events as they played out and was observed tapping the knife off his knee before he engaged with the deceased. The appellant thrust the knife into the deceased's neck," submitted Ms Rowland.

Ms Rowland noted that the appellant, then aged 17 years and eight months, was at a more advanced developmental stage when he stabbed Mr Blair than someone at a younger stage of around 13-15 years and benefited from being convicted as a child, as opposed to an adult.

Counsel submitted that at "no point" was the issue of a parole review raised during the appellant's sentence hearing and that if a review was granted after 12 years then it would mean an outright life sentence would have had to be imposed, as it might be on an adult.

President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice George Birmingham said the court would reserve its judgement in the matter and adjourned the appeal to December 5, when parties are also invited to make their submissions on any issues regarding the ongoing anonymity of the appellant.
Jordan Keogh was re-sentenced to seven years in jail with the final 12 months suspended

A Dublin criminal who was on bail when he continued to commit serious offences - repeatedly moving cash as well as a handgun for an organised gang - has had his six-year jail term increased by 50 per cent after a successful appeal by the State.

The Court of Appeal noted that, due to the totality principle and rehabilitation considerations, Jordan Keogh's effective jail term for being caught with a semi-automatic pistol and two magazines of ammunition was just six months, which it found was a "substantial departure from the norm".

Ms Justice Kennedy noted that the respondent had a drug-debt of 5K "that had grown exponentially to 180K"

Last February, Keogh (27) of Chaplin Terrace, Neilstown Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, was sentenced by Judge Elma Sheahan at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to a total of six years' imprisonment on multiple charges that included the possession of crime cash totalling 172,950, as well as the possession of a semi-automatic pistol, ammunition and of drugs for sale and supply.

Keogh pleaded guilty to the charges.

Keogh was sentenced to 3.5 years on two money laundering offences each to run concurrently, to two years for possessing cannabis for sale or supply running consecutively to the money laundering charges and to a further 1.5 years with one year suspended for possession of a weapon and ammunition, which was also to run consecutively.

In total, Keogh was sentenced to seven years in jail with the final 12 months suspended in the interest of his rehabilitation.

Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, returning the judgement of the Court of Appeal, said that on February 20, 2020, gardai parked behind a Skoda Fabia and observed Keogh running from the car with a black refuse bag, which he then threw under a nearby jeep.

On being asked about the contents of the bag, Keogh replied: "What bag?"

Gardai retrieved the bag and found 886 grammes of cannabis worth approximately 17,700.

In his interview, Keogh told gardai he ran from the Fabia because he had 500 on him and was concerned that gardai might try to seize it.

Keogh initially denied throwing the drugs under the jeep but pleaded guilty to doing so on his first appearance before the court.

The following November, gardai, who were in receipt of information, stopped a vehicle on the M4 in Naas, Co Kildare, and found 123K, predominantly in bundles of 10K, in the area of the passenger seat.

Gardai also found three mobile phones, one being an encrypted device. In his interview, Keogh told gardai he was paying off a debt of 5,000 after he had received cannabis for the purpose of selling it but swapped it for cocaine which he consumed.

In April 2021, while on bail, Keogh was under surveillance and was again stopped after travelling to the Newcastle area of Dublin from Clondalkin.

Gardai located a compartment in the rear of the vehicle and found a .45 ACP calibre Les Baer custom 1911 semi-automatic pistol and two magazines of .45 ACP ammunition.

Keogh told gardai that he had collected the gun and the ammunition for the persons to whom he was in debt.

In her judgement, Ms Justice Kennedy noted that Keogh told gardai that the people to whom he owed money could "kill or petrol bomb" him if he did not do what was asked of him.

The following September, a vehicle was stopped at the N4 junction in Dublin and a Garda search uncovered 49,950 in cash concealed within the engine area in front of the car battery.

Keogh was the passenger in the vehicle.

Gardai were in position to see that Keogh was rapidly typing on his phone and saw 'sim card locked' on Keogh's phone.

Keogh again told gardai that he had been forced to conduct this activity because he had been previously caught with drugs, cash and a gun, as well as being under a debt.

Ms Justice Kennedy noted that Keogh had 51 previous convictions for road traffic offences with another single offence of failing to appear in court.

Ms Justice Kennedy said that the sentencing judge took into account aggravating factors such as the seriousness of the offending, some of which Keogh carried out while on bail.

However, the State submitted that the trial judge erred "in law and in fact" by imposing an unduly lenient sentence in "failing to have appropriate regard to the fact that offences were committed while on bail".

The State also submitted that the trial judge "failed to have adequate regard to the very serious nature of the offending" and to the elements of "serious organised criminality" associated with Keogh's possession of firearms and ammunition in suspicious circumstances.

Through his lawyers, Keogh submitted the mitigating factors in the case were that he co-operated with gardai, entered an early guilty plea and that he was acting under "very significant duress" at the time.

Ms Justice Kennedy noted that the respondent had a drug-debt of 5K, "that had grown exponentially to 180K" and referenced Garda evidence at the trial that Keogh "was the kind of person who does what he's told without asking questions and could do things without thinking through the consequences".

In her judgement, Ms Justice Kennedy said that while the Court of Appeal was not persuaded that a headline sentence of seven years was in error,

it was satisfied that a mitigated sentence of 3.5 years, reduced to 1.5 years through the totality principle before the final year was suspended, was a "substantial departure from the norm" in relation to the firearms offences.

"If the only matter before this court was the drugs offence, then while that sentence of two years is a lenient one, we would not be justified in intervening, as it is not unduly lenient.

"However, the situation becomes much more serious in that the respondent continues to offend and to do so in a significant way, underpinned by organised criminal activity," said Ms Justice Kennedy.

The appeal court found that the sentence imposed on the firearms offences was unduly lenient and that the adjustments for mitigation and the principle of totality were "too generous".

Ms Justice Kennedy said the court was persuaded that the sentence imposed "did not reflect the seriousness of the totality of the offending".

Ms Justice Kennedy said the court would quash the original sentences imposed and re-sentence Keogh to a total of nine years' imprisonment.

Keogh was re-sentenced to two years for the possession of drugs, a concurrent three years for the first money laundering offence, a consecutive three years with two years suspended for the second money laundering offence and a consecutive five years for the firearms offences.
Prison sources confirmed he has been monitored since his conviction by a health care monitoring team in Cloverhill

Evil in the room as Jozef Puska found guilty of murdering teacher Ashling Murphy

Evil killer Jozef Puska has been receiving psychiatric treatment behind bars since he was found guilty of Ashling Murphy's murder.

He is being held in an isolated cell at Cloverhill Prison and has been watched around the clock.

The 33-year-old Slovakian is due to be sentenced at the Central Criminal Court tomorrow.

He had previously tried to take his own life before he took the witness stand at his trial.

Prison sources confirmed he has been monitored since his conviction by a health care monitoring team in Cloverhill and included psychiatric staff.

A prison source said: There is no way he could be allowed to mix with other prisoners because we believed his life would be in danger.

Ashling Murphy

"Prisoners have their own rules and since Ashling's horrific death was such a high profile case, we genuinely feared for his safety.

"He has been seen by the medical team over the past week and received a psychiatric assessment.

"This is normal procedure for prisoners who have been convicted of a very serious crime and are facing a long, long spell in jail. We have been determined to make sure he appears in court on Friday for his sentencing."

Puska will be given the mandatory life sentence for killing the 23-year-old teacher and he is expected to be immediately moved to Mountjoy Prison to serve his sentence.

Senior Dept of Justice and Prison officials have made it clear he will serve all of his sentence in Ireland and under no circumstances will he be allowed to transfer back to Slovakia, another EU state, to serve his jail time.

Ashling's shocking murder has received huge coverage back in Puska's native country.

Nobody in his home mountainous village of Lucivna which has a population of around 900, has admitted that they knew him.

He is regarded in all the media coverage as an embarrassment to Slovakia, which sees itself as a modern up-and-coming European nation.

Unlike Ireland, a life sentence in Slovakia now normally means life until the prisoner dies.

A life prisoner can only apply for parole after serving 25 years in jail and then it is up to the prosecutor whether or not the killer is freed, which they are reluctant to do.

All prisoners all have the right to plead for clemency from the Slovakian President, which is rarely granted.

Brutal Puska stabbed Ashling 12 times in the neck while she was out for a jog in a crime that shocked and angered the nation.
The duo who are extremely well known to gardai were observed together last week at a location in the midlands.

Jonathan Gill (left) holds clipboard next to Martin 'The Viper' Foley (right)

Veteran gangster Martin Foley and former CAB target Jonathan Gill have joined forces in an apparent debt collection enterprise.

The duo, who are extremely well known to gardai, were observed together last week at a location in the midlands.

They had called to a property and Gill can be seen holding a clipboard while standing outside the property as Martin Foley stands beside him wearing a jacket with his companys logo on it.

Two other men can be seen calling to the door of the property in the company of Gill and Foley.

It is understood that gardai in the Midlands are investigating an alleged incident of intimidation in relation to the matter

It was not previously known that these two individuals were in business together but all the indications are they are now, a source said.

Gill from Dublins Malahide Road was previously acquitted of tiger kidnapping charges. He has been advertising his services as a mediator and negotiator for the past two years while Foley has been involved in a debt collection business for two decades.

For a fee, Jonathan Gill (44) is offering to help step in to resolve disputes between two parties which may have reached a dangerous and potentially violent level.

Martin Foley

In July of this year, Foley (71) from Crumlin pleaded guilty to engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour during an incident in which a heavy for Viper Debt Recovery threatened to slit a mans throat over a 4,000 debt.

He faces a maximum sentence of three months in prison when he appears again before Wexford Circuit Court in the coming weeks.

The count alleged that Foley, on June 17, 2020 at 20 Holly Walk, Cromwellsfort Grove, Wexford engaged in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with an intent to provoke a breach of the peace or being reckless as to whether such a breach of the peace occurred.

Nicknamed The Viper, Foley has more than 40 convictions for offences including assault, robbery and possession of threatening weapons.

In 2020, he was ordered to pay 738,449 in tax, interest and penalties after losing a Supreme Court appeal against a Criminal Assets Bureau tax bill.

Jonathan Gill

He came to prominence in the 1980s when he was a member of the gang which was led by slain mobster Martin The General Cahill and as a spokesman for a gang which clashed with the Concerned Parents antidrug movement.

He was kidnapped by the IRA in 1984 but was freed after a shoot-out between the terrorists and gardai in Phoenix Park.

Foley's life has been under threat since the late 1980s with different criminal enterprises intent on murdering him.

In the last major attack on his life, he was shot numerous times in broad daylight in Dublin in January 2008 by the Kinahan cartel.

Although the attacker escaped in a white Ford van, Foley whispered his name to the first garda who arrived on the scene. The white van was later discovered at Wainsford Road, Terenure.

CAB target Jonathan Gill shows off lavish PS5 hospital donation despite owing 560k

It is also suspected that Jonathan Gill has been the target of assassination plots including by the Real IRA who were led by gangster Alan Ryan at the time in Dublin.

Gill had been accused of the 2011 kidnapping of a postal worker, his partner and their 10-week-old baby daughter before robbing 660,000 from the mans workplace. He denied all the charges.

In 2019, the State entered a 'nolle prosequi' - a legal term which translates as 'will no longer prosecute' - on the charges that he had been facing since November 2013.

While he has no major convictions, Gill was described by an investigating Garda sergeant in the Drogheda tiger kidnapping case as one of the top criminals in Ireland.

Gill lived in a bulletproof house in north Dublin and when members of the Emergency Response Unit raided it, sparks flew as their pickaxe bounced off the patio door, Sergeant Fearghal OToole stated at that hearing.

Sergeant OToole said he believed Gill to be a member of an organised crime group.

He is part of an organised crime group and he would be one of the top criminals in this country, Sergeant OToole said.

Gill was never arrested, charged or convicted of any offences linked to Ryans death or the wider dispute.
A court in France has issued an arrest warrant for Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad and three of his top officials. The so-called president of Syria and his henchmen are accused of committing crimes against humanity due to the chemical attacks carried out by the Assad regime in August 2013 in Eastern Ghouta.

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The use of chemical weapons in this region resulted in the deaths of over a thousand people, the vast majority of whom were civilians. The details, citing sources in the judiciary, were reported by France Info radio.

According to the publication, the arrest warrant for Assad was issued by the French justice system on November 14. In addition to the Syrian dictator himself, three of his henchmen, who head the security forces in Syria, are subject to detention. These are two generals of the Syrian armed forces, as well as Bashar al-Assad's brother Maher, who de facto heads the Syrian elite military unit.

All four are charged with crimes against humanity and war crimes for the use of chemical weapons in Eastern Ghouta in August 2013.

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On August 21, 2013, the Assad regime used chemical weapons in a region controlled by the Syrian opposition. According to U.S. intelligence, this resulted in the deaths of over a thousand people, the vast majority of whom were civilians. Shocking footage of the painful deaths of men, women, and children poisoned by sarin nerve gas, a weapon of mass destruction, has spread around the world. The use of such weapons is prohibited by the Chemical Weapons Convention, which Syria joined in October 2013.

However, according to the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, in the ten years since then, the Assad regime has not provided full information on the status of its chemical weapons stockpiles, and "the repeated use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime since 2013 shows that its stockpiles have not been destroyed and that they continue to threaten the Syrian people, as well as regional and international security."

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The ministry also added that "independent investigations by the UN and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons have found that the Syrian regime has been responsible for at least nine chemical weapons attacks since its accession," i.e., over the past ten years.

In March 2021, a complaint about war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Assad regime was filed by the French-Syrian non-governmental organization Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression.

As a reminder, in March of this year, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi imposed sanctions against Syrian President Assad and the Iranian military command. In particular, the annex to the presidential decree states that sanctions against the Syrian dictator are imposed for a period of 10 years. The document blocks Assad's assets and temporarily deprives him of the right to use and dispose of them. In particular, it concerns assets in respect of which Assad may directly or indirectly perform actions identical in content to the exercise of the right to dispose of them.

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Mobsters target, who is in his 30s, is believed to be hiding out in a border county

The monkey seized in the raid on the gang in Finglas in 2019

A former member of the notorious Monkey Gang is facing death threats after being accused of a secret relationship with a female relative of one of the gangs bosses.

The man, who is in his early 30s, has been officially warned by gardai of an active threat against his life and is understood to be hiding out at various locations in a border county.

He had previously acted as an enforcer for the gang  which gained its nickname when gardai seized a small monkey in a cage as well as a huge haul of weapons and bullets during a search operation in Finglas in Dublin in April 2019.

It has emerged that he previously allegedly engaged in drug debt intimidation on behalf of the gang. He is the subject of a garda investigation in north Dublin after he and the leader of the gang were caught on CCTV as they attempted to demand money with menaces at the home of an innocent family.

However, things have now turned sour between the man and his former associates.

This all started when one of the gang leaders got control of this individuals phone when he said he needed it to make a phone call, a source explained.

The gang leader examined the device and saw messages of a certain nature between this individual and a female relative of his on it.

"This did not go down well at all  he was not in favour of this secret relationship.

This directly led to an incident in Finglas a number of weeks ago in which the man was brutally assaulted in a van.

He managed to flee the scene but a short time later, he was chased by a man travelling on an e-scooter who was wearing a balaclava and threatening to shoot him.

The man ran into Finglas Garda Station for protection but has since withdrawn a complaint he made against the gang boss, reportedly believing he was the masked person following him.

Sources say this has not stopped the threat against him and armed garda patrols have been dispatched to locations where he has been staying in recent weeks in a bid to ensure he is not targeted.

The woman with whom he was allegedly romantically involved is a prolific shoplifter in her late 30s and has multiple previous convictions for theft offences.

In recent days, gardai have received reports that he has been shot in various incidents  but none of these has proved correct.

He was handed detailed security advice by gardai recently when given a form known as a GIM  a garda information message  which is served on people on whom gardai have information that there is an active and credible threat to their lives.

The individual under threat actually comes from a very decent, hardworking family but he went down the wrong path and was actually previously involved in intimidation on behalf of the Monkey Gang, a source said.

The problem for him is that the criminal he has so badly offended is a very dangerous individual who has been taking a lot of drugs and has been increasingly paranoid and volatile in recent months.

In September, the Sunday World revealed that the Monkey Gang was expanding operations and using extreme violence to assert control in the north Dublin drugs market.

The gang has links to crime organisations in the UK and have previously been associated with the Kinahan cartel.

Gardai suspect it has long been involved in the distribution of firearms to gangs around the country as well as the capital.

Gardai have had some successes against the gang in recent times, including in October last year when its members were the subject of nine garda raids.

The wider gang has been the subject of a number of operations by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB), including a massive raid in Co Meath in November, 2018, when officers seized 1.5m in cash as well as other items.
Defrocked Con Cunningham lives in homeless hostel after abusing young sisters when he had the run of the house

Cunningham didnt want to talk to the Sunday World about his crimes

This is the moment we confronted depraved former priest and serial child abuser Con Cunningham on the streets of the capital  where he now lives in a homeless hostel located just around the corner from a primary school.

The defrocked Donegal cleric was sentenced to 15 months in prison in July 2021 for abusing two young girls in his native Donegal during the 1970s.

This followed a previous conviction dating from November 2018 when he was given a nine month sentence for three counts of indecent assault against a separate girl.

But when asked on Wednesday last whether he would like to offer an apology to the children he sexually abused, the convicted pervert declined to do so.

No, theres nothing I want to say about any of that, he told our reporter.

A former resident in the hostel where the 88-year-old is now living raised the alarm about Cunninghams location over concerns about its proximity to St Pauls Primary School in Dublin 7.

Cunningham didnt want to talk to the Sunday World about his crimes

He told us: Obviously these people have to go somewhere but this hostel is in Dublin city centre, 30 seconds from a huge apartment complex that always has a handful of kids playing unsupervised whenever I walk past, and one minute away from St Pauls Primary School.

Before ending up homeless, I spent years teaching English in Asia, and most of that time was kindergarten.

That was the work I have always been most proud of and I take the safety of minors extremely seriously, so Im very unimpressed by this.

The Sunday World understands shamed ex-cleric Cunningham has been living at the hostel for several months.

Cunningham, now aged 88, served less than a year of the 15 months he was sentenced to after he pleaded guilty to eight counts of indecent assaults on two young sisters in the Fanad region between 1971 and 1975.

Passing sentence in July 2021, Judge John Aylmer said the abuse had had an appalling impact on the lives of victims Margaret and Paula Martin.

The women, who were aged between 11 and 13 years and 9 and 12 years at the time, waived their right to anonymity to name Cunningham.

The abuse took place at locations in Donegal including the girls home, the parochial house in Fanavolty in Fanad and also at the Loreto College buildings.

One of the sisters told how the priest abused her when her mother had gone to her grandmothers wake.

She said he was like an animal as he sexually abused her.

On another occasion he made them sit on his lap on an armchair in the parlour of his house as he abused them.

One of the women said that when he came to live in their community he became like a great uncle to them, and would shower them with sweets, money and tracksuits before the abuse began.

He would eat all his meals in their home and would meet parishioners there and basically had the run of the house.

The Martin sisters sat in Letterkenny Circuit Court as their abuser spoke only the word guilty when the various charges were put to him.

The court was told he had acknowledged his crimes as far back as 2002.

The priest was sent to the Granada Institute for sex abusers in Dublin but they deemed that Cunningham posed no danger and was allowed to continue his ministry.

In 2002, following the Ryan Commission, gardai received files on allegations against the clergy including those of the two women.

The woman met with the then Bishop of Raphoe, Dr Phillip Boyce, who gave them the opportunity to address their issues.

Amongst the womens demands was that Cunningham have no further access to children and that the Catholic Church pay for counselling needed to cope with the abuse.

The Church paid for the counselling one of the women received from 1994 to 1999.

Cunningham was also prevented from saying mass publicly but could say mass in his own private dwelling.

A letter in which the priest admitted his crimes was also shown to the two victims but they were not given a copy of this letter.

It was only in 2020 when gardai got a search warrant to recover documents from the Bishops Palace in Letterkenny that these and other documents were recovered.

Barrister for Cunningham, Mr Colm Smyth, SC, said his client had asked him to proffer an open and profound apology and to say sorry for the hurt and damage caused by his assaults, which were a grievous breach of trust.

He added that since these crimes which took place in the 1970s, he has led a blameless life.

Judge John Aylmer said he placed the cases at the upper end of the scale of such offences which merited a sentence of 20 months in jail before mitigation.

He reduced this to 15 months taking into account the guilty plea, the fact that Cunningham pleaded to his crimes as far back as 2002 and has had the case hanging over him for that time.

He also made reference to his age, his remorse and also that he was put out of his ministry when he admitted his crimes.

Cunninghams 2018 convictions related to equally horrendous acts of abuse against a young girl.

The court heard the pervert had simulated sex with a girl as he drove her to Dublin in his car.

In jailing Cunningham on that occasion, Judge John Aylmer said he did not accept that the offences were at the lower end of the scale.

The judge said while no penetration had taken place the ex-priest put his tongue down her throat, simulated oral sex and had pushed the childs face into his crotch until he satisfied himself.

He had left the child with stains and bruising to her genital area from simulated sex.

The judge said the defendant had climbed on top of the girl and a significant level of both force and violence was used.

The judge said given the defendants position of authority as a priest, this was a grievous breach of trust against the young girl and her family.
Samuel Ward, from Newmarket, Suffolk, approached victims on social media and offered to send large amounts of money in exchange for intimate images.

A bogus sugar daddy who scammed an Irish girl and dozens of others into sending him explicit photos has been jailed for two and a half years.

Samuel Ward, from Newmarket, Suffolk, approached victims on social media and offered to send large amounts of money in exchange for intimate images, an investigation by the UKs National Crime Agency (NCA) has found.

The 27-year-old attempted to trick more than 40 women and girls into sending him sexual images and videos in exchange for hundreds of pounds.

One of the victims was based in Ireland, while seven were in the US and the remaining 33 were in the UK.

The investigation was launched after a 17-year-old girl in Florida informed US law enforcement that she had been contacted by two Instagram accounts in May 2020.

The users offered to pay her a weekly allowance of $500 (467) if she complied with their request for intimate photos.

An additional message from one of the accounts read well just to prove I have the funds, followed by a doctored image of a bank account balance of 98,606.80 (113,270).

The user remained anonymous and never transferred the teenager any money.

US law enforcement passed this information to the NCA, which identified Ward as the person controlling both accounts.

He approached multiple victims at a time on platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat and Tinder between 2019 to 2021, although many rejected his sugar daddy proposals.

However, officers identified 18 victims of his scam in total, including four aged under 18.

One victim, aged 17 and known to Ward, reported to police that he had coerced her into sending a total of 57 indecent images between November 2019 and March 2020.

Ward dismissed her reluctance to send intimate photos by telling her I have needs and if u loved me u would have made some kind of effort, according to chat logs obtained by investigators.

In one instance, he offered the teenager 10,000 for ten photos. After she complied, the girl asked him for the money and he sent her 1 to prove he would pay her, but never sent her the promised balance.

Another 23-year-old victim was offered 3,000 by Ward in return for what he described as non-explicit images.

He mocked up an image of a transaction receipt which showed that he had transferred 3,000 from his account to hers.

Following this, she began sending Ward the images and videos he requested, but after checking her bank statement, she discovered that Ward had only sent 3.

When she confronted him about the payment, he replied, 3? I didnt send 3, I sent 3,000.

Following his arrest, NCA investigators reviewed Wards bank statements, which showed he was in overdraft for the duration of his two-year offending period and confirmed he had made the 3 and 1 payments.

Ward pleaded guilty to 19 charges in April 2023 including fraud, possession of an article for use in fraud, making indecent images of children and malicious communication.

He appeared at Peterborough Crown Court on Monday, 13 November, and a judge sentenced him to 30 months in prison and handed him a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Adam Priestley, NCA senior investigating officer, 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.

I would like to commend the victims who assisted our enquiries, including the 17-year-old from the U.S. who first reported Wards offending to the police. Her brave actions led to an international investigation that has seen Ward brought to justice, and identified many more victims of his abuse.

At the NCA we are committed to catching offenders who pose a threat to vulnerable people in the UK, and this investigation shows how we work with partners around the world to tackle serious online criminality.

We urge anyone who has been pressured or deceived into sending sexual images online to report it to the police. You are not alone, and there is always help available.
He will be missed so much, and we dont know how to go on without him.

Vincent McDonagh was described by his partner Demi as "an amazing fiance". Photo: Great Manchester Police

The heartbroken fiancee of an Irish dad who died after being found on a Manchester street with a head injury last week, has paid tribute.

Vincent McDonagh (45) was found unconscious with a serious head injury on Abbey Hills Road, Oldham, Greater Manchester just before midnight last Thursday.

The father-of-one, who is originally from Ireland, died a short time later, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

Lee Francis Burns (38), of Worsley Street, Oldham, has been charged with his murder and appeared before Tameside Magistrates' Court on Monday.

In a tribute released over the weekend, Vincent's fiancee Demi said: Vinny was an amazing fiance, a loving dad and devoted family man. He was kind and helpful to everyone and nothing was ever too much to ask.

He loved his little boy to pieces, he doted on him and would always make sure his had everything. He loved his music and would always sing to me and his little boy, he was always making jokes and was the life of the party.

He was from a big family in Ireland and had six brothers and seven sisters, and would always speak about their memories and his love for his dad Barney."

He will be missed so much, and we dont know how to go on without him. We always used to say we loved each other to the moon and stars and now I wont hear that from him again.
Venables and his friend Robert Thompson were 10 when they killed James (2) after taking him from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside, Liverpool, on February 12, 1993.

Jon Venables (right) was jailed in 1993 at the age of 10 for the murder of toddler James Bulger, left.

The mother of murdered toddler James Bulger has begged the parole board to keep her sons killer Jon Venables behind bars.

Venables and his friend Robert Thompson were 10 when they killed James (2) after taking him from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside, Liverpool, on February 12, 1993.

They then left his mutilated body by a railway line.

Both men were released in 2001 on licence for life, but Venables has been recalled to prison twice, in 2010 and 2017, having been found to be in possession of indecent images of children.

Venables, now 41, is making his second bid for freedom in a private meeting after he was turned down for parole in 2020.

Ahead of Tuesdays hearing, James' mother Denise Fergus (54) urged the parole board chiefs to do the right thing and keep people safe from this monster in a desperate plea.

Tuesday is one of the biggest days ever in our fight for justice for James. It feels like D-Day, she told The Mirror.

Im anxious and its been hard not to think of much else because the importance of this week is so great. Our fate is in the hands of parole board bosses, so I beg them to make the right decision for everyone and keep my sons killer behind bars.

Venables has had so many chances in the past and hes blown them all. He doesnt care. He seriously doesnt care about anybody.

Addressing the parole board directly, she added: Look into my eyes and see what Ive had to deal with for 30 years  three decades of hell. Keep people safe from this monster, because that is what he is, and dont give him what he wants.

If he goes on to commit more crimes after you release him, it will be on your shoulders. So, Im just asking you to do the right thing.

Ms Fergus predicts a national outcry if Venables is granted parole.

If they do release him I dread to think what will happen. Ill probably initially crumble and then Ill be on the warpath.

There would be national outcry. But I have to have confidence that the parole board wont let that happen.

James Bulger, from Kirkby, was a month away from his third birthday when he was snatched by Venables and Thompson, before being tortured and brutally murdered. The child killers were convicted of murder in November 1993 and detained indefinitely.

The pair were released aged 18 in 2001 after just eight years and were given new identities. Thompson has not reoffended.

If Venables is released, he could be back on the streets by Christmas, although the public will not know where he is relocated because of his life-long anonymity protocol.

However, there will be severe restrictions on his movement and is possible that Venables could also be made to wear an ankle tag.
An Irish woman who was staying at a five-star hotel in London said she accidentally ordered a 1,890 (2,170) cocktail thinking it was 18.90 (21.70).

Mum and businesswoman Lynsey Bennett was visiting the capital over New Years and had ordered the drink at the bar with her husband.

"I ordered a cocktail which was called 1890 and I thought that was the cost of it, 18.90 so the young chap bought a bottle of Cristal, popped it open, gold leaf, 30-year-old Cognac, gave me this huge book to sign and there we were, just thinking we were the bees knees," she said in a TikTok video that has gone viral.

When the bill was given to the couple however, her "furious" husband stormed out and left Mrs Bennett to deal with it. She did not name the hotel.

Mrs Bennett apologised and explained to the bartender she had no idea the cocktail was 1,890.

"It was a genuine mistake," she said, adding that she and the bartender began to panic. Thankfully the hotel manager was called over and was "so discreet and so wonderful" and told her not to worry about it.

Mrs Bennett said she would have had "a heart attack" if she had been lumped with the eye-watering bill and "didn't even enjoy" the cocktail, which was whiskey-based.

"I don't like whiskey," she said in her video.

After the mix-up, she tried to avoid "the bar like the plague" despite having to walk past it every day to get back to her room.

Mrs Bennett was staying at the hotel for five nights however, so ended up back at the bar one night after getting "tipsy" over a meal with her sister, despite the earlier awkward encounter.

When she enquired with the manager about the incident, she asked about the bartender who served her the pricey drink. The manager joked that he "sacked him".

"After that, we actually sat with the manager and enjoyed drinks with him and his family and it turned out to be a really great new years," she said.

"But I will forever check the price of cocktails from now on."

More than 1,000 people have commented on the video, saying the cocktail was an "absurd" price, with person adding, "what on earth could they put in it to justify that price".
Mr Martin on visit to Middle East as up to 30 Irish citizens are on a list to be allowed to leave Gaza todayIsrael urges Hamas to surrender as explosions felt inside hospitalIrish citizen Ibrahim Alagha has mixed feelings about leaving Gaza as family make way through Rafah crossing

Tanaiste Micheal Martin has said he has been given no confirmation that Irish-Israeli girl Emily Hand is alive.

However, he said he believes the eight year old will be among the first hostages released should an agreement be reached between Israel and Hamas.

The Tanaiste raised Emilys case with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry and the General Secretary of the Arab League Aboul Gheit during a day of diplomacy in Cairo, Egypt.

The Fianna Fail leader said he has also raised Emilys case with the Qatari Foreign Minister and with Palestinian authorities.

In terms of those who have Emily and the hostages in captivity, they have been keeping a very tight sort of security around that. In other words, they're not revealing any details as to locations or anything like that would be our understanding of it, Mr Martin said.

We haven't got precise confirmation as to her precise location or indeed we haven't had any definitive proof of life confirmation yet, but we have been pretty clear that the message has been communicated in the general desire that a young child should be released, particularly young Irish citizens should be released, he added.

Emily Hand

Mr Martins comments came as a total of 23 Irish citizens have made it out of Gaza today, but the Tanaiste said more work was under way on releasing the remaining citizens.

The process of Irish citizens leaving war-torn Gaza began earlier today when the gates at the Rafah Crossing to Egypt opened and the first stage of the evacuation was put in place.

Mr Martin said the release of 23 Irish citizens was a vindication of the Governments stance on retaining diplomatic ties with Israel.

Speaking ahead of a Dail vote on expelling Israels Ambassador to Ireland Dana Elrich, the Tanaiste said the proposal from the Opposition was very superficial.

What happened today is a vindication of diplomacy and the essential nature of diplomacy itself, he said after meeting the general secretary of the Arab League in the Egyptian capital Cairo.

We cannot work without people on the ground in states all over the region, he said.

Mr Martin said he had been taken aback by a proposition to expel the ambassador, saying there was no substance to the motion tabled by the Social Democrats.

It makes no sense in terms of the conduct of diplomacy, the maintenance of communication channels, which are absolutely essential, even more essential in a time of conflict so that we have those channels open and we can talk to people, and we can work on behalf of our citizens, he added.

Up to 30 Irish citizens could be allowed to leave today. Around 40 Irish citizens are currently seeking to leave Gaza as Israel continues to bombard the region in its pursuit of Hamas.

Israeli troops entered Gaza's biggest hospital Al Shifa on Wednesday and were searching its rooms and basement for what it says are Hamas terrorists holed up there.

At the same time Israel said it was delivering vital medical supplies including incubators for around 30 premature newborn babies. But hospital officials say the problem is not the lack of incubators but the lack of fuel to power the facility.

Tanaiste visit

Tanaiste Micheal Martin has thanked his Egyptian counterpart for facilitating the release of a significant number Irish citizens from Gaza.

Speaking at a press conference alongside Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in Cairo, Mr Martin announced that the first tranche of Irish citizens had begun leaving Gaza.

The first group of Irish citizens and dependents have been cleared to leave today at the Rafah Crossing in Egypt, Mr Martin said.

As we speak, a number of our citizens are being processed through the Rafah crossing, and I want to thank you again and your administration for facilitating that process, he said to Mr Shoukry.

We're going to continue to work tirelessly to ensure that all those citizens who wish to leave will be able to exit as soon as possible, he said.

He said a significant number of Irish citizens leaving Gaza would be assisted by Department of Foreign Affairs staff before being brought to Cairo and eventually to Ireland.

He said additional diplomatic work was needed to ensure all Irish citizens who wanted to leave Gaza coul do so.

The Tanaiste also thanked Mr Shoukry for assisting in efforts to secure the safe return of eight-year-old Emily Hand who was believed to have been kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on October 7.

He would not go into detail but said the Egyptian authorities had been supportive of Irelands campaign to secure her release.

Mr Martin also called for a dramatic increase in humanitarian aid to assistance with the catastrophe is unfolding in front of our eyes.

Hospital stormed by Israeli troops

Al Shifa hospital in Gaza City has become the main target of the ground operation by Israeli forces, who say Hamas fighters have their headquarters in tunnels beneath it, which Hamas denies. Starting last night, Israeli troops finally entered the hospital, where hundreds of patients and thousands more civilians are sheltering. Gunfire and explosions could be heard within as the operation progressed.

World attention has been focused on the fate of hundreds of patients and thousands of displaced civilians trapped inside. Gaza officials say many patients including three newborn babies have died in recent days as a result of Israel's encirclement of the facility.

Israel said its troops killed fighters in a clash outside the gates, and had brought medical supplies for those inside.

"Before entering the hospital our forces were confronted by explosive devices and terrorist squads, fighting ensued in which terrorists were killed," the Israeli military said.

"We can confirm that incubators, baby food and medical supplies brought by IDF tanks from Israel have successfully reached the Shifa hospital. Our medical teams and Arabic speaking soldiers are on the ground to ensure that these supplies reach those in need," the Israeli military said.

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.

Micheal Martin speaking on expected release of Irish citizens in Gaza

In a statement, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said: "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."

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."

The US said on Tuesday that its own intelligence supported Israel's conclusions. Hamas said that amounted to giving Israel a "green light" for Israel to raid the hospital, and it held US President Joe Biden fully responsible for the operation along with Israel itself.

Global calls for a humanitarian ceasefire have mounted in recent days, and the fate of Al Shifa has become a focus of international alarm because of worsening conditions in the facility, where thousands of patients, medical staff and displaced people have been trapped during the Israeli assault on Gaza in the past five weeks.

The US said on Tuesday that its own intelligence supported Israel's conclusions.

Hamas said on Wednesday that the US announcement had effectively given a "green light" for Israel to raid the hospital. The group said it held Israel and U.S. President Joe Biden fully responsible for the operation.

"We do not support striking a hospital from the air and we don't want to see a firefight in a hospital where innocent people, helpless people, sick people trying to get medical care they deserve are caught in the crossfire. Hospitals and patients must be protected," a White House National Security Council spokesperson said in a statement.

Israeli forces have waged fierce street battles against Hamas fighters over the past 10 days before advancing into the centre of Gaza City and surrounding Al Shifa.

Israel has sworn to destroy Hamas in retaliation for the militants' cross-border assault into Israel on October 7. Israel says Hamas killed 1,200 people in the rampage and took more than 240 hostage.

In the West Bank, a separate Palestinian enclave not controlled by Hamas, Palestinian Authority Health Minister Mai Alkaila said Israel was "committing a new crime against humanity, medical staff and patients by besieging" Al Shifa.

"We hold the occupation forces fully responsible for the lives of the medical staff, patients and displaced people in Al Shifa," Alkaila said in a statement.

Irish citizen Ibrahim Alagha has until tomorrow to get his family out of Gaza or face being stuck in the besieged city

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 would pursue the Governments position that violence needs to stop and a ceasefire put in place in Gaza.

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.

They have been stuck in Gaza since violence escalated on October 7. They went to Gaza in June to take an extended holiday and visit relatives.

Mr Alagha thanked the people of Ireland for their support and said the family are looking forward to returning to Dublin.

Speaking to RTEs Morning Ireland from the border crossing this morning, Mr Alagha said the family were waiting for their names to be called.

We were asked to come to the border at 7am, I got information that the border wasnt open. Its supposed to open at 7, but it wasnt for some reason it got delayed for a long time, he said.

I was afraid that the border would not open so what I did is, I was in contact with another Irish citizen who lives just close by to the border. Once he told me that the border is starting to open now I made the journey.

I only had fuel just for a single journey. I couldnt afford any surprises if you know what I mean.

Mr Alagha said the journey to the Rafah Crossing was calm all the way this morning and it went smoothly.

He said his feelings are mixed as he and his family get to leave Gaza and return to Ireland.

Its a mixed feeling. On one side I am happy that Im going back home and going back to my normal life, he said.

"But on the other hand Im leaving a lot of friends and family and a lot of nice memories in Gaza.

He said the queue of people waiting to cross into Egypt is huge.

Also on the list to leave is Irish-Palestinian family Aymen Shaheen, his wife Suha, his 19-year-old daughter Rawan and 12-year-old son Ibrahim.

"It's an excellent feeling. Finally, we'll do it. We will cross the border. You feel like God has chosen you to survive. It's a great feeling we are leaving but there are 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza who will continue to live a nightmare," he told RTEs Morning Ireland.

Everything in Gaza is upside down. It is a hell to be honest. It is hard to find food, hard to find water. It's hard for everyone. I am lucky. I am so happy that I am going to leave.

He added: The Department of Foreign Affairs actually they kept contacting us all the time, twice a day. They did actually a great job.

His son Ibrahim couldnt believe the news at first Mr Shaheen said, asking finally well go, we are going?

Mr Shaheen said the family are around 4km from the border crossing and will travel there using a friends car.

We can move, it is dangerous but we have to do it, he said.

The staff of the embassy, they will be in Rafah in the Egyptian side, and they will meet us and they will facilitate everything for us.

We have three days to be in Egypt and also they will manage our travel to Ireland, he said.

Mr Shaheen said everything in Gaza is upside down and he is lucky he and his family will be allowed to return to Ireland.

It is a hell to be honest. It is hard to find food, hard to find water. It's hard for everyone. I am lucky. I am so happy that I am going to leave.

However, Khalid El Estal is hoping his children, four-year-old Ali and one-year-old Sara, will be able to get out of Gaza despite not being on the list.

Their mother, Ashwak, was killed during Israeli shelling, and Mr El Estal, who grew up in Belfast, called on the Irish Government to ensure his children are on the next evacuation list.

I am begging them to put get my children's names on the next list and to make sure they will be safe when they reach the border crossing, he told Morning Ireland.

Im calling them to put their names on the list for as soon as possible. I'm also looking for them to have a safe passage to the border crossing. It's very dangerous.

War on children

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.

Irish citizen stranded in Gaza says tomorrow could be last chance for family to leave before communication blackout Lives of 36 babies in Gaza hospital at risk despite Israeli incubator offer Family of Irish-Israeli girl Emily Hand believed to be kidnapped by Hamas set to meet President Higgins and Leo Varadkar

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.

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.

DIRE CONDITIONS

Al Shifa is a sprawling complex of buildings and courtyards a few hundred metres from Gaza City's fishing port. Buildings on the western side of the complex, which the Gaza official said was the site of the raid, include the internal medicine and dialysis departments.

Hamas says 650 patients and 5,000 to 7,000 other civilians are trapped inside the hospital grounds, under constant fire from Israeli snipers and drones. Amid shortages of fuel, water and supplies, it says 40 patients have died in recent days.

Thirty-six babies are left from the neo-natal ward after three died. Without fuel for generators to power incubators, the babies were being kept as warm as possible, lined up eight to a bed.

Newborns are placed in bed after being taken off incubators in Gaza's Al Shifa hospital after the power went out earlier this week. Photo: Reuters

Palestinians trapped in the hospital dug 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, Qidra, Gaza's health ministry spokesman, said.

Qidra said there were about 100 bodies decomposing inside and no way to get them out.

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 were 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.

INTERNATIONAL LAW

Israel's move toward Shifa hospital has raised questions about how it would interpret international laws on protection of medical facilities and the thousands of displaced people sheltering there, U.N. human rights officials have said.

Hospitals are protected buildings under international humanitarian law. But allegations that Shifa is also being used for military purposes complicated the situation because that would also breach international law, U.N. officials have said.

Medical units used for acts harmful to the enemy, and which have ignored a warning to stop doing so, lose their special protection under international law.

Israel said in its statement on Wednesday that it had given Gaza authorities 12 hours to cease military activities within the hospital. "Unfortunately, it did not," the military statement said.
Dublin actor Barry Keoghan was made for his role in Saltburn, according to the director of the new movie which is already creating a buzz around Oscar nominations.

Saltburn is set on a luxury estate belonging to the aristocratic Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi), who invites his fellow Oxford university student Oliver Quick (Keoghan) to stay with him for the summer.

Emerald Fennell, who directed the new movie, spoke with FM104s Crossy today about how she adored working with the Dubliner.

Director Emerald Fennell praised Barry Keoghan's performance in Saltburn. Pic: Getty Images

Barry was made for it; I mean absolutely one of the most compelling performers in the world, she said.

I saw him in The Killing of a Sacred Deer and remember thinking, who is this boy? I couldnt take my eyes off him. When it came to casting Saltburn, I couldnt get him out of my head.

Barry is endlessly surprising, Im not interested in things that are straightforward, I dont think we as people are straightforward.

All of us are complicated, delusional, difficult, cruel and funny. When it comes to actors in general, we want that element of not necessarily knowing, she added.

Australian actor Jacob Elordi is known for his roles in The Kissing Booth film trilogy on Netflix, the HBO series Euphoria and more recently played Elvis Presley in the biopic Priscilla.

According to Fennell, both Jacob and Barry became best friends while working together on the movie.

Jacob Elordi and Barry Keoghan became firm friends on the set of Saltburn. Pic: Getty Images

Barry and Jacob just were and are like brothers. They didnt know each other very well going in, but they were huge admirers of one anothers work. They became incredibly close, theyre still incredibly close, they look after each other, she said.

Thats the thing you absolutely can tell, thats the joy of making something, you hope it fosters a connection between people.

Barry is one of my favourites because he has his own philosophical catchphrases which we all teased him about all the time, but also use a lot now in our everyday lives.

One of Barrys sayings, which I love, was every rollercoaster has a shadow. Whenever we were having a difficult day at work, I said dont forget, every rollercoaster has a shadow, she added.
Four Grace Hospital nurses received the Registered First Surgical Assistant, RNFSA qualification which allows them to undertake a surgical assistant role in an operating theatre.

The qualification, RNFSA (Registered First Surgical Assistant) offered by the University of Auckland, is part of a trend, backed by the Nursing Council of New Zealand and medical providers, to develop advanced nursing roles to accommodate the increasing complexity of the population's healthcare needs.

To be eligible to apply for the course, nurses must be registered, have a minimum of 5 years experience, as well as be employed in a perioperative environment, operating theatres, and have a surgeon mentor.

The qualification lasts 1 semester and consists of 140 hours of clinical work in the RNFSA role, with 10 hours per week of study over 6 months.

Grace's orthopaedic surgeon specialising in spinal surgery, David Bartle was Alice Walkers mentor during the qualification.

She assisted David with the majority of the surgeries, and David provided post-operative feedback to her after every procedure.

Regular meetings were also held with the surgeon during her study to ensure Alices study goals were on track.

It was hard work at times, but I enjoyed it, says Alice about completing the course.

As a student, you can choose different topics depending on what you are going to be exposed to.

My speciality was spine-related, but other nurses I studied with chose different areas to focus on.

At Grace, we had different surgeons mentoring us depending on what our interest areas were. Im proud to say we all achieved really good grades.

Registered Nurse First Surgical Assistant, Postgraduate Certificate: Alice Walker. Photo Supplied.

Grace Hospital was very supportive, says Alice.

They gave us as many days as we needed to go up to Auckland University for the course.

Alice also gives special mention to Yvonne Morgan, the courses academic mentor who started the qualification, lectures and runs the course. She was amazing  a real support for us.

Alice has been a registered nurse for 6 years, the last 3 years and a half she has been working at Grace Hospital.

She has also completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing, which is a perioperative paper.

This was an additional semester of study, meaning that both qualifications, RNFSA, and the Postgraduate Certificate) took me a year all up, says Alice.

The new qualification has allowed me to pick up extra responsibility in my job  I can now do perioperative surgery and assessments and post-operative care.

In theatre, we can do wound closures, administer local anaesthetic and position patients independently without the surgeon.

I am now more of a senior nurse. I love having that extra expertise in theatre. 

"If there is any registered perioperative nurse considering the qualification, Id say just go for it. It was very achievable, especially with the support of a good employer, says Alice.

Grace Hospitals General Manager, Janet Keys, says there is nothing but praise for what these four nurses have achieved.

Its been fantastic to watch the learning journey and hard work these nurses have put into completing their qualifications. Im delighted with their achievements, we feel lucky to have them as part of our perioperative team.
A Bay of Plenty festival which showcases the regions foodie scene has earned two titles at the 2023 NZEA New Zealand Event Awards.

The Flavours of Plenty Festival was named Best Lifestyle Event and co-winner of the Best Local Government Event at the New Zealand Events Association (NZEA) Gala Dinner in Otautahi Christchurch last Thursday.

The double-win acknowledged the second iteration of the festival, which was held over a 10-day period in March and April. The first Flavours of Plenty Festival had been bravely launched the previous year as the hospitality sector struggled with difficult Covid-related restrictions.

Tourism Bay of Plenty General Manager Oscar Nathan says his team is elated with the festivals two NZEA event award wins.

The Flavours of Plenty Festival is a key project for our organisation and these awards exemplify the amazing support that weve received from sponsors, suppliers, hospitality venues, and local and out-of-town attendees.

The festival celebrates our distinctive regional foodie offerings, showcases local produce and talented artisans, and connects hospitality students to potential employers. This is what sets it apart from other New Zealand food festivals, he says.

This years festival involved 51 event partners and more than 5000 attendees, all of whom were keen to celebrate and savour the unique horticultural provenance of our region and the skills of our best and budding culinary creators.

Festival Director Rae Baker says she always knew it had the ingredients to become an iconic event, not just for the Coastal Bay of Plenty but for foodie lovers from all over the country and further afield.

Were really just at the start of this journey, with two successful annual festivals under our belt. These wins epitomise our goal of seeing the Flavours of Plenty Festival being recognised as a hallmark event for our region - it generates positive vibes within our community, attracts vital visitors, and directly supports so many businesses, she says.

Flavours of Plenty Chair Stacey Jones leads the grassroots collective that first envisioned the future of the regional festival.

We wanted to establish the Bay of Plenty as a respected food destination that offers more opportunities for a one-of-a-kind foodie experience than any other region in New Zealand.

Weve been working hard to catalyse opportunities and connections within our community to deliver a programme of foodie events that are distinctive and will create further positive long-term impacts, she says.

The Flavours of Plenty Festival was one of four food-related events that made the NZEA finals after a record number of entries across 18 award categories.

NZEA General Manager Elaine Linnell says the festivals award nomination stood out because the event not only connects the culinary ecosystem, it also provides opportunities for education and employment and connects producers to plate.

Collaboration was truly at the core of the festival, with an emphasis on relationship management of the many stakeholders who put on a number of creative events that encouraged collaboration and participation elevating the Bays people, produce, plates, and place to the benefit of the entire region, Linnell says.

The Flavours of Plenty Festival team is already preparing for next years event. The programme and tickets for the 4  April 14, 2024, event will be released in February.

Were very excited to keep building on the momentum that our first two festivals have generated, says Baker.

These wins mean the expectations for our 2024 festival will now be even higher, and you can rest assured that well be working hard, with the support from our sponsors, to make it truly special.
On Tuesday, November 14, the IDF announced the capture of a number of Hamas terrorist buildings. These include the parliament, the government residence, and the Hamas police headquarters in the Gaza Strip. All of these facilities were used to prepare for the October 7 attack.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was reported by the Times of Israel. Fierce fighting continues in the city. At the same time, humanitarian corridors are operating, allowing civilians to evacuate to the south.

An engineering building of the university, which served as an institute for the production and development of weapons, was also captured.

In addition, the IDF seized a Hamas compound with a training base, command center, interrogation rooms, and detention cells.

North of the city center, the IDF 162nd Division completed the capture of the coastal refugee camp of Al Shati. It is home to about 150,000 people who fled before the Israeli offensive.

The army called the area a major Hamas stronghold and the base of a Hamas cell that took part in the October 7 massacre.

"There is a lot of enemy infrastructure inside the camp, and many Hamas forces are concentrated there," the IDF said. Almost every other house in the camp was mined.

ADVERTISIMENT

Several people were injured as a result of Hamas rocket attacks fired by Israel. One of them was hospitalized in serious condition.

At the same time, the number of dead IDF soldiers increased to 46.

By the way, according to UN estimates, more than two-thirds of Gaza's population of 2.3 million people have fled their homes since the start of the war.

The Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza said that 11,240 people have been killed since the start of the war in Gaza.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, the IDF military captured 20 Hamas members "in the heart of the Gaza Strip" for interrogation in Israel. Israeli soldiers conducted the operation in cooperation with the country's military intelligence.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the state's military had completed the encirclement of Gaza. The fighting took place near the Shifa hospital, in the basement of which Hamas militants are located.

ADVERTISIMENT

Earlier, the IDF reported on the capture of key Hamas strongholds in Gaza City.

Netanyahu also said that Israel will fight Hamas even if it has to confront the whole world.
Photogrpahy is being used to shine a light on hope and highlight the impact on current times are having on young peoples mental health and wellbeing.

Families gathered together at the Tauranga Cities Library, He puna Manawa on the weeekend for the opening ceremony of Tumanako: Through the Lens of Hope photographic exhibition.

Tumanako was created in 2015 when Wellington City Council approached SGINZ to create an event to remember Hiroshima Day.

SGINZ is a buddhist organisation that promotes peace through individual transformation and contribution to society.

Tumanako has become an annual event where tamariki and rangatahi create works of art to share their aspirations for a peaceful, inclusive and nuclear free world.

The event has since grown and has been held across Aotearoa. This is the second time Tumanako has been held in the Western Bay of Plenty.

Tumanako -Through the Lens of Hope is an opportunity for young people to think about, create and share their photographic images of hope with the community.

The aim of Tumanako is to support our community to feel hope and connection during these uncertain times, and that rangatahi and tamariki realize how much their lives can inspire others in time of need.

Students from schools, kindergartens and colleges in Papamoa, Katikati, Waihi Beach and Tauranga submitted photos of something that gave them hope and an explanation of why their photo makes them feel hope.

Joanna Thomas, Tauranga City Libraries manager spoke at the exhibition, 'The name of this place was gifted by the hapu (tribal family) of Ngai Tamarawaho to signify the springs that nourished this land for hundreds of years. In Maori language, puna means spring. The library aspires to be a spring of learning and so it is appropriate to be a spring of hope with the exhibition of Tumanko.'

Lucas Hogg (aged 5), Gia Varsha Naidu (Year 6) from Golden Sands School and Dylan Brown from Matahui School talked about why their photo gave them hope.

"This is my dog. He is called Champ and he is my brother. He has looked after me since I was a baby. He is my hero because he keeps me safe and he likes to play with me. Champ is special because he's strong and loving," says Lucas.

Gia shared a poem that she had written about her photograph:

Small stream, flowing with might,

Over rocks and through light.

Twigs and branches carried along,

A journey, where all belong.

You remind me that hope is near,

Even when the futures unclear.

For in the smallest of things,

Beauty and wonder always sings.

Thank you, small stream, for your grace,

For giving me hope in this place.

"I really love this photo (his foal called Gem). I wanted this foal to be in the picture, she was only born 6 hours before the Tumanako deadline and she walked up to me," says Dylan.

MCs for the event were Leo Uemura (Year 6) and Hiromi Louis (both are SGINZ youth division and future division).

The Opening Ceremony started with a performance from Golden Sands Primary School Kapa Haka Group. Their performance was truly heartfelt and they have been practicing hard behind the scenes for the last few weeks in preparation for today. It was deeply inspiring to have our hearts lifted and opened by the hearts of our tamariki and their waiata.

"We also heard a beautiful song from Hiromi Louis who was accompanied by her mum, Hine on the guitar."

Mahe Turnwald from Matahui School presented the Tauranga City Library with some books on behalf of SGINZ written by Dr Daisaku Ikeda.

To conclude the exhibition 6 children from Golden Sands Primary School then cut the ribbon to declare the exhibition open. This was followed by refreshments.

The audience was made up of participants, parents, families, public and invited guests. In total there were around 90 people at the event.

"Our students get quite a lot out of Tumanako. When cyclone Gabrielle hit areas of New Zealand our students wanted to help tamariki (children) and families. They sent care packages and wrote incredible messages of hope. I believe it was the teachings from last year's Tumanako that taught them how to write such heartfelt messages of hope, says Matahui School principal Mary Woods.

"Tumanako gives tamariki (children) a focus on hope in the future and to look forward with positivity," says Golden Sands School principal Melanie Taylor.

"Tumanako really fits with the purpose of the library, to bring hope and share stories and to exhibit children's creativity, says Te Ao Marama, Tauranga Libraries Manager Joanna Thomas.

I think it is beautiful seeing the voices and photos from tamariki. I find it so moving, what theyve brought to this exhibition, says Hine Greensill - Granddaugther of Eva Rickard.

Tumanako: Through the Lens of Hope is shown at the Cities, Greerton and Papamoa Libraries until the 25th November
The New Zealand Qualifications Authority says there was no repeat of log-in problems during a big online exam on Wednesday morning.

The authority's deputy chief executive Jann Marshall says about 16,000 students logged into the digital exam platform for the NCEA level 2 English exam and it was performing as expected with no issues.

Teachers had been worried the large number of students would slow the system forcing NZQA to block log-ins, as happened on Friday after about 18,000 students logged-in for the level 1 English exam.

They say hundreds of students had to complete their exam on paper and some students who lost connection with the exam part-way through also had to switch to paper.

A similar problem also happened two weeks ago during online NCEA literacy and numeracy tests.

Marshall says about 22,000 students had indicated they would sit Wednesday's level 2 exam digitally, making it the second-largest digital exam after level 1 English.

"Typically, around 20 percent of students do not attend an exam they are entered for. In addition, some students entered digitally decide to complete their exam on paper instead.

"The number of students expected to attempt the digital exam this morning is therefore lower than the number who were able to log into the digital exam platform on Friday morning."

Marshall says NZQA understands how stressful the disruption experienced over the last two weeks was for some students and schools.

She says the organisation is looking at how to apply derived grades for students who experienced disadvantage.

-RNZ.
The flag is still flying high at the Papamoa War Memorial following well-attended Armistice Day commemorations on Saturday across Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty.

Armistice Day, later known as Remembrance Day, commemorates the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, when the guns fell silent and an agreement was made to end the fighting of the First World War.

Tauranga RSA had a series of events planned at the Tauranga RSA Cenotaph, starting 11 am with the unfurling of a flag and two minutes silence followed by an invite to attend the Members Bar for morning tea.

Te Puke RSA had a small gathering at the building near the flag pole with finger food morning tea afterwards.

In Katikati, the Katikati RSA solemnly remembered those who had served during the war from their community.

Its a pretty special day for us, says Katikati RSA president Glen Burt.

We had 19 people who went from Katikati who never returned. Thats quite a big number for a little town that many years ago.

The ceremony at the Katikati War Memorial Hall began with Returned Service Association members arriving at about 10.45am with the service starting just before 11am and concluding about 11.20am.

Piper Libby Munro at Papamoa. Photo: Supplied.

In Papamoa the Papamoa War Memorial Trust organised an Armistice Day Service which Mount Maunganui RSA members were also welcome to attend.

Held at Stella Place, the community and in particular young people were invited, with a muster of veterans, NZDF personnel and community service organisations also attending, arriving around 10.30am in the horse paddock nearby. Representatives of the British and Australian High Commissions attended and spoke and a wreath was laid on behalf of the people and government of France.

The service was well attended and as usual Papamoa Collage students were amazing, says Michael OCarroll.

Following the parade to the cenotaph lead by piper Libby Munro, five students from Papamoa College led by teacher-in-charge Sarah Jacob came forward to give The Great War by Numbers, provided by trustee Martin Elliott who was also the MC for the commemoration.

Planes from Classic Flyers passed overhead during the commemoration at Papamoa. Photo: Supplied.

The Great War by Numbers

Setting the Scene: New Zealand in 1914

In 1914 New Zealand was a fledgling young country of just over one million people; of whom 40 per cent were immigrants and not born in New Zealand.

700,000 or 70 per cent identified as European New Zealanders; 16 per cent or 49,000 as Maori New Zealanders; and the remainder were Asian or Pacifica New Zealanders.

New Zealand was an agrarian farming economy and most New Zealanders lived in small towns and rural areas; Maori in particular were rural dwellers with 90 per cent living within their rohe.

50 per cent of New Zealands population were aged under 40.

These numbers set the scene for the disaster that was about to unfold for New Zealand in The Great War

2014- 2018 The War Years

During the years 1914 to 1918 more than 120,000 New Zealanders enlisted to fight in The Great War with England and her allies. Of the 100,000 military who served overseas most were in the army; but there were also those who were in the navy and air force. 550 women served primarily as nurses  18 were killed in action.

In total this equates to 10 per cent of New Zealands total population or 20 per cent of the male population who served in the Great War overseas.

Most were young men and nearly one in five who served abroad did not return. This meant one in four of New Zealands men aged 20-45 were either killed or wounded in the Great War

Around 18,000 died in, or because of the War; from wounds or disease, and about 41,000 were listed as wounded.

To give a modern-day appreciation of these statistics, the number of soldiers who died in the Great War equates to every man woman and child in Whakatane in 2023. The number of soldiers wounded equates to 60 per cent of Rotoruas population.

An incidental catastrophe was that when the troops returned to New Zealand in 1918, they brought with them the virulent Spanish Flu which killed 8,600 people and decimated the Maori population. To put that figure into context, 3,393 New Zealanders have died from Covid since 2019.

The Gallipoli campaign

The campaign to invade the Dardenelles was one of New Zealands first major World War 1 campaigns. It is thought that between 16,000 and 18,000 New Zealanders landed at Gallipoli in 1915 as part of a combined allied offensive of 480,000 soldiers. Research data varies, but it is estimated that between 2721 and 2843 New Zealanders died during the Gallipoli campaign, of whom 1909 were killed in action, 606 died of wounds, 200 died of sickness, and six died of other causes.

The Somme and Messine Offensive

It is thought that 18,000 New Zealanders fought at the Somme. Military Historian Andrew Macdonald puts the total casualty figure at 7959, comprising 2111 dead and 5848 wounded between 31 August and 25 October 1916.

He therefore assesses the casualty rate at 53 per cent of the 15,000 men who began the campaign.

Andrew bases his death figure on a study of individual deaths during the campaign, omitting men who died of illness or injury unrelated to the Somme offensive.

Military Historian Douglas Carbery estimated that there were 3633 casualties at Messines in the seven days between June 7- 13, 1917; including 473 killed, 2726 wounded, and 434 missing.

Many of the missing would later be counted among the dead.

Passchendaele

Military Historian Douglas Carbery quotes a total casualty number of 6078 for October 1917 - the month of the Broodseinde and Passchendaele offensives during the Third Battle of Ypres, during which 1536 men were killed or died of wounds, 233 were reported missing and 4309 were wounded.

Historian Andrew Macdonald extends the end date to November 14 to include late-reported casualties and puts the total at 8832, of whom 1796 died. His death figure is based on the number of New Zealand soldiers who died in Belgium during October 1917, according to the Commonwealth War Graves database. This total will include some men who died of illness and injury unrelated to the Passchendaele offensive, while others injured at Passchendaele will have died in hospital in France.

The fighting at Passchendaele made October 12 New Zealands worst day in any overseas war, with around 843 dead killed in action. More fatalities than New Zealand has annual deaths from automobile accidents.

Students from Papamoa College. Photo: Supplied.

Laying of wreaths

Following the reading of The Great War by Numbers, a Papamoa College student read the poem In Flanders Fields. Wreaths were then laid at the cenotaph by RSA personnel, and representatives of countries each accompanied by a PapamoaCollege student. Community wreaths were also laid.

As the Last Post was played, the flags were lowered to half mast, the Ode was recited, the flags were raised once again and following concluding comments, NZs National Anthem was sung in Re Reo and English.

The Papamoa War Memorial Trust would like to hear from any possible sponsors who can help us with our services in the future, says Michael OCarroll.
SIDNEY- He is a Hoosiers fan, but don't hold that against him. Christopher Dyson, owner of Aliens and Strangers, LLC music store in Sidney continues to expand the business that he started in May of 2011.

Born and raised in Bloomington, Indiana, Dyson left when he was 19 to enroll in a guitar program at Musicians Institute in Los Angeles, California. While there, he lived and played music on the Sunset Strip. He lived in Colorado for a few years before moving to Sidney.

He explained further, "I was a musician first but during my 'starving' years I got into print graphic production. When I moved to Sidney I was part of the Prepress, later called the Pre-media department at Cabela's for nearly 16 years, managing the department for the last few years. When the creative group was laid off from Cabela's I was the Production Manager at Quad Graphics before deciding to leave to do the store full-time.

His current store located at 932 10th Avenue in Sidney is presently for sale, but that doesn't mean that the shop is closing its doors. In fact, it is quite the opposite.

Dyson and his wife Amy own the building on the corner of 12th and Illinois and plan to use the storefront between Grandma Jo's Diner and the local movie theater as their new base of operations.

"The rough plan is to move into the new space mid-January, but it could be later due to having construction completed," said Dyson. "It isn't hinging on the sale of the 10th Ave building."

Aliens and Strangers has never stopped growing. The store started on the back porch of their home in Chappell 12 years ago. "After a year, we purchased a retail space in Chappell, but outgrew that space within two years," remembers Dyson. "We decided to come to Sidney and we built our home above the 10th Avenue store. We then purchased the newspaper's building a couple of years ago expecting to need more warehouse space as the business continued to thrive."

Even though the new location at 1136 Illinois Street won't increase square footage for the store, it will provide more room for lessons and much-needed warehouse space for their extensive inventory.

"If you've visited our store in the last year you see stacks of boxes everywhere; we have inventory coming out of our ears!",jokes Dyson. "We sell music-related accessories, amplifiers, PA gear, instructional materials and more. We do rent-to-own and sales for our local school students. We offer guitar, bass, and drum lessons and are currently looking for another piano and voice teacher. We also have recording and live sound services. If you were at any of the Downtown Sound events this summer, we are who provided the sound and lighting for all three nights."

Aliens and Strangers Music was created from their love of music and the relationships that are formed from it. Through dedicated service and fairly-priced, quality gear, they strive to do everything they can to help people find their relationship with music.

"I'm not interested in being the biggest music retailer in the world. If that is a side-effect, that's great, but my goal is to be a supplier of quality instruments and accessories that help people build their musical success," said Dyson. "It doesn't matter if it is someone that likes to play around the house or campfire, or if it's the professional that is playing for thousands of people."

When asked about the unusual name, Dyson explained. "We had fun with the name having an alien guitarist for the logo, but the name actually has no correlation to space aliens. The name 'Aliens and Strangers' is based on 1 Peter 2:11 in the Bible where it says that as believers in Christ we are 'aliens and strangers' to this world. Although my wife and I are Christians we don't use our business directly as a mission field. But we do try to run the business based on Christian principles; honesty, integrity, treating others as we'd like to be treated. Of course, if someone asks us we're happy to tell them about our faith."

Dyson saw the Panhandle area as under-served for music stores and that there wasn't a huge selection of products. "I thought it would be fun to have a store that could supply local customers with great products at internet-pricing and grow our online business to support it where local business may be limited. We compete with large internet businesses so we always have competitive prices to anyone online, let alone regional competition." said Dyson. With a small business you wear lots of hats. I'm the primary purchasing, maintainer of the website and social media and anything else that needs to be done."

Of having a local business Dyson said "I'm always blown away from the support we get from Sidney and surrounding communities. Our expectations were always based on internet growth, but we have some very loyal customers, locally and regionally. I hope that is a reflection of our customer service and the quality of the products we provide.

For more information, visit: https://aliensandstrangersmusic.com/.
Eva S. Funkhouser, age 83, of Sidney, passed away in Sidney on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 after a year-long fight with lung cancer.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at Faith Methodist Church in Sidney, NE with Pastor Corey Jenkins officiating. Services will be livestreamed on the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel Facebook page and recorded for later viewing on our website. Cremation has taken place. Services will conclude at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in care of the family for future designation.

Friends may stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel on Monday from 1-6:00 P.M. to sign Eva's book. You may view Eva's Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at http://www.gehrigstittchapel.com.

Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Eva's care and funeral arrangements.

Eva Sue Funkhouser was born on February 06, 1940, in Osceola, Iowa to Fred and Helen

Butcher. Eva was raised in Peru, Iowa along with her 9 sisters and brothers, she had a twin sister Iva.

They were all very close, only a few fights and a lot of making up and memories.

Eva met the love of her life Richard when she was in high school. They met at the Peru Bar and

Restaurant and later got married in Lawton, Oklahoma on July 3, 1958. Richard passed away

on February 18, 2019. From their union, Eva and Richard had 3 children: Sandi, Clifford and

Steven. Eva was a faithful, loyal and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and

great-great grandmother.

Mom loved to cook and through her and dad's adventures they owned and operated

restaurants, you would find mom either cooking or waiting tables. You could find her making

homemade pies, bread, candy and cookies. She loved making people happy. Mom also cooked

in nursing homes, mom and dad also loved to travel with their many campers, you could find

them fishing, boating (which would make her sick, but she would do it to make everyone

happy), antique shopping, collecting thimbles, Mom loved to make quilts she made sure

everyone would have one.

Eva then moved to Sidney after Richard passed away, she met some very special women that

also loved to just take off and go to a casino. She would always call and tell her kids not to

worry, she left early in the morning and they were off to gamble. She promises not to spend all

our inherited money we would just laugh and tell her to have fun.

Eva liked to have fun and enjoy life, she asked if all her family would do the same, forget work

for a while and take time to enjoy life. Life is way too short. In mom's final days she told us not

to worry when she crossed over, she would be dancing all the way, I am sure she is still dancing

with dad to this day.

Eva was proceeded in death by her husband Richard, her parents Fred and Helen, her 8

brothers and sisters: Darrell, Jackie, Bobby, Donald, Marie, Logan, Sally and her twin sister Iva

and a great granddaughter Paizlee Mae Deeds.

Survivors include a daughter: Sandi (Dave) Tuell, and 2 sons: Clifford (Trudy) Funkhouser, Steven (Brandi) Funkhouser, 1 Sister: Mary (CJ) Anderson, 4 grandchildren: Craig Deeds, Shaun (Sarah) Deeds, Mikki Deeds and Kristin (Jeremy) Sherin, 12 Great grandchildren: Jasmine (Lee), Blaine, Hannah, Karter, Brooklyn, McKynna, Kaydin, Kollins, Kaizlee, Koleman, Delaney and Lillian, and 1 very special Great-Great-grandson: Brexten Lee, as well as numerous extended families.

The family would like to thank all the people that helped mom during this time, your kindness

and consideration are beyond what anyone can ever have. You all make it look easy, but

everyone knows it's not easy to care for someone you don't even know. But because you are

you, you make it happen. So, thank you. A special thanks to Hospices Ladies, Long Term Care,

SRMC Hospital, and the Ambulance Crew.
Rebuttal to Tunnels and War Coincide

When a writer or speaker cites, prints, speaks, and uses information about Israel, Jews, and Israelis from well-known and proven anti-Western, anti-American, anti-Jew, and anti-Israel sources, then that writer or speaker presents inaccurate, biased, untrue, and outrightly offensive views.

My preface leads me to comment about a recently published article titled Tunnels and War Coincide in the Sun-Telegraph. The ever-present 300 miles of tunnels in Gaza were constructed by the Hamas leaders, and I quote from an interview with Russia Todays Arabic channel on Friday: We built the tunnels because we have no other way of protecting ourselves from being killed in airstrikes. We are fighting from inside the tunnels, the Qatar-based official said.

Further to illustrate this point: Moussa Abu Marzouk, a prominent member of Hamass political bureau, has declared that the terror group that rules Gaza is not responsible for protecting the Strips civilians, and said that the vast tunnel network underneath the enclave is only for the protection of Hamas terrorists. ONLY to protect the terrorists, not all Gazans.

Finally, why do three of the highest leaders of Hamas live in opulence and luxury while most Gazan Arabs live in extreme poverty? Three top leaders of Hamas alone have a staggering fortune of $11 billion, according to a report by New York Post. Ismail Haniyeh, Moussa Abu Marzuk, and Khaleed Mashal have been maintaining their luxury lifestyle in Qatar for several years by robbing money contributed by European, Asian, and American governments and the UN for their personal use. These men live that way because Hamas is a death-cult which does not care about its fellow Arabs and wants to wage continuous warfare against the West, America, Israel, and all Jews. Remember that Gazans voted overwhelmingly for Hamas in the 2007 Gazan elections.

So, fellow writers and speakers rely ONLY on proven open, honest, truthful information sources, such as Israels, and do not present the lies and propaganda of known haters of Jews, Israelis, the West, and America such as the UN, Al-Jazeera, CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC, and BBC.

Steven M. Lissner, Sidney
Europa Press Seville Wednesday, 15 November 2023, 15:46 Compartir Copiar enlace

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A million flu vaccines have been administered in Andalucia since the Junta's regional ministry of health began the first phase of the 2023-2024 vaccination campaign against influenza and Covid-19 on 9 October, with some 700,000 doses given against Covid. This already equals the figures of the previous campaign with about 50% of the total doses available for this campaign still to be rolled out.

The Juntas ministry said: It is, without a doubt, good news that people in Andalucia, for yet another year, continue to be responsible for their health and those around them.

"Vaccines are a safe and efficient tool to prevent serious illness and hospitalisation. For this reason, we call for the entire population, especially the most vulnerable, the elderly, children, the chronically ill, pregnant women, health professionals and social health workers who have not yet received the double flu and Covid vaccinations to make an appointment through Salud Responds, ClicSalud+ or at your health centre to protect yourself this autumn and winter against these viruses.

The vaccination campaign started with the administration of doses to those in nursing homes and centres for the disabled; and those over 85 years of age, in addition to health professionals and social health workers.

Since 16 October, those over 70 years of age have also been vaccinated; as have people with chronic pathologies; professional caregivers; pregnant and postpartum women, with the infant flu vaccine being administered to children aged six to 59 months.

And on 30 October, those over 60 years of age and professional groups (such as members of the armed forces) began to be vaccinated. Starting in December, people living with those over 60 years of age, with chronic pathologies and risk situations, and with pregnant and postpartum women will be vaccinated against flu and Covid-19.

By groups, a total of 55,540 children aged six to 59 months have already been vaccinated against influenza, which means 20.4% of the total. In nursing homes, almost 90% of residents have been vaccinated against the flu, with 80% of those having received the Covid-19 vaccination.

As in the previous campaign, Andalucia is using tetravalent influenza vaccines, which cover the two A strains and the two B strains of the virus, making them the most complete available today. The vaccines available to combat Covid-19 includes the targeting of the currently circulating variant in Spain (Omicron XBB.1.5).

For this campaign, the Junta de Andalucia has acquired 7.5% more doses against influenza than in 2022, representing a total of 2.2 million vaccines. This increase is mainly due to the influenza vaccination now being provided to adults from 60 years of age.
Javier Almellones Antequera Wednesday, 15 November 2023, 15:21 Compartir Copiar enlace

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On 16 November, it will be known which town or city will be the Gastronomic Capital of 2024 in Spain, an annual event created by the Spanish Federation of Tourism Journalists and Writers with the collaboration of the Spanish Hotel and Catering Association. The four candidates are Alicante, Castellon, Oviedo and Antequera who are aspiring to take the prize from Cuenca, which holds it this year.

If Antequera were to win it would have a very positive effect in terms of boosting gastronomic tourism. The town, which is to the north of Malaga city, has many excellent restaurants, such as Arte de Cozina, Bienmesabe Santa Maria, El Adarve, Plaza de Toros, El Rincon de Lola and Venta San Isidro, among many others. It also has a number of unique dishes and products, as detailed here.

1: Extra virgin olive oil

ONE extra virgin oil from Finca La Torre. SUR

Antequera is a land of olive trees. For centuries, some of the best extra virgin olive oils to be found in the Malaga province, including the Costa del Sol, have been produced there. Such is the case at Finca de la Torre, an olive oil producer located in the village of Bobadilla, which has won numerous national and international awards. Hacienda Colchado, Gotas de Gloria and Cortijo El Solano are some of the premium olive oil brands that come from Antequera. The co-operative DCOOP, one of the largest olive oil producers in the world today, has its headquarters in Antequera. It even has an olive oil museum. It should also be noted that, since 2005, the extra virgin olive oil produced and processed in this area is protected by its own designation of origin under the name of Aceites de Antequera. The main variety in this area is hojiblanca, although other varieties are also grown here. At present, there are almost a quarter of a million olive trees in the region.

2: Molletes

Mollete from Grupo San Roque. SUR

These are one of the most popular breakfast breads in bars and restaurants, not only in Antequera but also in Andalucia. For more than three years, the soft roll has been officially recognised as 'Molletes de Antequera'. It is defined as a bread originating in the geographical area of Antequera and Fuente de Piedra, made from wheat flour, lightly baked and with a high level of humidity. There are currently several companies that make this traditional bread in Antequera. These include San Roque, La Antequerana, Padepan and La Molleteria de Antequera.

3: Mantecados

Mantecados from La Antequerana. SUR

Although many believe that the birthplace of mantecado (a crumbly Christmas sweet) is in the Sevillian town of Estepa, in Antequera it is claimed that the true origin is to be found there. There are even some bibliographical references that refer to it belonging to Antequera as early as the 18th century. Today, almost a dozen companies make mantecados and other Christmas sweets in Antequera. And mantecados are still made in the most traditional way possible in many of the area's convents.

Among the companies that make and sell mantecados in Antequera are La Perla, Delicias de Antequera, Sancho Melero, La Antequerana, Los Antiguos Aguilera, San Pancracio, Primitivos Antequerana, Artesanias de Antequera, Torcadul and Panaderia Santiago. And, among the convents that still make mantecados and other sweets, the nuns of Belen are particularly noteworthy.

A stroll around the town will provide plenty of opportunity to sample the range of flavours, from the classic cinnamon to almond or chocolate; there are also lactose-free mantecados, with olive oil instead of pig lard.

4: Porra antequerana

Turismo Antequera

This cold thick soup-like dish has made its way into the national recipe book despite its similarities with salmorejo from Cordoba. It is usually on the menu in the middle of summer, and even in cooler seasons, in restaurants both in Antequera and in other towns in Malaga province.

Its main ingredients are tomato, two or three days old bread, extra virgin olive oil (preferably of the hojiblanca variety) and salt. Pepper and vinegar are usually optional. It is typically complemented with other ingredients, such as ham and egg cut into small pieces, or tuna. Some people add a dash of extra virgin olive oil or even tomatoes or croutons. The Arte de Cozina restaurant serves a version made from oranges which was popular in earlier times.

5: Pio antequerano

Pio from Antequera from the Finca Eslava restaurant. SUR

As simple as the porra, both in terms of its preparation process and its humble ingredients, is another lesser-known recipe, but which historically predates the porra antequerana. This is the pio antequerano, which is made with orange, cod, spring onion or onion, green or black olives and extra virgin olive oil. Some people consider it to be like ensaldilla malaguena (potato salad from Malaga) or ensaldilla de naranja (oranges salad), but unlike the latter, it does not have potatoes, which strengthens the argument of those who believe that this dish predates the discovery of America. In fact, there are those who believe that pio antequerano is linked to the Andalusian tradition of using oranges in savoury dishes. However, the gastronome and historian Fernando Rueda considers that the pio "does not have an Arabic past", since the dish uses the sweet orange, which "did not enter the Iberian Peninsula until 1516 via Portugal".

6: Wine

Wines from Bodegas Gross. Ricardo Pastor

For some time now Antequera has been able to boast of having two wineries in its territory. One of them is Antakira, which has red, white and sweet wines. It has chosen for its brand the name Antequera was known by under the Romans.

The second winery is owned by the same Narbona Solis family with organic wines produced at the foot of the Sierra de las Chimeneas mountain range, close to the protected limestone landscape of Torcal. With vineyards at an altitude of almost eight hundred metres above sea level and with a geographical location that is influenced by the Mediterranean, the project has been worked on since 2007. Between holm oaks and native scrubland, they have Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir or Petit Verdot varieties, with which they make very exclusive wines.

In addition, due to its proximity, it should be noted that Antequera is very close to prestigious Malaga wineries, such as La Capuchina, Cortijo La Fuente and Carpe Diem, in Mollina, and the century-old Malaga Virgen, in Fuente de Piedra.

7: Bienmesabe

Bienmesabe from Piobiem. SUR

This is one of the cakes most closely linked to inland Andalucia and in Antequera they know how to make it very well. A visit to the bakeries, convents and restaurants in the old quarter of the town will show you how it has flourished since the 1970s when it began to emerge as the typical sweet of Antequera. The most famous and basic recipe is one made from almonds, apples, sponge cakes, eggs, sugar and cinnamon. It is not at all easy to make and requires skill in traditional confectionery.

8: Other products

Precooked Malaga suckling goat leg from Caprisur. SUR

Lesser-known products made and sold in Antequera include the goat cheeses Sur del Torcal, El Pastor del Torcal and Cabraline; El Torcal cow's milk butter, Chicon and Chicon Lebron seasoned olives; preserves from Alsur; suckling goat meat and products made from it by Caprisur; honey from Hermanos Gallardo (Gallardo brothers); Olmedo sausages; bread and oil cakes from Horno Pinto; and crisps from Don Sancho Melero.
SUR Malaga Wednesday, 15 November 2023, 10:00 | Updated 10:19h. Compartir Copiar enlace

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Two paragliders were injured on Tuesday afternoon (14 November) in an accident in the Malaga municipality of Teba, according to Emergencias 112 Andalucia. The accident happened at around 4.35pm in the Cerro de San Cristobal paragliding take-off area, eyewitnesses confirmed in their alert call to the emergency services. The incident apparently happened when two paragliders collided and one of them plunged to the ground.

Personnel from Malaga's provincial fire brigade (CPD), 061 health emergency service, Guardia Civil, Local Police, Teba civil protection volunteers, air traffic control centre and coordination and rescue centre were on the scene.

According to the fire brigade, two people were injured, one of whom was more seriously injured and was transferred by helicopter to hospital.
The Senate (the upper house of the U.S. Congress) will consider U.S. aid to Ukraine and Israel after Thanksgiving, which Americans celebrate on November 23 this year. Representatives of the Democratic and Republican parties managed to reach an agreement on this issue.

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The statement was made by Senate Majority Leader, Democrat Chuck Schumer, on November 14. This was reported by CNN.

This is a bill that would allocate funds to help Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and to protect the American border.

Schumer noted that he really wants all four of US President Joe Biden's requests to Congress to be approved.

At the same time, GOP senators are making efforts to split this combined aid package into separate smaller bills.

"We need bipartisan support for all four, and I'm going to work hard, very hard to get all four done," Schumer said.

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

- House Speaker Mike Johnson (Republican from Louisiana) has filed a two-stage bill to temporarily suspend government funding. It offers an unusual approach to avert a government shutdown, but does not take into account aid to Israel and Ukraine.

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- Meanwhile, Joe Biden's administration has called on Congress to approve a request for additional assistance to Ukraine to fight Russia and to Israel to fight Hamas terrorists as soon as possible. The White House is confident that this directly affects Washington's national interests.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Pilar Martinez Malaga Wednesday, 15 November 2023, 14:32 Compartir Copiar enlace

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Scandinavian airline Norwegian is focusing its efforts for next summer in Spain on Malaga. It will offer one million seats at the Costa del Sol airport, more than at any of the ten Spanish airports where it will operate next peak season. It will also launch three new routes: to the Danish cities of Aarhus, the second largest in Denmark, and Billund, the birthplace of the Lego blocks on which the famous Legoland theme park is based, and to the German city of Munich.

Norwegian, which is the fourth largest in terms of passenger volume in Malaga, will connect the Costa del Sol with 16 destinations, three more than last summer. The airline stressed that although the increase in seats is 2% compared to the previous high season, it is the first time since Covid that they are offering more than one million seats in Malaga. It also specified that the volume of seats they will offer in Malaga is the same as the number they have put on sale for Italy.

The company will have 3.4 million seats on offer in Spain for this summer season, 21% more than the 2.8 million seats in the peak season of 2023. The company's four operational bases in Spain account for 90% of the capacity on offer in Spain, with Malaga and Alicante leading the way, with one million seats and 940,000, respectively. They are followed by Barcelona, with 600,000 seats on offer, and the new operational base in Palma de Mallorca, with 530,000 seats, Norwegian explained.

It is also noteworthy that the new route to Munich represents a change in the airline's strategy, which until now only connected Spanish destinations with Scandinavian ones. We are leaving the strict Nordic area and are once again operating between Spain and Germany, albeit in a modest way. The company will fly to this German city three times a week, every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, from 22 June. As for the connections with the Danish city of Aarhus, the frequency will be weekly, specifically every Saturday, starting on 6 April. And to fly to the birthplace of Lego and enjoy the Legoland amusement park, Billund, Malaga residents will have three options a week, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 1 April.

Sixteen destinations

In addition, Norwegian will connect Malaga with Aalborg and Copenhagen in Denmark; Bergen, Haugesund, Oslo-Gardermoen, Oslo-Sandefjord/Torp, Trondheim and Stavanger in Norway; as well as Stockholm-Arlanda and Stockholm-Skavsta, Gothenburg and Vaxjo Smaland airports, also in Sweden. In addition to maintaining the route to Helsinki.

With these new routes, we are ready for an increase in demand for Norwegian flights for the upcoming summer season. We look forward to welcoming our customers on board and taking them to wonderful destinations in Spain flying from Scandinavia and to Scandinavia flying from Spain, said Magnus Thome Maursund, Norwegian's Chief Commercial Officer.

In Europe as a whole, Norwegian plans a fleet of some 90 aircraft on a total of 332 routes to 123 destinations this summer, including the recently announced Spanish routes. The company has a strong track record in operational integrity and has been ranked as the most punctual airline in Europe, he added, emphasising that Norwegian will offer 76 routes from ten Spanish airports in summer 2024, of which four (Alicante, Barcelona, Malaga and, from April, Palma de Mallorca) are operational bases of the company. In addition, for the first time, it will start operations in Valencia, connecting Manises airport with Copenhagen airport in Denmark.
Paula De las Heras / Fergal MacErlean Madrid / Malaga Wednesday, 15 November 2023, 16:40 Compartir Copiar enlace

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Pedro Sanchez began his investiture speech at noon this Wednesday (15 November) at the Congress of Deputies in Madrid by referencing the multi-day street protests against his PSOE party held across Spain. "Demonstration in the streets is one of the ways of exercising democracy that the constitution recognises. These days we have heard thousands of people express themselves freely and legitimately in demonstrations promoted by the PP and Vox. To those who have exercised that right in a peaceful manner, my respect and recognition".

The politician then argued that it is the same constitution that protects and gives legitimacy to his re-election. The acting prime minister addressed the Congress to ask for its confidence in a climate of enormous tension due to the controversial granting of an amnesty to Catalan nationalists in a 'proces' that he himself rejected and branded unconstitutional until he signed pacts with Junts and ERC. More than 1,500 police officers were in position outside the government building to guarantee security which has been tested in recent nights by violent hooligans and other extremists who fought riot police and who had flocked to protests organised by the far-right and in which banned Franco-era flags were displayed.

Impunity law

Sanchez did not even refer to the impunity law or the agreements that will undoubtedly condition the future of the legislature until well into his hour-and-40-minute-long speech. His was more of a defensive speech in which he justified his decisions with a fundamental argument: that it is necessary to confront the "retrograde right-wingers" who are advancing throughout the world while riding on the back of the uncertainty generated by the great global challenges (the climate emergency, migratory movements, Artificial Intelligence, globalisation) and who, he argued, threaten to "undermine the very foundations of democracy".

Spain's acting prime minister caused consternation when he said that the PP, winner of the last general election with a 16-seat lead over his party, had been "parasitised" by Vox, and must therefore also be cut off. "If in our country these movements have not gone further in the dismantling of constitutional and democratic values, it has not been for lack of will, much less because of political or moral limits. Nor, unfortunately, because the conservative right has demanded that they desist. The only effective wall against the policies of the ultra-right in communities and town halls has been the Spanish Government," Sanchez railed.

It took 45 minutes for Sanchez to set out some of the measures that his coalition government with Sumar intends to deploy throughout the term of office that will begin this Thursday, once he has (almost certainly) obtained the support of the absolute majority in congress, the 179 seats that have said they will back him. These include 121 PSOE lawmakers, 31 from Sumar, Junts (7), ERC (7), Bildu (6), PNV (5), BNG (1) and Coalicion Canaria (1). These measures include the extension until June of next year of the reduction to 0% IVA, the Spanish sales tax, for certain foods, or to 5% in the case of oil; an extension of relief for mortgaged households; and free public transport for all children, young people, and the unemployed as of 1 January.

Eight priorities

Sanchez set out eight priorities for his government (employment and the green economy; strengthening the welfare state; housing; ecological transition; feminism; territorial cohesion). He referred to the amnesty, which he justified with arguments very similar to those he had already used on 28 October before his party's federal committee as being an instrument "not only to win a legislature of progress. But to bet on a future of reconciliation and social peace.

The circumstances are what they are and it is time to make a virtue out of necessity, for two reasons of general interest. Firstly, to consolidate the progress achieved in recent years and to continue along the path of coexistence and progress. Secondly, because this measure of grace can help us to overcome the fracture that opened up on 1 October, to continue bringing positions closer together, and to persuade many Catalans that Spain is a good country for them," Sanchez said.

The PSOE leader scorned the reproaches of the right wing, which he accused of having led Spain to the "disaster" of the "greatest territorial crisis of our democracy", and even claimed that the PP does not really have any reason to oppose the amnesty. He also cited the pardons granted by PP governments in the past some 1,500 in a single year were signed off by the former justice Minister Angel Acebes.

From 3.30pm it was the turn of the parliamentary groups, with a speaking time of 30 minutes. First was PP, followed by Vox, Sumar, ERC, Junts, EH Bildu, PNV, and the Mixed Group (which includes BNG, Coalicion Canaria and UPN, which will share the 30 minutes). The order is structured according to the number of deputies of each group, with the exception of the PSOE, which, as the candidate's party, closes the debate.

Feijoo told the assembled deputies: Feijoo: "Mr Sanchez is not allowing Spaniards to express themselves in new elections. He has lost what little credit he had left". And the PP leader accused Sanchez of "political corruption". He said that this legislature "is born of fraud".

Feijoo added: "What he brings to the house [congress] was not voted on at the polls."

"Tug-of-war"

The PNV spokesman in Congress, Aitor Esteban, said, separately to the main speeches, that the PSOE only registered the amnesty bill with his signature because there was "a tug-of-war" between ERC and Junts in the run-up to the Catalan elections.

Vox's spokesperson in Congress, Pepa Millan, said that Sanchezs words were those of a liar and a coup leader. We are facing a Chavez apprentice: long speeches, criminalising the opposition and disguising his own coup as legal".

The president of the Junta de Andalucia, Juanma Moreno, said he predicted a national legislature of "lies and impunity" because Sanchez, has "swallowed everything imposed" by the leader of Junts, Carles Puigdemont.
Uwe Scheele Malaga Wednesday, 15 November 2023, 11:59 | Updated 14:09h. Compartir Copiar enlace

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The 4th annual German Film Week, being held at the Albeniz Cinema in Malaga from 21 to 25 November, will include the screening of nine German films in their original versions, by well-known directors and debut films, romantic and musical dramas, black comedies, science fiction and thrillers. Three of them were screened at this year's Berlinale festival in February.

The year's event, sponsored by Malaga City Council, Malaga's provincial authority, Turismo Costa del Sol Tourism, German School of Malaga, Block House, Mijas town hall and Torrox town among others, will also include special screenings in Torrox (November 22) and Mijas (November 23).

As is now customary, the screenings organised by SUR deutsche Ausgabe (SUR in Englishs sister newspaper in German), in collaboration with the German Consulate in Malaga and the Goethe-Institut Madrid, will provide an insight into the most recent German films in original version with Spanish subtitles.

SUR

The opening film on 21 November at 7pm is by one of Germany's most renowned directors: Afire by Christian Petzold tells the story of four young people searching for their way in the world. A smouldering danger hangs over the carefree summer in a country house near the Baltic Sea: the forest fires are getting closer and closer. The film, which received the Grand Jury Prize in Berlin, was described by critics as one of Petzold's most entertaining and light-hearted works.

"Something's not right" is the opening line of the film. A hint at what is to follow, a visually stunning story about a man with a conflicting personality who want to write a book and doesn't seem to react to anything around him; a fascinating woman (outstanding: Paula Beer) who turns his head; his publisher (Matthias Brandt) who will tear his manuscript apart; two lovers in the apocalypse. The screening will be followed by a questions-and-answers session with the film's producer, Anton Kaiser.

Petzold is regarded as one of the most outstanding international representatives of art-house films. This year, the German Film Week is therefore focussing on Petzold and showing Undine, the first film in his trilogy about elemental beings. The film will be shown as the closing film on Saturday 25 th . Here, too, the director works with an outstanding Paula Beer (Silver Bear at the 2020 Berlinale) and the equally unique Franz Rogowski. Undine is a city guide in Berlin. When the man she loves leaves her, she is trapped by the curse of an ancient myth. Undine must kill the man who betrayed her... and return to the water. As a clever storyteller, Petzold manages to skilfully interweave modern realism and German romanticism. It is a fabulous, melancholy love story that never seems to distance itself from reality. A metaphysical balancing act that Petzold manages to skilfully interweave modern realism and German romanticism. It is a fabulous, melancholy love story that never seems to distance itself from reality. A metaphysical balancing act that makes film so enthralling.

Till the End of the Night by Christoph Hochhausler follows in the great tradition of film noir. The film was celebrated at this year' Berlinale, with Thea Ehre receiving the Silver Bear for her role as trans woman Leni. The film is being shown as a Spanish premiere in Malaga. Undercover investigator Robert is supposed to gain the trust of a drug dealer through a fictitious relationship with trans woman Leni. The two used to be a couple and their feelings are not just a game. Director Hochhausler stages his locations in Frankfurt, as if they were a new version of Chicago's seedier neighbourhoods. Although the film is set in the present day, much of it breathes retro chic, underlined by the leitmotif of Heidi Bruhl's hit song. Unexpected twists and turns lend the film pace and suspense.

While Hochhausler's film focuses on a trans woman, Alex Schaad's Skin Deep is about the possibility of slipping into a different body. Sensitive Tristan and depressive Leyla are not happy with each other.

They embark on a body swap experiment with a married couple in crisis. Not science fiction, but a melodramatic mind game.

Sisi & I is a different kind of Sisi film. It celebrated its acclaimed premiere at the last Berlinale and tells the life of Empress Sisi from the perspective of her lady-in-waiting Irma. Irma is immediately fascinated by the impressive but also self-destructive Sisi. She falls further and further under her spell and falls madly in love with the empress. The film moves between black comedy and historical drama and paints a completely new picture of Sisi, who surrounds herself with a kind of women's commune on Corfu.

Talking about the Weather by Annika Pinske will not only be shown at the cinema in Malaga, but also in special screenings in Torrox and Mijas. Clara has made it. Away from the East German provinces, she leads an independent life as a lecturer in Berlin and is doing her doctorate in philosophy. Between her professional ambitions, an affair with one of her students and the demanding friendship with her doctoral mother, she has little time for her family. When Clara travels back home with her fifteen-year-old daughter for her mother's 60th birthday, she is confronted with her ideal of a free, self-determined life.

The film deals with the most important themes of contemporary West Germany: conflicts between East and West, town and country, the working class and the academic elite. Director Pinske succeeds in creating a very personal description of the social fault lines in today';s Germany, also based on her own experience in the Uckermark.

Sophie Linnenbaum's The Ordinaries was celebrated as the most original German film of 2022. Paula lives with her mother in a form of society whose population is divided into three classes: there are main characters, secondary characters and outtakes, characters borrowed from the world of film.

The social order is based on oppression. Paula was a minor character, but has painstakingly worked her way up. Now she is on the verge of becoming the main character. An experimental film that is not short on social criticism, amusing ideas and references to film history. The film is also planned as a matinee event for the German School Malaga.

Orphea in Love by Axel Ranisch is a fairytale-like, colourful and soulful operatic pastiche with hints of street dance, a declaration of love to music and a new version of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. In overcoming their grey everyday reality through music, opera and dance, call centre agent Nele and petty criminal Kolya find themselves soul mates. They soon have to pass tests from a Greek-mythological dimension.

Oskar Roehler, one of the most successful German directors, has worked his way up to an even greater man, the legendary German filmmaker Rainer Werner Fassbinder. The result is not a conventional artist biopic, but an "enfant terrible", as the film is entitled.

Roehler traces the stages in the life of the film icon, from the brilliant director to the desperate seeker of love to the relentless harasser. Oliver Masucci not only plays the famous filmmaker, he becomes one with Fassbinder - and received the 2021 German Film Award for it.

The 4th Week of German Film in Malaga is sponsored by the provincial authority of Malaga, German School of Malaga, the city of Malaga, the towns of Mijas and Torrox, Turismo Costa del Sol, and the Block House steakhouse chain. The international law firm Fruhbeck Abogados, based in Marbella, architecture firm Buhler & Partners in Malaga, Hotel & Spa La Residencia Puerto in Tarifa, photovoltaic system manufacturer Smart PV, Amigos Goethe-Institut Espana association, Cine Albeniz and the film promotion institute German Films have been secured as partners.
The legislative procedure regarding the Listing Act and notably the proposal for a Directive on multiple-vote share structures in companies that seek the admission to trading of their shares on an SME growth market has reached its final stage. Some highly worrying proposals unfortunately remain among the points that will be negotiated between the European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission. Therefore, the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise now calls on the legislators to remain focused on the purpose of the proposed Directive, which is to strengthen the capital markets within the EU.

Enabling access to private capital within the EU is key for European companies to be competitive and innovative and for their ability to contribute to the green transition. Over the last few years, we have seen a fall in initial public offerings (IPOs) within the EU and a decrease in the number of listed companies. It has therefore been positive to see initiatives at the EU level to turn the trend (including, importantly, the Listing Act as proposed by the Commission) aiming to strengthen the capital markets, and to make it easier to be a listed company, especially for small and medium-sized companies. Rules facilitating listings and keeping companies listed within the EU are most welcome, not least since a favorable set of rules will be a key enabling factor to make the capital markets within the EU more attractive, and in turn secure innovation and the necessary contribution of the business community to the green transition.

The proposals are far-reaching and deeply concerning as they would not only make it less attractive to go public and list on the market (contrary to the aim of the proposed Directive) but also risk ruining existing well-functioning structures in the Member States

However, some proposals put forward by the European Parliament and the Commission stand in sharp contrast to the initial purpose of the legal act and would counteract the said objective to strengthen the EU capital markets. The proposals are far-reaching and deeply concerning as they would not only make it less attractive to go public and list on the market (contrary to the aim of the proposed Directive) but also risk ruining existing well-functioning structures in the Member States. Today, twelve EU Member States allow multiple-vote share structures, including Sweden. In our opinion, a successful minimum level of harmonization must accommodate differences in national practices, and we strongly oppose the introduction of a Directive with restrictions that would be counterproductive and highly disruptive.

In Sweden, it has been possible for listed companies to have multiple-vote share structures for a hundred years, and the Swedish corporate governance landscape is designed to secure due minority protection. Combining the worrying proposals up for discussion with a proposed extension of the scope of application to all regulated markets (not only SME growth markets) would be highly counterproductive and disruptive to existing well-functioning structures. In brief, the proposals to which the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise wants to express our strong disagreement include the following:

1. Limitation of the right to use enhanced voting rights at general shareholders meetings when the matter has been tabled by a shareholder. As shareholders have extensive rights to table matters to shareholders meeting in Sweden and in the Nordics, and resolutions adopted are binding, this would have far-reaching consequences and would be counterproductive to the purpose of the Directive.

2. Maximum voting ratios and a maximum percentage of the capital that could consist of multiple-vote shares. There is no empirical support for these provisions, and they would not benefit from harmonization.

3. Voluntary restrictions that encourage Member States to include additional restrictions. The voluntary restrictions proposed are not evidence-based. It is highly inappropriate and stands in sharp contrast to the objectives of the proposed Directive to encourage Member States to adopt such additional restrictions.

4. Transparency rules that would be impossible for companies to comply with in practice. Transparency on holders of multiple-vote share structures traded publicly cannot go beyond what is known to the company.

We are not aware of any problems in the Member States allowing multiple-vote share structures that would be solved by the above proposals. However, introducing such restrictions in these countries will create new problems and disrupt what is working well today. In this context it should be mentioned that Swedens equity market is the only growing market within the EU. The dual class system with all that it entails is believed to be one of the key factors behind the vibrant Swedish equity market. It makes no sense whatsoever for the EU to introduce counterproductive restrictions that would have a detrimental effect on markets that are today well-functioning, such as the Swedish market.

We therefore now call on the legislators to focus on making sure that the important objectives of the Listing Act are materialized, meaning we strengthen the capital markets within the EU and improve conditions for SMEs, our most important catalyst for growth. When doing so, it should be easy to stand firm and insist that the above restrictions must not be adopted.

Multiple-vote share proposal  worrying developments in the Parliament

Dual class share structures with differentiated voting rights
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On Wednesday, November 15, Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrived in San Francisco in the United States. The politician will meet with U.S. President Joe Biden and take part in the annual summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

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This was reported by Reuters. It is noted that this is Xi's first visit to the United States in six years. He made the decision after the American leader announced his intention to restore decent relations with Beijing (to watch the video, scroll to the end of the news).

Xi and Biden will meet face-to-face for the first time since last year. U.S. officials call the talks an opportunity to reduce friction that many consider the world's most dangerous rivalry.

According to media reports, Xi arrived in San Francisco by plane, where he was met by US officials: Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns. After that, the Chinese leader traveled by limousine to the city, where demonstrations are expected to take place that day, both for and against his visit.

Earlier, White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters that several topics would be on the agenda. In particular, Biden and Xi will discuss the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, US efforts to support Ukraine in its fight against the Russian military, and economic issues.

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He added that China could play a role in helping the United States support Ukraine, as well as in promoting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's vision of a just peace.

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

- Bloomberg reported that the key topic of talks between US President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping would be the restoration of military ties between the two countries. Washington is "determined" to restore these lines of communication as it believes that this is in the interests of US national security.

- Oleksandr Levchenko, Ukrainian diplomat, Ambassador of Ukraine to Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2010-2017, shared his thoughts on the meeting between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping, as well as possible agreements between the United States and China. He noted that such meetings indicate a resumption of the exchange of views between Beijing and Washington, which is a very positive signal for the whole world.

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Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Syracuse, N.Y. -- Dozens of people turned out Tuesday night to see the latest images of how Interstate 81 and the roadways that connect with it will be transformed in the months and years to come.

Among the displays set up by state transportation officials was a rendering of the busy interchange in DeWitt between East Genesee Street (Routes 5 and 92) and Interstate 481, soon to be renamed I-81.

Roughly 16 months from now, work will begin to eliminate the exit ramp currently used by southbound motorists to leave 481 and drive east toward Fayetteville. In its stead, the current Exit 3 ramp that now takes drivers westbound on Genesee Street will be widened to four lanes to accommodate motorists heading both east and west.

The exit ramp will end at a new traffic signal on Genesee Street, with one lane for motorists turning right (westbound), toward Erie Boulevard, and three lanes for motorists turning left (eastbound), toward Wegmans and Fayetteville.

State transportation officials plan to add an extra eastbound lane for motorists traveling through Lyndon Corners toward Manlius.NY Department of Transportation

The work is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025. DOT engineers said the project is intended to shorten the rush-hour backups along that section of East Genesee Street, which carries nearly 60,000 motorists a day.

When they announced the East Genesee Street plan two years ago, DOT officials conceded that it might not help traffic flow much better than it does now. But without the work, the tie-ups would likely get worse after 481 takes on more of the traffic that now travels 81.

Transportation officials also plan to widen Genesee Street at Lyndon Corners, just east of the 481 interchange, another frequent site of traffic bottlenecks. An extra lane will extend through the intersection for motorists taking Route 92 east toward the village of Manlius.

The Genesee Street interchange with 481 is among the work included in the second construction contract awarded by DOT officials for the I-81 project. All told, there will be eight contracts for the $2.25 billion project, the last phases of which will extend through the end of 2028.

State DOT officials plan to put two 15-mph roundabouts on Brighton Avenue near the interchange with I-481.NY Department of Transportation

Another element of the second contract, for which work has already begun, will change the way motorists exit from 481 South to 81 North into Syracuse.

The current high-speed ramp will be removed, and motorists will exit at Brighton Avenue to a new roundabout. From the roundabout, they will take a relocated East Glen Avenue to a ramp for 81 North, which will soon be rechristened Business Loop 81.

Construction crews also will add a second roundabout on Brighton Avenue, near the Brighton Towers apartment complex, to replace a traffic signal at the intersection with Rock Cut Road. Speed limits on the roundabouts are 15 mph.

Roundabouts are generally safer than signalized intersections and help keep traffic moving, DOT officials say. They may take some getting used to, however.

Roundabouts are tough for Central New York. Theyre new, right? said Betsy Parmley, the engineer in charge of the 81 project.

Joe Driscoll, I-81 project director for the city of Syracuse, said city officials like the design.

This is a positive design change that we want to see, you know. Roundabouts have been shown to greatly reduce the number of serious accidents, Driscoll said.

DOT officials hope to award a third construction contract by the end of this year, Parmley said. That will cover improvements to Bear Street and other local streets near Syracuses Inner Harbor.

Renderings of the I-81 project and other documents can be found at the I-81 project website. All of the renderings for the second contract are now available.

The roundabouts on Brighton Avenue will have crosswalks for pedestrians.NY Department of Transportation

Staff writer Tim Knauss can be reached at tknauss@syracuse.com or (315) 470-3023.
A court case that will be heard today could turn Central New Yorks race for Congress upside down in 2024, changing who runs for the hotly contested 22nd Congressional District seat.

Three Democrats from Syracuses suburbs are seeking the partys nomination to take on Rep. Brandon Williams, a first-term Republican, in what both political parties expect to be one of the most competitive House races in the nation.
Isle of Man Ship Registry appoints business development manager for northern Europe and Scandinavia

The Isle of Man Ship Registry expands its presence in northern Europe with the appointment of a business development manager to focus on the Scandinavia and Northern Europe.

The Isle of Man Ship Registry (IOMSR) is expanding its presence in northern Europe with the appointment of a business development manager to focus on the Scandinavia and Northern Europe. Alexander Christensen, who has a wealth of experience in business development roles within the maritime industry in a near 25-year career, has held a series of senior roles. He is a former vice president for Hudson Analytics a consulting company dealing with US regulatory requirements for foreign vessel owners trading in US waters. He has also been a business director for global maritime regulatory specialists T&T Salvage, before moving to IML Marine. In his new role with IOMSR he will build on the flag states existing presence in northern Europe by meeting clients and prospects. Toby Brooks, deputy director of IOMSR, said: We are delighted to have Alexander in this new role with his broad experience of maritime in the region. We see northern Europe as one of our prime markets where we are already strong but believe with our outlook and approach there is considerable opportunity for growth. We want greater awareness and appreciation of how we as a flag state are evolving in line with the rapid change in the industry. We are committed to driving decarbonisation and ship innovation across all forms of propulsion from alternative fuels, to battery power to autonomous vessels to wind and rotor blades. We think our teams passion and hunger can resonate and give us a competitive edge here through Alexander. The northern European ship owning market is driving so much of the positive change in maritime which fits our outlook. We are on the side of innovators, those who think differently. Mr Christensen said: The Isle of Man Ship Registry is one of the leading, most progressive, flag states in the world. The Registry has not only proved its performance for decades on key indicators like the Paris and Tokyo whitelists it is also leading change in the industry with award winning sustainability and innovation practices. This matters in the highly advanced maritime markets like Northern Europe which is looking for flag states who can keep pace with their innovation and share their vision. It is exciting to be able to showcase a registry which has a formidable track record of supporting innovation of fuels, for example, being the first flag state to offer a reduction in registration fees for vessels deploying green technology. Moreover, the Isle of Mans technical team are prepared to embrace new ideas to drive decarbonisation, as they did for Oslo-listed shipping company BW LPG enabling its ships to be retrofitted to run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This work set a precedent in the industry enabling the IOMSR to issue the first flag acceptance of a modification to use LPG as fuel for previous code gas tankers. This is the kind of eye catching pedigree that northern European markets are searching for. I really look forward to raising greater awareness of the Isle of Man Ship Registry here. In April 2022 IOMSR became the worlds first flag state to reduce registration fees for ships deploying green technology. The measure gives ship owners a 15 per cent reduction on their annual registration fee. The reduced fee is available to operators of cargo ships, commercial yachts or passenger ships which are investing in biofuel, alternative fuels, wind, or shore-side energy technology. The IOMSR further became the first flag state to join the Getting to Zero Coalition in 2020. It is a partnership between the Global Maritime Forum, the Friends of Ocean Action and the World Economic Forum. It also formally launched the first ever seafarer welfare app designed by a flag state. Crew Matters is the most advanced of its kind ever produced for seafarers. It is available to seafarers worldwide. The IOMSR is one of the worlds leading flag states and is ranked 18 in the world by Clarksons with around 300 ships and 12.5m GT under its flag. The registry has held top spot on the Paris MoU Port State Control whitelist and is on Tokyo MoU whitelist. The registry is headquartered in Douglas, Isle of Man, a self-governing British Crown dependency and is a Category One member of the Red Ensign group.




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Ministers host National Agriculture and Climate Change: Science in Action Conference

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for Research Martin Heydon T.D., and Minister of State for Land Use Senator Pippa Hackett and will host a national conference entitled Agriculture and Climate Change: Science into Action at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin today.

500 delegates from across the agri-food sector come together to hear the latest science and policy developments relating to agriculture and climate change.

Announcement of 3.8 million in new research funding for collaborative projects on climate and agriculture, as well as upcoming announcement of 8.8 million of further research funding

The conference takes stock of the relationship between agriculture and climate change as the 500 delegates in attendance hear updates on the latest climate policy developments.

Held during Science Week 2023, the conference has a very strong scientific emphasis with a range of national and international researchers presenting the state of science across areas such as breeding and feed additives to reduce methane, and soil and pasture management to reduce nitrous oxide and increase carbon sequestration. In addition, the audience will hear about a wide range of international collaborative climate research initiatives that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is involved in, while also considering the potential role of a diversified agriculture and land use sector in reducing and offsetting emissions.

In his pre-recorded remarks to open the conference, the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will say: At 25%, the scale of the challenge for Irish farming and agriculture is significant and I dont underestimate what its asking of the sector. However, I know that farmers and those working in the sector can and will rise to this challenge. It is in the interests of the Irish agriculture and food industry to be at the centre of a decade of change, shaping it and driving it to achieve a more sustainable food production sector.

The Taoiseach will also say: Acting with resolve on climate change will be good for Ireland, good for Irish agriculture and good for Irish farmers. We all have a part to play and must work together in finding the best way forward. I believe this conference today is important because it will be a discussion based on the science.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Minister McConalogue said: A more sustainable agri-food system will require the right policy environment, investment in science and innovation, diversifying our systems of production and land use, and coming together in a collective spirit of determination to contribute our fair share in the fight against climate change. Todays conference, held during Science Week 2023, is an opportunity to hear new ideas and new science, to engage in discussion, and to identify what more we can do to support our farmers who are on the frontline of climate change impacts themselves.

As part of the conference, Minister McConalogue along with Minister of State with special responsibility for research and innovation, Martin Heydon T.D., will announce awards of over 3.8 million for researchers in four climate and agriculture research projects. These are the result of the 2023 Ireland  New Zealand Joint Research Call. The initiative is supported by New Zealands Ministry for Primary Industries.

The projects are in key areas including inventory refinement from pasture-based farming systems, peatland soil modelling to enhance carbon sequestration, soil sensor development for near real-time organic carbon monitoring for climate action by farmers, and nitrous oxide emission reduction from accelerating biological nitrification inhibition in mixed pastures.

Speaking on the announcement of the awards at the Aviva Stadium, Minister of State Martin Heydon said: I am delighted to announce here today at this important conference the continuation of our strong investment in agriculture and climate change research. There is more science and innovation in our food system than ever before and we must continue to invest in future innovations to ensure the sector is fully equipped to meet its targets. The funding of 3.8million by my Department is testament to our commitment to the more rapid development of new climate technologies by working together collaboratively.

Continuing, Minister Heydon said: I am also pleased to indicate that in the coming weeks, Minister McConalogue and I will announce a further 20 million in new research funding arising from a research call run by my Department earlier this year and that 44% of this, or 8.8 million, will go towards climate research.

For her part, Minister of State with special responsibility for land use and biodiversity Senator Pippa Hackett remarked: Todays conference is a great opportunity for a stock take on where we are in terms of the science and policy around agriculture and climate change. The very large attendance shows the level of commitment in the sector to make positive and impactful change. I am delighted to participate in the panel session on diversification in our agriculture and land use, particularly to highlight the range of options now open to landowners to plant trees. Whether through the Organic Farming Scheme or the new Forestry Programme, there are really attractive financial options for farmers to deliver on climate in a way that can complement their existing systems and boost their income.

Concluding, Minister McConalogue said: Today is a day where we can share our knowledge, experience, and best practice in order to collectively rise to the climate challenge. I truly believe that this collective commitment, allied with harnessing the power of innovation, technology and science, can create a future where food security is ensured, ecosystems are preserved, and the well-being of current and future generations is safeguarded. I hope that the 500 delegates attending will seize this moment to ensure that agriculture and climate change are no longer adversaries but partners in shaping a brighter, greener, and more prosperous future for all.
swamy_r34nismo Newbie

Join Date: May 2023 Location: Bangalore Posts: 6 Thanked: 26 Times

Hunt for the perfect diesel hatch | Bought a Used Ford Figo Titanium TDCI from Spinny



Options I had in mind: 2018-2020 Ford Figo TDCI: This was the top priority because of the gem of a diesel engine it has. It's really hard to find an example. 2016-2018 Hyundai i20 CRDI: Pretty good engine. However, the driving lacks that raw feeling, in my opinion. 2014-2018 Volkswagen Polo TDI: Who doesnt like a Polo?

For the sake of convenience and the added benefits, I started looking for vehicles on online platforms like Cars24, Spinny, etc.



Test Drive 1: 2019 Ford Figo Titanium Blu TDCI



Perfect spec, dual-tone car (white + black), 2nd owner, had about ~52k Kms on the dash. The folks at Cars24 were kind enough to send the car 20+ kms in Bangalore traffic for a test drive.



When the car did arrive, it looked perfect from 20 feet away. But oh boy, it was rough. The car had multiple repainted panels and not a great color match. Though Cars24 confirmed that the car was not accidental, it had clearly been in a fender bender.



The headlights and taillights were plastic welded, and the front suspension mounts were redone. Also, the steering wheel would not return to center. The interior had a few broken panels, and the rattle was horrible.



I had a word with the executive, he was pretty firm that the car had never been in an accident. Nonetheless, I had to pass on this deal.

<I somehow misplaced the images clicked of the car >





Test Drive 2: 2018 Ford Figo Titanium TDCI:

Saw this car on Spinny website and it was a very clean example. First Owner with 55k Kms running.

Had all 5 tyres replaced recently, fairly new battery.

But, the car was tentatively booked by a gentleman. This is where it got interesting , the person who booked the car was not residing in Bangalore. Even i happened to be on a work trip at the moment.

Spinny retains the booking for 3 days before releasing the inventory back to the public. As he could not go and see the vehicle or complete the transaction, the car did get released. However, it was booked again by him.

I contacted the Spinny executive, they could not do much about it.

This re-booking fiasco went on for another 3 to 4 cycles, around 10-12 days.

On 1st of May, the inventory was released and for my luck it was open. Immediately booked the car by paying a nominal fee and rushed to their site where the car was being held. The executives there walked me through the entire documents, pics and the inspection report. All the things checked out and I was ready to take the vehicle for a spin.

It was parked in a Mall basement, and the executive asked me to take it around the basement. Engine fired right up at the first crank, smooth as butter with the usual diesel clatter.

It was almost in mint condition except a few dings and scratches here and there which Spinny could not sort out.

Drove the car and loved it, and had a wide smile on my face. Asked the folks there for a test drive outside of the basement, at first they were a bit adamant but eventually let me take it out. Went through all the gears, the drive was very smooth.

There was a slight noise coming in from one of the rear suspension, which they mentioned while explaining. After a 2-3 km drive, I was completely sold and made up my mind to go for it. The pricing was also right at my budget point





Booking Experience: Paid 10k to block the car and start the other procedures. Now I had two options, either to get financing from Spinny or get it done from outside. I went ahead with Spinny as they promised a smooth onboarding.

The documents required for financing were shared within a few hours. They said they would sanction the loan within 24 hours.

The strange part about this process was that most mainstream banks declined as the make of the vehicle was Ford. Not sure if this is because of their exit from India.

One bank did agree to finance, their process was manual and took a lot of time to complete. The physical home and work verification took a good 4 days to complete.

Finally the process was done and got a nod from the bank to go ahead. The good folks at Spinny contacted for the delivery process

Delivery Experience:

The car was all prepped while the finance process was being taken care of. They offered me two options: Get the vehicle delivered at home or pick it up from their location.

I opted for the location pickup. Upon reaching, all the pending paperwork was completed with the car history, warranty, transfer, etc.

And there it was all polished, waxed and decked up ready to be picked. The entire process took around 30 mins and we were out with the car.









Pros and Cons of going ahead with Online platforms: (These details may vary from platform to platform, but more or less the same offerings across the board)



Pros:

They source well kept example with a complete detailed inspection and health report

3 months or 5k Kms comprehensive and 1 year or 15k Kms or engine and drivetrain warranty

1 year free roadside assistance

7 days no questions asked return policy

Well documented process, literally received a 20 pager agreement during the sign off

Cons:

You cannot negotiate the final prize, the one which is quoted is the final prize

Few panels that are prone to scratches such as bumpers are repainted by them before listing the vehicles. The downside to this is poor quality of work, there are spots where the body work is suboptimal and clear coat rundown marks are visible here and there.

They claim the cars to be non-accidental, however, there are vehicles that have signs of previous accidental repairs.

Initial impression of the car:

Runs and drives beautifully, Cannot be more happy with the engine performance in its stock form.

Fuel efficiency is excellent, constant 16-17 kmpl in city driving conditions. Yet to test on the long highway runs.

The Interior could have been better, like the quality of materials used.

Quite a bit of road noise enters the cabin.

Handles like a champ, you throw it into a corner and it sticks.

Future plans:



Aesthetics: Figo S conversion (grille, spoiler and black accents)

A set of Lenso wheels after the current tyres are due for change

Window Tint (Need suggestions on this)

Performance: Diesel Tronic or Code6 stage 1 (Need suggestions on this: Dont want to go too crazy as this will be a daily driver)

Figo S suspension swap So, at the start of 2023, I was finally in a position to throw the switch on buying my first car. As it was going to be driven daily in the harsh Bangalore traffic and would be modified a bit in the future, I decided to go with a used car. The requirements were pretty straightforward: it had to be a hatchback, diesel (I've always been a diesel enthusiast), with not too many kilometers on the odometer, a clean well-kept example, and a budget of a maximum of 6 lakhs.Options I had in mind:For the sake of convenience and the added benefits, I started looking for vehicles on online platforms like Cars24, Spinny, etc.
At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Great sound

Support for Sonys LDAC codec

Long battery life

Effective, transparent active noise cancellation Cons No support for the aptX or AAC codecs

No carrying case

No user definable EQ (only modes) Our Verdict The W820NB Plus headphones are a great value: comfortable, stylish, and sonically competitiveincluding effective, transparent ANCwith many pricier headsets.

Best Prices Today: Edifier W820NB Plus

Retailer Price $79.99 View Deal Product Price

Given Edifier W820NB Plus headphones $80 street price, I had assumed Id experience just middling audio performance. The hollow-sounding female voice informing me they were powered on did nothing to alter that perception, but my skepticism was misplaced.

The W820NB Plus voice cues were the only aural aspect that wasnt spot on. Indeed, these headphones sound like they might cost much, much more. Were not talking best-in-category performance, but certainly the best Ive heard for the price. Theyre also very comfortable, they look good, they deliver long battery life, and their active noise cancellation doesnt color the sound to any noticeable degree.

This review is part of TechHives in-depth coverage of the best noise-cancelling headphones.

Edifier W820NB Plus feature set

The closed-back, over-ear Edifier W820NB Plus are available in in black, two-tone dark gray, and two-tone cream/tan (the variation reviewed here). Theyre outfitted with 40mm titanium-coated diaphragm drivers. Theres a Bluetooth 5.2 radio onboard, and the headphones support Sonys excellent hi-res LDAC codec if your smartphone or high-end digital audio player supports the same. But theres no support for the aptX family of codecs increasingly found on Android smartphones or Apples AAC codec, supported on the iPhone.

The W820NB Plus are available in three colors: Off-white/beige, dark gray and black.

There are two ANC mics (prominent on the outside of the ear cups), plus one mic on the bottom front of the right-hand ear cup for making phone calls. This is also where youll find the physical multi-function controls (volume, power, Bluetooth pairing, etc.), as well as the ANC mode selector (on/ambient/low-latency game mode), and a tiny status LED.

Ill get into the weight, construction and comfort in a bit, but overall the W820NB Plus looks good. That said, there is a slightly parsimonious aspect to this headphones all-plastic construction, especially the controls, when closely examined.

That also contributes to their light weight, of course; and if anyone comments, hand them over for a listentheyll shut up soon enough.

Like most modern battery-powered headphones, the W820NB Plus are equipped with a USB-C port for charging, but these are unusual in their ability to also perform as a USB audio device. Plug them into a computers USB port, and you can listen to music and charge them at the same time. If you plan to use them with an analog playback device, however, know that theyre not equipped with a 3.5mm jack.

How do the Edifier W820NB Plus sound?

I already let the cat out of the bag on aural quality, but I can tell you that to form my opinion, I A/Bd the W820NB Plus with some very good headphones including Edifiers own planar-magnetic Stax Spirit S3, Sonys wired MDR-7506, as well as Marshalls over-ear Monitor II and on-ear Major IV.

Shockingly, the W820NB Plus held their own. I still prefer both of the Marshalls, thanks to their persistent, onboard, user-definable EQ, but those headsets cost four times as much. The W820NB Plus have several EQ presets, but you cant define your own. Regardless, I found the sound from these puppies most pleasant on the ears.

Most pleasant means well-defined mid-range, plenty of oomph (bass), and enough treble to let the sound breathe. The lower registers arent as tight as the Stax Spirit S3 those cost a cool $400. Thats not to say the W820NB Plus sounds flabby, they match up well with the Marshalls in terms of low-end.

Edifiers active noise cancellation is both effective and it doesnt screw up the EQ of the source material. I had a difficult time picking out any changes to the timbre of material at all. If there is any, its oddly in the lower registersperhaps reducing bass response.

Do the Edifier W820NB Plus offer long battery life?

Edifier says the 400mAh battery in the W820NB Plus will last nearly 50 hours without ANC engaged, and almost 40 hours with it on (using the vanilla SBC codec, that is). I was around 10 hours in with ANC active and the headphone had plenty of juice left.

The controls on the W820NB Plus headphones.

Are the Edifier W820NB Plus comfortable?

Constructed almost entirely of plastic, the W820NB Pluss weigh in at a mere 8.4 ounces. That, plus the substantial padding on the headband and ear cups, make for a very comfortable fit. In fact, theyre one of the most comfortable headsets Ive experienced. If I have to trade out-of-box impressions of sturdiness and quality for light weight, light weight seems like the better option over the long haul.

The ear cups are deep, though my auricles did barely touch the driver grills, which are covered in a soft fabric. I never really felt the harder parts of the grill, however, so alls good on that front.

The plastic headband take as much abuse as a metal one would; but if youre gentle with it, it should last. As a general rule, a light touch with your equipment (especially in todays world of planned obsolescence) will serve you well.

Should you buy the Edifier W820NB Plus?

Anyone looking for top-quality noise-cancelling headphones at a superb price will want to audition the Edifier W820NB Plus. You could spend morea lot moreto get more robust construction, fancier features, and accessoriessuch as a carry case. But after listening to these cans, , my thought on that iswhy? Just be aware of the lack of a 3.5 mm connection.

Specifications
Meet George Jetson: Cartoons lied to us. Weren't we supposed to have flying cars zipping us to work by now? Well, better late than never. New York announced plans to upgrade its electric vehicle infrastructure, including charging stations for air taxis. At least one company plans to take to Manhattan skies by 2025.

On Monday, transportation startup Joby Aviation conducted a demo flight of its six-prop electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in New York City. The exhibition was part of a press conference held by NYC Mayor Eric Adams.

Joby's air taxis are not currently autonomous. Veteran pilot James "Buddy" Denham performed the demo flight. Denham is Joby's chief test pilot for its onboard testing phase, which started in early October. Up until then, Joby conducted test flights remotely from the ground. The startup is currently in the third of five stages of FAA certification.

Currently, the Manhattan heliport does not have the infrastructure to support electric flights. However, Mayor Adams promised the city was working on this.

"Today, we are taking sustainability to the sky and our streets, and New Yorkers can feel the electricity in the air in our city as we electrify our heliport infrastructure," Adams said. "Our vision for the Downtown Manhattan Heliport will create the world's first heliport with infrastructure for electric-powered aircraft and put this public asset to work for New Yorkers as a hub for sustainable transportation and local deliveries."

If everything goes accordingly, Joby plans to offer commercial flights to and from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport to JFK Airport by 2025. The trip should only take about seven minutes, with a five-minute pause to recharge the eVTOL at the heliport.

However, its plans partly depend on city officials selecting it as its official eVTOL provider. Rival air taxi startup Volocopter is also in the running to offer commercial flights in New York. It has an 18-prop two-seater fully autonomous eVTOL that has logged over 2,000 test flights. However, whether the public and city officials are ready for autonomous air vehicles is debatable.

Level 5 ground vehicles have struggled to gain public and government trust for several years. Unfortunately, every time there is a mishap, it seems to set the test programs back years.

Whether the public is ready or not, Mayor Adams has dreams of the New York skyline filled with autonomous and piloted eVTOLs  even ones flown by everyday civilians.

"You know, within our lifetime, many of you are going own your own personal electric helicopter," Adams predicted.

However, he also indirectly acknowledged that fear might be the biggest hurdle facing these dreams.

"I can't thank Andrew, EDC, and our amazing deputy mayor enough for realizing that we cannot be afraid of the future," the mayor said. "This must be a city of yes where we lean into the possibilities of not only what we do on the ground, but what we do in our skies."
In brief: Foldable phones are, most of the time, pretty awesome technical marvels, but the best of the bunch come with the caveat of a high price tag. We recently heard rumors that Samsung was working on a "budget" folding device that would launch next year for $500 to $600. Sadly, and somewhat unsurprisingly, the company has now confirmed this simply isn't true.

Claims that Samsung was preparing a $500 or cheaper folding phone originated from a TrendForce report and a leaker on X, highlighting the fact that stories from these sources should always be taken with a grain of salt.

Given that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 has a $1,800 MSRP and even the smaller, clamshell-style Galaxy Z Flip 5 is $999, a budget foldable from Samsung sounded unlikely.

Now, the South Korean giant has refuted the reports. In a statement to Korea JoongAng Daily that cites a Samsung Electronics spokesperson, the company said, "We don't plan to manufacture foldable smartphones that are priced in the midrange, and the latest rumors are groundless."

There was one potential piece of good news for those who want a Samsung foldable at a cheaper price: the possibility of a fan edition (FE) version of its foldables. FE variants of Samsung phones usually remove some features and downgrade the specs slightly in order to sell them at a lower cost. When asked if there could be a Galaxy Z Fold 5 FE or Z Flip 5 FE, the spokesperson said, "There's nothing decided on the matter," which isn't ruling them out.

Samsung dominates the global premium foldables market, which is one segment where the company doesn't compete with Apple. But the story is different in the massive Chinese market, where excellent foldable devices from local brands such as Oppo, Huawei, Honor, and Vivo are more popular.

If you would like a cheaper, if not quite budget, foldable phone, the Motorola Razr+ (40 Ultra) flip phone could be a good option. This clamshell has several excellent reviews yet costs a comparatively cheap $699, though it can be found as low as $499 in sales. Expect to see some deals for the Razr and other foldables this Black Friday.
What just happened? The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has urged the Federal Trade Commission to act against resellers of Chinese-made Android TV set-top boxes and mobile devices on platforms like Amazon and AliExpress. In a letter to the FTC commissioners, the EFF claimed that devices manufactured by companies like AllWinner and RockChip often ship with pre-installed malware that could expose buyers to "unfair risk."

The letter claims that every time these infected set-top boxes are switched on and connected to the internet, they immediately start communicating with botnet servers and click-fraud networks that are extensively used by cybercriminals to make advertising money by producing bogus ad clicks. Additionally, the malware lets the criminals use the buyers' internet connections as proxies for their illegal activities, possibly exposing them to "significant legal risk."

According to the EFF, the fraudulent activity happens in the background without the knowledge of the users, who remain incapable of doing anything about it, especially if they don't have extensive technical know-how. To curb the menace of malware-infested Android TV boxes, the EFF wants the FTC to issue sanctions against Amazon and other retailers, which it says will provide a "powerful incentive" for them to pull these products from the market to protect innocent customers.

According to a Human Security report cited by the EFF, the malware found in the set-top boxes is a variant of the Triada trojan, which is said to be installed by third-party resellers after the boxes are shipped from the factory. This, according to the EFF, constitutes a "supply-chain attack on consumer-based Internet of Things devices," so it also sent a letter to Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Director Jen Easterly.

Android TV boxes can be used to watch live TV and OTT services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and more. They not only help transform 'dumb' televisions into smart TVs, but are also helpful in bringing the latest content to older smart TVs no longer supported by their manufacturer.

Jailbroken Android TV boxes are popular on Amazon, AliExpress and other online retailers, as they allow buyers to watch content that they otherwise might not be able to. However, the notion that they could be infested with malware is a scary reminder that people should stick to buying electronic devices from trusted sellers so that they do not compromise their privacy and digital security.
Facepalm: Google acquired Fitbit in 2021, pledging to enhance accessibility to health and wellness services for a broader audience. However, this commitment appears to be wavering, as the tech giant is now withdrawing from nearly 30 national markets, primarily situated in the Americas.

Google has officially stated that Fitbit products are no longer being sold in Mexico and other Latin American countries. While existing users will still receive support, including software updates and access to customer service, the move puts Fitbit into a more exclusive product category for a global audience.

In addition to exiting Mexico and the LATAM markets, Google has revealed plans to withdraw from South Africa. A Google spokesperson said the removal of Fitbit (and Nest) products from certain markets is part of an effort to align its hardware business with the regional availability of Pixel devices. Notably, Pixel smartphones have not been offered in South Africa, whereas Fitbit devices have been a part of the local market for approximately a decade.

Google has assured users that there will be no alterations to existing Fitbit devices, ensuring they will continue to receive updates and bug fixes. Last month, Fitbit's departure from numerous national markets in Asia (such as Hong Kong, Korea, and Malaysia) and Europe (including Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, and more) was also confirmed.

Following its withdrawal from Mexico, Latin America, and South Africa, Fitbit devices are now available for purchase in only 23 countries worldwide. The supported markets include the US, Canada, most of Western Europe, the UK, Australia, India, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, and New Zealand.

While Google has stated its intention to align the Fitbit hardware business with Pixel phone sales, there may be additional motivations behind this decision. Google has ceased Fitbit sales in European countries lacking official Google Store support, hinting that the tracking devices might make a return in these countries when full Store support becomes available.

Google acquired Fitbit for approximately $2.1 billion two years ago, a move that faced scrutiny from European authorities. Concerns were raised about the potential integration of Google's advertising business with Fitbit's tracking platform. To address these concerns, the Alphabet-owned company made commitments to safeguard user privacy, forming a series of binding agreements with global regulatory authorities.
At least 40 civilians were killed in a jihadist attack in the northern Burkina Faso town of Djibo at the weekend, the UN Human Rights Office said Tuesday.
Elon Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter), has unveiled plans for a "major update" to the platform's algorithm. The current algorithm primarily showcases popular and trending posts from a user's wider network on the For You feed, incorporating content from both well-known accounts and those the user follows.

(Photo : CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images)

This illustration photo taken on July 24, 2023 shows the Twitter bird logo upside down in the background of Elon Musk's screen advertising an "X" as a replacement logo, in Los Angeles. Elon Musk killed off the Twitter logo on July 24, 2023, replacing the world-recognized blue bird with a white X as the tycoon accelerates his efforts to transform the floundering social media giant.

More Inclusive Algorithm?

However, Musk's announcement signals a shift towards a more inclusive algorithm that will highlight posts from smaller accounts, expanding users' exposure beyond their immediate social circle.



Elon Musk emphasized that the upcoming algorithm update aims to feature posts and accounts from users' networks that extend beyond their established "friends and follows."



This strategic move is designed to introduce users to new accounts that align with their interests but may have gone unnoticed. The emphasis on surfacing content from smaller creators aligns with Musk's broader vision of transforming X into a robust creator platform.



The overarching goal is to empower creators to cultivate their audience on X and subsequently monetize their content through a combination of ad revenue sharing and subscription models.



Musk envisions a platform where smaller creators can gain visibility and connect with a wider audience, fostering an environment conducive to creativity and discovery.



Elon Musk's statement on the matter reads: "A major update to the recommendation algorithm is rolling out over the next few days. This will help surface smaller accounts and posts outside of your friend-follows network. As always, this will be made open source and undergo continuous improvement."

Read Also: Elon Musk Biopic Takes Shape: A24, Acclaimed Director Aronofsky Team Up for a Unique Cinematic Journey

X's Content Moderators

In related news, reports indicate that Elon Musk's X currently employs only 2,294 content moderators, a substantially lower number compared to platforms like YouTube, Google Play, and TikTok.



According to data submitted last September in compliance with the EU's Digital Services Act, YouTube boasts 16,974 content moderators, Google Play has 7,319, and TikTok employs 6,125 moderators.



This revelation has raised concerns among regulators, who anticipate pressure on X to increase its moderation workforce to align with industry standards.



The European Union's Digital Services Act mandates that social media platforms take more proactive measures in addressing illegal and harmful content.



The reported disparity in the number of content moderators raises questions about X's capacity to effectively monitor and regulate content, especially considering the recent layoffs in the moderation team.

Click here to learn more about the story.

Related Article: Elon Musk's One Year Acquisition of X, Formerly Twitter, Leads to Significant Decline in Web, Mobile Users: Report

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As virtual interactions through video conferencing and online education become increasingly prevalent since the COVID-19 pandemic, a recent study by researchers at the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria and Graz University of Technology has explored the physiological impact of these virtual engagements, shedding light on what is commonly referred to as "Zoom fatigue."

(Photo : SAKIS MITROLIDIS/AFP via Getty Images)

A student of the Faculty of Law of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki attends a videoconference course on April 15, 2021. - Shuttered for over a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Greek universities are now grappling with a surge in online exam cheating giving rise to a new reality: the 'Corona degree'. Both professors and students admit that examination safeguards are practically impossible to enforce in a remote learning environment with hundreds of participants simultaneously online

Videoconference Fatigue

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the surge in virtual interactions has given rise to a new challenge: the exhaustion stemming from video calls, commonly known as Zoom fatigue or videoconference fatigue.



While this phenomenon had previously been explored mainly through user surveys and self-assessments, an interdisciplinary research team, led by Rene Riedl from the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria/Campus Steyr and Gernot Muller-Putz from Graz University of Technology, has now provided neurophysiological evidence of the effects of videoconference fatigue.



The team, as part of the "Technostress in Organizations" project funded by the Austrian Science Fund FWF, conducted a neuroscientific study involving students to investigate videoconference fatigue within the context of online university lectures.



Participants experienced lectures both in person, within a traditional lecture hall, and online through video conferencing. The researchers then compared the two experimental conditions.



Measurements were taken using electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG) to capture neurophysiological parameters, alongside subjective perceptions gathered through questionnaires.

Read Also: Zoom Generative AI Features Rebranded as Terms of Service States the Company can Use Customers' Videos to Train Its AI Tools and Models

More Stressful than Face-to-Face?

The team's findings revealed that a 50-minute video conference-based lecture induced significantly more fatigue than an equivalent lecture conducted in a traditional face-to-face format.

The study contributes to the understanding of the physiological aspects of videoconference fatigue. Rene Riedl emphasizes the significance of this understanding, noting its potential impact on individuals' well-being, interpersonal relationships, and organizational communication.



"A better understanding of videoconference fatigue is important, as this phenomenon has a far-reaching impact on the well-being of individuals, interpersonal relationships and organizational communication," Riedl said in a statement.



Meanwhile, Gernot Muller-Putz underscores the necessity of a holistic approach to comprehending the psychological and physiological mechanisms underlying videoconference fatigue. Such insights are crucial for developing coping strategies to mitigate the potential adverse effects of this form of fatigue.

The study's findings were published in Scientific Reports.

Related Article: Zoom Fatigue: Zoom CEO Experiences Virtual Sickness -- JP Morgan and Other Companies Likely to Return to Office in the Next Months

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Researchers at the University of Cambridge have introduced a floating, solar-powered device capable of transforming contaminated water or seawater into clean hydrogen fuel and purified water.



This innovative technology, inspired by the process of photosynthesis in plants, has the potential to be a game-changer, especially in resource-limited or off-grid environments.

Inspired by Photosynthesis

The device operates on the principle of photosynthesis, where plants convert sunlight into food. Unlike earlier versions of artificial leaves, which could only produce green hydrogen fuel from clean water sources, this new device works with polluted or seawater sources, simultaneously producing clean drinking water.

The significance of this lies in its versatility and potential applications in regions where clean water is scarce and infrastructure for water purification is limited.

Dr. Chanon Pornrungroj, a researcher from Cambridge's Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, explained the challenge of bringing together solar fuel production and water purification in a single device.

"Solar-driven water splitting, where water molecules are broken down into hydrogen and oxygen, need to start with totally pure water because any contaminants can poison the catalyst or cause unwanted chemical side-reactions," Pornrungroj said in a statement.

The researchers developed a solution to tackle this issue. They implemented a design involving the application of a photocatalyst onto a nanostructured carbon mesh recognized for its exceptional light and heat absorption capabilities.

This mesh plays a crucial role in producing water vapor utilized by the photocatalyst for hydrogen creation. The porous carbon mesh, treated to resist water, serves a dual function: facilitating the floating of the photocatalyst and acting as a barrier against interference from waterborne contaminants below.

The device goes beyond the conventional solar spectrum utilization by incorporating a white, UV-absorbing layer for hydrogen production via water splitting.

This design ensures that more of the sun's energy is utilized, with the remaining light transmitted to the bottom of the device, where it vaporizes water. The researchers compare this approach to the process of transpiration in real leaves.

Read Also: Giant Whale-Shaped Solar-Powered Airship to Make the World's First Zero-Carbon, Non-Stop Trip Around the Globe

Potential Applications

The applications of such a device are vast, especially in addressing the energy and water crises faced by various parts of the world. For instance, using green hydrogen for cooking instead of "dirty" fuels like kerosene could significantly reduce indoor air pollution, responsible for over three million deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization.

Additionally, with 1.8 billion people still lacking access to safe drinking water at home, the device's capability to produce clean drinking water offers a crucial solution.

While the floating solar-powered device is currently a proof of principle, its potential impact is considerable. The researchers envision it as a step towards developing a truly circular economy and a sustainable future.

"The climate crisis and issues around pollution and health are closely related, and developing an approach that could help address both would be a game-changer for so many people," Reisner said in a statement.

The findings of the team were published in the journal Nature Water.

Related Article: SolarEV City: Researchers Suggests Combining Solar Power With EVs in Lighting Up Cities Like Paris

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TikTok has partnered with Spotify and Amazon Music to allow users to easily store tracks from TikTok videos on their chosen streaming music app. Since Spotify's TikTok-inspired app revamp earlier this year, TikTok has had a major effect on music charts and the discovery of new artists.



Labeled "Add to Music app," the new functionality will appear as an "Add Song" button at the bottom of TikTok videos in the For You Feed, next to the titles of the tracks. This button allows users to store tracks directly in their streaming music app. Users have the option to choose their default music service upon first usage.



The "Liked Songs" playlist is where saved tracks go for Spotify users in the US and the UK. On the Settings tab, under "Music," users may also change the default settings. Spotify intends to provide compatibility for more markets in the future, as per a TechCrunch report.



A similar TikTok feature will be available to Amazon Music customers in the US and the UK, where TikTok songs may be put into a playlist of their choosing or into a special "TikTok Songs" playlist. Notably, Spotify will serve both free and premium customers, whereas Amazon Music will only provide this option to Prime members and Amazon Music Unlimited subscribers.

TikTok Add to Music App: A Step Further

The user's streaming music app and the TikTok app need to be upgraded to the most recent version for the functionality to work. The functionality will be available on iOS and Android as of right now, according to Spotify, and it will work with its current social connections on sites like BeReal, Instagram, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter).

Read Also: Netflix Introduces New Upcoming Games Including Hades, Money Heist, Braid, and More!



Sten Garmark, Vice President and Global Head of Consumer Experience at Spotify reaffirmed the company's commitment to offering people easy options to keep music across devices, like the TikTok Add to Music app. "It will find you," he said, highlighting Spotify's goal of uniting fans and artists.



Ole Obermann, TikTok's global head of music business development, emphasized the platform's position as a global hub for music discovery. He was quoted by Music Business Worldwide saying, "The Add to Music App takes this process a step further, creating a direct link between discovery on TikTok and consumption on a music streaming service."

TikTok Gets Banned in Nepal

Amid these TikTok developments, Nepal has moved to ban the popular social media platform because of its disruptive effects on societal institutions, as reported by CNN. The decision is in line with other nations that have placed limitations on TikTok; India, for example, has outright banned the video-sharing app.

Rekha Sharma, Nepal's Minister of Communication and Information Technology, emphasized that the harm to societal cohesion was what led to the temporary ban. The Telecommunications Authority head, Purushottam Khanal, has ordered internet service providers to block the app in reaction to the government's decision.

Related Article: Google Starts Countdown to Permanent Deletion of Dormant Gmail Accounts

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DeepMind, Google's artificial intelligence (AI) division, made a remarkable move with its release of GraphCast, a cutting-edge weather prediction AI, positioning itself as a leader in outperforming current systems.

Remi Lam, the team leader at DeepMind, believes that Google GraphCast will revolutionize atmospheric condition prediction in terms of accuracy, accessibility, "and suitability for specific applications," as per a report from The Messenger.

Machine learning-driven GraphCast stands out for its ability to accurately forecast severe weather events such as atmospheric rivers, hurricane storm paths, and temperature extremes.

Interestingly, these results were obtained without any specialized training for these kinds of situations, which is a break from the dependence on complex simulations that characterize conventional forecasting techniques.

How Does GraphCast Work?

GraphCast is a departure from the traditional weather-predicting method of modeling chemical interactions since the AI-powered tool relies more heavily on past data to streamline calculations without sacrificing forecast accuracy.

On a single Google machine learning-optimized device, GraphCast can provide a 10-day weather prediction in less than a minute by employing 36.7 million criteria derived from past weather data. This is in sharp contrast to conventional models, which are infamous for requiring a lot of processing power.

When GraphCast was directly compared to the HRES tool of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Predictions (ECMWF), it outperformed HRES on 90% of predictions when lead time and accuracy were taken into account, according to Gizmodo.

Within two to four days, GraphCast reduced cyclone prediction track inaccuracies by 10 to 15 miles. It also improved atmospheric river water vapor predictions by 10-25% and more accurately predicted severe heat and cold five to 10 days ahead.

Read Also: US FDA Grants Historic Approval to Ixchiq: First-Ever Vaccine for Chikungunya Virus

Peter Battaglia, research director at Google DeepMind and a co-author of the study noted that AI may not work well on rare, unusual things based on "conventional wisdom," however Google GraphCast performed well in that area. "We think this also points to the fact that the model is capturing something more fundamental about how the weather actually evolves in time rather than just looking for more superficial patterns in the data," he said, as quoted by The Washington Post.

Presenting GraphCast: our state-of-the-art AI model delivering 10-day weather forecasts with unprecedented accuracy in under one minute. 



It can even help predict the potential paths of cyclones further into the future.



Here's how it works.  https://t.co/ygughpkdeP pic.twitter.com/0Y6DyBXDow  Google DeepMind (@GoogleDeepMind) November 14, 2023

Will GraphCast Replace Meteorologists?

The researchers stress that GraphCast is not meant to take the place of tried-and-true conventional forecasting techniques, despite these astounding accomplishments. Conversely, this finding provides support for the notion that weather prediction utilizing machine learning methods could potentially augment and supplement current approaches.

The authors of the research emphasize how GraphCast may work in tandem with conventional methods to foster collaboration and provide an early look at future developments in weather forecasting. With governments looking more and more into AI models due to their speed, usefulness, and affordability, GraphCast shows promise.

Related Article: US, China, Join Forces to Possibly Forbid AI in Autonomous Weaponry

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The US House of Representatives' bipartisan select committee on China released a 741-page annual report on Tuesday detailing how Chinese companies are aggressively acquiring US chipmaking equipment to produce advanced semiconductors, violating new US export restrictions meant to slow China's semiconductor industry.



The Joe Biden administration restricted exports of 14-nanometer or below semiconductor chipmaking equipment to China in October 2022. However, the Commerce Department's 14-nanometer limit created a loophole making it difficult for authorities to confirm that the equipment is not being used for more sophisticated chip manufacture since importers declare that it is meant for older production lines.

US Authorities Struggling to Impose Restrictions: Source

According to Reuters, a source disclosed that the US government is still having difficulty stopping Huawei, the massive Chinese telecom company, from having its advanced 7-nanometer chip manufactured at SMIC, China's top chipmaker, for its Mate 60 Pro smartphone. In 2019 and 2020, trade restrictions were imposed, but Huawei and SMIC managed to circumvent them, casting doubt on the effectiveness of US export laws.



The United States effectively mobilized allies Japan and the Netherlands, both of which have strong sectors producing chipmaking equipment, to put their export restrictions on this vital technology to limit China's access to sophisticated chipmaking gear. The report shows that China used the time lapse between the U.S. laws in October 2022 and similar steps by Japan and the Netherlands in July and September 2023 to stockpile equipment.

Read Also: Add to Music App: TikTok's New Feature Lets You Save Songs Directly to Spotify, Amazon Music

China's Semiconductor Equipment Imports Surge Despite US Limits

China's imports of chip-manufacturing machinery from the Netherlands increased by a startling 96.1% between January and August of 2023 to a total of $3.2 billion, up from $1.7 billion during the same period in 2022. During the first eight months of 2023, China's total imports of semiconductor equipment from all nations amounted to $13.8 billion.



In the three months that ended in September, semiconductor manufacturing equipment imports, mainly lithography, increased 93% to $8.7 billion. China imported more than six times more lithography equipment from the Netherlands, possibly owing to ASML, a leading chipmaking equipment manufacturer, according to Nikei Asia.



Despite these findings, the Congressional report does not provide solutions to US law deficiencies. Rather, it requests that US Congress order a yearly review of the General Accountability Office's assessment of the efficacy of export restrictions on chip-making machinery to China. This review is to be completed in six months and then made public.



Last month, the Biden administration declared its intention to stop sending cutting-edge AI chips and chip-making equipment, such as Nvidia's, to China. Under the measure, several Chinese firms producing cutting-edge chips were blocked from accessing supply produced in the US.



Commerce Department Secretary Gina Raimondo has made it clear that the goal of the import limits on sophisticated semiconductors is not to hurt the Chinese economy, even if they are largely intended to limit China's gains in AI and military technologies, per Forbes.

Related Article: TikTok in Hot Water: Nepal to Ban Chinese App Due to Mounting Cybercrime Cases

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A recent Pew Research Center survey noted that since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, Americans' trust in science and scientists has declined.

According to a late September poll of 8,800 Americans Science's "mostly positive" impact on society has dropped to 57%, down by eight percentage points since November 2021 and 16 percentage points before the COVID-19 pandemic began. Over one-third of respondents said science had a mixed impact on society, with 8% labeling it "mostly negative."

Americans' Declining Trust in Science is an Alarming Trend

US News & World Report reported that Republicans' declining trust in science is especially alarming. Compared to 14% in April 2020, over 4 out of 10 Republicans and Republican-leaning independents say they have little to no faith in scientists working in the public's best interests.



Meanwhile, Democrats' opinions have somewhat changed, although the fall is not as noticeable. The proportion of Democrats and independents leaning Democratic who highly trust scientists fell from 55% in November 2020 to 37% this past month. However, a sizable majority of Democrats continue to express some degree of trust in scientists.

The University of Illinois at Chicago's Dr. Katrine Wallace, an epidemiologist and anti-misinformation activist, pointed out an "information divide" made evident by the comprehensive data. Since 2019, there has been a consistent decline in public trust in science, which is a worrying trend, per a CNN report.

Read Also: NASA Europa Clipper's 'Message in a Bottle' Will End Soon: Here's How You Can Send Your Name to Jupiter!



Notably, comparing scientists and medical scientists to other social groups like corporate executives, religious leaders, journalists, and public officials, they are still regarded with comparatively high esteem, despite the drop in their popularity. These groups have seen drops in public approval in recent years, much like scientists.



Furthermore, lower scientific trust reflects political polarization in the United States, which spans across party lines. The historically low confidence in the federal government and Congress contributes to this rising discrepancy.

Many Still Believe US Should Maintain Its Lead in Science

Despite rising skepticism in science, a majority of Americans believe government support of research is necessary. According to Pew Research's media release, only 20% of Americans disagree with 78% who feel that the US government's scientific spending helps society. Republicans, Democrats, and many demographic and educational groups share this view.



Additionally, 52% of Americans believe the US must lead the world in science, while 37% think it's somewhat important. Since last year, their shares have essentially not moved.

Related Article: Google's GraphCast AI: Your New Weather Guide for Precise 10-Day Forecasts

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The Karman Line is best known as the boundary between Earth and space set by the Federation aeronautique internationale (FAI), but there is a place on the planet that has the same name and is a space-themed bar from Jeff Bezos. Yes, the Blue Origin owner made a space bar that takes on the name, showing his deep admiration and love for space that reminds him every day.

This private bar is located in Bezos' West Texas ranch, and it is near the Blue Origin facility located in the state, featuring massive space memorabilia inside.

Jeff Bezos' 'Karman Line' is a Space-Themed Bar

(Photo : Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Lauren Sanchez, Bezos' fiancee, has revealed via a Vogue profile that the renowned space company CEO has a space-themed bar over at his West Texas ranch called the "Karman Line." While this bar is nowhere near the boundary of Earth and space, it brings Bezos closer to his dream-turned-reality destination, a place he visited back in 2021's first mission of Blue Origin.

According to Sanchez, this bar features massive memorabilia of space that helps capture the experience for the renowned billionaire. First off, there is a poster of Yuri Gagarin, the first man to venture into space.

People further regarded that there is also a letter from Buzz Aldrin, the renowned American astronaut who was the second man to walk the moon next to Neil Armstrong and the pilot of Apollo 11.

Read Also: Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin Rocket Site Reveals Alarming Methane Emissions Despite Reduction Efforts

Is this Space Bar Inspired by Blue Origin?

The space bar is extensive in details, with Sanchez filling the world in with the intricate details found inside.

She said that Bezos also bartended for the place, using rocket-shaped cocktail shakers to mix drinks, items that the executive found on eBay.

The whole ordeal centers on Bezos' love for space, with the bar featuring Blue Origin rocket capsule-inspired glasses on which he serves drinks on.

Jeff Bezos, Blue Origin, and Space

Amazon's former CEO and founder, Jeff Bezos is best known for his fondness of space, being a lifelong dream of his to head to the cosmos, made possible through his company, Blue Origin. In 2021, the private space company saw its inaugural crewed spaceflight that had the owner join in, along with three other passengers now considered as astronauts.

Bezos and Blue Origin want to make space accessible for all, with the commercial offers to the world via its ventures made available for a hefty price, with its New Shepard spacecraft being its main transport to the Earth's orbit. The company shaped itself as one of the brands for space tourism, offering seats for spaceflights that aim to double its operations in the coming years.

It has been two years since Bezos went up to space and got to see the Earth's orbit for the first time, being among the few civilian-turned-astronauts who got to live and tell the story of their experiences. However, the space-high may not yet be out of Bezos' system, but that is not a problem thanks to his Karman Line bar, which offers cosmic themes that will allow him to live his dream right here on Earth.

Related Article: Jeff Bezos Set to Relocate From Seattle to Miami in the Near Future, But Why?

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The main ordeal between Google and Apple may already have an answer, and this is with the upcoming "Nothing Chats" from the renowned tech company from the UK, promising to bring iMessage to the Android platform. This new feature by Nothing promises the renowned "blue bubbles" to appear right on the app and on the iMessage over at the iPhone's platform.

It is a renowned debate in the tech world now regarding Google's pressure against Apple to adopt the RCS (rich communication services), for cross-platform messaging.

Nothing Chats: iMessage is Coming to Android with Blue Bubbles

(Photo : Nothing Community)

While it is still a long shot for Apple to adopt RCS for its iMessage in a bid for cross-compatibility, the renowned Nothing company announced the "Nothing Chats," a new app that envisions iPhone-to-Android communication. As per the company, Nothing Chats is capable of bringing iMessage to Android, and this will allow users to send "blue bubbles" to iPhones without using one.

The current development affirmed their massive claims, saying that it is the first company to offer a solution for the massive communication gap between Android and iOS.

Nothing Chats is powered by Sunbird, and this will allow its users to directly send chats to the iMessage service, exclusively available to the Phone (2) for the US, Canada, UK, and EU.

The beta version is coming this November 17.

Read Also: iOS 17.2: iMessage Contact Key Verification is Now Accessible-How to Turn it On?

What's the Catch for Nothing Chats' iMessage Compatibility

First off, the catch for Nothing Chats' iMessage compatibility needs the Nothing Phone (2) in the selected regions mentioned above. Next, the app requires the user to log in via their Apple ID, but Nothing and Sunbird promises that one's data is not stored, to be deleted immediately after setup.

Lastly, users need to set Nothing Chats as the default messaging app to get the Android to iOS experience, centering on the email address-based iMessage.

RCS, the iMessage, and Google's Pressure

The world knows the massive universality clause of the European Union under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), with its massive pressure to make technology accessible for all, and looks to abolish anti-competition. However, there are still no changes coming to Apple's iMessage for its devices to transcend to other devices, with it still centering on its exclusivity to its devices.

For a long time, Google has campaigned against Apple to pressure the company into adopting the RCS, with this technology using an internet connection to send better messages among smartphones. In an earlier campaign this year, Google wanted Apple to "#GetTheMessage" about upgrading from the "outdated" SMS and MMS, to the renowned RCS.

With the many shade and criticisms against Apple for its continued patronage of old technology and exclusive offers via the iMessage, many aims to be part of it to allow cross-platform compatibility. Nothing Chats may have a potential bridge to this problem in the future, with the beta testing coming this week, centering on its compatibility with iMessage, with a few caveats.

Related Article: Samsung RCS: New Ad Shades Apple's Technology, Joins Google on its Campaign

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Meta, Google, TikTok has officially loss against hundreds of families in a nationwide litigation covering hundreds of lawsuits, as ruled by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California, according to Reuters.

In a ruling on Tuesday, U.S. social media companies were reportedly not shielded by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, that grants tech companies immunity from the actions of third parties, from claims of the applications having inadequate age verification and parental restrictions, failure to report predatory accounts, difficulty deleting accounts, and appearance-altering filters, according to District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers.

She provided as an example, charges, that firms could have utilized age-verification technologies to notify parents when their children were online. District Judge Rogers states. "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."

(Photo : Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

In this photo illustration, social media apps are seen on a mobile phone on July 29, 2020 in Istanbul, Turkey.

However, the court ruled that the corporations had no legal duty to shield consumers from damage caused by other users of their platforms, and she did so by rejecting some of the plaintiffs' claims.

The ruling covers parent companies of major social media applications such as Meta, covering Facebook and Instagram, Alphabet operating Google and Youtube, Bytedance, covering TikTok, and Snapchat.

Read Also: EU Sends Notice to Meta, Snap to Detail Their Safety Measures for Minors

Social Media as a "Harmful Product"

The hundreds of lawsuits are filed on behalf of numerous children who claimed to have had detrimental impacts on their physical, mental, and emotional well-being due to the children's usage of social media applications covered by Meta, Bytedance, Alphabet, and Snap. These detrimental impacts reportedly includes suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and depression.

"The mental health crisis among American youth is a direct result of these defendants' intentional design of harmful product features," says the plaintiffs' counsel in a joint statement.

With the ruling, the litigation seeks damages and a stop to the social media companies' alleged wrongdoings.

"Today's decision is a significant victory for the families that have been harmed by the dangers of social media," wrote the co-lead plaintiffs' counsel Lexi Hazam, of Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein; Chris Seeger, of Seeger Weiss; and Motley Rice's Previn Warren.

The co-lead counsel adds that "the court's ruling repudiates Big Tech's overbroad and incorrect claim that Section 230 or the 1st Amendment should grant them blanket immunity for the harm they cause to their users."

Google, Facebook, TikTok on the Ruling

Alphabet Inc. spokesperson Jose Castaneda reportedly stated in a statement, "protecting kids across our platforms has always been core to our work. In collaboration with child development specialists, we have built age-appropriate experiences for kids and families on YouTube, and provide parents with robust controls. The allegations in these complaints are simply not true."

Requests for comment from Facebook and Instagram's parent company, Meta Platforms Inc., and its attorney, Covington & Burling partner Phyllis Jones, went unanswered. Attorneys Geoffrey Drake of King & Spalding, Andrea Roberts Pierson of Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath, Jonathan Blavin of Munger Tolles & Olson, and Snap Inc.'s attorney Jonathan Blavin did not attend.

The judge's ruling follows Judge Carolyn Kuhl of Los Angeles County Superior Court's denial to dismiss comparable cases in state courts in California one month prior.

Additionally, other than the cases under judge Rogers, over 140 school districts have also filed complaints against the sector; last month, 42 states and the District of Columbia sued Meta for allegedly encouraging youth addiction to its social networking platforms.

Related Article: Meta Whistleblower: New Senate Testimony Claims It Brings Harm to Children

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Yemen's Houthi movement has threatened to target all the Israeli ships in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait in response to its deadly war on the Gaza Strip.

In a broadcast speech, Houthi leader Abdulmalik Al-Houthi said on Tuesday Our eyes are open to constantly monitoring and searching for any Israeli ship in the Red Sea, especially the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Israel is afraid to the extent that it does not raise its flags on ships passing through the Red Sea, he said, vowing that his group will search for any ships belonging to Israel and attack them.

"The Israeli enemy relies on camouflage in its movement in the Red Sea, especially in the Strait of Bab al-Mandab, and did not dare to raise the Israeli flags on its ships ... and turned off identification devices," he added.

The Bab al-Mandab Strait is one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, which carries about a fifth of global oil consumption.

Houthis had already fired a large batch of ballistic missiles and a large number of armed aircraft towards Israel in separate operations since the Israeli war on Gaza began on 7 October.

In late October, Abdelaziz bin Habtour, the Houthi governments prime minister, said we are "part of the axis of resistance" against Israel, which includes groups in Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, and were fighting with both "words and drones.

Last Saturday, the Yemeni House of Representatives in Sanaa voted on a draft law prohibiting and criminalizing recognition of the Israeli occupation entity and normalization ties with it.

In his speech, Al-Houthi also said the Israeli occupation is committing war crimes against the Palestinian people, noting that Israel's shelling of residential neighbourhoods and hospitals reflects the criminal tendency of the Zionist enemy.

Israel has killed at least 11,320 Palestinians  including 4,630 children and 3,130 women  since the eruption of the war on Gaza, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

"Since the beginning of the barbaric Zionist aggression on Gaza, our position has been clear and honourable  we stand with the Palestinian people at all levels, including the military one, Al-Houthi said.

"If our people have land access to Palestine, they would move by hundreds of thousands to support Gaza," he further noted.

The Houthi leader also expressed his dissatisfaction with the final statement of the Arab Islamic summit that took place in Riyadh on Saturday, saying it showed the Arab weakness.

He wondered how a gathering representing 57 Arab countries and more than one-and-a-half billion Muslims could come up with nothing more than a statement in response to the Israeli attacks on the Palestinian territory.

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A new update regarding Tesla's controversial clause in the Cybertruck's sale is now going back on its word, and this is about the lawsuit coming an owner's way if they decide to sell the electric pickup within the first year. In the new purchase agreement from Tesla, the "For Cybertruick Only" clause was removed, with the company no longer preventing the sale of their latest purchase.

While Tesla anticipated that there would be flippers for the newly-released Cybertruck, it faced massive backlash from the public which criticized the company for their decision.

Tesla Cybertruck Update: No More Lawsuits for Resellers

(Photo : Tesla via Twitter )

Electrek spotted the latest update from Tesla involving the controversy surrounding the Cybertruck, especially as it claimed that lawsuits are coming for those looking to resell. In this latest update by the company, it removed the clause in the Motor Vehicle Order Agreement which it will make new owners sign over before the electric pickup's turnover.

Despite initial threats of a lawsuit, Tesla went back on its word and will no longer pursue said the report, as well as the $50,000 fee that will be asked of owners should they immediately sell the car.

Before this, Tesla clarified that this was because of the Cybertruck's limited production, as well as defeating scalpers who bought the car so they could flip it to those who wanted it.

Read Also: Tesla Cybertruck's Secret Features Leaked? Dimensions, Power Outlet Details

Cybertruck Clause Removed-What Happened?

In the new Motor Vehicle Order Agreement from Tesla, the company removed the "For Cybertruck Only" clause which centers on the lawsuit and massive fee for those changing their minds. However, it was not detailed in the report or explained by Tesla why this clause was removed, with this believed to be a change of heart for the company surrounding the controversy.

Tesla's Cybertruck is Here

After a long wait for Tesla's take on the electric pickup truck, the Cybertruck was announced by Elon Musk and the company for its availability this November 30 via its launch event. Tesla would conduct its official festivities before the month ends in its Gigafactory in Austin, Texas, and this was also said to be the same time that its shipments for preorders would arrive.

For four years, the world was left waiting for the Cybertruck from the company's announcement in 2019, and through the years, the electric car went through a series of tests and teasers. The massive delays and demand have plagued the Cybertruck development for years, with Tesla initially left behind by competitors including Ford, General Motors, Rivian, and more.

The exclusivity of the Cybertruck for original owners who preordered the EV did not make sense for all, and this was despite the company's claim that this was because of the limited production of the vehicle. Now, there are no more legal actions that Tesla would pursue for those who would decide to sell the Cybertruck after immediately or several weeks and months of owning it, reverting from the original clause.

Related Article: Tesla Cybertruck Owners Cannot Sell EV Pickup for 1st Year Or They Will Face Lawsuits

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As per Reuters, Amazon has announced its newest partnership with Snapchat to run shopping advertisements and buy products directly on the social media application.

Amazon reportedly has similar partnerships with Pinterest and platforms from Facebook owner Meta. This Amazon shopping partnership will enable users to shop straight from Snapchat adverts for Amazon and complete their purchases without leaving the app.

The company also stated that on some Amazon product advertising in Snapchat, prospective customers would also be able to view real-time prices, Prime eligibility, shipping estimates, and product details.

(Photo : SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images)

This illustration photograph taken on October 30, 2023, in Mulhouse, eastern France, shows figurines next to a screen displaying a logo of Amazon, a US multinational technology e-commerce company.

The move reportedly follows a growing trend of social networks' growing influence over consumer trends and behaviors. Specific platforms, like TikTok, are introducing their own online buying experiences, while other platforms, like Snapchat, are letting e-commerce companies leverage their user base.

Amazon and Snapchat have also recently announced an augmented reality-centered shopping experience wherein customers can explore, shop, and virtually try on thousands of eyewear styles directly on Snapchat and then quickly purchase in the Amazon Fashion store.

Amazon shopping proves to be ramping up its efforts in an impending clash with TikTok, as per Jasmine Enberg, a principal analyst at Insider Intelligence. The expert says, "The battle with TikTok is on, and the partnership will help Amazon shopping compete in the more impulse-driven, serendipitous type of shopping on social media."

Read Also: Meta, Amazon Introduces New Shopping Feature on Facebook, Instagram

TikTok Shop vs. Amazon Shopping

TikTok has recently tapped into the US e-commerce market with its launch of the 'TikTok Shop' in September, as per Business Insider. The move allowed TikTok users to access an in-app shopping solution, including checkout, TikTok Shop advertisements, shoppable short and live videos, fulfillment, and a marketplace accessible via a distinct Shop tab.

Nikkei Asia has recently reported the seemingly successful move from TikTok wherein American vendors are already discovering an increase in sales by using TikTok to showcase the vendors' goods. According to a seller quoted in the report, they used to sell 250 boxes a month on average for $25 to $40 on Amazon.com. The firm now sells over ten times as many boxes daily with 100 boxes.

GrowMojo, a marketing assistance company in California, has its president, Kendall Fargo, reportedly stating that TikTok excels at collecting data. It facilitates placing the appropriate items in front of the proper buyer.

Before using Google to research a product, teens, and people in their 20s visit TikTok, he added. "TikTok can present a lot of purchase opportunities for you."

Amazon and Meta on eCommerce

Amazon Shopping's partnership with Snapchat is entirely similar to its Meta partnership, as Amazon spokesperson Callie Jernigan confirmed.

Customers may expedite checkout using their already saved Amazon payment details and delivery address. For some Amazon product advertising on Facebook and Instagram, the feature will provide real-time price, Prime eligibility, shipping estimates, and product details, as reported by Tech Times.

Amazon's Meta Partnership is reportedly described by Maurice Rahmey, co-founder and co-CEO of Disruptive Digital, as "the most significant ad product of the year" as it now allows Meta to "better targeting and optimization" by using Amazon's consumer information, better conversion rates and better-personalized advertisements.

Related Article: Amazon Streamlines Gaming Team, Focuses on Free Games for Prime Users

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Delhi, a sprawling megacity housing over 30 million residents, grapples with an ongoing air quality crisis that poses severe health risks. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has soared to alarming levels, exacerbated by recent Diwali festivities marked by widespread firework displays that further compromised the already compromised air quality.

(Photo : SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP via Getty Images)

In this photograph taken on October 22, 2022, people crowd at a market in the old quarters of New Delhi.

Unveiling the Complexity of Delhi's Air Quality Crisis

Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) has highlighted concerning levels of poor-quality air, leading to respiratory challenges, particularly for the city's children. The situation has been exacerbated by the recent Diwali festivities, where widespread firework displays have further compromised air quality.

Nature reported unveiled a notable finding: during the winter and autumn months in Delhi, approximately 42 percent of the black carbon, a significant contributor to haze formation and associated health issues, was linked to crop burning.

Moreover, another study estimated that, on average, 20 percent of the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Delhi during the post-monsoon period was attributed to crop fires, emphasizing the multifaceted sources contributing to the city's air quality challenges.

During specific post-farming seasons, the contribution of agricultural burning to the city's air quality can surge significantly, reaching up to 50-75 percent on severe days, highlighting its substantial impact.

Also Read: India To Home World's Largest Population By 2022

Residents in the Indian capital grapple with the serious consequences of this atmospheric temperament, particularly concerning the ongoing air pollution crisis. Delhi's air quality index (AQI), encompassing eight pollutants like fine particulate matter, ozone, and sulfur dioxide, has consistently remained above 99 since November 3.

The classification of "unhealthy" is assigned to AQI levels above 150, and on November 6, the AQI surpassed 500, reaching the pinnacle of the scale.

The concentration of fine particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5) in Delhi persisted above 200 micrograms per cubic meter from November 3 to November 9, posing significant health risks as these particles can enter the bloodstream.

Per guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), maintaining an average PM2.5 concentration below 15 micrograms per cubic meter over a 24-hour period is recommended for optimal health outcomes.

Observing an Annual Spike

Scientists observe an annual spike in the Air Quality Index (AQI) during the post-monsoon season from October to December. This period brings a notable surge in pollution to Delhi, a megacity with over 30 million residents, while other cities across India also grapple with worsening air quality.

Interesting Engineering reported that Vinayak Sinha, an atmospheric chemist at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, notes the recurring nature of this phenomenon, stating that every year, it is a similar story.

Sinha explains that this temperature drop concentrates pollutants in the troposphere, creating a smaller container where air emissions accumulate. Contrary to expectations based on usual conditions, Karthik Ganesan, a policy researcher at the Council on Energy Environment and Water in New Delhi, expresses surprise at this year's air quality.

This is attributed to a lower-than-usual burning of crop waste in the neighboring Punjab region, leading some to anticipate a milder increase in pollution.

The enduring poor air quality is attributed to dynamic meteorological conditions, resulting in stagnant air that traps local emissions and leads to heightened pollution. This shift in weather patterns also prompts increased emissions due to post-monsoon practices.

Related Article: Delhi beats Beijing to become world's most polluted city: How does your city fare?

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Aviation software and safety technology startup Skyryse has successfully executed the world's first fully automated autorotation emergency landing procedure.

This milestone marks one of many pioneering safety features that will become standard on all aircraft equipped with Skyryse technology.

The startup is set to introduce the first production helicopter featuring its technology, which includes the world's inaugural simplified control system, in the first quarter of the upcoming year.

Technological Leap in Aviation

Mark Groden, the founder and CEO of Skyryse, emphasized the significance of this technological leap in enhancing safety within general aviation.

Groden noted that over 400 lives are lost annually in general aviation accidents in the United States alone, and Skyryse's advanced technology, such as fully automated autorotation, aims to elevate safety standards in this sector.

Skyryse's proprietary technology constitutes a highly automated flight control system that can be integrated into any aircraft. It stands as the first and only system designed to collaborate with pilots through a reimagined Human Machine Interface (HMI).

This innovative approach enables effective management of complex emergency procedures, including addressing the dangerous scenario of helicopter engine failure.

In the event of an engine failure, helicopter pilots are typically faced with the challenge of performing a fully manual autorotation maneuver in less than two seconds.

Due to the intricacies of current control systems, no helicopter has been able to automate this maneuver until now, according to the startup. Skyryse's system, equipped with an array of flight controls and sensors, swiftly detects a power failure and initiates a series of procedures.

With the push of a button, the system guides the helicopter through a controlled descent, managing pitch, nose alignment, stability, flare completion, and a seamless landing at the predetermined location.

"Every year, more than 400 people lose their lives in general aviation accidents just in the United States alone," Groden said in a press statement. "Fully automated autorotation is just one example of how our technology will bring a commercial grade of safety and beyond to general aviation."

Read Also: Expect More Rough Flights Due to Climate Change Increasing Turbulence, According to Study

About Skyryse

Skyryse has conducted numerous automated autorotations, achieving the groundbreaking feat of the first fully automated autorotation from altitude to the ground in a Robinson R66 equipped with Skyryse technology at their flight test and performance facility in Los Angeles on July 22.

Guinness World Records has officially certified this achievement as the first automated autorotation landing by a rotorcraft. Based in Los Angeles, Skyryse is at the forefront of instilling trust and safety in general aviation through its proprietary technology.

By simplifying the complexities of aircraft management during routine operations, adverse weather conditions, and emergencies, Skyryse aims to redefine safety standards.

The startup, which has garnered substantial support from leading investors such as Fidelity Management & Research Company, Monashee Investment Management, ArrowMark Partners, Venrock, Eclipse Ventures, Cantos, Stanford University, and Bill Ford, the executive chair of Ford Motor Company, has already raised more than $260 million.

Related Article: FAA Says People Flying Drones at Super Bowl to Face Consequences: $30,000 Fine, Criminal Charges, and Drone Confiscation Included

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Google CEO Sundar Pichai made his second federal court appearance in weeks, defending Google's practices related to the Google Play Store in a San Francisco antitrust trial.

Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, alleges that Google operates an illegal monopoly through the Play Store payment processing system, which imposes a 15% to 30% commission on in-app purchases.



According to AP News, during the over-two-hour questioning, Sundar Pichai navigated confrontational inquiries, occasionally appearing nonplussed or frustrated. Epic Games argues that Google's practices hinder competition, discourage innovation, and increase prices.

Google Antitrust Trial Tensions Rise

Despite the geographical and subject differences between the two trials, both underscore common issues-Google's immense power and its intricate relationship with tech giant Apple. In the San Francisco trial, Google contends that competition exists between Apple's iPhone, operating system, and app store, while the Washington case centers around deals between Google and Apple related to the search engine.

University of Chicago professor Kevin Murphy disclosed that Google provides Apple with a 36% share of the total search ad revenue from Safari, challenging Google's attempts to keep this information confidential, per The Verge. This revelation emerged during Murphy's testimony in defense of Google during the ongoing antitrust trial.

Google has consistently paid to secure its position as the default search engine in Safari and other browsers, such as Firefox, with a substantial investment of $26.3 billion in 2021 alone. Of this amount, $18 billion was directed to Apple. The specific details of this financial arrangement had been undisclosed until Murphy's testimony, despite Google's efforts to maintain confidentiality.



Tensions rose during questioning, with Epic Games' lawyer, Lauren Moskowitz, pressing Pichai to confirm that Google shared 36% of its ad revenue from Safari search queries with Apple in 2021. This revelation adds complexity to the ongoing Google antitrust saga, highlighting the financial intricacies of Google's dealings with Apple.



Pichai defended Google's competition with Apple, emphasizing Android's role in offering consumers more choices and lower smartphone prices. The trial also delved into the lucrative nature of the Play Store, revealing an operating profit of $4.4 billion during the first half of 2020.

Read Also: Instagram Close Friends is Now Available on the Main Feed: Here's How You Can Do It

Moreover, Google CEO Sundar Pichai underscored that the revenue-sharing model benefits developers, with 97% of software developers on Google Play not paying fees. As quoted by AP News, Pichai noted: "The way we designed Google Play is that we do well only when developers do well."

Google's Relationship with Apple Under Fire

Pichai's recent testimony occurred a fortnight after his appearance in a distinct antitrust trial in Washington, DC. This separate legal proceeding revolves around allegations from the Justice Department asserting that Google has hindered competition and innovation by exploiting its dominant search engine, which played a pivotal role in the internet company's launch in 1998, per Fortune.



Even though these Google antitrust trials are taking place in different areas and are looking at different aspects of Google, an investment giant valued at $1.7 trillion, they all have at least two things in common: Google's huge impact and its unique relationship with Apple.

Related Article: Chinese Firms Secure US Equipment for Manufacturing Advanced Chips Despite Export Curbs: Congressional Report

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In response to the Digital Services Act (DSA), the European Commission has issued a deadline of December 6 for Amazon to provide additional information regarding measures taken to protect customers from illegal products.



The DSA, enacted in late August for 19 major online platforms, mandates stricter actions to remove illicit and harmful content, with potential fines of up to 6% of global turnover for non-compliance, according to Reuters.

Here's What Amazon Must Submit

The European Commission specifically asked Amazon for information on its risk assessments, steps it takes to protect consumers, and compliance with DSA obligations related to the distribution of illegal goods and the defense of basic human rights.

While the DSA establishes a comprehensive governance framework for digital services, it imposes additional transparency and accountability measures on larger platforms (VLOPs and VLOS), including reporting requirements and regulations governing algorithm usage, per TechCrunch.



Among the provisions is the requirement for VLOPs to offer users an opt-out option for profiling-based recommendations, allowing users to choose non-tracked product suggestions. The regulation also mandates platforms to disclose information to users regarding the sale of illegal goods when they become aware of such transactions.



Following the DSA disclosures, EU regulators have issued formal requests for information (RFIs) to several VLOPs, including AliExpress, Meta, Snap, TikTok, YouTube, and X. The European Commission has prioritized three key areas in its oversight of VLOPs, including responses to the Middle East crisis, child safety concerns, and addressing e-commerce risks leading up to the holiday season.



A similar investigation into the Chinese e-commerce giant AliExpress, citing concerns about the dissemination of "fake medicines," is already underway, per Channels TV. Other probes focused on combating online misinformation and illegal content have been initiated against X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Meta, and YouTube. Platforms found to violate the DSA could face EU fines of up to 6% of their global turnover.

Read Also: Chinese Firms Secure US Equipment for Manufacturing Advanced Chips Despite Export Curbs: Congressional Report



Despite Amazon being categorized as a VLOP under the DSA in April, it has contested this classification, leading to an ongoing legal dispute. In September, the online retail giant secured a temporary halt on complying with a DSA mandate for VLOPs to provide a public ad archive. The court agreed to suspend this obligation until the resolution of Amazon's broader challenge to its status as a very large online platform.



The EU General Court did not allow Amazon to get out of another DSA requirement, which says that VLOPs must give users an option for recommendations that are not based on their profile. It is noteworthy that the Commission's RFI explicitly mentions Amazon's recommender systems, along with broader obligations related to safeguarding fundamental rights.

European Commission Seeks Child Rights Safety Compliance Data

TechTimes previously reported that the European Commission asked TikTok, YouTube, Meta, and Snap to submit details on their child protection procedures until November 30. Regulators will then evaluate the following actions, which can include initiating official inquiries.

"The Commission is requesting the companies to provide more information on the measures they have taken to comply with their obligations related to the protection of minors under the DSA, including the obligations related to risk assessments and mitigation measures to protect minors online, in particular with regard to the risks to mental health and physical health, and on the use of their services by minors," the Commission noted in a press release.

Related Article: Google Faces Legal Battle: CEO Sundar Pichai Testifies Again in High-Stakes Antitrust Trial

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BMW, the German manufacturer of luxury vehicles and motorcycles has stopped the production of internal combustion engines (ICE) in its Bavarian plant.

According to a report by Electrek, the facility will undergo transformation, not to mention that it will be an exclusive manufacturing site for electric vehicles (EVs).

Bavarian Plant Embraces Full EV Production

BMW's historic Bayerische Motorenwerke plant in Munich, which has been assembling traditional vehicles for six decades, is now transitioning to focus solely on EV production.

The company's decision to halt ICE manufacturing at this location is in line with its goal to transition in a new setting: an all-EV setup.

Related Article: BMW iX5 Hydrogen-Powered SUV Survives Grueling UAE Desert Heat

Relocation of ICE Production to the UK and Austria

While the Bavarian plant evolves into an EV-centric facility, BMW is relocating its ICE production operations to plants in the UK and Austria. Approximately 1,200 employees originally involved in ICE construction in Munich will undergo retraining and be redeployed to contribute to various areas, including EV production within Munich or other locations.

The BMW Steyr plant in Grez, Austria, is poised to become the focal point for V8 engine production, according to reports. Meanwhile, the Hams Hall factory near Birmingham in the UK is set to take on a substantial role in manufacturing other combustion engines, indicating a strategic distribution of ICE production across multiple locations.

Electrifying BMW Lineup

The Munich plant has been home to the production of the all-electric BMW i4 since October 2021. Looking ahead, the facility is anticipated to produce the Neue Klasse starting from 2026. Other electric models, including the iX, i7, iX1, and iX2, are assembled in different BMW plants, emphasizing the brand's diversified approach to EV manufacturing.

Investments in E-Mobility

BMW's commitment to electric mobility is further demonstrated by substantial investments in its e-mobility sector.

A state-of-the-art battery test center is under construction at the BMW site in Wackersdorf, focusing on testing high-voltage batteries and e-drive components. Plans are also underway for the construction of an additional battery factory in the vicinity, showcasing BMW's dedication to advancing electric vehicle technologies.

Despite the shift towards EVs, the automaker remains pragmatic, aiming for 50% of its total sales to come from ICE vehicles by 2030. This balanced approach sets BMW apart from rivals and emphasizes its commitment to accommodating both electric and traditional vehicles in its product portfolio.

Even though Tesla and other big EV firms are ahead of BMW at the moment, the company has already set its goal to be at the forefront of the EV revolution.

In other news, The Korea Times reported that BMW and Mercedes-Benz recently offered large-scale discounts on some of their vehicles.

The industry sources told the publication that the two automakers put up discounts to improve sales amid the economic downturn.

Read Also: BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce to Adopt Tesla NACS Charging in US and Canada-Here's What You Need to Know

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Microsoft has officially confirmed its plans to revamp the Microsoft Planner to-do app, aiming to enhance project management services for small teams and businesses.

This announcement follows recent speculations fueled by a leaked video suggesting a significant overhaul.

Microsoft Planner Experience

According to Neowin, there were already rumors hinting that Microsoft had plans to release an improved version of Microsoft Planner. As of Wednesday, Nov. 15, this was confirmed as true.

During the Microsoft Ignite 2023 developers conference, the tech giant unveiled its strategic move to merge existing task management and planning tools, including Microsoft To Do, Microsoft Planner, and Microsoft Project for the web. This integration aims to create a cohesive and unified experience for users, streamlining project management capabilities.

Related Article: Microsoft Teams is Now Faster, Uses Less RAM Thanks to Edge WebView 2

Microsoft Planning Tools

The reimagined project management suite, named Microsoft Planner, is set to be introduced in a phased manner. Initially, the new Planner experience will be integrated into the Planner app within Microsoft Teams in spring 2024.

Subsequently, a web-based version is scheduled for release later in the same year. This consolidated approach is designed to simplify the user experience and maximize efficiency.

As part of this transition, existing apps such as Tasks by Planner and To Do within Microsoft Teams will undergo a name change, simplifying to just "Planner." Additionally, Microsoft Project for the web is slated to be renamed Planner in the upcoming months.

Moreover, Microsoft assures existing users that they will retain access to the same robust features following the update.

AI-Powered Enhancements: The Copilot Integration

Microsoft Planner promises to bring AI-enabled capabilities to the forefront, offering users a unified platform for managing work across various roles, from information workers to frontline workers and project managers.

The highlight of these enhancements is the integration of Copilot AI, previously known as Bing Chat, per The Verge. The Copilot feature assists users in plan creation through text prompts, suggesting goals, and recommending tasks as the plans evolve.

While specific details about the new Planner experience are currently limited, Microsoft envisions providing users with tools for seamless task discovery, efficient scheduling, and robust resourcing capabilities for creating project plans.

This move positions Microsoft's offering in direct competition with existing task management services such as Trello, Asana, and Airtable.

The decision to consolidate planning tools suggests that Microsoft could potentially offer a more compelling solution to users than individual product offerings.

As Microsoft moves forward with its unified Planner app, the tech community eagerly awaits further insights into the features and capabilities that will define this comprehensive project management solution.

For more news about Microsoft, just click this link so you can stay updated with the latest trends about the company.

Read Also: Microsoft Warns it Might Temporarily Throttle AI Services Due to 'Excessive' Usage

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OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) company, has temporarily halted new registrations for its premium service, ChatGPT Plus, due to overwhelming demand that exceeded the company's capacity.

The surge in demand followed OpenAI's inaugural DevDay, adding another layer of complexity to a challenging week since the extensive release of new features, according to Gizmodo.

OpenAI Overwhelmed by Usage Surge

CEO Sam Altman conveyed the decision to pause ChatGPT Plus sign-ups through a tweet, stating, "We are pausing new ChatGPT Plus sign-ups for a bit. The surge in usage post-DevDay has exceeded our capacity, and we want to make sure everyone has a great experience."

we are pausing new ChatGPT Plus sign-ups for a bit :(



the surge in usage post devday has exceeded our capacity and we want to make sure everyone has a great experience.



you can still sign-up to be notified within the app when subs reopen.  Sam Altman (@sama) November 15, 2023

DevDay, OpenAI's first developer conference held a week ago, aimed to instill confidence in developers regarding the platform's potential. A significant part of the conference involved the release of GPTs, customizable chatbots designed for developers on an accessible consumer interface. However, these GPTs are currently restricted to premium users, and Altman mentioned that the audience cap was implemented as of Tuesday.

The broader release of GPTs is expected by the end of November with the introduction of the GPT Store, although the timeline now appears uncertain due to the recent challenges faced by OpenAI. The GPT Store will allow users to exchange GPTs and receive money depending on user numbers.

The company's developer interface, the OpenAI API, experienced partial outages on Wednesday morning, marking the fourth outage since DevDay. Altman attributed the incident to increased usage, although, as earlier reported by TechTimes, a coordinated attack on OpenAI's servers occurred last week.

Read Also: Amazon Facing Scrutiny from EU Regulators Over Digital Services Act Compliance

The server issues not only pose challenges for OpenAI but also impact developers relying on the platform. The matter becomes especially crucial as OpenAI's servers anticipate a significant influx in the coming weeks, coinciding with the GPT Store's aim to attract everyday users with user-friendly chatbots.

Other Challenges for OpenAI

In another development reported by Mint, OpenAI announced the introduction of GPT-4 Turbo, an upgraded version surpassing the capabilities of the previous GPT-4. This new language model allows ChatGPT users to build customized bots for specific tasks, offering more powerful models for developers at reduced costs. GPT-4 Turbo's input tokens are $0.01 (three times cheaper) and output tokens are $0.03 (two times cheaper), making it cheaper for developers.

Despite these advancements, the temporary halt in ChatGPT Plus sign-ups has led to a notable trend on eBay, where some individuals are selling shared access to their ChatGPT Plus accounts, reflecting the high demand for ChatGPT's capabilities and revealing OpenAI's challenge in meeting the overwhelming interest.

In addition, recent reports suggest that OpenAI is facing difficulties obtaining powerful Nvidia GPUs and is collaborating with Microsoft to develop in-house AI chips, reducing reliance on Nvidia.

Related Article: Add to Music App: TikTok's New Feature Lets You Save Songs Directly to Spotify, Amazon Music

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A new paleontological discovery reveals interesting stuff about the ancient birds from the Early Cretaceous period.

According to the findings, there are oldest footprints believed to originate from diverse avian species that once roamed polar Australia.

Discovery of Oldest Bird Footprints

A groundbreaking study led by Anthony Martin of Emory University, USA, and his team has reported the discovery of 27 individual bird footprints within Victoria's Wonthaggi Formation in Australia.

Dating back to 120 million years, these footprints offer the oldest known evidence of birds in the southern polar regions.

According to Interesting Engineering, the footprints belong to various bird species, including the Enantiornithes, a group of airborne birds, the Hesperornithiformes, adapted for swimming and flightlessness, and the Ichthyornithiformes, likely specialized in airborne fishing.

Furthermore, the discovered footprints, found in multiple stratigraphic layers of an ancient polar floodplain, suggest a seasonal visitation pattern. This raises the possibility of migratory routes, shedding light on the migration patterns of ancient birds across Gondwana.

Related Article: What Killed the Dinosaurs After the Asteroid Impact? Scientists Finally Have an Answer

Earliest Evidence of Birds in Gondwana

Apart from a few bones and feathers, the footprints represent the earliest substantiated proof of birds residing in Australia or any part of ancient Gondwana. The research provides a crucial missing piece in the puzzle of avian distribution during prehistoric times.

In line with this, the study's significance extends beyond the immediate discovery. Scientists express optimism about future endeavors to uncover more early bird fossils in Gondwanan territories.

The anticipation hints at the likelihood of a more abundant avian presence in the southern regions than previously recorded in the fossil record.

A Glimpse into Early Cretaceous Australia

Published in the journal PLOS ONE, this study not only enriches our understanding of ancient avian life but also beckons researchers to explore the untapped potential of Gondwanan territories for more revelations from the Early Cretaceous period.

"We are very excited to document that a variety of birds were living in polar Australia during the Early Cretaceous Period. But we also hope our trace fossil discovery inspires other researchers to look for and find more Early Cretaceous bird tracks elsewhere in the Southern Hemisphere," the researchers said.

The ancient polar landscapes of Australia continue to yield valuable insights into the diverse and dynamic world of prehistoric birds.

Who knows, the region might not only reveal more information about the feathered animals in the future but also about other animals that once lived there.

In other news, a new study revealed that mother dolphins transmit organic pollutants to the baby dolphins through lactation.

While it's understandable that the seas and oceans are the main channels of pollution, it is taken into account that the toxic nourishment of the offspring is brought by their mothers.

The researchers gathered milk, blood, and placenta samples from both the mother and baby dolphin. Based on their findings, a high level of pollutant concentration could pose a danger to the dolphins at a young age.

Read Also: Plastic Pollution Entangles Even Ants in Startling New Discovery

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Snapchat is one of the most famous social media platforms. Yall can easily install and use Snapchat on both Android and iOS smartphones. That said, if you want to Install Or Download Snapchat On PC then this article will help you.

In this article, we have shared a simple method on How To Use Snapchat On Desktop Or Laptop.

How To Use Snapchat For Web?

After years of waiting, Snapchat has officially released the Web Version Of Snapchat that can be used without a smartphone.

Snapchat Web offers some noteworthy features like Chat Reactions and Chat Reply. Furthermore, users can make audio/video calls, as well as continue regular chats.

To access Snapchat Web visit the URL web.snapchat.com and log in with your credentials.

Its worth noting that, Snapchat For Web is a premium feature, and its exclusively available to only Snapchat+ Subscribers located in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Later this year it will be available in more counties and regions. Now lets get into details on how you can download and use the actual Snapchat For PC app.

What Is Snapchat?

Snapchat is mainstream multimedia messaging app used globally.

In addition to sending self-destructive photos and videos, you can also share 24-hour stories with your friends.

Snapchat offers a plethora of filters that help enhance the quality of your snaps in chat and stories.

In addition to the text/snap chat, stories you can also add memories. Where you can add your old snaps and easily share them with your friends.

Using Snapchat you can also play small in-app games with your friends.

You can also create your own personalized Bitmoji.

Can You Get Snapchat On A Windows Computer?

Yes, its possible to use Snapchat on a Windows computer. Now you may ask how to get Snapchat on pc?.

Well, theres only one method for installing Android applications and games on Windows or macOS, and i.e. by using an Android emulator.

How To Get Snapchat On PC or Laptop?

As mentioned above, the only way to install Snapchat on a Windows PC is by using an Android emulator.

Bluestacks is one of the most famous and possibly the best well-optimized Android emulator that performs as an Android phone.

So heres how you can download and install the official Snapchat app for Windows using the Bluestacks emulator.

Download the Bluestacks emulator and install the .exe file on your computer.

emulator and install the .exe file on your computer. Once installed sign in with your Google account on Bluestacks.

Next up open Playstore and search Snapchat

Install the application and use Snapchat.

It is worth noting that, during the initial setup process you may experience some crashes and log-in issues. However, Bluestacks will automatically fix the problems.

Lastly, similar to Windows 10 laptop you can get Snapchat on a MacBook or iMac using the Bluestacks emulator.

Get Snapchat On PC Without Bluestacks?

Bluestacks is one of the most trustworthy android emulators.

That said, it has many flaws associated with it. Consequently, if you face any issues while using Snapchat on Bluestacks, you can try these alternate Snapchat emulators.

1. Nox App Player

Nox App Player is another reliable Snapchat emulator using which you can use Snapchat on a computer.

You can effortlessly install this emulator on your Windows or macOS computer. The actual process of downloading snapchat on Windows PC using Nox App Player is similar to that of Bluestacks.

This emulator offers one-click installation without any bloatware or third-party apps. Nox App Player is updated on a regular basis and it works without crashes.

Download Nox App Player

2. KOPlayer

The next best Android emulator for running Snapchat on a Windows PC is KOPlayer.

Well, this emulator is dedicated to running games and resource-intensive applications on a Windows PC.

Consequently, you wont notice any lags or performance-based issues while using Snapchat on KO Player.

Similar to Bluestacks, you can directly install Snapchat on Windows 10 computers from the Google Playstore.

Download KO Player

3. Remix OS Player

The last best emulator for running Snapchat on Windows PC is Remix OS Player.

This capable emulator offers reliable performance and runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow. You can use almost every Android game or application on the Remix OS Player.

Download Remix OS Player

ALSO READ:

BONUS VIDEO

Note: Snapchat has now disabled access using any emulator. You will get an error Oops, something went wrong. Please try again later. while trying to log in using an emulator that is because your emulator gets detected by Snapchat.

Bluestacks has also confirmed the same last year in a statement-

You may have experienced Snapchat crashes after you login and you are left on the BlueStacks home screen. This is an app-specific behavior unrelated to BlueStacks. The Snapchat development team seems to have banned the use of Snapchat on emulators.

What Is accounts.snapchat.com Used For On PC?

While you can log in to accounts.snapchat.com and open Snapchat on PC using a web browser It only allows users to register for a new account or to get Snapcode, your data, ads manager, on-demand geo-filters, and other features like changing password, unlocking, and deleting the app and managing and deleting devices.

It does not allow you to use Snapchat on Windows PC or Mac.

CONCLUSION

So this is a simple guide on how to download and install Snapchat on and Windows PC, Desktop, and Laptop.

If you face any issues while using Snapchat on Windows then do let us know in the comments section below.
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

Otegi rises to 25 parliamentarians but PNV and PSOE will reissue their majority in the Basque Country

Pascal Praud and you - Vaping from Borne to the Assembly: "How to make the French understand that they should not smoke in parks", says indignantly...

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

The first woman to marry an AI: "We don't rule out the idea of having children"

Haredim in Israel. They refused to conscript and then decided to occupy the army

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"

Sanchez coincides with the president of Israel in Dubai in the midst of the diplomatic conflict, but without foreseen contact

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

In Ghana, the fight for food sovereignty in the face of land grabbing

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

 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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Just one week after her son was convicted in the hitman murder of her ex-son-in-law, Donna Adelson was taken into custody at Miami International Airport on charges of orchestrating the 2014 killing amid a contentious child custody battle.

Ms Adelson, 73, appeared in court on Tuesday where she was charged with arranging the murder of Dan Markel, a 41-year-old Florida State University law professor who was shot and killed outside his Tallahassee home in 2014.

Last week, Ms Adelsons oral surgeon son, Dr. Charlie Adelson, 47, was found guilty in Leon County of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation to commit murder. He faces a mandatory life term when sentenced next month.

The killing was arranged through a girlfriend, Katie Magbanua, who hired her ex-husband Sigfredo Tuto Garcia and his friend Latin Kings leader Luis Rivera to carry out the murder. Magbanua and Garcia are serving life sentences and Rivera is serving a 19-year sentence after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and testifying against the others.

Then in a wild twist on Monday night, Ms Adelson became the fourth person to be arrested in the plot, with authorities taking her into custody just as she and her husband were about to board a flight to Vietnam by way of Dubai with one-way tickets. The two countries do not have an extradition treaty with the United States.

The family matriarch had been on prosecutors radar for some time, according to Leon County State Attorney Jack Campbell, who told the Associated Press that while he believes his prosecutors already had enough evidence to convict Ms Adelson before Monday, plans for her arrest had to be accelerated when investigators learned of her plans to leave the country.

Donna Adelson (Miami-Dade County Corrections and Rehabilitation)

It was going to be complicated and really difficult trying to bring them back, depending on where they ended up in the world, Mr Campbell said. The arrest was not just based on the flight, but that played a part in the timing.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Ms Adelson was being held Tuesday at the Miami-Dade County Jail without bail pending her transfer to Tallahassee.

Prosecutors have repeatedly said Ms Adelson hated her former son-in-law Markel, who had been in a bitter custody battle with his ex-wife, lawyer Wendi Adelson. He had a court order barring her move from Tallahassee back to South Florida with their two young sons.

Authorities say the Adelsons offered Markel $1m to let his ex-wife and sons move, but when he refused, Charlie Adelson and other members of the family began plotting his death.

On 18 July 2014, the father of two was gunned down outside his Tallahassee home.

Just 48 hours later, Wendi Adelson and the two boys moved to a house that was within walking distance of the Adelson family home, prosecutors said. She later changed her sons last name from Markel to Adelson.

Neither Wendi nor her father, dentist Harvey Adelson, have not been charged, and have always denied involvement.

The Adelsons immediately became suspects following Markels murder. Wendi Adelson told detectives that the killing could have been arranged on her behalf, because her parents - including her mother Donna Adelson, were very angry at Markel.

Dr. Charlie Adelson

An investigation was launched and in 2016, an FBI agent, impersonating an extortionist, approached Donna Adelson outside her home and demanded $5,000 to not turn information about the shooting over to investigators.

This sparked a slew of calls and meetings between Ms Adelson and her son. In the first call, she told him they needed to discuss some paperwork and that you probably have a general idea what Im talking about.

And in a key email sent in July 2013, she told her daughter 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.

Lets show this [expletive] what will make him absolutely miserable, the email continued. You know his weak points; money, religion, control.

You have 5 weeks before your court date, she wrote, underlining that text. I know you have a hob that keeps you very busy. However, the rest of your life, and consequently, dads mine and yes, even Charlies, will be affected by how well you can perform/act before July 31st.

During Charlie Adelsons trial this year, it was revealed in court that he had paid the girlfriend - Magbanua - $138,000 for the hit, which she split with the hitmen. She had also been given a used Lexus, a job at the familys dental practice, payments totaling more than $56,000.

Magbanua, had previously joked about hiring a hitman to kill Markel as a divorce gift, but he bought her a TV instead.

Charlie Adelson was arrested last year after he was spotted on video inside a Mexican restaurant with Magbanua, as they discussed how she would need to meet with the extortionist and agree to a one-time payment.
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Hundreds of government workers, members of President Joe Bidens campaign and Democratic Party employees have pressed the administration to support a ceasefire in Gaza following the deaths of thousands of civilians under Israels ongoing bombardments.

More than 11,000 Palestinians, including 4,500 children, have been killed during Israels military campaign against Hamas in the wake of the 7 October attacks, according to Gazas health ministry. The US Department of State believes the death toll could be even higher.

The president has faced growing calls to support a ceasefire from more than 400 employees working within his administration as well as more than 500 people who helped him win the presidency in his 2020 campaign, joining a growing number of calls for a ceasefire from across the administration and in Congress directed at their powerful bosses.

One letter from more than 400 administration employees, including political appointees and White House staff, spans several cabinet-level agencies and the presidents office.

The letter, according to NBC News, calls on the president to urgently demand a ceasefire and call for de-escalation of the current conflict by securing the immediate release of the Israeli hostages and arbitrarily detained Palestinians as well as the restoration of water, fuel, electricity and other basic services and the passage of adequate humanitarian aid to the Gaza strip.

An open letter from more than 500 people from across the US who worked on Mr Bidens 2020 campaign, including Democratic National Committee staff members, told the president that he wields significant influence in this perilous moment to support a ceasefire agreement.

As you have said, silence in the face of human rights violations is tantamount to complicity, they wrote. With every passing day, we will continue to see more bloodshed, more war crimes, and more death. All people of conscience must call loudly and vociferously for a ceasefire now. As a person of conscience with enormous influence, you have a special responsibility to lead this call.

The Independent has requested comment from the White House.

Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, left, watches Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson address a March for Israel rally where he said calls for a ceasefire in Gaza are outrageous (EPA)

Another open letter from more than 1,000 officials with the US Agency for International Development, among the largest aid agencies in the world, authorised by Congress, have also signed an open letter urging Mr Bidens support for a ceasefire.

Dozens of State Department employees signed internal memos to Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressing their sharp disagreement with the administrations approach to Israels military campaign. Several internal cables have urged Mr Biden to call for a ceasefire, according to The New York Times.

One five-page memo signed by 100 State Department and USAID employees accuses Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza, while the Biden administartions support has made him complicit in genocide.

The State Department directed The Independent to comments from spokesperson Matthew Miller but added that the agency generally does not comment on internal communications.

Ill just reiterate that the Secretary wants to hear from those employees, Mr Miller said on 13 November. He wants to hear what their opinions are. I wont comment on any dissent memos, but he has spoken in the past about how he welcomes the dissent channel, and thinks its a very valuable channel, and that he likes to get feedback through it. And he hopes that people will use it. 

A Palestinian man carries objects as he walks through debris on 14 November in the aftermath of an Israeli strike in Gaza (REUTERS)

Hundreds of Democratic aides in Congress have also pressed their bosses to support a ceasefire and staged a walkout from the US Capitol last week.

Most of our bosses on Capitol hill are not listening to the people they represent, one staffer said from the Capitol steps in front of a banner reading ceasefire now last week. We demand our leaders speak up, call for a ceasefire, a release of all hostages and an immediate de-escalation now.

Roughly 66 per cent of voters want the US to call for a ceasefire and de-escalation of violence in Gaza  a figure that includes at least 80 per cent of Democratic voters, according to polling from progressive thinktank Data for Progress.

Its unclear whether the administration or members of Congress will respond to those calls, which have reportedly caught Democratic officials off guard. Ive never seen such a disconnect between where voters and constituents are and where Congress is, and thats saying something because theres always a disconnect, one aide told HuffPost.

The president and administration officials, as well as nearly every US Senator, appear unmoved. When asked what chances exist for a Gaza ceasefire, the president said none. No possibility.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, moments before joining Democratic and Republican members of Congress at a March for Israel in Washington DC on Tuesday, told The Independent that the US should instead focus on efforts to radically reduce the presence of Hamas in Gaza, free hostages, and minimize civilian casualties.

Israeli soldiers pictured amid ongoing battles with Hamas (AFP via Getty Images)

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, while speaking alongside Mr Schumer and Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries during the rally, called support for a ceasefire outrageous.

The White House has instead supported daily four-hour pauses in Israels bombardments in northern Gaza.

When we talk ceasefire vs pause, theres a difference. We dont support a ceasefire. We think that benefits Hamas. We do support these humanitarian pauses that the Israeli military has put in place, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Tuesday.

Mr Kirby, speaking to reporters during Israels siege of Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical complex in Gaza, added that we dont support attacks on hospitals.
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The husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Paul Pelosi, testified at a federal trial about the harrowing attack at his San Francisco home last year that left him with a fractured skull.

Mr Pelosi, 83, testified on Monday about his traumatic interaction with David DePape, the 43-year-old who is accused of assaulting him with a hammer and of plotting to kidnap Ms Pelosi on 28 October 2022. Mr DePape has pleaded not guilty to both counts.

Mr Pelosi began by telling jurors that he had only talked about the violent night with investigators: 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.

Mr Pelosi said that since he hadnt turned on his homes alarm before he went to bed, there wasnt a warning sound when the attacker broke in.

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, Mr Pelosi testified about the moment of the intrusion. Im asleep, and he bursts in the door, and that woke me up.

Mr Pelosi told jurors, It was a tremendous sense of shock to recognise that somebody had broken into the house and looking at him and looking at the hammer and the ties, I recognised that I was in serious danger.

He said he tried to stay as calm as possible.

When the attacker asked, Wheres Nancy? Mr Pelosi recalled telling the intruder that his wife was in Washington DC. In response, Mr DePape said he would tie him up while they waited for her to return.

Mr Pelosi then sought an escape route. He first turned 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.

Thats when, Mr Pelosi testified, the intruder told him that Ms Pelosi was the leader of the pack, he had to take her out, and that he was going to wait for her.

Then he was able to get to his bathroom, because I always leave my cell phone in my bathroom, he said, and called 911.

Mr Pelosi said he had to be careful with how he spoke to the 911 dispatcher: 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.

Its over for me, Im going to have to take you out, Mr Pelosi recalled the intruder telling him. Then things got weird. Mr Pelosi recalled the intruder said he wanted to take a nap, so Mr Pelosi led him down a winding staircase to the first floor by suggesting he could sleep down there.

When the police finally arrived, the officers body cameras caught the moment that Mr DePape lunged at Mr Pelosi before bludgeoning him with a hammer.

Mr Pelosi sustained a skull fracture and injuries to his right arm and hands, which subsequently required surgery. He told jurors on Monday that he has nearly made a full recovery in the year since the assault.

FBI Special Agent Stephanie Minor testified that footage showed Mr DePape hit Mr Pelosi multiple times  at least three times. She also said that the accused began collecting the items used in the attack in August 2022  two months prior. She said he bought body cameras, USB memory sticks, a large backpack and a sleeping bag.

Ms Minor added that the FBI discovered two inflatable unicorn costumes and a box of crayons but didnt clarify their intended purpose.

If hes convicted, Mr DePape faces life in prison. Mr DePape also faces state charges, to which he has pleaded not guilty, including counts of attempted murder, burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, among others. He is slated to appear in San Francisco Superior Court on 29 November.
The Al-Shifa Medical Complex, nestled in the heart of the Gaza Strip, finds itself thrust onto the tumultuous stage of the Israeli war on Gaza for the 40th consecutive day. This bastion of healthcare, the largest in Gaza, has become a poignant symbol of resilience amid the relentless occupation aggression.

Established in 1946 during the British mandate on Palestine, the Al-Shifa Medical Complex was a humble collection of small booths providing medical care. Over the years, it evolved into the sector's largest medical institution, employing a staggering 25 percent of all healthcare workers in the Gaza Strip.

Spanning an expansive 45,000 square metres in the central western region of Gaza City, the complex boasts three specialized hospitals  Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Women and Maternity  with an additional neonatal intensive care unit. Complementing these are emergency, intensive care, radiology, blood bank, and planning units, collectively accommodating 500-700 beds.

Beyond its physical prowess, the complex stands as a lifeline for Gaza City residents and those from neighbouring areas lacking specialized healthcare facilities. In 2020 alone, it provided medical services to approximately 460,000 citizens, including emergency care for 250,000, conducting 25,000 surgeries and 69 kidney dialysis sessions, and overseeing 13,000 childbirth processes.

Employing a formidable workforce of 1,500, the complex boasts over 500 doctors, 760 nurses, 32 pharmacists, and 200 administrative staff. This workforce constitutes a quarter of the entire healthcare labour force in the Gaza Strip.

Al-Shifa bears witness to a turbulent past. After the British mandate, it fell under the Egyptian administration, weathering the storms of conflict and expansion for two decades. In 1967, the complex became a theatre of occupation as Israeli forces took control during the June setback, initiating a prolonged struggle between citizens and occupiers.

With the advent of the Palestinian National Authority, the hospital underwent metamorphosis, receiving financial support from Japanese and European entities. Development initiatives included new buildings and expanded facilities, transforming the complex into a beacon of healthcare.

In 2023, and until the beginning of the Israeli war on Gaza, the complex stood resilient, albeit weathered. The external structure needed renovation as fragments of concrete clung precariously to ceilings and walls. The blockade's impact, coupled with a lack of financial support, left the rejuvenation effort in limbo.

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Muhammad Ahmad and the Mahdist War

The Mahdist War was a succession of conflicts in Sudan between the 1880s and 1890s rooted in religious and political tensions. At the heart of the conflict was the rise of Muhammad Ahmad bin Abdullah, a religious leader who proclaimed himself the Mahdi.

The Mahdi holds great importance in Islamic traditions. Mahdi means he who is guided aright or divinely guided in Arabic. The Mahdi is a prophesied messianic figure in Islam who is believed by Muslims to appear at the end of times to restore justice righteousness, and establish God's law on Earth.

The Mahdi is expected to bring an era of justice, peace, and fairness to the world, resolving conflicts and upholding Islamic principles. The Mahdi unites the Muslim community, the Ummah, around a common hope for a better future.

In Islamic tradition, the Mahdi is seen as a leader who will rise to combat oppression and tyranny, particularly in the context of the end times, theology concerned with death, judgment, and the final destiny of the soul and humankind.

The Mahdi who led the Mahdist War during the 1880s was Muhammad Ahmad. He argued that he was the divinely guided redeemer who would bring about an Islamic state.

Muhammad Ahmad's religious teachings and charismatic leadership quickly gained a following, particularly among marginalized and disaffected segments of the Sudanese population.

Many believed that the Mahdi was the answer to their social and economic woes and that his leadership would bring justice and righteousness.

Ahmad Mahdist War

The Muhammad Ahmad and General Charles Gordon

The Mahdi's followers, known as Mahdists, rebelled against the Egyptian khedive or governor in Sudan who controlled Sudan at the time with the assistance of the British. This marked the beginning of the Mahdist War.

One of the most iconic events of the Mahdist War was the siege of Khartoum, the capital of Sudan. Sudan was under Egyptian rule during this period.

The British, who had interests in the region, had a policy of supporting the Egyptian government in maintaining control over Sudan. However, as the Mahdist uprising gained momentum, Egyptian forces found themselves in a difficult situation.

General Charles Gordon, a British officer and former governor general of Sudan, was sent to Khartoum to evacuate British and Egyptian nationals and to stabilize the situation.

The Mahdists were highly motivated by their belief in Muhammad Ahmad as the Mahdi, a messianic figure sent by God. This religious fervor led to high commitment and determination among Mahdist fighters, making them formidable opponents.

During the siege of Khartoum, the Mahdists effectively cut off the city from reinforcements and supplies. This prolonged isolation weakened the city's defenders and made it difficult for them to withstand the siege; Khartoum fell to the Mahdists on January 26, 1885. The Mahdists controlled key routes and supply lines, making it hard for the city to receive essential resources.

Muhammad Ahmad, the Mahdi, died in June 1885 during the siege of Khartoum.

Muhammad Ahmad, the Mahdi, died in June 1885 during the siege of Khartoum. His death marked a significant turning point in the Mahdist movement. His followers believed he would return, and his legacy inspired the Mahdist resistance. After Muhammad Ahmad died in 1885, Sudan was ruled by his lieutenant, Khalifa Abdullahi.

During the Mahdist rule, the capital was Omdurman, across the Nile from Khartoum. The Mahdist rule over Sudan continued for over fourteen years.

From 1896 to 1898, the Mahdist War concluded with the Battle of Omdurman, where a combined force consisting of British and Egyptian troops led by Lord Kitchener successfully dismantled Mahdist influence and reclaimed Sudan. The campaign's expenses totaled approximately 3 million dollars.

Egypt contributed two-thirds of the cost and the commitment of 17,600 personnel, primarily composed of Sudanese units within the Egyptian Army. Meanwhile, Britain played a central role in strategic planning and administration, contributing 8,200 officers, soldiers, and one-third of the financial burden.

The defeat of the Mahdist forces at Omdurman and the re-establishment of Egyptian-Anglo control effectively marked the end of the Mahdist state in Sudan; however, Muhammad Ahmad's teachings and the legacy of the Mahdi continued to have a lasting impact on the region's history and shaped Sudan's future.

The Mahdist War and the Anglo-Egyptian Condominium Agreement

The Anglo-Egyptian Condominium Agreement, signed in Cairo on January 19, 1894, formed the foundation for outlining Sudan's territorial rights between the two nations. Egypt's claims were rooted in the importance of the Khedive before the Mahdist rebellion, while Britain's claims were based on the territories regained during the reconquest.

The Anglo-Egyptian Condominium Agreement outlined both countries' respective rights and responsibilities in governing Sudan.

In Article I of this agreement, the territories incorporated into the new Anglo-Egyptian Sudan were outlined: firstly, those areas that had never been abandoned by Egyptian forces, such as Wadi Halfa and Suakin; secondly, those temporarily lost to Egypt between 1882 and 1898 but subsequently recaptured by both governments working in tandem; and thirdly, areas that might be retaken by both governments in cooperative efforts at a later date.

The legacy of the Mahdist War, the colonial period, and the subsequent violent wars and damaging conflicts contributed to the division of Sudan into two separate countries, Sudan and South Sudan. The north-south divide, rooted in cultural, religious, and political differences, ultimately led to the secession of South Sudan as an independent nation in 2011.
The Federal Court has extended a ban on Santos from laying a key gas pipeline, critical to its $6.7 billion Barossa gas project near the Tiwi Islands, as the energy major continues its tussle with traditional owners opposed to the project.

Justice Natalie Charlesworth granted the injunction on Wednesday, which will remain in place until a further hearing, possibly in January.

Santos boss Kevin Gallagher declined to comment on the injunction and its implications on the gas project. However, he took a swipe at environmental activists, saying that they were exploiting loopholes in the legal system to launch litigation aimed at stopping new oil and gas projects.

Santos chief executive Kevin Gallagher says activists are gaming the legal system. Credit: Ben Searcy

The litigation against Santos is not funded by traditional owners or Indigenous communities, but by the Environmental Defenders Office, as we understand it, the sourcing of these are government grants, non-transparent donations and other opaque arrangements.
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.
Police suspect no crime was committed when a Sydney jumping castle business refused to deal with a Jewish school and boasted about it on social media.

However, they are continuing to pursue allegations a car bearing the Palestinian flag was smashed with a hammer at a Sydney shopping centre - just one of more than 100 reports and two dozen ongoing investigations.

Police are again looking at the evidence connected to a jumping castle hire business allegedly refusing to do business with a Jewish school. Credit: Wolter Peeters

NSW Premier Chris Minns spoke out against Western Sydney Jumps Instagram posts on Tuesday after the business shared screenshots of its email exchange with Masada College, an independent Jewish school in St Ives.

Masada had wanted to hire outdoor games including giant Scrabble and giant Jenga for a staff barbecue in December.
Translinks beleaguered public transport trip-planning app will be binned and a new version rolled out within months after Microsoft announced one of its developer platforms would no longer be supported.

The MyTranslink app was launched in December 2014 in south-east Queensland to coincide with real-time monitoring of buses, trains and ferries, with more than 220,000 journeys planned via the app each month.

The MyTranslink app will be replaced after Microsoft announced the current platform would no longer be supported. Credit: MyTranslink

But it hasnt been without its critics.

The app has a star rating of 2.4 out of 5 in Apples App Store, with users complaining it is the worst transport app, a complete and utter failure, is so hard to use and years behind, and that it has too many annoying features. One frustrated reviewer even said a monkey could make a better app.
The Victorian government will take responsibility for maintaining its roads in some inner Melbourne suburbs after a council vowed to stop mowing and picking up litter along them in a protest aimed at pressuring the state to cough up more money for the work.

City of Yarra councillors on Tuesday night voted unanimously in favour of pushing ahead with a strike on maintaining 20 roads and government land.

Brunswick Street in Fitzroy is one of 20 roads Yarra council says it will no longer provide maintenance for if the state doesnt increase funding. Credit: Eddie Jim

The move blindsided the state government, with a spokeswoman saying late on Wednesday that the council had made its decision without consultation.

Were disappointed City of Yarra made its decision without consultation, leaving us with no choice but to re-assume responsibility for maintaining these roads so that residents arent left to live with deteriorated roads because of the councils decision, she said.
Victorian Greens MP Gabrielle de Vietri is putting her money where her mouth is in support of the young climate crisis protesters who gatecrashed state parliament on Tuesday afternoon.

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In an almost unheard-of show of unity, Labor, Liberal and Nationals MPs teamed up to turf de Vietri from the lower house for the next two sitting days. The Richmond MP has also forfeited her wages for the suspension period over her public support of the protest action.

The suspension came after de Vietri refused to apologise for lining up her three Greens colleagues for a selfie  a breach of parliamentary rules  in the chamber on Tuesday as the youngsters unfurled their banners in the public gallery.
When Coldplay entertains more than 100,000 concert-goers at Optus Stadium they will be joined by billions of other living organisms - a soup of highly transmissible COVID variants floating around the crowd.

Prominent epidemiologists have cautioned the public to take extra precautions as the latest figures from WA Health showed case numbers were steadily rising in the state as the British rock groups World of Spheres tour gets ready to kick off.

Chris Martin and Coldplay will play two concerts in Perth this weekend. Credit: DPA

ICU cases have risen from zero to three, and two deaths were recorded in the most recent reporting week. Many of the total reported cases were among the 40 to 69-year-old cohort.

WAs chief Health Officer Andy Robertson said COVID-19 has been increasing since early September  primarily driven by the Eris variant, and it was an expected part of the ongoing evolution of the virus in the community as immunity waned over time.
After gold was discovered in the rivers of the West Coast in 1864, this remote part of New Zealand was suddenly not so sleepy as 30,000 optimists and gamblers crossed the Alps to try their luck in the goldfields. During this time, there were more than 300 pubs along the coastline  84 of them alone in one street of Hokitika. Just south of Greymouth, Shantytown Heritage Park relives those boozy, brawling days, with faithfully recreated buildings, heritage train rides and gold panning demonstrations. After swishing and swirling, Ellie is convinced shes struck it rich with her paltry haul of gold flakes; shes also thrilled to discover a miniscule pebble of greenstone in her souvenir vial. Further south, in the village of Hokitika, it soon becomes apparent that this is where the wealth of the region now lies  in the sale of precious greenstone, or pounamu. It seems every second shop in town either sells the jade-green jewellery or is an artists workshop where skilled carvers create custom pendants, designs guided by the stones own energy. In keeping with the mythology surrounding pounamu, we learn that you should never buy or carve the stone for yourself  it should always be a gift between two people. Wild food, wild scenery Hokitika arty side comes through at the beach in driftwood lettering. Credit: iStock

Known as the Cool Little Town, Hokitika is a hub for artists and foodies, with its annual Wildfoods Festival celebrating the weird and wacky flavours of the West Coast  including dubious delights such as huhu grubs, lambs testicles, locusts and horse semen. While were happy to stick to more conventional organic ingredients that make up the lauded Hokitika Sandwich Companys lunchtime fare, we do tantalise our tastebuds with another local speciality  whitebait, generously scattered over garlic-laced pizza at Fat Pipis Pizza. Meanwhile, the historic Theatre Royal Hotel at Kumara  the West Coasts only fully-restored gold miners hotel  is well worth the 15-minute drive, its authentic old west vibe matched by an impressive a la carte menu. The beachfront at Hokitika is marked by a signature sign created from driftwood, scattered in profusion along its evocative black sand beach. Like little Anna Paquin in The Piano, Ellie cartwheels along the shoreline, pausing to pocket colourful pebbles worn smooth by the lapping tongues of icy wash. She targets pure white quartz, translucent when held to the setting sun; while a shiny green rock may even be a gift from Poutini himself. As the Maori legend says, you dont find the greenstone, the greenstone finds you The surreal turquoise waters of Hokitika Gorge. Credit: iStock In the jewel box of Hokitika, however, nothing dazzles more than the turquoise waters of Hokitika Gorge, a vibrant pop of colour gauged into a scenic reserve in the towns hinterland. An easy two-kilometre trail leads through mature podocarp forest, with several viewing platforms as well as two suspension bridges adding a theatrical touch to gorge crossings.

With the highest rainfall in New Zealand, the soaring temperate rainforests of the West Coast provide a lush and sheltered environment for Aotearoas precious birdlife, including tui, bellbird and the kereru native wood pigeon. At the West Coast Treetop Walk, we explore the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy on a 450-metre steel boardwalk; while further south at Okarito Lagoon, we paddle around estuarine wetlands where the famed white heron finds sanctuary, with the surrounding forest also the last stronghold of the rare rowi kiwi. Humans have only impacted on New Zealands environment for the past 1000 years, Okarito Kayak owner Baz Hughes says as our paddles cut the still waters, reflective with the distant snow-capped tiara of Mount Cook and Franz Josef Glacier. More than 80 per cent of the land of the West Coast is under conservancy  so what youre seeing here is probably as close to what youd have seen pre-European settlement. Glacier Country Franz Josef Glacier is a highlight, but the glacier is retreating due to climate change. Credit: iStock

But even a pure landscape like this faces challenges beyond any conservation measures. The West Coasts biggest attraction  the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, ancient rivers of ice that protrude beneath the snowline almost to the sea  are rapidly diminishing under the effects of climate change, melting seven times faster than they were 20 years ago. At the Franz Josef Forest Walk viewpoint, an interpretive board shows visuals of just how far the ice has retreated  in fact, in 1908, the glacier ended at the lookout, with the jagged icefields a distant shadow of their former self. From the air, however, the iridescent blue glacial grooves and peaks are still a wonderland straight out of Frozen, Ellies eyes shining with delight as the helicopter dips and soars over Elsas icy kingdom. To have the opportunity to experience the nuances of this landscape, to learn about its threats and the importance of stewardship at such a young age, is a gift Im grateful to have been able to bestow on her. The planet, Im hoping, is in good hands. DETAILS

Fly + rail Air New Zealand flies from Sydney and Melbourne to Christchurch International Airport, with domestic transfers to Hokitika on the West Coast. See airnewzealand.com.au The TranzAlpine train runs between Christchurch and Greymouth. See greatjourneysofnz.co.nz Stay In Greymouth, the Copthorne Hotel Greymouth provides comfortable accommodation in a central location from $NZ119 ($108) a night. See millenniumhotels.com

In Hokitika, the Hokitika Fire Station offers stylish self-contained apartment accommodation from $NZ189 ($172) a night; while Shining Star Beachfront Accommodation offers grandstand sunset views over the Pacific Ocean from $NZ125 ($113). See accommodationwestcoast.co.nz Do Shantytown Heritage Park, see shantytown.co.nz West Coast Treetop Walk, see treetopnz.com Okarito Kayaks, see okarito.co.nz
London: Britains Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that the governments contentious plan to send some asylum seekers on a one-way trip to Rwanda was illegal, striking a major blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks government.

The court unanimously rejected the governments appeal against an earlier ruling that migrants could not be sent to Rwanda because it could not be considered a safe third country.

Five justices on the countrys top court said asylum-seekers would be at real risk of ill-treatment because they could be sent back to their home countries once they were in Rwanda.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, left, and former home secretary Suella Braverman, who was the architect of the plan. Braverman was sacked on Monday during a cabinet reshuffle. Credit: AP

Britain and Rwanda signed a deal in April 2022 to send migrants who arrive in the UK by boat across the English Channel to the East African country, where their asylum claims would be processed and, if successful, they would stay.
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.
A heavily armed gang surrounded a hospital in Haiti, trapping women, children and newborns inside until police rescued them, according to the director of the medical centre who pleaded for help via social media.

Jose Ulysse, founder and director of the Fontaine Hospital Centre in the sprawling Cite Soleil slum in the capital of Port-au-Prince, said on Thursday (AEDT) that gangs were torching homes surrounding the hospital and preventing everyone inside from leaving. He had earlier said that it appeared gangs had entered the hospital.

The Fontaine Hospital Centre in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Credit: AP

Ulysse said the National Police responded to his call for help and arrived with three armoured trucks to evacuate 40 children and 70 patients to a private home in a safer part of the city. Among those delicately evacuated were children on oxygen, he said.

Gangs are in total control of the area, he said.
Mercedes-Benz launches first EV charging hub in North America; Network aims to deliver a fast, reliable, premium charging experience for drivers of all EV brands.

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Mercedes-Benz HPC North America (Mercedes-Benz HPC NA), a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and MN8 Energy, launching a network of premium electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across North America, inaugurated its first Mercedes-Benz Charging Hub, located at the headquarters of Mercedes-Benz USA in Sandy Springs, Georgia. With the launch of the Mercedes-Benz Charging Network, Mercedes-Benz sets a new standard for fast, convenient, clean and reliable EV charging, while promoting EV adoption by expanding the North American public charging map for all brand of EVs. This inaugural charging hub is the first step in Mercedes-Benzs commitment to invest over $1 billion, in a joint venture with MN8 Energy, to deliver 2,500 chargers within at least 400 charging hubs across North America by the end of the decade.

Sandy Springs, GA: North Americas First Mercedes-Benz Charging Hub

The inaugural charging hub at the Mercedes-Benz USA headquarters represents a benchmark for standalone charging hubs. Special features include:

400kW Chargers: The first chargers installed are provided by ChargePoint and are all capable of charging rates of up to 400kW, offering customers some of the fastest charging speeds in the industry.

The first chargers installed are provided by ChargePoint and are all capable of charging rates of up to 400kW, offering customers some of the fastest charging speeds in the industry. Open to all from day one : Drivers of EVs from any brand can charge their vehicle and enjoy a Mercedes-Benz brand commensurate experience.

Drivers of EVs from any brand can charge their vehicle and enjoy a Mercedes-Benz brand commensurate experience. Charging lounge: Charging hub customers can enjoy a premium, clean and comfortable environment while their vehicle charges, complete with couches and lounge chairs, vending machines, refreshments, and restroom facilities.

Charging hub customers can enjoy a premium, while their vehicle charges, complete with couches and lounge chairs, vending machines, Solar Canopy: Provides weather cover for customers, overhead LED lighting for safety and solar panels on top to generate passive clean electricity.

Provides weather cover for customers, overhead for safety and on top to generate passive clean electricity. Intelligent Indicators: A pylon built to a height of 15 feet, visible from the street, indicates the status of the charging stall : in use, free or reserved.

A pylon built to a height of 15 feet, visible from the street, : in use, free or reserved. Accessibility: The charging hub includes one charging spot, closest to the charging lounge, designed especially for handicap accessible vehicles , as well as one uncovered, drive-through charging spot that is designed for electric vans or EVs with trailers up to 26 feet in length.

The charging hub includes one charging spot, closest to the charging lounge, designed especially for , as well as one uncovered, drive-through charging spot that is designed for up to 26 feet in length. Powered by clean energy : Through both direct and indirect means, the charging hub uses renewable energy and is carbon neutral.

A Swiftly Expanding National Network

The Mercedes-Benz Charging Network will set a new benchmark for quality and customer experience in the charging industry. With proven partners to support ambitions for industry-leading uptime and reliability, Mercedes-Benz charging hubs will offer a seamless customer experience where charging fades into the background of EV drivers daily lives.

"The Mercedes-Benz Charging Network expands global charging options for customers of all EV brands to promote clean, electric mobility, said Franz Reiner, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG. In North America, our strategy is clear: focusing on where EV drivers are and where they are going to enhance the North American EV charging map while setting new standards for quality and customer experience. These efforts will pave the way for greater EV adoption here in North America and around the world.

Key to Mercedes-Benz HPC NAs driver value network strategy is retail integration, and recently announced agreements with Simon and Buc-ees demonstrate this strategy in action. Simon retail outlets are destinations for food, shopping and socializing located in key areas of EV saturation  where customers are  and Buc-ees locations are the worlds most-loved travel centers located strategically along key travel corridors and EV charging deserts  where customers are going.

In addition to today's first Charging Hub opening, Mercedes-Benz HPC NA announced that several hubs will open at Buc-ee's travel centers in Texas, Florida, Alabama, and Georgia by the end of 2023, with further expansion in 2024. Charging hubs at Simon Mall locations are planned to launch in the first half of 2024, both showing the power of retail integration collaborations to facilitate a speedy network build out that has immediate customer impact.

"At the onset of MN8's partnership with Mercedes-Benz to build an unparalleled charging experience, we shared a vision of bringing the decarbonized future faster," said Jon Yoder, President and CEO of MN8 Energy. "The incredible speed with which we've made that vision a reality, demonstrated by the inauguration of the charging experience here at Mercedes-Benz USA Headquarters and the sites that will follow later this year, is a testament to the strength of our purpose and outstanding abilities of our teams."

"With the official launch of the Mercedes-Benz Charging Network in North America, we aim to set a new standard for a quality charging experience for the entire industry," said Andrew Cornelia, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz HPC North America LLC. "Our driver-first network will deliver some of the fastest charging speeds and will be openly accessible to all EV drivers from day one."

Key Mercedes-Benz Charging Network Highlights:

The Fastest Charging Network in the US: The Mercedes-Benz Charging Network will exclusively offer chargers of up to 400kW at all charging hubs. Intelligent charging management ensures swift charge times, enabling certain EVs to charge from 10% to 80% in less than 20 minutes, enough time to enjoy a coffee, for applicable vehicles and conditions. Additionally, the company is committed to maintaining a future-proof network that moves with the speed of change  no matter the car, hubs are built to work hand in glove with the best-in-industry charging hardware and software, featuring CCS1 and NACS connectors.

The Mercedes-Benz Charging Network will exclusively offer chargers of up to 400kW at all charging hubs. Intelligent charging management ensures swift charge times, enabling certain EVs to charge from 10% to 80% in less than 20 minutes, enough time to enjoy a coffee, for applicable vehicles and conditions. Additionally, the company is committed to maintaining a future-proof network that moves with the speed of change  no matter the car, hubs are built to work hand in glove with the best-in-industry charging hardware and software, featuring CCS1 and NACS connectors. Open Access from Day One: Mercedes-Benz extends its brand promise of quality and excellence to drivers of all brands of EVs with this open charging hub network, connected to and visible on all major charging hub aggregators. This is paramount to our commitment to expand the North American charging map and drive further EV adoption broadly.

Mercedes-Benz extends its brand promise of quality and excellence to drivers of all brands of EVs with this open charging hub network, connected to and visible on all major charging hub aggregators. This is paramount to our commitment to expand the North American charging map and drive further EV adoption broadly. Charging that Fades into the Background: EV charging is what happens when you work, shop, live and play. The Mercedes-Benz Charging Network promises premium customer experiences, complete with nearby amenities to integrate charging into EV drivers daily lives. Exclusive charging lounges will be built at select locations, while retail integration will allow a stop at a Mercedes-Benz Charging Hub to be the backdrop to getting a coffee, checking out the latest fashions or meeting up with friends.

EV charging is what happens when you work, shop, live and play. The Mercedes-Benz Charging Network promises premium customer experiences, complete with nearby amenities to integrate charging into EV drivers daily lives. Exclusive charging lounges will be built at select locations, while retail integration will allow a stop at a Mercedes-Benz Charging Hub to be the backdrop to getting a coffee, checking out the latest fashions or meeting up with friends. Reliable Charging Ensured by Industry Leaders: By teaming up with MN8 Energy, a leading renewable energy company, Mercedes-Benz HPC NA aims to achieve industry-leading uptime. MN8s deep experience as an owner-operator of enterprise renewable energy solutions, brings unparalleled asset-ownership expertise at the largest scale  a critical component of delivering a high-quality, reliable and premium experience to EV drivers.

By teaming up with MN8 Energy, a leading renewable energy company, Mercedes-Benz HPC NA aims to achieve industry-leading uptime. MN8s deep experience as an owner-operator of enterprise renewable energy solutions, brings unparalleled asset-ownership expertise at the largest scale  a critical component of delivering a high-quality, reliable and premium experience to EV drivers. Meeting demand and pushing adoption . Mercedes-Benz HPC NAs national network strategy is based on value for drivers, focusing on where EV drivers are and where they are going. In this way Mercedes-Benz HPC NA simultaneously promotes EV adoption in areas of saturation and fills in charging gaps along popular travel routes.

. Mercedes-Benz HPC NAs national network strategy is based on value for drivers, focusing on where EV drivers are and where they are going. In this way Mercedes-Benz HPC NA simultaneously promotes EV adoption in areas of saturation and fills in charging gaps along popular travel routes. Where Cutting-Edge Innovation Meets Exclusive Driver Perks. Mercedes-Benz Charging Hubs will offer exclusive benefits for Mercedes-Benz EV drivers. These privileges include automatic charger reservations enabled by the native Navigation with Electric Intelligence feature on Mercedes-EQ models, and the 'Plug & Charge' feature for users of the Mercedes me Charge app. This allows Mercedes-EQ drivers to pull up, plug in and walk away as their charging session starts, ends and processes payment without drivers having to worry about a thing. Further, drivers of model year 2024 Mercedes-EQ cars and SUVs will receive two years of unlimited complimentary charging at Mercedes-Benz charging hubs, while current drivers of Mercedes-EQ vehicles will receive six months of free charging.

A Global Commitment to Clean, Electrified Mobility

Mercedes-Benz is continuously expanding public charging offerings to customers globally. Mercedes-Benz's collaborative initiatives to further develop EV charging around the world also include the Europe-wide fast-charging joint venture IONITY, which already comprises around 3,000 charging points, and the recently established joint venture with six other automotive OEMs to expand the North American high-power charging network. The company's own Mercedes-Benz Charging Network consisting of branded charging hubs is the next important step in the company's electrification strategy. Globally, the Mercedes-Benz Charging Network aims to build more than 2,000 charging hubs with over 10,000 charging points by the end of the decade in the US, Europe, China and several other markets. All of these initiatives are part of Ambition 2039, the Mercedes-Benz Groups global commitment to create a carbon-neutral value chain by the end of the next decade.

Mercedes-Benz continues to drive its electric only strategy forward and commits to a future-oriented charging infrastructure by investing in a global charging network. With the development of the Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging Network in North America, Mercedes-Benz continues its bold pursuit of a carbon-neutral future for the automotive industry and the planet.

Mercedes-Benz HPC North America at a glance:

Mercedes-Benz HPC North America is responsible for the development and operation of the Mercedes-Benz high-power charging network in North America, helping realize the next, essential step forward in Mercedes-Benzs electrification strategy: Expansion of the overall North American EV charging map to help propel EV adoption to the next levels. Its mission is to deliver an industry-leading premium charging experience, with plans to deploy 400 charging stations and over 2,500 high-power chargers across North America by the end of this decade. As part of Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG, we play a crucial role in expanding the North American EV charging infrastructure and driving EV adoption. The company is a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Investment Company LLC and MN8 Energy, a leading renewable energy company who in their capacity will serve as Mercedes-Benzs development and operations partner. The company is part of the Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG family of companies, the financial and mobility services division of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.

Mercedes-Benz Mobility at a glance

With around 10,000 employees, Mercedes-Benz Mobility specialises in financial and mobility services. The products range from financing, leasing, vehicle subscription, rental and fleet management to insurance, innovative mobility services, digital payment solutions as well as products and services around charging. Mercedes-Benz Mobility is a division of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, which also includes the vehicle manufacturer Mercedes-Benz AG, one of the largest suppliers of premium and luxury passenger cars and vans. Mercedes-Benz Group AG is one of the most successful automotive companies in the world. As financial services provider, Mercedes-Benz Mobility entities support sales of the Mercedes-Benz Group's automotive brands worldwide. In addition, Mercedes-Benz Mobility offers comprehensive products and services in the fields of charging at home, at public and for business use cases. In Germany, Mercedes-Benz Bank is one of the leading vehicle financing banks. Flexible mobility offers such as Mercedes-Benz Rent or EQ subscription, enable an uncomplicated and flexible entry into e-mobility, complementing the service portfolio. With its subsidiary Athlon, Mercedes-Benz Mobility is present in Europe in operational fleet management and vehicle leasing and is responsible for around 400,000 vehicles. In addition, Mercedes-Benz Mobility invests in the market for urban mobility services: The FREE NOW Joint Venture is a pioneer of multimodal mobility with its digital Mobility-as-a-Service platform. The Digital Charging Solutions GmbH (DCS), which is behind the CHARGE NOW Joint Venture, brings together drivers of electric vehicles and charging station operators. The portfolio also includes StarRides  a limousine transport service joint venture in China  and the participation in the Berlin chauffeur service Blacklane. In 2022, Mercedes-Benz Mobility financed or leased around every second of the Mercedes-Benz Group's vehicles sold worldwide. This corresponds to a contract volume of 132.4 billion . The business segment generated sales of 27.0 billion  in 2022 and achieved an EBIT adjusted of 2.4 billion . Mercedes-Benz Mobility operates in 35 countries.
NATO on Wednesday announced it will buy six Boeing aircraft to replace its ageing fleet of AWACS surveillance planes, bolstering the alliance's capabilities to track the threat from Russia.

"The production of the six new Boeing E-7A Wedgetail aircraft is set to begin in the coming years, with the first aircraft expected to be ready for operational duty by 2031," NATO said.

NATO said the joint acquisition by its members represented one of the alliance's "biggest-ever capability purchases", but did not give the overall cost.

The jets will be operated centrally by the alliance, likely out of its Geilenkirchen airbase in Germany, with intelligence shared among the 31 members.

"Equipped with a powerful radar, the aircraft can detect hostile aircraft, missiles and ships at great distances and can direct NATO fighter jets to their targets," the alliance said.

The United States, Britain and Turkey already fly Wedgetail aircraft or plan to operate them.

The British government said last year it was spending 1.89 billion ($2.36 billion) on a programme to acquire three planes.

NATO has stepped up surveillance activities along its eastern flank in the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

In January, the alliance deployed AWACS planes to Romania, which borders Ukraine.

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Soaring prices of tobacco products in Egypt are expected to ease soon following the latest measures taken by the country to control the local market, the chairman of Egypt's largest tobacco producer Eastern Company, Hany Aman said on Wednesday.

The Egyptian cigarette market has been grappling with a severe crisis characterized by supply shortages and a substantial price surge, resulting in the emergence of a parallel market.

In a phone-in with ONTV channel on Tuesday, Aman blamed the recent market turmoil on the greed of certain merchants who deliberately limited supply in anticipation of an increase in prices or the imposition of new taxes.

In October, Egypts parliament introduced an additional EGP 0.50 VAT tax on tobacco products to help tobacco companies put the right price for their products, achieve profits, and stabilize the cigarette market.

Aman expected a period of stability and consistent supply as tobacco producers that halted production to adjust the prices per the new tax amendments have resumed production.

All companies are operating at full capacity, he assured.

As for the Eastern Company, Aman emphasized that it is fully equipped to meet the market's demands at this time of the year.

The company has experienced only minor temporary pauses during the tax adjustment process, said Aman, adding that since Thursday, the company's production has exceeded last year's rate by an additional 15 percent.

The Eastern Company CEO also appealed to consumers to maintain their natural consumption patterns and avoid panic buying or hoarding.

Major tobacco companies, including Philip Morris Misr and state-owned Eastern Company, increased the prices of their tobacco products by 15-20.5 percent and 12.5-20 percent, respectively.

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US energy giant Chevron has resumed natural gas flows through the East Mediterranean Gas (EMG) pipeline from Israel to Egypt, the company announced on Tuesday.

On Monday, the company said that it has resumed the supply of natural gas from the offshore Tamar field.

The action came after over a month of halting operations of the field in response to the Israeli sides instructions amid the Israeli war on Gaza.

The Tamar field is a major source of natural gas for Israel's power generators.

"Chevron Mediterranean Limited (CML) can confirm that on November 14, 2023, the natural gas flow through the EMG pipeline resumed," it said in a statement.

World Oil also reported that the EMG pipeline that runs from Israels Ashkelon, just north of the Gaza Strip, to Egypts Arish is also probably to resume this week, citing three people familiar with the operations.

The company added that shipments were being routed through a longer route in Jordan, while the more direct link was closed in October.

The suspension of natural gas flows from the Tamar field has resulted in a severe shortage of natural gas required to operate the electricity generators in Egypt. As a result, the government imposes up to three hours of power outages per day to lower the pressure on natural gas usage.

At the end of October, the Egyptian cabinet said that gas imports had fallen to zero.

Imports are expected to increase to 650 mmcf/d on Thursday and to the normal level of 800 mmcf/d early next week, from about 250 mmcf/d seen earlier in November, according to Bloomberg.

Egypt depends on Israeli gas to meet the domestic demand and exports the excess alongside its liquefied natural gas mainly to the European market.

Egypts liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports could be 40 percent lower this winter than forecast in October, according to BloombergNEF projections.

The country shipped 80 percent of its LNG to Europe in 2022 as the continent is trying to replace Russian pipeline gas after the Russian war on Ukraine.

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The festival's opening film will be the award-winning "Black Night," and the guest of honor will be Eylem Kaftan, the director of the movie "A Day, 365 Hours.

The Turkish Canadian Society is proud to announce the 10th Annual Turkish Film Festival, co-presented with SFU Woodward's Cultural Programs from November 24 to 26 at the SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts. The festival will provide a window into contemporary Turkish cinema and culture as in the past, with a lineup of 8 feature films and 2 documentaries.

Following the opening gala reception on the night of November 24, the festival will officially open with the well-known screenwriter-director Ozcan Alper's "Black Night," a drama about a man returning to his hometown after 8 years of self-inflicted exile, which won the Best Film and Best Screenplay awards at the 59th Antalya Film Festival, Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor awards at the 10th Bosphorus Film Festival, Best Director, Special Jury Award, and SIYAD Best Film Award at the 33rd Ankara Film Festival. Recently, it won the "Best Film" award at the Montpellier Film Festival in France.

Festival Director Eylem Sonmez said, "We are proud to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Vancouver Turkish Film Festival, which is organized by a volunteer team under the umbrella of the Turkish Canadian Society. For the last 10 years, we have presented the most distinguished and award-winning films of Turkish cinema in Vancouver. This year, we are pleased to present the films of female directors such as Eylem Kaftan, Melisa Onel, Somnur Vardar, Umran Safter, Ayse Polat, and movies that tell women's stories such as "A Day, 365 Hours," "Suddenly," "Guilt," "Glass Curtain," in a world where still few movies portray strong female figures and even fewer have women at the helm as director, producer, or writer. "

Following the Sarajevo Film Festival, the film "A Day, 365 Hours", which had its Turkish premiere at the 30th International Adana Golden Boll Film Festival, tells the story of three women crossing paths after the abuses they suffered under the shadow of crime, hatred and the search for justice. After the movie screening, Assistant Director Nural Sumbultepe will have a Q&A session with director Eylem Kaftan.

One of the most exciting productions of this year's festival is Selman Nacar's latest movie "Hesitation Line" which had its world premiere at the 80th Venice Film Festival and was deemed worthy of the Best Film award from the main competition section of the Zurich Film Festival. The film is about the story of a lawyer who has to confront herself while defending a murder suspect.

On February 6, 2023, a massive earthquake hit Antioch, known as the "City of Civilizations." The documentary "Lost in the Dark" bears witness to the feelings, losses, and hopes of the people of Antioch. It invites the audience to understand the earthquake's devastating effects, learn from it, remember it, and take precautions in the future.

Other festival highlights include "Drifting," which won the Best Documentary Award at the 2023 Istanbul Film Festival, "In the Blind Spot," which had its world premiere at the 2023 Berlin Film Festival, and "Almost Entirely a Slight Disaster," which won the Best Film, Best Director, and Screenplay Awards at the 30th International Adana Golden Boll Film Festival.

http://vtff.ca

Facebook: @VancouverTurkishFilmFest

Instagram: @vtfilmfest
Gut feeling says return of BJP Govt





Staff Reporter

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday addressed a massive election rally in support of party candidates at Badda Dada Maidan. Addressing a mammoth gathering, Shah said that where ever he visited in Madhya Pradesh, he witnessed a wave of support for Bharatiya Janata Party, confidently predicting the formation of a BJP Government in the State once again. The Union Home Minister narrated his extensive travels across Chambal-Gwalior, Sagar and Bhopal, stating the BJP wave is clear everywhere. Shah said that it is a matter of time when the BJP will form government with a resounding majority after December 3. He appealed people to vote for the formation of a lotus government, assuring that under Prime Minister Modis leadership, the income support for farmers will double from Rs 6,000 to Rs 12,000. He also promised that post-December 3, gas cylinders under the Ujjwala Scheme would be available in Madhya Pradesh for just Rs 450, regardless of market prices. Shah recalled about his youth spent in Jabalpur, where he extensively researched the history of Raghunath and Shankar Shah during an 11-day stay in a Dharmshala in Pisanhari Ki Madia. He underlined the historical significance of Jabalpur, citing its pivotal role in the 1857 revolution and the fight against the Mughals.

Reflecting on his personal connection with Jabalpur, Shah recounted his stay in the city during his youth, expressing his commitment to the development of the region. He highlighted the choice in these elections between a Congress-led alliance, which he deemed as dynastic and corrupt and the leadership of Narendra Modi, who, in his nine years, has transformed India into a prosperous and secure nation. Shah criticised the Congress party, accusing it of building a fortress of family politics over five generations and questioned the impact of the alliance between Kamal Nath and Digvijay Singh on the welfare of Madhya Pradesh. He asserted that only the BJP can safeguard the country, ensure its prosperity and elevate its honour, drawing a clear distinction between the two political alternatives.

Shah said that the people of Jabalpur triple Diwali, one they have already celebrated, another they will rejoice on the victory of BJP on December 3 and third Diwali on reverence for the legacy of Ramlala on January 22. Shah challenged the opposition to account for the funds allocated to Madhya Pradesh during the UPA government and declared his confidence in the transformative power of BJP governance under Shivraj Singh Chouhans leadership. Later, Amit Shah conducted a roadshow in support of party candidates in North Central and East Assembly.
Crude prices rallied this week after posting their steepest drop in over three months, rebounding on brighter consumption forecasts from OPEC and the International Energy Agency (IEA), according to a report by the Kuwaiti asset management company Kamco Invest on Wednesday.

Brent crude oil futures prices declined to $79.54 per barrel on 8 November 2023 from $80 per barrel, as Beijing's Covid toll and a strong dollar fuelled recession risks. Output from the OPEC+ alliance has held mostly steady, while usage is seen gaining momentum.

The IEA joined OPEC in lifting 2023 demand growth estimates, with the former seeing consumption rise 2.4 million barrels per day (mbpd) after upgrading its outlook. Figures out of China also point to industrial and retail resilience despite COVID-19 controls.

Still a tentative economic backdrop leaves room for upside surprises in fuel demand. Sky-high refining costs in China and import restrictions from top supplier Saudi Arabia also risk limiting uptake.

Production rose marginally across the globe in October. Non-OPEC production increased by 200,000 barrels per day to 73.7 million barrels per day as Norway and the Americas boosted supply, offsetting falls in Russia and Brazil.

OPEC volumes inched up by 80,000 barrels to 27.9 million, led by gains in Angola and Iran countering declines led by Saudi Arabia and Libya, while Saudi cuts continue alongside its OPEC+ alliance with Russia.

Nigeria boosted supply to the highest since 2020 after oil worker negotiations, while Iraq works to restart exports from the troubled pipeline connecting north to Turkey. US shale is projected to set fresh records.

The supply-demand dynamics leave oil historically tight even as economic uncertainty persists. With OPEC+ likely extending cuts and China's 2021 demand bounce as a guide, the upside for fuel consumption remains.

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Captured Hamas Parliament building, now under control of Israel





Flares rise over the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, on Monday. (AP/PTI)

TEL AVIV :

THE Israel Defence 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.

The IDF reported on Tuesday morning that over the past 24 hours, the Air Force attacked about 200 different Hamas targets, including terrorists, weapons production sites, anti-tank missile launch sites, and military headquarters. During the night, the forces, the Israel Navy attacked a military camp that was used by the naval formation of Hamas, for training purposes and to store weapons. There was yet another example of Hamas hiding behind civilians as, in a ground activity carried out by special forces reconnaissance of the Negev Brigade, the reserve Givati Reconnaissance fighters, the unit uncovered a tunnel shaft located in the mosque. Also, ground forces directed planes and combat helicopters that attacked an anti-tank missile squad that fired at them. Renowned Candian-born Israeli peace activist, Vivian Silver, confirmed killed in Hamas attack: Vivian Silver, a Canadian-born Israeli activist who devoted her life to seeking peace with the Palestinians, was confirmed killed in Hamas October 7 incursion into southern Israel.

For 38 days, Silver, who had moved to Israel in the 1970s and made her home in Kibbutz Beeri, had been believed to be among the nearly 240 hostages 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 he texted with his mother during the attack. The exchanges started out lighthearted, with Silver maintaining her sense of humour, he said. Suddenly, he said, there was a dramatic downturn when she understood the end had come, and militants stormed her house.
Congress has accepted defeat ahead of elections: PM Modi





Staff Reporter

With just three days left for voting for the Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh on November 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a mammoth gathering in Betul on Tuesday, has claimed that the Congress party it seems has accepted the defeat in elections. Criticising the opposition, PM Modi said that after gathering report from State, Congress has let everything on destiny. He said, Congress has accepted that lie cannot exist before guarantee of Modi. Modis guarantee means, guarantee to complete the work. He further said Congress used to ask construction date of Ram temple but they do not know about Modi.

Flaying Congress over false promise, PM Modi said, Modi has grown up after drinking Narmada water. Congress had formed its Government last time with false promise of making farmers free from loan but they cannot do the same even after one and half years, added Modi. PM Modi also attacked Congress over the Made in China statement of Rahul Gandhi saying, A great scholar of Congress was saying that India has made in China mobile phone. Foolish! Where are you these days? Congress leaders are habitual of not witness the achievement of our country. Today, India is the biggest country in terms of manufacturing the mobile phone.

 He further said that Congress party is worried after watching the victory of BJP. He further alleged that Congress has started threatening the Government officers and employees. No one need to be worried, BJP is ruling over the MP in current and will be ruling after December 3 as well, said PM Modi. Modi said that this election is about giving double speed to the development of Madhya Pradesh. The election is also about stopping Congress from looting the State treasure and corruption. Taking a dig at Congress he said Congress Jaha Jaha Gai, Tabahi Laiye.
GAZA POLICY: BIDEN AT WAR WITH HIS OWN OFFICE





By C J Atkins

The dissent cable that leaked last week said the US must reverse course and pressure Israel for a ceasefire. It pointed the finger at the President, arguing he must also criticise Israel for the atrocities it commits rather than just repeating condemnations of Hamas alone. The mismatch between Bidens words and the reality on the ground in Gaza, the first memo said, contributes to public perceptions that the United States is a biased and dishonest actor, which at best does not advance, and at worst harms, US interests worldwide.

AT LEAST 100 officials in the US State Department and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have signed onto a memo demanding that the Government immediately push for a ceasefire in Gaza and accusing President Joe Biden of spreading misinformation while Israel commits war crimes. The document has not yet been made public, but a copy was obtained by Axios, who reported on its existence on Monday morning. It is the second major broadside against the White House to emerge from within the Government in as many weeks. Last Monday, Politico obtained a separate document authored by another group of State Department staffers who also blasted the Biden administration for refusing to criticise the actions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his military. That such a rebellion was in the offing was first hinted at on October 19, the night Biden addressed the nation to ask for more weapons money for Israel and Ukraine. Just over an hour before Biden hit the airwaves, HuffPost reported that a group of State Department insiders were possibly preparing to express their opposition with a rare dissent cable. Such documents are formal disagreements with official policy that staff can send to top leaders through a protected internal channel. The instrument was established during the US war against Vietnam to allow diplomats to warn when they believe the US is making dangerous and self-defeating choices. It is now clear that the number of diplomatic staff dissatisfied with Biden is even larger than initially thought.

There are the two known dissent cables dispatched so far, and several more are reportedly circulating and gaining more signatures. In the latest memo, Biden is critiqued for disregarding the lives of Palestinians and doubling down on our unwavering military assistance to the (Israeli Government) without clear or actionable redlines. Nothing Israel doesfrom cutting off electricity and aid to bombing hospitalshas deterred the President, who still shows an unwillingness to de-escalate the brutal campaign of his ally, Netanyahu, the statement says. The State Department dissenters argue that Israels actions all constitute war crimes and/or crimes against humanity under international law, but rather than acknowledging that, Biden instead spreads misinformation about the nature of the war, especially by questioning the number of deaths in Gaza. The dissent cable that leaked last week said the US must reverse course and pressure Israel for a ceasefire. It pointed the finger at the President, arguing he must also criticise Israel for the atrocities it commits rather than just repeating condemnations of Hamas alone. The mismatch between Bidens words and the reality on the ground in Gaza, the first memo said, contributes to public perceptions that the United States is a biased and dishonest actor, which at best does not advance, and at worst harms, US interests worldwide. We must publicly criticize Israels violations of international norms such as failure to limit offensive operations to legitimate military targets, the message stated, spelling out exactly what the White House has failed to say.

When Israel supports settler violence and illegal land seizures or employs excessive use of force against Palestinians, we must communicate publicly that this goes against our American values so that Israel does not act with impunity. That the US is willing to tolerate such a high death toll among Palestinian civiliansover 11,100 as of this writingengenders doubt in the rules-based international order that we have long championed. In the newest leaked document, signers say the US should advocate for the release of hostages by both Hamas and (Israel), citing the 240 Israelis believed to be held captive in Gaza and the thousands of Palestinians imprisoned in Israel, including those without charge. The sudden leaks of these dissent cables suggest that the mutiny in Washington against Bidens lockstep support for Netanyahu is growing. Already in late October, Josh Paul, the State Department official who signs off on US arms transfers to foreign countries, resigned his post in protest, saying provision of lethal arms to Israel does more harm than good. We cannot be both against the occupation and for it, he said. A letter by over 1,000 USAID employees released in early November decried the numerous violations of international law in Gaza and said that further catastrophic loss of human life can only be avoided if the United States Government calls for an immediate ceasefire and an end to Israels illegal occupation of the Palestinian territories and settlements on occupied land. News also emerged in October concerning widespread disillusionment among staffers within the Biden administration who disagreed with the Presidents support for Netanyahu but felt too intimidated to speak out. In anonymous interviews with the media, a number of employees said they feared losing their jobs if they raised questions.

The emergence of the dissenting State Department cables suggests, however, that many Government employees can no longer be silent as their boss supports war crimes and genocide. On Capitol Hill, meanwhile, Rep. Cori Bushs ceasefire resolution continues to gain more support from veterans, peace organisations, and labour, including the American Postal Workers Union. Hundreds of Congressional staffersmostly workers of colourjoined the campaign as well, staging a walkout last Wednesday to demand a ceasefire. An open letter from over 500 former Democratic campaign staffers who helped Biden win against Donald Trump in 2020, released Thursday, also piled on with the same message. As President of the United States, you have significant influence in this perilous moment, the letter said. You must call for a ceasefire, hostage exchange, and de-escalation, and take concrete steps to address the conditions of occupation, apartheid, and ethnic cleansing at the root of the horrific violence we are witnessing now. When asked the same day about the chances of a ceasefire, Bidens reply: None. No possibility.
Gut feeling says return of BJP Govt: Shah





Staff Reporter

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday addressed a massive election rally in support of party candidates at Badda Dada Maidan. Addressing a mammoth gathering, Shah said that where ever he visited in Madhya Pradesh, he witnessed a wave of support for Bharatiya Janata Party, confidently predicting the formation of a BJP Government in the State once again. The Union Home Minister narrated his extensive travels across Chambal-Gwalior, Sagar and Bhopal, stating the BJP wave is clear everywhere. Shah said that it is a matter of time when the BJP will form government with a resounding majority after December 3. He appealed people to vote for the formation of a lotus government, assuring that under Prime Minister Modis leadership, the income support for farmers will double from Rs 6,000 to Rs 12,000. He also promised that post-December 3, gas cylinders under the Ujjwala Scheme would be available in Madhya Pradesh for just Rs 450, regardless of market prices. Shah recalled about his youth spent in Jabalpur, where he extensively researched the history of Raghunath and Shankar Shah during an 11-day stay in a Dharmshala in Pisanhari Ki Madia.

He underlined the historical significance of Jabalpur, citing its pivotal role in the 1857 revolution and the fight against the Mughals. Reflecting on his personal connection with Jabalpur, Shah recounted his stay in the city during his youth, expressing his commitment to the development of the region. He highlighted the choice in these elections between a Congress-led alliance, which he deemed as dynastic and corrupt and the leadership of Narendra Modi, who, in his nine years, has transformed India into a prosperous and secure nation. Shah criticised the Congress party, accusing it of building a fortress of family politics over five generations and questioned the impact of the alliance between Kamal Nath and Digvijay Singh on the welfare of Madhya Pradesh. He asserted that only the BJP can safeguard the country, ensure its prosperity and elevate its honour, drawing a clear distinction between the two political alternatives.
Over 5,000 Myanmaris enter Mizoram





AIZAWL,

OVER 5,000 Myanmar nationals have crossed over to neighbouring Mizoram in India following Mondays airstrike by the Myanmar Army in its Chin State, said Lalbiakthanga Khiangte, Inspector General of Police, Mizoram Police. 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, the IGP further said. He said one of the injured succumbed to his injuries last evening. Asked what the status was on the ground and whether there was any possibility for commotion on the Myanmar side, he said, Since last night there has been no commotion. Now it is quite calm but we dont 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 injured are being taken care of by local Mizo non-governmental organisations. Many Myanmar nationals were caught in the crossfire and got injured while crossing over to India on Monday. The fighting reportedly started after the Peoples Defence Force (PDF) attacked two military bases at Khawmawi and Rihkhawdar in Chin state near the Indian border. In retaliation, the Myanmar army launched airstrikes. Several Myanmar nationals who were injured in the Myanmar Army airstrike have crossed the international border entered Mizoram district and were admitted to a hospital. The latest influx of refugees is in addition to the thousands who have already taken refuge in the north-eastern state since 2021. Mizos share ethnic ties with the Chin community. Myanmars military junta is facing its biggest test since taking power in a 2021 coup.

Centre takes cognisance: Central Intelligence agencies are keeping a close watch as the gunbattle in Myanmar triggered a fresh influx of refugees in Mizoram. 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. Indian officials said that the massive gunfight between Myanmars Tatmadaw (military) and pro-democratic force Peoples Defence Force (PDF) have been going on for the past several days causing the fresh influx of refugees from the neighbouring country.
Stalking, Voyeurism Study shows Challenges & Solutions in tackling the crime in digital era





Staff Reporter

A city lawyer practising in the Supreme Court of India, has brought attention to the limitations within current provisions addressing stalking and voyeurism which emerged as the big challenge for society, especially women, in the digital era. The lawyers study paper, recently published in an international legal journal, delves into the complexity of these offences and shed light on pressing challenges. The primary hurdle identified is the feasibility of establishing a dedicated wing to tackle stalking and voyeurism. The difficulty in collecting evidence and accurately attributing it to the offender further complicates these cases and it was observed in scenarios where on-line hackers compromise accounts to stalk victims, according to the study of Adv Manan Rajendra Daga, a pass out of the West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS). While acknowledging the progress post-amendment, the study suggests further research and better implementation of laws to overcome existing hurdles. The cases mentioned, including instances of suicide due to stalking which expose the vulnerability of victims and the importance of reporting such crimes. In a case in 2016, a woman had committed suicide as she was fed up of the harassment and constant stalking she had been facing. So, the accused was charged with abetment to suicide and stalking under IPC in this case. In another case reported in 2017, the accused harassed the victim and made her leave the hostel and college. Thereafter, stalked her physically and virtually, along with harassing her.

He was booked under a lot of provisions including the one under stalking, informed the research paper. The study also distinguishes between overt and covert stalking and notes the evolution of voyeurism from visual to digital offences. In covert stalking, the offender does everything in hiding and in doing that, definitely oversteps the privacy boundary of the victim without her knowing. Voyeurism has not only stayed as a visual offence. It has transformed itself from being merely visual to being digital. The photos or videos one captures in the act of committing voyeurism, and then uploads it online or sells it online, is expanding the offence from being visual to digital, the research paper stated. The study further elaborated the scenario of Voyeurism and stated that it has been on an upsurge on another level. It can also be committed physically, like through keyholes or peepholes, but the same is difficult to prove in court as the evidence is hard to collect. Leave the court, these types of voyeurism are hard to discover in general, as most victims are not even aware of such intrusion into their privacy. An exclusive provision for this is a good sign of development, but it is not enough. The nuances of the same need further research, and better implementation of laws is needed, the paper stated. It also highlighted gender bias in existing laws also surfaced in the study as the 2013 amendment primarily focused on offences against women and left male victims with limited recourse. With Section 377 of IPC being decriminalised, such provisions of stalking and voyeurism should be made for the male members of the society too.

This gender-biased law should be done away with because now even the males are at the peril of being victims to the offences of stalking and voyeurism, the presentation opined. The analysis proposes practical solutions to enhance the effectiveness of stalking and voyeurism laws. A key recommendation is the implementation of widespread awareness campaigns to educate people on potential risks and preventive measures. The study also stressed the regulation on drones. With increase in such technology, several new devices are being created like drones. Drones might also be used to indulge in stalking and voyeurism. Hence, a proper regulation of using drones in residential places for sure, and possibly in business places too, should be devised, the study claimed. The study stressed on the need to promote awareness about the definitions of stalking and voyeurism and empower the persons to file criminal cases against offenders. As society grapples with evolving challenges in the digital age, the study focused that comprehensive and inclusive measures are deemed imperative to bridge gaps in existing laws and safeguard the citizens from these offences, it said.
States festival gift 8 pc lease rent hike stayed





Staff Reporter

for Nagpurians owning lease land of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), there is a great news as Maharashtra Government has stayed the implementation of 8 per cent hike in rentals and instead lowered it to 0.5 per cent. The lease rent for commercial establishments also remains unchanged at 0.7 per cent. Krishna Khopde, MLA, East Nagpur, sharing the GR issued by Urban Development Department, said this is a Diwali gift for people residing on NMC land. Earlier, NMC had effected a steep rise in lease rental from 0.2 to 8 per cent on annual basis that resulted in animosity among the lease holders. Shopkeepers said the hike was steep and approached political leaders seeking a roll-back of lease rental. Local MLAs took the issue to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and pushed the demand of traders and citizens and pointed out that such steep hike of 8 per cent was unfeasible.

The UDD appointed a committee to study the issue and based on its report, issued a notification regulating the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation (Fixed Assets Lease Transfer and Rental Renewal) Rules, 2023. The additional directives state that the NMC land on lease for use residential, education, charity and public purpose should be fixed at 0.5 per cent of the property value and in case of commercial use the rental should be 0.7 per cent. In case the land holding is in between 3,000 to 5,000 sq.ft. then the lease rental remains unchanged at 0.9 per cent. Similarly, as per the September 13, 2019, notification, the prevalent NMC rates would not be doubled.




By Dr Anjan Chatterjee

The alarming AQI hovering around 200 for the past week in Nagpur and also in other cities of Maharashtra is a cause for concern. It needs a thorough investigation into the ground truth and real causative factors for such worsening. The Diwali festival has surely aggravated the already alarming AQI figures, but as the headline news (City line 14.11.2023) says the devil of pollution needs a round the year check and its not only Diwali, when we should be rattled. Both the Central and State machineries need to gear up and hand over the studies to one or more of their accredited laboratories to take up case studies, by selecting the worst affected cities. It is extremely important to understand the quantum of pollutants that are emitted from each polluting source. Recent studies by the International Forum for Environment Sustainability and Technology (iForest) in India have revealed the level of pollutants focusing only on PM 2.5 (particulate matter  PM) or lower sized particulate matter, that are most toxic for human health. iForest shows that residential homes (including cooking and heating) emit 48% of the pollutants the highest, while industries (combustion and processes) emit 28.9%. Next in the list are the power generation (8.3%) and transport sectors (6.9%), followed by crop residue burning (6.5%) and others (1.4%).

Our clean air lobbies have been targeting the transport sector, as it is the softest to succumb to such pressures, thereafter from the legislature, executive, judiciary and media. The age-old myth connecting automobiles solely as the worst polluters on the earth needs to be revisited. Taking cue from judicial diktats on 10 year old diesels and 15 year old petrol engine private automobiles, now deregistered in Delhi and the NCR, w.e.f. December 2016, the air quality during winter months has progressively worsened there each year since 2018, till the present date. This is even after de-registration and disappearance of all targeted older automobiles. Who is to blame for robbing the poorer classes of their livelihoods and the enthusiasts of their prized possessions? The retired and limited income groups are also victims. No authenticated data either by the Union Road Transport or Environment Ministries was provided to the judiciary asserting the quantum of pollutants released from each of the various sources. Both Ministries were respondents in the NGT and Apex court suits. Rabindra Nath Tagore had said ja kichhu haraye, bole Kesta Beta chor. It means that whenever something is lost, Krishna, the child is be blamed as the thief.

To get imposed such bans, some green lobbies had worked overtime. The moot point is that such decisions could trickle down to other locations in India, where there are AQI issues. Eversince the BS I norms kicked in, in 1997, the present day automobiles have various devices to check emissions. With new BS VI (2) norms, the pollutant releases are much more checked. But contrarily, nearly all other sources of pollutant emissions listed by iForest have no check mechanisms or devices fitted to contain obnoxious, lower than PM 2.5 emissions. Studying emissions from various named and maybe unnamed sources, the accredited laboratories could arrive at conclusions that are specific to each city.

Such a data base can be used to mitigate the devil of AQI, based on recommendations of environmental scientists. Locations that have more thermal power generation plants could reveal higher figures of its role in AQI worsening and so on. The AQI worsening needs education to groom the public mindset. NGOs and self-help groups with CSR funds could take such initiatives. Official orders and diktats before implementation need to educate the public thoroughly. Provision of a reasonable window before the deadline is pragmatic. Implementation with spot checks by law enforcers can thereafter be effective. Unless the average person is educated about AQI hazards, there could be no logical conclusion. We have all witnessed the strict single use plastic ban that has only marginally checked its usage.
To rescue 40 workers trapped for 2 days





UTTARKASHI :

RESCUE workers on Tuesday began the process of inserting wide steel pipes through the rubble of the collapsed under-construction tunnel on the Chardham route to bring out the 40 labourers trapped inside for two days now, officials said. The plan was to push through 900-mm diameter sections of mild steel pipes -- one after the other -- into the rubble using drilling equipment and create an escape passage for the workers, who officials say are safe and being provided with oxygen, water, food packets and medicines through tubes.

The son of Gabbar Singh Negi, one of the trapped labourers, was allowed to speak to his father for a few seconds on Tuesday. He said they were safe. He asked us not to worry, Akash Singh Negi told PTI. A local priest was also asked to perform a puja for the early and safe evacuation of the stranded workers. 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. The 30-metre collapsed section is 270 metres from the mouth of the tunnel from the Silkyara side, the state emergency operation centre said in Dehradun. Disaster Management Secretary Ranjit Kumar Sinha said the authorities have set a target of rescuing the trapped labourers by Tuesday night or Wednesday. The officials said mild steel (MS) pipes and the auger machine arrived at the spot in the early hours of Tuesday.

A platform is being prepared for the auger drilling machine, the officials said, adding that the MS pipes have a diameter of 900 mm. An expert team of five engineers from the irrigation department is on the spot to oversee the insertion process of the MS pipes through the rubble, the state emergency operation centre said. A team of 160 rescuers from the NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, BRO, RAF and the health department have been on the spot since Sunday, working relentlessly to reach the trapped workers. Contact is being maintained with the trapped labourers and the assurance that a huge rescue operation is being carried out by various agencies to evacuate them has also boosted their morale, NHIDCL Executive Director Col (retd.) Sandip Sudehra said. The National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is the agency engaged in building the tunnel. Uttarkashis Chief Medical Officer RCS Panwar said a six-bed temporary hospital has been set up near the tunnel and 10 ambulances with medical teams stationed to provide immediate medical care to the trapped workers after their evacuation.

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. A team of experts headed by the Uttarakhand Landslide Minimisation and Management Centre director are examining the affected part of the tunnel and the hill above to ascertain the reasons behind the cave-in, an official statement said. The team also includes scientists and officials from the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority, the Geological Survey of India, the Central Building Research Institute, IIT-Roorkee and the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is constantly taking updates on the progress of rescue operations, the statement said.
UNMASKED





THAT the Opposition parties are fighting against the so-called non-secular (that is pro-Hindu) politics of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from a secular platform, is a misnomer. Whether a party is a constituent of the I.N.D.I. Alliance or not, is immaterial. For, almost every political party in the Opposition camp seems to have taken a clear stand against Hindu thought-process, so to say. And in order to consolidate its grip on whatever part of the vote-bank, its leadership is attacking what is open Hindu interest. So, when a political organisation takes such a stand against a particular religious faith, it is not engaged in a secular politics at all. Much to the contrary, its insistency against a particular religious faith is a mark of its not playing secular politics at all. Going by this token, it is clear that the Opposition parties are also playing a religious card by castigating the Hindu religion or the Sanatan faith. This has been happening quite consistently over the past some time -- that is years on end. But the main attributes of this happening in the Opposition camp is that the anti-Sanatan stance of most parties appears to be a part of a massive anti-India conspiracy hatched top bring a bad name to the Hindu or Sanatan faith. However, no matter the official policy of most parties on this issue, many leaders in different parties in the Opposition camp are clearly uncomfortable with that kind of stand on the age-old Sanatan philosophy. They have either distanced themselves from the anti-Sanatan propaganda or have openly criticised the policy that would mean a serious setback to Opposition political interests in the short as well as long runs.

For example, when Tamil Nadu Minister Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin blasted Sanatan dharma as a disease and several other leaders of the Dravidian politics supported him, most parties in the I.N.D.I. Alliance felt terribly embarrassed and could not take any firm stand favouring or opposing the ugly statements. Some senior Congress leaders such as Mr. Kamal Nath in Madhya Pradesh and Mr. Singdev in Chhattisgarh quickly distanced themselves from the stand. That action of theirs was considered as a private position while the Congress party asked some of its individual leaders to make statements supporting Mr. Stalin. This duplicity was a crafty way of handling the immediate challenge Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalins statement posed before the party -- whether to support it openly or to oppose the same. No matter that, it is obvious that in the past few months, the so-called secular mask of the Opposition camp thus got torn off and the ugly face of he I.N.D.I. Alliance became known to the common voting public.

The latest blow to the so-called secular politics came from the Madras High Court where the honourable judges blasted the Tamil Nadu police for failing to take a stern action against Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalins statement which was considered a direct specimen of what is called hate-speech. No Opposition party took an open stand against Mr. Udhayanidhis cheap Dravidian politics. The party also chose to keep its mouth shut when confronted with the question, thereby smartly avoiding an open statement but internally supporting him. Samajwadi Party leader Mr. Swami Prasad Maurya also indulged in ugly statements against the Sanatan faith and got away with it, not once but on many occasions. Yet, the Opposition camp has shown no courage to ask such statement-makers to keep their mouths shut. All this has exposed the fact that the Oppositions secular mask has come undone. It is indulging in brazen religious politics while still claiming to be secular in its ideology and ideals. This is never going to help it in the Lok Sabha elections.
When a leading scout became a hero





JCO Sanjay Kumar

By Kartik Lokhande :



Dateline Kargil-9

HEROES OF KARGIL

Having scaled the cliff in Mushkoh Valley, he came under effective enemy fire from an enemy-held bunker. He charged forward and in the ensuing hand-to-hand combat, he killed 3 of the intruders. He sustained serious injuries.

LAST year, Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) Sanjay Kumar was posted as an instructor at the National Defence Academy, Pune. He got promoted as Subedar Major too. But, more than that, he is among the three living awardees of the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), the countrys highest wartime gallantry medal. Born on March 3, 1976 at Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh, he completed education at Bilaspur and then moved to Delhi. On June 26, 1996, he joined the Indian Army at the age of 20 years. He was posted in 13 Jammu and Kashmir (JAK) Rifles. In less than three years of joining the Indian Army, he participated in the Kargil war in 1999 as Pakistan had trecherously captured winter-vacated posts at high altitude in Ladakh with an intention to sever Srinagar-Leh national highway connectivity. During Operation Vijay, the capture of Tololing on June 13, 1999, was followed by the next objectives -- to capture Point 5140 and Point 4875. Both these features dominated National Highway-1A. The 13 JAK Rifles was tasked to capture the vital positions.

The main features of Point 4875 included Whale Back, Flat Top, and Shivling. On July 3, 1999, Lt Col Y K Joshi (who retired recently as Lt Gen), the Commanding Officer of 13 JAK Rifles ordered attack on Point 4875. The next day, Major S V Bhaskar leading the A Company launched the attack from the eastern slopes, and Major Gurpreet Singh assaulted the western slopes of South Spur to capture the Flat Top. C Company of Major Gurpreet Singh cleared South Spur without any difficulty, as it was not held by the enemy. A Company of Major S V Bhaskar, however, was daylighted (spotted by the enemy in daylight) and pinned down close to the Point 4875 objective. Soon, C Company also was daylighted and came under heavy fire from the Flat Top. Rifleman Shyam Singh, who was leading scout of the platoon, came across an enemy sangar. Acting swiftly, he killed two occupants, but was wounded and succumbed to his injuries. He was awarded a Vir Chakra for his bravery. In such a situation, Rifleman Sanjay Kumar volunteered to be the leading scout of the platoon tasked to capture the Flat Top in Mushkoh Valley. Having scaled the cliff, he came under effective enemy fire from an enemy-held bunker. He charged forward and in the ensuing hand-to-hand combat, he killed three of the intruders.

He sustained serious injuries. Still, he charged on the second bunker. Taken totally by surprise, the enemy fled, leaving behind their machine gun. Rifleman Sanjay Kumar picked up the machine gun in that situation, and killed the fleeing enemy. Although he was profusely bleeding, he refused to be evacuated and continued to engage the enemy. His daring act boosted the morale of his team-mates. They charged on to the enemy and captured the Flat Top. For this act, he was awarded the Param Vir Chakra. As his PVC citation reads, Rifleman Sanjay Kumar indomitable spirit and unadulterated courage, when he charged the enemy sangar with utter disregard to personal safety... Rifleman Sanjay Kumar, thus, displayed the most conspicuous and extraordinary gallantry, cool courage, nad devotion to duty of an exceptionally high order in the face of the enemy. (To be continued)
Israeli occupation forces stormed Gaza's largest hospital Wednesday, targeting what they claimed is a Hamas command centre housed among thousands of ailing and sheltering civilians.

Israeli and Palestinian officials said military operations were taking place at Gaza City's Al-Shifa hospital -- the focal point of days of deadly fighting and nearby aerial bombardments.

Youssef Abu Rish, an official from the health ministry in Gaza who is inside the hospital, told AFP he could see tanks inside the complex and "dozens of soldiers and commandos inside the emergency and reception buildings".

The Israeli occupation army described it as "a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area" of the facility.

After sharp warnings from the United States and others that Al-Shifa must be protected, Israel said the raid was being executed based on "an operational necessity".

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.

"There are bodies littered in the hospital complex and there is no longer electricity at the morgues," hospital director Mohammad Abu Salmiya said prior to the operation.

Anticipating a fierce backlash against the hospital raid, the Israeli occupation military said it had provided evacuation routes for civilians and given authorities in Hamas-run Gaza 12 hours' notice that any military operation inside must cease.

"Unfortunately, it did not," the Israeli military said, again calling on "all Hamas terrorists present in the hospital to surrender".

The Israeli army claimed its ground teams included medics and Arabic speakers "who have undergone specified training to prepare for this complex and sensitive environment".

The intent was that "no harm is caused to the civilians being used by Hamas as human shields", it added.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas in response to its attacks on October 7, which killed an estimated 1,200 people and saw 240 captives taken to Gaza.

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says Israel's ensuing aerial bombardment and ground offensive have killed 11,320 people, mostly civilians, including thousands of children.

White House warnings

The ministry's Abu Rish called on "the international community and the United Nations to intervene immediately and urgently to stop the Israeli storming operation".

He said that among the thousands inside the hospital were "650 ailing people and thousands of injured people".

A journalist inside the hospital who is collaborating with AFP said Israeli soldiers were interrogating people on Wednesday morning, among them patients and doctors.

The White House reiterated its concerns for the safety of civilians shortly after the raid began.

"We do not support striking a hospital from the air and we don't want to see a firefight in a hospital," a National Security Council spokesperson said.

The official added that there should not be a situation in which "innocent people, helpless people, sick people trying to get medical care they deserve are caught in the crossfire".

Earlier, the White House had said that US intelligence sources corroborated Israel's claim that Hamas and another Palestinian militant group, Islamic Jihad, had buried an operational "command and control node" under Al-Shifa.

Hamas, which has repeatedly denied the claims, on Wednesday said US President Joe Biden was "wholly responsible" for the assault, accusing his administration of giving Israel "the green light... to commit more massacres against civilians".

Israel has said that the military use of the hospital "jeopardises" its "protected status under international law", a claim that many international human rights lawyers refute.

Citing the Palestinian health ministry, UN humanitarian agency OCHA said 40 patients had died in Al-Shifa on Tuesday, while hospital director Abu Salmiya said 179 bodies had been interred in a mass grave inside the complex.

'I was bleeding'

The situation in Gaza's other hospitals is also dire, with the UN saying 22 of 36 are not functional due to lack of generator fuel, damage and combat.

"The 14 hospitals remaining open have barely enough supplies to sustain critical and life-saving surgeries and provide inpatient care, including intensive care," the WHO said.

The WHO "has warned that the evacuation of hospitals in the north, as demanded by the Israeli military, would be a 'death sentence' for some patients, because operational hospitals in the south cannot admit more patients", according to an update from OCHA.

The humanitarian crisis also includes 1.5 million people who, according to the UN, have fled southwards after Israel told them to leave the northern half of the territory.

Even escaping the fighting is dangerous. Wounded Palestinians told AFP how they were hit by a strike on their way south.

"I walked around three to four kilometres (around two miles) while I was bleeding," said Hasan Baker, whose head and left hand were bandaged. "There was no possibility for any ambulance to enter the area."

Hostage talks

Israeli leaders have so far rejected any calls for a ceasefire in the five-week-old war until hostages are released.

Abu Obeida, spokesman for Hamas's military wing, said Monday that Israel had asked for the release of 100 hostages, while the militants want 200 Palestinian children and 75 women freed from 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.

Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed bin Mohammed Al-Ansari, who is helping oversee talks on a hostage deal, said the "deteriorating" situation in Gaza was hampering efforts to find agreement.

With pressure building on the Israeli government, Prime Minister Netanyahu said he was "working relentlessly" to get the hostages out.

Relatives of the hostages set out Tuesday on a five-day protest march from Tel Aviv to the prime minister's office in Jerusalem to call for the captives' release, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said.

The group later demanded the government "approve a deal tonight to bring home all hostages from Gaza".

US President Biden voiced confidence that a deal could still happen, telling the families of the hostages: "Hang in there. We're coming."

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The Israeli army raided Gaza's largest hospital, where hundreds of patients, including newborns, have been stranded with dwindling supplies and no electricity. Accounts of brutality and terror unfold from inside the hospital while the UNSC voted for a "sufficient number of days pause".

23:25 Russias ambassador to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya said that his country abstained from supporting the humanitarian pause resolution at the Security Council because it lacks a call for an immediate ceasefire.

"Humanitarian pauses are not and cannot be a replacement for a ceasefire, or even a truce. As the old saying goes, the mountain has labored and brought forth a mouse," Nebenzya said.

22:46 The United Nations security council has voted to adopt a draft resolution calling for a humanitarian pause in fighting in Gaza, and greater efforts to allow humanitarian aid into the war-ravaged territory.

Twelve nations voted for the resolution, with three abstentions, including the US and UK.

Russia has also abstained as it "ceasefire" amendments failed to rally need support, as the United States, Israels backing ally, objects to any mention of a ceasefire.

With no votes against, security council president Zhang Jun announced the resolution had passed.

BREAKING: The @UN Security Council was able to reach consensus and vote in favor of a draft resolution presented by @MaltaUNMission that will include humanitarian pauses and safe corridors in the #Gaza Strip. Results of vote: In Favor (12), Against (0), Abstain (3) #Palestine pic.twitter.com/nFDumg6MAW  State of Palestine (@Palestine_UN) November 15, 2023

Shortly before the meeting, the permanent observer of Palestine to the UN, Riyad Mansour issued a scathing two-page letter elaborating on Israel's "grave breach of international humanitarian law by raiding the Al-Shifa hospital.

"Israeli soldiers attacked Al-Shifa, terrorizing thousands of civilians who sheltered alongside patients and medical staff. Israeli soldiers raided hospital premises, ransacking rooms and destroying equipment, beating medical staff and forcing them to leave their patients," reads the text.

Israeli soldiers attacked #AlShifa,terrorizing thousands of civilians who sheltered alongside patients & medical staff.Israeli soldiers raided hospital premises,ransacking rooms & destroying equipment,beating medical staff & forcing them to leave their patients. Read@UN #Gaza pic.twitter.com/o8Vc1oRVcJ  State of Palestine (@Palestine_UN) November 15, 2023

21:58 Egypt condemned, in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Israeli occupation forces' shelling of the vicinity of the Jordanian field hospital in Gaza, leading to injuries among civilians and medical staff.

Egypt deemed it "a blatant violation of international humanitarian law,' and called on the international community to play its role in demanding the cessation of these violations.

21:05 The health ministry in Gaza said the Israeli military did not find any weapons when it stormed the Palestinian Al-Shifa hospital.

"The occupation forces did not find any (military) equipment or weapons in the hospital. Essentially we don't allow this (weapons in a hospital)," said Munir al-Bursh, health ministry director, in a statement.

The Israeli army claimed to have found military equipment during their hospital raid but didn't have too much to show to proove it.

The army showcased a photo with few hand grenades, mobile phones, communication devices, a box of dates, booklets, two versions of the Quran, a rosary as evidence.

In The video material, Israel so far tonight shows few bullet proof vests, three hand grenades, some CDs, a handgun, a laptop, a rucksack, and a few knives.

In response, Bassem Naim, a leader in the Hamas movement, dismissed Israel's presentation as "ridiculous and worthless," suggesting that the alleged weapons might have been planted by the occupation army.

He labeled the Israeli allegations regarding Al-Shifa Hospital as a farce and emphasized that the enemy failed to substantiate their claims made over weeks, in an interview on Al Jazeera.

Israeli army have invated Al Rantisi Hospita under the same claims and on Tuesday it released a video where its spoksperson points to a random calendar as "evidence" of a captives guards's list with he said "terrorists' names". But the only thing on that "list" are the days of the week, Saturday to Friday, in arabic.

In the video that went viral on social media, literally Israeli occupation army claims that a wall calendar, a bag of diapers and a toilet were proof that Hamas was using the basement of the Rantisi hospital as command post.

20:50 Qatar urged an international investigation into Israeli raids on medical facilities in the Gaza Strip, denouncing as a "war crime" Israel's latest attacks inside Al-Shifa hospital.

The Qatari foreign ministry in a statement called for "an urgent international investigation" including by the United Nations to look into "the targeting of hospitals by the Israeli occupation army".

20:20 At least 50 civilians were killed and dozens more were injured, in an Israeli strike on a mosque housing hundreds of displaced in Sabra neighbourhood in western Gaza, Al Qassam Brigades reported.

20:00 The Israel occupation army orders residents of some neighborhoods of Khan Yunis, situated in the southern Gaza to evacuate their homes.

19:10 Israeli airstrikes struck a mosque in the Al-Sabra neighborhood, located south of Gaza City. Dozens killed.

18:50 The US Navy shot down a drone from Yemen earlier today in the Red Sea, according to an American officials, cited by Reuters.

Yemen's Houthi movement has threatened to target all the Israeli ships in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait in response to its deadly war on the Gaza Strip. In a broadcast speech, Houthi leader Abdulmalik Al-Houthi said on Tuesday Our eyes are open to constantly monitoring and searching for any Israeli ship in the Red Sea, especially the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Houthis had already fired a large batch of ballistic missiles and a large number of armed aircraft towards Israel in separate operations since the Israeli war on Gaza began.

18:49 The death toll of the Palestinians killed by Israel Gaza rises to al least 11,500 including 4,710 children, the government in Gaza announced.

18:45 White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said the US did not give the green light for Israel to conduct its military operation around the Al-Shifa hospital.

"We did not give an OK to their military operations around the hospital," Kirby told reporters adding that this was in the same way the US does not give OKs to Israel's other military operations.

Kirby said these were Israeli plans executed in accordance with its own established procedures, and that the US does not expect to be informed by Israel prior to specific military operations.

18:40 A journalist trapped inside Gaza's largest hospital told AFP on Wednesday that Israeli troops had supposedly pulled out from the building after a nightlong invasion, yet this information remains unverified.

"The Israeli artillery are still at the gates of the hospital and they have full control over the facility," an Al Jazeera journalist reported. The Israeli army spokesman also said that the forces are still conducting a search within the hospital, looking for weapons and other materials.

18:25 President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi stressed the need to prevent escalation of the Israeli war on Gaza, during a meeting with French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu.

El-Sisi and highlighted Egypt's efforts for a ceasefire, aid delivery, and evacuations.

17:56 France expresses very serious concern about Israels operation inside the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, the French foreign ministry said in a statement, reported by AFP.

It said the country recognised the absolute necessity for Israel to comply with international humanitarian law, which particularly provides for the protection of hospital infrastructure.

17:45 After four failed attempts, the U.N. Security Council is trying for a fifth time to vote later today on a draft resolution calling for "urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip for a sufficient number of days to enable aid access."

It also would demand that "all parties" comply with international humanitarian law that requires protection for civilians, calls for special protections for children, and bans hostage-taking.

But the draft, proposed by Malta makes no mention of a ceasefire.

The 15-member council has been paralyzed since the Israeli war began by its internal divisions. This is especially the case between China and Russia, which want an immediate ceasefire, and the United States, Israels backing ally, that objects to any mention of a ceasefire.

Faced with the council's inability to act, the UN General Assembly on October 27 adopted with a large majority a nonbinding text calling for an "immediate humanitarian truce."

"I know we are all disappointed about the inaction of the Council in the past 40 days," China's UN ambassador Jun Zhang said Wednesday.

This is the summary of the day so far.. Israeli occupation troops invaded Al-Shifa hospital early on Wednesday opposing not retalliation and found no trace of resistance fighters nor captives inside the facility, as claimed before the operation. Hamas said Israel allegations are nothing but a continuation of the lies and cheap propaganda," and called for the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross to secure a safe corridor for patients, medical staff and displaced families trapped in the facility to leave. Ministry of Health reports Israeli forces barricading in Al-Shifa, using staff and displaced people as shields and interrogating dozens of stripped, blindfolded people. UNRWA warns against worsening conditions for displaced Palestininas in Gaza, citing concerns about cholera in winter.



Negotiations mediated by Qatar and Egypt sought a captives swap deal between Hamas and Israel, proposing the release of civilians and a three-day ceasefire. Various international voices, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and UNICEF, condemned the Israeli war in Gaza, urging a halt to the indiscriminate killing and emphasizing the dire humanitarian crisis. Israeli forces conduct widespread detentions in the West Bank. Israel's Knesset passes a law that enables the granting of honorary citizenship to fallen non-citizen troops in the war confirming earlier media reports that Israeli military has purportedly resorted to recruiting foreign mercenaries, with a significant number hailing from various European nations.

17:41 The Ministry of Health told Al Jazeera that the Israeli occupation forces are barricading themselves in the lower floors of the Al-Shifa Medical Complex and are using the hospital staff and displaced people as human shields.

Meanwhile, Al-Arabiya correspondent said the Israeli army blew up the hospitals basement during the storming.

Back in 1983, when Israel was still ruling Gaza, the Occupation Forces built a basement/bunker and an underground operating room beneath the hospital.

17:20 "The situation for many people has become more desperate," the. UNRWA says.

As winter weather creeps in, thousands of displaced people in Gaza now forced to live outdoors- face worsening conditions each and every day.

"The spread of cholera in these conditions would be absolutely devastating," the UN agency added.

"The situation for many people has become more desperate"



As winter weather creeps in, thousands of displaced people in#Gaza - now forced to live outdoors- face worsening conditions each and every day.



The spread of cholera in these conditions would be absolutely devastating. pic.twitter.com/HsNcjbyAMT  UNRWA (@UNRWA) November 15, 2023

16:55 Israeli forces also attacked a number of medical and nursing staff inside Al-Shifa Hospital, the Gaza governments media office says.

"They forced them to take off their clothes, insulted and cursed at them. They asked medical staff to leave their stations, so they could interrogate them under the threat of weapons," the media office said.

The office also said Israeli soldiers expelled a number of children and some patients, "depriving them of treatment and leaving them to face the threats of bombings, snipers and deadly drones."

16:30 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that the Israeli army entered Al-Shifa Hospital despite requests to refrain, saying "there is no place we will not reach."

Israeli alleged that Shifa hospital, the main medical facility in the besieged Gaza was partly being used by the Palestinian resistance group as a command center and that captives were being held there. The US has backed such claims.

However, Hamas and the medical corps at the hospital categorically denied it, saying they are "nothing but a continuation of the lies and cheap propaganda, through which [Israel] is trying to give justification for its crime aimed at destroying the health sector in Gaza."

The Israeli allegations have been proven to be false as Israel stated that there is no information confirming the presence of captives inside. Israel also reported that four resistance fighters died in a clash "outside" the hospital, saying that "there had been no fighting inside the hospital."

Muhammad Zaqout, the director of hospitals at the health ministry, further corroborated the falsification by Israel. He informed Al Jazeera that "not a single bullet" was fired in resistance to the Israeli attack because "there are no individuals resisting or being detained inside."

Israeli forces interrogating dozens of stripped, blindfolded people, Al Jazeera reported. A journalist inside the hospital working with the AFP news agency said Israeli soldiers were interrogating people, among them patients and doctors.

Another witness inside the hospital told the BBCs correspondent that soldiers had entered the complex and fired a smoke bomb that caused people to suffocate.

The Israeli forces then went room to room, floor by floor, questioning both staff and patients and were accompanied by Arabic speakers. Over loudspeakers, the occupation army asked all men between the ages of 16 and 40 to leave the hospital buildings and go to the hospital courtyard. Israeli troops installed a scanning and sensor device and asked the men to pass through it.

Israels raid on Gazas al-Shifa Hospital has brought terror and death to the thousands trapped inside, witnesses say https://t.co/MB6Chs4J8N pic.twitter.com/NcJQv6dpNX  Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) November 15, 2023

15:30 Israel does not agree to the latest version conveyed by the mediators regarding the captives swap deal, according to Al Arabiya.

Qatari mediators were on Wednesday seeking to negotiate a deal between Hamas and Israel that includes the release of around 50 civilian captives from Gaza in exchange for a three-day ceasefire.

"The mediators know that we want to release a much larger number than 50 captives held by Hamas", an Israeli source said as reported by Al Arabiya.

15:15 Israel's Knesset passes a law that enables the granting of honorary citizenship to fallen non-citizen troops.

The decision seems to confirm information punlished earlier by the Spanish media that Israeli military has purportedly resorted to recruiting foreign mercenaries, with a significant number hailing from various European nations.

Among these foreign fighters is a notorious Spanish mercenary, known to have affiliations with the neo-Nazi movement and having previously seen action in Ukraine.

This strategy involves utilizing these specialized mercenaries in hit-and-run operations and guerrilla warfare on the ground, while the occupying Israeli soldiers seek refuge in their tanks.

14:30 The latest captives swap deal negotiations between Hamas and Israel, mediated by Qatari and Egyptian officials, are currently underway.

According to Reuters, the proposed deal involves the release of approximately 50 civilian captives from Gaza in exchange for a three-day ceasefire.

Coordinated with the US, the negotiation also includes Israel releasing Palestinian women and children from its jails and increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza. If finalized, this would be the largest release of captives held by Hamas since 7 October.

The number of Palestinian women and children that Israel would release from its jails as part of the current agreement under discussion remains undisclosed.

According to Reuters, Hamas has agreed to the general terms of the deal, but Israel is still in the process of negotiating the specifics.

The Qatari-led negotiations require Hamas to provide a complete list of remaining living civilian captives held in Gaza. While a more comprehensive release of all captives is not currently on the table, the talks represent a significant development in the ongoing crisis.

Israeli officials have not provided an immediate response to the latest negotiations.

13:40 Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday urged Israel to end the "indiscriminate killing of Palestinians" in Gaza, in his sharpest criticism of Israel since war against Hamas broke out over a month ago.

13:30 The seventh Saudi relief plane arrived at El-Arish International Airport in Egypt, carrying humanitarian aid including medical supplies with a total weight of 35 tons, in preparation for its transfer to the Gaza Strip.

13:15 The Islamic Jihad Palestinian movement announces the shooting down of an Israeli drone in the Gaza Strip.

13:00 Fuel that entered Gaza from Egypt through the Rafah border crossing on Wednesday was "not at all enough", the United Nations agency for supporting Palestinian refugees said.

"This is the equivalent of half a truck! Not at all enough. Much more is needed. Fuel is being used as weapon of war, this must stop," UNRWA said on X, formerly Twitter.

In a separate post, UNRWA confirmed receiving 23,027 litres (6,083 gallons) of fuel, saying it met only "nine percent" of what the agency needs daily to sustain lifesaving work.

Just received 23,027 LT of fuel from Egypt (half a tanker)  but its use has been restricted by Israeli authorities - only for transporting aid from Rafah.

No fuel for water or hospitals

This is only 9% of what we need daily to sustain lifesaving activities@UNRWA #Gaza  Thomas White (@TomWhiteGaza) November 15, 2023

12:30 The Palestinian Authority on Wednesday denounced Israel's operation inside Gaza's largest hospital as a "flagrant violation" of international law, demanding world action to protect patients and civilians inside the facility.

The Israeli military's overnight entry into Gaza City's Al-Shifa hospital was a "flagrant violation of international law", a statement from the Palestinian foreign ministry said, demanding "urgent international intervention to protect the civilians there".

The UN estimates there are at least 2,300 patients, staff and displaced civilians inside the facility.

Israeli forces have invaded the hospital with large numbers of soldiers and military vehicles, including tanks, armored vehicles, troop carriers, and bulldozers and were preventing anyone from leaving.

11:30 Jawwal, the largest cellular communications network in Palestine, is facing a critical situation as its main data centers and switches in the Gaza Strip are gradually shutting down due to fuel depletion, the network announced.

As the primary provider of various cellular services to the Palestinian people, Jawwal announced that crucial network elements now depend solely on batteries and this is expected to lead to a complete telecom blackout in the coming hours.

We regret to announce that our main data centers and switches in Gaza Strip are gradually shutting down due to fuel depletion. Currently, main network elements depend solely on batteries.

This will lead to a complete telecom blackout in the coming hours. #KeepGazaConnected  Jawwal (@JawwalPal) November 15, 2023

11:15 Palestinian Fatah movement denounced the occupation army's incursion into Al-Shifa Hospital as "a blatant act of war crime". They squarely attributed full responsibility to the occupation for the well-being of patients, the wounded, medical personnel, and displaced civilian women and children.

10:50 A fuel truck entered Gaza through the Rafah border crossing from Egypt Wednesday, Al Qahera News reported, in the first such delivery since the Israel war on Gaza began.

An Egyptian source said the fuel would be delivered to the United Nations "to facilitate the delivery of aid after trucks on the Palestinian side stopped operating for lack of fuel".

COGAT, the Israeli defence ministry body that handles Palestinian civil affairs, had said earlier that "UN trucks transporting humanitarian aid through the Rafah crossing will be refueled at the Rafah crossing, per US request."

Witnesses at the Egyptian border said two more trucks were waiting to pass through the crossing.

10:45 The head of the UN children's agency decried the "devastating" scenes she witnessed during a visit to war-ravaged Gaza, urging the parties to the conflict to "stop this horror".

"What I saw and heard was devastating. They have endured repeated bombardment, loss, and displacement. Inside the Strip, there is nowhere safe for Gaza's one million children to turn," UNICEF chief Catherine Russell said in a statement after visiting, among other things, a hospital in the south of the Palestinian territory.

10:00 Jordan's Foreign Affairs Ministry condemned the storming of Israeli forces into Al-Shifa Hospital on Wednesday as a violation of international law, particularly the Geneva Convention for the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War.

Jordan added that it holds Israel responsible for the safety of civilians and staff working at the hospital.

9: 30 Israeli occupation forces Wednesday carried out a wide-scale detention campaign in the West Bank, detaining 52 Palestinians, including 15 female university students.

Occupation forces have detained more than 2400 Palestinians across the West Bank since 7 October. Meanwhile, Israeli troops demolished the house of the slain Palestinian youth Khairy Alqam in Ras al-Amud neighbourhood in the town of Silwan, south of the occupied Jerusalem, Palestinian news agency WAFA reported. Local sources said that large forces from the occupation army stormed the neighbourhood, accompanied by bulldozers, surrounded the family home of Alqam and began demolishing it. Confrontations broke out with the occupation forces in the neighbourhood, where the occupation soldiers assaulted a number of citizens. 9:00 29 Palestinians were killed, and others were injured in a series of Israeli airstrikes on homes in the Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood and Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip. Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood, like all other neighbourhoods and residential areas in Gaza City, has been subjected to continuous Israeli bombardment, by land, sea and air, since the start of the Israeli aggression on 7 October.

Israeli occupation forces stormed Gaza's largest hospital Wednesday, targeting what they claimed is a Hamas command centre housed among thousands of ailing and sheltering civilians. The Israeli army had surrounded Al-Shifa hospital as part of its ground offensive against the besieged strip, claiming Hamas had been operating out of the hospital complex. Hamas said that the US had effectively given a "green light" for Israel to raid the hospital. The group said it held Israel and US President Joe Biden fully responsible for the assault. Gaza's Al-Shifa Hospital has become a symbol of the widespread suffering of Palestinian civilians during the war.

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Sources claim Petty would be fired if he does not resign
That release could not be found.
Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi  Where Were You Since the Reported Alleged Abduction and Brutalization of NLC President, Joe Ajaero, That Reverberated Across National and Global Headlines?

AGF Lateef Fagbemi and the Presidency: Missed Opportunities for Timely Intervention  Neglecting Broader Justice and Democracy Amidst the Alleged Assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero, It's Not Just About Him, It's About the Nation and Public Fairness

In the intricate landscape of developing societies, prominently manifested in the context of Nigeria, a pervasive sense of disenfranchisement perpetually haunts citizens as they grapple with a terrain riddled with governmental abuses. Their impassioned pleas, resonating with grievances regarding human rights violations, police brutality, and unjust court practices, often echo into a disconcerting silence or, worse yet, face the heavy-handed response of authoritarian regimes that have, regrettably, been a recurring feature across successive governments. This oppressive pattern underscores the challenging journey citizens navigate, where their pleas for justice and fair treatment frequently collide with authoritative resistance, contributing to a climate of persistent disenchantment and frustration among the populace. The question now lingerswill the government resort to the heavy-handed tactics witnessed during the #EndSARS protests? Will they turn a blind eye to police brutality, military excesses, and the use of pro-government thugs against the protesters? The gravity of these questions demands a thoughtful and measured response from the government.

The reported incident serves as a poignant reminder, not merely isolated but emblematic of a more extensive pattern of governmental transgressions. It reverberates the sentiments of a populace that has long felt marginalized in the face of a myriad of grievances, spanning from human rights violations and police brutality to unfair court practices and labor issues. However, the unfolding events in recent times have brought to light a notable shift in this entrenched dynamica citizenry increasingly unwilling to acquiesce to the prevailing status quo. This newfound resolve persists even when confronted with the ominous specters of potential brutality, death, or the heavy-handed suppression wielded by the government. The resilience of the people reflects a profound yearning for justice, accountability, and a departure from the oppressive norms that have long characterized their sociopolitical landscape.

Against the backdrop of the alleged assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero, the role of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, becomes pivotal in the quest for justice. The need for external oversight could have gained prominence in his forward-looking thinking. The AGF could have immediately announced that the government is engaging external entities, such as a selected body of State Prosecutors, state 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. The AGF could have insisted that the Inspector General of Police step aside from investigating itself, as police investigating police when they are the suspects raises questions about the commitment to impartiality. As the chief legal representative of the nation, the AGF's counsel should have promptly informed the President of the necessity for external bodies to lead the inquiry when this national abuse surfaced.

Since November 1, 2023, when media outlets brought this police brutality into the public eye, the AGF had ample time to advocate for a transparent and unbiased investigation. The call for an inquiry by bodies independent of the accused entity underscores the urgency of preserving the investigative process's integrity. The AGF's role as the chief legal representative of the nation should have prompted an immediate and decisive response to ensure that justice is pursued through impartial means. The delay in taking such action allows room for skepticism and erodes public trust, highlighting the need for swift and proactive measures in addressing matters of national concern.

In the aftermath of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) and others' decision to initiate a nationwide strike, including Workers from various sectors, including oil, banks, maritime, electricity, legislature, and federal employees, have joined the nationwide strike in Nigeria to protest the assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero, despite a restraining court order remains a great industrial move. This widespread support for the strike signifies a unified stance against injustice and abuse of power. The fact that workers from diverse sectors have come together demonstrates the gravity of the issue and the collective determination to demand accountability. The government's dismissal of the strike as unwarranted misses the broader context and fails to acknowledge the deep-seated grievances that have culminated in this widespread industrial action.

The Presidency's fully late and then insensitive response exposes a misunderstanding of public sentiment. Characterizing the strike as unwarranted and an attempt to blackmail the government reflects a disconnect. The confusion surrounding the punishment of the nation for a perceived personal matter raises concerns. The condemnation of the abuse of privilege in calling a strike disregards the right to collective action. The AGF's counsel against the strike, coupled with an appeal to respect the court order, adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding narrative. The government's response to the strike seems out of touch with the genuine concerns of the people, emphasizing the need for a more empathetic and nuanced understanding of the situation.

The government's illogical interpretation of the strike as a personal issue unravels upon scrutiny. Although the Labour President was an individual victim, he symbolizes the collective voice of workers nationwide. This is not merely about an individual; it is about democracy, ethics, rule of law, and fairness. The attempt to use a court order to quell peaceful protests reflects an authoritarian tactic destined to falter in the face of constitutional democracy. The AGF's lapse in constituting an external investigative body in a timely manner exposes a failure in due process, placing blame squarely on the shoulders of the chief legal representative of the nation. The AGF's role is pivotal in upholding justice and ensuring a fair and unbiased investigation, and any delay in this process diminishes the government's credibility and exacerbates public discontent.

The AGF's tardy involvement has transformed a localized issue into a national strike, unfurling a domino effect with far-reaching consequences. The potential ramifications echo historical instances where citizens rose against government injustices, met with governmental responses that kindled further unrest and discontent. The delay in the AGF's response has allowed the situation to escalate, drawing parallels to past movements where citizens mobilized against perceived injustices. The resonance of historical unrest amplifies the significance of the current moment, underlining the need for a strategic and timely approach to address citizens' concerns.

As the AGF and the presidency confront the burgeoning national strike, the stakes are high. Their failure to proactively announce an external investigative body at the outset of this sensitive matter has transformed it into a personal affair for NLC President Joe Ajaero. The question now lingerswill the government resort to the heavy-handed tactics witnessed during the #EndSARS protests? Will they turn a blind eye to police brutality, military excesses, and the use of pro-government thugs against the protesters? The gravity of these questions demands a thoughtful and measured response from the government.

The potential consequences of such actions are not to be underestimated. The historical context, rife with instances of citizens challenging government injustices, accentuates the critical juncture at which the AGF and the presidency stand. Their decisions in the coming days can either address the root issues, fostering reconciliation, or exacerbate existing problems, plunging the nation into deeper unrest and discontent. The ripple effect of their actions will resonate across society, influencing public trust, political stability, and the perception of democratic values.

In the dynamic and intricate landscape of a developing nation like Nigeria, where the delicate balance between governance, justice, and the will of the people is ever-shifting, leaders bear a profound responsibility. It's not just about legal duties; it encompasses a deep understanding of the far-reaching implications for the nation's democratic journey. The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the presidency, as the vanguards of justice and democracy, shoulder the weighty responsibility of navigating the nation through this complex terrain.

The unfolding events serve as a stark reminder of the pressing need for a proactive and empathetic approach, one that goes beyond the confines of bureaucratic processes. It calls for a leadership that not only acknowledges but wholeheartedly addresses the legitimate concerns of the people. This requires an unwavering commitment to principles of justice, transparency, and the fundamental tenets of a democratic society. The critical juncture at hand presents a rare opportunity to mold the course of Nigeria's democratic evolution, influencing its resilience in the face of challenges and its fidelity to the rights and aspirations of its citizens.

The failure of the AGF to promptly establish an external investigative body speaks not only to a breakdown in due process but also to a disconnect in understanding the gravity of the situation. The repercussions are not confined to the immediate context; they resonate with historical instances where citizens, disillusioned by government injustices, sought avenues for redress. The AGF and the presidency find themselves standing at a pivotal crossroads, where the decisions they make can either catalyze positive change or exacerbate existing problems, further fueling unrest and discontent among the Nigerian populace.

This critical juncture demands a nuanced and corrective response that transcends mere bureaucratic rectification. The urgency lies in swift and decisive action to restore faith in justice and democracy. It requires the reestablishment of trust and accountability in the eyes of the people, acknowledging that the path chosen in this pivotal moment will echo in the annals of Nigeria's democratic history. The leaders must recognize that their decisions today will reverberate far beyond the confines of a national strike, shaping the narrative of the nation's commitment to democratic values and the well-being of its citizens.

Psychologist John Egbeazien Oshodi

Professors 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]
President Bola Tinubu will, on Thursday, join other Heads of State and Government in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, to celebrate the countrys 50th Independence Anniversary and Armed Forces Day.

President Tinubu will arrive in Bissau on Thursday for the ceremony, which will be hosted by President Umaro Sissoco Embalo.

Guinea-Bissau marked its 50th Independence Anniversary on September 24, 2023, but the Government had scheduled all celebrations for November 16, 2023.

The President is expected to return to Nigeria on Thursday.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 15, 2023


Judicial workers at the the Federal Capital Territory High Court Headquarters have shut down operations in compliance with the indefinite industrial action declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

Recall that the strike commenced on Monday midnight despite the ruling of the National Industrial Court in Abuja, which granted an ex parte motion filed by the federal government restraining the organised labour unions from going ahead with the strike.

It was learnt that the the FCT High Court opened for proceedings on Monday.

However, reports indicated that the entrance of the court was shut, while the premises were deserted on Tuesday.

Although the Federal High Court in Abuja conducted proceedings on Monday and Tuesday morning, its Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) is billed to hold a Congress meeting by 11 am at the courts Ukeje Hall over the strike.

This meeting is noteworthy as members will be briefed on the position of the union with regards to the ongoing NLC strike action and important issues, a memo posted by JUSUN on the courts notice board read in part.
Transcorp Power Limited (TPL), one of the power subsidiaries of Nigerias leading conglomerate, Transnational Corporation Plc (TRANSCORP), has been appointed member of the Executive Board of the West African Power Pool (WAPP) at the 18th Session of the WAPP General Assembly, which held on November 10, 2023 in Nouakchott, Mauritania.

TPL was admitted as a member of WAPP in 2019 and has since then been an active member of the body. The WAPP Executive Board is responsible for implementing the decisions of the WAPP General Assembly, the organisation's highest decision body, composed of all the member utilities. The Executive Board, therefore, is the most empowered to ensure the realisation of WAPP mission and objectives.

Speaking on the appointment, Peter Ikenga, Managing Director/CEO of Transcorp Power Limited, expressed TPL's committment to the appointment. "As a member of the WAPP Executive Board, Transcorp Power Limited is committed to our core purpose of improving lives and transforming Africa and to actively contribute to the realisation of WAPP's mission and objectives. We believe that collaboration within the WAPP community is crucial for achieving sustainable progress in the power sector, and we are excited to play a key role in shaping the future of energy in the ECOWAS sub-region," Ikenga said.

In May 2023, TPL became the first power company to receive its certificate of discharge from the National Council of Privatisation, reflecting the companys sustained corporate transformation since 2013, when Transcorp acquired it under the Power Sector Transformation. The company, which recently celebrated its 10thyear anniversary is a key player in the Nigerian and West African Power Sector.

About Transcorp Power

Transcorp Power Limited (TPL) is a single cycle 972MW installed capacity power generating plant located in Ughelli, Delta State. It is the largest gas-fired power generating station in the country. Our mission is to improve lives, and we are leading the way in energy generation for millions of people in Nigeria and Africa. Visit www.transcorppower.com for more.
Indications have emerged that the ongoing nationwide strike embarked upon by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) may be suspended.

The hope of suspending the strike action followed a meeting between the leaders of the organised labour unions and the Federal Government.

It was learnt that Simon Bako Lalong, Minister of Labour, Nkeiruka Onyeajeocha, Minister of State for Labour, met with the striking unions on Wednesday at the office of Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, who also participated in the meeting.

Labour unions had declared a nationwide strike over the brutalization of Joe Ajaero, NLC President, in Owerri, Imo State on November 1.

The organized labour is demanding the arrest and prosecution of the suspected political thugs who attacked the NLC President and other workers while protesting unpaid salaries.

The strike action which commenced on Tuesday has crippled economic activities in some parts of the country.

Speaking with journalists at the State House shortly after the meeting with the labour leaders, the Minister of Labour described the meeting as fruitful engagement.

He explained that after robust discussions, the labour leaders have agreed to report back to their constituencies and revert.

He said, The meeting was in respect to what happened especially in Imo State and this meeting has heavy security considerations that is why we took the meeting at the office of the National Security Adviser.

All the labour leaders were also here with us. We had a very fruitful discussion. They have also agreed to take it back home to their constituencies so that they can suspend the strike.

Also speaking, Comrade Festus Osifo, TUC President, said the Federal Government made several appeals and promises which may lead to the suspension of the strike.

He said, We had a robust conversation where a lot of assurances were given in furtherance to the release that was made by the NSA this morning that some people have been apprehend.

They made several appeals and promises to us so we said lets go back and reappraise all the conversations we have had and we will communicate accordingly.
The Joint National Executive Council meeting of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have suspended the ongoing indefinite strike.

The strike was suspended following the intervention of the Federal Government through the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA.

It was learnt that NEC meeting which commenced at a few minutes past 7 pm lasted for close to one hour during which various affiliates and state chapters reviewed the outcome of the meeting held between the leaders of the organised labour and the government.

The National Deputy Vice-President of the TUC, Tommy Etim, however said: The NEC of the NLC and the TUC have suspended the strike. We did this based on our trust for the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who gave us his words, he said.

Earlier, the labour leaders met with Ribadu alongside the Minister of Labour, Simon Lalong, at the Office of the NSA on Wednesday afternoon.

The NSA had announced that the individuals responsible for the brutalisation of Ajaero had been arrested.

The organised labour is protesting against the alleged brutalisation of its National President, Joe Ajaero, and the failure of the government to implement some of the agreements reached on October 2, 2023 effectively.
Bridge City Mayor David Rutledge has a holiday wish. He wants the city to have a new city manager on the job by the beginning of the new year.

He said the city council is negotiating a contract with a candidate after personal interviews and visits with three finalists for the position.

"I'd sure like to get the person in place to start the new year," the mayor said.

He did not reveal the candidate's name, but according to the Texas Open Meetings Act, the council must make the final vote on the new manager hire during a public meeting.

Bridge City has been without a city manager since February, when Brent Walker resigned for a job in a bigger city. He had been the Bridge City city manager for what Mayor Rutledge described as "one year and six days."

The previous city manager before Walker, Jerry Jones, had held the position 14 years before retiring in 2022.

After Walker's resignation, city Public Works Director Mike Lund has been serving as the interim city manager.

The city council advertised the job with the Texas Municipal League and other professional search methods. Mayor Rutledge said they received 23 or 24 applicants. The council went through the applications to select the ones meeting the criteria they were seeking in a city manager.

Mayor Rutledge said the council worked down to five finalists, and then invited three to meet with them. The meetings were held in closed-door sessions as the open meetings law allows individual personnel to be discussed in private.

He said one candidate stood out. "It was a unanimous choice to enter into a contract" with the candidate, he said.

The mayor and council can call a special meeting to approved the new manager with 72 hours notice before the open meeting.

Bridge City is seeing a number of changes as construction has geared up for the new $8.5 billion ChevronPhillips chemical plant, Golden Triangle Polymers. Mayor Rutledge said the city is getting inquiries about new businesses looking to locate in the area.

But the main thing Bridge City residents are facing is "fighting traffic," he said. He said the Texas Department of Transportation has been working with city officials to soothe the problems.
Orange County has a history record that remains unknown, but people who grew up here in the 20th Century will never doubt the record-holder's name. Dr. Wynne Pearce delivered more babies than anyone else.

When he was asked in 1966 about how many babies he had delivered, he replied "thousands." He was 70 years old at the and had decided to stop the obstetrics part of his family practice, according to the Las Sabinas Historical Journal of the Orange County Historical Society.

Hundreds of those babies, mostly boys, but some girls, had either the first or middle name of Wynne in honor of the doctor who delivered them.

Dr. Pearce, when announced he would no longer deliver babies, was also asked if he was retiring. He emphasized he was not, and he never did. Dr. Pearce kept going even after having hip surgeries in 1971 and 1972 that left him unable to get around. Instead of retiring, he got an electric wheelchair and continued to see patients at his office. Everyone at the old Orange Memorial Hospital called him "Ironsides," after a popular TV detective who used an electric wheelchair.

He is still a legend in Orange, even after his death 44 years ago. He had died in his sleep at his house at 812 Pine Avenue at the age of 82.

Dr. Pearce grew up in Orange and traveled the world during World War I and then on a traveling ship-hospital taking care of poor people. But he came back to Orange to practice medicine.

He was born November 16, 1896, in Bunkie, Louisiana. His full name was Henry Wynne, with the Wynne in honor of his mother's family. His father was a physician and moved the family to Orange in 1900. Their two-story home at the northwest corner of Pine Avenue and Tenth Street stood until the early 1980s.

Dr. Pearce went to public schools in Orange and was an athlete at Orange High, where he graduated in 1914. After graduation, he went to study pre-med at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee.

The United States entered World War l when he was a junior in college, so he enlisted in the army. He served in France for 18 months as a commissioned lieutenant with the 38th Field Artillery.

After the war, he came back to the states and finished his bachelor's degree before entering Tulane to study medicine. He did his internship at the Tennessee Coal & Iron Company Hospital in Fairfield, Alabama.

When he completed his medical degree, he worked on a hospital ship based out of Boston.

He came back to Orange in 1926 and set up an office. He was a member of the staff at Frances Ann Lutcher Hospital between Second and Third streets in Orange. The hospital opened in 1921.

The Las Sabinas story said babies in the 1920s were delivered at homes. A pregnant woman went to the hospital only if she or the baby had medical complications. During his first years in practice, Dr. Pearce made house calls to deliver babies and for other medical services.

He traveled the roads, many of them unpaved, in a Ford Model-T, always carrying his black leather medical bag. People all over Orange County called for Dr. Pearce and his territories went across into Louisiana to the Vinton area.

Dr. Pearce was delivering babies during the huge shipbuilding boom of World War II, when the population went up from 7,500 to an estimated 60,000. Women were having so many babies at the time that even with two hospitals, a home clinic was opened on Green Avenue for deliveries.

By that time, nearly all women were going to hospitals to give birth and few physicians made house calls. Still, Dr. Pearch made some medical house calls for people who he knew needed such a special service.

After the war, Dr. Pearce had his office in an old, one-story, wood-frame house with a porch. The house was on Main behind what is now Stark Park. His office was where the drive up to the Lutcher Theater is today.

His personal office inside had a large wood desk that he sat behind in a swivel chair. On the wall behind him was a bank of wall telephones. Each phone had a direct line to a privately-owned local pharmacy. He would ask a patient what pharmacy they used. Then the doctor gave a call to the pharmacist there and gave the prescription. The pharmacy would later deliver the prescription to the patient's residence.

In the mid-1950s, Dr. Pearce added a color photograph of the actor Andy Griffith with his son, Wynne Pearce Jr. The doctor's son was an actor and was Griffith's understudy in the Broadway play "No Time for Sargents." The actor dropped the 'e' from the end of his name and became Wynn Pearce. He appeared in numerous television shows and later became a respected drama teacher in California.

Dr. Pearce in Orange continued his family medical practice and became co-owner of the Frances Ann Lutcher Hospital before it closed in 1966.

Dr. Pearce was recognized as a local hero in his older years and the Orange City Council in 1973 declared a special "Dr. Wynne Pearce Day."

He died on August 12, 1979. Las Sabinas reported the pallbearers were Traylor Sells Sr., Major Inman Jr., Graham Bruce, Homer Stark, Albert Adams, Edgar Brown III, Wynne Arrington, James Neff, and Tom Rogers. Members of the Orange Conty Medical Society were named honorary pallbearers.

The doctor is buried next to his wife, Edith, in Orange's Evergreen Cemetery.
After four failed attempts, the U.N. Security Council is trying for a fifth time to come up with a resolution on the war on Gaza but it remains to be seen whether serious divisions can be overcome to produce a consensus on the wording.

The current draft under negotiation would demand immediate extended humanitarian pauses throughout the Gaza Strip to provide civilians with desperately needed aid. It also would demand that all parties comply with international humanitarian law that requires protection for civilians, calls for special protections for children, and bans captive-taking.

But the draft, proposed by council member Malta, makes no mention of a ceasefire. It also doesnt refer to Hamas surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7. Nor does it cite Israels airstrikes and ground offensive in Gaza that the Palestinian health ministry says has killed more than 11,000 Palestinians, two-thirds of them women and children.

The 15-member council, which has the responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, has been paralyzed since the war began by its internal divisions. This is especially the case between China and Russia, which want an immediate ceasefire, and the United States, Israels closest ally has called for humanitarian pauses but objects to any mention of a ceasefire.

In the four previous tries, a Brazil-drafted resolution was vetoed by the United States, a U.S.-drafted resolution was vetoed by Russia and China, and two Russian-drafted resolutions failed to get the minimum nine yes votes needed for adoption.

Several council diplomats said the opposing sides were getting closer. Two said that a vote on the latest draft could come as early as Wednesday but that delegations were still checking with their capitals. The diplomats insisted on speaking anonymously because the negotiations were supposed to be private.

The resolution under consideration says the humanitarian pauses should be for a sufficient number of days to open corridors for unhindered access by the U.N., Red Cross and other aid workers to get water, electricity, fuel, food and medical supplies to all those in need. It says the pauses also should allow repair of essential infrastructure and enable urgent rescue and recovery efforts.

After the failure of the fourth Security Council resolution, Arab nations turned to the 193-member General Assembly and succeeded in getting wide approval for a resolution calling for a humanitarian truce in Gaza meant to lead to a cessation of hostilities.

It was the first United Nations response to the war. But unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, though they are a barometer of world opinion.

The vote was 120-14 with 45 abstentions. Of the five veto-holding Security Council members, Russia, China and France voted in favour, the United States voted against and the United Kingdom abstained.

The General Assembly resolution was adopted Oct. 27 and Israel agreed Nov. 9 to four-hour pauses. But only very limited aid has been delivered to Gaza, and a humanitarian catastrophe has been brewing.

Richard Gowan, U.N. director for the International Crisis Group, said U.S. opposition to a ceasefire is a gift that keeps on giving for Russia diplomatically. He said that while many diplomats think Russia is demanding a ceasefire for largely cynical reasons to make the Americans look bad, Moscows position is closer to the mainstream of council thinking, and the U.S. looks isolated.

The irony is that the Security Council has called for ceasefires in wars from the Balkans to Syria with little or no impact, Gowan said.

A U.N. ceasefire call would embarrass but not really constrain the Israelis, he said. But the U.S. clearly feels that even such a symbolic move is too much of a political risk.

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As it turns out, Jim has 50 different brands under the name. These include Jims Hazardous Control, Jims Traffic Control and even Jims Jumping Castles and Party Hire. I mean, why not I guess?
Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin (what a name) and Teamsters President Sean OBrien were ready to throw down during a hearing about labour unions. The two have been beefing for a while now and this scrap almost started after Mullin read out a scathing tweet OBrien had written about him.
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An average of 1,700 weapons licences are issued to Israelis on a daily basis, said Israel's National Security Ministry. The figure marks a sharp increase on the average of licences issued before the onset of the current war on Gaza on 7 October. Fears are mounting that settlers' armed assaults on Palestinians, especially in the occupied West Bank, will increase as a result.

About 236,000 applications for weapons licenses have been submitted to the ministry since 7 October it said, adding that this number is equal to the previous 20 years, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported.

18,000 Israeli civilians have completed the full process and purchased a gun since the outbreak of war.

Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called on Israelis who are in the midst of applying to complete the process and on anyone who has not yet started "to do so today."

In the early days of the war, Ben Gvir, who led the extremist Jewish Power Party, directed the Firearm Licensing Department to launch an emergency operation to enable as many civilians as possible to arm themselves.

He said that his ministry is purchasing 10,000 rifles to arm volunteer civilian security teams in border towns, mixed Jewish-Arab cities, and West Bank settlements.

Furthermore, the Israeli government has said that around 700 such teams, which operate under the command of Israeli police, have been established since 7 October.

Ben Gvir, who has previously been convicted of supporting terrorism and inciting anti-Arab racism, loomed on the edges of the Israeli far-right before his party and other extremist figures shored up Netanyahus ruling coalition  the most right-wing in Israels history.

His party draws its core support from Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Last week, he called for the reoccupation of the Gaza Strip and the building of settlements in the besieged territory. Heritage Minister Amichay Eliyahu, who is in Ben Gvirs party, suggested that dropping a nuclear bomb on Gaza could be one way for Israel to deal with Hamas.

Critics see these initiatives of arming civilians as part of a far-right vision to inflame the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, especially in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Israeli settler violence has increased significantly since 7 October, from an already high average of three incidents per day in 2023 to seven a day now, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OHCA).

OCHA recorded 171 settler attacks against Palestinians, resulting in 26 different casualty incidents, damage to 115 Palestinian properties, and some 30 reported incidents of both property damage and casualties.

The office also noted the use of firearms to intimidate Palestinians, with more than one in every three settler-related incidents since 7 October involving settlers using firearms to threaten Palestinians, including by opening fire.

More than 190 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or Jewish settlers since 7 October, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Eight Palestinians were killed by settlers directly, as of the end of October, according to the UN.

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After the death of a 30 year old Siliguri resident, owing to dengue, Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) today held an emergency meeting with concerned officials to curb the dengue menace.

SMC Mayor Goutam Deb has urged the Siliguri residents to consult with the doctor if the members of a family suffer from fever. I wish to appeal through the media that people should consult with doctors in any places always if their family members suffer from fever. Primary blood test is important for proper treatment of any types of fever.

There are many health centres here from Medical College Hospital to health posts run by the SMC where fever patients can consult with doctors, Mayor Goutam Deb said, I would also say please do not ignore fever patients.

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Mr Deb today discussed the issue of dengue menace seriously with deputy mayor, members of Mayor in Council, Borough Chairmen, Chief Medical Officer of Health, Superintendent of both North Bengal Medical College & Hospital and Siliguri District Hospital and Secretary of the SMC and other concerned officials. We have been working since March to curb the dengue menace in SMC area. The situation is under control at present.

Six to seven wards were identified where the number of dengue fever patients was high, Mayor Mr Deb said, adding,  Though the situation is under control, we have decided to continue precautionary measures to curb the menace. Notably, both the CPIM and the BJP staged agitations after the death of a dengue patient in ward no 23 a few days ago.

They alleged that the SMC was busy in festivities and reluctant to take proper steps to curb mosquito menace as well as dengue menace.

The former Mayor and present councillor, Munshi Nurul Islam met the Commissioner of the SMC a few days ago and specifically alleged that how the ongoing precautionary measures were discontinued due to a lack of proper supervision during festival season.

On the other, BJP leader and MLA from Siliguri, Dr Shankar Ghosh claimed that there were several hoardings for Puja Greetings but not a single banner to curb dengue menace in Siliguri town.
Arvind Kejriwal recommended the suspension of Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. The Delhi chief minister forwarded the primary report on charges of corruption against the chief secretary to the LG, sources said.

According to the sources, Kejriwal has issued directions to Vigilance Minister Atishi to send the report to probe agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate(ED).

The development came a day after Atishi, after initiating a probe into the matter, submitted the 670-page preliminary report to Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the alleged corruption in the acquisition of a piece of land for the Dwarka Expressway project against Naresh Kumar.

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According to the report, the probe found that Naresh Kumar unduly benefited a company linked to his son in the land acquisition for the road project.

Atishi, in her report to the CM, also recommended immediate removal the chief secretary, along with Additional Chief Secretary Ashwani Kumar, so that they do not influence the investigation, sources said.

The report also brought out a conspiracy hatched by senior officers of the Vigilance Department, including the chief secretary, to undervalue the scale of the scam against the actual compensation award that would have resulted in a much more illicit gain to the beneficiaries, sources said.

The corruption complaint alleged Naresh Kumars involvement in increasing compensation for a land parcel in Bamnoli village to unduly profit from an organisation linked to his son, Karan Chauhan. However, denying the allegation, Delhi Additional Chief Secretary Ashwani Kumar had said on Monday that the claim of links between the chief secretary and the owners of the land acquired for Dwarka Expressway were false and baseless.

Terming it a case of character assassination of the chief secretary through false allegations, he said the top official, in fact, had taken action to undo the wrong that happened in this regard when the matter regarding the increased compensation came to light.

Addressing a press conference, Ashwani Kumar said the matter related to land compensation is decided at the ADM and DM levels, not by the chief secretary. The chief secretary had no role in awarding (the contract) or its arbitration. Rather, he made proactive efforts for action to be taken against any wrongdoing, he added.

Kumar said the allegations against Naresh Kumar are part of dirty politics.
A cyber-safety awareness program was organised by the Bhubaneswar Police Commissionerate through poster and painting competitions among school and college students.

How one can prevent oneself from cyber fraud was the main motto of this awareness program.

Bhubaneswar police commissioner SK Priyadarshi, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Prateek Singh and more than five hundred students were present.

Just one click can change your life. So think before you click was the message given by the police commissioner.

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In September this year, Odisha Police launched the Cyber Safety Campaign 2023 with the primary objective of enhancing awareness and educating the public about the multifaceted aspects of cybercrime.

On the occasion, a Cyber safety advisory Brochures was also launched which provides informative brochures providing practical tips and guidelines on how to stay safe online.

In this regard, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Bhubaneswar took to social media handle X and said, Prevention is Better than Cure and Cyber Safety for All. Bhubaneswar Police has geared up to welcome CYRRA for the Cyber Safety Campaign Odisha 2023. Lets all be part of it because its a shared responsibility.

Odisha Police also extended an invitation to individuals who wish to actively participate in the campaign as cyber safety volunteers, aiding in spreading awareness and knowledge.
The escape passage drilling work that had started late on Tuesday night to rescue 40 workers trapped in the collapsed tunnel on Yamunotri Highway was to be stopped midway at 3 am as rescue officials demanded a new machine.

Following this, the state government managed to get a high-power auger machine for placing MS steel pipes to make the escape passage through 60 meters of debris of the collapsed tunnel to rescue the workers trapped in it for more than three days.

Officials present on the ground at the Silkayara village site where the incident occurred informed The Statesman that parts of a new high-power horizontal drilling machine, to be assembled at the site are being flown from Delhi in the Indian Armys helicopter Hercules. Both the parts of the heavy drilling machine arrived at the nearest airstrip Chinyalisaur but it will take 3-4 hours to reach the accident site.

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Its significant to note that the drilling work that was started with the help of a horizontal auger machine last night was stopped owing mainly to its slow pace. According to the district administration officials NHIdCL management, the new high penetration machine being brought from Delhi has a high speed of drilling with 4-5 meters per hour against the existing machines one meters per hour rate.

According to the rescue teams, the drilling work was aborted midway as it caused some technical problems. The auger machine being used was too slow. It failed to serve the purpose of creating an escape passage to reach the workers.

Parts of the new high penetration machine have landed at Chinyalisaur Airstrip. These will soon be shifted to the tunnel site for assembling the machine in the next 3-4 hours. Once the machine is ready, rescue operations will be expedited soon, said Arpan Yaduvanshi, Uttarkashi Superintendent of police.

Tunnel construction nodal agency NHIDCL director Anju Manish said experts and rescue teams have been working round-the-clock for the past three days to save the lives of trapped workers.

Here rock is very fragile. The more we try to drill inside, the more debris gets deposited. We have already moved forward to insert 800 MM diameter steel pipes in the debris but there were some difficulties with it. The latest heavy drilling machine parts have been flown from Delhi with the help of three Indian Air Force Helicopters. The machine will be installed in the next 3-4 four hours and rescue work will be resumed said Manish.

The NHIDCL director claimed that the penetrating rate of the new machine is 4-5 meters per hour. We will be able to penetrate and place MS Steel pipes through 50 meters of debris in 10-12 hours at this pace. Its difficult to give any definite time but we are trying to rescue the trapped worker as early as possible. The fragile nature of the rocks is causing problems in the rescue operation we had succeeded in drilling through 21 meters of debris on the first day it went in vain fresh debris fall subverted it.

As many as 40 workers are trapped in the Yamunotri National Highway tunnel that collapsed at its Silkyara village end on November 12 early morning owing to a landslide. The under-construction 4.5-kilometer tunnel lying between Dharasu an Barkot suburbs is part of the Chardham all-weather road project in Uttarakhand funded by the central government.

Meanwhile, the trapped workers have started feeling sick and stressed. They have complained of fever, cough, cold, and restlessness with loss of confidence. Hearing about their sickness, a team of doctors was immediately brought in and workers were sent medicines in the packets along with prescriptions on how to take the tablets.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday asserted that the government will go to every village of the country in mission mode and make every poor and deprived person a beneficiary of its schemes.

He was speaking after launching the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra and the PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan in Jharkhand.

Addressing a programme marking the celebrations of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, 2023 at Khunti in the state, he said the degree of development in India depended on capability to strengthen the four pillars of Amrit Kaal women power, youth power, agricultural power and power of the poor and middle class.

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Modi has made the deprived his priority. I have come to this land of Bhagwan Birsa Munda to repay the debt that I owe to the deprived. True secularism comes only when all possibilities of discrimination against any citizen of the country are eliminated, he said.

During the programme, Modi also released the 15th installment of PM-KISAN amounting to about Rs 18,000 crore and laid foundation stones of multiple development projects worth Rs 7,200 crore in Jharkhand.

Dwelling on his personal connection with Jharkhand, he recalled that the Ayushman Yojana was started from the state. He highlighted the governments momentous achievement in uplifting more than 13 crore people out of poverty.

Our seva kaal began when our government came to power in 2014, he said while claiming that a large population of the country was earlier deprived of basic amenities.

He said the poor had lost all hope due to the careless approach of the previous governments. The present government began work with a spirit of service, he remarked and said the poor and the deprived became the top priority of the government which delivered the amenities at their doorstep.

He credited the approach of the government for this transformation.

Before 2014, the prime minister informed that the scope of cleanliness in villages was merely 40 per cent whereas today, the nation was aiming for saturation.

Modi said the government has resisted the temptation of going for the low-hanging fruits and attended to long pending issues. He gave the example of the electrification of 18,000 villages which were cursed to live in the dark ages.

He also expressed gratitude towards President Droupadi Murmu for her steadfast commitment to the development of the tribal communities. He called her an inspiring symbol of women-led development.

He narrated the measures taken to ensure women-led development in recent years. Our government made schemes for women, keeping in mind every stage of their lives, he added.

Speaking about the 15th installment of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi which was released on Wednesday, the prime minister informed that more than Rs 2,75,000 crore have now been transferred to the accounts of farmers so far.

He credited the overall development of Jharkhand for the reduction in Naxalite violence in the state.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday underlined the need for police reforms and emphasized upon restructuring police stations. He further emphasised improving the police department considering the future challenges.

In a meeting with senior officials of the Home Department here on Wednesday, he said that in view of the changing crime patterns and the fast-changing digital technology, it was necessary for the police department to adopt different and innovative techniques to meet the challenges.

For this, it is necessary to adopt modern technology and a highly professional approach, he said. He also gave instructions to use Artificial Intelligence and other digital software in the police department.

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Embracing modern technology and improved professionalism is mandatory for robust policing. Using artificial Intelligence and other cutting-edge software in the departments operations to enhance efficiency was the need of the hour, said Sukhu.

The Chief Minister said that more than 1,200 Constables and Women Sub-Inspectors will be recruited in the police department soon and the state government will provide adequate funds for the modernisation of the department.

He also directed for creation of a pool of technologically adept police personnel and trained them to ensure their effective contribution to police operations. He said that police personnel in every police station of the state should be cyber literate.

The Chief Minister instructed to keep a reserve force with the district Superintendent of Police for better policing during the fairs and festivals organized in various Shakti Peethas and prominent temples.

He also instructed on the restructuring of police stations based on factors such as population, geographical area size, crime rates, and tourist influx, to equip them with sufficient police personnel and necessary facilities.

Explore the possibilities of categorising the police stations and opening only police stations instead of police posts, so that the common people can be facilitated in a better way, directed the Chief Minister.

He further instructed the implementation of a rotation policy, limiting police officers and personnel tenure in sensitive posts to three years, followed by a mandatory cooling-off period, aiming to bolster accountability in the force.

To combat the drug menace around educational institutions, the Chief Minister directed the deployment of special police teams.

He said that petrol and diesel vehicles will be made available for field activities and e-vehicles for staff in the police department.

In the meeting, while giving instructions to strengthen the SP office in Nurpur, he said that adequate police personnel would be deployed there and the necessary infrastructure would also be strengthened.
Union Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju will represent India at the oath-taking ceremony of Maldivian President-elect Mohamed Muizzu.

Rijiju will be on a three-day visit to the island nation from Thursday at the invitation of the President-elect. This high level of ministerial representation from India at the inaugural ceremony underscores Indias commitment to further deepen substantive cooperation and robust people-to-people ties between the two countries, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

India had received an invitation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the oath-taking ceremony of Maldives president-elect. Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) candidate Mohamed Muizzu, who is considered pro-China, won the Maldivian presidential elections last month.

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He won with more than 53 per cent of the vote in the second round of voting, after emerging as the frontrunner in the first round with 46 per cent votes, followed by Ibrahim Solihs 39 per cent. Prime Minister Modi had also congratulated Muizzu on his victory.

The Maldives is Indias key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and occupies a special place in the prime ministers vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the Neighbourhood First Policy.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday said real meaning of independence is that the power and control of a countrys resources is in the hands of its people rather than the rulers or a few industrialists.

On the last day of campaigning for the Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, she also took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for always carrying a list of the injustices done to him wherever he goes to campaign.

Addressing a huge crowd in Datia, Gandhi quipped a film Mere Naam should be made on Modi, in an apparent reference to Salman Khan-starrer 2003 movie Tere Naam.

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Modi is probably the only Indian prime minister who has a permanent list of problems. He goes to Karnataka carrying the list saying he was abused so many times. Then he comes to Madhya Pradesh and has another list of how many times he was abused, she said.

The PM always keeps crying. We should make a movie on him with the title Mere Naam like Tere Naam in which Salman Khan kept crying from the start till the end of the film, she added.

The Congress general secretary said the only religion politicians should follow is doing welfare of the people.

Targeting Modi and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, she alleged both the leaders are talented actors. She said the BJP was quick to waive off loans worth thousands of crores of industrialist Gautam Adani, but did nothing for the countrys farmers.

The Modi government has handed over all the airports, seaports and other establishments of the country to Adani, who earns Rs 16,000 crore per day, but still no one knows what he makes, she said.

Gandhi alleged Chouhan has made 22,000 announcements so far, but none has been fulfilled. The BJP has given only 21 jobs in its 18-year-rule in Madhya Pradesh, she alleged.

She also slammed Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, saying his height is less but his ego is too high. She said Scindia betrayed the people of MP when he quit the Congress and joined the BJP, resulting in the fall of the Kamal Nath government in 2020.

He (Scindia) very well followed his family tradition, she alleged, adding that the prime minister has a knack of identifying betrayers and cowards, and bringing them into his party fold.

The Congress leader called upon the people to realize the power of their votes and bring the party to power in the state.

Voting for the 230 seats in the state polls will take place on November 17 and results will be out on December 3.
Israel's brutal war on the Gaza Strip has disabled about two-thirds of the 36 hospitals in the besieged Palestinian territory, according to UN officials.

Israeli forces on Wednesday raided the biggest medical complex, Gaza City's Al-Shifa hospital, one of a number of facilities that have been targeted by near-constant airstrikes for a little over a month now.

Global concern has flared over Israel's war and the thousands of war-wounded and displaced civilians inside the hospital, which has been deprived of electricity, generator fuel and essential medical supplies.

Here is a look at four of the major hospitals in the urban battle zone of Gaza City, in the north of the long-blockaded coastal Palestinian territory.

Al-Shifa Hospital



The Israeli army launched what it calimed "a targeted operation" overnight inside Al-Shifa, after days of heavy bombardment on the civilian-packed complex.

Troops raced through the packed corridors and wards and led more than 1,000 Palestinian men, their hands above their heads, into the courtyard, where tanks had moved in.

Fighting in recent days had forced the hospital to bury dead patients in a "mass grave", said the director of Al-Shifa, located in Gaza City's Rimal neighbourhood.

The hospital was built in 1946 during the British Mandate and has been extended since.

The UN World Health Organisation has said about 400 medical staff and caregivers worked there and 3,000 civilians had taken refuge from the war.

The Gaza government's deputy health minister told AFP on Sunday that an Israeli airstrike had "completely destroyed" the cardiac ward building.

Three nurses have been killed, said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Sunday.

"Essential infrastructure" including water tanks, maternity ward equipment and the medical oxygen storage centre had also been damaged, it said Sunday.

Similarly, an ambulance leaving the hospital was hit by a strike that killed 15 people in early November.

Al-Quds Hospital



Gaza City's Al-Quds Hospital -- with just 100 beds but recently sheltering thousands of displaced -- was evacuated on Tuesday, said the Palestinian Red Crescent Society.

"This comes after more than 10 days of siege, during which medical and humanitarian supplies were prevented from reaching the hospital," it said.

Opened in the early 2000s, the hospital had "become a threat to the lives of everyone inside" due to the war, complete power outage and the depletion of water and food.

Health staff and patients were taken to southern Gaza.

The Israeli army Monday reported firefights outside the hospital in which it said "21 terrorists" died.

OCHA earlier said that up to 14,000 people had taken refuge within the hospital complex since the start of the war.

This hospital was previously hit by Israeli airstrikes in the war of late 2008 to January 2009. Its emergency department and other wards were rebuilt with the help of French funding.

Indonesian Hospital



Opened in 2015, the Indonesian Hospital was financed by Jakarta and is located in Gaza's largest refugee camp, Jabalia.

It has a normal capacity of 110 beds, its director Atef al-Kahlot has said in media reports.

According to the Gaza government, at least 30 people were killed in the hospital by Israeli bombing.

Only weeks ago, targets near the hospital were bombed on October 28 and 29, after the Israeli army issued evacuation orders for northern Gaza, OCHA said.

Al-Rantisi Hospital



Al-Rantisi children's hospital is close to al-Shifa in western Gaza City.

In 2019, it was equipped with the territory's only paediatric oncology department, partly funded by a US humanitarian organisation.

The Israeli army entered Al-Rantisi on Monday and claimed to have evacuated its patients "to a safer hospital".

The director of all Gaza hospitals, Mohammed Zaqut, charged that the army had carried out "forced evacuations" of two paediatric hospitals, Al-Rantisi and nearby Al-Nasr, and left patients "on the streets without care".

The United Nations humanitarian chief on Wednesday demanded immediate action to "rein in the carnage".

"As the carnage in Gaza reaches new levels of horror every day, the world continues to watch in shock as hospitals come under fire, premature babies die..."

"An entire population is deprived of the basic means of survival. This cannot be allowed to continue," said Martin Griffiths.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online

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Slamming the Congress Government in Rajasthan for its alleged failure on all fronts, including law & order, corruption as revealed in red diary, lockers, and women atrocities, the Prime MInister Narendra Modi on Wednesday appealed the voters to press kamal ka button (lotus on EVM) as if they are hanging them (Congress) in the states assembly polls slated for November 25.

Aisee bhrashtaachaare aur nikkamee sarakaar ko sabse pahle saja dene ka mauka aapako (votar) ko mila hai. kamal ka batan aise dabaayen jaise unhen phaansee de rahe ho, to vaise hee batan dabao (You (voter) have got the first opportunity to punish such a corrupt and inefficient government. Press the lotus button as if you are hanging them, then press the button the same way), Modi told a huge rally at Baytu in support of eight BJP candidates in the Barmer and Jaisalmer districts.

Invoking the controversial Red Diary whose few pages released yesterday by the expelled Congress Minister Rajendra Singh Gudha on social media, Modi lambasted, These people (the Congress) call Lal Diary fake, but now pages of their own letters have started coming out. The red diary is speaking loudly. Officials were quoted from the diary. Now should even a single Congressman win the election?

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He asked the public, If any Congress candidate comes to you, ask him two more questions, what is the matter of Lal Diary, whose is it, earlier you used to refuse, now you have started coming out of it.

On another disputed private locker seizure by the IT/ED recently, he sarcastically said, Congressmen no longer say that their victory depends on their luck. Now they say that their locker will not be opened. Modi will definitely notice it. Looted goods are becoming visible. Not only was a lot of money in cash but kilos of gold found in the locker. It is not made of potatoes. It is stolen gold.

The PM said, Riots are happening again and again in Rajasthan, curfew is being imposed again and again. People are being harmed due to this. Pro- terrorism slogans are being raised in Rajasthan, wherever Congress comes, courage of terrorists, bullies and rioters increases. The Chief Minister (Gehlot) remained busy saving the chair for 5 years. If Delhi Darbar continues to try to topple its leader, similar anarchy will spread in every village. Congress appeasement policy used to raise the courage of terrorists and that put the states glory, culture, valour and traditions in danger.

When there were terrorist attacks during the Congress government, they used to go to foreign countries and say that they were attacked. Bagged before the foreign nations. Used to ask for help. But the Modi Government killed terrorists after entering their houses, he recalled.

Beginning his 50 minutes speech, Modi draw attention of the crowd by saying People in Rajasthan are saying, Congress is going out, and BJP is coming to power. After Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Congress will be completely wiped out from Rajasthan too. There is fun in cleaning only when Congress gets cleaned from the polling booth also. Congress has brought Rajasthan to the forefront in the matter of corruption. Even innocent daughters are not safe here, my mission is to save the sisters from the problem.

Referring to his Jharkhand/Ranchi meeting in which the Centre decided a plan of Viksit Sankalp Yatra, Modi said now the government would reach every village and every household to ensure that the Centres welfare schemes were reaching to beneficiaries. It is Modis guarantee that means Guarantee up to fulfillment of the scheme, he added.

I dont know where the claws of Congress (party symbol) go and loot. I send money to provide tap connections to homes, Congress people also work to earn money in a noble cause like water. Claws have become habituated to hitting anywhere. Jal Jeevan Mission work was not done in Barmer-Jaisalmer and payment was also done, he alleged.

The PM assured the Petro-Chemical Refinery at Pachpadra would be developed as a hub in the western Rajasthan, Barmer-Jaisalmers artisan would be promoted and business would be flourished, and every village on the border would be developed like an urban city, if voted to power.

He concluded his speech asking voters to turn on flash lights of mobile phones and say Kamal Chunega Rajasthan (Rajasthan will elect Lotus).

He shared dias with Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, BJP State President C P Joshi, and BJP contestants of 8 districts.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day Jharkhand visit, Wednesday addressed a program marking the celebrations of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, 2023 in Khunti. During the programme, the Prime Minister launched Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra and Pradhan Mantri Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups Development Mission.

PM Modi also released the 15th installment of Rs 18,000 crore under the PM-KISAN scheme. Modi also laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects in Jharkhand worth Rs 7200 crores in multiple sectors like rail, road, Education, Coal, Petroleum and Natural Gas.

The Prime Minister began his address by recalling his visit to Ulihatu Village, the birthplace of Bhagwan Birsa Munda as well as the Birsa Munda Memorial Park cum Freedom Fighter Museum in Ranchi earlier today. Modi congratulated and conveyed his best wishes to every citizen on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.

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He also conveyed his greetings on the occasion of the Foundation Day of Jharkhand and highlighted the contributions of Former PM, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee in its formation.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the governments momentous achievement in uplifting more than 13 crore people out of poverty. Our seva kaal began when our government came to power in 2014, he said pointing out that a large population of the country was deprived of basic amenities.

He said that the poor had lost all hope due to the careless approach of the then governments. The present government began work with a spirit of service, he remarked as he highlighted that the poor and the deprived became the top priority of the government by delivering the amenities to their doorstep.

Modi has made the deprived his priority, he remarked.

The Prime Minister conveyed his affinity for the deprived people due to his personal experience with poverty and deprivation and said they have become the priority for the government. I have come to this land of Bhagwan Birsa Munda to repay the debt that I owe to the deprived, he said.

The Prime Minister reiterated, True secularism comes only when all possibilities of discrimination against any citizen of the country are eliminated, adding that social justice is ensured only when the benefit of all the government schemes reaches everyone in the same measure.

This is the spirit behind Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra which will continue till 26th January next year starting today on the Jayanti of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. In this journey, the government will go to every village of the country in mission mode and will make every poor and deprived person a beneficiary of government schemes, the Prime Minister emphasized.

On Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, let us remember Bhagwan Birsa Munda and redouble our efforts towards achieving greater prosperity for the tribal communities. https://t.co/nVDVNKh1z5  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 15, 2023

The Prime Minister recalled organizing the Gram Swaraj Abhiyan in 2018 where one thousand government officers were sent to the villages to create awareness about seven prime government schemes and expressed confidence that Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra will become equally successful.

Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is Modis guarantee for the poor, deprived, women, youth and farmers of India, he said. The Prime Minister underlined that a major foundation of the resolve for a developed India is PM JANMAN or PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan.

Under PM JANMAN, the Prime Minister said that the government will reach out to tribal groups and primitive tribes most of whom still dwell in the forests. He stated that the government has identified 75 such tribal communities and primitive tribes with a population of lakhs who reside in more than 22 thousand villages in the country.

Earlier governments did the work of connecting the figures, but I want to connect the lives, not the figures. With this goal, PM JANMAN has started today, the Prime Minister said. He informed that the central government is going to spend Rs 24,000 crores on this mega campaign.

Minister expressed confidence that the four Amrit Stambhs of Amrit Kaal i.e. Indias women power, youth power, agricultural power and the power of our poor and middle class will take India to new heights and make India a developed India.

Governor of Jharkhand, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Shri Hemant Soren, and Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Arjun Munda were also present on the occasion among others.
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal participated in the third in-person Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) meeting held on Tuesday and emphasized enhanced collaboration to realize collective aims of the IPEF, particularly on the need for mobilizing affordable financing for clean economy transition and for enhancing technology cooperation.

The Minister also urged early implementation of the envisaged cooperative work under IPEF, including on bio-fuels alliance suggested by India, said the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in a statement on Wednesday.

During this Ministerial meeting, the first-of-its-kind IPEF Supply Chain Resilience Agreement was signed by the Minister along with the Ministers from other IPEF partner countries.

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The Agreement is expected to make IPEF supply chains more resilient, robust, and well-integrated, and contribute towards economic development and progress of the region as a whole.

At the meet, ministers from IPEF partner countries had productive discussions on the substantial progress made by the IPEF partners on Pillar-III, Clean Economy and Pillar-IV, Fair Economy.

On the sidelines of the IPEF Ministerial, Goyal held bilateral meetings with Gina Raimondo, United States Secretary of Commerce, Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Minister of International Trade & Industry, Ministry of International Trade & Industry, Malaysia, and Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Republic of Indonesia.

The Union Minister discussed bilateral collaboration on trade, commerce and investment, enhanced business engagements, WTO matters, and other issues of mutual interest.

During the interaction with his counterparts from ASEAN countries, the Minister suggested expedited conclusion of the AITIGA review.

Importantly, Piyush Goyal and the US Secretary of Commerce co-chaired a kick-off industry roundtable titled, Decoding the Innovation Handshake: US  India Entrepreneurship Partnership, which was co-hosted by the US-India Business Council (USIBC) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and supported by National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) and Startup India, CEOs from major ICT companies, executives from venture capital firms, and founders of startups in the critical and emerging technology space.

On his visit, the minister held an interaction with Indian entrepreneurs in the Western United States. The interaction was organized by the Consulate General of India in San Francisco in collaboration with IIT Alumni & TIE Global.

Addressing the gathering, Goyal spoke about the immense potential that exists in India and the role that the Indian diaspora, particularly the entrepreneurs, could play in accelerating Indias economic growth and development. He also exhorted them to support Prime Minister Narendra Modis call for being vocal for local, and then turning local into global.
Commenting on disputed Red Diary that disclosed a few unscrupulous allegations on the Congress government, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot Wednesday alleged Red Diary conspiracy was hatched in Union Home Ministry.

As far as I understand, I dont know which is Red Diary and Black Diary. I feel that this conspiracy was hatched at the Home Ministry, Government of India. It was named Laal Diary thereTogether with our minister who was misused, BJP leaders conspired by speaking to him, Gehlot told the media at PC C office here.

Gehlot further slammed Modi Government saying when Manipur was burning, & entire country and world was worried but PM Modi and Amit Shah did not understand its seriousness.

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When Parliament was getting adjourned, that minister was told to say that the situation here (in Rajasthan) is worse than there (Manipur). It was done to dilute that (Manipur violence), quoting Modis statement outside Parliament Gehlot further lamented.

On the PMs scheduled public rally this evening at Baytu in Barmer district, Gehlot raised seven of his partys guarantees asking Modi to reply when his government will introduce Old Pension Scheme as the Rajasthan government did. When will the Central government introduce Social Security Act for every citizen, he questioned.

In his (Modi) election rallies, the PM should talk on Rajasthans flagship schemes implemented successfully, and 7 Guarantee schemes for next 5 years, in case it voted to power, Gehlot said, adding BJP (PM) should discuss these and try to find any flaws in these, if any.

It seems, the BJP does not have its own agenda to draw attention of public to seek vote in November 25 polls, but it just used to raise unwanted and false issues based on lies, Gehlot attacked.
Punjab on Diwali, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into sudden influx of paddy in Punjab.

Over 4.7 lakh metric tonne (LMT) of paddy arrived in several grain markets in the state on Diwali.

Farmers know that procurement comes to a standstill on Diwali because the procurement staff and Arhatiyas (grain commission agents) are not present in Mandis on this day, he said.

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The SAD chief said despite this, 4.7 lakh metric tonne of produce were procured on Diwali. It is clear that either paddy has been recycled to book profits or arrivals have been procured from outside the state, added.

He said since this could only be done with political patronage the case should not be probed by the State Vigilance and should be handed over to the CBI so that the truth could be laid threadbare.

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau has already launched an inquiry into an alleged paddy scam to find out how much of the paddy arrival was bogus. The VB teams have seized records regarding the arrival of paddy before and on Diwali from several grain markets.

The impact of the alleged scam is far-reaching. Under the procurement process, Punjab buys produce from farmers on behalf of the Food Corporation of India, which comes under the Central government. Later, the state claims payment from the Centre. The allegations of bogus paddy purchase may cause problems in the process.

The secretary, Food and Supply Department, Gurkirat Kirpal Singh on Monday said the pattern of paddy arrival in the past few days points to serious discrepancies as unprecedented arrival of 4.7 LMT has never been recorded on the festival day in the past since farmers are aware that staff, labour and arthiyas are unavailable.

This clearly points to an attempt by unscrupulous elements to recycle paddy and book fake purchases, he said.

Meanwhile, SAD also condemned the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for closing down 1559 grain markets in the state despite the fact that paddy was still arriving in Mandis.

He demanded paddy procurement operations should be continued across the State till 20 November. This government has discriminated against farmers from day one by refusing to pay compensation for crop losses and is now closing down Mandis arbitrarily leaving farmers in the lurch, the SAD president said.

Badal said it was shocking that despite the fact that 2.91 lakh metric tonnes of paddy had arrived in Mandis yesterday, which was 18 per cent more than the corresponding period last year, the AAP government was closing down procurement centres.

He said a large amount of produce was yet to reach the Mandis due to delayed harvest due to rains. Farmers who went in for re-transplantation of paddy after their crop was destroyed due to floods in July are also yet to bring their produce to the market. The government should close down the procurement centres only after the entire produce has been procured, the SAD leader added.
Midnight search at his residence by the police evoked strong protest from Congress leader Madhu Goud Yaskhi, who is contesting the Assembly election from LB Nagar constituency in Hyderabad.

The Congress leader took strong objection to the police action and insisted that officers produce a search warrant.

Tension prevailed at Madhu Yaskhis residence in Hayat Nagar when a team of police officials reached there for a search.

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When police officers told him that they received a complaint about money distribution, the former MP asked them to show the complaint.

He alleged that the police officials were acting at the behest of the ruling party. He said the police came without a search warrant and were not ready to show even the complaint received.

Yaskhis supporters raised slogans against the BRS and MLA Sudheer Reddy, who is seeking re-election.

Madhu Yaskhi, who is also chairman of the Congress campaign committee, said the police harassed him and his workers at the behest of the BRS leaders.

He said, unable to face him in the poll battle, BRS candidate Sudheer Reddy was using police to harass him. The Congress leader claimed that the police found nothing during the search.
Observing that non-state actors have emerged as the greatest negative interventions in global peace efforts, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday called for united efforts by the international community to deal with these elements.

Individual efforts may not be sufficient to neutralise these non-state actors. Only in togetherness, in firm and final mechanism, can they be dealt with, he observed.

Dhankhar was delivering the keynote address at the 2023 edition of the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue here.

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Noting that piracy and drug trafficking still remain a challenge despite all the technological advancements, he said the wealth generated from these is used by non-state actors to disrupt peace and harmony.

The vice-president said that as the fastest growing economy, India seeks a free and peaceful rule-based Indo-Pacific region with open and unrestricted flow of lawful legitimate commerce.

Calling for freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with established international Laws and Conventions, Dhankhar stressed, We seek a just global regulatory regime that respects the right over EEZ, for the sustainable and equitable exploitation of marine resources and Sea-bed in high seas. His comments are significant against the backdrop of Chinas aggressive posturing in the Indo-Pacific.

He highlighted that the immense unexploited wealth in seas makes them the new frontier for contestation among global players and stressed the need for a regulatory regime and its effective enforcement to contain the possibility of contesting claims of the seas and its assets.

Describing the emergence of Bharat as a leading economy as a stabilising factor for global peace and harmony, the vice president emphasised that India has to play a critical and constructive role to ensure that it leads from the front to ensure global order. You cannot enforce peace, you cannot negotiate peace, you cannot aspire peace from a position of weakness. You have to be strong and you have to be strong on all fundamentals. India in the current scenario is eminently suited for this, he added.

Mentioning that the world currently faces two serious conflagrations and there is no light visible at the end of the tunnel, he called upon the experts to think out of box to find a solution. Underlining that greed of a sovereign nation can only be contained if other nations come together, Dhankhar said that collaborative security and innovative partnerships seem to be the way forward. This is the only way out. No country can stand alone, there has to be action in togetherness, he emphasised.

The vice-president also expressed his pain and anguish that India, a country that comprises one sixth of humanity, is not fairly represented at the UNSC, thus downsizing the efficacy of this global body. Time has come when we need to focus on that also, he stressed.
Israel is losing the widespread public support it had among Americans after the 7 October Hamas terror attack. If this trend intensifies, it will likely lead to a moderation of the uncritical backing hitherto provided by Washington to Tel Aviv, which in turn could upend the precarious power balance in West Asia. Respondents in the latest iteration of the University of Maryland Critical Issues Poll have clearly expressed their discomfort with Israeli policies. Asked if they want the USA to lean towards Israel, towards the Palestinians, or towards neither side, there was measurable change in the two weeks between the last poll and the latest one which found that the number of respondents wanting the USA to take Israels side had dropped across the Republican-Democrat divide. This was coupled with an increase in the number of people wanting America to back the Palestinians.

According to Shibley Telhami of the Brookings Institute, among Democrats, support for Israel dropped from 30.9 per cent in the third week of October to 20.5 per cent in early November, while support for the Palestinians rose from 9.2 to 12.9 per cent. During the same two-week period, the gap between Republicans wanting the USA to lean towards Israel and those wanting America to lean towards the Palestinians shrank from 70.7 to 60.8 per cent; it likewise fell from 32.2 to 27.7 per cent among those respondents classified as independent. For respondents overall, the gap decreased from 36.8 to 29.1 per cent. At the same time, there was a rise across the board in the percentage of respondents who want the US to take neither side ~ 53.5 per cent overall, including 65.5 per cent of Democrats, 31.6 per cent of Republicans, and 57.5 per cent of independents.

Americans under 35, across the partisan divide were less likely to want the country to take Israels side compared with October, but the change among young Democrats was especially striking. In the October poll, polling found no change in the attitudes of young Democrats between June and two weeks after the Hamas attack; those who wanted the USA to back each side were roughly equal. In the latest poll, there is a significant change favouring the Palestinians. Their percentage increased from 16.2 per cent in October to 23.2 per cent in November, while those who wanted to take Israels side rose from 14.7 to 15.9 per cent.

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Most young Democrats wanted the USA to take neither side. Of vital political import in the findings of the opinion poll is the fact that there has been a marked increase in the number of Democrats who say US President Joe Biden is too pro-Israeli, rising from 24.4 in October to 34.4 per cent in November, while Democrats who said Biden was too pro-Palestinian remained constant at 1.2 per cent. The change among young Democrats has been particularly stark, with their percentage having doubled. To put this in perspective, if one excludes those who said they did not know where Mr Biden stood on this issue, the percentage of young Democrats saying the US President was too pro-Israeli comes to 72.3 per cent. That will surely impact US policy towards West Asia in the weeks and months ahead.
China under President Xi Jinping has real problems, according to US President Joe Biden. Ahead of his private meeting with Jinping on the fringes of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference, which the US is hosting in San Francisco from November 11 to 17, Biden made his comments on Tuesday.

President Xi is another example of how reestablishing American leadership in the world is taking hold, stated Biden during a speech at a fundraiser in San Francisco. They truly do have an issue.

Amidst trade tensions and sanctions, as well as the ongoing dispute between Washington and Beijing over Taiwan, Biden and Xi landed in San Francisco on Tuesday ahead of their first meeting in a year.

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The US President had earlier described the meeting as an opportunity to mend relationships that had soured in previous years.

Biden had stated that the US was not trying to decouple from China prior to leaving for the conference. Our goal is to improve our friendship with one other.

Biden further stated that he wanted to get back on a normal course of corresponding; 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.

Im 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, Biden said, as he warned that the United States was wary of investing in China due to Beijings business practices.

The conversations between Biden and Xi are seen to have the potential to reduce tensions between the rival superpowers regarding artificial intelligence, drug trafficking, and military confrontations.

Deep progress on the enormous gaps that separate the worlds economic heavyweights, however, could have to wait until tomorrow, according to news agency Reuters.

Expectations are low since Biden and Xi are expected to discuss issues that the leaders have been unable to settle for a long time, including human rights, the South China Sea, Taiwan, the Israel-Hamas conflict, Russias invasion of Ukraine, and North Korea.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have agreed to intensify international efforts toward an immediate ceasefire in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip.

During a phone conversation on Tuesday, both leaders focused on the latest developments in the Palestinian coastal enclave, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a statement by the Egyptian Presidency.

They also agreed on exerting efforts to allow urgent access to humanitarian aid and taking the necessary measures to protect civilians and stop the bloodshed.

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They stressed that this would pave the way for the political track, which aims to resolve the conflict based on the two-state solution, according to the statement.

Meanwhile, Sisi reviewed Egypts efforts to restore calm and the steps it was taking to deliver relief aid and evacuate foreign nationals and wounded Palestinians from Gaza.

Israel launched a massive attack on Gaza in retaliation for the surprise strike led by the Gaza-ruling Hamas movement on October 7, in which Hamas killed about 1,200 people in Israel and took more than 200 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

The ongoing conflict, raging into the second month, has killed over 11,500 Palestinians in the coastal enclave, said the Hamas-run Health Ministry.
Hours after Israeli troops stormed through the gates of Gaza's biggest hospital in the night, Israeli soldiers interrogated patients in the compound's courtyard while other Palestinians stood stripped to their underwear.

"All men 16 years and above, raise your hands," a soldier shouted in accented Arabic through a loudspeaker at those sheltering inside Al-Shifa hospital, which has been at the centre of Israeli airstrikes for days.

"Exit the building towards the courtyard and surrender," the soldier ordered, according to a journalist who visited the embattled hospital several days ago for interviews and was trapped inside because of the bombardment outside.

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, the journalist told AFP, a s they were ordered by Israeli soldiers to strip down to their underwear, before being interrogated.

Hours later, some 200 remained in their underwear, forced to stand beside tanks used in the military raid into the medical facility.

The Israeli military has acted brutally during its assault on Wednesday, visiting violence and humiliation on patients, staff and displaced people, those inside the hospital told Al Jazeera.

Witnesses have described conditions inside the hospital as horrific, with medical procedures performed without anaesthetic, families with scant food or water living in corridors, and the stench of decomposing corpses filling the air.

As Israeli forces raced through the corridors, hundreds of people emerged from different wards, including the maternity section, which was hit in an Israeli strike a few days ago.

The Israeli artillery shelling on Wednesday also hit patient rooms at the hospital, the Ministry of Health said.

Soldiers fired random shots as they moved from room to room searching women and children, some of whom were in tears.

Doctors Without Borders said that people attempting to flee Al-Shifa hospital are "at the mercy of gunfire, shelling and fire from drones."

Tanks in hospital complex



According to the Health ministry, more than 11,500 people, including 4,710 children, have been killed in an intense Israeli bombardment and ground invasion of the Palestinian territory.

Ahmed El Mokhallalati, a surgeon, told Al Jazeera from inside the hospital that the occupying army brought tanks within the hospital after continuous, aggressive gunshots, bombardments and attacks.

Israeli troops entered the main emergency department and several other wards.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the journalist at Al-Shifa said soldiers were still moving between hospital departments and questioning wounded people and their companions.

"More than 180 dead bodies are deteriorating and are still lying in the hospitals yard, he said. The situation is very terrifying, gunshots are heard everywhere in the hospitals perimeters," Omar Zaqout, an emergency room employee at al-Shifa said.

The Palestinian government accused the Israeli army of committing a "war crime and crime against humanity," as Israeli forces encircled the hospital complex over the past few days.

The United Nations said earlier that at least 2,300 people -- patients, staff and displaced civilians -- were inside and may be unable to escape because of the fierce fighting.

Citing the health ministry in Gaza, UN humanitarian agency OCHA said 40 patients had died in Al-Shifa on Tuesday.

The hospital director Mohammad Abu Salmiya said that 179 bodies had been buried in a mass grave inside the complex.

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Israel-Hamas war latest hospital: Israeli military soldiers and tanks Wednesday raided Gazas biggest Al-Shifa Hospital based on intelligence information about the presence of Hamas militants inside the medical facility. In a post on X, Israel Defence Forces said, that it is carrying out precise and targeted operations against Hamas in a specified area in the Al-Shifa Hospital, based on intelligence information.

The IDF also added that it has publicly warned time and again that Hamas continued military use of the Al-Shifa hospital jeopardizes its protected status under international law, and enabled ample time to stop this unlawful abuse of the hospital.

The Israeli military also called on the militants present in the Al-Shifa Hospital give up their weapons and surrender. The raids follow an Israeli and US claim that Hamas has an underground command centre underneath the Al-Shifa Hospital.

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IDF said that all Hamas terrorists present in the hospital should surrender while reiterating that the its troops had facilitated wide-scale evacuations of the complex.

Hamas has denied the claim and Palestinian Authority (PA) Health Minister Mai al-Kaila termed Israeli raids on the hospital a new crime against humanity.

We hold the occupation forces fully responsible for the lives of the medical staff, patients and displaced people in Al-Shifa, she said in a statement published by the Palestinian news agency Wafa.

The raid follows a warning of the dire situation inside Al-Shifa as the hospital is said to be running out of fuel. Hamas-run health ministry has claimed that the hospital complex is being used by thousands of displaced people to shelter from Israeli bombardment.

Meanwhile, Israeli officials have said that their troops are taking every measure to ensure innocent lives are protected. The deputy consul general of Israel, Tsach Saar said that we are doing everything we can to dismantle the capabilities of Hamas and taking every measure that is possible to protect lives.
After entering office, Mohamed Muizzu, the new president of the Maldives, pledged to withdraw Indian soldiers from the island nation, claiming his nation is too tiny to be involved in geopolitical conflict. The Maldives, he continued, will work together with all the countries, including India and China.

Muizzu recently stated, The Maldives is too small to be entangled in geopolitical rivalry, in an interview with a news agency.

We are going to work together with all the countries, India, China, and all other countries as well, declared the 45-year-old leader, who will take the oath of office as president of the Maldives on Friday.

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Muizzu has stated that the Maldives has begun talks with India to end its military deployment. One of Muizzus main campaign promises after ousting President Ibrahim Solih last month was to remove Indian soldiers.

Radar installations and surveillance planes supported by New Delhi are maintained by around seventy Indian military personnel. Maldivian warships assist in policing the countrys exclusive economic zone.

The election victory of Muizzu in September depended on a persistent campaign against Indias excessive political and economic influence in the Maldives, particularly on his promise to drive out Indian military.

He also clarified that his request to India to remove military forces did not imply that he would let China or any other nation to send military soldiers to the Maldives.

Muizzu was thought of as a stand-in for pro-China former president Abdulla Yameen, who, up to his fall in 2018, had significantly moved the nation closer to Beijing.
State media reported on Wednesday that North Korea has successfully carried out ground tests on a new type of solid-fuel engine designed for its prohibited intermediate-range ballistic missiles. This announcement coincided with the disclosure that a Russian delegation, headed by Moscows natural resources minister, Alexander Kozlov, was engaged in talks with Pyongyang, focusing on cooperation in trade, economy, science, and technology.

The increasing military collaboration between North Korea and Russia has raised concerns among Ukraine and its allies, particularly in the wake of a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in September.

According to the official Korean Central News Agency, North Korea has made significant strides in developing new high-thrust solid-fuel engines for intermediate ballistic missiles. The country successfully conducted ground jet tests of the first-stage engine on November 11 and the second-stage engine on November 14, marking a noteworthy achievement in its military modernization campaign.

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Solid-fuel missiles are known for their operational ease and safety compared to liquid-fuel weapons. They eliminate the need for pre-launch fueling, making them more elusive and quicker to deploy, posing challenges to potential adversaries.

Kim Jong Uns pursuit of testing a technologically advanced solid-fuel missile aligns with his military modernization goals, as outlined in his New Year report. In April, North Korea claimed the successful testing of its first solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile, signaling a breakthrough in its nuclear counterattack capabilities.

The Korean Central News Agency emphasized that these recent engine tests provided a sure guarantee for reliably accelerating the development of the new-type IRBM system, crucial in the context of the countrys perceived grave and unstable security environment.

The longstanding alliance between Russia and North Korea, both under international sanctions, raises geopolitical concerns. South Korea alleges that North Korea is exchanging arms for Russian space technology to launch a military spy satellite into orbit.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Wednesday claimed to have found weapons and terrorists infrastructure inside Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza during the raid. The Israeli military troops and tanks are still inside the hospital after 15 hours of the raid. They are interrogating people inside the hospital. Giving details about the ongoing operation in Al-Shifa hospital, IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari said that their operation is being carried out in a very specific area of the hospital and they are doing everything possible to mitigate the risk to civilians.

A precise and targeted operation is being carried out against Hamas in a very specific area of the Shifa Hospital. We have soldiers trained specifically for this situation, and continue to reiterate we are ONLY at war with Hamas. We continue to do everything in our power to mitigate the risk to civilians, Hagari said in a video statement released on X.

Earlier in the day, the IDF said that around 100 trained soldiers and tanks have gone inside the Al-Shifa Hospital to look for Hamas militants. The Israeli military claims that Hamas has an operations base underneath the hospital. The Israeli military also called on the militants present in the Al-Shifa Hospital give up their weapons and surrender.

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The IDF teams who have gone inside the hospital also include translators and medical professionals. The IDF published a video of its troops distributing medical aid including incubators, baby food and medical supplies to the hospital during the raid.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military also claimed to have found a room beneath the Rantisi Hospital in Gaza, where Israeli hostages are believed to have been held following their kidnapping after the brutal October 7 attack.

Beneath the Rantisi Hospital in Gaza, IDF forces found a room where Israeli hostages are believed to have been held. The calendar found in the room marked the days since October 7 Massacre with the title Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, Hamas name for their horrific attack on Israel, the IDF said.
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breaking featured

Jewish school hit with gunfire twice in four days

Joel Goldenberg / Joel Goldenberg Photo SPVM officers investigate the scene of the second shooting. Joel Goldenberg / Joel Goldenberg Photo Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante speaks to reporters near the scene of the school shooting.

The Yeshiva Gedola School on Deacon Road in Cote des Neiges-NDG was fired upon for the second time in four days.

A nearby resident told The Suburban that he was awakened by four shots at around 4:45 a.m. Sunday Nov. 12. Police were called at 5 a.m. by several residents, and a vehicle was seen fleeing the scene. We saw officers questioning nearby residents.

The first shooting at the school was on Thursday. A second shooting that day took place at United Talmud Torah. This followed violence against Jewish students at Concordia and firebombings at Beth Tikvah and Federation CJAs West Island headquarters in Dollard des Ormeaux.

There have been police and hired security presence around the school, in recent days, including during a recent event.

In the morning, the entire area around Deacon was surrounded by police tape, from the corner of Lajoie to Van Horne, and from Lajoie and De Vimy to Van Horne. Access from a palliative care centre from Deacon to DeVimy was also blocked. The tape was removed early in the afternoon.

SPVM spokesperson Caroline Chevrefils said that nobody was in the building when the shots were fired, near the intersection of Deacon and Van Horne. Police located a projectile in the front of the building, and other shell casings were found.

Former CDN-NDG councillor Lionel Perez, speaking for the school, said the shooting was a terrorist act.

Their objective is terrorize, to stop our prime mission, which is to educate kids, and they will fail! This second incident demonstrates the gravity of the situation and escalation, and were counting on the police to redouble their efforts to ensure the safety and security of our school, of our children and our community. We ask our elected officials to continue condemning. We appreciate their support, but they have to ensure the SPVM has all the means necessary for them to do their job and condemn any and all hate speech in society.

This reporter, who lives on the street, noted that police and a security vehicle had been on the street almost constantly in recent days. We asked if either had been on the street at the time of the incident. Perez responded that he would not get into details.

All I can say is that that there have been specific security measures that have been put in place after the first attack, and we will let the police continue their investigation.

Mayor Valerie Plante appeared on the scene later in the morning, as did Eta Yudin, VP for Quebec of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, Federation CJA CEO and president Yair Szlak, Cote des Neiges-NDG Mayor Gracia Kasoki Katahwa; Henry Topas, Quebec regional director of Bnai Brith Canada; and Snowdon councillor Sonny Moroz, amongst others.

Violence has no place in our democracy! Plante said to a phalanx of reporters. Were talking about an establishment where kids are attending! This is not the Montreal we want! We can disagree, we can think out loud, we can protest. Its a complex conflict that is happening [between Israel and Hamas], absolutely, but we can have those conversations with respect, and not using fear and not having this kind of violent act towards the Jewish community! That is wrong! My message to those who think this is a way to spread a message, it is not! I get messages from all kinds of people from different religions in Montreal, and nobody accepts this, nobody wants it, nobody will say its okay!

Plante said for those committing such acts, the SPVM is working really hard, and we will find them!

Yudin, of CIJA, said We have been saying for weeks that the antisemitism and incitement to hatred being heard at rallies in the streets of Montreal will lead to action if unchecked. This is no longer discussion about free speech. Those responsible must be held accountable. The SPVM needs more resources. We thank all those who have spoken out today and condemned these incidents, including our Premier, Prime Minister and Mayor and many other leaders across the political spectrum.

Federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre tweeted Sunday morning, terrorists again fired bullets at a Montreal Jewish school overnight. The government must take concrete action immediately to protect Canadas Jewish community from the heinous acts of antisemitic violence and intimidation.

For all of Nov. 12, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had not posted a reaction, but he did retweet a post from MP Karina Gould, saying I am horrified to learn of another incident of gunshots fired at the same Jewish school in Montreal early this morning. Thank goodness no one was harmed, but this threatening antisemitic violence cannot go on.

Premier Francois Legault tweeted, every effort will be made to find and punish the culprits. The Quebec nation is peaceful. Lets not import the hatred and violence that we see elsewhere in the world.

Mount Royal MP Anthony Housefather tweeted, this kind of antisemitic act cannot be allowed to become the new normal. Jews have every right to live safely in this country. And it is hard to believe that this level of violence is not directly traceable to the incitement to hate happening at demonstrations. Police need to act.

Bnai Brith Canada posted, we are aware of yet another shooting at a Montreal Yeshiva, the same one that was targeted by gunfire last week. Police in Montreal are investigating. We are deeply disturbed and are on the scene to assist.
A journalist trapped inside Gaza's largest hospital told AFP on Wednesday that Israeli troops had supposedly pulled out from the building after a nightlong invasion, yet this information remains unverified.

"Thee Israeli artillery are still at the gates of the hospital and they have full control over the facility," an Al Jazeera journalist explained.

Israeli forces had pushed into Gaza City's Al-Shifa hospital in the early hours of the morning, raising fears for the safety of thousands of patients, staff and displaced civilians trapped inside.

The UN estimates there are at least 2,300 people inside Al-Shifa.

The Israeli soldiers moved systematically through various buildings within al-Shifa hospital, thoroughly searching for any signs of military presence within the complex.

During Wednesday's attack, troops had interrogated dozens of civilians, some of whom were stripped to their underwear, said the journalist in contact with AFP.

Israeli forces have imposed restrictions, preventing both entry to and exit from the hospital premises.

For days, Israeli airstrikes rained down on the outskirts of the hospital which is located on the western side of Gaza City.

This comes as Israel is carrying out a massive air and ground invasion that has so far killed more than 11,300 people, more than two-thirds of them women and children, Gaza's health ministry says.

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A pair of North Atlantic right whales interact at the surface of Cape Cod Bay in March. Expanding the protection of right whales along the coast of Massachusetts and Rhode Island would greatly help increase the endangered population of this magnificent animal.
Job Title: Systems 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:

Administer and maintain the Universitys server infrastructure, including both physical and virtual environments such as file servers, VPN gateways, intrusion detection systems, active directory (preferably Open LDAP), DNSs, Web servers and many more.

Administer enterprise mail servers in an open-source environment (Linux/UNIX).

Establish and oversee a robust backup strategy for critical systems and data. Maintain comprehensive documentation of disaster recovery processes, configurations and procedures.

Develop and execute procedures for data restoration in the event of a system failure or disaster.

Regularly test and update disaster recovery procedures to enhance system resilience.

Support LANs, WANs, network segments, Internet, and intranet systems.

Ensure efficiency, redundancy and availability of all University Systems.

Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues and optimize operations for efficiency.

Maintain network and system security as well as perform security updates and patches.









Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

Must have a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or Computer Engineering.

Must have at least two (2) years of work experience in a busy environment performing similar tasks.

Professional certifications in MCSE, CCNA will be an added advantage.

Must have good knowledge and understanding of TCP/IP networking is an added advantage.

Experience in thin client computing and Virtualization are key.

Experience in setting up and administering digital library services is key.

Good knowledge and understanding of Windows Server administration.

Knowledge of VoIP functionality is an added advantage.

Must be a mature, practicing & 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
Health authorities are fighting bedbug outbreaks amid growing public concern as the number of reported cases continues to rise. The first case was reported in September, and reports have so far been received in 17 regions across the country.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety started taking measures to contain the bedbug infestations, but they have been spreading.

In response to concerns about the effectiveness of currently approved bedbug pesticides available domestically, the government has decided to promptly import alternatives. France and the U.K. are also dealing with bedbug infestations.

Online retailer Gmarket said on Tuesday that sales of bedbug repellents increased by 813 percent on-year from Oct. 31 to Nov. 6 and those of mattress vacuum cleaners by 610 percent. Other products like bedbug traps are also selling well.
A metalsmith once made a visit to the Sri Mahadeva Temple, an ancient Shiva Temple in Ettumanoor, a town situated in the central region of present-day Kerala. The artisan had crafted a suspension lamp as a gift for the temple, but the temple priests initially declined to accept it, expressing concerns about the substantial amount of oil it would consume to keep it lit. In response, the metalsmith confidently stated that the lamp could burn even without oil.





Unexpectedly, a stranger appeared and took the lamp, placing it inside the belikalpura (a structure that houses the main offering stone) of the shrine. Suddenly, the sky rumbled with thunder, and lightning struck, igniting the lamp. Remarkably, it has never ceased burning since that moment. This tale is just one of the many legends surrounding the famous Vada Vilakk of the Ettumanoor temple. Valiya Keda Vilakku, with repeated use, took on the colloquial expression Vada Vilakku. However, both terms indicate a sense of eternity: 'valiya' means large and 'keda' means that which cannot be extinguished. Similarly, vada refers to something that does not wilt, explains author Indu Chinta.

It is the fascination for such legends and historical narratives that made Chinta to switch from pursuing a career in environmental engineering to be an explorer of culture. A recipient of the Kerala Folklore Academy Award in 2020, Chinta recently published a unique book, Iconography of Deepam, on the traditional lamps in Kerala.



The project began with a request from the government of Madhya Pradesh, the author recounts. They approached me to write an article for a special publication by the Triveni Museum, which was scheduled for release on Republic Day earlier this year. The museum intended to establish a new section dedicated to showcasing various lamps from different regions of India. They sought my representation for the state of Kerala. That is how my journey into this subject began, she adds.

She further says: As I started working on the article, my exploration grew more profound. They also granted me the freedom to decide the direction in which I wanted to take this study. It became apparent that, despite their ubiquity in religious ceremonies and significant life events such as births, deaths, marriages, naming ceremonies, and housewarming rituals, there was surprisingly limited written or published material available on the topic. Consequently, I decided to delve into the lamp's cultural context, investigating its role within cultural and ritualistic systems.



It was in 2017, during her time at IIT Madras, that Chintas profound passion for culture was kindled, much like the oil that fuels the traditional lamps she would later write about in her book. Tamil Nadu is a state teeming with culture, and my heart has always been close to the preservation of culture and the art of writing. During my time at IIT Madras in mid-2017, I began to feel that the moment was ripe for me to make the leap from my current pursuits to a full-time exploration of writing and culture, she says.

I embarked on weekend journeys, even in and around Chennai, where Tamil Nadu's rich cultural tapestry never ceased to captivate me. The thought gradually formed in my mind that the time had come to transition into a full-time engagement with writing and culture, she adds.

Author Indu Chinta

Chintas travels took her through the vibrant landscapes of southern Karnataka and brought her to the northern reaches of Kerala, to Kasargod and Kannur. In Kannur, a chance encounter with an enthusiastic Italian couple who had recently witnessed a Theyyam performance left me curious and inspired. I decided to attend one of these performances myself, initially with the intention of writing an article for a newspaper. I watched Thee Chamundi or perhaps Putiya Bhagwati, one of my earliest experiences with Theyyam, and I was utterly awestruck, she recalls.



The tradition of Theyyam encompasses the rituals, customs, and traditions linked to the temples and sacred groves of Malabar. In the eyes of the local population, Theyyam serves as a conduit to the divine, and they actively seek blessings from the Theyyam performers. I returned to Kannur, drawn back by the irresistible allure of Theyyam, and this time, I decided to document my experiences through both words and photographs. It quickly became evident that the written word alone could not do justice to this incredible tradition. As my journey unfolded, I cancelled my return ticket to Hyderabad and spent the entire Theyyam season in Kannur, she says.

The culmination of my work during this transformative period was my first book, Theyyam: Merging with the Divine. It is hard to put into words the enchantment and revelation I experienced. 'Magical' would be an understatement  it was truly an epiphany.



Chinta started the work for Iconography of Deepam also with trips to Kannurto Kunhimangalam and Payyannur, two ancient centres of lamp-making in the southern state.



The artisans I saw there are truly remarkable, not just for their craftsmanship but for the remarkable continuity of their traditions across many generations, especially in Kunhimangalam, she recalls.

They have upheld these practices for centuries, living in tight-knit communities tucked away from the main roads. I was profoundly impressed by the dedication of the younger generation, who consider their craft a cherished inheritance and take immense pride in it. Even young girls displayed a keen interest, closely watching their fathers, uncles, or brothers in the workshop, eager to learn. It is a tight-knit community, and knowledge is transferred through oral traditions.

In Kunhimangalam, the lamp-making families possess something called Dhyana Slokas, which are essentially their trade secrets. These are closely guarded and not disclosed to outsiders. Over the years, this knowledge has been passed down orally. These Dhyanaslokas play a vital role, particularly in the handcrafting process as opposed to machine production, says Chinta. They dictate the precise proportions of metal to use when creating specific types of lamps. In Kunhimangalam, 33 distinct types of lamps are made, each with its dedicated dhyana sloka outlining the exact measurements. The artisans begin their work with a prayer, infusing their craft with a sense of divinity and deep reverence for each lamp they create.

Iconography of Deepam delves into the significance of lamps not only within religious rituals but also in the realm of performance arts, including Kutiyattam, Kathakali, Tholpavakoothu, and Mudiyettu. It uncovers the intriguing history behind why Kerala does not celebrate India's grand Diwali festival with much fanfare and instead observes its unique Festival of Lights.

While scholars began studying Kerala's oil lamps almost a century ago, cultural expert Carol Radcliffe Bolon of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., recognises Chinta as the first author to put the lamps of Kerala into their full cultural setting.



The author is currently in the process of preparing for the publication of another book dedicated to the art of Theyyam. She is also gearing up to explore and document the captivating stories that lie concealed within the culture that surrounds us.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai who was summoned to federal court on Tuesday confirmed that his company pays Apple 36 per cent of Safari search revenue and revealed that Samsung might be paid less than half of what the Cupertino giant is being paid.



Pichai was speaking while being summoned to federal court for the second time in two weeks to testify in an antitrust trial after Fortnite maker Epic Games filed a lawsuit against Google, according to PTI.

The latest testimony comes half a month after Pichai travelled to Washington DC to take the stand in a separate antitrust trial revolving around the US Justice Department's allegations that Google has stifled competition and innovation by abusing the power of its dominant search engine, reported PTI.

Reports suggested that an expert witness testifying for Google accidentally revealed Apple's 36 per cent cut from Google's search ad revenue in the Safari browser, following which Epic's lawyer Lauren Moskowitz asked Pichai if the amount was correct. In response, Pichai nodded, saying that's correct.

Moskowitz then asked Pichai if Google paid Samsung, the biggest seller of Android smartphones, only 16 per cent, which is less than half of what is paid to Apple.

To this Pichai replied that it was possible though he was not certain. Its like apples and oranges, he added, according to CNBC.

Some reports said that the before the court went on a recess, the situation got tense with the back-and-forth between Pichai and Moskowitz lasting for 75 minutes.

While Moskowitz seemed to portray Apple as one of Google's biggest partners rather than a major rival Pichai insisted that Google and Android compete fiercely with Apple. Android is given to Samsung and other smartphone



We enable more affordable smartphones, Pichai said, pointing out that Google gives away Android to Samsung and other smartphone makers for free in exchange for putting the company's search engine, Play Store etc on their devices. The Google CEO said it is very different from what Apple does.

 with inputs from agencies
Telugu actor Naga Chaitanya is set to make his streaming debut with supernatural thriller series Dhootha. Featuring an ensemble cast including Parvathy Thiruvothu, Priya Bhavani Shankar and Prachi Desai, the series will arrive on Amazon Prime Video on December 1.

In the eight episode series, Chaitanya essays Sagar, a successful and ambitious journalist who finds himself surrounded by mysterious events and gruesome deaths. The Telugu original directed by Vikram K Kumar and Sharrat Marar will also be available in Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam.

Aparna Purohit, head of Originals, India and Southeast Asia, Prime Video, described Dhootha as an atmospheric, supernatural thriller. This marks the thrid collaboration betweenChaitanya and Kumar after Telugu films Manam and Thank You.

Chaitanya was last seen on the big screen in Custody, Telugu-Tamil bilingual action drama directed by Venkat Prabhu.
Two days ahead of the crucial polling in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a few massive tribal outreach programmes in neighbouring Jharkhand.

Tribal community is a decisive factor in the poll-bound states.

Modi travelled to Ulihatu Village, the birth place of tribal icon Birsa Munda, to launch the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, a programme aimed at the saturation of the government schemes. The Yatra is aimed at reaching out to tribals, creating awareness and providing benefits of welfare schemes like essential financial services, electricity connections, access to LPG cylinders, housing, food security, nutrition and healthcare.

The prime minister flagged off publicity vans marking the launch of the Yatra which will start from districts with significant tribal populations. Similar vans will be flagged off by important dignitaries like governors, chief ministers, union ministers, ministers of state among others from 68 districts across the country with significant tribal population. By January 25, 2024, the Yatra will cover all districts across the country.

In the second programme, the prime minister launched PM JANMAN or PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan  a programme for the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups. There are 75 PVTGs in 18 states and Union Territories living in 22,544 villages (220 districts) having a population of around 28 lakhs.

Under PM JANMAN, Modi said, the government will reach out to tribal groups and primitive tribes who still live in forests. The government is going to spend Rs 24,000 crores on this mega campaign which aims to provide the PVTG families 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 the third announcement, Modi released the 15th installment of Kisan Samman Nidhi with an amount of about Rs 18,000 crores. It will reach the bank accounts of more than 8 crore beneficiaries. Under the scheme, till now, more than Rs 2.62 lakh crores have been transferred to farmers accounts in 14 installments.

The BJP has promised to give an additional Rs 6,000 every year to farmers in Madhya Pradesh apart from the Centres installment of same amount under the Kisan Samman Nidhi.

As the current round of elections is expected to be a tough fight, the BJP-led NDA government is going all out to woo every significant section of the society. The schemes launched on Wednesday have direct impact on the tribal populations in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and even Telangana.

Madhya Pradesh has the highest population of tribals in the country and has 47 reserved seats out of the 230. These reserved seats had helped the Congress to form the government as the party had won 30 seats in the 2018 assembly polls, a jump of 15 seats over the previous polls.

This explains the BJPs push for the tribal vote in the recent years. The central government has been highlighting the contributions of the tribal heroes in the freedom struggle and celebrating their contributions. The election of Droupadi Murmu, a tribal leader, as the President of India was the highest point of this engagement with the community.

In Chhatisgarh, the second phase of the polling will be held on November 17 along with Madhya Pradesh. In 2018, the Congress had won 25 out of the 29 reserved seats, while winning all the 12 seats in tribal dominated Bastar region. Even in Rajasthan, with significant tribal population, the Congress had won 14 out of the 25 reserved seats.

The grand old party had won in all three states in 2018. In the previous 2013 polls, the BJP had won majority of the tribal seats in these three states.

During his speech, Modi recalled several tribal warriors and heroesGovind Guru of Mangarh Dham (Rajasthan), Tantya Bhil of Madhya Pradesh, Bhima Nayak, Martyr Veer Narayan Singh of Chhattisgarh, Veer Ramji Gond of Telangana, Alluri Sitaram Raju of Andhra Pradesh, Rani Durgavati of Gond Pradesh.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hit out at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over his scathing criticisms of Israeli military actions in besieged Gaza.

Trudeau, who condemned Hamas's attack on Israel and defended Tel Aviv's right to hit back at the militant group, on Tuesday shared concerns over the mounting death toll in the battered enclave.



Talking about the "heart-wrenching" situation in Gaza, Trudeau said, "the price of justice cannot be the continued suffering of all Palestinian civilians." "Even wars have rules. All innocent life is equal in worth  Israeli and Palestinian," he said.



"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. He also urged Hamas to release all hostages and stop using Palestinians as human shields.



"Around 350 Canadian citizens, permanent residents and family members had been evacuated from Gaza," he added. Trudeau had also 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.



However, the Canadian Prime Minister's comments did not go down well with Netanyahu, who took to X to school Trudeau. Tagging the Canadian Prime Minister, Netanyahu posted: "It is not Israel that is deliberately targeting civilians but Hamas that beheaded, burned and massacred civilians in the worst horrors perpetrated on Jews since the Holocaust."



"While Israel is doing everything to keep civilians out of harms way, Hamas is doing everything to keep them in harms way," Netanyahu wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "Israel provides civilians in Gaza humanitarian corridors and safe zones, Hamas prevents them from leaving at gunpoint."



"It is Hamas not Israel that should be held accountable for committing a double war crime  targeting civilians while hiding behind civilians."



Netanyahu also said "the forces of civilization must back Israel in defeating Hamas barbarism."

Before Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron too had criticised Israel for the indiscriminate bombing in Gaza. Macron, who told the BBC there was "no justification" for Israels alleged bombing of "these babies, these ladies, these old people". He also urged Israel to stop the bombing while calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.


The poisonous haze blanketing Delhi thickened on Wednesday with the air quality standing close to the "severe" category amid unfavourable meteorological conditions.



The national capital's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 392 at 8 am. The 24-hour average AQI, recorded at 4 pm every day, was 397 on Tuesday. It was 358 on Monday and 218 on Sunday.



Air pollution levels entered the severe category (AQI above 400) at many places within the city, including ITO (427), RK Puram (422), Punjabi Bagh (432), IGI Airport (404), Dwarka (416), Patparganj (417), Sonia Vihar (413), Rohini (421), Nehru Nagar (434) and Anand Vihar (430).



Neighbouring Ghaziabad (362), Gurugram (322), Greater Noida (312), Noida (364) and Faridabad (369) also recorded very poor air quality.



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'.



According to IQAir, a Swiss company that specialises in air quality monitoring, Delhi was the most polluted city in the world on Tuesday, followed by Dhaka, Lahore and Mumbai.



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 six per cent on Thursday.



An official of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said stringent measures, including a ban on construction work and the entry of polluting trucks in the national capital, under the final stage of the central government's air pollution control plan called the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) will continue until further orders. "Stubble burning incidents are rising again and the meteorological conditions are not favourable (for dispersion of pollutants). We will review the situation and act accordingly," the official added.



Doctors say breathing in the polluted air of Delhi is equivalent to the harmful effects of smoking approximately 10 cigarettes a day.



Prolonged exposure to high levels of pollution can cause or exacerbate respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and dramatically raise the risk of cardiovascular disease, they said.



Unfavourable meteorological conditions, combined with vehicular emissions, paddy-straw burning, firecrackers and other local pollution sources, contribute to hazardous air quality levels in Delhi-NCR during winters.



According to a Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) analysis, the city experiences peak pollution from November 1 to 15, when the number of stubble-burning incidents in Punjab and Haryana increases.



Delhi's air quality ranks among the worst in the world's capital cities.



According to a report compiled by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) in August, air pollution is shortening lives by almost 12 years in Delhi.
Ahead of the second edition of the virtual Voice of Global South summit, India, South Africa and Cuba have called for more prominence to interests and aspirations of developing countries in multilateral groupings.

Speaking at a conference titled G20 Delhi Summit: Inclusive Growth & Rise of the Global South in New Delhi on Tuesday, Indias G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant made a strong pitch for accelerating reform of global governance institutions to reflect the interests of developing countries and underlined that India has made the G20 more inclusive during its presidency.

The Global South is important because this particular year, 80 per cent of the growth is coming from the Global South. According to the IMF and World Bank, 70 per cent of the growth in the next two decades is going to come from emerging markets, said Kant.

So, if growth is going to come from emerging markets for the next two decades, then you need to realign the multilateral financial institutions and the multilateral development banks to ensure that this growth gets accelerated, he said.

India will host the 2nd Voice of Global South Summit on November 17 in a virtual format. The second summit will focus on sharing with countries of the Global South the key outcomes achieved in various G20 meetings over the course of Indias Presidency.

Speaking at the conference, South Africas High Commissioner to India Joel Sibusiso Ndebele lauded India for placing the interests of his country and other developing countries on the global agenda. Pretorias presidency of G20 in 2025 will further advance interests of the South, he added.

The inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 under Indias G20 presidency has added a further 1.3 billion people and the GDP of $3 trillion to the G20, said the South African envoy.

He noted that the participation of the AU will strengthen global economic governance and allow African countries to own and influence decisions on key issues. This will further add weight to the course by developing countries in the G20 for the reform of global financial institutions and institutions of global governance.

Cubas Ambassador to India Alejandro Simancas Marin, too, praised India for defending the interests of the Global South in multilateral fora.

 The global South, the rise of the people of the South has been a fundamental principle of Cubas foreign policy. We recognize the capacity of India to understand and project the aspirations and the dreams of the people of the South in G20, said Marin.

Cuba is the current chair of the G77, a bloc of countries from the Global South representing 80 per cent of the world's population.
Once the Congress comes to power at the Centre, the first decision will be to conduct a caste census across the country, partys former president Rahul Gandhi reiterated at an election rally in Chhattisgarh on Wednesday.

Gandhi said the caste census would be the most revolutionary decision after Independence.

Criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modis remarks that poverty is the only caste in the country, Gandhi said: "When it comes to giving rights to OBCs, they say there are no OBCs and there is only one caste in India, the poor. There are OBCs, and we will find out how many there are. Whether it's 10, 20, or 60 per cent, you will get as much participation as there is population.

Gandhi promised a caste survey in Chhattisgarh if the Congress comes to power in the state in the ongoing assembly elections.

Whether Narendra Modi does it or not, if our government is formed in Chhattisgarh, a caste survey will be done here. When our government is formed in Delhi, the first signature will be on the caste census," he said.

The first phase of Chhattisgarh Assembly elections was held on November 7 and the second phase will be held on Friday. Counting of votes will take place on December 3.

Congress came to power in the state in the 2018 Assembly elections after winning 68 of the 90 seats. The BJP bagged 15 seats.

A nation-wide caste survey was one of the major poll planks of the opposition INDIA bloc ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

The Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, in a recent decision had hiked the reservation cap in the state to 65 per cent, based on a caste survey report. With the central governments 10 per cent quota for the economically weaker sections, the overall quota in Bihar has now increased to 75 per cent.
A heavy drilling machine was airlifted from Delhi by three IAF transport aircraft Wednesday to replace the "failed" equipment which was being used earlier to create a passage for 40 workers trapped in an under-construction tunnel that collapsed three days back, officials said.

The 'American auger' machine that landed in parts at the Chinyalisaur airport, over 30 kilometres from the tunnel on the Char Dham route, was being put into service amid apprehension by workers at the site on the progress of the multi-agency rescue operations.

Workers chanted slogans at the mouth of the tunnel on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway, protesting over the "slow" pace of the operation to rescue their colleagues trapped inside for the fourth day.

The plan is to use the 'American auger' machine to drill through the rubble of the tunnel's collapsed portion and insert 800-mm and 900-mm diameter sections of mild steel pipes -- one after the other. Once this happens, the workers trapped on the other side of the rubble can crawl out to safety.

The first drilling machine turned out to be too slow and technical issues developed, the officials said. Also, falling debris inside the tunnel damaged the equipment and injured two rescue workers on Tuesday.

The replacement machine was carried in three C-130J Hercules aircraft to Chinyalisaur on Wednesday afternoon. Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police Arpan Yaduvanshi said they were being transported by road to the tunnel, about two hours away.

One part of the heavy drilling machine has already reached the tunnel while its other parts are still being unloaded from the aircraft at Chinyalisaur, an official said in Uttarkashi.

"After all parts of the machine arrive here, they will be unloaded and assembled which may take a few hours before being deployed for drilling. With a capacity to penetrate four-five metres of rubble per hour, we can expect it to excavate 50 metres through the rubble in 10 hours," NHIDCL Director Anshu Manish Khalkho said here.

The purpose of bringing the new machine is to speed up the process of preparing an escape passage for the trapped, he said.

Khalkho also said a six-diametre pipe has been put through the rubble to supply food items to the trapped workers which was being done earlier through a pipe meant for supplying oxygen.

Uttarkashi District Magistrate Abhishek Ruhela said officials are maintaining constant communication with the trapped workers and asking them not to lose patience.

"It is a challenging situation. We often tend to lose patience in situations like this. Our officials have spoken to the protesters and asked them not to give up patience. It may take some more time but all the trapped workers will be safely evacuated," Ruhela told PTI when asked about the protest.

Tehri MP Mala Rajya Lakshmi Shah also visited the tunnel site and said the central and state governments are providing all technological support to expedite evacuation of the trapped workers.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is continuously monitoring the rescue operation in Silkyara despite being in Indore, an official statement said.

He is taking updates from Garhwal commissioner and senior officials of the multiple agencies engaged in the relief and rescue operation, it said.

"A big challenge has come before us which we have to face successfully with full courage and patience," Dhami said.

A portion of the tunnel, part of the ambitious Char Dham all-weather road project, collapsed on Sunday. The 30-metre collapsed section is 270 metres from the mouth of the tunnel from the Silkyara side.

The officials said the labourers were safe, and oxygen, electricity, medicines, food items and water were being supplied to them through pipes.

Khalkho, however, said it was not possible to specify a definite timeframe for the evacuation of the trapped labourers but effort was on to make a headway at the earliest and rescue them all safely. Constant communication is being maintained, he added.

Tuesday's landslide and slow performance of the drilling machine deployed earlier hampered efforts to insert steel pipes through the tunnel's debris to create the passage, the NHIDCL director added.

According to a list of the trapped workers issued by the emergency operation centre, 15 are from Jharkhand, eight from Uttar Pradesh, five from Odisha, four from Bihar, three from West Bengal, two each from Uttarakhand and Assam, and one from Himachal Pradesh.
The work to drill steel pipes through the rubble of the collapsed tunnel at Uttarkashi was hindered by a fresh landslide on Tuesday night. Two rescue workers were injured in the melee.

The injured workers were rushed to the makeshift hospital established on the site to attend to the trapped workers, reported PTI.



However, the work to push through the 900-mm diameter steel pipes to create an escape passage for the 40 trapped labourers will continue on Wednesday morning. Rescue personnel spent Tuesday preparing a platform for the auger machine to drill through the rubble.



However, the unexpected landslide caused fresh soil to fall from above. This caused a stampede-like situation leaving two labourers injured. Their injuries were said to be minor.



The drilling is being carried out with the help of an auger machine and the entire work is being monitored by Deepak Malik, general manager of the Uttarakhand Drinking Water Corporation. An expert in drilling and boring works, Malik is leading the technical aspect of the work.



"If everything goes as planned, the trapped labourers will be evacuated by Wednesday," Uttarkashi District Magistrate Abhishek Ruhela told reporters after visiting the site.



Work to insert 800-900 mm diameter MS pipes through the rubble progressing inside Silkyara tunnel | PTI

The strategy

The plan is to push through both 800- and 900-millimetre diameter sections of mild steel pipes -- one after the other -- into the rubble using drilling equipment and create an escape passage for the workers. All the workers are safe and are being provided with oxygen, water, food packets and medicines through tubes.



However, one of the trapped workers reported feeling nauseous after which medicines were supplied.



There are eight 900-millimetre diameter pipes with a length of six metres each and five pipes of 800-millimetre diameter of the same length, the State Emergency Operation Centre said.



Visuals from Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand as rescue operations continue to rescue 40 workers trapped inside an under-construction tunnel between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway that collapsed on Sunday morning.#Uttarakhandtunnelcollapse pic.twitter.com/qk0PeNwTZP  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 15, 2023

A part of the tunnel being built between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway 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 in Dehradun said.



Navyuga Engineering Company Limited official GL Nath appealed to everyone not to enter the tunnel and disrupt the rescue efforts. "Only those whose services or help is needed in the ongoing rescue operations should enter the tunnel. Local political leaders are disturbing us a lot by frequenting the tunnel. I appeal to them not to do so. Our priority is to safely evacuate the trapped workers," he said.


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."

"Hamas's 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 Hamas's 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."

"Iran's 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."
NASA officials revealed that the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) will be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in the beginning of next year after conducting a few more tests, officials said.

NISAR (pronounced as 'naisar'), which will be launched aboard ISRO's GSLV Mark II, is a low-earth orbit (LEO) observatory jointly developed by NASA and ISRO.

Following a 90-day satellite commissioning period, the mission will survey out planet every 12 days. During its three-year duration, NISAR will provide spatially and temporally consistent data for understanding changes in the ecosystems, ice mass, vegetation biomass, sea level rise, ground water and natural hazards including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes and landslides.



"ISRO is projecting the first quarter of next year. So, I mean, that's ready," NASA NISAR Project Manager Phil Barela told media in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

He added that a vibration test is underway while battery and simulation tests have to be done to make sure that the system works fine. "...we'll be doing performance testing on the radars and various spacecraft electronics. So, a lot of testing remains but the big environments test, the only one remaining now, is vibration," Barela said.

ISRO will supply the S-Band SAR payload while NASA will provide the L-Band SAR payload system. Both these SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) systems will make use of a 12m wide deployable mesh reflector, according to ISRO.

ISRO will be responsible for SSAR data handling system, High rate downlink system, spacecraft bus systems, the GSLV launch system and Mission Operations Related Services. On the other hand, NASA will also provide engineering payloads for the mission, including a Payload Data Subsystem, High-rate Science Downlink System, GPS receivers and a Solid State Recorder.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Wednesday stormed into Al-Shifa, Gaza's biggest hospital, and called on the Hamas militants, whom they claim were hiding in tunnels beneath the hospital complex, to surrender. The soldiers reportedly raided the western side of the complex.

Dr. Munir al-Bursh, director-general of the Gaza health ministry, confirmed the news to Al-Jazeera television. "There are big explosions and dust entered the areas where we are. We believe an explosion occurred inside the hospital," Bursh said. The ministry added that Israel had told officials in the enclave that it would raid the Shifa hospital complex "in the coming minutes" around 1 a.m. local time (2300 GMT).



A statement by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) read: "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 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," the statement read.



A spokesperson also claimed that the military "is not overrunning" the hospital and the goal was to bring [the hostages] home. "Our goal is to seek out Hamas wherever they are hiding," Lt. Col. (res.) Peter Lerner told CNN. He reiterated that the hospital was "perhaps even the beating heart" of the terror groups operations.



#BREAKING Israel says it is carrying out an operation against Hamas at al-Shifa Hospital as its forces raid the health complex in Gaza City.



Israeli soldiers have entered the surgical and emergency buildings at al-Shifa Hospital.



Israels attacks on al-Shifa started just pic.twitter.com/OU3CCUxFBG  Clash Report (@clashreport) November 15, 2023

The military added that "later during the operation, incubators, medical equipment and baby food are expected to be transferred to the hospital."



Just after the raid, Hamas released a statement, blaming US President Joe Biden and Israel responsible for the attack on the hospital. "We hold the occupation (Israel) and President Biden wholly responsible for the assault on the Al-Shifa medical complex," Hamas says in a statement.



Meanwhile, the White House has said its independent intelligence supported Israel's claim that Hamas was using Gaza's hospitals, including Al-Shifa, to hide command posts and hostages.



White House spokesman John Kirby told reporters on the presidential plane, Air Force One, that intelligence confirmed that Hamas used tunnels underneath Al-Shifa and other hospitals to conceal military operations and to hold hostages. Hamas denies the claims.

"We have information that confirms that Hamas is using that particular hospital for a command and control mode" and probably to store weapons, Kirby said. "That is a war crime."

He, however, added that the Biden administration does not want the facility or the civilians taking shelter there to be harmed. "We do not support 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," Kirby said.


Chinese President Xi Jinping landed in the US on Tuesday for the highly-anticipated three-day Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which will see the leaders from 21 nations converge in San Francisco. However, the highlight of the event is the bilateral meeting between Xi and US President Joe Biden, their second meeting after Biden assumed office in January 2021.

While Biden has stated that his idea of a successful meeting was to get back on a normal course of correspondence and "being able to pick up the phone and talk to one another whenever there is a crisis", reports from US hint announcements on fentanyl, military communications and other key issues are likely.



What to expect



Xi Jinping with Joe Biden

Xi, who hasn't been to the US since 2017 when Donald Trump was the president, is likely to use the meeting to push for assurance that the US will not suppress Chinas economic growth by piling on new tariffs. Beijing would also demand rollbacks in tariffs on Chinese goods, sanctions on Chinese companies and export restrictions on high-tech products such as advanced chips.



The Chinese president is also likely to address US business leaders in San Francisco and instil confidence in them that China is a safe place to invest. According to Bloomberg, China is also considering resuming purchases of Boeing's 737 Max aircraft at this meeting.



For the US, the meeting will be a venue to reiterate the US's commitment to its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific, including Taiwan and the Philippines.



The meeting is also 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.



However, one of the goals of the meeting would be the resumption of military talks with China. "When it comes to managing the relationship, ties and communications between our two militaries are critical," national security adviser Jake Sullivan told CNN. "The Chinese have basically severed those communication links. President Biden would like to reestablish them. And he will look to this summit as an opportunity to try to advance the ball on that."



A pact with China to crack down on the manufacture and export of fentanyl. The agreement would be a breakthrough for Biden as the U.S. deals with increasing drug overdose deaths. Any deal on fentanyl would likely mean Washington's having to lift human rights sanctions on China's police forensic institute in return, reported Reuters.



Biden could also insist on increased commercial flights between the two countries, easing restrictions on journalist visas. The US could also pressure China to use its influence on Iran to stop it from fuelling the crisis in the Middle East.



However, there wouldn't be any joint statements or breakthroughs in relations considering the major disagreements between the two countries on multiple subjects. "We remain in an enduring period of competition and tension," Richard Fontaine of Washington's Center for a New American Security told Reuters. "There's not going to be any big breakthroughs, there won't be any real change in substance."
New Delhi, Nov 15 (PTI) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said India is expected to overtake Japan and Germany to emerge as the third largest economy in the world by 2027.

Addressing the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue here, Sitharaman said India's economic growth is estimated to be just under 7 per cent during the year, the highest among major economies, despite global headwinds.

The Indian economy is therefore on the right track and is heading towards a bright future, she said.

Amidst supply-chain disruptions and economic turbulence due to contemporary conflicts that impact the Indo-Pacific, irrespective of whether they are occurring in relatively distant Ukraine or in relatively-proximate Israel or Yemen, and despite the palpable tensions prevalent in the South- and East China Sea, the Indian economy stands out as a bright spot, she said.

"Even according to the usually conservative estimates of the IMF, the Indian economy is set to emerge as the world's third largest economy by 2027, hopping over Japan and Germany, as its GDP crosses the USD 5 trillion level. By 2047, India aspires to be a developed economy," she said.

Talking about India's 'Blue economy', she said, it accounts for roughly 4 per cent of the GDP and represents a sea of opportunities.

India has 9 states and 4 Union Territories situated on the coast, 12 major and 200+ non-major ports situated along its coastline, and a vast network of navigable waterways for international and domestic trade, she said.

According to the UNCTAD, India was the 2nd largest exporter of ocean-based goods and services among developing countries in 2020.

Observing that Indo-Pacific is undoubtedly the world's most economically dynamic region, Sitharaman said it encompasses 60 per cent of global GDP, and almost 50 per cent of global merchandise trade.

On the other hand, the Indo-Pacific is also a geopolitically contested space that is being roiled by great power competition, she said.

"One draws its legitimacy from an internationally accepted and consensually derived rules-based order. India stands firmly and proudly in the vanguard of this system," she said.

While the other seeks to discredit and disrupt this consensually derived rules-based order and supplant it with an international order whose rules are generated in an exclusive State, she said.

As India accelerates its economic growth and uplifts its teeming masses, moving them from poverty to prosperity, she said it is registering impressive gains in its comprehensive national power as well as in terms of its international stature.

"Today, Indians 'whether at home or abroad' stand, walk, talk, and act with their heads held high... even as the world appreciates India's achievements and successes and lauds it for its demonstrated resilience amidst multiple crises, we are very clear that we cannot afford to be an inward-leaning power," she said.

"Our focus on transitioning from a 'brown' economic model to a 'blue' one and thereafter extrapolating this blue transition across the length and breadth of the Indo-Pacific demands that we shoulder greater and heavier regional responsibilities, and this is precisely what we are doing," she said.

India has significantly improved its position as a well-governed and innovative country with a conducive environment for business, as reflected in several global indices.

Noting that the country's comprehensive national power is going to remain inextricably linked to the ocean, she said India is seized of the pressing need to grow the maritime sector as a whole and the government is determined to provide the requisite support by way of fiscal policy and financial outlay.

"We seek to position India as a hub in new and diversified supply chains and value chains across the Indo-Pacific and, indeed, across the world.

"Towards this end, I am happy to inform you that all sectors of the government are responding exceedingly positively to our new financial policies," she said.

In terms of international shipments, she said India's global ranking has risen from 44th place in 2014, to the 22nd rank in 2023.

Similarly, as per the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index report 2023, she said, the 'turn-around time' of Indian ports is now just 0.9 days, which is lower than ports in established maritime centres such Singapore, the UAE, Germany, the USA, Australia, Russia, and South Africa.

"Our experience of the maritime manifestations of the Covid-19 pandemic has led to shipping insurance, too, becoming a particular area of policy focus," she said.

On the one hand, a 'Marine Cargo Pool' has now been created with the full support of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India and domestic insurance companies, to support maritime trade on the other hand the country is improving its strength in shipping arbitration, and in order to reduce India's vulnerability to international sanctions.

To provide greater strategic flexibility in shipping operations, she said "we are setting up a full-fledged Indian-owned and India-based Protection and Indemnity (P&I) entity that will additionally provide protection to coastal and inland shipping."

On the capacity building front, she said, as many as 31 projects have been identified in 9 major ports for monetisation under the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) launched in 2022, with a total estimated CAPEX of 14,483 crore rupees (1.74 billion US dollars) for FY 2022-25.

Terming India-Middle East-Europe Connectivity Corridor (IMEC) as one of the most promising connectivity projects, Sitharaman said it will be a win-win situation for all states involved, as it enhances transportation efficiency, reduces logistic costs, increases economic unity, generates employment, and lowers Greenhouse Gas emissions, contributing to a cleaner, safer, better world.

"However, it is not without its geopolitical challenges and the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza is a worrying manifestation of these," she said.

The IMEC was signed at the 18th G-20 Summit held in New Delhi in September.

It is a multimodal economic corridor that incorporates multiple networks of shipping, railways, and roadways and will also include electricity cables, high-speed data cables, and a hydrogen pipeline.

The corridor is expected to create a reliable and cost-effective cross-border, ship-to-rail transit network to supplement existing maritime and road transport, and facilitate trade and connectivity, leading to the economic integration of South Asia, West Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
New Delhi Nov 15 (PTI) India's merchandise exports rose by 6.21 per cent to USD 33.57 billion in October this year even as trade deficit ballooned to USD 31.46 billion during the month, government data showed on Wednesday.

Imports increased to USD 65.03 billion in the month under consideration, as against USD 57.91 billion recorded in October 2022.

The country's trade deficit in October stood at USD 31.46 billion.

During the April-October period of this fiscal year, exports contracted by 7 per cent to USD 244.89 billion. Imports during the seven-month period fell by 8.95 per cent to USD 391.96 billion.

Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said the trade numbers in October reflect 'green shoots' of recovery in outbound shipments.
New Delhi, Nov 15 (PTI) India's imports from Russia rose 64 per cent to USD 36.27 billion during the April-October period this fiscal on higher shipments of crude oil and fertiliser, according to the commerce ministry data.

With this, Russia has become India's second-largest import source during the first seven months of this fiscal.

The imports were USD 22.13 billion during April-October 2022.

From a market share of less than 1 per cent in India's import basket before the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russia's share of India's oil imports rose to over 40 per cent.

India, the world's third-largest crude importer after China and the United States, has been buying Russian oil after some countries in the West shunned it as a means of punishing Moscow for invading Ukraine.

The ministry's data showed that imports from China dipped marginally to USD 60.02 billion during the period against USD 60.26 billion in the year-ago period.

Similarly, imports from the US declined 16 per cent to USD 24.89 billion during the period under review from USD 29.56 billion last year.

Imports from the UAE contracted 21 per cent to USD 24.91 billion during the period under review.

During the first seven months of this fiscal, imports also dipped from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Indonesia, Singapore, and Korea.

Among all the top 10 import source nations of India, imports from Switzerland increased to USD 13.97 billion as against USD 10.48 billion in April-October 2022 due to gold imports.

On the export front, India's exports to six of its top-10 destinations have recorded a negative growth rate during the period.

During the first seven months of this fiscal, the country's merchandise exports to the US, the UAE, Singapore, Germany, Bangladesh, and Saudi Arabia have declined.

However, exports to the UK, Australia and the Netherlands have recorded positive growth.

The outbound shipments to China rose to USD 8.92 billion during the period under review from USD 8.85 billion in April-October 2022.

India's overall merchandise exports rose by 6.21 per cent to USD 33.57 billion in October this year even as trade deficit ballooned to USD 31.46 billion during the month, government data showed on Wednesday.
New Delhi, Nov 14 (PTI) Sahara Group chief Subrata Roy died of cardiorespiratory arrest on Tuesday, according to a company statement.

He was 75.

According to the company statement, he passed away at 10.30 pm due to cardiorespiratory arrest following an extended battle with complications arising from metastatic malignancy, hypertension, and diabetes.

He was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute in Mumbai on Sunday after his health deteriorated, it added.

"His loss will be deeply felt by the entire Sahara India Pariwar," it said.
New Delhi, Nov 15 (PTI) The ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza pose a challenge to the India-Middle East-Europe Connectivity Corridor (IMEC) envisaged to enhance transportation efficiency and reduce logistic costs, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Wednesday.

Terming the IMEC as one of the most promising connectivity projects, Sitharaman said it will be a win-win situation for all states involved as it enhances transportation efficiency, reduces logistic costs, increases economic unity, generates employment, and lowers Greenhouse Gas emissions, contributing to a cleaner, safer, better world.

"However, it is not without its geopolitical challenges and the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza is a worrying manifestation of these," she said while addressing the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue here.

The IMEC was signed at the 18th G-20 Summit held in New Delhi in September. It is a multimodal economic corridor that incorporates multiple networks of shipping, railways, and roadways and will also include electricity cables, high-speed data cables, and a hydrogen pipeline.

The corridor is expected to create a reliable and cost-effective cross-border, ship-to-rail transit network to supplement existing maritime and road transport, and facilitate trade and connectivity, leading to the economic integration of South Asia, West Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

The IMEC will connect Indian ports such as the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Mundra (Gujarat), and Kandla (Gujarat), with West Asian ones such as Fujairah, Jebel Ali, and Abu Dhabi in the UAE, and Saudi Arabian ports of Dammam, Ras Al Khair, and Ghuwaifat.

Then there is a rail segment that will continue the IMEC and provide connection to the Saudi Arabian cities of Haradh and Al Haditha, onward to the port of Haifa in Israel.

The final segment, which some call the Northern Corridor, will once again be a maritime segment connecting the port of Haifa to the Greek port of Piraeus and there to Europe.
New Delhi, Nov 15 (PTI) The Centre on Wednesday said it is providing foodgrains free of cost to over 80 crore people under the Prime Minister Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKAY) for a period of one year starting January 1, 2023.

Addressing a public rally in Durg (Chhattisgarh) recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that his government's free ration scheme PMGKAY has been extended for the next five years.

The opposition Congress Party accused the announcement of being in violation of the election code of conduct. Elections are currently being held in five states.

In an official statement, the food ministry said that the Centre is "providing food grains free of cost to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households and priority households (PHH) beneficiaries under PMGKAY for a period of one year beginning from 1st January 2023."

In December last year, the Centre decided to subsume the PMGKAY, which was launched in 2020 to provide additional foodgrains free of cost, with the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

Under the NFSA, up to 75 per cent of the rural population and 50 per cent of the urban population are being covered under two categories -- Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and priority households.

While AAY households, which constitute the poorest of the poor, are entitled to 35 kg of foodgrains per family per month, priority households get 5 kg per person per month.

The ministry said that the distribution of foodgrains free of cost is being done in order to remove the financial burden of the poor beneficiaries and to ensure nationwide uniformity and effective implementation of the NFSA (2013).

It further stated that the decision was taken to strengthen the provisions of NFSA in terms of accessibility, affordability and availability of entitled foodgrains for the poor.

The move was to ensure effective and uniform implementation of the NFSA (One Nation -One Price -One Ration), the ministry added.

"The Central Government fully bears the food subsidy for procuring, allocating, transporting and delivering the foodgrains till the designated depot in the States with the help of the two food subsidy schemes, namely, Food Subsidy to FCI and Food Subsidy to Decentralized Procurement (DCP) States," the ministry informed.

These two food subsidy schemes have been subsumed as Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) for effective and uniform implementation of the NFSA as also to strengthen the food security network in the country.

"Under this scheme, free foodgrains are being distributed through Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) from 1st January 2023. The additional cost of making foodgrains free of cost to the NFSA beneficiaries is being

borne by Government of India," the statement said.

The NFSA 2013 provides for coverage of up to 75% of the rural population and up to 50% of the urban population, which as per Census 2011 comes to 81.35 crore persons.

"The Coverage under the Act is substantially high to ensure that all the vulnerable and needy sections of the society get its benefit. At present, against the intended coverage of 81.35 crore, 80.48 crore beneficiaries are identified by the States/UTs under the Act for distribution of free foodgrains under the PMGKAY," the ministry said.
New Delhi, Nov 15 (PTI) RM, the leader of the South Korean band BTS which enjoys massive popularity in India, says he would love to visit the country someday.

In a live session on global fan forum Weverse on Tuesday night, the 29-year-old was asked if he would want to come to India.

In his reply, RM said: "Yeah, I want to visit India too someday. Why not?"

When another fan asked which country he wanted to visit to feel relaxed, the rapper said "Definitely Switzerland or Iceland."

ARMY, the fan group of BTS, knows that RM -- whose real name is Kim Nam-joon -- has yet to receive his driver's license. On being asked what was the status, the musician said, "Not yet but after military service... 1.5 months left till the end of the year? Why is time going by so fast?"

Jin, j-hope, and Suga, three of seven members of BTS, are currently serving in the South Korean military. RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook are yet to publicly announce their enlistment dates.

RM also allayed concerns of fans when some of them enquired about his scar near his left eye.

"My eye? I got about five stitches. I was filming something and the camera was too close so it slid against that area and so I had to stop filming and go right to the hospital but I'm fine now," he added.

In South Korea, all able-bodied men aged 18-28 are required to serve in the military for about two years. All BTS members had been allowed to put off starting their military service until they turned 30.

BTS hopes to reconvene as a unit around 2025 following their service commitment.
The Afghan Taliban delegation's 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.

Calling the trilateral talks a significant step toward strengthening economic ties and regional connectivity, Pakistan's Minister of Commerce Gohar Ejaz said on X, "bright prospects for trade, investment and connectivity lie ahead for mutual benefit of three countries."

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.

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.

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.

Pakistan's 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 Nov. 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 Pakistan's 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 don't think there were harsh statements, neither from Pakistan side nor from Afghan side," Durrani said.

The envoy rejected the notion that Pakistan's support of the Taliban in its 20-year war against western troops had backfired since his country was seeing terrorism rise since the group's 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 Tuesday's trilateral trade talks, the Taliban commerce minister met Pakistan's 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 don't think there is truth in it." He said Pakistani border guards are disciplined and follow the orders of the government.

Speaking to VOA, Pakistan's 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. Pakistani and Taliban officials will continue talks on Wednesday.
Khan Younis, Nov 15 (AP) Israeli forces raided Gaza's largest hospital early Wednesday, where hundreds of patients, including newborns, have been stranded with dwindling supplies and no electricity, as the army extended its control across Gaza City and the north.

Shifa Hospital has become a symbol of the widespread suffering of Palestinian civilians during the war between Israel and Hamas, which erupted after the militant group killed some 1,200 people and seized around 240 captives in a surprise Oct. 7 attack into southern Israel.

The hospital is also at the heart of clashing narratives over who is to blame for the thousands of deaths and widespread destruction in the besieged territory. Israel accuses Hamas of using Palestinians as human shields, while Palestinians and rights groups say Israel has recklessly endangered civilians as it seeks to eradicate the group.

Mohammed Zaqout, the director of hospitals in Gaza, said Israeli tanks had entered the medical compound and that soldiers had entered buildings including the emergency and surgery departments, which house intensive care units.

The occupation forces stormed the buildings, he said angrily over the phone. He said the patients, including children, are terrified. They are screaming. It's a very terrifying situation ... we can do nothing for the patients but pray.

The Israeli military said it was carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in the Shifa Hospital. It said it warned relevant authorities in Gaza that all military activities within the hospital must cease. Unfortunately, it did not.

Israel says Hamas has a massive command center inside and beneath Shifa, but has not provided visual evidence, while Hamas and the hospital staff have repeatedly denied the allegations. Hours before the raid, the United States said it had its own intelligence suggesting Hamas used Shifa and other hospitals, and tunnels beneath them, to support military operations and hold hostages.

The military said that the forces raiding Shifa have medical teams and are searching for hostages as part of the operation.

Israeli forces also claimed control of several key buildings and a downtown neighborhood in Gaza City.

A TRICKLE OF FUEL FOR AID WORKERS

Most of the hundreds of thousands of people living in Gaza City and surrounding areas have fled after weeks of Israeli bombardments. Hardly any aid has been delivered to the the north, which has been without power or running water for weeks.

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, and two thirds of the territory's 2.3 million people have fled their homes. 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 as bombardment there continues.

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees said Tuesday that its fuel depot 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 severely overcrowded 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.

COGAT, 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 made in response to a request from the U.S.

HOSPITALS NO LONGER FUNCTIONING

Thousands of displaced people who had been sheltering at Shifa, along with patients who were able to move, had fled the medical compound in Gaza City through a corridor established by Israeli forces in recent days as Israeli troops encircled the complex and battled Hamas militants outside its gates.

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.

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 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.

The White House's national security council spokesperson, John Kirby, said Tuesday that 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.

BATTLE IN GAZA CITY

Israeli troops have extended their control across northern Gaza, capturing the territory's legislature building and police headquarters. But independent accounts of the fighting in Gaza City have been nearly impossible to gather, as communications with 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.

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: We're talking about long months, not a day or two.

The military says its forces have found weapons and eliminated fighters in government buildings, schools and residential buildings.

Israel says it has killed several thousand fighters, including important mid-level commanders, while 46 of its own soldiers have been killed in Gaza. (AP) AMS
Dhaka, Nov 15 (PTI) Bangladeshi authorities on Wednesday enforced a tight security vigil in the capital and other major cities after the Election Commission (EC) said it will announce the schedule for the next general elections later in the day amid continued unrest over the polls.

Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal will announce the full schedule of the 12th parliamentary elections at 7 PM, EC secretary Jahangir Alam told a press conference.

Asked if the EC thought the polls atmosphere was now favourable for the schedule, he said: As we told you before, the required atmosphere exists.

The development came amid mounting political tensions as the Opposition 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 rejected the demand, saying elections would be held under the incumbent premier Hasina, who also rejected proposals for dialogue with the Opposition by the US and other major Western countries, calling BNP a terrorist organisation.

Senior BNP leader Mahbubuddin Khokon said the Election Commission would have to shoulder responsibilities for any conflicting situation over the announcement of the polls schedule.

Police on Wednesday, however, warned of stern action against arson attacks or any such act of sabotage as the Opposition began the fifth phase of its nationwide transport blockade to spearhead its campaign against the Hasina-led government

We have taken all steps to ensure security, Dhakas police commissioner Habibur Rahman told newsmen.

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 has 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.
Islamabad, Nov 15 (PTI) The Pakistan government on Wednesday informed the Supreme Court that it has formed a new fact-finding commission, even more powerful than the earlier one, to probe the 2017 sit-in by a hardline religious group that has caused widespread disruption in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

The apex court, which earlier this month rejected a committee set up to investigate the issue by terming it as eyewash endorsed the new commission and also said it will have powers to call anyone for investigation ... no one is exempt.

The development was announced when a three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa took up for hearing a set of review petitions filed against the courts 2019 judgement in what is now known as the Faizabad sit-in case.

On November 1 the apex court while hearing the case rejected the previous fact-finding commission to probe the 20-day sit-in by Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) at Islamabads Faizabad interchange.

During Wednesdays proceedings, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan informed the apex court that the government had formed a new fact-finding commission, comprising three members, to probe the sit-in.

The new fact-finding commission is tasked with probing and identifying persons responsible for the sit-in and recommending legal action against them. The new team will submit its findings in a report to the federal government within two months.

Chief Justice Isa remarked that the newly formed fact-finding commission was empowered to summon the former prime minister, ex-army chief, and then-chief justice for investigation. The commission can call anyone for investigation  no one is exempt, he stated.

Later the chief justice adjourned the hearing of the case by saying that it would be fixed for hearing after two months.

On November 1, the chief justice had termed the exercise as eyewash and said the real thing was missing from it. This committee is illegal, he stated and then asked why the inquiry was not conducted under the Inquiry Commission Act and directed the government to form another committee.

The TLP had alleged that changes had been in the Khatm-i-Nabuwwat (finality of prophethood) oath for lawmakers by the government, which claimed that the amendment to the oath was a clerical error and was subsequently rectified through an act of Parliament.

However, the group went ahead with the protest and its 20-day sit-in caused massive inconvenience to the public as it paralysed life in Islamabad and Rawalpindi and the issue landed in the top court.

The then Justice Qazi Faez Isa, who is now the chief justice, in his 2019 verdict in the sit-in case had ordered, among other steps, to form a probe committee to know the real reason behind the protest. The searing judgement had also instructed the defence ministry and the tri-services chiefs to penalise personnel under their command who were found to have violated their oath.

It also directed the federal government to monitor those advocating hate, extremism, and terrorism and prosecute them in accordance with the law.

The decision had upset the government and the powerful establishment and a case of alleged corruption was filed against Isa in the Supreme Court, which after hearing, rejected the charges.

Several review petitions, including by the Ministry of Defence, the Intelligence Bureau, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority, Election Commission of Pakistan, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement party as well by former minister Sheikh Rashid and Ijazul Haq (who is the son of former dictator Ziaul Haq), were also filed against the original judgment.

The review petitions remained in the cold storage but Isa, after becoming the chief justice, decided to hear. He formed a three-member bench  including himself and fellow judges, Justice Aminuddin Khan and Justice Athar Minallah, which on September 28 heard a set of review petitions challenging the apex courts verdict.
London, Nov 15 (PTI) The UK government on Wednesday lost a crucial legal challenge after the Supreme Court in London ruled that its policy to deport refugees to Rwanda while their application for asylum is processed is unlawful.

The countrys highest court agreed with a previous Court of Appeal decision to say that there are "substantial grounds" to believe people deported to Rwanda could then be sent to places they would be unsafe by the Rwandan government.

It was one of the flagship policies championed by recently sacked home secretary Suella Braverman, who in a scathing pre-emptive letter had sought to lay the blame for such a ruling at the door of the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak  claiming he had failed to prepare any sort of credible Plan B to tackle the issue of illegal migration.

Sunak admitted it was not the outcome the government wanted as part of his "stop the boats" pledge but stressed that he had prepared for such an eventuality.

We accept the Home Secretarys submission that the Rwandan government entered into the agreement in good faith, and that the capacity of the Rwandan system to produce accurate and fair decisions can and will be built up, notes the Supreme Court ruling.

Nevertheless, asking ourselves whether there were substantial grounds for believing that a real risk of refoulment existed at the relevant time, we have concluded that there were. The changes needed to eliminate the risk of refoulement may be delivered in the future, but they have not been shown to be in place now. The Home Secretarys appeal is therefore dismissed, it concludes.

The appeal was lodged by the Braverman-led Home Office after a Court of Appeal decision similarly went against the government. It will now be her successor, Home Secretary James Cleverly, who will be responsible for formulating the governments response and strategy going forward.

We have seen todays judgment and will now consider next steps. This was not the outcome we wanted, but we have spent the last few months planning for all eventualities and we remain completely committed to stopping the boats, Sunak said in a statement.

Crucially, the Supreme Court  like the Court of Appeal and the High Court before it  has confirmed that the principle of sending illegal migrants to a safe third country for processing is lawful. This confirms the governments clear view from the outset. Illegal migration destroys lives and costs British taxpayers millions of pounds a year. We need to end it and we will do whatever it takes to do so, he said.

The unanimous judgment was read out by Lord Robert Reed, President of the Supreme Court, which the Rwandan government has taken issue with.

"This is ultimately a decision for the UK's judicial system. However, we do take issue with the ruling that Rwanda is not a safe third country for asylum seekers and refugees, in terms of refoulement," a Rwandan government spokesperson said.

The deportation scheme as part of a GBP 140-million pact with Rwanda was initially launched by former home secretary Priti Patel and designed to see those arriving in the UK illegally, including via small boats across the English Channel, deported to the east African nation.

Refugee charities have consistently called the proposal "inhumane" and claimed it breaks human rights laws, while Opposition parties have deemed the plan a "gimmick".

An injunction from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) stopped the first flight of deportees to Rwanda from taking off in June last year and the scheme has been embroiled in litigation ever since, which means no asylum seekers have yet been deported to the country under the policy.
London, Nov 15 (PTI) Britains King Charles III celebrated his 75th birthday by hosting a special reception at Buckingham Palace in London for Indian nurses and midwives along with other international medics who contribute to the countrys state-funded National Health Service (NHS).

Indians lead the estimated 150,000 international nurses and midwives currently working in the NHS, which is also celebrating its 75th anniversary year.

Around 400 nurses and midwives representing countries such as India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Kenya, among others, attended the reception celebrating their contribution to the UKs health and social care sector on Tuesday evening.

It was a wonderful, once in a lifetime experience meeting His Majesty the King. Hes an amazing and warm person, said Shreejith Mulaleedharan, an Indian staff nurse working in Scotland.

It was a massive privilege to meet King Charles, tell him about the contribution that Sikh nurses have made in this country and, of course, wish him a happy birthday. We have a lot of Sikh nurses within the NHS doing lots of philanthropic work within the community as well, said Rohit Sagoo, founder and director of British Sikh Nurses.

The reception formed part of a packed day of royal events as the British monarch chose to work through his birthday and spent time interacting with many of the guests in good humour. He was surprised with a rendition of Happy Birthday by the NHS choir and handed a birthday card from a schoolgirl also celebrating her birthday on November 14.

What a wonderful event where His Majesty has shown his appreciation and therefore our appreciation for the incredible people that come from all over the world, including India, to work in our NHS. They do so much for us, said Victoria Atkins, the newly appointed Health Secretary in British Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks Cabinet reshuffle.

The links between the UK and India are so very close and I look forward to visiting India, with the permission of the Prime Minister, she said.

Earlier, the King was joined by Queen Camilla on a visit to a food distribution hub in Oxfordshire to kick-start his Coronation Food Project, which aims to support charities feeding the country with unwanted food.

"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," he wrote in the Big Issue magazine.

Across London, gun salutes were fired and Piccadilly Square was also lit up with a birthday message for the British monarch as he turned 75 on Tuesday.
Taipei, Nov 15 (AP) Taiwan will take part in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in San Francisco this week, a rare opportunity for the self-governing island democracy of 23 million people and its high-tech economy to break the diplomatic embargo on it imposed by authoritarian China.

Taiwan's chief delegate will be a civilian rather than a government figure or head of state, under an unwritten rule that satisfies China's contention that members of the organisation participate as economic entities rather than state players.

For the seventh time, Taiwan will be represented by Morris Chang, the 92-year-old founder of the world-leading Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Chang is known as the godfather of the industry that has put Taiwan in the top ranks of high-tech manufacturing and personal electronic devices.

Taiwan has participated in APEC since 1991 under the name Chinese Taipei. It began taking part just two years after the group's inception and the same year that China and the semi-autonomous Chinese city of Hong Kong joined.

Taiwan has relied on retired ministers  and, in Chang's case, industry leaders  who are well connected with the government but do not carry the burden of formal office, which could spark a protest from China.

But that doesn't mean Taiwan's government won't be represented. Minister of Finance Chuang Tsui-yun will attend a meeting presided over by US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who recently visited Beijing, and two other ministers will attend meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday.



TAIWAN TO BE MAJOR TOPIC AT XI-BIDEN MEETING

A Japanese colony until the end of World War II, Taiwan split from mainland China amid a civil war in 1949. China continues to claim the island as its territory, to be annexed by force if necessary, a threat it plays out on a near-daily basis by sending ships and warplanes into areas around the island.

These acts of political intimidation have the potential to wear down the operational resiliency of the island's military equipment and personnel.

Taiwan has just a fraction of the air, sea, and missile power of China's People's Liberation Army, not to mention its ground forces, and relies heavily on young men doing their mandatory national service to fill its ranks.

However, Taiwan in recent years has invested heavily in upgraded arms purchases from the US, along with boosting its own defence industry, most notably building submarines that could undermine the Chinese naval threat.

That has come partly in response to Chinese displays of force such as sailing aircraft carriers through the economically crucial Taiwan Strait and sending aircraft and drones to circle the island.

While the US has no military treaty with Taiwan, it is obligated under federal law to ensure the island can defend itself and to treat all threats to the island as matters of grave concern.

That, along with Washington's string of alliances from Japan to South Korea and the Philippines, and its refusal to recognise China's claim to virtually the entire South China Sea, make the Taiwan Strait a potential powder keg should Chinese leader Xi Jinping seek to make good on his determination to unite what he views as China's historical territory and cement his political legacy.

China primarily wants an end to US arms sales to Taiwan, including latest model F-16 fighter jets, and an assurance it will not give an electoral boost to the ruling pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party.



POLITICS AT PLAY

Even with China's lackluster economic rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, including high youth unemployment and massive debts born by an overextended housing sector, Xi is pushing ahead with his vision for China to reclaim its historical place as the centre of cultural, political and economic life in the Asia-Pacific.

Taiwan, with its multi-party system focused mostly on local issues and with a broad consensus favouring political separation from China, presents a unique challenge to those who call the shots inside the cloistered Qing Dynasty-era leadership compound of Zhongnanhai in Beijing. Almost entirely male and shielded from the media, they brought Hong Kong to heel after pro-democracy protests broke out in the former British colony in 2019.

China has sought to influence Taiwanese politics through military threats, but also by using a carrot and stick approach toward economic opportunities on the mainland and by enticing politicians, chiefly from the main Nationalist Party, also known as the Kuomintang or KMT, to meet with high-level officials in Beijing.

Taiwanese media outlets have also been persuaded to run stories critical of the status quo of de-facto independence, mainly through their ownership structures, which involve substantial investments on the mainland.

Ultimately, it comes down to the voters in Taiwan. January's elections for the presidency and legislature will be the best determinant of whether the populace wishes to stay the course or seek a greater degree of accommodation with Beijing.

Current Vice President William Lai appears to be in a strong position to win at least a plurality of the vote in his bid for the presidency, while his opposition appears splintered and unable to form the sort of alliances that could put the US-trained medical professional under substantial pressure, despite the vast sums being spent on advertising by rivals such as electronics magnate Terry Gou. (AP) SCY

SCY
Dhaka, Nov 15 (PTI) In a veiled criticism of the US effort to interfere in the domestic politics of Bangladesh, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday said nobody would be allowed to create barriers to holding a free and fair general election in the country on January 7.

Momen said that the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is committed to holding a free and fair election and said, If anyone wants to obstruct the polls, we will not allow that. Nobody can create a barrier, we will punish them.

Momen was speaking with reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to a report by the United News of Bangladesh. He did not name any country.

Nobody will be allowed to create barriers to holding the national election, he added.

Earlier, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Hass urged all sides to de-escalate, eschew violence and try to figure out a way to have dialogue without pre-conditions to improve the election atmosphere.

Ambassador Haas has requested meetings with senior officials in all three major political parties to underscore the US position regarding the upcoming elections, the US embassy in Dhaka said in a statement on November 13, Somoy News channel said in a report.

However, responding to a question on Washingtons call for a political dialogue, Momen said it is irrelevant what foreigners say. We dont pay heed to them unless it is practical and reasonable, he was quoted as saying by the UNB.

Bangladesh Awami League, the ruling incumbent party, is a pro-election party and will take part in the election as the party believes in the election and relies on the people and their verdict, Momen was quoted as saying, and added Which embassy says what is irrelevant?

The Foreign Minister also answered questions regarding other political parties, their prospects, etc. before appreciating Bangladeshs courage and confidence and asserting that We (the ruling dispensation) rely on people, the UNB said.

Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday said that violence, or, threats of violence, directed at diplomatic personnel are unacceptable and deeply troubling. We have repeatedly raised our concerns about the threatening rhetoric directed at Ambassador Peter Haas with the Bangladeshi government, said UNB quoting the US Embassy spokesperson Stephen Ibelli as saying.

Earlier, Awami League leader Mujibul Haque, in one of his public speeches, had threatened to beat Haas, prompting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to order action against him, as per another UNB report.
Khan Younis, Nov 14 (AP) The US said Tuesday that 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 House's national security council spokesperson, John Kirby, said the US 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 US 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 wouldn't be more specific. (AP)





GRS

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Nagpur, Nov 15 (PTI) A prison constable was seriously injured when six inmates allegedly attacked him during a Diwali program at the Nagpur Central Jail, police said.

The incident took place during the `Diwali pahat' (Diwali dawn) cultural program organised on Tuesday morning, said an official of Dhantoli police.

An altercation broke out when the prison inmates were heading for the place inside the prison compound where the program had been organised and constable Rajendrasingh Thakur (36) asked them to stop.

One of the accused picked up a steel bucket and hit him on the head, causing him a serious injury, the official said.

A case of assault under Indian Penal Code section 324 was registered and further probe was on, he said.
Mumbai, Nov 15 (PTI) A 35-foot-long whale calf that was stranded on the coast of Ganpatipule in Maharashtras Ratnagiri district was on Wednesday pushed back into the sea after 40 hours of efforts, delighting visitors and locals at the tourist spot, officials said.



The whale calf, weighing nearly 4 tons, reached the coast on Monday but got stuck in the sand near the beach as there was a low tide.

Travellers and locals who spotted the marine mammal struggling in shallow waters alerted the authorities, including Ratnagiri police and Coast Guard, resulting in a spirited rescue operation.

Initial attempts by the fire brigade, police and locals to push back the whale calf deep into the sea did not succeed, triggering concerns about its safety and survival.

Moving quickly on their feet, the rescuers began pouring seawater to keep the calf hydrated and covered it with cotton to create the required environment to save it, said the official.

A team of veterinary doctors also reached the spot and administered fluid to the whale calf to keep it alive.

An effort was made to push the sea animal by tying it with a belt and dragging it, but it caused injuries near its tail, prompting authorities to abort the method. Meanwhile, marine experts were also roped in to monitor the whale calfs health, he said.

On Tuesday night, a tugboat was brought and the whale was placed on a net under a new rescue plan. During high tide, officials and locals again started pushing the calf into the water. They were inspired to work harder seeing the calf itself making attempts to slide towards deeper water, the official said.

After working relentlessly for several hours, the whale calf was dragged 7 to 8 nautical miles into the sea by the tugboat in the early hours of Wednesday, the official said.

Once back in its natural habitat, the whale calf broke the net and started swimming on its own. It then swam deeper and vanished in the sea, said Dhanajay Kulkarni, superintendent of police, Ratnagiri district.

It was an important task to save the marine life. All stakeholders, including the district administration, Coast Guard, a private company, local villagers, and marine experts, were involved in the operation alongside the police to rescue the whale," he said.

Typically, mammals like this calf face survival challenges after being stranded on the shore for more than 35-40 hours, but this calf defied the odds, he said. "All were very happy as they successfully guided it back into the sea, knowing that it can now resume its natural life," he added.
The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote Tuesday on a plan to avert a partial government shutdown on Saturday but at the same time push off contentious debates over spending priorities until early 2024.

Current funding for all government agencies expires at midnight on Friday, forcing Congress and the White House to reach a short-term deal to keep the government running.

The House is voting on a proposal by new Speaker Mike Johnson, leader of the narrow Republican majority in the chamber, that extends funding for some government agencies through mid-January and others until early February.

By those two dates, Congress will have to debate and decide on spending levels throughout the government through next September, or again approve another short-term deal.

If the House passes Johnson's proposal, the Senate is likely to also approve it and send it to President Joe Biden for his signature.

Johnson has drawn the ire of a right-wing faction of his Republican colleagues because his budget plan does not include the spending cuts or policy changes they seek. Several of the archconservatives have said they will vote against Johnson's plan, forcing him to look for opposition Democratic votes to assure its passage.
Khandwa (MP), Nov 15 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vow to provide good governance and ensure robust national security has protected Bharat from the scourge of terrorism and vicious 'jihadi' violence amid the ongoing global turmoil, BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said on Wednesday.

The former Union minister expressed confidence about the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) retaining power in Madhya Pradesh, where assembly polls will be held on November 17.

Had there been a Congress government at the Centre today, its weak, shaky leadership and knee-jerk policies would have made the country suffer from the scourge of terrorism and jihadi fanaticism, he said.

Naqvi was addressing election meetings in Khandwa district in support of the BJP before the campaigning drew to a close in the evening.

The senior BJP leader said the Modi government's commitment to national security has instilled a sense of security among the people of the country and created fear among terror elements.

He said before 2014, during the Congress regime, every part of the country was affected by unrestrained terrorism.

Every 15 days, some part of the country witnessed bomb blasts and terror attacks in which many innocent people were killed, Naqvi stated.

However, Prime Minister Modi has tackled subversive activities with an iron fist by adopting a 'zero tolerance' policy against terrorism. He has broken the backbone of terrorism and of those who give shelters to terrorists," he added.

The BJP leader asserted terrorism is not a problem of a particular country, region or religion but of the entire humanity.

The strong and nationalist leadership of Shri Modi has played a crucial role in keeping about 140 crore people of Bharat safe and secure even amid the ongoing violence across the world, he added.

The BJP leader also talked about foreign invasions and the upcoming Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Naqvi said, Wiping out the stains of communal and criminal acts of foreign invaders, a grand and magnificent Ram Mandir is being constructed at Ram Janmbhoomi in Ayodhya. This has filled every Bharatwasi and Ram Bhakts with immense pride.

He later discussed booth-level preparations with BJP leaders and workers in Mandhata, Harsud, Khandwa and Pandhana assembly constituencies in Khandwa district ahead of the Friday polling.
Bhubaneswar/Kolkata, Nov 15 (PTI) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday forecast heavy rainfall in several coastal districts of Odisha and West Bengal over the next 48 hours as the low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a depression.

Tuesdays low-pressure area over southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining Andaman and Nicobar Islands moved west-northwestwards, concentrated into a depression and lay centred over westcentral Bay of Bengal, about 510 km southeast of Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), 650 km south-southeast of Paradip (Odisha) and 790 km south of Digha (West Bengal) at 8.30 am, the IMD said in a bulletin.

The depression over westcentral Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a deep depression and reach north Odisha-West Bengal coasts on November 18.

IMD DG Mrunjay Mohapatra said the system is likely to initially move northwestwards, then north-northwestwards and intensify into a deep depression over westcentral Bay of Bengal off Andhra Pradesh coast on Thursday morning.

"Thereafter, it would re-curve north-northeastwards and reach over northwest Bay of Bengal off Odisha coast on November 17 morning and off north Odisha-West Bengal coasts on November 18 morning," he said.

The system will bring light to moderate rain in the coastal districts of West Bengal on November 15 and will increase intensity gradually, causing heavy rain on November 16 and very heavy rain on November 17 in these areas, the Met department said.

It also advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along and off West Bengal coasts from November 16 to 18.

Meanwhile, cloudy sky prevailed in most of the coastal regions in Odisha while some parts of southern districts received light rains.

The IMD issued a heavy rainfall warning (7 to 11cm) at one or two places over the districts of Puri, Kendrapada, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak and Balasore of Odisha on November 16.

Orange warning (Be Prepared) of heavy to very heavy rainfall (7 to 20cm) is very likely to occur at one or two places over Balasore and Bhadrak districts on November 17, the IMD said.

The system will also bring isolated heavy rainfall in Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura and Manipur from November 16 to 18 and over south Assam and Meghalaya on November 17.

Keeping the IMD forecast in view, Odishas Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has requested fishermen not to venture into the sea from November 15 to November 18 as it will remain rough to very rough with a wind speed between 40 kmph and 70 kmph.

The states agriculture department has issued an advisory for farmers, suggesting that they harvest matured paddy and other crops. The department also urged vegetable growers to take precautions to protect their standing crops.
Kolkata, Nov 15 (PTI) Asserting that violence is influencing politics in the state, West Bengal Governor Dr C V Ananda Bose on Wednesday said strong action would be taken against those involved in the killing of a local Trinamool Congress leader in Joynagar of South 24 Parganas district and lynching of an accused in the incident.

The governor stated that the culture of violence in Bengal should stop and the law would take its course.

"Law will take its course. We will certainly take strong action against it and Raj Bhavan will also be doing its duty. Strict action should be taken against violence. It requires not only legal action but also social measures. Violence is influencing the politics of Bengal. This culture of violence must stop," Bose said on the sidelines of a programme at the Raj Bhavan here.

He asserted that arson, looting and killings have been "prevalent" in Bengal and said strong action would be taken to end the existing culture of violence.

"Arson, looting, intimidation and murder are part of crime. A crime-ridden environment exists in some parts of the state. We will certainly try our best to see that this culture of violence ends. Strong action will be taken," Bose said.

Saifuddin Laskar, TMC area president of Bamungachi in Joynagar was shot dead near his house by some gunmen on Monday morning, prompting a group of people to lynch an alleged assailant, police said.

Supporters of Laskar, whose wife is a panchayat pradhan, caught one of the alleged assailants and beat him to death, according to locals.
Imphal, Nov 15 (PTI) The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), a frontal organisation of Kuki-Zo tribes in Manipur, on Wednesday threatened to establish a "self-governed separate administration" in areas where these tribes have a majority.

The forum said even after more than six months of ethnic strife in the northeastern state, the central government is yet to accept their demand for a separate administration.

"More than six months have passed since the ethnic strife started in Manipur but nothing has been done regarding our demand for a separate administration. If our demand is not heard within a couple of weeks, we will set up our self-government irrespective of whether the Centre recognises it or not, ITLF general secretary Muan Tombing said.

His remark comes on a day the forum organised protests in Churachandpur, demanding a CBI or NIA probe into the killing of tribals.

"Many Kuki-Zo tribals have been killed during the ethnic strife but none of the central probe agencies has taken it up for investigation. This rally is to protest against the atrocities committed against Kuki-Zo people," ITLF spokesperson Ginza Vualzong said.

During the rally, protesters shouted slogans demanding justice for tribals and condemned the "failure" of the state government and other investigating agencies to initiate a prompt probe into the killing of tribals, a member of the forum, said.

In the state capital Imphal, locals, mostly women and children, held demonstrations to protest against the alleged inability of the Manipur government to restore normalcy in the state.

They also protested against the sporadic incidents of attacks by gunmen in villages, which has prevented thousands of people from returning to their homes.

Hundreds of people, many of them living in relief camps, in Wangkhei Angom Leikai and Khurai in Imphal East district, wore black clothes and held sit-ins to protest against the "atrocities" by militants.

Sanjita Huidrom, an inmate of a relief camp, told reporters, "It is heartbreaking for us today as we are not able to participate in our biggest festival of Ningol Chakouba. Usually, we would have attired in our nicest ethnic dresses and gone to our parental homes for a feast. However, this year we are here at the relief camp and not being able to live in our homes."

Protests were also held at Keisampat, Uripok and Singjamei areas in Imphal West district.

Demonstrators shouted slogans to check the massive influx of illegal immigrants from Myanmar and demanded their deportation from the state.

"Our protest is against the influx of illegal immigrants over the last decade, which is behind the unrest in the state. Thousands of them are living like bona fide citizens in Churachandpur district and Moreh town in Tengnoupal. We want the central government to deport them and restore normalcy in the state," said Ibemcha Thiyam, an agitator at Khurai.

During the day, major markets and commercial establishments remained shut across the five districts of Imphal valley on the occasion of the Ningol Chakouba festival.

Locals in many parts of Bishnupur district also staged sit-ins demanding that they be allowed to return to their original homes.

Manipur has remained gripped by recurring 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 both sides have against the other, however, the flashpoint of the crisis has been a move to give Meiteis Scheduled Tribe status, which has since been rolled back and an attempt to turf out tribals living in protected forest areas.

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.
Jamshedpur, Nov 15 (PTI) Tribal organisation Adivasi Sengel Abhiyan (ASA) on Wednesday postponed its three-hour fast, demanding recognition of Sarnaism as a religion, after it was denied permission by the East Singhbhum district administration.

ASA president Salkhan Murmu told PTI that he received a letter from the district administration on Tuesday night, denying permission to observe fast from 10 am to 1 pm near the bust of tribal legend Birsa Munda at Sakchi in Jamshedpur.

Murmu, a former MP, said the permission was denied apprehending that law and order may get affected in the busy area and disrupt traffic movement.

He said he would be observing the fast instead at his residence in Farm Area in Kadma.

Adequate forces have been deployed near Murmu's residence as a precautionary measure, officials said.
Kolkata, Nov 15 (PTI) Following are the top stories from the Eastern Region at 5 pm.



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Jharkhand CM urges PM Modi for special schemes for tribals

Khunti: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to formulate special schemes for tribals, especially for those who have been displaced because of exploitation of mineral resources in the state.



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2 more Myanmarese soldiers enter Mizoram

Aizawl: Two more Myanmarese soldiers entered Mizoram after militia group People's Defence Force (PDF) overran their camp in the neighbouring country's Chin state, a police officer said on Wednesday.



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IMD forecast heavy rain in Odisha coastal districts over next 48 hours

Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday forecast heavy rainfall in several coastal districts of Odisha as the low pressure area over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a depression.



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Sovan Chatterjee, TMC ministers, visit CM's residence for 'Bhai phonta'

Kolkata: Former TMC leader Sovan Chatterjee, who had quit BJP after a two-year stint, on Wednesday visited the residence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the occasion of 'Bhai phonta'.



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PM launches Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra to promote central schemes

Khunti: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched the 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra', a nationwide programme aimed at reaching out to citizens who are eligible for various central schemes but have not benefitted so far.



CAL 23 JH-PM-KHUNTI-RALLY

Jharkhand has been showered with schemes worth Rs 50,000 crore: PM Modi at Khunti

Khunti: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said Jharkhand has been showered with schemes worth Rs 50,000 crore and has become the country's first state with 100 per cent rail electrification.



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Modi releases Rs 18,000-crore PM-Kisan installment, Congress questions timing

Khunti/ New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday released Rs 18,000 crore as the 15th installment of the PM-Kisan scheme to more than 8 crore farmers across the country.



CAL 13 JH-PM-PROJECTS

PM launches Rs 24,000-crore project for development of vulnerable tribal groups

Khunti: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched the Rs 24,000-crore Pradhan Mantri Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PM PVTG) Mission for the holistic development of around 28 lakh PVTGs in the country.



CAL 6 JH-PM-BIRSA-LD MUSEUM

PM Modi pays floral tributes to Birsa Munda in Ranchi

Ranchi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid homage to tribal icon Birsa Munda in Ranchi on his birth anniversary.
Kohima, Nov 15 (PTI) Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister T R Zeliang on Wednesday called upon the people of the state to aim to defeat tribalism and to stand as Nagas.

Nagaland, a tribal state has 17 recognized major tribes and several sub-tribes spread over 16 districts.

Speaking during the flagging off ceremony of a Tribal March organised by the Tribal Affairs Department as part of the celebration of Jan Jatiya Gaurav Divas in the state capital Kohima, Zeliang hoped the tribal march will bring more unity and a sense of brotherhood among the tribes.

"Let us aim to defeat tribalism and be united as a Naga," the deputy chief minister appealed.

Zeliang said the Government of India has rightly chosen November 15 as Jan Jatiya Divas as it is the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a revered tribal freedom fighter.

"While we remember many great personalities in the struggle for Independence, some tribal leaders are rarely remembered in honour of their contribution. There may be such personalities from the Naga community who may have gone unnoticed so we should trace back and keep records and set aside a day to celebrate their lives," he said.

Secretary of Tribal Affairs Department, Angelina Tajen, highlighted the Central government's recognition of tribal contributions, leading to the implementation of various welfare schemes for the tribals.

Hundreds of Nagas, both male and female, from different tribes attired in traditional attire, joined the tribal march from Kohima College to Nagaland Assembly gate.
New Delhi, Nov 15 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday greeted the people of Jharkhand on the state's formation day and said it is known for its tribal population's bravery, valour and pride besides its mineral riches.

"My family members from Jharkhand have made significant contribution to the country's progress," he said on X, wishing the eastern state a bright future.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Jharkhand on Tuesday evening. He will launch a Rs 24,000-crore scheme for the welfare of the particularly vulnerable tribal groups on Wednesday.

The scheme is being launched to mark the birth anniversary of revered tribal warrior Birsa Munda. The day is also celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas. Modi also paid tributes to the iconic personality in a post on X.
New Delhi, Nov 15 (PTI) The poisonous haze blanketing Delhi thickened on Wednesday with the air quality standing close to the "severe" category amid unfavourable meteorological conditions.

The national capital's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 392 at 8 am. The 24-hour average AQI, recorded at 4 pm every day, was 397 on Tuesday. It was 358 on Monday and 218 on Sunday.

Air pollution levels entered the severe category (AQI above 400) at many places within the city, including ITO (427), RK Puram (422), Punjabi Bagh (432), IGI Airport (404), Dwarka (416), Patparganj (417), Sonia Vihar (413), Rohini (421), Nehru Nagar (434) and Anand Vihar (430).

Neighbouring Ghaziabad (362), Gurugram (322), Greater Noida (312), Noida (364) and Faridabad (369) also recorded very poor air quality.

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'.

According to IQAir, a Swiss company that specialises in air quality monitoring, Delhi was the most polluted city in the world on Tuesday, followed by Dhaka, Lahore and Mumbai.

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 six per cent on Thursday.

An official of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said stringent measures, including a ban on construction work and the entry of polluting trucks in the national capital, under the final stage of the central government's air pollution control plan called the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) will continue until further orders. "Stubble burning incidents are rising again and the meteorological conditions are not favourable (for dispersion of pollutants). We will review the situation and act accordingly," the official added.

Doctors say breathing in the polluted air of Delhi is equivalent to the harmful effects of smoking approximately 10 cigarettes a day.

Prolonged exposure to high levels of pollution can cause or exacerbate respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and dramatically raise the risk of cardiovascular disease, they said.

Unfavourable meteorological conditions, combined with vehicular emissions, paddy-straw burning, firecrackers and other local pollution sources, contribute to hazardous air quality levels in Delhi-NCR during winters.

According to a Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) analysis, the city experiences peak pollution from November 1 to 15, when the number of stubble-burning incidents in Punjab and Haryana increases.

Delhi's air quality ranks among the worst in the world's capital cities.

According to a report compiled by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) in August, air pollution is shortening lives by almost 12 years in Delhi.
New Delhi, Nov 15 (PTI) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh has written a letter from jail addressed to the countryman, saying he was arrested to silence his voice.

He was arrested on October 5 in a money laundering case related to the alleged excise scam in the city. He has been lodged in Tihar Jail.

Singh, a vocal critic of the BJP and the government led by it, said he was arrested to silence his voice.

With each passing day in jail, he said, his "determination and strength to fight authoritarian power" are increasing.

"Born out of the womb of struggle, the AAP has created hope and trust in Indian politics. Under Arvind Kejriwal's leadership, in just 10 years, the AAP became a national party. We formed the government in Delhi thrice, achieved a significant majority in Punjab, and succeeded in penetrating Gujarat. Since independence, numerous governments were formed across the country, but the commendable work in education and healthcare by the Kejriwal government became an example in the country and the world," he said in the letter.

He said the AAP does not spread casteism and divides society in the name of religion.

"That is why the AAP became the target. The BJP has adopted the path of suppression," he alleged.
Actor Jung Woo-sung is set to return to the small screen with the romance series "Tell Me You Love Me."

The project has generated much hype as it is his first romance series in 11 years since "Padam Padam The Sound of His and Her Heartbeats" in 2012.

Based on the Japanese TV drama of the same name, "Tell Me You Love Me" is a classic romance drama depicting a love story between a hearing-impaired painter and an aspiring actress.

Starring alongside Jung is Shin Hyun-bin, who has gained recognition for her roles in hit TV series like "Hospital Playlist" and "Reborn Rich."

"Tell Me You Love Me" will be available for streaming on Disney+ starting Nov. 27.
Chandigarh, Nov 15 (PTI) The Punjab Assembly secretariat Wednesday wrote to Governor Banwarilal Purohit for proroguing the Budget session which was held in March.

The development comes days after the Supreme Court had questioned the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government for repeatedly adjourning the session sine die instead of proroguing it.

The state government had moved the apex court against Governor Purohit for not giving assent to bills passed by the state assembly.

An official said that the Vidhan Sabha secretariat Wednesday wrote to the governor for proroguing the Budget session after the state government gave a go ahead to get the session prorogued.

Under the rules, an assembly session is adjourned sine die (without setting a date for the next sitting) by the speaker. This is usually followed by prorogation of the session by the governor.

The Winter session of the Punjab Assembly is likely to take place in the last week of November, said the official.

On November 10, the top court pulled up the Punjab governor for "indefinitely sitting over" some bills passed by the assembly saying "you are playing with fire".

The apex court also questioned the state government for repeatedly adjourning the Budget session sine die instead of proroguing it. It, however, upheld the speaker's supremacy in conducting the business of the House or adjourning its sessions.

The Supreme Court had termed the deadlock between the Punjab government and the governor over assent to bills passed by the assembly a matter of "serious concern" and said it is not happy with what is happening in the state.

The Budget session, which was convened in March, was adjourned sine die but it was not prorogued.

The state government convened a special session on June 19 and 20 which was the extension of the Budget session.

In this session, four bills -- the Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the Punjab Universities Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the Punjab Police (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Punjab Affiliated Colleges (Security of Service) Amendment Bill, 2023, were passed.

These bills are yet to be given assent by the governor who called the June session as "patently illegal".

The state government again called a two-day session on October 20-21 which was projected as an extension of the Budget session.

Purohit had then stated that the October 20-21 session was "bound to be illegal" and any business conducted during it "unlawful".

The Punjab Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the Punjab Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Indian Stamp (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2023 were to be tabled in the House during the October 20-21 session.

But the governor withheld his approval to these three money bills.

On October 20, the state government had cut short its two-day session and Chief Minister Mann then announced that the government would move the Supreme Court against the governor for withholding his approval to the three bills slated to be tabled in the House.

After the Mann government moved the SC, Purohit gave approval to two of the three money bills.
Ambala, Nov 15 (PTI) Employees of the Haryana Roadways went on a strike demanding the arrest of attackers who killed a bus driver after an argument here.

The employees, under the banner of the Haryana Roadways Employees' Union, proceeded on the strike from midnight.

The protesting employees held 'dharnas' at several bus stands including Yamunnanagar, Charkhi Dadri, Karnal, Sonipat, Sirsa, Hisar and Narnaul.

Haryana Roadways bus driver Rajveer (51) died after he was attacked by unknown assailants in Ambala on the intervening night of November 12 and 13, police had said.

Rajveer, a resident of Sonepat was posted at Ambala Cantonment Bus Stand. After being attacked, he was brought to the Civil Hospital of Ambala Cantonment in a critical condition and later referred to PGIMER, Chandigarh, where he died during treatment, they said.

On the night of the incident, Rajveer was on parking duty when he was attacked by four to five car occupants after an argument broke out between them.

The protesting employees are demanding the arrest of the attackers, Rs 50 lakh compensation for Rajveer's family and a government job for one of his family members.

A protester in Sonipat said they will not end their strike till their demands are met.

With the Haryana Roadways buses staying off the roads, passengers bore the brunt of the strike as they kept waiting for the buses.

Ambala resident Surjit Singh, who works in Chandigarh, said that he kept waiting for the roadways bus but could not find any of it.
New Delhi, Nov 15 (PTI) It was March 4, 2014 when Sahara chief Subrata Roy came to the Supreme Court in his trademark white shirt and black half-waist coat in a white Bolero police vehicle to appear in pursuance to a non-bailable warrant against him for failing to deposit Rs 25,700 crore in the SEBI-Sahara case for returning investors' money.

Roy, the architect of the vast Sahara Group, passed away on Tuesday due to a cardiorespiratory arrest after a prolonged illness at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute in Mumbai. He was 75.

On that day in 2014, it was drama to the hilt outside the top court when Roy came wearing a black tie with Sahara logo and sporting double-shade glasses. Soon, a man calling himself "Manoj Sharma, lawyer from Gwalior", threw ink on Roy's face, removed his own shirt and started shouting that "he (Roy) is a thief and has stolen money from poor".

Despite the ink stain on his shirt, he appeared before the judges exuding an air of confidence and determination, a scene reminiscent of Bollywood movies, where protagonists take matters into their own hands.

Personally, arguing his case, Roy said he wanted one more chance to honour the court order and said that if he failed in this last endeavour he would come back to stand before the court and accept punishment.

As Roy concluded his address, a sense of anticipation filled the courtroom. Roy was sure he could convince the judges and they would see the merit in his proposals.

A bench of justices (since retired) K S Radhakrishnan and J S Khehar remained unimpressed and sent Roy to Tihar Jail "till he comes up with a concrete proposal" saying it was totally unhappy with his proposal to refund money to investors.

Roy came out on parole after spending over two years in prison on May 6, 2016 to perform the last rites of his mother Chhabi Roy. He has been out of prison since then.

Roy and two other directors, Ravi Shankar Dubey and Ashok Roy Choudhary, were arrested for failure of the for failure of the group's two companies -- Sahara India Real Estate Corporation (SIRECL) and Sahara Housing Investment Corp Ltd (SHICL) -- to comply with the court's August 31, 2012 order to return Rs 25,000 crore to their investors.

The apex court, in one of its orders, had noted that the Sahara group has already deposited around Rs 20,000 crore in the SEBI-Sahara account which includes Rs 15,000 crore and Rs 4,800 crore interest.

The Sahara group, all along, had been pleading that it was a case of "double payment" of investors' money as the dues have already been paid and market regulator SEBI be directed to conduct verification of the group's claims of payments made to investors.

The top court, however, had rejected the submissions several times.
Advocates scrambling to find shelter for homeless migrant families newly arrived in Massachusetts say families are relying on a patchwork of airport lounges, Uber rides, hospital waiting rooms and walk-in church shelters after the state capped the number of family shelter spots and created a wait list
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%.




The Republican Partys once-crowded 2024 presidential primary field has suddenly shrunk to just a handful of viable candidates.

But a day after Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina stunned many of his own staff by suspending his campaign, its unclear whether the GOP is any closer to coalescing behind a clear alternative to former President Donald Trump. Instead, the fight between Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis for a distant second place appears to be intensifying. And some lower-tier candidates insist on battling for relevance, despite growing pressure to bow out of the race altogether.

Meanwhile, Trumps team is cheering on the muddle for second place with Iowas Jan. 15 kickoff caucuses just two months away.

Still, there were new positive signs on Monday for Haley, Scotts South Carolina rival, who had been rising in the Republican contest even before the senators sudden announcement.

Billionaire investor Stanley Druckenmillier, who had given money to Scott, pledged his support for Haley during a Monday interview as he spoke publicly about the 2024 race for the first time. He emphasized the need for the GOP to coalesce behind the former United Nations ambassador before primary voting begins.

Now Im hoping the field clears and its Nikki Haley one-on-one with the former president, Druckenmillier told The Associated Press. As long as the field is cleared before the actual primaries, I think thats whats important.

But DeSantis is showing no signs of going away as he narrows his focus on Iowas leadoff caucuses.

The Florida governors spokesperson, Andrew Romeo, says he has a new opportunity in Iowa with Scott and former Vice President Mike Pence out of the race. He pointed to Iowas influential group of religious conservatives who have warmed to DeSantis strong opposition to abortion and LGBTQ rights as part of his aggressive war on woke.

Just last week, DeSantis scored the biggest endorsement of the 2024 campaign by nabbing the backing of Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, who promises to lend the Florida governor her folksy charm  and her statewide political machine.

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, Romeo said. In the coming weeks, these voters will see that Nikki Haleys record and values dont match her rhetoric.

The prominence of the Haley-DeSantis feud underscores just how quickly the 2024 Republican field has winnowed compared to the last time Trump was on the ballot.

At this time in the 2016 primary season, 13 Republican presidential candidates were still competing on the debate stage across two nights. The 2024 primary season opened with eight Republicans in the opening debate this August, while no more than four are expected to qualify for next months debate in Alabama: Haley, DeSantis, conservative entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former New Jersey Gov. Christie.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson failed to qualify for the the last debate, although theyre still in the race. Pence, who would not have qualified for the last debate, suspended his campaign last month facing a similar dilemma.

Trumps team is cheering on the feud between Haley and DeSantis, who are largely focused on tearing down each other, while the former president remains the overwhelming GOP front-runner.

Privately, Trumps allies believe that Haley will see the biggest short-term polling bump as a result of Scotts departure. But they also believe that Trump, who has a substantial lead, is likely to extend his already huge advantage.

The Trump campaign issued a statement on Monday highlighting Haleys plans to invest $10 million in an advertising campaign across Iowa and New Hampshire beginning in early December, which is designed to give her an advantage over DeSantis.

In a big blow to Ron DeSanctimonious, a new report notes that Nikki Birdbrain Haley will spend $10 million in advertising skewering DeSanctus in Iowa and New Hampshire, the Trump campaign said, pointing to Haleys recent rise in the polls and using the former presidents derisive monikers for the two. She is gaining momentum while he is dropping like a rock.

Meanwhile, some were still grappling with Scotts sudden decision to suspend his presidential bid.

The South Carolina senator, the only African American remaining in the GOP race, surprised most of his staff when he announced his decision during a Sunday night interview on Fox News. After the public announcement, Scott explained his rationale further during a private all-staff call, according to a senior staffer who spoke with the AP on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private conversation. The staffer said the campaign sensed that primary voters were reluctant to support someone other than Trump.

In an email to supporters on Monday afternoon, Scott said he felt the message is unambiguous for him.

I think the voters, who are the most remarkable people on the planet, have been clear in what they are telling me: not now, Tim. I do not think they are saying no. But I do think they are saying not now, he wrote.

Scott entered the 2024 campaign to much anticipation  especially in Iowa  as a close friend to Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst and a devoted evangelical Christian.

At times, his presidential ambitions looked promising.

Scotts campaign and a super PAC supporting him spent a combined $24 million in advertising, mostly in Iowa. During his Iowa trips, Scott made his Christian faith and biblical fluency central to his candidacy and often met with evangelical ministers.

Iowa GOP activists frequently named him among the prospects they were considering throughout the summer. They cited his upbeat style and hopeful message, an implied contrast with the grievance-driven messaging from Trump.

Despite the big Iowa focus and positive message, however, he struggled to break through. And his modest share of support in late-summer Iowa polls shrunk by late fall as DeSantis and Haley appeared more viable.

Republican bundler Eric Levine, a Trump critic who raised more than $100,000 for Scotts campaign in recent weeks, praised the South Carolina senators willingness to step aside for the good of the country.

It is an act I think others should emulate now. We should start rallying behind a single candidate, Levine said, declaring his support for Haley. Its Nikki time.

Still, Devin OMalley, a Republican communications strategist who had advised Pences campaign, warned that coalescing behind a Trump alternative is only the first challenge for Republicans wishing to defeat Trump.

He warned that the winnowing process could also lead to a more vitriolic confrontation with the former president.

The sooner that everyone else gets out, the sooner that Trumps ire is drawn on the one candidate. Hes just going to wear people down and out, OMalley said. That urge to respond to him and to compete with the insults and attacks is overwhelming. I dont think that Haley and DeSantis are conditioned to that.

(AP)




President Joe Biden celebrated a new era in the relationship between the United States and Indonesia as he met with Indonesian President Joko Widodo at the White House on Monday, formalizing closer ties with the worlds third largest democracy and a heavyweight player in Southeast Asia.

The announcement is a reflection of U.S. commitment to the region before Biden heads to San Francisco for a summit of Asian leaders, where hes scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Washington and Beijing have been jockeying for influence in Southeast Asia, which is a critical crossroads for trade and a potential flashpoint for global conflict.

This will mark a new era in relations between the United States and Indonesia across the board, Biden said, sitting next to Widodo.

He added that Widodo, the leader of a tropical archipelago, mentioned that he was cold when he stepped out of his vehicle at the White House. Biden joked, I told him I could take care of that immediately, and there was a roaring fire in the Oval Office fireplace.

Biden and Widodo are expected to share an afternoon tea and meet with top advisers as part of their new strategic partnership. Also on the agenda will be expanding the trade of critical minerals like nickel, which can be used to produce electric vehicle batteries. Indonesia is the worlds largest producer of nickel.

Widodo described the U.S. as one of Indonesias most important partners, and he said they must give real meaning to their strengthened relationship.

But there were also signs of friction over the war between Israel and Hamas. Indonesia is the worlds most populous Muslim country, and Widodo arrived in Washington after attending a summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where leaders criticized the Israeli bombardment and invasion of Gaza.

Widodo urged the U.S. to do more to stop the atrocities in Gaza and have a ceasefire for the sake of humanity.

Biden has resisted calls for a ceasefire, although hes asked Israel to show more restraint in its military operations and called for pauses in the fighting that would allow the delivery of humanitarian aid or the release of hostages held by Hamas.

The White House has cultivated ties with Indonesia in recent years. Biden attended the Group of 20 summit in Bali last year, and Vice President Kamala Harris attended a regional summit in Jakarta in September.

Before visiting the White House, Widodo stopped at Georgetown University, which is planning a new program in Indonesia. Widodo has described improving educational opportunities as critical for his countrys development.

He said that a closer relationship with the U.S. could pay dividends because the United States is a big country, and its influence to any other country is also very big.

But he also was careful to emphasize Indonesias neutrality at a time of tension between Washington and Beijing.

Indonesia is always open to cooperate with any country, and not to take the side of any power, except to take the side of peace and humanity, he said.

Widodo also raised alarms about the death toll in Gaza, mentioning estimates that a child is killed every ten minutes.

Human life seems meaningless, but for me, every life is precious, he said. This is a humanitarian problem, and to end it requires global solidarity, global leadership which prioritizes humanity.

(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 Americas closest allies as criticism has intensified over Israels offensive in Gaza, set off by the bloody Hamas incursion on Oct. 7.

Overlooking a sea of Israeli and U.S. flags, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Mike Johnson and the House Democratic leader, Hakeem Jefferies, came together on the stage and, with Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, joined hands. We stand with Israel, Schumer chanted.

A succession of speakers took the stage to denounce the Hamas attack and the 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 had been slow motion torment.

The

se 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 at the March for Israel wore Israeli flags wrapped around their shoulders, flowing behind them, or held small Israeli flags in their hands. 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.

(AP)




The U.S. Army is overturning the convictions of 110 Black soldiers  19 of whom were executed  for a mutiny at a Houston military camp a century ago, an effort to atone for imposing harsh punishments linked to Jim Crow-era racism.

U.S. Army officials announced the historic reversal Monday during a ceremony posthumously honoring the regiment known as the Buffalo Soldiers, who had been sent to Houston in 1917, during World War I, to guard a military training facility. Clashes arose between the regiment and white police officers and civilians, and 19 people were killed.

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, Under Secretary of the Army Gabe Camarillo said in a statement.

The South Texas College of Law first requested that the Army look into the cases in October 2020, and again in December 2021. The Army then received clemency petitions from retired general officers on behalf of the 110 soldiers.

At the secretary of the Armys petition, the Army Board for Correction of Military Records reviewed records of the cases and found that significant deficiencies permeated the cases. The proceedings were found to be fundamentally unfair, according to the Armys statement. The board members unanimously recommended all convictions be set aside and the military service of the soldiers to be characterized as honorable.

Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth said in the statement that the move marks the Armys acknowledgement of past mistakes and sets the record straight.

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.

Military records will be corrected to the extent possible to recognize service as honorable and their families might be eligible for compensation, according to the Army.

In August 1917, four months after the U.S. entered World War I, soldiers of the all-Black Third Battalion of the U.S. Armys 24th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Buffalo Soldiers, marched into Houston where clashes erupted following racial provocations.

The regiment had been sent to Houston to guard Camp Logan, which was under construction for the training of white soldiers who would be sent to France during World War I. The city was then governed by Jim Crow laws, and tensions boiled over.

Law enforcement at the time described the events as a deadly and premeditated assault by the soldiers on a white population. Historians and advocates say the soldiers responded to what was thought to be a white mob heading for them.

Out of 118 soldiers, 110 were found guilty in the largest murder trial in U.S. history. Nineteen of them were hanged.

According to the Armys statement, the first executions happened secretly a day after sentencing. It led to immediate regulatory changes prohibiting future executions without review by the War Department and the president.

Families of the soldiers may be entitled to benefits and can apply through a U.S. Army Board for Correction of Military Records.

Today is a day I believed would happen, Jason Holt, a descendant in attendance at the ceremony, said, according to the Houston Chronicle. I always did.

(AP)
The defense ministers of the 17 UN Command member nations that sent troops to fight for South Korea during the 1950-53 Korean War met for the first time on Tuesday.

The meeting marked the 70th anniversary of the armistice, but the two Koreas remain technically at war because no peace treaty was ever signed.

The South Korean government plans to hold the meeting regularly, hoping to reaffirm cooperation and solidarity.

President Yoon Suk-yeol sent a message to the meeting, which was read out by a Defense Ministry official, saying the UN Command is the powerful source of strength in defending South Korea.

"In the face of North Korea's nuclear and missile threats and continued provocations, I believe today's meeting will become a starting point for bolstering the cooperation and solidarity of partnering nations that share common values and will serve as a milestone towards the future," Yoon said.




The Biden administration has extended by four months a sanctions waiver that will allow Iraq to continue to purchase electricity from Iran and gives Iran limited access to the proceeds to buy humanitarian goods.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed the 120-day waiver extension and it was transmitted to Congress on Tuesday, U.S. officials said. The move is likely to draw criticism from Iran hawks on Capitol Hill and elsewhere who believe the extension will reward Iran at a time when it is coming under increasing pressure to end its support for proxy groups, including Hamas, that are destabilizing the Middle East.

There is roughly $10 billion in Iraqi payments for Iranian electricity currently being held in escrow accounts in Iraq, and the waiver will allow Baghdad to maintain its energy imports without fear of U.S. penalties for violating sanctions on Iran.

It will also keep in place a provision  included in the last 120-day waiver  under which portions of the electricity proceeds can be transferred to accounts in Oman and then converted to euros or other widely traded currencies for Iran to buy non-sanctioned products.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the decision-making process, said Blinken signed the waiver mainly because the administration doesnt want to cut Iraq off from a critical source of energy.

But, they said the administration is confident Iran will not be able to use any of the money for nefarious purposes. They said a rigorous vetting process is in place to ensure that the cash can only be used for food, medicine, medical equipment and agricultural goods.

Blinken visited Baghdad on Nov. 5 and met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani during the course of a Middle East trip focused on the Israel-Hamas war and efforts to prevent it from spreading into a broader regional conflict.

The officials added that only a small amount of the money held in Iraq had been transferred to Oman during the past 120 days and that none of the money now held in Omani banks had yet been spent.

The waiver is similar to one signed by Blinken earlier this year, which freed up some $6 billion that South Korea had paid to Iran for oil imports in exchange for the release of Americans held prisoner by Tehran. Under that waiver, the money held by South Korea was transferred to banks in Qatar and is also restricted for the purchase of humanitarian supplies.

However, Iran hawks point out that the waivers can allow Iran to free up domestic revenue it would have otherwise spent on humanitarian goods to fund proxies like Hamas, Lebanons Hezbollah and the Houthis in Yemen.

(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.

(AP)




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.

(AP)




Nikki Haley on Wednesday partially walked back her proposed requirement that social media companies ban people from posting anonymously online for national security reasons, a stance for which she drew backlash across conservative social media and some of her GOP presidential rivals.

The former United Nations ambassadors comments Tuesday to Fox News were quickly spread by the campaign of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Both Haley and DeSantis are trying to resonate with GOP constituencies including parents worried for their childrens online safety as well as voters fearful of Chinas influence in U.S. affairs. As they try to battle for a distant second place behind former President Donald Trump, Haley and DeSantis have accused each other of being weak on China in particular.

Every person on social media should be verified by their name. Its a national security threat, Haley, a former South Carolina governor and U.N. ambassador, said Tuesday on Fox News. When you do that, all of a sudden people have to stand by what they say and it gets rid of the Russian bots, the Iranian bots and the Chinese bots.

Saying that she fears that social media anonymity could translate into misinformation, Haley said youre going to get some civility when people know their name is next to what they say.

Haley also said Tuesday she would demand access to social media algorithms to understand how various content ends up in front of certain users. She appeared on the Ruthless podcast  alongside a co-host who goes by ComfortablySmug online.

They need to verify every single person on their outlet, and I want it by name, Haley said, reiterating her previous comments that such a move would weed out foreign-based bot accounts.

Tuesday night, some of Haleys Republican rivals had begun to critique her proposal online.

You know who were anonymous writers back in the day? Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison when they wrote the Federalist Papers, DeSantis posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, calling Haleys proposed ban dangerous and unconstitutional.

Others in conservative social media echoed DeSantis notion.

Nice try, Nikki, posted Charlie Kirk, CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, also referencing the Federalist Papers anonymous authors. Anonymous speech is a core part of free speech.

Conservative radio personality Dana Loesch agreed, saying Wednesday on her show that she was against Haleys argument, despite the fact that Loesch said she has experienced online harassment and even death threats.

I am still a million percent against government regulation of stuff like this, Loesch said. Its not a free speech position, and its not in keeping with the way our country was founded.  Its a bad argument.

Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy  with whom Haley has frequently feuded in recent candidate debates, including calling him scum after an attack on her daughter for having used TikTok  referenced her idea as disgusting.

And replying to Ramaswamy was Elon Musk, the owner of X, formerly known as Twitter. Super messed up, Musk wrote. She can stop pretending to run for president now.

Under his ownership, Musk has opened up X verification checkmarks to paid users, not just those who previously were required to submit identification, in order to be considered verified. The confusion that ensued after Musk bought the San Francisco company for $44 billion last year raised concerns the platform could lose its status as a purveyor of accurate, up-to-date information from authentic sources, including in emergencies.

By Wednesday, Haley had somewhat amended her stance. Asked on CNBC if she was advocating a ban on all anonymous social media posts, Haley said that, while she believed life would be more civil if we were able to do that, she was focused on foreign-based actors, not U.S. citizens.

I dont mind anonymous American people having free speech; what I dont like is anonymous Russians and Chinese and Iranians having free speech, Haley said, not explaining how she would recommend that social media companies parse those users.

A Haley campaign spokesperson said Wednesday that the onus should be on social media companies to better police anonymous, foreign-based accounts.

(AP)




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Israeli officials said on Monday that one of the hostages abducted by Hamas has likely given birth in Gaza.

The assumption is not based on any intelligence or concrete information but solely on the fact that the woman was in her ninth month of pregnancy when she was abducted over a month ago.

According to a Washington Post report on Monday evening, Israel and Hamas are close to reaching a hostage deal in which most of the women and children held hostage in Gaza will be released.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




An Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced recently that the death toll from the October 7th Hamas assault on Israel has been revised from about 1,400 to about 1,200.

The reason for the revision was not provided.

The grueling identification process of the victims is still ongoing, over a month after the attack, due to the fact that many victims were burned beyond recognition or mutilated. Others were murdered on the way to Gaza after being abducted and their bodies werent found until days or weeks later.

Many of the victims murdered at the music festival were also burned beyond recognition and IDF reservists and volunteers have been searching the ground for any clues, including bones, that could help identify victims. Five bodies were recently identified.

Ynet reported that two men, Liel Yifrach and Ratev El Khian, came with metal detectors and located the personal belongings of victims, including jewelry, glasses, and cell phones.

Unfortunately we found places where bodies had been burned beyond recognition, but with the help of metal detectors, we were able to determine that they were human remains, Yifrach said.

We deliver our findings to the police unit tasked with the identification of victims. It is hard work that takes long hours.

If our efforts can provide families with answers and remove doubt, then we have done our job. We found many personal items and know who they belong to but can reveal the information only after the families are notified.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




Merav Michaeli, the leader of Israels left-wing Labor party told POLITICO in an interview that something very bad is happening on the left.

It became very, very clear in this [October 7th] attack that people who consider themselves to be democratic, progressive, are supporting a totalitarian terror regime that oppresses women [and] the LGBTQ+ community, she said on the sidelines of an international meeting of Socialist and social democrat parties in Spain.

The more you go to the left, the more theres a big mix-up. Something went very wrong on the way. I fail to see how shouting jihad and calling for a mass murder of Jews is pro-Palestinian. Its important for me to emphasize to them that when you do not very strongly go against Hamas, and what it does in Gaza including to its own people, you are complicit.

When Im speaking to people outside of Israel, then they need to understand that even the biggest peace activists and even the biggest believers in the two-state solution are now under a horrible attack.

[Calling for a] cease-fire now is giving permission to Hamas to continue rearming itself, continue stealing food, water, medicine and fuel from its own people and yes, rebasing itself.

They [Gazan civilians] are dying because Hamas is using them as human shields, because they have based everything from equipment to missiles to their headquarters in the midst of the most civilian functions there are, Michaeli said.

She criticized the lack of support among EU politicians for the release of some 240 hostages kidnapped by Hamas. I would have loved to hear more about that than just a mention, at least as much as theyre talking about the humanitarian needs in Gaza, she said.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticized Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus recent statement in which Trudeau called on Israel to exercise maximum restraint in its fight against Hamas terrorists in Gaza. During a news conference, Trudeau expressed concern over the loss of civilian lives, particularly women, children, and babies, and urged Israel to halt the violence, emphasizing that the world is closely observing the situation.

In response, Prime Minister Netanyahu asserted that Israel is not deliberately targeting civilians but, rather, it is Hamas that has committed grave atrocities, including beheadings, burnings, and massacres of civilians. He described these acts as among the worst horrors inflicted on Jews since the Holocaust.

Netanyahu wrote as follows:

It is not Israel that is deliberately targeting civilians but Hamas that beheaded, burned and massacred civilians in the worst horrors perpetrated on Jews since the Holocaust.

While Israel is doing everything to keep civilians out of harms way, Hamas is doing everything to keep them in harms way.

Israel provides civilians in Gaza humanitarian corridors and safe zones, Hamas prevents them from leaving at gunpoint.

It is Hamas not Israel that should be held accountable for committing a double war crime  targeting civilians while hiding behind civilians.

The forces of civilization must back Israel in defeating Hamas barbarism.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




Reuters reported on Wednesday that Hamas has agreed to a Qatari-mediated deal that would see it releasing 50 hostages in exchange for a three-day ceasefire.

The deal also has Israel releasing some Palestinian female and teen prisoners from Israeli prisons and increasing the amount of humanitarian aid allowed into Gaza.

According to the report, Israel has not yet agreed to the deal and is still negotiating the details.

Kan reported that Israel is demanding that Hamas release a larger number of hostages.

The deal is being coordinated with the US.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Unionized Seoul Metro staff are set to stage a second round of strikes next week, they warned in a press conference in Seoul on Tuesday.

"After the first strike on Nov. 9 and 10, we urged management to change its positions and engage in serious dialogue, but the Seoul Metropolitan Government and management suddenly shifted to a hard line without addressing concerns about the shortage of on-site safety personnel," the workers' union said. "This strike is planned to start on Nov. 22 and, unlike the first round, there is no set deadline."

In response, a Seoul Metro official said, "We have been negotiating behind the scenes, but we have not been able to narrow differences. We will continue to negotiate."




Antisemitic Rep. Rashida Tlaib is allegedly a part of a secret Facebook group called the Palestinian American Congress, which openly glorified Hamas after the Simchas Torah massacre, Fox News reported on Wednesday. The Palestinian American Congress group is not visible to the general public on Facebook and is absent from the platforms search results.

Maher Abdel-qader, the groups founder and a figure with known connections to Tlaib and other prominent figures in liberal politics, has previously faced criticism for his posts on social media that included antisemitic content, like calling Jews satanic, and questioning whether the Holocaust really occurred. He has participated in fundraising events for Tlaib and appears alongside her in multiple social media posts. Abdel-qader donated personally to Tlaibs campaign and actually served as chairman of her finance committee during her 2018 run for Congress.

In the aftermath of the October 7 attack on Israel, the group, which counts Congresswoman Tlaib among its members, has been found to feature posts endorsing and lionizing the actions of Hamas.

We dont want to throw you in the seawe want you to ride it back from where you came, one group member posted on October 12, accompanying it with a picture of an elderly Israeli captive and a Hamas terrorist.

Since yesterday I have been attached to the TV watching the news, another member posted on October 10, telling the American Media, You, and the people directing you, are the problem, you created it almost 100 years ago, made it official 75 years ago and you have been feeding its flam ever since.

You consider Hamas a terrorist organization and I am not going to argue with you at the same time you have been broadcasting that they have been killing women and children, guess that is what terrorists do at the same time no mention to the killing of Palestinian women, children and entire families killed on a daily basses (sic) by the [peace-loving] state of Israel using American gifts of weapons and jet fighters.

Yesterday I didnt see Hamas I saw the grand kids (sic) of the refugees that ethnically cleansed from their homeland attacking the grand kids (sic) of the colonists whom sent them to diaspora, they later added.

On October 19, another member posted about the achievements of the resistance in northern occupied Palestine, including dozens of Israeli soldiers, accompanied by a photo of a Hamas terrorist.

Tlaib herself posted on the secret Facebook group back in 2018. While shes been quiet on it since, she is still a member  and probably watching it closely, based on her evil rhetoric.




It took a few weeks, but opposition Leader leftist Yair Lapid has now called for the removal of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from office, suggesting that another member of the Likud party should replace him without the need for a new national election. Lapid cited the loss of public confidence in Netanyahu, particularly after the events of October 7 when Hamas launched attacks in southern Israel. He expressed the view that its challenging to conduct an extended military operation under a prime minister who lacks the trust of the public.

Although Lapid did not specify a particular Likud member for the role, he mentioned that there are several lawmakers within the party who believe its time for Netanyahu to step down. He also indicated that his Yesh Atid party would be willing to join a broad government led by Likud if it were under the leadership of another party member.

In response, the Likud party criticized Lapid for engaging in political maneuvering during a time of war and attempting to replace the prime minister who is currently leading the operation.

Labor chief Merav Michaeli expressed her support for Lapids call to replace Netanyahu in her remarks.

YWN reminds our readers that war cabinet minister Benny Gantz  who was in the oppositiin until the war started  is opposed to Netanyahu being replaced now.

Gantz said calls to replace Netanyahu in the middle of the war as nothing less than crazy.

Gantz firmly believes that the time will come to fully examine whos responsible for the failures that led to the October 7 Hamas assault on Israel.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
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.
Selfridges Thai investor is set to take control of the department store as its Austrian co-owner faces a financial crisis.

Central Group has bought out troubled Signa to take majority control of the upmarket London store.

Reports emerged earlier this month that Signa had called in restructuring experts to help raise money.

Central Group was seen as the most likely buyer but there was speculation other investors could be interested.

Central has become the majority shareholder but it is understood luxury development company Signa still holds a significant stake in Selfridges. Previously, the two owned 50 per cent each.

Shake-up: Central Group has bought out its troubled Signa to take majority control of the upmarket London store Selfridges

Signa, which jointly bought Selfridges with Central Group for 4billion in 2021, ousted its billionaire chairman Rene Benko earlier this month.

The department store chain, meanwhile, which was founded by American entrepreneur Harry Gordon Selfridge in 1909, had insisted it was business as usual as it approaches its key Christmas season, despite the chaos.

Central Group owns a slew of department store businesses across Europe including Rinascente in Italy and KaDeWe in Germany.

A spokesman for the Thai group yesterday said: The move solidifies Central Group as an owner-operator of the largest European luxury department store group.

The deal also includes Arnotts and Brown Thomas in Ireland, and de Bijenkorf in the Netherlands.

The department store officially changed hands in August 2022 after being owned by the Weston family for almost 20 years.

At the time of the sale, Alannah Weston, former chairman of Selfridges Group, said: I am proud to pass the baton to the new owners who are family businesses that take a long-term view.

The bosses of both Signa and Central expressed at the time that they had long-term ambitions for the chain.

After the purchase, Signa announced intentions to develop a hotel next to its flagship West End store and overhaul its food hall.

But there has been little progress on either project.

Last year Selfridges booked a loss of almost 40million despite sales rebounding off the back of a tourism resurgence.

It put the loss down to an increase in debt interest costs but said its pandemic recovery was healthy.

This summer the firm announced around 140 jobs could be axed at its head office, where around 900 of a 3,100-strong workforce reside.

The cash crunch at Signa has also raised some questions over the health of Frasers Groups acquisition of the German fashion business SportScheck from Signa, which also jointly owns the Chrysler Building in New York.
SSE has raised capital investment expectations for its net zero programme by around 14 per cent over the five years after half-year profits beat forecasts.

The FTSE 100 power generator and network operator has boosted its capital investment outlook on its Net Zero Acceleration Programme Plus scheme to 20.5billion, up from 18billion earmarked earlier.

The group's pre-tax profit for the six months to the end of September reached 565.2million, up 1 per cent on a year ago. Adjusted operating profit fell 3 per cent to 693.2million.

Investment: SSE has raised its capital investment expectations by around 14% for its net zero programme

The group reported adjusted earnings per share of 37p for the six month period ending 30 September, above its prior forecast of at least 30p apiece.

The power firm reaffirmed its fiscal year 2024 adjusted profit targets of more than 150p per share. Analysts were expecting annual earnings per share of around 156.06p.

Adjusted net debt and hybrid capital stood at 8.9billion, the group said, which was broadly unchanged on the previous six months and in line with pre-close guidance.

Chief executive Alistair Phillips-Davies, said: 'With an enduring broad political consensus behind the need to build the electricity infrastructure required for net zero, a supportive power price outlook...we have increased confidence in our earnings forecasts not only for this year, but out to 2026/27.'

The UK is aiming to ramp up its renewable power capacity as it seeks to meet its goal of net zero emissions by 2050, and become more independent of imported energy following a supply disruption caused by the Russia-Ukraine war.

Earlier this month, SSE unveiled plans to build a 320 megawatt battery storage project in Yorkshire.

SSE shares rose 2.34 per cent or 40.00p to 1,751.50p on Wednesday afternoon, having increased by around 6 per cent in the last year.

Neil Shah, executive director of content and strategy at Edison Group, said: 'The UK energy sector has had a turbulent two years: the ongoing war in Ukraine has raised energy prices, but oscillations in government policy  from last years windfall tax to the recent announcement of new oil and gas licenses in the Kings Speech  have created uncertainty for the sector.'

He added: 'From these results, its clear that the companys more diversified energy portfolio has insulated it from some of these tumults.

'SSEs bread and butter is the generation of electricity from wind power and natural gas  neither of which are as politically controversial as the use of North Sea oil, and so do not face the same constraints on supply.

'As Europe continues the process of substituting Russian natural gas imports, and as government energy policy reaches a more settled consensus, SSE looks well-placed to take advantage of a greater level of stability in the energy market.'
StockNews.com downgraded shares of Core Molding Technologies (NYSEAMERICAN:CMT  Free Report) from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report released on Saturday morning.

Core Molding Technologies Price Performance

Shares of CMT stock opened at $16.84 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.46, a current ratio of 1.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16. The company has a market cap of $152.23 million, a P/E ratio of 6.40 and a beta of 1.90. The companys fifty day moving average price is $18.52. Core Molding Technologies has a one year low of $10.36 and a one year high of $30.09.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Core Molding Technologies

In other Core Molding Technologies news, CEO David L. Duvall sold 6,098 shares of Core Molding Technologies stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $25.37, for a total value of $154,706.26. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 441,415 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,198,698.55. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other Core Molding Technologies news, CFO John P. Zimmer sold 10,000 shares of Core Molding Technologies stock in a transaction on Friday, September 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $28.65, for a total value of $286,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 174,893 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,010,684.45. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO David L. Duvall sold 6,098 shares of Core Molding Technologies stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $25.37, for a total transaction of $154,706.26. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 441,415 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,198,698.55. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 89,208 shares of company stock worth $2,401,189. Insiders own 15.80% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Core Molding Technologies

About Core Molding Technologies

A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in CMT. Covestor Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Core Molding Technologies during the 2nd quarter worth about $30,000. UBS Group AG purchased a new stake in Core Molding Technologies in the 4th quarter valued at about $33,000. FMR LLC boosted its position in Core Molding Technologies by 395.6% in the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 1,239 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $35,000 after buying an additional 989 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE boosted its position in Core Molding Technologies by 51.4% in the 1st quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 2,016 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $36,000 after buying an additional 684 shares during the period. Finally, Fortis Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Core Molding Technologies in the 4th quarter valued at about $46,000. 50.43% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Core Molding Technologies, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a molder of thermoplastic and thermoset structural products. The company offers a range of manufacturing processes that include compression molding of sheet molding compound, resin transfer molding, liquid molding of dicyclopentadiene, spray-up and hand-lay-up, direct long-fiber thermoplastics, and structural foam and structural web injection molding.

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StockNews.com lowered shares of Extra Space Storage (NYSE:EXR  Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report published on Saturday morning.

Other analysts have also issued reports about the company. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price target on Extra Space Storage from $185.00 to $165.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 8th. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on Extra Space Storage from $145.00 to $115.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, September 21st. TheStreet downgraded Extra Space Storage from a b- rating to a c rating in a report on Tuesday, November 7th. Evercore ISI cut their price objective on Extra Space Storage from $147.00 to $145.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a report on Friday, September 15th. Finally, Citigroup cut their price objective on Extra Space Storage from $160.00 to $135.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, September 13th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating, three have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $142.64.

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Extra Space Storage Stock Up 10.2 %

Extra Space Storage Cuts Dividend

EXR opened at $129.55 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.50, a current ratio of 0.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70. The firm has a market cap of $27.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.81, a PEG ratio of 0.69 and a beta of 0.63. Extra Space Storage has a 52 week low of $101.19 and a 52 week high of $170.30. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $117.60 and its 200 day simple moving average is $133.96.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 15th were issued a dividend of $0.61 per share. This represents a $2.44 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.88%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 14th. Extra Space Storages dividend payout ratio is 44.85%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, Director Joseph J. Bonner sold 956 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $125.64, for a total transaction of $120,111.84. Following the transaction, the director now owns 4,504 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $565,882.56. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, CEO Joseph D. Margolis bought 4,200 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 13th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $118.21 per share, with a total value of $496,482.00. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer now owns 31,301 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,700,091.21. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director Joseph J. Bonner sold 956 shares of Extra Space Storage stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $125.64, for a total value of $120,111.84. Following the transaction, the director now owns 4,504 shares in the company, valued at $565,882.56. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 1.55% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Extra Space Storage

A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Brown Advisory Inc. lifted its stake in Extra Space Storage by 1.6% during the first quarter. Brown Advisory Inc. now owns 4,156 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $677,000 after purchasing an additional 66 shares during the last quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS increased its holdings in Extra Space Storage by 0.3% in the first quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 22,703 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,699,000 after purchasing an additional 66 shares during the period. Private Advisor Group LLC grew its holdings in Extra Space Storage by 5.6% during the 1st quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 1,404 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $289,000 after acquiring an additional 74 shares during the period. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Extra Space Storage by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 7,816 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,163,000 after acquiring an additional 80 shares during the period. Finally, Patron Partners LLC grew its stake in shares of Extra Space Storage by 3.4% in the 1st quarter. Patron Partners LLC now owns 2,442 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $398,000 after buying an additional 81 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 66.40% of the companys stock.

About Extra Space Storage

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Extra Space Storage Inc, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a self-administered and self-managed REIT and a member of the S&P 500. As of June 30, 2023, the Company owned and/or operated 2,438 self-storage stores in 41 states and Washington, DC The Company's stores comprise approximately 1.7 million units and approximately 184.0 million square feet of rentable space.

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StockNews.com lowered shares of Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI  Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note published on Saturday.

Several other research firms have also recently weighed in on MSI. Barclays lowered their price target on Motorola Solutions from $329.00 to $322.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, August 4th. Raymond James raised their price objective on Motorola Solutions from $315.00 to $320.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, August 4th. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on Motorola Solutions from $290.00 to $300.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, August 4th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on Motorola Solutions from $320.00 to $311.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, August 7th. Finally, Bank of America began coverage on Motorola Solutions in a report on Monday, October 9th. They set a buy rating and a $330.00 price objective on the stock. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given 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 price target of $312.57.

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Motorola Solutions Stock Performance

NYSE:MSI opened at $312.25 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 12.51, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a current ratio of 0.95. Motorola Solutions has a 52-week low of $248.75 and a 52-week high of $312.93. The firm has a market cap of $51.83 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.57, a PEG ratio of 2.98 and a beta of 0.91. The businesss fifty day moving average is $284.93 and its 200 day moving average is $285.66.

Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The communications equipment provider reported $3.19 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.03 by $0.16. Motorola Solutions had a return on equity of 668.00% and a net margin of 17.30%. The firm had revenue of $2.56 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.53 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $2.79 EPS. The companys revenue was up 7.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that Motorola Solutions will post 10.54 EPS for the current year.

Motorola Solutions Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 13th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 15th were given a $0.88 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $3.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.13%. Motorola Solutionss dividend payout ratio is currently 35.59%.

Insider Transactions at Motorola Solutions

In other news, CFO Jason J. Winkler sold 5,656 shares of Motorola Solutions stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $305.29, for a total value of $1,726,720.24. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 6,732 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,055,212.28. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other news, CEO Gregory Q. Brown sold 65,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $305.27, for a total value of $19,842,550.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 62,105 shares in the company, valued at approximately $18,958,793.35. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CFO Jason J. Winkler sold 5,656 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred 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 transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 6,732 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,055,212.28. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 76,506 shares of company stock worth $23,359,370. 1.50% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Truist Financial Corp raised its stake in Motorola Solutions by 1.7% during the third quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 327,955 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $89,282,000 after buying an additional 5,326 shares during the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Motorola Solutions by 25.8% during the third quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 127,309 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $34,659,000 after buying an additional 26,141 shares during the last quarter. Waverly Advisors LLC raised its stake in Motorola Solutions by 20.4% during the third quarter. Waverly Advisors LLC now owns 937 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $255,000 after buying an additional 159 shares during the last quarter. Schonfeld Strategic Advisors LLC raised its stake in Motorola Solutions by 2,812.6% during the third quarter. Schonfeld Strategic Advisors LLC now owns 58,222 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $15,850,000 after buying an additional 56,223 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ancora Advisors LLC raised its stake in Motorola Solutions by 0.9% during the third quarter. Ancora Advisors LLC now owns 6,737 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $1,834,000 after buying an additional 61 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.37% of the companys stock.

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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The series of squalls that have been punishing Galicia for a month are the result of atmospheric rivers of water vapor, which are key to meteorologists forecasts.

For years, artificial intelligence has been dethroning its creatorshumansin different areas. Now, its meteorologys turn. The science is one of the greatest human creations since the Roman augurs; previously, they opened an animals guts to determine if the weather favored sowing the field or if the next mornings conditions would be conducive to waging war. Todays weather predictions are done with very complex models based on the laws governing the dynamics of the atmosphere and the oceans, which are run on some of the worlds most powerful supercomputers. Now, using a single machine the size of a personal computer and the artificial intelligence of DeepMind, in just one minute Alphabet (Googles parent company) can forecast the weather around the world 10 days from now. And in so doing, it outperforms almost all of the most modern weather forecasting systems. But in this case, it seems that artificial intelligence serves to complement human intelligence, not replace it.

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) has a highly advanced system, and last year it renewed its forecasting muscle. At its facilities in Bologna, Italy, ECMWF operates a supercomputer with about 1 million processors (compared to the personal computers two or four) and the computing power of 30 petaflops, or 30,000 trillion, calculations per second. It requires that many petaflops to allow one of its tools, High Resolution Forecasting (HRES), to do what it does: to very accurately predict the weather across the planet in the medium term (usually 10 days), and to do so with a spatial resolution of nine kilometers (5.6 miles). That is where many of the weather people across the world get their forecasts. GraphCast, Google DeepMinds artificial intelligence for weather forecasting, has been measured against this Goliath.

The results of the comparison, published Tuesday in the journal Science, show that GraphCast predicts hundreds of weather variables as well as or better than HRES. The researchers show that in 90.3% of the 1,380 metrics considered, Googles machine outperforms the ECMWF machine. If the data referring to the stratosphere (some 6-8 kilometers, or 3.7 to 5 miles, up in the sky) is discarded and the analysis is limited to the tropospherethe atmospheric layer where the closest weather events occurartificial intelligence (AI) outperforms human-supervised supercomputing in 99.7% of the variables analyzed. And that feat has been accomplished by using a machine that is very similar to a personal computer; it is called a tensor processing unit, or TPU.

Once trained, each forecast can be done in less than a minute using a single TPU, [which is] much more efficient than a normal PC, but it is similar in size. Alvaro Sanchez Gonzalez, a DeepMind researcher and co-creator of GraphCast

TPUs are specialized hardware for training and running artificial intelligence software much more efficiently than a normal PC, but it is similar in size, explains Google DeepMind researcher Alvaro Sanchez Gonzalez. In the same way that the computers graphics card (also known as GPU) is specialized in rendering images, TPUs are specialized in making matrix products. To train GraphCast, we used 32 of these TPUs over several weeks. However, once trained, each prediction can be made in less than a minute using a single TPU, says Sanchez Gonzalez, one of the innovations creators.

One of the major differences between GraphCast and current forecasting systems is that the former relies on weather history. Its creators trained it with all the meteorological data stored in the ECMWF archive since 1979. That includes the rainfall in Santiago since then, as well as all the cyclones that have reached Acapulco in 40 years. It took researchers a while to train it, but now GraphCast only needs to know what the weather was six hours ago and current weather conditions before it issues its new forecast; it takes only a second to determine what the weather will be like in another six hours. And each new prediction feeds back to the previous one.

DeepMinds Ferran Alet, a co-creator of the machine, explains how it works: Our neural network predicts the weather six hours in the future. If we want to predict the weather in 24 hours, we simply evaluate the model four times. Another option would have been to train different models, one for 6 hours, one for 24 hours. But we know that the physics 6 hours from now will be the same as it is now. So, we know that if we find the right 6-hour model and give it its own predictions as input, it should predict the weather 12 hours from now and we can repeat the process every six hours. Doing so gives them a lot more data for a single model, making it train more efficiently, Alet says.

Until now, forecasts have been based on the so-called numerical weather prediction, which uses physical equations provided by science throughout history to respond to the different processes that make up a system as complex as the dynamics of the atmosphere. With those results, a series of mathematical algorithms are defined, which the supercomputers use to forecast the next hours, days or weeks (there are also ones for a longer term, but the reliability drops dramatically after 15 days) in mere minutes. To do all this, the supercomputer must be quite super indeed, and that means an enormous cost and a lot of engineering work. What is perhaps striking is that these systems do not take advantage of the weather yesterday or last year in the same place at the same time. GraphCast does it differently, almost backwards. Its deep learning leverages decades of historical weather data to learn a model of the cause-and-effect relationships that govern the evolution of the Earths weather.

Jose Luis Casado, a Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) spokesman, explains why it dispenses with historical data: The atmospheric model uses available observations and the models own immediately preceding forecast: if the atmospheres current state is well known, its future evolution can be predicted. Unlike machine learning methods, it does not use predictions or historical data.

The importance of DeepMinds work is that it demonstrates that you can even improve traditional models predictive forecasting using artificial intelligence. Ignacio Lopez Gomez, a climate scientist at Google Research

At Google Researchs California headquarters, researcher Ignacio Lopez Gomez thinks about weather prediction systems based on massive data. At the beginning of the year, he published his most recent work in which he used artificial intelligence to predict heat waves. Although he knows several of the creators of GraphCast, he did not participate in its design or calculations. The importance of the work of DeepMind and others like it (such as the recent Pangu-Weather system designed by Chinese scientists) is that they demonstrate that you can achieve or even improve on the predictive forecasting of traditional models by using artificial intelligence. Lopez acknowledges that AI models are expensive to train, but he says they can do weather forecasts much more efficiently once they are trained. Instead of requiring supercomputers, AI-based predictions can even be done on personal computers within a reasonable amount of time.

ECMWF has taken note and is already developing its own AI-based forecasting system. In October, they announced that they already had the first alpha version of its AIFS (or Artificial Intelligence/Integrated Forecasting System). Its based on the same method as Googles, says AEMETs Casado. Although AIFS is not a fully operational system, it is a big step forward, he adds. As the creators of GraphCast concluded in their scientific paper, AI is not a substitute for human ingenuity, much less for traditional weather forecasting methods developed over decades, rigorously tested in many real-world contexts. In fact, the ECMWF actively collaborated with Google, providing access to data and supporting them for this project. As Casado concludes, traditional models based on physical equations and new data-driven machine learning models could be complementary.

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StockNews.com cut shares of Brady (NYSE:BRC  Free Report) from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report released on Saturday morning.

Separately, Bank of America boosted their price objective on Brady from $47.00 to $51.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th.

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Brady Trading Up 2.4 %

Shares of BRC opened at $54.94 on Friday. Brady has a 52-week low of $44.71 and a 52-week high of $58.20. The businesss fifty day moving average is $54.42 and its 200-day moving average is $51.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05, a quick ratio of 1.35 and a current ratio of 2.03. The firm has a market cap of $2.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.65, a PEG ratio of 1.92 and a beta of 0.73.

Brady (NYSE:BRC  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, September 5th. The industrial products company reported $1.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.93 by $0.11. Brady had a return on equity of 18.78% and a net margin of 13.13%. The company had revenue of $345.90 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $329.29 million. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.87 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts anticipate that Brady will post 4 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Brady Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, October 31st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, October 10th were given a $0.235 dividend. This represents a $0.94 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.71%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 6th. This is a positive change from Bradys previous quarterly dividend of $0.23. Bradys payout ratio is 26.78%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Brady

In other news, Director Nancy Lee Gioia sold 4,250 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $55.82, for a total value of $237,235.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 11,456 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $639,473.92. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, Director Nancy Lee Gioia sold 4,250 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $55.82, for a total value of $237,235.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 11,456 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $639,473.92. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, VP Bentley Curran sold 6,209 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $55.96, for a total value of $347,455.64. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 15,462 shares in the company, valued at $865,253.52. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 15.60% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. US Bancorp DE raised its stake in Brady by 34.5% during the 2nd quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 775 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $37,000 after buying an additional 199 shares during the period. Arizona State Retirement System raised its stake in Brady by 1.6% during the 1st quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 13,386 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $719,000 after buying an additional 212 shares during the period. Lazard Asset Management LLC raised its stake in Brady by 14.4% during the 1st quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 2,232 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $103,000 after buying an additional 281 shares during the period. Captrust Financial Advisors raised its stake in Brady by 8.6% during the 2nd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 3,662 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $173,000 after buying an additional 290 shares during the period. Finally, Fifth Third Bancorp raised its stake in Brady by 8.0% during the 1st quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 4,068 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $219,000 after buying an additional 300 shares during the period. 71.30% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Brady

(Get Free Report)

Brady Corporation manufactures and supplies identification solutions (IDS) and workplace safety (WPS) products to identify and protect premises, products, and people in the United States and internationally. The company offers materials, printing systems, RFID, and bar code scanners for product identification, brand protection labeling, work in process labeling, finished product identification, and industrial track and trace applications; safety signs, floor-marking tapes, pipe markers, labeling systems, spill control products, lockout/tagout device, and software and services for safety compliance auditing, procedure writing, and training; and hand-held printers, wire markers, sleeves, and tags for wire identification.

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NovaGold Resources Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:NG  Get Free Report) (TSE:NG) Director Ethan Schutt bought 23,677 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 9th. The shares were bought at an average price of $3.59 per share, for a total transaction of $85,000.43. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 36,991 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $132,797.69. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link.

NovaGold Resources Trading Up 8.4 %

Shares of NG opened at $3.96 on Wednesday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $5.50. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.32 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -28.25 and a beta of 0.90. NovaGold Resources Inc. has a twelve month low of $3.29 and a twelve month high of $6.98. The company has a quick ratio of 33.31, a current ratio of 33.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3,250.59.

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NovaGold Resources (NYSEAMERICAN:NG  Get Free Report) (TSE:NG) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 4th. The mining company reported ($0.03) EPS for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of ($0.03). Analysts predict that NovaGold Resources Inc. will post -0.11 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Trading of NovaGold Resources

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its position in NovaGold Resources by 47.1% during the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 1,148,564 shares of the mining companys stock worth $8,878,000 after acquiring an additional 367,773 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates boosted its position in NovaGold Resources by 19.9% during the first quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 87,901 shares of the mining companys stock worth $679,000 after acquiring an additional 14,573 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in NovaGold Resources during the first quarter worth approximately $78,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its position in NovaGold Resources by 1.3% during the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 656,705 shares of the mining companys stock worth $5,076,000 after acquiring an additional 8,220 shares during the last quarter. Finally, MetLife Investment Management LLC boosted its position in NovaGold Resources by 37.5% during the first quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 112,267 shares of the mining companys stock worth $868,000 after acquiring an additional 30,641 shares during the last quarter. 53.84% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Several research analysts have weighed in on the stock. National Bank Financial lowered their target price on shares of NovaGold Resources from C$10.75 to C$9.50 in a research report on Friday, July 21st. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of NovaGold Resources in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a sell rating on the stock.

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About NovaGold Resources

(Get Free Report)

NovaGold Resources Inc explores for and develops gold mineral properties in the United States. Its principal asset is the Donlin Gold project consisting of 493 mining claims covering an area of approximately 29,008 hectares located in the Kuskokwim region of southwestern Alaska. The company was formerly known as NovaCan Mining Resources (1985) Limited and changed its name to NovaGold Resources Inc in March 1987.

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Capital One Financial (NYSE:COF  Get Free Report) and Standard Chartered (OTCMKTS:SCBFF  Get Free Report) are both large-cap finance companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, dividends, earnings, profitability, institutional ownership, valuation and risk.

Risk & Volatility

Capital One Financial has a beta of 1.47, suggesting that its stock price is 47% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Standard Chartered has a beta of 0.73, suggesting that its stock price is 27% less volatile than the S&P 500.

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Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Capital One Financial and Standard Chartereds top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Capital One Financial $38.37 billion 1.06 $7.36 billion $13.31 8.04 Standard Chartered $23.98 billion 0.84 $2.95 billion $0.89 8.30

Analyst Recommendations

Capital One Financial has higher revenue and earnings than Standard Chartered. Capital One Financial is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Standard Chartered, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for Capital One Financial and Standard Chartered, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Capital One Financial 4 6 4 0 2.00 Standard Chartered 1 3 0 0 1.75

Capital One Financial presently has a consensus target price of $106.36, suggesting a potential downside of 0.60%. Standard Chartered has a consensus target price of $930.00, suggesting a potential upside of 12,484.57%. Given Standard Chartereds higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Standard Chartered is more favorable than Capital One Financial.

Profitability

This table compares Capital One Financial and Standard Chartereds net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Capital One Financial 11.43% 9.77% 1.13% Standard Chartered 11.27% 6.96% 0.42%

Dividends

Capital One Financial pays an annual dividend of $2.40 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.2%. Standard Chartered pays an annual dividend of $0.12 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.6%. Capital One Financial pays out 18.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Standard Chartered pays out 13.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

90.1% of Capital One Financial shares are held by institutional investors. 1.4% of Capital One Financial shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Summary

Capital One Financial beats Standard Chartered on 13 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Capital One Financial

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Capital One Financial Corporation operates as the financial services holding company for the Capital One Bank (USA), National Association; and Capital One, National Association, which provides various financial products and services in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It operates through three segments: Credit Card, Consumer Banking, and Commercial Banking. The company accepts checking accounts, money market deposits, negotiable order of withdrawals, savings deposits, and time deposits. Its loan products include credit card loans; auto and retail banking loans; and commercial and multifamily real estate, and commercial and industrial loans. The company also offers credit and debit card products; online direct banking services; and treasury management and depository services. It serves consumers, small businesses, and commercial clients through digital channels, branches, cafes, and other distribution channels located in New York, Louisiana, Texas, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and California. Capital One Financial Corporation was founded in 1988 and is headquartered in McLean, Virginia.

About Standard Chartered

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Standard Chartered PLC, together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking products and services primarily in Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. The company operates through two segments: Corporate, Commercial and Institutional Banking; and Consumer, Private and Business Banking. It offers retail products, such as deposits, savings, mortgages, credit cards, and personal loans; wealth management products and services that include investments, portfolio management, insurance, and wealth advices; and transaction banking services, such as cash management, working capital, and trade financing products. The company also provides financial markets products and services that comprise project and transportation financing, debt capital markets and leveraged financing, financing and securities services, and sales and structuring services, as well as macro, commodities, and credit trading services. In addition, it offers digital banking solutions. The company serves financial institutions, governments, banks, investors, corporations, small businesses, and individuals. The company was founded in 1853 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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Power Co. of Canada (OTCMKTS:PWCDF  Get Free Report) and Jackson Financial (NYSE:JXN  Get Free Report) are both financial services companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, risk, profitability, institutional ownership, earnings, analyst recommendations and valuation.

Profitability

This table compares Power Co. of Canada and Jackson Financials net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Power Co. of Canada N/A N/A N/A Jackson Financial N/A 15.09% 0.43%

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Power Co. of Canada and Jackson Financials top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Power Co. of Canada N/A N/A N/A $2.72 9.51 Jackson Financial $14.55 billion 0.25 $5.70 billion $20.97 2.15

Analyst Recommendations

Jackson Financial has higher revenue and earnings than Power Co. of Canada. Jackson Financial is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Power Co. of Canada, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

This is a breakdown of current recommendations and price targets for Power Co. of Canada and Jackson Financial, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Power Co. of Canada 0 0 0 0 N/A Jackson Financial 0 2 1 0 2.33

Power Co. of Canada presently has a consensus price target of $40.06, suggesting a potential upside of 54.86%. Jackson Financial has a consensus price target of $40.00, suggesting a potential downside of 11.09%. Given Power Co. of Canadas higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Power Co. of Canada is more favorable than Jackson Financial.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

41.7% of Power Co. of Canada shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 79.2% of Jackson Financial shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.7% of Jackson Financial shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Dividends

Power Co. of Canada pays an annual dividend of $1.16 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.5%. Jackson Financial pays an annual dividend of $2.48 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.5%. Power Co. of Canada pays out 42.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Jackson Financial pays out 11.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Jackson Financial has increased its dividend for 2 consecutive years. Jackson Financial is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Summary

Jackson Financial beats Power Co. of Canada on 10 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Power Co. of Canada

(Get Free Report)

Power Corporation of Canada, an international management and holding company, offers financial services in North America, Europe, and Asia. It operates through Lifeco, IGM Financial, and GBL segments. The company offers life, disability, critical illness, accidental death, dismemberment, health and dental protection, and creditor insurance; retirement and investment management; fund and asset management; reinsurance and retrocession; investment advisory, financial planning, and related services; fund products; and protection and wealth management services. It also provides employer-sponsored retirement plan, individual retirement account and drawdown, investment option, and education services, as well as taxable brokerage accounts; private keeping and administrative services; payout annuities, equity release mortgages, life bonds, mortgage, securities, pension, private equity, and financial services; and investment products, such as equity, fixed income, absolute return and alternative strategies, exchange traded funds, and trust funds. The company was incorporated in 1925 and is based in Montreal, Canada. Power Corporation of Canada operates as a subsidiary of Pansolo Holding Inc.

About Jackson Financial

(Get Free Report)

Jackson Financial Inc., through its subsidiaries, primarily provides a suite of annuities to retail investors in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Retail Annuities, Institutional Products, and Closed Life and Annuity Blocks. The Retail Annuities segment offers various retirement income and savings products, including variable, fixed index, fixed, and payout annuities, as well as registered index-linked annuities and lifetime income solutions. The Institutional Products segment provides traditional guaranteed investment contracts; funding agreements comprising agreements issued in conjunction with its participation in the U.S. federal home loan bank program; and medium-term funding agreement-backed notes. The Closed Life and Annuity Blocks segment offers various protection products, such as whole life, universal life, variable universal life, and term life insurance products, as well as fixed, fixed index, and payout annuities; and a block of group payout annuities. The company also offers investment management services. It sells its products through a distribution network that includes independent broker-dealers, banks and other financial institutions, warehouses and regional broker-dealers, and independent registered investment advisors, third-party platforms, and insurance agents. The company was formerly known as Brooke (Holdco1) Inc. and changed its name to Jackson Financial Inc. in July 2020. Jackson Financial Inc. was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Lansing, Michigan.

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Cannell & Co. raised its position in New Found Gold Corp. (NYSE:NFGC  Free Report) by 50.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 30,000 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 10,000 shares during the quarter. Cannell & Co.s holdings in New Found Gold were worth $148,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Bank of America Corp DE purchased a new stake in shares of New Found Gold during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $56,000. Virtu Financial LLC purchased a new stake in New Found Gold in the second quarter valued at $71,000. Millennium Management LLC raised its position in New Found Gold by 176.3% in the second quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 149,820 shares of the companys stock valued at $673,000 after purchasing an additional 95,604 shares during the period. Royal Bank of Canada lifted its stake in shares of New Found Gold by 45.3% in the 3rd quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 14,833 shares of the companys stock valued at $52,000 after purchasing an additional 4,625 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Two Sigma Investments LP purchased a new position in shares of New Found Gold during the 3rd quarter worth $36,000. 3.43% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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New Found Gold Stock Up 4.6 %

Shares of NYSE NFGC opened at $3.61 on Wednesday. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $4.08 and a 200-day simple moving average of $4.44. New Found Gold Corp. has a twelve month low of $3.25 and a twelve month high of $5.70.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

New Found Gold ( NYSE:NFGC Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Monday, August 14th. The company reported ($0.07) earnings per share for the quarter. As a group, analysts anticipate that New Found Gold Corp. will post -0.31 earnings per share for the current year.

Several research analysts have weighed in on the stock. Roth Mkm reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $9.00 target price on shares of New Found Gold in a research note on Thursday, September 21st. Roth Capital reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of New Found Gold in a research report on Tuesday, August 15th.

View Our Latest Stock Report on NFGC

New Found Gold Company Profile

(Free Report)

New Found Gold Corp., a mineral exploration company, engages in the identification, acquisition, and exploration of mineral properties in the Provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Ontario. The company primarily explores for gold deposit. It holds 100% interests in the Queensway project that includes 94 mineral licenses and 6,649 claims covering an area of 166,225 hectares of land located near Gander, Newfoundland; and the Lucky Strike project comprising 11,684 hectares located in Kirkland Lake, Ontario.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NFGC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for New Found Gold Corp. (NYSE:NFGC  Free Report).

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Cannell & Co. increased its position in Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO  Free Report) by 19.8% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 6,050 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 1,000 shares during the quarter. Cannell & Co.s holdings in Brown & Brown were worth $416,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in BRO. Kentucky Retirement Systems lifted its stake in shares of Brown & Brown by 0.8% in the 1st quarter. Kentucky Retirement Systems now owns 18,585 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,067,000 after purchasing an additional 153 shares in the last quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Brown & Brown by 3.0% during the 2nd quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 5,416 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $373,000 after acquiring an additional 156 shares in the last quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp boosted its position in Brown & Brown by 3.3% during the 2nd quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 4,876 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $336,000 after purchasing an additional 157 shares during the period. Advisor Partners II LLC increased its holdings in Brown & Brown by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. Advisor Partners II LLC now owns 11,845 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $680,000 after purchasing an additional 157 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Stephens Inc. AR raised its position in Brown & Brown by 0.7% in the first quarter. Stephens Inc. AR now owns 25,801 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,481,000 after purchasing an additional 172 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.33% of the companys stock.

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Brown & Brown Stock Performance

Shares of BRO opened at $73.20 on Wednesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $20.83 billion, a PE ratio of 27.83 and a beta of 0.76. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $71.00 and its 200 day moving average price is $69.06. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60, a current ratio of 1.85 and a quick ratio of 1.85. Brown & Brown, Inc. has a 12-month low of $52.82 and a 12-month high of $74.57.

Brown & Brown Increases Dividend

Brown & Brown ( NYSE:BRO Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 23rd. The financial services provider reported $0.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.62 by $0.09. Brown & Brown had a net margin of 18.08% and a return on equity of 15.72%. The company had revenue of $1.07 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.04 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.50 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 15.1% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts forecast that Brown & Brown, Inc. will post 2.75 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 1st will be paid a $0.13 dividend. This is an increase from Brown & Browns previous quarterly dividend of $0.12. This represents a $0.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.71%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, October 31st. Brown & Browns payout ratio is presently 19.77%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating and issued a $77.00 target price on shares of Brown & Brown in a research report on Friday, September 15th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Brown & Brown in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Citigroup boosted their target price on shares of Brown & Brown from $81.00 to $83.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 19th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on shares of Brown & Brown from $62.00 to $70.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 26th. Finally, Raymond James boosted their price objective on shares of Brown & Brown from $70.00 to $76.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 26th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $76.00.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Brown & Brown

Insider Activity

In related news, EVP Stephen M. Boyd sold 2,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $70.64, for a total value of $176,600.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 64,471 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,554,231.44. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 16.58% of the companys stock.

Brown & Brown Company Profile

(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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Cardinal Point Capital Management ULC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (NYSEARCA:EFA  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm acquired 2,878 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $209,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Fiera Capital Corp lifted its position in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 5.5% during the 2nd quarter. Fiera Capital Corp now owns 360,024 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $26,102,000 after acquiring an additional 18,859 shares during the period. Kingswood Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $394,000. Alesco Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 1.2% in the 2nd quarter. Alesco Advisors LLC now owns 50,070 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $3,630,000 after buying an additional 599 shares during the last quarter. Texas Capital Bank Wealth Management Services Inc. increased its position in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 14.4% during the 2nd quarter. Texas Capital Bank Wealth Management Services Inc. now owns 71,051 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $5,151,000 after buying an additional 8,939 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Heritage Wealth Advisors raised its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 1.4% during the second quarter. Heritage Wealth Advisors now owns 175,794 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $12,745,000 after buying an additional 2,356 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.78% of the companys stock.

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iShares MSCI EAFE ETF Price Performance

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF stock opened at $71.05 on Wednesday. iShares MSCI EAFE ETF has a 12 month low of $64.20 and a 12 month high of $74.74. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $68.90 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $71.13.

About iShares MSCI EAFE ETF

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Funds investment objective is to seek investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance of its underlying index, MSCI EAFE Index (the Index). The Index has been developed by MSCI Inc as an equity benchmark for its international stock performance.

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Wintrust Investments LLC reduced its stake in shares of Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX  Free Report) by 7.3% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 57,160 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 4,477 shares during the quarter. Wintrust Investments LLCs holdings in Phillips 66 were worth $5,452,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Bornite Capital Management LP bought a new stake in Phillips 66 in the 1st quarter worth approximately $8,639,000. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund lifted its holdings in shares of Phillips 66 by 316.2% in the 1st quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund now owns 6,597 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $570,000 after acquiring an additional 5,012 shares during the last quarter. Synovus Financial Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Phillips 66 by 5.1% in the 1st quarter. Synovus Financial Corp now owns 16,257 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,405,000 after acquiring an additional 788 shares during the last quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Phillips 66 by 61.9% in the 1st quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 7,236 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $625,000 after purchasing an additional 2,766 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Blair William & Co. IL grew its holdings in shares of Phillips 66 by 103.8% during the 1st quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 53,538 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $4,625,000 after purchasing an additional 27,267 shares during the last quarter. 71.83% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Activity at Phillips 66

In other news, VP Joseph Scott Pruitt sold 7,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, September 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $117.02, for a total transaction of $819,140.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 6,682 shares in the company, valued at $781,927.64. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other news, VP Joseph Scott Pruitt sold 7,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $117.02, for a total transaction of $819,140.00. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 6,682 shares in the company, valued at $781,927.64. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, EVP Timothy D. Roberts sold 12,970 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $124.41, for a total transaction of $1,613,597.70. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 80,009 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,953,919.69. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 50,770 shares of company stock valued at $6,158,614 in the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 4.57% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

PSX has been the subject of several analyst reports. Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. upgraded shares of Phillips 66 from a hold rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the company from $115.00 to $130.00 in a research report on Monday, October 30th. Wolfe Research upgraded Phillips 66 from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $146.00 price target on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 31st. Morgan Stanley reissued an equal weight rating and set a $125.00 price objective on shares of Phillips 66 in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. Argus lifted their target price on shares of Phillips 66 from $125.00 to $134.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, August 14th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Phillips 66 in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Four 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, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $131.33.

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Phillips 66 Price Performance

Shares of PSX stock opened at $115.02 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.96, a current ratio of 1.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58. The stock has a market cap of $50.60 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.94, a PEG ratio of 0.40 and a beta of 1.34. The businesss fifty day moving average is $115.97 and its 200 day moving average is $106.88. Phillips 66 has a twelve month low of $89.74 and a twelve month high of $125.19.

Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 27th. The oil and gas company reported $4.63 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $4.78 by ($0.15). Phillips 66 had a return on equity of 23.32% and a net margin of 5.05%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $6.46 earnings per share. Research analysts expect that Phillips 66 will post 15.32 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Phillips 66 Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 1st. Investors of record on Friday, November 17th will be paid a $1.05 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 16th. This represents a $4.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.65%. Phillips 66s payout ratio is currently 25.33%.

Phillips 66 Company Profile

(Free Report)

Phillips 66 operates as an energy manufacturing and logistics company in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, and Marketing and Specialties (M&S). The Midstream segment transports crude oil and other feedstocks; delivers refined petroleum products to market; provides terminaling and storage services for crude oil and refined petroleum products; transports, stores, fractionates, exports, and markets natural gas liquids; provides other fee-based processing services; and gathers, processes, transports, and markets natural gas.

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Cannell & Co. cut its holdings in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 0.6% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 34,702 shares of the companys stock after selling 200 shares during the period. Cannell & Co.s holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $3,388,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of PM. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Philip Morris International in the second quarter worth $753,000. Barrett & Company Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Philip Morris International in the 1st quarter valued at $32,000. NewSquare Capital LLC grew its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 127.0% during the first quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 370 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 207 shares during the last quarter. Blume Capital Management Inc. purchased a new position in Philip Morris International during the 1st quarter worth approximately $36,000. Finally, Spotlight Asset Group Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Philip Morris International in the 2nd quarter valued at $37,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.70% of the companys stock.

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Philip Morris International Trading Up 0.4 %

Shares of PM stock opened at $90.40 on Wednesday. Philip Morris International Inc. has a twelve month low of $87.23 and a twelve month high of $105.62. The company has a market capitalization of $140.34 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.55, a PEG ratio of 2.13 and a beta of 0.77. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $92.31 and a 200 day moving average price of $94.38.

Philip Morris International Increases Dividend

Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 19th. The company reported $1.67 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.62 by $0.05. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 9.62% and a negative return on equity of 129.48%. The business had revenue of $9.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.21 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.53 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 13.8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts predict that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.18 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 12th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, September 27th were issued a dividend of $1.30 per share. This is a boost from Philip Morris Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $1.27. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, September 26th. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.75%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 100.97%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages have recently weighed in on PM. Barclays decreased their target price on shares of 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. Bank of America cut their price objective on shares of Philip Morris International from $118.00 to $111.00 in a research report on Friday, September 29th. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their price target on shares of Philip Morris International from $111.00 to $105.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 13th. Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on shares of Philip Morris International from $118.00 to $113.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 2nd. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus restated a buy rating and set a $114.00 target price on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Monday, October 2nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and nine 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 an average target price 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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Beverly Hills Private Wealth LLC boosted its holdings in Manulife Financial Co. (NYSE:MFC  Free Report) (TSE:MFC) by 95.4% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 46,683 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 22,792 shares during the quarter. Beverly Hills Private Wealth LLCs holdings in Manulife Financial were worth $906,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in MFC. BlackRock Inc. grew its position in shares of Manulife Financial by 10.1% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 878,359 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $18,753,000 after acquiring an additional 80,450 shares during the period. Raymond James Trust N.A. grew its position in shares of Manulife Financial by 7.9% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 27,503 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $587,000 after acquiring an additional 2,013 shares during the period. Cetera Investment Advisers bought a new position in shares of Manulife Financial in the 1st quarter valued at about $428,000. Moors & Cabot Inc. grew its position in shares of Manulife Financial by 2.3% in the 1st quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. now owns 43,078 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $920,000 after acquiring an additional 956 shares during the period. Finally, Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Manulife Financial by 32.7% in the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 14,560 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $311,000 after acquiring an additional 3,585 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 45.02% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages recently commented on MFC. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their target price on shares of Manulife Financial from $30.00 to $32.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, November 10th. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Manulife Financial in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Finally, Barclays lifted their target price on shares of Manulife Financial from $31.00 to $33.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, August 11th.

Manulife Financial Stock Up 1.7 %

Shares of Manulife Financial stock opened at $18.95 on Wednesday. Manulife Financial Co. has a twelve month low of $17.07 and a twelve month high of $20.40. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $18.35 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $18.77. The stock has a market capitalization of $34.34 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.47, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.76 and a beta of 1.08.

Manulife Financial Cuts Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 19th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 22nd will be paid a $0.263 dividend. This represents a $1.05 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.55%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, November 21st. Manulife Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 55.50%.

Manulife Financial Profile

(Free Report)

Manulife Financial Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial products and services in Asia, Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Wealth and Asset Management Businesses; Insurance and Annuity Products; and Corporate and Other segments. The Wealth and Asset Management Businesses segment offers investment advice and solutions to retirement, retail, and institutional clients through multiple distribution channels, including agents and brokers affiliated with the company, independent securities brokerage firms and financial advisors pension plan consultants, and banks.

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Diana Widmaier Picasso, painter Pablo Picassos granddaughter, next to one of the candles she created for Amen. Katharina Kaminski

What would Picassos artworks smell like? Guernica would probably stink of smoke from Civil War bombings; Les Demoiselles dAvignon would give off the scent of Provences lavender fields; Boy with a Pipe would reek of tobacco; and Portrait of Jaime Sabartes would be infused with the mild aroma of beer. Diana Widmaier Picasso, 49, the Spanish artists granddaughter, has been thinking about this and other unusual aspects of her grandfathers legacy all her life. Whenever it seems that everything has been said and written about the legendary modern artist, she appears to discover something new (or not so new). My grandfather liked the smell of women and paint, says the expert in Picassos paintings and guardian of her familys secrets.

Widmaier has a PhD in art history from the Sorbonne and a law degree from Pantheon-Assas. She specializes in modern art and has contributed in her own way to the jam-packed schedule of celebrations commemorating the 50th anniversary of Pablo Picassos death. Widmaier just published Picasso sorcier (Gallimard), a book in which she reveals the Cubist icons superstitions, religious beliefs, fears and fetishes; she curated the exhibition Maya Ruiz-Picasso, daughter of Pablo, the first show at the Picasso Museum in Paris to highlight the painters women as genuine subjects who contributed to his creative experience; and she partnered with Uruguayan entrepreneur and artist Rodrigo Garcia to create a collection of candles that keep the creative fire of Picasso  that sacred monster  alive.

Rodrigo Garcia, the founder of Amen Candles. Katharina Kaminski

My grandfather was a man full of passion. He was able to reinvent himself so many times thanks to the women he transformed into icons and muses, Widmaier explains. One of those women was Maya Ruiz-Picasso, the artists daughter with Marie-Therese Walter, who died in December 2022 at the age of 87. Ruiz-Picasso devoted much of her life to promoting her fathers legacy, and before her death, she passed that baton to her daughter. My mother lived long enough to see these candles. She loved them. Her favorite was the jasmine one, she says.

Jasmine, nature and sustainability were at the heart of the decision to create this candle collection. Diana Widmaier and Rodrigo Garcia met at a mutual friends birthday party in Paris. They were seated next to each other and instantly became friends. She had just settled in the French capital after living in New York, and he had just moved to France from Uruguay to start his sustainable candle brand, Amen Candles. In 2020, Garcia invited Widmaier to a presentation of his brand at the Dover Street Parfums Market in Paris. She was fascinated by Amens concept: natural, vegan, plastic-free wax candles; handcrafted in Grasse; presented in a Limoges porcelain container; and wrapped in biodegradable circular packaging made from mushrooms that absorb carbon dioxide. We make them in France, and they arrive at your home, or at the Metropolitan [Museum] in New York, or at the Picasso Museum in Barcelona [...] without any trace of plastic, says the brands founder.

Did you know that Picasso didnt use plastic in any of his 50,000 works of art? Widmaier asked Garcia at that presentation. A month later, the painters granddaughter called her friend to tell him that she wanted to give Amen candles to several artists, gallery owners and museum curators. The request was so large that Garcia replied half-jokingly (but half seriously), Well, if you want so many, why dont we make one exclusively for you?

One of the candles from the collection Diana Widmaier Picasso created for the Amen company. The Limoges porcelain vessel is engraved with the work 'Guitare a la main blanche,' which the artist painted in 1927. Katharina Kaminski

Widmaier liked that idea. It was all very organic. One Sunday afternoon Rodrigo came to my house in Paris, and we started looking at the works in the Maya Ruiz-Picasso, daughter of Pablo exhibition catalog, she recalls. Diana and I didnt want to turn to Picassos classic works for inspiration. We wanted to explore something new and original, Garcia says. Figure, from 1927, was the starting point for this candle collection. Coincidentally (or not), 1927 was the year the Spanish painter met Marie-Therese, Dianas grandmother, and began a secret relationship with her (at the time, he was still married to Russian ballerina Olga Khokhlova).

Widmaiers grandparents love story permeates these home fragrances. I included the painting Guitare a la main blanche, from 1927, because it bears my grandmothers initials, MT. That reminded me of a love letter Pablo wrote to Marie-Therese in August 1936, in which he told her that her jasmine scent was always with him. My grandfather captured the essence of his love with that feminine, floral fragrance, explains Widmaier. Each Amen candle is associated with a Picasso work and a fragrance: Guitare a la main blanche smells of jasmine; Acrobat, from 1932, has a ginger aroma; Reclining nude, from 1932, has the scent of amber; and Figure, from 1927, is redolent of orange and cinnamon. For example, Figure must have smelled of orange because that scent reminds me of summers in the south of France and my mothers childhood memories, Widmaier explains.

Coincidentally, many of the paintings they chose for this collection were created by Picasso in his Antibes atelier, on the French Riviera, just twenty minutes from where Amens candles are handcrafted. But neither Widmaier nor Garcia believe in coincidences. We believe in the power of design and art to change paradigms and ways of thinking. Within the limitations of living in a capitalist world, were trying to use the forces of capitalism for good and to say something we think is important, Amens founder concludes.

The candles created by Diana Widmaier Picasso and Rodrigo Garcia are natural, vegan and free of plastic. They are handmade in Grasse, the world capital of fragrance, and are presented in a Limoges porcelain container engraved with a Picasso artwork. Katharina Kaminski

These candles smell like art, but theyre really about sustainability. Diana Widmaier became more interested in ecology after she became a mother in 2017. That same year she launched her own jewelry label, Mene, which is Aramaic for currency or money. The pieces are made from ethically mined gold and platinum from sustainable mines in Nevada, in the United States, and Ontario, in Canada. I have a young daughter and I am happy to see that the new generations are more aware of the importance of preserving the environment, she says. She named her daughter Luna in a clear allusion to the moon, which so many artists use to symbolize the feminine life force, fertility and resurrection. Luna is destined to be the next guardian of the Picasso legacy.
King Wealth reduced its stake in SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:JNK  Free Report) by 15.9% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 3,817 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 724 shares during the quarter. King Wealths holdings in SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF were worth $351,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Fairfield Bush & CO. bought a new stake in SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF during the first quarter valued at approximately $41,000. Baird Financial Group Inc. lifted its position in SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF by 46.2% during the first quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 10,011 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,026,000 after purchasing an additional 3,163 shares during the last quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P lifted its position in SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF by 116.1% during the first quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P now owns 2,323 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $238,000 after purchasing an additional 1,248 shares during the last quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF by 2.0% in the 1st quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 10,427 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,068,000 after acquiring an additional 209 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF by 15.7% in the 1st quarter. Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 2,656 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $272,000 after acquiring an additional 360 shares during the last quarter.

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SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF Trading Down 0.2 %

Shares of JNK traded down $0.14 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $91.34. The companys stock had a trading volume of 760,361 shares, compared to its average volume of 9,041,940. SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF has a 52 week low of $87.79 and a 52 week high of $94.83. The companys fifty day moving average price is $90.03 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $91.01.

SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF Company Profile

SPDR Barclays High Yield Bond ETF (the Fund), formerly SPDR Barclays Capital High Yield Bond ETF, seeks to provide investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance of the Barclays Capital High Yield Very Liquid Index (the Index). The Index includes publicly issued United States dollar denominated, non-investment grade, fixed-rate, taxable corporate bonds that have a remaining maturity of at least one year, regardless of optionality, are rated high-yield using the middle rating of Moodys, S&P, and Fitch, respectively, and have $600 million or more of outstanding face value.

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Dimensional Fund Advisors LP reduced its holdings in Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW  Free Report) by 0.4% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,333,901 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 6,029 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LPs holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $333,684,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. GoalVest Advisory LLC purchased a new stake in Illinois Tool Works during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Northwest Capital Management Inc acquired a new stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works in the second quarter worth approximately $28,000. Miller Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Illinois Tool Works in the 2nd quarter valued at $31,000. Quarry LP boosted its stake in Illinois Tool Works by 52.7% during the 1st quarter. Quarry LP now owns 142 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 49 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Steward Financial Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works during the second quarter worth $39,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.56% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

ITW has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $230.00 to $232.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Thursday, August 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on Illinois Tool Works from $250.00 to $235.00 in a report on Monday, October 9th. Barclays reduced their target price on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $213.00 to $198.00 in a research note on Thursday, September 7th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $265.00 to $255.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus upped their price objective on Illinois Tool Works from $236.00 to $250.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $238.25.

Illinois Tool Works Stock Up 1.9 %

Illinois Tool Works stock opened at $236.49 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.58, a quick ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.27. The firm has a market capitalization of $71.16 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.94, a P/E/G ratio of 4.45 and a beta of 1.14. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $231.98 and its 200-day simple moving average is $237.76. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a twelve month low of $214.66 and a twelve month high of $264.19.

Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The industrial products company reported $2.55 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.46 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $4.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.10 billion. Illinois Tool Works had a return on equity of 95.68% and a net margin of 19.55%. The firms revenue was up .5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $2.35 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts expect that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 9.68 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Illinois Tool Works Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 11th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 29th will be given a dividend of $1.40 per share. This represents a $5.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.37%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 28th. Illinois Tool Workss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 54.32%.

Illinois Tool Works Company Profile

(Free Report)

Illinois Tool Works Inc manufactures and sells industrial products and equipment worldwide. It operates through seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products. The Automotive OEM segment offers plastic and metal components, fasteners, and assemblies for automobiles, light trucks, and other industrial uses.

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Summit X LLC increased its position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Free Report) by 15.1% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 13,816 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 1,814 shares during the period. Summit X LLCs holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $590,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Barrett & Company Inc. bought a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company in the 1st quarter valued at $25,000. Studio Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company during the 4th quarter valued at about $28,000. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL bought a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company in the first quarter valued at about $28,000. Financial Connections Group Inc. raised its position in Wells Fargo & Company by 288.0% in the second quarter. Financial Connections Group Inc. now owns 741 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 550 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Worth Asset Management LLC bought a new position in Wells Fargo & Company during the first quarter worth about $40,000. 72.47% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other Wells Fargo & Company news, Director Richard K. Davis acquired 3,500 shares of Wells Fargo & Company 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 purchase, the director now owns 4,244 shares in the company, valued at $174,937.68. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. 0.07% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Wells Fargo & Company Stock Performance

Shares of Wells Fargo & Company stock opened at $42.08 on Wednesday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $40.80 and a 200 day simple moving average of $41.67. Wells Fargo & Company has a fifty-two week low of $35.25 and a fifty-two week high of $48.84. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.17, a current ratio of 0.87 and a quick ratio of 0.87. The firm has a market cap of $152.82 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.09, a P/E/G ratio of 0.79 and a beta of 1.17.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The financial services provider reported $1.39 EPS for the quarter, beating 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 company had revenue of $20.86 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.09 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.30 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 6.6% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts predict that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.06 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Wells Fargo & Company Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 3rd will be given a dividend of $0.35 per share. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.33%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 2nd. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio is 30.24%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on WFC shares. Atlantic Securities upped their price objective on Wells Fargo & Company from $50.00 to $52.50 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 1st. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $48.00 to $43.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. HSBC started coverage on Wells Fargo & Company in a report on Thursday, September 7th. They set a hold rating and a $45.00 price objective for the company. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Finally, BMO Capital Markets lifted their price target on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $52.00 to $54.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Monday, October 16th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $48.31.

Read Our Latest Research Report on WFC

Wells Fargo & 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.

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Cetera Investment Advisers lowered its holdings in shares of Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (NYSEARCA:VT  Free Report) by 3.9% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 135,374 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 5,529 shares during the period. Cetera Investment Advisers holdings in Vanguard Total World Stock ETF were worth $13,129,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Vanguard Total World Stock ETF by 681,735.5% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 251,713,227 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $21,695,163,000 after purchasing an additional 251,676,310 shares during the last quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its position in shares of Vanguard Total World Stock ETF by 94,998.0% during the second quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 153,374,063 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $14,874,217,000 after acquiring an additional 153,212,783 shares during the last quarter. UBS Group AG lifted its holdings in shares of Vanguard Total World Stock ETF by 6.2% in the 1st quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 1,771,551 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $163,142,000 after acquiring an additional 103,391 shares during the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC boosted its position in shares of Vanguard Total World Stock ETF by 47.5% during the first quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 1,526,638 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $140,588,000 after buying an additional 491,888 shares during the period. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada lifted its position in shares of Vanguard Total World Stock ETF by 0.8% during the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 1,374,226 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $139,195,000 after purchasing an additional 10,248 shares in the last quarter.

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Vanguard Total World Stock ETF Stock Up 2.3 %

NYSEARCA:VT opened at $96.90 on Wednesday. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $93.68 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $95.21. The company has a market cap of $28.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.20 and a beta of 0.94. Vanguard Total World Stock ETF has a 52 week low of $84.82 and a 52 week high of $100.72.

Vanguard Total World Stock ETF Company Profile

Vanguard Total World Stock Index Fund ETF (the Fund) is an open-end investment company. The Fund seeks to track the performance of the FTSE Global All Cap Index, which covers both well-established and still-developing markets. The Fund invests in both foreign and the United States stocks. The fund offers three classes of shares: Investor Shares, Institutional Shares, and ETF Shares.

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Fiera Capital Corp lifted its holdings in Union Pacific Co. (NYSE:UNP  Free Report) by 8.9% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 16,666 shares of the railroad operators stock after buying an additional 1,358 shares during the quarter. Fiera Capital Corps holdings in Union Pacific were worth $3,408,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Vise Technologies Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Union Pacific by 14.3% in the first quarter. Vise Technologies Inc. now owns 4,388 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $883,000 after purchasing an additional 548 shares during the last quarter. Capital Asset Advisory Services LLC increased its position in shares of Union Pacific by 25.6% during the first quarter. Capital Asset Advisory Services LLC now owns 5,046 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $1,016,000 after acquiring an additional 1,028 shares during the period. Clearbridge Investments LLC raised its stake in shares of Union Pacific by 1.1% during the first quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 1,933,582 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $389,153,000 after acquiring an additional 21,361 shares in the last quarter. Dynamic Advisor Solutions LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Union Pacific by 18.4% in the second quarter. Dynamic Advisor Solutions LLC now owns 20,508 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $4,196,000 after purchasing an additional 3,186 shares during the period. Finally, First Hawaiian Bank grew its stake in Union Pacific by 6.9% in the second quarter. First Hawaiian Bank now owns 12,535 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $2,565,000 after purchasing an additional 806 shares in the last quarter. 77.36% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Union Pacific Stock Performance

UNP opened at $215.69 on Wednesday. Union Pacific Co. has a 1 year low of $183.69 and a 1 year high of $240.48. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.22, a current ratio of 0.72 and a quick ratio of 0.57. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $208.62 and a 200 day moving average price of $209.57. The stock has a market cap of $131.48 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.70, a P/E/G ratio of 2.47 and a beta of 1.10.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Union Pacific ( NYSE:UNP Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 19th. The railroad operator reported $2.51 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.41 by $0.10. Union Pacific had a net margin of 26.37% and a return on equity of 49.14%. The company had revenue of $5.94 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.96 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $3.19 EPS. The firms revenue was down 9.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that Union Pacific Co. will post 10.24 earnings per share for the current year.

UNP has been the subject of several research reports. StockNews.com began coverage on Union Pacific in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their target price on shares of Union Pacific from $233.00 to $232.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on shares of Union Pacific from $200.00 to $245.00 in a report on Thursday, July 27th. Citigroup increased their price objective on shares of Union Pacific from $235.00 to $270.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 27th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a $282.00 price objective on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Friday, October 20th. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Union Pacific presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $238.96.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on UNP

Insider Activity

In other Union Pacific news, EVP Kenyatta G. Rocker sold 8,700 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $222.43, for a total value of $1,935,141.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 42,061 shares in the company, valued at approximately $9,355,628.23. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other Union Pacific news, EVP Eric J. Gehringer sold 1,274 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $203.24, for a total value of $258,927.76. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 31,991 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,501,850.84. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, EVP Kenyatta G. Rocker sold 8,700 shares of Union Pacific stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $222.43, for a total transaction of $1,935,141.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 42,061 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,355,628.23. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 10,974 shares of company stock worth $2,416,899 over the last three months. Insiders own 0.30% of the companys stock.

Union Pacific Profile

(Free Report)

Union Pacific Corporation, through its subsidiary, Union Pacific Railroad Company, operates in the railroad business in the United States. The company offers transportation services for grain and grain products, fertilizers, food and refrigerated products, and coal and renewables to grain processors, animal feeders, ethanol producers, and other agricultural users; petroleum, and liquid petroleum gases; and construction products, industrial chemicals, plastics, forest products, specialized products, metals and ores, soda ash, and sand, as well as finished automobiles, automotive parts, and merchandise in intermodal containers.

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Financial Architects Inc trimmed its stake in Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC  Free Report) by 7.4% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 33,349 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 2,648 shares during the quarter. Financial Architects Incs holdings in Bank of America were worth $957,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Fort Sheridan Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 0.8% during the 4th quarter. Fort Sheridan Advisors LLC now owns 39,526 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,309,000 after purchasing an additional 303 shares in the last quarter. Horizon Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. Horizon Wealth Management LLC now owns 28,347 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $813,000 after purchasing an additional 318 shares in the last quarter. Global Trust Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 45.7% during the 2nd quarter. Global Trust Asset Management LLC now owns 1,036 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 325 shares in the last quarter. Godsey & Gibb Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 7.9% during the 2nd quarter. Godsey & Gibb Inc. now owns 4,508 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $129,000 after purchasing an additional 330 shares in the last quarter. Finally, BHK Investment Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 2.4% during the 2nd quarter. BHK Investment Advisors LLC now owns 14,140 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $406,000 after purchasing an additional 333 shares in the last quarter. 68.06% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts have recently issued reports on BAC shares. Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on Bank of America from $34.00 to $32.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 3rd. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their price objective on Bank of America from $31.00 to $28.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. Piper Sandler dropped their price objective on Bank of America from $28.00 to $27.50 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, September 15th. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $35.00 price objective on shares of Bank of America in a research report on Tuesday, September 12th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on Bank of America in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $35.43.

Bank of America Price Performance

Shares of BAC opened at $29.24 on Wednesday. Bank of America Co. has a 1 year low of $24.96 and a 1 year high of $38.30. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12, a current ratio of 0.83 and a quick ratio of 0.82. The company has a market capitalization of $231.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.19, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.15 and a beta of 1.38. The business has a 50-day moving average of $27.33 and a 200-day moving average of $28.57.

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 17th. The financial services provider reported $0.90 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.83 by $0.07. Bank of America had a return on equity of 12.08% and a net margin of 18.69%. The company had revenue of $25.20 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $25.13 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.81 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 2.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Bank of America Co. will post 3.46 earnings per share for the current year.

Bank of America Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Friday, December 1st will be paid a dividend of $0.24 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 30th. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.28%. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio is currently 26.89%.

Bank of America Profile

(Free Report)

Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. Its Consumer Banking segment offers traditional and money market savings accounts, certificates of deposit and IRAs, noninterest-and interest-bearing checking accounts, and investment accounts and products; and credit and debit cards, residential mortgages, and home equity loans, as well as direct and indirect loans, such as automotive, recreational vehicle, and consumer personal loans.

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AlphaCore Capital LLC raised its holdings in shares of Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER  Free Report) by 31.9% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 12,156 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock after purchasing an additional 2,938 shares during the period. AlphaCore Capital LLCs holdings in Uber Technologies were worth $525,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Ellevest Inc. boosted its position in Uber Technologies by 1.5% during the second quarter. Ellevest Inc. now owns 16,832 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $727,000 after purchasing an additional 250 shares in the last quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Uber Technologies by 66.5% in the 2nd quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 651 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 260 shares in the last quarter. Krilogy Financial LLC grew its position in shares of Uber Technologies by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. Krilogy Financial LLC now owns 57,233 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $2,471,000 after buying an additional 262 shares during the last quarter. Core Alternative Capital raised its stake in shares of Uber Technologies by 13.4% during the 2nd quarter. Core Alternative Capital now owns 2,242 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $97,000 after acquiring an additional 265 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Virtue Capital Management LLC lifted its position in Uber Technologies by 3.7% during the second quarter. Virtue Capital Management LLC now owns 7,564 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $330,000 after acquiring an additional 269 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 74.07% of the companys stock.

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Uber Technologies Price Performance

UBER stock opened at $53.88 on Wednesday. Uber Technologies, Inc. has a 1 year low of $23.90 and a 1 year high of $54.31. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.91, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 1.14. The firm has a market capitalization of $110.88 billion, a PE ratio of 109.96 and a beta of 1.23. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $45.97 and a 200-day simple moving average of $43.85.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts recently issued reports on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on Uber Technologies from $56.00 to $62.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 8th. Sanford C. Bernstein upped their price objective on shares of Uber Technologies from $50.00 to $55.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Susquehanna lifted their target price on shares of Uber Technologies from $48.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 2nd. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $58.00 price target on shares of Uber Technologies in a research note on Tuesday, September 5th. Finally, Barclays lifted their price objective on shares of Uber Technologies from $57.00 to $60.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 2nd. Thirty research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $56.44.

View Our Latest Analysis on UBER

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Uber Technologies news, insider Tony West sold 18,750 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, November 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $51.40, for a total value of $963,750.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 181,339 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,320,824.60. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, CFO Nelson Chai sold 100,000 shares of Uber Technologies stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $45.05, for a total transaction of $4,505,000.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 291,807 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,145,905.35. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, insider Tony West sold 18,750 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $51.40, for a total value of $963,750.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 181,339 shares in the company, valued at approximately $9,320,824.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 168,766 shares of company stock valued at $7,969,550. Insiders own 3.84% of the companys stock.

Uber Technologies Company Profile

(Free Report)

Uber Technologies, Inc develops and operates proprietary technology applications in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia excluding China and Southeast Asia. It operates through three segments: Mobility, Delivery, and Freight. The Mobility segment connects consumers with a range of transportation modalities, such as ridesharing, carsharing, micromobility, rentals, public transit, taxis, and other modalities; and offers riders in a variety of vehicle types, as well as financial partnerships products and advertising services.

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Humankind Investments LLC acquired a new position in shares of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund acquired 2,025 shares of the insurance providers stock, valued at approximately $319,000.

Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new position in Travelers Companies in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $160,000. Cibc World Market Inc. increased its holdings in Travelers Companies by 28.8% in the 1st quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 5,934 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,084,000 after buying an additional 1,327 shares during the period. Vontobel Holding Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Travelers Companies by 1.0% in the 1st quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 11,905 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $2,210,000 after buying an additional 115 shares in the last quarter. Blair William & Co. IL lifted its holdings in shares of Travelers Companies by 40.6% during the 1st quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 51,551 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $9,420,000 after acquiring an additional 14,873 shares during the period. Finally, Sei Investments Co. boosted its position in shares of Travelers Companies by 5.0% during the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 27,212 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $4,952,000 after acquiring an additional 1,286 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 81.12% of the companys stock.

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Travelers Companies Stock Down 1.4 %

NYSE TRV opened at $168.62 on Wednesday. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $165.23 and a 200-day moving average of $169.76. The stock has a market capitalization of $38.51 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.25, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.52 and a beta of 0.58. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a 52 week low of $157.33 and a 52 week high of $194.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40, a quick ratio of 0.34 and a current ratio of 0.34.

Travelers Companies Announces Dividend

Travelers Companies ( NYSE:TRV Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 18th. The insurance provider reported $1.95 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.93 by ($0.98). Travelers Companies had a net margin of 5.45% and a return on equity of 10.41%. The business had revenue of $10.50 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.42 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $2.20 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 14.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts forecast that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 11.1 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 29th. Investors of record on Friday, December 8th will be issued a dividend of $1.00 per share. This represents a $4.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.37%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 7th. Travelers Companiess dividend payout ratio is currently 43.29%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Travelers Companies

In other news, EVP Andy F. Bessette sold 3,797 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $169.38, for a total value of $643,135.86. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 13,005 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,202,786.90. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Insiders own 1.29% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

TRV has been the subject of several recent research reports. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on shares of Travelers Companies from $185.00 to $172.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 17th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft began coverage on Travelers Companies in a research note on Wednesday, October 4th. They issued a hold rating and a $186.00 price target on the stock. Citigroup increased their price objective on Travelers Companies from $181.00 to $185.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, October 20th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Travelers Companies in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group dropped their target price on shares of Travelers Companies from $180.00 to $176.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 6th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $191.17.

View Our Latest Research Report on TRV

About Travelers Companies

(Free Report)

The Travelers Companies, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance.

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Wintrust Investments LLC increased its stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW  Free Report) by 9.5% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 15,786 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,363 shares during the period. Wintrust Investments LLCs holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $3,949,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in ITW. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 103,194.6% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 72,134,735 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $18,045,225,000 after acquiring an additional 72,064,901 shares during the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Illinois Tool Works by 106,553.0% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 7,185,211 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,582,902,000 after purchasing an additional 7,178,474 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new stake in Illinois Tool Works during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $708,259,000. Morgan Stanley boosted its stake in Illinois Tool Works by 59.2% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 4,591,278 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,011,459,000 after purchasing an additional 1,707,780 shares during the period. Finally, BlackRock Inc. boosted its stake in Illinois Tool Works by 4.7% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 22,309,285 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $5,431,195,000 after purchasing an additional 997,389 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.56% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

ITW has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on Illinois Tool Works from $250.00 to $235.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Illinois Tool Works in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating for the company. Morgan Stanley increased their target price on Illinois Tool Works from $230.00 to $232.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Thursday, August 3rd. Credit Suisse Group increased their target price on Illinois Tool Works from $281.00 to $292.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 2nd. Finally, Barclays reduced their price objective on Illinois Tool Works from $213.00 to $198.00 in a research report on Thursday, September 7th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $238.25.

Illinois Tool Works Trading Up 0.4 %

Shares of ITW opened at $237.29 on Wednesday. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a 1 year low of $214.66 and a 1 year high of $264.19. The company has a current ratio of 1.58, a quick ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.27. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $231.98 and a 200-day simple moving average of $237.76. The stock has a market cap of $71.40 billion, a PE ratio of 22.94, a PEG ratio of 4.45 and a beta of 1.14.

Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, October 24th. The industrial products company reported $2.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.46 by $0.09. Illinois Tool Works had a return on equity of 95.68% and a net margin of 19.55%. The business had revenue of $4.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.10 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $2.35 EPS. Illinois Tool Workss quarterly revenue was up .5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 9.68 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Illinois Tool Works Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 11th. Investors of record on Friday, December 29th will be issued a dividend of $1.40 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 28th. This represents a $5.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.36%. Illinois Tool Workss dividend payout ratio is 54.32%.

Illinois Tool Works Company Profile

(Free Report)

Illinois Tool Works Inc manufactures and sells industrial products and equipment worldwide. It operates through seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products. The Automotive OEM segment offers plastic and metal components, fasteners, and assemblies for automobiles, light trucks, and other industrial uses.

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Cetera Advisor Networks LLC decreased its position in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:AGG  Free Report) by 0.1% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 897,500 shares of the companys stock after selling 536 shares during the quarter. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF makes up about 0.6% of Cetera Advisor Networks LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 21st biggest holding. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC owned approximately 0.09% of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF worth $87,718,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management lifted its position in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 145.5% in the first quarter. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management now owns 6,590 shares of the companys stock valued at $705,000 after buying an additional 3,906 shares during the last quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors Inc. lifted its position in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 36.2% in the first quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 52,003 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,570,000 after buying an additional 13,829 shares during the last quarter. Worth Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF in the first quarter valued at about $44,000. Baltimore Washington Financial Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF in the first quarter valued at about $241,000. Finally, West Michigan Advisors LLC lifted its position in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 2.0% in the first quarter. West Michigan Advisors LLC now owns 14,640 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,568,000 after buying an additional 292 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.21% of the companys stock.

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iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Stock Down 0.5 %

NYSEARCA AGG opened at $94.68 on Wednesday. The firms 50-day moving average is $93.86 and its two-hundred day moving average is $96.29. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF has a 12 month low of $91.58 and a 12 month high of $101.15.

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Company Profile

IShares are index funds that are bought and sold like common stocks on national securities exchanges as well as certain foreign exchanges. iShares are attractive because of their relatively low cost, tax efficiency and trading flexibility. Investors can purchase and sell shares through any brokerage firm, financial advisor, or online broker, and hold the funds in any type of brokerage account.

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The first major piece of legislation proposed by the new Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, is very similar to the one that cost his predecessor, Kevin McCarthy, his job. With the support of Republican and Democratic lawmakers, the House on Tuesday passed legislation to extend federal funding to early 2024 and avoid a government shutdown. The previous extension expired at midnight on Friday, November 17. Now, the deadline has been pushed back until after the holiday season.

The new extension was rejected by the hard wing of the Republican Party, since it does not include new budget cuts. The bill leaves out aid to Ukraine and Israel, since there are other related initiatives being processed in Congress and aid to Ukraine is a further source of division among Republicans, so that leaving it aside avoided more dissenting votes within their ranks.

The 336-to-95 bipartisan vote easily cleared the two-thirds threshold that was required to pass a bill through this special expedited procedure. Out of the yes votes, 209 came from Democrats and 127 from Republicans, while 93 members of the GOP and four Democrats opposed the bill. In fact, there was more Republican opposition to the initiative now than there was when McCarthy proposed a similar bill. At the time, Johnson voted against it. Now, he was the one to propose it.

McCarthy had followed the same strategy of leaving aid for Ukraine on the sidelines. But hard-line Republicans did not forgive him for saving President Joe Biden from the shutdown of the administrations non-essential services. McCarthy said he was willing to avoid that crisis even if it cost him his job. And that was exactly the price that he was forced to pay after Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz filed a motion to vacate the chair on the House floor, a move to oust the speaker that passed with the vote of the Democrats and eight wayward Republican lawmakers.

After several weeks of chaos, paralysis, cross-vetoes and internal confrontation, the person chosen as the new speaker was Mike Johnson, a radical evangelical Christian who is also an election denier and loyal to Donald Trump. Despite this, Republicans have returned to the starting point: a budget extension that the most conservative members of the party dislike and that has more Democratic than Republican support. The more radical conservatives want to see a partial government shutdown in order to have leverage to demand public spending cuts. Those shutdowns are unpopular because members of the military and federal employees stop getting paid, while numerous government programs are placed on hold.

Hard-line Republicans who are part of the House Freedom Caucus issued a statement expressing their disappointment with a bill that contains no spending reductions, no border security, and not a single meaningful win for the American people. And even though the statement includes a warning to Johnson, there seems to be no appetite for a new crisis on the House floor: While we remain committed to working with Speaker Johnson, we need bold change.

The vote took place on a somewhat surreal day at the Capitol, where a Republican congressman named Tim Burchett spent the day denouncing an alleged aggression by former speaker McCarthy, who reportedly elbowed him in the small of the back. McCarthy denies the accusation. Burchett is one of eight Republicans who voted to oust the former speaker. Meanwhile, Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin challenged Teamsters president Sean M. OBrien to a physical fight during a Senate hearing.

The federal spending bill still has to be approved by the Senate and signed by Biden, but everything seems to indicate that it will clear those procedures without any trouble. Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the majority leader, has said that he will support it.
GraniteShares Advisors LLC reduced its position in shares of Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT  Free Report) by 2.6% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 7,686 shares of the retailers stock after selling 208 shares during the quarter. GraniteShares Advisors LLCs holdings in Walmart were worth $1,208,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Inspirion Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Walmart by 7.8% during the 2nd quarter. Inspirion Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 2,071 shares of the retailers stock worth $326,000 after purchasing an additional 150 shares during the last quarter. LMG Wealth Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Walmart by 1.3% during the 2nd quarter. LMG Wealth Partners LLC now owns 66,651 shares of the retailers stock worth $10,476,000 after purchasing an additional 858 shares during the last quarter. Avitas Wealth Management LLC raised its position in shares of Walmart by 0.7% during the 2nd quarter. Avitas Wealth Management LLC now owns 51,561 shares of the retailers stock worth $8,104,000 after purchasing an additional 350 shares during the last quarter. WJ Interests LLC acquired a new position in shares of Walmart during the 2nd quarter worth about $247,000. Finally, Crescent Sterling Ltd. raised its position in shares of Walmart by 11.2% during the 2nd quarter. Crescent Sterling Ltd. now owns 3,994 shares of the retailers stock worth $628,000 after purchasing an additional 402 shares during the last quarter. 33.18% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Activity

In other news, EVP John D. Rainey sold 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, September 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $161.37, for a total value of $161,370.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 169,735 shares in the company, valued at approximately $27,390,136.95. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, CEO C Douglas Mcmillon sold 9,708 shares of Walmart stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $162.40, for a total transaction of $1,576,579.20. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,461,509 shares in the company, valued at approximately $237,349,061.60. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP John D. Rainey sold 1,000 shares of Walmart stock in a transaction on Friday, September 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $161.37, for a total transaction of $161,370.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 169,735 shares in the company, valued at $27,390,136.95. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 31,166 shares of company stock worth $5,066,701. 46.51% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Walmart Price Performance

Shares of WMT opened at $168.50 on Wednesday. Walmart Inc. has a twelve month low of $136.09 and a twelve month high of $169.15. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $162.36 and its 200-day simple moving average is $157.67. The firm has a market capitalization of $453.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.24, a PEG ratio of 3.46 and a beta of 0.53. The company has a current ratio of 0.83, a quick ratio of 0.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50.

Walmart (NYSE:WMT  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 17th. The retailer reported $1.84 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.69 by $0.15. Walmart had a net margin of 2.23% and a return on equity of 21.47%. The business had revenue of $161.63 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $160.22 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.77 EPS. The companys revenue was up 5.7% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts forecast that Walmart Inc. will post 6.45 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms recently weighed in on WMT. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price target on shares of Walmart from $169.00 to $171.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Monday. Sanford C. Bernstein increased their price objective on shares of Walmart from $159.00 to $165.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Friday, August 18th. Raymond James increased their price objective on shares of Walmart from $160.00 to $170.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, August 18th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on shares of Walmart from $165.00 to $168.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, August 18th. Finally, Guggenheim increased their price objective on shares of Walmart from $170.00 to $180.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, August 14th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirty have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $178.36.

View Our Latest Research Report on WMT

About Walmart

(Free Report)

Walmart Inc engages in the operation of retail, wholesale, and other units worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club. It operates supercenters, supermarkets, hypermarkets, warehouse clubs, cash and carry stores, and discount stores under Walmart and Walmart Neighborhood Market brands; membership-only warehouse clubs; ecommerce websites, such as walmart.com, walmart.com.mx, walmart.ca, flipkart.com, and samsclub.com; and mobile commerce applications.

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Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its position in American International Group, Inc. (NYSE:AIG  Free Report) by 0.6% in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 6,381,640 shares of the insurance providers stock after buying an additional 38,808 shares during the quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LPs holdings in American International Group were worth $367,199,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of AIG. Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund grew its stake in American International Group by 0.7% in the third quarter. Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund now owns 27,251 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,294,000 after purchasing an additional 186 shares during the last quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust boosted its holdings in shares of American International Group by 20.9% in the 1st quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 1,110 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $69,000 after buying an additional 192 shares in the last quarter. Cyndeo Wealth Partners LLC grew its position in shares of American International Group by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. Cyndeo Wealth Partners LLC now owns 30,355 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $1,747,000 after buying an additional 197 shares during the last quarter. Annandale Capital LLC raised its stake in shares of American International Group by 5.1% during the 1st quarter. Annandale Capital LLC now owns 4,101 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $207,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Concord Wealth Partners lifted its position in American International Group by 15.5% during the second quarter. Concord Wealth Partners now owns 1,546 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $89,000 after acquiring an additional 207 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 88.57% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. StockNews.com initiated coverage on American International Group in a research report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Barclays increased their price target on American International Group from $58.00 to $66.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, August 4th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price objective on shares of American International Group from $70.00 to $72.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, November 3rd. Piper Sandler decreased their price objective on shares of American International Group from $81.00 to $80.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, November 6th. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on shares of American International Group from $65.00 to $67.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Thursday, November 9th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $68.71.

Insider Transactions at American International Group

In other American International Group news, major shareholder International Group American sold 50,000,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $20.50, for a total value of $1,025,000,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 365,413,892 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,490,984,786. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.49% of the companys stock.

American International Group Stock Performance

AIG opened at $64.21 on Wednesday. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $61.37 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $58.53. American International Group, Inc. has a 52-week low of $45.66 and a 52-week high of $64.94. The company has a market cap of $45.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.30, a PEG ratio of 0.96 and a beta of 1.03. The company has a quick ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 0.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06.

American International Group (NYSE:AIG  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 2nd. The insurance provider reported $1.61 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.55 by $0.06. American International Group had a net margin of 7.87% and a return on equity of 10.66%. The firm had revenue of $12.77 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $12.62 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.66 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that American International Group, Inc. will post 6.63 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

American International Group Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 28th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 14th will be given a $0.36 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 13th. This represents a $1.44 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.24%. American International Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 27.59%.

American International Group Company Profile

(Free Report)

American International Group, Inc offers insurance products for commercial, institutional, and individual customers in North America and internationally. It operates through General Insurance, and Life and Retirement segments. The General Insurance segment provides commercial and industrial property insurance, including business interruption and package insurance that cover exposure to made and natural disasters; general liability, environmental, commercial automobile liability, workers' compensation, excess casualty, and crisis management insurance products; and professional liability insurance.

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Wintrust Investments LLC reduced its holdings in BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK  Free Report) by 14.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 4,133 shares of the asset managers stock after selling 712 shares during the period. Wintrust Investments LLCs holdings in BlackRock were worth $2,856,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of BLK. Impact Partnership Wealth LLC acquired a new position in BlackRock in the second quarter worth approximately $25,000. Archer Investment Corp acquired a new position in BlackRock during the second quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Centerpoint Advisors LLC acquired a new position in BlackRock during the first quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Sittner & Nelson LLC grew its holdings in BlackRock by 48.6% during the first quarter. Sittner & Nelson LLC now owns 52 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 17 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Barrett & Company Inc. acquired a new position in BlackRock during the first quarter valued at approximately $38,000. 77.01% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CEO Laurence Fink sold 15,385 shares of BlackRock stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $652.03, for a total value of $10,031,481.55. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 435,260 shares in the company, valued at $283,802,577.80. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 1.06% of the companys stock.

BlackRock Stock Up 5.4 %

Shares of NYSE BLK opened at $697.35 on Wednesday. BlackRock, Inc. has a 52-week low of $596.18 and a 52-week high of $781.77. The stock has a market cap of $104.11 billion, a PE ratio of 19.56, a PEG ratio of 2.09 and a beta of 1.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 3.72 and a current ratio of 3.72. The business has a fifty day moving average of $650.58 and a two-hundred day moving average of $675.04.

BlackRock (NYSE:BLK  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, October 13th. The asset manager reported $10.91 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $8.34 by $2.57. BlackRock had a return on equity of 14.65% and a net margin of 30.66%. The company had revenue of $4.52 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.52 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $9.55 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 4.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts expect that BlackRock, Inc. will post 36.44 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

BlackRock Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 22nd. Investors of record on Thursday, December 7th will be given a $5.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 6th. This represents a $20.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.87%. BlackRocks payout ratio is 56.10%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts have commented on BLK shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on BlackRock from $736.00 to $708.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 16th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on BlackRock from $820.00 to $720.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their target price on BlackRock from $814.00 to $800.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 11th. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their target price on BlackRock from $781.00 to $754.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 10th. Finally, Bank of America reduced their target price on BlackRock from $921.00 to $868.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 4th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $764.75.

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About BlackRock

(Free Report)

BlackRock, Inc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks.

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Veritable L.P. cut its holdings in Prologis, Inc. (NYSE:PLD  Free Report) by 1.3% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 26,892 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 363 shares during the quarter. Veritable L.P.s holdings in Prologis were worth $3,298,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. TD Asset Management Inc raised its position in shares of Prologis by 2.6% in the second quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 561,429 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $68,848,000 after buying an additional 14,065 shares during the last quarter. Spotlight Asset Group Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Prologis during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $37,000. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board raised its position in shares of Prologis by 12.0% during the 2nd quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 3,428,358 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $420,420,000 after buying an additional 368,588 shares during the period. Highland Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Prologis in the second quarter valued at approximately $4,437,000. Finally, Ellevest Inc. grew its position in Prologis by 9.6% in the second quarter. Ellevest Inc. now owns 7,225 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $886,000 after acquiring an additional 631 shares during the period. 90.90% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages have recently commented on PLD. TheStreet lowered Prologis from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Friday, October 20th. Evercore ISI cut their price target on shares of Prologis from $132.00 to $125.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. Barclays dropped their price target on shares of Prologis from $159.00 to $153.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. BTIG Research upped their target price on shares of Prologis from $152.00 to $154.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. Finally, BNP Paribas upgraded shares of Prologis from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $141.00 price target for the company in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $139.60.

Prologis Price Performance

Shares of PLD opened at $109.36 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 0.43 and a quick ratio of 0.43. Prologis, Inc. has a 1-year low of $96.64 and a 1-year high of $136.67. The stock has a market cap of $101.05 billion, a PE ratio of 33.75, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.14 and a beta of 1.02. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $110.04 and a 200 day moving average price of $118.77.

Prologis (NYSE:PLD  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 17th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.30 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.26 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $1.78 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.72 billion. Prologis had a return on equity of 5.21% and a net margin of 38.24%. The businesss revenue was up 53.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.73 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Prologis, Inc. will post 5.6 EPS for the current year.

Prologis Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 29th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 18th were issued a $0.87 dividend. This represents a $3.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.18%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, September 15th. Prologiss payout ratio is currently 107.41%.

About Prologis

(Free Report)

Prologis, Inc is the global leader in logistics real estate with a focus on high-barrier, high-growth markets. At September 30, 2023, the company owned or had investments in, on a wholly owned basis or through co-investment ventures, properties and development projects expected to total approximately 1.2 billion square feet (114 million square meters) in 19 countries.

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Financial Architects Inc decreased its holdings in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report) by 7.6% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 22,048 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 1,802 shares during the period. Financial Architects Incs holdings in Pfizer were worth $809,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the business. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich grew its position in Pfizer by 98,197.9% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 1,948,438,709 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $71,468,732,000 after acquiring an additional 1,946,456,532 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. grew its position in Pfizer by 0.6% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 445,384,893 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $18,171,704,000 after acquiring an additional 2,516,132 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its position in Pfizer by 9.8% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 218,931,933 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $8,932,423,000 after acquiring an additional 19,602,359 shares during the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Pfizer by 89,592.7% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 161,143,638 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $8,257,000,000 after buying an additional 160,963,976 shares during the period. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in Pfizer by 0.5% during the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 109,852,779 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $4,472,433,000 after buying an additional 577,201 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 68.05% of the companys stock.

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Pfizer Stock Up 0.9 %

PFE stock opened at $29.25 on Wednesday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $32.23 and its 200 day simple moving average is $35.42. Pfizer Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $28.93 and a fifty-two week 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 market cap of $165.16 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.98, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.86 and a beta of 0.63.

Pfizer Announces Dividend

Pfizer ( NYSE:PFE Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The biopharmaceutical company reported ($0.17) earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.32) by $0.15. Pfizer had a return on equity of 16.72% and a net margin of 15.30%. The business had revenue of $13.23 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $13.77 billion. On average, research analysts expect that Pfizer Inc. will post 1.56 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 4th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 10th will be issued a dividend of $0.41 per share. This represents a $1.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.61%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 9th. Pfizers dividend payout ratio is currently 89.62%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts have commented on the company. Truist Financial cut their target price on Pfizer from $62.00 to $42.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on Pfizer from $36.00 to $34.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 16th. Jefferies Financial Group raised Pfizer from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $38.00 to $39.00 in a report on Monday, October 16th. BMO Capital Markets cut their target price on Pfizer from $44.00 to $33.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 16th. Finally, Barclays dropped their price objective on Pfizer from $35.00 to $34.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 1st. Twelve equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $42.50.

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About Pfizer

(Free Report)

Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands.

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Veritable L.P. lessened its holdings in The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX  Free Report) by 2.2% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 54,848 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock after selling 1,210 shares during the quarter. Veritable L.P.s holdings in TJX Companies were worth $4,651,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Adero Partners LLC lifted its holdings in TJX Companies by 4.5% in the second quarter. Adero Partners LLC now owns 2,807 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $238,000 after acquiring an additional 121 shares during the period. First Business Financial Services Inc. grew its position in TJX Companies by 0.7% during the second quarter. First Business Financial Services Inc. now owns 18,064 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $1,532,000 after buying an additional 121 shares during the period. Chatham Capital Group Inc. increased its holdings in TJX Companies by 1.7% in the second quarter. Chatham Capital Group Inc. now owns 7,627 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $647,000 after buying an additional 125 shares in the last quarter. Alpha Financial Partners LLC lifted its position in shares of TJX Companies by 2.5% during the 1st quarter. Alpha Financial Partners LLC now owns 5,337 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $418,000 after acquiring an additional 129 shares during the period. Finally, Tradition Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of TJX Companies by 3.7% in the 1st quarter. Tradition Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,672 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $288,000 after acquiring an additional 132 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.28% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling at TJX Companies

In other news, CEO Ernie Herrman sold 45,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $89.04, for a total transaction of $4,006,800.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 642,098 shares of the companys stock, valued at $57,172,405.92. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other TJX Companies news, EVP Kenneth Canestrari sold 4,197 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $90.00, for a total transaction of $377,730.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 115,223 shares in the company, valued at $10,370,070. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, CEO Ernie Herrman sold 45,000 shares of TJX Companies stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $89.04, for a total value of $4,006,800.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 642,098 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $57,172,405.92. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 114,014 shares of company stock valued at $10,291,303 in the last three months. Corporate insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts recently commented on TJX shares. Citigroup boosted their price objective on shares of TJX Companies from $90.00 to $103.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 17th. Robert W. Baird raised their target price on shares of TJX Companies from $90.00 to $96.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, August 17th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on shares of TJX Companies from $88.00 to $92.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, September 11th. UBS Group raised their price objective on TJX Companies from $88.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, August 17th. Finally, Evercore ISI initiated coverage on TJX Companies in a research note on Tuesday, November 7th. They issued an outperform rating and a $105.00 target price for the company. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $96.74.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on TJX

TJX Companies Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:TJX opened at $92.50 on Wednesday. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $89.82 and its 200 day simple moving average is $85.56. The company has a market cap of $105.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.13, a PEG ratio of 2.21 and a beta of 0.91. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43, a quick ratio of 0.56 and a current ratio of 1.20. The TJX Companies, Inc. has a one year low of $72.92 and a one year high of $93.78.

TJX Companies (NYSE:TJX  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 16th. The apparel and home fashions retailer reported $0.85 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.77 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $12.76 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $12.45 billion. TJX Companies had a net margin of 7.77% and a return on equity of 62.61%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 7.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.69 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that The TJX Companies, Inc. will post 3.71 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

TJX Companies Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, November 30th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 9th will be given a dividend of $0.3325 per share. This represents a $1.33 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.44%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 8th. TJX Companiess payout ratio is 39.00%.

TJX Companies Company Profile

(Free Report)

The TJX Companies, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an off-price apparel and home fashions retailer in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. It operates through four segments: Marmaxx, HomeGoods, TJX Canada, and TJX International. The company sells family apparel, including footwear and accessories; home fashions, such as home basics, furniture, rugs, lighting products, giftware, soft home products, decorative accessories, tabletop, and cookware, as well as expanded pet, and gourmet food departments; jewelry and accessories; and other merchandise.

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Wintrust Investments LLC increased its position in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO  Free Report) by 3.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 79,902 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 2,884 shares during the quarter. Wintrust Investments LLCs holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF were worth $3,250,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Citigroup Inc. boosted its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 1.5% in the 2nd quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 6,502,895 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $264,538,000 after purchasing an additional 93,685 shares in the last quarter. Strategic Financial Services Inc boosted its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 3.3% in the 2nd quarter. Strategic Financial Services Inc now owns 10,050 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $416,000 after purchasing an additional 325 shares in the last quarter. Burney Co. boosted its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter. Burney Co. now owns 68,420 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,783,000 after purchasing an additional 1,281 shares in the last quarter. MAS Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 1.8% in the 2nd quarter. MAS Advisors LLC now owns 36,019 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,465,000 after purchasing an additional 645 shares in the last quarter. Finally, RS Crum Inc. purchased a new position in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF in the 2nd quarter worth $1,764,000.

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Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Stock Performance

NYSEARCA VWO opened at $40.62 on Wednesday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $39.22 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $40.22. The firm has a market capitalization of $72.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.00 and a beta of 0.69. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF has a fifty-two week low of $37.46 and a fifty-two week high of $43.22.

Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Profile

The Fund seeks to track the performance of the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index, that measures the return of stocks issued by companies located in emerging market countries.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VWO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO  Free Report).

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European lawmakers try to balance protection and privacy with law on explicit images of children The draft proposition would require internet providers to assess the risk of their services being used for the sexual abuse or exploitation of children, and to take steps to mitigate those threats

Seeking to strike the right balance between protecting children and protecting privacy rights, European Union lawmakers on Tuesday adopted a series of amendments to a draft law that is intended to keep sexually explicit photos and videos of minors from circulating online.

The draft position adopted overwhelmingly by the European Parliaments Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs would require internet providers to assess the risk of their services being used for the sexual abuse or exploitation of children, and to take steps to mitigate those threats.

But to avoid generalized monitoring of the internet, lawmakers proposed excluding end-to-end encrypted material from detection, while making sure time-limited detection orders approved by courts can be used to hunt down illegal material when mitigation actions are not sufficient.

They said they want mitigation measures to be targeted, proportionate and effective, and providers should be able to decide which ones to use. Their position now needs to be endorsed by the whole Parliament before further negotiations involving EU member countries can take place.

Reports of online child sexual abuse in the 27-nation bloc have increased from 23,000 in 2010 to more than 1 million in 2020. A similar increase has been noticed globally, with reports of child abuse on the internet rising from 1 million to almost 22 million during 2014-2020 and over 65 million images and videos of children being sexually abused identified.

The European Commission proposed last year to force online platforms operating in the EU to detect, report and remove the material. Voluntary detection is currently the norm and the Commission believes that the system does not adequately protect children since many companies dont do the identification work.

Digital rights groups had immediately warned that the Commissions proposal appeared to call for widespread scanning of private communications and would discourage companies from providing end-to-end encryption services, which scramble messages so theyre unreadable by anyone else and are used by chat apps Signal and WhatsApp.

The Computer and Communications Industry Association, a big tech lobbying group, praised the committees proposed measures that narrow scanning obligations, safeguard end-to-end encryption of communications and strengthen more targeted mitigation measures.

Indeed, the cascade approach adopted by Parliament would first have online service providers assess risks and then take action to mitigate those, the group said. The tech industry commends this approach, just like the important clarification that detection orders will only be issued as a last-resort measure by a competent judicial authority, and have to be targeted and limited.

Lawmakers from across the political spectrum also welcomed the changes to the initial proposal. There will be no such thing as general scanning of communications, and nothing will undermine end-to-end encryption, said Hilde Vautmans, the Renew Europe groups negotiator on the regulation. This agreement is a major step forward in making the internet a safer place for children whilst upholding fundamental rights.

The Parliament committee also wants pornography sites to implement appropriate age verification systems, mechanisms for flagging child sexual abuse material and human content moderation to process these reports.

To stop minors being solicited online, MEPs propose that services targeting children should require by default user consent for unsolicited messages, have blocking and muting options, and boost parental controls, the Parliament said in a statement.

To help providers better identify abuse, the Commission had proposed the creation of an EU Center on Child Sexual Abuse, similar to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, a U.S. nonprofit reference center that helps families and exploited victims.

Lawmakers approved the idea. The center would work with national authorities and Europol to implement the new rules and help providers to detect abuse materials online.

The center would also support national authorities as they enforce the new child sexual abuse rulebook, conduct investigations and levy fines of up to 6% of worldwide turnover for non-compliance, they said.

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Medics move a patient through the smoke-filled corridors inside Al Shifa hospital following an Israeli raid, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, in Gaza City, November 15, 2023.

Israeli forces early Wednesday morning entered Gazas largest hospital, Al Shifa, which has been under siege for two days. Both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas have called the assault on the hospital a crime against humanity and a war crime.

Around 1,500 patients are admitted at the hospital, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, and some 650 patients, including 36 premature babies, cannot be evacuated. Thousands of civilians displaced from their homes by the fighting are also sheltering nearby.

Mohammed Zaqout, the director of hospitals in Gaza, told the Associated Press over the phone that the patients, including children, are terrified after Israeli forces stormed the buildings. They are screaming. Its a very terrifying situation  we can do nothing for the patients but pray, he said.

Dr. Munir al Bursh, director general of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Ministry of Health, who is inside the hospital, said that Israeli forces were searching the basement.

There are big explosions, and dust has entered the areas where we are. We believe an explosion occurred inside the hospital, he told Al Jazeera. The occupation army is now in the basement and searching the basement. They are inside the complex, shooting and carrying out bombings.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed early Wednesday morning that they were carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in Al Shifa hospital. In a message posted on social networks, the Israeli army claimed to have carried out the operation based on intelligence suggesting it was being used by Hamas.

For days, the IDF have been accusing Hamas of using the hospital as a human shield, which jeopardizes its status as neutral territory under international law. This rule protects hospitals from military attacks.

The White House announced early Wednesday morning that it had been able to confirm that Hamas was using health center facilities to store weapons and as a control center for some of its operations. This was confirmed by John Kirby, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, who said that Hamas and the Islamic Jihad were using tunnels under the hospital to move weapons and to hold hostages. But he did not provide any evidence to support those claims.

Hamas, which has been governing Gaza since 2007, denied these accusations. The occupation armys assault on the Al Shifa medical compound is a war crime, a moral crime and a crime against humanity, said a Hamas spokesperson on Wednesday, according to EFE.

Hamas accused U.S. President Joe Biden of giving the green light to the Israeli military operation in Al Shifa hospital. We hold the occupation [Israel] and President Biden wholly responsible for the assault on the Al-Shifa medical complex, it said in a statement.

The militant group called the operation a brutal crime against a facility that is protected by international law and the Geneva Convention, which protects civilians in armed conflict. The Israeli occupation and everyone who colluded with it to kill children, patients and innocent civilians will be held accountable, it added in the statement.

The Palestinian Authority (PA), which governs the West Bank, also held Israel responsible for the attack. PA Health Minister Mai al-Kaila accused Israel of committing a new crime against humanity, medical staff and patients by carrying out a military operation inside the hospital.

The hospital, after two days of siege, has run out of food, water and electricity. The situation has become so dire that a mass grave was dug to bury the dozens of decomposing bodies. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization has said that evacuating the hospital is impossible. After storming the Al Shifa Hospital, the Israeli army claimed to have brought incubators and baby food to the hospital.

In the midst of the military offensive, the Israeli army said it has seized the headquarters of the Hamas government in Gaza, the parliament and several militia barracks. Israel has drawn the ire of the international community for carrying out offensives on sites where there are wounded, refugees and children.

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Irelands deputy premier has expressed confidence that a significant number of Irish citizens will be able to leave Gaza on Wednesday via the Rafah crossing into Egypt.

Around 35 to 40 Irish passport holders remain in the enclave.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin is in Egypt ahead of planned trips to Israel and the Occupied Territories.

Im very pleased that a number of our Irish citizens are on the list today, Wednesday, to come through the crossing at Rafah, he told RTE.

This is very welcome news. Obviously, it is still a very fluid situation. Were very hopeful that a number of our citizens can make it through.

We will continue to work on the remaining citizens to get them through.

I cant give you precise numbers but it is good news that quite a number of Irish citizens are on that list.

Mr Martins visit also has a focus on trying to secure the release of Israeli-Irish girl Emily Hand, eight, who is feared to be a Hamas hostage in Gaza.

He is due to hold talks with his Egyptian counterpart on the issue during his visit to Cairo.

Im very focused on that particular issue. As an Irish eight-year-old citizen I think its imperative that shes released, and indeed all the hostages, and particularly the children who have been abducted, Mr Martin said.

Emilys Dublin-born father Tom and her half-sister Natali have been in Ireland this week along with relatives of other hostages to raise awareness of the situation and ask for Irish support to secure their release.

They had a meeting with Mr Martin in Dublin and also met Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and President of Ireland Michael D Higgins.
A number of Irish citizens and their dependents have been cleared to exit the Gaza Strip into Egypt.

Irish premier Leo Varadkar said arrangements are in place for staff from the countrys embassy in Cairo to provide consular assistance to them, including travel back to Ireland.

Speaking in the Dail, Mr Varadkar said: We expect additional Irish citizens and dependents in Gaza to be on the list in the coming days and were working tirelessly to ensure that all of those who wish to do so will be allowed to leave as soon as possible.

Around 35 to 40 Irish passport were in the enclave during the escalation in hostilities.

The Taoiseach was responding to a call from Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald for Ireland to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

During Leaders Questions, Ms McDonald said a civilian refugee population in Gaza is being slaughtered en masse by one of the most ferocious military forces on Earth.

She said: A child killed every 10 minutes in full sight of the world. Gaza  a graveyard for innocent children. Israels bombardment has destroyed Gazas health infrastructure.

Hospitals are running out of fuel and electricity needed to power vital equipment  maternity, cancer care, all care decimated as the wounded and dying in hospitals trying to keep going to the sound of gunfire, tank fire, and air raids.

She added: The Irish Government must refer Israel to the International Criminal Court. Israel must be held accountable. There must be immediate ceasefires, this is the only thing that will transform this horrific situation.

Mr Varadkar said he agreed with the call for a ceasefire but said it would be important for all sides to honour one.

He said the proposal to refer Israel to the ICC is flawed as an investigation, which will include events since Hamass attack on October 7, has been in progress since 2021 and dates back to 2014.

Mr Varadkar said: Referring Israel to the International Criminal Court at this stage where the investigation is already underway would be akin to reporting an alleged crime to the gardai (Irish police) several years into an investigation.

It simply would have no practical effect or practical value. Also your proposal is flawed because your proposal is to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court and not the situation on the ground and that allows Hamas and Islamic Jihad off the hook.

Perhaps thats your intention, perhaps an omission  but it is not the correct approach.

Mr Varadkars comments were met with audible objection in the parliamentary chamber.

The Taoiseach said Ireland will instead give an extra three million euro to the ICC.

He added: For far too long, European countries and the European Union have been willing to aid the Palestinians and trade with the Israelis without pressing either side to do what they need to do.

When this phase of the conflicts over we need a more active approach of the European Union pushing for a two-state solution, saying to the Palestinians that were not going to continue to give you aid if you dont respect democracy and human rights and crackdown on terrorism, and saying to the Israelis that were not willing to continue to trade with you in the way that we do if youre not willing to be serious about a two-state solution and allowing the Palestinians the right to the state that they need and they deserve.

Ms McDonald said Mr Varadkar was disingenuous on the matter of the ICC.

She said: Israel doesnt care about international law. Why? Because Israel is never, ever, ever held to account.

She said there has correctly been multiple complaints to the ICC following Russias invasion of Ukraine.

She said: Why is Israel different? Why is it that the international community cannot state the truth that the world has seen within its own eyes as Palestinians are massacred? Why is it that Israel cannot be held to account?

Mr Varadkar replied: This is not the same as Ukraine and an investigation is already underway in relation to potential war crimes.

Meanwhile, deputy premier Micheal Martin is in Egypt ahead of planned trips to Israel and the Occupied Territories.

Im very pleased that a number of our Irish citizens are on the list today, Wednesday, to come through the crossing at Rafah, he told RTE.

He said the Government will work on getting remaining Irish citizens through the crossing but said it is a fluid situation.

I cant give you precise numbers but it is good news that quite a number of Irish citizens are on that list, he said.

Mr Martins visit also has a focus on trying to secure the release of Israeli-Irish girl Emily Hand, eight, who is feared to be a Hamas hostage in Gaza.

He is due to hold talks with his Egyptian counterpart on the issue during his visit to Cairo.

Im very focused on that particular issue. As an Irish eight-year-old citizen I think its imperative that shes released, and indeed all the hostages, and particularly the children who have been abducted, Mr Martin said.

Emilys Dublin-born father Tom and her half-sister Natali have been in Ireland this week along with relatives of other hostages to raise awareness of the situation and ask for Irish support to secure their release.

They had a meeting with Mr Martin in Dublin and also met Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and President of Ireland Michael D Higgins.
More than a thousand people have staged a protest outside the Irish parliament in a call for the Israeli ambassador in Dublin to be expelled from the country.

It came as a Government minister warned such a move would push Ireland to the margins of international opinion.

Protesters waved large Palestinian flags as they also called for a ceasefire in the conflict.

The demonstrators chanted Free Palestine, Israeli Ambassador, out, out, out, and from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.

The demonstrators also erected a large sign which spelled out Gaza in lights.

People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett was among the demonstrators.

Sinn Fein TDs Pearse Doherty and Matt Carthy, as well as Social Democrat leader Holly Cairns and party TD Gary Gannon were also in attendance.

The protest came ahead of a vote on a motion proposed by the Social Democrats calling for a range of economic and diplomatic sanctions against Israel.

The party has demanded that the diplomatic credentials of Israels ambassador in Ireland, Dana Erlich, be revoked.

The motion also called for Ireland to use its influence in Brussels to seek a suspension of the EU-Israel trade deal, invoking a human rights clause in the agreement, and suspend Israel from participation in the Horizon Europe research funding initiative.

The party said Ireland should also refer Israel to the International Criminal Court.

Tabling a counter-motion that removed the calls for sanctions, Minister of State James Browne told the Dail parliament that maintaining diplomatic links with Israel was vital.

There is a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza and there is a real risk of regional spillover of conflict, he said.

At the same time, I regret that the motion proposed by the Social Democrats seeks to push Ireland to the margins of international opinion, he said, claiming such a move would undermine the countrys influence in the Middle East.

It underplays the value of international and multilateral engagement, he added.

Ireland must continue to work with our international partners in responding to this crisis.

The Government has made its position clear regarding proposals to expel the Israeli ambassador  cutting off diplomatic relations with a country means cutting off communication channels.

Diplomacy is not always or only about friendly relations, and nor is it an endorsement of the policies or actions of a given country. It is precisely at times of conflict and tension that diplomacy is most useful and most needed, and it is vital to maintain communication links.

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns insisted words of condemnation are not enough as she opened the debate on the motion.

Accusing Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza, Ms Cairns criticised the Government for proposing amendments that she claimed would replace the demand for tangible sanctions against Israel with platitudes and zero actions.

The refusal of most Western leaders to shout stop and demand a ceasefire has led to thousands of deaths, Ms Cairns told the Dail.

Israel is killing with impunity. According to the World Health Organisation, Gaza is now a graveyard for children.

She added: I recognise that the Irish Government has done more than most of the EU to advocate for a ceasefire, but thats just evidence of how low the bar is.

Words of condemnation are not enough. We need action.

There must be consequences for the crimes perpetrated by Israel on a captive civilian population in Gaza.

Later responding to Mr Brownes warning of Ireland being pushed to the margins, she said: Given the majority of Western leaders opinion, Im happy for Ireland to be an outlier.

Sinn Feins Matt Carthy said he was ashamed at the international communitys response to the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.

I am ashamed of the international communitys response to what we have seen in Gaza and particularly ashamed by the response of the EU, he said.

I think EU leaders have ensured that the European Union no longer has any credibility to be a voice for peace, international law and for the basic rules of humanity for so long as they refuse to take a stand.

Mr Carthy told Mr Browne that the world was turning a blind eye and the EU, worse still, is providing cover.

He criticised the Governments failure to back the call for economic and diplomatic sanctions against Israel.

Every single possible action that might help pressure Israel to stop the slaughter of innocent Palestinians is met with pathetic excuses, he said.

Its not good enough, minister. It is well past time that Ireland shows leadership, not to follow the lead of a European Union that clearly isnt willing or capable of providing the leadership thats much needed in this instance.

Minister of State Sean Fleming also addressed the Dail during the two-hour debate.

It is clear that deputies across the house are deeply and genuinely concerned at the horrific situation that has unfolded in Israel and in the occupied Palestinian Territory over the past three weeks. The Government shares this deep alarm at the situation and its continued rapid deterioration, including the grave humanitarian situation that now exists within the Gaza Strip, he said.

He added: The Irish Governments position on this is clear. Israel has the right to defend itself and its people from attack. But this is not an unfettered right.

International humanitarian law applies, the principle of proportionality applies, and the Israeli military has a duty to ensure the protection of citizens. A humanitarian ceasefire for Gaza is an essential, basic step now.

TDs will vote on the motion and the Government amendment later on Wednesday.

They will also vote on a Sinn Fein motion, which was debated on Tuesday evening, calling on the Government to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court.
[November 15, 2023] Kingston Digital Leads Channel SSD Shipments in 2022 Tweet

Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., a world leader in memory products and technology solutions, today announced TrendForce has named it as the number one third-party supplier of SSDs in the channel for all of 2022. Based on the numbers provided by TrendForce, Kingston accounted for a massive 28 percent of the 114 million units shipped in 2022. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115145037/en/ Kingston ranks #1 in SSD market share. (Graphic: Business Wire) According to the latest findings, the global SSD market rectified its supply and demand dynamics in 2022. This follows a resolution in the shortage of ICs (integrated circuits) that hampered the market in 2021. Despite the resolution, global SSD shipments declined with only 114 million units shipped in 2022 - a 10.7% decrease from the previous year. Nevertheless, Kingston remained the top SSD shipment leader in 2022 maintaining a solid advantage and saw growth in market share over 2021. Even with market challenges, the top five third-party suppliers (non-semiconductor) accounted for nearly 60% of the total shipments in 2022. The results reinforced Kingston as the clear leader in SSD production, as the second-place supplier accounted for only 9 percent of the total channel market. With the global economy still struggling in 2023, where notebook and desktop shipments faced limitations, module makers strategically managed the burden of high-cost inventory by positioning themselves for competitive pricing in their shipping strategies. As the third quarter drew to a close, market sentiment experienced a rapid transformation, primarily driven by NAND Flash suppliers' decisive production cuts. This change was particularly evident in the cost dynamics of SSDs, ultimately favoring module manufacturers with lower-cost inventories. Demand for PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs continues to define the market landscape pushing module houses to steadily shift from SATA to PCIe. TrendForce predicts providing NVMe upgrades will likely enhance brand recognition and continue to boost shipments. In 2022, Kingston expanded its range of products within its value and high-performance drives, as well as offerings in the external and encrypted categories. With the launch of its new NV2 client NVMe drive in 2022, it quickly became the most popular selling drive in Kingston's lineup this year, with over 12M units sold worldwide since launch. Following the success of the award-winning Kingston FURY Renegade SSD, Kingston refreshed the drive to include a heatsink option ideal for console and PC gamers. This highlights Kingston's continued focus on developing high quality NVMe solutions. Aside from broadening its product portfolio to best align with customer buying trends, Kingston offers top-tier sales support and access to in-house product experts and engineers. This has led to over three successful decades of reliability and support for customers. Kingston's #1 rank in the SSD market is no surprise when the same approach in the DRAM division has led the company to be the largest third-party memory module supplier for the 20th consecutive year. "It's an honor to achieve this top ranking for another year," said Keith Schimmenti, SSD business manager, Kingston. "From the beginning, Kingston has remained steadfast in our commitment to serving our customers and channel partners across the globe, and it's through these strong and enduring relationships that our SSD business has experienced remarkable growth. The recent findings from TrendForce serve as a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team, and we are grateful for the recognition and success we share with them." For more information visit kingston.com. Kingston can be found on:







YouTube Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Kingston Is With You

About Kingston Digital, Inc. From big data, to laptops and PCs, to IoT-based devices like smart and wearable technology, to design-in and contract manufacturing, Kingston helps deliver the solutions used to live, work and play. The world's largest PC makers and cloud-hosting companies depend on Kingston for their manufacturing needs, and our passion fuels the technology the world uses every day. We strive beyond our products to see the bigger picture, to meet the needs of our customers and offer solutions that make a difference. To learn more about how Kingston Is With You, visit Kingston.com. Editor's Note: For additional information, evaluation units or executive interviews, please contact PR Team, Kingston Technology Company, Inc. 17600 Newhope Street, Fountain Valley, CA USA 92708, 714-435-2600 (Voice). Press images can be found in Kingston's press room kingston.com/company/press/ Kingston and the Kingston logo are registered trademarks of Kingston Technology Corporation. IronKey is a registered trademark of Kingston Digital, Inc. Kingston FURY and the Kingston FURY logo are trademarks of Kingston Technology Corporation. All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115145037/en/

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[November 15, 2023] Smartpress Partners with Custom One & Minnesota Wild to Rebrand On-the-Glass Club Tweet

Collaboration showcases the online printer's experiential design capabilities CHANHASSEN, Minn., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Commercial printer Smartpress.com is expanding its marketing reach with a design collaboration with Custom One and the Minnesota Wild. By providing the rebranding assets for the On-the-Glass Club at the Xcel Energy Center, the employee-owned printer further cements its place as an innovative industry leader. "Smartpress is dedicated to delivering top-quality print and we're proud to showcase our visual design capabilities." Experiential Design

Custom One asked for an edgy, mountain-modern design with a cozy lounge feel for the exclusive club, so Smartpress and its parent company, The Bernard Group, created an array of custom wall graphics and signage, including wallpaper, cut vinyl decals and a 30-oot wooden, acrylic and backlit display - all with the carbon neutral printer's sustainable signature.



See the final result: https://smartpress.com/blog/features/visual-marketing-how-we-took-print-from-ink-to-rink "The Xcel Energy Center and Minnesota Wild are thrilled with the renovation," said Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships for the Minnesota Wild Carin Anderson. "We seek partners like Smartpress [who] are like-minded in building solutions that provide sustainable, lasting outcomes for the community."

Smartpress Vice President Matt Chapman agrees: "The Minnesota Wild's commitment to their community aligns well with Smartpress' values. With the opportunity to partner with Custom One to transform the On-the-Glass Club into the Custom One Club, we're proud to showcase the premium quality of our print and visual design capabilities." What did Smartpress create to customize the On-the-Glass Club? Graphics & Decals: Cut vinyl on walls, dusted crystal vinyl on glass, architectural vinyl on upcycled cabinets and custom wallpaper depicting a foggy forest and snowy trees.

Hand-Painted Wooden Signs: Main marquee mounted with translucent white acrylic letters and backlit with RGB LEDs.

Acrylic Signs: Black with faux metal letters and clear with white ink, pin-mounted to stone walls. Explore Smartpress' luxe signage:

https://smartpress.com/shop/custom-signs About Smartpress Smartpress is the premium online printer for creative agencies, graphic designers, nonprofits and marketing professionals across the U.S. and Canada. They operate on three foundational principles: To create premium quality print with world-class customer service and a commitment to social responsibility. Smartpress has achieved numerous social and environmental milestones like EcoVadis Platinum and ISO 14001 certification. They are a 100% employee-owned company, Scope 1 and 2 carbon neutral and home to one of the largest fleets of HP Indigo HD presses in the world.

https://smartpress.com/ View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/smartpress-partners-with-custom-one--minnesota-wild-to-rebrand-on-the-glass-club-301989347.html SOURCE Smartpress

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[November 14, 2023] Information on the Total Number of Voting Rights and Shares (Article 15 of the Law of 2 May 2007) Tweet

MONT-SAINT-GUIBERT, Belgium, Nov. 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Celyad Oncology (Euronext: CYAD) (the Company or Celyad Oncology), today announces the below information following the issuance, on 14 November 2023, of 14,903,846 new shares of Celyad Oncology SA (the Company) to an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group. As a result, the Companys share capital has been increased to 88,378,224.25 EUR and is represented by 41,428,572 shares.

This information is published in accordance with Article 15 of the Belgian Law of 2 May 2007 on the disclosure of major participations in issuers whose shares are admitted to trading on a regulated market and regarding miscellaneous provisions. Figures  Modified on 14 November 2023 following the capital Increase: Total amount of share capital (EUR) 88,378,224.25 Total Number of shares with single voting rights 39,060,197 Total Number of shares with double voting rights 2,368,375 Total Number of Shares 41,428,572 Total of voting rights 43,796,947 Total number of attributed warrants 3,038,871 Total number of shares with voting rights that could be created following the exercise of the attributed warrants 3,038,871 Total number of diluted shares (Outstanding shares + Warrants) 44,467,443 Total number of diluted shares with voting rights 46,835,818



Contact person for regulated information (financial, transparency) By law, any transparency declaration must be sent to our Company by email to the attention of Georges Rawadi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO): [email protected] .

Further questions about the content of this release can be sent to [email protected] . About Celyad Oncology Celyad Oncology is a cutting-edge biotechnology company dedicated to pioneering the discovery and advancement of revolutionary technologies for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells. Its primary objective is to unlock the potential of its proprietary technology platforms and intellectual property, enabling to be at the forefront of developing next-generation CAR T-cell therapies. By fully leveraging its innovative technology platforms, Celyad Oncology aims to maximize the transformative impact of its candidate CAR T-cell therapies and redefine the future of CAR T-cell treatments. Celyad Oncology is based in Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium. For more information, please visit www.celyad.com . Forward-looking statements This release may contain forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, without limitation, statements regarding beliefs about and expectations for the Companys updated strategic business model, including associated potential benefits, transactions and partnerships, statements regarding the potential value of the Companys IP, and statements regarding the continuation of the Companys existence. The words will, potential, continue, target, project, should and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Any forward-looking statements in this release are based on managements current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and important factors which might cause actual events, results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Celyad Oncology to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks related to the material uncertainty about the Companys ability to continue as a going concern; the Companys ability to realize the expected benefits of its updated strategic business model; the Companys ability to develop its IP assets and enter into partnerships with outside parties; the Companys ability to enforce its patents and other IP rights; the possibility that the Company may infringe on the patents or IP rights of others and be required to defend against patent or other IP rights suits; the possibility that the Company may not successfully defend itself against claims of patent infringement or other IP rights suits, which could result in substantial claims for damages against the Company; the possibility that the Company may become involved in lawsuits to protect or enforce its patents, which could be expensive, time-consuming, and unsuccessful; the Companys ability to protect its IP rights throughout the world; the potential for patents held by the Company to be found invalid or unenforceable; and other risks identified in Celyad Oncologys U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings and reports, including in the latest Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC and subsequent filings and reports by Celyad Oncology. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of publication of this document and Celyad Oncologys actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Celyad Oncology expressly disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements in this document to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, unless required by law or regulation. Investor Contact: Media Contact: David Georges

[email protected] [email protected] Source: Celyad Oncology SA



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[November 14, 2023] Threat Detection Systems Market to USD 94.14 billion growth from 2022 to 2027, Market driven by an increasing number of terrorist activities- Technavio Tweet

NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Threat Detection Systems Market by Application (Defense, Commercial, Industrial, Public infrastructure, and Residential), Type (Hardware, Software, and Services), and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America) - 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 threat detection systems market between 2022 and 2027 is USD 94.14 billion. Get deeper insights into the market size, current market scenario, future growth opportunities, major growth driving factors, the latest trends, and much more. Buy the full report here The increasing number of terrorist activities is notably driving market growth. The surge in territorial conflicts, geopolitical instability, and terrorism has led to a heightened demand for more sophisticated threat detection methods. The increasing frequency of terrorist attacks has underscored the urgency for advanced security systems capable of averting such incidents. For example, the deployment of metal detectors proves crucial in detecting explosives or firearms in public spaces. Market Challenge The high cost of threat detection systems is the major challenge impeding market growth. The substantial costs directly impact the interests of companies committed to implementing and embracing new technologies for threat detection. The expense of implementing threat detection systems can vary based on factors like the extent of integration, required functionalities, and the number of connected devices. Achieving a high level of integration is crucial to enhancing the seamlessness of threat detection systems, yet it concurrently drives up the overall cost. In addition to these considerations, the cost and time involved in establishing a connectiviy model for each network and on-site device are pivotal factors that contribute to the expense of these systems.



Learn about additional key drivers, trends, and challenges available with Technavio. Read Sample PDF Report Now The threat detection systems market share growth of the defense segment will be significant during the forecast period. Defense forces rely on intricate, multi-layered threat detection and screening solutions to uphold high-level security, enabling their personnel to prioritize vital missions over safeguarding infrastructure. Consequently, the surge in terrorist attacks and heightened concerns regarding the security of defense facilities are driving the demand for security and threat detection solutions in defense applications.

North America is estimated to account for 37% of the global market growth during the forecast period. View Sample Report for insights into the contribution of all the segments and regional opportunities in the report.

Key Companies in the Threat Detection Systems Market: Alert Logic Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Axis Communications AB, ChemImage Corp., Chemring Group Plc, Corptz, Fortra LLC, Group IB Service Ltd, Honeywell International Inc., LogRhythm Inc., Mirion Technologies Inc., OSI Systems Inc., PerimeterX Inc., Safran SA, Smiths Group Plc, Stellar Cyber, Synapse Technology Corp., Teledyne Technologies Inc., Thales Group, and Vectra AI Inc. Related Reports: The Security Analytics Market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 10.15% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 6,512.26 million. The Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) Market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 18.65% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 4,936.48 million. ToC: Excustive Summary Market Landscape Market Sizing Historic Market Sizes Five Forces Analysis Market Segmentation by Application Market Segmentation by Type Customer Landscape Geographic Landscape Drivers, Challenges, & Trends Company Landscape Company Analysis Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/threat-detection-systems-market-to-usd-94-14-billion-growth-from-2022-to-2027--market-driven-by-an-increasing-number-of-terrorist-activities--technavio-301985629.html SOURCE Technavio

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The siege to which Israeli forces have subjected Gazas main hospital since last Friday has forced Palestinians to dig a mass grave in the Al Shifa health complex in the capital of the enclave, where dozens of corpses were at risk of decomposition, including those of seven premature babies disconnected from incubators due to the lack of power. Hospital officials claim to have buried between 120 and 180 bodies, according to various testimonies cited by international news agencies. The hospital lacks food, water and electricity. Alongside some 650 patients, including 36 premature babies who cannot be evacuated, there are some 7,000 civilians displaced from their homes by the fighting and seeking refuge in the vicinity of the complex. Doctors Without Borders described the situation at Al Shifa as inhumane, on social media.

Israel has maintained a military siege of the hospital compound, where it considers one of the main command posts of the Hamas militias is hidden. The White House claimed Tuesday that it had information from its intelligence services confirming that Hamas was using Al Shifa for a command and control mode and probably to store weapons, which amounts to a war crime, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said.

In recent hours, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have offered to provide portable incubators and fuel for electric generators, but neither the management of the hospital nor the World Health Organization (WHO) believe that there are sufficient guarantees for the safety of patients in the presence of snipers and armed drones around Al Shifa, which has been stormed by Israeli forces. According to the hospitals director, Mohamad Abu Salmiyeh, the lives of 30 premature babies are at risk as incubators are not functioning. Israeli military spokesmen also claim to have opened an evacuation corridor, which health officials in Gaza deny.

All hospitals in northern Gaza have stopped functioning, with the sole exception of al-Ahli. They are out of service due to the lack of electricity, medical supplies, oxygen, food and water, in addition to the shelling, said the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Meanwhile, the WHO insisted Tuesday that evacuating the Al Shifa hospital is an impossible task, while reporting 20 patient deaths at the same facility in the last 48 hours. U.S. President Joe Biden has warned that Gazas health centers must be protected and called on Israeli authorities to carry out less intrusive action relative to the hospitals.

Israeli military spokesmen claim to have taken control of the main public buildings in Gaza City, such as the headquarters of the Hamas government, the parliament, and several militia barracks. The capital of Gaza has become a ravaged battlefield from where more than a million people have fled since the beginning of the war. The Hamas organization has lost control in Gaza: Terrorists are fleeing south, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Monday night. The army, which has published videos and photographs of weapons allegedly stored by Hamas in the basement of Gazas abandoned Rantisi hospital, has so far acknowledged the deaths of 46 IDF military personnel since it launched its offensive on the enclave.

Palestinian girl Orheen Al-Dayah, who was injured on her forehead in an Israeli strike, has her wounds stitched without anaesthesia, at Al Shifa hospital in Gaza City. STRINGER (REUTERS)

4,600 children killed in Gaza

An attack by Islamist militias left 1,200 people dead  three-quarters of them civilians  in Israel on October 7 and another 240 were kidnapped and taken to Gaza. Two-thirds of the Gazas 2.3 million inhabitants have been displaced by the conflict, which has claimed the lives of at least 11,320 people, including more than 4,600 children and 3,100 women, according to local health authorities. The same source claims that 25 of the 35 hospitals in the Palestinian coastal territory have ceased to function.

Palestinian Health Ministry spokesman Asharf al-Qidra told Reuters Tuesday that there were dozens of decomposing bodies in the Al Shifa compound that could not be moved outside, as they could not be protected by the International Committee of the Red Cross. This humanitarian organization has reiterated that hospitals are under the protection of wartime international humanitarian law. But if they hide healthy combatants or weapons caches, they can lose that protection, warned a Red Cross official.

In an unusual gesture, the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eli Cohen, and Health Minister Uriel Menachem Buso defended the Israeli armys siege of several Gaza hospitals for security reasons before the WHO in Geneva, according to the EFE news agency.

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has warned that with the supplies now entering Gaza, it only has food for 39% of the people sheltering in its schools during the Israeli offensive. According to data from UNRWA itself, it is currently hosting some 137,000 refugees in its 80 schools in Gaza. So far, only 980 trucks carrying humanitarian aid have entered the Palestinian territory through the Rafah crossing, which links the enclave with Egypt, according to U.N. data. Before the war, some 500 trucks of humanitarian aid entered Gaza daily to cover the basic needs of its inhabitants, according to U.N. data.

In Tel Aviv, dozens of relatives of the Israelis kidnapped by Hamas began a five-day march to Jerusalem Tuesday in a fresh challenge to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government, which they blame for not doing enough to free the 240 people being held hostage in Gaza. The demonstrators plan to end their protest on Saturday in front of the prime ministers residence in Jerusalem.

Hamas has stated that it is willing to release 70 of its hostages  the women and children  in exchange for a truce and the release of 275 Palestinians  also including women and children  imprisoned in Israeli jails. President Biden said Tuesday he is convinced that a release of hostages will be achieved soon, in a process in which Qatar is mediating. Hang in there, were coming, he said in a message from Washington.

On the complex northern front, the IDF has launched new attacks on southern Lebanon in response to rocket fire by the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia. Israeli fighter jets have also bombed Hezbollah positions. Israeli anti-aircraft defense systems intercepted a suspicious target off the coast of the city of Acre, in the northwest of the country. Since the beginning of hostilities on the northern front, at least 103 deaths have been recorded: 10 in Israel (seven soldiers and three civilians) and at least 93 in Lebanon, including 72 members of Hezbollah, eight members of Palestinian militias and 13 civilians. On the southernmost front, in the city of Eilat on the Red Sea coast, the Arrow anti-missile system had to be activated Tuesday due to the threat of a rocket fired by pro-Iranian rebels from Yemen.

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[November 14, 2023] Digital Realty named a 'Leader' in inaugural IDC MarketScape: Asia Pacific Datacenter Operations and Management 2023 Vendor Assessment Tweet

SINGAPORE, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital Realty (NYSE: DLR), the largest global provider of cloud- and carrier-neutral data center, colocation and interconnection solutions, announced today that it has been recognised as a 'Leader' in the inaugural IDC MarketScape: Asia Pacific Datacenter Operations and Management 2023 Vendor Assessment (doc #AP50445823, November 2023) The assessment analyses the region's colocation and interconnection market using the IDC MarketScape model. It presents a comprehensive view of market demand, expected buyer needs and the competitive strengths of digital infrastructure providers to help businesses manage data exchange securely and efficiently. "Digital Realty has emerged as a Leader in the Asia/Pacific market by adapting to trends like high-density colocation and being the first to introduce NVIDIA DGX H100-ready data centers to enable advanced AI workloads. Through PlatformDIGITAL, they offer scalable and future-proof infrastructure for data-driven businesses in the region and across the globe," said William Lee, Research Director and Mikhail Jaura, Research Analyst, Asia/Pacific Datacenter Research, IDC. Digital Realty's newest data center in Osaka KIX13 and two facilities in Tokyo NRT10 and NRT12 are AI-ready, having been certified by NVIDIA as "DGX SuperPOD-Ready" data centers that can accommodate NVIDIA DGX-A100 and DGX-H100. These certifications are testament to Digital Realty's dedication to provide dedicated, robust, and resilient environments optimized for intensive AI computing systems deployments at scale. Digital Realty has one of the widest digital infrastructure footprints in the world with robust coverage across the Asia Pacific. This includes growing core markets such Osaka and Tokyo, where it is set to launch a new facility next year. The company is also increasing its footprint in India, where it has acquired land in Mumbai and will be launching its first India data center in Chennai in early 2024. The coming expansion of Digital Realty's India joint venture will also strategically increase its global platform's connectivity to data centrs and other establishments in the country to meet the digital infrastructure needs of the fast growing India market.



The IDC MarketScape noted, "Digital Realty's PlatformDIGITAL is a compelling solution for data-driven businesses in search of a scalable and future-proof platform to meet their global hybrid and multicloud infrastructure requirements. PlatformDIGITAL offers secure and compliant solutions that are specifically designed for various industries, ensuring the highest level of data protection." This recognition from the IDC MarketScape follows another recent recognition - Digital Realty was recently named as a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Datacenter Services 2023 Vendor Assessment (doc # US49435022, October 2023) for the third time.

"We are very honored to be named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape for Asia Pacific. Digital Realty offers the world's largest carrier-neutral digital infrastructure platform and as a hybrid data center operator, we give customers the flexibility to easily deploy and connect critical infrastructure, at any capacity, for any scale. We are committed to building a safe and open global meeting place that will enable the next wave of transformation in Asia Pacific and the world," said Serene Nah, Managing Director and Head of Asia Pacific, Digital Realty. The IDC MarketScape report further acknowledged Digital Realty for the following strengths: Resilient. Digital Realty has a long-standing record of operational excellence with 99.999% uptime for over 15 years. Despite now offering more powerful colocation solutions to the market, including the unveiling of high-density deployment of up to 70kW per rack to support AI and high-performance computing (HPC) workloads, Digital Realty's high-density colocation is specifically positioned to support HPC environments in various industries, such as manufacturing, energy, healthcare, finance, retail, and digital businesses.

Digital Realty has a long-standing record of operational excellence with 99.999% uptime for over 15 years. Despite now offering more powerful colocation solutions to the market, including the unveiling of high-density deployment of up to 70kW per rack to support AI and high-performance computing (HPC) workloads, Digital Realty's high-density colocation is specifically positioned to support HPC environments in various industries, such as manufacturing, energy, healthcare, finance, retail, and digital businesses. Innovation. Digital Realty constantly seeks to invest in new projects aimed at enhancing its datacenter infrastructure performance. The company's KIX13 datacenter in Osaka was the first datacenter in the Asia/Pacific region to receive certification as NVIDIA DGX H100-ready. This distinction enables the company to provide support for NVIDIA's fourth-generation AI systems, thereby paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in DL AI models. Through its commitment to innovation, Digital Realty continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the AI realm and datacenter technology.

Digital Realty constantly seeks to invest in new projects aimed at enhancing its datacenter infrastructure performance. The company's KIX13 datacenter in was the first datacenter in the region to receive certification as NVIDIA DGX H100-ready. This distinction enables the company to provide support for NVIDIA's fourth-generation AI systems, thereby paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in DL AI models. Through its commitment to innovation, Digital Realty continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the AI realm and datacenter technology. Sustainability. Whether it is green bonds issuance on the capital markets or engagement in various sustainability-oriented projects, such as a water-saving solution that utilizes DeCalon (DCI) electrolysis to improve WUE by 15% in its SIN10 datacenter, achieving recognition from Singapore's Environment Council (SEC), Digital Realty is one of the frontrunners of datacenter sustainability initiatives in the Asia/Pacific region. The company is committed to decarbonize its infrastructure and is actively working to contribute toward its global goal to reduce Scopes 1 and 2 emissions by 68% and Scope 3 emissions by 24% by 2030. Digital Realty has implemented various liquid-cooling deployments, including AALC which are essential for supporting HPC workloads by efficiently dissipating the immense heat generated by powerful processors and maximizing their performance.

Whether it is green bonds issuance on the capital markets or engagement in various sustainability-oriented projects, such as a water-saving solution that utilizes DeCalon (DCI) electrolysis to improve WUE by 15% in its SIN10 datacenter, achieving recognition from Environment Council (SEC), Digital Realty is one of the frontrunners of datacenter sustainability initiatives in the region. The company is committed to decarbonize its infrastructure and is actively working to contribute toward its global goal to reduce Scopes 1 and 2 emissions by 68% and Scope 3 emissions by 24% by 2030. Digital Realty has implemented various liquid-cooling deployments, including AALC which are essential for supporting HPC workloads by efficiently dissipating the immense heat generated by powerful processors and maximizing their performance. Channel partners and marketplace. Digital Realty has an extensive channel partner network, with relationships with major CSPs, telcos, and content delivery network (CDN) vendors. The company has strategic partnerships with various CSPs, OEMs, and telcos, in addition to its proprietary marketplace, to increase the breadth of offerings available for its datacenter customers.

Digital Realty has an extensive channel partner network, with relationships with major CSPs, telcos, and content delivery network (CDN) vendors. The company has strategic partnerships with various CSPs, OEMs, and telcos, in addition to its proprietary marketplace, to increase the breadth of offerings available for its datacenter customers. Platform capabilities. Digital Realty's PlatformDIGITAL is a comprehensive global datacenter platform that empowers businesses with a diverse array of internetworking services, interconnectivity solutions, and cutting-edge digital innovations. The company has enriched its connectivity suite through ServiceFabric Connect, which empowers customers with software-defined interconnection on a single user interface. About Digital Realty

Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data "meeting place" and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx) solution methodology for powering innovation and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges. Digital Realty gives its customers access to the connected communities that matter to them with a global data center footprint of 300+ facilities in 50+ metros across 28 countries on six continents. To learn more about Digital Realty, please visit digitalrealty.com or follow us on LinkedIn and X. About IDC MarketScape:

IDC MarketScape vendor assessment model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of ICT (information and communications technology) suppliers in a given market. The research methodology utilizes a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria that results in a single graphical illustration of each vendor's position within a given market. IDC MarketScape provides a clear framework in which the product and service offerings, capabilities and strategies, and current and future market success factors of IT and telecommunications vendors can be meaningfully compared. The framework also provides technology buyers with a 360-degree assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of current and prospective vendors. For Additional Information Media Contacts

Sin Huay Ho

Digital Realty

+65 8125 8380

[email protected] Eugene Wee/ Trisha Koh

Archetype

+65 6603 9000

[email protected] Investor Relations

Jordan Sadler / Jim Huseby

Digital Realty

+1 737 281 0101

[email protected] Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements which are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially, including statements related to IDC MarketScape, our sustainability initiatives, customer demand, PlatformDIGITAL and the market and our strategy in APAC. For a list and description of risks and uncertainties, see the reports and other filings by the company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 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. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1930428/Digital_Realty_Black_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/digital-realty-named-a-leader-in-inaugural-idc-marketscape-asia-pacific-datacenter-operations-and-management-2023-vendor-assessment-301988351.html

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[November 14, 2023] GYLD China Tour: Inviting International Youth to Explore Anhui's Remarkable Cultural Wonders and Scientific Advancements Tweet

BEIJING, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from China.org.cn: From November 9 to 12, the 2023 Global Young Leaders Dialogue (GYLD) China Tour made its way to Anhui. The event brought together about a dozen international young individuals from 10 countries to explore the unique charm of Anhui, delve into the province's thriving scientific and technological innovations and bear witness to its remarkable achievements in high-quality development. Anhui's relentless pursuit of scientific and technological innovations has unveiled captivating wonders. The research seed is taking root and flourishing in Hefei, a prominent national pilot city for science and technology innovation and the capital city of Anhui Province. On the "Science Island" in Hefei, an enormous "jar" with a five-star red flag on top of it caught the attention of these international young individuals. This is the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), also known as the "artificial sun" that scientists from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (HFIPS) are working on. Through exchanges with young scientists from the HFIPS, the global young leaders acquired scientific knowledge about nuclear fusion energy, the promising energy source for future generations, and were thrilled by the HFIPS's ambitious objective of "illuminating the 'artificial sun' with unrivaled brilliance." "I am very thrilled and feel privileged to personally visit the 'artificial sun' that shattered world record! It is truly a marvel!" exclaimed Pavle Mocilac, a Croatian professor from the School of Nuclear Science and Technology at Lanzhou University. "This gem of Chinese scientific endeavour is an important piece of puzzle that, once assembled will bring us into completely new world of energy abundancy," he added. Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets. Anhui has been dedicated to reinforcing eco-environmental conservation and fostering green and low-carbon development. While strolling trough the ecologically diverse Shibalianwei Wetland, the global young leaders were captivated by the picturesque sight of abundant aquatic plants and birds gracefully gliding in the sky. Over the past few years, a remarkable restoration effort has been made to successfully revitalize 1,109.2 hectares of this wetland, and an impressive 117 bird species have been recorded in this region. This scenic spot truly presented the enchanting beauty of Anhui landscape to these guests. Meanwhile, Hefei is committed to building itself into a "City of New Energy Vehicles", making the development of new energy vehicles an important path to achieve the goals of carbon dioxide emissions peak and carbon neutrality in China. At NIO's second manufacturing plant in Hefei, the young leaders closely observed the production process of intelligent electric vehicles. They also had the opportunity to take test rides on the products and talk to the company's leaders. This experience offered them valuable insights into the innovative practices employed to meet green and low-carbon development requirements in the new energy vehicle industry.



Mielnik Maciej Dominik from Poland, General Manager of Wuhan Haoduohuo International Logistics Company, also known by his Chinese name Hu Luobo, lauded: "In my perspective, NIO stands out as a premier new energy vehicle brand worldwide. With the growing popularity of electric vehicles, I eagerly anticipate witnessing NIO's advancements in materials, batteries, and other aspects." Culture boasts a rich and vibrant history that transcends generations. The traditional Huizhou culture, in particular, seamlessly adapts and melds with the modern world through innovative approaches. Hongcun Village in Yixian County, with its densely arranged Huizhou-style architecture, beautifully narrates a tale of a millennium-long history to these young visitors. The awe-inspiring water culture, meandering through millennia, showcases the distinct allure of Huizhou. The global young leaders were also invited to participate in the opening ceremony of the 13th Anhui International Culture and Tourism Festival and the the Exhibition of Traditional Craftsmanship of China's Intangible Cultural Heritage. They had the opportunity to appreciate the exquisite beauty of the Guest Welcoming Pine amidst the enchanting mist of Mount Huangshan. During their trip to Anhui, the global young leaders shared their "Impressions of Anhui" through a series of pictures, depicting the blending of Anhui's rich Chinese heritage with its international allure.

"Anhui culture is endowed with an abundance of tangible and intangible cultural heritage," stated Nicole Elizabeth Johnson, a senior designer from the United States who also goes by the Chinese name Xie Min. "Culture serves as a universal language, surpassing geographical and ethnic barriers, and plays a crucial role in acquainting ourselves with China and gaining a deeper understanding of it." The event was co-hosted by the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies and the Information Office of Anhui Provincial People's Government. As a dedicated exchange initiative organized within the Global Young Leaders Dialogue program, the GYLD China Tour seeks to foster a profound understanding of China by inviting young individuals from all over the world to explore diverse parts of the country. Through immersive experiences, the tour aims to cultivate meaningful connections, foster mutual friendships, and propel collective growth among participants. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gyld-china-tour-inviting-international-youth-to-explore-anhuis-remarkable-cultural-wonders-and-scientific-advancements-301988361.html SOURCE China.org.cn

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[November 14, 2023]

BLUETTI to Showcase Innovative Power Solutions at Photovoltaic & Storage ASEAN Exhibition 2023

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BLUETTI, a leading provider of innovative power solutions, will attend the Photovoltaic & Storage ASEAN Exhibition 2023. From November 14 to 16, BLUETTI will showcase its advanced innovations ranging from the EB3A portable generator to the EP500Pro home energy storage system at booth 3136, ICE (Indonesia Convention Exhibition), BSD City, Indonesia.

BLUETTI Home Battery System- EP500Pro

Headlining BLUETTI's exhibit is the EP500Pro, an all-in-one home energy storage system. Boasting a robust 3000W output, this powerhouse is designed to seamlessly power all household appliances during blackouts, ensuring uninterrupted daily life. Equipped with a sizable 5100Wh battery and the convenience of four wheels, the EP500Pro provides both substantial energy capacity and unparalleled mobility.

BLUETTI Movable Home Backup Power - AC300 / AC200MAX









BLUETTI Portable Power Stations - EB3A/EB55/EB70

The EB series, characterized by its compact and lightweight design (weighing between 4.6kg to 9.7kg), will also show up at the exhibition. These small generators offer multiple outlets and recharging methods, enabling users to charge electronics and portable devices during emergencies or outdoor activities.

BLUETTI's presence at the Photovoltaic & Storage ASEAN Exhibition 2023 exemplifies its unwavering commitment to delivering clean energy solutions that empower communities and individuals alike. Looking ahead, BLUETTI remains at the forefront of innovation, continuously developing eco-friendly and reliable energy products to shape a sustainable future for all.

About BLUETTI

BLUETTI has been committed to promoting sustainability and green energy solutions since its inception. By offering eco-friendly energy storage solutions for both indoor and outdoor use, BLUETTI aims to provide exceptional experiences for our homes while also contributing to a sustainable future for our planet. This commitment to sustainable energy has helped BLUETTI expand its reach to over 100 countries and gain the trust of millions of customers worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/bluetti-to-showcase-innovative-power-solutions-at-photovoltaic--storage-asean-exhibition-2023-301985898.html

SOURCE PT BLUETTI ENERGY INDONESIA
[November 14, 2023] SPTel and SpeQtral appointed to build NQSN+, Singapore's First Nationwide Quantum-Safe Network Tweet

Organisations will also be able to tap on SPTel's Quantum Security-as-a-Service solution to safeguard sensitive information against future cryptographic attacks SINGAPORE, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SPTel, a joint venture company of ST Engineering and SP Group, and SpeQtral, a Singapore-based company focused on quantum communications, today announced that they have been jointly appointed by the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) to build the National Quantum-Safe Network Plus (NQSN+), Singapore's first nationwide quantum-safe network. When completed, NQSN+ will be an interoperable network fortified with quantum encryption capabilities that will provide unparalleled data protection for critical government and commercial applications. NQSN+ will utilise quantum cryptography to achieve unprecedented levels of security through harnessing the inherent properties of quantum particles for data encryption. This ensures secure transmission of sensitive information, enhancing security against cryptographic attacks. The award of the NQSN+ project builds on SPTel's and SpeQtral's successful trials in quantum-secure networks on SPTel's diverse fibre network in 2022. The combination of SPTel's capabilities and strong track record in building diverse networks that pass through critical infrastructure for physically secure, ultra-low latency network deployment, with SpeQtral's deep expertise in Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology will advance the development of a robust and resilient NQSN+ and foster a safer digital environment for both public and private sector organisations in Singapore. Titus Yong, CEO of SPTel, said, "We are pleased to be appointed by IMDA to build the NQSN+ which will set new benchmarks in data protection and fortify the nation's critical infrastructure. This appointment reflects our unwavering commitment in driving innovation in data communications security, and underscores ourleadership position in offering diverse and resilient network connectivity. Our work for the NQSN+ strengthens our secured telecommunications portfolio which includes clean-pipe connectivity and virtualised cybersecurity solutions-on-demand, positioning us well to offer future innovative quantum security solutions that lay the foundation for tomorrow's quantum-safe smart cities."



Lum Chune Yang, Co-Founder and CEO of SpeQtral, said, "Being part of the NQSN+ project reaffirms our status as a trailblazer and industry leader in quantum communications. Our partnership with SPTel will enable us to deliver cutting-edge quantum solutions across SPTel's diverse telecommunications network, bolstering Singapore's security in network infrastructure. This collaboration, coupled with SpeQtral's expertise in QKD technology, will allow us to contribute to Singapore's standing as a frontrunner in quantum-safe communications." Dr Ong Chen Hui, Assistant Chief Executive, BizTech Group, IMDA, said, "We are excited to kickstart the launch of Southeast Asia's first quantum-safe network infrastructure to help both businesses and government agencies tap on quantum-safe technologies. IMDA's NQSN+ will help to realise Singapore's vision of a quantum-safe nation, building our nation's capabilities in this space. IMDA will continue to work with industry partners and government agencies to create a quantum safe nation."

SPTel and SpeQtral will ensure the highest levels of data security and reliability of the NQSN+. They will also collaborate with strategic industry partners including ST Engineering in the area of Quantum-ready encryptors to strengthen the overall security posture of NQSN+, and Toshiba Digital Solutions for its QKD system. About SPTel SPTel is a joint venture company of ST Engineering and SP Group. SPTel uses unique fibre pathways that combine leased SP Group infrastructure and owned fibre pipes, laid alongside the power network cables. As a leading provider of next-generation telecommunications and digital solutions SPTel places a strong focus on innovation and reliability. This enables SPTel to deliver secure and scalable connectivity, edge cloud, IoT-a-a-S and managed security solutions to businesses, government agencies, and service providers. SPTel is committed to driving digital transformation by providing cutting-edge technologies and exceptional customer experiences. For more information, please visit https://sptel.com/. About SpeQtral SpeQtral is a pioneer in quantum communications, with a vision to build and deploy global quantum networks. SpeQtral develops quantum-secure products and services designed to protect sovereign and enterprise telecommunication networks against classical, as well as future quantum based cyber-attacks. Combining both terrestrial and space-based solutions, SpeQtral aims to secure the world's networks against the threats posed by the imminent quantum revolution and drive innovation in quantum communications that will serve as the building blocks for the future quantum internet. For more information, please visit: https://speqtral.space/ View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/sptel-and-speqtral-appointed-to-build-nqsn-singapores-first-nationwide-quantum-safe-network-301988420.html SOURCE SPTel

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[November 14, 2023] Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Announces Closing of Non-Brokered Financing Tweet

Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Inc. ("Diamond Estates" or the "Company") (TSXV: DWS) is pleased to announce that it has closed the non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") previously announced by the Company on August 16, 2023 and November 11, 2023 through the issuance of 20,000,000 common shares of the Company (the "Common Shares") to Lassonde Industries Inc. ("Lassonde") at an issue price of $0.45 per common share, for an aggregate purchase price of $9,000,000 (the "Subscription Price"). The Subscription Price was satisfied through the payment of $8.25 million in consideration for 18,333,334 Common Shares (the "Financing"), and the settlement of the $750,000 principal amount owed under the advance agreement between the Company and Lassonde Industries dated May 30, 2023, which principal amount converted into 1,666,666 Common Shares (the "Settlement"). The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Financing to reduce the Company's debt and accounts payable, and to pay transaction fees. The closing of the Financing will result in certain changes to the governance structure of Diamond Estates. Lassonde now has the right to nominate four of seven directors to the Company's board of directors (the "Board"), including the chairman, and at least a proportionate number of members on each of the Board's committees. Additionally, a special committee will be formed to oversee the debt reduction program of the Company to be put in place, as well as the executives' day-to-day management, notably by approving certain management decisions. As the Financing and the Settlement are related-party transactions under the meaning of Policy 5.9 of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), the Company received shareholder approval for the Financing and Settlement at its annual shareholders meeting held on September 6, 2023. The Company is relying on the exemptions from the valuation requirements of MI 61-101 contained in section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101, as the Company is not listed on a specified market. The Financing and the Settlement remain subject to the final acceptance of the TSXV. The securities issued pursuant to the Financing and the Settlement will be subject to a four-month hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws. The Company also announces today that it has entered into a second amendment (the "Amendment") to its Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "SARCA") with Bank of Montreal ("BMO"). The notable terms of the Amendment are as follows: extension of the maturity date to January 2, 2025;

as a result of the repayment of obligations with the use of proceeds from the Financing, a decrease in the total credit limit from $14.4 million to $11.4 million; and

calculation of borrowing margins will use a new formula based on net orderly liquidation values, starting with a fixed margin of $2.5 million (subject to meeting certain appraisal conditions). The Amendment also provides a waiver of the Company's fixed charges ratios through to the end of its fiscal year 2024. All other terms of the SARCA, as amended, remain in full force and effect. Early Warning Report Pursuant to National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bids and Insider Reporting Issues, Lassonde, whose head office is located at 755 rue Principale, Rougemont, Quebec, J0L 1M0, will file an early warning report, which will be available under the Company's pofile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca, and may also be obtained by contacting Eric Gemme, Chief Financial Officer of Lassonde, at 450-469-4926, ext. 10456.



Lassonde acquired today an aggregate of 20,000,000 Common Shares pursuant to the Private Placement at an issue price of $0.45 per common share, for an aggregate purchase price of $9,000,000. Prior to the completion of the Private Placement, Lassonde directly owned 5,346,506 Common Shares, 1,123,958 warrants convertible into 1,123,958 Common Shares, $500,000 in principal amount of 10.0% unsecured convertible debentures due November 2023 (the "Debentures"), 80,000 options exercisable for 80,000 Common Shares and 277,338 deferred share units. Prior to completion of the Private Placement, 3346625 Canada Inc., a corporation controlled by Mr. Pierre-Paul Lassonde ("Lassonde Holding" and together with Lassonde, the "Lassonde Group") directly owned 617,824 Common Shares, $2,850,000 in principal amount of Debentures and 250,000 warrants convertible into 250,000 Common Shares. As such, prior to completion of the Private Placement, the Lassonde Group, directly or indirectly, owned or controlled, 5,964,330 Common Shares, representing approximately 21.40% of the then issued and outstanding Common Shares, $3,350,000 in principal amount of Debentures, 80,000 options, 1,373,958 warrants and 277,338 deferred share units. Following the closing of the Private Placement, based on the number of issued and outstanding Common Shares after completing the Private Placement and without additional issuance or conversion of securities (including the Debentures), Lassonde now owns 25,346,506 Common Shares, representing approximately 52.94% of the current issued and outstanding Common Shares and the Lassonde Group now owns 25,964,330 Common Shares, representing approximately 54.23% of the current issued and outstanding Common Shares.

The participation by the Lassonde Group in the Financing and the Settlement was undertaken to assist the Company with the execution of its strategic plan. This will result in certain changes to the governance structure of Diamond Estates, as will be described in the early warning report of Lassonde. The Lassonde Group may, from time to time, acquire additional securities of the Company for investment purposes and may, from time to time, increase or decrease its beneficial ownership or control of the Company depending on market or other conditions. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws 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. About Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits Inc. Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits Inc. is a producer of high-quality wines and ciders as well as a sales agent for over 120 beverage alcohol brands across Canada. The Company operates five production facilities, four in Ontario and one in British Columbia, that produce predominantly VQA wines under such well-known brand names as 20 Bees, Creekside, EastDell, Lakeview Cellars, Mindful, Queenston Mile, Shiny Apple Cider, Fresh, Proud Pour, Red Tractor, Seasons, Serenity and Backyard Vineyards. Through its commercial division, Trajectory Beverage Partners, the Company is the sales agent for many leading international brands in all regions of the country as well as being a distributor in the western provinces. These recognizable brands include Fat Bastard, Meffre, Pierre Chavin and Andre Lurton wines from France, Brimincourt Champagne from France, Merlet and Larsen Cognacs from France, Kaiken wines from Argentina, Blue Nun and Erben wines from Germany, Calabria Family Estate Wines and McWilliams Wines from Australia, Saint Clair Family Estate Wines and Yealands Family Wines from New Zealand, Storywood and Cofradia Tequilas from Mexico, Maverick Distillery spirits (including Tag Vodka and Barnburner Whisky) from Ontario, Magnum Cream Liqueur from Scotland, Talamonti and Cielo wines from Italy, Catedral and Cabeca de Toiro wines from Portugal, Waterloo Beer & Radlers from Canada, Landshark Lager from the USA, Edinburgh Gin, Tamdhu, Glengoyne and Smokehead single-malt Scotch whiskies from Scotland, Islay Mist, Grand MacNish and Waterproof whiskies from Scotland, C. Mondavi & Family wines including C.K Mondavi & Charles Krug from Napa, Wize Spirits, Hounds Vodka and Valley of Mother of God Gins from Canada, Bols Vodka from Amsterdam, Collective Arts beers, spirits and RTDs from Ontario, Koyle Family Wines from Chile and Pearse Lyons whiskies and gins from Ireland. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company and the matters discussed herein to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Actual results and developments are likely to differ, and may differ materially, from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. The use of net proceeds from the Financing constitutes forward-looking statements. While the Company acknowledges that subsequent events and developments may cause its views to change, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the views of the Company as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. 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 forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114240795/en/

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SET Commences Voluntary Chapter 11 to Effect Orderly Liquidation and Wind-down

Smart Earth Technologies, LLC ("SET" or the "Company"), a provider of environmentally sustainable utility management solutions for water utilities is looking to enter into a financial restructuring that will culminate in an orderly liquidation and wind-down of the Company.

To accomplish the orderly liquidation and wind-down in an efficient manner, SET and its affiliate Debtor (Smart Water Services LLC) filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the "Court").

SET expects to continue operating its business as it winds down operations and has secured a commitment for financing, which will provide funds to support ongoing operations during the orderly liquidation and Chapter 11 process. The Company will work closely with its various stakeholders to help ensure that services are uninterrupted during the wind-down.

The Company also filed with the Court a series of customary motions seeking to stabilize thebusiness and uphold its commitments to employees and other stakeholders during the process. These "first day" motions, filed to ensure a smooth transition into Chapter 11, include requests to continue paying wages and providing benefits to employees in the normal course.







For more information about SET's Chapter 11 proceeding, including access to Court documents, please visit https://www.cases.stretto.com/SET.

Matthew Bouslog of Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis, LLP and Gregory Taylor of Ashby & Geddes, P.A. is serving as legal counsel to Smart Earth Technologies, LLC, and Don Van der Wiel of G2 Capital Advisors is serving as the Company's Chief Restructuring Officer.

About Smart Earth Technologies, LLC

SET, LLC, based in Carlsbad, California, is a provider of environmentally sustainable utility management solutions for water utilities. For more information, please visit https://www.smartearthtechnologies.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114866920/en/
[November 15, 2023] Toshiba Establishes Scholarship Program with Hanoi University of Science and Technology Tweet

TOKYO, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) has established a scholarship program with Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) in Vietnam that will support students studying STEM-related subjects. The new program is the most recent in a series of Toshiba initiatives to support science and technology education in the markets where it operates. In Vietnam, the company already has long-established scholarship programs with Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU-Hanoi) and Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), dating back to 2005. HUST is the third Vietnamese university to introduce a Toshiba-supported educational program. Established in 1956, HUST is Vietnam's first comprehensive technical university, and one of the country's highest ranking universities for science and engineering*1. The agreement on the scholarship program was confirmed on July 5, 2023. On November 14, as an event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Vietnam, the program's first scholarship award ceremony was held at HUST. At the ceremony, Toshba and HUST confirmed their intention to strengthen their collaboration, and 15 students became the first recipients of scholarships.



Vietnam has enjoyed remarkable economic growth in recent years, and it is attractive both as a market and a place to do business. Toshiba subsidiaries in Vietnam include Toshiba Software Development (Vietnam) Co., Ltd., which has built up its business with the support of skilled Vietnamese software engineers. Toshiba Group companies also manufacture and sell industrial high-efficiency motors and power distribution equipment in Vietnam. With the establishment of the scholarship program, Toshiba will accept interns to study software development, and will also consider potential research collaboration with HUST in various areas. Toshiba will also use the scholarship program to bolster its recruitment of skilled engineers, and to enhance relationship building in the fields of science and technology.

*1: https://www.hust.edu.vn/en/about/university-rankings-550714.html View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/toshiba-establishes-scholarship-program-with-hanoi-university-of-science-and-technology-301988355.html SOURCE Toshiba Corporation

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[November 15, 2023] Companies Are Investing Heavily in Business Building, Placing A Quarter of Annual Revenue into High-Growth Opportunities Tweet

New Research by BCG X Finds That Most Business Leaders Consider Business Building a Priority, but Only Half Say Their Companies Are Adequately Equipped to Pursue High-Growth Opportunities BOSTON, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Business building, which consists of inventing, launching, and scaling new business lines, units, and services, or accelerating the growth of existing enterprises, is one of the most successful ways to accelerate growth. But only half (52%) of leaders said their companies are well prepared to pursue new high-growth opportunities, according to a new study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) released today. The report, How Companies Can Speed Up the Business of Business Building, features findings from a survey of 1,051 senior leaders in 17 countries about their business-building efforts. Of the executives surveyed, 73% said that business building is a major priority for them, and their companies have pursued, on average, five new high-growth opportunities each year since 2021. Approximately 27% of these companies' annual revenue is typically invested in launching, acquiring, or co-launching startup ventures. "After two decades of building up their digital capabilities, companies are poised to harness these strategic assets for the launch of new ventures and an expedited growth trajectory," said Beth Viner, global head of venture and builds for BCG X and a coauthor of the study. "2023 has undoubtedly been fiscally difficult for many companies but some of the most powerful businesses were launched under tough circumstances. Leaders should feel confident about business building if they adhere to a playbook based on proven results."



The Time Involved in Business Building: More Cause for Concern The survey also asked company leaders about the time involved in business building. On average, companies spend up o three years considering whether to add a new business to their portfolio, and then it typically takes another three years to commercially launch the offering. Leaders said they are willing to invest three or four years before the business must turn a profit.



Among the leaders surveyed, 48% said it would take them longer to release a product than it would a startup. A large majority identified two or three instances where their competitors launched businesses that they believe they could and should have launched first. Nine Strategic Assets Critical for Successful Business Building

Informed by BCG X's experience launching more than 200 builds, the report outlines the following nine strategic assets as critically important to enable a launch to break through: Intellectual property, including patents, trade secrets, and methodology

Data (drawn from inside and outside the company)

Access to sales and distribution networks

A strong brand

A financial position with a healthy cash flow

A culture of innovation

Strategic partnerships with other companies, universities, community groups, and government agencies

The requisite technology

Talent Most survey respondents said they have five or fewer of these assets available and only 3% of companies claim access to all of them. Even when they do have the assets, only half of the companies surveyed are effective in leveraging them to build new businesses. Three Basic Steps to Creating a Well-Designed Preparedness Plan For leaders looking to capture growth, a well-designed preparedness plan could change a company's trajectory and accelerate their time to value. BCG X recommends three basic steps to start: Prepare: Examine your capabilities and differentiated strategic assets and compare them with your competitors. Attract and deploy entrepreneurial talent. Consider a new talent support model for business building. Acquire what you need. Acquisitions are just one vehicle for business building, but they can be leveraged to complement and accelerate existing efforts. "There are many reasons to be optimistic about business building today, including uptick in technological innovation, consumers' openness to new products and services, an enormous middle class developing in some emerging economies, and new tools and methods that exist for product development, mergers and acquisitions, and going to market," said Viner. Download the publication here:

https://www.bcg.com/publications/2023/accelerating-business-building-for-companies Media Contact:

Eric Gregoire:

+1 617 850 3783

[email protected] About Boston Consulting Group

Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. BCG was the pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we work closely with clients to embrace a transformational approach aimed at benefiting all stakeholdersempowering organizations to grow, build sustainable competitive advantage, and drive positive societal impact. Our diverse, global teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives that question the status quo and spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting, technology and design, and corporate and digital ventures. We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization, fueled by the goal of helping our clients thrive and enabling them to make the world a better place. ABOUT BCG X

BCG X is the tech build & design unit of BCG. Turbocharging BCG's deep industry and functional expertise, BCG X brings together advanced tech knowledge and ambitious entrepreneurship to help organizations enable innovation at scale. With nearly 3,000 technologists, scientists, programmers, engineers, and human-centered designers located across 80+ cities, BCG X builds and designs platforms and software to address the world's most important challenges and opportunities. Teaming across our practices, and in close collaboration with our clients, our end-to-end global team unlocks new possibilities. Together we're creating the bold and disruptive products, services, and businesses of tomorrow. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/companies-are-investing-heavily-in-business-building-placing-a-quarter-of-annual-revenue-into-high-growth-opportunities-301988461.html SOURCE Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

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[November 15, 2023] W.Media celebrates Mumbai: India's top data center destination Tweet

MUMBAI, India, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Come December and hundreds of cloud and data center industry experts and thought leaders from around the world will come together in Mumbai for W.Media's Mumbai Cloud & Datacenter Convention and Awards 2023. The day-long convention will be held at St. Regis, Mumbai on December 1st. This exclusive event will bring together over 600 delegates, including C-level executives, digital infrastructure professionals including architects, engineers and consultants (AECs), key buyers, decision makers, data center owners and operators. Mumbai as a hub for the Cloud & Data Center Industry Two centuries ago, Mumbai was a sleepy archipelago of fisherfolk and farmers. There was some trading activity given its location on the west coast of India, but things began to pick up after the British reclaimed land from the sea and Mumbai became the contiguous land-mass we know it as today. Soon, traders from across the world started gathering here to buy and sell silks and spices, gems and jewelry, metalware and handicrafts, and a variety of agricultural produce. Today, it is a bustling hub or trade and transport, banking, business, and finance. Mumbai, home to close to 20 million people, is a megapolis that is also the financial capital of India. Mumbai has emerged as a data center destination of choice in India. Today, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, that includes the city of Mumbai as well as adjacent sister cities like Thane and Navi Mumbai that have large industrial belts and land parcels, accounts for nearly 45 percent of all data centers in India. Today, this region is home to nearly three dozen data centers by national and internal players such as Amazon, Adani, Colt, CtrlS, Equinix, Nxtra, NTT, Reliance, Sify, STT Global, WebWerks, Yotta, among others. In fact, it was reported earlier this year that Mumbai has emerged as the third largest data center market in the Asia Pacific region. A report by Knight Frank found that Mumbai with 2337 MW of capacity had claimed the spot just behind Shanghai (2,692 MW) and Tokyo (2,575 MW). Industry Leaders are Betting Big on Mumbai According to Vipin Shirsat, Managing Director, Princeton Digital Group, India, "Mumbai is the financial and commercial capital of India with an established data center market that enjoys highly reliable power supply, established as well as scalable network, substantial WIP (work-in-progress) supply of quality data center capacity, a strong vendor ecosystem to support data center operators and the authorities have a deep understanding of the infrastructure industry needs, which makes data center delivery in Mumbai a comparatively lesser demanding proposition." In fact, Princeton Digital Group predicts, 'The data center market in Mumbai is estimated to reach a CAGR of 22% for the period 2017-2023, housing 31% of India's colocation footprint.' Sirsat will be delivering a special keynote address on internet infrastructure at the Mumbai Cloud & Datacenter Convention and Awards 2023.



Sanjay Motwani, VP - Asia Pacific (Data, Power and Control) for Raritan (a brand of LeGrande) says, "Mumbai accounts for nearly 48 per cent of the DC market and even with the additional growth being planned across the country it's likely to remain between 45-50 per cent." He will be making a special industry presentation at the Mumbai Cloud & Datacenter Convention and Awards 2023. What has attracted the data center industry to Mumbai, is its infrastructure. Over a dozen subsea cables connect Mumbai to other strategic global destinations in the Middle East, Africa, and the established and emerging economies of the Asia Pacific. Data centers are also power guzzlers and Mumbai has relatively better power supply than many other parts of India.

According to NK Jain, the Founder of NK Jain Consulting Engineers, this makes all the difference. "Mumbai is the most favorable location for data centers, due to the proximity of under-sea cable landing station and availability of very stable power as compared to the rest of the country," he says. Jain will be part of an exciting panel discussion on renewable energy at the Mumbai Cloud & Datacenter Convention and Awards 2023. Renowned data center consultant Mahesh Trivedi concurs, saying, "Both network and power are equally important for the data center business. Mumbai is blessed with both compared to other metros, hence the demand for data center space in Mumbai is more than other cities." He will be moderating a power-panel discussion on the role of Edge at the Mumbai Cloud & Datacenter Convention and Awards 2023. According to Nick Parfitt, W.Media's Specialist in Research, Production and Content, "The strong transition towards digitalisation in India is combined with a series of unique and seismic economic and demographic factors. These include urbanisation, the evolution of service industries, strong standards of tech education, a balanced economy and the growth in consumption of hardware and software more widely across the country." He further says, "It's not just about the digital, in India's case it has to be about the broader national direction. Mumbai is at the epicenter of the transition as the key city for key service industries including finance, media, commerce and trade, and information technology." Parfitt will also moderate a power panel discussion on building data centers at scale at the Mumbai Cloud & Datacenter Convention and Awards 2023. What to expect at Mumbai Cloud & Datacenter Convention and Awards 2023 The day-long convention will include several power-packed panel discussions, where the best and brightest minds in the industry will share their ideas on important subjects such as building at scale to meet growth requirements, the era of connectivity, future of data centers in India, trends in liquid cooling, the role of Edge, and much more. The panelists and speakers include industry stalwarts like Kamal Nath (CEO, Sify Technologies), Sumit Mukhija (CEO, STT Global Data Centers  India), Sujeet Deshpande (Founder & CEO - India, Lumina Cloud Infra), Shekhar Sharma (CEO NTT Data), Sanjay Bhutani (CEO, AdaniConneX), Vinod Javur (COO, Digital Edge DC), Manish Shangari (VP, AECOM), Sujit Panda (CTIO, BDx Data Centers), and Anuj Kapur (VP & Head  India Region, Iron Mountain), among others There will also be insightful presentations by industry leaders on a wide variety of subjects such as cooling and ventilation solutions, internet infrastructure, quality management, data center infrastructure, and new innovations. The Convention will also include a modest technology expo that will showcase the latest innovations and futuristic technologies and advancements in the cloud and data center industry. Many top companies that provide a variety of services to data centers in the region have joined hands with W.Media as sponsors for the Mumbai Cloud & Datacenter Convention and Awards 2023. Fuji Electric, Gold Sponsors, say, "We are thrilled to be a part of the Mumbai Cloud & Datacenter Convention and Awards 2023, as it offers us a great platform to showcase our latest solutions designed for data center applications." They further say, "We at Fuji Electric look forward to partnering with data center end users to offer them reliable and technologically advanced solutions Made in India." Princeton Digital Group is Silver Sponsors and their Managing Director Vipin Shirsat who will be attending the Mumbai Cloud & Datacenter Convention and Awards 2023 says, "I look forward to interacting with industry colleagues, including analysts, supplier partners, clients, financing partners as well as representatives from authorities. I am keen to hear their experiences, expectations, learnings, and growth plans. I also look forward to celebrating the winners who continue to inspire all of us to do better." Raritan (a brand of LeGrande) is also a Silver Sponsor and Sanjay Motwani, their VP - Asia Pacific (Data, Power and Control) says that he is looking forward to "meaningful discussions, thoughts and industry presentations." The event will conclude with an Awards ceremony where the best of the best will be recognized and rewarded in as many as 15 different categories. Join us at St. Regis on December 1st, 2023, for the Mumbai Cloud & Datacenter Convention and Awards. Click here to register, and learn more about the agenda, speakers, schedule, and session information. For sponsorship, exhibition and further involvement opportunities, get in touch at [email protected] Media Contacts:

Naveen Lawrence

+91-9867831994

[email protected] Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2276238/Mumbai_CDC_Feature_Image.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2157193/W_Media_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wmedia-celebrates-mumbai-indias-top-data-center-destination-301988597.html SOURCE W.Media

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[November 15, 2023] Update on Disclosed Matter: Mitsubishi Electric's Execution of the Company-split Agreement to Transfer Automotive-equipment Business to Newly Incorporated Subsidiary as Part of Restructuring Tweet

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO:6503) announced today that it has executed a Company-split agreement and formally established a wholly owned subsidiary, Melco Automotive Equipment Business Split Preparation Corporation, in line with the previous announcement "(Update on Disclosed Matter) Mitsubishi Electric to Transfer Automotive-equipment Business to New Subsidiary as Part of Restructuring" issued on October 31. Item numbers below are consistent with the previous announcement on October 31, 2023, and newly announced information is underlined. 2. Overview of Company Split







(1) Company Split Schedule Decision on Absorption-type Company Split by Executive Officer (Note) October 31, 2023 Establishment of Melco Automotive Equipment Business Split Preparation Corporation November 1, 2023 Execution of Company Split Agreement November 15, 2023 Scheduled Company Split Date (Effective Date) April 1, 2024 (Scheduled)

Note: The Company Split is a simplified absorption-type company split, pursuant to Article 784, Paragraph 2 of the Companies Act of Japan, and Mitsubishi Electric therefore does not require approval of this at a shareholders' meeting. Accordingly, the Company Split will be implemented on the decision of the President and CEO, with due consideration of deliberations at the Executive Officers' Meeting. 3. Profile of the Parties of the Company Split For the full text, please visit: www.MitsubishiElectric.com/news/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114778853/en/

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Demonstration in favor of a ceasefire in Gaza on October 21 in Bay Ridge (New York). STAFF (REUTERS)

Several residents of Bay Ridge say that they would gladly leave the quiet streets of this Brooklyn neighborhood, the epicenter of the Palestinian community in New York, to be in Gaza with their own people. Even many who have family members in the occupied West Bank would not hesitate to join the resistance in the Gaza Strip. The question of the atrocities committed by Hamas during its attack in Israel on October 7, which triggered the war, is rhetorically diluted among the rubble of the enclave: no one expressly legitimizes them, but there is no need to translate their answers to find out what they think.

Imagine that an innocent child of four or five sees his parents, his brothers, his uncles and cousins die today in Gaza due to an Israeli bombing. All at the same time, just like so many entire families dying these days. In 15 or 20 years, that boy grabs a gun and enters a kibbutz and kills a Jewish family... He will still be as innocent as he is now, but what will he be called? A terrorist, right? says Ali, the owner of a coffee shop. Born in the United States, but with family in Ramallah (West Bank), he adds: I wish I were in Gaza now, because mentioning Gaza is a source of pride.

The mosques of Bay Ridge have registered an unusual spike in activity since the war began, and the calls of the muezzin, as well as the sermons of the imam, can be heard live in many neighborhood businesses  at least in those that do not hang the Closed for Prayers sign in English and Arabic. Despite the massive influx at the mosques, and the fact that hate crimes have skyrocketed 214% since October 7  mostly against Jews, according to the New York Police Department  there has been no visible reinforcement of security around the mosques, of which there are two in just five blocks. Only one patrol car was stationed in front of the bigger one the first two days.

Neither Arab nor American, just Palestinian

Many men huddle on the street in groups, sharing videos of bombings in the Gaza Strip, while the women pass by, occasionally shedding tears. Ali, who punctuates his speech with religious references, has already made two decisions: Not to vote for the Democrats again because of Joe Bidens support for Israel, and not to speak Arabic again, even if it is the language of the Koran, because of the backstabbing that neighboring countries have dealt us. I no longer feel neither Arab nor American, just Palestinian.

Ali, a man in his late forties, was born and raised in New York, and he has an American wife and children. This is not a war of religion; in fact, we are very grateful for the support of some Jews who are demonstrating for the ceasefire and for the civilians of Gaza, but religion has nothing to do with it: [Israel] is also killing Christians, he adds, mentioning the airstrike against the 12th-century Greek Orthodox church of Saint Porphyry in Gaza, which left a dozen people dead. He takes out his cell phone and shows photos of the ruined church.

In the back room of his establishment, Ali starts a conversation with a client and with his friend and partner Zohair, a Palestinian born in Kuwait to refugee parents and who spent seven years in the West Bank in his younger years, a period that included four stints inside Israeli prisons for wanting to live free, for opposing the occupation. An American citizen, his first language remains Arabic and, although less religious than Ali, he also entrusts himself to Allah in the hope of a peaceful future. The present is a terrible wait, says Zohair, showing a video he has just received from the Jabalia refugee camp: a group of elderly people sharing a tray of mezze in a corner, while columns of smoke rise in the background. They just expect to die at any moment, and they do so without pain or fear, just with pride.

The questions that the West asks regarding the war  Will the conflict escalate? Is the two-state solution still viable?  make the friends grimace with skepticism. Do we fear that the war will spread to the West Bank? Even more so, you mean? Zoheir asks rhetorically. Until now Gaza was being bombed every few years [in reference to the wars of 2008-2009, 2012, 2014 and 2021], but in the West Bank, war is an everyday occurrence. There is a trickle of deaths, demolitions of houses [of detained Palestinians], daily arrests. A silent war, without headlines like this, but let no one explain to us what war is, because we already know it.

Should we fold our arms and wait for death?

About 700,000 Muslims live in New York, compared to a population of 1.1 million Jews, the largest Jewish community outside of Israel. There are around 9,000 Palestinians, although the number could be significantly higher because they all arrived in the United States with passports from the country where they lived as refugees. And then there are the new generations, born and raised in the Big Apple but with a family bond with Palestine that the war has helped reinforce.

Although this week saw the election of the second Muslim councilor to the City Council, his importance from an electoral point of view is limited. Not so in swing states like Michigan, where the vote of the Arab-Muslim community was decisive for Bidens victory in 2020. More than 200,000 registered Muslim voters live in Michigan, with 146,000 of them voting in 2020, according to Emgage, a political lobbying group for American Muslims. The Democratic candidate won by 155,000 votes over Donald Trump, but today they are tied in the polls, and Biden is even trailing the Republican. Although Trump is even less convincing to the Arab community  no Muslim in the United States can forget the immigration ban imposed in the first stages of his presidency on a dozen Arab nations  the collective support for Biden is suffering, not only because of the White Houses determined commitment to the war, but also because of the message he addressed to the nation on the third day of the offensive against Gaza, considered in Israel to be more Zionist than that of many other Zionists; for the decision to veto a resolution in the U.N. Security Council to create humanitarian pauses, or for repeatedly discrediting the death tolls given by the authorities of the Gaza Strip.

Posters supporting the population of Gaza on the window of a business in Bay Ridge (New York). Maria Antonia Sanchez-Vallejo

Bay Ridge residents, merchants and community leaders say their anguish is only increasing, as reports of both anti-Palestinian and anti-Semitic attacks continue to increase. Mahmud Kassem, 36, who has two aunts in Gaza whose fate is unknown, has seen his Al Aqsa restaurant lose customers due to the war. His popular falafel and shawarma establishment, once a neighborhood hangout, began receiving devastating criticism online, in a move he considers orchestrated. Fortunately, I still have my regular clients, including some Jews, but I dont sell like I did before, explains Kassem. His mother, who was visiting her sisters in Gaza City, managed to flee the enclave on October 7, taking refuge with a relative in East Jerusalem.

The business also sells protest T-shirts and keffiyeh, and he does not fear reprisals or attacks for his open support of Palestine, which is evident in the number of flags that decorate the premises. But its not just popular establishments that are showing their support for the cause: very close by, on the main avenue of the neighborhood, a luxury law firm has wrapped a golden representation of Justice in the Palestinian flag and a keffiyeh. They are Nazis, they want to exterminate us, they are not normal people, says Kassem about the Israelis. The way they behave towards us has never been humane, he insists, pointing out that the Islamophobia triggered by the 9/11 attacks has now been renewed and is stronger than ever following the Hamas attacks.

Palestinians are not terrorists; like all human beings, we want the best for our loved ones, to live in peace and to prosper if possible, but there is no one in Gaza who can do that: everyone has lost someone, I myself have lost several of my cousins in the war of 2014, now entire families are dying... What do they expect us to do? Fold our arms and wait for death? asks Kassem. If Gaza falls, Palestine is history.

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[November 15, 2023] NX China Presents Endowed Lecture at Beijing Wuzi University Tweet

TOKYO, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nippon Express (China) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "NX China"), a group company of NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC., presented its 13th endowed lecture at Beijing Wuzi University (hereinafter "BWU") on October 26. Logo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/202311132706-O3-6GUXIU3r Photo1: East Asia Regional General Manager Sumitoshi Matsuo giving the lecture

https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M103866/202311132706/_prw_PI1lg_6b1303rT.jpg Photo2: Beijing Wuzi University students listening to the lecture

htps://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M103866/202311132706/_prw_PI4lg_o30fAwa0.jpg



Founded in 1980, BWU is a university specializing in logistics and distribution, and about 8,000 students are enrolled in its nine undergraduate faculties covering 28 departments. One of these faculties, the school of logistics established in 2006, ranks among China's best in the field and offers well-equipped educational facilities and a favorable research environment. NX China signed a letter of intent on strategic cooperation with BWU in 2012 and has since continued industrial-academic collaborative efforts that include creating NX Scholarships and offering endowed lectures.

East Asia Regional General Manager Sumitoshi Matsuo presented this latest endowed lecture, which introduced the NX Group, discussed the customers' changing demands on logistics companies, and offered example case studies of proposals to customers. He wrapped up the lecture by commenting, "I sensed the students' enthusiasm for logistics, and I hope they will become personnel capable of contributing to the logistics industry on a global scale in future." Approximately 120 students attended this lecture, and many of them remarked that they had gained a deeper understanding of the changing needs of the logistics industry. The NX Group will continue actively engaging in social contribution activities in the East Asia region to help develop human resources who can play active roles in the logistics industry. Nippon Express website: https://www.nipponexpress.com/ Nippon Express Group's official LinkedIn account:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/nippon-express-group/ SOURCE NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC.

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[November 15, 2023] nShift: Retailers urged to strengthen shipping processes as ecommerce sales set to exceed $900bn Tweet

The right delivery management lays the foundations for international expansion LONDON, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- European ecommerce sales are tipped to hit $902billion by 2027, representing huge revenue opportunities for vendors.[1] To take advantage of this chance for growth, a new guide is encouraging ecommerce and omnichannel retailers to ensure that they have the shipping infrastructure in place to deliver for customers, keep their promises and expand beyond borders. " Shipping for growth " is the latest guide from nShift, the global leader in parcel delivery management and shipping software. As consumer expectations around the online shopping experience continue to grow, the guide notes that retailers must meet expectations around the delivery process at every stage of growth. This includes increasing efficiency and flexibility in order to offer a greater choice of delivery and returns options. The guide shows how the right shipping process can: Lay the foundations for growth  with flexibility and efficiency. Automating the label printing and carrier booking process significantly improves warehouse efficiency and rduces mistakes Facilitate a range of delivery options to build loyalty  delivery management software that provides a large range of ready-made carrier connections makes it possible to give consumers the choice they desire Provide a springboard into new markets  quickly and easily connecting their business to hundreds of international and regional carriers will allow retailers to give their customers the best shipping options for every parcel, regardless of where it's being dispatched from or delivered to



Johan Hellman , Vice President Product & Carrier at nShift said: "The global growth of ecommerce represents huge opportunities for brands and retailers. But no growth can be sustained if the customer experience fails to deliver. It is often how the delivery process is managed that determines whether shoppers will buy from the retailer again and recommend it to friends. "nShift's carrier library contains ready-made connections to over 1000 carrier companies around the world. This makes it possible to offer a range of delivery options, ensure capacity during busy periods and seamlessly manage reverse logistics. We make it easier to manage shipping rules and calculate international freight costs."

Download the guide: " Shipping for growth: how building the right delivery experience can facilitate scalable growth ." About nShift nShift is the global leading provider of cloud delivery management solutions enabling frictionless shipment and return of almost one billion shipments across 190 countries annually. nShift's software is used globally by e-commerce, retail, manufacturing and 3PL shippers. The company is headquartered in London and Oslo. It has over 500 employees across offices in Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, United Kingdom, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium and Romania. [1] https://www.statista.com/forecasts/715663/e-commerce-revenue-forecast-in-europe Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1782566/nShift_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/nshift-retailers-urged-to-strengthen-shipping-processes-as-ecommerce-sales-set-to-exceed-900bn-301987925.html

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[November 15, 2023] Shopee Live Drives 82-Times Local Seller Growth During 11.11 Tweet

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Shopee achieved a remarkable 82-fold surge in Shopee Live orders for local sellers during the 11.11 Big Sale, driven by a strategic combination of increased new user traffic, exclusive live-only deals, and engaging livestream sessions. Shopee Live saw a staggering 14-fold increase in first-time viewers and recorded over 40 million engagements  users flocked to the platform for irresistible promotions, including 90% off vouchers, participated in the Kotak Duit Misteri game show, and enjoyed real-time product demonstrations. 15-times more Shopee Mall brands utilised Shopee Live compared to an average day, sharing in-depth product knowledge and building trust with potential cusomers. Over 5,000 Shopee Mall brands, including 70mai, Dessini, Skechers, SKINTIFIC, and Vinda, participated in the campaign, offering authentic products with a 15-Day Return Policy and an 8x Money Back Guarantee.



"This 11.11, Shopee achieved record-breaking results, hitting a total global gross merchandise value of USD1 Billion within a single day. We sincerely thank all our partner brands and sellers, and our valued shoppers for their support over the years, without which we could never have achieved this tremendous result. In Malaysia - this 11.11 has been our biggest sales day of all time!" said Kenneth Soh, Head of Marketing at Shopee Malaysia. "We remain dedicated to bringing unparalleled shopping experiences and continuous innovation to our users. The strategic empowerment of Malaysian sellers has been crucial, as Shopee has supported and enabled businesses to thrive in the digital space," Soh added.

Malaysians searched for 'Women's shoes,' 'women's blouse,' 'dress,' 'handbag,' and 'women's sandals' the most, while skincare, plus-size women's clothes and jewellery were the top-selling fashion and beauty products. The momentum was evident as over 1.3 million products were sold within the first 2-hours of the sale. ELGINI Apparel, Kacang Republika Premium, Kedai Abang Syukor, Panda Eyes, and SKINTIFIC were the most viewed live streams of 11.11, presenting interesting and informative content for their users. "Shopee is incredibly proud of the success of our local sellers in this year's 11.11 Big Sale, and are committed to supporting them as they grow their businesses with us. We aim to provide our sellers with the tools and resources they need to succeed on e-commerce. We will continue to innovate and deliver even more engaging and immersive shopping experiences for our users," Soh concluded. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/shopee-live-drives-82-times-local-seller-growth-during-11-11--301988658.html SOURCE Shopee Malaysia

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[November 15, 2023] Tessellate BIO, an Emerging Precision Oncology Company, Announces the Appointment of World-Leading Scientists to its Scientific Advisory Board Tweet

AMSTERDAM and LONDON, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tessellate BIO, a preclinical stage biotechnology company with a focus on novel Synthetic Lethality approaches, today announces the appointment of multiple international experts to its Scientific Advisory Board.

A key part of Tessellate BIOs strategy is to source cutting-edge research from international world-renowned laboratories to bring into its drug discovery programs. The SAB plays an important role in building Tessellate BIOs academic networks and in guiding the companys scientific strategy. The SAB is composed of Drs. Roger Reddel, Hilda Pickett, Claus Azzalin, Andrew Deans, Christopher Lord, Rene Bernards, George Demetri, Giulio Draetta and Timothy Yap. It is chaired by Prof. Roger Reddel, Director of Children's Medical Research Institute (CMRI), and Sir Lorimer Dods, Professor, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney. Prof. Reddel is the discoverer of the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) mechanism in human cancers, which is addressed by Tessellate BIOs lead program, and a co-inventor of the ALT-specific companion diagnostic tool, the c-circle assay, which Tessellate BIO is co-developing as a companion diagnostic. Dr. Jurgen Moll, Tessellate BIO CSO, said, Our goal is to redefine Synthetic Lethality, taking it beyond its proven potential in Homology Recombination Deficiency, and into areas where it can impact more cancers and more patients. Such a high-calibre SAB not only validates our approach but will play a vital role in ensuring we can identify the best in international science as we build our pipeline. Prof. Roger Reddel, Tessellate BIO SAB chair, said, I have been impressed with the Tessellate BIO team and believe they have a huge opportunity to move Synthetic Lethality beyond HRD, not only with their lead ALT program, but by applying the same approach more widely. The SAB has an exceptional depth of expertise, and I believe I speak for all the members in saying we are very excited to be involved in helping Tessellate BIO achieve its mission of turning cancer patients into cancer survivors. The Tessellate BIO Scientific Advisory Board additional members (chaired by Prof. Roger Reddel) Hilda Pickett and Claus Azzalin are Tessellate BIOs co-founders and SAB members. Prof. Hilda Pickett, BSc (Hons), PhD, is Head of the Telomere Length Regulation Unit at Childrens Medical Research Institute (CMRI) and Professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Syney, Australia. Prof. Claus Maria Azzalin, MSc, PhD, is the Head of the Telomeres, Long Noncoding RNAs and Genome Stability Unit at the Instituto de Medicina Molecular Joao Lobo Antunes (iMM) and Invited Professor at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Lisbon, Portugal.



Prof. George D. Demetri, MD, is a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Director at the Center for Sarcoma and Bone Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), and Quick Family Chair, Medical Oncology at the DFCI in Boston, US. Prof. Giulio Draetta, MD, PhD, is Director at the Institute for Applied Cancer Science, and Chief Scientific Officer and Professor of Genomic Medicine at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Prof. Timothy Yap, MD, PhD, FRCP, is Professor in the Department for Investigational Cancer Therapeutics and the Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, as well as Vice President, Head of Clinical Development in the Therapeutics Discovery Division and Associate Director of Translational Research in the Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy. Prof. Andrew Deans is Associate Professor and Head of the Genome Stability Unit at St. Vincents Institute for Medical Research in Melbourne, Australia. Prof. Christopher Lord, D.Phil., is Deputy Head of Division, Deputy Director of the Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, Group Leader of the CRUK Gene Function Laboratory and Professor of Cancer Genomics at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), in London, UK. Prof. Rene Bernards, PhD, is Group Leader at the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI) in Amsterdam and Professor of Molecular Carcinogenesis at Utrecht University, the Netherlands. For further information contact: Tessellate BIO

Andree Blaukat, CEO - [email protected] Media Enquiries

Charles Consultants

Sue Charles  [email protected] +44 (0)7968 726585

Chris Gardner - [email protected] +44 (0)7956 031077 About Tessellate BIO Tessellate BIO discovers and develops novel precision oncology medicines with the mission to turn cancer patients into cancer survivors. A private preclinical stage biotechnology company, Tessellate BIO is redefining Synthetic Lethality by developing drugs that target unexplored or difficult to drug pathways beyond HRD. The companys strategy is to drive small molecule drug discovery towards novel, validated oncology targets and, critically, the parallel development of associated companion diagnostics, including a potentially best-in-class diagnostic to detect ALT positive cancers for identification of treatment-eligible patients. The company also has follow-on programs in tumor suppressor Loss-of-Function (LoF) settings. Led by an experienced team of drug hunters, the company is building a pipeline of first-in-class medicines based on cutting-edge research sourced from international world-renowned laboratories including Childrens Medical Research Institute (CMRI), Australia and Instituto de Medicina Molecular (iMM), Portugal. Its lead program targets complexes that are critical for the ALT mechanism including the FANCM protein complex. Headquartered in the Netherlands and with research labs at the Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, UK, Tessellate BIO is supported by top-tier life science investors BioGeneration Ventures (BGV) and Forbion. For more information, please visit: www.tessellatebio.com | follow us on LinkedIn



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[November 15, 2023] Ryan Launches Ryan TaxPay to Transform the Global Business Tax Payment Process Tweet

Ryan, a leading global tax services and software provider, has announced the launch of Ryan TaxPay (powered by Desucla), a single, secure platform to facilitate the automation of all global tax payments. Designed for companies that need to make regular payments to one or multiple foreign tax authorities to meet a variety of tax payment obligations, Ryan TaxPay is an online platform that fully manages the payment calendar, including the conversion of source funds to each required local currency, payment to each tax authority recipient, and submission of any required tax payment references. As part of the offering, clients have access to the Ryan service team to provide proactive support and assistance. The automation of tax payments can bring considerable cost benefits. By simply uploading one amount onto the platform, it is estimated that users of Ryan TaxPay can achieve at least a 25% reduction in foreign exchange rates compared to standard bank rates. It also establishes a clear audit trail and enables users to centralise management and oversight of payments. The platform has been developed in partnership with tax technology provider Desucla and forms part of Ryan's long-term strategy to bring to market a range of tax payment solutions suitable for clients of all sizes and their individual needs. "Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of our clients' people, processes, data, and systems to transform their tax function into a best practice environment continues to be our main focus," said Jon C. Sweet, Ryan President of European and Asia-Pacific Operations. "Ryan has always taken an innovative approach to developing solutions to meet the needs of ourclients worldwide. With tax authorities increasingly demanding more regular payments of a wider range of taxes, the launch of Ryan TaxPay will be particularly valuable to our global clients needing a new way to meet their tax payment obligations."



"Payment of taxes in foreign territories is an inevitable requirement for global businesses. We have been working with our clients to understand the associated challenges and come up with new, innovative solutions to them," said Andrew Burman, Ryan Principal, Tax Transformation. "We strongly believe that Ryan TaxPay and our partnership with Desucla can help make the entire process more efficient by transforming how these obligations can be managed, cutting through complexity, and saving exchange rate costs and time via a single global tax payment solution that is fully managed, automated, transparent, and scalable." "We are excited to be partnering and collaborating with the world's leading tax firm to bring this transformational offering to the market," said Richard Baxter, Founder and CEO, Desucla. "Combining Ryan's transformation expertise with Desucla's technology and infrastructure, enables us to provide our partners with an end-to-end service through our Global Tax Agency Support Services proposition, including simplified tax payments for many clients around the world."

About Desucla Desucla specialises in tax and payment solutions to empower cross-border trade. We simplify complexity and provide intelligent solutions for international commerce. Our bespoke Software-as-a-Service (Saas) platform makes global feel local and minimises the complicated burdens of submissions and payments. Clients can now manage tax reporting, representation, and remittances all in one place. Our platform provides our 1,000+ international clients with certainty in existing export markets and a trusted companion when opening new frontiers. Merchants can select the right combination of products to move goods effectively into and out of Europe, manage regional tax obligations, and discharge local payment liabilities. Our tax payments platform means that for the first time, there is now a payments service linked directly to tax authorities across Europe. Being a FinTech company, we offer optimal foreign exchange rate conversion, market-leading settlement terms, and straight-through payment processing. Coupled with Desucla's deep experience, clients can be confident that they will be able to pay the right amount, to the right account, at the right time, with nothing left to chance. We are a key delivery partner for global tax advisory specialists, and we know that simplifying tax through innovation means business can thrive. More information about Desucla can be found at desucla.com. About Ryan Ryan, an award-winning global tax services and software provider, is the largest Firm in the world dedicated exclusively to business taxes. The Firm provides an integrated suite of international tax services on a multijurisdictional basis, including cost management, compliance, consulting, technology and transformation, and innovation funding. Ryan is an 11-time recipient of the International Service Excellence Award from the Customer Service Institute of America (CSIA) for its commitment to world-class client service. Empowered by the dynamic myRyan work environment, which is widely recognised as the most innovative in the tax services industry, Ryan's multidisciplinary team of more than 4,500 professionals and associates serves over 24,000 clients in more than 60 countries, including many of the world's most prominent Global 5000 companies. More information about Ryan can be found at ryan.com/europe. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115932518/en/

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[November 15, 2023] Liquid Wind joins North Sweden delegation to raise awareness about the Swedish green industrial transition at the 2023 European Hydrogen Week in Brussels Tweet

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Liquid Wind is proud to announce that they are joining a delegation of leading Swedish green industry companies, academia and organizations to participate in the 2023 European Hydrogen Week in Brussels between November 20-23. The delegation participates in a joint expo aimed at raising awareness of the green industrial revolution currently taking place in northern Sweden. One key aspect of this initiative is to welcome additional stakeholders to become part of an emerging hydrogen ecosystem, critical for transitioning industries and the reduction of carbon emissions within the European Union as well as globally. Caroline Bath, Public Affairs Manager at Liquid Wind, says:

"Liquid Wind is proud to be part of the North Sweden delegation at European Hydrogen Week this year. Northern Sweden is a very attractive geographical location for our electrofuel development projects, and together with our valued partners we are fully committed to playing an active role in shaping the future of sustainable energy and driving the green industrial transition in Sweden and Europe." Participating companies and organizations in the North Sweden Pavillion 2023:

SSAB, H2 Green Steel, Nordion Energi, Ionautics, Liquid Wind, Zelk Energy, Lhyfe Sweden, Umea Energi, Lulea University of Technology via CH2ESS, Umea University, RISE, Swerim, Skelleftea Kraft, Region Norrbotten, Region Vasterbotten, the County Administrative Board of Norrbotten, Invest in Norrbotten and the municipalities of Boden, Gallivare, Lulea and Pitea. Booth: The North Sweden Pavillion  I60  Hall 7. About the European Hydrogen Week:

European Hydrogen Week is an annual thematic week that brings together EU policy makers, public authorities and companies involved in the green transition via hydrogen. It is the largest annual event entirely dedicated to hydrogen and is led by the European Commission together with the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and its members, Hydrogen Europe, and Hydrogen Europe Research. The Week includes both a high-level conference for institutional delegates and industry representatives, a research conference, and an expo with an exhibition area where prominent hydrogen ventures showcase their projects. Hydrogen is seen as an exellent opportunity to store and deliver energy without carbon dioxide emissions and is an area where northern Sweden is in many ways at the forefront of development. Contact: Klaudija Cavala, Head of Digital, Marketing & Communications [email protected] The following files are available for download:







https://mb.cision.com/Main/18536/3876177/2431383.pdf PRESS RELEASE_Liquid Wind_European Hydrogen Week_15 November 2023 https://news.cision.com/liquid-wind/i/h2-week-brussels-image,c3239375 H2 Week Brussels image https://news.cision.com/liquid-wind/i/caroline-ba-th-public-affairs-manager-liquid-wind,c3239392 Caroline Ba th Public Affairs Manager Liquid Wind

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/liquid-wind-joins-north-sweden-delegation-to-raise-awareness-about-the-swedish-green-industrial-transition-at-the-2023-european-hydrogen-week-in-brussels-301988727.html SOURCE Liquid Wind

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[November 15, 2023]

GCLSI Showcases PV + Energy Storage Solutions at the 2023 PVS ASEAN Conference & Expo - Reinforcing its Image as a One-stop Energy Solution Provider

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- GCLSI, a one-stop energy solution provider for intelligent energy systems, is participating in the PVS ASEAN Conference & Expo (PVS ASEAN) in Indonesia, taking place at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition from November 14 to 16. The company is showcasing its groundbreaking products at booth 2906, while exploring new opportunities for renewable energy with industry peers.

PVS ASEAN, themed "Building a Sustainable Indonesia with Solar Innovation and Energy Storage," is a landmark event that sheds light on the economic contributions that solar energy can bring to Indonesia.

Catering to the emerging demand for PV + ESS solutions in the local market, GCLSI brings along two flagship products from its ESS category: the AIO household horizontal energy storage system (EVO-OLVP1-5K/5-30kWh) and the GCL Honor BP RY-BP50/BP100, along with the display of its comprehensive product portfolio from FBR Granular silicon, ultra-efficient bifacial n-type cells, to high-efficiency n-type modules.

From Expansion to Global Leadership: GCLSI's Journy as an Integrated Photovoltaic (PV) + Energy Storage Solutions Provider







In addition to offering a comprehensive selection of PV module solutions, GCLSI has been increasing its involvement in the ESS market. GCLSI Energy Storage Technology Research Center boasts a professional team with abundant experience in energy storage technologies and battery management. Its services include energy storage system R&D, project development, EPC turnkey solutions, power plant operation & maintenance, and a one-stop solution for power station equipment.

GCLSI's energy storage systems seamlessly meet various functional requirements from both grid-side and user-side in the industrial and commercial fields. They can be deployed in scenarios such as factories, industrial parks, office buildings, valleys, mountains, deserts, and islands.

Its integrated home energy system solution enables a comprehensive work mode, including PV energy storage complementary management, peak-shaving, valley-filling, and emergency power supply. This solution enhances household self-sufficiency and weans off reliance on traditional energy sources.

To improve global supply and after-sales services, GCLSI has established local warehouses and stocked inventory in Australia and Germany. They are planning to construct a local warehouse in Spain and a bonded warehouse in Rotterdam. Furthermore, GCLSI has established a sales agency system in countries including Serbia, Singapore, and Thailand.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/gclsi-showcases-pv--energy-storage-solutions-at-the-2023-pvs-asean-conference--expo--reinforcing-its-image-as-a-one-stop-energy-solution-provider-301988737.html

SOURCE GCLSI
[November 15, 2023] Rivada forges an alliance with TMT firm NOW Corp to bring The OuterNET to the Philippines Tweet

Next-Generation Satellite Network is Key for Resilient Connectivity and Business Growth Unique global data constellation using satellite-to-satellite laser links

Ultra-secure and extremely low latency network

Combining the speed of fiber with the reach of satellite

Rivada aims to be part of the Trusted Network initiative being championed by NOW in the Indo-Pacific region MUNICH, and MANILA, Philippines, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NOW Corporation, a telecom, media and technology company listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange, is partnering with Rivada Space Networks to provide a unique next generation connectivity network for the Philippines. Enterprises' increasing demand to move large quantities of data securely and quickly around the world is fast outpacing the current infrastructure used to carry it. Terrestrial and legacy satellite networks, in particular, are clearly sub-optimal for business communications in terms of speed, security and latency. NOW Corporation will harness the OuterNET where Rivada's seamless connectivity will ramp up performance, improve security, and increase customer efficiency. Rivada's industry-leading solutions will provide resiliency for high quality voice, video and data solutions to enterprises that require secure infrastructure, such as banking and financial services, mining and transportation. Rivada's OuterNET is also particularly well suited for the low latency and secure connectivity required by national and local government and defence sectors and will play a key role in NOW Corp's goal of providing trusted connectivity to critical infrastructure projects in the Philippines. NOW Telecom, NOW Corp's associate and telecom arm, recently secured a grant from the US Trade and Development Agency for the development of reliable and secure nationwide 5G mobile and broadband networks in the Philippines. Rivada's global low-latency point-to-point connectivity network of 600 low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, the "OuterNET," is a unique next-generation architecture combing inter-satellite laser links with advanced onboard processing that provide unique routing and switching capabilities to create an optical mesh network in space. This approach to "orbital networking," in which data stays in space from origin to destination, creates an ultra-secure satellite network with pole-to-pole coverage, offering end-to-end latencies much lower than terrestrial fiber over similar long distances. And by routing traffic on a physically separated network, it provides a layer of defense for any organization that needs to securely share data between widely distributed sites. NOW Corp President and CEO, Henry Andrews Abes said: "We welcome Rivada as one of the satellite partners that NOW has forged an alliance with. As we aim to link and to secure critical infrastructures in the Philippines, we aim to provide the most reliable and secure connectivity to our intended market. Rivada's OuterNET will revolutionize how telecom services are provided to government agencies and companies employing mission-critical and security-sensitive applications and services across the 7,600 islands of the Philippines. We look forward to working with Rivad alongside other trusted partners."



Declan Ganley, CEO, Rivada Space Networks, said: "We are delighted to be working with a dynamic company like NOW Corp and be part of its Trusted Network initiative." Ganley added: "The OuterNET allows satellites to go beyond their traditional role of 'gap-filler.' The OuterNET is a fully inter-connected space network, which is rapidly becoming the infrastructure of choice for secure data communications." Rivada's OuterNET will solve essential connectivity and networking challenges and open up new opportunities for business communications globally. The first satellite launch is set for 2025, with global service starting in 2026.

About Rivada Space Networks Rivada Space Networks GmbH is deploying the first true "OuterNET": a global low latency point-to-point connectivity network of LEO satellites. By connecting its satellites with lasers, Rivada Space Networks will provide resellers and B2B customers with the ability to securely connect any two points on the globe with low latency and high bandwidth. The constellations, comprising 600?low-earth-orbit communications satellites, will represent a fundamental change in the availability of secure, global, end-to-end enterprise-grade connectivity for Telecom, Enterprise, Maritime, Energy and Government Services markets. Rivada Space Networks is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rivada Networks, Inc.?www.rivadaspace.com Follow Rivada Space Networks on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rivada-space/

Twitter: @rivadaspace Media Contacts

Melanie Dickie, SVP Marketing & Communication

Rivada Space Networks GmbH

Tel: +31 6 14 22 97 62

Email: [email protected]m Brian Carney, SVP Corporate Communications

Rivada Networks, Inc

Tel: +1 (207) 256-0386

Email: [email protected] About NOW Corp The NOW Group is Philippine-based conglomerate with investments in telecom, media, and technology (TMT). Among its portfolio of companies is NOW Corporation, a publicly traded company in the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE: NOW). NOW specializes in offering Unified Connectivity, ICT Applications for Business Enhancement, Managed ICT Services, IT Manpower Services, and Cybersecurity solutions. In November 2022, the U.S. Government recognized NOW Telecom, an affiliate of NOW Corp, as its partner in deploying 5G technologies and establishing a secure nationwide broadband network across the Philippines. For a preliminary insight into the partnership between NOW Telecom and the U.S. Government, kindly visit https://now-telecom.com/usgovpartnership/ Moreover, the White House has officially commemorated our collaboration in their statement. You can read more about it https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/11/20/fact-sheet-vice-president-harris-launches-new-initiatives-to-strengthen-u-s-philippines-alliance/ www.now-corp.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rivada-forges-an-alliance-with-tmt-firm-now-corp-to-bring-the-outernet-to-the-philippines-301988741.html SOURCE Rivada Space Networks

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[November 15, 2023] Manni Group Launches Innovative Architectural Training Course with a Lecture from Bjarke Ingels Group Tweet

VERONA, Italy, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Manni Group, an international prominent player in steel building industry, has announced the launch of an advanced educational program focusing on cutting-edge off-site technologies for architecture, organized in partnership with YACademy, post-graduate institute dedicated to architectural education. This unique initiative, aimed at fostering the adoption of modern construction methods among emerging young designers, is developed with the support of industry leaders ROCKWOOL as Main Sponsor and BASF as Sponsor, and patronised by Edera, Fondazione Promozione Acciaio, UNICMI, ADI, EURAC and ILFI Associations. By aligning with the ambitious goals of the EU Green Deal, Manni Group aims to contribute to the crucial mission of reducing carbon footprints in the construction sector. Titled "Off-Site Technologies for Architecture", the program of the course underscores Manni Group's dedication to driving social and cultural progress. The course is designed to equip budding architects and engineers with specialized knowledge in off-site design and hold by an exclusive panel of teachers including Nicola Scaranaro of Foster&Partners Studio, Paolo Matteuzzi of Zaha Hadid Architects, Paolo Cresci of Arup and Giulio Rigoni of Bjarke Ingels Group. Participants will gain practical insights into the latest technical advancements and design possibilities through a comprehensive curriculum involving theoretical lectures, interactive workshops, and on-site visits to prominent construction projects. "The desire to create culture", explains Francesco Manni, President of Manni Group, "is a vision extremely dear to Giuseppe Manni, President of our Group until his last day, who was able to convey strength and optimism by always underlining the importance of knowledge in the company. For this reason, within the "Off-site Technologies for Architecture" course a scholarship has been established in his name, so that talents at an international level have the opportunity to access very high-level training aimed at specializing future architecture and engineering professionals." Scheduled to run from November 30, 2023, to February16, 2024, in the vibrant city of Bologna, the course symbolizes Manni Group's steadfast commitment to an all-encompassing ESG strategy. By integrating environmentally conscious construction practices and nurturing young talents, the initiative addresses critical environmental concerns while socially contributing to the progress of urban development.



"Anyone working in the sector has a duty to consider themselves a non-marginal player in the protection of the environment and the well-being of those who will inhabit the planet. "Offsite Technologies for Architecture" was in fact initiated by the above-mentioned reflections: a concrete project to develop skills and professionalism for the construction of an ethical future in line with the decarbonization objectives of the EU Green Deal. Construction science and off-site technologies can make the difference, therefore, it is necessary to start from education, so that today's designers are increasingly able to offer solutions and answers for the future. We thank those who believe in this project", states Enrico Frizzera, CEO of Manni Group. The unveiling event was hosted last 13th of November at the prestigious ADI Design Museum in Milan, which houses the historical collection of the Compasso d'Oro Award of ADI, the organization that also Manni Group is member of. The conference featured influential figures from the design and education sectors. The protagonists of the debate, Annalisa Andaloro, Scientific Director of the EURAC Face course, along with Architect Giulio Rigoni of the Bjarke Ingels Group Studio, delivered compelling insights into the pivotal role of off-site technology in advancing sustainable architectural solutions. The presentation of this high-level initiative was a special occasion to gather a private company - which is not only as an operator within the industry sector, but also as a promoter of the culture of off-site construction - with the world of architecture, putting the technical know-how together with the prestigious experience of authoritative exponents of the architecture sector at the service of the young designers of tomorrow.

For more information about the course, please visit: https://ota-course.mannigroup.com/en/ About Manni Group: With over 75 years of industry experience, Manni Group remains at the forefront of delivering innovative solutions and expertise in the field of dry construction. Committed to promoting sustainable principles in real estate and design, the company's comprehensive approach contributes to enhancing the eco-friendliness and energy efficiency of projects. Manni Group has been recognized with prestigious certifications, including LEED, BREEAM, and the esteemed ILFI DECLARE label. About YACademy: With 15 Pritzker prize winners - the "Nobels" of architecture - on its teaching panel, YACademy is the first post-graduate institute in the world born from the comparison and collaboration between the most illustrious names in contemporary design and architecture. From the definition of programs to the delivery of teaching, every aspect is taken care of by the greatest creative studios of our time. Thanks to the collaboration with well-known professional realities, YACademy qualifies itself as the ideal context in which a young person can complete or update their skills to give impetus to their career through the connection with the most important studios on the international scene. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2277535/Manni_Group_ADI.jpg

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[November 15, 2023] H&H Group becomes Aura Tweet

Building trust and growth for businesses and society STOCKHOLM , Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aura, one of Sweden's leading consulting groups, includes Hallvarsson & Halvarsson, Jung, Intellecta, Comprend, Berntzon:Bylund, Creo, Wonderland, Involve, Mods and Axiom. Under its new name, Aura strengthens its group offering to assist ambitious clients in building trust and sustainable growth with technology as an accelerator. "Trust is a crucial element in society and essential for the ability of companies and organizations to grow. Trusted brands grow faster, deliver better results and retain their employees longer. At the same time, we see that brands that grow in a sustainable way, strengthen their trust," says Martin Petersson, President & CEO of Aura. To unite perspectives and integrate the group's diverse competencies, Mats Ronne, strategic advisor at one of the agencies within Aura, has been involved in developing a research-based model that clarifies the variables driving trust and growth, and how these interact. "Trust and growth drive each other and are interconnected like yin and yang. By combining these in a common model, we meet a clear market demand. Large clients, complex challenges, and transformative brand journeys require a common framework to be manageable for both clients and advisors. The overall model can then be broken down into individual parts and concrete metrics, but Trust and Growth should not be developed in silos," says Mats Ronne. Several of Aura's companies specialize in trust-building communication, while others are experts in creativity, technology, and growth. In total, over 600 specialists work in the partner-owned group that generated over 1 billion SEK in revenue last year. "No consulting group in the Nordics and few in Europe offer the same diversity of perspectives as Aura, with a strong foundation in trust, sustainable growth, and technology. At Aura, specialists in Public Affairs, IR, social change, and sustainability collaborate with experts in brand building, creativity, tech-enabled communication and marketing, PR, and advertising. Our companies are incredibly competent individually, and through Aura, we can handle assignments that no single entity can manage. When different perspectives meet, magic happens," concludes Martin Petersson. Aura has gradually brought its agencies together in shared offices in Stockholm, Malmo, Helsingborg, Linkoping, Gdansk, Helsinki, and London. The ten agencies operate independently but strengthen their offerings through Aura, collectively providing a partnership for the most ambitious clients. Recently, Aura ranked 43rd on PRovoke Media's global ranking. With a growth of 44.6 percent in 2022, Aura was the eighth fastest-growing company (in the category of large agencies with revenue over 30 million USD). For more information, visit aura.group or send an email to [email protected].



Martin Petersson, President & CEO Aura

Tel: +46 70 97 112 91 The following files are available for download:







https://mb.cision.com/Main/16085/3876256/2431375.pdf Aura press release ENG

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hh-group-becomes-aura-301988816.html

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You wake up in a bed that is not your own. You wake up in your bed with someone you dont know. You wake up in a subway car with dozens of people getting on and getting off all around you. You wake up at home alone, with your vagina stinging, or aching, or with a bite mark, or with a bruise that you dont recall receiving. Once, or more than once. The anguish of having no recollection of the previous hours and the desperation of not knowing what happened. Or at least, not with any clarity. You think: What did I do?, What did I say?, Why did I go there? or Why did I go with that person? Suddenly, a certain song makes you uneasy, or you become nauseous from new car smell, or when a person grabs your hand, the act is disconcerting.

This is how, as if they were in a dark spiral, women who have been the victim of a sexual aggression that they cant remember wake up and continue living. Some of them consumed drugs, or alcohol or both. The so-called chemical submission can be opportunistic  the aggressor takes advantage of the victim having drank or used drugs. More commonly, it is planned  the aggressor purposefully drugs the victim with the objective of assaulting them. It can happen in clubs or bars or parties or festivals, but also in the place we call home, between partners or family members. The lack of recall makes it difficult to process what happened, to integrate it into ones life, to carry on.

How many times has this happened? Its hard to say with certainty. It is estimated that 90% of sexual violence is never reported. In general, in Spain its calculated that we only find out about one of every 10 aggressions. The latest numbers provided by the Interior Ministry to this newspaper regarding sexual aggressions with and without penetration that took place with the help of drugs or pharmaceuticals reflect a rise in cases: 28 in 2015, 33 in 2016, 43 in 2017, 50 in 2018 and 59 in 2019. In 2020, despite the confinement and restrictions of the pandemic, there were 39. In 2021 there were 64, in 2022 160 were registered; this year, counting only up to June, 136.

The other statistic we know is that of the National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, which states that in 2021, of the 3,001 sexual aggressions that were verified, in 994 cases drug testing was administered due to the suspicion that the act could have been committed when the victim was under chemical submission. There were positive results in 72% of these cases. The institute estimates that, given numbers from over the past five years, approximately 33% of sexual aggressions can be of this type, that is, one in three, said the then-Minister of Justice, Pilar Llop, when she presented the report.

What do exist are stories and theories  based on the experiences of those who have suffered, who can and want to talk, and those of professionals from diverse fields who accompany them after the fact  of what the consequences are for individuals when their memory has faded to black. Imagine mothers and fathers whose children have been disappeared, the desperation that they have to know, and how its so much when they dont know, because they wind up imagining things that are so much more terrible than what actually happened, explains Victoria Carbajal, the director of Asturiass 24-hour sexual violence crisis center, one of two that are currently operating in Spain, alongside a facility in Madrid. In her center, 476 women have been provided services since November 25, 2020, when it opened. 48 had suffered an aggression via chemical submission. And those are only the cases we found that were crystal clear, she says.

For these women, just like for any other, the intervention they need is the same, says Yolanda Trigueros, the coordinator for CIMASCAM (the Center for Integral Attention to Women Victims of Sexual Violence  Madrid regional government), open since 2009. That is to say, an integral intervention that guarantees the recovery to which they have a right.

Not remembering and guilt

Nonetheless, there are two fundamental differences that set apart sexual aggression via chemical submission. One, from a psychological point of view, is related to not remembering. The woman knows what has happened, but it is a knowledge without a name and without certainty. We work with what is imagined and what is feared, says Triguerous. The other is a guilt that is somehow different from normal guilt, that which is assigned to women by rape culture for not having done everything they could have to protect themselves.

Last Monday, Trigueros attended a woman who had come to the clinic. She told me, I knew something had happened to me as soon as I woke up, but I didnt understand until days later. Thats because you have to put the story back together. There are times in which flashbacks happen hours later, days later or months later. Thats when they come at all, because they dont always.

According to the most extensive report on sexual violence to date, Integrated empirical analysis and quantitative estimation of (nonconsensual) violent sexual behaviors in Spain, the information that is available on the impact of sexual violence on victims, which is generally self-reported, corresponds to an underestimation of the reality of sexual violence, and there are numerous barriers, above all psychological, which cause victims to fail to report what has happened to them, as if they were simply recorders of their lived experiences. Among them, not identifying what has happened to them as an aggression, confusion, stress, self-incrimination and genuine problems of amnesia and difficulties in recall.

And perhaps the memory isnt visual or auditory, but it is there. The body has its own memory. The fact that I dont remember does not mean that my body has forgotten, points out Violeta Garcia, a psychologist who is an expert in sexual violence. Reactions of rejection or fear or anguish that are difficult to understand may begin to occur: when someone pushes your hair back, grazes your arm, approaches you from behind, an odor, a sound, a voice, a song, a word. Things that happen to that you cant place or that you cant make sense of, but your body serves as the videotape on which it was recorded. Its not just my declarative memory that takes charge of narrating what has happened to me: nightmares, intense emotions or flashbacks can appear, even if they only contain sensory, and not visual, content.

In the case of a sexual aggression for which one is conscious, says Garcia, an expert from the Association for the Assistance to Sexually Assaulted Women  Catalonia, it can be narrated in some way. We somehow position ourselves to integrate the experience and carry on; when we cant, even if we integrate it and carry on, there is a strong feeling of helplessness, of lack of control, of defenselessness. And in this nondefense, there is a factor that in recent years has been described as a point of vulnerability: knowing or fearing that we have been recorded, and a lot of fear that it will be distributed, that our family or our friends will see it, or that we will see it.

Complaints and lawsuits

All this darkness and fear do not only have physical, psychological and emotional repercussions for victims. There are also legal impacts. Carbajal, the director of the Asturias center, is also a lawyer. She says that during a sexual aggression investigation in which the woman does not remember the act and no substances appear on the forensic analysis, the tendency in many cases is not to believe them. Marta Calderon, Carbajals counterpart at the Madrid crisis center, which has been open since last February, stresses how the whole complaint and legal process becomes very difficult.

The problem, says Calderon, is that many times the complaint itself is filed after days or weeks or months, if it is filed at all. By the time that the woman has been able to shed some light on the darkness. While they have conducted an investigation asking their friends, family, their partner, checking their mobile phone, theres no longer any way to obtain evidence. Over the past 10 months, the Madrid center has provided services to 500 women. Of these, 165 have started a legal process; of them, 15% speak of, or have suspicions that they have been victims of chemical submission (25). Only one woman has been able to prove it with a forensic report, explains Marta Calderon, the coordinator.

After the complaint is filed and the judicial process begins, Calderon explains that chemical submission generates little credibility because there is an additional difficulty to the account, due to the fact that there is usually no immediate verification of what has happened. Flashes of memory can come days or months later. If a complaint has been filed, its possible that later, the victim will want to add to or modify it, and instead of increasing the credibility of the account, it subtracts.

A testimony can be strong if there is good training among prosecutors, judges, advocates and law enforcement, says Garcia, the psychologist. These professionals can interview and gather information in an exhaustive manner, without victimization, that corroborates the victims account, and that comes from both peripheral information [everything surrounding the alleged criminal acts, the context and circumstances that can give clues], and from the body [visible or invisible marks, such as bruises or the feeling of suddenly not being able to bear being touched]. These are indications, she says, and none of them, on their own, are certainties or proof, but knowing how sexual violence operates, [these professionals] can make connections between them in an informed manner.

This can help to understand a kind of violence that until now has been very little explored, and the women that suffer from it. Yolanda Trigueros, of the Madrid center, spells out this horror: Sexual violence is a form of terrorism, and of taking away womens power. But if, on top of everything else, you cant remember it, its like entering into a void, into uncertainty. Imagine it for a moment. That is the horror.

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[November 15, 2023] Taiwan Pavilion Showcases Cutting-Edge FinTech Innovation at Singapore FinTech Festival 2023 Tweet

TAIPEI, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The spotlight shines on the Taiwan Pavilion (Booth No. 6D25) at the prestigious Singapore FinTech Festival, where FinTechSpace, the Taiwan Fintech Hub, orchestrates an impressive showcase of Taiwan's technological innovation in the global FinTech market. This marks their fifth consecutive participation in this renowned event. A Premier Gathering of FinTech Expertise In a remarkable display of collaboration between industry, government, academia, research, and startups, FinTechSpace joins forces with the Asian Silicon Valley to assemble the largest-ever Taiwanese overseas FinTech exhibition delegation. This impressive collective consists of 11 outstanding Taiwanese FinTech companies and 9 financial institutions, comprising a total of nearly 70 members. The Taiwan Pavilion is a testament to the burgeoning strength of Taiwan's FinTech ecosystem. Unveiling Innovation and Collaboration The Taiwan Pavilion spotlights 11 trailblazing FinTech companies, specializing in diverse areas such as wealth management, insurtech, regtech, and payments. Notably, it showcases three award-winning teams: TOPPAN IDGATE for ID Authentication, OTSO Fintech for Social Finance, and Cathay Financial Holdings' Smart and Go Team in Insurtech. These teams clinched top honors in the prestigious national fintech competition in Taiwan, the FinTech Taipei Award 2022. Going beyond static exhibits, the pavilion offers a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange through a series of curated "Taiwan Insights" presentations hosted on an in-house stage. These 11 FinTech companies will take turns presenting, highlighting Taiwan's expertise and the vast opportunities within the FinTech sector. Global Recognition in FinTech and Digital Competitiveness Taiwan stands proudly as a global leader in financial system stability and digital competitiveness. According to the 2023 IMD Competitiveness Yearbook, Taiwan claims the top spot in Digital Competitiveness among economies with populations exceeding 20 million. Furthermore, in the WEF 2019 report, Taiwan secured the 6th position globally for Financial System stability (3rd in Asia) and 4th in innovation capability (1st in Asia). The nation's strategic geographical location and welcoming business environment make it an ideal hub for multinational FinTech companies seeking technological and cybersecurity support in the Asia-Pacific region. Nurturing FinTech Talent and Attracting Global Professionals Recognizing that talent is at the heart of the FinTech industry's present and future, Taiwan Pavilion also fouses on talent cultivation and international professional recruitment. FinTechSpace's Campus Ambassadors Program identifies and nurtures exceptional talents from the next generation. Five outstanding students appointed as International Campus Ambassadors this year, and they will accompany the delegation to the SFF event, gaining global insights and sharing Taiwan's FinTech opportunities on the international stage.



Through a collaborative effort with Asian Silicon Valley and the Gold Card initiative, Taiwan Pavilion is committed to bolstering Taiwan's startup ecosystem and attracting top-tier talents from around the world. This cross-ministerial collaboration aims to enhance Taiwan's appeal as a destination for outstanding overseas startups and professionals in the FinTech sector. Exploring Opportunities

The Taiwan Pavilion serves as a central nexus for consolidating FinTech resources from across Taiwan, offering a comprehensive platform for interaction between Taiwan's FinTech industry and the global market. Investors and financial institutions are cordially invited to explore the innovative Taiwanese FinTech solutions on display and connect with the industry's brightest minds. About FinTechSpace Established under the guidance of the Financial Supervisory Commission of Taiwan (FSC) and supported by the Taiwan Financial Services Roundtable, FinTechSpace was funded in 2018. Standing as a fintech hub, FinTechSpace has created a physical space and provided comprehensive support that brings together the entire fintech community, and acts as a vital link between Taiwan's fintech industry and the global market. For the latest updates and information, please refer to the FTS website link: https://www.fintechspace.com.tw/en 2023 Taiwan Pavilion List Regtech Authme:Authme is a leading identity verification solution provider that leverages AI and machine learning technologies to safeguard identities in real-time. HiTRUST Inc.:HiTrust's Veri-id offers real-time risk detection that empowers institutions to proactively combat evolving online threats. ThinkCloud:ThinkCloud provides Selfie Video Signature (SVS) solution which fits most undeniable requirements of e-signatures for medical consents and meet fintech's need for online mobile transaction safety and defending against financial fraud. TOPPAN IDGATE CO.:TOPPAN IDGATE provides an one-stop solution for digital identity management includes AI face recognition with liveness detection (#12 in NIST FRVT item), and a FIDO certified solution for mobile device MFA authentication. Insurtech Cathay Financial Holdings - Smart Agent Go Team :Smart Agent Go, cloud-based digital insurance platform presented by Cathay Financial Holdings, supports agents to deliver services through mobile devices. Lydia AI:Lydia AI provides insurance risk prediction engine to make instant, accurate risk predictions based on alternative data. OneDegree Global:OneDegree Global is an ISO 27001 & ISO 27017 certified tech company and aims to power insurance innovations with IXT'open API and Cymetrics's cybersecurity solutions. Wealth Management Alpha Fintech Inc.:Alpha Fintech Inc. is a Taiwan -based fintech company that empowers investors with enhanced control over their financial. OTSO Fintech:OTSO Fintech, as known as the Black Forest Tech, offers diverse market access and asset classes to empower clients in complex financial markets. Enterprise Solutions Light Momentum Technology Corp.:Light Momentum Technology provides customized FPGA chip designs to enhance trading accuracy, offering a competitive edge in the market. Payment TapPay:TapPay is a prominent Taiwanese fintech SaaS company, renowned for its secure payment solutions, benefiting over 20,000 merchants since 2017, when they become Taiwan's inaugural Apple Pay partner. Media Contact: Unit: FinTechSpace

Contact person: Kate Lin / Ting-Ting Wu

E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/taiwan-pavilion-showcases-cutting-edge-fintech-innovation-at-singapore-fintech-festival-2023-301988819.html SOURCE FinTechSpace

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[November 15, 2023] Go City and Weixin Pay ink a 3-year strategic partnership, marking a monumental moment for both companies Tweet

SINGAPORE, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Go City, the world's leading multi-attraction pass provider, and Weixin Pay, the renowned payment function in the ubiquitous all-in-one app Weixin, have established a remarkable milestone with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony held today, at Capitol Kempinski Hotel here in Singapore. The memorandum of understanding solidifies a first-of-its-kind partnership that will benefit the global tourism industry, with the aim to enable Chinese tourists to enjoy the best of sightseeing in an easy and convenient way across 30+ cities across Go City's portfolio. This partnership includes a joint marketing plan over three years, during which both parties will allocate resources to boost the usage of both the Go City Weixin mini program and Weixin Pay. Neville Doe, Group Chief Financial Officer of Go City represented the company during the MOU signing. From the Weixin Pay side, the ceremony was graced by Etienne Ng, Regional Director, Southeast Asia for Weixin Pay. Neville Doe, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "This exciting partnership with Weixin Pay is a testament to Go City's commitment o revolutionizing the travel experiences for our customers. We're incredibly excited to team up with a world-class leader in digital payment solutions to better serve our Chinese customers. Our mini program is already enhancing the purchase and usage experience for these customers and this partnership takes this incredible proposition to greater heights. Together, we're set to open up a world of fresh possibilities such as special deals and unique experiences for these travellers across Southeast Asia and beyond."



Etienne Ng stated, "We are excited to collaborate with Go City, a pioneer in the tourism industry. This partnership aligns with our aim to provide Chinese users with seamless and secure payment options, enriching their travel experience in Singapore and the rest of the region, and represents a significant step towards achieving that vision for our users." Having just launched their Weixin mini programme back in September, Go City has seen exponential revenue growth from Mainland Chinese customers month-on-month, says Dawn Jeremiah, Vice President, Marketing & Ecommerce for Go City. "We've seen a 1.5x growth in September and October versus 2019 and a 2x growth this month versus 2019. exponential growth particularly to Singapore, followed by London, Sydney, Bangkok, Oahu, New York, Barcelona and Paris. This year's Golden Week saw our pass volume sales grow to 4x, average basket size grow by 25%, and lower refund rates, all compared to that of 2019."

The MoU signing ceremony will mark the commencement of an exciting journey for both Go City and Weixin Pay, promising enhanced experiences and convenience for Chinese travellers across Singapore. The partnership seeks to redefine the way people explore Singapore's greatest destinations, making it affordable, accessible, and truly memorable. ABOUT GO CITY Go City is the biggest multi-attraction pass company in the world and operates in over 30 cities across the globe. Partnering with over 1,500 attractions, tours and activities worldwide, Go City allows customers to experience everything a destination has to offer, while attraction partners receive incremental visitation and revenue. Go City enables customers to lock in savings ahead of travel, while retaining flexibility to make plans as they go. All delivered digitally, the Go City app provides contactless entry at attractions by scanning the pass straight from a smartphone device. Go City transforms the way people experience the world's greatest destinations. They simply scan and enjoy, all at their own pace for a fraction of the retail cost. For more information, or to experience Go City please visit www.gocity.com or www.gocity.com.cn View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/go-city-and-weixin-pay-ink-a-3-year-strategic-partnership-marking-a-monumental-moment-for-both-companies-301988881.html SOURCE Go City

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[November 15, 2023] Apprenti Announces Broad Corporate Support in Bridging the Skills Gap - Assistance and Partnerships from Dow, JPMorgan Chase, Visa, and Amazon Come During National Apprenticeship Week (Nov 13 - 19) Tweet

These corporate partnerships exemplify a collective commitment to bridging the skills gap and fostering a more inclusive and skilled workforce. SEATTLE, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week (Nov 13 - 19), Apprenti, a leader in nationally registered tech apprenticeships, announces broad corporate support in addressing the workforce skills gap via assistance and partnership from JPMorgan Chase, Dow, Visa and Amazon. JPMorgan Chase has unveiled new and expanded philanthropic commitments totaling $3.5 million, which includes a significant $1 million investment in Apprenti. Dow, on the other hand, is introducing a groundbreaking apprentice program in partnership with Apprenti. Amazon collaborates with Apprenti to continually enhance talent through tech upskilling, ensuring a diverse talent pool can thrive in highly competitive tech roles and have just celebrated the 1,000 converted apprentice milestone and Visa partnered with Apprenti as part of their Visa Payments Learning Program designed to upskill employees, students, and military talent. The initial focus of this program is centered around payments cybersecurity, created in response to the White House National Cybersecurity Strategy Implementation Plan . Together, these initiatives exemplify the dedication of these global leaders to empower individuals from underserved backgrounds and foster diversity in the workforce. The skills gap in the labor market is a pressing concern, with 87 percent of companies reporting a current mismatch between the skills they need and the skills employees possess. This mismatch is estimated to cost the global economy nearly $8.5 trillion in unrealized annual revenues. Apprenticeships have proven to be a successful approach to helping low- and moderate-income individuals access well-paying employment opportunities while equipping them with the necessary skills, experience, and credentials and these four companies are helping bridge the opportunity gap and foster a more inclusive and skilled workforce. JPMorgan Chase's $1 million investment in Apprenti will aid in scaling their registered technology apprenticeship program, providing more opportunities for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to launch careers in highly coveted and high-paying technology roles. This generous support will also facilitate the expansion of Apprenti into new markets, including the emerging tech hubs of Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta. Tech employment in Houston grew 3.5 percent in 2022 versus 2021, compared with the national growth rate of 3.2 percent, whereas Dallas witnessed a 28.1% spike in tech jobs from 2017 to 2022 and Atlanta is continuing its tech hiring momentum. Apprenti and Dow's collaborative apprentice program is designed to be an innovative pathway for diverse talent toenter the organization, especially those who might not have had the opportunity to join the tech industry through traditional recruitment practices. The program encompasses various Information Systems roles, ensuring that apprentices acquire skills in high demand in the industry, including UX Designer, Software Analyst, Web Developer, Cybersecurity Analyst, Cloud Operations Specialist, and IT Business Analyst. After Apprenti's intensive virtual training program with apprentices dedicating 40 hours per week to their education, and working towards earning industry-relevant certificates and certifications, preparing them for real-world challenges, Dow provides 12 months of on-the-job training and support as part of its apprentice program. This hands-on experience enables apprentices to apply their newly acquired skills within Dow's dynamic IT environment.



As a recognized US Apprenticeship provider, Amazon collaborates with Apprenti, to continually evaluate and enhance the skills taught, ensuring a diverse talent pool can thrive in highly competitive tech roles. Amazon revealed the successful conversion of its 1000th apprentice from Apprenti, into a full-time role within the company. Amazon's participation in this initiative underscores its dedication to providing quality career opportunities and fostering inclusivity in the workforce. Since the launch of its apprenticeship programs, Amazon has seen over 3,500 employees engage in paid apprenticeships, with hundreds currently enrolled. These programs, including the Amazon Technical Apprenticeship Program (ATAP), the Mechatronics and Robotics Apprenticeship (MRA), and the User Design and Experience (UDXR) Apprenticeship, equip participants with the skills necessary for technical and non-technical roles through rotational training, on-the-job learning, and professional development. Amazon's commitment to upskilling is further demonstrated through its Upskilling 2025 pledge, offering employees pathways to grow their careers and advance in their roles. Visa partnered with Apprenti to stand up their first U.S. Apprenticeship Program: Through this program, an initial cohort received 16 weeks of specialist training, followed by a one-year apprenticeship, and will take part in the Visa's Payments Cybersecurity Introductory Course. This apprenticeship provides diverse talent on-the-job training to build technical and business skills needed to succeed as cyber professionals. "Our partnership with Visa is instrumental in showcasing the effectiveness of apprenticeships in nurturing talent. Visa's dedication goes beyond just partnering with Apprenti; it involves the cultivation of individuals from diverse and non-traditional backgrounds into formidable tech professionals. This equitable avenue for pursuing a tech career in the United States is commendable, and we wholeheartedly value Visa's commitment to talent development. We eagerly anticipate sharing the outcomes of this effort, which can serve as a valuable model for other companies to emulate" said Executive Director, Co-founder of Apprenti Jennifer Carlson.

This year's National Apprenticeship Week theme, "Registered Apprenticeship: Superhighway to Good Jobs," underscores the growing prominence of Registered Apprenticeship as a tried-and-true, industry-driven training model. This model not only expedites the journey to securing high-quality jobs but also plays a pivotal role in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) within the workplace. This theme perfectly aligns with the core mission, programs, and recent achievement of Apprenti, which has been awarded the prestigious Good Jobs Challenge Grant. This grant will further empower Apprenti to expand its network of employer partners, including industry giants like JPMorgan Chase, Dow's, Amazon, and Visa, in addressing the critical skills gap in the workforce. By doing so, Apprenti is committed to ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds have enhanced access to rewarding careers, actively contributing to the overall success of the global economy. Jennifer Carlson, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Apprenti, expressed gratitude, stating, "We extend our sincere thanks to the four companies for their partnership, support, and innovative approach in addressing the workforce skills gap." Carlson added, " Investing in diverse talent is key to driving innovation and success in the technology sector." Businesses interested in starting a registered technology apprenticeship program and Individuals interested in pursuing an Apprenti apprenticeship should contact Apprenti at https://apprenticareers.org/contact/ About Apprenti: Apprenti is a registered apprenticeship program powered by the Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA). It offers a proven, reliable way for underrepresented groups in the tech industry to start new careers through paid, on-the-job training. Apprenti is an industry-driven, state- and federally-recognized apprenticeship program focused on information technology positions such as software developers, network security professionals, and system administrators. About JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM): It is a leading financial services firm based in the United States of America, with operations worldwide. JPMorgan Chase had $3.9 trillion in assets and $313 billion in stockholders' equity as of June 30, 2023. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing and asset management. Under the J.P. Morgan and Chase brands, the Firm serves millions of customers in the U.S., and many of the world's most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients globally. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com . About Dow:

Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines global breadth, asset integration, and scale, focused on creating a more sustainable, innovation-driven, and customer-centric materials science company. Dow's portfolio of plastics, industrial intermediates, coatings, and silicones businesses deliver a broad range of differentiated science-based products and solutions for its customers in high-growth market segments, such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility, and consumer care. Dow operates 106 manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employs approximately 35,700 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $39 billion in 2020. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. For more information, please visit www.dow.com or follow @DowNewsroom on Twitter. About Amazon:

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth's Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth's Best Employer, and Earth's Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews. About Visa:

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/apprenti-announces-broad-corporate-support-in-bridging-the-skills-gap---assistance-and-partnerships-from-dow-jpmorgan-chase-visa-and-amazon-come-during-national-apprenticeship-week-nov-13---19-301988432.html SOURCE Apprenti

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[November 15, 2023] COGNICOR RECEIVES MULTIPLE 2023 WEALTH MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY AWARDS Tweet

Firm Earned Recognition from WealthManagement.com and Datos Insights as an Elite Provider of AI-Enabled Wealth Solutions PALO ALTO, Calif., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CogniCor (the "firm"), the leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI) enabled digital assistants and business automation platforms for the financial services industry, earned multiple industry awards this year for its advancements in AI-enabled wealth management solutions. The firm was recognized as the AI Technology provider of the year by WealthManagement.com for its AI-enabled Meeting Assistant and was also named WealthTech Startup winner in Datos Insights' 2023 Digital Wealth Management Impact Innovation Awards. CogniCor was chosen from a field of six finalists for the Wealth Management Industry Awards ("Wealthies"), which was presented in New York. CogniCor's AI-enabled Meeting Assistant for Advisors (known as SAM) won the award for best AI product. Built with feedback from leading RIAs, the solution leverages advisors' existing CRM, creating efficiencies for RIAs and elevating the client review meeting experience, delivering proactive scheduling, note capturing and processing and driving task workflows from meeting notes. Early feedback from advisors finds SAM's rich insights and analytics about clients' interests and contextual information, such as the client's pet's name, is extremely valuable. Firms benefit from these analytics to help advisors stay ahead of the curve and understand their clients' interests. The Wealthies industry awards progrm was created nine years ago to honor the best companies, people and organizations in wealth management. This year, more than 400 finalists were chosen from 92 categories. WealthManagement.com received over 1,000 nominations from 413 companies for this year's competition.



Datos Insights, a global advisory firm providing mission-critical insights on technology, regulations, strategy and operations to the financial services industry, recognized the firm as its 2023 WealthTech Startup award winner. Datos Insights' annual awards program recognizes and honors innovation achieved by financial institutions leveraging technology to surpass the status quo. "I am incredibly proud of the work the CogniCor team has accomplished in the field of artificial intelligence for the wealth management and insurance industries," said Sindhu Joseph, Ph.D, CogniCor's CEO and Co-Founder. "AI and automation that improves productivity and scalability is a top-of-mind priority for CIOs, and our firm has created a unique compliant solution for the industry that leverages AI to allow financial services providers to focus on growing their business and servicing clients instead of repetitive back-office tasks. "

CogniCor embedded several of the latest AI and Large Language Models into its suite of products over the past year, complementing the firm's knowledge graphs for the wealth management and insurance industry. Other CogniCor assistants include EVA, which allows users to remain compliant with firm and regulatory policies and processes and AMY, which streamlines end-to-end operations, including prospecting, onboarding and client maintenance. Advisors and home office staff spend around 11 hours weekly in pre- and post-meeting activities for every eight hours in meetings. Firms using CogniCor's Meeting Assistant can save 60% to 80% of this preparation and follow-up time, according to early reviews. The Meeting Assistant has been integrated into all leading CRMs used by RIAs, including RedTail, Salesforce, XLR8, Wealthbox, Dynamics 365 and Tamarac. CogniCor has more than doubled its customer base, year-over-year, supporting many of the fastest-growing RIAs, largest broker-dealers and insurance firms in the industry. About CogniCor

CogniCor is a venture-funded, female-founded fintech firm based in Palo Alto, California, that is focused on scaling wealth management using AI assistants for ease, efficiency and compliance. Central to the firm's offerings is CIRA, CogniCor's enterprise grade no-code platform for configuring, fine tuning and maintaining regulatory compliant AI assistants supercharging the wealth industry. For more information, please visit https://www.cognicor.com/. Media Inquiries

Donald Cutler or Lorene Yue

Haven Tower Group

424 317 4864 or 424 317 4854

[email protected] or [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cognicor-receives-multiple-2023-wealth-management-technology-awards-301988480.html SOURCE CogniCor

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[November 15, 2023] Organizational and Leadership Changes at Adastra Tweet

Adastra Group (also known as Adastra Corporation), a global leader in Cloud, Data, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions and services, today announced key transformational and leadership changes, to address its continuous and rapid global expansion. With over 2100 employees, $220M (USD) in annual revenues, the company is well poised for the next phase of its growth. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115747174/en/ Left: Rahim Hajee - CEO Adastra North America; Right: Rob Turner - Adastra Global CEO (Photo: Business Wire) "Today's announcement marks a significant change in how we will grow and run the business to position Adastra for continued success as we enter the next phase of the company's growth," said Jan Cervinka, Founder and Board member of Adastra. "The new structure more effectively aligns key personnel and resources to Adastra's strategy to be the global leader in Cloud, Data, and AI." The company's new integrated structure will allow Adastra to better serve its customers by further investing in global Centres of Excellence around Cloud, Data and AI, establishing global leadership in key industries, and fully integrating its global delivery capabilities under a single operating unit, creating enhanced value for its customers regardless of geography. "This transformation will allow the company to continue growth in its core markets of Canada, Central Europe and Germany and enable more accelerated growth in the US and Western Europe," said Jan Mrazek, Founder and Board Member of Adastra. "Further, expansion of our global delivery operations in Europe and South-East Asia into Latin America and South Asia will underpin Adastra's ability to execute anytime, anywhere for our customers." With industry-leading partnerships including Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Informatica, Databricks, Ataccama and Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Adastra is a recognized global leader in assisting clients with their value-driven Data and AI strategies. The Company's prominence in Cloud enablement services, data governance, data analytics, AI and Optimization, and IoT solutions will continue to grow in the new operating model. Key Leadership Changes To support Adastra's new direction the following changes will be in effect immediately: Ro Turner - Adastra Global CEO



Rob Turner is a senior executive with over 30 years of experience in automotive, financial services, telecommunications and professional services throughout North America and Europe. Rob has been with Adastra for over ten years and most recently served as CRO and EVP of Marketing and Sales. He spearheaded the company's pivot to the Cloud and played a key role in doubling the size of the North American business. In his new role, Rob will lead Adastra on its mission to be the largest pure-play Data and AI services provider in the world. "Adastra is an amazing organization with an incredible team of world-class professionals," said Turner. "Over the 23 years of our existence, we have helped thousands of customers transform their businesses through better understanding of their data. As we enter the next frontier of Data and AI, I am excited to work with our team to be the number one solution provider in the world's fastest-growing technology sector."

Pavel Kysela - Adastra Global COO Pavel Kysela has 20 years of experience at Adastra across all verticals and competencies. Over the past 11 years under Pavel's leadership, the Adastra Czechia team has grown 400%. By overseeing several Czech based strategic acquisitions Pavel contributed to Adastra's expansion into Asia, US and the UK, and dramatically broadened services portfolio of Adastra Group. "Each of our branches possesses unique talents and specialized knowledge. Our goal is to offer all customers the very best of the entire Adastra group. I am thrilled to be an active part of the next phase of development for the group," said Kysela. "The boundaries of our future success are limitless." Lukas Houba - Chief Financial Officer Lukas Houba continues in his role as head of finance operations globally. Ondrej Vanek - Chief AI Officer Ondrej Vanek is the co-founder and CEO of Blindspot Solutions. He will lead the global AI practice from regional AI practices under the ADASTRA AI brand. Kevin Harmer - Chief Cloud Officer Kevin Harmer has been leading the Cloud business in Adastra North America, and he takes on an expanded leadership role around our Cloud business globally Kristian Gravelle - Chief Marketing Officer Kristian Gravelle, North American CMO, will take on the role of Chief Marketing Officer. Rahim Hajee - CEO Adastra North America Rahim Hajee is a rounded business and technology leader. He has been with Adastra for 17 years in a variety of consulting and senior management roles. In his most recent role, he served as COO of North America where he contributed greatly to Adastra's North American success. Stepan Kopriva - CEO Adastra Czechia Stepan Kopriva is the co-founder and former CTO of Blindspot Solutions, an innovative AI company acquired by Adastra six years ago. His leadership and industry knowledge will ensure continued growth for Adastra in this important market. Toma Buchinsky - Global Head of Automotive & Manufacturing and GM Adastra Germany Toma Buchinsky, GM Adastra Germany will assume the role of Global Automotive & Manufacturing Lead. Marius Maslo - Chief Revenue Officer DACH and GM Adastra Slovakia Marius Maslo, GM Adastra Slovakia, will also take the role of CRO for the DACH Region. Nick Shopov - CEO Global Delivery Nick Shopov will take on the role of GDCEO, with the objective to develop talent pool sourcing. Lyoubomir Ovtcharov - COO Global Delivery Lyoubomir Ovtcharov will take on the role of GDCOO, with the objective to facilitate continued global delivery success across Adastra regions. Darren Edery - Advisor to the Board Having served as the Adastra North America CEO for 17 years, Darren is retiring from day-to-day operations to take on an advisory role. "The founding partners and board wish to express our sincerest thanks to Darren Edery for his leadership and growth of the company over the past 21 years. Darren is the foundation that Adastra was built on, and we will work hard to sustain the culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and thoughtfulness that he created. I am looking forward to having Darren as our closest advisor for the way forward," said Jan Mrazek, Founder and Board Member Adastra. About Adastra For over two decades, Adastra Corporation (www.adastracorp.com) has transformed businesses into digital leaders, helping global organizations innovate, achieve operational excellence, and create unforgettable customer experiences, all with the power of their data. At the forefront of Artificial Intelligence, Data, Cloud, Digital and Governance services, Adastra delivers solutions enabling leading organizations to gain more value from their data, connecting them to their customers - and their customers to the world. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115747174/en/

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[November 15, 2023] ServiceNow Study Reveals Canadian Office Workers Spend Nearly Two Workdays Per Week on Menial Tasks, View AI Tools as Key Driver to Help Alleviate Workloads Tweet

ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW), the leading digital workflow company making the world work better for everyone, today announced the results of its fourth annual World of Work study. The study reveals Canadian office workers are spending nearly two workdays per week on menial tasks and see AI tools as a key driver to help alleviate workloads. Despite only 20% of workers currently using AI, half believe that training will give them a competitive advantage at work. Canadian office workers recognize the potential for AI to drive productivity, reduce menial work, and future-proof their skills. Furthermore, 66% cite inadequate technology, training, and innovation as notable reasons to leave their current role. Companies that want to attract and retain talent need to identify and put into practice innovative solutions that boost employee productivity and growth opportunities. "Embracing AI in the workplace is not solely about getting more done. It's about taking the repetitive, mundane work out of the everyday. When employees feel productive and can spend more time on meaningful activities, everybody wins," says Chris Ellison, vice president and general manager, ServiceNow Canada. "Leaders and individual contributors alike see the benefits of AI, they want to use it, and they are seeking more training to develop the necessary skills. Successful companies will be the ones that listen and invest in the tools that liberate employees to do their best work." Turning to AI as menial tasks surge The majority of Canadian office workers (2 in 3) need to do meaningful work. Today, companies are presented with a unique opportunity to consider the role of AI-powered tools and technologies in alleviating the impact of menial, repetitive work on employees. This ultimately helps reduce employee burnout and attrition. The study highlights several key findings: Employees are bogged down with menial tasks: Canadian office workers are spending more than one-third of each day on repetitive work, equating to nearly 14 hours, or two workdays, each week. And it's on therise. Despite rapid advancements in technology, the proportion of time spent on menial tasks increased by 6% in 2023.

Canadian office workers are spending more than one-third of each day on repetitive work, equating to nearly 14 hours, or two workdays, each week. And it's on therise. Despite rapid advancements in technology, the proportion of time spent on menial tasks increased by 6% in 2023. Employers need to better enable productivity and efficiency: The majority (63%) of office workers feel their employer does not currently have adequate solutions in place to help alleviate repetitive work. As a result, 58% of Canadian office workers are looking to their employers to invest in solutions that enable productivity.

The majority (63%) of office workers feel their employer does not currently have adequate solutions in place to help alleviate repetitive work. As a result, 58% of Canadian office workers are looking to their employers to invest in solutions that enable productivity. The potential for AI to transform work is clear: Office workers recognize the potential of AI to enhance productivity (45%), minimize errors (42%), and provide more time for strategic and creative tasks (30%). This contributes to better work-life balance among employees (29%) and reduced stress (28%).

Office workers recognize the potential of AI to enhance productivity (45%), minimize errors (42%), and provide more time for strategic and creative tasks (30%). This contributes to better work-life balance among employees (29%) and reduced stress (28%). The range of AI use cases is growing: Employees see AI tools that automate work as the most helpful, particularly automating routine and repetitive processes (41%), IT services (38%), analytics and reporting (37%), and summarization of meetings, documents, and emails (37%).



Embracing AI for career growth and job security Recognizing the critical role of AI in their professional growth and development, Canadian office workers are increasingly looking to embrace AI to enhance their skillsets and remain competitive in the job market. According to the report:

Employees will future-proof their skillsets with AI: Canadian office workers recognize developing AI skills is important for career progression. More than half (57%) anticipate getting additional education or training in AI at work, while 49% plan to pursue AI education or training on their own. Notably, only 33% fear they won't be able to keep up with the technology.

Canadian office workers recognize developing AI skills is important for career progression. More than half (57%) anticipate getting additional education or training in AI at work, while 49% plan to pursue AI education or training on their own. Notably, only 33% fear they won't be able to keep up with the technology. Current training programs aren't cutting it: Having a comprehensive understanding of how to use AI is a priority for Canadian office workers but only 37% of employees perceive AI as easy to use. Further, current training programs are seen as insufficient. Only half (51%) consider the current training programs available to them as conducive to their career development.

Having a comprehensive understanding of how to use AI is a priority for Canadian office workers but only 37% of employees perceive AI as easy to use. Further, current training programs are seen as insufficient. Only half (51%) consider the current training programs available to them as conducive to their career development. Leaders and individual contributors need equal access to AI training: While most Canadian office workers assert that their employer is responsible for providing job-relevant training (62%), there exists a disparity in training access between leaders and individual contributors. Specifically, 59% of leaders report greater training opportunities compared to individual contributors (48%). And while 61% of leaders believe their workplace invests in their career growth, only 41% of individual contributors feel the same. For more information about the World of Work survey findings, please visit here. Survey Methodology The 12-minute online survey was facilitated by SAGO (Asking Canadians). The study was in field between August 15 and September 1, 2023, and surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1,504 English and French-Canadian office workers. To qualify for the survey, respondents must have been currently working at an office or remotely at companies with 500+ employees. The precision of Asking Canadians online polls is measured using a credibility interval. In this case, the poll is accurate to within +/- 3.19 margin of error at a 95% confidence level. The credibility interval will be wider among subsets of the population. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to other sources of error, including, but not limited to coverage error, and measurement errors that may be off by +/- 1%. About ServiceNow ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW) makes the world work better for everyone. Our cloud-based platform and solutions help digitize and unify organizations so that they can find smarter, faster, better ways to make work flow. So employees and customers can be more connected, more innovative, and more agile. And we can all create the future we imagine. The world works with ServiceNowTM. For more information, visit: www.servicenow.com.  2023 ServiceNow, Inc. All rights reserved. ServiceNow, the ServiceNow logo, Now, and other ServiceNow marks are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of ServiceNow, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Other company names, product names, and logos may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115755486/en/

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[November 15, 2023] Proxygen Announces Formation of Scientific Advisory Board Tweet

SAB Comprised of Pioneers in the Field of Protein Degradation, Including Unique Expertise in Roles of Ubiquitin Biology and Translational Medicine Track Records of Founding Biopharma Companies and Driving Discovery and Development of Novel Therapeutics to Provide Key Support as Proxygen Advances Novel Molecular Glue Degrader Programs VIENNA, Austria, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Proxygen, a leader in the discovery and development of molecular glue degraders, today announced the formation of the companys scientific advisory board (SAB). The newly appointed SAB, which is comprised of highly regarded thought leaders in the emerging field of protein degradation, will offer scientific expertise and guidance to Proxygen as the company works to advance its internal molecular glue degrader programs toward clinical development. In addition to its internal programs, Proxygen is also actively engaged in strategic research collaboration and license agreements with Merck & Co (known as MSD outside the U.S. and Canada), Boehringer Ingelheim and Merck KGaA designed to jointly identify and develop novel molecular glue degraders. As a company at the forefront of translating the latest protein degradation research into the discovery and development of first-of-their-kind molecular glue degraders, we are fortunate to align with several of the brightest minds in this field. We are excited to add Drs. Schulman and Draetta to the Proxygen team as key advisors and pair them with Drs. Winter and Kubicek, who co-founded the company, based on their trailblazing research at CeMM, said Bernd Boidol, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Proxygen. We are proud of the momentum that we continue to generate as we strive to achieve our goal of developing novel therapeutics to address the significant unmet needs of patients around the world. In addition to building a proprietary molecular glue discovery engine, creating a pipeline of promising internal programs, and establishing collaborations with three major pharmaceutical companies, we have also now assembled a premier board or directors and prestigious SAB to provide key guidance as we continue to work to achieve our mission. The members of Proxygens newly formed scientific advisory board include: Brenda Schulman, Ph.D., Director, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry Dr. Schulman is a leading biochemist and structural biologist who is highly regarded for her significant contributions to understanding the regulation of E3 ubiquitin ligases. Her labs at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry and at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital are recognized for illuminating mechanisms of ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like protein ligation, and for using a distinctive biochemical reconstitution approach to identify novel in vivo regulatory pathways. Dr. Schulman is an elected member of American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Academy of Sciences and EMBO. She has been awarded several prizes including the Gottfried Wilhelm eibniz Prize, the Ernst Jung Prize for Medicine, and the Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine. Prior to joining the Max Planck Institute in 2017, Dr. Schulmans career also included conducting pioneering research at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator at St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital.



Giulio Draetta, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Genomic Medicine, and Chief Scientific Officer, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Dr. Draetta is a physician scientist who has spent nearly three decades in oncology research and drug discovery in both academia and industry. He is widely recognized for spearheading fundamental research in the biology of the eukaryotic cell division cycle and of DNA damage induced checkpoints. Currently, his research focuses on pancreatic cancer and glioblastoma, using functional genomics to identify novel tumor dependencies and evaluate their potential for therapeutic translation. Over the years, Dr. Draetta has leveraged his translational expertise as a co-founder of several biotechnology companies and a leader of global research in large pharmaceutical companies. Prior to joining MD Anderson, he had been chief research business development officer and deputy director of the Belfer Institute for Applied Cancer Science at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, as well as head of oncology drug discovery at Pharmacia and Merck.

Georg Winter, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, CeMM, the Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences Dr. Winter is a pioneer in the emerging field of protein degradation, having been credited with publishing the first paper reporting on in vivo target protein degradation. Today, his research as a principal investigator at CeMM is focused on using the unique pharmacology of targeted protein degradation to understand and disrupt aberrant gene control circuits in cancer. In particular, his group develops and implements functional genomics technologies to mechanistically characterize how E3 ligases can be hijacked with small molecules. Dr. Winter is a scientific co-founder of Proxygen and Solgate Therapeutics. His contribution to the field of targeted protein degradation has been honored through multiple international prices and awards, including the Tetrahedron Young Investigator Award (2023), the Wilson S. Stone Memorial Award from MD Anderson (2021) and the Eppendorf Award (2019). Stefan Kubicek, Ph.D., Head of CeMM Molcular Discovery Program Dr. Kubicek is a highly regarded researcher focused on chromatin, epigenetics, and small molecules that change cell fates in oncology and diabetes. He is a principal investigator at CeMM, where he previously headed the Christian Doppler Laboratory for Chemical Epigenetics and Anti-infectives and now serves as head of the Molecular Discovery Program. An organic chemist by training, his research focuses on the discovery and characterization of bioactive small molecules. This resulted in developing the first selective histone methyl transferase inhibitors as part of his Ph.D. and multiple chemical probes during his postdoctoral research with Stuart Schreiber at the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT and in his own laboratory. Research in Dr. Kubiceks lab is funded by several organizations including the Austrian Academy of Sciences, the European Union, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), among others. Molecular glue degraders redirect the cells own quality control machinery towards disease-causing proteins, inducing their selective and complete elimination. Due to the ability of molecular glue degraders to modulate protein classes unamenable to traditional drug discovery approaches, these molecules hold the promise of unlocking a large proportion of the undruggable target space and delivering innovative therapies for diseases with high medical need. However, the lack of scalable discovery strategies has so far hindered the full exploitation of the clinical potential of molecular glue degraders. By streamlining and fully integrating cutting-edge genomic, proteomic, and biochemical technologies, Proxygen has successfully developed a highly versatile glue degrader discovery engine. This screening approach enables the specific identification of molecular glue degraders against difficult-to-drug or completely undruggable targets at large scale. The company has generated expansive knowledge and data in the discovery and chemical optimization of degrader molecules, positioning it as a pioneer in this novel modality. About Proxygen

Proxygen is a leader in the discovery and development of molecular glue degraders against targets of unmet medical need across various indications. While advancing its internal programs towards clinical development, the company also maintains various strategic partnerships, including collaborations with Merck & Co (known as MSD outside the U.S. and Canada), Boehringer Ingelheim and Merck KGaA, to co-create synergies along the drug development pipeline. With its headquarters and laboratory operations in Vienna, Austria, Proxygen employs talent both locally and remotely all over Europe. Learn more at: www.proxygen.com.

Contacts: Proxygen Bernd Boidol, Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer [email protected] Vida Strategic Partners (on behalf of Proxygen) Tim Brons (Media) 415-675-7402 [email protected]

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[November 15, 2023] Advanced Brain Monitoring, Inc. announces integration of its mobile, wireless 24-channel EEG system with the Stratus EEG cloud-based software for seizure and epilepsy monitoring Tweet

CARLSBAD, Calif. and DALLAS, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Brain Monitoring, Inc. today announced integration of its mobile, wireless 24-channel EEG system with the Stratus EEG cloud-based clinical software platform for home or hospital seizure monitoring. ABM pioneered the development of lightweight, easy-to-use systems for acquisition and analysis of EEG, ECG, EMG, and other physiological signals. ABM systems have been successfully deployed in 50+ clinical trials and research programs with more than 20,000 participants worldwide. Stratus pioneered true cloud-based EEG software that manages the full range of modalities including routine, EMU, ICU, NICU, and ambulatory video EEG. The software enhances the entire clinical workflow and enables providers to access and report on EEG data from anywhere at any time. Stratus is a leader in advancing access to high quality neurodiagnostic data and their software is used by more than 400 healthcare systems worldwide. "We are excited to expand our product capabilities integrating our FDA-cleared EEG acquisition system with the state-of-the-art Stratus software solution," Chris Berka, CEO of Advanced Brain Monitoring commented. "We can now support neurologists and epileptologists monitoring epilepsy in inpatient, ambulatory settings and expand our services for clinical trials and research studies that require epilepsy evaluation and treatment outcome assessments." "Stratus EEG is thrilled to partner with ABM by adding our best-in-class software to ABM's unique EEG hardware solution," said Charlie Alvarez, CEO of Stratus. "Stratus is especially enthused about the value proposition to clinical trials and research studies. We have seen tremendous growth in this segment and a Stratus EEG/ ABM solution offers a simple and unique way for clinicians to provide decentralized/span> clinical trials."



Stratus' expertise in scaling clinical EEG and assessing seizures and other EEG abnormalities will also be valuable in enhancing ABM's NIH-funded research programs including longitudinal studies on neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's, Lewy Body, and Parkinson's dementias. This project, funded by the NIA since 2017 provides a rich source of EEG data from early-stage patients with mild cognitive impairment, follows the trajectory into dementia and provides a large database of matched healthy controls, all studied at one-year intervals. Understanding the contribution of sub-clinical seizures or epileptiform activity in association with dementia progression is an important research area offering significant opportunities for the Stratus collaboration. About ABM

Advanced Brain Monitoring is a neurodiagnostics company internationally recognized as a pioneer in products and services designed to assess sleep, neurological and psychiatric disorders. ABM's products are used by clinicians, researchers and in clinical trials to acquire and interpret brain and physiological function with applications in early detection of neurodegenerative disease and quantifying treatment outcomes. ABM's large normative EEG databases, proprietary AI Machine Learning algorithms and extensive biomarker libraries support drug discovery, mapping disease trajectories and optimizing treatment protocols. ABM technologies are designed to accelerate progress towards precision medicine for the brain. To learn more, visit www.advancedbrainmonitoring.com. About Stratus Stratus is the nation's leading provider of EEG solutions and has served more than 100,000 patients across the U.S. The company offers technology, services, and proprietary software solutions to help neurologists diagnose their patients with epilepsy and other seizure-like disorders accurately and quickly. Stratus's core services include in-home Video EEG and electrocardiograms, remote patient monitoring, and centralized and decentralized clinical trial EEGs. Additionally, the company's R&D division holds the world's largest database of de-identified EEG recordings and is applying machine learning to improve the overall quality and efficiency of EEG testing. To learn more, visit www.stratusneuro.com. Chris Berka, CEO

Advanced Brain Monitoring

760-795-7030

[email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/advanced-brain-monitoring-inc-announces-integration-of-its-mobile-wireless-24-channel-eeg-system-with-the-stratus-eeg-cloud-based-software-for-seizure-and-epilepsy-monitoring-301988294.html SOURCE Advanced Brain Monitoring, Inc.

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Dynamo Software Named Best Fund Accounting and Reporting Software

Alternative investments FinTech Dynamo Software has been recognized as the "Best Alternative Fund Accounting and Reporting Software" as part of the annual Hedgeweek and Private Equity Wire European Credit Awards. Dynamo was nominated for the honor after a widespread survey of more than 100 credit fund managers and other key industry professionals. The winners were announced on October 26 at an awards gala held at Convene Bishopsgate in London.

Global investor interest in the alternatives (ALTS) market continues to surge, with assets under management (AUM) projected to double by 2026 to $23 trillion. Amid this growth, there is an increased need for fund accounting teams to leverage FinTech that addresses the increasing complexity, compressed deadlines, expanded fund structures, and tighter staffing budgets they face.

"We are honored to be part of this year's Hedgeweek and Private Equity European Credit Awards program, and especially want to thank our clients and partners whonominated our accounting software," said Hank Boughner, CEO of Dynamo." As we head into the busiest season for accountants, we will work diligently alongside our clients to ensure they are able to produce the financial packages needed. We will also continue to actively listen to client feedback and enhance Dynamo Accounting to ensure we retain our moniker as the 'Best Fund Accounting and Reporting Software.'"







To further support global accountants, Dynamo's team also regularly produces a number of educational materials including blogs and podcast-type videos on DynamoTV. Recent content has underscored the impact of the recent SEC rulings on the regulation of private funds and outlined key actions for fund administrators to take. Learn more about the awards and recognition Dynamo has earned throughout 2023.

About Dynamo Software, Inc.

Dynamo gives alternatives investors a Performance Edge, empowering them to efficiently scale their firm to capitalize on the growing wave of private market opportunities. With the Dynamo Alternative Investment Platform, Limited and General Partners can now run a tightly integrated firm, putting all their data to work to accelerate operations across front, middle, and back office, unleashing teams to work smarter, and allowing leaders to make better investment decisions and scale their firm. Dynamo has a global footprint with operations across North America, EMEA, APAC, and UAE. For more information, please visit DynamoSoftware.com.

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[November 15, 2023] Dotmatics Launches GraphPad Prism 10 with a More Open File Format, Plus New Collaboration and Integration Capabilities Tweet

Helps break down data silos by enabling Prism data to be reused in workflows at any point along the research cycle to enhance scientific progress BOSTON, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dotmatics , a leader in R&D scientific software connecting science, data, and decision-making, today announced a major new release of its popular GraphPad Prism application, the world's leading analysis and graphing solution for scientific research. Prism 10 introduces a number of features including a new, more open file format (.prism), a variety of core graphing and analysis improvements, and a beta for Prism Cloud. The enhanced functionality makes it easier for scientists using Prism to collaborate and integrate diverse data into their scientific workflows and applications. Learn more about the new capabilities at: https://www.graphpad.com/updates/prism-1000-release-notes. For more than 25 years, Prism has provided comprehensive analysis and simplified, powerful statistics exclusively for the scientific community. Prism is an advanced statistical analysis software designed to help scientists create graphs to visualize and analyze data. In February, Dotmatics announced that its R&D platform was the very first to integrate directly with Prism. That means scientists and researchers can export assay data directly to Prism from the latest release of the Dotmatics' cloud-based platform, a critical step towards ensuring that all information shared meets FAIR data principles. "Scientists working to discover and develop life-saving therapies must be able to navigate mountains of complex data, yet they are impeded by technologies and processes that hinder openness, reproducibility and collaboration," said Trajen Head, PhD, and head of product strategy for Prism at Dotmatics. "The industry is moving towards adopting FAIR standards to address these challenges and Dotmatics is committed to helping organizations extract greater value from their data. This update is a massive leap forward for the 750,000 scientists who use Prism in their workflows." A first look at Prism 10 The new, more open Prism file format helps organizations connect scentific workflows that allow for greater collaboration and interdisciplinary research. That means that any data that goes into Prism can be programmatically extracted for further insights beyond the scope of a single study. The announcement coincides with the launch of Dotmatics Luma , a revolutionary scientific data platform that flexibly aggregates all relevant data into intelligent structures enabling clean, reliable data analysis that paves the way for meta-analysis and AI & ML-based algorithms. The Prism file format will allow for a future integration into Luma, helping scientists and administrators in life sciences unify and analyze large volumes of data for better decision-making.



The .prism file format stores raw data, analysis parameters and results, in an accessible industry-standard format like CSV, PNG, and JSON. This means ever-growing, and increasingly complex, data sets can be utilized both inside and outside of Prism through modern scientific workflows. By leveraging the data collected in previous experiments or analyses, scientists can facilitate efficient data reuse and promote transparency in research to make more informed decisions in future experiments. In the spirit of safeguarding interoperability and reusability, the new file format allows Prism customers to embrace FAIR data principles. The Prism Cloud beta simplifies collaboration by allowing users to share their projects (graphs, layouts, data tables and results) with their colleagues within a shared workspace. With Prism Cloud, users can publish their projects to the cloud with a single click. They can quickly engage in discussions and acquire feedback, allowing them to work and iterate in a more agile manner, and without having to send files back and forth.

"Prism is my go-to program for scientific graphs, and I strongly recommend it," said Maarten Boers, MD, PhD, MSc, Emeritus Professor of Clinical Epidemiology at Amsterdam UMC. "It has all the necessary graph types, an intuitive interface, and default settings that produce proper graphs right out of the box. In addition, its stats module allows you to do quite extensive analyses without resorting to other programs. My publications and teaching on this topic both lean heavily on this program. I'm excited about the possibility of a cloud version that will allow better collaboration." Other new functionality in Prism 10 includes: Graph Inspector: Provides a new level of control over data visualization by combining scientists' favorite customization tools in one location for multiple variable graphs. Offers real-time changes and visualization updates, and the ability to craft bubble plots more quickly and intuitively.

Provides a new level of control over data visualization by combining scientists' favorite customization tools in one location for multiple variable graphs. Offers real-time changes and visualization updates, and the ability to craft bubble plots more quickly and intuitively. Simplified interpretation of results: Features a new responsive "One or None" P-value summary style for simpler and clearer interpretation of statistical significance. Assigns a single asterisk if it is lower than the statistical threshold (alpha), and no asterisk if it is greater, no matter what value of alpha is chosen.

Features a new responsive "One or None" P-value summary style for simpler and clearer interpretation of statistical significance. Assigns a single asterisk if it is lower than the statistical threshold (alpha), and no asterisk if it is greater, no matter what value of alpha is chosen. Expanded data capabilities: Faster performance and support for larger data sets than previous versions. The number of columns in a single data sheet has doubled. Users can have data in up to 2048 columns (with up to 512 subcolumns in each)this means Prism can now handle over 1 million values in a single row.

Faster performance and support for larger data sets than previous versions. The number of columns in a single data sheet has doubled. Users can have data in up to 2048 columns (with up to 512 subcolumns in each)this means Prism can now handle over 1 million values in a single row. Single data point selection: Enables users to select a single data point from a multiple variables graph, and then highlight the selected point to provide information on the variable values used for plotting. Automatically selects other points belonging to the same group on subsequent clicks.

Enables users to select a single data point from a multiple variables graph, and then highlight the selected point to provide information on the variable values used for plotting. Automatically selects other points belonging to the same group on subsequent clicks. More comprehensive analysis: A new default multiple comparison method has been added for two-way ANOVA. This simultaneously compares rows and columns while properly correcting the results for the number and types of comparisons being conducted. This feature can provide significant time savings and reduce the need for conducting separate analyses. Current, active subscribers can upgrade to Prism 10 at no cost. For further details about this release and the new file format, visit www.graphpad.com . About GraphPad Prism:

GraphPad Prism provides researchers with a tool to save time, simplify data analysis, and elegantly graph scientific research. Prism is trusted by more than 750,000 of the world's leading scientists, from students to Nobel Prize winners. In 2022, GraphPad Prism integrated with Dotmatics' enterprise R&D platform. About Dotmatics

Dotmatics is a leader in R&D scientific software connecting science, data, and decision-making. Its enterprise R&D platform and scientists' favorite applications drive efficiency and accelerate innovation. More than 2 million scientists and 10,000 customers trust Dotmatics to help them create a healthier, cleaner, safer world. Dotmatics is a global team of more than 800 people dedicated to supporting its customers in over 180 countries. The company's principal office is in Boston, with 14 offices and R&D teams located around the world. Dotmatics is backed by Insight Partners , a leading global venture capital and private equity firm investing in high-growth technology and software scaleup companies. Learn more about Dotmatics, its platform, and applications including GraphPad Prism, Geneious, SnapGene, Protein Metrics, and LabArchives at https://www.dotmatics.com . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dotmatics-launches-graphpad-prism-10-with-a-more-open-file-format-plus-new-collaboration-and-integration-capabilities-301988402.html SOURCE Dotmatics Inc

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U.S. Rep. George Santos (R-NY) speaks to members of the media after his Congressional colleagues voted not to expel him from the House, on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S. November 1, 2023.

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, 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, 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 wasnt 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 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.

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[November 15, 2023] Edgewater Wireless Announces Private Placement Financing Tweet

Edgewater Wireless Systems Inc. (TSX-V: YFI) (OTC: KPIFF) (the "Company" or "Edgewater Wireless") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement of up to 10,000,000 units ("Units") at a price of $0.05 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $500,000 (the "Offering"). Each Unit will consist of one common share and one common share purchase warrant, each warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.10 per share for a period of 24 months from the closing date. The Company may pay finder's fees of up to 7% of the gross proceeds of the Offering, payable in cash. In addition, finders may receive share purchase warrants (the "Finder's Warrants") entitling them to purchase such number of common shares of the Company which is equal to 7% of the total number of Units purchased by subscribers introduced to the Company by such finders, exercisable for two years from the closing date of the Offering at a price of $0.10 per share, all in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"). The Company expects to use the net proceeds of the Offering for product commercialization and general working capital. The Company may reallocate the proceeds from the Offering as may be required depending upon the development of the Company's business. Any securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a four-month hold period, in accordance with securities laws and the policies of the TSXV, as applicable. The Offering is subject to TSXV acceptance. About Edgewater Wireless We make Wi-Fi. Better. Edgewater Wireless is the industry leader in innovative Specrum Slicing technology for residential and commercial markets. We develop advanced Wi-Fi silicon solutions, Access Points, and IP licensing designed to meet high-density and high quality-of-service needs of service providers and their customers. With 26 granted patents, Edgewater's Spectrum Slicing technology revolutionizes Wi-Fi, delivering next-generation Wi-Fi today.



Edgewater's physical layer Spectrum Slicing allows a frequency band to be divided, or sliced, to enable more radios to operate in a given area. Think of Spectrum Slicing like moving from a single-lane road to a multi-lane highway - regardless of Wi-Fi technology. The recently completed Proof of Concept (PoC) with a major Tier 1 Service Provider showed 7 to 18 times performance gains in 75% of homes surveyed. Interestingly, homes with the most devices saw the most significant improvements. For more information, visit www.edgewaterwireless.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "objective", "ongoing", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plans", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. By its nature, such forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties, which could cause the Company's actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed. These risks and uncertainties, include, but are not limited to completion of the Offering, access to capital markets, market forces, competition from new and existing companies and regulatory conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date it is expressed in this news release or otherwise, and to not use future-oriented information or financial outlooks for anything other than their intended purpose. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115485282/en/

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[November 15, 2023] Immunefi Reports 46.5% of Funds Lost in Web3 Result From Traditional Web2 Security Issues Tweet

SINGAPORE , Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Immunefi , the leading bug bounty and security services platform for web3, has announced the release of its report The True Origin Of Hacks & Top Web3 Vulnerabilities. This report introduces the Vulnerability Classification Standard for Web3 and provides in-depth research on the root cause of the most damaging vulnerabilities.

The Vulnerability Classification Standard for Web3

Immunefi has analyzed 128 technical vulnerabilities that resulted in hacks and losses in 2022. Immunefi distinguished technical vulnerabilities from fraud (social engineering, scams, and rug pulls), since they are not triggered by any code or smart contract design flaws.

The research revealed that the root causes of hacks fall into three clearly identifiable categories:

Failure in the design/logic of the smart contract: when the project outlined on paper behaves improperly. A prime example of this is the attack on BNB Chain in October 2022, which resulted in $570 million in losses.

Poor coding/implementation of the contract: when the design and infrastructure are secure, but the code contains flaws. An instance of this is the attack on Qubit in January 2022, which led to $80 million in losses.

Infrastructure weaknesses: the IT-infrastructure on which a smart contract operates  for example virtual machines, private keys, etc. Infrastructure exposure can lead to hacks and losses, even if the smart contract itself has been designed, written, and tested well. The high-profile attack on Ronin Network in March 2022, resulting in a $625 million loss, is an example.

Immunefi has divided the three major domains of vulnerabilities into focused sub-domains. The full classification can be found here .

The Most Devastating Vulnerabilities Infrastructure is king. 46.5% of all hacks in 2022 in monetary terms occurred via infrastructure, e.g. poor private key handling. It generated over $1.7 billion in losses. Developers and researchers generally focus on designing and coding the smart contract protocol, which forms the core of web3 projects, but all too often the danger lurks one level below. It is no surprise that infrastructure in particular is the major differentiator between DeFi and CeFi projects. 11 of 13 exploits in CeFi were infrastructural in nature.

of all hacks in 2022 in monetary terms occurred via infrastructure, e.g. poor private key handling. It generated over $1.7 billion in losses. Developers and researchers generally focus on designing and coding the smart contract protocol, which forms the core of web3 projects, but all too often the danger lurks one level below. It is no surprise that infrastructure in particular is the major differentiator between DeFi and CeFi projects. 11 of 13 exploits in CeFi were infrastructural in nature. The biggest infrastructural issue is priate key management, which is essential to maintaining self-custody of crypto assets. Typically, private key management is not something that undergoes a security audit, and not all web3 projects adequately care about rigorous key management policies, practices, or emergency plans.

Developers make mistakes and introduce vulnerabilities far too often in smart contracts when it comes to access control, input validation, and arithmetic operations. This accounts for nearly 37.5% of all incidents. Fortunately, their damage in cash is small, representing only 5%.

of all incidents. Fortunately, their damage in cash is small, representing only 5%. Bridge hacks play an important role in losses. Blockchains are highly isolated environments; inter-blockchain communication is not easy, and third parties often step in to build what's known as a bridge to find some way to connect the two blockchains together. The basic functionality of a bridge is to lock funds from one blockchain and release the equivalent value of funds on the other blockchain. If there's a minor problem with such proof generation or verification, a malicious actor could steal funds on one side of the bridge.





"Web3 projects are incredibly complex and can be attacked through multiple vectors, said Mitchell Amador, CEO of Immunefi. The standard methodology we developed highlights the fact that infrastructural issues remain a predominant category. While a smart contract itself can be well-designed, written, and tested, the infrastructure on top of which it operates can be compromised, and lead to tremendous losses.



Immunefi is the largest and most widely adopted bug bounty platform in web3 which is trusted by established, multi-billion dollar projects like Chainlink, Wormhole, MakerDAO, TheGraph, Synthetix, and more. Immunefi has paid out the most significant bug bounties in the software industry, amounting to over $85 million, and has saved over $25 billion in user funds.

The full report and standard classification are available on Immunefis website . Immunefi periodically publishes a flagship industry report titled Crypto Losses. This report showcases the volume of crypto funds lost by the crypto community due to hacks and scams throughout the year. Recently, Immunefi published the Crypto Losses in Q3 2023 report. In addition, Immunefi released the Hacker Ecosystem Survey 2023 , which is a survey of the whitehat community displaying the top challenges, interests, and motivations at play in the web3 security industry.

About Immunefi Immunefi is the leading bug bounty and security services platform for web3, which features the worlds largest bounties. Immunefi guards over $50 billion in user funds across projects like Synthetix, Chainlink, SushiSwap, Polygon, LayerZero, MakerDAO, TheGraph, Wormhole, Optimism, and others. The company has paid out the most significant bug bounties in the software industry, amounting to over $85 million, and has pioneered the scaling web3 bug bounties standard. For more information, please visit https://immunefi.com



jonah at immunefi.com

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[November 15, 2023] Noetik Launches "Perturb-map" In Vivo Functional Genomics Platform and Adds Precision Immunology Leader Brian Brown, Ph.D. to Scientific Advisory Board Tweet

Noetik, an AI-native biotechnology company leveraging advanced machine learning and proprietary data to discover and develop precision cancer immunotherapies announces the pairing of their multimodal human data atlas with an innovative in vivo functional genomics platform to power the development of precision cancer immunotherapies. The platform builds on Perturb-map, a groundbreaking spatial functional genomics technology that allows pooled parallel analysis of hundreds of genetically modified tumor clones in a single experiment. Noetik's platform will evaluate the impact of genetic variants at an unprecedented in vivo scale. The company is currently generating an initial dataset of >650 mutations in a preclinical model of lung cancer, including pharmacological perturbations. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115846502/en/



Perturb-map deciphers the impact of genetic perturbations on the tumor phenotype. A. Selected images from a high-plex (25+) immunofluorescence profiling of a mouse lung lobe carrying multiple cancer lesions. (Left Panel) Each tumor lesion carries a specific genetic perturbation, identified with Perturb-map. (Right Panel) This image highlights the immune composition of each tumor - a subset of the phenotypic panel used to characterize tumor phenotypes. B. Magnification of the squared area from (A). The symbols (arrow, arrowhead and star) highlight corresponding tumors, visualized based on the perturbation (upper panel) or immune cell infiltration (lower panel). (Photo: Business Wire)

"Functional genomics has been invaluable to annotate genes' function," says Maxime Dhainaut, Ph.D. the Director of Spatial Functional Genomics at Noetik, who developed Perturb-map in the laboratory of Brian Brown, Ph.D., at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, "but current approaches struggle to perform gene interrogation at scale in a biologically relevant context. High throughput in vivo screens are incompatible with cell phenotyping, and high content phenotypic screens are mostly restricted to in vitro models that seldom recapitulate complex immune biology. The ability to resolve perturbations directly in the tissue, preserving the spatial context, is going to be transformative. Not only will we dramatically increase the throughput of phenotypic characterization of perturbations in vivo, but we can begin to identify genetic programs that orchestrate the complex spatial architecture of the tumor." Noetik is also proud to announce that Dr. Brown, Director of the Icahn Genomics Institute and Associate Director of the Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute at Icahn Mount Sinai, has joined the Noetik Scientific Advisory Board. "There is an important need for drugs that can remodel the tumor microenvironment, which means we first need to better understand how cells interact and influence each other in a complex tissue environment," says Dr. Brown. "Noetik understands these challenges and is building impressive infrastructure and datasets to address them." Dr. Brown will bring his extensive experience in immuno-oncology, genetics, and technology development and will contribute to Noetik's pipeline of innovative precision immunotherapies. Jacob Rinaldi, Ph.D, CSO & Co-Founder, Noetik emphasized: "Existing preclinical models poorly replicate human cancer biology, and cannot reveal more complex phenotypes at scale. Building on Perturb-map, we are developing a system to test complex functional genetics and pharmacological hypotheses at scale - creating iterative feedback between machine learning models of human disease and causal interventions in vivo. This is what the future of drug discovery will look like." About Noetik Noetik is an AI-native biotechnology company. By harnessing the potential of self-supervised learning and human multimodal data, Noetik aims to discover better precision immunotherapies. The company is based in San Francisco, CA. For more information, visit https://www.noetik.ai/. Disclosure Dr. Brown will receive compensation and equity from Noetik in connection with his advisory role. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115846502/en/

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[November 15, 2023]

Inbox Health Grows More Than 385%; Named #1 on the 2023 Marcum Tech Top 40

NEW HAVEN, Conn., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Inbox Health, a leading patient billing communications platform, has been named #1 on the 2023 Marcum Tech Top 40, an annual awards program recognizing Connecticut's fastest-growing technology and life sciences companies. Inbox Health achieved the award based on its four-year growth of over 385 percent driven by demand for its unique patient billing software platform. Patient billing is quickly becoming a top challenge for medical practices, especially as more patients are taking on a larger responsibility for their healthcare costs due to the increase in high-deductible health plans.

Inbox Health addresses the growing challenge of patient accounts receivable. This issue entangles medical practices and patients in a complex, time-consuming loop filled with misinformation. Built for medical billers, the Inbox Health patient-first platform automates patient billing and patient payments and modernizes patient support. With Inbox Health, patients receiv clear medical bills, have a choice of payment methods and communication channels, and access support through the phone and live chat. Billers benefit from an automated, streamlined platform that increases revenue, saves time, reduces paper statement costs, and results in fewer patient phone calls. By putting patients first, billing companies using Inbox Health report a 60% increase in collection speeds in the first 60 days.







"The growth of Inbox Health over the past few years showcases the benefits of a patient-focused billing approach. It boosts revenue, cash flow, and patient satisfaction," said Blake Walker, CEO of Inbox Health. "Our team is constantly innovating to simplify and improve the patient billing process and experience."

Inbox Health has served as the patient billing management platform for more than 3,000 medical practices across the country, representing more than 5 million patients.

About Inbox Health

Inbox Health directly addresses one of the fastest-growing problems in healthcarethe challenge of patient A/R. Built for medical billers, Inbox Health automates patient billing and patient payments and modernizes the patient support experience. Inbox Health improves patient engagement by providing clear medical bills immediately after service, choice of payment methods and communication channels, and fast, empathetic support through the phone and live chat. By improving the patient experience, billers see an increase in profitability, cash flow, and collection speeds. With Inbox Health, billing companies report a 60% increase in collection speeds in the first 60 days. Inbox Health provides billing companies an automated, streamlined platform that saves time, reduces paper statement costs, and results in fewer patient phone calls. Inbox Health currently serves over 3,000 healthcare practices and over 5 million patients. Headquartered in New Haven, Conn., Inbox Health was recently named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America. More information can be found at www.inboxhealth.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/inbox-health-grows-more-than-385-named-1-on-the-2023-marcum-tech-top-40-301988426.html

SOURCE Inbox Health
Spin.AI Brings Powerful All-in-One SaaS Security Platform to Google Cloud Marketplace

Spin.AI, a leading SaaS security company dedicated to safeguarding enterprises against digital risks, today announced the availability of SpinOne, the company's all-in-one Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Security platform, on Google Cloud Marketplace. SpinOne provides customers with a robust SaaS security solution and a seamless approach to protecting valuable SaaS data.

"Once again, we are meeting the needs of businesses who are extremely concerned about protecting their SaaS data from evolving cyber threats due to the continuous increase of SaaS data in the cloud," said Dmitry Dontov, CEO of Spin.AI. "Working with Google Cloud allows us to enhance our offering and provide organizations with a seamless approach to safeguard their valuable SaaS data while prioritizing growth and innovation."

SpinOne is designed to further protect SaaS data residing in mission-critical applications, including Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and Slack. With SpinOne, organizations gain the following key benefits:

Enhanced Security - Significantly reduce SaaS security vulnerabilities and data breaches.

- Significantly reduce SaaS security vulnerabilities and data breaches. Compliance Empowerment - Streamline complance measures to meet industry standards and local regulations.

- Streamline complance measures to meet industry standards and local regulations. SecOps Efficiency - Reduce security costs, save time, and simplify security operations.







Google Cloud Marketplace lets users quickly deploy functional software packages that run on Google Cloud. The availability of SpinOne on Google Cloud Marketplace provides customers with the opportunity to optimize their security program while maximizing cost efficiency in their overall financial commitment to Google Cloud.

Explore SpinOne on Google Cloud Marketplace here. To learn more about Spin.AI and Google, click here.

About Spin.AI

Spin.AI is a SaaS security company protecting enterprises against the risk of shadow IT, data leaks, data loss, ransomware, and non-compliance. SpinOne, the all-in-one SaaS security platform for mission-critical SaaS apps, protects SaaS data for Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and Slack. SpinOne provides SSPM, SaaS DLP, and SaaS ransomware protection for more than 1,500 organizations worldwide to reduce downtime and recovery costs and save time for SecOps teams. For more information, please visit: https://www.spin.ai/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115473075/en/
[November 15, 2023] Qmerit Deploying AI for Faster, Safer, More Accurate Estimates for Home EV Charging Installations Tweet

Work that Took Hours Can Now be Done in an Instant AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Qmerit, North America's leading installer of home and business EV chargers and other clean energy technologies, is now harnessing a trained proprietary AI model to substantially streamline and speed the process of bringing EV charging, battery storage, and other clean energy systems to single and multifamily residences. An EV charging industry pioneer, Qmerit has amassed an exceptional database of electrical infrastructure information on North American homes through over 269,000 home charging installations by their contractor network. Panel Insights, Qmerit's latest innovation, leverages advanced AI algorithms to evaluate an electrical panel's specifications, including available circuit spaces, number of tandem breakers, total electrical capacity and more, all from a single image of an electrical panel. Panel Insights can analyze and interpret an image of an electrical panel instantly. Panel Insights was developed in collaboration with experts from the Schneider Electric "AI Hub" team whose role was pivotal in the design and development of Qmerit's industry-first AI solution. "Our goal is to support our industry partners with the latest digital innovations that help enable the deployment of new energy technologies," said Schneider's CTO for Innovation, Scott Harden. "By leveraging our own R&D capabilities combined with such advanced tools as Computer Vision and Microsoft Cognitive Services, we can support Qmerit's ambition to truly enable their network with next-generation AI tools." The centerpiece of Qmerit's AI solution suite is LoadCRE (Load Capacity Recommendation Engine)  which takes the results from Panel Insights to instantly calculate the available capacity in the breaker panel for EV chargers, heat pumps, electric water heating, and other electrification technologies to ensure the home electrical system is not overloaded. LoadCRE leverages Qmerit's domain and software development expertise to create sophisticated algorithms which automatically generate the electrical load calculation required for an electrical permit and identifies when a load management solution or a panel upgrade will be required before installing electrification equipment. This gives Qmerit's electrical contractors a much faster, more reliable method for performing load calculations and reduces the need for a separate site visit by contractors. Panel Insights and LoadCRE will be available for every installation request, saving time and resources while ensuring the right processes are followed by every electrician, incluing permit documentation.



The result will be a better charging installation experience for both electricians and EV buyers. Projected benefits include: Labor savings  The industry is facing acute shortages in skilled electricians  hampering clean-energy electrification. Qmerit's Panel Insights and LoadCRE will help mitigate this problem by allowing electricians to get more work done faster  labor that previously took hours can now be completed instantly. The reduced overhead from this streamlined journey can also translate into potential savings and lower permit processing fees. Safety  Qmerit requires permits and load calculations to guarantee safety. Leveraging AI our automated load calculations, reduce potential errors, and standardize the documentation provided to city inspectors without having to visit the home  helping streamline the often-complicated permitting process. Faster quotes with more accuracy  Automating electrical load calculations will also help customers decide which EV charger to buy, receive a faster installation quote, and allow auto companies to bundle the cost of the EV charger and installation into their loan or lease. Documentation  The homeowner and/or installer will receive a printable, formatted document to submit to the city, and the city secures a reliable document for their review and future use. Qmerit has adopted an "API-first approach"  driven by its goal to foster collaborative advancement and broaden its technological innovation horizons. "We'll share the transformative capabilities of our AI solutions, making it accessible to our industry partners for seamless integration, enhancing their customer experience," said Qmerit founder and CEO Tracy K. Price.

"We're harnessing one of today's most complex technologies, AI, to help simplify the acquisition of home EV charging  encouraging more customers to make the switch to clean energy personal transportation. This technology represents a step-level change for our industry," he added. For more technical information on Qmerit's AI solution, please visit here . Qmerit recently released a white paper, Electrification2030 , examining the forces needed to drive broad U.S. EV adoption and greater home and building electrification. About Qmerit Qmerit is North America's leading provider of distributed workforce management for EV charging and other energy transition technologies, simplifying electrification adoption for Residential and C&I markets. Qmerit's value-driven services are delivered through a network of company-owned contractors, independent Certified Solutions Partners, and Certified Installers skilled in system implementation, integration and maintenance. Qmerit partners with top automakers from the U.S., Europe and Asia. Its customer experience (NPS) leads the industry by a wide margin, as a result of Qmerit's relentless pursuit of quality at the point of service. For more information, visit https://qmerit.com/ , and connect on Twitter , LinkedIn , Facebook , and Instagram . Media Contact: Samantha Graham, samantha.graham@qmerit.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/qmerit-deploying-ai-for-faster-safer-more-accurate-estimates-for-home-ev-charging-installations-301988388.html SOURCE Qmerit

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[November 15, 2023] Introducing Familheey, the Innovative Community-Based Social Networking App Transforming Virtual Connections Tweet

HOUSTON, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In an era where social networks are pivotal in nurturing personal and professional relationships, a revolutionary app steps into the limelight  Familheey. Conceived from the heart of innovation and the need for authentic connection, Familheey is not just an app; it's a secure haven for families and communities to flourish together. As the digital landscape burgeons, Familheey emerges as a beacon of hope, redefining the way we perceive and engage in virtual connections. Unlike the mainstream focus on individualism, Familheey champions the collective spirit  enabling companies, families, non-profits, institutions, religious groups, and communities to weave a closer knit through their interactive platform. With Familheey, it's not just about staying connected; it's about strengthening the very fabric of communal and familial ties in a secure, user-friendly environment. What sets Familheey apart in the congested realm of social apps is its steadfast commitment to user privacy. In a bold move that challenges industry norms, Familheey pledges to honor the sanctity of personal data. They don't sell private information  rather, they empower users to own their data, ensuring peace of mind with the assurance that their information is handled with the utmost care and security. The Familheey platform is intuitively designed, making it accessible to all age groups. Whether it's bridging the gap between generations n a family, aligning team goals in professional settings, or uniting community members for a common cause, Familheey's interface facilitates seamless interaction. Its innovative features, such as Family Broadcasts, Conversations, Event Announcements, Charity and fundraising Requests, Showcases, and Calendars for planning events and inviting family members, among others, enable users to share, engage, and plan with simplicity and joy.



With Familheey, the focus pivots from the individual to the collective. It's a digital expanse tailored for groups of all forms  be it companies seeking to fortify team camaraderie, families desiring to cement their bonds, non-profits aiming to amplify their impact, or any association that thrives on collaboration and shared purpose. It's the go-to app for projects, branches, divisions, and any assembly of individuals driven to achieve unity and progress. As Familheey embarks on this journey to enliven and secure the realm of social networking, they cordially invite everyone to join their platform. Embrace the opportunity to begin a new chapter in the world of virtual connection, where families and communities are not just connected but are truly brought closer in a meaningful and secure way.

Download Familheey today on the Apple App Store or Google Play  where your community becomes your priority and where privacy is not a feature but a promise. About Familyheey

Familheey is the brainchild of Houston-based My Family Group, embodying an initiative to bring together personal, professional, and social networks in one robust platform. At a time when the world faces unprecedented challenges, Familheey stands out as a mobile app that scales up rapidly to meet the collaborative needs of any group or organization, assuring that while they may be apart, they are never alone. Contact Information

Name: Ajith Nair

Email: [email protected]

Phone Number: (713) 494-9881 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/introducing-familheey-the-innovative-community-based-social-networking-app-transforming-virtual-connections-301988600.html SOURCE Familheey

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[November 15, 2023] Rescana Named 2023 CISO Choice Award Winner for Best Use of AI Tweet

Leading CISOs Recognize Rescana for Its Innovative Approach to AI TEL AVIV, Israel, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Rescana, a rising power in the world of cyber security risk, is proud to announce that it has won the prestigious CISO's Connect CISO Choice award for Best Use of AI. The CISO Choice awards recognize vendors who deliver innovative, timely, and differentiated solutions for CISOs and their organizations across industries. Entries are judged by a panel of leading CISOs from some of the world's biggest companies. Rescana is particularly honored to be the inaugural recipient of a new award dedicated to the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence (AI) within the already robust cybersecurity solutions market. Our AI-based solution for attack surface and third-party risk management was recognized for making the best use of generative AI to reduce hunt time, find problems more quickly, and create playbooks on the fly. "We would like to thank the pre-eminent board that judged this competition for this honor," said Guy Halfon, Rescana's Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder. "It is our vision to revolutionize the way risk and security managers connect cyber risks to business goals. This prestigious award validates our efforts to succeed in this mission." Rescana uniquely harnesses AI to enabl operators at every skill level to effectively and efficiently connect the dots across extensive data stores.



"Artificial intelligence is already transforming the business landscape, and nowhere more importantly than in cybersecurity, where the challenges of an ever-evolving environment demand accessible automated solutions," said David Cass, President of CISOs Connect. "By uniquely using AI to code to link typically disconnected datasets, Rescana has pioneered an innovative approach to protecting our organizations as attack vectors multiply." David Cass continues, "In an industry where teams often face challenges in finding and retaining knowledgeable operators, Rescana is making significant strides in empowering even the least experienced operators to make a meaningful impact."

With Rescana's solution, operators no longer require coding skills to establish connections between datasets because the solution accomplishes this on demand by coding the connects and conduits to make those connections. This capability can significantly boost internal response, evidence collection, and time to mitigation or remediation. This dramatically increases the return on investment, while reducing the learning curve to allow new or less experienced operators protect sensitive or confidential digital assets. "We would like to congratulate Rescana on its innovative use of AI to protect organizations from multiplying vectors of attack," said CISOs Connect CEO Aimee Rhodes. "It is our mission to seek out the most innovative technologies available globally to offer value for the leading security chiefs our community serves." About Rescana Business ecosystems are complex web of intricate digital interconnection that hold great opportunities but also a host of risks. Rescana's attack surface management and third-party risk management solution collects and analyzes massive datasets to extract actionable security insights from publicly available information to keep your digital assets safe. Media Contact:

Oren Askarov

+972-58-7336900

[email protected]

https://www.rescana.com/ View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rescana-named-2023-ciso-choice-award-winner-for-best-use-of-ai-301988612.html SOURCE Rescana

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[November 15, 2023] Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union Selects Scienaptic AI to Revolutionize Credit Underwriting Tweet

Scienaptic AI, a leading global provider of an AI-powered credit underwriting platform, announced today that Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU) has chosen to implement its AI-powered credit decisioning platform. The credit union aims to enhance and automate its credit underwriting by utilizing Scienaptic's fair, inclusive, and regulatory-compliant AI platform. As part of this deployment, Scienaptic will leverage its existing integration with HCFCU's LOS to enable seamless AI-enabled decisions with greater speed and accuracy. In 1936, during the Great Depression, ten coffee farmers who were being denied loans and services by banks united to establish what is now known as the Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union (HCFCU). What began as a modest one-room operation has since blossomed into a trusted institution for local communities. HCFCU is more than just a credit union; it embodies the spirit of 'ohana', a Hawaiian term for family. The credit union is committed to providing valuable financial solutions, personalized service, low fees, and higher rates, all whil focusing on the unique needs of its members. Headquartered in Kailua-Kona, HCFCU now manages $750 million in assets and serves a member base of 47,000. While HCFCU has grown exponentially from its humble beginnings, it continues to uphold its foundational philosophy - a collective of individuals coming together to help each other succeed.



"At HCFCU, our members are at the heart of everything we do. The decision to implement Scienaptic's AI is a significant step in our ongoing journey to better understand and serve our members," said Mel Ventura, EVP of Member Services at HCFCU. "With Scienaptic's fair, inclusive, and regulatory-compliant AI, we will be able to automate our lending, approve more loans, and make personalized credit decisions that align with our values. This technology allows us to consider the uniqueness of each of our members, thereby expanding credit access to more members in our community. We are excited about this major advancement and the positive impact it will have on our members and our community. It's all about their stories, their successes, and how we can contribute to that journey." Pankaj Jain, Co-founder and President of Scienaptic AI shared his excitement, "At Scienaptic, we are driven by the remarkable achievements of people, which serve as the inspiration for our own journey. We are thrilled that Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union has chosen us to help financially empower its member community. Our state-of-the-art AI platform will enhance the credit union's underwriting process, leading to higher approval rates, fair & transparent lending, minimized risk, and increased efficiency. We are eager to revolutionize the credit experience and broaden credit access for the dynamic community in Hawaii."

About Scienaptic AI Scienaptic AI's mission is to increase credit availability across the globe by transforming the technology used in credit decisioning. Credit unions, auto lenders, banks, and fintechs, use Scienaptic's AI native credit decisioning platform to continually improve the quality and speed of their underwriting decisions. The platform enables FIs to reach more borrowers, including underbanked and underserved individuals, and say "yes" more often without increasing risk. It democratizes automated AI-powered lending while addressing all regulatory requirements, including Fair Lending and explainable adverse actions. Scienaptic-enabled lenders have processed more than 300 million transactions, benefitting millions of borrowers. For more information, visit http://www.scienaptic.ai View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115699776/en/

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A screenshot from a police body camera video shows David DePape lifting a hammer to strike Paul Pelosi, the husband of then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in the couples house on October 28, 2022, in San Francisco, California.

The man accused of attacking former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosis husband with a hammer last year told jurors at his federal trial Tuesday how he went to the Pelosis San Francisco home as part of a bigger plan to end corruption in the United States.

David DePape spoke for more than an hour, often getting emotional and crying 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 went to the Pelosis home to talk to Pelosi about Russian involvement in the 2016 election, and that he planned to wear an inflatable unicorn costume and upload his interrogation of her online.

Prosecutors say DePape bludgeoned Paul Pelosi in the early hours of Oct. 28, 2022, just days before the midterm elections, and that he had rope and zip ties with him.

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. He did not deny attacking Paul Pelosi while testifying Tuesday. His attorneys argue the charges do not fit because they say he was not seeking to go after Nancy Pelosi because of her official duties as a member of Congress.

DePape testified that he felt really bad for Paul Pelosi after hearing testimony from a neurosurgeon who operated on him after the attack. He was never my target and Im sorry that he got hurt, he said. I reacted because my plan was basically ruined, he said when asked why he hit Pelosi.

Defense attorney Jodi Linker told jurors last week that DePape believed he was taking action to stop government corruption, the erosion of freedom in the United States, and the abuse of children by politicians and actors.

DePape testified that his plan was to get Nancy Pelosi and other targets to admit to their corruption and eventually get President Joe Biden to pardon them all. Its just easier giving them a pardon so we can move forward as a country, he said crying.

Paul Pelosi testified Monday, recounting the attack publicly for the first time. It was a tremendous sense of 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 told jurors.

Pelosi recalled being awakened by a man bursting into the bedroom door asking, Wheres Nancy? He said that when he responded that his wife was in Washington, DePape said he would tie him up while they waited for her.

He testified that he was eventually able to call police from his cellphone and that DePape hit him with a hammer when officers arrived.

Earlier, prosecutors played police body camera footage showing Pelosi facedown on the floor as paramedics help him. One 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. He later underwent surgery to repair a skull fracture and injuries to his right arm and hands.

If convicted, DePape faces life in prison. He 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.

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.

Defense attorneys have listed four other possible witnesses: Daniel Bernal, Nancy Pelosis San Francisco chief of staff; extremism and antisemitism researcher Elizabeth Yates; federal public defender Catherine Goulet; and one unidentified witness.

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[November 15, 2023] HEALWELL to Acquire Control of AI Leader 'Pentavere' to Help Solve Some of Healthcare's Toughest Data Challenges Tweet

HEALWELL enters into agreement to acquire a majority stake of Pentavere, a healthcare artificial intelligence (AI) company whose DARWEN AI technology has been validated by some of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world and whose research and validation has been published by some of the most prestigious publications globally.

Pentavere has developed and validated best in class capabilities in data structuring and abstraction; a key capability to unlocking clinical value and unmet needs for patients and providers. The Pentavere acquisition adds revenue, new pharma customers and access to hospitals as well as growing HEALWELLs dedicated team of AI engineers.

The transaction is expected to be financially and strategically accretive and highly synergistic with HEALWELLs strategic alliance agreement with WELL Health Technologies Corp. (WELL) (TSX: WELL).



TORONTO, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HEALWELL AI Inc. (HEALWELL or the Company) (TSX: AIDX), a data science and AI company focused on preventative care, is pleased to announce it has entered into an agreement to acquire a majority ownership position in Pentavere Research Group Inc. (Pentavere), an innovative AI health-tech company based in Toronto, Ontario, that focuses on identifying eligible patients for approved medications and interventions. Pentavere has a proven track record in commercialization of real-world evidence studies and has developed strong partnerships with major hospital networks. Pentaveres expertise in data abstraction and structuring, combined with their extensive network and experience in hospital specialist care, perfectly aligns with HEALWELLs commitment to improving preventative care. HEALWELLs proposed majority acquisition of Pentavere will further solidify its standing as a world-class AI technology provider. This proposed acquisition will add top-line revenue, new products, partnerships with major hospital networks in Canada and the United States, access to five new key pharma customers and also an expert AI engineering team. The combined capabilities of HEALWELL and Pentavere in combination with the Companys partnership with WELL Health Technologies Corp. (WELL) (TSX: WELL) allows HEALWELL to accelerate its strategic roadmap and tackle high value problems in the healthcare industry. Dr. Alexander Dobranowski, CEO of HEALWELL commented, We are thrilled at the prospect of welcoming Pentavere, a real AI powerhouse, to the HEALWELL family. This proposed acquisition will represent a major leap forward in our mission to revolutionize healthcare through the use of AI and data science. Pentavere is most certainly one of the leading technology assets in Healthcare AI in Canada. Its advanced DARWEN platform leverages artificial intelligence and large language models to process complex, unstructured clinical data into easily searchable and referenceable structured data, addressing a critical need in modern healthcare technology. Pentavere has established vital partnerships and secured data-access agreements with major hospital networks in Canada and the United States, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry. Mr. Aaron Leibtag, Co-Founder and CEO of Pentavere, stated, Pentavere has always been driven by a dedication to improving patient outcomes through technology. Joining forces with HEALWELL will allow us to amplify our impact and reach even greater heights in the field of healthcare technology. We are excited to combine our strengths and bring forth innovative solutions that will shape the future of healthcare and drive better outcomes for patients. With a strong pedigree and commercial track record of delivering complex AI-driven real-world evidence (RWE) studies  Pentavere has a validated history of delivering impactful AI-solutions to the healthcare industry. Pentaveres extensive experience working with some of the worlds largest pharmaceutical companies underscores its reputation in the commercial sector. Pentaveres impressive research contributions are equally noteworthy. Over the past several years, Pentavere has published an impressive array of literature in high-impact, peer-reviewed medical journals. This body of work, totalling more than 19 manuscripts, serves as a testament to Pentaveres capabilities and adds significant credibility to their technology, particularly in the eyes of healthcare experts, key opinion leaders and clinical researchers. < align="justify">This proposed acquisition will mark a pivotal moment for HEALWELL, as it aligns perfectly with the Companys technological and commercial competencies. The addition of Pentaveres data abstraction and structuring capabilities, combined with access to hospitals and expertise in hospital based medical specialities, will significantly broaden HEALWELLs therapeutic and disease indication spectrum. Moreover, the expanded portfolio is expected to broaden HEALWELLs capabilities to unlock the value of its partnership with WELL with whom it has recently executed an agreement to deliver clinical decision support capabilities to WELLs healthcare providers.



No industry in the world produces more data than Healthcare. By the year 2025, the compound annual growth rate of data for healthcare will reach 36%(1). Much of this data is generated in unstructured form and will require technologies such as Pentaveres to structure such that it can be used to solve the most challenging problems in the healthcare industry. HEALWELL AI is acquiring a majority ownership of Pentavere on a non-diluted basis in a combined primary and secondary transaction with an option to buy the remaining stake over the next 3 years. The purchase values 100% of Pentavere at an enterprise value of $15 million which includes approximately $2 million in debt. HEALWELL is buying an initial stake from existing shareholders with a combination of cash ($1.75 million) and AIDX stock ($4.16 million) using the 5-day VWAP of the Subordinate Voting Shares prior to announcement of the transaction. A further $1.2 million will be invested by HEALWELL on closing to purchase newly issued treasury shares that increase HEALWELL's ownership to a majority position on a non-diluted basis, and provide Pentavere with fresh operating capital. On closing, HEALWELL has the right to appoint nominees for a majority of Pentaveres board seats.

Footnote: (1) Source: Coughlin et al, Internal Medicine Journal article Looking to tomorrows healthcare today: A participatory health perspective. IDC White Paper, Doc# US44413318: The Digitization of the World  From Edge to Core Dr. Alexander Dobranowski

Chief Executive Officer

HEALWELL AI Inc. About HEALWELL AI HEALWELL AI is a health care technology company focused on AI and data science for preventive care. Its mission is to improve health care and save lives through early identification and detection of disease. As a physician-led organization with a proven management team of experienced executives, HEALWELL AI is executing a strategy centered around developing and acquiring technology and clinical sciences capabilities that complement the Company's road map. HEALWELL is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol AIDX. To learn more about HEALWELL AI, please visit: https://healwell.ai/. About Pentavere Pentavere Research Group is a globally recognized and award-winning AI digital health company that has built a best-in-class AI engine to identify patients that are eligible for approved medications or interventions, to improve outcomes for patients and help drive therapy growth and penetration. Pentavere's AI system, DARWEN, identifies patients that are eligible for but not receiving approved medications or interventions, improving outcomes for patients and helping drive appropriate therapy growth and penetration. Forward Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release, constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward looking statements" (collectively, "forward looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and are based on assumptions, expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this press release. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements with respect to, among other things: the closing of the proposed acquisition and the acquisition of a majority stake in Pentavere on the terms disclosed herein; the expected results of the acquisition, including the expected financial, strategic and synergistic benefits to HEALWELL; anticipated benefits of revenue and new products and partnerships resulting from the majority acquisition; and the expectation that the acquisition will provide positive benefits and opportunities through HEALWELL's strategic alliance with WELL. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by words or phrases such as "to become", "improve", "growth", "ensuring", "continue", "anticipated", "expects", "proceed", "potential", "future", "consider", "result in", "increase", "deliver", "emerging", is poised, "plan", "position", "opportunities", "expansion", "exercise", "ensure", "achieve", "acquire", "complete", "satisfy", "entitle", "subject to" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain future conditions, actions, events or results "will", "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "can" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms . Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon managements perceptions of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as a number of specific factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by HEALWELL as of the date of such statements, are outside of HEALWELL's control and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies which could result in the forward-looking statements ultimately being entirely or partially incorrect or untrue. Forward looking statements contained in this press release are based on various assumptions, including, but not limited to, the following: ability to close the acquisition on negotiated terms; ability to satisfy all closing conditions, including stock exchange approval; ability for HEALWELL to realize on expected synergies with Pentavere; the stability of general economic and market conditions; HEALWELL's ability to comply with applicable laws and regulations; HEALWELL's continued compliance with third party intellectual property rights; and that the risk factors noted below, collectively, do not have a material impact on HEALWELL's business, operations, revenues and/or results. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections, or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct, and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. Known and unknown risk factors, many of which are beyond the control of HEALWELL, could cause the actual results of HEALWELL to differ materially from the results, performance, achievements, or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risk factors include but are not limited to those factors which are discussed under the section entitled "Risk Factors" in HEALWELL's most recent annual information form dated March 31, 2023, which is available under HEALWELL's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The risk factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect HEALWELL and the reader is cautioned to consider these and other factors, uncertainties and potential events carefully and not to put undue reliance on 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. HEALWELL disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements 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 statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. All of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements.

For more information: Pardeep S. Sangha Investor Relations, HEALWELL AI Inc. Phone: 604-572-6392 [email protected]

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[November 15, 2023] Entrust Elevates Assurance for Digital Transactions and Agreements with New Verified Signing Solution Tweet

Entrust, a global leader in identity and data security, today announced Entrust Verified Signing, a comprehensive solution designed to raise the level of trust and assurance in vital digital transactions and agreements. The Entrust Verified Signing solution integrates identity verification and identity and access management (IAM) with digital signatures to identify and authenticate people on both sides of digital transactions. The Identified Signing capabilities can be integrated into an organization's existing business processes and workflows or be deployed as a turnkey electronic signature solution. "In a recent survey by analyst firm IDC, 86% of IT decision makers said that they had invested in e-Signature software in the past year and 85% said that they planned to do so in the next 12-18 months. But identity has been a barrier to digitalizing in-person processes - how to maintain trust in the identity of parties on each side of a high-risk, regulated transaction without face-to-face interaction. Being able to verify the identity of both sides brings peace-of-mind and helps ensure compliance," said Bhagwat Swaroop, President, Digital Security Solutions at Entrust. The Verified Signing solution from Entrust enable identity authentication of people using multiple sources, including public eID schemes, corporate identities, ID cards or passports and digital certificates issued by a trusted certificate authority (CA) or Qualified Trust Service Provider (QTSP). By seamlessly integrating identity verification and access management with secure digital signing, Entrust provides organizations with critical identity assurance they need to help meet compliance requirements and deliver digital workflows for high-risk agreements like loans, mortgages, real estate, and more. Recognizing the company's position in the market, Entrust was recently named a Major Player in the 2023 IDC MarketScape Worldwide eSignature Software report. According to the report, "Entrust offers a complete, enterprise-grade e-Signature solution" and "Organizations should consider Entrust when they are seeking end-to-end identity and access management capabilities that are well integrated with an e-Signatur solution and a broad range of enterprise applications."



Entrust Verified Signing solutions are built on proven Entrust capabilities. The company is a leading Certificate Authority, an eIDAS Qualified Trust Service Provider (QTSP), a long-standing member of the Adobe-Approved Trust List (AATL), and a member of the Cloud Signature Consortium (CSC). The solution helps support compliance with state, country, and multi-national regulations such as the US E-Sign act and EU eiDAS. Entrust digital signing and identity and access management solutions are deployed successfully by banks, governments, enterprises around the world. "With Verified Signing, Entrust is placing identity and security at the core of e-Signatures for a range of use cases that include high-assurance transactions as well as support for phishing-resistant identities with certificate-based authentication and the digital account onboarding process," Swaroop said. "By leveraging Entrust expertise and innovation, organizations can deploy secure digital transactions with greater confidence, helping to mitigate fraud, improve customer and employee relationships, and increase operational efficiency, while aligning with key electronic signing industry standards."

Additional Information:

Web page: Entrust e-signature solutions

IDC report: IDC MarketScape: Worldwide eSignature Software 2023 Vendor Assessment About Entrust Entrust keeps the world moving safely by enabling trusted experiences for identities, payments, and data. We offer an unmatched breadth of solutions that are critical to enabling trust for multi-cloud deployments, mobile identities, hybrid work, machine identity, electronic signatures, encryption and more. With more than 2,800 colleagues, a network of global partners, and customers in over 150 countries, it's no wonder the world's most entrusted organizations trust us. Learn more at www.entrust.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115578788/en/

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[November 15, 2023] Maya Joelson Joins Savvy Advisors as Founding Principal Wealth Manager and Global Investment Strategist Tweet

Savvy Advisors Inc. ("Savvy"), a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) affiliated with Savvy Wealth Inc., today announced that Marisa (Maya) Joelson has joined the firm as a founding principal wealth manager and global investment strategist. Joelson has a diverse professional background spanning the advanced technology and financial services sectors. Throughout her career, Joelson has established herself as a respected thought leader on topics related to global markets and has had her insights featured at prominent events like the Davos World Economic Forum (WEF). Her differentiated ideas have also been published in leading publications including The Wall Street Journal and Barron's. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115435166/en/ Maya Joelson, Principal Wealth Manager and Global Investment Strategist at Savvy Advisors (Photo: Business Wire) Joelson comes to Savvy after having worked as an advisor at Perigon Wealth Management and Merrill Lynch. She has two decades of experience advising chief executive officers (CEOs), technology executives, hedge fund managers, families and individuals on their investment decisions. In 2017, Joelson founded Meta Point Advisors as her platform to share thought leadership content related to current events and their impacts on the global market. Prior to Merrill Lynch, Joelson was based in London, where she served as a macroeconomic and financial advisor to the CEO and senior leadership at Rio Tinto, then the world's second-largest mining company. Further, Joelson has provided advisory services to a leading emerging markets bank in London, where she led initial public offerings (IPOs) and provided guidance to fund managers overseeing billion-dollar funds. Before her career in financial services, Joelson worked for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), collaborating with one of the invetors of the internet Vint Cerf, on advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction and collaborative systems.



"Since I began my professional career in the 1990s, I have been searching for an employer who gives me freedom to express my differentiated insight and empowers me to utilize my unique global perspectives," said Joelson. "With Savvy, I can leverage my deep experience in international markets to navigate headwinds that may impact client portfolios. The firm's cutting-edge technology and all-in-one platform will allow me to enhance my practice, allowing me to create tailored strategies that align with each of my clients' unique financial circumstances, objectives and risk tolerance." Joelson earned a Master of Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School, a Master of Business Administration from Kellogg at Northwestern University and a bachelor's degree from Wesleyan University. While at Harvard, she studied National Security Policy and International Economic Development. In 2004, she wrote the first paper for the WEF on the business case for corporations to advance women and diverse talent. Her paper was presented in 2004 at the Davos Congress Centre at the World Economic Forum, spurring the start of WEF's Global Gender Gap Report to track how nations fare in capturing the talent of women.

As an advisor at Savvy, Joelson will have access to data-driven insight, comprehensive retirement planning resources, trust strategies, tax optimization tools, alternative investments and more. In addition to its new advisor dashboard powered by artificial intelligence, Savvy Wealth recently launched its proprietary Savvy Direct Indexing solution. Now, advisors like Joelson can deliver tax-efficient portfolios that are customized to their high-net-worth clients' unique environmental, social, and governance (ESG) preferences. "As we continue our efforts to reshape the wealth management industry, it is imperative that we recruit professionals who can offer in-depth analysis and informed recommendations," added Ritik Malhotra, co-founder and CEO at Savvy Wealth. "What Maya brings to the table is truly unique. With her deep understanding of economic affairs and her knack for simplifying complex concepts, we are confident that she will help us build a future where advice is seamlessly integrated, personalized, and centered on delivering extraordinary client experiences." Since its founding in 2021, Savvy has onboarded more than 10 advisors and now has several hundreds of millions in assets under management nationally. Joelson is the latest addition to the firm, joining its advisory team shortly after Michael Most, Frank Remund, Erich Yost and Ryan Bond. Savvy has been actively recruiting advisors to its ranks by offering competitive incentives for new employees. Advisors who are interested in joining Savvy can view the firm's open roles. About Savvy Savvy is a digital-first platform for financial advisors centered around modernizing human financial advice. Financial advisors who partner with Savvy leverage its intentionally built, integrated technology platform to help supercharge organic growth with enhanced software, and sales and marketing automation. Savvy's proprietary technology empowers advisors to help scale revenue faster and spend more time focused on growth. Follow Savvy on LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest company news and updates. Neither Savvy Wealth, nor Savvy Advisors compensates, directly or indirectly for testimonials provided herein. Testimonials are not provided by clients however testimonials represent a conflict of interest as individuals may indirectly benefit from the endorsement they have provided. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115435166/en/

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[November 15, 2023] The governments of Canada, Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Regional Municipality invest in a greener transit facility and new electric buses Tweet

SYDNEY, NS, Nov. 15, 2023 /CNW/ - Transit Cape Breton will have new electric buses and an upgraded bus maintenance facility thanks to the combined investment of $54 million from the Governments of Canada, Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Regional Municipality. Announced by Mike Kelloway, MP for Cape BretonCanso, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities; Jaime Battiste, MP for Sydney-Victoria; John White, MLA for Glace Bay-Dominion, on behalf of the Honourable Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables; and Amanda McDougall-Merrill, Mayor of Cape Breton Regional Municipality, this project will reduce transit emissions and improve service for Cape Breton transit users. This is the final phase of a project to design and replace the existing transit maintenance facility. The objective is to build a facility capable of achieving net zero emissions by 2030. The new facility will provide maintenance capabilities for the current diesel bus fleet, provide charging and maintenance provisions to support the transition to a fully electric fleet and support recent expansions of the transit service to accommodate 44 electric buses in the future. The project also includes the purchase of six new electric buses and associated chargers. By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country's economy, building resilient communities, and improving the lives of Canadians. Quotes "Taking bold action on climate change simply makes good business sense. It's also the right thing to do for people and the planet. Setting a net-zero emissions target by 2030 while building an up-to-date maintenance and storage facility is innovative and an initiative the Government of Canada is embracing." Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape BretonCanso, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities "Transportation is Nova Scotia's second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Moving to electric transit systems reduces emissions, creates healthier communities and supports our goal of reaching net zero by 2050." John White, MLA for Glace Bay-Dominion, on behalf of the Honourable Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables "This is taking a monumental step towards a greener and more sustainable future. None of this can happen without true collaboration between all levels of government. Proud to be amongst community partners as well. When we all work together, we all grow together." Amanda McDougall-Merrill, Mayor of Cape Breton Regional Municipality Quick facts



The Government of Canada is investing $21,600,000 in this project. The Government of Nova Scotia is investing $17,998,200 and Cape Breton Regional Municipality is contributing $14,401,800 .

is investing in this project. The Government of is investing and Cape Breton Regional Municipality is contributing . The Government of Canada's funding comes from the Green Infrastructure Stream and the Public Transit Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

funding comes from the Green Infrastructure Stream and the Public Transit Stream of the Investing in Infrastructure Program. The Green Infrastructure Stream helps build greener communities by contributing to climate change preparedness, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting renewable technologies.

The Public Transit Stream supports the building, expansion, and upgrading of urban and rural transit networks.

Including today's announcement, 51 infrastructure projects or project bundles under the Green Infrastructure Stream have been announced in Nova Scotia , with a total federal contribution of more than $316 million and a total provincial contribution of nearly $422 million .

, with a total federal contribution of more than and a total provincial contribution of nearly . The Government of Canada is investing $14.9 billion over the next eight years in reliable, fast, affordable, and clean public transit. This funding includes $3 billion per year in permanent, predictable federal public transit funding which will be available to support transit solutions beginning in 2026-27.

is investing over the next eight years in reliable, fast, affordable, and clean public transit. This funding includes per year in permanent, predictable federal public transit funding which will be available to support transit solutions beginning in 2026-27. Since 2015, the Government of Canada has announced an unprecedented investment of over $30 billion in thousands of transit projects in communities from coast to coast to coast.

has announced an unprecedented investment of over in thousands of transit projects in communities from coast to coast to coast. Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.

Plan, the federal government is investing more than over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and rural and northern communities. Infrastructure Canada helps address complex challenges that Canadians face every dayranging from the rapid growth of our cities, to climate change, and environmental threats to our water and land.

helps address complex challenges that Canadians face every dayranging from the rapid growth of our cities, to climate change, and environmental threats to our water and land. The funding announced today builds on the Government of Canada's work through the Atlantic Growth Strategy to create well-paying middle-class jobs, strengthen local economies, and build inclusive communities. Associated Links Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan

https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html

Green Infrastructure Stream

https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/gi-iv-eng.html Public Transit Infrastructure Stream

https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/pti-itc-eng.html Federal infrastructure investments in Nova Scotia

https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-ns-eng.html Strengthened Climate Plan

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

Web: Infrastructure Canada SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

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[November 15, 2023] Chase Corporation Announces Completion of Acquisition by KKR and Welcomes Lance Reisman as Chairman of the Board of Directors Tweet

Chase Corporation ("Chase" or the "Company"), a leading global manufacturer of protective materials for high-reliability applications across diverse market sectors, today announced the successful completion of its acquisition by affiliates of KKR, a leading global investment firm, for $127.50 per share. As a result of the completion of the transaction, Chase common stock has ceased trading and will no longer be listed on the NYSE American. "Today represents an important milestone for Chase in our journey to better serve our customers through strategic growth and innovation," said Adam Chase, President and Chief Executive Officer of Chase. "From the beginning, KKR was a strong cultural fit for us, and their commitment to employee engagement coupled with an exceptional track record in the materials science space makes them ideal for this new chapter in our history." Adam joined Chase in 1998, and has successfully managed Chase as Chief Executive Officer since 2015. Prior to this role, Adam was the Chief Operating Officer. In conjunction with the transaction close, Lance Reisman will assume the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors of Chase. "I am thrilled to be joining the Board of Chase as Chair and look forward to working with Adam and his talented team to achieve a new phase of growth and innovation," said Mr. Reisman. "Chase has built an impressive portfolio of leading technologies, and I look forward to supporting the Company in building upon this foundation to drive future growth, both organically and through acquisitions." Lance is an Executive Advisor to KKR and currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors at Flow Control Group and as Chairman of th Board at GeoStabilization International and Industrial Physics. Lance previously worked at Danaher, most recently as Group Executive and Vice President responsible for Danaher's Water Quality Platform. In this role, Lance led holistic operational and commercial transformations and executed a number of strategic acquisitions.



KKR will also support Chase in implementing a broad-based employee ownership program to allow all of its employees to have the opportunity to participate in the benefits of ownership of the Company. This strategy is based on the belief that employee engagement and a strong ownership culture are key drivers in building stronger companies. Since 2011, KKR portfolio companies have awarded billions of dollars of total equity value to over 60,000 non-senior management employees across more than 35 portfolio companies. About Chase Corporation

Chase Corporation, a global specialty chemicals company that was founded in 1946, is a leading manufacturer of protective materials for high-reliability applications throughout the world. More information can be found on our website https://chasecorp.com/. About KKR KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR's insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR's investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR's website at www.kkr.com. For additional information about Global Atlantic Financial Group, please visit Global Atlantic Financial Group's website at www.globalatlantic.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114831041/en/

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[November 15, 2023] Work Comp Benchmarking Study's 2023 Survey Underway, Polling Frontline Claims Professionals for First Time Since COVID Tweet

CHICAGO, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Workers' Compensation Benchmarking Study's annual survey is now open. For the second time in its 11-year historyand for the first time since COVIDthe 2023 study will survey frontline claims professionals (instead of claims executives) to ascertain alignment between industry leadership and staff who directly handle workers' compensation claims. As the industry's largest talent constituency, with the greatest influence on financial and injured worker outcomes, visibility into their views will highlight advancement opportunities for the entire industry. Reprising prior years' survey questions, the 2023 study will not only compare frontline participants' perspectives to the views of the claims executive participants who preceded them, it will also quantify the experience and motivations of frontline staff in the post-pandemic work environment. "As the frontline attrition rate worsens and the industry's overall talent shortage grows, it becomes even more essential to understand the perspectives of those claims professionals who are choosing to remain in workers' compensation," says Rachel Fikes, chief experience officer and study program director at Rising Medical Solutions. "By learning from claims professionals' views, the 2023 study aims to help payer organizations best understand, lead, and recruit/retain this critical talent pool." The 2023 confidential survey will continue throughout the remainder of the year. All frontline participants and study stakeholders will receive a copy of the 2023 Study Report which can be used to validate operational alignment, verify existing strategies, advocate for resources in support-challenged areas, and identify opportunities to impact claim outcomes. Claims executives are encouraged to share the survey link with their frontline teams as an investment in this industrywide effort.



About the Workers' Compensation Benchmarking Study

The Workers' Compensation Benchmarking Study is a national research program examining the complex forces impacting claims management in workers' compensation today. The study's mission is to advance claims management in the industry by providing both quantitative and qualitative data. Through survey research with claims leaders and practitioners nationwide, the program generates actionable intelligence for claims organizations to evaluate priorities, challenges, and strategies amongst their peers. Conceived and directed by Rising Medical Solutions, the ongoing program is a collaboration of industry executives representing diverse organizational perspectives, including the Study's Principal Researcher and Advisory Council: Denise Algire , Director of Health, Albertsons Companies

, Director of Health, Albertsons Companies Melissa Burke , PharmD, VP, Head of Client Experience, AmTrust Financial Services

, PharmD, VP, Head of Client Experience, AmTrust Financial Services Tyrone Spears , Chief, Workers' Compensation Division, City of Los Angeles

, Chief, Workers' Compensation Division, Ben Tebo , JD, VP, Creative Risk Solutions

, JD, VP, Creative Risk Solutions Thomas Stark , RVP, Commercial Lines, Encova Insurance

, RVP, Commercial Lines, Encova Insurance Sharon Scott , VP, Medical Programs, ESIS

, VP, Medical Programs, ESIS Freddy Mistry , AVP, Gallagher Bassett

, AVP, Helen Weber , AVP, Head of Medical Strategy, The Hanover Insurance Group

, AVP, Head of Medical Strategy, The Hanover Insurance Group Adam Seidner , MD, Chief Medical Officer, The Hartford

, MD, Chief Medical Officer, The Victoria Kennedy, VP, Workers' Compensation, Linea Solutions

Jaclyn Tiger , Sr. Director, Claims, Workers' Compensation, Markel

, Sr. Director, Claims, Workers' Compensation, Markel Thomas Wiese , VP, Claims, The MEMIC Group

, VP, Claims, The MEMIC Group Michele Fairclough , Medical Services Director, Montana State Fund

, Medical Services Director, Montana State Fund Molly Flanagan , AVP, Workers' Compensation Claims, Nationwide Insurance

, AVP, Workers' Compensation Claims, Nationwide Insurance Marcos Iglesias , MD, VP, Chief Medical Director, Travelers

, MD, VP, Chief Medical Director, Travelers Linda Butler , Director, Claims Management, Walt Disney World Resort

, Director, Claims Management, Walt Disney World Resort Brian Trick , Sr. Director, Employee Health & Claims Services, Wegmans Food Markets About Rising Medical Solutions | We Make Lives Better.

Rising Medical Solutions (www.risingms.com) is a national managed care firm that provides medical cost containment and medical care management services to the workers' compensation, auto, liability, and group health markets. Rising's mission is to "make lives better," by taking the pain out of the healthcare experience for those providing, receiving, and paying for medical care.

Contact:

Rachel Fikes

[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/work-comp-benchmarking-studys-2023-survey-underway-polling-frontline-claims-professionals-for-first-time-since-covid-301989217.html SOURCE Rising Medical Solutions LLC

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[November 15, 2023] CGTN: Chinese President Xi arrives in San Francisco for talks with Biden, APEC meeting Tweet

BEIJING, Nov. 15, 2023 /CNW/ -- Chinese President Xi Jinping was warmly welcomed by U.S. officials at the airport after he arrived in San Francisco on Tuesday for a summit with U.S. President Joe Biden, and the 30th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. U.S. officials, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, were present at the airport to welcome President Xi. Along the way from the airport to the hotel, many overseas Chinese people were seen lining up waving the national flags of China and the United States to greet Xi. "We are very welcoming to him. It's really important that you know with APEC that it's a good opportunity for he and Biden to really reset our relationship and to continue growing," said Robert Weisenmiller, former chair of the California Energy Commission. The two presidents will have in-depth discussions on issues of strategic, overarching, and fundamental importance in shaping China-U.S. relations andmajor issues concerning world peace and development, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday.



Xi's upcoming talks with Biden will be the first face-to-face meeting between the two presidents since they met on the sidelines of the G20 summit last year in Bali, Indonesia. However, 2022 proved difficult for ties between the two nations, with then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to China's Taiwan region badly straining relations. Optimism slowly crept up later this year. Beijing and Washington have reestablished communication and maintained frequent interactions across various sectors in recent months, setting new conditions for the upcoming talks between the two leaders.

The world is watching whether the two heads of state can improve on the outcomes from Bali and make new developments in bilateral ties in San Francisco. "I got excited when I saw the leaders of China and the leaders of the United States putting aside all of the differences in the geopolitical challenges that their teams are discussing on a regular basis to sit down at APEC. Because they recognize the importance of this type of engagement," said Ertharin Cousin, former director of the UN World Food Programme. During his stay, Chinese President Xi Jinping will also attend a series of events, aiming to find common ground with leaders from Asia-Pacific economic entities. San Francisco is the host city for APEC Leaders' Week 2023 from November 11 to 17, with the theme "Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All." https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-11-15/Xi-arrives-in-San-Francisco-for-talks-with-Biden-APEC-meeting-1oKETzq1lUA/index.html View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cgtn-chinese-president-xi-arrives-in-san-francisco-for-talks-with-biden-apec-meeting-301989254.html SOURCE CGTN

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[November 15, 2023] Sargento Foods Inc. Announces New CSR Platform, Real Impact, Alongside 2022 Impact Report Tweet

PLYMOUTH, Wis., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Sargento Foods Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of "Sargento Real Impact," a corporate social responsibility (CSR) platform that encompasses the company's ongoing philanthropic and sustainability efforts. With a vision to be the most innovative, best-loved real food company, Wisconsin-based Sargento will use the platform to communicate its continued commitment to sustainability as well as community-based initiatives across three key pillars: hunger, housing and education. Sargento Foods is pleased to announce the launch of Sargento Real Impact, a corporate social responsibility platform "'Sargento Real Impact,' represents a new chapter in our CSR efforts while building on my grandfather's longstanding commitment to give back and use resources responsibly," said Louie Gentine, third Generation CEO of Sargento Foods. "Real Impact means committing  not just to our community through hunger, housing and educational initiatives  but also to our planet through sustainability practices." Throughout 2022, the impact of Sargento was seen broadly across all company efforts, as detailed in its Annual Impact Report. Milestones include:



Community Outreach 2022 marked the 30th anniversary of Sargento's partnership with Habitat for Humanity. In 2022, Sargento built the 35th home through the program and helped 28 Sargento Habitat for Humanity homeowners by either paying their property taxes or mortgage for a year.

Sargento introduced 10 Days of Giving, a United Way campaign, matching employees' individual contributions dollar-for-dollar and awarding prize packages. The campaign raised over $1 million dollars towards youth education and community access to economic opportunity.

towards youth education and community access to economic opportunity. Sargento's non-profit donations amounted to over 607,000 pounds of cheese, supporting community fundraisers, stocking food bank shelves, aiding first responders and helping schools raise money to enhance students' educational experiences. Sustainable Packaging and Practices

Sargento saved 85 million gallons of water and diverted 86.7% of waste from landfills in 2022, following its promise to use more energy-efficient and water-efficient operations.

100% of Sargento's Balanced Breaks trays (excluding overwrap) are now recycle-ready and on track to be recyclable by the end of2024. "Recycle-ready" illustrates Sargento's proactive approach toward developing sustainable packaging despite nationwide infrastructure limitations. Additionally, 100% of string and snack cheese overwrap will be in-store drop off recyclable by 2024. Quality Production Sargento earned the British Retail Consortium's (BRC) highest rating of AA+, which certifies the company's commitment to implementing and improving food safety processes. About Sargento Foods Inc. With over 2,400 employees and net sales of $1.8 billion, Sargento Foods is a family-owned company that has been a leader in cheese for 70 years. Founded in 1953 in Plymouth, Wisconsin, Sargento is proud to be the company that successfully introduced America to pre-packaged sliced and shredded natural cheeses and cheese blends. Today, Sargento Foods is still based in Wisconsin, where they make and market amazing, high-quality shredded, sliced and snack natural cheese products, as well as ingredients. Company leadership lives to serve local communities and employees, whom they refer to as the Sargento Family. www.sargento.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sargento-foods-inc-announces-new-csr-platform-real-impact-alongside-2022-impact-report-301988102.html SOURCE Sargento Foods

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[November 15, 2023] Common Energy Announces Capital Raise; New Performance Milestones Tweet

Community solar provider Common Energy today announced that it has raised a new round of funding, providing the business with additional capital to continue its expansion. The new funding will support growth in existing markets, and expansion into emerging markets including California, New Mexico, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Common Energy currently manages community solar projects in the nine largest state markets, for the majority of the industry's largest project owners. "Common Energy's subscriber relationships and operating performance continue to support our growth and market share gains," said Richard Keiser, founder and CEO of Common Energy. "Our track record of bringing both high-quality corporate subscribers and low-income subscribers is enabling higher ROI for our partners." In addition, Common Energy announced that it had achieved a new operational milestone, reaching 98% or higher collection rates on every project it manages, including those with a high percentage of low-income subscribers. Subscriber collection rates are the single most important driver of a community solar developer's return on investment and collection rates in the low-income segment are a significant challenge for the industry.



"Our relentless focus on operational performance has resulted in high subscription rates, lower churn, and higher collection rates, benefiting all of our clients and our subscribers," said Christophe Charpentier, Common Energy's COO. Common Energy manages community solar projects across the country, with all major utilities. Its SAAS-based energy platform provides developers with industry-leading visibility on project performance, enabling higher project ROI. Over their operating lifetimes, community solar projects managed by Common Energy will prevent over 6 billion pounds of carbon emissions, and enable over $100 million dollars in savings for subscribers. Companies interested in partnering with Common Energy are encouraged to email [email protected].

About Common Energy Common Energy is a leading community solar provider that services projects in all major community solar states in the country. Common Energy enables households and businesses to support local clean energy, lower emission in their communities, and save money on their electricity. There is no on-site installation and no change to how the subscriber receives their electricity. As such, the company's platform is a key part of accelerating clean energy adoption. To join a community solar project, visit www.commonenergy.us. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115301285/en/

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[November 15, 2023] Australian EV charging company JOLT enters UK in partnership with London Local Authority Tweet

New partnership will see EV chargers installed across North London Borough of Barnet offering free, fast and clean charging LONDON, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Local Authority of Barnet is the first London Borough to partner with JOLT, a global electric vehicle (EV) charging network, which will bring free, fast and clean roadside charging stations across the Borough. JOLT plans to roll out thousands of charging stations across UK cities in the coming years. JOLT will begin installing a comprehensive network of EV charging stations nationwide, starting in London's Barnet. The JOLT EV charging network, similar to the customer proposition JOLT delivers in Australia, provides all-electric vehicle drivers with access to 7 kWh, or around 30 miles of free charging per day, in 15 to 20 minutes of charge time, depending on the vehicle. JOLT's mission is to help reduce barriers to EV ownership and accelerate e-mobility in the UK with a sustainable solution fuelled by 100% renewable energy. EV drivers who charge with JOLT can save up to 840 annually on charging expenses without the need for at-home charging facilities. The UK partnership follows a 2.1m funding grant to the London Borough of Barnet, as part of the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Pilot Project, a government scheme supporting the rollout of EV charging infrastructure. LEVI aims to deliver a step change in the expansion and growth of on-street charging infrastructure across the country. Backed by BlackRock's Climate Infrastructure funding, JOLT has a track record of partnering with governments, transportation authorities, local councils, businesses, privae landowners and other community stakeholders to build infrastructure that supports and incentivises clean transport.



JOLT recently announced a partnership with TELUS to roll out 5,000 EV chargers across Canada and also operates in Australia, New Zealand and now the UK, with thousands of EV charging stations under construction. Jesse Norman, Transport Minister, said about LEVI funding: "The Government is giving local authorities across England additional help to energise their chargepoint roll-out plans. Today's commitment will lead to thousands of new chargers being installed, and plans for tens of thousands extra in due course, so that more people than ever can make the transition to using EVs."

Doug McNamee, CEO, JOLT, said: "The roll out of our first chargers in London represents a fantastic expansion of our growing international charging network. These state-of-the-art, free, fast and clean charging stations introduce a game-changing solution for EV drivers, resulting in significant cost savings, and allowing them to travel more freely and reducing any barriers to EV uptake. "This significant saving reduction for drivers is expected to make EV ownership even more attractive to a range of car buyers, looking for convenience, sustainability on their transport choices, and cost-effective vehicles." John Rainford, UK Country Manager, JOLT, said: "We are proud to express our commitment to making EV charging more accessible through seamless customer experience and partnerships with like-minded organisations to empower EV ownership in the UK. "Thanks to our partners who are working towards the same ambitious net zero goals, we anticipate accelerated growth and expansion of JOLT's EV charging infrastructure across the country." About JOLT JOLT's mission is to make electric transport more accessible to drivers through zero-cost and fast charging. JOLT offers UK EV drivers 7 kWh, or around 30 miles, of free, fast charging, with cost of charging offset though JOLT's integrated out-of-home advertising network. After users have consumed 7 kWh for the calendar day, drivers will be charged a per kWh rate. Using innovative tech, enabled by partnerships with governments, JOLT is creating a functional and sustainable charging network that runs off 100% renewable energy. JOLT - Accelerating the shift to a zero emissions future. JOLT has a track record of partnering with governments, transportation authorities, local councils, businesses, private landowners and other community stakeholders to build infrastructure that supports and incentivises clean transport. Born in Australia, JOLT recently announced its partnership with Telus to develop 5,000 EV chargers across Canada and currently operates in New Zealand, Canada, USA and UK, with thousands of EV charging stations under contract. For more information, visit: https://joltcharge.com/uk/ . Press contacts Sun Lee

Head of Marketing, UK and North America

[email protected]

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Warnings in the IPO prospectuses of U.S. companies serve, among other things, to hedge against potential investor lawsuits. These usually include all kinds of scenarios about what could potentially go wrong for a company. In the case of Digital World Acquisition, the special purpose acquisition company that is in the process of merging with Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), which owns Truth Social, Donald Trumps social network, there is a whole chapter dedicated to risk factors related to the former president. Among them, it is noted that Trumps companies often end up in bankruptcy. It also openly warns of the risk of the Republican front-runner for the presidential nomination being imprisoned.

The likelihood of Trump going to jail has long ceased to be a wild hypothesis. He has been charged in four separate cases in which he is accused of 91 crimes, all of which carry potential prison sentences. For the companys purposes, the risk is that Trump will stop posting on Truth Social, resulting in a loss of audience, and that its already heavy losses will skyrocket.

The death or incapacity of president Trump, or discontinuation or limitation of his relationship with TMTG, may negatively impact TMTGs business, reads one of the sections of the risk warnings, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in May 2022. The company is highly dependent on the popularity and presence of president Trump, TMTGs chairman and largest shareholder. In addition, it continues, the tycoon has a significant influence on TMTGs business plan, and as such, president Trumps reputation and relationships are a critical element to the success of TMTGs business.

TMTGs future success will depend, to a significant extent, upon the continued presence and popularity of president Trump, the document continues. If president Trump were to discontinue his relationship with TMTG due to death, disability, or any other reason, or limit his involvement with TMTG due to becoming a candidate for political office, TMTG would be significantly disadvantaged.

In theory, Trump can run for president of the United States from prison, and even win the election and hold office. However, if prison officials wont allow him to post on Truth Social, that will be bad for his business. The former presidents platform has not managed to overshadow Facebook or Twitter in the slightest. Its main, and almost only, attraction is that it is where Trump holds forth. The Republican is the networks most successful user, with 6.5 million followers. Even so, that is a fraction of the 87.5 million who follow his dormant account on X, the social network formerly known as Twitter, to which he was readmitted thanks to Elon Musk. The former president has a kind of exclusivity contract with Truth Social, of which he is also the largest shareholder and president, whereby his messages must be published in general on that social network at least six hours before any other. In practice, it is the only network he uses regularly.

The company recognizes that it needs to attract Republican voters to Truth Social to be viable and admits that if Trump loses popularity or new controversies arise that damage his credibility or dampen peoples desire to use a platform associated with him, operating results will suffer.

There are several warnings along the same lines. In one, the company notes that Trump is the subject of numerous legal proceedings, the scope and scale of which are unprecedented for a former U.S. president and a candidate in the Republican primaries. TMTG cannot predict what effect, if any, an adverse outcome to such matters, or even their continued existence, may have on president Trumps personal reputation and TMTGs business or prospects, the document says.

The IPO prospectus also reviews some of Trumps business precedents, at a time when he is on trial for fraud in a civil case in New York. The warnings would serve to scare off even the most hardened speculator: A number of companies that were associated with president Trump have filed for bankruptcy. There can be no assurances that TMTG will not also become bankrupt, reads one section. A number of companies that had license agreements with president Trump have failed. There can be no assurances that TMTG will not also fail, warns the next. A publicly-traded entity controlled by president Trump has previously been subject to a cease and desist order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the document also warns, referring to the 2002 scandal involving Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts for violations of the anti-fraud provisions of the Exchange Act, relating to irregularities in the reporting of the companys results.

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[November 15, 2023] SOCAN Announces New Partnership with Spanish Point Technologies Tweet

Strategic collaboration set to deliver powerful data management solutions transforming how SOCAN navigates the future of music rights management in Canada. TORONTO, Nov. 15, 2023 /CNW/ - Today, leading technology solutions provider, Spanish Point Technologies, and collective management organization SOCAN, are excited to announce a strategic partnership aimed at transforming the collection and distribution of performing and reproduction music rights royalties in Canada. This collaboration brings together the expertise of Spanish Point in cutting-edge technology and digital transformation with SOCAN's legacy of providing efficient, timely and accurate music rights and royalty services to their more than 185,000 songwriter, composer, and publisher members. Through this partnership, Spanish Point will work closely with SOCAN to streamline various aspects of their operations, including multi-rights repertoire management, usage ingestion and matching, distribution processing and provide an interactive member portal. Spanish Point will streamline processes and reduce customizations, resulting in better quality data and an improved experience for members. "We are excited to embark on this transformative journey with SOCAN," said John Corley, Spanish Point's CTO. "Using our innovative Matching Engine product we help societies, like SOCAN, to ensure music creators and publishers are efficiently paid all the royalties they are owed while using globally established standards to process and distribute their royalties. We are delighted to engage in this project and to continue providing innovative software usin the latest cloud technologies to Copyright Management Organizations."



With SOCAN's heightened focus on delivering even more for members, they are equally enthusiastic about this collaboration. "Partnering with Spanish Point aligns perfectly with our vision for the future," said Jennifer Brown, SOCAN CEO. "Their extensive knowledge and successful business operations in other global territories mean we will benefit from collaboration on best practices and evolve as an industry building better systems together, allowing SOCAN to spend more time with members and less time on systems."

Spanish Point's technological expertise combined with SOCAN's member-centric strategy aims to set new standards for excellence. It is poised to deliver a new era of efficiency, accountability, and member satisfaction. About Spanish Point: Spanish Point Technologies is an Irish software company with a proven track record of success in partnering with music rights organizations like SOCAN. Spanish Point's commitment to innovation was recognized at the Microsoft Inspire Partner Awards, where it received the "Independent Software Vendor (ISV) Partner of the Year 2022" award for the Matching Engine solution  an Enterprise Business System for Copyright Management Organizations. This cloud-based solution seamlessly aligns royalty payments with international standards, streamlining the process and reducing administrative costs, ensuring that music creators and publishers receive the royalties they deserve. For more information about the Matching Engine visit: www.matchingengine.com For more information about Spanish Point visit: www.spanishpoint.ie About SOCAN: SOCAN is a rights management organization that connects more than four-million music creators worldwide and more than a quarter-million businesses and individuals in Canada. More than 185,000 songwriters, composers, and music publishers are its direct members, and more than 100,000 organizations are Licensed To Play music across Canada. With a concerted use of progressive technology and unique data, SOCAN is dedicated to upholding the fundamental truth that music has value and creators and publishers deserve fair compensation for their work. For more information: www.socan.com. SOURCE SOCAN

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[November 15, 2023] University of Phoenix Leaders Present at PACRAO Annual Conference Event Focused on Advancing Knowledge of Professionals Engaged in Enrollment and Academic Services Tweet

Leaders with University of Phoenix joined the proceedings of the Pacific Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (PACRAO) Annual Conference, November 5-8, 2022, in Portland, OR, and contributed to sessions on a range of topics including student support practices, employee-led engagement, project management, digital credentialing, credit for prior learning and holistic well-being. "University of Phoenix is pleased to have the opportunity to attend the PACRAO Annual Conference and share the many ways in which we are committed to student support and driving innovation in higher education," states Audra McQuarie, vice president, registrar. "The breadth of knowledge our presenters bring is a testament to our focus on student success and fostering a dynamic and rich learning environment where both students and staff thrive." Leadership from the University of Phoenix presented on numerous topics at the PACRAO Annual Conference, including the following: Marc Booker, Ph.D., Vice Provost of Strategy, led the session, "Foundations of Transfer Credit and CPL" where participants were given an overview of transfer credit and participated in a discussion on transfer credit opportunities and issues facing institutions of higher education. Booker was also one of the closing speakers at the conference giving an "Ed Talk" on the impact of PACRAO on the higher education community. Deslie Ghiorzi, college articulation operations manager, and Lisa Erck, registrar at University of the Pacific, co-led the session, "Thriving Leaders: Balancing Career Growth with Holistic Well-being," which explored the vital connection between career growth and holistic well-being, with a particular focus on the challeges faced by women when building their careers. Audra McQuarie, vice president, registrar, led a session titled "RegiSTRATEGY," an interactive discussion focused on best practices for establishing strategically aligned objectives for a registrar's office. Laura Schonberger, strategic integration manager, led several sessions during the conference. The first was a discussion titled, "Benefits of Employee-led Engagement within Admissions & Registrar's Offices," where participants learned strategies to empower employees to have ownership over their own engagement. She also co-presented the "Allies & Advocates" book club, with content developed by Devin Andrews, vice president, admissions and evaluation. The discussion focused on creating an inclusive and equitable culture and was presented alongside Stanford University's Sarah Pishny-Foster. Finally, Schonberger led a round-table discussion on Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in higher education, which focused on best practices, challenges, and opportunities for ERGs. Joe Tate, director, program and policy implementation, led the session, "Project Management in the Registrar's Office," which examined an approach to project management focused on best practices in managing smaller-scope projects in higher education administrative settings, and capturing and more effectively conveying externally this skillset for staff and leaders.



The event is intended for higher education professionals from a variety of disciplines, and offers presentations, workshops, and panels featuring presenters from across the Pacific region including Arizona. PACRAO is a non-profit, voluntary, professional association representing more than 350 regionally accredited 2-year, 4-year, and graduate schools with an individual membership of 1,500 professional admissions officers and registrars.

Learn more here about the Annual Conference of PACRAO. About University of Phoenix University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor's and master's degree programs and a Career Services for Life commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115651509/en/

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[November 15, 2023] Art and Bitcoin Unite at the First-Ever Bitcoin Ordinals Conference During Miami Art Week Tweet

This new addition to Miami Art Week will spotlight immersive experiences and events focusing on the dynamic intersection of Bitcoin, art, and Web3 innovation. MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 7, the " Nolcha Shows: Ordinals Edition " event at the Sagamore South Beach will be a key destination during Miami Art Week. This unique initiative, powered by Gamma.io , with programming presented by Inscribing Atlantis, serves as a nexus for investors, Bitcoin builders, artists, brands and communities. Conference attendees will be part of a conversation shaping the future of Bitcoin and art: From Ordinals core development, infrastructure, and apps, to the intricate world of digital art creation, curation and collection. It will feature panels, workshops, and fireside chats with leading voices, including Casey Rodarmor, the visionary behind the Ordinals protocol, and Raph, Lead Maintainer of Ord. Other speakers include founders from leading Bitcoin infrastructure providers, creator launchpads, wallets, art projects, and more. "We're thrilled to bring incredible Ordinals programming to a Miami Art Week audience through this event," said Erin Redwing, CEO of Inscribing Atlantis and President of Open Ordinals Institute, "Ordinal Inscriptions are an entirely new artistic medium that blends traditional artistry and cutting-edge technology, and I truly believe the programming we've crafted will resonate with those who appreciate the ongoing evolution of creativity." The conference programming will be emceed by Isabel Foxen Duke, GP of Unbroken Chain Fund and director of OMBounties with Ordinal Maxi Biz. "Bitcoin is by far the safest place to store digital art long-term," she explained in an interview, "as more collectors realize this, we'll see Ordinals dominate luxury NFT markets." Guests will enjoy curated art around the Sagamore lobby, including mixed-media art, physical paintings, digital canvases, an immersive, curved LED wall, and more. This artwork will be displayed during the entirety of Miami Art Week. Art will be showcased with the latest tech by Muse Frame as featured in Saatchi Gallery and the Louvre. Over 80 artists showcased include AI digital artist Jenni Pasanen with NUMB3R xA, actors Vincent D'Onofrio and Laurence Fuller who will create a triptych of Poetic Cinematic Fine Art,Otha "Vakseen" Davis III, Waxbones, Johnathan Schultz, Resaang, Tyler Foust, and many more.



"Artistic expression is often about connection, so in these increasingly rare moments where we can meet and connect in person, we want to make sure it's special," explained Nick Sainato, co-founder of Gamma.io. "This event will be the result of many months of careful planning and execution, and I'm confident the finished product will showcase artists in a proper light." At the event, FFFACE.me will debut an augmented reality (AR) mirror activation, transporting visitors into an interactive 3D space that seamlessly merges the boundaries between the physical and digital realms and sets the stage for the future of digital communication and interaction.

"This conference offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with a niche community, build exclusive networks, and gain insights that place you at the forefront of innovation," said Arthur Mandel, founder of Nolcha Shows. Event partners include Trust Machines, Xverse, Ghost Fruit, Commander Doug, Stacks, Console, Leather, and Latitude Group. Trust Machines is the company leading the mission to advance the Bitcoin economy by building the biggest ecosystem of applications that utilize Bitcoin or settle on Bitcoin L2s. Trust Machines aims to transform $650 billion in resting capital in Bitcoin into a productive asset through dApps and powerful use cases. Xverse is the leading Bitcoin wallet for Ordinals, BRC-20 tokens and rare satoshis. Available on iOS, Android and Chrome browser extension, Xverse makes it easy to access Ordinal marketplaces and DeFi apps and securely store assets offline with Ledger. Xverse will be showcasing its new inscription service API, which allows developers to offer inscribing Ordinals cheaper and faster than ever before. Console is the community chat app built for Web3 and natively online communities. Console goes beyond just chat  with pages, events, personal homepages for every user and more features purpose-built for the growing needs of users' digital life. Console supercharges communities with token gating, native on-chain activity and end-to-end encryption. Console recently announced the launch of its iOS and Android mobile app and is the official chat app for the event. Leather is the Bitcoin wallet for the rest of us. Focused on driving the global transition to a digital economy built on Bitcoin, Leather is a self-custodied, open-source and audited wallet. Leather allows users to interact with Bitcoin DeFi, trade and store Ordinals (Bitcoin NFTs), and swap assets between the Bitcoin L1 and L2 seamlessly. Leather is constantly updating and integrating the latest apps from the Bitcoin ecosystem and recently announced full hardware wallet support. For more information and to secure tickets: nolchabtc.com . About Nolcha Shows

The Nolcha Shows is a collection of leading award-winning experiential events. Over the past 15 years, the Nolcha Shows have become a discovery platform, promoting cutting-edge, innovative brands while connecting & building communities across the dynamic industries of art, gaming, fashion and tech-driven web3. About Gamma

Gamma.io is an art-focused creator launchpad and open marketplace for digital assets on Bitcoin, powered by Ordinals on L1 and Stacks on L2. Gamma's launchpad has facilitated millions of dollars in creator earnings and supports trading the largest number of collections of any platform built on Bitcoin. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/art-and-bitcoin-unite-at-the-first-ever-bitcoin-ordinals-conference-during-miami-art-week-301989292.html SOURCE Gamma.io

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Standard Chartered US Named to the Seramount Inclusion Index

Standard Chartered United States (the "Bank") was among the thirty-eight organizations recognized as a Leading Inclusion Index Company, receiving a 72 percent score in Seramount's sixth annual Inclusion Index.

"We are thrilled to be recognized as a leading inclusion index company by Seramount," said Patricia Fuster, Standard Chartered Chief Information Officer for Europe and Americas and Chair of Americas' Diversity and Inclusion Council. "This award fuels our drive to continue shaping a more inclusive future for our bank, colleagues, and communities. At the heart of this achievement are our Employee Resource Groups - who are pivotal in creating and nurturing our inclusive culture. Our forward-looking people strategies ensure we attract and retain a rich tapestry of talent, fostering a workforce that mirrors the diversity of our global customer base. Not only does this lead us towards unique and innovative solutions, but it also enables us to understand and better serve our clients' needs. Our approach to career and leadership development is rooted in inclusivity. We strive to recognize and unlock potential in every individual, regardless of their background, guiding our employees through tailored and comprehensive career and leadership pathways, while enhancing our collective performance as a leading international bank."

"We are proud to see important growth when it comes to DEI best practices and protocol among our Inclusion Index companies," says Katie Oertli Mooney, Managing Director of Seramount. "These organizations are consistently measuring and evaluating the effectiveness of their policies, and by doing so, they are taking initiative to build a culture of belonging."

The Inclusion Index provides organizations the metrics needed to understand trends and opportunities in demographic representation, creates a road map to drive internal change, and identifies diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) solutions to close any gaps. Organizations provided data and were measured in three key areas: best practices in the recruitment, retention, and advancement of people from underrepresented groups - women, racial/ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ people; inclusive company culture; and demographic diversity.

Key findings from the 2023 Seramount Inclusion Index:

Employee Resource Groups (ERG) continue to progress as an important source for employees: On average, 32 percent of company employees are members of at least one ERG; 53 percent of companies pay extra or offer incentives to employees who hold ERG leadership positions, not including ERG executive sponsors (vs. 41 percent in 2022); 30 percent have religious-based ERGs (vs. 24 percent in 2022).

Inclusive recruitment strategies: 93 percent of companies highly recommend or require gender and racial/ethnic diversity in succession-planning slates (vs. 72 percent in 2022); 88 percent of companies require or highly recommend candidates for employment be interviewed by a diverse panel of interviewers (vs. 62 percent in 2022).

Career and leadership development: 74 percent of companies provide formal sponsorship programs (vs. 66 percent in 2022); 96 percent of companies provide mental health education/training to all employees (vs. 88 percent in 2022).

Standard Chartered US is also named among Seramount's 2023 Top 10 of 100 Best Companies, Best Companies for Multicultural Women and a Top 75 Company for Executive Women, one of America's 50 Most Community-Minded Companies by The Civic 50, and a Great Place to Work-Certified and Newsweek's Top 100 Most Loved Workplace-Certified organization.







Visit our Careers page to find out more about the many exciting career opportunities Standard Chartered Americas offers. You can also learn more about Standard Chartered Americas' diversity and inclusion priorities and how the Bank delivers them here.

About Standard Chartered

We are a leading international banking group, with a presence in 53 of the world's most dynamic markets and serving clients in a further 64. Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, here for good.

Our history in the US dates back to 1902, and we are currently present in eight locations throughout the Americas. Our Americas franchise focuses on financial institutions and select corporations and plays a key role in facilitating trade and investment flows between the Americas and Asia, Africa, the UK and Europe and the Middle East.

Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong Stock Exchanges.

For more stories and expert opinions please visit Insights at sc.com. Follow Standard Chartered on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

ABOUT SERAMOUNT

Seramount is a strategic professional services and research firm dedicated to supporting high-performing, inclusive workplaces. Over four decades, we've established a strong, data-driven understanding of the employee experience, which lays the groundwork for everything we do. Seramount partners with over 450 of the world's most influential companies, large and small, to offer pragmatic solutions including best practice DEI research, workplace assessment, employee learning and development, and talent sourcing. These offerings empower organizations to navigate a dynamic corporate environment and to cultivate a resilient, connected workforce that achieves extraordinary outcomes.

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[November 15, 2023] Planoly unveils brand evolution: Doubling down on content creators Tweet

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Planoly, the first social media management tool built for creators, by creators, is announcing a transformative brand relaunch. This relaunch marks a milestone in the company's mission to empower creators and streamline the social media management process. Social Media, Content Creators, Creator Economy, Social Media Tech Planoly has evolved its brand to address the most pressing needs of creators. Turning a passion into a paycheck isn't always easy. To do so, creators have to juggle a million things, from building a strategy and filming content to writing engaging captions and keeping a consistent post schedule. With the newest iteration of Planoly, creators can say goodbye to the hassle of using multiple tools, and say hello to more time for creating, ideating, and engaging with their audiences. "The power of the creator economy is undeniable, with Goldman Sachs estimating the creator economy TAM at $250 billion, and 29% of Gen-Z saying they want to become content creators," says Katelyn Sorensen, CEO of Planoly. "Because half of our team is made up of passionate content creators, we have a front-row seat to the challenges of consistently growing a brand on social media. Trends and platforms are constantly changing, so our brand and product need to evolve as well. With this launch, we are ushering in a new era for Planoly, and doubling down on creators - providing innovative tools to simplify the creatr workflow and empower them to build a profitable business"



Planoly launched in 2016 as the first visual Instagram planner, helping creators curate the perfect grid. As social media and the creator economy have progressed, so has the brand. Today, Planoly is a robust, multi-channel tool that seeks to simplify every piece of the creator workflow - from inspiration to planning, scheduling, and monetization. Auto-posting capabilities exist across seven social media channels (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and Pinterest), and users have access to essential content creation tools like Canva integration and hashtag manager. All of these elements come together in one simplified workspace, making it easier than ever for creators to grow their businesses on social media. Planoly's new branding was developed and inspired by their in-house team, many of whom are creators themselves, representing a variety of different niches (including beauty, design, fitness, and small business). The Planoly team knows the hardships of making a legit business out of social media better than anyone.

The star in the new Planoly logo represents a creator's passion and drive and is a symbol that's been a part of the brand since the very beginning. The new brand colors foster a friendly, familiar, yet unique feel, while the product experience continues to be a space that allows creators' content and ideas to be the star. "Planoly is inspired by the people who use and build our product. As the brand is evolving into a bolder version of all of us, updating the visual brand felt like the right next step into our new era," says Carra Sykes, design director at Planoly. "We want our visual brand to continue to grow and feel fresh, just like our product which is regularly improving to keep up with the social landscape." Following the relaunch, Planoly will also be introducing its AI Caption Writer. This auto-magic AI tool will help creators level up their content while still maintaining their authentic voices. The AI Caption Generator, run by GPT 3.5, will also include different writing styles to choose from, so AI will write captions in the tone of, 'Your in-the-know bestie', 'Corporate slay', 'Everyone's favorite teacher', or 'The eclectic artist'. As the brand reveals its relaunch, Planoly extends an invitation to creators to embark on their own, transformative, social media journey. This renewed focus centers on empowering and serving as the ultimate social media-savvy sidekick to creators. Start with a 7-day free trial, and you'll wonder how you ever did social media without Planoly. About Planoly

Planoly is the first social media management tool built for creators, by creators. Planoly is trusted by over eight million to take care of inspiration, organization, and consistency so creators can focus on all the other things that made them want to be creators in the first place. Contact : Madi McGuire, madison.mcguire@planoly.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/planoly-unveils-brand-evolution-doubling-down-on-content-creators-301988319.html SOURCE Planoly

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[November 15, 2023] BrightNight and Cordelio Power together with SPPA Announce the Groundbreaking of the 300 MW Box Canyon Solar Project Tweet

Welcomes Arizona Governor Katie Hobbes to Celebrate the Renewable Power and Economic Benefits for Arizona FLORENCE, Ariz., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BrightNight, the next-generation global renewable power producer built to deliver clean and dispatchable solutions, its joint venture partner Cordelio Power, and Southwest Public Power Agency (SPPA), Inc., announced today the groundbreaking of the Box Canyon Solar Project. BrightNight announced today the groundbreaking of the Box Canyon Solar Project. The 300-megawatt project, located in Pinal County, Arizona, near the Town of Florence, represents the largest renewable energy procurement in SPPA's history, and a major step in Arizona's clean energy transformation. The project is the first in the 2 GW Arizona portfolio owned by BrightNight and Cordelio Power to commence construction. At the site today, BrightNight CEO Martin Hermann, SPPA President of the Board Ken Robbins, and Pinal County leaders welcomed Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs to celebrate the occasion. "While our state continues to experience historic economic growth, we must ensure this growth is sustainable, and there is no better place to do that than in our rural communities," said Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. "This monumental project will not only generate clean energy, it will provide consistent revenue for the state and good paying jobs for local residents. My administration is committed to ensuring Arizona's potential for solar energy is fully realized so that we can make our state the best place to live, work, and raise a family." The groundbreaking marks a major milestone since SPPA selected the Box Canyon project in a competitive process beginning in December of 2020. BrightNight led development of the Box Canyon project as part of its joint venture with Cordelio Power. The Box Canyon Solar Project will produce enough electricity to power 77,000 Arizona homes and businesses annually with clean, reliable, and affordable energy, offsetting ~600 metric tons of CO2 emissions every hour. The project features a design optimized to maximize performance and deliver the highest-value project at the lowest cost with the help of BrightNight's proprietary artificial intelligence-based platform. Community Benefits The project will provide significant economic benefits at the local level. According to an economic impact study by Elliott Pollack and Associates, the project will generate $47M in Pinal County economic impact during the construction period and create 300 American jobs. During operation, the Box Canyon Solar Project will generate an estimated $134 million in additional local economic benefits in the form of local property taxes, wages, and more, bringing the total county-level economic contribution from construction and operations to over $180 million. Other local benefits from the project will include education scholarships for technical degrees. During the groundbreaking remarks BrightNight CEO Martin Hermann announced that a portion of the project's operating proceeds would be used to send 50 students through the Central Arizona College's electrician program over the next five years. Hermann applauded the college for its local leadership and characterized the local support as just one of the ways BrightNight works to support the communities in which it operates: "At BrightNight, together with Cordelio, we are a long-term owner and operator of this project and committed to the local community and Pinal County."



The project's value also extends beyond the local level. From the very beginning of the project, BrightNight worked with the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) to site the project on State Trust Land. Under the arrangement, over $65 million in lease payments will be made over the life of the project, which are allocated to the State of Arizona land trust. The trust's beneficiaries include K-12 education, university education, state hospitals, the department of corrections, and more across the state. Committed Arizona Partnership

The Box Canyon Solar Project is an integral part of a broader vision for Arizona that includes a 2 GW portfolio with 900 MW in advanced stages across three counties, slated to create over 800 local skilled jobs and generate hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue for the state and local municipalities. The Box Canyon Solar Project is expected to become operational in the first half of 2025. "We are delighted to partner with SPPA, one of the most forward-thinking utilities in America, to help them meet their power needs and deliver on their sustainability goals," BrightNight CEO Martin Hermann said. "The Box Canyon Solar Project is a model of utility-scale renewable power. At over 900,000 MWh of projected annual production, our project will provide reliable, clean energy for over 40 years, generating local revenue, strengthening domestic energy security, and creating valuable American jobs." "SPPA is proud to supply its members with safe, clean, reliable, and affordable electricity from an industry-leading renewable power producer. BrightNight was able to understand our long-term goals and propose a solution to meet the needs of our members and their customers, while remaining cost-effective," said SPPA President of the Board Ken Robbins. "We are delighted to have BrightNight as Pinal County's newest business partner. The Box Canyon Solar Project will create new economic opportunities for small businesses and contractors and will generate revenue for the County that will enhance the quality of services for residents, and help fund local school districts, libraries, fire districts, and more. Additionally, we're excited about the partnership between BrightNight and Central Arizona College. This should be a model for other companies looking to do business in Pinal County," said Leo Lew, Pinal County Manager. "We'd like to thank the leaders and people of Pinal County, who have been great to work with throughout this process," said Hermann. "If you are seeking a place to grow a business and serve a supportive community, there is no better place than Pinal County." The groundbreaking ceremony held today at the project was attended by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs; SPPA President of the Board Ken Robbins; BrightNight CEO Martin Hermann; Pinal County Supervisor Stephen Miller; Dr. Mary Gilliland, Vice President of Academics at the Central Arizona College (CAC); and Erik Ellis, BrightNight Vice President of Project Development. About BrightNight BrightNight is the first global renewable integrated power company designed to provide utility and commercial and industrial customers with clean, dispatchable renewable power solutions. BrightNight works with customers across the U.S. and Asia Pacific to design, develop, and operate safe, reliable, large-scale renewable power projects optimized to better manage the intermittent nature of renewable energy. Its deep customer engagement process, team of proven power experts, and industry-leading solutions enable customers to overcome challenging energy sustainability standards, rapidly changing grid dynamics, and the transition away from fossil fuel generation. To learn more, visit: www.brightnightpower.com About Cordelio Power Cordelio is a renewable power producer that manages an operating portfolio of over 1,200 MW of renewable power assets in Canada and the U.S. We also oversee a large growth pipeline of wind, solar and storage projects across the U.S. We strive to work with all of our stakeholders in an efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible manner. Cordelio is wholly owned by Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. About SPPA SPPA is a Joint Action Agency, authorized under Arizona state law, which manages through a formal pool all or most of its members' power resources and facilitates the supply of additional energy needed to meet their customers' loads. SPPA's General Manager is Frank McRae and SPPA's Project Manager is Dennis Delaney, P.E., a Partner of K. R. Saline & Associates, PLC. To learn more, visit: SPPA.biz Forward Looking Statements & Information Certain information contained in this news release constitutes forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). All statements other than statements of historical fact are forwardlooking statements. Forwardlooking statements typically contain words such as "anticipate", "believe", "confirms", "continuous", "estimate", "expect", "may", "plan", "project", "should", "will", or similar words suggesting future outcomes, and include, without limitation, all financial projections, estimates of future costs, and projected performance or results. Forward-looking statements by their nature are subject to risks, assumptions and uncertainties which may cause the actual outcomes of such events to differ from Cordelio and BrightNight's expectations as of the date hereof. Whether forward-looking statements ultimately prove to be accurate will depend on factors outside of the control of Cordelio and BrightNight. Readers are encouraged to undertake their own analysis and investigation as to the reasonableness of any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and Cordelio and BrightNight disclaim any intent or obligation to update or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/brightnight-and-cordelio-power-together-with-sppa-announce-the-groundbreaking-of-the-300-mw-box-canyon-solar-project-301989370.html SOURCE BrightNight

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[November 15, 2023] Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) Elects Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes as its New Chairman Tweet

The Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) announced it has elected Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes as its new chairman. Reyes, who was elected over the weekend, used his new role to promote the passage of a unanimous resolution in support of Israel after the horrific terrorist attacks by Hamas. Over 20 Republican attorneys general joined together to express unflinching resolve to stand with Israel. Reyes is a past multiple term vice chairman for RAGA, the national organization currently representing 28 Republican attorneys general in America. Commenting on Reyes' leadership style, skill, and the respect he has earned nationwide from fellow attorneys general, four-term South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson stated, "When Sean came into office in 2013, he immediately rose in RAGA leadership ranks and became a voice for the U.S. Constitution and rule of law. By leading out on many legal victories, Sean has regularly put Utah front an center in the national spotlight."



In addition to the resolution adopted by RAGA member states, Reyes penned an impassioned plea to U.S. Congressional leaders for immediate military, humanitarian and other aid for Israel. Joining Utah in reaffirming America's commitment to its longstanding ally, 26 state AGs added their names to the letter. While condemning Hamas and arguing for Israel's right to defend herself, the letter also denounces violence against the Jewish Community worldwide and states that American support for the Jewish people is urgently needed more today than at any time since World War II. Wilson added, "I leaned on Sean's counsel when he served as RAGA Vice Chairman during my two prior terms as RAGA Chairman. He is widely respected by his peers and is a national leader. Utah is fortunate to have such an effective Attorney General."

Echoing Wilson's sentiments, Indiana AG Todd Rokita explained why AG Reyes was chosen to serve, "Sean has been at the forefront of some of the most important constitutional fights in America and has a long track record of success. He is deeply respected by his peers and has earned our admiration because he is a principled and fearless fighter with tremendous integrity. Like our colleagues and I, Sean is willing to take on difficult issues like human trafficking, the border, ESG, opioids, mental health, social media and federal overreach, all of which are critically important today as we face strong attacks from those who want to weaken America." "We are extremely confident in General Reyes and our newly elected RAGA leadership team," said RAGA Executive Director Peter Bisbee. "General Reyes is a tireless advocate for his home state of Utah and utilizes all opportunities to elevate Utah's priorities on a national stage, many times resulting in other states following his lead on matters of public and legal policy. This year, General Reyes will work closely with his colleagues and the RAGA staff to flip control of open seats in North Carolina and Pennsylvania. RAGA spent more than $23 million in the 2022/2023 election cycle, and will once again resolutely stand by General Reyes and our other incumbents up for re-election with all the resources our organization has at its disposal." Reyes will serve as RAGA chairman through November 2024. For more information about Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes, visit www.seanreyes.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115416865/en/

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[November 15, 2023] Static Media Revives Chowhound, Launches Three Additional Brands in Q4 - Foodie, Money Digest, and Outdoor Guide Tweet

INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Static Media is pleased to announce the relaunch of the beloved food brand Chowhound , a digital gathering place for obsessive food lovers that ceased operations in 2022. Additionally, Static Media has launched three new websites, further expanding and rounding out its portfolio  Foodie , Money Digest , and Outdoor Guide . Static Media announces the relaunch of food brand Chowhound, a place for food lovers that ceased operations in 2022. Chowhound and Foodie join Static Media's robust family of food brands  Tasting Table , Daily Meal , Food Republic , and Mashed  which reached a combined 17 million U.S. unique viewers in September, making it the 6th largest "Lifestyles  Food" audience, according to Comscore*.



Relaunched by Static Media in Q4 2023 after ceasing publishing in 2022, Chowhound was originally founded in 1997 by writer Jim Leff and Bob Okumura as a place for New York restaurant lovers, later becoming a nationwide forum for dining and culinary discourse. Chowhound had an early influence in contributing to America's growing appreciation for regional cuisine, serving a particular user base, from food adventurers to dilettantish foodies seeking delicious, local, and hard-to-find foods outside the mainstream culture. With this relaunch, Chowhound will continue to serve food aficionados and everyone who wants to know the best way to prepare a dish and the science behind it. We'll dig deep into the history of food and how it works, from the best time of year to buy oysters to the reason American cheese has such a perfect melt (and whether or not it's actually cheese).

Foodie is a brand-new culinary site from Static Media. It's more than your average food site. It's not just about filling your belly; it's about the experience. If your camera eats before you do, and you're willing to drive three hours to try the newest viral bite, you've found your people. From food trends to cooking tips, dining advice you can trust, food hacks you have to try, and the latest from your favorite celebrity chefs, we've got you covered as you take on your next food-filled adventure. Money Digest is Static Media's first personal finance site, designed with a broad audience in mind. On the site, you'll get approachable personal finance tips, advice, and explainers, all from a team united by the mission to demystify the financial topics that impact all of our lives. Outdoor Guide is your online base camp for outdoor living. We cover everything from the backyard to the world's most far-flung destinations. Whether you're an amateur adventurer seeking tips for your first hike, a seasoned pro looking for high-test gear recommendations, or a DIYer looking to learn useful tips to improve your home's outdoor spaces, we're here to prep you for any and all excursions out in the fresh air. "We're excited to bring Chowhound back to life and launch these three new sites. Food is obviously a strong vertical for us, and we feel that we can drill down and reach specific audiences by having a breadth of sites in this category. We've also always wanted to enter the personal finance space and are confident Money Digest will be able to provide unique angles on this fundamental topic that's important to everyone. Finally, entering the active outdoor category with Outdoor Guide will complement our rapidly growing travel site, Explore ," said Reggie Renner, CEO and co-founder of Static Media. *Source: Comscore Media Metrix Multi-Platform, Total Digital Audience, Lifestyles  Food Category including [M] Static Media Food, September 2023, U.S. About Static Media

Established in 2012, Static Media is a leading digital media company. The company owns and operates twenty-two brands, serving an audience of over 100 million monthly website visitors. Through a strong digital presence, Static Media brands cover a wide range of topics, providing real-time news, original insights, exclusive interviews, and expert advice. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, the company comprises more than 230 employees, with editorial and creative teams making up the majority of the workforce. This virtual-first team produces and distributes content across its brands. For more information, please visit www.static.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/static-media-revives-chowhound-launches-three-additional-brands-in-q4--foodie-money-digest-and-outdoor-guide-301989330.html SOURCE Static Media Inc.

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[November 15, 2023] ELLKAY & SIGNATURE HEALTHCARE AWARDED 2023 CHIME COLLABORATION AWARD Tweet

ELMWOOD PARK, N.J., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ELLKAY, LLC, a leader in interoperability for more than 20 years, and Signature Healthcare, a private, not-for-profit, community teaching hospital, were awarded the 2023 CHIME Collaboration Award. CHIME, The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives, is the professional organization for Chief Information Officers and other senior healthcare IT leaders to collaborate, exchange ideas, develop professionally and advocate the effective use of information management to improve the health and care throughout the communities they serve. The CHIME Collaboration Award is presented annually to recognize a CHIME member CIO and a CHIME Foundation firm who together offer a benefit to the healthcare IT community. Ajay Kapare, ELLKAY's President, and Chief Strategy Officer, shared, "We are honored to receive this award alongside Signature Healthcare. This award is a testament to the strength of collaboration and resilience, and we are humbled to have played a part in Signature Healthcare's journey towards recovery and continued success after the terrible 10-alarm fire they faced earlier this year." In February 2023, a ten-alarm fire broke out at Signature Healthcare threatening the safety of 176 patients and disrupting operations. The incident underscored the critical importance of data accessibility and disaster preparedness during moments of unforeseen crisis. ELLKAY's commitment to archiving and safeguarding patient data allowed Signature Healthcare to focus on their primary mission: ensuring patient safety and care continuity. This mission was reinforced by having the ability to maintain access to patient information that was both safeguarded and accessible for seamless sharing with he organizations receiving their transferred patients.



"Above all else, the decision to go with ELLKAY went beyond their exceptional technology; it was rooted in their unwavering commitment to being a true long-term partner. Their accessible leadership, deep passion for the industry, and dedication to innovation was apparent throughout our decision-making process and to this day have made them an invaluable asset to our organization," said Nicholas Syzmanski, VP & CIO, Signature Healthcare. This collaboration extends beyond data management, encompassing mutual innovation efforts that drive progress in healthcare technology. It highlights the need for meticulous preparation, robust data infrastructure, and a trusted data management partner that truly comprehends the significance of data in healthcare. This partnership serves as an example of how such collaborations can not only enhance patient care, but also safeguard invaluable data assets, ultimately shaping the future of healthcare IT.

Read the full Signature Healthcare & ELLKAY partnership story here. To learn more about LKOasis or discuss how this solution can assist your organization visit ELLKAY.com, call 201-791-0606, or email [email protected]. About ELLKAY: ELLKAY is a recognized healthcare connectivity leader, serving as the sole partner to healthcare organizations for their data management and interoperability solutions. ELLKAY empowers hospitals and health systems, diagnostic laboratories, healthcare IT vendors, payers, and other healthcare organizations with cutting-edge technologies and solutions. Since 2002, ELLKAY has connected to over 58,000 organizations, with a system capability arsenal that has grown to 750+ EHR/PM systems across 1,100+ versions. About Signature Healthcare: As Southeastern Massachusetts' premier local provider of safe, quality care, Signature Healthcare is one of the only not-for-profit community-based healthcare delivery systems in the region; comprised of the quality, safe, award-winning Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital; Signature Medical Group (SMG), a multi-specialty physician group of more than 150 physicians practicing in 15 ambulatory locations representing over 17 different medical specialties; and the Brockton Hospital School of Nursing, the only hospital-based nursing school in Massachusetts. Signature's focus on patient safety is recognized nationally, and is a testament to the quality care patients experience when visiting our providers. Signature Healthcare is proud to be clinically affiliated with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Tufts Medical Center, bringing Boston-level, academic medical center care and research to our community. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ellkay--signature-healthcare-awarded-2023-chime-collaboration-award-301988314.html SOURCE ELLKAY

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[November 15, 2023] Boann Social Impact Announces Raven Indigenous Outcomes Fund as Inaugural Social Finance Fund Investment Recipient Tweet

Today, Boann Social Impact LP announced its pioneering investment as part of the Government of Canada's $755 million Social Finance Fund (SFF). This landmark investment demonstrates the SFF's potential to back ideas and initiatives that will produce positive outcomes for our communities and our climate. The Raven Indigenous Outcomes Fund (RIOF) is a first-of-its-kind fund (C$50M) that manages outcomes-based financing instruments to address priority issues in Indigenous communities. The fund will manage outcomes contracts in health and climate. In health, Minoayawin, a community-centred lifestyle intervention initiative, aims to reduce T2 diabetes prevalence using a two-eyed-seeing approach, incorporating Indigenous knowledge systems with Western methods. Outcomes contracts in climate will advance the net zero transition for on-reserve housing through electrification and climate-conscious retrofits targeting energy efficiencies, GHG emission reductions, and localized training and employment opportunities. The Raven Indigenous Outcomes Fund is part of the group of funds on the Raven Indigenous Capital Partners platform, the first Indigenous-focused private equity firm in Canada and the United States. With a targeted first close in December 2023, this fund seeks to build economic reconciliation and implement UNDRIP. This is the first investment through which Boann Social Impact will help advance social finance in Canada. RIOF was selected by Boann's Investment Committee, an independent body with exclusive responsibility over investment decisions. This investment affirms Boann's commitment to fostering positive change by nurturing a strong social finance sector in Canada and modeling what investing for impact can look like. Quotes "Indigenous Peoples and communities have long deserved a higher level of wellbeing and the ability to shape how human services are provided. We are at a unique moment in history where we havethe social finance fund and the work of our wholesaler aligning with community priorities and government objectives. Outcomes finance operates at this unique nexus aligning public, private and philanthropic capital. However, most importantly it actions UNDRIP to create self-determined services, this collective action will reshape the landscape of social finance and, more importantly, improve the lives of countless individuals and communities. I invite investors to really put their capital to work in this unique opportunity. Together we will do great things." - Jeff Cyr, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Raven Capital Partners



"This first round of investments is an exciting milestone for Boann and everyone involved in the Social Finance Fund. It is our first opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to fund investees which promote social good, particularly those centered on sustainability and equity deserving communities. As we fulfil our mandate, we look forward to supporting a diverse portfolio of funds that are building a better Canada for us all." - Derek Ballantyne, CEO, Boann Social Impact "Social purpose organizations are making critical contributions across sectors to solve our most pressing social and environmental challenges. In our efforts to advance reconciliation, we will continue to work closely with Indigenous partners to provide important programs and services that improve quality of life and support healthy and thriving Indigenous communities and families. These investments by Boann Social Impact, one of our investment managers under the Social Finance Fund, are the first of many that will help build a more inclusive and equitable economy for all Canadians." - The Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development, Jenna Sudds

About Boann Social Impact Boann Social Impact LP is a partnership created to mange capital contributed by the Government of Canada's Social Finance Fund. Created collaboratively by the Table of Impact Investment Practitioners (TIIP) and Encasa Impact, Boann will invest $135 million over 5 years to support purpose driven intermediaries and enterprises across Canada. For more information, visit: http://www.boann.ca/ About the Social Finance Fund The Government of Canada's Social Finance Fund (SFF) is a $755 million initiative that seeks to accelerate the growth of Canada's social finance market. The SFF will support charities, non- profits, social enterprises, co-operatives and other social purpose organizations (SPOs) in accessing flexible financing opportunities. Greater access to social finance through the SFF will help them grow, innovate, and enhance their social and environmental impacts. The SFF Is being managed by three Investment managers: Boann Social Impact, Fonds de finance sociale - CAP Finance and Realize Capital Partners. https://socialfinance.fund View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115331429/en/

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By Takuya Karube, KYODO NEWS - Nov 16, 2023 - 14:47 | All, World

U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed Wednesday to reopen military-to-military lines of communication at several levels and take steps on transnational challenges such as counternarcotics to help foster trust between the two major powers.

Following more than four hours of talks with Xi on an estate near San Francisco, Biden said promoting dialogue means that they will also pick up the phone when the urgent need arises.

"Trust but verify, as the old saying goes," Biden said at a press conference, when asked whether he has faith in Xi. "That's where I am. We're in a competitive relationship, but my responsibility is to make this rational and manageable so it doesn't result in conflict."

He also characterized Xi as a "dictator in the sense that here's a guy who runs a country that is a communist country based on a form of government totally different than ours," just after praising the progress made in lowering the temperature between Washington and Beijing.

Biden said other major accomplishments included China's agreement to step up efforts to choke off exports of ingredients for fentanyl, a drug responsible for a deadly overdose epidemic in the United States.

During their first face-to-face meeting in a year, the leaders also agreed to facilitate talks on artificial intelligence to improve the emerging technology's safety and advance collaboration in tackling climate change, according to the two countries.

A senior Biden administration official said that Xi had agreed to create mechanisms for defense authorities of the two countries to present concerns and hold talks at both policy and operational levels, including the reopening of a channel between U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart, when named.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the deal was "significant" as it would also allow the commander of U.S. Pacific forces to reach out to China, as the United States and its allies are concerned about frequent dangerous maneuvers by Chinese ships and fighter jets around Taiwan and in other parts of Asia.

High-level military communication channels between the two countries have been closed since Beijing cut them in protest following a visit to Taiwan in August last year by then-U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

On the self-ruled island democracy that Beijing claims as part of its territory, the presidents, as widely expected, reiterated their countries' positions.

Biden said he told Xi that China should not interfere in Taiwan's electoral process, with the island set to hold a presidential poll in January.

Xi told Biden that the United States should take concrete action to honor its commitment not to back Taiwan's independence, stop arming the island and support China's "peaceful reunification," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.

Xi was quoted as saying "China will realize reunification, and this is unstoppable." He also said China has no plan to "surpass or unseat" the United States, so it should not try to "suppress and contain" the Asian country, according to the ministry.

For security reasons, the meeting, following months of coordination, took place at the historic Filoli estate in Woodside, about 40 kilometers south of San Francisco. It came just before Biden hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum summit in the center of the city.

The last time Xi visited the United States was in April 2017, for talks with then-President Donald Trump.

At the outset of the meeting, which was open to the press, Xi said China's relationship with the United States is the most important in the world, and he believes they can overcome differences for their citizens and the international community.

Meeting Biden in person for only the second time since the U.S. president took office in 2021, Xi said that "for two large countries like China and the United States, turning their back on each other is not an option."

But he did not forget to say it is "unrealistic for one side to remodel the other," in an apparent message to Washington that it cannot dictate to Beijing, given that the two geopolitical rivals have different political and social structures.

"Planet Earth is big enough for the two countries to succeed," Xi said, while calling for mutual cooperation. As long as the countries "respect" each other, the Chinese leader said, he "firmly believes in the promising future of the bilateral relationship."

Biden and Xi are grappling with bilateral tensions over many other issues, including Chinese territorial claims in parts of the South and East China seas, and the imposition of export restrictions due to national security concerns.

The countries' differing approaches to the Israel-Hamas war, Russia's invasion of Ukraine and how to handle North Korea were also discussed on Wednesday, according to the White House.

The Biden administration has identified China as the United States' top competitor and its "most consequential geopolitical challenge." The bilateral relationship came under heavy strain earlier this year, particularly after Biden in February ordered an alleged Chinese spy balloon to be shot down over the United States.

Related coverage:

Biden, Xi to agree on reopening of military-to-military channels

Biden, Xi to meet Nov. 15 in U.S., new "framework" eyed for complex ties
[November 15, 2023] Stine Seed and Pattern Ag Join Forces to Revolutionize Corn Rootworm Protection Tweet

Stine Seed and Pattern Ag have teamed up to introduce the Stine Prescriptive Pathogen Report, a groundbreaking solution designed to accurately predict and mitigate future risks associated with the devastating corn rootworm pest.



Pattern Ag's highly sensitive DNA-based testing technology, with a 90% predictive accuracy rate, powers this innovative report, enabling farmers to make informed decisions on crop planning, genetics, traits, and seed treatments while eliminating hidden risks.

Stine's commitment to offering the Prescriptive Pathogen Report at a special discount price to their Corn Loyalty customers demonstrates their dedication to proactive, technology-driven approaches, ensuring farmers have the tools needed for a more productive agricultural operations.

EMERYVILLE, Calif., Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pattern Ag, a pioneer in Predictive Ag, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Stine Seed, a leading provider of premium seeds and genetics. Together, they are introducing an innovative solution designed to address the ever-present threat of Corn Rootworm, one of the most destructive soil-borne pests in the United States. The result of this collaboration is the Stine Prescriptive Pathogen Report, a pioneering tool that promises to accurately predict and mitigate future risks associated with Corn Rootworm infestations.

Each year, corn rootworm infestations lead to substantial yield losses across the United States, making it crucial for farmers to pinpoint when and where corn rootworm protection is needed. The Prescriptive Pathogen Report leverages Pattern Ag's highly sensitive and specific testing capabilities, providing a reliable method for predicting field pressure and economic risk for the upcoming season. By measuring DNA in the soil, this test detects the presence and abundance of target organisms, offering predictive insights with a remarkable accuracy rate of 90%. Myron Stine, President of Stine, remarked on the groundbreaking partnership: "In the world of agriculture, knowledge is power. Our collaboration with Pattern Ag and the introduction of the Prescriptive Pathogen Report will empower our customers with the knowledge they need to make smarter, more informed decisons about their crops, ensuring they have the tools to protect their yields and grow with confidence."



In a show of commitment to its customers, Stine is offering the Prescriptive Pathogen Report at a special discounted price to its Corn Loyalty level customers. The cost of this service is covered in part by Stine, making this invaluable tool accessible and affordable. This initiative aligns with Stine's vision of developing the highest-yield corn and soybean seed and using this cutting-edge technology to help farmers make informed decisions for their operations. Stine has emerged as a pioneer in harnessing Pattern Ag's predictive soil analysis not merely as a reactive measure but as a proactive, strategic approach. This partnership empowers Stine to engage in more insightful conversations with their customers about pest risks, enabling a more accurate assessment of crop protection measures. The result is better management of yield and quality outcomes in the fields.

Mike Tweedy, Vice President of Sales for Pattern Ag, highlighted the significance of Stine Seed partnering with Pattern Ag, stating, "Our collaboration with Stine Seed is a game-changing moment for agriculture. By combining Stine's renowned expertise in seeds with Pattern Ag's cutting-edge analytics, we are ushering in a new era of data-driven, prescriptive farming. This partnership will empower farmers to make smarter, more strategic decisions, ultimately increasing their yields and profitability and elevating the entire industry." Together, Pattern Ag and Stine are redefining the landscape of corn rootworm protection. By leveraging innovative technology and expert insights, they are providing farmers with the tools they need to secure their agricultural investments, boost productivity, and thrive in an ever-evolving agricultural environment. About Stine Seed Farm, Inc. As the nations largest independent seed company, Stine Seed Farm, Inc., headquartered near Adel, Iowa, is focused on developing and marketing the world's best-performing corn and soybean seed through its retail arm, Stine Seed Company. Stine Seed Farm, Inc., operates the industry's largest corn and soybean breeding and development program, advancing and testing nearly 1 million unique soybean varieties and more than 100,000 preliminary corn hybrids annually. For nearly five decades, Stines soybean research program has been regarded as the soybean genetics supplier of choice to the seed industry. For more information, call toll-free (800) 362-2510 or visit the website at www.stineseed.com . About Pattern Ag Founded in 2018, Pattern envisions a future where conventional agricultural inputs are enhanced and eventually replaced by precision microbiome engineering, improving farm productivity and sustainability. Patterns corporate office is headquartered in Emeryville, California, with field teams located throughout the Midwest. Pattern uses analytics to help farmers optimize their spending on crop protection, seed selection, and fertility inputs while improving the long-term productivity of their land. To learn more, visit www.Pattern.ag . For more information, please contact

Natalie McCracken

Head of Marketing, Pattern Ag

[email protected]

www.pattern.ag



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[November 15, 2023] Innovation in the service of NATO: Cyber Innovation Hub of the Bundeswehr (CIHBw), MVP Factory - A Ness Digital Engineering Company, and VisiTrans win NATO Innovation Challenge 2023 with software solution "Yarded" Tweet

The Bundeswehr Cyber Innovation Hub, MVP Factory  A Ness Digital Engineering Company, and VisiTrans take first place in the NATO Innovation Challenge 2023

In the event of an enemy attack, Yarded can efficiently manage 500 vehicles and 2500 materials per day

Future scaling of the software to the NATO level is planned NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2023 /CNW/ -- Together with the Cyber Innovation Hub of the Bundeswehr (CIHBw), MVP Factory  A Ness Company, and VisiTrans took part in the NATO Innovation Challenge "Military Mobility" 2023 and achieved first place with their pioneering project "Yarded". Booz Allen Hamilton and Deloitte took second and third place. Yarded is reforming the Bundeswehr's logistics and was selected from more than forty submissions to the challenge. The software is developed to significantly increase the operational efficiency of logistics battalions, particularly in managing the vehicles. MVP Factory, CIHBw, and VisiTrans created Yarded jointly with the soldiers using agile methods at a start-up speed. "This high speed was only possible because we relied on a dual-use product available on the market for Yarded - in other words, we adapted an existing civilian solution for our military use. Our CIHBw innovation project Yarded is a real turning point as its success demonstrates the pace of innovation that the Bundeswehr is capable of today," says Sven Weizenegger, Head of the CIHBw. The Yarded team successfully presented the potential of digital solutions in military logistics processes to the jury in Slovenia on the 14th of November, and talks will begin in the coming weeks to discuss scaling up to the NATO level. Yarded - an efficient logistics tool for emergencies

The logistics battalions in Germany struggle with inefficient analog command and control systems in addition to a lack of personnel. In particular, the system used by Logistic Batallion (LogBtl) 163 RSOM (Reception, Staging, Onward Movement) to organize the marshaling area - a large area in which objects are stored in ports and railway stations before being shipped to another destination - proved to be outdated and inflexible. In the past, soldiers simply worked with pen and paper and printed Excel spreadsheets to coordinate the planning of missions. Furthermore, the NATO LOGFAS system does not offer automated and transparent solutions at some critical points. MVP Factory has already worked closely with the Cyber Innovation Hub in te past on a portfolio of projects to foster digitalization in the Bundeswehr. These include an e-token app, AI workshops, and more.



Philipp Petrescu, CEO of MVP Factory, emphasizes: "Together with the Bundeswehr Cyber Innovation Hub and VisiTrans, we have created an efficient, digital solution. The recognition by NATO is a strong appreciation of our work along with the promotion of innovation in all areas of the economy and the growing adoption of digitalization in government and administration." The Yarded software automates processes, eliminates manual tasks, and enables a seamless digital overview, for managing vehicle and material deployment and dispatch. The technical part of the solution was developed by our partners, VisiTrans GmbH from Paderborn, which specializes in solving complex logistical problems.

The software is designed to work with NATO's core logistics processes to support the transport of equipment and material by the NRF (NATO Response Force) in the event of a sudden deployment, for example, due to an enemy attack. In such circumstances, Yarded can effectively manage 500 vehicles and 2500 materials daily.



The software also incorporates LOGFAS data for data-driven decision-making. LOGFAS is the information backbone of NATO as NATO material has to be moved every day. Yarded enables real-time coordination and the digital distribution of information on any device and provides the commander with real-time data, allowing for decisions to be made based on data at a higher speed.



The NATO Innovation Challenge was initiated in 2017 by the NATO Innovation Hub of Allied Command Transformation and serves as a conceptual platform to address Alliance-wide challenges and set priorities across partners. It promotes innovative projects that contribute to efficiency and security. About MVP Factory  A Ness Digital Engineering Company

MVP Factory is one of Europe's leading digital venture & product builders. Using agile methods at startup speed, it has launched over 300 products and corporate ventures with clients such as DB Schenker, Bertelsmann, Jobrad, Henkel, and the Cyber Innovation Hub of the German Armed Forces. MVP Factory was founded in 2017 by tech entrepreneur Philipp Petrescu in Berlin. In 2023, the company became part of the American software specialist Ness Digital Engineering. The team includes over 70 digital experts and entrepreneurs with expertise in entrepreneurship, design, product management, software development, and growth marketing. About Cyber Innovation Hub

The Cyber Innovation Hub of the Bundeswehr (CIHBw) was founded in March 2017 to support the digital transformation of the Bundeswehr as a "fast speedboat" and to act as an interface between the Bundeswehr and the startup ecosystem. The "Empowering Innovation in Defence" vision is geared towards the needs of soldiers and civilian employees in the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Defence (BMVg). With the implementation of a total of over 160 innovation projects, the CIHBw sees itself as a "do tank" and agile innovation driver for the armed forces. It is the first military digital innovation unit in Europe and a role model for comparable units in other German federal ministries and authorities. For further press information, interview requests, and image material:

Marie-Christin Bergmann

Senior Communications Manager

marie-christin.bergmann@mvpfactory.co

+49 30 220135816 MVPF Technologies GmbH

Prinzenstrae 34

10969 Berlin

www.mvpfactory.co | LinkedIn Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2277786/MVP_Factory.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2144213/Ness_Blue_Logo.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2277787/MVP_Factory_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/innovation-in-the-service-of-nato-cyber-innovation-hub-of-the-bundeswehr-cihbw-mvp-factory--a-ness-digital-engineering-company-and-visitrans-win-nato-innovation-challenge-2023-with-software-solution-yarded-301989454.html SOURCE MVP Factory - A Ness Digital Engineering Company

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2024 Financial Industry Trade Show Guide Now Available from William Mills Agency

William Mills Agency, the largest independent public relations and marketing firm specializing in the financial industry, announces the release of its 2024 Financial Trade Show Guide. The annual report lists industry-focused trade shows and conferences in the payments, fintech, banking, mortgage, lending and credit union categories.

Please download the free report here.

"For 29 years WMA has published the definitive financial trade show and conference guide. These 024 events provide some of the best opportunities for in-person networking which helps to cultivate key business relationships with fellow industry professionals," said William Mills, CEO of William Mills Agency. "These events are great places to learn about the latest new financial technology developments, raise your company's profile and spend time with key industry influencers, all in one place."







About William Mills Agency

William Mills Agency is the nation's largest public relations and marketing firm serving the financial technology industry with an emphasis on fintech providers. The agency has established its reputation through the successful execution of media relations, marketing services and crisis communications programs. The company serves clients ranging in size from small start-ups to large, publicly traded companies. For more information, please visit www.williammills.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115156494/en/
[November 15, 2023] The 2023 Generational Campground Report Highlights New Camping Trends Tweet

RMS North America, a leading provider of reservation and property management systems to the outdoor hospitality industry, has partnered again with OHI (formerly ARVC) and RVshare to release this year's Generational Campground Report. This annual report details the latest trends of campers across the US. "This report is crucial to campground owners and operators, giving them insight into their campers' backgrounds, behaviors, and future travel plans. This data helps operators strategically plan their operations to increase their occupancy, drive revenue, and bring an excellent guest experience to visitors of all generations for the 2024 camping season," says Adelle Rodriguez, Senior Director of Marketing at RMS North America. Key data points include: 94% plan to camp the same or more in the next 12 months.

49% prefer to make their reservations completely online, with 26% stating no preference

82% selected using online search platforms (Yahoo, Google, Bing, etc.) as their preferred method to find the right campground

Price is still a driving factor in campground destination decisions, with 33% selecting the cost of reservation as their top concern

Campers will travel 179 miles from home to get to a campsite

Campers spend on average $50 per person/per day or $200 per day/per site for a family of four. This report includes generational data as well, highlighting the difference in camping behaviors between campers of different demographics. Campground owners and operators can make more informed opertional decisions based on the diverse preferences of their visitors.



"The modern camper demographic is changing-skewing younger every year-so it is of vital importance to understand these generational differences when making business decisions," says David Basler, OHI's Chief Strategy Officer. "For outdoor hospitality businesses, the real value in this report is the year-over-year data we can share that shows these generational changes." Reviewing this data each year is an important planning step for campground owners and operators, agrees Jon Gray, CEO of RVshare. "Adapting to the changing demographic and preferences is crucial industry-wide. We are coming off the biggest tailwind this industry has ever seen, and to maintain category interest, we need to meet the customers where they are. From RV rentals to campground operators, it's vital to understand our challenges and opportunities as we plan for 2024 and beyond."

Accommodating these preferences can also be accomplished with the right property management and reservation software. Campground owners and operators can use this data to prioritize software with the most efficient communication tools, like triggered correspondences & SMS abilities, a customizable rewards program, and a robust rate manager. This report was prepared by Readex Research, a nationally recognized independent research company. The survey was designed jointly by OHI, RMS, RV Share and Readex. The response was tabulated, and this report was prepared in accordance with accepted research standards and practices. The full report is available for free to OHI members here. About RMS North America RMS North America is a leading cloud-based reservation and property management system tailored to the outdoor hospitality industry. Backed by 40 years of continual innovation, RMS works with hundreds of properties across the Americas and Canada. Its feature-rich technology is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of campgrounds, RV parks & resorts, National & State Parks, glampgrounds, and marinas. For more information, please visit americas.rmscloud.com. About RVshare RVshare is the largest online community for RV renters and owners. Founded in 2013 in Akron, Ohio, we connect RV owners and renters, offering an additional source of income for RV owners and the option for a unique and memorable vacation for renters. Learn more at rvshare.com. About OHI OHI, a leader in the Outdoor Hospitality Industry, is the only national association dedicated to representing the interests and needs of the outdoor hospitality industry in the US and Canada. We are deeply committed to providing our more than 3,000 members with exclusive access to continuing professional development, networking, business and marketing tools, member-only benefits and discounts, and advocacy at the local, state and national levels. Visit the OHI website to learn more. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115986129/en/

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[November 15, 2023] Presidio Helps Mercy Ships Improve Access to Medical Care for Communities in Need Tweet

Presidio, a leading global digital services and solution provider, today announced the completion of an entire network transformation for Mercy Ships' new Global Mercy non-profit hospital ship to bring life-saving medical services to developing countries. Presidio provides the Global Mercy with cutting edge technology that allows for empowered medical consultations, improved dockside capabilities and volunteer experiences and enables the ship to serve more patients through seamless access to remote specialists. "Surgical accessibility remains a pressing global challenge. Collaborative partners like Presidio who understand our vision and are both trusted technology advisors and implementation experts, allow us to keep our focus where it matters most - on our patients and volunteers," said Jonathan Dyson, Director of Enterprise Infrastructure, Mercy Ships. "The Global Mercy is our first purpose-built medical ship. Presidio's innovative design and technology infrastructure paves the way for us to elevate patient care, enhance training, nurture our volunteers, and touch even more lives." Presidio implemented the Global Mercy's technology infrastructure with the following benefits: Empowered Medical Consultation - High-tech cameras, fast Wi-Fi, and state-of-the-art microphones facilitate real-time medical consultations, ushering in an era where remote medical specialists can be just a click away. Nurses can quickly access comprehensive patient data, optimizing their response time.

- High-tech cameras, fast Wi-Fi, and state-of-the-art microphones facilitate real-time medical consultations, ushering in an era where remote medical specialists can be just a click away. Nurses can quickly access comprehensive patient data, optimizing their response time. Improved Dockside Capabilities - Advanced Wi-Fi reduces dockside setup by 50%. This allows more patients to benefit fom medical and dental procedures in dockside container facilities.

- Advanced Wi-Fi reduces dockside setup by 50%. This allows more patients to benefit fom medical and dental procedures in dockside container facilities. Improved Volunteer Experience - Volunteers no longer feel isolated due to poor network connectivity. With the enhanced infrastructure, volunteers can more easily maintain connections with their loved ones. This motivates them to serve longer and makes their experience more fulfilling.



"The Global Mercy project demonstrates the transformative potential of technology in bridging healthcare gaps in developing nations," said Waheed Choudhry, Senior Vice President, Presidio. "We've been supporting their life-saving mission for years. It was an incredible experience to design the end-to-end technology solutions for the Global Mercy and see it in action improving people's lives in ways that couldn't be done before."

To learn more about Mercy Ships, please visit www.mercyships.org. To learn more about Presidio, please visit www.presidio.com. About Presidio: Presidio is a global digital services and solutions provider accelerating business transformation through secured technology modernization. Highly skilled teams of engineers and solutions architects with deep expertise across cloud, security, networking, and modern data center infrastructure help customers acquire, deploy, and operate technology that delivers impactful business outcomes. Presidio is a trusted strategic advisor with a flexible full life cycle model of professional, managed, and support and staffing services to help execute, secure, operationalize and maintain technology solutions. For more information, visit www.presidio.com. About Mercy Ships: Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact. Each year, more than 3,000 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world's two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy and the Global Mercy. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical, obstetric and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit mercyships.org and follow @MercyShips on social media. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115468690/en/

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[November 15, 2023] Minister Vandal announces federal investment in jobs, small business growth and accelerating Manitoba's green advantage Tweet

Over $4.6 million of PrairiesCan funding supports jobs and innovation for greener growth in Manitoba WINNIPEG, MB, Nov. 15, 2023 /CNW/ - People living and working on the Prairies are taking action and leading the way as Canada works towards and builds on the advantages of a net-zero economy. Today at the Manitoba Environmental Industries Association (MEIA), the Honorable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan, announced over $4.6 million in federal funding for five projects in Manitoba to maintain momentum. This investment is expected to create over 400 new jobs and support more than 350 Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) on the Prairies. MEIA is a central hub for green industries in Manitoba. With support from PrairiesCan, the Growing Together conference taking place next week will bring together hundreds of innovators and leaders to showcase solutions and make businesses more profitable through sustainability. This and other projects announced today will help SMEs make their supply chains more efficient, increase cleantech competitiveness, progress toward net-zero emissions in construction technology, and support innovation, technology transfer and adoption. Building on Manitoba's strengths, SMEs and industries in the province are adapting to global trends to remain competitive and continue building a prosperous and green economy. SMEs make up the vast majority of businesses in Manitoba, employing thousands of workers and moving our economy forward. Consultations on the Building a Green Prairie Economy Act showed that Manitoba companies are already leveraging the province's strengths in advanced manufacturing, clean technology, and agriculture. These industries are collaboratively leading the way towards a cleaner environment and stronger economy for future generations. The Government of Canada, through PrairiesCan, is investing in the Manitoba cleantech ecosystem so that SMEs can continue to create good, sustainable, and well-paying jobs for workers across the Prairies. Quotes "Our government is building on Manitoba's strengths and investing in forward-thinking organizations and enterprises. The opportunities here are immense, and I am pleased to see PrairiesCan working with local companies towards a greener future. We will continue to work shoulder to shoulder to support innovation and jobs for Manitobans."

The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan "This support from PrairiesCan will help us to improve our manufacturing capacity and increase efficiency by investing in equipment, innovative processes, and people. These improvements will help us increase our market share as we work toward net-zero emisions in the commercial and residential construction industry."





Justin Smerchanski, President, AMC Foam Technologies Inc. The Manitoba Environmental Industries Association is pleased to receive funding to establish the largest Cleantech Conference on the Prairies. It is well understood that we need clean technology development to ensure we meet net zero targets and address climate change. The conference will showcase emerging cleantech, and will also provide an opportunity to explore important topics on energy, environment and economic sustainable development as the green economy in Manitoba expands."

Jack Winram, Executive Director, Manitoba Environmental Industries Association

Quick facts The PrairiesCan Regional Innovation Ecosystem Program assists not-for-profits; business accelerators, incubators and similar organizations develop and increase their reach.

The Jobs and Growth Fund provides funding to businesses and organizations to help create jobs and position local economies for long-term growth. The fund, delivered by Canada's regional development agencies, provides $700 million nationally over three years.

regional development agencies, provides nationally over three years. The Building a Green Prairie Economy Act was the vision of The Honourable Jim Carr, the late Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, who championed this as a private member's bill.

was the vision of The Honourable Jim Carr, the late Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, who championed this as a private member's bill. The Building a Green Prairie Economy Act calls for consultations with Prairie provinces, municipal and Indigenous governments, industry, and labour organizations to gain input and insights to build a framework to create jobs and grow a strong, sustainable, and inclusive Prairie economy that benefits everyone. Backgrounder The Government of Canada is providing $4,647,489 to support five projects in Manitoba. The combined total investments in the Manitoba economy will support the advancement of clean technology, small business growth, and the expansion of sustainable manufacturing capacity to accelerate Manitoba's green advantage. Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE)  Investment of $2,731,313

Through the RIE program, the Government of Canada makes targeted investments in not-for-profit organizations that support businesses in priority sectors to innovate, grow and compete globally. RIE is open to not-for-profit organizations that support businesses, innovators, and entrepreneurs, for start-up, growth, productivity, technology commercialization, technology adoption, and export and investment attraction. Four Manitoba recipients of this funding were announced today: Manitoba Environmental Industries Association Inc. ($75,000)

Host annual cleantech conferences in 2022 to 2024 to showcase innovative solutions to help Manitobans mitigate the climate crisis and make businesses more profitable through sustainability.

Host annual cleantech conferences in 2022 to 2024 to showcase innovative solutions to help Manitobans mitigate the climate crisis and make businesses more profitable through sustainability. University of Manitoba ($443,000)

Advance the development of microelectronic technologies for value-added agriculture, aerospace, and bio-diagnostic instruments.

Advance the development of microelectronic technologies for value-added agriculture, aerospace, and bio-diagnostic instruments. Supply Chain Canada ($713,313)

Increase adoption of circular economy practices in Manitoba and Saskatchewan supply chains to increase competitiveness, resilience, and productivity of small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Increase adoption of circular economy practices in and supply chains to increase competitiveness, resilience, and productivity of small- and medium-sized enterprises. The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce ($1,500,000)

Assist Manitoba small- and medium-sized enterprises to identify and implement digital infrastructure. Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF)  Investment of $1,916,176

JGF provides funding to businesses and organizations to help create jobs and position local economies for long-term growth. The Fund, delivered by Canada's regional development agencies, provides $700 million nationally over three years. One Manitoba recipient of this funding was announced today: AMC Foam Technologies ($1,916,176)

Increase manufacturing capacity to provide an energy-efficient alternative for commercial and residential buildings that aim to achieve net-zero emissions. Associated links Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)

Building a Green Prairie Economy Act

Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE)

Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) Stay connected Follow PrairiesCan on Twitter and LinkedIn Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-9378

TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388 SOURCE Prairies Economic Development Canada

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[November 15, 2023]

Awesome REI is Now Awesomely

Popular e-learning company Awesome REI has become Awesomely and unveiled its new branding, website, and mission at Awesomely.com.

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Since 2015, Awesome REI has served over 150,000 students with training programs focused on various real estate investing strategies and techniques.

e-Learning company Awesomely aims to bring financial education to the masses.

Today, as part of its expande vision to serve eager learners well beyond the world of real estate, Awesome REI has become Awesomely.







"This transition signifies our commitment to bringing financial education to the masses, across a variety of topics and verticals," said Awesomely Founder and CEO, Patrick Riddle.

In 2024, Awesomely plans to release training programs in the areas of personal finance, entrepreneurship, stock investing, and cryptocurrency.

"Our mission is to inspire, empower, and equip millions of people to 'live awesomely'  and providing a broad swath of financial training, tools, and support is how we do that," said Riddle.

The new Awesomely.com website features modern, refreshing branding, hundreds of student reviews, and an updated learning experience for current students.

"We're so excited about the future of the company and the global impact we're starting to see, and we invite any aspiring investor or entrepreneur to visit our site and explore the programs we offer," Riddle added.

About Awesomely:

Awesomely provides training programs, tools, and support to aspiring investors and entrepreneurs. It's been featured as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America by Inc Magazine, and it's won multiple Clickfunnels 2CCX Awards. To learn more, please visit Awesomely.com.

Media Contact:

Johnpaul Moses

[email protected]

(877) 224-0445

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SOURCE Awesomely
[November 15, 2023] American Water Charitable Foundation Awards $500,000 through Workforce Readiness and STEM Education Grant Programs Tweet

The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., announced today it awarded a combined total of $500,000 to 30 organizations in 10 states across the U.S., supporting communities served by American Water through the 2023 Workforce Readiness and STEM Education Grant Programs. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115898324/en/ California American Water External Affairs Manager Nichole Baxter presents Meristem with a $25,000 Workforce Readiness grant on behalf of the American Water Charitable Foundation. (Photo: Business Wire) "The American Water Charitable Foundation is thrilled to partner with organizations to offer inclusive programs that prioritize career preparedness, STEM education, and related initiatives," said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. "The Workforce Readiness and STEM Education Grant Programs provide opportunities to train and develop key skills for future leaders throughout American Water's national footprint." The Workforce Readiness and STEM Education grants are part of the Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, which focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. The total award of $500,000 will support high-impact projects and initiatives that further American Water's commitment to support ESG, as well as inclusion, diversity and equity. "The American Water Charitable Foundation's support will further our efforts to prepare neurodiverse young adults for a life of greater independence and fulfillment. Assisting young autistic adults gain job skills through social enterprise is a critical component of the services we provide," said Meristem's Executive Director, Erin Schirm. "We are grateful to the American Water Charitable Foundation and California American Water for their support and dedication to inclusion, diversity, equity and the local community." Grant recipients positively impact local communities an directly align with American Water's regulated state subsidiaries in California, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Regional events to celebrate local efforts are being coordinated and will be announced at a later date.



The 2023 Workforce Readiness and STEM Education grant recipients are: Meristem

Generation Steam

Museum Foundation of Pacific Grove

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois

Lansdowne Up

Sun Foundation

Girls Incorporated of Wayne County

Jackson County Industrial Development Corporation

Community Action Council

Explorium of Lexington

Stl Youth Jobs

Boys and Girls Club of Joplin Missouri

Hispanic Family Center Southern NJ

Girls Inc of Greater Philadelphia & Southern NJ

Hopeworks N Camden

Raritan Headwaters Association

Main Line Chamber Foundation

Chester County Futures Inc.

Lacawac Sanctuary Foundation Inc.

Coatesville Youth Initiative

Junior Achievement of South Central Pennsylvania

Skills In Scranton Business Education Partnership

Berks Latino Workforce Development Corporation

Berks Nature

Teach For America

Project Return Inc.

Northern Neck Food Bank Inc.

Mission West Virginia

WVMA (West Virginia Manufactures Assoc.) Educational Fund

Communities In Schools of West Virginia Inc. Due to the volume of grant applications received, each application was evaluated on a competitive basis, funding programs with a strong impacts and measurable outcomes that align with the Foundation's funding priorities.

Learn more about the American Water Charitable Foundation here. About American Water American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,500 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formally Twitter) and Instagram. About American Water Charitable Foundation The American Water Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a formal way to demonstrate the company's ongoing commitment to be a good neighbor, citizen, and contributor to the communities where American Water and its employees live, work and operate. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf and follow the American Water Charitable Foundation on Facebook. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115898324/en/

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[November 15, 2023] Groundbreaking Global EV Repair Cost Research Unveils 29% Higher Overall EV vs. ICE Repair Costs in Side-by-side Model Comparison Tweet

Solera Holdings, LLC, the global leader in vehicle lifecycle management, today announced groundbreaking global research looking at repair cost trends of electric vehicles (EVs) in comparison to internal combustion engine (ICE) repair costs. The comparative study considered aggregate international analytics across 20 countries; Solera's vast global claims database aggregates and normalizes raw claims data to provide insights into important performance metrics such as claim cost behaviors and replaced part composition. Approximately 92,000 raw data points (repair estimates) were examined, between January 2021 through August 2023, comparing findings of a Hyundai Kona EV with its ICE model counterpart. "Recognized by the industry for its exceptional innovations, Hyundai offers consumers both ICE and EV options with some of its models. The Hyundai Kona, which received the 2023 Subcompact SUV, Editor's Choice Awards, Car and Driver, U.S., is one such option making it an ideal example for Solera's study," explained Bill Brower, Solera's Vice President Global Industry Relations and North America Claims Sales. Highlights of Solera's EV vs. ICE Comparative Repair Cost Study Include: Overall, EV repair costs are 29% higher than ICE repair costs, globally, on average.

EV parts costs are 48% higher, on average, per estimate. Parts included high-voltage battery, battery-control unit, cabling, battery box, and system battery charger. Representing 24% of total parts cost spend (normalized), EV battery "system" repair costs are the highest part cost item(s) ($8.89M) compared with headlights ($2.88M).

Parts included high-voltage battery, battery-control unit, cabling, battery box, and system battery charger. Driver airbag "systems" were replaced 8% more frequently on EVs .

. Rear bumper absorbers were replaced 1,390% more frequently on EVs .

. Rear bumper reinforcements were replaced 14% more frequently on EVs.



Added Clint Ory, Solera Sr. Sales Engineer, North American Sales; "We know there were approximately 3.1 times more Kona ICE repairs performed in this time period as compared with EV repairs, allowing us to normalize the number of parts repaired/replaced to ensure a balanced data set."

"If there's a bright spot to EV repairs, it's the significantly lower collision and property damage liability claim frequencies compared with their conventional counterparts (adjusted for mileage)," explained Matt Moore, Senior Vice President, Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI). Citing an April 2023 HLDI Bulletin, Moore stated, "Collision and property damage claim severity for electric vehicles is higher than their conventional counterparts, but only the property damage increase is significant. Electric vehicles were also associated with lower claim frequencies under all applicable coverages." "The heavier weight of EVs may explain the higher frequency of airbag system repairs (8% more)," Moore said. "From a physics perspective, more vehicle weight translates to more energy in crashes, more energy translates to more damage and likely a higher probability of airbag deployment." Added Brower, "As the transition to EVs continues to accelerate, Solera's extraordinary knowledge base remains a critical beacon for guiding business decisions, and we're pleased these findings can help provide important insights to lead the industry forward." About Solera: A leading global provider of integrated vehicle lifecycle software-as-a-service, data, and services, Solera offers a "one-stop shop" solution for streamlining operations, data-driven analytics, and enhanced customer engagement. With its impressive roster of leading brands in the vehicle lifecycle ecosystem, Solera serves over 300,000 global customers and partners in 100+ countries. About HLDI: The HLDI supports the mission of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety through scientific studies of insurance data representing the human and economic losses resulting from the ownership and operation of different types of vehicles and by publishing insurance loss results by make and model. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115820568/en/

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[November 15, 2023] Electrify Expo Goes Big In Austin With Record EV Debuts and More Than 20,000 Demo Rides Tweet

The festival grew in size for its third year in Austin, with more than 100+ Exhibits on two, three and four wheels, the biggest brands including Tesla, Ford, Toyota and others, and over 20,000 demos of electric vehicles, e-bikes, e-scooters + more

The weekend kicked off with Industry Day, which was attended by the most influential names in electrification and included major news announcements from VinFast, Yokohama, Hankook and NIU

Photos from the Austin event can be downloaded HERE

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Electrify Expo, North Americas largest electric vehicle (EV) festival, made its seventh and final stop of the 2023 tour in Austin where attendees turned out in full force to test drive EVs, including on the Formula 1 Race Track at the Circuit of the Americas. From the leading automotive brands to innovators in electric mobility, attendees got to experience a full weekend of exciting demo drives, brand interactions, breaking news and educational conversations. The popularity of EVs in Austin has shot through the roof, said BJ Birtwell, founder and CEO of Electrify Expo. Attendees got to experience EVs in real, meaningful ways on multiple demo courses, including the famed F1 race track. In addition to EVs, we had thousands experience e-bikes for the first time. And we even had Tesla surprise everyone with a Cybertruck appearance. You could feel the thrill and excitement of attendees all weekend long. Electrify Expo Industry Day kicked off the weekend on Friday, Nov. 10 where leaders from Ford, VinFast, Keysight, Anker, NIU, Chargeway and others discussed the industrys biggest opportunities and challenges that will shape the future of electric transportation, moderated by journalists from the Wall Street Journal, AdWeek and Forbes. For the first time, Industry Day included automotive and micromobility press conference tours where multiple announcements were made from leading brands, including; VinFast announced its aggressive plans for expansion across the U.S.

Yokohama debuted its first-ever ultra high-performance all-season tire specifically designed for electric vehicles

Volvo showcased two of the latest all-electric vehicles from Volvo Cars coming in 2024

NIU debuted its new XQi, electric dirt bike



2024 Electrify Expo schedule was announced, which will kick off at a new location in Orlando, Fla. and make its way around the country to Phoenix, Long Beach, Calif., Denver, San Francisco, Seattle, New York and concluding in Austin, Texas. When Electrify Expo opened to the public on Saturday and Sunday, lines wrapped around the gates with attendees eager to experience a full day of demo rides and all electric fun. Attendees maxed out a weekend of new vehicle experiences that exceed 20,000 demo rides. The Volvo EX30 and EX90 were on display for their first public debut in Texas. Lexus also brought their lineup of electric and hybrid vehicles including the RZ, RX PHEV, TX PHEV, RX500h and NX450+. Especially noteworthy was eco-friendly, luxury carmaker VinFast who displayed its two key electric models, the VF 8 and VF 9 as well as its recently debuted mini electric car model, the VF 3.

Stirring up quite the buzz was the opportunity to get behind the wheel and drive vehicles on the famed Formula 1 track. Additionally, Ford was back inside the Electrify Expo Thrill Zone where attendees got to experience an exhilarating thrill ride with a professional driver in the Ford Mustang Mach-E with over 1400 horsepower. Electrify Expo Showoff also returned highlighting the most radical customized EVs and featured more than 60 entries for 20 categories. While the 2023 season has concluded, companies interested in participating in the 2024 event can visit https://www.electrifyexpo.com/exhibits-press. About Electrify Expo

Electrify Expo is North America's largest outdoor electric vehicle (EV) festival showcasing the latest technology and products in electrification including startup and legacy EVs, electric motorcycles, bikes, scooters, skateboards, boats, surfboards and more. The festival addresses one of the most challenging barriers to mass adoption of electric vehicles  first-hand experience with the product  with meaningful demonstrations and test rides. Top brands from around the world exhibit and attend Electrify Expos events to meet consumers at all stages on their path to electrification. 2023 events will take place in Long Beach and San Francisco, Calif., Washington DC, New York, Seattle, Miami, and Austin, Texas. To stay up to date on the latest news and announcements from Electrify Expo, visit www.electrifyexpo.com and follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Media Contact

Skyya PR

[email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/af19f592-14bf-4868-98b9-1fccb89e2d6e



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KYODO NEWS - Nov 15, 2023 - 09:36 | All

Episode 20: Hay fever

Around 40 percent of people in Japan say they suffer from hay fever. Three Kyodo News journalists -- Yamaguchi-san, Donican and Toma -- discuss recent government plans to tackle hay fever in Japan, including a decision to fell cypress and cedar trees near major cities.

Listen as they talk about their own allergy issues and how they cope, as well as about mask etiquette in Japan.

Article mentioned in the podcast:

Japan to tackle hay fever by felling cedar forests near major cities

Kyodo News presents a bilingual podcast for English learners about the ins and outs of news writing and how to translate tricky Japanese phrases into English. Have fun listening to journalists discuss recent articles as they occasionally go off on unrelated tangents.

More Podcast episodes:

Podcast [English World] Episode 19: A subdued Halloween

Podcast [English World] Episode 18: Steep price hikes for baby items

Podcast [English World] Episode 17: Don't come to Shibuya for Halloween!
[November 15, 2023] Your Part-Time Controller, LLC, Announces Strategic Growth Partnership with Pamlico Capital Tweet

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Your Part-Time Controller, LLC ("YPTC"), the 75th largest accounting firm in the U.S., according to the publication Accounting Today, announced today that it has received a strategic growth investment from Pamlico Capital ("Pamlico"), a private equity firm based in Charlotte, N.C. "This marks a milestone for Your Part-Time Controller, which has grown dramatically from a one-person firm in 1993, to a nationally recognized financial service provider for the nonprofit sector," said Eric Fraint, President and Founder. Fraint continued, "With the support of Pamlico, who understands our business and culture and shares our interest in serving nonprofit organizations, YPTC will be well-positioned to continue its remarkable growth." Fraint also announced his retirement from YPTC, scheduled for early 2024, explaining, "After 30 years of growing YPTC, I am excited to transition out of the day-to-day operations of the company to invest my time and energy in other pursuits, including philanthropic causes and my six grandchildren." Fraint will continue to be involved with YPTC as a significant shareholder and member of YPTC's board of directors. Upon Fraint's retirement, Jennifer Alleva, Managing Partner, will assume the role of CEO and will also have a seat on the YPTC board of directors. "Jen has been my partner in building YPTC for 20 years, and I am excited for her to lead the company in its next chapter of growth. I have complete confidence in her and our excellent and long-tenured YPTC tam to continue the company's track record of success."



Commenting on the transaction and her new role, Alleva said, "I am thrilled to lead YPTC to new heights with the additional resources of our new partner Pamlico and the continued support of Eric on our board. I look forward to many more years at YPTC as we continue to help our nonprofit clients achieve their missions." Alleva continued, "I want to reassure our staff and clients that YPTC's day-to-day operations will be unchanged. Our executive team, market leaders and department leaders will continue to run the company, and our clients will continue to be supported by the same YPTC staff they have come to know and respect. Importantly, our commitment to helping nonprofit organizations remains stronger than ever." Pamlico Principal Andrew Tindel, who will join the YPTC board of directors with his colleagues Scott Stevens and Kaitlyn Cacioppo, said, "We are excited to welcome Your Part-Time Controller into the Pamlico family. YPTC is a unique and impressive company, and we are proud to partner with its entire team to advance the achievement of their important mission to build stronger nonprofits."

Fairmount Partners served as exclusive financial advisor to YPTC. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. About Your Part-Time Controller Founded in Cherry Hill, N.J., in 1993, Your Part-Time Controller is headquartered in Philadelphia, with offices around the country. A staff of over 600 professionals provide outsourced accounting and financial services for over 1,700 nonprofit organizations in almost every state through a combination of on-site service, where YPTC has an office, to remote options everywhere else. More information about YPTC can be found at: www.yptc.com. About Pamlico Capital Pamlico Capital is a private equity firm founded in 1988 that invests in lower middle market companies in the U.S. Pamlico Capital seeks control-oriented growth equity investments of up to $125 million alongside proven management teams in its target industries: business and technology services, communications, and healthcare. Since inception, the firm has invested over $3.5 billion. For additional information, please visit www.pamlicocapital.com. About Fairmount Partners Fairmount Partners, a leading investment bank in the professional and technology services industry, served as exclusive financial advisor to YPTC throughout the transaction. For additional information, please visit www.fairmountpartners.com. Media Contact:

Gillian Rhew

[email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/your-part-time-controller-llc-announces-strategic-growth-partnership-with-pamlico-capital-301987592.html SOURCE Pamlico Capital

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[November 15, 2023] AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Primerica, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries Tweet

AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of "aa-" (Superior) of Primerica Life Insurance Company (Nashville, TN) and its affiliates, National Benefit Life Insurance Company (Long Island City, NY) and Primerica Life Insurance Company of Canada (Mississauga, Ontario), collectively referred to as Primerica Group. Additionally, AM Best has affirmed the Long-Term ICR of "a-" (Excellent) of Primerica, Inc. (Primerica) (headquartered in Duluth, GA) [NYSE: PRI], which is the holding company for the group's insurance and non-insurance operating companies. AM Best also has affirmed the Long-Term Issue Credit Rating of "a-" (Excellent) on $600 million, 2.8% senior unsecured notes, due 2031, of Primerica. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect Primerica Group's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its very strong operating performance, favorable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. Primerica's ratings continue to recognize the group's strongest level of risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). In addition, the ratings reflect good liquidity, financial flexibility and an investment portfolio that is focused on fixed income with no alternative asset classes, and modest exposure to commercial mortgage-backed securities. Primerica continues to operate and report earnings on a consistently high level with its return-on-equity measures among the highest across its industry peers. This performance is supported by steady premium growth driven by its vast distribution system geographically diversified in U.S. and Canadian marketplaces. Primerica has an extensive agent recruitment process with a well established monitoring system to ensure compliance of its processes and procedures. This is also a reflection of Primerica's appropriate enterprise risk management assessment, which is capableof identifying, assessing, monitoring and mitigating the company's risks. Much of these risks have been managed through ceding business to highly rated reinsurance partners and using captive reinsurance companies quite extensively, reflecting higher reinsurance leverage ratios compares to its peers.



The group's business profile revolves centrally around its core term life insurance offering and in particular, the investments made in its simplified issue product. Those not qualifying for a simplified issue term life product have the option to apply for a traditional underwritten product. Beyond the Primerica Group, Primerica also offers the distribution of primarily third-party Investment & Savings Products and other non-life products. Recently Primerica's strategy has included a product expansion beyond its core term life and investments offerings. With its expansion through e-TeleQuote and easyMed Insurance Services, its product distribution has expanded to Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement products. This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best's Credit Ratings, Best's Performance Assessments, Best's Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best's Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com. Copyright  2023 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115963412/en/

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[November 15, 2023] ABC Supply Acquires JS Wilson Tweet

1stWEST Mergers and Acquisitions, the leading investment bank and M&A advisory in the building material sector, announced today that its client, JS Wilson, has been acquired by ABC Supply Co., Inc. 1stWEST M&A served as the JS Wilson's advisor in the successful transaction. John S. Wilson was founded in 1881 and it is located in West Friendship, Maryland, where it has operated a full-service lumberyard for many years. The family-owned Company, which is now part of ABC Supply, had been owne by the O'Donnell brothers, Hugh, Jim, and Craig. (Link to the ABC Supply announcement here.)



"Our team at 1stWEST M&A was delighted to work with the O'Donnells, as we helped to manage the acquisition of JS Wilson by ABC Supply," said John D. Wagner, a Managing Director at 1stWEST M&A. "ABC Supply has acquired a formidable company that has a sterling reputation for customer service, in a location that is well-situated to bolster ABC Supply's presence in the region." About 1stWEST M&A

1stWEST Mergers & Acquisitions is a full service, international investment banking and advisory firm that is focused on the lower middle-market of companies, where it has transacted more than $1.3 billion in deal values. The firm has built a unique business solutions platform of assisting owners and shareholders in selling their companies, acquiring other businesses, and raising growth capital. With Managing Directors in the US, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Brazil, Argentina and Chile, 1stWEST M&A is uniquely positioned to serve its clients around the globe. Learn more: www.1stwestma.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115182420/en/

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[November 15, 2023] Pettit Law Firm: Lawsuit Alleges Conspiracy to Inflate Commissions by Texas Residential Real Estate Companies Tweet

Two North Texas home sellers have filed a proposed class action lawsuit alleging an unlawful conspiracy between residential real estate companies and related associations in the state to inflate commissions and artificially drive up home prices for buyers. The proposed class is represented by The Pettit Law Firm in Dallas and co-counsel firms Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann and Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer. The lawsuit, filed under the Sherman Antitrust Act as well as the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act in federal court, names the Texas Association of Realtors and local realty boards in Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio as defendants. Also named among the more than 30 defendants are some of the state's largest residential realty companies, including Ebby Halliday Real Estate, the Dave Perry-Miller Company and Keller Williams Realty. According to the filing, restricting access to the Multiple Listing Service database of available homes results in an anticompetitive and inflated commission to the broker representing home sellers, a practice that violates federal antitrust regulations. This control over local real estate markets extends to an industry-recognized practice known as "steering," in which homeowners are pressured into accepting inflated commission rates out of fear hat otherwise their homes will not be effectively marketed to prospective buyers.



"The commission structure in Texas forces home sellers to pay the agents for both the buyer and the seller, enforces a single source for listings through MLS and creates a conspiracy of silence within the industry," says Julie Pettit of The Pettit Law Firm in Dallas, representing the plaintiffs. "This corrupt system violates federal law and is frankly antiquated given the available technology and realities of buying a home today." The Texas lawsuit comes in the wake of a $1.78 billion verdict handed down by a jury in Missouri federal court in late October. That award would return financial damages to the sellers of more than 260,000 homes in Missouri, Kansas and Illinois.

Published reports indicate the average 6% commission in Texas is among the highest in the nation, and that Americans pay more than $100 billion in residential real estate commissions annually. According to the lawsuit, the U.S. Department of Justice is also investigating the residential real estate brokerage sector, with a focus on broker commissions and related practices. In addition to The Pettit Law Firm, the plaintiffs in the proposed class action are represented by Michael K. Hurst of Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann and Laurence D. King, Frederic S. Fox, Jeffrey P. Campisi and Matthew P. McCahill of Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer. The case is captioned QJ Team LLC and Five Points Holdings LLC v. Texas Association of Realtors Inc. et al, No. 4:23-cv-01013, and was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas in Sherman. If you would like a copy of the complaint or have questions about the lawsuit, your rights or interests, the lawyers representing the sellers and the proposed class can be contacted by phone, email, or by visiting their websites, and Ms. Pettit can be contacted at [email protected]. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115665720/en/

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[November 15, 2023] Accenture and Avanade Expand Capabilities to Accelerate Data Readiness and Generative AI Adoption with Microsoft Technology Tweet

Accenture (NYSE: ACN) and Avanade have launched new offerings applying Microsoft Fabric to help organizations accelerate data readiness, make insights more accessible, and create a foundation for AI-all powered by a practice of 4,000 Fabric-certified professionals. Building on their recently announced collaboration around generative AI, the companies are also delivering new capabilities to help clients customize and extend Microsoft Copilot solutions to reimagine work with generative AI. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115493516/en/ Accenture and Avanade have launched new offerings applying Microsoft Fabric to help organizations accelerate data readiness, make insights more accessible, and create a foundation for AI-all powered by a practice of 4,000 Fabric-certified professionals. (Graphic: Business Wire) "Data, as part of a strong digital core on cloud, has become a critical driver of total enterprise reinvention and is the precursor to achieving exponential value through AI," said Chris Howarth, senior managing director and Accenture Microsoft Business Group lead. "Together with Avanade, we are helping our clients harness the transformative power of data and AI-from enhancing data readiness with Microsoft Fabric, to accelerating generative AI adoption with Microsoft Copilots." In 2024, 75% of C-level leaders plan to increase their spending on data and AI, compared to 50% that increased spending in 2023, according to new research from Accenture. "Our clients are accelerating data transformation to meet the AI moment," said Craig Gorsline, Avanade's Chief Growth Officer and Global Technology Business Group Lead. "Having worked with Microsoft Fabric for a long time, Avanade is uniquely positioned to deliver the value from data, analytics and AI that our clients need. Alongside Accenture, we have a cohesive suite of Microsoft Fabric offerings, experience, and commitments, helping our clients build the data foundations that power AI innovation." Enhancing Data Readiness with Microsoft Fabric As part of Accenture's $3B investment in data and AI, Accenture and Avanade are building a practice of certified professionals to help organizations plan, architect, develop, pilot, and deploy Microsoft Fabric, which can bring together data from thousands of sources across the enterprise.



New Microsoft Fabric accelerators and assets include a security readiness assessment; a migration approach to help companies speed the modernization of their data platforms; and industry and functional accelerators for finance, customer sales and service, supply chain, manufacturing, retail and consumer packaged goods. The companies have also launched a specialized Microsoft Fabric training program, as part of Accenture's AI academy, to help cultivate future-ready talent and accelerate transformation with Fabric. Accenture and Avanade are collaborating with Microsoft to help its people access, manage, and act on data and insights across its product organization. The companies are helping Microsoft use Microsoft Fabric to provide self-service analytics capabilities that unlock the power of its data and help its people innovate faster. With a simplified, integrated platform, Microsoft has the data foundation needed to accelerate the adoption of AI.

The companies are also working with a global food business to help transform how its employees access information and gain better insights across its operations. As an early adopter of Microsoft Fabric, the company has a flexible, modern data platform that supports AI-driven analytics, unleashing its data to help improve employee productivity and satisfaction. Accenture is using Microsoft Fabric to help transform the digital user experience for its 733,000 people by providing new insights about the employee experience. For Avanade, Fabric is simplifying last-mile data provisioning, widening access to enterprise data for more employees, and accelerating time-to-insights. The companies are applying their experience and learnings to client projects. Accelerating Generative AI with Microsoft Accenture and Avanade will support organizations with the development of custom generative AI applications leveraging Microsoft Copilots-including Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot for Sales and Copilot Studio-Azure OpenAI, Azure Machine Learning, and the Microsoft platform. Tapping into the Accenture Center for Advanced AI, the companies can help clients select and fine tune large language models (LLMs) and build new generative AI capabilities. Accenture and Avanade are working with Repsol, a global multi-energy company based in Madrid with operations in 24 countries and a commercial presence in more than 90 countries, on the adoption of Microsoft 365 Copilot. Through Repsol's Generative AI Competence Center, the companies have assessed its readiness for generative AI, established a governance model, and are training its people to make the most of the technology. For another client, Ferrovial, a large global infrastructure company, the companies are helping to maximize the value of its Copilot program by sharing learnings and best practices across use cases, training trial participants, and helping them build the business case for broader adoption. New Copilot assets help to accelerate adoption with functional, industry and role-specific capabilities, across areas including supply chain, finance, HR, IT, retail, banking, insurance and oil and gas. The assets and accelerators leverage Accenture and Avanade security best practices to help organizations address their security and compliance requirements. Together, Accenture and Avanade have thousands of dedicated Microsoft generative AI professionals, equipped with skills via a comprehensive training initiative. Combined, Avanade and Accenture now have more than 240,000 Microsoft-skilled people, including 65,000 professionals dedicated to delivering Microsoft technologies. About Accenture Accenture is a leading global professional services company that helps the world's leading businesses, governments and other organizations build their digital core, optimize their operations, accelerate revenue growth and enhance citizen services-creating tangible value at speed and scale. We are a talent- and innovation-led company with approximately 733,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Technology is at the core of change today, and we are one of the world's leaders in helping drive that change, with strong ecosystem relationships. We combine our strength in technology and leadership in cloud, data and AI with unmatched industry experience, functional expertise and global delivery capability. We are uniquely able to deliver tangible outcomes because of our broad range of services, solutions and assets across Strategy & Consulting, Technology, Operations, Industry X and Song. These capabilities, together with our culture of shared success and commitment to creating 360 value, enable us to help our clients reinvent and build trusted, lasting relationships. We measure our success by the 360 value we create for our clients, each other, our shareholders, partners and communities. Visit us at www.accenture.com. About Avanade Avanade is the leading provider of innovative digital, cloud and advisory services, industry solutions and design-led experiences across the Microsoft ecosystem. Every day, our 60,000 professionals in 26 countries make a genuine human impact for our clients, their employees, and their customers. We have been recognized, together with our parent Accenture, as Microsoft's Global SI Partner of the Year more than any other company. With the most Microsoft certifications (60,000+) and 18 (out of 18) Gold-level Microsoft competencies, we are uniquely positioned to help businesses grow and solve their toughest challenges. We are a people first company, committed to providing an inclusive workplace where employees feel comfortable being their authentic selves. As a responsible business, we are building a sustainable world and helping young people from underrepresented communities fulfill their potential. Majority owned by Accenture, Avanade was founded in 2000 by Accenture LLP and Microsoft Corporation. Learn more at www.avanade.com. Copyright  2023 Accenture. All rights reserved. Accenture and its logo are trademarks of Accenture. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115493516/en/

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[November 15, 2023] Delta Investment Tracker unveils two game-changing features: Leadership Moves and Delta Direct Tweet

GHENT, Belgium, Nov. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Delta Investment Tracker, the multi-asset investment management tool, is proud to announce the launch of two new features that empower investors and enhance transparency in the financial world: Leadership Moves and Delta Direct. Leadership Moves: Making informed investment decisions Delta PRO users can now gain exclusive access to the Leadership Moves feature, a powerful tool that provides insights into transactions filed by senior executives, directors, and major shareholders of companies. This invaluable data is sourced from CityFalcon, our personalised financial and business news provider. Insiders often have predetermined transactions or forms of employee compensation that are not the most insightful. On the other hand, informative transactions can reflect the insider's positive or negative sentiment about their company's prospects. By distinguishing informative transactions from non-informative ones, Delta helps users identify insider sentiment that can significantly impact their investment strategies. Whether it's a show of confidence or caution, Leadership Moves equips users with essential insights. Moreover, Delta goes the extra mile by notifying users of all informative transactions for assets they follow, ensuring they never miss a beat when it comes to crucial activity.



Delta Direct: Direct insights from companies & token teams In a move towards increased transparency and investor empowerment, Delta now offers Delta Direct, to all users. This feature makes it much easier to view key information from the company by accessing it directly from the Delta app and getting notified when something important happens in the companies you follow or you're interested in.

Users can now view press releases, earnings calls, quarterly/annual reports, financial statements, and other crucial documents directly on the asset detail screen & via push notifications. This direct access to key company information enables investors to make more informed decisions and stay updated on the latest developments. Delta Direct for Stocks is the perfect complement to Delta Direct for Crypto, where individual token teams can post updates directly via a dedicated dashboard, boosting transparency within the crypto space. Nicolas Van Hoorde, CEO of the Delta Investment Tracker, comments: "The introduction of Delta Direct and Leadership Moves embody our commitment to transparency and empowering investors. . Both tools are designed to give retail investors direct access to key information that will help their investment decision making process." About Delta Investment Tracker Delta Investment Tracker is a pioneering multi-asset investment management tool that provides investors with real-time insights into their entire portfolio. Based in Ghent, Belgium, this innovative smartphone application seamlessly connects with crypto wallets and stock portfolios, presenting users with a convenient and user-friendly overview that showcases the total value of their assets at a glance. Since its inception in 2017, Delta has helped over 5 million investors worldwide to make more informed investment decisions effortlessly. In 2019, Delta was acquired by trading and investing platform eToro. Images: https://delta-tracker.webflow.io/en/press SOURCE Delta Investment Tracker

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[November 15, 2023] Funding announced to reduce Vancouver International Airport's environmental footprint Tweet

RICHMOND, BC, Nov. 15, 2023 /CNW/ - The Vancouver International Airport will improve its main terminal's building performance and reduce its overall emissions, thanks to a combined investment of more than $3.5 million from the governments of Canada and British Columbia. Announced by MP Wilson Miao, B.C. Minister George Heyman, and Christoph Rufenacht from Vancouver International Airport, this project will support clean energy solutions. It will reduce the main terminal building's emissions by switching from natural gas to electricity for domestic water heating. The project will also decarbonize three domestic hot water loops through the installation of air-source heat pumps. These improvements are expected to reduce the facility's greenhouse gas emissions by 855 tonnes annually. This work will allow the airport to service food preparation areas and washrooms, while minimizing its environmental impact. Quotes "Green retrofits modernize facilities and take climate action one building at a time. Today's investment to upgrade the Vancouver International Airport, which services thousands of travelling Canadians daily, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and supports our goal of promoting healthy and sustainable communities into the future." Wilson Miao, Member of Parliament for Richmond Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities "This project advances our commitment to reducing carbon pollution and creating more job opportunities for people in a cleaner economy. The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program collaborates with the federal and local governments to build climate resilient public infrastructure for a safer and better future for everybody." Honourable George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy "To reach our target of net zero by 2030, we must prioritize innovation and collaboration to reduce carbon emissions and strengthen the green economy for generations to come. We are grateful to both the Governments of Canada and British Columbia for their partnership as we strive to become an organization that sets the bar for sustainability, and ahub of innovation which supports the local economy and environment."



Christoph Rufenacht, Vice President, Airport Development & Asset Optimization, Vancouver International Airport Quick facts

The Government of Canada is investing $2,099,059 in this project, while the Government of British Columbia is investing $1,475,112 .

is investing in this project, while the Government of is investing . The Government of Canada's funding comes from the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. This program is a part of the government's Investing in Canada Plan.

funding comes from the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Infrastructure Program. This program is a part of the government's Investing in Plan. This stream helps build greener communities by contributing to climate change preparedness, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting renewable technologies.

Including today's announcement, 146 infrastructure projects or project bundles under the Green Infrastructure Stream have been announced in British Columbia , with a total federal contribution of more than $694 million and a total provincial contribution of more than $371 million .

, with a total federal contribution of more than and a total provincial contribution of more than . Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.

Plan, the federal government is investing more than over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and rural and northern communities. Infrastructure Canada helps address complex challenges that Canadians face every dayranging from the rapid growth of our cities, to climate change to environmental threats to our water and land. Associated Links Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan

https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html Green Infrastructure Stream

https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/gi-iv-eng.html Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia

https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-bc-eng.html Strengthened Climate Plan

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

Web: Infrastructure Canada SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

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[November 15, 2023] Aranscia Acquires YouScript from Invitae Tweet

Aranscia, a global provider of diagnostics software, services, and testing solutions, and Invitae Corporation, a leading medical genetics company, today announced that Aranscia has acquired select assets of the YouScript personalized medication management platform from Invitae Corporation in an all-cash transaction. YouScript is a widely recognized leader in providing actionable, real-time medication risk and pharmacogenomics (PGx) insights that enable healthcare providers and organizations to build, deliver, and scale comprehensive personalized medication management programs. YouScript's foundational peer-reviewed research initiatives span more than two decades and have continuously demonstrated the benefit of incorporating PGx testing into medication management programs that improve outcomes, reduce adverse events and healthcare spend and drive efficiency for clinical professions within their existing operational workflows1,2. YouScript will join the Aranscia portfolio of companies, each of which shares a synergistic mission of solving the tactical gaps in clinical workflows and democratizing access to the promises of precision medicine. This portfolio includes 2bPrecise, the award-winning suite of lab-agnostic, EMR-integrated solutions for PGx, population health insights, and precision oncology workflows; SinguLab, a national network of diagnostics services support; and AccessDx Laboratory, a CLIA-certified, CAP accredited, and NYCQ molecular diagnostic laboratory with specialist expertise in PGx operations. "We warmly welcome the YouScript team and platform to the Aranscia family," said Joe Spinelli, Chief Strategy Officer of Aranscia. "As one of the foundational innovators in PGx, YouScript has long served as a model contributor to advancing the practical utilization of PGx for clinical professionals as well as measuring the profound impact of PGx programs in improving overall healthcare outcomes. We're committed to supporting the continued success of YouScript at Aranscia and look forward to collaboration with our other portfolio assets to help YouScript efficiently support clinical PGx programs for providers and organizations around the world." YouScript is a pioneer in the field of PGx utilization research and a prolific publisher of insights that help to connect the benefits of personalized prescribing with "hard" downstream benefits in cost and care outcomes. In one study led by the University of Utah, utilization of PGx testing in conjunction with YouScript's technology platform led to a 71% reduction in hospital emergency department visits, 39% reduction in admissions, and $1,132 in estimated cost savings in just four months3. "I'm excited for YouScript to join Aranscia as we continue our mission to improve patient care and impact healthcare cost and efficiency with scalable precision medicine programs," said Kristine Ashcraft, founder of YouScript. "After almost a quarter of a century in the industry, we are at a tipping point in the adoptio of pharmacogenomics, especially with the growing number of peer-reviewed studies affirming our work demonstrating improvements in clinical outcomes and reductions in healthcare costs. The Aranscia team shares our view that clinical decision support and workflow technologies are a necessity for precision medicine programs to scale, and we're thrilled to be working together to make pharmacogenomics seamless and simple for patients and providers," added Ashcraft.



About Aranscia: Aranscia delivers world-class diagnostic software, services, and testing innovations that help clinicians improve care outcomes. The Aranscia portfolio of companies, which includes 2bPrecise, AccessDx Laboratory, SinguLab, and YouScript, have extensive practical expertise in molecular diagnostics, genomics, and digital-first clinical workflows. Aranscia enables clinical organizations to effectively utilize precision diagnostics for turnkey programs in fields such as pharmacogenomics, infectious disease management, precision oncology, and genetic screening. With a dual focus on simplicity and scalability, Aranscia's portfolio companies are the ideal partner for long-term, value-based precision medicine initiatives. For more information, please visit www.aranscia.com About YouScript: YouScript is a leader in pharmacogenomics research, insights, and software solutions that help make precision prescribing possible. YouScript's lab-agnostic PGx risk, insights, and reference solutions assist clinical professionals to make fast, proactive decisions at the point of care. YouScript's PGx program support and research initiatives span more than two decades and have often served as a foundational basis for best practices in assessing categorial risk and measuring outcomes across the entire PGx industry. For more information, please visit www.youscript.com

About Invitae: Invitae (NYSE: NVTA) is a leading medical genetics company trusted by millions of patients and their providers to deliver timely genetic information using digital technology. We aim to provide accurate and actionable answers to strengthen medical decision-making for individuals and their families. Invitae's genetics experts apply a rigorous approach to data and research, serving as the foundation of their mission to bring comprehensive genetic information into mainstream medicine to improve healthcare for billions of people. 1Lindsay S. Elliott et al, Clinical impact of pharmacogenetic profiling with a clinical decision support tool in polypharmacy home health patients: A prospective pilot randomized controlled trial, PLOS One, February 2, 2017

2D. Brixner et al, The effect of pharmacogenetic profiling with a clinical decision support tool on healthcare resource utilization and estimated costs in the elderly exposed to polypharmacy, Journal of Medical Economics, November, 2015, pages 213-228

3D. Brixner et al, The effect of pharmacogenetic profiling with a clinical decision support tool on healthcare resource utilization and estimated costs in the elderly exposed to polypharmacy, Journal of Medical Economics, November, 2015, pages 213-228 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115218369/en/

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[November 15, 2023] The governments of Canada and British Columbia invest in wastewater upgrades for Sea to Sky Country Tweet

DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH, BC, Nov. 15, 2023 /CNW/ - Communities in Sea to Sky Country will see upgrades and replacements to aging wastewater infrastructure that will accommodate future growth, thanks to a combined investment of more than $11.1 million from the Government of Canada, the Government of British Columbia, the District of Squamish, and the Sunshine Coast Regional District. Announced by Member of Parliament Patrick Weiler, Minister Anne Kang, Mayor Armand Hurford, and Board Chair Leonard Lee, these projects will ensure efficient, reliable wastewater treatment services for Squamish and Sunshine Coast. In Squamish, funding will upgrade primary, secondary, and sludge treatment systems at the Mamquam Wastewater Treatment Plant. New facilities and equipment will be added at the existing plant site to increase service reliability and efficiency. The upgrades will further improve operating capacity and the quality of wastewater services for the District, while providing for future growth. In the Sunshine Coast Regional District, funding will construct a new wastewater treatment facility, replacing the existing treatment and dispersal systems. The new facility will have greater functioning capacity than the previous Langdale wastewater treatment system, which will ease the load from surrounding water systems and improve services for the community. By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country's economy, building resilient communities, and improving the lives of Canadians. Quotes "The Government of Canada is committed to working with provincial and municipal governments to get essential infrastructure built that allows communities to grow and be resilient for the long-term. The Government of Canada's investment of over $4.4 million will support the delivery of reliable and efficient wastewater treatment services in Squamish and the Sunshine Coast Regional District that will protect our environment. We will continue to invest in critical infrastructure projects like these, which help build safer and stronger communities for everyone." Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West VancouverSunshine CoastSea to Sky Country, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities "British Columbia is surrounded by breathtaking beauty. That's why all orders of government are doing our part to protect not only the environment, but the communities that thrive in our province. Investing in projects such as the Mamquam Wastewater Treatment Plant and the new Langale Wastewater Treatment Facility will provide efficient, cleaner and more reliable services for British Columbians for many years to come."



The Honourable Anne Kang, B.C. Minister of Municipal Affairs "We are grateful for this announcement as we face the pressures to match our long-term infrastructure needs with our rapidly growing community," says Armand Hurford, District of Squamish Mayor. "We thank our Federal and Provincial partners for supporting this major upgrade that will increase our Wastewater Treatment Plant capacity, performance and resiliency."

His Worship Armand Hurford, Mayor of the District of Squamish "This announcement is very welcome as we deal with challenges associated with aging infrastructure across our Region. We thank our Federal and Provincial partners for this funding which will help ease the financial burden on users of the Langdale Wastewater Treatment system." Leonard Lee, Board Chair for Sunshine Coast Regional District Quick facts The Government of Canada is investing $4,441,695 in these projects. The Government of British Columbia is contributing $3,701,042 and municipalities are investing $2,961,501 .

is investing in these projects. The Government of is contributing and municipalities are investing . The Government of Canada's funding comes from the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

funding comes from the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Infrastructure Program. This stream helps build greener communities by contributing to climate change preparedness, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting renewable technologies.

Including today's announcement, 88 infrastructure projects or project bundles under the Green Infrastructure Stream have been announced in British Columbia , with a total federal contribution of more than $407 million and a total provincial contribution of nearly $256 million .

, with a total federal contribution of more than and a total provincial contribution of nearly . Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.

Plan, the federal government is investing more than over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and rural and northern communities. Infrastructure Canada helps address complex challenges that Canadians face every dayranging from the rapid growth of our cities, to climate change, and environmental threats to our water and land. Associated Links Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan

https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html Green Infrastructure Stream

https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/gi-iv-eng.html Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia

https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-bc-eng.html Strengthened Climate Plan

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

Web: Infrastructure Canada SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

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[November 15, 2023] Targus' MiraLogic Workspace Intelligence System Named a CES 2024 Innovation Award Honoree in the Sustainability, Eco-Design & Smart Energy Category Tweet

Allows enterprise IT teams to efficiently analyze, control, and manage their workspace assets anywhere to increase productivity, reduce costs, and achieve organizational sustainability goals

ANAHEIM, Calif., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Targus, the number one laptop bag brand in the US1 and a leader in laptop cases and mobile computing accessories, today announced that its MiraLogic Workspace Intelligence System has been named a CES 2024 Innovation Award Honoree in the Sustainability, Eco-Design & Smart Energy category. CES' elite panel of judges recognized MiraLogic as one of the most innovative products being introduced at CES 2024 which demonstrates key features and benefits that contribute to a more sustainable planet. MiraLogic is a unique workspace intelligence system that combines both patented and patent-pending enterprise-grade hardware and proprietary cloud software to give technical and management teams full remote control and visibility over their modular IT ecosystems across the enterprise. This allows organizations to efficiently analyze, control, and manage their workspace assets anywhere (e.g., power consumption, workspace utilization, and real-time occupancy). By providing valuable, real-time insights to make data-driven decisions about running costs of power, energy, equipment, and desk usage, organizations can achieve their sustainability goals more effectively while empowering employees to work productively from anywhere. "Today's organizations need to support a distributed workforce efficiently and sustainably," explains Ron DeCamp, Vice President, Global Product Management & Development, Targus. "Enterprise decisionmakers are concerned about the impact of lower office attendance and occupancy on wasted office space, inefficient asset support, and wasted energy costs. MiraLogic helps organizations solve these challenges by enabling them to reassess their working practices, aligning future decision-making around those priorities." MiraLogic fuses support capabilities with utilization and energy consumption monitoring analytics to create a secure, cloud-based workstation solution, offering businesses: Remote Management and Monitoring (RMM) capabilities for devices, docks, and peripherals

Access to a rich pool of workplace insights at their fingertips

Real-time operational visibility to help reduce the running costs of company workspaces

Enhanced security and support capabilities for greater employee flexibility Its cloud-based software features an AWS-hosted user interfac and dashboards, compatibility with all OS and browsers, no 'Smart Dock' agent software required to be installed on host devices, and a robust API capability for integration into third-party platforms (Managed Software, ERP, and SCCM), or similar.



The hardware comprises a universal USB-C dock (installed via the desktop, tray or VESA mount), smart BT sensor (installed on or under the desk), smart retrofit adapter/smart gateway for legacy Targus docks, and smart power strip (installed under the desk). Consumers and media can get a firsthand look and technical demonstration of MiraLogic, including its exciting, new software enhancements, at CES 2024, the most powerful tech event in the world happening in Las Vegas, Jan. 9th-12th. Targus' booth #15945 will be located in the Central Hall within the Las Vegas Convention Center. Additionally, this revolutionary workspace management system will be on display in the CES Innovation Awards Showcase and at CES Unveiled, CES' premier media preview event taking place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center on the evening of January 7th.

About the 2024 CES Innovation Awards The CES Innovation Awards program, owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), is an annual competition honoring outstanding design and engineering in consumer technology products. The program recognizes honorees in a multitude of consumer technology product categories and distinguishes the highest rated in each. An elite panel of industry expert judges, including members of the media, designers, engineers and more, reviewed submissions based on innovation, engineering and functionality, aesthetic and design. The CES 2024 Innovation Award Honorees, including product descriptions and photos, can be found at CES.tech/innovation. More will be revealed in January. Many honorees will showcase their winning products in the Innovation Awards Showcase at CES 2024. About Targus

For 40 years, Targus has been revolutionizing mobile computing accessories for large enterprises and consumers, alike  connecting people and technology in meaningful ways. From laptop bags to tablet cases, to peripherals and universal docking stations, we persistently conceive, design, and produce innovative, productivity-boosting solutions that make the complex, simple; and seamlessly integrate into the lifestyles of mobile professionals wherever they work  at home, in the office, or wherever they go. We cross categories, regions, industries, and lifestyles with a breadth and depth of products that provide you with the solutions you need to live, dream, and do. A global leader in docking, Targus has deployed more than 3 million universal docking stations around the world in more than 12,000 organizations  with more than 90% of Fortune 1000 companies using Targus products and maintains the number one spot in US B2B Universal Docks (3rd party only)2. Headquartered in Anaheim, California, Targus has global operations in more than 24 offices and distribution in more than 100 countries. Learn more about us at Targus.com, like or follow us on Facebook, and LinkedIn. 1Source: Circana, US/Canada Retail and US B2B Reseller in Unit Sales for 12ME June 2023 (Laptop Bag case type = Briefcase, Sleeve, Attache, Slipcase, Messenger Bag) 2Source: Circana, US B2B Reseller, Docking Stations Unit Sales, 12ME June 2023 Targus and MiraLogic are trademarks or registered trademarks of Targus International LLC in the US and in certain other countries. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the properties of their respective owners. Patents: https://targus.com/patents View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/targus-miralogic-workspace-intelligence-system-named-a-ces-2024-innovation-award-honoree-in-the-sustainability-eco-design--smart-energy-category-301989780.html SOURCE Targus

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KYODO NEWS - Nov 15, 2023 - 14:57 | All, World

The United States and 13 other countries engaged in Indo-Pacific Economic Framework talks set the stage Tuesday for their leaders to agree on ways to promote environmentally friendly and fair commercial activities -- meaning almost all areas of President Joe Biden's signature initiative are nearing completion.

As part of efforts to encourage the use of clean energy, the countries participating in the U.S.-led framework confirmed at a ministerial meeting in San Francisco that they will establish a fund, with Australia, Japan and the United States vowing to chip in $10 million each in seed money, officials said.

Japanese trade and industry minister Yasutoshi Nishimura told reporters that "very big progress" was made on the specifics of how to improve measures relating to the use of clean energy and anti-corruption.

After the two-day meeting, Nishimura said the results will be reported to the nations' leaders and finalized at a meeting between them, which is due to take place in the U.S. city on Thursday.

Biden launched the initiative, known as IPEF, in Japan in May 2022, as his administration seeks to counter China's increasing geo-economic clout.

The 14-member framework, not including China, is also intended to restore U.S. leadership in the world's fastest-growing region after Biden's predecessor Donald Trump pulled out of the more ambitious Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade deal in 2017.

Since IPEF members entered talks in September 2022, they have been working toward the creation of common rules and standards across four pillars -- trade, supply chains, clean energy and infrastructure, and tax and anti-corruption.

The officials said sharing high-level commitments to protecting the environment and combating tax evasion will help further attract investment to the region and spur economic growth.

The ministers were unable to narrow differences on some trade issues on the first day of the meeting on Monday but they agreed to continue discussions among senior officials in pursuit of a substantive agreement shortly.

The countries struck a deal on steps to strengthen supply chains in May and they signed an accord on Tuesday, which is set to take effect at the end of this year at the earliest after legal procedures are completed, the officials said, adding that the remaining sectors of the framework, besides trade, are now expected to follow a similar time frame.

Biden and the leaders of other IPEF countries, including Japan and South Korea, plan to meet on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

The leaders will endorse what has been achieved and details will be announced, with the release of a joint statement being considered, the officials said.

The announcement will likely be made by Biden a day after he holds his first in-person meeting in a year with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who arrived in San Francisco on Tuesday to also attend the APEC summit.

Nishimura said the Indo-Pacific is a major "growth center of the world" and Japan and its "reliable partners" will benefit from IPEF agreements.

IPEF's other members are Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Related coverage:

U.S., Japan, South Korea to cooperate on North Korea, economic security

No trade deal struck at U.S.-led Indo-Pacific economic meeting

South Korea, U.S. revise deterrence strategy amid North Korea threat
[November 15, 2023] Horacio Sanchez-Granel Appointed President of NextGen International Insurance (NextGen i.i.) Tweet

NextGen International Insurance (NextGen i.i.) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mr. Horacio Sanchez-Granel as the new President and a member of the Board of NextGen i.i. With an impressive background in the insurance and reinsurance industry, Mr. Sanchez-Granel brings a wealth of expertise and a distinguished career to his new role. As a pivotal leader, he will spearhead NextGen's risk management agenda and regulatory compliance framework, further solidifying the company's commitment to excellence in governance and operational resilience. A Stalwart in the Industry Mr. Sanchez-Granel boasts a remarkable career, with significant experience in the insurance and reinsurance sector. Notably, he has held high-level positions in various financial services institutions, including an impressive 21-year tenure as Chairman and CEO of Boston Seguros (Boston Insurance Co.). More recently, he served as a Board member of Nacion Seguros in Argentina, where his insights were invaluable in shaping the company's strategic direction. A Perfect Addition to the Executive Team In a resounding endorsement of the recent appointment of Mr. Horacio Sanchez-Granel as President of NextGen International Insurance (NextGen i.i.), Ricardo Gonzalez Padilla, the Chief Executive Officer of Nextgen i.i., exuded enthusiasm and articulated the significance of this addition to their leadership team. Gonzalez Padilla's welcoming words underlined the substantial impact Mr. Sanchez-Granel's experience is expected to have on the company. He remarked, "Horacio's extensive background in the insurance and reinsurance industry is the perfect complement to our Executive team. His decades-long expertise adds a crucial dimension to our collective knowledge, enabling us to better navigate the intricacies of the insurance landscape. This experience will be invaluable in realizing oursound agenda of financial strength and a long-term proposition."



The CEO's expression of satisfaction regarding Mr. Sanchez-Granel's concurrent appointment as a member of the Board of Directors emphasizes NextGen i.i.'s dedication to fostering a well-rounded and informed leadership team. By expanding the executive leadership to include individuals of Mr. Sanchez-Granel's caliber, the company demonstrates its commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends and best practices. A Revamped Vision

Mr. Gonzalez Padilla's statement regarding the appointment of Horacio Sanchez-Granel reaffirms NextGen i.i.'s vision for a fortified leadership team and, by extension, its commitment to providing customers with unparalleled service, financial stability, and forward-thinking insurance solutions. With Mr. Sanchez-Granel's wealth of knowledge and experience, NextGen i.i. is well-positioned to take confident strides into a future of growth and success in the insurance industry. This strategic move not only bolsters the company's collective expertise but also signals NextGen i.i.'s intention to shape the future of insurance in a positive and innovative manner. Educational and Professional Background Mr. Sanchez-Granel's qualifications are equally impressive. He holds a Mechanical Engineering Degree from the University of Rosario in Argentina, demonstrating his analytical and problem-solving skills. He further enhanced his credentials by completing a Postgraduate Degree in Strategic Management from the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina, showcasing his commitment to ongoing professional development. Exciting Developments on the Horizon Upcoming Milestone: Nextgen i.i. is gearing up to launch its newly crafted suite of international health insurance products and services in the last quarter of 2023. With the addition of Mr. Horacio Sanchez-Granel to its leadership team, NextGen i.i. is poised for further growth and success in the insurance industry. For more detailed information, NextGen International Insurance invites individuals to visit their main website at http://nextgen.me. 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/20231115574881/en/

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Telecommunications infrastructures are more interconnected today. That said, the industry faces challenges of securing vast amounts of data traversing networks, protecting against sophisticated cyber threats and ensuring the integrity and privacy of communications. This drives the development of innovative security protocols, encryption techniques and AI-driven solutions to detect and mitigate call threats in real-time.







In response to the evolving landscape of telecommunications security, W3TEL, a French provider of communications services to enterprises, opted for various Ribbon Communication solutions to simplify its network operations and fulfill French government mandates around call security.

One solution W3TEL looks to utilize is Ribbon's STIR/SHAKEN solution, an integral component of the Ribbon Call Trust portfolio. This selection aligns with the company's commitment to meeting the stringent requirements set forth by French law, specifically as outlined in the Mecanisme d'Authentification des Numeros, or MAN, Project overseen by the French telecommunications regulator ARCEP.

The STIR/SHAKEN solution gives W3TEL a comprehensive suite of tools essential for ensuring robust call security. W3TEL can authenticate and validate the legitimacy of caller identities and mitigate the risk of fraudulent activities such as spoofing. The inclusion of certificate management ensures a secure infrastructure for these processes, which enhances the overall reliability and trustworthiness of the communication network.

Ribbon's STIR/SHAKEN solution, therefore, stands as a pivotal asset for W3TEL in fortifying their telecommunication ecosystem against evolving threats and bolstering the confidence of users in the authenticity of their calls.

W3TEL is also leveraging Ribbon's Session Border Controller Software Edition, or SBC SWe, for ensuring security and seamless interworking within its network. W3TEL gains a robust solution that safeguards communication sessions and facilitates seamless interactions between various elements within its network.

The inclusion of Ribbon's Policy and Routing Server adds another layer of functionality by delivering precise policy and routing for VoIP services. W3TEL can now exercise granular control over the policies governing its VoIP operations for optimized performance and adherence to specific routing protocols.

And, to streamline network management, W3TEL also incorporated Ribbon's RAMP for centralized management. This allows the company to establish and oversee its proprietary network configuration and call flows with efficiency.

"Ribbon's comprehensive solution allows us to deliver better services to our customers, streamline our network management, and meet our regulatory obligations while supporting the growth of our business," said Cedric Bornecque, president, W3TEL.

Adopting Ribbon's technology stack allows W3TEL to fortify its network security and gain the operational simplicity required to navigate the complexities of the modern communication landscape.

Edited by Greg Tavarez
Sadly, there's a ton of local crime news to cycle through and we're sharing this important notes with a reminder for locals to be safe this holiday season.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

Kansas City police engaged in standoff with man who allegedly pointed gun at officers Police in Kansas City, Missouri, responded to a standoff Tuesday evening after a man allegedly pointed a gun a officers.

17-year-old's killing happened in Kansas City, not Grandview, police say Kansas City police are taking over an investigation into the death of Amauri Hughes, which officials originally believed happened in Grandview.

'Suspicious mail' prompts evacuation of Kansas state office building in downtown Topeka TOPEKA (KSNT) - Memorial Hall in Topeka was evacuated according to an alert sent out by the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) on Tuesday. At 11:50 a.m. on Nov. 14, the KHP distributed an alert that...

Children witnessed murder-suicide outside Grain Valley day care: police Grain Valley police said the shooting happened shortly before Milestone Academy's closing time, and the couple's children witnessed the incident.

Reportedly fatal two-car crash on northbound I-35 temporarily delays traffic Initial reports indicate that one person died in a two-vehicle crash on the northbound entrance ramp of I-35 at 75th Street.

Lee's Summit business owner accused of buying real estate, car with Covid-19 relief funding Sammy Joseph, 47, was charged in an eight-count indictment returned under seal on Tuesday.

Kansas City man sentenced for 2022 Caldwell County murder of 96-year-old woman A 28-year-old Kansas City man is sentenced for the May 2022 murder of 96-year-old Lorene Fickess in Caldwell County, Missouri.

Man sentenced to prison after firing 'warning shot' at man who threw traffic cone at vehicle A 63-year-old man was sentenced Tuesday for a fatal November shooting involving a man who threw a traffic cone at his vehicle.

4-year-old hit by car outside Shawnee elementary school, taken to hospital A child was injured and taken to an area hospital on Tuesday after being hit by a car.

Advocacy group joins calls for federal investigation of KCK Police Department The social justice group More2 is renewing its call for a federal civil rights investigation of the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department.

Prairie Village police officer's book helps bridge gap with kids "There's a Wolf in My School" is the story of a friendly "Wolf in police clothing" who hangs with kids, protects them, teaches them.

Officers, Employees Honored At Awards Ceremony Dozens of KCPD officers received awards on Nov. 8. 2023, recognizing their courageous and dedicated acts of service. The ceremony also recognized professional staff members performed their duties well above and beyond requirements.

Developing . . .
Right now we wanted to share more than a few stories worthy of consideration as we take yet another peek at pop culture, community news and top headlines:



Check TKC news gathering . . .

KC Copes With Healthcare Purge

100,000 people have lost Medicaid; how KC nonprofit is stepping in As many of you know, now is the time for health insurance open enrollment. But for many families right here in Kansas City, this time is marked with nerves and flat-out uncertainty.

Local Inspiration On The Move

Kansas City Jewish community feels 'united' after March for Israel rally in Washington, D.C. Members of the Jewish community and allies from across the world gathered for the March for Israel rally Tuesday afternoon on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Show-Me EPIC Coin Plunked Down By The River

Port KC celebrates $37 million investment from Missouri On Tuesday, the Port Authority of Kansas City celebrated the millions of dollars it recently received from the state of Missouri.

Kansas Talks Holy Land

Sen. Jerry Moran shares his takeaways, Congress' next steps since his trip to Israel U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran of KS returned to D.C. from Israel on Monday. He led a bipartisan trip to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu, as well as the defense minister and families of Israeli hostages.

Toast To Cowtown Hipsters

Farewell Owner Max Popoff Talks DIY & House Venues in KC Farewell Owner Max Popoff Talks DIY & House Venues in KC.

Hottie Sells Goodies

Gisele Bundchen sizzles in slinky copper gown for jewelry brand Gisele Bundchen sizzled while promoting Brazilian jewelry brand Vivara in their new Christmas campaign.

EPIC Gathering Against Haters

'March for Israel': Organizers declare it largest rally of Jewish people in modern history Organizers of the "March for Israel" protest believe over 200,000 people from around the country came to the rally at the National Mall Tuesday, a month after the Hamas attack on Israel.

Prez Knows Which Way Wind Blows

Biden rolls out billions for climate resilience in the wake of dire climate report The Biden administration is rolling out billions of dollars aimed at making the country more resilient to the impacts of climate change and stressed on Tuesday that solutions are possible. His comments and the funding come alongside the release of the Fifth National Climate Assessment - a federal climate report which found that the U.S....

MAGA Imagines Turnabout

Trump Floats Citizen's Arrest of Fraud Trial Judge/AG James Trump posted messages attacking Judge Arthur Engoron and New York Attorney General Letitia James over the fraud trial that's entering its final phase.

Dust Bowl Days Redux

Drought Leaves Midwest Towns 'Drier Than the Dust Bowl' Water scarcity, an issue that has long troubled the arid West, has become an urgent concern this year for small communities across Middle America.

European War Power Move

Ukrainian troops have secured foothold in the south, senior official says 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.

Medical Drama For Realz

Israel raids Gaza's Al Shifa Hospital The Israeli military said it was carrying out an operation against Hamas in the Gaza Strip's Al Shifa hospital on Wednesday and urged all members of the militant group in the hospital to surrender.

Far East Earns Concessions

China receives US equipment to make advanced chips despite new rules-report 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 congressional report said on Tuesday.

South Of Border Slaughter Sparks Activist Outcry

Mexico's 1st nonbinary magistrate found dead; protesters push for thorough investigation Jesus Ociel Baena, the first nonbinary person to assume a judicial position and receive a nonbinary passport in Mexico, was found dead at home in Aguascalientes

Inspiring Tidbit For You Guys & CERTAINLY NOT TKC

Here's What Sex Is Really Like With A Smaller Penis "I'll watch porn where the man has a similar penis size to me to make sure that I'm staying in touch with reality."

Twofold Tech Cash

Digital Health KC earns $2M federal grant, doubled by matching funds from Kauffman Foundation Three weeks after Kansas City's designation as a U.S. "Tech Hub," the region has earned "tremendous funding to jumpstart KC's digital health cluster," said Maria Meyers, informally announcing a $2 million federal grant - matched by an award from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

More Weather Deets For Now . . .

Warm days and chilly nights continue Overnight lows on Tuesday will dip into the mid 40s

And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
Many destinations in our world have become famous for the color of its buildings and other infrastructure. For example, there's Chefchaouen in Morocco, which is known for its blue buildings. Greece's Santorini has regularly been featured for its blue and white architecture.

But have you ever thought that there might be a pink-colored city somewhere in the world?

There is such as place and it is none other than Armenia's capital, Yerevan. It is famously know as the Pink City, but why is this so?

Why Armenia's Yerevan is Called the Pink City

Similarly to Chefchaouen and Santorini, Yerevan got its name due to the color of its buildings. According to the Smitsonian Magazine, buildings made during the Soviet era were constructed out of pink stones that are abundant in the surrounding landscape.

These stones are actually lava rocks known as tuff. These rocks bare different shades of pink, and this particular shade is pretty rare outside the region.

Smithsonian Magazine notes, "The color is brightest at sunrise and sunset, and changes throughout the day based on where the sun hits it."

Read Also: Swim in Pink: The Pink Lake, Lake Retba

Buildings in Yerevan Made from Pink Tuff

There are multiple buildings in Yerevan that come in lovely shades of pink, but there are those that are a must-visit when you travel to Armenia. Here are some of them.

Children's Railway

A part of the Hrazdan Gorge, the railway was built in 1943. The railway was initially built of wood, but it was eventually replaced by a stone structure.

According to the Visit Yerevan website, "Originating in the USSR, children's railways were a unique phenomenon, functioning as educational institutions that allowed young students to learn various railroad professions."

Republic Square

One of the most famous tourist spots in Yerevan is none other than the Republic Square. It was designed in 1924-1936 by architect Alexander Tamanyan.

This where you can find the House of Government, the main clock of Yerevan, and even the central singing fountains.

St. John the Baptist Church

Also known as Sourb Hovhannes Mkrtich Church, the St. John the Baptist Church is found on the high hill of Kond. It was constructed to replace a medieval church that was destroyed during an earthquake.

Zoravor Sourb Astvatsatsin Church

Built in the 9th to 10th centuries, the present-day Zoravor Sourb Astvatsatsin Church was built in 1963. It is actually built on the grave of Holy Apostle Ananias.

Otherwise known as Ananias of the Damascus, the apostle is actually mentioned in the bible, specifically in the Acts of the Apostles.

Related Article: Rebirth Of The World's Oldest Winemaking Regions In Armenia
You don't have to be too deep into pop culture to have heard of Dracula, a nobleman who also happens to be a vampire. Count Dracula may be a work of fiction, but many believed that the character is actually inspired a real historical figure. It is none other than Vlad the Impaler.

Otherwise known as Vlad III or Vlad Dracula, the prince of Wallachia is one of the most important figues in Romanian history. He is even the national hero of the country.

So how exactly did one of Romania's most respected figures end up inspiring the creation of a fictional vampire?

Why Vlad III is Called Vlad the Impaler

The answer to our previous question has a lot to do with how Vlad the Impaler, who was born in 1448, chose to deal with his enemies. As the nickname suggests, Vlad III is known for having enemies captured and impaled.

It is a very brutal way to deal with enemies, and stories of these brutal acts did circulate during his lifetime. Such stories circulated even more after the prince was arrested in 1463. He was held captive until 1475 before he was released.

Related Article: 5 Popular Places to Visit in Un-Popular Romania

Tourist Attractions in Romania Related to Vlad the Impaler

Due to the connection Vlad the Impaler shares with Count Dracula in popular culture, many fans of both Bram Stoker's novel and the 1992 film "Bram Stoker's Dracula" have flocked to tourist attractions in Romania related to the prince.

If you are one of those interested to visit Romania for some Dracula tourism, here are five tourist attractions you should visit.

Bran Castle

No list of tourist attractions related to Vlad the Impaler or Dracula will ever be complete without Bran Castle. However, this castle is more related to the latter as it is commonly known as Dracula's Castle.

"Because Bran Castle is the only castle in all of Transylvania that actually fits Bram Stoker's description of Dracula's Castle, it is known throughout the world as Dracula's Castle," the official website for Bran Castle states.

Corvin Castle

Otherwise known as Hunyadi Castle or Hunedoara Castle, travelers know Corvin Castle as where Vlad the Impaler was held prisoner. This happened due to his capture by John Hunyadi, Hungary's military leader.

Corvin Castle is located in Hunedoara and is an example of Gothic-Renaissance architecture.

Poenari Castle

For those who actually want to visit a residence of Vlad the Impaler, the must-visit historical site is none other than Poenari Castle. Also referred to as Poenari Fortress, the prince had the castle fixed after first spotting its ruins.

Only parts of the castle remain standing today as a portion of it was ruined due to a major landslide in 1888. According to Romania's tourism website, tourists need to climb 1,462 steps to get to the castle.

Sighisoara

Sighisoara is famous as being the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. In fact, the yellow house where he was born and where he lived for a short period of time is still there.

Those interested to check it out can find his childhood home in the Citadel Square. Make sure to look for the Clock Tower as it is right next to it.

Snagov Monastery

From where he was born, let's move on to where most historians believe he is buried. Located north of the Romanian capital of Bucharest, the Snagov Monastery can be accessed via a footbridge.

As of writing, there is no tangible proof that Vlad the Impaler is indeed buried here, but it has been that it is the prince's request to be buried here once he passed.

Read Also: Here's Why Zimbabwe's Antelope Park is a Paradise for Bird Watching Enthusiasts
KYODO NEWS - Nov 15, 2023 - 22:11 | Japan, All, Travel/Tourism

Japan saw an estimated 2,516,500 foreign visitors in October, up 0.8 percent from the same month in 2019, the first time the monthly figure has surpassed levels seen before the coronavirus outbreak, government data showed Wednesday.

The increase of visitors from Asia, Australia, parts of Europe, and North America, in particular, in an environment of a weak yen and resumed airline services contributed to the return of foreigners to Japan, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

Visitor arrivals from January to October totaled over 19.89 million. The figure is on pace to reach 25 million for 2023.

The most arrivals in the reporting month came from South Korea at 631,100, more than triple compared with the figure in October 2019. Taiwan came in second at 424,800, up 2.7 percent.

Visitors from mainland China, which used to be the largest visitor group to Japan before the COVID-19 pandemic, stood at 256,300, down 64.9 percent, while they still ranked third in a list of arrival numbers by country and region in October.

After Beijing lifted restrictions on its citizens regarding group travels bound for Japan in August, the Japan Tourism Agency projected arrivals from mainland China would increase along with China's major holidays starting on Oct. 1.

But arrivals from China decreased about 70,000 from September.

The slump appears to have been caused by China's slow flight recovery as well as it falling behind in easing travel restrictions compared with many other countries.

Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, however, anticipates flights connecting the two neighbors will increase.

Arrivals from the United States rose 38.2 percent to 211,900 from four years earlier, while Germany marked a 17.6 percent rise to 30,900, the highest ever for arrivals from the country in a single month.

The number of Japanese nationals traveling overseas in October stood at 937,700, 43.6 percent less than the same month in 2019.

Related coverage:

September foreign entries to Japan at 2.2 mil., 96% of pre-pandemic level

August foreign entries to Japan at 2.2 million, 85% of pre-pandemic level

July foreign entries to Japan at 2.3 million, 78% of pre-pandemic level
KYODO NEWS - Nov 15, 2023 - 22:27 | All, Japan, World

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida left for the United States Wednesday to attend a summit meeting in San Francisco of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum and hold one-on-one talks with Chinese, South Korean and other leaders.

During his trip, Kishida is also slated to participate in a summit with nations involved in a U.S.-led initiative known as the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, a key part of Washington's reengagement with the region amid China's growing influence.

"I'll use this opportunity to voice Japan's position on pressing issues such as the promotion of free and open trade and the digital economy, as well as (addressing) climate change," Kishida told reporters before his departure.

The United States is hosting the APEC gathering at a time when Russia's war on Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has created challenges for the 21-member group that includes both Moscow and Beijing in terms of reaching a consensus on various issues.

While Russian President Vladimir Putin will be absent, Chinese President Xi Jinping is taking part in the summit, with his planned talks with U.S. President Joe Biden already stealing the spotlight.

Japan has its own bilateral contentions with China, a major trading partner but an assertive neighbor, as the two countries have been mired in disagreements related to territory and wartime history.

Most recently, China's blanket import ban on Japanese seafood in response to the ocean release of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant that started in August has become a source of diplomatic friction.

Still, Kishida is exploring holding talks, likely on Thursday, with Xi on the fringes of the APEC meeting, having sent a national security advisor to Beijing to lay the groundwork for what would be their first face-to-face talks in a year.

Supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic and Sino-U.S. security and economic tensions have raised calls for a review of the economic model underpinning dependency on China.

Kishida is joining other APEC leaders to discuss a range of topics, such as how to make their economies more resilient and ensure sustainable growth, as Japan continues to push for a free and open Indo-Pacific in a bid to boost free trade for economic expansion.

On Friday, Kishida is planning to meet with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. In a rare joint appearance, the two are scheduled to speak at Stanford University.

Bilateral ties between Japan and South Korea, both close U.S. allies, have been improving since earlier this year after a long-standing wartime labor compensation dispute sent relations to their lowest point in years under Yoon's predecessor, Moon Jae In.

Related coverage:

Japan, U.S. to make robust chip supply chains amid security concerns

U.S., Japan, South Korea to cooperate on North Korea, economic security

Biden, Xi to meet Nov. 15 in U.S., new "framework" eyed for complex ties
One year after a mountain of dirt came crashing down on the Seascape Apartment Complex in Co
KYODO NEWS - Nov 15, 2023 - 13:05 | World, All

North Korea has successfully tested new solid-fuel engines for intermediate-range ballistic missiles, state-run media said Wednesday, with the development a concern to the region as the engines can be prepared for launch more quickly than the liquid-fuel type.

Pyongyang successfully conducted the first ground jet tests of the first-stage engine on Saturday and the second-stage engine on Tuesday, the official Korean Central News Agency said. An intermediate-range ballistic missile fired from North Korea can reach Japan, host to several U.S. military bases.

The tests once again clearly showed "the reliability and stability" of the country's high-thrust solid-fuel engine designing and manufacturing technologies, KCNA said.

The experiments are "an essential process for further enhancing the strategic offensive capabilities" of North Korean forces in the face of "the grave and unstable security environment" in which "enemies will get more vicious in their military collusion and nexus," KCNA added.

The report apparently referred to moves by the United States and its two Asian allies, South Korea and Japan. In San Francisco on Tuesday, the foreign policy chiefs of the three countries agreed to boost cooperation in tackling the North Korean missile threat.

Washington, Seoul and Tokyo are preparing to initiate a system by the end of this year that allows for the swift exchange of information on North Korean missiles.

A solid-fuel missile does not require fueling before launch like a liquid-fuel missile, making it harder for other countries to detect launch preparations and giving it a better pre-emptive strike and retaliatory capability.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said at a press conference that Tokyo believes Pyongyang has developed solid-fuel ballistic missiles "to enhance its surprise attack capabilities."

The top government spokesman added Japan will continue to monitor the situation to detect any signs of further North Korean provocations, including missile launches and nuclear tests.

Meanwhile, a Russian government delegation arrived in Pyongyang on Tuesday for bilateral talks on cooperation in trade, economy, science and technology, KCNA said.

The United States, South Korea and Japan have been wary about deepening military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, with Moscow possibly providing technical advice to aid Pyongyang's missile development.

In April and July, North Korea test-launched solid-fuel Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The latest tests came as North Korea earlier this month designated next Saturday as a "missile industry day" to commemorate the launch exactly a year ago of a new-type Hwasong-17 ICBM.

Pyongyang is also expected to launch a military spy satellite soon following its unsuccessful attempts to do so in May and August. The country had said a third attempt would be made in October.

Related coverage:

North Korea in final stage of satellite launch preparation: S. Korea

North Korea may have held combustion test for satellite launch: report

North Korea vows to launch spy satellite soon following failure
Climate hazards cost Fairbanks, Anchorage homeowners millions

Photo by Eric Wuttke

Quin Wuttke ice skates on a street in downtown Anchorage during a rain-on-snow event in December 2019.

A new survey has found that Fairbanks and Anchorage homeowners are increasingly threatened by climate-related hazards like wildfire, permafrost thaw and winter rain, the latter costing homeowners $25 million in annual damages.

Nearly 700 homeowners responded to the University of Alaska Fairbanks-led survey. They shared views on the risks posed by wildfire, permafrost thaw and icing. Questions explored how homeowners are affected and how they mitigate these climate hazards.

Alaskans are really connected to the environment, said Tobias Schwoerer, a social scientist at the UAF International Arctic Research Center who led the survey. They're aware of environmental hazards and are doing something about them. They're also realizing that these hazards are increasing.

Climate change is intensifying and northern homeowners now face multiple hazards simultaneously. In Fairbanks, 35% of homeowners were affected by all three hazards assessed by the project; this was nearly twice the percentage of homeowners experiencing the three hazards compared to Anchorage.

According to the survey, Fairbanks residents experienced the greatest impacts from wildfire and permafrost, while Anchorage residents were most affected by icing events.

Ice in the form of freeze-thaw episodes or rain in winter impacted nearly all Fairbanks and Anchorage residents, though people in Anchorage were more likely to experience serious consequences. Ice events caused people to miss work, lose power and get into accidents. Property damage and health care associated with ice events in 2020 and 2021 cost Anchorage residents $47.8 million, compared to $6.7 million in Fairbanks. Over three-quarters of Fairbanks homeowners believe that ice hazards worsened in the past decade.

The study also estimated that half of Fairbanks homeowners have so far been affected by permafrost thaw, compared to only 15% in Anchorage. One third of Fairbanks homeowners had experienced foundation issues. Other impacts include changes to landscaping, septic system issues, driveway heaving and more. All Fairbanks homeowners, during the time theyve had their current houses, have spent an estimated $226.3 million on permafrost mitigation  a figure 11 times greater than spending in Anchorage.

Photo by Jen Schmidt

The bowed roof, walls and foundation on a Fairbanks home reveal permafrost damage in 2019.

Given Fairbanks location in the fire-prone boreal forest, it is no surprise that wildfire impacted the livelihoods of Fairbanks residents more than in Anchorage. Impacts ranged from minor (staying indoors) to severe (property loss). Nearly 90% of Fairbanks residents completed at least some wildfire mitigation near their homes in the past five years, compared to about 70% in Anchorage. Over the past five years, homeowners in Fairbanks and Anchorage spent an estimated $2.6 million and $2.1 million respectively on wildfire mitigation. They installed fire-resistant roofing, removed dead trees and created defensible space around homes.

Though the survey identified strong participation in the State of Alaskas Firewise program that reimburses and guides homeowners to reduce wildfire risk on their properties, Schwoerer stressed that Alaskans need additional support. In some cases, responding to one hazard may conflict with mitigation strategies for another. For example, clearing shrubs or trees around structures to reduce wildfire risk may increase the permafrost thaw near homes. Programs are needed that provide complex, location-specific resources when multiple hazards are present.

The Firewise program was a good start. But we need to keep going, Schwoerer emphasized. We need to increase funding and do a better job at outreach in order to reduce risk for private homeowners, especially across low-income brackets that are more likely to live in multihazard areas.

Local government structure matters when it comes to garnering support for such programs. Anchorages community councils make it relatively easy for the community to organize around important issues and approach local and state governments for funding. In Fairbanks, this system is not in place, and residents may need to organize through much larger road service areas or other pathways.

The survey results are published in the journal Ambio. The research is part of a larger project known as Responding to Risk funded by the National Science Foundations Directorate for Geosciences. Project leaders include Jen Schmidt at the University of Alaska Anchorage and Jim Powell at the University of Alaska Southeast.

ADDITIONAL CONTACT: Tobias Schwoerer, tschwoerer@alaska.edu

090-24
Russian occupation forces are running several simultaneous offensive operations in Ukraine, trying to regain the initiative on the battlefield.

This is stated in the latest review of war developments posted by the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War think tank.

"Russian forces are likely trying to regain the theater-level initiative in Ukraine by conducting several simultaneous offensive operations in eastern Ukraine, although it remains unclear if Russian forces will be able to fully regain the initiative as Ukrainian forces maintain pressure on critical areas of the front," the review says.

It is noted with reference to several Ukrainian officials, the situation on the frontlines remains difficult, but Ukraine generally controls the battlefield. "Russian forces will likely struggle to fully regain the initiative across the theater, however, and Ukrainian forces are continuing their own offensive operations and making tactical-level gains along the front, particularly in western Zaporizhia Oblast and on the east (left) bank of Kherson Oblast," the report emphasizes.

ISW analysts say the Russian military command will likely have to choose between redeploying its units to strengthen its own offensive in certain directions, or strengthening existing positions to contain the advance of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. "These choices will likely hinder Russia's ability to fully regain the initiative in the coming weeks," the review concludes.
Cyprus plays an important role in concealing the wealth of Russian oligarchs even after the outbreak of a full-scale war against Ukraine. At the same time, the European Central Bank (ECB) does not have sufficient leverage to control the Cypriot banking system.

According to Ukrinform, this is evidenced by the results of a study by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) called Cyprus Confidential. The investigation was published in 68 partner media, including leading French publications.

Cyprus plays an even more important role than has been known in the transfer of dirty money on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin and other dictators, the investigation says.

The consortium of journalists claims to have examined confidential documents from six Cypriot financial companies covering the period from the mid-1990s to April 2022, including organizational charts, financial reports, bank account applications, and emails.

As noted, one of these companies, MeritServus, plays a significant role in managing the offshore empire of Roman Abramovich, an influential Russian businessman close to Putin, who owns fourteen trusts in Cyprus and about a hundred companies.

According to the investigation, another company, the Cyprus branch of audit giant PwC, helped Alexei Mordashov, one of Russia's richest oligarchs, transfer more than USD 1.4 billion in assets to his wife in March 2022, the day after he was sanctioned.

On the same day, investigators claim, this company helped two other Russian billionaires, Alexander Abramov and Alexander Frolov, to make an urgent USD 100 million transaction between shell companies, shortly before their assets were frozen.

A total of 96 Russians under international sanctions received assistance from Cypriot service companies, according to the investigation. It is reported that in 2020 alone, more than USD 200 billion of Russian assets were invested in Cyprus. This is half of all Russian investments in Europe.

Among the companies registered in Cyprus, more than 650 were found to be owned or controlled by Russians who have been under sanctions since 2014. That is why the island of 1.3 million inhabitants was named "Moscow in the Mediterranean".

Separately, the report notes the extraordinary activity of Russians under the so-called "Golden Visa" program (obtaining EU citizenship in exchange for investments on the island, mainly in real estate). Despite the fact that Brussels criticizes this policy, Cyprus continues to offer permanent residence permits to Russians in exchange for investments of EUR 300,000.

The authors of the investigation also argue that Cypriot banks are a kind of "gateway" for Russia to the Western economy. Three of the four largest banks on the European island have been involved in money laundering scandals linked to the Kremlin.

Cyprus turned a blind eye to billions of dollars in deposits of unclear origin, Martin Vladimirov, an analyst at the Center for the Study of Democracy, told reporters. The new board of directors of the Bank of Cyprus now includes six Russians, including one of Vladimir Putin's former KGB colleagues.

In turn, the ECB denies that it has not noticed Russian influence in Cyprus. The ECB is the main monetary institution of the EU, which has significant powers, but lacks the function of recording financial crimes. Therefore, the Central Bank of Cyprus (which, according to the investigation, is under the control of a political class saturated with Russian money) is officially responsible for combating money laundering.

Read also: Helsinki supports transfer of proceeds from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine

For their part, the Cypriot authorities responded to the published facts. Everything that has been discovered will be investigated, and no one is above the reputation of the country, President Nikos Christodoulides said. According to him, Cyprus will investigate alleged violations of sanctions against Russia, and the Cypriot government is unequivocally committed to fighting corruption and illicit financing and is taking all necessary measures to ensure the implementation of EU sanctions.

As Ukrinform reported, in April last year, Cyprus announced that it had taken tough measures against individuals accused by the United States and the United Kingdom of helping Russian oligarchs circumvent sanctions.

The Cyprus Confidential project is the result of eight months of work by more than 270 journalists from 55 countries, during which they analyzed 3.6 million documents from the Cypriot financial sector. The documents were collected, sorted and translated into several languages. They were then distributed to all partners of the consortium, including media in many countries.
Cooperation between the communities of Ukraine and Germany will allow not only to ensure economic growth, but also to ensure better protection of the Ukrainian people.

This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, who addressed the German-Ukrainian conference of municipal partnerships, the President's press service reports, according to Ukrinform.

"We value life. And that is why we protect it. And it is fundamental that we use to this end not only those tools that are available at the state level. The potential of our communities, our intercity and interpersonal connections can and must add significant strength to our protection," said the president.

He emphasized that representatives from very different cities and communities of our two countries are present at the conference, and no matter how different they are, they are united by one fundamental thing, namely, the European attitude toward people.

"In our cities and communities, there should be no place for the opposite attitude toward people and life  anti-European one, the attitude that Russia demonstrates in the occupied territory of Ukraine," Zelensky said.

He drew attention to the fact that after last years Ukraine visit of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the number of intercity partnerships almost doubled.

"Today we have 190 such partnerships. There are already six interregional partnerships. There is also Germany's patronage for the restoration of Chernihiv region in Ukraine, the region where the village of Yahidne is located (a village where the Russian occupiers held 350 residents in the basement for almost a month - ed.). And I thank everyone whose efforts fill our partnerships with concrete meaning," the head of state emphasized.

He expressed his gratitude to such German cities and communities as Eichenau, Augsburg, Bergisch Gladbach, Waldkirch, Hanover, Erlangen, Jena, Dresden, Cologne, Leverkusen, Nuremberg, Potsdam, Schweinfurt, and many others, which are already directly helping Ukrainian cities, including with power generators, fire engines, buses, and other equipment.

Read also: Rheinmetall to supply 25 Leopard 1A5 tanks to Ukraine

The president also recalled that together with German companies, modular towns were set up for internally displaced persons whose homes were destroyed amid hostilities, and joint work with German cities, companies, and funds to modernize energy capacities in various regions of Ukraine is ongoing.

"I thank you very much for this! And I hope that the participation of Ukrainian mayors in this conference will also be fruitful," Zelensky said.

He also noted that Ukraine is now facing the second winter of this war, while Russia is stocking up on missiles for strikes targeting Ukraine's energy sector, as was the case last year. According to the president, Germany is already massively helping Ukraine with air defense systems and other weapons to help the country defend itself. "And along with this, every agreement between the cities of our countries, which is aimed at protecting people and life, will definitely serve to protect life," he emphasized.

The president expressed his belief that the representatives of Ukrainian cities can also point to opportunities for joint economic work that are currently available in Ukraine. And this is not only about the reconstruction of what has been destroyed by Russia, but also about the founding of new enterprises.

"Against all odds, Ukraine now delivers economic growth  almost 5% annually. And this is evidence of how strong our way of life is and how much our people are capable of doing," Zelensky said.

He expressed confidence that relations between Ukraine and Germany will become one of the most reliable pillars of the whole of Europe: security, economic, and social, and especially once Ukraine becomes a full-fledged part of the European Union.

"I am proud of all the examples of our cooperation and sincerely wish all of you success in the development of relations between cities, between regions, between the self-government of our countries. The closer we are - Ukraine and Germany - the further from the realization is Putin's mad goal to destroy normal human life in Ukraine and other countries neighboring Russia," the head of state said.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, since the outset of Russias full-scale invasion, German has provided military aid to Urkaine in the amount of over EUR 17.09 billion.

German Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Jaeger announced recently that Germany would hand over to Urkaine another two IRIS-T surface-to-air missile systems by year-end.
KYODO NEWS - Nov 15, 2023 - 10:54 | All, World, Japan

The foreign policy chiefs of the United States, Japan and South Korea agreed Tuesday to boost cooperation in tackling North Korea's missile threat and ensuring economic security ahead of a U.S.-China summit, as they seek to build resilient supply chains for critical items.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin also discussed issues related to China, while sharing the view that unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force are unacceptable, Japan's Foreign Ministry said.

During the tripartite meeting held on the fringes of an APEC gathering in San Francisco, the top diplomats agreed on the need to share information and monitor developments with respect to North Korea's supply of arms to Russia, which continues to wage war in Ukraine.

"Strategic trilateral coordination is increasingly needed. We'll work together to maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law," Kamikawa said at the meeting.

Blinken touched on an upcoming summit between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who are both attending the leaders' meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, a Japanese official said.

The United States and its close Asian allies have shared concerns about North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile development and China's assertive behavior in the Indo-Pacific region, where the democracies want to maintain the status quo.

Blinken on Tuesday reaffirmed Washington's "ironclad" commitment to the defense of Japan and South Korea, the State Department said.

In the latest demonstration of the deepening of trilateral ties, the countries are preparing to initiate a system by the end of this year that allows for the swift exchange of information on North Korean missiles.

They are also stepping up cooperation on ensuring stable supplies of semiconductors and batteries, among other technologies, learning from disruptions during the COVID pandemic that showed China's dominance in the production of items crucial for national security.

South Korea's Park was quoted by the United States as saying that trilateral cooperation has been reaching "unprecedented heights," adding that like-minded countries joining forces are more important than ever as the rules-based international order faces multiple challenges.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza was also on the agenda amid the ongoing Israeli offensive triggered by an October attack by Hamas militants. The civilian death toll has quickly climbed and hospitals in the Gaza Strip have been targeted by Israeli armed forces.

South Korea was on the same page as Japan and the United States, which recently issued a joint statement with other Group of Seven nations, according to the Japanese official. In the document, the G-7 diplomats condemned the terror attacks by Hamas and called for "humanitarian pauses."

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

Japan calls for cooperation for Gaza humanitarian pause at G7 meeting
By Noriyuki Suzuki, KYODO NEWS - Nov 15, 2023 - 16:59 | All, World, Japan

Japan and the United States agreed Tuesday to build robust supply chains for strategic items such as semiconductors and critical minerals by consulting each other more closely and detecting potential future disruptions rapidly as they ramp up bilateral efforts to safeguard economic security.

Following the second round of "two-plus-two" talks between their top diplomats and trade chiefs, Tokyo and Washington, though not mentioning China directly, urged the removal of all bans on Japanese food imports when such measures are not substantiated by science and said they will work to counter economic coercion.

Japan's Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and industry minister Yasutoshi Nishimura are part of the consultation framework, which also involves Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.

The longtime security allies are boosting cooperation in a bid to uphold the rules-based economic order in the Indo-Pacific region, where China is expanding its sphere of influence with its financial and military power.

While relations between Tokyo and Beijing have shown signs of improving, one source of friction is China's recent blanket ban on Japanese seafood imports, imposed in response to the ocean release of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

Still, a joint statement on the two-plus-two talks, released ahead of a U.S.-China summit scheduled to be held Wednesday, made no specific mention of the Asian powerhouse.

"As the region stands vulnerable to economic coercion and non-market policies and practices, it is critical to enhance resilience by building trusted supply chains and promoting open markets and fair competition," the statement said.

During the meeting on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation gathering, both sides shared concern about the overconcentration of strategically important items in particular locations, a Japanese official said.

"We remain vigilant and intend to continue to assess potential impacts of export restrictions on critical minerals, which could significantly affect the production of solar panels, semiconductors, and other essential inputs for electric vehicles, computers, and smart devices," the statement said.

Diversifying supply chains away from China, or what the United States has called "friendshoring," has become a key issue in recent months, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic caused shortages of Chinese-made parts like chips.

Under President Joe Biden, the United States has tightened semiconductor-related export controls amid national security concerns, while China also has imposed restrictions on key minerals.

Japan and the United States said they will expand the availability of advanced chips used in generative artificial intelligence but added they will prevent cutting-edge technologies they develop from "being used to further military capabilities that threaten international peace and security."

On Russia, Japan and the United States expressed their deep concern over its "heinous" war against Ukraine, which has undermined food and energy security since its launch in February 2022, vowing to reduce dependence on Russian fuels.

Tokyo and Washington said they will accelerate their decarbonization push and promote innovative technologies such as perovskite solar cells, floating offshore wind power generation and advanced nuclear reactors called small modular reactors that can meet safety and nonproliferation standards.

Japan and the United States created their economic-focused two-plus-two consultation framework last year.

Their shared vision of a "free and open" Indo-Pacific is at the center of bilateral cooperation at a time when the United States is bolstering its engagement in the region.

Related coverage:

U.S., Japan, South Korea to cooperate on North Korea, economic security

No trade deal struck at U.S.-led Indo-Pacific economic meeting

Kishida-Xi talks eyed around Nov. 16 at APEC meeting in U.S.: source
KYODO NEWS - Nov 15, 2023 - 18:04 | All, Japan, World

The U.S. Marines set up Wednesday a littoral regiment in Okinawa capable of a flexible and rapid response to bolster the defense of remote islands in southwestern Japan amid China's increased military assertiveness at sea.

The existing 12th Marine Regiment based in the southern prefecture of Okinawa was reorganized into the 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, or MLR.

"We're proud to be here in the First Island Chain, and a force prepared to respond to contingencies wherever and whenever required," said Col. Peter Eltringham, commanding officer of the new regiment, at a ceremony at Camp Hansen in Okinawa.

The First Island Chain refers to an area stretching from Japan's southwestern Nansei island chain, which includes the Japan-controlled Senkaku islets, also claimed by China, to Taiwan and the Philippines.

The littoral regiment, consisting of about 2,000 personnel, is the Marines' second. The first was set up in Hawaii in March 2022, while another is also being planned for another location by 2027.

The Japanese and U.S. governments confirmed the regiment's establishment at the so-called two-plus-two talks involving defense and foreign ministers in January.

The ceremony was attended by around 200 people, including Gen. Yasunori Morishita, chief of staff of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force.

Related coverage:

North Korea successfully tests new solid-fuel missile engines: KCNA

South Korea, U.S. revise deterrence strategy amid North Korea threat

Japan, Philippines agree to boost defense ties amid China's rise
Empowering Air Cargo Security: UNODC Passenger and Cargo Border Team Strengthens Capacities in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

On 6-10 November 2023, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) jointly with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have successfully conducted the air cargo and mail security training within the Passenger and Cargo Border Team (PCBT) through AIRCOP/CCP at the ICAO Civil Aviation Training Center of Korea Airports Corporation (KAC) in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

The training focused on strengthening the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of 12 counternarcotics officers and aviation security representatives, including the members of the Air Cargo Control Units (ACCUs) of Almaty and Tashkent international airports on detection and inspection of high-risk commodities in air cargo environment by applying modern customs control techniques and systems and learning best working practices of Korean Customs and aviation authorities in effective air connectivity management.

The training also contributed to strengthening the regional practical cooperation between ACCUs of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, including information exchange on high-risk consignments within the CCP Inter-Regional Network of Customs Authorities and Port Control Units (IREN).

Welcoming the training participants, Mr. Mun-Hwan Kim, Deputy Director of Civil Aviation Training Center of Korea Airports Corporation (ASTC), stressed the importance of the safeguard and safety of aircraft and passengers. The cargo security issues are growing significantly worldwide and linking national aviation communities at the global level to prevent drug trafficking, corruption, terrorism, and suppress cross-border criminal networks in the air environment.

Steve Wordsworth and Mr. Hong-Chan Jin, experienced ICAO experts, explained to participants the threat detection techniques, specific risks ranking at global perspective, security control and screening measures for cargo and mail handling and emphasized the importance of risk-based approach in countries reporting and information sharing. Trainers described the roles and responsibilities of competent national authorities and stakeholders to meet ICAOs oversight, compliance, and control requirements. Participants learned about the ICAO facility and personnel security measures, procedures at international and national levels, as well as the purposes and key components of the secure air cargo supply chain to protect air cargo and mail from unauthorized interference. They practiced recognizing and classifying restricted items, prohibited and dangerous goods in air cargo operations.

The sessions were consolidated through progress tests and practical exercises to detect potential threats when handling cargo consignments and mail. Participants visited the cargo facilities center of Korean Air Company at Incheon cargo terminal and warehouse and got acquainted with structure, cargo traffic volumes, and screening procedures of air consignments. Participants have successfully passed final tests were awarded course completion certificates.

The PCBT/CCP Regional Segment for Central Asia is funded by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and the Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) Programme, and the Government of France.

***

For more information contact Vasilina Brazhko (Ms.)

Communications and PR Specialist at

UNODC criminal justice programme in Central Asia

UNODC POKYR

+996775987817 WhatsApp

vasilina.brazhko[at]un.org
Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGP) would ensure uninterrupted gas supply with full pressure to export industry for smooth production and export of textile goods to fetch maximum foreign exchange for the country

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Nov, 2023) The Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGP) would ensure uninterrupted gas supply with full pressure to export industry for smooth production and export of textile goods to fetch maximum foreign exchange for the country.

According to All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) spokesman here Wednesday, SNGPL Managing Director Amer Tufail made this assurance to an APTMA delegation that called on him. The Association's Chairman Kamran Arshad led the delegation comprising Senior Vice Chairman Asad Shafi, Vice Chairman Ahmed Shafi, former Chairman Adil Bashir, Aamir Sheikh and Secretary General Raza Baqir. In this meeting, Amer Tufail was assisted by the top SNGP management.

The MD mentioned that entire export industry availing system as well blended with RLNG would be charged the tariff at the ratio of 50:50 for the month of November. He added that export industry has always been extended high priority on gas supply and advised those APTMA member mills to apply for gas connections, not having earlier ones. With reference to applicability of tariff on such new connections and enhancement of load, he informed APTMA that clarification would be sought from the Ministry of Petroleum shortly to settle the issue.

He clarified that it would not be possible to continue the blend for the period starting from December up to March due to non-availability of natural gas during the winter months and the industry would be charged at the RLNG rate, notified by OGRA on monthly basis.

On the occasion, APTAM Chairman pointed out the confusion prevailing in the industry with regard to gas tariff for the upcoming winter months after tariff rationalization by the Federal government.

The issue of gas tariff with system gas/RLNG blend for gas connections prior June 2022 as well as gas tariff for post June 2022 connections with or without zero rating FBR certificates was also discussed in detail.

Chairman suggested the MD SNGPL to accommodate APTMA certificates for the facility of gas supply to the zero rating industrial units.

MD Sui Northern Gas said the SNGPL lacks the mechanism of determining eligibility for new connections or load enhancements, which necessitates the intervention of the Commerce and Energy Ministries to devise eligibility framework. He assured of seeking clarification in this regard from the Ministry as well.

The issues related to new gas connections for prime users, replacing of faulty meter, excessive and erroneous charging on account of slow/faulty meters, and low gas pressure were also discussed in detail. Amer Tufail said that all out efforts are being made for uninterrupted supply of gas to the entire industry, especially to the export oriented sectors, including he APTMA member mills. He appreciated the role of the textile industry in creation of jobs, attracting new investment and uplifting exports of the country. He acknowledged that any interruption in energy supply not only halts manufacturing processes but also retards exports causing grave set back to valuable foreign exchange reserves.

He assured that all issues and irritants highlighted by APTMA would be sympathetically looked into on top priority and SNGPL would leave no stone unturned to ensure hassle-free supply of gas to exporters of the country. Amer Tufail added that all field formations of SNGPL have been directed to always remain vigilant and alert to attend to the issues of export industries without any delay.

To address all issues of export industry, it was decided that SNGPL would nominate a focal person and similarly Raza Baqir was nominated focal person from APTMA. It was agreed that focal persons of APTMA and SNGPL would hold periodic meetings to resolve any gas related issues of textile industry.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq has said that the survival of Azad Jammu Kashmir was inescapably linked to prosperity, development and stability of Pakistan

MIRPUR (AJK): Nov 15 (APP) :, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Nov, 2023) Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq has said that the survival of Azad Jammu Kashmir was inescapably linked to prosperity, development and stability of Pakistan.

Addressing a reception hosted in his honour by minister for Population Welfare Sardar Muhammad Hussain on Sudhanoti town of AJK on Wednesday, the PM said that welfare of people was the sole mission of his life. He said that cheap electricity was the right of every citizen.

"If people pay utility bills, then electricity up to 200 units could be provided free of cost. He said that it was for the first time in the AJK's history that the incumbent government suspended the notification regarding the increase in electricity prices. He said that the subsidy on wheat flour has been restored.

The government, he said, has allocated rupees 5 billion endowment fund for the poor, widows, orphans, disabled, children and girls of the state. As per the scheme, he said, 20 thousand would be transferred to the each needy person on monthly basis through their easy paisa account.

Regarding the improvement of governance, he said, government employees working in health, education and other government departments would have to prove their metal and show their progress. He said that all vacant posts in ten district hospitals would be filled by December 30 this year

"MRI machines are being provided in all divisional hospitals at a cost of Rs 84 crores", he said, adding that funds have been released for providing the electricity poles and transformers in all districts.

He said that the government won't allow misuse of public funds. "The prime minister, ministers and all those who get salary from public taxes are accountable to the people", the PM said.

The PM said that funds would be provided for establishment of University in Sudhnuti and the improvement of the road infrastructure in the area. He said that Action Committees has raised awareness amongst the masses about the protection of their rights, however, the government won't allow any one whosoever to play with the basic ideology under it's guise. National responsibilities, he said, cannot be brushed aside while fighting for individual rights.

Referring to the continued bloodshed in the Indian occupied territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the PM said that it was quite unfortunate that the world was remorselessly watching the barbarism and brutalities being inflicted on our brothers and sisters by the Indian occupation forces.

The function was attended by senior Government Minister Colonel R. Waqar Noor, Ministers Sardar Amir Altaf, Ziaul Qamar, Javed Badhanvi, Ansir Abdali, Chaudhry Akhlaq, Malik Zafar, Sardar Faheem Akhtar Rabbani and others.

Earlier, the host of the ceremony and Minister for Population Welfare, Irrigation and Small Dams Sardar Muhammad Hussain Advocate welcomed the Prime Minister and the ministers upon their arrival in Palandri.
Punjab's Caretaker Primary and Secondary Healthcare Minister Dr. Jamal Nasir has urged citizens to ensure the use of masks, as healthy lungs are a sign of a healthy life, and to avoid pollution from city dust, dirt, and smoke

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Nov, 2023) Punjab's Caretaker Primary and Secondary Healthcare Minister Dr. Jamal Nasir has urged citizens to ensure the use of masks, as healthy lungs are a sign of a healthy life, and to avoid pollution from city dust, dirt, and smoke.

He said that for information and guidance regarding treatment of any urban disease, citizens should contact the helpline 1033. Lungs are affected by pollution and smoking, leading to permanent damage.

He was chairing a meeting to review the measures and facilities available in the government hospitals on the occasion of World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day on Wednesday. Dr. Nasir mentioned that while chronic respiratory diseases are incurable, their harmful effects can be minimised through caution and preventive measures.

He emphasised the need to ensure availability of ample oxygen and necessary medication in all district and tehsil headquarters hospitals for convenience and potential treatment of individuals, affected by chronic lung and respiratory diseases.

Dr. Jamal Nasir highlighted smoking as the leading cause of lung diseases. Additionally, exposure to cigarette smoke, pipe smoke, and second-hand smoke can contribute to these conditions. Individuals who smoke are at a significantly higher risk of being affected by these diseases if they have asthma. Dr. Nasir stressed the importance of controlling tobacco use and other factors to prevent lung and respiratory diseases, urging urban residents to raise awareness for this purpose.

The meeting was also attended by Director General Health Punjab Dr. Elias Gondal, and other relevant officers.
Cotonou, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Nov, 2023) Along its Atlantic coast, Benin's government has spent millions of Dollars to protect coastal communities from sea erosion. But Doris Alapini can only watch as waves tirelessly eat away at her land and the large seaside restaurant she built.

The ocean is slowly winning the battle.

"The sea is advancing a lot. We have to do dredging or else block it, otherwise, it will keep advancing," Alapini said as she walked along Cotonou's long sandy beach.

"I have seen how many times it has destroyed and invaded the neighbourhood."

She has lived for 27 years in the Jak district, one of the oldest and most chic in the economic capital of Benin. Every year, sea waters overflow into her area.

"The neighbourhood is under threat every day," she said.

"No one here has any guarantees. If there is a big wave, it will demolish the entire neighbourhood."

Not all coastal erosion is linked to climate change. But since 2002, Benin has lost kilometres (miles) of coastline, said Esquill Outiclissou, executive of the government's general directorate of environment and climate.

"The state has not remained idle," he said, pointing to protective structures, stone groynes and other installations, particularly to the east of Cotonou.

According to Outiclissou, nearly 100 billion CFA francs ($160 million) have been injected into the protection of Beninese coasts in recent years and the investment helped slow down the ocean's advance.

Africa often finds itself on the front line of climate change impact despite the continent contributing the least to greenhouse gas emissions globally.

Still, Benin and its littoral West African neighbours Togo and Ghana are, just like Pacific islands and coastal South Asian cities, at risk of shore erosion's impact on communities.

With global warming affecting sea levels, coastal erosion will be one of the subjects leaders will address when they meet for COP28 in Dubai in December.

- Race against time -

Raymond Mekpe, a 40-year-old fisherman, cannot believe the erosion losses.

Born in Cotonou, Mekpe might not be a climate expert but has his own indicators to illustrate the sea's unbridled advance.

"The homes of my grandparents and my parents were there," he said, pointing out to sea.

"We played somewhere there in our childhood," he added, gesturing towards another area where big waves crash.

Benin loses approximately 30 metres (yards) of its coastline every year, according to oceanographer Cossi Georges Degbe.

"It's really serious. And if nothing is done, within a few years we will lose the Cotonou Porto-Novo interstate road," the 51-year-old warned, referring to the main coastal route to the capital city.

"When we put protective structures in a given place, we are just moving the phenomenon along," he said.

For Outiclissou, the government must respond segment by segment, but "the segments that are still vulnerable are under study and will be dealt with in due course".

Thirteen structures have been built east of Cotonou starting from the coastal lagoon, he said.

Since then, the waves of erosion have become noticeably weaker, he added.

As well as rising water levels, due to climate change, extreme weather phenomena are increasing, "with very high waves washing over our coasts", explained oceanographer Degbe.

Alain Tossounon, president of a network of media focusing on water, the climate and environment, agrees more needs to be done.

"Efforts have not been sufficient and populations have not yet become aware of the importance of this phenomenon in the years to come," he said.

- 'Sea advances, destroys' -

With Benin not the only country concerned, joining forces with neighbours could bring more results.

"We must consider a regional approach to slow down the advance of the waves," Tossounon said.

Benin and Togo have already started working together -- a protective groyne of 18 kilometres (11 miles) in Togo and 24 kilometres in Benin made it possible to slow the waves in the fishing villages of Hillacondji and Aneho.

But despite these actions, seaside restaurant owner Alapini cannot help but feel angry.

"When we have populations who live by the sea, we have to have forecasts for them, a line in the state budget," she said.

"I'm shocked. By the time it takes to get funding, the sea is moving forward and destroying things."
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Nov, 2023) Five years after hundreds of thousands of people swarmed through French cities in a show of rage against President Emmanuel Macron's policies, France still bears the scars of the revolt.

The "yellow vest" movement was born on November 17, 2018 when people in small-town and rural France began blocking roads around the country over a planned increase in environmental fuel taxes that hit car-reliant citizens in the pocket.

Named after the fluorescent jackets kept by French motorists and worn by the protesters, the revolt posed an abrupt challenge to Macron one-and-a-half years after he was elected as modern France's youngest head of state promising a new era of change.

Within weeks, the protests had ballooned into a full-blown insurrection culminating in the sacking of the Arc de Triomphe war memorial in Paris and widespread rioting that was repressed by the police, leaving 23 protesters blind in one eye.

The chief target of the protests was Macron, who had been labouring under the label of "president of the rich" since cutting taxes on the wealthy a year earlier.

The ex-banker, who had never held elected office before winning the top job in 2017 with a resolutely upbeat campaign inspired by Barack Obama, was blindsided by the outpouring of anger.

"He would never again feel that he had that golden touch and that nothing could get in his way," said Bruno Cautres, a researcher at Sciences Po University.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Gaza Strip, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Nov, 2023) Hamas said Tuesday that White House's remarks that it had a command centre at Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza was a "green light" to Israel to commit "brutal massacres" targeting medical facilities in the Palestinian territory.

"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 fighting group said in a statement issued in English.

"The United States bears direct responsibility for enabling Israel's genocidal war on Gaza," the group added.

The group's reaction came soon after US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby charged that the the group had a "command and control node" at Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza.

"They have stored weapons there and they're prepared to respond to an Israeli military operation against that facility," he told reporters.
The Israeli army operation in Al-Shifa hospital, targeting what it says is a Hamas command centre under Gaza's biggest medical facility, on Wednesday set off a wave of international condemnation

Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Nov, 2023) The Israeli army operation in Al-Shifa hospital, targeting what it says is a Hamas command centre under Gaza's biggest medical facility, on Wednesday set off a wave of international condemnation.

The army had announced overnight it was carrying out "a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area" of the hospital where the UN estimates there are at least 2,300 patients, staff and displaced Palestinians.

An official from the Hamas-run health ministry who was in the hospital told AFP he could see tanks inside the compound.

Israel has long accused the Islamist group of using Gaza hospitals as bases, digging tunnels under Al-Shifa and exploiting patients as human shields.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas in response to its attacks on October 7, which killed an estimated 1,200 people.

The territory's health ministry says Israel's ensuing aerial bombardment and ground offensive have killed 11,320 people, mostly civilians and including thousands of children.

- Hamas blames Biden -

The Palestinian authority that runs the occupied West Bank denounced the raid as a "flagrant violation" of international law, demanding world action to protect patients and civilians inside the facility.

- US says patients 'must be protected' -

The White House renewed its concerns for the safety of civilians shortly after the raid began.

The White House "won't speak to the specifics of an ongoing Israeli military operation," a National Security Council spokesperson said.

"We do not support striking a hospital from the air and we don't want to see a firefight in a hospital where innocent people, helpless people, sick people trying to get medical care they deserve are caught in the crossfire," said the spokesperson said.

"Hospitals and patients must be protected."

Earlier, the White House had said US intelligence sources corroborated Israel's claim that Hamas and another Palestinian militant group, Islamic Jihad, had buried an operational "command and control node" under Al-Shifa.

- Top UN officials says stop the 'carnage' -

The United Nations humanitarian chief demanded immediate action to "rein in the carnage".

"As the carnage in Gaza reaches new levels of horror every day, the world continues to watch in shock as hospitals come under fire, premature babies die..."

"An entire population is deprived of the basic means of survival. This cannot be allowed to continue," said Martin Griffiths.

Griffiths stressed in a separate video statement 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.

- Red Cross and WHO voice 'extreme concern' -

The International Committee of the Red Cross said it was "extremely concerned about the impact on sick and wounded people, medical staff, and civilians".

"All measures to avoid any consequences on them must be taken," the ICRC said, insisting that "patients, medical staff, and civilians must be at all times protected".

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the agency had lost touch again with staff at the hospital.

"We're extremely worried for their and their patients' safety."

- Jordan calls out UN Security Council 'silence' -

Jordan accused the UN Security Council of enabling the "barbarism" of Israel's raid on the hospital through its silence.

"The catastrophe in Al-Shifa hospital shows the barbarism UNSC's silence is allowing," Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi wrote on X.

"We condemn the silence on this brutality. It is providing cover for war crimes. It is unacceptable, unjustifiable. The Council must act."

- 'Going too far' says Norway -

"That's going too far and cannot be accepted", said Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide in an email to AFP.

"It aggravates an already horrible humanitarian situation in Gaza."
(@FahadShabbir)

Authorities in Madagascar on Wednesday imposed a curfew in Antananarivo on the eve of a presidential election that is being boycotted by most opposition candidates amid high political tensions

Antananarivo, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Nov, 2023) Authorities in Madagascar on Wednesday imposed a curfew in Antananarivo on the eve of a presidential election that is being boycotted by most opposition candidates amid high political tensions.

Angelo Ravelonarivo, the police prefect in the capital, said the measure will come into force at 09:00 pm (1800 GMT) on Wednesday and last until 04:00 am on the day of polling.

The move follows "various acts of sabotage" including the "burning of a polling station" and the "destruction of electoral materials", Ravelonarivo told a press conference.

Polls are due to open at 06:00 am and close at 05:00 pm on Thursday for a first round of voting that comes after more than a month of street protests.

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.

Ten out of 12 opposition candidates on Tuesday called on voters to shun the elections, raising concerns about the vote's regularity.

"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."

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.

Rajoelina, 49, has brushed off criticism and expressed confidence that he will win another term in the first round vote.

His government has repeatedly condemned the protests as moved by a "desire to overthrow power" and to "sabotage the electoral process", accusing the opposition of "threatening the stability of the country".
KYODO NEWS - Nov 15, 2023 - 13:42 | World, All, Japan

China expressed its strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition Wednesday to former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso's call earlier this week for Japan, the United States and Australia to bolster cooperation on preventing Beijing from invading Taiwan.

The Chinese Embassy in Tokyo said Aso's remarks in Canberra on Monday were meant to "once again wantonly provoke and interfere in China's internal affairs on the Taiwan issue." Beijing regards the self-ruled democratic island as its territory.

Aso, currently vice president of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, said in a speech at an event hosted by the Australian Institute of International Affairs that China could seize the remote Taiwanese islands of Kinmen and Matsu, which are close to the mainland.

"In such a scenario, Tokyo, Canberra and Washington must speak in one voice that they shall not tolerate any change in the status quo achieved through force," Aso said. "If our response is weak, China will likely interpret it as a favorable sign, and it should not be surprising if they then set their sights on Taiwan."

Aso also called for expanding AUKUS, a trilateral security partnership involving Australia, Britain and the United States, to include Japan, making it JAUKUS.

The embassy said it is not Beijing but "Taiwan independence" separatists and external forces that are trying to change the status quo, adding that the Chinese government and people will "firmly defend their sovereignty and security interests."

China and Taiwan have been separately governed since they split in 1949 due to a civil war. Beijing regards the island as a renegade province to be brought under its control, by force if necessary.

Related coverage:

Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong spotted sailing in Taiwan Strait

U.S., China top diplomats agree to stabilize ties despite differences
(@FahadShabbir)

Kigali, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Nov, 2023) Rwanda said Wednesday it took issue with the UK Supreme Court striking down London's plan to send migrants to the East African country on the basis that it was not a safe destination for asylum seekers.

A five-judge panel rejected the controversial policy, upholding a lower court judgement that sending undocumented migrants to Rwanda was unlawful and put the rights of asylum seekers afforded by international law at "real risk".

"This is ultimately a decision for the UK's judicial system," Rwandan government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo said in a statement to AFP.

"However, we do take issue with the ruling that Rwanda is not a safe third country for asylum seekers and refugees, in terms of refoulement.

"

She said Rwanda was "committed to its international obligations" and its "exemplary treatment of refugees" had been recognised by the UN refugee agency and other bodies.

"We take our humanitarian responsibilities seriously, and will continue to live up to them," she added.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government had argued the scheme was crucial to reducing "illegal" migration across the Channel, and had appealed the lower court decision.
London, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Nov, 2023) The UK Supreme Court will rule Wednesday on whether the government's controversial Rwanda policy for migrants is lawful, a decision with major political ramifications for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

The Conservative leader says the scheme is crucial to reduce rising immigration, which is set to be a key battleground at the next general election expected in 2024.

Five judges will announce their decision at 1000 GMT on a government appeal against a lower court judgement that the policy is unlawful.

The ruling is the latest episode in a long-running saga that began in April last year when the policy was signed under then-prime minister Boris Johnson.

A favourable decision could boost Sunak's chances of fending off a resurgent Labour party, but defeat would leave his immigration plans in tatters -- and could widen rifts in the ruling Tory party between right-wing lawmakers and moderates.

The Migration and Economic Development Partnership envisages sending to Rwanda anyone who has made what the government calls "dangerous or illegal journeys, such as by small boat or hidden lorries" to the UK.

The government insists it is essential in deterring record numbers of migrants trying to cross the Channel from northern France in rudimentary small vessels.

More than 27,000 have made the journey this year.

Sunak made stopping the small boats one of his five key priorities after succeeding Liz Truss in October last year.

His administration says immigration must be slashed to ease pressure on housing and other social services, such as health.

Opponents decry the Rwanda policy as cruel, expensive and difficult to implement. They also argue it is in breach of international law on asylum and refugees.

The first deportees were on a plane and ready to fly to Rwanda in June 2022 until a last-minute injunction from the European Court of Human Rights. Nobody has been deported under the scheme so far.

The government asked Britain's highest court to rule on the legality of the policy after the Court of Appeal overturned in June an earlier High Court ruling that the plan was broadly lawful.
(@FahadShabbir)

Smethwick, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Nov, 2023) Britain's Sikh population, whose ancestors first migrated from the Punjab more than a century ago, have long been admired as a model of integration and for maintaining a strong identity.

Lauded in their country of origin and beyond for their valour, industriousness and charity, Sikhs took those values to Britain, which during the country's imperial past praised them as a martial race.

They won accolades for standing up to rioters in London in 2011, for charity work during the coronavirus pandemic, and most recently for feeding the hungry during the cost-of-living crisis.

"We don't often complain," Jas Singh, adviser to the Sikh Federation UK, which represents some 500,000 Sikhs in the UK, told AFP at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Smethwick, near Birmingham in central England.

But the tight-knit community is now appealing for help to address long-term issues such as racism and a lack of representation in politics and culture.

"We still need help just like everybody else," said Kulbinder Kaur Gakhal, an education administrator at the Smethwick gurdwara, one of the oldest and largest in Europe.

"The fact that we only have two Sikh MPs. Given our numbers, we should have maybe six or seven. Across the civil service, there's very low Sikh representation -- in the police, in education," added Jas Singh.

"This is a wall of discrimination that we face," he added.

Despite official figures showing a 169 percent rise in attacks on Sikhs in 2021/22, there is no approved definition for anti-Sikh hate crimes in the UK.

- Fresh worries -

A statue outside the gurdwara paying tribute to the many Sikhs who fought with the UK in the world wars is frequently vandalised, said Gakhal.

"They have security cameras and information that's led them to know who's done it. But the authorities aren't able to pinpoint, so it's a shame," she added.

But it is an Indian crackdown on the Khalistan movement, which wants an independent Sikh state in India, and its wider global fallout that has left many in the community particularly concerned.

New Delhi has banned the movement as a security threat and taken a particular interest in those close to Amritpal Singh, a firebrand Sikh leader who was arrested in April in India after a month-long manhunt.

In February, hundreds of his supporters, some carrying swords and guns, had pushed past barricades outside a police station near Amritsar, demanding the release of an aide held inside.

Protests were held around the world over the manhunt, including in London, where Avtar Singh Khanda -- a friend of Amritpal Singh -- was accused by Indian media of pulling down an Indian flag.

The 35-year-old activist, who was never named by UK police as a suspect, died on June 15 after suddenly falling ill with blood cancer.

His funeral at the Smethwick temple, which has pro-Khalistan flags flying outside, was attended by thousands.

- Shockwaves -

The announcement by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in September that there were "credible allegations" linking India to the killing of another pro-Khalistan activist in Toronto on June 18 sent shockwaves through the Sikh diaspora.

India strenuously denies any links, but the announcement prompted Khanda's family and friends to demand a coroner's inquest into his death.

"I don't know what investigation they did, but it would have only taken a few hours," Amit Singh, a volunteer at Smethwick-based Punjab broadcaster PBC, told AFP.

"The community feels that they definitely didn't take anything seriously. Until an investigation occurs, doubt will remain," added Singh, who was with Khanda shortly before he was taken to hospital.

The High Commission of India in London did not reply to an AFP request for comment on the case.

According to Jas Singh, more broadly there was now "a high level of apprehension and fear" among Britain's Sikhs, "especially those who travel back to India".

"There is extra security at the gurdwara. It's disappointing that the police and the authorities have not reached out to the community," he added.

He believes the UK government's desire to secure a trade deal with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist government has led them to ignore the community's concerns.

"Not only do we have their silence, but we also have them going the other way with (UK Prime Minister) Rishi Sunak announcing pro-Khalistan extremism as an issue.

"Sikhs have no arrests, no pending cases, no threat or risk to British interests," he added.
(@FahadShabbir)

Geneva, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Nov, 2023) The United Nations and the Red Cross voiced alarm Wednesday after Israeli forces raided Gaza's largest hospital, demanding that thousands of patients and civilians be protected.

Israeli forces entered Al-Shifa hospital, targeting what they say is a Hamas command centre in tunnels beneath patients and the civilians seeking refuge there from intense combat.

"I'm appalled by reports of military raids in Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza," UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said on X, formerly Twitter.

"The protection of newborns, patients, medical staff and all civilians must override all other concerns.

"Hospitals are not battlegrounds."

Israel's mission to the UN in Geneva lashed out Griffiths, linking his comments to a meeting he held in the Swiss city on Wednesday with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

"Did you tweet this before or after you met with the Iranian foreign minister this morning? Did you call on him to stop funding and arming a terrorist organisation using hospitals to hide?" it said on X.

"Iran does not care about the people of Gaza. The UN needs to stop being used as pawns in Iran's desire for death and destruction."

- 'A war zone' -

Israel vowed to crush Hamas after the Palestinian militant group launched unprecedented cross-border attacks that Israel says left 1,200 people dead with another 239 taken hostage.

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says Israel's ensuing air and ground offensive has killed 11,320 people, mostly civilians, including thousands of children.

Al-Shifa is a key objective in Israel's campaign.

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.

Witnesses have described horrific conditions inside the hospital, 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.

Griffiths stressed in a separate video statement Wednesday 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.

- 'Extremely concerned' -

Griffiths said his UN humanitarian agency's main concern was "for the welfare of the patients of that hospital, which is, of course, in great peril at the moment".

"We have no fuel to run it. The babies have no incubators, newly born. Some are dead already. We can't move them out. It's too dangerous," he said.

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the agency had lost touch again with staff at the hospital.

"We're extremely worried for their and their patients' safety."

The International Committee of the Red Cross said it was "extremely concerned about the impact on sick and wounded people, medical staff, and civilians".

"All measures to avoid any consequences on them must be taken," the ICRC said, insisting that "patients, medical staff, and civilians must be at all times protected".
The United States did not give Israel any kind of green light for its raid on Gaza's main hospital, the White House said Wednesday, adding that such decisions were for the Israeli military

San Francisco, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Nov, 2023) The United States did not give Israel any kind of green light for its raid on Gaza's main hospital, the White House said Wednesday, adding that such decisions were for the Israeli military.

"We did not give an OK to their military operations around the hospital," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters after Hamas said President Joe Biden was "wholly responsible" for the raid.

Israeli forces pushed into Gaza City's Al-Shifa hospital in the early hours of the morning, raising fears for the safety of thousands of patients, staff and other civilians trapped inside.

Biden spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday but Kirby declined to say whether the US president had been given forewarning of the offensive.

"I won't go into detail about the conversation," he said, adding however that "there's no expectation by the United States to map it all out."

The United States had "certainly talked to them about concerns over civilians."
Press Release

November 15, 2023 CHIZ WANTS TO GIVE MORE TEETH TO MTRCB Sen. Chiz Escudero is backing the proposal to expand and strengthen the role of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), including the power to block inappropriate contents on video streaming platforms that do not fit the moral values of Filipinos. Escudero articulated his support during Tuesday's plenary debates on the 2024 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) where the MTRCB's budget was discussed. Escudero has sought clarification on the power of the MTRCB to prohibit X-rated films online from Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, sponsor of the regulatory body's spending package for next year. According to Estrada, the MTRCB could only ban subject films or movies from public showing in theaters and television under Presidential Decree 1986, which created the MTRCB, and Republic Act 9775 or the Anti-Child Pornography Act. However, Escudero said the body has no power to prohibit X-rated films from public exhibition on the internet. He also pointed out that it is not within the competence of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to ascertain that certain contents or sites should not be allowed. "The point I am driving at is that it is not within the core competence of the DICT and I think at some point in time the MTRCB should be brought into the picture either via the bill of Sen. (Robinhood) Padilla or by an amendment to the law," the Bicolano lawmaker said. Earlier, MTRCB Chairperson Lala Sotto-Antonio disclosed that with its limited jurisdiction at present, the agency can only make endorsements while it is the DICT or the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) which have the power to order a takedown of inappropriate contents. There are five proposals pending in the upper chamber, including Senate Bill No. 1940 or the MTRCB Act of 2023 authored by Padilla, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media. In his bill, Padilla stressed the need for the MTRCB to "address the changing demands of our time."
KYODO NEWS - Nov 15, 2023 - 12:59 | All, World, Japan

A Japanese man accused of defrauding an individual in his homeland over the phone from his base on the outskirts of Bangkok has been extradited to Japan where he was arrested, investigative sources said Wednesday.

The arrest of Daisuke Ogawa, 49, is the latest in a series of cases in which scammer groups were found to be targeting Japanese victims from locations in Southeast Asia.

Ogawa arrived at Tokyo's Haneda airport around 5:50 a.m. Wednesday after being released from detention in Thailand.

Ogawa is suspected of defrauding a man in his 70s in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, in September by providing false information over the phone and tricking him into sending a cash card via postal mail, according to the sources.

The prefectural police suspect that Ogawa's role in the scheme was to make phone calls.

Ogawa was one of two Japanese nationals among four individuals arrested by Thai police on Nov. 8 for their alleged role in a phone scam targeting people in Japan. The two others arrested were Taiwanese.

The four men allegedly posed as bank staff or police officers to trick individuals in Japan into transferring funds to designated bank accounts with tactics including making false claims about debts.

In a separate case, 25 Japanese nationals were arrested in Japan following extradition from Cambodia where they ran a similar phone scam operation.

Related coverage:

25 Japanese suspects deported from Cambodia arrested over phone scams

25 alleged fraudsters detained in Cambodia to be extradited to Japan

5 nabbed for shinkansen ticket fraud, damage may total 300 million yen
Hundreds of people gathered Tuesday in Washington to urge the Biden administration to extend labor protections to undocumented immigrants in the United States.

The Here to Work Day of Action march, organized by a coalition of dozens of migrant advocacy groups, called on U.S. President Joe Biden to allow immigrants living in the U.S. for years to apply for work permits.

Lydia Walther-Rodriguez, one of the march organizers, told VOA that more than 3,000 people attended the event. They visited members of Congress to ask them for support and to press Biden to give work permits to the estimated 11 million people who are here undocumented.

Walther-Rodriguez, who is a member of CASA, an immigration advocacy group, said allowing people to work and giving them temporary protection would also prevent family separation.

We are talking about security, but a security that gives the migrant movement the peace of mind to continue on a path to citizenship, she said.

Since February 2023, the Here to Work Coalition has brought together more than 300 businesses, Republican and Democratic governors, and members of Congress to urge the Biden administration to expand work permits for immigrants who have been paying taxes in the U.S. for years.

According to immigrant advocates, the president can take this action by expanding humanitarian parole, Temporary Protected Status, and Deferred Enforced Departure. All three policies allow individuals who meet specific requirements to stay in the country and work temporarily.

U.S. Congressman Jesus Chuy Garcia, a Democrat from Illinois, addressed the protesters and supported their appeals, saying Biden must deliver for immigrants and that We must all be heard.

In a written statement after the march, Garcia added: Whether you arrived days ago or decades ago, immigrants deserve dignity. Many of my constituents have worked and paid taxes for years, but still live without the protection and stability that comes from a work permit.

US labor shortage

In an October report, Stephanie Ferguson, director of Global Employment Policy and Special Initiatives at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, wrote that the country is facing unprecedented challenges trying to find enough workers to fill open jobs.

Right now, the latest data shows that we have 9.6 million job openings in the U.S., but only 6.4 million unemployed workers. We have a lot of jobs, but not enough workers to fill them. If every unemployed person in the country found a job, we would still have around 3 million open jobs, Ferguson wrote.

According to data from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, there are 68 workers for every 100 open jobs.

Decades in the U.S.

Catalina Bueno, a Mexican immigrant who has lived in the United States for more than 30 years, traveled from Chicago to Washington. She hopes a work permit and Temporary Protected Status could help her immigration status.

Weve made our lives here, and I think it is fair that they take us into account, which is fair to us because we have a life here ... My whole life is here and returning to Mexico is difficult for me ... We must all be heard, and the president, more than anything, must be fair to everyone," she said.

Temporary protection

The Biden administration recently announced an extension and redesignation of the program that gives temporary protection from deportation for nationals of Sudan and Ukraine. Nationals of El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal and Nicaragua also have had their protection extended.

Advocates also called for new TPS designations. Immigrant rights groups have ongoing campaigns for Mauritania and Democratic Republic of Congo.

TPS allows migrants whose home countries are considered unsafe to live and work in the United States for a period of time if they meet certain requirements established by the U.S. government.

Other forms of relief include deferred action, deferred enforced departure, or parole. Each has distinguished requirements while offering temporary relief from deportation and work authorization.

Some Republican lawmakers have pushed for legislation that would make U.S. immigration law more restrictive.

Senate Republicans released a proposal on Nov. 6 that could prohibit or limit Biden officials use of temporary protection for migrants coming to the U.S.-Mexico border and those already in the United States.

The one-page plan narrows the scope of the parole statute to clarify that it is to be used rarely and limits granting parole to one year, with up to one one-year extension or less.

Renata Castro, an immigration lawyer based in Florida, told VOA that Congress needs to act and that immigration is about economic growth.

We need an innovative economy and the only way we will be able to do that is if we have meaningful immigration reform that deals with the needs and the problems of the United States of today, not of 30 or 40 years ago, Castro said.

The immigration attorney said other countries are taking note of the immigration challenges in the United States, and they are working hard to attract the best and the brightest.

I, as a practicing immigration attorney, think that United States employers, particularly small businesses in the service industries, construction and hospitality, are really struggling because they cannot find individuals who are ready, willing and available to work.  Meaningful immigration reform could solve all of that, she added.

Humanitarian parole or temporary status or protection, such as TPS or DED, is not a pathway to permanent residency.
Australias digital spy agency has identified China as the major backer of serious hacking against Australian companies and critical infrastructure.

The Australian Signals Directorate, or ASD, Wednesday released its cyber threat report for the past year.

It stated that serious attacks on federal government agencies or critical infrastructure that led to the extensive compromise of sensitive data have increased from two to five in the past year.

The ASD report identifies China as a major conspirator, followed by Russia and Iran.

In the community, more Australians are reporting being targeted by cyber criminals. Almost 94,000 reports of cyber crime were made to law enforcement agencies by individuals and businesses across the country, a rise of 23 percent from the previous year.

The period of review includes last years high-profile breaches at Australias second-largest telecommunications company, Optus, and its biggest health insurance firm, Medibank.

The ASD is also working with port operator DP World, whose computer systems were infiltrated by unknown or unidentified hackers, causing the closure of major Australian ports over the weekend.

Richard Marles, Australias deputy prime minister and defense minister, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Wednesday that the government is boosting its efforts to deter foreign-based hackers.

From a government point of view, we are seeing state actors showing more interest in our critical infrastructure and so, you know, we are investing $10 billion (Australian) dollars over 10 years to the Australian Signals Directorate, which effectively sees a doubling in its size to bolster our cyber capacity, to bolster our cyber defenses, he said.

Marles acknowledged that while China is Australias largest trading partner, it is also a source of security anxiety for our country.

In May, Australia joined its Five Eyes intelligence sharing network, which includes the United States and Britain, in identifying China as responsible for cyber attacks on infrastructure in the U.S.

Canada and New Zealand are also part of the alliance.

So far, there has been no response from authorities in Beijing over the claims of Chinas complicity in global cyber attacks.

The ASD report also highlighted the actions of Russian criminals during the war in Ukraine as an example of state-supported cyber attacks.

It states, "Destructive malware wasused against critical infrastructure in Ukraine.
The national poll body of Bangladesh said Wednesday that parliamentary elections will be held on January 7  an announcement that sparked immediate threats of a boycott from the opposition, which fears the elections will be rigged. The announcement comes as the country is reeling from widespread violent protests calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

At least four people, among them a police officer, were killed and hundreds of others wounded in recent demonstrations across Bangladesh.

The leading opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, or BNP, whose heads are imprisoned or banned from the country, have called on supporters to reject the results of the next election if Hasina does not step down to make way for an interim government.

The BNP previously boycotted the 2014 election.

Hasina has squarely rejected demands for her resignation. Naming a date for parliamentary elections will only add to the unrest, Abdul Moyeen Khan, a former BNP minister, told Reuters.

Hasina, the worlds longest-serving active female head of state, is now eyeing a fourth straight five-year term. She has drawn scorn from pro-democracy activist groups at home and abroad as her administration cracks down on dissent, arresting thousands of protesters.

Hasinas main challenger, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia of the BNP, is under house arrest for what she claims are spurious charges of corruption. Her son Tarique Rahman, who serves as BNPs chairman, fled the country after prosecutors accused him of crimes he says he never committed.

Hasina, who came into power in 2009, has been criticized roundly by the West. The United States, the top importer of Bangladeshi textiles, said last spring that it would restrict the visas of those hampering free and fair elections in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called for steps to be taken against an official in her party who threatened to physically assault Peter Haas, the U.S. ambassador to Bangladesh. The official justified his words by claiming that Haas was working in the interest of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, or BNP, ahead of elections scheduled for early January.

While it was not disclosed exactly what action has been ordered, Bangladeshs junior foreign affairs minister, Shahriar Alam, confirmed in front of local reporters in Dhaka on Friday that the prime minister has directed action against the official.

In a video clip that went viral on social media last week, Mujibul Haque Chowdhury, chairman of a unit of Hasinas Awami League in a Chittagong subdivision, was seen hurling threats and insults at the American ambassador at a political meeting on November 6.

Peter Haas said he wants to see a free and fair election here. I say, Peter Haas, you are as knowledgeable as a newborn, while we are the actual grown-ups, Chowdhury said in the video. You have no idea what we are capable of. You will know just how dangerous we are once we bash you up.

Chowdhury added: To the BNP members, you are a god, a savior. But we are not scared of you. You cannot harm us in any way.

As the video spread on social media, Hasina directed her party colleagues to discipline Choudhury at an AL Central Committee meeting Thursday.

Obaidul Quader, the general secretary of her party, acknowledged afterward that Chowdhurys comments about the ambassador were abusive.

Peter Haas, as an ambassador, is a respectable person. Mujibul Haque Chowdhurys comment, as it surfaced in the media, is rude and indecent. We will take disciplinary action against him for his misconduct, Quader said in a press briefing.

US seeking free and fair election

The 2014 general elections in Bangladesh were boycotted by the BNP. The next general elections, in 2018, were marred by allegations of massive vote stuffing by the AL.

Since 2022, the United States and other countries have been urging the Hasina government to hold the next general election, set for January 7, in a free and fair manner.

SEE ALSO: Bangladesh Announces Parliamentary Elections, Angering Opposition In September, the U.S. government announced that it had started taking steps to impose visa restrictions on Bangladeshi individuals who are found complicit in undermining the democratic electoral process in Bangladesh.

During a visit to the U.S. in September, Hasina said at a New York press conference that every time her party has come to power, it was through a fair democratic process. We indeed want the next general elections to be free and fair, she said.

However, the BNP, the largest opposition party in Bangladesh, insists that the general election will not be free and fair if it is held under the Hasina government, and has said it will not participate unless a nonpartisan caretaker government is installed for the election period.

In recent weeks, Haas has met several Bangladeshi government officials, ruling party leaders and the election commissioners. He reportedly conveyed a message from the U.S. government that it seriously wants the next general election in Bangladesh to be free and fair.

Over the past weeks, several leaders of the AL and its various wings and allies have expressed irritation, directly and indirectly alleging that Haas is working in support of the BNP.

How will Peter Hass help you [the BNP]? Will he impose visa restrictions, sanctions? We have already had talks with his superiors in the U.S. Everything has been settled, and we are going to hold the elections following our plan, Quader, the party general secretary, said last month.

We will not allow you to carry out violent activities and disrupt elections by using Peter Haas, Quader said.

Calls for ambassador to be replaced

Last week, Hasanul Haq Inu, a former minister and political ally of the AL, called for the removal of Haas from Bangladesh.

U.S. President Joe Bidens representative Peter Haas, who is the newly appointed adviser of BNP, is acting in support of the BNP by supporting the killing of a policeman, Inu said in a speech. He was referring to the death of a policeman during an outbreak of violence at a BNP rally in Dhaka on October 28.

Peter Haas is the supporter of the BNP, the killer of the policeman. He does not deserve to continue as the ambassador of the friendly nation of America, Inu said.

I call on the Bangladesh government to declare Peter Haas persona non grata, for indulging in undiplomatic activities, interfering in Bangladeshs internal politics and supporting the dastardly killing of a policeman. The government should tell its U.S. counterpart to replace him with a new ambassador immediately.

Haas has denied any U.S. interest in who wins the election. I want to make one thing very clear, he said in September. That the U.S. does not support any political party. What we do want is a free and fair election in accordance with international standards so that people of Bangladesh can freely choose their own government.

Attack on ambassador deeply disturbing

Ali Riaz, professor of political science at Illinois State University, said that while any individual has the right to criticize the policies of any government, a personal attack on the envoy of that country is deeply disturbing.

The ruling party leaders and activists are angry with the U.S. because they see the current U.S. policy towards Bangladesh as an obstacle to holding an election according to their plan. Their anger is both spontaneous and orchestrated, Riaz told VOA.

Those who are beneficiaries of the present system are spontaneously angry in fear of losing these benefits, he said. Others are motivated by [suspicions] that the U.S. has a regime change agenda. They think that the U.S. is out to get its leaders and trying to depose the Hasina government.

Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman of the Capital Punishment Justice Project, who has been documenting human rights abuses in Bangladesh for over a decade, said that Haas has become a target of the regime for being the most prominent foreign diplomat supporting peoples aspirations for democratization and human rights in Bangladesh.

He noted that former U.S. Ambassador Marcia Bernicat escaped an attack in Dhaka a few months ahead of the 2018 general elections. Police subsequently identified many of the assailants as leaders and activists of the AL and its student wing, Chhatra League.

SEE ALSO: Vehicle Carrying US Ambassador to Bangladesh Attacked in Dhaka On Friday, the U.S. State Department told VOA it has raised Chowdhurys remarks at the highest levels of the Bangladesh government in Dhaka as well as with the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington.

The safety and security of our diplomatic personnel and facilities are of the utmost importance. While we dont comment on specific information regarding our security posture, the Diplomatic Security Service has a robust security program at each post tailored to each missions specific needs, a State Department spokesperson wrote in an exchange of emails.
U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed Chinese leader Xi Jinping to California where the two are meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

Biden and Xi shook hands outside of the Filoli estate, about 48 kilometers (30 miles) south of San Francisco, before heading inside where they exchanged remarks. The press was then ushered out of the room so the closed-door meeting between the leaders could continue.

Biden, who spoke first, said tension should "not veer into conflict," to which Xi responded that for the two nations, "turning their back on each other is not an option."

As the first meeting in a year between the two leaders, it is hoped that it will help ease ongoing tensions between the two powers over military conflicts, drug-trafficking and artificial intelligence.

Officials on both sides have set low expectations for anything major to be resolved. The two will be discussing Taiwan, the South China Sea, the Israel-Hamas war, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, North Korea and human rights  all topics in which the two nations have had staunch disagreements.

Also high on the agenda is restoring normal communication channels between the militaries of the world's two largest economies. China severed those contacts in August 2022, when then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, the self-ruled island Beijing considers part of the mainland.

Relations between Beijing and Washington worsened in February after President Biden ordered a Chinese spy balloon that had drifted over the United States be shot down.

Several high-ranking Biden administration officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, have visited Beijing in recent months to ease the tensions.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told VOA Tuesday that Biden is looking forward to his meeting with Xi, which comes after "many, many ups and downs in our relationship."

"He believes that as two leaders running two countries, that literally the bilateral relationship is one of the most consequential in the world, that we've got to get it onto a more responsible footing than it is or has been to date," Kirby said.

Kirby said Biden is heading into his meeting with Xi "from a strong position" with the U.S. economy at the strongest point now "than it's been in many, many decades."

The Biden-Xi summit comes just weeks before Taiwan's presidential election in January. Voter opinion polls show Vice President William Lai, the standard bearer of the ruling pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, is leading Hou Yu-ih, the former mayor of New Taipei City and candidate of the Kuomintang Party, which favors closer ties with mainland China.

Kirby would not reveal specifics of what Biden and Xi would discuss in regard to China, but said, "it is not uncommon" for Chinese actors "to behave irresponsibly when it comes to election interference in the region and beyond."

"We believe that a real strength of democracy is free and fair elections that are unimpeded and uninterrupted and not impaired by foreign interference," he said.

White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report. Some information came from The Associated Press, Reuters, Agence France-Presse.
The debate over U.S. humanitarian aid to Myanmar will remain unresolved until at least early next year, as U.S. lawmakers once again this week delayed passage of a final budget for 2024.

U.S. lawmakers are expected to pass a short-term continuing resolution that will fund the government at current levels through early next year that includes the BURMA Act, passed as part of the 2023 National Defense Authorization or NDAA.

But the 2024 version of the budget will require the Senate and the House to reconcile differing visions of how to proceed with aid to Myanmar, also known as Burma.

The version of the 2024 budget produced by the Democratic-majority U.S. Senate would appropriate more money to funding humanitarian assistance and democracy promotion programs in Myanmar.

But activists have expressed concern about the delay and the version of the budget passed by the Republican-majority House of Representatives that would defund some programs.

We are urging that Congress appropriate sufficient money to implement the BURMA Act while continuing essential assistance in the face of ongoing political and humanitarian crisis in Burma, the Campaign for a New Myanmar said in a statement.

In its annual 2024 fiscal year markup of the State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs budget, released in July of this year, U.S. House lawmakers recommended $50 million to implement the current BURMA Act while also recommending a reduction of $1.4 billion for the U.S. Agency for International Development or USAIDs development assistance.

In July 2023, Myanmars National Unity Government, a shadow administration run from hiding and exile vying to oust the junta, and a trio of allied ethnic minority rebel armies, told VOA they had asked the U.S. Congress for $525 million in aid, including $200 million in nonlethal humanitarian aid. That number would be four times the $136 million previously appropriated by Congress.

Current Myanmar funding

The Burma Unification through Rigorous Military Accountability or BURMA Act was a response to the February 1, 2021, coup in which Myanmar's democratically elected government was deposed by the military.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell  a leading voice in the U.S. Congress supporting democracy in Myanmar  marked the second anniversary of the coup on the Senate floor by praising the BURMA Act.

It made sanctions on senior junta officials mandatory, McConnell said in February 2023, Finally, the NDAA also notably authorized funding for programs to strengthen federalism in and among ethnic states in Burma, and for technical support and non-lethal assistance to Burmas ethnic armed organizations and Peoples Defense Forces to strengthen communication, command and control, and coordination of international relief and other operations between these entities.

According to the Stimson Center, a non-partisan think tank, it remains unclear if any new programs were created since December 2022. At this point, the U.S. continues to promote humanitarian aid as its unchanged policy towards Myanmar.

The United States has provided nearly $2.1 billion since the militarys genocide and crimes against humanity towards the Rohingya that led 740,000 Rohingya to flee to neighboring Bangladesh in 2017, Michael Schiffer, assistant administrator of the Bureau for Asia at the U.S. Agency for International Development, told House lawmakers in September 2023.

Late last month, the U.S. Treasury Department announced that starting in December, it will prohibit Americans from providing financial services to or for Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise. The Treasury Department also sanctioned three new entities and five individuals connected to Myanmars military regime.

Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the author of the BURMA Act, praised the move in a statement.

These sanctions will disrupt the juntas access to the U.S. financial system and curtail its ability to commit further human rights violations. The United States and our partners must utilize all diplomatic and economic tools at our disposal to compel the junta to cease its atrocities, release unjustly detained individuals, facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access, and chart a pathway back toward democracy, Meeks said.

Zsombor Peter contributed to this report.
For three decades, the West and the international community saw the idea of two states  one Israeli, one Palestinian  as the basis for peace in the Middle East. Even after Hamas' October 7 massacre and Israel's overwhelming counter-offensive, many believe it remains the only path forward.

More than 1,200 people were killed and 242 abducted in the attack on Israel by Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. Israel's military response has claimed more than 11,000 lives, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.

Yet political scientist Uriel Abulof of Tel Aviv University believes the massive loss of life on both sides has not made peace impossible.

"A two-state solution is still possible, perhaps more than before, because there is a potential for both sides to understand that this is not a conflict between the majority of Israelis and Palestinians, [both of whom] want to live in coexistence, without radical leaders," he said.

"On one side you have Hamas, which you have to deal with militarily, and on the other side are Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition, which need to be dealt with politically," he told VOA. "If this happens  and I put a big question mark there  there are better chances for a solution."

Hussein Ibish of the Washington-based Arab Gulf States Institute also believes that a permanent solution to the decades-long conflict is possible only with a two-state model.

"Maybe it will have to be done in stages, but with two states as a common goal that is explicitly outlined from the beginning," said Ibish, who believes even that initial step has specific prerequisites.

"Israel must finally and formally accept the Palestinian right to a state and the need for it. The construction and establishment of settlements must stop completely," he said.

Conversely, Ibish told VOA, Palestinians need to condemn the Hamas attacks of October 7 and vow cessation of hostilities, while the Palestinian Authority must be politically strengthened.

Actionable plan or fig leaf?

Other experts are skeptical. Omer Bartov, a professor of Holocaust and genocide studies at Brown University, describes the two-state plan as a proverbial fig leaf.

"People talk about a two-state solution because they have to talk about something, and that's the only plan currently on the table," he told VOA. "Only Palestinians would live in a Palestinian state, and only Jews would live in Israel."

Bartov believes the two-state plan is unrealistic because it would make for an economically weak Palestine that is dependent on Israel, and "because there are between half-a-million and 750,000 Jewish settlers in the West Bank, and their removal from the territory would mean civil war."

He notes there are also 2 million Palestinians who already live in Israel.

Israel captured the West Bank, along with East Jerusalem, from Jordan in the Six-Day War of 1967. It took Gaza from Egypt in the same war but withdrew from the territory in 2005.

"There is another option, and it was talked about before this happened," said Bartov. "It is not something that can happen quickly, but the possibility should be considered. And that is a kind of confederation of Israeli and Palestinian states, within the borders of 1967."

A single confederated state, he said, would enable the return of Palestinian refugees whose ancestors left certain territories in 1948, and "Jerusalem could be the common capital."

"There would be a difference between citizenship and residence," said Bartov. "Jewish settlers could continue to live in the Palestinian state but behave according to its regulations. And the Palestinians could return from exile and live, for example, in Haifa."

The single-state solution "currently seems like madness" given the current hostilities, he said, adding that continuing violence leads only to "the erosion of democracy in Israeli society" along with the surfacing of "authoritarian" and even "racist elements."

US role seen as crucial

Ibish of the Arab Gulf States Institute says U.S. involvement would be crucial to any permanent solution to the conflict.

"The U.S. is the only foreign power that has the influence and power to be the guarantor of [a two-state] peace agreement," he said. "Unfortunately, the U.S. domestic political scene undermines its role in this regard because it is politically too expensive to put serious pressure on Israel."

Abulof of Tel Aviv University says President Joe Biden must take the lead and use the "stick and carrot" principle for both sides.

"He can tell Israel that he will fully support them and give them security guarantees, and take care of Iran and Hezbollah," said Abulof, adding that Biden would then need to promise U.S.-financed "democratization to the Palestinians."

If Israel doesn't agree to this plan, he says, the U.S. could threaten not to use its veto power in the U.N. Security Council to stop anti-Israeli resolutions.

Bartov of Brown University agrees that no plan can be implemented without the U.S. support on which Israel depends politically and militarily.

Without it, he suggested, the nightmare of endless warfare only continues.

"It's kind of a dream for both Jews and Palestinians  many hope that they'll just wake up one morning and find that the other side is gone," he said.

"But no one leaves. Everyone is there, making life miserable for each other and living in fear. They really don't feel there is hope. That's why the perspective must be changed  how to make these two groups of people live side by side, not apart."
Global Youth Taizhou Tour invites global youth in China to visit Taizhou and get a deeper understanding of the Hehe culture. This will help promote mutual friendship between the Chinese people and people around the world and boost common growth.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Climate activist Greta Thunberg pleaded not guilty to a public order offence charge in a British court on Wednesday, following her arrest last month at a protest in London.

The 20-year-old was detained by police on Oct. 17 after she and dozens of demonstrators locked arms to obstruct the entrances to a hotel where an oil and gas conference was taking place.

Thunberg has become famous as the face of climate activism since she started staging weekly protests in Sweden in 2018, and she now travels around the world addressing crowds at marches and protests.

She was charged by London police on Oct. 18 and released on bail. If found guilty she could face a fine of up to a maximum of $3,069.

Before her arrest in Britain, she has this year been detained by police or removed from protests in Sweden, Norway and Germany.
A number of college campuses across the United States have been dealing with allegations of hazing in 2023, often involving athletic programs at schools.

CNN describes what hazing is, how it gained a foothold on campuses and how colleges are fighting it. (September 2023)
Millions of X users recently engaged with posts designed to implicate Israel in committing a Holocaust in Gaza. The trend was boosted by the platforms anti-Israeli influencers, who used the same photograph with slightly different descriptions. The image showed a woman carrying a toy car down the staircase of a destroyed building.

Among the boosters was Maram Susli, or Syrian Girl, a blue-checked X user with more than 200,000 followers, claiming on November 10:

Wading through rubble to get all that is left to remind her of her child. #GazaHolocaust.

Another blue-checked X-er Jackson Hinkle with two million followers, wrote:

You CANNOT BREAK the Palestinian spirit.

Those descriptions are false as they are unrelated to the image.

The photograph was taken by Hassan Ghaedi, an Iranian-born freelance photographer in the city of Homs, the rebels stronghold during the Syrian Civil War.

In 2020, the Siena International Photo Awards recognized his photograph as remarkable artwork.

It showed a mother returning to the city, large swaths of which were destroyed during the years-long siege by government forces, starting in 2011. Although hostilities in Homs ended by 2017, when the Syrian government said it had regained full control of the city, many buildings there remain in ruins.

On November 13, X users added a community note to Sulsis post clarifying where the image came from, and she deleted her post.

Sulsi, who was born in Damascus, Syria, but immigrated to Australia as a child, developed a public profile in 2012 for defending the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

She focused on spreading disinformation and conspiracy theories about the United States, Israel and allies while whitewashing the actions of the Assad regime and Russia during the Syrian war.

Through her YouTube channel and social media accounts, Sulsi has been peddling serial accusations against the United States and its intelligence agencies, including orchestration of the uprising against Assad, and funding for al-Qaida and the Islamic State (ISIS). She called 9/11 a U.S. government false flag attack, speculated that Ebola could be a U.S. biological weapon, spread Illuminati conspiracy theories, called the Black Live Matter protests a color revolution, and labeled Israel the Jewish version of ISIS.

Sulsi is a contributing commentator to Russia-state-owned outlets RT and Sputnik, and Irans state-run Press TV.

Prior to Elon Musks acquisition of Twitter, the social media platform had limited Suslis account features in July 2021, apparently for a tweet which stated, in part: Theres a genocide against Palestinians. But theres no Ugyhur [sic] genocide.

In 2018, British government analysts incorrectly identified Susli as a Russian bot. Susli reportedly posted an average of 200 tweets a day in just two weeks following the 2018 poisoning of ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury, England. Her posts, mirroring the Kremlins denials of involvement in the poisoning, reached some 62 million users at the time, the UK investigation said.

Like Sulsi, Hinkle is a contributor to Russian government-owned RT, which identifies him as a political analyst.

X users added a community note to Hinkles post some two days later, by which point it had already received more than 1.1 million views. Hinkle has not deleted the original post, or offered a correction.

Banned for spreading disinformation by YouTube, Hinkle has become one of the most prolific spreaders of disinformation about the Israel-Hamas conflict on X.

With approximately 100,000 followers at the start of the year, Hinkle saw his follower base balloon to 2 million a little over a month into the conflict, Rolling Stone reported.

Hinkle previously focused on spreading pro-Russia, anti-Ukraine disinformation.

Last month, he claimed to be the most viral X account worldwide, surpassing even Elon Musk.

Hinkles hit posts include suggestions the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel was a false flag operation, using footage of U.S.-led coalition forces white phosphorous attack against ISIS in Syria to falsely accuse Israeli forces of using white phosphorous near a hospital in Gaza, and falsely claiming that thousands of U.S. Marines had landed in Gaza.
Over a month into the Israel-Hamas war, the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry said the death toll from Israeli attacks surpassed 11,000 people by November 13.

Israel disputes the death toll, accusing Hamas of exaggeration and using civilians as a shield and firing at Israeli troops stationed to secure the route for civilian evacuation

But the United Nations International Childrens Emergency Found or UNICEF said last week the death toll from Israeli airstrikes in Gaza is likely accurate.

And the United States has been seeking to minimize civilian casualties in Gaza, pushing Israel to reduce the number of airstrikes and avoid striking targets with potential civilian presence, a top U.S. State Department official told Reuters on November 6.

Israel launched air and ground operation aimed at eliminating Hamas fighters in Gaza after the October 7 Hamas attack that killed at least 1,200 Israelis and foreigners, mostly civilians, with another 240 taken hostage.

Since then, the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry remains the main source of information about the casualties and the overall situation in Gaza.

Last week, the Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh told the Paris Conference on the humanitarian situation in Gaza that the Israeli army had killed more civilians in Gaza in just one month, than all those who died in Ukraine in 17 months:

"How many Palestinians are to die for this war to end? Are six children and four women dying every hour enough? Are 10,000 dead in 30 days enough? That's more than those who died over 530 days in Ukraine."

This comparison is misleading.

The U.N. had verified at least 9,701 civilian deaths in Ukraine by September. Kyiv maintains the numbers are ten-fold higher. The 11,000 deaths in Gaza are not independently verified. Palestinian figures do not differentiate between combatant and civilian casualties.

The debate around the death toll in Gaza also raises a question of journalistic integrity and trust, as major news media use the information provided by Hamas, often emphasizing it in emotive headlines. In comparison, the same news media almost never use the data provided by the Ukrainian government, relying instead on the independently verified information from the international watch dogs and agencies.

Among those skeptical about Hamas-provided information is U.S. President Joe Biden. Speaking at the White House press conference on October 25, Biden said he has "no confidence in the number that the Palestinians are using" for the death toll in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip.

Despite the UNICEF assurances, the Gaza Health Ministrys information is not always accurate. There have been instances when the ministry provided false or misleading information.

For example, on October 17, the Health Ministry of Gaza accused Israel of striking the Ahli Arab Hospital hospital and killing at least 500 people.

Both those claims turned out to be false.

Israeli and U.S. intelligence reported that the blast at a Gaza hospital was caused by a Palestinian rocket that suffered engine failure and broke apart into two pieces, with the warhead striking the hospitals parking lot."

Per U.S. intelligence estimate, the death toll ranges from 100 to 300, while European intelligence agencies said the figure was at most 50.

Hamas was designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and other countries.

In 2006, Hamas won elections to the Palestinian Legislative Council, receiving a majority of votes there, and in 2007, it violently seized control of the Gaza Strip, bringing the territory completely under its control.

Regardless of whether the Gaza Health Ministry death toll is accurate or not, Shtayyehs comparison with Ukraine is misleading. While speaking of 503 days in Ukraine, the prime minister ignored key figures of total losses on both sides of the Ukraine-Russia war.

The U.S. intelligence agencies estimated in August that the combined Ukrainian and Russian losses of killed and injured troops had reached more than half a million.

When it comes to civilian losses, the situation is even more complicated as many Ukrainian towns and cities remain under Russian occupation making them inaccessible for the Ukrainian authority to collect and identify the bodies, and for the United Nations and other international watchdogs to verify the death toll.

One example is the city of Mariupol with a pre-war population of 450,000 people. The city was razed to the ground by Russian bombing and depopulated.

Over the last two years, satellite imagery identified multiple mass graves around and in Mariupol, including one that is estimated to have at least 9,000 bodies.

The U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said it has recorded 27,449 civilian casualties in the country: 9,701 killed and 17,748 injured, between February 24, 2022, and September 24, 2023.

[T]he actual figures are considerably higher, as the receipt of information from some locations where intense hostilities have been going on has been delayed and many reports are still pending corroboration," the report said.

The head of the war crimes department in Ukraines prosecutor generals office Yuriy Belousov says the number of civilian victims of Russian aggression is 10 times higher than the U.N. data.

The number of dead citizens throughout Ukraine, whose bodies will need to be found and identified in the occupied territories, could reach 100,000, Belousov said in an interview with The Independent.

Of the 10,000 bodies found by Ukrainian authorities in the liberated cities and towns, 3,500 are still unidentified, another 21,500 civilians are considered missing.

Some foreign intelligence agencies and watchdogs concur with the Ukrainian government estimates. Norwegian Chief of Defense Eirik Kristoffersen, in an interview with TV2, a Danish government-owned broadcast, said that Ukrainian military losses are probably over 100,000 dead or wounded. In addition, Ukraine has about 30,000 civilians who died in this terrible war."
Iranian law enforcement on Wednesday freed Nasrin Sotoudeh, an internationally recognized human rights lawyer who was imprisoned for more than two weeks, her husband said.

Sotoudeh, 60, was arrested October 29 while attending the funeral of Armita Garawand, who activists say was beaten to death by Tehran's morality police.

"Nasrin was released from prison a few hours ago after posting bail," her husband Reza Khandan said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, which included a picture with his wife who was noticeably without a headscarf, which is mandatory for women living in the Islamic republic.

Sotoudeh has served time for her activism in the past, including a sentence in 2018 for 38 years and 148 lashes. She was released two years into her term.

Sotoudeh has reached celebrity status at home and abroad, with a cameo in Jafar Panahi's 2015 feature film, "Taxi," and a 2020 documentary, "Nasrin," about her struggle for gender equality in Iran.

Garawand's death echoes Mahsa Amini's, whose alleged killing invigorated a feminist movement in Iran. Both women died while in custody of Iran's morality police. Authorities in the Islamic republic have cracked down on dissidents who refuse to comply with Iran's strict dress code for women while also trying to quell public backlash.

In both cases, the morality police blamed the deaths on unrelated medical conditions.

Narges Mohammadi, a fellow women's rights activist, was awarded with this year's Nobel Peace Prize while jailed in Iran. She is serving multiple sentences in Evin prison, on charges including spreading propaganda against the state. Her family says that she has been deprived of medical treatment because she refuses to wear a veil, even to a hospital.

Some information for this report came from Agence France-Presse.
Families of the hostages held by Hamas are marching from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem to demand the Israeli government do more to free their loved ones. Supporters of Israel rallied by the tens of thousands on Washington's National Mall.
The United Nations' nuclear watchdog said Wednesday that Iran's decision to withdraw the accreditation of several inspectors was "extreme and unjustified" and "directly and seriously affected" the agency's work.

"Iran's stance is not only unprecedented, but unambiguously contrary to the cooperation that is required," the International Atomic Energy Agency said in a confidential report seen by AFP.

In September, Iran withdrew the accreditation of several inspectors, a move Tehran described as retaliation for "political abuses" by the United States, France, Germany and Britain.

The IAEA has condemned the move, which targets eight top inspectors, with French and German nationals among them, according to a diplomatic source.

In the report, the IAEA said it received a letter from Iran on Wednesday, reiterating its position "that it was within its rights" to withdraw the accreditation but was "exploring possibilities to address the request" of the agency to re-instate it.

IAEA head Rafael Grossi expressed "his hope that this matter will be resolved promptly."

In a separate confidential report seen by AFP, the IAEA said that Iran's estimated stockpile of enriched uranium had reached more than 22 times the limit set out in the 2015 accord between Tehran and world powers.

Iran's total enriched uranium stockpile was estimated at 4,486.8 kilograms as of October 28, up by 693.1 kilograms from August, the report said. The limit in the 2015 deal was set at 202.8 kilograms.

In 2015, major world powers reached a deal with Iran, aimed at curbing Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions.

That started to unravel in 2018 when then U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from it and reimposed sanctions, and Iran retaliated by stepping up its nuclear activities.

So far, EU-mediated efforts to revive the deal have been fruitless.
Israeli soldiers raided Shifa Hospital in Gaza early Wednesday, looking for Hamas militants after giving Health Ministry officials a few minutes warning.

"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 Israel Defense Forces said in a statement. It urged all Hamas fighters to surrender. The IDF said its forces consisted of 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." The military also said it has delivered incubators, baby food and medical supplies to the embattled hospital.

After searching the medical complex, Israel said it found weapons, intelligence material and communications gear belonging to Hamas. The Hamas-run Health Ministry said the Israeli military did not find any weapons. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement, "There is no place in Gaza that we cannot reach. There are no hideouts. There is no shelter or refuge for the Hamas murderers."

"We will reach and eliminate Hamas, and we will bring back our hostages, the Israeli leader said. These are two sacred missions."

Munir al-Boursh, a senior official with Gaza's Health Ministry, said Israeli forces ransacked the basement and other buildings at Shifa, including those housing the emergency and surgery departments.

"They are still here," he said by phone from inside the hospital, hours after the raid began. "Patients, women and children are terrified."

It was not possible to independently assess the situation inside.

Earlier, the United States backed up Israels claims that Hamas  a U.S.-designated terror group  is using hospitals as cover for its fighters. Israel says Shifa specifically had a command center underneath it.

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.

Hamas and the hospital deny the allegations.

The militant group said in a statement that the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden essentially gave the IDF a green light to carry out the raid and said Biden would be fully responsible for the operations results.

The White House rejected Hamas claim. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters, "We did not give an OK to their military operations around the hospital."

Hamas said about 650 patients and 5,000 to 7,000 Palestinian civilians have taken shelter on the hospital grounds. After the hospital raid, Biden spoke with Netanyahu about the latest developments in the war. The White House said they discussed at length ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages, including nine Americans and a foreign national with U.S. employment rights.

Biden said Tuesday he believes hostages being held by Hamas militants in Gaza are going to be released but gave no timetable. He sent a message to the estimated 240 hostages being held: Hang in there. We are coming.

Calls for cease-fire

World Health Organization head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the Israeli raid on the Shifa Hospital was "totally unacceptable."

"Hospitals are not battlegrounds," he said Wednesday.

United Nations humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths issued a statement saying, As the carnage in Gaza reaches new levels of horror every day, the world continues to watch in shock as hospitals come under fire, premature babies die, and an entire population is deprived of the basic means of survival. This cannot be allowed to continue.

He urged the warring parties to respect international humanitarian law, agree to a humanitarian cease-fire and stop the fighting.

Hospital must be protected

On Tuesday, 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. Kirby told reporters that Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants operated a command-and-control node from Shifa and use tunnels underneath to support their military operations and hold hostages. He said the militants have stored weapons there and were 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, Kirby said, adding that Hamas actions "do not lessen Israel's responsibilities to protect civilians in Gaza."

Death toll

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 October 7 attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people. About 240 people were kidnapped and are currently being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. 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 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.

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. It has, however, agreed to four-hour daily humanitarian pauses to allow the opening of two corridors to let Palestinians evacuate northern Gaza.

The NSCs Kirby said Tuesday that in the past 24 hours, around 115 more trucks carrying humanitarian aid were able to enter Gaza, bringing the total to 1,100.
U.S. lawmakers are urging President Joe Biden to prioritize the release of U.S. citizens deemed wrongfully detained by China when he meets Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday in San Francisco.

The U.S. State Department says Texas businessman Mark Swidan, Chinese American businessman Kai Li from Long Island, New York, and California pastor David Lin are wrongfully detained by China.

Republican Representative Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has repeatedly spoken out for Mark Swidan. McCaul urged Biden to put the release of Americans wrongfully detained by China high on the agenda for his meeting with Xi.

McCaul said in a statement sent to VOA Mandarin, "The Biden administration must stop making any concessions based on false promises and hold the [Chinese Communist Party] accountable for its gross human rights violations."

In a letter to the White House on Nov. 8, Republican Representative Mike Gallagher, chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, along with 12 Republican members of the committee, asked that Biden raise 10 issues with Xi, one of which is to release all American citizens the U.S. government has determined to be wrongfully detained in China.

Democratic Senator Ben Cardin, chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, also wrote to Biden, according to Reuters.

"With the holiday season approaching, and the opportunity to start the New Year on a more positive note in bilateral U.S.-China relationships, I implore you to secure commitments from President Xi to release these Americans immediately," Cardin wrote.

According to Reuters, a State Department spokesperson has noted that it continually raises wrongfully detained U.S. nationals during engagements with senior Chinese officials.

China says such cases are handled according to law.

Swidan, a Texas businessman, was arrested on drug-related charges in Guangdong Province in 2012 on his first trip to China.

In 2013, the Jiangmen Intermediate People's Court in southern Guangdong convicted him of manufacturing and trafficking drugs.

In 2019, it handed down a death sentence with a two-year suspension. Under Chinese law, this means the sentence can be commuted to life imprisonment after two years, depending on the convict's behavior.

This year, his appeal was denied, and the original sentence was upheld.

The U.S. Embassy in China said in a statement, "We are disappointed by this decision and will continue to press for his immediate release and return to the United States."

The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention of the United Nations Human Rights Council also characterized Swidan's detention as illegal and called on Chinese authorities to immediately release him and provide compensation.

"It is 11 years this month since Mark was detained," Swidan's mother, Katherine Flint Swidan, 73, told VOA Mandarin. She said Biden must bring up those wrongfully detained in China when he meets Xi because "they are pawns."

She told VOA Mandarin that the Chinese government has denied visitation requests from the U.S. consulate since September, and Beijing was transferring her son to Dongguan Prison, near the border with Hong Kong.

She last heard her son's voice during a call in 2018 and since then has communicated by letter.

In one, Swidan described dislocated knees, fluid accumulation in his legs and constant bleeding in his mouth.

She said Nicholas Burns, the U.S. ambassador to China, told her in August after visiting Swidan that he was in poor health and had suicidal tendencies.

Katherine Swidan lives in a small apartment in Luling, Texas, about 76 kilometers south of Austin. She needs a walker and relies on Social Security benefits to make ends meet.

She worries she may never see her son again and that he may never leave China safely.



Katherine Swidan said she spoke to Burns over the weekend, according to Reuters. She described the conversation as "disappointing" because the ambassador would not say whether Biden would raise her son's name with Xi.

The U.S. Embassy in China has not provided updated information to VOA's inquiries.

Kai Li's son, Harrison Li, sent a letter to Biden last week, saying, "I'm following up now on my letters to you dated April 8, 2022, and June 15, 2022, to urge you to earn my father's release in advance of your anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco later this month."

Harrison Li told VOA Mandarin, "The detainee issue is the type of small but important thorn in the bilateral relationship that can and should actually be resolved through dialogue. Our government has an obligation to take advantage of the current apparent warming in U.S.-China relations to move progress forward on these longstanding detainee cases."

Chinese authorities arrested Kai Li at the Shanghai airport in 2016. Two years later, he was convicted of espionage charges, which he denies, and sentenced to 10 years in Shanghai's Qingpu Prison, where many foreigners are incarcerated.

A former fellow prisoner, released from the institution housing Kai Li, told VOA Mandarin in September that Kai Li was sometimes called on by prison staff to help them communicate with foreign prisoners who spoke English.

The former prisoner asked not to be identified because he is afraid of retaliation by Chinese authorities.

He said Kai Li translated when prisoners were taken to the hospital and also managed the prison library. He added that Kai Li also often spoke of his son Harrison and was proud of Harrison for constantly speaking up about his case.

David Lin, a pastor from Orange County, California, was arrested in 2006, then convicted and sentenced to life on what the U.S. government says were bogus charges of contract fraud. A year ago, before the Biden-Xi meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, Chinese authorities reduced Lin's sentence to 24 years, meaning he will be 75 when freed in 2030.

According to ChinaAid, Lin was detained in 2006 for helping a house church to build a church building, something that is illegal in China.

"Subsequently, authorities restricted him from leaving the country. He was arrested in 2009 on suspicion of 'contract fraud.'"

Lin was sentenced to life in prison on the charge later that year.

Peter Humphrey, a British journalist turned consultant, was detained with his wife in 2013. They were found guilty of illegally obtaining information on Chinese citizens. Humphrey was sentenced to two and a half years in prison.

His wife was sentenced to two years. Both were released early in June 2015 for health reasons.

He now helps foreigners imprisoned by the Chinese government and campaigns for their release.

He believes there are more than three Americans wrongfully incarcerated by China.

Humphrey told VOA Mandarin, "The ordeals of the many Americans held in Xi's jails should be high on the agenda for Biden's meeting with Xi if Biden cares at all about wrongfully incarcerated American citizens. That means all American prisoners and not just a tiny select handful."

"Not a single one of them has had a fair and transparent trial in front of an impartial judge because the Chinese legal and judicial system does not provide any such thing," he said.

He suggested Biden hand over a list of all American citizens incarcerated in China, demand a mass prison transfer swap agreement to bring them home to an American facility, and then review their cases, none of which "would survive the scrutiny of an American court."

Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report.


In Malawi, rights activists and leaders from various religious groups organized a march Wednesday to call for an immediate cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Some of the hundreds of people who participated in the street march carried placards and banners condemning the conflict in Gaza and appealed for peace to return to the enclave.

This is the first time religious leaders in Malawi have marched against a conflict so far  nearly 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles)  from home.

Shaibu Abdurrahman Ajasi, chairperson of the Forum for Democracy and Rights Defenders, which organized the march, said Malawi had a duty to join the people in countries around the world who are speaking out against the conflict.

Enough is enough, and we, too, should stand up and speak against what is happening in Gaza, Ajasi said.

Their concern, he said, is the killing of innocent people.

The Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza has reported that 11,000 people  about 40% of them children  have been killed since Israel launched a major air and ground offensive in response to the October 7 attack by Hamas on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people.

About 240 people were kidnapped and are currently being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.

The Israeli military said Wednesday that its troops raided Gazas Shifa Hospital, a complex of buildings where thousands of people have sheltered.

Israel has accused Hamas, which controls Gaza, of using the hospital and its patients as human shields for command centers and safe houses. Hamas and hospital officials deny the accusations.

Bishop Joshua Jere, president of the Pastors Peacemakers Fraternal group of Christian religious leaders in Malawi, said, We see a lot of children are suffering, a lot of women are suffering. I would be happy if soldiers could shoot soldiers rather than kill children or women or innocent people. So, its my prayer. I believe in peace.

Sheikh Muslim Abbas Vinjenje, secretary-general for the Ulama Council of Malawi, a group of Muslim scholars, said that what is happening in Gaza is tantamount to war crimes.

Our main expectation is a cease-fire in Gaza and that Benjamin Netanyahu, who is the prime minister of Israel, should be taken to International Criminal Court to be investigated for war crimes and genocide, which he and his army commanders have conducted to the people of Gaza, Vinjenje said.

The top U.N. human rights official said last week the atrocities that Hamas fighters committed in Israel October 7 also amounted to war crimes.
DHAKA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Hindu community in Bangladesh's Narayanganj district near capital Dhaka on Tuesday celebrated Rakher Upobash, a religious fasting festival.

It is one of famous Hindu religious festivals in Bangladesh.

Rakher Upobash was celebrated in Loknath Brahmachari Ashram (temple) in Narayanganj district.

Like in previous years, thousands of Hindu devotees gathered at Loknath temple on Tuesday to celebrate the festival.

Lighting thousands of small lamps and special incense, worshipers prayed in earnest to gods for favors during the festival.

As the sun goes down, devotees sit faithfully surrounding the temple, light up their earthen lamps and an incense burner used to create smoke for traditional rituals with "ululation", a pious sound made by Hindu Bengali women on every auspicious occasion. 
Tens of thousands of Jewish Americans rallied on Tuesday in Washington in support of Israel, to call for the release of the hostages kidnapped by Hamas and to reject antisemitism. VOAs Veronica Balderas Iglesias covered the March for Israel and gathered many of the diverse points of view that were expressed.
Nigeria's labor unions have begun an indefinite strike to protest the beating of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) president Joe Ajaero on November 1. The labor leader was to lead workers in protest over unpaid salaries in Imo state when he was picked up by security agents, who allegedly beat him.

For a second day Wednesday, the nationwide strike called by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) held firm.

Compliance is stricter in the capital, Abuja, the operational nerve center of the workers' unions.

Police have denied beating the NLC president, saying agents only took Ajaero into protective custody to save him from an angry mob.

Benson Upah, spokesperson of the Nigerian Labour Congress, said the NLC president is still recovering from the incident.

"He was in a bad shape, he lost his bearing, his right eye was popped and recognition was poor," Upah said. "Up till this moment, there has been no condemnation for what happened. No one has been arrested let alone prosecuted for this heinous act. It is about the right of every citizen to freedom and justice. The issues that led to the movement of NLC and TUC people to Imo, those issues have not been addressed.

But Ajaero's beating is not the only reason for the strike. The unions also blame authorities for failing to honor agreements made to cushion the cost-of-living crisis triggered by the government's economic reforms, introduced in May.

Earlier this year, President Bola Tinubu scrapped expensive fuel subsidies and floated the Nigerian currency in a bid to unify a multiple exchange rate system. However, the decision has hurt the economy and millions of citizens.

In August, workers staged nationwide street protests against the reforms and in September embarked on a two-day warning strike.

Authorities promised to respond.

Last Friday, the National Industrial Court of Nigeria ordered the workers' unions to not go on another strike.

Eze Onyekpere, executive director of the Center for Social Justice, a pro-union NGO, said, "The regime came on board and removed fuel subsidy and floated the naira, which has led to a situation where the minimum wage virtually less than $30. Things the government was supposed to do to reduce the hardship in the land, they didn't do, so for people like me, this strike is long overdue."

On Monday, the presidency criticized the strike, calling it unwarranted, and said authorities have launched a probe into the attack of the union leader.

Onyekpere said the government must not make empty promises or there will be consequences.

"We're going to degenerate to a state where any riffraff simply because he's in power will simply be beating up everybody," he said. "The day Nigeria descends to that level and workers don't speak out or workers don't show their strength, then Nigeria is gone to the dogs."

The unions say authorities must prosecute those who beat Ajaero, offer an apology, and take steps to improve the welfare of workers and citizens. Without those measures, they say, the strike will continue.
The United States has provided nearly $2 billion in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan since the Taliban took control in August 2021. Oversight officials told U.S. lawmakers Tuesday it is impossible to prevent the Taliban from benefiting from that funding. VOA's congressional correspondent Katherine Gypson has more.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered Tuesday on the National Mall in Washington in a show of solidarity as Jews across the United States and the world face a resurgence of antisemitism that activists at the protest compared with the hatred that culminated in the Holocaust.

The rally, called Americans March for Israel, was organized by various Jewish organizations and featured speeches by politicians, intellectuals, musicians and relatives of hostages abducted by Hamas.

Signs reading, "Free the hostages" and "Never again is now" bobbed up and down in the audience as speakers, including Israeli President Isaac Herzog and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, took their turns.

"We will continue fighting for the release of all hostages until they return to safety," Schumer said, affirming U.S. support for Israel.

Herzog delivered his address from Israel.

"Jews came out of Auschwitz and vowed, 'Never again,'" he said in remarks shown on large TV screens. "As the blue and white flag was hoisted over our ancient homeland, we vowed, 'Never again.'"

Herzog went on to describe Hamas' terror attack last month, which left 1,200 Israelis dead, and asked the crowd to "cry out together, 'Never again!'"

Representative Mike Johnson, the newly appointed speaker of the U.S. House, also spoke to the crowd.

"There are few issues in Washington that could so easily bring together leaders of both parties and both chambers," he said. "But the survival of the state of Israel and her people unites us together  and it unites all Americans."

The march comes just over a week after pro-Palestinian demonstrators held a similarly large gathering on the National Mall, and two days after 180,000 people took to the streets in France to rally against antisemitism.

Sam Markstein, 30, of Washington participated in Tuesday's march. He serves as the political director of the Republican Jewish Coalition, which co-sponsored last week's Republican presidential debate in Miami.

"The message is, the Republican Party and Jews from across the country stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel, and we're going to keep doing that until Hamas is defeated and obliterated," Markstein told VOA.

Avi Light, 21, of Rockland Community College in Suffern, New York, said he hopes for a future beyond the bloodshed.

"I just want peace," Light said, walking hastily alongside the Mall with his Jewish classmates. "I just want people to stop dying. I really want the whole war to just end."

"I have friends in the [Israel Defense Forces] that I went to school with," Light continued. "I just want to be able to go to sleep at night and know they're safe."

A few dozen anti-Zionist, ultra-Orthodox Jews led by Rabbi Dovid Feldman, 52, of Monsey, New York, stood behind banners outside the protest  including one with a red slash over the Israeli flag  drawing scorn from several Jewish passersby.

Feldman and others chanted, "Judaism, yes! Zionism, no!" One pro-Israel demonstrator came within inches of the counterprotesters, screaming profanities.

Dorit Voda, a British Israeli living in Rockville, Maryland, also confronted Feldman. Voda said she found Feldman's statements to be deeply offensive, saying that Israel was established "legally and rightfully" in the aftermath of the Holocaust in large part to protect survivors.

After several heated exchanges, U.S. Park Police spread out in a line to shield Feldman's group.

Feldman told VOA that the March for Israel "does not represent the Jewish people" and blamed Hamas' brutal October 7 assault entirely on Israel, a claim that most prominent Jewish groups denounce as antisemitic.

Feldman expressed outrage at the massive loss of life in the Gaza Strip, where more than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli military operations since fighting broke out last month, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health authority.

Feldman repeatedly clarified that he does not condone violence against civilians.

Parked in his van outside VOA headquarters, which is just meters from where the protest took place, Rabbi Yehuda Pevzner, 30, of Brooklyn, New York, struck a less provocative tone.

Pevzner was part of a group of Hasidic Jews who drove what they call a "synagogue on wheels" to Washington to help Jews carry out mitzvot, or good deeds, such as doing tefillin, an ancient Jewish prayer ritual.

Pevzner said that Jews have an obligation "to help people in danger," both in Israel and beyond. He also said, citing the Torah, that Israel is the Jewish homeland, and that Jews must look after one another, particularly in light of recent incidents of antisemitism across the globe.
An independent assessment commissioned by the United Nations has linked recognition of the Taliban government to compliance with Afghanistan's international treaty obligations and commitments, requiring it to immediately remove sweeping curbs on women's rights to education and employment opportunities.

"Any formal re-integration of Afghanistan into global institutions and systems will require the participation and leadership of Afghan women," said a VOA-obtained draft copy of the report.

In March, a Security Council resolution asked U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to conduct the assessment providing "forward-looking recommendations for an integrated and coherent" international approach to the Taliban-governed crisis-hit country by November 17. He appointed Feridun Sinirlioglu, a former Turkish government official, as the special coordinator to lead the mission.

Sinirlioglu traveled to Afghanistan and engaged with Taliban leaders, Afghan stakeholders residing outside the country, and critical regional and international stakeholders to assess the situation before submitting his report to the U.N. chief.

The document noted that the situation of women and girls  the restrictions on girls' education in particular  was "the single most common" issue raised in the consultations. It was highlighted by Afghan women, girls, the business community, religious clerics, tribal elders, civil society, health and education professionals, and many representatives of the de facto Taliban authorities, it said.

Taliban ban women from school, work

The Taliban reclaimed power from an American-backed government in August 2021. They have imposed their strict interpretation of Islamic law, banning schools for girls beyond the sixth grade and barring women from most public and private sector workplaces, including the United Nations and other aid groups.

"The DFA (de facto authorities) have tried to justify these restrictions as being part of the Islamic faith and Afghan traditions. However, similar restrictions do not exist in any other member state of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and many Afghans reject the DFA's characterization of local traditions," the U.N. report said.

It noted that the restrictive bans are not consistent with the values embodied in the U.N. Charter or international law, nor are they conducive to Afghanistan's political and economic stability.

TTP intensifies cross-border attacks

The report recommended, citing stakeholder consultations, that an Afghan national dialogue needs to be initiated to establish inclusive governance and ensure sustainable peace and economic development in the country after 45 years of armed conflict. It would permit movement toward the full normalization and integration of Afghanistan within the international system.

The international community should quickly identify a solution to unfreeze Afghanistan's frozen assets, which are worth billions of dollars, and revisit the various sanctions regimes if the Taliban can demonstrate their ability to maintain the country's commitments and govern inclusively, the report adds.

While the document hailed the Taliban's counternarcotics efforts and improved security conditions across the country, it questioned de facto authorities' counterterrorism resolve and regional security concerns stemming from it.

The assessment said, without naming any country, that several member countries "attest to the persistent presence of terrorist groups and individuals inside Afghanistan, including members of al-Qaida." It added, citing recent U.N. reports, that some of these groups have relations with elements of the Taliban.

"According to these reports, significant numbers of fighters for the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) appear to have free movement and shelter in Afghanistan and are carrying out an intensifying campaign of violence inside Pakistan."

The report said the Taliban have demonstrated "limited responsiveness" to international engagement on the presence and treatment of such groups.

Pakistani officials say the TTP, a globally designated terrorist group, has intensified cross-border attacks from its Afghan sanctuaries since the Taliban returned to power two years ago, killing nearly 2,300 Pakistanis, including security forces.

The Taliban have not commented immediately on the reported U.N. assessment, though they have previously rejected criticism of their policies, including counterterrorism efforts. They have persistently defended their male-only administration, called the Islamic Emirate, as an inclusive dispensation representing all ethnicities and tribes in Afghanistan.

"It is clear from my consultations that we are universally united in our vision of an Afghanistan that is at peace with its people, its neighbors, and the international community," said Sinirlioglu. "All stakeholders have a role to play in building a more peaceful, prosperous and predictable future for Afghanistan to the benefit of all Afghans."
After 21 months of Russia's war in Ukraine, Estonia's Prime Minister Kaja Kallas says there is much more on the line for the Western world than Russia seizing its neighbor's territory. She says malign actors globally are watching how the Ukraine war ends and if they see aggression paying off, the world will see many more conflicts.

In an interview with Ia Meurmishvili of VOA's Georgian service Tuesday while visiting Washington, Kallas discussed whether western support for Ukraine is sustainable, the status of efforts to seize Russian frozen assets in Europe, and her push to eliminate so-called "gray zones"  areas between the west and Russia, where Moscow's efforts to exert influence threaten Europe's security.

This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

VOA: How do you think the Ukraine war is going?

Estonia's Prime Minister Kaja Kallas: We are in the war of attrition. It is not a stalemate, but it takes a long time. In war of attrition, you basically have three elements. You have the people, you have the resources, and then you have the morale. Russia is thinking that they can outlast Ukraine. But I have a reason to believe that our support to Ukraine can outlast Russia. In terms of people  Europe is training 30 to 40,000 [Ukranian] soldiers. If America is doing the same, it is 80,000 trained soldiers versus conscripts that are sent to the battle from the Russian side. So, we can outlast them in terms of people.

In terms of resources  the combined GDP of Europe is seven times bigger than that of Russia. We also see the sanctions kicking in, which means that the Russian budget is really in trouble. They have lost one-third of their budget and they cannot get any outside. They are in trouble. And, in terms of military aid  if you think of the Ramstein Coalition, then the defense budget of the Ramstein Coalition is 13 times bigger than that of Russia. So, we can outlast there.

And the third element is the morale of Ukrainians fighting for their homes. Their morale is definitely higher than that of Russia. What we also have to do is believe in Ukraine's victory.

VOA: Do you think this support is sustainable?

Kallas: The U.S. gave a lot of support to Ukraine, and you can say that Europe was a bit behind. But Europe has now picked up the pace and, if you think about the military aid given now, plus the future pledges, then it is bigger in absolute numbers than that of the United States'.

All the leaders in Europe have put their political will behind supporting Ukraine because it is fundamental for the peace in the world that the aggression does not pay off. Because all the aggressors or would-be aggressors in the world are carefully taking notes. If Russia walks away with more territory than they have, and we say that, okay, let's draw the line here, then all the aggressors and would-be aggressors are seeing that the aggression pays off. So, we will see more of it, and that is going to be more expensive than to support Ukraine so that Russia will lose this war. I totally agree with the historian Timothy Snyder, who said that in order for a country to become better, it has to lose its last colonial war. If you think about European history that is true for many European countries. Russia has never lost its last colonial war.

VOA: Why do you think it is important for the U.S. to keep engaged?

Kallas: For me, the question is always of the alternative. Is the alternative to supporting Ukraine right now more expensive or is it cheaper? I say that it's more expensive, because all the malign actors are very carefully looking  Iran, North Korea. If Russia walks away, and nothing happens to them with more territories than they had before, [if] they do not lose their last colonial war, then others will try to do this in the world as well, and that is going to be detrimental to the world peace.

VOA: Do you see any movement towards seizing the frozen assets of Russia in Europe and using that money for the Ukrainian recovery?

Kallas: Yes, the European Commission is working on the European solution. In Estonia, we drafted a law that is tackling the same issue. So basically, how it works is that in Hague, in the International Criminal Court, there is a registry that is registering all the damages that Russia is causing to Ukraine, and its cost. At the same time, we have the assets that are frozen or sanctioned and we know the value of those assets. Russia has a legitimate claim towards us regarding those assets. Ukraine has a legitimate claim towards Russia. So, we make a settlement with those claims so that we can use those assets in favor of Ukraine. And after the war ends, and Russia has paid all the reparations to Ukraine and there is something left over, then we can return this.

I think this is fundamental because nobody wants to take this from the taxpayers' money, but it's also fundamental in order to think outside of the box, what really influences the Russian elite or the cronies around the Kremlin to have a pressure to really stop this war. And the war will stop when Russia realizes it cannot win there, and that it was a mistake.

VOA: Are your partners listening to your call to eliminate the "gray zones"?

Kallas: I think everybody has understood that the gray zones are sources of conflicts and wars. For us to not have wars, it has to be clear where the lines really are. The question has been from the start, is the unity now collapsing? But it has not. Of course, we are all democracies, and in democracies we debate, we have different opinions. But the point is that we come to a mutual decision. As [Russian President Vladimir] Putin does not believe in multilateralism so it has been a negative surprise to him that we have been able to keep our unity together and we should continue negatively surprising him.

VOA: And now he is uniting with China, North Korea and Iran.

Kallas: Exactly. There are clear authoritarian regimes fighting against the democracies in the world and for freedom, really. And [the] question is, who gets to rule the world, whether it's freedom and prosperity, or is it authoritarian regimes that have other values?
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.
Photo: Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota won the Pot of Gold valued at $5,282 at Wake Up Alexandria on November 18, 2022. The event was hosted by Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County. Pictured is Kelly Wencl, Communication and Outreach Coordinator for Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota.
Israeli soldiers withdrew from Gaza's main hospital Wednesday after raiding and combing through the facility in their war against Hamas, as the UN Security Council called for "urgent humanitarian pauses".

Both Israel and its top ally the United States said the Palestinian militants have a command centre below the Al-Shifa complex, a charge denied by Hamas and directors at the hospital, which has become a focal point in the 40-day-old war.

A journalist in contact with AFP, trapped inside Al-Shifa, reported that Israeli soldiers, some wearing face masks, shot in the air and ordered young men to surrender when they burst into the hospital overnight.

About 1,000 male Palestinians, hands above their heads, were in the courtyard, some of them stripped naked by Israeli soldiers checking them for weapons or explosives, the journalist said.

By early evening Israeli troops had withdrawn from the facility, the journalist said, redeploying around the hospital.

Israel has said the raid was executed based on "an operational necessity".

It later said troops had found "military and combat equipment" inside the compound, sharing footage which AFP was unable to independently verify of rifles, ammunition and bullet-proof vests with the insignia of Hamas's armed wing the army claimed had been seized during the raid.

The Hamas-run health ministry said Israel "did not find any equipment or weapons" in the hospital during the raid.

"Essentially we don't allow" weapons in any hospital, ministry director Munir al-Bursh said in a statement.

The UN Security Council, which has struggled to reach a joint position on the war since its start, managed to pass a resolution on Wednesday.

The text, adopted with 12 votes in favour, called for "urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip for a sufficient number of days" to allow aid to reach civilians in the besieged territory.

The United States abstained along with Britain and Russia.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas in response to the Palestinian group's October 7 attacks, which officials say killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw about 240 hostages taken to Gaza.

The Hamas government in Gaza says Israel's ensuing aerial bombardment and ground offensive have killed 11,500 people, also mostly civilians, including thousands of children.

- 'International investigation' -

The Hamas-run health ministry has struggled in recent days to keep an exact toll of casualties amid intense fighting in northern Gaza, and the latest figures by the Hamas government media office are likely underreported.

The Israeli army said in a statement late Wednesday its forces were "continuing to operate in the hospital complex" as it pursued its ground campaign in Gaza.

International concern over the fate of the people inside Al-Shifa hospital increased further as news of Israel's raid emerged.

"The protection of newborns, patients, medical staff and all civilians must override all other concerns," UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said on X, formerly Twitter.

"Hospitals are not battlegrounds."

Qatar called for "an urgent international investigation" involving the United Nations into "the targeting of hospitals by the Israeli occupation army".

The White House pushed back against Hamas claims that President Joe Biden was "responsible" for the hospital raid over US intelligence assessments that militants were using Al-Shifa complex.

"We did not give an OK to their military operations around the hospital," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters, adding that such decisions were for the Israeli military.

The United Nations has said it estimates that at least 2,300 people -- patients, staff and displaced civilians -- were inside and may be unable to escape because of the fighting.

Witnesses in recent days 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.

The situation in Gaza's other hospitals is also dire, with the World Health Organization saying 22 of 36 are not functional due to a lack of generator fuel, damage or combat.

Amman said an "Israeli bombing" close to the Jordanian field hospital in north Gaza had injured seven of its staff.

Jordan was awaiting the results of an investigation to "take the necessary legal and political steps against this heinous crime", Amman's foreign ministry said.

Netanyahu on Wednesday gave no indication that Israel was easing up its campaign, saying "there is no place in Gaza that we won't reach."

- Birth in captivity -

The Israeli premier has come under increasing pressure to do more to free hostages, with relatives of the captives calling on him to agree a deal for their release immediately.

One woman abducted by Hamas had given birth in captivity, Netanyahu's wife wrote in a letter to US First Lady Jill Biden released by the premier's office.

"You can only imagine, as I do, what must be going through that young mother's mind as she is being held with her newborn by these murderers," Sara Netanyahu said.

In Gaza, the humanitarian crisis includes at least 1.5 million people who, according to the UN, have fled southwards after Israel told them to leave the northern half of the territory.

Even though Gazans have been urged to flee south, strikes there have steadily claimed lives and destroyed homes.

"All of a sudden, all we could see was flames. We were all buried under the rubble, no one could see anyone else," said Ali Abu Jazar, who survived a strike in Rafah, in the narrow territory's south near the Egyptian border.

"We started yelling to let them know 'we're here, underneath you', so they began clearing the rubble to rescue us," he added.

A trickle of aid has made it into besieged Gaza in more than five weeks of war, and crucially fuel for generators has been in short supply.

Just hours after receiving its first delivery of fuel since October 7, the UN warned Wednesday its operations in Gaza were on the brink of collapse.

The UN agency for supporting Palestinian refugees confirmed receiving 23,027 litres (6,083 gallons) of fuel, but said it met only "nine percent" of the daily needs.

bur-sea/ami
by Dennis Munene, from Kenya

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his U.S. counterpart, Joe Biden, will both attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in San Francisco. The two world leaders will meet against the background of growing tension between China and the United States.

The face-to-face meeting between the two world leaders will ease the tension that has disrupted the global quest for peace and unity among civilizations. Further, the meeting will demystify the propagandist narratives that China and the United States have to be at loggerheads with each other on critical issues affecting the global community.

Why do China and the United States need to cooperate?

For starters, the United States and China are the world's first and second-largest economies by nominal GDP, as well as by GDP based on purchasing power parity. According to the World Bank statistics, in 2022, the United States had a GDP of just under 25.5 trillion U.S. dollars while China's was approximately 17.9 trillion U.S. dollars. Their cooperation is vital for global public goods offering, and for peace and development in the global community, especially in the era of economic recovery.

Second, taking a cue from President Xi, both China and the United States have the power of influence and capacity to popularize the idea of "ecological civilization" as a paradigm of change and a pathway to green and low-carbon economies. In doing so, Sino-U.S. cooperation will recalibrate the confrontational international order on addressing climate change issues and remake a new world order rooted in advancing the doctrine of humanism.

Third, the global community is facing eminent challenges where science and technology can offer key solutions. The 1972 Shanghai Communique, following which about 100 American scientists and scholars traveled to China and the first group of Chinese scientists since the founding of the People's Republic of China went to the United States, needs to be the guiding compass of Sino-U.S. science and technology cooperation. And partnership in areas such as earth and atmospheric sciences, basic research in physics and chemistry, geology, and energy-related areas, among others, is needed to foster China-U.S. cooperation.

Fourth, for developing countries such as those in Africa to advance economically, China and the United States have to foster healthy cooperation. China is Africa's largest trading partner. For the United States, the rise of the Asian country in Africa should not be seen as neo-colonialism, but as an opportunity for Africa to grow and advance its weak economies.

Last but not least, both China and the United States are the countries with a capacity to provide global sustainable peace. In Africa where conflicts have affected real development, the two nations have the potential for much closer cooperation on UN peacekeeping operations, especially in helping build the continent's indigenous peacekeeping capacity. In strengthening multilateralism, China and the United States need to forge strong collaboration as a sustainable pathway to a peaceful, stable and prosperous world for all.

Thus, to effectively offer global public goods in the areas of the economy, health, climate change, peace and development, both China and the United States need to counter the concept of the Thucydides trap. The 2023 APEC meeting offers an opportunity for China and the United States to reengineer their cooperation for a shared future and prosperity for all mankind.

Editor's note: Dennis Munene is the executive director of the China-Africa Center at the Africa Policy Institute in Nairobi, Kenya.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author's and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Xinhua News Agency.
Photo: Maria Moratti/Getty Images

There are two approximately six-five leading men who have been able to do press for their awards-season projects this fall: Adam Driver, who dons gray hair and an Italian accent in Michael Manns Ferrari, last seen telling a rude Q&A member fuck you this past weekend, and Jacob Elordi who plays Elvis in Sofia Coppolas Priscilla and really loves his dog.

Elordi has built up a relatively quiet profile the past few years, splashing onto the scene with Netflixs The Kissing Booth (and to the actors articulated chagrin, the two follow-up films) before shifting to notable hunks in HBOs Euphoria and Adrian Lynes Deep Water (not to be confused with the Mark Ruffalo movie about nonstick pans). What did we know about him prior to three weeks ago? Hes the Elizabeth Debicki of boys and Australian. And lest anyone forget for three seconds, he really loves his dog, who apparently speaks 500 words  about the same number Elordi says in Priscilla.

The trifecta of this years Priscilla, Saltburn (November 17), and The Sweet East (December 1), with the bonus of a glossy GQ profile that puts him in a number of outfits, cements Elordi not just as the internets new boyfriend but as the internets weird boyfriend, a giant man stuffed to the brim with contradictions. He is amiable, but guarded. He is sensitive, but he ate a pound of bacon every day to prep for Priscilla. He will pet every animal he sees, and he thinks Superman is too dark for him. He loves to carry a designer bag to fill with stuff from every category in case he gets bored or needs to know the time in Australian on his pocket watch. Hes got a chin dimple. In a sea of nepo babies, he was cast on Euphoria in 2017 when he had only about $800 left in his bank account and was living in his car.

He dominates the screen and is impossible to look away from, both figuratively and literally. Its a relief, in turn, that hes not annoying in real life. Hes open about his ambivalence toward big-budget superhero movies and repeatedly praises Sofia Coppolas filmmaking, and he has so far managed to do this without saying fuck you to an audience member. Elordi isnt funny, really, nor is he altogether self-aware. What is hottest about him is not that he appears to be a smiling, easygoing Ken-doll type but that he seems like a guy who is just stumbling from rom-com to prestige television to indie TV, all the way comparing his dog to a seal. Isnt that the trick with all internet boyfriends? They cant be too polished, too manicured. They have to have the rough-and-tumble appeal of someone you could meet at a party.

On Instagram, Elordi posts promotional photos as well as blurry screenshots from what hes watching (Jacob, drop the Letterboxd @, please!). While he might err on the side of pretentious, there is an undeniable earnestness  why lie about liking Bon Iver this much in 2023? Even he knows its a little embarrassing to be famous. While Austin Butler spent his Elvis days trying to be cool, winning everyone over through sheer mimicry and lopsided smile, Elordi rejects the assignment. He doubles down on poems and what seems like a well-used Criterion Channel subscription. If youre watching him, youre going to watch him on his terms.

Elordi isnt new to the scene so much as he is finally bursting out of it. Saltburns Barry Keoghan  talented and also odd  already has an Oscar nomination under his belt. May Decembers Charles Melton will be playing catch-up for the next month or two. Timothee Chalamet is, for better or worse, Willy Wonka. But Jacob Elordi is there, and he can be anyone. He can be a guy you see in the West Village, he can be a model, he can be the next Brando, or he can be Elvis. Or he can be all of these, somehow, at the same time.
Michael Shannon, Ajay Naidu, and Paul Sparks in Waiting for Godot. Photo: Gerry Goodstein

There are certain folk songs, like The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, that shock you when you realize they were written not that long ago, in a world with cars and telephones, by a specific human being with a bank account, an address, and a name that isnt Trad. In the same way, Im never not taken aback by recalling that Samuel Becketts Waiting for Godot premiered in 1953. How can an ageless thing be only 70 years old? How can it be seven years older than the Beatles, and also ancient, and also perpetually new? Like all objects in the rearview mirror, Godot is closer than it appears  but whether a production can make it feel close is another question. To take on Godot now is to tackle two major hurdles from the outset (yes, out of several hundred, but bear with me). First: encouraging audiences to laugh  despite the craggy, serious portraits and the potentially unhelpful filing under E for existential, Beckett the dramatist had more in common with Buster Keaton than with Kierkegaard. And second: endeavoringat the same time, in the same breath, and in the face of this aura of ageless familiarity  to make sure the play still hits where it hurts.

With film and TV regulars Michael Shannon and Paul Sparks donning the dirty bowlers and too-tight boots this time  as Estragon and Vladimir, respectively  Arin Arbuss Waiting for Godot feels vigorous and down-to-earth. It leaps right over hurdle No. 1 (the night I saw it, it kept several little kids in the audience giggling regularly  a pretty marvelous sound to hear while watching Beckett). If it doesnt always clear hurdle No. 2, well, that ones very high. And perhaps, in this particular moment, we walk down the street with enough clear and present dread weighing down our pockets. Perhaps were already aware that every street is, eventually, Vladimir and Estragons empty country road and what we need most right now is to hear the plays humor  its dry reminder to speak neither well nor ill of our generation, for it is not any unhappier than its predecessors.

In an interview with Jonathan Kalb, the resident literary adviser and dramaturg at Theatre for a New Audience, Shannon and Sparks dig into how personal this Godot is for them. The project started with Shannon pitching it to the theater, where he and Sparks (whove made several movies together) performed in Ionescos The Killer in 2014. After that project, Sparks told Kalb, I put a mental note beside Mikes name that said, Just do whatever he says to do from now on. Shannon adds, I rely on Paul to help me get through my life  I cant imagine playing Estragon with someone playing Vladimir I barely know. I cant imagine that  it seems so weird. It seems like you shouldnt even be allowed to do this play with somebody you dont know. Thats ridiculous. Hes not wrong. The play requires a pair of actors whose relationship feels lived in, as worn and frustrating and hard to let go of as Estragons boots. Infinitely open and structurally shatterproof, the play lends itself to any number of interpretations, and Arbus and her Didi and Gogo have gravitated toward a particularly bittersweet one. Here, Godot feels like a play about a marriage.

Of course, our clown couple begins, as they always have and always will, on that country road with its leafless tree. Since the look of Becketts play is lodged in our psyches as deeply as its language, any choice a director and her designers make, no matter how subtle, is going to have red flashing arrows pointing toward it. Arbus and scenic designer Riccardo Herdandezs raked road splits the audience like a runway, stretching all the way through the house, marked along the length of its dark, dirty asphalt with a double yellow line (we shall not pass). Immediately, it jolts us into time: This is a world with traffic, or perhaps it used to be. The long throw of the playing space and the glare of Christopher Ackerlands footlights  which sometimes bring to mind an approaching semi that, needless to say, never arrives  seem to place us somewhere vast, arid, flat. This isnt postwar Europe. As far as we are anywhere, were in the United States.

And when Sparks and Shannon open their mouths, this hovering sense of Americanness solidifies, landing with the twangy thud of a dropped banjo. Shannon  with his square, stone-cut face and dark, flat slashes for eyes and mouth  has an unmistakable nasal drawl, level and unhurried but never casual, always edged with potential menace. Hunched uncomfortably atop a rock (where hes been as the audience enters), he tosses his famous first line  Nothing to be done  to Sparkss Vladimir like a guy several beers deep, chucking pebbles at train cars. In response, the lanky, twitchy Sparks leans back on his heels, squints upward and tastes the air, tucking his thumbs into the waist of his pants like a prospector. His Im beginning to come round to that opinion spurs a couple of laughs right away: This guy feels like he belongs in Deadwood. There are whiffs of Walter White in the room, and its easy to remember that this Didi and Gogo starred together in Boardwalk Empire.

The fact that Shannon and Sparks carry shades of the Great American TV Nihilists with them isnt a bad thing here  in fact, its remarkably liberating. Unfairly to Beckett, an Irishman in exile who originally wrote Godot in French, the play often feels colonized by a plummy British classical tradition (just listen to Patrick Stewart roll the r in crucified). Here, Didi and Gogo have none of that potentially distancing  or self-shielding  erudition. Their clowns are exposed to the elements: We believe that they stink, bleed, and have trouble urinating. Shannon shuffles and deadpans, occasionally erupting with fury, and Sparks  raspily verbose with eyes that glint just this side of crazy  prances about the room with a weirdly endearing mania. Some Vladimirs are very clearly the alpha of Becketts pair, but Sparks is finding something a little softer and brighter, a little more wriggly and vulnerable. If he often appears to lead Estragon, its because hes still clinging, ever more desperately, to hope. He keeps them here, waiting for Godot. He pushes and cajoles and postulates and tries. Estragon, meanwhile, is the one who turns up each morning having been beaten the night before: He doesnt share Vladimirs illusions.

Theyre Tigger and Eeyore, Sparks told Kalb  and it works. As a duo, he and Shannon have all the chemistry you would hope for from a long history of friendship and collaboration. They play easily with each other, and they render Becketts heightened text  which, in less dexterous hands, can fall into monotony  extremely legible. In short, theyre doing what every Intro to Acting class tries to teach, but its much harder than it sounds: Theyre playing actions, not states. When faced with a run like this 

Estragon: All the dead voices. Vladimir: They make a noise like wings. Estragon: Like leaves. Vladimir: Like sand. Estragon: Like leaves.

Silence.

Vladimir: They all speak at once. Estragon: Each one to itself.

Silence.

Vladimir: Rather they whisper. Estragon: They rustle. Vladimir: They murmur. Estragon: They rustle.

 some actors will paint it in a wash: It will all lilt, all sound a bit wistful and homogenous. But we know that Estragon, in some former life, used to be a poet, and when Shannon is forced to repeat himself, its with increasing frustration: Sparkss Vladimir is aspiring  annoyingly  to make pretty suggestions, but Estragon knows the right word. It was his goddamn job after all.

As Pozzo and Lucky, another pair who wander through the space, encountering Didi and Gogo once per act, Ajay Naidu and Jeff Biehl add the right measure of cruelty to the show. With a wide stance, a whip he can crack startlingly well, and an air of unctuous magnanimity  which crumples occasionally into whimpering confusion and neediness  Naidu sketches a clear satire of power. (Hes well known for playing powerlessness, but here he oozes sadistic boss energy.) Hes funny, but he turns your stomach, too. So does Biehls Lucky, who pants and strains to the point of drooling under the weight of Pozzos baggage. Lucky speaks only once in the play, and when he does, its the unstoppable flood of a tyrannized mind, half-broken and half-sharpened by pain  a stream of consciousness churning with nightmarish debris. Its a milestone speech for an actor, and Biehl pulls it off with sinister force. Theres nothing flighty about his delivery: He sounds stilted and lumpen at first, his tongue long unused  then the wave mounts and crashes. Some Luckys recede into the background for their long stretches without text, but Arbus and Biehl never let us forget this Lucky is there. Hes not a sentimentalized victim or an airy, unbreakable clown. Hes a savagely abused dog, and he will bite.

Near the end of Godot, after Pozzo and Lucky have exited for a second time, Vladimir is left alone for the plays big turn. Estragon is there, but hes asleep, huddled up on his rock. Finally, Tigger just cant bounce anymore. Sparks has spent the second half of the show nimbly avoiding the double yellow line, like a child playing Dont step on the crack  but now, he stands right on it, dead center, as Vladimir has his realization: At me too someone is looking, of me too someone is saying, He is sleeping, he knows nothing, let him sleep on. I cant go on. What have I said? He will go on, of course  that is the Beckett credo: You must go on. I cant go on. Ill go on. But in this moment, Vladimir has actually seen the abyss, and there is no help for it. Though Sparks captures Vladimirs horrified shock at his own despair (What have I said?), I wished I could have felt the full weight of his preceding revelation. He moves through it quickly without coming down out of the raspy, springy upper register hes lived in throughout the play. Steering clear of portentousness is one thing, but missing a chance to drop in is another.

Still, the truth of Didi and Gogo is that they complete each other. Though each one wonders whether he wouldnt have been better off alone, that semi has long since passed, rusted, and disintegrated into a dystopian scrap heap. And when Sparks and Shannon are playing together, they light up, finding both Becketts wit and his humanity. Their Godot is a play about getting through the day with the person you love the most, the person you cant stand for another minute  and in that sense, not being able to go, but having to go on, might not be the end of the world after all.

Waiting for Godot is at Theatre for a New Audience through December 3.

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Its not unusual to return from a lengthy trip abroad feeling like a changed person. Youve seen things. Youve learned things. Youve probably embarrassed yourself at least three times. It happens to all of us. And it is definitely what has happened to our feisty buccaneers, who all make a quick stop back in New York for what was supposed to be Jinny and Seadowns wedding before that slimy piece of shit forced her to elope. None of them has returned the person they were when they left. Conchita has learned how suffocating marriage can be, Lizzy has experienced true cruelty, Mabel has discovered a place and a person who makes her feel more like herself, and Jinny is slowly becoming a shell of a human thanks to her twisted and manipulative husband. But perhaps the most changed is our dear Nan St. George, who has just learned her entire life has been a complete lie. What a cool and fun time for her.

Nan has a lot to think about on her travels across the Atlantic: Not only is she trying to reckon with the fact that her family has been lying to her face and grapple with the fact that she will have to face her parents  her mother, especially  after learning the truth about her illegitimate birth, but she also is gearing up to become a duchess, a fact that the entire eastern seaboard of the United States seems obsessed with. But more than that, she has to decide if she will tell Theo about who she is, even though it may mean she will lose him  a duke marrying someone like her was a tough sell back in the 1870s. The other option is to lie to him for the rest of their lives. On top of all of that, Nan may not even want to marry Theo because she has just learned that Guy did come back for her at Runnymede, and she definitely has the hots for Guy. That is a lot for any person! That is stressful! If I were Nan, Id ask the captain to do a couple of laps out in the ocean before docking in New York.

Instead of developing a plan during her time on the open seas, Nan lets her emotions lead the way. Upon her arrival, she proceeds to get wildly annoyed with her mother for throwing a lavish party to celebrate her daughters that features doves in cages as the decor (it has to do with birds being chic), runs upstairs and hides in her bedroom, and then deliver a supremely dramatic I am nothing to you as a means of telling Patty that she knows everything. You cant really blame Nann  but can you really blame Patty? Or, at the very least, can you blame Patty more than Tracy? Hes the dude who couldnt keep it in his pants and forced Patty to devise a way to keep her familys reputation from being destroyed! Also, while he may have a great mustache, hes still flirting with hot young women right in front of his wifes face. Tracy can take a hike! And yet, when Nan and Jinny discuss it later, they just say, Oh, daddy will always be impossible, and move on. Id expect it from Jinny, but Nan? Nan?!

Patty is a tough broad, though. After Nan tears into her for the lies and mistakes shes made and twists the knife by wondering if she was closer with her father when she was little because somehow she knew she didnt belong to Patty, Mrs. St. George tracks down her husband to let him have it. Of course, she makes a big scene in the middle of the party before dragging the Colonel off to remind him that this is all his fault as he continues to brush any responsibility off. When she tells her husband that Nan knows  excuse me, NAN KNOWS  his first thought is if Nans going to tell Theo and ruin her chances at becoming a duchess. Its infuriating. Do you have any idea what weve sacrificed for your utter belief you can do exactly as you please? You have turned us into liars, she hisses at him before declaring the inevitable: That she will fix this and keep this family together because its what shes always done.

It means another conversation with Nan (all the scenes between Christina Hendricks and Kristine Frseth in this episode are devastating and lovely; they make a great mother-daughter pairing). This time, Patty impresses upon Nan that she is her daughter in every way that counts. From the moment she met Nan, she loved her. Every part of Nan is a part of Patty and always will be. You nestled into my heart and made it so much bigger and brighter and more important. They decided  well, Patty decided  not to tell Nan the truth because then shed always have a secret, shed always feel different. Patty just wanted her daughter to be fearless. And so, Nan makes quite a fearless decision: She wants to tell Theo the truth. He is an honest man, and she doesnt want to have to lie to him for the rest of her life. If he walks away from her, so be it.

What Nan doesnt realize is that she might not even have to tell Theo about her mama drama for him to want to call this whole thing off  she doesnt know what hes been up to while shes locked herself up in her room. Oh, Theo. Hes very kind about this big party being thrown in his honor. He shuts down the snotty Paramore daughter trying to embarrass the St. Georges by reminding her that technically, in America, its all new money, honey, and he genuinely wants to spend time with Nan. But then that boy reads. Reading always gets people in trouble, and we should never do it. Theo comes across a telegram left on the front table and sees a message from none other than Guy Thwarte, who is hanging out at Tintagel Castle with Theos mother while everyone else is gone. Theo assumes that since the message is from his best friend, Guy, who doesnt really know anyone else in New York, it must be for him. What a real duke move, you know what I mean? If only he had looked at the front of the telegram, he wouldve seen that it was actually addressed to Nan.

In a drunken stupor, egged on by Theos mothers pep talk about going after love like Theos mother did when she wrote a letter to his father after meeting him, Guy writes a letter to Nan and confesses all of his feelings. It says things like, I am weak, and I am confused, but Nan, my love for you is neither. This is a capital-L Love Letter. Now, in Guys defense, once he sobers up, he does attempt to squash the letter from getting to Nan, but he is entirely too late, and so instead, he goes to scream into the void off the side of a cliff, as brooding men trapped in complicated love triangles during the 1870s are wont to do.

Regardless, Theo reads the entire thing and is sent reeling. He stumbles out into the street only to be faced with newspapers full of headlines about him, a duke, marrying a New York socialite. His greatest nightmare is being only thought of as his title instead of a human being, and so he reels some more. He, unfortunately, does not have a cliffside at his disposal from which to scream, but that boy would if he could. Theo finally catches up with Nan just as Colonel St. George attempts to smooth things over by getting Nan and the Duke to dance in front of everyone (the Colonel is a dope, we know this). He takes her hand and pulls her away from the party into the coat check room. Its frantic; you dont know exactly what he will do  and then he kisses her. I love you, Nan. Do you want me? He pleads. He needs to hear her say it. He isnt going to yell at her or demand answers; he just wants to know if she loves him too or if, maybe, she loves someone else. She says yes, she wants him, and they furiously make out some more! Its very hot! From now on, Ive decided that coat checks should only be used for kissing.

Still, Nan wants to do the right thing and tell Theo the truth about her mother, but Theo, thinking he already knows what shes about to say, stops her. If shes truly happy, she shouldnt tell [him] anything that might spoil it. And then he asks if they can get married quickly. You know thats never a great sign, but these two angsty lovebirds will attempt to be the exception to that rule. (I bet they arent!)

Even if Nan and Theo might be doomed  or, at least, certain to hit some bumps in the road when truths are made public  for now, they seem happy. And thats good news for Mrs. St. George, who is in the throes of getting emotionally sucker-punched by her other daughter in the middle of this truly bungled dove-themed party. We cant fully blame Jinny since she is trapped in a toxic, emotionally abusive relationship that she either cant see or doesnt want to see  but we can blame her a little bit. She knows better, and you can see it all over her face. But Seadown is a master manipulator, and currently, he has both of his favorite playthings available to him at this party.

First, Seadown sees Lizzy attempting to ignore him, and when she accidentally bumps into him, he reasserts his power over her by pretending he has never met her before. She is humiliated all over again. But this time, instead of running away, after seeing her friend grow more deeply entwined in this mans awfulness, she decides shell return to England with the group. She wants to protect Jinny, regardless of what Seadown will do to her. But is it too late? After multiple public dances and watching the little drama between the St. Georges go down, Seadown tells Jinny that this party is disgusting and her mother owes him an apology. He isnt going to force her to ask, he says, but we all know he is forcing her to ask. And she does it! In the middle of everything, she tells her mother the party is in bad taste and embarrassing and that she should have more respect for Lord Seadown. She owes him an apology. Seadown swoops in and stops his wife, pretending like he cant believe she is asking this, he has felt so welcome, and he thanks his mother-in-law for her hospitality. Hes gaslighting Jinny, and she is falling for it completely.

Thankfully, Nan is there to step in and praise her mother  she makes sure to emphasize my mother  and hugs her. Nan rules. She and her mother are going to be fine, and for now, she and Theo seem to be happy, if not in denial of some real problems that will surely rear their heads soon.

Patty is appreciative and relieved, but she also takes a moment to reassert herself and remind everyone, especially her eldest daughter, that she does not give a flying fig about what others think. Its an impressive way to close out a party, and it gives Patty a much-needed power boost to go and handle her husband, who, even after all the drama with Nan, is hitting on other women in plain sight. In private, Patty tells her husband that she is done with all of this. This marriage is over. He laughs. No one will take her seriously on her own, he tells her. While she might fall in line for now, something tells me this wont always be the case.

The Society Pages

 Okay, so who do we think Nans real mother is? The Colonel lies to Nan when she asks and says he doesnt remember and that shes dead (how Nan doesnt figure out hes lying remains a mystery since those two statements clearly cant both be true), and Mrs. St. George is pleased to know that at least one secret isnt out yet. What kind of trouble could this mystery woman cause, and when will she inevitably pop up?

 Mabel apparently hooks up with a St. George housemaid on the regular, but this time, shes caught by her mother. Mrs. Elmsworth looks horrified but then refuses to bring it up later, reiterating that Mabel will find a good man to marry. Mabel is more than happy to learn that shell be going back to England with Lizzy.

 When Conchita sees how free Dickie is away from his family (the man dances like no one is watching), she tells Mrs. Testvalley that she wants to take Dickie and Minnie away from England. Mrs. Testvalley wisely warns her that, in the end, Dickie will never give up the power he has in his homeland. Shes right! Dickie tells his wife that he cant up and move to New York. She tells him that she refuses to live in his house anymore and she wont let their daughter be extinguished by his family like he has been. Thats going to be a problem.

 Im sorry, WHAT is the deal with Dickie and Mrs. Testvalley? After his crushing discussion with Conchita, he walks into the bathroom where Mrs. Testvalley is bathing and looking at him seductively. He sits down next to the tub and lets her run her fingers through his hair. The Buccaneers just upped the twisted factor.

 Speaking of Testvalley  what is that strange look that passes between her and Colonel St. George? What is this womans deal??
CAIRO, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The first truck loaded with about 25,000 liters of fuel crossed the Egyptian side of Rafah crossing on Wednesday en route to the Gaza Strip, according to an Egyptian security source.

The fuel would be delivered to the United Nations to facilitate the delivery of aid and would enter Gaza directly without inspection by the Israeli side, the source told Xinhua on conditions of anonymity.

As of Nov. 10, Egypt had delivered 6,944 tons of food, medical, and humanitarian aid to Gaza since the conflict between Hamas and Israel started on Oct. 7, according to the Egyptian Red Crescent.

Israel launched a massive attack on Gaza in retaliation for the surprise strike led by Hamas on Oct. 7 which killed about 1,200 people in Israel and took more than 200 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

The ongoing conflict, raging into the second month, has killed more than 11,500 Palestinians and wounded some 29,000 others in the coastal enclave, said the Hamas-run Health Ministry on Tuesday. 
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Wave of warm weather follows St Martin's Day.

Rome is enjoying unseasonably warm November weather this week, with the unusual sight of people sitting outdoors in t-shirts in the mid-November sunshine.

The warm weather is set to last until Thursday, according to meteorologist Lorenzo Tedici of the weather forecast website ilmeteo.it, with temperatures in Italy currently "5 to 8C higher" than the average for this time of year.

The wave of sunshine comes in the days after St Martin's Day, on 11 November, an event associated in Italy with l'Estate di San Martino, an Indian summer courtesy of the fourth-century saint.

Balmy November days in Rome pic.twitter.com/bEkyBBwDiW  Wanted in Rome (@wantedinrome) November 14, 2023

According to the popular legend, Martin, an officer in the Roman army, was leaving the French city of Tours on horseback when he met a pauper dressed in rags.

Martin took off his woollen cloak and cut it, sharing one half with the poor man.

After Martin's good deed, the sun came out and warmed up the days of mid-November.

Cover image: Acqua Marcia Fountain, Borgo Pio. Photo Wanted in Rome.
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?
Liu Aihua (R), spokesperson for the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), attends a press conference held by the State Council Information Office on China's major economic indicators for October in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Li He)

BEIJING, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- With the gradual recovery of market demand and the transformation of driving forces, production in China's industrial sector has seen steady growth in October.

China's value-added industrial output, an important economic indicator, went up 4.6 percent year on year in October, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed Wednesday.

Among the three major sectors, the mining sector and the manufacturing sector expanded by 2.9 percent and 5.1 percent, respectively, in October, while the production and supply of electricity, heat, gas, and water rose by 1.5 percent.

The auto manufacturing sector reported an exceptional performance in October, with its output jumping 10.8 percent, Liu Aihua, spokesperson for the bureau, said at a press conference.

In a breakdown by ownership, the output of state-controlled companies, joint-equity firms, and private enterprises went up 4.9 percent, 5.6 percent, and 3.9 percent year on year, respectively, last month.

In terms of products, the output of solar cells surged by 62.8 percent, while service robots and integrated circuits rose by 59.1 percent and 34.5 percent, respectively.

From January to October, industrial output rose 4.1 percent year on year, according to the bureau.

China possesses a solid foundation for industrial recovery and growth as production in its industrial sector accelerated in October, and the transformation and upgrade of the sector have been moving forward, the spokesperson said.

She said that despite the industrial economy continuing to face pressure as the international environment remains complex, the links between industrial production and sales have continued to improve, and emerging strategic industries have accelerated their development as policies have taken effect.

The industrial output is used to measure the activity of enterprises, each with an annual main business turnover of at least 20 million yuan (about 2.79 million U.S. dollars).

The profits of major industrial firms surged 11.9 percent year on year in September, indicating that market demand continues to recover, which is conducive to improving the enthusiasm of enterprises in production and to promoting the stable recovery of enterprise production, Liu said.

However, demand in the manufacturing sector still needs to be consolidated as the sector's new order index, a sub-index of the purchasing managers' index, was below 50 in October, the spokesperson said. 
Perth has become the epicentre of Australian property investment, with new figures showing the average distance between where landlords lived and where they invested was 1502 kilometres.

MCG Quantity Surveyors managing director Mike Mortlock said this years figure was nearly double that from the same analysis in 2022, which showed an average of 857 kilometres between a landlords home and their investment.

The Perth property market has been popular with east coast investors. Credit: Ross Swanborough

In pre-pandemic times, the average remote investing distance was 294 kilometres.

Buyers are incredibly mobile when it comes to securing a desirable property investment and will park their capital in whichever investor-friendly national location and asset type offers the greatest possibility of maximising their return, Mortlock said.
HONG KONG, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Legislative Council of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Wednesday adopted the Stamp Duty (Amendment) (Stock Transfers) Bill 2023 after a third reading.

The stamp duty will be cut from the current 0.13 percent to 0.1 percent of the consideration or value of each transaction payable by buyers and sellers, respectively, as part of efforts to bolster the stock market as announced by Chief Executive of the HKSAR John Lee in the 2023 Policy Address.

A spokesman for the HKSAR government said that the reduction of the rate of the Stamp Duty will lower investors' transaction costs, improve market sentiment, and enhance the competitiveness of Hong Kong's stock market.

The HKSAR government will work with financial regulators and the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited to follow up on other measures recommended by the Task Force on Enhancing Stock Market Liquidity to promote the sustainable development of the market, the spokesman said.

Christopher Hui, secretary for financial services and the treasury of the HKSAR government, said the vigorous development of the stock market plays a pivotal role in consolidating Hong Kong's status as an international financial center, maintaining its international competitiveness and promoting the development of the local financial services industry.

The Amendment Ordinance will be published in the Gazette on Thursday and come into operation on Friday, according to a press release of the HKSAR government. 
BEIJING, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese health authorities have recently released a work plan on the prevention and treatment of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases.

The work plan sets the course for relevant work from 2023 to 2030, said China's National Health Commission on Wednesday.

The plan noted that by 2030, a nationwide comprehensive prevention and early-treatment system for such diseases will be established. Medical institutions at all levels will have a greater capacity to combat such diseases, and breakthroughs will be achieved in relevant technological development.

To achieve the goals, the plan proposed thorough monitoring of cardio-cerebrovascular disease risks among people aged 35 and above. It also necessitated boosting primary-level medical institutions' capacity to monitor the levels of blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood fat. 
GAZA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- An informed Palestinian source said on Tuesday that delegates of Israel and Hamas had reached an initial agreement to implement a temporary humanitarian cease-fire under international and Arab sponsorship.

The source, who requested to remain anonymous, told Xinhua that the delegates had to report to senior authorities on both sides for approval and the agreement could be "implemented at any moment."

The source refused to talk about the details of the agreement, but said that "it will be implemented in stages."

He added that a humanitarian truce was expected to be announced soon, under which civilian hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip will be released in exchange for the release of women and children detained by Israel. 
The months of Bhadon and Ashwin are marked by many religious observances and ceremonies. This is the most critical season of the year to the cultivator, when he must have rain. At the end of the former month, farmers observe the fast of Anant-brat in gratitude for the bhadai harvest and in the hope of further prosperity. Chhath Puja Chhath puja, the main Hindu festival of Biharis is celebrated with traditional fervor to worship the Sun god. It is celebrated on the sixth day after Deewali, for one night and day. The people of Bihar especially married women, flock to the banks of river Ganga or to other nearby river ghats and ponds to make a ritual offering to Sun god for the prosperity, happiness and peaceful life of their family members as well as the long lives of their husbands. Offerings include cow's milk, coconut and other fruits Some ardent male devotees crawl the entire route from their house to the river banks bare chested, as an offering. Devotees observe total fast since sunrise and visit the river banks in the afternoon to pay homage. More than one lakh people congregate on the banks of Ganga where prayers are offered in a peaceful atmosphere. People from other castes also celebrate this festival with equal importance. Navaratri is one of the major festivals connected with the autumnal equinox, beginning on the first and ending on the tenth day of Navaratri. After the idol of Durga has been worshipped for nine preceding days, it is taken to the river and cast into it. Dussehra celebrates the victory of Rama over Ravana. Hence it is also called Vijayadashami. Huge colourful paper and wooden effigies of Rama's enemies, Ravana, Meghanada and Kumbhakarna are filled with fire works and burnt during Dussehra. Holi and Diwali are the other important Hindu festivals celebrated in Bihar. Hindu women worship Lord Shiva at Jeth Amavasya to ensure the long life of their husband. At Mauni Amavasya they sit silently under a pipal tree on the day of a new moon, provided it is a Monday. Nag Panchami is a festival observed on the fifth day of the bright half of Sravana. It begins with a fast. Bathing fairs are held on the banks of rivers. Makar Sankranti is also observed as a festival among certain classes. On this occasion, the participants and believers eat rice flakes, curd and sweets made of t il. Janmashtami is observed on the eight day of the second fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada. Special meals are held and thousands of people visit the sacred places and temples. Maha-Shivaratri is celebrated with great rejoicing and feasting. Other Bihari festivals are; Saraswati puja which is celebrated in all educational institutions and images of goddess of learning are worshipped. Raksha Bandhan, Godhan, Ramnavami, Chitra gupta puja are celebrated mostly by the Kayasthas and Viswakarma puja is observed only by factory workers and workmen. The chief Muslim festivals in Bihar are the Muharram, the two Ids and shah-i-barat.

Tribal Festivals In tribal life, there is a succession of festivals throughout the year which are connected with agricultural operations. The important festivals among them are Sarhul, Karma and Soharai. Hindu festivals of Holi and Durga puja are also celebrated with great enthusiasm by Hindu tribals. Sarhul

Sarhul is the most popular of all tribal festivals. It is celebrated on the last day of Baisakh which corresponds to the month of April. It is observed at a time when sal trees are laden with flowers. It resembles the Vasant-mahotsava of the Hindus and may therefore be described as the spring festival of the tribals. It is an occasion of great festivity and enjoyment for people of all ages. All night maidens and youths sing and dance to the accompaniment of the drum, while the old sit and enjoy the enchanting dances. Soharai

Another festival among the aboriginals is Soharai or Banda parab, which occurs in the month of Pous, celebrated shortly after the harvest of the rice-crop of the year. It may be called the harvest festival of tribals. On this occasion domestic animals are worshipped, after being washed, anointed with oil and smeared with vermilion. Karma festival

This festival is observed by the tribals as well as non-tribals. On this occasion the tribal youths spend the whole night singing and dancing. The songs sung on this occasion narrate the legends of Karma and Dharma.
TEHRAN, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Wednesday urged immediate and effective measures to stop Israeli attacks against Gaza.

He made the remarks in a meeting with UN Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths in Geneva while commenting on the unfavorable humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, according to a statement published on the Iranian Foreign Ministry's website.

Amir-Abdollahian pointed to his meetings with the officials of Hamas and Qatar in Doha last month, saying Hamas was ready to release civilian captives.

He noted that once Israel stopped its killing of Gazans, the resistance forces would also stop their reciprocal attacks.

Griffiths, for his part, stressed the need to find a solution to release the captives.

He expressed concern over the "horrible" situation of Shifa Hospital in Gaza, describing the circumstances at the hospital as tragic in the wake of the Israeli raids.

Griffiths said the biggest concern was the widening of the war's scope and appreciated Iran's efforts in preventing that from happening.

The Iranian foreign minister traveled to Geneva for talks with the officials of the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross on the situation in Gaza.

Israel has been carrying out attacks on Gaza over the past weeks and has imposed a siege on the enclave to retaliate against Hamas attacks on southern Israel. 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 on Oct. 7. 
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.
DETROIT (AP)  Voting on a tentative contract agreement between General Motors and the United Auto Workers union that ended a six-week strike against the company appears too close to call after the latest tallies at several GM factories were announced Wednesday.

The union hasn't posted final vote totals yet, but workers at several large factories who finished voting in the past few days have turned down the four- year-and-eight-month deal by fairly large margins. However, a factory in Arlington, Texas, with about 5,000 workers voted more than 60% to approve the deal in tallies announced Wednesday.

The vote tracker on the UAW's website Wednesday shows the deal ahead by 958 votes. But those totals do not include votes from GM assembly plants in Fort Wayne, Indiana; Lansing Delta Township, Michigan; and a powertrain plant in Toledo, Ohio, which all voted against the agreement, according to local union officials.

In most cases the vote tallies ranged from 55% to around 60% against the contract.

But in Arlington the vote was 63% in favor with 60.4% of production workers approving the deal and nearly 65% of skilled trades workers voting in favor, making the tally tight with GM voting to wrap up on Thursday.

Spokesmen for both the union and General Motors declined comment while the voting continues.

It wasn't clear what would happen next, but local union officials don't expect an immediate walkout if the contract is voted down.

Voting continues at Ford through early Saturday, where the deal is passing with 66.1% voting in favor so far with only a few large factories still counting.

The contract was passing overwhelmingly at Jeep maker Stellantis, where voting continues until Tuesday. The union's vote tracker on Wednesday showed that 79.5% voted in favor with many large factories yet to finish.

Workers at some smaller GM facilities have yet to vote, and final tallies are expected to be announced late Thursday.

Keith Crowell, the local union president in Arlington, said the plant has a diverse group of workers from full- and part-time temporary hires to longtime assembly line employees. Full-time temporary workers liked the large raises they received and the chance to get top union pay, he said. But many longtime workers didn't think the immediate 11% pay raises were enough to make up for concessions granted to the company in 2008, he said.

There was something in there for everybody, but everybody couldn't get everything they wanted, Crowell said. At least we're making a step in the right direction to recover from 2008.

The union agreed to accept lower pay for new hires and gave up cost of living adjustments and general annual pay raises in 2008 to help the automakers out of dire financial problems during the Great Recession. GM and Stellantis, then Chrysler, went into government-funded bankruptcies.

In the contracts with all three automakers, long time workers will get 25% general raises over the life of the deals with 11% up front. Including cost of living adjustments, they'll get about 33%, the union said.

The contract took steps toward ending lower tiers of wages for newer hires, reducing the number of years it takes to reach top pay. Many newer hires wanted defined benefit pension plans instead of 401(k) retirement plans. But the company agreed to contribute 10% per year into the 401(k) instead.

At other factories, local union officials said that longtime workers at GM were unhappy that they didnt get larger pay raises like newer workers, and they wanted a larger pension increase.

Tony Totty, president of the union local at the Toledo powertrain plant, said the environment is right to seek more from the company. We need to take advantage of the moment, he said. Who knows what the next environment will be for national agreements. The company never has a problem telling us we need to take concessions in bad economic times. Why should we not get the best economic agreement in good economic times?

At a GM pickup truck factory in Flint, Michigan, which voted 51.8% against the contract, worker Tommy Wolikow said more senior workers should have gotten bigger raises because newer hires and temporary workers got a lot more. This wage thing, it's just not cutting it, he said. Still, he said the contract is close and he'd go for it with a few small additions.

Wolikow, hired by GM in 2008, said he was happy with a 10% annual company contribution to his 401(k) plan rather than a defined benefit pension.

Thousands of UAW members joined picket lines in targeted strikes against Detroit automakers over a six-week stretch before tentative deals were reached late last month. Rather than striking at one company, the union targeted individual plants at all three automakers. At its peak last month about 46,000 of the unions 146,000 workers at the Detroit companies were walking picket lines.

Of the four GM plants that went on strike, workers at only one, Arlington, Texas, approved the contract. Workers in Wentzville, Missouri; Lansing Delta Township, Michigan; and Spring Hill, Tennessee; voted it down.

-

This story has been updated to clarify that the vote is too close to call.
The release event of an annual flagship report by the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) is held in Brussels, Belgium, Nov. 14, 2023. In collaboration with global strategy consulting firm Roland Berger, the CCCEU released the chamber's annual flagship report titled "Building Trust, Boosting Prosperity." The report sees Chinese enterprises' rating of the EU business environment dipping for the fourth year in a row, albeit at a slower pace. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe)

BRUSSELS, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- In collaboration with global strategy consulting firm Roland Berger, the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) released the chamber's annual flagship report titled "Building Trust, Boosting Prosperity."

The report sees Chinese enterprises' rating of the EU business environment dipping for the fourth year in a row, albeit at a slower pace.

Out of the nearly 180 enterprises surveyed or interviewed, 90 percent reported a revenue increase in the EU, significantly higher than the 70 percent from last year, and about 80 percent of them have plans to invest more.

Generally confident in the European market, about 63 percent of Chinese firms operating in the continent have been disturbed by the European Union's "de-risking" policy, said the CCCEU on Tuesday.

Nearly half of the respondents note a further deterioration in the EU political environment over the past year. They attribute the deterioration to the bloc's "de-risking" approach, policy complexity, and rising trade barriers.

Xu Chen, the CCCEU Chairman, said Sino-EU economic ties hit a milestone in 2022, with daily trade surpassing 2 billion euros (2.17 billion U.S. dollars). Traditionally dominated by electronics and automobiles, bilateral trade shows a notable surge in high-tech and green products like solar panels and electric vehicles.

"Good cooperation between two of the biggest economies has an irreplaceable role in global economic stability," said Fang Dongkui, Secretary General of the CCCEU.

China and the EU share a common understanding of green development and complement each other's strengths in digital transformation, so there is a bright future for cooperation between the two sides, added Fang.

Set up in 2018, the Brussels-based CCCEU speaks for some 1,000 Chinese enterprises operating in the EU, with chambers in EU member states. 

Xu Chen, the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) Chairman, speaks during the release event of an annual flagship report by the CCCEU in Brussels, Belgium, Nov. 14, 2023. In collaboration with global strategy consulting firm Roland Berger, the CCCEU released the chamber's annual flagship report titled "Building Trust, Boosting Prosperity." The report sees Chinese enterprises' rating of the EU business environment dipping for the fourth year in a row, albeit at a slower pace. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe)
BERKS COUNTY, Pa.  The Pennsylvania chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU-PA) filed a federal suit Wednesday against Twin Valley School District, citing the district's "refusal to recognize" a student club critical of its Raider mascot.

According to an ACLU-PA press release, the suit was filed on behalf of high school student Sloan Wolfe and is formally known as Wolfe vs. TVSD. It claims that the district's refusal to recognize a club devoted to ending use of the Raider mascot violates Wolfe's First Amendment rights.

According to the press release, Wolfe, her older sister and other students have campaigned for three years to start a club called "Retire the Raider," which would advocate for the discontinuation of the Native American-themed mascot while "raising awareness about indigenous culture."

District administrators say they have refused to grant recognition to the club because students have been unable to find a teacher willing to serve as the club's advisor. Granting recognition would allow club members to meet during school hours, post flyers in school hallways and be featured on the district's website.

The ACLU argues the district has "ignored, moved the goalposts, or flat out denied" the students' requests. Twin Valley recognizes other "non-curriculum related" clubs such as a Christian club and an esports video game club, the press release said.

Wolfe v. TVSD was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Click here for a copy of the complaint.

The Twin Valley School District issued the following statement about the lawsuit on Wednesday afternoon:

"The District denies any wrongdoing and encourages all its students to exercise their rights. The District is evaluating strategies for fighting these claims. We look forward to our day in court."
READING, Pa.  Authorities in Berks County are looking for a man wanted on charges of rape and aggravated indecent assault of a child.

According to the Berks County Sheriff Office, a warrant for 54-year-old Juan Melo was issued in May 2022 after he failed to appear at a statutory sexual assault hearing. Melo is also wanted for a DUI warrant in Lebanon County, the sheriff office said.

According to the sheriff office, Melo stands 5-foot-7 and weighs 150 pounds. He was last known to be living at 1921 Oregon Pike in Lancaster, Pa.
READING, Pa.  Two leaders of a multi-county drug trafficking ring have been sentenced to decades in prison.

Berks County District Attorney John Adams announced Wednesday that Jessica Lopez-Albino was sentenced to 10 to 20 years in prison, while Carlos Lopez-Rosado was sentenced last month to 11 to 22 years in prison.

Adams says the two were leaders of a drug ring that was taken down by "Operation Caribbean Snowfall" in late 2022. A total of 27 people are charged with dealing heroin, fentanyl and cocaine from Mexico to Reading.
READING, Pa - It's a staple of the holiday season.

"Right now with Christmas that is approaching real soon, faster than we expect throughout the year, our services never stop. We continue serving people all year long, said Lt. Hector Cid with the Salvation Army of Reading.

The bright red kettles are the Salvation Army's long-standing fundraiser leading up to Christmas. But lately, that staple has been slipping.

"In the past few years we have noticed a decline in volunteers, for close to 11 percent across the division. Of course that impacts us and the expectancy we have for the donations, said Cid.

The Salvation Army is looking to have 21 kettles manned around the area in the weeks ahead, and the agency needs your help.

A newer generation of course is always welcome and you have this population that is retiring and looking for collaboration with different agencies, Cid said.

You can volunteer individually. Groups and businesses are also encouraged to sign up.

"We have a database and we have people. Sign up right now. We have 45 people registered and it describes all the shifts we have available, Cid said. You can pick a location a day and four-hour blocks."

The Salvation Army says the current economy is bringing about even more of a need for donations to help families, seniors and vets across the county. They're looking to reach 100 volunteers and raise $135,000 dollars.

Easiest thing would be to come to our location and speak with our kettle coordinator and he can put you on the list.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - A new program encourages Bethlehem residents to take steps to reduce emissions and make the community more sustainable.

Mayor J. William Reynolds announced the launch of the first-ever Bethlehem Climate Challenge at the City of Bethlehems Climate Action Plan Annual Meeting.

Accomplishing goal PE1.1 from the Citys Climate Action Plan, which entered implementation phase when Mayor Reynolds took office in 2021, the Bethlehem Climate Challenge is the first Public Engagement CAP initiative to be announced, according to a news release from the city.

The Bethlehem Climate Challenge is a way for Bethlehem community members (of several categories) to take part in reducing GHG emissions, the city said.

The challenge includes participation options for residents, small businesses owners and employees, large business owners and employees, and K-12 and college students, according to the news release.

The Bethlehem Climate Challenge can be found on the Citys community engagement platform, We Build Bethlehem, at webuild.bethlehem-pa.gov.

Those who participate by signing on to accomplish a set of action items will be listed on the website as a Climate Champion and receive a free yard sign to help spread the word, the city said.

The city says there will also be follow up events to look forward to, as this is an ongoing initiative.

People can join the Bethlehem Climate Challenge at webuild.bethlehem-pa.gov/en/projects/climate-challenge.
HANOVER TWP., Pa.  By a 4-0 vote Tuesday night, the Hanover Township Board of Supervisors tabled the preliminary land development plan for a proposed warehouse near the intersection of Route 22 and Route 512.

Offered by Arcadia Land Development, the proposal calls for the construction of a 250,290 square-foot warehouse at 300 Gateway Drive. The plan was recommended by the Hanover Township Planning Commission earlier this year.

Representing the developer, attorney Matthew Deschler and engineer Scott Pidcock spoke for more than an hour Tuesday about the plans merits.

Deschler explained that Arcadia was seeking to consolidate two lots on Gateway Drive, and that the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission had endorsed the proposal as compatible with its larger regional plan. Because constructing a warehouse of that size was a permitted by right zoning use in Hanover Townships Planned Industrial/Business District (PIBD), Deschler argued that the board should advance the proposal.

We are looking for approval tonight, Deschler said. We do believe we can meet the conditions of the SALDO (subdivision and land development ordinances).

Pidcock engaged with the public during his lengthy presentation about the proposals traffic impact, reassuring concerned residents the project would be a modest generator of traffic compared to similar-sized warehouses elsewhere in the Lehigh Valley.

Pidcock said the facility would feature 28 dock doors for trucks only on the south side of the building  so it would never become a large distribution center for Amazon or Walmart. The developer would also be responsible for widening Gateway Drive to accommodate large trucks turning off Route 512, according to Pidcock.

This is not a trust me, Pidcock said. The township engineer has reviewed this proposal, and PennDOT has thoroughly scrubbed this.

Some residents argued that trucks from the site should be rerouted north to Highland Avenue to prevent excessive queuing on congested Route 512. Pidcock responded that doing so would not be feasible from a traffic engineering standpoint, since it would increase the travel distance for trucks attempting to get back on Route 22.

Joseph Fitzpatrick, an attorney representing the Embassy Bank branch located adjacent to the project site, argued against Deschlers request for the supervisors to take action on the proposal. Fitzpatrick said Embassy Bank had a vested interest in the ownership of land fronting on Route 512  which he said the proposed development would compromise.

Vested rights mean something, Fitzpatrick said to applause, before requesting that the proposal be either tabled or denied.

Ultimately, supervisor Susan Lawless motioned to table the proposal until the townships meeting on Jan. 23, 2024. Doing so would give supervisors the chance to consider the proposal in accordance with zoning changes made to the PIBD in November 2022, Lawless said.

Lawless was joined by board chairman John Diacogiannis, member Barry Check and member Michael Prendeville in voting to table the proposal. Vice chairman Jack Nagle was absent from Tuesdays meeting.

In other news, the supervisors voted unanimously to grant a conditional use approval for the proposed 179,400 square-foot food product warehouse at 4000-4300 Airport Road. That plan is offered by the Montvale, N.J.-based RDM Group  whose project engineer Rocco Carcciolo testified about the proposal at an Oct. 24 hearing.

The supervisors also heard from Jaindl Land Co., which seeks to change Section 185-35(d) of the townships zoning ordinance to allow for construction of a limited service hotel at 90 Highland Ave. No action on this proposal was taken Tuesday night, though some residents expressed opposition to the plan.

Finally, the board turned away a proposal from Sheetz, which sought to build a gas station/convenience store at the southeast corner of Route 512 and Southland Drive. Sheetz attorney Julie Wagner Burkart said the plan would require changes to open space easements that the township has recognized on the site since 1987, prompting supervisors to unanimously express opposition to moving forward with the plan.

The Hanover Township Board of Supervisors will next meet on Tuesday, Nov. 28.

At their Dec. 19 meeting, the supervisors will take a final vote on the townships final, $13.85 million budget for 2024.
Northampton County Executive Lamont G. McClure contends that planned regional spending on transportation shortchanges his county. His counterpart in Lehigh County, Phillips Armstrong, sees balance in the 2023 Long Range Transportation Plan.



"Under the 2023 proposed plan, only 18% of the funding would be directed toward projects located solely in Northampton County," McClure said Wednesday in a statement posted on the county website.



"While this is an improvement over the 15% Northampton County was slated to receive under the prior 2019 LRTP, it continues to be approximately half of the funding allocated to Lehigh County," he said.



The LRTP is one of the many acronyms in the world of planning and transportation. The LRTP is voted on by a committee of the Lehigh Valley Transportation Study, which is an affiliate of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission.



Behind the alphabet soup are real dollars. The LRTP guides about $4.85 billion in state and federal transportation spending in the Lehigh Valley over the next 25 years. The plan was approved Wednesday, with McClure voting against it.



Armstrong said the math behind the plan reflects a Lehigh Valley-wide approach, not a partisan grab.



He said the statistics that help guide spending come from multiple sources at the state and federal level.



"The plan has nothing to do with whether (spending) is in Lehigh County or Northampton County," Armstrong said. "It's about looking at the entire Lehigh Valley and prioritizing the needs."



The busiest roads such as I-78 and Routes 22 and 33 need lots of work, as do lesser byways. That squeezes out more fanciful projects, including the concept of a pedestrian/bike bridge over the Lehigh River in Bethlehem. About 100 projects that would have cost $2.27 billion were left out of the plan.



The Lehigh Valley Transportation Study held five public comment sessions on the plan.



Lehigh County's Armstrong commended Lehigh Valley Planning Commission Executive Director Becky Bradley for helping bring money to the region.



"It's really because of our planning commission that we get this much funding," the Lehigh County Executive said.



Armstrong did not criticize McClure's position, noting that his colleague in Northampton County is doing his job: "He's doing what he has to do to fight for his county."



McClure said in his statement that the difference in funding will probably persist or grow worse as an expansion of Route 22 in the Allentown area proceeds.



McClure asked the county's delegation in the Pennsylvania capital to pick up the fight.



"All of our Northampton County legislators should make it abundantly clear in Harrisburg that relegating us to second-class status when it comes to infrastructure funding is unacceptable," he said.
WASHINGTON - People from the Lehigh Valley were among the tens of thousands who made the trip to Washington, D.C. Tuesday to voice their support for Israel.

The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley sponsored a charter bus to take people to the rally. They joined dozens of other buses full of people from all over the country headed for the National Mall to proclaim their support for Israel in its ongoing war with Hamas.

"Students, older people, young people all over just with one message of love to Israel and to our Jewish community," said Aaron Gorodzinsky, Campaign Director for the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.

Gorodzinsky described what the gathering felt like.

"A gigantic communal hug to all of our people, and to show that we care deeply for what's happening in Israel today," said Gorodzinsky.

On the podium, they heard from the elected leaders of both houses of Congress from both parties.

"The United States has always stood with Israel, and we will do everything to see that that never, ever changes," said Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

"As Prime Minister Netanyahu says so well, this is a fight between good and evil, between light and darkness, between civilization and barbarism, barbarism. The calls for a ceasefire are outrageous," said Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.

Gorodzinsky said that bi-partisan support is encouraging.

"We thank our elected officials for being able to support Israel, and to ask for the release of the over 230 hostages that are being held in Gaza," said Gorodzinsky.
HARRISBURG, Pa.  A bill designed to punish retail thieves in Philadelphia and other cities passed the Pennsylvania Senate by a 46-4 vote on Wednesday.

Introduced by Sen. David Argall (R-Carbon/Luzerne/Schuylkill), Senate Bill 596 would create a first-degree felony offense for thieves who steal more than $20,000 worth of goods with the intent to resell them. Such a felony carries up to 20 years in prison, Argall said.

The bill would also create the Office of Deputy Attorney General for Organized Retail Crime Theft to pursue identified "leaders of these criminal rings," Argall said.

The United States Chamber of Commerce estimates that organized retail theft has led to the loss of $125 billion and nearly 700,000 jobs nationally.

The bill now heads to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for further consideration.
WASHINGTON, D.C.  Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.) introduced legislation Wednesday to help end what they call "persistent wage disparities" among federal workers in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Known as the "Locality Pay Equality Act," their bill would prohibit the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) from including more than one local wage area within a pay locality. Doing so would resolve employee inequalities at the Tobyhanna and Letterkenny Army Depot locations, Casey and Cartwright said.

"Every worker deserves to be treated fairly, regardless of pay schedule, and time has long past for us to address this issue at Tobyhanna and Letterkenny," Casey said. "...This legislation would work to create a fairer compensation system and end these pay disparities.""

[T]he outdated and unfair federal pay system has disadvantaged workers at Tobyhanna for years," Cartwright said. "Senator Casey and I agree that we should be doing all we can to support these workers  and that includes ensuring fairness in terms of pay."

The legislation is co-sponsored by Democratic Sens. John Fetterman (Pa.), Sherrod Brown (Ohio) and Elizabeth Warren (Mass.).
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)
If you think you're more likely to get bitten by a tick out in the woods, think again.

Not only does the CDC say Pennsylvania ranked number one for Lyme Disease cases, tick experts say something called forest fragmentation is putting us closer to the little blood suckers.

Dr. Nicole Chinnici with the Pennsylvania Tick Research Lab at East Stroudsburg University says with Pennsylvania being more than 50% forest, "our housing usually tends to be in these very wooded areas. And that allows for us to then become and interact with the tick population."

"The most common tick exposure in Pennsylvania is from the black legged tick," said Chinnici. "It is the one that carries and transmits Lyme Disease."

Researchers at the lab spend their days analyzing ticks that are dropped off at a drop box outside their office or mailed in from residents across the state.

Technician Shivanee Forde says right now, the lab is averaging about 200 ticks a day. Researchers say most of them came from backyards.

"So with exposures being most common in your own backyard, it's great to create a tick-free zone," said Chinnici.

The biggest threat to that tick-free zone? Piles of leaves.

"Leaves will play a role in helping insects survive the winter because they can incubate and stay under that leaf litter blanket," said Chinnici.

So the best thing to do is to keep piles of leaves out of spaces where people and pets hang out.

Chinnici cautions, if it's above 45 degrees, ticks are active.

If you do get bitten, the tick research lab testing is free and can help you determine if you have possibly been exposed to Lyme Disease.

You can find out more about the Pennsylvania Tick Research Lab at ticklab.org.
WASHINGTON, D.C.  A Haitian man is considered one of the world's most dangerous at-large criminals by the FBI  even if his surname suggests otherwise.

The FBI says 37-year-old Vitel'Homme Innocent was the leader of Kraze Barye, a gang involved in the 2021 kidnapping of 17 Christian missionaries in Haiti.

The victims were held captive for 61 days, and five children were among them  including an 8-month old. Innocent's gang and another gang, 400 Mawozo, demanded a ransom payment for each victim, according to the FBI.

It is also alleged that Kraze Barye members kidnapped an American citizen in Haiti and killed another American during the kidnapping attempt.

The State Department's Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program has offered a $2 million reward for information leading to Innocent's arrest or conviction.
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 Biden's 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.
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP)  Israeli troops on Wednesday stormed into Gazas largest hospital, searching for traces of Hamas inside and beneath the facility, where newborns and hundreds of other patients have suffered for days without electricity and other basic necessities. The forces also pressed on with their wider ground offensive.

Details from the daylong raid remained sketchy, but officials from Israel and Gaza presented different accounts of what was happening at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City: The Israeli army released video showing soldiers carrying boxes labeled as baby food and medical supplies, while health officials talked of terrified staff and patients as troops moved through the buildings.

After encircling Shifa for days, Israel faced pressure to prove its claim that Hamas had turned the hospital into a command center and used patients, staff and civilians sheltering there to provide cover for its militants. The allegation is part of Israel's broader accusation that Hamas uses Palestinians as human shields. Israel released video late Wednesday of weapons it said it found in one building, but so far its search showed no signs of tunnels or a sophisticated command center.

Hamas and Gaza health officials deny militants operate in Shifa  a hospital that employs some 1,500 people and has more than 500 beds, according to the Palestinian news agency. Palestinians and rights groups say Israel has recklessly endangered civilians as it seeks to eradicate Hamas.

As Israel tightens its hold on northern Gaza, leaders have talked of expanding the ground operation into the south to root out Hamas. Most of Gazas 2.3 million people have already crowded into the territorys south, where a worsening fuel shortage threatens to paralyze the delivery of humanitarian services and shut down mobile phone and internet service.

The war between Israel and Hamas erupted after the militant group killed some 1,200 people and seized around 240 captives in an Oct. 7 attack that shattered Israelis' sense of security.

Israeli airstrikes have since killed more than 11,200 people, two-thirds of them women and minors, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah, which coordinates with the ministry branch in Hamas-ruled Gaza. Another 2,700 have been reported missing, with most believed to be buried under the rubble. The ministrys count does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths.

ISRAELI RAID INTO SHIFA

Israeli forces launched their raid into the large Shifa compound around 2 a.m. and remained on the grounds after nightfall Wednesday, with tanks stationed outside and snipers on nearby buildings, Munir al-Boursh, a senior official with Gazas Health Ministry inside the hospital, told The Associated Press. It was not possible to independently assess the situation inside.

Al-Boursh said that for hours, the troops ransacked the basement and other buildings, including those housing the emergency and surgery departments, and searched the grounds for tunnels. Troops questioned and face-screened patients, staff and people sheltering in the facility, he said, adding that he did not know if any were detained.

Patients, women and children are terrified, he told the AP by phone.

Neither the Palestinians nor the military reported any clashes inside the hospital. The military said its troops killed four militants outside the hospital at the start of the operation. Throughout days of fighting in the surrounding streets in previous days, there were no reports of militants firing from inside Shifa.

The Israeli military said it was carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in the hospital, and that its soldiers were accompanied by medical teams bringing in incubators and other supplies.

It added that forces were also searching for hostages. The plight of the captives, who include men, women and children, has galvanized Israeli support for the war. Families and supporters of the hostages are holding a protest march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

The video released by the military from inside Shifa showed three duffel bags it said it found hidden around an MRI lab, each containing an assault rifle, grenades and Hamas uniforms, as well as a closet that contained a number of assault rifles without ammunition clips. A laptop was also discovered and taken for study. The AP could not independently verify the Israeli claims that the weapons were found inside the hospital.

These weapons have absolutely no business being inside a hospital, Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, a military spokesman, said in the video, adding that he believed the material was just the top of the iceberg. The military said the search was continuing, but it did not immediately show any sign of tunnels or an extensive military center.

The raid drew condemnation from the U.N., Jordan and the West Bank's Palestinian Authority, which called it a violation of international law. Separately, the U.N. Security Council approved a resolution calling for humanitarian pauses and corridors" throughout Gaza after four failed attempts to respond to the Israel-Hamas war.

In other developments, U.S. President Joe Biden said he believes the war will stop only when Hamas' ability to kill and injure Israelis is degraded. He also said he urged Israel to exercise caution in its military operations at the hospital.

I think its going to stop when Hamas no longer maintains the capacity to murder, Biden said after meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperative conference in California.

Biden said he discussed with Israelis their need to be incredibly careful as they worked to clear the hospital.

At one point, tens of thousands of Palestinians fleeing Israeli bombardment were sheltering at the hospital, but most left in recent days as the fighting drew closer. The fate of premature babies at the hospital has drawn particular concern.

The Health Ministry said 40 patients, including three babies, have died since Shifas emergency generator ran out of fuel Saturday.

There was no immediate word on the condition of another 36 babies the ministry said earlier were at risk of dying because there is no power for incubators.

Hours before Israels raid, the United States said its own intelligence indicated militants have used Shifa and other hospitals  and tunnels beneath them  to support military operations and hold hostages.

Under international humanitarian law, hospitals can lose their protected status if combatants use them for military purposes. But civilians must be given ample time to flee, and any attack must be proportional to the military objective  putting the burden on Israel to show it was a big enough military target to justify the siege against it.

A TRICKLE OF FUEL FOR AID WORKERS

Conditions in southern Gaza have been deteriorating as bombardment continues to level buildings. Residents say bread is scarce and supermarket shelves are bare. Families cook on wood fires for lack of fuel. Central electricity and running water have been out for weeks across Gaza.

After refusing to allow fuel into Gaza since the wars start, saying it would be diverted to Hamas, Israeli defense officials early Wednesday let in some 24,000 liters (6,340 gallons).

The fuel will only be used for the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, to continue bringing limited supplies of food and medicine from Egypt for the more than 600,000 people sheltering in U.N.-run schools and other facilities in the south.

The fuel cannot be used for hospitals or to desalinate water, said Thomas White, UNRWAs director in Gaza. The amount is the equivalent of only 9% of what we need daily to sustain lifesaving activities, he said.

The Palestinian telecom company Paltel, meanwhile, said it was relying on batteries to keep Gaza mobile and internet network running, and that it expected services to halt later Wednesday. Gaza has experienced three previous mass communication outages since the ground invasion.

LOOKING SOUTH

Israeli troops have extended their control across northern Gaza. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Wednesday the ground operation will eventually include both the north and south. We will strike Hamas wherever it is.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed the plans, saying Israels goal is a complete victory over Hamas in the south and the return of our hostages.

If Israeli troops move south, it is not clear where Gazas population can flee, as Egypt refuses to allow a mass transfer onto its soil.

Magdy and Jeffery reported from Cairo. Associated Press writers Wafaa Shurafa in Dair al-Balah, Gaza, and Amy Teibel in Jerusalem contributed to this report.

Full AP coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war.
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.
TRENTON, N.J. (AP)  New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy on Wednesday launched a bid for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in next year's contest.

Her candidacy, announced Wednesday, puts her in the running to become the first woman elected to the Senate from New Jersey. The Democratic primary already features U.S. Rep. Andy Kim and could include Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, who has lost significant party support amid federal bribery charges but has not ruled out a run in 2024.

We need a senator who will work every single day to lower the cost of living, protect abortion rights, end the gun violence epidemic, and defend our democracy, Murphy said in a roughly four-minute-long video posted online.

The first lady, 58, is a constant at events alongside her husband, Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, and has taken on maternal and infant health and the environment as her top priorities  issues she highlighted in her announcement.

A Virginia native and University of Virginia graduate, Tammy Murphy worked in finance at Goldman Sachs alongside Phil Murphy before the couple settled in New Jersey. They have four children.

Democrats picked up at least five seats in the Assembly in this year's midterm legislative elections, a boon for the governor, who is in the final two years of his second term.

Those successes could translate into critical county support for the first lady, who campaigned alongside the governor to increase their party's legislative majorities. A number of key county party chairmen set candidate ballot positions, and support from the county party frequently leads to electoral success.

Debbie Walsh, the director of the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University said the system, which can often surprise political newcomers, could work to elect a woman to the Senate in this case.

"This is one individual woman who has the advantage here of being able to use the system that has been the challenge or the barrier to womens participation. In some ways maybe thats the way we get the first woman in the Senate, maybe thats the breakthrough," Walsh said.

Patricia Campos-Medina, a political activist and labor leader, said she is also considering a run on the Democratic side and that she's heard from people that they're concerned about the possibility of losing a Latino voice in the U. S. Senate if Menendez doesn't return. She also said she thinks this is a prime moment to fight for workers and, like Tammy Murphy, to stand up for women's reproductive rights.

On the GOP side, Mendham Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner is seeking the Senate seat next year. Serrano Glassner said in a written statement that Tammy Murphy's candidacy reflects cronyism in Democratic politics.

New Jerseys primary is June 4.

Tammy Murphy is well known in New Jersey's political circles. Before the governor's first run for office in 2017, she worked to set up a think tank he used to showcase policy ideas. She is the honorary chair of the New Jersey Council on the Green Economy and launched Nurture NJ, an initiative aimed at boosting infant and maternal health and lowering maternal mortality, with a goal of cutting maternal mortality by 50% by 2026.

A former Republican, Tammy Murphy has spoken about growing up in a GOP-leaning area of Virginia and has previously donated to the Republican party. She became a Democrat before her husband's run for office.

The first lady was named in a gender discrimination lawsuit this year brought by state troopers who worked on the detail responsible for providing security for the governor. The suit alleges that Tammy Murphy denied a trooper the use of a carriage house on Murphy's property to pump breast milk.

In a statement this week, she denied the allegations as outrageous and categorically false.

Menendez has pleaded not guilty to federal charges. Prosecutors have said the senator and his wife, Nadine Menendez, accepted bribes of cash, gold bars and a luxury car over the past five years from three New Jersey businessmen in exchange for a variety of corrupt acts. He's also accused of being an unregistered agent on behalf of Egypt.

He hasn't said whether he'll seek reelection in 2024 but remarked after being indicted that he's not going anywhere.

Menendez criticized Tammy Murphy in a statement Wednesday for being a card-carrying Republican for years and said she'd have to answer for the policies of her husband's administration, echoing similar attacks the GOP tried against the governor in his 2021 reelection bid.

I'll gladly put my record of success on behalf of the people of New Jersey against anyone, Menendez said.

He was first appointed to the Senate seat in 2006 after the vacancy caused by Jon Corzine's election as governor of New Jersey. Menendez has since won three elections to the Senate.

Menendezs indictment led to a collapse of Democratic support in the state for him.

Kim, a three-term representative from the state's 3rd District, announced his candidacy just a day after the corruption charges against Menendez, saying he believed New Jersey deserved better. He was the first Asian American elected from New Jersey, according to the U.S. House historian's database.

He said in a statement Wednesday that voters want someone battle tested and proven so we don't let Washington Republicans take back the Senate.
ETNA, Ohio (AP)  A charter bus filled with high school students was rear-ended by a semitruck on an Ohio highway Tuesday morning, leaving six people dead and 18 injured, officials said.

Five vehicles were involved in the crash, including a Pioneer Trails charter bus carrying students and chaperones from the Tuscarawas Valley Local School District in eastern Ohio, said Licking County Emergency Management Agency Director Sean Grady.

Three passengers on the bus, which was carrying a driver and 54 students and chaperones, were pronounced dead at the scene, the Ohio State Highway Patrol said Tuesday night. They were identified as John W. Mosley, 18, of Mineral City; Jeffery D. Worrell, 18, of Bolivar; and Katelyn N. Owens, 15, of Mineral City.

This is our worst nightmare, when we have a bus full of children involved in a crash, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said during a news conference at the scene. Prayers go out to the families, everyone who was on the bus.

A total of 15 students and the bus driver were brought to area hospitals, while other students were taken to a reunification site, officials said.

All three people in one of the passenger vehicles involved were also pronounced dead at the scene, the highway patrol said. They were identified as Dave Kennat, 56, of Navarre; Kristy Gaynor, 39, of Zoar; and Shannon Wigfield, 45, of Bolivar.

The driver of the other passenger vehicle was also taken to a hospital. Of the drivers of the commercial vehicles involved, one was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening and the other was treated at the scene, the highway patrol said.

All of the vehicles were traveling westbound on Interstate 70 in Licking County, about 26 miles (42 kilometers) east of Columbus, about 9 a.m. when the chain-reaction crash happened. At least three vehicles subsequently caught fire, the highway patrol said. The cause of the crash is under investigation. A team of National Transportation Safety Board investigators was headed to the scene.

The bus was carrying the students and chaperones to an Ohio School Boards Association conference in Columbus, Tuscarawas Valley Superintendent Derek Varansky said.

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, Varansky said in a Facebook post.

The conference was canceled after organizers learned of the crash, said spokesperson Jeff Chambers.

In a written statement, Pioneer Trails offered its condolences to those affected by the crash and said it was cooperating with authorities, but would have no further comment pending the investigation.

The Red Cross sent 30 units of blood to a hospital in the Mount Carmel Health System to help victims, said Marita Salkowski, regional communications director for the American Red Cross of Central and Southern Ohio. A center was set up at a United Methodist Church in Etna where bus passengers not in need of medical attention could go to contact loved ones, she said.

As a line of cars snaked into the Tuscarawas Valley Middle-High School parking lot Tuesday morning, school officials spoke with parents before they went inside to pick up their kids, the Columbus Dispatch reported.

Im sick. Im sick to my stomach, the newspaper quoted parent Laurie Fragasse as saying when she picked up her daughter.

Numerous emergency workers responded to the crash. Ohio Department of Transportation cameras from the area showed smoke coming from the site. Police officers were blocking nearby entrance ramps to I-70 East and West, increasing traffic along the road leading to the interstate.

The Ohio collision was the second recent fatal crash in the U.S. 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.

This story has been updated to correct the spelling of one of the victims names. The Associated Press erroneously reported the last name of one of the victims, based on information obtained from the Ohio State Highway Patrol. It was John W. Mosley, not Mosely.

Seewer reported from Toledo, Ohio. Associated Press writers Ron Todt in Philadelphia and Bruce Shipkowski in Toms River, New Jersey, contributed to this report.
LUCKNOW, India (AP)  Some of the 40 workers trapped for days in a collapsed road tunnel in northern India were falling sick Wednesday as falling debris and technical glitches delayed work to free them, officials said.

Rescuers have been trying to drill through the rubble and insert wide steel pipes to free the construction workers who have been trapped since Sunday when a portion of the tunnel they were working on collapsed in the mountainous Uttarakhand state.

Progress has been slow because of debris falling in the channel excavated so far and glitches with the rescuers' drilling machine, but a more powerful machine has been airlifted there and was being assembled for use, the National Highway Authority said.

The group of 40 construction workers, most of them migrant laborers from across India, have confirmed receiving food and water sent via narrow channels in the debris, the authority said.

However, some of them are expressing concern because they have started suffering from fever and body aches, said Abhishek Ruhela, a magistrate and the top government official in the town of Uttarkashi near where the collapse happened. Medicine also has been sent through the pipes, he said.

Essential eatables such as chickpeas and almonds are being sent through the same channels, Ruhela said.

Relatives and friends of the trapped workers have gathered outside the tunnel, and were growing frustrated and angry.

The state government has been conferring with the Indian army as well as with foreign experts for suggestions that might help in the rescue.

State officials have contacted Thai experts who helped rescue a junior association football team that was trapped in a cave system in northern Thailand in 2018, state government administrator Gaurav Singh said. They also have approached the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute for possible help, Singh said.

About 200 disaster relief personnel have been at the site using drilling equipment and excavators in the rescue operation, with the plan to push 75-centimeter-wide (2.5-foot-wide) steel pipes through an opening of excavated debris.

Falling debris lightly injured two rescue workers, and delayed operations on Tuesday and Wednesday.

These are challenges in such rescue operations, but we will overcome them, disaster management official Ranjit Sinha said.

A landslide during road construction Sunday caused a portion of the 4.5-kilometer (2.7-mile) tunnel to collapse about 200 meters (500 feet) from the entrance. It is a hilly tract of land, prone to landslide and subsidence.

Uttarakhand is a mountainous state dotted with Hindu temples that attract many pilgrims and tourists and construction of highways and buildings has been constant to accommodate the influx.

The tunnel is part of the busy Chardham all-weather road, a flagship federal project connecting various Hindu pilgrimage sites.
LONDON  Britains Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that the governments contentious plan to send some migrants on a one-way trip to Rwanda is illegal, striking a major blow to a key policy of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government that has drawn international attention and criticism.

Five justices on the countrys top court ruled unanimously that asylum-seekers sent to Rwanda would be at real risk of ill-treatment because they could be returned to the home countries they'd fled.

Sunak, who has pledged to stop migrants reaching Britain in small boats across the English Channel, said the ruling was not the outcome we wanted.

But he added, we have spent the last few months planning for all eventualities and we remain completely committed to stopping the boats.

Refugee and human rights groups welcomed the decision. Charity ActionAid U.K. called it a vindication of British values of compassion and dignity." Amnesty International urged he British government to draw a line under a disgraceful chapter in the U.K.s political history.

Britain and Rwanda signed a deal in April 2022 to send some migrants who arrive in the U.K. as stowaways or in boats to the East African country, where their asylum claims would be processed and, if successful, they would stay.

Britains government argued that the Rwanda policy would deter people from risking their lives crossing one of the worlds busiest shipping lanes, and would break the business model of people-smuggling gangs. Opposition politicians, refugee groups and human rights organizations said the plan was unethical and unworkable.

No one has yet been sent to the country as the plan was challenged in the courts.

Reading the unanimous decision, President of the Supreme Court Robert Reed said Rwanda could not be relied on to keep its promises not to mistreat asylum-seekers sent from Britain.

He cited the countrys poor human rights record, including enforced disappearances and torture, and said Rwanda practiced refoulement  sending migrants back to unsafe home countries.

The judges concluded there were substantial grounds for believing that asylum-seekers would face a real risk of ill-treatment by reason of refoulement in the event that they were removed to Rwanda.

The U.K. government has argued that while Rwanda was the site of a genocide that killed more than 800,000 people in 1994, the country has since built a reputation for stability and economic progress.

Critics say that stability comes at the cost of political repression. The court's judgment noted multiple rights breaches, including political killings that had led U.K. police "to warn Rwandan nationals living in Britain of credible plans to kill them on the part of that state. They said Rwanda has a 100% rejection record for asylum-seekers from war-torn countries including Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan.

The evidence establishes substantial grounds for believing that there is a real risk that asylum claims will not be determined properly, and that asylum-seekers will in consequence be at risk of being returned directly or indirectly to their country of origin, the judges said. In that event, genuine refugees will face a real risk of ill-treatment in circumstances where they should not have been returned at all.

The ruling is leaves in tatters a policy that has cost the British government at least 140 million pounds ($175 million) in payments to Rwanda, without anyone being sent to that country. The first deportation flight was stopped at the last minute in June 2022, when the European Court of Human Rights intervened.

In December, the High Court in London ruled that the Rwanda plan is legal, but that the government must consider the individual circumstances of each case before putting anyone on a plane.

The Court of Appeal in June backed a challenge by asylum-seekers from countries including Syria, Vietnam and Iran. The court ruled that the plan was unlawful because Rwanda is not a safe third country.

That was challenged at the Supreme Court by the government, which argued at a hearing last month that it had thoroughly assessed the risks and would ensure that Rwandas government abides by its agreement to protect migrants rights.

It's unclear whether the British government will try to keep the policy alive. The Supreme Court judges ruled that the structural changes and capacity-building needed to make Rwanda a safe country may be delivered in the future," but are not in place now.

Some U.K. Conservatives have called for dramatic action. Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who was fired by Sunak on Monday, has said the U.K. to leave the European Convention on Human Rights and its court if the Rwanda plan was blocked.

Justice Reed stressed that the "legal rule that refugees must not be returned to their country of origin  if their life or freedom would be at risk is enshrined in multiple U.K. laws and international treaties, not just the European convention.

Much of Europe and the U.S. is struggling with how best to cope with migrants seeking refuge from war, violence, oppression and a warming planet that has brought devastating drought and floods.

Though Britain receives fewer asylum applications than countries such as Italy, France or Germany, thousands of migrants from around the world travel to northern France each year in hopes of crossing the English Channel.

More than 27,300 migrants have crossed the Channel this year, with the years total on track to be fewer than the 46,000 who made the journey in 2022. The government says that shows its tough approach is working, though others cite factors including the weather.
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia's aerospace industry is on course to meet its revenue target of 18 billion ringgit (3.86 billion U.S. dollars) this year, with the estimated revenue to be over 16 billion ringgit (3.43 billion dollars) by the third quarter of 2023, an official said on Wednesday.

The industry is expanding the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) segment to include new aircraft types and different categories of parts and components with the industry expected to grow even faster next year, National Aerospace Industry Corporation Malaysia chief executive officer Shamsul Kamar Abu Samah said in a press briefing in conjunction with Malaysia Aerospace Summit 2023 (MyAero2023).

He further explained that industry players have secured multiple work packages related to parts and components for single-aisle aircraft as well as engine components, which are now widely promoted in the global aerospace supply chain.

"This segment falls under the manufacturing sector in the aerospace industry, which contributed 48 percent of the industry's revenue, whereas MRO contributed about 49 percent, and the balance is the training business," he added.

MyAero2023 brings together industry leaders and experts to create a vibrant and sustainable future for the sector, aligning with the goals set out in the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030. 
UNITED NATIONS (AP)  The U.N. Security Council on Wednesday adopted its first resolution since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses in Gaza to address the escalating crisis for Palestinian civilians during Israels aerial and ground attacks. Israel immediately rejected the resolution.

The vote in the 15-member council was 12-0 with the United States, United Kingdom and Russia abstaining. The U.S. and U.K. abstained because of the resolutions failure to condemn Hamas surprise cross-border attacks into Israel on Oct. 7, and Russia because of its failure to demand a humanitarian cease-fire, which Israel and the United States oppose.

The final draft watered down language from demands to calls for humanitarian pauses, and for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups.

Still, the resolution, which was sponsored by Malta, managed to overcome the serious differences that had prevented the council from adopting four previous resolutions.

What we have achieved today is an important first step, Maltas U.N. Ambassador Vanessa Frazier said. We will remain steadfast in our commitment to the protection of civilians and the plight of children in armed conflict that continue to suffer in a disproportionate manner.

The resolution doesnt mention the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel, where Hamas militants killed around 1,200 people and took some 240 others hostage. Nor does it mention Israels response with airstrikes and a ground offensive in Hamas-ruled Gaza that the territorys health ministry says have killed more than 11,000 Palestinians, two-thirds of them women and children.

Russias U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia tried unsuccessfully to amend the resolution just before the vote with language from a resolution adopted Oct. 27 by the 193-member General Assembly. It calls for an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities.

The vote on the amendment was five countries in favor, the U.S. opposed, and nine abstentions. It was not adopted because it failed to get the minimum nine yes votes.

Nebenzia said he abstained on the resolution because of appeals from the region for council action on the dire humanitarian situation. But he called it a disgrace that the council, which has a uniquely powerful toolbox including sanctions and even military action, finally squeezed out such a weak call.

As the old saying goes, the mountain has labored and brought forth a mouse, the Russian ambassador said.

U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said she remains horrified that a few council members cant condemn Hamas barbaric terrorist attack, and criticized the resolution for not reaffirming every countrys right to self-defense. She did note that the resolution is the first ever adopted that even mentions the word Hamas.

Nonetheless, Thomas-Greenfield called the resolution a step forward and said the U.S. supports its calls for humanitarian pauses and the release of hostages.

United Arab Emirates Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh, the Arab representative on the council, said its members supported the resolution, which is the first on the situation in the Palestinian territories since 2016.

It is difficult geopolitical times, and to bring the unity of the council today to speak with one voice on the subject that has haunted all of us over the last month is, I think, momentous, she said.

The resolution is a first, important and overdue step and will change the worlds perception that the Security Council is indifferent, Nusseibeh said. But the world must not lose sight of the urgent goal of a lasting humanitarian cease-fire, she said.

Israels U.N. Ambassador Gilad Erdan issued a statement saying the resolution is disconnected from reality and is meaningless.

He criticized the councils failure to condemn Hamas, claiming the militants were deliberately allowing the humanitarian situation to deteriorate so the United Nations would pressure Israel to back off of Gaza.

It will not happen, Erdan said. Israel will continue to act until Hamas is destroyed and the hostages are returned.

U.N. Security Council resolutions are legally binding, unlike General Assembly resolutions, but in practice many parties choose to ignore the councils requests for action.

Richard Gowan, U.N. director for the International Crisis Group, said the Security Council has called for cease-fires in wars from the Balkans to Syria with little or no impact.

The General Assembly resolution was approved on Oct. 27 by a vote of 120-14 with 45 abstentions. Since then, Israel agreed Nov. 9 to four-hour pauses. But only limited aid has been delivered to Gaza through the Rafah crossing from Egypt, and a humanitarian catastrophe has been brewing.

Gowan said that the council was able to speak at all gives its member nations some respite, but would likely not have any significant impact.

The resolution is drafted in a way that puts no real political pressure on Israel, but the U.S. will likely urge Israel to show more flexibility on aid issues to satisfy global opinion, Gowan told The Associated Press. The council will not move from this text to a call for a cease-fire, unless facts change significantly on the ground.

The resolution calls for humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip for a sufficient number of days for unhindered access by the U.N., Red Cross and other aid groups to get water, electricity, fuel, food and medical supplies to all those in need. It says the pauses also should allow for repair of essential infrastructure and enable urgent rescue and recovery efforts.

It demands that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians, especially children.

It also asks U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to report to the council at its next monthly Mideast meeting, on Nov. 28, on implementing the resolution.

Asked afterward about Israel's rejection of the resolution, Maltas Frazier and the UAEs Nusseibeh said it remains legally binding and pointed to Guterres' upcoming report. Nusseibeh said the secretary-general has been asked to bring ideas on what the U.N. would need for further monitoring and implementation on the ground.

Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian U.N. ambassador, said the Security Council should have called for a cease-fire a long time ago, stressing that Gaza bleeds death, devastation, destruction everywhere. It is a small, modest resolution, he said.

Israel considers all of us terrorists, he told the council after the vote. Israel is not under threat of destruction. It is destroying Palestine. It considers the Palestinian state as a strategic threat. It is against Palestinian rule anywhere.

Mansour said the Palestinians will keep coming back to the Security Council and the General Assembly for action, first and foremost for a cease-fire.
PUL-E-KHUMRI, Afghanistan, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The construction of a major road has entered the stage of asphalting outside the capital city Pul-e-Khumri of north Afghanistan's Baghlan province, Abdul Matin Akhundzadeh, the head of the provincial economy department, said on Wednesday.

The asphalting work began on Tuesday for the road project funded by the local government. The project at a cost of 72 million afghanis (about 1 million U.S. dollars) is building a road that is 2,177 meters long and 9 meters wide, to link the provincial capital to the province's Doshi district, the official added.

In another development, local authorities began on Sunday asphalting a road in Charikar city, the capital of east Afghanistan's Parwan province.

In efforts to rebuild the war-ravaged country, the Afghan caretaker government, besides launching a variety of development projects, has also called for investments from home and abroad to create job opportunities for the poverty-stricken Afghan people. 
HANGZHOU, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Two international e-commerce standards were officially released during the eighth plenary meeting of the Technical Committee for Transaction Assurance in E-Commerce, being held in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province.

The two international standards, the "2023 Transaction Assurance in E-commerce -- Vocabulary" and the "2023 Transaction Assurance in E-commerce -- Principles and Framework," fall under the category of basic standards, according to the meeting held by the International Organization for Standardization. The meeting began on Tuesday and will continue until Friday.

China led the formulation of both standards, with the participation of countries such as France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, Japan, Senegal, Singapore and India.

Song Mingshun, chairman of the committee, said that the release of these two international standards is a significant breakthrough in the e-commerce sector.

The standards establish globally unified basic concepts and definitions for e-commerce terms, and outline the main framework, business scope and fundamental principles of transaction assurance in e-commerce, providing technical guidelines for the future development of key international standards, Song said.

Each country operates according to its own standards, which can lead to misunderstandings and friction in cross-border e-commerce transactions due to differences in terminologies, said Zhang Xin, a researcher at the Hangzhou Institute of Standardization.

The two standards will help protect the interests of all parties involved in cross-border e-commerce transactions, Zhang said. 
AGF Management Ltd. boosted its position in shares of iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (BATS:IEFA  Free Report) by 2.4% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 86,256 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 2,020 shares during the quarter. AGF Management Ltd.s holdings in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF were worth $5,822,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Altfest L J & Co. Inc. lifted its holdings in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 29.3% during the 2nd quarter. Altfest L J & Co. Inc. now owns 13,931 shares of the companys stock worth $940,000 after buying an additional 3,158 shares in the last quarter. Texas Capital Bank Wealth Management Services Inc. lifted its holdings in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 3.4% during the 2nd quarter. Texas Capital Bank Wealth Management Services Inc. now owns 869,618 shares of the companys stock worth $58,699,000 after buying an additional 28,844 shares in the last quarter. Spotlight Asset Group Inc. acquired a new position in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF during the 2nd quarter worth $101,000. Texas Capital Bancshares Inc. TX lifted its holdings in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 6.2% during the 2nd quarter. Texas Capital Bancshares Inc. TX now owns 150,352 shares of the companys stock worth $10,149,000 after buying an additional 8,760 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Highland Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 1.6% in the 2nd quarter. Highland Capital Management LLC now owns 223,626 shares of the companys stock valued at $15,095,000 after purchasing an additional 3,585 shares during the period.

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iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF Stock Up 2.6 %

IEFA stock opened at $66.30 on Wednesday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $64.27 and its 200-day moving average is $66.42. The company has a market cap of $97.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.29 and a beta of 0.87. iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF has a twelve month low of $56.55 and a twelve month high of $70.84.

About iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF

The iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI EAFE IMI index, a market-cap-weighted index of developed-market stocks in Europe, Australasia and the Far East, and excludes North America IEFA was launched on Oct 18, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock.

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AGF Management Ltd. acquired a new stake in BellRing Brands, Inc. (NYSE:BRBR  Free Report) in the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm acquired 175,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,405,000.

A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS boosted its position in shares of BellRing Brands by 6.7% in the second quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 64,195 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,350,000 after acquiring an additional 4,033 shares during the period. California Public Employees Retirement System boosted its position in shares of BellRing Brands by 36.8% in the second quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System now owns 196,023 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,174,000 after acquiring an additional 52,738 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers boosted its position in shares of BellRing Brands by 5.9% in the second quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 456,701 shares of the companys stock valued at $16,715,000 after acquiring an additional 25,390 shares during the period. Smithfield Trust Co bought a new position in shares of BellRing Brands in the second quarter valued at approximately $50,000. Finally, Wasatch Advisors LP raised its stake in BellRing Brands by 19.8% in the second quarter. Wasatch Advisors LP now owns 4,547,495 shares of the companys stock valued at $166,438,000 after purchasing an additional 751,027 shares in the last quarter. 94.90% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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BellRing Brands Stock Down 0.7 %

Shares of NYSE BRBR opened at $46.35 on Wednesday. BellRing Brands, Inc. has a 52 week low of $21.60 and a 52 week high of $47.50. The firms fifty day moving average is $42.64 and its 200 day moving average is $38.91. The company has a market cap of $6.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 40.66, a PEG ratio of 2.00 and a beta of 0.78.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of brokerages recently weighed in on BRBR. Barclays raised their target price on shares of BellRing Brands from $47.00 to $48.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on shares of BellRing Brands from $41.00 to $43.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, August 11th. Needham & Company LLC reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $44.00 target price on shares of BellRing Brands in a research note on Tuesday, August 8th. Stephens downgraded shares of BellRing Brands from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and raised their target price for the company from $45.00 to $47.00 in a research note on Wednesday, October 25th. Finally, Bank of America raised their target price on shares of BellRing Brands from $42.00 to $50.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $42.00.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on BRBR

BellRing Brands Company Profile

(Free Report)

BellRing Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides various nutrition products in the United States and internationally. It offers ready-to-drink (RTD) protein shakes, other RTD beverages, powders, nutrition bars, and other products primarily under the Premier Protein and Dymatize brands. The company sells its products through club, food, drug, mass, eCommerce, specialty, and convenience channels.

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Ambrx Biopharma Inc. (NYSE:AMAM  Get Free Report) has received a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the eight research firms that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold recommendation and seven have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1-year target price among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $22.00.

Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on AMAM shares. BTIG Research started coverage on shares of Ambrx Biopharma in a report on Tuesday, September 12th. They set a buy rating and a $26.00 target price for the company. JMP Securities began coverage on shares of Ambrx Biopharma in a report on Monday, September 25th. They set an outperform rating and a $15.00 target price for the company. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price target on shares of Ambrx Biopharma from $6.00 to $10.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 13th. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating and set a $25.00 price target on shares of Ambrx Biopharma in a research report on Monday, October 23rd. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price target on shares of Ambrx Biopharma from $33.00 to $32.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday.

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Ambrx Biopharma Trading Up 4.3 %

Insiders Place Their Bets

AMAM stock opened at $9.01 on Wednesday. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $10.75 and a 200-day moving average price of $13.01. Ambrx Biopharma has a 52-week low of $0.38 and a 52-week high of $16.86.

In other Ambrx Biopharma news, CEO Daniel J. Oconnor sold 50,012 shares of Ambrx Biopharma stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $9.82, for a total value of $491,117.84. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 342,845 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,366,737.90. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other Ambrx Biopharma news, CEO Daniel J. Oconnor sold 50,012 shares of Ambrx Biopharma stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $9.82, for a total value of $491,117.84. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 342,845 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,366,737.90. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CFO Sonja Nelson sold 12,778 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, October 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $9.82, for a total transaction of $125,479.96. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 130,079 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,277,375.78. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders purchased 3,460,049 shares of company stock valued at $28,763,117. Company insiders own 0.64% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Ambrx Biopharma during the 4th quarter valued at $45,000. Royal Bank of Canada purchased a new position in shares of Ambrx Biopharma during the 3rd quarter valued at $46,000. Renaissance Technologies LLC lifted its stake in shares of Ambrx Biopharma by 481.8% during the 3rd quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 64,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $69,000 after buying an additional 53,000 shares in the last quarter. Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. purchased a new position in shares of Ambrx Biopharma during the 1st quarter valued at $112,000. Finally, Squarepoint Ops LLC purchased a new position in shares of Ambrx Biopharma during the 1st quarter valued at $156,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.28% of the companys stock.

Ambrx Biopharma Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Ambrx Biopharma Inc, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, focuses on discovering and developing antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) and other engineered therapies to modulate the immune system. It focuses on portfolio of clinical and preclinical programs designed to optimize efficacy and safety in multiple cancer indications, including ARX517, its proprietary antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and ARX788, its proprietary ADC targeting HER2.

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Burney Co. trimmed its stake in Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE:CAH  Free Report) by 2.1% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 40,813 shares of the companys stock after selling 867 shares during the period. Burney Co.s holdings in Cardinal Health were worth $3,860,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of CAH. Carmel Capital Partners LLC grew its stake in shares of Cardinal Health by 2.9% during the 2nd quarter. Carmel Capital Partners LLC now owns 4,034 shares of the companys stock worth $381,000 after acquiring an additional 113 shares during the period. Veritable L.P. boosted its position in Cardinal Health by 1.7% during the second quarter. Veritable L.P. now owns 7,150 shares of the companys stock worth $676,000 after purchasing an additional 119 shares during the period. Measured Wealth Private Client Group LLC increased its stake in shares of Cardinal Health by 1.7% in the second quarter. Measured Wealth Private Client Group LLC now owns 7,134 shares of the companys stock worth $675,000 after purchasing an additional 120 shares in the last quarter. Community Bank & Trust Waco Texas increased its stake in shares of Cardinal Health by 3.3% in the first quarter. Community Bank & Trust Waco Texas now owns 4,021 shares of the companys stock worth $304,000 after purchasing an additional 130 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Signaturefd LLC raised its position in shares of Cardinal Health by 11.7% in the first quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 1,252 shares of the companys stock valued at $95,000 after purchasing an additional 131 shares during the period. 86.01% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research firms recently weighed in on CAH. TD Cowen lifted their price objective on shares of Cardinal Health from $88.00 to $90.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 16th. Evercore ISI reduced their price target on Cardinal Health from $100.00 to $95.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 11th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on Cardinal Health from $93.00 to $101.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, August 16th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Cardinal Health in a report on Thursday, October 5th. They set a strong-buy rating for the company. Finally, Robert W. Baird increased their price target on shares of Cardinal Health from $107.00 to $108.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, August 16th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, three have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $95.92.

Cardinal Health Stock Down 1.9 %

NYSE:CAH opened at $102.90 on Wednesday. Cardinal Health, Inc. has a twelve month low of $68.53 and a twelve month high of $105.50. The stock has a market cap of $25.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 168.69, a PEG ratio of 1.00 and a beta of 0.76. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $92.22 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $90.08.

Cardinal Health (NYSE:CAH  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, November 3rd. The company reported $1.73 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.40 by $0.33. Cardinal Health had a net margin of 0.07% and a negative return on equity of 60.27%. The business had revenue of $54.76 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $54.85 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.20 earnings per share. Cardinal Healths quarterly revenue was up 10.4% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts expect that Cardinal Health, Inc. will post 6.9 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Cardinal Health Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 2nd will be given a $0.5006 dividend. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.95%. Cardinal Healths dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 327.87%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Cardinal Health news, CAO Mary C. Scherer sold 20,695 shares of Cardinal Health stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $86.27, for a total transaction of $1,785,357.65. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 10,649 shares of the companys stock, valued at $918,689.23. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other Cardinal Health news, CAO Mary C. Scherer sold 20,695 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $86.27, for a total transaction of $1,785,357.65. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 10,649 shares in the company, valued at $918,689.23. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Stephen M. Mason sold 37,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $87.32, for a total transaction of $3,274,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 37,355 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,261,838.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 64,907 shares of company stock worth $5,662,662. Corporate insiders own 0.15% of the companys stock.

Cardinal Health Profile

(Free Report)

Cardinal Health, Inc operates as a healthcare services and products company in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and internationally. It provides customized solutions for hospitals, healthcare systems, pharmacies, ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories, physician offices, and patients in the home.

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Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Free Report) by 3.8% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 43,615,505 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,585,048 shares during the quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. owned about 2.46% of Altria Group worth $1,962,702,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Beverly Hills Private Wealth LLC increased its stake in Altria Group by 94.8% in the second quarter. Beverly Hills Private Wealth LLC now owns 88,202 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,881,000 after purchasing an additional 42,916 shares in the last quarter. Summit X LLC grew its stake in shares of Altria Group by 4.2% in the 2nd quarter. Summit X LLC now owns 14,696 shares of the companys stock valued at $666,000 after buying an additional 597 shares during the period. Burney Co. increased its position in Altria Group by 18.5% in the 2nd quarter. Burney Co. now owns 13,821 shares of the companys stock valued at $626,000 after buying an additional 2,158 shares in the last quarter. RS Crum Inc. acquired a new position in Altria Group during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $340,000. Finally, Dudley Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Altria Group by 1.1% in the second quarter. Dudley Capital Management LLC now owns 31,057 shares of the companys stock worth $1,407,000 after acquiring an additional 353 shares in the last quarter. 58.94% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have commented on MO shares. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on shares of Altria Group from $55.00 to $56.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 13th. Citigroup lowered their target price on shares of Altria Group from $46.50 to $45.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. Bank of America cut their price target on Altria Group from $49.00 to $47.00 in a research note on Monday, October 9th. UBS Group lowered their price objective on Altria Group from $40.40 to $39.20 and set a sell rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 6th. Finally, StockNews.com lowered Altria Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, October 27th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $47.53.

Altria Group Stock Up 0.5 %

MO opened at $40.22 on Wednesday. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $42.05 and a 200-day moving average price of $43.85. Altria Group, Inc. has a twelve month low of $39.06 and a twelve month high of $51.57. The company has a market capitalization of $71.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.19, a PEG ratio of 2.66 and a beta of 0.65.

Altria Group (NYSE:MO  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 26th. The company reported $1.28 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate 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 company had revenue of $5.28 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.43 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.28 EPS. The companys revenue was down 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Altria Group, Inc. will post 4.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Altria Group Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, October 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 15th were issued a $0.98 dividend. This represents a $3.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 9.75%. This is an increase from Altria Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.94. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 14th. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 79.84%.

Insider Activity

In other news, Director Robert Matthews Davis bought 1,200 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 6th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $40.50 per share, with a total value of $48,600.00. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 8,473 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $343,156.50. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.07% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

About Altria Group

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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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Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. cut its stake in Oracle Co. (NYSE:ORCL  Free Report) by 2.0% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 11,642,919 shares of the enterprise software providers stock after selling 232,540 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. owned about 0.43% of Oracle worth $1,357,738,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of ORCL. Fairfield Bush & CO. raised its position in shares of Oracle by 3.1% during the 1st quarter. Fairfield Bush & CO. now owns 73,791 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $6,105,000 after acquiring an additional 2,221 shares in the last quarter. AMI Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Oracle by 2.9% in the 1st quarter. AMI Investment Management Inc. now owns 20,467 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $1,693,000 after buying an additional 579 shares in the last quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Oracle by 29.2% in the 1st quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 588,460 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $48,686,000 after buying an additional 132,920 shares during the last quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. raised its stake in Oracle by 79.6% during the 1st quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 6,854 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $567,000 after acquiring an additional 3,038 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Covestor Ltd lifted its position in Oracle by 125.2% in the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,995 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $165,000 after acquiring an additional 1,109 shares during the last quarter. 42.44% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have recently commented on ORCL shares. Piper Sandler reiterated an overweight rating and set a $130.00 target price on shares of Oracle in a research report on Friday, September 22nd. BMO Capital Markets cut their target price on shares of Oracle from $132.00 to $130.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, September 25th. DZ Bank upgraded shares of Oracle from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $125.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Thursday, September 14th. Edward Jones upgraded shares of Oracle from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday. Finally, Mizuho restated a buy rating and set a $150.00 price objective on shares of Oracle in a research report on Tuesday, September 19th. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $124.23.

Insider Activity at Oracle

In other Oracle news, Director George H. Conrades sold 2,325 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $113.76, for a total value of $264,492.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 17,836 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,029,023.36. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 42.80% of the companys stock.

Oracle Price Performance

Oracle stock opened at $116.14 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.87, a current ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 29.72. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $109.58 and its 200 day simple moving average is $111.33. Oracle Co. has a 52 week low of $78.01 and a 52 week high of $127.54. The firm has a market capitalization of $318.15 billion, a PE ratio of 34.57, a P/E/G ratio of 2.89 and a beta of 1.03.

Oracle (NYSE:ORCL  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, September 11th. The enterprise software provider reported $1.19 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.15 by $0.04. Oracle had a net margin of 18.40% and a negative return on equity of 3,631.39%. The business had revenue of $12.45 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $12.48 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.81 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 8.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts predict that Oracle Co. will post 4.51 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Oracle Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 26th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 12th were given a $0.40 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, October 11th. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.38%. Oracles dividend payout ratio is currently 47.62%.

Oracle Profile

(Free Report)

Oracle Corporation offers products and services that address enterprise information technology environments worldwide. Its Oracle cloud software as a service offering include various cloud software applications, including Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP), Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise performance management, Oracle Fusion cloud supply chain and manufacturing management, Oracle Fusion cloud human capital management, Oracle Cerner healthcare, Oracle Advertising, and NetSuite applications suite, as well as Oracle Fusion Sales, Service, and Marketing.

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ResMed Inc. (NYSE:RMD  Get Free Report) saw a large growth in short interest during the month of October. As of October 31st, there was short interest totalling 5,720,000 shares, a growth of 18.4% from the October 15th total of 4,830,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 1,730,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 3.3 days.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. UBS Group downgraded shares of ResMed from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 5th. Morgan Stanley raised shares of ResMed from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and reduced their price target for the company from $180.00 to $169.00 in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Bank of America reduced their price target on shares of ResMed from $250.00 to $230.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, September 18th. TheStreet downgraded shares of ResMed from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Thursday, August 24th. Finally, KeyCorp cut their target price on shares of ResMed from $280.00 to $260.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, August 4th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $202.33.

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View Our Latest Analysis on RMD

ResMed Trading Up 3.1 %

Shares of NYSE:RMD opened at $147.31 on Wednesday. ResMed has a 52 week low of $132.24 and a 52 week high of $243.52. The companys 50 day moving average is $144.91 and its two-hundred day moving average is $185.69. The company has a current ratio of 2.99, a quick ratio of 1.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. The company has a market cap of $21.67 billion, a PE ratio of 23.91, a P/E/G ratio of 2.45 and a beta of 0.52.

ResMed (NYSE:RMD  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 26th. The medical equipment provider reported $1.64 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.63 by $0.01. ResMed had a net margin of 20.72% and a return on equity of 24.14%. The company had revenue of $1.10 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.10 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.51 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 16.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts predict that ResMed will post 7.29 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

ResMed Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 14th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 9th will be given a $0.48 dividend. This represents a $1.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.30%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 8th. ResMeds dividend payout ratio is presently 31.17%.

Insider Buying and Selling at ResMed

In other news, CEO Michael J. Farrell sold 5,675 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $146.35, for a total value of $830,536.25. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 449,360 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $65,763,836. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Insiders have sold 11,400 shares of company stock worth $1,636,242 in the last ninety days. 1.21% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On ResMed

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Narwhal Capital Management acquired a new position in shares of ResMed in the 2nd quarter valued at $1,981,000. Handelsbanken Fonder AB boosted its holdings in shares of ResMed by 13.5% in the 2nd quarter. Handelsbanken Fonder AB now owns 56,729 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $12,395,000 after buying an additional 6,735 shares in the last quarter. FNY Investment Advisers LLC acquired a new position in shares of ResMed in the 2nd quarter valued at $437,000. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of ResMed by 11.7% in the 2nd quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 3,579 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $782,000 after buying an additional 374 shares in the last quarter. Finally, SlateStone Wealth LLC acquired a new position in shares of ResMed in the 2nd quarter valued at $1,794,000. 63.79% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About ResMed

(Get Free Report)

ResMed Inc develops, manufactures, distributes, and markets medical devices and cloud-based software applications for the healthcare markets. It operates in two segments, Sleep and Respiratory Care, and Software as a Service. It offers various products and solutions for a range of respiratory disorders, including technologies to be applied in medical and consumer products, ventilation devices, diagnostic products, mask systems for use in the hospital and home, headgear and other accessories, dental devices, and cloud-based software informatics solutions to manage patient outcomes, as well as provides customer and business processes.

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This photo taken on Nov. 4, 2023 shows puteketeke Australasian crested grebes in New Zealand. The puteketeke Australasian crested grebe has won Bird of the Century 2023, the event organizer said on Wednesday. The Bird of the Century competition is held by New Zealand's independent conservation organization Forest & Bird, in a bid to raise people's awareness of New Zealand's natural birds. The annual Bird of the Year contest has been temporarily rebranded as "Bird of the Century" this year to celebrate the 100th birthday of Forest & Bird. (Photo by Peter Foulds/Xinhua)

WELLINGTON, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The puteketeke Australasian crested grebe has won Bird of the Century 2023, the event organizer said on Wednesday.

The Bird of the Century competition is held by New Zealand's independent conservation organization Forest & Bird, in a bid to raise people's awareness of New Zealand's natural birds. The annual Bird of the Year contest has been temporarily rebranded as "Bird of the Century" this year to celebrate the 100th birthday of Forest & Bird.

Dozens of campaign managers have signed up to back their favorite species, and Forest & Bird encourages people to share what they are voting for with their communities and friends, and on social media. People can vote for up to five birds.

The event has caught considerable interest from both home and abroad. After a two-week battle of the birds that will go down in history, the puteketeke now wears the coveted Bird of the Century crown atop its burnt-orange mullet.

"Puteketeke began as an outside contender for Bird of the Century but was catapulted to the top spot thanks to its unique looks, adorable parenting style, and propensity for puking," says Forest & Bird chief executive Nicola Toki.

"We're not surprised these charming characteristics caught the eye of an influential bird enthusiast with a massive following."

The native lake bird awkwardly danced its way to snag the title with the backing of British-American comedian John Oliver, along with his HBO television show Last Week Tonight and a giant puteketeke puppet.

Oliver's self-described "alarmingly aggressive" Bird of the Century campaign included billboards in Paris and Tokyo, and a dramatic appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in full-on grebe garb.

After Oliver launched this high-powered campaign, the voting verification system temporarily crashed, leading to a two-day delay in the winner announcement.

A record 350,000+ verified votes from 195 countries make 2023 the biggest year ever for the annual Bird of the Year competition, which has run since 2005. The previous record was 56,733 verified votes in 2021.

The puteketeke is one such bird under threat, with a classification of "Nationally Vulnerable" and New Zealand-wide population thought to be fewer than 1,000 birds. The species is also not faring well in Australia, with a combined population across the two countries perhaps less than 3,000.

But the situation was even more dire a few decades ago, with the puteketeke population dropping to a low of just 200 in the 1980s. Efforts such as the Lake Wanaka Grebe Project, which started with Forest & Bird member John Darby building a floating nest platform in 2013, have seen puteketeke begin to recover.

"Puteketeke deserves to be Bird of the Century in 2023 because their numbers have been slowly increasing, particularly in the upland Otago lakes," says Petrina Duncan, the grebe coordinator for Forest & Bird's Central Otago Lakes Branch.

"It's great to have a successful bird as an ambassador for all New Zealand birds to show that even threatened species can bounce back if we give them a hand."

Today, the Lake Wanaka Grebe Project has 15 active nest platforms and a team of volunteers. Over the last decade, they have seen more than 500 grebe chicks hatch and fledge. 
This aerial photo taken on May 23, 2023 shows the Rashakai Special Economic Zone under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in the northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan. [China Road and Bridge Corporation/Handout via Xinhua]

"No one, except the Chinese company, believed that I could do it," said Ghulam Khatoon, a professional truck driver.

ISLAMABAD, Nov. 13 (Xinhua)  Ghulam Khatoon, a native of the underdeveloped Thar Desert in Pakistan's south Sindh Province, has evolved from a financially challenged housewife into a resilient and independent woman, all because of the waves of development brought by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to her hometown.

Launched in 2013, CPEC, a flagship project under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is a corridor linking Pakistan's southwest Gwadar port with Kashgar in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, highlighting energy, transport, and industrial cooperation.

Khatoon is now a professional truck driver at CPEC's Thar Coal Block-II Coal Electricity Integration project. Her path to employment has not only improved her life but also profoundly impacted her entire family, which now enjoys a higher standard of living, improved access to education, better-quality food, and a newfound sense of peace and happiness.

"Driving a mighty dump truck professionally and making good money out of it by a woman who had never even ridden a bicycle in her lifetime was implausible. No one, except the Chinese company, believed that I could do it," Khatoon told Xinhua.

The project, built by China Machinery Engineering Corporation, has a major power plant under CPEC in Pakistan to help the country meet its electricity demands by using locally available coal.

"There are several dozen women at work, and CPEC illuminated our lives with colors of happiness and prosperity," she added.

This photo taken on April 22, 2023 shows Chinese and Pakistani staff members of the Thar Coal Block-II Coal Electricity Integration project posing for a group photo during a dinner celebrating Eid al-Fitr in the Thar Desert in Pakistan's south Sindh Province. [Str/Xinhua]

CPEC is also acting as a game-changer for Gwadar, where it develops and operates the port as well as brings about positive changes to the lives of the city's residents.

Talking about the impact of CPEC on the education sector, Muneer Notezai, a district education officer in Gwadar, said he has witnessed first-hand the changes in his hometown and recalled how many local students had to quit their studies after high school due to poor road infrastructure to other cities.

He said it is nothing short of transformative, as a Chinese company supported the expansion of a small school with a capacity of 50 students to a big college building where over 500 students receive a high-quality education.

"In the old town of Gwadar, where most of the residents were fishermen for generations, CPEC introduced a technical vocational training institute, offering a wide range of courses, including port management, information technology, and artificial intelligence," he added.

This photo taken on March 21, 2023 shows the view of the Thar Coal Block-I Coal Electricity Integration project in Sindh Province, Pakistan. [Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal]

Apart from that, a state-of-the-art hospital is being constructed. After its inauguration, healthcare access will be greatly improved so residents will not have to travel long distances to the country's big cities for medical treatment.

"The Chinese are also constructing a desalination plant to cater to the need for clean drinking water of the residents of Gwadar, and after its inauguration, a substantial supply of clean drinking water will be available for the area that has long grappled with water scarcity," Notezai said.

The China-aided New Gwadar International Airport is a monumental blessing for the region, as it will drastically reduce travel constraints and promise increased economic activities and opportunities, Notezai noted.

Aerial photo taken on June 3, 2022 shows a section of the China-aided Eastbay Expressway of Gwadar port in Gwadar of Pakistan's southwest Balochistan Province. [Xinhua/Jiang Chao]

Infrastructural development in the country's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province under CPEC has made life comfortable for residents, significantly increased business opportunities, and brought prosperity to people's lives.

Muhammad Ashfaque, a trader of clothes and dry fruit in the provincial capital city of Peshawar, said that before CPEC, it took him hours to reach cities within the province and the country's north Gilgit-Baltistan region, but now his business has doubled as he can access new markets for buying.

"A great dream of businessmen is coming true with the construction of the Rashakai Special Economic Zone in Peshawar under the CPEC framework. It presents a fantastic investment opportunity as after its inauguration, the Chinese will bring investment and technology, which will be instrumental in training our labor force and enable Pakistan to leverage cutting-edge technology for its benefit," he added.

(Source: Xinhua)
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."

(Source: Xinhua)




Liu Yuening, a professor with the Central Conservatory of Music (CCOM, in Beijing), is director of both the Office of the Music Confucius Institute and the Center for International Chinese Language and Music Education (both of which are under CCOM).

She is also Honorary President of the Asian Dulcimer Association, Vice-President of the Western Returned Scholars Association (WRSA, Overseas-educated Scholars Association of China), and President of the Central and Eastern European Branch of WRSA. From 2013-2023, Liu was a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

During the past four decades, she has dedicated herself to teaching, studying and staging yangqin (Chinese dulcimer) performances. During her visits to more than 40 countries or regions, she has helped promote, through music, various cultural exchanges between China and the countries (or regions).

She has obtained six national patents for her techniques of improving yangqin. She has also presided over many State-level research projects on Chinese music and traditional Chinese instrumental music.

Displaying Unique Charm of Chinese Music Worldwide

If you take time to appreciate Liu's yangqin performance, you will surely be fascinated by the crystal-clear sounds (of the musical instrument), which might remind you of a gurgling stream of water flowing past a small village. Liu takes delight in introducing yangqin whenever anyone mentions yangqin, the musical instrument with which she has been fascinated since she was 9 years old.

"Given its broad musical range, created by its 154 strings, yangqin can be used to play nearly all types of music. No wonder many Chinese call it the 'king of strings and tunes'," says Liu.

She explains yangqin's historical development: Records indicate the musical instrument, which originated in the Middle East more than 4,000 years ago, was introduced to China via the Maritime Silk Road more than 400 years ago. Therefore, the "debut" of yangqin (in China) is the result of cultural exchanges between China and other countries.





Today, yangqin's foreign "counterparts" are called by different names in various countries, but the musical instrument is generally known by its English name, "dulcimer."

During the past decade, Liu has put tremendous effort into displaying the unique charm of Chinese music worldwide. While she studied Indian music at the University of Delhi (in New Delhi, capital of India) in 2009, she staged a performance with Indian santur (yangqin's counterpart in India) artist Bazan Sopori in Kolkata, a city in India.

"Since I was a young girl, I have been a fan of Indian poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941), Asia's first Nobel laureate in literature. In 2011, I joined a group of Indian musicians in giving a concert (in Kolkata) to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Tagore's birth," recalls Liu.

Given the support of CCOM and the Confucius Institute Headquarters (in Beijing), Liu and her colleagues in 2012 promoted the establishment of the Music Confucius Institute in the Royal Danish Academy of Music (in Copenhagen, capital of the Kingdom of Denmark), the first of its kind in the world. The institute offers courses in Chinese music and instrumental performances.

"Nowadays, dulcimers are played in many countries. China is becoming a front-runner (in the world) in both cultivating yangqin players and theorists, and in compiling varied teaching materials on yangqin performance," says Liu.



Enhancing China's Cultural Soft Power

In 2018, the Asian Dulcimer Association was established in Beijing. The association provides a platform for Asian dulcimer players and theorists to share the beauty of dulcimer music, and to promote "dialogues of civilizations." Liu and Wu Chaosheng, a conductor from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, are presidents of the association.

"Throughout the years, numerous viewers, from around the world, have been fascinated by the unique charm of Chinese yangqin music. I believe art knows no boundaries, and that art belongs to everyone," says Liu.

During the past four decades, Liu has helped cultivate a large number of yangqin players in China. Under her guidance, some of Liu's students and members of the Molihua Yangqin Ensemble and Xiaomoli Yangqin Art Troupe (established by Liu in 2008 and 2018, respectively), have won prizes during many national and international music competitions in recent years.

During the past several years, Liu has conducted many music events in China. She has publicized information about the events via the online platforms of Music Confucius Institute and the Center for International Chinese Language and Music Education, so music enthusiasts around the world can better understand the beauty of Chinese music.

"While riding the wave of entrepreneurship in the times of the BRI, we have developed the institute and the center. Through our experiences of promoting cultural communications among people in various countries, we have realized only by making constant efforts to strengthen our national power can we boost our cultural confidence and enhance China's cultural soft power," Liu has been quoted as saying.

As a member of the CPPCC, Liu, from 2013-2023, has made nearly 30 proposals to promote international education and overseas communication of Chinese music.

Liu vows to make greater efforts to promote the "folk diplomacy" of Chinese music, and to enhance educational and cultural communications and exchanges among people in the countries along the Belt and Road.

Photos Supplied by Interviewee

(Women of China English Monthly October 2023 issue)
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)

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.

HARARE, Nov. 15 (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.

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)

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. 
LONDON, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom (UK) ruled on Wednesday that the government's deportation scheme of asylum seekers to Rwanda is unlawful.

The ruling was reached unanimously by the five judges of the top court. Lord Reed, president of the Supreme Court, delivered the ruling.

"The Supreme Court unanimously dismisses the Home Secretary's appeal, and upholds the Court of Appeal's conclusion that the Rwanda policy is unlawful," the published judgment said, adding that there are substantial grounds to believe that asylum seekers would face a real risk of ill-treatment if deported to Rwanda.

The court's decision challenges the UK government's approach to deterring illegal migration. In April 2022, the UK reached a deal with Rwanda, under which illegal immigrants and asylum seekers would be sent to the east African country to have their claims processed there. If successful, they would be granted permanent residency in Rwanda rather than allowed to return to the UK.

The UK hoped that the deal, for which it paid Rwanda 120 million British pounds (149.5 million U.S. dollars) upfront, would help deter migrants from making the perilous journey across the English Channel in small boats.

"This was not the outcome we wanted, but we have spent the last few months planning for all eventualities and we remain completely committed to stopping the boats," said UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak following the court ruling.

"Crucially, the Supreme Court -- like the Court of Appeal and the High Court before it -- has confirmed that the principle of sending illegal migrants to a safe third country for processing is lawful. This confirms the government's clear view from the outset," Sunak said.

"Illegal migration destroys lives and costs British taxpayers millions of pounds a year. We need to end it and we will do whatever it takes to do so," he added.

Enver Solomon, chief executive at the Refugee Council, a leading charity working with refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK, hailed the court ruling a "very clear victory" for asylum seekers. 
Anyone in Germany who protests the Israeli genocide against the Palestinians is regularly defamed as an antisemite or Jew-hater. Demonstrations are banned by the dozen, participants arrested, posters and flyers confiscated. Expressing the slogan From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free is now considered a criminal offence and can be punished with up to three years in prison.

However, anyone who condemns the mass murder in Gaza is not an antisemite; rather, it is the German elites who are returning to their fascistic traditions in their support for Israel. This was particularly evident in recent days when leading German politicians, journalists and academics disseminated a video justifying the murder of Palestinian children while at the same time trivialising the extermination of 6 million Jews by the Nazis.

British television station TalkTV had interviewed the notoriously Islamophobic Douglas Murray, whoequipped with a bullet-proof press jacketwas standing directly on the Israeli border with the Gaza Strip. The almost eight-minute interview is an uninterrupted fascist tirade of hatred. Murray justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian population, accuses the Nazi henchmen who shot Jews en masse of having a sense of shame, unlike Hamas, and accuses the right-wing British government of not being brutal enough in its actions against immigrants.

German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (Social Democrat, SPD) was delighted. He reposted the interview with the comment that it was indeed extremely worth seeing. Here, a lot is said that is otherwise only thought. Right-wing columnist Jan Fleischhauer declared: This is great. This was then reposted with the words watch and listen by deputy Christian Democratic Union (CDU) chairwoman and Schleswig-Holsteins education minister Karin Prien. The influential economics professor Veronika Grimm also joined in with the words really great.

Since-deleted tweet by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) praising Murrays interview

Murray is a well-known figure in right-wing extremist circles. The co-editor of the ultra-conservative magazine The Spectator advocates the theory of the Great Replacement, according to which the immigration of non-whites and Muslims is a conspiracy to displace white majority populations. He has written books that defend neoconservatism and Brexit, condemn Islam across the board and accuse Europe of committing suicide by allowing the immigration of Muslims.

In the TalkTV interview, Murray gives free rein to his racist and fascist ideas. Asked by presenter Piers Morgan whether the collective punishment of a population half made up of children is not contrary to international law, he defends this mass murder on the grounds that the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip are collectively responsible for the actions of Hamas, which they elected in 2006. There was no peaceful population in Gaza, he says.

One could not simply compare Hamas to the Nazis, they were far worse, Murray continued. Even the Nazis were ashamed of what they did. SS battalions who spent their days shooting Jews in the back of the head and throwing them into ditches had to get very, very drunk to forget what they had done. The actions of the Hamas fighters were at least as barbaric as those of the Nazis, but there was one major difference: They did it with pleasure.

The barbarism, sadism, and pride with which members of the SS carried out the mass murder of Jews, Sinti and Roma and millions of Soviet citizens is documented thousands of times over. Not only Murray knows this, Lauterbach, Fleischhauer, Prien, Grimm and everyone else who cheers him on also know this.

There are hundreds of photos of SS men and soldiers posing in front of corpses. Some had lampshades made from the tattooed skin of murdered Jewish women, commented Professor Jurgen Zimmerer from the University of Hamburg on X/Twitter. But when an Islamophobic right-wing radical says they were ashamed, everyone applauds.

With their whitewashing of Nazi crimes, Murray and his defenders make clear who really stands in the murderous tradition of the Nazis in the Gaza conflict. It is not the Palestinians, who have been oppressed and expelled from their homeland for 75 years, but the Netanyahu government, which includes avowed racists and fascists, and their imperialist backers.

A Zionist state was never a solution to the historical oppression and persecution of the Jewish people. The establishment of Israel was based on the violent expulsion of the Palestinian population, in which predecessors of Netanyahus Likud party carried out numerous brutal massacres of civilians. The imperialist powers, above all the US, have supported and armed Israel as a military bridgehead for their own interests in the Middle East.

This is the case again now. For the ruling class, the Palestinian resistance, with which oppressed people in the Middle East and around the world sympathise, must be eradicated and crushed in order to re-establish imperialist domination in the region after the bloody but unsuccessful wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria. From Washingtons and Berlins point of view, the Gaza conflict is another front in a third world war alongside the Ukraine war, in which they want to defend their world power position against Russia and China.

This explains the apparent contradiction that on the one hand they denounce anyone who opposes the genocide in Gaza as an antisemite, while at the same time they trivialise the Nazi mass murderers and wage war against Russia in Ukraine in alliance with the successors of Nazi collaborators such as Stepan Bandera.

In 2014, when historian Jorg Baberowski announced in Der Spiegel that Hitler was not vicious and was unanimously supported by the ruling elites, the WSWS warned that Hitler was being rehabilitated in order to prepare for new, criminal wars. Today, the militarisation of Germany is well advanced and government officials are circulating tweets attesting to the supposed shame and guilty conscience of SS members who spent their days shooting Jews in the back of the head.

Lauterbach has since quietly deleted his tweet with the Murray videowithout distancing himself from it or justifying himself. But he knew exactly what he was doing.

He reposted the interview along with a comment by right-wing rabbi Shmuel Reichman: The Nazis, as fundamentally evil as they were, believed they were doing a necessary evil for something ultimately good; they still possessed a spark of humanity at their core; their main flaw, then, was that they believed the ends justified the means; though they fully believed in the outcome, a world without Jews, they still fundamentally opposed the actions they undertook.

The antisemitism commissioner of the Green Party-governed state of Baden-Wurttemberg, Michael Blume, has also quoted Murray and Reichmann with unqualified approval.

Nazis who retained a spark of humanity, murdered out of good intentions, and abhorred their own actions! But anyone who takes to the streets in horror at the daily mass murder in the Gaza Strip is an antisemite! And all this is being spread by a social democratic member of the German government and labelled as extremely worth seeing!

This rehabilitation of the Nazis is directly linked to the ruthless policies of the German government. As health minister, Lauterbach himself was responsible for the avoidable deaths of tens of thousands of people during the COVID pandemic with his profits before lives policy. In the midst of the pandemic, he slashed the healthcare budget by more than two-thirds, from 64 billion in 2022 to 16 billion for 2024.

Lauterbach speaks for a ruling class that no longer values human life. It is in the process of making Germany war-ready again in order to pursue its imperialist interests by force. In Ukraine, it is sacrificing the lives of hundreds of thousands of soldiers in a NATO proxy war against Russia. Chancellor Scholz (SPD) has just announced that Germany will send 8 billion worth of weapons and ammunition to Kiev next year to ensure the slaughter continues.

With the genocide in Gaza, all restraint has fallen. In the name of the fight against antisemitism, of all things, the German ruling class is echoing the aims and methods of the Nazis. That is why it justifies the slaughter of civilians and trivialises its own crimes against humanity.
Dead and injured Palestinians are seen on the ground following an Israeli airstrike outside the entrance of the al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, Friday, November 3, 2023. [AP Photo/Abed Khaled]

The Israeli governments genocidal onslaught on the Palestinians in Gaza escalated Tuesday with an all-out bombardment launched on the Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest in Gaza. The operation was clearly given the go-ahead in Washington and came as Israeli government officials used increasingly explicit language to describe their intention to ethnically cleanse Gaza.

Late Tuesday night, reports emerged of intensified Israeli firing and shelling around the Al-Shifa Hospital. One doctor reported a direct hit on the fourth floor, resulting in a hole in the wall of the building. Other reports described patients being moved into corridors for protection and medical staff manually pumping oxygen to keep patients alive. An Israeli attack destroyed the intensive care units ventilation and air conditioning systems. At least 40 people died inside the hospital Tuesday.

Doctors at Al-Shifa reported that over 170 bodies were being buried in a mass grave on the compound. No other option was left open to the medical personnel to deal with the decomposing bodies, which had begun to attract the attention of stray dogs looking for food. An evacuation of patients and medical staff was organised at Al-Quds Hospital, which is also located in Gaza City and was under siege for 10 days. This option is not currently possible at Al-Shifa, which is totally surrounded by Israeli troops.

Hundreds of thousands of civilians remain trapped in Gaza City in the north of the Gaza Strip, where Israeli bombardments and ground fighting are most intense. Desperate calls and urgent appeals are being made by civilians who are unable to move from the buildings where they are sheltering because of the presence of Israeli troops, ongoing ground battles, or who have been caught in collapsed buildings, reported the UN Human Rights Office.

The horrendous scenes of human suffering resulting from the striking of hospitals, schools and other places of refuge are intended to facilitate the Netanyahu governments final solution for the Palestinians. The fact that 22 of the enclaves 36 hospitals are no longer functioning due to bombardment and a lack of fuel, that the waste water treatment system has virtually ceased to function, creating the conditions for the rampant spread of disease, and that well over 12,000 civilians have been indiscriminately slaughtered since the assault began are seen by the Israeli regime as necessary steps in its genocide against the Palestinians.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared explicitly Tuesday what has become increasingly clear to millions of people around the world: The far-right Netanyahu regime is carrying out a vicious campaign of ethnic cleansing in Gaza. Smotrich appealed for the voluntary immigration of Gaza Arabs to the countries of the world, which was the right humanitarian solution. He added, The reception of refugees by the countries of the world that really want their interests, with the support and generous financial assistance of the international community, and within the state of Israel is the only solution that will bring to an end the suffering and pain of Jews and Arabs alike.

Underscoring that Smotrichs views are widely shared within Israeli ruling circles, his comments were a response to an opinion piece published in the Wall Street Journal by Knesset members Danny Danon and Ram Ben-Barak that called for parts of Gazas population to be relocated to other countries. Danon was formerly Israels ambassador to the United Nations, while Ben-Barak was deputy director of the Mossad intelligence agency. Last month, a leaked report from Israels Ministry of Intelligence revealed plans to forcibly displace Gaza residents to camps in Egypts Sinai Desert.

Palestinians flee to the southern Gaza Strip on Salah al-Din Street in Bureij, Gaza Strip, on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. [AP Photo/Hatem Moussa]

The Israeli military has cynically sought to justify its trashing of international law with the targeting of hospitals by asserting that Hamas is using them for military purposes. This unsubstantiated allegation has been seized upon over recent days by the ever pliant mainstream media in Europe and the US, which dutifully echoed the Netanyahu regimes talking points.

At a press briefing Tuesday, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby invoked the dubious authority of US intelligence to back up the Israeli militarys propagandathe same source whose claims of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq were used to justify the destruction of the country two decades ago in an invasion that led to the deaths of over a million people. Washington has 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 support their military operations and to hold hostages, declared Kirby, before adding with consummate cynicism that this did not justify Israel targeting hospitals. Just a few hours later, reports emerged of the stepped-up bombardment of Al-Shifa, specifically identified by Kirby as hosting a command and control node for Hamas.

At a rally supporting Israels genocide in Washington that mobilized Zionists, right-wing Christian fundamentalists and forces close to the Democrats and Republicans, speakers sought to equate all opposition to Israeli war crimes with antisemitism. Chants included No ceasefire, i.e., a continuation of the massacring of defenceless men, women and children.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer leads the crowd in chants of "Stand with Israel" at the National Mall in Washington DC, November 14, 2023. [Photo: Jewish Federation of Greater Washington]

While US imperialism as always takes the lead in its brazen defence of Israeli war crimes, which mirror the crimes committed by successive American governments in wars over the past three decades in Iraq, Afghanistan, Serbia, Libya and Syria, the European imperialists are just as unyielding in their support for Israels massacre of the Palestinians. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz responded to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans description of the Netanyahu regimes actions in Gaza as fascism by telling a press conference Tuesday that Israel is a democracy and a country that is bound to human rights and international law and acts accordingly.

Such preposterous statements are made by the head of the government of a country where protests against the Israeli genocide have been repeatedly prohibited. When the authorities in Germany permit protests to proceed, they are approved only under strict rules enforced by a heavy police presence. Robert Habeck, Scholzs deputy chancellor, recently declared in a video that Muslims living here would lose their right to protection from right-wing extremist violence if they fail to clearly distance themselves from antisemitism, a term used by the German ruling class to smear anyone who dares to criticise the far-right Netanyahu government. Meanwhile, Germany has increased its arms deliveries to Israel ten-fold.

The unconditional support from Washington and European capitals is emboldening the far-right Israeli government to go even further in its ruthless onslaught. In a nationally televised speech Tuesday evening, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said that Israel was in the second phase of the war, a reference to his three-phase plan outlined earlier in the conflict. Phase Two includes extensive ground operations in Gaza, combined with air strikes to eliminate Hamas, while the final Phase Three was described as the creation of a new security regime and the removal of Israels responsibility for day-to-day life.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J.Austin III, in Tel Aviv, Israel October 13, 2023. [Photo: US Department of Defense]

That this means a vast reduction, if not the complete elimination, of the Palestinian population in Gaza was underscored by an announcement Monday from Foreign Minister Eli Cohen that Israel does not intend to open its two border crossings with Gaza after the war. The Kerem Shalom crossing is the main route for commercial goods in and out of Gaza, while the Erez crossing was used by Palestinian workers entering and leaving Israel. The only other land crossing into Gaza, the Rafah crossing with Egypt, is not designed for heavy commercial use and could not supply the pre-war level of goods into Gaza. There wont be a connection of goods, and there wont be a connection of people, including workers, Cohen commented, making clear that the Israeli government expects a significant depopulation of Gaza. The permanent closure of the two border crossings with Israel would also remove the possibility of economic links between Gaza and the West Bank.

The Israel Defence Forces continues to bomb all parts of Gaza, including in the south where Palestinians were ordered to flee for safety. Several air strikes were reported in Khan Younis on Tuesday. According to the United Nations, the Rafah water treatment plant in the south has ceased to function, and a lack of fuel is preventing waste disposal trucks from operating. Coupled with the shutdown of municipal sanitation work, this is posing a serious threat to public health, increasing the risk of water contamination and the outbreak of diseases, noted the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees. Netanyahu agreed to a limited fuel delivery late Tuesday, but its restriction to UN aid trucks means that this will have little impact on the sanitation crisis.

While Gaza is bearing the brunt of the Israeli regimes brutal onslaught, residents in the West Bank also face growing deadly violence. Daily raids by the IDF are resulting in fatalities, dozens of detentions and the destruction of homes and businesses. In one of the bloodiest raids to date, seven people died and 31 were seized in the northern West Bank town of Tulkarem early Tuesday, when Israeli bulldozers destroyed five houses and several businesses. At least 196 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since October 7, and 2,570 have been detained.
The United States and South Korea on Monday took steps to deepen military cooperation and further inflame tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. Washington is showing that even as it provides complete support for Israels genocide in Gaza, there will be no easing of the war drive aimed at China.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, left, with and South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik, before their annual security meeting at the Defense Ministry in Seoul, Monday, Nov. 13, 2023. [AP Photo/Jung Yeon-je/Pool Photo]

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in Seoul late Saturday alongside the Pentagons Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Charles Brown. On Monday, Austin and South Korean Defense Minister Sin Won-sik held the 55th annual Security Consultative Meeting (SCM). They released the 2023 Tailored Deterrence Strategy (TDS), the first revision to the TDS in ten years.

The revisions emphasized extended deterrence collaboration, ostensibly directed at North Korea. In reality, this means joint cooperation between Washington and Seoul on the use of US nuclear weapons through the new Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), announced following the April summit between Presidents Joe Biden and his South Korean counterpart Yoon Suk-yeol. The NCG is modeled after a similar body that decides nuclear policy within NATO.

A joint communique released after the SCM declared 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 the supposed North Korean threat.

The communique is an outline for a US-instigated nuclear war with China. It employs Washingtons typical thinly-veiled language used to denounce Beijing. Austin and Sin reaffirmed their supposed respect for international law including freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful use of the seas, including the South China Sea and beyond. They further acknowledged the importance of preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

These are not innocent remarks. For years Washington has stoked formerly minor territorial disputes in Southeast Asia to put pressure on Beijing while also overturning the One China policy on Taiwan in all but name. The references to the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait are designed to ratchet up tensions by placing them at the center of the allies military planning.

The communique reiterates US plans for building a web of alliances in the region, first and foremost a trilateral military alliance with South Korea and Japan. The document states that the war-planning summit at Camp David in August marked a new chapter in US-ROK [South Korea]-Japan security cooperation and called for the expansion of trilateral security cooperation including senior-level policy consultations, trilateral exercises, information sharing, and defense exchange cooperation.

Both Japan and South Korea are key components of Washingtons war plans and the construction of a ballistic missile system targeting China. Austin and Sin met Sunday with Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, who attended the session remotely from Tokyo, and pledged to launch a three-way missile detection system, sharing information in real-time by next month. They also agreed to develop more detailed plans on holding trilateral war games more systematically and effectively beginning in January.

These developments, unveiled shortly before President Biden is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco on Wednesday, serve to apply additional pressure beforehand. Beijing criticized the US-South Korean military plans through a November 13 opinion piece in the Global Times. It warned: The US-Japan-South Korea security cooperation could accelerate the NATO-ization of the Asia-Pacific region, which will not only have a significant negative impact on the security environment around China, but also on the cooperation process in East Asia.

The danger of war is not giving the US pause. For all of Washingtons claims of respect for international law, the genocide Israel is conducting in Gaza with the full backing of the US makes it glaringly clear what Washington really means by the rules-based order. The declaration by the Biden administration that are there are no red lines for Israel when it comes to slaughtering Palestinians, likewise means there will be no red line Washington will not cross in stoking and conducting a war with China, including the use of nuclear weapons.

Seoul is using the slaughter in Gaza to promote the US war agenda. At a meeting with Austin on Sunday, South Korean President Yoon called on the US to maintain the joint Korea-US defense posture that can immediately and firmly punish North Korea even if it miscalculates and carries out any provocation including a Hamas-style surprise attack.

Seoul has denounced Hamas supposed surprise attack on October 7, which in reality was a popular uprising against the fascistic Netanyahu regime after decades of brutal suppression by Israel. Yoon has essentially endorsed Israels fraudulent claims that it is defending itself, as well as the genocidal methods it is using against the Palestinians. At the same time, Yoons administration is creating an atmosphere, without any evidence, that Pyongyang is planning some sort of surprise attack.

This provides Washington and its allies with the pretext to continue their military buildups, as they whip up tensions with North Korea, an impoverished former colonial country of 26 million people, through threats and economic isolation. Washington then seizes on any response by Pyongyang to blame China for the situation.

Last week, during a visit to Seoul following a G7 foreign ministers meeting in Tokyo, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken claimed that Beijing was not doing enough to influence Pyongyang to give up its weapons programs. China has a unique relationship with North Korea, he stated. We do look to China to use that influence to play a constructive role in pulling North Korea from this irresponsible and dangerous behavior.

Blinken declared that the Indo-Pacific remained an area of sustained focus for the US.

Emphasizing this point, Washington has deployed a number of strategic assets to the region in recent weeks. This includes dispatching a B-52 bomber to the Korean Peninsula, with such an aircraft landing in South Korea for the first time. The bomber took part in trilateral air force drills, the first held between the US, South Korea and Japan. The US has also sent the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier strike group to the region, joining the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier.

Both US aircraft carriers have held significant drills over the past week, with the Carl Vinson taking part in the Exercise 2023 alongside Japan, Canada, Australia and the Philippines, close to where the war games took place.

Currently, the US has two aircraft carrier groups in both the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific, effectively threatening wider and potentially nuclear wars on each side of the Eurasian landmass.
The Socialist Equality Group and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality held an online public meeting in New Zealand on Monday, titled Stop Israels Genocide Against Gaza! The webinar was attended by about 40 people, with several taking part as a group at Victoria University of Wellington and others joining from different parts of New Zealand and Australia, as well as Sri Lanka and the United States.

The meeting was one of a number organised by the Trotskyist movement, which is fighting to mobilise the international working class to stop Israels genocide and the developing global imperialist war.

Cheryl Crisp, national secretary of the Socialist Equality Party in Australia (SEP), who chaired the meeting, described the horrifying situation in Gaza. In little more than a month Israels military has killed more than 11,000 people, almost half of them children, and flattened much of the Gaza Strip. Water has been cut off and hospitals are being bombed by Israel. Patients, including newborn babies, are dying because of a lack of electricity and medical supplies.

While capitalist governments, including Labour in New Zealand, support Israels mass murder of the Palestinian people, the slaughter is compelling people from all over the world to take a stand. The crucial questions facing the growing anti-war movement were: how did the world get to this point? and what political program is needed to stop the descent into world war and barbarism?

Max Boddy, assistant national secretary of the SEP in Australia, delivered a report that reviewed the history of Zionism as a right-wing nationalist political movement, supported by Britain and other imperialist powers to establish the state of Israel through the violent dispossession of the Palestinian people.

Critical to understanding Zionism is understanding that it directly opposed the international solidarity of the working class as the path to the liberation of the Jews, Boddy said. The growth of support for Zionism was bound up with demoralisation following the defeats of socialist revolutions in Europe, the Stalinist betrayal of the Russian Revolution, and the Nazi Holocaust.

Stalins nationalist repudiation of the world socialist revolution and the Soviet bureaucracys defeat of the Left Opposition led by Leon Trotsky produced catastrophes for the working class, including the coming to power of Hitler in 1933. The Stalinists rejected Trotskys call for a united front of the Communist and Social Democratic Parties in Germany, which would have mobilised the working class to defeat fascism in Europe.

Without the victory of Hitler and fascism, there would never have been a mass Zionist movement, or a mass migration of Jews to Palestine, Boddy stated.

While Zionism is the most brutal form of imperialist-backed nationalism, Boddy explained that national political programs were not only a dead-end for the Jewish working class, but for the Palestinians as well. He denounced the Palestinian Authority led by Mahmoud Abbas, which has been offered by Washington and by Israel the job of policing the Palestinian masses in the West Bank and in Gaza.

The liberation of the Palestinian people can never be achieved by an abortion of a nation state brokered by imperialism, he said. Instead of the bankrupt two state solution, the working class and oppressed peoples of the Middle East had to unite with the Israeli working class in a common struggle against imperialism, to put an end to poverty, ethnic cleansing and war through the establishment of a socialist society.

In his report to the meeting, Socialist Equality Group leader Tom Peters said the endorsement of Israels atrocities by every imperialist governmentincluding Australia and New Zealandmust be taken as a warning of what they are also prepared to do anywhere in the world to defend their interests.

He explained that the bombing of Gaza is one front in an expanding global war. Last year the US and NATO instigated a bloody war with Russia over Ukraine, which has already cost hundreds of thousands of lives and is triggering growing opposition in Ukraine. The Biden administration has now positioned warships and tens of thousands of troops into the Middle East, threatening a wider war against Iran.

Meanwhile, the US continues to arm Taiwan, with the clear aim of using it in the same way that they have used Ukraine, to provoke a war with China.

The US ruling class aims to solve its economic crisis by redividing the world, regardless of how many tens of millions of people have to die for this to be achieved. New Zealand, as a minor imperialist power, is supporting Washington to ensure its share of the spoils.

War abroad is inextricably linked with war against the working class at home. Peters pointed to the attacks on protests in solidarity with the people of Gaza, in Britain, Germany, the United States and within Israel itself. He highlighted the censure of US congresswoman Rashida Tlaib because of her factual statements that the US government is supporting Israels genocide.

Peters denounced the NZ Labour Party government for joining the global efforts to smear anti-war protests as antisemitic. He also warned that the incoming right-wing coalition government of National, ACT and NZ First Parties would make deep cuts to public services, with Labours support, in order to fund a vast expansion of the military to prepare for war with China.

Peters explained that protests, while important, were not enough to stop the war. We support the call by the Palestinian trade unions for workers to block the shipment of war materiel to Israel, he said.

He highlighted the stand taken by Will Lehman, a socialist autoworker in the United States, whose video statements calling for the shutdown of military-related production have gone viral on social media. Lehman, backed by the Socialist Equality Party, is fighting to mobilise rank-and-file auto workers against the union bureaucracy which supports the Biden administration and its wars.

Above all, Peters said, the working class needed its own socialist party. We are living in a revolutionary period of history; the same contradictions that give rise to world war, also create the conditions for revolutionary struggles which can put an end to capitalism, the source of war, he said. But the history of the twentieth century demonstrated that this requires the necessary leadership, based on the principles of Trotskyism upheld by the International Committee of the Fourth International.

The reports were followed by about an hour of discussion. Several audience members asked what immediate actions they could take to support the people of Gaza.

Replying to these questions, Crisp warned that unless the anti-war protests were animated by the fight for an alternative, for a socialist society, then [they] will end up in despair and disillusionment, as they did after the 2003 protests against the war in Iraq.

The global protests against the invasion of Iraq, despite their massive size, did not succeed in stopping the war, because they were politically subordinated to the Democrats in the United States, Labour in New Zealand and similar capitalist parties in every country.

In response to one audience member, who suggested that socialist revolution was impossible, Crisp replied that the task of overthrowing capitalism was difficult, but that reforming capitalism is an impossible task. Capitalism was confronted with an existential crisis, caused by the contradictions between global, privately-owned productive forces and the nation-state system, leading inevitably towards world war. The issue confronting the working class was to build the necessary revolutionary leadership.

John Braddock, a member of the Socialist Equality Group and writer for the World Socialist Web Site, explained that the eruption of global protests has discredited parliamentary politics in every country. But he warned that its necessary to be clear about whos putting forward what in these demonstrations.

In New Zealand, the Greens and Te Pati Maori have called for a ceasefire and denounced Israels actions as a genocide. Braddock pointed out, however, that had Labour won enough votes in the October election, both these parties would have joined a Labour-led government and dropped their anti-war posturing.

We have to oppose any attempts to turn [the protests] back to appeals to parliament, he said. The working class has to take matters into its own hands in whatever way it can, using whatever tools are available, using its own organisations but above all its own party.

Saed, a Palestinian living in Nelson, told the WSWS that he appreciated the report on the history of Zionism and the support it received from British imperialism.

He also endorsed the points made about anti-democratic attacks on protesters, saying that some people in Nelson were a little bit scared to join protests because of the attempts to intimidate protesters internationally. He noted that local Labour MP Rachel Boyack had been attacked by the far-right for joining a protest; she later expressed regret to Newstalk ZB for taking part.

Saed added: So many Zionists complain about the chant From the river to the sea, saying that it is used by Hamas. Thats not correct, it was used before Hamas was created. The chant was not against the Jewish people; we are against the idea of Zionism.

He said non-Jewish people living in Israel were treated as third-class citizens. In the past month, 150 people had been killed by settlers in the West Bank, but the police and the government didnt do anything, because they want the Palestinians to feel scared and to leave this area. My family is there, I know what is happening there.

He said a video shown during the meeting of anti-Zionist orthodox Jews being assaulted by Israeli police exposed claims that Israel is a democracy. If you carry the Palestinian flag, they will stop you and arrest you. They are not a democracy, they just say that for the media. They are carrying out a genocide in Gaza. Wheres the human rights? Wheres the democracy?

Saed said calling for a ceasefire was not enough, and that all the protests on the war should demand an end to the occupation of Palestine.

He agreed that capitalist interests were behind the US and other powers support for Israel. Because Russia stopped supplying Europe with gas, so where can they get gas? From Gaza, from Syria, from the region. He pointed out that Gaza had hundreds of billions of dollars worth of offshore natural gas, and Israel had used the Hamas attack on October 7 as an excuse to seize these resources.
From left, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson of Louisiana, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, and Sen. Joni Ernst, Republican-Iowa, right, join hands at the pro-genocide March for Israel on Tuesday, November. 14, 2023, on the National Mall in Washington. [AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein]

On Tuesday, a degraded spectacle took place on the National Mall in Washington D.C. The March for Israel will be recorded in history as a rally for ethnic cleansing and genocide.

Leaders of both the Democratic and Republican parties declared their support for Israels war against the people of Gaza, which has already killed at least 11,000 people, including more than 4,000 children. Just hours later, in a move apparently coordinated with the rally, Israeli tanks and bulldozers attacked Al-Shifa Hospital, the latest blatant war crime.

Under these conditions, the most popular chant at the rally, No Ceasefire! No Ceasefire!, would have been more accurately rendered as Genocide, genocide, more genocide!

The rally was a desperate attempt by the ruling class to manufacture popular support for its actions that does not exist. It had the backing of the entire political establishment, with Democratic and Republican leaders in both the US Senate and House featured as prominent speakers. The Biden administration sent as a representative its Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, Deborah Lipstadt.

Substantial funding was devoted to flying participants from throughout the country and financing their attendance. At its height, however, the rally barely attracted 10,000 people, a tiny fraction of those who participated in the mass rally of 300,000 in Washington D.C. 10 days ago.

The media, entirely predictably, trumpeted the rally as a massive outpouring of support for Israel. The New York Times, Washington Post and other publications carried prominent articles Tuesday night, while the network news published live reportsthe same outlets that have blacked out coverage of far larger demonstrations against the genocide, which have been held throughout the US and around the world. Wildly inflated figures were published, along with closely cropped images, claiming an attendance more than 10 times the reality.

While those speaking attempted to present the rally as representing the voice of Jewish people, far more Jews have participated in demonstrations against Israels actions than traveled to D.C. Tuesday. Just the day before, hundreds of protesters, led by Jewish Voice for Peace, staged a sit-in at the federal building in Oakland, California, with many arrested.

Both the Democrats and the Republicans joined hands, literally, to proclaim their absolute and unconditional support for the Netanyahu regime in Israel.

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer led the crowd in chants of We stand with Israel, and promised that Congress would not rest until the Israeli government got the military assistance you need! Following his proclamation that the United States has always stood with Israel, and we will do everything to see that that never, ever changes, Schumer led the crowd in chants of USA! USA!

Newly elected Republican Speaker of the House Michael Johnson, a Christian fascist, echoed the remarks of Netanyahu and other Israeli ministers used to justify the genocide. This is a fight between light and darkness, between civilization and barbarism. The calls for ceasefire are outrageous!

Johnson concluded his remarks with a threat to those within the United States opposing Israels actions. My hope, he said, [is] that this gathering today serves as a reminder to the entire world, but also to those within our own borders, that the United States stands proudly with Israel (emphasis added).

Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries declared, I support Bidens bipartisan funding request for Ukraine and Israel, invoking the special relationship between the US and Israel, rooted in shared values and shared strategic interest.

Fourth-ranking Republican Senator Joni Ernst capped the congressional leadership speeches with a warmongering rant: Monsters of Hamas deserve nothing but complete and total destruction!

The remarks of the four congressmen, along with those of all the speakers, were premised on the fraud that the world has been overcome by a wave of mass antisemitism. Speakers denounced protesters, including students on college campuses, demanding that university administrators take more aggressive censorship actions. They exploited the Nazis mass murder of Jews to justify their own support for genocidal actions.

CNN talking head and Democratic Party operative Van Joneswhose remarks were most significant in that his pious wish to end all violence and discrimination was met with boos and chants of No Ceasefire!referenced a report from the Anti-Defamation League claiming that antisemitic incidents in the US had skyrocketed by 400 percent since October 7.



The ADL, as detailed by Mint Press News Alan McCleod, claimed that 153 rallies and demonstrations held in support of Palestine since October 7 were actually in support of terror and provided explicit or strong implicit support for Hamas.

If anything will fuel antisemitism, it is the lie, promoted by all those speaking yesterday, that, in its criminal actions, the Netanyahu government is acting in the interests of all Jewish people.

Adding to the absurdity of this charge is the fact that the rally brought forward far-right Christian fundamentalists and antisemites. Among the speakers was the white supremacist and antisemitic head of Christians United For Israel (CUFI), evangelical pastor John Hagee.

Among his many antisemitic statements is Hagees assertion, in his book Jerusalem Countdown: A Warning to The World, that Hitler was a half-breed Jew, who was sent by God as a hunter to drive European Jews to the only home God ever intended for the Jews to haveIsrael.

Framing Israels ethnic cleansing campaign as a divine mission, Hagee proclaimed at the rally that Israel is not merely a state, Israel is the apple of Gods eye. Putting no restrictions on Israeli war crimes, Hagee declared, You, the leaders of Israel, should decide how this war is conducted, you, and no one else!

It is not a secret that Christian fascists like Hagee (and House Speaker Johnson) subscribe to the view that all Jews must return to Israel to fulfill a biblical prophesy that is required before the End Times, when everyone, including Jews, will have to convert to Christianity or be exterminated.

What brought together the entire political establishment and the state in support of Tuesdays rally, however, was a shared commitment to the strategic interests of the financial oligarchy in supporting the genocide in Gaza as part of the broader war of American imperialism. The pathetic and bedraggled character of the event only demonstrated how isolated they are.

However, it also made clear that the American ruling class is united in its determination to use any means to enforce its social interests, both abroad and at home. The struggle against genocide and war must, therefore, proceed as a fight of the working class against the entire rotten and blood-drenched political establishment, including both of its parties, and the capitalist social order they represent.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont on Capitol Hill in Washington, June 8, 2023. [AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana]

The US Senates Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, chaired by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, held a hearing Tuesday morning with a number of top US union bureaucrats.

There was an obvious contradiction between the title of hearing, Standing Up Against Corporate Greed: How Unions are Improving the Lives of Working Families, and the fact that it was being held by a committee of the Senate, a body of multimillionairesincluding Sanders, the so-called democratic socialist. In fact, if the hearing had given an honest picture of reality, it would have been titled, How union bureaucrats are helping corporations cut wages and lay off workers. But this was exactly the reality the hearing tried to cover up.

Significantly, the hearing took place the same day as a March for Israel rally in Washington D.C., which received significant media coverage but attracted only a fraction of the 300,000 who took part in a D.C. march against Israeli genocide in the Gaza Strip earlier this month. The massive scale of opposition to Israels massacre of Palestinian civilians has revealed how much the entire political establishment is isolated from and hated by the population.

Sanders and other lefts in the Democratic Party, including the Democratic Socialists for America, who were exposed last year by their support for the strike ban against railroaders, have been further discredited by their support for Israel. The greatest fear in ruling circles is that this growing anti-war movement might link up with the growing ferment in the working class, under conditions where the political establishment and the trade union bureaucracy are increasingly losing control of the situation.

Much is riding on the continued credibility of the three union officials invited to appear: Shawn Fain of the United Auto Workers, Sean OBrien of the Teamsters and Sara Nelson of the flight attendants union. All three are members of the AFL-CIOs Executive Council, which issued a statement last month backing Israel and which is trying to clamp down on anti-war statements by the rank and file.

These three officials have been promoted as supposed firebrand militants, in order to answer the growing danger of a rank-and-file rebellion against the two-party system and the union bureaucracy. They have received crucial support from the Democratic Party, especially through the Democratic Socialists of America, which backed Fain and OBriens elections campaigns, and of which Nelson is a member.

All three of them make regular visits to the White House to meet with Biden, who hopes to use the bureaucracys services to enforce labor peace at home while it prepares for world war. Last week, Biden also appeared at a rally in support of the new tentative agreements in the auto industry, an event which drew significant counter-demonstrations over Bidens support for the Israeli genocide. Biden and Fain appeared in front of a banner which instructed autoworkers to go back to work.

These bureaucrats own roles in blocking or betraying strikes and enforcing sellout contracts have left them increasingly discredited.

Written statements submitted beforehand and testimony given to the Committee in-person were designed to whitewash this record. Fains statement presented the unions stand-up strikewhich impacted only a small fraction of the automakers productionand the new tentative agreements at Ford, General Motors and Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler) as [turning] the tide in [the] class war for the American worker.

In reality, the contracts fall far below workers demands. Many of the claims about it made by the bureaucracy, such as that they will provide for the hiring in of temps at full time, have been exposed as lies. Displaying contempt for the opinions of workers, the statement does not even suggest that workers still have to vote to approve them, much less acknowledge widespread opposition. The same day as Fains appearance in the Senate, workers at GMs Lansing Delta Township plant voted down the contract, potentially turning the tide in the class war against the deal at GM.

In a particularly significant passage, Fain warned, Elected leaders [must] understand that economic justice is a national security risk for all of us if people dont have it, feel it. [bold in the original] In plain language, Fain was warning the Senate of the danger of a social revolution in the United States and offering his services to help prevent it.

OBriens statement made similar claims about the contract rammed through earlier this year at UPS after a fake strike ready campaign. That contract contained limited wage increases for part-timers, which barely keep pace with pay at non-union Amazon, froze increases in the companys pension contributions in many regions of the country and left the vast majority of delivery drivers without air conditioning. In the aftermath of the contract, which was passed under dubious circumstances, UPS has begun eliminating many full time positions. OBrien also played a key role in buying Sanders and the rest of Congress time to ban the railroad strike last year.

Sara Nelson combined the most radical-sounding, tub-thumping demagogy with the most open and craven support for corporate America. Her interminable 16-page written statement began with denunciations of capitalist economy and extensive references to Mother Jones, the Ludlow Massacre and the violent labor struggles of the early 20th century. It then suddenly pivoted toward an extended personal account of September 11th terror attacks.

Nelson ended by hailing the Association of Flight Attendantss role in securing tens of billions of dollars in bailout money for the airlines under the CARES Act in 2020. Because we have a long history, and because of the unprecedented crisis, they [the airline executives] were willing to hear me out. Together, we walked into Congress to pitch our plan, she bragged, thanking in particular Sanders for his role in the legislation.

The thrust of Nelsons statement was that the struggle of workers, side-by-side with a noble, enlightened Congress, secured legislation over the course of the 20th century to improve pay and working conditions, only to be eroded since the 1980s by Republicans. Incredibly, one of the examples she cited was the Railway Labor Act, which she claimed for [decades] provided workers with the ability to threaten or carry out the right to strike in order to come to an agreement. In reality it all but bans strikes in the railroads and airline industries.

Nelsons testimony also contained the only suggestion that the record of the union apparatus has been anything other than stellar, when she said that the pursuit of labor peace  led to corruption and compromise that often left workers unable to tell the difference between the corporate c-suite and the union leadership. But this is just as much an indictment of Nelson herself as well as the bureaucracy as a whole.

The hearing itself mostly consisted of the union officials and the Democratic members of the committee slapping each other on the back, demonstrating the close integration of the bureaucracy with capitalist politics.

At the same time, the officials reassured the Senate that their occasional rhetoric did not imply any opposition to capitalism. I just want to be clear, not all of our relationships that we have with our employers is adversarial, OBrien declared. We work day and night to create opportunities to ensure that these companies can be successful  we work with our partners to make sure we fulfill the needs of the country and keep supply chains moving.

Fain concurred, adding later on in the hearing, Contrary to the thug label that some people put on us, I want to be clear about this, we want businesses to succeed  but were not going to let it succeed at the expense of the workers.

In reality, it is precisely the decades-long assistance of the UAW in slashing hundreds of thousands of jobs, closing dozens of plants and reducing wages to levels not seen since before the 1930s that has assured the auto companies have made record profits. The UAW apparatus deep integration with management was exposed by the corruption scandal which uncovered millions in bribes and which brought down two former union presidents.

Fain was then allowed to claim that the auto contracts were the product of a grassroots effort, and that under his presidency the members run this union now. In fact, Fain was elected on a turnout of 9 percent, in which hundreds of thousands never even received ballots. Socialist autoworker Will Lehman, who ran for president on a campaign of abolishing the bureaucracy, has filed a suit demanding the election be re-run. The contract vote itself has been no more democratic, with implausibly high yes votes having been announced at several Detroit-area plants.

Nelson, in response to a question from Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) about how companies could be made to see union labor as an asset, went so far as to complain that well-meaning corporate executives were being hamstrung by shareholders. Even the best CEOs that I have worked with who have wanted to run a very good company have been forced  they are no longer the decision-makers. They are driven to send more and more money to Wall Street rather than investing in the company, investing in the workers

One outburst during the hearing also revealed the debased level of capitalist politics in the United States, when Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), outraged over a series of tweets OBrien had made against him, stood up and challenged him to a fist-fight for charity.

The union bureaucracy is not standing up to corporate greed or they would not be promoted by the Democratic Party. Rather, they are a crucial instrument of class rule which they hope, vainly, can bring workers back into line.
The Israel Defense Force (IDF), with the complete backing of the United States and European leaders, continues its ongoing genocidal assault on the defenseless people of Gaza, maniacally targeting hospitals like Al-Shifa and the healthcare workers that have put their lives on the line to treat the hundreds and thousands of wounded.

But the American Medical Association (AMA), the most powerful medical lobbying group in the country, voted not to take up a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Israel and Palestine in order to protect civilian lives and healthcare personnel. The resolution was proposed by 135 medical students, residents, and physician fellows and the Minorities Affairs Group at a recent interim meeting of the AMA House of Delegates.

Dr. Hussein Antar, MD. MPH, an alternate delegate from Massachusetts, speaking on behalf of the Resident and Fellow Section, explained that the resolution met the criteria of the AMAs bylaws regarding advocacy and immediacy. Antar said that the resolution abided by the medical neutrality statement adopted by the Board of Trustees November 9, which implores that all parties at all times to understand and minimize the health costs of war on civilian populations, support physicians around the world to practice medicine ethically in any and all circumstances, including during wartime without fear of persecution, and condemns the military targeting of healthcare facilities. He argued, But we believe the largest physician group in the United States can and should do more than that. This issue is too vital for us to evade discussion.

Dr. Andrew Gurman, a former AMA president, interjected that the resolution dealt with geopolitical issues, and therefore was not within the purview of this House. He chided those bringing up the resolution that the Houses role was to discuss issues facing doctors and patients in the US and not the plight of the defenseless Palestinians and the willful attack on the healthcare infrastructure. Others followed suit in this cowardly manner, claiming that the scope of the meeting was not to discuss if the conflict in Gaza constituted a just or unjust war.

Dr. Luis Seija, a delegate defending the resolution on behalf of the Minority Affairs Group, rose to speak to the attendees on the very real mass violence and deaths occurring there. He was abruptly cut off by Dr. Lisa Bohman Egbert, speaker of the House of Delegates. What we are discussing right now, she interjected, is whether this is an appropriate resolution for this house to discuss at this meeting. Seija was forced to hold his remarks and then quickly, by a vote of 136 to 458, the House of Delegates ended any further discussion on the resolution with the insulting caveat that it could be presented again at a future meeting.

The hypocrisy shown by this multi-million-dollar professional association of physicians, which has advocated a return to normal life amid the COVID pandemic, is beneath contempt.

For these well-established and well-heeled physicians, the genocide in Gaza meets none of their neutrality criteria and warrants no discussion. But that was not the case with regards to the US-NATO proxy war in the Ukraine against Russia. A month after the conflict commenced in February 2022, the AMA had no problem asserting their opinions, regardless of their neutrality. The group released a statement noting, The AMA is outraged by the senseless injury and death the Russian army has inflicted on the Ukrainian people. For those who survive these unprovoked attacks, the physical, emotional, and psychological health of Ukrainians will be felt for years.

Sheet-covered bodies killed during an Israeli airstrike are loaded onto a truck outside al-Aqsa hospital in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Sunday, October 15, 2023. [AP Photo/Adel Hana]

They added, In addition, the Russian military targeting health care facilities violates every standard of decency. We join physicians everywhereand especially in Ukrainewho are calling for an end to this war so we can work on healing the terrible damage already inflicted. To top this off, the AMA Foundation said it provided $100,000 in aid to alleviate the humanitarian crisis for citizens in Ukraine.

Past AMA President Dr. Gerald Harmon, a US Air Force veteran, wrote soon after, on April 8, 2022, The AMA is outraged by the brutal assault of the Russian military in Ukraine, and we stand with the World Medical Association and our other international partners in calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to all attacks on health care workers and facilities. He notes that at the time, the then six-week conflict had led to 3,000 civilian casualties and more than 60 medical personnel and their patients had been killed or injured.

In the three days that it took to draft and submit the resolution, as Dr. Antar had noted, six hospitals had been bombed by Israeli forces.



As of two days ago, more than 11,000 people have been killed and close to half have been children. The Norwegian newspaper VG made an analysis of the victims of Israeli aggression in Gaza between October 7-26 and found that five-year-olds represented the largest age group.

Northern Gaza has been cut off from the South and more than a half-million people are trapped in place under siege. The major medical center in northern Gaza, Al-Shifa, has ended all services as lack of fuel and water means that the limited services they can render are under the most barbaric conditions. Operations, including caesarean deliveries of babies, are done without anesthesia, blood products or antibiotics. Wounds fester untreated. Shrapnel lays buried deep in tissue among those that have survived. Some lay in soiled beds with amputated limbs without even bandages to cover them.

This means that those with critical wounds sustained by the unrelenting bombing campaign and ground invasion will assuredly die an agonizing death. Lack of medicines, food, and clean water also means the corridors of these hollowed-out hospitals will become their grave.

Dr. Marwan Abusada, head of surgery at Shifa Hospital, who sent a detailed account to the Telegraph via UK charity Medical Aid for Palestine, said, We have a health disaster. We have a type of worm, called white flies, covering the wounds after the surgery. They appear after one day. Most injuries and surgeries have no follow-ups as the medical teams cannot cope with the influx of injuries every hour. On a normal day, we have a capacity of 210 beds, and now we have more than 800 patients that need to be admitted.

He concluded by saying, We are trying to continue delivering services to the patients who need kidney dialysis, urgent catheterization, and neonatal incubators, but we are delivering the bare minimum. The situation is catastrophic.

The MSF International (Doctors Without Borders) posted on November 11 a statement from Dr. Mohammed Obeid, surgeon at Al-Shifa: We are nearly sure that we are alone now. No one hears us  the problem is to be sure that we can evacuate the neonatal patients because we have about 37 to 40 premature babies. Such is the horrific criminal state and condition where every minute a life is extinguished needlessly.

The ventilators that had been supporting life for premature neonates and those requiring life support in the ICUs or dialysis machines for those without adequate kidney functions have stopped working. Bodies of the dead are wrapped in linen and left to decompose in the open because there is no cold storage for these bodies.

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]

Meanwhile, healthcare workers who walk the long corridors have to be on guard from drone and sniper attack. A representative of Doctors Without Borders said, One member of a medical crew who tried to reach the incubators to lend a helping hand to babies born inside was shot and killed. We lost a baby in the incubator; we also lost a young man in the intensive care unit.

On November 11, UK protesting doctors spoke on behalf of the director of the Major Trauma Hospital in Gaza, and read his message to the international media. We as medical staff want to leave, but we cannot. We might not survive until the morning. We dont want to be killed here just because we remain committed to our patients and our medical profession. I am calling for help urgently. Please do whatever you can through your governments or the International ICRC or the Red Cross to arrange a safe corridor for the medical staff. Please treat this as TOP URGENT.

Yesterdays the IDF killed Dr. Hammam Ellouh and his entire family at his home, enraging many in the healthcare community. Dr. Ellouh, a nephrologist at Al-Shifa Hospital who was described by his colleagues and patients as a beacon of light, had been recently interviewed by Democracy Now. He told Amy Goodman, the host of the program, Many thousands refugees, people like us, who used to live in dignity, have no longer houses and no doors to close to protect them as they are surrounded by wastewater, by garbage. They dont have a supply of clean water to drink. Many of them have a lot of missing members of their families. They dont know if they are alive or not. I tell my family we at least have a house to live in. Surprisingly, my four- and five-year-old children accept this as a comfort, as a better situation.

When Goodman asked him why he wasnt going south with his family given the warning made by Israeli forces, he told her, If I go, who treats my patients? We are not animals. We have the right to receive proper healthcare. 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?

Dr. Ellouh was training other doctors in Gaza and transforming the care for patients with chronic renal disease, who will now be facing a slow and horrifying death. Along with his death, two other physicians who deliver obstetric care, Dr. Basel Mehdi and Dr. Raed Mahdi, were killed on the same day.

More than 200 healthcare workers have perished in the genocidal attack on Gaza. Not only are their hospitals being targeted, the practitioners of the healing arts are being snuffed out like the fuel and water to ensure that not only will the Palestinian people die, they will suffer agonies in the process.

These images and stories that are emerging by the minute out of Gaza are not unknown to the body of physicians that constitute the AMA. Their position is not only abhorrent, but completely antithetical to the principles embodied by the profession. By their decision to practice, they assume not only the mantle of the social ailments as professed by Dr. Ellouh, but a political responsibility to protect the lives and well-being of people and decry the criminal genocide and ethnic cleansing taking place.

This cowardice and reactionary position displayed by the AMA recalls the words of Leon Trotsky: The bourgeoisie and its agents use the war question, more than any other, to deceive the people by means of abstractions, general formulas, lame phraseology: neutrality, collective defense, arming for the defense of peace, struggle against fascism, and so on. All such formulas reduce themselves in the end to the fact that the war question, i.e., the fate of the people, is left in the hands of the imperialists, their governing staffs, their diplomacy, their generals, with all their intrigues and plots against the people.

As there is no red line that will not be crossed by these war mongers, there is no lifeline to Gaza except for the emergence of the international working class in opposition to capitalism, fascism, and imperialist wars.
YouTube, the video sharing and social media platform owned by Google parent Alphabet, Inc. has demonetized the channel of the antiwar news website MintPress News (MPN). The move blocks MPN from collecting revenue when viewers watch their content.

The World Socialist Web Site unequivocally condemns this act of political censorship by Youtube, and calls on readers to demand that this attack on MPN be lifted immediately.

The censorship measures against MPN takes place against the backdrop of a systematic attack on the freedom of expression and amid a crackdown on protests and opposition to the genocide being carried by the Israeli government Gaza with the backing of US and European imperialism.

Alan MacLeod, MPNs Senior Staff Writer and Podcast producer, told the WSWS, This is clearly an attempt to shoot the messenger; to make crucial reporting like ours financially unsustainable. It therefore represents an attack on watchdog journalism itself.

Since its founding in 2011, MPN has exposed the war crimes of US imperialism in the Middle East and Africa as well as the criminal actions of the apartheid regime in Israel against Palestinians in the occupied territories of the West Bank and Gaza.

Through original investigative reports, podcasts and videos, MPN has exposed the lies told by the pro-US and pro-Israel corporate media about the siege of Gaza and ethnic cleansing operation of the Netanyahu government and Zionist military that has been underway since October 7.

MacLeod said that the online news outlet has been prevented from generating advertising income from its videos on YouTube since earlier this fall.

Additionally, MPN reports that many of its YouTube videos have been designated as age-restricted with a warning that says, The following content may contain graphic or violent imagery and Viewer discretion is advised. These tactics are clearly aimed at limiting the number of viewers of the videos.

In one such YouTube video entitled War Crimes Committed by Israel, for example, MPN founder and editor Mnar Adley exposes how the corporate media is reporting on Israels justification for killing civilians as collateral damage as a whitewash of war crimes, instead of holding Israel accountable for breaking international law.

Adley condemns Israels genocide in Gaza as a violation of Article 6 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and as a crime against humanity. She says that Israel is guilty of war crimes by intentionally directing attacks against civilians, hospitals, ambulances, medical workers and journalists. Adley says the Israeli assault has left 200 schools damaged, 26 mosques and several churches destroyed in a clear breach of the international prohibition on attacking buildings connected with religion or education.

According to additional information published along with this video, other social media platforms have followed YouTubes lead and taken it down on Facebook and Instagram for violating community standards of promoting dangerous individuals.

Responding to an inquiry about the censorship, Mnar Adley told the WSWS, This comes one, after we were banned from PayPal, so we believe this is an organized campaign to target the bank accounts of independent journalists and outlets that hold our military class accountable for their war crimes.

Adley added, In 2017, YouTube announced its partnership with the ADL [Anti-Defamation League] and appointed it to its board of trusted flaggers. This was the beginning of the crackdown on independent and alternative media source on YouTube that covered war and Israels crimes against Palestinians that did not toe the State Departments lines.

The censorship campaign at YouTube described by Adley paralleled the restriction of internet search results of left-wing and antiwar websites identified by the World Socialist Web Site in April 2017. In a deliberate effort to suppress the socialist political perspective represented by the WSWS, Google modified its search algorithm to surface more authoritative content. Google also attempted to disguise its anti-left political censorship as a means of combating fake news.

As Adley explained further, The reach for platforms like ours declined dramatically and subscriptions slowed down. This was in line with other shadowbanning and algorithmic sabotage that we face from Google, Facebook and other big tech platforms. We believe our channel getting demonetized was a direct targeting of our news reporting and coverage that challenges the official narratives.

Adley said that a more likely explanation for the demonetization on YouTube was, because of our antiwar coverage exposing the profiteers and the architects of the permanent war state (which also includes Israels occupation of Palestine and the crimes it commits against Palestinians). We believe we have been targeted by big tech in an attempt to demonetize our channel. This is a form of economic censorship.

The renewed effort to silence MPN and others is taking place within the context of a campaign by the ostensibly democratic governments in Europe and the US to ban pro-Palestinian protests and to claim falsely that demonstrations against Zionist genocide are antisemitic and should be made illegal. These attempts to censor views that have been embraced by millions of people all over the world are rapidly falling to pieces.

Other recent attempts by YouTube to silence antiwar voices include the demonetization of independent journalist and podcaster Richard Medhurst on November 1. Medhurst, who is a British citizen born in Damascus, Syria has consistently exposed the propaganda lies used by Israel and the corporate media to justify turning Gaza into a death camp.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the website Truthout examined the relationship between the intensification of Israels genocide in Gaza with the ramping up of a political campaign aimed at criminalizing First Amendment protected speech.

Truthout reported on the attempts by colleges and universities, with the backing of both Democratic and Republican politicians to deactivate pro-Palestinian student clubs on campus on the grounds that they were providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Meanwhile the report says, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares recently announced an investigation into American Muslims for Palestine, a nonprofit organization focused on education and advocacy related to Palestinians.

As Truthout explained, Branding speech which advocates for the human rights of Palestinians as antisemitic, or potentially providing material support to terrorists, and then doxing [publishing the identity of individuals online for the purpose of exposing them to harassment or violence], surveilling or even charging people on that basis has dangerous implications for First Amendment rights to speech, association and assembly.

In spite of these attacks on fundamental rights, the Truthout report says, tens of thousands of college students and others are continuing their protests, Undeterred by the backlash, college students at more than 100 college campuses have walked out in protest as part of a broad coalition of groups, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and for the universities to sever ties to arms manufacturers providing weapons to Israel.

In the case of MPNs senior writer Alan McLeod, who has more than 200,000 followers on X/Twitter, his latest podcast points to the fact that the imperialist propaganda campaign is losing the information war.

McLeod writes that while millions of dollars have been spent attempting to flood TikTok and Twitter with pro-Israeli falsehoods, public polling and global demonstrations indicate that public opinion is increasingly siding with Palestine. This is precisely why the social media platforms have been ratcheting up their online censorship measures.
BEIJING, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson said Wednesday that policies and measures to materialize a cross-Strait integration outline will be released soon.

A set of 10 entry-exit measures, one of the supportive policies, will take effect from Jan. 1, 2024, further facilitating travels between Fujian Province and Taiwan and benefiting Taiwan residents living in Fujian, said Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, at a press conference.

The outline, issued in September, designated Fujian as a demonstration zone for cross-Strait integrated development and is aimed at facilitating better connectivity and integration between Fujian and Taiwan.

Fujian is working on preferential policies for Taiwan individuals and businesses in areas such as cross-Strait travel, trade and economic cooperation, employment and business operation by Taiwan residents, and Taiwan-related legislation, Zhu said. 
GAZA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Hamas on Tuesday denied using hospitals in the Gaza Strip for military purposes, dismissing such Israeli accusations as "lies," according to the media office of the Gaza-ruling Palestinian faction.

What the Israeli army presented regarding the Al-Rantisi Children's Hospital in Gaza City were "videos made in a contradictory, unprofessional, and illogical manner," and included "composite and fabricated scenes that mislead public opinion," the media office said in a statement.

It accused the Israeli army of "making lies and practicing misinformation and incitement in preparation for destroying hospitals ... over the heads of patients, medical staff, and displaced people."

Meanwhile, the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza said what the Israeli army showed and termed as an arsenal located beneath the hospital was a "poor charade," denying any involvement with the displayed weapons and items that Israel claimed for holding hostages.

On Monday, Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hajari claimed that there was evidence indicating the presence of Israeli prisoners inside the hospital and Palestinian militants using the hospital as a hideout following the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

Israel surrounded a number of hospitals in Gaza City in recent days on suspicion that their underground facilities have been used as Hamas military bases and command. 
Statement of Senator Risa Hontiveros on the Ombudsman looking into the issuance of PH passports to foreigners

Philippine passports are NOT for sale. No foreign national should treat this official document as mere commodity. This is an offense to our Filipino identity, our history, and our national dignity.

We are currently looking into information that foreign nationals allegedly pay P500,000 per passport. I trust that the Ombudsman will investigate this exhaustively and get to the bottom of the issue. Mukhang may mga ahensya ng gobyerno na kailangan maglinis ng bakuran kasi ang daming nagkakalat.

During the Senate Committee on Women hearing on POGO-related crimes, we found that government-issued IDs are easily given to Chinese POGO workers, which they then use to get a Philippine passport. Naibunyag ko na rin sa hearing na may mga ads na nagbebenta ng ating mga birth certificate, voters ID, passport, at iba pa, para sa mga Chinese nationals.

This is a serious national security concern. Now that China is far from dialing down on her aggression in the West Philippine Sea, she may be taking advantage of our porous borders, our weakened institutions, and our own corrupt officials to advance her interests. Let us all remain vigilant. Huwag nating basta-basta papasukin ang mga dayuhang inaangkin ang sariling natin.
Chen Xi, president of the Party School of the Communist Party of China Central Committee (National Academy of Governance), attends the opening ceremony for the second study program of the school's 2023 autumn semester and delivers a speech on Nov. 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

BEIJING, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Party School of the Communist Party of China Central Committee (National Academy of Governance) on Wednesday held an opening ceremony for the second study program of the 2023 autumn semester.

Chen Xi, president of the school and academy, attended the ceremony and delivered a speech.

Chen stressed the importance of in-depth study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Culture and called on the officials participating in the program to strengthen their sense of responsibility and mission, and make new and greater contributions to building China into a strong country and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts.

He also urged the officials to turn what they have learned into achievements in work, fully implement the Party Central Committee's decisions and plans in the cultural sector, and make more efforts to build China into a leading country in culture and foster modern Chinese civilization. 
MAPUTO, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- At least 150 people have died from cholera in the last two months in Mozambique, mostly in the central and northern regions, Mozambican authorities said.

The latest cholera outbreak caused most deaths in the district of Gile, in the central province of Zambezia, Filimao Suaze, spokesperson for the Council of Ministers, told the media in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, after a cabinet meeting Tuesday.

He said that from Sept. 14 to Nov. 13, a total of 36,930 cases were reported across the country.

"It should also be noted that there are a total of 150 deaths, therefore a fatality rate of 0.4 percent," Suaze said.

Mozambique registered 70 cases of cholera, of which 62 were hospitalized, in the previous 24 hours, he said, adding that 505 new cases were reported in the past seven days. No new fatalities were reported.

The Council of Ministers has decided to send teams to the central and northern provinces to evaluate diarrheal diseases, particularly cholera, associated with the start of the rainy season.

In the last rainy season, from November 2022 to May 2023, cholera affected more than 30,000 people in Mozambique and caused at least 141 deaths, according to data from the Ministry of Health. 
Toyota's iconic "Crown" nameplate has been around for more than 70 years, but it's never been worn by an SUV until now. The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia marks a first, then, and it's coming to the United States to sit alongside its sedan sibling. Like the standard Crown (and the new Camry), the Crown Signia will be sold exclusively as a hybrid.

Ironically, the Crown Signia looks more like Toyota's new Prius than the sedan that shares its name, thanks to its squinty wraparound headlights and body-colored grille. The latter is something Toyota is implementing on many of its new models, including several Lexus vehicles. While the front end is very Prius-like, the rest is simple, understated, and mostly handsomeif a bit genericwith smooth lines and a simple horizontal LED light bar. However, distinguishing the Crown Signia from its sedan counterpart is probably wise, considering the public's polarizing response about the existing model's funky, often two-tone looks .

The new Crown Signia is still built on the same TNGA-K platform that underpins the regular Crown. Despite being a crossover (funnily enough, our more sedan-like Crown actually goes by " Crown Crossover " in Japan), they seem to have similar ride heights. That's because the four-door version rides unusually tall, to make getting in and out just a bit more comfortable.

Given that the two cars share the same platform, it isn't surprising that they share a similar powertrain as well. Powering the Signia is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motor generators, along with an electric motor at the rear axle, to help it make a combined 243 horsepower. No word yet whether the other Crown's upgrade Hybrid Max setup, with its 340 hp, will be made available for the SUV.

Since the engine powers the front wheels and the electric motor powers the rear ones, the Crown Signia also comes standard with all-wheel drive. With a towing capacity of 2,700 pounds, don't expect to do any boat-hauling, as that isn't really what this SUV was built for. Instead, it's supposed to be a quiet, comfortable everyday driver.

Providing that comfort is one of Toyota's most stylish cabins yet, with a sleek layered dashboard design, a dual-screen infotainment/gauge cluster setup, and thickly bolstered seats. Leather isn't standard, which might seem odd in a Crown, but rather available, as are a panoramic sunroof and an 11-speaker JBL surround sound system. Since tech is what customers in this segment really want, the Crown Signia packs Toyota's now-ubiquitous 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system (TAMM) as standard, along with a 12.3-inch digital gauge screen. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work wirelessly, and both can employ their respective digital assistants, Siri and Google Assistant. A 360-degree camera system is optional, but only on the Limited trim and higher, and it comes with a Curb View that works at low speeds and in reverse.

In Japan, the Toyota Crown name is iconic, so longtime fans might be saddened to see it slapped onto a crossover. From a sales perspective, though, it's smart, especially in the SUV-happy United States. With less polarizing looks than the sedan and a more popular body style, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Crown Signia leapfrog the high-riding four-door on Toyota's sales sheet in no time.

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Once a year, the Amazon books editorial team gathers in Seattle for a literary battle royale.

They assemble from home bases across the country with a single mission: whittle down a list of best books of the year from the hundreds of titles each editor has read.

The arena is a corporate meeting room equipped with sticky notes and whiteboards. Editors come prepared with books they want to champion. The stories they just can't get out of their heads. The characters they're sure you'll love.

"We discuss, fight, talk about the ones we like the most," says senior manager Al Woodworth. "It's the best day of the year. We get to do what we do best which is advocate for these books and these authors. It's such an honor and we take it very seriously."

The culmination of their debate is a list of the best books of the year. On Wednesday, USA TODAY exclusively reveals the first 10.

The list is deliberately diverse, says Sarah Gelman, editorial director of Amazon Books. You'll find fiction and nonfiction, stories of romance and murder. What each book has in common is the ability to pull in the reader and not let go until the end.

This year, the book that took the top spot was a unanimous victor. James McBride's "The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store" is an instant classic and among the "great American novels of our time," says Woodworth.

Here's a look at the Top 10 and more about why they were crowned. You can find the top 100 list, as well as lists by genre, on amazon.com/bestbooks2023.

1. 'The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store' by James McBride

"The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store," by James McBride

What it's about: From the National Book Award winner of "Deacon King Kong," this novel is rooted in small-town secrets. In 1972 Pottstown, Pennsylvania, workers digging the foundation for a development find a skeleton at the bottom of a well. Who the skeleton was and how it got there are secrets kept by the residents of Chicken Hill, the run-down neighborhood where Jews and Black people live with compassion on society's margins.

What Woodworth said: "What resonated with us about this book is a wild and teaming cast of characters. That McBride can hold all of these different characters  you're invested in their lives. Youre part of this neighborhood. As a reader, you feel like you live in this neighborhood. You know the characters' hopes, dreams and secrets. I think to be able to do that as a writer takes exceptional ability."

2. 'The Berry Pickers' by Amanda Peters

The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters is among Amazon editors' picks for best books of 2023.

What it's about: In 1962, a 4-year-old Mi'kmaq girl vanishes after traveling with her family from Nova Scotia to Maine to pick blueberries. Her brother Joe, 6 at the time she disappears, is the last to see her and is haunted by her disappearance for years to come. In Maine, a girl named Norma is raised in an affluent home with an emotionally distant father and an overprotective mother. She has dreams that feel like memories and spends decades unraveling what that means.

What Gelman said: "This really reminded me of Celeste Ng's first book 'Everything I Never Told You.' Not in theme, but in feeling. Its a very quiet and beautifully written book. It's about what happens when there's a lie that fractures a family, that fractures people and the repercussions of that lie. The book is sad, but the end is hopeful and happy. It's so exciting, and I want to see what else Peters is going to do."

3. 'The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession' by Michael Finkel

The Art Thief" by Michael Finkel.

What it's about: This true story of French master thief Stephane Breitwieser is brought to the page spectacularly by the author of "The Stranger in the Woods." In less than a decade, Breitwieser carried out more than 200 heists in European museums and cathedrals with the help of his girlfriend. The riveting story examines not only how Breitwieser pulled off his crimes, but why he never tried to sell any of the loot, instead keeping his treasures in a single room where he could admire them.

What Woodworth said: "This book reads like fiction. It is the wild and crazy true story of this man who stole $2 billion worth of art. He was doing it in a really basic way. He would chuck art out the window, or put it in his girlfriend's purse. He is a complete character and he got away with it for so long. You're riding shotgun with this conman."

4. 'Fourth Wing' by Rebecca Yarros

"Fourth Wing," by Rebecca Yarros.

What it's about: Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail's world is turned upside down after she's denied a life in the quiet Scribe Quadrant and forced into being a candidate dragon rider. Despite her fragile disposition, her mother, an elite commanding general, pushes her into Basgiath War College, where she uses her wit to battle fellow cadets, dragons and secretive leaders. A TV series based on the novel, part of Yarros' "The Empyrean" books from Entangled Publishing, is in the works at Amazon MGM Studios, according to Variety.

What Gelman said: "Its Hunger Games' meets 'Game of Thrones' meets '50 Shades of Grey.' You get the life and death element where young people are killing each other to survive, with the dragons and the fantasy  and plenty of steamy sex. Throughout the story, there are plenty of cliffhangers. It's very unexpected. I finished that book not fully trusting where the characters were at the end and who was on the side of good and evil."

5. 'King: A Life' by Jonathan Eig

"King: A Life" by Jonathan Eig

What it's about: Nominated for the National Book Award (the winners for which will be announced Nov. 15, after this story went to press), Eig's biography of America's modern-day founding father is the first major work to include recently declassified FBI files. Through exhaustive research, Eig paints a portrait of a man who "demanded peaceful protest for his movement but was rarely at peace with himself," according to its publisher. Universal Pictures optioned the rights to adapt Eig's biography of King, with Steven Spielberg producing the biopic and Chris Rock in talks to direct.

What Woodworth said: "Theres a line at the end of this book that talks about in hallowing Martin Luther King Jr. we've also hollowed him out as a society. What this book does is shows you the man and how he actually was: A human being with flaws; with his own kind of vices; with radical ideas. It's definitive, too, in looking at all these FBI documents and how Hoover was really going after him and what that did to his psyche."

6. 'Wellness' by Nathan Hill

Wellness by Nathan Hill

What it's about: The bestselling author of "The Nix," Hill returns with a novel about reconciling who we hope to become with the reality of adulthood. Jack and Elizabeth meet as college students in the '90s Chicago art scene, two kindred spirits brought together in the gritty underground. Twenty years later, with kids and a home in the suburbs, they struggle to recognize themselves and each other. Can they find their way back to each other, or will their love be collateral damage to unfulfilled ambitions and dysfunctional families?

What Gelman said: "The first half of the book, I was laughing out loud. Then in the second half, I was crying. The book just has so many emotional strings. I saw myself in the zillennial (people on the cusp of millennials and Gen Z) overparenting  like going to farmers markets and making sure you get the right croissant. That part made me laugh. But there's so much history and sadness behind the people and how they get to where they are. And so many people can relate to relationships and how they change over time."

7. 'The Covenant of Water' by Abraham Verghese

The Covenant of Water, by Abraham Verghese

What it's about: Bestselling author Verghese ("Cutting for Stone") returns with a generation-spanning story set in Kerala, located on South India's Malabar Coast, between 1900 and 1977. At its center is a family where at least one person dies by drowning in every generation  and in Kerala, water is everywhere. At the center of the family is matriarch Big Ammachi, literally "Big Mother," who, at age 12 while grieving the death of her father, is sent to marry a 40-year-old man. Her life is full of joy and triumph, hardship and loss, faith and love.

What Woodworth said: "Verghese is so good at getting into the nitty gritty of his characters, of their hopes and dreams. As with 'Cutting for Stone,' there's such a medical element of this book. He renders all of his characters with such delicate nuance as to who they are and what they're striving for. It's 700 pages or something like that, but you don't want to leave it. If that book went on and on, I would be so happy."

More: Ann Napolitanos 'Hello Beautiful' tops Amazons 10 best books of the year so far

8. 'Holly' by Stephen King

"Holly," by Stephen King.

What it's about: The master of horror's latest detective outing sees fan-favorite private eye Holly take center stage. But "Holly" isn't exactly a normal whodunit because the villains are introduced in the first chapter: Rodney and Emily Harris are elderly semi-retired academics and what theyve been doing in their basement in secret for several years is downright hellish. In his review, USA TODAY's Brian Truitt wrote, that the book "satisfies as a fitfully freaky thriller, a solid exploration of the title character as a soulful beacon of hope, and a reminder of how important it is to answer that call when it comes."

What Gelman said: "I think people kind of pigeonhole (King) into horror, but he really works through different genres. Holly is really a hero. What the older couple does is horrific, but it is also incredibly entertaining. The storytelling is just so good. He's so good and so versatile. Its amazing."

9. 'Elon Musk' by Walter Isaacson

This cover image released by Simon & Schuster shows "Elon Musk" by Walter Isaacson.

What it's about: Isaacson, who wrote the "Steve Jobs" biography that was adapted into a 2015 biopic starring Michael Fassbender as the Apple co-founder, is back with an in-depth study of another billionaire tech visionary. He followed Musk for two years, going to meetings and talking to his family, friends, co-workers and adversaries. The result aims to answer the question: Are the demons that drive Musk essential to driving innovation? A big-screen adaptation of Isaacson's latest is rumored to be in the works from director Darren Aronofsky ("The Whale") and indie studio A24, according to Puck news company.

What Woodworth said: "Walter Isaacson is one of the best biographers working today. His ability to present these titans of industry, their nuance, genius and their wild ways. He did that so well in this book. It offered a really balanced portrait of this, in some ways, maniacal person. To present figures in history as the people who they are, and not just who they are on X or in the news. There's so much more to the making of these people and the way they're viewed."

10. 'Small Mercies' by Dennis Lehane

Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane is among Amazon editors' picks for best books of 2023.

What it's about: In Boston in the summer of 1974, amid a wave of violence set off by the city's desegregation of its public schools, a white teen girl disappears, and a young Black man is found dead. The girl's mother, Mary Pat Fennessy, embarks on a desperate search for her daughter in the housing projects of "Southie," an Irish American enclave, and gets on the wrong side of Marty Butler, chieftain of the Irish mob.

What Gelman said: "Dennis Lehane is well known as this Irish crime thriller writer. In this book, he takes a moment in history and inserts a story into it. It takes place at the beginning of the busing of Black and white students into high schools in the Boston area. There's a murder mystery at the center, and it's surrounded by this thing that's going on in America. The mom  is hellbent on finding out what happened and getting revenge."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Amazon best books 2023: 'Heaven & Earth Grocery Store,' 'Fourth Wing'
"I'm feeling very much like I'm back in the fourth grade," Lee said of her experiment. tiktok.com/@sweetgrace.sa

A Texas bakery owner noticed Betty Crocker had quietly decreased the amount of its boxed cake mix.

She conducted a bake-off between the new and old boxes, which called for the same wet ingredients.

There were some differences, but they may not be noticeable to the average customer, she said.

A bakery owner who went viral after noticing that Betty Crocker had quietly decreased the contents of its Super Moist boxed cake mix in the "white" flavor has now conducted a bake-off between the old (16.25 ounce) and new (14.25 ounce) boxes.

The verdict? The new boxes, which contain less mix but suggest the same pantry ingredients, left a "weird film" in her mouth and yielded a holey texture with a "more uneven" crumb, Malina Lee, the owner of Sweet Grace bakery in San Antonio, said on TikTok.

A customer-care representative for Betty Crocker, which is owned by General Mills, previously confirmed the changes across its Super Moist line (which consists of 20 flavors) in an email to Business Insider, saying in part that, "Keeping our products affordable, especially given the rising prices for ingredients, is important to us." The company did not respond to a request for comment on Lee's bake-off.

Many commenters echoed the claims in Lee's first video, which has 5.7 million views, attributing the changes to shrinkflation, a practice in which brands sell smaller amounts of their products to hide rising costs.

Lee's big experiment

Lee said that to compare against the new 14.25-ounce mix, which was available at her local Walmart, she tracked down some old 16.25-ounce boxes on Amazon . The ingredients were mostly the same, though the new boxes contained slightly more modified corn starch and xanthan gum, she said.

After weighing the contents of both boxes on her food scale, she said the 14.25-ounce box actually contained 15.5 ounces of cake mix and the 16.25-ounce box contained 16.6. Both called for a cup of water, half a cup of vegetable oil, and three egg whites or whole eggs.

"I'm feeling very much like I'm back in the fourth grade," Lee said of the experiment, noting that upon mixing, both batters felt "very similar."

After baking them on the same oven shelf for 28 minutes, Lee said, the 16.25-ounce box yielded a taller cake with a "tighter, more even crumb" and was "more enjoyable to eat." The smaller version had bigger holes in it, leaving an "uneven" texture as well as a film in her mouth "similar to margarine buttercream, but way less intense," she said.

Though she highlighted these differences in her review, Lee said they'd probably go unnoticed by the average customer baking a cake at home.

Lee told BI that she used the white cake mix in only one recipe  for a white almond sour-cream wedding cake she offers  with most of her recipes baked from scratch. Going forward, she is likely shelving the Betty Crocker mix, she said. She added that Pillsbury Baking, which also sells boxed cake mix, reached out to send her its version to try. She said if she doesn't like those, she'd either "try some other brands or potentially switch back over to all scratch baked."

"I've definitely lost some trust in these big baking companies through this process," she said.

Correction: November 15, 2023  An earlier version of this story misstated the ownership of Pillsbury's boxed cake mix. Pillsbury Baking is not part of the Pillsbury brand owned by General Mills.



Read the original article on Insider
Want to know how to watch Black Cake Season 1 Episode 6 online? Look no further, as we have all the streaming details right here. In Black Cake Season 1, the story unfolds over several decades, beginning in the late 1960s, with a central focus on Covey, a bride who flees. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Jamaica, the narrative is enshrouded in mystery, probing the question of whether Covey met a tragic fate in the waters or fled following her husbands alleged murder.

Heres where you will be able to stream Black Cake Season 1 Episode 6 online.

Is Black Cake Season 1 Episode 6 streaming online?

Yes, you will be able to watch and stream Black Cake Season 1 Episode 6 on Hulu.

Black Cake Season 1s cast includes Chipo Chung, Anthony Mark Barrow, Mia Isaac, Lashay Anderson, Faith Alabi, Ahmed Elhaj, Glynn Turman, Sonita Henry, Adrienne Warren, Simon Wan, and Ashley Thomas. Marissa Jo Cerar serves as the series showrunner, and Aaron Kaplan and Oprah Winfrey are the executive producers.

How to watch Black Cake Season 1 Episode 6 and stream online

As Black Cake Season 1 is available to watch via Hulu, you will be able to watch its episodes by signing up.

Hulu is a subscription-based OTT platform that provides viewers with access to various series and movies.

Hulu offers a variety of subscription plans  ad-supported plan at $7.99 a month or $79.99 a year, no ads at $14.99 a month, Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads) at $69.99 a month, and Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads) at $82.99 a month.

The official synopsis for Black Cake Season 1 reads:

Bride Covey disappears on the shore under unknown circumstances or reasons. A flash drive will change the life of Eleanor Bennett years later.

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 Black Cake Season 1 Episode 6 Streaming: How to Watch & Stream Online appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
American rock band Dayseeker are set to tour Australia and New Zealand in 2024, bringing their unique blend of hard rock and experimental indie to various capital city venues. After coming over to support Beartooth and Pierce The Veil in 2023, and Thornhill in 2022, this tour marks the bands first headline run down under.

Dayseeker will start their tour in Perth at Magnet House on Sunday, 7th July. They will then perform in Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, before heading to New Zealand for shows in Auckland and Wellington. Joined by Casey, Landon Tewers, and Inertia, Dayseekers tour promises a showcase of diverse musical talents and dynamic performances.

Dayseeker  Without Me

Dayseeker, originating from Southern California, released their fifth studio album, Dark Sun, in November 2022. The album ventures into deeply personal themes and features a variety of stylistic approaches, rooted in the bands lateral take on post hardcore.

Accompanying them on the tour is Casey, hailing from South Wales, UK, whore celebrated for their melodic hardcore sound, infused with emotionally potent lyrics. Their anticipated album, How To Disappear, is slated for release in 2024.

Also joining the tour is Landon Tewers, whos acclaimed for his solo work and role as the lead vocalist for The Plot In You. Completing the lineup is Inertia from Sydney, bringing their distinct blend of soulful dark pop and robust riffs.

Dayseeker 2024 Australian Tour

w/ Casey, Landon Tewers & Inertia

Sunday, 7th July  Magnet House, Perth WA

Tuesday, 9th July  Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide SA

Thursday, 11th July  The Tivoli, Brisbane QLD

Friday, 12th July  Liberty Hall, Sydney NSW

Saturday, 13th July  Forum, Melbourne VIC

Tuesday, 16th July  Neck of the Woods, Auckland NZ

Wednesday, 17th July  San Fran, Wellington NZ

Tickets via destroyalllines.com

Further Reading

Love Letter To A Record: Eskimo Joe On The Dandy Warhols Thirteen Tales From Urban Bohemia

Members of the Dandy Warhols, Courtney Barnetts Band Join Forces as Super American Eagle

Members of Jet, Spiderbait, Powderfinger & You Am I to Tour Led Zeppelin IV in 2024

The post Dayseeker Announce 2024 Australian Tour with Casey and Landon Tewers appeared first on Music Feeds.
The Dan Markel murder case is getting more twisted with every passing day. In recent news, a new suspect named Donna Adelson has been arrested. According to USA Today, she also had a part to play in the murder of the 41-year-old attorney/law professor.

The 73-year-old woman is the mother of Charlie Adelson. Charlie is a 47-year-old dentist from Fort Lauderdale who is currently awaiting sentencing for murder, conspiracy, and solicitation in Markels murder.

Furthermore, Charlie Adelson was Dan Markels ex-brother-in-law. His mother, Donna is the second person from the Adelson family to be changed in connection with the murder. In total, officials charged five people in the case. Apart from Charlie and Donna Adelson, the others involved were Luis Rivera, Sigfredo Garcia, and Katherine Magbanua.

According to Tallahassee Democrat, which is a part of USA TODAY Network, Donna and her husband Harvey were arrested at Miami International Airport. They were trying to escape the country as they had one-way plane tickets to Vietnam. The flight was supposed to make a stop in Dubai.

Following the arrest of Donna Adelson, State Attorney Jack Campbell released a statement that said, Thats what forced our hand. We started talking to some of our law enforcement partners about the complexities of trying to bring someone back from either Dubai or Vietnam.

He further added, And that might be a very complicated and lengthy process. So thats why we had to make a decision quickly.

How Was Dan Markel Murdered?

On July 18, 2014, 41-year-old Dan Markel was stalked and followed by Luis Rivera and Sigfredo Garcia. Rivera was the leader of a gang called Latin Kings, while Garcia was his childhood friend. On the day of the murder, Markel first dropped his sons at Creative Preschool and then spent one and a half hours in a gym called Premiere Fitness.

He then returned to his home in Trescott Drive, which was situated in Betton Hills. Luis Rivera and Sigfredo Garcia rented a Toyota Prius and came all the way from Miami to terminate the attorney/law professor.

According to According to Riveras testimony, it was Garcia who shot Markel. His statement said, As soon as we pulled in, Garcia jumped out and went behind his car to the drivers side and shot him. Twice.

A neighbor of Markel spotted him in his garage and called 911. The ambulance arrived but it took close to 20 minutes. They took him to Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare. However, he soon succumbed to his injuries. He has been shot twice. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, Charlie Adelson paid the two gangsters $100,000 to take Markels life. They furthermore split the money with Katherine Magbanua. Magbanua was the mother of Garcias children.

While Charlie Adelson is still awaiting sentencing, Luis Rivera, Sigfredo Garcia, and Katherine Magbanua have already been sent to prison. The court sentenced Rivera to 19 years in jail while his partner Sigfredo Garcia will spend the rest of his life behind bars. Katherine Magbanua was sentenced to life in prison plus two consecutive 30-year sentences.

The post Donna Adelson: Why Was She Arrested & What Charges Does She Face? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
LONDON, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Britain's national tourism agency VisitBritain is to lead a three-day trade mission to Shanghai for a trade fair, marking its first mission to China since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency announced late Tuesday.

Taking place during Nov. 22-24, the trade fair titled "Destination Britain China and North East Asia" will bring together 43 industry suppliers from across Britain with top buyers from China, according to a press release issued by VisitBritain.

"It is fantastic to be leading VisitBritain's trade mission to China, the first since 2019, a timely and valuable opportunity to boost the recovery from this incredibly important visitor market," VisitBritain Chairman Nick de Bois CBE said.

"This mission marks a major milestone for us to reconnect with the travel trade across China and North East Asia and for British travel suppliers and destinations to get their tourism products and services in front of top buyers and explore new business opportunities," he said.

More than 2,000 one-to-one business appointments are set to take place during the trade fair with some British suppliers attending the event in China for the first time.

Participants will include representatives of hotels, visitor attractions, destination management companies, retailers, and tour and sightseeing operators, from across Britain.

The agency said flight bookings from China to Britain are currently tracking at about 50 percent of 2019 levels, showing significant improvements from January 2023 when bookings were just six percent.

VisitBritain figures show that before the pandemic, there were 883,000 visits from China to the UK in 2019, making China its second most valuable inbound visitor market, worth 1.7 billion pounds (2.1 billion U.S. dollars) to the British economy.

Forecasts by Oxford Economics and VisitBritain indicate that Chinese visitors to Britain are forecast to recover to pre-COVID levels in 2025. 
When Dua Lipa announced a trio of release-week fan events for her new single Houdini, taking place in London, Los Angeles and Tokyo, she kept the exact locations a secret. But was there ever any doubt where the LA party had to be held?

Lipa invited hundreds of her biggest fans to the mysterious Houdini Estate in the winding hills of Laurel Canyon Boulevard on Tuesday night to navigate an escape room (fitting for the famous illusionist and the slippery new song) and to dance the night away at an open-air disco party.

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Wow, the energy is insane! Dua Lipa said to the roaring crowd as she made her way behind the DJ booth after 8 p.m. Have you guys had a chance to go into the escape room? Was it fun? she asked to a resounding yeah! Was it hard? she asked, getting a no! in return. All right, Im going to be having a word with someone then, she said with a laugh.

After hits from Jamiroquai, Grace Jones, Human League and, of course, Lipa herself, we finally got to the track of the hour. You guys wanna hear the song? All right, lets fing do it! Lets have a dance!

Lipa pressed a button to launch Houdini  Ill play DJ, she laughed  and kicked the party into overdrive as she danced and sang along to the single that kicks off her post-Future Nostalgia era.

According to early numbers reported to Luminate, Houdini drew 14 million all-format airplay audience impressions in its first four full days (Nov. 10-13) and will debut on the Radio Songs chart (dated Nov. 25, reflecting airplay Nov. 10-16), perhaps in the charts upper half, with pop and adult pop airplay leading the way. It could be Duas highest Radio Songs debut, previously set when her Barbie soundtrack cut Dance the Night started at No. 28 in June.

Fans right next to the DJ booth passed their phones up to Lipa so she could shoot selfie videos and pics along with the song, and when Houdini wrapped up, Lipa agreed to a fan request for a repeat spin. One more time? Lets fing go!

When the second go-round wrapped up, Lipa teased that she wouldnt be leaving the estate just yet. You guys are the fing best, thank you so much! I want you guys to stay, enjoy your time, those that havent, try the escape room. Im going to do a little walk around. Ive got to go and see this spooky-a place.

True to her word, the pop star popped up in the escape room, offering a magical surprise to the lucky fans inside.

Dua Lipa hosts an exclusive Houdini LA fan event at The Houdini Estate on Nov. 14, 2023 in Los Angeles.

Dua Lipas London fan event took place on Thursday at the English National Ballet, where the Houdini music video was filmed. She gave fans a sneak peek at the visual before its official release. The next event is in Tokyo, and fans can still sign up to attend here.

Dua Lipa hosts an exclusive Houdini LA fan event at The Houdini Estate on Nov. 14, 2023 in Los Angeles.

Additional reporting by Gary Trust

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A Florida man allegedly gunned down his ex-girlfriend in a parking lot last week, less than an hour after shed filed a police report against him for stalking her, according to reports.

Robens Cesar, 41, is charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Fridelene Daniel, CBS12 reported.

RELATED: Ex-Hollywood Agent's Son Charged with Murder After Torso Believed to Be His Missing Wife Found in Dumpster

Police were dispatched to the Meadows on Green apartment complex in Boynton Beach around 9 a.m. on November 8 after neighbors reported hearing numerous gunshots. Emergency responders found Daniel unresponsive in the parking lot of the property. Shed sustained several gunshot wounds. Shell casings were found littered on the nearby concrete.

A black Honda was seen speeding away from the scene, according to CBS12. Authorities suspect the vehicle in question belonged to Cesar.

What was Fridelene Daniel heard saying just before she was fatally shot?

At the time of the shooting, Daniel was reportedly on the phone with her aunt in Haiti. She could allegedly be heard saying to her ex-boyfriend, Cesar, "Oh, did you bring a gun to kill me?," CBS 12 reported.

A personal photo of Fridelene Daniel

Fridelene Daniel. Photo: Facebook

Why was Fridelene Daniel at a police station just before her death?

Approximately 45 minutes before she was shot and killed, Daniel had gone to the Boynton Beach Police Department to lodge the complaint against Cesar, who she claimed was stalking and harassing her, officials said. Cesar allegedly followed her to the police station, according to authorities.

In a press release following the incident, the Boynton Beach Police Department said theyd launched an internal affairs investigation to see if the department had followed protocol properly in taking Daniel's complaint against Cesar. The officer who received the report has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation, according to CBS12.

RELATED: Poison Specialist Doctor Accused of Giving Wife Fatal Medicine Dose Allegedly Had New Girlfriend Over Days Later

"The loss of any life is a tragic event, and the Boynton Beach Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased," the police department said in a prepared statement. "Our hearts go out to all affected by this unfortunate incident.

According to WPTV, the shooting unfolded after the couple had broken up. Following Cesars arrest, he allegedly told homicide investigators hed shot Daniel after she refused to get back together with him. The reportedly jealous former partner allegedly admitted he couldnt stand the thought of Daniel with another lover and said that her decision to contact police was the last straw, according to ABC affiliate WPBF.

Prior to her death, Daniel had lived with her 16-year-old daughter. The teenager has been staying with family members since the deadly shooting.

Cesar was denied bail by a judge on Thursday. Hes being held at Palm Beach County jail, according to online records obtained by Oxygen.com. Its unclear if hes retained legal counsel.
Isabel Coixet, the Spanish director of My Life Without Me, Things I Never Told You, The Bookshop and It Snows in Benidorm, will be honored by the European Film Academy with this years European Achievement in World Cinema award for her lifes work.

Coixet has carved out an impressive career in what could be called pan-Atlantic cinema, making mainly English-language features with international casts but with a strongly European sensibility. She followed up her promising 1989 debut Demasiado viejo para morir joven (which won the best new director prize at Spains Goya awards) with the U.S.-shot drama Things I Never Told You, starring Andrew McCarthy and Lili Taylor. The film premiered in Berlin, a favorite launching pad for Coixet, who returned the German festival in 2003 with My Life Without Me, a romantic drama starring Sarah Polley as a young mother diagnosed with terminal cancer who decides to live out her final days with as much passion as she can muster. The film, which won the German Art House Cinema prize and was a dual European Film Award nominee, was Coixets international breakout.

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Coixet re-teamed with Polley for The Secret Life of Words, co-starring Tim Robbins, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2005 and nabbed a best actress EFA nom for Polley, who plays a hearing impaired factory worker who cares for an injured oil rig worker (Robbins) who has temporarily lost his sight. The film was a big winner at Spains Goya awards taking best film, best director, and best screenplay honors.

Coixets list of A-list collaborators is long and includes Penelope Cruz and Ben Kingsley, stars of her 2008 feature Elegy, an adaptation of Phillip Roths novella The Dying Animal; Juliette Binoche, Gabriel Byrne and Rinko Kikuchi in the period drama Endless Night; and Emily Mortimer and Bill Nighy, who co-star in her 2018 Penelope Fitzgerald adaptation The Bookshop.

More recently, Coixet has returned to Spain, shooting the black-and-white period drama Elisa & Marcela (2019) for Netflix and the romantic feature Un amor, which premiered at San Sebastian this year.

Coixet will be honored at the 36th European Film Awards in Berlin on December 9.

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Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez attend the 10th Annual LACMA ART+FILM GALA presented by Gucci at Los Angeles County Museum of Art on Nov. 06, 2021 in Los Angeles.

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's engagement party in Beverly Hills was a swanky affair attended by a who's who of Hollywood.

Vogue reported that the party was held at designer Diane von Furstenberg and businessman Barry Diller's home in Beverly Hills. The magazine took exclusive photos of the soiree, showing celebs like Oprah Winfrey, Salma Hayek and Kris Jenner rubbing elbows with the couple.

Theyre very in love with each other  theyre demonstrably in love, Diller told Vogue. Shes lit him up in the nicest ways. Shes a great stimulant.

The engagement comes about four years after the Amazon founder began dating Sanchez following his split from ex-wife and author Mackenzie Scott. The former couple share a son.

Who attended Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's engagement party?

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez attend "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" World Premiere at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on Aug. 30, 2022 in London.

The famous guests at the engagement party included actors Barbra Streisand and Robert Pattinson, recording artist Jewel, models Suki Waterhouse and Miranda Kerr, and designer Sarah Staudinger, Vogue reported.

Bezos, whose worth was estimated to be at $166 billion as of Tuesday, and Sanchez are good friends with von Furstenberg and Diller, the outlet said.

What did Lauren Sanchez wear to the engagement party?

Sanchez  a native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, who gained fame as a media personality  wore a white, off-the-shoulder mini dress with a basque waistline by Laura Basci, Vogue reported.

Bezos wore a dark T-shirt under a light-colored blazer.

Elon Musk? Bill Gates? Jeff Bezos? Here's who takes the crown for world's richest person.

How did Jeff Bezos propose to Lauren Sanchez?

Bezos, 59, popped the question to Sanchez, 53, during a yacht trip to the Cannes Film Festival in May, when he hid a box containing a $2.5 million pink engagement ring under her pillow, Sanchez shared with Vogue.

"When he opened the box, I think I blacked out a bit," she told the outlet.

When will Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez get married?

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez attend the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 12, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California.

The couple have not announced when and where they plan to marry but shared some details with Vogue.

"We're still thinking about the wedding, what it's going to be," Sanchez told the outlet. "Is it going to be big? Is it going to be overseas? We don't know yet," she said, saying that she's currently thinking more about Bezos' 60th birthday in January.

Sanchez said she does plan on taking Bezos' last name "100 percent."

"I am looking forward to being Mrs. Bezos," she told Vogue.

Where will Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez live?

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez attend the Vanity Fair 95th Oscars Party at the The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California on March 12, 2023.

Earlier this month, Bezos announced that he and Sanchez would be moving to Florida. He said he wanted to live in Miami to be closer to his parents and the Cape Canaveral operations of Blue Origin, his space exploration company.

"I've lived in Seattle longer than I have lived anywhere else," Bezos wrote in an Instagram post. "As exciting as the move is, it's an emotional decision for me. Seattle, you will always have a place in my heart."

The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Network, recently reported Bezos paid $79 million for a seven-bedroom, 14-bathroom mansion set on 1.8 acres in Indian Creek Village, a private neighborhood known as the "Billionaire Bunker."

Moving time: Amazon founder billionaire Jeff Bezos announces he's leaving Seattle, moving to Miami, Florida

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who attended Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez's star-studded engagement party
Tiffanie Lucas, 32, allegedly told officers she was "manipulated" by social media to commit the crime

Facebook Jayden Howard; Maurice Baker Jr.

A Kentucky woman accused of fatally shooting her children allegedly said the killings were an accident and told officers that she had been manipulated by social media into committing the crime, according to reports.

Tiffanie Lucas, 32, allegedly shot 6-year-old Maurice Baker Jr. and 9-year-old Jayden Howard on Nov. 8, WDRB and WKYT and WAVE reported.

According to a Nov. 8 press release by the Bullitt County Sheriffs Office, the boys died after being taken to the hospital, prompting two murder charges against Lucas.

On Tuesday, Lucas appeared in a Bullitt County court where detective Richard Beahl testified about responding to the scene in Shepherdsville, Ky., according to WHAS 11 and WDRB. Beahl testified that when officers arrived, Lucas walked out of her home and collapsed on the driveway of her neighbors home.

Beahl found one of the neighbors trying to help Lucas on the driveway and another neighbor tending to the children inside the house, according to WKYT. The neighbor attending to the children alleged to officers that Lucas was responsible for the deaths, Beahl testified.

Related: Ky. Mom Accused of Fatally Shooting Her Children, 6 and 9, Who Were Found Dead in Bedroom: Horrific

After police took Lucas in for questioning, she said the incident "was an accident," Beahl testified, and added that a third party had given her the gun, per WDRB. She also made statements such as: I would never do anything like this unless someone manipulated me, Beahl testified.

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Beahl testified that Lucas said she was being "manipulated" by Facebook, the internet and Wi-Fi, WDRB reported.

Bullitt County Detention Center Tiffanie Lucas

Baker Jr.s stepmother Michelle Rice told the outlet that the boys were happy." Rice said she had previously reached out to Child Protective Services, but she alleged her claims weren't taken seriously enough. Bullitt County's Child Protective Services did not immediately return PEOPLE's inquiry.



If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

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Real Housewives of Beverly Hills OG Kyle Richards and her older sister Kathy Hilton are in a better place following their explosive blow-up during Season 12. However, Kyle fears theyll return to square one once RHOBH Season 13 finishes airing.

Kathy joined the cast of RHOBH during Season 11 as a recurring cast member. During her first season, fans worldwide fell in love with her quirky personality and ability to turn heavy situations into a light-hearted moment for everyone. Things, however, took a turn during Kathys sophomore year on Bravo. After facing incessant attacks from Lisa Rinna about her meltdown on a girls trip to Aspen, Colorado, Kathy paused her relationship with most of the women. But it was Kyle who suffered the most.

I was devastated [following Season 12], Kyle said on Bravos Hot Mic podcast. The women have to ask me [where Kathy and I left off], and since I thought it was done, I was honest in the moment [about our relationship]. Now, shes worried what she said will upset her big sis.

Its so hard with my family, Kyle continued. I dont want everything to have to be like, Thats it. Were done. Like, why cant we just have an argument and make up like normal people?

Will Kathy Hilton appear on RHOBH Season 13?

The RHOBH Season 12 reunion went off like fireworks. There were fights from every angle between Garcelle Beauvais, Dorit Kemsley, Sutton Stracke, and Erika Jayne. The series biggest villain at the time, Rinna, also had her big spoon in hand and was ready to stir up mess whenever needed.

On the other hand, the showdown between Rinna and Kathy was intense. Although Kyle was the only one shedding tears, these two Real Housewives were going at it. Kathy made shocking allegations and claims, including calling Lisa the biggest bully in Hollywood.

After the conclusion, it was unclear if both stars would return to Beverly Hills for another go-around. Viewers had been calling for Rinnas firing for some time, but since she was the groups self-proclaimed LeBron James, her exit didnt seem too promising. However, she did announce her plans to leave the series in January 2023.

As for Kathy, she wasnt interested in filming anything with the Fox Force Five  instead, she chose to shoot takes for her daughters Peacock reality series, Paris In Love.

Season 13 of RHOBH will feature more familiar faces, though. Cynthia Bailey from The Real Housewives of Atlanta will appear alongside Denise Richards and Camille Grammer.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills continues on Bravo, Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET.

TELL US  DO YOU WANT KATHY ON SEASON 13 OF BEVERLY HILLS? DO YOU THINK SEASON 13 WILL UPSET KATHY EVEN FURTHER?

The post Kyle Richards Worried RHOBH Season 13 Will Upset Kathy Hilton appeared first on Reality Tea.
Nikki Sixx has taken to social media to reveal that his family have been the target of two stalkers. The Motley Crue man posted an account of each of the ordeals, one of which is ongoing.

"Like many other public figures, myself and my family were harassed and threatened by a stalker," wrote Sixx. "A deranged woman from Tennessee, who I have never met or seen before, targeted my wife and child with threats of death and bodily harm.

"This was not some internet troll but someone who was convinced that she was somehow connected to me. Her harassment went on for a long time and got progressively more scary, forcing me to go to court several times and obtain restraining orders. She violated the restraining orders multiple times. As a result, the court found the conduct serious enough to hold her in contempt of court and order that she be arrested.

"I want to thank the judge, the court staff and my legal team for protecting my family."

Sixx first tweeted about the problem last year, revealing that he'd been to court to obtain a Order Of Protection for his family, before expressing sadness that "obsessive compulsive behaviour" could "manifest itself into mental illness." In the most recent post, he goes on to reveal that his family is being targeted by a second stalker.

He writes: "Now another stalker from a different part of the country started doing the same thing going so far as to travel to my house and threaten our lives again. The FBI is currently investigating.

"It's one thing to threaten my safety but when it comes to serious threats against my wife and children it just becomes beyond alarming. They do not deserve this. Thank you to the FBI, law enforcement, the detectives and the legal and court system for treating these threats with the severity and urgency they require.

"I will go to any lengths to protect my family."

A post shared by Nikki Sixx (@nikkisixxpixx) A photo posted by on
In a new book, the extremist Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene claims no Democrats stayed in the House chamber on January 6 to help defend it against rioters sent by Donald Trump to block the certification of Joe Bidens election win  a claim one Democrat who did stay labeled patently false.

Related: Offering to fight union leader was just Oklahoma values, senator claims

Greenes book, MTG, will be published next week. The Guardian obtained a copy.

Describing January 6, Greene writes: Several of the Republican congressmen said, Were going to stay right here and defend the House chamber. As they began barricading the door with furniture, I noticed not one Democrat was willing to stay to defend the chamber.

But that version of events sits in stark contrast to others prominently including that of Jason Crow of Colorado, a Democratic congressman and former US army ranger who worked to help fellow representatives before being, by his own description, the last politician to leave.

Speaking to the Denver Post after the riot, Crow said: They evacuated the folks on the floor but those of us in the gallery actually got trapped for like 20 minutes as the rioters stormed the stairwells and the doors.

So, Capitol police actually locked the doors of the chamber and started piling furniture up on the doors to barricade them, while holding their guns out.

I got into ranger mode a little bit. Most of the members didnt know how to use the emergency masks, so I was helping them get their emergency masks out of the bags and helped instruct a bunch of folks on how to put it on and how to use it. I wasnt going to leave the House floor until every member was gone, so I waited until we were able to get everybody out.

On Wednesday, Crow told the Guardian: Marjorie Taylor Greene doesnt exist in the same reality as the rest of us. For those of us who were there on January 6 and actually defended the chamber from violent insurrectionists, her view is patently false. She doesnt know what shes talking about.

Other Democrats have described how they tried to help.

In an oral history of January 6 by Business Insider, Raul Grijalva, of Arizona, said: You also saw members doing their part to facilitate our evacuation  Seth Moulton [of Massachusetts, a marines veteran], Ruben Gallego, and four or five others  who assumed a role of helping us to get out of there and working with the Capitol police to make sure that we were all safe.

Gallego, also of Arizona and a former marine, told the same site: Eventually what I did was I jumped up on a table and started giving instructions to people about how to open up the gas mask. We start seeing the doors being barricaded with furniture. We start hearing the noise of people  the insurrectionists  pounding on doors. Especially in the gallery.

Marjorie Taylor Greene in Washington on Tuesday. Photograph: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Greenes book pursues her familiar conspiracy theory-laced invective, taking shots at targets including Democrats, the media and Lauren Boebert, another Republican extremist with whom Greene has fallen out.

Discussing January 6, three days after her swearing-in, Greene claims to have worked tirelessly on objections to key state results but to have been utterly shocked when rioters breached the Capitol.

Some Republicans, she says carried concealed weapons and were ready to be good guys with guns, defending themselves and others if need be  despite guns being banned in the House chamber. Greene says she tried to stay close to Clay Higgins of Louisiana, a former law enforcement officer who was one of the armed Republican members of Congress exercising his second amendment rights that day.

Describing instructions to put on hoods against possible exposure to teargas, Greene says she did not do so as she would not have been able to clearly hear or see.

Many of the Democrats obligingly put theirs on and some were lying on the floor, hysterical, she writes, describing a chamber in complete and utter disarray.

Pictures of the House on January 6 show Crow comforting Susan Wild of Pennsylvania, a Democrat lying on the gallery floor. Other pictures show Republicans including Troy Nehls of Texas and Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma helping to barricade doors.

According to the House January 6 committee, evacuation happened in stages. Democratic leaders including the speaker, Nancy Pelosi, were removed at the same time as Mike Pence, the vice-president. Kevin McCarthy, then Republican minority leader, soon followed. Evacuation of the rest of the House began at 2.38pm, members escaping as a rioter, Ashli Babbitt, was fatally shot by police.

Members in the House gallery were evacuated after the members on the House floor, the report says. Congressional members in the gallery had to wait to be evacuated because rioters were still roaming the hallways right outside the chamber.

Related: Republican praises January 6 attackers good faith and core principles

At 2.49pm, as members were trying to evacuate the House gallery, the [Capitol police]  cleared the hallways with long rifles so that the members could be escorted to safety  surveillance footage shows several rioters lying on the ground, with long rifles pointed at them, as members evacuate. By 3pm, the area had been cleared and members were evacuated  to a secure location.

Greene claims rioters have since been mistreated. But she is not finished. A noted fitness enthusiast, she chooses to mock another Democrat, Jerry Nadler of New York, then the 73-year-old chair of the House judiciary committee.

I saw that it was a problem that so many of our representatives were older and physically unable to run, Greene writes. How do you get them to safety when they cannot move quickly because of age, physical ailments or lack of physical fitness?

Oh, and many were hysterical, with the plastic bags over their heads in fear of teargas and the little electric fans running so they couldnt hear, either. Just imagine Jerry Nadler trying to run for safety!

 This article was amended on 16 November 2023. The Pennsylvania congresswoman Susan Wild is a Democrat, not a Republican as an earlier version said.
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.
Alyson Cranick, 42, has been charged with two counts of sexual assault and three counts of risk of injury to a child and impairing the morals of children

Connecticut State Police Alyson Cranick

A former Connecticut school employee was arrested after authorities allege she repeatedly sexually assaulted an 11-year-old boy last summer.

Alyson Cranick, 42, turned herself into police Tuesday and was charged with two counts of sexual assault and three counts of risk of injury to a child and impairing the morals of children, according to an arrest warrant reviewed by PEOPLE.

A relative of the victim reported the allegations to Connecticut State Police in September after the boy told them he had "been in a sexual relationship" with Cranick during July and August 2022, the warrant states.

During an interview with state police, the victim said the two had been communicating on iMessage and Snapchat before eventually moving to Discord, after Cranick learned his other accounts were being monitored.

According to the warrant, the boy snuck out of his house on at least 14 occasions during the overnight hours to meet with Cranick. She either waited by hiding behind a bush on a neighbors property or walking up to his house, the warrant states, adding that Cranick would also park her car outside the boys home.

The two reportedly had sexual intercourse in the car as well as other locations, the identities of which were censored in the warrant.

Police said the hundreds of messages between the two were often flirtatious and sexual in nature. At one point during those conversations, Cranick allegedly sent the boy a picture of a bracelet she had made for him with the acronym BFFLWB, meaning, Best Friends for Life With Benefits, according to the warrant.

The warrant further states that Cranick emotionally manipulated [the boy] into spending more time with her, but he eventually refused and stopped communicating with her.

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During an interview with police, Cranick denied initiating any sexual contact with the boy and "downplayed any inappropriate reasoning for communicating with [the boy], according to the warrant. She also claimed she was trying to comfort him because he was scared about family issues.

When asked about the alleged sexual nature of the messages, Cranick said she was a really nice person and did not mean for them to come across that way, the warrant states.

Officials told CT Insider that Cranicks employment as an administrative assistant for the Regional 19 school district "ceased" after an investigation by the state Department of Children and Families.

In a statement to parents issued Tuesday and obtained by local NBC station WVIT, Columbia Public Schools confirmed a former school employee had been arrested on similar charges and called the allegations disturbing.

Clearly, any allegation of inappropriate contact with minors is disturbing and causes concerns about the safety of the children in our school community, the statement reads. Columbia community members should be reassured that the safety of children is the districts foremost concern."

Cranick was being held on a $500,000 bond, the arrest warrant states. Its unclear if she has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on her behalf.



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GAZA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Israeli army said on Wednesday it's conducting a "precise and targeted" operation against Hamas at al-Shifa Hospital.

Israel accused Hamas of hiding its fighters inside the hospital, a claim Hamas had denied. The hospital houses hundreds of patients and medical personnel as well as civilians at present.

Israeli forces are carrying out a "precise" operation against Hamas in specific areas of the hospital, the military said. 
K-pop band SEVENTEEN will return to movie theaters around the world on Dec. 16 with their live concert film SEVENTEEN Tour Follow to Japan: Live Viewing. The film will be broadcast from Japans Fukuoka PayPay Dome and broadcast live to Australia, South Korea, the U.S. and Canada, Brazil and European territories; all the participating countries will be announced on the bands official site on Nov. 21.

According to a release, the 13-member groups largest-scale dome tour since their debut, the movie promises to share the bands electrifying blend of dynamic performances and enchanting melodies live on the big screen with CARATs all around the world.

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Were excited to join forces with HYBE once again to bring K-pop icons SEVENTEEN to the big screen, this time broadcast live from Tokyo, Japan, said Trafalgar Releasing COE Marc Allenby in a statement. 2022s SEVENTEEN POWER OF LOVE : THE MOVIE, was a hit with the groups devoted fanbase and were proud to present them with the opportunity to experience this highly anticipated concert event as a global community. We hope this event further demonstrates the enduring appeal of K-pop in cinemas.

The movie will spotlight special unit performances by the groups vocal unit (Woozi, Jeonghan, Joshua, DK, Seungkwan), their performance unit (Hoshi, Jun, The 8, Dino) and hip-hop unit (S. Coups, Wonwoo, Mingyu and Vernon).

Global tickets for the film will go on sale here on Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. ET; tickets for Korean cinemas will go on sale on Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. KST.

SEVENTEEN released their 11th mini album, SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN, last month.

Check out the concert poster and a promo video below.

SEVENTEEN

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As 2023 hits its final straights, Spains Nowhere, a mother-baby survival thriller, rates as the most-viewed non-English title  film or series  of 2023, with 77.9 million views. It also ranks as Netflixs second most-watched non-English movie of all time, currently punching 141.6 million hours, bettered only by Norways Troll.

Nowhere also has legs: No other non-English Netflix movie has punched 1.6 million views on its seventh week of release.

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That achievement is all the more remarkable given that Nowhere is also the first title by the films producer Miguel Ruz and exec producer Jordi Roca at their new Madrid-based production company Rock & Ruz which they launched after the success of their first film together, Mario Casas-starrer The Paramedic (El Practicante), also on Netflix.

Made for an above-average budget for Spain, based on an original story by Indiana Lista (Scandinoir), Nowhere is co-written by producers Ruz and Ernest Riera alongside scribes Seanne Winslow and Teresa de Rosendo who particularly helped with the emotional arc of its female lead.

Directed by Albert Pinto (Malasana), Nowhere begins in a dystopian Spain where an extreme shortage of basic resources in Europe has led to the culling of the elderly as well as pregnant women and children. Less than a handful of countries have managed to refrain from carrying out such punishing measures.

A couple, played by Anna Castillo (A Perfect Story) and Tamar Novas (Broken Embraces), have paid smugglers to escape from the ruling regime. They are put in a shipping container but later separated. Heavily pregnant, she ends up alone in a floating container after a storm upends the ship shes on. What ensues is reminiscent of Castaway, Captain Philips and The Room with some MacGyver and The Handmaids Tale thrown into the mix.

Stuck in the massive container with her are crates of Tupperwares, television sets, earbuds and hundreds of yellow rubber ducks, among other inedible stuff.

Miguel Ruz

As the challenges mount in her sinking container, her survival instincts kick in and not unlike the popular 1980s TV detective MacGyver, learns to solve the problems she faces in ever more ingenious ways. The Tupperware containers prove to be the most useful as she floats SOS notes by the hundreds and for keeping the fish she manages to catch, among other things.

Some proof of the movies worldwide success is the fact that these rubber ducks have surfaced in some countries as in Peru, Ecuador and Mexico where people have taken to wearing them on their heads, a trend that has baffled many and led them to speculate about the movies impact.

As the Diario Xalapa newspaper in Mexico reflected: The film is called Nowhere, a title that revolves around a pregnant woman who is lost at sea on a container. Accompanying her is a rubber duck, which symbolizes hope So, if you see someone on the street with a rubber duck on their head, you can consider it a message of hope.

Nowhere was Netflixs No. 1 non-English film in 61 countries. Ruz attributes its universal success to the fact that they chose to laser focus the story on one persons primal instincts to survive. We did not want to specify what kind of totalitarian country it was in, whether communist or Nazi. We did not want to get involved in the class or race issue, either. We just wanted something global and neutral so we chose a dystopian setting, said Ruz, whose credits include Black Mirror and Blade Runner: 2049. Its in the DNA of our company to make globally appealing shows, said Ruz.

Ruz pointed out that Netflix did not market the film or release it theatrically. They really trusted their algorithm, he noted, praising them for devoting a team to the development of the project.

Ultimately, it doesnt matter if its a survival-dystopian film; if you construct it well emotionally, then it will travel and people will not question what happens, he noted.

What probably drove up the costs was the building of a pool in a sound stage in Madrid. We dug a hole and made a proper pool, which is still there and which they use. Then we built a 12-meter (39.4 ft) container with a hydraulic system so we could shake and lift it, said Ruz, adding that the open water scenes were shot off Sitges, Catalonia.

The ending, while far from ambiguous, leaves open the possibility of a sequel.

ANNA CASTILLO as MIA in NOWHERE. Cr. EMILIO PEREDA/NETFLIX  2022

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Donna Adelson helped orchestrate the murder of her son-in-law amid a fierce custody battle with the suspect's daughter, prosecutors allege

Miami-Dade County Corrections and Rehabilitation; Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat via AP; Florida State University College of Law Donna Adelson; Charlie Adelson; Dan Markel

The mother of a man convicted last week of hiring a hitman to kill his brother-in-law is now considered one of the masterminds behind the murder plot, authorities allege in a probable cause affidavit.



Donna Adelson, 73, was arrested on Monday night at Miami International Airport where she and her husband, Harvey Adelson, were planning to board a flight to Vietnam with a two-day stop in Dubai, according to the probable cause affidavit, which was obtained by PEOPLE.



Donna is charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and solicitation to commit first-degree murder in the 2014 death of Florida State University law professor Dan Markel, 41.



Donna's arrest came exactly one week after her son, Charlie Adelson, was convicted on the same charges.



Three others have been convicted in connection with the murder of Markel, a father of two who was killed while sitting in his car in the garage of his home in Tallahassee.



Charlie enlisted the help of his then-girlfriend, Katherine Katie Magbanua, to hire the father of her children, Sigfredo Tuto Garcia, to kill Markel, prosecutors argued.

Related: Days After Dentist's Conviction for Murdering Brother-in-Law, Killer's Mom Is Arrested at Airport

In 2022, Magbanua was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of first-degree murder, conspiracy and solicitation to commit murder. Her first trial resulted in a hung jury.

Garcia had his longtime friend, Luis Tato Rivera, help him, prosecutors said. Rivera pleaded guilty in 2016 to second-degree murder in Markels fatal shooting and is serving a 19-year sentence in prison.

Garcia, the suspected triggerman who drove to Tallahassee with Rivera from Miami to commit the crime, was convicted in 2019 and sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years for conspiracy.

The probable cause affidavit details Donnas alleged role in having Markel killed because she was furious that Markel wouldnt allow Wendi to move with the children to South Florida to be closer to her and her family.



According to the affidavit, authorities claim there is probable cause to believe that Garcia and Rivera murdered Markel and that the murder was arranged through Katherine Magbanua, Charlie Adelson and Donna Adelson.



Markel was killed amidst a bitter custody battle after Wendi filed for divorce in Sept. 2012, and their divorce was finalized in July 2013.



Wendi said that after the divorce, she wanted to move with her two sons to South Florida, where her family lived.



On June 20, 2013, a judge denied Wendi Adelsons motion to move to Miami with the children, which allegedly sent Donna, the matriarch of the family, into a rage, prosecutors said.

Related: Florida Dentist Convicted of Murder After Hiring Hitman to Kill Brother-in-Law During Sister's Custody Battle

After the court denial, Wendis parents, especially her mother, Donna Adelson, repeatedly tried to convince Wendi to coerce Markel into allowing the children to move closer to them, the affidavit says.



Donna suggested the family offer Markel $1 million to let Wendi and the kids move to South Florida, which he refused.



She also suggested that Wendi threaten to convert the children to Catholicism, knowing Markel was very observant in his Jewish faith, it says.



Wendi Adelsons ex-boyfriend told authorities that Wendi said Charlie had seriously looked into hiring a hitman in the summer of 2013 and that it would cost either $15,000 or $50,000, the affidavit alleges.



On Friday, July 18, 2014, at 11:02 a.m., Tallahassee police officers were called to 2116 Trescott Drive where they found Markel slumped over the drivers seat of his Honda Accord from a gunshot wound to the head.



He was rushed to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries.



Investigators located Wendi at a local restaurant and took her to the police department for an interview, when she made statements suggesting the murder of Markel could have been arranged by someone on her behalf, without her knowledge, the affidavit states.



Wendi indicated her parents were very angry at Markel and further suggested that someone could have arranged the murder thinking it would help her, the affidavit claims.



She allegedly said that her brother, Charlie, had joked about hiring a hitman to kill Markel in the past, according to the affidavit.



She also said her brother was known for making jokes in bad taste, it says.

'Plans to Flee to a Non-Extradition Country'

The probable cause affidavit alleges that after Charlie was found guilty, Donna called her son in jail, telling him about her plans for the future.



Over multiple phone calls, she told Charlie she was getting things in order, creating trusts and making sure her grandchildren are taken care of, the affidavit states.



Donna discusses plans for a suicide, but also discusses plans to flee to a non-extradition country, the affidavit alleges.



It noted that Donna has considerable financial resources to accomplish this.



It is unclear whether Donna has retained an attorney who can speak on her behalf.



She remains held in jail without bail pending a transfer to Tallahassee.



Charlie will be sentenced in December. He faces a mandatory life sentence.



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I dont remember how I first heard of Ya Rona Craft Pizza and Cocktails in Vonore. The Grub Spouse and I made the drive south and dropped in on a recent weeknight. Its a cozy little place in a strip retail center right on U.S. Highway 411. A staffer (who wound up being our server) greeted us and invited us to take our pick of tables in the single dining area. We found a two-top against the wall and began skimming the menu.

The listings are limited, but craft pizzas are indeed the emphasis. All signature pies are available in small ($14) and large ($19) sizes, and gluten-free pizzas are available for $15. Each order also comes with an option of thin or regular crust.

House pizza varieties include barbecue chicken, hot honey pepperoni, Korean barbecue, Jamaican jerk, a classic margherita and a Greek pie made with lamb, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives and more. You can also do a custom order, starting with a small ($12) or a large ($16) cheese-only pizza, then choosing from some two dozen regular and premium toppings. We decided to get a large Cajun pizza with regular crust. That recipe features andouille sausage, shrimp, onions and green pepper.

The Cajun pizza at Ya Rona in Vonore features andouille sausage, shrimp, onions and green pepper.

We wanted to order a little more than just the pizza though, so we got an order of six chicken wings ($10) and went with chipotle mesquite as our sauce-flavor option. Others include Montana sweet and tangy, honey mango habanero, classic Buffalo, sweet chili lime, Asian honey ginger and lemon pepper.

The menu also offers appetizers like crispy Brussels sprouts, cheese curds and fried pickle spears as well as three different kinds of salads, Caesar and Cobb being among them.

Ya Rona has full bar service, including a separate menu of cocktails as well as collections of beer and wine. I ordered a familiar brand of beer in a can. Our server took the order, but the bartender brought me a beer different from what I ordered. However, she quickly and graciously rectified the mistake.

While we were there, we actually ran into a mutual friend. He had also driven quite a way to dine at Ya Rona and told us that he often meets friends there because they love the place. It was nice to hear a little validation of our choice for the evening.

Sauce options for chicken wings at Ya Rona Craft Pizza and Cocktails in Vonore include Montana sweet and tangy, honey mango habanero, classic Buffalo, sweet chili lime, Asian honey ginger and lemon pepper.

We got a few minutes to nibble on the wings first. They were really good  meaty and delivering a nice blend of chipotle and mesquite flavors. These wings had a little bit of a kick but not a painful one. Celery and carrot sticks with ranch dressing supplemented our wing experience.

Our pizza was served cut into eight decent-sized slices. In general, I liked this pie. For starters, Im a huge fan of andouille sausage, and the small grilled shrimp made for an interesting protein pairing. There was plenty of cheese, the other toppings were fairly represented, and the chewy crust was superb.

The only thing I really didnt like about the Cajun pizza was the sauce, which was simply way too sweet for my palate. I dont know if thats unique to that style or if all the marinara sauces at Ya Rona are like that. Im sure there are diners who wouldnt have an issue, but I have to admit it might deter me from visiting again if I knew all the sauces were that sweet.

Speaking of sweet, we were in the mood for a final course that was intentionally so, but our server informed us that desserts are not currently available at Ya Rona, which made its debut earlier this year.

But I can see why folks would find this place appealing. It does have a convivial vibe, the staff was accommodating and, sweetish sauce aside, the food was well prepared that evening. I can especially see it being a viable option in a smaller community that, pound for pound, doesnt have as many decent restaurants as a place like Knoxville.

Ya Rona Craft Pizza and Cocktails

Food: 4

Service: 3.75

Atmosphere: 3.75

Overall: 4

Address: 1255 U.S. Highway. 411, No. 1, Vonore

Phone: 423-884-2383

Full bar service

Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays

If you live within a few miles of Vonore or are looking for a place to grab a bite while passing through, consider this pizzeria and cocktail spot.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Restaurant review: Ya Rona Craft Pizza and Cocktails also offers wings
Daniel Penny applied 6-minute chokehold on Jordan Neely as witness accounts differ on threat: Prosecutors

Daniel Penny put Jordan Neely in a six-minute fatal chokehold on a New York City subway train that "continued well past the point at which Mr. Neely had stopped purposeful movement," prosecutors said Wednesday in a new court filing that opposed the defense's motion to dismiss the case.

The former U.S. Marine is charged with second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in connection with the death of Neely, who was homeless at the time, on the F train on May 1.

Penny has pleaded not guilty to the charges and his attorneys asked the judge to dismiss the case because they allege Neely was "insanely threatening" aboard the train.

Prosecutors said eyewitness accounts "differed sharply" in their assessments of the threat posed by Neely when Penny acted.

"It is certainly true that several of the passengers testified that they were fearful," assistant district attorney Joshua Steinglass wrote in the filing. "Omitted from the defense submission, however, are the accounts that undermine the notion of rampant and universal panic."

Steinglass added, "As one witness put it, 'for me, it was like another day typically in New York. That's what I'm used to seeing. I wasn't really looking at it if I was going to be threatened or anything to that nature, but it was a little different because, you know, you don't really hear anybody saying anything like that.'"

PHOTO: Daniel Penny leaves the courtroom after an arraignment hearing at NYS Supreme Court on June 28, 2023 in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images, FILE)

Less than 30 seconds after the chokehold started, the train arrived at the Broadway-Lafayette Station, prosecutors said. "Passengers who had felt fearful on account of being trapped on the train were now free to exit the train," Steinglass said. "The defendant continued holding Mr. Neely around the neck."

MORE: Jordan Neely's aunt speaks out about subway chokehold death

Video of the deadly interaction began nearly two minutes later. The full-length video is 4 minutes and 57 seconds long. "The video begins with the defendant holding Mr. Neely in a chokehold on a relatively empty train while two other male passengers stand close by. Within seconds, one of those passengers grabbed and held Mr. Neely's right arm, further immobilizing him," Steinglass said.

Three minutes and ten seconds into the video, Neely ceases all purposeful movement, prosecutors said. "After that moment, Mr. Neely's movements are best described as 'twitching and the kind of agonal movement that you see around death,'" the prosecutor said.

Penny's chokehold lasted an additional 51 seconds, according to the video.

The defense argued Penny had no intent to kill, but Steinglass said second degree manslaughter only requires prosecutors to prove Penny acted recklessly, not intentionally.

"The defendant held Jordan Neely on the ground with his arm wrapped around Mr. Neely's neck. He did so with enough force and for a long enough period to kill Jordan Neely," Steinglass said.

"Not only did the chokehold last some six minutes, but it continued for nearly a minute past the point where Mr. Neely ceased all purposeful movement," the prosecution's filing said. "The hold seemed so unnecessary at that point that an eyewitness can be heard on video urging the defendant to let go of Mr. Neely and warning the defendant that 'if you don't let him go now, you're going to kill him.'"

Daniel Penny applied 6-minute chokehold on Jordan Neely as witness accounts differ on threat: Prosecutors originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
SI Swimsuit star Brooks Nader put in the work to earn her Baywatch-inspired cover of this years magazine. The model, who was discovered through (and won!) the Swim Search open casting call in 2019, has returned to the magazine every year since her debut in Paradise Island. Shes traveled everywhere from Bali to Hollywood, Calif., and Montenegro with the brand.

The Baton Rouge native and New York City resident, who has three younger sisters, was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic this year in a series of fun, flirty and colorful Barbiecore bikinis and one-pieces.

Ive dealt with rejection a million times over and I know I will again in my life forever. I feel like empowerment to me is just dealing with the rejection, moving on, [and] keeping a positive attitude about it, Nader candidly explained about her modeling career. And then its so much more worth it and empowering when you get the final yes.

Editor in chief MJ Day has watched Nader grow over the past five years, and noted that the DIBS Beauty investor truly earned her cover girl moment.

Brooks, you have come from our Swim Search world and you have stuck with us and you have hustled and you have worked so hard. You have represented this brand with every ounce of your soul, Day said. These women take a lot of the worlds weight on their shoulders when they choose to do this and when they end up on the cover. Theyre not only beautiful and brilliant, but theyre also very brave.

Below are six of our favorite photos from Naders 2023 cover photoshoot.

James Macari/Sports Illustrated Brooks Nader was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by GIGI C.

James Macari/Sports Illustrated Brooks Nader was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by BANANHOT. Earrings by Cult Gaia.

James Macari/Sports Illustrated Brooks Nader was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus.

James Macari/Sports Illustrated Brooks Nader was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Monica Hansen Beachwear. Earrings from models own collection.

James Macari/Sports Illustrated Brooks Nader was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Its Now Cool. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets and ring by Gorjana.

James Macari/Sports Illustrated Brooks Nader was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by SAME.

Make sure to follow SI Swimsuit on YouTube!
In 2018, American model Iyonna Fairbanks graced the pages of the SI Swimsuit Issue alongside the four other members of the brands inaugural open casting call. The Swim Search finalist traveled to Belize alongside the other women and photographer Yu Tsai for her photoshoot under the Caribbean sun.

While there, the model took the chance to parse through her emotions on the occasion. Im overwhelmed, Im excited, Im ready, she told the SI Swimsuit team ahead of her impending feature.

The trip included some pretty phenomenal snapshots, including a few taken right in the midst of golden hour, with the sun reflecting off of the water behind Fairbanks as she lounged on a cream-colored cushion above the water in a metallic triangle bikini.

Posing for SI Swimsuit was different than any work or modeling experience she had previously had, but she made the most of it. It was very fun. It was different, she said of working with Yu Tsai and the brand. It was kind of new to me because I had to be like kind of sort of sexy, and I had never done like a real sexy shoot before. But it was a lot of fun. I enjoyed it.

Ultimately, she was just ready for the issue to come outand we dont blame her, as the photos were incredible. So much so that we still havent gotten over them five years later. Here are some of our favorites from the trip.

Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Make sure to follow SI Swimsuit on YouTube!
The centerpiece of most Thanksgiving dinners is one of the dishes people love to hate on the most. Countless internet articles and social media diatribes decry turkey as dry, bland, and boring. Its become such a common refrain that turkeys mediocrity almost seems like a given, and Americans turn to smoking or deep frying the bird just to make it palatable, if they dont skip the turkey entirely. But its possible that none of these people dislike turkeytheyve just been subject to a lot of poorly cooked turkey.

Why turkey intimidates home cooks

There are a few reasons turkey underwhelms so often. The size of the Thanksgiving bird is more than most of us are used to cooking, which makes it unwieldy, and the poultry doesnt cook evenly. Its relative lack of fat means that theres a tasty, crispy skin, but thick slabs of flavorless meat underneath. To make it worthwhile requires a bit of patience and finesse.

Read more

Spatchcocking your Thanksgiving turkey, explained

Spatchcocking is a little more involved than dry brining, but not complicated. It just involves cutting out the turkeys spine, which lets you spread your roast flat, resulting in more even cooking. It can be a bit grisly, no doubt, and the thicker bones of a turkey means it requires more work than a spatchcocked chicken. The results are absolutely worth it, though, as it will make the rest of the process, from cooking to carving, so much easier. Combined with a dry brine, its the most surefire way to guarantee a perfect turkey.

For a layperson like myself, the science of spatchcocking is even easier to understand. The white meat of the turkey breast and the dark meat of the thighs and drumsticks have different ideal temperatures: 165 degrees Fahrenheit for the dark meat and 150 degrees Fahrenheit for the white meat. But when a turkey is cooked in its natural form, the white meat is more directly exposed to the heat of an oven, so it will cook faster, becoming overdone before the dark meat is ready to come out.

Spatchcocking reverses this. By removing the backbone of the bird before cooking, you can spread your turkey flat, chest cavity down, on your roasting rack. That splayed, flattened form might not be as picturesque as a classic turkey orb at the center of your table, but it means the dark meat will actually cook faster than the white, allowing them both to hit their ideal temperatures at the exact same time. It also means your turkey will cook way faster than normalclose to 50% faster, depending on the sizewhich frees up kitchen time and oven space.

Combine these two methods and you get a turkey thats faster and easier to cook, with more room for error, and is more flavorful and juicy. The dry brining/spatchcocking combo makes a dreaded holiday cooking challenge almost foolproof, and it will change a lot of peoples minds about holiday turkey. Heres how to do it.

How to spatchcock your turkey

Spatchcocking can seem intimidating, but its easier than youd expect, and once you get through the first few bones youll realize how simple it is. The one thing youll need is a good pair of kitchen shears. Curved poultry shears are ideal, but Ive always just used standard ones and never had a problem.

Flip your turkey so its breast side down and locate the backbone. Then use the shears to cut through the small bones to one side of the spine. Try to cut as close to the side of the backbone as possible, and dont be afraid to really squeeze your shears to snap through the bone if you hit a tough one. Then just repeat the process on the second side and remove the spine. If you need more visual instructions there are some great videos online too.



Once the spine is out, flip your turkey back over, breast side up, and splay the thighs and drumsticks out so they are laying flat with the skin side up, and the ends of the drumsticks are pointing away from each other. It will look like the turkey is sitting up. To flatten, put your palm in the center ridge of the breast bone and push down hard with both hands until it snaps. After the bone breaks, your turkey should lie nice and flat. Congratulationsyou have just spatchcocked a turkey!

How to dry brine your turkey

Dry brining is even quicker. You should be using 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of kosher salt per pound if you are using Morton salt, or 2 teaspoons per pound if youre using Diamond salt. Pat the turkey dry all over with paper towels, then rub the salt evenly all over the birds surface. (If you want it to absorb quicker you can loosen up the skin and rub it directly on the meat, but its not necessary.) I also like to rub some baking powder on the skin, using a 3:1 salt-to-powder ratio. Baking powder breaks down the skin a bit and helps it get extra crispy.

Once your turkey is fully prepped, it should sit uncovered in the fridge at least overnight, which will let the brine absorb, and also dry out the skin to help with crisping. You can leave it like that for up to three days, but I usually aim for the middle and go for 36-48 hours. Then it can go straight into your preheated oven. For a 12-lb. turkey, I like to cook at 450 degrees for approximately 75 minutes. (Butterball has some general time and temp suggestions here, depending on the size of your bird.)

Beyond the dry brine, you can flavor your spatchcocked turkey with whatever rubs you want, but I honestly dont think it needs anything other than your standard side of gravy. Twenty minutes or less of prep a day or two in advance will result in a turkey truly worthy of a holiday celebration, and all the turkey haters you know will be literally eating their words.



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Formula 1 has had cold events before, most notably in Germany 2020, when ambient temperatures were around 50 degrees all weekend.

The record low temperature for a Formula 1 race was 41 degrees in Canada, in 1978.

This year's F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix could see temperatures below 50 degrees come race time.

The Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit layout is not exactly a Suzuka, Japan or a Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, but the event itself will still pose challenges for teams and drivers.

Autoweek provides an insight ahead of cars taking to the streets in the desert.

The Cold Weather

Formula 1 typically races in warmer climates, chasing the sun where possible, but Las Vegas will be at the opposite end of the spectrum. Remember, race time is 10 p.m. local time in Vegas (1 a.m. ET) on Saturday.

Qualifying one night earlier will even take place later.

While daytime temperatures could be in the high 60sa rather pleasant temperaturethat could be as low as the high 40s by the time track activity takes place at night. That will cool the track surface, which will of course not be warmed by sunlight, either.

Formula 1 has had cold events before, most notably in Germany 2020, when ambient temperatures were around 50 degrees all weekend, while the record low was 41 degrees in Canada, in 1978. Preseason testing used to take place in Europe in the winter months, meaning the very start and end of running often happened in chilly conditions. It is nonetheless unusual.

It means the tires will be toward the lower end of their working range, the grip will be lower, and there will be a greater risk of silly-looking mistakes. That often happens in slippery conditions, or in cool conditions after a Safety Car period, when temperature evaporates from the tire and leaves drivers almost as passengers.

Keeping heat into the tires, while ensuring they dont suffer from graining, will be a big challenge, especially due to the circuits layout. High-energy corners are best to put heat through tires, but Las Vegas has very few of these, with the situation accentuated by the lengthy straights, along which the tires will cool further. That will also be seen, too, in other areas of the car, such as the brakes.

Qualifying is going to be a real big interest I think for everyone to try and get the tire to work in that temperature, said Williams driver Alex Albon.

Pirelli has already nominated the three softest compounds from its five-compound range.

Said Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin: If the track is down in single figures (less than 10 degrees Celsius or 50 degrees Farenheit), that's often a region where you go winter testing, you do a run, it's very difficult for the tires to either get them switched on, or there may be graining and things. And then sometimes you just wait until it warms up a bit. So actually going to have to sort of race and qualify in those conditions, it will be interesting.

Dan Istitene - Formula 1 - Getty Images

Track Surface

The track surface also remains a big question mark. While drivers have tested the track on a simulator, how it exactly responds to Formula 1 cars will not be known until they creep out of the garage for Friday practice.

For example, during the COVID-disrupted 2020 season, Formula 1s return to Istanbul Park was characterized by a track surface that offered such little gripeven in the limited dry conditionsthat drivers were seconds off the simulated pace, and teams struggled to understand the best way of setting up their respective cars.

Las Vegas track evolution will be high through the weekend, as is always the case on new surfaces, while the complete lack of any support races means its down solely to Formula 1 to lay down the rubber. Teams will have to be on the ball during the closing stages of each qualifying session not to be the wrong side of the cutoff.

I think from the initial (appearance), it all looks onto a more low-drag, high-efficiency circuit, said Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack. And then we have to see how the surface is and what tires we get, and then the temperature will be very, very important. I think from what I've heard so far it will be one of the coldest events that we have had so far in the evenings. And if this is true then we have to see how we cope with it. But it's the same for everybody, so we can mix the cards.

Nonetheless the layout, with its long straights, should in theory be promising for Saturday nights spectacle.

I think it will be good for racing, it was very long straights with big braking zones so I do expect that it will be a good track for racing, said Red Bulls Sergio Perez.

Dan Istitene - Formula 1 - Getty Images

The Event Schedule

Formula 1s decision to schedule the event on a Saturday night provides its own differences.

The usual build-up from media day shifts to Wednesday, with practice on Thursday, and qualifying on Friday.

The race itself has a start time of 10 p.m. PTthe latest start time in F1 historywhile second practice and qualifying are both scheduled for midnight local time, as Thursday trickles into Friday, and Friday slips into Saturday, respectively.

Formula 1 even recently had to undertake checks of its timing and scoring systems to ensure there were no bugs that would reset the order at midnight, a time of day when track activity has never before taken place.

While Formula 1 is accustomed to twilight races and night events, the latest so far has been the original Singapore, now joined by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which begin at 8 p.m. local time.

It means sleep patterns will be shifted to waking up mid-afternoon and going to sleep in the morning, presenting a further challenge for those traveling from Europe. Some teams have provided each member of the team with specific sleep hours for the long journey across in order to adapt as best as possible. A time change of eight hours will feel more like 14 or 15 with the shifted operating hours.

Yeah its just strange, said Williams driver Logan Sargeant. Youre on a completely off-set sleep schedule, going to bed at 3 a.m. and sleeping as long as you possibly can, its a bit weird.

In the end well be going to bed super late and waking up super late. You just have to, as if not youll just be tired by the time qualifying comes around, and thats not ideal.
After grueling fertility treatment, one woman and her fiance decided that a romantic, wellness-focused getaway would benefit their well-beingand bond.

Getty Images

Medically reviewed by Rachel Gurevich, RN

Just hours before my 39th birthday last September, I got a call from my reproductive endocrinologist. She didnt even say hello before blurting out the news that my fiance and I had been waiting days for: Its normal.

She was sharing the results of a genetic testPGT-A, preimplantation genetic testing that looks for chromosomal abnormalitiesperformed on the one embryo that we had gotten from an embryo banking cycle I had started only weeks prior. I told her it was the best birthday gift I could have possibly imagined. At the same time, I felt like you might while gliding through a rare lull in the middle of a roller coaster ride, rattled by what had just happened and trying not to get too freaked out by whatever was coming around the corner.



The cycle we had just been through was the second egg retrieval Id done in six months. So in a follow-up consultation with our doctor, I shared that, instead of creating a meticulous game plan for our next medical move, my fiance and I needed a good, old-fashioned break. And part of that break would involve a long overdue vacationa fertilitymoon, if you will.



For many couples, trying to conceive can be an exciting and rewarding experience. It can also be super-stressful, frustrating, and, at times, heartbreaking. Thats the case no matter what your journey to parenthood looks like. And anyone who has pursued parenthood with the help of assisted reproductive technologies like egg freezing, intrauterine insemination (IUI), or in vitro fertilization (IVF) knows the process can be incredibly challenging on multiple levels, draining your mental and physical energy and often a hefty chunk of your savings.

Yet, its something that more and more couples are doing. Last year, Kindbody, a national fertility, gynecology, and wellness service provider, reported a 20% spike in egg freezing cycles, embryo freezing, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) each month.

But while aspiring parents are generally counseled on the no-nos of the stimulation and post-egg retrieval processsuch as avoiding high-impact exercise and alcoholtheres often not all that much communication or counseling around what they should do in the days, weeks, and months following the grueling experience. At the same time, the stress of undergoing fertility treatment can up the risk of mental health challenges, which, in turn, cant help but take a toll on even the healthiest, happiest relationship.



I felt fortunate to be able to manage the emotions and burnout from two cycles in six months by having a wonderful support system in place, including my therapist, acupuncturist, friends, family, and amazing fiance. Still, continuing to put my nose to the grindstone at work and in life day after day, without any sort of time-out, quickly began to seem unwise. My fiance and I decided that a romantic, wellness-focused getaway would benefit our well-beingand our bond.

What You May Learn on a Fertilitymoon

Four Seasons Maui

When deciding where to go, the destination that came to mind immediately was Maui. Living in Los Angeles, its a fairly easy, five-ish hour flightnot to mention one we had been saving credits for after canceling a 2021 trip due to surging COVID cases. And when considering where to stay, we opted for the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, given the propertys focus on wellness and romance. (Full disclosure: The accommodations and much of our itinerary were hosted, as I was on assignment.)

Upon settling into our cozy, ocean view room and hearing the waves lapping at Wailea Beach, my fiance and I began to feel like wed finally landed somewhere we could decompress after months of stress and exhaustion. And over the course of the next several days and nights, thats exactly what our fertilitymoonmarked by opportunities to learn, grow, and connectallowed us to do. A few key lessons I learned along the way:

It can take a while to decompress, so give yourself grace

After months spent not only preparing for and then doing fertility treatments, but working a ton, I found myself struggling to be present for the first few days of our tripwhich was disappointing, because that was literally all I wanted to do. The fact is that, while youre going through a cycle, youre constantly anticipating your immediate next step, which may or may not involve many variables, mostif not, allof which you have zero control over. This can lead to feeling on-edge and hypervigilant (yep, even for weeks following the stimulation and egg retrieval process), which isnt exactly the most restful headspace to be in when youre on vacation.

I learned that I had to practice self-compassion and remind myself that its not like I could flip a switch and be 100 percent relaxed after weeks and months of feeling anything but. And once I was able to accept that and give myself a bit more grace, I was better able to be in the moment, whether that meant going for impromptu night swims with my fiance or literally dozing off on a lounger at the luxe Serenity Pool cabana we spent a day in.

You could make heartfelt connections

Though my fiance and I cherished our one-on-one time on vacation, we also appreciated connecting with people we met along the way. And you never know who you might meet who has been on a journey thats similar to your own. During my Lomi Mohala massage in a tranquil oceanside hale, I learned that not only had I been matched with a massage therapist whose energy was so soothing and centeringm but that she had recently welcomed her first child via a donor embryo. I loved hearing her story, which offered me a renewed sense of hope that my fiance and I will also, eventually, get to the other side of IVF.

Wellness is a gift to your relationship

After undergoing my last egg retrieval, I had dealt with a mild bout of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which was marked by a lot of bloating, cramping, and discomfort. The side effects had dissipated long before our vacation, but by finally being in a space in which all I had to do was slow down and relax, I was suddenly even more aware of everything Id been through physically. I also realized that not feeling my best in my body was making it tougher for me to be present mentally and emotionally.

This was a case for taking advantage of Next|Health at Four Season Mauis restorative treatments, like an IV therapy drip (which provides a combo of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants geared to support immunity, boost energy, and alleviate stress) and vitamin shots. Sure, after many weeks of having to give myself injections and give blood, I wasnt exactly pumped to see an IV or shots of any kind, but it was worth it, as the treatment left me feeling replenished and reenergized. In turn, I felt like I could be more engaged and better connect with my fiance.

Broadening your horizons strengthens your partnership

On our second evening, my fiance and I had plans to attend a talk story with famed navigator Kala Babayan Tanaka, who recounted the history of Polynesian wayfinders who used the stars, wind, and currents to journey to the Hawaiian Islands. Though we had explored the property earlier, the sun had long set, and we struggled to find our way on barely lit paths to the beachfront spot where the activity was being held. Working together to navigate there and then taking in Tanakas spellbinding stories of her ancestors under a sky completely bursting with glittering stars was so unreal that it felt like we must have dreamed it.

We also had the chance to speak to artists and purveyors, to learn about sustainability and aloha aina (love of the land) from Maui residents, and to taste test a variety of local fish and produce. (Months later, Im daydreaming of recreating an opakapakaaka pink snapperand dragonfruit ceviche we had at Spago, one of three main restaurants on-site.)

After going through a very different, high-pressure learning experience of fertility treatment together, it was refreshing and restorative to explore and get to bond through new sights, smells, views, and perspectives.

Related: A Parents' Guide to Visiting Maui, Hawaii With Kids

Bonding time brings you back to your why

By having uninterrupted time to simply be together, in a serene, beautiful place, perhaps just gawking over a hot pink sunset or floating in the Pacific, my fiance and I felt like we could finally hear ourselves think instead of rushing through the hustle of everyday life for the first time in a while. And that cleared the way for us to put renewed energy into nurturing our cherished bondthe very reason were investing time, energy, and money into expanding our family.

Whether you land in Maui, Lake Michigan, or a comfy cabin in New England, its worth hitting pause on the roller coaster of fertility treatment to get recentered and reconnect with your significant other on a fertilitymoon. Ultimately, the mindful time-out may not only strengthen your partnership but be what fuels your resolve to step back up to the plate and face whatever curveballs the challenging process throws you next.



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Dozens of British students visited China's southwest city Chengdu through Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP). Visiting Sanxingdui Museum, the ancient Chinese archeological relics site, was a sight-seeing highlight of this trip.

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.

The Chengdu trip was organized by Southwest Jiaotong University, check how students were amazed by the depth of Chinese culture through the relics here.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service
This live blog has now ended as a result of the reduced risk of an eruption. It will be restarted if activity signalling imminent threat resumes.

Iceland is bracing for an imminent volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula, in the southwest corner of the island. Grindavik, a small fishing town with a population of around 2,800 people, has been evacuated after a sinkhole measuring 3.2 feet (1 meter) deep appeared in the town.

Seismic activity began increasing in the area around the Fagradalsfjall volcano on Oct. 25, when more than 1,000 earthquakes north of Grindavik occurred in the space of just hours. Two strong earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 3.9 and 4.5, hit at a depth of around 3 miles (5 kilometers). Over the following two weeks, seismic activity continued, with hundreds of earthquakes and uplift recorded each day, indicating that magma is accumulating beneath the ground.

On Nov. 11, Icelandic Met Office (IMO) data showed there was a "magma tunnel" about 9.3 miles (15 km) from Sundhnuk in the north down to Grindavik and into the sea. Experts say an eruption could take place anywhere along this tunnel  also known as a dike.

Timeline of events:

Nov. 20  IMO releases new map showing extended "danger zone" around the magma dike. Hagafell currently considered the most likely spot for a fissure to appear.

Nov. 15  IMO reports seismic activity has remained consistent since Nov. 11, with monitoring centered around Grindavik.

Nov. 14  Icelandic authorities create makeshift defenses to protect the Svartsengi geothermal power plant from lava flows.

Nov. 10  Grindavik evacuated due to the increase in seismic activity gravitating towards the fishing village. Icelandic authorities declare a state of emergency.

Nov. 9  The largest recorded earthquake since the swarm began reaches a magnitude of M4.8. Blue Lagoon geothermal resort, one of the country's most famous tourist attractions, is temporarily closed.

Nov. 4  Seismic activity decreases considerably, but Icelandic Meteorological Office continues to monitor the situation.

Oct. 25  Seismic activity in the Reykjanes Peninsula increases with more than 1,000 earthquakes registered in the area, the largest with a magnitude of M4.5.

'Time's finally up': Impending Iceland eruption is part of centuries-long volcanic pulse

This photo taken on November 13, 2023 shows a crack cutting across the main road in Grindavik, southwestern Iceland following earthquakes

Iceland's potentially imminent eruption in the Reykjanes Peninsula is part of a 1,000-year cycle of volcanic activity that will likely cause eruptions for centuries, scientists say.

"Time's finally up," Edward W. Marshall, a researcher at the University of Iceland's Nordic Volcanological Center, told Live Science in an email. "We can get ready for another few hundred years of eruptions on the Reykjanes."

Seismic activity began increasing in the south of the peninsula in October, with hundreds of earthquakes recorded there each day. On Nov. 10, authorities evacuated the town of Grindavik, with experts warning an volcanic eruption could take place in just days.

'Time's finally up': Impending Iceland eruption is part of centuries-long volcanic pulse

800 earthquakes recorded since midnight

Around 800 earthquakes have been recorded since midnight, Nov. 15. Most hit at the center of the magma dike, according to a translated statement from the IMO .

The continuing ground deformation is likely being caused by magma flowing into the dike, experts say

"Part of the magma dike seems to be solidifying, especially at the edges, but not at the magma inflow area, which is believed to be near Sundhnuk," according to the statement. "The probability of an eruption is still considered high. In the event of an eruption, the most likely location is at the magma dike."

Officials scramble to protect vital power plant from imminent lava flows

A geothermal power plant in Iceland with steam rising from vents

On Tuesday (Nov. 14), Icelandic authorities started creating makeshift defenses to protect the Svartsengi geothermal power plant from lava flows that may emerge if the magma dike erupts over the next few days, Reuters news agency reported .

The Svartsengi plant uses heat from the underground magma in the region to heat water and turn turbines. It is located around 4 miles (6 km) from Grindavik, which has been evacuated over fears of the imminent eruption, and supplies power across the country, as well as hot water to the local area.

Workers have begun digging out channels to divert the lava away from the plant if molten rock heads in that direction.

Shot on the 6th of August 2022, 3 days after a new fissure eruption opened up slightly north of last year's eruption at Fagradalsfjall mountain on Reykjanes Peninsula.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Icelands volcanic activity is generally tame compared with explosive eruptions along the Pacifics Ring of Fire. Jaime Toro, Professor of Geology at West Virginia University, explains what the main causes for volcanic activity in the region are, and what effect this has on eruptions.

"The answer has two parts  one has to do with what geologists unimaginatively call a hotspot, and the other involves giant tectonic plates that are pulling apart right beneath the island."

Hikers look at the lava flowing from the erupting Fagradalsfjall volcano near Reykjavik, Iceland, on March 21, 2021.

(Image credit: Jeremie Richard/AFP via Getty Images)

Experts have warned that an underground magma tunnel between a pair of Icelandic towns could erupt at any moment. But what will this eruption look like? And how far-reaching will its effects be?

Could scientists artificially trigger the eruption safely?

There have been no new reports from the IMO since yesterday (Nov. 15) of any further earthquakes or the likelihood of an eruption, and as such the situation remains unchanged.

But would it be possible to prematurely trigger the upcoming eruption by drilling into the magma dike beneath the surface, potentially helping to control where the lava flows out of the ground? We asked an expert, who told us that it probably couldn't work.

"I am not sure that it is technically possible," Benjamin Andrews , a geologist at the Smithsonian Institute's National Museum of Natural History and director of the institute's Global Volcanism Program, told Live Science.

The magma in the dike is very viscous and would not be able to flow through a narrow opening, Andrews said. So "a very large hole would need to be bored for the magma to flow through." With magma reaching temperatures between 2,000 and 2,200 Fahrenheit (1,100 to 1,200 degrees Celsius), any drilling equipment would also likely be destroyed by the molten rock, he added.

Even if an eruption could be artificially triggered, this type of geoengineering solution is also "fraught from a legal and ethical standpoint," Andrews said.

Eruption still likely in next few days, experts say

a map showing the location of the lava tunnel where the volcanic eruption may take place in Icealnd

An eruption is still likely to take place over the coming days, experts have said. Kristin Jonsdottir, program director for earthquake monitoring at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, told Iceland's national broadcasting service RUV that the probability of an eruption is not decreasing and seismic activity is being monitored closely.

She said the only experience they have is the 2021 eruption of Fagradalsfjall. In this event, tens of thousands of earthquakes were recorded in the weeks leading up to the eruption.

According to an updated statement from the IMO , 2,000 earthquakes have been recorded in the region in the last 24 hours. Ground deformation is ongoing, although its rate is slowing. If an eruption does take place, it is most likely to be north of Grindavik, near Hagafell.

"There is still a high probability of a volcanic eruption," representatives wrote.

Lava could reach the Blue Lagoon and Svartsengi power plant in days

If the magma dike beneath Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula erupts, lava flows could quickly reach the Blue Lagoon resort and the Svartsengi geothermal power plant.

Magma is currently estimated to be 2,600 to 1,640 feet (800 to 500 m) below the surface and the rate of inflow to the dike appears to be constant, meaning the risk of eruption is still very high.

"If magma inflow continues at a constant rate for an extended period, I imagine the dike will grow and reach the surface in the coming days or weeks," Alberto Caracciolo , a researcher at the University of Iceland's Institute of Earth Sciences, told Live Science in an email.

"The extent of lava flows will vary depending on the specific location where the fissure opens, on the magma output rate and on the duration of the eruption," he said. "However, in most of the scenarios, lava could reach the power plant and the Blue Lagoon very quickly, in less than [a] few days. A similar fate is likely expected for Grindavik, especially if the fissure opens up in the southernmost part of Hagafell."

Iceland volcano could burst like a fizzy drink, with lava reaching Blue Lagoon resort in days

Land at Svartsengi power plant rising at a faster rate

Adapted image showing a map of the area impacted by the magma dike in Iceland

Thorvaldur Thordarson , a volcanologist at the University of Iceland, has said the rate of uplift around the Svartsengi power plant, which feeds the nearby Blue Lagoon spa resort, is now faster than it was before Nov. 10, when a magma dike formed beneath the ground in the south of Reykjanes Peninsula.

"This goes hand in hand as the magma is creating space and lifting the surface of the earth up," he told the Iceland Monitor , according to a translation.

Thordason told Iceland's national broadcaster RUV that the land around Svartsengi initially fell around 15 inches (40 centimeters), but it is now almost back to its previous level. "When it reaches a similar level as it reached before November 10, you can expect something to happen," he said, according to a translation.

Freysteinn Sigmundsson , a geophysicist at the University of Iceland, said the most likely explanation for the uplift was magma flowing into the region. He told the Iceland Monitor that what happens next depends on how much the magma moves and how fast, adding that the sequence of events taking place is similar to what happened before the eruption of Fagradalsfjall in 2021  except in this event the magma was much deeper.

"Then I think an eruption over the current magma tunnel is the most likely scenario."

According to RUV, 460 earthquakes have been recorded at the magma dike since midnight.

Danger zone from impending eruption has expanded

a map showing the areas at risk of a volcanic eruption in Iceland

A new map showing the areas experts believe are at greatest risk from the impending volcanic eruption has been released by representatives with the IMO.

In a translated statement, they wrote that new satellite images showing Svartsengi and the magma dike mean the "danger zone has been expanded."

The zones at greatest risk include Hagafell, which is about halfway along the 9.3 mile (15 kilometer) magma dike, to the northwest of Grindavik. This region is considered to be the most likely place for an eruption to occur. Grindavik is placed in the red zone, which means there is a risk of a fissure opening at short notice and releasing lava, but the risk is smaller than in the purple zone.

Svartsengi in the north is at risk of experiencing earthquakes.

Weather to impact monitoring

Earthquake activity along the magma dike appears to have dropped slightly compared with recent days. However, this may be the result of strong winds impacting the sensitivity of seismic instruments, making it difficult to detect the smallest earthquakes according to the IMO .

"The effectiveness of this monitoring depends on the good sensitivity of seismic and real-time GPS measurements, but the sensitivity is highly dependent on weather conditions," IMO representatives wrote in a translated statement. Strong winds and rain are expected for the next two days, meaning real-time monitoring will be reduced.

Experts "will continue to monitor the area as well as possible and constantly reevaluate and interpret the data that is received."

What are the signs an eruption is just about to happen?

What will happen just before a fissure appears at the surface is currently unclear  although the presence of gases like sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide would indicate magma is close to the surface. Increased seismic activity could also suggest heightened activity beneath the ground.

"Another sudden increase in magnitude and number of earthquakes would be a bad sign," Jaime Toro , professor of geology at the West Virginia University, told Live Science in an email. "Also, continuing ground deformation, increase of surface heat flow, gas emissions. In other words, the things that are happening."

Armann Hoskuldsson , a volcanologist with the University of Iceland's Nordic Volcanological Center, told Live Science in an email that low-frequency earthquakes would be a telltale sign, as it would suggest CO2 has started to escape the magma.

Earthquake activity is also associated with the movement of magma. However, before the eruptions at the nearby Fagradalsfjall volcano, seismic activity appeared to drop off before a fissure appeared. "There was a silent spot before magma reached the surface and erupted," Dave McGarvie , a volcanologist at Lancaster University in the U.K., who studies Iceland's volcanoes, told Live Science in an email.

Whether this would happen again is unknown, however.

McGarvie also said the presence of gases would likely be a precursor to an eruption. "If there was an extensive gas monitoring network then one sign would be a noticeable leak of magmatic sulfur dioxide from a specific area, as this would indicate magma rising to the surface and so this could be a site for a potential eruption," he said.

Live stream shows earthquake activity at center of danger zone

Live data from a seismic monitoring station near Hagafell  the spot experts think the volcanic eruption is most likely to take place  is showing current earthquake activity, which may indicate if magma is moving closer to the surface for an eruption to take place.

It is just a small sample of the tens of thousands of earthquakes that have occurred along a stretch of the Reykjanes Peninsula in recent weeks.

The feed, from the University of Cambridge Volcano Seismology Group, shows earthquakes being recorded at the Melholl seismic station, which sits almost directly above the magma dike. Waves show the three axes of the seismograph: up/down, north/south and east/west motions.

While an eruption could take place anywhere along the dike, the most likely spot for an eruption appears to be around Hagafell, about 1.2 miles (2 km) north west of Grindavik, according to the IMO.

'It may take more time': Risk of eruption from Iceland volcano still high, with ground 'continuing to swell'

a sinkhole on the road in grindavik, iceland, where a volcano may be about to erupt

The risk of a volcanic eruption on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula is still very high, with ground deformation and earthquakes continuing along the magma dike  a near-vertical underground tunnel running from a magma chamber towards Earth's surface.

In an interview with mbl.is the same day, Benedikt Gunnar Ofeigsson, head of deformation measurements at the IMO, said the risk of eruption may slowly be decreasing. "If we look at the conditions in the magma tunnel, maybe the probability of eruption is slowly decreasing," he said. "But it is far too early to rule out that possibility."

Activity at the magma system would need to cease for the eruption risk to be lowered. And this is not the case.

"I don't think that the risk of an eruption is starting to fall," Bill McGuire, emeritus professor of Earth sciences at University College London in the U.K, told Live Science in an email. "In fact, GPS data show that the ground surface in the vicinity of the fracture is continuing to swell, which is likely caused by the continued emplacement of magma at shallow depths. In addition, hundreds of earth tremors are still happening every day."

Edward W. Marshall, a researcher at the University of Iceland's Nordic Volcanological Center, also said the risk of eruption is still high. "In Grindavik now, it is less than two weeks since dike injection," Marshall told Live Science in an email. "So it may take more time. The point is that the soonest possible scenario that an eruption would be designated 'unlikely' is in a week or two. But I think this episode will more likely go on longer."

'It may take more time': Risk of eruption from Iceland volcano still high, with ground 'continuing to swell'

Editor's note: A previous version of this post attributed McGuire's quotes to another scientist.

Icelandic authorities consider pumping water to control lava flow in case of eruption

Icelandic authorities have announced they are considering plans to pump water onto the lava in the event of a volcanic eruption on the country's southern Reykjanes Peninsula . This could help cool down the lava flow and control its forecasted spread towards the town of Grindavik, which was evacuated on Nov. 10. The method could also aid in protecting important infrastructure at risk from the imminent eruption, representatives told Agence France-Presse (AFP) .

"An assessment technical team will arrive in Iceland tonight or tomorrow morning and they will assist us in assessing the possibilities," Viir Reynisson , Iceland's head of civil protection and emergency management, told AFP on Wednesday (Nov. 22).

A high volume water pump was successfully used in 1973 to manage the spread of lava that erupted from a fissure on the island of Heimaey, off the southern coast of Iceland.

"This dike has been slowly expanding in the last week but has not reached the surface yet," Pall Einarsson , an emeritus professor of geophysics at the University of Iceland, told Live Science in an email. "It is by no means certain that it will result in an eruption, but the possibility must be considered, in particular because the dike lies underneath the town of Grindavik."

Fewer earthquakes have been recorded in recent days compared to when the risk of an eruption was first announced, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO). But "weather and waves continue to affect the sensitivity of the system to detect the smallest earthquakes," IMO representatives wrote in the translated statement on Wednesday. "As deformation, seismic activity, and inflow into the magma tunnel continue to decrease, the likelihood of an eruption decreases over time."

The likelihood of a sudden eruption within the town limits of Grindavik is now considered low, they added. It is unclear when residents will be allowed to return.

Risk of eruption appears to be decreasing

The risk of a volcanic eruption on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula now appears to be decreasing, according to the IMO. In a translated statement, representatives wrote that seismic activity in the region has continued to decrease since Nov. 20. And while ground deformation is still being recorded around the Svartsengi power plant, it is slowing. The inflow of magma to the dike is also decreasing.

Since midnight on Friday (Nov. 24), around 300 earthquakes have been recorded near the magma dike, with most smaller than magnitude 1.

The fall in seismic activity, magma inflow and ground deformation means the likelihood of an eruption is decreasing, representatives wrote.

"If magma inflow into the dike stops or reduces significantly, the dike will slowly cool down, crystallize and solidify at depth," Alberto Caracciolo , a researcher at the University of Iceland's Institute of Earth Sciences, told Live Science in an email. "A dike with no inflow of fresh magma would solidify in a few days. It is possible that the dike is currently slowly solidifying, hence the [smaller] number of earthquakes."
JLo's 'American mani' is impressing nail lovers for its sophisticated take on the classic French manicure.

If there's one thing we know to be true about JLo, it's that she's always rocking the best nail trends of the moment, thanks to her celeb manicurist Tom Bachik - in case you missed it, he's the genius behind viral nail trends such as espresso nails and lip gloss nails. While sometimes JLo opts for a mani that's a tad more artistic and abstract (who remembers her gothic nail art manicure?), she also loves a classic nude mani with a twist.

This time, Tom Bachik totally delivered with a new mani style he's calling the 'American mani' - a modern twist on the classic and beloved French manicure, which has had many a modernisation attempt over the last few years with fun colours on the tips and funky designs instead of just the plain white and neutral.

A post shared by   Nails (@tombachik) A photo posted by on

JLo's 'American mani' is a rather sophisticated and neutral style - it takes the base of a classic French, but instead of white tips, Tom opted for a nude tone, making the timeless nail design more subtle. He also filed her nails into a slim, round shape, giving them an air of Old Hollywood glamour.

"One of my favorites  @jlos American Mani at the @dolcegabbana Italy show," he captioned a photo of the manicure, which he posted to his Instagram.

The Dolce & Gabbana outfit that she wore with this mani was equally elegant - not only did she sport a decadent, bejewelled dress with an equally opulent embellished and embroidered cape, but she also rocked three extremely large and luxurious rings with the outfit. The rings, of course, perfectly complemented her timeless and chic manicure, and we couldn't love the neutral look more.

To recreate this look, we'd recommend using a classic, neutral shade, like OPI's Bubble Bath. Not only would this shade look great on its own without a French tip, but it serves well as a base for any mani that will involve nail art, so it's truly a universally flattering shade.

OPI Bubble Bath Nail Polish, 14.30 | Amazon

This Bubble Bath shade is the perfect milky pink, it's subtle, soft and lovely for every day - and a close match to Heidi's nail colour.View Deal

Milky nails are certainly all the rage these days, so it only makes sense that JLo would get in on the trend - especially seeing as she's essentially the Queen of trending manicures.

To achieve this look at home, we'd recommend starting with one of the best nail strengtheners to ensure your manicure lasts. Then, go in and file your nails to your liking, and your neutral base coat twice before adding the neutral "American" French design.
The beloved burger chain is going where it's never gone before.

AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images

In-N-Out is celebrating its 75th birthday this year, and commemorating the occasion with plenty of exciting announcements. Earlier this year, the beloved burger chain nearly broke the internet when it announced it is expanding east of the Mississippi River for the first time ever. Why is this such a big deal? Anyone who has ever tried In-N-Out will know that the West Coast-based chain rarely expands to new states due to strict quality standards surrounding its ingredients (one of the many reasons the burgers taste so good). But at least three new states will be getting In-N-Out restaurants soon. Here's what you need to know.

In-N-Out Is Coming to New Mexico for the First Time

This week, In-N-Out announced via its Instagram that it will be opening in New Mexico for the first time ever. According to the post, the first New Mexico In-N-Out location will be located in Albuquerque. But New Mexicans don't get too excited just yetyou're going to have to wait a bit longer for your burger.

In a statement Lynsi Snyder, In-N-Out owner and president wrote, "We're excited to share that we will be fully in the Four Corners, serving our customers in New Mexico, by 2027!"

This news comes in the same year In-N-Out announced some of its biggest news to date: its first location east of Texas. As we reported back in January, the chain plans to expand to Tennessee by 2026, and will do so by opening an Eastern territory office in the greater Nashville area. While this isn't quite the East Coast, it's as close as In-N-Out has come to the Atlantic in its 75-year history.

The Eastern territory office is an important development, as it means that In-N-Out can expand to more locations on the East Coast. In-N-Out grinds its own beef chuck for its hamburger patties, which are shipped fresh to locations daily, and never frozen. These quality standards make In-N-Out's signature smash burgers taste amazing, but they seriously impede the chain's ability to expand. Carl Van Fleet, the former vice president of development at In-N-Out, told Business Insider in 2017, "Our new restaurant locations are limited by the distance we can travel from our patty-making facilities and distribution centers."

If 2026 and 2027 feel painfully far from now, there is some good news. Another state is getting In-N-Out locations for the first time any day now.

In-N-Out Is Set to Open in Idaho Soon

In-N-Out fans in Idaho can finally fulfill their burger cravings locally. According to a local Idaho news station, the first Idaho In-N-Out location is set to open any day now. One Reddit user speculated the Meridian, Idaho location would be open by early November, while others said December, or even January, is more likely. It is simply listed as "Opening Soon" on In-N-Out's website.

According to another local Idaho media outlet, there are plans in the works for two more Idaho locations: one in Boise, another in Nampa. As reported by QSR Magazine, Idaho is the first new state for the brand in several years; the last time it opened in a new state was Colorado in 2020.

For an In-N-Out-loving East Coaster like myself, these plans all point in the right direction. With any hope, there may be a location within driving distance from my New York home by 2030. This is probably still pretty unlikely, but hey, a girl can dream!



Read the original article on All Recipes.
A new study has renewed some questions about the safety of nonstick pans, as researchers found that one small crack in the Teflon surface of a pan could release over 9,000 tiny plastic particles.

What is happening?

Teflon is made from chemicals called perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroakyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. Once these chemicals enter water sources and peoples bloodstreams  as the research has indicated they can when a Teflon surface is scratched or cracked  they essentially never break down, which has earned them the nickname forever chemicals.

It gives us a strong warning that we must be careful about selecting and using cooking utensils to avoid food contamination, said Professor Youhong Tang from the College of Science and Engineering at Flinders University.

Why is this concerning?

Although the FDA classifies Teflon as a safe food processing equipment, some scientists are not so sure. The long-term health impacts of having PFAS in our bloodstream are not yet fully understood, but there is general widespread concern that having microscopic plastic particles that never break down inside of you is probably not a great thing.

Contrary to the FDA classification, the Environmental Protection Agency says, There is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse human health effects.

There is also evidence that DuPont, the company behind Teflon, has covered up evidence of potential harmful side effects from PFAS in an attempt to convince the public that it is perfectly safe.

Given the fact PFAS is a big concern, these Teflon microparticles in our food might be a health concern so need investigating because we dont know much about these emerging contaminants, University of Newcastle researcher Dr. Cheng Fang, who was part of the recent study said.

What is everyone saying?

Considering the lack of a scientific consensus on whether Teflon-coated cookware is safe or not, some people have turned to other types of pans that dont release microplastics, such as ceramic, carbon steel, and cast iron.

I only use food-grade stainless steel with the least amount of other metals in it, plus I use a lot of ceramic cookware. As with everything, use with caution and make sure you follow directions for use and safety, wrote one commenter, responding to the article on the study.

Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more, waste less, and help yourself while helping the planet.
The Trevor Projects latest study suggests hope for an inclusive future.

Maskot / Getty Images

Fact checked by Sarah Scott

From November 13-19, the United States celebrates Transgender Awareness Week. But in these past few years, LGBTQ+ youth have been increasingly targeted by debates about access to trans-affirming healthcare and book bans.

As this challenging political climate sweeps the nation, The Trevor Project released a new study surveying over 9,000 transgender and nonbinary youth. It explores gender euphoria.

The text-message-based study asked kids an open-ended question: What are things that others do that make you feel happy (or euphoric) about your gender? The results were staggeringly consistent and clear: affirming gender makes kids feel their best.

So often, we hear about transgender and nonbinary dysphoria and the negative emotional and mental health outcomes the LGBTQ youth community is facing. Yet this latest study focuses on ways we can support and affirm our transgender and nonbinary youth, so they can move through life feeling accepted, confident, and visible.

Related: 5 Ways To Support a Child Exploring Gender or Sexual Identity

What is Gender Euphoria?

Gender euphoria is defined as the satisfaction or joy caused when a gender experience aligns with a gender identityrather than the one assigned at birth. It is the opposite of gender dysphoria when there is a mismatch between gender identity, gendered body parts, and the experience of gender assigned at birth.

Jonah DeChants, MD, a senior research scientist at The Trevor Project says he wanted to explore how to help LGBTQ youth. He explains the excitement of gender euphoria can be an overwhelmingly positive experience for a transgender or nonbinary person that results in a sense of freedom and ease when one finally feels at home in their body.

The Trevor Project study aims to study the ways gender euphoria functions for trans and nonbinary youth: how they experience it, when, and why so that allies and family can best help their kids feel happy. Surprisingly, gender euphoria is not well-studied, Dr. DeChants says.

It's important to shine a light on what brings trans and nonbinary people happiness, as opposed to the negative narrative around trans folks that is often defined by harrowing statistics," Dr. DeChants explains. "In recognition of Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20, our research team decided to amplify the positive aspects of the trans experience to show allies the actions they can take to help trans and nonbinary youth feel affirmed and accepted for who they are.







"It's important to shine a light on what brings trans and nonbinary people happiness, as opposed to the negative narrative around trans folks that is often defined by harrowing statistics."

Jonah DeChants, MD







Caroline Fenkel, DSW, LCSW, an adolescent mental health expert and chief clinical officer at Charlie Health, explains that these positive and affirming emotions can lead to better health outcomes for nonbinary and transgender youth.

Supportive environments can contribute to higher self-esteem, lower rates of depression and anxiety, and an overall improved sense of well-being, she says.

Given the challenging healthcare environment that transgender and nonbinary kids are navigatingespecially since theyre more connected than ever beforethis study is crucial.

Our hope is that by educating the public on what gender euphoria is, we can provide guidance for others to do their part in fostering these feelings of euphoria and joy for the trans and nonbinary people in their lives, Dr. DeChants explains.

Related: How to Respond If Your Kid Comes Out to You

How to Help Transgender and Nonbinary Youth Feel Affirmed

As parents, it can be daunting to try and help your children as they transition and explore new gender identities. Its important to note that when parents dont affirm their childrens identities, it can dramatically impact their mental health.

The Trevor Projects 2023 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People "amplifies the experiences" of more than 28,000 LGBTQ young people ages 13 to 24 across the United States. The Trevor Project's research shows that 41% of LGBTQ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including half of transgender and nonbinary young people. Our data also shows that affirming gender identity among transgender and nonbinary young people is consistently associated with lower rates of attempting suicide, Dr. DeChants says.

This makes the Trevor Project's newest study even more important as parents consider ways to help their transgender and nonbinary children feel safe and understood. The latest study helps to narrow down the scope to manageable actions we can take to help.

Affirming communication

The first way parents can help is through affirming communication with their children. Simply put, this is using proper pronouns and using your childs new chosen name.

Honestly just calling me by the proper name and pronouns makes me so happy, one respondent explains in the study.

It also includes swapping out gendered terms and language, like switching pretty for handsome, or sir for maam. Some kids may prefer ungendered terms, such as using attractive instead of gorgeous or handsome.

For lead researcher Dr. DeChants, this metric stood out the most.

I was not expecting the simple act of giving someone a compliment to be mentioned by so many transgender and nonbinary young people. This highlights the crucial role that expressing one's gender identity plays in mental health and the small actions and gestures that others can take to create feelings of euphoria for a trans or nonbinary young person, he intimates.

Inclusivity and belonging

It can be a challenge for transgender and nonbinary kids to integrate back into peer groups, especially if they feel like theyre treated as a third gender, some survey respondents explain.

I dont need to be treated like a third category of trans, I need to be treated like a 22-year-old girl who never learned a few things, one says.

Instead, allies and parents should focus on ways to make their youths new gender feel completely accepted. This includes assimilating into single-gender situations, such as locker rooms or girls nights.

Its important to know that your childs transitioned gender is their gender. They arent in between or pretendingand treating them as though they fit in from the start is a great way to inspire gender euphoria.

Appearance affirmation

The Trevor Project study cites responses from transgender and nonbinary youth that suggest validating their new appearance preferences can inspire gender euphoria. Doing so can be as simple as saying how great their new hairstyle or clothes choices look.

One respondent says they felt gender euphoria when their mother comment[ed] positively on my feminine appearance.

Likewise, compliments from their friends made them feel understood, accepted, and happy in their transitioned gender.

Support and respect

Finally, The Trevor Projects study focuses on respect and support from parents and allies. Parents can help support their children by simply accepting their new gender. Making youth feel uncomfortable for displaying their new gender can lead to suicidality and depression.

Parents and allies should always affirm and support their children. Showing curiosity instead of disbelief can help transgender and nonbinary youth feel supported.

Its also important, respondents say, to apologize if improper names and pronouns are used. Its okay if parents and allies make mistakesthe key is saying sorry and correcting yourself.

Related: Gender Pronouns Explained, And Why They Matter

Moving Into the Future With Our Children

The new Trevor Project study leaves no room for doubt: affirming your children is the best way to support them as they transition or come out to you. This is a happy, if fraught, moment for your child. As parents, our goal is their happiness and security.

Parents can best support their trans child by educating themselves about gender identity and expression, actively listening to their child's experiences, and creating a safe and affirming environment at home, Dr. Fenkel confirms.

This involves using proper pronouns and names, advocating for children in sometimes contentious school environments, and reaching out to therapists if you or your child need more support.

When parents and caregivers create safe and affirming spaces for trans and nonbinary young people to thrive and experience joy as their authentic selves, this can have a direct impact on reducing anxiety, depression, and suicide risk, Dr. DeChants adds.

The Trevor Project offers counseling and provides resources for both parents and children navigating this joyful time. Dr. DeChants suggests especially The Trevor Project's Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Young People.

In the end, Dr. DeChants underscores the importance of helping our children feel safe and loved, no matter their identity.

Every child deserves to be loved and affirmed for exactly who they are, and it's up to the adults in their lives to create environments where they can feel safe expressing their gender identity openly, he confirms.

Related: The Perils of Navigating the Transgender Health Care System as a Parent

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Read the original article on Parents.
This article originally appeared on Outside

Dozens of guests fled the Blue Lagoon hotel and spa outside of Reykjavik, Iceland, late Wednesday night, after a "seismic swarm" of over 1,400 earthquakes shook this popular destination on the island nation. A local news outlet reported that taxis came in droves to pick up the terrified guests after the first 4.8 magnitude earthquake rocked the spa. Around 800 earthquakes of similar magnitude followed, with more shaking the earth through Friday afternoon.

Bjarni Stefansson, a local taxi driver, described a chaotic scene at the Blue Lagoon, with 20 or 30 taxis trying to access the driveway.

"There was a panic situation," Stefansson told The Associated Press. "People thought a volcanic eruption was about to happen."

The Icelandic news website Vikurfrettir reported that rocks and debris fell on the road that led to the hotel, but that more than 40 people were able to leave the resort by taxi cab. The Blue Lagoon is host to a popular geothermal hot spring in which both tourists and outdoor enthusiasts soak after trail runs and scenic bike rides around the volcanic landscape.

Hours after the Blue Lagoon staff decided to close the resort's doors on Thursday, November 9, the government declared a state of emergency, urging the town of Grindavik and its 3,300 residents to evacuate. The first earthquake and its aftershocks suggest that a volcanic eruption in the region is imminent.

"Iceland is no stranger to volcanic activity, and there have been three eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the last two years," the Blue Lagoon management said in a statement. "Icelandic authorities and local communities are well-prepared for such events, and Iceland has one of the worlds most effective volcanic preparedness measures. Icelands geoscientists possess vast experience in dealing with volcanic activities."

The resort boasts stunning hot springs flanked by volcanic rocks. (Photo: Getty)

Roads are now closed in and out of the Reykjanes Peninsula, and Icelandic police urge travelers to respect the closures. "From geophysical models of the dike intrusion, it is estimated that the intrusion is propagating upwards slowly, with magma thought to be 800 m beneath the surface," the Icelandic search-and-rescue site SafeTravel.is stated. "The likelihood of a volcanic eruption is high and an eruption could be possible on a timescale of just days."

In Iceland in 2010, a major eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano disrupted air traffic between the United States and Europe over an eight-day period. The volcano ejected 250 million cubic meters of volcanic ash, which resulted in more than 100,000 flights being canceled.

The Blue Lagoon resort will reassess the prospect of reopening this week and announce a decision on Thursday, November 16.

For exclusive access to all of our fitness, gear, adventure, and travel stories, plus discounts on trips, events, and gear, sign up for Outside+ today.
Costa Rica was named Destination of the Year by one publication because of its miles of beautiful coastline along both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. | Adobe Stock

Travel + Leisure has named Costa Rica the 2024 Destination of the Year, the ninth location to receive the travel magazines accolade.

In an introduction to Costa Rica on Travel + Leisures website, writer Ronny Rojas listed the countrys captivating nature, rich history and vibrant culinary scene as some of the reasons for the choice. Here are some other things to know about Costa Rica.

What you cant miss in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is so named because of its miles of beautiful coastline along both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Its a hot spot for biodiversity despite its relatively small size, with nearly 6% of the worlds species contained within its borders, per the Costa Rican embassy.

Costa Rica prioritizes its natural beauty, with a quarter of its land preserved in national parks, per Travel + Leisure. The country has also become a leader in ecotourism and sustainable tourism in recent years. According to a press release from Travel + Leisure, Costa Rica pioneered the eco lodge, a type of accommodation designed to avoid impact on its environment.

Related

The waters along the countrys coasts are great for activities like snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming, but its especially well-known among surfers for its incredible range of waves, per Surf Atlas.

If youd rather explore inland, Costa Rica has a plethora of activities, including hiking, sightseeing and zip lining. It also has an incredible culture and history, which you can explore at one of its many museums.

Lastly, you cant forget the food  Costa Rica boasts an incredible blend of Afro-Caribbean and Latin American cuisine, and one Travel + Leisure writer said the meals she had there nourished (her) soul.

What is the best month to go to Costa Rica?

Because of its tropical climate, Costa Rica is beautiful and fairly mild all year long, although most regions do have a dry and a wet season, according to the Costa Rica Tourism Board.

Some months are better to visit depending on what youd like to do while youre there. For instance, if youre traveling to Costa Rica to surf, the best times to visit are May and September, according to Surf Today.

If youd prefer to visit during the dry season, when its sunnier and less humid, Travel + Leisure recommends going to Costa Rica between December and April. However, thats also the time that the country experiences the biggest influx in visitors, so if youd like to avoid the crowds and dont mind some rain, try going to Costa Rica between May and November.

The Travel + Leisure Destination of the Year cover story will be available at newsstands in the December 2023/January 2024 issue starting Nov. 17 and is currently available online on the Travel + Leisure website.
A millionaire Silicon Valley tech investor and his former Miss Ireland bride are alleged to have trashed a Utah landmark with their extravagant wedding ceremony. The incident was broken by the Moab-Times Independent. SFGate later revealed the couples identities in an expansive report.

Andrew Chen and Emma Waldron were permitted by the village of Castle Valley to hold a simple wedding ceremony with one small white tent at the base of Utahs Castleton Tower, which lies just outside the self-described ghost town. However, they are alleged to have grievously misrepresented the size of their party, causing devastating environmental damage and leaving behind mountains of abandoned property and refuse.

Gibson's initial photograph shows the refuse before crews removed anything. Courtesy of Pamela Gibson

A photo showing what was left after clean-up crews had left. Courtesy of Pamela Gibson

Chen and Waldron erected a 24-foot cabana, employed a service which set up makeshift restrooms on the property, and brought their own generator for power. Castle Valley town council member Pamela Gibson came across the distressing sight on September 3, the morning after the party.

She discovered moving trucks packing up tables and catering tents, which werent part of the couples plan submitted to the city. Broken glass, from votive candles dotting the road, was spread across the area tourists normally hike. Worse, the trucks had bore tire treads into the ground and flattened vegetation as they carelessly drove to the scene.

When Gibson returned to the site later in the day, she was astonished to find that bound cardboard boxes and dozens of ripped, bulging bags spilling trash and rotten food were still scattered about. The glass and candles remained, as well. All that had been removed was the expensive furniture used for the wedding.

Bags of trash filled with rotting food were left on the scene. Courtesy of Pamela Gibson.

Votive candles lining the road were smashed, with glass spread across the site. Courtesy of Pamela Gibson

It was a commercial eventsmall by [Los Angeles] standards, Im sure, but still, it should not have happened, Gibson told SFGATE. And theyre not being responsible for it, thats what really galls me. It was effectively four days where the public could not enjoy what it should be able to enjoy because of these people that have no qualms about misrepresenting something just so they can have their pretty little wedding.

Andrew Chen (Partner, Andreessen Horowitz + Twitter influencer) and Emma Waldron (former Miss Ireland) lied to illegally obtain a permit to get married on protected land, trashed the place, destroyed vegetation, and suffered 0 consequences.



Deleted video + evidence below: pic.twitter.com/SufkAZWWqr  Christina Qi (@christinaqi) November 2, 2023

Chen and Waldron, who live between Los Angeles and San Francisco, both hold high-earning jobs in the tech world. Chen picks video game and multiverse investments for venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz; Waldron is the head of an AI startup called Spuddie, which according to the site lets users create a best bud, which is a virtual potato, to tend to your emotional and intellectual nourishment. She previously won the title of Miss Ireland in 2010.

After word of their destruction spread, the newlyweds began deleting evidence of their wedding from social media. However, some eagle-eyed users copied their photos and videos before deletion and quickly began circulating those, as well.

Neither Chen nor Waldron responded to Mens Journals request for an interview.

Gibson reported to SFGate that, nearly three months after the nuptials, she is still retrieving glass and pieces of detritus from the scene. She, along with the towns mayor, Jazmine Duncan, and other council members submitted a letter to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) begging them not to authorize any future weddings on the site.

BLM responded to the request on September 7. In part, the email read, the bureau would be contacting Chen and Waldron in partnership with BLM Law Enforcement.

On Wednesday, Gibson told Mens Journal that hes unsure what the status of the bureaus investigation is, or what authority BLM has to impose penalties on Chen and Waldron.

Personally, I would like the BLM to not allow receptions at that location, Gibson told us. That is also what the town would like, as stated in its letter. It is such a special place for the public to enjoy the beauty of nature that no individual or group should be allowed to occupy it for private receptions.

To a degree, Gibson understands the madcap pace of planning a wedding. Though she classifies their behavior as just thoughtlessness, she admits that, I dont think Chen and Waldron intended to disrespect the land.

One can get very wrapped up in making wedding plans. And coming from a place that is so different from this vast, arid environment means that they probably did not think about the consequences of their event, Gibson explained. Someone fell down on their responsibility to clean up the mess, which should have been done immediately after, not the next day and certainly not three days later. It is just thoughtlessness.

Gibson continued: I think it would help if the couple would write a letter to apologize for the mess that remained for days. I dont think they meant that to happen. And we hope that the BLM is reconsidering how to structure the giving of similar letters of agreement as suggested by the Town of Castle Valley.

The Chen/Waldron fiasco comes on the heels of several significant stories involving thoughtless tourists. Notably, this is the most significant incident to take place in America. Over the summer, a variety of people decided to carve their names into the Roman Coliseum. Also in Italy, several German tourists were busted for spraypainting Florence's Vasari Corridor.
How do you revive a cool California brand that was so popular that within a few years of launching more than 20 years ago, its revenues climbed to $100 million a year and then went to nothing?

The answer is  very slowly.

More from WWD

French footwear company Groupe Royer acquired the Von Dutch trademarks in 2009 when Von Dutch Original, headed by Dutchman Tonny Srensen, made a fortune selling logo trucker hats, blue jeans and gas-station attendant shirts worn by a coterie of celebrities such as Ashton Kutcher, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and Paris Hilton.

When French fashion designer Christian Audigier came on board, his over-the-top personality and marketing skills helped grow the brand rapidly until he left in 2004 to launch Ed Hardy, a graphic-intense brand whose name was licensed from American tattoo artist Don Ed Hardy.

Von Dutch sales declined after Audigiers departure, and later the trademarks were sold to Groupe Royer. The new French owners started out fresh with no revenues at the start, growing sales outside of the United States in countries such as Brazil, the Philippines, Thailand and Italy. It was a big challenge, said Olivier Mercier, the chief executive of Von Dutch International, based in Luxembourg. But I knew something could be done with this brand because it has such a strong DNA.

Then in 2014, the revamped Von Dutch found a licensee in Los Angeles to grow U.S. sales. He was doing well and had a successful store on Melrose Avenue. When the licensee left in 2019, Von Dutch took over. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, forcing the Melrose Avenue store to close.

Ever since, Mercier and his colleagues have been searching for a permanent retail spot in Los Angeles that is not too touristy but trendy enough to match the brands cool vibe from an era when bling was all in.

Von Dutch trucker hats are still very popular. Photo courtesy of Von Dutch.

With no permanent retail location yet, Von Dutch decided to launch a few pop-up shops and events this holiday season in prime locations that touch on its retro L.A. appeal. Currently, that includes a two-week stay at Kitson Robertson, the store known for launching trends like the trucker cap, and a pop-up inside the Mondrian Hotel on Sunset Boulevard.

In December, there will be a giant sale with limited-edition drops at Saddle Ranch, the chop house with a mechanical bull thats been operating in West Hollywood since the early 2000s, and a third pop-up is planned when Von Dutch takes over for a day and night at The Viper Room, the famed club founded in 1993 by Johnny Depp and Sal Jenco.

These days, Von Dutchs sales are primarily online. [Business-to-consumer] was for a while the only way to make things happen, Mercier said. Now about 80 percent of the companys $30 million in revenues comes from e-commerce, and the rest is wholesale accounts.

Through a French licensee, there are about a dozen stores in the south of France and one planned for Barcelona, Spain. Were just opening in South Korea, and we have some possibilities in China. And we are talking to some people in the Philippines, where the label used to be very big, Mercier explained.

Eighty percent of sales are evenly split between Europe and the United States.

While the trucker hat is still the bestselling Von Dutch item, the company has expanded its merchandise mix with the help of Earl Pickens, the brands artistic director who attended the Art Institute of Chicago but has lived in Paris for decades. He briefly had his own upscale denim brand, followed by roles as artistic director for ready-to-wear at Marlboro International Sportswear, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac and Charles Jourdan footwear.

New to the collection are $99 wallets, $149 bowling bags and $349 overnight bags. Recently, Von Dutch launched an eyewear collection with nine styles and 30 pieces that celebrate glasses from iconic decades. They sell for $290 to $350.

We have been developing a few limited-edition things, Mercier said. We did a few tests of Italian denim, and we did some silk scarves, but nobody wears silk scarves in America. It is very European. Von Dutch also tried a few Turkish-made sweaters with leather. But these limited-edition items dont make up the core collection.

The label is still strong in T-shirts, sweats, denim jackets, blue jeans, leather jackets and tops and those trucker hats that now come in every color under the rainbow.

Best of WWD
A Hawaii woman whose disruption of a flight out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport will have to pay for her behavior through jail time and restitution.

American Airlines Flight 694 had to return to Phoenix on Feb. 13, 2022, while on its way to Honolulu due to the disruptive passenger.

As The Arizona Republic reported, the flight was mid-air when it made an unscheduled return to Phoenix. It left the airport at 3:30 p.m. and landed back at 6:53 p.m. Phoenix law enforcement officials met the aircraft at the gate.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Cayla Farris, 29, was using profanities and threatening flight attendants and passengers. The flight crew was unable to continue their duties and the captain decided to return to Phoenix.

The disturbance had caused several flights to be rerouted.

More choices: 5 new international flights added from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Here's where you can go

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Phoenix Police Department handled the investigation while the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, was in charge of prosecution.

Farris pleaded guilty to one count of interfering with a flight crew member. She has been sentenced to a time-served 3.6 months in prison and must pay $38,952 in restitution to American Airlines, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

She will also face three years of probation and cannot fly on a commercial aircraft without prior court approval.

Reach the reporter at dina.kaur@arizonarepublic.com. Follow @dina_kaur on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Woman who caused American Airlines flight diversion fined $39K
"It will have the spillover effects of having the farmers not only get money, but they'll get enough food."

African officials attending a forum in China's Sanya have spoken positively about China-Africa cooperation in hybrid rice cultivation. #GLOBALink




LAFAYETTE, Ind.  Glenn Ladd almost went three days after his release from prison without any criminal allegations against him. Almost.

On Wednesday, 22-year-old Ladd faced charges of attempted murder and three felony battery charges, accusing him of the Nov. 7 stabbing of 68-year-old James Hamilton in the 1700 block of North 12th Street.

Prosecutors filed charges Wednesday, and Ladd had his initial hearing Wednesday afternoon, during which he struck the same apathetic and disrespectful posture he took during his hearing last week.

At the crime scene, Ladd told officers he got into an argument with Hamilton, but another witness  Ladd's father  told officers that Ladd did not say a word to Hamilton. He just walked up and stabbed Hamilton, according to prosecutors.

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If convicted of attempted murder, Ladd faces a sentence between 20 and 40 years in prison. He will have to serve 75 percent of that time, meaning he if received the maximum sentence, Ladd will serve 30 years in prison, making him 52-years-old when he finishes that sentence.

Indiana Department of Corrections released Ladd on Nov. 2, but on Nov. 5, he was arrested at a local hospital for trespassing. After that arrest, he was released from jail, and then stabbed Hamilton about 6:30 p.m. Nov. 7.

Paramedics found Hamilton with two stab wounds to the abdomen and one stab wound in the back with the knife still in his body. He was flown to St. Vincent's Hospital in Indianapolis, where he's had two surgeries and is in very critical condition, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors also filed a petition to revoke Ladd's probation, which means if that motion is approved, Ladd will be forced to serve three years of his suspended sentence from a 2016 armed robbery.

His trial is scheduled for Feb. 27. His status hearing on the petition to revoke is scheduled for Dec. 1.

Ladd is being held in the Tippecanoe County Jail on the attempted murder charge in lieu of a $250,000 surety bond and a $25,000 cash bond. Additionally, the petition to revoke his probation has a $10,000 cash bond. All totaled, Ladd will need to find $60,000 in bond money to be released pending trial.

Reach Ron Wilkins at rwilkins@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: 22-year-old Lafayette man charged with attempted murder
The U.S. and China  the worlds two largest emitters of greenhouse gas emissions  agreed Tuesday to work to dramatically expand renewable energy in the hopes of phasing out fossil fuels.

The State Department released a statement announcing the new cooperation plan after months of negotiations between White House climate envoy John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua. It represents a major effort to see both nations dramatically ramp up efforts to address climate change and the first time China has agreed to set targets to cut emissions for its economy, The New York Times reports.

Both countries support the G20 Leaders Declaration to pursue efforts to triple renewable energy capacity globally by 2030 and intend to sufficiently accelerate renewable energy deployment in their respective economies, the pledge says, noting that doing so would accelerate the substitution for coal, oil and gas generation.

Beijing, the worlds largest carbon polluter, also agreed to set reduction targets for all greenhouse gas emissions, not just carbon dioxide. Other gases, namely methane, represent a smaller proportion of overall greenhouse gas emissions but are far more potent at trapping heat in the atmosphere.

In statements Tuesday, the two countries said they were alarmed by the best available scientific findings and remained committed to the landmark Paris Climate Agreement. That pledge, from 2015, saw almost every nation in the world agree to try and keep the planet from warming more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

The United States and China recognize that the climate crisis has increasingly affected countries around the world, the statement reads. They are aware of the important role they play in terms of both national responses and working together cooperatively to address the goals of the Paris Agreement and promote multilateralism.

White House climate envoy John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua, spent months negotiating the terms of the agreement.

White House climate envoy John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua, spent months negotiating the terms of the agreement.

The statements were released a day before President Joe Biden is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. While the agreement does not include firm targets, it does note that the U.S. and China will immediately begin dialogue to set them.

Scientists agree that a 1.5 degree level of warming would set off catastrophic levels of planetary change, from melting sea ice and the loss of permafrost to a sharp increase in severe weather and heatwaves.

The planet has already warmed 1.2 degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times.

The statement comes just two weeks before the worlds climate envoys are set to convene in Dubai for the United Nations 28th climate conference, known as COP28. The U.S. also on Tuesday released its latest National Climate Assessment, which found climate change is already impacting Americans in every corner of the nation with far-reaching and worsening might.

Anyone who willfully denies the impact of climate change is condemning the American people to a very dangerous future. Impacts are only going to get worse, more frequent, more ferocious and more costly, Biden said during the reports unveiling, per The Associated Press. None of this is inevitable.

Related...
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.
PANAMA CITY  Starting Friday, residents and tourists now can crack open a cold one while walking around a portion of the downtown area for two days a week.

Panama City commissioners on Tuesday voted 4-1 to approve the second and final reading of an ordinance to create the Downtown Panama City Social District, or a region in the downtown area where people can openly carry and consume alcoholic drinks. Mayor Michael Rohan was the lone member of the commission to vote against the district.

This image shows the limits of the Downtown Panama City Social District, which Panama City commissioners approved on Tuesday.

"I still don't like the idea of open containers all over downtown," Rohan said. "I just think there's more bad than good."

"I have to base things on fact, not emotion," Commissioner Jenna Haligas said. "Right now, the facts from other cities don't tell me that this is a negative impact. I don't know doing it what will happen, and if it's negative, we'll have to (terminate it), but we don't know that."

Information from the meeting notes the social district has a northern border near Sixth Street, a southern border near the Panama City Marina, an eastern border near Luverne Avenue and a western border near Grace Avenue and West Fourth Street.

It allows people to openly carry only alcoholic drinks purchased from licensed vendors within that area on Fridays and Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. The ordinance also includes a sunset clause of May 31, giving officials the ability pass an ordinance to eliminate the social district if it negatively impacts the city. All drinks served in the district will come in labeled cups to prevent people from bringing their own alcohol.

Many residents spoke during the meeting about the social district, with some in favor of the ordinance and some opposing it.

Among those who believe it will benefit the city is Brad Stephens, owner of Sunjammers, a watersports business that sits at 1129 Beck Ave. Stephens said he wished there also was a social district for the St. Andrews area, where his business is located.

"Anything that can add people moving around a community is good," Stephens said. "People walking around drinking is not going to deter me form taking my kids anywhere. I have full faith in our police to keep it under control, (and) I have faith in our citizens of Panama City to act like adults."

Though he believes the social district will improve downtown, Pastor Craig Conner of First Baptist Church of Panama City, who also spoke during the meeting, worries it will be a detriment to the area. He urged commissioners to "strongly consider" opposing the ordinance.

Conner also noted First Baptist Church is "deeply" involved in downtown Panama City, having invested about $30 million in the area over the past two decades.

"I really am concerned about the open-container ordinance," he said. "I believe (this ordinance) will have many negative consequences to our city. I think that (with it in place) no longer will our downtown area be considered to be a family-friendly environment.

"I really do feel like ... it will radically change the complexion of our downtown area for the worst forever."

Past reports state the ordinance to create a social district was submitted to the commission by the Downtown Improvement Board (DIB), a seven-member board appointed by local officials to help grow and improve downtown Panama City.

First reading: PC Commission take another step toward creating district where public drinking is allowed

According to Catherine Shores, DIB chairperson, the ordinance was sparked by downtown business owners and property owners, not local officials. The ordinance went into effect following the meeting, meaning Friday will mark the first day people can openly consume alcohol within the district.

"We're not sacrificing morality for a dollar," Shores said. "We're not out to make more money by causing the morality of Panama City to decline. ... This will not cause a spring break-type atmosphere for downtown.

"This will contribute to walkability, and it goes hand-in-hand with what (commissioners) have visioned for downtown."

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Panama City Commission approves Downtown Panama City Social District
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
A 30-year-old Connecticut man is charged with abusing his Wilmington girlfriend's toddler so severely that while the 22-month-old girl had injuries visible throughout her body, an autopsy revealed they were even worse, according to court records.

Details of the girl's injuries and circumstances behind Timothy Olschafskie being charged with first-degree murder by abuse or neglect were detailed in court documents obtained by Delaware Online/The News Journal.

Wednesday was the first time Wilmington police, who have not identified the girl, publicly acknowledged the child's killing without being prompted by reporters. Beyond such details as dates, location and the single charge Olschafskie faces, police did not provide more information.

"We will not be releasing any further details about this incident out of respect for the victim's family," police said in a statement.

The department did not respond to a question about a discrepancy in the age provided by police versus the court documents. The department said the girl was 21 months old, while court documents said she was 22 months old.

More: Connecticut man charged with killing girlfriend's months-old child extradited to Delaware

Signs of physical injury and a lie

Olschafskie first came to the attention of Delaware authorities on March 11 when, according to court documents, Wilmington officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Towne Estates Drive in reference to a "CPR in progress involving a child."

There, first responders found the girl "in the living room of the apartment, unresponsive, not breathing and lying on the couch," the court documents said. "[The girl] had visible signs of physical injury throughout her body."

The Ansonia, Connecticut, man was the only adult when first responders arrived at the apartment, which belonged to his girlfriend.

When one of the officers at the scene asked for his name, court documents said, Olschafskie claimed he was Timothy Edwards. A second officer asked for his name, but this time Olschafskie said: "I don't want to give my name." His middle name is Edward.

When the officers again asked for his name, documents claim, Olschafskie asked if he could write his name. He then wrote "Timothy Olschafskie, DOB: 08/24/1993."

Olschafskie told the officer he originally lied because he was on probation in Connecticut. Police confirmed this with Connecticut Adult Probation.

More: Connecticut man facing Delaware murder charge lied to police responding to child emergency

What he was on probation for in Connecticut was not disclosed in the court documents, but according to the Associated Press, Olschafskie was sentenced in 2015 to two years in a Connecticut prison for killing five cats.

Alone with the child

Olschafskie, according to the court documents, told police he'd been staying at the apartment when the child began crying sometime around 1:30 to 2 a.m. on March 11. He got up to check on her, court records say, and when he noticed she had thrown up on herself, Olschafskie told police he changed her diaper and cleaned her up.

His girlfriend left for work about 7 that morning, leaving Olschafskie as the child's "sole caretaker," the court document said.

Sometime between 8 and 9 in the morning, Olschafskie told police he saw on the baby monitor that the girl was awake and went to get her from her bedroom.

"According to Timothy, [the girl] was woozy and looked tired so he put her down and she stumbled into the living room at which time she fell down and started to have a seizure," the court documents said. "Timothy began CPR shortly after [the girl] became unresponsive and called [his girlfriend] via FaceTime to inform her of what was going on."

As the mother watched this over FaceTime, court documents said, Olschafskie told her to call 911. She did, then arrived home before her daughter was taken to Nemours Children's Hospital in Delaware.

She died about 1:30 p.m.

What the detective found

An autopsy was performed two days later, which court documents said revealed the child suffered "blunt-impact" injuries to the head, trunk and extremities. This included cuts to the pancreas; liver; and mesentery, which is a membrane that attaches the intestine to the wall around the stomach.

"The cause of death was ruled blunt force injuries to the torso and the manner was deemed homicide," the court documents said.

The Wilmington police investigator said in court documents that she collected several sources of video surveillance, including home surveillance that shows Olschafskie  four minutes after the first 911 call was placed  in the girl's bedroom making her bed while the child was alone and unresponsive in the living room.

The Wilmington detective also conducted additional interviews, including with medical experts and pathologists who helped determine that given the child's abdominal injuries, "she would have gone unresponsive and bled out shortly after sustaining her fatal injuries."

Protective order

Hints Olschafskie had killed a child could be found in a protective order filed last June in Delaware Family Court.

The document, obtained by Delaware Online/The News Journal after learning of Olschafskie's arrest last week, was filed by the child's mother. The first page of the three-page document explains the circumstances why Family Court issued the protective order on June 1.

This includes: "Respondent has exposed a member of Petitioner's family or household to physical injury or serious physical injury. To wit: Suspect of murder of petitioner's child."

Where was Olschafskie found?

Olschafskie was at a Connecticut Burger King on Nov. 2 when Enfield police arrived there for an unrelated incident. Police, however, ran Olschafskie's name in their system and found he had a warrant out for his arrest.

He was taken into custody for being a fugitive.

More: Conn. man arrested on charge of murder by abuse, neglect in Del., awaiting extradition

Olschafskie remained in Connecticut until Tuesday when he was extradited to Delaware, where he was charged with first-degree murder by abuse or neglect.

He has been committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution after failing to post $2 million cash bail.

Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Connecticut man abused, killed girlfriend's toddler: Court docs
The man who struck and killed Loudon County Sheriff's Sgt. Chris Jenkins in February 2022 has been sentenced to 10 years after pleading guilty to vehicular homicide.

Christopher Savannah, 43, of Houston, Texas, admitted to smoking marijuana while he was driving a Freightliner tractor-trailer on I-75 on the morning of Feb. 3, 2022, Roane County District Attorney General Russell Johnson said in a press release.

Jenkins had pulled over to the right-hand shoulder, stopped and was exiting his cruiser to remove an extension ladder that had fallen out of a truck in the middle of the northbound interstate lanes.

Savannah, instead of coming to a stop, plowed his truck into at least two vehicles in front of him before striking Jenkins.

Jenkins, 48, graduated from Loudon High School and served in the United States Air Force before joining the sheriff's office in 2002. Jenkins became a K9 officer in 2007, and had been promoted to sergeant in 2021.

Savannah's plea agreement netted him a 10-year sentence

Savannah pled guilty to vehicular homicide by intoxication and felony reckless endangerment on Nov. 15 at the Roane County Courthouse in front of Criminal Court Judge Jeff Wicks, the release said.

The plea was an agreed upon sentence of 10 years, Johnson said, noting Savannah has no prior criminal history and that under Tennessees vehicular homicide law at the time that Jenkins was killed, the sentence range for vehicular homicide starts at eight years.

"The family members ... are all glad to have a resolution to this case and are now able to put this behind them," Johnson said.

Jenkins death led to changes in the law

Since Jenkins death, the Tennessee legislature has elevated vehicular homicide punishments by increasing the mandatory service time, Johnson said, adding the circumstances of Jenkins death by a driver under the influence of marijuana helped this effort.

The legislature also made it a requirement to have items like ladders properly secured in the back of a pickup truck or trailer, with a new law known as the Sergeant Chris Jenkins Law.

The driver responsible for losing his unsecured ladder was charged and convicted on three counts of misdemeanor reckless endangerment.

Law enforcement honored an officer who was 'the very best of us' at memorial service

A sea of law enforcement officers from across the state, including representatives from Knox County Sheriff's Office and Knoxville Police Department, filled the Loudon High School gym Feb. 9, 2022, to pay their respects to Jenkins.

The mood at his memorial services was by turns somber and tear-filled, and funny and wry as those who knew Jenkins best paid tribute.

Watch: Memorial service for Loudon County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Chris Jenkins

There are no words adequate to capture what made this man larger than life, said Sgt. Chris Hutchins. Simply put, he was the very best of us, and it wasnt even close.

Jenkins' son, Clay Jenkins, 25, is also a deputy with the Loudon County Sheriff's Office.

Clay Jenkins said his father was his hero with a badge, adding, "Dad, you were, and still are, Superman."

Clay Jenkins told the assembled crowd wearing a Loudon County sheriff's uniform was the most honorable thing he has ever done in this life

"I couldnt help but follow in the best footsteps," he said of his father. "I always wanted to make him proud."

Clay Jenkins said he will carry his legacy with honor, adding, "I want you to look at me and see the walking image of my dad."

Liz Kellar is a Tennessee Connect reporter. Email liz.kellar@knoxnews.com. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Texas man sentenced to 10 years in crash that killed Loudon deputy
With the cost of living in the United States soaring, more and more people are setting their sights on an international destination that wont break the bank. Some locales are so affordable that with enough savings, you may be able to quit your job or just work part time and still live in the lap of luxury.

Find: The Richest Small Town in Every State

Learn: What To Do If You Owe Back Taxes to the IRS

International Living released its annual report on the Worlds Best Places to Retire, and the results may surprise you. From coastal getaways to European hotspots, several of the countries are not only beautiful, but they are also extremely inexpensive.

So, while the list is geared toward retirees, these countries may be great options for anyone with a healthy savings account or who doesnt mind living on a budget.

Rudimencial / Getty Images

Uruguay

Currently, the cost of living in the United States is $2,213, with rent for one person costing an average of $1,399 per month. Even with a steady income, living in the U.S. has become unaffordable for many.

Related: Cities Whose Economies Are Failing vs. Cities Whose Economies Are Thriving

More: The Average American Spends This Much on Rent  See How You Stack Up

If you are sick of working your 9 to 5, consider the Latin American destination of Uruguay. The country is exquisite, offering nearly 400 miles of coast, rolling hills and four distinct seasons.

The cost of living is nearly half of what it is in the states at $1,143. As noted by International Living, depending on the neighborhood you can find a nice apartment at the reasonable price of $526 per month.

Sponsored: New Chase checking customers enjoy a $200 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking account and set up direct deposit.

peresanz / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Spain

Whether you want to spend your days soaking up the sun on the Costa del Sol or are more interested in the vibrant cultural and art scene of Madrid, you simply cant go wrong with Spain. The European country is steeped in history, offers great healthcare and has almost every type of geography imaginable.

The cost of living in Spain is approximately $1,246 per month, although it might be more in bigger cities or resort beach towns. Even in the most expensive neighborhoods, it will likely still be somewhat cheaper than the average cost it takes to live in the U.S. Plus, the first-class healthcare will save you big time.

These 5 Countries are Almost Inflation-Less: Cheap Living With High Salaries

Shutterstock.com

Malta

Looks can be deceiving. A quick glance at the tiny island (archipelago) of Malta may make you think that only the worlds elite could afford to live there. Fortunately, the exact opposite is true. The island boasts a surprisingly affordable cost of living at $1,340 per month.

The country, surrounded by the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, is stunning. Rent is somewhat expensive, depending on where you live, but it is worth it considering the 360-degree views. Not to mention the fact that food and other things are significantly cheaper than in the United States.

Matteo Colombo / Getty Images

France

If you have ever wanted to dine on world-famous cuisine, shop in the finest boutiques or visit renowned museums, now is your chance. France is a bargain for someone willing to live on a budget. The cost of living in the country is $1,451 or 1.53 times less expensive than in the U.S.

Ex-pats who reside in the country enjoy low-cost healthcare, one-of-a-kind destinations and villas for under $200,000. So, if you have a nice-sized savings or are willing to pick up a part-time gig, you might just be able to drop the morning commute for sipping wine at a chateau in the French countryside.

Grigory Ignatev / Shutterstock.com

Ecuador

For real bargain hunters, a country like Ecuador is cheap and safe with a very comfortable year-round climate. The cost of living for one person in the country is $785. Ecuador is geographically diverse with miles of endless beaches, mountains and rainforests, leaving a little something for everyone.

Housing is economical with the average rent for one person costing around $322 per month. Retirees or young adults hoping to quit the corporate grind in favor of a more enjoyable lifestyle can live in the country for far less than the U.S.

Next: 7 Best Canadian Cities To Live In If You Make Less Than $100,000

Starcevic / iStock.com

Colombia

It is no wonder that ex-pats are flocking to Colombia. The country is rich in biodiversity. The large South American country borders the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The Andes Mountains carve through the West while the Amazon rainforest sits to the East.

The cost of living in Colombia is almost one-fourth of what it is in the United States at $546 per month. Rent, food and transportation expenses are all markedly less than you would expect to pay in the states.

SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Portugal

With an estimated cost of living for one person at $1,073, Portugal offers Americans hoping to live abroad a low-priced European option. The country itself is minuscule compared to neighboring Spain, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in culture. Portugal oozes Old World charm and is known for its incredible seaside communities.

The countrys public transportation is second-to-none, meaning you may not have to ever purchase a car. With the money you save you may never have to work again.

Mexico

Many Americans, familiar with the tourist-packed cities of Cozumel and Cancun, may shake their head at the idea of living in Mexico, but the country has a lot more to offer. Mexico is an ex-pats dream. It is close to the states, offers reasonable healthcare and is considerably less expensive than the U.S. The cost of living in the county for one person is $786 per month with the average rent costing only $354.

Mexico is more than just a spring break getaway for college coeds. In addition to the white sandy beaches, it is known for, the country has luscious jungles and sweeping deserts. For Americans looking for a bargain, healthcare is substantially less costly than in the U.S., and becoming a resident is relatively easy.

Check Out: 10 US Cities That Are Running Out of Jobs and Cheap Housing

Mihai-Bogdan Lazar / Shutterstock.com

Costa Rica

The Central American country of Costa Rica is the perfect place to live abroad without depleting your savings. The cost of living is around $1,000 and rent for one person runs approximately $440 per month.

The tropical destination has cost-effective healthcare and is only a short flight from the Southern United States. The locals, by all accounts, are friendly, welcoming ex-pats with open arms. The weather is gorgeous, the water is warm and the housing is highly affordable.

benedek / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Panama

Panama tops the list of best places in the world to retire, which means it could be a good option for anyone to live cheaply. It is no wonder that it regularly claims the title since the cost of living is under half of what it would cost in the U.S. at $1,112 for one person. Rent runs approximately $588 per month and food takes up another $365, but outside of that costs are minimal.

The country is centrally located, has a mild climate and offers world-class beaches. It seems only fitting that this charming retreat makes the list.

Laura Beck contributed to the reporting for this article.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 10 Countries To Live Outside the U.S. That Are So Cheap You Could Quit Your Job
Hunter Biden is asking a federal judge for permission to subpoena former President Donald Trump, former Attorney General Bill Barr and other Justice Department officials in his criminal gun case.

Mr. Biden seeks specific information from three former DOJ officials and the former President that goes to the heart of his defense that this is, possibly, a vindictive or selective prosecution arising from an unrelenting pressure campaign beginning in the last administration, in violation of Mr. Bidens Fifth Amendment rights under the Constitution, Bidens lawyers wrote to the judge.

In addition to Trump and Barr, Hunter Biden also wants to subpoena former acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen and Richard Donoghue, who served as the acting deputy attorney general from December 2020 through the end of Trumps term.

Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, has been charged by special counsel David Weiss with lying on federal firearm forms and illegally possessing a firearm while using illicit drugs. He has pleaded not guilty.

The proposed subpoenas would require the four recipients to turn over any documents in their possession from the start of Trumps term to now that relate to Hunter Biden, particularly any materials discussing any formal or informal investigation or prosecution of him.

It would be material to Mr. Bidens defense if pressure had been placed on prosecutors to investigate or charge Mr. Biden for political reasons, based on who he is and not on any conduct for which there is probable cause to believe he engaged in, the attorneys said of the materials.

The lawyers pointed to a plethora of concerning public statements from Trump calling for an investigation or possible prosecution of Mr. Biden, both while in office and since leaving. They argued his statements necessitate, and provide ample justification for, this set of requests for documents, communications, and personal records relating to or concerning Mr. Biden.

Moreover, each of the former DOJ officials from whom Mr. Biden now seeks documents had known contacts with then President Trump concerning Mr. Biden, and according to now-public IRS investigative case files, each of these officials interacted in one capacity or another with the teams investigating Mr. Biden, either in Delaware or elsewhere, the attorneys wrote in their filing.

Hunter Bidens attorney Abbe Lowell has claimed for some time that his clients indictment earlier this year was the result of political pressure, including from Republicans.

GOP politicians, Lowell told CNN in September, have been pressuring this US attorney to do something to vindicate their political position.

And guess what? They succeeded, he added.

Hunter Biden also faces potential tax charges from Weiss office.

This story has been updated with additional details.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
BRAZZAVILLE, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to the Republic of the Congo Li Yan chaired a reception in honor of the 29th and 30th Chinese medical teams to Congo on Tuesday evening at the embassy.

This 30th team is made up, like the outgoing 29th, of 30 doctors. They include ophthalmologists, surgeons, radiologists and specialists in traditional Chinese medicine.

"Congo is of particular importance to the Chinese medical mission sent to Africa. For nearly six decades, despite international vagaries, Chinese doctors have remained faithful to their initial commitment, namely to overcome various difficulties and demonstrate international humanism," Li said.

Anselme Ludovic Gnekoumou Libaba, technical adviser to the Congolese minister of health, attended the reception.

Since 1967, which marked the beginning of the Chinese medical mission in Congo, nearly 1,000 Chinese medical professionals have set foot on Congolese soil, benefiting nearly 5 million Congolese patients. 
An Idaho judge has issued an arrest warrant for right-wing activist Ammon Bundy after he failed to appear in court on defamation charges.

Ada County Judge Nancy Baskin issued the warrant for Bundy and set his bail at $250,000 after he emailed her saying he would refuse to appear at any future hearings.

I have much more important matters to attend to... Bundy wrote in the email to Judge Baskin, reported Boise State Public Radio.

Bundy and his co-defendants were ordered by a jury in August to pay St Lukes Health System more than $52m in damages for defamatory statements made against it.

Lawyers for St Lukes say that Bundy has continued to attack the hospital despite an injunction ordering him to remove 18 months worth of statements from the internet.

Ammon Bundy, the leader of an anti-government militia, speaks to members of the media in front of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters on January 5, 2016 near Burns, Oregon. (Getty Images)

His failure to appear in court on Monday came after the judge delayed the hearing earlier this year at Bundys request so he could harvest crops.

I am shocked that he has sent this email thinking he can simply decide he can just not appear, said Judge Baskin. Mr Bundy does not seem to understand that the court calendar is not his calendar.

Bundy responded to the judge with a post on X.

Today Judge Baskin issued a $250,000 warrant for my arrest. The only thing I care to say is that I dont regret any of it.

The judge also ordered that Bundy forfeit his initial $10,000 bond.

This court is doing everything in its power to protect Mr Bundys rights, to give him an opportunity to confront and cross-examine witnesses, to have his motion to dismiss heard. I simply cannot do that unless he is actually at court, added Judge Baskin.

Bundys issue with the hospital began when he and his co-defendant organised protests there in 2022 after police seized the grandchild of his co-defendant, Diego Rodriguez, amid welfare concerns and took the child to St Lukes.

Medical staff determined that the child was malnourished and the youngster was hospitalised for three days before being returned to his parents.

During a follow-up appointment officials decided that the child had again lost weight and police seized the child during a traffic stop.

Bundy and his co-defendant claimed that the child had been medically kidnapped and falsely accused those involved of child trafficking, reported The Associated Press.

The protests forced the hospitals Boise campus to be placed in lockdown, according to BSPR.

Bundy was ordered to pay $6.2m in compensatory damages and $6.15m in punitive damages, while Rodriguez must pay $7m in compensatory damages and $6.5m in punitive damages, reported AP. The balance of the verdict must be paid by organisations associated with Bundy.

Mr Rodriguez has appealed the ruling against him to the Idaho Supreme Court, which has not yet ruled on the case.

In an email to the radio station, Bundy said that he did not regret his actions and asked supporters to pray for his family.

Bundy is an anti-government activist who led the 2016 occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon.

He is the son of rancher Cliven Bundy, who was the leading figure in a 2014 protest in Nevada over his right to graze cows illegally on federal property.

In April 2022, Bundy, who was a candidate for governor at the time, was sentenced to 10 days in jail and handed a $3,000 fine for failing to complete court-ordered public service.

He had been given 40 hours of community service instead of a prison sentence after he was convicted of trespassing and resisting arrest for refusing to leave a committee room at the Idaho Statehouse in 2020.

But rather than carry out actual community service he instead submitted the hours that he had worked on his gubernatorial campaign on campaign note paper, a court heard.
I chose elbow as the first of my guesses for the Wordle game Wednesday morning.

My preference is to start with a word from current events.

All over the news the previous night was the claim by Tennessee U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Knoxville, that he was assaulted by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-California.

You may recall that Burchett was one of eight Republicans who voted with Democrats on Oct. 3 to remove McCarthy from his powerful position.

McCarthy might still hold a grudge.

On Tuesday, Burchett was speaking with a news reporter in a House of Representatives hallway when McCarthy allegedly elbowed him in the kidneys while walking by his colleague.

The story exploded. Burchett alternated between calling it a kidney punch and a sucker punch in news interviews.

At least, Burchett didnt have to be hospitalized.

In fact, the congressman lived to talk about it on multiple news outlets. Among his first interviews was with Knoxville News Sentinel reporter Allie Feinberg of the USA TODAY Network.

McCarthy, however, denied the accusation and then went on to say that Burchett would have been knocked down if he hit him.

What kind of example are members of Congress setting?

Im shaking my head. Two wrongs dont make a right.

Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., speaks to reporters as Republicans meet to decide who to nominate to be the new House speaker, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

If McCarthy hit Burchett, thats wrong. That hes making light of it is also wrong.

We the American people deserve some basic decorum and respect from our elected officials. What kind of example are they setting?

Sure, this is far less egregious than some of the nasty altercations of history, such as, when South Carolina Rep. Preston Brooks beat Sen. Charles Sumner of Massachusetts unconscious with a cane in 1856 on the Senate floor.

But we almost had a replay of the Brooks-Sumner affair on Tuesday in the Upper House when U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Oklahoma, challenged the Teamsters President Sean OBrien to a fist fight during a hearing only to be stopped by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, the panel chair. Bernie saved the day by shaming Mullin into remembering that he is a U.S. senator.

There seems to be something in the Potomac River water.

U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, left, and former President Donald J. Trump, right, gesture to fans as they talk before the NCAA Wrestling Championships, Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Tulsa, Okla. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Tensions are high in Washington. The rhetoric is destructive rather than productive.

Members of Congress are playing games with the U.S. government's good faith and credit and the paychecks of millions of Americans with government shutdown threats.

American leaders need to rise above pettiness and bickering

Robust debate should be normal. Toxic idiocy should not be.

All our leaders need to show a better example.

Fights, assaults and insults are beneath them and, oh so, inappropriate. Grow up, folks.

As for the Wordle solution, spoiler alert, it took me the sixth and final guess to get it, but it was Sight.

May our members of Congress see more clearly and focus on the challenges facing the American public over petty grievances.

David Plazas is the director of opinion and engagement for the USA TODAY Network Tennessee. He is an editorial board member of The Tennessean. He hosts the Tennessee Voices videocast and curates the Tennessee Voices and Latino Tennessee Voices newsletters.. Call him at (615) 259-8063, email him at dplazas@tennessean.com or tweet to him at @davidplazas.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Congress reviewed: Tim Burchett punched, Bernie Sanders stops fight
WASHINGTON  Thousands of Israel supporters gathered Tuesday to stand behind the military campaign against Hamas, demand the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza and condemn an increase in antisemitic incidents across the nation and world.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military reported early Wednesday local time that its troops went into Gaza City's Al Shifa Hospital in an operation targeting Hamas forces. The move came after the Biden administration said for the first time that the U.S. has information Hamas is concealing military operations and hiding hostages under hospitals. Both Hamas and Al Shifa hospital staff deny the allegations.

"We call upon all Hamas terrorists present in the hospital to surrender," the Israeli Defense Forces said on X.

The organizers of the Washington rally, the Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, described the effort as "an opportunity for all Americans to come together in solidarity with the people of Israel to demonstrate our commitment to Americas most important ally" in the region.

Demonstrators, many clad in the blue and white of the Israeli flag and carrying signs expressing support for the country, streamed onto the National Mall in Washington throughout the day.

Gali Hampel, 18, and her 15-year-old sister Gayah traveled to the rally from Houston. Gali Hampel said she was in Israel on Oct. 7 and knows some of the more than 200 people who have been taken hostage. She described herself as half Israeli with great grandparents who survived the Holocaust and said the events of the last month have strengthened her desire to join the Israel Defense Forces, so she plans to return to Israel for her draft day in April

I've been raised in a very Zionist home and Im proud of my Judaism and I want to do something, Hampel said. And after seeing this, I need to go and help and contribute to the protection of Israel.

Hampel proudly wears her Star of David but said her parents and friends on college campuses have expressed concern that displaying Jewish symbols or walking to Hillel and other Jewish organizations could make them targets of antisemitic attacks.

I think it's a terrifying time especially to be Jewish, said Hampel, who wants more attention focused on the plight of the 240 hostages still held captive in Gaza.

Biden says hospitals must be protected: Fuel scarcity cripples facilities

Developments in the war:

 The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees says its relief efforts will end soon because its fuel storage facility in Gaza is empty. The agency, known as UNRWA, has been trying to provide basic services to more than 600,000 people sheltering in south Gaza amid Israeli military operations and a ban on fuel imports.

 Palestinian authorities are calling for a cease-fire to evacuate three dozen newborns and other patients from Gaza Citys Al Shifa Hospital. On Tuesday, a U.N. agency said only one hospital, the Al Ahli, remains operational in the battered north Gaza.

 President Joe Biden said Tuesday that he works on the hostage issue every day and believes a breakthrough could be near. His message to families: ''Hang in there, we're coming." Read more here.

 A consortium of Palestinian groups and individuals have asked a federal court in California to enjoin the Biden administration from providing arms, money and diplomatic support to Israel on grounds the administration is aiding in genocide against the civilian population of Gaza.

 The Israeli military said it had gained control of the Hamas legislative and government building, the Hamas police headquarters and an engineering facility used for weapons production and development.

 About 200,000 people have fled south over the past 10 days due to fighting between Israeli troops and Palestinian militants in northern Gaza, the U.N. aid agency for Palestinian refugees said Tuesday. More than two-thirds of Gazas population of 2.3 million have left their homes since the war began.

 Several hundred demonstrators protested outside the Israeli parliament Tuesday night and demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying he is unfit for office. The protesters carried signs blaming Netanyahu for the Oct. 7 attack.

Israel supporters flock to the National Mall for the "March for Israel" in Washington on Nov. 14, 2023.

Gaza Ministry of Health called for 'urgent' action prior to Israel's operation

Gaza Ministry of Health spokesperson Dr. Ashraf al-Qudra said in a statement Wednesday that the ministry is ready to receive international observers for the medical facilities at Al-Shifa Hospital and called for immediate intervention against the bombings around the hospital.

"We are ready to receive all international institutions at Al-Shifa Complex to ensure the nature of its medical work," al-Qudra said. "We appeal to all countries to take urgent action to save the patients inside the Shifa Complex."

According to al-Qudra, 1,500 medical staff members and about 7,000 displaced people are located inside the hospital.

Israel launches 'targeted operation' in Al-Shifa Hospital

At around the same time Israel said it would allow fuel into Gaza for humanitarian operations, its troops went into Gaza City's Al Shifa Hospital intent on rooting out Hamas forces.

The Israeli military said it was "carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in the Shifa Hospital, based on intelligence information and an operational necessity.''

Israel has long contended the militant group uses the hospital, the largest in the embattled enclave, and tunnels underneath it for military purposes. The White House said Tuesday it has intelligence to confirm that claim, which Hamas denies.

In recent days Israel Defense Forces have surrounded the medical facility, where thousands of displaced Palestinians have sought refuge. With hundreds of patients and medical personnel inside, Israeli authorities had refrained from entering.

The IDF said in a statement it repeatedly warned Hamas against military uses of the hospital. "Yesterday, the IDF conveyed to the relevant authorities in Gaza once again that all military activities within the hospital must cease within 12 hours,'' the statement said. "Unfortunately, they did not.''

The extent of the IDF operation is not clear, though it said measures would be taken to protect civilians, who have died by the thousands in the reprisal to the brutal Hamas attack on Israeli border towns Oct. 7.

Not long before announcing the incursion into the hospital, Israel defense officials said they had agreed to a U.S. request to let fuel enter Gaza for the first time since that assault.

COGAT, 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. Lack of fuel and other necessities, along with constant bombardment, have made conditions in Gaza unbearable for many of its 2.3 million residents.

Friend of protester who died after scuffle joins march

Jonathan Oswaks came to the "March for Israel" with a dual purpose  to support Israel and to seek justice for his friend Paul Kessler, who suffered a fatal head injury after a physical scuffle while counter-protesting a pro-Palestinians rally Nov. 5 in a Los Angeles suburb.

Oswaks said he invited his fellow 69-year-old Kessler to the fateful event. "He was the only one that had the spirit and the guts to stand there with me," Oswaks said. "How could I not come here after witnessing the death of a friend?"

Oswaks said he also joined Tuesday's rally as a relative of a survivor of the Auschwitz concentration camp. "I'm hoping to see that Jews around the United States come here and stand together shoulder to shoulder and say never again," he said.

'All of this is anti-Jewish,' counter-protesting rabbi says

Outside the entrance to the march, a line of U.S. Park Police separated more than two dozen counter-protesters from pro-Israel demonstrators who occasionally shouted criticisms as they passed by.

Rabbi Dovid Feldman told USA TODAY from behind the line of protesters that he came from New York to join a multistate group to counter the idea that all Jews support the actions of the Israeli government.

"We are here because of this pro-Israeli rally taking place, insisting they represent all Jews," Feldman said. "Unfortunately, by doing so they are incorporating all Jews into what Israel is doing."

Feldman said the killing of Palestinian civilians constituted a violation of the values of Judaism. "All of this is illegal. All of this is anti-Jewish," he said.

"We are so disturbed by this occupation, this genocide against the Palestinian people in our name," he said. "We are so disturbed when Jews are facing the consequences of all that's being done in our name."

First-time protester prompted to action by hate incidents

Danielle Werchowsky said she has lived in Washington, D.C., for more than 45 years but had never attended a major protest  until Tuesday.

Werchowsky, the mother of a college student and creator of Arlington Parents Against Antisemitism, said a rise in hate incidents in schools spurred her to action. She said even in a progressive city like Arlington, Virginia, shes felt afraid and avoided wearing anything that would identify her as Jewish on the Metro.I was really worried about being around a lot of Jews, because we're kind of this target, she said. But I just felt like it's really important for people to get out and come together and fight the hate that's out there. It is really frightening, honestly.

Marcher says US, Israel have kinship dealing with terrorism

Sig Libowitz, 50, said he was surprised but not shocked by the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. Libowitz, a professor and lawyer who came from Maryland to participate, hopes the rally encourages Americans to support Israel because of a shared experience with terrorism.

I was not far away when 9/11 happened, said Libowitz, formerly of New York. We have to understand, it's a real issue and Israel is fighting on the front lines.

Libowitz said he hopes Biden and people across parties will support Israel to show that there's a voice for freedom and for democracy.

Rallying in support of Israel a family affair

David Komeromski watched his son, Natan Sherwin, weave through the crowd, offering rally-goers buttons and Israeli flags.

Komeromski said he, his wife and their 14-year-old twins flew in Tuesday from Canton, Ohio, where he serves as a rabbi. He and his wife have lived in Israel and have family there. News of the war that began after Hamas' brutal border attacks on Oct. 7 has been all consuming, he said.

Komeromski remembers coming to Washington in 1987 for a large demonstration held by the Jewish community ahead of the fall of the Soviet Union. He said it was important for his kids to have a similar, positive experience.

It's nice to be with a very large group of people with whom we have so much in common, he said Tuesday. We're glad to be with kindred spirits to demonstrate in favor of a just peace and an end to the war and terrorism.

Jewish community 'won't go down easy'

Sydney Kaufman, 33, arrived from New York hours before the start of the full rally and said she wants to show the world Jewish communities wont be silenced.

I hope that the government and all of our representatives take notice of us, Kaufman said.We're not a quiet group. We don't go down easy, and we're fighting for something that's really important.

Kaufman said pro-Israel events around New York in recent weeks were well attended. She was turned away from one after it quickly reached capacity.

We, culturally, historically have been through terrible things, Kaufman said. So please ... partner with us and help to stop the evil in the world and prevent terrorist groups from causing more damage.

March comes as war roars into sixth week

The "March for Israel" rally comes amid heightened global tensions as Israel continues a deadly assault on Gaza. Hamas' killing spree Oct. 7 stunned the world, leaving more than 1,200 dead and more than 240 taken as hostages into Gaza.

The Israeli military has launched an air, sea and ground offensive aimed at eliminating Hamas and seizing the hostages, most of whom the Israeli government says are being held in a labyrinth of tunnels beneath northern Gaza. The war, now in its sixth week, has killed more than 11,000 Palestinians, wounded thousands and left much of northern Gaza's already tenuous infrastructure in ruins, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

On Sunday, more than 100,000 people marched through the streets of Paris to protest a rising tide of antisemitism in France. But pro-Palestinian rallies have been a recurring theme around the world in recent days. On Saturday, a pro-Palestinian march through London drew a crowd estimated by police at 300,000.

Antisemitic incidents rose sharply after war began

The Anti-Defamation League reported an immediate and alarming spike in antisemitic incidents across the U.S. almost immediately after the war began Oct. 7. Preliminary data showed incidents of harassment, vandalism and assault rose by 400% from Oct. 7 to Oct. 23. Of the 312 incidents reported, 190 were "directly linked" to the Hamas-Israel war, the group said.

The Department of Homeland Security designated Tuesday's march a "Level 1" security event, the highest risk assessment, sources told ABC News and CNN. Reached for comment from USA TODAY, the department issued a statement saying it was "coordinating with our federal counterparts to ensure support for partners," including the Park Police, Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department.

March organizers urge united front against Hamas

Eric Fingerhut, president of the Jewish Federations of North America, defended the war as a reflection of Israel's determination to eliminate the terrorist threat on its border and restore security to its people.

"Americans have rightly stood by Israel at this critical moment," Fingerhut said. " This is a moment where all of us must stand against terror and defend what the terrorists seek to destroy.

William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, accused Hamas of brutal tactics that "have no place in a civilized world" and are aimed at undermining the effort for a lasting peace in the Middle East.

"Its imperative that America sends a resounding message of support to our ally that we stand in solidarity with the victims, hostages and their families," he said. "That we reject extreme anti-Israel rhetoric and sentiment, and that we are united around shared values of peace, justice and freedom."

US sanctions target leaders of Oct. 7 attack

The U.S. State Department announced new sanctions targeting Hamas-affiliated militants and groups in connection with the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Akram al-Ajouri, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad's deputy secretary general, was named a "specially designated global terrorist" for leading the group's militant wing, the Al-Quds Brigade. The Treasury Department also designated for sanctions seven individuals and two groups that provided support to or acted on behalf of Hamas.

Hamas actions have caused immense suffering and shown that terrorism does not occur in isolation," Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said.

Israel, US at odds over postwar plan for Gaza

The Biden administration is advocating a postwar plan that would allow the Palestinian Authority, which now administers the West Bank, to largely govern Gaza in the absence of Hamas. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed not to "cave" to global pressure to cede control of Gaza to authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Netanyahu said his government will retain security control over Gaza after the war.

There will ... not be a civil authority that educates its children to hate Israel, to kill Israelis, to eliminate the State of Israel," Netanyahu said.

Contributing: Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Israel war updates: IDF enters Gaza hospital in move against Hamas
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 on the Israel-Hamas conflict

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 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 OK 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 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-month-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.

Sandra Nudelman, who lives in New Jersey and was at the rally with her sister, said that she is horrified that so many people have already died in Gaza but that the Israel Defense Forces is not deliberately targeting civilians the way Hamas did on Oct. 7.

I think theyre doing the best they can in a war that is not of their own making," Nudelman said. "Civilian casualties are never something anyone wants to see. When I see pictures of Palestinians who are dying, I feel terrible for them."

Increased security

There were no immediate reports of arrests or counterdemonstrations.

But 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)

Ahead of the rally, at least one pro-Palestinian group, the Washington chapter of the Palestinian Youth Movement, asked its supporters on Instagram not to engage with participants at Tuesdays pro-Israel event.

Speaking via video, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said, "Jews all over the world are assaulted for being Jewish."

"The hatred, the lies, the brutality, the disgraceful outburst of ancient antisemitism are an embarrassment to all civilized people and nations, Herzog told the crowd. Jews in America must be safe. Jews all over the world must be safe.

While Herzog spoke, vendors were selling T-shirts and buttons emblazoned with the names and photos of the Hamas hostages.

Herzog was followed by Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., who took the stage to denounce Hamas and demand the release of the hostages.

"Let them go," Schumer chanted with the crowd.

Schumer was joined onstage by recently elected House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who said now is not the time for a cease-fire.

"The calls for a cease-fire are outrageous," Johnson said. "We stand with you on that."

Schumer and Johnson were followed by Will & Grace star Debra Messing, who introduced some of the relatives of the hostages being held by Hamas. She asked people in the crowd to hold up placards with pictures of those kidnapped and appeared to take a swipe at those who see Hamas as Palestinian freedom fighters.

We are all being tested, Messing said. A tsunami of hate has crashed down upon us, and then a deafening silence. We see clearly now. We see naked, virulent Jew hatred being disguised as a noble cause for liberation. And we reject it.

Netanyahu suggested Sunday there might be a possible deal to release the hostages.

While the event was billed as a "march," the tens of thousands of people organizers had planned for stayed largely within the confines of the National Mall rather than spill out into the streets.

On Sunday, a march against antisemitism through the streets of Paris attracted about 100,000 people and was supported by representatives of the major political parties.

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 and Corky Siemaszko from New York City.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
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.
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.
Philippine legislator France Castro shows media a document after filing a criminal complaint against former President Rodrigo Duterte for alleged malicious threats he made on TV, at the Office of the Prosecutor in Quezon City on Oct. 24, 2023. Credit - Jam Sta. RosaAFP/Getty Images

Rodrigo Duterte, the foul-mouthed former President of the Philippines who drew infamy for, among other things, publicly threatening to shoot women in the vagina and kill corrupt journalists, once enjoyed impunity from legal challenges. But for the first time since he stepped down last year, Duterte may soon have to answer to a court.

Read More: This Is Why Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Will Get Away With Murder

According to government documents released Wednesday, a prosecutor in Metro Manila subpoenaed Duterte to answer to allegations that he gravely threatened an opposition lawmaker. Grave threat can carry a jail sentence of up to six months, and if compounded by local cybercrime laws, may carry a sentence of up to six years.

Duterte was ordered to appear before the prosecutors office to submit a counter-affidavit in person on Dec. 4 and 11. No motions to dismiss would be entertained, the subpoena read.

Duterte made the alleged threat in an Oct. 10 episode of his local TV program when he doled out advice to his daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio, the current vice president and education secretary to Dutertes successor President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr., on how to use proposed confidential funds. In Tagalog, he said, But your first target there with your intelligence funds, are you, you France, you Communists that I want to kill. The episode was reshared on social media, but has since been taken down.

Rep. France Castro, the legislator who lodged the complaint on Oct. 24, believes the threat was directed at her over her role to scrutinize the allocation of confidential and intelligence funds to the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.

Duterte-Carpio made the request for additional intelligence funding to counter supposed communist rebels indoctrination and recruitment in Philippine schools. The vice president has since withdrawn the request.

Castros legal counsel, Antonio La Vina, expects the former President to be formally indicted. If ultimately charged, it would be the first criminal case in the Philippines against Duterte.

It doesnt matter what the intent is, if hes joking or not, he cannot get away with that excuse againhes no longer President, La Vina tells TIME. It created fear on the part of Congressman Castro. And therefore he should be held liable.

Read More: Duterte is Assassinating Opponents Under the Cover of the Drug War, Philippine Rights Groups Say

Dutertes six-year presidency after his election in 2016 has been heavily criticized for his violent drug crackdown, which led to at least 6,000 government-recorded killings in narcotics-related operations, though human rights advocates estimate the death toll to be in the tens of thousands when also accounting for officially unexplained deaths. Duterte implemented a shoot-to-kill order for drug smugglers, which his critics say enabled such a large number of extrajudicial killings in the country, which the International Criminal Court has been investigating since 2021 to determine whether he committed any crimes against humanity.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Ukraines forces have gained a foothold on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River in a significant step for Kyivs counteroffensive, but Russia says they are raining hell fire on the troops.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys chief of staff said on Tuesday that Ukrainian forces had crossed onto the east bank of the river in the Kherson region against all odds.

The river has been one of the key battlegrounds of the conflict, with Russia crossing from the eastern bank to seize Kherson city in the early days of the invasion only to abandon the regional capital late last year.

Though they lost ground in the area and retreated back across the river, Russia has maintained a consistent troop presence on the eastern bank, hemming in the Ukrainian counteroffensive.

The Russian military said it had pinned down Ukrainian forces who crossed onto the eastern bank of the River Dnipro is raining hell fire on them.

They said that the average life expectancy of a Ukrainian soldier there is around two days.

The enemy is trapped in (the settlement of) Krynki and a fiery hell has been arranged for him: bombs, rockets, heavy flamethrower systems, artillery shells, and drones, said Vladimir Saldo

Key Points

Russia raining 'Hell fire' on Ukrainian forces

Ukraine declares major breakthrough in southern counteroffensive against all odds

Zelensky warns Ukrainians to prepare for winter onslaught from Russia

Russia intensifies attacks in Avdiivka

Russia raining 'Hell fire' on Ukrainian forces pinned down on east bank of River Dnipro

10:30 , Athena Stavrou

The Russian military has pinned down Ukrainian forces who crossed onto the eastern bank of the River Dnipro in southern Ukraine and is raining Hell fire on them, Vladimir Saldo, a Russian-installed official, said on Wednesday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiys chief of staff said on Tuesday that Ukrainian forces had secured a foothold on the east bank of the Dnipro River in the Kherson region.

NATO to buy more eyes in the sky planes to monitor Putins war on Ukraine

17:30 , Athena Stavrou

NATO announced Wednesday it has opted to buy six new E-7A Wedgetail surveillance planes built by U.S. aircraft manufacturer Boeing as the 31-nation military alliance looks to update its eyes in the sky in coming years.

NATOs contract with Boeing  one of the military organizations biggest ever purchases  is set to be signed next year.

Read more:

NATO to buy more eyes in the sky planes to monitor Putins war on Ukraine

Pictures of the day

17:00 , Athena Stavrou

People shelter in an underground metro station during an air raid alarm in Kyiv (AFP via Getty Images)

A woman seen through a hole in a Ukrainian flag mourns at a makeshift memorial for fallen soldiers at Independence Square in Kyiv, (AFP via Getty Images)

Local resident removes the broken glass from his window damaged by a Russian missile strike (REUTERS)

EU executive submits proposal for 12th packaged of Russia sanctions

16:15 , Athena Stavrou

The European Commission on Wednesday said it would submit its draft 12th sanctions package against Russia - including measures against military and IT actors linked to the country - to the Council.

The Commission said its proposal aims to sanction over 120 additional individuals and entities for their role in undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

Russia says new EU sanctions are part of a 'hybrid war'

15:45 , Athena Stavrou

Russias foreign ministry said on Wednesday that the European Unions 12th sanctions package against Russia was part of a hybrid war waged by the West.

Due to the endless sanctions flow against Russia, the EU has become Washingtons useful idiot, Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry said.

Zakharova said the United States was using Europe as a stick in what she cast as Washingtons anti-Russian policy.

Zakharova said the EUs new sanctions would achieve nothing and said the Wests sanctions had damaged the EU itself.

Russia says Ukrainian NATO membership is unacceptable in any form

15:11 , Athena Stavrou

Russia said on Wednesday that Ukrainian accession to the U.S.-led NATO military alliance was unacceptable to Russia, whether in part or in any other form.

Whether in parts or in any form, Ukraines accession to NATO is unacceptable for Russia, Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for Russias foreign ministry, told reporters.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, a former NATO secretary general, has put forward a proposal for Ukraine to join the military alliance but stripped of the territories controlled by Russia, the Guardian newspaper reported.

Zelenksy thanks Italian prime minister

15:00 , Athena Stavrou

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude after speaking with Italys prime minister, Giorgia Meloni.

In a post on X, Zelensky said they coordinated their joint efforts and agreed to start working on bilateral security guarantees.

The Ukrainian president also held a call with Slovakias president, whom he thanked for recognising Ukraines progress toward EU accession talks.

I spoke with @GiorgiaMeloni to express gratitude for her and Italys strong support for Ukraine.



Italy is demonstrating powerful leadership, and I anticipate that its 2024 G7 Presidency will yield even more important results.



We coordinated our joint efforts and agreed to start pic.twitter.com/bdg34AwD6x  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) November 15, 2023

Publishers to stop selling Putin

14:30 , Athena Stavrou

A German publishing house is to stop selling books about Russian President Vladimir Putin by an award-winning journalist following reports that he allegedly received at least 600,000 euro (522,600) in offshore payments linked to Russian sources.

Publisher Hoffmann und Campe said in a statement it would no longer sell two non-fiction books about Putin by German journalist Hubert Seipel following reports by German magazine Der Spiegel and public German Television ZDF, saying it was not previously aware of the allegations.

The reports on Tuesday claimed that Mr Seipel accepted money indirectly linked to a sanctioned Russian oligarch to report Mr Putin in a favourable light in the published books.

The two books are Putins Power from 2021, and Putin: Interior Views Of A Power from 2015, the publishing house said.

The allegations, which were also published by other international media outlets including The Guardian, are based on information that emerged from the Cyprus Confidential financial data records that were leaked to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.

Pictures: Aftermath of Russian attack

14:00 , Athena Stavrou

Here are the latest pictures of the aftermath of Russias attack on Selydobve.

At least one person was killed in an overnight Russian missile strike that hit an apartment building in eastern Ukraine, authorities said on Wednesday.

Local services workers remove debris near the crater, after a Russian missile strike at the site of damaged residential houses. (REUTERS)

Local resident, whose mother died under the rubble of a house damaged by a Russian missile strike, looks at the result of the attack. (REUTERS)

Ukraine pushes back on fluid frontline

13:30 , Athena Stavrou

Ukrainian troops are trying to push back Russian forces along the Dnipro River along what the military described as a fairly fluid frontline.

Ukraine said on Tuesday it had secured a foothold on the Russian-occupied eastern bank of the vast river in southern Kherson region.

Along the front line, which runs along the Dnipro... The pushback from our side is taking place on a line from 3 to 8 km along the entire bank from the waters edge, Natalia Humeniuk, spokesperson for the southern military command, said.

For now, we will ask for informational silence ... which would allow us to report later on great successes, she said in televised comments.

Reuters could not independently verify Kyivs account.

Hungary call for review of EU policy on Ukraine

13:04 , Athena Stavrou

Hungary has sought to review European Unions policy towards Ukraine, disagreeing with Germany, Lithuania, Finland and Ireland.

On Wednesday, other nations backed bringing Kyiv closer to the bloc swiftly and granting Ukraine more aid - but Hungary disagreed.

Ukraine is hoping to begin formal membership talks with the EU once it meets all conditions - but those decisions require unanimity of the 27 countries in the bloc.

We need a period of reflection and a strategic discussion on the policy of the European Union towards Ukraine, Hungarys European affairs minister, Janos Boka, said as he arrived for talks with his EU peers to prepare a December summit of the blocs leaders.

But Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban - who touts his ties with Moscow - has since said the blocs strategy of sending money and military aid to Ukraine has failed, and that he opposed starting membership negotiations with Kyiv.

Zelensky says Russia stockpiling missiles to attack energy system

12:30 , Athena Stavrou

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he believes Russia is stockpiling missiles to attack Ukraines energy system, as it did last year.

Speaking at the German-Ukrainian Municipal Partnerships Conference, he urged for further assistance as Ukraine approaches its second winter of full-scale war.

I reminded the German-Ukrainian Municipal Partnerships Conference that the second winter of this full-scale war is approaching. Russia is stockpiling missiles to attack Ukraine's energy system, as it did last year.



Germany is already providing significant assistance in pic.twitter.com/i5L4KyNySK  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) November 15, 2023

One killed, seven injured in Russian strikes

11:56 , Athena Stavrou

One person has been killed and a further seven people have been injured in a Russian missile strike on Wednesday morning, the Ukrainian regional governor said.

Governor Yuriy Malashko said Russia fired three missiles at Ukraines Zaporizhzhia earlier and hit a civilian facility.

He added that houses, cars and outhouses near the strike sites were damaged by a blast wave and debris in an attack that lasted about half an hour.

As of this moment, we know of one person killed and seven injured, including women, Mr Malashko said on Telegram messenger.

Moscow denies targeting civilians.

Latest pictures from Ukraine

11:30 , Athena Stavrou

The latest pictures from Ukraine show residents of Selydove - a town in eastern Ukraine - in the aftermath of Russian bombing.

At least one person was killed in the shelling overnight.

(REUTERS)

(REUTERS)

(REUTERS)

Putin likely to announce presidential candidacy before end of the year, says UK

11:00 , Athena Stavrou

President Vladimir Putin is expected to announce his presidential candidacy before the end of 2023, Britains Ministry of Defence said.

Russia is set to hold elections in March 2024, with sources telling Reuters that Putin is expected to run and stay in power until at least 2023.

In their latest defence intelligence update, the UK said Putin is likely to announce his candidacy before the end of 2023.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  15 November 2023.



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/QEOsaicDO4



 #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/Lcs64e1wDO  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) November 15, 2023

Russia trying to regain theatre-level initiative, think-tank says

10:33 , Athena Stavrou

Russian forces are likely trying to regain the theatre-level initiative un Ukraine, according to a war-monitoring think tank.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said Putins army will attempt this by conducting several simultaneous offensive operations in eastern Ukraine.

A theatre in warfare is an area in which important military events occur or are in progress

The ISW says it remains unclear if Russian forces will be able to fully regain the initiative as Ukrainian forces maintain pressure on critical areas of the front.

Several Ukrainian officials noted that the situation along the frontline is complex but that Ukrainian forces maintain control of the battlespace.

NEW: Russian forces are likely trying to regain the theater-level initiative in #Ukraine by conducting several simultaneous offensive operations in eastern Ukraine. (1/3) https://t.co/khyMVG0tyd pic.twitter.com/B36RJvovbC  Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) November 15, 2023

Ukrainian food exports fall amid drivers strike

10:00 , Athena Stavrou

Ukraines shipments of food by road decreased 2.7% in the first 13 days of November due to difficulties on the Polish border caused by a drivers strike, brokers said on Wednesday.

Spike Brokers, which regularly tracks and publishes export statistics in Ukraine, said on the Telegram messaging app that 220,000 metric tons of agricultural goods were exported by truck from Nov. 1-13, versus 226,000 tons in same period in October.

The passage of vehicles through customs checkpoints on the border with Poland decreased to 4,000 tons of cargo per day, compared to the peak of 7,500 tons per day a month earlier, Spike Brokers said.

Polish truckers last week blocked roads to three border crossings with Ukraine to protest against what they see as government inaction over a loss of business to foreign competitors since Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Ukrainian officials said on Tuesday Kyiv and Warsaw again failed to reach an agreement to stop the protest.

Pope calls on faithful people to pray daily for peace in Ukraine

09:29 , Athena Stavrou

Pope Francis on Wednesday called on the faithful to pray regularly for peace in Ukraine, the Middle East, Sudan and all other war-torn places.

Let us pray, brothers and sisters, for peace, in a special way for martyred Ukraine, it is suffering a lot. And then the Holy Land, Palestine and Israel, and lets not forget Sudan, Francis said during his weekly audience in St Peters Square.

Let us think (about) all places where there is war, there are many wars. Let us pray for peace, every day someone should take some time to pray for peace, he added.

The Vatican has offered to mediate in both the Russian-Ukrainian and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts, but its efforts have so far not proved successful.

(Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Ukraine declares major breakthrough in southern counteroffensive against all odds

08:27 , Athena Stavrou

Ukraines forces in the south have gained a foothold on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River in a significant step for Kyivs counteroffensive against Russia, according to president Volodymyr Zelenskys chief of staff.

The Dnipro River in the Kherson region has been one of the key battlegrounds of the conflict, with Russia crossing from the eastern bank to seize Kherson city in the early days of Mr Putins invasion only to abandon the regional capital late last year.

Though they lost ground in the area and retreated back across the river, Russia has maintained a consistent troop presence on the eastern bank, hemming in the Ukrainian counteroffensive.

Against all odds, Ukraines Defence Forces have gained a foothold on the left (east) bank of the Dnipro, said Mr Yermak.

Step by step, they are demilitarising Crimea. We have covered 70 per cent of the distance. And our counteroffensive is developing, he told the Hudson Institute think-tank in the US in remarks posted on Mr Zelenskys website.

One killed in Russian missile strike on east Ukraine town

07:59 , Athena Stavrou

At least one person was killed in an overnight Russian missile strike that hit an apartment building in eastern Ukraine, authorities said on Wednesday.

Five others, including a child, were rescued but at least one person is believed to be trapped under the rubble, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said on the Telegram messaging app.

The attack on the town of Selydove, northwest of the Russian-occupied city of Donetsk, heavily damaged a four-storey building, Klymenko said.

Rescuers early on Wednesday were clearing the rubble and warned residents against approaching the building, which appeared to have been obliterated by the impact.

Russia lose top 300,000 in Ukraine

07:36 , Athena Stavrou

Russias military personnel losses in its invasion of Ukraine have crossed 300,000, showed estimates by the UK that also said thousands more have deserted the battlefield.

James Heappey, minister of state for the armed forces, revealed the UKs estimates of losses faced by Vladimir Putin since the start of the invasion in February last year.

We estimate that approximately 302,000 Russian military personnel have been killed or wounded, and tens of thousands more have already deserted since the start of the conflict, he said on Tuesday in response to queries from John Healey, the shadow secretary of state for defence.

The UKs estimate of casualties is similar to the assessment made by Kyiv, that said Russia had lost a total 313,470 military personnel in combat as of Tuesday.

Russia has not released any official casualties suffered by it since the start of the war in Ukraine. Moscow and Kyiv have guarded their own battlefield losses and treated them as state secrets.

(via REUTERS)

Russian convicted of Kremlin critics murder pardoned after fighting in Ukraine

07:00 , Tom Watling

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.

Russian convicted of journalists murder pardoned after fighting in Ukraine

Germany's support for Ukraine is to be 'massively expanded' next year

06:00 , 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

Zelensky tells Ukrainians to brace for enemy Putins winter attacks

05:00 , 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.

Zelensky tells Ukrainians to brace for enemy Putins winter attacks

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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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.

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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'

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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'

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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)

EU industry commissioner insists one million ammunition target will be met

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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.

Russian strike hits hospital injuring two-month-old baby, UN says

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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

Tuesday 14 November 2023 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
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.
Hoosier members of the U.S. House of Representatives were split 5-4 Tuesday on votes for a resolution that would continue to fund the federal government at current levels and avoid a government shutdown deadline looming Friday.

The House passed the bill 336-95. It now heads to the U.S. Senate.

Five members of Indiana's delegation  two Democrats and three Republicans  voted in favor of the short-term funding method, known as a continuing resolution, while four Republicans voted against it.

Republican Rep. Jim Banks, who is running for Senate, in a post on X Tuesday said he would vote no on the bill because it was "clean," meaning it would maintain the current funding levels for federal agencies.

"A 'clean CR' is a vote to keep funding Bidenomics, the open border and to continue $2 Trillion annual deficits," Banks said in the post.

A clean CR is a vote to keep funding Bidenomics, the open border and to continue $2 Trillion annual deficits.



Im a no!  Jim Banks (@RepJimBanks) November 14, 2023

From September: How Indiana's federal lawmakers voted for spending bill to avert shutdown

The bill passed in the House Tuesday would fund the government through two deadlines, one date in January and one in February. Congress will have to take up additional legislation to fund federal agencies ahead of those deadlines.

The race to avoid a government shutdown this week comes just six weeks after federal lawmakers in September approved a continuing resolution to allow federal agencies to continue at fiscal year 2023 levels. The deadline on that resolution is this Friday.

Since that vote, the House removed former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., from the chambers leadership role and elected Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., to the speakership.

Heres how Indianas U.S. Representatives voted Tuesday:

Frank Mrvan, Democrat, 1st Congressional District: Yes

Rudy Yakym, Republican, 2nd Congressional District: No

Jim Banks, Republican, 3rd Congressional District: No

James Baird, Republican, 4th Congressional District: Yes

Victoria Spartz, Republican, 5th Congressional District: No

Greg Pence, Republican, 6th Congressional District: Yes

Andre Carson, Democrat, 7th Congressional District: Yes

Larry Bucshon, Republican, 8th Congressional District: Yes

Erin Houchin, Republican, 9th Congressional District: No

Contact IndyStar's state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at brittany.carloni@indystar.com or 317-779-4468. Follow her on Twitter/X @CarloniBrittany.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Hoosier members of U.S. House of Reps. split on bill to avoid shutdown
ROME, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Italian and Slovenian prime ministers said on Tuesday that Schengen area travel rules in Italy would be reinstated as soon as possible.

Italy suspended the rules along its border with Slovenia on Oct. 21. The move was a response to what Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni called then "the worsening situation in the Middle East, the increase in migratory flows along the Balkan route, and above all for reasons of national security."

When Italy suspended the rules, officials said controls on the border between Italy and Slovenia would last for at least ten days.

"Our commitment is to return to the ordinary border crossing regime as soon as conditions allow it," Meloni said at a joint press conference here on Tuesday, after a meeting with Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob.

"We both know that the Schengen rules are an extraordinary achievement that has to be preserved," she noted.

Meloni also expressed sympathy for the "difficulties of cross-border communities" inconvenienced by the travel restrictions. 
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
A tourist from the United States was deported from the Philippines and banned from returning after he wrote profanity on immigration forms and acted rude, according to immigration officials.

The 34-year-old American arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport near Manila on a Nov. 7 flight from Bangkok, Thailand, the Philippines Bureau of Immigration said in a Nov. 8 news release.

At immigration, officers reminded the tourist to fill out the required paperwork, officials said. In response, officers said he showed disdain and filled out the form with a fake address, incomplete name and profanity.

The 34-year-old also tossed his passport and his mobile phone angrily to the immigration officer, officials said.

Filipino officials described his behavior as rude conduct and said he overstepped his boundaries.

The American tourist was deported back to Thailand and blacklisted, meaning he was permanently banned from reentering the Philippines, immigration officials said.

We expect all individuals to conduct themselves with respect and adhere to the established procedures, Norman Tansingco, a commissioner with the bureau of immigration, said in the release. Any violation of these procedures will be dealt with firmly.

A photo shared on Facebook by the Philippines Bureau of Immigration shows the terminal where the American tourist arrived.

US tourist smashes ancient Roman statues in Jerusalem museum, cops say. Hes arrested

American tourist fights a naughty kangaroo at sanctuary in Australia, video shows

American tourist drives red Ferrari into pedestrian-only plaza in Italy, cops say
By Michael Martina and David Brunnstrom

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) -Chinese President Xi Jinping began his first visit to the United States in six years on Tuesday, after President Joe Biden said he aimed to restore normal communications with Beijing and his top diplomat stressed the need for freedoms that Washington says Beijing is undermining in the Asia-Pacific region.

Xi is on his first visit to the U.S. since 2017. He is due to meet Biden at an undisclosed location in the San Francisco Bay Area on Wednesday morning and then attend the annual summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

Xi's summit with Biden will be the firstface-to-face meeting between the U.S. and Chinese leaders in a year and has been billed by U.S. officials as an opportunity to reduce friction in what many see as the world's most dangerous rivalry.

Xi waved from the steps of his Air China plane upon arrival and descended to meet U.S. officials on the tarmac, including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns.

He then got into his Chinese Hongqi, or "Red Flag," limousine and departed the airport into San Francisco, where demonstrations are expected both for and against his visit.

Less than two hours earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressed ministers of the 21-member APEC and stressed the U.S. believed in "a region where economies are free to choose their own path ... where goods, ideas, people flow lawfully and freely."

Blinken did not mention China by name, but his language echoed U.S. rhetoric in recent years in which Washington has accused China of bullying smaller countries in the Indo-Pacific and trying to undermine what the U.S. and its allies call the "rules-based" order.

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, who with Blinken opened the APEC ministerial session, said the San Francisco meeting came at a time of "great uncertainty and challenges" for the region. She noted increasing geopolitical tensions, fragile supply chains and a worsening climate crisis.

Earlier, Biden said he aimed to improve the relationship with China after a period of strained ties and would seek to resume normal communications between the two superpowers, including military-to-military contacts.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that Biden and Xi would also talk about the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza as well as U.S. efforts to support Ukraine in its fight against the Russian military.

Economic issues will be high on the agenda.

Biden said the U.S. does not want to decouple from China, but wants to change the economic relationship for the better. His administration has made a push to "de-risk" some critical U.S. supply chains from China as the two countries economic and military competition has grown.

Xi, who is seeking to entice foreign investment during the APEC to counter his country's recent struggles, is expected to dine with top U.S. business executives on Wednesday.

For American businesses, it will be a chance to hear directly from China's leader as they search for ways to navigate that country's economic slowdown and uncertainty caused by expanding Chinese security rules.

CONCERNS ABOUT A SHOWDOWN

Biden has been careful to assure countries in the region, including China, that the U.S. does not seek complete economic separation, a notion that has fueled concerns among Washington's partners and allies of a superpower showdown that would upend the global economy.

China severed military-to-military contacts with the U.S. after then-House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited democratically governed but Chinese-claimed Taiwan in August 2022.

Restoring the contacts is a top U.S. goal to avoid miscalculations between the two militaries.

Washington also hopes for more cooperation from Beijing in combating production of the potent synthetic opioid drug fentanyl, which has become a scourge in the United States and particularly in San Francisco.

Sino-U.S. relations worsened after Biden ordered the shooting down in February of a suspected Chinese spy balloon that flew over the United States.

Top Biden administration officials have since visited Beijing and met with their counterparts in an effort to rebuild communications and trust.

Several hundred mostly pro-China demonstrators carrying Chinese flags gathered outside the Chinese delegation's hotel ahead of Xi's arrival in the U.S.

Larger protests, including by rights groups critical of Xi's policies in Tibet, Hong Kong and toward Muslim Uyghurs, are expected near the summit venue on Wednesday.

As Biden arrived in San Francisco, shortly before Xi was due to land, dueling demonstrators greeted the U.S. president's motorcade from the airport. Some waved Chinese flags and held banners calling for "kindly" and "warm" U.S.-Sino ties. Others held signs condemning the Chinese Communist Party.

Earlier on Tuesday, a small aircraft flew circles over the APEC summit venue in downtown San Francisco, trailing a banner that read, "END CCP FREE CHINA FREE HK FREE TIBET FREE UIGHUR," referring to China's treatment of Uyghurs, which the Biden administration calls "genocide."

(Reporting by Michael Martina, Ann Saphir, David Brunnstrom, Trevor Hunnicutt, David Lawder, Sayantani Ghosh and Peter Henderson; Editing by Leslie Adler, Chris Reese, Josie Kao, Don Durfee and Lincoln Feast.)
One thing is very clear from this year's general elections: When voters are given the choice to weigh in on policy issues at the ballot box, they're excited to do it.

Ohio citizens got to vote on two different issues: reproductive freedom and marijuana. They voted on a constitutional amendment to enshrine the right to reproductive freedom and a ballot initiative that would trigger the legalization, regulation and taxation of adult-use marijuana products if passed. Ohioans said "yes" to both reproductive freedom and legalized marijuana. This means that they will once again have access to all reproductive choices, including abortion, and for the first time have access to legalized marijuana within state lines.

I hear all the time from Hoosiers across the state that they want the kind of voice people have in Ohio. One of the most common questions posed to my House Democratic colleagues and me is "Why can't you just put it on the ballot?" or "Why can't we take action to get it on the ballot?"

The hard truth: Indiana has no right to a citizen-led ballot initiative in our constitution. Democratic efforts to put the issue of abortion to a non-binding ballot vote simply to gauge public opinion have been blocked by Republicans repeatedly at the state legislature. During 2022's special session on abortion, State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) offered an amendment to Republicans' abortion ban bill to put the question of "Shall abortion remain legal in Indiana?" on 2022 ballots. The Republican supermajority legislature blocked her efforts. Now, Indiana has one of the strictest abortion bans in the country, despite the fact that 56.7% of Hoosiers think there should be some form of legal access to abortion.

Phil GiaQuinta

On the issue of marijuana, state legislators studied its impact on teen use and the workforce this fall. After hours of discussion and a daylong committee hearing earlier this month, the committee failed to produce recommendations or even allow public discussion among the committee members, halting discussion on the topic once again. Marijuana legalization may not even be discussed during the 2024 legislative session. Its clear that Indiana Republican legislators cant figure this issue out, even though many other states have.

Whats so scary about the publics opinion on reproductive freedom and marijuana? If anything, it would serve the public and their elected officials well to settle the matter at the polls. Then, Indianas legislature could get back to doing the important work of lowering the cost of living. Or fixing out-of-control health care and housing costs with pragmatic solutions.

Abortion rights supporters celebrate winning the referendum on the so-called Issue 1, a measure to enshrine a right to abortion in Ohio's Constitution, in Columbus, Ohio on November 7, 2023.

Indiana House Democrats know that Hoosiers want the government to do something about these kitchen table, family budget problems. We believe that telling families and individuals what to do with their bodies and personal liberties is not a good use of government resources. It drains time and attention away from our capacity to address the problems that keep Hoosiers up at night: making ends meet and putting food on the table.

Let's be clear. I believe marijuana and reproductive freedom would succeed when Hoosier voters weigh in. Why? Hoosiers don't like the government telling them what to do. That's beyond the point here, though. People care about having a say in the rules and laws that shape their lives. Hoosiers are energized to get out to the polls when they feel they have a true voice in decisions about their government and laws.

Even if not all legislators at the General Assembly care to listen to your individual voice, let me reassure you that the Indiana House Democratic Caucus does. In this upcoming legislative session, we will propose language to give you a voice at the polls on individual policy issues. Your voice matters  its time that Indiana state legislators recognize it.

Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) is Indiana House Democratic Leader.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Hoosiers should have the ballot initiative option
ETTRICK  As a Virginia State University police officer continues to recover from being shot Sunday trying to break up a disturbance that started on campus, the schools president and Virginias governor are the latest to react to the incident.

In an online letter to the VSU community Sunday night, Dr. Makola Abdullah called Officer Bruce Fosters shooting a cowardly and senseless act and promised to use every available resource to catch those responsible. Through a spokesperson, Gov. Glenn Youngkin condemned the horrific and senseless attack on Foster, and said his office was coordinating with local, state and federal law enforcement on the investigation.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Chesterfield County  the lead investigators on the case  said Monday morning there were no updates.

Officer Bruce Foster

Foster, a 39-year-old officer with five years' experience on the VSU force, was shot around 1:30 a.m. Sunday as he tried to diffuse a group dispute in the 3400 block of Boisseau Street just off the campus western border. Authorities said Foster was on patrol in the area and heard the commotion. As he was speaking with someone in the group, another person shot him.

The shooting suspect remains on the run.

Foster was taken to VCU Medical Center in Richmond with life-threatening injuries. In the Sunday night letter, Abdullah said Fosters condition had improved from critical to stable. VSU police chief David Bragg told The Progress-Index after an on-campus news conference that he had been able to speak with Foster, whom he called a loving guy with a spotless service record.

Bragg said Foster is the first VSU police officer in department history to be shot in the line of duty.

Abdullah wrote in his letter that the VSU community continues to pray fervently for Foster and his family, which includes his wife, four children and his parents.

I want to thank our Police Chief David Bragg, our entire VSU Police Department, and all law enforcement officers for their due diligence as we work collaboratively to investigate the shooting of Officer Foster, the president said in his message. We will utilize every available resource to find those responsible for this cowardly and senseless act and bring them to justice.

Abdullah also said the administration will meet with VSUs Student Government Association Monday afternoon in Foster Hall to go over the incident.

Counselors were dispatched across campus to meet with students emotionally affected by the incident. Classes continued as scheduled Monday, but a university spokesperson said Sunday that students could be excused from classes if they were still feeling uneasy.

We recognize that this has been a trying weekend and semester for our Trojans, Abdullah wrote. We want you to know that we understand and support you.

For the remainder of the fall semester, Abdullah said, police departments from neighboring jurisdictions  Chesterfield, Colonial Heights and Petersburg, and the Virginia State Police  will assist with campus patrols.

Trojans, we are doing everything we can to keep our campus safe, he wrote. We need your help. Help us to ensure that we are not inviting anyone into our 'home who may mean us harm. If you see something, say something.

In his statement, Youngkin said he and his wife, Suzanne, were praying for the full recovery of Officer Foster.

Our men and women that serve to protect our communities and universities selflessly put themselves in harms way on a daily basis, the governor said. In the wake of this horrific and senseless attack on an officer, my administration is coordinating with VSU police, Virginia State Police, and the appropriate federal, state and local entities.

Sunday mornings shooting is the third act of gunplay within an almost six-week period at the campuses of historically Black colleges and universities, also called HBCUs.

On Oct. 3, five students at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, were injured in a mass shooting allegedly carried out by two individuals not affiliated with the school. Four days later, two people were shot following homecoming festivities at Bowie State University, located in the Maryland suburbs of Washington. In the Bowie State shooting, neither the victims nor the suspects had ties to the university.

VSU said Sunday none of the people involved in Fosters shooting were university-affiliated.

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: Virginia officials react to shooting of VSU police officer
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.
Palestinian families fleeing Gaza City and other parts of northern Gaza toward the southern areas, walk along a road on Nov. 10 amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement.
HEFEI, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Located by the picturesque Taiping Lake in Huangshan City, east China's Anhui Province, a charming homestay painted in white stands out amid the antique stone houses surrounding it.

In the homestay's peaceful courtyard, founder Mei Pingyan and her family buy freshly picked sesame from local farmers. They pay an extra yuan (about 0.14 U.S. dollars) per kilo compared to the market price to provide additional benefits to the farmers.

In local workshops, these high-quality sesame seeds will be made into delicious pastries and sold to customers in Beijing and other places around China, according to Mei.

"We leverage online platforms to offer local specialties to our previous guests, who often enthusiastically recommend them to their friends," Mei explained, adding that the homestay has purchased approximately 2 million yuan worth of locally sourced produce and has generated nearly 5 million yuan in sales this year.

Despite Huangshan City's renown for breathtaking scenic spots like Huangshan Mountain, many rural areas in the region have historically missed out on the benefits of the mature tourism industry. However, in recent years, the proliferation of homestays has breathed new life into remote villages, offering fresh opportunities for rural revitalization.

According to He Yi, the mayor of Huangshan, the city boasts over 3,100 homestays, attracting more than 3.3 million tourists in 2022 and generating an overall output value of 6.5 billion yuan. "The booming homestay industry has not only attracted people, capital, and information to flow into villages but has also inspired entrepreneurs to establish businesses in rural areas," He emphasized.

Driven by a deep connection to her roots, Mei and her husband returned to Shuxi Village in Huangshan in 2018. In less than a year, they transformed their former farmhouse into a modern homestay.

Their vision goes beyond providing a mere resting place for travelers. "We aim to make this homestay a second home for our guests, inviting them to stay longer. We share the village's history and guide them through local activities like tea leaf picking, bamboo shoot harvesting, and experiencing the mesmerizing dragon lantern dance," said Mei. This immersive approach has fostered lasting bonds with the guests, breathing life into the once-sleepy village.

With more and more young people returning to run homestays, a revitalization plan is underway in Shuxi Village.

"In collaboration with the local government, we plan to acquire over 20 abandoned houses from local farmers, transforming them into new ventures such as lakeside restaurants, youth hostels, bookstores, and shops for local produce."

Mei is not alone in her commitment to utilizing the region's rich natural and cultural resources. Many homestay founders in Huangshan are dedicated to showcasing the unique scenery and lifestyle of local villages.

In Yixian County, Huangshan City, a homestay fashioned from a dormant 200-year-old ancient house has become a platform for showcasing and disseminating Hui culture originating from Anhui Province.

"Experiencing local folk customs is a primary reason for people choosing homestays. We aim to reveal the distinctive charm of Hui-style architecture, opera, and crafts through our homestay," said Huang Zhiyong, founder of the homestay.

Since its opening in 2018, the homestay has organized numerous local cultural activities for guests, including fish lantern drawing, Hui Opera performances, and tours of Hui-style architecture. The revitalized old house has also created job opportunities for over 20 local villagers and prompted the local government to enhance the village's infrastructure.

"The significance of a homestay goes beyond mere investment, it's about leading and driving a trend," Huang said, highlighting that revitalizing idle village houses through homestay development holds greater meaning than pursuing short-term profits. 
Chinese doctors perform a cataract surgery on a Cambodian patient in Prey Veng province, Cambodia, on Nov. 14, 2023. (Photo by Liao Hongqing/Xinhua)

Funded by China's GX Foundation, the Cataract Blindness Eradication Project for the period of three years from September 2022 to September 2025 is expected to regain vision for some 10,000 cataract patients in Cambodia's Prey Veng province.

PREY VENG, Cambodia, Nov. 15 (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.

A Chinese doctor examines a patient's eyes in Prey Veng province, Cambodia, on Nov. 14, 2023. (Photo by Liao Hongqing/Xinhua)

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 September 2022 to September 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.

A Chinese doctor provides treatment to a Cambodian eye patient in Prey Veng province, Cambodia, on Nov. 14, 2023. (Photo by Liao Hongqing/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.
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Parada militara a scos din casa buzoienii

Mii de buzoieni, cu mic, cu mare, au iesit la aceasta ora pe Calea Eroilor din municipiul Buzau pentru sarbatori Ziua Nationala impreuna cu autoritatile locale si judetene. Parada militara de 1 decembrie a atras toate privirile, si multi au ales sa filmeze si sa fotografieze fortele de ordine si tehnica militara, [citeste mai departe]
Stiri pe aceeasi tema

- Ukraine and the European Union cannot be taken hostage by Polish truckers blockading the Polish-Ukrainian border in protest at competition from Ukrainian hauliers, the European Commissioner for Transport said on Wednesday, according to Reuters. The round-the-clock blockade in Medyka and three other

- The European Union has delivered about 300,000 of its promised million shells to Ukraine so far, Ukraines Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Wednesday while attending a NATO meeting in Brussels, according to Reuters. Speaking to reporters on the events sidelines, Kuleba called for greater alignment

- Israeli troops entered Gazas biggest hospital on Wednesday and were searching its rooms and basement, witnesses said, culminating a siege that caused global alarm after what Israel said was a deadly clash at the gates, according to Reuters. Al Shifa hospital in Gaza City has become the main target

- The European Union reached a deal on Wednesday on a law to place methane emissions limits on Europes oil and gas imports from 2030, pressuring international suppliers to clamp down on leaks of the potent greenhouse gas, according to Reuters. Methane is the second-biggest cause of climate change after

- NATO allies condemned a decision by Russia on Tuesday to withdraw from the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, a key post-Cold War agreement, and said they would suspend its operation in response, according to Reuters. Russia formally withdrew from the security treaty, which limited key

- Oil prices edged up in Asian trade on Wednesday ahead of key meetings of global central banks this week, including the U.S. Federal Reserve, while the market closely watched the latest developments in the Israel-Hamas conflict, according to Reuters. Brent January crude futures rose 0.8%, or 66 cents,

- UEFA has sanctioned the Romanian football federation (FRF) over pro-Serbia chanting by supporters during a Euro 2024 qualifier against Kosovo last week, European football governing body said on Wednesday, according to Reuters. The September 12 match in Bucharest was suspended for 50 minutes after some

- Ploile torentiale au inundat case si drumuri din Grecia, iar un barbat a murit dupa ce un zid s-a prabusit din cauza vremii nefavorabile, au anuntat marti pompierii, potrivit Reuters. Torrential #rain in #Greece by storm #Daniel. Flash #flooding. 1 dead. City of #Volos hit particularly hard. #Thunderstorms
Press Release

November 15, 2023 Senator Mark Villar: "Drastic increase of children with mental health concerns is a now national concern" Senator Mark Villar expressed his concern about the drastic increase in children with various mental health concerns. He emphasized that the country must already consider this as a national concern, citing the recent cases of suicide involving school children. "Ang mas nakakabahala sa dumaraming insidente ng suicide ng mga kabataan ay nangyayari na ito ngayon sa mismong loob ng paaralan na dapat ay "safe spaces" para sa mga kabataan bilang kanilang ikalawang tahanan," Senator Mark emphasized According to several scientific studies, suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for children, adolescents, and young adults globally. In the Philippines, the Department of Education (DepEd) reported that there is a total of 404 students who died by suicide during the school year 2021-2022, while 2,147 attempted to take their lives during the same time period. "It is high time that we ask why there is a growing number of suicides among our youth and enact solutions that will help our children deal with various mental health conditions. Coordination among schools and relevant agencies should be our top priority," Senator Mark said. The UP Population Institute reports that 7.5% or 1.5 million youth have tried ending their lives in 2021 and 6 out 10 of them did not reach out to anyone about it. They further reported that seeking professional help among the youth was highly unpopular, with 1 out of 10 only doing so. While there are guidance counselors in both private and public schools that assist children, DepEd reports in 2021 that the ratio of counselors to students is one to 14,000 as there are only 2,093 guidance counselors despite having over 28 million students in the basic education sector. "Ang kakulangan po ng mga guidance counselors in schools is hampering the mental health services we could have been offering to our students. The difficulty of seeking professional help should be addressed as soon as possible. Kailangan po nating gawin na mas accessible ang mental health consultations and interventions para sa ating kabataan," Senator Mark said. In line with this, Senator Mark filed several bills to aid the public, particularly our youth, in addressing mental health concerns including Senate Bill No. 2062 or the Comprehensive Mental Health Benefit Act which aims to expand PhilHealth's health benefit packages to include all mental health concerns, including minors, regardless whether their parents are members or not. Another is Senate Bill No. 1637 or the Sikolohista Para sa Bayan Act which aims to hire at least one psychologist per LGU. Senator Mark also filed Senate Bill No. 1669 or the Act to Provide Early Youth Suicide Intervention and Prevention Expansion which aims to provide necessary training and awareness to concerned stakeholders within school premises and the employment of psychologists in every school. "Ang ating hangarin na palakasin ang ating ekonomiya ay para sa kapakanan ng ating kabataan. Hindi natin maabot ang layuning ito kung hindi natin sila mabibigyan ng proteksyon mula sa mga bagay na maaring nagiging sanhi upang sila ay mawalan ng pag-asa sa buhay," Senator Mark said.
TOKYO, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- A 26-year-old man was arrested in western Japan on Wednesday on suspicion of stealing credit card information from a legitimate website, marking the country's first criminal probe into alleged web skimming, local media reported.

The suspect, identified as Sho Okuma, is believed to have embedded a malicious program into a legitimate music-related website and illegally obtained payment information between October and November last year from three customers in Kyoto Prefecture who accessed the site to purchase merchandise, Kyodo News reported.

Unlike phishing scams, in which potential victims are often redirected to counterfeit websites and prompted to input personal information, web skimming extracts data through legitimate websites and can be difficult to detect, the report said.

Okuma said that he found a website that accepted credit card payments and stole the information by injecting malicious code into the website "out of curiosity," according to the police. 
On the occasion of Budapests 150th birthday, the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) is offering a HUF 150 (EUR 0.40) day ticket in the BudapestGO app on 17 November. The ticket allows unlimited travel on BKK lines throughout the day.

This is a perfect opportunity to travel around the capital and admire its autumn beauty. Almost free, unlimited travel The ticket can be purchased from 14 November 2023 on BudapestGO and other mobile ticketing apps. The szuliNAPIjegy (birthDAILYticket) can be used from 00:00 to 23:59 on 17 November. The journey can be completed after the specified time, according to BKKs announcement.



The BudapestGO day ticket is valid within the administrative boundaries of Budapest on lines 1-99, 101-299, 900-999, M1, M2, M3, M4, H5, H6, H7, H8, H9, D14, on specified MAV-START trains and on designated suburban services of VOLANBUSZ.



Birthday party: Budapest Nagyregeny, The Budapester, Budapest Hosei, spas, party tram On 17 November and the following days, Budapest is inviting its citizens to a huge birthday party in the City Hall courtyard.



For the first time, the public will be able to see the Budapest Nagyregeny (Budapest Big Novel), which is a collaborative work by 23 contemporary authors that tells the city through unique stories, Telex reports. Visitors can also see illustrations from The Budapester on posters for the first time.



To mark the 150th anniversary, 151 Hungarian illustrators have depicted a year and a significant event in the history of Budapest from 1873 to the present day. In mid-November, Budapest Hosei (the Heroes of Budapest) will also be unveiled. In this project, employees of the capitals companies will choose their own colleagues who they consider to be the greatest heroes, and they will tell about their work on posters. Budapest Spas cPlc. also joins the celebrations.



For the 17 November holiday, it offers tickets for HUF 150. Discounted tickets are available from 4 November: however, most likely, they have all been sold out.



To celebrate the birthday, the party tram, which enjoyed huge popularity last year, will be back on the 49 tram line. To find out more about the programmes, download the EnBudapestem (MyBudapest) app, which has all the information you need about the festive weekend.



Some programmes can only be registered for in the app.



Source: Dailynewshungary.com - republished with permission
Hungary continues to reject delivering weapons to Ukraine, and doesnt support further financial support either, the defence minister said in Brussels.

In a statement on the sidelines of a meeting of EU defence ministers, Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky lamented that member states had not changed their stance on the issue, and continue to discuss weapons deliveries to Ukraine.



Hungary is committed to promoting an immediate ceasefire and peace talks, he said. The Hungarian government does not support Ukraines continued funding as they could barely be convinced to remove one of the largest Hungarian banks from their blacklist.



The ministers also discussed the situation in the Sahel, an issue with a direct bearing on Hungarys security, he said. Parliament adopted a package of aid last week, which includes military aid in the region, he said.



Another important region is the Western Balkans, one of the most important routes of migration into Europe, he said. Its stability is also directly connected to that of Hungary, he added.



Szalay-Bobrovniczky also hailed that Hungary has been tapped to take over command of the EUs military mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a great step forward. Peace requires strength. We will continue to work, he said.



More than 8.000 Ukranian Citizens Enter Hungary on Monday

Fully 4,852 Ukrainian citizens entered Hungary at the Ukraine-Hungary border on Monday, while 3,741 came to the country via Romania, according to the national police headquarters (ORFK).



Police issued temporary residence permits valid for 30 days to 60 people, ORFK said.



Szijjarto: EU Should Evaluate Its Policy 'Failure' Instead of Adopting 12th Sanctions Package

Rather than adopting a 12th sanctions package against Russia, the European Union should evaluate the failure of the policy it has pursued and the damage caused by the sanctions it has imposed so far, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in Brussels.



Addressing a news conference during a break in a meeting of EU foreign ministers, Szijjarto said Mondays meeting had also been attended by his Ukrainian counterpart via a video call, to seek more support for Ukraines fight.



Hungarys stance is that it is time for the EU to confront the outcome of its political decisions on Ukraine, Szijjarto said, according to a ministry statement.



The EU, he said, should assess the extent to which its policies had achieved their intended goals, as well as their impacts on the bloc and its foreign relations, the member states, Russia and Ukraine.



If we took a look at what this enormous financial support of more than 80 billion euros has been spent on so far  wed see that only a small fraction of the goals of these decisions can be said to have been achieved, Szijjarto said.



The fact is that the sanctions have, at the very least, shot the European economy in the foot he said. It has also become clear that this war cant be resolved on the battlefield, because there are only casualties and destruction there. And its also clear that the hopes of a breakthrough success for the Ukrainian counter-offensive have by today become an illusion.



Szijjarto said the EU will this week put forward a proposal on its 12th package of sanctions. I think its totally fair to ask how we can have a meaningful debate on a 12th sanctions package when there hasnt been any kind of comprehensive analysis on the first 11 packages, the minister said.



He said Brussels and certain member states were not prepared to confront the damage the sanctions had done to the European economy and how they had failed to fulfil their purpose.



The sanctions have failed to achieve their main goals of bringing the Russian economy to its knees and bringing about peace, he said. And we also dont see a possibility for a meaningful debate on transferring tens of billions of euros more to Ukraine when the EU and its member states havent received any kind of briefing or account of how the 80 billion euros approved so far has been spent, he added.



Szijjarto: Govt Continues to Reject EU Funding of Weapon Deliveries to Ukraine

The government continues to reject European Union financing for weapon deliveries to Ukraine, and will do so until it is guaranteed that Ukraine will never again use trumped-up accusations to put another Hungarian company on its list of sponsors of the war, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in Brussels.



Szijjarto told a press conference in the break of an EU foreign ministers meeting that there has been enormous pressure on Hungary to agree to another 500 million euro payment from the European Peace Facility for weapon deliveries to Ukraine.



Some called [the Hungarian stance] unfair, others said it was scandalous  but I asked my EU colleagues not to mislead the public, he said.



This isnt support for Ukraine. This 500 million euros would help member states which decided to deliver weapons there as sovereign countries to recover part of the price of those weapons, he said.



Hungary will not contribute to paying 1,500 million euros until the Ukrainian anti-corruption agency guarantees that Hungarian companies  will not land on the list of sponsors of the war based on unfounded and sometimes ridiculous charges, he said.



Regarding Ukraines EU candidacy, Szijjarto said the country was very far from fulfilling the requirements and even from any sort of progress. On the issue of minority rights, a priority in the EU, Ukraine has been backsliding, he said.



We have had reports that the Ukrainian education ministry had instructed schools that teachers and students should use the official language, Ukrainian, even during breaks.



The government sees no reason to advance Ukraines candidacy, he said. Besides, the European Union should take peace to third countries rather than importing war into the bloc, he said.



Szijjarto said he expected mounting pressure on the issue. I think it is particularly cynical on Ukraines part that theyre obviously not even trying to solve the issues important to us  They are expecting Hungarians to cave under the growing pressure, he said.
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. Hes gifted academically, but hes also a well-rounded kid. Hes easy to build a relationship with. Hes kind to others. Hes respected by his classmates. Hes 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.

Were really happy with the place were at now. Hes good at sports. Hes good at school. Hes accepted, Nate Rohda said.

Theres fear, and its a tough fear, too, because people dont 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.

Its a sigh of relief, he said, because now I can focus on extracurriculars and building my resume and just being a teenager.
Senior Congress leaders are in the poll-bound Rajasthan days ahead of voting. The move is being seen as an attempt by the party's high command to set its house in order to avoid a defeat in the elections due to infighting within the state leadership. However, Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications Jairam Ramesh said that Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi is in Jaipur to avoid air pollution in the national capital. Since the campaigning started for the Rajasthan polls, CM Ashok Gehlot and his bete noire Sachin Pilot have not shared a common stage in the state despite claiming unity within the party.

Earlier today, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal held a meeting with Gehlot and Pilot. The meeting is being seen as an attempt to bridge the gap between the two leaders. The party believes that Sonia Gandhi's presence in the state capital will help make things smoother thus avoiding any negative impact on the poll results.

Venugopal also brushed aside the claims of infighting within the party. "A perception has been made that there is no unity in Congress. But Congress is united...Here everybody is together, all the leaders of the Congress party are fighting together. I think the general mood is in favour of the Congress party," he said.

Rahul Gandhi is also in the state and will participate in electoral campaigns in Chhattisgarh on Wednesday and in Rajasthan on Thursday, and Sunday and next week on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Sachin Pilot today told the news agency PTI that Congress is well placed to win at least four states and form governments. Pilot said that the party has received feedback that showed people's lack of faith in the BJP.

Rajasthan will go to polls on November 25. The Congress is in power in both the states. In Chhattisgarh, the Congress came to power in the state winning 68 of the 90 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) bagged 15. In Rajasthan, the Congress won 99 out of 200 seats and formed the government with support from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Independents. The BJP secured 73 seats. (With agency inputs)
New Delhi: In a dramatic turn of events, heavy-duty auger drilling machines have arrived at the Chinyalisaur helipad in Uttarkashi, marking a significant step in the rescue operation of 40 labourers trapped inside a collapsed tunnel. The machines are being assembled and drilling work is expected to commence shortly, according to officials. Anshu Manish Khalko, Director of the National Highway & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), revealed that the Indian Air Force has airlifted a state-of-the-art machine from Delhi to expedite the rescue mission.

In the next few hours, we will be able to install the machine and resume the rescue work, Khalko assured. However, the situation remains tense as protests erupted outside the Silkyara-Barkot tunnel over the delay in the rescue operation. The workers are trapped inside the under-construction tunnel since its collapse on Sunday.

Despite the ongoing relief and rescue operation, the falling debris from the tunnels roof is posing a significant challenge. The rescuers had prepared a platform for the auger drilling machine to insert large-diameter steel pipes into the debris-filled tunnel, aiming to create a passage for the safe evacuation of the labourers.

Uttarakhands Director General of Police (DGP), Ashok Kumar, confirmed that the relief and rescue work is proceeding on war footing, with the drilling work being carried out using the auger drilling machine. Due to natural obstacles, the speed of drilling is slow, DGP Kumar admitted. He expressed optimism about safely evacuating all the workers with the help of the heavy auger drilling machine brought in by the central agencies and the Air Force.

In a heartening development, District Magistrate Abhishek Ruhela and Dr Prem Pokhriyal, a senior doctor from the District Hospital, managed to communicate with the trapped workers through a pipe. The officials reassured the anxious family members of the trapped workers who had gathered at the site.

The rescue operation is being led by a team of technical experts and engineers who are preparing to start the process of pipe pushing. This involves installing a 900 mm pipe inside the tunnel to help the trapped workers come out. Officials confirmed that the workers are safe and are being provided with oxygen, water, food packets, and medicines through tubes.

Deepak Malik, GM of Uttarakhand Drinking Water Corporation and an expert in drilling and boring, is leading the technical aspect and drilling process of this campaign. The process will start soon, he said.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday when a portion of the tunnel being constructed between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway collapsed following a landslide, trapping 40 labourers inside.
New Delhi: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme 15th Installment update -- PM Narendra Modi gave the much needed cheers to lakhs of farmers who had been waiting for the transfer of funds under the PM KISAN Scheme.



The latest tranche or the 15th Installment money of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Yojna was transferred by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his visit to Jharkhand Today (November 15).

PM Modi handed out the 15th tranche of around Rs 18,000 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) to eligible farmers by releasing direct benefits transfer to more than 8 crore beneficiaries.

PM Kisan Samman Nidhi 15th installment Status Check

-Visit official PM KISAN website https://pmkisan.gov.in/ Portal

- You will see the map of India under Payment Success tab.

- On the right hand side, there will be a yellow coloured tab called "Dashboard"

- Click on Dashboard

- After clicking, you will be taken to a new page

- On the Village Dashboard tab, you will have to fill your complete details

- Select the state, district, Sub-District and Panchayat

- Then click on show button

- After this you can choose your details

- Click 'Get Report' button

- Now you can see your name in the Beneficiaries list

PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, A lifeline for Farmers!



PM Kisan provides small and marginal farmers with financial assistance via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to their bank accounts.#PMKisan #PMKisan15thInstalment pic.twitter.com/rLOjWlgqS6 November 15, 2023

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme Details

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme, was launched by PM Narendra Modi in 2019, aims to provide income support to all landholder farmer families across the country with cultivable land, subject to certain exclusions. Under the Scheme, the amount of Rs 6000 per year is released in three monthly instalments of Rs 2000 each directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.

Who are eligible to get benefits under the PM-KISAN Scheme?

All landholding farmers' families, which have cultivable landholding in their names are eligible to get benefit under the scheme.

Who are excluded from the PM-KISAN Scheme?

Those excluded from the PM-KISAN include institutional land holders, farmer families holding constitutional posts, serving or retired officers and employees of State or Central government as well as Public Sector Undetakings and Government Autonomous bodies. Professionals like doctors, engineers and lawyers as well as retired pensioners with a monthly pension of over Rs 10,000 and those who paid income tax in the last assessment year are also not eligible for the benefits.
New Delhi: In a recent development, the Israeli army announced on Wednesday, November 15, that it has initiated a precise and targeted operation against Hamas at the Al Shifa hospital in Gaza. The operation has reportedly resulted in the death of several Hamas militants, news agency Reuters reported. The Al Shifa hospital, which has been a refuge for thousands of Palestinian civilians - including patients, displaced individuals, and medical staff - during the ongoing conflict, is now at the center of this military operation. The civilians have been trapped in the hospital for weeks amidst the fighting.

The Israeli army justified the raid by stating that Hamas has established a command center beneath Al Shifa. They allege that this center is connected to a network of tunnels used by Hamas for military operations and hostage-holding. However, Hamas has denied these allegations.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, an Israeli Army spokesperson, provided further details about the operation. He stated, 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 is conducting a ground operation in Gaza to defeat Hamas and rescue our hostages. Israel is at war with Hamas, not with the civilians in Gaza.

He further added that the IDF forces include medical teams and Arabic speakers who have undergone specific training to prepare for this complex and sensitive environment. The aim is to ensure that no harm is caused to the civilians being used by Hamas as human shields.

Hagari emphasized that the IDF has repeatedly warned that Hamas continued military use of the Shifa hospital jeopardizes its protected status under international law. He added that the IDF has given ample time to stop this unlawful abuse of the hospital and has facilitated wide-scale evacuation of the hospital while maintaining regular dialogue with hospital authorities.

The operation is ongoing, and the situation remains tense as the world watches closely.
NEW DELHI: As 'Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela' completes a glorious decade, Bhansali Productions took to social media to commemorate this cinematic milestone. A special video, laden with nostalgia and the echoes of a decade-long journey, was posted, accompanied by a caption that resonated with the essence of the film, "To a decade of sizzling chemistry, fiery passion, and breathtaking characters. Celebrating the war of love between the Rajadi's and the Sanera's with #10YearsOfRamLeela."

The film, released in 2013, not only marked the beginning of a new era in Indian cinema but also set the stage for a series of mega successes for filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. With 'Ram-Leela', Bhansali proudly showcased his expertise in bringing the rich tapestry and culture of India to the world, creating a cinematic masterpiece that celebrated tradition while embracing modernity.

'Ram-Leela' was not just a film; it was an immersive experience that unfolded against the backdrop of a passionate war of love between the Rajadi's and the Sanera's. Bhansali Productions' social media post aptly captured the essence of the film  sizzling chemistry, fiery passion, and breathtaking characters. The video, a montage of memorable scenes and glimpses, served as a nostalgic journey through the cinematic gem that continues to captivate audiences a decade later.

The success of 'Ram-Leela' was multi-faceted, owing to the brilliance woven into every aspect of the film. The music, a soul-stirring symphony composed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali himself, the choreography orchestrated by Ganesh Acharya and the costume design, a vibrant canvas of colors and textures. "Ram-Leela" was a visual spectacle, a testament to Bhansali's ability to create grand sets that transported audiences into a world of cinematic splendour and the cinematography, under the keen eye of Ravi Varman, transformed every frame into a work of art.

At the heart of 'Ram-Leela' was the electric chemistry between its lead pair, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone. Their on-screen magic not only brought the characters of Ram and Leela to life but also set a standard for cinematic pairings. A decade later, their chemistry remains etched in the memories of audiences, making "Ram-Leela" a timeless love story.

'Ram-Leela' wasn't just a film that entertained; it was a testament to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's role as the true inheritor of Indian cinema. His ability to tell Indian stories in the most authentic way, with a seamless blend of modernity and tradition, became a hallmark of his directorial prowess.
UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday emphasized the urgent efforts to tackle the growing climate ambition gap.

Referring to the latest United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) report, the top UN official said that it reveals a stagnation in global climate ambition over the past year, with national climate plans being "strikingly misaligned" with scientific findings.

Guterres noted that the upcoming 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai "must be the place to urgently close the climate ambition gap," as emissions continue to rise and climate chaos intensifies.

"As the reality of climate chaos pounds communities around the world, with ever fiercer floods, fires and droughts, the chasm between need and action is more menacing than ever," he said.

The UN's climate change body says that global greenhouse gas emissions need to fall by 45 percent by the end of this decade compared to 2010 levels, to meet the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

The UN chief called for hastening net zero timelines "so that developed countries get there as close as possible to 2040 and emerging economies as close as possible to 2050." Additionally, he advocated a boost in renewable energy investments, in parallel with the phasing out of fossil fuels.

He emphasized the importance of developed countries regaining trust "by delivering on their finance commitments."

Stating that incremental steps are insufficient, he said, "inch-by-inch progress will not do. It is time for a climate ambition supernova in every country, city, and sector."

For effective action, governments must collaborate to secure essential finance and support, alongside forming partnerships, with developed countries taking the lead in restoring trust through the fulfillment of their financial obligations, he said. 
NEW DELHI: Tara Sutaria is currently the talk of the town for her fabulous performance in latest released hostage-drama 'Apurva'. Having been known for her elegance, beauty and talent, the actress forays into an intense and thrilling role with a raw look in the film and goes on to rule over the hearts of the masses.

As 'Apurva' is now released on OTT, not just the audience but celebs also couldn't control but praise the actress for her performance on their social media. Having delivered one of the best performances of her career, Tara also received rave reviews from the media fraternity.

Looking at the celeb's reaction, director Gauravv K. Chawla took to his social media and wrote:

"STREAMING NOW!! WATCH IT IT NOW @TARASUTARIA YOU BE SHINING! @DHAIRYAKARWA #APURVA"

Ahead of this, actor Sooraj Pancholi also praised Tara and wrote, "Just watched #APURVA @tarasutaria you are soo soo goooood!!! This is definitely a game changer for u! Highly recommend everyone to watch the film! On @disneyplushotstar."

Punit Malhotra shared his picture with Tara and wrote, "You've killed it Apurva All the best with this one @tarasutaria"

Krishna Shroff praised Tara Sutaria and wrote, "Proud would be an understatement!!!You are just BEYOND, my sweet T. @tarasutaria"

Director and writer Tarun Mansukhani wrote, "What an absolutely incredible performance @tarasutaria!!!"

Casting director Mukesh Chhabra praised the actress saying, "Well done @tarasutaria great performance"

While these celebs shared their love for Tara's performance, she also received rave reviews from the media fraternity, that goes like this -

"Tara Sutaria :-Tara Sutaria has given the best performance of her career, she has given life to the character of Apoorva.This is the first film in which she is playing the title role and she does complete justice to it. Be it expressions of fear or guilt after killing a criminal. You connect with them."

"Tara Sutaria - But, with Apurva, Tara proves that she is a very talented actress and if given a good role she can carry the film on her shoulders. In and as Apurva, Tara is excellent and she has clearly given her career's best performance in the film."

"Tara Sutaria : Sutaria is raw and authentic and hasn't held back at all in her attempt to stay true to what the character is feeling on-screen."

Tara while winning the hearts of celebrities and media, also had netizens raving about her in the film.

One wrote, "What a movie mann, Apurva, Pinky fires aka Apurva, female centred movie and damn level of acting, I don't know about critics and all but I loved her acting."

Another said, "Your Performance Was Superb Amazing Just Completed Movie @tarasutaria."

While one said, "This movie will turn things for you as you've got in the character really well & tried something new and nailed it. Good vibes to you."

While Tara Sutaria has truly left everyone impressed with her performance in 'Apurva', fans are eagerly waiting to see what the actress has got next on her plate.
New Delhi: The Hindu holiday Bhai Dooj, or Bhai Phota in Bengali, honours the relationship between brothers and sisters. It occurs two days after Diwali and has great emotional and cultural significance in India. The two words that make up the festival are 'Bhai', which means brother, and 'Dooj', which means the day that it is celebrated, which is the second day after the new moon. Sisters perform aarti, apply tilak (vermilion) to their brothers' foreheads, and tie a protective thread around their wrists as a way of showing their love and affection on this auspicious day.

The legend behind Bhai Dooj is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. The story of Lord Yamaraj and his sister Yami is one of the most popular folk tale associated with the festival of Bhai Dooj. According to the legend, Yamaraj, the God of death, was once invited by his sister Yami to her house for a feast. Yamaraj was hesitant to go at first, as he knew that his very presence could bring death. However, Yami insisted, and he eventually agreed.

When Yamaraj arrived at Yami's house, she welcomed him with a warm embrace and performed aarti for him. She then applied tilak on his forehead and offered him sweets and flowers. Yamaraj was touched by her love and affection, and he blessed her, saying that anyone who received tilak and sweets from their sister on this day would be blessed with a long and prosperous life.

Since then, Bhai Dooj has been celebrated as a day to celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters perform aarti for their brothers and apply tilak on their foreheads. They also offer them sweets and gifts. Brothers, in turn, vow to protect and support their sisters throughout their lives.

The festival of Bhai Dooj is a reminder of the importance of family and the special bond between siblings. It is a day to celebrate the love and respect that brothers and sisters have for each other.
New Delhi: He was born in a humble tribal family in the late 19th century, but he rose to become one of the most influential leaders of the Indian freedom struggle. He was Birsa Munda, a member of the Munda tribe of the Chhota Nagpur Plateau, who led a fierce rebellion against the British colonial rule and the Christian missionaries in the Bengal Presidency (now Jharkhand).

Birsa Munda was born on 15 November 1875, at Ulihatu village in Ranchi district. He received his early education from a local teacher, Jaipal Nag, who converted him to Christianity and enrolled him in a German Mission School. However, Birsa soon realized that the missionaries were trying to erase his tribal identity and culture, and he left the school. He returned to his native faith and started a new sect called Birsait, which attracted many Mundas and Oraons. He preached against the British oppression and the missionary conversion, and urged his followers to reclaim their ancestral lands and rights.

Why Birsa Munda Is Hailed As 'Bhagwan'?

Birsa Munda was influenced by the 'Sardars movement', a tribal uprising against the British land policies and taxes, which he witnessed in Chaibasa. He joined the movement and became a charismatic leader, mobilizing thousands of tribals under his banner. He also claimed to have divine visions and miraculous powers, which earned him the title of Bhagwan (God) among his devotees.

Rebellion Against British Forces

Birsa Munda launched a series of guerrilla attacks on the British forces and their collaborators, targeting police stations, churches, railways, and factories. He also formed a tribal government and declared himself the king of his domain. He aimed to establish a Munda Raj, a self-governing tribal state, free from the British and the dikus (outsiders).

The British were alarmed by the growing popularity and strength of Birsa Munda and his followers. They deployed a large army to crush the rebellion, which came to be known as the Ulgulan (Great Tumult) or the Munda Rebellion. The British army faced stiff resistance from the tribal warriors, who fought with bows, arrows, axes, and swords. The rebellion lasted from 1899 to 1900, and spread across several districts of Jharkhand.

Birsa Munda's Mysterious Death

Birsa Munda was arrested by the British on 3 March 1900, while he was sleeping with his guerilla army at Jamkopai forest in Chakradharpur. He was taken to Ranchi jail, where he died on 9 June 1900, at the age of 25. The British claimed that he died of cholera, but many believe that he was poisoned or executed by them.

Birsa Mundas death did not end his legacy. He became a symbol of tribal pride and resistance, and inspired many other freedom fighters and social reformers. His portrait hangs in the Indian Parliament Museum, and several institutions, places, and schemes are named after him. The state of Jharkhand was created on his birth anniversary in 2000, and his birthday is celebrated as the Tribal Pride Day. Birsa Munda is revered as a folk hero, a religious leader, and a national icon by millions of Indians, especially the tribals.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday urged the voters in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh to elect the BJP to power for a developed state and country, claiming that people are very angry with the dynastic and negative politics of the Congress. In his posts on X, Modi also assured Chhattisgarh voters that the BJP is committed to fulfil all its promises.

The Congress is set for a rout in the elections. People are trusting the good governance of the BJP and not the hollow promises of the Congress. I want to assure the people of Chhattisgarh that the next BJP government in the state will be a government of their aspirations and the states prosperity, he said in his message to Chhattisgarh voters.

Modi said that the people of Madhya Pradesh have seen the benefits of double-engine government and understand its importance, referring to the BJP rule at the Centre and the state. He said that he witnessed in his public meetings their deep anger with the dynastic politics of negativity of the Congress.

The Congress has no vision or roadmap for the states development, he said. Modis message came on the last day of campaign for the Madhya Pradesh assembly polls and the second and final phase of the Chhattisgarh elections.

Most observers have been of the view that the Congress and the BJP are locked in a close contest in the two states, with both parties claiming the pole position. The Congress is in power in Chhattisgarh and the BJP in Madhya Pradesh.

The prime minister cited his observations and experience during his whirlwind campaign across the two states to exude confidence about peoples support for the BJP and the rejection of the Congress.

Women voters in Madhya Pradesh have made it their priority to bring back the BJP to power in the same way the party has their empowerment as its goal, he said, adding that they are also taking a lead in developing Chhattisgarh.

The new generation are aligning their next 25 years with the countrys 25 years and have been coming forward to make India a developed country, he said, in a reference to his goal for the country by 2047.

Modi described his experience during the campaign in Chhattisgarh as wonderful and unprecedented. The people of the state are full of new expectation and energy to make it better and know that only the BJP can pull Chhattisgarh out of corruption and misgovernance, he said.

He also noted that the way OBC, SC and ST youths are joining the BJPs development model is very encouraging. This strength of Chhattisgarhs youth will write a new chapter of change, he said. The BJPs campaign in the current round of assembly polls, including in Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram, has revolved around Modi, with the party not declaring its chief ministerial candidate in any of the state.

In his intensive campaign, the prime minister has often emphasised on Modi ki guarantee to fulfil all the promises made by the BJP.
Visakhapatnam: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for fishermen along and off the Andhra Pradesh coast. Due to a low-pressure area formed over the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to intensify into a depression in the west-central Bay of Bengal, wind speeds are predicted to increase from Wednesday onwards. The winds are expected to prevail for the next two days, November 15 and 16.

"Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea from Wednesday onwards," IMD Visakhapatnam`s MD Sunanda told ANI on Tuesday."...A low-pressure area is formed over the Bay of Bengal...Later it will intensify into a depression in the west-central Bay of Bengal. Due to this, from Wednesday onwards, along and off the Andhra Pradesh coast, wind speeds are increasing...Winds will be prevailing for the 2 days - November 15 and 16.

So fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea from Wednesday onwards," IMD Visakhapatnam, MD Sunanda, told ANI on Tuesday. A low-pressure area formed over the Andaman Sea is likely to intensify into a deep depression and cause heavy rainfall in parts of Odisha on November 16, said IMD on Tuesday. The low-pressure area over the Southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining Andaman and Nicobar Islands is likely to intensify into a depression over the West-Central Bay of Bengal on November 15, said Sunanda, MD, Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre, IMD.

"A low-pressure area formed over the Southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining Andaman and Nicobar Islands on November 14th. It is likely to move west-north-westwards and intensify into a depression over the West-Central Bay of Bengal on November 15th," said Sunanda.

"Thereafter, it would move north-westwards and may intensify into a deep depression over the West-Central Bay of Bengal off the Andhra Pradesh coast on November 16. Subsequently, it would recurve north-northeastward and reach the northwest bay of Bengal off the Odisha coast on November 17. Due to this system, we are expecting heavy to very heavy rainfall activity over some parts of Odisha, especially coastal Odisha," added Sunanda.IMD also advised fishermen not to venture into the sea from November 15 to November 17 until further notice.
New Delhi: After his successful roadshow in Madhya Pradesh's Indore on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the BJP workers to make sure that the entire route was cleaned up swiftly. The BJP workers rose to the challenge and showed why Indore is Indias cleanest city. In just a few hours, they cleared the litter and waste from the road and restored its pristine condition. PM Modi dazzled the voters of Indore with a huge roadshow on Tuesday evening, as he campaigned for the BJP in the upcoming Madhya Pradesh assembly elections on November 17.

PM Modi arrived in Indore after addressing rallies in various parts of the state and got on an open chariot made on a small four-wheeler from the citys Bada Ganpati square. The road was lined with saffron cloth on both sides, creating a saffron corridor for the prime ministers roadshow, a BJP leader said.

On completion of the roadshow in Indore, Madhya Pradesh yesterday, Prime Minister had asked that BJP Karyakartas should ensure that the entire stretch is cleaned quickly, the entire stretch was cleaned up in a matter of hours: Source pic.twitter.com/JOCMLqBDde  ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2023

Modi greeted the people who gathered on the sides of the road, waving the BJP flags and cheering for him. The people showered flowers on him at different points on the route. They also displayed pictures of the Ram temple being constructed in Ayodhya along with Modis photos, and chanted the Modi, Modi slogan.

The prime ministers chariot covered a distance of about 1.5 km and passed through Indore-1, Indore-4 and Indore-3 assembly constituencies, reaching Rajbada intersection in the heart of the city an hour later.

There, Modi paid tribute to the statue of Ahilyabai Holkar, the former ruler of the Holkar dynasty of Indore, and garlanded it. State BJP president V D Sharma was with the PM on the chariot during the roadshow. The police had made elaborate security arrangements for the roadshow.

In the 2018 assembly elections, the BJP had won four out of the five seats in the urban area of Indore, while the Congress had only one seat in Indore-1.

This time, the BJP has nominated its national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya as its candidate from Indore-1, who is facing a tough fight from the incumbent Congress MLA Sanjay Shukla. The campaigning for the MP assembly polls will end on Wednesday evening.
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New Delhi: In a daring and controversial operation, Israeli forces have entered Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, the biggest medical facility in the besieged Palestinian enclave. The hospital is home to thousands of patients, staff and displaced people who have sought refuge from the Israeli bombardment that has killed over 1,200 Palestinians in the past five weeks. Israel claims that Hamas, the millitant group that controls Gaza, has a command centre and tunnels under the hospital and uses it to launch attacks and hold hostages.

The Israeli military said it was conducting a precise and targeted raid with medical teams and Arabic speakers, and that it had no intention of harming civilians. However, Hamas and the Gaza health ministry have denounced the raid as a crime against humanity and accused Israel of endangering the lives of the hospitals occupants.

They said Israeli forces had caused explosions and dust in the hospital and had searched the basement, the surgery and emergency departments. They also said the U.S. had given Israel a green light to attack the hospital by endorsing its intelligence.

The fate of Al Shifa has become a focus of international concern as the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates amid global calls for a ceasefire. The hospital is a sprawling complex of buildings and courtyards near the fishing port. It provides vital services to the 2 million residents of Gaza, who have been under a crippling Israeli blockade since 2007.

'Thousand Of Civilians Trapped Inside Al Shifa': Hamas

The situation at Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City is dire, as thousands of civilians and patients are trapped inside the hospital grounds, under constant fire from Israeli forces. Hamas says 650 patients and 5,000 to 7,000 other civilians are stuck in the hospital, which is running out of fuel, water and supplies. It says 40 patients have died in recent days.

The neo-natal ward is especially vulnerable, as 36 babies are left after three died. Without fuel for generators to power incubators, the babies are being kept as warm as possible, lined up eight to a bed.

Palestinians trapped in the hospital dug 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, Qidra, Gazas health ministry spokesman, said. Qidra said there were about 100 bodies decomposing inside and no way to get them out.

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 were trapped under rubble.
LA PAZ, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Bolivia's National Meteorology and Hydrology Service on Tuesday issued a red alert for seven of the country's nine departments due to a coming heat wave.

The red alert warns of potential risks from the extreme weather event from Wednesday through Sunday, the agency's forecaster Ana Mendoza told Xinhua.

The agency urged the population to take preventive measures and follow authorities' instructions, Mendoza said.

Departments affected include Santa Cruz, Beni, Pando, Tarija, Chuquisaca, Cochabamba and northern La Paz, where maximum temperatures are expected to reach between 38 and 44 degrees Celsius.

This type of alert is issued when rare meteorological phenomena, with exceptional intensity and high risk for the population, threaten to affect daily activities, said Mendoza.

Several Bolivian regions have experienced record-setting high temperatures since September, which could be surpassed over the coming days, she noted.

El Nino, a naturally occurring weather phenomenon in the tropical Pacific Ocean, combined with global warming, has contributed to rising temperatures in South America. 
GAZA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Dozens of the Israeli army forces on Wednesday carried out a raid at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City amid heavy gunfire, according to a senior medical official.

In a press statement sent to Xinhua, Monir al-Bursh, director-general of the pharmaceutical department at the Gaza Health Ministry, said that "the Israeli army officially informed the hospital in a phone call that the raid was being carried out, demanding that people not approach windows, balconies or doors."

For its part, the Israeli army said that it was carrying out a precise operation against Hamas in a specific area inside Al-Shifa Hospital based on intelligence information and an operational need.

Ashraf al-Qedra, the spokesman of the health ministry, said, "There is nothing that would require shooting inside the hospital because there is no form of resistance there, and what the occupation is doing constitutes terrorism for those in the complex."

About 1,500 staff members and 7,000 displaced people are currently stuck in the hospital, depending on capacity, according to al-Qedra.

Israeli tanks surrounded several hospitals in Gaza City over the past few days, claiming that they contain tunnels that constitute a base used by Hamas to shelter its leadership in addition to leading military operations against the Israeli army.

Both Hamas and the health ministry in Gaza denied Israel's accusations, considering them "an attempt to mislead and incite in preparation for the destruction of hospitals and the killing of patients." 
TOKYO, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The number of foreign visitors to Japan in October came to 2,516,500, up 0.8 percent from the same month in 2019, marking the first time the monthly figure has exceeded the pre-COVID-19 pandemic level, government data showed Wednesday.

The latest figure was up by around fivefold from the same month last year, as the yen's depreciation and resumed airline services contributed to the return of foreigners, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

Visitor arrivals from January to October totaled 19,891,100, recovering to 73.9 percent of the pre-pandemic level. The figure is at the pace of reaching 25 million for 2023.

Meanwhile, the country saw an estimated 937,700 Japanese nationals traveling overseas in October, 43.6 percent less than in the same month in 2019. 
Guests attend the Hong Ting Forum-Dialogue in Nairobi held in Nairobi, Kenya, Nov. 14, 2023. Representatives from China and Kenya on Tuesday attended a forum held in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, where they discussed viable pathways for both sides to pursue in their quest for modernization. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

NAIROBI, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Representatives from China and Kenya on Tuesday attended a forum held in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, where they discussed viable pathways for both sides to pursue in their quest for modernization.

Themed "Modernization Paths for China and African Countries," the Hong Ting Forum-Dialogue in Nairobi, which attracted participants including diplomats, scholars, and media personnel, spotlighted the shared desire of China and Africa to realize peaceful and inclusive development.

The forum was organized by the Institute of Party History and Literature of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Xinhua Institute, and Xinhua News Agency Africa Regional Bureau.

Zhang Peng, director of the Research Planning Department and Office of the Think Tank Council of the Central Institute of Party History and Literature, said the Chinese path to modernization is a path toward the development of China, featuring shared benefits and win-win cooperation.

Kuang Weilin, member of the Public Diplomacy Consultation Committee of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said China-Africa cooperation has thrived across diverse spheres, including trade, infrastructure development, technology, green economy, and people-to-people exchanges.

"In my view, China and Africa are perfect partners, and by working together, they can make a bigger difference to their modernization programs," Kuang said.

Peter Kagwanja, president and chief executive officer of Africa Policy Institute, a Nairobi-based pan-African think tank, said China and its African partners are in lockstep as both sides pursue a modernization that benefits all citizens. "With a shared painful history of colonialism, both China and Africa have sought each other in their quest to chart development paths that suit their unique circumstances."

The Chinese modernization has demonstrated to African nations that it is possible to eradicate poverty, and accelerate industrialization while protecting the environment by implementing homegrown models, added Kagwanja.

Hassan Khannenje, director of the HORN International Institute for Strategic Studies, a Nairobi-based research and policy think tank, said Africa has benefited more from China's peaceful rise as opposed to predatory economic models imposed on the continent by its Western colonialists.

Khannenje stressed that the China-Africa relationship can be enhanced further through agricultural modernization, technology transfer, academic exchanges, and conflict resolution.

Chinese and Africa's quest for modernization is anchored on the solid principles of mutual respect, shared aspirations, and sincerity, said Dennis Munene Mwaniki, executive director of the China-Africa Center at Africa Policy Institute.

Munene observed that China has been at the forefront of the modernization of Africa's transportation, health, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors, unleashing benefits to local people. 

Guests attend the Hong Ting Forum-Dialogue in Nairobi held in Nairobi, Kenya, Nov. 14, 2023. Representatives from China and Kenya on Tuesday attended a forum held in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, where they discussed viable pathways for both sides to pursue in their quest for modernization. (Xinhua/Han Xu)
by Xinhua writers Tan Jingjing, Xing Yue

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. state of California is committed to stronger cooperation with China in addressing climate change, Chair of California Energy Commission David Hochschild said.

California's links with China are the "most exciting nexus" in the world, for the combination of what is possible to innovate and to scale, Hochschild told Xinhua in an interview on Monday.

There is huge potential for stronger climate change cooperation between the Golden State and China, he told Xinhua on the sidelines of a green energy forum during APEC Leaders' Week 2023, which is held in San Francisco from Nov. 11 to 17 with the theme of "Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All."

Hochschild accompanied California Governor Gavin Newsom on a weeklong visit to China in October.

The trip was a historic opportunity to advance climate action and collaboration, promote economic development and tourism, and strengthen cultural ties and combat anti-Asian hate, according to the governor's office.

Hochschild spoke highly of China's efforts in addressing climate change and promoting renewable energy.

"China deserves a lot of credit for being the largest market and manufacturer for solar wind and batteries, and especially, offshore wind," Hochschild told Xinhua.

About 50 percent of the global offshore wind capacity has been built by China, he said, adding that the country has done fantastic work in electric vehicle deployment, solar, and offshore wind.

"That's incredibly inspiring," he noted.

"We have to extend the hand of friendship and collaboration no matter what else is going on. That was the purpose of our trip over there. And the governor is really committed to that," Hochschild said.

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 stressed that there is huge potential for stronger climate change cooperation between the Golden State and China.

California has done several "the world's first" new energy projects, including utility-scale solar and wind projects, rooftop solar systems, energy storage project and electric car, according to Hochschild.

"China has taken that to a new level, and doing their own innovation," he added. "We have to work together on climate."

"I really believe that a rising tide can lift all boats. We can have really robust battery manufacturing, economic growth related to climate solutions here and in China," Hochschild said. 
SANYA, China, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The agricultural cooperation between China and Africa has yielded fruitful results with a prosperous future for a comprehensive win-win partnership, officials have said at the second Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Agriculture.

Themed "Food Security for Africa: a New Chapter for China-Africa Agricultural Cooperation," the forum was held in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, from Monday to Wednesday.

In a keynote speech, Tang Renjian, China's minister of agriculture and rural affairs, said that over the past decade, China has set up 24 agricultural technology demonstration centers in Africa, and popularized more than 300 advanced agricultural technologies, which have increased local crops yields by an average of 30 to 60 percent, benefiting more than 1 million farmers in African countries.

By the end of 2021, the agricultural investment by Chinese enterprises in Africa has reached 12.8 billion RMB (1.77 billion U.S. dollars), growing at an average annual rate of 11.4 percent and creating more than 30,000 jobs, Tang added.

Noting that the cooperation in agriculture is a win-win opportunity for both China and Africa, Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko, the African Union (AU) commissioner for agriculture, rural development, blue economy and sustainable environment, said: "With China moving and leading the way in agricultural modernization through significant investment in scientific research and technology, it presents a huge opportunity for the AU to tap into and propel Africa's agricultural production, agro-industry and agri-food value chain transformation."

Over the past 10 years, China has signed 34 cooperation documents with 19 African countries, the AU and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), and carried out continuous dialogues and exchanges on issues such as food security, poverty reduction and agricultural response to climate change, Tang said.

Expecting considerable opportunities for infrastructure and Chinese agro-food companies, Hailemariam Dessalegn Boshe, chairman of AGRA, said "We believe that working with Chinese companies can create win-win opportunities, and we welcome inputs and engagement to co-design these opportunities."

In terms of personnel exchanges, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has sent more than 400 agricultural experts to Africa and trained more than 10,000 managerial and technical personnel for African countries, said Tang.

Demba Sabally, Gambia's minister of agriculture, applauded that the aid and assistance projects provided by China are "extremely meaningful" and have started to make life-changing activities in his country's agricultural sector and farmer population.

"In the framework of South-South cooperation, Gambia has benefited from China's generous support through the provision of agricultural experts," he said.

Deus Gumba, Malawi's minister of lands, shared a similar view, saying "China has the know-how and technology to assist African countries in modernizing their agriculture to increase production. This includes supporting value addition to enable countries like Malawi to export semi-processed agricultural products."

To help Africa's agricultural modernization, China will focus on initiatives to increase the production capacity of crops in Africa, carry out innovative cooperation programs on agricultural science and technology, and implement demonstration projects on poverty reduction.

"In the last years, China has demonstrated strong will and desire to promote and expand its cooperation with South Sudan and many African countries in the fields of agriculture and food security," said Josephine Lagu Yanga, South Sudan's minister of agriculture and food security.

"We remain ready to lift our agricultural cooperation with China to the highest level," she added.

In 2023, the trade volume of agricultural products between China and Africa is expected to exceed 10 billion dollars, nearly double that of a decade ago, and the goal for the next decade is to surpass 20 billion dollars. 
HANOI, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's coffee export turnover reached 4.08 billion U.S. dollars in the 2022-2023 crop year, a year-on-year increase of 3.4 percent, driven by the highest coffee export prices in the last 30 years, Vietnam News reported Wednesday, citing the Vietnam Coffee Cocoa Association.

The newspaper cited Nguyen Nam, the association's chairman, as saying that the 2022-2023 crop year from October 2022 to September 2023 had more disadvantages than advantages, but Vietnam's coffee export value hit the highest level in history, thanks to rising prices amid supply shortages, and the dynamism and efforts of local coffee farmers and businesses.

During the cited period, Vietnam exported nearly 1.7 million tons of coffee. Germany was the largest coffee export market with 219,000 tons.

Coffee prices for the 2023-24 crop year are predicted to stay at a high level, said Nguyen Quang Binh, a coffee market expert.

In September, the prices of Vietnamese coffee in the global market reached the highest level in 30 years.

Its average coffee export price reached 2,451 dollars per ton, up 5.5 percent over the previous crop year.

Vietnam exported 1.29 million tons of coffee in the first ten months of this year, earning 3.28 billion dollars, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs. 
BEIRUT, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon filed on Tuesday a complaint to the UN Security Council (UNSC) against Israel for launching attacks on journalists, said Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib.

"Israel's deliberate and direct bombing of the journalists' convoy is a violation of international humanitarian law and a war crime," Bou Habib said in a statement carried by the National News Agency (NNA).

On Monday, two Israeli strikes targeted a team of journalists from several media outlets covering field developments in the southern Lebanese village of Yaroun.

Al Jazeera said the bombing injured its photographer Issam Mawasi, and damaged the media network's vehicle.

"We realize that journalists miraculously escaped serious injury yesterday while covering the events near the Blue Line, and peacekeepers assisted in recovering their vehicles and equipment," said Andrea Tenenti, spokesperson for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.

On Oct. 14, the Lebanese Foreign Ministry submitted a complaint to the UNSC about Israel's deliberate killing of Lebanese photojournalist Issam Abdallah, who worked for Reuters.

On Oct. 13, an Israeli bombing targeted journalist crews on the outskirts of the town of Alma al-Shaab in southern Lebanon, killing Abdallah and wounding five other journalists from Reuters, Agence France-Presse, and Al Jazeera.

The Lebanon-Israel border witnessed increased tension for over a month after Lebanese armed group Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets toward Shebaa Farms on Oct. 8 in support of the Hamas attacks on Israel the previous day, prompting the Israeli forces to respond by firing heavy artillery toward several areas in southeastern Lebanon. 
According to Irakli Kobakhidze, the killing of Georgian citizen Tamaz Ginturi by the Russian occupying forces in Kirbali is 'the final result of the provocations of the United National Movement.Kobakhidze stated that what happened in Kirbali is a miniature model of what the United National Movement wants on a larger scale. According to Kobakhidze, the UNM aims to 'arrange significant provocations for the second front.'"We strictly call on the United National Movement to refrain from provocations. Remember the provocation regarding Kirbali; the ultimate result of this incident was that aggressors killed one of our citizens. This serves as a miniature model of what they desire on a larger scale. With more significant provocations, their aim is to escalate to the second front. What happened in Kirbali is a small-scale representation of their intentions. One provocation, then another, and another - a man has died; aggressors killed one of our citizens. We urge everyone to refrain from provocations.Anyway, why did it happen that four provocations were organized in a row, resulting in a man's death? Who were the aggressors? Why did it happen? Among them, your television stations were involved in these provocations," Kobakhidze told journalists.On November 6, Russian occupation forces killed Tamaz Ginturi, a Georgian citizen, near the village of Kirbali, and kidnapped Levan Dotiashvili.Natia Sulava, the head of the administration of the President of Georgia, met with the Chinese ambassador. She clarified to the ambassador that in the interview President Zourabichvili gave to LCI, her response did not, in any way, allude to the relations between Georgia and China or, specifically, to the President of the People's Republic of China."At the meeting held in the Orbeliani Palace, the head of the presidential administration stated that in the interview with the TV company LCI, President Salome Zourabichvili's response contained no reference to the relations between Georgia and China, or specifically, to the President of the People's Republic of China. The entire interview focused on Georgia-EU relations and the relationship between Georgia and Russia. Consequently, the president's answer would pertain solely to the president of the country that has occupied the territories of Georgia," the statement reads.
BEIRUT, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib said Wednesday that the continued Israeli threats to destroy Lebanon constitute a flagrant violation of UN Resolution 1701.

Bou Habib made the remarks during his meeting with UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka in Beirut, as confrontations on the Lebanon-Israel border continued on Wednesday, the National News Agency reported.

Lebanese military sources told Xinhua on condition of anonymity that Israeli drones and warplanes carried out airstrikes on 25 villages and towns in southern Lebanon with explosives and incendiary shells, destroying 15 houses and causing fires in forests and orchards.

The sources added that three batches of missiles were launched from Lebanon into northern Israel, where they met with Israel's Iron Dome missiles, and one of the Patriot missiles exploded in the airspace of the Marjeyoun plain in southeastern Lebanon.

For its part, Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based armed group, said its fighters attacked Israeli sites in Ruwaisat Al-Alam, Al-Samaqa, Zibdin, al-Marj, Birkat Risha, Misgav Am, and Al-Motella along the border.

The Lebanon-Israel border has witnessed increased tensions for over a month after Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets toward Israeli military sites 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. 
Representatives vote on a draft resolution during a Security Council meeting at the UN Headquarters in New York, on Nov. 15, 2023. The UN Security Council on Wednesday adopted a resolution calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors in Gaza. The resolution won the support of 12 of the 15 council members. Britain, Russia and the United States abstained. (Loey Felipe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Wednesday adopted a resolution calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors in Gaza.

Resolution 2712 calls for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip "for a sufficient number of days" to enable the full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access; to facilitate the continuous, sufficient and unhindered provision of essential goods and services throughout Gaza, including water, electricity, fuel, food, and medical supplies, as well as emergency repairs to essential infrastructure; and to enable urgent rescue and recovery efforts, including for missing children in damaged and destroyed buildings, and including the medical evacuation of sick or injured children and their caregivers.

The resolution won the support of 12 of the 15 council members. Britain, Russia and the United States abstained.

It demands that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians, especially children.

The resolution calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups, especially children.

It calls on all parties to refrain from depriving the civilian population in Gaza of basic services and humanitarian assistance indispensable to their survival.

It welcomes the initial, although limited, provision of humanitarian supplies to civilians in Gaza and calls for the scaling up of the provision of such supplies to meet the humanitarian needs of the civilian population, especially children.

The resolution underscores the importance of coordination, humanitarian notification, and deconfliction mechanisms to protect all medical and humanitarian staff, vehicles, humanitarian sites, and critical infrastructure, including UN facilities, and to help facilitate the movement of aid convoys and patients, in particular sick and injured children and their caregivers.

It requests the UN secretary-general to report orally to the Security Council on the implementation of this resolution at the next mandated meeting of the council on the situation in the Middle East.

The resolution further requests the secretary-general to identify options to effectively monitor the implementation of this resolution as a matter of prime concern.

Before the vote on the Maltese-drafted resolution, Russia submitted an oral amendment, which would have further called for "an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities" -- language contained in the UN General Assembly resolution adopted on Oct. 27 at an emergency special session.

The oral amendment failed to be adopted as it did not get enough support. Five Security Council members voted in favor, and nine abstained. The United States voted against it.

Resolution 2712 was the first product of the Security Council on Gaza after the Oct. 7 escalation. The council had failed to adopt four draft resolutions on the situation in a row.

On Oct. 16, a Russian-drafted resolution failed to get enough votes in favor. On Oct. 18, a Brazilian draft was vetoed by the United States. On Oct. 25, Russia and China vetoed a U.S.-drafted resolution. And on the same day, a competing draft resolution tabled by Russia failed to get enough votes in favor. 

Representatives vote on a draft resolution during a Security Council meeting at the UN Headquarters in New York, on Nov. 15, 2023. The UN Security Council on Wednesday adopted a resolution calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors in Gaza. The resolution won the support of 12 of the 15 council members. Britain, Russia and the United States abstained. (Loey Felipe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)
ADEN, Yemen, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations (UN) Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg concluded Wednesday a visit to Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh, where he met with Yemeni and Saudi officials to discuss efforts toward political settlement of Yemen's civil conflict.

In a brief press statement, the UN envoy said he had held talks with Rashad Al-Alimi, the chairman of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, and other senior Yemeni officials in Riyadh.

He said their discussions focused on ending the conflict through inclusive intra-Yemeni political consultations and improving deteriorating humanitarian conditions across the Arab country.

When meeting with Yemeni Foreign Minister Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak and Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohamed Al Jaber, the three sides agreed on the importance of maintaining constructive engagement between conflicting parties to reach an inclusive political settlement, according to the statement.

The UN-led talks come as Yemen's civil war continues to fuel the world's worst humanitarian crisis, pushing the country to the brink of famine and economic collapse.

Grundberg's visit comes amid renewed efforts to broker a nationwide cease-fire and eventually reach a political solution after years of fighting that has caused widespread suffering among civilians in Yemen.

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. 
ANKARA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-six patients and their 13 companions from Gaza are to be brought to Turkiye for treatment late Wednesday, said Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca.

These patients, transferred outside war-torn Gaza through the Rafah crossing, will be the first Gazans to travel from Egypt to another country for treatment, Koca told reporters in Egypt.

They are expected to arrive at Turkiye's Ankara Etlik City Hospital on early Thursday, media sources told Xinhua.

The minister added that Turkiye also seeks to "establish a field hospital in Gaza in the area close to the Rafah crossing soon."

Last week, Koca held phone calls with his Israeli and Egyptian counterparts for the transfer of patients in the Palestinian enclave through the Rafah crossing.

Turkiye has delivered relief aid, including medicines, medical equipment, and ambulances to Gaza.

Israel has been carrying out an all-out attack on Gaza over the past weeks and has imposed a siege on the enclave to retaliate against the Hamas attacks on southern Israel on Oct. 7, plunging the strip into a dire humanitarian catastrophe with its health system heavily overwhelmed.

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 attacks on Oct. 7. 
Representatives vote on a draft resolution during a Security Council meeting at the UN Headquarters in New York, on Nov. 15, 2023. The Security Council on Wednesday adopted a resolution to renew the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (CAR) for a year, till Nov. 15, 2024. (Loey Felipe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Security Council on Wednesday adopted a resolution to renew the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (CAR) for a year, till Nov. 15, 2024.

Resolution 2709 also decides that the peacekeeping mission, known by its French acronym as MINUSCA, shall maintain its current personnel level - 14,400 troops and 3,020 police officers.

The resolution won the approval of 14 of the 15 Security Council members. Russia abstained.

Resolution 2709 decides that MINUSCA's mandate is designed to advance a multiyear strategic vision to create the political, security and institutional conditions conducive to national reconciliation and durable peace through the implementation of the 2019 Political Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation and the elimination of the threat posed by armed groups.

The resolution authorizes MINUSCA to take all necessary means to carry out its mandate within its capabilities and areas of deployment.

The resolution sets as priority tasks of MINUSCA the protection of civilians; support for the extension of state authority, the deployment of security forces, and the preservation of territorial integrity; good offices and support to the CAR peace process; facilitation of delivery of humanitarian assistance; and the protection of UN personnel, installations, equipment and goods, as well as the security and freedom of movement of UN and associated personnel. 
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his firm belief in a promising future of the bilateral relationship at the summit with U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service
by Xinhua writers Tan Jingjing, Xing Yue

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The United States and China should absolutely work together with things like climate change and sustainability, said former U.S. Secretary of Energy and Nobel Laureate Steven Chu in an interview with Xinhua.

"This is the common enemy. When we get threatened by the common enemy, we should band together," Chu told Xinhua during APEC Leaders' Week 2023, which is held in San Francisco from Nov. 11 to 17 with the theme of "Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All."

China and the United States released "The Sunnylands Statement on Enhancing Cooperation to Address the Climate Crisis" on Tuesday.

The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to work jointly and together with other countries to address the climate crisis. They agreed to enhance cooperation in energy transition, reducing methane and other non-carbon dioxide (CO2) greenhouse gas emissions, to jointly tackle global warming.

China Special Envoy for Climate Change Xie Zhenhua and U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry met in Beijing in July and at Sunnylands, California, earlier this month.

Chu said the two envoys trust each other, and realize the importance of climate change to their own countries.

The floods, the heat waves and water problems are getting worse, he said. "The projections are coming true, and this is just the tip of what's going on."

The two sides should keep exchanges on addressing climate change, he told Xinhua.

Chu expects the weeklong APEC meetings to bring forward strategies and solutions to address the global crisis.

He also hopes that Asia-Pacific economies will work together to build a community of shared future. 
UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Wednesday adopted a resolution calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors in Gaza.

Resolution 2712 calls for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip "for a sufficient number of days" to enable the full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access; to facilitate the continuous, sufficient and unhindered provision of essential goods and services throughout Gaza, including water, electricity, fuel, food, and medical supplies, as well as emergency repairs to essential infrastructure; and to enable urgent rescue and recovery efforts, including for missing children in damaged and destroyed buildings, and including the medical evacuation of sick or injured children and their caregivers.

The resolution won the support of 12 of the 15 council members. Britain, Russia and the United States abstained.

It demands that all parties comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, notably with regard to the protection of civilians, especially children.

Before the vote on the Maltese-drafted resolution, Russia submitted an oral amendment, which would have further called for "an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities" -- language contained in the UN General Assembly resolution adopted on Oct. 27 at an emergency special session.

The oral amendment failed to be adopted as it did not get enough votes in favor. 
UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Security Council on Wednesday adopted a resolution calling for urgent, extended humanitarian pauses and corridors in Gaza. 
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed on Wednesday his firm belief in the promising future of China-U.S. bilateral relationship when meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden.

Xi said that it is an objective fact that China and the United States are different in history, culture, social system and development path.

However, as long as the two countries respect each other, coexist in peace and pursue win-win cooperation, they will be fully capable of rising above differences and find the right way for the two major countries to get along with each other, he added. 
Streetwise: Thanksgiving

by Frank Dunnigan

November 2023

In todays rapidly changing world, we can all be grateful for many things that have helped define the San Francisco experience, including some well-preserved elements from earlier times. As we celebrate Thanksgiving later this month, we can be grateful that many elements of the citys past are still present today. Here are just a few of the many sites in the western neighborhoods for which we can all be thankful.

GOLDEN GATE PARK  The crown jewel of San Franciscos public park system, Golden Gate Park was originally proposed in the 1860s. It was designed by engineer William Hammond Hall (with influence from landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead) and strongly shaped by his successor, John McLaren, a native of Scotland who eventually became Park Superintendent. Much of the planting was designed to control the shifting sands that made up three-quarters of the parks area, and to promote the westward expansion of San Francisco. Work commenced in 1870, and now with 1,017 acres, this was a vast undertaking that took decades to complete. The Panhandle area on the parks eastern end was the result of some property owners to the north and south who refused to sell their holdings to accommodate an even larger footprint for this treasured public amenity. See more than 4,000 images of Golden Gate Park over the years, plus additional stories, podcasts, and history minutes on file in the WNP Archives

CLIFF HOUSE  Founded in 1863, there have been three distinct buildings at the site, according to local historian John Martini. The first, opened during the Civil War, had many alterations and expansions over the years. It was purchased in 1881 by Adolph Sutro, who operated it until a fire burned it to the ground in 1894. Sutro then replaced the original structure with an entirely new building that resembled a giant Victorian-era wedding cake. It operated from 1896 to 1907 when it, too, was destroyed by fire. The present structure was built by Sutros daughter, Dr. Emma Sutro Merritt, and opened in 1909. It was acquired in 1937 by the Whitney Brothers, who also owned nearby Playland-at-the-Beach. Under the Whitneys, the building was updated several times, including a post-World War II exterior modernization with redwood siding. In the 1970s, a surf-themed mural covered the exterior upper walls, and in 1977, the property was acquired by the current owners, the National Park Service. The departure of long-time concessionaires Dan and Mary Hountalas in December 2020 marked the latest in a long line of breaks in the restaurants operational history. Recent news reports share that a re-opening under a new operator is on the horizon. Read about changes to the 1909 building and explore Cliff House memories in this 2021 Streetwise column

SUNSET BOULEVARD  Built in the early 1930s, the original plan for Sunset Boulevard envisioned an angular roadway from 19th Avenue and Lincoln Way directly to the Zoo. However, property owners generally viewed such plans negatively because changes to the standard street grid would cut off portions of rectangular lots  many of which were already seeing homes built  thus leaving irregular parcels that might prove difficult to sell or build upon. In the end, the route was realigned to an area stretching from the south end of Golden Gate Park directly to Lake Merced Boulevard, with a planted center median and borders. Originally posted with signs announcing Commercial Vehicles Prohibited and with no stop signs or traffic lights until the 1960s, Sunset Boulevard was an efficient north-south route through a rapidly developing neighborhood, but for automobile traffic only. Also, at a time when the 1906 fire was still clear in the memories of many local residents, Sunset Boulevard was regarded as a potential fire-break in a vast sea of small homes built mostly of wood. Hear more in Outside Lands Podcast #38

TWIN PEAKS TUNNEL  The Twin Peaks Tunnel opened up vast tracts of land in the western neighborhoods for the development of homes and businesses. Shown here in December 1917 following a construction effort of more than three years, regular streetcar service began just over two months later in March 1918. This one civic improvement, more than any other single element, helped to define the western neighborhoods that we know today. The OpenSFHistory photo archive has nearly 300 images of the Twin Peaks Tunnel over the years. Learn more with Outside Lands podcast #262 , this 2009 SF West History Minute video , and this 2009 Streetwise column

MUSEUMS  San Franciscos largest public arts institution operates in the western neighborhoods. The de Young Museum opened in 1895 by Chronicle publisher Michael de Young, and the California Palace of the Legion of Honor was built by philanthropist Alma de Bretteville Spreckels in 1924. They originally operated as separate entities, but since 1972 they have been merged into a single operation known as The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Shown here in 1966, the Legion of Honor underwent significant maintenance, refurbishment, seismic retrofit, and a below-ground expansion from 1992 to 1995. In 2003, the Avery Brundage collection of Asian art, housed at the de Young since 1966, moved to a new home at the former Main Library building in Civic Center and became a fully independent museum. A new de Young Museum building opened in 2005. (Historical footnote: Michael de Youngs two daughters and Alma Spreckels were in the upper echelons of San Francisco society for most of their lives, but the de Young sisters refused to speak to Mrs. Spreckels because of a family feud dating back to 1884. That year, Almas husband Adolph shot Michael de Young in response to a Chronicle article that was critical of the Spreckels familys sugar company  an incident for which Adolph was eventually acquitted in court.) Other west side museums to be thankful for include the California Academy of Sciences and the Walt Disney Family Museum. Learn more about the history of the de Young Museum and Legion of Honor founder Alma de Bretteville Spreckels

GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE  A dream of locals for many decades, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge (shown here in 1960) saw construction commence at the depths of the Great Depression in January 1933. The engineering achievement was accomplished both on schedule and under budget  two characteristics that are seldom seen in more recent undertakings. Read, see, and hear much more about this iconic element of San Francisco in this 2012 SF West History Minute video , this 2016 Streetwise column , and Outside Lands podcast #266

TILED STEPS  Nearly 100 years ago, San Francisco embarked on a significant public works project to create durable concrete pedestrian stairways in many hillside locations. Just in this millennium, city government made them more user-friendly with the installation of handrails, while local artists began to develop plans for the addition of decorative ceramic tiles on the risers of the steps. The first installation occurred on the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps in the Golden Gate Heights neighborhood nearly 20 years ago in 2004, with completion and dedication one year later. Read more about local tile step installations in this 2014 Streetwise column

STERN GROVE  Thanks to the generosity of Rosalie Meyer Stern, San Franciscans of today can visit a meandering urban forest adjacent to Sloat Boulevard. Musical concerts, students attending school events, and dog walkers have enjoyed this local oasis since the late 1930s. By 2005, much of the original infrastructure was deteriorating, but the privately-operated Stern Grove Foundation raised $15 million for an extensive upgrade. Read more about the history of Sigmund Stern Grove in this 2017 Streetwise column

ITS-IT  When the concessions once known as Chutes at the Beach were placed under the collective oversight of George Whitney in the late 1920s, they were renamed Playland-at-the-Beach, and there was a concerted effort to improve operations. Under Whitneys management, food concessions were more organized, and a new treat was introduced: two freshly baked oatmeal cookies surrounding a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and then dipped in rich dark chocolate. Dubbed the ITS-IT, they were produced by hand and sold from a storefront facing the Pacific Ocean (and adjacent to an iconic Mexican restaurant, The Hot House). The new culinary treat was an immediate success. After the closing and demolition of Playland in 1972, the name and recipe were purchased and manufacturing was moved to a South of Market location, which was significantly expanded in 1976. Distribution increased to include thousands of retail locations in California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, Arizona, Texas, and New York, with manufacturing later moved to a new, larger facility near the San Francisco International Airport.

SHAW'S -- Operating at 122 West Portal Avenue since the early days of the shopping district, just after the 1918 opening of streetcar service through the Twin Peaks Tunnel, Shaw's was once a 50-store chain of ice cream and candy stores that radiated out to the suburbs. In February 2020, the original store location was suddenly empty and sporting a For Rent sign. By August of that year, new owner Diana Zogaric had recreated the classic Shaw's design and products, including a large collection of PEZ dispensers, and it reopened for business by the holiday season. The Zogaric family continued putting finishing touches on a thorough renovation in the first week of 2021. Read Richard Brandi's 2002 article on the history of Shaw's, and this this Hoodline article about the stores 2020 closure and subsequent reopening.

Contribute your own stories about western neighborhoods places!
UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Security Council on Wednesday adopted a resolution calling for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors in Gaza.

The resolution won the support of 12 of the 15 council members. Britain, Russia and the United States abstained.

Before the vote on the Maltese-drafted resolution, a Russia-submitted oral amendment, which would have called for "an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities," failed to be adopted as it did not get enough votes in favor. 
AMMAN, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Seven staffers of the Jordanian field hospital in the Gaza Strip were injured at the entrance of the hospital's emergency department, said the Jordanian Armed Forces on Wednesday.

The seven were variously injured when trying to provide aid to Palestinians wounded by an Israeli bombardment, Jordan's state-run Petra news agency reported, citing a spokesperson for the Jordanian army, adding the injuries have received treatment.

The spokesperson noted that an official investigation has been launched to corroborate the details of the incident, while calling on Israel to refrain from targeting the hospital and its medical staff.

The Jordanian official stressed that the hospital would continue its humanitarian duty to provide medical services to wounded Palestinians. 
Former U.S. Secretary of Energy and Nobel Laureate Steven Chu delivers a speech at the Green Innovation and Sustainable Development Forum in San Francisco, the United States, on Nov. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Tan Jingjing)

"This is the common enemy. When we get threatened by the common enemy, we should band together," says Steven Chu.

by Xinhua writers Tan Jingjing, Xing Yue

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The United States and China should absolutely work together with things like climate change and sustainability, said former U.S. Secretary of Energy and Nobel Laureate Steven Chu in an interview with Xinhua.

"This is the common enemy. When we get threatened by the common enemy, we should band together," Chu told Xinhua during APEC Leaders' Week 2023, which is held in San Francisco from Nov. 11 to 17 with the theme of "Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All."

China and the United States released "The Sunnylands Statement on Enhancing Cooperation to Address the Climate Crisis" on Tuesday.

The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to work jointly and together with other countries to address the climate crisis. They agreed to enhance cooperation in energy transition, reducing methane and other non-carbon dioxide (CO2) greenhouse gas emissions, to jointly tackle global warming.

File photo shows Steven Chu testifying before the U.S. Senate Energy and Nature Resources Committee hearing on his nomination to be secretary of energy on the Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C., on Jan, 13, 2009. (Xinhua/Zhang Yan)

China Special Envoy for Climate Change Xie Zhenhua and U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry met in Beijing in July and at Sunnylands, California, earlier this month.

Chu said the two envoys trust each other, and realize the importance of climate change to their own countries.

The floods, the heat waves and water problems are getting worse, he said. "The projections are coming true, and this is just the tip of what's going on."

The two sides should keep exchanges on addressing climate change, he told Xinhua.

Chu expects the weeklong APEC meetings to bring forward strategies and solutions to address the global crisis.

He also hopes that Asia-Pacific economies will work together to build a community of shared future. 
JERUSALEM/GAZA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Spokesman Daniel Hagari said on Wednesday that IDF troops had raided Al-Shifa Medical Complex, Gaza's largest hospital, adding evidence was found there "proving beyond any doubt that Hamas operated a military command center inside."

However, video footage and photos released by the army on the social media platform X only presented some weapons and ammunition, with limited evidence suggesting the hospital housed military headquarters, contrary to Israel's repeated claims.

The photos of the findings showed rifles and rifle cartridges, vests and uniforms, shoes, and a green headband believed to be used by Hamas's military wing.

In a video released by the IDF, its spokesman Jonathan Conricus toured the hospital's MRI unit, displaying what he claimed was military equipment found there, as well as a laptop which he said provided "a lot of incriminating evidence."

The video also showed damage to the hospital building, including a completely shattered door.

In response, Hamas said the Israeli army's saying of weapons found in the Al-Shifa Complex is "a blatant lie that serves to justify its crime aimed at destroying the healthcare sector in the enclave."

The hospital director, Mohammed Abu Selmeia, told reporters that the Israeli army forces withdrew on Wednesday evening from inside Al-Shifa Complex, 16 hours after storming it, "but tanks and forces are stationed completely in its vicinity."

Earlier today, Abu Selmeia said dozens of Palestinian employees were detained by Israeli troops who entered the hospital in an alleged "targeted and precise operation" against Hamas.

Speaking to soldiers in southern Israel on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel's forces might expand the fighting in the Gaza Strip from the northern part to other areas. "They told us not to enter Al-Shifa -- we entered it. It is in this spirit that we say something simple: There is no place in Gaza that we cannot reach," he said.

His warning came despite calls for a cease-fire by international humanitarian organizations and a new Qatari proposal for the release of women and children hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian women and children prisoners held in Israel.

Also in the day, about 500 relatives of Israeli hostages continued their march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem for the second day.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu's wife Sara urged the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza and requested the Red Cross to visit them promptly.

The spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry, Majed bin Mohammad Al Ansari, said on Wednesday that despite Qatar's efforts to mediate the release of hostages, Israel's continued bombing in the Gaza Strip complicates the efforts to rescue hostages held there.

Israel has been carrying out an all-out attack on Gaza over the past weeks and has imposed a siege on the enclave to retaliate against the Hamas attacks on southern Israel on Oct. 7, during which Hamas militants killed about 1,200 people and took more than 200 hostages. The conflict has also led to the deaths of over 11,500 Palestinians in Gaza. 
ANKARA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday that efforts are being made to send the political and military leaders responsible for the mass killing of Gaza civilians to the international courts for trial.

Erdogan made the remarks at a parliamentary group meeting of his ruling Justice and Development Party in the Turkish capital of Ankara.

He accused Israel, who launched an indiscriminate strike on Gaza, of breaking the first rule of the laws of war, under which children, women, the elderly and the sick should not be harmed.

The president noted that thousands of Turkish lawyers are making efforts to take all necessary steps to bring related political and military leaders to the International Court of Justice for committing mass killings.

Erdogan added that he would also talk to the leaders of countries who abstained from voting on an immediate humanitarian truce in Gaza at the United Nations.

Turkiye and Israel have recalled their respective ambassadors after the Turkish government strongly condemned Israel over the attacks on civilians of Gaza.

Turkiye and Israel are normalizing their relations after years of enmity. The ties between the two countries were strained in 2010 when a Turkish-led flotilla attempting to break Israel's blockade on the Gaza Strip clashed with Israeli forces, killing 10 Turks on board. In 2022, Turkiye and Israel fully restored their diplomatic ties and re-appointed respective ambassadors. 
DOHA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that Israel's continued bombing in the Gaza Strip complicates the efforts being made to rescue hostages held there.

Majed bin Mohammad Al Ansari made the remarks during a meeting with the visiting Canada's representative on hostage issues, Julie Sunday, according to a statement released by the ministry.

During the meeting, they discussed the developments in Gaza and bilateral cooperation relations, the statement said.

Al Ansari highlighted the continued efforts of Qatar to mediate the release of hostages, noting that "Israel's continued bombing doubles the humanitarian catastrophe in the strip and complicates the efforts being made to release hostages held there," it added.

For her part, Sunday expressed Canada's gratitude to Qatar for its mediation efforts to release the hostages and evacuate Canadian citizens from Gaza, according to the statement.

Since the Israel-Hamas conflict erupted on Oct. 7, Qatar has been making efforts to mediate between the warring parties, secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, and de-escalate the situation in Gaza. 
Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo delivers a speech at the opening of the Accra Reparations Conference in the Ghanaian capital of Accra, Nov.14, 2023. Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Tuesday called for reparations for Africa over the effects of the trans-Atlantic slave trade on the continent.(Photo by Seth/Xinhua)

ACCRA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Tuesday called for reparations for Africa over the effects of the trans-Atlantic slave trade on the continent.

Akufo-Addo made the appeal at the opening of the Accra Reparations Conference in the Ghanaian capital of Accra, describing these reparations as long overdue.

The Ghanaian president said the reparations must go along with the restitution of African cultural properties stolen from the continent.

"The effects of the slave trade have been devastating to the continent and the African diaspora. The entire period of slavery meant that our progress, economically, culturally, and psychologically, was stifled," he said.

Akufo-Addo, who raised the issue of reparations earlier in his address at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in September, said, "It is time for Africa's 20 million of whose sons and daughters had their freedoms curtailed and sold into slavery, also to receive reparations."

The four-day event, on the theme of "building a united front to advance the cause of justice and the payment of reparations to Africans," brought together many African heads of state and government, alongside scholars, legal experts, and representatives of civil society organizations. 
ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian Airlines, Ethiopia's national flag carrier, on Wednesday announced it has placed orders for 11 Airbus airplanes.

The airline said in a press statement that it has agreed to order 11 Airbus 350-900s airplanes.

According to the statement, Ethiopian Airlines has plans to potentially order six more airplanes from the European airplane manufacturer.

"We are excited to place this commitment for 11 Airbus A350-900s. As a customer-focused airline, we are particularly excited for this fleet as it offers extra comfort to passengers with its features like the quietest cabin in its class and ambient lighting," Ethiopian Airlines Group chief executive officer Mesfin Tasew was quoted as saying. "We are keen to expand our fleet size, acquiring the latest technology aircraft to offer a convenient and memorable onboard experience to our esteemed passengers."

Ethiopian Airlines currently possesses a fleet of 20 Airbus 350-900s airplanes.

Founded in 1946, Ethiopian Airlines Group is the largest African carrier with more than 130 international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents.

On Tuesday, the airline said in a press statement that it has agreed to order 11 Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 20 Boeing 737 Max airplanes, adding that it has plans to potentially order 36 more Boeing airplanes.

Ethiopian Airlines plans to increase its aircraft fleet from 140 currently to 271 by 2035. 
ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- China and Africa on Wednesday vowed to further augment China-Africa cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with stakeholders pledging financial support to bolster high-quality BRI cooperation.

This comes as the African Union (AU) and the Chinese Mission to the AU held a high-level seminar Wednesday in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, with the participation of senior AU officials, officials from African countries, Chinese government officials, members of the diplomatic community in Ethiopia, high-level representatives of Chinese and African financial institutions and academia, among others.

Fathallah Sijilmassi, director general of the AU Commission, said via video link that the high-level seminar on financial support for China-Africa Belt and Road cooperation comes at a very timely moment as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of the BRI.

"A stronger China-Africa cooperation can only be advanced further through the realization of the targets of the Belt and Road Initiative. China is one of the biggest partners of Africa, and the continent values its partnership with China," the director general said. "It is a good moment to evaluate and to assess what has been done in the past, what has to be implemented in the near future; but, most importantly, to see together how to ensure predictable and sustainable financial support to the China-Africa Belt and Road cooperation."

The high-level seminar, which was held under the theme "Financial Support for China-Africa Belt and Road Cooperation," assessed ways for project and trade financing, China-Africa cross-border payment and settlement, as well as practices to help African countries obtain finance.

Experts and policymakers attending the seminar also discussed the contribution and future implications of Chinese investment in Africa as well as China-Africa financing cooperation.

Hu Changchun, head of the Chinese Mission to the AU, said during the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) held on Oct. 17-18 in Beijing, China announced eight major steps to support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. He said China will promote both signature projects as well as small and smart livelihood programs; and supports BRI projects on the basis of market and business operations.

"Over the past ten years, China actively aligns the BRI with the African Union's Agenda 2063 as well as infrastructure development plans and African nations' strategies," he said.

Wu Qijin, chief representative of the Export-Import Bank of China for Africa, during the occasion underscored the Bank's strong support for the success of China-Africa Belt and Road cooperation.

Representatives of different Chinese and African financial institutions and academia attending the high-level seminar also echoed the sentiment as they underscored the positive outcomes of the China-Africa cooperation under the BRI.

Gedion Jalata, the chief executive officer at the Center of Excellence International Consult in Ethiopia, said the BRI offers viable solutions to countries in the African continent and beyond to augment socioeconomic development.

"The BRI offers several key opportunities for the world, especially for African countries that are struggling with infrastructure deficit," Jalata said.

China has signed BRI cooperation documents with more than 150 countries and over 30 international organizations. It has established more than 3,000 cooperation projects and galvanized nearly 1 trillion U.S. dollars of investment, creating an array of national landmarks, livelihood projects, and milestones of cooperation.

According to the World Bank, by 2030, BRI transport infrastructure, if fully implemented, is expected to increase global real income by 0.7 percent to 2.9 percent, lifting 7.6 million people from extreme poverty and 32 million people from moderate poverty.

Addressing the high-level seminar, representatives of the African Export-Import Bank, China Export and Credit Insurance Corporation, Bank of China, as well as Standard Bank, pledge their continued support to bolster China-Africa cooperation in general and the China-Africa Belt and Road cooperation in particular. 
MONROVIA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Liberia's opposition Unity Party (UP) on Wednesday retracted an allegation by one of its officials who claimed that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had received a whopping sum of 150,000 U.S. dollars to compromise its neutral role in the country's ongoing electoral process.

In a statement signed by Amos Tweh, the national secretary of the UP, the opposition group said it regretted the assertion made by Mohammed Ali, its campaign spokesperson, in a recent Facebook post.

"This assertion was at no time sanctioned by the Unity Party, our standard-bearer, or our campaign team. It should be noted that the UP does recognize and value the indispensable role ECOWAS has played in Liberia's rebirth and renewal," said the statement jointly made available Wednesday to Xinhua by the Liberian political party and the ECOWAS Commission.

The statement explained that in its consistency with the policy of strengthening Liberia's participation in ECOWAS, the party aimed to reassure the country's bilateral and multilateral partners of "its unflinching commitment to all protocols which Liberia has either acceded to, signed or ratified."

Ahead of Liberia's initial polls held on Oct. 10, the regional economic bloc said in a statement it had deployed a 95-member election observation mission, comprising 80 short-term and 15 long-term observers in accordance with the provisions of the Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance relating to the observation of elections and ECOWAS assistance.

The role of the mission is to monitor all pre-electoral, electoral, and post-electoral phases of the elections, "to ensure that the electoral process complies with international best practice," the ECOWAS statement added. 
Al Jazeera: According to reports, Israeli occupying forces launched an assault on Al-Shifa hospital under the cover of the US in Gaza. The humanitarian crisis there has become unbearable and the international community has failed to exert sufficient pressure on Israel. What Israel is doing now amounts to a violation of international law and international humanitarian law. But Israels actions in Gaza have so far received no clear condemnation from the permanent members of the Security Council. What is Chinas position on Israels illegal military operations in Gaza? Is there any direct way for China to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and stop the killing of Palestinians?



Mao Ning: Weve stated our position on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on multiple occasions. We condemn all acts that harm civilians and oppose violations of international law. China has repeatedly called for ceasefire and averting further humanitarian catastrophes. Weve been working and mediating for this all along. We will continue to work with other parties to play an active and constructive role in ceasing the hostilities, deescalating the situation, easing the humanitarian situation, and ultimately realizing durable Palestinian-Israeli peace through the two-state solution.

Al Jazeera: We understand Chinas position on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Now that Israeli forces are striking hospitals, but the UN has failed to take real measures to stop Israel from creating a disaster for civilians in Gaza. Is there anything China will do to stop the killing?

Mao Ning: We fully relate to you. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is deeply unsettling and heart-wrenching. As the rotating President of the Security Council this month, China will respond to the call of the international community, step up coordination with relevant sides, Arab countries in particular, uphold justice, build consensus, and promote responsible and meaningful actions by the Security Council towards deescalating the conflict, protecting civilians, alleviating the humanitarian situation and restoring the peace process.

You may have noted that the Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue and the Director-General of the Department of West Asian and North African Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been visiting relevant countries and engaging in mediation efforts for peace recently. We will continue to play an active and constructive role for deescalating the situation.

Global Times: The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) released its annual Report on the Development of Chinese Enterprises in the EU on November 14. The report lists the priority cooperation areas of Chinese companies in the EU and puts forward policy suggestions for EU institutions and governments of EU member states to further improve business environment. Whats Chinas comment?

Mao Ning: We have noted the CCCEU report. We are glad to see that Chinese enterprises in Europe generally have sound and steady operations. More Chinese enterprises have advanced cooperation in the green sector, digital economy, sci-tech innovation and sustainable development and actively fulfilled their social responsibilities, which has helped create jobs in the EU and improve peoples wellbeing. Chinese enterprises have become important participants in the EUs recovery and transition. At the same time, the report also voices some concerns of Chinese enterprises in the EU, including a tendency in the EU to politicize trade issues and abuse the concept of national security, impact of its de-risking strategy, and issues concerning business environment such as frustrated R&D collaboration and lack of efficiency in services and communication.

China and the EU are both important forces in fostering an open world economy and defending multilateral trade rules. The two sides need to jointly uphold the right direction of economic globalization, promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, reduce existing barriers and avoid adding new ones, and realize mutually-beneficial cooperation at a higher level. We hope the EU will heed the suggestions in the report and address the legitimate calls of Chinese enterprises, act in accordance with market economy rules, safeguard the sound and steady growth of China-EU economic and trade ties, and provide a fair, transparent, stable and predictable business environment for Chinese companies investing or operating in the EU.
TOKYO, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Japan Fair Trade Commission on Wednesday searched locations linked to five travel agencies for allegedly rigging bids in a COVID-19-related project in the city of Aomori, local media reported.

The locations searched on suspicion of violating the antimonopoly law included the Aomori office of Kinki Nippon Tourist Co., JTB Corp., the Tohoku unit of Nippon Travel Agency Co., Meitetsu World Travel Inc. and Tobu Top Tours Co., Jiji Press reported.

The Aomori office of Kinki Nippon Tourist won all contracts in five rounds of bidding conducted by the city between April 2022 and March 2023 for a project to transport COVID-19 patients to accommodation facilities, the report said.

Representatives from the five firms got together to discuss tender prices beforehand and make sure that Kinki Nippon Tourist wins the bids, Jiji cited people familiar with the matter as saying, adding that Kinki Nippon Tourist is believed to have assigned work to the other firms as subcontractors after winning the contracts.

The five companies are believed to have engaged in bid-rigging to secure work as they struggled with plunging travel demand due to the pandemic, the report said. 
SEOUL, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's automotive export grew for the 16th straight month due to robust demand for eco-friendly vehicles, government data showed on Wednesday.

Car shipment gained 19.8 percent from a year earlier to 5.88 billion U.S. dollars in October, continuing to increase since July last year, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

The number of exported vehicles was 225,420 in October, up 8.6 percent from a year earlier.

Export for eco-friendly cars soared 21.4 percent to 1.75 billion dollars, keeping an upward trend for the 11th month since December last year. The number of exported such vehicles advanced 7.9 percent to 56,793.

Car export to North America surged 46.9 percent, but auto shipment to the European Union slipped 9.1 percent.

Auto parts shipment shrank 3.7 percent to 1.77 billion dollars in October compared to the same month of last year.

The number of vehicles manufactured in local factories added 3.9 percent to 341,019 last month.

The number of cars sold in South Korea, including locally-made and imported vehicles, stood at 141,350 in October, down 2.1 percent from a year earlier. 
ISLAMABAD, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar asserted here on Wednesday that multilateralism is the sole path to resolving current and future global challenges for the best interest of mankind.

Addressing the annual Margalla Dialogue 2023, the prime minister stated that the world is now turning to multilateralism over unilateralism, believing it will bring an end to prevailing conflicts and usher in stability, development, and progress.

"In the modern age, no single country, region, or group of countries can effectively address the challenges we face. A unified approach with comprehensive measures is required," emphasized the prime minister, adding, "The world should resolve issues without prioritizing any particular policy or regional preference."

The prime minister said that global warming poses a more dangerous and enduring threat to Pakistan than any military threat, appealing to the international community for cooperation in carbon reduction efforts.

Earlier in the day, Pakistani President Arif Alvi inaugurated the two-day "Margalla Dialogue: Evolving World Environment" and expressed the urgent need for a unified approach to save humanity from the violence of the powerful, given the rampant wars and conflicts resulting in the massacre of innocent people.

The president stressed the United Nations' role in conducting peace initiatives to prevent disputes from escalating into conflicts, establishing an effective mechanism to end wars, fostering peace, and creating a just society based on the values of emancipation and humanity. 
JAKARTA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's trade surplus reached 3.48 billion U.S. dollars in October, marking the 42nd consecutive month in trade surplus, showed data released by Statistics Indonesia BPS on Wednesday.

"In October, the trade surplus from the non-oil and gas sector, which amounts to 5.31 billion dollars, was lessened by the deficit of 1.83 billion dollars in the oil and gas sector," deputy for distribution and service statistics Pudji Ismartini told a press conference.

Although down 10.43 percent compared to October last year, the export value in October was 22.15 billion dollars, up 6.76 percent from the previous month.

The import value was recorded at 18.67 billion dollars in October, up 7.68 percent from September, and down 2.42 percent from a year earlier.

From January to October, China accounted for 25.42 percent of Indonesia's non-oil and gas exports, followed by the United States with 9.55 percent, and India with 8.17 percent, showed the BPS data.

Meanwhile, the top three countries for non-oil and gas imports to the Southeast Asian country were China, Japan and Thailand, taking up 33.09 percent, 9.02 percent and 5.55 percent, respectively. 
ISLAMABAD, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Seven terrorists were killed in a clash with security forces in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, an army statement said on Wednesday.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan army, said that security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation on presence of terrorists in Kiri Machan Khel area of Tank district.

During the operation, an intense fire exchange took place between the troops and terrorists, killing seven terrorists, the statement said.

The hideouts of the terrorists were also busted during the operation, the statement added.

The killed terrorists remained actively involved in terrorist activities, including recent killings of police in Tank district and surrounding areas, the ISPR said, adding that a cleaning operation was being carried out to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area.

Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed terrorists, it said. 
Chinese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Feng Biao speaks at a celebration to mark the fifth anniversary of the Confucius Institute of the University of Finance and Administration (VSFS) in Prague, the Czech Republic, on Nov. 14, 2023. A celebration was held here on Tuesday to mark the fifth anniversary of the Confucius Institute of VSFS in Prague. (Xinhua/Deng Yaomin)

PRAGUE, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- A celebration was held here on Tuesday to mark the fifth anniversary of the Confucius Institute of the University of Finance and Administration (VSFS) in Prague.

The celebration highlighted art performances including Chinese dragon dance, qipao dress show and Czech traditional music.

The event was attended by VSFS teachers and students, officials from the Chinese embassy, as well as representatives from China Jiliang University, a university based in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou that jointly launched the Confucius Institute with VSFS in 2018.

Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Feng Biao commended the contributions made by the Confucius Institute in the last five years in advancing language and cultural exchanges between the two countries and in fostering closer people-to-people ties.

Language and culture learning is the basis and a vital aspect of people-to-people and cultural exchanges, Feng said, expressing hope that the Chinese language teaching at the VSFS will nurture more professionals who will work to deepen the friendship between the Chinese and Czech people and boost bilateral exchanges and cooperation.

Bohuslava Senkyrova, rector of the VSFS, said Czech students are very enthusiastic about learning Chinese language and culture. She spoke highly of the Confucius Institute's role in strengthening friendship and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Jiang Hui, Chinese director of the Confucius Institute, said the institute will continue to serve as a bridge to further promoting friendship between the two nations.

The Czech Republic currently has two Confucius Institutes and two Confucius Classrooms. 

Bohuslava Senkyrova, rector of the University of Finance and Administration (VSFS), speaks at a celebration to mark the fifth anniversary of the Confucius Institute of VSFS in Prague, the Czech Republic, on Nov. 14, 2023. A celebration was held here on Tuesday to mark the fifth anniversary of the Confucius Institute of VSFS in Prague. (Xinhua/Deng Yaomin)

People perform dragon dance during a celebration to mark the fifth anniversary of the Confucius Institute of the University of Finance and Administration (VSFS) in Prague, the Czech Republic, on Nov. 14, 2023. A celebration was held here on Tuesday to mark the fifth anniversary of the Confucius Institute of VSFS in Prague. (Xinhua/Deng Yaomin)
BERLIN, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Germany's Federal Constitutional Court on Wednesday annulled the national government's decision to reallocate 60 billion euros (64.8 billion dollars) from a COVID-19 relief fund to be used for measures combatting climate change.

The law under which the funds were retroactively shifted to the Climate and Transformation Fund (CTF) at the beginning of 2022 for the previous year's budget "does not meet the constitutional requirements for emergency borrowing," the court ruled.

With its so-called debt brake, Germany has an instrument that prevents the government from taking on new debt, except in crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The court found that transferring the funds for another purpose circumvents this regulation.

The "de facto unlimited" continued use of emergency-related credit authorizations in subsequent financial years is "inadmissible," the ruling added.

Since the 60 billion euros will now be withdrawn from Germany's climate fund, financed projects will have to be covered by other budget resources.

"The Federal Government will pay close attention to this ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court," Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Wednesday. However, the 2024 budget meetings scheduled for Thursday are to take place as planned.

The CTF has a total budget of 211.8 billion euros for the next four years. The German government wanted to invest 57.6 billion euros from the fund into green projects in areas such as transport, buildings and the switch to renewable energies in 2024.

Europe's largest economy is aiming to achieve climate neutrality by 2045, five years ahead of the European Union (EU) target. As part of this process, Germany wants to achieve an 80 percent share of renewable energies in its electricity supply by 2030, up from around 53 percent currently.

"This ruling is a bitter setback for climate protection," said Martin Kaiser, managing director of Greenpeace Germany, adding that all budgetary leeway must now be used on the path to climate neutrality, "because we are already in the midst of the climate crisis." (1 euro = 1.08 U.S. dollars) 
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- U.S. food and agricultural companies which participated in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) have reaped more than they had expected at the event, said Eric Zheng, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai (AmCham Shanghai).

From soybeans, sorghum, corn and legumes to pet food, the participating enterprises have signed contracts worth millions of dollars during the expo in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10, according to Zheng.

"This has allowed U.S. exhibitors to deeply experience the enormous potential of the Chinese market," he told Xinhua Tuesday.

"Throughout the expo, the Food and Agricultural Pavilion was bustling with activity, drawing attention from both participants and media," he said, adding that U.S. exhibitors expressed a commitment to access the Chinese market upon returning home.

This was the first time the United States had a pavilion at the CIIE through collaboration with the AmCham Shanghai and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The efforts involved 17 collaborators from U.S. state governments, industry associations and businesses gathering to showcase American foods and agricultural products.

While the global economy remains in recovery mode, the CIIE, the world's first import-themed expo, serves as a crucial platform for exhibitors from various countries to promote their products and brands in China, said Zheng.

Zheng believed the Chinese market still has significant potential for further growth in its demand for American food and agricultural products.

"China is the largest export destination for U.S. agricultural products, with the total value reaching 42 billion dollars last year," he said, "Many small- and medium-sized food and agricultural producers in the United States have expressed their eagerness to expand their products into the Chinese market only to face challenges in finding suitable distribution channels."

Based in Glenview, Illinois, Hang Tung Resources (USA) Co., Ltd. is an oilseeds and grain company exporting to China since 2014. At least 90 percent of the company's business comes from China.

"We participated in the CIIE as part of a delegation organized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, marking the first-ever group of exhibitors representing the U.S. federal government in the history of the CIIE," Sherman Shi, the company's vice president, told Xinhua.

The company secured business agreements totaling 500 million dollars during the expo, which "surpassed initial expectations" and was "a remarkable success," said Shi.

"China is a market that we cannot overlook, both presently and in the future. As one of the largest countries in terms of population and with a thriving economy, the Chinese consumers' demand for general agri-commodities is significant," he said. 
San Francisco Mayor London Breed is interviewed at the APEC 2023 International Media Center in San Francisco, the United States, on Nov. 13, 2023. As host, San Francisco is not at all hiding its intention to take the opportunity to revigorate its tourism economy by having APEC meeting visitors rediscover its rich tourism assets. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

by Xinhua writers Yang Shilong, Wu Xiaoling

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- In the heart of the international media center of the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Week at the Moscone Center, the largest convention complex in San Francisco, lie two unique exhibits catching sight of reporters who gather to cover the leading forum on regional cooperation.

One is "Love Letters to SF," an art installation consisting of hundreds of shimmering golden cards on which residents and visitors handwrote their responses to the question "What makes San Francisco shine?"

The other is Car 62, a classic symbol of the Golden City and one of a few real cable cars converted into a motor vehicle, which boasts the world's last remaining, manually operated cable car system.

The APEC week, gathering political and business leaders from 21 member economies accounting for nearly 40 percent of the global population and nearly 50 percent of global trade, is the largest convening of world leaders in the U.S. city in nearly 80 years.

As host, San Francisco is not at all hiding its intention to take the opportunity to revigorate its tourism economy by having APEC meeting visitors rediscover its rich tourism assets.

It is estimated that the event can generate around 55,000 hotel stays and more than 50 million U.S. dollars in revenue for the city.

"We're happy to welcome people from all over the world to really celebrate in our city, to celebrate what APEC means to the world, to our economy, to our business relationships, to tourism," said Mayor London Breed during her brief tour to the media center on Monday morning.

She encouraged reporters to download a local tourism app and step outside the complex to explore various neighborhoods in San Francisco.

"I am hopeful people bring home just good vibes, good relationships and good times here in our city. And then we want people to want to come back to San Francisco and visit with their families, with their friends," said Breed.

In particular, Breed said she hopes "APEC will be an important part of making sure that (the Chinese) people remember San Francisco is the gateway to China."

A 2022 report by online news organization San Francisco Standard found that over a fifth of San Franciscans, or about 180,000 people, had Chinese roots in 2021, which "aligns with the city's rich Chinese history."

"There are a lot of residents of Chinese descent here, lots of people who have emigrated from China as well. We've got a lot of family relationships, history and communities (related to China)," Breed said.

According to the city's statistics, in 2019, 518,000 of San Francisco's 4.3 million international visitors were from China, who contributed significantly to local tourism revenues.

Breed was confident about pulling an increasing number of Chinese visitors to the city by the end of this year, especially with the gradual restoration of nonstop flights between China and the San Francisco International Airport.

With its dynamic Chinese communities and rich Chinese cultural heritages, the city has a strong edge in regaining the hearts of Chinese visitors, she added. 

Photo taken on Nov. 12, 2023 shows the APEC 2023 signs in front of the APEC 2023 International Media Center in San Francisco, the United States. As host, San Francisco is not at all hiding its intention to take the opportunity to revigorate its tourism economy by having APEC meeting visitors rediscover its rich tourism assets. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

Photo taken on Nov. 13, 2023 shows the laser beams in celebration of the APEC 2023 in San Francisco, the United States. As host, San Francisco is not at all hiding its intention to take the opportunity to revigorate its tourism economy by having APEC meeting visitors rediscover its rich tourism assets. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

People visit Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, the United States, on Nov. 12, 2023. As host, San Francisco is not at all hiding its intention to take the opportunity to revigorate its tourism economy by having APEC meeting visitors rediscover its rich tourism assets. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

Photo taken on Nov. 15, 2023 shows Car 62, a classic symbol of the Golden City and one of a few real cable cars converted into a motor vehicle, which boasts the world's last remaining, manually operated cable car system, at the APEC 2023 International Media Center in San Francisco, the United States. As host, San Francisco is not at all hiding its intention to take the opportunity to revigorate its tourism economy by having APEC meeting visitors rediscover its rich tourism assets. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

Photo taken on Nov. 14, 2023 shows the Dragon Gate at Chinatown in San Francisco, the United States. As host, San Francisco is not at all hiding its intention to take the opportunity to revigorate its tourism economy by having APEC meeting visitors rediscover its rich tourism assets. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

Photo taken on Nov. 15, 2023 shows "Love Letters to SF," an art installation consisting of hundreds of shimmering golden cards on which residents and visitors handwrote their responses to the question "What makes San Francisco shine?", at the APEC 2023 International Media Center in San Francisco, the United States. As host, San Francisco is not at all hiding its intention to take the opportunity to revigorate its tourism economy by having APEC meeting visitors rediscover its rich tourism assets. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

People walk across a street in San Francisco, the United States, on Nov. 13, 2023. As host, San Francisco is not at all hiding its intention to take the opportunity to revigorate its tourism economy by having APEC meeting visitors rediscover its rich tourism assets. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

A journalist walks past a poster at the APEC 2023 International Media Center in San Francisco, the United States, on Nov. 14, 2023. As host, San Francisco is not at all hiding its intention to take the opportunity to revigorate its tourism economy by having APEC meeting visitors rediscover its rich tourism assets. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

Photo taken on Nov. 15, 2023 shows Car 62, a classic symbol of the Golden City and one of a few real cable cars converted into a motor vehicle, which boasts the world's last remaining, manually operated cable car system, at the APEC 2023 International Media Center in San Francisco, the United States. As host, San Francisco is not at all hiding its intention to take the opportunity to revigorate its tourism economy by having APEC meeting visitors rediscover its rich tourism assets. (Xinhua/Li Rui)
CHICAGO, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed and 18 others injured when a semi-truck run into a charter bus carrying high school students in the rear end on a highway in the U.S. state of Ohio on Tuesday, local media reported.

The accident happened shortly before 9 a.m. on Interstate 70 West in Licking County, about 26 miles (42 kilometers) east of Columbus, the capital of Ohio, when the charter bus carrying 57 students and chaperones were heading to an Ohio School Boards Association conference in Columbus. The injured were rushed to hospitals.

Five vehicles were involved in the crash, Licking County Emergency Management Agency Director Sean Grady said. The cause was not immediately known.

Video from the scene showed there was smoke coming from the crash site.

It was the second fatal crash involving high school students on a charter bus this year. In September, a charter bus carrying high school students to a band camp veered off a New York highway, killing two people and injuring several others. 
Two round tables were held at the London office of the well-known audit and consulting company BDO, organised by the British-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce.

According to Azernews, one of the events was held for British businessmen who are interested in setting up business in Azerbaijan, and the other was held for Azerbaijani businessmen who want to set up business in Britain.

John Patterson, co-chairman of the British-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce, made an opening speech at the event. During the speech, information was given about the establishment of the Chamber of Commerce, its current activities, and its future plans. It was noted that such events are planned to be held on a regular basis, and the main goal is to help businessmen find new partners and get detailed information about business opportunities.

During the event, Peter Jelfs, the head of the tax and investment department of the British Ministry of Business and Trade, and Scott Knight, the head of the audit and insurance department of the BDO company, made presentations for Azerbaijani businessmen.

Later, the representative of the BDO Baku office, Yunis Salayev, made a presentation for British businessmen about the economic opportunities of Azerbaijan and the legal procedures required to establish business in our country.

Elin Suleymanov, the ambassador of Azerbaijan to Britain, who also spoke at the event, emphasised the importance of holding such events in terms of the further development of trade and economic relations between Azerbaijan and Britain. He drew attention to favourable business opportunities created for foreign investors in Azerbaijan, especially in our territories freed from occupation.
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- U.S. food and agricultural companies which participated in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) have reaped more than they had expected at the event, said Eric Zheng, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai (AmCham Shanghai).

From soybeans, sorghum, corn and legumes to pet food, the participating enterprises have signed contracts with millions of dollars during the expo in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10, according to Zheng.

"This has allowed U.S. exhibitors to deeply experience the enormous potential of the Chinese market," he told Xinhua Tuesday.

"Throughout the expo, the Food and Agricultural Pavilion was bustling with activity, drawing attention from both participants and media," he said, adding that U.S. exhibitors expressed a commitment to access the Chinese market upon returning home.

This was the first time the United States had a pavilion at the CIIE through collaboration with the AmCham Shanghai and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The efforts involved 17 collaborators from U.S. state governments, industry associations and businesses gathering to showcase American foods and agricultural products.

While the global economy remains in recovery mode, the CIIE, the world's first import-themed expo, serves as a crucial platform for exhibitors from various countries to promote their products and brands in China, said Zheng.

Zheng believed the Chinese market still has significant potential for further growth in its demand for American food and agricultural products.

"China is the largest export destination for U.S. agricultural products, with the total value reaching 42 billion dollars last year," he said, "Many small- and medium-sized food and agricultural producers in the United States have expressed their eagerness to expand their products into the Chinese market only to face challenges in finding suitable distribution channels."

Based in Glenview, Illinois, Hang Tung Resources (USA) Co., Ltd. is an oilseeds and grain company exporting to China since 2014. At least 90 percent of the company's business comes from China.

"We participated in the CIIE as part of a delegation organized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, marking the first-ever group of exhibitors representing the U.S. federal government in the history of the CIIE," Sherman Shi, the company's vice president, told Xinhua.

The company secured business agreements totaling 500 million dollars during the expo, which "surpassed initial expectations" and was "a remarkable success," said Shi.

"China is a market that we cannot overlook, both presently and in the future. As one of the largest countries in terms of population and with a thriving economy, the Chinese consumers' demand for general agri-commodities is significant," he said.

For Vlady Cornateanu, president and CEO of Sino-America Business Development Company in Beverly Hills, California, words failed him to "truly express the magnitude of this unique trade fair, the reach to the world and the openness to international companies, large and small, to do business in China."

The 74-year-old exporter with 35 years of experience in international trade said he witnessed plenty of foot traffic around the individual booths and country pavilions.

"I talked to many vendors, some new, some repeat, but all expressed enthusiasm for being part of such a prestigious and unparalleled trade fair," said Cornateanu.

"The U.S. pavilion in the food section brought a variety of products, but a lot more should be brought in the next expo," he said.

"The large U.S. companies with their own mega spaces, like Ford, Meta or FedEx, that always participated in the past obviously found the expo worthwhile. I hope more U.S. companies will participate in the future with an improved economy and political outlook," Cornateanu said. 
Key Insights

Given the large stake in the stock by institutions, Build-A-Bear Workshop's stock price might be vulnerable to their trading decisions

50% of the business is held by the top 16 shareholders

Insiders have sold recently

To get a sense of who is truly in control of Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE:BBW), 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 68% ownership. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn).

Given the vast amount of money and research capacities at their disposal, institutional ownership tends to carry a lot of weight, especially with individual investors. As a result, a sizeable amount of institutional money invested in a firm is generally viewed as a positive attribute.

Let's delve deeper into each type of owner of Build-A-Bear Workshop, beginning with the chart below.

View our latest analysis for Build-A-Bear Workshop

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Build-A-Bear Workshop?

Institutional investors commonly compare their own returns to the returns of a commonly followed index. So they generally do consider buying larger companies that are included in the relevant benchmark index.

As you can see, institutional investors have a fair amount of stake in Build-A-Bear Workshop. This implies the analysts working for those institutions have looked at the stock and they like it. But just like anyone else, they could be wrong. When multiple institutions own a stock, there's always a risk that they are in a 'crowded trade'. When such a trade goes wrong, multiple parties may compete to sell stock fast. This risk is higher in a company without a history of growth. You can see Build-A-Bear Workshop's historic earnings and revenue below, but keep in mind there's always more to the story.

Investors should note that institutions actually own more than half the company, so they can collectively wield significant power. Our data indicates that hedge funds own 7.8% of Build-A-Bear Workshop. That catches my attention because hedge funds sometimes try to influence management, or bring about changes that will create near term value for shareholders. Our data shows that Cannell Capital LLC is the largest shareholder with 7.8% of shares outstanding. The second and third largest shareholders are The Vanguard Group, Inc. and BlackRock, Inc., with an equal amount of shares to their name at 6.3%. Additionally, the company's CEO Sharon John directly holds 4.2% of the total shares outstanding.

Story continues

A closer look at our ownership figures suggests that the top 16 shareholders have a combined ownership of 50% implying that no single shareholder has a majority.

While it makes sense to study institutional ownership data for a company, it also makes sense to study analyst sentiments to know which way the wind is blowing. Quite a few analysts cover the stock, so you could look into forecast growth quite easily.

Insider Ownership Of Build-A-Bear Workshop

While the precise definition of an insider can be subjective, almost everyone considers board members to be insiders. Company management run the business, but the CEO will answer to the board, even if he or she is a member of it.

I generally consider insider ownership to be a good thing. However, on some occasions it makes it more difficult for other shareholders to hold the board accountable for decisions.

Shareholders would probably be interested to learn that insiders own shares in Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.. It has a market capitalization of just US$358m, and insiders have US$33m worth of shares, in their own names. Some would say this shows alignment of interests between shareholders and the board. But it might be worth checking if those insiders have been selling.

General Public Ownership

The general public-- including retail investors -- own 15% stake in the company, and hence can't easily be ignored. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies.

Next Steps:

While it is well worth considering the different groups that own a company, there are other factors that are even more important. Consider risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Build-A-Bear Workshop you should know about.

If you would prefer discover what analysts are predicting in terms of future growth, do not miss this free report on analyst forecasts.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Advance Auto Parts Inc (NYSE:AAP) reports a 2.9% increase in Q3 net sales to $2.7 billion, with comparable store sales up 1.2%.

Gross profit margin declined to 36.3%, impacted by a one-time inventory reserve adjustment and higher costs.

Operating loss recorded at $43.7 million due to gross profit decrease and elevated supply chain costs.

Company initiates sale processes for Worldpac and Canadian business, aiming for strategic focus and cost savings.

On November 15, 2023, Advance Auto Parts Inc (NYSE:AAP) released its 8-K filing, detailing the financial results for the third quarter ended October 7, 2023. The company saw a modest increase in net sales, but faced significant challenges that led to a decrease in gross profit and an operating loss for the quarter.

Financial Performance Overview

Advance Auto Parts Inc (NYSE:AAP) experienced a 2.9% rise in net sales, reaching $2.7 billion, with comparable store sales also growing by 1.2%. However, the company's gross profit took a hit, decreasing by 16.3% to $1.0 billion, primarily due to a one-time impact from a change in inventory reserve estimates amounting to approximately $119 million. Additionally, higher product costs and elevated supply chain expenses, which were not fully mitigated by pricing actions, contributed to the gross profit margin decline to 36.3%.

Operating expenses, represented by selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) costs, were slightly reduced as a percentage of net sales, but the company still reported an operating loss of $43.7 million. This loss is a stark contrast to the 6.5% operating income margin from the same quarter of the previous year.

Strategic and Operational Review Outcomes

President and CEO Shane O'Kelly emphasized the company's commitment to strategic and operational improvements. AAP is executing a new $150 million cost reduction program, with plans to reinvest a portion of these savings into its workforce to improve retention rates. As part of its strategic refocus, AAP has initiated the sale of Worldpac and its Canadian business, with Centerview Partners engaged to assist in the sale processes.

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"We are committed to stabilizing the company and returning Advance to profitable growth, and our frontline teams passion and extensive knowledge is integral to how we succeed," said Shane O'Kelly.

Capital Allocation and Full Year 2023 Guidance

The company declared a regular cash dividend of $0.25 per share, payable on January 26, 2024. However, the full year 2023 guidance has been adjusted to reflect the challenges faced in Q3, including non-recurring expenses and continued pressure from higher product costs. The updated guidance anticipates lower operating income margins and diluted earnings per share (EPS) than previously forecasted.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Statements Highlights

The balance sheet shows a slight increase in total assets from $12.01 billion at the end of 2022 to $12.24 billion as of October 7, 2023. Net cash provided by operating activities significantly decreased to $30.4 million from $483.1 million in the prior year, and free cash flow turned negative, reflecting an outflow of $156.8 million compared to an inflow of $149.5 million in the same period of the prior year.

In summary, while Advance Auto Parts Inc (NYSE:AAP) managed to increase sales, the company faced significant profitability challenges in Q3 2023. The strategic and operational review has led to a focus on cost reductions and asset sales, which are expected to stabilize the company and support a return to profitable growth. Investors and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how these initiatives impact the company's performance in the coming quarters.

Explore the complete 8-K earnings release (here) from Advance Auto Parts Inc for further details.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


NAMEN, Belgium, November 15, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sunrise, a pioneer in home sleep diagnostics, has welcomed an additional aggregate investment of $6 million from the Alexa Fund and French healthcare investor UI-Investissement (Majycc Innovation Sante), for a total of $24 million raised this year.

This news comes after a breakthrough year for Sunrise. With two FDA approvals in the United States, the renewed CE certification under MDR1 in Europe, and the 2022 SleepTech Award from the American National Sleep Foundation, Sunrise has become a key player in the sleep diagnosis field. Today, its reach extends from Europe across the Atlantic.

Sunrises approach to sleep monitoring centers around mandibular jaw movements. Much like the diaphragm supports breathing during sleep, the jaw also plays a key role. By focusing on these jaw movements, Sunrise delivers a high-precision tool for sleep diagnosis. And all it takes is an 8-gram sensor comfortably placed on the chin.

On top of that, Sunrise measures 'respiratory effort,' a commonly overlooked metric in home sleep tests. This allows for the distinction between central and obstructive sleep apnea. It also offers new metrics like 'respiratory effort burden,' linked to fatigue, type II diabetes, and hypertension. Such detailed insights pave the way for personalized treatments and better health outcomes for those facing sleep challenges.

"Sleep disorders are a global concern, and we're proud to be an investor in Sunrise and support their innovative approach to aid in the diagnosis of sleep-related breathing disorders," said Paul Bernard, director of the Alexa Fund. "Their technology, designed for multi-night testing that leverages key sleep metrics, has the potential to redefine sleep apnea diagnosis and care for millions of people suffering from sleep disorders worldwide."

This new funding enables Sunrise to further expand its reach, making quality sleep diagnostics more accessible and personalized than ever. Joining forces with the Alexa Fund and UI-Investissement, the company is setting a new standard for sleep health. As CEO Laurent Martinot puts it: "This funding round is a vote of confidence, not just in Sunrise, but in the universal need for better sleep health solutions."

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About Sunrise

Sunrise is on a mission to make sleep testing a routine part of our lives. The reason is simple: quality sleep is crucial for overall health, yet a staggering number of people remain undiagnosed. Headquartered in Belgium, and with additional offices in France and the United States, Sunrise's team includes experts in sleep research, machine learning, and electronic design. Leveraging proprietary technology, the team is advancing sleep diagnostics to be not only more accurate and reliable but also more user-friendly  both for patients and healthcare providers. By doing so, they are setting a fresh standard for accessible and effective sleep testing.

1 Medical Device Regulation

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114850003/en/

Contacts

For Media Inquiries:

Sarah Heuninck, +32 491 15 05 09, sh@gosselindewalque.com
By Exec Edge Editorial Staff

Irans interference in Iraqs internal politics has been pernicious and growing since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. The Council on Foreign Relations writes that Iran has ties to more than a dozen political parties in Iraq. Iran, a predominantly Shia Muslim nation, has worked to fuel sectarian hostility between Shias and Sunnis in Iraq with the overall goal of destabilizing the young democracy, which has managed to share power among Shias, Sunnis and Kurds.

The world witnessed the most brazen act of Iranian interference in years this week when Iraqs Federal Supreme Court  literally out of nowhere  ousted the Speaker of Iraqs Parliament, Mohamed Halbousi, the highest-ranking Sunni official in the country, and another Sunni lawmaker.

In a video statement after the courts decision, Halbousi said: I am surprised by the issuance of these decisions. I am surprised by the lack of respect for the Constitution.

Iraqs Federal Supreme Court has come under fire for its pro-Iranian decisions in the past from groups inside and outside of Iraq. As an example, Iran opposes the expansion of Kurdistans representation in Iraqs parliament, fearing it would come at the expense of Iraqs pro-Iran parties. Time and again, the Federal Supreme Court has ruled against Kurdistan and for Irans interest, the Washington Kurdistan Institute reports. The fact of the matter is that all the Supreme Courts rulings line up perfectly with Irans interests, the Institute writes.

It is telling that the Federal Supreme Court of Iraq gave no explanation of its ruling to oust Halbousi. There is no appeal to the ruling, which removes Halbousi from his speakership and from Parliament. In protest of the ruling, three Iraqi government ministers aligned with Halbousi and the Takadum, or Progress, Party resigned. The planning, industry and culture ministers called the Federal Supreme Courts decision blatantly unconstitutional and clear political targeting, Reuters reports. The party said it would also boycott meetings of the State Administration Coalition and Takadum lawmakers would boycott parliament. Reuters also reports that critics have charged the Federal Supreme Court with being widely subject to political influence.

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Halbousi, 42, was first elected to Parliament in 2014. He left to become governor of Iraqs Western Anbar Province, which is majority Sunni. He returned to the Parliament in 2018 as speaker and was re-elected in 2021. During both his leadership of Anbar and the parliament, Halbousi established a pan-sectarian governing stance, earning a reputation as a lawmaker who could work with all sides. And engineer by training and a businessman by occupation, Halbousi proved during his time as governor of Anbar he could persuade people to work together for the good of Iraq.

Representing the younger generation of leaders in Iraq, Halbousi demonstrated a post-sectarian frustration with the status quo. The shadow of regional conflicts and their impact on the nations youth has been profound. He understands that Iraqs youth are seeking tangible results and not just rhetoric.

We believe that the cost of understandings and solutions is much less than the cost of disputes and confrontation, he told Al-Monitor. Solutions are less expensive, easier to manage, when political feelings are calm.

Halbousis term as governor of Anbar marked a turning point in the provinces history. During his tenure, Anbar witnessed a remarkable resurgence driven by the resilience and determination of its people and the leadership of Halbousi, who was able to rally cooperation in spite of great challenges.

Owing to the conflict Anbar had suffered, the province no longer had an official governors office. Instead, Halbousi ran the government from a private home. Adding to the difficulties was a cyclic low in oil prices, crippling Iraqs budgets. Anbar needed to be rebuilt, but had no resources. Halbousi was able to persuade Anbar businesses to build new infrastructure on the promise of payment when oil prices rebounded. When they did, the contractors were paid. At the same time, the people of Anbar stepped up in extraordinary ways. The United Nations told Halbousi it would take two years for all the wartime rubble to be removed from Anbar. Working on their own, private citizens of Anbar cleared their province in four months.

The international community has taken note of Halbousis leadership and Anbars remarkable progress. As reported by the Financial Times in 2021, improved security conditions enabled the people of Anbar to rebuild their lives and homes. Both the Iraqi government and international agencies have invested heavily in enhancing the regions infrastructure, including roads and bridges. Approximately 1.5 million people who were displaced due to conflict have returned to Anbar.

Irans malign meddling in Iraqs politics and domestic affairs has not only dealt a destabilizing blow to a government that was on the right track, but, through Tehrans manipulation of the Federal Supreme Court, one of Iraqs most effective leaders has been removed from the field.

Contact:

executives-edge.com

editor@executives-edge.com
TOKYO & DUSSELDORF, Germany & NEW YORK, November 15, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Asahi Kasei, Gentari Hydrogen Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PETRONAS clean energy arm Gentari Sdn Bhd (Gentari), and JGC Holdings Corporation (JGC) today announced the completion of a detailed feasibility study for production of up to 8,000 tonnes per year of green hydrogen using a 60 megawatt (MW) class alkaline water electrolyser system. The parties also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a front-end engineering design (FEED) study for the said project. This project is supported by the Green Innovation Fund for Large-scale Alkaline Water Electrolysis System Development and Green Chemical Plant Project by Japans New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115141989/en/

Nobuko Uetake of Asahi Kasei, Michele Azalbert of Gentari, and Masahiro Aika of JGC at the MOU signing ceremony. (Photo: Business Wire)

Pursuant to the MOU, the parties are preparing for the FEED study to commence in January 2024. The operation is planned for start-up in 2027.

This collaboration between Asahi Kasei, Gentari, and JGC will advance the deployment of a 60 MW class water electrolyser paired with an integrated control system to produce green hydrogen. This commercial-scale project demonstrates the companies' commitment to fostering markets for green hydrogen and establishing a foundation for regional green hydrogen production, aligning with the broader mission of decarbonisation in Japan, Malaysia, and across Southeast Asia.

"We are pleased to collaborate with these two companies on a project that will demonstrate to the world the practical application of green hydrogen. Asahi Kasei's experience from demonstration experiments in Germany and managing a 10 MW electrolyser in Japan for over three years will play a pivotal role in this project's success," said Nobuko Uetake, Lead Executive Officer of Asahi Kasei and Senior General Manager of its Green Solution Project.

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"This strategic collaboration between Gentari, Asahi Kasei, and JGC, amplifies value for all involved. The project stands as a catalyst for advancing Malaysias hydrogen economy towards achieving its green hydrogen target of 200,000 tonnes per year by 2030, aligning with the National Energy Transition Roadmap and Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap. Beyond this, Gentari is developing hydrogen projects with national and state entities to position Malaysia as the regions leading hydrogen hub, leveraging PETRONAS assets and the countrys strategic advantages," said Michele Azalbert, Gentaris Chief Hydrogen Officer.

"I would like to express our sincere appreciation for the efforts to conclude this MOU. JGC Group is currently constructing a demonstration facility of clean ammonia production adjacent to Asahi Kaseis electrolyser at Namie-machi, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, together with an integrated control system. We look forward to applying the lessons learnt from the demonstration and to utilising its technical outcomes toward the execution of this project in Malaysia," said Masahiro Aika, Senior Executive Officer, Technology Commercialization Officer and General Manager, Sustainability Co-creation Unit of JGC.

About Asahi Kasei

The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its foundation in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber businesses, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 48,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to a sustainable society by providing solutions to the world's challenges through its three business sectors of Material, Homes, and Health Care. The hydrogen-related business is positioned as one of Asahi Kasei's "10 Growth Gears" (GG10) businesses to drive future growth, and the company plans to focus proactive investment in this domain. Asahi Kasei is also a member of industry associations such as the Hydrogen Council in Europe and the Japan Hydrogen Forum in the U.S., emphasizing its dedication to advancing green solutions in key focus areas. For more information, visit https://ak-green-solution.com/en/.

About Gentari

Gentari is focused on delivering the solutions required to put clean energy into action today, to transform how we live tomorrow. Gentaris three initial core pillars of Renewable Energy, Hydrogen and Green Mobility form a comprehensive portfolio of solutions to help our customers in their decarbonisation journey. Its global 2030 aspiration is to achieve 30-40 GW of installed capacity in renewable energy, up to 1.2 million tonnes per year of clean hydrogen, and over 10% share of the public charging points and Vehicle-as-a-Service market across key countries in the Asia-Pacific region. In the long term, Gentari aims to be the most valued clean energy solutions partner, creating greater impact, connecting businesses, and making the journey to a net zero future possible.

For more information, visit www.gentari.com.

About JGC

JGC group operates Engineering, Procurement and Construction businesses for plants and facilities in a variety of regions throughout the world, contributing to economic growth and industrial development in not only Japan, but also in various countries worldwide. JGC group established our purpose as "Enhancing planetary health," aiming to solve the three social issues of "achieving both a stable supply of energy and decarbonization," "reducing the environmental impact of resource use," and "establishing and maintaining infrastructure and services that support our daily lives" with making full use of the capabilities it has cultivated.

For more information, please visit https://www.jgc.com/en/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115141989/en/

Contacts

Company Contact North America:

Asahi Kasei America, Inc.

Christian OKeefe

E-mail: christian.okeefe@ak-america.com

Company Contact Europe:

Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH

Sebastian Schmidt

Fringsstrasse 17, 40221 Dusseldorf

Tel: +49 (0) 211-3399-2058

E-mail: sebastian.schmidt@asahi-kasei.eu
An Ashland University graduate has been appointed to the TourismOhio Advisory Board.

According to a recent Ashland University press release, Logan Rex is a 2018 graduate with a degree in history/political science. He was a former Ashbrook Scholar and worked in various museum. The Allen County Museum and historical society in his hometown of Lima, being the first museum he worked in.

"I had numerous positions at the Allen County Museum," Rex told the university. Among the positions he held at the museum included working in the education wing as well as interning for the collections and marketing department. "That work there really solidified that I was in the correct line of work."

In 2019, Rex began working as the curator and communications director at the Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapakoneta. To show appreciation for Rex's dedication and expertise at the museum as well as the museum and tourism industry, Gov. Mike DeWine appointed him to the TourismOhio Advisory Board.

"Ohio is such an amazing place to explore," Rex said. "I love the idea of being able to help showcase our state on a local, regional, and national level."

The board appointment is for one year, and Rex can be re-appointed by the governor. Rex added the organization's board members usually are tourism industry leaders. He expert who work toward enhancing Ohio's travel sector and foster economic growth through tourism activities.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Ashland University graduate on TourismOhio Advisory Board
By Renju Jose and Byron Kaye

SYDNEY (Reuters) -State-sponsored cyber groups and hackers have increased assaults on Australia's critical infrastructure, businesses and homes, a government report said, adding that its new defence agreement with Britain and the U.S. had likely made it more of a target.

Reports of cybercrime surged 23% to more than 94,000 in the financial year to June, the Australian Cyber Security Centre said in its annual threat report on Wednesday.

It estimated there was a hack on Australian assets every six minutes.

"The cyber threat continues to grow," Defence Minister Richard Marles told ABC Radio. "We're also seeing a greater interest from state actors in Australia's critical infrastructure."

The report said that was party due to the new AUKUS defence partnership "with its focus on nuclear submarines and other advanced military capabilities".

In May, the Five Eyes intelligence alliance and Microsoft said a state-sponsored Chinese hacking group was spying on U.S. critical infrastructure organisations. The U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the UK make up the Five Eyes intelligence sharing network.

Techniques used by the China hacking group could be used against Australia's critical infrastructure including telecommunications, energy and transportation, the report said.

Marles said Australia's relationship with China, its largest trading partner, was "complex" and the government had never pretended the relationship would be easy. Diplomatic and trade ties between the two countries have stabilised recently after several disputes since 2020.

"We value, clearly, a productive relationship with China ... but China has been a source of security anxiety for our country and we prepare for that as well," Marles said.

The spike in cyber intrusions prompted the government in February to set up an agency to help coordinate responses to hacks. It is also overhauling federal cyber laws - details of which are due to be released next week - and the government has said it will make it compulsory for companies to report ransomware incidents.

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The average cost of a cybercrime to its victim rose 14%, the report said.

"This sort of evidence gives the government the requirement to have a much closer relationship between industry and government," said Matthew Warren, director of the RMIT University Centre for Cyber Security Research and Innovation.

"Some of the statistics are quite frightening."

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission also said this week that a survey of 700 companies had found 44% did not manage risks associated with third parties like supply chain partners accessing confidential data. It also found that 58% had limited or no measure to protect confidential data and 33% had no cyber incident response plan.

Cyber attacks against Australia will continue to rise until organisations started putting more effort into security and the risk management of their information assets, said Nigel Phair, cybersecurity professor at Monash University.

This month, a cyber incident at DP World Australia, one of the country's largest ports operators, forced it to suspend operations for three days.

The shakeup of the country's cyber security rules was triggered by the 2022 data theft at telecoms provider Optus, which exposed personal information of 10 million Australians.

(Reporting by Renju Jose and Byron Kaye in Sydney; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Edwina Gibbs)
Rationalstat LLC

The global automotive usage-based insurance market is projected to reach US$ 112.7 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 19.1%.

Wilmington, Delaware, Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Automotive Usage-based Insurance Market size is valued at US$ 33.2 billion in 2023 and is predicted to rise at a substantial CAGR of 19.1% during the forecast period of 2023 and 2030 according to RationalStat analysis.





Market Definition, Market Scope, and Report Overview

The automotive usage-based insurance (UBI) market has been influenced by several key drivers that have shaped its growth and evolution. The rapid advancement of telematics technology, which involves the use of sensors and communication devices installed in vehicles, has been a significant driver of the UBI market. These technologies can track various aspects of a drivers behavior, such as speed, distance, acceleration, and braking, allowing insurance companies to assess risk more accurately.

Further, the availability of large volumes of data and advancements in data analytics tools have enabled insurance companies to process and analyze driver data effectively. This has made it possible to create more personalized and accurate risk profiles for individual policyholders.

According to a deep-dive market assessment by RationalStat, the automotive usage-based insurance market has been analyzed based on market segments, including type, application, and geography/regions (including North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Asia Pacific) . The report also offers global and regional market sizing for the historical period of 2019-2022 and the forecast period of 2023-2030.

Market intelligence for the automotive usage-based insurance market covers market sizes based on market value (US$/EUR Million) and volume (Units) by various products/services/equipment, demand assessment across the key regions, customer sentiments, price points, cost structures, margin analysis across the value chain, financial assessments, historical and forecast data, key developments across the industry, import-export data, trade overview, components market by leading companies, etc.

In addition, the long-term sector and products/services 10-year outlook and its implications on the automotive usage-based insurance market. It also includes the industry's current state  Production Levels, Capacity Utilization, Tech quotient, etc. Key information will be manufacturing capacity by country, installed base, import volumes, market size, key players, market size, dynamics, market data, insights, etc.

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Global Automotive Usage-based Insurance Market: Segmental and Market Share Analysis

Based on the type, the Pay-How-You-Drive (PHYD) segment is expected to capture the majority of the automotive usage-based insurance market as it uses real-time driving data such as cornering, speed, and distracted driving to price premiums more accurately.

Report Synopsis

Report Metrics Details Base Year 2023 Forecast Period 2023-2030 Base Year Market Size US$ 33.2 billion Market Size Forecast US$ 112.7 billion Growth Rate 19.1% Dominant Segment PHYD Segment Leading Region North America Key Market Drivers Rise in safety concerns

Increasing popularity of usage-based insurance Companies Profiled Liberty Mutual Insurance

Mapfre S.A

Insurethebox

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company

Allstate Corporation

Progressive Corporation

AXA

UNIPOLSAI ASSICURAZIONI S.P.A.

Allianz SE

Aviva

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Competition Analysis and Market Structure

Some of the prominent players adopt various strategies to reinforce their market share and gain a competitive edge over other competitors in the market. Mergers & acquisitions, and partnerships and collaborations are some of the strategies followed by industry players, some of the key developments in the automotive usage-based insurance market include,

In March 2023, Liberty Mutual Insurance partnered with Ford to bring usage-based insurance to connected vehicles.

In July 2022, Bajaj Allianz launched usage-based insurance cover add-on-cover- Pay As You Consume (PAYC).

Some of the prominent players and suppliers operating and contributing significantly to the automotive usage-based insurance market growth include Liberty Mutual Insurance, Mapfre S.A, Insurethebox, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, Allstate Corporation, Progressive Corporation, AXA, UNIPOLSAI ASSICURAZIONI S.P.A., Allianz SE, and Aviva, among others.

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RationalStat has segmented the automotive usage-based insurance market based on type, application, and region

Global Automotive Usage-based Insurance Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Units), and Market Share (2019-2030) Analysis by Type Pay-How-You-Drive Insurance (PHYD) Pay-As-You-Drive Insurance (PAYD) Manage-How-You-Drive Insurance (MHYD) Technology (OBD-II-Based UBI Programs Hybrid-Based UBI Programs Smartphone-Based UBI Programs Black-Box-Based UBI Programs

Global Automotive Usage-based Insurance Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Units), and Market Share (2019-2030) Analysis by Application Light-Duty Vehicle (LDV) Heavy-Duty Vehicle (HDV)

Global Automotive Usage-based Insurance Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Units), and Market Share (2019-2030) Analysis by Region North America Automotive Usage-based Insurance Market US Canada Latin America Automotive Usage-based Insurance Market Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Western Europe Automotive Usage-based Insurance Market Germany UK France Spain Italy Benelux Nordic Rest of Western Europe Eastern Europe Automotive Usage-based Insurance Market Russia Poland Hungary Other CIS Countries Rest of Eastern Europe Asia Pacific Automotive Usage-based Insurance Market China Japan India South Korea Australia ASEAN Indonesia Thailand Philippines Vietnam Malaysia Rest of ASEAN Rest of Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa Automotive Usage-based Insurance Market GCC Saudi Arabia (KSA) United Arab Emirates (UAE) Rest of the GCC South Africa Nigeria Turkey Rest of the Middle East & Africa



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Key Questions Answered in the Automotive Usage-based Insurance Report:

What will be the market value of the automotive usage-based insurance market by 2030?

What is the market size of the automotive usage-based insurance market?

What are the market drivers of the automotive usage-based insurance market?

What are the key trends in the automotive usage-based insurance market?

Which is the leading region in the automotive usage-based insurance market?

What are the major companies operating in the automotive usage-based insurance market?

What are the market shares by key segments in the automotive usage-based insurance market?

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Research Methodology

RationalStat has developed a state-of-the-art research methodology to crunch numbers and provide the best possible real-time insights to clients. We combine a varied range of industry experience, data analytics, and experts viewpoints to create a research methodology for market sizing and forecasting.

RationalStat combines a mix of secondary sources as well as primary research to assess the market size and develop a forecast. Key steps involved in accurately deriving the market numbers are:

Defining the problem by understanding the type of market and data required by the client.

Data gathering and collection through relevant paid databases, publicly available sources, company reports, annual reports, surveys, and interviews.

Formulating a hypothesis to create market numbers, forecasts, influencing factors, and their relevance.

Evaluating and analyzing the data by referring to data sources utilized and leveraged.

Validating, interpreting, and finalizing the data by combining the details gathered from primary and secondary sources with the help of experienced analysts.

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RationalStat is an end-to-end global market intelligence and consulting company that provides comprehensive market research reports, customized strategy, and consulting studies. The company has sales offices in India, Mexico, and the US to support global and diversified businesses. The company has over 80 consultants and industry experts, developing more than 850 market research and industry reports for its report store annually.

RationalStat has strategic partnerships with leading data analytics and consumer research companies to cater to the clients needs. Additional services offered by the company include consumer research, country reports, risk reports, valuations and advisory, financial research, due diligence, procurement and supply chain research, data analytics, and analytical dashboards.

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A meeting was held between Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov and a delegation led by Minister of Mining and Energy of Serbia Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic, who is on a visit to Azbaijan, Azernews reports, citing the ministry.

The important role of friendly relations between the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Serbia in the comprehensive development of relations based on strategic partnerships between the two countries was emphasised at the meeting. Extensive cooperation opportunities in the fields of natural gas and electricity were evaluated. It was noted that energy cooperation is of exceptional importance for the development of bilateral relations at a new level, and in this regard, Azerbaijan and Serbia attach great importance to partnerships in the field of natural gas.

Within the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Mining and Energy of the Republic of Serbia on promoting cooperation between SOCAR and Srbijagas, as well as an agreement on gas sales between SOCAR and Srbijagas was signed.

Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov said: "With the documents of strategic importance we signed today, we are laying the foundation for multifaceted cooperation in the field of gas, including gas supplies from Azerbaijan to Serbia for the first time. Serbia is Azerbaijan's new partner in diversifying the gas market in Europe. With the supply of up to 400 million cubic metres of gas per annum to Serbia, the number of countries supplied with Azerbaijani gas will reach 8. This is a clear indication of expanding Azerbaijan's mission as a reliable energy partner and its growing role in energy security. Today's agreements also pave the way for the sustainability of our gas supply partnership with long-term contracts and Azerbaijan's contributions to Serbia's energy security.

The Minister of Mining and Energy of the Republic of Serbia, Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic said: "Today, Serbia and Azerbaijan have opened a new chapter in their economic and bilateral cooperation by signing a contract on the volumes of gas that Azerbaijan will supply to Serbia. After the supply of Azerbaijani gas to Serbia via the Bulgaria-Serbia Interconnector, which is expected to be commissioned in the near future, we are going to achieve our strategic goal of diversifying our sources of supply for this energy source and further bolstering our role as a transit country for gas distribution to Central Europe. The signed contract outlines the delivery of 400 million cubic metres of gas in the next year, and we expect these volumes to increase further in the coming years."

SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf stressed that the gas contract will open a new page in cooperation between SOCAR and Srbijagas. He noted the importance of successful implementation of the contract in strengthening Serbia's energy security, as well as relations between the two countries and companies.

It should be noted that, in addition to gas supplies, the Memorandum of Understanding provides for the supply of LNG to Serbia, cooperation with SOCAR in gas storage areas, the company's participation in gas trading operations, as well as the construction of gas power plants.
At age 88, World War II veteran Robert Kroll moved to Friendship Village of Schaumburg, Illinois, 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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But in 2020, COVID was particularly deadly for older victims, and prompted Illinois 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
(Bloomberg) -- Barclays Plc raised $1.75 billion through an additional tier 1 bond, attracting strong investor orders in another sign of a revival for the market rocked earlier this year by the historic writedown of Credit Suisse Group AG securities.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The London-based bank is sold the dollar perpetual AT1 note thats callable in June 2030. Demand at the last update was over 12.5 times the size of the debt on offer, according to a person familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified because theyre not authorized to speak about it. This enabled the issuer to tighten the yield to 9.623% from around 10.5% area at initial price talk, with the deal expected to price later on Wednesday.

Last week UBS Group AG sold additional tier 1 notes, its first such issuance since roughly $17 billion of Credit Suisses AT1s were wiped out as part of a UBS takeover brokered by the Swiss government. The Swiss lender pulled in roughly 10 times the bids for the debt on offer.

The new issuance will bolster Barclays AT1 capital structure  an important cushion that helps lenders comply with core capital requirements without relying solely on more expensive equity.

Read: Call Them AT1s or CoCos, Heres Why They Can Blow Up: QuickTake

Barclays securities will convert into equity if a capital adequacy trigger has been breached, setting them apart from the Credit Suisse AT1 notes that had a complete loss imposed by the Swiss authorities.

Global contingent convertible bonds from banks have rebounded from their slump in March. Bloombergs Global CoCo Banking Statistics Index has rallied 15% since March 20 and the average yield premium has shrunk 240 basis points since then.

Story continues

--With assistance from Caleb Mutua.

(Updates with final pricing in headline and the first two paragraphs. A previous version of this story was corrected to remove reference to a shareholder vote and revised to clarify that Barclays long has had an equity conversion clause.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Citadel founder Ken Griffin has spoken out against remote working. Vernon Yuen/Getty Images

Ken Griffin said that remote working was weakening the "social contract" of companies.

The Citadel founder told Bloomberg it could make it easier for them to lay people off.

Major US firms are pushing back against remote working and telling workers to return to the office.

Ken Griffin has warned that working from home will make it easier for companies to fire people.

The Citadel founder, who is a notoriously tough boss, told Bloomberg that remote working is harming corporate culture and could contribute to companies deciding to lay people off, as the return to office fight continues to heat up.

"What worries me in a hybrid work environment or work-from-home environment, the cultural or social contract that holds people together in a company is unquestionably weaker," said Griffin.

"That worries me in terms of willingness of corporate America to make cuts in the workforce," he added.

Griffin's comments come as major US companies push workers to return to the office. Both Amazon and Meta have said that their employees must come in at least three days a week, or risk losing their jobs.

Despite this rhetoric, many companies are also cutting down on office space. Desk booking platform Robin Powered surveyed over 500 business owners and facilities managers across the US and found that 75% are planning to reduce their office square footage in the next year. This was a 30% increase from 2022, it said.

Griffin also warned that remote working was having a negative impact on corporate culture, pointing to the stories of so-called "Zoom firings" that became notorious during the pandemic.

The most famous example of this involved Better.com CEO Vishal Garg , who faced fierce criticism after he fired over 900 employees over a Zoom call.

Garg later told his remaining staff that he had "blundered the execution" of the layoffs, and said in an interview with TechCrunch that he had gone through "a lot of leadership training" in the years after the firings.

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"We have all read about companies that are firing thousands of people on Zoom calls," Griffin said.

"There is no sense of 'That is Jane who has worked down the hall from me for years. I will go the extra distance to try to keep Jane here.' Here is the email to all, here is the video conference with a bunch of people, goodbye," he said.

Citadel did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider, made outside normal working hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Billionaire Ken Griffin says Miami could overtake New York as a financial hub

Citadel founder Ken Griffin and former Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos attend an event on Miami Beach. Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images

Ken Griffin told Bloomberg that he thinks Miami "represents the future of America."

The Citadel founder said that the city could one day overtake New York as the US' financial hub.

Wall Street giants and tech CEOs are flocking to Miami, with Jeff Bezos moving from Seattle.

Ken Griffin has said that Miami "represents the future of America" and hinted that the city could one day supersede New York as a financial hub.

The founder of hedge fund Citadel, which is building a new $1 billion HQ in Miami's Brickell Bay district, told Bloomberg that "Wall Street South" could overtake its northern rival in the future as finance companies and tech CEOs increasingly flock to the city.

"Miami, I think, represents the future of America," he said, adding that Florida's pro-business political environment favors growth.

"We'll see how big 'Wall Street South' becomes. We're on Brickell Bay, and maybe in 50 years it will be Brickell Bay North, how we refer to New York in finance," he said.

Despite this, Griffin still had good things to say about New York, where Citadel is planning a new 1,350-foot skyscraper, describing the city as the "epicenter of thoughtful people passionately engaged in their careers."

Citadel moved to the Sunshine State last year from Chicago, where the financial firm has been based since its inception. Executives cited the crime rate in the windy city as a major reason for the move, with Griffin describing Chicago as "like Afghanistan on a good day."

The company is building a new $1 billion headquarters in Brickell Bay , Miami's financial district. The area has been nicknamed "Wall Street South" after several major New York firms chose to invest in the city's booming financial scene.

Griffin is not the only major US business figure to sing Miami's praises recently. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos recently announced he would move to the city from Seattle , where he started the company.

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The Blue Origin CEO said that he wanted to move to be closer to his parents  though he is also set to save a huge amount on taxes with the move . Florida doesn't have capital gains, estate, state income, or wealth taxes.

Citadel did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider, made outside normal working hours.

Read the original article on Business Insider
(Bloomberg) -- Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway Inc. reduced the number of stocks in its portfolio in the third quarter, exiting stakes in General Motors Co. and Activision Blizzard Inc. while trimming bets on companies including HP Inc.

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The conglomerates retreat from Activision completes Buffetts arbitrage play amid the video-game makers prolonged effort to merge with Microsoft Corp., which ran into antitrust scrutiny before the deal was completed in October.

All together, Berkshire exited stakes in seven companies, not including the restructuring of its investment in Liberty Media Corp. and related entities. The value of its disclosed investments decreased 10% from the previous quarter to $312.8 billion.

The conglomerate said it had omitted some data from the filing that was reported confidentially to regulators, and its unclear whether the information withheld related to a new or existing position. The Securities and Exchange Commission sometimes allows companies to withhold information from the public to limit copycat investing while a firm is building or cutting a position.

Berkshire has been a net seller of equities throughout 2023, pocketing about $23.6 billion from stock sales after purchases in the first nine months of this year. Those equity sales have contributed to a high-class problem for the conglomerate: more money than it can easily put to work. Much of the hoard has ended up in short-dated Treasuries, helping Berkshire rack up a record $157 billion in cash.

Earlier this year, Buffett broke with his typical strategy of holding on for the long-term by revealing he had abruptly rotated out of a position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. The billionaire chalked up the decision to concerns over political risk in Taiwan, even as he lauded the chipmaker as a fabulous enterprise.

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Read More: Buffett Praises BYD and TSMC After Selling Shares of Both Firms

There have been some other changes to Berkshires equities portfolio this year, with the conglomerate previously exiting U.S. Bancorp and Bank of New York Mellon Corp. even as it placed a wager on Capital One Financial Corp. amid a tumultuous period for the sector.

--With assistance from Bei Hu.

(Updates with details on confidential treatment in the fourth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
CGG

Paris, France  November 15, 2023

CGG, in association with PETRONAS, has announced the start of the Selat Melaka 2D multi-client seismic program over the Langkasuka Basin offshore Malaysia. Located in the Malacca Strait, the project has received industry funding and will deliver early products in December 2023 and final results in August 2024.

Experts at CGGs Kuala Lumpur subsurface imaging center will apply its latest proprietary full-waveform inversion (FWI) and Q-tomography imaging technologies to provide the industry with a better regional understanding of the petroleum systems in this underexplored basin, with a focus on the prospective pre-tertiary target.

Mohamed Firouz Asnan, Senior Vice President, Malaysia Petroleum Management (MPM), PETRONAS, said: PETRONAS continues to invest in data enrichment for Malaysian basins, like the emerging Langkasuka Basin. Initiatives such as this multi-client seismic survey is expected to attract exploration interests to support the countrys production growth strategy.

Dechun Lin, EVP, Earth Data, CGG, said: We are pleased to announce our new multi-client project offshore Malaysia, which will further assist frontier exploration in the West Peninsular area. With over 45 years of experience processing seismic data from all the major basins in Malaysia, we are confident that we can deliver the highest-quality data in an area lacking data coverage and help reduce uncertainties ahead of Malaysias 2024 Bid Round.

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 and is listed on the Euronext Paris SA (ISIN: 0013181864).

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Contacts

Group Communications & Investor Relations



Christophe Barnini

Tel: + 33 1 64 47 38 11

E-Mail: christophe.barnini@cgg.com





Attachment




By Sabrina Valle, Shariq Khan and David French

(Reuters) -Chevron Corp said it is evaluating options for around 70,000 net acres of land in East Texas' Haynesville shale formation after pausing development earlier this year, with sources saying a full sale is one option under consideration.

The move would be a small first step by the energy major which is seeking to offload assets worth up to $15 billion over the next five years following its recent multi-billion dollar acquisitions of more than 700,000 acres in U.S. shale assets.

Chevron last month said it would enter the Bakken basin of North Dakota with a $53 billion acquisition of Hess Corp. In August, it concluded the $6.3 billion acquisition of PDC Energy, which expanded its reserves in the Permian and DJ basins.

The deals added almost 500,000 barrels per day of oil and gas in the U.S. shale to Chevron's portfolio.

"Chevron is evaluating opportunities for our East Texas assets and is committed to safely delivering high returns and lower carbon," a Chevron spokesperson said in response to questions from Reuters. They declined to comment further on the process.

Among the options Chevron is considering is a full sale of the Haynesville assets, two sources familiar with the discussions said. The company informed some potential buyers of its plans to market the assets early next year, in the days following its Hess takeover announcement, the sources added.

The sources requested anonymity to discuss confidential information and noted that a sale is not guaranteed. Chevron could still consider other options for the land, including a partnership with other producers in the region who could develop the assets in return for a split of the profits, one of the sources said.

Dealmaking interest in the Haynesville is likely to pick up due to the region's proximity to existing and planned liquefied natural gas export projects along the U.S. Gulf Coast, according to bankers and others involved in energy transactions.

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Demand for U.S. LNG exports shot up after Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year led to Western sanctions on Moscow's energy trade.

The acreage is likely to be valued in the low hundreds of millions of dollars, two sources said, with one of the sources adding that Chevron produces around 40 million cubic feet equivalent per day of natural gas from a small part of the Haynesville holdings.

The asset's valuation will ultimately depend on various factors, one source cautioned, including commodity price forecasts at the time of bidding and how much worth bidders put on the land's untapped potential.

Most of the land is undeveloped, and the Chevron spokesperson confirmed Haynesville development activities were paused in July "as a part of regular business planning and portfolio prioritization."

Given much of the asset remains to be developed, this could draw in potential buyers seeking to bolster their own positions in the basin, at a time when energy investors are favoring companies with many years of reserves.

London-based BP has held talks with several companies about tying up operations in the Haynesville shale gas basin, Reuters reported last month.

(Reporting by Sabrina Valle, Shariq Khan and David French; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has unveiled a China-funded reference laboratory at its headquarters in Ethiopia, creating another milestone for China's health diplomacy.

The Dr Wu Lien-teh Laboratory, named after the Chinese-Malaysian epidemiologist who helped eradicate the plague in Manchuria in 1911, aims to address gaps in laboratory systems in Africa. It includes two high-containment Biosafety Level 3 laboratories, the second-highest rating in a four-tier system.

The new facility will serve as a training and quality assurance centre and provide support for evaluation and validation of diagnostic technologies and tools. It will also support research and development and play an important role in outbreak confirmation.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

Currently, less than 5 per cent of African laboratories possess fully developed and sustainable capacity for diagnosing priority diseases within their countries, properly transporting specimens, and adhering to international standards and regulatory requirements, according to Africa CDC.

Neither the China CDC nor its African counterpart revealed how much it cost to build and equip the laboratory. However, the US$80 million Africa CDC headquarters in Addis Ababa was furnished and equipped by the Chinese government as a gift to the African people.

Speaking at the handover ceremony at the Africa CDC headquarters in the Ethiopian capital on Friday, Dr Shen Hongbing, director of the China CDC, and Hu Changchun, the head of China's mission to the African Union, said the two CDCs would work together in areas such as diagnosis, responding to outbreaks and surveillance and early warning systems.

China has been working to strengthen its health diplomacy with African countries as it positions itself as a major player in the international global health market.

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Since 2017, the China CDC had sent five experts to its African counterpart to support its infectious disease surveillance, laboratory networking and information system strengthening, Shen said.

The lab is named after the pioneering Chinese-Malaysian doctor Wu Lien-Teh, pictured in a laboratory in Harbin in 1911. Photo: Courtesy of the family of Wu Yu-lin alt=The lab is named after the pioneering Chinese-Malaysian doctor Wu Lien-Teh, pictured in a laboratory in Harbin in 1911. Photo: Courtesy of the family of Wu Yu-lin>

Beijing has also funded the construction of the US$200 million African Union headquarters in Ethiopia.

"The Africa CDC and China CDC are keen to enhance their collaboration in multiple areas, and the reference laboratory aligns with Africa CDC's strategic priorities, enhancing its capacity to respond promptly and effectively to various public health threats," Africa CDC director general Dr Jean Kaseya said.

The Africa CDC started as a US-China project to help African countries fight disease but the collaboration between the two superpowers collapsed during Donald Trump's presidency.

In April 2015, the US and African Union signed an agreement to create Africa CDC, with the US agreeing to provide technical expertise and seconded a dozen staff members to lead and support the project. It also agreed to support fellowships at Africa CDC for 10 African epidemiologists.

A China-AU deal was signed in 2016, where the Chinese side agreed to provide public health expertise.

In 2018, as US-China relations were deteriorating, the AU and China agreed that the Chinese would build the CDC headquarters.

Washington strongly opposed this decision but appeared to have been outmanoeuvred by China.

As they sparred over who should build the Africa CDC headquarters, one unnamed US official expressed concern that China was looking to spy on "Africa's genomic data", according to the Financial Times - a claim the Chinese foreign ministry dismissed as "ridiculous".

Observers said that although China had funded the construction of key infrastructure like the Africa CDC headquarters and its laboratory, the US was still a key player in funding malaria and HIV-Aids control initiatives across Africa.

David Shinn, a professor at George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs in Washington, and former US ambassador to Addis Ababa, said "China has received most of the publicity because it built the Africa CDC headquarters as a gift; behind the scenes, the American government and private sector have quietly been the backbone of support for Africa CDC".

He said the United States had been a major financial contributor to Africa CDC from its beginning. Shinn said since 2015, the US has provided annual support of between US$1m and US$3 million to fund strategic planning, hiring of field epidemiologists, and the hiring of technical and administrative staff.

In 2018, it announced US$150 million for national health institutes across Africa and in 2020 the United States partnered with the Gates Foundation, Microsoft, and other private sector organisations to provide US$100 million for the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative, Shinn said.

The research lab in Addis Ababa was officially opened last week. Photo: Xinhua alt=The research lab in Addis Ababa was officially opened last week. Photo: Xinhua>

He said Joe Biden's administration alone had committed US$10 million to help Africa CDC build out an online platform to improve workforce capacity in AU member states.

Lawrence Gostin, director of the O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown University in Washington, said China was seeking to curry political favour in Africa.

"By supporting the Africa CDC and its laboratory capacities, it gains considerable influence. If China is doing this without strings attached, that would be a useful contribution to pandemic preparedness in Africa," Gostin said.

He said the US had the major role in health preparedness in Africa. It has long term and highly successful programmes such as the US President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar) and the Global Health Security Agenda. It also invests in control of malaria and tuberculosis.

"The US Congress is unfortunately putting US global health investments in Africa at risk. Most important is its current reluctance to pass a clean reauthorisation of Pepfar.

"But China's role is growing and the US needs to respond with strong investments and partnerships in the African continent," Gostin said.

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2023 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2023. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
When a city's population declines  whether birth rates go down, deaths increase, or people simply move to another area  it can affect the housing market, small businesses, employment and other factors. Paying attention to demographic changes can help residents, governments and businesses understand new trends and inform how to best position themselves.

With this in mind, SmartAsset ranked 344 of the largest U.S. cities based on the largest population declines over five years between 2017 and 2022.

Key Findings

Paradise, Nevada lost 22% of its population despite population growth across the Southwest. Many cities in Nevada, Arizona and Texas topped the list for the highest population growth between 2017 and 2022, but Paradise bucks that trend. The latest population count was 183,321, down from 235,123 residents in 2017. This rate of decline is almost double that of second-place Jackson, Mississippi (-12.7%).

California cities make up 40% of the top 25 places where the population decreased most. El Monte had the fifth-highest population shrinkage studywide, losing 9.3% of its population. San Francisco ranked sixth overall with a 8.6% decrease over five years. Santa Ana (-7.8%), Glendale (-6.8%), Inglewood (-6.3%), San Jose (6.2%), Pasadena (-5.9%), Concord (-5.5%), and Corona (5.0%) also topped the list.

The population of Elgin, Illinois decreased by 7% in just one year. While this city has a five-year population decline of 4.2%, Elgin saw the highest one-year population decline. Residents here dropped to 109,634 in 2022 from 117,850 just a year prior.

10 Places With the Biggest Five-Year Population Declines

1. Paradise, Nevada

Paradise experienced a significant population drop of about 22.0% over the past five years, resulting in a 2022 population of 183,321. The city's gender distribution leans slightly towards females at 50.9%.

2. Jackson, Mississippi

Jackson saw a decline of approximately 12.7% in its populace from 2017 to 2022. Most recently housing 146,019 residents, the city has a predominant female majority at 53.46%.

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3. East Los Angeles, California

East LA reported a population reduction of roughly 10.0% in the last five years. The 2022 census showed 112,965 residents, with men slightly outnumbering women at 51.7%.

4. Aurora, Illinois

Aurora faced a population decrease of nearly 10.0% over five years. The 2022 census recorded 182,336 inhabitants, with females slightly outnumbering males at 50.5%.

5. El Monte, California

The population dropped by approximately 9.3% in El Monte over the past five years. Most recently, the city's population is 105,307, with a near-equal gender distribution between men and women.

6. San Francisco, California

San Francisco saw a 8.6% reduction in its populace. As of 2022, the city housed 808,437 individuals, with a marginal male majority at 51.3%.

7. Hialeah, Florida

Hialeah had an 8.1% decline in residents. This put the 2022 count at 220,274 with women outnumbering men at 52.9%.

8. Detroit, Michigan

In Detroit, the population decreased 7.8% since 2017. With 620,410 residents in 2022, the gender ratio is skewed toward women at 52.5%.

9. Santa Ana, California

Santa Ana's population fell approximately 7.8%. The 2022 population of the city is 308,203, with a near-even split of 50.6% men and 49.4% women.

10. Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham experienced a population decrease of around 7.7% since 2017. With 196,353 residents in 2022, women in the city make up the majority at 53.2%.

Data and Methodology

This study examined the 344 U.S. cities that had a population of 100,000 or higher in 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's 1-Year American Community Survey. Cities were ranked by five-year population decline between 2022 and 2017. The population of men and women as a percentage of the whole was also examined. Population data includes people of all ages. Changes in population may be due to births, deaths or migrations.

Financial Tips

Invest early. At the onset of your career, it's important to dedicate some of your earnings to building up savings for retirement. By planning and saving early you can take advantage of compound interest. Take a look at SmartAsset's investment calculator to see how your investment can grow over time.

Buy or rent? If you're moving to a new city and plan to stay for the long haul, buying may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if your stay will be a short one, you'll likely want to rent. SmartAsset's rent vs. buy calculator will help you compare the costs.

Consider a financial advisor. Finding a financial advisor doesn't have to be hard. SmartAsset's free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you're ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Questions about our study? Contact us at press@smartasset.com

Photo Credit: iStock.com/AleksandarGeorgiev

The post Cities Where Population Has Decreased the Most  2023 Study appeared first on SmartReads by SmartAsset.
Delving into the Dividend Dynamics of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC (NASDAQ:CCEP) recently announced a dividend of $1.17 per share, payable on 2023-12-05, with the ex-dividend date set for 2023-11-16. As investors look forward to this upcoming payment, the spotlight also shines on the company's dividend history, yield, and growth rates. Using the data from GuruFocus, let's look into Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC's dividend performance and assess its sustainability.

What Does Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC Do?

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Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC is a bottling company that sells nonalcoholic ready-to-drink beverage products under the Coca-Cola brand in Europe. The company operates through one segment. It purchases concentrate and syrups from the primary licensor, the Coca-Cola Co., then produces, packages, and distributes the beverages to retailers. The current license allows the company to exclusively market, produce, and distribute Coca-Cola products within specified territories: Iberia, Belgium, continental France, Great Britain, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Iceland, Germany, and Sweden. Sales of beverages in Iberia, Great Britain, Germany, and France make up the majority of the company's total sales volume and revenue.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC's Dividend Analysis

A Glimpse at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC's Dividend History

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC has maintained a consistent dividend payment record since 1987. Dividends are currently distributed on a bi-annually basis. Below is a chart showing annual Dividends Per Share for tracking historical trends.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC's Dividend Analysis

Breaking Down Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC's Dividend Yield and Growth

As of today, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC currently has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 3.08% and a 12-month forward dividend yield of 3.18%. This suggests an expectation of increased dividend payments over the next 12 months. Over the past three years, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC's annual dividend growth rate was 10.70%. Based on Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC's dividend yield and five-year growth rate, the 5-year yield on cost of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC stock as of today is approximately 3.08%.

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Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC's Dividend Analysis

The Sustainability Question: Payout Ratio and Profitability

To assess the sustainability of the dividend, one needs to evaluate the company's payout ratio. The dividend payout ratio provides insights into the portion of earnings the company distributes as dividends. A lower ratio suggests that the company retains a significant part of its earnings, thereby ensuring the availability of funds for future growth and unexpected downturns. As of 2023-06-30, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC's dividend payout ratio is 0.49.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC's profitability rank, offers an understanding of the company's earnings prowess relative to its peers. GuruFocus ranks Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC's profitability 8 out of 10 as of 2023-06-30, suggesting good profitability prospects. The company has reported positive net income for each of year over the past decade, further solidifying its high profitability.

Growth Metrics: The Future Outlook

To ensure the sustainability of dividends, a company must have robust growth metrics. Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC's growth rank of 8 out of 10 suggests that the company's growth trajectory is good relative to its competitors. Revenue is the lifeblood of any company, and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC's revenue per share, combined with the 3-year revenue growth rate, indicates a strong revenue model. Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC's revenue has increased by approximately 13.90% per year on average, a rate that outperforms approximately 77.32% of global competitors.

The company's 3-year EPS growth rate showcases its capability to grow its earnings, a critical component for sustaining dividends in the long run. During the past three years, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC's earnings increased by approximately 10.20% per year on average, a rate that outperforms approximately 56.67% of global competitors. Lastly, the company's 5-year EBITDA growth rate of 7.80%, which outperforms approximately 50.75% of global competitors.

With Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC's consistent dividend payments, robust dividend growth rate, prudent payout ratio, and strong profitability and growth metrics, the company stands as an attractive prospect for value investors seeking steady income streams. The combination of a solid track record and promising growth indicators bodes well for the sustainability of its dividends, making it a potential staple in income-focused portfolios. As investors consider their next steps, it's worth pondering: How will Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC's strategic initiatives and market position influence its dividend outlook in the years to come?

GuruFocus Premium users can screen for high-dividend yield stocks using the High Dividend Yield Screener.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva have attended the opening of the DOST EVI branch of the DOST Center for Inclusive Development and Creativity of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population in Ismayilli.

Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Population Sahil Babayev informed the head of state of and the First Lady of the work accomplished.

The main goal of the DOST Center for Inclusive Development and Creativity, which was established at the initiative of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, is to develop creative potential of the martyrs' family members, persons with war related disabilities and their children, orphans and children deprived of parental care, low-income families and talented people with disabilities.

The DOST EVI branch of the DOST Center for Inclusive Development and Creativity is located on the 16th kilometer of the Mughanli-Ismayilli road.

The one-storey DOST EVI has two entrances. Six workshops will operate in the branch.

President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva toured workshops in the DOST EVI.

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CV Sciences, Inc. (PNK:CVSI) Q3 2023 Earnings Call Transcript November 14, 2023

Operator: Good day, and welcome to the CV Sciences, Inc. Third Quarter 2023 Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] Please note this event is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to CV Sciences. Please go ahead.

Brendan Hawkins: Thank you, and good morning, everyone. With us today with prepared remarks are CV Sciences' Chief Executive Officer, Joseph Dowling; and Joerg Grasser, Chief Financial Officer. After prepared remarks, we will take questions from the analyst community. I would like to remind you that during this call, management's prepared remarks may contain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by CV Sciences at this time. When used in this call, the words anticipate, should, could, estimate, intend, expect, believe, potential, will, project and similar expressions as they relate to CV Sciences are as such forward-looking statements.

cbd cannabis

Photo by Richard T on Unsplash

Finally, please note that on today's call, management will refer to non-GAAP financial measures in which CV Sciences excludes certain expenses from its GAAP financial results. Please refer to CV Sciences' press release from earlier today for a full reconciliation of its non-GAAP performance measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures. This morning, the company issued a press release announcing its financial results. Participants on this call who may not have already done so, may wish to look at the press release as the company provides a summary of the results on this call. The press release may be found at cvsciences.com. I'd like to now turn the call over to CV Sciences' Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Joseph Dowling. Joe?

Joseph Dowling: Good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining our call. This morning, we issued a press release reporting results for our third quarter ended September 30, 2023. We are very pleased with our Q3 results as we continue to move towards a profitable and positive cash flow operation. Significant financial highlights during Q3 included: we increased our revenue to $4.1 million for the third quarter 2023, which is both a sequential and year-over-year increase in a very competitive environment where many of our competitors are experiencing significant revenue declines. We achieved a gross margin of 45.1% in the third quarter, which is again both a sequential and year-over-year increase. For the 9 months ended -- of 2023 -- for the first 9 months of 2023, we generated cash flow from operations of $2.4 million, which included the collection of $2.5 million of governmental tax credits.

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Nevertheless, it is a huge improvement when compared to cash used in operations of $2.1 million for the first 9 months of 2022. We continue to have a balanced mix of B2B and B2C revenue, and maintained our number one position in the natural products retail channel. We are increasing our market share in the natural product retail channel while brand contraction and consolidation continue to weed out weaker brands. We are aggressively managing working capital to ensure timely conversion of our receivables and inventory to cash. And our cost efficiency efforts continue to result in a lower overall company cost structure with efficiency gains and cash savings in several areas, including SG&A. Joerg will provide details on each of these areas during his remarks.

See also 11 Best Canadian Gold Stocks To Buy Now and 20 Youngest Billionaires In The World.

To continue reading the Q&A session, please click here.
Franklin Resources Inc (NYSE:BEN) showcases a robust global presence with a diversified investment portfolio.

Despite a challenging fiscal year, BEN maintains a strong balance sheet with significant managed assets.

Regulatory changes and market volatility pose potential threats to Franklin Resources Inc's operations.

Opportunities for growth through sustainable investing and ESG-focused products are on the rise.

Franklin Resources Inc (NYSE:BEN), a global investment management organization operating as Franklin Templeton, filed its 10-K on November 14, 2023. The company, known for its diverse range of investment services, reported a total of $1.335 trillion in managed assets as of the end of October 2023. Despite a slight decrease in operating revenues from $8,275.3 million in 2022 to $7,849.4 million in 2023, Franklin Resources Inc remains a formidable player in the financial sector. The company's net income also saw a decline from $1,333.2 million in 2022 to $1,103.4 million in 2023. However, the strength of its balance sheet is evident in the earnings per share, which stood at $1.72 in 2023. This SWOT analysis aims to dissect the company's financial health and strategic positioning, providing investors with a comprehensive understanding of its internal and external environments.

Decoding Franklin Resources Inc (BEN): A Strategic SWOT Insight

Strengths

Global Diversification and Asset Management: Franklin Resources Inc's strength lies in its global reach and diversified asset management. With 31% in equity, 35% in fixed-income, and a significant portion in alternatives and multi-asset/balanced funds, the company caters to a wide range of investor needs. Its international presence, with more than a third of assets under management invested in global/international strategies and 29% of managed assets sourced from clients outside the United States, positions it well in the global market. This diversification not only mitigates risk but also allows for a broad investment appeal.

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Robust Financial Position: Despite a challenging fiscal year, Franklin Resources Inc maintains a strong financial position. With a total operating revenue of $7,849.4 million and net income of $1,103.4 million, the company demonstrates resilience. Its earnings per share of $1.72, although a decrease from the previous year, still reflects a solid balance sheet. This financial stability is crucial for enduring market fluctuations and investing in growth opportunities.

Weaknesses

Revenue and Net Income Decline: A primary concern for Franklin Resources Inc is the year-over-year decline in both revenue and net income. The decrease in operating revenues from $8,275.3 million in 2022 to $7,849.4 million in 2023, along with a drop in net income from $1,333.2 million to $1,103.4 million, signals potential challenges in maintaining growth. This trend may affect investor confidence and could be indicative of underlying issues in attracting and retaining assets under management.

Operational Costs: The company's operational costs, such as compensation and benefits, which rose from $3,089.8 million in 2022 to $3,494.0 million in 2023, and sales, distribution, and marketing expenses, highlight the need for efficiency improvements. These increasing costs can put pressure on profit margins and may require strategic adjustments to ensure long-term profitability.

Opportunities

ESG and Sustainable Investing: Franklin Resources Inc has the opportunity to capitalize on the growing trend of sustainable investing and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) products. With investors increasingly seeking responsible investment options, the company can leverage its global platform to offer innovative ESG-focused funds and services, potentially attracting a new segment of socially conscious investors and expanding its market share.

Technological Advancements: The adoption of cutting-edge technology in investment management presents an opportunity for Franklin Resources Inc to enhance its operational efficiency and client services. By investing in digital platforms, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, the company can streamline processes, improve decision-making, and offer personalized investment solutions, thereby strengthening its competitive edge.

Threats

Regulatory Changes: Franklin Resources Inc operates in a highly regulated environment, and changes in laws or regulations can significantly impact its business. The company must navigate complex compliance landscapes, including the recent focus on climate-related disclosures and ESG reporting requirements. Non-compliance or failure to adapt could result in penalties, reputational damage, and financial setbacks.

Market Volatility: As an investment management firm, Franklin Resources Inc is inherently exposed to market volatility. Economic downturns, geopolitical tensions, and other external factors can affect asset valuations and investor behavior. The company must remain vigilant and agile in its investment strategies to mitigate the impact of market fluctuations on its managed assets and overall performance.

In conclusion, Franklin Resources Inc (NYSE:BEN) presents a mixed picture with its strong global presence and financial stability counterbalanced by declining revenues and increased operational costs. The company's opportunities in ESG and technological innovation are promising, but regulatory challenges and market volatility remain significant threats. Investors should weigh these factors carefully when considering Franklin Resources Inc as part of their investment portfolio.

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.


SINGAPORE, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital Realty (NYSE: DLR), the largest global provider of cloud- and carrier-neutral data center, colocation and interconnection solutions, announced today that it has been recognised as a 'Leader' in the inaugural IDC MarketScape: Asia Pacific Datacenter Operations and Management 2023 Vendor Assessment (doc #AP50445823, November 2023)

Digital Realty

The assessment analyses the region's colocation and interconnection market using the IDC MarketScape model. It presents a comprehensive view of market demand, expected buyer needs and the competitive strengths of digital infrastructure providers to help businesses manage data exchange securely and efficiently.

"Digital Realty has emerged as a Leader in the Asia/Pacific market by adapting to trends like high-density colocation and being the first to introduce NVIDIA DGX H100-ready data centers to enable advanced AI workloads. Through PlatformDIGITAL, they offer scalable and future-proof infrastructure for data-driven businesses in the region and across the globe," said William Lee, Research Director and Mikhail Jaura, Research Analyst, Asia/Pacific Datacenter Research, IDC.

Digital Realty's newest data center in Osaka KIX13 and two facilities in Tokyo NRT10 and NRT12 are AI-ready, having been certified by NVIDIA as "DGX SuperPOD-Ready" data centers that can accommodate NVIDIA DGX-A100 and DGX-H100. These certifications are testament to Digital Realty's dedication to provide dedicated, robust, and resilient environments optimized for intensive AI computing systems deployments at scale.

Digital Realty has one of the widest digital infrastructure footprints in the world with robust coverage across the Asia Pacific. This includes growing core markets such Osaka and Tokyo, where it is set to launch a new facility next year. The company is also increasing its footprint in India, where it has acquired land in Mumbai and will be launching its first India data center in Chennai in early 2024. The coming expansion of Digital Realty's India joint venture will also strategically increase its global platform's connectivity to data centers and other establishments in the country to meet the digital infrastructure needs of the fast growing India market.

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The IDC MarketScape noted, "Digital Realty's PlatformDIGITAL is a compelling solution for data-driven businesses in search of a scalable and future-proof platform to meet their global hybrid and multicloud infrastructure requirements. PlatformDIGITAL offers secure and compliant solutions that are specifically designed for various industries, ensuring the highest level of data protection."

This recognition from the IDC MarketScape follows another recent recognition - Digital Realty was recently named as a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Datacenter Services 2023 Vendor Assessment (doc # US49435022, October 2023) for the third time.

"We are very honored to be named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape for Asia Pacific. Digital Realty offers the world's largest carrier-neutral digital infrastructure platform and as a hybrid data center operator, we give customers the flexibility to easily deploy and connect critical infrastructure, at any capacity, for any scale. We are committed to building a safe and open global meeting place that will enable the next wave of transformation in Asia Pacific and the world," said Serene Nah, Managing Director and Head of Asia Pacific, Digital Realty.

The IDC MarketScape report further acknowledged Digital Realty for the following strengths:

Resilient. Digital Realty has a long-standing record of operational excellence with 99.999% uptime for over 15 years. Despite now offering more powerful colocation solutions to the market, including the unveiling of high-density deployment of up to 70kW per rack to support AI and high-performance computing (HPC) workloads, Digital Realty's high-density colocation is specifically positioned to support HPC environments in various industries, such as manufacturing, energy, healthcare, finance, retail, and digital businesses.

Innovation. Digital Realty constantly seeks to invest in new projects aimed at enhancing its datacenter infrastructure performance. The company's KIX13 datacenter in Osaka was the first datacenter in the Asia/Pacific region to receive certification as NVIDIA DGX H100-ready. This distinction enables the company to provide support for NVIDIA's fourth-generation AI systems, thereby paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in DL AI models. Through its commitment to innovation, Digital Realty continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the AI realm and datacenter technology.

Sustainability. Whether it is green bonds issuance on the capital markets or engagement in various sustainability-oriented projects, such as a water-saving solution that utilizes DeCalon (DCI) electrolysis to improve WUE by 15% in its SIN10 datacenter, achieving recognition from Singapore's Environment Council (SEC), Digital Realty is one of the frontrunners of datacenter sustainability initiatives in the Asia/Pacific region. The company is committed to decarbonize its infrastructure and is actively working to contribute toward its global goal to reduce Scopes 1 and 2 emissions by 68% and Scope 3 emissions by 24% by 2030. Digital Realty has implemented various liquid-cooling deployments, including AALC which are essential for supporting HPC workloads by efficiently dissipating the immense heat generated by powerful processors and maximizing their performance.

Channel partners and marketplace. Digital Realty has an extensive channel partner network, with relationships with major CSPs, telcos, and content delivery network (CDN) vendors. The company has strategic partnerships with various CSPs, OEMs, and telcos, in addition to its proprietary marketplace, to increase the breadth of offerings available for its datacenter customers.

Platform capabilities. Digital Realty's PlatformDIGITAL is a comprehensive global datacenter platform that empowers businesses with a diverse array of internetworking services, interconnectivity solutions, and cutting-edge digital innovations. The company has enriched its connectivity suite through ServiceFabric Connect, which empowers customers with software-defined interconnection on a single user interface.

About Digital Realty

Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data "meeting place" and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx) solution methodology for powering innovation and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges. Digital Realty gives its customers access to the connected communities that matter to them with a global data center footprint of 300+ facilities in 50+ metros across 28 countries on six continents. To learn more about Digital Realty, please visit digitalrealty.com or follow us on LinkedIn and X.

About IDC MarketScape:

IDC MarketScape vendor assessment model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of ICT (information and communications technology) suppliers in a given market. The research methodology utilizes a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria that results in a single graphical illustration of each vendor's position within a given market. IDC MarketScape provides a clear framework in which the product and service offerings, capabilities and strategies, and current and future market success factors of IT and telecommunications vendors can be meaningfully compared. The framework also provides technology buyers with a 360-degree assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of current and prospective vendors.

For Additional Information

Media Contacts

Sin Huay Ho

Digital Realty

+65 8125 8380

shho@digitalrealty.com

Eugene Wee/ Trisha Koh

Archetype

+65 6603 9000

digitalrealty-sin@archetype.co

Investor Relations

Jordan Sadler / Jim Huseby

Digital Realty

+1 737 281 0101

InvestorRelations@digitalrealty.com

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements which are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially, including statements related to IDC MarketScape, our sustainability initiatives, customer demand, PlatformDIGITAL and the market and our strategy in APAC. For a list and description of risks and uncertainties, see the reports and other filings by the company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 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.

Cision

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SOURCE Digital Realty
Key Insights

The projected fair value for Cherry is 2.20 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

Current share price of 2.84 suggests Cherry is potentially 29% overvalued

Analyst price target for C3RY is 6.50, which is 195% above our fair value estimate

In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of Cherry SE (ETR:C3RY) by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. Our analysis will employ the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Believe it or not, it's not too difficult to follow, as you'll see from our example!

We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model.

See our latest analysis for Cherry

Is Cherry Fairly Valued?

We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (, Millions) 2.98m 3.50m 3.87m 4.16m 4.39m 4.56m 4.69m 4.79m 4.87m 4.94m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x4 Analyst x3 Est @ 10.59% Est @ 7.55% Est @ 5.42% Est @ 3.93% Est @ 2.89% Est @ 2.16% Est @ 1.65% Est @ 1.29% Present Value (, Millions) Discounted @ 9.1% 2.7 2.9 3.0 2.9 2.8 2.7 2.6 2.4 2.2 2.1

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = 26m

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We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 0.5%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 9.1%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033  (1 + g)  (r  g) = 4.9m (1 + 0.5%)  (9.1% 0.5%) = 58m

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= 58m ( 1 + 9.1%)10= 24m

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is 51m. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of 2.8, the company appears slightly overvalued at the time of writing. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind.

dcf

Important Assumptions

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Cherry as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 9.1%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.723. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

SWOT Analysis for Cherry

Strength

Debt is well covered by earnings.

Weakness

Expensive based on P/S ratio and estimated fair value.

Opportunity

Forecast to reduce losses next year.

Threat

Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow.

Moving On:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. What is the reason for the share price exceeding the intrinsic value? For Cherry, we've compiled three additional elements you should assess:

Risks: Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 2 warning signs with Cherry (at least 1 which is a bit concerning) , and understanding them should be part of your investment process. Future Earnings: How does C3RY's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every German stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
In every era, technology upends the entertainment landscape  TV in the mid-century, CGI starting in the 1990s, and streaming over the last 15 years. Now, as companies shift their focus to ad-supported models and AI, actor and entrepreneur Edward Norton has found himself in the middle of the fast-changing landscape.

Norton  who's known for his work in films like "Glass Onion," "Birdman," "The Grand Budapest Hotel," and "Fight Club"  is also the co-founder of EDO, a media analytics company specializing in TV advertising. The company provides data on the reach and efficacy of ads, with clients like Disney (DIS), Amazon (AMZN), Paramount (PARA), and AT&T (T). Its financial backers include Shamrock Capital Advisors and Breyer Capital, according to Crunchbase.

"I bet Netflix, as it becomes a fully ad-supported network business, will double its market cap, said Norton. I bet Netflix's market cap will go higher than anybody thinks it's going to go when people realize how effective an advertising platform that companys going to become.

Norton co-founded EDO because he sees the writing on the wall  a future where advertising-based video-on-demand (AVOD) will be an increasingly dominant force in the media marketplace.

"The big seismic shift is that people are realizing it can't all be through subscriptions, so that's why all the streaming platforms are moving to ad-supported models," he said in an exclusive sit-down with Yahoo Finance.

"When Bob Iger is saying ad-supported streaming is going to be one of the biggest growth centers for Disney, people should pay attention because, what it really means, in my opinion, is that there will be no more linear television within five years."

US actor Edward Norton speaks during the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California, on May 2, 2023. (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images) (PATRICK T. FALLON via Getty Images)

In Disneys last two earnings calls, Iger spoke about the enormous advertising potential of the companys streaming business and said that AVOD platforms are an advertisers dream.

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As Hollywoods business model evolves, EDO is positioning itself to be in the picks and shovels business. While its hard to know who will win in the streaming gold rush, every streamer will need data from firms like EDO.

Its co-founder, Daniel Nadler, previously launched financial data company Kensho Technologies, which was acquired by S&P Global (SPGI) in 2018 for about $550 million. Norton  who has also co-founded startups Zeck and Crowdrise  was an early investor in Kensho, which has been using AI and machine learning to streamline unstructured data since 2012.

While AI has been a hotly debated topic in Hollywood, Norton is  maybe uncharacteristically  optimistic, saying that AI has the potential to enhance rather than detract from artistic work.

"Great work on a creative level will be fueled by human imagination and human empathy and I think that these things will largely come to be seen as tools, much like CGI," said Norton. "Computer graphics didn't ruin photography or make cinematography irrelevant."

Ideally, AI molded by the hands of capable artists can produce exciting work, like filmmaker Bennett Miller's exhibition this year at the Gagosian Gallery in New York. Miller, who directed films like Capote and Moneyball, used Open AIs DALL-E to generate photographic prints that are what he called "layers upon layers of fiction."

"AI didnt create those images," Norton said of Millers work. "It was this obedient servant that let a great artist like Bennett compose and curate images through thousands and thousands of iterations that are expressions of his mind and intent."

Still, for actors and writers unions like SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America, this is the right time to negotiate, because revenue structures in Hollywood are on the cusp of a tech-powered shift, Norton said. (After 118 days, the SAG-AFTRA strike ended on Nov. 8, while the WGAs ended in October. AI was a central concern for both unions.)

From Nortons perspective, as linear TV loses market share and AVOD gains traction, streaming companies like Netflix (NFLX) are set to get even bigger.

"We are heading into everything, everywhere, all at once, in terms of content," said Norton. "Our kids will never understand why anyone tried to line up their schedule around the viewing of something."

If disruptions in media  from TV to CGI to streaming  continue their trend of increasing velocity, Nortons bet may well prove to be a savvy one.

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Allie Garfinkle is a Senior Tech Reporter at Yahoo Finance. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, at @agarfinks and on LinkedIn.

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New FMCSA rule could help truckers receive legitimate claims against brokers. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

WASHINGTON  Trucking companies should be better protected against unpaid claims that are due them from brokers under a new rule issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

The rule, proposed earlier this year and made final on Wednesday, amends regulations addressing broker and freight forwarder responsibility.

This final rule will result in benefits to motor carriers resulting from a decrease in the claims against brokers that go unpaid, FMCSA stated.

FMCSA will immediately suspend brokers that do not respond following a drawdown on their financial security. Such brokers will no longer be able to accrue liabilities that they do not plan, or lack the ability, to pay.

The rule becomes effective Jan. 16, 2024.

The agency is tightening oversight in five areas of broker financial responsibility as well as consequences for noncompliance: assets readily available, immediate suspension of broker/freight forwarder operating authority, surety or trust responsibilities in cases of broker/freight forwarder financial failure or insolvency, enforcement authority, and entities eligible to provide trust funds for broker trust fund filings known as form BMC-85.





Assets readily available

The final rule says that cash, irrevocable letters of credit issued by a federally insured depository institution and Treasury bonds are acceptable categories of assets readily available in broker/freight forwarder trust funds from which to pay claims to carriers.

FMCSA has determined that these asset types are readily available because they are stable in value and can be easily liquidated within 7 calendar days of an event that triggers a payment from the trust, according to the agency.

Other asset classes such as real estate are not sufficiently liquid, while stocks, non-Treasury bonds, and other securities involve significant risk to the investor, and therefore none of these asset classes can be considered readily available.

Compliance date for this provision: Jan. 16, 2026.

Immediate suspension of broker operating authority

When a broker or freight forwarders available financial security falls below $75,000, FMCSA may suspend its operating authority registration.

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The agency explained that a broker or freight forwarders available financial security may fall below $75,000 because it consents to a drawdown, or if it does not respond to a valid notice of claim from a surety or trust provider, or if a claim against the broker or freight forwarder is converted to a judgment.

If the available financial security falls below $75,000 and the broker or freight forwarder does not replenish funds within 7 calendar days after notice from FMCSA, the agency will issue a notification of suspension of operating authority to the broker or freight forwarder.

In response to comments filed in the proposed rule, FMCSA added provisions detailing the process for surety providers or financial institutions to notify the agency of changes to a brokers or freight forwarders financial security status.

Such notification must be made in writing, by electronic means, within two business days of either a payment from the bond or trust that causes the available financial security to fall below $75,000 or a determination by the surety provider or financial institution that such payment will be inevitable once the 60-day period for submission of claims has elapsed.

Compliance date for this provision: Jan. 16, 2025.

Surety/trust responsibilities in broker failure or insolvency

Surety providers or financial institutions may cite financial failure or insolvency of the broker or freight forwarder as grounds for canceling a surety bond or BMC-85 trust agreement when the provider or institution either makes a payment against the bond or trust fund or expects to make a payment after aggregating multiple claims.

In the new rule, FMCSA defines financial failure or insolvency as any payment made or other default pursuant to  the regulatory provision that addresses the situations under which a broker or freight forwarders operating authority may be immediately suspended, which the broker or freight forwarder does not cure in accordance with the rules.

If the surety/trustee becomes aware that a broker or freight forwarder is experiencing financial failure or insolvency, it must notify FMCSA and initiate cancellation of the financial responsibility, and FMCSA will publish a notice of failure.

Compliance date for this provision: Jan. 16, 2025.

Enforcement authority

In suspension circumstances identified by FMCSA, the agency will first provide notice of the suspension to the surety/trust fund provider followed by 30 calendar days for the surety or trust fund provider to respond before a final agency decision is issued. The agency also adds monetary penalties of $12,882 for each violation, and the surety/trust fund provider will be ineligible to provide broker financial security for three years.

Compliance date for this provision: Jan. 16, 2025.

Entities eligible to provide trust funds for BMC-85 filings

FMCSA is removing loan and finance companies from the list of providers eligible to serve as BMC-85 trustees.

This type of institution is not subject to the rigorous federal regulations applicable to chartered depository institutions or to the state regulations applicable to insurance companies, according to FMCSA. Loan and finance companies will now be prohibited from offering BMC-85 trusts unless they obtain certification to operate as another type of financial institution that remains on the list of eligible providers.

Compliance date for this provision: Jan. 16, 2026.

The Transportation Intermediaries Association, which represents truck brokers, pointed out in comments filed earlier this year that adjustments to broker financial backing requirements were required following a law passed in 2012, and that getting new oversight in place is long overdue and continues to be necessary.

TIA petitioned the FMCSA in 2014 to move forward with rulemaking on the key provisions of the law as they related to broker and freight forwarder financial instruments and implementation provisions, TIA told FreightWaves in a statement commenting on the final rule.

This is a huge step towards addressing potential financial fraud and making sure that funding is available to protect motor carriers and brokers.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, which pushed for stronger oversight within several of the provisions when the rule was proposed, called the final rule a step in the right direction to enhance oversight of broker financial responsibilities as we continue to work with partners to fight for increased broker transparency and the elimination of broker fraud, the group wrote in a statement to FreightWaves.

We encourage FMCSA to continue to move in the right direction by expediting their rulemaking on OOIDAs 2020 petition to enhance broker transparency. Truckers shouldnt have to wait an additional year for the agency to ensure brokers are following federal regulations.

Related articles:

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The post FMCSA tightens regulations to prevent fraud by brokers appeared first on FreightWaves.
With the 2024 US presidential election just under a year away, AI experts are sounding a warning about the potential for a massive upswing in disinformation and misinformation campaigns using newly available generative AI technologies.

There's going to be a tsunami of disinformation in the upcoming election, Darrell West, senior fellow at the Center for Technology Innovation at the Brookings Institution, told Yahoo Finance.

Basically, anybody can use AI to create fake videos and audio tapes. And it's going to be almost impossible to distinguish the real from the fake, he said.

Generative AI technologies exploded in popularity with the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022. Since then, major tech companies including Microsoft (MSFT), which invested billions in ChatGPT creator OpenAI, Amazon (AMZN), Google (GOOG, GOOGL), Meta (META), and Adobe (ADBE) have debuted or announced theyre working on their own AI platforms.

And while those companies have strict rules around how you can use their generative AI apps, experts fear that other forms of generative AI services designed to create text, images, and video could give malicious actors or state-sponsored entities an easy means to sow discord among potential voters. And it could put off some Americans from trusting news sources entirely.

Whats more, it will put more pressure on social media companies to take the kind of stand against disinformation they held around the 2020 election, when they worked to remove fake content related to the attack on the Capitol and outcome of the election itself.

US Vice President Kamala Harris delivers a policy speech on the Biden-Harris Administration's vision for the future of Artificial Intelligence at the US Embassy in London, Nov. 1, 2023. (Kin Cheung/AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

It absolutely is going to be wild, said Jen Golbeck, a professor of information studies at the University of Maryland. They're going to see this glut of shared-in-bad-faith content from people on social media and just kind of throw their hands up and be like, It's all a mess. I don't even know. And then entirely disengage from the really important issues that are going on.

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Generative AI is already being used to create fake political images

Disinformation and misinformation aren't new. Theres so much online already that double-checking anything you see on social media, or that weird Uncle Bill tells you, is a must. But generative AI will allow bad actors to create new phony content at a much faster pace than before.

The idea of generative AI being used in a political context isnt some unfounded fear or far-off eventuality. Its happening already. In the days leading up to former President Trump being arrested in New York in April, a slew of images depicting him running from police and being gang tackled splashed across social media sites around the world.

Then in May, an image of an explosion outside of the Pentagon sent a shock through the stock market before it was determined to be a fake and likely generated using AI. Generative AI images and video have also been used to manipulate public opinion in both the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

There has been a lot in the past few weeks of disinformation spread on social media about the conflict happening in Palestine and that is something that I think can be completely accelerated by AI generated text and images, Derek Leben, associate teaching professor of ethics at Carnegie Mellon Universitys Tepper School of Business, told Yahoo Finance.

So yes, I think that it is justified to be very concerned about this. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of easy solutions to this problem. Even if the platforms are trying to crack down on it, even if the regulators are trying to crack down on it, it is by its very nature very difficult to detect and therefore very difficult to enforce any kind of restrictions on, Leben added.

Confident that this picture claiming to show an "explosion near the pentagon" is AI generated.



Check out the frontage of the building, and the way the fence melds into the crowd barriers. There's also no other images, videos or people posting as first hand witnesses. pic.twitter.com/t1YKQabuNL  Nick Waters (@N_Waters89) May 22, 2023

Some political campaigns have already begun using AI too. According to ABC News, a super PAC supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis released an ad using generative AI to make it appear as though former President Trump was reading posts he wrote on social media.

While it might seem easy to know when an image or video is fake or not, the sheer amount of disinformation online can, over time, erode trust in legitimate sources of information, especially among voters who arent partisan or constantly glued to their preferred news sites.

The really concerning part for me is this middle space of people who aren't super news wonks, that aren't deeply invested in politics, that just want to get their information in an easy way, and are on social media and are seeing all of this stuff, some of which they'll go like, Well, that's obviously fake. Or, Man, I read that article, and it just sounds kind of crazy and it doesn't make any sense,  Golbeck explained.

Companies are taking action, but need to do more

Try using the generative AI platform DALL-E to create a generative AI image of Biden or Trump, and youll get a notification telling you the app cant make such items. Youll get the same response from Adobes Firefly and other mainstream generative AI platforms. As companies roll out new technologies, theyre increasingly putting up roadblocks to keep users from generating potentially dangerous content.

But there are plenty of services on the internet that will let you make those images. And once theyre online, they're there forever.

Thats where social media companies come in. If theres any way to help keep generative AI-based disinformation and misinformation offline, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) will need to take steps to keep users from spreading such content.

Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) speak after a bipartisan Senate forum on artificial intelligence on Capitol Hill, Nov. 8, 2023, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Meta, so far, has said that advertisers will need to disclose when they use generative AI to manipulate political ads. The company has also entirely banned advertisers from manipulating ads using Metas generative AI tech.

But the company and rival X have also cut back on their election integrity teams, the groups meant to help counter disinformation.

They should take content moderation very seriously and take down content that is seriously inaccurate, West said.

The problem is that in the last year or so, the tech companies have moved in the opposite direction. The guardrails that actually worked  over the last few years are being dismantled and that exposes the public to tremendous risk, he added.

How theyll address the risk of generative AI to the 2024 election could be just as impactful as the work the platforms did in tamping down election denial and anti-COVID content. Regardless of what the companies do, the election is coming, and so is the disinformation.

Daniel Howley is the tech editor at Yahoo Finance. He's been covering the tech industry since 2011. You can follow him on Twitter @DanielHowley.

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FILE - A large painted tower marks the entrance to Wire Park in Watkinsville, Ga. on Sept. 20, 2023.

A North Carolina technology company has joined a partnership with the Golden Pantry stores to introduce the prototype of a new retail store, the company announced recently.

Juxta, a business venture by Vontier Corp., reached the agreement with Golden Pantry, which plans to place a Nomad" mini-store in Wire Park in Watkinsville.

Golden Pantry has already moved its corporate headquarters from a location in Clarke County to Wire Park, a residential and commercial complex that hosts numerous businesses and restaurants.

Nomad is basically a store that operates without any staffing by employees. The micro-convenience stores are pre-assembled and portable, according to the convenience store trade publication Advancing Convenience & Fuel Retailers.

No smelly socks: UGA graduate wins college pitch competitions with Ox Sox invention that stops smelly feet

Automatic payment technology allows customers to shop quickly and leave without manual checkout, according to ACFR.

The stores were initially used and tested at an outdoor concert held recently in Colorado.

Golden Pantry wanted to try the concept near its headquarters, according to Katie Morris, the marketing director for Golden Pantry.

Because its such new technology, a new concept for us, we wanted it to be very close to home so we can pay close attention, Morris said.

It also allows us to figure out what the customers are looking for, she said.

Golden Pantry is also looking for other uses for the Nomad, she said.

Juxta had already announced possible uses at EV charging stations and car wash sites.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Golden Pantry introduces a 'Nomad' to Wire Park in Watkinsville
US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has ruled that the companies that own and run the most popular social networks today will have the face lawsuits blaming them for teenagers' social media addiction. According to Bloomberg Law, that means Google, which owns YouTube, Meta which runs Facebook and Instagram, ByteDance, which owns TikTok, and Snap can't get out of hundreds of federal lawsuits filed against them over the past couple of years.

Rogers, who'll be overseeing the cases, disagreed with the companies' argument that they're not liable for personal injury claims under the First Amendment and Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. Section 230 protects publishers from what their users post on their platforms, but the judge said the lawsuits cover more than just third-party content. Further, she said the companies had failed to explain why they shouldn't be held responsible for other complaints against them, including defective parental controls, the failure to implement effective age verification systems and adding barriers to the account deactivation process. At the same time, the just dismissed some of the complaints, such as the ones suing the companies for failing to limit certain kinds of content.

The lawsuits in questions were filed on behalf of minors across the country. In 2022, a mother from Connecticut sued Meta and Snap, accusing them of causing an addiction in her 11-year-old daughter who took her own life. In October this year, Meta was sued by 41 states as well as the District of Columbia, accusing the company of knowing that its "addictive" features were harmful to children and teens. Companies like Meta have been facing increased scrutiny over the past couple of years after former employee Frances Haugen revealed an internal Facebook research that found Instagram to be "harmful for a sizable percentage of teens."

Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda told Bloomberg Law that protecting children has always been core to the company's work. "In collaboration with child development specialists, we have built age-appropriate experiences for kids and families on YouTube, and provide parents with robust controls," he added. "The allegations in these complaints are simply not true." A TikTok spokesperson gave Reuters a similar statement and said the app has "robust safety policies and parental controls."
(Bloomberg) -- US House lawmakers overcame partisan animosity Tuesday to pass a temporary government funding bill that greatly lowers the risk of a shutdown even as it delays fights over Ukraine aid, border policies and deep cuts to federal programs.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Democrats bailed out newly elected Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican whose plan drew opposition from hardliners in his party because it doesnt cut government spending or change border policies.

A total of 209 Democrats voted with 127 Republicans in support of the measure, which needed a two-thirds majority to pass using an expedited process. Ninety-three Republicans voted against their new leaders plan, along with two Democrats.

Once again the Republican majority needs Democratic votes to govern, said Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the House spending panel.

The outcome is a reprieve for Johnson, who will have until next year to negotiate annual spending.

Illustrating the stakes, Moodys Investors Service on Friday lowered the USs credit-rating outlook to negative from stable. Moodys cited increasing risks to the countrys fiscal strength and specifically pointed to political polarization in Congress.

The legislation now goes to the Senate where majority Democrats are expected to back it even though it doesnt include Ukraine and Israel aid they support. Senate leaders will need the cooperation of all senators to overcome procedural hurdles and meet a late Friday evening deadline, when federal funding lapses.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement on Tuesday night that he would work with his Republican counterpart, Mitch McConnell, to pass this bipartisan extension of funding as soon as possible.

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And a White House official said President Joe Biden would sign the measure if it passes the Senate. The official added that Congress must now turn to full-year spending bills and approve assistance for Israel and Ukraine.

The White House had a harsh initial reaction to the measure, but later softened its stance.

The Johnson bill would fund some parts of the government through Jan. 19 and others through Feb. 2, setting up the possibility of yet another shutdown deadline on Groundhog Day.

Johnson, elected less than a month ago, took a risk in relying on Democrats to pass the measure. Former speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted in early October by eight fiscal hawks angered over his decision to allow a vote on a strings-free temporary spending bill that passed with Democratic support.

Johnson has said the delayed fiscal 2024 spending bills are a problem he inherited and argued he needs more time to notch spending cuts.

Ive been on the job less than three weeks, but its been like drinking from Niagara Falls, he said Tuesday on CNBC.

For now, the speaker is not being threatened with the loss of his job.

The conservative House Freedom Caucus opposed the bill over the lack of immediate cuts, but members signaled theyre willing to give Johnson a pass, for now.

Mikes a good friend, Freedom Caucus member Chip Roy said. I oppose this bill.

The bill would extend until Jan. 19 funding for the departments of Veterans Affairs, Energy, Agriculture, Transportation as well as Housing and Urban Development, with the rest of the government including the Pentagon extended to Feb. 2. The goal is to prod the Senate to speed up negotiations on those first set of bills. The Johnson stopgap also extends farm subsidies set to run out in January through Sept. 30.

Ukraine Outlook

The White House had requested over $61 billion in additional assistance for Ukraine as part of a nearly $106 billion overall package that includes funding for Israel, operations on the US-Mexico border, and bolstering allies in the Indo-Pacific.

Yet hardliners have resisted the fresh Ukraine aid. Johnson opposed the first tranche of Ukraine war aid in May 2022 but has said he now sees the assistance as a priority.

However, Johnson wants to tie money for Ukraine to Republican demands on border security. Such immigration changes, including reducing the right of migrants to seek asylum in the US, will be very tough to negotiate between the parties.

He said this will allow Republicans to pursue real policy changes on the southern border, which we desperately need, to get proper oversight of additional Ukraine funding, if that materializes, and get Israel funded.

--With assistance from Allyson Versprille, Ari Natter, Maeve Sheehey, Zach C. Cohen, Steven T. Dennis and Michelle Jamrisko.

(Updates with White House official, starting in ninth paragraph.)

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2023 Bloomberg L.P.
First Lady of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva addressed the participants of the "One Heart for Palestine" meeting of first ladies in Istanbul on November 15.

Azernews presents the address of First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva.

- Dear Mrs. Erdogan,

Dear meeting participants,

First of all, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the First Lady of the Republic of Turkiye, Honorable Emine Erdogan, for her invitation to participate in this event.

I would like to specifically note and highly appreciate Mrs. Erdogans activities in the humanitarian and social fields, including her contribution to the provision of assistance to civilians, women and children suffering from military conflicts.

The Republic of Turkiye, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, is a powerful state that has made important achievements in all fields and enjoys a great reputation in the international world. Brotherly Turkiye always stands by peace and justice and makes an important contribution to ensuring stability and security in the region and the world. The Azerbaijan-Turkiye brotherhood and unity are at their highest level today.

Dear meeting participants,

It is causing a serious concern that the scale of tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict zone is growing by the day, causing an enormous human tragedy. Each of us is deeply moved by the unbearable human suffering we are watching with a heartache. It is very sad that civilians, especially women and children, are the ones who suffer the most from this armed conflict. It is necessary to observe international humanitarian law during military operations. I offer my condolences to the relatives of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery.

Azerbaijan supports calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and voted in favor of a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly in October regarding the latest tensions. Our country supports the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two states solution in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions. Since 2019, during our chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, we have constantly paid attention to the issue of Palestine. I believe that the opening of the Representative Office of our country in the city of Ramallah this year will stimulate the development of Azerbaijan-Palestine relations.

Over the past 10 years, our country has repeatedly provided humanitarian and financial assistance through the UN Middle East Agency for Relief and Affairs to Palestinian Refugees. At the same time, Azerbaijan has hosted a number of international events to attract political and financial support to Palestine. Among them, I would like to mention the founding conference of the Islamic Financial Security Network to help the State of Palestine and the donor conference to support the development of the city of Jerusalem. Palestinian youths are receiving higher education in our country on the basis of scholarships provided by the state of Azerbaijan. The school to be built by Azerbaijan in Palestine will be another manifestation of our support of the Palestinian people.

The current crisis facing international institutions with broad powers is preventing the resolution of important issues. This deep-rooted crisis is another topic of discussion. I would like to note that the failure to resolve military conflicts in modern times is largely due to the selective application of international law. Double standards and bias make this crisis worse.

False stories are circulated by biased media platforms to mislead public opinion and manipulate international law. Even more dangerous are cases of abuse of moral values for the purpose of manipulation.

As a result of 30 years of Armenia's aggression against Azerbaijan, our territories were occupied, nearly one million of our compatriots were displaced from their ancestral homes, more than 300 cities and villages were destroyed, and our religious and cultural heritage was destroyed. Sixty-five out of 67 mosques in our occupied lands were destroyed.

I would like to note with regret that the four resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council in 1993 remained on paper for 27 years. In 2020, Azerbaijan freed its lands from occupation in the 44-day Patriotic War. In September this year, by carrying out an anti-terror operation, we completely restored our sovereignty by ending the existence of the remnants of the Armenian armed forces and separatism.

At the end of my address, I would like to emphasize that even in the most difficult moments, humanity should not lose its sense of compassion. Therefore, I once again express my deep gratitude to Mrs. Erdogan for organizing this important event.
Huawei Technologies is scrambling to crank up production of its new 5G smartphones to meet demand, according to analysts, as the wait time for its popular Mate 60 Pro model - the handset equipped with an advanced made-in-China chip that defies US sanctions - has been extended up to three months.

"Production capacity can't meet demand, which is the reason Huawei is doing pre-orders," said Counterpoint Research senior analyst Wang Yang, adding that presales help buy some time for Huawei to secure orders from its suppliers.

Wang also indicated that the secrecy surrounding the advanced Kirin 9000s processor used in the Mate 60 Pro has complicated how Huawei's supply chain partners have conducted parts provision, a lengthy process that typically takes between 12 to 18 months before a device is launched.

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In an unusual move for a product that was already launched, Huawei last week introduced a subscription programme for the Mate 60 Pro that promised a wait time of no more than 90 days after consumers place their orders via the scheme on its official website. Each consumer can only buy one unit, while orders will be shipped in a random sequence within a 90-day time frame.

A pair of Huawei Technologies' Mate 60 Pro 5G smartphones are shown on display inside a store in Xian, capital of northwest Shaanxi province, on September 9, 2023. Photo Shutterstock alt=A pair of Huawei Technologies' Mate 60 Pro 5G smartphones are shown on display inside a store in Xian, capital of northwest Shaanxi province, on September 9, 2023. Photo Shutterstock>

Some consumers who joined that scheme shared their order status on Chinese microblogging platform Weibo, where they showed that promised delivery ranged from as early as this month to February next year.

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Shenzhen-based Huawei's return to the 5G smartphone market and the lengths it must go to rebuild that once-highly profitable business show that the company still faces plenty of challenges ahead to overcome years of struggle on account of US trade sanctions.

Eight weeks since its launch in August, the Mate 60 series has recorded 2.4 million units in domestic sales volume, according to Counterpoint data.

A separate estimate by research firm Canalys showed that total Mate 60 shipments from the end of August to November 7 reached up to 2.5 million units, with the premium 5G Mate 60 Pro comprising more than 60 per cent of that volume.

"Huawei benefited from the sustained popularity of the Mate 60 series and some older models - especially in the mid-range and budget segments, which saw significant price reductions or subsidies - resulting in impressive sales figures [during that period of the Singles' Day festival]," Counterpoint senior analyst Ivan Lam said.

"But it's also worth noting that the Mate 60 series continued to experience supply shortages, which prompted limited daily sales," he said.

Huawei's biggest suppliers have been ramping up recruitment of assembly line workers to meet the rising orders for the Mate 60 Pro handset.

Foxconn Technology Group, the world's largest electronics contract manufacturer and the prime assembler of Apple's iPhones, in September started offering higher rates for workers that make Huawei's handsets at its plant in southern tech hub Shenzhen than those that assemble iPhones at its facility in Zhengzhou, capital of central Henan province.

China's top chip foundry Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC), maker of the 7-nanometre-grade Kirin 9000s, had good yields on its 7-nm line, according to a recent report by Dylan Patel, chief analyst at semiconductor research firm SemiAnalysis. He indicated that SMIC's 7-nm process technology should be considered similar to that of the existing N7 node of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), despite differences in certain engineering aspects.

"SMIC is, at worst, only a handful of years behind TSMC, and at most, only a few years behind Intel and Samsung, despite [US government] restrictions," Patel wrote in the report.

Patel said he believed that the supply shortages affecting Huawei's Mate 60 series reflect the huge demand for its first 5G smartphones in more than two years, rather than a sign that yields deficiency at SMIC has become a bottleneck in terms of ramping-up production of these handsets.

Meanwhile, the eight-week sales volume of Huawei's Mate 60 series has surpassed the four-month, 1.8-million-unit performance of the 4G Mate 50 series, which was launched in September last year.

The company's last 5G smartphone release was its Mate 40 series, which was launched in October 2020, more than a year after Washington added Huawei to its trade blacklist.

The Mate 40 series sold 2.6 million units in China within four months of its release. By comparison, the Mate 30 series released in September 2019 sold 7.5 million units over the same time span, according to Counterpoint. It forecast total shipments of the Mate 60 series could reach 4 million units over a four-month span since its launch.

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2023 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2023. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
COEUR D'ALENE, ID / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Idaho Strategic Resources (NYSE American:IDR) ("IDR" or the "Company") announces results of its 2023 trenching program at Lemhi Pass. A total of 1,070 linear feet was divided to construct eight trenches over three prospects. The three historical prospects known as In-Trust, Sparky, and Independence mark the first prospects out of IDR's expansive land position to be tested in the district. IDR maintains approximately 11,425 acres of unpatented claims and state lease land at Lemhi Pass.

Two of the three In-Trust trenches encountered strong REE mineralization associated with faults. The 13 samples in the table below assay up to 3.28% total rare earths (TREE) and average 1.5% TREE. Of note, are very strong enrichments of neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), samarium (Sm), and dysprosium (Dy). These elements are used in the manufacture of rare earth permanent magnets and are among the most valued of all the rare earth elements (REEs). In the listed assays, the distribution of rare earth elements is 58% Nd, 8% Pr, 8% Sm, and 2% Dy. Incredibly, these four components combined account for up to 76% of the total rare earth element percentage.

Table 1: Lemhi Pass samples showing rare earth elements plus yttrium and scandium for TREE.

At Sparky, four samples collected from material during trenching returned the highest published total rare earth elements assay (5.2% TREE) in the Lemhi Pass district to date. These samples, although not in place, are considered representative of the mineralization source below. The trenching was unable to uncover structural features as the site had been historically excavated and reclaimed and the bedrock proved deeper than the excavator limits. The mineralized rock samples from Sparky show yellow-brown to red-brown frothy, boxwork textured rock, flooded with golden brown jasperoidal material.

Similar to the results from the In-Trust trenches, the samples from the trench at the Sparky prospect show very strong enrichments of neodymium, praseodymium, samarium and dysprosium, as seen in the table below.

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Table 2: Sparky samples showing rare earth elements plus yttrium and scandium for TREE.

IDR's Vice President of Exploration, Rob Morgan commented, "This latest work is just beginning to scratch the surface of the great REE potential of our Lemhi Pass project. Our work alone has already more than doubled the district's historical high TREE values of 2%, to up over 5%. The high neodymium concentrations, accounting for more than 50% of the TREE content in many samples, speaks to the depth and strength of this regions' mineralizing system. We plan to use this knowledge and look deeper in the subsurface next year, likely with air-rotary or core drilling."

The greater Lemhi district straddles the Idaho-Montana border in central Idaho, occupies more than 55 square miles, and encompasses more than 250 prospects. Exploration sampling by IDR in 2022 confirmed the presence of rare earth elements mineralization along a 1.5-mile-long section of the Lemhi Pass Fault; where other large regional structural features, such as the Bull Moose and Dan Patch faults, either intersect or approach one another. REE mineralization in this area occurs in intense shear/fracture zones hosted in Mesoproterozoic metasediments.

Trenching highlights came from the In-Trust prospect which lies in the middle of the regional structural intersection. Three trenches were cut in the In-Trust area; one trench failed to reach bedrock and was abandoned, while the other two trenches uncovered strong REE mineralization associated with structures manifested as chocolate brown to purple-black clay fault gouge with specular hematite. The fault clay ranges in thickness from 10 to 50 cm and displays mylonitic and fluidized textures. We expected shallow flat, basal thrust in orientation, but instead we were pleased to find moderate to high angle dipping features as well. In Trench 2, the thrust feature was exposed for 25 meters along strike. The mylonite is west-dipping with elongated and rounded fluidized clasts. The listed samples are continuous 3-meter channels along strike of the mylonite. In Trench 3, the same chocolate-colored mineralized material was encountered, but along moderate to high angle dipping structural features. Assay results, showing rare earth elements plus yttrium and scandium, for the two trenches are displayed in the table above.

This years' trenching at Independence failed to uncover the REE bearing fault. The rock units in this area were observed to be sheared with moderate to strong alterations. Assay results showed this area to have moderately elevated niobium values of up to 1200 ppm, but low REE values.

Qualified person

IDR's Vice President of Exploration, Robert John Morgan, PG, PLS is a qualified person as such term is defined under S-K 1300 and has reviewed and approved the technical information and data included in this press release.

About Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc.

Domiciled in Idaho and headquartered in the Panhandle of northern Idaho, Idaho Strategic Resources (IDR) is one of the few resource-based companies (public or private) possessing the combination of officially recognized U.S. domestic rare earth element properties (in Idaho), the largest known concentration of thorium resources in the U.S., and Idaho-based gold production located in an established mining community.

Idaho Strategic Resources produces gold at the Golden Chest Mine located in the Murray Gold Belt (MGB) area of the world-class Coeur d'Alene Mining District, north of the prolific Silver Valley. With over 7,000 acres of patented and unpatented land, the Company has the largest private land position in the area following its consolidation of the Murray Gold Belt for the first time in over 100-years.

In addition to gold and gold production, the Company maintains an important strategic presence in the U.S. Critical Minerals sector, specifically focused on the more "at-risk" Rare Earth Elements (REE's) and Thorium. The Company's Diamond Creek and Roberts REE properties are included the U.S. national REE inventory as listed in USGS, IGS and DOE publications. IDR's Lemhi Pass Thorium-REE Project is recognized by the USGS and IGS as containing the largest concentration of thorium resources in the country. All three projects are located in central Idaho and participating in the USGS Earth MRI program.

With an impressive mix of experience and dedication, the folks at IDR maintain a long-standing "We Live Here" approach to corporate culture, land management, and historic preservation. Furthermore, it is our belief that successful operations begin with the heightened responsibility that only local oversight and a community mindset can provide. Its "everyone goes home at night" policy would not be possible without the multi-generational base of local exploration, drilling, mining, milling, and business professionals that reside in and near the communities of the Silver Valley and North Idaho.

For more information on Idaho Strategic Resources click here for our corporate presentation, go to www.idahostrategic.com or call:

Travis Swallow, Investor Relations & Corporate Development

Email: tswallow@idahostrategic.com

Phone: (208) 625-9001

Forward Looking Statements

This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by such sections. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by forward-looking words such as "intends", "potential", "believe", "plans", "expects", "may", "goal', "assume", "estimate", "anticipate", and "will" or similar words suggesting future outcomes, or other expectations, beliefs, assumptions, intentions, or statements about future events or performance. Forward-looking information includes, but are not limited to, Idaho Strategic Resources targeted production rates and results, the expected market prices of gold, individual rare earth elements, and/or thorium, as well as the related costs, expenses and capital expenditures; the potential advancement of the Company's Lemhi Pass project, the potential for the Lemhi Pass project to be an economic source of rare earth elements, the hypothecation that Lemhi Pass could one day be a large domestic source of rare earth elements, and the ability for the Lemhi Pass rare earth elements to be extracted and processed into a valuable product. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of Idaho Strategic Resources as of the date such information is provided and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of IDR to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. The forward-looking statement information above, and those following are applicable to both this press release, as well as the links contained within this press release. With respect to the business of Idaho Strategic Resources, these risks and uncertainties include risks relating to widespread epidemics or pandemic outbreaks, if they occur, including our ability to access goods and supplies, the ability to transport our products and impacts on employee productivity, the risks in connection with the operations, cash flow and results of the Company relating to the unknown duration and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; interpretations or reinterpretations of geologic information; the accuracy of historic estimates; unfavorable exploration results; inability to obtain permits required for future exploration, development or production; general economic conditions and conditions affecting the industries in which the Company operates; the uncertainty of regulatory requirements and approvals; fluctuating mineral and commodity prices; the ability to obtain necessary future financing on acceptable terms; the ability to operate the Company's projects; and risks associated with the mining industry such as economic factors (including future commodity prices, and energy prices), ground conditions, failure of plant, equipment, processes and transportation services to operate as anticipated, environmental risks, government regulation, actual results of current exploration and production activities, possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates, permitting timelines, capital and construction expenditures, reclamation activities. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information. Additional information regarding the factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from this forwardlooking information is available in Idaho Strategic Resources filings with the SEC on EDGAR. IDR does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or other such factors which affect this information, except as required by law.

SOURCE: Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc.





View source version on accesswire.com:

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FORT MYERS, Fla., November 15, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Interop Technologies, a global leader in advanced mobile messaging technology, today announced the availability of a Basic RCS (Rich Communication Services) solution across their global messaging network. This solution provides mobile operators with an introduction to RCS Business Messaging (RBM) functionality for their enterprise clients.

Basic RCS leverages Interop Technologies leading RBM platform to facilitate branded, authenticated, and encrypted bidirectional RCS communications without the need to upgrade existing SMS messaging ingress methods. This enables mobile operators to seamlessly offer branded RCS functionality in a traditional SMS A2P message prior to a full RBM deployment. The enterprise message originates using all existing SMS protocols. If the end-user device is RCS capable, then the message is wrapped in an RCS envelope that includes pre-determined associated branding and it is delivered as an RCS message. If the end-user device is not RCS capable, then the message is delivered using the normal SMS delivery path.

"In seamlessly blending traditional SMS techniques with branding, encryption, and bidirectional communication, we empower enterprises to enhance customer interactions and accelerate RBM adoption. Consequently, we also equip operators to immediately improve A2P messaging and prepare for increased revenue potential in the enterprise market," said Steve Zitnik, CTO and EVP at Interop Technologies.

During MEF's RCS World event held in Paris in October, Google announced that the number of monthly active RCS users has grown to over 1.2 billion, up from approximately 800 million at the start of the year.

Zitnik added: "RCS is without a doubt the fastest growing application suite in the messaging ecosystem, and it is positioned to become a world-class communication channel. Leveraging this channel to expand and enhance enterprise to consumer communication will prove critical to operators, enterprises, and consumers alike."

Story continues

About Interop Technologies

Interop Technologies exists to find better ways to deploy and manage next-generation mobile technologies and services. Established in 2002, the privately-owned company develops Telco-grade messaging solutions with unparalleled deployment flexibility and lifecycle management capabilities. The company's headquarters are located in Fort Myers, FL, and it maintains regional headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, along with strategically positioned geo-redundant network operation centers spanning both North America and Europe. For more information, visit us at www.interoptechnologies.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114469006/en/

Contacts

Lisa Murray, APR, CPRC

Director, Corporate Communications

lisa.murray@interoptechnologies.com

+1.239.425.9079
When close to half the companies operating in the Commercial Services industry in Malaysia have price-to-sales ratios (or "P/S") above 1.4x, you may consider Tien Wah Press Holdings Berhad (KLSE:TIENWAH) as an attractive investment with its 0.5x P/S ratio. Although, it's not wise to just take the P/S at face value as there may be an explanation why it's limited.

View our latest analysis for Tien Wah Press Holdings Berhad

How Tien Wah Press Holdings Berhad Has Been Performing

For example, consider that Tien Wah Press Holdings Berhad's financial performance has been poor lately as its revenue has been in decline. Perhaps the market believes the recent revenue performance isn't good enough to keep up the industry, causing the P/S ratio to suffer. If you like the company, you'd be hoping this isn't the case so that you could potentially pick up some stock while it's out of favour.

Although there are no analyst estimates available for Tien Wah Press Holdings Berhad, take a look at this free data-rich visualisation to see how the company stacks up on earnings, revenue and cash flow.

Is There Any Revenue Growth Forecasted For Tien Wah Press Holdings Berhad?

In order to justify its P/S ratio, Tien Wah Press Holdings Berhad would need to produce sluggish growth that's trailing the industry.

In reviewing the last year of financials, we were disheartened to see the company's revenues fell to the tune of 1.2%. This means it has also seen a slide in revenue over the longer-term as revenue is down 25% in total over the last three years. So unfortunately, we have to acknowledge that the company has not done a great job of growing revenue over that time.

In contrast to the company, the rest of the industry is expected to grow by 26% over the next year, which really puts the company's recent medium-term revenue decline into perspective.

With this in mind, we understand why Tien Wah Press Holdings Berhad's P/S is lower than most of its industry peers. Nonetheless, there's no guarantee the P/S has reached a floor yet with revenue going in reverse. Even just maintaining these prices could be difficult to achieve as recent revenue trends are already weighing down the shares.

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The Key Takeaway

While the price-to-sales ratio shouldn't be the defining factor in whether you buy a stock or not, it's quite a capable barometer of revenue expectations.

Our examination of Tien Wah Press Holdings Berhad confirms that the company's shrinking revenue over the past medium-term is a key factor in its low price-to-sales ratio, given the industry is projected to grow. Right now shareholders are accepting the low P/S as they concede future revenue probably won't provide any pleasant surprises either. Unless the recent medium-term conditions improve, they will continue to form a barrier for the share price around these levels.

There are also other vital risk factors to consider and we've discovered 2 warning signs for Tien Wah Press Holdings Berhad (1 makes us a bit uncomfortable!) that you should be aware of before investing here.

If companies with solid past earnings growth is up your alley, you may wish to see this free collection of other companies with strong earnings growth and low P/E ratios.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
British Land Company PLC (LON:BLND) shareholders should be happy to see the share price up 13% in the last month. But if you look at the last five years the returns have not been good. In fact, the share price is down 39%, which falls well short of the return you could get by buying an index fund.

While the last five years has been tough for British Land shareholders, this past week has shown signs of promise. So let's look at the longer term fundamentals and see if they've been the driver of the negative returns.

Check out our latest analysis for British Land

To quote Buffett, 'Ships will sail around the world but the Flat Earth Society will flourish. There will continue to be wide discrepancies between price and value in the marketplace...' One flawed but reasonable way to assess how sentiment around a company has changed is to compare the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price.

British Land became profitable within the last five years. On the other hand, it reported a trailing twelve months loss, suggesting it isn't reliably profitable. Other metrics may better explain the share price move.

We note that the dividend has fallen in the last five years, so that may have contributed to the share price decline. The revenue decline of about 12% per year might also encourage sellers.

The image below shows how earnings and revenue have tracked over time (if you click on the image you can see greater detail).

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. So we recommend checking out this free report showing consensus forecasts

What About Dividends?

When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. Whereas the share price return only reflects the change in the share price, the TSR includes the value of dividends (assuming they were reinvested) and the benefit of any discounted capital raising or spin-off. It's fair to say that the TSR gives a more complete picture for stocks that pay a dividend. As it happens, British Land's TSR for the last 5 years was -25%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. This is largely a result of its dividend payments!

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A Different Perspective

While the broader market gained around 0.6% in the last year, British Land shareholders lost 5.8% (even including dividends). However, keep in mind that even the best stocks will sometimes underperform the market over a twelve month period. Regrettably, last year's performance caps off a bad run, with the shareholders facing a total loss of 5% per year over five years. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 2 warning signs with British Land (at least 1 which shouldn't be ignored) , and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

British Land 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 British 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.
While not a mind-blowing move, it is good to see that the Horace Mann Educators Corporation (NYSE:HMN) share price has gained 16% in the last three months. But that cannot eclipse the less-than-impressive returns over the last three years. Truth be told the share price declined 18% in three years and that return, Dear Reader, falls short of what you could have got from passive investing with an index fund.

Now let's have a look at the company's fundamentals, and see if the long term shareholder return has matched the performance of the underlying business.

Check out our latest analysis for Horace Mann Educators

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.

Over the three years that the share price declined, Horace Mann Educators' earnings per share (EPS) dropped significantly, falling to a loss. Due to the loss, it's not easy to use EPS as a reliable guide to the business. But it's safe to say we'd generally expect the share price to be lower as a result!

The graphic below depicts how EPS has changed over time (unveil the exact values by clicking on the image).

It's probably worth noting we've seen significant insider buying in the last quarter, which we consider a positive. That said, we think earnings and revenue growth trends are even more important factors to consider. This free interactive report on Horace Mann Educators' earnings, revenue and cash flow is a great place to start, if you want to investigate the stock further.

What About Dividends?

It is important to consider the total shareholder return, as well as the share price return, for any given stock. The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. In the case of Horace Mann Educators, it has a TSR of -8.6% for the last 3 years. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return.

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A Different Perspective

While the broader market gained around 13% in the last year, Horace Mann Educators shareholders lost 7.8% (even including dividends). Even the share prices of good stocks drop sometimes, but we want to see improvements in the fundamental metrics of a business, before getting too interested. Unfortunately, last year's performance may indicate unresolved challenges, given that it was worse than the annualised loss of 0.1% 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. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 1 warning sign with Horace Mann Educators , and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
(Bloomberg) -- US President Joe Biden defended Israels decision to send forces into the Shifa hospital, saying Hamas use of the facility against international norms constituted a war crime.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The UN and Middle Eastern countries including Jordan and Turkey condemned Israels raid. Israel said its soldiers found weapons and other military equipment, showing the hospital was used as a base by Hamas, which is designated a terrorist group by the US and European Union.

The United Nations Security Council approved a resolution calling for humanitarian pauses in the fighting in Gaza and the release of all hostages held by Hamas, after four similar measures were blocked since the war began. Israels UN envoy denounced the move, while war cabinet member Benny Gantz vowed that Israel will kill Hamas leaders all around the world.

For more stories on the Israel-Hamas war, click here.

All time stamps are Israeli time:

Deal to Free 50 Hostages Under Consideration: Washington Post (5:45 a.m.)

Hamas has agreed in principle to free 50 women and children held hostage in Gaza in exchange for a three-to-five-day pause in fighting and the release of some women and children held in Israeli prisons, the Washington Post reported, citing an Arab diplomat it didnt identify.

Israel has yet to decide on whether it supports the deal, according to the Post. Biden, speaking to reporters after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, said he was mildly hopeful about getting hostages released.

Biden Defends Hospital Raid, Criticizes Hamas (4:05 a.m.)

Biden defended Israels controversial military operation at Gazas largest hospital, standing behind the US ally in the face of international criticism.

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Biden said Hamas headquartered its military operations underneath Shifa hospital, which he labeled a war crime, and added that Israel had taken precautions to limit civilian casualties in the hospital incursion. He said Israels military operations will conclude when Hamas no longer maintains the capacity to murder, abuse and just do horrific things to the Israelis.

Hamas has already said publicly that they plan on attacking Israel again, Biden told reporters in California after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping. And so the idea that theyre gonna just stop and not do anything is not realistic.

Israels UN Envoy Denounces Security Council Resolution (2:18 a.m.)

Ambassador Gilad Erdan, Israels envoy to the UN, said the Security Council resolution is disconnected from reality and is meaningless, in a statement on social media.

Regardless of what the Council decides, Israel will continue acting according to intl law while the Hamas terrorists will not even read the resolution at all, let alone abide by it, Erdan wrote on X, the former Twitter. Israel will continue to act until Hamas is destroyed and the hostages are returned.

UN Security Council Backs Gaza Truce (11:15 p.m.)

The United Nations Security Council approved a resolution that calls for humanitarian pauses in the fighting in Gaza, and the release of all hostages held by Hamas. Twelve out of 15 Security Council members voted in favor of the text proposed by Malta, with the US, Russia and the UK abstaining.

The resolution calls for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip so that UN agencies and non-profits can get essential goods and services to civilians. It also urges the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups, especially children. The vote followed four failed attempts to pass a Gaza truce resolution.

Israel Says Army Found Weapons at Shifa Hospital (8:30 p.m.)

Israeli troops found a Hamas command center, weapons and technological assets in the MRI building of the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, the Israel Defense Forces said. Soldiers are continuing to search the hospital, which they entered early Wednesday, for Hamas infrastructure and assets.

The findings confirm that Hamas used the hospital in its military operations in violation of international law, IDF spokesman Jonathan Conricus said. Separately, the military also said it captured a Hamas outpost at Falestin in northern Gaza that was used to train militants and launch attacks.

White House Urges Special Care in Hospital Raid (7:30 p.m.)

Israels military must take special care in its operations around the Al Shifa hospital, White House spokesman John Kirby said.

The facility is an active, legitimate hospital, serving the legitimate medical needs of the people of Gaza, Kirby said. But Israelis have the right to call for Hamas to surrender themselves out of that hospital, he said. Its a deliberate decision on their own part to put innocent people between them and the Israeli Defense Forces.

Israel Slams Erdogan Over Terrorist State Charge (7:15 p.m.)

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen denounced Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his latest criticism of Israels war in Gaza. Those who host arch-terrorists and encourage terrorist organizations should not preach morality to the State of Israel, Cohen said in a post on X.

The Turkish president earlier called Israel a terrorist state in a speech to members of the ruling AK Party in Ankara. Erdogan condemned Israels attack on the Al Shifa hospital, and defended Hamas.

EU Speeds Plan to Help Egypt Through War Fallout (4:50 p.m.)

The European Union is speeding up efforts to help Egypt address the fallout from the Israel-Hamas war on its border. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to visit Cairo this weekend to advance the plan.

The EU, already exploring a partnership, wants to accelerate the push given Egypts importance in the conflict, and concerns about increasing refugee flows. The EU will propose an investment plan that would aim to mobilize 9 billion ($9.8 billion) for industries including energy, agriculture and transportation.

READ: EU Speeds Up Plan to Bolster Egypt Amid Israel-Gaza Crisis

Israel Strikes Hezbollah Post Amid Missile Launches (4:12 p.m.)

The Israeli military said its tanks struck a Hezbollah observation post in Lebanon and reported multiple launches from its northern neighbor. Earlier, Iran-backed Hezbollah said it fired missiles at Israeli barracks and attacked another site, the militant groups Al-Manar TV reported. The Israeli army reported no injuries from the launches.

Gantz Vows to Hunt Hamas Chiefs Around the World (2:00 p.m.)

Israel will target Hamas leaders in other countries as well as in Gaza, said Benny Gantz, a member of the countrys war cabinet and a former army chief. Part of the groups political leadership is based in Qatar.

There will be no cities of refuge, there will be no shelters, Gantz said. We will go wherever we need to in order to eradicate the child killers  above and below ground, in Gaza and in the rest of the world.

UN Says Fuel Shipment to Gaza Far From Sufficient (12:48 p.m.)

The UN said its relief agency for Palestinian refugees received around 23,000 liters of fuel from Egypt, or what amounts to half a tanker. This is only 9% of what we need daily to sustain lifesaving activities, Thomas White, the agencys director in Gaza, said in a post on social media platform X.

Israel has restricted fuel supplies to Gaza since the war began, saying theyll be used by Hamas for military activities. After the UN said its trucks ran out of fuel, Israel said it agreed earlier on Wednesday that the trucks can be refueled at the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt.

Gaza Data Centers Hampered by Lack of Fuel (11:36 a.m.)

Data centers in the Gaza Strip are gradually shutting down because of a lack of fuel, according to Paltel, the main telecom provider in the territory. They are now relying on batteries, which will lead a complete telecom blackout in coming hours, Paltel said in a post on X.

Humanitarian organization Mercy Corps said its concerned about losing contact with nearly 70 staff and their families inside Gaza soon.

Iran Foreign Minister in Geneva to Discuss Gaza (11:30 a.m.)

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian was in Geneva on Wednesday to discuss the situation in Gaza with the UNs head of humanitarian affairs and emergency relief, Martin Griffiths, the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency reported. Amirabdollahian is also scheduled to meet Red Cross officials.

UN Official Appalled by Attacks on Hospital (11 am)

Hospitals are not battlegrounds, Martin Griffiths says in a post on X, in reaction to Israels military raid.

Jordan Condemns Storming of Gaza Hospital (9:58 a.m.)

Jordans foreign ministry condemned Israeli forces storming Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza and called it a violation of international humanitarian law, state-run agency Petra reported. The ministry said they will hold Israel accountable for the safety of civilians and medical workers at the hospital, according to the report.

Israel Says Shifa Operation Wont End Campaign (9:19 a.m.)

Entry into Gazas Shifa hospital compound by Israeli troops will not mark an end to military operations against Hamas, with many difficult days still to come in the conflict, an Israeli government spokesperson said.

Eylon Levy told Bloomberg Radio in an interview on Wednesday that Israeli troops had entered the hospital and begun to deliver medical aid, including incubators for dozens of premature babies in need of urgent care. US intelligence has backed Israeli claims that Hamas is operating from the hospital.

UN Cites Deaths at Shifa Before Army Entered (7:10 a.m.)

The UN said 40 patients died in Shifa hospital on Nov. 14, according to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza, before Israel said it had entered the hospital compound. The causes of death were not specified by the UNs Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Only one hospital in northern Gaza is reportedly still operational at a minimum level, the UN said, after the World Health Organization warned that requiring the evacuation of medical facilities in the north could be a death sentence for some patients, since there is nowhere for them to be taken.

Hospitals and medical personnel are specifically protected under international humanitarian law and all parties to the conflict must ensure their protection, the UN said.

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
App Store

Small developers operating outside of Japan can be tough to get ahold of for owed consumption tax payments, so the Finance Ministry is placing the burden on Apple and other app market operators.



Mobile app markets like Apple's App Store continue to grow in Japan, which means there's an ever-increasing amount of revenue that needs to be taxed. However, the country has difficulty collecting taxes on every sale that warrants it.



According to a report from Nikkei Asia, Japan's Finance Ministry is making app store operators like Apple and Google responsible for paying consumption taxes owed by foreign developers. These changes won't go into effect until 2025 to give companies time to adapt.



The idea is that Apple and Google know how much money their respective app stores made within Japan. So, the companies would know how much consumption tax is owed to Japan and pay it in full.



The current consumption tax is 10%, which Apple would pass to its developers. So, for example, on top of Apple's 15% to 30% revenue share on App Store sales and subscriptions, Apple would add 10% on top to pay for the consumption tax in Japan.



Developers would then need to adjust prices to account for this price increase. Some developers were already paying the tax appropriately, so this shouldn't affect their annual income.



Apple has been hit with fines over not handling the consumption tax properly before. It owed $98 million in 2022 for incorrectly exempting tourists and resellers from the consumption tax.
MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2023 / Kisses From Italy Inc. (OTCQB:KITL), a publicly listed U.S.-based company, restaurant chain operator, franchisor, and product distributor in the United States, Canada, and Europe, along with new business partner and newly elected board member celebrity Chef, Scott Conant, have officially launched the Company's exclusive online store which will initially feature the Company's current gluten-free pasta line, specialty pasta sauce and will include soon to be released products. Our products and selections will be offered on the Company's Shopify page at https://kissesfromitaly-retail.myshopify.com

Michele Di Turi, President, co-CEO, and co-founder of Kisses From Italy, commented, "Over the years we have had a resounding demand from our customers and shareholders for our products. Up until this moment, our products were available in retail stores in the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario. Now, we are extending our product offerings with our online store across North America."

Claudio Ferri, co-CEO, CIO, and co-founder of Kisses From Italy, also commented, "The team is excited to be rolling this out. We went with the Shopify platform as it offers great flexibility and reliability in all factors related to the online shopping setup and overall customer service experience. The product offerings will definitely grow as we go. Ferri added, "I am also happy to mention that we are currently working on new products and personalized merchandise that will be coming very soon. Scott, myself, and the rest of our team are well into the process of finalizing the last steps to make the next set of products available to everyone. These products are definitely something we enjoy ourselves and are very happy to be sharing it with everyone"

This release by the Company follows the most recent update Kisses From Italy and celebrity chef Scott Conant unveiling the team's new brand logo of the The Ponte San'gwich & Italian Deli' the Company's newest wholly-owned subsidiary to house the new brand and concept. This release also follows the recent announcement of Scott Conant being appointed and accepting the nomination to Kisses From Italy's board of directors.

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Kisses From Italy Retail Store: https://kissesfromitaly-retail.myshopify.com

About Chef Scott Conant

Scott Conant is a two-time James Beard Award-winning chef, cookbook author, and TV personality. With a career spanning more than 35 years, Conant brings a deft touch and unwavering passion to creating culinary experiences with thoughtful hospitality and soulful cuisine. His portfolio of acclaimed restaurants includes Mora Italian (Phoenix, AZ), The Americano (Scottsdale, AZ and Atlanta, GA), and Cellaio at Resorts World Catskills (Monticello, NY). He has also published four cookbooks: New Italian Cooking, Bold Italian, The Scarpetta Cookbook, and his newest and most personal book to date, Peace, Love, and Pasta: Simple and Elegant Recipes from a Chef's Home Kitchen, which launched in September 2021. Conant has been a popular presence on Food Network for years, becoming a fan favorite as a recurring judge on Chopped since 2009 and frequent co-host of Beat Bobby Flay. As Chef Conant embarks on new opportunities, he looks forward to continuing to share his enduring philosophy that emphasizes the beauty of simplicity. For more information, visit ScottConant.com.

About "The Ponte San'gwich Shoppe and Italian Deli"

The Ponte San'gwich Shoppe and Italian Deli is a wholly-owned subsidiary by Kisses From Italy and houses the new brand alliance and concept developed with Scott Conant, Food Network celebrity, two-time James Beard Award-winning chef, and cookbook author. Chef Scott Conant and his team will be taking the lead on the branding and concept development initiative in collaboration with the Kisses From Italy team. Fransmart, a worldwide industry leader in the global franchise development market and current advisor to Kisses From Italy, will play the key role of serving as the group's exclusive global franchise developer and representative.

The Ponte San'gwich Shoppe & Italian Deli SM name is inspired by the tight-knit Italian community, nicknamed "Pontes," who lived in Scott's neighborhood where he was born and raised in Waterbury, Connecticut. They were a group of ex-pats from Pontelandolfo, Italy that settled in the States in the late 1930's. The camaraderie that they fostered, and many years spent around the kitchen table with family conjures up nostalgic and fond memories.

About Fransmart

Fransmart is a global leader in franchise development, selling over 5,000 franchises worldwide and turning emerging restaurant concepts into national and global brands for 20 years. Company founder Dan Rowe identified and grew brands like Five Guys Burgers & Fries, QDOBA Mexican Grill, and The Halal Guys from 1-5 unit businesses to the powerhouse chains they are today. Fransmart's current and past franchise development portfolio brands have opened thousands of restaurants globally. Fransmart and its partner brands are committed to franchise development growth. For more information, visit www.fransmart.com.

About Kisses From Italy Inc.

Kisses From Italy Inc. is a U.S.-based restaurant chain operator, franchisor, and product distributor with locations in North America and Europe. The company offers a quick-service menu and a unique take on traditional Italian delicacies with an All-American flair. Kisses From Italy offerings include sandwiches, salads, Italian roasted coffee, coffee-related beverages, and various other products. In November 2020, Kisses From Italy launched its retail branded products for distribution stores across Canada. Currently, our products are offered in grocery stores and retail food stores.

The company operates three corporate-owned stores and two franchised locations in the U.S. and Canada. It successfully commenced operations in May 2015 with its flagship location in Ft. Lauderdale at 3146 NE 9th St. The company opened its inaugural European location in Ceglie del Campo, Bari, Italy, in October 2019. In September 2019, FINRA approved our common stock for trading, and in October 2019, it approved our common stock for up-listing to the OTCQB tier of the OTC Markets Group under the ticker symbol KITL.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions involving risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those anticipated or expected. These risks and uncertainties are further defined in filings and reports by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Actual results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from those projected in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to several factors detailed from time to time in our filings with the SEC. Reference is made to cautionary statements outlined in the company's most recent SEC filings, available at www.sec.gov and the company's website at www.kissesfromitaly.com. The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, unanticipated events, or changes to future operating results.

For more information, please visit www.kissesfromitaly.com.

Contact Information:

Kisses From Italy Inc.

305-423-7129

info@kissesfromitaly.com

SOURCE: Kisses From Italy Inc.





View source version on accesswire.com:

https://www.accesswire.com/803760/kisses-from-italy-group-launches-online-store-with-shopify-platform




A vehicle crashed into Russ' Restaurant in Holland Township on Tuesday, Nov. 14.

HOLLAND TWP.  A local restaurant was struck by a car Tuesday, Nov. 14, according to the business' post on social media.

Russ' Restaurant on River Avenue was to-go only as the company worked to "quickly rebuild this wall, which was not able to absorb a 'vehicular impact' today."

A vehicle crashed into Russ' Restaurant in Holland Township on Tuesday, Nov. 14.

The business added the driver was uninjured, no diners were near the point of impact, and no one was hurt.

The restaurant hoped to reopen to dine-in service as soon as possible.

 Cassandra Lybrink is the local editor of The Holland Sentinel. Contact her at clybrink@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on Twitter @CassLybrink.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: No injuries after car crashes into Russ' Restaurant in Holland Township
"It is necessary to create a fund for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip." This was stated by the First Lady of Turkey, Emine Erdogan, in her address to the participants of the meeting of heads of state and government "One Heart for Palestine", held on November 15 in Istanbul, Azernews reports.

The First Lady said that solidarity is necessary now: "When we are together, our voice is stronger. Let's take the initiative to ensure peace in Palestine. It is necessary to create a fund for the reconstruction of Gaza with the participation of the UN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and other structures.

Erdogan stressed that the UN Security Council should take urgent measures to resolve the crisis in the Middle East.

"I appeal to Israel and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. This conflict must be stopped."
Long term investing works well, but it doesn't always work for each individual stock. We really hate to see fellow investors lose their hard-earned money. Imagine if you held Pos Malaysia Berhad (KLSE:POS) for half a decade as the share price tanked 84%. We really hope anyone holding through that price crash has a diversified portfolio. Even when you lose money, you don't have to lose the lesson.

With that in mind, it's worth seeing if the company's underlying fundamentals have been the driver of long term performance, or if there are some discrepancies.

Check out our latest analysis for Pos Malaysia Berhad

Because Pos Malaysia Berhad made a loss in the last twelve months, we think the market is probably more focussed on revenue and revenue growth, at least for now. When a company doesn't make profits, we'd generally expect to see good revenue growth. As you can imagine, fast revenue growth, when maintained, often leads to fast profit growth.

Over half a decade Pos Malaysia Berhad reduced its trailing twelve month revenue by 4.4% for each year. While far from catastrophic that is not good. The share price fall of 13% (per year, over five years) is a stern reminder that money-losing companies are expected to grow revenue. We're generally averse to companies with declining revenues, but we're not alone in that. That is not really what the successful investors we know aim for.

You can see how earnings and revenue have changed over time in the image below (click on the chart to see the exact values).

This free interactive report on Pos Malaysia Berhad's balance sheet strength is a great place to start, if you want to investigate the stock further.

A Different Perspective

Pos Malaysia Berhad shareholders are down 12% for the year, but the market itself is up 7.7%. However, keep in mind that even the best stocks will sometimes underperform the market over a twelve month period. However, the loss over the last year isn't as bad as the 13% per annum loss investors have suffered over the last half decade. We'd need to see some sustained improvements in the key metrics before we could muster much enthusiasm. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. For example, we've discovered 2 warning signs for Pos Malaysia Berhad that you should be aware of before investing here.

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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 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.
Banks and payment service providers across APAC make progress with fraud prevention but it still remains a challenge, finds new report from Feedzai and Chartis

Scam Prevention in Asia-Pacific: A Survey of Banking and Payment Provider Professionals analyzes the strategies which financial institutions in the region are implementing to detect and prevent scams

Despite advancements, the report finds scams present a growing challenge in APAC with only 6% of respondents confident in their ability to adapt to the changing nature of scams

SINGAPORE, November 15, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Feedzai, the worlds first RiskOps platform for financial risk management, and Chartis Research, leaders in risk technology research and insights, have released a joint report exploring how financial firms are responding to fraud in the APAC region.

Leading the charge in the global fight against fraud, Feedzai and Chartis joint report, Scam Prevention in Asia-Pacific: A Survey of Banking and Payment Provider Professionals, will be launched at Singapore FinTech Festival and also coincides with International Fraud Awareness Week. The report surveyed financial crime professionals from 48 banks and 27 payment service providers (PSPs) in Australia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Singapore and found that advancements have been made to the approach to scams, with more than 9 in 10 organizations (97%) surveyed having some form of awareness program in place.

Other improvements include better internal touchpoints for scams, with two-thirds of firms surveyed having a regular touchpoint, such as regular briefings or training on identifying fraud as well as an improvement in the use of technology. More than 80% of organizations now use artificial intelligence (AI) in some form to detect fraud. AI-based fraud assessments involve the use of machine learning (ML) algorithms to analyze historical fraud data and identify patterns and anomalies that may indicate fraudulent activity.

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However, the report also found that as fraud and scams become more sophisticated, scams present a growing challenge and concern in the region. Increased operational costs were considered the largest impact of fraud and scams. Those in Australia were most likely to cite increased operational costs as the biggest impact of fraud detection (67% of respondents), while those in Singapore were least likely (38%).

Although 46% of respondents felt they had comprehensive scam controls in place, most didnt feel their firm could adapt to changing typologies fast enough, with only 6% fully confident in their ability to adapt. PSPs are more likely to have comprehensive controls than banks, with 60% of PSPs planning to improve fraud detection controls, compared with 39% of banks.

With almost 90% of respondents believing that scam reimbursement regulations will be introduced in the next 12 months, banks and PSPs have to prepare. Almost 30% of respondents cited reimbursement as the largest impact of scams. This concern is likely to become more pertinent given expectations around future regulation.

Tom Clifford, Strategic Accounts Director at Feedzai, said: "Banks and payment service providers have clearly made progress with fraud prevention, but it still remains a challenge. As fraud and scams continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, the industry needs to continuously adapt to the changing landscape.

"The use of advanced technologies, like AI, has definitely enhanced the ability to detect and prevent scams. While many organizations have comprehensive controls in place, the capability to leverage enterprise data and adapt to the changing fraud landscape remains a significant concern. With potential scam reimbursement regulations just around the corner, banks and payment service providers will need to become more proactive in real-time fraud mitigation."

Nick Vitchev, Research Director at Chartis, said: "Scams pose a grave threat to consumers, institutions, and governments across Asia Pacific. Working with Feedzai, Chartis carried out a study to understand the relative priorities, challenges, and solutions across some of the more dynamic markets.

"This survey found that the challenge of detecting and preventing scams is sizeable across the region, and varied across markets. The good news is that all of the markets we surveyed are committed to preventing scams via a variety of methods. The other good news is that Asia Pacific already contains institutions and governments that are leading the global fight against scams, and those that may be on the same trajectory can learn from those trailblazers."

About Feedzai: Feedzai is the worlds first RiskOps platform, protecting people and payments with a comprehensive suite of AI-based solutions designed to stop fraud and financial crime. Feedzai is trusted by leading financial institutions to manage critical risk and compliance processes, safeguarding trillions of dollars of transactions while improving the customer experience and protecting the privacy of everyday users. For more information, visit feedzai.com.

About Chartis: Chartis is the leading provider of research and analysis on the global market for risk technology. It is part of Infopro Digital, which owns market-leading brands such as Risk and WatersTechnology. Its mission is to support banks, tech vendors, investment managers and insurers with independent research and advice on all aspects of risk, compliance and financial technology. With its strong customer relationships and deep technology expertise, it is uniquely able to map market trends and vendor landscapes in financial risk, trading, credit, financial crime, GRC, insurance and energy.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114182426/en/

Contacts

Roopa Ramaiya, VP Communications, Feedzai: roopa.ramaiya@feedzai.com
Introduction to the Transaction

Saba Capital Management, L.P. (Trades, Portfolio), a prominent investment firm, has recently expanded its portfolio with a significant addition of shares in the Nuveen New Jersey Quality Municipal Income Fund (NYSE:NXJ). On November 14, 2023, the firm executed an addition of 110,867 shares in NXJ, at a trade price of $10.85 per share. This transaction has increased Saba Capital Management's total holdings in NXJ to 4,607,428 shares, marking a notable impact on its investment strategy with a 0.03% trade impact and adjusting the firm's position in NXJ to 1.3% of its portfolio and 11.17% of the traded stock.

Located at 405 Lexington Avenue in New York, NY, Saba Capital Management, L.P. (Trades, Portfolio) is a firm with a keen investment philosophy focused on identifying undervalued assets. With a diverse portfolio comprising 624 stocks, the firm's top holdings include Templeton Global Income Fund (NYSE:GIM), BlackRock Capital Allocation Trust (NYSE:BCAT), and others within the financial services and technology sectors. Saba Capital Management oversees an equity portfolio valued at approximately $3.84 billion, reflecting its significant presence in the investment community.

Saba Capital Management, L.P. Bolsters Position in Nuveen New Jersey Quality Municipal Income Fund

Nuveen New Jersey Quality Municipal Income Fund (NYSE:NXJ) Overview

Nuveen New Jersey Quality Municipal Income Fund, trading under the symbol NXJ in the United States, is a closed-end investment management company. Since its IPO on March 27, 2001, NXJ has been committed to providing income exempt from federal and New Jersey income tax by investing in undervalued tax-exempt municipal bonds. With a market capitalization of $452.677 million and a current stock price of $10.9701, NXJ operates within the asset management industry segment.

Saba Capital Management, L.P. Bolsters Position in Nuveen New Jersey Quality Municipal Income Fund

Analysis of the Trade Impact

The recent acquisition by Saba Capital Management, L.P. (Trades, Portfolio) has not only increased its stake in NXJ but also reflects the firm's confidence in the fund's potential. The trade has resulted in a share change of 2.47% and a trade impact of 0.03%, indicating a strategic move to capitalize on NXJ's market position and potential for tax-exempt income generation.

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Financial Health and Valuation of NXJ

Nuveen New Jersey Quality Municipal Income Fund's financial health is a mixed picture. With a Financial Strength rank of 8/10, the fund appears to be on solid footing in terms of its balance sheet. However, its Profitability Rank is low at 2/10, and it has a Growth Rank of 0/10, indicating challenges in profitability and growth. The GF Value suggests caution with a label of "Possible Value Trap, Think Twice," and a GF Value Rank of 8/10, which suggests that the stock may be undervalued.

Stock Performance and Potential

NXJ's historical performance shows a decline of 26.87% since its IPO and a year-to-date drop of 4.36%. However, with a GF Score of 61/100, there may be potential for future performance, albeit with caution due to its poor future performance potential indicated by the score.

Market Reaction and Momentum Indicators

The market's reaction to Saba Capital Management's trade can be observed through momentum indicators. NXJ's RSI (Relative Strength Index) over 5, 9, and 14 days are 84.78, 77.40, and 69.27, respectively, suggesting that the stock may be overbought. The Momentum Index over 6 and 12 months shows a decline, indicating a need for careful consideration of the stock's momentum in the context of the overall market.

Conclusion

Saba Capital Management, L.P. (Trades, Portfolio)'s recent trade in NXJ underscores the firm's strategic approach to portfolio management and its focus on undervalued assets. While NXJ's financial health and valuation present a complex picture, the firm's increased stake could be indicative of a belief in the fund's future potential. Investors should monitor NXJ's performance closely, considering both the firm's confidence and the fund's financial metrics.

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.


One of the US military's key oil suppliers has been likely been receiving oil of Russian origin, the Post reported. Reuters/Muhammad Hamed

Russian oil is finding its way into the Pentagon's supply chains, the Post reported.

A big chunk of Russian crude is reportedly sent to a Turkey before making its way to a US supplier.

Researchers say that Russia has found ways to evade most Western efforts to control its oil market.

Russian oil is reportedly finding its way into US Pentagon supply chains despite bans and sanctions on energy products from the country following its invasion of Ukraine, according to an analysis from the Washington Post.

The Motor Oil Hellas refinery, a Greek crude refinery that supplies the US military, said it had transitioned to other fuel sources just a few months after the West banned Russian oil exports.

But the refinery's newly sourced fuel was actually Russian oil that had simply swapped hands, a Post analysis of shipping data shows, as Russia began shipping its crude oil to Dortyol, a storage terminal in Turkey, before it was eventually shipped to Greece.

The amount of crude the US military ended up purchasing that is of Russian origin is unknown, but the Department of Defense gave nearly $1 billion in contract awards to Motor Oil Hellas since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, a significant spike from the prior year, according to an investigation from the watchdog group Project on Government Oversight.

The Department of Defense awarded Motor Oil Hellas over half a billion in contract awards in 2022. Project of Government Oversight

And since Russia invaded Ukraine, at least 56% of oil shipments sent to Motor Oil Hellas were from Dortyol. Meanwhile, around 69% of shipments sent to Dortoyl were of Russian origin, the Post reported, citing Project on Government Oversight data.

"While some shipments to Motor Oil Hellas may be abiding by the evolving landscape of sanctions and embargoes, the dynamic puts the Pentagon in an awkward position: On one hand, the U.S. government is sending billions of dollars of weaponry to Ukraine to defend against Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion, and on the other it is likely buying products that contain Russian fossil fuels, the major economic driver of the Russian war machine," the watchdog group said in its investigation.

Researchers say that Russia has likely thwarted the West's attempts to crimp war revenue by restricting its energy trade. Last year, Moscow reportedly assembled a secret fleet of "shadow tankers" to disguise the origin of its oil. Meanwhile, some researchers say that Russian oil is likely being sold way above the West's $60 a barrel price cap, partly due to its shadow fleet as well as inflated shipping costs that can disguise that true amount being paid by customers, the Financial Times reported.

Read the original article on Business Insider
(Bloomberg) -- It was about 5 p.m. in New York on Tuesday when Steven Schonfeld picked up the phone to call fellow hedge fund billionaire Izzy Englander.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The deal was off.

For months, executives at the two hedge funds had tried to hash out a partnership agreement that would have been the first real sign of consolidation among mega-multimanager firms. The deal captivated the industry, and speculation swirled over how many billions Millennium might invest in Schonfeld Strategic Advisors  and what sweetened terms it could demand from its struggling rival. Schonfelds funds have barely made money this year, and clients pulled $2.3 billion.

Ultimately Schonfeld backed out after securing up to $3 billion in verbal commitments from new and existing investors, including pensions and Middle East sovereign wealth funds, according to people familiar with the matter. The move came two days before Schonfeld clients faced a redemption deadline, suggesting the firm didnt expect significant outflows and that its biggest investors were likely to stay put.

Spokespeople for both firms declined to comment.

As part of the new plan, Schonfeld will cut some jobs  mostly non-investment personnel  to reduce expenses after a period of rapid growth and a costly talent war in the industry, the people said. The firm has grown to about 1,000 employees, of which 270 are portfolio managers and analysts.

The newly raised cash will be in a drawdown facility, meaning the firm can call on it as needed. Once Schonfeld puts that money to work  and it has two years to do so  investors wont be able to make withdrawals for three years.

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Had the deal gone through, Millennium could have leveraged more than 100 investment teams at Schonfeld, which managed $11.7 billion at the start of this month. Millenniums assets have jumped by a third in the past three years and now total $60.6 billion.

Schonfelds main fund is up more than 1% this year through October, trailing the S&P 500s 11% advance and putting it at the bottom of the pack when compared to multistrategy peers. It also lagged rivals in 2022. Its Fundamental Equity fund gained more than 2% this year, the people said.

Earlier this year, Schonfeld offered a hefty fee discount to clients in its equity fund in exchange for locking up their capital longer, so that it will take them as much as two years to be able to withdraw all of their cash. Theyre joining a broader push by multimanager funds to hang on to investor cash for longer to avoid being hit by frequent redemptions or big cuts in annual income.

Investors have flocked to multimanager firms such as Millennium, Citadel and Schonfeld in recent years because such funds, with their pods of traders with varied skills and expertise, tend to churn out consistent returns in a variety of market environments.

--With assistance from Katherine Burton and David Scheer.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Shopee achieved a remarkable 82-fold surge in Shopee Live orders for local sellers during the 11.11 Big Sale, driven by a strategic combination of increased new user traffic, exclusive live-only deals, and engaging livestream sessions.

Shopee Live Drives 82-Times Local Seller Growth During 11.11

Shopee Live saw a staggering 14-fold increase in first-time viewers and recorded over 40 million engagements  users flocked to the platform for irresistible promotions, including 90% off vouchers, participated in the Kotak Duit Misteri game show, and enjoyed real-time product demonstrations.

15-times more Shopee Mall brands utilised Shopee Live compared to an average day, sharing in-depth product knowledge and building trust with potential customers. Over 5,000 Shopee Mall brands, including 70mai, Dessini, Skechers, SKINTIFIC, and Vinda, participated in the campaign, offering authentic products with a 15-Day Return Policy and an 8x Money Back Guarantee.

"This 11.11, Shopee achieved record-breaking results, hitting a total global gross merchandise value of USD1 Billion within a single day. We sincerely thank all our partner brands and sellers, and our valued shoppers for their support over the years, without which we could never have achieved this tremendous result. In Malaysia - this 11.11 has been our biggest sales day of all time!" said Kenneth Soh, Head of Marketing at Shopee Malaysia.

"We remain dedicated to bringing unparalleled shopping experiences and continuous innovation to our users. The strategic empowerment of Malaysian sellers has been crucial, as Shopee has supported and enabled businesses to thrive in the digital space," Soh added.

Malaysians searched for 'Women's shoes,' 'women's blouse,' 'dress,' 'handbag,' and 'women's sandals' the most, while skincare, plus-size women's clothes and jewellery were the top-selling fashion and beauty products. The momentum was evident as over 1.3 million products were sold within the first 2-hours of the sale.

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ELGINI Apparel, Kacang Republika Premium, Kedai Abang Syukor, Panda Eyes, and SKINTIFIC were the most viewed live streams of 11.11, presenting interesting and informative content for their users.

"Shopee is incredibly proud of the success of our local sellers in this year's 11.11 Big Sale, and are committed to supporting them as they grow their businesses with us. We aim to provide our sellers with the tools and resources they need to succeed on e-commerce. We will continue to innovate and deliver even more engaging and immersive shopping experiences for our users," Soh concluded.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/shopee-live-drives-82-times-local-seller-growth-during-11-11--301988658.html

SOURCE Shopee Malaysia
Sirius XM Holdings (SIRI) stock jumped as much as 12% on Wednesday after Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-A, BRK-B) revealed a new stake in the satellite and online radio company.

According to Berkshire's 13F report, which discloses its holdings, the company purchased nearly 9.7 million shares with a market value of about $43.8 million in its September quarter.

Shares of Sirius have struggled so far this year, down about 10% compared to the S&P 500's (^GSPC) 17% gain over that same time period.

The company reported a beat on earnings in its fiscal third quarter results, but missed revenue expectations. Total revenue declined 0.4% compared to the year-ago period, dragged down by a 0.3% yearly dip in subscriber revenue.

Advertising revenue, however, gained 0.7% year over year to $460 million  bucking recent industry trends amid a shaky macroeconomic environment.

In September, Liberty Media announced a proposal regarding a potential transaction that would combine Liberty SiriusXM Group (LSXM) with SiriusXM to form a new, consolidated public company.

At Liberty's investor day earlier this month, Jennifer Witz, CEO and president of SiriusXM, said a special committee of independent directors is currently reviewing the proposal, adding: "What I want to emphasize is that regardless of the outcome of Liberty's proposal and any transaction hypotheticals, I am confident we can quickly deliver to our communicated long-term leverage target if need be."

The update comes as Buffett, often referred to as the "Oracle of Omaha," sold off his holdings in other companies, including General Motors (GM), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Procter and Gamble (PG), Mondelez (MZ), Celanese (CE), UPS (UPS), and Activision Blizzard, which completed its merger with Microsoft in October.

He also trimmed his stake in Amazon (AMZN) by about 5% and his stake in Chevron (CVX) by more than 10%.

In addition to Sirius, the billionaire also made an investment in the publicly traded holding company that owns the Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball club and The Battery Atlanta.

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He purchased 223.6 million shares worth nearly $8 million, according to the filing.

Atlanta Braves Holdings (BATRA), which was spun off from Liberty Media in July, reported third quarter profit of $272 million, up 11% year over year amid higher in-game attendance.

Buffett's long history with media and entertainment

Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, which owns over 65 companies across a variety of sectors, has a lengthy history with media and entertainment businesses.

After serving as a financial adviser to help broker a deal between broadcaster ABC and Capital Cities Communications, Berkshire agreed to purchase an 18% stake in the new conglomerate for $517 million to help finance the merger. At the time, this deal was the largest non-oil deal in modern American business history.

"I like media companies as a business," Buffett told the New York Times at the time. "I'm interested in the product. I always thought the media had a bright future, but it took Wall Street a long time to appreciate that."

In 1995, Disney announced a $19 billion merger of equals with Capital Cities/ABC  another milestone corporate takeover and a key step in cementing Disney's all-encompassing entertainment legacy.

Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, attends the 2019 annual shareholders meeting in Omaha, Neb., May 3, 2019. (JOHANNES EISELE/AFP via Getty Images) (JOHANNES EISELE via Getty Images)

The 93-year-old billionaire has also owned 30 daily newspapers over the years, including his hometown Omaha World-Herald, along with other holdings through Berkshire's print publishing unit, BH Media Group.

The division was eventually sold to Lee Enterprises for $140 million in 2020 after Buffett admitted during a 2019 interview with Yahoo Finance that the newspaper business was "toast."

"The world was changed hugely, and it did it gradually," Buffett said. "[The business] went from monopoly to franchise to competitive to ... toast."

Despite the industry's challenges, however, Buffett has always been a lifelong lover of newspapers.

The Washington Post was one of Berkshire's primary holdings until it was sold off to Amazon's Jeff Bezos for $250 million in 2014.

Alexandra Canal is a Senior Reporter at Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter @allie_canal, LinkedIn, and email her at alexandra.canal@yahoofinance.com.

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SINGAPORE, Nov. 14, 2023 /CNW/ -- SmartNews , a global leader in digital news aggregation, is proud to announce an exciting strategic partnership with PrimeTime , a renowned professional and business women's association based in Singapore. This collaboration marks a significant step in SmartNews' commitment to local expansion, empowerment of women, and strengthening corporate brand management in the dynamic Singapore market.

SmartNews Logo (PRNewsfoto/SmartNews, Inc.)

In 2023, SmartNews inaugurated its Singapore office, with a clear objective to amplify local hiring efforts and raise brand visibility in the region. With Singapore being a strategic location for SmartNews, this important partnership with PrimeTime represents a pivotal move towards achieving these goals.

Established in 1997, PrimeTime is a prominent professional and business women's association (SCWO) in Singapore, with a mission to empower women through education, leadership, and networking opportunities. Primetime is dedicated to promoting professional success and personal fulfillment for women through a blend of professional, social, and community engagement activities, fostering an inclusive and diverse environment for women in business and the professional sphere in Singapore to thrive, lead confidently, and inspire positive change.

SmartNews and PrimeTime's corporate partnership includes monthly meeting / event venues for PrimeTime members provided at no cost by SmartNews in addition to future collaboration initiatives between SmartNews and PrimeTime.

"I am truly honored to represent SmartNews in our partnership with PrimeTime," said Megumi Yoshinaga, a founding member of SmartNews Singapore and Head of Sales Marketing. "This collaboration is a testament to our unwavering commitment to women's leadership and empowerment. Together with PrimeTime, we look forward to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, empowering women, and creating more job opportunities in Singapore."

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"We are delighted to embark on this transformative journey with SmartNews. This partnership exemplifies PrimeTime's commitment to advancing women's leadership and fostering diversity and inclusion in the professional landscape. Together with SmartNews, we will empower women, create opportunities, and strengthen our shared values in the vibrant heart of Singapore," Angela Low, President of PrimeTime.

About SmartNews

Founded in 2012, SmartNews is a leading global information and news discovery company, dedicated to delivering quality information to the people who need it. SmartNews provides news that matters to millions of users thanks to its unique machine learning technology and relationships with more than 3,000 global publisher partners.

Follow SmartNews on LinkedIn

About PrimeTime

Founded in 1997, PrimeTime is a Singapore-based professional and business women's association that aims to empower women to achieve their highest potential through learning, leadership and networking opportunities. With more than 250 members from over 30 countries, we take great pride in the diversity of our membership.

Follow PrimeTime on LinkedIn

Cision

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SOURCE SmartNews, Inc.

Cision

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Millions of Americans who worked in public sector jobs could see a boost in their Social Security benefits in the future.

Social Security Cuts: States That Would Be Impacted the Least

Explore: The Simple, Effective Way To Fortify Your Retirement Mix

On Sept. 20, 2022, a congressional committee voted for a bill that, if passed, would nullify existing rules that reduce benefits for certain public workers  including teachers, firefighters, police and government employees. The bill, called the Social Security Fairness Act, was submitted to the House of Representatives by the House Ways and Means Committee.

As it stands, the Social Security Act includes two rules that reduce benefits for public servants: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO).

The WEP reduces Social Security checks for retirees who are eligible for benefits based on past work, but who simultaneously received a public pension from employment not covered by Social Security. The GPO reduces spousal benefits for surviving spouses who also receive government pensions.

Both rules would be repealed if the Social Security Fairness Act is passed, putting more cash in the pockets of affected retirees.

It affects hundreds of thousands, if not millions of public employees that paid into Social Security and essentially are being penalized because they also happen to be public servants, Edward Kelly, general president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, told CNBC.

The Social Security Fairness Act received bipartisan support, with 300 co-sponsors out of the 435 reps who voted. The bill was also introduced to the Senate with the backing of 49 leaders on both sides of the aisle.

Under current law, some beneficiaries receive lower benefits than they would if they paid into Social Security, while others receive higher benefits, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. But whether the bill will be passed remains to be seen, as it would cost roughly $150 billion over 10 years per Emerson Sprick, policy analyst at the Bipartisan Policy Center, who spoke with CNBC about the proposal.

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Additionally, research has found that repealing the WEP and GPO rules would result in Social Security benefits that are overly generous for noncovered workers, CNBC added.

Another solution may be to create a proportional approach. For example, instead of the WEP, benefits would be calculated based on all earnings and then adjusted to reflect the share of their careers in jobs covered by Social Security. Currently, there are bills on Capitol Hill that propose a proportional approach, but Sprick said it may not solve all inequities in the current system.

The main problem with the proposal as it stands is that it doesnt explain how it would address Social Securitys solvency crisis. According to the Congressional Research Service, projections show that Social Security will be unable to pay out due benefits in full and on schedule as soon as 2035.

Josephine Nesbit contributed updated information to this article.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Social Security: How Public Workers Also Receiving Pensions May Finally Receive Fair Compensation
New energy storage facility will have a 55 MWh capacity

Project supports an existing 33 MWp solar installation in Razlog

RAZLOG, Bulgaria, November 15, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Stationary battery manufacturer Hithium and solar project EPC provider Solarpro have announced a strategic partnership, with their first project to come in Bulgaria. Hithium has agreed to supply the battery products to a 55 MWh energy storage project, for which Solarpro is providing turnkey EPC services. The new plant will support a photovoltaic installation in the southwest Bulgarian town of Razlog. With construction of the new facility planned for the start of 2024, it is the largest battery energy storage project already in implementation in southeast Europe.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115186229/en/

(Photo: Business Wire)

"As the regions utility-scale solar production ramps up, energy storage is gaining importance since it enables us to deliver solar-generated energy more reliably," explained Solarpro CEO, Krasen Mateev. "We are very pleased to take this step with Hithium to accelerate the growth of energy storage in eastern Europe. We have been working on preparation, engineering and development on the joint solution over the past months for this landmark project. We are dedicated to lead the energy transition adding new technologies in our product portfolio."

Ning (Kelson) Li, Hithium Director Large-Scale BESS Project for Central, Northern, and Eastern Europe, added: "Were proud to collaborate with Solarpro, such an experienced European partner in the sector of renewable energy and battery energy storage system, to start with the ground-breaking for Razlog BESS plant. This project represents our entry into eastern Europe and perfectly reflects the contribution we want to make to the region, scaling up energy storage to stabilise the supply of clean energy."

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Hithium will supply 16 energy storage containers with a 3,44 MWh capacity, based on the companys 280 Ah cells, which have an extra-long expected lifespan. They also feature a wide operating temperature range, thus the new energy storage project anticipates being able to run uninterrupted even in extreme weather. Along with their multi-stage, active fire protection system, Hithiums containers achieve high thermal stability with liquid instead of air cooling, which also enables them to save space and increases the products energy density.

The BESS owner will be a subsidiary of the Vienna-based Renalfa IPP. The investor decided to co-locate the big battery within the existing 33 MWp capacity PV plant. The solar farm is equipped by a photovoltaic tracker mounting system, enhancing the installations efficiency and output, along with its own substation. The area where the plant is situated has some of Bulgarias highest levels of irradiation to provide an exceptional degree of electricity generation.

About Solarpro

Solarpro is one of the leading providers of a range of solutions for generation, systems integration, and storage of energy. The company is an experienced technological leader in the renewable energy industry with a proven track record of more than 15 years as one of the largest EPC and O&M players in the photovoltaic sector in Europe.

The group started its PV business in 2007 and with projects in over 18 countries and more than 6 GWp of installed capacity to date, Solarpro provides added value by delivering innovative PV solutions based on the extensive expertise of its multinational teams.

About Renalfa

Renalfa IPP is a Vienna-based clean energy and e-mobility investment group. It is a joint venture of the Vienna-based Renalfa Solarpro Group GmbH and the French infrastructure fund manager RGreen Invest. The group is also one of the main investors in the leading European EV car-sharing platform Spark.

Renalfa IPP owns renewable energy generating facilities with an overall capacity of over 450 MW in Bulgaria, Hungary, the Republic of North Macedonia and Romania. An additional more than 1 GW are in an advanced stage of development and construction.

About Hithium

Founded in 2019, HiTHIUM is a leading manufacturer of top quality stationary energy storage products for utility-scale, commercial, and industrial applications. With four R&D centers and multiple intelligent production facilities, HiTHIUM has delivered innovations including groundbreaking safety improvements to its lithium-ion batteries, as well as increases in lifecycle and more compact design. With many decades of cumulative experience in the field among its founders and senior executives, Hithium leverages its specialization in BESS to provide partners and customers unique advances in energy storage.

The company is based in Xiamen, China, with further locations in Shenzhen, Chongqing, Munich, Dubai, and California. HiTHIUM has shipped 11 GWh of battery capacity to date, with 5 GWh delivered in 2022 alone, and is expanding to 70 GWh production capacity by the end of 2023.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115186229/en/

Contacts

carol.wu@hithium.com
Russia's Energy Ministry expects coal production to total 440 million tonnes and exports to be around about 220 million tonnes in 2023, Deputy Energy Minister Sergei Mochalnikov said on Tuesday at Transport Week in Moscow, Azernews reports, citing Interfax.

"The main task is to remain within the parameters of 2022-2021," Mochalnikov said.

The European Union and United Kingdom embargo on coal imports from Russia entered into force on August 10, 2022, as part of the fifth package of sanctions. The EU estimated the annual volume of coal imports to EU countries at 8 billion euros, with supplies from Russia having accounted for approximately half of the amount.

Russia increased domestic coal production 0.9% year-on-year to 315 million tonnes in 9M 2023, the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) reported.
The Scoop

Starbucks has overexposed itself to the risks of doing business in China, Strive Asset Management, founded by Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, told the companys CEO and board chair.

In a letter sent Wednesday and viewed by Semafor, the conservative-leaning firm says the companys bet-it-all-on-China strategy, which includes 6,500 stores on the mainland, is vulnerable to an invasion of Taiwan or other provocations that could force Starbucks out of the country.

Former CEO Howard Schultz kept tight control of Starbucks network in China. His departure may open the door to a franchise model, which would cede more control to local partners. (His board seat will be filled by a former Alibaba executive, an appointment that Yahoo Finances Brooke DiPalma said reemphasiz[ed] the companys commitment to China.)

Strive executive Justin Danhof told Semafor: Starbucks China strategy appears to be a major gamble with a hostile partner, one that regularly props up local businesses over foreign companies.

Starbucks didnt respond to a request for comment.

Lizs view

Strive notes that Starbucks three biggest investors, BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street, are not the actual owners of Starbucks, their are. Of course thats true of Strive, too, which owns just a token stake in Starbucks  about $1.4 million, according to the latest disclosures  through its ETFs.

Strive, which launched in 2022, has punched above the $1 billion it manages, needling executives it feels have tilted their companies too far toward environmental or social causes. It has criticized BlackRock in particular for championing progressive ideas in corporate boardrooms, though it has been dialing back its anti-woke rhetoric, Semafor reported in July.

But China hawkishness is increasingly a bipartisan issue, and Russias invasion of Ukraine showed how quick Western companies are to retreat from geopolitical hot zones. Leaving Russia was an easy call because most companies do little direct business there. Thats not true of China.

Room for Disagreement

Its worth noting that Starbucks asked investors last year whether they wanted a report on the companys exposure to China and related risks. They said no by a margin of 20:1. Its three biggest shareholders all voted no, according to their annual disclosures.
Biggest waste of money out there: Suze Orman slammed CNN host for leasing a car  but as vehicle prices and auto loan rates hover near record highs, is leasing really a bad money move?

Suze Orman never beats around the bush when she sees someone making (what she believes) is a major money mistake  even if that person is sat opposite her in a live TV interview.

CNNs Chris Wallace recently became the latest object of the money mavens disapproval. During a November episode of Who's Talking to Chris Wallace, he sheepishly admitted to leasing his car  causing Orman to let out an exasperated: WHY?"

Dont miss

You should never lease a car, she stated during the interview. Leasing a car is the biggest waste of money out there.

Orman thinks it is better to buy a car and take good care of it so that it lasts for many years. That philosophy is common  but it doesnt necessarily make sense for everybody, as Wallace bravely pointed out.

He said leasing a car is cheaper and more convenient as it allows him to dodge the drama of dealing with an older vehicle. He also gets a brand new car every three years  and who wouldnt be excited by that?

Theres no definitive right or wrong in this area  no matter how hard personal finance personalities like Orman and Dave Ramsey drum home their anti-leasing agenda. Heres what you need to consider when figuring out how best to finance your new wheels.

To lease, or not to lease?

Wallaces claim that leasing a car is cheaper is typically true in the short-term  but the value proposition diminishes the longer you lease instead of buy.

When you lease a car, you must agree to a residual value, which is an estimate of how much the car will be worth  after depreciation  once the lease contract is up. Lessors will use that value to set your monthly lease payments.

The best cars to lease, according to Edmunds, are those that retain at least 50% of their original value after 36 months. Using that example, if you were to lease a car with an MSRP of $40,000 and a depreciation rate of 50%, the residual would be $20,000 and your monthly lease payments would be around $555.

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That is cheaper than the average monthly auto loan payment  which is currently sitting at a record $736, according to Edmunds  but remember, you will not own the vehicle when your lease expires, hence why Orman thinks it is a big waste of money.

She is joined in that opinion by personal finance blogger Katie Gatti Tassin, who published a blog earlier this this year titled "Why Leasing a Car is Like Setting Money on Fire".

"I get asked about leasing a car probably once a week, and it still surprises me that so many people opt to rent a depreciating asset," she wrote.

She goes on to write this about buying a cheaper car outright: "As long as it gets you where youre going safely and moderately comfortably, you probably wont get an extra $20,000 of value for leasing a car thats worth $20,000 more than the one you can actually afford."

If car ownership is your goal, youre going to have to pay the big bucks. The average listing price of a new vehicle in October was $47,215, according to the latest report from Cox Automotive, while the average used-vehicle price was $26,533.

If you dont have thousands of spare dollars to buy a car in cash, youre likely going to have to borrow money to buy a car.

When you finance a car through an auto loan, you will be charged interest every month. The average APR for new and used vehicles in October was 7.6% and 11.6%, respectively, according to data from Edmunds. But if you have a bad credit score, you could be charged rates of up to 14.8% for a new car and 21% for used cars, according to Carsdirect.com.

Thats a painful price to pay, but at the end of your loan term  whether its 60, 72 or 84 months  you will own your car. The longer you then keep your car, the more value you get out of it, as Orman suggested. Over the long term, the cheapest way to drive is to buy a car and keep it until its uneconomical to repair.

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

Other costs to consider

Leasing a car does come with its advantages. By leasing a new vehicle every few years, you get access to the most cutting-edge cars on the lot, with the best fuel-efficiency, safety ratings and innovative features.

You also get to drive the car in its most trouble-free years and may have access to the manufacturers new car warranty. As Wallace noted, its a worry-free experience.

But its important to remember that the cost of leasing a car extends far beyond the monthly payments you make.

You will have to pay an acquisition fee  also called a bank fee or administrative fee  to arrange the lease. This could cost anywhere up to $1,100, depending on the vehicle and leasing company, and can either be added to your monthly lease payment or paid up-front.

Once you sign an auto lease, youre pretty much locked in for the duration  unless you want to pay a hefty fee to break it.

Youre also in the drivers seat for the cost of vehicle maintenance and expendable items such as tires. And if you fail to return the vehicle in adequate condition, you could be charged an excess wear-and-tear fee when your lease is over.

The costs dont end there. You may also have to pay more for car insurance and you could be slapped with financial penalties if you fail to meet certain conditions set by the dealership. As a baseline, the national average cost of minimum-coverage car insurance is $58 a month, according to numbers from Value Penguin.

For instance, often the lease will limit the number of miles youre allowed to drive each year. If you go over that limit, you could be hit with an excess mileage penalty as high as 50 cents per mile, according to Consumer Reports.

In his arguments for leasing his car, Wallace told Orman: I dont drive it very much, I dont go over the limit  but if youre not as calculated as the CNN host when hitting the open road you could face a penalty.

Simply put, while leasing a car often looks like an attractive money move on the surface, you might not actually save money over buying a car. Its important to run the math to calculate what makes most sense for you in the long run.

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Targeted Oncology

This award celebrates the outstanding achievements of professionals who have significantly impacted the oncology landscape

Targeted Oncology announces Daniel Efiom-Ekaha, M.D., FACP and Maen Hussein, M.D. as the recipients of its Oncology Icons award program

This program recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the field of oncology through their expertise, dedication and innovation.

CRANBURY, N.J., Nov. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Targeted Oncology, a multimedia resource that offers engaging content and expert opinions on standard and emerging treatments in the field of oncology, is thrilled to announce the distinguished recipients of the prestigious Oncology Icons award program. This program recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the field of oncology through their expertise, dedication and innovation.



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This quarters recipients have demonstrated remarkable leadership and have shown a deep commitment to improving cancer care and outcomes. These individuals have set new standards of excellence and serve as an inspiration to the entire oncology community.

The Oncology Icons are:

Daniel Efiom-Ekaha, M.D., FACP. Efiom-Ekaha is a community-based hematologist/oncologist at Cancer Care Associates of York in York, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, in Nigeria with internship and residency training at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Cornwall Regional Hospital in St. James Parish, Jamaica. He then completed his internal medicine training at The Brooklyn Hospital Center in New York and his hematology and medical oncology fellowships at the State University of New York. Ive been practicing in the field for over a decade. I am fortunate to have been able to see, through the last several years, concepts and ideas that we thought would make sense, being tested out in the bench with a basic science research, and over the years, transcend and come to fruition, in terms of what were able to deliver and results and outcomes were able to get for our patients, said Efiom-Ekaha.

Maen Hussein, M.D. Hussein is a medical oncologist and hematologist at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) and has recently been elected to serve as president in 2024 for the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO) board of directors. He joined FCS in 2011 after finishing his residency at Brown Universitys Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Hussein also serves on the Finance Committee of the FCS executive board and on the FCS Foundation board of directors, of which he is the immediate past chair. Oncologists strive to get patients to remission, maintain quality of life, prolong survival, and I wanted to be part of this. You can see the advances we have had in the last 20 yearsEvery success motivates us to do even better, said Hussein.

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We are honored to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of these Oncology Icons, said Erik Lohrmann, senior vice president of, oncology and urology. Their work has transformed the field of oncology, and we are grateful for their relentless dedication to improving the lives of cancer patients.

Targeted Oncology will also feature in-depth profiles of each recipient in an article published in Targeted Therapies in Oncology and on the Targeted Oncology website, offering readers an opportunity to gain insights into their remarkable journeys and contributions to the oncology community.

Submissions for the Oncology Icons award program are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. To submit a nomination, please click here.

About Targeted Oncology

Targeted Oncology, a leading resource for oncologists and hematologists, empowers practice-changing outcomes through innovative learning formats and peer engagement. Its journals, Targeted Therapies in Oncology and Peers & Perspectives in Oncology, are delivered 18 times a year. TargetedOnc.com offers daily content and an e-newsletter subscription and hosts 500-plus virtual and in-person events annually, fostering engaging discussions among oncology peers. Targeted Oncology is a brand of MJH Life Sciences, the largest privately held, independent, full-service medical media company in North America delivering trusted health care news.

Media Contact:

Lauren Garafola

MJH Life Sciences

lgarafola@mjhlifesciences.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5a714c66-faf7-4799-83ce-b897f3b92bdd




Trilliants technology and expertise continues to enable utility company to support its energy transition vision

JAKARTA, Indonesia, November 15, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Trilliant, a leading international provider of solutions for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), smart grid, smart cities and IIoT, today announced that Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), the largest electricity utility in Malaysia and a leading utility company in Asia, has extended their joint partnership. Trilliant will continue to support TNB as it further accelerates smart meter deployment nationally to meet its energy transition vision.

TNB and Trilliant first formed a strategic partnership in 2017 to support the utility companys nationwide plan for smart meter deployment, along with a joint go-to-market strategy to drive innovation and deliver smart communications solutions to utilities across Asia Pacific and other select regions. This partnership provides TNB with the support it requires in the near future to continue its smart meter deployment, including access to Trilliants next generation AMI network technology and a five-year maintenance and support agreement.

Through their collaboration, Trilliants flexible solutions have helped TNB improve billing efficiency, enhance forecasting and planning, and improve outage management, positioning the utility to further augment customer-facing benefits while providing consumers with more control over their energy use.

"We value our longstanding partnership with TNB and are honoured to continue our work to support them as they progress towards their goals and innovative energy transition vision," said Trilliant Chairman and CEO Andrew C. White. "Our organizations share a vision to drive positive change for a cleaner and more sustainable future. Were proud to be a part of their journey as they advance the region towards Net Zero."

"The urgency to accelerate energy transition is undeniable, and we cannot embark on this journey alone. We seek strategic partnerships with like-minded organisations like Trilliant, where complementary expertise coalesces to drive innovation. Together, we will forge an energy ecosystem that is deeply integrated, customer-centric, smart, hyper-connected, agile, and responsive to the sustainability challenges ahead," said Dato Seri Ir. Baharin Din, President and CEO of Tenaga Nasional Berhad.

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Driven by an unwavering commitment to sustainability and relentless innovation, TNB is spearheading the implementation of the energy transition, aligning with Malaysia's resolute agenda to combat climate change, safeguard continued business growth, and fast-track TNB's own sustainability aspirations of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

"Embracing the transformative power of technology and innovation, we are steadfastly modernising our digital foundations to seamlessly align with our energy transition strategy. This strategy is designed to tackle the energy trilemma across the value chain, fulfilling our commitment to sustainability and fostering business growth. Simultaneously, we are venturing into uncharted territories within the energy transition space, unwavering in our pursuit to accelerate generation decarbonisation, develop flexible and cross-border grid and empower cross-sector electrification and prosumers," added Baharin.

Trilliants holistic program with TNB includes the Trilliant Communication Module  locally manufactured in Malaysia  embedded in every smart meter. Additionally, Trilliant has deployed a reliable network to support the high volume of traffic generated by the smart meters.

"TNB understands the significance of data, and our technology has provided them the ability to make timely, data-driven decisions, which in turn optimizes grid availability, reliability and planning  all while enabling advanced applications such as time-of-use rates, prepaid metering and demand response," said Eugene Loke, Managing Director, APAC, at Trilliant. "Trilliants solutions efficiently and securely support organizations that are facing the energy transition, no matter where they are in their journey. Were proud to work with innovative leaders like TNB, strengthening their strategies and helping them to achieve their objectives."

The Power of Choice

Trilliants end-to-end portfolio of solutions offer utility companies and smart cities the Power of Choice. Its flexible, multi-tiered platform is device-agnostic and drives optimal endpoints and outcomes, enabling utilities to optimize assets and offer value-added services to customers. The flexibility provided by the Power of Choice allows Trilliant's customers to select endpoints from global manufacturers or support local job creation with in-country manufacturing.

Trilliant believes AMI applications go beyond just billing; theyre vital for operational efficiency and to meet the evolving expectations of consumers who desire more control over their energy use, cleaner and sustainable energy sources, and a reliable grid that can adapt to changing circumstances. The accelerated adoption of renewable energy and electric vehicles requires additional solutions supporting the energy transition, and the company is working with customers to enable applications including Distribution Automation; monitoring of Variable Renewable Energy generation; Distributed Energy Resources integration; smart street lighting; and EV capacity planning.

Trilliant will be at Enlit Asia November 14-16, 2023. Visit Booth 401 to experience innovative solution demos and speak with Trilliant subject matter experts. Trilliant will also be presenting at the event. For more information, visit https://trilliant.com/trilliant-to-focus-on-the-energy-transition-grid-modernization-and-ami-at-enlit-asia/.

To book a one-on-one demo and meeting with Trilliant at Enlit Asia, or for more information, contact info@trilliant.com.

To learn more about Trilliants smart grid solutions, visit: https://trilliant.com/smart-grid/.

For more about Trilliants AMI solutions, visit: https://trilliant.com/advanced-metering-infrastructure-ami/.

About Trilliant

Trilliant empowers the global energy industry with the only device-agnostic communications platform that enables utilities and cities to deploy any application securely and reliably on one powerful network. Our purpose-built portfolio is designed to offer the power of choice, without risk of customers being "locked in" with one technology provider. We are proud to offer mission-critical solutions that support AMI, Data & Analytics, Smart Grids and Smart Cities. Customers worldwide benefit from Trilliants unique combination of flexibility, sustainability and scalability that connects utilities and cities to the IIOT and a more strategic path to the Energy Transition. Visit us at www.trilliant.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231114473465/en/

Contacts

Tracey Mitchell

tracey.mitchell@trilliant.com

Cindy Watson/Anita Wong, StrategicAmpersand Inc.

TrilliantPR@stratamp.com
When Truth Social launched in 2022, backers of the social network described it a conservative-friendly alternative to Big Tech platforms that would attract advertisers eager to court former President Donald's Trump's millions of followers. But a new regulatory filing reveals that Truth Social's owner, Trump Media & Technology Group, has booked only $2.3 million in sales through June this year, while losing 10 times that amount.

The disclosure also contains a warning from Trump Media & Technology Group's accountants, who said they have "substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern."

The financial details about Trump Media & Technology Group were made public in a Monday filing from Digital World Acquisition Corp. (DWAC), a so-called special-purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, formed to merge with Trump's business. SPACs allow a company to sell shares to the public more quickly than in a traditional initial public offering, which requires more regulatory steps.

The filing marks "a crucial milestone in our journey towards the potential merger with TMTG," DWAC CEO Eric Swider said in a statement on Monday.

The cautionary language by Trump Media's accountants is known as a "going concern" warning, which indicates that an accounting firm believes a company may not have sufficient cash on hand to pay its debts and could default within the next year, according to S&P Global.

To be sure, the warning reflects only snapshot in time, and it's possible Trump Media's pending deal with DWAC could provide the funding that the merged company needs to make good on its obligations and help drive growth.

Trump, who is chairman of Trump Media and owns a stake in the business, has agreed to post on Truth Social prior to any other competing social media service, the filing noted.

Trump Media didn't immediately return a request for comment.

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Burning through cash

The financial picture that emerges from filing depicts a company that's facing mounting losses in the face of growing, yet meager, sales. Trump Media reported revenue of $2.3 million for the first six months of 2023, compared with no revenue in the year-earlier period, the filing noted.

With its losses mounting, Trump Media is also burning through cash, ending June with $2.4 million in cash, down from $19 million a year earlier, according to filing. The company reported an operating loss of $23.3 million in 2022, although it recorded a $50.5 million net profit after a change in value tied to its convertible notes.

Trump Media is negotiating its debts with lenders, and the filing includes a warning that its own management has concerns about its ability to pay for the company's liabilities and to meet its obligations to lenders.

"During the 12 months following the signing of these financial statements, management has substantial doubt that the company will have sufficient funds to meet its liabilities as they fall due, including liabilities related to promissory notes previously issued by the company," the filing states.
CHEYENNE, Wyo., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Gold Corp. (Nasdaq: USAU) ("U.S. Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it will be presenting and exhibiting at the Mines and Money @ Resourcing Tomorrow conference (the "Conference"), to be held in London at the end of November. U.S. Gold's management team invites shareholders and all interested parties to attend. Conference admission is free for qualified investors.

(PRNewsfoto/US Gold Corp.)

The Conference will be held in-person at the Business Design Centre in London, UK from November 28-30, 2023.

The Company will be exhibiting in Booth A-07.

George Bee, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, will be presenting on Tuesday, November 28th at 15:40 GMT (please see the Conference website for the date and time of the presentation as it is subject to change).

Billed as Europe's largest and premier mining event, this year the Conference anticipates welcoming 500+ investors, 175+ mining companies and many industry service providers for three comprehensive days of networking, examining the latest market analysis, comparing investment opportunities, sharing knowledge and creating valuable business partnerships. Many of the world's largest mining companies will be attending and presenting, including Barrick Gold Corporation, BHP Group Limited and Rio Tinto Group.

The Company expects to have a full schedule of one-on-one meetings at the conference in addition to George Bee's presentation. The Company plans to update investors on:

Operational progress at its flagship CK Gold Project in Wyoming, including: The Industrial Siting Permit granted in in May 2023, Anticipated receipt of the Permit to Mine approval in H1 2024, and CAPEX financing discussions commenced;

Continued systematic exploration at its highly prospective Keystone Project in Nevada's Cortez Trend;

Strategy for permitting a Plan of Operations to explore its Challis Gold Project with historic resource; and

Thesis for its positive 2024 outlook for gold and copper market demand drivers and its impact on the Company's asset values and strategy.

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For more information and/or to register for the conference, please visit: https://minesandmoney.com/london/.

About U.S. Gold Corp.

U.S. Gold Corp. is a publicly traded, U.S. focused gold exploration and development company. U.S. Gold Corp. has a portfolio of exploration properties. The CK Gold Project is located in Southeast Wyoming and has a Preliminary Feasibility Study technical report, which was completed by Gustavson Associates, LLC. In addition, the Company's exploration projects, comprising the district-scale Keystone Project on the Cortez and Carlin Trends in Nevada and the Challis Gold Project located in Idaho, present considerable discovery potential. For more information about U.S. Gold Corp., please visit www.usgoldcorp.gold.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this shareholder letter are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "anticipate," "believe," "forecast," "estimated," "intend," "will," "expects," and "plans," among others. These forward-looking statements include statements related to the Company and George Bee's attendance and participation in the Conference; the attendance and participation by investors, mining companies and industry service providers at the Conference; and the Company's plans to update investors on the Company's operational progress at the CK Gold Project, including the expected timing of the Permit to Mine, systematic exploration at the Keystone Project, strategy for permitting a Plan of Operations to explore the Challis Gold Project and thesis for 2024 outlook. These forward-looking statements are based on U.S. Gold Corp.'s current expectations, and actual results could differ materially from such statements. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, risks arising from: the prevailing market conditions for metal prices and mining industry cost inputs, environmental and regulatory risks, COVID-19 risks, risks faced by junior companies generally engaged in exploration activities, and other factors described in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which can be reviewed at www.sec.gov. The Company has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations and assumptions about future events. While management considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory, and other risks, contingencies, and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company's control. The Company makes no representation or warranty that the information contained herein is complete and accurate and we have no duty to correct or update any information contained herein.

For further information

U.S. Gold Corp.

Investor Relations

+1 800 557 4550

ir@usgoldcorp.gold

www.usgoldcorp.gold

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SOURCE U.S. Gold Corp.
Visa Foundation pledges $100 million commitment to APEC economies

Visa surpasses its pledge to digitally enable 50 million SMBs globally

Visa announces SMB accelerator initiatives in U.S. and 15+ emerging economies

SAN FRANCISCO, November 15, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Visa (NYSE: V) and Visa Foundation today made several announcements related to their ongoing commitment to support small and micro businesses (SMBs) across APEC and the world. First, Visa Foundation is pledging $100 million to support underserved and women-led SMBs in APEC economies over five years. Visa announced it has exceeded its three-year goal of digitally enabling 50 million SMBs globally by June 2023 and has now helped nearly 67 million SMBs. To deepen its support for global SMBs, Visa launched a new initiative to further accelerate digital enablement of underserved SMBs in the United States and developing economies with an initial focus on APEC economies including Indonesia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, and Vietnam. Visa and Visa Foundation made these announcements as part of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum Economic Leaders and CEO Summit hosted by the United States in the City of San Francisco.

Small businesses are the heartbeat of the global economy and of their local communities, representing about 90% of businesses and more than 50% of employment worldwide. To accelerate access for underserved and women-led SMBs in APEC economies, Visa Foundation has pledged $100 million over five years to advance digital financial inclusion, stimulate job creation, and increase access to capital to drive economic mobility. Through this pledge, the Foundation will collaborate with and complement the work of local partners to drive access for underserved communities.

In parallel, Visas multi-year goal helped SMBs meet their evolving payment needs in an increasingly dynamic commerce ecosystem, focusing on digitizing more ways to be paid by customers, ways to pay for supplies, goods and services, and providing access to financial skills through training and education. Of the nearly 67 million SMBs reached by Visa, an estimated 29.6 million are from economies in the APEC region, including 10.9 million women-led SMBs.

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Recognizing the critical needs of SMBs, Visa announced new SMB accelerator initiatives in the United States and more than 15 developing economies. Visa is prioritizing economies that have clear digital development needs including APEC economies in Indonesia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, and Vietnam. In the economies where Visa will focus, cash still accounts for the majority of the ways businesses and individuals buy and sell and much of the population does not have access to digital payments.

"Small businesses are anything but small to Visa. Over the past three years, weve seen them shift from leveraging digital payments to survive, to now harnessing the power of digital to improve efficiency and reach new customers," said Alfred F. Kelly, Jr., Executive Chairman at Visa and Co-Chair of the APEC CEO Summit 2023. "Visa is committed to continue expanding equitable access and extending digitization for underserved and women-led SMBs globally, so that payments can truly be a catalyst for growth."

These expanded SMB accelerator initiatives will also focus on a wider set of partnerships with ecosystem participants that serve smaller sellers and seek to fast-track solutions deployment for SMBs.

Powering SMB Growth Globally, Year-Round

Visas 50 million SMB digital enablement milestone is just one piece of its and Visa Foundations ongoing commitment to help small and micro businesses thrive. Since April 2020, Visa Foundation has supported localized programs and solutions to enable small business owners to meet the fast-changing needs of commerce, trade and consumers in different parts of the world. Visa offers numerous payment services designed to help SMBs pay and get paid, and includes Visa Business credit and debit cards, rewards programs, business and payment management tools, fraud and security services, among many other solutions. Visa also provides financial education and business skills training, including Practical Business Skills globally and Enko in Latin America.

About Visa Inc.

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.

About Visa Foundation

Visa Foundation seeks to support inclusive economies where individuals, businesses and communities can thrive. Through grant making and investing, the Foundation prioritizes the resilience and growth of micro and small businesses that benefit women. The Foundation also supports broader community needs and disaster response in times of crisis. Visa Foundation is registered in the U.S. as a 501(c)3 entity. For more information visit: visafoundation.org.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231115886978/en/

Contacts

Aida Hadzibegovic

press@visa.com
(Bloomberg) -- Global oil refiners will suffer a soft patch next year as new capacity in Mexico, Africa and the Middle East boosts fuel supply, according to Vitol Groups Head of Research Giovanni Serio.

Most Read from Bloomberg

However, given the global energy transition, its hard to build a strong case for more investment in the sector, Serio said at the Financial Times Commodities Asia Summit in Singapore. Refining supply-balances are set to tighten by 2030 unless there is another round of investments in the industry, he added.

A global push toward cleaner energy including electric vehicles is expected to sap gasoline and diesel demand, making it harder for fuel makers to justify expensive investments in new facilities. Sinopec recently said Chinas gasoline demand will peak this year, although Serio said that hasnt happened yet.

The pace of the energy transition in oil and in transportation has fallen short of expectations, and at the same time, the lack of investment in the industry has not translated into a shortage of supply as expected, said Serio.

Vitol expects net additions of gasoline-fueled cars in China to rise by 12 million units this year and by 11 million in 2024, Serio said. He added that demand for liquefied petroleum gas will keep growing due to requirements from the petrochemical sector, which produce a wide array of plastic products.

The pace of oil demand in most nations has returned to pre-pandemic levels, with the exception of the US, Serio said. Russian crude output remains high and production in the US, Brazil and Guyana is growing, he said.

There are some concerns about Chinas construction sector but there are green shoots of hope for the nations oil demand, Mike Muller, Vitols head of Asia, said at the event. Gasoline and jet fuel consumption is still growing, although the use of coal has weighed on liquefied natural gas demand, he added.

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Meanwhile, India is seeing large growth in commodity demand as its level of industrialization and urbanization gathers pace, said Muller.

--With assistance from Clara Ferreira Marques.

(Updates with comments from Vitol Asia Head Mike Muller from paragraph 7.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Policy provides property damage protection for individuals owning fewer than five properties

CHICAGO, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- VIU by HUB (VIU), an omnichannel insurance brokerage platform, announced today the launch of landlord insurance to protect investment rental properties and secondary homes. Landlord insurance typically includes two different types of coverage, property damage and liability protection, and offers financial protection from damage caused by fire and storms, lost rental income and personal liability.

VIU by HUB (PRNewsfoto/Hub International Limited)

Landlord insurance enables individuals owning fewer than five homes to now shop for, compare quotes, and purchase a policy through VIU. This type of policy offers protection for homes that do not qualify for homeowners insurance, such as secondary residences, rental properties or vacant homes undergoing repairs.

"About 70 percent of investment properties in the U.S. are owned by individuals  this represents a huge number of people who are in need of a different insurance solution to protect their rental homes," said Bryan Davis, EVP and Head of VIU. "By adding a landlord policy to our roster of products, we further cement VIU's role as a one-stop shop for all personal insurance needs for individuals and allow our partners, particularly those in the property management space, to better serve their customers."

While VIU is available to all consumers, the platform can be easily embedded within the systems of partner businesses and organizations, such as property management companies, enabling them to offer additional value-added services like landlord insurance. Property management companies can provide small-scale clients with the opportunity to protect their investments and receive unbiased advice through a licensed independent broker. This enables them to provide expanded services to their clients while simultaneously creating an alternative revenue opportunity for their business.

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Powered by Hub International Limited (HUB), a leading global insurance brokerage and financial services firm, VIU is rapidly changing the personal insurance experience with its embedded broker platform and omnichannel approach featuring a digital-first experience, which is supported by personalized live agent interactions and trusted advice.

In addition to landlord insurance, VIU provides the ability to shop for quotes, compare, purchase and manage policies across home, auto, condo, renters, life and pet insurance. Learn more about VIU by HUB here.

About Hub International

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Hub International Limited is a leading full-service global insurance broker and financial services firm providing risk management, insurance, employee benefits, retirement and wealth management products and services. With more than 17,000 employees in offices located throughout North America, Hub's vast network of specialists brings clarity to a changing world with tailored solutions and unrelenting advocacy, so clients are ready for tomorrow. For more information, visit Hub Media Center.

CONTACTS:

Media: Jessica Wiltse

Phone: 312-596-7573

jessica.wiltse@hubinternational.com

Media: Shelley Rossetter

Phone: 863-397-8877

shelley.rossetter@hubinternational.com

Cision

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SOURCE Hub International Limited
The House of Representatives passed a bill that appears likely to keep the government open through the holiday season while simultaneously ensuring that spending fights quickly resume just after New Year's Day.

The final vote tally was 336-95 with scores of lawmakers from both parties voting in the affirmative. The 32-page plan was announced over the weekend by House Speaker Mike Johnson and now heads to the Senate where both Democrats and Republicans there have expressed openness to getting it passed.

The deal is likely to get to President Biden's desk before Friday night's shutdown deadline, sidestepping yet another self-imposed crisis. Lawmakers had been facing a possible government shutdown that, among many other effects, would have cut off the paychecks of TSA workers ahead of a busy holiday travel week.

"We are not going to have a massive omnibus spending bill right before Christmas," Johnson told reporters Tuesday before the vote, adding "that is a gift to the American people."

Read more: How a government shutdown would impact your money: Student loans, Social Security, investments, and more

He muscled the bill to passage under what is known as a suspension of the rules. It allowed him to limit floor debate and bypass the House Rules Committee.

The deal will fund some areas of the federal government  places like the Agriculture and Transportation departments  until Jan. 19, 2024. Authorization for the remainder of Washington's bureaucracy is set to expire just two weeks later on Feb. 2.

The bill doesn't include Republican demands around things like immediate spending cuts, the reforms at the southern border, or funding for the IRS. It also doesn't address additional money for Israel or Ukraine.

Johnson's case

What the bill also accomplishes is to tee up Washington for another series of fights in the new year that Republicans like Johnson hope will turn out to be a climactic showdown over Washington's debt problem.

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"We are not surrendering, we are fighting," Johnson said Tuesday as part of the case he has been making all week that GOP margins in the House of Representatives are too thin to press the issue now. Instead, he said, punting the issue for now will set Republicans up to have the strongest hand next year.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson leaves a meeting of the House Republican Conference on Nov. 14. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images (Tom Williams via Getty Images)

The idea is that House Republicans will have maximum leverage if a provision agreed to in this years debt-ceiling deal to cut all federal spending by 1% is pressing down on politically popular programs. Those across-the-board cuts would go into effect in 2024 if Republicans and Democrats fail to reach an agreement around the entire fiscal year.

"I'm done with short-term CRs," he added, promising that this bill  using the Washington parlance for continuing resolutions  would be the last one to fund the government at current levels on his watch.

But many of Johnson's far-right colleagues are skeptical of his promises, with more than 90 Republicans voting against him in Tuesdays vote and the far-right House Freedom Caucus blasting the deal. The group said it was tired of promises to "roll over today to fight tomorrow."

On to the Senate

But even over the far-right objections, the proposal now appears to have an inside track at becoming law as it heads to a Senate where both Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell have expressed an openness to considering the bill.

"I am pleased that Speaker Johnson seems to be moving in our direction by advancing a CR that doesn't include the highly partisan cuts that Democrats have warned against," Schumer said Tuesday of the proposal.

McConnell added that the bill is a "responsible measure that will keep the lights on" and pledged to push Republicans to support it.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer confer before a Senate Rules Committee hearing on Nov. 14. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) (Kevin Dietsch via Getty Images)

While observers expect the ingredients are now in place to keep the government's lights on at least through the holiday season, the fact that Washington again narrowly averted a fiscal calamity will do little to quell the larger issues at play around the countrys debt problem.

Jeannette Lowe, Strategas Securities managing director of policy research, offered a reminder this week on Yahoo Finance that the last government shutdown deal wasn't enough to avoid Moody's rating agency issuing a warning about the US fiscal situation last week.

That warning, Lowe notes, is "one step closer to a credit downgrade."

Immediately following the vote, Maya MacGuineas of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget said in a statement that averting a shutdown was a good thing but that Congress is "failing at one of its most basic responsibilities."

She added that "we need to get past this funding crisis so we can start looking at more than just the next step in front of us."

Political peril for Johnson

Tuesday's vote may also bring political peril for Johnson down the road after a similar deal and vote in September led to then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's ouster.

Back in September, McCarthy oversaw a very similar vote with 335 lawmakers, including 209 Democrats and 126 Republicans, helping him get that deal passed. This week, it was 209 Democrats and 127 Republicans who joined together to pass the bill.

In a series of appearances Tuesday, Johnson tried to downplay the comparisons to McCarthy and underline the differences between their two situations. He argued that the unique structure of Tuesday's bill offers a paradigm shift for how Washington operates, telling Fox News of McCarthy's ouster that "the circumstances were different than they are right now."

Still, both the McCarthy deal in September and the Johnson bill this week keep the government funded at spending levels agreed to back in 2022, which far-right House Republicans love to say means keeping the government open at "Pelosi levels."

One of the leaders of the GOP opposition, Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), repeatedly posted "#NoPelosiCR" on his social media accounts throughout the week.

Ben Werschkul is Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance.

Click here for politics news related to business and money

Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
Georgian producers debuted at the US Private Label Trade Show, a fair enabling access to markets of the private trade industries of the United States and Canada and hosted in Chicago between Sunday and Tuesday, the Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia said on Wednesday, Azernews reports, citing Agenda.

Nuts, juices, cheese, tea, jams, bay leaves and spices were presented at the Georgian stand, with the majority of companies participating in the exhibition beneficiaries of state programmes, the body said.

Our goal is to raise the awareness of quality Georgian agricultural products on the world market, so that entrepreneurs benefiting from state support in all components of the value chain can position themselves in diversified markets", said Deputy Agriculture Minister Tengiz Nasaridze, who also attended the exhibition.

The Ministry said more than 1,500 companies from 55 countries participated in the fair where Nasaridze also met Anthony Aloia, the Vice President of the Private Label Manufacturers Association, to discuss supporting Georgian companies in the US market.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WEPACK ASEAN 2023, organized by Reed Exhibitions (RX), will be held at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre from November 22-24, 2023.

WEPACK ASEAN 2023, the international trade show by WEPACK featuring themed sections including CORRUGATED ASEAN 2023, FOLDINGCARTON ASEAN 2023, DPRINT ASEAN 2023, and PAPER ASEAN 2023, aims to leverage the international cooperation advantages of RCEP. Through exhibitions, forums, and in-booth demonstrations, participants can establish close collaboration channels with major Southeast Asian national industry associations and packaging manufacturers. This setup is designed to build an international buyer network in Southeast Asia, stimulate market vitality, and promote business cooperation.

WEPACK ASEAN 2023, organized by Reed Exhibitions (RX), will be held at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre from November 22-24, 2023.

Top exhibitors lead the way in shaping the future of the packaging industry

More than 200 suppliers from the global packaging industry, including FOSBER ASIA, WONDER, HSIEH HSU, WANLIAN, XIEHELONG, FULI, SANSIN and other premium players, will participate in this event. With an exhibition area of 10,000 square meters, the showcase is expected to attract 4,000 professional buyers and other industry stakeholders from Southeast Asia and across the globe. The exhibition will establish itself as the largest packaging industry event in Southeast Asia.

Industry leaders meet to discuss emerging packaging trends

Alongside the main event, a diverse range of international forums will take place, featuring topics such as "Future Trends in Intelligent Manufacturing of Corrugated Board", "Future Trends in Carton and Digital Printing", "Intelligent Production of Cardboard and Carton", and "Malaysia Exchange Conference on CMVU Machine Vision Enabling Automated Factories". These forums will delve into the latest technologies and developments within the carton, colored box and broader packaging sectors. They will highlight successful cases from Asia and around the globe, and discuss advancements in machine vision applications and solutions for automated factories. Designed to facilitate knowledge exchange across the packaging industry supply chain, the events aim to build a globally beneficial value chain and foster synergy throughout the international packaging sector.

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In a period marked by global market transitions, RX is set to present an exhibition that promises to be a major influence on the Southeast Asian packaging industry. The event is intended as a key platform for exchanging industry knowledge and enabling trade activities, significantly boosting the growth of the region's logistics and commodity packaging-related businesses.

Cision

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SOURCE RX (China) Investment Co., Ltd.
This launch brings WWTs world-leading Advanced Technology Centre to the UAE

WWT plans to invest in the region by supporting the development of AI and Cyber Security Academies and accelerating the deployment of cutting-edge technologies

ST. LOUIS, October 30, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--World Wide Technology (WWT), one of the largest privately held, technology innovation companies, has today announced it will be expanding to the Middle East and will begin to establish its innovation gateway presence in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi. This strategic expansion follows WWTs recent partnership with the Cyber Security Council of the UAE Government and marks a significant step towards driving technological growth and innovation in the region.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231029437550/en/

(L-R): His Excellency Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of UAE Cyber Security Council and WWT President Omar Mir. (Photo: Business Wire)

With this launch, WWT will invest in the region to support the development of AI and Cyber Security Academies, whilst accelerating the deployment of cutting-edge technologies and providing robust support to UAE-based customers, enabling them to drive innovation at an unprecedented speed and scale.

WWT will leverage its Advanced Technology Centre which will be a catalyst for the technology digital economy in the UAE. The ATC is a collection of physical labs that are virtualised to create a collaborative innovation-ecosystem that helps organisations to design, build, and deploy innovative technology products. The ATC is home to the worlds leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and boasts a multimillion dollar infrastructure investment by the company. This unrivaled facility enables customers to de-risk and accelerate innovative technology deployments, supporting the regions National Programme to Transform Technology, which aims to boost the pace of technological transformation across key sectors.

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WWT expansion looks to catalyse groundbreaking innovation within the Middle East and Africa markets, with a goal of establishing these regions as global innovation hubs. As part of this commitment, WWT has ambitious plans to construct the most advanced OEM technology research and development laboratory accelerating innovation and time to market. The expansion also demonstrates the company's commitment to being a high-value contributor to the region, diversifying and future-proofing the UAE economy, whilst also boosting AI, data science and emerging technology capabilities across the Middle East and Africa. The move also aligns with the UAE 2030 goals, and accelerates the "Make it in the Emirates" strategy.

"We are delighted to partner with the Cyber Security Council to provide efficient strategies for securing digital environments," said Omar Mir, WWT President. "And we are proud to already be working with the leading UAE technology ecosystem. The UAE has not only one of the fastest growing technology markets in the world, but a rich community of talent which we look forward to fostering over the coming years. We are committed to expanding our presence in the UAE, and deepening our relationships with current and new customers, joining the UAEs thriving tech community."

In terms of future growth, Omar Mir comments, "We are aiming to make UAE a true international AI gateway for global markets. We want to replicate our proven model and drive more companies into the region by developing the worlds most dynamic Multi-OEM Technology R&D Lab."

His Excellency Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of UAE Cyber Security Council adds, "We are thrilled to sign an MOU with World Wide Technology, they are a key strategic partner who will enable acceleration of our strategy to protect the UAE and deliver excellence across Cyber Security and AI, accelerating the UAE as a leader of innovation showcasing a best-in-class approach to the rest of the world."

About World Wide Technology

Founded in 1990, World Wide Technology (WWT), one of the largest leading global technology solutions provider which combines the power of strategy, execution and partnership to accelerate digital transformational outcomes for large public and private organisations around the world. Through its Advanced Technology Center, a collaborative ecosystem of the world's most advanced hardware and software solutions, WWT helps customers and partners conceptualise, test and validate innovative technology solutions for the best business outcomes and then deploys them at scale through its global warehousing, distribution and integration capabilities.

WWTs culture is built on a set of core values and established leadership philosophies, has been recognised 12 years in a row by Fortune and Great Place to Work for its unique blend of determination, innovation and leadership focus on diversity and inclusion. With this culture at its foundation, WWT bridges the gap between business and technology to make a new world happen for its customers, partners and communities.

Connect with WWT: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231029437550/en/

Contacts

Rebecca Morrison

Senior Public Relations Manager

World Wide Technology

314.682.5061

Rebecca.Morrison@wwt.com
Key Insights

Institutions' substantial holdings in Wynnstay Group implies that they have significant influence over the company's share price

50% of the business is held by the top 20 shareholders

Ownership research along with analyst forecasts data help provide a good understanding of opportunities in a stock

To get a sense of who is truly in control of Wynnstay Group Plc (LON:WYN), it is important to understand the ownership structure of the business. With 54% stake, institutions possess the maximum shares in the company. In other words, the group stands to gain the most (or lose the most) from their investment into the company.

Since institutional have access to huge amounts of capital, their market moves tend to receive a lot of scrutiny by retail or individual investors. As a result, a sizeable amount of institutional money invested in a firm is generally viewed as a positive attribute.

In the chart below, we zoom in on the different ownership groups of Wynnstay Group.

See our latest analysis for Wynnstay Group

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Wynnstay Group?

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.

Wynnstay Group 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. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at Wynnstay Group's earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters.

Institutional investors own over 50% of the company, so together than can probably strongly influence board decisions. Wynnstay Group is not owned by hedge funds. The company's largest shareholder is Charles Stanley & Co. Ltd, Asset Management Arm, with ownership of 12%. Close Asset Management Ltd. is the second largest shareholder owning 11% of common stock, and Schroder Investment Management Limited holds about 5.5% of the company stock.

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After doing some more digging, we found that the top 20 have the combined ownership of 50% in the company, suggesting that no single shareholder has significant control over the company.

Researching institutional ownership is a good way to gauge and filter a stock's expected performance. The same can be achieved by studying analyst sentiments. There are a reasonable number of analysts covering the stock, so it might be useful to find out their aggregate view on the future.

Insider Ownership Of Wynnstay Group

The definition of company insiders can be subjective and does vary between jurisdictions. Our data reflects individual insiders, capturing board members at the very least. The company management answer to the board and the latter should represent the interests of shareholders. Notably, sometimes top-level managers are on the board themselves.

Insider ownership is positive when it signals leadership are thinking like the true owners of the company. However, high insider ownership can also give immense power to a small group within the company. This can be negative in some circumstances.

Our information suggests that Wynnstay Group Plc insiders own under 1% of the company. It has a market capitalization of just UK90m, and the board has only UK640k worth of shares in their own names. Many investors in smaller companies prefer to see the board more heavily invested. You can click here to see if those insiders have been buying or selling.

General Public Ownership

With a 44% ownership, the general public, mostly comprising of individual investors, have some degree of sway over Wynnstay Group. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies.

Next Steps:

It's always worth thinking about the different groups who own shares in a company. But to understand Wynnstay Group better, we need to consider many other factors. For example, we've discovered 3 warning signs for Wynnstay Group (1 makes us a bit uncomfortable!) that you should be aware of before investing here.

If you are like me, you may want to think about whether this company will grow or shrink. Luckily, you can check this free report showing analyst forecasts for its future.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Xi Jinping is having dinner Wednesday night with American CEOs at a time of rising US skepticism about China's tighter business controls and concerns about that country's slowing economy.

It was a much different story eight years ago, the last time Xi held court with American executives on US soil.

In 2015, American CEOs flocked to see the Chinese president while downplaying concerns about Chinas state control of its economy, which was then churning out a 7% GDP growth rate.

That trip included a tour of Microsofts (MSFT) campus and a picture of Xi standing next to several rows of executives lining up to meet him, from Amazons (AMZN) then-CEO Jeff Bezos to Meta (META) CEO Mark Zuckerberg to Apple (AAPL) CEO Tim Cook.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (front row, center) poses with a group of CEOs and other executives at the main campus of Microsoft on Sept. 23, 2015. (Ted S. Warren-Pool/Getty Images) (Pool via Getty Images)

Zuckerberg, who was eager at the time to reverse Facebooks ban in China, greeted Xi first and spoke in Mandarin, according to reports from that trip. "Did you feel the room shake?" Cook was even quoted as saying about Xi's entrance.

But this week  with Facebook still banned in China and Zuckerberg himself recovering from an ACL tear  the Meta head is steering clear of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is one of several leaders not planning to meet with Xi after years of tenser relations with China.

"At that time, in 2015, we were a lot more optimistic," said Stanford professor Herbert Lin, adding that there had been a hope then that China would eventually be integrated into a larger global economic system.

Lin said companies were well aware of the risks in previous eras but simply calculated they couldnt pass up the Chinese market.

Now, "that belief is now a lot more shaky."

Ongoing geopolitical issues between the US and Chinese governments may only exacerbate the tensions in the coming years as Xi tries to simultaneously staunch the outflow of capital from the country while maintaining rigid political controls. Foreign direct investment in his nation turned negative in new data released this month.

Story continues

The US-China Business Councils annual member survey released in September found that "geopolitics is the single largest issue weighing down business sentiment" alongside concerns about Chinas domestic policies.

Chinese President Xi Jinping waves as he arrives at San Francisco International Airport to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in San Francisco on Nov. 14, 2023. (Brittany Hosea-Small/REUTERS) (Brittany Hosea-Small / reuters)

Xi's challenge

While the pomp and circumstance that comes with any visit is sure to remain this time around, the tone and tenor of Xis interactions with CEOs are widely expected to be different.

In 2015, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella gave Xi a personal tour of his companys Redmond campus. This week, perhaps the most notable item on his itinerary is a panel alongside the leaders of Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, and Chile as those nations aim to woo some US investment away from China.

Microsoft, to be sure, has an ongoing presence in China that stretches back decades and Nadella himself has maintained a bullish outlook for Asia in recent comments.

Other CEOs from Teslas (TSLA) Elon Musk to Citigroups (C) Jane Fraser are also seen as likely to seek an audience with XI this week as they try to maintain and grow the presence of their companies in China.

Xi Jinping talks with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella during a 2015 tour of the Microsoft campus. (Ted S. Warren-Pool/Getty Images) (Pool via Getty Images)

But Xi clearly has a challenge before him as he prepares to speak to assembled CEOs Wednesday night at a dinner reportedly organized by the National Committee on US-China Relations and the US-China Business Council.

"Beijing is trying to counter a US narrative that China has become 'uninvestable,'" said Reva Goujon, a director at Rhodium Group, in a recent client note.

But she added in an interview that Xi still has opportunities to dangle before CEOs.

"If you're in the EV business, for example, this is still the largest EV market in the world," she said.

'People really do believe China is an adversary'

Nicholas Lardy, an expert on the Chinese economy at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, predicts that Xis speech Wednesday "will say lots of good things about how open China is [but] the reality has moved in the opposite direction."

In spite of Xis rhetoric and some desire to goose the inflow of foreign investment and expertise, the Chinese leader has prioritized state control for years now, Lardy said, and many in the business community are now catching on to that shift.

"I don't think there's going to be much uptake" for Xis message, he added.

US President Joe Biden and China President Xi Jinping meet on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Bali in 2022. (SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images) (SAUL LOEB via Getty Images)

Xi is also sitting down Wednesday with US President Joe Biden in a meeting that the White House hopes will help stabilize the relationship between the two superpowers.

But White House officials have warned the bilateral meeting has little chance of offering breakthroughs on economic concerns from trade tensions to semiconductor export controls.

While Xi and Biden are hoping to announce some progress on issues like cooperation on AI, curbing fentanyl, and resuming military communication, few expect the larger issues to be resolved anytime soon.

"People really do believe China is an adversary," says Lin of the overall political climate. "It's the one place where both Republicans and Democrats really agree."

Akiko Fujita is an anchor and reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter @AkikoFujita. Ben Werschkul is Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance.

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Stafford County has 10,262 public school students in elementary and middle school who have failed standardized tests or at risk of doing so.

Clearly one-third of our kids need a lot of our support, Michael Bolling, the school systems chief academic officer, told the School Board on Tuesday.

Along with Superintendent Thomas Taylor, Bolling went over Staffords All-In proposal to address the problem, caused in large part by learning losses during the pandemic. The plan has not been approved, but strategies, as presented, would focus on grades 3-12 and include:

Intensive tutoring. Ratios would be as low as one teacher per five students with sessions held for three to five hours per week for nine to 36 weeks, depending on the students level of risk.

17 elementary school interventionists. One person in each school would coordinate local efforts, provide tutoring services, and monitor student progress and services.

12 middle school tutors. One in each middle school and four others, distributed as needed, would help in reading and math.

18 school buses to transport students to after-school tutoring.

Four staff members. One would oversee professional learning for interventionists and tutors as well as staff training on identifying students with dyslexia; one would ensure financial compliance; and two would support tutoring and Virginia Literacy Act training requirements.

Staffords plan is a result of Gov. Glenn Youngkins call for school systems statewide to speed up the recovery from the pandemics learning losses.

When Virginia released Standards of Learning scores for 202223 in early September, state officials cited dire figures. Statewide, more than half of students in grades 3-8 had failed or were at risk of failing the reading SOL, and two-thirds of them were in the same category with math.

Youngkins ALL IN VA plan came about shortly thereafter with its focus on three key elements: attendance, literacy and learning.

Unlike other edicts issued from the state, this one actually has money attached to it, including $10.4 million appropriated from the General Assembly for Stafford. The one-time funds are to be spread across three years.

Staffords school administration presented its proposal to the School Board during a two-hour work session Tuesday. Presentations included a breakdown of division-wide scores by grade and subject, and a discussion that became more than just a little confusing at times.

Administrators tried to explain different measurements handed down by the Virginia Department of Education, which have changed four times in as many years. As Taylor described it, thats an almost constant moving of the goalposts. Thank you, Richmond, he quipped.

Some benchmarks were as simple as passing rates, which indicated how many passed or failed, but others had more complicated definitions. Combined rates took into account improvements students had made from one testing cycle to the next while growth rates measured an individual students progress toward meeting goals, which differed for each individual.

Bottom line: Even before COVID-19 became a household word, Stafford schools were seeing a slow drop-off in performance over the last 15 years, according to the presentation.

However, the drops were more pronounced in 202021, the first year testing was done after the pandemic began. Stafford scores mirrored statewide averages in most categories, but need improvement and arent up to Staffords expectations, Bolling said. We have a lot of work to do.

The report noted unacceptable levels of performance among students with disabilities, those who are economically disadvantaged, and some minority populations.

However, theres reason for optimism, school officials said, as recent testing shows significant gains in early literacy. Test scores among students in kindergarten through grade 2 have gone up again, after the initial pre-pandemic drop, and in some cases are exceeding rates recorded before COVID, according to the Student Academic Performance report.

Theres been improvement among all students, Bolling said, and the number of students considered highly at risk has dropped. Levels of risk are determined by standardized state test scores as well as teacher assessments.

In addition, the division has put several initiatives in place to target, track and review student achievement in every school. More than 25 schoolwide policies have been revised to assure consistency in areas ranging from standard curriculum and disciplinary procedures to attendance expectations and lesson plans in specialized subjects.

Some of those measurements really differed depending on the school, Bolling said, and the goal was to make them uniform throughout Stafford.
The Fremont Public Schools Board of Education hosted a short meeting on Monday, Nov. 13, hearing a short report on how important the mentoring program for new teachers in the district is from a team of veteran educators in charge of the program.

Before the presentation, Kevin Eairleywine, the districts executive director of human resources and elementary education, said that the mentor program is critical to the districts success with incoming new teachers.

Eairleywine also noted that the mentors that are chosen by the district to work with incoming new teacher mentees are doing so above and beyond their normal duties and pay.

This is a program created by teachers, for teachers. It is one of the best in the State of Nebraska, Eairleywine said. Toot your own horns, please.

The teacher mentor trio present at the meeting  Dana Fontaine, Heather Millard and Tammy Rensch  went through a brief PowerPoint presentation about the unique mentoring efforts that FPS engages in with both new teachers and those who are within their first two to three years in the district.

Taking turns, they each explained various facets of the mentoring program, including that there are two levels: mentees, or teachers in their very first year at FPS; and mentee lite, a designation for teachers in the district with two or more years experience, but who want to continue to be mentored.

For the 2023-2024 school year, there are 20 pairs of both mentees and 20 pairs of mentee lite engaging in an average of 40 total hours of mentoring through the academic year.

Some of the lessons imparted on the mentees include how to manage classrooms, developing lesson plans, honing their skills as in-class educators, scheduling and preparation for future lessons and modules.

District Superintendent Mark Shepard said he recently attended a seminar hosted by Gallup in Omaha, and it was stressed that because new teachers are often hired in the first months of each year, but do not begin work for another several months, mentoring is key.

Our mentoring program is second to none, Shepard noted.

JAG program approved for middle school

The Board of Education voted 6-0 to add a JAG, or Jobs for Americas Growth, program to the Fremont Middle School. JAG is a nationwide program that helps prepare high school students for life after high school by teaching valuable lessons that can be used to get and keep jobs when theyre adults.

A State of Nebraska JAG official, Becca Bradley, explained the need for and importance of the program to board members before playing a short video statement from Gov. Jim Pillen about his desire to expand the JAG program to dozens of additional school districts across the state in the coming five to seven years.

The new JAG program at the middle school will begin in the 2024-2025 academic school year, and officials said they hope to have at least 45 students in the inaugural class at FMS. The adviser for the program is primarily funded through state funds for the first two years.

The JAG program includes election of both local and state officers, similar to FFA, and for the past two years the state JAG president has been a Fremont High School student.

Bradley said that is a huge accomplishment for the district.

Fremont is really showing up, Bradley said.
The Gazette found that of the 28 nursing homes in Colorado with VA contracts, 13 were rated substandard by CMS. Mantey Heights had a rating of two out of five stars as of earlier this month.
Members of an opposition group on Tuesday again called on Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade's administration to "acknowledge and respect" t
Laman Ismayilova

The National Carpet Museum has achieved great success not only in preserving and promoting examples of national cultural heritage but also in enriching its collection.

The 17th-century Khatai carpet has been presented in the museum within the 100th anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, Azernews reports.

Co-organized by the Culture Ministry and National Carpet Museum, the event was timed to coincide with the inclusion of Azerbaijan's traditional carpet weaving art in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage as well as the birthday of Latif Karimov, an acclaimed scientist and carpet artist who initiated the creation of the Carpet Museum.

The Carpet Museum director, Shirin Malikova, who spoke at the event, stressed the significance of the Khatai carpet for Azerbaijan's cultural legacy.

Chairman of the Academic Committee of the International Conference on Oriental Carpets (ICOC), Italian collector and world-famous carpet expert Alberto Boralevi recalled his first visit to Azerbaijan forty years ago and especially emphasised the renewal of the museum's concept over these years.

Honoured Artist Mammadhuseyn Huseynov said that the dragon depicted on the carpet symbolises not only the warlike spirit of the people but also the revival of nature.

Stylized floral and zoomorphic ornaments typical for Karabakh carpets are reflected in the composition of the new exhibit, which is influenced by the palace carpets of the Safavid era. Between the khatai ornaments crossed sleeves on the carpet with a rich pattern design, there are images of dragons that adorn many monuments of art of the Turkic peoples. Dragon images widely used in Azerbaijani carpet weaving are known as Khatai composition. This name is derived from the name of Khata/Khatai tribe, one of the tribes standing at the ethnogenesis of Azerbaijani people.

Khatai carpets of the 17th century were once woven in Garabagh and exported to foreign countries. Now they are among the pearls of the world's leading museums and private collections.

A small tactile fragment of the new exhibit for visually impaired individuals was also presented by the Traditional Technology Department.

In recent years, the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum has made great strides in the preservation and promotion of national heritage samples, as well as in the enrichment of its collections.

The return of Khatai carpet to Azerbaijan is an important event of historical and cultural significance not only for the museum, but for the entire country.

Founded in 1967, the National Carpet Museum holds more than 14,000 exhibits of the finest Azerbaijani carpets.

Initiated by eminent carpet artist Latif Karimov, the museum is beautiful inside and out.

The museum's new building is designed in the form of a rolled carpet. Now, the museum hosts multiple events, including international symposiums, conferences, and various exhibitions.

In 2019, the museum received national status for its significant contribution to popularising and promoting Azerbaijani carpet weaving art.

In 2020, the Carpet Museum enriched its collection with a beautiful pile of carpets purchased by the Culture Ministry at the Sartirana Textile Show in Italy.

The 19th-century Guba carpet "Ugakh" was donated to the Carpet Museum, while the Garabagh carpet "Chelebi" enriched the collection of the museum's Shusha branch.

Moreover, the Carpet Museum won the Travellers' Choice Awards for the fourth time in a row last year.

The award proves once again that the professional activity of the National Carpet Museum is highly appreciated by visitors from all over the world.
Colorado Springs crews may start cleaning up homeless camps on the edge of town in El Paso County under a new agreement supporters said could help address a regional problem and prevent wildfires.

The Colorado Springs City Council and the El Paso County commissioners unanimously backed the agreement Tuesday in separate meetings.

"Many people don't know where the city begins and ends and they don't really care," Councilman Brian Risley said. "They want problems addressed and solved."

Despite some criticism from council members, the city board voted 8-0, with Councilman Mike O'Malley absent, to authorize Mayor Yemi Mobolade to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the county.

Under the agreement, El Paso County will pay Colorado Springs crews to clean up homeless camps on El Paso County-owned or -controlled land within 1 mile of the nearest city limits. The payment will cover labor and dump fees, Colorado Springs Planning and Neighborhood Services Director Peter Wysocki and Chief of Staff Jamie Fabos told the council.

The hourly rate for staff time to clean up properties will be calculated each year based on the actual salary and benefits of city staff, they said. The city is also charging a 10% indirect administrative fee.

The agreement would reduce the number of camps that, once cleaned up in Colorado Springs, move over the border into the county's jurisdiction and still "negatively" affect the city, officials have said.

El Paso County Commissioner Stan VanderWerf said the agreement would simplify addressing camps that cross jurisdictional lines. It would also help reduce wildfire risk and promote public safety, since residents of camps can be preyed upon by their fellow campers.

"The camps need to be cleaned up for everybody's benefit," he said.

El Paso County's Strategic Services Manager Mindy Schulz said 31 homeless camps have been identified in unincorporated El Paso County this year, and 27 of those camps were on private property. Landowners have cleaned up 25 of the camps on private property, her data showed.

City Councilman Dave Donelson repeated concerns the agreement could strain Colorado Springs' ability to clean up homeless camps within its own boundaries.

"Going a mile outside city limits to clean things up when we can't keep up with what we already have, to me, is taking on work we just can't do. It's going to decrease the service we provide inside city limits," he said.

The city is not obligated to respond to a cleanup if it does not have the resources available, Fabos said.

Donelson motioned to limit the agreement's scope to camps on county-owned or -controlled land within half a mile of city limits. His motion failed 2-6, with Donelson and Councilwoman Yolanda Avila voting in favor. O'Malley was absent.

Ben Bollinger in the City Attorney's Office said the council has the authority to allow the mayor to enter a contract with the county, but not to negotiate or amend the contract.

Councilwoman Yolanda Avila has said she felt the agreement is one-sided, benefiting the county more than the city. On Tuesday Avila called for the parties to "go back to the drawing board."

"I am willing to just revisit this whole thing and have an (intergovernmental agreement) that works for all of us," she said.

Councilwoman Nancy Henjum said there is more work to be done to address homelessness in the Pikes Peak region.

"There is a need to clean up (homeless) camps and there is also a need to address other solutions so that we don't have to have camps. I would call the county and our City Council and mayor's office to work together on the broader solutions," Henjum said.

Under the agreement, items of intrinsic value to campers, such as driver's licenses, shall be turned over the El Paso County Sheriff's Office.
A Gazette investigation shows an increasing number of soldiers, including wounded combat veterans, are being kicked out of the service for misconduct, often with no benefits, as the Army downsizes after a decade of war.
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
Colorado Springs is forecast for a midweek warm-up as temperatures climb above average Wednesday.

"We're expecting another gorgeous day across Southern Colorado on Wednesday, with temperatures down just slightly from what we saw on Tuesday," meteorologist Alan Rose, with Gazette news partner KOAA said.

"Even with the cool down, highs will still top out in the mid-60s in Colorado Springs, which will be around 10 degrees above average for this time of the year."

Expect sunny skies Wednesday and a high of 65 degrees. Winds from the southeast are forecast to range between 5 and 15 mph.

Looking ahead to Wednesday night, expect increasing clouds throughout the day and a low bottoming out at 38 degrees.

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According to Rose, a weak storm is forecast to roll through the mountains Thursday, bringing bouts of gusty winds across the plains. Temps will increase slightly on Thursday before dropping back down to the mid-60s on Friday.

Here's the full forecast from the National Weather Service.

Thursday: Expect mostly cloudy skies and a high of 69 degrees.

Friday: Expect sunny skies and a high of 60 degrees.

Saturday: Expect mostly sunny skies and a high of 61 degrees.

Sunday: There's a 20% chance of showers heading into the afternoon. Otherwise, expect mostly sunny skies and a high of 58 degrees.
Monday marked a "historic" day for El Paso County Sheriff Joe Roybal and Fourth Judicial District Attorney Michael Allen in their offices' combined goal of curbing fentanyl usage.

Katariina Gibson, 27, was found guilty of two charges stemming from her introduction of drugs, specifically fentanyl, to the El Paso County jail that caused the death of 44-year-old inmate Renee Lowrance.

Lowrance died on Jan. 20, just 10 days into Roybal's tenure as El Paso County Sheriff, something he said was "as bad as it gets" for a sheriff in charge of a jail.

"Inside the jail I have a tremendous responsibility of keeping contraband, especially illicit drugs, out of the facility because of the risk of death," Roybal said. "She (Lowrance) was in my jail, but she's a victim, and I am committed ... to seeking justice for all victims, regardless of where they're at in El Paso County."

With a stated desire to prevent inmate deaths and fentanyl usage in the county, Roybal and Allen collaborated to land what they both described as a historic conviction.

According to Allen, Gibson's conviction marks the first time that someone in Colorado has been convicted in trial of proximate cause of death by unlawful distribution of fentanyl.

The charge came into being under the Fentanyl Accountability and Prevention Act, signed into law by Gov. Jared Polis last year, which, among many things, aimed to bring stricter penalties for fentanyl distribution crimes, including causing the death of another person.

"Outside of the Fourth Judicial District there's not been another case (under the Fentanyl Accountability and Prevention Act) that's been taken to a jury trial," Allen said. "That's why it's historic. It's a brand-new law that's being used down here in an unprecedented and very effective way to go after drug distributors."

Roybal said that when Gibson was initially charged he posted the press release about the news across the jail, "as a warning."

With Gibson now convicted, Roybal intends on printing out a poster-size image of the news to display during intake, warning new inmates to give up their drugs via the jail's amnesty program, or, risk serious conviction.

"That way we can say, 'you'll be charged. Here's the proof,'" Roybal said.

Roybal said that the news of Gibson's initial charge was one reason inmate deaths at the El Paso County jail have decreased in 2023. With the news of a conviction and potential jail sentence, Roybal and Allen hope the precedent being set in the county is now clear.

"If you bring contraband, illicit drugs in my jail, we're going to hold you accountable," Roybal said. "We're going to do everything within our power, one, to prevent it from entering, but two, if you do distribute it, we will prosecute you."

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Allen said the pill taken by Lowrance that ultimately led to her death was split in half and shared with a second inmate.

"It really talks about the lack of scientific precision that cartels are using to mix these drugs," Allen said.

Gibson was found guilty of proximate cause of death by unlawful distribution of fentanyl and felony second-degree introduction of contraband on Monday after the jury in the trial began deliberations on Friday afternoon, according to Allen.

Gibson is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 31, 2024, where Allen said she faces a potential prison sentence of eight to 32 years, but could also be eligible for probation. Allen said that the District Attorney's Office will be pursuing a prison sentence, and that he hopes Gibson's previous convictions  as well as her status as being on probation for a separate 2020 drug possession charge at the time of the incident  leads to the judge opting to give a prison sentence.

Court records obtained by The Gazette detail that Gibson has a lengthy criminal record in El Paso County, with several drug-related criminal convictions dating back to 2019.

Gibson originally faced a third charge, distribution of a controlled substance, but Allen said that charge was dismissed during trial as part of the prosecution's trial strategy.

Previous reporting from The Gazette details that detectives determined that the drugs Lowrance received were smuggled into jail by Gibson the day before Lowrance's death on Jan. 19, according Gibson's arrest affidavit.

The affidavit states that detectives reviewed intake scans of Gibson from the day of her arrest and noticed "abnormalities" on the scan, which law enforcement believed to be drugs she had in a plastic bag inside her body.

Roybal said during the interview with The Gazette that Lowrance's death did not lead to any widespread changes to the jail's prisoner intake procedures, but that they have since bought a new scanner that provides "a lot more detail" than the previous one.

"That, along with our amnesty program, we hope will make a big difference," Roybal said.

The affidavit states that security footage from inside the jail shows that Gibson spent time with Lowrance and her cellmate following her arrest, including being caught on security camera handing an unidentified object to Lowrance in her jail cell the day she died.

Gibson remains in custody at the El Paso County jail pending the results of her upcoming sentencing hearing.
A man who police say worked at a center for children has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a child in Fountain.

The Fountain Police Department said that Carl Ray Jordan, 76, was arrested on Nov. 9 after a report about an assault that occurred in 2014.

Police say that additional victims were found in the course of the investigation.

Jordan has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust and aggravated incest.

The FPD released that Jordan has been an employee of the Colorado Springs location of the Griffith Centers for Children/CHINS UP for the past four years. The organization, which has several locations around the state, treats behavioral and mental health issues in children and provides residential treatment and foster care programs, according to its website.

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The FPD did not say whether the arrest was linked to Jordan's employment at Griffith Centers.

Police are asking for public assistance in locating any potential witnesses or victims in the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Tori Slater at (719) 382-4288 or email at tslater@fountainpd.com

Those who want to report anonymously can call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (719) 634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477 or the Fountain Police Department anonymous tip line at (719) 382-4200.
PARKER, Colo.  A teacher was fired from her job at a Parker school after she showed students school shooting footage after a practice lockdown drill because she was upset with students who were talking during the drill.

Parker Core Knowledge school leaders said a Spanish teacher showed a second-grade class two news clips of the school shootings that happened in Uvalde, Texas and The Covenant School in Nashville.

"Following a routine lockdown drill, one of our teachers showed videos from television news station stories that aired following school tragedies that occurred in other states," the school said in a statement to 9NEWS. "This is not in alignment with our protocol and completely unacceptable."

Leadership at Parker Core Knowledge, a K-8 charter school in the Douglas County School District, learned of the incident about an hour after the district-mandated drill Monday. The school said it immediately placed the teacher on administrative leave.

The school fired the teacher Tuesday, about 24 hours after the incident occurred. The school sent letters home to parents to keep them informed after the incident, school leaders said.

"We practice routine lockdown drills at our school to ensure our students and staff are prepared in the event of an emergency. After learning of this incident, we took immediate steps to notify impacted families of students in that classroom and reassure them that this is not our standard procedure and will not happen again. Mental health resources are available to students who may need extra support. The teacher was terminated and is no longer an employee at Parker Core Knowledge," the school said in a statement.

For more on this story, and other Colorado news stories, visit our partners at 9NEWS.com.
Over 300 Family Office principals, HNWIs, government officials, C-suite individuals and businesses from 17 countries will take part at the inaugural International Family Office Congress on November 28 at Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW).

Organised by the Emirates Family Office Association (EFOA), the new, unique independent body supporting UAE (and global) family offices, the IFO Congress will be the first dedicated event at ADFW to focus specifically on Family Offices and business.

The event will open with welcoming remarks from Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and a keynote opening address from Abdulla Mohamed Al Mazrui - Chairman of Abu Dhabis Chamber of Commerce - about the vital role of Family Offices in industry and finance, especially as families drive 70% of regional industrial activity, and Abu Dhabis core role as a capital of capital in the region.

Compelling topics

The Congress agenda will see expert panelists discuss other compelling topics such as: shedding new light on the hundreds of billions of dollars-worth family office industry; its future growth and consolidation; Abu Dhabi as an ideal destination for Family Offices; and generational challenges - such as different investment strategies and succession planning/legacy preservation in a rapidly changing business landscape.

Speakers and panelists include representatives from: the Abu Dhabi government and institutions; leading family offices; international dignitaries and prominent entities such as: Kanoo Group, Al Fardan Group, Al Masaood, Arineos, and the BTG Pactual Family Office; plus attendees from businesses representing 17 countries.

Adam Ladjadj, Founder and Chairman of EFOA, said: We are honoured to co-host the inaugural IFO Congress as part of ADFW 2023, the most prestigious business event in our region. Abu Dhabi is the capital of capital in the region and 80% of the UAEs private sector is family businesses. There is no better place to discuss the future and opportunities for the multibillion global Family Office industry - and why Abu Dhabi is an ideal destination for them.

We at the EFOA are here to assist Family Offices, to be an educational and networking platform for them, to help them preserve wealth, and to grow the global Family Office ecosystem. The future is very exciting and we look forward to welcoming regional and international participants to the EFOA family.

Strategic contribution

Salem Mohammed Al Darei, CEO of ADGM Authority, said: As Abu Dhabi continues to position itself as a premier destination for family offices to establish their operations, ADGM strongly emphasises on acknowledging family offices strategic contribution they bring to the Capital of Capital. The upcoming congregation of the top global family offices under a single roof at ADFWs IFO Congress is a testament to the opportunities present within Abu Dhabi and its global recognition.

ADGM have been working closely with the Emirates Family Office Association since its launch and are proud to co-host this event with them as we strive to achieve a common goal - to further advance the growth of family offices and present the strategic prospects that Abu Dhabi has to offer.--TradeArabia News Service
Patrick Donovan is managing partner of RootED Denver, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to building an equitable, accountable, and responsive Denver Public Schools system where race and income are no longer barriers to excellent student outcomes. RootED partners with DPS schools and community nonprofits to provide funding and collaboration to support DPS students.
In a major move, Saint-Gobain, a global leader in light and sustainable construction, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Izomaks Industries, a leading manufacturer of waterproofing products (floors, roofs) in Saudi Arabia.

Izomaks operates two manufacturing facilities in Riyadh, employs around 140 people and will generate revenues of approximately 60 million in 2023.

This acquisition perfectly complements our existing building envelop offering in Saudi Arabia where Saint-Gobain has been present since 2007, currently operating 3 manufacturing plants in insulation and mortars (tile fixing, facade renders, flooring and technical mortars) and employing around 320 people.

By enhancing the range of solutions offered, this acquisition will accelerate the growth of SaintGobain in the Gulf countries, characterized by fast economic development and major construction projects in the coming years (Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia, Vision 2050 in the United Arab Emirates, Vision 2040 in Oman).

Closing of the transaction is subject to customary conditions and expected by the end of 2023.

The acquisition of Izomaks Industries in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is in line with SaintGobains strategic plan, Grow & Impact, which aims to both strengthen the Groups leadership and accelerate its presence by enriching its range of solutions for light and sustainable construction.-TradeArabia News Service
Standing seven stories tall in Denver's Civic City Park, the massive "Mile High Tree"  a 110-foot-tall immersive light installation meant to inspire holiday cheer  is a must-see in the Mile High City this holiday season.

Set to be open to the public from Nov. 17 to Dec. 31, the installation resembles a giant Christmas Tree, lighted and large enough for people to step inside. Once inside, visitors can look up to view a swirl of lights above  the perfect spot for a unique holiday photo shoot. Not only does the tree have a 39-foot diameter, it's also reportedly 10 feet taller than the tallest Rockefeller Center Christmas tree ever.

The tree was created by ILMEX Illumination of Madrid and contains 60,000 LED lights, utilizing pixel-mapping lighting design technology to put on a mesmerizing show.

After a 5:15 p.m. lighting ceremony on Nov. 17, the tree is set to be open to the public every night from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. During these nights, there are free-to-attend light shows that start every 15 minutes. There's also set to be a special "ball drop-style countdown" at 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve.

Paid-parking for this exhibit can be found at street meters and in several small surface parking lots.

The presenting sponsor of the Mile High Tree this year is Xfinity.

Find more information to help plan your visit here.
Members of an opposition group on Tuesday again called on Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade's administration to "acknowledge and respect" the voters' rejection of a Nov. 7 ballot question that would have partially funded the building of a new police facility.

Stop Cop City COS, a coalition of local activist groups including Colorado Springs Democratic Socialists of America, Chinook Center, SoCo Black and Pink and the Colorado College Prison Abolition Project, said outside City Hall, before the City Councils regular meeting at 10 a.m., that voters rejected the question because they do not support a new police academy.

We keep being told what to think, but weve actually talked to people who do not support this facility, Chinook Center co-founder Sam Christiansen said Tuesday before councils regular meeting.

The coalition led the opposition against the ballot question that would have authorized the city to retain $4.75 million in tax dollars collected in excess of a revenue cap set by the Colorado Taxpayer's Bill of Rights, or TABOR, to help build a new police academy.

Mobolade said last week the police academy is a community need and the city is still committed to building a new facility despite the question's defeat at the polls.

In a joint guest column published in Sundays issue of The Gazette, Mobolade and City Council President Randy Helms said voters rejected using TABOR money for the project; they did not reject the project itself.

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 We do not believe the outcome of this election reflects our communitys support of our police officers, Mobolade and Helms wrote.

Addressing public safety takes a multifaceted approach, they said. This includes listening to our police officers, of which more than 80% are asking for more training. This also includes listening to our community members, of which the vast majority are asking for better public safety and more resources for our police department.

Chauncy Johnson, who has been vocally opposed to the ballot question and the police facility, told the City Council Tuesday the group wants to work with the city to find other alternatives to public safety rather than building a new police academy.

Theres been a perception that we dont care for public safety. Thats false. We want alternatives, Johnson said.

Instead of police training, Stop Cop City COS has called for public investments in safe and stable housing, affordable housing, mental health resources, alternative crisis response, public transit, substance use treatments and community programs.

Community forum

Colorado Springs' Law Enforcement Transparency and Advisory Commission will hold a community conversation about public safety, the Colorado Springs Police Department, concerns and priorities of the commission on Thursday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Hillside Community Center, 925 S. Institute St.
As lawmakers prepare to head back to the Gold Dome for a special session to deal with property tax relief on Friday, business leaders worry that a bipartisan deal is unlikely, despite Gov. Jared Polis' request last week for a solution both sides could agree on.
The University of Birmingham Dubai has launched three new research centres as part of its strategic role addressing regional and global challenges in fields such as health, finance and inclusion.

The new research centres reflect the institutions move to becoming a research-driven campus, as well as its role as a strategic partner for governments within the UAE and wider Middle East region, conducting cutting-edge research to help inform decision-makers.

Rasha Bayoumi, Head of Research for the Dubai campus, said: In the pursuit of our mission to connect, create and grow for a global future, we have mapped our institutional research goals and aspirations with the UAEs key priorities to fulfil our civic engagement in our new home in Dubai. The University of Birmingham Dubai seeks to become a leading research-oriented campus among higher education institutions in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Academic expertise

The three research centres are the Sustainable Financial Innovation Centre (SIFC), the Health Systems Management Centre (HSMC), and the Centre for Inclusion Studies (CIS). They will each leverage the extensive academic expertise in both the University of Birminghams Dubai and UK campuses. Researchers will coordinate their efforts under a single research strategy that aims to arm governments and businesses with vital information and recommendations to help them navigate challenges and develop policies.

Dina Kiwan, College of Social Sciences (CoSS) Deputy Director for Research at the University of Birmingham said: Dubai is fast emerging as a global research hub and a platform where concrete solutions to global challenges are forged. The University of Birmingham Dubai has already established itself as an important part of the UAEs research and education ecosystem, and with our new centres, we are pursuing research that impacts society, particularly in emerging markets. The new centres will connect researchers from our two campuses, linking the outstanding reputation and century-long experience of our UK campus with our world-leading capabilities and innovative facilities in Dubai.

As well as conducting research and developing proposals for external funding, the centres will host public facing events to engage stakeholders across government and industry. Each centre has developed its own proposals with strategic aims for outputs and impact. The centres underpin the University of Birmingham Dubais research development strategy and will extend the institutions scope in the region.

Alternative finance

The SFIC, led by Professor Hisham Farag, will focus on Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), as well as developments in alternative finance, for instance fintech and green finance.

The HSMC remit, led by Dr Ross Millar and Dr Ayat Abu Agla, will support health policy research and development, and put policy into practice. The CIS, led by Dr Sarah Benson and supported by Professor Karen Guldberg and Professor Dina Kiwan, will address priorities under the theme of inclusion for life in education, the workplace and the community.--TradeArabia News Service
First Citizens Bank is holding its annual food drive at all locations through Nov. 17. Nonperishable foods and monetary donations are collected each November for food banks in our communities.

According to Julie Bauer, marketing officer at First Citizens, this year's "can-struction" is a barnyard scene. "It can be viewed right inside our main south doors off the parking lot. Anyone can come in and drop their donations off in our barnyard during bank hours. Our previous 'can-struction' displays include a tractor/wagon, locomotive, gnome, fireplace, vault, snow fort, and more."

All First Citizens Bank locations are accepting donations of money, food or toiletries at through Friday, Nov. 17. The week of Thanksgiving all money and items raised will be given to the local food banks and pantries in each locations area. In Mason City that is Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank.

"The canned goods purchased to create our barn and silo 'can-struction' were all bought using monetary donations from First Citizens Bank employees," said Bauer. "The need this year is greater than ever at our food banks. First Citizens is honored to be supporting our local food banks by hosting our food drive every year."
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
A northeast Iowa dairy farm that has repeatedly leaked manure-contaminated water onto neighboring properties and into a stream during the past five years might face stiffer penalties than what state regulators commonly impose.

After two more such incidents this year at Regancrest Holsteins near Waukon, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources recently referred the violations to the state Attorney Generals Office, which can seek fines in court that exceed the $10,000 limit of what the DNR can render administratively.

Its a sensitive area up there, said Brian Jergenson, a senior DNR environmental specialist who noted the porous and hilly terrain of Allamakee County and the departments repeated efforts to prevent manure discharges from the site. Weve had those numerous spills. Its not that were throwing our hands up or anything, but we felt it was appropriate at this point to take this a step higher.

The DNRs investigations into manure spills can result in violation notices and administrative fines, especially if manure reaches a waterway. The incidents are infrequently referred to the attorney generals office for potential litigation.

DNR records show three other manure-related referrals to the office in the past decade that involved other livestock producers. Those litigations resulted in fines of $46,000, $23,000 and $15,000, according to court records.

State law limits the DNRs administrative fines to $10,000, but livestock producers can also be forced to pay restitution to the state for fish kills that can total many thousands of dollars more.

The regulatory troubles for Regancrest began in 2018 after an expansion and the installation of a new manure pumping system, according to DNR records. The system is meant to move manure from cattle confinement buildings to outdoor storage basins.

In February 2018, someone made an anonymous complaint to the DNR that manure from the site had flowed onto a neighboring property and into a ravine but didnt go into a waterway, DNR records show. Bill Regan, who owns the facility, told the department that the manure release was the result of a clog in the pumping system that he attributed to improper use of that system by his employees.

An inspection of the site later that month by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found that the size of the operation  about 990 dairy cattle, 260 immature dairy cattle and 16 beef cattle  meant that it was operating as a large concentrated animal confinement operation. As such, it was required to prevent manure-laden storm water from going into waterways.

The EPA gave Regancrest three options: permanently eliminate all pollutant discharges, obtain a permit that would govern the discharges, or reduce the size of the herd to fewer than 700 cattle. None of that has happened since, according to DNR records.

A primary concern is an open, outdoor feedlot that is part of the facility that has been used to raise calves and lacks barriers to keep storm water from flowing off-site.

Twice more in 2018 there were clogs in the manure system that were attributed to employee errors that caused manure discharges onto neighboring properties, and during an inspection that summer the DNR noted no storm water controls had been installed for the open feedlot. A nearby livestock producer reported that cattle in a ravine below the operation refuse to drink (its) water due to contaminants.

A DNR inspection in 2020 noted that the open feedlot still had the potential to contaminate the ravine, which can flow to a nearby waterway.

The owner was informed to make sure any runoff from this area is controlled and to make sure all of the material has been removed and to no longer use this area to store any material that may result in a discharge to a water source, a DNR inspection report said.

Citing the 2018 violations, the DNR fined Regancrest $1,500 last year.

Then in February 2023, the DNR investigated a complaint that contaminated water was flowing from the open feedlot into the ravine and found that the contamination had reached a tributary of nearby Jones Creek. The department issued another violation notice to Regancrest.

The final documented incident was in July 2023, when a Regancrest employee activated the manure transfer system but didnt realize for about a half hour that part of the system had failed and was leaking manure, which flowed into another ravine and the creek tributary.

The DNR referred the matter to the attorney generals office in October. The status of that referral is unclear because the office did not respond to a request to comment for this article. Regan declined to comment.

DNR records show Regancrest has developed training programs for its employees to help prevent future spills and has taken some steps to prevent spills from traveling through underground tiling.

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
Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley announced she had been endorsed by more than 70 Iowa officials and community leaders on Tuesday, including current and former state lawmakers.

The slate of endorsements comes after Haleys campaign announced it was spending $10 million on advertising in Iowa and New Hampshire starting in December.

The new endorsers include state Reps. Jane Bloomingdale of Northwood and Brian Lohse of Bondurant, as well as longtime Iowa Republican operative David Oman, who was chief of staff to Govs. Robert Ray and Terry Branstad.

Often, our best presidents have been governors, Oman said in a campaign news release. I like to support governors  proven winners who lead, who assemble a great team, who manage, and get things done. Weve had some good former governors in this race. Now, only one brings serious foreign policy experience at a critical time with threats in both hemispheres.

Other notable new endorsements include the following:

Former state Rep. Carmine Boal

Former state Sen. Bob Brunkhorst

Don Lamberti, Caseys founder

Doug Gross, former chief of staff to Gov. Terry Branstad

Former state Rep. Kevin Koester

Mike Richards, former Iowa Board of Regents president

Haley super PAC hits DeSantis in new ad

The super PAC backing former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley for president released an ad targeting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as the two struggle over a distant second place in the GOP presidential primary.

The 30-second ad from SFA Fund, Inc. accuses DeSantis of opposing fracking and embracing climate change action while running for governor of Florida, an accusation Haley has often levied against him in recent advertisements and debates.

The ad references a video in which DeSantis says yes when a voter asks him if he supports a ban on fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, a technique used to crack open underground rock formations to extract oil and gas.

Environmentalist organizations oppose fracking over a range of environmental concerns, including its effect on water supply and quality, earthquakes and contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.

The ad includes a clip from a 2018 gubernatorial debate, in which DeSantis, then a U.S. representative, said he opposed President Donald Trump over offshore drilling.

In the debate, DeSantis said he opposed it because "I think Florida is unique and we should not have drilling offshore."

DeSantis did oppose fracking and offshore drilling in Florida while running for his first term as governor in 2018. The same year he was elected, Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment to ban offshore drilling in Florida.

After he was elected, DeSantis signed an executive order that, among other water quality reforms, directed the states Department of Environmental Protection to take necessary actions to adamantly oppose offshore drilling and fracking in the state.

DeSantis has advocated to expand oil and gas drilling as president and cut environmental regulations nationally, but he has also said he opposes drilling for oil in the Florida Everglades and he will honor Floridas constitutional ban on offshore drilling and fracking.

DeSantis should face the facts that his donors and supporters already know to be true: he can't handle the heat, and it's time he walks his heels back to Florida. Americans need a leader with a track record of standing strong for what they believe, DeSantis has proven he doesn't have what it takes, SFA Fund spokesperson Brittany Yanick said in a statement.

DESANTIS OPENING OFFICE IN DES MOINES

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' campaign is opening an office in Des Moines this weekend as a number of campaign staff have moved operations to Iowa ahead of the January caucuses.

DeSantis and his wife, Casey, will be in Des Moines Saturday during a campaign swing for the office opening, the campaign announced.

According to Politico, three of DeSantis' top campaign officials will relocate to the Hawkeye State through the caucuses, along with about a third of the campaign staff.

Photos: Nikki Haley, former South Carolina governor and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in Davenport campaigning for president. 051923-qc-nws-haley-145 051923-qc-nws-haley-144 051923-qc-nws-haley-143 051923-qc-nws-haley-140 051923-qc-nws-haley-141 051923-qc-nws-haley-142
The Luxembourg Directorate of Defence announced on 15 November 2023 the launch of a Competence Hub in Research in Cybersecurity and Cyber Defence (CyberHub), in partnership with the University of Luxembourg. The CyberHub is intended to strengthen and increase Luxembourg's ability to meet national and international challenges  such as increasingly serious and elaborate cyber threats.

Through the CyberHub, the University will support the government's Cybersecurity Strategy IV and Cyber Defence Strategy through research, technology transfer, and education. The CyberHub will bring together the expertise of the University of Luxembourg's Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) and the Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM) to execute on these three areas.

In its research activities, the CyberHub will benefit from SnT's extensive academic networks nationally, within Europe and internationally, to access opportunities to participate in the most cutting-edge research. Research activities will then support the technology transfer pillar by translating innovation into real-world, practical solutions. This pillar will take advantage of SnT's well-developed Partnership Programme, and foster new relationships with actors from Luxembourg and within the EU.

"Having one of NATO and the EU's most cyber secure Defences, through maximisation of our cybersecurity and cyber defence capabilities, is the Luxembourg Government's long term ambition in this critical domain. By joining forces with academia, we will strengthen and increase Luxembourg's capacity to meet national and international challenges such as cyber threats," declared minister of Defence Francois Bausch. "The CyberHub is another tool, joining the Chair in Cyber Policy launched in 2022, through which Luxembourg Defence will foster and support research, teaching and awareness-raising activities in cyber."

"With the CyberHub, we will be able to increase the national capabilities in this crucial area," said Prof. Bjorn Ottersten, director of SnT. "Cybersecurity and cyber defence are topics that impact many domains, and our interdisciplinary method ensures a holistic approach to our work in this area. By launching this CyberHub, we can expect to see benefits for many related activities in Luxembourg's public and private sectors."

"The CyberHub will magnify our efforts in the domain of cybersecurity and defence, and our work along the three pillars will create a talent pool of specialised researchers to support the national ecosystem," added Prof. Pascal Bouvry, dean of the FSTM. "We recently launched the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Cybersecurity (https://cyberus.uni.lu) and this latest initiative further expands our focus in this critical domain."

"The University of Luxembourg is proud to be supporting the government's national strategies through the launch of the CyberHub," said Prof. Jens Kreisel, rector of the University. "The University is a strategic instrument to meet emerging societal challenges and shape the technological and economic development of the country, and this latest initiative does just that. We look forward to playing our part in the government's long-term cybersecurity and cyber defence strategy."
Often referring to himself as your personal astrophysicist, science author and lecturer Neil deGrasse Tyson is passionate about discussing the importance of science in the 21st century.

As director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, he recognizes there is a certain art to communicating science to an audience.

For many people, their first experience with science was not especially joyful.

Were taught science in these fat books with words in boldface that youre supposed to memorize for the exam, and then you move on, said Tyson, who will appear at the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts in Greensboro at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, the latest stop on his "Cosmic Perspective Tour."

To change that perception and share the wonder of science, he is constantly thinking about ways to reach an audience and keep them engaged.

You cant just declare that no one wants to learn, then youre not being a communicator, he said. You are being the professor talking to the chalkboard while you write down your equations. You cant claim to be a communicator unless you turn around, face the audience, and meet them 90% of the way towards whatever their brain wiring is.

Even though the facts are an important foundation to a science education, understanding how we got to the facts is a critical part that is missing in so many places.

I dont remember science being taught as a means of querying nature, he says, Science is a tool to probe what you do not yet know.

While most of us are taught what the scientific method is, he has reframed it from cumbersome grade school words into something more practical for the 21st century.

Do whatever it takes  to not fool yourself into thinking something is true that is not, he said. Or that something is not true that is. Thats what the scientific method is.

In a society that increasingly relies on science and technology, the method is especially important. He cautions repeatedly about implicit biases we all have  particularly confirmation bias  working backward from a desired answer to find evidence to support it.

If you are susceptible to thinking something is true just because it feels good, get someone else  for whom their feelings are not invested in it being true  and get their view on it and compare it with yours, Tyson said.

He warns that confirmation bias has become rampant in the internet age, as there are plenty of people selling you what you want to hear  especially on social media.

A lot of the misinformation is peddled by charismatic people who will tell you on a YouTube channel, or whatever is their platform, Im telling you the truth, but the big establishment wants to suppress it because they dont want you to know it. Apparently, thats irresistible, he said.

Frustrated, Tyson references the firehose of information during the pandemic: For some reason, forces were operating to get the public to think that mainstream equals bad. When mainstream is exactly what progresses science. It is precisely how it works.

Discovery and acceptance of scientific principles has moved society forward since the Renaissance, and quality of life has increased even more dramatically over the last century.

Scientific objective truths are not established by lone wolves, Tyson said. Mainstream is not oh, lets just all agree and be stubborn about it. No. These are experiments that repeatedly give us approximately or precisely the same result. Were going with it, and were moving on to the next problem. 

And there are certainly new problems to solve and new discoveries to be made.

Where you will see us fight, he continued, about what is true and what is not  is on the frontier.

In the end, science is a journey of discovery, and he wants people to enjoy the ride and the experience.

I also find that humor enables people to smile while theyre learning, and then they come back for more.
GREENSBORO  Current Swann Middle School students would attend three different schools next year under a proposal by Superintendent Whitney Oakley.

District leaders shared that proposal on Tuesday with the Guilford County Board of Education during its meeting and in an interview with the News & Record.

The school board expects to hold a public hearing on the plan at the boards meeting on Dec. 12 and to vote on the proposal later in the same meeting.

As leaders have previously discussed, Swann is expected to receive major renovations and become a magnet school for grades 6 to 12. Thats one puzzle piece in the much larger plan for school district facilities that the district and its consultants came up with in 2019.

In a new twist, Oakley is proposing that Swann become a performing arts school.

Oakley said that, once completed, the new Swann would be the performing arts magnet school for middle and high school students in the Greensboro area. It would no longer have an attendance zone and instead solely be a school of choice.

Having that in place, Oakley said, would allow for the possibility of students who start at the new performing arts elementary school the district plans to build at the former Peeler Elementary site to be able to continue those studies through both middle and high school.

Currently, Weaver is the performing arts high school for the Greensboro area in addition to having a career and technical education component. Oakley said district administrators look to eventually have Weaver become focused on career and technical education and drop the arts aspect.

Swann is the districts oldest school building, dating back to 1922. Prior to new construction taking place, the district has to remove any existing hazardous materials such as lead or asbestos that could be agitated by the work.

But before then, Swann students would need to be placed elsewhere during the next academic year. Specifically, they would go to Mendenhall, Kiser or Hairston middle schools.

Students in Swanns Spanish immersion magnet program would attend Kiser and continue those studies there.

Likewise, students in the Science Technology Engineering and Math magnet program would attend Hairston Middle School.

The rest would be split between Mendenhall and Kiser, based on geography. Swann currently feeds into two different high schools, so students who would eventually attend Page would go to Mendenhall Middle School while those slated to attend Grimsley would go to Kiser Middle.

If construction continues as planned, the former Swann students who go to Kiser will start the year in the old Kiser building then transition to the newly-built Kiser Middle mid-year school year with the rest of their Kiser classmates.
GREENSBORO  Attorney Jamey Lowdermilk stood in front of more than 200 people Monday night and listened as they voiced anger and fear about a rezoning proposal that would potentially allow the developer she represents to build rental townhomes in their Friendly Avenue neighborhood.

Listen, I dont know that this is something that were all going to be able to get behind, Lowdermilk said, extending her arms in apparent exasperation.

The room burst into laughter. In the crowd, people called out for others to raise their hands if they were against the rezoning. Nearly everyone did.

OK, we understand that everyone in this room doesnt want to be here and doesnt like this proposal, Lowdermilk said. Were not here to change minds.

Earlier, a resident at the back of the room had asked Lowdermilk and her associates, who represented developer Glenn Drew at the meeting, whether any of them actually live near the area.

None of us here want the opinion of someone who doesnt live in this neighborhood, the resident said. If you have somebody here tonight who is in the neighborhood, who is willing to tell us, Guys, heres why we need to rally around this, then lets hear from them.

The meeting was the latest episode in a months-long battle between Drew and residents in the area of the 4000 block of Friendly Avenue. Drew has requested that the city rezone his property so that he can build 22 rental townhomes on 4.4 acres, a density unpopular in a neighborhood currently zoned for single-family houses. Rents will start at $3,000 a month, according to CZS Development, Drews company.

Although Drew says that the potential development, called Hutchinson Court, will blend into the neighborhood and attract empty-nesters and young professionals, the plan now widespread opposition from neighbors. A coalition against the rezoning has built a website, planted hundreds of lawn signs, and packed meeting halls in what they deem as a fight for the soul of Friendly Avenue.

Drew appeared at a Planning and Zoning Commission hearing on July 17, but has subsequently chosen to have his attorneys and staffers represent him. At Mondays meeting at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Lowdermilk and attorney Bo Rodenborough of the Brooks Pierce law firm presented Drews proposal, which the developer had updated after withdrawing his rezoning request earlier in the summer.

Changes included a reduction from 26 townhomes to 22, as well as 20-feet setbacks from the buildings to neighboring properties. Each of the townhomes would be two stories high with two-car garages and driveways. Drews representatives repeatedly assured residents that there would be lush shrubbery and trees that would surround the development, a promise that drew boos from the crowd.

According to Drews team, the rezoning case should be considered part of Greensboros effort to increase its housing stock, which is an objective of GSO 2040, the citys comprehensive plan for the future.

In his presentation, Rodenborough included a quote from the Brookings Institute, a nonprofit public policy organization, that discussed gentle increases in density.

Many single-family neighborhoods could easily yield more housing  and more affordable housing  if land use rules allowed gentle increases in density, read the quote, Such as townhomes, two-to four-family homes, and small-scale apartment or condominium buildings.

Although Greensboro is searching for more affordable housing, the rental price of Drews development would be twice the citys median rent.

During the meeting, members of the Friendly Avenue coalition asked Drews attorneys if he would decrease the density of the development or increase the size of the setbacks. Jenny Kaiser, a committee member of the coalition, responded to the presentations comparisons with the Villages At Windsor, a planned-unit development that borders two-thirds of Drews property.

Kaiser asked if Drew would be willing to mirror the lot sizes of the properties of the Villages at Windsor, which are about three- and four-tenths of an acre.

When Rodenbough responded that it wouldnt be economically viable, he was met with boos and protests from the crowd.

What will happen next?

The next installment in the neighbors battle with Drew will occur at the Nov. 20 Greensboro Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, where the commission is scheduled to consider the rezoning.

According to the Friendly Avenue coalitions website, run by coalition committee member Nicky Smith, four board members attended Monday nights meeting.

Mary Skenes, a member of the commission who attended the meeting, told the News & Record in an email that the gathering certainly gave more insight into the neighbors concerns as well as details about the project.

I have found, over the years, that I can obtain additional information from both sides by attending the neighborhood meetings, Skenes wrote. Especially on controversial cases.

Zac Engle, another commission member, said he did not attend the meeting because of a personal matter. Engle said that he plans to walk the site later in the week and will continue to review the report from staff and Drews proposal, as well as emails from concerned residents.

My sincere hope in every zoning case where a difference of opinion exists, is that the parties will continue talking and find as much common ground as possible when it comes to the hearing, Engle said.

The chair of the commission, Sandra OConnor, said that she was out of town for the meeting but carefully reviewing emails from residents and the materials of the rezoning proposal.

Im happy that citizens are expressing themselves, OConnor said. We just have to look at the potential use of the land and see how it fits in the GSO 2040 plan.

Regardless of the Planning and Zoning commissions decision, it is likely that the losing side will appeal to the Greensboro City Council.

Nancy Hoffman, the areas representative on the council, said that she did not attend Monday nights meeting but that she had appeared at a prior neighborhood meeting in July.

Obviously there is much neighborhood interest and concern that this infill project integrates appropriately with the surrounding neighborhood, Hoffman said. They will have the opportunity to present their case and make their points to the Zoning Commission.
Continental is presenting its fleet customers with an effective portfolio of solutions for making fleet operations efficient and sustainable.

Fleet operators can choose from a modular range of solutions thanks to the Lowest Overall Driving Costs (LODC) comprehensive consultancy approach, including ContiLifeCycle and ContiConnect digital tyre management.

The premium tyre maker is now also providing operators with a certificate as proof of how they are helping to drive sustainability. Taking as a basis the Cons tyres fitted to the vehicles, we are able to calculate the material and carbon savings achieved during the course of production and retreading, explains Siljana Lietz, Head of ContiLifeCycle at Continental Tyres Germany.

Emissions of retreads

A study conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology (UMSICHT) showed that the carbon emissions of retreads are up to around 50% lower compared to similar new tyres. Plus, recycled and renewable materials account for as much as 85% of a retreaded tyre.

Tyre retreading is an efficient way of helping to increase a fleets sustainability. This method can save up to 55 kilograms of waste. ContiLifeCycle is the name given to Continentals holistic approach that seeks to create a circular economy. Retreading extends the tyres lifetime  and therefore its mileage for the fleet  by as much as 99 percent by giving it another life, explains tyre expert Lietz. This has the effect of lowering both costs per mile and total costs for our customers.

ContiLifeCycle: retreading saves resources

Retreads effectively reduce environmental impact by saving raw materials, water and energy during production. Even if its tread has worn down, the casing will usually still be perfectly intact. Retreading involves removing the remaining tread rubber from the tyre and reusing the casing for a second or even a third of the tyre's life. We are generally able to reuse around 70 percent of the original tyre, continues Lietz. Retreaded tyres are safe and very durable.

Reducing operational costs

This makes retreaded tyres a decisive element of the ContiLifeCycle solution  one of the pillars of Continentals innovative LODC concept. LODC stands for Lowest Overall Driving Costs, which is our comprehensive consultancy approach that seeks to help fleet customers cut their tyre-related operational costs, explains Ralf Benack, Head of Fleet Solutions EMEA at Continental Tires. At first glance, tyres would only seem to make up around five percent of a trucks total operating costs.

However, they also have a significant impact on fuel, maintenance and repair costs, which account for over 53% of total costs. This makes them a key cost lever, meaning LODC is a genuine success factor for fleet customers in tough times.

Added value for fleet customers

The sustainable ContiLifeCycle concept combines with Continentals cost-focused LODC approach to offer fleet customers a wealth of benefits: hot-retreaded ContiRe tyres and cold-retreaded tyres using our ContiTread tyre treads, service-oriented casing management complete with ContiCasingAccount, plus long-lasting and fuel-efficient new tyres.

This generates added value in the form of substantial cost savings and a reduced impact on the environment. ContiLifeCycle and Continentals LODC philosophy creates sustainability that brings real benefits and can now be verified with a certificate.--TradeArabia News Service
A Helena man who admitted to illegally possessing firearms while on state supervision for a felony conviction and working at a pawn shop was sentenced Tuesday to three years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, officials said.

Brandon Wade Kurns, 29, pleaded guilty in June to a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

The government alleged in court documents that from about June through July in 2021, Kurns, a convicted felon on state supervision, was a customer and briefly employed at Modern Pawn in Helena, officials said.

In both capacities, he possessed firearms and ammunition. An investigation determined that Kurns handled firearms and ammunition inventory and possessed at least eight or more firearms, according to court documents.

Kurns was convicted of felony criminal endangerment in 2020 in Lewis and Clark County and was prohibited from possessing firearms. A related investigation of Modern Pawn by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led to the convictions of other defendants on various crimes.

The U.S. Attorneys Office prosecuted the case. The ATF and Montana Probation and Parole conducted the investigation.
Capital High School students created their own moccasins for "Rock Your Mocs Day" in Joseph Pichardo's class to celebrate National Native American Heritage Month.

The event happened for the second time, according to organizer Roberta Twoteeth. The first was held at Helena High School last year where students created moccasins along with traditional ribbon skirts and shirts.

"We wanted more accessible means of instilling Native pride," Native Connections representative Matt Hartnett said. This project is sponsored by the Native Connections Program within the Helena Indian Alliance.

Students traced their feet on "big" hides and then cut out the shapes to begin sewing them together, Twoteeth said.

One student asked how long moccasins last. Twoteeth said that she has had the same moccasins for 23 years.

The students beaded different designs on the shoes to display colors and designs of their liking.

Students said they enjoyed the project and what it represented.

"It was really fun to do because it teaches us how to bead and sew," Capital High School senior Mark Buffalo said.

Buffalo's sister Jazmine, a junior, agreed that the event was fun because of the knowledge gained.

Pichardo is planning on doing more events like this one for students, including a beading project that is set to happen in December or January.
Central Elementary School held a Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day event on Tuesday morning to honor Bridges and efforts toward equality.

Bridges became the first Black child to integrate into an all-white Louisiana primary school in 1960.

She was guided in by federal marshals, with media surrounding the moment. It cemented her in history books and lessons around the civil rights movement at 6 years old.

"She is an important figure in history," event organizer and teacher Libby Kenney said.

Kenney reached out to AAA, who was sponsoring the event through grants, and received a $750 stipend, which helped fund the morning.

The grant was put toward providing books about Bridges and other civil rights history for classrooms.

Over the summer, Kenney said that she wanted to incorporate more lessons on equality in the classroom.

"It's really neat to see so many people," Kenney said.

She continued by saying that the parent council put in a lot of work by helping to organize the event for the students.

There were 20 volunteers, including high school students, who offered a helping hand.

Food was also given to students as a part of the event, which included muffins, croissants, water, juice and oranges.

Central Elementary School principal Nick Radley said that the food was provided by the parent council.
Helena Food Share's annual Thanksgiving meal distribution is set for Sunday and Monday.

The local food bank distributes thousands of holiday meals to families in need every year, and this year's distributions are scheduled for Sunday at St. Mary's Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave., and Monday at Helena Food Share's Lewis Street Pantry, 1616 Lewis St.

Families in need of a Thanksgiving meal are asked to visit the food bank's website and register to receive one. Those without internet access can call to have their name added to the list.

Helena Food Share Communications Director Patty White said the registration requires a name and household size. Those who register will be given an hour time slot during which to pick up their meal.

White said Friday's distribution at St. Mary's is being run entirely by church staff and volunteers and is at capacity.

He added that Monday's distribution at the food bank still has "several slots open."

"I know we're going to be ready," she said. "Our volunteers have been packing boxes for two weeks."

To help push the organization of the finish line, it will host its annual Turkey Challenge Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Lewis and Clark Library, 120 S. Last Chance Gulch.

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the food bank will accept in-person donations of turkeys during the event. Monetary donations will also be accepted. White said those funds collected go to Helena Food Share and may be used to purchase extra food stuffs for the holiday meal boxes if needed. The funds will also help purchase items for the Christmas meal distribution.

White said Cochrane Insurance will match every donation made during the Turkey Challenge up to $10,000.

The Turkey Challenge began in 2011 when a group of downtown Helena business owners began working with Helena Food Share.

White said while the food bank provides for those in need year round, this time of year means more for everyone involved.

"The holiday meal is a time when families come together around the table, but putting on the full meal can be a struggle," she said. "To be able to do that for one's family is a gift."

She said the feeling is mutual with the volunteers.

"Everybody is so grateful," she said. "It just makes everybody feel good."
The Helena community gathered Wednesday to share tears and laughter in search of healing the collective wound left by the passing of Helena High School teacher Dave McKim.

In attendance at the packed Carroll College P.E. Center were the friends, family, students, colleagues and bandmates McKim influenced during his life in Helena.

Longtime buddy of McKim, Sam Wattnem, spoke about what his best friend meant to him.

He was everyone's best friend, he loved deeply and everyone that met him felt that. He was kind of beyond belief. He brought life and appreciation to every moment. He made you stop and smell the roses, Wattnem said. He showed me the things that matter in life, to love deeply and to give everyone a chance because you never know what they're going through.

Wattnem went on to say, Today, please fill your rooms with wisdom. Learn from them. Love deeply. Be kind to your fellow human. Reach out from time to time. Say the hard things and look for help when you feel helpless. Help change the way we talk about mental health. Realize it's OK to not be OK sometimes. You're not alone. We're all in this together. Please hug, hold hands or look at the person next to you in remembrance of Dave and remember we are not alone.

McKim, 49, was found dead on Nov. 9 in his Helena home on Washington Drive. He had taken his own life, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff/Coroner Leo Dutton said.

Jim Schulz, a former colleague and musician friend of McKims, described his effect on the community in terms of theoretical physics and the relativity of all things.

We share these particles with everyone we touch, and the more we touch, the more we share. And these particles become woven into the very fabric of our lives. And Dave McKim has been woven into the fabric of my life ever since the week I first met him. And so it is with all of you who have come into his ever widening circle, Shulz said.

Dave, I love you, we all love you and we miss you, he said.

Helena Mayor Wilmot Collins read McKims obituary and shared his thoughts on McKims passing.

He had a heart that overflowed with compassion, empathy and warmth. He was the person you could count on and one who would listen without judgment. And one who offered a helping hand or shoulder to lean on, Collins spoke.

As we mourn the loss of Dave, let us also celebrate this incredible legacy he leaves behind. Let us remember the lives he touched, the minds he shaped and the love he shared. Let us carry with us his passion for education, his reverence for nature, in his own wavering kindness, Collins said.

McKims twin brother Andy encouraged everyone to cry and gave them permission to laugh.

First off, I'd like to get permission to laugh. Dave loved to laugh and he was a funny guy. He loved to make other people laugh. And we need to laugh right now, Andy McKim said.

Andy told stories of their childhood and the indelible mark he left on his Daves nephews.

Andy also encouraged people to go forward taking the love and joy Dave embodied and share it with as many people as they can.

Bandmate and friend Cole Mannix, before speaking, took a photo of the packed crowd and said he planned to show his sons the photo when they ask what success looks like.

Mannix went on to say success can be measured not by accomplishments but by the positive effect you can have on so many people.

The Independent Record does not typically write stories on suicides, but reported on this because of the impact on the community.

People struggling with thoughts of suicide can find help by calling 988, which provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.

People are encouraged to share their own stories of Dave McKim by email to davemckimstories@gmail.com

People are also encouraged to donate to the David McKim Memorial Scholarship Fund to be set up for students studying in the earth sciences area David taught and loved. Donations are accepted on the Helena Public School districts website.

A cast of McKims current and former bandmates played music for the service. At one point they played Across the Divide by Kate Wolf. Her lyrics may have never rung so true:

He's gone away in yesterday

And I find myself on the mountainside

Where the rivers change direction

Across the great divide
Two Helena nonprofits received donations from the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation's Holiday Giving Program totaling $15,000.

Helena Food Share received $10,000, according to Executive Director Bruce Day, to help cover expenses for the organization's annual holiday food boxes.

The Salvation Army Helena received $5,000 to help fund its Holiday Angel Tree program, which provides new winter children's clothing to local families in need.

"The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation has been a consistent support of organizations like ours," Day said in an interview Tuesday. "We're just so appreciative of the funding they're able to give. It helps so much to ensure we're here and able to provide this service for the community."

Maj. Brian West of The Salvation Army Helena also pointed to the foundation's consistency.

"They have been absolutely amazing," West said Tuesday, citing the regular contributions the foundation makes to The Salvation Army throughout the year, including its school supply drive every summer.

"If there is an unmet need and we ask for help, they've always given," West said.

The local organizations are just two of the 99 nonprofits or "basic needs organizations" across Montana receiving a total of $356,000, the most in the holiday giving program's history, according to a Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation news release sent Tuesday.

The release states this disbursement to food banks, food pantries, rescue missions, homeless shelters and Salvation Army organizations "will help Montana's most vulnerable citizens during the holiday season."

The Holiday Giving Program is in addition to other grants that are awarded annually to these organizations and is intended to provide the resources they need to "ensure that individuals and families have nutritious food during the holiday season," the news release states.

According to the foundation, an estimated 1 in 12 Montanans, including 28,400 children, live in homes that face food insecurity, putting them at risk of hunger.

"Good nutrition, particularly in the early years of life, is important for establishing a solid foundation that affects a childs future physical and mental health, academic achievement, and economic productivity," the news release states.

Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation Executive Director Mike Halligan said the demand for basic needs services in the state continues to grow.

"(T)hese additional funds will hopefully help address shortages of food, shelter, clothing and other necessities," Halligan said. "Our goal with this donation is to get badly needed resources into the hands of the staff and volunteers of these critically important organizations, especially now with the winter months approaching."

Day said the timing could not be better.

"It's really timely and really important," he said. "Having funding like that, that people are giving regularly, is critical. We can count on that, and it helps sustain organizations through high and low marks."

The foundation is the major philanthropic organization for The Washington Cos. and the Washington family. Funding comes from personal contributions from the Washington family and annual contributions from The Washington Cos. Since its inception in 1988, the foundation has distributed over $507 million in grants to nonprofit organizations.

Washington, a billionaire, started his business career in Missoula and is the founder of Washington Cos., where he "owns mining, rail and marine transportation, shipbuilding, heavy equipment sales, environmental remediation, and aviation services  largest privately held railroad in the United States, a historic Montana copper mine, one of Canadas largest marine services companies, and a worldwide containership leasing company," according to the company website.
The state's attorneys agreed with dispensaries this week to pause implementation of a new cumulative fee provision marijuana providers say could sink their business.

In a joint stipulation to sideline the new fee passed by the Legislature in House Bill 903, attorneys for the state and three marijuana business license holders agreed to a 60-day injunction while parties sort out a legal challenge to the new fees. A District Court judge granted that injunction on Nov. 9.

The fee schedule in question increased fees collected by the Department of Revenue's Cannabis Control Division from $5,000 per dispensary to $5,000 for the first dispensary, with an additional $5,000 per additional dispensary operated by the license holder.

"This means a license's initial dispensary fee is $5,000, its second dispensary renewal fee is $10,000, it's third is $15,000, and so on," plaintiffs attorney Angela LeDuc of Rocky Mountain Law Partners wrote in October filings.

Elevated, one of the plaintiffs in the legal challenge filed in Lewis and Clark County District Court as license renewal and fee collection was approaching, argued in legal papers its fees for 10 of its dispensaries would increase by 680%, from $50,000 to $280,000.

Montana voters approved recreational marijuana use in 2020, and the 2021 Legislature's framework that went into place as the Montana Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act limited the fee collection to essentially what the Department of Revenue needed to fund the regulatory operations. Additionally, the lawsuit points out, the cumulative fee provision was added to HB 903 late in the session and without a state purpose or the opportunity for public comment.

Attorneys representing the state argued that each additional dispensary across the state required additional resources for the department to oversee the industry across the fourth largest state in the country. That cost should fall on the license holders rather than state taxpayers, they argued in a late October filing.

However, on Nov. 8, attorneys representing the state filed a joint agreement with the plaintiffs with terms providing for a 60-day pause on collection of those new fees while the case is ongoing during the license renewal and fee collection period. That injunction halting the fee collection extends to all dispensary license holders, not just the plaintiffs who filed the suit. And any cumulative fees collected by the department already will be earmarked and returned to the business if the law is ultimately found unconstitutional at the conclusion of the case.

If the matter is not settled in 60 days, state attorneys said they would agree to an extension as the case is pending.

Lewis and Clark County District Court Judge Mike Menahan agreed to those terms and ordered the injunction into effect the same day attorneys requested it.
The walls of the gutted Jordan Inn loomed over Merrill Avenue like a bad omen following the fire last month that destroyed the building.

The city, which had been working to bring them down sooner rather than later, finally found a company to do the job. The walls came down on Wednesday.

Officials had spent the first part of the week looking for bids from contractors to take the walls down before they fell and caused any additional damage, said Mayor Deb Dion.

The outer walls of the Jordan were the only vestige of the building left standing after a fire completely destroyed the historic property on Oct. 24. The streets surrounding the location have been closed to traffic since to protect the publics safety.

The Jordan Inn was covered under a liability insurance policy from a company based in Michigan. The city has not received any confirmation from the insurance provider if it is also looking for contractors to demolish the walls, she said.

By Tuesday, Dion said only one company  Hanson Independent in Sidney  has responded to the citys inquiry to bring the walls down.

Were in contact with a company in Sidney. I dont know when exactly were going to get the walls down, I cant say for certain if it will be in the next few days or the next week, and then I dont know how long clean up will take once the walls are down, she said Monday.

On Tuesday Dion gave an update, saying work on the demolition was set to begin on Wednesday.

Mike Skillestad, maintenance chief for Montana Department of Transportation District Four, noted that one company has approached the department expressing interest in an encroachment permit for Merrill Avenue, but that doesnt necessarily signal that action will be taken soon. No encroachment permits have been applied for yet, he said Monday.

The city is moving to bring the walls down as soon as possible after receiving information from the district sanitarians office that, aside from a safety hazard, the wreckage of the building is also presenting a potential health hazard due to all of the material currently sitting in the rubble, soaking in millions of gallons of water.

There could be a public/environmental health risk, Dion said.

Additionally, Dion noted she had been contacted by Lisa Kjelstrup, the real estate agent who was planning to the list the building for sale at the time of the fire.

In a recent update Kjelstrup provided to Dion, she noted that she is working with Deputy State Fire Marshal George Lane to provide the buildings insurance provider with a list of contractors that can take the building down. However, like the city, they have not received any further updates from the insurance provider.

Regarding the citys inquiry, Dion said she has been given an estimate that demolition of the walls could take up to three days to complete.
EDGE, one of the world's leading advanced technology and defence groups, announced an AED4.1 billion ($1.116 billion) contract on Wednesday, for the supply of aircraft munitions, at Dubai Air Show (DAS) 2023.

EDGE entity Lahab Defence Systems, the UAEs sole munitions manufacturer, was awarded the contract which includes the production and delivery of the MK 81, MK 82, MK 83, and MK 84 general-purpose aircraft munitions.

Hamad Al Marar, President of the Missiles & Weapons cluster within EDGE, said: This contract strengthens the confidence of the Ministry of Defence in Lahab Defence Systems and reflects our ambitions to develop capabilities that meet future needs in the long term. We look forward to continuing to provide support and strengthening our commitment to the Ministry of Defence.

The munitions will be produced at Lahab facilities, directly contributing to the UAE governments Make it in the Emirates initiative and 'Operation 300bn', a national industrial strategy aimed at raising the manufacturing sectors GDP contribution to AED300 billion over the next nine years.

New order for Adasi

In another deal, EDGE entity, Adasi, the regional leader in autonomous systems and services, signed an AED487 million contract to supply RASH 2M and RASH 2H guidance kits for mortars and other in-house designed payloads to the UAE Ministry of Defence.

The high-precision guided munition systems used across a wide range of military applications.

Juma Al Kaabi, CEO, Adasi said: At Adasi, we are continuously strengthening our foundations and building in-house capabilities to deliver advanced products and solutions, through which we aim to empower defence forces, protect lives, and safeguard national interests. This agreement further expands our alliance with the Ministry of Defence, and underscores our drive to leverage advanced technologies to enable a more secure future.

Designed and developed by a specialised team of Adasi engineers, the RASH 2M and RASH 2H are distinguished by their lightweight design and exceptional precision in target engagement. - TradeArabia News Service
DECATUR  Homeward Bound will hold an open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 788 E. Clay St.

The week of Nov. 13-17 is Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week and the open house will highlight the services offered by Homeward Bound, which include supportive housing, case management, supportive services and necessary referrals to homeless persons living in the Decatur/Macon County area. It was established in 1995 from the work of the newly formed Homeless Council Continuum of Care.

On Nov. 16, Texas Roadhouse will donate 10 percent of proceeds to Homeward Bound when customers present a flier that will be available at the open house to show to the restaurant. The donations will support the programs that help the unhoused in the community.

Close PHOTO BY JIM BOWLING, HERALD & REVIEW Retired shelter supervisor Patty Plato reacts at the surprise unveiling of a sign revealing the newly renovated Dove, Inc. domestic violence shelter kitchen is named after her during an event celebrating improvements made to the shelter Tuesday afternoon. PHOTO BY JIM BOWLING, HERALD & REVIEW A surprise unveiling of a sign reveals that the newly renovated Dove, Inc. domestic violence shelter kitchen is named after retired shelter supervisor Patty Plato during an event celebrating improvements made to the shelter Tuesday November 11, 2016. PHOTO BY JIM BOWLING, HERALD & REVIEW Retired shelter supervisor Patty Plato reacts at the surprise unveiling of a sign revealing the newly renovated Dove, Inc. domestic violence shelter kitchen is named after her during an event celebrating improvements made to the shelter Tuesday afternoon. PHOTO BY JIM BOWLING, HERALD & REVIEW Retired shelter supervisor Patty Plato and David Ozier of Lowe's Heroes look over the newly renovated Dove, Inc. domestic violence shelter kitchen during an event celebrating improvements made to the shelter Tuesday afternoon. PHOTO BY JIM BOWLING, HERALD & REVIEW Members of Lowes Heroes take a group photo near a new cabinet unit they donated to the dining area during an event commemorating improvements at the Dove, Inc. domestic violence shelter Tuesday afternoon. PHOTO BY JIM BOWLING, HERALD & REVIEW Dove Inc., Homeward bound employees Kim Fickes, left, and Denise Jones look over a newly painted and carpeted bedroom during an event celebrating improvements at the Dove, Inc. domestic violence shelter Tuesday afternoon. PHOTO BY JIM BOWLING, HERALD & REVIEW A newly painted and carpeted shelter bedroom is pictured at the Dove, Inc. domestic violence shelter Tuesday November 1, 2016. PHOTO BY JIM BOWLING, HERALD & REVIEW Members of Lowe's Heros meet in a room with new carpet during an event celebrating improvements at the Dove, Inc. domestic violence shelter Tuesday afternoon. PHOTO BY JIM BOWLING, HERALD & REVIEW New ground covering on the playground was among recent improvements made at the Dove, Inc. domestic violence shelter. PHOTO BY JIM BOWLING, HERALD & REVIEW Attendees visit in the dining area during an event celebrating improvements at the Dove, Inc. domestic violence shelter Tuesday afternoon. PHOTOS: Dove Inc. Celebrates Shelter Improvements PHOTO BY JIM BOWLING, HERALD & REVIEW Retired shelter supervisor Patty Plato reacts at the surprise unveiling of a sign revealing the newly renovated Dove, Inc. domestic violence shelter kitchen is named after her during an event celebrating improvements made to the shelter Tuesday afternoon. PHOTO BY JIM BOWLING, HERALD & REVIEW A surprise unveiling of a sign reveals that the newly renovated Dove, Inc. domestic violence shelter kitchen is named after retired shelter supervisor Patty Plato during an event celebrating improvements made to the shelter Tuesday November 11, 2016. PHOTO BY JIM BOWLING, HERALD & REVIEW Retired shelter supervisor Patty Plato reacts at the surprise unveiling of a sign revealing the newly renovated Dove, Inc. domestic violence shelter kitchen is named after her during an event celebrating improvements made to the shelter Tuesday afternoon. PHOTO BY JIM BOWLING, HERALD & REVIEW Retired shelter supervisor Patty Plato and David Ozier of Lowe's Heroes look over the newly renovated Dove, Inc. domestic violence shelter kitchen during an event celebrating improvements made to the shelter Tuesday afternoon. PHOTO BY JIM BOWLING, HERALD & REVIEW Members of Lowes Heroes take a group photo near a new cabinet unit they donated to the dining area during an event commemorating improvements at the Dove, Inc. domestic violence shelter Tuesday afternoon. PHOTO BY JIM BOWLING, HERALD & REVIEW Dove Inc., Homeward bound employees Kim Fickes, left, and Denise Jones look over a newly painted and carpeted bedroom during an event celebrating improvements at the Dove, Inc. domestic violence shelter Tuesday afternoon. PHOTO BY JIM BOWLING, HERALD & REVIEW A newly painted and carpeted shelter bedroom is pictured at the Dove, Inc. domestic violence shelter Tuesday November 1, 2016. PHOTO BY JIM BOWLING, HERALD & REVIEW Members of Lowe's Heros meet in a room with new carpet during an event celebrating improvements at the Dove, Inc. domestic violence shelter Tuesday afternoon. PHOTO BY JIM BOWLING, HERALD & REVIEW New ground covering on the playground was among recent improvements made at the Dove, Inc. domestic violence shelter. PHOTO BY JIM BOWLING, HERALD & REVIEW Attendees visit in the dining area during an event celebrating improvements at the Dove, Inc. domestic violence shelter Tuesday afternoon.
The latest episode of Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles is in partnership with the Tulsa World to introduce the story of the Osage Reign of Terror and the feature film "Killers of the Flower Moon." In this bonus episode, show producer Ambre Moton is joined by two writers from the Tulsa World, Randy Krehbiel and Tim Stanley to dig a little deeper into some of the crimes committed during the Reign of Terror.

Read all of the coverage of the film "Killers of the Flower Moon" and related stories here.

More episodes on the Reign of Terror and "Killers of the Flower Moon"

Investigating the perpetrators of the Reign of Terror | Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles podcast In this season we continue the story of the Osage Reign of Terror and its connection to the new Martin Scorsese film "Killers of the Flower Moon."

The environment of fear and crimes that made up the Reign of Terror | Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles podcast In this season we continue the story of the Osage Reign of Terror and its connection to the new Martin Scorsese film "Killers of the Flower Moon."

How the Osage Tribe became rich before the Reign of Terror | Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles podcast In this season we introduce the story of the Osage Reign of Terror and its connection to the upcoming Martin Scorsese film "Killers of the Flower Moon."

Episode transcript

Note: The following transcript was created by Slack and may contain misspellings and other inaccuracies as it was generated automatically:

Welcome to Late Edition Crime Beat Chronicles, a Lee Enterprises podcast. I'm Ambre Moton, the producer and editor of the show, filling in for Nat Cardona who is taking some well-deserved time off with the help of the reporters from the Tulsa World Crime Beat Chronicles spent the month of October telling the story of the Osage's and the reign of terror in the 1920s.

Here's a bonus episode with the paper's Tim Stanley and Randy Krehbiel going into a little more detail about some of the crimes that took place.

You know, one particular case that it's not mentioned in our story, but that I'm aware of and it was certainly mentioned in David Grann's book, was the the Case of William Stepson, a tribal member who died under mysterious circumstances and whose who's grandson is still alive in Osage County is a former Osage tribal court chief justice named Marvin Steps and William steps in.

Apparently from from what we know. I mean, he'd gone out with some friends, came in later that night and laid down in his bed and and died. And he'd been out. I think he'd probably been drinking. This is you know, this is another way that, you know, this could have happened is, again, considering the historical context and the era of prohibition.

Unregulated alcohol, bootleg whiskey, moonshine. I mean, everybody consumed this stuff. It was unregulated. Was not uncommon for someone to get, you know, a bad batch of alcohol, of moonshine and die from it. This was another way that you could potentially kill someone if you wanted to is just spike their whiskey. That may be what happened to William stepson is that he he got some bad whiskey.

And, you know, his his grandson, Marvin, who who believes based on what he knows, he believes that it was strychnine, which was a poison that was very common and easy to come by and very, very effective. But it just it made no sense. Still makes no sense to Marvin that, you know, this perfectly otherwise healthy young man. His you know, his grandfather, William, just went out for a night.

Everything was fine, comes home and does in bed in his sleep. Yeah. In a lot of the lists that you see, of the 24 victims, you will see William Stepson's name. I think it's been pretty commonly accepted among the people who've looked into this that we know enough in the case of William Steps and to to to declare him a victim, although again, like in other similar deaths, his was never investigated as a homicide that you know, that's you know, there's just so many so many opportunities to kill someone discretely.

I don't know if it's the right word, but you don't have to shoot somebody. Fact, if you're going to shoot him, maybe, you know, it's hard to say why. You know, Henry Roane and some of the others were were killed as violently as they were, which would draw attention. You know, the fact is something was amiss that the killer was afoot unless it was to inspire terror.

But so many of these other ones that were not are not necessarily connected to the two William Hale and his conspirators, maybe a marvin stepson, you know, or others. It's just hard to say. It could have been could always, always be a family member. And that's that's just one of the sad facts of this story, is is how quickly or how greed could could lead someone to kill a loved one, you know, to to get access to their to their wealth.

I mean, that could be what we're talking about here with stepson and any number of others who died under suspicious circumstances like that. David Grann's book and the movie, they they each pull out the figure or the character of Mollie Burkhart and make her kind of the central figure in the story, you know. But Molly ultimately survives an attempt on her life.

But that but her family was hit as hard as any. As far as we know. You know, in this in this story, she lost her wife. I'm sorry. Molly lost her a sister, potentially two sisters, and then her mother as well.

And then and then did survive an attempt on her life. But one of her sisters, Anna Brown, is also sort of pivotal in the story because she is considered really to be the first victim. Now, again, it depends on where you start counting. Anna Brown was a she was clearly a homicide. Again, like Henry Rollins, she was shot in the head and found in the countryside outside of town.

But she yes, she she's generally recognized as the first victim of what you know, what would become known as the reign of terror. And she was a sister to Mollie Burkhart. And they also had a sister named Rita Smith. Rita would also be killed. She was killed later, that one family. I mean, so many of the graves in in the tribal cemetery there in Gray Horse, which is where it's located in in Osage County.

So many of the graves there are of family members of Molly's. And Molly's is there, too. She would die years later, not of suspicious circumstances, although undoubtedly the stress from this ordeal and she was already in poor health. Undoubtedly. I mean, you know, she it affected her and she she didn't live too much longer, too many more years after this.

But, yeah, Molly's family, just a traditional Osage family. Her mother, you know, still believed very much in the old ways. Molly and her sisters were more, I guess, assimilated, so to speak. You know, they they had taken up and I. Anna Brown. Yes. She was found fatally shot May 1921. She disappeared days earlier. So she's considered really the first, although, you know, again, we could go back and probably find some suspicious deaths.

With the Osage as they all when they started, they all had equal share. So any Osage was worth, you know, some some sort of money from their head. Right. Whereas with the Muskogee and the Cherokees, their mineral rights were tied to their individual allotment. So if you were if you were a member of one of those tribes that had a particularly valuable allotment, you could be targeted.

And and so in some cases, you know, 19 six, 19, 1908, there were people who were disappearing. Some of them turned up alive somewhere else. Some of them were never found. There's a story about a creek boy, for instance, who went missing and they all thought he had been killed. Well, it turned out when one of his some businessmen had sent him to England to get him out of the way, they got him to sign, signed a lease on his allotment, and they sent him to England to get him out of the way.

But he was still. Anyway, as far as the Osage, it really began to intensify. It seems like, you know, 19, probably around 1920. And that coincides with when the the the the height of the ban.

Now, your article mentions an Osage, a young woman being kidnaped, I believe. Is that the woman you were referencing when you were talking about how she held what, eight had rights or something?

Yeah, that's who I was thinking of. Yeah, this was and this was I think it was in the late twenties, but people would find a way to in this, especially white people would find a way to get power over, you know, get control of somebody. A lot had rights. In her case, there was some kind of a marriage or something set up with a with the local guy who apparently was just a front for some bigger group.

And he took her off to Colorado Springs and and kept her there. And in this case, you know, lots of times the Guardians are are portrayed in an unfavorable eye. But in this case, he may have had self-interest. I don't know. But in this case, The Guardian went and found her and and got her back. Got her back to Oklahoma.

And in the end, the ring was broken up. I think there were probably a lot of, you know, white people to who were not comfortable and in some cases were absolutely opposed to what was going on. But I didn't want to I don't want to make it sound like it's an equal thing. But the white people sometimes were affected by the reign of terror, too, because there were a couple of white guys tried to stand up for the hostages and they were murdered.

And so it was it really was a reign of terror. It was pretty much on everybody who lived there in one way or another. And again, I want to stress, I'm not equating everybody the same, but it trickled down to a lot of different people.

And as always, thanks for listening to Late Edition Crime Beat Chronicles. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button so you don't miss what's ahead.
In Virginia, the legislature pushed body-worn camera reform in the wake of the May 2020 murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The legislation was welcomed, with critics and supporters of the police both saying transparency was needed around controversial police-civilian interactions.
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn.  Longtime Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals partner Panda Express has committed to donating $418,000 from its locations in Bristol, Kingsport and Johnson City over the next 10 years to benefit the Ballad Health Niswonger Childrens Network.

Panda Cares representatives teamed up with the Niswonger Childrens Network and Ballad Health Foundation to cut the ribbon of the first part of the donation  the Panda Cares Center of Hope. The new center opened in the Niswonger Childrens Therapy Services gym on Tuesday, Nov. 14, made possible by the generosity of Panda Express associates and guests, according to a written statement.

Were humbled by the generosity of Panda Express associates and guests and cant think of a better way to enter the holiday season than providing this valuable resource to the children and their families who need it, said Chris Jett, CEO of Niswonger Childrens Network. Pediatric therapy is an essential part of the Niswonger Childrens Network, and the Panda Cares Center of Hope will be a wonderful addition for our patients.

The new center at Niswonger Childrens Therapy services gym includes a main therapy gym, speech treatment area, sensory gym and pediatric treatment area.

Programs offered at the Niswonger Childrens Therapy Services Panda Cares Center of Hope include therapeutic play, art therapy, meditation and counseling services, and it is designed to give children the courage and strength to thrive.

We are proud to partner with Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals and the Niswonger Childrens Network to bring the vision of the Panda Cares Center of Hope to life, and were humbled to be part of the healing journey for the children and their families of the Appalachian Highlands, said Dr. Peggy Cherng, co-founder and co-CEO of Panda Restaurant Group. Children are our future, and through this partnership and curriculum designed to give children the strength to thrive, we will bring smiles and hopes to communities across the nation.

Panda Cares Centers of Hope are made possible by donations from Panda Express associates and guests across the country. Funds raised in-store and online at Panda Express benefit each stores local community.

Panda Express is one of our biggest community partners every year, and were floored by their dedication to better the health of children in our community, said Jack Simpson, president of Ballad Health Foundation. The best way for us to reach a healthier future is if we do it together, and Panda Express associates and guests have consistently shown that they support our children, our families and our future in the Appalachian Highlands.

To date, Panda has raised more than $150 million for hospitals affiliated with Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals, including Niswonger Childrens Hospital and the Niswonger Childrens Network. Panda Express guests and their associates in the Appalachian Highlands have raised more than $160,000 for Niswonger Childrens Hospital from 2018 to 2022, or about $40,000 per year.
Washington Countys Board of Supervisors approved rezoning agricultural land on Tuesday for the countys first R3 high-density residential development  despite repeated concerns from neighbors about dangerous road conditions in that area.

The proposed development is on the western end of the county near Bristol, Virginia and Bristol Tennessee city limits.

This is the first request that weve had to rezone to R-3, said Stephen Richardson, the countys zoning administrator, at Tuesdays meeting.

The wait is over, and it is not a pretty sight, said farmer Jack Rohr, who lives near the impending development along King Mill Pike in Washington County, Virginia, and who was one of several people voicing concerns over traffic at Tuesdays public hearing.

Constructing as many as 340 homes on 87.55 acres could mean as many as 900 more cars in the neighborhood  with most going to I-81 Exit 7 along King Mill Pike, Rohr said.

It will be a beehive of activity, Rohr said. King Mill Pike is a heavily-used artery.

Supervisor Dwayne Ball made the motion to approve the $100 million subdivision, where homes would sell for about $325,000. Supervisor Randy Pennington seconded the motion. Everybodys not going to be happy, but were trying to do the best that we can, said Ball.

While Ball welcomed the opportunity for more homes near Exit 7, he did concede concerns brought by neighbors on Tuesday.

King Mill Pike is a dangerous road, Ball said.

The speed limit on that section of King Mill Pike is 45 mph.

Ive seen multiple crashes, head-on collisions, said resident Nathan Ashworth at Tuesdays public hearing. Its a fast road.

In turn, another entry to the subdivision on Jordan Lane was described as dangerous by neighbors on Tuesday and at a meeting by the planning commission in October.

A third access to the property on Stone Drive leads to Bristol, Tennessee.

The development will now face more rules and guidelines by the Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Department of Transpiration, Richardson said. The concept plan by developer Jerome Malinay shows putting as many as 340 houses, Richardson said.

But retention ponds may be needed on the property, which would likely reduce the amount of homes to about 325, according or Richardson and Malinay.

Construction could begin in mid-2024, Malinay said. I think this is a win-win-win situation.
Candidates for next years elections for Sullivan County Board of Education and property assessor have until noon on Dec. 14 to submit their qualifying papers to the Sullivan County Election Commission.

Offices on the March 5, 2024, ballot include school board districts 1, 3, 5 and 7, as well as the property assessor. There are also three seats on the Kingsport Board of Education on the ballot for city voters.

Republican and Democratic candidates that qualify will be included on the March primary ballot.

The winner of the primaries will then face off in the general election against the Independent candidates in August 2024.

The March ballot will also feature the Republican and Democratic presidential preference primary.

In the Republican primary, for District 1 school board seat in Sullivan County, Angie Stanley and Carrie Carpenter have picked up petitions. Mark Vicars has picked up a petition for the District 3 school board seat, as have Todd McKinley for District 5 and Hunter Woodall for District 7.

In addition, incumbent District 3 board member Matthew Spivey, District 5 member Randall Jones and District 7 member Mary Rouse have all picked up petitions as Independent candidates.

No one has picked up or filed petitions for the Democratic primary.

Incumbent Assessor Donna K. Whitaker has filed a petition in the Republican primary for property assessor. As of Nov. 14, no other candidates have picked up petitions.

Tennessee is an open primary state, but voters are required to choose which party primary they intend to vote in. There are no primary elections for independents.

Early voting is scheduled for Feb. 14-27, 2024. The voter registration deadline is Feb. 5.
A proposed residential development near the Tri-Cities Airport received rezoning approval Thursday from the Sullivan County Commission.

The commission also discussed a potential tax relief program for low-income residents, as well as an assortment of other items to be considered at next weeks full commission meeting.

Twenty-one commissioners approved the rezoning of 61.87 acres along Hawley Road in the Muddy Creek area. Developers requested the property be down zoned from industrial to R-1, which is a restrictive residential zone in Sullivan County.

The property has been owned by NETWORKS, the countys economic development agency. When the organization bought the land, the county rezoned the property to allow manufacturing. No industry, however, has developed the land, so NETWORKS moved to find a developer to build homes.

The partners of Gateway Development, which includes Terry Orth, Jordan Hughes, Joseph Powers and Davis Construction, have joined forces to propose a concept plan for 46 single-family homes, according to planning and zoning documents.

Planning Director Ambre Torbett said the property is located within Sullivan Countys urban growth zone and is close to the airport, as well as other industrial and residential developments. The property will be serviced by Blountville water and Johnson City sewer.

During the meeting, commissioners asked a few questions, such as utilities and a quick question about the propertys recent usage.

In recent years, the Battle of Blountville Reenactment has been held on the property. The battle, which originally occurred in September of 1863 during the Civil War, took place in the center of historic Blountville near the old courthouse. The reenactment is expected to move closer to the original site, according to the planning department.

On local resident, who owns a farm along Minga Road, asked about whether the county can support agriculture and suggested the property be used for farming. She said many farm properties have been purchased in recent years to become residential developments.

Next week, commissioners will consider a resolution to appropriate up to $400,000 to fully fund a property tax relief program for 2023 and 2024.

Commissioner Hershel Glover, the resolutions sponsor, said the program would assist the elderly, veterans and disabled residents of Sullivan County. He said about 4,000 people may be eligible for the program, which is supported by the state.

The program provides up to $75 to qualified taxpayers.

County Trustee Angela Taylor said residents can seek relief by going to the state trustee website, or calling or visiting one of her offices in Blountville, Bristol or Kingsport.

Taylor said applications are sent to the state for review. Residents must meet certain income requirements, she said.

According to the state, tax relief is payment by the state of Tennessee to reimburse homeowners meeting certain eligibility requirements, for a part or all of paid property taxes. Tax relief is not an exemption, the state notes. Eligible individuals are still required to pay their taxes.

During public comment, local resident Tyler Nunley, who operates Holston Beef Company, asked the county for assistance in the establishment of a slaughterhouse. Nunley said he currently sends cattle to Virginia to be processed.

A slaughterhouse in Sullivan County could create income for the county, assistance for farmers and jobs and education, he said.

Glover said he and Commissioner Dwight King have previously discussed the possibility of a slaughterhouse in the county. He suggested the county look further into the idea to support local farmers.
STATIONMASTER'S HOUSE MUSEUM CELEBRATES CABOOSE ADDITION!

These are the headlines of the July 6, 1989 Spearman Reporter

Long time museum board member, J.D. Wilbanks said, "We wanted a complete caboose and not a junker. It came complete and even had paper in the toilet."

The caboose cost $3000.00 and was purchased from Wichita, Kansas. The caboose started its trip to Spearman from San Pasadena California and was mistakenly put on a train bound for Brownwood, Texas. When it arrived in Brownwood, the mistake was discovered, and it was returned to Amarillo.

Finally, on July 1, the caboose arrived in Spearman! What a proud moment and wonderful addition to the Stationmaster's House Museum!

Still today the "doodlebug" is one of the favorite exhibits for museum visitors to see.

On Saturday, June 3, 2023, the caboose will be ready for the future and for the museum to shout out its new motto...
Wilo Middle East, a leading pump manufacturer and digital pioneer of the pumps industry in the Middle East, will discuss new solutions for water management at Wetex 2023 besides showcasing its dynamic lineup of cutting-edge products.

Wilo unveiled a dynamic array of state-of-the-art products, including Wilo-EMUport CORE, Wilo-Atmos GIGA N, Wilo-ZETOS, Wilo-SCP, Wilo-Rexa SOLID Q with Nexos Intelligence, and Wilo-COR 2 Helix V at the event.

These solutions ensure efficiency and sustainability, actively contributing to water conservation initiatives and aligning with Dubai's vision for a sustainable future.

Tech innovation

The companys participation in the exhibition, organised by Dewa at the German Pavilion from November 15 to 17, demonstrates its commitment to driving technological innovation in pumping solutions for water supply and sewage disposal. Wilo will also lead a seminar at the Wetex 2023 Water Seminar on November 16 with Daniel Busuioc, Head of Global Account Management at Wilo, spearheading discussions on 'Wilo Intelligent Technology for Enhancing Efficiency and Reliability in Wastewater Pumping.' The session will significantly contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding sustainable water practices.

As the world grapples with water scarcity, the need for intelligent pumping solutions has never been more crucial. According to recent statistics, the demand for efficient water management solutions has risen by 20% in the last year alone. Globally, 2 billion people, or 26% of the population, do not have safe drinking water, and 3.6 billion, which is 46%, lack access to safely managed sanitation.

Yasser Nagi, Group Director Wilo Middle East & North Africa & Managing Director of UAE, said: Wetex provides us with an important platform to showcase our innovative sustainable water solutions. Our offerings not only align with the UAE's visionary goals but also address the urgent needs of today's market. In light of the ongoing water crisis, Wilo is dedicated to leading transformative change, offering intelligent solutions that actively contribute to water conservation and overall sustainability. From the cutting-edge engineering of the Wilo-EMUport CORE to the data-driven efficiency of the Wilo-Rexa SOLID Q with Nexos Intelligence, our exhibits highlight our dedication to integrating technical innovation with sustainability.

Pivotal moment

Fouad Ahmed, Regional Marketing Manager Middle East & North Africa said: "Participation at Wetex is paramount for Wilo, especially in this milestone year for the UAE as it hosts COP28. It is a pivotal moment for us to showcase our sustainability strategies to a diverse audience, including government and private sector stakeholders. Through the integration of smart technologies into our pump systems, we aim not only to address the pressing challenges faced by our clients but also to play a crucial role in building a resource-efficient and sustainable future for the water and energy sectors. Our commitment to innovation and sustainability aligns seamlessly with the global dialogue on climate action, and we are excited to contribute meaningfully to this discourse at Wetex."--TradeArabia News Service
It would be useful if we could look into a crystal ball and see what the dairy industry was going to be like in 2024. That insight would help inform the decisions we are making today that will impact the future.

Without fortune-telling powers, we are left to use the data at hand to make predictions about what will happen to milk prices, feed costs, and other farm expenses. Looking for a way to help producers project profitability on their dairies, veterinarian Kevin Hoogendoorn created an app called Zisk. Zisk is a Polish word for profit, and the app is designed to predict a farms profitability over the next 12 months.

Looking at the entire dataset of farms currently utilizing the app, the segment of farms predicted to be most profitable in 2024 are those in the Northwest region milking over 5,000 cows, with a profit per cow of $979. Following closely behind are farms of the same size category in the Southeast region, where profits of $960 per cow are predicted. The third most profit per cow ($936) is expected on farms in the Northeast milking 1,000 to 5,000 cows.



In the Zisk report for 2024, negative returns of $20 per cow are estimated for herds under 250 cows in the Southeast. Positive yet minimal profits of just $89 per cow are forecast for farms under 250 cows in the Southwest. Tied for third least profitability per cow at $154 were farms in the smallest herd size category in the Midwest and Northeast, according the Zisk data.

Breakdowns by region are listed below. For more information about the app, click here to visit the Zisk website.

Midwest: 2,056 herds; average herd size: 975 cows; average production: 78.51 pounds

Under 250 cows: 1,072 herds, $154 profit per cow, $2.35 average basis

1,072 herds, $154 profit per cow, $2.35 average basis 250 to 1,000 cows : 689 herds, $416 profit per cow, $1.88 average basis

: 689 herds, $416 profit per cow, $1.88 average basis 1,000 to 5,000 cows: 250 herds, $794 profit per cow, $1.71 average basis

250 herds, $794 profit per cow, $1.71 average basis Above 5,000 cows: 45 herds, $851 profit per cow, $1.50 average basis

Northeast: 654 herds; average herd size: 438 cows; average production: 75 pounds

Under 250 cows: 448 herds, $154 profit per cow, $2.15 average basis

448 herds, $154 profit per cow, $2.15 average basis 250 to 1,000 cows: 129 herds, $490 profit per cow, $2.31 average basis

129 herds, $490 profit per cow, $2.31 average basis 1,000 to 5,000 cows: 65 herds, $936 profit per cow, $2.27 average basis

65 herds, $936 profit per cow, $2.27 average basis Above 5,000 cows: 2 herds, $477 profit per cow, $0.63 average basis

Southeast: 85 herds; average herd size: 1,417 cows; average production: 70 pounds

Under 250 cows: 37 herds, $20 loss per cow, $2.37 average basis

37 herds, $20 loss per cow, $2.37 average basis 250 to 1,000 cows: 22 herds, $448 profit per cow, $2.53 average basis

22 herds, $448 profit per cow, $2.53 average basis 1,000 to 5,000 cows: 18 herds, $918 profit per cow, $3.74 average basis

18 herds, $918 profit per cow, $3.74 average basis Above 5,000 cows: 8 herds, $960 profit per cow, $1.67 average basis



Southwest: 334 herds; average herd size: 2,837 cows; average production: 77 pounds

Under 250 cows: 76 herds, $89 profit per cow, $2.11 average basis

76 herds, $89 profit per cow, $2.11 average basis 250 to 1,000 cows: 45 herds, $542 profit per cow, $2.40 average basis

45 herds, $542 profit per cow, $2.40 average basis 1,000 to 5,000 cows: 168 herds, $681 profit per cow, $1.44 average basis

168 herds, $681 profit per cow, $1.44 average basis Above 5,000 cows: 45 herds, $730 profit per cow, $1.70 average basis

Northwest: 203 herds; average herd size: 1,920 cows; average production: 77 pounds

Under 250 cows: 35 herds, $225 profit per cow, $2.14 average basis

35 herds, $225 profit per cow, $2.14 average basis 250 to 1,000 cows: 79 herds, $474 profit per cow, $2.30 average basis

79 herds, $474 profit per cow, $2.30 average basis 1,000 to 5,000 cows: 73 herds, $667 profit per cow, $1.31 average basis

73 herds, $667 profit per cow, $1.31 average basis Above 5,000 cows: 16 herds, $979 profit per cow, $2.21 average basis

To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com.

(c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2023

November 13, 2023
SALISBURY  Catawba College announced this week the appointment of Dr. Lee F. Ball Jr. as the new executive director for their Center for the Environment. Ball brings a wealth of experience, expertise and a strong commitment to sustainability education to his new role. He will begin his tenure at Catawba in early January, 2024.

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Ball to Catawba College as the executive director of the Center for the Environment, said David P. Nelson, Catawba College president. His extensive background and dedication to fostering a culture of environmental stewardship make him the perfect fit to guide us into a new era of sustainable growth and impact. With Dr. Balls leadership, we are confident we will continue our momentum in growing a sustainable campus and establishing our campus as the leading small environmental college in the southeast.

As the executive director, Ball will play a key role in advancing Catawbas commitment to environmental sustainability, fostering research, and promoting community engagement. In 2023, Catawba College became the 13th college in the nation and the first in the southeast to meet carbon neutrality goals as certified by Second Nature and seven years ahead of the Colleges 2030 Carbon Pledge.

I am incredibly excited to join the Catawba College community at this junction in the schools history, said Ball. I am really looking forward to meeting the faculty and staff and cant wait to work with Catawbas amazing students. I am also eager to strengthen Catawbas position as one of the most sustainable colleges in the country.

Ball has an impressive background of achievement in higher education operational sustainability. Most recently Ball has served as the chief sustainability officer at Appalachian State University (ASU) since 2015. There he played a pivotal role in advancing sustainability initiatives. He is an effective facilitator, collaborator, systems thinker, and environmental problem solver. He has held numerous leadership roles at ASU including sitting on the ASU Chancellors Cabinet, serving as the lead team administrator of ASUs Solar Vehicle Team, and chairing AUSs Climate Action planning committee.

Throughout his career, Ball has demonstrated a passion for environmental education, sustainability and community engagement. His diverse professional experiences include roles as a senior lecturer, and research analyst in addition to his current role. Ball has also contributed significantly to environmental education through his work as a naturalist and instructor at Appalachian State Camp Broadstone and as education director/vice president of the American Bear Association.

In addition to his academic and professional achievements, Ball has a proven track record of making a positive impact on the organizations he has been a part of. His expertise in sustainability, combined with his hands-on experience in various educational and leadership roles, positions him as an ideal leader for Catawbas Center for the Environment.

Ball holds a PhD in Sustainability Education from Prescott College, an MA in Environmental Education from the University of New Mexico, and a BS in Natural Science from Less-McRae College.

Ball will be moving to Salisbury with his wife and five furry friends.
CONCORD  For the 19th consecutive year, the Wendy Gainey Memorial Christmas Tree is standing tall in the rotunda of the Cabarrus County Government Center.

The program continues to grow, with Gainey trees at multiple other sites including the Senior Center (Concord) and the Mt. Pleasant, Kannapolis, Concord and Harrisburg branches of the Cabarrus County Library System.

The trees have a special purpose  to help meet local wishes and needs this holiday season. Like an angel tree, theyre filled with tags that list toys, books and video games, along with essentials, like socks, blankets and soap.

Cabarrus residents are invited to join County employees in selecting a tag and making a holiday wish a reality for local children, senior citizens, veterans and more.

The Gainey Trees are hosted each year by Cabarrus County Helping Hearts and Hands (Ch3), an employee-led charitable committee. Formerly called the Ch3 Helping Hands Tree, the program was renamed in 2011 to honor the memory of Wendy Gainey, a long-time employee of Cabarrus County who was passionate about giving back to our community.

Heres how it works:

Select a gift tag from one of the Gainey trees

On the table beside the tree, register your name and tag ID number on the sign-up sheet

Purchase your choice of items from the wish list

Do not wrap the gifts. Place the gifts in an open bag and label them with the tag ID number.

Return the gifts by Friday, Dec. 1, at 5 p.m. where you picked up the tag. Drop-off instructions are located on the table beside the tree.

For questions or additional information, call 704-920-2864.
American credit payment provider Mastercard and Japanese technology provider NEC have teamed up to help consumers use biometric technology for in-store payments.

The technology will be demonstrated in Singapore on Wednesday, at the Singapore Fintech Festival which runs till 17 November.

A statement from NEC said the in-store payments would be effected through the use of NEC's face recognition and liveness verification technologies, and Mastercard's payment enablement and optimised user experience.

[Liveness verification refers to the ability to detect that a live face is being presented, and not that of a corpse.]

As retailing environments continue to evolve and choices in ways to pay rapidly expand, biometric solutions offer a seamless, quick and secure checkout, without needing to unlock a phone or insert a PIN, said Ajay Bhalla, president, Cyber and Intelligence Solutions, Mastercard.

This partnership with NEC will enable us to bring exciting new biometric payments to customers in countries across Asia Pacific and lead the world in safe and convenient checkout experiences.

Takao Iwai, corporate senior vice-president and managing director, Financial Solutions Division, NEC Corporation, added: By utilising NEC's world-class face recognition technology, the new payment system will provide both security and convenience.

By collaborating with Mastercard, which has payment assets used around the world, NEC will provide a new payment experience, aiming to create a world where everyone can use digital technology with safety.

Mastercard's biometric checkout was tested in Brazil last year. It requires consumers to either use their faces or else a wave of a card to complete a purchase.

NEC's statement said: "Merchants can benefit from shorter lines, increased security and more hygienic conditions. Additionally, loyalty programs can be integrated in the checkout system, for faster more tailored offers at purchase as part of any successful business strategy.

"Biometrics can play a key role in helping merchants build a more engaging relationship with their customers while driving sales."
Stevedore DP World Australia appears to have been breached by a ransomware group which used a vulnerability in the Citrix NetScaler gateway, leading to the company being affected from Friday until Monday.

The vulnerability in question, given the name CitrixBleed, has been exploited by various actors from August onwards. Citrix patched the flaw in October.

The Shodan search engine shows that on 6 November, DP World was still running an unpatched version of NetScaler, with the last changes made being on 25 July.

The fact that DP World Australia was running a vulnerable version of the gateway was picked up by British security researcher Kevin Beaumont.

The attack on DP World Australia's network could have been either by the LockBit or Medusa ransomware groups, iTWire has been told.

LockBit has also been behind hits on a number of other big targets, including the world's biggest bank, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) Financial Services, Allen & Overy, one of the worlds biggest law firms, and Boeing, according to databy Beaumont.

ICBC is also reported to have paid the ransom demanded by the ransomware group.

DP World Australia resumed operations on Monday, having disconnected from the Internet on Friday.

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.

DP World Australia, which is owned by the emirate of Dubai, has said nothing about the actors behind the network attack, but indicated that it is still investigating the incident.

Contacted for comment, Brett Callow, ransomware threat researcher with New Zealand-based security firm Emsisoft, said: "If companies with billions in revenue cant defend their networks against ransomware attacks, what chance do SMBs have?

"The ransomware problem is as bad as its ever been and new strategies are needed. In particular, governments need to consider banning ransom payments or restricting the circumstances in which they can be paid. These attacks are financially motivated, and less money would equal less attacks."

Satnam Narang, senior staff research engineer at security firm Tenable, said: "Mass exploitation of CVE-2023-4966, a critical sensitive information disclosure vulnerability in Citrixs NetScaler ADC and Gateway products, has been ongoing since October 30.

"Dubbed 'CitrixBleed' by researchers, at the time, there were estimates of 30,000 Internet-facing assets that were vulnerable to this flaw. Recent analysis suggests that the number has decreased to over 10,000 assets with the majority located in the US.

With publicly available proof-of-concept exploit code, a variety of threat actors have been leveraging this flaw as part of their attacks over the last few weeks, including affiliates of the infamous LockBit ransomware group and Medusa. Ransomware groups are mostly indiscriminate in their attacks, motivated by profits over anything else.

Organisations that use Netscaler ADC and Gateway products must prioritise patching these systems immediately as the threat of exploitation is extremely high, especially by ransomware groups.
Counterfeit Australian identity documents, especially drivers licences, rank among some of the most frequently listed and sold identity documents on anonymous dark web marketplaces, according to new research from the Centre of Forensic Science at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).

According to UTS, these documents are used by crime rings, terrorist organisations and other criminals for a wide range of illicit activities, including identity crime, money laundering, human and drug trafficking, illegal immigration, scams and espionage.

UTS Centre for Forensic Science PhD candidate Ciara Devlin will share her research on fake Australian identity documents and how they are sold through cryptomarkets at the International Association of Forensic Sciences (IAFS) conference, to be held in Sydney from 20-24 November.

The manufacture and distribution of fraudulent identity documents is a pervasive and prolific crime problem, so much so that Europol has said that fraudulent identity documents are a threat that enables and facilitates most, if not all, other types of serious and organised crime, Devlin said.

Despite this, most instances of document fraud are treated on a case-by-case basis, meaning the individuals holding the document are charged, with no real attempt to identify the source of the documents, resulting in very limited impact on the overall crime rate.

Internationally it has been found that the fraudulent document market is very organised, with prolific offenders operating at the core of the market, but in Australia, very little is known about the document fraud criminal environment, she said.

UTS says Clara Devlin has been working to fill these gaps in knowledge, approaching the problem from two angles. First, she has profiled the visual characteristics of fake Australian drivers licences, to see if they share a common source. Second, she is investigating the extent of the fraudulent document market on the dark web, particularly for Australian identity documents.



From examining the listings and sale data from two cryptomarkets, which have now closed, I have been able to gain an insight into a possible route of distribution for fake identity documents as well as the role Australian documents play within the overall marketplace, Devlin said.

I found that Australian documents are some of the most common products listed for sale, and sold, second only to the United States, with prolific offenders contributing to the majority of the Australian document sales.

This research can inform law enforcement and security organisations and help them to target their efforts towards specific types of fraud, such as loan fraud or specific areas, such as mail entering Australia from countries that have a high number of sales of fraudulent Australian documents, she said.

Through visually profiling 43 fraudulent documents, including the way security features are replicated, printing processes used, and even the mistakes made, Devlin found that 88% could be linked to at least one other document, with five clusters of linked documents emerging.

The results are significant because it suggests that so far, fraudulent identity documents have been an under-utilised source of information in Australia. This information could be captured in a systematic profiling system that could help identify pre-existing crime networks, Devlin said.

A paper on her initial findings, The potential of using the forensic profiles of Australian fraudulent identity documents to assist intelligence-led policing, has been published in the Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences.

Devlin says her PhD initially came about because of a partnership between UTS, the University of Lausanne Switzerland, and the NSW Police Force - and these partnerships have expanded to include other organisations within Australia, who are hoping to implement her work within their operations.

Both aspects of my work highlight the structure of a market that has so far been underexplored. It illustrates that a profiling system for fraudulent identity documents, similar to one that operates in Europe, could be very successful if implemented over here, Devlin concluded.
COMPANY NEWS: Radware (NASDAQ: RDWR), is a leading provider of cyber security and application delivery solutions, announced it signed an agreement with a leading European telecom and managed security service provider.

Ranking among its countrys top four largest telecoms based on revenue, the carrier will utilise Radwares behavioral-based DDoS protection to strengthen the network security for its data center infrastructure and customers.

Today, the carrier provides telephony, mobile and internet TV for millions of businesses and households and supports one of the most extensive broadband infrastructures in Europe. To increase its DDoS defenses against new threat vectors and expand its security portfolio, the carrier replaced its existing DDoS mitigation solution with Radwares DefensePro X DDoS Protection platform and Cyber Controller.

Hackers are constantly looking for new ways to circumvent traditional security solutions. Outages, intrusions, and malicious attacks from independent and state-sanctioned actors have pointed an unwelcome spotlight on just how fragile and vulnerable the telecom infrastructure can be, said Yoav Gazelle, Radwares chief business officer.

Radware has established a strong track record of partnering with and defending the worlds largest internet service and telecom providers. Our solutions are built for fast, adaptive protection to help them confront an increasingly volatile threat landscape and provide advanced security options for their customers.

DefensePro X provides automated, adaptive DDoS protection from fast-moving, high-volume, encrypted or zero-day threats. It defends against IoT-based, Burst, DNS and TLS/SSL attacks, ransom DDoS campaigns, IoT botnets, phantom floods, and other types of cyber threats.

To oversee the complete DDoS protection lifecycle and speed time to mitigation, DefensePro X works with the Radware Cyber Controller. The new state-of-the-art management, security operations, and orchestration system provides a single location for traffic visibility, robust analytics, and advanced security operations.

Radware has received numerous awards for its DDoS mitigation, application and API protection, web application firewall, and bot detection and management solutions. Industry analysts such as Aite-Novarica Group, Forrester Research, Gartner, GigaOm, KuppingerCole, and Quadrant Knowledge Solutions continue to recognize Radware as a market leader in cyber security.
Millions of Australians have been hit hard by Optus' outage, which may be the longest and largest shutdown in recent history, but will the telecommunications company's subscribers be compensated by the inconvenience it caused?

According to Australian media, it's too early to say, but Optus CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin apologised to customers and thought that the company might compensate for the shutdown.

"Now that the network is restored we will have a look at ways we can thank our customers for their patience and reward them for their loyalty," she told 9News.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland indicated that impacted consumers may be compensated, but not just yet.

"In relation to customers who have been affected and what they recourse may be, I note the comments by the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) that at this time it probably too early to be discussing or giving definitive views about compensation or other consumer rights," she said.

However, she advised customers need to keep track how the outage affected them.

The Australian and Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) recommended that customers affected by the outage should file a complaint with their telco.

According to the regulator, consumers may be entitled to a refund or compensation depending on the contract.

But if the outage is short and minor, it is unlikely that consumers will get any refund.

"Some contracts allow you to apply for a refund or rebate when you can't use a service because of an outage. This is usually only for major outages that you did not cause."

"Sometimes a telco will offer compensation for the loss of service, even if they don't have to."

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) said customers unhappy with Optus' response can file a complaint.

"If you have not contacted Optus, or you have been unable to contact them, we can forward your complaint to Optus on your behalf," it said after the shortage began.

"We can help you with refunds for the time you have been unable to use your service, compensation claims and disputes about your contract."

Actions taken

Rowland also said the government will undertake a post-incident telecommunications review.

"While we welcome that Optus services were restored over the course of the day, it is critical the Government conducts a process to identify lessons to be learned from yesterdays outage," she said in a statement.

"I will task my Department with developing the terms of reference for a post-incident review. Further announcements around the terms of reference and next steps will be made in due course."

Optus was hit by an outage yesterday at 4am. At 5:30pm AEDT, Optus was able to restore its services, almost 12 hours after the shutdown.

"Services have now been restored, and customers should now be able to be back online," Optus said.
COMPANY NEWS: Atturra, a leading advisory and technology services business specialising in designing, implementing, and maintaining IT solutions, today announced that it was awarded the APJ Practice Excellence Partner of the Year Award and the APJ Systems Integrator Partner of the Year Award from Boomi, the intelligent connectivity and automation leader.

Announced at Boomis 2023 APJ Partner Summit in Sydney, this is the fourth time that Atturra has won the APJ Practice Excellence Partner of the Year award following success in 2018, 2020, and 2021.

A Boomi partner program member since September 2016, Atturra has helped mutual customers optimise critical business processes to unlock the power of intelligent connectivity and automation. Atturra is one of the biggest Boomi partners in the region. With over 120 Boomi-certified staff, Atturra has delivered successful transformation projects for over 400 clients across ANZ and Asia.

As a strategic partner in the region, Atturras Data and Integration business delivers solutions around middleware modernisation, data journey optimisation, enterprise AI readiness and more, all leveraging the Boomi platform along with complementing technologies for data lake, data security, data warehousing and automation, and enterprise content management.

Speaking on the award, Jason Frost, Executive General Manager at Atturra Data and Integration, said, Winning the two awards demonstrates the strength of our Boomi relation and the success it has delivered for Atturra clients. We keep an unwavering focus on delivering superior CX and driving value from data for all our clients across multiple industries and geographies and this award recognises that.

Our approach is significantly different in the way it aligns Boomi platform with the team and organisational goals, creating integration and automation that meets business objectives, thereby making a stronger case for technology.

APJ Partner Award winners received recognition during the 2023 Boomi APJ Partner Summit held in Sydney on 14 November, which brought together Boomi partners from across the region to learn, network, and share best practices.

Our APJ partners offer a wide array of expertise, skills, resources, and technologies to ensure the success of our equally diverse customer base across the region, said Jim Fisher, Vice President of Alliances and Channels, APJ, at Boomi. As trusted advisers, strategic consultants, leaders, and innovators in IT and digital transformation, our partners solve problems and proactively implement Boomis technology day in and day out. Were honoured to recognise the work they accomplished this past year.
Peter Marelas - Chief Architect and Head of Technical Specialists, APAC at New Relic

New Relic, the all-in-one observability platform for every engineer, launched New Relic AI monitoring (AIM), the industrys first APM solution for AI-powered applications. New Relic is pioneering AI observability with AIM to provide engineers unprecedented visibility and insights across the AI application stack, making it easier to troubleshoot and optimise their AI applications for performance, quality, cost, responsible use of AI, and forthcoming AI regulations and standards. With over 50 integrations and features like LLM response tracing and model comparison, AIM helps teams build and run LLM-based applications with confidence.

AI-powered applications introduce new complexity to organisations. AI components like large language models (LLMs) and vector databases are often a black box for engineers, with the potential to provide inaccurate and biased results, introduce security issues, and generate large volumes of telemetry data that need to be tracked and analysed. AIM solves this by providing end-to-end observability to any AI-powered applications. Engineers can access a single view to troubleshoot, compare, and optimise different LLM prompts and responses for performance, cost, security, and quality issues including hallucinations, bias, toxicity, and fairness. It provides engineers with full visibility on all components of the AI stack alongside services and infrastructure so that they have the data they need for the responsible use of AI and to prove their compliance with forthcoming AI regulations.

"Just about every organisation is integrating AI applications into their tech stacks to provide better customer experiences and improve efficiency, with the hope of improving their bottom line. The trade-off is that AI creates complexity in their tech stack and must be adopted responsibly with security, quality, compliance, and cost top of mind, said IDC Group Vice President Stephen Elliot. Applying observability to AI applications is a smart and efficient way to address these complexities so that companies can scale and drive innovation. Any company that provides these solutions is ultimately enabling organisations to deliver better products and customer experiences.

"Across the Asia Pacific region, AI has become a key priority with many organisations actively exploring its use in software applications, said New Relic Chief Architect and Head of Technical Specialists APAC, Peter Marelas. AIM is an innovative APM solution that provides essential observability for the most popular AI technologies powering todays AI experiences. Software engineers will for the first time, have full visibility into the AI stack, enabling them to troubleshoot and deliver safe, secure and reliable AI experiences."

Key features and use cases include:

Auto instrumentation: New Relic agents come equipped with all AIM capabilities, including full AI stack visibility, response tracing, model comparison and more for quick and easy setup.

Full AI Stack Visibility: Holistic view across the application, infrastructure, and the AI layer, including AI metrics like response quality and tokens alongside APM golden signals.

Deep trace insights for every LLM response: Trace the lifecycle of complex LLM responses built with tools like LangChain to fix performance issues and quality problems such as bias, toxicity, and hallucination.

Compare performance and costs: Track usage, performance, quality, and cost across all models in a single view; optimise use with insights on frequently asked prompts, chain of thought, and prompt templates and caches.

Enable responsible use of AI: Ensure safe and responsible AI use by verifying that responses are appropriately tagged to indicate AI-generated and are free from bias, toxicity, and hallucinations using response trace insights.

Instantly monitor your AI ecosystem: The most comprehensive solution for monitoring the entire stack of any AI ecosystem with 50+ integrations and quickstarts including: Orchestration framework: LangChain LLM: OpenAI, PaLM2, HuggingFace Machine learning libraries: Pytorch, TensorFlow Model serving: Amazon SageMaker, AzureML Vector databases: Pinecone, Weaviate, Milvus, FAISS AI infrastructure: Azure, AWS, GCP

The most comprehensive solution for monitoring the entire stack of any AI ecosystem with 50+ integrations and quickstarts including:

By seamlessly integrating the Pinecone vector database with New Relic AI monitoring, we are providing transparency and actionable insights to help developers build better search and Generative AI applications in the enterprise, said Pinecone Founder and CEO Edo Liberty. We have seen incredible demand for vector databases as companies build and deploy AI applications since it is a core part of the AI stack. Now developers can build better search and Generative AI solutions by ensuring relevant and fast responses alongside their AI observability practice.

AIM is now available in early access to New Relic users across the globe. Users can sign up here to request early access, which is included as a part of New Relics simplified, consumption based pricing. For more information, please visit our:
Google Cloud has opened its new cloud region in Dammam, bringing high-performance, low-latency Google Cloud Platform services to customers of all sizes, from public sector organisations and large businesses, to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups.

This significant investment in the Middle Easts technology landscape reflects the company's growing presence in the region and its commitment to supporting the realization of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals, the company said.

The official launch was hosted today (Nov 15) by Google Clouds Thomas Kurian, CEO; Abdul Rahman Al Thehaiban, Managing Director, Middle East, Turkey and Africa; Tarek Khalil, Director, Middle East and North Africa; Bader Al Madi, Saudi Arabia Country Manager, and attended by Saudi senior government officials, chief innovation officers, chief technology officers, and decision makers from the tech community.

Research commissioned by Google Cloud and conducted by Access Partnership, a prominent global tech policy advisory firm, estimates the new cloud region in Saudi Arabia could add a cumulative $109 billion in gross economic output to the Saudi economy between 2024 and 2030. Also, the increased economic activity from in-country cloud adoption has direct, indirect and spillover economic effects which would support the creation of 148,600 jobs throughout the economy in 2030 alone.

Eng Abdullah Al Swaha, Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), said during his presence at the launch: "Google Cloud's investment is a strategic move and we are confident that it will bolster the Kingdom's regional computing hub ambitions, as well as supporting our digital entrepreneurship drive and the acceleration of AI-based innovation and business models across the public and private sectors."

Kurian said: We are experiencing one of the most significant technological shifts in history, where AI is creating entirely new ways for organizations to solve problems, engage customers, and work more efficiently. Our new cloud region in Saudi Arabia will help both public and private sector organizations make the most of their data, leverage generative AI solutions, and create a culture of innovation underpinned by a modern, sustainable infrastructure with built-in security."

In their research, Access Partnership notes that the new Dammam cloud region can support the growth ambitions of 1.2 million SMEs in Saudi Arabia. Saudi SMEs account for 90% of businesses and 60% of total employment in the Kingdom and Saudi Arabias Vision 2030 aims for SMEs to contribute 35% to the gross domestic product by 2030. SMEs that are early in their startup journey can apply to join the Google for Startups Cloud Program once it becomes available in the country in the first quarter of 2024. Eligible startups will have access to product and technical support, dedicated mentors, industry experts, and cloud credit up to $200,000 over the first two years.

Starting today, Google Cloud Platform Services are available to Saudi Arabia-based customers through CNTXT, a leading digital transformation company established as a strategic joint venture between Cognite and Aramco. CNTXT is Google Clouds exclusive reseller for local organisations and multinationals purchasing Google Cloud Platform services on a standalone basis through their Saudi-based entities. Customers selling their own solutions powered by Google Cloud can sell those products to Saudi-based end-users, and customers based outside the Kingdom can work with Google Cloud or any of its partners to host their workloads in the Dammam cloud region.

Al Thehaiban said: "Google Cloud stands as one of the pioneering hyperscalers to launch a cloud region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a clear manifestation of our commitment to leading the digital evolution of the region.

Bader Al Madi, Saudi Arabia Country Manager, Google Cloud, said: We aim to support the digital empowerment of every business, and every individual in Saudi Arabia. By providing accessibility to cloud technologies and AI to the Saudi market, we are actively paving the path for the kingdoms digital transformation using the latest digital technologies to optimize business processes and customer experiences to meet rapidly-changing business and market dynamics. - TradeArabia News Service
Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil appears to have taken a leaf out of the book of ransomware outfits when advertising a new initiative by the government against this genre of malware.

Threat researcher Brett Callow noticed this aspect of the minister's style, contrasting the note put out by O'Neil on X [formerly Twitter] with a notice put out by the LockBit ransomware group.

"This announcement is certainly very #LockBit-like in style. #Ransomware," he noted in a tweet at the bottom of which he had included O'Neil's tweet.

O'Neil wrote: "The Albanese Government is stepping up to defend Australian businesses and citizens from the scourge of ransomware."

Below that was a graphic, in true ransomware gang-style, elaborating on what this initiative would include.

Of course, O'Neil's language was much more airy-fairy than that which any ransomware group would use, and also much less specific.

Callow made no further comment about O'Neil's efforts but one is sure that you, gentle reader, would certainly take note of the similarities in the two styles.
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In all the coverage accorded the announcement of West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin that he will not seek reelection, an essential fact has been overlooked: His action virtually assures that Donald Trump will have control of both houses of Congress if and when he is elected president.

Right now, there are 49 Republicans in the Senate. Manchins seat almost definitely going to the Republicans since West Virginia was Trumps best 2020 state. A Trump victory, bringing with it a Republican vice president, means Trump will control both Houses.

Both the House and the Senate.

In the House, the coattails of Trumps increasingly likely victory assure an expansion of the Republican margins of control. No longer with a paper-thin majority, Trump will be able to use the power of a conservative majority to push through his programs.

In the Senate, West Virginia is obviously going Republican. The GOP primary candidates  Republican governor Jim Justice and GOP Conservative congressman Alex Mooney  are both Trump stalwarts and the winner of their primary will be a shoo-in in the general election.

And the Republican Party has an excellent chance in at least five other Senate races.

 In Montana, Senate Democrat John Testers days are certainly numbered.

 In Arizona, Kari Lake is likely to win a three-way race for the seat now held by Krysten Sinema.

 In Nevada , polls show Democrat Senator Jackie Rosen is likely losing her seat.

 In Ohio, three candidates vie for the right to take on Democrat incumbent Sherrod Brown and a victory for the Republicans seems on the horizon.

 Finally, Republicans in Pennsylvania are realizing their error in nominating Dr. Oz last time and now seem set to name David McCormick as the opponent of vulnerable Democratic incumbent Bob Casey.

We should pick up at least one or two of these fights, but even if we dont, Donald Trump is likely to take office with majorities in both Houses.

(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.


 A Peruvian man, 26-year-old Julio Cesar Bermejo, is being detained in Puno after police discovered a mummified human in his possession, People reported.

Officers approached three men drinking in a park and noticed the remains inside a cooler delivery bag.

Bermejo told them that he had brought the mummy to the park to show his friends; it had been in his family for decades.

He said he named the remains "Juanita" and it was his "spiritual girlfriend."

However, officials say the mummy is actually that of a 45-year-old man, and they've turned it over to Peru's Ministry of Culture. [People, 3/1/2023]
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This weekend marked Armistice Day in Great Britain and Veterans Day in the United States. Both are somber days typically marked by honor and respect for symbols of the country and the men and women who have sacrificed so much for them. Instead, both London and New York City featured terrorist supporters marching en masse through the centers of the West, proclaiming their sovereignty.

Marxist philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre once blustered that the West was so guilty for its colonization that the best path would be to be colonized in reverse: "It's our turn to tread the path, step by step, which leads down to native level. But to become natives altogether, our soil must be occupied by a formerly colonized people and we must starve of hunger. This won't happen."

Sartre, obviously, was wrong. He, along with his like-minded and soft-headed colleagues, helped to discredit the West so thoroughly that the West spent decades importing millions of people who despise it.

And so London this weekend saw radical Muslims threatening the open annihilation of Jews. It saw home-grown or imported radicals wearing the headgear of terrorist group Hamas. It saw them attempting to mob the current Secretary of State for Housing Michael Gove. At least 150 people were arrested. But there were 300,000 marching in solidarity with a terrorist group.

The philosophy of those marching with Hamas and against the West is clear and obvious: The West is powerful; the West has exploited; the West is white; therefore, the West is powerful because the West is white and exploitative.

Under this theory, antisemitism is directly linked with anti-whiteness. The idea is that the Jews are the ultimate white people: They are unduly successful, and thus must be stopped. As one pro-Hamas flyer distributed at the University of Chicago read, "Ending White Privilege Starts With Ending Jewish Privilege."

This notion is fully coincident with anti-Americanism, too. America, after all, is largely great because of the promise that anyone of any background can get ahead. Jews are one of the great success stories in American history by that standard, given the fact that they arrived mostly in the early 20th century dirt poor, and quickly became highly educated and economically successful.

The current antisemitic movement is linked directly to hatred for the country and its meritocratic promise. That's why pro-Hamas protesters spent the weekend ripping down American flags.

Across the world, those who have not achieved are uniting against the West. They blame the West for their lack of success while living off the West's largesse.

The West has a choice. It can be colonized in Sartre's fashion, or it can refuse that colonization. In the UK, that battle is taking place largely over the verbiage of Suella Braverman, former Home Secretary, who has been stalwartly calling for an end to the police and government's coddling of pro-Hamas ralliers. Noticing the predations of the pro-Hamas crowd, however, is a dismissible offense in the U.K. In the words of Neil Basu, former head of counterterrorism policing in the U.K., "You have a chance of inflaming both sides when you make such divisive remarks."

Yes, it was the remarks that were divisive, not the hundreds of thousands of people calling for the destruction of Israel and the West from the heart of London.

Mustn't offend, you know.

In the United States, that battle is taking place at the universities, where enemies of the United States are ushered in and offered scholarships. The latest iteration comes courtesy of MIT, where radical students violated the university's rules by occupying public places; Jews were told by the university not to entire through the main lobby due to safety concerns.

These pro-Hamas students are foreigners. The university could easily have suspended them. The university didn't. Why not? It would violate their scruples about the necessity of importing people who hate the United States into the United States. Suspending the students might result in their deportation.

Yes, we certainly wouldn't want terror supporters deported. That might open a slot at MIT to a deserving Asian-American or something.

The reality is that the West has created wildly disproportionate prosperity and freedom over the course of its history compared with other civilizations. That doesn't excuse the West's sins, but it does mean that tearing down the West in favor of alternatives is repulsive.

(COMMENT, BELOW)

Ben Shapiro, bestselling author and syndicated columnist, first went into syndication after appearing in JWR.


SHELBYVILLE  Harry Lee Jones, who made his escape from the Shelby County Memorial Hospital where he was being treated for gunshot wounds following his arrest at Tower Hill on Aug. 28 on a charge of holding up David Bowman, is under arrest at the Great Lakes Training School. As soon as a requisition has been honored by the secretary of the navy Jones will be brought back to Shelbyville and placed in jail. Sheriff Riley has been on the lookout for Jones every since he eluded the vigilance of the nurses at the hospital...MATTOON  Merchant Patrolman Walter Hendricks expects to return to his duties this evening after having been confined to his home since Monday night by injuries sustained when struck by an automobile. When riding on his bicycle along Broadway in the 1700 block Monday night the officer was thrown from his wheel when struck by an automobile. The car sped away, and the identity of the driver has not been ascertained. The officer's left arm was sprained and a gash was cut over one eye, besides being considerably bruised...MATTOON  The heat main of the Public Service Company at Twenty-second street and Prairie avenue, which burst, has been repaired and the street at that point opened again to traffic. It was closed to make the repairs. The main burst at 7 a.m. Sunday morning, and the heat was again turned on at 8 p.m. Tuesday night.

MATTOON  "Construction of the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center is proceeding full-speed ahead." William Hurlburt, Mattoon Memorial Hospital administrator and executive administrator of the SBL facility, commented today following Wednesday's vote in favor of the dissolution and transfer of Memorial's assets to the new health center. Wednesday's unofficial vote totals show 4,419 persons voted in the referendum, approving it 2,979 to 1,216 with 224 ballots spoiled. The referendum was made necessary after opponents of the transfer filed a petition containing 1,200 valid signatures with the Memorial Hospital Board. Wednesday's favorable vote will close the tax-supported Memorial Hospital as an acute care facility once Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center is completed, and the hospital's assets will be transferred to the Area E-7 Hospital Association, a nonprofit organization. Also merging with Sarah Bush Lincoln will be Charleston Community Memorial Hospital. The Charleston hospital has previously approved dissolution of its assets. It has been estimated that it will take approximately two years to complete the project...MATTOON  Ivan Snider of J.C. Penney at the Cross County Mall reported to police that an eight-track stereo tape player valued at $99.95 was stolen between 1:30 and 2 p.m. Wednesday...MATTOON  Don Grantham, a native of Mattoon, will be the featured speaker at the Mattoon Association of Commerce's annual dinner. Grantham is president and chief operating officer of Beatrice Foods, Co. The company, with corporate offices in Chicago, is one of the largest of its kind in the world, doing business both nationally and internationally. Born in Mattoon, Grantham graduated from MHS in 1930 and attended Eastern Illinois College and the U of I. He joined Beatrice Foods as an accountant in its Meadow Gold plant in Mattoon in 1934. He moved from accounting to sales and became plant manager in 1951. Under his direction, the Mattoon plant became a substantial contributor to the growth of Beatrice Foods during the next five years. He left Mattoon in 1956.
CHARLESTON  Criminal charges are a possibility following a physical altercation Monday morning at Charleston High School.

Physical violence will not be tolerated, said a joint release to Charleston Neighbors issued Tuesday by the high school administration and the Charleston Police Department. It puts in jeopardy the safety and emotional well-being of our students and staff. As a reminder, any confirmed instances of physical violence will result in swift and appropriate disciplinary consequences.

School consequences up to expulsion will be implemented. There is also the potential of law enforcement involvement, which could include criminal charges for students and  in some circumstances  their parents.

According to the release, the Charleston Police Department investigated the incident and have been in consultation with the Coles County States Attorneys Office.

No additional details about the altercation were released.

The release added that students who incited or promoted the violence also could face disciplinary action.

NOTE: This includes using a cell phone with the intent to capture an instance of physical violence, the release stated.
CHARLESTON  Police are continuing to investigate an incident in which an Eastern Illinois University student was hit and injured by a vehicle while walking along campus on Monday.

EIU reported in a press release that the accident involving a pedestrian who is an EIU student occurred near the intersection of Fourth Street and Grant Avenue, which is adjacent to McAfee Gymnasium and Lincoln Hall.

"To protect the privacy of the student and the students family, EIU is not releasing the students name at this time. Charleston Police Department is actively investigating the incident, and more information will be forthcoming pending the results of CPDs investigation," EIU reported.

The Charleston Police Department reported that the student was taken to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana for treatment of injuries and that it has not received a condition update yet. The department reported that the driver of the vehicle has been identified and that the traffic crash report is still being completed.

The deadliest and safest cities for pedestrians The deadliest and safest cities for pedestrians Deadliest cities for pedestrians The smaller cities on this list have higher rate-adjusted fatality rates than major cities Safest cities for pedestrians Where did fatality rates rise or fall the most?
CHARLESTON  As opposing rallies in support of Gaza and of Israel continue across the country, the Eastern Illinois University campus has been the venue for two recent events for Gaza.

The Mixed Identities Student Association, Muslim Student Association, Young Democratic Socialists, Party for Socialism and Liberation, and Lincoln Avenue Progressives participated in an event on Thursday as part of nationwide Shut it Down for Palestine protests.

Lincoln Avenue Progressives reported in a press release that the group of more than a dozen protesters met at 10 a.m. at EIUs Old Main before walking to the Doudna Fine Arts Centers Mellin Steps while carrying signs and singing chants. At approximately 11 a.m., they walked back to the administration building to deliver a petition to EIU President Jay Gattrells office.

What is happening to Palestine since the 1960s is what happened and is still happening to indigenous people. My people, said protester Cory (Chyanne) Meadows of Charleston, who is half Cherokee.

Hamas forces in Gaza invaded Israel on Oct. 7, killing hundreds and taking hostages. Israel subsequently launched an ongoing counterattack and has blockaded the Palestinian territory, with casualties continuing to mount.

On Nov. 8, approximately 40 faculty, students and community members gathered for a vigil at the Mellin Steps. They wrote messages in chalk, lit candles and talked about the fighting in Gaza.

Participant Abidalrahman Mohd, an associate professor of mathematics, said he hopes the United States will stop sending billions in military funding to Israel as its assault and its occupation of Gaza continues.

Mohd said he was able to leave Gaza years ago, but the majority of Palestinians there now have no place to go because Israel rarely allows them to leave, and neighboring Egypt does not want to accept them. He, his wife and their four children still have family in Palestine.
Youd think the Biden administration would have realized by now that enriching the Iranian regime is a dangerous mistake.

Youd be wrong.

Relaxed U.S. enforcement of oil sanctions continued through October, refilling Supreme Leader Ali Khameneis coffers even after the Oct. 7 slaughter and the more than 40 attacks on U.S. troops by Irans proxies in the weeks since.

Iran exported nearly 1.4 million barrels of oil per day in October, sustaining its average for 2023. This is up 80% from the 775,000 barrels per day Iran averaged under the Trump administrations maximum pressure strategy, according to United Against Nuclear Iran, the group of former U.S. Ambassador Mark Wallace and Sen. Joe Lieberman, whose Tanker Tracker generates the best public data we have.

The Iranian surge in oil exports since President Biden took over has brought Iran an additional $32 billion to $35 billion, according to the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. The calculations are tricky, but the cause of the Iranian windfall is clear: As part of Bidens quiet diplomacy with Iran, the U.S. has curtailed sanctions enforcement. Customers and middlemen have concluded the risk is low and the discount on Irans oil is too good to pass up.

This transfer of funds to Iran is cumulatively more significant than the presidents recent $6 billion ransom payment in return for five hostages. And it keeps growing, even as the money fails to moderate Iranian behavior. Instead it finances Irans aggression abroad via proxies such as Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen and the front groups in Iraq and Syria that shoot at American bases almost daily.

In 2020 the State Department assessed that Iran sends $100 million a year to Palestinian terrorist groups, arming and training them to attack Israel and murder its civilians as Hamas did Oct. 7. Last year Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said his group receives $70 million from Iran, plus long-range rockets.

Citing an Israeli security source, Reuters reports that Irans funding for Hamas ballooned in the past year to $350 million. Hamas new capabilities took Israel and the U.S. by surprise, but they didnt come from nowhere.

About 70% of Irans oil exports are to China, which helps explain the blossoming Russia-China-Iran axis challenging world order. Iran sends China cheap oil and Russia new military drones. It may export missiles too, now that the Biden administration allowed international missile sanctions to lapse.

In return, Iran receives the money and diplomatic cover it needs to advance its war on the U.S. and Israel. Russian military support in Syria shields Iranian arms transfers, and the potential for nuclear cooperation should keep Western policymakers up at night.

If the Biden administration wants to limit the flow of oil money to Tehran, it knows what to do: enforce the law and sanction the complicit banks, purchasers, insurers, tankers, ports and other players that facilitate the trade. Does the president have the will to break from his strategy of appeasement?
Wednesday is Utility Scam Awareness Day, a day that provides utilities throughout the country the opportunity to tell customers what they are doing to combat scams.

In this area, Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas, and the Central and Northwest North Carolina Better Business Bureau have partnered to make utility customers more aware of scams, how to avoid them and how to report them to protect other customers.

So far this year, Duke Energy has received more than 77,000 scam attempt reports. In 2022, they reported more than 150,000 attempts.

The BBB said that they see an increase of utility scams in the winter and summer, when people use more heat and air conditioning. Last year the bureaus Scam Tracker Risk Report reported that the average loss to utility scam was about $327.

To help customers report scam attempts Duke and other utilities created Utilities United Against Scams.

We are also a founding member of Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS), a consortium of more than 140 U.S. and Canadian electric, water and natural gas companies (and their respective trade associations) that raises awareness of utility scams targeting customers, Duke said in a press release.

Duke also launched its Scam Reporting Tool in March. Customers can report scam attempts and with information from its call centers, and other utilities, Duke can identify new methods scammers are using.

Unfortunately, scammers are willing to try anything these days, and we know this time of year they focus on utility scams, said Lechelle Yates, a spokeswoman for the BBB.

Here are ways scammers try to steal from people.

They threaten to disconnect service unless the person pays them immediately or gives them personal information.

The scammers may tell the person to send prepaid cards, cryptocurrencies, digital payment apps, or ask for the persons banking information.

Duke and Piedmont do not accept payments through Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App. Payments can be made through their respective websites, Duke-Energy.com or PiedmontNG.com.

The utilities have many options that customers can use to pay their bills. Customers can use the official website, call by phone, use an automatic bank draft, mail it, or go in person to make a payment.

Duke will never tell you how to pay your bill or threaten immediate disconnection. If your account is past due Duke will give you several notices, usually by mail, before it is disconnected. They also will never ask for bank or credit card information over the phone, in person, or by email.

Scammers are creating ads on internet search engines that go to sites that look like utility bill payment pages but are scams.

Scammers are also using QR codes that falsely claim to link to a utility payment page and texts pretending to be from a utility representative with a link to an impostor payment page, according to Duke Energy.

If you think that you are being scammed, hang up, close the door, or delete the text or email.

They also should contact the utility immediately at the number on the most recent monthly bill or on the utilitys official website, not the phone number the scammer provides. If customers ever feel in physical danger, they should call 911.

There are links on the Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas websites that will take you to pages with additional scam information.
HIGH POINT  Police say a 20-year-old man with a history of exposing himself at local businesses was arrested again Tuesday morning at a local Chick-Fil-A restaurant.

This is the ninth time Noree L. Staton has been arrested in the past six months, according to a news release from the High Point Police Department.

Police say Staton was seen masturbating at Chick-fil-A at 2700 N. Main St. at approximately 11:20 a.m. Tuesday near a mother and her young children. Staton ran from the restaurant and officers chased him across the street.

He was arrested in a parking lot and charged with indecent liberties with children and resist, delay and obstruct a police officer. He is in the Guilford County Jail  the High Point location  with no bond.

Police say Staton was out on bond after being released from jail Nov. 8. The police department provided this timeline of Statons arrests since May:

May 1: Arrested after a woman reported he groped her from behind at 265 Eastchester Drive (Harris Teeter). He was given a $250 bond.

May 24: Arrested after a victim reported Staton entered the womens bathroom at 2705 N. Main St. (Food Lion) and peered over a stall. He was given a $1,000 bond and bonded out about 12 hours later.

July 5: Arrested on outstanding warrant for trespassing and also charged with resist, delay or obstruct a public officer. Staton was wanted for trespassing at a local Harris Teeter where hed been previously banned.

July 5: Charged with four counts of indecent exposure. Officers investigated reports Staton exposed himself at DeBeen Espresso and gathered enough evidence to charge him with additional crimes. At this time, he was already in custody for previous charges. Magistrate set bond at $40,000. At Statons first appearance on July 6, a judge set his bond at $25,000. Staton bonded out of jail on July 9.

July 16: While out on bond, he was arrested on a charge of indecent exposure. Magistrate set bond at $50,000. During first appearance, judge raised bond to $75,000.

July 19: Charged with stalking. This charge was for an incident that occurred on May 24 at the Hartley Drive Family YMCA (150 W. Hartley Drive). Management said Staton entered the womens bathroom and harassed two juvenile females. Staton was served the warrant in jail. A magistrate set his bond at $1,500.

Sept. 27: Arrested after reportedly trespassing at Westchester Baptist Church (135 Westchester Drive). Hed been banned from the property on Sept. 19 and was seen on the property the next day. Magistrate set bond at $500.

Sept. 28: Arrested on a charge of resist, delay or obstruct a police officer. Officers responded to a domestic disturbance on Elmhurst Avenue. Staton was there and he failed to follow the officers commands. Magistrate set bond at $500.

Police say Staton is banned from many High Point businesses, including:

Target (1050 Mall Loop Road)

Waffle House (115 Westchester Drive)

Harris Teeter (all stores)

Hartley Drive Family YMCA (150 W. Harley Drive)

DeBeen Espresso (709 W. Lexington Ave.)

Starbucks (2209 N. Main St.)

Publix (2005 N. Main St.)

Walgreens (2019 N. Main St.)

101 Oxford Place (Condos and entire complex)

Westchester Baptist Church (135 Westchester Drive)

High Point Christian Academy (307 N. Rotary Drive)

83 Custom Coffee (1212 N. Main St.)

It was not immediately known if Staton had retained an attorney.
Kimberly Shouse and Izetta Hale, bus drivers for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, left Tuesdays school board meeting feeling as if their employer is finally compensating them properly after years of promises.

It is wonderful and its a joy, Shouse said. We have worked hard.

They and other employees in the school districts transportation department will be getting 8% raises under a new classified compensation plan that the school board passed unanimously at a packed meeting on Tuesday.

Other classified employees, including cafeteria, maintenance, teacher assistants and office workers, will get a 6% raise. Four percent of that will come from the state, with the local school district adding another 2%.

In addition, the new plan includes longevity pay, meaning veteran classified workers will get up to an additional 10% pay bump, depending on their years of service in the local district.

Hale, a bus driver with more than 20 years of experience, can expect to see a 15% pay raise.

Its been tiresome because of what were up against, Hale said of the long wait for a salary increase.

The salary plan will affect about 2,000 classified employees and cost about $4.3 million in local dollars. Workers can expect to get checks for retroactive pay by Nov. 30, said Chief Financial Officer Thomas Kranz said.

The part of the plan that addresses longevity pay will take some time to compute. Kranz estimated that money to reward longevity will be ready to be paid out in January.

The longevity plan gives classified employees a 1% raise for every three years of work, a step to address wage compression, which happens when starting salaries are increased, resulting in new hires making close to what experienced workers earn.

This is not over, Kranz said. Its a living and breathing document that will continue to get evaluated and reviewed to determine what can be done each and every year.

Superintendent Tricia McManus called the salary increase a first step.

Were going to continue working on this, she said. I want every employee to know that they dont have to work a second job unless they want to.

At a meeting of the board in October, Kranz laid out a few scenarios to help board members make sense of the numbers:

*A bus driver with no experience is hired at the current rate of $15. Under the proposed plan, the pay will increase 8% to $16.20. At the beginning of year three, the driver will get a 1% bump, bringing the hourly wage to $16.36. The driver will get a 2% raise at the beginning of year six, bringing the hourly wage to $16.69.

Another example:

*A school financial manager with 13 years in the district who is currently receiving $3,751 per month will now make $3,976.06, a 6% increase. Based on longevity, the employee will get a 4% pay bump, increasing the monthly salary to $4,135.

The longevity pay tops out at 10% once an employee reaches 30 years.

Classified employees who are directors, officers and superintendents will not get any additional local dollars because they are among the highest paid employees in the school district.
This weeks trip by Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson to Israel with an N.C. faith group represents a solidarity commitment to the nation and its citizens, according to a campaign social media posting.

However, two of Robinsons rivals for the 2024 Republican nomination for governor claim the three-day trip is yet another attempt at deflecting his past comments that have been viewed as anti-Semitic by Jewish people.

Robinson is being accompanied on the N.C. Faith and Freedom Coalition-sponsored trip by Republican state senators Dave Craven of District 29 that includes Randolph County, and Brad Overcash of Gaston County.

Robinson said in a Facebook posting Sunday that in the weeks since Hamas brutal and unprovoked terrorist attacks against Israel, news reports and images of the unprovoked attacks against innocent civilians have affected many of us deeply on a personal level.

Throughout this trip, we will learn more about what the Israelis are up against in this struggle and show our support in standing shoulder to shoulder with our ally against terrorism.

Robinson has been denounced by several GOP primary rivals for holding a special event as acting governor on Oct. 13 in which Robinson declared a North Carolina Solidarity With Israel Week.

State treasurer and governor candidate Dale Folwell posted Monday on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he hopes the Israeli government understands that they are hosting a leader from North Carolina with a history of anti-Jewish comments.

After Robinson initially said on Oct. 13 he wanted to limit his remarks to the two solidarity declarations, he responded to media questions by saying there have been some Facebook posts that were poorly worded on my part, that did not convey my real sentiments.

I have addressed those issues and moved on from those issues. There was never any anti-Semitism intended from those words. There is no anti-Semitism standing here in front of you.

Folwell tagged the coalition in his posting in which he reflected on his trip to the Dachau concentration camp.

Israel and Jewish people worldwide are at war locally and on college campuses and Wall Street, Folwell said.

Israel needs light, character and substance, not 72 hours of theater from a lawless elected official who poses as their friend.

A spokesman for Republican governor candidate Bill Graham also cited Robinsons previous comments about Jewish people and the Holocaust.

Mark Robinson said in 2017 that he was sick of hearing that the Nazis were evil and manipulative towards the Jews, Alex Baltzegar said. That is just one of many examples of his well-documented history of anti-Semitism.

Now, Robinson is taking advantage of terrorists slaughter of Israeli citizens to try to whitewash his anti-Israel record.

We need a governor who is consistent and clear, not hypocritical and politically double-sided, Baltzegar said. Bill Graham has never wavered in his support for Israel and will continue to be supportive as governor.

Meredith poll

Most statewide polls on the 2024 governor primary races have Robinson and Democrat Attorney General Josh Stein with commanding leads in their respective races.

The latest Meredith Poll, taken Nov. 1-5 and released Monday, found Robinson favored by 41% of 315 potential Republican primary voters.

Graham was second at 5%, followed by Folwell at 3%, Jesse Thomas at 2% and former state representative Andy Wells at 1%.

Meanwhile, 42% of potential Republican voters said they dont know which Republican candidate will get their vote, while 6% said someone else.

Poll officials said Robinson does well with all groups of Republicans, but particularly with the most conservative primary voters, older Republicans and those with less education.

There could be a competitive primary, but it looks unlikely unless one of Robinsons challengers catches fire, said David McLennan, the polls director.

For the Democratic nomination, Stein led with 38% of 310 potential voters, followed by former N.C. Supreme Court judge Mike Morgan at 11%. There were 44% who didnt know their preference, while 7% said someone else.

It may be difficult for Morgan to overcome Steins advantages that include a strong campaign war chest and the endorsement of Gov. Roy Cooper, McLennan said.

If a general election involving Stein vs. Robinson, 289 potential voters, or 38%, said Stein, while 274, or 36%, said Robinson. Dont know was 147 potential voters at 19%, while someone else was 45 voters and 6%.
GOP RIP

The Republican Party was born in the middle of the 19th century, before the Civil War. It was a strong and viable party for many years. The GOP, or Grand Old Party, as it was fondly called, was a party of integrity and honor and held high principles. It was dedicated to protecting democracy and was willing to work with the opposing party for the good of the American people.

It is with a sad heart that I report the death of the GOP. It happened in the first quarter of the 21st century. The cause is still under investigation. Some say it was from an overdose of the drug Power. Others think its demise was from more sinister causes. There are few survivors. No memorial service is planned.

Margery Edgerton

Wilkesboro

Put kids first

With the holiday season blossoming around us, its easy to picture happy, glowing faces gathering around a tree or menorah. Children waiting anxiously to unwrap gifts, brimming with excitement and anticipation. But instead of lights and a pile of gifts, imagine darkness and one single brown box for the child to open. The child, still hopeful, opens the box to find the governments latest tax legislation; legislation that includes corporate tax breaks, yet nothing for children and families.

With Congress considering a new tax package, it must remember constituents and their families over big corporations. While watching Its a Wonderful Life or A Christmas Carol and cringing at the greed depicted in these holiday classics, we cannot possibly allow those we elect to perpetuate those ideals. With recent Census data showing that child poverty more than doubled in 2022, it is imperative that any tax package includes an expansion of the Child Tax Credit for families with low incomes. In 2021, the expanded CTC lifted more than 3 million children from poverty. By allowing the CTC expansion to expire, lawmakers have abandoned those children. Here is their chance at redemption.

When it comes to tax priorities this year, children and families must come first. Our members of Congress must demand that any tax package this year significantly reduce child poverty through an expansion of the Child Tax Credit.

Danielle Shamel

Lewisville

A turbulent history

The tragic history of the never-ending Israeli-Palestinian conflict dates back to World War I.

The British government vowed in the Balfour Declaration of 1917 to create a homeland in Palestine for Zionists without any provision for the Palestinians.

Five years later Britain made this commitment a reality when they received a mandate over both Iraq and Palestine after the 1920 San Remo Conference divided up the defeated Ottoman Empire into British and French spheres of influence.

Fighting ensued after the U.N. partitioned British-controlled Palestine into two states in 1947, one Jewish and the other Arab. Jewish forces in what became Israel overwhelmed Arab militias and civilians, many of whom fled or were expelled. Nearly 800,000 people were displaced, 531 villages destroyed and 11 urban neighborhoods emptied of their inhabitants.

On the withdrawal of the British from Palestine on May 15, 1948, Arab armies from Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon occupied the areas in Palestine not given to the Jews and captured east Jerusalem. The Israelis thwarted repeated Arab assaults on their new Jewish state in their war for independence until separate armistice agreements were eventually signed with these Arab nations.

What followed were decades of wars between Israel and the Arabs over Palestine, the rise of Hamas and Hezbollah, two Israeli invasions of Lebanon to root out terrorist strongholds, the Israeli blockade of Gaza and constant attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians in the West Bank that continue today.

The truth is, Israel has always had to fight to exist and the Palestinians remain a dispossessed and stateless people

Tim Miles

Mount Airy

Wakes stand

NO!

Kudos to the Wake Forest University administration for its stand against faculty member Laura Mullens callous post that, in response to alleged mistreatment, she could be tempted to shoot up your dance party (an obvious reference to the Hamas massacre of Jews in Israel).

Christina Sharpes ensuing cancellation of her visit in protest of Wake Forests disapproval of Mullens post affirms that the administration made the right decision. People who endorse the sadistic torture and murder of innocent families, including children and infants, have no business influencing the minds of young people in academia or anywhere else.

Proverbs 8:39 states that those who hate wisdom love death. History is littered with countless millions of corpses that demonstrate the truth of that statement. How many more will it take to satisfy our insatiable lust for blood?

Wade Peeples

Pfafftown
The new owner of Lincoln's remaining Burger King restaurants says they will get a refresh.

Kansas King Inc. announced Tuesday that it plans to add new digital order kiosks and make other digital upgrades at the 16 Burger King locations it acquired in Nebraska and Kansas.

That includes the four remaining locations in Lincoln  at 84th and O streets, 17th and South streets, 40th Street and Old Cheney Road and 11th Street and Cornhusker Highway  along with the location in Beatrice.

Three of those locations -- the ones at 17th and South, 84th and O and 11th and Cornhusker -- also will be undergoing more extensive renovations.

Kansas King said the more minor upgrades are already underway at all locations, while the more extensive remodels will begin sometime next year.

The company, which is based in Manhattan, Kansas, bought the locations out of bankruptcy in late September after former owner Meridian Restaurants Unlimited determined it could not go forward with its reorganization plans.

At the same time, Meridian also closed Lincoln Burger King locations at 48th and Holdrege streets, 48th and Van Dorn streets and 5940 Havelock Ave., as well as the location in Hastings.

Meridian had earlier closed locations at 25th and O streets and 27th and Superior streets in April, along with its location in York, as part of its bankruptcy.

The company, which bought the Nebraska locations from Horizon Holdings in 2018, originally filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March, saying at the time that it planned to reorganize and didn't plan to close any locations or cut any jobs, but those plans quickly changed after a performance evaluation that determined it was, "appropriate to cease operations and close certain of the restaurants."

Kansas King is looking to reinvigorate the brand at the locations it owns. In addition to the digital upgrades being planned at all restaurants, the company also plans more extensive renovations at certain locations, although it hasn't yet said which ones.

Kim Beyer, the franchise owner and operator of Kansas King, was previously operations director for Meridian and also spent 25 years as a district manager at Burger King overseeing locations in Kansas and Nebraska.

Having spent my entire career working for Burger King, I have a deep love and knowledge of the brand and the team members that are a part of making each location a success, many of whom I will continue working alongside, Beyer said in a news release. Most of these locations were acquiring are in the local communities Ive grown up in and are restaurants that Ive managed previously, so Im excited to serve and continue making memories with the guests in these areas for years to come.

Restaurant rebound: How spending at restaurants bounced back Restaurant rebound: How spending at restaurants bounced back
Margaret Reist Local government reporter Follow Margaret Reist 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

The debate over health directives and mask mandates that raged during the pandemic made an appearance recently in Hickman.

Several Hickman residents raised concerns that renewing an interlocal agreement with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department could allow the department to impose a mask mandate on the town in Southeast Lancaster County were another pandemic to occur.

The council was considering renewing an agreement that had been in place for 10 years and allowed the Health Department to assist Hickman officials with various environmental public and safety complaints. Those include pollution, nuisance complaints of residences, wastewater permitting, burn permits, and property transfers of water wells and wastewater systems.

The Health Department has had similar agreements with Hickman and other cities and villages in the county for decades, said Brock Hanish, the Health Departments environmental health division manager.

The Hickman city attorney concluded the agreement wasnt broad enough to allow for a pandemic-like health mandate and noted that that didnt happen in 2020.

Hickman has its own health board and during the pandemic, the city's board recommended and the council approved a resolution strongly recommending masks but not mandating them, said Hickman City Administrator Kelly Oelke. The only exception was businesses that had employees licensed through the Health Department, she said.

The Hickman residents who spoke at October meetings wanted language prohibiting Health Department officials from overriding any decision of Hickmans health board, but Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Director Pat Lopez wrote a letter to Hickman officials saying that fell outside the scope of the agreements.

Oelke said the agreement saves Hickman money because credentialed experts in various environmental areas can assist the city at no cost, and she noted that it happens rarely. Hickman has similar interlocal agreements with other county agencies such as the sheriff's office and the countys mapping system.

The Hickman City Council ultimately approved the interlocal for another 10 years on a 5-1 vote.

Stepping up

Lancaster County and Region V Systems are partnering to reduce the number of people with mental illness who land in jail  part of a broad-based effort to reduce overcrowding at the Lancaster County Jail.

Jail overcrowding reached crisis levels this summer when corrections officials had to begin housing some inmates at other county jails.

As a result, the county board decided to hire a consultant to assess the countys justice system in an effort to find ways to reduce the jail population.

The county is still searching for a consultant, and in the meantime, Region V Systems and corrections will work together on a national initiative  called Stepping Up  designed to develop policies, practices and programs to help reduce the number of people in jail with serious mental health issues.

Theyll gather data from jail bookings, length of stay, connection to treatment after release and recidivism to come up with recommendations for systemic changes, said Lancaster County Board Chairwoman Christa Yoakum.

Participation in the Stepping Up initiative has the potential to significantly advance our communitys conversations relating to mental health, substance abuse and addiction by identifying strategies to prioritize treatment options over legal interventions when encountering individuals with behavioral health needs, she said.

A professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln doing research on the juvenile justice system will also begin looking at what diversion services are most effective with the adult jail population, she said.

The county also is using some federal stimulus money to create a 16-bed respite center for people with mental health issues as a way to keep them out of jail, she said.

And the county has added another jail administrator to develop and oversee reentry programs for those released from jail.

Award-winning wastewater

Lincoln recently received a couple of awards from the Nebraska Water Environmental Association, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the states water quality.

The association gave awards to 18 city water treatment programs for outstanding maintenance, performance, personnel training, community involvement and overall facility condition.

Lincoln garnered two: one for its Northeast Water Resource Recovery facility; and a "best in show" for the Theresa Street treatment plant.

Top Journal Star photos for November 2023
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 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.

Lincoln City Libraries' most popular books of 2022 1. The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles 2. Sparks Like Stars by Nadia Hashimi 3. Sparring Partners by John Grisham 4. The 6:20 Man by David Baldacci 5. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens 6. Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson 7. The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand 8. Dream Town by David Baldacci 9. Shattered by James Patterson 10. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days by Jeff Kinney
Abortion rights advocates in Nebraska who are launching a ballot initiative campaign this week are seeking to enshrine "a fundamental right to abortion until fetal viability" into the state's constitution, according to proposed policy language made public Wednesday.

The language  initially filed with Nebraska's secretary of state earlier this month by a coalition of advocates known as Protect Our Rights  will appear on petitions seeking to put the constitutional amendment before voters in November 2024.

The coalition leading the effort, which includes the ACLU of Nebraska, I Be Black Girl, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Nebraska, the Women's Fund of Omaha and Nebraska Appleseed, among others, plans to formally launch their petition drive Thursday in Omaha.

Advocates will need to collect signatures from 10% of Nebraskas registered voters to get the would-be amendment on the ballot next November  a total that will require about 122,000 authorized signatures, including 5% of registered voters in at least 38 of Nebraskas 93 counties.

The proposed policy language does not set a specific timeline for when abortion would be illegal under the amendment but defines fetal viability as "the point in pregnancy when, in the professional judgment of the patients treating health care practitioner, there is a significant likelihood of the fetus sustained survival outside the uterus without the application of extraordinary medical measures."

If it reaches the ballot and is approved by voters, the amendment would also ensure abortions are available "when needed to protect the life or health of the pregnant patient, without interference from the state or its political subdivisions."

"This amendment will ensure that these personal decisions stay with Nebraskans  not politicians," Ashlei Spivey, a member of Protect Our Rights executive committee and executive director of I Be Black Girl, said in a statement Wednesday.

The proposed policy invokes similar language as the constitutional amendment voters in Ohio supported last week that allows the state to regulate abortion only after fetal viability, which is generally considered to be six months of pregnancy or about 22-24 weeks gestation.

The proposed language prompted immediate backlash from Gov. Jim Pillen and his conservative allies in the Legislature, who in April voted 33-15 to pass a bill that restricted access to abortion in the state to 12 weeks based on gestational age. State law previously allowed abortions up until 20 weeks post-fertilization.

"Bottom line: it's very vague, it's very open," Pillen told reporters Wednesday, suggesting "fetal viability" could be defined "a lot of different ways."

"I'm gonna fight it with every ounce of energy that I have because what it will lead to, if enacted, it will lead to doctors deciding  women deciding, doctors deciding whether a baby being born at 39 weeks can live or not," he said.

"We are a pro-life state. There's no Nebraskans that are gonna support that petition and we're gonna make sure they understand the truth of the language in it."

State Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston, who proposed a six-week ban that was narrowly blocked in the Legislature this year before the body ultimately passed the 12-week ban, called the petition language "extreme" and said current law already provides exceptions for the life of the mother and medical emergencies throughout pregnancy.

"An amendment that jeopardizes the health and safety of women and abandons babies who deserve love and protection to painful late-term abortion procedures must be rejected," she said in a press release.

A coalition of anti-abortion advocates called the Nebraska Pro-Life Coalition, which is made up of Nebraska Right to Life, the Nebraska Catholic Conference, the Nebraska Family Alliance and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, lodged similar objections in a joint statement Wednesday.

Abortion rights advocates have framed the issue as unpolitical, pointing to the success of the abortion rights ballot initiative last week in Ohio  the seventh state where voters have decided to protect abortion access in the months since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022  as evidence that the fight over abortion access is not an inherently political issue.

But the looming ballot initiative campaign in Nebraska will nonetheless pit advocates against Pillen and his political allies who championed the passing of the state's 12-week ban in April.

Those restrictions, which took effect immediately, have been challenged in court, so far unsuccessfully. The legal challenge  currently pending in the Nebraska Supreme Court  claims the law violated the state Constitutions single-subject rule because the bill that put the restrictions into place also banned gender-affirming surgeries for minors.

Pillen has since pledged that he and lawmakers are going to end abortion at conception in Nebraska, indicating their push to restrict access to the procedure won't stop with bans at 12 or even six weeks.

Advocates, though, hope to halt further restrictions and reverse those already in place.

Unlike the state officials working to totally ban abortion, we're elevating the voices and lived experiences of Nebraskans who believe that pregnant people should be able to access needed care with compassion and privacy, free from political interference," Spivey said in her statement Wednesday.

She said the amendment is "informed both by medical experts and where most Nebraskans are on this issue."

The group's filings with Secretary of State Bob Evnen's office list three formal sponsors of the proposed amendment: Dr. Andy Robertson, an Elkhorn-based maternal and fetal medicine specialist; Dr. Carolyn Maud Doherty, an OB-GYN in Omaha, and Jasmine Smith, a birth and postpartum pregnancy loss support provider who also lives in Omaha.

The coalition has commissioned a poll to test Nebraskans' view on the issue but haven't published results of that effort.

Campaign finance reports the group filed with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission indicate the Washington, D.C.-based organization The Fairness Project paid a California polling firm nearly $54,000 to conduct the poll on behalf of the Nebraska coalition.

Protect Our Rights' latest campaign finance statement, which the group filed in late October, suggests that it has around $43,000 in cash on hand and has so far been funded primarily by the ACLU of Nebraska, which gave $25,000 to the coalition in September and again in October.

Abortion in America: How access and attitudes have changed through the centuries The evolution of abortion in America Pre-1850: Abortions in early America are commonplace Mid-1800s: Birth of the American Medical Association shifts abortion oversight from midwives to doctors; abortion is criminalized 1960s: 'Back-alley butchers,' birth control, and protests 1970s: Roe v. Wade protects women's right to abortion; politics shift 1980s-2000s: Legal challenges to Roe v. Wade introduce restrictions 2020s: Roe v. Wade is overturned; Postal Service allowed to mail abortion medication
Luxury private island resort, Baros Maldives, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in December by commemorating the islands deep-rooted values and its own journey of authentic hospitality.

Nestled in North Male Atoll, a short 25-minute speedboat ride from the International Airport, Baros is the third resort to open in the Maldives. Baros welcomed guests for the first time in December 1973. Seven blocks of rooms with palm leaf walls, coconut thatched roofs, sandy floors and repurposed ship bunks reflected an era of simplicity.

A decade on, Baros had evolved. Coral and lime walls replaced palm leaf mats, plywood ceilings replaced the thatched roofs and small tiled bathrooms were built.

In 1984, the resort installed its first desalination plant, offering fresh water and luxury bathtubs, a feat that revolutionised the Maldivian tourism landscape. Even then, the island's owner, local family-run company Universal Enterprises, recognised the true essence of Baros lay in its untouched beauty.

For Baros, the journey was not just about growth, but also the preservation of its inherent allure as a truly authentic island, and chose to intertwine its structures with nature, weaving the island's lush vegetation into its architecture.

The use of artificial shade was cast aside in favour of preserving the 374 palm trees that continue to grace the island today, a testament to the owners devotion to the environment and the islands history as a coconut palm plantation.

Nature takes centre stage at Baros not only on land: but also beneath the turquoise waters that lap its shore  a world-class house reef teeming with life. This marine wonderland, just a short swim from guest villas, is a haven for both divers and snorkellers.

The resident marine biology team's passion and dedication shine through initiatives such as the coral cube project where guests can participate in reef conservation and nurture the beauty that defines the islands underwater realm.

Baros' journey is marked by innovation. It was among the first resorts to introduce open-air bathrooms as well as the stylish over-water bungalows that are now synonymous with the Maldives. Its desalination plant that opened in 1984 was the countrys first, and set a benchmark in the tourism industry.

The iconic Piano Deck in the Baros Lagoon, and two-story overwater Lighthouse Restaurant and Lounge, demonstrate the resorts unwavering dedication to paving the way for development, whilst staying true to the timeless elegance that makes it so unique.

As Baros has evolved over the past five decades, culinary excellence has remained at its heart. In addition to two other gourmet restaurants, its signature The Lighthouse Restaurant and Lounge, established in 2005, stands as a beacon of fine dining in the Maldives. Here, the Flambeed Lobster Bisque, prepared tableside on a Flambee Gueridon, along with many other well-loved classics, have drawn guests from around the world for years.

Baros's legendary service is not just about luxury; it's about heartfelt dedication, said a statement. Team members such as Mohamed Zihunee, who joined Baros as its very first employee, and is still there to this day, and Ibrahim Afzal who started working on the island at just 16, and now after 36 years is currently serving as Laundry Manager, embody the soul of Baros, the hotel said in a statement.

Ahmed (or Dive Ahmed as hes fondly called), with 25,000 dives under his belt, is another remarkable figure in Baros' story. These are just a few examples of the enduring bonds formed over the years, said the statement.

Similarly, Baros's repeat guest percentage is no less impressive, exceeding 30%, with some guests having visited over 50 times, the hotel said. One German couple has visited Baros 54 times, while a British couple has visited 32 times and others over 20 times. These guests are part of the Baros family, forging innate connections with the team.

Baros consistently ranks at the top on guest rating platforms and has garnered numerous awards and accolades. It was named the "World's Most Romantic Resort" in 2022 for the seventh time in 10 years by the World Travel Awards, received the title of "Indian Ocean's Most Romantic Resort" for the tenth consecutive year in 2022, and was nominated as the Best Honeymoon Resort in 2021 by Elle Bridal Awards.

Baros was also awarded the honour of The Maldives Icon at the prestigious Hideaways awards at ITB 2023, and recognised by Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards 2023 among the Top 20 Resorts in the Indian Ocean.  TradeArabia News Service
GRAND ISLAND  The family of a Grand Island woman, who suffered a fatal injury and died more than four months later, is not satisfied with the inconclusive findings of the Hall County Sheriffs Department.

On Sept. 29, the sheriffs department said it had finished its investigation and couldn't confirm or rule out a criminal act in the death of Connie Williams Baasch.

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 department said in a news release.

Baasch was found unconscious in the bedroom of her home at 4704 Stoneridge Path on Oct. 15, 2022. She died on Feb. 28 of this year, at the age of 68, in an Omaha hospital.

Baasch lived alone in the home.

The sheriffs department said deputies were sent to the home on a report of an unconscious woman who had fallen. In a news release on March 3, the department said the injuries appeared suspicious and they were investigating.

The family still does not believe it was a fall, said Tim Williams, one of Baaschs sons.

We do not feel it was a fall and dont believe there was any evidence to prove it was a fall, he said.

Williams said later on the day Baasch was found by her brother, deputies told two of her sons 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. Family members said they were also told they could clean up the broken glass from her patio door and cover it with plywood.

Baasch was found in her upstairs bedroom, but there was no blood trail leading up to the room.

The family was also critical that investigators left behind what they considered potential evidence like a bloody blanket and pillows in Baasch's room and the clothes she was wearing that day. They were not collected until months after family members brought them to investigators' attention.

Williams believes someone came to the house and assaulted his mother, although he doesn't know who that might be.

The sheriffs department said 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, according to the September news 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 said.
WATERFORD  As the Waterford Fire Department struggles with a staffing shortage, village trustees have turned down a proposal to outsource fire inspections.

Village Administrator Zeke Jackson presented a plan to hire SAFEbuilt LLC to conduct twice-a-year business inspections currently handled by the fire departments staff.

Fire Chief Kevin Hafemann said nobody from the village consulted with him before drafting the outsourcing plan. Hafemann said he was uncertain how a private contract became an alternative to increased funding for his department.

Members of the Waterford Village Board rejected the SAFEbuilt contract idea Monday, and agreed to leave inspections to the fire department.

Although SAFEbuilt would have charged the village $125 an hour, the proposal did not include an estimate on the annual cost of the fire inspection contract.

SAFEbuilt operations manager Dave Hendrix said communities often turn to his company for inspection services when their own fire department is lacking manpower or other resources.

Hendrix said he could not speculate how Waterford officials compared the cost of outsourcing with allocating more funds to the fire department.

A lot of times, they have to weigh that, he said.

Village records show the fire departments budget was reduced almost $150,000 this year, from more than $1.4 million to less than $1.3 million, and that property tax support was cut from $829,949 to $758,272.

Village officials have denied cutting tax support or lowering the departments budget.

Staffing at the firehouse has dwindled to two people on nights and weekends. Firefighters and paramedics sometimes must wait for neighboring departments to arrive before crews can enter a burning building or begin extrication at a traffic crash.

After public outcry about the reduced services, members of the Village Board this summer agreed to consider a voter referendum on increased funding for the fire department.

Four months later, no decision has been announced about a referendum.

SAFEbuilt already is providing inspection services in Waterford for newly constructed residential and commercial properties. Village officials sought to enlist the firm for fire inspections that involve checking each local business twice a year for basic safety precautions.

Hendrix said initial discussions called for SAFEbuilt to dedicate 5 to 10 hours a week to the fire inspections, which at $125 an hour would cost between $32,500 and $65,000 a year. Hendrix was unsure if those were still the parameters of the contract under consideration.

We said wed be willing to help them with whatever their needs are, he said.

Hafemann said he has heard nothing from village leaders lately about the idea of a referendum to boost funding and ease staffing woes in the fire department, and said that outsourcing inspections could be one way to address the problems created by inadequate funding of the department.

I cant continue to do more with less, he said.

The chief said the business inspections previously were overseen in the department by a lieutenant who earned $29 an hour. That lieutenant has since moved on, and a part-time employee is stepping in.

How wildfires have worsened in recent decades How wildfires have worsened in recent decades The number of wildfires is decreasing, but more acres are burning Wildfire seasons are getting longer Wildfire suppression costs have risen by billions of dollars Lightning fires are causing more damage in the West California's wildfires continue to set records
A deer hunter will not face charges after shooting a mountain lion over the weekend in western Wisconsin.

The Department of Natural Resources said Wednesday that the bow hunter was in Buffalo County and felt threatened by the animal. Also known as a cougar, the animal is the largest cat in North America and is listed as a protected species in Wisconsin.

The hunter reported the shooting on Saturday via the DNRs violation hotline. No injuries to the hunter were mentioned in a press release issued Wednesday morning.

Wardens conducted a thorough investigation into the shooting and provided the information to the Buffalo County District Attorney, the DNR said. After careful review and consideration, no charges will be filed.

The DNR collected the cougar carcass as part of the investigation. A photo of the cat was not available, according to the DNR.

Cougars are native to Wisconsin but were wiped out in the state in the early 1900s by humans. The DNR has not confirmed evidence of a breeding population of cougars but over the last 20 years observations of cougars have been increasing but are still considered rare, with an average of 15 to 20 reports verified by the DNR annually.

Significantly larger than a bobcat and with long tails, male cougars can weigh up to 160 pounds and females up to 110 pounds, according to the DNR.

Most, if not all, observations of cougars in Wisconsin are of dispersing individuals from established populations out west, the DNR said. Dispersing cougars, most likely from South and North Dakota, also do not tend to stay in one location for long and have been recorded traveling up to 1,600 miles, the DNR said.

Cougars also have been photographed through Snapshot Wisconsin, a citizen-science initiative to catalog wildlife that launched in 2016. About 1,800 volunteers host more than 2,100 trail cameras in all 72 counties and in one incident captured a cougar in Waupaca County.

The DNR uses the data to better understand animal populations and movements, estimate deer and elk populations, and inform wildlife management decisions.

In 2011, a town of Lemonweir man in Juneau County photographed a cougar with his trail camera a few miles north of Mauston. The animals identity was confirmed by the DNR, which had been receiving reports of farm animals in southwestern Juneau County being attacked. However, they were never confirmed as coming from a cougar.
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

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HOLDREGE  The Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation Districts Board of Directors approved a new power purchase agreement with Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN) at their monthly meeting on 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 (NMPP) 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 (SPP) 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 Mondays 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 (cfs) 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 general 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 around the funding possibilities for some historic upcoming large capital improvement projects like the Kingsley Dam resurfacing project which could bring a price tag of between $80 million and $200 million.

Directors took no action on the water service rate structure and will take up the topic at their meeting on 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.
KEARNEY  Brittany Chavez has a message for first-generation college students: youre not alone.

The University of Nebraska at Kearney sophomore is constantly encouraging those around her to persist and never give up.

If I can do it, I feel like I can inspire others to attend college as well, she said. I can serve as an example that everyone can make it through college.

The daughter of Mexican immigrants, Chavez grew up in Imperial and graduated from Chase County High School. Although her parents never had the opportunity to attend college, they always stressed the importance of higher education.

Thats something my parents always told me, earn as much education as you can so you can do good things in life, Chavez said. My parents made a lot of sacrifices coming to this country to provide a better life for me and my brother, so now I want to give back to them. I want to show them that all of this is for them.

She also wants to be a role model for other first-generation and Hispanic students.

Brittany is passionate about creating a community where other first-generation students can reach their full potential, said Ashley Olivas, a senior adviser in TRIO Student Support Services at UNK. Her participation in and contributions here young Latinas that they can achieve their educational goals.

Chavez is studying business administration with a minor in marketing and management. She is involved in Sigma Lambda Gamma multicultural sorority, TRIO Student Support Services and Thompson Scholars Learning Community, among others.

She calls UNK a home away from home for first-gen students, a place where theyll find friendship, support and guidance.

Everyone here on campus is so supportive and everyone is willing to help, said Chavez, who chose UNK largely because of this welcoming environment.

UNK has a really good business program as well so it seemed like a perfect fit, she added.

Chavez has benefited from the mentoring, advising and relationship-building available through TRIO and Thompson Scholars. Now, shes a student leader for these programs.

Her passion for making a difference and willingness to participate and collaborate are key components that she brings to campus, Olivas said. She works to elevate and empower others and helps people become reacquainted with their why for being in college.

Chavez also serves as president of First-Gen Lopers, another campus resource that provides a social network and support system for first-generation students. It was formed in 2021.

We are committed to helping students succeed in college, Chavez said. Being first-generation, many students may not know what college is really like and they may be struggling with some things, but were here to help them.

First-Gen Lopers meets at 6 p.m. every other Thursday in the lounge inside the Memorial Student Affairs Building. The group also hosts study sessions, monthly lunches with faculty and staff and helps organize the annual First-Gen Day celebration on campus.

As president, Chavez brings enthusiasm and energy to the organization, according to Aaron Estes, the First-Gen Lopers adviser and director of the UNK Academic Success Offices.

Brittany is a connector and is always looking for ways to bring people in, he said. When all of the spots on our First-Gen Lopers leadership team were filled, we had more students interested in being involved, so she created new positions so they could get engaged and feel like valued members of the team.

Chavez has also talked with a teacher at her former high school about the possibility of bringing Chase County students to a future First-Gen Lopers event.

Brittany is not only a role model for other first-generation students at UNK, but shes also a role model for prospective first-generation students, Estes said.

No matter who shes talking to, the message stays the same.

Even though we may face challenges, theres always going to be rewards, Chavez said. Just keep on going and know that youre not alone.
flydubai has announced at the Dubai Airshow, its plans for a purpose-built cutting-edge $190 million MRO facility in Dubai South by 2026.

The construction of the new hangar and workshop will commence next year and is expected to conclude by the last quarter of 2026.

The signing ceremony with the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) was attended by Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South; Tahnoon Saif, CEO of MBRAH; and Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai.

Operational excellence

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai, said: I am proud to announce the plans for flydubais state-of-the-art MRO facility in Dubai South. This milestone reaffirms our commitment to operational excellence, right here in Dubai Souths dynamic ecosystem. This will bring flydubai greater control over its maintenance requirements as it continues to grow its fleet and capabilities with a firm focus on the future.

Al Zaffin said: flydubais new facility in Dubai South reflects our commitment to enhancing the ecosystem that contributes to the growth and sustainability of the aviation industry. This partnership reaffirms Dubais position as a global aviation hub and reinforces our shared vision of providing world-class aviation services to our partners.

Al Ghaith said: Dubai has emerged as a thriving aviation hub that fosters connectivity, innovation, growth and setting benchmarks for the global aviation industry. The spirit of Dubai is in our DNA and we are proud to announce today the plans for our MRO facility which represents a new chapter in our journey. At flydubai, we continue to invest in our people and technologies and build solid foundations to enable further growth as part of our role in supporting Dubais economic and aviation vision.

Significant reductions

Mick Hills, Chief Operating Officer at flydubai, commented: When it is up and running in 2026, the MRO facility on Dubai South will bring us significant reductions in operational costs. Having our own in-country MRO facility will ensure a quicker turnaround of our fleet maintenance while adhering to the highest quality standards. This increased level of control will result in reduced downtime as maintenance tasks can be efficiently planned and executed, minimising any disruption to our flight schedules in the future and enhancing overall operational reliability.

flydubai has been further expanding its in-house capabilities over the years and in 2022 received its CAR-145 Base Maintenance Approval from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). This has enabled the airline to perform C Checks and Entry-into-Service for its fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft; bringing the airline added operational and cost efficiencies.

The carrier has built a team of 455 skilled engineers working in Line Maintenance, Technical Services, Materials and Workshops who are responsible for ensuring the airworthiness and safety of our growing fleet. More than 230 engineers will join flydubais growing workforce over the next 12 months. This ongoing recruitment drive will ensure the airline is well-positioned for the opening of its MRO facility by 2026.

Young and efficient fleet

flydubai currently operates a young and efficient fleet of 80 Boeing 737 aircraft and will take delivery of more than 150 additional aircraft by 2030.

MBRAH offers global aerospace players investment opportunities and is a free-zone destination for the worlds leading airlines, private jet companies, MROs, and associated industries. Located in and developed by Dubai South, MBRAH is also home to maintenance centres and training and education campuses. It seeks to strengthen engineering industries to foster the emirates vision of becoming a leading aviation hub.--TradeArabia News Service
KEARNEY  Sam winced as he was examined in CHI Health Good Samaritans pediatric unit. Just a child, he didnt like being touched. A tear rolled down his cheek. When a nurse approached with a needle, he hollered.

Bernie, an adult lying in an adjacent bed, turned his head to see what was causing all the fuss.

What a dummy, an onlooker whispered.

That onlooker was right. Sam and Bernie are dummies. Literally.

Officially termed simulation manikins, they were purchased by Good Sam in late August for use in patient staff training. Sam is a child. Bernie is an adult. A third manikin, Wheezie, will be used for advanced airway training by the emergency medicine staff and surgeons.

The trio can cry, bleed and move. They have internal organs and circulatory systems. They are so life-like that their sensors can even detect if a shot they just received is the correct type and dosage.

These manikins are as close as you can get to real-life patients," Paige VanWinkle, the surgical services clinical educator, said.

Added Hillary ONeill, a clinical educator, Usually, the staff doesnt get to practice until a patient goes through something. Now, we can simulate those crises.

Sam and Bernie were introduced to the staff at an open house Tuesday. They laid in hospital beds attached by tubes to monitors that kept track of their vital signs, just like human patients.

ONeill invited nurses to Bernies bedside to get acquainted with him. Holding a laptop, she stood nearby and guided Bernies eyes and head.

Bernie can simulate a patient having a stroke or a seizure. Nurses can place IVs, chest tubes, even breathing tubes inside him. They can apply electricity if his heart stops beating.

While they train, ONeill, VanWinkle or a third clinical educator, Amber Sanchez, can create sudden, unexpected life-threatening complications to which the staff must react quickly.

We can program a bad reaction to what begins as an ordinary treatment, O'Neill said. This is as close to a living human as you can get. This gives the staff a safe environment in which to learn, with no patient harm.

Total cost for the three manikins was $136,000.

Good Sam has had a single simulation manikin since 2008, but after 15 years, it needed replacement. And, as medical progress advanced, it was also out of date.

Bernie came first. He was purchased by a grant from the Ron and Carol Cope Foundation. The hospital wanted to acquire Sam and Wheezie, too, so it worked with the CHI Good Samaritan Foundation to accomplish that.

On Sept. 21, 2022, which is World Gratitude Day, the hospital launched its Employee Annual Campaign to raise funds to purchase Sam and Wheezie. Employees donated generously. Other gifts came from the 2022 Give Where You Live effort, the Good Sam board, and hospital volunteers.

Sam, Bernie and Wheezie arrived at Good Sam in August. Their Miami-based manufacturer, Gaumard, names all its manikins Hal after the robot in the film 2001: A Space Odyssey, but Good Sams patient care staff had a naming contest. That's how the three acquired their names.

ONeill, Van Winkle and Sandoz have spent the last two months learning to use the trio. They will now train the hospitals patient care staff.

Staff training will take place during staff meetings and in twice-a-year boot camps and skills labs. All three manikins can be taken anywhere for training, even outside. Thats critical for EMS staffers who treat patients outside the hospital walls.

Sam, Bernie and Wheezie will have a positive impact on the care provided by the hospitals 250 nurses and 90 certified nursing assistants. It will support employees in respiratory therapy, pharmacy and beyond, according to Cindi Richter, foundation director.

This is unique. Its something lifelike that you cant harm. It will help hone the skills of our staff, ONeill said. Were blessed with a community and volunteers who recognized the need and followed through.
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, Pillen's 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.
A 32-year-old man with no permanent address charged in a drive-by shooting in downtown La Crosse will undergo further evaluation before a ruling on whether hes sufficiently competent to stand trial.

Retired La Crosse County Circuit Court judge Todd Bjerke Tuesday scheduled a Dec. 1 competency hearing for Deandrew Grant. He faces 29 felony charges stemming from shots fired June 17 into a gathering in front of a restaurant on 3rd Street South. Eight people were injured, including seven from gunshots and one from shattered glass.

La Crosse County assistant District Attorney Nick Passe argued that a report from psychiatric exam of Grant was inconclusive and that more observation is needed.

Mr. Grant needs to be observed at Winnebago or Mendota for a period of time instead of a one-day interview, Passe said.

Bjerke agreed there wasnt enough information in the report to render an opinion. He said the evaluation at a mental health facility should take about two weeks.

I would prefer to have the evaluation done very quickly, Bjerke said.

Grants defense attorney, Joe Randtke, didnt object to further evaluation.

Prosecutors allege Grant fired the shots from a moving vehicle and ditched a 9mm Ruger on the roof of a nearby business. He was arrested six hours after the shooting without incident.

The evaluation covers two open cases. The day before the shooting, Grant signed a $2,500 signature bond after he was charged with two misdemeanor counts of criminal damage to property and one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct. Court records show Grant has a 2011 conviction from Illinois for unlawful use of a weapon.

Grant has been held in the La Crosse County Jail since June 17 on a $1 million cash bond.
For many, watching the classic holiday movie Elf has been a heartwarming tradition for 20 years. This November, the American Red Cross is encouraging people to add a new tradition as the holiday season begins: Spread cheer with a blood or platelet donation.

Donations are critical to the blood supply as the holiday season draws near  a time when blood donations often decline. Donors of all blood types are urged to give, especially type O blood donors and those giving platelets, according to the press release

To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the film Elf, and create holiday cheer, all who come to give Nov. 10-30 will receive an exclusive pair of Elf + Red Cross socks, while supplies last. For more details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Elf.

It feels good to give a gift to someone else that truly means something. Those wishing to help patients receive lifesaving transfusions can book a blood or platelet donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Nov. 10-30:

Crawford County

Prairie du Chien

11/17/2023: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Prairie du Chien High School, 800 E Crawford

12/4/2023: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., National Guard Armory, 601 N Marquette Rd

Soldier Grove

11/29/2023: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., North Crawford High School, 47050 CTY RD X

Wauzeka

12/8/2023: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Wauzeka Village Hall, 213 E Front St

_______________

Jackson County

Black River Falls

12/1/2023: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Black River Memorial Hospital, 711 W Adams St

La Crosse County

La Crosse

11/15/2023: 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

11/17/2023: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

11/17/2023: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Black River Beach Community Center, 1433 Rose St.

11/18/2023: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

11/20/2023: 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

11/21/2023: 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

11/22/2023: 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

11/24/2023: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

11/24/2023: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Valley View Mall, 3800 State Rd 16

11/24/2023: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Moose Lodge, 1932 Ward Avenue

11/25/2023: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

11/27/2023: 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

11/28/2023: 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

11/29/2023: 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

12/1/2023: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

12/2/2023: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

12/4/2023: 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

12/5/2023: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., University of WI La Crosse Student Union, 521 East Avenue N

12/5/2023: 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

12/6/2023: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., University of WI La Crosse Student Union, 521 East Avenue N

12/6/2023: 11:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

12/7/2023: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Moose Lodge, 1932 Ward Avenue

12/8/2023: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., La Crosse Blood Donation Center, 1427 Hwy 16

Onalaska

11/21/2023: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Altra Federal Credit Union, 1700 Oak Forest Dr

11/30/2023: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Church of Latter-day Saints, Church of Latter Day Saints, 701 Well St.

Monroe County

Tomah

11/28/2023: 10:45 a.m. - 5 p.m., Masonic Temple, Tomah Masonic Temple, 520 East Saratoga St.

Wilton

12/2/2023: 7 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Wilton Community Center, 400 East Street

Vernon County

De Soto

11/17/2023: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., De Soto High School, 615 Main St

La Farge

12/8/2023: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., La Farge Community Center, 202 North State Street

Stoddard

11/20/2023: 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., St Matthews Evangelical Lutheran Church, 303 N Main Street

Viroqua

11/27/2023: 12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Church of Christ, 825 Nelson Pkwy

How to donate blood

A blood donor card or drivers license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
News companies are increasingly using video and images from social media to report on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. This has led some media organizations to expand their efforts to identify false or misleading information.

Reporters covering the war in Gaza are limited by government restrictions on how they can document the conflict. But they can use a flood of video and pictures published online. Examining this material, however, can be difficult and take a lot of time. In addition, searching through a lot of graphic war images can cause emotional harm for the people looking at it.

So far, coverage of the war between Israel and Hamas has included live broadcasts and dash-cam video that appeared on social media. News content has also been captured by satellite equipment and security cameras placed around Israel and Gaza.

Using this kind of content in news shows has become very common for major media companies, said Katie Polglase. She is a London-based investigator for CNN. Some news organizations have even created special departments to investigate whether images or videos are real or not.

Last week, CBS News announced the launch of CBS News Confirmed. This team aims to use data and technology to study online evidence in an effort to confirm true facts. Earlier this year, BBC Verify was established to serve the same purpose.

Such newsgathering methods were not available during media coverage of some wars in the past. This meant the public usually only saw reports showing the aftermath of military battles. But in todays world, millions of people are carrying phones everywhere that can capture and quickly publish images and video online.

Wendy McMahon is president of CBS News and Stations. She told The Associated Press that many people watching news broadcasts today expect to be part of a shared viewing experience. This way, they can feel like they are learning what is going on right along with the reporters and news presenters, McMahon said.

In order to create this kind of experience, news reporters and producers have to search through a huge online supply of image and video content. The content comes from services like X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, Telegram and Facebook.

The degree to which social media has been used is very sophisticated, said Rhona Tarrant. She helps lead the online investigative website Storyful. There's so much information. There's so much content, Tarrant told the AP.

With so much material available, news organizations must also weigh their duty to inform and present a realistic picture against concerns that graphic and violent images could harm viewers.

It has also become increasingly easy for people or organizations to create false images and video using artificial intelligence (AI) methods. Reuters news agency uncovered several images published online that turned out to be false, or fake. Some of the images appeared to show support for the Palestinians, while others expressed support for Israel.

Another case of confirmed misinformation involved a video of model Bella Hadid, who has ancestral ties to Palestine. The video seemed to show Hadid denouncing the Hamas attack in Israel that started the latest conflict.

But the video was fake. Someone used AI methods to change a video of Hadid accepting an award for her activism to raise awareness about Lyme Disease. The new video appeared to show Hadid condemning Hamas attack because it was changed to make it seem like different words were coming out of her mouth.

Videos changed in this way to present misinformation are known as deep fakes. In another fake video, U.S. President Joe Biden seemed to claim his administration was planning on sending American troops to assist Israel in its war against Hamas.

A lot of the fake images and videos come from past conflicts but are presented as new happenings. Sometimes even images from video games are published in an effort to trick users, but experts can usually identify those.

McMahon, from CBS, said the Israel-Hamas war has in many ways confirmed a big fear among news executives: That news organizations would see an influx of deep fakes and misinformation at a scale that was never seen before.

Im Bryan Lynn.

The Associated Press, Reuters and Radio Free Asia reported on this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the reports for VOA Learning English.

Quiz - How Social Media Influences News Coverage Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

____________________________________________

Words in This Story

graphic  adj. extremely clear and detailed

dash-cam  n. a camera attached to the front of a vehicle in order to record what is happening around the car and on the street

degree  n. the amount or level of something

sophisticated  adj. made in a complicated or intelligent way

influx  n. a large number of people or things arriving at the same time

scale  n. the size or level of something
Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) has signed a deal with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to develop a new modern, innovative and sustainable training facility for International Aviation Consulting and Training (IACT).

The signing ceremony, which took place during the Dubai Airshow, was attended by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy of the UAE and Chairman of the GCAA. The agreement was signed by Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of GCAA and Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South in the presence of executives from both entities.

The new G + 2 facility, which spans across 17,078 sq m, will be located at the education cluster at MBRAH and will be built across several phases. The first phase will be used for training, assessment, and examination, and will host multipurpose halls for events, seminars and meetings.

Practical training

It will also accommodate laboratories for practical training, such as, ATC Simulators, AVSEC Screening, Air Accident Investigation Mobility Rooms, and first aid, among others. The facility will also embrace sustainable design practices that emphasise energy efficiency as well as renewable and redundant energy sources.

Al Zaffin, said: In a rapidly growing aviation landscape, these cutting-edge training facilities play a pivotal role in nurturing skilled professionals, adding immense value to the aviation sector and bolstering the holistic aviation ecosystem in Dubai. At MBRAH, we remain steadfast in our commitment to furthering the visionary agenda of our esteemed leadership, solidifying Dubai's stature as a prominent global aviation hub.

Al Suwaidi said: In the current landscape, enhancing capabilities to train specialised professionals in various fields of aviation has become more important than ever. This priority ensures sustainable growth in the sector and the injection of skilled individuals. The aviation industry is undergoing a major transformation, driven by rapid technological advances and an intense focus on sustainability.

The recently signed agreement aims to provide advanced training facilities, with the ultimate goal of nurturing a talent pool comprising skilled and highly skilled aviation professionals equipped with high-level qualifications and skills. This, in turn, contributes significantly to achieving the goals of the General Civil Aviation Authority and the aviation industry globally.--TradeArabia News Service
People from all over Japan are purchasing fish caught in the waters near the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

In August, the power plant started releasing treated and diluted radioactive water from holding tanks into the ocean. The power complex had suffered some equipment meltdowns after huge waves flooded the area in 2011 following an earthquake. The water release is part of the Tokyo Electric Power Company plan to shut the plant.

The Japanese government says the water is safe and it will be continually observed. However, some nations that once purchased a large amount of Japanese seafood are no longer doing so.

China has banned seafood from Japan. The regions of Hong Kong and Macau followed along.

Russia also announced restrictions on Japanese seafood in mid-October.

In South Korea, many people are concerned that the radioactive water will hurt fish close to home. Many people are no longer buying fish in South Korean markets.

But people in Japan are trying to support the fishing industry by buying fish and seafood.

At a fish store near the Onahama Port in Fukushima, one seller said he was half surprised, half relieved. Business owner Kazuto Harada had a tank of live lobsters captured in local waters for sale. He said he has not heard any concerns about the water release.

Fukushima fish sellers are getting orders from all over Japan. People ask for fish called Jouban-mono, which means fish from Fukushima and nearby Ibaraki. The buyers like flounder and greeneye.

Almost all the fish at the market is sold by the afternoon.

The water release will continue for many years.

Futoshi Kinoshita is the executive of Foodison, which owns the Sakana Bacca group of seafood stores. He said usual testing of fishing waters is important. But, he said it is more important that people gain trust in the seafood as they watch friends and family eat the fish. I hope the circle of confidence will expand, Kinoshita said.

The International Atomic Energy Agency approved the Japanese plan to release the water. The group said the water release is going well so far and said the plan will have very little effect on fish and the environment. The latest water release took place last week.

So far, fish prices have remained firm, or even gone up a small amount. However, one fisheries official remains watchful.

Katsuya Goto said any mistake could be very damaging to the publics trust that the fish is safe.

The government and TEPCO have begun this despite local fishers opposition, so we must watch and make sure they do it right, he said.

To support the Fukushima seafood business, the Tokyo government launched a campaign in October called eat and cheer. It runs through the end of the year. The campaign targets customers interested in high-priced seafood such as lobster.

Then, in 2024, a group of well-known Kaiseki chefs in the city of Kyoto will start menus that use fish from Fukushima.

Yoshinori Tanaka is one of the chefs. His restaurant in Kyoto is called Toriyone. He said fish from local waters are a necessity for Japanese food. He urged the government to continue worrying about water safety. He said seeing people enjoy the Fukushima fish on their menus can also help ease safety concerns that some people have.

So far, people in the seafood business are happy with all the support. Experts, however, warn that such programs will not last forever. They suggest long-term programs to keep the fishing businesses going and efforts to avoid any accidents with the water release.

Today there are many fewer fishermen in the Fukushima area and they bring in fewer fish than before the nuclear disaster in 2011. And with the recent interest in fish from Fukushima, some fish sellers are not able to meet demand.

Hiroharu Haga is the manager of Ichiyoshi, a fish store in Onahama. He said the supply of Fukushima fish is still limited.

I wish I could sell more local fish, he said.

Im Dan Friedell.

And I'm Jill Robbins.

Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English based on a report by the Associated Press.

_______________________________________________

Words in This Story

dilute v. to add water to something to reduce its strength

relieved adj. feeling better about something

afternoon n. the time after the middle of the day and before night

confidence n. a feeling that something is going well

despite prep. when something happens even though there are some objections

We want to hear from you. Would you try fish from Japan and Fukushima?
The U.S. Census Bureau is a federal agency that researches information about Americas population, housing, and economy.

The latest Census Bureau report shows that the U.S. population will decrease with low immigration, and older adults will outnumber children by the end of the century. The report also says that white, non-Hispanic people will account for less than 50 percent of the population.

The Census report offers an idea of what the nation may look like in the future. But it cannot predict unexpected events like a worldwide pandemic.

Paul Ong teaches public affairs at the University of California, Los Angeles. He said such predictions can help the U.S. prepare for change, from health care for old people to the number of schools for the young.

Seeing that possibility also opens up opportunities for action, he said.

Population changes

Population changes caused by birth and deaths are more predictable. They may also be caused by changes in immigration policy. Because of that, the Census Bureau offers three different predictions through the year 2100 based on high, medium, and low immigration.

In all three situations, the U.S. will become older and more diverse. If there is low immigration, the population will decrease; medium or high immigration will increase the population.

By 2029, the report estimates that older people will outnumber children, with 71 million people over 65 as compared to 69 million under the age of 18. The aging of the population is important because this will mean fewer workers. An aging population also means more deaths than births.

The report estimates that, by 2025, the share of the U.S. population that is white and not Hispanic will be under 50 percent for the first time. Also, Asians will pass Hispanics as the largest group of immigrants by race or ethnicity.

Under the medium immigration estimate, the U.S. population reaches its highest total at more than 369 million people in 2081. After that, the Census Bureau predicts a slight population decline, with deaths overtaking births and immigration.

By the end of the 2090s, the report estimates that foreign population will make up almost 19.5 percent of people in the U.S. The number is currently at 13.9 percent.

Immigration

In the past, immigration was linked to economic opportunity in the U.S. Today, immigration is caused by climate change, social issues related to dictators and violence, as well as ever-changing feelings about immigrants in the country.

These issues make immigration more difficult to predict today, says Manuel Pastor, a professor of sociology at the University of Southern California.

Aliana Mediratta is a 20-year-old student at Washington University in St. Louis. She welcomes a future with a more diverse population. She believes immigration is great for our society and our economy.

But that optimism is affected by issues that seem to be getting worse, including climate change and gun violence.

I feel like I have to be optimistic about the future, Mediratta said. She thinks that if she believes the worst will happen, it might stop her from doing the morally right thing, even if it is hard.

Im Gena Bennett.

Mike Schneider reported this story for the Associated Press. Gena Bennett adapted it for VOA Learning English.

_______________________________________________

Words in This Story

opportunityn. situations that make something possible

diverseadj. including different kinds of people

mediumadj. in the middle

optimismn. hopefulness and confidence about the future
The German Luftwaffe has bombed Coventry in a massive raid which lasted more than 10 hours and left much of the city devastated.

Relays of enemy aircraft dropped bombs indiscriminately. One of the many buildings hit included the 14th century cathedral, which was all but destroyed.

Initial reports suggest the number of casualties is about 1,000. Intensive anti-aircraft fire kept the raiders at a great height from which accurate bombing was impossible.

Reports say 4,330 homes were destroyed and three-quarters of the citys factories damaged.

Other targets included two hospitals, two churches, hotels, clubs, cinemas, public-shelters, public swimming baths, a police station and a post office.

According to one report, some 500 enemy aircraft took part in the raid. Wave upon wave of bombers scattered their lethal payloads over the city. The night sky, already lit by a brilliant moon, was further illuminated by flares and incendiary bombs.

The German High Command has issued a communique describing the attack on Coventry as a reprisal for the British attack on Munich  the birthplace of the Nazi party.

The message continued: Particularly heavy was the attack on Coventry, where numerous engine works and aero accessory factories as well as other targets of military importance were attacked with bombs of heaviest calibre, causing extensive damage. []

The citys tram system was destroyed. Nearly all gas and water pipes were smashed and people have been advised to boil emergency supplies of water.

The cathedral Provost, the Very Reverend Dick Howard and a party of helpers attempted to deal with 12 incendiary bombs by smothering them with sand. But another shower of incendiaries accompanied by high explosives forced them to give up their efforts.

Mr Howard said: The cathedral will rise again, will be rebuilt, and it will be as great a pride to future generations as it has been to generations of the past.

Troops have been drafted in to help clear up the streets. Rescuers have also been working to free those who lay buried in the rubble, often in the remains of their own homes.

Home Secretary Herbert Morrison was on the scene within hours of the all-clear. He met the mayor and other local officials and afterwards paid tribute to the work of the National Service units of the city, who had stood up to their duty magnificently.

Courtesy BBC News

In context

Two days later King George VI visited Coventry to see for himself the devastation caused by the German bombers.

There was a mass burial on 20 November and as further bodies were uncovered from the rubble another mass burial took place the following week.

Of the 500 enemy aircraft despatched to Coventry only 449 reached the city. This was by far the heaviest bombing raid on Coventry. Figures for the number killed on the night of 14 November vary between 380 and 554 people killed and several hundred injured.

The destruction of the city hastened rebuilding plans which included Europes first pedestrian precinct. A further 50m refurbishment project was completed in December 2003.

A new cathedral was built after architect Basil Spence won a competition for its design. It was consecrated on 25 May 1962 and now stands alongside the skeleton of the war-damaged ruin.
President Joe Biden celebrated a new era in the relationship between the United States and Indonesia as he met with Indonesian President Joko Widodo at the White House yesterday [Macau time], formalizing closer ties with the worlds third largest democracy and a heavyweight player in Southeast Asia.

The announcement is a reflection of U.S. commitment to the region before Biden heads to San Francisco for a summit of Asian leaders, where hes scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Washington and Beijing have been jockeying for influence in Southeast Asia, which is a critical crossroads for trade and a potential flashpoint for global conflict.

This will mark a new era in relations between the United States and Indonesia across the board, Biden said, sitting next to Widodo.

He added that Widodo, the leader of a tropical archipelago, mentioned that he was cold when he stepped out of his vehicle at the White House. Biden joked, I told him I could take care of that immediately, and there was a roaring fire in the Oval Office fireplace.

Biden and Widodo shared an afternoon tea and met with top advisers as they began their new strategic partnership. Also on the agenda was expanding the trade of critical minerals like nickel, which can be used to produce electric vehicle batteries. Indonesia is the worlds largest producer of nickel.

Widodo described the U.S. as one of Indonesias most important partners, and he said they must give real meaning to their strengthened relationship.

But there were also signs of friction over the war between Israel and Hamas. Indonesia is the worlds most populous Muslim country, and Widodo arrived in Washington after attending a summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where leaders criticized the Israeli bombardment and invasion of Gaza.

Widodo urged the U.S. to do more to stop the atrocities in Gaza and have a ceasefire for the sake of humanity.

Biden has resisted calls for a ceasefire, although hes asked Israel to show more restraint in its military operations and called for pauses in the fighting that would allow the delivery of humanitarian aid or the release of hostages held by Hamas.

The White House has cultivated ties with Indonesia in recent years. Biden attended the Group of 20 summit in Bali last year, and Vice President Kamala Harris attended a regional summit in Jakarta in September.

Before visiting the White House, Widodo stopped at Georgetown University, which is planning a new program in Indonesia. Widodo has described improving educational opportunities as critical for his countrys development.

He said a closer relationship with the U.S. could pay dividends because the United States is a big country, and its influence to any other country is also very big.

But he also was careful to emphasize Indonesias neutrality at a time of tension between Washington and Beijing.

Indonesia is always open to cooperate with any country, and not to take the side of any power, except to take the side of peace and humanity, he said.

Widodo also raised alarms about the death toll in Gaza, mentioning estimates that a child is killed every 10 minutes. CHRIS MEGERIAN & JOSH BOAK, WASHINGTON, MDT/AP
Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng doubts that gross gaming revenue (GGR) will reach MOP180 billion this year.

Ho was speaking yesterday at the Policy Address Press Conference.

The governments forecasts for this year are at only MOP130 billion.

However, the Macau governments contracts with the six gaming concessionaires stipulated that an additional 20% of its pledge in the non-gaming investment will be required if gaming revenues recover to MOP180 billion this year.

As for the MOP180 billion GGR, I do not know what the annual GGR for this year will be like [but], I can tell you, MOP180 billon is not likely to be achieved, said Ho.

Until October, the casino sector has already generated a GGR of MOP148.4 billion. This comes after October figures hit another post-pandemic record high of MOP19.5 billion, buoyed by the National Day Golden Week in early October.

Meanwhile, Macau has recorded a slight slowdown in its casino floor revenues during the Grand Prix, with Citigroup analysts noting that some big players avoid[ed] going to Macau during the races over the weekend.

The citys GGR for the first 12 days of November may have reached MOP6.6 billion, which is a daily run-rate of MOP543 million for the past week.

Analysts George Choi and Ryan Cheung said the figure is 3% lower than the first five days of the month.

However, its November GGR forecast of MOP16 billion remains unchanged, around 70% of pre-pandemic levels. LV
Macau has a solid and established foundation when it comes to education on national security and patriotism, Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng told the Policy Address Press Conference yesterday evening.

His presentation at the parliament on next years policies opened with national security and patriotism. Ho pledged that the two topics will be further reinforced in the coming year. The city will introduce an allegiance-pledging law, among other laws related to national security and patriotism.

When asked to provide more concrete details, Ho first reiterated that national security is a very important assignment for the Macau government, before saying that patriotic education has a strong foundation in Macau and [did not only start] today.

Education on these topics has existed in Macau for so long, he emphasized. I believe the same happens in Portugal, that students will be taught to be patriotic. This is the obligation of the citizens of any country. This is mandatory.

Ho mentioned Portugal because the question was raised by an ethnically Portuguese journalist.

Details of the implementation of relevant curricula will be the task of the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ), Ho added. He also asked the journalist to read the Policy Address text for further details of national security and patriotic education.

His parliamentary presentation also mentioned that Macau must never become chaotic. When a journalist asked him what he believes is making Macau chaotic, he questioned whether the journalist understood the source of Hong Kongs turmoil in 2019. Ho was referring to the anti-extradition protests in Hong Kong.

We are conducting early preparation and cannot only work to extinguish visible fires, he said. I will not tell you if external infiltration is present or not, but external forces are constantly acting against us [in areas such as] cyberattacks against our government websites.

External forces do not want One Country Two Systems to thrive, that is for sure, he continued saying. You may see peace, but I see the constant ringing of alarms.
Russian Helicopters, part of Rostec, is slated to unveil a new lineup of civil rotorcraft at the Dubai Airshow.

The event will mark the first-ever overseas presentation of the Kamov Ka-3211, an upgraded version of the iconic utility helicopter specifically designed for firefighting.

New exhibits will also include the Mil Mi-1713, a consistently popular model with international customers, and Ansat's emergency medical care version. Besides, the UAE event will see the global premiere of the BAS-200 drone system.

Kamov Ka-32A11M

For the first time ever, an international audience will get a chance to explore the new capabilities of the upgraded Kamov Ka-32A11M firefighting and rescue operations craft. A new Russian-designed firefighting system, SP-32, will help fill the tank with four tonnes of water in under a minute. Another notable advantage is the water cannon, which will come in handy for urban high-rises in case the fire rages on the top floors and firefighting operations are obstructed by massive smoke.

At the Dubai Airshow, we are unveiling a unique range of civil helicopters with a high export potential. One of these is the Kamov Ka-3211. The efficiency of the Ka-32 family has already earned it well-deserved international acclaim. Indeed, they have become indispensable when it comes to firefighting and rescue operations around the globe.

Over 180 of these helicopters are operated in 20 countries worldwide. Another helicopter that is worthy of an international big reveal is the Mil Mi-1713. The choppers one-of-a-kind specs along with supreme reliability, which is emblematic of the Mi-8 family, draw due attention of our overseas partners. The Mil Mi-1713 fully complies with international standards, including for safety of above-water operations. The transportation capabilities of this model are unique as it can accommodate up to 24 passengers, a record-high capacity for offshore helicopters, said Anton Korolev, Deputy General Director of Russian Helicopters for helicopter sales.

Emergency medical care

The show will also feature an emergency medical care version of the Ansat utility helicopter. The rotorcraft comes with the most spacious cabin this class of craft can offer, which is conducive to an easy attachment of a medical care module accommodating a patient and two paramedics.

The efficiency of this version has been proven both in Russia and abroad. On top of that, the Ansat export markets keep expanding. For example, this year, it has become Zimbabwes principal medical care helicopter. The reliable Russian rotorcraft helped the country pioneer air medical services in Africa.

The UAE will also see the international debut of the BAS-200 drone system. BAS-200 consists of a dual-drone helicopter-type module, a ground control station, and the cargo compartment. The BAS-200 drone system is capable of carrying a maximum payload of 50 kilos against a maximum take-off weight of 200 kilos.

The connection range is 100 km, and can be extended by relaying the control via the stations. A payload flight lasts up to four hours. The systems uses include prospecting, monitoring pipelines and other infrastructure, load deliveries, and search-and-rescue operations.--TradeArabia News Service
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.

Yesterdays [Macau time] 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 the 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 yesterday 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 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. EDITH M. LEDERER, UNITED NATIONS, MDT/AP
The head of the Catholic church in China began a trip to Hong Kong yesterday 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 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. MDT/AP
The sandwich-class housing project, a concept that Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng introduced to Macau after taking office, will be halted temporarily due to lack of demand, Ho told the Policy Address Press Conference yesterday evening.

In justification for the decision, he cited that the recent application round for Economic Housing or Subsidized Housing has not proven very popular, leading him to believe that there is no sandwich class.

When the demand is less than the supply, the application process continues and nobody misses out.

He even stated that before the launch of the sandwich-class housing plan, there was a sector of people who were not able to access Economic Housing due to a variety of reasons. We listened to the community and tried to take care of these applicants, Ho said.

Regardless of the current demand, he added, the government must continue to plan ahead and prepare for the project. Apart from the land on Avenida de Wai Long that has been announced as the location for the sandwich-class housing project, there are several other locations reserved, Ho disclosed, adding that all planning has been put into place.

He underlined that when the demand is must weaker than the supply, public funds should not be wasted on building the project.

However, the government will monitor market changes. When demand returns, the project can recommence anytime.

On the loosening of the restrictions on real estate market, he reiterated that the recent announcement concerned lowering stamp duty to the 2009 regime. This loosening is the outcome of a multitude of evaluations and discussions, Ho explained.

The outgoing measures have distorted the pricing of real estate, especially smaller units, he said, which were on average 20% to 30% more expensive than larger units in the same development. This occurred because sellers wanted to take full advantage of the measures, he explained, referring to the lowering of loan to value ratio (LVR) from 90% at maximum to 70%.

He was not happy about the situation because the units existed in the same building and used the same building materials. Young people suffered from higher prices, he said. Although you can get access to a higher mortgage, the downside is, you need to repay more, he said.

On Economic Housing, he pledged that the number of units to be built will shrink in order to keep the promises made by his predecessors. There will be 32,000 government housing units and 4,000 private housing units on New Urban Zone A, he added. He believed that the next government will follow suit. He did not, however, reply to whether he will run for re-selection.

He also explained that each application covers only five projects, as the government needs to be able to respond to market changes. University of Macau has been commissioned once again to evaluate the required number of Economic Housing units.

Economic Housing, he believes, will not have a significant impact on the property market because it has no investment value. At the end of use, the owners can only resell it to the government.

Chamber of Commerce to submit reports to govit on SME assistance

The Macao Chamber of Commerce will soon submit a report to the government with practical suggestions to assist local SMEs, Ho disclosed to the press conference.

He was questioned if the government has any additional measures to help local SMEs, who have often complained about difficulties in the market. Underlining that the Policy Address text has extensively elaborated on the topic, Ho admitted that not much additional work can be done.

Nonetheless, the chamber of commerce is working on a report to offer practical and viable suggestions. Suggestions such as operational transformation and development have become cliched, he hinted, but the key is to implement viable policies.

The head of the government admitted that many SMEs have experienced an even tougher environment after the resumption of normal travel. During the pandemic, he said, people were virtually confined in Macau with the minimal travel, which had benefitted local SMEs.

After the resumption, he further explained, many local people  especially those living in the Northern District which is only a checkpoint from mainland China  have chosen to spend their free time in neighboring Guangdong Province instead of Macau, leaving local SMEs struggling for business.

The official added that the Northern District has no story to tell and not very appealing to tourists.

Ho hopes local

SMEs follow pay rise

The government has proposed that in the coming year, all civil servants will receive a pay rise of 3.3%. When asked if it will further entice young people to be overly focused on working in the government and further drawing workforce from local SMEs, Ho believes it will not, citing the civil servant recruitment cap as the reason.

In addition, he commented that 3.3% pay rise is not much for civil servants, because their salaries have not been increased in the past three years. It is only about 1.1% each year [if the last three years was taken into account], he said.

The pay rise should be facilitated because it was proposed by a topical committee and the government should respect the proposal, he said. He also does not think civil servants are very highly paid. Some employees in private companies earn much more than civil servants, he commented.

He believes that local SMEs will try to give a 3.3% pay rise so as to retain stability in their workforce.
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 Friday, 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 this very 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 on Wednesday evening, 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 recent 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 artists 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 Picassos 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 December 22. JOCELYN NOVECK, NEW YORK, MDT/AP
Senior defense officials from South Korea, the United States and other nations yesterday 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 yesterdays 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 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 yesterday. 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. KIM TONG-HYUNG, SEOUL, MDT/AP
The course of events in the year since the last meeting between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping offers cautious hope that they will have better luck this time around. But it also shows how easily any agreement they reach could once again veer off course.

The U.S. and Chinese leaders meet today [Macau time] while attending the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco.

They go into the meeting on the back of five months of government-to-government talks that have accelerated in recent weeks and expanded to cultural and business exchanges. In contrast, the November 2022 meeting in Bali, Indonesia, took place after China had suspended talks to express anger over a visit by then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan.

This rests on a stronger foundation than the Bali meeting did, said Jude Blanchette, a China expert at the Center 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, defense, 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.

KEN MORITSUGU, BEIJING, MDT/AP
Britains cybersecurity agency said yesterday that artificial intelligence poses a threat to the countrys next national election, and cyberattacks by hostile countries and their proxies are proliferating and getting harder to track.

The National Cyber Security Center 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 center  part of Britains 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 Russias further invasion of Ukraine and are ideologically, rather than financially, motivated.

Echoing warnings by Britains MI5 and MI6 intelligence agencies, the center called the rise of China as a tech superpower an epoch-defining challenge for U.K 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 U.K. national election due to be held by January 2025.
As political comebacks go, former British Prime Minister David Camerons return to government as foreign secretary is more dramatic and unexpected than most.

After unsuccessfully campaigning during the 2016 Brexit referendum for Britain to vote to remain in the European Union, Cameron resigned immediately and has been out of politics since.

He is not even a lawmaker, and his return to senior government leadership as an unelected member of Parliaments House of Lords, though not unprecedented, is rare and has prompted concerns 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.

Questions have been raised about Sunaks decision given that Camerons legacy on Brexit and other political decisions remains deeply contentious.

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.

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 U.K.

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 U.K. Independence Party, spelled his downfall. Camerons remain side was defeated, gaining 48% of the vote compared to 52% for the leave camp.

The U.K. left the EU in 2020 after a messy divorce, and thorny post-Brexit trade disputes continue to loom over politics in Northern Ireland.

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 criticized by many in Britain as having been misguided given that Beijings influence is increasingly seen as a threat to international security.

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.

[Abridged]
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
Advocates for older adults on Tuesday urged Wisconsin lawmakers to reintroduce a bill to do what 42 states already do: Require hospitals to train family caregivers on how to care for loved ones when they are sent home.

Too often, caregivers are excluded from discharge planning conversations, critical care training and treatment discussions, said Janet Zander, advocacy and public policy coordinator for the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources.

The Wisconsin Hospital Association, the main opponent of the proposal, which was originally introduced in 2019 but didnt pass, is still opposed.

Wisconsin hospitals have among the highest scores in the nation for providing post-discharge care and medication instructions, discussing patient needs during their recovery, signs and symptoms to watch for, and what assistance patients need upon discharge, said Ann Zenk, WHAs senior vice president of workforce and clinical practice.

State lawmakers have been wary of adding even more government regulations on hospitals that are already drowning in bureaucracy and red tape, Zenk said.

AARP Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Aging Advocacy Network said theyve had a hard time finding legislators willing to sponsor the measure this year. The office of state Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point, lead Senate sponsor of the previous bipartisan bill, didnt respond to a request for comment Tuesday. The lead Assembly sponsor of the 2019 bill, Rep. Ken Skowronski, R-Franklin, is no longer in the Legislature.

The other states without such a law are Alabama, Idaho, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, South Dakota and Vermont, according to AARP.

The Caregiver Advise, Record, and Enable (CARE) Act requires hospitals to record the name of a family caregiver when a loved one is admitted to the hospital, keep the caregiver informed of major decisions and instruct the person on medical tasks needed after discharge home.

The measure would help family caregivers when their loved ones go into the hospital and as they transition back home, said Martha Cranley, AARPs state director.

Beth Fields, an occupational therapist and assistant professor of kinesiology at UW-Madison who researches caregiving, said studies have found that instructing caregivers about discharge planning can reduce hospital readmissions.

Fields said the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will allow hospitals to start billing specifically for caregiver support and training next year, which might make hospitals more open to the proposal.

Zenk, of WHA, doesnt see it that way. We dont need new state level mandates to be reimbursed by the federal government for these services, she said.
Horizon, the Middle Easts largest independent helicopter flight training academy, has signed a partnership with Parker Lord, a division of the Parker Hannifin Corporation. The signing occurred during the ongoing Dubai Airshow 2023, extending until November 17 at the Dubai World Central.

Through the agreement, Parker Lord will deliver training to Horizon engineers, enabling Horizon to expand its capabilities to carrying out B407 main rotor hub overhauls at Horizon facilities. Horizon currently has the engineering expertise, tooling and infrastructure to undertake this new in-house capability. Previously, all main rotor hubs were sent to OEM authorised services outside the UAE.

Speaking on the signing, Al Dhaheri said: Horizon is thrilled to be partnering with Parker Lord, who is furthering our goals to build autonomy within our facilities and entrusting our engineers to carry out these additional overhaul solutions in-house. As we continue to localise maintenance services, we are contributing to the UAEs efforts to become self-sufficient, equipping our organisation with a strong engineering talent pool, and expanding the boundaries of what is possible at the Horizon Academy."

Since its inception in 2003, Horizon has been the premier training academy in the Middle East region, providing flight training to both commercial and military customers on Bell aircraft, and has successfully completed over 180,000 training hours in upskilling rotary wing pilots. Horizon is part of the Trading & Mission Support cluster within Edge, an advanced technology group ranked among the top 25 military suppliers in the world.--TradeArabia News Service
Construction bids for the long-controversial new Dane County jail have come in $24.6 million over budget, a development that could jeopardize altogether a project that has divided county government for years.

The sole construction bid for the project, released Tuesday afternoon by Miron construction, put building costs at about $161.6 million. Greg Brockmeyer, the head of administration for the county, said the county currently has a construction budget of about $137 million for the project.

The estimates come after multi-year battle among county leadership to cover skyrocketing constructions that have pushed the new jail over budget again and again.

When the board first passed jail funding in 2019, the project had an estimated cost of $148 million. Once the board closed the most recent funding gap this April, the jail had a price tag of about $179.5 million, which includes what Brockmeyer described as tens of millions of dollars in furniture and equipment expenses, other soft costs and contingency spending not included in the construction budget.

Faced with a jail again over budget, Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett said he plans to explore alternative solutions that will keep the jail project on schedule but did not outline what those other options might look like.

County officials have discussed over the years building a jail outside of Downtown Madison where the justice system and law enforcement buildings are concentrated.

I will never stop advocating for a safe, humane, rehabilitative and sustainable jail facility for our incarcerated residents and Sheriffs Office staff, the sheriff said in an email. It is going to take collaboration and cooperation by all Dane County stakeholders to make this happen. Together we will get this done.

If its ever completed, the project as it stands would see the closure of the jail on the top floors of the Downtown City-County Building, a facility long-deemed inhumane and outdated by the law enforcement officials who run it, others in county leadership and activists.

County jail facilities would then get consolidated between a new tower and the existing jail at the Public Safety Building. The South Side William H. Ferris Huber center would also close. County officials hope to eventually convert that building into a 24/7 crisis center.

The last year of deliberations on the jail exposed fissures among county leaders as they grappled with trying to reform the justice system and whether to use county resources to erect a building to incarcerate inmates who are disproportionately Black.

As of Tuesday, about 54% of the jails inmates were Black in a county that is about 6% Black.

For those in support of the jail, a new facility would finally bring to an end the dire conditions faced by inmates at the City-County Building jail and the county employees that staff it.

Those opposed to building the jail have called for reforms to ultimately decrease the jails population. In April, a group of supervisors struck a deal with Barrett where they would back more funding for the project in exchange for his support of reforms.

The aging facility atop the City-County building already has pushed the county to transfer inmates to other jails, some as far away as Oneida County, a six-hour round trip. On Thursday, the board is set to vote on extending $1.1 million worth of contracts with Iowa, Oneida and Rock counties for inmate transfers.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

In photos, videos: See inside of the Dane County Jail Watch now: See inside the Dane County Jail facilities Dane County Jail 11-07072021101814 Dane County Jail 04-07072021101814 Dane County Jail 08-07072021101814 Dane County Jail 07-07072021101814 Dane County Jail 09-07072021101814 Dane County Jail Dane County Jail Dane County Jail Dane County Jail Dane County Jail Dane County Jail 10-07072021101814
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.
Several decades ago, I was born in Monroe County Hospital, a 94-bed facility in the small town of Monroeville, Alabama. I was followed by three siblings, all born in the same hospital and delivered by the son of the physician who delivered me.

However, by mid-November, that hospital will have closed its labor and delivery department, joining several other smaller hospitals, including two others in Alabama, that have done the same thing. According to Beckers Hospital Review, 23 maternity units around the country have closed this year alone, citing increasing costs and staff shortages.

That means that many women are now living in areas with no labor and delivery services available  maternity deserts, as it were. Between 2016 and 2020, Beckers says, there was an increase of 70 counties across the country that qualify as maternity deserts.

Youd think that this dire state of affairs, which will adversely affect many pregnant women and their babies, would prompt serious debate among the conservative lawmakers who call themselves Christians. Full-term pregnancy is much more dangerous than legal abortion. (Why do you think there are so many stepmothers in fairy tales? Up through the early 1900s, men frequently remarried after their wives died in childbirth.) Some pregnant women will find themselves in sudden, severe distress, and if maternity units are a long drive away, there will be awful consequences. Maternal deaths will increase, as will infant deaths.

Larissa Black, a Monroe County resident who is expecting a baby, told a local news station, Were concerned, and were worried. I ... have a very high-risk preeclampsia, so anything can really happen.

The United States already has the highest rates of infant and maternal deaths (maternal death is defined as a fatality related to pregnancy) in the developed world. There are poorer countries, such as Cuba, where infant and maternal deaths are lower. And, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the infant mortality rate in the U.S. rose by 3% in 2022.

Even so, few alarms have been raised among the conservatives who claim they crusade for life. They long ago made repealing reproductive rights a priority, and last year, they succeeded in their goal of overturning Roe v. Wade. The harsh laws they have passed to abolish abortion rights have only worsened health outcomes for pregnant women and for babies. If conservatives cared about life, as they claim, theyd look at the shocking numbers on maternal and infant deaths and reverse course.

Instead, they have plowed ahead with shocking lawsuits aimed at any person who helps a woman to terminate a pregnancy, even legally. They have left physicians in states such as Texas so afraid to perform standard medical procedures that pregnant womens lives have been threatened: Fearing arrest, doctors have refused to abort fetuses that were dead or dying. The political climate has also discouraged some young physicians-in-training from entering obstetrics, exacerbating the shortage.

Reproductive health care has been severely affected not only by cruel abortion restrictions but also by the refusal of conservative lawmakers to expand Medicaid, the government program that provides health insurance for the less affluent. The Affordable Care Act made it easy for states to expand because the federal government picks up most of the costs, but 10 Republican-led states, including Alabama and Wisconsin, simply wont make the program more widely available. (That lack of ample Medicaid funding has led many rural hospitals to close outright.)

In 2022, the Alabama Legislature passed funding that expanded postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to 12 months, but the law was intended as a trial to be reconsidered in a year.

Alabama, meanwhile, has one of highest rates of maternal mortality. Its neighbor Louisiana, also high on that list, has at least expanded Medicaid. According to 2021 data, Alabama has the third-highest rate of infant mortality, behind Mississippi and Arkansas.

For all their branding as pro-life politicians, Republican lawmakers care little about life outside the womb. Their priorities have made that all too clear.
The Universities of Wisconsin tendered an olive branch of sorts to the Republican-controlled state Legislature recently in the ongoing feud over the universities commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.

The plan proposed by the university system seeks to release the $32 million Republicans withheld from the universities earlier this year by pledging to use the money to fund engineering, nursing and health care, business and finance, and computer and data science programs at 13 schools in the UW system.

It follows the Republicans demand that those funds be directly applied to workforce development programs because many Wisconsin employers face labor shortages.

This plan is exactly what the Legislature is looking for  a concentrated emphasis on adding more graduates to the workforce in key areas, UW system President Jay Rothman said.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, was at least partially acceptable to the systems proposal. Vos said, It looks like a good proposal. Once we work out an agreement on DEI we would be happy to move forward.

Aahhh, and theres the rub.

Vos and state Republicans want to eliminate 188 university positions aimed at promoting diversity, equity and inclusion on state campuses, which some conservatives regard as liberal indoctrination.

To emphasize their position, the Legislature last month approved 6% raises for most state employees over the next two years, but withheld them from 35,000 Universities of Wisconsin staff  essentially making faculty, food service workers, custodians, executive assistants and others unwilling pawns in a feud between the Legislature and university leaders over issues they dont control.

Vos has said the Legislature would be willing to approve future UW pay increases without the UW System eliminating all its DEI positions as long as the system gives its powers to create university jobs to the Legislature.

Thats a power grab of the first order, and its not the first time state Republicans have shown a penchant for sticking their fingers in every pie and arrogating more power to themselves. Witness, for instance, the GOPs ongoing feuds with Democrat Gov. Tony Evers, who recently filed suit charging state Republicans with trying to impede, usurp or obstruct basic executive branch functions.

Vos and the GOP Legislature have vast powers over most matters in the state. They dont need to micro-manage the state universities and set policies that are the rightful responsibility and job of university leaders and the Board of Regents.

Our hope would be that Vos and GOP leaders would accept this olive branch from the states universities, create new jobs by expanding university-backed workforce development and mothball their misguided effort to dismantle DEI programs.

Oh, yes, and give state university workers their 6.6% pay raises as promised in the state budget  just like they did for other state workers.
Watching this years Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, I was reminded of how disrespectful and un-American the views of former President Donald Trump were toward U.S. soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Here are some of the statements, as recounted or confirmed by John Kelly, Trumps former chief of staff and a retired U.S. Marine Corps general:
Alex Caval, a Twin Falls bankruptcy attorney who has served on city council since September 2022, will oppose Sen. Glenneda Zuiderveld in the Republican primary for the District 24 seat in the Idaho Senate.

Caval publicly announced her 2024 candidacy in an op-ed piece for the Times-News, describing herself as a hard-working, civic-minded leader who supports agribusiness, our economic engine, and will prioritize improvements for public schools because they prepare the generations that come after us. She also roundly criticized Zuiderveld, a member of the hard-right Idaho Freedom Caucus who lost her committee leadership position this month, painting her as an ineffective and out-of-touch senator who has hurt, not helped, the Magic Valley during her first term.

It is easy to complain about the current state of things but it takes leadership to navigate the path forward while protecting the things that make us unique  the incumbent lacks that leadership, Caval wrote in her op-ed, which first published on Wednesday morning at magicvalley.com and in the Times-News digital edition.

I will work with legislators across the state to protect our water, our agricultural roots, and our natural resources. I will also work to ensure that our schools are funded and that parents have a say in what their children are taught. It is my commitment to my community that I will stay true to the conservative principles that are the bedrock of freedom  fiscal responsibility, limited government, individual freedom, and free markets, she concluded.

At the recommendation of Mayor Ruth Pierce, Caval was appointed to the Twin Falls council last fall to serve the remainder of Shawn Barigars term after he stepped down to apply to become the citys economic development director, a position he assumed in October 2022. Caval did not run to stay on the council, and Cherie Vollmer won election last week to fill her seat on the seven-person governing body.

Prior to her city council service, Caval, who will turn 40 on Thursday, was a board member of the Twin Falls Urban Renewal Agency. She has led her own bankruptcy law practice, Caval Law Office, for nearly 15 years, and is a member of the Idaho State Bar.

In her op-ed, Caval shared the story of her familys escape from communism and legal immigration to the United States in 1988. They first found refuge and later found home in Twin Falls, she wrote, and Caval credited her parents for teaching her the value of hard work.

After graduating from Twin Falls High School as a valedictorian with enough college credits to enter college as a sophomore, Caval wrote, she earned a bachelors degrees in political science and economics from the University of Idaho and, later, her law degree at 24 years old.

I have learned that the American dream only works if you do, Caval wrote.

She also voted against the $80-million-plus appropriations bill for fiscal year 2024 for the Department of Water Resources, the states administrator of water rights and chief monitor of Idahos water supply.

Zuiderveld was vice chair of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee until last week, when President Pro Tempore Chuck Winder stripped her of the assignment after she authored an online post that openly attacked the integrity of your fellow members of the Idaho Senate. He further described Zuidervelds writings as degrading and disrespectful of  the Senate itself, concluding her behavior was beneath a manner expected of an elected official.

She will continue as a member on the committee. She is also a member of the Agricultural Affairs Committee.

A 1984 graduate of Jerome High School, Zuiderveld beat incumbent Sen. James Patrick by 37 votes in the May 2022 primary and then won uncontested in the November election to represent a district that includes Gooding and Camas counties and nearly all of Twin Falls County.

All 105 legislative seats in Idaho will be up for election in 2024.

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.
It is difficult to truly value freedom unless you have never had it. I was born in a communist country ruled by a dictator dubbed, the Romanian fuhrer, by Mikhail Gorbachev. Failed economic policies resulted in austerity for 20 million people in 1980s Romania. Basic freedoms like speech, assembly, religion, and due process did not exist for the first five years of my life.

The communist government used the brutal strength of the Securitate  a Romanian version of the Russian KGB or German Stasi  and its network of informants to keep a communist dictator in power by suppressing dissidence. Dissenters often disappeared off the streets and reappeared dead, if at all. That was the world into which I was born.

My family and I escaped communism and legally immigrated to the United States in 1988. We found refuge in Twin Falls. We found a land rich with natural resources and a proud history of agriculture. We found fantastic public schools with teachers that care and teach critical thinking rather than blind conformity. We found civic-minded people who volunteer and serve their community for the purpose of making it better. In the Magic Valley, we found home.

I have learned that the American dream only works if you do. My parents worked multiple jobs before ultimately starting their own construction business. Some days my parents worked their day jobs and then would go straight to their night job painting homes. Vacations were non-existent in my family. My parents also demanded hard work from their children and education was sacrosanct.

I graduated from TFHS as a valedictorian with enough college credits to enter college as a sophomore. In college, I recall the college dean asking me if I knew what I was doing when I asked for permission to exceed the maximum credit load one semester. While the majority of my college peers partied, I studied. That work ethic helped me finish college in 2 1/2 years and earn my bachelors degree in both political science and economics, intern in Washington, D.C., for a summer, and eventually obtain a law degree at 24 years of age. I bought my home two years later and opened my own law office five years later.

I juggle my law practice with my commitment to serving on the Twin Falls City Council. In Idaho, we value a strong work ethic because we know that if we dont work, then we dont achieve.

Our state is at a crossroads. District 24  Twin Falls, Gooding, and Camas counties  needs a conservative senator who is willing to put in the work, understand the issues, and pass legislation that will help the Magic Valley. We need a senator who supports agribusiness, our economic engine. We need a senator who supports water because it is our lifeblood. We need a senator who works to improve public schools in the Magic Valley because they prepare the generations that come after us.

Our current senator has hurt, not helped, the Magic Valley on these issues and many others.

It is easy to complain about the current state of things but it takes leadership to navigate the path forward while protecting the things that make us unique  the incumbent lacks that leadership. I am running for the Idaho Senate in District 24 because the Magic Valley deserves elected leaders who represent our views and our interests and who will put in the hard work to advocate for them.

The Magic Valley is again experiencing historic growth. I learned from my immigrant parents that the American dream is alive and well for those who are willing to roll up their sleeves and work for it. I will work with legislators across the state to protect our water, our agricultural roots, and our natural resources. I will also work to ensure that our schools are funded and that parents have a say in what their children are taught. It is my commitment to my community that I will stay true to the conservative principles that are the bedrock of freedom  fiscal responsibility, limited government, individual freedom, and free markets.

My name is Alex Caval and I humbly ask for your support and vote for Idaho Senate District 24.
In his dystopian novel, 1984, George Orwell introduced us to the Thought Police who were assigned by their autocratic leader, Big Brother, to root out and punish unapproved thoughts.

I read Orwells book back in the early 1960s, when I was a rather right-wing young Republican studying political science at the University of Oregon. At the time, I believed Orwell was warning against a future radical-left government that would stifle thought, usurping the free will of the people. That did not happen, but it seems to be occurring now, right before our eyes, in Dorothy Moons radical-right branch of the Republican Party.

This came to mind as I was reading a 51-page, 16 count draft indictment issued by the Legislative District 32 GOP Committee against Rep. Stephanie Mickelsen for alleged violations of the Republican platform. Mickelsen has been a thoughtful, reliably conservative legislator, which apparently does not count with Moons extremists.

Mickelsen has been notified to appear for a grilling by party functionaries to answer charges of straying from the party line and, get this, failing to follow the dictates of the Idaho Freedom Foundation, which thrives upon dark-money funding from out of state.

Article XX of Moons platform, the Thought Police provision, authorizes party bosses to interrogate those accused of failing to follow the party line and provide censure and/or guidance. Those who think for themselves can be stripped of the party label for not toeing the line. It is not clear whether the inquisitors have given the indictment to Mickelsen, but a good soul provided me with a copy of the draft document.

The indictment charges Mickelsen with a variety of violations of the Moon platform and IFF policy positions. Allegation 13 claims that Mickelsen violated the platform by voting for S1176, the higher education funding bill. Everyone knows that the IFF is dead-set against public education, so it is no surprise that the Moonies would oppose funding it.

What is puzzling is that the platform says: We recognize the importance of Idahos higher education system in continuing the education of our citizens. That may be why Mickelsen and 29 other House Republicans supported paying the bill for educating Idahos college students. Apparently, the IFF position overrules the GOP platform.

Mickelsen was chastised for supporting H0024, Gov. Brad Littles Idaho Launch program providing education grants for career training of high school graduates. The IFF strongly opposed this bill, which obligated the Moonies to discipline any who favored it.

Because medical doctors and veterinarians are in critically short supply in rural Idaho, Mickelsen supported Idahos long-standing program to finance the out-of-state education of Idahoans who will come home to fill those needs. IFF and the Moon crowd thought otherwise so they panned her vote for S1147 to fund that program. They must think farm folks should have to Google for cures of sick cows and family members.

Quote They want to chastise those who use their own brains and moral values to represent their constituents.

The indictment rakes Mickelsen over the coals for voting against an unconstitutional bill, H0314, targeting school and municipal libraries. The terms in the bill were vague, it would have clogged the courts with frivolous lawsuits and Idaho librarians dont hand out filth to kids. Little vetoed the bill, which caused the Moonies to go ballistic and censure him. The bill violated the GOP platform, which says government is best that governs least and the most effective, responsible, responsive government is government closest to the people.

Local elected school boards and library district boards can handle the job of library oversight. IFF and Moon should keep out of it.

H013, which would have required schools to provide feminine hygiene products to female students in grades 6-12, died on a tie vote in the House. Most female legislators supported it to save girls from embarrassment. That was not a great concern to the IFF and Moon crowd, who fault Mickelsen for doing the right thing. Shame on the uncaring.

There are other baseless allegations in the indictment and many other responsible, caring and pragmatic Republicans are being called on the carpet by the Moon and IFF crowd. They want to chastise those who use their own brains and moral values to represent their constituents. These Thought Police should settle down and allow legislators to serve their people as they see fit.

If the voters dont like it, they can exercise a right set out in the GOP platform  to vote for the candidate of their choice. Mickelsen is an open door to her constituents and makes every effort to meet and communicate with them. But she rightfully thinks that Idaho legislators and voters do not need a Big Brother telling them what to think, say or do.

Jim Jones is a Vietnam combat veteran who served eight years as Idaho attorney general (1983-1991) and 12 years as justice of the Idaho Supreme Court (2005-2017). He is a regular contributor to The Hill online news. He blogs at JJCommonTater.com.
Quote Everyone can benefit from a post-secondary education, including Idaho herself. The LAUNCH program is a win-win-win: for Idaho students, Idaho employers, and our beloved state.

Ive been doing a lot of traveling this month. Autumn in Idaho is a beautiful season, rich with changing colors and the sure signs of winter right around the corner. Driving the state is challenging, just because of its sheer size and geographic diversity, but its also a visual treat.

Every time I travel through our great state, I am grateful to live here. And I want my children and grandchildren  and yours as well  to enjoy the same privilege of living, working, and raising their families right here in Idaho.

The primary goal of my recent travels has been to visit with high school seniors, encouraging them to take advantage of a promising new opportunity  the Idaho LAUNCH program.

LAUNCH is an opportunity for qualifying students to receive a grant for 80% of their post-secondary education costs, up to $8,000, to be used at an Idaho-based in-demand career program.

In case you havent heard, Idaho is the envy of the nation. Over the past few years, we have experienced record economic growth. Our conservative guiding principles and responsible policymaking, combined with Idahoans hard work, have created one of the strongest economies in the nation. Even with our record back-to-back-to-back income tax cuts and rebates, were still enjoying budget surpluses.

As Ive spent time with high school students the past few weeks, Ive seen an eagerness in them, a desire to find meaningful work right here in Idaho. They want to stay here and be successful, raising a family and pursuing a career choice that will provide for that family in the future. These young people are engaged and involved, and they know their career options will be much brighter with additional training after high school. But post-secondary education may seem out of reach for many young Idahoans and their families.

This is where the Idaho LAUNCH program comes in.

To qualify for LAUNCHs inaugural release, here are the requirements:

Must be enrolled in or have applied to an approved Idaho in-demand career program

Must be an Idaho resident

Must be a graduate of an Idaho high school or GED program from the Class of 2024 or later

Must begin enrollment by the first fall semester after graduation

Must complete a Career Pathway Plan at

This program is not just for those who are college-bound. LAUNCH is for ALL paths forward. Do you want to be a lineman? A cosmetologist? A plumber? A nurse? This program is not a one-size-fits-all approach. From certain bachelors degrees to truck driving certifications, LAUNCH will connect students with options for in-demand careers and help launch them on a post-secondary path that works for them.

Idaho is in the nations top 10 for everything from economic performance to employment growth. A capable, well-rounded workforce is what we need to sustain and even improve our already thriving economy. Many businesses rely on a pipeline of talented young people who are prepared to enter the workforce. I believe the key to continuing our economic growth is to connect Idahos youth to the best opportunities possible here in the Gem State.

Everyone can benefit from a post-secondary education, including Idaho herself. The LAUNCH program is a win-win-win: for Idaho students, Idaho employers, and our beloved state.

My hope for the future is that every Idaho kid can always find an Idaho job. Idaho LAUNCH is the states commitment to help them do just that.
The government started Wednesday the release of P69.4 billion for the yearend bonus and cash gifts of state workers.

This is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to ensure that our government workers are given these rightful tokens for all their sacrifices that are greatly contributing to the reactivation of our economy, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said in a statement.

She said that according to Item 6.1 of the DBM Budget Circular (BC) No. 2016-4, the yearend bonus is equivalent to one month of basic pay as of Oct. 31, and the cash gift of P5,000 should be given to qualified government personnel not earlier than Nov. 15.

Public servants who have rendered at least a total of four months of service from Jan. 1 to Oct. 31 of the current year and remained in government service as of Oct. 31 of the same year are eligible to receive the bonus and cash gift.

The DBM said that in the case of the national government agencies (NGAs), it allotted P45.3 billion for the yearend bonus of the civilian personnel and P15.2 billion for the military or uniformed personnel.

Meanwhile, P8.9 billion was allocated for the cash gift of over 1.7 million civilian and military and uniformed personnel in the NGAs.

Pangandaman reminded government workers to use their bonuses wisely and only spend it for their needs, and for the things that matter.

Congress passed House Bill 8980, or the 2024 General Appropriations Bill, on its third and final reading and transmitted it to the Senate on Nov. 4.

President Marcos is expected to sign the 2024 national budget in December.